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Service week makes difference nicole lawrence From straining brains and throbbing legs to eye popping dance moves and watering eyes, last week was nothing short of entertaining. Students helped clean up the campus and schooled their teachers in a trivia game. Principal Andre Phillips raced to the finish line in the walk-off and senior Cliniah Tevis danced her way to the top. And last but not least, senior Annamarie Cunningham stared her way to victory over two days of competition. But the week wasn’t about the entertainment or praise. It was about the four main service clubs on campus: Key Club, National Honor Society, Red Cross, and Interact all collaborating to host events and help
students raise canned goods. The goal was to raise 1,000 cans but students and staff went above and beyond, raising about 1,300 cans, plus some cash from the staredown. The goods will be going to the Emergency Food Bank to help families in need during the holiday season. “It went better than expected,” senior Carol Amaya, Key Club and NHS president, said. “We collected more than what was planned.” Unlike last year’s stare off after school, this year’s canned food drive was connected to a whole week of events where students could bring cans to watch events. In addition, clubs were able to submit students to participate in service week events by raising a certain number of cans
per event, which encouraged students to bring in cans so they could watch their friends participate. In French Club, for example, they had a club stare off to see who they should submit. “I was really into service week,” junior Paul Spaulding said. “I never did anything like this before and I was happy for my wins and losses.” It seemed as though students were more in tune to the events of last week, some going so far as to participate in multiple events. A few participants even got VIP seating at the final event. “This was a good way to get students’ attention,” French teacher Deborah Berg said. “It brought to focus the real need we have in our community while having fun at the same time.”
photos by
(Above) Nicole Lawrence and (Left) Dellanira Alcauter
(Top) Principal Andre Phillips and teacher Don Bott race against senior Elliott Miller in a walk-off as part of a week long service event. (Far left) Seniors Cliniah Tevis and Efemeh Files compete in a dance battle, which drew a large crowd in the quad. (Left) Andrew Walter, math teacher, answers “pop garbage” when asked about One Direction’s latest single during a quiz bowl between teachers and students.
Stare-Off
success “
Now that the hype of the Stare-Off has died down, we decided to revisit the subject and ask teachers how it felt to help the community while having fun.
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It was inspirational to see students and teachers working together towards a common goal.”
I really enjoyed it. It’s nice to think you’re making a difference in a small way while having fun.”
Erica Dei Rossi
Ty Pafford
It was wonderful because the whole campus worked towards a common goal.”
There was a comfort that our students provided that afternoon. It was a nice landing after a turbulent day.”
Stewart Jacoby
Tip Duangsawat
It’s always a good feeling when you can help someone in need, because at one point or another we’re there.”
It was a lot of fun and it’s important to realize there are always others in need.”
Kathy Sady
Marcus Sherman
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Reanna Rodriguez, Fe Valencia and Dellanira Alcauter
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Opinion
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Editorial
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12. 21.12
Drug dogs lead to prevention
magine this: high school students behas this tool at their disposal, students will cease bringing ginning their daily routine in one of illegal substances on campus. In fact, that dog’s nose is so their classes. Then, out of the blue, a sensitive it will smell marijuana on somebody, even if they stranger with a dog walks in, announces did not use it. But if they were around somebody who did, that they will be searching the classroom. then that is what the dog smells. The students are sent out of the room, left Now some may not approve that there is a trained dog wondering what exactly the dog is looking on campus because it might be a disruption. But there have for. been random searches in past years, so it should be nothing Sound strange? Well, the district has renew to students. cently signed a contract with a private com The random searches may disrupt a lesson, but that’s pany, K-9 Detection Services, which brings because they are completely unscheduled. The administratrained dogs to schools to help search classtion has no control over when, or even where, the searches rooms, locker rooms, and parking lots. will be conducted. It’s basically like drawing a card from a Though this may sound like a hassle, hat. administrators say this service has actu Random searches have always helped keep the students ally helped in keeping illegal substances off safe from illegal substances but now the district has stepped art by Nuvia Cervantes and Adrianna Owens campus. up their game in keeping campuses safe. For not only does “In the last few visits, classes have been clean,” said Assistant Principal Gamal Salama. Stagg receive this great service, but every high school in SUSD has it. “And it’s because of these random searches and dogs.” One student recalls his classroom being searched by a canine. “We were in the middle The company doesn’t tell the school when they will be coming, so everyone must work of a lesson when a lady with a dog came in,” said Nathan Luna, sophomore. “It was quiet with their schedule. The dog and officer come two to three times a year. and didn’t take long; it was only about 15 minutes then we went back to what we were Since the unit can come at any time, administration has to be ready at a moment’s doing.” notice. Even when students are out of class during lunch or passing period, if the unit ar- This helpful service is used to keep students and faculty safe, not to harm anyone. The rives, then the administration must instead search public areas. The main substances that district made a safe, useful choice that can help campuses keep clear of illegal substances. the dog is sniffing for is gunpowder, marijuana, alcohol, or the misuse of pharmaceutical The dogs are just an extra precautionary measure to make sure students and faculty are drugs. safe. This brilliant idea is not to punish anyone, but to change them. We and the adminis We strongly agree with Assistant Principal Youlin Aissa who called the detection dogs a tration believe that this service is for the best of students and that the district should keep proactive tool. The point of this service is that once students know that the administration this contract.
Mistakes you make when you take photos T
he amount of time that will take you to read this would be precious time that you could have better spent taking several photos of yourself. As you’re taking these photos, you annamarie rodriguez may be wondering which pose to use. That’s a major decision to make. And then after you take the perfect photo, there is the
next challenge, what should I put as my caption?!! Cash me out, gettin them dollas up. Long hair don’t care. Kisses. Gettin big. Man I swear I’m too thick. MySpace pose. I’m such a thug. Thizz face. Just woke up. After the final step of writing a caption, it’s time to post the picture that all of your friends can see. What an exciting, yet nerve wracking feeling. Now the question comes up, should I post it? I wonder if anyone will “like” it? Then, of course, there’s a bright idea, like every Facebook picture, let’s put in a phrase such as “like if you...” just so the odds of getting more likes is higher. And boom the photo is instantly uploaded.... Just waiting for anyone to like it. Oh my gosh only 15 “likes”! DELETE THE PICTURE! Post it again later. Now, we are all guilty of
doing this, and if you say you’re not, then you are lying. Ugly is the new cute. So just post the photo and let the thirsty comments roll in. “Daaaaaaang you are BAD,” and when you receive this comment you know that it was the right choice to post the photo. The fact is it is easier to take a silly picture than a nice picture. It’s just the reality of our social media now. We’ve evolved into a society where you’re only considered cute if you get so many “likes.” We’re so obsessed with ourselves that we’ve even created more ways we can share our gorgeous pictures. Brilliant entrepreneurs have came up with this ingenious invention called... *drum roll* Snapchat! This app allows us to spread these pictures in mere seconds with just a click of a button. The best part about Snapchat is it only allows the person receiving the photo to view it for just a
few seconds before it is lost forever, to the graveyard of ugly photos. Although I do love taking these photos, like every day, they do get annoying sometimes. I hate scrolling down my timeline and seeing the captions that say “like if you love God, or keep scrolling” “like if you hate school” “like if you love babies.” This is the only time where I feel obligated to like the photo because I think that I may send a bad message if I don’t. In our generation it’s acceptable to take and post obnoxious amounts these self-serving photos. While some adults may not understand why we make these poses, it makes complete sense to us. We don’t always need to be serious and it’s funny to capture silly moments.The only time we should worry is if our parents start taking these photos.
Top 10 poses
daaamn hella thick
gym flow
thug face
long hair don’t care
Myspace pose photos by
Nicole Lawrence and Annamarie Rodriguez graphic by
thiz face
juicy lips
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 19 consecutive NSPA All-American rankings XX NSPA Hall of Fame, 2005 XX NSPA First-Place Best of Show five times XX NSPA Newspaper Pacemaker seven 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.
just woke up
Annamarie Cunningham Editor-in-Chief
kisses
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
making it rain
Reanna Rodriguez News Editor
Jessica Mangili
Annamarie Cunningham
Dellanira Alcauter Nuvia Cervantes
Opinion Editor
Michealla Foules
Gabriella Miller
Victorius Gemma
Features Editor
Adrianna Owens Entertainment Editor
Brian Walker Sports Editor
Marcella Hawkins Allison Ho Jada Johnson
Fe Valencia
Miranda Maurino
Graphics Editor
Alexus Plascencia
Annamarie Rodriguez Photo Editor
Alyssa Rojas
Chao Xiong
Rebecca Romero
Web Editor
Damon Heine Blog/Social Media Editor
Veronica Vargo Devin Wickstrom
Opinion
12.21.12
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cream. Calories do not apply to dead people. Honestly I do not know what I am going to do next. I mean, is there anything more to life besides food? I’ll probably continue my day doing life-threatening actions that will probably kill me in the process. Ever since watching an episode of “Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory” I’ve always wanted to go swimming with sharks. Anyone can go swim with dolphins, but that’s weak. And why stop at sharks? Let’s take it a step further, killer whales. Assuming I make it through that, I plan to get a tattoo of “killer” on my face as a memento of my great accomplishment. The next thing on my bucket list requires me to go to Nebraska. I remember once in my adolescence watching a Food Network special on cakes. Somewhere in Nebraska resides a restaurant with a two foot chocolate mousse cake with Oreos and cookie dough baked inside. My dying wish is to go and try a piece of this cake. If I can do all of this then I can rest in peace knowing that I was able to try a piece of this heavenly masterpiece. I would end my day by spending it with the ones I care most about, my family. Unless of course I can spend it with Nicki Minaj. I looooooove Nicki Minaj. She is so perfect in every single way possible. If I can accomplish all this I shall take my final sleep a happy man. And if for some reason I wake up to see Dec. 22 then I would like to formally apologize for my actions. I was not myself and just know you will never be seeing me again. Having the tattoo “killer” on your face does not send the best message so I am going into hiding. I am, however, taking donations for anyone who would like to help with my impending debt. Buying all this food is not going to be cheap!
Gabriella Miller
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First friend is worth keeping
veryone has friends, whether they’re aware of it or not. It’s those friends who make you feel secure because you know them well. You can be yourself around them because you nuvia cervantes feel comfortable with them. Over time, those friends fade in and out of the big picture, causing you to lose track of their existence. It’s one of life’s most natural occurrences, even though watching your friends leave may rouse a stinging pain in your eyes. However, the person you should really clutch to your heart is that first true friend you make. They won’t necessarily be that first friend back in preschool or the person you hang out with the most, but sometimes they are. I’m talking about that first real friend. The one you whisper your deepest secrets and most sacred
thoughts to. You overexaggerate epic life stories to them. Sooner or later, you eat out of each other’s refrigerators without asking.This friend makes an enormous impact on you, even if it sometimes goes unnoticed. If the time comes and they depart, they pat a giant sticky note on your back with the words “I was here” scribbled on it. Their impression on you sticks because they mean so much. They’re the fuel to your rocket, the cheese to your macaroni, the peanut butter to your jelly. You talk and complain to your friend for hours and listen to them in turn. People think such a friend is reached after years of familiarity, but there are exceptions. I didn’t meet my true friend until I was in eighth grade. Her name is Amaryllis Mercado and she is the most amazing person I’ve ever met. From the day she shyly said “Hello,” I knew that Amaryllis was different. During my time with her, I seemed to learn how to live. I opened up to more people and accumulated a love for art, literature, and music. Smiles came more easily and laughter rolled off my tongue without hesitation. My friendship with Amaryllis brought me to the happiest point of my life. Everything admi-
rable about me was made possible because of her. She brought me higher than anyone ever has and I cannot even explain how grateful I am. Even so, the higher you are, the further you fall. The day came when Amaryllis moved away, and eventually, so did I. The news was so sudden and events were unravelling too fast. I was at the peak of my happiness before I felt like the world I had come to enjoy was caving in around me. We went from seeing each other every day, to every month, and now only twice a year. I feel her sticky note curling up at its corners and in danger of fluttering to the ground. But despite our lack of communication, I still hold Amaryllis dear. I haven’t let her go and have no plans to do so anytime soon. Amaryllis was my first true friend and will remain my friend for years to come. That’s how one should treat their friend, with tender care and companionship. Cherish your time with them and enjoy their presence, for you never really know how long you’ll get to keep them. Strive to let good feelings flow between you two. Always keep your true friend in mind and never let your memories of them slip away. To forget this person is like losing a piece of yourself and without them you wouldn’t be the same person you are right now.
broken home, sleeping whippings, wandering around on the streets, walking the city were almost unbelievto school starved, being able. The outrageous ideas they abused, teased and disrespected had when they were little seem for his brown skin, he did what a little humorous now. Some he could to survive. That meant left me astonished. I imagined eating whatever he could find my dad doing the typical stupid and taking whatever he needed. teenage stuff, but his experiences He was a violent kid, with a hot were far from the usual. temper. School, unfortunately, One story that always sticks didn’t help improve his attitude. out to me was the time my Aunt My dad had the roughest childPat and my dad were plotting to hood, living in a broken home. walk from one city to another Nowhere compared to mine or just to see their mom. The disanyone else’s that I know. tance was about Stockton from My father was born and San Francisco. They knocked raised in the Philippines to a on doors to get food and water michealla foules Filipino mother. His father was when they needed it. They got an African American military caught by my grandfather who dad that came from the South. Living in poverty was driving around the city looking for them. He in a Third World country, with eight other brothgrabbed them back and threw them in the car. ers and sisters was hard on my grandmother, as she When they got home they got punished. felt like a single mother. She had a couple of her Despite all of my dad’s hardships with abuse, kids living with her, but most of them lived with their dad. When I was little I would ask my dad about what kinds of things he did when he was little and what his childhood was like, but he wouldn’t give me a real answer. He would find a way around the question, or even make something up. I’ve always felt like he didn’t want to talk about his past, because he has things to hide; things he isn’t proud of. As I grew older, I started to learn a bit more of my dad’s history and how tough it was for him and his siblings to live through poverty and domestic violence. One day I decided to ask one of my aunties the same question. Aunt Pat was very open with it. I was hooked like a little kid during storytime. “Again, again!” I was the kid that couldn’t be satisfied with just one story. Begging for another story to be read to me. One book after another. The stories of them running away from home to escape their father’s beatings and
education, and violence now that he’s grown, he’s a loving and protective father. He could’ve been one of those dads who just left and neglected his kids and his wife, like other men have done to my aunties. But he isn’t. He’s a very hardworking father and he goes out of his way to make sure we’re safe and taken care of. When people see or meet my dad, they say he looks “scary.” I think it’s because he’s a short, sturdy looking black guy. I guess he has that intimidating look. I have to admit, he is a little frightening. But my brother, sisters and I all know he’s the biggest goofball. I’m very proud of what my father has become. He’s not able to help me with my math problems or proofread my essays, but he does much more help than that. He does his best to keep me and my brother and sisters happy. My dad’s my motivation. He deserves all the love in the world. I think about how lucky I am that I don’t live the life that he had. I want to finish college for my dad. For my parents. My education is the most important thing. For now, doing well in school is the least I can do to repay them.
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ts been an honor playing with you, gentleman.” Probably my favorite line from the movie “Titanic.” Facing inevitable doom and these guys choose to just sit around and play one last song. What a way to go out... LAME. I felt this reference was appropriate given that today this is the day we face the end of the world. If these are my last moments on earth then I’m going out like a boss. It’s not like I’m going to brian walker live to face any consequences. What are they going to do? Sue me? Even if they tried, in the time it would take to find a lawyer, make a claim, and take me to court, I’d be long dead. We’d all be long dead actually. The oh-so brilliant, never wrong Mayans predicted on this day, Dec. 21, 2012, that the world would end. According to Hollywood and the film “2012,” we are due for earthquakes, volcano eruptions, and water. Lots and lots of water. If you are one of the, I assume, few who actually plan on living through Christmas, then I recommend going to space. In space there are no fiery volcanoes or massive tidal waves. All is peaceful and quiet. Your only problem would be aliens; there are terrifying, brain hungry aliens in space… and black holes. Here on earth I plan on living it up; after finishing school today, of course. First, I plan on going and buying lots and lots of fast food and ice
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Father’s mistakes help inspire daughter to do better
Sitting in the top right next to his sister is Michealla’s father Jerome Jr. Foules, who was 2 years old at the time. This was takening in Angeles City, Philippines. photo courtesy
Michealla Foules by
Fe Valencia
Hostess hype is idiotic W e now take
a moment of silence in honor of a few legendary members of our society. On Nov.16, 2012, the Hostess Company passed away due to complications damon heine of Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Hostess products may not have been the healthiest friends to be around, or the most appropriately named. But their hyper sweetened snack food legacy will live long beyond their original shelf life. They will live on forever in our hearts, minds, and arteries. All right, now that the moment of sap is over with, let’s ask a very important question. How many of us even cared that Hostess existed before they went out of business? On the day that this national tragedy occurred, the image of the Twinkie and its counterparts were inescapable. News reports and status updates blistered the Web and TV stations so much that it became the biggest story of the day. Forget the fiscal cliff and the violence in Syria, it is the demise of our snack cakes that gets us real involved in paying attention to current events. Within the week Twinkies were being sold on eBay for anywhere between $60-$5,000 and more. I’d say this was a little overpriced for an item that before could be bought for less than $5 individually, but some people have to make a living, I suppose. As much as the story of one snack company closing was reported upon that one day, it would appear that this company was dear to America’s heart. But there is only one problem with that: they weren’t. There is a reason that Hostess went could not survive in this modern day America. They had simply lost touch with the public. For the last decade, health issues have been at the forefront of hot topics that this country has tried to solve. In order to survive in a more health conscious environment, companies that distribute less than healthy products have had to adapt to their surroundings, or die off. This was Hostess’s Achilles’ heel. It could not keep up with the times and was forced to go with the latter of those two options. The mindless status updates by not all, but many people about the Hostess closing were not done out of actual consideration for the company, but simply because the people they knew were posting the exact same news. Are people becoming so sheeplike that they follow people in even the most simple things? We can not be sure about that just yet, but it’s safe to say that in a month, we won’t have a desire for Twinkies and their snack counterparts. Will that desire come again? Well … no. And that is the bitter truth.
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Church & culture, a tradition
Thuy Tran helps children in Vietnamese community dellanira alcauter
Wrestling & school, an accomplishment
Eduardo Vargas makes goal to become stronger
adrianna owens Wrestling is more than just physical determination. It is a mental challenge. Eduardo Vargas, a senior, has faced this challenge. Ever since he trained in jiu jitsu and noticed people wrestling, he wanted to accomplish what they had accomplished. “They would beat me in matches. I just wanted to be like them,” he said. He has wrestled his way to the top, and now feels that he is ready for the championships. “I want to be a TCAL (Tri County Athletic League) league champion,” he said. “I have the coaches and enough training for it.” Among the thoughts that roam through his mind is the thought of losing a match and embarrassing himself. Because of this, he still needs to train his mind because it’s hard to get his head in the game.Throughout his wrestling career he has struggled with this issue, but sometimes he realizes how to tune out his thoughts and play the sport. “Sometimes I think too much, but when I’m wrestling, I don’t think. I just wrestle,” he said, looking at the ground with a small smile. He is determined to make it to the top. From wrestling comes life. Josh Dumlao, also a senior, refers to it as an extra appendage. “It’s like having a sixth finger on one hand,” he said. “He was born with it. He was born with wrestling in him.”
Graphic by Victorius Gemma
Not only does the sport fit in his life and his mind, but it brings a love for academics as well. Instead of taking time and energy away from him, wrestling gives him the confidence to do well in class. Though Vargas has always been relatively strong in school, coach Andres Uyeda says that wrestling’s “structure” pushes him to do well. “He’s really serious about school and we’re proud of him,” Uyeda said. “School comes first for him.” Though he practices vigorously four hours a day, he still manages to get his school work done, and even when he spends 12 hours wrestling on the weekends, he devotes his time to school as well. “All that stuff that I go through in wrestling prepares me for my school life,” he said. Uyeda praised Vargas on his work ethic and motivation to go out and seek help and camp opportunities. Vargas has taken it upon himself to do more than he is required to do, which in turn helps him get better. And even though he spends much Photo by Nicole Lawrence of his time involved in the sport, wrestling isn’t detrimental to his future. Senior Eduardo Vargas practices with his coach Andres “Wrestling doesn’t take away from my life; it is Uyeda for the Western Invite tournament. my life.”
There’s mud everywhere, we’re knee-deep in water, we’ve only slept for two hours, it’s cold, and there’s a group of people trying to stop us from completing our mission. These are some of the thoughts that run through junior Thuy Tran’s mind as she attempts to make way back to her camp. Every year during the summer, her church takes a camping trip and everyone
Vote & voice, a reality jada johnson Frightened by the experience of staring down the barrel of a gun, the young girl begins to quiver in tears. As she runs to her father to shake away the fear, more and more soldiers appear. There’s no forgetting this sight. The young girl has just learned firsthand of her country’s autocratic control. The military is everywhere. Wang Xiong is more than happy that she never became that frightened girl. The senior was brought to America when she was only 3 months old from Laos. “He just wanted a better life for us,” Xiong said, referring to her father. “We’d still be in the
Soccer & family, a commitment
miranda maurino
jessica mangili
Florida . He also has played on professional fields such as the Home Depot Center, the Dallas Center, and the Earthquakes Stadium. The academy covers all costs such as travel, training, fields, gear, shoes, and overall participation cost. He started the academy when he just turned 15. “I was the youngest in the team,” he said. “At first it was intimidating because they were all bigger than me, but I just focused on me and kept working. And note how I got like this by all the effort I put in but there is still more to come. I’m always hungry for more. I want to find out what’s next for me so I just keep working.” Although the academy’s purpose is to prepare players for the next level of soccer, they have a strong focus on school. Each player has to make a year-by-year plan for academics and as well as turning in their grades on a regular basis in order to ensure they reach their highest level of success. If they do not get good grades, they will be removed from the team. With the help of the academy, he has already received many emails from college coaches. “They invite you to come to a camp at their school, because they want to see you play more,” he said. “If you go then they talk scholarships and take you on a tour of the school.” Playing in college is extremely important to Celis, but what college he goes to doesn’t really matter.
hills if it wasn’t for him.” She began to picture what her life would be like if she had never taken the plane ride here. “When it’s raining, your feet are all stuck in the dirt.” The thought of sloshing in the mud is unfathomable to Xiong. So far, she’s really enjoyed living in the United States. Until a couple of weeks ago, however, Xiong wasn’t officially a citizen. “I’m already living here,” she
part of it herself. “It’s not only important to have the children go through Catechism, but we have to also keep the Vietnamese culture alive,” Tran said. A part of her inspiration to help the church are her parents, as they are very involved. Her father plans many of the events such as the annual camping trip and her mother helps make major decisions. But overall, Tran says that her biggest inspiration was the older kids. “Whenever I hung out with them I could see that they are only trying to be nice and help, and that made me see that the behavior I began to adopt wasn’t correct.” Her church is no longer a part of St. Luke’s, the Vietnamese community decided to break off and raise money to build their own church, which is now called St. Mary’s Help of Christian Church. After Tran finished Catechism, she decided to go back and return all of the help and services they provided for her. Every Saturday she goes to church and helps the children with lessons and plays games with them. But apart from devoting her time to the children, she has responsibilities to take care of, taking two Advanced Placement classes. “I do have a lot of homework, but I don’t mind spending time at the church because I know that it’s for a good cause.” Tran strongly encourages the kids to keep the Vietnamese culture alive, and by devoting her time and effort, she certainly does her part.
Photo by Jessica Mangili
Junior Claudio Celis practices with the San Jose Earthquakes academy team four days a week and travels across the country playing soccer. He is happy as long as it has a strong academics and a good soccer program. His true dream though is to play for the U.S. national team or play in Europe because according to Celis they make a player better. Although he is receiving notifications from
colleges and has the skill level, he doesn’t play for Stagg’s soccer team. “When you play academy you sign a contract that prevents you from playing on another team,” he said. “I practice four days a week and don’t have time for anything else.”
Red lipstick. Blush. Colorful eyeshadow. To most high school girls this is just makeup. But to Kalani Moreno and Derricka Wilson it’s much more. These juniors see makeup differently than most high school girls. To them, it’s more than just a daily routine. It’s their future. Moreno became interested in makeup when she was only 4. “At first it just gave me something to do. Now I like watching the transformation. It’s like making a whole new person.” Makeup isn’t something that Moreno does just to help others, though. She finds her own joy in it as well. “It really relaxes me,” she said. “It makes me feel good when other people like what I do.” Moreno spends a lot of her extra time that’s not consumed with her school work and cheer doing makeup for her friends for various special occasions. However, her passion for makeup doesn’t stop here. She has hopes of attending cosmetology and business school after she graduates in order to get a permit for the salon she dreams to open up. When opening up this salon, Moreno hopes to do more than just makeup, though. She would like to eventually expand to doing hair and other beauty related services along with her makeup. In the beginning, Moreno’s parents weren’t very supportive of this dream, but when they saw all the hard work and passion she put into it, they began to see that it could really work out. Wilson’s love for makeup goes back being a little girl messing with her mom’s makeup and admiring her do her own makeup. Like Moreno, Wilson’s dreams for makeup also go past high school. Her French teacher even gave her brochures for makeup colleges Marinello and Paul Mitchell, which she hopes could help her pursue her cosmetology dream. Wilson’s main goal is to become familiar with all the different techniques of makeup. She wants to do fashion makeup, and do special effects makeup on the side as well.
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Photo courtesy of Thuy Tran
Thuy Tran and members of her youth church group reach their campsite during their annual wilderness trip. They stayed over the weekend.
Wang Xiong becomes a citizen to participate in elections
said. “Why not become a citizen?” In order to become a citizen, in the usual case, immigrants would have to go through months of studying U.S. history to prove their knowledge of their new country. Except because her father is already a citizen, Xiong only had to go through the process of naturalization. Naturalization tends be a
tedious process, according to Xiong. First, she had to fill out paperwork. Second, she had to get fingerprinted and interviewed. Finally, Xiong had to attend a ceremony where she took an oath to the United States and received a certificate certifying her as an American citizen. It took a total of five months to get all of the paperwork signed and to receive her certificate. “I did it so I could vote.” Xiong turned 18 on Dec. 15, so she missed out on giving her vote in the 2012 election. “I helped out with my mom’s voting,” she said. Being a part of society is important to Xiong because,
Hair & makeup, a passion
Claudio Celis works hard to become a professional His grandfather has always been his inspiration. “My grandpa started taking me to his games and I could just imagine myself playing down there with thousands of people cheering and screaming,” said Claudio Celis, a junior. “After that I fell in love with soccer and I knew that that’s what I wanted to do.” At the age of 5, he set a goal of dedicating his life to playing professionally. With two family members who played at the professional level, his father and grandfather, the passion for playing soccer runs in his veins. From then on he always had a soccer ball at his feet. Many of his childhood memories consist of using his grandmother’s glass vases as targets while practicing the accuracy of his shot. One of the keys to fulfilling his dream is being a part of the San Jose Earthquakes Academy. “The program I’m in, well I take it as a free ticket to get seen by national coaches, scouts, and college coaches,” he said. “It’s like my job.” The academy provides players with help for being recruited by college and national coaches by having them participate in various college showcases where many colleges attend regularly. The academy is also connected to, the San Jose Earthquakes, a Major League Soccer team, and gives players who have enough skill a chance to compete for the two spots reserved for them. Each game that the team plays is specifically picked in order to benefit players. Because of this, he plays in a variety of places across the country including San Diego, Washington, Arizona, and
gets split into teams and they have to go miles to reach their campsite. Whichever team gets to the campsite first wins. At the age of 6, Tran began going to St. Luke’s Church, a Vietnamese Catholic church. As young as she was, she appreciated everything that they did for the kids, finding a passion for it. However, it did not continue on for long. Tran shares that, “After a while I began to take on a different side. Most of the kids go through a stage where they misbehave, and they begin to be disruptive.” But Tran didn’t have that opinion for too long. She began to admire all the time and effort that the older kids were contributing, and wanted to become a
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“I want to do makeup for fashion and for scary movies or something,” Wilson said. “I want to somehow intertwine them together.” Wilson also has an interest in taking a class to learn about photography in order to professionally take pictures of the things she accomplishes with makeup. “I want to be able to showcase my work after it’s done.” Junior Michelle Kitchens has personally had her
“America is the dream land to (her).” She believes that not everyone takes advantage of the democracy we have. The right to vote means a lot to her. “A lot of younger people voted,” she said, referring to this year’s election. Xiong has set a goal to be one of those “younger people” in the next presidential election in 2016. Another important privilege to her is education. She said too many young people don’t take advantage of it. However, she has a special appreciation of schooling because in Laos, many women don’t get an education. “You don’t have to pay for elementary school (in America).”
Photo by Adrianna Owens
Wang Xiong received her certificate stating that she was a citizen after going through a long process involving paperwork.
Juniors create art through cosmetic paints and brushes makeup done by Wilson. Kitchens said she would definitely recommend Wilson to other friends who need their makeup done. “I go to her because she likes to do it and she’s really good at it.” Both WIlson and Moreno hope to accomplish great things with makeup. With all the hardwork and dedication they put into it, it shouldn’t be long before their dreams are a reality.
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I like watching the transformation. It’s like making a whole new person. Kalani Moreno junior
Junior Derricka Wilson posts tutorials onto her Tumblr. Photo courtesy of Kalani Moreno
Kalani Moreno has a large collection of makeup including many different colored eye shadows.
Photo by Adrianna Owens
E ntertainment Modern vs. Classic Newer Christmas movies Older Christmas movies
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teach lessons of hope
capture essence of holiday
allison ho
marcella hawkins
It’s that time of year again when almost everything on television has something to do with Christmas. There are mixtures of what types of movies and specials come on. For example, you have the classics like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Christmas Story;” then they have some of the newer ones like “Shrek the Halls” and “Polar Express.” Personally, I believe that the older movies are better than some of the modern ones. When I watch older Christmas movies I feel like there is something that just clicks and then I know Christmas is really here. I feel like the older ones deal with more human emotions, compared to modern movies that have more songs than film. “A Christmas Story” is one of those movie classics. It’s the type of movie that gets played 24 hours on Christmas day. This movie is about Ralphie, a young boy who dreams of owning a Red Rider BB gun. He believes that this is the perfect gift for him and tries to prove it to everyone, but while he’s trying to convince his parents, his teacher, and even the Santa Claus at the mall, they all tell him the same thing, “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!” This movie evokes the memories and feelings of your childhood. One of my favorite television specials that I have to watch each year is “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Watching this has become somewhat of a family tradition. I remember when I was about 5 years old staying up to watch it. I would get so excited whenever it came on. This is a great memory for me because that Christmas was one of the best ones I ever had. Another Christmas classic is “Miracle on 34th Street.” This movie is about a man claiming he is Santa Claus. People think he is just a crazy old man, and that leads to a trial in which a lawyer sets out to prove that he really is Santa. To me this movie teaches us to believe that it is okay for people to still believe in things. A more modern movie like “Polar Express” is an exceptional movie, but doesn’t interest me that much. I feel that the movie is kind of slow. The main plot of the story isn’t fully realized until he actually reaches the North Pole. The scenes before he reaches the North Pole seem more like a way to make the movie longer. Christmas is about being with your family. It is a time when all harsh feelings toward one another should go away. I believe older movies capture the true essence of Christmas whereas today’s movies do not.
It’s a regular day in December, and I turn on the TV. As I’m scrolling down the list of shows being televised, I find that most of what’s on are Christmas movies and specials. I choose one of the movies to watch and it is “A Christmas Story.” I think to myself, “Wasn’t this on yesterday?” I continue to watch the movie but after 20 minutes, I lose interest. I realize that this movie and most of the other ones were made in the 1900s. The newer films more appealing than the older ones, which seem to be repetitive and slow. One of my favorite Christmas movies is “Polar Express.” I remember when it first came out, I immediately went to the theaters that following weekend. The movie is about a boy who is on the verge of not believing in Santa. Suddenly, a train pulls up in front of his house. He boards the train, and it takes him and other kids to the North Pole. On his journey to meet Santa, the other children say, “do you hear that bell?” He is the only one who can’t hear the bell until the very end, when he finally meets Santa. I was only 8 when the film was released, so it was just a visually interesting movie with a great storyline. After watching it again, I realized that the movie had more meaning than it did to me back then. “Polar Express” taught me that I shouldn’t doubt the possibility something magical can happen. The boy finds the true meaning of believing in yourself when he finally hears the bells on Santa’s sleigh. The newest Christmas movie that I have seen is “Aurthur Christmas.” I got hooked from the very beginning. When Santa forgets to deliver a gift to a girl, everyone shrugs it off except for his youngest son, Aurthur, an enthusiastic, awkward,and clumsy guy. Aurthur travels to London to deliver the bike, getting lost on the way. It’s only three hours until Christmas and just when he is about to give up, he finds the letter the girl sent, wishing for a bike. He does whatever it takes to get there and doesn’t give up. This movie explains what Christmas is all about- Hope. I prefer newer Christmas movies over the older ones because they grasp the audience’s attention. Movies such as “A Christmas Story” and “White Christmas” are called timeless classics, yet they drone on and seem to never end. These “classics” are played 24/7 on The Hallmark Channel, and often times I find myself changing the channel. Christmas is about being happy. It is about sharing joy with others and about believing in happiness. Modern-day Christmas movies capture the essence of what Christmas is-what Christmas should be.
Graphic by Annamarie Cunningham
Text by Dellanira Alcauter
memorable of any recent book put out by Vertigo, damon heine and arguably any comic company. Chris, while the The Second Coming is here. story revolves around him, is not the most compel And no, it’s not because of a Mayan prophecy ling character. In most cases the supporting characof doom. Scientists have designed a clone of Jesus ters outstage him in backstory and action. Thomas Christ from the Shroud of Turin with the permis- McKael is a fantastic anti-hero. A former Irish sion of the Catholic Church. What do they do then, Republican Army terrorist and a devout Catholic, you ask? The most obvious thing, of course. Create he now serves as Chris’s bodyguard to make peace a reality TV show about the young messiah. with God for all the violence he has caused. This Sean Murphy’s six-issue Vertigo comic book se- creates great tension between him and Chris in the ries asks one important question. “What would Je- later books as Chris argues that Thomas’s mission sus do?” is little more than a fallacy. Rick Slate, the primary The story, which takes place in the not so distant antagonist, is the incarnation of the slimy businessfuture of the United States, revolves around the life man. He’s vile in every sense of the word and his acof Chris, the clone of Jesus Christ. His life itself is a tions let everyone know that he’ll do anything to get media circus and the most successful reality show in money and success no matter who he has to hurt. history. At the same time it causes chaos between the Dr. Sarah Epstein, the doctor who is behind the New American Christians, a militia organization of cloning of Christ, is another compelling figure. She religious zealots and the rest of the American popu- could be as much a villain as Slate because it was her lation. “J2”, the name of the show, has Chris creating science that brought Chris to life. Instead, she is one a variety of miracles that were forged for the view- of the more compassionate and level headed characing public’s entertainment. This causes unintended ters in the story and brings balance to the morally consequences, as Chris, who feels ambiguous supporting characters. his life is being manipulated, reb Environmental issues surprisels against religion, turns atheist ingly have a big influence to the and becomes lead vocalist one of storyline as well. In this future, the last remaining punk bands to humans have failed to stop the bring down organized religion. growth of global warming, and Murphy’s original idea much of lower Manhattan, the stemmed from the political and base of the punk rock army, is religious rhetoric being tossed mostly flooded due to rising sea about during the 2008 presidenlevels. As with the religious probtial election, but the book was not lems that are addressed, these lesreleased until the summer of this sons interwoven into the storyline year. “If I tried to do it years ago feel neither heavy-handed nor when I was younger, I may have overly preachy. They are just simhit readers too hard over the head ply there and that’s all they need with my secular beliefs,” Murphy to be in order for the point to get said. “Now that I’m older, I know across. to pull back and be more inclu This comic is not for everyone. sive.” ff Good: Storyline is Reading it takes an open mind. And more inclusive it is. massively engaging. However, if you are willing to Treading on some very controembrace the rebellious attitude, A great relfection of versial topics such as religion and gritty storytelling and truly unthe media, crafting a story that is America’s seeming derstand the actions of the charcriticizing them and all the while obsession with religion acters and the beliefs that they still have an engaging storyline and reality tv. hold, it will definitely be a worththat doesn’t sound like a public while read. Murphy himself has service announcement is not an ff Bad: Only six issues? I said, “If you’re a fan of cyberpunk easy task. Yet Murphy does this wish this was longer. and don’t mind provoking a little with such ease that you can’t help controversy, then pick it up.” but be caught up in the massively ff Rating: 5 of 5 stars One thing’s for certain, though. engaging storyline. Punk Rock Jesus has got himself a The characters in the story are disciple. some of the most unique and
Graphic by Fe Valencia
Comic book earns disciples
Sports
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inspiring champions
Wall of
chao xiong Girls and boys are surrounded by the walls of the wrestling room. But they’re not just walls. These walls contain the achievements of previous wrestlers whose names will stay in the wrestling room’s wall of fame. The wrestling history dates far
back to the schools early days, but the wall of fame was recently put together. The wall was created in 2008 by John Hittle, a previous wrestling coach. On the wall are photos of past players and the story of how they got to be on it. They could be a league champion, a Sac-Joaquin Masters qualifier, undefeated in
league duels, or a state qualifier. But no matter how great the achievement is, they’re not allowed on the wall unless they graduated from high school. The players don’t necessarily have to graduate from Stagg; they can graduate from schools like Pacific Law Academy and Stockton Early College Academy.
The wall is a way to “honor the achievements of past wrestlers and to give new wrestlers something to aim for,” said varsity coach Andres Uyeda. Eduardo Vargas agrees with the coach and plans to get on it himself. “The wall shows everybody it’s possible to be successful,” the se-
Photo by Nicole Lawrence
Seniors Christian Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas train for the Weston Invite Tournament that took place last Saturday.
What you put in is what you get out
Sports drinks help performance but water still best choice veronica vargo
“Is it in you?” Water, Gatorade, or Powerade? We know that Gatorade prides itself on being the No. 1 sports drink with a G3 series to keep the body ready for any sport activity or physical activity at all. Their rival Powerade also strives for the name “best” but neither of them, according to studies, quite hits the mark like water does. When engaging in physical activity, people sweat. When you sweat, the body is burning carbs and dehydrating. So after a long, tough day at football practice, what’s the best choice? Well, according to the nutrition facts of the drinks, there really is no wrong choice. Although the obvious decision would be water, Gatorade and Powerade also make a lasting contribution. Water is the best way to keep hydrated and quench thirst. However, something that water lacks is what sports drinks contain. Sports drinks contain carbohydrates and electro-
Photo by Annamarie Rodriguez
Senior Kevin Tran stays hydrated with a bottle of water during a varsity football game.
lytes that help replenish the body. This results in your body being able to keep energized longer. When being active, sports drinks will assist in maintaining stable levels of respiration. The presence of vibrant colors makes people want to drink them more than necessary. After a while, the taste is bitter and some continue to drink it because it looks cool, a technique used by the vendors to get consumers to buy it. Those who are not participating in some type of exercise should avoid consuming these drinks. On and off the field, varsity football player Kevin Tran gets the best of both worlds. In the morning and during a game he stays on the water track to keep himself hydrated, which is water’s main advantage over sports drinks. In the evenings after school he enjoys a Gatorade to gain energy for the game. “I’m more sluggish when I don’t drink water.” So the difference is very noticeable when it comes to performance level. Between Gatorade and Powerade, their products are pretty much the same, but Gatorade is known for a higher quality product. On both websites, they seem to acknowledge their opponent but still claim their drink is better. They tend to contradict themselves since they both contain massive levels of high fructose corn syrup that are never good for the body. Also, they both contain electrolytes. Electrolytes are ions created from sodium and potassium. These things can easily be consumed by food items such as bananas or potato chips. To keep from getting thirsty and dehydrated, water is the best choice. Sports drinks are an “every once in awhile” drink that will only benefit you during such activity. In fact, Marcus Sherman, a biology and anatomy teacher, says, “They do work, but the best time to drink one is afterward.” He argues that grown men who play football get dehydrated during games because they are constantly drinking these sports drinks and not drinking any water which is the main hydrant. After a game or hard exercise a sports drink is recommended, but during activity and all the rest of the time, water is the better choice.
nior said. “I plan on getting on the wall by qualifying for master, state, and by becoming Tri-City Athletic League champion.” But Vargas isn’t the only one aiming for the wall. “I think to myself ‘I can do better than them,’” said senior Jose Valdovinos. “Anybody can do it if they put their heart into it.” Even though Valdovinos complains and whines during practice he puts his “heart into it” when it comes to a match. “I leave it all out and try not to think about it.” The wall is filled with mostly boys and very few girls. Because of the few female competitors, senior Seled Galvan and other girls have to compete with boys. She feels that this makes it harder for her to get onto the wall. “I’ll (probably) have better chances to get on the wall wrestling against girls.” But only the “cream of the crop” deserves to be on the wall. “The workout, practices, and matches are hard,” she said. “And I respect them for being able to get up there through these conditions.” The wall of famers had achieved multiple goals and also inspired those that come after them to achieve their own goals. Their success means the success of the whole team. But even though they’re so successful many students don’t know about it. “It’s our way of showing Stagg students the wrestling history,”
Uyeda said. But he Wall of fame isn’t the only wall that should be recognized, there’s also a memorial wall and a wall of excuses. The wall is dedicated to Carlos Ledesma, a 1994 graduate who previously wrestled for the school. He became a police officer and was killed on duty. “It’s given to someone who goes above and beyond,” Uyeda said. Anyone could be on it whether it’s a teacher or a student. There’s no better way to encourage wrestlers to do better than a wall of excuses. This wall was started by the current coach Uyeda and was inspired by the constant excuses given to him by his wrestlers. Having a wall like this means that he and other coaches are able to differentiate whether wrestlers are trying to ditch practice or not. But there are times when new excuses are made and whenever this happens Uyeda just adds them onto the wall. And an example of it is Valdovinos. “During the first few days of practice I told my coach that my mom was picking me up but while I was waiting with a girl, I got caught by one of the coaches. He waited with me for my mom but she never came. I asked him ‘Do I have to go back to practice now?’ And I did.” These walls are used as a way to help the wrestlers aim higher and to do what the poster in the wrestling room states: “Put doubt in its place, flat on its back.”
Remember the time when... you scored in your own goal, tripped out of the blocks, hit
yourself with a bat? Many people have had an embarrassing experience and sports is home for face-blushing moments.
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I was on the block, felt cool. I started off
perfect...then ‘boom’ hit my head on the bottom of the pool... (Sherman) looks at me and starts laughing.” — Ramon Alvarez, senior
“I was throwing a free throw and my hands were slippery and the ball flew behind me... I didn’t know why people were laughing. — Jessica Ibarra, junior
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I was so tired...I wasn’t focused when I got the rebound. I put it back up for them, a lay-up... Everyone was just staring at me.” — Destiny Aho, senior
“During my first match... I attempted to hit the ball but didn’t... I was trying to be aggressive but missed. — Papow Her, senior
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”
my first day at the driving range... ItMywashands were slippery...I swung and let the club go and it flew into a tree.” — Omar Zamora, senior
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Sniffing out trouble
Hired company brings in dogs to search for illegal items
photo by
Nicole Lawrence
Dace, a 7 year old canine, visits the school with his owner as part of a company that specializes in searching bags for items such as weapons, drugs, and other illegal items.
12.21.12
Inside the issue
veronica vargo
It is no longer a surprise when K-9 units appear on campus. In the past, dogs have been mentioned in security letters and the handbooks, but now, their presence is clear. Authorized by the board of education, they are used to increase drug awareness and bring a positive impact to the school. Showing up randomly, an officer and canine search the parking lots, locker rooms, and up to 10 random classrooms. Their time that is spent searching classrooms varies based on how many pauses they have to do to for the people who are caught. The dog’s main targets are marijuana, weapons and other contraband items. So far students have been caught with the scent but did not possess the illegal item. Students are asked to step outside the room while the dogs sniff the students’ bags and various items. They do not have the authority to search a student unless something is suspected in the bag. Those who are caught are immediately reported to Gamal Salama, the disciplinary assistant principal on campus. The contraband item is confiscated, and depending on what it is, a student can be suspended for up to five days. However, Salama says, “it’s not just about catching students, it’s about making students aware.” So even though they have these types of searches at their disposal, getting people in trouble is not their focus. In fact, from the educational point of view, Assistant Principal Youlin Aissa said, “it’s disrupting a classroom regardless of the cause, but in the end it’s beneficial.” Since Aissa has been at previous schools where these dogs were used, she said that they were only
The Stagg Line takes a positive stance on having random searches on campus, which have proven to be successful so far. See EDITORIAL, page 2 protecting the students who are “harmful to themselves.” It is beneficial, she added, that students are now prompted to not bring the items to the campus and focus more on their studies. A canine handler, Debra DeShan, who made the most recent visit to Stagg had a positive outlook on the visit. She was more worried about the students than what her dog, Dace, was doing. Trying to enforce the idea of “thinking twice” about bringing contraband items to school, the random searches will continue. Although it has been proven effective, some students disregard the message. One senior, who requested anonymity, said, “I was happy when the dogs came in and I had my weed in my pocket and not my bag this time.” He later said that he had it on him the next day as well. Not all students are worried about the dogs like junior Oscar Godinez. “When they come I’m just like whatever, I don’t bring drugs so I don’t worry about it.” Godinez also said that the presence of the dogs shakes up the kids who do bring them and that they are not flaunting it as much as they did in the past. These trained dogs and their handlers will appear on campus more often. In light of the recent tragedy in Connecticut, the district may be looking to take more measures to ensure student safety. Aissa says, “it’s just about the students.”
As we all can see, and feel, winter is finally here! Here are some things that students around the campus are saying about the weather... “I love it. I like how the light seeps through the window.” -Faith Recio, sophomore
“Because it’s so cold outside, I don’t even want to get out of bed or leave my house!” -Victoria Stevens, junior
“I hate this weather, mainly because when I get wet, I’m wet all day, especially when I ride my bike to school.” -Anthony Nevarez, junior
“I actually like the cold better than the heat. I like the warm clothes I get to wear. It just gives that holiday feel.” -Arista Dutra, senior graphic by Alyssa
Rojas
Pen pals from France
Students embrace culture of foreign peers alexus plascencia Tiffani Zermeno sits at her computer at home and begins typing the basic, “How was your day?” or “What’s new?” to her 15 year old friend Chloé Lefeuve. But instead of using English words, she’s communicating in French. And of course she’s making sense, considering the fact Lefeuve lives in Belgium. For about a month, the sophomore has been sending emails back and forth to her pen pal that French teacher Debra Berg set her up with. “It feels like I really know her, even though we live two different lives.” When writing to Lefeuve, Zermeno makes sure to use the proper French words. And if wrong, she is then corrected by her Belgian friend. And when typing in English, Zermeno makes sure to catch any mistakes Lefeuve makes. Though they live in two different places, they share similar interests. For example, they watch the same shows that air on Disney Channel. Except in Belgium, the characters are played by French speaking stars. Also, this past Thanksgiving, though not celebrated in Belgium, Lefeuve thought of Zermeno and wished her a Happy Thanksgiving. It made Zermeno very thankful to have a friend like her. From being able to have a pen pal that will not only give Zermeno a chance to be exposed to new things, it has greatly helped in her French writings for class. Zermeno isn’t the only student who has a pen pal, or will have one. Berg, with the help of Ivan Bertoux, a cultural attaché at the French consulate in San Francisco, has partnered the school with Le Lycée de
“
Just being able to communicate with someone outside of the country shows how different our lives can be.” Tiffani Zermeno junior
la Mer, another high school in Southwest France. So soon enough everyone in the French class will be able to communicate with someone across the country. So far, students from the French class have prepared PowerPoints of the city, school campus, athletics, and academics. They are also planning on sending a presentation of the school that will introduce the students in French class, and will still need to ask for contact to get the pen pals started. Berg is more than devoted to get her students exposed to what the world has to offer. She will be taking her annual France trip with her students in March, during spring break, and will hopefully be in contact with the high school the school is paired up with. She also plans to go to San Francisco to exhibit world treasures from the Louvre museum. “I like being able to tell my class and friends about Chloé because they think it’s actually pretty cool,” Zermeno said. “And just being able to communicate with someone outside of the country shows how different our lives can be.”
courtesy of
Le Lycee de la Mer students
(Top) French students pose for a group photo to send to their American pen pals. (Bottom) A small section of the French campus, where students practice sea farming.