2009 january by The Arcadia Quill

Volume 57, Issue 5

Arcadia High School 180 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA

January 2009

All-Area Apaches Amaze Arcadia

In this issue:

Photo by REGINA FANG

OPINION pg.4 Tardy Sweeps: Find out the pros and cons of the latest, and most controversial, law on campus.

Photos by REGINA FANG, ASHLEY JOHNSON & GREGORY ZAJAC Graphic by REGINA FANG

ALL-AREA ATHLETES Eight of Arcadia’s own were honored by The Pasadena Star News: (left to right) Renaud Poizat, Ammar Moussa, Todd Golper, Allen Leung, Coach Jim O’Brien, Caitlyn Ward, Michael Langendoen and Eric Garibay. By KRISTIE TOM Sports Editor

Photo Courtesy of AHS BAND

CENTER SPREAD pgs.12-13 Florida: See our award winning Band, Percussion and Colorguard’s adventures in the sunshine state.

Photo by JENNIFER HANG

STUDENT LIFE pg.18 How to Study for Finals: Find out how the smart kids get ready for their academic superbowl.

At the end of the fall sports season, The Pasadena Star News announced eight Apaches as some of the best in the area – four seniors, three sophomores, and one coach. They published lists of which athletes they believed would make the best teams in the Pasadena area, and Arcadia now honors the following: Despite all of senior Todd Golper’s achievements, awards, and honors from football, he remains a humble Apache at heart. Although he was invited to play in the prestigious 2009 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, he was unable to participate due to his torn ACL. In addition to his ACL, Todd has suffered many more injuries this past season, but is still headed to UCLA next year to play linebacker for the Bruins’ defense. Senior Caitlyn Ward sampled several sports, including soccer and swimming, before she chose to dedicate all her time to her favorite: tennis. Through her twelve years of playing competitively, she has learned to never give up, and has told other tennis players to always persevere. Sophomore Eric Garibay’s motivation to run comes from his desire to make his family and friends proud. He was summoned to join the

cross country team when “the coach called me the night right before ninth grade began, asking me if I wanted to be on the team. I was excited to join, since I loved running.” Senior Michael Langendoen said, “I’ve always loved water polo, and I’ve always played water polo.” His position at driver forces him to practice daily on his sprints, but he finds reward in seeing how proud his older brother, Scott, is of him. Michael said, “Scott is my biggest inspiration. He pushes me to set the bar high and work toward [it] to get better.” Sophomore Allen Leung remains a modest underclassman as he said, “I think making it onto our Varsity Cross Country team was my greatest accomplishment.” He admits that making it to the varsity level took a lot of hard work, adding, “all of us ran at least 900 miles during the summer, and some ran 1,000 or more.” Sophomore Ammar Moussa looks forward to leading the Varsity Cross Country team next year back to Nike Nationals. This past season has helped to shape him as a leader, as he says that it was great “being able to lead the team in a couple of races.” The transition from a freshman to a sophomore runner was quite simple once Ammar focused on what had to be done, and realized that “it came down to summer training, and not babying myself.” Senior Renaud Poizat was presented with the

award of 2008 Runner of the Year by The Pasadena Star News, despite going into the season with a pulled iliotibial band. He admits, “It was the first time I was seriously taking care of my body. On top of rigorous academics and regular running, I had to focus on icing, Advil, heating, stretching and doing exercises.” However, he says that it was all worth it, because “I could not have had a better race at state. It all came together.” Renaud has won all-state every year of his high school career. Coach Jim O’Brien was honored as the 2008 Cross Country Coach of the Year by The Pasadena Star News, for directing one of the greatest athletic programs in the San Gabriel Valley. He has been coaching for over 25 years, and is now turning regular boys into all-star athletes here at Arcadia. He thanks his magnificent coaching staff for assisting him in creating the “fastest team we’ve ever had,” but notes that “there is always, always room for improvement.” As a competitive and compassionate coach, he notes that he “wouldn’t be content with Arcadia until all coaches have won the Coach of the Year award, and the majority of the first and second team lists are filled with Apaches.” He urges the general student body to attend more competitions to support the AHS athletes and looks forward to next year’s season. ktom@theapachepowwow.com

NEWS

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Cheating Their Way To The Bottom By ELAINE TSUI

Staff Writer

They gripped their pencils tighter as they realized that their heads were completely blank. With a mile-long sheet filled with multiple choice questions placed in front of them, they didn’t know what to do. Then, the regret began pouring out. They should have studied; they should have worked a bit harder; they should have focused more. But it was too late. As the fate of their grades and future happiness dangled precariously over the edge of their desks, the pressure was too much. Of course, there was still one option open, an unbelievably tempting option—cheat. Cheating has always been a part of high school life. Students who are under an enormous amount of pressure give in easily to the temptation. Along with the crime, however, comes the punishment, which has been as much a part of high school life as cheating. In the spirit of finals, here are three incidents of cheating that have made headlines and rumor mills in the last 12 months. With a reputation for its top SAT and Advanced Placement scores, Harvard-Westlake, a reputable Los Angeles private school, never expected that its students would go so far to cheat on midterm exams. In Jan. 2008, six sophomores stole Spanish III and world history tests by distracting teachers in their classrooms a few weeks before midterms and showed the tests to a dozen other students at the school. Suspicion arose when several students scored uncharacteristically high on the world history and Europe II

exams, but it was an anonymous tip the history department received on Feb. 8 that launched a three-week investigation. During the investigation, several students were called to the dean’s office and were accused of participating in the premeditated acts, while others confessed immediately. According to school president Thomas Hudnut, he had “been at the school for 21 years and [had] never heard of an exam or test being” stolen, but he knew the students broke the school’s honor code and must face the consequences. The six sophomores accused of stealing the exams were expelled, while the students accused of viewing the tests in advance were suspended and had their scores voided and grades lowered. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) believed that “it is not required to prove that test takers cheated as a prerequisite to canceling scores,” and in July 2008, the ETS didn’t hesitate to cancel the AP scores of 385 students after one of the largest cheating scandals in a decade took place at Trabuco Hills High in Mission Viejo. During the AP exams in May, there was an insufficient number of proctors in classrooms and many ignored test-taking procedures, reading, sleeping, and even leaving the rooms while the students were still taking the tests. As a result, students talked, sat close together, consulted study materials, and sent text messages throughout the exam. Even though ten students confessed to cheating on the exams, there was no way the ETS could know for sure if other students hadn’t also cheated. Left with no other choice,

Spotted! Corrupted Massage Parlors By EMILY LITVACK & JENNY LIN Staff Writers

In Nov. 2008, Arcadia was celebrated by ABC News as the “Best Place to Raise Kids.” For a while, Arcadia seemed like the city that had it all: an outhigh Photo Courtesy of standing MELBOURNE.COM school, a famous racetrack, beautiARCADIA Corruption ful houses, the list finds its way to the best goes on and on. place to raise kids. But ironically, five massage parlors were shut down two months later and fined for labor code violations and prostitution-related charges. The revelation, outbreaks of corruption in this “flawless” suburban town, came at a stunningly inconvenient time seeing as Arcadia was laud as a great location for families a mere two months prior. Last October, the Arcadia City Council banned all new massage licenses in spas, acupuncturists’ offices, and chiropractic offices. Around the same time, the Arcadia Police Department commenced its investigation of several massage parlors when rumors and speculation about illegal activities taking place within those walls were running rampid. Now, five locations that offered massages have been shut down, one with an additional fine of $1.83 million. New Life Acupuncture will have to pay the price for what State Labor Commission

Spokesman Dean Fryer cites as standard procedure: “The state fines an employer $250 for every time an employee is paid without a pay stub.” The other locations, Ocean Health Center, C.H. Health Center, Arcadia Spa, and Best Health Center, were all fined up to $4,000 dollars. Among the charges was prostitution. On Nov. 25, four people, including a thirteenyear-old, were arrested on prostitution-related charges at the Santa Anita Inn. Even though they were caught, the hunt for prostitutes is still on-the-go in Arcadia massage parlors. Rumored to offer prostitution as an add-on, these massage businesses have allegedly been helping loyal customers seek pleasure at a conveniently disguised location. Sophomore Kevin Cheng said, “I’m really surprised that something like this would happen in Arcadia. You’d think people here would understand the difference between right and wrong, but I guess not.” As the investigations of these businesses press on, the subsequent humiliation increases as well. But some students on campus are not as quick to throw around words of downright disappointment: “Having a situation come out like this is sort of embarrassing, but at least we’re known more for our schools than prostitutes,” said junior Stephanie Fu. With our economy declining, unemployment rising, and bankruptcy increasing, one can predict the reasoning behind this enticing story of sex, lies, and scandalous corruption: money. But is it worth the loss of integrity and pride? On top of that, are we still the best place to raise kids? elitvack@theapachepowwow.com jlin@theapachepwowwow.com

the ETS voided the scores of all the students, even those who did not cheat, forcing them to study and retake the exams over the normally relaxing summer. Of course, even AHS is not immune to cheating scandals. Last year, two students in Ms. Charmaine Cordero’s class cheated on their senior projects by making up an interview that they were required to do for the project. The students not only fabricated the interview but also denied the fact that they made it up, producing additional fake documents in an attempt to “prove” that the interview was real. “It was very devastating to see the depth students would go to in order to cheat,” said Ms. Cordero. Both students received a zero on the senior project, which made up 20% of their grade. One student was unable to participate in graduation, while the other barely passed and was denied admission to a prestigious college. This incident has caused Ms. Cordero and other AHS teachers to be much more rigid about the rules regarding late work and the use of turnitin.com. Despite the many stories and rumors surrounding the students who were caught cheating, many students continue to cheat “because they’d rather waste their time playing games and chatting than studying, but they are still under immense pressure to do well and get good grades,” according to sophomore Alex Chen. Still, is cheating worth the risk of being caught and having to face the punishment, which is often much worse than a few hours of studying? It’s just not worth it. etsui@theapachepowwow.com

January 2009

News

BRIEFS

January 24

- SAT & Subject Tests

- Lunar New Year

- Minimum Day Finals (periods 5 & 2)

- Minimum Day Finals (periods 4 & 6)

- Minimum Day Finals (periods 3 & 1) - End of second quarter

February 2

- AEF Driver’s Education - Grad Night meeting

- AHS PTSA Meeting

- ACT Test Date

- Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday (no school)

- Parent meeting for 09-10 Pep Squad

- George Washington’s Birthday (no school)

New Laws For The New Year By MICHELLE CHIEN & EMILY LITVACK Staff Writers

As Californians usher in the New Year, they will be expected to abide by a new set of laws as well. From the politically-motivated to the seemingly trivial, 2009 is quickly becoming the year for change in California and across the United States. Whether Californians like it or not, these laws will insidiously find their way into our schools, cars, and homes. Planning to drown on your next visit to Raging Waters or Hurricane Harbor? Remember to look around for the extra lifeguards and safety precautions now mandated by the state. Thinking of going green? For a $75 licensing fee, anyone in the state of California can use veggie-oil to power their car. It seems like a hefty price for a license to run a car off this ordinary household product, but the environmental impact it may have will far outweigh the fee. Avoiding bumper-to-bumper freeway traffic will now be a little easier; local transit officials will now be able lane to create a carpool for lone drivers who pay a toll on the 15, 10, or 110 freeways. And lastly, remember to buckle those seatbelts because a fine of anywhere from $100 to $300 will be imposed on passengers, adults and children alike, in a car without seatbelts. For some, it was a time-honored tradition to prank call 911 out of boredom. But where there’s unsuspecting fun, there’s joy-kills, this time in the form of a new law. Now, penalties for a single phone call start with a written warning, $50 on the second offense, and $100 on the third. And what in the world is a “pet trust”? Well, starting this year, pet owners can set up funds for their furry best friend to continue pet care after the owner’s death, which will be en-

forced and executed by the state. On a more serious note, the dreaded ban of text-messaging behind the wheel. Junior Austin Ho said, “Well, I guess it’s good that the government is legislating laws to promote overall safety in driving, but I always thought that it was pretty clear that no one should be texting while they drive.” Fines are at $20 for the first offense and $50 for any subsequent violations. Grasping national attention are two other laws that collectively create a new state office with the authority to investigate and impose harsh penalties on medical officials who pry without permission into a patient’s medical files. As home to Hollywood, California undoubtedly houses an unusually high number of celebrities that seek and receive medical care; these pop culture icons are no exception to the nondisclosure policies of hospitals, and thus must have their privacy ensured...or else. In the high school setting, one law is sure to affect the perceptions and attitudes of students towards their peers. It allows school officials to suspend or expel students who participate in bullying through electronic means, which includes cell phones and Internet, giving students a precautionary warning to their selection of words. “I’m sure we’ve all taken a part of a little arguing or fighting online, but I think this law is for the good,” said junior Tiffany Liu, “If someone needs to be a jerk over the Internet, it just goes to show us how pathetic and bored we must all be.” So, Californians beward. In the words of Bob Marley, “Whatcha gonna do when they come for you?” mchien@theapachepowwow.com elitvack@theapachepowwow.com

January 2009

NEWS

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Fire (En)rolls Through California By ELAINE TSUI Staff Writer

It all began with the Cal State universities. Like a wildfire, it spread throughout an economically troubled California, consuming any confidence high school seniors had left and leaving everyone uncertain in its wake. And now, the flames have finally reached UC campuses. Following in the footsteps of the Cal State system, the Universities of California proposed decreasing its freshman enrollment by 2,300 students for the upcoming academic year in response to what UC officials said is limited state funding and “difficult economic times.” According to officials, with the number of applicants and admissions increasing each year, the UC system desperately needs more funding, but the $41.6 billion state deficit expected next year and the corresponding budget cuts are making increasing funding an impossible dream. Although six UC campuses will be forced to reduce freshman admissions, enrollment at UCLA and UC Berkeley will not be affected, but the two popular campuses may instead transfer students to less-crowded campuses, such as UC

Merced. In an attempt to avoid eliminating opportunities for students, UC is encouraging students to transfer to UC campuses as juniors after spending two years at community colleges. The number of transfer students is expected to increase over the next few years as UC campuses leave spaces open. To the detriment of students, UC is also considering other plans to boost revenue, including raising basic tuition to an average of $8,670 for in-state undergraduates and accepting more out-of-state students who pay $20,000 more a year than instate students. Whispers of enrollment cuts were first heard in November, when, for the first time in history, the Cal States were forced to turn away fully qualified students as a result of the state budget cuts. Cal State moved up application deadlines and increased admission standards to help reduce enrollment. Students hoping to attend Cal State campuses, especially the more popular ones, such as Cal State Long Beach, must demonstrate higher grade-point averages and SAT and ACT test scores to be admitted. “From a financial perspective, [the enrollment cuts] make sense, but personally, I am worried because less people

would be able to go to the colleges they want to go to or even to their back-up colleges,” said senior Vishnu Sundaram. Although he believes UC and Cal State are making a reasonable decision considering the state budget crisis California is in, he is, nonetheless, concerned about his own future, a sentiment echoing through the halls of AHS. As California’s budget crisis continues to worsen, colleges and universities throughout the state may have to continue cutting enrollment over the next few years. “It is scary,” said sophomore Laura Tsu. “The budget cuts are only going to get worse, and by the time I apply for college, it’s going to be really difficult to get in anywhere.” Although seniors will immediately be affected by the enrollment cuts, underclassmen may be the bigger victims if these cuts continue over the next few years. No high school student wants to hear about a reduction in college admissions. Many are hoping that this wave of enrollment cuts will be extinguished as soon as possible. After all, all wildfires come to an end. But the question is when? Photo Courtesy of SLOTCARMASK.COM

etsui@theapachepowwow.com

Taking Risks: Obama’s Team of Rivals Geithner as Secretary of Treasury. With the experience and knowledge of Hank Staff Writer Paulson, current Treasury Secretary, and the appeal of a younger, fresher genDay by day, name by name, Presieration, Geithner is the embodiment of dent Barack Obama’s Cabinet slowly the nonpartisan, pragmatic approach to began to shape up into an all-star team. the position that Obama has stressed in Despite a grim start with the troubling spearheading his economic team. Senior state of U.S. politics with emerging scanEric Wu says, “Geithner and Paulson dals left and right, à la the Blagojevich are so radically different in background. scandal, the day has finally come when But Geithner represents the views of Obama’s complete cabinet is finally rethe people more. Most of his career has vealed in its entirety. been centered upon public service, and I Presidents typically say they want to believe that he’s really going to be lookbe surrounded by strong-minded people ing out for ‘Joe the Plumber’ more than who have the backbone to disagree with ‘James the Banker.’” them, and Obama is no excep“By surrounding himself tion to this rule. After an intense with people who bring differand heated Presidential election ent perspectives, [Obama] will this past November, the country increase his options, absorb is as divided as before the dedissenting views and heighten cision was even made. Amid his ability to speak empathetia shaky economy, party tencally to people on different sions remain, but still hope for sides of each issue,” said Doa better future remains with his ris Kearns Goodwin, author of promise of “change” especially Team of Rivals, a book about in selecting his Cabinet memLincoln’s own Cabinet of foes, bers and top advisors from all Graphic by GAVIN FU THE OBAMA LEAGUE (left to right) Robert Gates, much like the team Obama is walks of life. now trying to assemble. What may seem like a for- Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Timothy Geithner. After a string of bitmula for a disastrous catastrophe is not as outrageous as it seems. Follow- Republican, Robert Gates, who will be ter campaigns, petty politics, a failing ing in the footsteps of presidents before staying in his current post. Although economy, and unstable global relations, him like Abraham Lincoln, who had ap- Gates has served as a figurehead of what happens from here will either make pointed politicians who he ran against, Bush’s rocky administration in the past or break the lives of future generations. and Bill Clinton, who created a diverse few years, his move to Obama’s Cabinet However, the development of Obama’s Cabinet to truly reflect America’s melt- exemplifies a move to cross party lines “team of rivals” is a symbol of the naing pot, Obama began his transition into to promote national unity. Junior Helen tion’s resilience through tough times, as the Oval Office recruiting candidates for Chen said, “He already knows the details former President Bush declared in his fithe Cabinet that he had sparred with in of the job, so it would just make the en- nal speech, “The United States will never tire, never falter, and never fail.” And so tire transition a lot smoother.” the past. In one of the most controversial begins a new chapter of the history of our Most notable is Obama’s nomination of Senator Hillary Clinton for the appointments due to a shake-up in the nation. position of Secretary of State. Just last recent economy, much anticipation mchien@theapachepowwow.com year, Obama and Clinton were pitted as comes with the nomination of Timothy

By MICHELLE CHIEN

bitter rivals during the Democratic primaries. Ironically, over the course of the campaigning, Obama had questioned Clinton’s foreign policies, but now with old tensions left in the past, Obama has expressed a strong faith in Clinton’s ability to balance America’s foreign policy stating, “She is an American of tremendous stature who will have my complete confidence… Hillary’s appointment is a sign to friend and foe of the seriousness of my commitment to renew American diplomacy and restore our alliances.” Adding to the “Team of Rivals” is current Defense Secretary and noted

Name

STAFF

[E][D][I][T][O][R][S] [E]ditors-in-Chief [M]anaging Editor [N]ews Editors [O]pinion Editors [P]erforming Arts Editors [S]tudent Life Editors [F]eatures Editors [S]ports Editor [A]cademics Editor [C]enter Spread Editor [C]alendar Editor [C]ampus Focus Editor [A]dvertisement Editor [E]xecutive Copy Editor [P]hotography/Graphics [E]ditors [W]ebmasters [F]undraising Chairs [P]ublicity Chair

[L]isa Chang and Laura Kelly [V]eronica Lim [I]ris Chen and Erica Win [A]ndrés Delgado and Kayla Pang [K]risten Shields and Daphne Tan [M]elissa Chen and Cora Ormseth [E]leana Chiang and Emily Rueter [K]ristie Tom [T]racy Lee [J]ennifer Hang [V]elinda Liao and Emily Litvack [J]oanna Chuang [M]ichael Chen [C]hristine Xu [R]egina Fang, Yentl Ip, Ashley [J]ohnson, and Gregory Zajac [B]illy Cao and Yentl Ip [C]hristine Howard and David Yao [A]isha Elmasri

[W][R][I][T][E][R][S] [N]ews Staff [O]pinion Staff [P]erforming Arts Staff

[S]tudent Life Staff

[F]eatures Staff

[S]ports Staff [A]cademics Staff

[C]alendar Staff [C]ampus Focus Staff [A]dvertisement Staff

[P]hoto Staff [W]eb Staff

[A]dviser

[M]ichelle Chien, Jenny Lin, [E]mily Litvack, Elaine Tsui [N]uria Mathog, Lauren Wong, [C]hristine Xu, Emily Yang, Bill Zhou [K]atherine Bay, Eileen Chow, [L]aureen Ma, Sammi Wong, [M]arissa Xing [L]ena Kalemkiarian, Melissa Ma, [L]inda Wang, Christine Xu, [M]elanie Yuen [C]eleste Cheung, Amber Kakish, [A]lwyna Lau, Amy Leong, [G]loria Liou, Joanna Shen, [M]elanie Yuen [A]isha Elmasri, Shawna Lim, [V]ictoria Tran, Gregory Zajac [C]eleste Cheung, Richard Fu, [J]enny Lin, Sean Maroongroge, [J]oe Tian [K]atherine Bay, David Hernandez, [L]isa Hung [A]ngela Shen [J]ames Chung, Gavin Fu, [D]avid Hernandez, Lisa Hung, [S]tephanie Lee, Gloria Liou, [E]rik Stratton, David Yao, [A]shley Young [P]eter Huang [J]ennifer Hang, Peter Huang, [A]shley Johnson, Stephanie Lee, [A]my Leong, Velinda Liao, [E]mily Litvack, Laureen Ma, [N]uria Mathog, Angela Shen, Joe Tian, [V]ictoria Tran, Melanie Yuen [M]r. Johnny Lee

Publication Information: 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.

Photo Courtesy of FDC.FULLERTON.EDU

OPINION

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January 2009

Swept Off Our Feet, but Not Head over Heels Some students see the introduction of tardy sweeps as Doomsday every day, while others recognize the necessity of it. By BILL ZHOU Staff Writer

A new year brings new resolutions, new prospects, new friends, new stress, and, of course, new rules. Imagine my surprise when I received a voice mail from the school the day before break ended, warning me about the ominous tardy sweeps. Thank goodness—just when I was afraid we weren’t going to resume school on a good note! Those of you who have been unfortunate enough to be greeted by the deans as you attempt to sneak into class late are aware of the new tardy sweep policy. Every day during first, fifth, and other randomly selected periods, teachers are notified to lock their doors to combat the tardiness epidemic. Those locked out in the cold later become sitting ducks for lunch and after school detentions. Tough luck kiddos. Now, I am not crazy enough to defend tardiness as something positive or productive toward learning, but are tardy sweeps really the way to go? Should the administration take such drastic actions to ensure school rules are followed when we already have established guidelines for punishing repeated offenses rather than a single tardy? Authoritarianism isn’t the answer. Students should have a healthy, positive relationship with the administration. This harsh, unrelenting policy creates resentment and anger toward the administration, and doesn’t change the underlying attitudes leading to tardiness. The administration should be working to make students want to come to school on time, not forcing them to do so. Otherwise, students will only find other ways to slack off. Moreover, this new punishment is blanketed over all with the zero-tolerance policy. It is doled out indiscriminately among all, and kids with real excuses—cars breaking down and other sudden, unexpected emergencies— are caught in the fire between apathetic students and stringent administrators. This new

tardy policy, in fact, encourages students who By ANDRÉS DELGADO are late to skip class instead of waiting for the Opinion Editor inevitable punishment; it’s a lot easier to beUnnecessary, unjust, unwarranted, uncome plagued with a curious case of “morning fair—these are just a few of the terms being sickness” than to serve lunch detention. bandied about the school recently. The culBut my biggest misgiving is the spin the prit is the tardy sweep. It is ambitious in its school officials have placed on this new policy. scope; it leaves late students with nowhere to According to the administration, “when you turn, every door (theoretically) barred against are tardy you interrupt the learning process for them. But contrary to yourself and the other the draconian doctrine students.” But what’s that it is made out to be, really more disrupthe tardy sweep does tive, tardy students something that the old or the daily messages tardy policy failed to over the P.A. system? do—instill fairness and My learning process respect in our school is disrupted when my system. teachers have to stop It is no secret that in the middle of their the old policy was inlessons to listen to the consistently enforced. announcement, lock Some teachers hardly their doors, and then enforced it at all. Othlater unlock them. ers enforced it to the Plus, keeping tardy letter. I’m not going to students who might be judge which approach a minute or two late is better; perhaps unlocked out of class for derstanding is required, 20 minutes is detrior perhaps order is mental to their educations. They’re missGraphic by DAVID HERNANDEZ more important. Regardless, the way the ing a whole lesson BUZZER BEATER The bell has tardy policy was implethey can’t even catch up on during lunch, become a death knell for those left high mented was fundamentally unfair. Some stusince they’re occupied and dry in the halls. dents could arrive at 8:05 a.m. each day and with the deans at the North gym. And I doubt not be punished for it, while others arriving they’ll be discussing the multiplication tables. only ten seconds late a single time could be Hopefully, their teachers will be available afpunished severely. The outcomes depended on terschool (assuming the same student who was the students’ first period teachers. The purpose tardy first period won’t make the same mistake of the administration is, among other things, to fifth period). ensure fairness for students. Clearly, removing We need to stop implementing a punishthe tardy policy was not an option; therefore, ment that only exacerbates the problem withthe only solution was a tardy policy that would out offering a feasible solution. The only thing apply to everyone equally. that should be swept? This policy. For those complaining that the tardy sweep is unfair because it sweeps up those bzhou@theapachepowwow.com

who are only a little late with those who are very late, consider this: A police officer pulls over two people. One has a blood alcohol level of 0.08, the legal limit for drunk driving. The other has a blood alcohol level of 0.12. But both of them were driving drunk, and both of them will be given a DUI. However, no one would argue that the law is unfair or unnecessary. The law sets up a uniform standard that everyone is aware of, and if you break it a little bit or a lot, you’ve still broken it. The same idea applies to those who argue that those who are not very late are mixed together with people who are late all the time. A drunk driver is still going to be punished, even if he or she has a pristine record. Sure, repeated offenders are punished more severely, but this does not excuse the first time a person has broken the law. Similarly, the tardy sweeps cannot discriminate among the guilty. And it’s not as if the tardy sweeps are introducing a new concept. Students are not suddenly expected to arrive on time or punished for the first time. These regulations were already in place. For all those complaining about this sudden enforcement, the solution is simple: be on time. If punishment is required to force students to do what they will not do for themselves, then so be it. Learning is always the priority, and spans well beyond the curriculum in classrooms. Growing as a person means learning personal responsibility, and being treated like an adult means acting like one. Don’t expect your future employer to be understanding about constant lateness. And keep in mind that your actions don’t affect only yourself; tardy students disrupt presentations and force teachers to retake role. Tardy sweeps are working. No one can deny that the number of students coming late to school has dropped significantly since the morning after break. If that number continues to decrease, tardy sweeps may no longer be needed. But, until then, beware the bell. adelgado@theapachepowwow.com

A Year’s Worth of Guilt and Another Year of Lies By CHRISTINE XU Executive Copy Editor

A clean slate. A fresh start. These are pitiful euphemisms for, “I need to feel better about my past mistakes and broken willpower, so I will delude myself by setting impossible goals on this milestone day.” Really? Does that make any sense? We― yes, every single one of us―are notorious for growing a little too optimistic on New Year’s Eve or Day, thinking that with a new year, we can work miracles for ourselves just by writing a long list of vague resolutions with little thought of actually working toward achieving said resolutions. Are you really going to reach that 4.0 GPA, especially when you’re reading this when you should be starting your homework? Are you ever going to morph into Jessica Alba or Zac Efron with their perfectly toned bodies, especially when you’re mindlessly shoving sweets into your mouth while watching some horrible reality TV show, avoiding your treadmill whenever you get up to refill your jumbo-sized snack bowl? There’s no need to answer that.

And while this may serve as a reminder to you to pull out your list of resolutions from under that pile of receipts and old school papers (which, ironically, you told yourself you would keep in order for the rest of the year), you might as well just shove it back under all those reminders of years unfulfilled if you only remembered your duties through stumbling upon this article by happenstance. It’s okay, though. No one expects you to actually follow through with these empty promises to yourself, not even after the first day. But the more admirable go-getters―the ones who do take their resolutions seriously―will last for a few months, at most. They’re the ones who file into the gym almost every day of the week, but haven’t a clue as to how to operate the equipment. They’re the ones who try to incorporate five new words into their vocabulary every day in an attempt to expand their vocabulary, and end up developing their own garbled language. And, although I may be mocking them, I still harbor some respect for their attempts to improve. If we can’t even go for a jog or practice getting rid of that darned lisp for five minutes, then we might as well envy the ones

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Graphic by DAVID HERNANDEZ

THE BEST LAID PLANS...

It’s one thing to dream big, but dreams don’t make reality.

who take the first step. But the people who will truly achieve or even surpass their goals are the ones who don’t need a holiday like New Year’s to remind them of what they need to do to ameliorate their mundane lives. The alpha dogs will consistently put in effort to bring them closer to the finish line, even with a full plate on their hands. And we all know that for most of us, when the going gets tough, we only finish what is urgently glaring us in the face, and all other items on the check-off list can be set back until next year, when we feel guilty for breaking our New Year’s resolutions (again). If you are one of those New Year’s hopefuls who have, in fact, completed and sustained your resolutions for at least a year, then this is my mistake of assuming you have, at one point, failed to uphold your resolutions. I congratulate you for your perseverance. But the second you fall away from the glorified ranks of seasoned New Year’s veterans, I will merely shrug and we will both know that my point still proves to be true. cxu@theapachepowwow.com

January 2009

OPINION

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Cheater Cheater Moral Eater Ring in the Lunar New Year By NURIA MATHOG Staff Writer

We hear the lectures, discuss the consequences, and roll our eyes as we sign the inevitable cheating contracts each September. We briefly consider our records, as clean and pristine as a freshly waxed floor. Without further thought, we scrawl our initials across the document, and then promptly seize the next opportunity to break it. “I never cheat,” we proudly announce. And then come the moments of true desperation: the forgetfulness that occurs at the most inopportune moments, the panicked struggle to remember the correct equation, date, or definition. With the potential for grade salvation hanging dangerously in limbo, what possible harm could there be in a quick glance at a neighbor’s paper? No big deal, right? So we tell ourselves “just this once and never again,” furtively acquire our desired information, and feel slightly guilty about the whole incident later (but not quite enough to actually confess to it). No, we say in self-reassurance, I’m no cheater, just an opportunist taking advantage of the available resources. To make regular use of the hidden note card is to be a cheater, a name more worthy of the habitual offender. Seriously, who are we kidding? Since when did the “need” for a high GPA outweigh the fundamentals of character? Sure, in this day and age we may live by the “anything for an A” mantra, but does that really entitle us to dishonesty? As academic pressure increases, the prevalence of cheating follows a similar pattern; according to the Associated

Press, nearly two-thirds of high school students admit to cheating on a test at some point in their lives. And those who claim to have never committed such an atrocity often cite a single reason for their decision: the fear of getting caught. Oh, the horror! Never mind such silly factors as ethics or finding out how much we’ve truly learned; the dread of parental notification (and the ensuing lifetime grounding) is what really keep our eyes focused on our own papers. Think a less-than-satisfactory progress report is bad? Try explaining a double zero to your folks. Trust me—you’ll need some serious rhetorical skills to talk your way out of that one. Of course, technological advances make cheating considerably easier to get away with. No longer are we confined to the limitations of hidden paper scraps; this is the era of cell phones and the Internet, of secret test snapshots and downloadable essays. Perhaps it feels empowering, in a way. But it’s unfair to the rest of us, the ones who work honestly for a decent grade, and extremely frustrating to know that no amount of studying will be able to compete with a “borrowed” copy of the answers. It isn’t a game, a simple matter of looking at the other players’ hand in go-fish, but a real-life situation with long-term effects. Eventually, the irritation proves too much to bear, and guess what? Another cheating convert is created. If you’ve managed to evade detection so far, well, kudos to you. But when your moral report card comes in the mail, don’t be surprised when you discover that F in integrity. nmathog@theapachepowwow.com

PROFILE

By CHRISTINE XU

By EMILY YANG

ORVILLE CHEEVER

IDA FALLOWER

By EMILY YANG Staff Writer

Coming back to school after two weeks off for winter break can be difficult. Like stepping out of a heated pool on a windy day, the return to school is a shock that takes a while to get accustomed to. What students really wish for (and probably need) is an additional break to catch up on sleep other than regular weekends, to make up for all that “studying” planned for those glorious two weeks, to squeeze in some extra time for Guitar Hero with friends, or just to relax in pajamas with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s in front of the television. What the students require is another day off, and Lunar New Year’s Day is the perfect opportunity to serve as the occasion for a daylong vacation. With about 65% of the school composed of Asian students, a holiday for the Lunar New Year would allow many students to observe their cultural traditions without worrying about the inevitable schoolwork that they would have to return to if they decided to skip class for a day. Students should be allowed to enjoy their traditions without having to fear repercussions from the school. A day off for the Lunar New Year would give many students the time they need to celebrate their culture. However, even for those who do not celebrate this holiday, the entire school would be able to have a relaxing day off to spend some extra time with family and friends. After all, other schools have days off for different holidays throughout the year. In the Glendale Unified School District, about one-

PROFILE

third of the student population is of Armenian descent, so a few years earlier, many of these students would skip school on Jan. 6 to celebrate Armenian Christmas. With so many students absent, the district decided to extend its winter vacation to accommodate for the holiday. This action not only allows students to celebrate their culture’s holiday, but also helps the district financially. Since student attendance determines the state funding a district receives, the increase of students on the makeup day of the holiday would help the district out monetarily. Such a course should be mimicked for the Lunar New Year here at AHS. This would both give students an opportunity to relax and also to enjoy their cultural traditions but also promote their continual wellbeing. During this winter season, people have a higher likelihood of becoming ill, and an extra day off would be beneficial to our health (and lack of sleep). Incidentally, less sick students would also provide for a higher student attendance rate that would lead to enhanced financial advantages for the school. Everyone wins with this holiday off, and there really is no reason not to allow for its celebration. Let’s ring in the New Year with the introduction of the Lunar New Year as a holiday. With all of its benefits, having the day off would help students culturally, mentally, and physically, and it would give students the break they need to recuperate from the adjustment back to crowded hallways and the dreadful 7:00 a.m. wakeup calls. eyang@theapachepowwow.com

PROFILE

ADY H. DEE

SULLY LAKKER

By NURIA MATHOG

By LAUREN WONG

Executive Copy Editor

Staff Writer

Hey, you: get those colored pencils for me, and don’t get lost looking for them. What’s-yourface: write a summary, and don’t you dare Wiki and then Graphic by NURIA MATHOG rephrase it; it will only confirm my low opinion of you. And, Spazzy: stop talking about Edward Cullen for a second or I swear, I will throw a fit and bite you. Group projects are a foolproof method for expanding my hate list and buying a one-way ticket to an aneurysm, because you bumbling idiots refuse to take the time to scan the calendar of daily tasks I compiled for the completion of this overrated project. It’s as if you guys want to do everything possible to merit my distrust and drive me to stick pins in my eyes. I find that, after working with you dimwits, I cannot stop over-enunciating every word and my IQ has dropped about 20 points. Forget forging new bonds—the only thing my teachers are “encouraging” is my early development as a dictator.

Oh, I have permission to speak? Thank you so much! You didn’t know? I have a serious case of LDD—Leadership Deficit Disorder—and I really can’t Graphic by EMILY YANG bring myself to do anything without someone telling me to do it first. So tell me what to do. Please. Or I’ll rot here in my chair, fiddling my thumbs and staring into space—if I can even bring myself to do that—while you do all the work. Tell me to decorate this corner of the poster, send me to get you a cup of coffee, demand a foot massage—I don’t care. Just give me something to do. What are you doing? Did you just tell me to decide something on my own? That’s not what I meant by telling me what to do! I’m just going to sit here and pretend I’m deaf until you give me some specific instructions. If you expect me to miraculously take the initiative then you’re dead wrong. Above and beyond just isn’t my style. Is that such a crime?

4:00 p.m.: Okay guys— we have only three days until presentation day, and there is still so much stuff we need to do. We are going to start working right Graphic by LAUREN WONG now and refrain from digressing until we are completely finished with everything. 4:04 p.m.: Wow, I am starving. Does anybody have any food? I seriously haven’t eaten since like, first period. 4:09 p.m.: Eek! Is that a bug in your hair? Get away! Get away! Oh...never mind. It’s just a leaf. Sorry, what were we talking about? Oh, we weren’t talking at all? 4:13 p.m.: Oh shoot, I think my mom is calling me. Oh, my goodness! Have I told you guys about my new cellphone I received for Christmas from my loving parents? 4:19 p.m.: Hey, I just had the greatest idea! We should all go to Disneyland after we finish this group project as a reward! Wait… what’s that you say? We may not even finish?

I am the group member who makes you scream internally, the one you rant about during your emergency meetings (which I probably won’t attend), the perGraphic by EILEEN CHOW son you end up frantically dialing an hour before dawn. My sole purpose in life is to make it as difficult as humanly possible for you to work with me. Need someone to create props? I’ll glue three toothpicks together and call it an artistic masterpiece—if you want quality work, do it yourself! Need help with the research? I’ll cut and paste from one of those free, online essays. Yes, I understand the workings of turnitin.com and the consequences of plagiarism, but I don’t see why I should care. Trust me, I have better things to do with my time—I am so out of here. My social life needs constant fulfillment, you know. And no, I honestly don’t care that you stayed up all night writing the section that I never submitted. Deal with it. Cry more. I could care less. Just let me know when my A arrives.

cxu@theapachepowwow.com

eyang@theapachepowwow.com

lwong@theapachepowwow.com

nmathog@theapachepowwow.com

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OPINION

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January 2009

The Past, The Present, Our Future By NURIA MATHOG Staff Writer

In retrospect, we have come a long way since we made our first tentative observations on the world. We know more, certainly. Matters that were of the greatest concern in our youth are utterly insignificant today, causing us to shake our heads in amused exasperation at our former naivety. What we find important reflects our growth and maturity, who we are and who we have the potential to be. As children, our perspectives were remarkably simple. We saw the world through a light all our own, a world revolving exclusively around us and designed to cater to our every need. Grown-ups were there to feed us thrice a day, clean up after us, and ignore our heartfelt pleas for the latest toys. We found them utterly bewildering, and swore never to demote ourselves to their level. They engaged in the strangest rituals, gathering around the television each night to listen to the incomprehensible speech of a man in a dark suit. We scoffed at this, deriving a superior enjoyment in our own stories, tales about magical kingdoms in distant lands, and we vowed to claim these majestic empires for ourselves someday. Our concerns were few and far between: when the Christmas presents would arrive, where the cookie jar was hidden, and why our bedtimes were so inconveniently early. We prided ourselves on our confidence, but we did harbor a severe dread of vegetables and sharing with younger siblings. For us, the intangible and the imaginary formed the bane of our being. We needed something solid and definite

separating into distinctly labeled groups. We to grasp when make-believe threatened to win never felt truly settled, though, but rather like us over, or else we might be sealed off from a slightly misaligned gear: functional, yet visthe real world forever. Only through ignorance ibly out of place. We could sense ourselves could we maintain that delicate balance bechanging in subtle ways and didn’t quite know tween fantasy and actuality. how to react to it. We, who had once sworn by Then came the first awkwardness of the existence of cooties, suddenly found our adolescence, the jarring introduction to an althoughts occupied by a certain someone at the ternate reality that had somehow evaded our most inoppornotice when we tune times. Iniwere children. tials bloomed We began to upon our bindview others difers, commemferently, and as orating the disconcerting relationships as it was, their destined to end perception of in a couple of us had a disweeks. Impertinct bearing on manency was our identities. It always preswas suddenly ent, and we crucial to blend struggled to in with the find something crowd, to abandon any behavGraphic by DAVID HERNANDEZ to hold on to. More than ever, ior that might THE EVOLUTION OF SELF As our lives we appreciated subject us to the move from simplicity to complexity, we change, too. the company of social embarthe friends we had so often taken for granted, rassment of “loser status.” How we looked, the ones who answered our late-night phone how we carried ourselves, how we spoke: all calls and assured us that we deserved to be of those determined our assigned rung on the happy. ladder of popularity. Our education was hardly Today, we stand at the brink of adulthood, restricted to academics; school had evolved preparing to enter a new chapter of our lives. into a minefield of rumors, lies, and unwarOpportunities loom before us, and we gladly ranted put-downs. We often had to learn the immerse ourselves in individual ambitions hard way, but we eventually became experts at and dreams for the future. After high school, dealing with dramaand not the Shakespearwhat then? Our hopes are firmly staked in our ean variety. Cliques became more exclusive,

applications, and we keep our fingers tightly crossed as the responses crowd our mailboxes. We realize that our worth cannot be measured by the thickness of a university letter, but the possibility of qualification still sparks a secret thrill within our hearts. Now that we finally have attained the privileges that we’ve sought our entire lives, we have to wonder why we ever wanted them so much. We once longed to stay up late, but rigorous coursework has taught us to cherish every moment of sleep available. We once yearned for a set of car keys, anticipating our first taste of freedom, only to learn that driving comes with its own set of responsibilities. We once desired to be treated as adults, but we have realized that being treated as adults means giving up beloved childhood liberties and escapes. The mantle of the world does not sit lightly on our shoulders. In some ways, we are a lot wiser than we were as children; we have certainly come a long way since then. We value our potential as members of society, and contemplate our role in shaping a better world. Our successes and our failures will ultimately determine the outcome of our destinies, and we have faith that we might make our own significant contributions in time. The journey had not been easy, and as we continue down the path of trials, the challenges will be many. We need not be discouraged, though, for we are guided by our capacity to grow. A long road lies ahead, and for all that we have gained in knowledge and experience, we still have a great deal left to learn. nmathog@theapachepowwow.com

January 2009

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PERFORMING ARTS

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January 2009

Derek Ouyang: Marching to the Beat of His Own Drum

ADD Enters the “Rabbit Hole”

By SAMMI WONG

By EILEEN CHOW Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Photo by SAMMI WONG

MORE THAN A DRUMMER Derek Ouyang rehearses during lunch. If you were to make a round of the school and stop at the Band room, the Physics Club meeting, or Math Team practice, you would most likely catch glimpses of a figure in yellow running around providing aid to others. That figure is the captain of the Varsity Percussion drum-line, the president of the Physics Club, and one of the co-captains of the Math Team, who also goes by the name of Derek Ouyang. Being so involved, Derek really does make the rest of the school’s population wonder how someone as busy as he can get anything remotely resembling a decent night of sleep, let alone describe himself as a “cheerful and optimistic person.” A regular person would be stressed out and feel an incredible amount of pressure, but not Derek. He casually shrugged off his achievements and workload by saying that “it’s easy if you understand how to manage your time.” Derek even averted the common practice of procrastination by getting almost all of his college applications finished before the school year started. The future engineering major didn’t even give credit to his hard-working personality when he clearly stated without an ounce of arrogance, “It’s not that I work extra hard, I just usually understand the things that are being taught to me quickly.” Because his activities have been on such different ends of the spectrum, Derek said, “People usually know me as a nerd or a drummer; no one really knows all of the different sides of me.” His fellow Percussion teammate, senior Jonathan Price, described Derek as a leader who is “firm, yet always has advice that makes [the team] better.” Along with that, sophomore Jessie Chien, a fellow Math Team and Percussion teammate, said that Derek is “an inspiration to all of us with his commitments and dedication.” Having been on the Varsity Percussion snareline since he was a sophomore, Derek was an evident choice when the teachers selected leaders. Derek, along with the rest of the team, has extremely high goals for the upcoming season. Given that the majority of the line are seniors and returning members, the bar for this year’s winter season is higher than ever. Derek mentioned that “Percussion has been steadily climbing in talent and placements, and this year, with the line full of seniors, will be the year where they make sure it’s the best.” For anyone who is juggling as heavy of a workload as Derek, he has one set of advice to provide. In order to succeed, “you have to really want it...Your motivation has to come from yourself and not be dependent on others.” swong@theapachepowwow.com

A “hole” new production recently arrived to the AHS campus. From Tuesday, Jan. 13 to Saturday, Jan. 17, ADD students performed their newest production, “Rabbit Hole.” As usual, each showing was at 7:00 p.m. at the Little Theater. Tickets were $5 pre-sale and $7 at the door. This 2007 Pulitzer Prize winning play, “Rabbit Hole,” portrays the life of the Corbett family. Becca and Howie Corbett have everything a family could ever want, until a sudden incident destroys everything they have; Danny Corbett, the four-year-old son of Becca and Howie, tragically dies as a result of a car accident. This play starts off eight months after the incident and shows how each person copes with the tragic event. The road to recovery is not a smooth road, though, as Becca later finds out that her sister Izzy, the known failure in the family, is pregnant. The Corbetts also encounter the person who accidentally killed their son, Jay Willette. Howie, Izzy, Jay, and Nat, Izzy’s mother, all attempt to help Becca “move away from the darkness of [her] loss, this perpetual black hole, or “rabbit hole,” to finally be in a place where she can tolerate the pain,” said senior ADD student Iris Guo, who played the role of Izzy.

Tryouts for this production were held a or did,” said senior ADD student Torie Jee, who week after the conclusion of their previous pro- played the role of Jay Willette. As for their roles, many of these ADD studuction, “Fools,” which was sometime around mid-November. Each ADD student found a dents loved stepping into character. Senior ADD partner to audition with, then signed up for a student Shae Palic, who played the main role of specific time and day to try out. According to Becca Corbett said, “I felt absolutely honored to the Theater Director, Mr. Steven Volpe, “stu- be able to play this role, considering how young dents [were] allowed to try out for any of the I am.” Senior ADD student Jillian Engel said five roles in the play. I assign[ed] specific scenes that Nat “was a very difficult role because there were so many levels to this character.” for each character.” Rehearsals for “Rabbit Hole” took place echow@theapachepowwow.com from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., for five weeks. When these ADD students came back from winter vacation, they had “Hell Week,” which were rehearsals that lasted from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Other than laboriously practicing physically, the ADD students had to prepare themselves mentally for the roles they were to take up. “We had to work [really] hard on getting the emotional life of the characters down and trying to porPhoto by GREGORY ZAJAC tray them justly without putting too much ‘act- CAPTIVATE Seniors Derek Tran, Iris Guo, and Shae ing’ into what we said Palic perform a scene in “Rabbit Hole.”

The Last Tunes and Twirls of Band and Colorguard By KATHERINE BAY Staff Writer

Every year, the Spaghetti Dinner is hosted by our very own Apache Marching Band and Colorguard. Students who were lucky enough to snatch a neon orange ticket were in for a superb show on Saturday, Jan. 17. It served as an “end-of-the-season finale,” as freshman Leila Chee put it. The Marching Band and Colorguard’s entire field show was displayed, plus many more surprises. Sophomore Annie Yan said, “It was a really good way to support our school and to finally find out what we were doing when we said, ‘I can’t. I have rehearsal,’ to our friends when they suggested a movie marathon.”

Photo by GREGORY ZAJAC

MUSIC Senior Kelly Andreen skillfully plays the trumpet.

As the name ‘Spaghetti Dinner’ implied, the audience was able to eat spaghetti anytime between the hours of 4:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. in the AHS cafeteria. Afterward, they had the option of watching one of three showings: 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. However, “generally [students] wanted to watch the last one,” said senior Derek Ouyang. Each show began with the band marching through the doors of the North Gym. As they played the field show music while sitting down in the area farthest away from the bleachers, Colorguard took up the front portion and performed their routine in sync with Band. Since the field show has six different songs, the band displayed each song individually; therefore the field show itself was cut into six different parts. Between each song, a variety of festivities was presented to the audience. For instance, the band played the “Star Spangled Banner” with three soloists chosen by the senior band members. The soloists were three seniors: trombone player Paul Bump, flute player Kelly Guan, and clarinet player Sabrina Sun. A Beach Boys medley was also played, which was previously performed when the band went on their Gator Bowl Florida trip. Furthermore, they played a song called “Superstar” by Mike Gunderson. In addition to Varsity percussion playing the field show music, the group displayed “an excerpt from [their] spring indoor show,” said Derek. There was a also performance by the Pep Band.

Besides the musical performances, three different drill-downs were presented at the shows. The freshman drill-down was shown at the 5:00 p.m. show, the sophomore and junior drill-down was at the 7:00 p.m. show, and the seniors’ at the 9:00 p.m. show. All the seniors who participated in this event had the option of dressing up in costumes. There was also a drum major drill-down conducted by seniors Emerald Khoo, Kritika Jinagouda, and Beverly Chiang, and junior Katherine Chin. Also, drum major senior Kyle Terry presented an L-pattern in the North Gym, which consisted of a short routine, a forward march, a left flank, and a salute. The shows all concluded with a slide show put together by the band’s historians seniors Stephanie Tai and Jay Kwan, accompanied with music played by the band. There were also presents that were given to the band directors to show their appreciation for all of their hard work and commitment throughout the season. According to freshman Jasmine Wu, the Spaghetti Dinner was “one of the most important fundraisers of the year.” The funds raised go directly towards the Arcadia Music Club, which helps fund their music programs, such as their Gator Bowl Florida trip. Emerald said, “The Spaghetti Dinner was supposed to showcase all the hard work the band has put in to our band season.” Because it was the last time the students performed the field show music and routine, it created a sentimental feeling because “the whole Band reunited with Colorguard, which made it special,” said sophomore Grace Li. kbay@theapachepowwow.com

January 2009

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PERFORMING ARTS

Chanteurs: Their Life in Snapshots By KATHERINE BAY & SAMMI WONG Staff Writers

Much of the school’s population is under the wrong impression that Chanteurs is just all fun and dance where the members put on glittery costumes, sing, and smile as they perform on stage. However, after talking to some of the members, one can easily tell that Chanteurs includes far more than most realize. The commitment involved with being on Chanteurs not only includes practices and shows that Chaunteurs’ members are obligated to attend, but also mandatory participation in Concert Choir. Furthermore, the group organizes shows around the community, at places such as convalescence and cerebral palsy homes. Their balance between giving back to the community and competing is what makes Chanteurs a one of a kind performing arts group on campus. Because most of the Chanteurs members are juniors and seniors, they have to deal with the pressures of AHS academics as well as the demanding schedule of Chanteurs. It is only through the support of the team that most people can get through the demanding role of being a part of Chanteurs and being academically excellent as well. The comfort of the team allows members to get away from the world of APs and tests for a while and just focus on doing what they love. Considering the countless number of hours that they spend together, it is a surprise that the members of Chanteurs still get along so well. President Brittany Vargas said that with the group, “there is never a dull day.” As Brittany put it, what makes Chanteurs such a special activity is the fact that they “all share a common passion for performing.” As they draw that passion for performing out from one another, they also become more passionate and become better performers because of it. The endless cycle of feeding upon one another’s energy is what keeps Chanteurs so bright at all times. Through this experience, many of the members have made life long friends and created memories that will always be indescribable to anyone who was not a part of it. Senior Jonathan Yang, a three-year member, said, “Chanteurs has definitely taught me how to work well with others as a team, but the more valuable things that I received from this experience are my friends, my memories and my journey with these people as a performer.” With half the group graduating this year, many of them are cherishing their last remaining season in the Arcadia High Chanteurs and trying their hardest to make this the most unforgettable season of all. Much of the credit is attributed to Mr. Maxson, the leading advisor of Chanteurs, New Spirit, and Concert Choir, for all of his hard work and dedication to shaping Chanteurs into the team that they have become. The eye-catching costumes, dazzling choreography, and pitch-perfect music could not have been done without the help of Mr. Maxson. Through this experience, all of the Chanteurs members agree that they have been “changed for the better.” kbay@theapachepowwow.com swong@theapachepowwow.com

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routine.

“The passion and wonder from children are an inspiration for dancers,” said Mrs. Liza Tedford, the advisor of Orchesis, “and to see how freely [the children] express themselves [through dance] enthuses the dancers to follow this model and convey the meanings of a dance without restriction as well.” The purpose of Orchesis’ annual fundraiser, Dance Day, is just that—an interaction between the Orchesis members and children from kindergarten through eighth grade that will inspire both groups to expand their love for dance. The participants of Dance Day will pay a small fee that will cover a shirt and contribute to the cost of costumes, lighting, and the sound crew for the Orchesis Spring Production. This event will be hosted at the Dance Studio and cafeteria on Sat., Feb. 7 from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. On Dance Day, the participants will be divided into four groups depending on their age: kindergarten through second grade, third and fourth grade, fifth and sixth grade, and seventh and eighth grade. Orchesis members will have prepared age-appropriate routines that they will teach the participants. During both zero period and first period, Orchesis members meet in the Dance Studio

to practice the routines so that they will be able to instruct and become role models for the future generations who are interested in dance. One of the choreographers, senior Jaclyn Wang said, “I feel that this whole experience is very enjoyable. The routine we are creating is very fun, simple, and to a cute song. Hopefully, the kids will enjoy it too.” During the first portion of Dance Day, the participants will learn the routines with help from Orchesis. Then, during the second part, the participants will perform the routines they’ve learned at the Little Theater while the cameramen from the Arcadia Channel film it. The participants won’t be the only ones on stage. Orchesis members have constructed two dances that they will be showing towards the end of Dance Day. One of the two, ‘Strict Machine’, is a sassy and fun-filled dance. While ‘Strict Machine’ is upbeat, the second dance ‘Flowers’ will have a more serious mood with controlled modern techniques. With her experience from last year’s Dance Day, President Gloria Liou said, “It’s really fun, and I love working with kids.” Senior Emerald Yuan also said that she loves Dance Day because she “get[s] the opportunity to teach kids how fun dance can be.” mxing@theapachepowwow.com

FEATURES

The Upside of Finals By GLORIA LIOU Staff Writer

The last three days of January mark a bittersweet ending to first semester. For seniors, the end of first semester officially concludes five months of madness; it is the time to push college aside (at least until March) and finally eat lunch for as long as needed. For juniors, the end of first semester simply signifies the beginning: the beginning of AP review, college searches, and more stress. For freshmen and sophomores, the end of first semester brings about the first of many finals and the satisfaction of surviving another, or even the first, semester in high school. Despite the differences between classes, there is one aspect of Jan. 28-30 that we can all appreciate: minimum days! With the total addition of 7 hours and 27 minutes to our time spent outside of school, we can all unite, shout in glee, and click our heels as we leave campus at 12:15 for the first few times this year. Once out of the hallways and onto the streets, however, you must have a game plan to help spend the extra 149 minutes a day. Take a break from intense studying and whether you are traveling by foot or wheel, get your friends together for lunch and enjoy these blissful moments of freedom. Underclassmen, this is your time to rightfully eat off campus; seniors, this is your time to eat for as long as you want without fear of traffic and the dreaded tardy sweep. Those confined to the streets of lower Arcadia by young age or lack of a license, no fear! As we all know there are those Arcadia staple food joints along Duarte just waiting for business. Duarte Rd. is a cultural melting pot with a variety of restaurants ranging from Chinese to Italian to Mexican: May’s Café, Roma’s Pizzeria, Taco Lita, Tapioca Express, Carl’s Jr., etc. A drawback to these food options, however, is the fact that they are easily accessible to both Dana and First Ave. as well, which will pose the problem of long lines on that Thursday and Friday when they too have minimum days. A great solution may be to simply skip the walk east of school on these two days and head north to set up a grand picnic with your friends at the park or even head to a friend’s house to cook for yourselves. Alternatives like these help avoid the hassle of the winding lines at Carl’s Jr. and allow more time to enjoy each other’s company. Once done eating, many students take this opportunity to visit their beloved middle schools, if not to see ex-teachers or old classmates to simply reminisce on those good old days when grades didn’t count for college. Because only high school has a half-day on Wednesday, the middle schools are still in session and thus there are still people on campus to visit. After two 2-hour final sessions, you deserve a break! Take advantage of the extra time to relax and recuperate for the next day. When you leave on Friday, Jan. 30, exhale and breathe regularly until it is time to start anew for second semester. gliou@theapachepowwow.com

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January 2009

Rules to Live by on Lunar New Year By MELANIE YUEN Staff Writer

Lunar New Year awaits, but what should you do to ensure yourself the luckiest and most prosperous year? Here are a few tips for a fortune-filled Lunar New Year. 1. Clean the house Sweeping before the New Year should be done inward toward the center of the house and away from the doors and windows. Outwards sweeping signifies wiping away good fortune. 2. Open the doors and windows On the stroke of midnight on New Years Eve, open every door and window in the house, to let the troubles of the past year go out.

Therefore, preparation for the New Years Day meal is typically done the day before. 7. Use proper greeting Don’t forget to say “Gung Hay Fat Choy!” (Cantonese), “Gong Shi Fa Tsai!” (Mandarin), “Chuck Mung Nam Moi” (Vietnamese), or “Say Hay Boke-Mahn He Pah Du Say Oh” (Korean), meaning “Best wishes, have a prosperous and good year!” 8. Unite with family Like any other holiday, Lunar New Year is a time to spend time with the family to feast, play, share, and unite. myuen@theapachepowwow.com

-This year, Lunar New Year falls on Jan. 26, and celebrates the year of the Ox in Chinese culture. -The Lunar New Year is observed by many Asian cultures, such as those of the Chinese, Koreans, and Vietnamese. -In China, the Lunar New Year is still called the Spring Festival, because it is celebrated as a symbol of spring’s arrival.

-The amount of money in red envelopes is typically of even number. Odd numbers are commonly associated with the cash given during funerals.

4. Give and receive red envelopes On New Years Day, married people give out red envelopes to unmarried juniors. Often, the giver goes to the bank to exchange old bills for crisp, new ones.

6. Avoid using sharp objects Using scissors or knives is considered unlucky, as it cuts away the luck of the new year.

Educate yourself with these Lunar New Year facts to impress your family and friends:

-Lunar New Year marks the end of the fall harvest and the beginning of the spring planting season.

3. Wear red Red is considered a bright and happy color sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future. Your appearance during the New Year’s sets the tone for the rest of your year. Red also scares away the evil spirits.

5. Be on your best behavior It is improper to tell a lie, raise your voice, swear, or break anything on the first day of the year. Little children are often tolerated, because if you cry on New Year’s day, you will cry all throughout the year.

Fun Facts!

-The lunar calendar dates back to 2600 B.C. It is the oldest known calendar. -Many of the foods served on Lunar New Year’s Eve are symbolic: Fish = prosperity Oranges = wealth Noodles = longevity Chicken = happiness and marriage Photo Courtesy of DAPHNE TAN

NEW YEAR TRADITIONS

Senior Daphne Tan shows off her bright red outfit years ago.

-Spirits of ancestors are said to come back and celebrate the new year with living relatives, as one big community welcoming a new beginning.

Chinese Horoscopes: What’s in Your Future? By MARISSA XING Staff Writer

Traditionally, the Chinese celebrate new years in accordance with the lunar calendar. 12 different animals are used to represent each year in a set of 12 lunar years. As we welcome the year of the Ox, I’ve compiled for you the horoscopes relevant to AHS students and their birth years:

Monkey: 1980, 1992, 2004 It’s time to bring out your talents and show people just how great you can be, because this year, there’s an abundance of opportunities that will affect you later on. Even with the great number of chances to try something new, be sure to stick to your original plan and achieve the things you’ve set for this year.

Horse: 1978, 1990, 2002 There are many challenges that await you this year. Take time to step back and relax from the frustration of not having everything your way. Be patient with the progress of your work because in time, the hard work will pay off. Find comfort in those who care about you because they will constantly be around you to offer support and love.

Rooster: 1981, 1993, 2005 Aside from the Snake, the Rooster has best overview this year with 10 favorable months and 2 neutrals. Be sure to put your creativity to work and promote yourself because you’ll be highly regarded and these efforts will resurface in later years. If you are usually shy, take a different approach because there are many new faces that await you. In the end, you may look back at 2009 and see that everything just seems to have gone your way.

Goat: 1979, 1991, 2003 Following the difficulties you’ve had in the Rat year, the Ox year is not a time to relax. But through hard work and your creative nature, you may find that your constant effort does pay off. Keep your eyes open for the ones who need your comfort, because in return there will be many who are there for you in your times of need. As for social aspects, you’d have to be a little more outgoing than before, but in the end you’ll meet many new faces and have someone constantly thinking about you.

Dog: 1982, 1994, 2006 Throughout the year, your patience will be tested persistently. Always keep an ear open for the suggestions of others, and you’ll succeed and take comfort in their advice. Along with the tough year, a blend of family and friends who always stick by your side will cure you emotionally when you get too stressed out. Although your hard work may not gain much this year, the efforts you make will be rewarded in the future.

Pig: 1983, 1995, 2007 2009 is the year to shine. Along with your usual generous attitude, you’ll find that many of the things you do will be met with great and unexpected rewards. Your family and friends will constantly be adoring you and creating fond memories. But one thing you should be aware of is that, through your busy schedule, you need to find some “myself and I time.” This will help you to rethink your priorities and level up your organization skills for the years to come. And now for the newborns of the new lunar year, the horoscope is as follows: Ox: 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 2009, the year of the Ox, will bring you many surprises and jo,y let it be new faces in your social circle or the special someone that you’ve had your eyes on returning the affection. This year, you will be surrounded by people who care, so be sure to stay open up to the advice of others to avoid unnecessary problems. No matter which year you were born in, with a little hard work and persistence, all your efforts will pay off. Best of luck in the year of the Ox! mxing@theapachepowwow.com

January 2009

FEATURES

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Countdown: The Best Places to Go Cuckoo for Cocoa By ALWYNA LAU Staff Writer

Sometimes, you crave a cup of hot chocolate, but don’t know where to get it. As a last resort, you find a random packet of hot cocoa mix and add water to it, only to spit it out because of its gross powdery texture and undesireable taste. For your convenience, I’ve rated the best and worst places in Arcadia to get hot cocoa so you won’t ever have to go to that dreadful last resort.

from their famous Slurpees to their cheesy nachos; now they have White Chocolate Candy Cane Cocoa. It has a fair consistency with a pleasant hint of peppermint in it. The price is

Here’s the scale: Is this even hot cocoa? (1 star) This is pretty gross hot cocoa. (2 stars) This hot cocoa is not bad at all. (3 stars) This hot cocoa is pretty decent. (4 stars) Wow! This hot cocoa is fantastic! (5 stars) IHOP This popular restaurant chain is acclaimed for its pancakes, but not so much for its hot cocoa. The hot chocolate is slightly powdery and highly suspected of being made from an instant hot chocolate powder packet, as the waitress did promise it would “only take a minute to make.” Other drawbacks include its price, which was $2.49 plus tax for a dingy Styrofoam cup with few notable qualities. 7-11 As one of the most popular chains of convenience stores, 7-11 offers almost anything,

bit less extravagant, but by no means bad. Starbucks Starbucks is one of the most popular places to get gourmet coffee, but like most coffee shops, Starbucks also offers non-coffee options like their signature hot chocolate. At $3.00 for a tall size, you can enjoy a cup of dark, hot chocolate that is very rich in chocolate flavor. The downside? The bitter taste from the dark chocolate in the cocoa lingers in your mouth for a while. So if you’re looking for a sweeter beverage, this may not be for you. Hyper Coffee This local Arcadia hotspot offers the best hot chocolate. Sweet and creamy, it has a very full-bodied chocolate taste that exemplifies the perfect cup of hot chocolate. At a great price of $2.35 for a 16-ounce cup, the hot chocolate at Hyper Coffee has not apparent drawbacks at all.

Photo by GREGORY ZAJAC

STARBUCKS

Senior Derek Louie poses with his favorite hot cocoa. pleasing also at $1.29 for a 12-ounce cup. The only bad thing is that, like all the machines in 7-11, this one is self-serve, so your hot cocoa just mysteriously comes out of a machine. A

Your home The best hot chocolate of all can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. By using the following recipe, you can make a great cup of hot cocoa that is guaranteed to be made from real chocolate, not some cheap, processed powder. Change into a comfy pair of pajamas and enjoy a therapeutic cup of hot chocolate as you relax next to the fireplace.

Hot Chocolatey Cocoa Ingredients: 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 tbsp. natural unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tsp. vanilla extract, 1 tbsp. of sugar, and 4 oz. of dark or milk chocolate Directions: 1) In a medium sauce pan, heat the milk and heavy cream until it simmers a little over medium heat. 2) Add the chocolate and keep stirring until the chocolate has completely melted. 3) Mix in the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sugar. 4) Enjoy!

Photo Courtesy of forums.hannity.com

COCOA CRAZY Curl up with a hot cup of cocoa after your finals.

alau@theapachepowwow.com

Year With a New Fitness Plan Natural Remedies Work Out Your New the resolution with you. It is always helpful to your routine. If the gym is not your thing or By GLORIA LIOU have support when reaching for the stars. With simply isn’t an option, there are several alfor Winter Aches friends to work alongside you and compete ternatives. In actuality, many workout plans Staff Writer

By CELESTE CHEUNG Staff Writer

We’re all familiar with the hacking and sneezing that wintertime brings, as well as the stuffy, runny nose and itchy throat. However, before you reach for the codeine in the medicine cabinet, try these easy, athome tips to help calm your winter chills: 1. Thyme This herb is usually used in cooking, but can also help calm a bad cough. Simply add three tablespoons of dried thyme to one pint of boiling water. Let the tea cool and add one cup of honey. Take one teaspoon of this mixture every hour, as needed. 2. Carrots If you have a headache, try eating a salad. The beta-carotene in carrots will reduce the inflammation of blood vessels in the brain. 3. Pineapples For indigestion, try munching on some pineapple. Reduce gas and intestinal inflammation as well as speed the breakdown of proteins by adding half a cup of pineapple to your daily regimen. 4. Garlic If you have a runny nose, add garlic to your meals. You can also add one or two drops of eucalyptus oil to water and boil it. Stand with your head about 18 inches above the pot, cover your head and the pot with a towel, and inhale deeply. ccheung@theapachepowwow.com

with, you will be more motivated to continue found in magazines do not call for heavy maIt’s been a few weeks since that fateful working hard even when the cravings start to chinery and can be done anywhere. Our track day of change, personal promises, and fresh kick in. It is often better to have a gender speis definitely a great place to run and work out. starts. At midnight on Jan. 1, 2009 we toasted cific group simply because females and males If running, sit-ups and push-ups, or weights the New Year, counting down with our Martirequire and seek different workouts. are simply not your thing, there are other ways nelli sparkling apple cider in hand, ready for to get fit, such as picking up a new whatever the future will bring. The sport or signing up for a weekly dance new year serves as an opportunity for class. “I was born a 10 lb baby,” junior those that have decided to change one Michelle Chen revealed, “so my mom aspect or another about their lives. We put me in dance for exercise. Dance all know that January is the best time has slimmed me down; it works just of the year to start working towards about every muscle in my body and is reaching a new goal or even refreshjust a great way to work out.” ing our attempts to reach an old one. Although every person is plagued with Step 2 & ½: Set up eating restrictions different personal faults and blessed We all know it is difficult to stick with unique attributes, it seems there to a strict diet; therefore, a better soluare certain resolutions that are never tion would be to create your own 10 crossed off on everyone’s lists. There is commandments of eating: “No eating one common goal that seems to never after 6 o’ clock,” “Fruit is a daily reget crossed off our list: Live a healther quirement,” etc. You can also create lifestyle. your own healthful punishments for Senior Helen Chow said, “I want breaking said laws such as adding anto exercise more, not go out to eat late other lap to the offender’s plan for a at night, and just make wiser choices month. about what I eat.” This goal seems to Photo by GREGORY ZAJAC always be at the top of everyone’s list, but taken for granted at the same time. BENCH PRESS Senior Adam Gold works to fulfill his Step 3: Keep a record of your success In an age when America is known for New Year’s resolution one rep at a time. It is always helpful to gauge how far obesity and our cuisine is defined by fast food, Step 2: Create a workout plan we’ve come. You and your friends can start it seems even more imperative that we keep up Some of us Arcadians have the privilege a chart (top secret, of course) and begin with with this ongoing resolution. We definitely fall of gym memberships at the local 24 Hour Fityour initial measurements: neck, shoulder-tointo nasty habits that keep us awake though the ness. If such is the case, set regular days durshoulder, bicep, chest, waist, hips, thigh, calf, night into the early morning, eating random ing the week to gather your health crew and and weight. Then, pick a day every month to food at random times, and sitting for way too head on over to the gym to do some cardio and retake your measurements so you have an onlong. There is no good excuse that will help weights. There are several work out plans that going diary of your progress. This way, you you elude the looming weight that awaits you can be found in magazines, online, and from will be motivated to make progress at every after a lifetime of such habits. gym trainers. Make sure you understand the checkpoint. purpose and aim of the workout and continue Step 1: Build your own health club to push yourself; never get comfortable with gliou@theapachepowwow.com Find some friends that will commit to

Marching Away

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January 2009

Band, Percussion, and Colorguar

Staff Write

na during l in Pasade w o f the B se o R other side o ry own e e th v t r a u o re t e a w spectators 29 to Jan. Percussion From Dec. . y of us were nd, Colorguard, and a n d a ri m lo e F il f h es and a W te o performanc Marching B owl in the sunny sta d e S h t. H tc A a , m rs n a u e ing tor B Tournamen New Y rlando, giv ield Show g at the Ga F O in e h d re n th rc p a a e m m le o th , il in in fr sonv country performing luding a w c isited Jack f v o in s , e d p n g n u e a io il ro l is v e g 4, these in their div of the tunn ived the pri alking out very award lented musicians rece e W “ g . in e Stadium p m e e ti lf sw ng ha the Jaguar ri , the ta u n ll d o ra s e e a b v o ll o e T rs ,” said e. sw As winne ft me in aw be matched l, tor Bowl, a a le ’t G n e a c e c n th a ly t a p rm o m ame perf feeling si game show Gator Bow for the pre-g of 60,000 people, the tion for the ld ra e a fi p e re e from p th In to t on show. Asid bones. in fron e m rm m ro o ti T rf lf e e a p h th e of Magic field and to nected to th rld Disney tion leader n c o o c se W , c p in si u m d e u m h lB rc ork of the senior Pau ard also ma ributed to the hard w tly to learn u n rg e lo ig o il d C d d e tt c nt, Band an da can be a Band practi e main eve ess in Flori th c t c a su g ’ in S H rm perfo ion of A Sherrill. A large port andes and Mr. Kevin Kingdom. L m tors Mr. To band direc

LA SHEN By ANGE

“The students di d a great job repr esenting Arcadia always impresse High and the sc d by the caliber hool district. Pe of students that With a jammed ople are co m e from our scho -pack schedule ol,” said Mr. Lan spanning over a time to relax at des. week, the perfor Disney World af mers also enjoye ter competition. bands from acro d “B some ei ss the nation real ng in the Gator Bowl with all th ly gave me a pe Arcadia’s band e rs ot pe her is and it really m ctive on how di fferent and uniq ade me apprecia is,” said Percus ue te our music prog sion member ju ram and how aw nior Morgan Car arrival on day on esome it penter. An over e, the Field Tour vi ew of the trip consis na m awards presenta en t co m pe tit ts of: ion on day two, tion on day thre the Gator Bowl e, the Gator Bow fourth day, and Parade and l pre-game and time at Disney W halftime perform orld to sum up th of the trip was pe ance on the e last few days. rforming in the “For me, my favo pre-game for th experience,” said rite part e Gator Bowl, be junior Katherine cause it truly w Chin, a Colorgu only to be a rew as a one-time ard leader. The arding experien week-long trip pr ce, but a memor both the Florida oved not able one as wel sun and in the gl l, as AHS students ba ory of a job wel sked in l done.

January 2009

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Marching Away

rd Road Trip to

OL ARCADIA HIGH SCHO

PHOTO COURTESY TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS/PHOTOS BY www.arcadiamusic.org

ACADEMICS

Academic Updates By CELESTE CHEUNG & JENNY LIN Staff Writers

Academic Decathalon (AcaDeca) AcaDeca is working to prepare for its upcoming two-day Regional Competition on Jan. 31 and Feb. 2. About 50 teams will compete, but co-captain senior Charlie Tsouvalas said that he “is confident they will do well. [He] could not be prouder for all the effort and dedication our team has invested and would like to especially thank Mr. Zurla and fellow captain Michelle Lee for all their hard work.” Constitution Team (Gov) Gov is prepping for State, which is Feb. 5- 6, and leaving for Sacramento on Feb. 3 to leave time to settle in. Senior Tara Sardesai said, “My life is now centered around Gov. It takes up much of my time, but I love it because I’ve learned so much about our government and the everyday issues surrounding it.” Destination Imagination (DI) DI is preparing for its next competition on Jan. 17. According to senior Patricia Hsia, “DI usually does great. Last year, all teams made it to state, getting either second or first place. We hope to have similar results this year.” Math Team (MT) Up next for MT is Bay Math League. They’ve already knocked down two of the four meets, and the next two will be Mar. 11 and May 20. Co-captain senior Derek Ouyang commented on their record, saying, “This year we’ve already passed the scores of previous years, but our competition has also gotten better. What we have to do is push every member to full potential so we can win League again.” Ocean Science Bowl (OSB) OSB is currently training for its upcoming competition at the USC Wrigley Institute on Feb. 21 by “indulging in [their] marine science textbooks,” as Captain senior Alan Xie said. This competition will determine whether OSB will have a chance to participate in the National OSB Finals in Washington D.C. Quiz Bowl (QB) Junior Alex Wang comments that “this year’s Team A, is the strongest it’s ever been.” Its new members, first or second years, will compete at the novice-level Baby Anteater on Jan. 31 at UC Irvine. On Feb. 21, the entire team will compete in the Triton Bowl at UCSD. Following that week, Quiz Bowl will host the Arcadia Carnal Embrace on Feb. 28 at AHS. Science Olympiad (SO) These science wizards are currently preparing for Regionals on Saturday, Feb. 28. Each member must participate in one building event and 3-5 testing events. Confident that SO is the best, junior Sophia Chung believes that “Arcadia has a strong team, and it’s rewarding after competition to know that we are the best in whatever events we win.” Science Bowl (SB) After a scrimmage on Jan. 13 at JPL, SB is preparing for its next competition on Feb. 7 at JPL. SB has been one of the regional finalists for three years. Motivated, senior Jeff Chen said, “We’ve got a strong team, mostly returning members and hopefully we can beat some longtime rivals, Santa Monica and Troy.” ccheung@theapachepowwow.com jlin@theapachepowwow.com

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January 2009

10 Words: 2008’s Most Overused By CELESTE CHEUNG Staff Writer

With a new year comes a new start, when mistakes of the past can be let go and forgotten. To help us forget past mistakes, Lake Superior State University publishes an annual list of the most overused words. Here are ten words and phrases on the 2009 List of Banished Words: 1. Green – “Environmentally friendly”; includes saving gas, water, and electricity “I recently read that Japan has drafted a plan to create more jobs by promoting green products.”

“Since gas prices were so high during the summer, my parents decided that we should have a staycation instead of flying out to Italy for a week.” 4. <3 – A symbol often used while texting or instant messaging others; means ‘heart’ or ‘love’ “I wish my friend would stop texting me with messages like ‘OMG i <3 this bunny dat i jus saw at da store. i wish i could buy it!!!!!<33333;’ I’m tired of turning my head 90° to read her message every time.”

2. Maverick – Independent in thought and action “I was glad when the presidential elections were finally over—I got so tired of hearing the word ‘maverick’ over and over again on the news.”

5. Carbon footprint – Amount of environmentally-harmful gases supposedly released by a person “My friend is obsessed with finding out her daily carbon footprint—everyday, she logs onto this website to plug in all her information and find out if her footprint got reduced.”

3. Staycation – A vacation at home or near home

6. Icon/iconic – To be legendary for a particular talent

Debate is in Bloom

“The Beatles are an icon of the 1960’s, just like how Heath Ledger is now an icon because of The Dark Knight.” 7. First Dude – Skateboard English for ‘president’ “Yo, John, did you know that Obama’s our new First Dude?” 8. Wall Street – The site of the New York Stock Exchange “Wall Street is falling, causing many people to lose their jobs and the economy to go down.” 9. Bailout – A loan given to a failing business in order to save it from going bankrupt “During 2008, many companies received government bailouts.” 10. Monkey – Word attached to many words on the internet to make them sound less boring “Do you know Francie? The one in your comp class? She’s a total cyber-monkey!” ccheung@theapachepowwow.com

When Money is Tight By SEAN MAROONGROGE & JOE TIAN

By JENNY LIN Staff Writer

You’ve probably seen those red jackets all over AHS. You’ve probably also seen the owners of those jackets debating, acting, and doing whatever is “normal” to them. But underneath that craziness lies the skills of great rhetoricians from Speech and Debate, “where it’s normal to be crazy.” The debaters attended the annual Spring Debate Tournament on Jan. 9-10, competing against other high schools including long time rivals, Gabrielino and San Marino. This tournament allowed new debaters to practice their rhetoric and gave veteran debaters a chance to break into finals. The tournament was divided into two days: one for novice, the other for varsity. The events that took place on both were Parliamentary, Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, Policy, and Congress. “More of a speech person,” it was junior Stephennie Teng’s first time at Spring Debate, and she felt “as a team, we did well…debate really opened me to important issues and helped me gain more knowledge.” Given only 20 minutes to devise an argument against the opposing side, senior Justin Lu and sophomore Patrick Han went undefeated, placing 3rd in Varsity Parliamentary. Senior Pauline Yang and junior Derek Photo Courtesy of RAY CHAO Ha, juniors Helen Chen UNDEFEATED Sophomores Ray Chao and Leah Wong, and senior Christine Shen and Justine Lee know their way around and junior Jennifer a public forum. Hang won 4th, 5th, and 6th respectively in that event as well. Unlike Parliamentary, those who participate in Public Forum come prepared. Prepared with their strong argument, sophomores Justine Lee and Ray Chao went undefeated. Congress, the only event where 15 to 20 people enter already prepared to argue on a certain issue, works similarly to our country’s Congress, and participants are evaluated by three judges. Freshman Amit Akula placed 7th in Novice Congress, and junior Pallavi Bugga and freshman Nathanael Forand both qualified for State Qualifications by becoming finalists in Varsity and Novice Congress respectively. “Spring Debate gave me a chance to practice my quick-thinking and taught me what I should do better next time,” reflected Helen, who placed 5th in Parliamentary with Leah. Another chance to show what they’ve got, Speech and Debate will be competing in its upcoming competition, Spring Varsity, on Jan. 31. “It’s opened “for all students varsity, and novice combined,” said advisor Ms. Ashley Novak and will be held at AHS. jlin@theapachepowwow.com

Staff Writer

1. US Bank Internet Scholarship (www.usbank.com/cgi_w/cfm/studentloans/marketing.cfm) This loaning business offers an internet scholarship that seniors can apply to easily, with nothing but a simple form to fill out. Up to 30 scholarships of $1,000 may be awarded at random. This offer is only available to US Citizens or Permanent Residents who will be attending a 2- or 4-year accredited institution in the fall. Sign up before Feb. 28. 2. Big Sun Scholarship (www.bigsunathletics.com) Students who have participated in athletics in high school have the opportunity to win 500 dollars with only one short essay. Check out the website and submit your application by June 27. 3. The California Groundwater Association (www.groundh2o.org/programs/scholarship.html) The California Groundwater Association is giving one award to any student pursuing a non-water related course of study. Submit a 500word essay demonstrating interest in the ground water field or another field for a chance to win $1,000. Due Apr. 1 4. Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation (scholarships.collegetoolkit.com/Scholarships/Awards/6780.aspx) For seniors demonstrating academic excellence, leadership qualities, community service and/or outstanding personal achievements, Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation offers scholarships to students with a minimum 3.5 GPA, 1800 SAT or 25 ACT, and 2 reference letters from teachers. Students must submit a personal statement and application available in Career Center before Mar. 31 5. College Science Scholarship (www.scholarships.com/science-sch ... rship.aspx) To encourage further research and development, Scholarships.com has a science scholarship for up to $1,000 for science students aiming for a college degree. Just write a 250-350 word essay about “What has influenced your decision to pursue a career in science?” Applicants must be U.S. citizens and registered users of Scholarship.com. Due Feb. 28 6. A Voice for Animals Essay Contest (www.hennet.org/contest) If you’re an animal lover, write a typed essay up to 1,500 words on a cause of animal suffering and a method to reduce it. You could earn up to $1,000 for your humanitarian efforts. Application ends at Mar. 2 7. FastWeb.com and Scholarship.com Remember to sign up at fastweb.com or scholarship.com to have opportunities emailed to you. Also, check the scholarship bulletin in the career center each week or sign up with the counselors to get it through email. Make sure you get as much time as possible to get free money. smaroongroge@theapachepowwow.com jtian@theapachepowwow.com

January 2009

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ACADEMICS

Tips for Survival: Finals Week By SEAN MAROONGROGE Staff Writer

Finals week. For some, it can be a breeze. Those students who have slaved tirelessly for the entire semester to end up with a comfortable buffer in their grades will think only of the relaxing half-day schedules and two-hour parties. For most, however, finals week is the stressful period of hte school year when cramming is the last glimmer of hope for raising (or maintaining) a borderline grade. In order to survive the next week, embrace the following advice from a sixtime, imminent 7-time, veteran who has experienced both possibilities. 1. Know when to study each subject. If you have an easy Wednesday exam, try studying for your Thursday and Friday tests more. If you are about to fail Wednesday’s classes, then don’t bother with Thursday and Friday’s tests just yet. Procrastination, believe it or not, is as much of a part of time management as is getting a head start. 2. As a corollary to the first tip, make sure you know what subject will be tested on each day.

There is a reason why this appears on most test-taking strategy guides. Adequate rest will boost your reasoning abilities significantly (ie: you can guess better!) as well as your ability to memorize and recall facts. Do not try to get out of studying with this as an excuse, because

Mufasa gets trampled by the wildebeests. Mulan pretends to be a man. The Beast becomes human again. You know how the movie turns out, so don’t be afraid to cram for another class, unless your teacher expressly forbids it. Reliving your favorite childhood experiences is fun, but it can be done any time. You only get once chance to raise your GPA at this point. If you can’t concentrate (or would just rather socialize), then realize the opportunity you are giving up to do so, and be prepared to do all your studying at home instead. 5. FOCUS!

There is a lot of time for your mind to wander, but stay focused with your method of choice. Pain infliction (pinching, slapping, or hitting yourself to stay awake) and finger-reading (tracing the line of text with your finger as you read it) come to mind. In addition, do not put your head down until you finish your exam. Once your head touches the table, sleep beckons like antelope to a hungry lion. Falling asleep during a two-hour final is not forgiving, and teachers are unlikely to take excuses to give make-up Graphic Courtesy of BIGGERCHEESE.COM HAVE SOME FUN? Take a break, read a comic, and laugh exams considering how much trouble it is to rewrite a balanced final. a little before the stress turns you into the above.

There is nothing worse than trying to take a calculus final with a tennis racquet. Know when your finals are. Wednesday, Jan. 28 will be periods 5 and 2, Thursday, Jan. 29 will periods 4 and 6. Friday, and Jan. 30 will be periods 3 and 1.

if you do not learn the information in the first place, then you will not be able to recall it. Find a nice balance. During finals week, this may be especially difficult because there will be much less homework to keep you focused on school, but make sure you keep an eye on the clock.

3. Get a good night’s sleep.

4. Use parties to study.

Best of luck to you during the week that could ruin your life forever. Celebrate when you finish, but remember that working hard all throughout next semester will ensure that spring finals week is much more enjoyable. smaroongroge@theapachepowwow.com

College Board: Friend or…Who Are We Kidding? By BILL ZHOU Starting in March 2009, our beloved College Board will reimplement the Score Choice policy, which, according to Collegeboard.com, will “allow students to put their best foot forward on test day by giving them more flexibility and control over their scores.” This policy is retroactive, meaning that it will benefit, or depending on your view, hurt everyone starting from the class of 2010 by allowing students the choice to “hide” their SAT scores from colleges by sending SAT scores by sittings and SAT Subject Test scores by individual tests. So basically, students no longer have to worry about “bombing” a certain sitting or sive SAT monger.

But what really is Score Choice? Behind their “helping-students-to-reduce-stress” glazStaff Writer ing, it is essentially a way for College Board to horde even more money than they already do (the Reasoning Test currently costs $45). Some of you might say “College Board, greedy? Never!” Well, even our own school counselor Ms. Rapkin believes Score Choice as a “moneymaking scheme since the UCs might change their stance on SAT Subject Tests” by not requiring them for admission. In preparation for this potential loss of revenue, College Board has taken further steps to “help” prepare middle school students for the SAT with an assessment called ReadiStep: AKA the pre-pre-pre-SAT. Photo Courtesy of MYSPACE But hold on, how THE CB MONSTER Our sharp-toothed can this brilliant innovafriend is back, but don’t be fooled by tion of taking unlimited genteel accouterments: he’s vicious. SAT tests without worappearing as an exces- rying about repercussions possibly be harmful? Well, Score Choice is actually not that novel of

an idea; in fact, it was in use during the 1600 SAT days, and finally met its long overdue death after college-admission counselors begged College Board to discontinue this service. From her personal experience as a veteran counselor, Ms. Rapkin has seen the problems of Score Choice that have plagued so many previous students. On major flaw with Score Choice was that it often delayed the time it took to send scores to colleges. While most colleges accepted these late scores, others, mostly publics, did not, resulting in those horrid rejection letters. But much more devastating are the problems that result from college-hopefuls sending blank scores reports to colleges. Sound impossible? Well, since Score Report is a two-step process, many students who opted for Score Choice forgot to release their scores first before sending them to colleges. The end result? Bestcase scenario: you get a letter requesting you to send your scores again – there goes another $10 down the drain . Worst-case scenario: you don’t go to college and end up working at a minimum-wage job for the rest of your life. “I feel in some ways [College Board] feeds on the fear of students,” says Ms. Rapkin. In the end, opting to use Score Choice is up to you. However, juniors and underclassmen beware: just be sure Score Choice won’t become your Pandora’s Box as something you’ll forever regret. bzhou@theapachepowwow.com

College Profile:

Boston University By JOE TIAN Staff Writer

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Boston University (BU) is the fourth largest private university in the country. The university ranks #60 among all national universities in U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Colleges 2009.” Originally named the “Newbury Biblical Institute,” BU was set up in Newbury, Vermont by a group of Methodist ministers in Boston elected to establish a Methodist theological school. The Institute moved in 1867 to Boston and received a Massachusetts Charter as the “Boston Theological Institute.” The name was later changed by the Massachusetts Legislature to “Boston University.” Boston University emphasizes studentteacher interaction, research and sound education throughout nearly 250 programs of study; with 11 undergraduate Schools and Colleges, the university provides access to myriad internships. The university also provides a variety of majors: the most popular are Business and Marketing, Social Sciences, Communications and Journalism. BU has fairly selective admission. Other than GPA and standardized test scores, the university considers talent, class rank, teacher and counselor recommendations, personal qualities, extra-curricular activities, application essay, and volunteer works. BU Financial Assistance offers comprehensive financial aid services to undergraduate students. The university administers grants, need-based and merit-based scholarships, loans, and part-time employment funding. It also provides financial aid to families whose incomes are $60,000 or less. Students in Boston University may participate in almost 400 student organizations and 23 NCAA Division I varsity sports teams. The athletic teams on BU, known as the “Terriers.” In 2007-08, Boston University won six conference championships and had two student-athletes named All-Americans. Two teams, field hockey and women’s lacrosse, advanced to the quarterfinals of NCAA tournaments. Boston University won its third consecutive America East Commissioner’s Cup, and the conference’s “best all-around athletic department” for the sixth time in the last seven years. Admission Statistics [from College Board]: SAT Score: Critical Reading: 580 - 680 Writing: 590 - 690 Math: 590 -670 ACT Composite: 25-30 Percent of Applicants Accepted for the Class of 2011: 59% In-State Tuition: $37,050 Out-of-State Tuition: $37,050 jtian@theapachepowwow.com

Photo Courtesy of CAMBRIDGEPORT

THE COMMON The beautiful, awardwinning University Park Common.

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January 2009

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STUDENT LIFE

ALUMNA CALTECH

January 2009

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How Do You Study For Finals?

By JACKIE CHAN

Guest Writer

I came into Caltech hesitant of all the stereotypes that the school holds, from weird and nerdy people to endless nights of studying. I did not know if I would like it here, and my parents’ advice that “it’s only four years” did not make me feel any better. However, I slowly realized that not everybody in my 250 person class fits into the infamous Caltech stereotype. I mean, we all study and do work, but we also procrastinate and complain about how much work there is just like any other college would. I have met some of the nicest and most interesting people ever. I know someone who has the biggest collection of Rubik’s cubes (and triangles and circles) as well as the biggest collection of hip-hop and rap music. And I have met many people who would love to just put down their work and play—anything from sports to DotA to music. I also realized there are many perks to being in a small school. Nowhere else will you be able to be on a men’s varsity NCAA soccer team with no soccer experience whatsoever. And nowhere else will the author of the textbook that you are using in class actually be the professor teaching it. These professors are some of the nicest people you will ever meet, and they will help you learn no matter how long it takes. It also allows for the honor system to work, in that everybody will not cheat, steal, or anything based on their own morals. You can leave your laptop in the lounge and there’s a 95% guarantee that it will not get stolen (at least not by anyone from Caltech). The nicest thing about Caltech is the house system, which acts like the Greek system. Each undergrad is placed into one of eight houses, and each house has its own identity. There’s the party house, the athlete house, the hippie house, the anarchy house, etc. I must admit that some of the houses are really extreme, but it makes Caltech…Caltech. Each house has

By MELISSA MA “Attempt to re view but end up cramming not sleeping.” and – Joyce Hsiao , 10 “Stare at the page a few da ys before…le it…cram on th ave e last day.” – Mirai Nagasu, 10 “Cram like th ere’s no tomor row…the thin I have bad m g is emory, so I pr etty much stud that subject th y for e day before.” – Mary Tang, 12 “Depends on the class…I ha ve good long memory so I -term remember stuf f in class. I w say flash card ould s actually help a LOT if you tually do som acething…just writing stuff actually helps. down ” – Brian Kim , 12 “Just review the notes and books…practi problems.” – ce Alvin Lee, 11 “How to stud y for finals? I’ m a senior. F don’t mean an inals ythi already. I’m se ng. I’m going to college cretly laughing at people who still work hard …well, not a secret anymor – Nick Wang, e.” 12

aff Writer “I start studying a few weeks be fore finals. I heavily study th e chapters and sections I didn’t really understand before and skim the ones I did well on.”– C onnie Chen, 11 “I stare at book s.” – Chris Won g, 10 “I cram the nigh t before.” – Josh ua Lee,10 “Cram and slee p.” – Richard Fu ng, 12 “Study a little th e prior week, th en cram the night before .”– Charlie Joha nsen, 11 “I ask my friend s to help me with I don’t know.” the things – John Zhong, 12

“Eat, nap, THEN

cram.” – Joy K

ang, 10 “Review all wor ksheets and note s and cram!” – Evelyn Law, 11

“Cram.” – Lillian

Liu, 11

all, t at “No 11 , Lin

.” – ally

tin

Aus

ides y gu f the d u t o s the e urse k at the co ks, tak at o o o o “L over o b lo k t ad I go …re-re e stuff… iven be ll a l r yea s, simp were g als are n u e t o fi 9 no ests y n the ng, t mea na Tze the I i … fore w.” – T e i v e r

Ordinary Wizarding Levels By MELISSA MA Staff Writer Photo Courtesy of PANORAMIO.COM

CALTECH The Caltech campus in Pasadena, California. its own family-type dinner, where the whole house gathers at 6:15 p.m. everyday to eat dinner. Also, each house has its own traditions that make the activities we do so much more meaningful. Because of this system, you get to become really close with the people in your house, frosh and upperclassmen alike, which I think is hard to do at any other college. Here at Caltech, everybody knows and takes care of each other, and it is definitely something that I enjoy—everybody collaborates with one another to survive. Academics is definitely difficult to the extent that I cannot express in words, but to know that everybody around you is rooting for you when you’re struggling makes everything here worthwhile.

Take a break from your real classes and study for your O.W.L.s instead: 1. What is the address of the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix? (12 Grimmauld Place) 2. What is Harry’s wand made of? (holly and phoenix feather) 3. How many brothers does Ron Weasley have? (five) Ms. Charmaine Cordero, professor

Photos by LINDA WANG

X 1. I don’t remember C/X 2. phoenix feather X 3. four Score: 0.5/3

Layal Woureddiae, first year

Vikki Hambley, third year

X 1. I don’t know. X 2. wood...? X 3. two Score: 0/3

X 1. the Black family house C 2. holly and phoenix feather X 3. three Score: 1/3 Erik Krogen, second year

Catlin Kelly, fourth year

X 1. no idea C/X 2.something from a phoenix...tail or something like that X 3. three...two...and a sister Score: 0.5/3

X 1. I don’t know C 2. phoenix feather and cherry....no, holly! C 3. five Score: 2/3 mma@theapachepowwow.com

January 2009

STUDENT LIFE 19

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New Season for the Ice Princess By CHRISTINE XU Copy Editor

Last year proved to be a monumental year for internationally acclaimed figure skater and AHS sophomore Mirai Nagasu, having snagged the titles of 2008 Senior Ladies U.S. Figure Skating Champion and 2007-2008 Junior Ladies Grand Prix Final Champion, not to mention also having completed her first year of high school. In addition to the aforementioned events, Mirai also competed in the 2008 World Junior Figure Skating Championships and walked away with a bronze medal. The immensity of preparing for and accomplishing these feats would be known only to Mirai, but it is common knowledge that achieving them while successfully balancing school work and a social life is definitely no easy task. Since then, Mirai has competed in two events organized by the International Skating Union (ISU) and is currently training for the 2008-2009 Figure Skating Championships in late January, although her season has been complicated by “the doctor trying to figure out what was wrong with my right ankle, but it turns out...it’s a mystery. It’s finally started to heal, and the pain has lessened, so going into Nationals I’m a little nervous because I haven’t been able to practice some elements due to my foot, but hopefully things will go well.” On entering the competition as the returning champion, Mirai said, “Regardless of how well I did last season at the U.S. Champion-

ships, I’d like to go into this competition with a fresh start. I’m definitely nervous because I haven’t necessarily had the season I planned for due to injuries and a growth spurt, but going into this competition I’ve done all that I can do, so I’m confident that I’ll be satisfied with the result.” Having matured as a skater, Mirai is beginning to experiment with different types of music for her programs. “For my free [skate], I’m skating to several music pieces pieced together, mostly from La Pietà,” Mirai commented, and for “[my] short program, I’m skating to Charlie Chaplin.” By adding more artistic flavor to her programs, she wants “to show that as a senior skater, [she] can express [herself] to numerous styles of music.” Despite her continuous accolades, the burning question in our minds is: What does Mirai have planned for the Olympics? Unfortunately, she hasn’t had anything in mind…yet. “I haven’t really thought about my Olympic aspirations because it’s enough work trying to get through each day of my life! I’d love to go to the Olympics, but I’ll save the stress that goes with Photo Courtesy of daylife.com

SPIRAL

Mirai Nagasu competes at Skate America in Everett, Washington.

going to the Olympics when the time comes,” said Mirai. Life as a teenager for our favorite skater “hasn’t changed much,” though she has “met new people, made new friends, and [her] homework pile has doubled since last year.” She remarks that the only true difference is that “more people know me. The workload hasn’t gotten any easier—in fact, it’s gotten harder— the homework keeps piling up and training for skating hasn’t gotten any easier.” But that’s the territory that comes with skating competitively, and Mirai will no doubt continue to shine both on the rink and in the classroom. cxu@theapachepowwow.com

Born: April 16, 1993 Birthplace: Montebello, CA Favorite movies: Pirates of the Caribbean, Enchanted, Alvin and the Chipmunks Favorite celebrities: Mao Asada, Michelle Kwan Favorite books: Twilight, My Personal Best, Way of the Peaceful Warrior Favorite food: Anything sweet or spicy Favorite drink: Iced tea, water Courtesy of ICENETWORK.COM

Tardy Sweeps Stir Controversy By LENA KALEMKIARIAN & LINDA WANG Staff Writers

The first day students returned to school from winter break, a new tardy policy was enforced to encourage students to get to class on time. The new tardy policy requires students who are not in class after the bell rings to report to the cafeteria and detentions are given to those students. Students must return to class with a tardy slip and without it, they must report to J 9-1/2. The sweeps occur not only during first and fifth period; they can happen at the beginning of any period. On the first day when the bell rang, teachers locked their doors,

deans drove down hallways in golf carts to collect those who were not in class, and more than one hundred students reported to the cafeteria and received lunch detention. The tardy sweeps have been a wake-up call to AHS, forcing students to take tardies more seriously. Sophomore Hilary Kao said, “The new tardy system really helped me to get to school on time. It [forces] me to wake up early everyday because I don’t want detention.” The number of tardy students has dropped drastically since Jan. 5. However, this tardy system has already stirred anger and disagreements among the student body. Many students dislike the new tardy sweeps because they disrupt class. Every morning, the teachers follow the instructions through the speaker to lock and unlock the door. Junior Shirley Jiang said, “The speaker can be distracting sometimes because teachers might be in the middle of lecturing.” Students walking into classes halfway

through the period also cause disruptions, as the whole class has to wait for them to sit down and teachers have to stop lecturing to tell them what they have missed. Junior Amy Lin said, “One time, my class was taking a test and it was very distracting when people walked in.” Not only do the tardy sweeps affect the students in class, they also cause trouble for those who are tardy. By the time tardy students are sent back to class, they have already missed a sizeable chunk of class time and find it difficult to catch up with their classmates. Many students claim that it is not entirely their fault for being tardy. The heavy traffic, road construction, and occasional accidents are responsible for many students’ tardiness. Freshman Stephanie Chung said, “I blame traffic because it is so backed up and you can’t do anything but sit in the car and wait for it to clear up, which can result in being tardy.”

ALUMNUS

By NEIMAN TAN

CORNELL Guest Writer

An avid fan of The Office, I have heard all the Andy Bernard quotes and dealt with the ridiculous light in which he depicts my school. On top of this, others point out that going to Cornell constitutes receiving an overpriced education (read: lower Ivy status) in a frozen tundra devoid of the California sun, an environment that somehow explains our reputation for being a “suicidal” school. If anything, the first element of a Cornell education, of becoming a Cornellian must be developing an innate ability to laugh at ourselves. I concede that when I was admitted to Cornell, and even later when I finally moved into my dorm, I continually second-guessed my decision to uproot myself from the comforts of familiarity and transplant my life into the seclusion of Ithaca. The campus and its surroundings are places of ineffable beauty, seeming lifted directly from Thomas Cole’s landscapes. I’m not going to lie—Cornell is not a place for the faint of heart. On a regular basis, we tackle titrations of triprotic acids, mingle with the annoyances of vector calculus, and curse and swear with every analytical essay we churn out. It’s sort of like Arcadia except with too many aggressive New Yorkers for anyone’s liking…sort of. Despite these pains, Cornell really is an amazing place, especially for those who enjoy learning. Thousands upon thousands of different classes are offered every semester and especially for those who enjoy applying their knowledge, research opportunities are absurdly easy to come by, even for first semester freshmen. The aforementioned characteristics, as desirable as they are in a school, are quite common. For instance, biology in Cornell is likely very similar to well, biology practically everywhere, so what makes Cornell unique then? Cornell, like any other top school, justifies its reputation by offering the individual its best asset: the collective talents of all its students. Unlike high school, Cornell is not only able to offer a remarkable degree of geographical and racial diversity, but also an environment where there is an expansive range of intellectual interests. How many schools can boast chemical engineers with interests in architecture, or economics majors dabbling in classical Chinese history, or physics concentrators equally fluent in free body diagrams as they are in the Classics? No matter the next ludicrous joke at my school’s expense, I have been entirely satisfied with my experiences here and will continue to be affirmed that Cornell will fulfill all my desires in the upcoming years.

lkalemkiarian@theapachepowwow.com lwang@theapachepowwow.com

Photo Courtesy of NEIMAN TAN

CORNELL The Cornell campus in Ithaca, New York.

SPORTS

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Boys Soccer Shows PROFILE ANN MARIE TANGORRA

Steady Improvement

By KATHERINE BAY Staff Writer

By GREGORY ZAJAC Staff Writer

The boys of AHS Varsity Soccer are currently struggling to improve their 5-7-1 record (1-5-1 in league) and sixth place standing in the Pacific League. They hope that by the end of the season, they will secure a position in CIF Prelims, into which only the top four teams will advance. Initially, things looked good for the young team. Senior defender Jeff Macdonald said, “It’s a good thing that we have so many young people, because there is enthusiasm, and there is a chance for these guys to play.” Despite having only seven seniors and 12 underclassmen, they managed to string together four consecutive victories in the pre-league season against Charter Oak (2-1), Don Bosco Tech (3-0), South Pasadena (1-0), and Maranatha (3-0). But then that chain of success was broken. One loss has led to another, and the spirits of the team members suffered. Good players played badly, and the team lost its

Photo by AISHA ELMASRI

Before she realized soccer was her calling, senior Ann Marie Tangora was just an average kid who loved playing in the backyard with her family. When she reached the age of three, her soccer skills were unleashed for all to see when she joined AYSO. Since then, it’s been a “sport that is so much fun and [she] enjoys playing every second of it.” Ann Marie’s diverse athletic skills consist of not only soccer but volleyball as well. When it’s time for club season, she juggles both volleyball and soccer practices. According to senior Kimberly Marrone, “Ann Marie has an amazing shot, has more skills then any player I have ever come across, and is truly everywhere at once. When she is on defense she wins every ball with speed and precision, and on attack she is unstoppable.” For most athletes, there is usually that one

January 2009

spark that motivates them to achieve their goals. In Ann Marie’s case, her parents, brother, coaches, and teammates all create the drive for her to be such a successful soccer player. By being one of the most prominent players on the Girls Varsity Soccer team, it’s obvious that their inspiration has helped her become the person she is today. “From all her accomplishments from the past 2 years on the Varsity team, [coach Ashley Frandsen and I] believe that the girls would want to achieve the same success that she has had,” said coach Paul Myles. When playing forward or center midfield, she may seem like just another player on the field, but as the game progresses, her skills and talents come out to showcase themselves. She “knows exactly what she wants to do with the ball before she receives it, and it’s game awareness like that that separates the good players from the best players,” said Kimberly. Furthermore, she stands as one of the most positive athletes on the team. During even the toughest games, her positive attitude and passion help to push her fellow teammates to perform to the best of their ability. Once she graduates from AHS, she plans on either attending UCR or CSULA, if she wants to continue playing soccer. Luckily, both schools of her choice have offered her some sort of scholarship. CSULA is offering her a full scholarship, and UCR wants her to be part of their team. Whichever college she chooses, they’ll receive a great addition to their team. Junior Joleen Pimentel said, “She is so modest about her amazing soccer abilities.” With her talent and athletic expertise, Ann Marie is definitely one that will go far in life. kbay@theapachepowwow.com

Girls Basketball Shoots for Success By VICTORIA TRAN Photo by GREGORY ZAJAC

BOYS SOCCER Senior Matt Swanson dribbles

the ball downfield, maneuvering around Hoover’s midfielders, and prepares to take a long shot from thirty yards away.

singular purpose. During the following nine games, the Apaches scored only 13 goals, won once and tied once. After their 1-4 loss against Hoover, head coach Jason Franz said, “Today it wasn’t about them being better than us. Today it was about heart. They wanted it more than we did. We’re more talented than them, but you wouldn’t have seen that today just because of a lack of effort, a lack of heart.” Jeff Macdonald has also identified the problem and the solution. He said, “Sometimes, when we get down, when we’re losing, certain players will give up, or get demoralized. But we can’t do that, because we are a good team. We just have to realize that potential.” So we’ve heard the bad news, what’s the good news? More than half of the league season is still left, and AHS will be meeting each of its opponents on the field at least one more time. Coach Franz said he hoped that at the beginning of the season, “we would compete, and contend for a spot in the CIF playoffs. I still have that hope, but we’ve got to work harder. We’ve got to turn things around.” gzajac@theapachepowwow.com

Staff Writer

Consistency—it’s the key to a team’s success, no matter the sport. The girls of varsity basketball demonstrated their skills in the countless games they had during the winter tournaments. Over the holiday break, the varsity girls attended the Lady Knights Christmas Classic. There they won against Charter Oak High School 39-36, Arroyo High School 34-29, and California High School 53-38. On a winning high, they then battled against Monrovia, but lost 35-43—bringing home a record of 3-1. After Christmas, they faced very talented teams at the La Canada Varsity Girls Tournament. Their record was 1-2. Their victories at the winter tournaments came with a price. Both starting post players, junior Tiffany Yip and sophomore Leann Kubiak, were injured during the tournaments. Tiffany will be out for the rest of the year with a knee injury, and Leann is out for the second half of league with an ankle injury. Coming back from the holiday break, the Apaches of Girls Basketball were plagued with loss after loss. They challenged John Burroughs in a neck-to-neck struggle, and their hard work led into overtime. During the overtime, Burroughs broke through Arcadia’s solid defense and managed to score enough points to win by two, 49-51. On Friday, Jan. 9, the girls lost

their rhythm at the end of game. Pasadena trailed the entirety of the game by just a couple of points, which kept Arcadia’s defense on its feet. When the clock read :20, Pasadena took a long, risky shot from the threepoint line, and Arcadia ended up with a 34-36 lost. Their losing streak continued on into the season: they suffered a 42-51 loss to Burbank on Jan. 12 and a 30-39 loss to Hoover on Jan. 16. “Although we have had several games that we should have won, I think we are still on track and will have a great season overall,” said senior Kozue Okubo. With Muir as Arcadia’s biggest competition in the Pacific League, Arcadia hoped to be able to play on par. They faced Muir on Jan. 14, but ended up losing 51-33. On the brighter side, their defense has been improving game after game, as they play against stronger teams. The girls are working on a “more aggressive approach with different full court presses and half court traps,” explains coach Don Young. Although their season does not look too hopeful at this point, players and coaches remain positive and look forward to the second half of the season. “I like our chances of finishing in the top four and making the playoffs. We just have to take it one game at a time and keep improving on a daily basis,” said Young. vtran@theapachepowwow.com

SPORTS

21 Girls Soccer Continues to Strive for the Pacific League Title January 2009

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By AISHA ELMASRI Staff Writer

girls practiced hard to improve their fitness and team chemistry on and off the field. Arcadia’s performance at Mater Dei was not as successful as it had been in previous years, but the girls learned more about their weaknesses and they set t h e i r goals of improvem e n t

If people look to find a definition of the word “team” in the dictionary, they’ll find something along the lines of a “cooperatively functioning group,” but in actuality, a team is much more than that. A team is comprised of a group of people who all strive to achieve the same goals, who all would sacrifice anything for the person standing next to them. The bond teammates have for each other is forged together by a common love. For the Arcadia Girl’s soccer team, it is their love of a simple six-letter word, soccer. After losing more than ten seniors this past season, the girls were given the heavy burden of rebuilding the team from the bottom up. Reconstruction proved to be an easy task for the motivated group of girls, all of whom had high hopes for the team. Senior captain Kimberly Marrone said, “We wanted to build team chemistry, win league, have no goals against, make it to CIF finals and overall have a season that will be memorable for everyone.” The Arcadia Girls soccer team had only one thing on their mind, success. The first tests of their abilities occurred when Arcadia scrimmaged South Pasadena and Charter Oak High school. Both games proved to be an easy win for the girls, with the score being 2-0 against South Pasadena and 3-0 against Charter Oak. After playing Hart, and winning 2-1, senior captain Dana Lockie said, “These first games really Photo by set the tone for how we expected our season to be.” GREGORY ZAJAC After their three victorious games, Arcadia focused on the upcoming game against Pasadena, the first game of GIRLS SOCCER Sophomore Vania Robles their league season. The team has been a strong threat, re- races down the field against Burbank, preparing the ball for peatedly challenging to take the Pacific League title from a cross to center midfielder senior Ann Marie Tangorra. the Apaches. The girls’ intensity and focus paid off, and the final score of the game was a strong 3-0. The girls continued based on their performance. They faced Marina, Mater Dei, and Mission Viejo. Arcadia ended the tournament with one tie and on their winning streak when they played Burroughs at AHS. In the prestigious Mater Dei Invitational tournament, the two losses. The minor loss of confidence left the girls feeling

a little out of touch when they competed in the North Orange County Classic Tournament. The girls won two games and lost two games, finishing the tournament in 26th place. With the New Year beginning, the Arcadia girls vowed to get their act together once again. Arcadia started off the game sluggishly, and Burbank took advantage of the moment by scoring a goal early on. Burbank’s goal forced Arcadia to get into gear; sophomore Sydney Dreves fired back by scoring Arcadia’s first goal of the game, tying up the score. Before the first half was over, Arcadia collapsed on a defensive mistake and allowed Burbank to score again, making the score 2-1. Almost immediately afterward, sophomore Vania Robles scored, with an assist from senior Ann Marie Tangorra. Arcadia started off the second half motivated to win. Five minutes before the game end of the game, Vania dribbled down the right sideline, she beat the defender crossed a perfect ball to Ann Marie, who took a touch and scored the winning goal, making the score 3-2. Arcadia proved that with spirit, and hard work, they could come back from any deficit as long as they never gave up. Their next opponent, Muir, was all too easy for the Apaches; they won 11-0. Afterwards, the girls beat Hoover 4-0, and they turned their attentions to the game against Crescenta Valley. The game that would decide Arcadia’s standing took place on Jan. 16, when Arcadia played Crescenta Valley here at AHS. The game started off with both teams battling hard to keep the score remaining 0-0. Crescenta Valley was continuously pressuring Arcadia, and a miscommunication between Arcadia’s defenders allowed CV to pick up the ball deep in Arcadia’s half to take a killer shot. With almost 15 minutes left in the first half, Arcadia was not about to give up hope and lower their intensity. Arcadia started off the second half with high energy, hoping for the win, but the CV defense did not sway, and Arcadia could not find a way to get in that last shot. Arcadia lost 1-0 to CV, but they were not about to lower their hopes for the season, they are set to play CV again, and they are going to be ready. aelmasri@theapachepowwow.com

Boys Basketball Tries to Go for the Rebound Girls Water Polo By VICTORIA TRAN Staff Writer

just before the buzzer went off. A couple of days later, Arcadia traveled to the Arroyo Tournament, where freshman Taylor Lagace and sophomore Kiran Koneru demonstrated their supe-

The Arcadia boys basketball team didn’t start their season until Jan. 7, which gave them extra time to practice on their game. Unfortunately, the extra practices did not turn out to help the team—their current overall record is 5-11, and their league record is a disappointing 1-4. Over the holiday break, the varsity boys traveled across the San Gabriel Valley for various winter tournaments, but came home dissatisfied. Games that could have been won were not, and the luck they needed wasn’t there. The boys were able to pull two overtimes out of the Burbank Tournament, but going against tougher and much bigger teams proved to be too tiring for the Apaches. Desire just was not enough. Senior Drew Matsuda, Photo by GREGORY ZAJAC star point guard, sent the BOYS BASKETBALL Senior Darnell Allen receives first game into overtime a pass from his teammate and immediately goes up for a by knocking in three free jumpshot against Muir. throws. The next game, Drew made a shot from the three-point line rior shooting abilities. Kiran said, “We pulled

together for this tournament, and really played like a team. It was a great effort on behalf of everyone.” In the La Salle/Temple City tournament, Arcadia’s record ended up being 1-3. “We should’ve been 4-0,” Drew said regretfully. The losses during their tournaments can be accounted for by their lack of preparation and focus, as game after game filled their holiday break. Arcadia returned to their season, only to be disappointed with a 37-53 loss against Burroughs. They had a close game against Pasadena, but lost by two points in the end, making the score 62-64. They lost their next game against Burbank, 42-69 on Jan. 12. Arcadia managed to pull out a win in their game against Hoover, but lost the next against Muir. “We have been very inconsistent,” said coach Jay Ryan. Tournament games and league games are different as the intensity level increases in league games. Leading up to more league games, the team hopes to win enough games to qualify for CIF. In order to do so, they must “improve their backcourt defense and shooting percentage,” said coach Ryan. vtran@theapachepowwow.com

By KRISTIE TOM

Sports Editor

After witnessing the Boys Varsity Water Polo team endure an entirely fruitless season, the girls of the Arcadia water polo program attempted to compensate for the boys’ losses--unsuccessfully. After their 7-12 loss against San Marino, Arcadia decided they needed to practice more rigorously and with more concentration. This proved to pay off in their next match against La Salle, who the Apaches beat 7-6 in overtime. Unfortunately, this victory was followed by four straight losses against Rio Mesa, St. Lucy’s, La Canada, and Burbank, with scores of 8-16, 5-13, 3-16, 7-15, respectively. Junior Nancy Pulciano said, “You know, you win some and you lose some. But the point is that you leave it all in the pool. And this year’s team never gives up, even when times get rough.” A 9-5 win against Polytechnic High School put Arcadia back on the board, but once again, this win was followed by disappointing game after disappointing game. The Apaches lost 114 against Temple City, and 8-10 against Pasadena. However, the girls were able to tack on one more victory against Glendale. With only three more games remaining in their season, the possibility of winning the title of Pacific League Champions this year is very slim, and the possibility of making it to CIF even slimmer. ktom@theapachepowwow.com

CALENDAR

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Glutton Girl Indulges Her Sweet Tooth at a Bakery By GLUTTON GIRL

Staff Writer

Morning lower west siders! Glutton Girl here, your one and only source into Arcadia’s guilty pleasures. As I walked around at the Galleria, making my way past the crowds I felt a sudden craving for desserts. Spotted! L in Glendale with nowhere to turn... Where to grub? Somewhere quick and simple- a bakery. Grab a number and get in line, L, because Porto’s is the busiest bakery in SoCal (comparable to Serendipity 3 in New York). Out of curiousity, I stuck around to see what all the cahoot was about. I craned my neck to see above the sea of people in attempt to get a glance of what I was in store for. Despite my anticipation, the line went by fairly quickly and the next thing I knew, I was next. I saw the load of sweet and savory goods and I couldn’t speak. Not just because it looked incredibly delicious, but also because I couldn’t pronounce a thing. “Medianochezwhat? Bolio-..., Pan -de Refugee-huh? I’ll take THAT.” Luckily, they spoke English and I had fingers to point. I guess I was ignorant to the fact that this was a Cuban bakery, which provides all sorts of Cuban-influenced sandwiches and delectable Cuban goodies. As I usually do, I asked for the most popular treats and, to my delight, they gave me samples! No, not the little Costco samples, but the full-on entire pastry. As I sampled their most delicious pastries, I was already full and yet I couldn’t help but to order boxes of each. While there were really no bad dishes, you don’t want to miss the

potato balls (mashed potato wrapped around seasoned ground beef, breaded and deep fried) and the cheese danishes. Luckily, all Photo courtesy of FLICKR.COM my favorites SWEET DELIGHTS With fresh are the ones I can berries and meringue creme on top, this pronounce. cake is a gift from the Cuban gods. Porto’s prices are stunningly low. Most of the pastries are under $1.00 to start with and much cheaper when bought in bulk. Porto’s also bakes sophisticated, elegant wedding cakes -but as for fulfilling those sudden cravings, their simple pastries will do the trick. This eatery serves up some of the most unique and tasty sandwiches and baked goods around, so give it a shot. And who am I? That’s one secret I’ll never tell! You know you love me. XOXO, Glutton Girl. gluttongirl@theapachepowwow.com

Procrastination Dies Hard for Some By LEON CHEN

The Thrill of the Hunt for a Parking Permit By DAVID HERNANDEZ

January 2009

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER ELLIOT LEE This photo had really ideal lighting. The sun was going down and it barely nicked the top of one of the trees in my backyard, catching one of the few remaining branches with leaves. The branch was very striking, and stood out tall over the dark, leafless rest of the tree.

Sudoku: It’s Easy as 1, 2, 3 Check your answers at theapachepowwow.com

Courtesy of WEBSODUKU.COM

January 2009

CALENDAR

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Time for a Round of Hink Pinks

The Year in Review Staff Writer

1. Barack Obama Elected President On Nov. 4, one of the fiercest campaigns of all time culminated in a historic decision. Only time will tell how successful Obama will be in repairing a struggling economy, strengthening diplomatic relations, and tackling environmental concerns. 2. Economy Tanks As if the bankrupt auto corporations, mass layoffs, and urgent financial bailouts weren’t enough of a hint, the government announced that the nation has officially entered a recession. On the bright side, gasoline prices consequently dropped several dollars—a cause worthy of celebration while it lasted. 3. Michael Phelps Wins Eight Gold Medals Phelps’s ambitious goal initially earned him many skeptics, but once the gold started pouring in, even the most dubious wondered if the swimmer contained some dolphin DNA. The grueling Beijing Olympics held the nation breathless as Phelps seized his penultimate medal in an astoundingly close finish: a .01 second victory against Milorad Cavic. 4. SNL Makes a Stunningly Unpredictable Comeback After years of weak sketches and humorless skits, Saturday Night Live seemed destined for the program graveyard...until the scriptwriters realized that the best humor often lies in politics. From Joe the Plumber action figures to Tina Fey’s unforgettable performance as Sarah Palin, the show’s satirical coverage of the election boosted its ratings through the roof.

Respond to the clues with a pair of rhyming words. The numbers in parenthesis that follow clues indicate how many letters are in each word. For example, “Angry child” would be “hot tot.” For answers, see below. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

You find recipes in it (4,4): ___________________________________ “Comb your hair!” (3,4): _____________________________________ Man-made body of water (4,4): _________________________________ A chatty group of people (4,5): _________________________________ “Let’s promise to join Drama Club together.” (3,4): _________________ “Can I borrow twenty-five cents to make a call?” (5,4): ______________ Fruity chew (4,3): ____________________________________________ Cow dung (3,3): _____________________________________________ Answers: 1. Cook book 2. Bed head 3. Fake lake 4. Talk flock 5. Act pact 6. Phone loan 7. Plum gum 8. Moo poo

By NURIA MATHOG

The Adventures of Emily and Velinda By EMILY LITVACK and VELINDA LIAO

5. An Iraqi Reporter Throws Shoes at Bush At an otherwise uneventful news conference in Baghdad, Bush showcased a remarkable aptitude for dodging projectiles. Though the shoe-hurling incident lasted no longer than a few seconds, it quickly developed into a cultural phenomena, inspiring the popular “Sock and Awe,” an Internet Flash game in which participants chuck loafers at Bush’s head. 6. Heath Ledger Passes Away Renowned for his controversial role in Brokeback Mountain, the 28-year-old actor’s unexpected death shocked and grieved the nation. Mourning fans paid tribute to their beloved idol by turning out in record numbers to watch the film that marked the pinnacle of his career: The Dark Knight. Hollywood honored Ledger with a posthumous Golden Globe Award for his performance as the Joker. 7. Lusty Conflict Erupts Over Same-Sex Marriage Six months after the California Supreme Court declared the ban on same-sex marriage to be unconstitutional, California citizens voted to overturn the ruling. The dispute over Proposition 8 sparked statewide protests, marches, and rallies, emphasizing America’s polarized perspectives on the issue. 8. Britney Spears Back on the Scene Whether engaging in bitter custody battles, shaving her head, or checking into rehab, Spears could not hide instability in previous years’ headlines. But alas, the princess of pop strove to reclaim her former glory, winning three awards at the VMAs and releasing two new hit singles, “Womanizer” and “Circus.” 9. The Twilight Series Ends The midnight release of Breaking Dawn, triggered widespread screaming bouts from legions of hysterical fans and considerable eye-rolling from some. Bookstores were flooded, pages were devoured, and the ultimate question was asked: “Edward or Jacob?” 10. Super Smash Bros. Brawl is Released After considerable anticipation, the latest installment of the Super Smash Bros. games hit American shelves in March. Brawl offered its users improved graphics, a wider range of character selection than its predecessor Melee, and most importantly of all, the all-powerful “Final Smash,” an asset that requires no further explanation. nmathog@theapachepowwow.com

Calendar Goes Political Last year’s cutthroat election followed by this year’s heartfelt inauguration inspired this one-of-a-kind wordseach. From scandalous politicians to words that we hear all too often these days, Calendar’s got you covered. Now get to searching!

CAMPUS FOCUS

theapachepowwow.com

January 2009

G A M E S H O W E X P E R I E N C E S

“The Wheel of Fortune program had an announcement to viewers to send in a post card if you’d like to be a contestant. I did and was called for an interview. There were about 40 people in a room and we were given a written test – kind of like hangman with only a few letters filled in and many blanks that had to be completed to make a phrase. It was a timed test.” Linda Nichols, The Wheel of Fortune “The buzzers had a time delay, and seemed to require a lot of pushing to register a response. Each contestant begins with a bankroll of $25, receiving $5 for a correct answer and losing $5 for an incorrect.” Cynthia Belzer, Sale of the Century

“They actually film the show playing about seven times a day. After each game, the host would go into a dressing room and change suits, but it was funny because the families would always be wearing the same clothes.” Talmage Jones, Family Feud

“Each contestant is standing on a hydraulic platform that makes all of the players look to be about the same height. That way, they can keep all of the contestants in the same camera shot.” Christopher Shultz, Wheel of Fortune

AND THE WINNER IS... By JENNY LIN AND MELANIE YUEN Staff Writers

Just in case you happen to be on a game show like, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” and are asked the million-dollar question: “Of whom of the AHS faculty staff has been a contestant on a game show?” A) John Finn B) Linda Nichols C) Talmage Jones D) Christopher Shultz E) all of the above You’ll be able to answer with confidence and ease: “Why Meredith, E) final answer!” Although the answer seems almost impossible to be true, in reality, they all have been given the exhilarating experience of competing live on TV. jlin@theapachepowwow.com myuen@thepachepowwow.com Compiled by Jenny Lin, Melanie Yuen, Michelle Chien, and Rachel Cheong.

“In the interview process, we learned (that) you had to act excited; otherwise, they would not include you on the show. Other than that, we went in with the idea to have fun and enjoy it, which we did. Although winning was fun, it wasn’t about the winning or the money you could win. Even when we were eliminated no one was unhappy, we had a good time.” John Finn, Family Feud

Photos by Gregory Zajac and Regina Fang