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Assemblies target freshmen
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(from top) Freshmen pay attention during a Sept. 24 assembly about bullying. Seniors Charnay Brown-Thomas, Alyssa Murphy, and Zachary Artozqui explain how bullying affects people.
New three-year grant emphasizes campus safety annamarie rodriguez One student is called a loser on Facebook. Another is rejected or considered an outcast because of the way she looks. A third is picked on because he seems weaker. These are just some of the common types of bullying that occur on and off campus. In order to address this problem, administration, with the support of a new grant, have set a goal to stop the disturbing behavior on campus before it escalates to outside school grounds. In order to educate students on this goal, administration is
implementing programs such as conflict mediation and Link crew or even just the parent involvement. The funding for these programs is the safety grant, also known as the S3 grant. Which stands for Safe and Secure Schools. This grant, awarded at the start of the year, amounts to $450,000 over the course of three years. This money covers interventions, programs, projects and assemblies. These assemblies come in the form of bullying workshops. These workshops, specifically directed towards freshman, had
eye opening presentations. By showing the extremes bullying can lead to, the assembly strongly affected students. “It opened my eyes to see that bullying can increase to drastic measures,” said freshman Arriana Smith. One of the other goals of the grant is to help the students feel more comfortable on school campus. Last year student surveys revealed that there was a big need to feel safer and more connected. “If the students feel more supported, they will be more motivated to be a part of school,” said grant coordinator Linda Roberts. Being supported and moti-
vated not only helps students raise their self esteem but also their grades. In order to carry this out, Link Crew has set their goal to help the incoming freshman make a smoother transition from eighth grade into high school. Along with this smoother transition, the freshmen will have help if they are struggling academically or socially. There are many problems that teachers and administration worry about fixing on campus such as increasing student’s grades and bettering teaching methods. However, until this year there
hasn’t been a major focus on the problems that result from bullying. The grant allows students to have more of an emphasis on getting the message out there about the violence that is happening here, on campus. Roberts brings a new sense of hope along with the implementation of the grant. She has high expectations for the positive impact of the grant on students. Not only on Stagg’s campus, but out in the community as well. “If they’re making better choices at school, they’re making better choices out in the community.”
Are you Where you should be... What you should do... Applying for UC and CSU campuses Apply for scholarships over break -Oct. 1–Nov. 30 -Millennium Gates Scholarship ready? What you need to know in order to be stress free, and successful when applying for college.
-Submit Extended Opportunities Program application Having a version of your personal statement written and edited
Looking for scholarships to apply for -Visit scholarships.com
to see if you qualify for a Checking fee waiver, which could help when paying for college applications
the office regularly for Checking updated scholarship information
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10.12.12 Vol. 56 No. 2
Amos Alonzo Stagg High School 1621 Brookside Rd. Stockton, CA 95207
Fall break
The one-week fall break begins Monday and school resumes on Monday Oct. 22. Seniors are advised to start college applications because the deadline is Nov. 30.
-National Hispanic Scholarship Fund -Coca-Cola Scholarship Get help editing personal statements in the Homework Center Start asking teachers and counselors for letters of recommendation Gather all needed documents for applications and scholarships to discuss them with counselors
Explore different possible careers and majors
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Inside the issue
This issue the Features pages cover students on campus who have interesting bedrooms. Flip to pages 4 and 5 for an inside scoop.
Rebecca Romero and Dellanira Alcauter
Football game
Tonight there will be a home game against the McNair Eagles.Varsity kickoff is at 7:15. It costs $4 for students to get in with their IDs and all school rules apply.
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10.12.12
Apex changes for the better
re you struggling in math? Behind on your English credits? Never fear! You can just take it on Apex, the quick and easy fix for credit recovery. Right? Wrong. Apex was known as the quick and easy fix for credit deficiency, but all of that changed at the beginning of this year. The changes started with a serious need for more organization. Horror stories were shared of students thinking they were done with their Apex class but never actually receiving a letter of completion from their teacher. Therefore, the idea of required hours was born. Apex students now have a mandatory class they attend two hours a week. They now have to go to the same class, on the same days at the same times. Students even have assigned seats, which should help push the reputation of Apex to a more respectable program. While some students may not be happy about these changes, teachers and administrators are. And we believe it’s a good thing as well. Apex should not only be a way to graduate, or fulfill a-g requirements.
those who didn’t try in class to walk across the same stage as those who did try in class. But besides that, our suggestion to freshmen and sophomores is to not get yourself in a fix where you need Apex as your saving grace in the first place. Take your classes seriously. We advise you to work your hardest in class, because it will pay off when you don’t have to deal with Apex down the road. To the juniors and seniors taking Apex classes who are complaining about the changes because they don’t allow laziness, the answer to your complaints is, “you should have worked harder.” And the administration, teachers, and our staff as well recognize that not everyone enrolled in Apex is there for credit recovery. But we assume that you aren’t the photo by Nicole Lawrence ones complaining. Junior Julian Zamora works on World History in Apex on Thursday at the end of the first Ultimately, the decision to make Apex week. more like an actual course is a good ac It should be a way to learn the material is to think of the positive impact actually tion. that you weren’t able to learn the previous learning the information will have on These changes may be hard to get used time you took the class. future careers. to at first, as is any change. But they will It should not be an easy way out. And We support all the new changes, because benefit every student taking an Apex class while complaints are inevitable, our advice Apex should have never been a route for in the long run.
Leave election opinions out of the class I f one is in a history class, you would think you would be learning about the past, correct? This is not always the case. In many history classes today, teachers believe that incorporating the past with the present is the best way to teach history. I am a student who truly accepts and supports this style of teaching. The facts of the present and the past really help students like myself understand history better. It is nice to understand how the government and society have changed over the years and discussing the current government helps to better interpret the past government. But what about when the most important current event is the presidential election? Deciding between Barack Obama or Mitt Romney, Republican or Democrat, these are the most controversial topics in the news all over the United States. However, teachers sharing their personal views on the election is not favored by yours truly. It may have something to do with my dislike of controversy, but I do not like to talk of religion or politics outside my own home. Throughout the first few months of the school year I heard through the grapevine and with my own ears that some teachers express their support for a specific party. This greatly disappoints me and I do
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not like hearing it. I am supportive of anyone’s right to support a certain political party, but trying to impress it upon students, in my opinion, is unacceptable. I am not the only one who feels this way about this topic. Many other students agree that it is not right for some teachers to share their thoughts with them. I don’t believe either party should be publicly supported by teachers or students in the classroom. Even being the firm Republican that I am, I don’t believe there should be support encouraging either party. Students on campus, including myself, have recognized that the primary teachers who bring up politics, not surprisingly, are those who teach the social sciences. I do not know if these teachers are trying to change student’s views on politics or if it is just natural for the topic to come up. If they are trying to change student’s views, this problem should have been discovered and dealt with long before now. Although it is important for teachers to expose students to both Democratic and Republican views, especially with the upcoming election, their personal bias should not interfere with students forming their own views. Whether it be religious views or views on politics, these personal beliefs should be kept to oneself and stay private, not presented in a classroom atmosphere.
Older sisters’ mistakes help shape life goals
aving older siblings can be tough, especially for me. They’ve laid out my life for me. And in doing so, they’ve made mistakes. Because of their flaws, my parents have transformed into overly cautious clams, trapping me inside, to raise me differently so that I can come out “clean” like a polished pearl. Growing up, my two sisters were my idols. They’re pretty, creative, and have a great taste in fashion. I hung out with them every chance I got and I wanted allison ho to be like them. As they’ve gotten older, my sisters experienced new things. They’d go out to parties and drink often. My sisters have made mistakes in the past and now they are just settling for average. When days turned into years, my perspective of them changed. I still look up to them, but in a different way from most people. Usually, one’s older siblings are role models, but not in my case. I look at them as a guide through life. I learn from their mistakes and accomplishments: what to do and what not to do. I’ve been through many talks with my parents, where they keep pushing me to work hard so that I don’t follow the same road my sisters took. I can remember multiple times when my parents didn’t allow me to be associated with my sisters and their friends. For example, earlier this year, I wanted to go camping with them, but my parents didn’t let me. They knew that my sisters’ friends would be there, so they said that they didn’t want me to be exposed to alcohol. My older sister was bummed that I couldn’t make it because the camping trip was for her birthday, but she accepted my parents’ wish. She said that it was okay because we still spend time together as a family. It’s upsetting at times, when I can’t spend time with my sisters due to their lifestyle choice. I know my parents want the best for me, but I tend to feel the pressure to develop into the polished pearl that they want me to be. After all these conversations with my parents and knowing how my sisters live their life, it motivates me to try my best in school and to become successful. I don’t want to become like my sisters. I want to be my own person, to stand out and step out of my sisters’ shadows.
Annamarie Cunningham Amos Alonzo Stagg High School 1621 Brookside Rd. Stockton, CA 95207 (209) 933-7445 ext. 8487 The Stagg Line newspaper is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association and the California Newspaper Publishers Association. Awards and recognitions include the following: XX 18 consecutive NSPA All-American rankings XX NSPA Hall of Fame, 2005 XX NSPA First-Place Best of Show five times XX JEA Impact Award, 2002 Stagg Line student journalists have won many awards and scholarships over the years, including California Journalist of the Year, National Story of the Year, and National Photo of the Year.
Editor-in-Chief
Nicole Lawrence Editor-in-Chief
Don Bott Adviser
The Stagg Line newspaper is published monthly and distributed free of charge to students and faculty. Our newspaper is a long-standing open forum for free student expression. Student editors and reporters make content and style decisions with the adviser offering guidance. Editorials reflect the view of the entire editorial board and therefore are unsigned. Opinion columns reflect the view of the writer. Readers are welcomed to write letters to the editor. We will make every effort to print any letter as long as it is not libelous. Letters longer than 250 words may be edited. Unsigned letters will be printed only in unusual circumstances, and only when we know who the writer is. Letters may be brought to the newspaper room, A-8, or emailed to dbott@stockton.k12.ca.us
art by
Rebecca Romero
Reanna Rodriguez
Dellanira Alcauter
News Editor
Vincente Arburua
Jessica Mangili Opinion Editor
Nuvia Cervantes
Gabriella Miller
Michealla Foules
Features Editor
Victorius Gemma
Adrianna Owens Entertainment Editor
Marcella Hawkins
Brian Walker
Allison Ho
Sports Editor
Jada Johnson
Fe Valencia Graphics Editor
Miranda Maurino
Annamarie Rodriguez
Alexus Plascencia
Photo Editor
Alyssa Rojas
Chao Xiong
Rebecca Romero
Web Editor
Damon Heine Blog/Social Media Editor
Veronica Vargo Devin Wickstrom
Opinion Belief in secret society is wrong
10.12.12
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uccess is a funny thing. It help me” repeated over and over. Spooky. can be reached many ways. There is also the Vogue magazine cover Though hard work, deterwhere superstar Lebron James is seen exertmination, perseverance, or selling his freakish physical strength in a beastly ing your soul to the devil. There manner with what appears to be red devil is rumored to be a secret society horns. of rich powerful social icons It gives the connotation that he is this that are supposedly plotting to rich and overpowering monster that has overthrow the government and control over the entire universe. And that’s take over the world. This fabled what the illuminati wants you to think. society is called the illuminati. They also want you to think they invent In this day and age, the illued the frisbee as a device to navigate flying minati are everywhere. They are saucers. on your television, in your ears Anyone who actually makes the time to and even in your house. think too much of these connections has too brian walker A Brooklyn youth overcomes much time on their hands. the hard knock life of selling No solid proof has been established that not only reshape the government but to drugs and living in the projects to becoming bring forth the Rapture. Of course, none the society existed. And there’s a reason for a music mogul and co-owner of the Brookthat. Maybe they just ... don’t exist. of this has been proven true. But there are lyn Nets? Must be illuminati. The illuminati is as real as Big Foot and coincidences that could scare small children A little girl from New York raised in the Easter Bunny. By this I mean it is only as to believe in the group of boogeymen. lower middle class and the Roman Catholic real as you want it to be. A person can sit all While listening to Kanye West’s single church grows up to be a pop singer, LGBT day making these silly connections but at the “Mercy” you can hear it starts off with a activist and a meat flaunting fashion icon? end of the day it’s just your imagination. hard to understand fast speaking voice. If Must be illuminati I mean really, how threatening is a lady you slow it down, it’s actually saying a Bible Some kid from Ohio graduates high that wears light bulbs and garments made of verse about the coming of the devil. Out of school then dominates the NBA, achieves beef? curiosity I also listened to the song backmultiple MVP awards before taking his tal Not very. wards and vaguely heard the words “Run, ents down to South Beach and winning a title? Must be illuminati. A supposed Muslim African American from Hawaii raised by a single parent somehow grows up to be president of the United States? Must be illuminati. Mystical old man that lives in the North Pole and rides in a sleigh of flying deer delivers presents to millions of children in one night? Must be illuminati. Yes, we’re on to you, Mr. Claus. “They are a cult bent on taking over the government and abolishing all religion,” said Faith Recio, sophomore. “People are just blind and don’t want to believe.” The illuminati’s mission is to art by Alyssa Rojas and Adrianna Owens Celebrities like Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Lady Gaga are
suspected members of the illuminati.
‘Thinking for yourself’ Religion shouldn’t limit personal views
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s a child, I was always told to think for myself. My parents, teachers, books I read, music I listened to, the idea was always: “Be your own person with your own individual thoughts and ideas.” And that’s how I’ve tried to live my life. I’ve always tried to stay away from institutions that want to shape my thoughts into what they want. And in my 17 years of living, I’ve done a pretty good job of staying true to my own beliefs. annamarie cunningham However, I was raised a Roman Catholic. Not easy to reconcile. Now, Roman-Catholics, they’re a very traditional group of people. Church every Sunday, family dinners, the whole nine yards. And for as long as I can remember -- before I grew too cynical for the stained glass windows and wooden pews -- I went to church on Sundays. I prayed the prayers, sang the songs. I worshiped the loving and forgiving God I read about in the Bible. And that God is a God that I still believe in. Even today, when my faith is only a mere flicker of what it used to be, I still have faith in the God I knew when I was just a child, because that God cherishes every single person that populates this earth. But I’ve noticed something in the last few years. This recognition could just be my age and growing pessimism, but I think it’s because it’s been happening more. And it’s been happening on a larger scale than I’ve ever seen. Think of the upcoming election. We have two presidential candidates whose policies are as different as could be. But there are three social issues that come up repeatedly, and these three issues are what many people are basing their vote on. Not the candidate’s policy on fixing the economy, or their take on foreign relations. Homosexuality, birth control, abortion. Three issues, that in a way, have very little to do with the larger American community, and these three issues are polarizing the votes. And there is one very specific reason these three issues are so important to the public. Based on my experience, the church has very strict opinions on all three of these issues. They are as follows: don’t be it, don’t use it, don’t do it. And the church wouldn’t change their opinions on these issues for the world. And hey, more power to them. It takes a lot to be as decisive as the Catholic church is. My real problem, though, is the church is forcing its opinions on its congregation. And I don’t think that’s right. We have the right to think for ourselves, and when a very powerful institution tries to take that power from us, that’s when I take insult. Not just for myself, but for every person in the congregation who has their own opinions about something. First off, we have homosexuality. The church has blatantly said that it does not approve of homosexuality, gay marriage, or gay
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We have the right to think for ourselves, and when a very powerful institution tries to take that power from us, that’s when I take insult. Not just for myself, but for every person in the congregation who has their own opinions about something.”
rights in general. While this is not the church in its entirety, the people who oppose gay rights are a lot louder than those who don’t. There is a quote in Leviticus 18:22 – “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is an abomination,” – that people always use as their backing for hating the gay community. And well, what I have to say to that is: because we weren’t there when the Bible was written, we don’t really know what was being said. But still. People have always and will always twist the writings of their religion to support their resentment. And there is nothing anyone can do to change this. What I don’t get though, is how this institution that is supposed to support love and trust and acceptance, can simply tell 2.1 billion people to hate this minority because there are a few lines in the Bible that imply homophobia. And I am not saying that every Christian person is homophobic, I’m not. And there are plenty of others who aren’t. But the fact that there are people who are homophobic simply because their church told them to be is bothersome. The same goes for both birth control and abortion. The church adamantly opposes any use of birth control and they vehemently oppose abortions. For any reason. The shocking case that only showed the church to be more firmly rooted in their beliefs than previously thought involved the rape of a 9 year old girl who had an abortion because carrying a child at that age could be dangerous. After her abortion, the church excommunicated her, her parents, as well as the doctor who performed the abortion. But not the man who raped her. This is the church that people blindly follow. And sure, there are people who follow like sheep in plenty of other religions too. This just happens to be the one relevant to me, as well as the one that I’m the most familiar with. And plenty of the population around Stockton. The issue I’m trying to shed light on is not that religion is a bad thing, or that people shouldn’t have faith or share the same opinions as their church. I just feel that people should exercise their right to think what they want instead of letting their church exercise that right for them. In the upcoming election, I would rather people vote based on who they believe will do the most good for the American people, not who supports abortion.
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osing someone who is close to you is hard to contemplate. Imagining such a thing happening is like imagining having a piece of yourself torn off. All the pain and mixed emotions one goes through can throw one off, as well as the people around you. So to, can the constant pity from people of your everyday life. I am well acquainted with the deaths of people who were close marcella hawkins to me. I was only 8 when I lost my mom. Yes, I was young, but I was old enough to understand what was going on. I knew I would never see her again. I knew that everything was about to change. And I was old enough to know that people were pitying me. It was a lot to deal with at such a young age. My whole world was turned upside down and I did not really know how to feel at first. I was kind of lucky, though, because I got to grieve over the summer in the comfort of my own home. I did not have to worry about homework, or class. I did not even have to worry about my friends. All I had to worry about was trying to heal. And then, when school came back around I had to deal with my peers, their nosy questions and their expressions of condolences. Hearing “I’m so sorry” over and over can really drive a person crazy. I believe that it makes the process of healing slower, because it forces up painful memories. I did not really experience all the supposed seven stages of grief when my mom died, maybe due to my young age. But I did when I just recently lost my cousin in July. The seven stages of grief are: 1) shock and denial 2) pain and guilt 3) anger and bargaining 4) depression, reflection, and loneliness 5) the upward turn 6) reconstruction and working 7) acceptance and hope. How each individual feels doesn’t necessarily happen in this order. It varies from person to person. I think my cousins death was somewhat harder because he saw me grow up and he was like a brother to me. Losing one important person is hard enough, but losing two is close to unbearable. When I first lost my mom and eventually my cousin, the main thing that I wanted to happen was for things to get back to normal. I think that’s what most people want, normality. Regrettably, that is not usually what happens. I find that people try to put someone in a box cut off from the rest of the world. I understand that they are trying to protect them from getting hurt again, but I do not want to be smothered with compassion. I get the fact that people are just trying to be polite and show that they care; but still, it gets to be too much. I’m the type of person who doesn’t like to be pitied. If I want to talk about how I’m feeling, I will. Yeah, what happened to me was horrible, but I don’t let it define who I am as a person. However, some people like to be pitied. I assume they like the feeling of someone giving them a lot of attention. I’ve often thought that they don’t want to feel like their alone. And by surrounding themselves with people who care, they can avoid loneliness. The comfort that they are feeling from other people might be replacing the comfort they used to feel from that person that they lost. If those are the reasons people like being pitied I guess I can understand why. In the end, losing someone hurts, but I feel like when it happens it makes people stronger, not weaker. Sometimes it‘s good to remember the bad. It reminds you of just how far you have come. It shows that things did get better. The one thing through all this that has kept me strong and willed me to keep going, is my family. I feel like it is my responsibility to be strong for them. And just as they kept me close, I too, will keep them close in return.
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Two month old Marcella Hawkins held by her mother Lisa Hawkins eight years before Lisa’s death.
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elf expression comes in many forms. Some let their personalities gleam through their writing, others through music. In these seven rooms, students and teachers show their individuality by decorating them with possessions that define themselves. From life-size cutouts of Justin Bieber to a hideaway cave at the beach, each room represents their personality. Junior Grady Brim expresses his style through the telephone booth that his father brought from the dock at his work. “I really like it, it’s different,” he said. “I’m very creative and random so it fits me.” Check out the other six rooms and how their attitude is expressed. chao xiong
In a light pink colored room next to the closet is a black tree with hot pink petals on the wall. The cherry blossom tree
design on freshman Sharley Mendoza’s bedroom wall is deeply rooted back to her grandmother. Mendoza had recently moved into a new house and was looking for a theme for her bedroom. Her mother suggested that they paint a cherry blossom tree onto her wall. The tree was her grandmother’s favorite tree. She was a fan of the Japanese culture and she even had a collection of cherry blossom figurines. Her grandmother died around the age of 54 due to diabetes and hepatitis C. At 29 her grandmother gave birth to twins and one unfortunately didn’t make it. She had lost too much blood and had to get a blood transfusion. After getting the blood transfusion she developed various health complications.
Unable to take care of her grandmother alone, Mendoza’s grandfather moved in with them. When her grandmother’s condition worsened, she checked into the hospital. They were told that she didn’t have long to live. She made one request; to die in her home. Mendoza was around the age of 6 to 8 when her grandmother passed away. “I felt confused,” she said. “I had thought that my grandmother was fine and that there was nothing wrong with her, but when I had gone to sleep over at my aunt’s place and came home later Grandma was gone.” She remembered feeling sad and crying with her cousins. Her grandmother had raised her since she was a baby. Because her mother and father both worked, they didn’t have the time to take care of all of them. So Mendoza and her brother were sent to their grandmother’s house while her older sister stayed behind with her parents. She was always with her
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Bright city lights. Christmas lights. Or just any type of light in general is what captures Alison Lu’s attention. And if you ever stepped into her bedroom you’d need a pair of sunglasses to make your way through. “I guess I’m just a night life city girl,” the junior said. “I have an obsession for any sort of lights. I think they’re beautiful.” Above her bed’s headboard, and draped over her closet door, is where she hangs strands of Christmas lights that make the room shine like New York at night. Some might say it should be a safety hazard, and others say it’s creative. But that’s not the only thing that fascinates Lu. Her closet door is collaged with cutouts of models from magazines that show unique fashion. These collages just some of the interests she has. “It’s an inspiration I have,” Lu said. “Being able to put my own flavor into things, like fashion is something I love to do. Even though I don’t dress like it.” On the way towards her bed, a bright colored Rhythm Inc. poster is hung onto the wall above her headboard. Rhythm Inc. was the first hiphop dance team she danced with along with her friends and family. It’s a reminder of all the happy memories she had with her team while competing through California. Lu loves to capture the best moments she’s had with her friends and cherish them by presenting them in a fashionable way in her room. “Freshman year was a really good year for me,” Lu said. “My friends made it unforgettable.” And on her light blue colored walls are pictures of her friends from freshman year taped onto cardboard hearts, covered in zebra print duct tape. Being a junior, now she likes to stop and reminisce about the past two years. On the surface of her bed lay a few stuffed panda bears she owns. Because they’re endangered and cute, Lu says they’re her favorite animal. They also coordinate colors with
Welcome to the wonderful island of Hawaii: Zach Edition. Here, you’ll
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her black and white floral bed sheets. “I don’t really know what to categorize myself under,” Lu said. “I would say I am a weird teenager that loves to express herself through art.” And by the surroundings of her room, she’s right. All the time and effort she’s put into creating her room to make herself feel comfortable doesn’t specifically define who she is. Whether she’s a fashionista, city girl, or even animal lover, her interests are too broad to be limited to a single label.
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Bieber Fever infected millions of teenage girls when it surfaced in 2009. It seems there is no cure
for the infectious pop sensation, Justin Bieber, as he is everywhere one looks. From his TV commercials and 3-D movie to his albums, the merchandise seems to be never ending. But now, Bieber is getting even closer to home. Not only can he been seen on the screen, but he can also stand in your room like he’s one of your closest friends as a life-size cardboard cut out. This is exactly what he does in senior Marissa Ramirez’ room. “I love Justin,” she said. “I take pictures with him all the time.” Ramirez got the cardboard cut out while she was in Disneyland for $30 and was “super excited.” She couldn’t wait to have him in her room as she has followed his rise to fame from the very beginning. While he’s in her room, she puts her hats and scarves on him and he holds all her stuff. “He’s just so useful,” she said. “Justin Bieber is the best ever.”
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even when they had family trips, her grandmother would be there with them wherever they went. Mendoza remembers her grandmother as a kind person who’d always put everyone before herself and as someone who’d never hesitate to give anything to her family or friends. Her family was her everything. She remembered the fond Thanksgiving dinners that her grandmother had always arranged every year. The Mexican food that she would always make and that she didn’t like eating. The new aunts and uncles she’d meet every year. But ever since her grandmother passed away, her family rarely holds their family dinners anymore. “I miss her,” she said. “I miss how she always brought the family together.” But even though she is not there anymore, the cherry blossom tree above her bed will always give her a sense of connection with her late grandmother.
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Justin Bieber is the best ever. I take pictures with him all the time. Marissa Ramirez senior
find surfboards, hibiscus flowers, and seashells galore! Will you start with a cruise? A hula-dancing lesson? A nice, cool pineapple drink? How about a calm, relaxing nap in the world-renown Bed of Slumbers? The glorious Bed of Slumbers is right on the beach! Or rather next to the beach. Yes, folks, the beach, with a beautiful sun setting in the background is a wall mural. If one chooses not to sleep, you still have another fabulous option: a trip to the Beach Bungalow! The entrance to the Beach Bungalow is guarded by a jungle of seashell-threaded strings. This room is completely decked out with beach themed objects, even a sandy colored carpet. Who’s the mastermind behind this tsunami of creativity? Zach Artozqui, senior, is the owner of the room. But as for who designed it? Both he and his mom, Kelley, put together their imaginations to make this room. The inspiration? “At the time, I just wanted something calming and relaxing, so why not have a calming, relaxing room?” Artozqui said. Along with it being calming and relaxing, Artozqui looks like he just got from Hawaii himself. “He always had looked like a surfer boy,” Kelley said. He designed his room 10 years ago and has not made a single change to it. Well except for new clothes, gadgets, etc. But regarding the room itself, he’s kept everything the same. One can obviously see how it would be relaxing to somebody. The oranges and blues of the sunset beach give off a calming exposure. The hibiscus-printed bedspread makes one want to jump onto it to smell the detergent-scented flowers. The little knick knacks of anything and everything Hawaiian that he has collected over the years makes any person feel like they’re actually there. Instead of one going to Hawaii, Zach brings Hawaii to you.
Teacher territory veronica vargo
Coach Norton says “all varsity teams can use the locker room,” but it’s football that puts the fairly new facility to use. With a grant that approved $175,000 worth of equipment, both the varsity locker room and the weight room have been adjusted. Just recently it is the decorations that have been updated with new signs reading “mental toughness” and other inspirational quotes. Junior Melvin Flax says, “They go out their way and it makes me feel that what I do matters,” and what this does makes senior Nicolas Vang say, “It’s basically a second home.”
photo by Annamarie
photo by Annamarie
Rodriguez
Cunningham
Jessica Raygoza’s art room features requested artwork done by previous students on her cabinet walls for all to see. Starting off with a graffiti door on the far left by Kei-Andre Puccetti, the collage advances to a giant ninja turtle designed by Nasi Levi and Ricky Chipirez. Lastly, the most recent and done to perfection is a Cartoon Network cartoon by current students Mara Gnoy and Seled Galvan.
photos by Annamarie
Rodriguez
Thongthip Duangsawat keeps her room an inspiration to students and tells them a bit about herself, too. Keeping various souvenirs from her travels, she also shares her “sick obsession with Manchester United” that reflects her trips down to the Harding Way Newsstand where she gathered information of their success. From this obsession she traveled to England where she gathered most of her souvenirs. In constant renovation, Duangsawat adds more and more to her “tribute to England.”
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E ntertainment‘Supernatural’ 10.12.12
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nuvia cervantes
Shhh! It’s a secret! Popular cafes, juice bars, and eateries have created secret menus where items listed on it have been ordered from customers in secrecy -- until now! The word about these menus is being spread. The secret menu isn’t displayed at any of the restaurants because, well, it’s a secret! It’s all up to the customer to figure out what’s on the secret menu before ordering. Three locations were chosen to be investigated: Jamba Juice, In-NOut, and Starbucks. If someone starts to crave a cup of coffee from Starbucks and decides to pick something they’ve heard was on their secret menu, then they just might be disappointed. Truth is, Starbucks doesn’t have an official secret menu. The one people see on the Internet might as well be created from someone who had their cup of coffee customized and just decided to post it up to make it look like they are the master creator of coffee flavors. So if someone were to order something at Starbucks off of the secret menu on the Internet, they really need to know what is in each item so the cashier can fix it up for them. At Jamba Juice, the situation is quite different. Anyone can just walk right up to the cashier and request an item from their secret menu. If they’re lucky, the cashier might already know most of the items listed on it.
In fact, Cooper, a cashier at the Jamba Juice off of West March Lane, said that people order from the menu so often that it isn’t much of a secret anymore. There are still people out there who don’t know what a secret menu is. Sophomore Juanita Rosas didn’t have a clue that some restaurants offered them. However, when she was informed about secret menus, she said, “They should put them out so people can try new things.” The cashier at the In-N-Out seemed to be well informed of the restaurant’s secret menu, as well. It’s publicly posted on their website, so anyone could figure out what is on the menu.
You don’t even have to know what is on their secret menu before ordering, since the cashiers know what is on there. Ty Pafford, who teaches English, is very acquainted with In-N-Out’s secret menu. He orders from it frequently because he really enjoys the fact that he can have a burger the way he wants it. He said, “I like the secret menu because it gives you more options to choose from. Every time I order red peppers with my burger, they ask, ‘Are you sure? It’s spicy!’” No strange looks will be given and no double takes should be expected, just a normal, customer-friendly smile.
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Secret Menus
STARBUCKS
not so super adrianna owens
I remember a time in which I would look forward to curling up on the couch and switching the TV on every Wednesday night at 9. I remember my stomach churning with the excitement of watching my two favorite TV brothers fight their way through a sea of evil creatures. I remember the thrill of the show, the pure delight of suspense that was bundled up with “Supernatural.” Those times are long gone and have been since the beginning of Season 6. Already in its eighth season, “Supernatural” has captured the adoration of many fans worldwide who tune in every Wednesday to ride a rollercoaster of emotion and monsters. The two hunters in the show, Sam and Dean Winchester, travel state to state tracking down the things that go bump in the night. Dean (Jensen Ackles), being the witty, attractive older brother with his mind set on the job, and his heart somewhere else, spent the entirety of the seasons jumping in and out of harm’s way, and took trips to heaven, hell and even somewhere in between, purgatory. Sam (Jared Padalecki) is the younger brother with demon blood flowing through his veins, who longs for a normal life. Confusing? I know, but it gets worse. It has come to a point where I can’t explain the plot to people because of a lack of connection between seasons. In the post-apocalyptic seasons, everything feels rushed and there isn’t anything to tie things together. Besides Sam and Dean. Who kill monsters. If you didn’t get that already. On the contrary, Seasons 1-5 felt more developed. The seasons led up to the big bang at the end (Sam in a hole and Dean living a normal life). As much as I love the show, I wish it had ended there. With Sam gone. And Dean happy. I would have rather it ended with questions left to be answered and me wanting more than it to go on into the two seasons that left me disappointed. The relationship between the brothers, though mocked by their enemies, is admired by fans. Their love for one another was a key aspect in what made so many people tune in every week. However, with the newest seasons that love is slowly fading. And with that, the fan base is going to fade as well. Being a fan of the show since the beginning, I find myself tuning in only in hopes that the brothers will rekindle their once fond relationship. So I started my usual routine last Wednesday and curled up on the couch. I watched the season premiere with a spark of hope. A hope that soon faded away.
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October
2, 2012
Graphics by Victorius Gemma, Annamarie Cunningham & Adrianna Owens
ff Good: Seasons one through five gave the audience a sense of thrill. ff Bad: The post-apocalypse seasons didn’t have the same edge to them. ff Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Violence sells, we’re buying
damon heine
Art by Adrianna Owens
I’m walking to class dressed as I usually am. Black jacket, black jeans, and black band t-shirt, this day one with the image of my favorite metal group Slipknot on the front. But today is a little bit different. One of my classmates asks, “Why do you like that music? All they do is scream and cut themselves.” At first I brushed it off as just an ignorant remark to get me riled. But later it got me thinking, why are some forms of music constantly looked down upon? Or in more severe cases, scapegoated for acts of violence? Just this year, Lamb of God vocalist Randy Blythe was arrested in the Czech Republic because of the death of a fan at a concert. Allegedly, the fan ran up on stage, to be pushed off by Blythe where he sustained serious head injuries and later died. Blythe was released on bail last month. This is the most recent situation in a long list of violent acts associated with the metal community. Violence and music in general have been intertwined with each other for decades. It all came to a head in 1985 when four women in Washington D.C. founded the Parents Music Resource Center. Among their many actions was creating the parental advisory warning that is printed on album covers to this day. They also came up with a list of 15 of the foulest songs at the time and christened them “the Filthy Fifteen.” By today’s standards, the
songs on that list are considered tame and one can argue that violence in music has become so commonplace that it is idly glanced over. However, as the past has shown us, violence in lyrics can still cause harm to more than the ears. In 1999, the Columbine High School massacre was blamed in part by media outlets on metal and especially shock rocker Marilyn Manson for influencing the two students to carry out the act. This would later be deemed false as the two students were not fans of Manson or his music, but the stereotype of a heavy music fan in a black trench coat has stuck as an image of needless violence. Woodstock 99, which took place the same year, was another watershed moment where an entire music scene was blamed for the actions of irresponsible fans. The festival originally meant to promote peace and love like the original Woodstock, but exploded into a seething cauldron of angst, which left the festival in a chaos of bonfires, vandalism and sexual assault cases. To many people who saw the coverage live, fans of the music were little more than violent hooligans. However, violent actions of some do not mean the entire group of followers is responsible. Fans of the metal genre have proven to be one of the most loyal fan bases and the vast majority condemn acts of violence. Metal, while being stylistically different than most forms of music, shares similarities
with music that has also been blamed for causing violent acts. Rap music has caused controversy with lyrics offending everyone from the police to the gay and lesbian alliance. Even country music has not been without its share of questionable actions, from lyrics about getting high to the Dixie Chicks bad mouthing George W. Bush. No matter what kind of music plays, it is always liable to cause offense to one or more groups if taken in the wrong context. This does not fully excuse that some fans can exploit metal and use it as the reason they committed stupid and immoral acts. If someone says that “a song made me do it,” or say they did something because an entertainer of any kind told you to, it not only brings the fans down, it brings the whole genre down as well. And if they are willing to throw the music they “love” under the bus in such a shameless way, they are not a true fan. Blaming metal and other forms of music for causing people to commit violent acts is easy because of the lyrical context of a song. However, many overlook the fact that not all metal heads are trench coat wearing, devil worshiping, homicidal maniacs. It’s true that at times the lyrical substance of metal can be just as violent as the firing of a gun. The main thing to remember, though, is the people who decide to fire that gun are not the voice of the genre.
Sports
10.12.12
the
tagg ine
Football speeds toward victory gabriella miller
Check out the big fancy car. It features a nice paint job, rims, and tires, but in order for it to move, it needs a strong engine. The varsity football team represents this car. With the quarterback driving the team, the wide receivers and linemen are able to perform to the best of their ability, leading the team toward the finish line with a record of 6-0.
ENGINE - The offensive line are the engine. The outside of the car can be fancy but without the strong engine none of that matters. The linemen are the reason the other players are able to to make it to the end zone. They may not receive all the amazing statistics but their protection of Brooks has allowed him to throw for over 1600 yards. By working together each part of the team is able to work efficiently to win game after game. source: maxpreps.com graphic by Fe Valencia and
DRIVER - The offensive line are the engine. The outside of the car can be fancy but without the strong engine none of that matters. The linesmen are the reason the other players are able to to make it to the end zone. They may not receive all the amazing statistics but their protection of Brooks has allowed him to throw for over 1600 yards. By working together each part of the team is able to work efficiently to win game after game.
WHEELS AND RIMS - The running backs and wide receivers are the wheels. Without them, the car won’t move. Williams, sophomore, averages 27 yards per catch and has 10 touchdowns while senior Lindsey averages 25 yards for eight touchdowns. They are what moves the team down the field to achieve victory. Brian Walker
Top Tennis Highlights
Claudette Caceres WW Position: Singles WW Record: 8-2
Camille Zapata ff Positon: Singles ff Record: 3-5
Victoria Chom WW Position: Doubles WW Record: 4-6
Family first — on and off field foules
michealla Brothers at home. Brothers at school. Brothers on the soccer field. The Perez brothers Edgar, Benlly, and Oliver hold not so much of a brother rivalry but a heartfelt bond with each other. Freshman Oliver Perez temporarily played on varsity with his brothers in the beginning of the season. “It feels great to be playing with them and it feels like I’m doing better than they are,” he said. “I just get encouraged to do my best.” Oliver has been playing for three and a half years and is now playing on JV. Junior Benlly and senior Edgar Perez are protective of Oliver on and off of the field. Benlly and Edgar also make sure he keeps up with his grades. “I want Oliver to stay tough schoolwise, so he can be on varsity and we can play more games together,” Edgar said. Benlly who plays on varsity with Edgar said he felt comfortable playing on the same team. They get along pretty well. “It’s easier to play with my brother,” Benlly said. “We basically know each other’s moves and how we play.” Although their understanding of each other is a positive aspect of their relationship, sometimes this leads to a lack of communication on the field. Benlly and Edgar agreed. “It’s little things we don’t do right, and communication that messes us up.” Edgar, being the oldest of the three, feels like he has to look after his brothers, not because his parents tell him to, but because he has an instinct to protect them. “I feel like it’s my responsibility to watch all of them,” said Edgar. “I love them.” He started playing soccer his freshman year. It was his sophomore year with hard work and that he was moved up to varsity and has played on that level ever since. Not only does Edgar protect his brothers but he also tries to be a role model, especially to young Oliver. “I feel like I have to play harder,” he said. “To show Oliver that he needs to play harder and put in work.” The most memorable game the Perez brothers have ever played together was during a Stagg soccer tournament, when they played on the same line and the trio accomplished a triangle pass between a player on the opposing team. They shook and faked their rival as they kicked the ball back and forth. The Perez brothers proudly bring this up from time to time and their faces light up with excitement as they prepare to share their favorite play. The Perez brothers aren’t the only ones who share the kinship on the field. Senior Javier and freshman Hector Grajeda play together on varsity. They both play indoor soccer in the off season. The Grajeda brothers have a close relationship as well. “I look up to my brother because he was on varsity as a freshman too.” Hector said. He’s been playing since he was 3 and started playing as goalie when he was 7. In total, Hector has been playing soccer for 11 years. In this case of brothers, the oldest isn’t necessarily the one looking out for little brother. “I don’t really have to look out for him,” Javier said. “He’s responsible and has honors classes. It’s like he watches over me.” Javier loves playing with his little brother. “I feel more comfortable, because I know he’s a good player and he really saves the team a lot.” On Oct. 2, Hector saved a penalty kick that lead their team to victory over the St. Mary’s Rams. “It’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.” Javier said. Hector feels very proud of that game. Without Hector, Javier would most likely have been sitting in
photos by Annamarie
Rodriguez and Jessica Mangili
Both the Perez brothers (bottom left) and the Grajeda siblings (bottom right) push and motivate each other on the field.
the stands watching his brother. “My brother joined the team, so I joined.” Javier said. Before this year had started, Javier didn’t think he was going to play his senior year, because of issues he had gotten into with his coach and team. He even decided that he was going to move to Lincoln High. “I went off on the team captains,” said Javier. “I also went off on coach Marrone. At the same time, I was talking to Lincoln soccer players behind their backs, so Marrone felt betrayed.” Javier, Marrone, and the team, worked all their problems out. Now Javier happily and proudly plays with his little brother. Soccer ties all of these brothers together, keeping their brotherhood strong, while enjoying the sport they all love.
Competition drives twins
Lynzie Vang
jessica mangili
ff Position: Singles ff Record: 5-5
Celine Lopez WW Position: Doubles WW Record: 2-4
photos and graphic by
7
Nicole Lawrence and Devin Wickstrom
DNA isn’t the only thing that seniors Elliott and Jeanne Miller have in common. The fraternal twins also share a love for playing golf. Elliott started playing his freshman year and Jeanne her junior year, but both found a passion for being out on the course. Being involved in golf together has created a competitive atmosphere that goes beyond the common brother-sister rivalry. Jeanne refers to Elliott as a more “selfish player,” which sparks an aggressive relationship between them. Even though Jeanne makes accusations about him, Elliott admits that she is the one to smack talk.
However, Jeanne isn’t always talking down to her brother. She is quick to say that he is better than her, but only because he has been playing for a longer time. Though the two are constantly getting under each other’s skin with all of the talk of competition, they get to spend more time together, which they say in the long run will strengthen their relationship. Even though Elliott is the more experienced of the two, he always has enough time to mentor his sister. “I like helping Jeanne out,” he said. “She acts like she knows everything because she is older than
me.” Jeanne finds the one-on-one time helpful and said that they go out on weekends to get more practice time. Not only is the common love for sports a bonding experience amongst brother and sister, but a family affair too. “My mom doesn’t play, but my dad and grandpa do” Elliott said. Their mother no longer plays because of issues with her back that prevent her from being able to swing a club. However, she still tries to be involved as much as she can with her children’s passions.
photo by Annamarie
Rodriguez
Twins Jeanne and Elliott Miller stand together with their clubs.
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tagg ine
10.12.12
Homecoming C O U R T Congratulations to Albert Garcia and Linda Torres
Carol Amaya escorted by Ramon Alvarez
Victorius Gemma escorted by Lynzie Vang
Arista Dutra escorted by Ramiro Ramirez
Papow Her escorted by Jeffrey Keosavang
Alexus Raquel escorted by Stagg Mascot
Albert Garcia escorted by Johana Nuño Linda Torres escorted by Jesse Basilio
photos by Annamarie
Yael Castillo escorted by Alicia Fuentez
Elliot Miller escorted by Jeanne Miller
Zach Artozqui escorted by Gabriela Gomez
Rodriguez / graphic by Victorius Gemma
Apex modified
Change in curriculum puts more pressure on students miranda maurino Students groaned at the recent orientation as they told about the changes happening in Apex, a credit recovery class offered. New rules, new requirements and no longer being able to “test out,” supervising Apex teachers will be enforcing their rules more than ever this year. Students have scheduled classes instead of open labs, and two absences within two weeks will result in being dropped, which has already occured. The changes in Apex this year were made in hopes of encouraging students to do well in their classes and let them know that cutting corners isn’t beneficial. “The changes had to be made because we weren’t upholding
our end and needed to examine our role in Apex since last year a lot of kids cut corners with testing out,” English teacher and program coordinator Thongthip Duangsawat said. “Last year people could go whenever, we had a choice to stay or not,” senior Gabrielle Ghent said. “Kids would sit there and do nothing. You can’t just sign in and leave anymore.” Senior Clarence Allen thinks that the changes being made to Apex this year are for the best. “They’re enforcing the rules more and people are going to get what they need to get done instead of taking forever. It’s better in a way, except some people have to stay until 5.” Senior Jorge Hernandez also likes the changes in Apex this
photo by
Nicole Lawrence
Shyann Vasquez, junior, takes notes for Unit 1 of World History during a Thursday session of Apex.
year. “It’s better now because kids actually have to try. It might motivate kids not to slack off, and it actually teaches them something.” One of the concerns with the stricter way that Apex is being run this year is how students are to fit both Apex and sports into their after-school schedule. Duangsawat said, “Apex is a privilege and students are lucky to get a second chance.” Senior Christian Sanchez, a varsity football player, feels that he misses out on things that take place at practice, such as pregame warm ups that take place on Thursdays, a day he is scheduled for Apex. However, he knows that Apex comes before sports, because, like his coach says, he’s a “student athlete.” Overall, concerning sports, students are forced to make a mature decision when it comes to Apex and sports, since both are privileges. To help students fit sports in with Apex, the teachers broke the classes up into two blocks, one from 3-4 p.m. and another from 4-5 p.m.. The changes brought to Apex this year were made in order to help students rise to their full potential and refrain from taking the easy way out. In the eyes of teachers and student alike, the new restrictions give ample opportunity for a better learning experience.
graphic by Victorious
Gemma
Online voting causes ‘royal’ controversy jada johnson The cupcakes were frosted, the smiles were plastered on, and the voices of candidates were as loud as they could be. The hopeful king and queen triumphed. But after the halftime ceremony on homecoming night, would waterfalls of regret rain over royalty? A newly found fault in the school’s voting system has caused controversy among staff and students because of last month’s homecoming king and queen elections. Assistant Principal Gamal Salama, said improvement in the system is possible. “But if one more incident like this happens again, we could just go back to traditional ballots.” Before royalty was announced at the Sept. 21 football game, the school buzzed with rumors of queen bees committing “disheartening” acts, according to P.E. coach Rosslyn Halekakis. A king and a queen were crowned. As the school erupted with excitement for the winners, some sat down in disappointment. “I heard friends of candidates were approaching students with their phones,” said queen candidate Alexus Raquel. “Supposedly they were like asking for their I.D.’s. It’s basically like they’re taking their votes.” Junior Nicole Nuno can vouch for this rumor, only with a little bit of a twist. Apparently, one of Raquel’s friends asked Nuno for her I.D. during her fifth period. “Yeah, that happened to me,” Nuno said. “I wanted (to vote for) Linda Torres and Yael.” Nuno would soon find herself in an awkward situation. “Jazelle did approach me with her phone and she was like ‘I’ll vote for you.’” I didn’t know she was going to vote for Alexus.” Raquel doesn’t recall asking her friends to do anything other than pass out cupcakes and round up votes the fair way. “If they did that that was their choice.” Junior Jazelle Flores responded by saying,”I definitely didn’t participate in this misfortunate voting event. I do feel it was wrong because other candidates deserved those votes.” She continued, “candidates like Alexus Raquel could’ve used those votes.”
An I.P. address used to vote was traced back to a T-Mobile phone. Next to the multitude of numbers was Nuno’s voting information. It stated that she had voted for Alexus Raquel for queen and Albert Garcia for king around the time Nuno said Flores voted for her. “I have an HTC Sensation from TMobile,” said Flores. “It’s more like giving your rights away,” Salama said, “rather than stealing identities.” ”It’s not right to give your vote for candidates to use,” he said. In his eyes, the voters are as much at fault as the candidates. “They’re at fault for asking,” Salama said, reverting back to the morals of candidates. If caught, “I believe they should be disqualified.” The faults in the system are now apparent to Salama. For this reason, he believes the traditional way of voting is an option. However, though the current system is deemed flawed, in the eyes of Halekakis, the paper and pen way of voting is far in the past. She even compared that way of voting to the “oldness” of the Smithsonian Institute. “It’s just too ancient,” she said. She admits that the situation is “major in the sense that it’s (the students’) choice,” to give up voting rights. In turn, Halekakis is still a strong believer in the voting system she pushed to be accepted. “The system is so precise,” she said. “Instantly, bam! There’s your results.” History teacher Tara Hayes’s concern for the freshman is high because she doesn’t want them to be exposed to a new school without having their voice heard. “We definitely don’t want (them) to be intimidated into not voting.” “Kids (have got to) know that they’ve (got to) take pride in their school,” said Halekakis. “It’s a privilege to vote.” Halekakis believes no one should be deprived of giving their vote. She also believes that no one should let this deprivation take place. Although they’re in agreement about students and voting, Hayes thinks differently about the system.” Until they can fix the issue, maybe going back to traditional ballots would be best.”