The Fourth Estate - March

Laguna Blanca School - 4125 Paloma Drive - Santa Barbara - California - 93110

Volume XVII

Monday April 9, 2012

PHOTO: TARA BROUCQSAULT

Community Celebrates Ms. Mary Jane McCord Seated with her daughter and Mr. Dug Uyesaka, Ms. McCord enjoys tributes from students, alumni, and faculty. The Laguna community shared personal anecdotes, memories, thank you’s, and songs with Ms. McCord as a way of showing their appreciation for “Laguna’s sweetheart.” Page 11.

Students Win Optimist Club Speech Contest

By CATY LAFITTE Not many people think about how optimism can effect their lives.

But on Mar. 14 in Spaulding Auditorium, eight students explained how optimism helps them overcome their obstacles in the Santa Barbara Northside Optimist Club annual Oratorical Contest at the Club Level competition.

In addition to Laguna’s representatives, three boys and one girl were selected to speak on behalf of San Marcos and Dos Pueblos.

Each contestant pre-

sented a four to five minute speech and was judged on poise, content of speech, delivery and presentation, and overall effectiveness.

There are four different levels of competition: Area, Club, Zone, and finally the District level.

Two contestants will be named the winners of the District level contest and will receive a $2,500 scholarship to the college of their choice.

The Optimist International Foundation awards $150,000 in college scholarships each

year.

Senior Andrew McCaffery won the District level contest in 2011.

Junior Daria Etezadi and freshman Stephen McCaffery took first place and gold medals for the female and male divisions in the competition, while sophomore Margaret Lazarovits won a silver medal and freshman Christian Kahmann won an honorable mention.

“When I heard of the topic for the optimism speech a couple months back, I wasn’t too sure

Mr. John Davies Urges Students to Be Present and to Find Their Passion

By JESSIE DUSEBOUT & DARIA ETEZADI

PHOTO: ANASTASIA ANOTONOVA Mr. John Davies

I

n under an hour, Mr. John Davies revealed the secret to success: “Know why you do what you do.”

And if there was ever a question of finding that sense of purpose, Mr. Davies addressed that as well; “Everything you need for life is between your two ears. The trick is learning to get it out of your mouth.”

Mr. Davies discovered

his passion for communications when he accidentally enrolled in a journalism course in college. Although he didn’t intend to diverge from his Political Science- and Economics-based schedule, he ended up starting his own newspaper in graduate school. “But I did not want to be a reporter, I wanted to help create the news,” said Mr. Davies.

Currently, Mr. Davies owns the public relations firm “Davies Public Affairs.” “I solve crises and ensure that opportunities are fulfilled...We help those companies [going through crises] figure out how to talk to the public and tell their story to earn support.”

On Mar. 22, Mr. Davies joined the students in Spaulding Auditorium and conveyed his message.

“People who have a powerful ‘why’ and can share it capture attention and succeed at what they

Kindergartners Visit Members of the Leadership Class have pizza and play games with Swoop’s hatchlings. Page 3.

do,” said Mr. Davies.

In order to communicate his point, he used a captivating powerpoint that included videos of speeches given by successful and influential leaders, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates.

Ultimately, he emphasized the importance of “the message” and “finding out what you need to say” rather than worrying about details like whether the message should be printed on a flyer or brochure.

“We are never going to be less connected. We are never going to be less transparent. We are never going to have less information.”

In light of this observation, Mr. Davies agrees that the best way to effectively use this “explosion of information” is to be selective in choosing what process.

He concluded, “Those who can do that really well will succeed.”

Alum Shines at Hamilton

Ian Carradine ‘11 takes a prestigious award in collegiate Mock Trial competition. Page 5.

Affirmative Action The controversial college-admissions policy is re-examined. Page 6.

Inside the Cloud A look inside the cloud: what really happens in the new cyber frontier. Pages 8-9.

You Are Invited

Spring musical, Once Upon a Mattress, is announced. Page 3.

Kony2012 Up Close Middle School looks at the movement to capture Kony. Page 10.

www.thefourthestate.net

that I would be able to write a good speech. But I gave it a shot, and it paid off,” Stephen said.

Daria and Stephen will move to the next level in Ojai at the Area Contest.

“I am really excited to move on to the next round because this is such a great opportunity for students who enjoy public speaking and want to improve upon their speech deliveries,” Daria said.

Issue 5

The Fourth Estate Makes Laguna History

Stage Band Performs at the Crocodile Restaurant and Bar

By TARA BROUCQSAULT

By STEPHEN McCAFFERY

Members of The Fourth Estate newspaper staff erupted in cheers as they discovered via live web cam from Columbia University that they won the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s Silver Crown Award for the first time.

Crown Awards are the highest recognition given by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association to a student print or online medium for overall excellence.

A total of 1,351 newspapers, magazines and yearbooks and 182 digital news and magazines published during the 2010-2011 academic year were eligible for judging.

The Awards Convocation for Scholastic Crown recipients took place March 16 at Columbia University.

A panel of Crown Judges assembles each year at Columbia University to view all entrants for content, design or presentation, coverage, photography as well as writing and editing.

Judges are experienced former advisers to student media, professional journalists who understand student media or professionals such as photographers.

In the relaxed ambience of the Crocodile Restaurant and Bar, the Stage Band performed a two hour set filled with jazz standards, bossa novas, choros, and funk on Mar. 3.

Senior lead vocalist and guitarist Andrew McCaffery, who has been a member of the stage band since his freshman year, said, “playing at the Crocodile [Restaurant and Bar] gave us the opportunity to experience a more relaxed side of music that is generally untouchable by high school groups. The gig really had a feeling of professionalism and was our best performance of the year, so far.”

PHOTO: PAUL CHIMENT

Ryan Green plays at the Crocodile Restaurant.

Continued on Page 14

Junior Wins Female Youth Leader Award through Global Leadership Connection

By HELENA DAVILA

Westmont’s Page Hall was filled with over 400 local students and their families Mar. 3, celebrating the commencement of the Global Leadership Conference.

Over a series of three days, the students participated in team building exercises, mock college interviews, and they also attended lectures on leadership, responsibility, and goal-setting.

Juniors Daria Etezadi and Eddie Conk were both recognized as exceptional student leaders.

Daria was recognized as the Santa Barbara Female Youth Leader of the Year with a $1,000 college scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. this coming fall for the national Global Leadership Conference.

“I’m still not quite sure what happened. I was so surprised when they called out my name that I had trouble getting out of my seat,” Daria said.

Junior Eddie Conk was also recognized as a Santa Barbara Student

PHOTO: COURTESY OF GLC

TOP AWARD WINNERS: Thomas Aijian, Katrina Rocha, Daria Etezadi and Forbes Bainou win allexpense paid trips to the GLC Leadership Experience in Washington, D.C. Ambassador and earned a scholarship.

This is the third year that Laguna has participated in the GLC. In the first year, Austin Patrick ‘09 won the Male Youth Leader Award and traveled to Washington, D.C. Austin is currently attending the Naval Academy.

Last year, senior Kai Gamble won the Male Youth Leader Award and traveled to Washington,

Celebrating Ms. Mary Jane McCord. Page 11.

Sports

Boys volleyball and tennis, senior Marisa Hutton in the winners’ circle, sports fame face-off. Page 12-13.

Senior Morgan Raith’s Art Featured at the Spring Gala.

Page 5.

D.C. Kai will be attending the Naval Academy in the fall.

The leadership conference not only helps recognize local student leaders, but also helps develop and prepare students for the college experience.

“I thought it was cool to meet other juniors at different schools and I was really excited to win my scholarship,” said junior Eddie Conk.

A&E

Upper School Art Show, Mikles Gallery. Page 14.

Tourist for a Day Biking in the 805.

Page 15.

Cookies Galore Junior Clarissa Coburn’s culinary escapades.

Page 15.

Mobile Mania The safest, the snazziest, the cutest, the crafties—iPhone cases. Page 16.

2

April 9, 2012

The News

Staff Editorial

#Make_Kony_Famous

“It’s always been that the decisions made by the few with the money and the power dictated the priorities of their government and the stories in the media. They determined the lives and the opportunities of their citizens. But now, there is something bigger than that. The people of the world see each other and can protect each other. It’s turning the system upside down, and it changes everything.”

The past few months have proved that the people of the world not only see each other, but they also care about each other. In spite of their idealistic ring, these words, spoken

by Invisible Children Cofounder and Kony 2012 video producer Jason Russell, truly capture the truth exposed through the Kony 2012 social movement.

You no longer need to be an elected official or a wealthy citizen to be influential and generate global interest in your ideas. Through social networking and sites like YouTube, now everyone has the chance to be heard, and Jason Russell has been heard by over 84 million people.

Just a few months ago, Jason was a little-known, passionate humanitarian and caring father. But today he is the man at the center of a global controversy.

The 29-minute Kony 2012 film describes the human rights violations caused by Joseph Kony and his rebel army, and it calls for viewers to join IC’s efforts to “make Kony famous” and demand his immediate arrest.

People across the world were captivated by Invisible Children’s com-

mitment to end violence in Uganda to YouTube and Vimeo, only 20 perand its surrounding countries. cent of people have actually watched Within a few weeks, the previously the entire Kony 2012 movie. One of unknown warlord Joseph Kony be- the harshest critiques came from a man who started in his article with came a household name.

According to Invisible Children, “I have not seen the film.” Before Jason did not expect the impact of people speak out against Invisible the video to be so far-reaching. The Children, they must understand the organization aimed to engage at organization.

Attacks on IC’s finances are also least 10,000 people through their poorly thought out. film, but that goal has Many have combeen far surpassed. plained that Although many only 30 perhave recognized cent of IC’s the film as a valufinances are able effort to raise directed overawareness, others seas. In realhave fiercely critity, 37 percent icized it. goes directly We, as journalto programs ists, are taught to in Uganda. be objective. Thus Another we have made an disregarded effort to underfactor to stand the ambigutake into ity and disagreeaccount is ment that have the Americlouded Invisible can dollar Children’s moveto Ugandan ment. We value shilling expeople’s efforts to change. understand this Also, as part issue and clearly of Invisible Chilvoice their opinions dren’s Schools about it. for Schools With this in Campaign, 100 mind, however, we percent of the have found much money that of the criticism to Laguna stube poorly thought dents have out, unjustified, raised has and simply inacgone directly curate. t DAVIS o Uganda.

In fact, according GRAPHIC: EVA

The personal attacks on Jason Russell are particularly disheartening. The Kony 2012 video was personal to Jason, and therefore many critiques of Invisible Children have pinpointed him directly. As New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof so pointedly asked, “A young man devotes nine years of his life to fight murder, rape and mutilation, he to fight murder, rape and mutilation, he produces a video that goes viral and galvanizes mostly young Americans to show concern for needy villagers abroad—and he’s vilified?”

Whether or not this campaign leads to the capture of Joseph Kony, we must commend Jason Russell for attempting to end injustice in East Africa.

His efforts are certainly more impressive than those of the critical bystanders who have expressed severe skepticism about the Kony 2012 campaign without offering a different solution to the problem.

If on Dec. 31 Joseph Kony is still at large, Invisible Children will not have failed. They have succeeded in mobilizing a generation; they have proven that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but they also have the capacity to create positive change today.

This video awakened many youth to their own capacity to create significant, lasting change in the lives of others, and even the toughest critics of the Kony 2012 movement must acknowledge the value in this.

The Fourth Estate Staff supports Invisible Children in their efforts.

Editor-in-Chief

Letter from the Editor

Jess Davis Managing Editor Andrew McCaffery Senior Editors

Dear Readers,

Anastasia Antonova

I hope that you all enjoyed your spring break! The school year is rapidly coming to an end. Seniors, as of today, we have only 55 days left as high school students—let’s make the most of them! The next few months are filled with exciting events, and The Fourth Estate staff will be closely covering all of them and updating you through our website.

Here are some of the things that we are most looking forward to over the next few months: College Acceptances: Many seniors already know where they will be attending school next year, and others are carefully deciding between various options. Our next issue will feature the class of 2012 and their college choices! Many students are also hearing back about scholarship opportunities. Read about Lauren Alef’s generous award on page 5.

The Spring Musical: We are looking forward to seeing actors, dancers, and singers from grades 6-12 perform in the spring musical. This year’s show, “Once Upon A Mattress”, is a satirical spin on the classic tale of “The Princess and the Pea.” Learn more about it on page 3.

Senior Projects: Starting May 21, seniors will embark on learning projects outside of school. Students will spend 10 days completing internships in career fields that interest them. Each senior will give a presentation about his or her experience on May 11 or 12, so mark your calendars!

Cover the Night: Invisible Children’s Kony 2012 campaign has precipitated enormous controversy. We have been covering this social movement carefully (read the Middle School’s take on the organization on page 10). On the night of April 20, young people across the country will take to the streets and spread the word about Joseph Kony’s crimes by posting posters and stickers. We are looking forward to seeing how this event will evolve!

Portfolio: Laguna’s literary magazine Portfolio will be published in June. The anthology features poetry, essays, prose, photography, paintings and other creative pieces by Laguna students. Make sure to get your copy!

Seattle: The Fourth Estate staff will be taking off for Seattle this Thursday for the JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention . “Like” us on Facebook to receive updates from the staff over the course of our trip!

Here’s to a wonderful rest of the school year!

Jess Davis

Caitlin Connor Helena Davila Jessie Dusebout Daria Etezadi Zoe Serbin

By GRACE WOOLF

GRAPHIC: KYLE VAN DE KAMER

out in the larger Santa Barbara community.”

Aija has set an example for students looking to join the Laguna community because of her ability to focus on her

dream while being a full time student. Mr. Hodges said that she “embodies the well rounded student that can thrive at Laguna.”

Aija was recently featured in The Montecito

Journal, (see photo) where they wrote about her success so far and what she is pursuing in her future.

When asked about what she wants to pursue, Aija said “I want to direct, write and act in films. I hope to make films that show social justice issues.”

In total she has written eight screenplays, five shorts, and three full length scripts as well as directed three movies.

“Too many people see us just as an academic school, and while we do have great results in that capacity, I think it is also important for people to realize that we are also a school where students can explore and pursue an almost endless array of individual areas of interest,” said Mr. Hodges.

W

ith Global Water Day approaching, Hands4Others has launched its newest campaign.

Global Water Day is an international holiday focused on promoting the conservation of water and exposing the harsh reality that 1.1 billion people around the world lack access to clean water.

As a nonprofit that is dedicated to providing access to safe and sustainable water to those in need, H40 has built a fundraising campaign around Global Water

By JESSIE DUSEBOUT Day. In the past, this holiday has been used to bring attention to the amount of water wasted and the “inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene” that is present in much of the world.

On Mar. 22, the public is encouraged to turn off their tap for the entire day.

This is in effort to conserve water and understand the value of this natural resource that so many lack around the world.

Hands4Others recently released their new Global Water Day cam-

paign video that has been broadcast through their website (www.hands4others.org) and other social networking sites.

“The average American family spends $50 a month on their water bill. This Global Water Day we are challenging families to give the equivalent of their water bill to H40 and help us provide families and children with their first taste of clean water,” said Spencer Dusebout, Laguna alumnus and an H40 founder.

With the help of their supporters, Hands4Others is hoping to continue

providing water systems to the 16 countries they have previously funded as well as raise funds to bring water systems to new countries in need around the world.

Hands4Others’ leaders at Laguna will present their new fundraising ideas to the student body within the next couple weeks and an event will be held to celebrate the campaign on April 28.

“This is the time to put our words into actions.

Together we can be the generation that solves the world’s water crisis,” said Spencer.

Laguna’s Student Leaders Unite Both Campuses

By DARIA ETEZADI

LAYOUT EDITOR

Not many high school students can say that they have played “Duck, Duck, Goose” in the past few weeks, but Laguna Blanca’s Leadership class is an exception.

For the first year, Laguna’s Student Council has made an effort to pass on its leadership skills to future generations, beginning with the kindergartners.

Initially, the Student Council strengthened its bond with the class of 2024 by holding Skype conferences with the kindergartners at the end of the school day.

But for the first time, Laguna’s Leadership students met with their protégés face-to-face over Domino’s pizza and field games.

“We want to show them a little bit of life up on the Hope Ranch campus and also create a situation where the younger kids and the older kids can hang out and talk,” said

Morgan Raith Artist Zoe Serbin Kyle Van de Kamer Web masters Elijah Bittleson Edward Conk VIDEO EDITOR Ben Furukawa Staff Jacqueline Berci Luisa Cameron Joey Eckert Caty Lafitte Clara Madsen Aija Mayrock Stephen McCaffery Elise Scheuermann Kaylee Strachan

line that informs and entertains the student body.

The Fourth Estate accepts both print and online advertising in either black and white or color.

Contact Andrew McCaffery at andrewjmccaffery@aol.com for information about advertising and subscriptions “Follow” us on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook.

Visit our online paper for daily updates: www.thefourthestate. net.

Aija Mayrock, who first grabbed everyone’s attention by being the youngest person to win the 10-10-10 screen writing competition in the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, has now established herself as a screen writing and filmmaking powerhouse in the Santa Barbara community.

“She has been seen as a promising student by many because of her fervent drive and passion for film,” said Ms. Trish McHale.

When asked about how he thought Aija represented Laguna, Mr. Hodges said “She’s poised, dedicated, and diligent.

Her success is a tribute to her own hard work and passion. She is setting a great example for future writers and filmmakers both here at Laguna and

H4O Launches Global Water Day Campaign

Eva Davis

Grace Woolf

Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and/or taste.

Anonymous letters may not be published.

The Fourth Estate publishes seven issues per year, and reaches more than 500 students and faculty of Laguna Blanca School.

We mail issues to our subscribers and advertisers, and we exchange papers with high schools across the country.

The Fourth Estate dedicates itself to producing a high-quality publication both in print and on-

Sophomore Steps Closer to Success

Photo Editor

Kyle Van de Kamer

Editor-in-Chief

The Fourth Estate is a public forum for student expression. It is written and produced solely by the journalism students.

It represents the voice of the students and focuses on school events and student life.

The Fourth Estate welcomes guest articles and letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and be no longer than 400 words.

Drop letters off in the main office or e-mail to jess@everybodydancenow.org.

Olivia Berci

April 9, 2012

Faculty Advisor Patricia McHale, MJE

Mr. Tyler Hodges, Head of the Upper School.

It didn’t take long for the relationship to grow beyond digital conversations, particularly when these students gathered around the mush pot and then, lined up against the

“It’s a great way to strengthen the bonds between the older kids and the younger kids,” - Alex Greer fence to play a few rounds of alternative kickball.

In an effort to connect the Lower School with the Upper School, Mr. Tyler Hodges coordinated this event with the help of the Mr. Shayne Horan Head of the Lower School, both of whom hope to develop a more

unified community between both campuses.

“Building connections between those age groups is really good for the kindergartners and they obviously love interacting with the Upper School kids because they seem so big.

The initial Skype sessions were really good exercises for the Upper School kids to interact with the little kids,” said Mr. Hodges.

Based on the reaction of students, parents, and teachers alike, Laguna’s efforts to foster a strong connection between both campuses have been successful in bringing the Laguna community closer together and instilling leadership within its students.

“It’s a great way to strengthen the bonds between the older kids and the younger kids,” said ASB vice president Alex Greer.

PHOTOS: TARA BROUCQSAULT

Two Worlds, One Family: On the sidelines, junior Daria Etezadi talks with a kindergartner over a pizza lunch (top) junior Bryana Schantz gets chased around a circle made of Leadership students and kindergarteners in a classic round of “Duck, Duck, Goose.”

4

News

April 9, 2012

Nuclear Specialist Holds Lecture

By DARIA ETEZADI “On Saturday, I plan on getting arrested to protest the test launching of the [Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)] at the Vandenberg Air Force Base,” said nuclear expert Daniel Ellsberg before a stunned audience at the Lobero Theater.

And he was.

That afternoon, on Feb. 25, Dr. Ellsberg was arrested for trespassing on military property just days after he spoke in Santa Barbara.

But his arrest by the government was only one of around 83 more arrests for civil disobedience against nuclear power, one of which resulted from his decision to release the Pentagon Papers.

As he stood before an intrigued audience and spoke of his activism and protests against nuclear power, Dr. Ellsberg continually noted how America was “a handsbreadth away from nuclear war.”

In an effort to raise awareness about just how real a threat nuclear power is, Dr. Ellsberg spent the evening educating his audience on what the American government has not spent enough time publicizing -- its involvement in potential nuclear wars.

Dr. Ellsberg concluded, “there is no reason in the world in light of these findings for one country to have a doomsday machine of this sort . . . this is outrageously evil.”

Mock Trial Team Competes at the Santa Barbara Courthouse

By JOEY ECKERT

By CAITLIN CONNOR

C

PHOTO: JESS DAVIS

THE LINE UP: The Mock Trial team poses for a picture outside of the Santa Barbara Courthouse during their competition on Sat. Feb. 25.

“I was really surprised Laguna Blanca’s 2012 ecution was determined dant not guilty on the Mock Trial Team com- to prove the defendant count of murder and I received the award bepeted competition Feb. guilty on two counts: the guilty on the count of cause there were a lot of 25 at the Santa Barbara first count being murder, possession of a fire-arm really good schools in the and the second count be- without a permit. competition with many Courthouse.

The competition is ing possession of a fireLaguna’s prosecution witnesses. I was not exdirected by the Consti- arm without a permit. team went against Dos pecting to receive the Lagututional Rights FoundaP u e b l o s award,” Zoe said.

“The team will face tion (CRF), a California na’s prosin the afbased organization that e c u t i o n ternoon, challenges next year be“I was really was created to help stu- team went the de- cause we are losing sesurprised I dents acquire a working a g a i n s t f e n s e niors who were on the received the knowledge of our judicial San Marw e n t team and we need to fill cos, and spots,” Zoe continsystem. award because aS gaa ni ntsat those deued.

This is the 12th year the “I was very proud of Laguna has participated fense team there were a lot M a r i a against the team for competing in the competition.

H i g h of really good even under circumstancMembers of the team C a t e School. schools in the met with coach, Ms. School.

T h e es in which we lost some In the Martha Elliott to practice v e r d i c t team members close to competition on Sundays and week- morning, t u r n e d the competition. I was with many wit- out to be proud of their perforthe prosnights.

She provides students ecution’s the same mance having the toughnesses.” with her insight on law final verin the af- est line-up of any team in -Zoe Serbin dict found and the judicial system. t e r n o o n the competition in terms This year’s case, People the defenfor both of who we went against: being Cate, Dos Pueblos, v Buschell, was a murder dant Ryan sides.

Buschell guilty on the case.

This placed Laguna in and San Marcos,” said Laguna’s defense hoped count of murder and not fourth place overall, just Ms. Elliott.

Ms. Elliott hopes more to prove the defendant guilty on the count of missing the cutoff for members will join and Ryan Buschell (Justin possession of a fire-arm semifinals.

Shand) innocent of kill- without a permit.

Prosecution witness that the School will give For the defense, the Zoe Serbin received the academic credit for being ing his best friend Becca on the team.

Ables, while the pros- verdict found the defen- Best Witness award.

Students Hold Sports Drive

By ELI BITTLESTON & EDDIE CONK It may sound cliché, but the reality is that many kids in Santa Barbara live with parents who work long hours, and these kids are left to entertain themselves in their down time.

The problem with this is that many times when kids are left to look after themselves, they can be misled and end up with the “wrong crowd.”

For many, this is the reality. The Santa Barbara community is diligent in its goal to improve this situation.

The reason some kids may turn to gangs, drugs, or violence is because

Cottage Kids Art Club Holds a Fundraiser

they simply don’t have anything else to do.

Many schools do not offer significant extracurricular activities, and some families are forced to pay for either admission into a pricey sports program, or for balls, bats, jerseys, and other extremely costly equipment which they just cannot afford.

The Sports Drive is just one way to help. The Sports Drive offers solutions to these problems, not only by providing kids with equipment necessary to play sports outside of school, but also by allowing low income

families to sign their kids up for memberships at Boys and Girls Clubs through our Scholarship Program.

On Feb. 25 the doors opened for the third year of the annual program.

It took months of planning all the details for the event to guarantee that all went well on the big day.

Two thousand tickets were circulated to kids throughout the Santa Barbara community through community leaders with whom the group has established relationships with over the years.

“The turnout was amazing! We are proud to proclaim that the SPORTS DRIVE enticed over 1,500 kids to come into the Boys & Girls Club gym to pick out their favorite gear of the day,” said founders Eli Bittleston and Eddie Conk.

“I see every day here at the club the impact that one community event can do to help change the outlook for some of these families in this area and what a difference it is making here at the club,” Kim Kjar, Director of SB Boys and Girls Club said.

ottage Kids Art Club recently took their first stab at fundraising by hosting a successful bake sale in the Upper School.

The proceeds will go directly to benefitting the children in the form of art supplies, which will be packaged and sent to kids at Cottage Hospital They hope for the packages to be delivered some time in April.

Each art project contained in the package is “simple yet satisfying, guaranteed to bring smiles to even the youngest artist,” said Bryana Schantz, founder of the Cottage Kids Art Club.

“I have come to realize how lucky I am to have the life I have, being healthy. It’s easy to take our lives for granted,” Bryana said.

“Volunteering at the hospital and seeing all of the sick children motivated me to come up with a way to share with them something that brings me such joy, that being art.”

Under the supervision of art instructor, Ms. Delphine Louie, the group plans to expand the project.

But first they plan to fundraise more and get the club into the public eye through a possible appearance on the Cottage Radiothon, the hospital’s biggest annual fundraiser.

unior Zoe Serbin was recently around for close to 90 years. recognized by the California Arts Past winners include icons: Andy Project for both her writing as well as Warhol, Sylvia Plath, and Robert Redher artwork. ford.

She swept the California Region of Open to seventh through twelfth The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards grade students with a choice of 28 catof 2012, emerging with a total of 10 egories, The Alliance focuses on recogawards; three for nizing students for their articles written for creative talents and reThe Fourth Eswarding them with not tate and seven art only the honor of the awards. prizes themselves, but The writing with scholarship monawards are Objecey as well. tification...Who’s The submissions are to Blame? Persuajudged by a panel of sive Writing-Silver distinguished writers Key, Bruises to and artists, many of Blood: Violence in whom are past recipiSports, Persuasive ents.

Writing-HonorRobert Frost and able Mention, To Langston Hughes Credit, or Not to served as panelists and Credit, Persuasive renowned children’s Writing-Honorbook author Judy able Mention.

Blume has judged the She earned seven competition for several Photo: EVA DAVIS years. art awards—two of them are for layout & Unmasked in the making: Along with the andesign that she did for Zoe Serbin working on a panel her nual contest, The AlInternet comic “Unmasked.”

The Fourth Estate. liance holds various Zoe’s artworks, Flight exhibits and publishes to the Top and The American Dream a national catalog containing writing have been recognized with Gold Keys. and art from young artists, including Eliana and Nothing to Give have poems from their National Student Pobeen recognized with Silver Keys. ets Program.

Welcome, School Survival Guide, and In addition to writing articles and Double Page: Is it Art?, have been rec- creating most of the graphics for The ognized with Honorable Mention. Her Fourth Estate, Zoe has created a comic two Gold Key awards are now being series which appears on the newspajudged for possible national awards. per’s online website.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Zoe’s talents are also expressed in presented by The Alliance for Young theater. She has a role in Laguna’s proArtists & Writers, based in New York duction of Once Upon a Mattress and City, are regarded as the most pres- will be producing a musical that she cotigious in the country and have been wrote with one of her best friends.

Student Artist Featured at Spring Gala

12,000

Pieces of sports equipment collected and distributed

106 Full Boys & Girls Club

25%

Increase in participation this year

CELEBRATION: Katelyn accepts the first place trophy for Self-Reliance at the 2012 Department of Energy’s sponsored Solar Decathlon. creatively.”

The Solar Decathlon is a biennial green building competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy that challenges college and university teams from around the world.

Self-Reliance took fourth place after teams representing Maryland University, Perdue, and the country of New Zealand.

As the project’s communications represen-

tative, Katelyn played a critical role in the team’s recognition with first place in the Communications Contest, one of three categories which the team placed first in at the exhibition.

Katelyn will spend the summer in Washington D.C. as a Fellow for SmartPower. She will attend the Global Futures Academy, an invitational summit about sustainability in higher education in Salzburg, Austria.

“IN MOTION” a short film by Miles Crist was shot last summer in Europe while driving through tunnels and sailing on the water.

Miles Crist: A Filmmaker in the Making

By CLARA MADSEN Freshman Miles Crist found a deep However, the 10 days given to cominterest in film at age nine when he and plete the 10-10-10 competition overhis friend, with the help of his friend’s lapped with this year’s mid-term week, dad who is a film editor, created a se- posing a challenge to Miles’ completion ries of stop motion films. of his film.

A stop motion film is compiled of a “This competition was a challenge series of photographs that capture an because of the limited amount of time inanimate object. that coincided with finals, so I really Each photograph captures the object had less than 10 days to complete this in a slightly different place thus creat- assignment.” ing the appearance that this object is in This rigorous competition not only motion. stresses the need Miles’ skill and “At age nine, I started for efficient, confilm career have cise, and exceptionmaking films, and I flourished since al work but also the then. need for collaborahaven’t stopped.”

“At age nine, I tion. started making “Collaborating films, and I haven’t stopped.” with a partner was very difficult as He has made over a dozen films in my partner was very protective of her genres ranging from suspense to com- script.” edy.

Currently, Miles’ film career is on Just this past January, Miles par- hold as he is not presently working on ticipated in the 10-10-10 Student Film- a movie; however, this summer Miles making Competition, a competition put is traveling to New York City where on by the Santa Barbara Film Festival he will be making a “city symphony,” with the goal of bringing student film- a short film that concentrates on New makers and film professionals together York City. in order to aid and inspire future film“It’s a tribute to the city.” makers.

Miles draws his inspiration mainly In this competition, a student sub- from other films he has watched and mits a five minute video of their best enjoyed. work; then, five high school students Miles also finds inspiration in the and five college students are selected work of his film industry idol. as finalists.

“Alfred Hitchcock is my favorite Each finalist is partnered with a movie director, so he really inspires student director, screenwriter or film- me.” maker.

In the future, Miles hopes to attend a Together, the student filmmaker film school. In fact, while in New York and student screenwriter produce a 10- City, Miles is planning to tour Tisch, minute film in the 10-day period of the the film school of NYU, and hopes to, Santa Barbara Film Festival. one day, become a movie director.

Ian Carradine Advances in Mock Trial as a College Freshman

scholarships given

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE ROMANOV FAMILY

Lead for Self-Reliance, a solar-powered home, which was designed and built by Middlebury students to be showcased in the Solar Decathlon during fall of 2011.

“My communications role prepared me for much more than just communications work.

It gave me the confidence and skills to promote myself and my work. It taught me to develop my ideas thoughtfully and package them

J

Kids served

Kids received their first bikes

5

By EVA DAVIS

3,800

42

April 9, 2012

Student Artist and Writer Wins Multiple Awards in Scholastic Contest

By the Numbers

Alumna Announced As SmartPower’s America’s Next Eco-Star

ate existing buildings interest.

By MORGAN RAITH “People are more inon campus for efficiency Katelyn Romanov ’07 retrofits and guides new clined to respond to has an innate passion construction projects to positive and celebratory for environmental policy incorporate green build- messaging rather than and renewable energy. feedback that is negative ing strategies.

On March 16 she was As a competitor for and condoning. announced the winner of SmartPower’s Psychological studies online SmartPower’s “America’s campaign “America’s suggest a gap between Next Eco-Star” Contest.

Next Eco-Star,” Katelyn p r o - e n v i r o n m e n t a l Recognition for her received a top percent- knowledge and pro-endedication to environ- age of votes in her favor vironmental behavior, mental outreach, educa- from over 15,000 online so ‘Knowledge is Power,’ tion, and innovation has voters as well as approval but only if the dots are been a long connected time comthrough a ing.

“People are more inclined to c o m p e l l i n g During her respond to positive and cel- campaign. time at LaguEven if na, she was ebratory messaging rather your envirecognized than feedback that is negative rc oa nmmpeani tganl with the top and condoning.”

Senior Projpromotes ect award what is -Katelyn Romanov for her work ‘right,’ withwith the out appealCommunity Environ- from a panel of experts, ing to people’s values mental Council. which allowed her to ad- or influencing behavior As a student at Mid- vance to the top ten out changes, your work will dlebury College, she of 133 nominees. be far less effective than founded “Sprout,” a stuKatelyn won her voters it could be,” said Katelyn dent group dedicated to by not only expressing as advice to other envieducating children in environmental concern, ronmental students. local schools about the but also explaining how She claims the experienvironment, as well encouraging the public ences that best allowed as a Student Chapter of with positive messages her to rise above the comthe U.S. Green Build- about bettering their petition stemmed from ing Council, which al- lives with sustainable so- her position as the Comlows students to evalu- lutions results in greater munications & Outreach

Profile

Photo: TARA BROUCQsault STUDENT STAND OUT: Senior Morgan Raith with one of the decorative murals reflecting this year’s spring gala’s theme ‘Come Fly with Me’ which she painted as community service was held at the Bacara Resort.

Senior Awarded Elks Scholarship

By CATY LAFITTE

Test scores, transcripts, essays, and teacher recommendations are not just for colleges to see.

Laguna Blanca senior Lauren Alef ended up being a national finalist for the Elks Scholarship Foundation 2012 Most Valuable Student Competition and has already earned $4,000.

The Elks National Foundation located in Chicago, Illinois, awards 500 4-year scholarships annually; a total of $2.3 million of scholarships each year.

The Most Valuable Student Competition is open for application to all high school students around the nation.

Each participant has to advance in local, district, and state competitions to then move onto the national competition.

The 500 students who make it to the national level all compete for the first place $60,000 scholarship.

The amounts of the scholarships range from $4,000-$60,000 depending on what place each student gets.

To apply for this scholarship opportunity, Lauren had to send in test scores, essays, her transcript, and letters of recommendation from her teachers.

Some criteria also relate to community service experience.

Lauren found out that she was chosen as a national finalist in February, and then was required to submit a secondary application online to then be eligible for an award.

Lauren will find out what placing and scholarship she receives in mid-April.

Because she has already made it to the national judging level, she will receive at least a $4,000 scholarship no matter what placing she gets.

“This is known to be one of the bigger, tougher national scholarship competitions, so it really is an honor to be recognized,” Lauren said.

PHOTO: Tyler Roberts

MAY I APPROACH THE BENCH?: Ian Carradine (top right) stands with the rest of the mock trial at Hamilton College after a match.

By ZOE SERBIN

L

aguna alum Ian Carradine graduated in 2011 and went on to Hamilton College in New York.

Ian earned the Regional Witness Award: Mock Trial 2012, which is awarded to the highest scoring witnesses at every tournament.

“I was really shocked but happy at the same time.”

Ian joined the Mock Trial team in the fall of 2011 due to his interest in majoring in pre-law.

“Also, it’s a great way to meet new people as a freshman. People take it very seriously and go all out,” he said, not expecting the ‘Mock’ environment to be so serious and competitive.”

But despite the amount of work that goes into it, his favorite part is unwinding after the matches with the team, where he gets to “eat at nice restaurants and get reimbursed afterwards by the school.”

“It’s also cool to spend a weekend away from college at a hotel with your friends.”

Ian’s award was an individual witness award in the case of State of Midlands v. Danny Dawson.

He played either the French cab driver or a bartender for the defense, depending on the order that the witnesses were called.

Now, Hamilton’s Mock Trial team is headed to the Opening Round Championship Series, where Ian will compete on March 25 to see if they make it to Nationals.

Ian has been promoted to plan-A defense’s, where he will play the cab driver.

He will participate in Hamilton’s Mock Trial team next year, given he has time within his schedule. “Hopefully I can pick up a few tricks at my law-office internship this summer in New York City.”

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April 9, 2012

The Opinion

Freedom Drivers

Women of Saudi Arabia bravely protest for the right to drive motor vehicles, and struggle to find freedom from strict gender roles dictated by centuries of religious beliefs.

By MORGAN RAITH In the U.S. we have preconceived notions about girls growing up with Barbie and makeup while boys are raised with Tonka trucks and tools.

These stereotypes continue to follow us as we grow up. However, in this modern age, gender roles are being challenged and blurred. Women have just as much freedom to take a high power job position, run a business, and own their own homes and cars. There is a multi-shaded gray area when we think of what women and men do.

In our society we don’t even really consider this a privilege, it’s just the way things are.

Having grown up in a country with such freedoms and without knowing anything different, I was shocked when I read a news story about the arrest of a Saudi woman and her brother. Her offense: she filmed herself driving her family’s car with her brother in the passenger seat and put the video on YouTube as a protest for women’s driving rights.

Across the world in countries with largely Muslim and Arab cultures, gender roles are almost entirely black and white.

Women are forced by their husbands, fathers, and brothers to conceal nearly all of their skin in the comfort of their own home, which they are rarely allowed to leave.

Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world that does not permit women, to drive a motor vehicle.

In a country that holds such a large percentage of the world’s oil preserves, less than 50 percent of its own population is allowed to get behind the wheel.

This January the Hip Hop artist M.I.A released a music video of her single “Bad Girls.” The video depicts Middle Eastern women driving recklessly and wearing what would be considered provocative clothing. No doubt the video is full of crass stereotypes with Hollywood tainted exaggerations.

GRAPHIC: ZOE SERBIN

However, I think the apparent ridiculousness of the scenes in the video are meant to mirror the insanity of the legitimate political and social restrictions women in that country are forced to live under.

It is easy for us as American’s to look at this situation and say, “Why is this not being stopped?”

An important thing to remember is that this is a culture that has been shaped by centuries of strict religious laws.

Though these women are being exposed to new technologies just as we are here in the U.S., they are still stuck years in the past because it is so difficult to deviate from the social standards that have existed as long as their religion’s history.

When these women stand up and fight for their freedom, they risk everything.

They are told they will bring shame upon their whole family just for getting behind the wheel of a car. What they are doing is extraordinarily brave.

As young women in the U.S. we aren’t legally segregated from any rights because of our sex.

We are able to express ourselves through our clothing and makeup, drive ourselves with only the occasional criticism of our male counterparts, and succeed in any political or occupational environment to heights of equal footing.

Contraception Controversy Continues

By EVA DAVIS The pill that makes politicians queasy and religious leaders uneasy.

The subject of contraception has continued to spark controversy in politics for decades.

However, over the past couple of months, the topic has become an increasingly heated issue in the wake of the Obama Administration’s January announcement that as part of the health care reform law, most health insurance plans must cover the cost of contraceptives for women.

This sparked outrage particularly among religious and conservative groups, many claiming the new regulation would be a threat to religious freedom. Several weeks later in In February, President Obama announced that an “accommodation” would be made for church-affiliated schools, universities, hospitals, and charities.

However, many in the Republican Party claimed that this was a trick of some sort to burden religious employers with the cost at a higher premium in the future.

In response, Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer stated a valid point, “When insurers provide birth control, they save money.”

Before the new regulation was announced, 28 states had similar rules.

Even so, some continue question the necessity of contraceptives. Aside from the fact that our country has the highest reported number of unplanned pregnancies out of any developed nation, some birth control methods are used as medical treatment for the prevention of ovarian cysts, severe PMS, and severe acne.

Despite the fact that the birth control pill has been around since 1960, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 48 percent of pregnancies are unintended.

When looking at the variety and

Conservatives argue that condoms are inexpensive and readily available and that the high rate of unintended pregnancy simply reflects the conscious decision not to bother with protection. volume of contraceptive options in our country, these numbers don’t seem to add up.

One third of women who start a new type of birth control stop within one year, largely due to changes in

PHOTO: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA

insurance coverage.

This is one of many factors that led to the Obama Administration’s recent unveiling of a policy requiring health insurance plans to include contraceptives free of charge for women.

The decision sparked harsh criticism from Roman Catholic institutions along with other religious groups.

A revision was then made to the policy which held the health insurers (rather than the institutions) responsible for the cost.

Intrauterine Devices are some of the longest lasting and require the least maintenance.

The downside of an IUD is the cost: $400.

For some, that may not seem like much at all; however, for a student, an unemployed woman, or anyone facing financial hardship, $400 is pretty far out of reach.

Conservatives argue that condoms are inexpensive and readily available and that the high rate of unintended pregnancy simply reflects the conscious decision not to bother with protection.

However, the teen birth rate (an estimated 85 percent of teen pregnancies are unplanned) in the United States is about six to eight times higher than Europeans countries, such as the Netherlands which offers free birth control to anyone who wants it.

In the end, it seems logical that contraception for women be included in health plans (with the exemption of those provided by religion-affiliated organizations), especially considering the fact that Viagra is covered by the majority of health care plans.

The Opinion

Does the American Dream Still Exist?

What is the American Dream? Is it something that is still within our reach? Do we aspire to attain it? What can we hope for the in future?

By HELENA DAVILA Whatever happened to the American Dream we knew eighty years ago?

In 1931, James Truslow Adams popularized the phrase “American Dream” in his book, Epic of America, a detailed history of America’s heritage written by one of its most respected historians.

He wrote, “Life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.”

Later, the term American Dream, became used more commonly in literature, and began appearing in books like, Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, and Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.

For years, the American Dream has been classically defined as a national ethos of The United States in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity, success, and upward social mobility for anyone who worked hard enough.

America was known as the land of opportunity; it was the place to come for a new start, a clean slate.

Immigrants from all over the world flocked to America beginning in the 1800s, all searching for land, new opportunities, and a fresh start.

Thus, this begs the question: does the American Dream still exist today?

Is America still known to be the land of prosperity and endless opportunity?

People used to come to America for protection from persecution, oppression, or economic hard times.

They used to come with hopes of prosperity, success.

Now gracing the headlines of newspapers and online news sites around the world, the United States seems to be getting more publicity for its struggling economy and unhappy

Diversity is not synonymous with the presence of different races...

7

By JESS DAVIS Our definition of diversity must also encompass differences in ideology, religion, political opinion, and socioeconomic status.

I believe that diversity is essential to academic vitality on college campuses. During the college application process, I specifically sought out schools that share my interpretation of the word diversity.

I will be attending Claremont McKenna, my first choice school, in the fall. I was drawn to CMC, in part, because of its commitment to diversity of thought. Unlike most liberal arts schools, Claremont McKenna is balanced in its representation of different political perspectives.

As a progressive Democrat, I would, perhaps, be more comfortable at one of the many liberal arts schools that are highly representative of people who share my liberal political beliefs. However, I believe that in order to grow intellectually, you must force yourself to listen to views that conflict with your own, and challenge yourself to understand them.

At Claremont McKenna, one third of students are Republicans, one third of students are Democrats, and the remaining third identify as Independent voters. The faculty is equally diverse, and classroom debate is not only encouraged, it’s expected.

I believe that affirmative action is important, and that college campuses should have the authority to take factors other than standardized test scores, GPA, and extracurricular activities into consideration in order to create a college campus that will foster intellectual growth.

However, quantifying diversity simply in terms of the number of races or countries represented in the student body is regressive.

Racial minorities are, unfortunately, still underrepresented on college campuses. This is a disparity that must be bridged, but I do not think that simply focusing on race is the most effective way to promote diversity in universities; other factors are equally important. Socioeconomic status, for example, should be taken into consideration.

The purpose of college is broader than simply the accumulation of knowledge; in order to produce graduates who will precipitate societal progress, colleges must prepare their students not only academically, but also socially, and promoting broad diversity is key for this to occur.

Laguna Blanca’s AP US History class of 14 juniors was asked: Should race be considered in admission at public universities?

The American Dream is evolving; it’s changing and developing with time. political protestors than its “endless opportunities.”

One of our most trying debates is illegal immigration, especially from Mexico.

Migrant workers struggling to make ends meet risk their lives as they flee across the border into America seeking work often in agriculture for money to send home to Mexico.

Is this what has become of the American Dream?

Illegal immigrants hope to earn the peanuts that are the wage of an agricultural worker so they can send money home?

Perhaps not. Travel deeper into the elementary schools of America and ask any first grader the dreaded question, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’

It may seem a cliché thing, passé even, to ask, but you’ll be surprised the answers you get.

An excited seven-year-old will answer, “A paleontologist,” “A race car driver,” “A movie star.”

It would be difficult to find an elementary school child without drive or without a dream of something big.

The American Dream is evolving; it’s changing and developing with time.

No longer does the dream of buying land and comfortably living off the farm exist for most.

Yet, America revels in its self-made icons: Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, Oprah Winfrey to name a few.

Turn on the television to find endless shows of opportunity, America’s X Factor, Next Food Network Star, Top Chef, and American Idol.

There is no doubt America is still very much the land of opportunity, and America takes great pride in that.

Although it has changed and developed with time, the American Dream is alive and well, thriving in the land of opportunity.

April 9, 2012

R

By OLIVIA BERCI

ace matters in our culture. However, society all too often classifies race in unsensible and unfair ways. Race seems to operate in veiled denial or take on a filtered disingenuous definition. We are more diverse as a culture than we have been ever before, but our diversity, only in part, stems from difference in race, and that part is not rooted in the cookie cutter mold it is forced into by stagnant admissions policies. Rather, it is rooted in the traditions, beliefs, and experiences that difference in culture fosters.

I would argue that, today, class and race are progressively becoming less interwoven, and our society has outgrown using race as a reliable cipher for obstacle or background.

In the realm of admissions, affirmative action refers to the policies that take factors including not only race, but also religion, gender, sexual orientation and national origin into consideration in order to benefit underrepresented groups in a student body.

Affirmative action is an effort to counter the effects of a national history of discrimination.

However, this is a history that continues to develop—to both grow and regress.

The efforts of admission offices need to grow and mold to this evolving history of discrimination.

In the face of this challenge, admissions is confronted with another—a counterproductive backlash claiming to “reverse racism.” Whether admissions comes to adopt a “color blind” system, some definition of diversity will not cease to permeate our lives, whether we chose to acknowledge it or not. To argue that race shouldn’t hold any value in the admissions process isn’t effective.

Affirmative action is not aimed at polarizing the student body.

Its policies are intended to break down the opinions that “reverse racism” is taking on.

Affirmative action is part of a movement toward increasing the transparency of the admissions process. Admissions is not, nor should it be, based on a competition between races. Admissions is rather, focused on composing the face of a student body—a face that should reflect the interests, experiences, challenges, personalities, and self-defined identities of a diverse cross section of students to create an effective learning environment. In this student body, diversity in its most transparent and most just form can thrive. This is a student body that, as a college freshman, I hope to be proud to be a part of.

J

By ZOE SERBIN

With the birth of the Internet, we’re exposed to a lot of new information and substance. And yet, most of what we see on the web is nothing but empty entertainment, which brings untalented people to the spotlight and leaves many with something to show undiscovered.

ust one click and the video is up for millions to see. To welcome you with open arms or to reject you and rip you apart in front of everyone.

With the birth of the Internet, we’re seeing more and more people becoming stars on YouTube, the video sharing site.

It’s strange that some people who have virtually no talent can become household names for singing with autotune, making ridiculous videos, or simply talking about their life.

And frankly, it’s pretty irritating when I see artists with actual talent and actual voices being overshadowed by pointless internet mush.

Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of people who’ve struck gold with their talent.

Justin Bieber was discovered on YouTube, and he’s really rolling in the cash.

He makes $53 million a year, so I’d say he’s doing pretty well.

And there are plenty of other people who have gained a fanbase through their YouTube videos with their actual talent. I can name several just off the top of my head.

But when I compare Jayme Dee, a singer/songwriter on YouTube who was just recently signed to a record label and is featured on the “Hunger Games” movie soundtrack, with someone like Fred, whose videos gross over 10 million views and have very little importance to

GRAPHIC: ZOE SERBIN

them, I find it ridiculous how fickle society can be.

Sure, it’s fun to flop down on the couch after a grueling day at school and zone out on the internet.

But why do we gravitate so much to people acting like plain idiots on purpose?

What’s the point in that?

There is something intrinsically wrong when we instantly gravitate towards mindless and menial things to keep ourselves from growing bored. Instead, it detracts from things and people who actually matter.

Take the most recent example, Kony 2012, which was produced by the Invisible Children nonprofit and explains the importance of capturing warlord Joseph Kony in Africa.

If you haven’t seen this video, you’re either as old as a rock or have been living under one. In the week since its release, it’s grossed over 70 million views.

This is an amazing example of what we can do if we direct our attention to things with substance instead of fluff.

This is what we should be doing–making things famous for a reason, getting the names of people with talent and potential out there into the world, instead of watching most of the pointless time wasters that have somehow become popular and acceptable.

Double Page

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What Exactly is it?

By HELENA DAVILA

N

o, not the kind up in the sky that sometimes looks like dinosaurs or cotton candy, but the technological kind.

The kind of cloud you hear about in the Mac store, read about in Time magazine, but don’t really understand what the heck it is.

Two weeks ago, I was that person. To me, the cloud was just about as foggy as the real kind.

Mildly intrigued by this new development, I hopped on Google and started researching.

To my surprise,

the cloud isn’t nearly as complicated or as complexly conceptual as I had anticipated.

Put simply, the cloud is a giant external harddrive for all your word documents, photos, music, and other worldly technological possessions on the Internet.

You can access whatever applications, files, or data you have opted to store in it–any time, anywhere, from any device as long as you are connected to the Internet.

Understanding how the cloud was created, where it comes from, and how it works, is much like attempting to understand magic. For most of us.

However, how to use it, why it’s useful, and what it is? Very much your concern.

A recent study has shown that the average American consumes more than 100,000 words–totaling 34 gigabytes–of data each day.

Clearly, not all of that information is being filtered through whatever device you happen to have on hand, but a small portion of that information is put into your laptop, smartphone, etc.

Let’s say you’re working on a paper at home on your laptop.

After slaving away for hours, countless trips to dictionary.com for the perfect word, and endless researching and highlighting, you have, indeed, the perfect research paper.

What ensues now if you happen to oversleep the following morning, rush off to school and realize your perfect research paper is still saved safely away inside your laptop which is ohso-conveniently left at home?

Let’s assume you were like me, and had no idea what the heck the cloud

was, didn’t know, didn’t really care too much, none of your data is in the cloud, including the perfect research paper.

Now what happens?

In short, you’re stuck turning in the perfect paper one day late all because your paper wasn’t uploaded to the cloud.

However, had you been perhaps feeling tech-savvy a few days before, you could have uploaded any files of your choice into the cloud to be accessed from any Internet-connected device anytime, anywhere in the world.

This, my friends, is why the cloud is so gloriously and endlessly useful.

Visit your friends in Australia and show them pictures of your dog back home from their tablet; share music with your uncle from a computer in a random Internet cafe in Oregon; or heaven forbid you drop your computer, it internally combusts, exploding in a shower of sparks and fireworks, and there’s that ominous sinking feeling that your entire digital life has gone up in smoke, you can rest assured, because you upload everything to the cloud, that although your poor computer may now only exist in the form of shrapnel, your entire digital life is, in fact, completely intact and safe, in the cloud.

iCloud

Dropbox Google Docs

Pros Cons The

The

By ANDREW McCAFFERY

W

Layout & Graphics: Anastasia Antonova & Zoe Serbin

9

April 9, 2012

e’ve all seen that Apple commercial, the one where John Smith takes a photo with his iPhone and, instantaneously, the same picture of John Jr. is downloaded onto the Smith family iMac. While, to some, this airbrushed take on today’s technology may seem like science-fiction, it’s not.

What you and I saw in this advertisement was reality. What you and I saw was cloudcomputing.

Truth be told, cloudcomputing–or as it is informally known, the Cloud—has been around for some time. At this point, you should already know this truth—if not, you need to take a 12inch stroll in the NorthWest direction.

Now that you are a seasoned meteorologist, my argument for the Cloud should come as no surprise.

The Cloud is a building block for progress and innovation. It saves time and money, requires very little physical space, and brings the world into an even-tighter technological bear-hug.

Let’s start with efficiency: instead of spending countless hours maintaining, fixing, and updating hardware—

By JESSIE DUSEBOUT & DARIA ETEZADI

O

especially servers—a with smaller businesses), ut of sight, out overwhelmed by their company can actually furthering the stew-pot of reach, out of increasing workload focus on its mission. of ideas and innovation. touch. to gain control of Since data is stored in In other words, There was a time when their “work” and work cyberspace, hefty servers the Cloud is a golden our efforts were tangible expediently. In order to are rendered obsolete, opportunity; it –when childhood photos rectify this, technicians and less equipment reallocates and reduces were neatly organized developed a system results in less money the need for valuable into scrapbooks, resumes by which all digital spent. resources, especially were tucked away and information can be On top of reducing time and money; it essays would pile up on stored in one place–in the amount of physical allows an unprecedented our desks. one cloud. space needed, the Cloud level of global buy-in; But it seems as though While a single cloud facilitates the transfer of and finally, it eliminates our work has taken to the may seem harmless, one information, especially the wall of entry fees that sky. Literally. must consider the risks of larger files. This plague small businesses.

We used to pursue associated with trusting means less paper is used, an abstract storage which not only saves device with all of your money, but also helps important and valuable the environment. information.

Since information can Should the cloud be saved in the Cloud, crash and fail, it can be accessed it will destroy remotely, “The Cloud is available wherever you everything. a l l o w i n g For the many have fast Internet connection. But of for more businesses that simultaneous have entrusted course it’s a security issue. If somebody brain power. t h e i r A n valuable hacks your account and it’s in the example information of this Cloud, you might essentially lose it all.” to these can be d i g i t a l seen in storage the use devices, and of Foldit, the dedicated an online students intent game that on pursuing a allows people higher education, around the world technological such risks aren’t worth to solve protein-folding On a more advancements to cut back taking. puzzles—their results are personal level, the Cloud on infant mortality rates, And with good reason, used in the research of relieves a great deal of to extend the average too. Last April, Amazon’s various diseases. headaches: for John life expectancy, and to cloud service crashed, Lower operating Smith and family, the ensure the safety and resulting in the failure costs, combined with Cloud is an intuitive step survival of the people. of multiple businesses’ connectivity and easy into the faster, smarter, We have entered a websites. access, allow for more and safer realm of vicious cycle in which Beyond the explicit competition (especially technology. students are too risks posed with the

- Mr. Ladislav Laza, LBS Network Administrator

use of the Cloud, its abstract qualities result in it affecting Internet users who may not have even signed up for its services.

A study by Gerry Smith of the Huffington Post revealed that, “millions of Gmail, Twitter, and Facebook users access cloud-computing every day, perhaps without even realizing it.”

Cloud users discovered that is not as safe and secure as it should be.

Technological experts have unveiled that even amateur hackers can break into storage devices.

Last June, Dropbox, a medium through which users can access the Cloud, disclosed a security glitch in their system that permitted any Dropbox user to log into any account by entering any password.

Researchers at UCSD and MIT were able to hack into the Amazon Cloud service by creating a “mock” Cloud to trick the security system of the real Cloud into leaking its users’ information.

Users of cloud storage “have to be comfortable with someone else holding all your data,” said Jamz Yaneza, a threat research manager with the security firm Trend Micro.

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April 9, 2012

S

chool has been buzzing with a new name, “Kony.” Over the last month, social networking sites and newspapers have been saturated with him. Students have been putting “Kony 2012” posters up around campus. Fundraisers for Invisible Children and video screenings are being discussed and the Kony bracelets are sold out. “Instagram” users have been posting pictures of Kony and blogs are all the buzz. It seems as though the whole world knows about Kony, and the Upper School is very involved. But what about the Middle School?

A few weeks ago, I handed red cards out that said, “Make Kony Visible” to Middle School students and teachers. Another student who was eager to get involved, Savannah Benz, helped out.

“I went to Kinkos and printed large posters. I’m going to put them up all around town to inform Santa Barbara of Kony and his horrible acts.”

Furthermore, the class vice president, Lilla Petruska and I taped about two dozen page-sized posters around the Quad, covering everything from the volleyball net to trash can lids. While we were doing this, I heard some remarks that surprised me.

“Handing out flyers won’t help,” one student said. Another mentioned how he didn’t think Kony was real and thought he was just a scam. It made me wonder, is Kony a phony?

Am I doing the right thing by passing out flyers? I told myself positive things: I was getting the word out about Kony’s acts of violence. But was it enough?

Invisible Children’s goal is to make Joseph Kony famous; but shouldn’t he be made INfamous?

DAWG is a Dog’s Best Friend

By JACQUELINE BERCI

Y

ou feed them, walk them, and most likely talk to them, but most of all you love them. It is a simple fact: the dog is a man’s best friend.

But dogs need friends too. Dog Adoption and Welfare Group (DAWG) fills this need. It is a dog’s best friend, being the only no kill dog shelter in all of Santa Barbara.

According to the ASPCA, four million dogs are euthanized annually in the United States.

DAWG’s mission statement is to “provide a safe and loving environment PHOTO: for dogs awaitLORI CAPPELLO ing permaHaley Bankhead with nent adoption adopted dog Bandit and promotes their adoption through outreach programs in the Santa Barbara community.”

Recently, Laguna’s fifth grade class took a field trip to DAWG. The trip was a community service opportunity for the class. Mrs. Lori Cappello, mother of fifth grader Dominic and DAWG volunteer, organized the trip.

The students had some hands on fun with the dogs. They also learned how DAWG works to reduce the number of dogs that are euthanized each year.

Fifth grader Demi Robitaille said, “It was fun—you got to actually go in the cages and not just look at them. We got to pet them and feed them.”

The students also learned about the dogs. Fifth grader Sophie Henderson shared, “I like how they told us about each dog!”

Not only was this field trip an enjoyable opportunity for Laguna’s fifth graders, but it also resulted in two

Middle School

Feature

After learning ia . . . wait, is that right? I don’t know,” this, I was shocked. she replied. I was a bit concerned-—she These devastating wasn’t even naming real places—wasn’t acts have been go- her school teaching her these things?

“Okay, next question: do you know who ing on for years and our community has Joseph Kony is?”

Immediately her eyes lit up and she rebarely heard about it?

Something needed to sponded, “Oh yeah we learned about him and school and I saw him on the news and be done.

And something he’s a really bad man!”

So she knew who Kony was but not is being done. The Middle School stu- where Kony was. Is the majority of the dent council has been American population this way?

“The world needs more knowledge talking about it, and class advisories are about the circumstances in Africa,” said making it a major eighth grader Jacqueline Berci.

The Invisible Children Kony 2012 video discussion topic.

“I’m super angry was powerful for some, and not so poiabout what Kony is gnant for others. Darwin Miguel, a current doing and I want to 8th grader, said that, “Invisible Children help,” says Vice Pres- should put more time into helping kids ident Lilla Petruska. than making films.”

“Whenever possible, differences in “Invisible Children opinion should be resolved peacefully. should take more steps The little research to stop him and push I’ve done on Kony the news in Congress’ suggests his methods are the opposite of face.”

When seeing the phrase: MAKE KONY peaceful. Consequently, he should be pre-Lilla Petruska FAMOUS, I immediately connected the vented from operating by whatever means word “famous” to “good.” I knew what necessary, preferably peaceful,” said Mr. Kony is doing in Africa is beyond bad. So Durward Brandis, head of the Middle “Invisible Children was good about I was confused. Were the students in my School. class equally puzzled?

“Invisible Children is having some logis- making him famous for his bad acts, but Kony began to intrigue me even more. tical issues. They need to make sure they they should take more steps to stop him The fact that he was hiding from the Ugan- have their organizational ducts in line be- and push the news in Congress’ face,” Lilla dan government and people were search- fore making a big move. Africa is a forgot- said as she organized the red and blue posting for him hooked me into the story. I had ten continent; there have always been long ers. “The most important thing that Invisible Children can do is to get America aconly heard bad things about him; I didn’t seated hatreds in African countries. really know what or But I’m interest- tive about Kony’s arrest,” she continued.

Is there a way to end the LRA peacewho exactly Joseph by the immense “Kony is violating the ed Kony was. I knew a viral interest. I fully, as Mr. Brandis said?

“I’m pretty much OK with this operation. certain unalienable few Middle Schoolmean, you look I’d love to see the LRA cleansed from the ers felt the same at past genocides rights given to way. in these areas and face of the earth, and I think there’s a deall people; he is After giving a you see what little cent chance of being able to do it now. This “Kony card” to an news coverage mission is, obviously, being done with the manipulating the cooperation of the Ugandan government. eighth-grade girl, there was. minds of children.” she stopped me and There are people It’s small and focused, and there’s every said, “Oh, is this for who couldn’t name reason to think it will remain small and -Pierce O’Donnell the Kony thing?” I three places in Af- focused,” wrote political blogger Kevin said, “yes.” rica but now know Drum.

Could shipping American troops and She went on, “Can you explain to me the name Kony. Hopefully something will who he is because I don’t really know, and be done,” said science teacher Mr. Zack military advisors to Uganda possibly result in a war? I think we all fear that. everyone keeps talking about it.”

Moore.

“I don’t think we should send U.S. I started to tell her what I knew about I decided to test this statement on my Joseph Kony—that he was a horrible man 11-year-old sister. Would she be able to troops to aid the Ugandan military,” stuwho kidnapped children in Uganda-—but name three African countries before nam- dent Serena Bonn said.

The questions about Kony and the hopes I found that I didn’t have enough to say ing Kony? about him and his crimes; I barely knew “Name three countries in Africa,” I told and fears of the final outcome are endless.

But I believe we all agree that where you anything at all. So I did a bit of research. her.

I learned that Kony is the leader of a vioShe hesitated. “Ummm, Ghanda, Zamib- live shouldn’t determine whether you live. lent rebel group called the Lord’s Resistance Army and is the International Criminal Court’s most wanted criminal.

For more than 20 years he and the LRA have been abducting children, turning the

By JACQUELINE BERCI girls into sex slaves and the boys into LRA soldiers.

One in every eight ba- Mathew Goldsholl was a bies in the world is born premature baby born at lucky fifth graders adopting their own premature and 12.5 per- Cottage Hospital where cuddly canines from DAWG. The field cent of babies born in the he spent a week in the trip was probably a bit more exciting United States are born NICU. for Milo Hensley and Haley Bankhead, Now 13, Mathew wantpremature. seeing as they got to bring their own Over one million pre- ed to give back to the dogs home with them. mature babies die each hospital unit that helped Haley Bankhead has him when he was a preyear. never had a dog before.

Thanks to Neonatal mature infant.

Needless to say, she was excited to get During the Middle Intensive Care Units her new dog after a full year of plan(NICU) premature ba- School’s activities pening to do so. Haley and her family adPHOTO: JACQUELINE riod, Mathew sold pizza bies do not have to die.

BERCI opted a Dachshund named Bandit.

Santa Barbara’s NICU for a dollar a slice raising “I think DAWG is a good shelter beis located at Cottage Hos- money for the NICU. cause it rescues dogs from other shelHe raised $75 and 100 was donated to Cottage pital. ters that are on the kill list, and they Laguna seventh grader percent of the money Hospital’s NICU. are a no kill shelter,” said Haley.

Milo Hensley was quite surprised and excited his family and him adopted their first dog, a Terrier named Chicken.

“I think it is a nice dog shelter; I like it better than the Humane Society, which is right next to it, which we looked at too,” said Milo.

Even if you are not planning on adopting a dog, the opportunity to volunteer is open to all. With countless opportunities to volunteer such as walking the dogs, bathing and grooming the dogs, dog socialization, providing clerical assistance, helping at community events, adoption counseling, cleaning, gardening, and general repair jobs.

There are numerous dog shelters in Santa Barbara, but only one that does not kill any dogs at all—DAWG. Laguna’s fifth graders learned the importance of DAWG and had a little puppyplay time too; a few even got to bring

April 9, 2012

11

Laguna honors ITS “sweetheart”

By EVA DAVIS

There are several things that set our butter and jelly sandwiches, lemon small school apart from most private bars, brownies, strawberries, crackers, educational institutions. One of them pretzels, and several of her own deliis the strong community at the core cious dessert recipes. of it all, but when you take a closer On top of it all, she always rememlook, there are a few even more spe- bers to pack things for the handful of cial things—people—at the heart of our kids with food allergies, even difficult community, and Ms. Mary Jane Mc- ones such as wheat intolerance.

Cord is one of Laguna’s very special A couple of summers ago she even people . called senior Cameron Platt at home to Ms. McCord secret to winning every- let her know that she had found delione’s heart might have something to cious gluten-free cookies and that they do with her offering a delicious home- were on sale at Vons that week. made dessert or a classic peanut butter On March 14, the Laguna community and jelly sandwich after came together to honor a particularly painful fiand celebrate Ms. McCord nal exam.

For over 30 and to thank her for all she For over 30 years she has done for our School years she has has graced our campus and every person on camgraced our and is such a huge part pus. campus and is of the Laguna family.

Current and former stuBeing a lifer myself, such a huge part dents, faculty, and parents Ms. McCord has watched flooded the Upper School of the Laguna me grow up. She has campus to take part in the known me longer than family... She has celebration. the vast majority of the always done A handful of people teachers I’ve had in high shared funny and equally everything in school. moving memories of time her power to On warmer days, it’s spent with the most loved standard to see her walk- make our days a woman on campus. ing around with bags of Additionally, a couple little bit better. popsicles to offer to studozen current students— dents to help them cool led by English teacher off a bit.

Dr. Ashley Tidey—shared short and She has been known to bring her personal thank you’s, ranging from lovely desserts, the new latest recipe “thank you for always feeding us,” “you she’s found, for an advisory who may even called my house to ask if I liked have forgotten to bring snacks that nuts in my brownies,” to sixth grader week.

Aura Carlson’s touching appreciation, In addition to being so kind and self- “thank you for helping my mom when less, Ms. McCord is also hilarious and my chicken died, so that she could help very witty. During finals, she has con- me.” soled us with statements like, “I know Ms. McCord’s daughter was able to that test is probably is terrible, but why attend, but many family members were don’t you get it over with so we can not. For those who couldn’t attend, have some snacks.”

Director of Technology Ms. Barbara Ms. McCord, dubbed “The Queen of Remick filmed the event on her iPad the APs” always makes sure we are all and streamed live footage to her family well-fed during the crucial and stressful members around the country. time of final exams and standardized The title “substitute teacher” does no tests. Often her array of food could put justice to who Ms. McCord is, and there most Thanksgiving meals shame. certainly could never be a substitute for She sets out do-it-yourself peanut her.

Grown and Giving Back

Waiting and Watching

“Mary-Jane exemplifies how I hope to live each day.” ~ James Tur, Academic Services Assistant “She’s a kind-hearted person who always puts other people’s needs before herself.”

Brian Miguel, “Ms. McCord is always willing to 11th Grade help anyone who needs it.”

“She has always gone out of her way ~ JT Aubrey, to volunteer to cover a lunch duty 11th Grade for me or to share a kind word or observation.” ~ Carol Nordgaarden, English Teacher

PHOTO: MR. CONSTANTINO

Eighth graders in Ms. Woodard’s history class wait to enter into the Santa Barbara Courthouse to watch the 2012 Mock Trial competition.

W

PHOTO: LORI CAPPELLO

Milo Hensley with his newly-adopted dog named Chicken.

By JACQUELINE BERCI

hile Laguna’s 2012 Mock Trial prosecution team competed against Dos Pueblos High School’s defense team, eighth graders in Ms. Woodard’s history class observed the trial.

The opportunity was offered as extra credit because it ties into their study of the Bill of Rights as well as the United States legal system.

Not to mention, this adventure may lead future high schoolers into Mock Trial.

Eighth grader, Danielle Abrams said, “I definitely want to do it in the future — it seems like it would be fun to participate in!”

Waiting for their turn to Mock Trial, the eight graders watched intently as the trial went on.

PHOTOS: EVA DAVIS, ANASTASIA ANTONOVA, TARA Broucqsault

12

April 9, 2012

Boys Varsity Tennis

By JOEY ECKERT

Boys Varsity Volleyball

A

lthough the varsity team has only one returning player from last year, varsity head coach Dillan Bennett has a positive outlook on this year’s season and is shooting high.

In a statement about the season, Bennett said, “Last year we had nine seniors and a sophomore. So starting the season, I have one returning player who has experience at the varsity level. We have a lot to learn in a short season, but this group has two, if not three solid chances at a CIF Title.”

The team’s inexperience shined bright in their first match. They started the season with a rough loss at Hueneme in four (12-25, 2523, 17-25, 19-25).

However, the team still has many chances for the rest of the season. The loss has motivated the team to work harder in practice and to be more focused on the matches.

Despite starting with a loss, junior co-captain JT Aubery is still looking forward to the rest of the season. Aubery said, “I’m really excited to see how we do the rest of the year because we’re improving extremely fast.”

The next match was at home versus Channel Islands High School. Laguna lost the first two games, which were very close, but fought back to win the next two and force a fifth game.

In the fifth and final game, Laguna went down 2-8 but regained the lead at 14-13.

Channel Islands fought back and won 16-18. The game scores were: 20-25, 25-27, 25-23, 25-22, 16-18, Laguna losing in five.

“I think we played really well as a team [against Channel Islands]. If we just cut

By STEPHEN McCAFFERY

Sports

13

Spring Sports Tebowmania vs. Linsanity Schedule DATE OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME

BOYS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL back on our errors than we will be able to beat anybody in our league,” JT Aubery said after the loss.

On March 13, the varsity team played their third match against Nordhoff High School.

They lost in three (16-25, 2225, 14-25).

However, the next day, the team had two games: the first against Orcutt Academy, and the second against Mission College Prep Catholic High School.

The varsity team earned their first two victories of the season, both coming in five games.

Against O r cutt the scores were: 1625, 18-25, 25-18, 25-23, and 15-12.

Against Mission College Prep the scores were: 25-19, 27-25, 20-25, 19-25, and 15-13.

On March 20, the Owls had a match against Providence Hall. JT Aubrey led with nine kills and ten digs.

Laguna won in three (2512, 25-16, 25-22).

The next day, the owls played Dunn, winning in three (25-11, 25-17, 2516). Stephen McCaffery and JT Aubrey led with 12 kills each, McCaffery with fifteen digs, Aubrey with fourteen.

The Owls (4-3, 1-0) head into the break with a four-game win streak and will face off against Besant Hill on April 11.

4/11

Besant Hill

Besant Hill

5:00 pm

4/13

Cate

Home

5:00 pm

4/17

Providence Hall

Home

5:00 pm

4/20

Besant Hill

Home

5:00 pm

4/25

Cate

Cate

4:00 pm

4/26

Bishop Diego

Bishop

5:45 pm

4/28

Viewpoint

Viewpoint

8:30 am

5/1

Carpinteria High

Home

5:00 pm

5/2

Dunn

Home

4:30 pm

BOYS JV VOLLEYBALL 4/11

Oak Grove

Home

3:30 pm

4/17

SY Valley Union

Santa Ynez

4:00 pm

4/26

Bishop Diego

Bishop

4:30 pm

5/2

Oak Grove

Home

3:30 pm

BOYS TENNIS 4/12

Carpinteria High

Carpinteria

3:30 pm

4/16

Rio Mesa

Home

4:00 pm

4/19

SY Valley Union

Santa Ynez

3:30 pm

4/21

Cate

Cate

2:00 pm

4/23

Thacher School

Thacher

3:30 pm

5/2

Dunn School

Home

3:30 pm

5/4

Thacher School

Home

4:00 pm

GOLF 4/18

Orcutt Academy

Home

3:00 pm

4/25

Orcutt Academy

Orcutt

3:00 pm

4/26

Mission College Prep Home

3:00 pm

Did the Denver Broncos really just trade Tim Tebow, the player that lead the Broncos to a sixgame winning streak, who stunned the world with his 4th quarter comebacks; for a gamble on Peyton Manning? John Elway, the executive vice president of football operations for the Denver Broncos, even admitted he doesn’t have a Plan B. He’s going to rely on Manning, who is coming off of a neck injury, to do all the work.

Everybody, especially Elway, should know that Manning doesn’t have that much time left.

Don’t get me wrong, Manning is one of the best, if not the best quarterback to play in the NFL. But he’s coming off of a neck injury.

After Tim Tebow had shocked the world, brought unmeasurable amounts of media into the Broncos world, and made the Denver fanbase satisfied, John Elway’s going to send him off to another team.

Tim Tebow epitomized the role of a not-top pick rising to excellence and proving the draft ‘experts’ wrong.

Some said Tebow, the 2007 Heisman Winner, was “as low as a third round grade . . . he [held] the ball too low. . . [he] appeared hesitant at times and was slow to see open receivers . . . he seemed confused when reading the defense . . . his footwork was very bad, and his steps seemed awkward and choppy.”

Despite the criticism, Tebow was the 25th pick in the first round, selected by the Denver Broncos. He saw little action in his rookie season but achieved his first rushing touchdown, his first passing touchdown, and his first three starts in the last 3 games.

After starting the season 1-4 with Kyle Orton as the starting quarterback, Tebow got the call.

Tim Tebow lead the Broncos to a 6-game winning streak.

Tebow also lead the Broncos to be the AFC West Champions.

By winning their division, the Broncos earned an automatic bid into the playoffs and won the first round in overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers, only to lose to the New England Patriots, the same team that broke their previous 6-game win streak, in the Divisional Round.

Tim Tebow, however, is not the only not-top pick, or even undrafted free agent, to shock the sports world this year with

his dramatic rise to the top.

While in high school, Jeremy Lin had no athletic scholarship offers to play basketball. He decided to go to Harvard and walk onto the team. Lin graduated in 2010 with a degree in economics and a 3.1 GPA, and entered the NBA Draft. Scouts stated: he is “a smart passer with a flawed jump shot and a thin frame, who might not have the strength and athleticism to defend, create his own shot or finish at the rim in the NBA.” Unlike Tebow, Jeremy Lin was not drafted but had signed a 2-year deal with the Golden State Warriors.

He played very little in his rookie year. Lin was eventually cut by the Warriors and later by the Houston Rockets.

Jeremy Lin then found himself on the New York Knicks.

The Knicks put him down in the Development League (D-League), but in his first game he posted a triple-double and was called back by the Knicks three days later.

On February 4th against the New Jersey Nets. Lin got the chance to play because of injuries to other point guards. Lin recorded 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists in the win.

Just three days later, Lin got his first start and recorded 28 points and 8 assists.

Jeremy Lin won the next 9 of 12 games for the Knicks, taking their once sub-.500 record right up to the .500 mark at 18-18 at the time of the All-Star Break.

Tim Tebow’s and Jeremy Lin’s rise from the bottom of the pack have astonished many, taken over the sports media, and inspired other athletes – specifically, some of the student athletes at Laguna Blanca.

Freshman Connor Curran, a member of the cross-country, soccer, and volleyball teams, says, “They inspire me to be the best athlete I can be. They’re proving doubters wrong on the field and the court.”

Freshman Jack Kinsler, a member of the basketball and golf team, said, “Jeremy Lin’s rise to the top has inspired me to never give up on my goals.”

Spenser Wyatt, a member of the basketball and volleyball teams; says, “They’ve inspired me because they’ve shown that anyone can do what they want if they put in hard work and dedication.”

GRAPHIC: ZOE SERBIN

Q & A with Golf Coach Angeloff

GOING IN FOR THE KILL: Co-captain outside-hitter junior JT Aubery hits a kill against Channel Islands High School.

Boys Junior Varsity Volleyball

By Anastasia Antonova Q: What are your goals for golf?

A: The team wishes to have a total team score in a match that is under 200, for the five golfers.

By STEPHEN McCAFFERY When junior varsity head Providence [Hall] 3-1. coach Lisa Gera was asked We played solid defense, and about the outlook on the sea- our offense was clicking. son, she said, “We have a lot Overall, it was a great win.” to look forward to this season.

Just two days after their first When we come into practice win, the team won their second having industriousness and match of the season against enthusiasm, our potential is Channel Island in three (19endless. It is the little things 25, 25-14, 15-13) we do every day that make the After losing the first game, big things they rehappen. sponded by Our guys winning the have the next two competigames and tive spirit the match. to be very In the successful closing this year.” point, freshThe juman middle nior varhitter John sity team Ligon had kicked off two atthe season tempts and with a loss the winning to Huenkill to seal eme in 2 the match.

(10-25, 15W h e n 25). asked about About the last the game point, John v e r s u s said, “All I Hueneme, could think Coach Gera PHOTO: PAUL CHIMENT about was said, “Our trying to game verkeep the sus Huen- DIGGIN’ IT: Freshman Libero ball in the eme was a Ryan Chiment plays aggressive de- court and very good fense and digs the attack. ending the learning exmatch.” perience for He added our guys. thoughts For all but one player, it was about the entire game, “When their first career high school it all came down to it the team volleyball match. We played really pulled together in the hard and learned what it takes last game and made a great to compete at the high school comeback.” level.”

The team’s next match was However, in their second against Nordhoff, and they lost match against the varsity in two (18-25, 20-25).

Providence Hall team, the juThe next day, the team had nior varsity earned its first win a match against Dunn. After in four (15-25, 25-23, 25-23, winning the first game, they 25-16). dropped the next two, losing Freshman setter and out- (25-19, 16-25, 14-16). side hitter Spenser Wyatt The junior varsity team ensaid, “I thought the team did ters the Spring Break with a extremely well to come back 2-3 record and anticipation for from down one game to beat getting back onto the court.

April 9, 2012

By Stephen MCCaffery

PHOTO: CAITLIN CONNOR

“It is hard to say how we will play against [Malibu].

I haven’t seen them play, but it looks like it will be a good match up for us. As for the season, our schedule is more challenging this year,” said Owls’ head tennis coach Trevor Thorpe preceding the boys’ first match.

The close home match turned out to be an upset for Laguna, resulting in a 8-10 loss.

Laguna then went on to be dominant PHOTO: CAITLIN CONNOR on the court against Besant Hill and earned Smack down: Junior Justin Palmer nails their first win a backhand while playing against Cate. of the season.

Number two The players felt mutual eladoubles team tion.

“It was good to get our freshman Martin Barnick and junior Benji Sorensen swept first win and build our confithe opposing teams, winning dence. It was a good win for the whole team,” said Benji. all three of their sets.

On Tuesday March 13th, The doubles team won its three sets 6-1, 6-2, and 6-1. In however, the boys fell short to the end, the boys doubles won San Marcos 10-8.

During the non-league seven out of their nine sets, match, the team’s singles helping them towards their player faced a tough match up first victory.

Of the nine singles sets, sin- against Petar Jivkov, who won gles players senior Alex Greer, his three sets for the Royals.

It was not much different senior Alex Shirokow-Louden and sophomore Tristan Prinz for doubles, where the Royals lost only two sets, giving the took another three sets.

The Owls’ singles players boys an additional seven wins.

Louden, Alex, and Tristan won “I was very happy,” said Coach Thorpe, “It feels good six of their nine matches in an to get the first win of the sea- attempt to fight back.

The game, however, ended son after coming off of a disapin an 8-10 loss for the team. pointing loss.”

Sports

Q: How is the season going so far?

A: It’s been an excellent season so far, especially since we’ve added three new golfers since LAX lost its team status.

The team first consisted of Kiyan Mashhoon, Alec Abajian, Sam Brown, Jack Kinsler, Christian Kahmann, the Donahue twins, and James Cornell. The new players are Brandon and Ryan Bickett and Cole Strachan. It is the largest and potentially best team, ever.

PHOTO: HUTTON FAMILY

Flying High: Marisa, atop Pebbles, hits the spot on a high jump in Thermal, CA stop on the 2012 HITS Circuit.

Marisa Hutton: An Equestrian Olympic Hopeful

By ELISE SCHEUERMANN

O

lympic hopeful, senior Marisa Hutton has been riding horses since she was five years old.

She began competing at age 11 and last year placed seventh in a nationally ranked competition in Los Angeles.

She started out the 2012 season by competing in the year’s first and biggest horse show of the season: Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS) Thermal Desert Circuit, in Palm Springs, California.

Starting on Jan. 25 and continuing through March 13, was home to over 3,000 horses, 10,500 riders, and $1.5 million awarded in prizes were given out .

Since this show is the first of the season, it dictates the rest of the year for Marisa.

This is Marisa’s third year attending but her first time going for four out of the six weeks.

She brought her two horses, Pebbles and Larissa.

“I own Pebbles who is younger, and I am leasing Larissa.

Larissa is more experienced, and I am working Pebbles up to be a big jumper,” Marisa said.

Both horses travel with her to all the shows, and she interchangeably rides them, depending on the event.

Through the years, Marisa has worked up to stadium jumping, while in previous years she competed in Equitation and Hunters.

Stadium jumping is an obstacle course with many sharp turns and high jumps that is judged on one’s speed and coordination.

For higher stadium jumping classes, Marisa rode Larissa because she is more experienced, saving Pebbles for the easier courses.

Marisa has traveled to Palm Springs every weekend since

Feb. 3 to compete at Thermal.

She was successful and even took home a collected amount of $1,050 her first weekend at the show, placing 2nd in Junior Jumper Classic with Larissa and fourth in Children’s Jumpers Classic with Pebbles.

In the second week, Marisa was Reserve Children’s Champion with Pebbles and won the Junior Jumper Classic with Larisa.

Marisa moved up a level on both Pebbles and Larisa, so the competition was more intense and the jumps were higher.

Despite moving up into harder competition in her final week at Thermal, Marisa won the Low Junior Jumper Classic with Pebbles.

Throughout her four weeks at the competition, she won close to $3,500. “I was very pleasantly surprised with the outcome and hope to continue to do well throughout the year,” said Marisa.

(805) 884-1874

Q: What is Coach Angeloff’s philosophy for the golf team?

A: Each individual golfer perfects their game with their pros [USGA professionals]; Coach Angeloff has to fuse them into an effective low scoring machine.

Q: What are some of the strengths the team has this year?

A: Kiyan Mashhoon is a potential college golfer. The other members of the team’s youth and enthusiasm for golf bode well for the future of the golf team.

Q: Struggles?

A: The Condor League’s golf program has collapsed, and we now are what is termed a free-lance team—finding matches up and down the Central Coast.

Q: Any great moments so far?

A: Coach Angeloff, on two different occasions, has made enormous birdie

PHOTO: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA putts, from 90 feet and from 57 feet!

Kiyan eagled and birdied the two par 5s in his last match at La Cumbre C.C. Kiyan and the others on the team are hitting the ball extraordinarily well.

The strength of the freshman golfers is encouraging, and the addition of the Bicketts has made us a winning team.

Q: Is there a motto for the team?

A: There is a motto for any and all golfers: “Fairways and greens.”

Q: What’s the team’s favorite part of this season, in your opinion?

A: The team is enjoying the internal competition as we have so many excellent players, who are fighting for their place on the team.

Q: How does coach Angeloff rate the individual golfers’ chances to be the recipient of the Ace Cup (A trophy awarded to the player with the lowest scoring average)?

A: Coach Angeloff believes Kiyan Mashhoon, having won the Ace Cup last year, has the best chance to win it this year, and potentially for the next two years, making him, potentially, the third four-year winner, following the great Niall Platt (’07-’10) who followed the great Trevor Scott (’98-’01).

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A&E

April 9, 2012

Guest Writer!

Lifestyle

On the Bike Trail Playing Tourist for the Day

Stage Band Hits off at Crocodile Restaurant and Bar

When I first moved to Santa Barbara from Vancouver, I faced many cultural differences. One of them, the transition from mountain biking to road biking.

Shortly after moving to Vancouver, my parents bought me a mountain bike of which I grew attached to; it was my way to independence and freedom. At least once a month, I would take it to different mountains and go down trails. Over six years, my interest in mountain biking never faltered. It all came to an abrupt end, however, once I moved to Santa Barbara, a city which is more accommodating for road bicyclist’s. So, I got a road bike over the summer and began exploring the many scenes and sights of Santa Barbara. I went around town, seeing classic Santa Barbara; the beaches, the Mission, State Street, and the neighborhoods. Once school began, I started a routine route through Santa Barbara, Montecito and Summerland.

Continued from Page 1

Review: National Tour of Young Frankenstein at the Granada

By CAMERON PLATT The Broadway musical’s most common function is, simply enough, to entertain.

True, the American musical has often extended into elevated intellectual and artistic territory, but its core remains in the standard comedy—Broadway’sone consistent offering as fads ebb and flow over the decades.

Young Frankenstein, Mel Brooks’s musical adaptation of his 1974 film, parodies this musical comedy tradition (think kick lines and happy endings) and the horror film genre (think the original Frankenstein film adaptation) as it tells the tale of Frederick Frankenstein (A.J. Holmes), grandson and last living descendant of Victor Frankenstein.

Fred Frankenstein is dedicated to his work as Dean of Anatomy at a New York City university and dismissive of his family history (Victor famously created a monster) until he is summoned to Transylvania to settle matters of his grandfather’s will, whereupon he is lured into his grandfather’s crazed world of ambition and invention.

Because Young Frankenstein parodies with affection, its caricature of the glitzy and ditzy musical comedy form inevitably turns into an adherence to the form. Indeed, the production has every element of the huge-scale musical-comedy spectacular: flashy lighting effects by Peter Kaczorowski and larger-thanlife set by Robin Wagner; Susan Stroman’s original Broadway choreography; Mel Brooks’s delicious songs, from show-stopping ensemble numbers “The Brain” and “Join the Family Business” to innuendo-saturated solos “Roll in the Hay,” “He Vas My Boyfriend,” and “Deep Love”; limitless springs of mindless and exaggerated humor; and, above all, a brilliant leading cast.

As Frederick Frankenstein, A.J. Holmes masters geeky gaucheness and by turns startles us with wit, captivates us with spirit, and endears us with heart. Fred Frankenstein is the archetypal mad scientist, and Holmes jumps into that zany character tradition with both purist-satisfying reverence and individual flair.

As Frankenstein’s righthand hunchback Igor, Christopher Timson alternates between the disturbing and the adorable as he delivers Igor’s nimble physical comedy and manner of overzealous servitude. Silvery soprano and standard Broadway blonde Elizabeth Pawlowski shines, too, as lab-assistantturned-love-interest Inga, in whom sweetness coexists with seduction to bewitching effect.

Under the sway of such talent, in spite of our declarations of more sophisticated taste, so often we turn to Broadway for that gaudy release, that absolute absorption and escape into a world of unparalleled glamour and scale—with its sweeping coordination of light, space, movement, and song; its jazz squares, Charlestons, and kick lines; its top hats, canes, and tuxedoes.

This is the world of Young Frankenstein, a world meant to achieve nothing more than delight. It is a world in which even the most analytical viewer can’t help but surrender the mind to the spectacle and, for once, to sit back, relax, enjoy the show, and drink from the absurd extravaganza.

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By Kyle Van de Kamer

By STEPHEN McCAFFERY

Being a senior leader of the, Andrew has experienced a lot with this band.

After last year, Mr. Eli Buchanan, founder of the Laguna Blanca Stage Band, moved to Texas.

However, the Stage Band did not miss one beat.

Ms. Laura Geier, who has a B.A. in Music from Rice University, a M.M. in Music from Ohio University, a M.A. in World Music & Multi-focus Violin from the California Institute of the Arts, and a Fulbright Graduate Study from the Academy of Music, Dance & Fine Arts in Plovdiv, Bulgaria; was hired to fill the position.

Sophomore saxophonist Conrad Perry, a first-year member of the Stage Band, said, “Ms. Geier has does a fantastic job with all of the bands.”

When asked about the transitions coming next year in Stage Band with seniors, Andrew McCaffery and Troy Ritter, leaving, Conrad said, “Our band is going to be a lot different without the two seniors. They teach us a lot

April 9, 2012

The Pier:

The bike route snakes through the Marina between the parking lot and the walkway and then opens up to my favorite part of the route, a long stretch of separated concrete road running directly through West beach. The only downside of this stretch of concrete is that you are constantly navigating past and through those lethargically slow, 4-person bikes carrying tourists who end up gawking at their surroundings.

This issue quickly self corrects, for once you reach the pier the bike lane opens up and regains its relaxed nature. Before continuing, take a few minutes to check out the pier and its eclectic sights like Longboards Restaurant.

PHOTO: PAUL CHIMENT

Montecito:

Once passed the bird refuge, you’ll head under the freeway bridge and around the roundabout, where you finally enter Montecito Village. Montecito is great for biking, it’s small, but bikefriendly streets offer beautiful scenery and fun places to stop around town. Once in the village, head to Jeannine’s Bakery for a cool iced-energy boost, especially on a foggy Santa Barbara morning.

If you have extra time, take a turn into the hedge row, and coast through the nearly empty little streets lined with green hedges. Continue down the bike route down past the village and towards Summerland.

GETTIN’ DOWN & GROOVY: Conrad Perry (left) and Ryan Green (right) playing with the Stage Band at the Crocodile Restaurant and Bar. about the ways of the Stage Band.”

When asked about the gig at the Crocodile Restaurant and Bar, Ms. Geier said, “The gig at the Crocodile Restaurant and Bar was a new experience for us because we had to play a new kind of set list that we were used to, but I felt like we

listened to each other better and came together as a band.”

Along with the gig at the Crocodile Restaurant and Bar, the Stage Band has played at the Jog-A-Thon, the Padaro Beach Grill, and at the Winter Revue.

In April, the Stage Band will be playing for the

school’s musical, Once Upon a Mattress, and at the Spring Revue.

Their final performance of the year, which will be seniors Andrew McCaffery and Troy Ritter’s final performance as members of the Stage Band, will be at SoHo on May 5 at 5 p.m.

Students Exhibit Work in Upper School Art Show

Summerland:

Shoreline Park:

On a nice day, Shoreline park is filled with family picnics and little kids flying kites. All of this is wonderful, but the true reason to start here is very simple; it’s mostly downhill or flat until you reach the pier.

Heading west from the park, take the bike route parallel to Ledbetter Beach, a nice alternative to the popular West beach. The path is quieter and less busy for bikes to pass through. After passing Ledbetter, you enter the Marina, an often busy hub where you can see all of the sailboats and pick up some sushi at Sushi Go-Go while facing the water and the pier in the distance.

By MORGAN RAITH The annual student art show is now on display in the Mikles’ Gallery at the Emmons Art Center. The artistic works featured are from Mr. Uyesaka’s print making, Mr. Johnson’s ceramics, and Ms. Louie’s drawing and painting classes. The pieces are composed of a variety of media ranging from graphite, oil paint, charcoal, watercolor, and ceramic. The works are sectioned into categories such as organic subjects, folds and reflections, and structures.

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS: Melted glass covers a heart shape carving in the bottom of Savanna Brown’s hand constructed bowl.

Student Cooking Profile Clarissa Coburn

By Anastasia Antonova

Cook or Bake?

Definitely baking. Desserts are my favorite part of any meal. That, and I like to eat.

Her go-to cook book.

“Favorite Old Fashion Desserts” by Pat Dailey. It’s a good recipe book to go back for always reliable recipes for traditional desserts.

Culinary weapon of choice?

I would have to say my smiley face spatula.

What is your favorite local bakery?

I really like Reynaldo’s Bakery in Carpinteria.

PHOTOS: MORGAN RAITH

TAKING IT IN: Middle School students in Mr. Uyesaka’s sculpture class take a break to admire some of the pieces on display.

DIMENSION: Ms. Louie’s intermediate drawing students use light and dark values, to bring their subjects to life.

Why do you love to bake?

I love playing around with different recipes and seeing how they turn out. That, and I love to eat. Explosions in the oven?

Oh gosh. One time I used baking soda instead of baking powder in a chocolate muffin recipe. They were so disgusting!

All time favorite recipe?

Chocolate Fudge Brownie Cake (“almost flourless cake”).

This dense, cocoa-rich treat is quite similar to a flourless cake, although it does contain the tiniest bit of flour. The big difference between it and a flourless version is that this is ridiculously easy to make.

By EVA DAVIS & GRACE WOOLF

Romantic Comedies are some of the most theater-attended, DVD-purchased, Netflixviewed, and downloaded (legally and illegally) movies out there. As we see year after year, it’s really easy to have a bad or extremely cheesy “rom com” and more often than not– if the movie is considered to be of fairly good quality– they tend to follow a painfully predictable sequence.

Faculty Style Profile Ms. Abercrombie

By Kaylee Strachan

Once you see the Big Yellow House, you know you’ve entered Summerland and it’s time to turn around. On the way back, you’re met with a grueling hill, but once you conquer it, it’s mostly downhill from there.

As a break from the continuous pedaling, hit State Street via Mission Street and coast down, taking in all of the surrounding shops and restaurants.

You can coast nearly all the way from the top of State down to the beach through the busy streets, and do some great people watching along the way.

Once at Cabrillo, head back up to Shoreline Park to wrap up your ride.

LAYOUT & DESIGN: HELENA DAVILA & MORGAN RAITH ART: Morgan raith

Almost Flourless Chocolate Cake Ingredients8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate 2 sticks unsalted butter 1 cup granulated sugar 4 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour TOPPING 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar 1 tablespoon granulated sugar Heat oven to 325°F. Cut a small circle of waxed paper to fit the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

First butter the pan, next add the paper, then butter the paper. Sprinkle the inside with flour and tap out the excess.

Melt the chocolate with butter and sugar in a microwave oven. Stir until smooth and cool slightly.

Whisk the eggs and vanilla into the chocolate mixture, and then stir in the cocoa and flour. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, wrap the bottom of the pan in aluminum foil so no water can get inside.

Place the wrapped pan in a shallow roasting pan and add 1 inch of water to the bottom of the roasting pan. Bake until cake is set, about 70 minutes.

Remove the pan from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature. When cool, remove the sides from the pan. Loosen the cake from the bottom of the pan with a long metal spatula, and then invert it onto a cake plate and remove the bottom of the pan.

Peel away the waxed paper. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 2 days before serving.

At serving time, mix the two sugars together. Sift a heavy coating over the top of the cake.

Photo: Anastasia Antonova

PHOTOS: Anastasia Antonova Sweet Tooth: Clarissa slices the last remains of the birthday cake she baked for her own birthday.

Rain or shine, Middle and Upper School math instructor Ms. LuAnne Abercrombie is always distinctly stylish. Her unique thrown-together look of flare pants, cozy sweaters and great layered jewelry create a look all her own.

What are your favorite brands?

I buy a few "brand name" things but mostly I'm drawn to fashion that takes a modern twist on classic looks. I love independent retailers that seek out talented small designers. But, then, who doesn’t like Lululemon yoga clothes?

Who are your fashion icons?

I love women who are classically timeless but not boring, such as Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Katharine Hepburn, and Michelle Obama.

What are your favorite things to wear?

Blue jeans (all kinds: skinny, flared, boyfriend, wide leg) with a great pair of shoes or boots, pencil skirts, sweaters, and layered jewelry.

Where do you like to shop?

I don't have a lot of time to shop, so I cruise the catalogs for ideas. Locally, I like J. Crew, Diani, Wendy Foster, but I've learned over the years to only buy what I really love. That way, items I bought years ago are things I still wear.

What’s your favorite season to dress for?

Except for those few extremely hot days, it feels like fall every day at Laguna Blanca and that works well for me. I love scarves, hats, and layers without having to wear a heavy coat. Santa Barbara weather is perfect for that.

What are you looking forward to wearing this season?

Graphics: EVA DAVIS

Fashion Forward: Ms. Abercrombie in a cashmere sweater from Wendy Foster, and scarf from J.Crew.

I like fashion but I’m not a huge follower of seasonal trends. I wear what I feel comfortable in. I learned to sew when I was in middle school so fabric and fit tend to be important to me. But, I’d have to say I’m looking forward to putting the boots away for winter and finding some really great wedges. I never worry about how tall that makes me.

Back Page

April 9, 2012

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Photos: Anastasia Antonova

LAYOUT: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA & ZOE SERBIN

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10

“I’M NOT GOING TO DROP MY PHONE.”

The Fashionista

The cool guy

“It’ll be fine.”

“Sturdy AND NOT NERDY.”

The Prep

The Hipster

The Artist

The flirt

“STILL ALIVE AFTER A SWIM IN THE TOILET.”

The gamer

The minimalist