The scribe issue 3 by The Scribe

scrIbe

The

Vol. XVI, Issue 3 Francis Parker School February 2014

FEBRUARY 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 2 4

OP 6 7 8 10 12 14 16

FE 18 20 22 26

AC 26 28 30 31 32 34 36

SP 38 39 40 41 42

+ 44 46 48 50 51 52

COVER BY DUTRA BROWN AND JAY GARDENSWARTZ TOC STAFF PAGE

OPINIONS EDITOR’S NOTE BY MICHELA RODRIGUEZ GBU BY THE SCRIBE STAFF HOMEWORK HEADACHES BY DAN LEIBOWITZ AN ACT OF CARING BY JAY GARDENSWARTZ YOU CAN(’T) SIT WITH US BY CAROLINE MERKIN CROSSFIRE: SPEECH CLASS BY MYLA ANDREWS AND JULIANNA D’AURIA FATHER OF THE RAINBOW NATION BY DAN LEIBOWITZ

FEATURES SINK OR SWIM BY OLIVIA FIDLER LENDING A HELPING HAND BY MARK KLEIN MORE THAN A MECHANIC BY GABE GROSS-SABLE ACROSS THE STREET BY MADDIE OTTILIE

ARTS & CULTURE WELCOME TO MR. G’S ROOM BY GRACE SELLICK SPRING BLING BY ALLIE GOINES OFF THE MENU BY MORGAN SMITH READ IT ON REDDIT BY MAX FEYE TAKE TWO BY ALEX DEDDEH SCRIBE EXPLORES: BARRIO LOGAN BY ARIELLE SWEDBACK HOT/NOT/TRENDY BY OLIVIA FIDLER

SPORTS THE MARTIAL ARTISTS BY EMMA MOORE CHANGING THE GAME BY ALEX DEDDEH GET YOUR MIND RIGHT BY SOREN HANSEN SHOULD I SAY OR SHOULD I GO? BY JACK BENOIT THAT’S THE SPIRIT BY SAM PRYOR

ETCETERA THE BUS STOP BUNCH BY CAROLINE WOHL COUCH SURFING BY PATRICK RILEY AND NISHON TYLER CREATURE FEATURE BY EMMA MOORE #NOFILTER BY NATALIE GREENBERG QUADRANTS COMPILED BY SOREN HANSEN AND MARK KLEIN BACK COVER BY CAROLINE WOHL

COLOPHON Body Typeface: Minion Pro 9 pt Header Typeface: Century Gothic Regular Folio Typeface: Century Gothic Printed By: IPS Publishing, San Diego, CA

Mark Twain students enjoy a small playground at the end of campus during one of their halfdays.

According to a survey of 115 Parker students, the average student spends 2-3 hours on homework per night.

Sophomore Lou Tauber models some of the spring’s finest accessories .

Cafe Moto on National Avenue brings some gourmet roast to the industrial area of Barrio Logan near downtown San Diego. Behind the tiny storefront cafe, a warehouse space houses an environmentally friendly roaster and hundreds of burlap bags filled with free-trade coffee beans imported from six different continents.

Miranda Park, daughter of Lisa Park, is one of seven lower school students who rides the shuttle every day and loves to chat about Parker, her aspirations, and everything in between. She dreams of one day becoming President of the United States.

Senior Omar Harb and sophomore Jenn Wineholt, both first participants in Parker’s peer tutoring program, work on math problems together.

One of seven food items featured that is not found on the regular menu, Panera Bread’s Power Steak Lettuce Wrap is a great choice for those trying to avoid carbs.

During ninth period P.E, Coach Jeffrey Rose instructs and motivates the football team in their off-season, keeping them fit and strong in the weight room.

Alexandria Hightower may be known as a star volleyball player, but deep down, all this sassy sophomore wants is to eat snickerdoodles and cuddle up on the couch with the best date of all: Netflix. She, freshman Thomas Mann, junior Eric Kanegaye, and senior Beth Desta, are some of the most clever, quick-witted, and hilarious kids on campus.

Aside from teaching guitar at Parker, Mr. Michael Gonzales performs every weekend in The Lounge at the Hotel del Coronado. may 2013 THE SCRIBE

STAFF PAGE Editor-in-Chief MICHELA RODRIGUEZ

Opinions Editor NISHON TYLER

Managing Editor JAY GARDENSWARTZ

Features Editors SAM PRYOR ARIELLE SWEDBACK

Art Director DUTRA BROWN Senior Editor ARIELLE SWEDBACK Design Team OLIVIA FIDLER JAY GARDENSWARTZ NATALIE GREENBERG CIAN LAVIN PATRICK RILEY GRACE SELLICK Web Editor BRIANNA GOLDBERG Contributing Editor AUDREY YANG

Arts & Culture Editors OLIVIA FIDLER PATRICK RILEY Sports Editors JACK BENOIT CHARLOTTE DICK-GODFREY Etcetera Editors SOREN HANSEN MARK KLEIN

Staff Writers MYLA ANDREWS JASH BABLA JULIANNA D’AURIA ALEX DEDDEH MAX FEYE ALLIE GOINES NATALIE GREENBERG GABRIEL GROSS-SABLE DANIEL LEIBOWITZ CAROLINE MERKIN EMMA MOORE MADDIE OTTILIE GRACE SELLICK MORGAN SMITH CAROLINE WOHL Adviser ANDREW HOLBROOK

EDITORIAL POLICY Serving as the official news magazine of the Francis Parker Upper School, The Scribe strives to report on the major news stories on campus while providing the student body with a cutting-edge take on campus life and culture. The editorial staff oversees the editing and production aspects of the magazine. Members of the staff also volunteer a great deal of their after-school and weekend time to work on the magazine. The editor-in-chief assumes all responsibility for the material published in The Scribe. For this reason, any errors or complaints should be reported to the editor-in-chief and not to the authors of particular articles.

Check out The Scribe’s website, with online articles, videos, surveys, old issues, and more at www.fpsthescribe.com Share with us any questions, comments, or concerns you have about the magazine. Your opinions matter! Email us at fpscribe@gmail.com. Join our Facebook fanpage at www.facebook.com/fpsthescribe to stay updated on everything Scribe-related.

OPI N I O NS editor’s note pg. 6 I gbu pg. 7 homework headaches pg. 8 I an act of caring? pg. 10 I you can(’t) sit with us pg. 12 crossfire: speech class pg. 14 I father of the rainbow nation pg. 16

PHOTOGRAPH BY MAX FEYE AND JAY GARDENSWARTZ “We’re one of the only countries that doesn’t have some sort of health coverage on a national basis,” says Parker’s Registered Nurse Ms. Maggie West. “I think it’s time we got on board.” fpsthescribe.org

PHOTO BY JAY GARDENSWARTZ

EDITOR’S NOTE

even. That’s the number of weeks we have standing between us and

Spring Break. It’s not a monumental number. But there’s something about those 34 days—praise the random three-day weekend in the middle of March—that makes them seem unusually unbearable. Maybe it’s because of the memories made on our two weeks off from school. Our Instagram feeds are endless (“#nofilter,” page 50), from the peaks of Park City to the shores of Apo Island to the culinary masterpieces we’ve devoured. It could be that we’re still jetlagged from our adventures, or we’ve just gotten used to sleeping till noon. Or it might just be that seven more weeks of bottomless heaps of homework sound unfathomable (“Homework Headaches,” pages 8-9). Whatever it is, conquering the next seven weeks will be no easy feat. Spring weather promises to be irresistible, and the thought of being cooped up inside trying to decipher a calculus problem or preparing for your final speech (“Crossfire: Speech Class,” pages 14-15) is enough to make your heart sink. So how are you going to get through it? The same way we get through anything here: the Parker family. You’ve heard it again and again, and you’ve probably rolled your eyes at it a few times. Parker is the reason you got three hours of sleep last night and drank enough coffee last month to fill an inflatable pool. It’s why your real family complains that they haven’t seen you in weeks, because on weekends, your room becomes a cave where you take naps on your biology textbook and listen to 8tracks playlist after 8tracks playlist. Can you honestly be expected to believe that this is the same place that’s going to save you?

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

Yes. There may be seven weeks till your getaway, but when you think about it, there’s a break built in for you right here. Give the work a rest and take a well-earned nap during free period on one of the 34 comfortable couches the campus has to offer (“Couch Surfing,” pages 46-47). Instead of spending lunch in a corner of the library trying to get ahead, take a breath of fresh air and hang out at the cafeteria with your one-of-a-kind group of friends (“You Can(’t) Sit With Us,” pages 1213). Don’t go straight home after school. Instead, treat yourself to that Jamba Juice flavor you’ve been meaning to try or that In-N-Out you’ve been craving all day (“Off the Menu,” page 30). Our sports teams practice for hours every week. Their hard work warrants our presence in the bleachers as much as your hard work warrants a break. Pick one night a week to go out to a game, because it’s hard to beat the thrill of a crowd (“Should I Stay Or Should I Go?,” page 41). And when you start to feel lost and confused in your classes, don’t beat yourself up. There’s someone willing to help you out everywhere you look, even when you may not realize it (“Lending a Helping Hand,” page 20). That’s what makes the Parker family so great. You’re surrounded by people who support you, who want to see you succeed, and want to see you happy. On your worst days, there’s a teacher at the ready to brew you a cup of tea or break into a secret chocolate stash. On your best days, they’re there to do the same. There are friends around for a hug, a late-night phone call, or a trip to Starbucks. There is family. So chin up, Lancers. Hunker down till April, when twelve hours of peaceful slumber will be calling your name, when you’ll finally crawl out of your room and get to spend time with your family, when you’ll bask in the sun of the Indio Valley or Torrey Pines or Disneyland. Just seven more weeks. Hang in there,

MICHELA RODRIGUEZ Editor-in-Chief

G TH E GO OD

teen kings and queens

B THE BA D

no loitering

U TH E UG LY

service slackers

Think you’ve fulfilled your potential? Think again. Successful teenagers are making waves in all walks of life. 17-year-old artist Lorde won two Grammys out of four nominations, was number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and was named one of Time’s ‘Most Influential Teens of 2013’. 17-year-old Tavi Gevinson is the editor of the online magazine Rookie and was one of Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30’ in both 2011 and 2012. 19-year-old Akrit Jaswal, who performed his first surgery at age seven, began undergraduate courses in medicine at age 12, and is currently studying to earn his Master’s Degree in applied chemistry. Nick D’Aloisio, a 17-year-old British-Australian entrepreneur, recently sold one of his apps to Yahoo! for 30 million dollars. Feeling lame? We are too. And although none of these youngsters can legally purchase or consume alcohol or gamble at a casino, they’ve accomplished plenty. Rather than feel inadequate, let’s appreciate and be inspired by the greatness of our fellow under-twenty-somethings. All hope is not lost for the Millennials.

Forgot something in your car that you need for next period? Forget about it. Left your backpack on campus too late and can’t seem to find it? Go check security because they’ve probably confiscated it and rifled through your belongings. Were you going seven miles per hour in the parking lot? Look out for your $60 “ticket” in the mail. Kiss the visiting alumni goodbye— if you’re seen with them, you both will be personally escorted to Mr. Thiebach’s office. These rules have been buried in the handbook for years, but only recently have they started being enforced. We spent middle school looking forward to the freedom and independence of high school, but now, we’re treated like rambunctious delinquents.

The due date for community service hours is right around the corner and some of us are still stuck on hour one. Kudos to the overachievers who got their hours in on the first day of school. As for the rest of you who need to finish—or even start—your hours, April 9 is sooner than you think. You don’t have to be Mother Teresa; there are 42 different community service projects that Mrs. Jensen has suggested on the school website that are calling your name. And quit complaining about it. Service shouldn’t be a burden. You’ll be okay if you take one hour out of the 168 in a week to give back to the community. It’s sad to think of all the seniors who weren’t able to dance the night away at Semi-winter Semi-formal because they failed to complete or turn in their hours. Let’s show a little selflessness by giving back to the community and having a positive attitude about it.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FACT.CO.UK

THE BAROMETER GIRLS’ SOCCER

Though the Thursday night stands are often only filled with Parker “soccer moms” and students whose parents haven’t picked them up yet, the girls’ varsity soccer team has clearly stood out this winter. The Lady Lancers have been storming up fields across the county with an undefeated season so far. A combination of talented leading seniors and strong incoming freshmen has created an excellent “Nerd Herd” that gets less attention than it deserves. Thanks, Bishops!

ASB REBOUND

With its ups and major downs last year, it is remarkable how well the Associated Student Body has recovered. The energy they have been investing in the students is paying off in the form of more—and better—events and an increase in school spirit. Haters gonna hate, but, we have to admire their commitment to student opinion, and thank them for it.

SPEED BUMPS

While the freshmen may be relieved that they won’t be getting mowed down on their way back from 7-11, these new speed bumps are really doing a number on our suspensions.

SWITCH-UPS

Semi-winter Semi-formal was an exciting way to “switch up the norm,” but the option was met with a blizzard of criticism and debate. The opportunity for girls and guys to ask whomever they wanted added interest to the usual dance buzz, but standing in the way of the fun were a decisive lack of spirit and a commitment to party pooping.

WHERE’S MY WIFI?

It’s an art of timing and location: a free period no one else has on that specific sofa in the library with only one tab open. Otherwise, there’s no chance at getting speedy Internet. Anywhere 100 yards beyond the center of campus results in disappointment. Maybe the increase in smart phones and iPads is to blame. Whatever it is, we miss the days of checking Facebook in the locker rooms without wasting our own precious data.

FESTIVAL FLAUNTING

Yes, we know Coachella is an incredible lineup this year and yes, we know that both OutKast and Arcade Fire are going to be there. We are genuinely excited for you, but our tolerance is fading and fading fast. Have fun, go crazy, and enjoy the music to your heart’s content. Just stop talking about it until April.

fpsthescribe.org

HOMEWORK HEADACHES WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE AND WHAT SHOULD STAY THE SAME ARTICLE BY DANIEL LEIBOWITZ PHOTOGRAPH BY GRACE SELLICK

With the piles of reading, math problems, science labs and history projects, it’s easy for Parker students to feel overwhelmed.

t’s something that stu-

dents have in common, something they can complain about when there’s nothing else to do. It’s the oft-used scapegoat of students who feel worn out from sports, academic life or social drama. It’s homework. But there’s another side of homework. From a different perspective, homework is a useful tool in the teacher’s arsenal, a way to extend the learning experience beyond the classroom. The evolution of homework in modern schools has made it a burden to the average high school student. It can cause students to lose sleep, resulting in counterproductive effects in the classroom, such as inability to focus and to retain important lesson material. Not all the blame can be put on homework

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

itself, though. “There’s a lot less homework now [at Parker] than there used to be,” says English teacher Mr. Phil Fickling. If this is truly the case, it would suggest that students are possibly stay up later than necessary due to procrastination and distractions. “You know, kids 10 years ago did not spend most of their night on Facebook,” says Upper School metalworking and social studies teacher Mr. Tom Crowley. Homework also negatively affects students’ social time as well as time to indulge in hobbies. This loss of time is significant, since such activities are important factors in lowering student stress levels and increasing happiness. Of the 131 students who responded

to a Scribe survey, 47 percent said that they think they have too much homework. It’s quite hard to feel excited about learning when you’re unhappy. “I would like to be able to be with friends longer after school instead of immediately having to go home and do my homework,” says senior McKenna Allard. At Parker, homework is implemented in such a way that students view it as a chore rather than as an opportunity to further a learning process that they were intended to be enthusiastic about. This raises an important question: why do so many students look instinctively at homework in a negative light? It’s because homework has become something that many teachers feel they must assign each night,

even if it ends up just being busy work. “Definitely there’s the need to construct good quality homework assignments,” says Crowley. “Ones that aren’t just having kids do busy work or aren’t directly related to the classroom.” Busy work in the form of homework assignments can often make students resent homework, and by association, the corresponding classes. This is not the way that homework is or was supposed to be. Both teachers and students have a responsibility to change their approach to homework. When employed properly, homework is an effective tool for schools to try and teach their students time management and self-discipline. In the future, no-

body is going to have any sympathy if someone is late to work or struggles to stay awake during the day after spending the night procrastinating on social media sites. If the current way homework is used makes it difficult for students to enjoy or love the learning process, then there is something wrong with the system. The core structure of the modern education system is based on the one created hundreds of years ago to train

“

highly educated civil servants for the British empire. The system is outdated. In the October 2013 issue of The Atlantic, an article pointed out that other countries around the world have already started to advance their education structure beyond that of the United States. The Global Education Index—which compares the effective education levels in different countries—ranks Finland first in global education. America is ranked 21st. Finnish students average 30 minutes of homework each night. American students average one hour or more. They have less homework than American students, and appear to be more academically advanced. Homework does not correlate to achievement. Teachers should take into consideration that homework should be assigned with one purpose: increasing student understanding with assignments that are relevant to class. Busy work is not the right way to go. “I think the idea of homework is good, but I think teachers need to coordinate with each other on homework loads,” says freshman Alexandra Kenny. Teachers should also take extra care to make sure that they keep homework levels reasonable. “I feel like some people maybe overcompensate with homework by saying, ‘more grades, more averages,’ so that’s why I think that people lose sight of ‘less is more’ sometimes,” says Assistant Head of Upper School Mr. Marc Thiebach. While homework is a good learning tool, too much of it becomes counterproductive and actually yields lower test scores. The National Education Association recommends that students add 10 minutes of homework for every year they have been at school. This means that freshmen should have 90 minutes of homework, sophomores should have 100 minutes, ju-

Learning is a life-long endeavor that can and should be allowed into your life as a way to fulfill yourself and your mind.”

niors should have 110, and seniors two hours. There are a lot of aspects of the current homework system that need to change, but they don’t all have to do with homework itself. Students also need to change the way that they think about and treat homework as part of their general education. “Students are not being asked to do nearly as much as they were in the past,” says Crowley. “It’s just that their social lives and other activities outside of school have come to dominate them.” Students have a tendency to focus much more on grades and GPAs than on engaging in and enjoying the learning experience itself. Learning is a life-long endeavor that can and should be allowed into your life as a way to fulfill yourself and your mind. While grades are definitely essential in getting into college, they should be a product of working well because students enjoy what they’re learning at school. Good grades should not stem from treating school as a chore to be completed as quickly as possible. We should entertain the possibility that homework doesn’t make our lives that miserable. We should appreciate our unique privilege to simply be able to learn the things we learn. And in addition, realize that by being more positive about homework—fitting it into our lives alongside athletics, clubs, and our social lives—we are preparing for the next phase in our lives, where the minor responsibility of homework becomes negligible in comparison to the full experience of adulthood.

WHAT STUDENTS THINK “There is less sleep, family time, or time to pursue other interests. It makes kids dread school. The busy work confuses what material is actually important. It teaches time management, but with too much sacrifice.” —Sophomore Grace Barrett “I cannot hang out with my friends and family because I have too much homework and I cannot do my favorite sport, surfing, when I want to because I need to do homework.” —Freshman Ryley Ryan “I see almost no non-academic benefit to homework. I do see its academic benefits, but still does it outweigh my personal well being?” —Senior Rickey Leary WHAT TEACHERS THINK “I can’t imagine that anyone who is functionally literate could possibly spend more than an hour on the amount that people get here at Francis Parker now. There’s just not very much.” —Mr. Phil Fickling “If I give you homework just because I feel like I need to, I think that’s ridiculous.” —Mr. Marc Thiebach “We have a system still, where you guys [Parker students] are pitted against each other in more of a competitive system. You’re trying to outdo the other person in your grade or trying to get to the top of the class, and it’s about you as an individual. So, things like that need to be looked at as well.” —Mr. Tom Crowley

fpsthescribe.org

“

Anybody who has a social conscience would choose a national health system.” —Ms. Melanie Taylor

hen

upper

school math teacher Mrs. Erin Feldman first moved to the United States at 24, she was nearly arrested at the doctor’s office for leaving without paying her copay. Coming from Canada, a country with a nationalized healthcare system, she had never payed a doctor or insurance company in her life. “I was just so used to every-

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

thing being free,” she says. “It was totally a foreign concept that you’d go to the doctor and have to pay something. In Canada, you never get a bill, you never see a bill, you don’t even know that the government is paying for your services.” Her experience in Canada is certainly not the norm in the U.S. The “free” market healthcare system that was in place until last year allowed citizens the choice to buy private health insurance if they so

AN ACT OF CARING? WHY OBAMACARE IS NOT THE ANSWER ARTICLE BY JAY GARDENSWARTZ ARTWORK BY REMI MOONEY

desired. However, according to the nonprofit and nonpartisan health care research group the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average cost of healthcare per person has risen 714 percent since 1960, even accounting for inflation and cost of living increases. The system in place was not functioning properly. That being said, the current solution does little to help the 16 million Americans living without health insurance. The United

States is one of only three countries out of the 30 developed nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development without a universal healthcare system. While “Obamacare” attempts to relieve some of the social and financial pressures the uninsured are faced with, in truth, its restrictive nature and inflationary results only compound their difficulties. The U.S. needs a public healthcare option.

OP W H AT I S I T ? On March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or simply “Obamacare.” The first major piece of healthcare legislation since the Social Security Amendments of 1965, the almost 11,000page document includes hundreds of new regulations and programs. Among the most controversial changes is the law’s “mandate” that 47 million uninsured Americans purchase health coverage by March 31, 2014. Those who fail to do so will face fines. In order to help the one-third of these people who are uninsured because they cannot afford coverage, the law provides subsidies to those living between 100 percent to 400 percent of the poverty line. The law also makes it easier for states to expand Medicaid, the welfare insurance program already in existence for those living in abject poverty. In California, for example, Medicaid is now offered to most people living below the poverty line. However, 23 states have yet to expand their Medicaid programs, leaving a gap for those who are too young to receive Medicare and not poor enough to receive Medicaid, yet too poor to qualify for healthcare subsidies. In addition to the mandate, the ACA places new regulations on private insurance companies. Young adults can now remain on their parents’ healthcare plans until age 26, instead of being forced to purchase their own plan at 21, as was the case before. The ACA requires insurance providers to cover preventative care such as immunizations, screenings, and for women, FDA-approved contraception. Insurance companies are also banned from placing caps on the monetary amount of coverage an individual can receive. Most important to many individuals, insurance companies are now prohibited from denying or limiting coverage to anyone, including those with preexisting conditions, such as birth defects or diseases. For Parker’s resident registered nurse, Mrs. Maggie West, this is a key component to the new law. She tells a story in which her

former secretary’s son was denied coverage by numerous insurance providers because he had diabetes, forcing his father to remain working in an unappealing job solely so that he could stay on his employer’s health plan. “That’s just outrageous,” West says, “and not going to be the case now with the Affordable Care Act.”

HOW IS IT F L AW E D ? Despite the new regulations the ACA places on insurance providers, for many people, the new law does not go far enough. In truth, its greatest beneficiaries will be the insurance companies, as millions of new customers will now be purchasing coverage. At the end of the day, the ultimate goal of insurance companies and private hospitals will always be to make money. However, in order to make a profit, the hospitals and insurance providers must charge customers more than the cost of the treatment alone. When you buy a T-shirt at a store, you will always pay more than just the price of the shirt because you are also paying the store’s markup— the extra fee they charge in order to make a profit. This is why some hospitals bills reflect what appear to be obscenely overpriced charges, as is the case with MD Anderson hospital in Houston, Texas, which charges $1.50-per Tylenol pill and $77 for a four-pack of gauze, according to Time magazine. The purpose of the ACA, in addition to regulating insurance companies, was to reduce the overall costs of healthcare coverage. The thought was that if more people were to sign up for coverage, the average cost would decrease—supply and demand. This simply has not been the case. In November, 2013, Forbes reported that since the ACA was rolled out, individual-market premiums have increased by an average of 41 percent, with six states showing an average increase greater than 80 percent. Perhaps rates will fall eventually, but they certainly aren’t doing so now.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS? What if the goal of healthcare was not to turn a profit, but to provide the best possible services? How much could be done with the billions of dollars that would no longer be flowing to the CEOs of the “big five” insurance corporations and major hospital chains? According to Mike West, son of Nurse West and a senior at George Washington University studying public health, this could be possible by providing a public healthcare option. “When you look at a private market like we have today, the barriers to entry for new insurance companies are so high that it’s pretty unrealistic for them to have a competitive edge,” he says. “When those ‘big five’ companies are able to change their prices at their whims and make so much money, it’s not capitalism—it’s called a market imperfection. Having a public option would force the private insurers to look at what the public option is offering and adjust to that.” In a public healthcare system—like the one in Canada and over 50 other countries around the world—citizens have the choice to buy private insurance, partake in the government-provided option paid for by taxes, or some combination of the two. As the government option need only break even, not make a profit, it is often the case that the increase in taxes is less than the average cost of a private insurance plan. “If you moved to somewhere in Canada from California, which has a high income tax, the amount of taxes you pay might not end up being that different,” Feldman says. There are certainly drawbacks to publically-funded healthcare. Often, those who utilize the government’s healthcare option are subjected to longer emergency room wait times and delays in scheduled treatments, as surgeries are scheduled on a most-important to least-important basis rather than first-come, first-serve. Yet for most, these inconveniences pale in comparison to the benefits of a public system. A 2012 poll by the Association of Canadian Studies

found that 94 percent of respondents thought of their health care system as a source of national pride, and 74 percent called it “very important.” For upper school 2D-art teacher Ms. Melanie Taylor, who has lived in England off-and-on for nearly half her life and has utilized their National Health Service, the question is not an economic one, but rather ethical. Identifying as “pro-national healthcare,” she also takes pride in her nation’s system. “Anybody who has a social conscience would choose a national health system,” Taylor says. “Ethically it’s the right thing to do. To have a profit-making system that is so much about money—that doesn’t seem right. I would rather live in a society that took care of its citizens.”

GLOSSARY Poverty Line: The estimated minimum level of income needed to secure the necessities of life. In the U.S., it’s approximately $11,300 to $45,000 annually for a single individual below the age of 65, according to the National Poverty Center. Medicaid: A subsidized social healthcare program in the U.S. for individuals and families living in poverty. Medicare: A national social-insurance program in the U.S. for those over the age of 65 who have paid into the system throughout their working lives. Premiums: The amount that must be paid for your health insurance plan, usually split up into monthly, quarterly, or annual payments. Individual-market premiums are those paid directly by the consumer and not through an employer or other health insurance provider. “Big Five” Insurance Corporations: The five largest health insurance companies in the U.S., together covering for nearly half of the insured American population: Humana, Cigna, WellPoint, Aetna, and UnitedHealth.

fpsthescribe.org

YOU CAN(’T) SIT WITH US A LOOK INTO PARKER’S FRIEND GROUP DYNAMICS ARTICLE BY CAROLINE MERKIN ILLUSTRATION BY SARAH NICITA

igh School: there’s

the jocks, the mathletes, the band geeks, the goody- goodies, the foreign fanatics, the punk rockers, the partiers, the wannabees, and the queen bees. However, here at Parker, there’s not such an extreme sense of segregation. As much as we may wish our school was a scene from Mean Girls, it’s not, and most schools are the same way. We find a way to work amongst each other, academic genius to athletic superstar. Maybe it’s because we’re small. Maybe it’s because we all get along? Or maybe that’s just how it is here. We are quite lucky to be so

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

non-exclusive. However, many Parker students fail to realize how fortunate they are and how different the social aspect of Parker is in comparison to other schools. Although many students take our communal social group of students for granted, some still see the specific benefits it has provided. “At public schools you don’t really know anyone besides the set group of friends you associate yourself with [because the cliques are more exclusive there],” presumes freshman Maggie Oswald. “But here, you can say hi to anyone.” A clique is defined as a small group of people, with shared interests or other features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them. Both students and parents tend to automatically associate cliques with bullying. Even when the word clique is searched on Google, the top results that pop up are sites on how to deal with bullying. However, that’s not necessarily the case. “I just see those kind of cliques in movies. Cliques at Parker are much more inclusive,” says sophomore Indiana Yaley. Junior, Hannah Lettington and senior Kate Lemberg have observed that the groups at Parker tend be more exclusive, however agreeing that it really depends on who you’re dealing with and approaching. “There’s this negative connotation to cliques because [they’re] associated with exclusivity, and exclusivity is not necessarily a good thing,” says Lemberg. There’s a difference between sequestered, selective grouping, and groups of people in general. It’s naive to think that cliques are dangerously rampant among high school campuses. This belief has spread so far that many teens fear coming to school, and look for in-

“

formation on how to deal with bullies and cliques. “I think in a clique there’s more exclusiveness, and a friend group is just kind of people you relate to and want to spend your time with,” Lettington says. Not all cliques restrict kids from “joining” or socializing amongst them. In reality, especially at Parker, cliques tend to simply be a handful of people who have experienced the same thing, or share a similar quality or activity. “I think they [cliques] are good for some people because they provide a set group of friends, but in a general sense, if there are too many cliques, it’s hard to find new friends and it’s overwhelming,” says senior Omar Harb. “Cliques at Parker happen because there’s a certain personality fit, but you don’t feel an exclusive barrier from socializing with them.” “I think cliques have this bad reputation as being super negative, but a clique is going to happen if there’s a group of people who enjoy being in each other’s presence,” says Junior Margaret MacVean. “Cliques” at Parker mesh with others. The majority of students don’t even have a set group of friends. Rather, they associate themselves with kids from all different backgrounds. They’re not confined to a select few. “It’s just like a group of friends and we’re not afraid to merge with other people,” Yaley says. “We don’t restrict ourselves to only each other. You just gravitate towards people who are more like you. Even the teachers have cliques.” “The boundaries, or lines, that are normally put up at other schools are definitely crossed here. It’s not like, ‘Oh, you have to be in football to be friends with those people,’” MacVean says. There’s not enough students at school to create such boundaries

There’s this negative connotation to cliques because [they’re] associated with exclusivity, and exclusivity is not necessarily a good thing.” —Kate Lemberg

against one another anyways. “It’s really such a small school that there’s not many noticeable cliques compared to most high schools,” says freshman Adam Gordon. “There’s only around one hundred kids per grade,” Oswald points out. “So we kind of all group together.” Junior James Foster admits to having an “obvious group of friends [he] hangs out with more than others,” but says that he enjoys to get to know other people too. “It’s kind of natural to hang out with people you share a common interest with. However, all these groups come together to create this one big bond. It’s like a family relationship because there’s so many different personalities coming together.” Parker students have realized that we’re not going to get anywhere or enjoy ourselves during our high school years if we don’t experience all people, whether they’re similar to us or not. And for that reason we

are very fortunate. “I’ve always felt like I can branch out and bounce around from group to group,” Harb decided. Just like good ol’ High School Musical said, “we’re all in this together.”

fpsthescribe.org

CROSSFIRE: SPEECH CLASS THE GREAT DEBATE: REQUIREMENT OR OPTIONAL? ARTWORK BY ISAAC GRAY ARTICLE BY JULIANNA D’AURIA (PRO) AND MYLA ANDREWS (CON)

alk up to the po-

dium with confidence. Keep still, maintain eye contact with the audience, smile, stay on topic: the steps to making a successful speech. In knowing these concepts, students are able to produce a presentation that grabs the audience’s attention. “Francis Parker strives to produce well-rounded students,” says

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

senior Chris Miyahira, who took speech the summer before his sophomore year. “Public speaking is one of the most [important] qualities anybody can provide.” Fundamentals of Speech Communication has been offered at Parker since 1990. For the first time, the school is incorporating this class into the Life Skills curriculum for freshmen. By making it a requirement for everyone to take this class, Parker is ensuring their students learn communication skills that will be needed throughout their lives. The class is a mandatory trimester course that used to be offered to all grades during the school year and as a summer course. As part of the freshman curriculum, it allows students to develop these speaking skills early on in high school. Sophomore Kate Liang took speech class the summer before her freshman year. “Freshman year was the least busy, which made it easier to handle the class,” Liang says. Lessons on speechmaking are hard to include in core classes because they are time-consuming and difficult for teachers to fit in effectively, in addition to their required curriculum. It is hard for a student to improve their presentation skills when there are long gaps between each speech assignment. “Teachers don’t have time to teach speech,” says Mrs. Elise Marinkovich, one of the summer session speech teachers. “They already have so much on their plate and having an organized class dedicated to the learning of how to give effective oral presentations is better.” “I think often [teachers] assume that our kids know how to do everything because we have such high achieving students,” says Ms. Nancy Anderson, a summer speech teacher. “I think it’s our responsibility to make sure that we are giving students strategies and are providing students a place for them to practice these strategies. And speech does that.” The idea behind speech class is to get a student to a level of comfort where one is able to address people, whether in an intimate classroom setting or in a packed stadium. It can be nerve-racking to get up in front of a group of

peers and give a speech, but this class provides students with a safe environment. Students can reduce any anxiety they may have and gain the confidence to present information in front of a crowd. “I love to see that light bulb that goes off in students when they realize that it’s not as hard as they thought it was going to be,” says Mr. Gordon Cantiello, who has been a speech teacher for twenty years. A popular speech assignment in the class is the demonstration speech. This speech teaches students how to multitask and it shows a way a student can present while also having fun. “The many calories consumed from the demonstration speeches are essential to every student’s well-being,” says senior Elisa Greenberg, who took the class the summer before freshman year. “We all know Parker students are perpetually hungry.” This class teaches vital skills about communication that students will be applying to daily life, whether it be through daily conversation or speaking in front of a group of people. While applying for colleges, internships, and jobs, one often must go through an interview. The skills learned in speech are the same that might help one to make a good first impression. “During a college interview, I gauged my audience and easily adapted to the ebb and flow of the conversation,” says Miyahira. “Now, I can approach public speaking opportunities with ease because of my understanding of the speech presenting process.” Some might prefer this class be optional for people who want to improve their speaking skill. The problem with this solution is that the students who struggle to be confident speakers most likely wouldn’t opt to take this class. The benefits of this course are lifelong skills. From making a business presentation, to toasting at a friends wedding, speech prepares students to be comfortable speaking in front of a group of people. The class may not seem appealing, but the rewards gained from speech far outweigh any negative sides of the course.

wamped with home-

work and exhausted from sports practice, you throw down your books on your desk and collapse into a chair. Looking down at your already extensive list of homework, you stare at your speech textbook and sigh. You speak in public every day, so what’s the point of yet another class to add to your homework load? Learning to speak publicly is undoubtedly an important skill to learn, as it allows us to articulate our own thoughts and ideas to others. A speech class uniquely designed by Parker has been mandatory for the last 24 years, since the administration determined that it’s a skill important enough to be taught as a separate class. However, for Parker students who already possess the skills necessary to speak well, the class may not need to be a requirement. “Our curriculum already incorporates practice with public speaking in day-to-day classes,” says sophomore Ana Nazari. “So an extra class to teach us things we already learn elsewhere isn’t useful.” The class is of great inconvenience to those who aren’t troubled by public speaking to begin with, as it adds additional work and time spent either over the summer, as a zero period, or in an extra class during the day with no significant benefits. It is time both lost for schoolwork and extracurriculars. The Middle School, which once required speech for its students, phased it out due to its incompatibility with the schedule. “We refined the Arts descriptions, and since English is where Speech should be, it did not fit in,” says former Middle School speech

teacher, Ms. Ellen Burns. Sophomore Athena Zander does not find public speaking to be a challenge. She says that the structure of the class is not necessarily effective in teaching the students to be confident outside of the classroom. “So much of the class grade is dependent upon the test grades, and the tests are on extremely detailed questions that are mostly about memorization instead of public speaking skills,” Zander says. “We work on memorizing for the tests which is a short term, time-wasting thing.” Speech class is time-consuming as it is, and the fact that a large portion of the workload is focused on textbook readings, as opposed to actual public speaking, seems counterproductive. As for the speeches that are assigned, students may not be taking much away from the overall experience. “It gives me a little more confidence in public speaking, but the types of speeches we do aren’t very useful to the types of speeches I have to do in other classes,” says freshman Kylie Bleakley. “They are often very random and pointless.” While the concept of a speech class does sound promising, the format of the curriculum does not seem to translate outside of the class itself. Enrolling in speech class indicates that the student will gain confidence in the real world when faced with public speaking situations. Yet Sean Naficy, ’13, who took this class during his senior year, believes otherwise. “Outside of Parker, this specific class was not of great use to me because I already learned how to publicly speak,” Naficy says. “Most of my peers agreed that most of the

material was unneeded,” However, not all students are naturally confident speakers. According to Forbes magazine, glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is one of the most common fears in America. Millions of people are horrified by the idea of speaking in front of a crowd, so why inflict this upon unwilling and potentially phobic students? Senior Thomas Marshall proposes a solution. “If a student is shy or uncomfortable addressing or even being in crowds, a course should be designed to address this,” Marshall says. “This would be speech class,

a non-mandatory speaking class, strongly suggested for some, organized through the Learning Center, in no way a graduation requirement.” Speech classes should not be forced upon students who are already confident with their speech abilities or those who possess an immense fear against it, as it is induces unnecessary stress on both parties. To encourage students to take the class, it could be something added to a college resumé for prestige, but for the time being, it should become an option versus remaining a requirement.

fpsthescribe.org

The man who left an unforgettable mark on his country and the world, Nelson Mandela deserves to live on through his legacy, ideals, and people.

Mandela became the first black president of South Africa. This marked the end of a long period of turmoil in the country, and Mandela became a symbol of perseverance, determination, and hope. He transformed South Africa from a divided country at war with itself, into a nation reborn. He created the country as it is now known; a diverse state with a vibrant culture—The Rainbow Nation. “After the practice and methods of subjugating the nonwhite races and the atrocities perpetrated, a civil war was, according to many people, the only logical outcome,” says South African citizen and my grandfather Ernest Leibowitz. Mandela, to the amazement of the world, managed to bring South Africa back from the brink of a devastating civil war. Mandela is best known to the world for his activism against oppression of black South Africans during Apartheid in the country in the 20th century. Through a variety of different methods, some of them violent, contrary to popular belief, Mandela fought tirelessly to bring equality to the country he was born in and loved. “His practice of reconciliation demonstrated by his many overt moves in that direction set the tone for others to follow,” Leibowitz says. After his term in office was up, Mandela spend the rest of his life as a voice across the globe for peace and equality. A prime example is the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, a charity founded by Mandela to give less fortunate children an opportunity to grow and succeed. “By reaching a hand of friendship out to the people who fought so bitterly to destroy him, he gave us a view of leadership that is sorely needed in a world driven by conflict and needless destruction,” says Tana Slomowitz, a South African citizen of 70 years. Mandela changed the modern view of leadership, and set a righteous example for successors and other leaders around the world to follow. “I feel so privileged to have lived in his lifetime,” says Slomowitz. Mandela has not only had a large effect on older generations. The younger generation of Millennials has also been seriously in-

FATHER OF THE RAINBOW NATION NELSON MANDELA AND HIS LEGACY ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL LEIBOWITZ

September

12, 1997, I was born in a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. As a fourth generation South African, I come from a family that has lived through the turmoil of Apartheid and is as much a part of the modern history of the country as one could be. I grew up learning about Nelson Mandela in school. He was a powerful presence in the lives of all modern South Africans, including myself, and neither his death nor my immigration to the United States four years ago has changed the fact that he remains an inspiration and role model to me. I was not alive or old enough to know much about political or civil rights affairs during the time that Mandela completed most of the work he is most famous for. Nonetheless, Mandela is someone who symbolizes hope, determination, and peace in my life. His

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

death was heartwrenching for me, because one of the most important living embodiments of the country I grew up in is now gone. It’s extremely hard to witness a piece of your homeland wither away. Now that I am older and more mature, the ideals that Mandela fought for and the meaning of all his actions are much easier for me to understand. He embodied everything that is right with the world. He was the person we should all try to be, and somebody whom I will never forget. Much like Martin Luther King day in the United States, I remember every July 18 was Nelson Mandela day; it was a time to celebrate and learn. On this day, my classmates and I would sit down in social studies classes and re-visit the terrors of Apartheid—as well as the work Mandela did during that time, and what it meant for our country. On May 10, 1994, Nelson

fluenced by Mandela’s actions and symbolism. I asked two friends of mine from South Africa about their thoughts on Mandela. “Nelson Mandela was the greatest of men, “ says Connor Meiring, 17 years old. “In people’s eyes all around the world he is up there with the likes of Gandhi and Mother Theresa.” “He allowed me to be part of the born-free generation [1994onwards],” says Alex Jordi, 17 years old. “This has allowed me to have an open mind and be born discrimination-free. He changed a nations opinion. South Africa as a whole though has been deeply affected and saddened [by his death].” While he may no longer live, Mandela’s influence on the world and the ideas for which he stood and was prepared to die will live on for ages to come.

INSIDE MANDELA’S WORLD MADIBA

The name of the clan of which Mandela was a member. A clan name is much more important than a surname as it refers to the ancestor from which a person is descended. It is considered very polite to use someone’s clan name.

ROLIHLAHLA

Mandela’s birth name. It is a name in the isiXhosa language that means “pulling the branch of a tree”, but colloquially it means “troublemaker”. His father gave him this name.

TATA

This isiXhosa word means “father” and is a term of endearment that many South Africans use for Mandela. Since he was a father figure to many, they call him Tata, regardless of their own age.

F E AT U R E S sink or swim? pg. 18 I lending a helping hand pg. 20 more than a mechanic pg. 21 I across the street pg. 22

PHOTOGRAPH BY GRACE SELLICK

Mark Twain students (from left) Kevin, Michelle, and Amanda enjoy their half-day lunch period. fpsthescribe.org

SINK OR SWIM SEAWORLD IS IN HOT WATER ARTICLE BY OLIVIA FIDLER ARTWORK BY SARAH NICITA

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

s San Diegans,

SeaWorld is inherently a significant part of our culture. Many of us grew up in the Splash Zone, surrounded by snaggletoothed sand tigers in Shark Encounter and laughing over the corny one-liners in the same sea lion comedy routine year after year. But recently, critical and overwhelmingly negative national attention has cornered the multi-billion dollar corporation following the release of the eye-opening 2013 documentary, Blackfish. Blackfish’s plot centers around the 2010 death of orca trainer Dawn Brancheau by bull orca Tilikum, directly following a “Dine with Shamu” performance at SeaWorld Orlando. The central goal of the film, articulated by director Gabriela Cowperthwaite, is to, with minimal to no bias, display the complications of keeping social yet sometimes aggressive animal in captivity for the majority or entirety of their lives. In an interview with CNN, Cowperthwaite explained she wanted the momentum of the film to “help evolve us out of animals for entertainment,” saying that “these silly marine park tricks are of no social, educational or conservational value.” Among other things, the size of the tank, amount of exercise and the performance aspect of orcas’ lives differ completely from their native waters in the Arctic Ocean and some tropical sea regions, living for the most part unaffected by humans. Attention paid to the capturing of killer whales became prevalent in the late 1970s, when the inhumane treatments of whales first surfaced. Before strict regulations were put in place, Tilikum was taken into captivity, captured in 1983 at two years old off the coast of Iceland. Being kept in a restrictive boat stall after capture has been hypothesized to be the initial seed of his hostility. In 1991, Tilikum killed the first of three victims when Keltie Byrne, a park visitor, fell into his enclosure. In 1999, victim number two, Daniel P. Dukes, was found dead, floating on Tilikum’s back af-

ter he was trespassing at the Orlando park after hours. Tilikum was separated from other whales for several months, returning to shows in March of 2011, preceding a brief hiatus in December of 2011, and again in the spring of 2012. Marine Biology teacher Mrs. Jill Duehr worked at SeaWorld for six years as an Animal Care Specialist in the Animal Training department, her last several years working as a member of the Dolphin Team. The Blackstone group had yet to purchase the company and the owners at that time were the Anheuser–Busch company, owning the enterprise until 2009. They were illustrated as a familial, pleasant employer during her time there. She felt close and friendly with the vast majority of her fellow co-workers, and working with the animals was enriching as a whole for someone so deeply invested in their livelihood and wellbeing. Not every aspect of her experience was ideal. Duehr describes the animal performance training industry as a “backstabby,” “fiercely competitive business,” especially when the stakes were set based on entertainment value and higher paying positions as a desirable trainer. Duehr sees the film as a far from accurate portrayal of what actually goes on through “halftruths” and highly opinionated statements. “From my personal experience, there are blatant lies in the movie, which is why it’s doing so well. She says they take half-truths and present them as current time, when some of the practices that they present haven’t happened in 30 years,” she says. “Were killer whales collected from the ocean? Yes. But that was in the ’70s and ’80s. That’s why the movie’s so powerful.” Duehr proposes a basic question, a question any viewer, park-goer or activist should ask themselves, Duehr proposes, “Are you okay with animals in captivity? Yes or no. And you can even go one step higher than that—are you okay with intelligent, social animals in captivity? Because somebody could make an argument that an elephant, or a dolphin or a killer whale are different. Maybe they

“

There are other methods of educating which can teach young people that in the wild, not in a cage, is the way to see animals.” —Nicole Morozov serve a greater good.” For kids, the somewhat fictitious idea of “Shamu” represents a rare opportunity to see the epitome of “wild” enclosed right before their eyes, but they don’t tend to think how the orcas feel, enclosed and prevented from doing what their natural instincts crave: to hunt. In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Cowperthwaite said, “We all believed the Happy Shamu myth.” In response to young people’s reaction to the film, she expressed that we are, “the ‘I-can’tbelieve-we-used-to-do-that’ generation, because that’s been the spirit of their strong reaction: ‘How have we been complicit in this for so long? And what can we do to change this?’” Cowperthwaite’s defense of this ambiguous group of young adults resonates with many on Parker’s campus, including animal rights activist senior Nicole Morozov. “I protest frequently, and I am seeing a growing number of people join us in exposing SeaWorld and showing our displeasure towards their practices” she says. “SeaWorld protesters are, by and large, not against the concept of an educational facility that shows animal life to humans. However, there are other methods of educating which can teach young people that in the wild, not in a cage, is the way to see animals. Animals are not ours for entertainment purposes. They should not be kept in the equivalent of prison cells for the duration of their lives.” Although many greatly value the nostalgic sentiment that SeaWorld brings to mind, there’s still controversy over not only the past

mistakes SeaWorld has made, but also their current reaction to the film. There is no denying the fact that for specifically orcas, the only real benefits to keeping them in captivity are education and science, along with the accessibility for anyone to pay and see them perform; SeaWorld has released that explanation in statements to numerous news sources and on their own website. The incredible profits gained by park attendance doesn’t hurt, and is undoubtedly a reason to keep the whales in their parks. But as far as the happiness for the whales themselves, that leads us back to the central question rooted when visiting any zoological institution: are you okay with animals in captivity?

fpsthescribe.org

LENDING A HELPING HAND PARKER’S NEWEST SUPPORT SYSTEM ARTICLE BY MARK KLEIN PHOTOGRAPH BY GRACE SELLICK

e’ve all been

there. There’s just that one thing that you can’t seem to wrap your head around. For some, it may be a math problem, for others, the periodic table. No matter how many times your teacher explains it, it still does not make sense to you. Your classmate leans over and whispers “Look, you just take this number and plug it into the equation to get your answer!” “Oh, now I understand,” you say to yourself, astounded that the answer was right in front of you. It just took a new way of explaining the process for you to comprehend it. This kind of learning is a recently created gem—peer tutoring. Peer tutoring is new to Francis Parker this year. There are about 15 students that have signed up as tutors and around six to eight that are actively involved with other students at this point, varying upon both need and availability. “I saw a need amongst students for a little extra help, and I noticed informally that a lot of students were helping each other already,” says Senior Dean Michelle Adelman, who helped start the program with Learning Center

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

Director Rona Dosick. “I realized that this was a great opportunity for students to connect in ways that they might not otherwise. Not everyone knows someone that is good at a particular subject, but so many kids are talented in different areas and are such natural teachers that this seemed like a good way to connect them.” As Adelman puts it, peer tutoring is not so much a new idea as it is a way to facilitate learning between students. Here’s how it works: if students are in need of some extra help, they may schedule an appointment with a tutor predetermined for the subject. The student can then set up a tutoring session for whenever works best for the student and tutor. This can include after school, lunchtime, and even before school. Junior Corinne Nixon, one of the newest members of peer tutoring, is tutoring in chemistry, geometry, and Algebra II. “When someone comes in saying they need help with something, the teachers will pair you up, and from there you can schedule meetings to help with homework or preparation for a test,” Nixon says. Peer tutoring has not been receiving the publicity that was hoped for in the beginning. Though it is in

the Bulletin almost every day, most students merely glance over it. “No one reads the Bulletin— except to check what lunch is,” says junior Madeleine Casey. It is always hard for a new project to start on campus, and peer tutoring is looking for a better way to get the word out that it is a valuable asset to the school. “Right now, teachers aren’t recommending kids because they forget it’s an option,” Adelman says. “And no parents are remembering that it’s an option, if they even know about it.” Another problem is that it can be hard for a students to ask someone their own age for help, fearful that they may be ridiculed. Even the most outgoing person can have a hard time admitting that they need help. “I just don’t want anyone to know I’m so bad at math,” says a freshman who prefers to remain anonymous. Peer tutoring has also made a substantial impact on the Middle School, with the new Homework Habitat program, an afterschool program designed to provide a quiet study environment for students that require a different workspace. “There was a need for a place that would allow students to

work in a quiet environment, says Dosick. “By having peer tutors there as well, the high schoolers are able to help guide the students through their homework.” Though the Homework Habitat program only started in January, there is already a positive response from both the middle schoolers and their parents. Although the Learning Center is a viable option for those seeking extra help in a certain subject, it is not always necessary. “It’s a matter of degree and what we notice about learning,” says Dosick. There seems to be a gap between classroom learning and the Learning Center, which is a void that peer tutoring can potentially fill. Going to the Learning Center is not always the best option for a student seeking some additional help, as it can be very costly, both time-wise and financially. The student may not always need so much help to begin attending the Learning Center. Sometimes, all it takes is someone your own age explaining something to you. The student next to you may very well be the difference in your grade.

MORE THAN A MECHANIC A LOOK INTO THE LIFE OF THE HEAD MECHANIC ON CAMPUS ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPH BY GABRIEL GROSS-SABLE

e plays on an adult

league soccer team twice a week. He enjoys fishing and camping with family and friends. He likes working on old cars in his spare time. He is a certified bus driver and enjoys driving the sports teams, especially football, soccer, and baseball. Manuel Villasenor, the head mechanic at Francis Parker School, isn’t just an ordinary guy who fixes buses. Although Villasenor takes on many responsibilities, some of them extremely time-consuming, he understands that most jobs are like that. Villasenor is that he gets more out of being a mechanic than anyone can imagine. “Manuel is truly a responsible man, and the best thing about him is that he enjoys his job so much that when you need to ask him a favor, you don’t need to worry about him not wanting to do it,” says Mrs. Debbie Burzynski, Head of Transportation, of Villasenor. “Not only does he follow through with his responsibilities, but he takes care of them with a passion that I have never seen before. It also helps that he is so kind to everyone on campus.” “What I enjoy most about my

job is the closeness of all the employees working together.” Working on the maintenance staff means a lot to him, considering that many of his family members have been employed at Parker in the past. His father was the first, and now his nephews, cousin, and brother in-law work at Parker; It’s like a family business. Through his many years as an employee at Parker, Villasenor has established a routine for himself in order to stay organized. He arrives at 6:30 AM in case he needs to drive for someone or assist a bus driver. After the buses arrive from their morning pickups, he receives the daily reports from the bus drivers. He carefully reads all of the reports and makes any repairs noted by them. Then, he works on required maintenance for all vehicles. “Every 3,000 miles or 45 calendar days, all buses must be inspected and logged on inspection sheets for the California Highway Patrol,” Villasenor says. Along with the responsibilities and duties involved with this detailed routine, Villasenor is also responsible for driving students back to school after sporting events. Being a maintenance worker is more than just fixing things. It’s

an opportunity for Villasenor to be around high school students and see them enjoy themselves. He understands that because of his work, students are able to take the bus and be grateful for services that the school offers. Like anyone who spends an extended period of time in a certain place, Villasenor has created bonds that may last a lifetime. As a result of his many years at Parker, he has developed many friendships with people on campus. His son, also named Manuel, graduated in 2011, so he has had many opportunities to create relationships outside of the workplace. Having worked at Parker since 1981, at one time his wife, sisters and brothers worked at the school. His wife was a teacher’s aid, his sister ran the student store, and his brother was a bus driver. Villasenor is one of the key reasons that we can walk around the campus and appreciate how smoothly everything runs. Although you may not always see him, he is always trying his hardest to set any problems straight, and believe it or not, he might even observe you out of dress code. His family has left a huge mark on Francis Parker, and they’re not stopping now.

BY THE NUMBERS

8 3

vans maintained

trucks maintained

13 45 school buses maintained

days between inspections for each school bus

breakdowns so far in the 2013-2014 school year

fpsthescribe.org

ACROSS THE STREET THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MARK TWAIN AND FRANCIS PARKER

ARTICLE BY MADDIE OTTILIE PHOTOS BY GRACE SELLICK

ark Twain High School students and administrators are tired of their campus being stereotyped as a dangerous “school for dropouts.” “We have foster kids, we have

homeless kids, we have kids on bus passes, living in a hotel, couch surfing, you name it,” says Mark Twain Counselor Ms. Kristin Blackman. “They’re great, great kids. They’re just not as fortunate as you or me growing up. We do have a lot of family issues. They suffer from witnessing a lot of verbal abuse, phys-

ical abuse, drug addiction, more so than other schools.” Yet these students are succeeding in the nurturing environment that Mark Twain provides. Blackman describes the San Diego continuation school as one that rescues students who got lost in large classes at schools of 2,000 and began to fall behind. At Twain, students join much smaller classrooms and get back on track. “I’d love for [everyone] to know that we have a great reputation for success and in our school district. It’s not a school for dropouts,” Blackman says. “We have the lowest suspension and expulsion record of any high school in the district. They love it here, it’s like a family feel. You can be gay here, you can be special ed here, you can be whatever here. A mom, not a mom, a dad. It doesn’t matter if your hair is purple or green or red,

Twain students Michelle, Kevin, and Amanda spend the end of their half day on the monkey bars. Other students enjoy this time by eating lunch or playing soccer.

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

you’re still part of Twain.” Francis Parker and Mark Twain High School are 381 feet from each other, and yet many students feel that the schools couldn’t be farther apart. “I think there’s a bitterness, like a rivalry,” says Parker junior Myles Kenny. Sophomore Simone Tift adds, “We definitely judge them.” Francis Parker School is an independent college preparatory school. The school’s profile says its mission is to “create and inspire a diverse community of independent thinkers whose academic excellence, global perspective, and strength of character prepare them to make a meaningful difference in the world.” According to the profile, there are 507 students at the Upper School, and the class of 2014 has a 34 percent diversity rate among its students.

Mark Twain High School is a continuation school. Its website states that “the main objective of [the school] is to help students refocus their educational goals” and to assist students in “meeting their high school graduation requirements.” According to the School Accountability Report Card issued in Spring 2013 for the 2011-2012 school year, the school had 305 students on the three campuses (Linda Vista, Mira Mesa, and Skyline), and only a small percentage met or exceeded state standards in English and math in standardized tests. The Report Card listed the school’s student population, with the largest demographic groups stated as 64.3 percent Hispanic, 12.5 percent white, and 11.8 percent African-American. An administrator says there are about 20 teenage mothers who attend the school. Students at Twain and Parker

rarely interact, leaving them with misconceptions about what takes place on each other’s campuses. Two small groups of Parker and Twain students had the opportunity to sit down and learn about each other. Across Linda Vista Road, in Mark Twain’s main office, administrators warmly greeted their Parker visitors. Christmas decorations lined the desks and walls. Students expressed gratitude for caring administrators and the opportunity for a second chance to attend high school. Twain students were surprised when they saw the Parker visitors. One passing student asked, “You’re from Francis Parker? What are you guys doing here?” Students from both schools express opinions that are shaped from a distance. Twain students view Parker students as wealthy and spoiled. “Everyone here thinks you guys are very snobby,” says Amanda, a senior at Mark Twain. “I think all white people go there, [they’re] all preppy,” says a female Twain student who wished to remain anonymous. “I think [they’re] rich, at least in my mind. I bet you guys all think we’re black and bad and terrible.” Francis Parker Assistant Head of Upper School Marc Thiebach acknowledged that Parker students may have their own ideas about the Twain community. “They look at us as the rich private school and we look at them as the kids who got kicked out of other schools, so they must not be good kids,” Thiebach says. “I think in some cases, [Parker students are] scared to death of them.” “[They’re] secondhand students. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but they made poor decisions in life,” says Parker junior James Foster. “Sometimes I feel intimidated. They’re in big groups. They occupy the opposite side of the street.” Other Parker students expressed similar views. “It’s not safe for Parker students [to go on the Mark Twain campus],” says Parker junior Grant Shives. “Most of those Mark Twain students are actually fairly dangerous. It’s not racist, it’s true.” Students on both sides of the street are quick to make assumptions about the other, yet most—if not all—have never had a conversa-

“

Everybody here has a different story, but we’re all here for the same reason.” —Amanda tion with someone from the other school. So what is the truth? “Everyone here has a different story, but we’re all here for the same reason,” Amanda says. The reason? They all want to finish high school and get on with brighter futures. The reason most often cited for entering Twain is that a student, low on academic credits, had faced difficulties and now wants to finish high school. Though it is a common route to the school, it isn’t the only one. Many other students face unfortunate circumstances outside the classroom. “Most kids aren’t here because they party too much or because they don’t come to school,” says one Twain senior, Kevin. “It’s mainly because they sometimes have problems and those problems sometimes carry to school, where they can’t concentrate because they’re thinking about other things. I had problems at home, and a lot of other students here have the same issues. Since coming here, we’ve been able to resolve those problems and our future looks a lot brighter now.” The students also mentioned their diverse and accepting student body. In the Twain community, it doesn’t matter how or why you arrived. “Everybody’s different,” Blackman says. “They want respect, so they give respect.” With this smaller, more communal feel, students find that the more individualized learning environment helps them to achieve success. “This school saved me,” Amanda says. “I would be graduating three years behind if it wasn’t for this school.” Twain students seek to clarify the misconceptions about them. One by one, they express the feeling that Twain has given them a “second chance” to succeed in life, and that faculty has supported them every step of the way. They made it clear that they are not dissimilar

from Parker students in their goals. “Getting an education and having a career is cool to me,” explains Twain senior Michelle, who says she loves all subjects in school. Kevin “[wants] to become a mechanical engineer, design cars for Chevrolet, or design machines to help people in their everyday lives.” He describes his ideas for creating mobile hospitals in a variety of transportations. Amanda plans on “graduating and going straight into a nursing program, and eventually, going to work in the emergency room.” Twain Vice Principal Ms. Jo Berman admits that the students have lots of energy. “These kids will try you to death,” she says. Berman’s enthusiasm for her students is infectious. She recounts an anecdote of one of her favorite students, a young mother who is now attending law school. Over the hour, numerous other students drift in and out of her office, stopping to share news or pick up belongings they had stored behind her desk. The walls of her office are lined with student artwork. The support of faculty and administrators does not go unnoticed by students. “They help us so much,” Michelle says. “If we can’t get to school, they’ll find a way for us to get bus passes. They’ll find ways for us to be here. They care about our education, not just getting us out of here.” Across the street, Thiebach recalls his own experiences at the school. “Trust me,” he says, “they’re herding those kids out of there.” Thiebach recounts going to Twain when he was first getting his teaching credential and discovering teachers who “think this is their calling. And you can tell those teachers [think], ‘I’m gonna save one of these kids.’ So there’s good people there.” But Thiebach also describes the school as one with “police cars right in their parking lot.” fpsthescribe.org

Some Parker students express regret that Twain students may not understand them either. “We’re not just a bunch of rich kids that all judge them,” says Parker junior Sarah Ogle. “For the most part, [people] here are pretty down to earth,” says Parker junior Jordan Cantor. “Everyone that goes here works really hard. It’s not as easy as some people think.” Foster sees the common ground between the students at both schools. “We surround ourselves in this idea that we’re much more on a pedestal over other people,” Foster says. “We think too much of ourselves; I think too much of myself. Sometimes, I might think of myself as higher up than Mark Twain, but really, we’re equals. We’re all students just trying to get somewhere.” With so much misunderstanding between students on both sides of Linda Vista Road, some wonder what might be done to better educate students about their neighbors across the street. Both administrations agree that talks between the two schools have been informal. In earlier days, there was discussion about sharing a field space. It would be built on Twain land, paid for using Parker funds, and be offered to both schools for use. Mark Twain would have access during the school day and Parker would be granted access after school for sports. However, the San Diego Unified School District board denied the request due to the restrictions of private funds mixing with those from public schools. Thiebach recalls that since then, his only communication between the two schools has been over disciplinary issues. “[There] have been incidences, unfortunately, of their students doing things on our campus or geared toward our students, that haven’t been so good,” Thiebach says. He recalls these taking place

“

on and off campus between students of both schools. Administrators at Mark Twain feel differently about previous interactions. “I really think we’ve offered [to collaborate] and it’s been left in Francis Parker’s court,” Berman says. “But it’s time-consuming. We all have our own agendas. It’s just never been a priority.” Mark Twain administrators agree that working together could help to break down the barriers between the two student bodies. “I think there’s so many opportunities for us to collaborate or do things together,” Blackman says. Members of the Parker administration are not as eager. “What benefit are we getting by maybe sending our kids into this interaction where they need police at their dismissal time?” Thiebach asks. Thiebach is also unsure of what that interaction would be. “We’re a school, we do our thing,” he says. “Twain’s a school that does their thing, all for different types of kids and with different goals in mind.” “It is our responsibility to prepare kids to be outside the [Parker] bubble,” Thiebach adds. “But there’s also an expectation that part of that bubble is what [parents] are paying for, this kind of protecting [students] from things [they] might encounter in a larger, public school.” Some Parker students feel differently about this “expectation of protection.” “Parker is a very secluded and almost unrealistic bubble of a community,” says Parker senior Thomas Marshall. “This produces students that are used to a bubble and are afraid to grow up. This is wrong. Students should be exposed to many things and not be coddled.” With regard to any sort of collaboration between the communities, there are also other hoops to jump through. “The thing we also want to be

We surround ourselves in this idea that we’re much more on a pedestal over other people.” —James Foster

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

The school was first opened in 1978 and was designed to provide students with a fresh start, according to its website.

careful of [is] not always being [like] ‘Oh we’re the rich private school with all these means, we’re here to help.’ And they’re looking back at [us] thinking, ‘Help us do what?’” Thiebach says. There is also the question about whether Parker students want to interact with the Twain students. “I don’t think that kids at Parker would be comfortable doing it,” says Parker senior Arturo Alemany. “Parker students have more important things going on than to try to figure out what the school next to them is doing or what they’re about.” “We have our family here, they have their family there,” Foster says. “There’s no reason to integrate with them.” Other Parker students take an opposing view. “I think there’s a lot we can learn from Mark Twain,” Marshall says. “There is a lot that can be

shared. It’s a barrier that should be broken. They are our neighbors.” Both schools are presented with a choice of taking action to break down walls of misconception. At Mark Twain, students appear to be open to having more interaction with Parker students, to break those barriers. After meeting two Parker students, Amanda recalls her earlier judgements and says, “That’s what I thought until I met you guys, you guys don’t seem like that.” As Berman puts it, “Kids are kids, we’re all the same. It’s just another school.”

A R T S & C U LT U R E welcome to mr. g’s room pg. 26 I spring bling pg. 28 off the menu pg. 30 I read it on reddit pg. 31 I take two pg. 32 scribe explores: barrio logan pg. 34 I hnt pg. 36

PHOTOGRAPH BY DUTRA BROWN Featuring the largest collection of outdoor murals in the country, Chicano Park is the legacy of San Diego’s chicano rights movement. The public park was given as a gift in 1973, after the city government threatened the unity of the Barrio Logan community with intrusive building projects through the center of the neighborhood. fpsthescribe.org

You can often spot Gozales performing with his band at Beaumonts playing classics by Led Zepplin and Steely Dan.

WELCOME I TO MR. G’S ROOM

t was a warm, summer afternoon on the sun deck of the

Hotel Del Coronado when Mr. Michael Gonzales, Middle and Upper School guitar teacher, and his former band, Ron’s Garage, were performing “Upside Down” by Jack Johnson. “After the performance,” says Gonzales, “a man walked over to my band saying, ‘I really loved your version of “Upside Down.” I just wanted to come over to say hello and I really appreciate that you were playing the song.’ We all turn around,” Gonzales starts laughing. “It was Jack Johnson.” Around school everyone may know Gonzales as “Mr. G” or “Gonzo” or that “teacher with cool hair.” But what some students may not know is how he came to be who is today or what his life is outside the Parker community.

A LESSON IN GONZOLOGY ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPH BY GRACE SELLICK

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

Q: What were you doing before you started working at Parker? M.G.: I worked at Tower Records that used to be down at Sports Arena. It was the best job ever, next to teaching of course. It was so much fun because I could wear whatever I wanted and all day long I got to talk to people about music. At one point I was promoted to buyer where I would buy the different types of music that would go into the store. A typical day was first working the floor for a few hours, helping people pick out and learn new music, then working the register for a little, and then finally back out on the floor. Q: What was the guitar program like at Parker when you first started working here? M.G.: So I started working at Parker in 1990 for the Suzuki School of Music after-school program. The following year, the administration was bringing back the music program to the Middle School, so they asked me if I wanted to teach one class. In the first class, there were less a than a dozen kids ranging from sixth to eighth grade so I had to teach in the cafeteria right after lunch. It was totally weird. Eventually I got moved to the old dorm area. Year after year, the classes would grow, one leading to Pep Band.

Q: When did music become an essential to your life? M.G.: When I was eight, I took piano for about three years but it wasn’t doing it for me. So one summer when I was twelve, my family took a trip to the Philippines visit my relatives. We spent nearly the entire summer there. My mother comes from a family of 11 kids and everyone sings or plays an instrument. So after every dinner, everyone would sit around the living room and play music together. I would always hear great three-part harmonies and great guitar playing. It was a real epiphany for me. They bought me a guitar that summer and that was the start of it.

Q: How has the music department grown since the beginning of your Parker career? M.G.: Every year it keeps getting stronger and stronger. We see a really nice continuity between the middle school and the high school. The middle school is really our feeder system. So by the time they get to high school the kids already have two or three years of experience allowing not only guitar, but band and vocal classes to be stronger and have more expertise. When I first started working here, the music department was much smaller, but throughout the years it just keeps growing. Now we even have a music theory class for the first time ever.

Q: How did Pep Band start? M.G.: The administration wanted music at the sport games, so I brought some of my guitar students down there and we played. It was really successful and they enjoyed it a lot. So the following year I asked if we could have an official class called Pep Band. It’s been 15 years since we had our first Pep Band class. I really miss being the teacher because I loved the kids and the games, but it came down to me having to choose my solo career and Pep Band.

AC WHY EVERYONE LOVES MR. G

“Mr. G is probably one of the best teachers and greatest guys I know on the Francis Parker Campus because he is really down to earth, does not get mad at you, and treats everyone like they are his own kids. He is an amazing music teacher, pushing Q: Every year you teach an Inter- us just enough to where we im course on music writing. What learn the music piece but still love it.” does it consist of? —Senior Eric Goicoechea M.G.: Every year we bring in Randy Phillips, who had a daughter “Mr. G is just so passionate several years ago here at Parker. about what he does with I wanted to bring in something a music. He has been teachlittle different than what I do being here for a long time and cause I am not a songwriter. So we brought her in one year and it is still able to be so enthusiaswas really successful. The kids will tic with his students, at least go through the writing process the since I was in sixth grade.” —Junior Jordan Cantor whole week and by the end they will have a complete song and perform it at a concert here at school. “Going to Mr.G’s class every One of the coolest things the kids day is the perfect way to have to do is write a jingle for a start the morning. No matter product. They are kind of under the what time it is, Mr. G is ready gun because they have to write and to teach. He brings so much record it in one afternoon. The best passion to his work that he part is they have no idea what the begins to rub off on his stuproduct they are doing until they dents. He is one of the best pick a piece of paper out of a hat. music teachers out there and I always look forward to his class.” Q: What is your music career like outside of the school? —Sophomore Drey Gerger M.G.: Outside of my solo project at the Hotel Del Coronado, I am in a band called Gonzology consisting of [fellow music teachers] Mr. [Claudio] Martin on the electric guitar and vocals, Mr. [Philip] Lean on bass and vocals, and a friend of ours, Gary Taylor who plays drums. This band is different than other bands I used to play in because we don’t really play dance music. We can play all the oldies like Brown Eyed Girl or Sweet Home Alabama but this band is really ourselves. So we play music that we all grew up with. The band is heavy on Steely Dan, Led Zepplin, Rush, Yes, all the groups that really influenced us to be musicians. We play about every other month at a place called Beaumonts in Bird Rock.

“The man is stylin’. Ever check out his shoe collection? And that’s just the beginning. Pay attention and learn from the man. And I hear he’s pretty good with the guitar.” —Ms. Carol Obermeier

fpsthescribe.org

SPRING BLING

KEEPING UP WITH NEXT SEASON’S ACCESSORY TRENDS ARTICLE BY ALLIE GOINES PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALLIE GOINES AND CAROLINE MERKIN

These mint-colored shades are perfect for a day of cruising around in the hot San Diegan sun. The unique shape serves a dual purpose framing your face so you can look good while also blocking the harsh rays.

Cool-toned colors, like these refreshing bohemian blues and greens, go perfectly with the floral printed shirt or dress you’ve been dying to wear. This necklace is the perfect statement piece to refine both those daytime and nighttime looks.

This envelope style clutch is an ideal piece to carry around on the go. Small enough to carry, yet still big enough to hold all your essentials, including lip balm, phone, and money. Vibrant in mint, Sophie Minteer, lounges in the Social Justice Garden while sporting the latest trends.

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

Rose gold is hotter than ever. From designers like Michael Kors to chain stores like Forever 21, all kinds of accessories are being decked in metallic. This rose gold watch is an essential for spring and looks great stacked with other bracelets, but also shines by itself. Both pretty and practical: if you’re not on time, you’ll be fashionably late.

s the Lands’ End fleeces begin to come off,

spring fever sets in. Students await the days when they can lounge by the pool and not worry about the looming workload. Subdue the anxiety and get ahead on spring fashion by whipping out those floral prints, breezy sundresses, and comfortable shorts. Free from the depressing polos and restricting skorts, when is a better time than now to gather those accessories and pair them perfectly with spring’s finest?

These beaded and rope bracelets add a nice touch to any guy’s outfit. Even though we appreciate the breast cancer awareness, guys, you can wear other bracelets besides “I Love Boobies” rubber wristbands. A watch is always a musthave piece for guys, and this season is all about earth tones. So leave those boring black watches at home and try others like navy blue, dark greens, and browns.

Give baseball caps a wellearned break and try one of these on for size. This woven fedora is perfect for spring and won’t give you hat hair. Although it’s a pain staying organized, it’s important, and this backpack does exactly that. Whether you’re arranging books and pencils or beach towels and sunscreen, this bag provides the perfect amount of room and compartments for school and weekend fun.

www.fpsthescribe.org Visit our website to find the places to buy all these accessories.

Sophomore Lou Tauber takes in the scenery of the Spreckel’s Organ Pavillion in Balboa Park. fpsthescribe.org

OFF THE MENU SATISFACTION WITH A SECRET KICK

ARTICLE BY MORGAN SMITH PHOTOS BY OLIVIA FIDLER

ecrecy is intriguing, desirable, and glamorous. Food

is delicious. When combined, the two create an element of attractiveness perfectly representative of secret menus. Comprised primarily of variations of traditional recipes, secret menus offer both quality chow and breaks from the norm. Are you a critical connoisseur? A food fanatic? Perhaps you’re simply a hipster trapped within the confines of a mainstream menu. Regardless of one’s tastes, secret menus offer appealing, unknown options. After all, variety is the true spice of life.

JAMBA JUICE’S SUNNY DELIGHT IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A REFRESHING NEW FLAVOR

Light and refreshing, Jamba’s Sunny Delight is true to its name. This smoothie is made only of orange juice, lemonade and lemon and lime sherbet, but what lacks in substance is redeemed by deliciousness. This smoothie is the perfect-thirst quencher for a hot day. Similar alternatives include the Sourpatch Kid, the Pink Gummi, and the White Gummi.

S TA R B U C K S ’ LONDON FOG IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR AN ALTERNATIVE PICKME-UP

Calling all tea-lovers! Starbucks’ traditional Tazo™ Earl Grey gets a sugary kick when combined with two pumps of vanilla flavoring. This revolutionary energy boost is sweet and bold, and more than your average tea latte. The balanced flavors provide the perfect pick-me-up. Spice up your afternoon tea with this sweet beverage!

S TA R B U C K S ’ C A K E B AT T E R FRAPPUCINO

IN-N-OUT’S ANIMAL STYLE FRIES IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A TWIST ON A CLASSIC FAVORITE

This notorious burger joint’s menu features few items, but veils its secret counterpart, which offers a world of other options. Hungry customers can order any item served “Animal Style”— additional pickles, cheese, secret “spread” sauce and grilled onions. This fast food equivalent to chili cheese fries is delightfully messy and oh-so flavorful.

PA N E R A B R E A D ’ S POWER STEAK LETTUCE WRAPS IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A HEALTHY OFF-CAMPUS LUNCH

Although Panera is more commonly known for its soups, salads and sandwiches, its hidden menu has even more delicious choices. For just under $10, customers can order lettuce wraps, complete with sliced top-sirloin, leaf lettuce, cucumbers, diced tomatoes, red onions, basil pesto, and lemon juice. The vegetables are fresh and crisp, and the seasoning is light. This dish, though simple, packs a big punch: it’s delicious, nutritious, and ideal for a midday meal.

FIVE GUYS’ DOUBLE GRILLEDCHEESE BURGER IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR, WELL, MORE FOOD

Five Guys is renowned for its “go big, or go home” portion sizes. The Double Grilled-Cheese Burger is an unhealthy, greasy—albeit delicious—adaptation of traditional cheeseburger. Grilled-cheese sandwiches replace burger buns, and house as many savory patties as the customer would like.

CHIPOTLE’S TA C O S A L A D IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A SATISFYING COMBO

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE SWEET TREAT

The Cake Batter Frappuccino is a yummy, frothy treat. A twist on the classic Vanilla Bean Frappuccino, the Cake Batter Frap is extra-sweet with its two pumps of hazelnut or almond syrup. The vanilla combined with the sweet additives makes for a fresh, cake-like taste.

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

Chipotle’s trademark salad is delicious and filling, with romaine lettuce, beans, meat and choice toppings. A Taco Salad is ideal for a tasty new lunchtime kick. The dish of your choice will be served in a fried tortilla bowl rather than a traditional paper one, giving classic ingredients a fresh, satisfying crunch.

COMMENTARY:

READ IT ON REDDIT THE TWO SIDES OF “THE FRONT PAGE OF THE INTERNET”

ARICLE BY MAX FEYE ARTWORK BY PATRICK RILEY

n April 15, 2013,

the day of what’s come to be known as the Boston Marathon Bombing, America held its breath. As the day turned into night, the pictures and videos of the massive explosion were etched into the minds of every viewer. Dotted throughout America were some whose eyes never left those images, whose LED screens of their computers remained lit throughout the night. I was one of those people. What connected us that night was a culmination into one place for the minds that remained fixated on the event to a degree that bordered on obsession. We became the first users of the community “Findthebostonbombers,” a page on the popular media site Reddit, and the amatuer sleuths who would cast a spotlight on the worldwide debate over the power of unrestricted freedom of speech on the Internet. Reddit is a community-based website, where people come together on certain “subreddits,” or pages dedicated to a certain subject matter. Due to the fluctuating nature of Reddit, the number of subreddits is constantly changing. According to a post on Reddit from “YouShouldKnow,” there are currently about

“

250,000 such subreddits on the site. Don’t take that statistic too lightly; this information is found in a place where facts are easily contaminated with opinion and error. “Findthebostonbombers” is one such page on the site, and an example of what can happen when false information is ruled as certainty. At the time of the Boston Bombing, this page was abuzz with misinformation and speculation, a hive mind of people simultaneously discussing theories and assumptions. I would scroll through the pages of conspiracies, some going as far as blaming the government for the attacks, and some using legitimate evidence that made me stop and think. Reddit, a San Francisco-based website founded in 2005, has created a role in my life as a hub of news, entertainment, or in the case of “Findthebostonbombers,” real-time information, false or not. For days, users of “Findthebostonbombers” highlighted potential perpetrators of the attack based on pictures from street cameras and cell phones, singling out men with backpacks and hoods, whether these suspects were guilty or not. According to Time, 272,000 users were following the subreddit at the time of bomber Dzhokhar Tsar-

Coexisting with subreddits of death and bigotry are communities of cat-lovers.”

naev’s arrest, proving the power of Reddit as a source of information as well as misinformation. Some users identified a reportedly missing Brown student named Sunil Tripathi, a 22-yearold-who had disappeared a month earlier, as a potential second suspect. Threats flowed to Tripathi’s parents, and hate mail flooded the online and physical mailboxes of his family members. On April 25, when his body was discovered and his death pronounced a suicide, many were left scratching their heads at the point of the witch hunt, which had accused a few unrelated people like Tripathi and caused chaos in the lives of their families. At this point, I had ceased following the Subreddit and my fixation on the event had died down, along with the upcoming fate of the page. Following the incident with Tripathi, as well as the apprehension of Tsarnaev, “Findthebostonbombers” was shut down permanently. This is a rare case in the history of unrestricted freedom of speech and thought on Reddit. In just a short time browsing the site, you can find unregulated pages dedicated to anti-Semitism, racism, and people dying in all sorts of sickening ways. Users who are called Redditors, or Reddit Editors, have the power to create any community, post anything to it, and say essentially whatever they want about any area of interest, no matter how vile or sinister. That power to form any kind of collective is taken in many directions, both harmless and contro-

versial. Another scandal involved a contentious subreddit, “jailbait,” featuring a community dedicated to pictures of semi-clothed, underaged women. After allegations of child pornography, the subreddit was closed in 2011. Unfortunately, this case is an outlier. There is a dark side of Reddit that has many examples of pages that don’t meet the same conclusion, and to this day remain unrestricted in their content. But Reddit is a multi-faceted place. It is impossible to ignore the fact that coexisting with subreddits of death and bigotry are communities of cat-lovers, hiking-extraordinaires, and people who enjoy talking about their harmless hobbies or interests. This is where, on the surface, Reddit is the most used. The spectrum of the content on Reddit is vast, from an abyss of disturbing material to something as harmless as a furry pet, to a vigilante group racially profiling people in the wake of a national terrorist event. Reddit is a brewing pot of internet interaction that is yet to be defined as something beneficial to society or a scourge against it. It is clear is that from people like me, to professionals in the workplace, to stay-at-home moms and dads it is all too easy to find hilarious things and malicious and controversial content, side-by-side and at the touch of a button.

fpsthescribe.org

TAKE TWO ARE MOVIES BETTER THE SECOND TIME AROUND? ARTICLE AND ARTWORK BY ALEX DEDDEH

GET SMART (1965) VS. GET SMART (2008) If your parents were born in the ’50s or ’60s, they may have watched this television series. Both works feature Maxwell Smart, a somewhat incompetent secret agent who is always there to protect America from the villain organization KAOS, which contrary to popular belief is not an acronym. The series was filmed in black and white with a laugh track. Since the remake was a movie, and made a substantially long time afterwards, it had to be drastically changed. But there are subtle references to the original show. For example, at the very beginning of the movie Get Smart, there is a sticky note on Max’s fridge that says “The Craw→Claw,” because the original Max had trouble pronouncing the villain’s name. The shoe phone is also from the show.

WINNER: TIE

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

hen you look at the movies Annie (1982) and

Robocop (1987), you may think they have absolutely nothing in common. One is a beloved family musical and the other an R-rated sci-fi flick. A trait the films do share, however, is that both are being remade in 2014. In recent years, Hollywood has been recycling storylines and revamping them to fit the modern audience. Sometimes directors dig so deep into the past that many people don’t even realize the movie is a remake. While some of these “2.0” versions of older films are well done, there are a lot of instances where the first edition is better. So the next time you’re sitting on the couch wondering what new movie to rent off of Netflix, consider the fact that it may not be a completely new plot, and the original might be better. Warning: Spoilers ahead.

LEADING LADIES In both the television show and movie Max’s partner, and later girlfriend, Agent 99, plays an important role. The time period of each makes this role different. The Barbara Feldon character is sweeter and kinder than her 2008 counterpart. She is obviously smarter than Max, but still needs him to protect her. Anne Hathaway embodies the complete opposite. Her version of Agent 99 calls the shots and is fiercely independent. She also has long hair, but does show off a take on Barbara’s cropped cut during a party scene.

GADGETS The legendary “cone of silence” is used frequently throughout the show, and once in the movie. 1965 Max and the Chief got to sit under two plastic half-cylinders connected by a tube, and speak through megaphones. 2008 had CGI cones which were in a pyramid shape. Throughout the television show, Max calls from telephones hidden in things such as flowers and headboards. This technology, which was considered to be very high-tech, is nothing compared to the Swiss Army knife/flame thrower/dart shooter Max receives in the movie.

AC REAR WINDOW(1954) VS. DISTURBIA (2007) You will want to lock your doors and shut your blinds after watching these thrillers. Characters Jeff Jeffries (Rear Window), played by James Stewart, and Kale Brecht (Disturbia), played by Shia Lebouf, are confined to their houses, due to Jeff having a broken leg and Kale being on house arrest. Boredom prompts them to look out of their respective “rear windows” and discover a murderer is living next door. The similarities between the movies end there. The original has classic Hitchcock suspense, while the remake is a bit unrealistic. Kale is not smart or careful in his investigation, especially when making his way through the murderer’s house to find his mother. He keeps loudly calling out for her, never pausing to think his attacker could very easily hear him.

WINNER: ORIGINAL

CARRIE (1976) VS. CARRIE (2013) The plotlines of these movies seem to switch off between a sweet, almost Disney-like tale of an unpopular girl getting the guy, and being crowned prom queen and a bloody cautionary tale about being kind to people because they could be telekinetic and kill you. In the opening locker room scenes, Sissy Spacek and Chloe Grace Moretz set the creepy standard for the rest of the picture. But the differences between the decades are evident. In the older version, Carrie’s prom date, Tommy, rocks a blonde, curly ’fro that rivals junior Quintin Chambers’ freshman year ’do, while the 2013 Tommy sports a clean cut fauxhawk.

WINNER: REMAKE

THE SHAGGY DOG (1959) VS. THE SHAGGY DOG (2006) This pair is unique because the original and remake were made by Disney. Both feature a guy that gets turned into a hairy sheepdog, and must convince his family that it is really him in animal form. Like Get Smart, the older film was shot in black and white and starred a real dog. The Tim Allen version has more animals, but at times CGI use is obvious. Each movie is lighthearted and fun for the family but their stories do not have much in common.

WINNER: ORIGINAL

www.fpsthescribe.org Visit our website to watch the trailers of the Originals and Remakes

THE OTHER WINDOWS In Rear Window and Disturbia, both Jeff and Kale can see into almost all their neighbors windows. Each apartment across from James’ complex has its own little story. Bottom left is “Miss Lonelyheart” who, while on the verge of suicide, is saved by the top right struggling artist’s music. The windows in Disturbia, don’t have any significance aside from the killer’s and the girlfriend’s, who are both right next door. There are two brief scenes where Kale sees businessman having an affair, and then notices some middle school boys renting an inappropriate movie. The stories are meant to connect the two movies but don’t have the depth of Rear Window’s.

T H O R WA L D V S . T U R N E R Other than the fact both names start with T, the killers are completely different. Lars Thorwald (Rear Window) kills his wife off screen, with no blood shown at all. He is a solitary but effective character, stealing the most chilling scene of the movie when he catches James’ girlfriend in his apartment. Turner (Disturbia) is full throttle insane, hiding bodies under his house, and spying on the neighbors. Unlike Thorwald, who wanted to get rid of his sick, nagging spouse, Turner has no real motive for his crimes. Overall, Turner’s actions are pretty scary, but he is not the most frightening psychopath.

CARRIE’S CROWNING With improved special effects and CGI, the pig’s blood falling all over the newly elected prom queen becomes very graphic in 2013. The scene is replayed multiple times, rather than once in the ’76 movie, and Carrie is drenched in what looks like more than a bucket’s worth. The aftermath is also more gruesome in the remake, showing Carrie killing her fellow classmates by having them trampled, or crushed in bleachers.

T H E P O R T R AYA L O F C A R R I E In the 1976 movie, Spacek puts on a naive, “little-girl-trapped-in-awoman’s-body” type performance. She is fragile, but when those big eyes flare, it puts the viewer in a corner, terrified of what power she may possess. The original Carrie snaps towards the end, but still retains some sort of innocence. In the recent one, Moretz is more socially aware, and forcefully stands up to her mother. She’s also very sinister towards the end, smiling and laughing while the gym burns.

WHO GETS SHAGGY? Tommy Kirk plays Wilby Daniels, a teenage boy who loves inventing and competing with his friend, Buzz, for girls. He puts on a magic ring and utters a spell, resulting in him accidentally becoming the new neighbor’s dog. Middle aged father Dave Douglas, Tim Allen, goes through his transformation when he is bitten by a canine who has been genetically tested on. Wilby switches back and forth between dog and human form, which gets him into many awkward but funny situations. Since Dave’s change is more gradual the main source of humor is him showing dog traits as a human, like chasing cats or responding to “fetch!”

THE FILM’S FOCUS The remake is more about Dave’s attachment to his work and being separated from his family. A classic “son wants to act instead of play sports” story is introduced, but that is the most depth the movie has. It’s “group-hug” sort of ending is nice but does not convey a unique message. The original instead focuses on both family and friendship, ending with Wilby’s father accepting him, and Buzz deciding to stop fighting with him about girls. Smart, zippy dialogue quickens the story, but still leaves the audience satisfied. fpsthescribe.org

SCRIBE EXPLORES: BARRIO LOGAN

ARICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ARIELLE SWEDBACK

alking down National Avenue, it’s clear why Barrio Logan is known as “little Mexico” in San Diego County. Mom-and-pop storefronts and craftsman-style homes retain the old-country charm preserved since refugees from the 1910 Mexican Revolution flooded the Logan Heights neighborhood a century ago. The Barrio became a safehaven for San Diego’s Mexican-American population until large-scale city projects, like the construction of the Coronado Bridge and Interstate 5, were authorized without the permission of community residents. A two-week nonviolent protest unified the community and led to additional protections for the neighborhood. In 2010, The Fordham Institute of Chicago found that Barrio Logan was one of the most rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods in the nation. Gentrification, the restoration of low income areas to service middle or upper class visitors, isn’t necessarily a negative force; revitalization has fostered an emerging food and arts scene in the area. However as the barrio becomes increasingly upscale, rising property prices drive out the original residents. The Fordham study found that between 2001 and 2010, the number of white residents in the 92113 zip code nearly tripled from 12 to 33 percent. Community efforts to combat these changes have included a renewed emphasis on Mexican cultural events during the holiday season and a new outdoor farmer’s market opened in 2012. Logan Heights is one of many San Diego neighborhoods rapidly evolving, yet the changing face of barrio doesn’t take away from the authentic experience it’s offered San Diegans for a century.

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

The Australian Flat White, made with microfoam from the bottom of the frothing pitcher, is one of many specialty drinks Moto makes from exported blends.

CAFE MOTO Wedged between the mom-andpop carnecerías and metalwork shops of National Avenue, Cafe Moto is an unexpected stop for gourmet coffee lovers. Moto has been serving the San Diego community since 1968, committing to purchasing organic and fair trade products since the `90s. The Cafe itself barely fits a dozen people; the true heart of the production is in the post-industrial warehouse space in the back. Hundreds of burlap bags of fresh beans, stamped from countries around the world, are the starting point for one of the biggest coffee roasting productions in the county. The 60-year-old roaster is capable of toasting 8,000 to 10,000 pounds of coffee a week. From machinery that runs on natural gas to a solar powered office, Cafe Moto distributes the most environmentally friendly coffee in San Diego.

PRICE: $$$$$ Mon - Thurs: 6:30 AM - 5 PM Sat: 7 AM - 5 PM Sun: Closed

Carne Asada tacos are the top seller at Los Cuatros Milpas. The Estudillo family recipe hasn’t changed since the location opened in the 1950s.

Vibrant murals, like the one pictured above, add color to the Interstate 5 ramps that barge through Chicano Park. The eight-acre plot has been a source of community pride for San Diego’s Chicano population since 1969.

Panchita’s opens at dawn to serve fresh breakfast pastries to the Barrio’s residents. Pan Dulce is a year-round favorite, with unique celebratory twists during the different Mexican holiday seasons.

L O S C U AT R O S M I L PA S

CHICANO PA R K

P A N C H I TA ’ S BAKERY

The Estudillo family has been serving San Diegans an authentic Mexican food experience for three generations. Cafeteria-style service and an ever-present line out the door seem off-putting at first glance, but the Cuatros Milpas experience has endured as an iconic part of the barrio since the Zoot Suit era. Freshly made corn and flour tortillas are a staple, but are often sold out by noon as the first wave of hungry locals arrive for lunch. Tacos and tamales are by far the most common orders, but more adventurous diners swear on the dive’s famous chorizo con huevo. This medley of seasoned pork, pinto beans, and spanish rice topped off with an egg has been the breakfast of choice for the barrio’s residents for decades.

Hidden under the Coronado bridge, this eight-acre park is home to the country’s largest collection of outdoor murals. The park is San Diego’s foremost legacy of the Chicano Civil Rights Movement, created after a twelve-day occupation in protest of mistreatment of the Mexican-American community in the barrio. The vibrant murals tell the residents’ stories. “Varrio Si, Yonkes No!” expresses frustration about the many Anglo-owned junkyards infesting the community and contaminating people’s homes and yards. The park is home to community and cultural events year-round, but is the perfect spot for some everyday peace.

A true Mexican panadería is a rarity on this side of the border. Panchita’s in the barrio is the original location of the local bakery chain. The tell-tale scent of freshly baked pan dulce lingers on Logan Avenue every morning as the bakery fires up its ovens. Inside the tiny store, racks of cookies, cakes, sweet empañadas and any other comfort carbs you might be craving line the walls from floor to ceiling. Panchita’s is the go-to local spot for Mexican festive treats like rosca de reyes during Christmas and pan de muerto on the Day of the Dead. With most pastries costing around a dollar each, Panchita’s Bakery is committed to providing a little sweetness that everyone can enjoy.

PRICE: $$$$$ Mon - Sat: 9 AM - 3 PM Sun: Closed

PRICE: $$$$$

PRICE: $$$$$ Mon - Sat: 5:30 AM - 9:30 PM Sun: Closed fpsthescribe.org

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY OLIVIA FIDLER

HOT

GREASER FASHION

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANCIS PARKER MEMES

NOT

FLIPAGRAM

TRENDY PLATFORMS

It’s as easy as one, two, three. Levis 501s,

Although we all love 16-second long snap-

Get rid of the dated image platforms used

a fitted white tee and a black leather moto

shots of your fun day at the beach delicately

to have and get ready for the brand spanking

jacket. This season’s greaser “icon” has been

put together to “A Thousand Miles,” enough

new. Designers from Steve Madden and Jeffrey

Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys, earning

is definitely enough. Save those for some-

Campbell to Converse have ravaged the basic

the title not only by means of their new al-

thing that really matters, because those half-

design, metamorphosizing it into spiky, velvet,

bum, AM, but also through his onstage attire

a-second photos are an eyesore.

neon, shiny, camo—anything in a fashionista’s

and nonchalant, rebellious mindset. With a

wildest dreams. It’s also a discrete way to add

couple attitude adjustments and some new

a couple inches to your height. Just don’t trip.

pieces added to your wardrobe, anyone can be a rebel (with a cause).

BLACK Contrary to popular belief, orange is not the

GALAXY LEGGINGS Nothing says fashion like skin-tight, polyester-blend, brightly colored, galaxy-themed leggings. Oh wait.

’90S SLANG You don’t have to be a skate rat or a surfer to say “rad,” “gnarly,” or “dope” when seemingly omni-

new black. From simple and sophisticated

present “insert adjective here” moments occur.

to grunge and punk rock, music and fash-

Just because these phrases are now technically

ion icons like Lorde and Lana Del Rey sport the dark hue head to toe, runway or rendezvous. That little black dress in your closet won’t be getting old anytime soon.

MEMES The amount of memes floating around the internet is too damn high. They’ve had a good run, but it’s time to put them down. Although memes provided some light chuckles

FIERCE EYEBROWS Made famous as “The Face” of Vogue UK January 2014, 21-year-old British model Cara Delevingne’s signature brows steal the show. She has inspired almost every major designer, and the look filtered through runways around the world and was unveiled in several million plus dollar ad campaigns. Famous actresses have also joined the power-brow family, including teen queens Emma Watson and Lily Collins, inspiring worthy eyebrow envy to every makeup trend-watcher.

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

in the later years of middle school, I think Doge, Jimmy McMillan, and Nicolas Cage

in their twenties doesn’t mean they can’t come out and hang in high schools around the country. But if you think “boo ya,” “bugg’n,” “home skillet” or any other expressions of that nature are making a comeback, think of what Cher from Clueless would say: as if! They’re only very distant relatives.

have had enough. Let’s start anew and leave those out of 2014. You mad?

ALPHA FEMALE FASHION Leave the fluff, frills and lace at the tea party, ladies, because the girls are back in town. Pantsuits, bowties and ultrachic suits have been featured in Marc Jacobs’, Hugo Boss’ and Chanel’s collections for years now, but they’re definitely resurging. Looking sharp as a tack isn’t a crime, as cinema darling Diane Keaton has taught us ever since Annie Hall.

SPORTS the martial artists pg. 38 I changing the game pg . 39 get your mind right pg. 40 I should i stay or should i go? pg. 41 I thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the spirit pg. 42

PHOTOGRAPH BY NATALIE GREENBERG The ninth period strength and conditioning class trains in the weight room and on Lauer Field, where athletes combine strength and cardio workouts to maximize efficiency. Some of the regulars of the class are (from left) senior Nate Glasser, senior Ayman Mayberry, junior Robbie Giannella, junior David Traganza, senior Jesse Brookins, junior Mickey Miller, junior Daven Horne, and junior Matthew Wei. fpsthescribe.org

Instructor Steve Cook works with junior Emory Hingorani on the art of Wing Chun, the world’s most widespread form of Southern Chinese martial arts.

THE MARTIAL ARTISTS WING CHUN: AN ART FORM 500 YEARS IN THE MAKING ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPH BY EMMA MOORE

hile

other

Parker students are escaping academic pressures by hanging out with friends, or leisurely walking to 7-11, there is a small group of students that dedicate their time after school to learn and execute the ancient Chinese art of Wing Chun. The group of students and their instructor, pottery teacher Mr. Steve Cook, gather in the Vit-

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

erbi building or on the grass in front of the Commons every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, from 3-5 PM. Junior Emory Hingorani and sophomores Theodore Gehring, Trevor Morgan, and Sonia Aceves come together to practice this 500-year-old martial art form. Their aim is to perfect and practice their martial art forms and techniques in head-to-head combat sessions. “If you want to learn what is at the core of what we offhandedly

refer to as the martial arts, [Wing Chun] is a very good system to do that,” says Cook. “It is not focused solely on athleticism, it is not focused on simply esoteric philosophies. It practices what it preaches, and it has excellent self-defense capabilities.” Wing Chun is a southern Chinese martial arts form which studies the phenomena and energy patterns within the human body, using the techniques of grappling and striking. Introduced to Parker in 2000, the martial arts class gradually gained popularity, beginning with five or six kids, before growing to 18 students. “It then drifted back down to a strong core group of about twelve students for several years,” says Cook, the founder of the course. “They were all in the same grade. I didn’t realize how bad that was, but when they all graduated, there were no undergraduate students.” After a two-year hiatus, the course was resurfaced in 2013 when students began showing an interest in the martial arts. With a passion for Wing Chun, Cook decided to revive the course. Cook himself has an extensive background in Wing Chun, and has been training in various forms of martial arts since age 10. In the past 40 years, Cook has been instructed by Lo Man Kam, the nephew of renowned martial artist Ip Man, along with Hawkins Cheung, who had also studied under Ip Man. Not only did Cook learn this ancient art form from notable martial artists, but he himself instructed Terminator Two: Judgment Day actor Robert Patrick in the techniques of Wing Chun, helping shape Patrick’s character in the film.Wing Chun forms appear in many other movies as well, including Iron Man 3, Sherlock Holmes, and Ip Man. “I think Wing Chun is especially good for Parker because it’s a principle-based martial art,” says

“

Cook. “It’s principles of physics, body mechanics, mental constructs, geometry, and in a sense political science, so there’s a lot of physcology and philosophy embedded in the system.” Wing Chun also incorporates and studies energy patterns within the body, tying in with Parker’s emphasis on student wellness. Gehring believes that martial arts are vital to a person’s well-being. “A good martial arts education can save your life someday, and not just in a fight; martial arts teaches discipline, perseverance, and respect.” says Gehring, who also takes different forms of martial arts outside of school. Although Wing Chun contains many self-defense properties, it is not to be confused with a self-defense course. “The martial arts in the east are not seen as fighting arts, or self-defense,” says Cook. “They’re seen as self-improvement that happens to strengthen a person’s health, longevity, and ability to resist forces that tear them down,” Cook says. The martial arts class never formally competes, yet despite the small attendance, those enrolled are very passionate about the art form, and advise other Parker students to consider trying Wing Chun as well. “I can’t stress how important martial arts are in general,” says Gehring. “Given a choice, I would make them a mandatory part of basic education.” Wing Chun also works well alongside Parker curriculum because of its emphasis on global awareness. “The martial arts were always studied in communities that focused on developing the whole being and developing an understanding of the world around them,” Cook says.

A good martial arts education can save your life someday.” —Theodore Gehring

COMMENTARY:

CHANGING THE GAME

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL ATHLETES n December 5

2013, Parker students packed into the bleachers of the Field House and listened to Hudson Taylor’s compelling story of change and acceptance. After the Athlete Ally presentation, some of the sports captains, including myself, sat down with him in the cafeteria conference room. We talked about what we, as leaders, could do to increase awareness about homophobia and other problems in sports. While there were good responses like, “wear the Ally sticker,” or “take the pledge online,” we didn’t really bring up the reasons why the problems are at our school in the first place. When I came to Parker my sophomore year, the sports environment was completely different than anything I had ever experienced. Sure tryouts were competitive, but there was still a guarantee you would make a team. Our sports are designed to welcome and include everyone. Yet we still, sometimes subconsciously, make judgements based on race, gender, or sexuality. Are we really completely accepting of others? Or are we excluding—mentally “cutting”—people from the team? Every sport seems to have a set of unwritten rules, social guidelines that must be followed. Problems arise when someone steps outside of the box. Senior Rebecca Dvorak recalls the first “rule” she learned after her first day of travel softball. “I didn’t wear a bow to the first

“

ARTICLE BY ALEX DEDDEH ARTWORK BY DUTRA BROWN

practice and girls asked me if I was a lesbian,” Dvorak says. “So the next practice a girl brought me a bow and said, ‘I’m doing you a favor, make sure you always wear this.’ ” Such a tiny accessory has a big effect on the softball field. Anyone who does not wear the bow immediately gets singled out and targeted. “There have been instances where a girl will slide into them or step on them,” Dvorak says. “They cleat them.” One glance at a ponytail or bun is all it takes. A judgement is made without any knowledge of a player’s story or personality. Boys’ sports are no different. “If you wear hip or elbow pads, guys think you’re weak,” says senior and varsity lacrosse member Matt Irvine. Somehow, the presence or absence of protective gear has been linked to strength. Concern over looking “tough” can cause an athlete to get seriously injured. Choosing not to scrutinize players over a little sleeve of fabric may not be a big movement but it is a step in the right direction. Making little improvements will certainly help in sports, but there are also major changes to be made outside of the athletic world as well. A lot of times, bias is brought off the field. “That’s gay” and “you’re so gay” get casually tossed around locker rooms. To a straight person, it may mean “that’s lame,” or nothing at all. What some athletes forget is the other people who

Knowing that you’re not the only one is a really big help.” —Beth Desta

may be hurt by the remark. “It’s a lot like when people say ‘that’s so retarded’, ” says senior and Gay-Straight Alliance president Beth Desta. “People will explain it like, ‘Oh, it’s just a substitute for dumb.’ ” Even though there are some problems on the Upper School campus, Desta believes the issues were more apparent in middle school. “Everyone would say, ‘That’s so gay,’ ” she says. “We were really unaware and insensitive about LGBT issues because no one was willing to talk to us about it at that age.” Middle school is an important time for everyone to start figuring out where they belong. If issues involving homophobia in sports and in the classroom are not addressed, then kids who are part of the queer community will be subjected to ignorant comments, or worse, physical and mental abuse. Their chance to be part of something bigger than themselves is blocked off, making them feel isolated. Students and student-athletes should be opening the doors for anyone willing to participate, not slamming them in certain kids’ faces. A sense of community is very important for a person’s self-esteem. “Knowing that you’re not alone, and knowing that you’re not the only one, is a really big help,” Desta says. “Otherwise the feeling is that you’re a freak and you’re unnatural, which really easily sort of

leads to that road of self-loathing and dangerous tendencies.” Many members of the queer community have felt excluded to the point where they contemplate or commit suicide. According to the American Association of Suicidology, LGBT youth are twice as likely to have attempted suicide than straight youth. If athletes can offer them an outlet, a place where they feel they belong, the insecurity and depression will change into confidence and happiness. Almost everyone has played a sport at some point in their lives. I personally have been on 10 soccer, four basketball, and nine volleyball teams. Some continue to play, while others decide to pursue other interests. What Parker athletes need to do is make every player’s experience, whether it be long or short, a good one. We cannot discourage kids from being involved in a sport because of the way they want to dress, or the person they choose to love. For all we know, it could be the only team they will ever be on. I ask you to step up as players and coaches, to set an example for the younger generation. Stop the discrimination, stop “cutting” players for reasons having nothing to do with their athletic ability. Remember the power you have when you step onto the court, and make a play for change.

39 39

fpsthescribe.org fpsthescribe.org

GET YOUR MIND RIGHT GETTING TO KNOW COACH JEFF ROSE ARTICLE BY SOREN HANSEN PHOTOGRAPH BY NATALIE GREENBERG

eyond Francis Park-

er’s impressive athletic winnings and titles lies a core base of athletic strength and training. Behind the scenes of the ninth period Strength and Conditioning class that prepares Parker’s athletes for successes on the courts and fields is Coach Jeff Rose.

Q: What courses do you teach? J.R.: Ninth period Strength and Conditioning. It’s for athletes either pre-season, in-season, or post-season.

Q: How does the average workout session go? J.R.: Get the kids in, get them warmed up, then depending on what they are going to do that day, either lifting or cardio or a combination of both. I try to separate the kids into groups so that they all have someone to work out with.

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

Q: How did you get into coaching? J.R.: I have been a personal trainer for 13 years so I have been doing that forever and I have been here for the past six years. Q: How do you motivate your students? J.R.: It depends on the student. There are certain people who are pretty self-motivated. But for some who do need the motivation, I don’t really yell. Some of the football guys might not agree with that, but if I yell, it means I’m pretty ticked. Q: What is it like working with your mom? J.R.: It is cool that I get to see her when I come to work every day, that’s actually really nice. She probably does more for me than I do for her though. Q: What is your personal workout strategy? J.R.: I base a lot of my workouts on CrossFit principles. I call it “CrossFit with a purpose.” Q: What words do you live by? J.R.: I grew up in the church so I always go back to the Bible for words of encouragement or something like that, but my whole thing is “get your mind right.” This is especially important before a workout because it is mental. If it’s not hard, if it’s not challenging, if it’s not uncomfortable, you’re probably not making any gains or any growth. Q: What is your opinion of multisport athletes? J.R.: I love multi-sport athletes. I played basketball and baseball in high school and I tried to do both in college. It’s tough even in high school now. I loved it because I love all sports but it’s really challenging, especially to be a student-athlete. Q: For your jealous fans, have you ever used steroids? J.R.: I can honestly say I have never used steroids and that’s a funny question because my mom actually asked me that too.

Q: Do you recommend or have any dietary strategies that will equate to your level of fitness? J.R.: Through the year, January till my birthday in November, I eat pretty clean, which is pretty low-sugar, pretty low-carb. I train differently and eat differently than I would tell students, my football players or my basketball players or my soccer players, male or female, to eat. I’m working out for a different reason, and they need the good carbs. They need all that stuff I can get away without. Q: Did you play sports when you were younger? If so, which ones? J.R.: Growing up, I played soccer, and in high school, I played baseball and basketball. I continued playing basketball in college. Q: Do you have any funny memories from childhood sports? J.R.: I was always the little guy, so in high school, I kind of had an attitude and I liked to talk a little bit. I always had these big guys on my team who had my back so I guess I could get away with it which was good. Q: Which team are the biggest crybabies in the weight room? J.R.: I don’t know if there are really any crybabies. I spend the most time with the football guys because I have them all summer and then all during the season, so I might hear more whining from them, but that’s probably just because I spend more time working with them.

dainian Tomlinson was lifted SP into the air by his offensive linemen after he broke the record for most touchdowns in a single season. Or you can tell your friends that when Khaleel Jenkins scored his game winning touchdown against Christian, he pointed you out on the sideline and threw you the ball. Even if it’s not wholly true, I’ve always been told to never let the truth get in the way of a good story. Finally, the best reason of all: you can add the ticket stub to your collection. At least, before ticket stubs become outdated.

WHY YOU SHOULD JUST S TAY H O M E A N D W AT C H I T The lively Parker student section celebrates as the Boys’ Varsity basketball team leads league rival La Jolla Country Day late in the third quarter.

SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO? WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME ARTICLE BY JACK BENOIT PHOTOGRAPH BY GRACE SELLICK

“T

here is nothing

that compares to the thrill and excitement [of being at a game],” says senior and Chargers season ticket holder Chris Miyahira. In all professional sports organizations, the marketing department is concerned with one thing: butts in seats. With the rapid advancements in technolo-

gy, sporting events can be seen on practically any device in any place. People are feeling less of a need to spend money on both season and individual game tickets. Even at the high school level, students often need some kind of incentive to attend sporting events. With the creation of RALLYCOMM last year, school spirit has increased, but we still struggle reaching maximum student capacity at games. Especially in a city like San Diego, where the weather is beautiful and there are multiple entertaining ways to consume free time, people would rather lay out on the beach than spend hundreds of dollars watching football. Before purchasing a ticket to a sporting event at any level, it is imperative to consider the advantages of watching the game at home versus occupying a seat in the stadium.

WHY YOU S H O U L D AT T E N D THE GAME First of all, where else can you unify and relate with thousands of rowdy, often inebriated fans who are willing to die in exchange for their team’s success? Depending on where you’re sitting, you can either befriend

the person next to you or partake in some harmless trash talk throughout the game. The promotional opportunities at sporting events are second to none so there’s always a chance for free tacos and maybe even some gear. “Who wants a t-shirt, make some noise!” says every Parker cheerleader. No other cheer energizes the crowd quite like this one. Maybe it’s because students are lacking spirit wear for Parker Power Day or because they’re looking forward to wrestling underclassmen for an $8 t-shirt. Either way, free things provide additional incentive to be there. “For home games, it’s especially important to have a crowd there because they get behind you and influence your emotion and energy,” says junior and varsity boys’ volleyball libero Derek Polk. “When you hear [the fans] going crazy over a play that you made, it just makes you want to do it over and over again.” When the student section at any Parker sporting event is in full force, it’s undeniable that their enthusiasm directly correlates with the energy of the players. Being at the game often leads to enhanced stories and bragging rights. When you become a grandparent, you can tell your grandchildren that you were present when La-

Attending a game can be extremely time-consuming. If you are planning on driving to Qualcomm Stadium to attend a Charger game, it can take up to hours from the time you leave your house in the morning to the time you get home in the late afternoon, an experience that sounds deplorable to any casual football fan. If you have a lab report due at 8 AM on Saturday morning, as much as you may want to be there, you probably do not have time to watch the Parker Football game under the Friday night lights. It’s simply cheaper and more comfortable to watch the game at home. Ticket prices aside, a homemade bowl of chili sounds more appealing than a subpar, $7.50 hot dog. But maybe that’s just me. Despite our student discount, I hate paying CIF the mandatory $5 for admission into our own Field House for a basketball game. Also, being contained in a small plastic seat simply doesn’t compare to sprawling out on your brand new couch. Sometimes, in other parts of the country, it gets cold. We wouldn’t know much about it, but fans in those places might prefer to stay in their heated house rather than sit in sub-zero degree weather (cough… Green Bay…cough). People often debate that the viewing quality on a high definition television is superior to most stadium seats. Regrettably, I can’t disagree with this; it’s simply a fact.

fpsthescribe.org

“G

irls, make sure your arms aren’t too high d u r i n g .” Passing the Multi-Purpose Room, it is not uncommon to see the cheerleaders working hard to perfect their stunts. Another part of the team standing at the front of the room is often under-recognized for their dedication to the sport: the coaches. The cheer coaches, like all other coaches at Parker, train their athletes tirelessly. But there is one coach who not only trains Parker athletes, but also is cheering for another day’s life: Coach Brooke Wilson. In February 2013, Wilson noticed an irritated mole on her scalp that would not heal. After meeting with a dermatologist, she had the mole removed to prevent further irritation. Four days later, the dermatologist called Wilson back, notifying her that the mole contained cancerous cells. Wilson then met with an oncologist and a surgeon. They discussed that due to the size, depth and reproduction rate of the cells, Wilson had entered Stage IIC

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

melanoma. As a result of this diagnosis, Wilson underwent a wide local excision in March 2013, where the surgeon cut into her neck in order to remove sentinel lymph nodes. Later that week, Wilson received a call with the results of the sentinel lymph node biopsy: the lymph nodes were cancer positive, meaning that the cancer was spreading. Wilson had a second surgery in May 2013 to remove all lymph nodes, in order to slow the spread of cancer. Once all of the sentinel lymph nodes in Wilson were removed, she entered Stage IIIC of melanoma. Wilson then had a full neck dissection to remove all remaining lymph nodes where 36 nodes were removed, six of which were confirmed cancer-positive. With all lymph nodes removed, Wilson began using a new drug in high doses that had been approved for Stage IV but was being tested on Stage III patients. After continuing with this new form of treatment for four months, Wilson entered the maintenance phase, where she continued to get regular CT scans to ensure that the cancer was not still spreading. While examining one of her CT scans, Wilson’s doctor no-

THAT’S THE SPIRIT ticed two shadows, one on the chin and one above a lung. The doctor got a needle biopsy of the lymph nodes in the chin section, where the results were negative. However, due to the nature of lymph node cells, the doctor could only have been examining one section of the cell and not the entire cell. The surgeon operated on Wilson again, this time to take out the colony of lymph nodes in her chin so as to get a more complete examination of the colony. The results of this operation were positive, thus launching Wilson into Stage IV melanoma by the end of November 2013. “She led the fall team and gave them an amazing and fun season,” says sophomore Stella Gerson, a cheerleader on both the fall and winter squad. Junior Emma Sheean added that even while undergoing chemotherapy, Wilson continued to coach the Parker cheer team, as well as her Los Angeles competitive cheer team. She refused to abandon her love of cheerleading until her doctor advised her that it would be unsafe to continue coaching. Under Wilson’s instruction, the cheer team kicked off the fall season throwing stunts that they had barely managed to accomplish at the end of the previous season, like team libs, which is where the flyers performs one-legged stands. As the stunts they performed became more challenging and the team became more committed, Wilson’s relationship with the team grew. Her deep investment and presence within the Parker cheer team has had

COACH BROOKE’S POSITIVE OUTLOOK ARTICLE BY SAM PRYOR ILLUSTRATION BY SARAH NICITA

lasting effects. Cheer captain Annie Sager says that one of her fondest memories was when Wilson spoke to her of how she dealt with cancer. Sager noticed that Wilson’s positive outlook on life demonstrated her strength. “She’s always ready with a joke or lighthearted comment to make you smile,” Sager says. Wilson was unable to join her cheerleaders for the biggest event of the season, the Homecoming game. Instead, Wilson was cycling in an event to raise awareness for skin cancer. “She was so strong during that time,” says Sheean. “It would be despicable to say that she hasn’t contributed to the strength of the team with her leadership and love for her cheerleaders.” Wilson’s impact on the Parker cheer team is a lasting one. Gerson commented that “without Coach Brooke, I would of never had the courage or will to try what I’m doing now.” Gerson says. She explained that Wilson brought an intensity in her coaching that inspired her and her fellow cheerleaders to work harder and to become better athletes. The friendly face and lighthearted comments of Wilson will be greatly missed by cheer team as well as the entire Parker community. “Her friendly demeanor and positivity has brightened the Parker community since the day she arrived,” says Sheean. Wilson will forever be in the hearts of her cheerleaders and the Parker community. In the wise words of Wilson herself, “those pesky little cancer cells [can] take a vacation now.”

ETCETERA the bus stop bunch pg. 44 I couch surfing pg . 46 creature feature pg. 48 I #nofilter pg. 50 I quadrants pg. 51

PHOTOGRAPH BY CAROLINE WOHL Lower school parker students can often be seen playing around the centennial fountain before riding the bus to the lower school in the morning. fpsthescribe.org

THE BUS STOP BUNCH +

GET TO KNOW PARKER’S CUTEST BUS RIDERS ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY CAROLINE WOHL

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

Jake is a very busy first grader, alerting others of his hectic schedule by yelling “Tell me we’re almost done! It’s been like a thousand interviews.”

Z O E H O WA R D

JAKE DANZO

Q: What is your favorite class? Zoe: Spanish. I can say “peanut butter and jelly sandwich.” Q: Why do you like taking the bus? Z: Because I’m supposed to go back to my dad’s school. If I’m not on the bus, I get to stay [at the Lower School]. Q: What is your favorite game to play? Z: Jake and the Neverland Pirates. One time, I did it with Scotty and he was Jake and I was Izzy. Jaelyn was Captain Hook. He was very evil. One time I accidentally saw treasure and it was a heart and he tried to take it from me. And that’s the kind of heart I got [makes heart with her fingers]. And he tried to find this kind of heart and he tried to steal it. Q: What is your favorite thing about your dad? Z: He’s funny and gives me kisses. Q: What do you like to do on the weekend? Z: I usually get ice cream for a treat after school if I get a sticker. Q: What do you want to be when you grow up? Z: I want to be a nurse.

Q: What is your favorite thing about school? What is your favorite subject? Jake: I like learning. My favorite subject, probably I would say writing. Q: Why do you like taking the bus? J: We get to be as loud as we want. We get to have fun. Q: Who do you sit next to on the bus? J: Bo and Jack. We like to [pauses] be crazy. Q: What do you want to be when you grow up? J: Uh... Friend: You could be a plumber! J: Wait, I want to be a plumber for toilets. Q: What is your favorite thing about your mom? J: She gets me whatever I want. Like, I got two snails but one died this morning. Q: What is one of your favorite funny memories? J: I know what’s crazy! Never trust Willy Wonka! He’s from a movie. Q: What are your thoughts on President Obama? J: I think he’s really smart. I call him Uncle-bama.

AGE: 4 F AV O R I T E P R I N C E S S : ARIEL (THE LITTLE MERMAID) PA R E N T : J E R E M Y H O W ARD

AGE: 7 F AV O R I T E A N I M A L : SNAKE PA R E N T : N A N C Y A N DERSON

alking past the drop off area, you

approach the Upper School greeted by the high-pitched shrills of screaming and laughter fill the air and blurred blobs dressed in bright Lands’ End polos and sweaters run past you. As you wipe the sleep out of your eyes, the small blobs turn into children, waiting for the 7:45AM bus to whisk them off to the wonders of the Lower School. It is here that their parents, who are Parker faculty and staff, happily chat around the Centennial Fountain, waiting to send off their kids with kisses and hugs, ensuring them a great day ahead. “It’s really cool how it’s a gathering place of the Parker faculty and their children,” says Middle School History teacher Jeremy Howard. In past years, kids stood by the lockers. “It seemed like we were trying to keep them quiet and getting out of trouble the whole time,” recalls Middle School English Teacher Gretchen Taylor. “Since the fountain was built, it changed the whole dynamic.” The parents enjoy talking to other teachers and seeing the high schoolers play with the kids. The shuttle, which arrives back at 3:35PM, is quite convenient. “Otherwise, I would have to go to the Lower School every day and it would just add to the commute,” Howard says. Parents love that their children can broaden their friendships in this environment. “She [daughter Zoe] is meeting kids from fifth grade to JK,” Howard says. “Over the years she’ll get to know them better, and when she’s in middle school, she’ll still know people up here.” “[The kids] need to get their wiggles out and it’s been great,” Taylor says. So the next time you’re having a bad morning, offer to chat with frequent bus rider Miranda Park, daughter of Learning Center Teacher Lisa Park, about her favorite thing about Parker, our “big choice of uniforms to wear.” or challenge a kindergartener to an intense round of tag. These youngsters are sure to brighten your day.

Though her parents ensure they spend time with their daughter, Zoe says that “they don’t like to play with me, not that much.”

Two-square is the latest playground pastime among kids in the Lower School and Dylan Taylor (left) notes with pride “We play two-square. It’s popular.”

One thing that DJ Walcott does not care for is his kids’ screaming, and son Deuce agrees: “I have a little sister and she’s so loud.”

We know that teachers are on tight schedules but according to Connor, the reason he takes the bus is because “My mom is way too busy to drag me [to school].”

A trick that Elliot plays on his parents is creeping up on them when they’re not looking. “I’m sneaky,” he says.

DYLAN AND BO TAY L O R

D E U C E WA L C O T T

CONNOR ALLEN

ELLIOT DUEHR

Q: What is your favorite thing about school? Dylan: I like doing math, multiplication. Bo: Play[ing] tag. Q: What do you like to do on the bus? B: I like to sit with my friends. D: I like it because I get to be with my friends that I’m not in classes with. Q: What’s your favorite thing about your dad? D: I like that he likes world peace. Q: What’s one thing you like about your mom? B: Uh, she’s nice. She cooks. Q: What is your dad’s least favorite thing to do? Does he not like chores? B: He likes chores. Q: What do you want to be when you grow up? D: A paleontologist. [I want to study] marine life. Q: What’s one thing you like about your brother? D: I like that he’s always ready to play. Q: Who wins at two-square? D: I usually win. Q: Have you beat your brother in two-square? B: Yes! D: Well, that’s because, um, I was failing.

Q: What is your favorite thing about taking the bus? Deuce: Taking it back here. I like to see my dad. Q: What do you like about your dad ? D: I like when he plays LEGOs with me. Q: Who is your favorite superhero? D: I like Batman because sometimes he’s the leader. Q: What do you want to be when you grow up? D: I want to be a coach. I want to coach football. Q: What is your favorite thing about football? D: I like getting the food at the football games. Q: What does your dad like to do in his free time? D: Maybe he just likes to coach. Q: Do you like playing with your sister? D: No, she’s too loud for me.

Q: What is your favorite thing about school? Connor: I like going to the library. Q: What do you like to do on the weekend? C: Play video games: Minecraft, C.O.D. Ghosts. Q: What games do you like to play on the playground and why? C: Football. Being quarterback. Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? C: Picking up things and throwing them. So I wouldn’t have to do my homework. I would say, “Someone took it.” Q: What are your thoughts on our president? C: That he is terrible at Obamacare. Eh, I sort of like him. Q: Funny memory that you have? C: Well, when my mom let me play with her keys when I was one year old, I locked her out of the car. My mom had to call 911 to get back in. Q: What do you want to be when you grow up and why? C: A marine. So I can ride a big tank. And shoot things.

Q: What is your favorite thing about school? Elliot: Play on the playground with friends. I play tag. Q: What’s your favorite thing about your mom? E: She always lets me get her coffee ready for her. It’s true. Q: What do you like about your sister [Audrey]? E: She has a pillow pet and I have a pillow pet. She has a mini pillow pet, that means small, and I have a regular one. I have a penguin. Q: What do you want to be when you grow up and why? E: A karate teacher because I take karate. Q: What do your parents do when they’re not at work? E: They like to fold laundry. Q: What do your parents do? E: [My mom] teaches people. [My dad] teaches people, too. Why does everybody have to teach?

AGES: 9 AND 7 F AV O R I T E C O L O R S : BLUE PA R E N T S : E R I C A N D G R E T C H E N TAY L O R

AGE: 5 F AV O R I T E A N I M A L : DOG PA R E N T : D J WA L C O T T

AGE: 9 F AV O R I T E C A N D Y : K I T K AT PA R E N T : A N T O I N E T T E ALLEN

AGE: 5 F AV O R I T E S U P E R H E R O : B AT M A N PA R E N T : J I L L D U E H R

www.fpsthescribe.org Check out our website for bonus interviews with other bus stop kids. fpsthescribe.org

COUCH

G F

EXPLORING PARKER’S SNUGGEST SPACES

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY PATRICK RILEY AND NISHON TYLER

rancis Parker School prides itself on maintaining a caring, nurturing

atmosphere amidst an often hectic academic environment. Between long nights spent on procrastinated analytical essays, foreign language presentations, and history projects, students are hard-pressed to find a day that lacks at least some exhaustion. That is why the thoughtful faculty members have provided their students with 27 opportunities to sink into a cushioned heaven and properly catch up on those zzz’s (only during free periods, of course).

A . M O S T C O M F O R TA B L E ROOM 5226: MS. ANDERSON BEST FOR: LOUNGING AND SNUGGLING WITH FRIENDS

If you think leather can’t be comfortable, please show yourself out, or sink into one of Ms. Nancy Anderson’s snuggly sofas and prepare to experience a revelation. “The small one I ordered when I moved into the room,” says Anderson. “And the other one I adopted from an unused office when the school was being built.” Although she admits to occasionally utilizing the L-shaped lounging area, the only one of its kind on campus, the main occupants are her students. For her seniors, it is a perfect layout to maintain a tight-knit group and keep the classes on track. But watch out, even though it’s been declared Parker’s most comfortable, it’s also Parker’s hungriest. Anderson warns the suave settee has eaten many cell phones in its day.

B. MOST CENTRAL ROOM 5131: MS. ADELMAN BEST FOR: CRYING

B C

You walk by it at least four times per day, probably more, and it’s never empty. Located approximately equidistant from the sports court and the Social Justice garden, this luscious couch was purchased just last year when English teacher, Ms. Michelle Adelman became the twelfth grade dean. Faced with extra space and a need for comfort, she purchased this beauty with the intent to create a relaxing place for students to unwind after a busy day. “I specifically divided the room into two zones,” says Adelman. “There’s the lounge area and there’s the classroom area. There’s rarely a temptation to go into the couch zone during class.” But don’t let that prevent you from stopping by during free periods or before and after school.

C. MOST STYLISH ROOM 5225: MRS. DEVINE BEST FOR: SIPPING TEA WHILE STRESSING ABOUT COLLEGE WITH A PEPPY SOUTHERN BELLE

A year ago, Mrs. Terri Devine decided her room needed a makeover. With the help of colleague Mr. Bob Hurley, she transported this beautiful eggshell divan from her very own living room all the way to the second floor College Counseling office. The ambience has transformed into a plush sun-kissed haven. With her collection of warm throw pillows, a matching floral rug, and a complementary collection of wall paintings, this setting is now the perfect spot for a classy afternoon in one of Parker’s homiest spaces. But style does not compromise comfort, folks. Be sure to try out this multifaceted sofa for a sophisticated, yet snug experience.

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

SURFING D. MOST UNORTHODOX

ROOM 101: ROBOTICS BEST FOR: GETTING SOME PRIVACY AND FINDING YOUR INNER NERD

We’ve bent the formal definition of a couch a little on this one, but despite the lack of upholstery, this unconventional creation cannot be overlooked. Its young life began just four years ago, when Class of 2011 members Ian Wetherald, David Loer, Tammy Pham and the rest of the original WARLORDS began construction of the bench-like sofa. Today, it is the heart and soul of the Robotics team, providing much-needed rest during work sessions, and even traveling with the team during tournaments. For the entire group, including advisers Mr. Ryan Griggs and Mr. Michael Maunu, the couch is an integral element to the team and their chemistry. “It means late-night coding and a nap during lunch,” says senior Ian Mann. Don’t be afraid to stop by and take a seat. We promise, Bryce Matsumori won’t bite.

E. MOST FLORAL ROOM 114: MR. MAUNU BEST FOR: PLAYING VIDEO GAMES

Stepping into this classroom may feel like a nostalgic trip to your grandma’s house. That is, if your grandma supplies you with non-stop gaming and is willing to remove the plastic covering from her floral futon. Purchased sixteen years ago, this cuddly sofa was custom-made for the Maunus, every detail hand-selected to fill the couchless void in the Maunu home. Today, the location has moved, but its legendary coziness and patchworked mystique live on. “Do I sit on it? Yes,” says Maunu. “ Do I sleep on it? Yes.” During Robotics late nights, Maunu is proud to call it his bed, but during the school day he is pleased to see it utilized by all students. This classic couch has character, soul, and, despite its age and slightly off-putting exterior, is a “must-sit” during your high school career.

F. M O S T ’ 9 0 S ROOM 216: DR. WILSON BEST FOR: REVISITING YOUR YOUTH

We know, we know, jean on jean is so 2001, but an exception must be made for this denim futon and its matching pillows. We’ve voted it “Most ’90s,” and camera-shy Dr. Rai Wilson agrees. “I think that’s apt,” he says. Originally destined for the dumpster, this gem was salvaged from a former student. No one is sure of its exact birthdate, but we’d wager sometime between the Clinton and Bush presidencies. Objects of note involve the matching set of pillows, perfect for cuddling. If he could change anything, it would be the length. “I’d like it to be longer so more kids could fit,” says Wilson, but that should not discourage you from trying it out.

G. MOST CLASSIC ROOM 219: MS. OBERMEIR BEST FOR: PLOTTING THE END OF THE PATRIARCHY

In what is perhaps the greatest deviation from traditional classroom design, Ms. Carol Obermeir’s cozy quartet has recently experienced an upgrade. As the OG of Parker’s couch crew, Obermeir accessorizes her couches with strategically placed chairs and a podium, perfect for maintaining a professional air in the face of sleep inducing sofas. We especially recommend the majestic purple couch. Aside from the imposing air it lends the sitter, the comfort of the cushions is second to none. That you can spend your time relaxing with none other than Parker’s own Ms. O is just added incentive.

G. fpsthescribe.org

CREATURE ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY EMMA MOORE

THOMAS MANN

If you were to serenade someone, what would you sing? If I were serenading someone I would definitely sing the most romantic song ever, “Big Poppa.”

Freshman Thomas “T-Will” Mann believes that he has no talents other than sleeping and playing soccer, but he also has a way with the ladies. When not surrounded by his female fan club, this sarcastic freshman can be found contemplating the meaning of life (he thinks it’s 42), and enjoying food from his favorite restaurant, Burger Lounge. He is also the younger brother to senior Ian Mann. Despite this freshman’s posse, T-Will is still single and ready to mingle. So watch out ladies, he’s on the move.

What do you do when a black cat crosses your path? Scream like a preteen girl seeing Justin Bieber and run. Which Disney princess do you identify with? Ariel, because my best friend is a singing red crab and I don’t have legs.

What do you think your best qualities are? My best qualities are my maturity and my honesty. I’m never sarcastic and always try to be as joyful as possible. Whats are your thoughts on Cupid? He would be in prison for public exposure, because he’s just a flying, naked baby. Describe your perfect date. My perfect date would start with a long stroll on a moonlit beach (by myself of course), followed by dinner at a fancy French restaurant (for one).

ALEXANDRIA HIGHTOWER When sophomore Alexandria “Alex” Hightower was younger, all she wanted was to be 18 or older so she could buy a Kidz Bop CD from TV. Although she’s still too young to achieve this aspiration, Hightower has accomplished much in her 15 years, from winning two state volleyball championships to winning a shopping spree at Big 5 in a Lunchables sweepstakes. This sassy sophomore likes to sleep through the day and has a knack for getting the water to just the right temperature in her fish tank. Her diet consists mainly of snickerdoodle cookies and cupcakes, so if you’re looking to win over this girl’s heart, simply head on over to the nearest bakery and you’re guaranteed to please. If you could travel back in time, where would you go? I would travel back to the time where I hadn’t updated Snapchat because stories are gross.

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

What’s your favorite unit of measure? Degrees can be hot. What’s the first thing you notice about a person you’ve just met? What hand he or she writes with. If you were the opposite gender for a day what would you look like and what would you do? I’d look like a boy and do that weird male handshake. On a scale of tea time to rager, how hard do you party? As hard as a Saturday afternoon barbecue in the suburbs. Note Carly Rae Jepsen songs in the background.

FEATURE

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE COOLEST KIDS ON CAMPUS

E R I C K A N E G AY E

Junior Eric Kanegaye is sarcastic. Cynical, even. In his free time, he enjoys finding new hairstyles, hanging with friends, and his secret hobby, doing calf raises. Although he ran cross country for the first time this fall, this junior would much rather be talking about, or playing, soccer. He used to dream of being a professional soccer player, a goal that he says is long gone. A lot of people think his name is Ducky, but he thinks it would be really cool if they took the time to learn his real name. Although he doesn’t know any quotes from Mean Girls, this cheeky junior still has a good motto to live by: “Take what you get and give nothing back!”

What was your New Year’s Resolution? Have you kept it? To make sure I have interesting answers for The Scribe, should they ask me. It’s not going well. On a scale of one to banana, how random are you? Ten raised to the power of banana. Is that possible? If you could be a celebrity for a day who would you be? Ryan Reynolds. Those abs...

Do you believe in love at first sight? Probably not. But hey, anything’s possible, I mean the football team won league this year! How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? A completely unreasonable amount of time, only because of my slight obsession with my hair.

B E T H D E S TA Senior Beth Desta is hilarious, smart, and snarky. When not at school, she enjoys listening to “Two Seconds” by Marty Kausus on repeat. Her lucky number is two, because “that’s how many it takes to make a thing go ri-ight.” Her brother, Yoseph Desta, ’10 is back on the market, ladies. See the fall 2007 issue of The Scribe to learn of the top 10 reasons to date him. This Libra insists that she is not short. When she was younger, Beth wanted to be “a princess, a fairy, and an angel, all at the same time, named Tina. Go big or go home.” What do you believe your spirit animal is and why? Beyoncé because I’m flawless (I woke up like this).

If your house was on fire, which object would you want to save? The fire extinguisher. If you were on a competition show which would it be? The Hunger Games; I’m not afraid to fight someone over food. Come at me bro. Do you sing in the shower? Yes, I like to start my day with a nice and wholesome 2 Chainz rap. What message would you give your great-great grandchildren? Frosted tips are super duper swaggy.

Would you rather be rich and ugly, or poor and good-looking? Neither, I’d be average looking with average wealth. To use the wise words of Hannah Montana, I’d get “the best of both worlds.”

fpsthescribe.org

#NOFILTER

S ARTICLE BY NATALIE GREENBERG

1839

posts

744k

followers

328

following

our Instagram profile shows the world who you think you are, and everything that you’re not. Social media sites like Twitter, Tumblr, and Facebook are places to create a somewhat fictitious life for yourself. But on Instagram, the truth is revealed. We’re not fools. We the picture of you grabbing your “best friend” in your sparkly dress on New Year’s Eve as both a document of a special night and a telegram to all followers alerting us to how much fun it was partying with three friends. Alright maybe four. So. Much. Fun. And within every profile there is personality, a stereotype that confines you to a new social media-based personality.

Photo courtesy of Natalie Greenberg

Photo courtesy of Emilie Maxson

Photo courtesy of Kyra Atchason

Photo courtesy of Ivanna Fux

THE H A S H TA G G E R

THE POSER

THE THROWBACKER

THE SELFIER

Hashtags are one of the worst teen creations ever. It was one thing when they were used sparingly on Twitter as a way to connect popular topics. Now, however, they have become way overused with the word “hashtag” popping up in speech. Admittedly, hashtags do make a bit of sense on Instagram because it can put together an interesting collection of pictures with similar subjects. But what do hashtags such as #winning or #life even mean? We dare you to look up those hashtags. Spoiler alert: it’s a collection of photos ranging from a broken shower door to the Parker scoreboard. So to the Instagrammers who use the hashtag #for #every #single #word #for #every #single #picture, please stop. It makes you seem #desperate.

You may think it’s easy to lie in your caption or to pass off a picture as your own but we’re on to you. That picture you posted on Sunday for #selfiesunday after supposedly just waking up from a twelve-hour nap with no makeup on isn’t fooling anyone. We can see the clumps of mascara and neatly groomed hair. And don’t forget the picture thieves. That mysterious photo you uploaded during math class of someone sitting on the Metro steps in Paris in a five thousand dollar dress. Right, of course that’s you. Note: a filter is also not a way to pass off someone else’s picture as your own. We will all know if one day you suddenly get an incredible picture of the Golden Gate Bridge at 9:30 AM when you were at school. It’s hard to slip that one by with just the Sierra filter.

Throwback Thursday. Please respect the name. This idea started on Twitter as a way to look back and share memories and photos from the past. Fun idea, right? Yes, when used appropriately. It was not designed for you repost the same Prom picture over and over again because you want to get a few more likes than last time. Nor is it designed to be a space for your sob story about how much prettier you used to be. We could go check Facebook if, for some strange reason, we cared. Also, please keep in mind that Throwback Thursday and Flashback Friday are the exact same thing. If you are participating in both of these social media holidays, go outside, and try a sport.

From iconic celebrities to the girl or boy that sits next to you in math class, everyone knows that person who is constantly taking selfies. Girls with their heads tilted one way or another, standing in front of a mirror staring at themselves. And boys flexing as hard as possible with a very serious face to appear as if they didn’t know they were taking a picture of themselves. What you probably weren’t thinking was how it looks when your entire Instagram feed is comprised of selfies from the party last weekend to getting ready for bed in your cute pajamas. It makes you seem self-obsessed and self-promoting. But maybe you’re merely preparing for the upcoming selfie Olympics, in which case, keep up the daily practice.

february 2014 THE SCRIBE

QUADRANTS COMPILED BY SOREN HANSEN AND MARK KLEIN PHOTOS BY SOREN HANSEN AND MARK KLEIN

IF YOU COULD GET RID OF ONE U.S. STATE, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WRITTEN ON WHO IS YOUR YOUR TOMBSTONE? WORST ENEMY?

Idaho because you never hear people say, “Yeah I’m going on vacation to Idaho.”

I told you it was infected

Wisconsin. I forgot it on my eighth grade states test. It is a constant reminder of my failures.

If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it

THE TOP 3 THINGS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST ARE...

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD BUY AFTER WINNING THE LOTTERY?

Juan Pablo on the Bachelors

crash a bridal shower, Put my friends house up for sale on Craigslist and run on the field of an NFL game.

A pool full of cash and I would just swim in money

Clowns

ummm... world peace?

Canada

The SAT

get super barreled. Spend the day with the English queen. This last one might sound crazy, but maybe, possibly legalize Parker athletic wear.

Get some lunch then buy a house.

A pool full of Jello

A Power Loader, like the one in Aliens.

DREW SCHMID

HADLEY DEBELLO

Arizona. Not even a question.

Don’t waste your time grieving. I’m with Tupac and Biggie now

Georgia, because Honey Boo Boo lives there.

Leave your McFlurrys here

The Dark Lord Sauron

1. Sky Diving, 2. Meeting the Dalai Lama 3. Meditating on top of Mt. Everest

Why would I want to get rid of another one, er, I mean, there’s always been 50 and they’re great.

My favorite Tombstone has pepperoni on it.

Nayr and Khaaan!

get a pen, get paper, wonder why I didn’t type this list.

KIAN BAGHERI

CARA STIEGLER

M R . R YA N GRIGGS

SEPARATED AT BIRTH Mickey Miller

Syndrome The Incredibles

PHOTO COURTESY OF WORLD ENTERTAINMENT

fpsthescribe.org