2009 april

Volume 57, Issue 8

Arcadia High School 180 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA

April 2009

McAlister Makes Magic

In this issue:

Photo Courtesy of ELLIOTT LEE

PERFORMING ARTS pgs. 8-9 Spring Shows: Various performing arts groups are strutting their stuff during this time of the year.

Photo by LLOYD FUJIWARA Graphic by REGINA FANG

BLURRING THE COMPETITION Catrina McAlister sprints to the finish line, breaking the school record with an under-fiveminute mile, she is currently the second fastest high school and the fastest sophomore competitor in the state.

By VICTORIA TRAN Staff Writer

CENTER SPREAD pgs. 12-14 Post Secret: Hear about the hopes, dreams, fears, and funny habits of your friends and fellow classmates.

Photo Courtesy of TUTORFOX.COM

ACADEMICS pg. 16 AP Prep Tips: Get the 411 on how to adequately prepare yourself for the upcoming AP exams.

There are many thoughts that run through most teenagers’ minds as they run the mile.

“Let’s see if I can get under five minutes” isn’t one of them. For Catrina McAlister, however, that thought is a reality.

“I like the feeling of running. I like to hear my heart beat, feel my sweat, taste the air, and see the world rush before me. It lets me, almost in a way, get away from the world,” she said.

While most of us run in the opposite direction when we hear the word “mile,” Catrina stays at the starting line and toes the finish in an amazing 4 minutes and 54 seconds, currently making her the fastest sophomore in the state. The general public might not know how it feels, but Catrina explains, “Your legs feel like rubber, and sometimes your arms too, you can’t really breathe, and when the pain is over you just want to scream and cry and jump,” but then added, “not because you are done, but because you have accomplished the unimaginable.” A sub-five-minute mile is already an accomplishment for most boys, but

to say a sophomore girl has reached such a time is an understatement of herculean strength. Her 4:54 mile time has surpassed school records and the expectations of her teammates and coaches.

This amazing feat, first set as a goal for her at the beginning of the season, has been reached after much difficult training and the support of her friends and family. With still a couple of meets left in the season, she said she is going to “tear [that time] apart.”

Not only succeeding at the mile, Catrina has broken school records for the 3200-meter run, the equivalent of 2 miles. She competed among the top runners in the nation for the 3200-meter at the Arcadia Invitational, where she reached her personal best of 10:31. Her time put her in third, beating out many hopefuls, and also making her the fastest 3200 sophomore runner in the state. At the beginning of the season, she sought to run 10:40—however, now that she already exceeded her goal with her recent personal record, she is now gunning for a sub-10:20 time. In order to do so, her coaches have been teaching her “race strategy,” which will help shrink her times and compete with the best.

Coach Chris Schultz said, “Both of these

[goals] have been exceeded and we have had to set new goals as Catrina has raised her level of competition. She has exceeded my expectations and those of many people, but that is what track is about: setting goals, accomplishing them, and then setting the bar even higher.”

All these accomplishments will carry her along to the State Finals later in the season, where she will hopefully be competing in both the 1600 and 3200 meter run. Both times currently place her in the top 10 nationally.

When explaining the difficulty of races, she stated that they’re “more mental than physical. I really have to think of every step that I am taking, where everyone is around me, where I am in the race, how fast I am going, and when I am going to make a move on another person.

For me, at least one time every race, I have to do math in my head.”

To some, track may just seem like people racing around an oval, but to Catrina, it’s a passion, and passion can drive people past their limits. At this rate, and as only a sophomore, Catrina McAlister is well on track for great things. vtran@theapachepowwow.com

NEWS

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noitacilbuP noitamrofnI:

April 2009

April Fools! You’re Not Accepted while other students believed that the welcoming e-mail encouraged hope but quickly destroyed that last bit of optimism for students who were already under a large amount of stress.

Indeed, people were disappointed that a school as renowned as UCSD could commit such a gigantic mistake.

students who received the rejection and orientation email are allegedly planning Staff Writers to sue the school. Junior Maya Lee feels It took one e-mail, just one–the “really bad for those who had been reconfusion it caused became one of the jected because the e-mail replenished greatest moments in the lives of 30,000 their hopes and then the second e-mail college hopefuls. Then, as quickly as it instantly shot them down with a mere began, it became one of the lowest moapology. Of course, colleges are capable ments in the dreams of of making mistakes, but those students. this one was a big screwFor the 30,000 apup.” plicants who hoped to Even though many spend the next few years feel disappointed, some of their lives at UC San “find it funny.” An anonDiego, but were rejected ymous senior said, “If in early March, April UCLA sent one out like Fool’s came too early this that, I’d still find it funny.” year when they all found It is ironic, that a school an unpleasant surprise in as prominent as UCSD, a their inboxes on Mar. 30. school which many dream After notifying the 47,000 of attending, can be at the students who applied center of one of the counPhoto courtesy of IMG135.IMAGESHACK.US about their acceptance try’s largest university slipJUST KIDDING! UC San Diego breaks the hearts of or rejection a few weeks ups. However, this is not thousands of hopeful applicants with just one e-mail mistake. before, UCSD wanted to the first time a blunder like send out an e-mail invitthis has occurred. Schools ing students to a campus orientation in Applicants were rejected, accepted, and such as Cornell University and NorthApril. However, instead of sending the then rejected again. “It was a colossal western University’s Kellogg School of e-mail to only those who were admitted, screw-up,” said one parent in the Los An- Management have crushed the hopes of the e-mail went out to all the applicants, geles Times. Senior Kyle Kim, who did students with similar mistakes, albeit including those who had been rejected. get accepted into UCSD, agreed that the with a smaller pool of students affected.

The e-mail created confusion and hope school did “mess up big time.”

Like all April Fool’s jokes, UCSD’s Despite trying to fix the error within e-mail error was not funny for those dias the denied applicants read the words: “We’re thrilled that you’ve been admit- two hours to eliminate further damage, rectly affected by the immense mistake.

UCSD could not escape the humiliation Instead, students had their hopes raised ted to UC San Diego….”

The worst part, however, came two and number of accusations aimed at it. and crushed in one day by two e-mails hours later when the university, upon Every admissions officer on campus that seemed crueler than any actual April realizing its mistake, sent out another was forced to answer phone calls from Fool’s joke could ever be. But mistakes e-mail that notified applicants about the furious, confused, and disappointed ap- happen–and although the e-mail error e-mail error, which once again dashed plicants and parents throughout the day, may be hard to forget, someday, the stuthe hopes of those who were denied ac- while others worked until midnight re- dents will look back on it and laugh. ceptance into the prestigious university. sponding to e-mails and phone messages.

Students who were rejected felt that they However, the backlash is now becomjlin@theapachepowwow.com had been rejected from UCSD twice, ing a legal issue. Parents of out-of-state etsui@theapachepowwow.com

By JENNY LIN & ELAINE TSUI

APRIL FOOLS!

Editors-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editors Opinion Editors Performing Arts Editors Student Life Editors Features Editors Sports Editor Academics Editor Center Spread Editor Calendar Editors Campus Focus Editor Advertisement Editor Executive Copy Editor Photography/Graphics Editors Webmasters Fundraising Chairs Publicity Chair

apachepowwow.com

Petty Thief Pilfers the Pumpkin Patch recent increase in crime has called this image into question. As this occurs more and more often, is Arcadia really as safe as it claims to be? As one of the “Best Places to Raise Kids” in California, Arcadia has always sent the message that the

from the effects of the economic slump.

Agreeing, junior Lily Dai said, “It’s a Staff Writer sign of how bad our economy is... We Lauded as one of Business Week’s always hear about how the economy is Best Places to Raise Kids in 2009, Argetting worse and worse, but we don’t recadia is a homeowner’s paradise. With ally realize it because we live in Arcadia. its excellent schools, beautiful But slowly, it’s becoming more homes, and famed arboretum and and more apparent that no one is racetrack, Arcadia has always proexempt from these kinds of things. vided its residents with the best of Not even Arcadia” Even so, juthe best. However, in a recent turn nior Leah Wong still has faith in of events, Arcadia has found itself Arcadia’s future. She said of the victim to a robbery at a store in its incident, “I’m not very worried.

Westfield Shopping Center.

Even though it does kind of seem The incident occurred at like things are occurring more ofaround 8:30 p.m. on Thurs. Mar. ten, these types of things happen 26 at a children’s clothing retailer, everywhere, even in the safest Pumpkin Patch. Entering the store places, so I don’t think it’s anywearing a blue cap and dark blue thing we should worry about.” clothes, the robber was described Despite any apprehension the to be a black man in his mid-thirrobbery may have caused, keep in Photo by MICHELLE CHIEN ties; standing around 5’ 8” , he was mind that incidents like this are PUMPKIN PATCH Sadly, even the described to be of an average build. in fact isolated. As much as some innocence of a children’s clothing store cannot Although no one was injured, the may attribute this increase to the robber used an unknown weapon steadily regressing state of the evade the strains of our declining economy. to demand money and managed to city, as long as the extra precauflee with an undisclosed amount of cash, city is a healthy and safe environment for tions are taken, Arcadia has been, is still, leaving two of the store employees to all its residents with its excellent schools, and always will be one of the best places wait in the back as he made his escape. stable businesses, and city programs. to live.

With Arcadia’s upstanding reputaHowever, incidents like this prove tion as a safe and secure community, the that Arcadia is not completely shielded mchien@theapachepowwow.com

By MICHELLE CHIEN

The Apache Pow Wow is a student publication distributed monthly throughout the school year. The paper has been continuously published since Arcadia High School opened in 1952. Unsigned articles appearing on the opinion page reflect the opinion of the Apache Pow Wow editorial board. Student’s work does not represent the views of Arcadia High School or the Arcadia Unified School District. Address letters to the editor to: AHS Apache Pow Wow, 180 W. Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007. To place an advertisement in the newspaper, call (626) 821-8370. Advertisement rates vary from $30 for a business card advertisement to $380 for a full-page black and white advertisement, with quarter-page, half-page, and advertisement insert options available.

NEWS

apachepowwow.com

April 2009

Crimes of the Past: Armenian Genocide

By BILL ZHOU Staff Writer

What would you do if tomorrow, a barrage of soldiers charged into your house and forcibly removed you, your parents, your siblings, and your relatives into the streets?

Imagine you are marched like a slave into the surrounding desert, without any provisions to protect you against the scorching sun in the morning and the cold climate at night. Supposedly you had enough money to bribe the officials for a meager amount of water and food to last you to the concentration camp, only to be greeted by an uninhabitable, open-air graveyard. Those who did not perish from starvation and disease are subjugated to mass burning.

The stench of burning flesh permeates the air as you stand in line, awaiting your inevitable death. And how would you feel if the people who murdered your entire family – who almost wiped out an entire ethnicity – deny of having ever committed such acts?

Ninety-four years ago, an estimated one to one and a half million people were massacred in cold blood, regardless of sex and age. Countless others were permanently scarred by abuse for life. An entire ethnicity, along with its cultural, religious, historical, and communal heritage was almost wiped out in the span of nine short years.

It is widely acknowledged as the first modern, systematic genocide that is publicly condemned as a crime against humanity.

News

Yet, the greatest atrocity of all still lives on today.

The Armenian Genocide, which begun on Apr. 24, 1915, was carried out during and after WWI by the Turkish government against the entire Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire. Under the reign of Mehmed Talaat Pasha, the leader of the Young Turk movement, most Armenians were either methodically massacred

by Turkish soldiers or forcibly removed from Armenia and Anatolia to Syria, where the vast majority of deportees died in the desert from thirst and hunger. Those who were spared their lives were subject to expropriation, abduction, torture, and rape.

The atrocities are unimaginable. The facts and documentations are irrefutable. However, to this day, only 21 countries and 42 U.S. states in the world have officially recognized the massacres of Armenians committed by the Turkish Government between 1915 and1923 as genocide – America is currently not one of them.

But progress is being made. On Jan. 30, 2007, local House Representative Adam Schiff introduced a resolution to the 110th United States Congress which calls “upon the U.S. President to ensure that the foreign policy of the United States reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide documented in the United States record relating to the Armenian Genocide.” Despite 215 co-sponsors from other congressmen, this resolution faced heavy opposition from the Re-

public of Turkey, which refuses to recognize the events of 1915 as a genocide, claiming that the massacre of Armenians was not deliberate or government orchestrated. In addition, the lack of support from the Bush Administration postponed the voting of the bill in the House of Representatives.

However, with the recent election of President Barack Obama, the future looks bright for the Armenian-American community. President Obama, who is known for supporting the call for Turkey’s acknowledgement of the Armenian genocide, will most likely sign his approval should a similar bill be brought to a floor vote in the House.

Mr. David Silah, the current math department head who has been at AHS for 15 years and is also the advisor for the Armenian Club, lost numerous family members to the Armenian Genocide. “The Armenian Genocide was one of the greatest crimes in history. Every Armenian family has their own story of how their grandparents escaped the killings. I hope that one day Turkey will officially recognize the crime so that relations between Armenia and Turkey can improve,” he said.

Overshadowed by the Holocaust and heavily opposed by the Turkish government, the Armenian Genocide has remained shrouded for too long under a blanket of ignorance and mystery.

In a choice between living in denial or upholding the truth, only you can make that decision. bzhou@theapachepowwow.com

Cub Scout Troop Goes To Press Briefs

May 2

- SAT & Subject Tests

4

- Grad Night meeting (7 p.m.)

4-13

- AP Test Dates

5

- Senior Parent meeting (7 p.m.)

7-8

- Drama Production “All the Worlds a Stage”

9

- Percussion & Color Guard Spring Show

12

- CAHSEE Retake/Make-up (ELA)

13

- CAHSEE Retake/Make-up (Math)

16

- Prom

21

- Senior Awards (6-8 p.m.)

25

- Memorial Day Holiday

Notice: The Apache Pow Wow has a new website: www.apachepowwow.com ATTENTION ALL SENIORS: If you have not purchased your ticket for Grad Night, please do. Grad Night is Jun. 12, from 11:00 pm-5:00 am at the Santa Anita Race Track. Cost is currently $110, but will go up to $120 after May 15. Purchase your ticket in the ASB office. Price includes everything: all-you-can eat buffet, In-N-Out burgers, rides, inflatables, games, casino, fabulous prizes, DJ with music and dancing. Contact Ruth Lagace, r2lagace@roadrunner.com or Lori Phillipi, lphillipi@roadrunner.com with questions.

By MICHELLE CHIEN

world’s newspaper.” When asked about what they would like to do on a newspaper staff in the future, first grader Daniel Neiderman said, Among goofy giggles, knock-knock jokes, “cartoonist and illustrator.” Nodding in agreeand references to Nemo and the Transformers, ment, his older brother, Jed, added, “Yeah, me members of Cub Scouts Troop 106 got their first too. I want to draw cartoons.”

As a relatively young pack, the boys of lesson in Newspaper 101 on Mar. 26.

Troop 106, have been together since last Wide-eyed and brimming with September. Since then, they have curiosity, the six-to-seven year gone on numerous field trips–tours olds entered H-6 welcomed by of the Arcadia History the editors-in-chief seniors LauMuseum, police stara Kelly and Lisa Chang. After a tion, and the Santa quick tour of the computer lab Anita Racetracks as where the editors explained the well as nature hikes; process of putting together a the trip to the Pow Wow paper on the computer, marks their fifth official field trip the boys were brought as they continue to earn badges as out into the classa group. Den mother Felissa Eve room, where advisor explains, “Part of the Tiger Badge Mr. Johnny Lee and is that we have to visit a news, rasenior Andrés Delgado delved dio, or TV station, so we decided more into the news–making proto come here.” As a place of endcess, introducing the boys to the less positive experiences for their wall where mock drafts of news kids, April Jang, mother of pages and articles are Photo courtesy of PACK632.COM seven-year-old Justin, said, placed. “We do a lot,” Photos & Graphic by REGINA FANG “We started coming [to Cub explained Mr. Lee, “We Scout meetings] because it like to get everyone inLITTLE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF helps him explore how to be volved... writing articles, IN MAKING They may be the a good person... we wouldn’t taking pictures, sellnext Lisa-and-Lauras. be here if he didn’t like it.” ing ads; there’s always Wrapping up the tour with some construcsomething to do.”

With inquisitive minds, the scouts re- tion paper and color pencils, the boys sat in H-6 sponded quickly with questions and comments, and drew to their heart’s content. One boy even brightening up the entire trip itself. “How do asks asked to have his drawing of the evil “Dr. you make newspapers in the forest?” one boy Fogg” published in the next issue, giving us a asked as another asked, “How do you interview glimpse of the talent of the potential “newsmakan animal?” However, the meeting didn’t veer ers” of tomorrow. completely off topic; at the tour’s end, one boy mchien@theapachepowwow.com proudly announced, “I want to be on the whole Staff Writer

3

AUSD’s Symbolic Start

By EMILY LITVACK Calendar Editor

On Apr. 2, a diverse group of educators, administrators, and others came out in support of what both Superintendent Dr. Joel Shawn and President of the Arcadia Board of Education Joann Steinmeier referred to as a “symbolic start.”

From the Citizens’ Oversight Committee to City Council members, it seemed that everyone had turned out to share words of thanks and goodwill that evening. Arcadia High School’s own band opened the ceremony and its Senior Men and Women handed out programs for the evening.

Mrs. Steinmeier called the passing of Measure I, the dollars which allow the recent renovations for AUSD schools, “a tangible representation of the community’s support.” She added, “It feels really good to finally see a new building being built here; this hasn’t happened in fifty years.”

In her speech, Ms. Steinmeier proclaimed, “We are very fortunate to live in a community where members put their money where their mouths are.”

Principal David Vannasdall said, “It’s a long time overdue. I have been looking forward to this event for four years.” Many in attendance fought for these renovations and now that the construction—projected to take roughly four to five years to complete—has started, they consider it a “feat” of sorts. “To see it all coming together makes it real for me. Now we’ll have world-class buildings to match our world-class programs and that’s a lot to be proud of,” he stated.

AUSD will be spending a quarter of a billion dollars on renovations at AHS, First Avenue Middle School, Highland Oaks Elementary, and Holly Avenue Elementary.

Dr. Shawn mentioned what renovations that have been completed thus far came in under budget. The fiscal conservation on the district’s part was wellknown among attendees.

Dr. Shawn joked about shovels they were taking photographs with. He said, “These are not gold shovels, by the way.

It was spray paint. In fact, I believe we found it in a back closet somewhere; we did not buy a new can. And we will be using these to build with later. Nothing is wasted around here! Not that I’m defensive or anything.” The audience laughed and cheered. Later, he elaborated, “If you haven’t worked with the Arcadia Unified School District, you don’t know what a tough client is.”

The various nods of heads and affirmative “mhmms” amongst the audience hinted that they knew this to be true.

The evening culminated in conversation among attendees over food and drinks. Gary Kovacic, chairman of the Measure I Bond Campaign, summarized the evening’s sentiment: “Long live civic virtue!” elitvack@theapachepowwow.com

4

OPINION

The Popular Vote

By ANDRÉS DELGADO & EMILY YANG Opinion Editor and Staff Writer

It’s a time-honored tradition at AHS. Every April, students congregate in the quad or at the front of club meetings in keeping with the grand tradition of American democracy. Ballots are smoothed, brows are furrowed, and the weighty decisions concerning the leadership of the student body are made. Well, Jerry dresses nicely every day, but Emma did give me a lollipop every day this week. Decisions, decisions…

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am referring to the annual ASB and club elections that are held at AHS, colloquially known as popularity contests. Qualifications do not necessarily mean automatic leadership positions; in fact, they rarely do. Students can win elections that are practically rigged in their favor if they have the right combination of attributes.

Students in multiple organizations (regardless of relevancy) have an automatic leg up on the rest of their opponents, as they are the most well-known. Poor Jerry may be dedicated, but Emma will achieve that ASB officer position because of her association with other organizations. And if a candidate wins on the strength of the organizations he or she is in, does that really reflect the majority of the student body? It’s not what you know that matters; it’s who you know that really counts.

Second, unique speeches play an integral role in the voting process. We have precious little time to decide which candidate to choose, and clearly the one that impresses us most is the one who wins our vote. We at AHS are easily swayed by song and dance, which gives little room for the taciturn yet talented student to earn a role on council.

And, of course, there is the “I’ll vote for you if you vote for me” arrangement.

The person who is the most popular can gain quite a few more of these bargains than those who are a bit shyer. Current officers of a club, for example, may claim that votes are not rigged during an election—that their votes are not weighted more heavily than those of the other club members—but somehow their agendas are miraculously fulfilled.

Perhaps AHS students would pay more attention to the process if they realized that student leadership does more than arrange dances. Club funding, assemblies, and more flow through ASB. Significantly, ASB is also in charge of the senior gift. The way the student body votes does matter, a fact few seem to observe.

The end result of all this? The unfortunate quiet kid is left out of the loop.

As time goes by, the popular students that won first continue to gain prestige within their class and more positions through their popularity. It is nearly impossible to break this never-ending cycle, and the underdog never gets a chance at roles larger than, well, the underdog.

I guess that’s democracy for you. adelgado@theapachepowwow.com eyang@theapachepowwow.com

apachepowwow.com

April 2009

She’s More Than Just a Teenage Mother

By TIFFANY GU & CHRISTINE XU Staff Writer & Executive Copy Editor

Surely, you’ve seen her strolling down the hallways, looking like any other person save one strikingly distinguishing feature: a baby bump. Yes, you’ve heard about her many a time in the hallways, when furtive whispers are exchanged between curious onlookers and subtle head nods are made in her direction. Yes, she is a fifteen years old.

And yes, look again, she’s pregnant. She has a name, and by the way, its not “Pregnant Girl.” And while she is pregnant, it’s not how we should define her.

In spite of the looks that people give her, Jane* remains calm and collected about her situation. Confident in the decision she has made, she brushes off her peers’ behavior, emphasizing her independence: “I’m just here to do what I’m going to do…I’m not here for everybody else.” After all, she’s her own person, as easy as it is to forget, and

there is obviously more to her than meets the eye. We are blinded by the fact she is carrying a bit more weight—both figuratively and literally—than the rest of us. And in defining Jane merely by the implications of her pregnancy, we forget that, on top of her condition, she is, in fact, a human being and only marginally different from ourselves.

The sort of generalization we make about just one person lends itself to the thought that maybe Jane isn’t the only victim of breezy stereotypes. Perhaps the way we treat those who lead different lives from us is more prevalent than we think. How many times have you judged someone you don’t even know, just because you’ve heard things through the grapevine? It’s something we all do because it is an intrinsic part of our collective human nature, like it or not. It’s too much of a stretch to think that that person is someone immoral because there’s nothing we really know about their situation. As much as we may not like to think about it, our sidelong glances and muf-

fled snickers aren’t fooling anyone; it’s not too difficult to figure out when people are gossiping about a person. This intolerance we seem to have toward the so-called “different” people can’t possibly benefit anyone, yet we continue to perpetuate it. It’s time for us to take those we so hastily judge out of the boxes we’ve generalized them in and look past the assumptions we make.

For Jane, as significant of a mark as this baby may be, and as irrevocable as her decision is, it’s not even a permanently suitable description of her. She predicts that “after the baby’s born, they’re just going to look at me like everyone else.” The hype will die down, Jane will converge back into the masses, and we will all continue to live our neat and tidy lives. Really, at the heart of it, we aren’t so different from each other. *Name has been changed for privacy purposes

tgu@theapachepowwow.com cxu@theapachepowwow.com

Do What’s Right and End the Fight crowd around the fighters is clearly an abominable idea. Have your ethics at hand, Arcadia Staff Writer Apaches! A large audience only worsens the situation because the conflicting students now Out of the corner of my eye, I notice a also have their pride and reputation to protect. throng of people racing toward a section of If students are scrambling anywhere, it should the quad. Despite the clamor that accompanies be to the school authorities, and not to the lolunch, it is hard not to notice the sudden rush cation of the fight, unless their intentions are of the crowd. What could possibly be so excitto pull the fighters apart. That is not to say, ing as to draw half the school’s attention? though, that there aren’t any students who take Even people from odd ends of the quad action; there are very few people try to catch a glimpse of the instant who gather the concern and courattraction. They scramble atop age to report the fight to an adult. lunch tables and benches, craning And if these moral responsitheir necks in an attempt to be a bilities aren’t convincing enough, part of the excitement. A scene like there are other reasons for not this at AHS isn’t exactly as rare as congregating at the site of the you would think; I have witnessed fight. By running towards the my fair share throughout the school scene, your efforts not only waste year, and I can recall at least five. your free lunch period, but they No, it is not a really cool pep squad are also futile. Chances of actuperformance, a thrilling game of ally viewing the fight are next limbo, or even a heated round of to nothing, considering that it’s musical chairs. nearly impossible to see over the What I am referring to is, massive crowd and that it would of course, the occasional student probably last less than a minute brawl that occurs during lunch. before a much more mature stuThese events are nothing to be dent feels compelled to call the proud of. Rather, students should deans. feel ashamed of their eagerness to But even more significant support and engage in such antagothan the impracticality of watchnistic acts, completely neglecting ing a fight are the ethics involved, their morals and ethics. of course. Observers standing A cloud of mystery surrounds silently by (or uproariously conthe popularity of these fights. Do people actually enjoy watching Graphics by DAVID HERNANDEZ doning the fight) are just as guilty as the participants, because not two students violently pummel THUMBS DOWN From the AHS rally court to the ceasing the fight is tantamount each other? When do people draw Roman Colosseum, fights have been a barbarian form to endorsing such acts. Imagine the line, I wonder, to declare that sitting in your favorite restaurant a fight has lost control and finally of entertainment. and two men several tables away unexpectedly needs to be stopped? When someone bleeds? originated from a ridiculous misunderstandbegin attacking each other with knives. Most Or loses a few teeth? Or needs to be sent to ing), but it also guarantees a free pass to the people would call the police; the situation is the hospital? Fortunately, our school posts addeans’ office, which is not exactly the happiest exactly the same as in school fights, so why ministrators and staff at various sections of the place on Earth. should reactions be any different? Simply belunch area to monitor any physical confrontaBecause the school has thus far extincause two peers you recognize beating each tions that may abruptly arise. They effectively guished these fights, however, does not mean other is more “exciting” than daily class lecsuppress the fights before any substantial injuthat these incidents are always under control. tures is not a sufficient excuse. Be mature and ries can be inflicted upon any student.

The deans may not always arrive quickly stop the fight.

Ostensibly, the most effective way to reenough at the scene, and it is then that students solve these problems is from the source itself, are crucially responsible for their actions. ktrinh@theapachepowwow.com the origin of the fights. School is not a boxing Jumping on the bandwagon to form a massive ring; we’ve been taught to handle disagreements maturely and calmly. Fighting has never efficiently solved any problem, and the only clear course of action involves diplomacy.

Throwing a punch here and there simply exacerbates the conflict, leaving both parties even more furious and miserable. Why can’t we just sit down and openly discuss matters, instead of physically assaulting each other? Fighting not only intensifies a feud (which could have

By KATE TRINH

TCID:

OPINION

apachepowwow.com

April 2009

GLORIA LIOU

Office of Rejections

April 30, 2009 Period 3 Staff Writer

Get Rejected? Check People always say that life is full of checkpoints.

As the end of March approached, time seemed to slow down as the second hand tortuously ticked away. Half of the reason was our conscious effort to delay reality; some of it was the ridiculous “batch system” certain schools used (USC); the rest was sheer nervous anticipation. Yet, days also seemed to paradoxically pass without much notice as we jumped from D-day to D-day. Murmurs of decisions spread like wildfire and soon enough, the moment of truth was upon us.

Then, even before the trauma had time to subside, we were reminded with fresh emails of more to come.

March for second semester seniors was, quite frankly, a tedious cycle of ups and downs. It was a roller coaster that we cannot help but ride, however, because in the span of 31 days, goals were achieved, egos were reassured, and dreams were shattered.

There were several ways people approached this nasty ritual of initiation. There were those that get excited. Others became quiet and introspective. Some channeled calm confidence. And the fortunate few that have been accepted early were able to relax, free of the insufferable anticipation. It was hard to pinpoint a typical example, for, all of us innately react differently. We dreaded the idea of a small envelope, a cold email, or an impersonal log-in rejection, while praying for a warm message of congratulations. No matter what though, we had to realize: Life is full of checkpoints.

I’m part of the quiet, thought-

ful group. I did not enjoy spazzing out in the middle of class, begging the teacher to check my decision status, or counting down the hours. Thus, in that current state of sitting, waiting, wishing, I didn’t have much to occupy this perpetual eternity other than the memories of my triumphs and my regrets. Since the end of College Application Season, I viewed my past in these two categories: whatever made it onto my application constitutes my accomplishments; everything else, wasted time.

An entire lifetime spent in the Arcadia Unified School District grooms students to set high hopes. Honors, APs, almost perfect SAT scores, officer positions for extracurricular activities, clubs, student council, volunteering. The long list of standard behavior at AHS rolls on and on. Our worth is measured by how fat our applications turn out to be.

“After careful review of your application for admission, we regret to inform you that we are not able to offer you admission for the Fall Quarter 2009.”

So when the truth hit, it knocked me out. In the eyes of the UCLA undergraduate admissions office, I was worth nothing.

I was reminded, though, that this may simply be a checkpoint.

So instead of constantly checking my mail, I took the extra time to check myself. I reevaluated my personal criteria. Life is not black and white—how did I feel as though I could grade myself so? The opinions of college admissions officials are not those of a god. College isn’t everything.

People say life is full of checkpoints.

So I took this opportunity to check. gliou@theapachepowwow.com

5

899 You Suck Blvd.

Cry Me a River, GTHO 91007

W OW WO

“Dear Ms. Wu:” “Dear Janice,” Sometimes they forgo the salutation entirely and just launch into the message.

“After careful review of your application...” “...we regret to inform you that...”

But it’s always the same. You can tell from the beginning, when you click to find out your results and you’re not greeted by bright, cheerful graphics and even more links (to housing forms, to freshman orientations, to scholarships). Links to a future.

You can tell, when you click to find out your results and it’s just a block of text—you can tell that (once again) you weren’t good enough. And there’s a moment when your heart stutters a little and you try to remind yourself that—no, of course I didn’t want this that much. It’s okay, I still have other options—and you see again those pages and pages of forms and lines and words and characters trying to tell some faceless person on the other end: Look at me! Look at me! I’m special; I’m different. I wear knee socks with basketball shorts; I smash the crêpe out of the piano every day after school for a necessary catharsis; I drink Earl Grey tea out of a Starbucks coffee mug; I smile to myself when I take tests because I’ve totally mastered this material and I totally know what’s going on; I’m not like the others because I’m so easy-going and I love life and things that I love get my full attention.

And, you know, maybe I could lov— And you might wonder if maybe you were too subtle or maybe too blatant; or if it was your grades (those damned grades that you never cared about until now, when they really matter, but it is too late to do anything anyway); or if you should have had something else, maybe another revision or another club or another study session.

But it’s too late; “the die has been cast.”

There’s always a statistic shoved in there, as if even more numbers (after that damned GPA) could fill up that hollow place inside. We received X number of applications, but we only had space for Y number of freshmen. X does not equal Y. You never liked math.

You can try to be flippant and cheerful and falsely positive; you can temper your face and your smile and your eyes (tell them that there’s absolutely nothing wrong; everything’s just fine here!), but there’s always that insecurity lurking somewhere that You weren’t good enough.

Sincerely,

JANICE WU Guest Writer

By BILL ZHOU Staff Writer

So imagine, the other day, when I was chattering away in math class, when this nasty, ugly, repulsive, sorry-excuse-for-a-human-being (let’s call her Tracy) had the audacity to say to me: “Hey, you are really attractive when you close your mouth.”

“Oh, thank you, that’s so ni—” Huh? Whattheshizznazz? Did she just tell me to shut up?

That wanton, evil, malicious…person!

How dare she! What have I ever done to her, except for the time I accidentally spilled iodine on her face and then proceeded to give her a Kleenex soaked in hydrochloric acid to wipe with?

But back to me. I feel so victimized, so abused, so scandalized. How can I possibly face my family and friends after this horrendous event that has permanently scarred me for life? I can never look at myself in the same

TCID:

way again.

Yes, I am the man you see in the elevator, the woman you pass in the supermarket, the kid who copies your homework everyday; I am none other than one of the billions of poor souls who have been ravaged, no, martyred by backhanded compliments.

Most of us have a Tracy in our lives (if you don’t, consider yourself lucky). She bombards us with backhanded compliments every chance she gets, from the obvious “You’re not as dumb as I thought,” to the subtle “You look so nice today, I almost didn’t recognize you,” to the innocent “Hey! Your face cleared up!”

But what is a backhanded compliment?

Well, think wolf in sheep clothing, the Trojan Horse,

Hannah Montana, and getting socks for your birthday, and nasty tofu disguised as delicious turkey. On the surface, they appear to be puppies and daisies; however, once you look beyond the superficial compliment, you will find an ugly insult lurking underneath.

It is a dangerous weapon that should only be reserved for the worst and, depending on your perspective, best “frenemies.” Frenemies or enemends, first popularized by Gretchen from Mean Girls (Hey! Don’t try to deny you didn’t watch it), are those annoying twerps you have the misfortune to meet but must maintain façades of pseudo-friendliness with because they are family friends or aloof friends of friends. Now, while both of you know you hate each other with burning passion, for the sake of not bursting into an all-out WWIII, you have come to a silent agreement to assault

According to wikipedia.org, “Frenemy” (sometimes spelled “frienemy”) is a portmanteau of “friend” and “enemy” which can refer to either an enemy disguised as a friend or to a partner who is simultaneously a competitor.

Graphic courtesy of MYSPACE.COM

Hey, This Article Doesn’t Suck as Much as Your Past Articles!

each other with a healthy dose of backhanded compliments now and then.

As the ancient adage goes: keep your friends close (because they don’t really matter that much), your enemies closer (because they might kill you in your sleep), and your frenemies closest (because honey, those delicious snickerdoodles they’ve been feeding you are meant to fatten you up for the slaughter).

Hey Tracy, let’s be BFFs! bzhou@theapachepowwow.com

6

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PERFORMING ARTS

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April 2009

ADD Revives Shakespeare Colorguard & Percussion Spring Show Have you ever wished for a chance to be able to watch Shakespeare’s numerous famous plays with a modern twist added to them? If that is the case, you should go see Advanced Drama Department’s (ADD) new production, “Shakespeare Showcase.” This new production will be shown on Thursday, May 7 through Friday, May 8. It will be performed in the Little Theater at 7:00 p.m. All tickets will be $5 when you purchase them at the door; there are no presale tickets available for this production. “This showcase is really good for those who like theater, musicals, and Shakespeare,” said senior member Torie Jee. ADD members are preparing for this grand showcase with extensive practice sessions as a group, as well as individual preparation outside of school. When ADD students are with their groups, they collaborate and plan out all of the blocking, or stage movements, so that they may bring out the best features of their scene. Other than these practices, these dedicated performers must also devote their personal time to memorize all their lines. Senior Shae Palic feels like this showcase is “a way for us to showcase the material we have brought to our Shakespeare DTASC competition.” The purpose of this production is basically to serve as a way for everyone to experience the Drama Teachers Association of Southern California Competition that the ADD students compete in. “All these acts would [technically] be a restage of [the students’] performances,” said ADD director Mr. Steven Volpe.

A whole array of different Shakespeare related scenes and monologues will be performed during the Shakespeare Showcase. The three main groups that will be performing will present their own versions of Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer’s Night Dream, and Macbeth. There

echow@theapachepowwow.com

Photo by GREGORY ZAJAC

PRACTICE ADD gets dramatic in preparation for Shakespeare.

By LAUREEN MA Staff Writer

On May 9, Colorguard and Percussion will be hosting their annual Spring Show to debut what they have learned over the course of the year. Tickets will be $5 each and all proceeds will go to The Music Club and benefit Percussion as well as Colorguard.

Percussion and Colorguard mem- T LEE bers will be selling them until LIOT May 9, and you can also purchase them at the door.

The show will be located in the North Gym from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. and will contain performances not only from the high school but also from the middle schools.

First Avenue Middle School will be displaying their hip-hop team and their parade routines including their drill and flag team. Dana Middle School will be showcasing their drill and flag team and their pom team. Foothills Middle School will be performing drill, flag, and dance.

Percussion is divided into three different lines. World Line will be performing a routine called “Missing You,” Open Line will be presenting their show called “Screenagers,” and the A Line will be performing their show called “Image.” Section leader senior Derek Ouyang said, “For all the Percussion groups, the season is over by the time of the Spring Show, so we have to review a bit before the performance. However, this is always sentimental because it’s the last time we’ll ever perform our shows.” by EL

Staff Writer

are also two monologue pieces that correspond with each other—one will be comedic and the other dramatic. The group that is performing Romeo and Juliet will be showing “a collage [from] a modern musical based on Romeo and Juliet, called West Side Stories,” said Shae. This version’s story revolves around the conflict between two opposing gangs, the Sharks and the Jets. Ultimately, a girl from the Jets falls in love with a boy from the Sharks. Similar to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this adaptation also concerns a pair of star-crossed lovers.

Senior Iris Guo, who will portray the character of Helena in A Midsummer’s Night Dream, says that she “loves [her] character because she is desperate for attention and very fun.” Senior Derek Tran, who is the special effects person for the group that will be performing A Midsummer’s Night Dream, feels that it is “not really a production yet, but [I am] very confident we’ll get it better.”

Pho to

By EILEEN CHOW

Colorguard is also divided into three different sub teams. There is World Guard, A Guard, and B Guard. World Guard will be performing “The Geometry of Art and Life,” A Guard will be performing “CompliASIAN,” and B Guard will be performing “Dream Girls.” World Guard is performing to the song “Andare” by Ludvico Einaudi accompanied by the poem, “I Like You to Be Still” by Glenn Close, while A Guard is performing to the song “The Struggle” by Shelia Chandra. B Guard will be featuring their show with “And I’m Telling You” by Henry Kreiger.

At the end of the night, Colorguard will also be performing as one big team with every member participating.

A Guard’s show is about an Indian perspective of art and dance, and members also dance in veils. B Guard’s show portrays a woman who wants to win back her significant other.

Their costumes are blue and also include black wigs, which is where they got the theme, “Dream Girls.”

Colorguard has been preparing for this show since the beginning of the year, and it is exciting for them to show everyone what the team has been up to these past few months.

All the Colorguard members are dedicated and willing and “we have created such a strong bond. It is nice to see all of our hard work being paid off when we amaze the crowd with spectacular costumes and exhilarating routines,” said junior Cici Yang. lma@theapachepowwow.com

The Choir Groups Take Audiences for Ride On Choral Carousel

By SAMMI WONG

Concert at the Arcadia Presbyterian Church basically marks the end of the performance season Staff Writer for the choir program.

Performing various songs including “The Though most of the members of Chanteurs conclude their year with the legendary Circle Game,” “There is a Season,” and “I Am the and memorable May Show, the year ends a River,” the group hopes to dazzle the audience little differently for Concert Choir as well one last time. Featuring an abundant amount of as New Spirit. Besides the school assembly soloists including senior Jonathan Yang and seat the end of the year, the Choral Carousel nior Brittany Vargas, the choir is holding nothing back.

Junior Evelyn Law said that “this is such a good opportunity for the entire choir to showcase what we have been working on since Christmas.”

This show will not only showcase Chanteurs and New Spirit but will also include Treble Choir, Concert Choir, Women’s Choir, and Men’s Choir. This concert will serve as a fundPhoto by GREGORY ZAJAC raiser for the choir VOICES OF SPRING New Spirit poses with “spirit” program due to their lack of funding from fingers between rehearsals.

the school. It’s the choir’s hope that they can raise enough money this year so that they may have a head start on things for the upcoming year. Set to happen on Apr. 30, the show will be one of the most versatile shows ever put together. Senior Beverly Chiang stated that “this year we have incorporated a very wide range of musical selections. Performances include music from everything ranging from ecclesiastical pieces to Broadway musicals. It will be a very fun and enjoyable experience for all that come to watch.”

Since members of Chanteurs and New Spirit are also a part of Concert Choir, most members from the two competitive teams will be performing up to four times. That equates to quite a few songs to learn before the big date.

Given the many hours that the teams have already invested into perfecting their routine in preparation for their annual tour which occurred

during spring break, Chanteurs’ and New Spirit’s performance is set to be extremely well rehearsed and clean. Though most of the preparation for the new materials such as song selection and soloist try outs will be done during class periods, there are still outside mandatory Concert Choir rehearsals to work out the kinks within the show.

Be prepared to witness one of the most memorable choir shows ever presented. And if you end up feeling inspired to sing, try outs for the choir program for the next school year are just around the corner. Remember that try outs for Concert Choir consist of singing in front of an audience by yourself, so get over that stage fright as soon as possible. swong@theapachepowwow.com Photo by GREGORY ZAJAC

April 2009

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PERFORMING ARTS

9

Orchesis Dances Passionately to “Feel Good” Student Profile:

Rachel Sohng

By DEBBIE JONG Staff Writer

Photos by DAPHNE TAN and Photo Courtesy of SHIVANI REDDY

THEY BREATH, THEY DREAM, THEY FEEL. THEY ARE THE DANCERS. Orchesis members rehearse in costume, exuding passion and strength in their movements. different from previous years. A show of such

By TIFFANY GU

high caliber must certainly require an incredible Staff Writer amount of practice and dedication to put on, It’s that time again, when whispers of tick- right? Ever wonder what a typical day in Oret sales are muttered and where lunchtime sig- chesis is like? Here’s a quick rundown of their nals a mad break towards a table manned by the schedule. girls of Orchesis. With a frenzy to acquire these The girls of Orchesis rise early in prepafast-selling tickets, the annual Orchesis spring ration for a long day. Regimes include teeth show remains a highly demanded showcase of brushing and eating a big breakfast in an atthe culmination of a year of hard work for our tempt to fuel adequately for the ensuing day and resident dancers. finishing any homework or work from the night This year’s production, entitled “Feel- before. Practice starts promptly at 7:00 a.m., as ing Good,” runs for four days, spanning from they begin with warm-ups and cardio, quickenWednesday, Apr. 29 until ing their pulses and upping Saturday, May 2. The show “Seeing the end result their heart rate as they run starts at 7 p.m., though on of our hard work is and do jumping jacks. AfSaturday, there is an additerwards, stretching occurs, tional show at 2 p.m. Show- incredibly satisfying.” as they maintain their flexcasing a few of the dances to ibility and avoid injury. They be seen at the actual show, stretch extensively for up to -Meghan Lim, junior Orchesis put on a quick a half hour before beginning demonstration at lunch on Apr. 22, giving those to work on their routines. Expanding the genres there a sneak peak of what was in store. The of style, the dances featured in their May show title dance features music from Michael Buble, range from funky and modern to traditional and and as the song implies, it is sure to leave you graceful. The diversity in styles spans across feeling good. “The show’s really different this oceans as well, from Chinese dance to hula to year, so hopefully everyone who comes to see hip-hop, emphasizing the versatility in the dancit will have a good time,” noted junior Celine ers. Though there is an increase in the variety of Yueh. Incorporating new styles in addition to dances this year, the girls of Orchesis tackle the impeccable technique, this show is sure to live challenge with elegance and ease. up to its reputation of excellence.

After an invigorating morning rehearsal, In spite of its inclination to continue its the Orchesis girls hurriedly change and attempt tradition of delivering a breathtaking show, this to make it to class on time, as Orchesis counts year’s spring show hopes to be innovative and as both a zero period and a first period. Balanc-

ing classes like AP English and AP Calculus, these girls show their capability and prowess with time management.

Some groups have rehearsals right after school, depending on which dances they are in. Even after a long day of school, they attend these and still continue to give their full effort. Putting off their homework until later, they escape their hectic school lives. However, two weeks prior to the show, Orchesis spends over 100 hours together, with rehearsals from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m or 10 p.m. everyday. Their dances incorporate a plethora of styles, proving these girls’ versatility in their art. Those who do not have practice return home and attempt to finish their homework and eat before they have rehearsal later in the day. By nighttime, most of the girls have returned home and are ready to tackle their homework, which is quite a task in and of itself. Mentally and physically weary, they sleep knowing that this schedule will cycle itself anew. In spite of their rough schedules, the girls find dance to be a welcomed escape from other aspects of life. As junior Meghan Lim put it, “Although many of the practices can be long and tedious, seeing the end result of our hard work is incredibly satisfying.”

That aside, Orchesis’ annual spring show will prove to be an experience all to itself, with intricate details that offer surprises that make this show worth going to, even if you already go every year. tgu@theapachepowwow.com

As the school year draws to a close, senior Rachel Sohng feels that of everything she will miss about AHS, she will miss her youth the most.

“I think I can speak for all of the seniors when I say I’ll miss my teenage life,” says Rachel, “No Photo Courtesy of matter how old you RACHEL SOHNG get, sometimes you just want to relax and let someone else take the wheel once in a while.”

Having been in Chanteurs for the past two years, Rachel is currently the Dance Captain and has developed her own theory about the group’s closeness: “Chanteurs is like Tetris: we come in so many different shapes and sizes and yet, somehow you find a way to put us all together into one piece.” Everyone in Chanteurs is different, but when the seemingly random assortment of personalities comes together, the group becomes one “loving and open” family.

Despite the immense time commitment that Chanteurs requires, Rachel doesn’t find it particularly difficult to manage her time.

She cites the fact that Chanteurs members aren’t pulled out of their classes as often anymore and believes that, above all, “as long as you’re on top of your schedule and responsible with your work,” balancing schoolwork and Chanteurs is not a problem.

Her course load includes two AP courses—Comparative Government and English Literature—along with Intermediate Dance, Girls Concert Choir, and Calculus. Rachel also finds time to serve as vice president of ALLIES, a Christian Club devoted to communal worship and fellowship.

Outside of school, Rachel is actively involved in her church community and volunteers as a staff member of her church’s “Baby Ministry,” taking care of the babies on Sunday afternoons while the mothers are in worship. “I get to be mommy for an hour or two every weekend; it’s freakin’ awesome!” Rachel cheers.

After high school, Rachel plans to attend UC Santa Cruz and study four years of Psychology. After that, she might take a year off and teach in Korea before grad school.

She’s not sure what may follow—perhaps a stable job that she loves, a husband, a cute little house with two kids—who knows? But whatever lies in store for her, Rachel trusts that God has exciting things planned for her future. Upbeat and enthusiastic, Rachel declares, “I’m really excited to see what God has in store for me in the near future with college and a new independent life. I’m expecting big changes and I’m ready to embrace them as they come and go. It’s going to be hard saying goodbye to Arcadia since I grew up here, but the idea of me going off to college and becoming a young adult is just surreal. I can’t wait!” djong@theapachepowwow.com

10

FEATURES

Stress Awareness Month

By JOANNA SHEN Staff Writer

With AP tests and SATs in May, it’s no wonder that April is known as Stress Awareness Month. As students cram with thoughts of the future looming overhead, it is easy for stress to engulf them. However, by taking away just a few minutes of “precious” study time, we can all make use of these easy, simple stress-busters to ease the mind as we head into the final stretch.

Unwilling to take even a few minutes away from your mega-packed schedule?

Deep breathing has also been shown to relax our bodies, so get some oxygen by singing loudly in the shower, or do a few breathing exercises. Breathing exercises are fast, easy, and free. Simply sit or stand in a relaxed position, inhale slowly through your nose, and count to five in your head. Let the air out from your mouth, making sure to count to eight as it leaves your body, and then repeat several times.

If you have a little extra time, use the time to jog around the block or to walk your dog. When you exercise, your body decreases stress hormones such as cortisol and releases endorphins, which naturally boost your mood. The physical activity itself can also be a distraction, forcing you to take your mind off of your problems.

Studies going as far back as three decades ago show that watching aquarium fish is a therapeutic way to relieve stress. The effects of hypnosis versus an aquarium, fishless versus fish-filled aquariums, and having no aquarium versus owning an aquarium have been studied by researchers, and all have shown that an aquarium of some sort resulted in reduced blood pressure. In addition, fish-watching is shown to calm hyperactive children and allow dental patients to use less pain medication, and even a video of fish has proven benefits.

As cliché as it might sound, laughter is indeed, the best medicine. Laughing not only reduces stress hormones like exercising does, but enhances the immune system by strengthening T cells. When we view a situation as threatening or serious, humor adds a light-hearted perspective, giving us a more positive outlook on the situation. By just adding a daily regime of laughing to your schedule, whether it be through books or television, you can increase your threshold for stress and exercise your diaphragm at the same time. Laughing acts as a catharsis; that’s why many doctors use humor therapy to treat their patients.

Changing your diet can also help destress your life. Dark leafy greens are filled with B-complex vitamins that produce serotonin, a chemical that boosts your mood.

Fruits like blueberries contain antioxidants that keep your levels of cortisol steady, allowing you to stay calm when a panic attack seems imminent. If you’re a fan of seafood, the omega-3 fats in salmon are also known to reduce feelings of stress.

Simple things can be done to prepare you for the upcoming exams. So, if you’re feeling unprepared, at least you can think clearly with these effortless tips to lower stress. jshen@theapachepowwow.com

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April 2009

Don’t You Miss Tho

By KATE TRINH Staff Writer

It is an all too common sight to find a student asleep in class, arms sprawled across the desk and head atop the table. Blame it on the darkness of the classroom, the monotony of the teacher’s distant voice, or the insipid educational video, but the root of the problem lies at home. Stumbling into first period with coffee in hand, students drowsily greet their friends and compare their bedtimes. (And some are, mysteriously, somewhat proud of the fact that they slept at 4 a.m.) Lack of sleep for just one night is harmless, but every night is detrimental to health and school work.

Hitting the snooze button on the alarm clock four times in the morning is not as fulfilling as it feels. Constant interruptions and an intermittent sleep pattern do not allow the body to rest at all, so it is best to wake up during the first round of ringing. Go outside for fresh, cool air to awaken yourself even more and stimulate the body. Eating three meals a day recharges the body, but only healthy food truly applies. Junk food may provide limited bursts of energy, but they will eventually leave you feeling worse and more exhausted than ever. If your teacher permits, munch on fruit or Cheerios during class; not only do they benefit your health, they will also keep you awake throughout a lecture. If necessary, drink coffee only in the morning and avoid caffeine after noon, as it may keep you up Lack of sleep causes at night when you could be sleeping. Drink water inpeople to look miserable the stead, and it will keep the body fully hydrated and following day, complete with paler ready. skin and bloodshot eyes with dark circles

underneath. Placing cool cucumber slices on the eyes for ten minutes reduces puffiness and refreshes the skin. Damp tea bags or ice cubes can be used in the same process.

Avoid rubbing eyes, as it will only exacerbate swelling and redness of the eye.

Adolescents are recommended eight to ten hours of sleep a night. The majority of the human body recovers from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., so if it is absolutely necessary, sleep at an earlier time that encompasses that crucial interval and wake up earlier to finish homework.

@theapachepowwow.com

The Uncovered Secrets of Chester French

By EMILY LITVACK Calendar Editor

With potential enough to have a long career studded with international tours and platinum records, all the boys of Chester French need is a little push from the public. Frankly, there is no more dynamic duo in American music. Pharrell, a longtime fan of the band, describes their sound as “Beatle-esque with hints of Motown.” Indeed, Pharrell is spoton. The boys have found a fatally catchy and refreshing combination of poppy, sharp beats with rougher and more raw, soulful undertones. Heavy-hitters of the industry like Kanye West and Common—who featured Chester French in his song “What a World”—promote the band too. Rolling Stone’s Rock & Roll Daily column deemed the band an “Artist to Watch,” claiming, “[Chester French] splits the difference between Beach Boys beauty and lofi bedroom beats.” If the band’s sycophantic press was not already a stamp of credibility, it is enforced by the fact that they recently signed with Interscope Records.

The band is named after Daniel Chester French, the well-known sculptor behind the Lincoln Memorial’s statue and the Minuteman statue at the Lexington/Concord battlegrounds. And you might recognize that name from MTV’s recent promotional work with the band, but Maxwell Drummey and D.A. Wallach are more than a song behind the sound of crying Real World cast members. They are a force to be reckoned with. Drummey, the

band’s instrumentalist, was born and raised in Boston while Wallach grew up in suburban Milwaukee. They met at and graduated from Harvard University, after playing some gigs around campus and spending a summer in Cambridge to write lyrics, that is. Yet Chester French is far from East Coast prepster.

Chester French recently came out with its second album, Love The Future, which hit the shelves on Apr. 21, 2009. Its first album, She Loves Everybody, features a song that MTV flaunted on air, titled “The Jimmy Choos.”

The three remixes on the album inject the band’s songs with a magnetic, electric style.

The tracks seem to transition from style to style, all distinctively Chester French’s. Wallach admits that although the band’s sound is essentially pop, he and Drummey self-produce and have “creative autonomy.” It’s edgy and it’s understated; Love The Future promises the same. The band’s just released album is saddled with some instant classics, with “Time To Unwind,” “Beneath The Veil” and “People” chief among them. From lyrics like “Now that we’ve made it this far, now that we’ve made a mess in the car” to “She craves affection so I use protection,” the boys satisfy the American youth with innuendo that skillfully walks the line separating clever from crude. And while the band’s lyrics are definitely those of two college boys, with the occasional profanity and some innuendo, they are as contagious as the common cold. elitvack@theapachepowwow.com

Exclusive Interview with D.A. Wallach: Getting to Know Chester French 1) You have to take Forrest Gump or Harry Potter on tour with you. Who do you choose?

Harry Potter. Huge advantage. He knows sorcery.

2) A lot of students around here dream of the Ivy League. Any advice for getting in and how to make it through freshman year if and when you do?

Just work really hard in high school, stay focused, and pursue things that you genuinely love.

3) Stand-out moments since starting the band?

Playing for crowds that really had fun at the shows. Jacksonville, Florida was awesome. Detroit is always super fun.

4) Five things you two keep on the bus at all times?

Lots of bottled water, recording equipment, wireless internet, Nerds, and Reese’s Pieces.

5) What’s downtime with Chester French like?

We hang out at our moms’ houses and listen to/work on new songs!

apachepowwow.com

April 2009

A New iPod Shuffles into Stores clip, there is also a shuffle switch located on the top of the music player. This small, green section has three positions where you can choose the settings of how you want to lisEver at a loss of words when your favorite ten to your music. If placed toward the left, song plays on the radio, and you are too awethe iPod shuffle will intermix your music. If struck to determine the title or artist? Apple’s moved to the center, your songs will play in latest release introduces a brand-new feature order. The third switch turns it off. called VoiceOver. With its easy access conIn addition, the iPod shuffle trols, Apple’s small and distinct iPod shuffle has 4GB, allowing users to store brings envy to its competitors. up to 1,000 songs. It includes A simple press of a button engages the multiple playlists for the songs new VoiceOver feature to inform you of the you wish to organize. song title and artist. The inset also displays Perhaps you are still not imlow battery and the names of your pressed by this music player. The playlists. iPod shuffle has yet another innoAbout the height and width of vative element, the “Multi-musica key, Apple’s iPod shuffle is more lingual.” This VoiceOver feature compact, only about 1.8” x 0.3”. can even tell you the song title and Currently “the world’s smallest muartist in fourteen languages. You can sic player,” Apple indicates that even program your settings to hear the controls are located on the information in the right earbud cord. This another language. design will help you For example, if access the controls you’re listening more quickly as to a Spanish song, well as activate you can change the the VoiceOver feaPhoto Courtesy of apple.com ture. You can even iPOD SHUFFLE Apple’s new edition to its settings to hear the song title and artist navigate through iPod family is smaller than ever before. in Chinese. your music more With these new features, Apple has frequently since you won’t have to take your outdone the touch-screen for a VoiceOver eyes off of whatever you’re doing. element. The iPod shuffle brings an original Since its small size is ideal for travelelement to the market, leaving consumers ing, the iPod shuffle is also built with a sturdy with Apple’s slogan, “Its size will leave you stainless steel clip located on the back. You can speechless. Good thing it also talks.” attach it to your shirt or backpack and listen on your way home or while running on the track. aleong@theapachepowwow.com Along with the controls and accessorized

By AMY LEONG

Staff Writer

All I Ever Wanted

By MARISSA XING

FEATURES

By NURIA MATHOG Staff Writer

As the inevitable tidal wave of college responses floods the mailboxes—both real and digital—of anxious seniors, it becomes increasingly impossible to ignore the latest gossip. The furtive discussions in class can hardly be avoided, of course, but students in this age of technology face a more inescapable snare: the wide, wide Web. On AIM, friends exchange updates on college acceptances, accompanied by appropriately cheerful emoticons. On Facebook, user statuses abruptly change from banal, everyday commentary to ecstatic proclamations and bitter laments. Now that students are granted such easy access to online information, the muchanticipated college letters come at the cost of compromised privacy.

For the AHS class of 2009, this year marks an anxiety-ridden climax to a lifetime of preparation. With recent state budget cuts, the competition is tighter than ever. Tensions run high as students nervously await replies from their dream schools. For these seniors, social networking sites are roughly the equivalent of online support groups. Senior Tiffany Lin is grateful for the outlet that Facebook provides students during this stressful time, a chance to “go online and talk with buddies while finding out who got in where,” but admits that sometimes she too gets “sucked into the black hole” of the addicting site.

Still, with a steady news feed of peers’ acceptances and rejections, there is bound to be a certain amount of bitterness. Classmates vying for a slot at the same university often

post two very different responses; seniors rejected from their dream college sign online only to find an excited acquaintance celebrating his admission. While senior Brent Frasier said, “It’s not really a big deal to me,” senior Michael Eisenman disagreed, arguing that the effects of such open disclosure impact everyone. “I’m sure that for the people who didn’t get into a lot of places (or maybe anywhere) it really bothers them to hear about it,” he explained. “It probably just makes things more stressful than it already is for them.”

This lack of privacy extends beyond the realms of the student sphere. Increasing numbers of universities are reverting to the Internet to contact applicants, trading in the traditional letters for digitalized counterparts. Times have certainly changed since the days before e-mail, the era of postal hounding and telltale thick envelopes. Today’s seniors check their admissions statuses via online accounts; the answer to years of built-up expectations is literally a click away. Though less formal, this process is convenient for seniors like Mark Tan, who stated, “I think e-mail is an acceptable alternative to letters. If you can apply online, why not receive your admittance online?”

While the Internet is an efficient tool for students and colleges, it harms as much as it helps. As the unfortunate UCSD screw-up suggests, this modern reliance on technology is not necessarily a good thing. The personalization is gone from the process, rendering each new development in the college arena one more status update on an endless Wall. nmathog@theapachepowwow.com

Flashy New Laptops Have Replaced Old Dingy Desktops

By GLORIA LIOU Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Five years since her debut album, Breakaway, Kelly Clarkson rose on the charts once more with All I Ever Wanted.

This winner of American Idol’s first season became a record-breaking, Grammywinning star who’s sold more than 56 million albums worldwide. However, her career took a turn when her 2007 album, My December, was released with a surprising angst-filled alternative tune. Despite the detour, Clarkson resurfaces with her pop-rock 2008 album.

From bouncy pop tunes to powerful vocal singles, this album has it all. The leading track of the CD, “My Life Would Suck Without You,” became an instant hit on the radio and as an iTunes download with its fast-paced, yet striking lyrics. Cowritten with Katy Perry, Clarkson’s “I Do Not Hook Up” holds definite resemblance to the “I Kissed a Girl” ditty. Clarkson introduces the bubbliest single yet with “I Want You,” which serves as a great intermission for other songs with soaring chords. She brings back her original style with songs like “Cry” and “Don’t Let Me Stop You,” which feature her trademark rock style and emotional lyrics. “If No One Will Listen,” a soft ballad, effectively concludes the album. Overall, All I Ever Wanted captures what we’d expect from Clarkson, as well as a few added flares. mxing@theapachepowwow.com

11

Spring brings the urge to clean. So, out with the old and in with the new…laptops! Nowadays, a laptop is extremely handy to have around in addition to the desktop computer at home. Most students, however intently they want a new laptop, do not spend the time to research for the best option. The following are introductions to two laptops that essentially cover the basics of most needs.

Recently, it seems the Apple MacBook, with its appealing aesthetics and enticing alternative processing method, is getting the most attention from AHS students. There are different lines of MacBooks, yet the regular MacBooks are definitely more affordable and suitable for high school and college students. Apple’s most recent update to the MacBook is the redesigned 13-inch laptop that is now a smaller version of the 15-inch.

Disregarding its white-and-black past, the new generations of both the MacBook and MacBook Pro have taken to the MacBook Air model of a thin aluminum shell. One major redesign on the MacBook is the new touch pad. In contrast with the old touch pad, the entire rectangle on the new models depresses like a button. Also, it provides the option to designate a certain area of that touch pad for a right click function. Overall, the MacBook is a great choice for someone who is willing to spend the money for a slightly more impressive laptop in almost every way. The base price of a 13-inch MacBook is $1,299 from the Apple Store.

The Sony VAIO FW240 is a 16.4-inch, HD/Blu-ray friendly laptop that is a fantastic portable entertainment center with an Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 processor. To add to the entertainment appeal, it includes Dolby Sound Room software that allows more balanced sound quality by boosting the bass. Its battery life is longer than that of its predecessors and most other laptop models. Aesthetically, the Sony VAIO is the closest to a MacBook in the Windows family. With a minimalist appearance, the VAIO takes a similar approach to Apple’s MacBooks with a white lid and silver interior. The keyboard on a VAIO also imitates the separated pebble design of the Macbooks. Ultimately, the Sony VAIO can be a great alternative to a MacBook if you are hesitant to switch from a PC to a Mac. This laptop values around $1,129.99 from the Sony online store.

It is important to fund a laptop that you will be happy with for a long time. Researching before buying is definitely the most rewarding preparation when purchasing large items such as this. Therefore, before deciding on a laptop, take the time to search, compare, and test several different choices. gliou@theapachepowwow.com

12

AHS POSTSECRET

because I’m sick

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April 2009

April 2009

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AHS Postsecret13

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET?

By ANGELA SHEN

Staff Writer

Ever wonder what hundreds of your peers at this school are really thinking? Now you can, because Postsecret is back.

Initially established by Frank Warren, the Postsecret Project is now a national phenomenon, as millions of strangers are united through the sharing their secrets. The Apache Pow Wow adopted the project last year, decreasing the scale from millions of people across America to the thousands of teenagers at our school.

The task is simple: write a secret on a notecard and submit it.

Although anonymous, Postsecret has created an outlet for those internal burdens that we’re dying to be relieved of, or perhaps those hilarious incidents that we want to share with the rest of the world. The brave students of AHS have decided to let it out as well, on little notecards that reflect the secrets hidden deep within their hearts. ashen@theapachepowwow.com Note: More PostSecrets can be found on The Apache Pow Wow website.

14 AHS POSTSECRETS

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April 2009

April 2009

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ACADEMICS

16 Our Annual Academics Day

By OISHEE SHEMONTEE Staff Writer

hardest to recruit more members for next year.

These eight teams—Academic Decathlon, Destination Imagination, Math Team, Ocean Sciences Bowl, Quiz Bowl, Science Bowl, Science Olympiad, Speech and Debate—showcased

We see them go by, flaunting their trendy team shirts, and we secretly wonder, what does it take to be a part of an academic team? It is because of this question, and others like it, that AHS recently held its second annual Academics Day, aimed to both honor all our excellent academic teams, as well as provide students with a behind-the-scenes look at what each team is capable of doing.

This year, Academics Day fell on Apr. 20, after months of tireless preparation by the Student Council, especially Academics Commissioner Russell Igarashi. Although the idea was originally taken from his predecessor, as the main link between every academic team and the student body, he is responsible for all that happened on Academics Day. He fulfilled his duties faithfully, organizing and planning with the academic team heads since January. “Although we would have liked to have seen more Photo By YENTL IP people attend the event…I felt that the peo- INFORMING THE MASSES Representatives ple who were truly interested attended and from every team set up shop in the quad. got the information they needed,” he comArcadia’s diverse talent in the field of academments on the success of the whole experience.

On the day itself, AHS’s academics teams ics to their own unsuspecting classmates.

“I found out about some interesting teams set up tables at the rally court, battling the sweltering heat and lingering stench of construction, that I didn’t know about last year, and I’m trysimply to bring news of each of their teams to the ing to decide which to try out for next year,” student population. Curious students gathered said freshman Nicole Agger-Nielsen enthusiaround the tables, interested in learningabout astically. Academics Day was a success, both the different activities each team takes part in. honoring academics teams and generating more Q&A, ranging from what material was covered interest in them. For those who forgot to mark to how often the teams met, bounded back and their calendars this year, be sure to keep an eye forth between attendees and team members. out for Academics Day next year!

Some may recall having seen representatives oshemontee@theapachepowwow.com from eight different teams, each trying their

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April 2009

QB Gears Up for Nationals

ule. First playing Rancho Bernardo’s A team, the eventual tournament winners, the AHS Staff Writer team kept the game close until the end, but fell Caltech: the place some academically- to RB’s superior bonus conversion. Following minded students call home, and the place oth- that, they played an explosive Rancho Bernardo ers call a battlefield. The AHS Quiz Bowl (QB) B team, which was looking for revenge after team fell under the second category on Sat. Apr. Arcadia’s triumphant morning round against 11 as they competed in the Southern California them. To continue their losing streak, they met State Championships against teams from across up with Santa Monica once again, barely losing to last year’s seventh place team in the nathe region.

The A team ended up with a third place fin- tion. AHS bounced back against Carlsbad and ish, behind Rancho Bernardo (RB) A and Santa North Hollywood’s teams, but it was too little, Monica A. During their spectacular morning too late. With two losses each, Santa Monica rounds, the team went undefeated in their round played Rancho Bernardo for first place, while robin, definitively defeating perennial pow- Arcadia could only watch with their unexpected erhouse Santa Monica and seven other teams three straight losses.

About their impressive results against some of the top teams in the area and undoubtedly in the nation, co-captain senior Tracy Lee said that she “feels pretty good about where this team is and where it will go.” She also expressed the hopeful sentiment that she is “certain that next year’s A team will do [AHS] proud.”

Although the AHS team expected slightly more, their result was nothing to be ashamed of in the least. Most importantly, the team is in an excellent position to succeed at the NAQT High School National Championship Tournament (HSNCT), in which they will Photo By TRACY LEE be competing at in late May. And even IN THE MIDST C team confers during a bonus in better, Arcadia was fortunately allowed to bring a record four teams to compeits last match in the preliminary round robin. tition, allowing their underclassmen to along the way. Landing a second-place seed for gain experience competing at a high level with the rebracketed playoff rounds, the team looked other teams from around Southern California. to be on the verge of victory, but they seemed smaroongroge@theapachepowwow.com to hit a roadblock with an unfortunate sched-

By SEAN MAROONGROGE

S&D’s Splendid Season Finish SO Squashes the Competition

By RICHARD FU Staff Writer

The bright red sweaters have faded a bit, worn and wrinkled from a year of wear and tear; the wide-eyed, open-mouth eagerness of freshness and anticipation has subsided and settled into a monotonous rhythm of everyday life.

It has been a long season for the Speech and Debate (S&D) Team at AHS, one filled with many competitions and events and fundraisers.

But on April 25, at Culver City High School, 21 members of the team summoned their greatest skills and strengths for the most important competition of the year, the season’s culminating event—state.

Through various rounds of qualifying and competing, the best orators throughout California gathered last weekend at Culver City to duel for supremacy and bragging rights. The Arcadia Speech and Debate Team comes from one of the most competitive leagues, the Southern California Debate League, where it is then mixed into a pool with all the other high schools. To make it to the finals, a member must make it through three preliminary rounds and then another semifinal.

Junior Andrew Chang and sophomore Michelle Zhu were the only two competitors from AHS to make it all the way to the finals, placing first and sixth in Congress Debate and Oratorical Interpretation, respectively. But the Arcadia team also sent a horde of members above their competition into semifinals, including sophomore Ray Chao, seniors Andres Delgado and Cathy Wang, junior Jamie Griswold, sophomore Jon Ma and freshman Jason Ouyang, juniors Carl Trigilio and Virginia Ma, and senior Justin Lu. While the competition is a highly com-

petitive and stressful event, the team still found time for camaraderie and fun. In addition to the dance, most members also engaged in some late night adventures. Senior David Yao, in describing a particular prank, revealed with a wicked grin, “I won’t miss having to prepare for my event, but I will miss hanging around some of my coolest friends at four in the morning sneaking into people’s rooms smacking them with pillows.”

This is not only the final competition of the season, but the final competition for Ms. Cari Barbour. This is the last year for Ms. Barbour who, along with Ms. Ashley Novak, has been the heart and soul of the team as its beloved Assistant Coach. She will be leaving AHS to teach in a boarding school all the way across the Atlantic in London. When asked if she had any last message for the team, Ms. Barbour said, “Being part of Speech and Debate has been one of the best experiences I have had working at Arcadia High School. When I think of the team, I think of laughter. These kids are the brightest of the bunch: they are quick-witted, goofy and often embarrassing at restaurants, but when I see them interact with their peers, and with adults, I am consistently impressed with their confidence and poise. They are a family and I am so happy to have been part of this family. I will truly miss all of these crazy monkeys. They drive me nuts sometimes, but I know that working with them and getting to know them has truly been a joy.”

With the season in hindsight, the team has already began looking forward to next year, beginning with the tryout and selection process.

While the superb senior class will be missed, the team is also excited about the infusion of incoming talent. rfu@theapachepowwow.com

By SEAN MAROONGROGE Staff Writer

of winning the state and even national championships in recent years. Second place went to North Hollywood, who only barely escaped with a 6-point lead over AHS’s score of 182.

Fourth and fifth place, Canyon Crest Academy and University High School were also extremely close, scoring 183 and 187, respectively.

Russell expressed his pride for the strength of the AHS team by stating, “The entire team

Suffering a loss of a third of its team from regionals due to prior engagements ranging from Orchestra to Orchesis events, the Science Olympiad (SO) team at AHS posted a remarkable third place finish on Sat. Apr. 18, at the State competition at Cal State Long Beach.

Competing in testing events on topics like Herpetology, Environmental Chemistry, and Forensics, the team prepared for months in advance, studying and practicing for four hours per week.

Furthermore, they created devices such as a bottle rocket and an accurate nonelectric timekeeping device with much aid from the building team, requiring hours of planning and construction.

The competition was unfortunate for the busy Arcadians, who had other commitments on the same day. Nevertheless, the underclassmen who stepped in to substitute for the absent members stepped up majorly, helping the team Photo Courtesy of JACKIE CHEN succeed in one of the tightest competitions in recent years. AHS’s ability to ALL SMILES With a shiny trophy and plaque, the come out on top of close competition team commemorates its last competition. with an unheard amount of replacements dem- really did their part to make up for the gaps creonstrates the depth and potential of the team, ated by event conflicts for State. Overall, third and gives coach Mrs. Cheryl Mynster and Cap- place is a lot to be proud of, and the experience tains Russell Igarashi and Sean Maroongroge that our underclassmen now have will help us much to be proud of and even more to look for- for the future. I, as well as the other seniors, wish the team luck for the future, though our inward to in the next few years.

The competition is scored by adding each tense preparation will undoubtedly help more.”

Congratulations again to AHS’s team of team’s placing in each of the 23 events (1 point for first place, 2 for second place, etc.). The supreme scientific scholars, who take their passion to a whole new level. team with the lowest score is named victor.

The first place winner of the competition smaroongroge@theapachepowwow.com was Troy, which historically has a strong record

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April 2009

ACADEMICS

Rules for a Nerd to Live By

By JENNY LIN Staff Writer

Have you ever wondered how we nerds manage to stick to our studies? Our limited time for sleep? Our photographic memories? Our highly intelligent conversations? Our idiosyncratic ways may seem intriguing and secretive. Well, let me share some secrets with you—the pathways to success, high GPAs, and prestigious Ivy Leagues.

Who needs friends when they have books?

Physics, Government, Literature, Calculus—to name a few—are the only friends you’ll ever need. They are the ones that will enlighten your eager minds with logic and wisdom. The only thing your human friends can educate you on is of how ridiculously overpriced school lunches are.

3) Sleep is overrated.

Why would you want to conform to the habit of sleeping? Referring back to the reason stated above, wouldn’t 1) WE AIN’T NEVA GONNA you rather spend time with TALK LIKE DIS HOMESLICE your buddies and ace that No, we shall not. It’s an test you have tomorrow? Exembarrassment. Our words are cuse me for my syllogism, elongated, witty, conversations. but when you sleep less, you Our colloquies are constantly inhave more time to study. And undated with SAT and AP Engwhen you have more time to lish related words. Dirty jokes, study, you get better grades. such as “yo mama” ones, aren’t And when you get better as funny as the hilarious pick-up lines that we invent to impress Photo Courtesy of SLATE grades, your dream of enterthe ladies. For example: I wish IT’S WORTH IT We might ing Yale will be fulfilled. you were a helicase, then I can look dorky, but it all pays 4) Parties are a no-no. unzip your genes. Talkin’ like dis off at the Crimson, baby.

The high school parain’t gonna help u on ur SAT if ties shown in movies and TV shows (yes, the ya’ll know what I mean. ones with hot chicks and jocks) are hangouts you should ignore. Those are the places where 2) Books: the only friends you’ll ever need.

your vulnerability and awkwardness will be revealed; trust me, you do not want to be ridiculed. Indeed, that cheerleader may be showing some interest in you and your homework; but take my advice: more books, less girls.

5) Congregate with other nerds.

A big part of life is connections. You will need the help of the next Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. I’m not saying you HAVE to be friends with that unbelievably arrogant nerd who sits next to you in Calculus and cries endlessly over his 2370 on his SAT. I’m saying that you should be acquainted with him. Courtesy and friendliness pay off sometimes.

6) Video games are sports.

Nerds don’t play football, soccer, or jump over hurdles. They play Super Smash Brothers Brawl, Halo, Star Wars, and the like. Guitar Hero is enough to teach you how to coordinate your eyes, mind, and fingers at the same time.

Call of Duty is enough to teach you how to survive in the big, bad world. Can football teach you those skills? I think not.

Follow these rules and you will sure be on your way in becoming a nerd. Good luck, and see you at Harvard! jlin@theapachepowwow.com

Now, With Generic Tips for AP-Testers

By RICHARD FU & JOE TIAN Staff Writers

If the art of taking AP classes is justifiable at least by the academic challenge and intellectual pursuit, that and the fact most of your friends are in an AP of some sort, taking the three, four-hour tests certainly derives little fun and pleasure. And in all honesty, the score doesn’t even make that big of a difference for your college applications—you don’t really see the fruits of your labor till well deep into your college career, and even then, it all depends on the school you’re attending.

This is, of course, not the attitude you want to be carrying into the exam room.

So what do you need? Well, at this point, if you haven’t learned your stuff, you’re pretty much a goner. The AP test is too long, too specific, for one who has coasted all year without really paying attention to ace. If you are one of those in the audience, I recommend you get a review book and try to cram as many generalities in as you can. Some subjects, such as his-

tory, will be easier to cram than others, say, calculus.

For the rest of you, the process isn’t actually all that different from other official tests.

Aside from the location, everything else is pretty standard. Here are a few essentials: 1. Do NOT bring any electronic devices! This one is repeated over and over again but someone inevitably defies the rule each year and has his/her test confiscated. If you’re going to fail, fail in style. But please don’t do yourself the insufferable indignity of being disqualified before even having the chance to do any damage at all.

2. Bring a stress ball. For many tests, you’re going to be writing at top speed for two hours straight. Think about it. Very, very carefully.

How often do you do that, and how does it usually work out for you? If you’re the type that gets hand cramps easily, get one of those stressrelieving devices. So long as you keep it in a plastic bag it’s allowed in the test center. It’s helped us squeeze our ways through the tests

last year. No, that pun was not lame.

3. Carpool. If four hours of not seeing your friends is OMGFML, arrange to get together after the test. Some people would hop into a car and drive off somewhere for lunch together, a rare chance to exploit that is not usually available to juniors. So instead of having mommy waiting for you in the parking lot, be cool. Make a friend. Who drives.

4. Try your best. Dude, you paid over a hundred bucks for it. You could’ve saved a hundred kids in Africa. If that guilt alone doesn’t keep you awake, you might as well not show up.

5. Have fun. If you really think about it, aside from the CST, SAT, ACT, CAHSEE, AP, GRE, MCAT, LSAT, and half a dozen other tests for specific professions, you’ll never have to take another official test in life!

On that bright and cheery note, best of luck and see you all at the racetrack. rfu@theapachepowwow.com

5 Ways to Insult and Confuse Your Enemies

By OISHEE SHEMONTEE Staff Writer

Insults are an appalling trait of current times when obscene words sully the beauty of the English language. But the worst part of the modern-day insult is the unoriginality. When phrases like “Your mom!” and “That’s what she said!” are prevalent, these overused insults are rarely ever funny, and lose their flavor fast. In the mission to revert insults back to the art of wordplay it once was, here are some insults from yesteryear, so old, they’re practically new!

1) Coccydynia – No need for a long, complicated scientific explanation of this word— many use this expression daily, whether they know it or not. Coccydynia literally means,

‘pain in the butt’ in Latin. This is an actual medical condition, involving sharp pains at the bottom of your spine (the coccyx), but come on—we know the medical condition is nothing compared to the people who cause it.

2) Fopdoodle – This is one of those versatile insults that can mean anything under the sun, if used the right way. Some say a fopdoodle is an insignificant fool; yet others believe it denotes a twerp or a wimp. No matter how you use it though, you have to admit it’s a really fun word to say.

3) Hircine – What language other than Latin would have a term for a person who smells like a goat? This could be an indispensable insult in your arsenal, especially after P.E. The best part: since Latin is a dead language, very few people will know what you are saying.

4) Hircismus – This word, too, comes from the Latin root hircus, meaning ‘goat,’ and evidently, the odor of goats must have been displeasing, since hircismus is really a term for the offensive stench often found in the vicinity of armpits. This stinky word combines all you can want in an insult – profound-sounding, yet with a hilarious (if slightly gross) meaning.

5) Ninnyhammer – Okay. So this word’s not that exotic. We’ve all heard this at some point or another in our lives. But it’s a classic euphemism for more offensive words with the same meaning. Not too vulgar—a ninnyhammer may also be known as a simpleton, or a dull-witted person—but a word that you’ll want to say over and over again. oshemontee@theapachepowwow.com

17

College Profile: U of Virginia

By JOE TIAN

Staff Writer

University of Virginia, often abbreviated U.Va. or UVA is a public university located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Established in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, it is the only university in the United States to be designated as a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO. It ranks #23 among national universities and #2 among public universities in U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Colleges 2009.”

UVA is the first educational institution to offer academic programs that recently gained popularity, such as astronomy and philosophy. The early Board of Visitors was filled with former Presidents of the United States: Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. The land underneath the university was once a farm belonging to Monroe, whose farmhouse was located on Monroe Hill, which today is the site of one of three undergraduate residential colleges.

Social sciences and engineering are the two most popular majors in UVA. Other areas of study include architecture, arts, biological sciences, cultural studies, literature, liberal arts & aciences, mathematics, philosophy, and psychology.

Admission at UVA is very selective; class rank, racial/ethnic status, personal qualities, extracurricular activities, application essay, and standarized test scores are all vital admission factors.

UVA provides financial aid on the basis of demonstrated need. Need-based scholarships are determined by academics, leadership, and minority status, whereas merit-based aids are determined by academics, athletics, and leadership. Special to the university, the Jefferson Scholarship is offered to selected first-year students at UVA, which covers the entire four-year cost of attending UVA and provides a study abroad stipend.

Athletics are an integral part of the UVA experience for many students. The Virginia Cavaliers, also called “Wahoos” or “Hoos” compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference and are perennial powers on the national scene in sports ranging from football and basketball to lacrosse and crew. The university also offers four gyms and a variety of intramural and club sports teams like inner-tube water polo, volleyball, and fencing for students not interested in Division I sports.

Admission Statistics [from College Board]: SAT Scores Critical Reading: 600 – 710 Writing: 610 – 720 Math: 620 – 730 ACT Composite Score: 27 – 32 In-State Tuition for Class of 2011: $9,505 Out-of-State Tuition for Class of 2011: $29,798 Percent of Applicants Accepted for Class of 2011: 37% jtian@theapachepowwow.com

Photo Courtesy of WIKIPEDIA

ROTUNDA The most recognizable building and centerpiece of campus.

18

STUDENT LIFE

Trivial Pursuit

apachepowwow.com

April 2009

Laughing for a Cause

Edition

By MELANIE YUEN Staff Writer

Remember those childhood memories of watching your favorite classic Disney movies?

1. What are the names of Snow White’s seven dwarves?

Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, Dopey 2. What is the name of the bird character in The Lion King?

Zazu 3. What is Mulan’s last name?

Fa myuen@theapachepowwow.com Ms. Claudia Diaz, English teacher X – 1. Sneezy, Happy, Dopey, Doc, Grumpy,… two more, huh?

Smiley?

C – 2. Zazu X – 3. Yu Score: 1/3 Ryan Campbell, freshman X – 1. Happy, Grumpy, Sleepy, Angry…Daisy, I think there’s a Dummy…

X – 2. I don’t know…Zabu?

X – 3. I think it’s Fung Score: 0/3

Kanika Jain, sophomore X – 1. Sleepy, Grumpy, Grouchy, Hungry…

X – 2. Toucan X – 3. Lee Score: 0/3

By MELISSA MA Staff Writer

A night of laughter brought comedy and the fight against cancer together to help raise money for Relay For Life.

On Apr. 3, the Hope Can Cure Cancer Club brought the American Cancer Society’s Comedy Show to AHS to raise funds that go directly to cancer patients in need. Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity, which offers people in the community the opportunity to do their part in the battle against the disease. The money raised for Relay For Life will also help fund cancer research, such as early detection and prevention education.

According to the website, The American Cancer Society’s

Photos by MELANIE YUEN

Society through that event. [The comedy show] thus allowed anyone to really help the cause while having a little fun as well,” said senior Vivy Tran, co-president of the club.

The club worked closely with the American Cancer Society to plan the event. Usually the American Cancer Society holds a comedy show for adults at the Ice House. This year, a show was held for a younger audience. Hope Can Cure Cancer Club teamed up with Scott

mma@theapachepowwow.com

Broadcasting from Arcadia Copy Editor

Kai Mosley, senior X – 1. Grumpy, Sleepy, Bashful, Dopey, Greedy…

X – 2. I’m not sure, Yago?

X – 3. Zhang Score: 0/3

Shimamoto, producer and emcee of the show, and Sarah Engle, an American Cancer Society representative. Together, they put on a show that included many professional comedians who performed their acts for charity. One notable comedian of the night was Tymon Shipp, who appeared on Jay Leno’s The Tonight Show three times. Sophomore Justine Lee, who attended the comedy show, said, “I think the comedy show was a wonderful way to fundraise for such a great cause. The comedians were actually quite hilarious.”

On a final note, Vivy said graciously, “The show was a lot of work. We would like to thank all the people who purchased tickets, attended, or even acknowledged our work. We really hope that this will become a tradition at our school.”

“Dude, I actually tried to wave my hand at a manual towel dispenser once. Not on purpose. It looked high tech.”

By CHRISTINE XU

Michelle D’Mello, junior C – 1. Happy, Grumpy, Sleepy, Dopey, Doc, Bashful, Sneezy C – 2. Zazu X – 3. I don’t know!

Score: 2/3

Relay For Life “unites communities across the country each year to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that takes too much.” Every year, the Hope Can Cure Cancer Club attends Relay For Life, which is held at the Santa Anita Race Track.

“One hundred percent of the proceeds we made are being donated to American Cancer

Some people may ride horses as a hobby.

Others may ice skate, play badminton, act, or sing. And while all of these may make for some small talk at some yawn-worthy party your parents forced you to go to, certainly there is nothing as surefire as saying, “Oh, I’m the host of my own radio show,” to pick up a lull in a conversation.

Sophomore Angela Liu and junior Dana Chang created their radio show, “Me and My Friends,” in the summer of 2008. Since Angela’s father currently hosts his own radio show on KAZN 1300, he already possessed the equipment required to produce a program, so he helped the two set up their own show on the same station, which airs weekly on Saturdays at midnight. Originally, “some topics to talk about on the show were presented to me by my father, and each person in the group I formed covered one or two of those topics on the list. Eventually, it evolved into the half-hour free-talk show it is today, leaving only [Dana and me] to run it,” said Angela.

The show does not center on any specific genre of topics to debate or speculate on, but instead, covers “things that other high school students may be interested in,” said Dana. Unlike a normal radio show, “Me and My Friends” is not recorded live. According to Angela, “Dana and

I rarely ever interact with each other and have that people actually care about. Likewise, Dana full conversations that are aired. We don’t re- hopes that “it can continue even after [they] ally have any set topics to talk about, either. So graduate so that others can have the opportunity generally, we talk about whatever we feel like to try being a radio talk show host. The show is or upcoming events that usually center specifi- a good opportunity for high school students to cally on our school, in case there are any AHS try something new and to possibly discover a listeners out there.” Therefore, each girl finds passion they never thought they had.” topics to talk about, researches them if necescxu@theapachepowwow.com sary, and records their segments at home, using a certain program with “no scripts.

It’s all improvisation,” said Angela.

They then send their radio segments to Angela’s father, who pieces them together, touches it up with some editing, and sends the final segment to the radio station.

Although Angela admitted that “Me and My Friends” was started because her “father forced [her] Photo by YENTL IP to do it,” she plans on turning this into TALK SHOW HOSTS Junior Dana Chang and sophomore a show that pro- Angela Liu air their very own radio show, “Me and My Friends,” vides information every Saturday night.

STUDENT LIFE 19

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April 2009

Prom 2009 in Paradise

Bonjour!

By DEBBIE JONG Staff Writer

Photos Courtesy of FACEBOOK.COM

THE UNIVERSE IS OURS Junior Council will host the highly-anticipated prom at a stunning venue: a Paris street, the Globe Theatre, and a London street in Universal Studios.

By LINDA WANG Staff Writer

In the midst of all the cramming and late night studying for the AP exams, prom, the most anticipated dance of the year, is right around the corner. This year’s prom will be held on Saturday, May 16, at Universal Studios in Hollywood. To accommodate the special location, Prom Committee came up with a unique theme: “The Universe is Ours.”

The dance will take place inside the Globe Theatre, which was first opened in 1999 for the use of large-scale events and activities. The Globe offers advanced lighting systems that will add even more excitement to the dance.

The dance will not be limited to the Globe Theatre; students will receive a large portion of the

park outside of the theatre as well. Although all `` rides inside the park will be closed at night and they will not be open for prom attendees, people will find a variety of things to do from strolling down the fake Paris Street to taking a look at the beautiful view of the city.

In addition to the excitement the location offers, dinner will be served this year in a buffet style prepared by five-star chefs. Some main dishes include Caesar salad, penne pasta, and a Petit Dessert Extravaganza, which is a dessert specialty from the Universal Studios Hollywood Executive Chef. A variety of drinks will also be available throughout the dance. ASB Activities Director Mr. John Tung said, “Only a few schools can get the privilege of holding a prom there.”

Though it is only late April, students are

already looking forward to it. Junior Katie Lee said, “It sounds so exciting, I can’t believe the whole park will be closed down just for us!” Junior Michelle Lam also commented, “It’s nice that they provide food at prom this year.”

As May is approaching, many people have started to look for a suitable date. “I need to think of a way to ask,” said junior Aaron Tse. He laments that “it’s hard for guys to come up with something creative for every dance.”

Prom and limo contracts are now on the ASB website. Each ticket is $70 with an ASB card and $90 without it. A couple discount of $5 will be applied from May 4-7, and all guest contracts are due on Tuesday, Apr. 28. Parking at Universal Studios will be $12. lwang@theapachepowwow.com

The Happiest Students in America

By IRIS JONG

balanced, academically, socially, emotionally… Of course, that’s where the commonalities among the student body end. I have peers from all walks of life, with an incredible array of interests.

I’m not always aware of how much of an impact Pomona’s small size has on my life here, but a conversation with my friends at

just a few openings. Here, we don’t necessarily always get our first-choice classes, but the experience is a different affair entirely. “Yeah,” I hail from the college whose accolades I told my friend, bemused, “We just fill out a include topping Princeton Review’s “Happiest form and walk to the Registrar’s Office, where Students” and “School Runs Like Butter” lists, the staff enter the information into the system! a #6 liberal arts college ranking on U.S. News’ You get snacks while you wait.” Call it an intinotorious list, and the nickname “The Harvard mate, personal charm—whatever it is, Pomona of the West,” though perhaps more noteworthy College specializes in it. Professors is the fact that we’re located in Southclamoring for their students to attend ern California, which means we unoffice hours, dining hall staff writing ironically decry 60-degree weather as responses to each suggestion card, unnatural and cruel. I am a student at small clubs and committees who enPomona College, gemstone of the Clacourage every member to voice an remont Colleges. opinion are all evidence of this smallN-no— for the fiftieth time, I atcollege personable quality. tend Pomona College, not Cal Poly Classes here are vastly different Pomona. Never heard of it? Well, okay, from high school classes— especially never mind you— I’ve grown accushumanities classes, comprised almost tomed to the public’s overwhelming exclusively of discussion. It took ignorance of my school. My corrective some getting used to, forming cogent, replies have become resigned and only coherent, fully-developed thoughts vaguely irritated, rather than outright to share with anywhere from five offended. to twenty-five people. Challenging That’s a prevailing attitude here, though it may be, this system encoura sort of casual, under-the-Californianages both independent thought and sun laxity that pervades everything articulation. from the social goings-on to academOh, there are drawbacks, of ics. The issue of grades never crops up Photo Courtesy of IRIS JONG course: I hear the party scene is noin conversation (a foreign concept, I know), for instance, and get-togethers UNDER THE CALIFORNIAN SUN AHS alumna where near as lively as it is in large universities, and Pomona isn’t exactly with friends are laid-back, often in- Iris Jong takes in the sunshine at Pomona College. what you’d call a “big name school” volving TV marathons or going to the UCLA never fails to remind me. Take class (though it’s getting there). Still, we’ve got a lot nearby village to grab some 21 Choices. registration as an example—at large schools going for us. I did mention that we get sunshine Not that we’re lazy or apathetic, mind you. it consists of an intense, frenzied scramble for virtually year-round, didn’t I? The key word is “balanced;” and we are indeed Guest Writer

Photo Courtesy of RAYLA HYLBOM

AN AMERICAN IN RENNES Rayla Hylbom is spending the year in Rennes, France.

Junior Rayla Hylbom is currently studying abroad in France through the School Year Abroad (SYA) exchange program, which gives her the benefits of complete language immersion while still providing her access to the American education system.

At SYA, she is enrolled in AP French Language, French Literature, Art History, French Society and Culture, and History of France. Only her core subjects, English and math, are taught in English. Every morning she wakes up at 7:00 a.m. to catch the 51 bus into Rennes, where her classes begin promptly at 8:20 a.m. The tiny class sizes— only about 16 students per room—make for a tightly-knit and cozy community, and she’s made “some really amazing friends this year” who all share her enthusiasm for France and the French language.

After a morning of classes, Rayla eats lunch at the cafeteria of one of the two local high schools, each only about a two-minute walk from her school. After school, about three times a week, Rayla hangs out with her new friends at the café “Le Candiot,” where they chat and bond over delectable hot chocolate and delicacies. When Rayla returns home by seven in the evening, she usually does her homework until dinner time. Although her host family loves experimenting with different cuisines from various cultures, they usually serve French specialties and pasta for supper.

Rayla firmly believes that “classroom success doesn’t guarantee life success” and emphatically concludes that we all need to “chill out” more and enjoy our high school lives rather than letting it pass us by. After studying overseas in France, Rayla urges every AHS student to consider studying abroad sometime during their high school career. The life-changing experience has truly enriched her, offered her fresh perspectives on universal issues and molded her into a “global citizen” of the world. djong@theapachepowwow.com

20

SPORTS

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April 2009

Softball Pitches Up a Storm Swim Dominates Pacific League

By TRACY YAO

the game, and ended up losing 3-2. Junior Emily

By AISHA ELMASRI McQuaid, “We have been struggling in league, but Staff Writer our team is definitely developing.”

Despite this loss, Arcadia was not willing “We have team dinners before every league to give up, and on Mar. 19, Arcadia triumphed game and do secret sisters; we dance on the bus over Muir 15-1. Arcadia continued their winning to our techno music. Our team is really close and streak in their non league scrimmages against Poly it definitely shows on the field!” said senior Lisa High School from Pasadena and San Marino High School. Emily said, “We definitely need to work on Kalemkiarian about the Arcadia 2009 Girls Softconsistency and staying up the entire game. We ball team. After a rough start, the Lady Apaches have had wining streaks, but then we go on have dusted themselves off and are looking losing streaks, so we definitely need to be to end what remains of their season slidmore consistent, and lift each other up ing into home. so the entire team does not have a Before diving (feet first) into bad game.” their difficult season, the Lady With their spirits upliftApaches played several ed, Arcadia approached scrimmages and particitheir next game with pated in pre-season the confidence and tournaments. the will to win.

Arcadia’s first Arcadia played scrimmage took Hoover in Glenplace against North dale on Mar. 31 and View High School on completely shut them out Mar. 9. The landslide loss with an 11-0 victory. After (10-1) gave the Apaches room four consecutive wins, Arcadia for growth and improvement. made their way to Glendale High The Apaches didn’t get down on school and came just a tad short,8-10. themselves and instead looked forward Arcadia lost against Burbank on Apr. 14 to their upcoming game against Wilson on as well, with the finishing score being an unMar. 12 which proved to be a battle. Arcadia fortunate 10-2. Senior Andrea Vallejo said, “No was losing 2-0 until the 6th inning where they Photo by GREGORY ZAJAC one hit the ball scored one run, but was unable to tie SOFTBALL Junior Patricia Stark delivers a during the game. the game; the final fastball to a Burroughs hitter, while junior Emily We kept making score was 2-1.

McQuaid readies herself for the possibility of mistakes and we basically just beat On Mar. 14, a ground ball. ourselves.” the Apaches headOn Apr. 16, Arcadia then went on to play ed to Rialto in order to compete in their first tournament of their season. Although the girls were Pasadena and won dramatically after their previnot necessarily successful, they improved drasti- ous losses with the finishing score being 11-1. The cally from the first game; they tied to Rialto and following week, Arcadia was unsuccessful against Burroughs, losing 6-3 and then Crescenta Valley, lost 7-0 to La Puente.

The true display of their abilities took place losing once again, 4-0. The Lady Apaches then during their first Pacific league game against Bur- traveled to Muir High School, proving that when roughs High School in Burbank on Mar. 17. Arca- they all set their mind to it, they can be successdia scored in the first inning; however, Burroughs ful, finishing off the game with an astounding 18-0 struck back with two runs in the third inning and win. one in the last. Arcadia scored again in the sixth inning but was unable to get the last point to win

aelmasri@theapachepowwow.com

coaches will be planning the events very carefully for those meets in order to maximize our potential for winning.”

Senior Yoshie Manaka said, “So far, the hardThe effort behind each stroke and each kick is aimed to reach one goal: remaining the Pacific est meet we’ve had was the league relay meet. This League Champions. So far, the boys and girls of meet, in particular, was more difficult because we Varsity Swim are doing an excellent job in defend- were swimming against many other schools, some ing their title, but the imminent battle against Cres- which had star swimmers who were difficult to centa Valley for the number one spot may break keep up with, even though we had a much stronger team overall. I think the real reason we won the their hold on the title.

On Mar. 14, the girls and boys combined their league relays was JV and Varsity swam together in efforts at the Los Amigos Relays to take first place this meet, and our JV team is exceptionally strong out of thirty teams. Soon after, they prepared for compared to other schools.”

After a week’s break, the swimmers dove four days of rigorous competition. On the first day, the team faced off against Monrovia, and Apaches back into competition, swimming against Glenwalked away triumphant, with a score of 127-34 dale. As the meet ended, the varsity team gained for the boys and 101-69 for the ladies. At the Mil- yet another victory. The Apaches dominated with likan Swim Relays, the boys finished in 6th place scores of 125-44 for the boys and 113-38 for the out of 38 teams and the girls continued on to the girls.

In April, the team swam against Burroughs, finals. Both teams were victorious against Hoover.

Temple City, and Burbank; the boys The boys won 138-26 and the girls won finished with scores of 124-43, 136-32. Working along with the JV 87-83, and 117-53 respectiveteams at the Pacific League Rely. The ladies triumphed lays, the varsity swimmers finwith scores of 116-54, ished the meet strong. The 126-44, and 128-42. In a ladies came in first place dominating match, the and the boys came in secApaches crushed the ond to CV. Pasadena Bulldogs.

Coach Janice Clark The ladies won with a said, “We were close score of 135-35 and a against them in the score of 130-40 for the league relays, with the boys. All these meets girls beating [CV] and the lead up to what may be boys losing to them. The the toughest competition boys only lost by ten points of the season: CV. and the girls were helped by Sophomore Clark Fisher the fact that the CV girls dissaid, “We have had no real scares qualified a relay. So, in the upcomthis season and are currently undeing contest, anything could happen. Since Photo by GREGORY ZAJAC feated, but our next the CV meet is the final meet before our Pacific SWIM Ahead of the competition, freshman tough meet will defiLeague Championship Emily Chow backstrokes to the finish line. nitely be against our league rival, CV.” meet, we will be already The boys and girls of varsity swim are on a in our taper period of workouts, where the team is getting more rest time interspersed with high winning streak, but they will undoubtedly continue quality intense swim sets.” Through these intense their hard work until they become Pacific League workouts, Coach Janice hopes the team will “be Champions and move on to CIF. peaked and freaked for both the CV dual meet and tyao@theapachepowwow.com then for the League meet the following week. The Staff Writer

Boys Tennis Remains in First Place, Backhanding their Competition

By KATHERINE BAY Staff Writer

As an undefeated team, there’s no doubt that Boys Varsity Tennis had many glorious strides throughout the season. From strong singles and doubles to powerhouse serves, the team has made a name for itself. Even though the team consists of many returning players, there are a few players that really stand out and contribute to the accomplishments of the team.

On Mar. 3, the team played against John Muir winning 17-1. With freshman “superstar” Travis Tu, the team breezed right through the tournament with ease. On the other hand, when playing against Glendale, one of their tougher matches, they returned to league championships with a solid singles team and a strong doubles team; only dropping two sets, which won them the victory and ended with 11-7. The match against Burroughs was the opposite of Glendale because they had strong singles and weaker doubles. Arcadia’s doubles took advantage of that and only dropped one set; they scored 16-2. The Apaches beat La Salle with 16-2.

La Salle wasn’t too much of a challenge, as a lot of our players easily won their matches. “Our team

is solid in all areas, with a really balanced doubles The team had one of their toughest matches team. Our singles is also doing great this year. This against Cresenta Valley. There was a significant combination has left us undefeated in league and home court advantage for CV since the tournament non-league. I think we are going to have a great sea- took place on their courts. Also, CV knew how to son and a good shot at the league championship this handle the crazy wind that dragged the ball all over year,” said junior Jesse Li. Furthermore, they beat Pasadena 18-0, and considering they aren’t one of their main competitors in league, it was easy. When the team traveled to South Pasadena, they beat them 12-6. Jesse said, “Pasadena had a solid team, but in the end we were better-rounded and more focused.” They also beat Hoover 15-3 with no difficulties and Glendale for the second time 12-6. Glendale was still very strong, but this time, Photo Courtesy of ELLIOTT LEE Arcadia’s doubles team stepped BOYS TENNIS Senior Jonathan Chien easily returns it and beat their doubles team. a serve from Temple City, quickly sending it right back As for the match against Alhamover the net at high speed. bra, it was considered more of a warm-up match for league. The competition was the court. On the positive side, Arcadia held their solid but not out of the ordinary; doubles swept and heads up high and showcased their skills which singles had a good day. managed to secure the win with 10-8. Subsequent-

ly, the team had the same score of 10-8 when played against Burbank. With a lopsided match, Burbank had “superstar” singles, meaning singles players who are ranked in the state and nationally. However, the doubles had a great day winning 8 out of 9 sets to win the victory. Moreover, the team got 17-1 against Upland and 14-4 against Burbank.

To have such strong scores, most wonder what they have to do to overcome such as task. The team has occasional meetings to discuss their current progress as well as to adjust the line up to meet the upcoming opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.

They have unique drills that increase their aggressiveness on the court. Not aggression, such as physical contact with the opponent, but more footwork, speed, and the spirit to never give up. With up to four hours of practice per week, excluding their extra training from one-on-one coaches and other matches and tournaments, it’s without a doubt that the each player on the team provides a consistency throughout each of their performances. Coach Jerry Dohling congratulates his team on their hard work, and would like to announce to the school that Arcadia varsity tennis is 14-1 for league and is “[currently] in first place.” kbay@theapachepowwow.com

April 2009

SPORTS

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PROFILE

BRYCE RUTHERFORD

By GREGORY ZAJAC Staff Writer

Boys and Girls Track and Field:

The Arcadia Invitational

By VICTORIA TRAN Staff Writer

Photo by GREGORY ZAJAC

When Bryce Rutherford takes the mound at AHS’s Giambrone field, the scorekeeper introduces him by interrupting Metallica’s “In the Jungle” that blasts over the PA system between innings with “pitching, for the Apaches, number seven, Senior Bryce Rutherford.” But to the boys in the dugout, he’s “princess.” He is leading the Pacific League in strikeouts with a total of 61, his ERA is 2.20, he is batting 0.288, has a girlfriend that supports his athletic ambitions, receives glowing praise from the press, and is being fought over by four colleges. Life has been good to Bryce. Hence the nickname that conjures up images of a preteen girl in a pink dress who gets whatever she wants.

But this Apache wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth. His success is the result of many years devoted to playing baseball, which began when he was five years old and his dad put a bat in his hands and told him to swing at a ball on a tee. After graduating from Little League and coming to high school, he became the Apaches’ varsity starting pitcher as a sophomore, and later that spring was named first team all-league, won the AHS Most Valuable Player award, and had his name painted outside the locker room under the title, “All-CIF Apaches,” a feat he has repeated his junior year as well. He said, “I’m only the second guy to ever be All-CIF in Arcadia history for two years, so I’m going for the third year, and I’d be the first one to ever do that.”

Bryce’s arm might not have won him thousands of fans or millions of dollars, but that’s not to say his ability has gone unnoticed. Coaches from Azusa Pacific University, Cal State Fullerton, Loyola Marymount University and University of Nevada, Reno all want to add him to their rosters. He currently has a scholarship offer from Azusa Pacific, but personally favors the Division I Nevada and the “different level of play” present on their field.

So what separates the good from the great on the baseball diamond? Bryce believes the magic ointment is a combination of hard work and attention to detail. He gives his game that kind of attention by ensuring he never plays a single game without his good luck charm, a bracelet his girlfriend made him in Apache colors and the phrase “Do Work” stamped on it, in his back right pocket. His coach also requires him to keep a log when he is at the top of his game, so if he ever gets in a slump he can get back in the right mindset.

And that mindset not only needs to go into every pitch, but it also needs to show when there are no games to win. Bryce’s advice is to “always have a positive attitude,” and “to do everything the best that you can, and to always be paying attention too. You never know what’s going to come at you.” gzajac@theapachepowwow.com

21

This past April 10-11, during spring break, Salter Stadium, as you know it, was transformed into the majestic grounds of the Arcadia Invitational, a place of hard work, dedication, and talent.

The Arcadia Invitational is considered to be the number one track meet for high-schoollevel competitors.

Soon-to-be Olympians, current Olympians, past Olympians, and national record setters have all graced the Arcadia Invitational with their talent. It is the breeding ground for future champions and is the birthplace of 24 national records.

And so these top-level high school competitors flock from around the nation and several foreign countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, to Arcadia because “it’s where the best competition is,” said junior Kirsten Frank. Staging one of the most prestigious track meets in the country brings thousands of anxious fans into the stands. Some are parents, there to cheer for their kids; some are college scouts, there to find athletes worthy of their universities; and some are mere spectators, there to enjoy the adrenaline rushes and hoping for the chance to be able to say that they witnessed a national record being broken.

Kicking off the meet is a heptathlon for the girls and a decathlon for the boys. It’s a competition for the well-rounded athletes, gifted in almost every event of track and field. For the girls, the heptathlon includes high jump, shot put, pole vault, javelin, long jump, 100-meter hurdles, and the 200-meter dash. On the boys’ side, they compete in the long jump, high jump, pole vault,

shot put, javelin, discus, 110-meter hurdles, the 100-meter dash, the 400-meter dash, and the 1500-meter run. Senior Curtis Beach from New Mexico stole the show at the decathlon, dominating the majority of the events for a total of 7,909 points.

Friday night hosted the “Burning Batons” relay events: the 4x1600, 4x800, 4x200, and shuttle hurdles.

On Saturday, the day meet consisted of many hopefuls wanting to move onto the night meet, the finals. Salter Stadium was packed with both athletes and fans, shoulder to shoulder; it was nothing like what you would see at the high school football games. On the edge, the stands were crammed with people watching “the stars come out”, as the meet’s motto goes. In the middle stood crème of the crop athletes striving for their very best, knowing that they had only one chance to prove themselves to the nation.

Watching the best athletes from different schools go head-to-head with each other is truly inspiring. Having the privilege of “sitting courtside” at the Arcadia Invitational has motivated AHS’ own track team to push themselves just a little more. Seeing the determination and concentration in the competitors’ eyes as they triple jump that extra inch or push through the last 100 meters to snag first place makes everyone else watching want to be like them—the best.

“It’s really helped our program build up,” coach Chris Schultz said. “A lot of kids go, `What do I have to do to make the invitational?’ It’s a carrot out there for them. We try to explain that these kids are like anybody else.

Maybe they are faster and stronger, and work harder than everybody else, so this is what we need to do to reach that level.”

Unfortunately, this year, the Arcadia Invite failed to live up to its slogan—“Home of National Records.” No new national

records were reached, disappointing many returning record-setters including hurdler Reggie Wyatt.

This year’s running performances were shadowed by last year’s epic showdown, which featured the Hasay-Babcock seesaw 3200-meter run. But this year’s field events did not fail to disappoint. Colorado’s Mason Finley threw 221-00 feet in discus, and 64-11 feet in shot put. On the girls’ side, Anna Jelmini from Shafter High School threw 185-05 feet in discus and 51-00.50 feet in shot put. Triple jumper Ciarra Brewer from Union City jumped 42-10.

Arcadia’s own sophomore, Ammar Moussa, received second place in the 3200-meter with his time of 9:12.82, a mere three seconds behind the first place runner. Senior Renaud Poizat followed with 9:32.20.

Sophomore Catrina McAlister ran a 10:31.34 in the 3200-meter, placing her in third. In the sprints, seniors Corbin Whalum and Ted Hooper finished with 10.91 in the 100-meter dash and 23.00 in the 200-meter, respectively. The 4x800 meter relay team, including Catrina McAlister, Caitlin Kelly, Cassandra Llamas, and Kirsten Frank placed first with their time of 9:33.36.

Competitors have come to Arcadia Invitational and kissed the very track we see and walk on everyday, because they know they have reached a stepping stone in their dream after shedding much blood, sweat, and tears.

Now, it may just seem like a bunch of fast people gathered together to compete against one another to see who is the best. But looking beyond the surface, its not about who has the most muscle or the best spikes, it’s about perseverance and the ability to give everything you have, no matter how tired or nervous you may be, all for the sake of doing what you love—track and field. Now that’s dedication. vtran@theapachepowwow.com

Photos by VICTORIA HAMBLEY & GREGORY ZAJAC

22

CALENDAR

Six Glorious Days and Sunday Night

By BEVERLY CHEN

apachepowwow.com

April 2009

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Photo Contest Winner Linda Wang Since this month’s theme is “The more you take, the more you leave behind,” I took a picture of the books and notecards on my table because during this AP and SAT season, students are cramming as much as they can. But after the test, the stuff they learned will be forgotten and left behind.

When Shall the Senior Ever Find Peace?

By DAVID HERNANDEZ

Did You Know?

1) Wrigley’s gum was the first item to be scanned by bar code.

2) The Colorado River, which runs through the Grand Canyon, is roughly a mile deep.

3) The name for Oz in The Wizard of Oz came to be when the film’s creator, Frank Baum, looked at his filing cabinet and saw A-N and O-Z; hence, “Oz.” 4) Abraham Lincoln’s head faces right on the penny, while on other coins, presidents’ heads face left.

5) In case of a crash, Prince Charles and Prince William never travel on the same airplane as a precaution.

6) Until the 19th century, solid blocks of tea were used as currency in Siberia.

April 2009

CALENDAR

apachepowwow.com

23

Glutton Girl’s Eccentric Dining Experience in L.A.

By GLUTTON GIRL The food is worth it. I ordered the Belgian Waffle, which I would definitely recommend; it’s crunchy on the outside but smooth and buttery on the inside. It also included eggs, sausage,

they really stick to their theme of waffles. Their waffle fries taste exactly how they sound; as for the sandwich, it’s a simple breaded chicken breast in between two browned Morning, Lower West Siders; Glutton Girl here, your waffles. The food is light on the one and only source into Arcadia’s elite. oils, which really provides for This past weekend I was gallivanting the calorie-phobic Hollywood in downtown L.A. in hopes of scoping lifestyle. out a new restaurant that could cater to The Waffle is a unique fammy readers’ cravings. An inside source ily eatery and has a great selecsuggested this “hip, retro, vegetariantion of reasonably priced waffles. friendly hideaway in the middle of the Their wait staff is incredibly hustle and bustle of the city. Curious efficient and more than happy to as to how well this “hideaway” would accommodate. As for the wide uphold its high reviews, Spotted! L at selection in waffles, there were “The Waffle,” situated at the bottom of some interesting flavors, such an office building located on 6255 W. as chocolate, sticky bun, and Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028. cornmeal jalapeno. The waffles They cater to the needs of various diets, go from $8-$19; breakfast items from allergen-free to dairy-free to veganare $4-$9; burgers $9-$12; friendly meals, all the options taste vegetarian items $9-$19; shakes incredibly delectable regardless. and malts $3-$3.50; and their There wasn’t much of a wait best deal, sandwiches, $6-$11. for brunch the day I went in, but as I And on top of all of this, the left there was quite a hefty line, so I people surrounding me were wouldn’t suggest coming during peak clients of secretaries of celebrihours. In the collective ten minutes it ties, or something of that sort, took for me to get situated, I looked so it was like rubbing elbows around at the peculiar surroundings. I’m with tomorrow’s stars. As we not quite sure how I feel about the ambispeak, you may be comparing ance and décor, but I’ll let you decide for this to Roscoe’s. They do offer a yourself. They call themselves a “modchicken and waffles combination, ern eatery reminiscent of the traditional but they also have a very peculiar American Coffee Shop designed for the Photo by GLUTTON GIRL Salmon and Waffle; while I fast-paced lifestyle of the contemporary wasn’t adventurous enough to A WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE Glutton Girl finds a gem in downtown Los diner.” Their definition is the best way try that, let me know if you do.

Angeles, with patio seating and the Pantages Theatre just a couple short blocks to put it; all around this family eatery Ha, as if you could even tell me. are murals and pieces of art that are said away.

And who am I? That’s one secret to embody the contemporary expresand fruit.

My mom asked what was popular and they actually I’ll never tell.

You know you love me. XOXO, Glutton sion of cultural icons in an urban setting. There’s a sort of suggested something that wasn’t on the menu; so here’s my Girl. lively retro-modern feel to it; it’s definitely a comfortable little secret: the Waffle Chicken Sandwich. It’s ridiculously atmosphere, but the oddly painted brown and yellow 70’s good; it sounds odd with its accommodating waffle fries, but gluttongirl@theapachepowwow.com themed palette of colors is a little unsettling.

Staff Writer

Riddles to Rattle Your Brain

Sudoku Check your answers at apachepowwow.com

1) Four cars come to a four way stop, all coming from a different direction. They can’t decide who got there first, so they all go at the same time. They do not crash into each other, but all four cars go.

How is this possible?

2) If a train was on its way to Florida and it tipped over, where would they bury the survivors?

3) Johnny’s mother had four children. The first was April, the second was May, and the third was June. What was the name of her fourth child?

4) If you say my name, I’ll no longer exist. What am I? 5) A man had to walk for an hour under heavy rain on an open road, without an umbrella or anything else over his head. Yet, his hair did not get wet. How could this be?

Answers: 1. They all made right-hand turns.

2. They wouldn’t need to: the survivors are still alive!

3. Johnny!

4. Silence.

5. He’s bald.

Courtesy of WEBRIDDLES.COM

Courtesy of WEBSUDOKU.COM

24

CAMPUS FOCUS

apachepowwow.com

April 2009

ROP Outstanding Students

By LAUREN WONG

Staff Writer

Justin Tran, Gold Medalist Business Management

Ryan Bergara, Gold Medalist Television Production

Maryam Zomorod, Bronze Medalist Sports Medicine

Seven different occupational categories, four gold medalists, three silver, three bronze, one competition—the 2008-2009 Outstanding ROP Student Recognition Program. Nominated by their teachers for their outstanding performances in ROP classes, a few exceptional AHS students with noteworthy character, attitude, school attendance, initiative, and community involvement were presented with the opportunity to participate in this prestigious program.

The lengthy selection process spanned months, beginning in October with teacher nominations and continuing until late March when results were announced. A maximum of two ROP students were chosen from broad occupational categories, from which there are seven: Agriculture and Home Economics, Business, Creative Arts, Health Careers, Marketing, Trade and Industry, and Visual Arts. After district interviews that decided which students would advance to the county level, an intense application was required, including a resume, a personal statement, and a sample job application. Participation in a mock business interview and a 4-5 minute presentation demonstrating what had been learned in the ROP class were also mandatory.

At the county level, seven gold medals were given, four of which were earned

by Arcadia students Ryan Bergara for Television Production, Brittany Heacock for Cross-Age Literacy, Justin Tran for Business Management, and Fay Xu for Graphic Communication. Maggie Fan, Sarah Cheng, and Sean Liyanage earned three silver medals out of 22 given in the areas of Criminal Law, Cisco Networking, and Robotics respectively. Calling it “the greatest learning experience [she] could ever have hoped for,” senior Sarah Cheng commented on how even though it “was a pretty hectic day, all the hard work really paid off.” Last but definitely not least, the bronze medalists included Maryam Zomorod for Medical/Therapeutic Principles of Sports Medicine, Kimberly Tran for Biotechnology, and Jaclyn Wang for Orchesis. Congratulations, outstanding students! lwong@theapachepowwow.com

Kimberly Tran, Bronze Medalist Biotechnology

Sarah Cheng, Silver Medalist Cisco Networking

Maggie Fan, Silver Medalist Criminal Law

Fay Xu, Gold Medalist Graphic Communication

Sean Liyanage, Gold Medalist Robotics

Jaclyn Wang, Bronze Medalist Orchesis

Brittany Heacock, Gold Medalist Biotechnology