Laguna Blanca School - 4125 Paloma Drive - Santa Barbara - California - 93110- thefourthestate@lagunablanca.org
Volume XVI
October 20, 2010
Issue 1
Taking the New AP By JORDAN SHANNON Luckily for students, The College Board announced a change in the Advanced Placement Program that will end the penalty for wrong answers. After decades in which test takers were warned against random guessing, they may now do so without fear of hurting their scores. This shift is especially notable because the SAT continues to penalize wrong answers, so that those who cannot eliminate any of the answers are discouraged from guessing. Under the College Board policy to date, AP scores have been based on the total number of correct answers—one fourth of a point for questions with five possible answers and one-third of a point for questions with four possible answers. The idea is that no one should engage in “random guessing.” The odds can shift of course, if a test taker can eliminate one or more possible answers. “If you have some knowledge of the question, and can eliminate one or more answer choices, informed guessing from among the remaining choices is usually to your advantage,” according to the College Board.
PHOTO: ELLIOT SERBIN AP test takers can now guess without hurting their scores on certain questions.
A spokeswoman for the College Board said that the decision to end the guessing penalty relates to broader changes in the AP program. The College Board also announced plans to redesign a number of courses, and that process will start to produce results in the 2011-12 academic year. The redesigned courses will feature “an increased emphasis on conceptual understanding and discipline-specific skills, resulting in fewer and more complex multiple choice questions.” While the shift in courses and question types will be introduced slowly—only a few courses at a time—the College Board decided to provide all students with the same test instructions, so the guessing penalty would be eliminated across the board. Trevor Packer, director of the AP program, also notes that the change will not make the exams easier, but he said that some AP test readers who have been briefed “are thrilled that students won’t have to think about this when they take the test.” “I think that the recent changes to the AP program will be very beneficial when taking our AP tests this year. However, I wish that these new changes could have been implemented earlier,” senior Lauren McAlister said.
New Lunch Program Rolls Onto Campus By DARIA ETEZADI Problem solved. Laguna students on the Hope Ranch campus are lining up for hot nutritious lunches from Green and Tasty, the new lunch program. Lunch service had been provided by Rincon Catering for the past few years, however, because they didn’t meet the Department of Health’s regulations, lunch service needed to stop. During the 2009-2010 academic year, Rincon Catering encountered some setbacks. Mrs. Melissa Abrams, head of the Parents Auxiliary explained that the Department of Public Health notified LBS that schools would no longer be permitted to serve student lunches using parent servers, or to serve food under an open air canopy. In an attempt to take corrective action, Rincon began to hand out lunch items in sealed containers. However, the Dept. of Public Health refuted this plan stating that Laguna had to “either install a commercial kitchen, at the cost of $100,000, or search for a provider who served from
a mobile commercial kitchen.” At this point, Rincon and Laguna Blanca faced a crossroads. Not only was the current system a potential law suit, but the new regulations were economically disadvantageous and inaccessible. Laguna supports efforts to be as green as possible and was unsatisfied with the excessive use of paper and plastic waste that came with serving packaged food. Rincon’s options began to run dry. As the school year approached an end, the Parents Auxiliary researched options. “One of the parents who offered to step forward and provide assistance was Ms. Pouran Etezadi, a licensed dietitian and business woman in the health care industry,” Mrs. Abrams said. Ms. Etezadi worked with the Parents Auxiliary to contact possible candidates for a new lunch program. Parent Mrs. Monica Calles, who formerly, provided the lunch program to the EF International School in downtown Santa Barbara, invested in a
remodeled mobile kitchen, and got busy making plans. “As a mother, you naturally want to make sure your kids eat well. Breakfast should be the strongest meal, but my kids never have time to eat in the morning, so lunch is the most important for them,” Mrs. Calles said. Her developing company began to expand to meet the expectations of the Parents Auxiliary and the Dept. of Health. To date, Ms. Calles describes the process that led up to what we now know as Green and Tasty Mobile Kitchen. “I think, when I got the concept in my mind, it was like a new creation…I think the idea was good. I enjoyed building on the concept...” With the assistance of Ms. Pouran Etezadi, Ms. Calles put together a yummy, yet healthy menu. “My intention was to bring a variety of food to the program that gave a new and improved face to nutrition, and I feel like we have accomplished that,” Ms. Etezadi said. The lunch menu offers a
Students Contribute to Invisible Children By ARABELLA WATTERS Our community has become an active member in raising money for the non-profit organization Invisible Children through the Schools for School program. The program helmed by junior Eva Davis and seniors Maaya Hensman and Lillie Hodges and supported by the Student Council has high hopes to raise $20,000 over the course of the year to help rebuild schools in genocide and war-stricken Uganda. The club also has set a goal to raise at least one thousand dollars with the Change for Change Drive which is currently happening on the Upper School campus; students are asked to donate spare change and dollar bills into their own class jar as a way to spark
PHOTO: ELLIOT SERBIN Helping Hand: Student’s donate money for the Change4Change competition by adding bills to each other’s jars.
friendly class competition and raise optimal amounts of money. Club copresident Eva describes the benefits to a drive like Change for Change. “I think that giving our whole Upper School a goal, especially one that involves helping others will really bring us together, because even though we are competing against each other, we are all working towards a common goal: to help these kids in need.”
In addition to the fundraising efforts on campus, the club has received a few anonymous donations. The first donation was $1,000, which was soon matched by Halogen Television, a startup television network which has agreed to match every Schools for Schools first one thousand dollars raised The club also received a $5,000 donation a few days after the Invisible Children assembly, giving the Lagu-
PHOTOS: ELLIOT SERBIN Step Right Up: (Top) high school students get lunches. (Above) A Middle School student reaches up to get a chicken with rice and veggies lunch served on a tray.
daily selection that includes options for vegetarians. One popular choice so far has been the tostada salad. “I was surprised at how good it actually was,” sophomore Bryana Schantz said. Similarly, English teacher Ms. Ashley Tidey shared, “It’s such a pleasure to eat good food during lunch. I actually find myself looking forward to lunch during B period!”
na chapter a strong starting point. Looking towards the future, the club is also planning more large scale events such as a walk-a-thon event including the Laguna Blanca community from Kindergarten to twelfth grade as well as willing participants from the Santa Barbara community. The event will include a silent auction for adults as well as games and activities for younger children. The club, one of a variety of new ones this year is especially important to students because of the emotional impact evident after the assembly. Eva describes her reaction to the documentary “Go” in which high school students who had raised money through Schools for Schools visited Uganda. “This is my twelfth year at Laguna, and I can definitely say that this was the first time I’ve ever cried during an assembly. I felt so inspired to get involved because it’s obvious that these kids need help, they need a place to learn, and Invisible Children makes it possible for everyday kids to do their part.”
ARTISTS: SEAN BURKE & JULIA KENT
A LOOK INSIDE Letter from the Editor Hello Everyone! Welcome to Laguna Blanca’s first edition of the 2010-2011 year of The Fourth Estate. In our sixteenth year of publication, we, as a staff, look forward to continue producing an informative, accurate, and fun newspaper to read for Laguna’s students, faculty, staff, alumni and parents. With a year of transformation behind us—last year’s Editor-inChief, Erin Stone, changed the face of The Fourth Estate: upgrading its aesthetic, elongating the paper, changing the paper type, and adding full color pages—we hope to improve and enhance our evolving publication. This year, we have an incredibly talented staff that I am proud to be a part of and represent along with my fellow editors. With twenty-two staff members, this is the largest journalism class we’ve had to date. We’re welcoming ten new members to our “team” of writers, editors, photographers, and artists. I am honored to be able to share with you how far this esteemed publication has come since its creation. The first edition of The Fourth Estate in 1994 began with a staff of eight students who produced an 8-page paper. Sixteen years later, we present to you a 16-page, national award-winning paper we’re proud to call our own. I believe this first issue offers a fair depiction of our multitalented body of students. I look forward to the coming year, and the future of The Fourth Estate. We welcome your feedback. Enjoy! Sincerely,
Carolina Beltran Editor-in-Chief
he Fourth Estate is a public forum for student expression. It T is written and produced solely by the journalism students. The Fourth Estate welcomes guest articles and letters to the editor.
Letters must be signed and be no longer than 300 words. Drop letters off in the main office or e-mail them to thefourthestate@ lagunablanca.org. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and/or taste. Anonymous letters will not be published. The Fourth Estate accepts advertising. Contact Trish McHale, MJE. at thefourthestate@lagunablanca.org for more information. Subscriptions are also available.
NEWS
Class Trips. 3 Campus Club Fair Attracts New Members. 4
PROFILE
Students Share Summer Enrichment Camp Experiences. 5
THE OPINION
Navy And White Are The New Trend. 6 Proposition 19. 7
THE DOUBLE PAGE Generation Y.
STYLE
8&9
Una Buona Pizzaria Review. 10
HEALTH
How To Stay Fit And Healthy During The School Year. 11
FEATURE
Olivia Berci Prepares for The Pulse On Tour. 12 50, 000 Words...30 Days...Go! 13
SPORTS
Sports Preview. 14 The Splendid Seven Varsity Team Captains. 15
BACK PAGE
A Reflection Nine Years After September 11. 16
Editor-in-Chief Carolina Beltran
Business Manager Olivia Berci
Senior Editors Lillie Hodges Jordan Shannon Arabella Watters
Online Manager Abby Reutzel
Photo Editor Elliot Serbin
Staff Anastasia Antonova Brandon Bickett Caitlin Connor Jess Davis Jessie Dusebout Daria Etezadi Jeffrey Nelson Fletcher Sipple Monica Watson
Copy Editors Helena Davila Andrew McCaffery Morgan Raith Zoe Serbin Artists Julia Kent Sean Burke
Faculty Advisor Patricia McHale, MJE
Upper School Students Depart Campus for Class Trips
PHOTO: LILLIE HODGES Seniors spend some quality time relaxing and swimming at El Capitan Beach. Back row from left to right: Jake Bartlein, Stewart Green, Spencer Dusebout, Chase McAdams, Ian Carradine, Connor Gray, Kevin Drew, Lauren McAlister, Jeff Nelson, Pascal Karam, Arabella Watters, Austin Danson, Jordan Shannon, Kayla Schwartz, Amanda Schulenberg, Carolina Beltran, Maddy Stephens, Parker Lillie, Layla Christian, Mariah Hawes, Julian Messina, Olivia Liebman, Austin Rusack, Ryan Ortiz, Elliot Serbin, Peter Sorensen, Hilary Williamson, Dante Bozzini, Lillie Hodges, Arabella Weston-Smith, Natalie, Nomura, Julia Kent, Dane Rios, Jack Stegall, Maaya Hensman, Kelsey Douglas, Boo Goldmuntz, Kelly Furukawa, Caroline Pickett, Jessie Zhen, Monica Duran, Marshall Alex Jr., and Sean Burke
By MORGAN RAITH
PHOTO: JOHN BERRY Smiling Grace Woolf holds on in a team bonding ropes course activity at Camp Whittier on the freshman trip.
At the beginning of this school year every class had a chance to experience a day away from campus. Students headed out to Camp Whittier, Refugio State Beach, El Capitan Canyon Ranch, and other local organizations. On the morning of Sept. 13, the freshman class arrived at Camp Whittier to spend the day doing team-building activities and testing their wits on the high ropes course. Those students too faint of heart looked up to cheer on their braver classmates as they tackled the rock wall, zip-line, and tight rope. The sophomores had a chance to lend a helping hand into our local charitable organizations for a “Sophomore Service Day.” The class volunteered at The Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara, The Unity Shoppe, Backyard Harvest, and ASAP, a local animal shelter for cats. After their morning of service, everyone reunited at the East Beach Grill for lunch and an afternoon of beach play and class bonding. The junior class arrived to a foggy morning at Refugio State Beach. Fortunately, the counselors postponed the kayaking trip until the fog burned off after lunch.
PHOTO: MCKENZIE SCARBOROUGH Members of the junior class Fiona Jessup, Austin Abrams, Andrew McCaffery, Justin Shand, Christian Klein, Brandon Bickett, and Mackenzie Campbell gathered on the beach donning life vests in preparation for kayaking at El Capitan.
While waiting for the beach to heat up, the class completed a multitude of team building challenges. When it was time to venture into the water, students were given splash jackets, paddles, life vests and a lesson on how to maneuver the kayaks. The senior retreat was held at El Capitan Canyon Ranch where seniors
spent two days swimming, playing beach volleyball, touch football, and having “good bonding time” said Jeff Nelson. The trip, however wasn’t all play. Seniors learned about college essays and applications with Dr. Revells and Dr. Barndollar, and about Senior Projects with Ms. McHale. The night concluded with a bonfire and smores.
PHOTO: CHRIS JOHNSON
PHOTO: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA
PHOTO: CASSIDY SHEVITZ
PHOTO: HELENA DAVILA
Benji Sorenson picks lemons with the Backyard Harvest team.
Bella Taron cuddles a cute cat at the ASAP animal shelter.
Chanelle Janssens and Morgan Donahue sort plums for Unity Shoppe.
J.T. Aubrey and Duke Schnieder clean equipment at the Boys and Girls Club.
Students Hear About Academic Dishonesty in Assembly By CAITLIN CONNOR A respectful hush fell over the Spaulding Auditorium as English Department chair Dr. David Barndollar stepped out of the line of teachers who’d assembled en masse in front of the audience and approached the microphone. The topic of the assembly, academic dishonesty, is one which is serious and complex. Dr. Barndollar saw to it that this was understood by the students. He did not accuse the student body of cheating, nor did he accuse specific people of cheating. He spoke about academic dishonesty in terms of motivation and consequences. He talked about how trust must be established in order for there to be learning and teaching at Laguna.
“There is a whole network of trust,” he explained; for example, the teacher must trust the student to not cheat on tests, plagiarize off of the web, or take other students notes. While at the same time students must trust other students to not cheat off each other, otherwise they will have to suffer the consequences as well.” And, to carry the point more broadly, the entire community suffers as well when academic dishonesty is left unchecked. “It is this process that matters just as much as the product and your grade,” said Dr. Barndollar. Before turning the assembly over to other faculty and to headmaster Mr. Paul Slocombe, Dr. Barndollar ad-
dressed the student body about the effect on the community and how those who suffer the most are sometimes those who are actually doing the work honestly. Mr. Slocombe walked down the auditorium aisle slowly to address to the student body. His message to the students was that it is his job to maintain the integrity of the School, and that academic dishonesty damages the entire Laguna Blanca community. The entire audience listened quietly to what Mr. Slocombe had to say. Students were advised to communicate with their teachers about academic challenges rather than cheat.
“I feel like many students already seek further help from teachers if they are confused on a subject. I am not sure what further help the teachers could offer without giving them an unfair advantage to those who are not stressed, pressured, or confused,” sophomore Julia De Paoli said in response to Mr. Slocombe’s suggestion. In his address to the students, he made it very clear that academic dishonesty will not be tolerated at our school. Period. The serious tone of his message silenced the students. Following Mr. Slocombe’s talk, Dean of Students Mr. Tyler Hodges opened the assembly for discussion from the faculty and the students.
Faculty Feedback: Why Do You Think Students Resort to Academic Dishonesty? “I think students cheat either because they are tired, stressed, or don’t take very much pride in their work.”
Mr. Dan Ary Math Teacher
“I think that students resort to cheating because they are tired, stressed, and or lazy.”
“Although I don’t condone this behavior, I think that students who resort to cheating usually do so as a result of being asked to do too much with too little time and preparation.”
Ms. Katie Pointer Science Teacher
Mr. Paul Chiment Math Teacher PHOTOS: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA
Club Snapshots By ANDREW MCCAFFERY PHOTOS: ELLIOT SERBIN
New Clubs on the Block
Gathered in front of Spaulding Auditorium following a Monday morning assembly are members of the freshman class. Back row left to right: Molly Nylen, Maya Christian, Perry Conrad, Daniel Moghtader, Grace Woolfe, Joe Davies, Hughes Williamson, Joey Coleman, Dalton Smith, Kiyan Mashoon, Andrew Vignolo, Kaylee Strachan, Lucie Hartmann, Erica Keane, Ryan Green, Demari Braly, Caty Lafitte, Sammi Schurmer, Tristan Prinz, Briggs Boss, Lindsay Ligon, Margaret Hartmann, Carolina Norris-Clay, Mitsi Gamble, Margaret Lazarovits, Allie Towbes, Clara Madsen, Kate Burrows, Aija Mayrock, Michael Reyes, Parker Oswald, Autmn Van Diver, Olivia Pickett, Chloe Richman, Mariana Duran, Chloë Brown, Tiana Bonn, Lauren Mounts, Kimberly Crickette, Hannah Nagy, Nadia Belton. Not shown: Cuyler Zimmerman, Quentin Tedesco, Andrew Puzder, Colton Johnson, Andrew Horak, Ben Furukawa, Tyler Douglas, Alec Abajian, Ian Bankhead, Grace Copeland.
High School Welcomes Its Newest Owls
Students for Soldiers President: Kai Gamble “We are going to support our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan by collecting and sending care packages and letters. We hope to create a lasting bond between the Laguna community and our soldiers.”
By HELENA DAVILA & JESSIE DUSEBOUT
T
Creativity Club Co-Presidents: Anastasia Antonova, Helena Davila, Daria Etezadi & Zoe Serbin “Our club helps support local nonprofits organizations geared towards the arts. We plan to be an outlet for critical thinking, peer editing, and imagination.”
PHOTOS: ELLIOT SERBIN
Juniors Marisa Hutton coming from Newport High School in the state of Washington, and Jess Davis coming from San Marcos High School get acquainted during the first week of- school on the senior lawn in front of Spaulding Auditorium.
wenty-one high school students joined the Laguna Blanca family. Over and over, students spoke of being drawn to the “welcoming environment,” and “to the approachable and impressive teachers.” Prior to submitting an application, many students took the opportunity to shadow an LBS student to get a taste of life on campus. Students enrolled at LBS for different reasons. “I thought the faculty was really impressive,” said junior Jess Davis who shadowed Kelly Furukawa last year. As is to be expected from any first week of high school, some did encounter some unexpected challenges. “It took me a while to get my locker open,” freshman Chloë Brown admits. Among the 52 students in the freshman class this year an unusually large number came from Crane School. Ten students joined us from Crane including: Chloë Brown, Katherine Burrows, Ryan Green, Andrew Hor-
ak, Caty Lafitte, Clara Madsen, Daniel Moghtader, Chloe Richman, Allie Towbes, and Hughes Williamson. This is a large group considering only three Crane students came last year. “It just seemed like a very inviting school,” former Crane student Chloe Brown said. When asked why they chose to come to Laguna, the overall response was that Laguna has the same “welcoming environment” that Crane does. “My mom went to school here (LBS) and loved it, so I knew I wanted to try it,” explained Allie Towbes. “I’m really enjoying it here!” In addition to the new freshman two juniors joined the class of 2012, Jess Davis and Marisa Hutton. “I’m really looking forward to a challenging academic experience and meeting new people,” Jess said. “I can’t wait to experience the academic opportunities Laguna has to offer,” Marisa Hutton added.
Campus Club Fair Attracts New Members By MONICA WATSON
A
Warhammer Club Co-Presidents: Dante Bozzini & Alex Hawker
Familiar Faces
Debate Club
Co-Presidents: Alex Greer & Justin Shand “We plan to establish a competitive debate team this year, and we hope to be more involved in competitions both near and far.”
Art Club Co-Presidents: Sean Burke, Julia Kent & Natalie Nomura “We are going to raise money to buy art supplies for orphans and children in Thailand and Malaysia. We are also going to hold a student-run art show later in the year.”
new school year means a fresh start for the clubs at Laguna. “I love the range and the diversity of the clubs this year. They provide many great opportunities for the students,” Dean of Students, Mr. Tyler Hodges said. At the annual Club Fair, leaders have a chance to share these ideas and recruit followers who share goals and interests. This year there are a lot of new and different clubs, each trying to become the most popular and most influential on campus. The Laguna Spirit Squad Club, lead by senior Parker Lilly, aims to develop school spirit throughout the year and to raise money for paint and signs. Club members will bring their artwork and decorations to athletic events in hopes of making Laguna and its activities more enjoyable. The Students for Soldiers Club, run by junior Kai Gamble, plans to support soldiers who are risking their lives to protect our nation. The club will raise money both inschool and outside of school through car washes, raffles, and bake sales.
The Heal the Ocean club, run by junior Elise Scheuermann, has a goal to raise understanding about marine pollution through the non-profit organization, Heal the Ocean. The clubs will raise funds and participate in activities such as beach cleanups, sometimes with other schools in the area. The Invisible Children Club, run by Junior Eva Do Couto, aspires to raise money for the Invisible Children organization. This organization helps the children in Uganda who are kidnapped and forced to kill, or be killed themselves. To do this, the money they raise will go towards the building, rebuilding, and renovations of secondary schools in northern Uganda. Members of this club have entered a contest called Schools for Schools, and are competing against schools from all over northern California to raise funds. “It is a good project to bring the school together. It’s for a good cause and helps the students get to know each other better,” said Eva Do Couto. Students will plan bake sales and other fund raising events and keep track of the progress they make.
Some of the other clubs being offered this year include the Warhammer Club, the Creativity Club, the Debate Club, the Interact Club, the Creativity Club, the Art Club, and the Make a Wish Club. Some of the clubs on campus, including the Interact and Amnesty International Clubs, are solely service oriented. The Interact Club is affiliated with the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara and works with local and global non-profit organizations that help better the community. Interact Club members hold the annual all-school Canned Food Drive and the Holiday Gift Drive which benefits Foster Care Families in Santa Barbara. They also do global service. “I like the Interact Club because it is a good outlet for community service opportunities,” says club president, Helena Davila. Clubs are a great way for the students and members of Laguna Blanca School to participate in and support various causes and organizations. They create and foster interest in the arts and other forms of creation, and generally add to the morale and excitement of the school community.
Student Council Gets the School Year Off With an Action Packed Agenda By JEFF NELSON
Student Council has always strived to bring school spirit to the student body. Now, with a Leadership Class giving them more time, and with the help of a devoted senior class, this year’s council is now ready to obtain their goals and organize events. After planning and brainstorming this summer, the newly elected student council members started the year with a strong and positive message. They delivered the message in Ruston Theater on the first day of school in front of the entire student body. And, by all accounts, the message was well received witnessed by cheering crowds at athletic events. Laguna recently had arguably one of the biggest homecoming turnouts in School history. The Homecoming Football Game against Dunn School was a lively affair with fans that filled the sidelines and bleachers with energy and support.
Traditionally, a homecoming dance is held on the evening following the homecoming game. This year’s neon themed dance brought in the crowds as well with 125 attendees which is likely a School record for attendance. In addition, the first volleyball game of the season brought in crowds that looked like a CIF-level playoff game. Never has the first game brought in so many fans. But with such an influx of new spirit, this is becoming the norm. Dean of Students, Mr. Tyler Hodges, said he is appreciative of headmaster Mr. Paul Slocombe for making student council a priority. For the first time, student council is now a full class period. “School spirit has always been a priority; the difference is this year we are getting more stuff done,” said Mr. Hodges. For example, setting up for dances has always been last minute. But for this year’s homecoming dance, the student council prepared and decorated for about a week, and was able to make
an amazing sectioned off, glowing-neon school gymnasium. This is a unique opportunity, as the students, for once, did not feel as they were just dancing in the same place where our girls play volleyball. ASB Vice President Spencer Dusebout said that he is so happy to be working with such a spirited senior class. With such a tightly bonded class, it is easy to get the whole class involved. When the senior class is involved, the whole school will typically follow and join in. “It is a great opportunity for us in the student council that our fellow seniors are so spirited and want to have a great time. When the school wants to join in on our activities, it gives us more of a chance to plan and make better and more events,” Spencer said. Mr. Hodges claims that in addition to having more time to work, his senior leaders are doing a great job. “The seniors are setting an example and showing [the student body] through their actions. All I’m doing is providing a framework; they are the ones doing the work.”
Catching Up with Laguna’s Newest Faculty By DARIA ETEZADI
Ms. Jennifer Jenkins
Mr. Ron Murphy
Ms. Rose Steeber
Mr. James Tur
Ms. Jennifer Jenkins started out as a nurse’s aide who helped students with disabilities recuperate in a healthy and safe environment. Now, however, she’s the new biology teacher. Having been a teacher since 2001, Ms. Jenkins enjoys every aspect of biology because of the subject’s interconnectedness and affect on the world we live in. Within the subfields of biology, human anatomy is one area that is of particular interest to her. In fact, Ms. Jenkins explains how she took her classes “to view surgical procedures and cadaver labs” annually. When she’s not teaching biology, Ms. Jenkins uses her free time to run six miles every morning with her Border Collie, spend time outside, and take “road trips on the weekends.”
Born and raised in San Francisco, new Spanish and French teacher, Mr. Ron Murphy, resided in Barcelona for 13 years in the 80s and 90s, during which Mr. Murphy taught English as a foreign language and was a school administrator. Mr. Murphy has authored two books on English grammar for native Spanish speakers and is fluent in four languages: English, Spanish, French, and Catalan. Upon his return to the U.S., he resided in New York where he worked as a verbatim reporter and précis writer for the United Nations. Mr. Murphy went on to be a program manager for the International Baccalaureate Organization.
After taking Latin in college, Ms. Rose Steeber developed a love for the language that just kept growing. Latin “taught me discipline and how to figure out how to learn,” she said. After attending and graduating from Brooklyn College and CUNY, Ms. Steeber went on to teach at a local high school for thirteen years. One of her most unique teaching experiences, was teaching at an all boys independent school. “It was a good fit for me. I have a little brother, so I approached teaching boys like a sister would teach her younger brother.” As the new Latin teacher, she hopes to encourage students to learn such a practical yet aesthetic language so they can benefit from it in the same ways she has.
The new math and academic services instructor, Mr. James Tur, has always had a knack for teaching. Although calculus and physics are his favorite subjects, Mr. Tur prefers spending his free time on recreational and outdoor activities, such as surfing, skating, and snowboarding. He aims to think about a problem from all sides, and therefore, encourage students to utilize critical thinking skills. “I think it is important to approach problems from as many directions as possible. Everyone learns differently so if you can find an approach that makes sense to a student it can make learning the material much easier.” Mr. Tur looks forward to teaching Laguna’s students, and to finding ways to present them with a quality education.
What’s the best job that you have ever had?
“W
hen I worked as a nurse’s aide, we had a major burn victim, and we had to treat his wounds. He was there for a while, so I got really attached to the family. That was my most exciting job, but teaching has to be the best job I’ve ever had. I love the creative aspect, biology, and I love the students.”
What’s the best job that you have ever had?
What’s the best job that you have ever had?
“The most rewarding job
is when I was the director of an English summer camp in Spain. Students would come and live with a group of teachers and counselors for three weeks, and they would go to classes in the morning and engage in various activities in the afternoon and evening all the while being immersed in English…It was a lot of responsibility and very hard work, but the relationships I formed… and the reward of seeing students enjoy themselves and learn English at the same time was great.”
What’s the best job that you have ever had?
“S
o far it would have to be teaching Latin at LBS. The students are eager to learn and the campus is beautiful. I get to talk about my favorite subject for two periods a dayLatin. I love the fact that my students in my Latin III class all thank me on the way out of the room at the end of the period.”
“I
was a surf instructor for a beach camp. I would wake up at 10:30 a.m. bike down to the beach in only board shorts and surf with the campers from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. It was very satisfying teaching kids how to do something that I loved.”
Ms. Sarah Babcock As the new Chinese teacher, Ms. Sarah Babcock has experienced life in two of Asia’s most culturally infused countries, China and Taiwan. “The people I met there were extremely friendly and generous.” Ms. Babcock remembers her hike up one of the country’s five holy mountains, the E Mei Mountain. “I met an old Chinese man with a long white beard who showed me how to fight off the monkeys with my walking stick. At night, I stayed in Buddhist monasteries and talked to the monks and nuns.” Ms. Babcock looks forward to the chance to share her cultural understanding. What’s the best job that you have ever had?
“I
very much enjoyed teaching a little 4-year-old boy English for five months while I was in Taiwan last year. We met once or twice a week and together we played on the monkey bars, hide and seek, and freeze tag. Sometimes we would go to bookstores or the library, or order soda at a cafe. We drew pictures of clowns, mountains, trains, and boats. He loved to race and say “ready, set, go.” I got paid for what seemed to me like nothing but lighthearted play. In the end, I became good friends with the boy’s whole family. As for my job here at Laguna, so far I am loving it!”
Students Share Their Summer Enrichment Camp Experiences, Good, and Sometimes Not So Good By ANASTASIA ANTONOVA
O
nce students walk out of the last final of the school year and into the warmth of an afternoon, they are ready to begin the next three months of summer. However, some students decide to do something a little different with even a fraction of their summer—academic camps. Academic camps are like regular sleep-away summer camps: one eats, sleeps, lives, and experiences camp with kids around the same age. The only difference being is, instead of bringing sunscreen and a water bottle, everyone brings notebooks and pencils for the classes they’ll attend. Now, isn’t summer school for the slackers in school who were sleeping half the semester? Nope. The competition to get into a good school is on the rise, so colleges are actually looking for kids who voluntarily take up extra learning opportunities over the summer. According to the American Camping Association, camps offering academic classes has risen fifteen percent in the last few years. These camps can be a great glance at college life, since most of them are held at campuses of top universities across the U.S. But, before jumping to the computer to download applications, there are some important questions to ask as both a
parent and a student. to SIG at Princeton had only we would go to bed at 1 a.m., The College Board suggests positive things to say about though on the nights before these to think about before- their experience, the other two tournaments we would be up hand: “How much of the sum- that went to DDW at Dart- until 2 a.m.” Conversely, the LBS stumer do you want to commit to mouth described it with a little school? less enthusiasm. “Last year we dents who traveled to PrincDo you want a residential (Alex Greer and Justin Shand) eton this summer had a much program where you live in started the Debate Club. How- more positive experience. “I thought it would be a good dorms with other students ever, we realized that to comor would you prefer to live at pete with other schools, we opportunity to get ahead in SAT studies, experience home, attending school and see something new, only during the day? Can “I thought it would be and meet new people,” you get school credit for said Caitlin Connor. summer school courses?” a good opportunity Perhaps the experience But really everyone recto get ahead in SAT was better because of ommends pursuing indidaily structure. “We vidual interests and findstudies, experience and the would go to classes from ing out what is obtained see something new, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. then have from of the experience. a recreational hour where The Director of Outmeet new people.” you would bond with reach for Rensselaer friends. We had dinner Polytechnic Institute, Raymond Lutzky states, “The would need to enhance our at 7 p.m., and then would have important thing is to highlight debating skills. We heard that a fun evening activity planned the intrinsic value of what a Dartmouth has the best debate before study hall, dorm time, and bed at 11 p.m.,” Caitlin student did during the sum- program in the country.” mer, and how it relates to the While the boys do admit continued. The faculty at any school is interests of the university to that they learned a lot about which they are applying.” debate at Dartmouth, for the a very important aspect of the It’s true that the most valu- most part, their experience success of the program. “The teachers were all nice, able piece of information a was disappointing. Alex said frustrated applicant can try to that the teachers were aggres- informative, and explained show to a college is how they sive. Fellow debaters were un- their material well. The classfit the puzzle piece persona like anyone we had ever met in mates were all bright, and they that it is looking for. What did our lives. There is no adequate each came from different backgrounds,” Brendon Nylen said. you really get out of the experi- way to describe them. ence? The typical day at DDW Of course, the campus, dorms, Sometimes, what a student would start at 6 a.m., lectures and food are all very important experiences at camp is posi- for 4 hours, break for lunch, to students. “I shared a dorm with three tive, and other times, unfortu- then back to class until 5 p.m. nately, it’s negative. An hour for dinner, then re- other people, and I thought Six LBS students attended search from 6 p.m. to 9:30 that the dorm had enough two different camps this year, p.m. The final class went from room for everyone. Whitman and while the three that went 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. Typically, College, the college where I
dormed, looked beautiful, and I really enjoyed the sights of the campus. I thought that a lot of the food tasted great,” Brendon continued. “I would strongly urge people to go do some academic summer programs because one can meet a lot of new people, and one’s outlook on life can change. I would recommend that people should research a little bit on the campus to which they may be going to in order to have a better sense of what the campus is actually like.” Because students spend a lot of time, effort and energy during their summer weeks, they must weigh the pros and cons. “The pros were gaining independence—a glimpse at college life and living in dorms, gaining academic knowledge in classes and working with interesting professors, and meeting kids from all over the world. I can definitely say I have no cons,” Olivia Berci said. “I think what I learned from meeting and becoming close to students who were from other countries was among the most significant things I took away from camp.” Would she return? “Maybe. I enjoyed my time there, but I think I would prefer to experience new things—possibly go to a different and more specialized program so I could really focus on the subjects I am interested in.”
PHOTO: ELLIOT SERBIN Crowded Classrooms: In this panorama shot of Mr. Shertzer’s C Period World History Honors class, students squish into the small classroom, pull out their homework, and prepare for the day’s lesson.
Super-Sized Classes This Year By ZOE SERBIN Students brush elbows as they hurriedly scrawl down notes. They squeeze between the backs of chairs and the wall on their way to the pencil sharpener. Each passing period they rush to their next classroom in order to snag the best seat. There’s no debating it - classes are larger this year. Laguna’s a great school, and part of the reason why I came here was because of the small classes and personal interaction with the teachers. Last year, I had classes with nine students. I couldn’t help but notice that this year, classes were bigger. I wouldn’t mind it so much if the classrooms weren’t so tiny. Laguna was, after
all, a school built for fewer students. Its first graduating class, in 1942, had six students. “The campus was originally designed for fewer students. As the student body grows, it does present challenge,” said Mr. John Berry, Head of Upper School. It most certainly does present a challenge, especially with a total of 19 students packed into such a small space—it’s often a struggle to even make a trip to the hole-puncher. It’s the same situation for all of my classes this year, and even though most classes have around 12-16 students, there are a number that are packed to the brim— and exceed the classroom’s capacity. There are 18 students in my Chemistry Honors class, and only room
for 17 desks. One person has to sit on the couch. In Dr. Barndollar’s English 10 class with 18 students, backpacks and bookcases take up any extra floor space. According to Mr. Paul Slocombe, our Headmaster, “when we get down to class sizes below 12 they become really uneconomical for the school to operate.” For a school that tries to offer such an intimate and personal learning environment, classes of 18 just don’t provide that level of discussion and interaction. I feel I learned better last year in smaller classes. However, not everyone shares my feelings. Upper School Head Mr. Berry said, “we think there is a stronger, more collaborative effect when it comes to discussion [when there are more students in a class.].” Opinion among the students is that smaller classes are preferred. “It’s the only way to get effective discussion going.
Navy and White Are the New Trend We have been taught from an early age to develop intellectually, socially, physically, artistically, and ethically. Laguna’s mission statement is based on our core values of scholarship, character, balance, and community, but has the high school been lacking in some of these values in the past years? Despite our history, this year we are out to change it. By LILLIE HODGES “We eat freshmen.” I’ll never forget how many members of the Class of 2008 showed up to my first day of high school wearing shirts emblazoned with this phrase. At the time, I was intimidated, surprised, and curious. However, looking back I realize the shirts were made not only to strike fear into the young hearts of the freshmen (and what’s more fun than that), but also to bind the senior class together for their last year of high school. When we talk about school spirit, we don’t necessarily mean having Bring It On –cheerleaders at every game. But wouldn’t having at least a cheer section for our home games or a healthy turnout for school drama productions be nice? Like most high schools, we have a diverse student body. We aren’t necessarily preppy or indie, peppy or cheerless, bookworms or social butterflies. Is it this diversity that makes it hard for us to root for the Owls? If people wonder why we don’t have a huge student cheering section at games, I’d have to say the blame falls on the shoulders of the upper-
classmen, specifically the seniors. When seniors walk around campus, they know they are at the top of the metaphorical high school food chain. Underclassmen nervously smile or wave, and teachers stop them to chat. Seniors are just cool (or at least they all think they are). They unknowingly start trends, become role models, and can even become bullies. Underclassmen – at least from my own personal experiences – will mimic the social and academic choices of their upperclassmen “role models.” Seniors, therefore, must set a good example for the younger students to follow. Looking back to when I was a freshman, and even in middle school, I remember going to almost all of the home sports games. There was always a good turnout for Saturday football games, a large cheering section for volleyball, and a goodsized group of hearty fans who would brave our ‘winter weather’ to cheer on our soccer teams. Where did this spirit go in the past two years? The steady decline of school spirit can be at-
tributed – in my mind – to the decidedly cheerless classes of 2009 and 2010. In those two short years, the focus of Friday nights was not being a part of the cheering section at home games, but rather partying or studying. For example, I recall the volleyball games in which the entire football team would come to almost every match with body paint and signs. Last year, the volleyball team had hardly any student (especially senior) fans until CIF playoffs started. Despite our ‘inspirited’ past few years, this year, we are bringing school spirit back. For anyone who did not notice, a majority of the senior class came to school on the first day driving cars painted with Class of 2011-Seniors, and wearing spray-painted shirts. The point of this silliness one might ask? Building a greater, more involved community. As seniors, we want to leave Laguna bonded, happy, and nostalgic about our senior year. In order to make that happen, we believe we need to set a strong example. And our senior spirit on the first day of school was only a preview of what is to come. Spirit squad made its first appearance at the first varsity volleyball home game three weeks ago. They seemed to multiply out of the walls with face paint, signs, and cheers. “That was the biggest crowd I’ve seen for the first volley-
Large classes get impersonal and lose focus easily,” said junior Cameron Platt. Freshman Erica Keane agreed with her, “You can’t blend in. You have to pay attention and do your best [when you are in a smaller class.]” Opinions differ when it comes to learning and classroom size. Mr. Slocombe’s preference is 16 students per class, “I think once you get beyond 18, having really effective discus-
“I think once you get beyond 18, having really effective discussion is difficult. Once you get less than eight, it becomes ineffective.” sion is difficult. Once you get less than eight, it becomes ineffective.” “It does depend on the skills of the teacher too, to engage students in active discussion.
I would love to see 16 kids in every class, but if that becomes average, then we’re going to have classes of 12 and 20. Twenty is too big.” In my opinion, 20 is too big. Even 18 seems too big, especially for classrooms as tiny as most classrooms on the Upper School campus. “For some classrooms, 18 is overcrowded. We have to try to balance room size with the number of students,” Mr. Slocome said. Another issue that should not be overlooked, is that of safety. When 18 students were trying to push their way out of Mr. Shertzer’s room— among the obstacles of backpacks, chairs, tables, and bookcases—during a recent fire-drill, it became clear to me that in a real emergency, we may have a bit of a problem. I spoke to Ms. Katie Pointer, who used to teach two smaller periods of Chemistry Honors, and this year
only has one period with 18 students in it. “In my case, the drawbacks are primarily safety. Trying to do experiments with fire, it’s just tricky,” she told me. For other classes, more students doesn’t have much of an affect. “Calculus can be taught very well with a bigger class, and I make myself available five or six times more for Laguna students than my City College students. We have various types of compromises to make sure that students do well and get an A,” math instructor Mr. Dan Ary said. Scheduling is also an issue that came up when I spoke with him. “You have to take into effect two things: what’s cost effective and how scheduling works.” Mr. Slocombe has similar points. “Enrollment in the Upper School is skewed. We have a large senior and freshman class, and a tiny sophomore and junior class. That adds to complications. My fear was that a 10-student class would drop to eight. Then, it becomes an equally challenging dynamic.” Classes of eight are too small, classes of 18 are too big. Wouldn’t a proper solution be to find a nice, comfortable number in between – such as 12, 14, or even 16? Creating more periods for a class is more expensive, yes, but for the education of the students, and with a school like Laguna, shouldn’t we strive for the best possible learning environment we can get?
PHOTO: LILLIE HODGES
Go Owls: Upperclassmen cheer on the football team at the Homecoming Football Game. ball game in the entire time I have been at LBS,” Athletic Director Mike Biermann said. The lack of school spirit did not only pertain to the lack of fans at sports games, but to the lack of players on teams as well. Last year, returning seniors quit the football team. “The coach said the season was off, but the other junior players and I were determined to have a team. We met with coaches Robataille and Biermann, and we made it happen with 10 to 12 players the whole season,” Jeff Nelson senior football captain and ASB president said. What kind of message does it send to one’s school when the potential captains and seniors of a team quit because they don’t think the team will be good that year? It set a bad tone for school spirit for the rest of the year. On a positive note, this year’s homecoming football game had one of
the biggest turnouts in years. The Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School students all showed up to root on the Owls on this big day. The football team performed spectacularly, and the fans had fun cheering on their friends and role models. There were many students with face paint and signs and even some parents with pom-poms. Overall, the mood that day was one of camaraderie, spirit, and excitement. On another note, the school drama productions have always been great at Laguna, but how many students have come out to see them? This year, the performing arts department is stepping up its game. A student run drama group has started, on top of the fall and spring productions. Let’s change this trend. Together we can. We may be a small and diverse school, but let’s be spirited.
Cheers You Should Know Yes, yes LBS, go, fight, win Laguna! Who let the Owls out? Hoot, hoot, hoot hoot. SWOOP, there it is! SWOOP, there it is! Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole...Oleee, Oleee!
A Harvard University study found that users of marijuana generally had around a 3.0 grade average and less motivation to study than non-users. Advocates also state that marijuana is not a gateway drug, however, statistics show otherwise. According to CNBC’s “Marijuana and Money Special Report” 60 percent of people who had admitted to having used cocaine in their lifetime had also admitted to using marijuana prior to their cocaine use. The sociopolitical and economic implications regarding marijuana have sparked huge debate; however, it is clear
trade into America. An FBI report shows that nearly 50 percent of drug-related crimes in 2008 were related to marijuana of that 50 percent, 44.3 merely from possession. We are wasting way too much time, money, and resources on simple possession offenses when there are far more serious crimes occurring every day. In addition, if the total sup-ply is legal, then the government will also be able to tax and regulate. This means that not only would the quality of marijuana be governmentally regulated and controlled―hopefully the American government is more reliable and trusted than the Mexican drug lords―but also, the
government could save about $7.7 billion on prohibition expenditures and make up to $6.2 billion if taxed similarly to alcohol and tobacco, according to Harvard Professor Jeffrey Miron. As long as they are not affecting others, an adult who has matured both physically and mentally should have the choice whether or not he wants to put carcinogenic smoke into his or her system. If labeled with appropriate health warnings like cigarettes, and controlled legally like alcohol, there should be no problems with legal marijuana. If treated like alcohol, users would have to be 21 years of age, and would be harshly punished for either using
under that age or driving under the influence. Truthfully, it is easier today for a teenager to get marijuana than alcohol, because buying an illegal drug does not require photo identification. Though I may support the concept of legalizing marijuana, Prop. 19 has some major faults. For example, it states that there will be “prohibitions against driving while impaired”. This statement gives neither a minimum level of intoxication nor does it explain how Highway Patrol will be able to test for intoxication. If passed, the government would have to respond with additional legislation providing explicit definitions. Opponents use the fact
ARTIST: SEAN BURKE
This is not the case. Many people also feel marijuana is not truly addictive. However, marijuana is currently the leading cause of substance abuse in the U.S. other than alcohol. Marijuana contributes to two thirds of the people suffering with addiction. Marijuana smoke also has 50-70 percent more carcinogens than its tobacco counterpart. Driving under the influence of marijuana causes four times as many accidents per year as drunk driving according, to Robert L. Dupont, former Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
that marijuana legalization would be detrimental to our way of life. Proposition 19 is a flawed and dangerous document. Proposition 19 does not define “under the influence” meaning there would be no standards for dangerous levels of intoxication. What this suggests is that a driver may legally drive regardless if blood tests show marijuana in his or her system. This uncertainty is confounded by the fact that marijuana lasts in one’s system for up to three months, meaning it would be hard to determine the time frame for when a driver had used. Police too, would be unable to accurately assess marijuana’s user’s capacity to drive. Another flaw is that Prop. 19 leaves it up to counties to individually regulate marijuana inside its borders. According to a recent analysis released by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office California employers will not be able to “screen job applicants for marijuana use; regulate any employee conduct related to the use.” Also, the notion that legalizing marijuana would reduce the sale and transportation of illegal marijuana is also flawed. Prop. 19 suggests 21 as the legal age for use.
Proposition 19: Seniors Discuss The Pros and Cons By FLETCHER SIPPLE
Against Prop 19
M
arijuana is the most commonly used illegal narcotic in the world. That’s exactly why Prop 19 is on the Nov. 2 ballot. The legalization comes as a shock to a lot of people. Marijuana is a dangerous and harmful
drug, one which, if legalized, would cause more harm than good both to the individual and the American society. Many regard marijuana as less harmful and less dangerous than its counterparts namely tobacco and alcohol.
For Prop 19 By JEFF NELSON
I
accept that marijuana is harmful to the human body; though the average marijuana-smoker does not inhale as much total smoke as an average tobacco-smoker― the average marijuana smoker uses the drug less often than those who smoke tobacco. Marijuana is shown to have 50-70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco. Nobel Prize winning economist Milton Friedman, and numerous other economists, support the legalization of marijuana on an economic standpoint. Their belief is that if
the illegality of the drug is removed, then the supply will increase and the profitability will decrease. Thus, marijuana-related crime will disappear because dealers will make insubstantial products. According to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, at least 60 percent of the Mexican drug cartels’ profit comes from marijuana. The Washington Post estimated that about $20 billion is being smuggled across the border annually. If marijuana is legalized, there will be no incentive for these people to continue their
However, a large amount of users are under the age of 21 making the illegal market very profitable. Economically legalization of marijuana would not generate real tax dollars. Take alcohol and tobacco as an analogy. There are 129 million alcohol users and 70.9 million tobacco users in the U.S. Alcohol related costs come to around $185 billion a year, while federal and state taxes collect an estimated $14.5 billion in revenue. Tobacco use costs over $200 billion with only $25 billion generated via taxes. Both turn out to be economically disastrous trade-offs. Considering there are only about 15.2 million marijuana users nationwide, the economic trade off would be poor considering the costs of regulating illegal use. Marijuana is not socially, politically or economically positive in any way. In conclusion, marijuana is a dangerous drug. One which impairs driving, harms the brain, and accounts for billions in government dollars down the drain. To legalize marijuana would only create problems, especially for law enforcement. Marijuana legalization would do more harm than good and this is clearly evident in all realms of our society. that drug-free work environments will no longer be legally drug-free. A school bus driver, for instance, would be allowed to have marijuana in their system when he or she got to their job. But under the law, they are not allowed to be under the influence while actually driving. It is the same idea as alcohol, but there needs to be a better way to test for intoxication and more information on what in fact is intoxicated. I support the idea of the legalization of marijuana, but I do not fully support Prop. 19. The concept is good, but the points are too vague. If I could vote, I might vote in favor of it, but there should be a lot more extensive research on this proposition.
Taking a Closer Look at Diversity By OLIVIA BERCI An opinion piece more often than not stems from an issue the writer is angry about. I set out to make this bold statement about diversity—or the lack there of—at Laguna. I was, quite honestly, embarrassed by the range of diversity among my peers. Gung-ho about challenging an issue I assumed to be under-questioned, I was confronted with facts, which forced me to delve into a different perspective and to dig deeper into what diversity really is. The Diversity Task Force at LBS states in its report that “Laguna is not too far off the demographics of Santa Barbara,” affirming that Laguna’s “families are quite diverse, representing a broad variety of cultures.” As a student at Laguna Blanca, I wanted to comment on the diversity reflected in my school community. I fully intended to speak out against how limited—to a discomforting extent—Laguna is in terms of diversity. I was provided with the Diversity Task Force report, which, in a large sense, completely refuted my argument.
Frustrated by the fact that my angle had now essentially been disproved, I viewed the report as making claims that were completely unsupported by the student body that I have sat in class with for the past four years. Last year, LBS assigned a number of teachers to work on a task force that would evaluate how Laguna represents a diverse student body and promotes an understanding of a multi-cultural society among its students. Committee members included: Ms. Ashley Tidey, Mr. Dan Ary, Ms. Joyce Balak, Mr. Joe Beck, Mr. John Berry, Ms. Martha Donelan, and Mr. Dug Uyesaka. Last October, the task force noted, “We began our work excited and daunted, asking essential questions and realizing the enormity of our task force’s task.” They examined, “To what extent is Laguna in sync with NAIS’s [The National Association of Independent Schools’s] principles of good practice for ‘equity and justice’ within independent schools?” In their report they quoted the NAIS, “‘In order for independent
GRAPHIC: OLIVIA BERCI
schools to thrive in the 21st century, NAIS believes that they must be sustainable along five dimensions: financial, demographic, programmatic, environmental, and global.’ (NAIS website)” The task force found that in the 2009-2010 school year, with a population 418 students, Laguna represented a considerably wide range of diversity. In June, Laguna received a $1 million leadership gift commitment to enact the Whittier Scholars Program—dedicated to providing three years of full tuition for prospective students entering grades 10 through 12. Last winter, Upper School students attended the NAIS Diversity Leadership Conference, and, in 2009, Upper School students formed a Diversity Club. It is evident that Laguna is striving to be a wellrounded institution, welcoming diversity among its student body, faculty, and overall school community, but the School’s
efforts beg the question of why I felt so strongly that something needed to be said about the narrow expanse of diversity at Laguna. The uneasiness I felt was valid. Was I missing something? I found my new angle: Are we, as a student body and as a school community, really diverse? What is diversity? The popularly accepted definition of diversity is confined to meaning difference of race and socio-economic stance. “To me diversity represents more than just a person’s race. Diversity should also include difference in thoughts, ideas, and background. An all-encompassing diversity should be valued in the school community,” junior Jess Davis said. “An all-encompassing diversity.” Difference in interests, difference in ideas, and difference in background are what define a person. A person’s field of experience—the challenges they have overcome— define a person. An
all-encompassing individuality should define a Laguna Blanca student. Diversity Task Force chair Ms. Tidey said, “Well, it’s a tricky—and slippery—word, ‘diversity.’ I realized at some point that we kept using the word ‘it’ within our discussions, and I think I finally got out my Diana “Hacker Rules for Writers” book and accused myself of violating a cardinal ‘rule’ from Chapter 23 about ‘avoiding unclear pronoun references.’” “Diversity doesn’t only mean race. Diversity is mind set and way of life,” junior Eva Davis said. Reflecting on the LBS student body, junior Estelle Lewis said, “Everyone is different. Everyone comes from different places.” This was what I had not taken into account—this is what I was missing. Yes, the Laguna Blanca student body is over 80 percent Caucasian. Yes, undeniably, difference in race contributes to the diversity of a pop-
ulation, but it does not define the population. My freshman year, the first thing I learned in my Journalism class was that everyone has a story—every single student at Laguna Blanca is different. I had internalized the popularly accepted point of view about the diversity among my peers. I needed to talk to my peers. I needed to talk to my teachers. I needed to pay tribute to the incredible people—the incredible stories and experiences and ideas-that make up our student body, fostering an enriching learning environment. I have the responsibility, as a Laguna Blanca student and as a Fourth Estate journalist to question and inquire beyond popular assumption and socially accepted definition. An opinion piece more often than not stems from an issue the writer is angry about, but, as I have learned, the writer of the opinion piece needs to be opened to challenging their own perspective.
A Self-Perception By LILLIE HODGES
W
e ’ r e young, smart, and confident. We wear flip-flops to school and listen to iPods at our desks. We want to work and succeed academically, but we don’t want school to be our life. We spend almost as much time with virtual friends on Facebook as we do with our real, 3-D friends and family. We are Generation Y aka the Millennial Generation, iGeneration, the Baby Boomer Echo, and the Net Generation. Generation Y includes people born between the second half of the 1980s and the first half of the 1990s, give or take a few years. More than any generation before us, our generation has been nurtured and exposed to technology since we were toddlers. We are the first generation to grow up with computers, the Internet and cell phones. Emailing, texting, IM’ing, online chatting and blogging are as natural to us as “old-fashioned” forms of communication like talking on the telephone. We’re great at multitasking, and we are both highperformance and highmaintenance as we enter college or the work force. But are we so hardwired to technology that we can only see how
powerful it makes us? We all know that these digital devices open up a world of possibilities, but can they also have negative effects? Our parents continuously tell us to turn off the TV, to stop playing music, and to stop chatting online with friends when we do homework; but is there any scientific evidence to their arguments? When it comes to the effects of multitasking, social scientists and educators are just starting to evaluate their influences. In a study published in the 2009, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, students who spent less time simultaneously reading e-mail, surfing the web, talking on the phone and watching TV performed best on different memory tests. An article in the June 6, 2010 New York Times said, “While many people say multitasking makes them more productive, research shows otherwise. Heavy multi-taskers actually have more trouble focusing and shutting out irrelevant information, scientists say, and they experience more stress.” The mental pattern of dividing one’s attention into many small slices has significant consequences for the way we learn, reason, socialize,
do creative work, and appreciate the world. Although such habits may prepare us for today’s frenzied workplace and college setting, many cognitive scientists are alarmed by the trend. “Kids that are instant messaging while doing homework, playing games online and watching TV, I predict, aren’t going to do well in the long run,” said Jordan Grafman, chief of the cognitive neuroscience section at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Multitasking also can affect us socially. Is sitting in front of the computer talking with a friend on Facebook the same as sitting next to them on the couch, at dinner, or at a movie? “Thousands of years of evolution created human physical communication--facial expressions, body language--that puts broadband to shame in its ability to convey meaning and create bonds,” argues Jordan Grafman. But, it’s not all bad news. A number of imaginative studies have found that the brains of active Internet users are faster and more efficient at finding information. Physically, video games have been proven to help hand-eye coordination and also one’s reflexes.
Gen Y in the Workplace BY JORDAN SHANNON Welcome to my generation. We have been described by many as outgoing, technologically skilled, and possess a love for a challenge. We are the millennials, otherwise known as Generation Y, and are going to be the future leaders of our institutions and businesses. Roughly defined as the population born between 1980 and 1995, with about 80 million members, our generation of young Americans is going to have an enormous impact on the future landscape of the workplace. As these young Americans graduate from college and begin to flood the job mar-
ket, organizations and business will be expected to respond and change in a number of ways. The 21st century workplace has changed beyond recognition, and will continue to change due to technological innovations, globalization, and changes in working practices as a result of changing customer demands and products. Its important to note that we Gen Y’ers are the first generation to grow up learning computers along with the alphabet, technology is almost second nature to us. Combine this with our ambitious nature and you’ll discover businesses and
institutions of the future becoming more driven than ever to be on the cutting edge of technology. To provide further evidence of Generation Y and their tech savvy nature in the workplace, the Generation Y and the Workplace Annual Report 2010 states that, “The advent of the Generation Y into the workplace is bringing new changes that need to be addressed. The Generation Y is, perhaps,the most digitally sophisticated generation we have ever seen. They are looking for a sustainable environment offering a social structure within both a physical and vir-
tual environment.” Additionally, The generation Y that the report studied, as defined aged between 18 and 25, are motivated and are bringing with them into the workplace a load of cultural diversity, habits and behaviors inhibited in the way they act, work, communicate, exchange and relate to their environment, people and their management. This report identifies how important the workplace is in attracting, recruiting and retaining Generation Y workers between
the age of 18 to 25 years old and what factors contribute to talent management. Generation Y are supposed to be able to navigate vast amounts of data, use multiple digital devices simultaneously and parallel process multiple stimuli. They are networked, collaborative and highly social, expecting to be constantly connected to their social networks, within and beyond company boundaries, and to work within a sociable environment with other people. Generation Y’s rapid take-up
of digital technologies, how they use them, and how they prefer to work is challenging for business. According to The New York Times, Generation Y will dominate the workforce for the next forty years and beyond. In 2005 in the US, for example, the Generation Y was the fastest-growing segment of the workforce — growing from 14% of the workforce to 21% over the past four years to nearly 32 million workers. Another surprising statistic pro-
Tuned In & Logged On: Generation Y members live in a digital age using the Intern
PHOTOS: ELLIOT SERBIN, CAROLINA BELTRAN, LILLIE HODGES, TESS ELDER, BOO GOLDMUNTZ, AND LINA BELTRAN.
“iGeneration” “Echo Boomers” “Generation Me” “Generation Why?” “Boomerang Generation” “Generation Now” “Dot-Com Generation” “The Millenials” “Digital Generation” “Net Generation” “Generation Facebook” “Tweet-Generation”
vided by the US Census Bureau states that 1 in 5 young adults between the ages of 18 and 29 is unemployed, compared with a 7 percent unemployment rate for those over age 30. Most Twenty year olds are also graduating from college with more debt than their predecessors did and taking jobs that don’t always come with health insurance. Also according to the Generation Y and The Workplace Annual Report 2010, some analysts even said that America’s
younger generation is in “jeopardy of finding work in the coming years” because of the current economic state. However, for those Millenials who are searching for work during these tough economic times, The Generation Y Workplace Annual Report also adds that people are most likely attracted to a company where values are clearly communicated. It seems that Generation Y members in particular are ready to engage in companies
that provide the environments in which they thrive. The reason why people choose a company varies from one age group to another. Opportunities for learning are a very important factor. It seems Generation Y members in particular are ready to engage in companies that provide the environments in which they can grow and evolve. Those environments will include the physical space. Workplace design is likely to become a strategic weapon in the bat-
Is Generation Y Growing Up Too Slowly? Commentary By CAROLINA BELTRAN
H
aving been fre- are more commonly needing quently rep- to be coddled and supported rimanded for by their parents as they enter growing up to adulthood. quickly, recent studies suggest “I feel like nowadays people that the “unduly mature” Gen- want to be old enough be on eration Y is—ironically—cross- their own and not have rules ing over into adulthood more or curfews, but not so old that slowly then usual. their parents are no longer Today, young adults are supporting them financially, more likely to live at home af- which is really sad,” said seter college, are getting married nior Kelsey Douglas. later, and are working at lower People are seemingly willpaying jobs than the genera- ing to take advantage of their tions proceeding us. parents’ generosity—whether However, I believe this is it’s begging for (and probably partly due to the economy as receiving) their first iPhone in opposed to their pre-teen some wideyears, or living “I feel like nowadays spread epiin a “pre-paid people want to be old demic of lazifor” apartenough be on their own ment in their ness. and not have rules or early twenties. College gradcurfews, but not so old Yet, while uates are enthat their parents are no I understand tering a work this research, world where longer supporting them and can comthey’re comfinancially, which is pletely see the peting against really sad.” reality in this hundreds of study, I feel adults who surrounded by ambitious kids have been laid off in recent here at Laguna Blanca. years—a twenty-one year old My fellow seniors are smart, with a new degree and a couple hardworking students who unof internships on their resume derstand how to balance their is less likely to get a job that a priorities. 45-year-old with twenty years Nearly everyone around me of work experience. is busy working, taking AP So, the unemployment Genclasses, and involved in comeration Y-er’s are facing isn’t munity service projects. necessarily because we aren’t And while I know that just qualified, but because the work one school can hardly repreworld is more competitive then sent the entire worlds’ teen it was in previous years, before and young adult population, I the economic downturn. feel as if I barely know any kids Nevertheless, I do believe that our generation is, in fact , my age who spend their days trying to hold on to their youth wasting away in front of the television or computer screen. a bit excessively. Either extreme is unhealthy: New phenomenons like Faspending all you’re your time cebook, smart-phones and reat work and living with your ality-TV allow Generation Y’s nose in an SAT prep book, or kids (15 and under) to grow up only focusing on your current more quickly; and it’s adults Facebook status and when the (21 and over) to linger in their next episode of “Gossip Girl” “golden days.” is. At an increasingly younger What’s important is keeping age, kids and teens are being a happy medium. Watching exposed to mature subjects television and using the comthrough the limitlessness of puter is not a crime, as long as the Internet and television; all you do it in moderation. the while, college graduates
tle to attract and retain scarce young talent in today’s increasingly competitive global economy. In conclusion, the 18 – 25 years old have never known anything but economic growth and prosperity until last year. How will their expectations and behavior change in the face of the unfolding mayhem in the financial markets? We have yet to feel the full force of this global event. Will Generation Y continue to be such a special generation, praised for their talent,
if the balance of power reverts to employers as labor markets tighten? It remains crucially important to understand what matters most to the 18 – 25 years old. The data reveals a fascinating insight into this new generation and how they are and behave compared to previous one. Recognizing the value of networked sociability and enabling it through the design of the workplace and organizational support environments will allow businesses to tap into the powerhouse
of the Generation Y energy, innovation, knowledge and creative potential. In the end, more and more attention is starting to be paid to the working and spending habits of the biggest generation since the Baby Boomers: Generation Y. With all the potential of a new and hopefully more engaged workforce, it’s important to stay informed about who researchers say are on track to become the most educated generation in American history.
net...FaceBook...Blogging...3D Movies...iPods...iPads...iPhones...Macs...BlackBerry’s
Trendspotting on Campus By CAROLINA BELTRAN
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ith the start of a new school year behind us, it’s time to toss our floral dresses in the back of our closets and brush the dust off our striped sweaters and military jackets. Laguna Students expertly wear fall’s most prominent trends.
A Style Profile Lauren McAlister By JESS DAVIS
Trendsetting senior, Lauren McAlister, epitomizes the “AllAmerican girl by keeping it simple with her classy style and understated elegance.
LATEST FIND “My most recent purchase was a navy and white Pleasure Doing Business strapless dress.” FASHION INSPIRATION: “Depending on the issue, I get many ideas from Teen Vogue. I like their ‘boyish girl’ and ‘classic style’ features.”
CLOSET FAVORITES: “I love my Ralph Lauren leather WHAT SHE’S WEARING: boots, navy Sperry Top-Siders, A Wendy Foster necklace, a La- white Vince jean shorts, and coste sweater, faded grey Joe’s black, cable knit Lacoste sweatJeans, a braided belt, and flats er.” by Ralph Lauren. DO’S AND DONT’S: My faTOP SHOPS: “I get the ma- vorite trends are Sperry Topjority of my clothes from Wendy Siders. Sperry has come out with Foster, K. Frank, J Crew, Ralph many new additions of the classic Top-Sider as well as military Lauren and Bloomingdales.” inspired styles. My least favorite NIGHT AND DAY: “Right trend is clogs.” now, I love dresses that can easSEASONABLE STYLE: ily transition from a casual outfit during the day, but be dressed “This winter I am looking forup with accessories for night. ward to wearing big sweaters, This is something that every girl scarves, and boots.” should have in her closet.” FASHIONABLE FUTURE: CHIC ACCESSORIES: “One “I would definitely consider a of my favorite accessories are big career in the fashion industry. I tote bags. They are really prac- would like to have both a clothtical too! I also love long neck- ing line, as well as a home accessories and furniture line.” laces.”
PHOTO: ELLIOT SERBIN
Una Buona Pizzeria A Restaurant Review By JULIA KENT
Sizzling Hot Paesana Pizza served at Olio Pizzeria (above), senior Lauren McAlister (right) samples the pizza after it cooled down.
Just around the corner from its elegant sister restaurant, Olio Pizzeria offers a casual alternative. According to their website, the boutique pizzeria was “inspired by the myriad neighborhood pizzerie… found around the corner from just about every piazza in Italy.” The restaurant focuses on using only the freshest ingredients, combining them in a simple way that allows the food to stand alone. Following our waitress, who seated us immediately, we weaved our way past the high seats of the wine bar to a rectangular table tucked away behind the honey-colored stonewalls. The patrons seated around us laughed and chatted, and the small candles on each table flickered cheerfully. The stone pizza oven in the corner and the Italian staff exuded warmth. We scanned the menu and ordered, fumbling with the Italian names. We ordered fett’unta, garlic rubbed grilled bread, all of which is ordered ala Carte. The bread was doughy, fresh, and crunchy and drizzled in extra virgin olive oil. Soon after, our salads arrived. The fresh lettuce and tangy red wine vinaigrette of my insalate locale was topped with bright cherry tomatoes. We soon turned our attention away from the simple salads as the pizza arrived. To test the true authenticity, we ordered a classic, margherita pizza.
The sauce balanced the acidity of tomatoes, while not overpowering the pizza. It tasted utterly fresh. The soft cheese was lightly sprinkled and interlaced with long strips of basil. The crust was Sicilian, thin and barely crunchy, passing our authenticity test with flying colors. The paesana pizza arrived at our table next. This pizza was more adven-
turous. Sauceless, it was a combination of mozzarella, sautéed rapini, sausage, and bright cherry tomatoes. Rapini is a relative of broccoli, sometimes called Broccoletti, and is common in southern Italian cuisine. The sausage was flecked with whole fennel seeds, the aromatic anise flavor complicating the pizza. Charred cherry tomatoes stood proudly, dotting the pizza. The food, ambience, and service were exceptional. Needless to say, Olio Pizzeria proved that excellence runs in the genes of the Olio e Limone family. This casual, authentic, and innovative sister has just become my new favorite. PHOTO: JULIA KENT
How to Stay Fit and Healthy During the School Year Learning healthy habits for staying fit and trim in your teenage years will benefit you for your entire lifetime. It is easy when you are a teenager to adopt an attitude of invincibility, for you are potentially in good health, energetic, optimistic and ready to experience life without limits. You are old enough to monitor your own activities, food consumption and bedtime. However, if you do not temper your enthusiasm for life with common sense, your future good health might pay the price. By JORDAN SHANNON
Exercise Daily You’ve probably heard countless times how exercise is “good for you.” But did you know that it can actually help you feel good too? Getting the right amount of exercise can rev up your energy levels and even help improve your mood. Experts recommend that teens get 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. Exercising causes the body to produce endorphins, chemicals that can help a person feel more peaceful and happy. Exercise can help some people sleep better. Exercising to maintain a healthy weight decreases a person’s risk of developing certain diseases, including Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. These diseases, which used to be found mostly in adults, are becoming more common in teens.
Get Plenty of Sleep PHOTO: LILLIE HODGES
You Are What You Eat: A healthy diet will give your body the right amount of energy, enough raw materials and all of the “little helpers” you need to stay healthy. All of these components will help keep you feeling young, looking great, and perhaps even disease free.
Balance academic and social life It is crucial for high school students to know how to manage both their academic and social lives. Even though school is a place of learning, a student is bound to have some sort of social life. Decide for yourself at the start of the school year that you won’t let school work sweep you away. Get involved in social activities. For instance, if some of your classmates are having a party and your invited, don’t think twice, just go and have a great time. That way you will be sharing time with them, and letting your mind and body relax. Sometimes if we only focus on getting great grades we forget our friends and our family; we forget that there is a real world out there. If you want success in life, you need to find a balance between your academic and social life.
Getting enough sleep is a very important aspect for all high school students. Teens should be getting a sufficient amount of rest in order to have the energy that is needed to function properly throughout the day. Teens who do not have a certain amount of sleep each night are subject to many distractions and experience rapid changes in their bodies and lifestyles. In order for teens to be productive, positive, and successful, it is vital for them to get adequate sleep. All teens should be getting between eight and nine hours of sleep per night, which helps reduce the amount of stress throughout the day. So, make sure you get enough sleep so you won’t feel restless and doze off in class.
Practice Good Nutrition You are what you eat. If you consume high calorie junk foods on a regular basis, you will soon discover that you have too much “junk” in the trunk. Excess weight can creep up gradually, until one fateful day when you can no longer fit into those cool jeans everyone else seems to be wearing. Take a class in nutrition, read books or go on-line and do some research. Figure out which food are richest in the essential vitamins and nutrients your developing body requires to remain fit and healthy. Modify your eating habits to include plenty of fruits and vegetables. Forego caffeine-laden soda and opt instead for drinking more water throughout the day to keep you well hydrated.
Healthy Recipe of the Month: Honeydew-Kiwi Smoothie Ingredients 2 cups cubed honeydew 1 small Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, 1 kiwifruit, peeled and cut up 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 cup ice cubes Honeydew and/or kiwifruit slices a sprig of mint
Preparation In a blender container, combine honeydew, apple, kiwifruit, sugar, and lime juice. Cover and blend until smooth. Add ice cubes; cover and blend until cubes are crushed and mixture is slushy. Garnish with additional honeydew and/or kiwifruit slices, if desired. Serve Immediately. Enjoy!
“You’re late, you’re late for a very important date! Calling for Volunteers for the Owls in Wonderland Carnival
Needed: 6 Volunteers to be Greeters 4 volunteers to be Tea Pourers at the Tea Party 3 Face Painters 4 Madd Science Assistants 4 Math students for Thinking Lounge games To volunteer contact Tara Broucqsault at tbrouc@lagunablanca.org
Olivia Berci Prepares for The Pulse On Tour
Owls Show School Pride in Spirit Week By HELENA DAVILA & JESSIE DUSEBOUT
By JESS DAVIS
O
livia Berci, a fifteen year old with talent far beyond her years, is currently preparing for one of the most prestigious events for ambitious, young dancers across the country. The Pulse On Tour is a powerful, intensive workshop that connects the next generation of professional dancers with some of America’s most renowned choreographers. Participants attend two full days of classes taught by choreographers from the hit show “So You Think You Can Dance,” including Mia Michaels, Chris Judd, Laurie Ann Gibson, Brian Friedman, Wade Robson, Dave Scott, and Tyce Diorio. As part of the experience, dancers have the unique opportunity to receive valuable feedback from some of the top professionals in the dance community, as well as to audition for dance education scholarships. As a senior member of Santa Barbara Dance Arts’ student companies, Olivia will attend The Pulse Convention this Nov. in Las Vegas along with her fellow company members. This event is one of only fifteen that will occur across the country this year.
PHOTO: ARYANNA ARONSON Preparation in the studio: Olivia Berci as she trains at Santa Barbara Dance Art’s studio for dance convention.
Olivia has participated in three other Pulse events, along with Santa Barbara Dance Arts’ student company members. “Last year it was an incredibly bonding experience,” Olivia described, “I had the opportunity to get to know all of my fellow company members better. Also, it was an inspiring environment to dance in, and it motivated me to continue to work on elevating my dance abilities.” Olivia has been a member of the Santa Barbara Dance Arts student companies for four years and this year was placed into Axis Company-the most advanced of Dance Arts’ four groups. With this exciting progression, Olivia will not only have the opportunity to take classes from the “So You Think You Can Dance” faculty, but also to perform for them.
Each dance studio submits a piece for the Pulse Performance Showcase that occurs the night after the first day of dance classes. Although the showcase is not a competition, each company receives feedback from the judges, and two of the companies are invited to the Broadway Dance Center in New York City to perform their piece. Last year, Axis Company was one of two groups honored with this invitation. “I am so nervous,” Olivia explained, “But, I absolutely love the piece that we are performing, and I am excited to share it! To have the opportunity to perform for choreographers who work with some of the most talented dancers in the country is truly amazing.” The Axis Dance Company will perform a piece choreographed by acclaimed chore-
Senior Artists Stress to Impress By HELENA DAVILA & MORGAN RAITH “The process is so much easier now because everything is digital,” says art instructor Ms. Delphine Louie about a senior art student’s portfolio presentation to universities. “In the eighties and nineties art students had to use projector slides which they would take to a photo processing lab and have made into a bigger positive color image that the universities could use to view each piece, about 10 to 15 of them.” Today, the number of pieces that a student has to send to universities is still the same, 10 to 15, however, the process is completely different. With the technology of the twenty- first century, art students have the choice of creating their own CD or website with programs like Picasso Web and Shutterfy. A good compilation of pieces normally takes at least two months of prep time to meet the due date set by the college or university. “Schools usually like to see sketches from sketchbooks to see if you can draw. They like to see design and composition, painting techniques that are both realistic and abstract, sculpture, and mixed media.” Picking a color based or elemental theme, “like fire or your natural proclivities towards doughnuts” will make a portfolio more interesting because it is something that will make them remember you. “What makes a student stand out is the presentation of their artwork, such as a well
put together website that was designed by the student and reflects on their personal vision.” Austin Danson, Julia Kent, Elliot Serbin and Sean Burke are senior artists at LBS working on preparing a portfolios for college. Austin Danson “I took my first ceramics class in tenth grade, I guess there is just something about it. I like the whole hands on process that is constantly changing and presenting new challenges,” Austin Danson said. Austin is inspired by the idea that “self expression and certain aspects can be communicated through a piece of pottery to anyone who is willing enough to try to understand the language, sounds like a fantastic way to live.” He is currently working on assembling 10 photos of his best and most recent work, which he will submit, for an art scholarship to Westmont College. Austin’s long-term goal is “to eventually be teaching pottery at a university.” Julia Kent Senior artist Julia Kent has been known on the LBS campus as an artist for years. “It’s kind of hard to get really good shots because the colors come out differently, especially in oil paintings,” Julia said. Planning to complete an art minor in her years at college, Julia’s portfolio carries a theme of old film, featuring many of her family members. Elliot Serbin
Always seen on campus with camera in hand, Elliot is known for his photography. “I don’t know about majoring, but I’ll still take photos or classes in photography.” His portfolio, with a theme of people, is a compilation of roughly ten images taken over the past few years. Sean Burke Working ahead of schedule, Sean is almost fully done with his portfolio. With a variety of styles and subjects, he is working to show all aspects of his artistic abilities in under 15 works, which can prove to be easier said than done. “I just want to show as much as possible.” This can be difficult, depending on art quotas set by the colleges. Looking ahead, Sean plans to work as a professional artist.
ographer, Jess Warfield, to “By Your Side” by Coco Rosie. Olivia explains that although the piece is challenging, she is confident that Axis Company will be prepared to perform in Nov. because of their passion for the piece and their rigorous rehearsal schedule. Olivia, who has been dancing since the young age of six, expects that dance will continue to play a major role in her life for many years; however, she does not plan to dance professionally. “I truly cannot imagine my life without dance,” Olivia reflects, “however, I want it to remain a hobby that I am passionate about and do not plan to pursue it as a career.” Olivia believes that dance is a positive, creative outlet that brings people together and teaches discipline and poise while building their self-confidence.
Seniors Kelsey Douglas and Amanda Schulenberg dress up as 80s flash dancers for Decades Day.
Freshmen Mariana Duran, Nadia Belton and Andrew Vignolo rock PJ’s at school on PJ Day. PHOTOS: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA
A Day in the Life of a Senior... By SEAN BURKE “A Day in the life of a Senior” is meant to be sung along to popular hip-hop artist Ke$ha’s Tik Tok. After interviewing many members of the senior class, I concluded that there were many shared feelings of stress balanced with a strong sense of senior spirit. Wake up in the morning feeling like P Diddy (Hey what up dawg) Grab my backpack I’m out the door, I’m gonna get so witty (Let’s go) Before I leave, brush my teeth with a bottle of Scope ‘Cause when I leave for the day, I ain’t comin back (Till 3:30) I’m feeling kinda sick, sick Trying to blow my nose, nose Heading to English Lit, Lit Going to go write some prose, prose Stop Talkin, playing around in math class Livin’ it up with some smarties Trying to get a late class slip-eyyyyy! Chorus: Don’t stop, make it pop Teacher, blow my mind up Today, I’mma pray That we’re done with our essays Tick tock, on the clock But the apps won’t stop no Woah-oh oh oh Woah-oh oh oh Got many cares in the world, but got plenty of spirit
PHOTOS: ELLIOT SERBIN & ZOE SERBIN
Got my cellphone on silent so nobody can hear it Coll-e-ges are lining up cuz they here we got swagger But we keep it so DL ‘cause we ain’t no braggers I’m talkin’ ‘bout nobody getting flunked, flunked Got books in the back of my trunk, trunk Gettin’ good grades so I don’t get sunk, sunk Now now we study ‘til we get out out or the library shuts us down down Library shut us down down ‘Brary shut us DOWnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn. Don’t stop, make it pop Teacher, blow my mind up Today, I’mma pray That we’re done with our essays Tick tock, on the clock But the apps won’t stop no Woah-oh oh oh, woah-oh oh oh
Finding Creative Outlets: Austin Danson, Sean Burke, Julia Kent, and Elliot Serbin work in the art room.
50, 000 Words, 30 Days... Go! By ZOE SERBIN
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participating this year. Join the ranks of hundreds of thousands of self-proclaimed writers all around the
AR T: TIS KE NT
w o rl d who put their noses to the grindstone every November. Yes, the task does seem a bit daunting. Writing three pages every day on top of homework, sports, and extracurricular activities is not something to be underestimated. However, one of the great things about NaNo is how incredibly low-key it is. Cheating isn’t a problem as there is no ending prize. What you take away from NaNoWriMo is a sense of pride and a completed body of work. And if someone doesn’t complete the 50,000 word goal, it’s not a problem. As put by NaNo’s website, “Win or lose, you rock even for trying.” And it’s true. Just attempting to write a novel is something to be proud of, and pushing oneself to spout out 1,667
LIA JU
harpen your pencils, grab a cup of coffee, and wipe your schedule. National Novel Writing Month is on its way. On Nov. 1, writers of all ages, from all corners of the world, will boot up their computers and prepare for the annual write-a-thon known as NaNoWriMo in which they will attempt to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. As described by their website, “NaNoWriMo is a novel-writing program for everyone who has thought fleetingly about writing a novel but has been scared away by the time and effort involved.” NaNo began in 1999, when a group of 21 people decided to try their hands at writing a novel in 30 days. “Our novels, despite our questionable motives and pitiful experience, came out okay. Not great. But not horrible, either. And, more surprising than that, the writing process had been really, really fun,” confesses Chris Baty, the Executive Director of the write-athon. After that first year, National Novel Writing Month’s popularity has been steadily growing skyward. The writea-thon had roughly 167,150 partakers last year. And that number is estimated to be even larger—especially with 3 more Laguna students
words every day— even if they are complete and utter nonsense — is part of what makes NaNo so appealing. “Because of the limited writing window, the only thing that matters in NaNoWriMo is output. It’s all about quantity, not quality,” states their website. Participants can take comfort in the fact that they aren’t the only one frantically stressing out about their word count. The whole community of ‘Wrimos’ is connected through the website, offering encouragement and advice when they think they—or their novel—is about to snap in half and crumble to pieces. “NaNo is great because
it’s selfmotivated and really casual. Plus, you’re together with a whole community of people who love to write,” said sophomore Anastasia Antonova, second time participant. “I think it’s a really challenging endeavor to embark on. Writing a novel is no small feat and having the deadline of one month in place really pushes a writer to rise to the occasion, ” said senior Arabella Watters. Those who are at all inspired should head to the website and sign up! Mull over ideas for a story while walking
Fall Concert Series By ARABELLA WATTERS
PHOTO: ARABELLA WATTERS
Vampire Weekend Hollywood Bowl: September 26 Though the Hollywood Bowl was hung with heat so thick and humid it was hard to take a step without breaking into a sweat, the excitement for Vampire Weekend to take the stair was still palpable. As the foursome, all recent graduates from Columbia University in New York City, took the stage, the crowd of nearly 18 thousand erupted into cheers. The band’s eclectic sound draws a diverse mix of people, in front of me a pair of 14-year-old girls screamed for Ezra Koenig, the band’s adorable lead singer, while to my left two shirtless 30-year-old men danced in the aisles for the majority of the show. The band stood initially underneath a giant circle with the words to one of their single’s “White Sky” circumscribing its perimeter.
The circle is emblazoned on their promotional t-shirts as well. A well-planned light show turned the circle from shades of deep blue to a pleasingly clashing red, yellow, and green. The colors were helter skelter, fitting the fastpaced sound of the music. The back drop of the show changed periodically from the circle to a map of lights with “Port of Contra” glowing in the background. Chandeliers dropped from the ceiling at intervals, blinking in tune to the music. Opening the show with “Holiday,” a single from their most recent album, Contra, it was nearly impossible not to stand and dance just a little bit to the first chirpy guitar notes. The band is uncanny in the way that they sound almost exactly the same as in their studio record-
ings. This is quite a feat since the melodies are hardly traditional and Koenig’s voice often twists words around until they are unrecognizable. In “California English,” which the band played later on in the show, the lyrics are sung so rapidly ,and with dexterous skill, that one would wonder whether Koenig had a little help in the studio. As he belted the opening lyrics, the crowd went wild as they attempted to sing along; I only succeeded in screaming gibberish to the stage. The band itself was fun to watch. Koenig bounces around the stage dressed in sneakers and jeans with enough energy to power a small city. Rostam Batmanglij, dressed in a funky patterned coat, impressively plays the synthetic keyboard (a main element in achieving the band’s unique sound) as well as passionately singing backup vocals and guitar. Clad in a basketball jersey, Chris Tomson frenetically played the drums in percussion heavy songs, “Oxford Comma” and “Campus.” On the bass guitar, Chris Baio popped around the stage happily, assisting Koenig on vocals as well. The entire band is so charismatic, it would be easy to watch them play even wearing noise canceling headphones. When the band broke into one of their first hits
“A-Punk,” there was not a single person standing still. Bodies writhed and people jumped up and down, throwing their hands into the air. The song is catchy, quick, and complete with an easy to sing chorus. The Bowl vibrated as the crowd yelled enthusiastically and slightly off key “Eh Eh Eh.” Not only did “A-Punk” get the crowd moving, but call and response songs “M79” and “One (Blake’s Got a New Face) made the show interactive and memorable. The band added to their set list “I Think Ur a Contra,” a slower more instrumental song which is a mile away from their usual synthetic, Caribbean influenced alternative rock. The crowd took to it well with many grateful to rest their feet after a session of intense dancing. The show felt entirely too short as the band blasted through “Cousins”, “Giving Up the Gun”, and “Diplomat’s Son” all in rapid succession. Vampire Weekend’s music is poppy and unexpected; it never fails to conjure up images of idyllic strolls across a college campus or an afternoon spend sipping “Horchata” from a glass bottle. With such a successful and sold-out show at the Hollywood Bowl, they proved that they can not only play unique music in the studio, but that they can also put on a top notch performance.
to class, think about characters while doing history homework, and completely ignore the plot-holes that lurk around every corner. In less than a month,
NaNo begins, so jump on the bandwagon and prepare for “30 days and nights of literary abandon!”
Check out their website at: http://www.nanowrimo.org/ Laguna Blanca’s Creativity Club is participating in NaNoWriMo. If you’re interested, talk to Anastasia Antonova, Helena Davila, Daria Etezadi, or Zoe Serbin.
Maroon 5 Santa Barbara Bowl: October 6 In an energetic performance, Adam Levine and fellow band members got the audience dancing with fast paced hits from all three of their albums Songs About Jane, It Won’t Be Soon Before Long, and Hands All Over, “Makes Me Wonder”, “This Love”, and “Wake Up Call.”
PRIME PERFORMER: Lead singer Adam Levine croons to the audience. Levine jumped from high notes to intense guitar rifts, interacting with crowd members throughout the show.
PHOTOS: ARABELLA WATTERS
Sports Previews Football
PHOTO: ELLIOT SERBIN
Volleyball
PHOTO: ELLIOT SERBIN
Cross Country
PHOTO: GAYLE ADAMS
By Fletcher SippLE
Tennis
PHOTO: Bryana Schantz
Kevin Drew returns an interception.
Amanda Schulenberg hits the ball.
Parker Lilly pushes at the finish line.
Caitlin Connor prepares for a serve.
Its not too often Laguna Blanca football is ranked number nine in the state for 8-man football, but yet again this season is not like many others we have had in the past. Laguna rests at 3-1 after losing to two time CIF Champion Santa Clarita Christian. Anchored by a big offensive line which averages 220 pounds up front and supported by standout wide receivers junior Logan Elder and senior Kevin Drew. Seniors Chase McAdams, Jeff Nelson, and Austin Rusack are the captains of the squad after playing all four years of football, they have brought a program back from its knees, a program which went 1-7 during a tough season last year. The Condor League seems a favorable place for the team as the usual powerhouses of Cate and Thatcher have lost key players. Thatcher only returns two starters from last year’s roster while Cate looses their key running back and a few big linemen. On the contrary Laguna has a roster which returns all but one player from last year, features 8 seniors and 4 juniors. In addition there are some strong younger players. Most notably sophomore Joey Eckert and freshman Joey Coleman both of whom have had strong showings in the first few games, in fact, Coleman scored two touchdowns in Laguna’s win over Dunn School.
This year’s Lady Owls volleyball team was ranked preseason number one in a CIF Poll for Division IV-AA. Not surprising considering Laguna’s phenomenal post season play. The Owls have played in the CIF title game six out of the last nine years including last year. The Owls return a few key players most notably junior setter Amanda Harvey and senior captains Amanda Schulenberg and Lillie Hodges who will carry the weight for the Owls this season. It’s been a mixed bag for the Owls this season as they have struggled a bit in pre-condor league play. The Owls beat Brethren Christian in the season opener yet struggled against the likes of Cabrillo, St. Bonaventure, and Windward. However Laguna rallied as they entered Condor League play beating both Thatcher and Viewpoint through solid performances by the entire team. The only question still out there on this team is its post season ability. A lot of which depends on how well the younger players mesh with the more experienced seniors and juniors. If they can grow together as a team the Condor League should be a piece of cake as Laguna should be able to walk its way into CIF play once again.
With a new coach and lots of returning talent this season’s cross country squad is sure to make noise in the Condor League. Laguna returns a few key players, namely senior Parker Lilly who is a captain this season and who has already done well for the Owls. In one of the latest league competitions he placed second among all runners. Underclassmen Marla Bonser has also done well placing 5th at a recent Cate School meet. She will undoubtably carry the girls’ side of the squad and represent the younger Laguna athletes well this season. Unfortunately, talented junior Patrick Gainey suffered a back injury and has been unable to compete. A setback considering Patrick was one of the fastest runners on cross country squad. The outlook for this seasons is strong as many runners are improving their times. Senior Peter Sorensen recently ran one of his best races and senior Jordan Shannon has also been running well offering a depth of skill which has been historically uncommon for the Laguna cross country team. As long as everyone stays healthy, and younger players continue to improve, there is no stopping this team. As senior Parker Lilly put it “This year’s team is one of the most competitive squads we’ve ever fielded.”
After loosing some key players from last season, most notably Kelsey Chesterfield and Liza Fletcher who now plays Division Three tennis for Wesleyan University, there were some big gaps to be filled in the Lady Owls tennis squad who had one of its best seasons on record last year. This season, any doubt has been erased as seniors Arabella Watters and Olivia Liebman have stepped up leading the Owls to a solid start this season with wins over both in league and out of league competition. Sophomore Caitlin Connor, who was a star as a freshman last season, has also stepped up providing great play for the Owls in every match. The standout has been Arabella Watters. She taken on the role as captain this season both in leadership and in play. She is having her best season yet. as a result of offseason play and workouts. Arabella feels this season’s team could really do some damage in the Condor League and possibly even take the league title home for the Owls. “I think we have a great chance of being a really great team this season. We have talented underclassmen and some experienced upperclassmen who have been together for a few seasons now. I think that will show this time around and we will have a chance at the league title this year.”
Triple Threat: Morgan Raith and Family take on the Dublin Marathon By Andrew McCaffery
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n Oct. 25, Morgan Raith will travel to Dublin, Ireland for a once in a lifetime experience; running in the Dublin marathon with her mom Elizabeth Raith, and her 76-yearold granddad, Robert Raymond. After the 26.2 mile trek, the Raith/Raymond trio will, according to Morgan, “reward themselves with a 4-day-long tour of Ireland.” To prepare for this mental and physical challenge, Morgan has been training with and without her mom (and granddad) ever since the beginning of summer. The flexibility of her summer schedule -- due to summer vacation -- allowed Morgan to focus on her preparation and conditioning 24/7. Morgan uses a strategy where she alternates between 9 minutes of jogging and 3 minutes of walking, which allows her to rest on some of the longer runs -- such as the 18-mile training run she did just the other weekend (completed in 3 hours and 46 minutes). Most of these training techniques came from Morgan’s granddad, the heart and soul of the marathon team, and the source of Morgan’s inspiration. Mr. Raymond, an experienced marathon and long-distance runner, has run 10 full marathons in his lifetime. Before he “takes himself out of running,” his goal is to run in the capitals of all 50 states. Mr. Raymond also aspires to run in 50 dif-
ferent countries, a goal that grows nearer with the marathon in Dublin. Although Mr. Raymond has not been physically present for the most part, his knowledge and experience have helped with Morgan’s preparation. The trio has done some collective training, but since Mr. Raymond lives on the East Coast, far away from Santa Barbara, the runners have compromised by sharing the same “jog 9, walk 3” exercise routine. This way, as Morgan puts it, the trio “will be able to get in sync for the actual marathon.” Juggling school, training, and her social life, Morgan was still available to talk with me before she left for Ireland to share a little more about her marathon preparations.
Q: We know that your granddad has run marathons before, but what about your mom? A: “My mom has run one marathon: she did the Rock and Roll marathon in San Diego in 2008.”
Q: Have you ever run a marathon before or done any serious long distance running? A: “I have never run a marathon before, and I didn’t expect to. When my mom told me that my grandfather was thinking about running a marathon in Dublin, Ireland it was a complete surprise. I was ecstatic that he wanted to include me; he wanted to run it as “3 generations,” which is a pretty sentimental thing. As for other running, I do not do cross country or track, but I have always enjoyed going on runs. That might sound crazy, but I like it.”
Q: What’s the longest training run you have gone on so far? A: “The other weekend my mom and I went out and ran 16 miles, which took us 3 hours and 12 minutes. It hurts to be on your feet for so long. I also had trouble with painful side stitches, which are caused when one’s diaphragm is unable to flex down due to not exhaling completely.”
Q: What have you been doing to train for the marathon? A: “Well, starting in the summer, my mom and I started our distance training, but my granddad was way ahead of us: the first time we all ran together, my mom and I ran/walked 7 miles and my granddad ran/walked 12. So, I’ve been working all summer and continue to work on medium distances, and I know have a pretty consistent 12 minute mile. It may sound slow, but you have to pace yourself on such a long run.”
Q: Besides running and conditioning, what do you do to train? A: “The most important part of my training – other than conditioning -has been my diet. I have tried to take the
PHOTO: RAITH FAMILY Morgan Raith pictured with her grandfather Mr. Robert Raymond.
really unhealthy things out completely: I don’t drink soda, I hardly have ice cream, and I stay away from fast food. I do eat a TON of fruits and vegetables, and I have been supplementing Chia seeds into my meals. They have been around forever and provide a great natural boost of energy.” Q: What are you most scared about for the marathon? Excited? A: “I’m not really scared as much as I am nervous, but my family has told me everything is completely mental, and that the crowd helps you keep running. My dad has also been really supportive in all my training, which is great. The thing I am excited about is being able to say I ran a marathon before age 17; the Dublin Marathon is the day after my 17th birthday -- I’ll be celebrating with a lot of carbs and a lot of sleep.”
The Splendid Seven Varsity Team Captains
PHOTO: ELLIOT SERBIN
Gathered together after assembly are varsity volleyball team co-captain Lillie Hodges, tennis team captain Arabella Waters, football team co-captain Chase McAdams, cross country team captain Parker Lilly, football team co-captain Austin Rusack, volleyball team co-captain Amanda Schulenberg, and football team co-captain Jeff Nelson. By BRANDON BICKETT
LBS
doubtlessly deserves recognition in not only academics, but also athletics. For over 75 years, the School has produced scholarly individuals and competitive teams that play in the realm of good sportsmanship. Furthermore, leadership in the athletics plays a huge role to success. Each year, football, cross country, tennis, and volleyball make up the fall sports lineup and continue to perform at a standard exceeding LBS’s contenders. Captains of teams, mostly consisting of charismatic seniors or spirited juniors, can be credited to much of the triumph and accomplishment. This fall season, the team captains consist of senior girls Lillie Hodges and Amanda Schulenberg for volleyball; seniors Jeff Nelson, Austin Rusack, and Chase McAdams for boys football; senior Arabella Watters for girls tennis; and senior Parker Lilly for co-ed cross country. This year’s fall sports season could not have started off any better for LBS.
The mens football team (4-0), ignited by a feisty junior quarter-back Troy Ritter and a huge defensive presence given by Chase McAdams, has had its best record since the 2005 season--an amazing feat. Logan Elder, junior cornerback and wide receiver on the football team said, “Our team captains are fine. We are doing really good this year, and I hope we can beat all of the teams in our league.” Also, the girls volleyball team initiated their season with a solid start at (4-1). Lead by experienced players Lillie Hodges and Amanda Schulenberg. In terms of cross country, Parker Lilly leads the way. As the fastest runner on the team, he continues to place highly at top events around California. Peter Sorensen, the second fastest runner on the team, said that he and Parker “are on the same level in that he is faster than me, but he leads our team very well in warm-ups and I admire him.” Fueled by a lust to learn, lead, and win, squad team captains are encouraged to sky-rocket LBS sports to the same level of prowess as its academic curriculum.
Laguna Blanca Sailing Team Competes in Sea Otter Owls Put Away Dunn 50-20 to Regatta Claim Homecoming Victory By FLETCHER SIPPLE
interceptions and multiple touchdowns from Austin Rusack, Andrew Vignolo and Logan Elder. Backup junior quarterback Andrew McCaffery filled the starting role well completing most of his passes without a single interception. As well as the offense played it was the defense who really made the difference. Kevin Drew and Andrew Vignolo played the role of air traffic control as both netted interceptions on Dunn’s Quarterback in the first quarter alone. Defense end Jeff Nelson put some big hits on Dunn’s QB forcing some of his arrant throws as the QB went to 1-9 with 3 interceptions quickly before halfway through the second quarter. While defensive lineman Chase McAdams plugged the middle, stopping the run. Laguna went into halfPHOTO: NEWT CUTCLIFFE time leading Dunn 34-6. The second half was a slow start for the Owls. Dunn seemingly had the momentum as their QB, Corbin Laguna’s sailing team members Tucker Meyer moved to receiver scoring two touchdowns to Atterbury 11, Jake Bartlein 12, Savanna close the deficit from 34-6 to 20-6 with only about a Brown 11, Cuyler Zimmerman 9, Cassidy minute left in the third quarter. Shevitz 10 gathered on Sunday, Oct. 3 at the Feeling the heat Laguna needed to make some plays to get back in it. Not to be outdone, freshmen Sea Otter Regatta in Monterey, California, starting safety Andrew Vignolo picked off Duns QB for a prep talk with coach Duncan Shea. once again, this time Dunn’s fourth interception. Next up for the sailing team is the Goblin Then freshman fullback Joey Coleman busted out Regatta (29er) Sat Oct. 30 – Sun Oct. 31 at PHOTO: ELLIOT SERBIN two massive runs to put Laguna up 50-20 before the Dunn knew what hit them. Then, as Dunn was on its last leg, Kevin Drew inSanta Barbara Yacht Club. Stewart Green and Dante Bozzini clear a space for tercepted Dunn’s QB yet again. It was just the play quarterback Andrew McCaffery to make a pass. that Laguna needed to regain the momentum to finish out the game on the here was a lot of hype going into the 2010 right note. Homecoming game. Talk between players from The Owls, 3-0-0 are both teams helped to fuel the fire of the Dunn now ranked number Laguna rivalry. one in southern CaliHowever, Laguna came out fired up making big fornia by maxpreps. Crane alumni family has furnished Montecito home for rent hits and picking off Dunn’s QB five times en route to com for 8 man footor lease; 3 bedroom, 3 bath, open dining, kitchen living room, a 50-20 trouncing of the Dunn Earwigs. ball. The game opened up beautifully for the Owls even It’s the best openoutdoor living with native gardens, privacy & sweeping mountain though starting quarterback Troy Ritter didn’t start ing for Laguna since views, pets welcomed. due to soccer commitments. the 2005 season where Coming out fired up, Laguna scored first as Kevin Laguna made its only Drew found the end zone for 6 only to be stopped playoff birth to this Available @ $4,800/month with weekly gardener and house during the two point attempt. Dunn responded right date. However, given cleaner back with a touchdown of its own as the Earwig’s this current team’s Bryce McKibbon scored 6. success Laguna may Dunn wouldn’t find the end zone for the rest of the be making noise in the Contact: Chris Dentzel: cpd@cox.net or 805-570-7335 first half as Laguna turned up the heat to the tune of 3 playoffs once again.
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Furnished Montecito Home
America’s Altered Point of View: A Reflection Nine Years After September 11 By ARABELLA WATTERS Nine years is not a terribly long amount of time. However, nine years has proved long enough to radically change our country in both its political policies and in its tolerance for freedom of all kinds. It was nine years ago on September 11 that two commercial jet-liners crashed into the World Trade Centers in New York City, killing all the passengers inside the airplanes as well as killing nearly 3,000 people who worked in or near the buildings. It did not take long for the United States government to figure out that this horrific act had been perpetrated and planned by Muslim members of the terrorist group Al-Qaeda, lead specifically by Osama Bin Laden. The repercussions of the attacks were far-spread and devastating. The damage could be felt both in the innocent lives lost, the families who lost husbands, wives, daughters, and sons, and in fear and hatred which had no problem embedding itself into the center of the American psyche. Today, this fear and anger is primarily pointed towards Muslims and people of Middle Eastern decent. As a result of the attacks which were carried out by Muslims, many Caucasian Americans who board planes feel uneasy or nervous when seeing someone from the Middle East board. This fear, though unjustified, can only be explained by the idea that generally people subconsciously fear for their lives every time they enter an airplane, and having Muslims on board only mirrors the attacks of 9/11. Since 9/11 occurred, there have been 32 million cases of reported racial profiling and 1,700 cases of racial discrimination filed. For anyone who looks remotely Muslim, either from the Middle East or Southern Asia, flying especially can be strenuous and upsetting. Racial profiling has become ubiquitous and allows for millions of innocent people to be unnecessarily questioned and interrogated simply based on the color of their skin and whom they chose to worship. The Muslim religion has become the target of prejudice and slander because much of the American population is in the dark about the priorities the Islamic religion place on peace and love. What the American population does not realize is that Islam is a peaceful and tolerant religion which holds the gift of life above all other things. In fact, there is a sect of Islam called the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community which holds as its largest goal to promote the spread of peace and heal the hatred which has polarized the world against Muslims. What many people do not understand is that when the terrorist attacked the U.S., they created an incendiary for a war against Muslims which has been hard to contain. In research about the Islamic presence in the United States, a Muslim sect named Ahmadiyya continued to pop up.
PHOTOS: ELLIOT SERBIN
A good cause: Event organizer and UCSB student Benjamin Parish states, “Its not a political event. We want it to be a memorial, an event to honor the sacrifices of those died.” Many Santa Barbarians attended the memorial to grieve for the lives lost.
Ahmed Khawaja, is a practicing Muslim who works as the Managing Director for a financial firm in New York City. He lives in the city, wakes up, eats breakfast, goes to work, and comes home to his family like anyone else. Except he must also live with constant prejudice towards his religion and his culture. Mr. Khawaja is also an active member of the Ahmadiyya community, spend a lot of his time promoting peace, and grieves the tragedy of 9/11 just as much as anybody else in the United States. “I feel the loss of 9/11. If you
“I feel the loss of 9/11. If you are a human, you should feel that loss, because someone said goodbye and promised to see their family later. That promise was destroyed, and whenever an innocent life is lost like that, you should feel hurt, regardless of what religion you are.”
are a human, you should feel that loss, because someone said goodbye and promised to see their family later. That promise was destroyed, and whenever an innocent life is lost like that, you should feel hurt, regardless of what religion you are.” Mr. Khawaja also stressed the importance of peace in the Muslim religion. Mr. Khawaja emphasized elements of the Quoran which define Muslim beliefs such as the idea that “the killing of one innocent human being is the killing of entire mankind” as well as the idea that Allah (the Muslim god) speaks to Muslims and tells them to “raise your weapons only to defend yourselves as Allah does, not like an aggressor.” One of the most important beliefs of Islam is the belief that “suicide is a sin which Allah will not forgive.”
These elements of Islam are overlooked and ignored in our society; the majority of Americans are pigeon-holed into the belief that all Muslims are extremists and terrorists on suicide missions, when in reality, that is completely untrue. Mr. Khawaja spoke passionately about these misconceptions of his religion, “I challenge any fanatic Muslim to sit in front of me in a room and show me where in the Quoran it says it is right for me to kill innocent people and non- Muslims.” He also refuted the rationales that the terrorists were acting out a Ji’Had (an attack against non-Muslims) during 9/11. “They were acting out a Ji’Had, trying to defend Islam, but defense does not mean you make planes into weapons and hurt thousands of people. I have never heard in United States history of Americans using weapons to attack Islam. Innocent human beings were killed and nobody deserved this act.” The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has been fervently working to reverse the stereotypes in the United States and bring harmony to all races and religions. Thousands of Muslims are working all over New York City, under the leadership of missionary Naseem Mahdi, putting up over a quarter of a million fliers to spread awareness for the Islamic religion. It is not only the Muslim community who feels the negative repercussions of 9/11. While high school students were too young at the time to feel the shock and overwhelming sadness as the planes hit the Twin Towers, adults around the Laguna Blanca School campus still feel the weight of the tragedy nine years later. Laguna’s front office coordinator Ms. Chris Davis can still recall how she felt watching the attacks. “I remember standing in the conference room, watching the Trade Centers burn, and I just got the chills. I still have the
Play On: At 10:28 a.m., the time when the first Tower fell, Tom Strelich (above) played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes at the West Beach Memorial to honor those who died in the tragedy. chills thinking about it now. I remember the students being frightened, people saying we were going to war and we did.” There have been many consequences of the attacks including the two wars we are fighting both in Iraq and in Afghanistan, as well as the creation of Homeland Security in order to increase protection against terrorist attacks. “We are living in fear that we are not safe anymore. The U.S. is vulnerable. Terrorism is worldwide, and there just seems to be more hatred. And that is a scary thing,” Ms. Davis said. The constant feeling of fear and vigilance which saturated our country initially after the attacks, while put on the back burner, has not disappeared. While America used to be an asylum for all races, a majority of the population now lives in fear that 9/11 will eventually repeat itself. Head of Upper School, Mr. John Berry agrees. “[The attacks] exposed vulnerabilities and the country changed. The consciousness was changed after 9/11 for generations. Initially, after a tragedy, a massacre of this magnitude, there is nationalism and patriotism. Sometimes that wears off and sometimes it never does.” Mr. Berry also comments on the prejudice and hatred which has permeated society towards the Muslim religion since 9/11. “We have had issues with people of Muslim decent. The
planners of the attacks were Muslim and there is backlash against the American citizens with Muslim backgrounds. It challenged our way of thinking, and it challenged the backbone of the nation and what it means to really be an immigrant nation.” The trust of immigrants and other cultures which was so widespread before the attacks is also on shaky ground. The nation which was once lauded for its tolerance is continually failing to see the forest through the trees. However many racial prejudices and stereotypes seemingly refuse to leave, there is no denying that America still cares. This care can be seen in the 9/11 Memorial set up on Santa Barbara’s West Beach on September 11. The memorial, sponsored by the Young America Foundation and part of a national movement called “9/11: Never Forget Project,” featured 2,977 flags set up across a square acre. Senior Elliot Serbin, who attended the memorial gives his views on healing from 9/11. “I don’t think we are living in fear. I respect what happened, and I want to remember, but I don’t want to be dominated by the tragedy.” Although nine years later America is still healing, the most important thing about the legacy of 9/11 is that the people who lost their lives that morning will always be remembered.