October 2011 Issue

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

Volume XVII

Monday, October 24, 2011

www.thefourthestate.net

AP Students Attend James Otis Lecture

Anonymous Donor Funds Wireless System

By ANASTASIA ANTONOVA

By JESS DAVIS & DARIA ETEZADI Pumpkin Spice Lattes in one hand and informational pamphlets in the other, students in AP US Government and US History approached the Santa Barbara Courthouse on Sept. 17 Inside the Courthouse, a number of local judges, lawyers, and professors organized their notes for the Brown v. Board of Education lecture.

The program was organized by local lawyers (members of the American Board of Trial Advocates) and high school educators to celebrate Constitution Day. Students were invited to hear lectures by nationally recognized speakers on constitutional issues.

The speakers included former California Supreme Court Justice, Carlos Moreno (retired this year) and UCLA law professor, Cheryl Harris.

Professor Harris discussed the significance of the Supreme Court decision of Brown v. Board of Education. Others discussed the effects of racism on modern society.

Continued on Page 5

JOGATHON PICTURE

PHOTO:TARA BROUCQSAULT

HUDDLED FOR THE LAST TIME: Seniors gather in a group embrace prior to the start of their Jogathon.

Jogathon Raises Spirits and Funds

By JESS DAVIS

Participants came together to exercise, socialize, and eat at the annual Jogathon on Oct. 14.

The entire school community was represented, with K-12 students, parents, faculty members, and administrators all in attendance.

After Headmaster Mr. Paul Slocombe said the opening remarks and the National Anthem was sung, the music started and the runners took off.

In contrast to last year’s foggy Jogathon,

PHOTO: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA

SIGN UP: Students took advantage of the recent club fair to sign up for clubs.

Students Host Club Fair

the sunny, mild weather provided perfect conditions for the runners.

The featured runners were the Laguna Lifers of 2012: Lauren Alef, Eva Davis, Patrick Gainey, Andrew McCaffery, and Jamie Rosenberg.

The event raised more funds than any other Jogathon hosted since the event was started in 1988. Thanks to generous donations from 30 sponsors and contributions from Laguna families, over $60,000 were raised. These funds will be directed towards the Athletic Department.

“Laguna Wear had a good evening, and the profit will contribute to school spirit. With last year’s profit, for example, the school purchased comfortable chairs which were much needed for the athletic department,” said parent, Pouran Etezadi.

According to participants, the event was not only a fundraising success, but also a great way to spend an afternoon: “I like how the whole school comes together, and we can talk to each

“The club fair went well. We got a ton of sign ups, so this year should be really fun,” said Allie Lafitte, co-president of the Direct Relief Club.

The Direct Relief Club aims to support the international organization in its mission to aid those affected by poverty and natural disasters both in the United States and abroad.

“I am very excited for the club to make its debut. It made me really happy to see so many people interested in signing up and helping out,” Allie continued.

The club’s first fundraising project, the 100 Days Campaign, will support safe births in developing countries.

Continued on Page 4

Students Go on Class Trips

Seniors go to El Cap, juniors catch some surf, sophomores lend a helping hand and freshmen just chill. Page 3.

Seniors Cameron Platt, Patrick Gainey, and Alex Greer were chosen as three of the 16,000 semifinalists in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Program.

Beginning in 1955, the NMSQP has recognized and awarded exceptional high school students who have performed well on the PSAT. The first step to becoming a National Merit Scholar involves receiving one of the top 50,000 scores on the PSAT, out of the 1.5 million students who take the test nationwide.

The 16,000 semifinalists from each state are then selected from the first pool because of

Traffic Court’s Red Tape

Why getting pulled over in Santa Barbara is scarier than ever. Page 5.

Textbooks Going Digital

Call, Text, or Skype?

Communication ground rules you need to know. Page 8.

Ms. Mc Hale & Ms. Pointer take the lead. Page 3.

Though many question a private school’s vulnerability to the unstable economy, the national crisis is in fact affecting almost every aspect of American life.

Both public and private schools have suffered from significant budget cuts.

“I think the economy has affected everyone. We certainly are no exception . . . The economy has played an effect in our overall enrollment, which is down, and that is indicative of schools across the country,” says Ms. Joyce Balak, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid.

Continued on Page 20

Continued on Page 4

By DARIA ETEZADI

By ELISE SCHEUERMANN

With tablets on the rise, schoolbooks are being re-evaluated. Page 6.

New Advisory Program

Struggling Economy Hits Private School

other and socialize,” said junior Bella Taron.

When asked about her favorite part of the event, sophomore Mitsi Gamble replied, “Throwing water at people. When you’re walking and running, and you’re with your friends, it’s fun.”

Other favorite activities included the petting zoo, face painting, and the dunk tank. Mr. Hodges was dunked several times, as students tried their best to score and knock him into the water.

Mr. Chiment also played an important role in the event as the school mascot, Swoop. He ran around the track, bolstering school spirit.

In addition to jogging around the track, participants had the opportunity to check out the clubs informational booths on the sidelines.

Junior Karinna Carrillo, a member of the Cottage Kids Art Club, said, “It’s nice to get a running start [for Cottage Kids Art Club] and see a lot of support.”

Students can now access the Internet from their wireless devices thanks to the newly installed Wi-Fi system which was funded by an anonymous donor.

Currently 55 students in the high school have already registered for Internet on their Macs, Windows, iPads, and smart phones.

Librarian Susan Burke voiced concern that not enough students are taking advantage of this: “It’s a good opportunity to relieve the Kalfas lab, the Annex, and the laptops. Now we need to get everyone to sign up.”

Junior Cassidy Shevitz, who registered her laptop, said, “I’m so glad Laguna’s campus went wireless. Having Internet has enabled me to be able to gain information quickly without having to go to Kalfas or the library. It has been helpful and an overall success.”

“The importance of instant access to science is so important, because the area is so timely and changing,” said Ms. Staci Richard, Upper School and fifth grade science instructor.

Some students have voiced concern about the school having access to their personal information; however, the school can only see the sites that a student has accessed at school.

This type of information will only be viewed if problems arise.

When asked about the new system, Director of Technology and K-4th computer instructor Ms. Barbara Remick said, “I’m looking forward to seeing students involved in more learning and classroom experiences using technology.”

National Merit Scholars Announced

By GRACE WOOLF The annual studentrun club fair assembly took place on Sept. 29.

Club presidents created posters and setup informational booths to promote their clubs.

Students had the opportunity to speak with club presidents about the causes that the clubs serve and to sign-up to participate.

Invisible Children Club, established in 2010, is looking to tackle new projects with the start of this school year.

“We are collecting books for the school that we raised $13,000 for last year,” said club president Eva Davis.

Direct Relief Club and Cottage Kids Art Club are two newly formed clubs.

Issue 1

School Survival Guide

How to cope with your busiest year yet. Page 9.

their outstanding PSAT scores.

Three semifinalists out of 38 students in the senior class is a noteworthy proportion, according to Mr. Tyler Hodges, Director of US Academics.

Mr. Hodges also announced that seniors Cameron Matthews and Andrew McCaffery have been named Commended Students.

The semifinalists must wait until February to find out if they’ve been selected as one of the 15,000 National Merit Scholars.

“I am excited to see what happens,” Cameron said.

Finalists are judged on their abilities, skills, and

PHOTO: EVA DAVIS

Merit Scholars: From left: Seniors Cameron Platt.

Patrick Gainey, and Alex Greer in Isham Library. accomplishments.

Academics, extracurricular activities, and leadership positions are all taken into consideration.

Vandals or Artists?

Street art in Santa Barbara evaluated. Pages 9 & 10.

8,300 winners are each awarded with a National Merit Scholarship, of $2,500, which can be used at the college of their choice.

Fall Sports Schedule

Mark your calendars for this season’s upcoming games. Page 19.

Alex Greer Hikes the Sierra’s A recap of his 215 mile trek: crazy hikers, marmots and more. Page 12.

Sweating in Style

Bikram Yoga takes charge. Page 15.

Meet the New Music Teacher Welcome to Laguna, Ms. Geier.

Page 16.

Windy Summers Laguna’s Sailing Team. Page 18.

Sports Seasons Start Up

A preview of the upcoming seasons for all sports. Page 19.

Staff Editorial

2

Most amateur artists have out- tenance costs are on the rise, and lets through which to display their graffiti is becoming an increasingly talents—the Santa Barbara com- controversial local issue. munity is blessed with many art The Fourth Estate staff does not galleries, theater productions, believe that all graffiti is art. “Tagdance performances, poetry and gers” who simply scrawl their nickessay contests, and various pho- names on public property are not tography showcases. demonstrating creativity—but rathEducational resources such as er an egotistical need to claim ownschool classes, local workshops, ership of things they do not own. and personal instruction exist to However, as we put together our foster these artists’ abilities.

Double Page for this issue (page 20), However, a group of creative we were shocked by some incredpeople has been cut-off from op- ible displays of creativity by these portunities such as these and so-called vandals. These creations deemed crimithat precipitatnals by many ed a plethora Spray paint is their members of the emotions were local communicreated with medium of choice, ty. These artists only a few cans and the city of Santa of paint and a do not choose to express themconcrete wall.

Barbara is their selves through Art is defined canvas the traditional as “the expresmeans of oil on sion or applicacanvas, collage, tion of human watercolors, or pen on paper; creative skill and imagination”, a spray paint is their medium of broad definition that encompasses choice, and the city of Santa Bar- nearly any human creation that bara is their canvas. serves to provoke thought, inspire Santa Barbara streets, tunnels, action, or be visually pleasing or businesses, and homes have been disturbing. adorned by these artists’ creations.

Art can be presented in any forHowever, many government offi- mation, created by any person, and cials and property owners do not displayed through any kind of meview these people as artists—they dium. Graffiti is art. It is art that see them as vandals who are de- pushes boundaries, rejects tradifacing the beauty of our commu- tionalism, and is an ever-growing nity. frontier of creative expression.

Thousands of dollars are spent But The Fourth Estate staff symeach year to hide these works of pathizes with those whose property art—to restore the original, blank is victimized by these unwanted canvas of the city. These main- additions to their homes and busi-

Letter from the Editor Hi Everyone!

Welcome to the first issue of The Fourth Estate 2011-2012.

We begin our 17th year of publication eager to bring news to the Laguna Blanca community more effectively, creatively, and quickly than ever before.

With the launch of the fourthestate.net, we’ve met our goal of providing our readers with daily insight into life at Laguna Blanca School and the Santa Barbara community at large.

As we go to press this morning, I stand in awe of the students, administrators, faculty members, and families that comprise The Laguna Blanca community. This issue—our longest publication to date—is filled with stories of their achievements, contributions, and victories.

Alex Greer’s determination to complete a 215-mile hike in just 16 days (page 12), students’ successes in photography and art contests (pages 5 & 13), Mr. Tyler Hodges’ motivation to create the best possible learning community (page 4), the passion and leadership of club presidents (pages 1 & 4), and the collaboration and planning that went into making this year’s Jogathon a success (pages 1 & 20) are all reflective of the outstanding talent and motivation that Laguna Blanca School fosters.

Seniors, on our class trip to El Capitan in September we discussed our class goals—these included a desire to bolster school spirit and make the academic year of 2011-2012 the best year yet.

Through the creation of this issue, I have realized that these are attainable goals, and we are already achieving them. We, as a school, have both individual success stories to celebrate and group achievements to applaud.

Let’s continue into the rest of the school year with the same enthusiasm and vivacious spirit that we have demonstrated

GRAPHIC: ZOE SERBIN

nesses. While graffiti is art and should be appreciated and recognized as such, it does not belong everywhere, and its creation should not infringe on the rights of others.

The community of Santa Barbara needs to create more outlets for these artists. Some community members, such as Ms. Laura Inks, have already focused on making

this idea a reality. Ms. Inks founded the first “Graffiti Tolerated” wall in Santa Barbara, where graffiti artists will not face legal punishment.

However, there must be a broader recognition of street artists as talented, creative individuals who deserve the same outlets and opportunities as other artists in the Santa Barbara community.

From Print to Pixels

Editor-in-Chief Jess Davis Managing Editor Andrew McCaffrey

By Eli Bittleston & Eddie Conk The Fourth Estate Tech Team

Senior Editors

Until this year, The Fourth Estate student newspaper was a print only production. We printed seven to eight issues annually.

With technology playing an increasingly important role in journalism, the staff of The Fourth Estate knew they had to do something to keep up with the times.

The paper needed a more cutting edge medium to get the news to the students as it happened.

In light of this, the staff asked us to design The Fourth Estate online.

We drew inspiration from many different online periodicals and other online student newspapers. Our research finally gave birth to a website which we are very proud of: thefourthestate.net.

Check out the website to keep up with school news, weekly comics, featured videos, polls, calendars, and more.

The Fourth Estate’s new website is fully functional, complete with articles and photos seen in each issue of our paper. Readers can also “Follow” us on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook.

Caitlin Connor

Anastasia Antonova Olivia Berci Helena Davila Jessie Dusebout Eva Davis Daria Etezadi Zoe Serbin Photo Editor Eva Davis LAYOUT EDITOR Morgan Raith Artist Zoe Serbin Web masters Elijah Bittleson Edward Conk VIDEO EDITOR Ben Furukawa Staff Jacqueline Berci Brandon Bickett

thus far.

Luisa Cameron

Here’s to a fantastic year!

Caty Lafitte

Jess Davis

Clara Madsen Aija Mayrock

Editor-in-Chief

Elise Scheuermann Kaylee Strachan Grace Woolf

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

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

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

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

Anonymous letters will not be published.

The Fourth Estate publishes seven issues per year, and prints 500 copies of each issue which are distributed to approximately 350 Middle and Upper School students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

Issues are mailed to our subscribers and advertisers, and papers are exchanged with high

school journalism staffs across the country.

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

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

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

Faculty Advisor Patricia McHale, MJE

The News Forbes’ Top College List Raises Controversy

By ZOE SERBIN

As Williams College takes first for the third year in a row, College Counselor Dr. Karl Revells reflects on the release of the new Forbes’ Top College list and its effect on prospective students.

For the second year in a row, Williams College ranked first, Princeton ranked second, and the United States Military Academy ranked third in the recently released top college report from Forbes for 2011.

There is, however, some controversy over the list.

“What [the list] is forcing schools to do is to become competitive, or alternatively, to try to imitate each other.

So instead of real choices for students, what you’re having is a homogenized list of schools,” said College Counselor Dr. Karl Revells.

The Forbes list divides their basis for ranking into five main categories, and 12 sub-categories.

Of the five, student satisfaction makes up 27.5 percent, and takes into account student evaluations and predicted versus actual freshmansophomore retention rates.

Post-graduate success is 17.5 percent and includes alumni success in respect to income and “listings of Alumni in Who’s Who in America.”

Schools are penalized for high student debt rates and large quantities of student loans.

This makes up 17.5 percent of the total calculation.

Four-year graduation rates make up 17.5 percent, and competitive school awards make up the last 7.5 percent.

Having an education from one of the top colleges in the country is not cheap.

The average cost to attend the top 15 colleges— excluding the United States Military and Air Force Academies— is about $54,865 per year.

The United States

Military and Air Force Academies do not charge tuition.

This list brings smaller colleges that might not have as much prestige as the Ivy Leagues to the attention of potential applicants.

According to Dr. Revells, many colleges refuse to participate in the process and are thus left off the list.

“You either play the game, or you don’t. If everybody’s looking at the list, you have to play the game to survive.”

Forbes’ Top 15 Universities in the Country 1.

2.

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5.

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7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

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Williams College Princeton University United States Military Academy Amherst College Stanford University Harvard University Haverford College University of Chicago Massachusetts Institute of Technology United States Air Force Academy Northwestern University Claremont McKenna College California Institute of Technology Yale University Carleton College

Students Participate in Class Trips

E

ach year, Upper School students have the opportunity to participate in class trips.

Seniors enjoyed a two day retreat at El Capitan Canyon and juniors set out for Refugio State Beach to embark on a kayak adventure.

Sophomores participated in sophomore service day, and freshmen engaged in field games and competitions on the Laguna field.

At El Capitan Canyon, teachers spoke with seniors about the college application process, college essays, and senior projects.

Seniors also enjoyed bonding with each other, hanging out by the pool, riding bikes around the canyon, swimming in the ocean, and making s’mores around the campfire.

“Our class bonded as a whole from playing Marco Polo, to singing campfire songs with our teachers and classmates.

It was truly a great two days,” McKenzie Scar-

By GRACE WOOLF borough said.

“Never have so many bonds been formed by so few,” said Justin Shand.

At Refugio State Beach, the juniors went on a kayak outing.

“The team building exercises during the first part of the day were creative and surprisingly fun, unlike many other trips I have taken that involved such activities,” said Bryana Schantz.

She added, “with these competitions I was able to interact with and get to know my fellow classmates on a better level while still having fun!”

“Overall, the junior kayaking trip was really fun. The morning activities helped us bond as a class, and the kayaking was a great experience,” Karinna Carrillo said.

Meanwhile, accompanied by a participating faculty member, the sophomore class divided into small groups and travelled across Santa Barbara to volunteer at various locations: The Foodbank, The Boys and Girls Club, Laguna’s

Lower School, Cleveland Elementary School, and Fairview Gardens [Backyard Harvest].

“My group cleaned and just tidied things up. I will definitely go back there so I can help out some more,” said sophomore Mica Zimmerman, who volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club.

Sophomores met up at East Beach after their community service projects, where they had lunch, played beach volleyball, and swam in the ocean.

The freshmen participated in a bonding day on Laguna’s field and in the gym, which included games such as advisory competitions in volleyball and building spaghetti and marshmallow bridges.

“Our whole class had a great time and the activities were really fun,” Parker Rusack said.

Later this year, the freshman class will take their official class trip to spend a week in Yosemite to hike and continue bonding.

October 24, 2011

You’re Invited!

What: Fall Production, “The Liar” Where: Spaulding Auditorium When: November 4th and 5th at 7:00 PM

November 6th at 2:00 PM Cast:

Stage Manager -- Margaret Lazarovits

Dorante -- Cameron Platt

Geronte -- Zoe Serbin

Alcippe -- Ari Rodriguez

Philiste -- Kaylee Strachan

Cliton -- Connor Curran

Isabelle -- Emma Klein

Sabine -- Hannah Nagy

Clarice -- Allie Towbes

Lucrece -- Mia Chavez

Advisory Program Gets a New Look

By ELISE SCHEUERMANN Journalism teacher, Ms. Trish McHale, and chemistry teacher, Ms. Katie Pointer, joined forces to coordinate the advisory and assembly program this year.

The advisory program’s purpose is to advocate, advise, and assimilate students, creating a stronger teacherstudent bond inside the school community.

Every advisory group, which consists of a teacher and eight to twelve students, meets once a week to discuss different topics.

Most advisories are

comprised of mixed grade levels, but ninth grade students are placed with other ninth graders in order to create a stable foundation during their first year of high school.

Ms. McHale and Ms. Pointer introduced advisory competitions throughout the year to encourage community building. Most of these competitions are athletic or service oriented.

Advisories have been divided into four teams, which will compete with each other.

Ms. McHale and Ms. Pointer created an as-

sembly schedule that includes guest speakers, student and staff-lead assemblies, and time to catch-up on class work.

To further connect the advisory program to school life, they’ve related advisory topics to the weekly assemblies when appropriate.

Assembly time will also be set aside on occasion for competitions and lunches with advisors.

“The revamped advisory and assembly programs support students’ growth in a supportive environment,” said Ms. Pointer.

KAYAK ADVENTURE: After a morning filled with team building activities and a picnic style lunch, junior Bella Taron cheered on her classmates off the shore of Refugio Beach.

PHOTO: OLIVIA BERCI

PHOTO: KATIE POINTER

PHOTO: JAMIE ROSENBERG

HELPING THE COMMUNITY: Sophomores (from left), Andrew Vignolo, Sammi Schurmer, Maya Christian, Colton Johnson, Ben Furukawa, Kiyan Mashhoon, Alexa Zangrillo, and Olivia Pickett hold the trash they collected from Miramar Beach on Sophomore Service Day.

KICKING BACK: Seniors gather on the steps of a cabin at El Capitan Canyon and reminisced about their adventures during the senior retreat before getting on the bus to return back to campus.

4

News

October 24, 2011

Confronting Judicial Red Tape

By CLARA MADSEN

S

PHOTO: edhat.com

BROTHER AND SISTER: Mark Romasanta and his sister Angelina, also a Laguna Blanca graduate, smile in a recent family photo.

Tribute to Mark Romasanta

A

By JESSIE DUSEBOUT

fter failing to at- ing about somebody else. tend his father’s He had a big heart and birthday celebra- he really cared about his tion, Laguna alumnus friends. He was always Mark Romasanta was there for them.” reported missing by his Mark graduated from family on Sunday, Aug. Laguna in 2007. He was 28. beginning his senior Mark’s body was found year at UCSB where he in the ocean off Campus was pursuing a major in Point the next day. aquatic biology.

Mark’s parents, Mark In honor of his love of Sr. and Marie, and his the ocean, a surfboard younger siswas placed ter Angelina at the held a memofront of rial service the church “I do not think throughout for Mark at there was a dry the service. the Unitarian Church on T h e eye in the place Sept. 6. when they sang Madrigals, Several Santa Bar‘Imagine.’” members of bara High -Martha Elliott S c h o o l ’ s the Laguna community c h o r a l attended the group, sang memorial, two songs including librarian Mrs. at the service: an Irish Sue Burke. prayer, and “Imagine” by “I raised him up former Beatle member through Laguna. I start- John Lennon. ed with Mark in second “I do not think there grade library class.” was a dry eye in the place History teacher Ms. when they sang ‘ImagMartha Elliott remem- ine.’ I will never be able bers the time she shared to listen to that song with Mark at Laguna. again without thinking of “He was always think- Mark,” Ms. Elliott said.

outhern California drivers are becoming victims of a flawed legal system.

Senior Alex Louden was recently subject to the inconsistent court system in Beverly Hills.

After running red light in Beverly Hills, Alex discovered that his actions were photographed by a security camera located at the intersection.

He proceeded to respond to court orders and spent multiple hours facing California’s flawed legal system.

The Beverly Hills courts misplaced Louden’s ticket, so they had no proof of its existence.

Additionally, the constitutionality of security cameras at intersections is being disputed throughout California because such cameras qualify as hearsay in court

and cannot be properly authenticated.

Yet, Alex was still obligated to pay the fine for an allegedly unconstitutional law and endure what he describes as the “needless pain” of working with the government.

Such flaws in Southern California’s legal system have recently made their appearance in Santa Barbara as well.

Police officer Kasi Beutel is under investigation by the Santa Barbara court system for the validity of her DUI arrest forms.

According to NewsPress City Editor Scott Steepleton, “Officer Kasi Beutel used photocopied Driving Under the Influence Report forms, in which questions about a suspected drunken driver being under a doctor’s care, when he or she last slept and whether both

eyes were tracking were filled in by the officer in advance.”

Mr. Peter Lance, journalist of this DUI fraud news series, is an Officer Beutel arrest victim.

Last New Year’s Day, MR. Lance was pulled over and arrested by Officer Beutel based on the accusation that he had been driving with a blood alcohol level of .09.

Mr. Lance is confronting his DUI charges and accusing Officer Beutel of “alleged misconduct on her part, including rigging the Breathalyzer test and witnessing the forging of his name on a waiver to have a sample of blood held for future retesting.”

By waiving Mr. Lance’s right to a blood test, Officer Beutel essentially destroyed any chance Lance had at dropping his DUI charges.

Mr. Lance’s defense at-

torney hired a handwriting expert who, through infrared technology, concluded that Officer Beutel did, “use photocopied forms during DUI stops.”

“We have a policy to complete accurate, thorough, and truthful reports. I’ve uncovered no information about Officer Beutel to suggest she’s done anything other than that,” Department Chief Deputy Mannix says.

According to Mr. Lance and other DUI victims in Santa Barbara, Officer Beutel has been committing fraud on her DUI arrest forms.

As certain trends have indicated, legal officials across California have been playing the system and subjecting unsuspecting civilians to a judicial system riddled with miscommunication and inconsistencies.

ART: ZOE SERBIN

New School Year Brings Administrative Changes

By JESSIE DUSEBOUT

Laguna reallocates the duties of both long-standing and new members of the administration.

At the start of most school years, changes within the faculty and the administration are expected.

One of this year’s biggest changes affected the Upper School administrative team.

Mr. Tyler Hodges, previously the Dean of Students, has now accepted the role of Director of Upper School Academics and Student Life.

Along with Hodges’ increased responsibility on campus, Ms. Dana Martin has stepped up to assist Hodges as the Upper School Assistant, while continuing her role as Middle School Assistant.

The most significant change this year for Mr. Hodges will be the workload that comes with his

new role.

“My workload has increased tremendously, but that’s good because I am now in a position where if I see something that needs to be fixed, I can fix it.”

He added, “with an increased role, you always have increased expectations, increased responsibility, and increased pressure, but everybody has been really great.”

Laguna also welcomes new chief financial officer, Mr. Michael Neff, and Ms. Marie Gensler, headmaster Mr. Paul Slocombe’s new assistant.

Mr. Hodges has high expectations for what he wants accomplish in the 2011-2012 school year.

“I want to make Laguna Blanca a place where

kids want to come and spend their time. I want Laguna Blanca to be a place where the students can trust and turn to the faculty,” Mr. Hodges continued.

He also emphasized how efficiency will be a focus this year, “ if we are going to do something, I want it to get done and have a points so we can move onto the next great thing.”

With the school year now in full swing, the new administrative staff has the opportunity to work together with the returning staff. They will collaborate to turn their goal of creating a productive, engaging, enjoyable school year of learning for the students into a reality.

Struggling Economy Rustles Private School Laguna Blanca is one of the few fortunate institutions that aren’t juggling impromptu budget cutbacks, but administrators are still taking the nation’s limited resources into account.

“We are planning ahead for the future, not knowing when this might end . . . I don’t think we were ever wasteful, but we might not be as risky on something that might not have an assured payoff down the road,” said Mr. Tyler Hodges.

In the meantime, Laguna is monitoring its

Continued from Page 1 finances.

Generous donations of outside funds allowed costly projects, such as the introduction of WiFi on campus to be realized.

The affect of the economy on Laguna families has caught the attention of the admissions office.

“Current families, who have not asked for any assistance in the past, have done so.

We’ve seen a bit of a rise in requests for financial assistance. Laguna, as with most independent schools, has a lim-

ited financial aid budget,” explains Ms. Joyce Balak.

In light of these recent changes, the administration has used this opportunity to augment the caliber of Laguna’s student body by increasing the selectivity of the admissions process, in order to recruit students who are passionate about their academic careers.

“The school has just taken a hard look at the school that we want to be . . . And, we don’t want to sacrifice quality in order to fill seats.”

PHOTO: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA

WAR HAMMER CLUB: Alex Hawker shares his collection of miniature Medieval armies and weaponry with fellow students.

Clubs Make Their Debut at Laguna Continued from Page 1

Another new club, Cottage Kids Art Club will be creating art for the kids currently in Cottage Hospital.

Chloe Richman thought, “the club fair was really successful.

Each club got a bunch of new members. It was great to see so many new and returning clubs, so there was a lot to choose from.”

Another returning club is Hands 4 Others, which is an organization whose mission is to bring clean water to villages in Africa.

Their current goal is to “help more than two million people in 500 villages around the world by 2015.”

The Table Tennis, or Ping-Pong Club headed

by Eli Bittleston and Eddie Conk, made its debut this year.

Service for Soldiers Club, had a sign up at the fair. Service for Soldiers “creates a lasting bond between the soldiers overseas and the stu-

dents of the Santa Barbara community,” said club president Kai Gamble.

The way we do that is by writing and sending letters, sending care packages, and raising money for them” says Kai of their club.

Outing Club, headed by science teacher Mr. Peter Angeloff, goes on hiking and camping excursions.

The Outing Club is the oldest club on campus. It dates back twenty years.

Portfolio, Laguna Blanca’s Student-Published Literary Magazine, has also returned for another year.

Heal the Ocean, directed by Vera Lopez and Elise Scheurmann, “focuses on wastewater infrastructure-sewers and septic systems- as well as ocean pollution.”

Their goal is to make the ocean safer as a habitat and as a place of recreation.

Invisible Children, arguably the most popular club due to the number

of its members, aims to “end the use of children soldiers” and “restore LRA- affected communities in central Africa to peace and prosperity.”

The Laguna branch will help raise money to set up radio towers around central Africa to warn villages of when the LRA is near.

This year’s club fair also witnessed the return of Interact Club, led by Helena Davila, and Warhammer Club led by Alex Hawker.

Laguna encourages its students to start new clubs around an activity they enjoy or a cause they wish to support. To start a new club, students are required to find a member of the faculty to advise their club and fill out a club form that are located in Mr. Hodges office.

“I think the club fair was a great day and a lot of people were interested in getting active within the community,” said Kai Gamble.

The News

October 24, 2011

5

Pacemaker Recognizes The Fourth Estate

By AIJA MAYROCK

T

he Fourth Estate, has been selected as a 2011 NSPA Design of the Year Finalist in the NSPA 2011 Pacemaker Competition.

The contest yielded a total of 545 entries.

“This is the Holy Grail of journalism awards,” explains journalism advisor Ms. Trish McHale.

Ms. McHale continues, “This is NSPA’s (National Scholastic Press Association) annual contest for newspaper, magazine, and yearbook spreads.”

Journalists from the class of 2011 Lillie Hodges, Sean Burke, and Julia Kent created the spread “Social Networking Transforms the Middle East,” which earned finalist standing.

Since 1927, NSPA’s

Pacemaker competition has been considered by many to be student journalism’s highest honor.

All NSPA members are eligible to compete in their respective national Pacemaker competitions.

The Pacemaker contest is co-sponsored by the Newspaper Association of America Foundation.

According to the NSPA, the criteria for the Pacemaker include: effective use of photos, color, art, graphics and typography; established visual hierarchy; news judgment for Newspaper Page One; contemporary appeal; suitability for respective audience.

NSPA is honoring up to 10 entries in each category of the Individual

Awards.

The top five entries have been announced as finalists, and will be announced as first through fifth place winners at the fall JEA/NSPA convention in Minneapolis.

Up to five honorable mentions have additionally been awarded in each category. The honorable mentions are not ranked.

Adobe and an NSPA sponsor the Design of the Year competition.

First-place winners in each category receive an Adobe software package of their choice.

“This spread reflects the collective talents and efforts of Sean Burke, Lillie Hodges, Julia Kent, and Fletcher Sipple,” said Ms. McHale

Courthouse Lecture Attracts History Students Continued from Page 1 “I thought Professor Cheryl L. Harris was incredibly engaging. The paradox of affirmative action and racial preference in the college application process was so thought provoking.

The lecture challenged me to think about the racial equality in a pressing and profound way,” junior Olivia Berci said.

Students who attended will attest to the fact that the speakers inspired a myriad of reactions from their listeners.

“I found the experience of getting a profoundly deeper insight into certain aspects of our government, very inspirational,” senior Troy Ritter said.

Attending students have the option to participate in a scholarship essay contest.

The essay topic was announced at the lecture. Three scholarships will be awarded.

Brown v.

Board of Education was a landmark decision of the United States Supreme Court that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional. After three years, the case ended on May 17, 1954 with PHOTO: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA the court WORDS OF WISDOM: Justice finding in fa- Carlos R. Moreno speaks of “sepavor of Linda rate but so-called equal” laws during Brown. racial segregation.

Standardized Testing: Finding a Method to the Madness

By DARIA ETEZADI

M

uch of the stress inflicted upon high school students has originated from the idea that a near-perfect score on the SAT is a necessity in the college admissions process.

A problem arises when literal thinkers come to realize that the SAT focuses on testing student’s capacity for deductive reasoning and critical thinking.

However, not many individuals have risked exploring other options, such as the ACT. College Counselor, Dr. Karl Revells, admits

Length Sections

that high school students seem “reluctant” to steer away from the SAT. But today, educators everywhere are noticing that students’ interest in the ACT has flourished.

Dr. Revells points out that “students are taking the initiative” in choosing the exam that best suits their personal problemsolving and test-taking skills.

As standardized tests have consumed a large portion of the college admissions process, students are investing more time into SAT and ACT preparatory courses.

3 hours, 45 minutes 10 Sections 3 Critical Reading

Subjects

For a long time, the SAT has been recognized as the more accessible and widely-accepted choice.

In recent years, the ACT has begun to measure up to the popularity of the SAT by creating their own set of PSAT equivalents, such as the EXPLORE for eighthand ninth- grade students, and the PLAN for tenth-grade students.

Senior Allie Lafitte explains, “ the ACT is more straightforward than the SAT. It isn’t trying to trick you. [But,] it’s different for every person.”

3 hours, 25 minutes 4 Sections 1 English

3 Math

1 Math

3 Writing + Essay

1 Reading

1 Experimental (not scored)

1 Science 1 Writing (optional)

Composite Score Range: Scoring

Composite Score Range:

600-2400

1-36

Score Range per Section:

Based on average of four sections

200-800 Essay Score Range:

Penalties

Essay Score Range:

0-12

0-12

Each incorrect answer:

Each incorrect answer is

-1/4 points

removed from the exam.

Each unanswered question is

Each unanswered question is

removed from the exam.

removed from the exam.

ART: Jonathan Mak Long

T

he world mourns for Steve Jobs former CEO of Apple, a technology company valued at over $300B, who lost his battle to pancreatic cancer on Oct. 5.

Merely six weeks prior to his death, on Aug. 24, Jobs stepped down from his position at Apple.

As Americans began to accept the shock of his seemingly abrupt resignation, Jobs’ passing touched the hearts of every generation.

Jobs co-founded Apple in 1976 at age 21, converting what Bloomberg calls, “a personal-computer into the world’s largest technology company.”

Jobs carried the world into a whole new technological realm, making Apple the second most valued company worldwide.

As a result of this loss, many are asking how the death of Steve Jobs will impact the multibilliondollar company.

Originally, when Jobs resigned, he planned to continue to be a part of Apple as the Chairman of

ART: Apple Co.

iMourn

ART: APPLE CO.

By CLARA MADSEN

Board of Directors.

Jobs passed the torch to Tim Cook, who must rely on his personal experience with Apple to pursue his new position as CEO. “Steve Jobs put in place systems for after his de-

“Steve Jobs’ death closes a significant era of innovation in one of the world greatest companies.”

-Justin Palmer

mise so the company will continue to innovate and have good leadership,” said junior Justin Palmer.

Cook’s many years at Apple as former Chief Operating Officer alleviates some of the concerns that Apple will collapse without Jobs’ leadership.

The death of Jobs delivered a huge emotional blow to Americans, both young and old.

The night of Jobs’ death, Facebook erupted with “RIP Steve Jobs” messages.

Youth across the globe mourned the death of Apple’s innovative genius.

Many suspected that the passing of Jobs would negatively impact Apple’s stock; however, with the release of the iPhone4s, Apple stock hit an all time high.

In spite of Jobs’ failing health, for the past three years, he continued to push through his pancreatic cancer to transform society’s use of technology.

Following his diagnosis in 2004, Jobs managed to create both the iPhone and iPad series despite the physically and emotionally taxing circumstances he was forced to endure.

His seven-year fight and his refusal to fall victim to cancer is a worldwide inspiration.

The loss of Jobs, an astounding technological pioneer, “closes a significant era of innovation in one of the worlds greatest companies,” said Palmer.

Students Earn Photography Awards

By KAYLEE STRACHAN Three juniors: Anastasia Antonova, Tess Elder, and Kyle van de Kamer received photography awards in two different competitions under the instruction of Visual Arts Department Chair Mr. Chris Johnson.

“The American Association of Physics Teachers,” a national contest, requires that its contestants take a photo of a law of physics in action either natural or contrived and include a description of the law of physics depicted.

A physics teacher must then select the photos he or she wishes to send in to be judged.

The submissions of Tess Elder and Anastasia Antonova exhibited their work along with the photos of 98 other students at a conference for AAPT. The second competition, “California Through

PHOTO: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA

Award-winning photograph of water taken by Anastasia Antonova.

My Eyes,” is put on by California State University of Sacramento in conjunction with the California State Legislature.

Students must submit a photo of how they see

California alongside a short essay.

Runner-up Kyle van de Kamer represented Laguna Blanca in its fifth year as a participant in this competition.

6

The Opinion

October 24, 2011

Annual Increase in Enrollment Council of Graduate Schools Survey of Graduate Enrollment and Degrees

2000

4.1%

2005

5.0%

2010

5.4%

KEY

Graduate Enrollment

Entering the Work Force

A Graduation Ultimatum

College Graduates Struggle Between Graduate School or Employment

By OLIVIA BERCI As a junior in high school, college acceptance is my finish line.

But when I take a step back, I remember that college is only a stepping stone, not the final destination.

With that logic in mind, the reward—for the battle wounds earned from writing countless flashcards, the evenings spent on homework instead of with friends, the near all-nighters pulled, the Saturdays spent with testing proctors—should be to, ultimately, have a job.

I don’t think it is possible to escape elementary school without having some testimonial about what you want to be when you grow up plastered on a classroom wall, or taped to the front of a refrigerator.

Our answers are clear, simple, and generally fall somewhere between a swim teacher and a race car driver.

In my first-grade mind, the future was so attainable.

But with millions of educated young people entering the job

market during our current grad school and take it from recession, my future could not there. I am hoping a year off seem more unsure. will give me clarity.

Laguna Blanca alumus and Graduate school is even current senior at the University more expensive when you don’t of Pennsylvania, Andrew know why you are attending Judson, said, “It is a very poor and have to return again to do job market out there, so I may something else!” very well be applying for Ph. A report by the Council of D programs next fall if I can’t Graduate Schools shows that secure a the number job I find of people “I am petrified to go into the interesting applying to enough.” graduate working world, but I definitely It makes feel prepared and ready.” schools sense. As s p i k e d college after the -Patrick Lauer graduates economy find that tanked in the only 2008, and jobs they can secure don’t those rates have continued to require their college degree, increase since the beginning of they have gone back to school the economic deficit. to earn advanced degrees However, in speaking with which they expect will help members of the Laguna Blanca them in the job market. graduating class of 2008, I was But other factors complicate confronted with an optimism this rationality. that I didn’t expect.

Laguna alum and current Kameron Tarlow, who is now senior at Scripps, Felicia a senior at Emerson College, Palmer, said, “ I really feel like said, “Am I apprehensive I need to take a break from my about graduating? studies and figure out what Absolutely. specifically I want to study in Luckily the tools I have

If You Are Not Stressed, There is Something Wrong With You

By ZOE SERBIN

E

very school year brings with it new challenges and uncertainties. Freshman year is the year of new beginnings– a little fish in a big pond.

Sophomore year is the year to test out new classes and get your foot in the door.

Senior year is the year of college applications and senioritis, of having fun and relaxing until you head off to college.

Junior year is the year of utter hell. When I was a sophomore, my upperclassman friends would say, “Oh boy, you’re going to be a junior next year. Good luck.”

I figured they were exaggerating– it couldn’t be that bad, could it?

As the end of tenth grade got closer, however, I began to understand.

All of the sudden everyone was abuzz, asking what they were doing over the summer, how they were balancing their schedules, and how many AP classes they were taking.

It was a horrifying awakening. Next year, I was going to have to take harder classes, get better grades, and achieve better and beyond what I had before. I had to prepare to present myself as an exceptional student to my colleges of choice.

That’s the entire goal: college.

That’s why we go to high school, struggle to get the grades, and break down to

tears once a month–all to make it to the glistening halls of our dream university.

“I definitely feel the stress more than sophomore year. I feel like I’m staying up later with a lot more work. The only reason I’m taking AP classes is to look good for college,” said junior Chris Burke, who is taking three Advanced Placement classes.

The pressure to take three or four AP classes became very apparent as I stepped into my junior year. In addition to the stress of taking a rigorous course load, juniors also have to think about prospective colleges and attaining standardized test scores to please them.

You can’t mess up junior year. It’s the last stepping stone on the road to closing a successful high school chapter.

This mentality causes so much more stress than it needs to. I see my friends getting barely enough sleep to function, and substituting coffee for healthy eating habits.

Junior year doesn’t need to be all that bad if everyone takes a step back and realizes what’s most important.

Taking 10 AP classes isn’t important, getting a 2400 on the SAT isn’t important.

What’s important is keeping your head on straight and to make it through the year sane and unscathed. I just hope I can keep that in mind until June.

W

By JESS DAVIS

ith the start of the While our mental and physischool year, I have cal health must be our priority, witnessed an epi- I believe that stress is a good demic of junioritis—the re- thing. sult of an intense workload, Stress breeds success; it is standardized testing, hours of the result of our wanting to do extracurricular activities, and something better or accomthe ever-daunting, quickly-ap- plish much more. proaching college admissions So to my dear juniors who process. are feeling the heavy weight of I wish I could tell you, my a full course load, standardized dear juniors, that all of that testing, and extracurriculars, I stress disappears senior year— have some advice for you: emthat you will have time for a brace stress. social life and that you will be Immerse yourself in the confidently sending off your things you enjoy, and allow the applications to your colleges stress you feel to aid your sucof choice. But while some se- cess in those areas. niors have There expressed are certain relief over hoops we the closure Immerse yourself in are bound of junior to jump year, as a the things you enjoy. t h r o u g h senior, I whether feel more we want stressed to or not. than ever.

Since stress itself it unavoidHowever, I realize that it is able, seek out stressors that not “senior year” itself that is you enjoy. Do not do mock trial stressful, but rather, the con- simply because you want extra ditions I have created for my- credit in Ms. Elliott’s class; do self. it because you are interested in Laguna breeds many over- the law. achievers—people who selfDo not sign up for every Laselect conditions that cause guna club because you think them both anxiety and joy. that college admissions ofI am one of the many Laguna ficers will be impressed; seek students who have mastered out the clubs that align most the art of over-committing— with your interests. having too many interests If you pursue activities that and lacking adequate time to you are passionate about and devote oneself fully to any of allow the stress that accomthem. panies these commitments to The primary symptom of this motivate you instead of hinder condition is, of course, stress. you, you will succeed.

eBook vs. Texbooks

By DARIA ETEZADI Our country has always prioritized education among its youth, but has our generation reached the tipping point, at which the simple act of carrying around textbooks or investing in an eBook could make or break our chances at success in the future?

Films such as “The Race to Nowhere” and “Superman” have exposed the fact that the curriculum at various public and private schools has, at the very least, intensified to the point where many students find themselves running on six or seven hours of sleep, and two or more cups of coffee, all while strapped to an obscenely heavy backpack that could probably accommodate a mini fridge.

Math teacher Mr. Paul Chiment is one of the several advocates for students’ welfare in schools. “There’s absolutely no reason that students are carrying around pounds of paper in 2011.”

Blaming schools for the psychological and physical stress on high-school students has

become a trend within the states.

Not enough solutions have been presented to balance out this nationallyrecognized problem.

Thus, advocates for our students’ wellbeing have been at an impasse, since pro- and antireformers have not been able to come up with a compromise that would cater to the needs and wants of both parties, until now – the eBook Era. America has watched the Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Nobles Nook, Apple iPad, and Sony PRS505 gain popularity.

But, many school administrators have yet to take that leap of faith either because of a common fear of being met with disapproval, or quite frankly, because of the lack of digitalized, high-quality textbooks.

“The irony is it’s easier to

PHOTO: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA

digitize words and pictures, than it is to digitize music,” said Mr. Chiment.

Students are carrying their 50 favorite music albums around on their fun-size iPod or MP3 Player, as opposed to lugging pounds and pounds of CD cases that would probably require a U-Haul.

Many high school students suffer back, neck, shoulder, or

knee pain from carrying heavy backpacks around.

So, what’s the point to all of this needless hardship?

There is none.

All that can be done is to urge the eBook industry to take that extra step and help undo the damage done to so many students and to create more electronic textbooks for high school students.

gained over the past four years have prepped me to be able to feel confident that success will happen, it just might not happen right away...at the end of the day it’s all on me and not succeeding isn’t an option.”

Patrick Lauer, a senior at USC, said “I am petrified to go into the working world, but I definitely feel prepared and ready .”

I previously thought that the spike in grad school application rates was due to the fact that college graduates were essentially doomed in the current job market. Yes, I realize my assertion was maybe a little too bleak.

I have come to realize that not only is college acceptance only a stepping stone, but graduating college is really only a stepping stone as well.

In speaking with the class of 2008, I have learned that future opportunity doesn’t have to be squandered by the economic recession.

Opportunity is something that I have the capacity to create for myself.

Violence As a Prerequisite?

By DARIA ETEZADI

W

e tune into our favorite news stations and hear about the student who allegedly walked onto a high school campus, knife in hand, or the suspected psychopath who scared a local school into calling a Code Black.

But, how often do we hear about the unsuspecting teenager with special needs who is struggling to get through high school?

Or the misunderstood student who took a wrong turn and can’t seem to get back on track?

Our society fails to invest enough time in adequately addressing non-criminal cases involving juvenile delinquency.

As a result, so many families have suffered years of grief and anxiety because their communities lack the proper resources to assist their teenagers in legal matters.

Luckily, Santa Barbara hasn’t been on that list for over a decade.

In 2000, Laguna alumna Jody Kaufman, Attorney at Law, founded the Santa Barbara Teen Legal Clinic in order to fill the “gap in legal services and education for children and teens” and to “provide needed support to children and teens facing critical issues,” as explained

by Tara Haaland-Ford, Board Member of SBTLC. This non-profit organization has provided countless families with legal representation and has educated local teenagers on a number of constitutional rights.

One parent said: “When my daughter was in the process of being expelled from her high school we were lost and worried on how we would not only have to look for legal representation, but how were going to afford it. Fortunately, I was introduced to the Teen Clinic program . . . ” So, why is it that most communities don’t pay enough attention to these types of cases?

Clearly, theft and murder are not the varieties of crime that have infiltrated our hometowns. Yet, bloodshed and weapons seem to be the prerequisites for a newsworthy story.

The media has put such an emphasis on violence that the pain and suffering of others seem to have been drowned out over the past few years.

I joined the Board of SBTLC for that exact reason. We are the generation that should be inspired to stand up for our peers and help raise their voices amongst all of this noise in the media.

The Opinion

October 24, 2011

7

Why We Care About Celebrity Deaths

By ZOE SERBIN

GRAPHIC: ZOE SERBIN

It’s a Matter of Honesty

By OLIVIA BERCI

I

am significant. I matter, and, in part, this feeling has been ingrained in me at Laguna Blanca School.

Maybe it’s the students who go to school here, or maybe it’s the school itself—the school’s values and how they are upheld by our teachers.

Laguna students are pushed to challenge their comfort zones.

Making a Monday-morning announcement, playing a school sport, acting in a school production, writing for the school paper, being on the mock trial team, or starting a club—this confrontation with what we are uncomfortable doing, the encouragement we receive to do so, fosters a feeling of self-value.

It seems self-evident to draw a connection between the student-proposed honor council and the feeling that, as students here, our voices are heard.

At the end of their junior year, five seniors—Andrew McCaffery, Justin Shand, Alex Greer, Kai Gamble, and Luke Judson proposed that an honor council, elected by the student body, should be involved in maintaining Upper School academic honesty.

My understanding was that the honor council would be involved in developing academic honesty policies and would be held accountable for making sure students acted responsibly.

When I set out to write this article, I intended to critique the purpose of the honor council and to highlight what I

thought was inherently wrong it puts responsibility in the with the proposal, and to ques- hands of students. tion the necessity of it.

With this honor committee, I questioned whether aca- it’ll be one more thing we, as demic dishonesty was really students, can do to improve present. our school,” said Kai. Was it really the deep-seat“Having students regulate ed issue that it seemingly was honesty at Laguna will cremade out to be? ate an environment in which I really didn’t think so. I cheating is not tolerated,” said was adamant in my belief that Alex. having the students regulate “I think it will give us a reacheating would backfire en- son to be the best people we tirely. can be,” responded ASB PresiThe honor council’s pur- dent Justin. pose, I thought, would become Being the op-ed columnist muddled by accusations. junkie that I am, I began to However, in learning more relate the topic of honesty at about what I was our school to a prepared to cricolumn by tique, my attiI am significant. I New York tude shifted. matter, and, in part, T i m e s What I didn’t opinion understand is this feeling has been w r i t e r that the council ingrained in me at T h o m a s will not be givL. FriedLaguna Blanca. en the power to man endiscipline other titled “The students.

Whole Truth and All matters of disNothing But.” cipline will be retained by the In the piece, Friedman readministration, and the coun- flects on an essay written by cil is really intended to serve as retired Singaporean diplomat, a resource to students.

Kishore Mahbubani.

“The council would be there Muhbubani’s essay opened to simply highlight and deter- with this: “Dictators are fallmine when an act of cheating ing. Democracies are failing. A takes place,” said Andrew. curious coincidence? Or is it, “I think it’ll be effective for perhaps, a sign that something students to be more involved, fundamental has changed in because then it would be the the grain of human history. whole school community I believe so. How do dictaworking together to be honest tors survive? They tell lies. academically and socially.

Muammar Gaddafi was one of We are not a public school the biggest liars of all time. He where the administration and claimed that his people loved faculty run every aspect of our him. academic lives.

He also controlled the flow Laguna is unique because of information to his people to

prevent any alternative narrative taking hold.

Then the simple cell phone enabled people to connect. The truth spread widely to drown out all the lies that the colonel broadcast over the airwaves.

So, why are democracies failing at the same time?

The simple answer: democracies have also been telling lies.”

For Friedman, Mahbubani’s statement sparked the question of when the last time he heard a national leader tell us that there is no easy fix for our nation’s paramount problems.

We hear that we will be okay.

In the current presidential campaigns, every candidate has an answer—has a solution.

I know. The uprightness of the United States democratic system seems like a hefty comparison to make to an honor council.

But, I think the comparison is something to be considered.

In our democratic system, we place leverage in the hands of the greater population.

Isn’t that what the honor council is aiming to do in addressing academic honesty?

Isn’t the honor council’s goal to take on our student body with direct sincerity?

Am I completely convinced that only moral progress will come out of the establishment of an honor council?

Not quite. But what I am convinced of is that having students themselves involved in supporting Laguna’s academic honesty will prove to be valuable.

My Elitist Education

S

uddenly, the college admissions process made sense—before me was a list of deadlines for the colleges that I am applying to, a marked up copy of my personal statement, and a checklist for essentially everything that I need to do to get into college.

I looked at my college counselor—a Princeton graduate with over 18 years of experience in admissions—with gratitude.

No longer did I need to navigate through the maze of college applications on my own; I had a personal guide.

It feels like cheating—having a college counselor provides me with an advantage.

Few parents can afford to provide their daughter or son with this expensive, personalized expertise.

In Santa Barbara, private college counselor rates generally range from $2,500-3,000.

For families that live below the poverty line, this can account for at least 12.5 percent of their yearly income—an impossible expense to pay when the cost of attending a four

By JESS DAVIS year university can be well tivities and find time to work over eight times the annual on applications on time.

The guidance of my counsalary of a low-income family.

While generous need-based selor, Ms. Cassie Nicols, is scholarships are offered by invaluable. I am appreciative many universities and col- of the help she gives me, and leges, some students lack the often wonder what I would do necessary mentorship to apply without it.

But I sometimes leave our and take advantage of these meetings feeling guilty. resources.

Should I be In this ungoing through stable econIt feels like this process omy and in independentcheating... the face of ly? rising college Is it fair to tuitions, most parents are concerned about the financial take advantage of the help a burden of their child’s higher private counselor provides when so many kids do not have education.

How can a family that is access to one?

Is this an unnecessary use of struggling to save money for their child’s college tuition my parents’ money?

Evaluating the benefit of a justify the additional cost of a college counselor made me counselor?

While hiring a private col- consider the other academic lege counselor is not a neces- advantages I had been given— sity and does not ensure an private SAT and ACT tutoring, applicant’s acceptance into two highly educated and supcollege, it is undeniably help- portive parents with Ph.D.s, ful—especially for students and, most importantly, the who procrastinate or are over- financial ability to attend Lacommitted; it is difficult to guna Blanca School.

I always understood and apbalance the responsibilities of school and extracurricular ac- preciated the privileges I had

been given, but I had never thoughtfully considered how directly these privileges translate into my academic success until I started the college application process.

I cannot take complete credit for my accomplishments; I have opportunities that many students lack—students who, if given adequate resources, could excel.

I am receiving an elitist education—an education that I am eternally grateful for, but that I have done nothing to deserve.

Conflicted by this idea, I brought it up with my counselor. She explained to me, “I think about that all the time.

That is why I do free workshops and counseling with students who do not have the resources to hire a counselor.”

While generous college like Ms. Nicols are doing everything within their power to equalize the college admissions process, we must allot more resources to helping students through this process.

While most schools are trying to do this, with hundreds of students in the graduating class, this is a challenge.

On June 25 2009, Facebook exploded with chatter.

The Internet was abuzz, and the streets were filled with crowds. It was the night Michael Jackson died.

Now, I remember being sad.

I had been on the phone with my friend and I’d asked him, “Did you hear what happened to Michael Jackson?”

Then, I turned on the television and watched as people gathered in the streets with candles, shrines, and eyes full of tears.

“I think we were all sad and in shock because he was such a great influence in pop culture that it was depressing how he was just gone,” freshman Rebecca Brooks said.

When I took a step back though, I realized something very profound: I didn’t know him.

Maybe I thought I knew him, or at least the part of him that I heard through his music.

I had grown up listening to his songs, but there was no reason his death should impact my life in a dramatically significant way.

Amy Winehouse’s death was a similar story.

“Even though a lot of people were like, ‘Oh, it’s not surprising’ I thought it was. I thought it was pretty shocking since she was so young,” senior Eva Davis said.

So, is it the death of the celebrity that intrigues us, or the unraveling of the mystery behind it?

Why is it that we talk more about the deaths of celebrities than the tragedies in our own community?

The stars on television and in gossip magazines aren’t actually part of our lives, though they may seem like it.

We get juicy details into their personal lives and see them more often than some of our relatives.

So is it the death of the celebrity that intrigues us, or the unraveling of the mystery behind it?

Many of us look up to them and aspire to have their beauty, talent, humor, and fame.

When we see a celebrity in real life, we’re “star-struck.”

It’s hard to imagine that these people are actually real, that they live on the same planet as us and shop at the same grocery stores.

So, when one of them dies, it’s almost impossible to believe.

“We infuse these normal, flawed individuals with their on-screen personas, imbuing them with invincibility and immortality that makes us unprepared for their all too human deaths,” Marks Psychiatry wrote in his post called Why We Mourn Celebrity Deaths.

The intrigue is even bigger when stories of plotted murder, substance abuse, and conspiracies clog the headlines.

It’s our own little soap opera unfolding in our own little world, and it almost feels like we’re included.

What I find strangest is that when there is a death within close social circles, it is talked about very little.

It is kept in a hush, barely spoken of.

But when a celebrity dies, the phones ring off the hooks and Facebook’s news feed is flooding with posts.

We should all spend a little less time focusing on the world of Hollywood, and a bit more on our own community.

8

Feature

October 24, 2011

Invisible Children’s Club President Attends The Fourth Estate Conference In San Diego

By EVA DAVIS The energy: electrifying. The people: humble heroes. The cause: to end Africa’s longest running war.

This past summer 700 young minds took over the University of San Diego in our effort to change the world.

The event was called The Fourth Estate, a tribute to what was considered the lowest class in France during the Revolution.

Despite having everything stacked against them, the people that made up The Fourth Estate were eventually successful in their mission for social change.

Invisible Children is an organization accredited with being the driving force against Joseph Kony and terroristrebel group called the Lord’s Resistance Army that has been wreaking havoc and terror across central Africa for the past twenty-five years.

By putting together this conference loaded with motivational and educational speakers, Invisible Children strove to emulate the main ideas of

the original Fourth Estate.

There’s something so magical about being in the presence of 700 other people who are all fighting the same fight.

There I was—in a sea of strangers—but I never felt more connected to anything in my life.

After talking to the people around me, I discovered nearly everyone felt this way.

During our short four-day stay, we listened to 12 guest speakers, among them the President of the International Justice Mission, and a man by the name of Carl Wilkins who was the one and only American to stay in Rwanda during the genocide in 1994.

The speakers touched us, inspired us, and most importantly pushed us to keep on keeping on.

“Fourth Estaters” as we’re called, began referring to our experience as being “on the mountain top” after listening to a recording of one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last speeches in which he describes the blissful feeling of being part of a force united against injustice as just that—being so

high up on that mountain that no one can touch you, nothing can bring you down.

The Fourth Estate was our mountaintop: there we were, 700 strong, and there was no one there to doubt us, no one there to judge us, and no one there to put us down.

In a culture where kids and teenagers are often treated

as burdens, this change was shocking and so refreshing.

We were constantly being told that we are making a difference and we will continue to make a difference.

On the first day we were told the 700 of us had raised an estimated 3.8 million dollars for Invisible Children in the past two years.

Cheers erupted, tears were shed, and encouragement was thrust upon us.

This moment cemented in my head that we really are doing something.

The conference was an extraordinary learning experience that I am very thankful to have partaken in and will remember forever.

PHOTO: SARA JAHARI

CREATING PEACE: Members of Invisible Children Clubs, 700 in total, make a peace sign while attending the annual conference held at University of San Diego.

Alex Hawker Jumps Into The Android App Market

By Andrew McCaffery

F

or young minds, the age of smartphones has presented itself with an unlimited supply of possibilities.

These ever-present gadgets not only facilitate communication and the worldwide spread of information, but also provide an outlet for creativity in the realm of entertainment.

Junior Alex Hawker is taking advantage of the countless capabilities of smartphones.

He has been programming since seventh grade and started designing applications as a result of his “desire to create games [he] would want to play.”

He recently released his first Android application, a game called Dungeon Sneak where the player explores a maze

Alex credits Mr. Dan Ary’s Computer Programming class as the foundation for his app-writing capabilities filled with enemies, traps, and treasure from a first person perspective.

To create the game, Alex used Java, which is similar to C++, and the Program Eclipse, which provides a user interface for programming, runs emulators for debugging, and integrates several programming tools.

To create his artistic 3D backgrounds, Alex used a program called Blender.

After hours upon hours of hard work, the finished product can be released onto the Android market.

Alex credits Mr. Dan Ary’s Computer Programming class as the foundation for his app-writing capabilities.

“Using the knowledge from his class, Google’s developer guide for Android app programming, and various programming forums, I learned how to make android applications,” Alex said.

The app isn’t available on Apple devices, and probably won’t be very soon: “in order to publish it on the iPhone, I would have to learn a totally different coding software, and that would be unbelievably difficult.”

While Alex has no scheduled apps to be released in the immediate future, he does plan to release an update for Dungeon Sneak, allowing the game to be played on older Android models, sometime very soon.

Scan with your mobile phone to get Dungeon Sneak

PHOTO: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA

Learning the Unwritten Etiquette of Technology Commentary

By HELENA DAVILA

T

echnology: it’s everywhere.

It’s the computer screen in front of you, the camera you take pictures with, and the phone in your back pocket.

The glories of technology allow its users countless ways to converse with each other be it via phone call, text, email, instant message or Facebook.

In some sense, this abundance of communication is extraneous; unnecessary. Why bother emailing or texting when you can pick up the phone to speak in person?

To many, there really is no difference between a call, an email and a text. Yet, to thousands of others, the difference lies in basic etiquette.

“There is definitely a difference between a call, a text, and an email,” junior Bryana Schantz said when asked the differences between the three.

Phone calls are definitely the most formal. You call someone to speak with them in person whenever you’re dealing with business or something important like a birthday.

Emails are also formal, but somewhat less so then phone calls. I would normally email a person after calling them to say, set up an appointment or a meeting.

And texting? Texting is for friends, family, anyone really.

Texting is like conversation.

The tech generation; they’re the middle schoolers, the high schoolers, the college kids, the people who know nothing different than having a cell phone at hand and a laptop in tow at all times.

However, the common courtesies many younger adults seem to take for granted often go unnoticed by those unfamiliar with the courtesies of modern technology.

Several months ago, I sat in my room working on an essay. My parents were in the living room reading magazines, when my phone began to buzz.

After a quick glance affirmed the caller to be my mother, I ignored it, figuring she had accidentally called me.

To my surprise, my phone buzzed again, several moments later, with a new text, from Mom. “Did you order your books from Amazon?”

I was shocked.

I was in my room within 30 feet of my mother in the opposite room. Why

on Earth would she ever feel the need to call or text me when we could speak with each other in person?

Following a brief moment of frustration, I walked into the living room, and demanded to know why I had been called and texted by someone in the adjacent room.

The response, “Oh, I thought it would be easier.”

It was at this moment that I suddenly became aware of the unwritten, unspoken rules of technology I had been following my entire life.

Intrinsically, I knew it was rude to call or text someone when you could talk to them in person.

Intrinsically, I knew that a call was more formal than a text, an email was less formal than a Facebook message.

Yet, somehow, these unwritten street rules of technology had completely evaded my mother, and most others members of her generation.

Those who embrace it quickly become accustomed to the speed, efficiency and ease of digital communication.

Those who use it less often, or prefer other forms of communication, may be less familiar with the etiquette of technology.

So the next time your mother calls you from the next room, be patient.

Feature

October 24, 2011

9

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Advice From Seniors and Teachers “Listen to your teachers and parents. Together what we try to do is in the best interest of the student, and not just educational but for life.”

- Sr. Arturo Flores “Don’t mess with the seniors.”

-Jamie Rosenberg, ‘12

“Try not to miss school. As tempting as it may be, you’re playing catch up. As you can, keep up to date on work and don’t procrastinate. Ask your teachers for help - don’t be afraid to ask because you will get it.”

- Ms. Martha Elliott

“Go to office hours, get to know your teachers.”

- Ms. Izabela Santos “Make sure your teachers like you. Show them you’re making an effort.”

- Tucker Atterbury, ‘12

Double

10

Generational Differences Stir Art Controversy

By OLIVIA BERCI

The angst, the display of restlessness—it was almost overwhelming. But, I was fascinated.

To me, this was art. It was graphic and alarming, powerfully dramatic, but, at the same time, pedestrian, and the fact that it all made me uncomfortable convinced me of its artistry.

I walked through Los Angeles’ MOCA Street Art exhibit entranced by the installations, the photographs, and the graffiti.

The exhibit’s common thread suggested a generational difference.

I walked through the exhibit with my grandparents.

My grandma and grandpa are experienced art seekers.

As early as I can remember, my grandparents were the ones to convince me to try new foods, to teach me about different cultures, to tell me their worldly stories.

As a somewhat reluctant 12 year old, my grandparents dragged me to my first contemporary art museum, teaching me to recognize

the genius of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.

But this—the murals of graffitied train cars, the painted cars, instillations of defaced property— was a different sort of contemporary “art.”

As much as my grandparents tried to appreciate the “street art” that I found to be so clairvoyant, I could sense that they were caught off guard.

Whether it was the exhibit itself or the colorful audience it drew, I knew they felt a discomfort that, unlike me, they didn’t tribute to the allure of the exhibit.

If someone takes a picture of the

profanity graffitied across a bridge, can it become a powerful critique of societal corruption?

Is this idea unique to the tattooed and pierced?

Is it unique to a younger generation?

Or to a generation that pushes limits?

But, hasn’t teenage angst always fostered a breaching of boundaries to express freedom of speech and to display frustration?

Is our generation any different? The Street Art exhibit was extreme, but it was perceptive.

Art is subjective.

Subjectivity is defined by experience not by fact, and street art has the capacity to dauntlessly portray experience.

e Page

October 24, 2011

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LAYOUT & DESIGN ZOE SERBIN PHOTOS: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA GRAPHICS: ZOE SERBIN

Santa Barbara Faces Problems with Graffiti Vandalism

STREET ART: MARY AND THE MACHINE KATIE MCLEAN AARON ERNST MARCOS CARRENO

By Elise Scheuermann

As o n e d r i v e s down the freeway in Santa Barbara, they pass by walls littered with tagging and various layers of paint.

These walls were once a clean and uniform color, but over the years they have been a repeated victim for graffiti vandalism.

The city has done its best painting over the graffiti, only to have it reoc-

cur again and again.

The city and residents of Santa Barbara spend thousands of dollars a year cleaning up graffiti on both public and private property. This money could be better used to help the local community in a more positive way, if graffiti vandalism was diminished.

Not only is graffiti removal costly, but according to the National Association of Realtors, properties in areas near graffiti vandalism lose 15 percent of their value.

This poses a threat to Santa Barbara businesses and properties if the vandalism is not handled properly.

When local properties are targeted with graffiti they have a few options for removal.

They can file a graffiti removal form, call the graffiti hotline number—805 -897-2513—or clean up the mess themselves.

Graffiti can be cleaned and removed by using spray gel remover, cover

paint, and expensive power washing or sandblasting equipment.

Santa Barbara has a team of “graffiti fighters,” that respond to the removal forms and hotline calls sent to the city regarding recent graffiti vandalism.

They go to work in the early hours of the morning, removing graffiti before the public even has a chance to see it. This further deters graffiti vandals because then their work or tags are never seen.

The city also purchased a $85,000 truck equipped with water blasters, paint, and non-toxic chemicals that all can be used to combat graffiti vandalism.

A local, Mike Borrayo, drives this vehicle, patrolling Santa Barbara at dawn for recent graffiti. He also gives property owners notices and three days to clean up the graffiti on their land before the city comes in, fines them, and cleans up the vandalism.

A majority of the graffiti in Santa Barbara is

gang related.

The ‘tags’ are how they claim their territory and gain superiority.

The city is caught in a constant battle between the rival gangs and their graffiti vandalism.

Not all graffiti is done by gangs though, a small percent is done by rebellious teenagers with nothing better to do.

Santa Barbara is anti-graffiti vandalism but not antigraffiti artists.

The city will support graffiti as an art if the artists do not use their skills as vandalism.

Vandalism is when public or private property is painted or drawn on without permission.

Currently, there is a block of open wall space

called “Funk Zone” located at Helena and Mason Streets.

This area can be used with permission for graffiti artists to showcase their work to the community in a nondetrimental way.

October 24, 2011

Middle School MIDDLE SCHOOL TRIP WEEK

How long have you been teaching music?

I have been teaching music since 2005.

What inspired you to be a music teacher?

I am inspired to know that I can help my students to develop their creativity, not just in music, but in their lives. In working to create something positive together we can affect our immediate environment and accomplish goals, not just as musicians, but also as human beings.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing!”

-Helen Keller

What is your favorite instrument?

I love string instruments, particularly the violin. I love the versatility of the instrument and its ability to fit within any musical genre. I play violin, piano, and gadulka. The gadulka is a three-stringed traditional instrument of Bulgaria.

Did you love music as a kid?

I have always loved music. As a child, I listened to classical records my mother would play such as Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” and Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.”

My Dad gave me an appreciation for great American blues artists such as B.B. King and Muddy Waters.

Favorite types of music to listen to?

I love the world music of Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Hungary, Spain and Cuba for their vivacious, complex rhythms and application to daily life.

If you could play any instrument in the world, what would it be?

I attended a concert last year in Sweden where I saw two kora players from Gambia. The kora is a 21-string bridge-harp used extensively by people in West Africa.

I would love to learn the kora some day!

But I also have a passion for Hungarian, Romanian and Moldovan folk music where accordion and cimbalom are widely used.

These two instruments play a unique role in Eastern Europe, and I would love to learn them some day when time permits!

Advice for young musicians?

I would advise young musicians to find what inspires them and aspire create something that makes them stand apart.

I admire musicians that play because they are truly happy to play, not to prove themselves.

Halloween Poll

Where: Fifth grade class trip to Camp Whittier

Where: Seventh grade class trip to Santa Cruz Island

Where: Sixth grade class trip to Camp Whittier

Where: Eighth grade class trip to the wonderful Pali Mountain

Who: A group of Laguna Blanca’s fifth graders wishing they could jump right in to Lake Cachuma

Who: Seventh grader, Tally Wimbish, kayaking through the island caves.

Who: Sixth grader, Brittany Cardilino, climbing her way up the ropes course.

Who: Eighth grader, Gabby Campbell, goes air born on the Zero Gravity Activity.

“We made ropes and candles, and the most fun was the animal shelter. We really liked the trip.”

-Dominic Cappello

“The trip was super fun and we got to know everyone better.”

“The ropes course is really hard, but it’s worth it because it’s rewarding in the end.”

“It was so much fun, and it felt like I was flying through the air like a ninja.”

-Brittany Cardilino

-Gabby Campbell

-Tally Wimbish

This month, “Guess Who” creator Luisa Cameron roamed the Middle School Quad in search of a happening middle schooler to interview. But who is it?

By Jacqueline Berci & Luisa Cameron

We asked Middle Schoolers what they are planning for their Halloween costumes this year.

41% 26% 33%

By Jacqueline Berci This year, the Middle School advisory program is expected to be better than ever.

All seventh and eighth grade advisories will be gender specific.

Each “house” is made up of one eighth grade advisory and one seventh grade advisory, each of a different gender.

Houses compete in spirited sports and academic competitions.

Science teacher Mr. Zach Moore, who is in charge of the Middle School advisory program, says one of the changes to the program this year is that “we combined the student council with the house program to make it into a grand student leadership program.”

Mr. Neustadt, also a science teacher, who is in charge of the Middle School student council, says “I think, hopefully, it means that the leadership will be more successful this year, and having a dedicated time for student leadership will make us more effective.”

Mr. Moore adds that he is most excited about the house competitions this year and that Santa Catalina house is looking like it will do well because of its strong eighth grade leadership.

English teacher and Middle School adviser Mrs. Lindsay Woodard, says she enjoys advisory “because our days are so full and so busy. It is nice having a group of students I can get to know better and on a more personal level.”

The Santa Barbara house is taking the lead. But with volleyball, spirit week, and the spelling bee coming up, there are still many more competitions to come!

Middle School Election Results Votes are in! The Middle School student body recently elected a leadership council for the school year.

said “Silly” said “Spooky” said “It’s a secret.”

8th Grade Middle School President: Pierce O’Donnell

From the 115 Middle School students, we polled 69.

“What are you going to be for Halloween?”

“Rebecca Black, because she is . . . odd.”

Middle School Vice President: Lilla Petruska

Mikey Kelly 7th Grade

“I’m going to be a bumblebee!”

Treasurer and Secretary: Carson Shevitz Student Store Manager: Chris Constantino

Caitlin Gainey 5th Grade

7th Grade Seventh Grade President: Alex Bidwell

“A Leprechaun.”

Paul Robitaille 8th Grade

Seventh Grade Vice President: Chad Alef

“We don’t know!”

6th Graders

Jed Donelan

Answer:

Savannah

Jason Barnick

Advisory Program Gets a Revamp

A&E

13

October 24, 2011

Faculty Art Show Opens for October

By ANASTASIA ANTONOVA

PHOTOS: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA

“Custodian-of-Lost-Dreams” by Dug Uyesaka (above left), “ “Spiral Swarm” by Chris J. Johnson (top), “Coffee with Jen” by Delphine Louie Anaya (bottom).

By EVA DAVIS

Zoe Serbin’s Art Featured

By ANASTASIA ANTONOVA

nity on their own style and expression.

While Mr. Uyesaka pulled out work from other shows, Mr. Johnson created new works from over the summer.

Mr. Uyesaka’s works “Custodianof-Lost-Dreams” and “Swarm” have been featured in the Individual Artist Awards Show.

At the school’s show, faculty can receive feedback, such as questions on how they made a piece or why it was created.

When asked what his personal inspirations were, Mr. Johnson said, “My inspirations come from the world we live in. I like that people often have to turn their heads a bit to view [it].”

This show gives an opportunity to the faculty to show their work to the Laguna community.

Students Attend Boston Berklee College for Music

Fleet Foxes Review On a chilly Tuesday in midSeptember, an alternative folk band by the name of Fleet Foxes performed at the Santa Barbara Bowl. The rising group performed songs off of both of their albums, creating an atmosphere of excitement and nostalgia.

The band hails from Seattle, WA, but has been touring the US since April, teaming up with groups such as The Walkmen and Bon Iver. In November, Fleet Foxes will head to Norway and Sweden to perform.

Robin Pecknold, the group’s front man, kept the crowd entertained not only with his whimsical voice but also with his shy, yet comedic nature, “Santa Barbara is a wonderful place. It reminds me of Christmas and my mom… because her name is Barbara and like...Santa…Christmas… you know,” he said.

With digitally animated patterns rotating wildly as their backdrop, the members of Fleet Foxes mystified the crowd with their unique approach to music.

Everyone was dancing, others twirled about the pitt. This can be accredited to the combination of the intimate atmosphere of the Santa Barbara Bowl (due to its size) as well as the band’s admirable ability to connect with their fans.

Despite the weather, Fleet Foxes put on an excellent show and left the crowd begging for more.

For its fifth year, the art faculty presents the Laguna Blanca School Faculty Art Show at the Mikles Art Gallery.

The four artists’ work being displayed are Mr. Chris J. Johnson, Visual Arts Department Chair and Upper and Middle School teacher of ceramics and digital photography; Ms. Delphine Louie Anaya, Upper School visual arts teacher and yearbook advisor; Dug Uyesaka, Visual Arts and Performing Arts Instructor; Ms. Amber O’Neill, Lower School visual arts teacher.

The show opening was September 22 and will go until October 28.

While students are just getting their works ready for show, the faculty has had the whole summer to prepare.

Through the show, the faculty can give insight to the rest of the commu-

By CATY LAFITTE Senior Allie Lafitte and junior Courtney O’Donnell went to Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts this summer to work on their singing.

Allie went to Berklee’s Five Week Summer Performance Program, and Courtney did a four-day workshop.

Each summer, the program takes about 900 students from across the

“All of the teachers were amazing and gave great feedback, the college experience at the school was great.”

-Courtney O’Donnell.

United States and around the world from nearly 70 different countries.

This program offers a large variety of classes for every student depending on their level of musical ability, what instrument they play, and what style of music they are interested in.

Veteran professors teach classes from songwriting techniques to private lessons appropriate for students on different levels in each class.

“My favorite part about the program was meeting many talented people. All of the teachers were amazing and gave great feedback, and the college experience at the school was great,” Courtney said.

Former headmaster and current Laguna parent, Mr. Doug Jessup, recommended the summer program to Courtney, and she thought it might be a great experience where she could really focus on singing.

Even though Courtney, who has been singing since she was 11, really liked Berklee, she does not want to go there for her four years of college.

She would rather have the full college experience and not just learn about music.

She does plan to major in music, and she definitely wants to pursue music as a career in the future.

Allie Lafitte has been singing since she was just a toddler. She first found out about the program from a family friend whose son had just attended the five-week program during the previous summer.

Allie then learned more about it on the Berklee College of Music website, and decided she wanted to go.

She made the decision because she loves to sing and she had PHOTO: Allie Lafitte never been Opening Doors: Berklee College main entrance, where Allie in any formal classes for sing- Lafitte and Courtney O’Donnell attended. ing.

“My favorite part about the program lie said. was getting a preview of college life, beAllie went into the program thinking in a different city, and being able to ing she wanted to go to a college with work with professors that have been in all music, all the time. But, after five the field for a long time,” Allie said. weeks there, she realized she wanted A typical day at Berklee was getting to keep singing as a hobby or a minor breakfast at about eight, and starting rather than a major. classes at nine.

In the future, Allie might want to Depending on the day, you could have a career in music therapy, but she have a break or another class, which will most likely want to practice somewould usually go until early evening. thing different.

“After classes I went to dinner with Allie would recommend the program a bunch of friends in Boston, and after to other music students because it’s a that we would come back to the dorm good chance to study music and you and all hang out in the basement,” Al- get to meet a lot of interesting people.

SB Events in November Sunday

Monday

Tuesday 1

The Wombats Granada Theatre

6

Fall Play Production Spaulding 7p.m.

On the evening of September 30,

a reception at the Atkinson Gallery at Santa Barbara City College opened the “Small Images Contest,” where junior Zoe Serbin’s drawing is featured.

Out of over 300 entries, Zoe’s “Don’t Do Drugs” made it into this competition.

The oldest person to enter was 91, while the youngest were two 16-yearolds, one of them being Zoe. “I submitted stuff literally at the very last minute, right before the deadline. I wasn’t really excepting to get in, but I was really happy that I did get in,” Zoe said after her win.

Past Laguna winners include Zoe’s older brother, Elliot Serbin, and visual and performing arts instructor Mr. Dug Uyesaka.

“I drew ‘Don’t Do Drugs’ last year. I don’t really have an inspiration for it, I just started drawing,” Zoe said when asked about her inspiration for the piece.

Owls in Wonderland Lower School 11-2p.m.

13 Santa Barbara Youth Symphony Winter Concert A Night in TremeThe Musical Majesty of New Orleans Campbell Hall

20 Beethoven Emperor Granada Theatre

27

7 After a Decade of “War on Terror” How Have Human Rights and Civil Liberties Fared?

Multi Cultural Center

14

8

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in The Comedy of Errors Campbell Hall

15

Come Fly Away @ Lobero Theatre Stephen Petronio Dance Company @ Granada Theatre

21 Blue Man Group Granada Theatre

28

Thursday

Wednesday 2

Ludovico Einaudi Lobero Theatre

9 Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in The Comedy of Errors Campbell Hall Gordon Lightfoot Arlington Theatre

16 The Jayhawks Granada Theatre

3

Phantogram SoHo

10 Pink Martini The Arlington Theatre

17 “The Kitchen” film Campbell Hall

Friday 4

Blue Man Group Granada Theatre

29

23 Blue Man Group Granada Theatre

30

B.B. King Granada Theatre

Helene Grimaud Lobero Theatre

“If a Tree Falls” film Campbell Hall

David Gergen Campbell Hall

5

Fall Play Production Spaulding 7p.m.

Fall Play Production

Gumshoe Drama Center Stage

Last Day of Individual Artist Gallery Exhibit

11

Spaulding 7p.m

12

Shakespeare’s Alan Parsons Globe Theatre in Lobero Theatre The Comedy of Errors @ Campbell Hall

18 The Civil Wars Lobero Theatre

Andrew Weil Arlington Theatre

22

Saturday

19 Ryan Bingham w/ The Dead Horses Lobero Theatre MTAC Fall Festival

24 Thanksgiving

25

26

14

October 24, 2011

Style The Art of Taking Your License Photo

Style Profile: Jack Davies

By Helena Davila

By GRACE WOOLF

Would you consider a job in the fashion industry?

Probably not, but if I did pursue it, I think designing clothing would be really interesting.

Top three favorite stores?

The first would be American Apparel because I’m a fan of minimal and I enjoy a lot of their styles. I also like Urban Outfitters but just online because they have a lot of styles that are hard to find in Santa Barbara.

If you could have any one thing, what would it be?

Fashion-wise? The perfect pair of leather boots. I’ve been searching and I can’t find any that fit my liking.

Favorite season to dress for?

Winter for sure. I definitely prefer layering for cold weather.

Favorite piece in your wardrobe right now?

That’s a hard one. I guess it’s between my favorite cardigan or my favorite pair of jeans.

Favorite bands?

Bon Iver’s entire new album. It came out this summer and I still don’t get tired of leaving it on repeat. The Xx is another favorite.

Photo: Eva Davis

What are you most looking forward to wearing this winter?

Lots of sweaters.

What’s the best way to wear a T-shirt?

I like wearing T-shirts with cardigans, I think it makes them look less casual and sloppy.

What’s your dream car?

Mini Cooper S. I’ve wanted one for as long as I can remember.

Listen up ladies! And most guys, too!

Taking your license photo is something feared by practically everyone.

To some, taking their license picture is more traumatic than taking the test itself.

From looking at less than magazine worthy licenses from years past, it makes sense to fear the photo.

Between the teased hair and “interesting” make up, the pictures are a definite spectacle. If only they had the knowledge we have to day.

Here are some tips: Open your eyes, try not to squint Make sure you brush your hair so you don’t look like a cave person, or you just rolled out of bed.

Be nice to the people working at the DMV—they may give you a few extra seconds to make yourself pretty.

Blot. The harsh camera flash can make your face look oily, so blot to get any unnecessary oils off your face.

Dress nicely, it makes you feel better about yourself.

Do not pull your hair back (if you have long hair). This will make you look bald and that would not be good.

The driver’s license photo is dreaded by almost everyone; you have to live with it for years.

So put some effort into it. These photos are often jokingly called “mug shots” giving them a rather infamous reputation.

If you can, run to the bathroom right when you get to the DMV. Sometimes, the DMV will take the picture before the test, so get to the bathroom right away.

This may be the only time you have before the picture is taken to blot and comb, so make sure to advantage of it.

Also, make sure to hold your chin up high; this makes your neck look longer and makes your face look a lot skinnier.

For girls, keep the makeup simple.

Don’t do any intense smoky eye or major eye liner.

Then there is the hair. Leave it down, just loose, not styled.

Don’t try to do a “Snooki” poof, it can make your head oddly shaped.

With clothing, keep the tones solid and neutral.

“Make sure to look good for your permit picture because your driver's license picture is the same as your permit picture,” advised junior Brendon Nylen.

Senior Amanda Harvey added, “Don’t take your license picture after working out or playing a sport! The sweat shows up a ridiculous amount.”

You only take your license photo once, so taking a few extra minutes to prepare yourself before hand can make the difference between “mug-shot” and license photo. But most importantly, remember to smile and be confident.

Accessories To Keep You On Trend This Season

By HELENA DAVILA

All That Glitters

Looks like pencils aren’t the only things being sharpened this season. Sharpen up your wardrobe with edgy accessories and on-trend floral details.

Check out the Fourth Estate online at www. thefourthestate.net

Health

October 24, 2011

15

There is Always Time for Breakfast

By MORGAN RAITH 5 minutes

Blueberry Cereal 1 cup organic 2% milk 1 1/3 cups Kashi Go Lean Crunch Cereal 1/2 cup organic blueberries Directions: Pour Organic 2% milk into a bowl over your favorite cereal or granola and add blueberries for an antioxidant boost.

7 minutes

7 minutes

Strawbana Smoothie

Egg on Toast 1 organic egg 1 piece of whole grain toast Directions: Crack the egg on the side of a non-stick frying pan on medium heat. Spray pan with cooking oil. Do not flip the egg until the whites, but not the yolk, are almost cooked through. While waiting, pop the bread in the toaster. Once the egg is done put it on the toast and slice in half.

1 ½ cups Mountain High Fat Free Vanilla Yogurt 1 cup Simply Apple or Orange juice 1 cup strawberries 1 peach 1 banana 1 cup cubed ice Directions: put all ingredients into the blender and mix until it reaches a smooth consistency.

Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies Ever

By GRACE WOOLF Ingredients smooth.

Divide dough into 24 porI cup creamy or crunchy tions, about one heaping tapeanut butter blespoon each. You should get I cup sugar 12 cookies per sheet.

I cup large egg, beaten Place the balls of dough about an inch apart on nonDirections greased cooking sheets Press down with a fork in Make sure oven racks are in the center position and pre- two directions to form a crosshatch pattern. heat oven to 350 degrees Remove the finished cookies Bake one sheet at a time in the oven until the cookies rise from oven and let them cool and turn lightly golden, about on the baking sheet.

To add a little extra, I like ten minutes Combine all the ingredients to put a piece of chocolate on in a mixing bowl and stir well them right when they come with a wooden spoon until out of the oven that way the

PHOTO: GRACE WOOLF

chocolate melts quickly.

Try adding walnuts or other nuts for texture and taste.

For an extra special dessert, these cookies also pair well with ice cream, preferably caramel.

By HELENA DAVILA

With cold and flu season fast approaching, it’s time once again to pull out the Purell, excavate the Kleenex box from the hall closet and the visit the market for orange juice to keep the germs away. Here are a few easy tips for to staying healthy this year.

Eat fruits and veggies! Make an easy fruit salad out of kiwi fruits, papayas, strawberries and blueberries for an antioxidant and vitamin C packed snack.

Simple Habits...

Adequate sleep...

Your immune system is most efficient when you’re rested. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep per night.

Apples and Oatmeal 3/4 cup Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal 1 cup water or organic milk 1 apple cut into small pieces 1 tbsp. organic brown sugar Directions: Mix oatmeal, apples slices and water or milk into a bowl and cook in the microwave for two minutes. Remove the bowl from the microwave, mix, and add brown sugar.

Bikram Yoga: A New Way to Work Out

By GRACE WOOLF

Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness

Healthy snacks...

5 minutes

Wash your hands! Turns out, singing the ‘Birthday Song’ to yourself in the mirror really does make a big difference. Officials at foodsafety.gov stated that those who wash their hands four times per day had on average 24% fewer sick days due to respiratory illness and 51% fewer sick days due to an upset stomach. Singing to yourself in the mirror, a small price to pay for a total of 75% fewer sick days!

Y

oga has become one of the most popular ways to exercise for all different people.

Since there are so many different types of yoga, everyone can find something that suits them.

But one has started to stand out from the rest: Bikram.

Bikram Yoga is a new trend that’s catching on for people who want intense workouts.

This form of yoga was started in the early ‘70s by yoga instructor Bikram Chouhury.

Bikram started to practice yoga at age four.

By age thirteen, he won the National India Yoga Contest.

He then went on to pursue a career as a marathon runner and weight lifter, which took him to the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo.

After receiving a significant knee injury in a weight lifting accident at age twenty, European doctors predicted Bikram would never walk again.

He headed back to India where he and his yoga guru, Bishnu Ghosh, practiced six months of yoga therapy and his knee fully recovered.

Bikram created Bikram Yoga based on his own healing

5 minutes

Yogurt Bowl with Peaches 1½ cups Mountain High Fat Free Vanilla Yogurt ¼ cup Bear Naked “Fit” Vanilla Crunch Granola 1 large peach diced 1 tbsp. Busy Bee Honey Directions: pour yogurt into the bowl, add granola and peaches, then drizzle honey on the top.

PHOTOS: MORGAN RAITH

processes.

Bikram classes run exactly 90 minutes and have a set series of twenty-six postures and two breathing exercises.

It is ideally practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

The warmth in the room causes deeper stretching and prevents injury.

Bikram yoga has been used for sports rehabilitation just as Bikram Chouhury used yoga after his knee injury.

Today, celebrities like Madonna, George Clooney, and Lady Gaga have discovered this form of exercise as a way to relieve stress and get a good workout.

“After a session at Bikram Yoga, I feel very relaxed and peaceful.

Despite the heat, it is enjoyable way to exercise and get your mind off of things,” said junior Monica Watson.

Bikram has been catching on everywhere, with studios showing up all around Santa Barbara. Monica goes to Bikram Yoga, Santa Barbara located at 3891 State Street.

Senior Jess Davis, who goes to the same studio, says “Although it is challenging, Bikram is also an incredibly meditative, calming experience.” Bikram has been used for many years as a way of meditation and exercise.

So the next time you think about hitting the regular yoga studio for a morning work-out, try Bikram instead, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Graphic: Zoe Serbin

Profile

October 24, 2011

PHOTO: EVA DAVIS

Freshman Owls Hatch

By CATY LAFITTE

L

aguna Blanca’s freshmen class this year is a group of 45 students: 17 new students and 28 students that have continued from Laguna’s Middle School onto the high school.

Ethan Katnic and Olivia McGovern join the freshman class from Crane School.

They are both participating in fall sports this year.

They are among many young athletes in the freshman class. More than half of the freshmen boys are playing on the football team.

Students Work Outside of School

By KAYLEE STRACHAN

M

any students have taken on part-time jobs in addition to their homework and extracurricular activities.

Outside of school, students are baby-siting, mowing lawns, waitressing, stocking shelves, and engaging in other interesting moneymaking ventures.

Sophomore Aija Mayrock previously worked for the Granada Theatre’s online magazine.

Her job was to attend performing and visual art shows and review them for the magazine.

Aija immediately accepted the job when the Editor of the magazine presented the opportunity to her.

Aija accepted the job because she wanted as much writing experience as she could get. Aija said of her job, “I loved it!”

Presently, Aija is doing an independent study in journalism, working with Ms. Tara Broucqsault and also writing an online blog for the Fourth Estate.

Allie Towbes is another employed Owl. Allie works at her temple, B’nai Brith.

She started teaching second graders and disabled students for community service, but she is now paid for her work.

Allie said, “I love working with the kids. It is a good opportunity,” when asked why she got involved.

Other Laguna students that work for B’nai Brith include: Justin Palmer, Olivia Berci, and Daniel Reisman.

Joey Eckert was offered a job by a family friend. He does maintenance work at apartments in Isla Vista.

He has been doing this for three and a half years.

He likes his job, but says that sometimes it is hard to cope with work and all of his schoolwork and extracurricular activities.

When asked why he got a job, Joey said, “to help pay for my car.”

Both Olivia and Hannah White made the varsity volleyball team their first year of high school.

“Football has been pretty good. It’s a good way to meet people as a new freshman,” said Ethan.

Returning freshman Ryan Bickett’s favorite subjects are biology with Ms. Staci Richard and English with Dr. Ashley Tidey.

“There is a lot more freedom in high school at Laguna compared to the Middle School. There is also a lot more responsibility,” Ryan said.

Ryan’s most memorable experience at La-

guna so far was the club fair because, “it’s a different environment than in Middle School, and I liked what all the clubs were doing to help out,” he said.

“I am also really looking forward to our trip to Yosemite National Park this year.”

Like Ryan, Ethan’s favorite subjects are biology with Ms. Richard and English with Dr. Tidey.

Ethan’s most memorable moment at Laguna so far was when Invisible Children came during assembly and showed the movie “Tony.”

Hannah has been at Laguna since she was in

sixth grade.

She also believes that the main difference between the Middle School and high school is that “students have a lot more responsibility and freedom now.”

When asked about her favorite things about the year thus far, she said, “Volleyball has been great, and I really like getting to know some of the older high schoolers through it,” Hannah said.

“I’m excited to hopefully grow as a person and just learn new things in every subject,” Hannah said about her hopes for this year.

Sports Drive Directors Meet with DoSomething.org

By ANDREW MCCAFFERY

T

his August, juniors Eli Bittleson and Eddie Conk, Co-founders of the Santa Barbara Sports Drive, traveled to New York City with the third Founder, Matt Wagonhurst of Santa Barbara High School, to meet with Greg Thomas, National Sports Drive Director for DoSomething. org.

They were on official business, meeting with Mr. Thomas to discuss affiliation possibilities for the two organizations.

“Last spring, we were discussing different expansion possibilities, so we contacted DoSomething.org,” Eddie said, “Coincidentally, they were in the process of developing their own Sports Drive, so we were invited to help kick off their launch by throwing them an event at the Santa Barbara Boys and Girls Club.”

This year, Eddie and Eli expect Sports Drive will be stronger than ever, considering the newfound support from DoSomething.org, whose own drive depends on the success of various local drives like Eli and Eddie’s.

This summer, senior Alex Greer hiked 221 miles, covered more than 80,000 feet of vertical change, and submitted the tallest peak in the contiguous United States—Mt.Whitney, which is a whopping

By CATY LAFITTE

The sophomore class

her experience so far.

Mica is on the junior gained three new Owls varsity white volleyball this year: Mica Zimmerteam this year. man, Alexa Zangrillo, “At Laguna, everyone is and Hayley Cornell-Morso outgoing and welcomton. ing. The teachers really Freshman year, Mica care about the students attended Miramonte and their education. It’s High School in Orinda, a real family, whereas California; Alexa went the other to Dunn schools School for attempt, “Last year I half of the but canyear, and had about 350 not acBishop Dicomplish students in my ego High it,” said School for grade. So I love A l e x a the other that Laguna is about the half; and unique small.”

Hayley went qualities to Todd -Mica of Laguna County CenBlanca.

Zimmerman tral High When School in a s k e d Kentucky. how she Hayley is has liked Laguna so far, looking forward to socAlexa replied, “I love it! cer season this year, and It’s such a great group of has loved going to school kids and I’m so happy!” football games.

Her favorite classes Mica’s favorite subjects are English with Ms. Boare math and science and jana Hill and art with she is excited to experiMs. Delphine Louie. ence something new and “I’m excited to build different this year. strong friendships, ac“Last year I had about complish my goals that 350 students in my I’ve set for myself, and grade, so I love that Lahave an exceptional high guna is small. It’s fun! school experience!” AlEveryone is a lot nicer exa said. here,” Mica says about

PHOTO: EVA DAVIS

Meeting in New York: Eli Bittleson and Eddie Conk, cofounder of Santa Barbara Sports Drive. Both founders traveled to New York to meet DoSomething. org.

To learn more about Santa Barbara Sports Drive and how you can get involved, visit:

www.sbsportsdrive.com

Alex Greer Conquers the John Muir Trail

By ANDREW McCAFFERY

Sophomore Class Gains Three Owls Hayley, Mica, and Alexa come to the sophomore class with different backgrounds.

14,996 feet tall. To top it off, he did most of the trek alone.

“I was on the John Muir Trail, which starts in Yosemite National Park and ends on the top of Mt. Whitney,” said Alex, who completed the trek over a 16 day period, averaging 14 miles per day.

PHOTO: ALEX GREER

Last Hoorah: Alex on top of Mt. Whitney.

The majority of the trail is above eight-thousand feet, and it stretches to around eleven-thousand feet at its six major mountain passes.

Alex had been planning the trip for almost a year, which was a challenge in itself. It involved gathering maps, permits, and getting in peak physical condition for the long hike.

“I did some training with the Laguna CrossCountry coach, Frazer Hazlett, and took training hikes—with a pack— in Park City, Utah,” where Alex spent a lot of his summer.

To survive the Sierra Nevada’s, Alex was wellequipped with a small, one-man tent, sleeping bag, inflatable sleeping pad, cooking stove, a pot, hiking poles, and of

PHOTO: GRACE WOOLF

New Sophomores: (Left to right) Hayley CornellMorton, Mica Zimmerman, Alexa Zangrillo share a smile and an embrace.

course, a spork.

Altogether, his pack weighed about 35 pounds.

Interestingly enough, Alex also brought crampons—a boot attachment to help grip ice or snow— a tool not usually thought of during the summer months: “because of this winter’s record snowfall, conditions on the trail were not so great. There were tons of river crossings, and a lot of snow.”

He also noted that, because of the wetness of this summer, the mosquitoes were miserable.

His days usually started around 6:30 a.m.

He hiked for most of the day, which usually was around eight-to-ten hours. Then Alex would make camp, have dinner, relax and call it a night: “Once it got dark, there was nothing to do but sleep.”

Along the way, Alex met a couple other hikers, one with whom he

had an interesting encounter with: “On my first day alone, I met the crazy marmot man, who yelled at marmots and drank unfiltered water from the creek.” To clarify, marmots are a mountain-dwelling rodent related to the squirrel. “I decided not to hike over the pass with him. I was worried for the rest of that first night.”

Alex had the company of a German family one night. The group’s leader, Manfred, was gracious enough to share an oatmeal breakfast and give Alex a heaping supply of Cliff bars. Alex most regretted his small daily rations. “If I could do it again, I would have packed more food,” he said.

Alex listed his favorite trip memories to be the alone-time and the scenery: “I really enjoyed the solitude and my beautiful surroundings. Overall, it was a great experience.”

Feature

CAUGHT in the QUAD

PHOTOS: EVA DAVIS

Caught being themselves: Top right

Brendon Nylen, left in the tree Eva Davis and Roadies from Invisible Children, right Ari Rodriguez, Mr. Peter Angeloff, Cameron Platt, Tess Elder, Devin Donahue, Chanelle Janssens, Zoe Serbin, bottom left Cameron Platt, Alexa Zangrillo, Tess Elder, bottom row Cameron Matthews, Alex Hawker, Chanelle Janssens.

October 24, 2011

17

18

Sports

October 24, 2011

Fall Sports Schedule

It’s About What You Eat

Nutrition for the Student Athlete Nutrition gives you an edge, and allows you to stay healthy throughout a difficult match or intense practice.

By CAITLIN CONNOR

C

ompeting and exercising, whether on a football field or on a cross country trail, requires a lot of energy and nutrients.

While eating and working out for Laguna students doesn’t incite second thoughts, many are unaware of how one affects the other.

The strains of a long school day usually drain students of energy and hydration that is necessary to perform well in after-school sports.

Each meal eaten contains energy sources that effect how students play.

Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fluids, and electrolytes are all important components of an athlete’s diet.

Carbohydrates are important for endurance, which is determined by the athlete’s size and physical fitness.

Fruit, vegetables, brown rice, wholegrains and sweet potatoes are all examples of healthy carbohydrates.

Protein requirements are high because athletes need extra support for their surplus of lean mass, constant muscle repair, and high levels of energy expenditure.

Providing essential fatty acids to the body is a must. Fats should account for 20-35 percent of a person’s energy intake as they regulate blood pressure, heart rate, and immune response.

Hydration is also a huge component of an athlete’s diet, since it contributes to the quality of one’s performance.

According to Medscape, “Athletes should consume 400-600 mL of fluid 2 hours before exercising. During exercise, 150-350 mL (6-12 fluid ounces [fl oz]) should be ingested every 15-20 minutes. For exercise lasting longer than 1 hour or occurring in hot environments, the fluid should be a drink containing carbohydrates and electrolytes.”

Many students are unaware that snacking in fact is a crucial part of an athlete’s diet. The benefits vary from helping one fuel up between lunch and practice,

Mix up your pre-work out snack with Gatorade Fit, a banana, Muscle Milk, and a power bar.

By KAYLEE STRACHAN

DATE OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME

FOOTBALL 10/22

Dunn School

Home

2:00 p.m.

10/29

Cate

Home

3:00 p.m.

11/2

Dunn School

Home

4:00 p.m.

11/5

Ojai Valley

Home

3:00 p.m.

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL 10/15

Cate

Home

3:30 p.m.

10/21

Thacher School Home

5:30 p.m.

10/25

San Marcos

Home

6:30

10/26

Dunn School

Dunn

4:30 p.m.

10/28

Cate

Cate

6:30 p.m.

JV BLUE VOLLEYBALL 10/19

Ojai Valley

Home

3:00 p.m.

10/21

Cate

Cate

4:30 p.m.

10/25

San Marcos

Home

4:30

JV WHITE VOLLEYBALL

giving one the energy-rich nutrients he or she missed during meals, and distributing calories evenly in order to maintain regular metabolism and blood-sugar levels.

But don’t overdo it! Keep portions small and nutrient-dense. Instead of eating a sugary donut for lunch, grab one of these suggested foods to keep your body healthy and energized.

Sailing Team Takes Home High Honors from Santa Barbara Youth Sailing Foundation

By MORGAN RAITH

Over the summer, members of the Laguna Blanca Pacific Coast Championships held in Cascade Locks, Sailing Team, seniors Savanna Brown and Tucker which known to the sailors as “The Gorge,” a river Atterbury, and junior Cassidy Shevitz received high that forms the natural border between Oregon and honors from the Santa Barbara Youth Sailing Foun- Washington.

Later the same month Tucker flew to Brissago, dation for their achievements.

Tucker received the Sheridan P. Gerard Tro- Switzerland where, from July 13 to 26, he and teamphy Perpetual Crew Award. According to SBYF, the mate Jack Jordanson, a senior at Saint Francis High School in Long Beach, comSheridan P. Gerard Trophy peted in the 29er Eurois awarded to the sailors pean Championships on who have demonstrated Lake Maggiore, on the the highest level of crewboarder of northern Italy ing ability. and Switzerland.

Tucker juggled crew The team finished 15th roles in the 29er, and 420, out of 40 boats in the silas well as skippered in the ver fleet and 40th out of CFJ and Laser classes on 155 boats overall. the Santa Barbara Race The women of the team Team. were also recognized for Tucker also won the their accomplishments.

Ryan O’Shaughnessy OutSavanna was awardstanding Sailor award, ed the Outstanding Jr. which according to SBYF, Women’s Skipper SBCW is an honor given to the Perpetual, according to sailor who demonstrates SBYF, the trophy was his or her dedication to donated by the Santa the SBYSF activities by Barbara Yacht Club’s hanging around the harWoman Group, and is bor, working on boats, given to the individual splicing new line sets at who has been judged to home, and constantly have made a significant looking for new resources contribution to the jufrom which to learn. nior sailing activities at According to SBYF the SBYF. winner this year is someCassidy received the one who has truly been a Outstanding Jr. Woman leader on his high school Sailor Katherine Brown sailing team, and who has Perpetual, which accordput in as much or more ing to SBYF, is given antime than anyone on the nually to the girl who road, in the air, and on has been judged to have the water for sailing. made a significant conTucker placed 16th out tribution to the junior of 104 boats in the C420 fleet at Orange Bowl, PHOTO: MATTHEW COHEN sailing program.

It is not based solely 40th/155 at the 29er European Champion- Hiking Out: Tucker Atterbury, at right, and team- on excellence in compeships, and 2nd/36 at the mate Jack Jordanson at the US Youth Champion- tition but also on sportsmanship and integrity.

SCYYRA Perry Series in ships in Rhode Island.

For Savanna and TuckC420s. er this is their last year on In addition to his local accomplishments, in July Tucker proved himself the school sailing team and at SBYF, but team captain in competition. He participated in competitions in Savanna has confidence in Cassidy and sophomore Oregon and Europe in hopes of improving his skills team member, Cuyler Zimmerman, to keep the team and boosting his eligibility to be recruited for college strong after she and Tucker leave. “I am sad it’s my last year, but I have hopes that they will continue to teams.

Tucker placed fourth out of 14 29er boats in the succeed after we are gone,” said Savanna.

10/15

Cate

Home

2:30 p.m.

10/19

Ojai Valley

Home

4:00 p.m.

10/21

Thacher School Home

10/25

San Marcos

Home

5:30 p.m.

10/26

Dunn

Dunn

3:30 p.m.

10/28

Cate

Cate

5:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

CROSS COUNTRY 10/15

Santa Clarita

Home

8:30 a.m.

10/22

Mt. Sac

Home

TBA

VARSITY TENNIS 10/15

Dunn School

Dunn School 2:00 p.m.

10/19

Thacher School Thacher

3:30 p.m.

10/26

Cate

Home

3:30 p.m.

10/29

Dunn School

Home

2:00 p.m.

11/2

Cate

Cate

3:30 p.m.

JVTENNIS 10/18

Carpinteria

Home

3:30 p.m.

10/28

Thacher

Thacher

4:00 p.m.

10/29

Besant Hill

Besant Hill

1:00 p.m.

Sports

Standout Athletes PHOTOS: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA

October 24, 2011

19

Fall Sports Preview Sports Commentary

By BRANDON BICKETT

A

Lucie Hartmann- Number One Doubles

Bella Taron- Right Side Hitter

Andrew Vignolo- Defensive End and Wide Receiver

Marla Bonser- 19:00 min.

Cross Country race time

ccording to Director of Athletics Mr. Mike Biermann, Laguna is filled with perhaps the most athletic student body to date.

The sports teams of the 2011 fall season have big things in sight.

With the majority of the teams being primarily senior-led and senior-dominated and backed up with a healthy junior and sophomore class there is a good chance that every single sport team will have a chance at the CIF playoffs in November.

The freshmen class is flourishing with student athletes such as Parker Rusack who is following in the footsteps of his two brothers, Hunter and Austin, and Stephen McCaffery following in his brother, senior Andrew McCaffery’s footsteps. They are cutting a trail in football, soccer, and lacrosse.

The LBS sports program is foreseeing great achievements.

For the prestigious co-ed cross-country team, led by seniors Alex Greer and Luke Judson, the contingent has been running at Laguna for over 10 years.

Trained and coached by second year instructor, Frazer Hazlett, a top-notch physical therapist and workout guru at the acclaimed Platinum Gym- the cross country team’s practices have been filled with intense workouts and lots of running.

Abdominal exercises, jumping drills, long distance training, and even dynamic pushups all formulate “the perfect all around workout” says senior Alex Greer which will “doubtlessly lead us to the Mt. Sac finals.”

When asked about the upcoming season, Luke Judson, a veteran long distance runner and avid cyclist, said, “we have a lot of good athletes on our team.

With our intense training program, I am sure that we will all be prepared for the meets in the future.”

On the volleyball court, the feisty girls have been making their presence known.

Seniors Lauren Alef and Amanda Harvey were given all-tournament recognition at their last volleyball event and are the two fires that will light the LBS volleyball team to victory this year.

Coming off of four great seasons for the girls’ volleyball team, this year’s girls will spike and dive their way to the CIF playoffs.

“This year, we have a lot of really good players on the team. With some new incoming freshmen and a strong presence of returning upperclassmen, I am really excited about this season,” said Harvey.

PHOTOS: EVA DAVIS

On the Run: Students on the cross country team prepare for their first meet using unusual yet effective methods such as the “soda mile.”

Logan Elder

Amanda Harvey

Practicing since mid-August, the LBS volleyball program has been coached well and training hard and pushing their way to the CIF playoffs.

Amanda Harvey is not the only one excited for the upcoming season.

Beginning the season at 2-0 with wins over Westmark and Santa Maria Valley Christian, the LBS boys’ football team is off to a great start.

With seniors Logan Elder and Brandon Bickett playing positions at Wide Receiver/Running-Back, and QuarterBack respectively, the Owls have set their sights on a playoff day view: “If we practice well, I know we will have a great season,” continued the head football coach Mr. Ray Robitaille.

Filled with dynamic offensive formations and a sly defensive scheme, the boys’ varsity football squad has already fought their way to two non-league wins.

Soaring off and taking flight, the Owls girl’s tennis team has been hitting their way to a fantastic start.

The Lady Owls have been practicing and have training since Aug. 27 for league matches.

Gaining three new freshman and a new head coach, the girls are a rejuvenated team.

“The team moral has definitely improved and is destined to show in our outcomes,” said doubles player junior Helena Davila.

Facing Injuries Head On

School takes a proactive approach to dealing with and preventing head injuries on student athletes.

By CAITLIN CONNOR Dealing with injuries is always a challenge for student athletes. Specifically when dealing with head trauma that can not only affect a students’ sports career, but also a students’ academic career.

As Laguna is an academics-first campus, preventing injuries during sports is a high priority.

“Protecting against concussions is something we take very seriously, we recently partnered with the company

Unlike the urban myth, a concussion does not occur when the brain hits the skull. There is no actual bruising or bleeding.

Violent shaking causes all neurotransmitters to fire an overload of chemicals into the brain.

ImPACT,” said Athletics Director Mr. Mike Biermann.

ImPACT is a company that assists in evaluating and treating head injuries.

The program uses a computerized exam before beginning practice or a game and tracks different information about the brain.

When a player thinks that they may have a sustained a concussion, they retake the test in order to help better evaluate the situation.

Laguna takes athlete’s safety seri-

ously and continues to make efforts to prevent such head injuries.

Participation in sports such as basketball, football, and lacrosse can be potentially harmful; it is always a community affair when someone is injured.

Teachers are particularly understanding when a student misses classes due to an injury.

“I missed a month of school, but my teachers were really helpful and accommodating. They cut down my work

load to the bare minimum and I got a tutor to help me catch up. It helped relieve a lot of the stress I would’ve had,” said junior Zoe Serbin, who suffered a concussion last winter.

Zoe is clearly not the only student athlete who appreciates the understanding of such pressures, “The school is really proactive when it comes to head injuries in its students. It allows me to feel safe and to concentrate on doing my best while playing football,” said junior Justin Palmer.

60 percent of former NFL players suffered at least one concussion Common side effects include blurred vision, nausea, memory loss, and in some cases, unconsciousness.

GRAPHIC: ZOE SERBIN

20

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Jogathon 2011 Laguna Fields PHOTOS: JAIME ROSENBERG