Laguna Blanca School - 4125 Paloma Drive - Santa Barbara - California - 93110
Volume XVII
Friday June 1, 2012
www.thefourthestate.net
Issue 6
Everybody Dance Now! Holds Its Annual Fundraiser By OLIVIA BERCI Hundreds of community members will gather at Peabody Charter elementary school on June 9 to learn, teach, and watch hip-hop and breakdance at Everybody Dance Now!’s breakdance workshop. Everybody Dance Now! is a youth-run nonprofit that provides free dance programs to local young people who would otherwise lack access to such opportunities. Since its foundation in 2005, the high school leadership team has reached over 2,000 students in Santa Barbara County. Senior Jess Davis began volunteering with Everybody Dance Now! in Dec. of 2009 as a Leader-in-Training. For the past three years Jess has worked to not only sustain EDN!’s local outreach, but has spearheaded EDN!’s expansion into a national network of affiliated programs. She has served as the Executive Director of the organization since Sept. 2011 and has worked to establish twelve new chapters across the country. For Jess’ participation in Laguna Blanca’s Senior Project experience—a two-week opportunity for seniors to enter the workplace and explore potential career interests—Jess will be working full time on Everybody Dance Now!’s latest project: Breakdance Project Santa Barbara. This will be the organization’s third and most anticipated workshop since its launch in 2011. The past events have served a collective 300 people—people of all ages and backgrounds. “Something that is lacking in our community is a sense of unification between young and old, and between people of different experiences. “Everybody Dance Now! believes in bringing together our community in establishing a supportive, accepting, and encouraging environment in which Santa Barbara young people can engage in positive activities,” said Jess. Continued on Page 4
PHOTOS: TARA BROUCQSAULT
Come Together: Freshman Ryan Chiment (top left) starts off the obstacle course with ten jump ropes as he prepares to bring his team closer to victory. Students partner up within their teams and engage in a water-balloon-toss contest (top right). Junior Alex Hawker swings back to hurl a tennis ball at the dunk tank (bottom right).
Upper School Catches Field Day Fever By JESSIE DUSEBOUT
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fter being allowed to sleep in an extra hour, students rolled into the parking lot at 9 a.m. and prepared to engage in a full day of games on the field. They were wel-
comed by a dunk tank, an obstacle course, basketball, volleyball, and various other field games set-up on the lower field and courts. Donning their sunscreen, athletic shoes and
shorts in preparation for the sunny day, students started off the morning with a quick speech from Mr. Mike Biermann and ASB president Justin Shand. To begin the second
annual Upper School Field Day, the students cheered on the seniors while they took turns trying to dunk Dean of Students Mr. Tyler Hodges, physical education teacher Mr. Ray Ro-
bitaille, academic service counselor Mr. James Tur and other coaches and faculty. A competition to see which team could stuff the most members into a Laguna van followed. Continued on Page 3
Global Studies Raises Awareness on Genocide By OLIVIA BERCI Militiamen threatened Nyoul’s family as he was shot at, buried in a hole, at five years old. Nyoul Tong is a former South Sudanese refugee. He was forced to flee to his country’s capital—a capital he came to know as being ravaged by alcohol, crime, rape, kidnap, and a poignant divergence between the wealthy imams and the poverty of those with darker skin. Nyoul became responsible for finding food for his sisters, displaced in his own country. In 2003, Nyoul’s family fled to Cairo, Egypt. There, his pursuit of education began. As a nine year old who was told he couldn’t walk into the school classroom along his with Muslim friend, he asked, “What else do I need to receive the benefits that all other children have?” Nyoul restated this question Friday, May 18. Now, a Californian graduate of Dunn School and a current sophomore at
Duke University, Nyoul said, “I needed more to be treated as a human being.” “I am a proud African, and it is not easy to depict an image of horror. It is difficult because I am here—because of the dignity of my people. I will tell the truth, but not victimize.” Nyoul was one of four guests to speak at Laguna’s first global study to 160 high school students along with 45 parents and additional members of the community. War, for Nyoul, was a reality that he accepted. “We learned to live around it,” he said. “I flirted with death, but death was never eminent because I was always connected by love. I lived in poverty, but I was never poor. I don’t know what being poor is like.” “To have a day dedicated to study a topic was Mr. Slocombe’s idea. It was done at his former school, and he asked a
Global Studies Day
Senior Prank Analyzed Four guest speakers talk about genocide What is an appropriate reaction from the administration? and their experiences. Page 6. Pages 1&3.
An app that makes anyone an artist. Page 7.
Summer Trips Students exciting summer plans are shared. Page 8&9. ASB Speeches Students run for student council positions. Page 3.
Earth Day Lower School celebrates Earth Day by learning about how to protect the environment. Page 10.
lot of us [teachers] who were interested to make a proposal,” said history and government teacher Ms. Martha Elliott, A bunch of different ideas of topics that might be discussed were suggested, and Mr. Slocombe shared the ideas with a faculty advisory board, and they picked genocide.” “We believe that our students should leave Laguna Blanca aware of the challenges and responsibilities they will face as global citizens. We have taken a first step in what we hope will become a significant global studies program,” said Headmaster Paul Slocombe. Ms. Elliott spearheaded the event, bringing world renowned speakers to share their experiences and ideas with the Laguna community. Nyoul was joined by Rebecca Tinsley, Horacio Trujillo, and Maria Segal. Continued on Page 3
PHOTO: TARA BROUCQSAULT Global Leadership: Speaker Rebecca Tinsley informs her audience on the world’s most corrupt dictators and the crimes they committed that resulted to their notoriety.
Text Message Tutorial Students break down the art of writing a socially acceptable text message. Page 11.
Athletics and Academics
Musical Review Spring musical, Once Upon a Mattress, reviewed. Page 14.
How athletics actually helps students succeed in school. Page 13. I Madonnari Ms. Delphine Louie is selected as the featured artist of this year’s chalk festival. Page 15. Senior Insert Pages Special Insert highlighting the Class of 2012.
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June 1, 2012
Staff Editorial
The Evolution of Journalism
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ne of the worries associated with the Age of Information is the decay of print publication. Santa Barbara has noticed the loss of the giant downtown Borders bookstore, in part due to the prevalence of ereaders such as Amazon’s Kindle and Apple’s iPad. This technological development has also caused students to constantly drool over the possibility of a textbook-free education environment. While lighter backpacks would be favorable, the decline of print signifies a major point in the course of mankind, as methods of communication continue to make leaps and bounds. In the world of journalism, the Age of Information has proven to be a double-edged sword. The side which would be considered self-inflicting is somewhat outweighed by the attacking side; while some smaller news sources — and even large print publications have seen reader populations shrink, the new possibilities that the Age of Information has brought about distract from these unfortunate fallbacks.
GRAPHIC: ZOE SERBIN
Before the Internet boom, journalism was restricted to the oldfashioned, hard-copy newspaper, magazine, or newsletter.
Cyberspace changed things. Now there are blogs, podcasts and tweets. Whether new online formats like blogs create more work
for journalists versus the traditional article format remain to be seen. Internet reporting requires more work as one may include audio, video and links. The presence of a keyboard and a Wi-Fi connection has enabled the masses to not only keep in touch with everything going on everywhere, but also to contribute to the gyre of information. That’s right; you, we, the entire world can now report the world’s very happenings as they happen in real time. Webmail, smartphones, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook: these are only some of the many platforms that support our population’s growing connectedness. Just in the past few years we’ve seen Wikileaks, the Arab Spring and the Occupy Movement, all of which were revolutionary occasions, all fueled by and reliant on our modern flow of information. The world of reporting has galvanized so that people all over the world can communicate with each other freely. Let’s hope they seek the tenants of good journalism: accuracy, clarity, balance, fairness and most importantly truth.
Editor-in-Chief
Letter from the Editor
Managing Editor Andrew MCCaffery Senior Editors
Dear Readers,
Anastasia Antonova
Two years ago, I debated whether or not to transfer to Laguna. Socially, I was enjoying my old school, but I was not inspired by my education. In search of a more rigorous academic environment, I made the scariest decision of my life: I became an Owl. Although I was drawn to Laguna for its academics, what I’ve discovered during my time here is far more powerful than challenging classes. Herbert Spencer once said, “The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.” Laguna has instilled me not only the necessary knowledge, but also the desire to channel that education into positive action. One of the highlights of my Laguna experience has been working on The Fourth Estate. I have discovered my love of journalism and writing, and I am so grateful that being a part of this staff has helped me to realize this passion. To my staff: I am continually in awe of the dedication and talent that each of you possesses. You have poured your hearts into the paper, and your hard work is visible on every page of every issue that we have published this year. From late night work parties to exploring Seattle, we have truly come together as a team and have created a newspaper that I am endlessly proud of. I will miss you dearly next year, and leaving the staff will be the most difficult part of graduating. I will always feel an inexplicable connection to The Fourth Estate and all of you. I know that those of you on next year’s staff will make the paper even stronger, and I am so excited to see where you take it! To Ms. McHale: words cannot express how grateful I am for having you as a mentor, teacher, and friend. The countless hours you have stayed after school working on the paper do not go unnoticed. You are the backbone of The Fourth Estate, and without you, none of this would be possible. To every student, faculty member, and administrator at Laguna: you have helped to make my two years here an incredible, lifechanging experience. Thank you, and I love you.
Jess Davis
Olivia Berci Caitlin Connor Helena Davila Jessie Dusebout Daria Etezadi Zoe Serbin Photo Editor Eva Davis LAYOUT EDITOR Morgan Raith Artist Zoe Serbin 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 Kyle Van de Kamer Grace Woolf
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. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and/or
Jess Davis
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 online that informs and entertains the student body. We welcome diversity and strive to increase the scope and depth of
our coverage in order to heighten a mutual understanding and awareness throughout our entire school community. 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.
Faculty Advisor Patricia McHale, MJE
The News
June 1, 2012
Catch the Students Inducted Field Day into Cum Laude Fever Society Continued from Page 1
Students then participated in a game of knock out, a basketball game that rotates through three courts, and also a volleyball serving game with teacher targets. “I thought it was really fun because we got to play with the upperclassmen, who were great about helping the younger students who don’t know much about the game. It was exciting because everyone was really into it,” said freshman Maddie Bonser. Next, students navigated through an obstacle course that involved jumping rope and hurdles, crawling through hoops, and dribbling a soccer ball.
“It’s all about trust – having trust in your partner.” -Brian Miguel “The obstacle course was really fun, and I liked running while having to duck and dive over the obstacles,” said junior Alex Hawker. The water balloon toss followed. “It’s all about trust – having trust in your partner,” junior Brian Miguel said regarding his water balloon toss technique. The last activity before lunch was a game of capture the flag. “My favorite part of the day was the game of capture the flag because our competitive sides really came out,” said sophomore Margaret Lazarovits. Following the close game of capture the flag the students filed into line for a barbecue lunch put on by the by the parents and faculty. Students enjoyed hotdogs, burgers, chips, cookies, and lemonade during the hour-long lunch break. To close the day, students engaged in various games of tug-a-war. “I liked the competitiveness of tug-of-war,” said freshman Morgan Gainey. Different classes had a chance to compete against each as well as inter-class competitions. “The group basketball games provided a great way for students from each level to bond. Overall, field day provides an opportunity for the Laguna Blanca community to bond and share their school spirit,” said senior Justin Shand.
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By EVA DAVIS
uring a special assembly on May 3, seven students were presented with the honor of being inducted into the prestigious Cum Laude Society. Seniors Austin Abrams, Tanner Dalton, Jess Davis, Marisa Hutton, and Troy Ritter, and Juniors Daria Etezadi, Alex Hawker, and Brendon Nylen were selected not only for their outstanding academic achievement, but also for being model students and citizens. Headmaster Mr. Paul Slocombe started the assembly by sharing Cum Laude’s history and its significance Following opening remarks, keynote speaker alumnus David Bradley ’99 shared some words of wisdom based on his experience as a Claremont McKenna graduate and a successful businessman. Among the sever-
al pieces of advice he passed on to the student body, Mr. Bradley emphasized the importance of networking, finding a college that best fits one’s personality, pursuing a passion, and understanding the value of a good education. “To succeed, you need to work hard and get to know people. It’s good to work hard at school, but it’s also good to socialize and have fun,” said inductee Alex Hawker in response to Mr. Bradley’s speech. In the most anticipated portion of the event seniors Alex Greer, Cameron Platt, and Justin Shand, who had been inducted to the Cum Laude Society last school year, recited brief personalized remarks for the incoming inductees and presented them with their awards. “I just try my best, and in the end, I guess it pays off,” said Alex.
PHOTO: TARA BROUCQSAULT
New Cum Laude Inductees Laguna presents its new inductees into the Cum Laude Society. Back Row: (from left to right) Austin Abrams, Alex Hawker, Justin Shand, and Troy Ritter. Middle Row: (from left to right) Cameron Platt, Jess Davis, Alex Greer, and Tanner Dalton. First Row: (from left to right) Marissa Hutton, Daria Etezadi, and Brendon Nylen.
O’Donnell Holds Out for Victory in Landmark Case By DARIA ETEZADI
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o one had ever won a case against the Army Corps, but that didn’t stop Mr. Pierce O’Donnell. On a return visit to the Laguna Blanca campus, Ms. Elliott’s AP US Government and Politics class had the privilege of hearing Mr. O’Donnell, Attorney at Law, speak about his representation of Hurricane Katrina victims against the Army Corps of Engineers in a landmark case that chal-
lenged the supposed fed- gued that, “The drown- disaster, not a natural eral immunity in legal ing of Greater New Or- one.” T h e suits. H onorary Hurricane “It struck me as a horrible atrocity Stanwood Katrina is reJ. Duval, that the Army Corps hadn’t been membered Jr. of the reprimanded for its mistakes and for shatterFifth Ciring the levees that the suffering people of New cuit Court that protected Orleans hadn’t received proper of Appeals New Orleans payment for their hardships.” a g r e e d from potential -Justin Palmer with Mr. floods, for killing thousands of people, and for causing billions of leans and 1,300 deaths O’Donnell’s assertions with hundreds of billions and for the first time in dollars in damage. However, in Robinson of dollars of property American history, the v. US, Mr. O’Donnell ar- damage was a man-made Army Corps was denied
immunity in a lawsuit “It struck me as a horrible atrocity that the Army Corps hadn’t been reprimanded for its mistakes and that the suffering people of New Orleans hadn’t received proper payment for their hardships,” said junior Justin Palmer. Mr. O’Donnell is currently preparing to present his case to the Supreme Court in response to an appeal from the Army Corps this October no date has yet been set.
Global Studies Day Raises Awareness Ms. Tinsley is a journalist and human rights activist who has dedicated her life to working with survivors of genocide and international policy. She founded Waging Peace, a London-based group campaigning on Darfur, and Network for Africa, a nonprofit that works with survivors of genocide. Tinsley earned a law degree from the London School of Economics, previously worked as a BBC reporter, and stood for election to the UK Parliament twice. She spoke of preserving the dignity of the people she advocates for. Speaking of the Rwan-
dan women she works with, “They define themselves as survivors, not victims.” Maria Segal, now a grandmother of six, one of whom is currently a senior at Laguna, is a Warsaw ghetto survivor. A volunteer at the Santa Barbara Jewish Federation as a docent for the Portraits of Survival Exhibit and is profiled in the permanent Santa Barbara Holocaust survivors exhibit. She shares her story with high school students, law enforcement agencies, and groups of adults. Horacio Trujillo is an adjunct Professor of Diplomacy and World Affairs at Occidental
By OLIVIA BERCI College and Director of Research for Human United. Trujillo has worked as an advisor on strategy for the international development efforts of the US Agency for International Development. While Trujillo spoke of a gradual decline in international conflict, Tinsley confronted the Laguna community with the idea that genocide in its very nature is entirely human. “Ignorance is universal,” said Tinsley. “All of you [students] are going to leave here, go off to college, graduate from college, and be taking a role as citizens of the world. You, more
than any other generation, are going to live in a world that is so interconnected that you need to be aware of issues that effect us not just as a country but as a world. Global warming, free trade, genocide—these are issues that you need to think about before you have to with them as adults,” said Ms. Elliott. “I am grateful that Global Studies Day offered me the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of an insights into genocide—most notably from Nyoul Tong, whose recollections of adaptation to and recovery from a childhood in war resonate with me. I was especially moved by his
conclusion that education is the only solution to the world’s struggles with human rights,” said senior Cameron Platt. The ground breaking Global Studies Day was, “Above and beyond what we hoped for,” said Mr. Hodges said. Following the presentations, students tackled the issue of genocide in small breakout discussion groups, critically thinking about human rights on a worldwide scale. “I hope that this continues, but, more so, I hope we expand our curriculum to look at these global topics in every area of study,” said Ms. Elliott.
Student Government Takes Action
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he ASB candidates for President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director of Technology presented speeches on April 26, hoping to win the vote of the student body. Eddie Conk, ASB Presidential candidate, started his speech by stating that the student body’s voice needs to be amplified through the President. He continued with his main goal: to raise school spirit. Some ideas Eddie brought to the table were to bring back the “Laguna Scream Team,” to improve attendance at sporting events by creating more hype before the competition, and to increase the dance attendances by improving the DJs, music and decorations. Another issue Ed-
By STEPHEN MCCAFFERY
die covered was the importance of keeping the Student Store open on a regular basis and keeping it fully stocked. Eddie added that he would be open to suggestions for different items to be sold at the store. Bryana Schantz, Eddie’s competitor, 11th Grade Class President and former 10th Grade Class President, opened her speech asserting that she is a determined and persistent person and is willing to work as hard as she can to represent the voice of the student body. Just like Eddie, Bryana said she was determined to raise school spirit. Her ideas included getting “fan buses” for away games, bringing back “owl pride,” and creating posters for the sporting events. Bryana also stated that
she would like to continue to improve the school dances as she has so far during her years on the student council. Joey Eckert, ASB Vice President Candidate, started his short but tothe-point speech by reflecting on his experience at Laguna since seventh grade. Running alongside Eddie, Joey emphasized many similar ideas. Joey’s competitor Daria Etezadi, current ASB Secretary 2011-2012, began her “It Isn’t Easy” speech by stating that she is eager to represent the student body. Daria ran alongside Bryana; as such, they shared the same ideas and both spoke of improving school spirit, the dances and class trips. Junior Alex Hawker ran uncontested for the position of Director of
Technology, where his experience with technology would fit well. Alex intends to incorporate technology into the assemblies and better integrate web services (e.g. Facebook). Junior Caitlin Connor ran uncontested for ASB Secretary. Caitlin has had leadership experience from her work as a Council Member, Treasurer, Secretary, and vice president of the National Charity League. Andrew Vignolo was the final candidate running uncontested. He ran for ASB Treasurer, the position that oversees the ASB funds. Following a vote that took place through advisory, the results came in and the ASB representatives were selected for the upcoming 2012-13 academic year.
GRAPHIC: KYLE VAN DE KAMER
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June 1, 2012
News
Travellers Embark on Educational Adventure Starshine By ELISE SCHEUERMANN Suitcases in one hand and passports in another, this spring break two groups of students travelled to South East Asia with Friendship Tours World Travel. Their goal was to learn about the culture and history of these unique places through first-hand experiences. The first group was comprised of entirely Laguna students who went for two weeks to Cambodia and Laos. The second group went for one week to Vietnam and included students other high schools: Dos Pueblos, Santa Barbara High. Both groups drove to LAX where they parted ways, boarded planes, and prepared for the grueling 16-hour plane ride. After an uncomfortable night’s sleep they landed safely and began the visa process, which was complex and included several failed attempts. The first three days of the two-week trip to Cambodia and Laos were spent in the bustling capitol of Cambodia, Phnom Penh where students toured Tuc-Tuc the Royal Palace, the Killing Fields, and Tuol Sleng Prison. Next, they hopped on a plane to Siem Reap and spent three days trekking ancient temples such as Angkor Wat and Ta Phrom. “The temples were awesome! The trees had overgrown but some parts were still intact; it felt like I was going back in time when we walked around,” senior Vera Lopez said. The highlight was the elephant ride through the temples which was a unique experience for all.
PHOTOS: ALETHEA PARADIS & ELISE SCHEUREMANN & VERA LOPEZ
World Travellers: Laguna’s students gather around the Ta Prohm Temple in Cambodia (top). Elise Scheuremann, Vera Lopez, and Lauren Conk prepare to go elephant riding at the Bayon Temple Complex (left). Clarissa Coburn is taught by a Cambodian-living art student (bottom right). Students visited an orphanage and the Cambodian Landmine Museum where they met Akira, a former child soldier of the Khmer Rouge. Students then packed their bags stuffed with souvenirs and continued onto the next destination, Laos. In Laos, the focus was COPE (Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise), where they met inspirational UXO victim Peter Kim who had lost both his eyesight and hands when he was only sixteen.
“It was really cool meeting Peter Kim. We learned about all the victims of the bombs but actually meeting one put it in a better perspective,” said senior Lauren Conk. Next, the group travelled to the Plain of Jars in Xiengkhouang and visited villages of the indigenous Hmong Hill Tribe. “I really loved seeing the Hmong Village. Although we could not speak with them, it was interesting to interact with the children. The contrast between our so-
EDN! Hosts Annual Breakdance Project
Roshell Advises on Successful Writing By CATY LAFITTE
An award-winning columnist, an accomplished journalist, and a mother of two, Starshine Roshell has been described as having “the perfect amount of sass, and humor” in her writing. On May 17, Roshell showed students and teachers how to transform personal writing from dull to lively. Roshell speaks at many public events on topics ranging from journalistic ethics, to writing with humor. “Successful writing is about discipline, intelligence, creativity, and empathy,” Roshell said. She believes that columnists need a unique voice in his or her column, along with compelling subject matter, and interesting topics. “Having something to write about is not the same thing as having something to say.” Roshell currently works for The Santa Barbara Independent and is a colleague of English instructor Dr. Charles Donelan. She also teaches creative nonfiction writing through the Journalism and English departments at Santa Barbara City College, and Journalism and Reporting through the University of California Santa Barbara’s summer extension program and is currently working in the marketing department at Lynda.com. “I thought Starshine was incredibly funny and witty,” sophomore Grace Woolf said.
Journalism Students Win Best of Show Award at Conference By DARIA ETEZADI
Continued from Page 1 “The previous events were incredible. I had the opportunity to witness my friends and family, Everybody Dance Now! students and leaders, public officials, and community members from all sectors of Santa Barbara united through dance. It was so inspiring to see a 10-year-old EDN! student dancing next to City Council member Grant House.” Breakdance Project has not only grasped the attention of the dance community, but its message has resonated with an entire collective. Local father of two and Everybody Dance Now! supporter James Badham said of the event, “You are doing this with a lot of people who are very much younger than you, maybe older than you, it’s people from all over the community... You don’t have that many places, anywhere, where people from all socioeconomic backgrounds mix like this. Then there are these young people who breakdance really well— they are athletic, acrobatic, artistic, and full of expression.” Recently deceased Babatunde Folyaemi—an international activist and former Santa Barbara City Council Member— was one of the first supporters of the event. At EDN!’s inaugural workshop, Babatunde delivered the keynote speech, saying “This is what we work for. This is the future.”
ciety and theirs was stunning. We visited a home where all the meals were cooked on an open fire, but there was a TV in the next room,” said junior Clarissa Coburn. On the third day they boarded a bus for a 10hour bus ride through the mountainous regions to Luang Prabang. The last two days of the trip were spent relaxing and swimming in the Khouang Si Falls, or wandering around the town or going to the night market. Just across the border,
in Vietnam, 15 more Santa Barbara high school students were having a similar adventure. They started their week in Saigon, where they toured the city and visited the local markets. The main focus of the trip was to visit Cu Chi Tunnels and Kim Phuc’s home in Trang Bang. Kim Phuc, The Girl in the Picture, is depicted in a photograph as a young girl running naked down a road, her skin on fire from napalm. The picture earned a Pulitzer Prize for the photographer, Nick Ut who accompanied and documented the trip along with Chris Wain both of whom were involved with the Vietnam War. Their next stop was the Mekong Delta where they stayed with a local family, cooking their own food and sleeping under mosquito nets. Their last days were spent in Hanoi where they visited the historic Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Friendship Village, a center for Vietnamese people affected by Agent Orange. “The Friendship Village was really fun because some of the kids were deaf or blind, but they still found ways to communicate with you by writing things down on paper or using touch. They were so happy, despite being affected by this horrible thing,” said sophomore Mica Zimmerman. Both trips were coordinated by Alethea Tyner Paradis who is the founder and Director of Friendship Tours World Travel. Students arrived safely back safely in America, culture shocked, jet lagged with pictures to share and stories to tell.
PHOTO: JAIMIE ROSENBERG Bust a move: Breakdance Project participant shows off what he learned at Everybody Dance Now!’s second workshop in Dec. 2011. In memory of Babatunde’s dedicated advocacy for youth and mentorship of the EDN! Leaders, the team will honor him with a brief ceremony at the beginning of the workshop. “Babatunde was such a believer in the ability of youth to create positive change today. Young people are often told that we are the future, but EDN! is uprooting that perception,” Jess said. “One of the great aspects of it is that this is teenagers doing this on their own...bringing people together. When you see this expression of teen energy and activity and concern, it’s really moving,” said Mr. Badham For this event, the leadership team has expanded the Breakdance Project model to include other elements of breakdance culture. In an effort to discourage vandalism and to recognize the artistic value
of the medium, EDN! is launching a graffiti art venture. Local graffiti artists will not only display their own work at the workshop, but they will also help young participants in creating their own art. All members of the Laguna Blanca community are encouraged to attend this free event. Breakdance Project Santa Barbara will take place on June 9 from 2-5pm and is open to all ages. No dance experience is required, and participants are welcome to simply enjoy the performances. The first 50 people to arrive will receive a free Breakdance Project 2012 T-shirt. For more information about Everybody Dance Now! or Breakdance Project Santa Barbara contact Jess at jess@everbodydancenow.org or visit the organization’s website: www.everybodydancenow.org.
They say journalism is a dying art form, but the 3,000 high school students who attended the JEA/NSPA Conference in Seattle, WA would dare to challenge that assumption in light of their growing passion for investigative journalism. Student journalists met at the Seattle Convention Center to listen to keynote speaker Jennifer Sizemore, Manager of Global Editorial Staffs and executive producer of MSNBC.com, speak about the art of journalism and reporting. Motivated by Sizemore’s compelling presentation, attendees were driven to continue to delve into their passions by sitting in on classes ranging from the “Joy of Journalism” and “Designs So Cool They’ll Make Your Eyes Bleed” to “Captions, not Crap-
tions” and “There’s No Crying in Baseball.” The following afternoon, attendees gathered to listen to keynote speaker Dan Savage describe his “It Gets Better” video project, which aims to decrease the number of gay teen suicides and inspire the teenage LGBTQ community to stand strong in the face of the pressures of society. “I thought he was one of the best public speakers I have ever seen. It’s a day I will always remember because Mr. Savage has inspired so much change within the LGBTQ teen community. For many, he is a hero, and I look up to him so much,” said sophomore Grace Woolf. Savage’s presentation served as a springboard for the topics of discussion in the JEA-sponsored write-off contests
that were held later that day, in which all student representatives participated. On top of being Pacemaker Finalists for The Fourth Estate website, many individual writers won awards for analyzing and reporting on the issue of bullying in high schools. Senior Andrew McCaffery won a Superior Award for Copy-Editing and Headline Writing, junior Zoe Serbin won a Superior Award for Editorial Cartooning, and senior Jess Davis won an Excellent Award for Editorial Writing. Senior Eva Davis also won a Honorable Mention for her Photo Story on Ms. Mary Jane McCord. “I couldn’t be more proud of my team for accomplishing so much,” said Editor-in-Chief Jess Davis.
PHOTO: DELPHINE LOUIE
Victory Lap: Members of The Fourth Estate team give a thumbs up at the JEA/ NSPA Seattle Spring National Conference after winning Best of Show 8th Place.
Profile
June 1, 2012
Librarian Ms. Susan Burke Closes a Chapter That Has Lasted 35 Years
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By Anastasia Antonova the enrollment in the freshman class to 64 of How did you get started at Laguna? which my daughter, Whitney, was a student My start at Laguna is a story in itself. I wasn’t and 2005 grad. looking for a job and had already signed a contract The school hired a full-time Public Relawith the Thacher School for a third year. tions person who really put Laguna on the Our consortium of librarians from the Santa Barbara area was meeting at Laguna Blanca School’s map, and then, there was the addition of the academic service counselors across all divilibrary in May 1977. sions, the building of (and later the addition At the meeting, Phyllis Potts, the LBS librarian, to) the Merovick Gymnasium, the library said she was resigning and looking for a replaceWiFi cabinet with 20 laptops and the Laptops ment. for Learning Program in 2010 starting with I couldn’t get to the front office fast enough after seventh grade. that meeting to see if Headmaster Jack Adams was What are some of the notable changthere so I could let him know of my interest in the es in the students you have seen? position. The students of today seem more globally Lucky for me, Jack Adams was there, and he interviewed me on the spot and said the job was mine if I aware. They are putting themselves out there to make a difference. Just look at our club could break my contract with Thacher. program for the high school—H40, Invisible Who would have thought that a visit to Laguna Children, Books for Soldiers, Teddy Bear Canwould result in an impromptu interview with Jack cer Foundation, Service for Soldiers, Cottage Adams, an immediate hire and a lifelong career of Kids Art Club, and Heal the Ocean. 35 years at the school. And don’t forget about the many food What is your best memory from your cadrives during the holidays, and holiday gift reer at Laguna? giving to those in need…the love and caring I have three best memories from my career: for humanity goes My son, Chris, was in on and on. Mrs. Franklin’s kinderAre there any garten class. In February “I was so fortunate to have anecdotes you 1990, she escorted Chris up to the Isham Library been my children’s librarian could tell about your career at where he proudly read all through their lower Laguna? me his first story from the The story I love to butcher paper with the school years at Laguna. And tell most is when I blue lines. did we have fun!” was 9 months pregThe story was about him -Ms. Burke nant in 1983 with and his father sailing and my son Chris and still was that year’s Father’s working in the library. Day gift! Then, in 1994, The sixth graders were under the leadership of Mike Collins, a decision was made to consolidate the here, and I was at my desk checking out their library books. All of a sudden my water broke 2 ½ weeks two school libraries. early (fortunately behind my desk) and the students After eight years of running back and forth behad to quickly be ushered out of the library. tween Basham (now the Middle School Computer I remember Max Ruston coming over and two seLab) and Isham Libraries, I was overjoyed at the niors going down to the PE department to get some decision to have a K-12 library under one roof. towels for the clean-up. At that time, our high school enrollment was 92 My husband came with a change of clothes and students. Two Laguna families spear headed the project to turn the library annex into the K-6 library. the next day Chris was born. I took a 9 month maternity leave and became a We rallied all of the Lower School families to first-time mother, a roll I cherished. bring their red radio flyer wagons to Basham, and My daughter Whitney came along in 1986, so I one shelf at a time we trekked the books across the had two kids at Laguna Blanca School. driveway and onto the shelves of their new home. It What was the best part of being a librarwas tight with all 13 grades, but it was so worth it! In 2005, the library celebrated its 50th birthday. I ian for Laguna for 35 years? As I’ve told everyone, when you have your own knew this was coming, so the previous year I worked children attending school at Laguna, you take a on getting a renowned author to visit. closer look at what you do. Avi’s visit will never be forgotten. We made the I was so fortunate to have been my childrens’ newspaper and schools were calling for days afterlibrarian all through their lower school years at ward, disappointed that I hadn’t told anyone about Laguna. And did we have fun! his visit. Just look at the photo albums! Chris was three How have you seen the school change over when I became the K-12 librarian in 1986, so I had the course of your career? three years to get a library program together before Brother have I seen change! Working under eight headmasters who were constantly changing the divi- he started kindergarten. How have you been changed by the Lasions of the school, the 1990 start of the library comguna community? puterization, the consolidation of the two libraries I knew the moment I accepted the job offer from in 1994, the 2001 move of the K-4 Lower School to Jack Adams that this was the place for me. the Montecito campus and that same year doubling
Young Musicians Take to the Stage with a Professional Orchestra By MARGARET LAZAROVITZ
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PHOTO: Andre HSiung ith bright lights and an eager audi- In Tempo: After months of practice, Daria Etezadi plays “The Warsaw ence, Santa Bar- Concerto” at the Young Soloist Showcase. bara’s Young Soloists had the privilege of performing at The can be coordinated with a larg- one single thing has taught me Granada Theater on May 8. Out of the nine performers, er group of musicians,” Daria to work hard, and it will turn out well.” two Laguna students, junior said. As for emotional support, Several faculty members Daria Etezadi and sophomore Daria credits her mother. “She were at the Granada to support Andrew Horak, displayed their students, intheir talents cluding Laguna’s on the Gran“Young Soloists has forced Music Instructor ada’s majestic Ms. Laura Geier me to step outside of my own stage. and English and The Young interpretation of the music I was Personal DevelSoloists opment Instrucgiven.” Showcase tor Ms. Bojana Committee -Daria Etezadi Hill. selects the Ms. Geier most talented thought the classical inchoice of piece strumentalists in the Santa Barbara area. has been the one who has to for Daria was representative It is quite a prestigious honor deal with me practicing and OF Daria because the piece is eventually slamming the piano “very passionate and moving.” and also a large commitment. As for Andrew, Ms. Geier Daria received her piece, lid shut when I get really frusdescribes his piece as “very “The Warsaw Concerto” by trated,” Daria said. Andrew, who has also been commanding and lyrical at the Richard Addinsell, last sumplaying for 11 years, had been same time.” mer and she practiced it rehearsing his piece, “Concert As for Ms. Hill, she was imthrough early April. All 11 years of her classical #2 in D Minor” by Max Bruch, pressed “both by the professional and expert piano and piano training and the support since September. His instructor Nina Bodnar violin playing, as well as [the of her current instructor Lana aided him in sustaining a rigplayers’] demeanor and matuBodnar allowed her to maintain an “in-depth” practice orous practice regimen had rity.” him “working several hours a Having taught both Daria schedule. day.” and Andrew, she said, “I felt “Young Soloists forced me At the end of his experience, like a proud mother, watching to step outside of my own interpretation of the music I was Andrew gained the insight that my children and…was moved given and to figure out how it all of the hours of practice “on to tears both times.”
PHOTO: LAGUNA BLANCA ARCHIVES Our Librarian: Ms. Burke (above) arrived at Laguna Blanca School in 1977 to begin a career that has lasted 35 years. I arrived single, later married and had two children who benefited greatly from their Laguna Blanca education. I never thought it would turn into a 35 year career, but there was no reason to leave. This was my second home, and the Laguna community became my family, as well. When I think of all the students who have come and gone through the front door of my library and how my library staff and I instilled a love of reading across all grades, I can leave knowing I did the best job I could. I know that I made a difference in their lives. What are you going to miss the most? I will never be able to disconnect from Laguna. When you have a 35 year history like I do and feel good about retiring, you want to come back, in a different way of course, to continue giving to an institution you are proud of being a part of. Hopefully I can return to help with school events, substitute teaching, putting school archives in order . . . Who knows? Ultimately, I will miss the students who have given me so much love and joy over the years. With this year’s graduating class, I am seeing for the first time the 2nd generation leaving through my door.
New Canine Arrives on Campus By Grace Woolf One of Mr. Uyesaka’s favorver spring break, Mr. Dug Uyesaka added ite memories with Palmer is a new member to the when he came downstairs one Laguna family, his dog Palm- morning to find Palmer “chilling” on the kitchen table like it er. Palmer is a three and a half was his lounge. All dogs like to walk and year-old Whippet. Whippets are known for their agility and Palmer is no exception. Mr. speed and look much like an Uyesaka takes Palmer for English Greyhound except for walks, usually in the evenings, their smaller size. Whippets, but he also takes Palmer on when racing, can reach speeds a daily stroll around campus up to 37 miles per hour in most days. Palmer is very shy, but as about 15 seconds. Mr. Uyesaka got Palmer each day passes, he comes from a Los Olivos breeder, and more out of his shell and more although Palmer is still getting open to the never-ending atused to his new Laguna fam- tention from students that ily and the endless attention pass through Mr. Uyesaka’s everyone wants to give him, classroom each day. When asked about why he he fits perfectly into the daily loves Palmer, Mr. Uyesaka routine at school. Because Palmer grew up on said Palmer is “also a little love a farm, he first didn’t know muffin and wakes my wife and what to do with stairs or how I up with kisses most mornto react to Mr. Uyesaka’s cats. ings. That said, like many “He wasn’t used to stairs, young pups he likes to sleep in. and the first night I had to When I leave for school I usucarry him up because he didn’t ally have to carry him downknow what to do,” Mr. Uye- stairs because he doesn’t want to leave his bed. He’s a good saka said. Luckily, Palmer only weighs buddy and he never interrupts 32 pounds so this wasn’t too when we’re having a conversation.” much of an inconvenience.
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The Opinion
June 1, 2012
ART: ZOE SERBIN
AN APPEAL FOR PRESERVING CREATIVE SENIOR PRANKS By JESS DAVIS A canvas “Seniors 2012” banner was strung across the entrance gate to Hope Ranch, and a giant bouncy slide filled the senior quad. Saran wrap, toilet paper, and fishing line covered the school. Kalfas was a blizzard of Post Its. In spite of all of this chaos—or perhaps, because of it—I have never felt more connected to my graduating class than I did at this time. This may sound like a strange environment in which to foster relationships amongst peers, but this is the purpose that the senior prank serves. Students often complain that there is not enough school spirit on campus. Although I have never gone to a school athletic event and have only been to one dance, I am inclined to disagree with this statement. In spite of my lack of attendance at school-wide functions, I am constantly grateful to be a part of the Laguna Blanca community and am endlessly appreciative of its students, faculty, and administrators. I believe that all of my graduating peers share this feeling. Although we do not have the same energy at athletic
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events nor the spirited pep rallies that of thoughtful good fun. Getting rid of are common at public schools, we do it would be like pursuing a great white have the senior prank. whale," said Ms. Martha Elliott. Our senior prank tradition is rooted Seniors have even received some apin school spirit, not destructiveness. preciation from the administration for The care, time, and energy that the their generally thoughtful efforts. “I like senior class channels into brainstorm- the more creative path the senior prank ing their prank and putting it into ac- is starting to go down,” said Mr. Tyler tion set our Hodges. school apart. HowevMy friends at Our senior prank tradition er, school other schools a d m i n is rooted in school spirit. were baffled by istrators my reference to have also “Senior Prank expressed Meetings” and our careful division concerns about the tradition. The most into different teams—each responsible pressing include safety hazards, aesfor certain aspects of the prank (thank thetic effects on the school, and proyou, Class President Kai Gamble). fanity. The prank not only stems from the While these concerns are entirely morale of the graduating seniors, but it valid, I believe that they could be easalso cultivates this feeling among other ily avoided with a change in the adminstudents. “I always felt a rush of school istration’s approach to handling the spirit whenever the senior prank hap- prank. pened,” recalled senior Cameron Platt If creative, benign pranks were left about her reaction to prior years’ up by the maintenance crew for at least pranks. It is something for lower class- one day, students will be less tempted men to look forward to as seniors. to leave their legacy through harmful Students are not alone in recogniz- or inappropriate methods. ing the camaraderie precipitated by However, as of now, we know that the prank. "I think it is a tradition Mr. Matt Bray, the Director of Physiworth preserving, and I hope that stu- cal Plant, will arrive at school at 5 a.m. dents continue it with the same spirit on prank day to begin tearing down seniors’ carefully crafted project before other students arrive. 10 This year, Dr. Ashley Tidey’s room— which was perhaps the most benevolent portion of the prank—was torn down
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first. Seniors carefully crafted a boat in honor the AP Literature class’ reading of “Billy Budd.” The beautiful, wooden vessel was chopped up and practically destroyed before Ms. Tidey was able to see it in all of its glory. Also, in honor of Ms. Tidey’s endearing reference to her students as “chickens”, the seniors picked out personalized sketches for each student in her AP Literature class and placed them in their regular class seats with a note on the board that said “AP Lit Chickies came to class on ditch day. We love you!” By thoughtlessly erasing this kind message the school enforced the idea that creative, kind ideas deserve no more respect than profane ones. The administration has every right to discourage profane or dangerous pranks—and yes, we know the blow-up dolls were inappropriate. However, if we were confident that our witty, kind pranks would be honored and preserved, we would be discouraged from doing irreverent things. Perhaps Matt Bray and the administration believe that if they continue to tear down the prank it will eventually stop happening. However, this creates tension, and it motivates seniors to make their pranks more permanent and therefore more destructive to ensure that the rest of the school will see it. I urge the administration to consider leaving up the Class of 2013’s prank for a day if next year’s seniors are creative and thoughtful in their efforts.
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PHOTOS 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13: JAMIE ROSENBERG PHOTOS 2, 11, 12: MORGAN RAITH PHOTO 1: EVA DAVIS
The Opinion
June 1, 2012
THIS HUMAN IDEOLOGY
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PHOTOS: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA
By Olivia Berci
y family has always aired on the side of pragmatism. My younger sister went to a Christian preschool because it was across the street from my elementary school. Although I grew up in a reformed Jewish household, as a sevenyear-old, I really wasn’t phased by the idea. My toe-headed, fouryear-old sister climbed in the car seat across from me in the backseat after school and would proceed to sing Bible songs she had learned at school that day with all the gusto her 4-foot self had. The next year, when my sister entered kindergarten and started going to Sunday school at our local Santa Barbara temple, she was probably more well-versed in religious teachings than many adults. My religion, when I was younger, introduced me to a group of people I went trick-or-treating with on Halloween and ate s’mores with on camping trips. Religion had always played a role in my life, but it played more of
a cultural presence—a supportive community that was only one puzzle piece to the life my family had built around me. I don’t think I ever truly connected to religious teaching in a traditional sense, and, so for me, there is a whole world of faith I don’t understand. In 2001, the US Supreme Court ruled in
age group is 3 to 14. The organization’s vow is to reclaim elementary schools in an effort to indoctrinate students with Christian ideology. Here are these small, future global citizens who take every utterance of their teachers for gospel of truth. The girls in my hip-hop class often echo what
Evangelism is entirely alien to me, and I feel comfortable with keeping it at a safe distance. the Good News Club v. Milford Central School case that Good News Clubs can meet in public schools. The self-acclaimed purpose of Good News Clubs is to “evangelize boys and girls with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and establish them in the word of God and in a local church for Christian living.” There are Good News Clubs at seven local elementary schools, one in which I teach an after school hip-hop class. It is not difficult to understand why the ministry of clubs’ target
What role should religion play in education? PHOTOS: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA
I say, and it turns my stomach to think about adults persuading them with candy to have their parents sign a permission slip. At Laguna Blanca’s Global Studies Day, I was reminded of the atrocities that continue to come of age-old religious conflicts. In that frame of mind, I understood why a new wave of Atheism has taken center stage in western societies. Evangelism is entirely alien to me, and I feel comfortable with keeping it at a safe distance. Ethologist, biological evolutionist, and author
“I think educators should respect their students’ religions and understand that religion is a crucial part of one’s identity.” -Junior Daria Etezadi
Richard Dawkins said in his best selling book The God Dillusion that God is, “arguably the most unpleasant character in fiction.” Dawkins encourages his readers to imagine a world without religion—a world without “suicide bombers, no 9/11, no 7/7, no Crusades, no witch hunts, no Gunpowder Plot, no Indian partition, no Israeli/Palestinian wars, no Serb/Croat/ Muslim massacres...” While only 1 to 2 percent of Americans describe themselves Atheists, according to recent national polls, 15 percent of Americans say that they are not affiliated with any religion.
dogma that this newage anti-religion is preaching, embodies everything that puts me off about the Good News Clubs. The tone of the New Atheist contingent that Dawkins exhorts seems to be taking up an intolerance that is far too familiar to those who study world conflict, international security, and atrocity crimes. While the movement stands for a rejection of fundamentalism, it is just as traditionally derisive as the religions that it speaks out against. I hold an admiration for religion as a strong ethical foundation and as being incredibly uniting,
This lack of affiliation has been increasingly described as the fastest growing ‘religious group’ in America today. This lack of affiliation has been increasingly described as the fastestgrowing ‘religious group’ in America today. But the in-your-face brand of Atheism that Dawkins seems to be proselytizing, and the
bringing people together for powerful healing. I strongly believe that Dawkin’s form of Atheism is overlooking the morality and resolution that religion has proved to foster over and over again
“Schools should be a place where students feel safe developing their own ideas about religion. ” -Junior Jessie Dusebout
“Religion shouldn’t play any role in education. Fundamentalism is ridiculous.” -Junior Justin Palmer
throughout history. Organized religion, while it has been at the core of world conflict and countless crimes against humanity, it has also been at the root of healing after devastation and has proven a benefit to developing societies. Rebecca Tinsley spoke to the Laguna community about how genocide, while widely thought to be inhumane, is inherently human. So is religion. Dawkins’ preaching has taken on the same evangelical character that the Good News Clubs represent. The Laguna Blanca community participated in Global Studies Day because the school recognizes the value in educating global citizens. Religion will undoubtably continue to be at the root of both atrocity and justice, but rather than preaching the morals of Jesus to elementary school students, modern American democracy should be encouraging young people to critically analyze movements like the one Dawkins is leading.
Religious clubs have the right to express their beliefs, but they should not influence other kids who do not share those beliefs.” -Junior Bryana Schantz
By ANASTASIA ANTONOVA
A Bad Thing? Perhaps Not What you can do with a paintbrush or pencil no longer defines art. Anything from digital Photoshop images to smart-phone photos get labeled as art. Technology has shaped how art has changed and how we perceive it. Instagram is probably the most accessible and widely used “art-form” nowadays, basically overtaking camera photography with smartphone photography. Yet I don’t think that’s really a bad thing. Through a quick search in the app store, anyone can use Instagram to make their photos super “proflooking.” Instagram isn’t just a place where people can put up photos of breakfast or of their cats, it exists as somewhere a person, who is otherwise artistically inept, can feel artsy—and let’s face it, it’s pretty cool too. The app thrives on being a quick place to make and share a photo. But aside from creating new art, Instagram has revolutionized how we share it. Many photographers with actual cameras use the app to share photos that might not be otherwise seen. If it hasn’t already, Instagram will exponentially expand the art world, which is welcoming 50 million new artists.
Check out The Fourth Estate on Instagram at thefourthestate
PHOTOS: LAGUNA BLANCA STUDENTS AND ALUMNI
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R E M N’ M I U S OV L Many consider summer a time to take a relaxing, well-deserved break from the hectic school year. However, several students are making the most of their time off by working, by learning, or by giving back to the community.
Eva Davis Gets an Internship with Invisible Children By Grace Woolf and Caty Lafitte
This summer, senior Eva Davis is devoting herself to an internship at the head quarters of Invisible Children in San Diego. The organization gained national recognition after the release of their Kony 2012 video, which “uses film, creativity and social action to end the use of child soldiers in Joseph Kony’s rebel war and restore LRA-effected communities in East and Central Africa to peace and prosperity.” During the eight-week internship, Eva will be living in a house of 30 people, many of whom are interns as well. She will be helping start a new department called Customer Engagement, which is “a hybrid of human resources, public relations, and Invisible Children’s movement department,” Eva said. She said the application process is “similar to a college app” because their app includes “a ton of writing,” random fun questions, a work of art that has impacted the person recently, and what your favorite movies are—Eva’s favorites are Waiting for Superman and Parent Trap. There are three different steps Eva went through in the application process. The first round was a telephone interview because there are applicants from across the country. Eva said this part is very similar to a college interview. The second round gets into more detail, and the third is a conference call with the heads of the department that Eva would be working with. Eva found out that she got the internship two months after she applied. Eva has been involved in Invisible Children since their 2010 visit to Laguna and was instrumental in the starting of the school’s club. Now that she is 18 she will continue her work as an official Invisible Children worker.
Andrew Vignolo to Study the Steps to Success By Grace Woolf and Caty Lafitte While many people will be sleeping in and enjoying the sun, sophomore Andrew Vignolo will be learning the ropes to being an entrepreneur. The four-week program at the University of Southern California will teach young entrepreneurs “how to establish and build a company while blending the theory of business and entrepreneurship.” “I’m doing it so when I’m out of college and in the real world, I will know how to build my father’s farming business,” said Andrew. Vignolo Farms is spread all over California, focused mostly in the southern region, and grows nuts, potatoes, and their main crop: grapes. “Hopefully I’ll double its size and profit like how he has done for his father who did it for his,” said Andrew. Even though the program is a solid four weeks long, which Andrew cites as the part he’s most looking forward to—“No parents for four weeks will be sweet”—it includes weekend activities such as trips to Sony Pictures and New Deal Studios. Students will practice what they are learning by creating their own business “through a variety of class and group assignments” and “hear from guest entrepreneurs and others speakers. The course focuses on immersing students “in the real world of establishing and building a company.” This isn’t the only program that teaches high school students valuable skills. In the past 5 years programs for high school students, like the one at USC, have popped up at nearly every university in the country. These programs allow students to learn new skills and build their college resumes, while the universities can earn extra revenue by providing the students with on campus housing and meal plans. “I’ve never gone to a camp like this before, but I want to go to USC, so anything I can do to increase my chances of getting in, I’ll do,” said Vignolo.
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June 1, 2012
H4O Provides Service in Honduras By Grace Woolf and Caty Lafitte
Every 15 seconds a child under the age of five dies from a water-related illness. H4O is attempting to obliterate this statistic forever. For a week this summer, starting on June 17, the group Hands4Others (H4O) will be going to Honduras, a republic in Central America, to bring fresh water to villages in need. Laguna Blanca students Jessie Dusebout, Sammi Schurmer, Bryn Jewett, Olivia Avery, Dani Dusebout, Bennett Reichard, and Logan Avery will be going on the trip along with students from other schools in the area. H4O strives to “look beyond the comforts of our teenage lives and do something for others in need.” Their “movement of young people” travels the world and installs water purification systems for villages without the luxury of clean water. There have already been five installations of water systems in Honduras—two in the town of San Rafael, Lempira; one in the town of Gracias, Lempira; and two in the Department of Colon. The first four days of the trip are to help set up the water system with the organization called Water Missions. The students and volunteers will be helping to install water systems in more than one village in Honduras, which they will find out about when they arrive. After the water system is installed, everyone will celebrate with the villagers, play soccer, and make traditional Honduran food. H4O will also be building a latrine for the people who live in the village. “I went last summer, my favorite part was seeing the kids’s faces. They were so happy and surprised, they had never seen clean water before,” sophomore Sammi Schurmer said. “For me, I think there is so much more than bringing water into these villages as bonding and playing with the children is something so special. A bond is created that I can’t even explain with words, but I know that the children and we are so blessed by the time we spent together,” junior Jessie Dusebout said.
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June 1, 2012
Middle School
Students Participate in Environmental Activities By LUISA CAMERON
The Whole World in Our Hands: Earth Day activities at the Lower School (Above & Below).
Every tradition has a beginning, and at Laguna Blanca, a new tradition is budding. The first EnvironmenPHOTOS: LUISA CAMERON tal Service Day took place Fun in the Sun: (Top) Chickens, turkeys, and goats were on April 27. One hundred and five just some of the animals at the celebration. (Below) Simon Lea takes a break from his activities to enjoy a snack of students divided into 10 “Solar S’mores.” groups comprised of 8 to 16 students each grabbed their water bottles, left their textbooks behind and participated in exciting events like the Harbor Cleanup, a Moore Mesa hike, the Fairview Gardens Food Harvesting and Animal Work, and an On-Campus Renewable Energy Project. At each location, students did various tasks to help create a better environment. “We learned how to preserve wildlife habitats,” said eighth grader Armon Ghodoussi, who went to More Mesa. Following the morning activities, students travelled to Hope Ranch Beach where they enjoyed
an organic barbecue prepared by parents. Pierce O’Donnell helped to set-up Earth Day booths at the Lower School and interacted with the students. “I was the Bag Monster. I wore a costume made up of 500 plastic bags to illustrate the amount of plastic one shopper consumes in a year,” Pierce said. Organized by Middle School Pre-Algebra and Physical Science teacher Mr. Zachary Moore, the Environmental Service Day was action packed. “Everything came off relatively smoothly,” said Mr. Moore. “Most groups were very excited about the projects they were included in. Overall, I was very happy with the event.” From beach cleanups to creek surveys, from food harvesting to bridge painting, students served the community and learned new things.
From Purple Mountain Majesties to Shining Seas: Students Learn About Preserving More Mesa By JACQUELINE BERCI Santa Barbara County was once 3,789 square miles of open land; today most of that land is inhabited with us — humans. We have done the impossible — conquered Mother Nature. Where that open land used to be, stand houses, schools, hospitals, markets and businesses. One of the few remaining places where soaring birds fly free in the blue sky, golden grass grows wildly hiding little critters in their deep roots, mysterious trees tower over the tiny and colorful wildflowers and the mountains meet the sea in a gorgeous collision and that place is More Mesa. More Mesa is 265 acres of undeveloped land harboring miles of untouched coastline, hiking trails and an abundance of amazing wildlife ranging from snakes to bobcats. The only portion of More Mesa that is developed is the far border near the back entrance. The rest of More Mesa is classified as environmentally sensitive habitat, meaning that you cannot build on it.
This is because More Mesa is home to endangered plants. It is privately owned, but the owner does allow people to walk on it. However, More Mesa is being currently threatened by the possibility of further development. More Mesa Preservation Coalition is working to preserve More Mesa and recently had an event to make the people of Santa Barbara aware of this problem. The More Mesa Preservation Coalition put on this event in order to make the citizens of Santa Barbara aware of More Mesa’s problem and to preserve More Mesa and bring it to the public as Open Space. More Mesa Preservation Coalition is trying to keep More Mesa safe in order for it to be here for generations to come. On May 20, adults and children gathered in the community of More Mesa Shores for a celebration. Throughout the day, docents gave nature tours and art and science exhibits were on display. All displays were created by students
from Santa Barbara organizations, schools and clubs. During the Laguna’s Middle School Environmental Service Day, a group of students went to More Mesa and learned about it with a guided tour given by Valerie Olsen who works with the More Mesa Preservation CoPHOTO: Valerie Olsen alition. Students (above) visited More Mesa Students walked along a path (below) for an educational hike and a through tall grasses, across wet beach cleanup before heading for lunch. marshes, and above the waves crashing on the seashore. They encountered five habitats: grassland, riparian, oak woodlands, coastal and a special kind of wetland called a vernal pool. The Middle Schoolers learned about wildflowers, White-tailed Hawks, owl pellets, different types of habitats and much more. After a walk through the grassland, riparian, and oak woodland habitats, students descended the 205 steps down to More Mesa’s beach for a beach cleanup. The project ended with students walking back to Hope Ranch Beach from More Mesa. PHOTO: Jacqueline Berci
Students Travel to the East Coast for an Extended History Class By JACQUELINE BERCI
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undreds of years ago, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin stood in their stockings and curly white wigs and built our nation up from the ground. Hundreds of years later, Laguna students stood in those exact same spots in their sneakers, bluejeans, and sweatshirts. Yes, the wardrobe has changed a little, but the American drive to learn and grow certainly has not. Students from MS English and Social Science teacher Lindsey Woodard’s eighth grade history class took a trip to Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. and journeyed through America’s past, present and future. The first stop was Philadelphia where students learned about the birth of our nation while visiting the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Constitution Center, and Christ Church. They even got to try a famous Philly cheese-steak sandwich. The next day, students visited Gettysburg, where one of the most famous battles of our nation’s Civil War took place. They then visited Antietam, where the bloodiest day of the Civil War took place.
The next morning, lonial man shared scary Ms. Woodard. Amongst the tour of dents visited the Crime Aside from the eduthe battlefield, students and Punishment Museum the group visited Mount stories of Alexandria. Last, but most certainly cational hands-on acalso got to participate where they learned about Vernon, George Washin a hands-on activity a darker side of the coun- ington’s home and had a not least, students visited tivities, museums, and students private visit from Wash- the US Naval Academy monuments, which mimicked the way try’s history. ington’s and learned about the got to know people better One of soldiers of the civil war g r a n d - diligence of the young in their class and make communicated with each the more “I learned a lot of other by using the waving p o p u l a r things about the Civil daugh- men and woman who at- some new friends. “The trip was so much ter her- tend there. hands-on of flags. Laguna alum Austin fun, and it was a great “I learned a lot of things activities War. I thought it was self. A f t e r Patrick ‘10 took the time bonding experience for really cool how we about the Civil War. I gave stua pizza to give the group a taste the students who went,” a got to be in the places thought it was really cool dents s t o p , of his personal experience said Andrew Licata. chance to how we got to be in the where these events “Both last year and s t u - at the Naval Academy. places where these events try to be happened.” “I loved the Naval this year, I was really imdents happened,” said Ashley a police - Ashley LeCron went to Academy. I was so fasci- pressed with the students officer on Lecron. the old nated just seeing how dis- and their conduct on the a mission In the beauty of dusk, town of ciplined they have to be trip knowing when to liskill students visited the me- to Alexan- and seeing the pride and ten and being respectful morials of World War II, criminals tradition that goes along to the tour guides,” Ms. dria; the visit included the Vietnam War, the Ko- or chase down a burglar with the Academy,” said Woodard said. a ghost tour where a cousing simulators. rean War and Abraham Lincoln. The following day, students got to see the Smithsonian National Museum of American History . “I really enjoyed the trip because we got to visit outstanding museums filled with lots of interesting information — it was a great experience,” Savannah Benz said. Next, they took a walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery, and students viewed the changing of the PHOTO: Cathy Jones guards ceremony. After dinner at A Moment at the Monument: Flanked (right) by Visual Arts and Performing Arts teacher Dug Uyesaka and Carmine’s Italian (left) by MS English and Social Science teacher Lindsay Woodard students gather in front of the Jefferson Memorial Restaurant, stu- in Washington D.C.
Feature
Summer Reading List
Cover the Night:
Peaceful Protest to Raise Awareness By EVA DAVIS
I
n the viral video that has been viewed by over 100 million people, the project directors at Invisible Children urged everyone to take part in Cover the Night on April 20: an event in which everyone would take to the streets and cover their town with Kony 2012 posters and literature. The minds behind Invisible Children’s project and endeavor strongly believe in using “film, creativity, and social action to end the use of child soldiers in Joseph Kony’s rebel war.” Invisible Children put together Action Kits available for sale on their website to provide participants with supplies for the night. These kits included information cards, posters, and a bracelet with a serial number to keep track of posters and information. The video reached more than 200 times its targeted audience, gaining over 100 million views. From its goal of reaching 500,000 viewers within the year, it was not anticipated that the video would have gained such popularity in such a short amount of time. Cover the Night was created to raise awareness, but following the film’s explosive debut, the original CTN plan would have been redundant. Invisible Children took this is as an opportunity to speak to all of the people that have been captivated by the Kony 2012 movement and encourage them to go out and do something positive for their community.
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June 1, 2012
By HELENA DAVILA
The organization created several “how to” videos, providing people with ideas and ways to go about serving their community. Examples ranged from repainting recreation center buildings and elementary school play structures to doing trash clean-ups at local parks and beaches. After urging their supporters to go out and do something positive for their area, Invisible Children asked participants to send in photos of their community projects in addition to their Cover The Night images. Out of the thousands they received, several have been selected to be featured on IC’s website, blog, and Instagram feed. The night was extremely successful, as many businesses donated walls to be transformed into beautiful murals displaying images of peace.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret By Brian Selznick Markus Selznick’s Hugo Cabret is a revolutionary blend of graphic novel and narrative. Selznick’s original creation tells the story of a small boy growing up in France who stumbles across an automaton and embarks on a whirling adventure filled with secrets and buried history. Selznick’s book spotlights not only the captivating story of Hugo Cabret, but also hundreds of hand drawn pencil sketches scattered throughout the novel help to carry the story along. Although it was adapted into a screenplay, the story of Hugo Cabret on a film screen will never be able to capture the magical mysticism and intrigue buried within the pages of the printed Hugo Cabret.
The Name of this Book is Secret By Pseudonymous Bosch
Photos courtesy of Jacob Watson and Invisible Children
The Inexact Science of Writing a Text Message Excerpts taken from Dr. Charles Donelan’s AP English Language classes.
This story is a story about things that are secret. Things you were never supposed to know, in a book that you were never supposed to have stumbled upon; this, of course, makes it all the more fascinating and riveting to read. When the ever adventurous and daring Cass and the crafty and logical Max Earnest discover the Symphony of Smells, a box full of mysterious vials of odiferous liquids, they embark on a peculiar journey. Along the way, they encounter a diary, a dead magician, puzzles and mysteries, and they get swept up in the perpetual hunt for immortality.
The School of Fear By Gitty
“It doesn’t have to be formal, it doesn’t have to be witty, it just has to get the message across.” - Duke Schnieder “With great Smiley power comes great Smiley responsibility. Using these “emojis” at the wrong times or too often can result in failure.” - Eli Bittleston “Sometimes a careless text can be the end of a conversation, simple as that. As soon as someone receives your “yeah.” text after their thoughtful comment, they’re no longer going to want to text with you.” - Eddie Conk “If you want to be cool, abbreviate words with letters; trust me, it makes you sound like you’re an experienced texter. For example, btw, brb, lol, gtg, ftw, ur, omg.” - Benji Sorensen
AR
T:
ZO
E
SE
RB
IN
“If you are sending a text message to a close friend, think of the experiences you have had with that person and draw upon them to start up a conversation.” - Brendon Nylen
“The point is to keep your message short and to the point.” - Morgan Donahue ‘If you’re bored, text your friends what you’re doing with “emoji’s” and see if they can understand.” - Amanda Harvey “Personally, text messaging is a real drag. What’s the point of constantly texting with someone when you can pick up the phone and talk to them directly?” - Fiona Jessup “Whether it be adding the extra “haha” or winky face, every character really does add some flare and character to who you are as a texter.” - Karinna Carrillo “If you ramble it is less likely that you will get a response at all, let alone the one you were looking for. No one wants to have to sit and work at a reply.” - Caitlin Connor
Daneshvari
Madeleine Masterson is deathly afraid of spiders. T h e o d o r e Bartholemew is terrified of dying. Lulu Punchalower suffers from crippling claustrophobia. Garrison Feldman is scared of deep water. Everyone has phobias; everyone’s scared of something, but for Madeleine, Theodore, Lulu and Garrison, their fears rule their lives. Armed with tool belts of bug spray, copious journals and crafty escape strategies, they proceed through life with a tentative foot, perpetually afraid of the dangers that might lurk around the next corner. Desperate to help their children, the parents of these four twelve year-olds send them to a mysterious School of Fear run by a pretentious ex-beauty queen and a dog named Macaroni. The kids fight and battle their way through their terrors at the School of Fear, hoping to emerge cured, and alive.
The Mysterious Benedict Society By Trenton Lee Stewart Constance Contraire, Reynie Muldoon, and Sticky Washington are best friends. Constance is snarky and moody, Sticky is a walking encyclopedia, and Reynie is the rock that holds the three together. These aren’t just any children, mind you; they’ve come to live with Mr. Nicholas Benedict of the Benedict Society. They were chosen to come here. They’ve been selected out of hundreds of applicants by passing a series of nearly impossible tests. These children are not just any children, they’re unique and possess unique qualities desired by many and held by few. But the children must be wary; envious villains are out to possess their unique traits and will stop at nothing to capture them.
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Sports
June 1, 2012
Laguna by the Numbers 3 Boys, ben furukawa, tristan prinz AND ALEX GREER, from the tennis team made it to cif individual finals
13 Years Angeloff has been coach of the golf team
30 Year streak of Girls Tennis being beaten by Cate broken
33 Competitive miles run by the cross country team
623 Digs made by the Girls Volleyball Team
680 Kills made by the Boys Volleyball Team
62.5 Percent of the girls basketball team made up by freshmen
1260 Number of passing yards in the football season
4:47.01 Fastest swim time by Milo Filip in the 500m Freestyle
Boy’s Varsity Volleyball
#18 Laguna Blanca wins first CIF Playoff Game in three years, Swept by Chadwick in 2nd Round By Stephen McCaffery The boys volleyball team came out of the break with a 4-game win streak and a 4-3 record. Their first match after the break was against Besant Hill, who they swept in 3 (25-9, 2514, 25-13). Senior Andrew McCaffery led the team with 6 of the Owl’s 18 aces, while junior J.T. Aubrey led with 4 kills. Sophomore Cuyler Zimmerman recorded 6 digs a teamhigh, with J.T. close behind with 5. Two days later the Owls, trying to maintain their 5-game win streak, battled against Condor League rival Cate School. Despite the mass contributions of kills from co-captains J.T. Aubrey and Stephen McCaffery, 19 each, and Andrew Vignolo, with 15, Cate outlasted Laguna in 5, winning 24-26, 25-19, 23-25, 25-14, 18-20. The Owl’s 5-game win streak was snapped, and their chances for the Condor League Title would rely on a coin-flip if they were to earn a victory over Cate on April 25. Despite the hard loss, the Owls came out victorious in 3 (25-21, 25- 20, 25-18) in their next match against Providence Hall behind J.T.’s 13 kills and Cuyler’s 38 assists. The team’s next match was against Besant Hill. With more excellent play from J.T., 13 kills and 20 digs, who led the Owls to a 3-game sweep (2517, 25-19, 25-21). Co-captains Andrew and Stephen followed J.T. with 7 kills each. Two days later, the Owls traveled to Cate with the Condor League Title on the line. Once again, Cate came out victorious, this time in 4 (2830, 26-24, 16-25, 23-25), and claimed the Condor League Title. The loss eliminated Laguna’s (7-5, 3-2) chances of winning their league and will prevent them from a better seed in the CIF playoffs. The next day, Laguna played Bishop Diego losing in 3 (2325, 22-25, 24-26).
PHOTO: Patty Vignolo
Set’s Up: Sophomore Setter Cuyler Zimmerman #9 sets a the pass as freshman Outside Hitter Stephen McCaffery #11 and junior Middle Blocker Eli Bittleson #15 approach for the kill. On April 28, the Owls traveled to Viewpoint High School in Calabasas, to take part in the annual Viewpoint Tournament. They were seeded 3rd in their pool with #1 Brentwood and #2 Malibu ahead and #4 St. Bernard below. In pool play, the matches were two games both to 25 with a cap of 27. Laguna split their first two matches, one lost one won, with #1 Brentwood (25-22, 25-18) and #2 Malibu (18-25, 26-24). They swept #4 St. Bernard 25-21, 25-21. A three-way tie between #1 Brentwood, #2 Malibu, and #3 Laguna Blanca occurred.
Boys Junior Varsity Volleyball
won in 3 (25-10, 25-22, 25-15). Andrew McCaffery had 6 kills and an ace in the final regular season match of his career. It was his last high school sporting competition. The Owls, seeded 18 in their CIF division, traveled to San Pedro to face-off against #15 Pacific Lutheran, the Delphic League Champions, in the 1st round of the CIF-SS Playoffs. Laguna dropped the 1st game, but, despite losing, won the next 3, winning in 4 (18-25, 26-24, 25-23, 25-14). Laguna played #2 Chadwick in the 2nd round losing in 3 games to the reigning CIF Champs (13-25, 11-25, 16-25).
Boys Varsity Tennis By Caitlin Connor
By Stephen McCaffery
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he Owls JV Squad (23) kicked-off strong after the Spring Break, winning their first match against Oak Grove in 3, even without the presence of freshman setter Connor Curran, who was moved up to the Varsity team over the break. Previously in the season, Curran and freshman setter, and now former outside hitter, Spenser Wyatt shared the position of setter by trading off after every three rotations. Now, with Curran’s absence, Wyatt has the pressure of setting while in the front row and the back row. On the position change, Wyatt said “It has been tough, but the burden hasn’t been enough to slow our team down. Overall, the move hasn’t been too strenuous.” Laguna (3-3) kept their momentum through the next match, beating Cate School in 2. The Owls’ (4-3) 2-game win streak, however, was broken in their next match against Santa Ynez Valley Union High School losing in 2. Due to illness, the JV squad (4-4) had many absences after the Santa Ynez Valley match and could not play in their next 3 matches. The team’s second to last match was against the Carpinteria High Warriors. The Owls lost in 2. The Owls’ last match was at home against Oak Grove, a
All teams had 4-2 records, but only the top two teams could advance to the Gold Bracket. The Owls ended up in third because of point totals, and played in the Silver Bracket. They came out victorious in their first playoff game against Pacific Hills 25-21 but lost in the semifinals against Holy St. Martyrs 24-26. Laguna came home with a 5-3 overall record. The Owls took on the Carpinteria High Warriors at home winning in 3 (25-10, 25-13, 2522). The next match was against the Dunn School Earwigs at home for Senior Night. Laguna
PHOTO: LAURA WYATT
A-C-E Ace!: Freshman Setter Spenser Wyatt serves an ace. team they had recently beat in 3; however, this time, the Owls (5-5) won in 2. On the season, Freshman Libero Ryan Chiment said, “Overall, we had a fairly successful season. I felt the team as a whole improved greatly. We had a few flaws, but I was happy with how it all turned out.”
Culminating their season with a 4-10 record, the boys’ tennis team had an all around successful season. “We stepped up as a team,” said senior Alex Louden about the seasons turnout, “everyone had match time and was out there playing.” Fresh from spring break, the boys kicked off their first game with a win against Carpinteria High. Showing they still had fight in them, the team dominated on PHOTO: CAITLIN CONNOR court with a 13-5 win against the Warriors in Slappin’ It: Benji Sorenson hits the non-league match. a strong forehand cross court. With sophomores Tristan Prinz and Ben Furukawa along with junior Benji trol of singles, beating Cate’s Sorensen in the singles spots, number two and three playthe team went strong outpac- ers. The team, however, could ing any plays by Carpinteria. not match the level shown by At ease off their win, the Ben, and the game resulted in boys went up in another non- a 4-14 loss. league match against the big The Owls then went on Rio Mesa. When despite their through the season to play best efforts and their 6-12 loss, against Dunn twice. While the boys maintained an opti- both were losses, the first 6-12, mistic outlook on the continu- the second proved to be tight ing season. “Because our coach matches coming down to a one always presented a calm and win or loss and the story may collected persona, we never have been different. In the end got too distraught,” comment- the score was 8-10. ed junior Justin Palmer on the Later, the tennis boys took team moral. on Thatcher at the end of the The team then went on to season in rescheduled matchhit against Santa Ynez High es due to rain. Both intense School. In the end, however, matches, the first resulted in a the game resulted in a 5-13 9-9 tie, which lead to a game loss. count. In games they lost 75Up next against Cate, the 79, an extremely tight ending. game proved to be a tense af- The team ended the season fair. Cate, the #1 team in the on a high note, going again league, took control of doubles against Thatcher but winning while Ben Furukawa took con- 10-8.
Sports
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June 1, 2012
Athletics and Academics: An Unlikely Duo Bettering a Student’s Education and Preparing Him or Her for the Future
2011-2012 MVPs
By STEPHEN MCCAFFERY
A
thletics harming students’ academic success and athletes are just a bunch of ‘dumb jocks’ have become stigmas invading our modern culture. Statistically, however, athletes are actually more likely to succeed academically and, consequently, later in life. A United States Department of Health and Human Services study reported that students who do not participate in athletics are 57 percent more likely to drop out of high school by their senior year, 49 percent more likely to use drugs, 37 percent more likely to become teen parents, 35 percent more likely to smoke cigarettes, and 27 percent more likely to be arrested: things that would certainly damage a student’s academic success and future. A Hardiness Research study also found: by a 2:1 ratio, boy athletes do better in school, do not drop out and are more likely to graduate from college; by a 3:1 ratio, girl athletes do better in school; high-school athletes are more confident; athletes pursue more advanced classes; high-school athletes have better grade averages, and their test scores are above average. From the presented facts, one can conclude that athletics are helping students achieve academic success. Additionally, athletics can be misconceived to be a distracting, time-consuming, damaging factor that adds additional stress to a student’s life. While it is not possible to argue that athletics are not time consuming, it can be argued that they are not a harmful distraction damaging to student’s academic achievement. Athletics help students prioritize and stay focused. The fact that athletics are time consuming also aids students to stay out of trouble after school hours, which, in turn, helps a students academic success and teaches students to avoid procrastination.
Along with academic improvements, school spirit would also rise if more students played sports and were more involved with the Laguna athletic community. School spirit makes students want to learn and want go to school, which, in turn, aids academic success. A student who is physically healthy and who is also eager to learn will do much better in his or her classes compared to an unwilling, unhealthy learner. Team sports also teach students life skills that will help them succeed. Some skills include: how to work as a team, how to communicate with others while in high-pressure situations, how to fight through difficulties, and how to be a sportsman like competitor. Furthermore, more participation in athletics could, potentially, better our teams and thus make Laguna a Condor League Champion contender in all sports, not just volleyball, and a CIF-SS Champion contender. Also, because athletics help academics, with more athletic participation and increased academic success, Laguna could contend for the Academic GRAPHIC: ZOE SERBIN Team Champions in CIF-SS, Laguna Blanca requires one season of a sport for each student each and even in the State of California. Laguna needs to move forward and year. Though this requirement is far better than requiring none, some stu- break away from the traditional ‘status dents, who could benefit from athletic quo’ of sports hurting a student’s acaparticipation, both physically and demic success by requiring 2, if not 3, academically, decide to play the mini- sports per year. The improvement of this requirement mum. According to the statistics provided, will increase academic success, boost students would benefit from an addi- school spirit, and improve the overall tional amount of athletic participation. satisfaction of the student body. Some schools have realized and accepted the fact that athletics help academics requiring more athletic participation per year, but some haven’t.
Spring Golf Review:
Andrew Vignolo
Brandon Bickett
Ben Furukawa &
Lucie and Margaret Hartmann
Amanda Harvey & J.T. Aubrey
The Freshman Trifecta By ANDREW MCCAFFERY
Marla Bonser & Benji Sorensen
PHOTO: STEPHEN MCCAFFERY Putting Away: Freshman Jack Kinsler practices on the green at the La Cumbre Country Club Santa Barbara, a popular choice of play for the golf team. game this year, and put up some great scores—next year will be even better,” said Kiyan. The three budding link-lovers, since they will be playing alongside—and possibly against—each other for the duration of high school, were able to offer “gentle” critiques of one another... Sam, on Ryan: “Ryan Bickett is just a swell guy, not to mention a superb golfer. He and I go head-to-head due to our relatively similar skill levels, and our competition stays friendly. I have come to admire Ryan's athletic spark, which allows him to pull of some nice shots. He could use some work around the greens, and a little more consistency from the tee, but he is already growing into an amazing player. Ryan is still an overall impressive guy.” Ryan, on Jack: “Jack Kinsler is a joy to play with on the course, and is quite motivated to become an even bet-
ter golfer than he is now. It may be a touchy subject, but he should probably figure out that funky half-swing of his, for you can only hit so many imitation punch shots.” Jack, on Sam: “Well, Sam Brown is an interesting young Brit. He excels at the game’s technical side. However, I am mentoring and enlightening him on the tools needed to equip him with insights that are KEY to the difficult game we call golf. Mr. Brown is a nice kid and a crazy golfer who will continue to steadily improve.” The golf team will miss the presence of seniors Brandon Bickett and James Cornell, although, with its underclassman-heavy roster, the team is far from worried. “There is no doubt that we can do greater things next year. I can’t wait to dust off my spikes and learn more from the masterful ways of Ace,” said Sam.
Ryan Bickett & McKenzie Scarborough and Fiona Jessup
Kiyan Mashhoon
GRAPHICS: KYLE VAN de KAMER
I
t is possible to still hear the echoes of golf-claps whenever Niall Platt ’10 is mentioned. However, the days of remembering Laguna golf are coming to a close; the spotlight will soon shift to the present, with sophomore captain Kiyan Mashhoon leading the charge. “If we belonged to a league, Kiyan would win it, and that’s the truth,” said golf coach Mr. Peter Angeloff. However, Kiyan is not alone in Laguna golf’s recent resurgence; he had much help in leading the Owls to a 7-0 season. He is backed up by sophomore Alec Abajian and the freshmen trio of Ryan Bickett, Sam Brown and Jack Kinsler. “Although they’re not yet at the level of Mashhoon or Abajian, those three are well on their way to some golf glory,” added Angeloff. On the season, Bickett, Brown, and Kinsler averaged 42, 43 and 47, respectively, on 9-holes. While they hope to improve, these marks are already notable: “these three really stepped up their
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June 1, 2012
A&E
Once Upon a Mattress: Seniors’ Final Curtain Call By ANDREW McCAFFERY
By STEPHEN MCCAFFERY
L
aguna’s Spring musical, Once Upon a Mattress a comedic spin off of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale The Princess and the Pea was a show of two significant firsts. “It was the first time in my tenure at Laguna that there has been an allstudent orchestra,” said Director and Theater Arts Instructor Mr. Joseph Beck. Second, for 12 of the musical’s 20 student-participants, it was their first time appearing in an Upper School production. In spite of its inaugural pit-band and its overwhelmingly green cast, Once Upon a Mattress turned out to be quite professional and was met with much acclaim. “I was swept up by its medieval splendor,” said sophomore Quentin Tedesco, “and I especially liked Andrew Puzder’s performance.” Andrew, one of the production’s many rookies, played the dashing knight Sir Harry whose job it is to find a princess for Prince Dauntless, played by freshman Connor Curran. Harry must act quickly for two reasons. First, Dauntless’ mother—the Queen, played by Junior Zoe Serbin is the definition of a helicopter mom and will only accept the perfect princess. Second, Harry must find Dauntless a bride due to the scandalous consequences of his relationship with Lady Larken, played by senior Allie Lafitte. “Let’s just say that Sir Harry had about nine months to find Dauntless ‘the one,’” said Allie. Allie, one of four seniors in the production, marked her fourth Laguna dramatic role. Morgan Raith, Ari Rodriguez and Cameron Platt were the
PHOTO: brad elliott
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For the last gig of the school year the Laguna Blanca Stage Band performed at the SOhO Music Club and Restaurant on May 5. For Seniors Andrew McCaffery and Troy Ritter, this was the last gig of their Stage Band careers. A crowd of about 50-60 students, teachers, family and friends came out to support the band. “It was great to see the school band get out into the community and perform,” freshman Elia Doussineau said. While for some members of the band it was their last gig, and for others, it was their first. Specifically, Tenor Saxophonist Conrad Perry, Alto Saxophonist Ryan Green, and Band Director Ms. Laura Geier all experienced their first SOhO gig with the Laguna Blanca Stage Band.
Queen Aggravain (Zoe Serbin) strangles Prince Dauntless (Connor Curran) after she realizes that she can no longer talk. other seniors. For Cameron, who played Princess Winifred—the long-lost solution to both Dauntless and Sir Harry’s problems— Once Upon a Mattress was her seventh Laguna performance. “Putting together ‘Mattress’ was a particularly emotional process, due to its being my final show at Laguna,” said Cameron. “This show was special in that it pushed me, as a senior working alongside a middle-school dominated ensemble, to be a role model and mentor in the theatre more than ever before.” The presence of middle-school students also tested the capabilities of
Stage Manager Margaret Lazarovitz. “At times, working with younger kids made things a little difficult. ‘Mattress’ was quite an adventure. However, all of the strife and stress is worth it, for when everything comes together—the lights, the band, the dancing—you’re met with one of the greatest feelings in the world.” Cameron said, “I can’t quantify the growth I’ve undergone, the lessons I’ve learned, the friendships I’ve formed and strengthened and/or the memories I’ve made on the Spaulding Auditorium stage. I will dearly miss the Laguna theatre clan and its many quirks. It has been an honor to act here.”
A commentary of the technology that created a futuristic Tupac hologram and made Coachella 2012 one-of-a-kind. By JOEY ECKERT
his year’s Coachella Festival was special and like no other because of mastermind Dr. Dre’s idea of having a ‘Tupac Shakur Hologram’ perform live at the festival in the desert. The supposed shot and killed infamous rapper Tupac came back alive last month on the weekends of April 13-15 and April 20-22 at the 2012 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Coachella is an annual three-day music and arts festival, organized by Goldenvoice and held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, in the Inland Empire's Coachella Valley. Coachella is normally an annual event, but due to an overwhelming demand for tickets, the festival directors chose to expand the festival into a second weekend with an identical music lineup. The festival is known for its stacked line-ups, its amazing performers, and its jaw-dropping performances. This year, many of the fans were picking up their jaws off the ground when Tupac was resurrected on stage in a hologram. The performance left such an impression on people that rap star and potential legend Nas spoke out saying, "Tupac has almost become Elvis, where people still think he's alive, so the hologram thing I thought was genius of Dr. Dre and Snoop… I thought it was a great look for hip-hop as a whole. It stepped hip-hop up a notch, and it was revolutionary on a performance scale." After his life was taken in 1996, many fans yearned for something like this because they all miss the legendary Tupac Shakur. Fans loved the unreal performance put on at the festival thanks to the extremely realistic experience and show that surprised many. AV Concepts worked carefully and diligently to pull off Dr.
Stage Band Ends the Year at SOhO
PHOTOS: MARLA BONSER The Artsy Vibe: Festival attendees take a break from the sun and music to hang out around the many art pieces featured at Coachella.
Dre’s unique vision of the hologram. Dr. Dre came up with idea himself and led the charge to work with an AV concepts team to use the astounding technology we have today to make Tupac ‘come back to life.’ The Huffington Post reports, “AV Concepts produced the hologram for Coachella, but its partner, Digital Domain Media Group, was responsible for the animation.” The life-like image of Tupac Shakur was created using the latest technology, also seen in movies such as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It is reported that the Tupac hologram was several months in the planning and took almost four months to create in a studio. The costs were in between $100,000 and $400,000. Although the hologram performance was released a few days before the concert, Coachella fans were amazed when Snoop Dogg took the stage along side the 3D Tupac to perform a classic west coast rap hit “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted.”
The groups working behind this really did a great job in that they were able to recreate Tupac’s voice to say, "What up, Coachella?" This raises eyebrows because Tupac was reported dead in 1996 and the Coachella Music Festival started in 1999. Companies were not able to confirm whether all the vocals were Pac's or not. The controversy over Pac’s death continues, and believers think that he may still be alive today. However, that's not what all the critics are hung up on, as more people are asking if this may evolve into a new way of entertainment with concerts leaving fans asking who is next? Elvis? Marilyn Monroe? Biggie Smalls? Maybe there will be holographic concerts that are realistic and that are more cost-efficient than a live performance. Many will be following and waiting to see what will be done with this new technology and this new style of performing. Time will tell.
Photo: Paul Chiment
Brother Act: Andrew (left) and Stephen McCaffery (right) playing at the SOhO Music Club and Restaurant. “It was really strange in the beginning because I didn’t really know what was going on, but, in the end, it was really fun and a great experience. SOhO was the best gig,” said Ryan Green about his first year with the band and the SOhO gig. “The Stage Band and gig at SOhO were great experiences. I’m looking for to the next year’s,” said Conrad Perry. On her first year with the band, Ms. Geier said, “Working with the Laguna Blanca Stage Band this year has been a great challenge. However, with every challenge comes great reward. Every gig we had was widely attended, and the audience welcomed [our] new [sound]. The Stage Band performed at multiple events including the Jogathon, Padaro Beach Grill, Crocodile Restaurant, and culminated with a performance at SOhO Jazz Club downtown on State Street. I can only say that the program will continue to grow, and I am looking forward to see the same enthusiasm at Laguna Blanca School and the larger community in the near future.” The 2011-2012 year for the Stage Band has been a year full of change, but the success and excellence of the band has been maintained by the new band leader Ms. Laura Geier. The group had 7 performances this year: the Jog-A-Thon, the Padaro Beach Grill, the Laguna Blanca Winter and Spring Revues, the Crocodile Restaurant and Bar, Once Upon a Mattress, and SOhO Music Club. Ms. Geier has brought new genres from around the world to the band. She said, “World music is my passion. With each style I introduced, I explained the cultural context, rhythmic groove, style, form, and approach of the tune, giving the students a window into another culture, and a larger world view.” Senior Andrew McCaffery, guitar and vocals, started playing guitar in the fifth grade, forming his first band, Just Blanck, with the guidance of Eli Buchanan, that same year. Andrew played in the seventh and eighth grade band during his middle school career and qualified for the Stage Band in the spring of his eighth grade year. On his experience with the Stage Band, senior Andrew McCaffery said, “I liked being able to play in a professional setting all over southern California, and I learned a lot about working with a group of people for an extended period of time.” Senior Troy Ritter, drums, began playing the drums at the age of 7 . He traveled along the tracks of the Laguna Blanca music program playing in the fifth and sixth grade band, the seventh and eighth grade bands, and qualified for the Stage Band in the spring of his eighth grade, as well. “I’ve been in the Stage Band since my freshman year. Mr. Buchanan stressed the professionally of being in a band, and having the opportunity to not only play a wide spectrum of music, but also to be treated like a professional musician is something I’m going to have with me for the rest of my life as I continue on my music career,” Troy said.
Lifestyle
Arts Instructor Delphine Louie Chosen as Featured Artist at
I Madonnari
Chalk Festival
By MORGAN RAITH
“I
refuse to work next to anyone painting SpongeBob,” said Delphine Louie when asked about her experiences with the chalk painting festival, I Madonnari, an event held annually by the Children’s Creative Project. According to Ms. Louie, there is a lot more grime than glory involved in turning a section of asphalt into a masterpiece at the Santa Barbara Mission. Visitors walk through the festival marveling at each finished product, though they don’t always realize that the process is much less pretty. Finishing a square requires hours of grueling work bent over under
B
Figs-
ART: MORGAN RAITH
kind of work so rewarding? Ms. Louie has a competitive nature and loves working “against” other artists. “Working with the known and the unknown
me.” Another factor of the whole process is that the final piece isn’t permanent. Before the work even gets finished there is always a chance of rain or a clumsy visitor’s footstep to smear the “I like taking image or cause the the Madonna and colors to bleed. However, Ms. Louie changing her to an knows these challengAsian ethnicity.” es well as this marks -Delphine Louie her tenth year as an artist at the Santa Barbara I Madonnari and finding how I will Festival. overcome the unpredictThis year is also very able factors also adds the special because she has challenge to my experi- been selected to be the ence.” featured artist to illusSomehow she is able trate the square at the to keep a cool head when foot of the Mission steps . surrounded by hundreds Her qualifications for the of sometimes-critical ob- honor include her parservers. ticipation in chalk draw“I learn from the nega- ing festivals around the tive feedback, and the world including Puerto publicity encourages Vallarta, Mexico and
Grazie, Italy. Ms. Louie likes to keep her work classical but with her own twist. “I like taking the Madonna and changing her to an Asian ethnicity.” After three days of hard labor and finally getting to see her work pay off with recognition from countless onlookers, she goes home, washes off the last of the chalk, and treats herself to a really nice massage. Though she is always very busy with her own square, Ms. Louie says that collaborating with her students at the festival and seeing the progression of their work is most rewarding. This year, she will be collaborating with student artists junior Zoe Serbin, sophomore Maya Christian, freshman Kela Johnson and senior Morgan Raith.
Eat Your Seasons
ananas from Ecuador, bell peppers from Holland, oranges from South Africa? Really?! We live in California, sunshine state, sandy beaches and purple mountains majesty. We can grow apples in our back yards, flowers in our window boxes, and trees that are perpetually leafy green. Yet, walk into any grocery store in town, and you’ll likely find produce from anywhere but California, and it’s often out of season (Chilean mangos in December, really?). Eating locally and in season is more difficult than it should be; tracking down locally grown apples in October can be difficult to find in your everyday Vons or Albertsons. Instead, try combing the weekly farmer’s markets either on Coast Village road or State Street. Farmer’s markets are great recourses for local produce hunters, as they offer a host of locally grown seasonal fruits and veggies. Bakers, bee keepers, and florists also set up stalls at farmer’s markets, so you can pick up honey and a fresh baked baguette while produce shopping. The downside of farmer’s markets, however, is that they’re largely early in the morning. For those who enjoy their beauty sleep, locally owned small grocery stores are the best alternative. Grocery Stores in town like Lazy Acres and the Upper Village Market often carry locally grown produce year round for a reasonable price. Feeling adventurous? Try growing your own produce! It’s easiest to buy small, partially grown plants from any nursery rather than starting from seed; the process is a bit quicker, and your plants are more likely to survive. Try planting these seasonal fruits and veggies in the spring for a healthy summer harvest. Figs trees thrive in hot, dry summers, and cool, wet winters. Plant your figs in the ground in full sun, watering them regularly during growing season, and taking care that the soil remains soft. When the fall arrives, it’s best to stop watering and allow the soil to dry. There are nearly thirty different varieties of known edible figs, but some of the best are the dark and sweet Mission figs, Brown Turkey figs, and Green Figs.
the hot sun while getting covered head to toe in chalk. “When I go home at the end of the day and get in the shower I watch the swirls of color go down the drain and think to myself, ‘Oh my God, I am so dirty!’” After a long day Ms. Louie says her pants can usually stand up on their own they are so imbedded with chalk. The question always is ‘do I wash them, or do I just not care and use them again tomorrow.’” Though the pants are optional, socks are an absolute need-to-be-washed item. The physical elements of the process alone are harsh, but every artist is also working against the clock with only 3 days to complete a square of up to 12 X 12 feet. So what makes this
15
June 1, 2012
By HELENA DAVILA
Eggplant-
Eggplant needs warmth to grow, so plant your eggplant in full sun in plenty of rich soil or compost. Although there are many different types of eggplant, they all grow in largely the same climates, so feel free to experiment with new varieties. It’s best to plant them in the middle of spring, after the danger of cold snaps has passed, and the plants can thrive in full sun. When harvesting time comes, the skins turn glossy your eggplants are ready to eat.
Peaches- Peaches are incredibly
rewarding to grow at home, and they adapt a sweet, tangy meat that’s incredible when warmed by the sun if you can get to them before the raccoons. Peach trees do grow quite large, so when considering planting one, it’s wise to allow up to five feet in diameter for the planting area of the tree. Use about eight ounces of 10-10-10 fertilizer until the tree is around two years old.
Asparagus-
Asparagus is one of the more simple vegetables to grow. Asparagus is best when planted roughly eight inches in the ground. Plant the crowns, and cover with two inches of soil. Keep your soil moist, and the asparagus should sprout in about two weeks. It’s best, however, to let the asparagus be for two years before harvesting for healthy veggies.
Corn-
Corn is a great summer crop and looks beautiful in your garden. Make sure to water your corn from the base of the plant, and avoid overhead sprinklers, a s corn is wind pollinated. Like peaches, corn also takes a large amount of garden space, so make sure to devote a large amount of land for your corn come planting season.
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Chill Out! June 1, 2012
16
Summer vacation is a time to kick back, relax, and treat yourself. We experimented with our favorite frozen drinks
and snacks and came up with five perfect recipes for reclining
poolside or sitting down in the shade with a good book.
THE
Dressed Up
lemonade
Seasoning’s Greetings:
Enjoy!
Spice it up:
Fruity Tooty:
What you will need:
What you will need:
How To:
How To:
4-7 whole cloves 2 cups basil lemon syrup 1 cinnamon (stick) 2 cups cranberry juice 2 cups cold water 3 1/4 cups water 2 cups ice cubes 1 1/3 cups sugar 1 1/4 cup lemon juice 6 ozs lemonade
What you will need:
How To: Stir together all ingredients in a large pitcher, then pour into tall glasses half filled with ice.
Recipe provided by Epicurious.com.
1 cup sugar 2 cups water 2 1/2 cups lemon juice 2 cups Grapefruit juice 1 grapefruit garnish
Mix spices, cranberry juice, and water in saucepan until boiling. Let stand 3 minutes. Strain and discard spices. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Mix with lemonade.
Prepare an ice bath. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and stir in medium-high heat. Boil and stir until sugar dissolves., put in ice bath. Combine the lemon juice, grapefruit juice, and the sugar syrup in a pitcher.
Recipe provided by Yummly.com.
Recipe provided by Heb.com.
What you will need: 1 Kiwi Popsicle sticks 1 cup dark chocolate 1/2 cup coconut oil
Recipe provided by Sweetannas.com.
THE
ALCOHOL-FREE MOJITO
choco-covered
THE
How To: Peel and cut kiwi into 1 inch thick rounds, with a popsicle stick in each round. Freeze on a tray in the freezer. Chop dark chocolate and coconut oil and melt it over a double boiler. Cool down to room temperature. Dip each Kiwi-pop into the chocolate mixture (it will immediately turn crispy) and place on a tray to refreeze.
kiwi pop What you will need: 2 1/2 to 3 pounds watermelon flesh, seeds removed 1/2 cup fresh lime juice 1/4 cup packed mint leaves, plus more for garnish 1/4 cup agave syrup 1/4 cup club soda How To: In a blender, puree watermelon, fresh lime juice and mint in batches until smooth. Strain into a pitcher. Mix in syrup and club soda. Serve in glasses filled with ice and garnish with mint leaves. Recipe provided by Sunny Anderson, “Cooking for Real.”
What you will need: 1/2 cup peaches, cut into 1/2-inch slices 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds 3 oz. blueberries 4 oz. strawberries, hulled and halved 1 1/2 to 2 cups 100 percent white-grape juice
Recipe provided by Martha Stewart.
THE
lemon-orange
fizzlie
fru it salad
THE
How To: Arrange some of each fruit in eight 3-ounce icepop molds, making sure pieces fit very snugly. Pour enough juice into each mold to just cover fruit. Insert ice-pop sticks and freeze until solid, 6 hours (or up to 2 weeks).
popsicle What you will need: 2 cups orange seltzer 2 tablespoons frozen lemonade 1 tablespoon lemon juice Sugar, lemon wedge (garnish) How To: Combine seltzer, lemonade, lemon juice, if using. Rub rim of 2 glasses with lemon wedge and dip in sugar. Fill glasses with ice and top with the seltzer mixture. Recipe provided by Eatingwell.com.
Drinks Created By Anastasia Antonova, Daria etezadi and Zoe Serbin Layout and Photos: Anastasia Antonova & Zoe Serbin