2009 may june

Volume 57, Issue 9

Arcadia High School 180 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA

May/June 2009

Passing Along the Reigns

In this issue:

HAGS Photo Courtesy of THE ARCADIAN

OPINION pgs. 4-5 Hey Stranger! Sign My Yearbook?: Discover the epitome of the perfect yearbook message.

Photos By KAYLA PANG & LAUREN WONG

TRANSFER OF POWERS Seniors Laura Kelly, Lisa Chang, and Veronica Lim (top from left to right) hand off their editor responsibilities to juniors Joanna Chuang, Jennifer Hang, and Kayla Pang (bottom from left to right).

By CHRISTINE XU Executive Copy Editor

Photo By YENTL IP

CENTER SPREAD pgs. 12-13 So Long Pow Wow Seniors: A final note of gratitude to our much appreciated graduating seniors.

Graphic Courtesy of KEVINMENZIE.COM

ACADEMICS pgs. 16-17 Reflections of a Nerd: A graduating nerd appreciates the blessings of his high school years.

As the majority of the school starts to wind down in the spring and summer, the staff of The Apache Pow Wow is only beginning to switch gears and prepare for a new year marked with many changes to come.

The first step in preparing for the next edition of the Pow Wow’s staff and system was selecting the new Editors-in-Chief for the 2009-2010 school year. Multiple applicants applied and underwent an intensive application and interview process, with the final select two being narrowed down to current juniors (and incoming seniors) Jennifer Hang and Kayla Pang.

And while it has been roughly two month since the new Editors-in-Chief have been chosen, their plans for the next year’s Pow Wow stretch as far as the summer and the beginning of the school year. They have already taken part in selecting the 2009-2010 page editors, photography editor, fundraising chairs, webmaster, and executive copy editors, as well as the new general staff members.

“I’m really excited for what the next year has

in store for The Pow Wow. We selected a really talented group of students and look foward to working with all of them,” said Jennifer. Jennifer and Kayla’s first official act of authority was directing the production of the May/June 2009 issue and requiring that both this year and next year’s editors combine efforts to smoothly transition the newly-installed editors into their new positions. Not only that, they have also decided to take more initiative in the summer, and have made plans for a preparatory mock issue and a car wash fundraiser over the break to ensure an effective head start for before the responsibility of cranking out an actual issue with the new staff falls upon them.

In addition, junior (and yes, also incoming senior) Joanna Chuang was chosen for the position of Managing Editor. Her domain includes overseeing all monetary transactions of Pow Wow and working closely with the fundraising, ads, and web staffs to yield as much revenue as possible to independently fund the pricey but necessary costs of producing a monthly newspaper.

One of the major goals set for Pow Wow next year is to create stronger bonds between the members, and the first step has been taken

with an end-of-the-year party for the 20092010 staff to “get to know other staff members and their faces. Since our class is split into two periods, sometimes we go a whole year without realizing that some of the kids we pass by in the hallway are a part of Pow Wow,” said Kayla.

Another upcoming bonding activity is the idea of “mentor groups,” (originally named speed dating) which “we’re looking forward to. We want these mentor groups to serve as a circle of supportive Pow Wow students willing to help each other out even outside the Pow Wow environment,” said Joanna.

“And we’re really grateful to our predecessors Laura Kelly, Lisa Chang, and Veronica Lim for molding Pow Wow’s foundation into something that is ready to be built upon,” said Jennifer.

It has only been two years since the rebirth of Pow Wow, with the installment of Mr. Johnny Lee as the new adviser. But under the direction of the new Editors-in-Chief and Managing Editor, we can see here that Pow Wow is well on its path to establishing itself as a prominent entity at AHS. cxu@theapachepowwow.com

2

NEWS

apachepowwow.com

May/June 2009

The Start of a New Dawn for Westfield

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

Lisa Chang and Laura Kelly Veronica Lim Iris Chen and Erica Win Andrés Delgado and Kayla Pang Kristen Shields and Daphne Tan Melissa Chen and Cora Ormseth Eleana Chiang and Emily Rueter Kristie Tom Tracy Lee Jennifer Hang Velinda Liao and Emily Litvack Joanna Chuang Michael Chen Christine Xu Regina Fang, Yentl Ip, and Gregory Zajac Billy Cao and Yentl Ip Christine Howard and David Yao Aisha Elmasri

Writers News Staff Michelle Chien, Jenny Lin, Elaine Tsui, Tracy Yao Opinion Staff Tiffany Gu, Nuria Mathog, Kate Trinh, Christine Xu, Emily Yang, Bill Zhou Performing Arts Staff Katherine Bay, Eileen Chow, Tiffany Gu, Laureen Ma, Sammi Wong Student Life Staff Celeste Cheung, Debbie Jong, Lena Kalemkiarian, Esther Lin, Melissa Ma, Linda Wang, Christine Xu, Melanie Yuen Features Staff Celeste Cheung, Amber Kakish, Alwyna Lau, Amy Leong, Gloria Liou, Joanna Shen, Kate Trinh, Marissa Xing, Melanie Yuen Sports Staff Aisha Elmasri, Shawna Lim, Andrew Lin, Victoria Tran, Tracy Yao, Gregory Zajac Academics Staff Richard Fu, Peter Huang, Ivy Jenn, Jenny Lin, Sean Maroongroge, Oishee Shemontee, Joe Tian Center Spread Staff Lauren Wong Calendar Staff Katherine Bay, David Hernandez, Lisa Hung Campus Focus Staff Angela Shen Advertisement Staff James Chung, Gavin Fu, David Hernandez, Lisa Hung, June Ko, Stephanie Lee, Gloria Liou, Erik Stratton, David Yao, Ashley Young Photo Staff Vikki Hambley, Ashley Johnson, Debbie Jong, Linda Wang Web Staff Jennifer Hang, Ashley Johnson, Stephanie Lee, Amy Leong, Velinda Liao, Emily Litvack, Laureen Ma, Nuria Mathog, Angela Shen, Joe Tian, Victoria Tran, Melanie Yuen Adviser Mr. 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.

Graphic Courtesy of ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

By ELAINE TSUI

complaint. According to one enthusiastic employee of Foreign Exchange, the store “just wants to attract more shoppers and show them that Foreign Exchange sells the best and newest clothes.” Concierge booths at The Promenade accepted $5 donations for the California Philharmonic in exchange for a coupon book for food samples from five different restaurants.

Although opening day was already filled to the brim with giveaways and events, it was just the beginning of a weekend of

However, many of those who visited The Promenade thought that there was too much excitement surrounding A long pathway that passes through the new shopping mall. “I thought it was 30 new shops leads to a center plaza. The too hyped-up. There weren’t too many sound of rushing water from a nearby stores…but it is really pretty and relaxfountain pervades the open space as ing,” said junior Suepin Nguyen. shoppers relax on benches and lounge Besides the many events chairs. And through all this, the warm during opening weekend and rays of a sunny Southern Califorthe sales at all the new stores, nia day touch the shoppers’ skin the most notable aspect was the as the much-awaited outdoor new atmosphere created by shopping mall is finally open for The Promenade. “I love the business. new stores,” said sophomore After several years of conSteffi Chang, “but the best struction, The Promenade part of The Promenade is at Westfield Santa Anita the way it looks. It’s so reofficially opened its doors laxing with the fountain and to the public on May 7 benches. It’s pretty but not with an opening perfortoo extravagant [and] not too mance by the California overwhelming.”

Philharmonic. The shops As the sun sets on The in this new extension of Promenade, the last rays of the mall captured the avid the sun shine on the pebbled shoppers’ attentions with walkways of this garden resales and giveaways on treat. But when evening aropening day, with shoprives, lights dance throughpers waiting patiently for out The Promenade and the opportunity to Photo By ELAINE TSUI the water from the fountain receive a free T- AND THE SUN RISES After much anticipation, eager rushes down animatedly. shirt at Foreign Now that The Promenade is shoppers swarmed to The Promenade on its opening day.

Exchange beopen, it is just the beginning ing a prime example. Even activities. The Promenade held a fashion of a new Westfield shopping era. though shoppers had to spend show debuting the latest fashion trends as much time in line for a free from 20 participating stores in the mall, etsui@theapachepowwow.com shirt as they do in line for a while free product samplings from GoGraphics Courtesy of ride on Space Mountain at diva Chocolatier and Teavana (a new tea KIDSKIDNEYRESEARCH.ORG, Disneyland, shoppers shop) continued throughout the weekVINTAGESHOPPINGGUIDE.COM, continued waiting without end. & WORDPRESS.COM Staff Writer

Another Crack in the Proverbial Money Dam

By ELAINE TSUI Staff Writer

With the Arcadia Unified School District’s financial situation looking grimmer than ever, Superintendent Joel Shawn wasted no time in applying for stimulus funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund shortly after federal officials announced the release of more than $3 billion to California for education in late April. But it wasn’t until May 9 that the school district received word on the state’s preliminary allocation of stimulus funding to school districts throughout California. It was then announced that Arcadia Unified may receive $2.5 million in funding.

But perhaps it is not yet time for celebration. Although the $2.5 million will indeed compensate for some, if not all, of the projected 41 teacher layoffs originally expected by the end of the 20082009 school year, the school district may end up having to lay off staff members in the next few years. The reality of the situation is if the economy continues to worsen, Arcadia Unified may be forced to face very large budget reductions.

The worst case scenario is a reduction of $600 per student, which totals to a $6 million cut to the school district. Even though the stimulus funding will offset budget reductions in the immediate future, it may not be enough for the next

few years; it may not even be enough for the next year. The $2.5 million “[is] a one time deal,” according to Superintendent Shawn. “The [$2.5 million] will make up for the deficit this year, but in the next few years, when the cuts continue to build up and double, the money will not be enough. We may even have to resort to mid-year layoffs. It is a really serious situation.” Unfortunately, the stimulus funding may only be a short-term solution to a growing budget problem.

Despite this bleak picture of the district’s financial troubles, sophomore Simone Armstrong does not believe that Arcadia Unified is “completely doomed.

I think the $2.5 million is necessary and helpful if it means that teachers’ jobs will be saved. This isn’t a lose-lose situation. At least the funding is going to save teachers, even if there will still be cuts and continuing reductions.”

Caught in the very middle of the district’s budget crisis are the teachers and staff members of Arcadia Unified.

From a short-term standpoint, most of the 60 teachers who received lay-off notices earlier this year will be able to keep their positions come this fall. However, because the allotment of $2.5 million will not be finalized until after the final notification to teachers regarding the availability of their positions is distributed, the district will have to rehire the teachers. Arcadia Unified is stuck in a difficult crunch because more lay-

offs in the future may be inevitable if the economy worsens. And notifying staff members that they’ve been laid off is by no means an easy or unemotional task.

“These layoffs have nothing to do with whether the teachers are good or bad.

It is very difficult and emotional to tell these teachers, whom we’ve invested and believed in, that they have been laid off.

It is a very real human consequence of the financial crisis that we are in,” said Superintendent Shawn.

But what does this mean for us?

With the stimulus funding, the upcoming school year will be less dire than what was originally projected, but that does not guarantee that there will be no effect.

The district may have to spend even less on supplies needed for the schools and classrooms, and positions left empty due to staff retirements will not be filled. If staff layoffs become necessary in the next few years, class sizes will increase exponentially and students will not receive as much individual attention.

Arcadia may have to plan for a total of $7.5 million in ongoing reductions. In spite of this, Arcadia Unified can only prepare for the unknown future.

There may very well be more reductions and losses in the next few years, but for now, Arcadia’s share of stimulus funding may just alleviate some of the difficulties ahead. etsui@theapachepowwow.com

May/June 2009

apachepowwow.com

NEWS

3

News

Briefs

And This Year’s Flu Season Goes to the Pigs

BY MICHELLE CHIEN Staff Writer

Concern that the world could be on the brink of the first influenza pandemic in more than 40 years has escalated in the last few weeks with the outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus, more affectionately known as the swine flu.

The influenza virus is always mutating, which is why people never really gain full immunity to the flu the way they would for other diseases like chicken pox because multiple strains of the virus will always exist. However, even though the virus causes sickness, most immune systems can usually muster a response so that the flu is rarely ever fatal to healthy people.

But every once in awhile, the virus shifts its genetic structure so much that immune systems cannot recognize the virus and can do little to combat the disease. A pandemic occurs when a new virus emerges and humans have little or no immunity to fight off the disease. The 20th century presented us with two such cases: the severe Spanish Flu of 1918 and the one in 1957 and 1968. H1N1 virus presents the world with a new potential pandemic.

AHS AP Biology teacher Mr. Craig Monden said, “The first transmission was from pig to human, but that virus probably no longer exists, as no further recorded cases are popping up in the pig to human transmission. However,

as viruses evolve, the ‘pig to human’ variant is now the ‘human to human’ variant. So now it’s being spread from person to person through sneezing and coughing, touching infected areas, and then touching your face, for example.”

The outbreak was first discovered in Mexico City in March and in the last month has spread worldwide. With over 20 reported cases in the United States, federal health officials declared a nationwide public health emergency and are preparing to distribute a quarter of the nation’s stockpile of antiviral drugs to state and local agencies. However, at the same time none of these 20 cases have proven to be fatal; all but one of the victims has recovered without needing to be hospitalized.

“The symptoms are the same as the regular flu, with a higher emphasis on the digestive system. So, there is a slightly higher incidence of vomiting and diarrhea. Other than that, the symptoms are pretty much just the flu itself,” said Mr. Monden.

Even in Arcadia, the fear of a potential pandemic cannot go unnoticed. Around the school, warning posters have been hung up advising students to take extra measures to practice basic safety precautions in order to prevent a spread of the flu. Of the disease, Mr. Monden said, “The [Center for Disease Control] is mainly doing education and prevention, but are also keeping huge tabs on research and statistic collecting.

So, on their website, you can find current up-

dates on how many people have died and how many have been infected, and what you can do to prevent the spreading of this disease.”

So why all the hype? Outside Mexico, the swine flu hasn’t looked too serious—unlike the 2003 SARS outbreak where mass hysteria ensued when an entirely new virus was introduced into the bloodstream. Mr. Monden said, “H1N1 is a bit more deadlier [than the average flu], but certainly nothing to panic about.” Junior Lily Dai added, “I don’t think at this point it’s much to worry about. We should take extra precautions with our hygiene, but the mass hysteria is really too much.” As the flu season winds down in the United States, public health officials will have an easier time picking out swine flu cases from the ordinary and will be able to respond accordingly. Junior Leah Wong said, “News of the disease is really daunting, but everyone around us is handling it really well.”

Though new cases are popping up around the globe every day and hyperventilating media reports lace almost every news broadcast and paper, it’s safe to say that a widespread global pandemic is most likely not in the near future.

Perhaps, the greatest risk of the disease is not from the infection itself but rather from the panic it causes. mchien@theapachepowwow.com Graphics Courtesy of IMAGES0.COM & SVR05.COM

May 27-30

- Chanteurs May Show (7:00 p.m. in Little Theater)

June 1

- Grad Night meeting (7:00 p.m.)

4

- AHS PTSA Meeting (7:00 p.m)

5

- Senior Activity Day - Yearbook Distribution

6

- SAT & Subject Tests

9-11

- Minimum Days/Finals

11

- Last day of school

12

- AHS Graduation (6:00-8:00 p.m.)

12-13

- Grad Night (11:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m)

13

- ACT Test Date

Strip-Searched: Student Scarred for Life Misogyny Free is Just the Way to Be off her clothes and undergarments seems a bit

By JENNY LIN

aggressive and unnecessary.” Freshman Wenny Lin agreed that “Redding shouldn’t have been In 2003, one student pointed her finger at strip-searched in the beginning because it goes 13-year-old Savana Redding in Safford Middle against her constitutional rights.” The vice prinSchool in Arizona and accused her of giving cipal came to the school’s defense by stating ibuprofen pain relieving pills away. Because of that Redding and other students were unusually that, Redding endured the most dreadful experi- “rowdy” at a school dance months prior to the strip-search, and he and the staff “thought they ence of her life.

Since Safford Middle School has a zero- had smelled alcohol” at the dance; therefore, tolerance policy for prescriptions and over- they thought that they had enough evidence to accuse her of bringing pills to school. the-counter medicine—except with Even though Redding dewritten permission—Redding nied the accusations, the was immediately sent to the vice school still placed their stuprincipal’s office and questioned. dents’ safety above all. The Denying the accusations, Redding Washington Post stated that was searched. Finding nothing “the law has long given drug-related in her backpack, the school officials special leeadministrators then called upon the way to search lockers and school nurse and the vice princibackpacks to enable them pal’s assistant, both females, to protect students in their to strip her down. Again, no care...School officials must drugs were discovered. Redhave the flexibility to act ding, now nineteen and still quicker and decisively to traumatized, remembers that “they made me open Graphic Courtesy of PEDSEAST.COM avert all matter of danger.”

As this debate intenmy legs and pull out my un- SEARCHED Savana Redding, 13, derwear...The strip search was strip-searched after accused of sifies, the constitutional rights of students and was the most humiliating carrying ibuprofen. school administrators are experience I have ever had.

I held my head down so that they could not see questioned. What is the appropriate thing to do under these types of circumstances? Students that I was about to cry.”

Ever since the traumatizing experience, are searched for drugs, knives, lighters, and Redding has “never been the same. They changed such in high schools, even at AHS. Junior Jonamy kid,” said Redding’s mother, April Redding. than Wu says, “I think it depends on how the Redding sued the school district, claiming that deans and administrators react to the rumor.”

Nevertheless, a sensitive case like this is her daughter’s Fourth Amendment rights were violated for “unreasonable searches.” Now, in impossible to be perceived from an objective 2009, the Supreme Court will hear this case and view. As Professor Richard Arum of New York decide whether or not the school went too far in University puts it, “Do we really encourage cases where reasonable people can disagree about search of a drug.

Junior Anna Yu said, “It’s understandable what is appropriate under the circumstances?” that the middle school was just trying to projlin@theapachepowwow.com tect their students, but telling a student to take Staff Writer

BY JENNY LIN & ELAINE TSUI

gather support for the banned songs, but rather as a poll to determine students’ response to Staff Writers the new policy.

Despite the success of the petition, the By writing songs with lyrics that have derogatory themes aimed at degrading women, club members faced much opposition from artists draw in the younger generation. These other students. The club’s goal was to stop songs are popular, but one AHS club said, playing songs that disparage women, but openough is enough. Inspired by The Oprah ponents believed that the club was promoting pre-teen and G-rated songs, Winfrey Show in which the hipSmack That (ft. Eminem) – Akon implying that these would hop community was asked if Beep - Bobby Valentino have been negatively reGet Buck in Here - DJ Felli Fel they thought these songs were Low (ft. T-Pain) - Flo Rida ceived at prom. One student degrading to women, members Right Round - Flo Rida even went as far as to send a of the Women’s Health and IsTurnin Me On (ft. Lil’ Wayne) - Keri Hilson text message chain persuadsues Club started a controverTurn Me On - Kevin Lyttle ing students to ignore the sial movement to ban songs Bojangles – Pitbull petition because she felt that with misogynistic overtones.

Go Girl - Pitbull Starstruck - Lady GaGa the club was ruining prom.

Several weeks before - DJ Laz, Flo Rida, & Some argued that the prom, members of the club Move Shake DropCasely convened with ASB Activities Get Low - Lil Jon, The East Side Boyz, & ban violated the freedom of Ying Yang Twins speech of artists while othDirector Mr. Tung to request a A Milli - Lil Wayne ers believed that the club did misogyny-free prom, as it enLollipop - Lil Wayne & Static Major not have the right to make forces the school’s vision and I’m In Miami B**** - LMFAO One More Drink - Ludacris & T-Pain decisions for the other prom policy to not degrade any enDrop ft. Fatman Scoop - Magoo & attendees. Senior Kyle Kim tity of the school. They hoped Timbaland said, “I don’t think it was to do this by banning the circuRockin’ That Thang – The-Dream Shake - Ying Yang Twins the club’s decision to dictate lation of songs with demeaning Put That Thang Down - Ying Yang Twins which songs were played at lyrics, and presented two com& Teedra Moses prom.” piled playlist to him: one with The news of banning offensive lyrics and another BANNED The 20 songs misogynistic songs spread playlist consisting of 300 songs reserved for after-parties. like wildfire, especially af“with popular—not degrading, and not Disney, songs,” said member Mon- ter local and major news stations visited AHS Shane Chou. Member and senior Lani Luo to interview the officers of the club. Despite said, “The lyrics are just scandalous words the various responses to the ban, some still to fill in space and sell the music...such de- thought that prom was “amazing and memohumanizing and disrespectful descriptions of rable,” said junior Kevin Yuan. Despite the women seem to be so common and accepted amount of opposition, the 20 songs that were in our society.” However, since Mr. Tung felt banned this year are just the beginning of an that the playlist would have been too difficult effort which the members of the club hope to for the DJ to monitor, he and the club reached continue for years to come. a compromise: every dance function from this jlin@theapachepowwow.com prom on will prohibit the playing of 20 songs, etsui@theapachepowwow.com and a petition of sorts was issued—not to

OPINION

4 Hell Hath No Fury: A Lesson in Anger Management

By NURIA MATHOG Staff Writer

apachepowwow.com

at success, every opportunity for a brighter future. And at this very moment, she’s standing directly behind you.

You will ignore her, you decide. You will not give her the satisfaction of losing your self-control, as much as her words provoke you.

As you feign concentration on your work, her narrowed eyes burn holes into your back. Your fists clench involuntarily, and you brace yourself, quickly constructing a mental version of Boulder Dam—for people of her demeanor, typical mind blockades are laughably insufficient. Any moment now...

The floodgates burst open, and the insults rush out in a boiling torrent of rage and profanity. Despite your best attempts at drowning out her voice, her tirade still infuriates you as much as ever: you’re l a z y , y o u ’ r e irresponsible, you’re a disgusting scum, you’re pathetic, you’re worthless, you mess up everything you touch and more.

Though you struggle to maintain an indifferent expression, the accusations make you

shake with anger. Your dam begins to groan and buckle under the pressure, jagged cracks splintering the surface of the once-impenetrable concrete. Just as you feel certain that you’re about to be pushed over the edge, it’s all over. She stalks off to attack the next victim, sparing a glare in your direction, and you calm your racing heart, thankful that you somehow managed to survive today’s confrontation without exploding.

Unfortunately, these people seem to pop up everywhere. It’s an inexplicable phenomenon, and a highly frustrating one; there is perhaps nothing so aggravating as dealing with individuals who simply cannot control their anger. From the customer who screams at you over a small mistake to the neighbor who curses out each person who rings his doorbell, society is populated with these bad apples.

They are like bombs waiting for some unfortunate person to set them off, ready to detonate at the slightest nudge, no matter how harmless the intent.

One of the most difficult lessons of all is learning to navigate through the minefield—you’ll inevitably set

May/June 2009

off quite a few explosions along the way, but you cannot let yourself become sidetracked. It takes an extraordinary amount of willpower to turn away from an opponent giving you a hard time, but if you permit that person to wield too much power over you, you’ll never be able to truly move ahead with your life. Is their irrational fury justified? No. Do you deserve to be treated that badly? No. That overused saying “it’s what’s inside that counts” holds particularly true in this case; why should you waste your time trying to please someone so negative?

And the next time you’re stuck with one of these anger-prone individuals? Resist the urge to retaliate.

Resist the urge to break out the voodoo dolls and that special dartboard, no matter how much they may deserve it. Instead, keep a cool head on your shoulders—balance out their aggression with a calm and rational disposition. You can’t fight fire with fire, but you can parry it with water.

The familiarly cold, creeping sensation of dread envelops you, and a helpless shiver runs down your spine. Oh no, you think furiously, not again, for this premonition can indicate one thing only—she’s headed your way. You can sense her presence without even turning around; constant exposure to her Dark Side has blessed you with distinctly Forcelike powers. In a state of panic you frantically quadruple your work efforts, determined to get the heck out of the room, out of the building, out of the universe that you are so cruelly obligated to share with her. Nature, you are convinced, has made a tragic and unforgivable mistake; how can people like her possibly exist?

She’s a human anomaly, a person utterly devoid of the capacity for empathy, compassion, or understanding. Yet she still makes an unwanted appearance in every area of your life: she’s your short-tempered boss at the local grocery store, the perpetually angry friend you can’t get rid of, and that one Graphics By DAVID HERNANDEZ classmate who loves to use others as an emotional punching bag. She is the inescap- FIGHTING FIRE WITH FIRE This method of dealing with your problems leads able obstacle standing before every chance nowhere. Very few of us can pull off the fiery hair look.

nmathog@theapachepowwow.com

As We Go On, We Remember Unique Is My Middle Name

By TIFFANY GU

By GLORIA LIOU Staff Writer

It’s funny how time is so easily morphed. The last few minutes of class standing between you and a glorious seven minute passing period seem to drag out like years. The hours between 9:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., filled with wall posts, YouTube videos, and everything but the untouched pile of homework simply fly by. Years turn into months and an entire academic career of twelve years seems only to add up to a single year. Nine months of senior year pass like seconds.

But now that our clock has finally reached the last few ticks of senior year, the anticipation for the end has morphed too.

The last few months, then last few days, then last few hours, then last few seconds before 12:15 p.m. on June 11 creep up on us. And with a sharp blow to the head, we are now fearful of moving away, leaving our friends, and bursting our Arcadian bubble.

A countdown we started on our own is now snowballing in spite of our own pathetic efforts to stop it. After an entire year of trying to speed up time, we are now forced to engage in a futile struggle against the one deadline we so longingly awaited.

Our time is no longer filled with homework and projects; rather, it revolves around making the best out of our final days together. We know that as the bell rings at 12:15 p.m. on June 11, we will no longer belong to AHS and thus no longer be obligated to each

other. But take this split second to reminisce.

The awesome feats you have accomplished, the great people you have met, the memories you have made...

Graduating is as cliché as life experiences can get, but we all can put aside our teenage pride and revel in this moment of tearful partings and exciting beginnings.

We can think of high school as a microcosm of our lives to come. The people we have met, the clubs we have joined, the choices we have made can all be applied elsewhere somewhere down the road of life. High school is where we learned to define each other with single-faceted titles: the jock, the geek, the band nerd, the misfit. Here, we became familiar with making our own decisions as we chose our classes and extracurricular activities. The activities we participated in these past four years were the beginning of a lifetime of exploring our personal passions.

Graduating is also an opportunity to practice a new skill: saying goodbye. It takes a great deal of courage to part ways, but think of it as filled with blissful memories and wishes for the future. This goodbye is a physical parting, but never a complete cutting of ties. My goodbye is a “good luck in the future” and “I hope to see you soon.”

So AHS seniors of 2009—savor these final moments, but then welcome your new life. And when it comes time, we will all be ready to say goodbye. gliou@theapachepowwow.com

TCID:

Staff Writer

There. Your life has been made now.

There’s this band, this store, this game, this particular article of clothing, this site. It’s the greatest thing in the entire world. You wonder how you could have possibly lived your life without knowing about it. I mean, it’s only the most amazing, most innovative, wonderful, perfect thing since the advent of unsquished, sliced bread, right? Right. And so you smile to yourself, the lone keeper, the sole owner of this secret. At least that’s what you think. Two weeks later, a month later, a year later, it all changes. The longer the time difference, the greater the animosity, the more profound the resentment. Cursing at the world in yet another failed attempt to establish individuality, you wonder why it had to be you, your special thing that has been so shamelessly commercialized.

There’s a certain possessiveness we feel, an attachment to whatever it is we have apparently discovered, that its transition to the mainstream completely devastates us. No longer can you safely retract into the corner of your newfound ideals and personal sanctuary without risking the label of a trend follower, a jumper on the ever-present bandwagon. Your valiant

endeavor to be your own person, to be unique, has failed yet again.

It’s understandable, though, that we would resent the sudden merging into the mainstream. Around this time, we’re all just searching for a sense of self, an inkling of an idea as to who we are. It’s been said that conformity is a form of shelter, a method to keep us safe—safe from judgment, safe from differences, safe from the world. But then again, shelter is just that. Shelter. After a certain point, we need to break free of the shell in which we enclosed ourselves, break out of the mold and truly start to live. Although these trends, these bandwagons, may serve us with a temporary respite from the tiring world of self discovery, true discovery lies in taking the proverbial road less traveled. That aside, it’s important to remember that nothing can really, truly be completely undiscovered, and resenting the conversion to mainstream will leave you merely bitter and indignant.

These attempts at individualism should not be interpreted as life or death situations, but opportunities to expand our horizons and grow with the inclinations of the world. It’s a chance not only to associate with the interests of the masses but also to develop an identity, an image that is entirely your own. tgu@theapachepowwow.com Graphic By DAVID HERNANDEZ

THE ONE AND ONLY I’m unique, just like everyone else.

May/June 2009

OPINION

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HAGS: Hackneyed, Annual Goodbye Souvenir To my dearest, bestest friend, HAGS and KIT! Haha, did you really think that was all I was gonna write? No, we are such good friends that I wouldn’t dare do that to you…would I? I can’t believe this year is finally over, especially since I thought it would never end. You can’t imagine some of the people I have to deal with. They make me sign their yearbooks, even though I would much rather be talking to my real friends, so I am reduced to writing insincere, off-topic messages as I rant on and on and on…

But no, I have a special and meaningful message just for you, my closest friend. So I guess this is it for high school. I suppose I should write something profound, but that takes too much thinking, and I really don’t have the time or the energy to do it right now. Maybe if you found me over summer, then I’d have something deep and insightful for you to read that’d surely evoke both laughter and tears. I’m sorry, but this is only like the 80th yearbook I’ve signed today, and I’m just plain old out of junk to spew.

I really want to write about all the good memories we shared so when you look back at this 30 years from now, you’ll remember all the good times you had in high school; however, I just can’t think of any right now. Maybe we should hang

HAGS

out more, you know—but don’t try to contact me during the summer because I’ll be busy.

Oh wait, remember all the fun we had in Mr. Rush’s first period calculus class this year? It was so awesome when you tried to copy homework in class and almost got caught.

I nearly fell off my chair laughing when he called on you to do the homework problem in front of the whole class. The look on your dumbstruck face was hi-la-ri-ous! Oh wait…were you even in my math class?

Oh well, I’ve covered most of the page already, and you are tapping your foot impatiently, staring over my shoulders, waiting for me to finish, as if you couldn’t make it anymore blatantly obvious that all you want are cursory messages from everyone in this school so you’ll gain an inflated sense of your popularity. Undoubtedly, your head will be too far out in space for you to even read this message. Still, I had a really good time writing in your yearbook. I mean, after all, nothing makes my day more than taking part in a meaningless, socially-constructed life transition that is a vain, glorious, and egotistical reflection of the person demanding it.

Let me leave you with a profound quote I found just for you: “The most exhausting thing in life is being insincere.”

Whew boy, am I tired or what! Well, see you next year; remember— don’t call me, I’ll call you.

y Sta l Coo

Don’t ever change!

XOXO times infiinity!

Sincerely, Bill Zhou

KIT

bzhou@theapachepowwow.com Graphic By ELEANA CHIANG and CORA ORMSETH

I’m Not Lazy, Just Circumstantially Disadvantaged

By KATE TRINH Staff Writer

Gr a

ph ic

I know, I know. You don’t have to tell me: I’m perfect. I mean, just look at me. I’m always doing my own thing, minding my own business…yet the world is always undeniably unfair towards me. Here I am, soaking in all my incredible glory, and I guess the gods want to test my awesomeness by hurling all these obstacles in my way. No wonder I have such a complicated life…

Today, for instance, I learned during second period that I have a test later in sixth period. That is absolutely ridiculous. How can my teacher suddenly surprise us with a test that he didn’t even announce? Okay, so maybe it was written on the board. But it was on the back board, the one in the farthest corner, in the sloppiest writing I have ever witnessed in a withering pistachio green Expo marker. I could write neater than my teacher did using two toes. And what kind of friends do I have? Why didn’t they warn me that we had a test on Chapter 18? A nice “Hey, buddy, we have a test Friday” a few days ago would have been helpful. This test utterly ambushed me the way a cheetah pounces on a poor and defenseless gazelle, so I shouldn’t even have to take it today.

Well, there goes my 79.06% in that class.

However, I am practically a genius, so realistically I should have an A+. My teachers just don’t know how to accurately measure my intelligence. Their grading systems are wrong

in at least 27 different ways. Ergo, if colleges don’t want to take me now, that’s not my fault at all. They can argue that I don’t have enough extracurricular activities, but I can’t help it, really. I could have joined our school’s renowned band since I began NG PA A YL KA y B

TCID:

playing the trumpet at the tender age of six, but my teacher was so malicious and draconian that I had to quit.

If it hadn’t been for her spiteful attitude, I am positive I could have been a prodigy by now.

Clearly I have the talent; it’s extremely unfortunate that I haven’t had the proper instruction and learning environment. I also had the chance of excelling in the Speech and Debate Team, but my interview was an inevitable catastrophe. They told me to run around the classroom acting like a cavewoman, and so I did until an open bottle of Vitaminwater that someone had so cleverly left uncapped made contact with my flailing arm (again, not my fault!), resulting in a pool of yellowtropical-citrus flavored liquid on the floor. Obviously, there was no way I could join Speech and Debate after that debacle. And yes, there are other activities around school like Chanteurs and Orchesis, but thanks to the unfortunate genetic combination of my dad’s tone deafness and my mom’s two left feet, I cannot sing or dance (a combination of both would be even worse).

So do you see how relentless and distressing life is for me?

I try, really I do, but the whole world is against me. Every horrible thing that happens to me is never my fault; some other heinous force out there is trying to ruin me. I think I will waddle over to my corner now and just sulk. Woe is me, woe is me. ktrinh@theapachepowwow.com

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Swine Flu Media Attention Will End When Pigs Fly

By CHRISTINE XU Staff Writer

In the middle of a peaceful four-day retreat, I was rudely awakened by news of a certain mysterious new virus, a medical anomaly the media had christened the “swine flu.” At the time, I had no idea when the infections had begun, where they originated, and how severe the disease was. But even so, I immediately absorbed the anxious fervor of the general public after watching news program after news program fill their breaking news reports with intelligence of this so-called swine flu.

And then the chatter commenced at school.

“Oh my gosh, did you hear about the swine flu?”

“It’s so scary! I heard people are, like, dying!”

So a fair amount of us—scratch that, all of us—have heard tell about this swine flu, but who really understands what it is? Since its outbreak in April, the media has jumped on the bandwagon, waxing poetic about the increasing danger of the influenza, the possibility of its climb to the status of a pandemic, and the socioeconomic repercussions of the disease. And thus, all the good citizens of our world are respectfully throwing nervous fits over the swine flu.

But what if the media is wrong? Something as newsworthy as a spreading virus could be sensationalized, and we all know too well the lengths the media will go to generate buzz. It’s media bias in its sincerest form. And there is also the issue of faulty data reporting—maybe only hospital patients are being diagnosed for swine flu rather than an entire region’s population, or a certain area does not have the technological advancements needed to swiftly collect and analyze infected cases.

It’s all arbitrary, really, and our peace of mind lies in the hands of the media.

So you recognize a bit of a pattern here?

If the media publicizes something to a healthy extent, there is no doubt we, as communication-hungry flies, will be twittering about it for days on end. But if the media places it in a lower rank of priority, like, say, with the avian flu (which is actually more of a serious issue at hand, seeing as it has been affecting us for almost 20 years), the topic will fly over our heads, relatively unscathed from gossip.

The media says, the general public does.

What a vicious cycle. cxu@theapachepowwow.com

Graphic Courtesy of INDYBAY.ORG

THIS LITTLE PIGGY WENT TO PRESS Swine flu hype has infected the nation.

6

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8

PERFORMING ARTS

Pops Concert: Summer Sounds

By EILEEN CHOW

“Little Shop of Horrors”

Staff Writer

With an assortment of tables laden with a wide array of baked goods, Pops Concert, set in our very own North Gym, presented itself to be a treat for multiple senses. Featuring two nights of music from movies, plays, and other kinds of “popular” music, all members of the audience had quite an enjoyable time listening to familiar melodies while expanding horizons and hearing some new songs as well. The concert was spread into two performances, both of which began at 7:00 p.m. and concluded at 9:00 p.m. “This year’s music for both Band and Orchestra is very exciting and is sure to not disappoint. The directors and students have done an excellent job to prepare their pieces and are all very excited about the performance,” noted junior Michael Kallin, a current trumpet section leader.

The first night of music, on May 19, featured Concert Band 2 along with Orchestra 1 and Symphony Orchestra. Concert Band 2 played music from Indiana Jones and “Music for a Darkened Theatre”

by Danny Elfman. Orchestra 1 performed “Windmills of Your Mind” from the 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair, “Bugler’s Holiday” by Leroy Anderson, and “Cotton Eye Joe.” Symphony Orchestra played music from the musical “Flower Drum Song” and “Fiddler on the Roof,” along with selections from the movie Jesus Christ Superstar and “Russian Sailor’s Dance.”

The second night, May 20, featured Orchestra 2 with Concert Band 1 and 3.

Orchestra 2 performed a medley of music

by ABBA featuring songs from Mamma Mia!, along with “Somewhere” from Westside Story and “Swing Low Sweet Chariot.” Concert Band 3, comprised of more seasoned veterans from the program, performed music from Robin Hood and The Dark Knight, in tandem with “Dixieland Jamboree,” which is a medley that comprises of familiar classics such as “Copenhagen,” “Basin Street Blues,” and “When The Saints Go Marching In.” Concert Band 1, the brass-and-woodwind equivalent of Orchestra 1 that is similarly composed of freshmen, played a concert march entitled “Children of the Shrine” along with music from Transformers and “Amber Waves of Grain” by James Curnow.

Such an illustrious and harmonious concert series fell just in time as a respite for the onset of the heating up of academics. The concerts require no tickets, as their methods of raising revenue were solely in the form of donations and the selling of baked goods; ample support was garnered from a pleased audience. As junior Alison Hsieh, the Orchestra 2 Representative, said, “All the groups have worked so hard in preparation for the Pops Concert to play great music for the audience, who definitely seemed to enjoy the catchy tunes we had in store for them.” Two melodious nights filled with great music and delicious desserts—what could possibly be better? tgu@theapachepowwow.com

May/June 2009

Most Memorable Performances

By TIFFANY GU Staff Writer

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As the year of 2008-2009 approaches its end, it’s time for many of us to look back at this year and see which performances have left a lasting impression. From dramatic productions to amazing showcases, some performances definitely impressed the audiences. The following are the top performances from each of the different performing arts groups of AHS:

Arcadia Festival of Bands (AFOB) From Mar. 24-28 in the Little Theater, ADD students performed their biggest production of the year, Little Shop of Horrors. This musical comedy wowed audiences with a plethora of dancing, singing, and acting, complete with a rotating stage and a 10-foot mechanical plant.

Winter Pep Assembly

AHS’s Marching Band, Colorguard, and drumline proudly marched down the streets of Baldwin Ave. on Nov. 22, marking the 55th annual Arcadia Festival of Bands. This invitation-only parade featured participants who flew in from all over Southern California.

“The choral carousel was a big performance for the choral department. It took a lot of time and effort to make it what it was. It was a great and fun experience for all of us.”

“I loved how during the Winter Assembly, Pep Squad was able to come together and do a unity dance. We were also able to work with one another and create a fantastic performance for everyone at Arcadia High. It was really exciting and a great experience for everyone on the squad.”

Choral Carousel

-Becca Lu, freshman

Orchestra Benefit Dinner

–Megan Truong, sophomore

Orchesis Spring Production, “Feeling Good” Orchestra 1, 2, and 3 performed their annual Benefit Dinner fundraiser on Feb. 28 at the Arcadia Community Center. All orchestra groups skillfully played numerous songs as well as the memorable finale songs that all orchestra members played together in unison.

Colorguard & Percussion Spring Show

“After 16 years of greatness, we finally broke the barrier of past dancers and unleashed the amazing talent and passion that we have worked all year on. I take great pride in saying that I am a part of this year’s Orchesis Dance Company and will forever cherish the memories I have created here.”

- Shivani Reddy, senior

“The Spring Show was awesome. It was cool how Colorguard, Percussion, and all the middle schools were there strutting their stuff.”

-Florence Chung, freshman

Photos Courtesy of JESSICA CHEE and HOLLY YOUNG and By YENTL IP and GREGORY ZAJAC

May/June 2009

PERFORMING ARTS

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Words of Wisdom from Past Leaders Compiled by KATHERINE BAY

“The relationships in this department are so strong, we sometimes see each other more than we see our families. Being president has made me feel like the A.D.D. mommy, and I just love each and every one of them from the depths of my heart.”

“All I wanted out of this year was to have as much fun as I could, doing what I love with the people I love.

That is my greatest accomplishment. I think the most important characteristic to have when being part of a team is an individual drive to work hard.”

“Treasure each moment you have in Band, because before you know it, you’ll be graduating. Practice like you want to perform. Take the basic blocks seriously. And laugh at Mr. Sherill’s sarcastic comments and Mr. Landes’ random stories, because yes, you’ll be leaving them too.”

- Senior Shae Palic, A.D.D. President

- Senior Gloria Liou, Orchesis President

- Senior Paul Bump, Pep Band Leader

Staff Writer

“Since we have 33 people in Chanteurs with 33 different lives, I have learned also how to compromise a lot. Any president will agree with me that you learn really quickly and that you can’t make everyone happy, so you have to suck it up and deal with it.”

“For many of you, this year was your first experience in Varsity and most of it flew by too quickly.

The real test will be facing the next season with a different mindset, one of slowing things down, picking things apart, and preparing for the future.”

- Senior Eunice Eo, New Spirit President

- Senior Joseph Liao, Orchestra Co-President

- Senior Christine Macapagal, Colorguard Squad Leader

- Senior Brittany Vargas, Chanteurs President “It is rough and sometimes you just want to quit and leave. But hang in there! Trust me. It will be your most memorable experience at Arcadia High.”

“For current underclassmen who plan on continuing Orchestra: practice hard during the summer because it really pays off! For people who are still unsure about joining Orchestra or not: join it!”

“Don’t give up. For those debating to stay or not with the fire dying inside, just give it one more try to experience Dayton. Performing in front of millions of people is something that not just anyone can experience.”

- Senior Derek Ouyang, Percussion Leader

“Being on cheer, you will always face tough times and maybe lack of support, but always remember everything you have worked for and just give it your all! Make Arcadia proud!”

- Senior Alison Chien, Pep Captain Photos Courtesy of Their Respective Owners

Chanteurs’ May Show Brings the School Year to a Close

By LAUREEN MA Staff Writer

Chanteurs, including me, perform, so this show is going to be very special to the whole group.” Chanteurs will be singing a variety of songs, including their award-winning competition set, a boys’ number called “Teenager in Love,” a girls’ number

Chanteurs ended its season with a bang when members performed at Los Alamitos.

With such extensive preparation, their rehearsals certainly paid off when they placed 7th.

This year, they placed 4th at Aztec Sing, 3rd in Diamond Bar, and 2nd in Brea Olinda. With the competition season behind them, Chanteurs is now focusing on the upcoming May Show. The show, entitled “It’s Showtime!,” runs from May 27-30 starting at 7:00 p.m in the Little Theatre. The tickets for the shows on Friday and Saturday are $8 each, but there are special discounts for those who show an ASB card at the door. Tickets can be purchased from any Chanteurs member, as well as by the Rally Court and Snack Shack during lunch.

The purpose of the show is to showcase the individual vocal talents of the Chanteurs members as well as provide entertainment for Photos By GREGORY ZAJAC their peers. Chanteurs President senior Brittany Vargas said, “This will IT’S SHOWTIME Chanteurs rehearses new be the very last time the seniors of choreography for its upcoming May Show.

called “Naughty But Nice,” and a variety of individual and small group numbers that they had to audition for. This year, Chanteurs has prepared a diverse set of songs, including melodies about comedy, love, friendship, and heartbreak. It is an amazing opportunity for members to show off their talent because show choir is about performing not only as a group, but as individuals as well. The separate groups choose their own music and cho-

reography in this exciting opportunity to display who they are and what their personalities are like.

“The on-stage participants are the 33 members of Chanteurs and no one else.

Also, all the decorations and setting up of equipment are done by Chanteurs members. The only set up that we do not do ourselves is the lighting effects going on throughout the show,” senior Abraham Chen said proudly. Chanteurs’ sister group, New Spirit, will help out backstage as well as with refreshments at the show.

Chanteurs has put in numerous hours to display the members’ talent through solos, duets, trios, and quartets. The week before opening night, Chanteurs held rehearsals from 3:00 pm to 10:00 p.m. for five straight days, practicing over and over again to make sure that their show will be perfect. Senior Rachel Sohng said, “At the end of everything, it is definitely rewarding knowing that all the hard work that you have dedicated into this show has turned out so well.

It is a good feeling knowing that Chanteurs has succeeded and excelled in what we do, as well as enjoying it and having fun at the same time.” lma@theapachepowwow.com

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Things to Bring to College

By MELANIE YUEN Staff Writer

By GLORIA LIOU

With college just around the corner, seniors planning to live outside of home face the difficult decision of what to bring.

There’s always the fear of not bringing enough—so you pack everything. However, this only results in your bringing everything in your closet and possibly more; your roommate would probably not appreciate having your useless mementos and knickknacks taking up prime real estate in your room. Here are some of the more important things you should consider bringing while packing for college!

Staff Writer

It is a sad thing to say goodbye. But as they say, every good thing must come to an end. A quick recap of the past three years thus highlights the short amount of time we have left. It seems the end of the year has secretly crept up on us, and at this point everything we do becomes regarded as “last.”

A time such as this is also seen as a starting point: from here, life only brings us more changes.

For those who have grown up here, it is the time that we break free of what we like to call our “Arcadia Bubble.” It is a turning point we have all anticipated for quite a while, yet now that it is almost upon us we admit to dreading it a little as well.

No matter the hardships we have experienced in Arcadia, we can all attest to the great influence these past four years have had on our personal development. Just as a close friend makes a great impact on your life, AHS has done the same for each of its students, and leaving Arcadia High School will be just as bittersweet as leaving a friend.

To help lessen the bitterness, a proper goodbye is desperately needed. As summer speedily draws near, so does the imminent urge to simply H.A.G.S. everyone and carelessly mention to K.I.T. through Facebook.

Closure, however, takes effort, and here are a few ideas for doing so: 1) To Arcadia High School: Take a walk around campus and reminisce.

Over the past four years we have probably spent more time at school than any other place besides our own home, and even that is questionable. Although we often complain about the grief school brings into our lives, we have also experienced several moments of happiness and success on our school grounds.

2) To teachers: Pay a visit.

Teachers have contributed a lot to the time we have spent at AHS. Take the time to say thanks to those that have made an impact on your life because they have taken the time to impart knowledge to you.

3) To classmates: Have a class party!

“Class friends” are always fun to be around and share inside class jokes with. These classmates are probably how you were able to survive that class throughout the year. To celebrate your friendship, convince your teacher to have an “end-of-the-year-in-class party,” bring in your favorite junk food to share, and just enjoy each other’s company.

4) To old friends: Go get some coffee or boba or frozen yogurt and catch up.

It’s been a while since you’ve stopped IMing one another every single night, but you still care about how those old friends are doing. Take the time to set up a coffee date and just talk about your future plans.

5) To a group of friends: Gather everyone in one room and just chill.

An outing with a group of people is often hard to coordinate, but express your desperation for one last hang out. Grab this opportunity to reconnect with each .com M other, look back on simpler times, and look forward to upcoming wwow o p K.CO e C I h summer fun. apac y of SMED e h t s @ gliou s Courte

1. A Formal Outfit You may think that you’ll be living your college life in a comfy college sweatshirt, shorts, and flip-flops, but you never know when you might need to dress up or look professional. You’ll need a formal outfit for interviews, formal dances, etc. So bring at least one nice outfit, whether it is a suit, slacks, or a skirt—anything fancier than your normal attire.

2. Power Strips/Surge Protectors Dorm rooms never have enough electrical outlets to cater to everything that you need to plug in. Bringing power strips not only fits all your electrical appliances’ needs, but it also prevents you and your roommate from fighting over that single outlet! However, make sure to check with your RA to see how many power strips you’re permitted to have, because too many will pose a fire hazard.

3. Quarters The majority of washing machines and dryers operate using quarters only.

Save your time and bring a couple rolls of quarters, so you won’t have to hunt for change every time you wash your clothes.

Erm, unless you don’t plan on washing your clothes...

4. Alarm Clock If you plan on using your phone as an alarm clock, don’t plan on relying on it forever—you never know, your phone might die on you hours before you’re supposed to wake up for a huge test. It’s best to invest in an alarm clock, or perhaps two (you know, just in case). But don’t buy the loudest alarm clock you can find; your roommate might not appreciate being blown out of bed by your siren alarm clock every time you have to get up for that 8:00 a.m. class.

hic

Grap

Easy Recipes for Cooking College Cuisine

By KATE TRINH Staff Writer

For AHS seniors, college is just a few months away, and perhaps the biggest change college introduces will be the distance from Mom and Dad. Gone are the days of delicious home-cooked meals and come are the days of fast food and TV dinners. Eating fried chicken every day can’t possibly do you any good (freshman 15, anyone?), so here are a few simple recipes to try instead.

5. Bowl and Silverware How can you eat your breakfast, lunch, and dinner of cereal (and occasionally ramen) if you don’t have a bowl? And don’t forget those forks, spoons, or chopsticks, so you don’t have to eat with your hands.

6. Pepper Spray Carry pepper spray or mace around, or attach it to a key chain; that way, whenever you are walking alone, you will always have it out and ready. Pepper spray is the most effective self-defense product. myuen@theapachepowwow.com

Photo Courtesy of OMAHASTEAKS.COM

EASY AND DELICIOUS These meals will please college students.

Sausage and Penne Pasta Servings: 4 Ingredients -2 ½ cups penne pasta -12 oz turkey Italian sausage links -1 medium red onion, thinly sliced -1 medium green pepper, sliced into thin 1 inch strips -2 cups of any spaghetti sauce -4 tbsp shredded/grated Parmesan cheese Directions 1. Cook pasta in a large pot as directed on the package.

2. As the pasta cooks, slice the sausage links into bite-sized pieces. Place the sausage in a non-stick pan (or spray with PAM) and cook on medium heat until the sausage browns (at least 5 minutes). Stir occasionally. Drain any fat from the pan.

3. Add the onions and pepper to the sausage and cook the mixture for another 5 minutes.

Stir.

4. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir.

Cover the pan and then cook for several minutes.

5. When the pasta is cooked, drain it well. Add the sausage mixture and mix.

6. Serve each plate with Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

Photo Courtesy of LEISUREGUY.WORDPRESS.COM

Savory Salmon Melt Servings: 2 Ingredients -1 can (6 oz.) pink salmon, drained -1 large carrot, peeled and shredded (use a grater or peeler) -3 tbsp light mayonnaise -2 English muffins sliced in half -2 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese Directions 1. In a bowl, mix the salmon, mayonnaise, and shredded carrots together.

2. Toast the English muffin halves in a toaster.

3. Spread the salmon mixture on each half of the muffin.

4. Sprinkle with cheese. Melt the cheese in the microwave (high heat for 1 minute). Remember to use a microwave-safe plate. ktrinh@theapachepowwow.com

May/June 2009

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These Addicting Games Are Far from Tame

By AMY LEONG Staff Writer

Facebook, Myspace, and AIM reign as the most popular activities on the web, but what else is there to do? Just a click away, the Internet gives us access to the latest addicting games, celebrity gossip, weather forecast, latest news, and more. Here, we have compiled a list of the most popular activities to do on the Internet, while you procrastinate on your fivepage essay for English.

World of Warcraft Worl Travel in to the distinctive Warcraftt uniTr verse to engage in battles, interact with friends around the world, and undertake quests of adventure. While advancing to new levels and becoming more powerful, you will discover that the amazing World of Warcraft can pro-

2

with Fire 2 Playing w For those who love Bomber Man, Playing with Fire 2 is very similar with its firing qualities and running to defeat the rest of your teammates.

After acquiring bombs, you must try to kill the other players and blow up boxes to gain special powers. These include extra bombs, shoes to make your character move quicker, fast hands Graphic Courtesy of THELOSTJACKET.COM to throw bombs at opponents, and more. Ram- FIGHT ON Step into the World of Warcraft and you might never page through the different be able to come out. tions seem like nonsense, it is possible to win levels and defeat your opponents as quickly as the game. However, if you have already beaten possible. it, try The Impossible Quiz 2.

Impossible Quiz The Imp Bloons loons I’m sure you all have played this adThis arcade classic is loaded with 50 levdicting ggame once before and tried to figure els off fu fun as you try to pop as many balloons out how to win, while hesitating to start your as possible and attempt different modes of new AP Biology homework. However, there is an challenging levels. With special balloons like end to this perpetual diversion that keeps you ice and bombs, you can continue to unlock captivated by the computer 24/7. The game is new abilities and discover new techniques. made up of 110 questions, which require inHowever, the tricky part is that you only have sane logic in the course of this rigorous and a certain amount of darts. If you enjoy this baltricky test. Provided with three lives, you can loon popping fun, play more with Bloons 2, stay immersed in the challenge, constantly which features a multiplayer mode and more. clicking the answers. Even though the ques-

3 Graphic Courtesy of TRANSBUDDHA.COM

MIX AND MATCH Choose the right combinations and watch the world Grow.

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mote socializing with friends, combats, crusades, and stimulating challenge levels.

Grow Cu Cube Inside this small cube, you can unlock Insi Insid a virtual world. Given ten items, you have to place the them into the correct order to watch your world grow with houses, trees, lakes, and more.

Watch the little characters interact and build a little town as you try your best to max level out all of the objects and reach the final stages of congratulations. In addition, the Grow game series includes a variety of different themes, depending on the version that you play.

When you’re occupied by Facebook or AIM, keep in mind that these addicting games are also a way to take a break from your homework (a.k.a. procrastinate). Test your video game skills as you try to beat them and have fun not doing homework. Challenge your friends online and experience the Internet on a whole new gaming level. aleong@theapachepowwow.com

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Graphic Courtesy of 3.0.SEVAD3.COM

FIRE AWAY Shoot as many balloons as you can to get a high score in Bloons.

Summer’s Notorious Characters Green Day’s Musical Breakdown

By JOANNA SHEN Staff Writer

As our year quickly draws to a close, the beginning of summer, packed with plans of excitement, arrives. But, let’s face reality; summer still has those moments of boredom, when you don’t know what to do because you just hung out with your friends at the beach yesterday, you are fresh out of cash from that shopping trip last week, and it’s just too hot to do anything outside. Here are some summer omens to avoid when the vicious boredom disease strikes you.

The Couch Potato. When the only safe haven from the piercing rays of the sun is your house and the television set is calling for you, beware of being stricken with the disease that will render you virtually useless when you hit the sofa. After all, when The Lord of the Rings marathon comes on TNT, promising full entertainment for a good nine hours, it’s hard to pull yourself away from the screen. You tell yourself: what else could I be doing? The Couch Potato disease can often result in leg cramping, poor eye vision, and inconsistent sleeping patterns resulting from midnight airings of movies you just have to watch again.

The Glutton. When your eyes are about to pop out of their sockets after watching TV, and the summer homework assigned is too deep within the clutter of your desk for you to take the time and effort to dig out, beware of the disease that will render you

immovable for hours on end. It’s difficult to ignore the heavenly glow the refrigerator emanates for 24 hours a day, filled with so much food that you have unnatural cravings for. Common symptoms often include incessant hunger, a natural attraction to food products lying around the house, and eating every time the clock strikes another hour. The Glutton disease can often result in an increase in weight, abnormal eating patterns, and bloating of the face.

The Technology Addict. When you’ve spent enough time with your friends to be slightly annoyed by their presence but not enough to leave them entirely, beware of the disease that will render you brain dead by the end of the day. With Facebook, Myspace, ooVoo, and your phone within a fingertip’s reach, it’s easy to use technology to pass the time. Because it’s so easy to spend hours on end doing virtually nothing at all, this disease strikes the hardest. The Technology Addict disease can often result in finger cramps due to texting, headaches due to radiation, and extreme computer savvy.

Although the looming summer holds much promise in the eyes of restless high schoolers, be sure to avoid the tendencies teenagers have when faced with boredom, hot weather, and a seemingly endless day.

So, when June 11 rolls around, kick back and relax, but don’t get too comfortable. jshen@theapachepowwow.com Graphic Courtesy of DAVRON.COM

By ALWYNA LAU Staff Writer

After four years of quietly working, Green Day is back in the spotlight again with their highly-anticipated album, 21st Century Breakdown. In addition to their new album, an upcoming musical will also be made based off of their American Idiot album.

The new album, released on May 15, contains 18 songs and is uniquely divided into three acts: Heroes and Cons, Charlatans and Saints, and Horseshoes and Hand Grenades.

The first song from Act I that shares the same name as the album title, “21st Century Breakdown,” depicts the woes of the current generation. Starting out with a delicate keyboard melody, the song soon escalades into a steady rock pace. Lyrics from “21st Century Breakdown” such as “My generation is zero, I never made it as a working class hero” should result in a depressing, mellow song, but instead, it is more of a steady rock ballad. Unlike the previous song, “Know Your Enemy” has a more pulsing, upbeat tempo, and radical lyrics such as “silence is the enemy against your urgency.” This song is similar to their

memorable 2004 hit, “American Idiot.” However, if you are looking for a new sound from Green Day, you may not enjoy this album, as it does sound similar to previous albums.

In addition to releasing a new album, Green Day is also having its 2004 epic album, American Idiot, made into a musical.

According to the band’s lead singer, Billy Joe Armstrong, “it doesn’t make much sense, but that’s what I love about it.” The new musical will be released on Sept. 4 at the Berkeley Repertory Theater and will run until Oct. 11. On the other hand, this musical may be a flop since it only uses Green Day’s old music and people may not be excited about it.

Since their first album was released in 1990, Green Day has come a long way, from being #1 on MTV countdowns to earning many awards. Now with the release of their 11th album and a musical in the works, Green Day offers more for their fans to be hyped up about. Hopefully they won’t break down. alau@theapachepowwow.com Photo Courtesy of MY.OPERA.COM

12

Farewell

apachepowwow.com May/June 2009

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May/June 2009

Seniors 13

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16

ACADEMICS

Academic Index

By SEAN MAROONGROGE Staff Writer

Have you been keeping up with all of the awards that the academic teams at our school have been winning? Have you been waiting to join the fray and match wits with students from all over the county, state, or nation? If you think you have what to takes to bring your academic talents to a competitive level and make AHS proud, or if you just want to meet fun people who will value your intellect, check out the upcoming tryouts for academic teams. While many of the dates have passed (and you somehow managed to miss the academics fair, student bulletin, and the sheer excitement), there are still plenty of opportunities for the following year.

Destination Imagination Destination Imagination will be open for applications in the fall. Unlike other teams, DI will not have a tryout process unless there are too many applicants, so feel free to join with friends as a team or as an individual to be placed on a team later. Senior member Vincent Wang advises that applicants “be creative and wacky” and to arrange a team with many “different kinds of people: some who can be more technical, others who can be more creative and have great improv skills.” If you are interested in getting more information, contact arcadia.di@gmail.com or advisors Ms. Charmaine Cordero and Ms. Claudia Diaz.

Math Team Math Team will be holding tryouts in the fall. Current captains advise that you keep an eye on the bulletin for more information. Interested students may see Ms. Kerry King in P-2 or contact her at kking@ausd.net.

Quiz Bowl Quiz Bowl, based in F-9, will be holding tryouts sometime in the fall as well. If you think you can compete with trivia masters or feel like you can absorb enormous stores of knowledge to take on brilliant students from all over the nation, consider joining. Having competed at Nationals for the past four consecutive years, this team prides itself in being one the of most successful groups on campus.

Science Olympiad With tryouts likely in October, Science Olympiad is looking for active thinkers in the realm of science, going toe-to-toe against some of the best teams in the state in their favorite topics, from astronomy to herpetology to chemistry and forensics. The bulletin is once again a great place to watch for details.

Mrs. Cherryl Mynster can be contacted in E-8 or by email at cmynster@ausd.net. If you are not up for testing or you just love engineering and building, try joining the building team, which will likely be open to all members who show interest and dedication.

You missed the boat!

Unfortunately, the following teams have already completed their tryout processes for the year, but check out the ASB website for more information on each of them. Look out especially for which teachers to contact if you’re interested in how to prepare for the coming year.

Academic Decathlon Government Team Ocean Science Bowl Science Bowl Speech and Debate smaroongroge@theapachepowwow.com

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May/June 2009

High School: Good Game

By JENNY LIN Staff Writer

Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na, hey hey hey, GOODBYE… We’ve made it. We’ve finally accomplished what we’ve set to do ever since we were born here in Arcadia. This year, we’ve received rejection and acceptance letters from the most prestigious universities. We’ve formed life-lasting (not really) friendships and animosity with others. We’ve dealt with the best and worst teachers, the most considerate and acrimonious staff members. Now, it’s time to say good-bye. Nevertheless, a good-bye is not a good-bye without a word of thanks.

To the dumb bully: Thank you for harassing us throughout these four years, for making fun of our outfits, passion for Starcraft, nerdy pick-up lines, numerous textbooks, inherent awkwardness, and such. Now, it’s our turn to mock you. For the rest of your life, you will be using that peanut-sized brain of yours to work for us. Let me reiterate that. You will be working for us.

No, we will not give you the difficult jobs of scheduling our CEO meetings, or calculating

the millions of dollars in our bank accounts. Instead, you will be the one taking orders from us, cleaning our shoes, and driving us around in our Lamborghinis. Since it’s a given that we will be your bosses, we might as well discuss the paycheck now. How does $10 per hour sound?

To the ridiculously addictive computer games: Thank you for allowing us into your dungeon at 2:00 a.m. You are probably the reason we remain sane, even after pulling three all-nighters in a row and managing seven APs at once.

You’ve taken us into a magical world where we are the ones in charge. Our brains, logic, and intelligence soar while journeying through quest after quest; thus, increasing our aptitude. From Tetris to WoW, we’ve found our own source of “fun” that doesn’t require any physical activity.

Yes, we are not as physically able as the football players, nor as quick as the cross-country boys; however, who has the highest score on Maple Story? I thought so, too.

To CollegeBoard: Thank you for segregating us from our not-so-intelligent peers. People may detest your program and wish you to burn. But don’t worry;

we greatly appreciate your hard work and we’ll defend you anytime. Because of our perfect SAT Reasoning and Subject Test scores, universities and people alike are able to distinguish us from the jocks or the gangsters. Our pristine record of 2400, 800, 800, 800, 800, and 12 perfect AP scores clearly sets us high above the rest.

We hope you continue your wonderful, yet despised, tradition of making the incredibly long test a challenge for the minds of every American student.

And last, but not least, the buddies: Thank you for battling this long, treacherous road with us. We’ve cried over our B+’s and screamed over the odd concepts of Physics. Together, we have anxiously waited for those college acceptance letters, and together, we have planned to take over the world someday. We’ve shared and dreamed similar goals of becoming the next great lawyer, doctor, scientist, or even the richest man on Earth. I would be honored to be your comrade as we nerds continue to battle the adversities of the real world. Meanwhile, peace out! jlin@theapachepowwow.com

Novice Champs Not So Novice Anymore

By IVY JENN Staff Writer

combined with the mental agitation of rhetoric delivery proved quite strenuous. This first section was solely for those involved or specialized in debate. “Performing with my brother was

again reigned triumphant, with six students placing. “It was a tiresome day, but it was a fun and memorable experience. When I grow old and wrinkly (like a crinkly raisin), I’ll tell my grandkids about this...will they be proud,” freshman Amit Akula expressed elatedly about the tournament, “I’m actually really impressed with how well I did. I think we’ve all improved considerably since we first started Speech and Debate.”

Unremitting preparation. The inexplicable fervor of competition. The raw enthusiasm. These served as the prelude to the concluding tournament of the 2008-2009 Speech and Debate competition season—Novice Champs. This final tournament was limited to first year members of any forensics orgaFinalists: nization throughout the Southern California Amit Akula - 5th (OPP, Imp, Congress) district.

Greg Chang - 1st (LD) A cluster of Arcadian novices congregatAshley Golinski - 3rd (OI) ed at the campuses of Alhambra High and GaSydney Wallo - 2nd (OI) brielino High on May 15-16, validating their Amy Wen & Josh Wen - 2nd (Duo) oral dexterities. Their indisputable dedication and rhetoric aptitude, as well as their experiThese aspiring novices have risen ence garnered throughout the progression of Photo Courtesy of STEPHENNIE TENG the season have propelled these Speech and NOVICE CHAMPS Arcadia’s rhetoricians end through the ranks, proving to be as passionate and orally adroit as veterans. This has Debate darlings to success. Five Arcadian the year with big smiles. been yet another fruitful season of competicompetitors received trophies in six different categories, trouncing many vying contenders. mucho fun-tasmical!” Amy Wen jubilantly said tion for our Arcadian rhetoricians. Good luck to next year’s team.

The first section of the two-day competi- of her experience. tion spanned from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.—the The latter section of Novice Champs caijenn@theapachepowwow.com wearisome and protracted period of competition tered to speechies. Arcadian competitors yet

Mathletes Shine Again in Bay Math League

By RICHARD FU

cited for. Senior Bryan Cheng finished the competition with a perfect 120 points, not missing a Staff Writer single question. This has never been achieved in On May 20, the mathletes of the Arca- the history of the competition, and though Ardia Math Team competed in their last event of cadia still came up a point short for second the the year. Going into the competition with 797 team was extremely excited to have been part of history. In addition, points, third beDavid Ke placed hind Palos Verdes second among all Peninsula and San tenth graders, while Marino, the team three ninth gradcame out with ers finished fourth, 1060, a mere one fifth, and sixth. To point behind Palos put things in perVerdes for second spective, the complace, who slipped petition featured behind San Maover three hundred rino in the race for competitors. the overall title.

Advisor Ms. Despite the King expressed her slight disappointPhoto Courtesy of PAUL CHEN pride in the team ment, there were excitement many things to be THE LAST COMPETITION Mathletes end this and with regards to celebrated and ex- year with an amazing finish!

next season. She also encouraged underclassman to try out for the team, as each grade level has an equally important role in the competition. Award winner Bryan Cheng, in lieu with the winning spirit that pervades the team, reflected upon the year, “I’m proud to have won an individual award and to have scored perfectly, but what made it all worthwhile was having shared the experience with my friends and teammates.”

For those interested in trying out for the team, and for all other math geeks out there, here’s an actual question from the competition (written by Ms. King): Line j has equation 2x+y=6. Line k has equation x-3y=5. Line j is reflected around the x axis, yielding line j’. Line k is reflected around the y axis, yielding line k’. Find the intersection of lines j’ and k’.

Answer: (13/7, -16/7) Pi on! rfu@theapachepowwow.com

May/June 2009

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ACADEMICS

This Summer, Keep Your Brain Alive!

By RICHARD FU & JOE TIAN Staff Writers

Four score and seven years ago, WWI had just come to an end. Kids also didn’t do homework over summer. Welcome to 21st century Arcadia. Here’s what kids nowadays often do to maximize their time and efficiency.

Freshman: A great thing to do in your freshman summer is to take some classes, either to fulfill prerequisites for AP classes or for personal interest.

But here’s the catch: while courses offered on campus are close to home and similar to yearlong courses, just condensed, they cost around $600 and are College Prep. If you have the time and transportation to take classes at a local community college such as PCC, not only will each class cost you less than $100, but they are also college level classes that earn you credit. Popular choices are typically biology and, in lesser numbers, chemistry.

Sophomore: Most people use this time to take a SAT prep class, since junior year is when everyone takes the test. Some people choose to self-study.

Classes may help more, but not everyone needs them and they’re very costly. A lot of people also take up jobs or apply for internships, but you’re better off doing that in your junior summer, for you’ll have learned more and will be more mature and ready for the work. Sophomore summer can also be used to take more classes to fulfill prerequisites.

Junior: Though there’s not much you can change

or alter at this point as far as college applica- writing your essays. They are the most importions go, this is still by far the most crucial tant essays you’ll ever write in high school, for summer of your high school career. The first se- they can make or break all the hard work you have put in over the mester of your selast three years. You nior year will be want to make sure more intense and you’ve done justice busier than the ento your efforts, so tire junior year put don’t procrastinate. together. Most seIt takes writing and niors will have the rewriting, reading same amount of and editing, cutting APs, if not more, and crying to get in addition to colthem right. lege applications, which is equivalent Senior: to about another This is probably AP class dependthe longest break ing on the number you’ll get in a dozen of private schools years. Think about you’re applying it. Your high school to. There’s also the summers have been constant pain of lofilled with classes, gistics such as askinternships, and jobs; ing for recommenyour college sumdation letters and mers will consist of filling out the corPhoto By LINDA WANG more classes, internresponding forms.

Toss financial aid SUMMERTIME IS STUDY TIME Sophomores ships, and jobs. Then graduate into the mix and and Juniors, the time is ripe to stock up on there’s school for some, with you’ve got the in- these books! its share of research gredients for one and internships, and the real world for others painful, lightless semester.

Hence, it is absolutely crucial that you do who may be in professions that don’t give the yourself a favor and try to get some of the things summer off. So this may well be your first and out of the way during the summer. The forms only extended break in a while. And with every for counselor and teacher recommendation let- passing day it gets shorter.

No pressure. Enjoy your summer. ters, for example, can easily be taken care of, saving yourself headaches and stress in the face rfu@theapachepowwow.com of looming deadlines. More crucially, you must jtian@theapachepowwow.com start looking at your potential applications and

Quiz Bowl Dominates Another Round is significant because of the increased difficulty of the field in the A-team bracket. The B-team Staff Writer also had a difficult bracket to take on, given the Considering the variety of innovative tour- logistical complications which led even very nament titles AHS Quiz Bowl (QB) has had to strong teams to not qualify for nationals this scribble onto their field trip permission slips year.

About their result, junior Alex Wang said, this year, from “Tournament Without an Interesting Name [TWAIN]” to “Bruin Academic In- “I’m excited at the thought that a preview of vitational Tournament [BAIT]”, it should be to next year’s A-team dominated the final matches, nobody’s surprise that their last tournament of and our B-team, with one junior and five underthe year was named as extravagantly as “ South- classmen, lost a close tiebreaker for third place. ern California Invitational Expecting National Freshman Chung ‘Gung’-Ho Chan and sophomore Derek Chou, Championship freshman even got Excellence!” (with top scorer awards the acronym SCIin their division.

ENCE!). As excitIf they continue ing as the name of to improve, Arcathe tournament is, dia will be a solid the matches held force in Southon May 16 were ern California for even more rivetyears to come.” ing.

Chung also AHS placed noted with his fifth and third with team-oriented their two teams in spirit, “the whole their respective B-Team conbrackets. The Atributed in terms team, consisting of teamwork, entirely of juniors, contributing in competed in the Photo Courtesy of ALEX WANG bouncebacks, catnational qualifiWITH GREATNESS QB meets and greets Charles egory quizzes, and ers bracket, which in other ways that was set apart to Meigs, the infamous college level player. give national level competitors practice for both the stats can’t show. All in all, I would attribute national tournaments played at the end of May. B-Team’s success not to only two players, but The B-team played in Division II against other to the team as a whole, because without the conteams that did not qualify to compete at nation- solidated effort, our record would look much, als. A-team worked on their skills and practiced much uglier.”

Quiz Bowl had to deal with more than just for the future, building their knowledge base and having fun. The team results, while not up an elevated field at SCIENCE!, for the tournato standard with their tradition of high placing, ment was held on the same weekend as prom.

By SEAN MAROONGROGE

Most of the A- and B-teams were thus missed for the day. On the bright side, however, the underclassmen were afforded more playing time to develop on their own, as they will have to do in just a few months when the team’s seniors graduate. Senior members were extraordinarily active in Quiz Bowl from a young age, with many of them joining in their sophomore year.

Providing such a solid balanced group for the team for the past few years, the Quiz Bowl senior class has grown especially close as well.

Senior Justin Chu said, “it’s been great to compete against schools from all over the area, but the best part has been all of the new friends I’ve made through Quiz Bowl. I look forward to our Tuesday practices because the eclectic group of people that I meet there each week are memorable, to say the least.”

As another year of glorious victories and heart-wrenching defeats comes to a close, the team will have to come to terms with the loss of their seniors, Jeffrey Chen, Justin Chu, George Dewey, Tracy Lee, Sean Maroongroge, Derek Sun, and Jacqueline Yue. The underclassmen will be immediately tested to see if they can make the most of their experiences, but as history has shown, it is highly likely that the Arcadia team will continue to perform excellently.

Congratulations again to our squad of rising stars, and AHS wishes good luck to the A-team at national championships in Chicago.

Although it will be too late to report results in this issue, the team has a history of strong performances at the national level, and seems poised to repeat its successes. Regardless, even qualifying for nationals is difficult in itself, so praise the nearest Quiz Bowl member you can find on a great season and look for tryout information this fall. smaroongroge@theapachepowwow.com

17

College Profile: Georgetown

By JOE TIAN Staff Writer

Founded in 1789, Georgetown University, located in Georgetown, Washington D.C., claims to be the oldest Roman Catholic university in the United States of America.

The university ranks #23 among all national universities in U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Colleges 2009.”

Georgetown suffered through considerable financial trouble in its early years, relying on private funding until Congress issued the first federal charter in 1815. The Civil War drastically changed the history of the university, as President Lincoln stationed 1400 troops in Georgetown. The university became a full-branched university after the Civil War and has remained one of the most prestigious universities today..

The university offers a wide variety of studies, including architecture, art, business and marketing, education, engineering, foreign languages, and literature. The most popular majors in Georgetown are Social Science, with 32% enrollment, and Business and Marketing, with 26% enrollment.

Georgetown University is among the most selective schools in the admission process. Other than high school GPAs and standardized test scores, the university considers personal quality, extracurricular activities, recommendations, volunteer work, and work experience as part of the admission process.

Standardized test scores are needed; however, SAT writing is not a component in college admission.

Georgetown University has several student-run newspapers. The Hoya being the oldest, in print since 1920. The Georgetown Voice, known for its weekly cover stories, is a newsmagazine that split from The Hoya to focus more attention on citywide and national issues.

The University has a campus-wide television station, GUTV, which began broadcasting in 1999. WGTB, Georgetown’s radio station, was founded in 1946, and broadcasted on 90.1 FM from 1960 to 1979.

The varsity sports in Georgetown, called the “Hoyas,” generally compete in the Big East Conference. Men’s basketball team is noteworthy of its NCAA Championship in 1984.

Admission Statistics [from CollegeBoard]: SAT Scores: Critical Reading: 650 – 740 Writing: Not Needed Math: 660 – 750 ACT Composite: 26 – 33 In-State Tuition for Class of 2011: $37,947 Out-of-State Tuition for Class of 2011: $37,947 Percent of Applicants Accepted for Class of 2011: 19% jtian@theapachepowwow.com

Photo Courtesy of GEORGETOWN.EDU

HEALY HALL The iconic building of Georgetown dominates the skyline.

18

STUDENT LIFE

Trivial Pursuit ‘90s Pop Edition

By MELANIE YUEN

Staff Writer

Girls loved them. Guys sought to be them.

Who can forget our favorite heartthrobs from our ever so popular boy bands?

1. Name the N*SYNC boys.

Lance, Justin, JC, Joey, Chris 2. How many members are in 98 degrees?

Four 3. Which Backstreet Boys song contains the line “But we are two worlds apart/Can’t reach to your heart”?

I Want It That Way myuen@theapachepowwow.com Ms. Arroyo Modern World History Teacher X (1) The guy with the curly hair…

Justin Timberlake, Nick Lachey…

C (2) Four X (3) Bye, Bye, Bye? Score: 1/3 Jennifer Ku Freshman C (1) Joey, JC, Chris, Justin, Lance X (2) Five X (3) You Are My Fire?

Score: 1/3

Jonathan Wang Sophomore X (1) I don’t know X (2) Five X (3) I only know two BSB songs…

Score: 0/3

apachepowwow.com

May/June 2009

Celebrate Diversity Every Day

he offered a compelling and unique perspective on the historical event. Both teachers and stuStaff Writer dents in attendance were honored to witness Dr. From Tuesday, May 26, to Friday, May Robert’s remarkable presentation as he shared 29, Arcadia High students and faculty alike the lasting legacy of the Little Rock Nine.

Every day during the week, teachers genparticipated in the first annual Diversity Week to celebrate the wonderfully rich culture of our erously donated their time to host voluntary afschool. Diversity Committee hosted festivities ter school seminars for interested students to atand engaging activities throughout the week to tend. On Tuesday, Mr. Oliver Beckwith shared “create awareness for different cultures and re- the culture and history of deaf people in the ligions and build tolerance and acceptance for United States in his hour-long seminar, entitled others different from us in race, religion, eth- “The Deaf: Culture and History of an American nicity, gender, and sexual orientation,” said Ms. People.” At the same time, Mr. Jeannie Ackerman.

Ms. Ackerman’s U.S. History students Carter Spruill learned about the challenges and benefits of oversaw an enAmerican Pluralism through their American gaging discusquilt project. Each student focused on a particu- sion about the effects of interracial dating in lar American group and created a quilt square to D-12 while Ms. Tuttle introduced some Native best represent that group’s struggles and accom- American Art and Culture through her “Dream plishments in history. On the other hand, Mr. Catchers” seminar in F-2. Other students chose Mike Freese’s Modern World History students to watch the advanced drama students’ rendition of The Laramie combined their Project, which told the sundry squares shocking story of a hoto form an “inmosexual man brutally terdependent murdered through a savquilt” that illusage hate crime in 1998. trates how diThereafter, students disversity has concussed the importance of tributed to the tolerating differences in vitality of our sexual orientation. global society.

On Wednesday af“I think it was ternoon, Ms. Moore hostfun,” said Mr. ed “Interfaith Dialogue,” Freese, “It was the first time I Photo By KATE TRINH a stimulating one-hour looked forward DIVERSITY DISPLAY CASE A vari- session in which people of different religions disto a project in a ety of cultures and religions were celebratcussed their faith, God, while.” Meaned during Diversity Week. politics, and a myriad of while, Ms. Madeline Antilla’s Government classes studied civil other intriguing topics. Meanwhile, Ms. Antilla right court cases to explore the development of and Mr. Craig Monden joined the Gay Straight Alliance club in J-21 to foster an understandequal protection laws in America.

During periods three and four on Wednes- ing and support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and day, Dr. Terrence Roberts presented his first- transgender friends and students. Those seeking hand account of the prejudice and triumphs he a cultural treat flocked to G-3 to learn the art of and others faced during the racial integration of crêpe-making while gleaning some insight into the “all-white” Central High School in Arkan- the elegant French culture.

Ms. Georgette Tuttle taught another sessas. As a member of the famed Little Rock Nine,

By DEBBIE JONG

sion of “Dream Catchers” on Thursday afternoon while Ms. Kathy Heintzman and the Women’s Health and Issues Club examined the “Objectification of Women in the Age of HipHop” in D-4 and D-5. After urging the omission of offensive songs from this year’s prom soundtrack, the club has garnered much attention for the issue and the room was packed with interested students.

Finally, on Friday afternoon, Ms. Ackerman, Ms. Antilla, Ms. Sharon Litsey and Ms. Megan Trotter hosted the “Indian ‘Kitti’ Extravaganza,” an exciting party complete with a taste of exotic Indian culture. Students sampled some Indian cuisine and sported henna tattoos.

In addition to these seminars, numerous student clubs showcased their diverse talents and cultural zest during lunchtime presentations throughout the week. Participating groups included Indian Club, Korean Club, Associated Latin American Students, Advanced Drama, Orchesis, Philipino Club and Vietnamese Club.

Other student clubs participated in a culminating club booth day on Friday during lunch around J-Building.

All in all, Diversity Week was a tremendous success and encouraged us all to look past our differences and foster a lasting tolerance and acceptance of others. Junior Madyson Cassidy recognized that the invigorating activities successfully “connected people to other cultures and ideas” and junior William Zhang added that “it’s always nice to have a new experience and learn things outside of the classroom.” To commemorate the week’s events, black T-shirts were sold emblazoned with the words, “Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it everyday.” Indeed, the celebration of human differences should not be limited to this one week. Instead, we can all find a greater appreciation for the unique things that distinguish us all and make this world a more interesting and diverse place to live in.

“Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common.”

djong@theapachepowwow.com

Outbreak of Senior Swine Flu at AHS

By MELISSA MA Austin Luu Junior X (1) Lance, Justin Timberlake, JC, Joey… Kevin?

X (2) Three C (3) I Want It That Way Score: 1/3 Amy Christianto Senior C (1) Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone…

Christopher?

C (2) Four C (3) I Want It That Way Score: 3/3 Photos By MELANIE YUEN

Staff Writer

Every year, a strange epidemic seems to sweep AHS the Thursday before prom. The origin of the problem is unknown, but studies have shown that only seniors are subject to this mysterious illness doctors are calling Senior Swine Flu. Seniors disappear from school due to the sickness and reappear the next day, magically recovered. Senior Swine Flu, a disease that seniors seem eager to contract, can be contagious to other grade levels. Research has shown that Senior Swine Flu has a simple cure, and doctors prescribe a day of relaxation and fun in order to make a full recovery.

The day seniors come back from recuperating is termed Re-admit Day. A common side effect of Senior Swine Flu is not being able to admit that they had this specific and secretive sickness. Therefore, seniors must resort to writing whatever excuses possible, ranging from family matters to explosive diarrhea. mma@theapachepowwow.com

Seniors were polled to see how they recovered from this horrible affliction:

May/June 2009

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STUDENT LIFE 19

Senior Awards Night 2009

By LENA KALEMKIARIAN Staff Writer

On Thursday, May 21, Senior Awards Night, an event for seniors to receive both scholarships and departmental awards for their achievements, was held in the North Gym from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

AHS seniors won a variety of awards, including a Rotary Club award, a PTA scholarship, and department awards. However, there were also a few unique awards handed out as well, such as the Jerry Broadwell Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is in memory of

firefighter Jerry Broadwell, who was the first and only Arcadia fireman to die in the line of duty. Senior Drew Matsuda received the scholarship and will be given a ride in a vintage fire truck from the Arcadia Fire Department to the Santa Anita Race Track on graduation day.

Another impressive award is the National Merit Scholarship worth $2500. Only seven hundred scholarships were presented across the nation, four of which were given to our very own Jack Ching, Sean Maroongroge, Derek Ouyang, and Bill Zhou. Congratulations! lkalemkiarian@theapachepowwow.com

Photo By LENA KALEMKIARIAN

SCHOLARS (from left to right) Drew Matsuda, Lewis Chung, Karen Tsai, Laura Kelly, Lisa Kalemkiarian, Brittany Heacock, Paul Bump, Jeffrey Lin, and Kevin Mori smile as they receive their awards.

Other winners include: Kelly Andreen Laura Kelly Peter Bai Kristina Keshishyan Ryan Bergara Emerald Khoo Brandon Bodkin Scarlette Kim Riley Briggs Hanna Lee Paul Bump Po Yan Leung Karina Castrellon Jeffrey Lin Tinna Chang Margaret Liu Christine Chen Sean Liyanage Bryan Cheng Kendrick Mooney Sarah Cheng JJ Moreno Jonathan Cheung Kevin Mori Jack Ching Shae Palic Helen Chow Isaura Pizarro Jennifer Chu Tom Pudpai Justin Chu Emily Rueter Lewis Chung Matthew Schroyer Andres Delgado Cecilia See Justin Dong Christine Shen Matthew Elmaraghi Kristen Shields William Fairbanks Kanon Shiu Maggie Fan Corey Stewart Breanne Genite Holly Sy Marian Girgis Sandriel Tao Adam Gold Derek Tran Iris Guo Vivy Tran Charissa Hanafi Karen Tsai Fady Hanna Charlie Tsouvalas Brittany Heacock Brianna Vizcarra Amanda Horner Cathy Wang Jason Hsin Casey Wong Jacqueline Huynh Fay Xu Joseph Jacoy Ashley Young Torie Jee Hank Yu Lisa Kalemkiarian Jacqueline Yue

Arcadia’s Ultimate Frisbee Team

By ESTHER LIN Staff Writer

others proceeded on to scrimmages, drills, and practices in the front lawn, before it was closed off. Not only is ultimate Frisbee a completely invigorating sport that pumps the blood, but it is also convenient and fun with an easy goal.

Currently, the team has had a total of three games against different schools. Their first game

against South Pasadena served as an introduction game that sprung them into successive games against Polytechnic and San Marino.

Through many mock games and matches, the members of Arcadia High’s Frisbee team have bonded through a common love for this fast and furious sport. Although many members are graduating, they hope to, as Bryan Cheng commented, “pursue possible frisbee teams in [their] various colleges next year.” After all, they have all found a sport they deem as one worth dedicating time and effort to. As an unofficial team, the Frisbee team had trouble keeping alive due to the busy AP and prom season, as well as the loss of their main playing field. However, the seniors remain optimistic, hoping that the team’s underclassmen will recruit members next year to keep the team alive. Bryan Cheng urges people to join, insisting that it’s a sport that is “more fun once you give it a go.” Perhaps with an Photo By TRACY LEE increase of interested students, our At Santa Anita Park, the Frisbee Team Frisbee team can be officialized.

As colorful discs coast the breeze in the front lawn after school, students of Arcadia High wonder about the new attraction that has captivated the school. Truth be told, our school is home to an unofficial ultimate Frisbee team. Consisting of a majority of seniors and an assortment of underclassmen, our Frisbee team is an independent group of friends who hope to foster friendships through a competitive sport.

Following the end of band season and first semester of senior year, the seniors found themselves with extra time and a couple of friends came together in search of a sport that would prove to be fun exercise. Coincidentally, senior Paul Bump, who had previous Frisbee experience, introduced this new idea to his group of friends.

The team, consisting of seniors JUMPING FOR JOY Paul Bump, Bryan Cheng, Lewis races towards the white disk in their practices for upcoming Chung, James Chianglin, and games.

The Top of the Class

By ESTHER LIN

Staff Writer

As the school year draws to a close, the top students of the graduating class are once again revealed as valedictorian and salutatorians. Contrary to popular rumor, the selection committee aims to select only one valedictorian out of the 30 selected salutatorians.

Starting in May, all salutatorians are rounded up and alerted of their potential of being selected as valedictorian. From then on, they must be on their best behavior since any wrongdoing may endanger their chances of selection. To be eligible for salutatorian and valedictorian, students must have an unweighted GPA of 3.95 after the end of the fall semester of their senior year. However, final grade checks during the spring semester are still executed because potential candidates must demonstrate a continuous drive for success, not just for the recognition. Furthermore, they must have nearly perfect marks in citizenship and attendance records free from numerous unexcused absences or tardies. Once students have passed the qualifications for salutatorian, they have the choice of applying to become valedictorian, a process that requires a written application and if necessary, an interview. Since candidates must agree to allow the selection committee to review their attendance and disciplinary records, graduating as a salutatorian is quite a feat in itself.

The valedictorian selection committee consists of one administrator appointed by the principal, the grade level counselors of the graduating class, and several designated teachers from the core classes. The ASB President and the ASB Representative to the Board of Education, Charlie Tsouvalas and Yena Bae respectively, also have the honor of serving on the board. Conflicts of interest, such as a family member being reviewed as a candidate, are accounted for as well.

The principal serves on the board and only votes in the case of a tie.

As Assistant Principal Craig Wiblemo said, “The valedictorian is commended for being an Apache,” which includes being a well-rounded student with excellent academic achievement, involvement and leadership. The process that they have found to work really well is “almost like a college application but grades alone will not earn you valedictorian.” To prevent any possible bias, the candidates for valedictorian appear merely as numbers to the panel during the paper screening.

Not surprisingly, the valedictorian of Arcadia High demonstrates amazing academic achievement. It is not uncommon for candidates to have completed 9-13 AP or honors courses. It is this exact perseverance and success that boosts them to their candidacy in the first place. CSF membership and National Merit membership are also commonalities found in the achievement section of their applications. Several students also flaunt their internships or research work.

Congratulations to the following seniors for passing salutatorian qualifications: Peter Bai, Tinna Chang, Julia Chen, Jack Ching, James Chung, Andrés Delgado, William Fairbanks, Dylan Giammalva, Charissa Hanafi, Brittany Heacock, Lisa Hung, Laura Kelly, Grace Kwong, Xin-Yu Liao, Gloria Liou, Sean Maroongroge, Derek Ouyang, Natalie Redberg, Emily Rueter, Christine Shen, Kristen Shields, Patricia Shu, Sabrina Sun, Terence Tam, Mary Tang, Karen Tsai, Emerlyn Tseng, Devin Wang, Madeleine Wilcox, Alan Xie, Pauline Yang, and Zhi Yin. elin@theapachepowwow.com

elin@theapachepowwow.com

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May/June 2009

Up and Coming Stars of Arcadia

By KATHERINE BAY, AISHA ELMASRI, SHAWNA LIM, ANDREW LIN, & TRACY YAO Staff Writers

As the 2008-2009 school year comes to a close, the athletic seasons dwindle to an end, and extraordinary athletes have emerged to prove themselves worthy of recognition. These young adults have worked relentlessly through training sessions and intense games to bring themselves where they are today. In the future, we hope to see them accepting scholarships from various colleges and universities across the nation, gracing us with the honor of calling them our alumni. These are the up and coming stars of Arcadia.

Sophomore Ammar Moussa had an outstanding cross country season because he had a great achievement of running 14:45 for three miles at Arcadia County Park as well as running 15:26 on the state meet course at Woodward Park in Fresno, CA. He’s especially proud of the latter performance because it was the number one returning time in the state in Division 1 as well as one of the top sophomore times. On the course, he ended the season as a 1st Team All-State sophomore selection, 1st Team All-League, 1st Team All-Area, and CIF. He said, “This year has been a breakthrough year for me. With the youngest varsity group we have ever had, we met and exceeded many expectations throughout the year.” All he wants to do is perform his best and the results will take care of themselves. Every day, he sees an immense state meet plaque in Coach Jim O’Brien’s office and hopes to add another one to the collection.

Freshman Hayley Greep has always had a love for soccer. Though the times have been tough, that same love is the thing that has pulled her through and kept her going. And it’s a good thing she stuck to it, because it turned out to be her passion. Her goal for the future is to attend a Division I university for soccer, and at the pace she’s going, it isn’t as far of a goal as you might think. She has already made the Varsity Soccer team as a freshman and is not planning on stopping there. She also plays on a gold-level team for Real So Cal. Her coach and peers have high expectations for her, and with her skill, there’s no doubt her goals will be met and very possibly exceeded.

Sophomore Catrina McAlister realized that cross country was her calling when she put on her first pair of running shoes. After she attained a personal record of 2:16.33 in the 800 meter at Pacific League Prelims, she placed first in the finals, thus crowning her the Pacific League Champion.

Her expectations for herself are extremely high, which gives her the initiative to perform at her greatest at each meet. It’s obvious that Catrina is a front runner when it comes to cross country—no pun intended. All of her goals have been accomplished and were exceeded past expectations. She currently is the second-fastest runner in the state for her time in the 3,200 meter. After conquering at CIF Finals, she is heading for the Master’s meet on May 29.

Although he may not be the tallest player on the volleyball court, sophomore Preston Lee definitely has the strongest spirit and the biggest personality. Preston started playing volleyball in seventh grade, and as a freshman he made the frosh-soph team at AHS. As a sophomore, he stepped up his game and ended up making varsity. Preston’s uplifting spirit has proved to be his biggest contribution to the team.

With his optimism, he has kept the team focused through the tough games and has emphasized the importance of unification. Preston said, “I try to stop the blame game because that really just makes us play badly, especially me. I know how it feels, so I stood up for myself and have tried to stop it from affecting the whole team’s game.”

Preston has a good two years left on the AHS Varsity Volleyball team and has the potential to be a great leader and a wonderful volleyball player.

As a three-year-old out on the T-ball field, junior Emily McQuaid has known from the very beginning that she was destined to become a great softball player. Emily was one of two freshmen who was able to make the varsity softball team her freshman year. Right off the bat, she was a huge asset to the team and was rewarded Defensive Player of the Year. During her sophomore year, she received more recognition: she made 2nd Team All-League. Emily said, “I utilize my speed because I feel my base running is a big part of the game since I’m not a top hitter.” Outside of high school, Emily plays for California Rage Gold, a travel team that is among the Top 50 in Southern California. Her club team went to nationals last year and they placed 5th out of 84 teams. Emily has a strong future ahead of her: she aspires to play college softball as well as make the playoffs next season with her high school team.

Emily said, “I want to find a college where I can play softball and pursue biology and the medical field. These are two things that I love! Getting a scholarship would be a bonus!”

Introduced to baseball at the sapling age of five, Garrett Tuck found in his sport a passion that would prove to last. He plays not for the trophies, but rather for the simple sake of the game. However, that is not to say he doesn’t get his due recognition—after all, he was the baseball team’s “Rookie of the Year” as a freshman, athlete of the week for Pasadena Star-News, and team captain and league champion as a junior. But to Garrett, these awards are insignificant—small in comparison to his love for the sport. When asked what his plans for college were, he responded with an unconcerned “I don’t know. What I do know is that I’ll play in college and afterwards. For basically as long as I can.” For as long as he can. For as long as he can play and for as long as he has a team to play with. And since Garrett’s time at Camp Pendleton, his team has become as essential to him as his baseball mitt. “We had this one team-building exercise where we would take turns in pairs keeping watch for ‘the enemy’ at night,” said Garrett.

“We would be up at four in the morning, tired, eyes red, on the lookout for the enemy.”

Photos By AISHA ELMASRI, YENTL IP, ANDREW LIN, and KRISTIE TOM

Golf Putts Past Season and into CIF Boys and Girls Swim Uphold Legacy

By KATHERINE BAY Staff Writer The Boys Varsity Golf team’s indomitable winning streak makes each tournament against their opponents seem effortless. Their goal of becoming undefeated in league has become a reality; after seven years, the team has finally obtained the Pacific League Champions title. Coach Robert Greep congratulated the team for their success and said, “Basically, we have had a terrific season.

The boys have performed as I expected. They have displayed great work habits and attention to deal.”

As the team continued to impress, their efforts became more apparent at each tournament. Ever since the beginning of the season, they’ve been unstoppable and a third of members have qualified for CIF. On Apr. 13, the team played against Pasadena and won 184-201. Two days later, the team lost by a margin, 207-206 against San Marino.

The third Pacific League match against Glendale High School ended with a victory with a score of 390, Crescenta Valley High School 405, B 402, and BB 419. When they played against John Muir on Apr. 28, the team won with the score of 207249. Winning soon became a habit as they consistently dominated tournament after tournament.

Their fourth Division A Pacific League match versus John Burroughs High School resulted in yet another win with 383, B 385, BB 412, and CV 393.

The result of their practices have led to a great season. They went undefeated in league 19-0 and took two of the top three spots for CIF individuals. Freshman Richard Jeong went on to win league MVP with two rounds of 71 and 68. While sophomore Clayton Ojeda tied for second place in league, junior Eric Yin placed 5th. Freshman Anthony Pidlaoan said, “I feel that it was very fun and challenging at many points. We had our up and downs but I still believe this is probably our best season yet.”

On May 12, the team traveled to Soule Park in Ojai for CIF Finals. Arcadia had the prestigious honor of being one of three teams qualifying for this tournament. The team finished one stroke behind their opponent Valencia, resulting in a total of 378. Although the team finished third, that alone was a milestone for them, seeing as they have not seen the face of CIF, let alone CIF Finals, in almost a decade. Freshman Richard Jeong said, “We’re the best team since 7 years and haven’t made the first round of CIF in 7 years. We also won league for the first time in 3 years. That truly is an honor.” kbay@theapachepowwow.com

By TRACY YAO Staff Writer They came. They saw. They conquered. Well, the ladies of Varsity Swim did, at least. At the end of this season, they have definitely earned the title of Pacific League Champions. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same for the boys, who had a second place finish.

In the final showdown between Arcadia and CV, new personal records were set and goals were achieved. Although the Falcons proved to be the toughest competition this year, the Lady Apaches were able to pull away with a 92-78 victory. Junior Nancy Pulciano said, “[This win] feels awesome!

There is nothing better than getting to rub a victory in the faces of some of my swim friends from CV; it’s all in good fun though!”

As for the guys’ battle, the margin for victory was extremely slim. Both AHS and CV swam their best, and were neck-in-neck for each event. In the final event of the meet, the 400 freestyle relay, Arcadia pulled a win over Crescenta Valley. However, the Falcons ended up winning the dual meet, with a score of 84-86. About the bitter defeat, sophomore Edwin Lee said, “It was disappointing, but at the same time, most of us weren’t surprised. We lost a lot of fast seniors, but in the end it was still a pretty close race.”

Coach Janice Clark said, “In the dual meet ver-

sus CV, the varsity boys were really close. We needed two people to place a notch higher for the score to have been reversed.”

At league finals, eight individuals and five relay teams qualified for CIF prelims. Senior Karol Markowski was the league champion in both the 200 and 500 freestyle, setting new league records in both events. Freshman Emily Chow was the league champion in the 500 freestyle.

On Mar. 15, a squadron of Apaches headed to Mt. SAC to compete in CIF prelims. The remaining swimmers who made finals returned again the next day, with hopes of continuing on to the Master’s meet.

There were many spectacular performances at CIF finals. The boys 200 yard medley relay team finished 10th place, setting a new school record. Senior Karol Markowski placed 3rd in the 200 free and 2nd in the 500 free, which are automatic all-American times.The girls 200 yard freestyle relay team finished in 12th place. Last but not least, sophomore Ray Chao placed 8th in the 100 breaststroke.

No matter the outcome, the Varsity Swim season was undoubtedly a job well done. From the numerous meets against other teams in the league, to the tough road that we call CIF, the swimmers have given one hundred percent every step of the way and have learned to persevere. tyao@theapachepowwow.com

May/June 2009

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His entire life, junior Benjamin Chinoy has been passionate about soccer. Before making his way to the United States, Ben began playing soccer on recreational teams in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Beijing, where he lived before coming to Arcadia his freshman year.

He made the Arcadia Varsity Boys Soccer team his sophomore year, and become a starter almost immediately, contributed his great skills and speed to the team by taking control on the wing as a strong right mid-fielder. Coach Jason Franz recognized his talent and awarded him the prestigious “Most Improved” Award during his sophomore year. Ben said, “Soccer has taught me about team work, commitment, and the importance of friendship.” For next year, Ben hopes to lead his team to victory and make CIF. He wants to motivate everyone to work hard and make a successful comeback after a rocky season. Outside of school, Ben plays for the Los Angeles Football Club at the silver-elite level. He hopes to continue playing soccer for the rest of his life, either at a competitive level or just for recreational purposes.

Is she part fish? Part mermaid? No, but chances are, sophomore Samantha Winthein is one hundred percent human, no fins or flippers attached. She just happens to be as fast as a fish, or mermaid, in the water. First attracted to the sport of swimming at the age of three, Samantha joined the Sierra Madre Dolphins. A few years later, she switched to the highly acclaimed Rose Bowl Aquatics program. As a child, she swam because of her love for the water. But now, Samantha swims for various reasons.

“I love the feeling I get every time I step up on the blocks for a race. Swimming has brought friendships for me that will last forever, and although it is an individual sport, it is also a team sport.

You have your individuality while still being part of a team,” she said.

Samantha is a skilled swimmer in freestyle sprint events, such as the 50 meters and 100 meters. Her goals are to make Junior Nationals and to keep on improving and getting faster times. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming, Samantha. Dory would like that.

Although she has only started playing volleyball as a freshman, now sophomore Taylor DeGraaf has become an important part of Arcadia’s Varsity Volleyball squad, as well as the Arroyo Volleyball Club team. Taylor is only 16, yet she stands at five feet and ten inches tall; her height contributes a lot to her volleyball success as a hitter and blocker. Along with senior Ann Marie Tangorra, Taylor was named the Most Valuable Player on the AHS team, after being a member for only one season. Nonetheless, the recognition hasn’t gotten to Taylor’s head, she said, “Volleyball has taught me the importance of team work because volleyball isn’t a sport you can [play] alone, you have to be able to rely on your teammates.” Taylor wants to keep improving as a player, so that she may continue on to a Division I school, and credits all of her success to Coach Freberg, who Taylor said “has taught me everything I know.”

Freshman Richard Jeong is a “golf prodigy,” as explained by freshman Jason Park. As the only freshman on Boys Varsity Golf, he is number one in Pacific League, and he won League Preliminaries and Finals. His goal for next year is to beat his current scores. As of now, he is the Pacific League Champion. What gives him the drive and initiative to do his best is “enjoying golf with friends and having fun on the golf team, [which] makes me want to benefit the team as much as possible.” Also, his parents give him huge support and wish him the best of luck for a future in professional golf. He’s the type of person who contributes by trying his best, which equates to lower team scores and better results. Richard truly is honored to be part of the best team Arcadia’s had in than seven years. As a record setter at AHS, it’s no doubt that his superb skills and talent will take him far in life.

Irma Nugroho is one of the few freshmen on varsity track. She proved herself worthy of being on the team when she became the 11th fastest freshman hurdler in California. Only competing with girls twice her height and experience, she has proved that she is able to hold her own. Her current personal record of 47.00 seconds qualified her for CIF Prelims. Surprised at her own success, she is “really happy because at the beginning of the year, [she] thought [she] would not be able to make it this far.” Her goal is to compete in the Arcadia Invitational for the 300 hurdles before she graduates. So many people, including her coaches, teammates, friends, and family, inspire her to work harder and be the best she can be. She believes that there is nothing like the feeling of getting a new personal record, even if it is just a hundredth of a second, because it’s the result of all the sweat, bruises, and hard work. She said, “I want to go home every day from practice knowing that I am closer to reaching my goals.”

Sophomore Michelle Zhu is proud of her accomplishment of being number one doubles on the Girls Varsity Tennis and received MVP doubles. Her biggest motivation is the fear of failing the team and her teammates, especially this year, since she was always expected to win. Her number one goal for the team before she graduates is to crush CV and become league champions again. Achieving that may be difficult for her because two seniors will be leaving next year, creating a setback for the team. She said, “Hopefully we can overcome that obstacle and just become a stronger team since we have nine returning members!” Her mom, also known as her number one cheerleader, helps her succeed in all she does and gives her the initiative to always give it her all at tournaments. All in all, Michelle tries her best to represent AHS and just to help contribute to the tennis team’s overall score.

Season

Summaries

Boys Varsity Tennis League: 12-0 Overall: 19-2 Boys Varsity Golf League: 20-0 Overall: 26-2 Girls Varsity Track and Field League: 7-0 Overall: 11-0 Boys Varsity Track and Field League: 7-0 Overall: 11-0 Girls Varsity Swim League: 6-0 Overall: 10-0 Boys Varsity Swim League: 5-1 Overall: 9-1 Varsity Softball League: 7-6 Overall: 12-12 Varsity Baseball League: 12-2 Overall: 21-5 Boys Varsity Volleyball League: 6-4 Overall: 10-7

Baseball Wins Back the Pacific League

By GREGORY ZAJAC Staff Writer

Spikes, uniforms, hats with little A’s on them, and Apaches all mingled in a cloud of dust atop the mound of AHS’s Giambrone field. The boys piling on one another were celebrating their team’s first Pacific League championship since 2003.

The Apaches might have lost only five games over the course of their season, but victory was never as easy as lining up behind the plate. Coach Nick Lemas said the fight for the 2009 league title began “at the last out of last year,” when the Apaches lost the championship to Crescenta Valley. That year-long struggle sent the team on an extended team-building exercise at Camp Pendleton in January, brought 21 individual victories this season, and resulted in the 22-man dog pile.

The Apaches started their season with 12 consecutive wins, sweeping the Monrovia Tournament as well as the first half of league play. The streak ended in a 4-5 loss to Beverly Hills in the Arcadia Invitational tournament. Junior Kyle Schneider pitched for the first four innings rather than their usual starting pitcher, senior Bryce Rutherford. When Beverly Hills built

their 9-5 record, could not challenge the Apaches’ claim to the league title.

League champions are entitled to a home game in the first round of CIF prelims, so AHS had home field advantage against Santa Barbara in their first playoff game. Santa Barbara could not keep up with Apache pitchers Bryce and junior A.J. Smouse and their total of ten strikeouts, but made up for their deficiencies with consistent fielding. The Apaches, however, made a very costly fielding error in the third inning that allowed Santa Barbara to slide two batters into home.

In that same inning, junior Garrett Tuck batted in senior David Huntzinger for the Apaches’ only run. The remaining four innings were scoreless, and Santa Barbara advanced to the next round of playoffs while the Apaches retired from their season with the 1-2 loss.

Despite failing to penetrate deeper into CIF territory, Coach Lemas is still proud of his team for bringing the league title back to AHS. He said, “that was our first goal, to win league, and we Photos By GREGORY ZAJAC and ELLIOTT LEE did that.” He also recognized the The Apaches did move on, winning their next disappointing nature of postseason, that “playoffs game against West Covina, though they lost to are playoffs, unless you win the whole thing your Glendora in the championship round and finished season’s going to end on a loss.” the tournament in second place. In league, AHS gzajac@theapachepowwow.com lost two games, both to Burbank, but, because of up a 3-0 lead with a home run in the first inning, senior first baseman Tim Smoley said, “that was basically the game right there.”

But the loss could not break Apache pride.

Coach Lemas said, “Baseball’s a sport where you’re not going to win every game.” His advice when things don’t go according to plan is “to put it behind you and move on.”

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CALENDAR

Class of 2009 is Blowing Away

By BEVERLY CHEN

apachepowwow.com

May/June 2009

Did You Know?

Presidential Edition:

Lyndon B. Johnson was the first president of the United States to wear contact lenses.

President Teddy Roosevelt died from an “infected tooth.”

On Apr. 14, 1910, President Howard Taft began a sports tradition by throwing out the first baseball of the season. That happened at an American League game between Washington and Philadelphia. Washington won, 3-0.

Roosevelt was the most superstitious president—he traveled frequently but never left on a Friday. He also would not sit at the same table that had thirteen other people.

George Washington was deathly afraid of being buried alive. After he died, he wanted to be laid out for three days just to make sure he was really dead.

When the Hoovers did not want to be overheard by White House guests, they spoke to each other in Chinese.

When John Wilkes Booth leaped onto the stage after shooting the President, he tripped—on the American flag.

George Washington had to borrow money so he could travel to his inauguration.

Photo Courtesy of HOWSTUFFWORKS.COM

Glutton Girl Hits the Streets: a Meal on Wheels

By GLUTTON GIRL Staff Writer

Morning, lower Westsiders, Glutton Girl here–your one and only source into the delectable taste of Arcadia’s elite.

It’s 9:00 p.m. and L is out of her mind starving. She decides to Google a place that’s convenient and near her house–she’s craving Asian, but nothing conventional, something quicker and more along the lines of fast food. Spotted! L cruising down Las Tunas seeking late night grub at Kogi’s Korean Taco Truck.

Kogi’s Taco Truck is genius; the truck travels city to city and is good to keep up with on twitter.com/kogibbq. It comes around the lower Westside every once in a while, but on that rare occasion–you can almost always count on a massive line of people waiting on their scandalous concept of Korean BBQ wrapped in a tortilla.

Kogi: an idea born from late night hunger. As I peered across the line of what must have been thirty or forty people, I decided to wait in hopes of some ridiculously mouth-watering Korean BBQ fused with the savory taste of tacos. I was not let down: this amazing fusion of foods is heaven to my taste buds–I’ve had nothing like it.

I would suggest ordering the Korean Short Ribs Taco, their signature taco. It contains trimmings of short ribs indulged with Kogi’s very own marinade with romaine lettuce and

surprised at how good the tofu alternative actually is! Aside cabbage, cilantro-green onions, and topped off with the perfect from the ridiculous wait of an hour to order, the food actucitrus-y tang of a lime wedge. It’s amazing–from the pork to ally comes out the BBQ chicken, all of their tacos are exceedingly yummy. Anquite quickly, other crowd pleaser is their burritos that are made with the same and besides– meat but mixed with different toppings of your choice–you just there’s nothing have to learn how to add the right toppings. I go with the typical like the anticichopped onions and cilantro with a bit of cabbage lettuce swimpation of fresh ming in their BBQ. signature meat Waiting dressing. in line builds For those your appetite curious about and eating the variety they on an empty present, they stomach tastes even better. The Kogi sliders are $5, actually have whereas the street tacos are only $2. You can find a few gegetarthe rest of the food to be in between the friendly ian taco choices. range of $2-$6. With the taste of Korean BBQ and For example, the portability of tacos, this is the type of convethey have an nience that we thrive off of. And who am I? That’s equally delicious one secret I’ll never tell. You know you love me! tofu taco that is Photos Courtesy of WWW.BLOG.ETUNDRA.COM AND pan-seared and WWW.BLOGS.OCWEEKLY.COM XOXO, topped with all A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH Hidden Glutton Girl the same fixings. in this inconspicuous truck lies the Trust me, you gluttongirl@theapachepowwow.com carnivores will be unorthodox, yet tantalizing delicacies.

May/June 2009

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CALENDAR

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May/June Horoscopes

By NURIA MATHOG Staff Writer Aries (Mar. 21– Apr. 19) You’ve never been afraid to defend your opinions. Others w will try y to talk you out of your summer plans, but don’t give in to their demands. mands.

Taurus (Apr. 20 – May 20) You’ree able to maintain a cool head at all times. Stay ccalm and collected during finals, an and your grade worries will be unfounded. finals, Gemini 21 – Jun. 21) emini (May ( Your active nature has made you very impatient for the summer, and you have difficulty concentrating. Relax, but remember to set aside plenty of study time.

Cancer (Jun. 22 – Jul. 22) You’ll never admit it, but you care a lot about what others think of you. An opportunity will help you leave your “shell,” but only if you’re willing to face potential criticism.

Leo (Jul. 23 – Aug. 22) A natural leader, you always take the initiative in everything. Why not use your leadership skills to help others? Start a campaign for a good d ccause this summer.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) Your pacifistic disposition identifies you as a good listener.

When tempers ner. Whe mp run high this calll you up to rant. hi month, don’t be surprised when your acquaintances tances cal Libraa (Se (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) You’re very smart, but you don’t always use your mental advantages wisely. ely.

You’ll be tempted to procrastinate on that final project, so prioritize!

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) With a fiery determination to achieve your goals, you may neglect your basic needs. Give yourself a break this summer, or you may burn out very soon.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) You have always been a dedicated friend; karma is now officially on your side.

You will be rewarded with extraordinary luck this June, so go ahead and take some risks.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) Your remarkable motivation enables you to bask and carry forth success into the future, so take the time to appreciate the important people in your life.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) You are a very passionatee individual, but your head is up in the clouds. Since finals are approaching, try while. ry to stay in touch with reality—at least for a little wh

By DAVID HERNANDEZ

Pisces (Feb. 19 Mar. 20) 9 – Ma Yourr communication communicatio skills lls enable you to befriend anyone. An upcoming assignment will pair you w with somebody you cannot stand, but an open mind will help you avoid disaster. nmathog@theapachepowwow.com

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Only When Pigs Fly...But As For Now

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CAMPUS FOCUS

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May/June 2009

P

Concluding the Year with a Blast

King rom

Prom Q ueen

By ANGELA SHEN Staff Writer One of the most highly anticipated school dances of the year, Prom 2009 took place on May 16 at the exciting venue, Universal Studios. The location was quite fitting to the theme, “The Universe is Ours,” and attendees enjoyed decorations ranging from sparkling garnishes to a red carpet. Students in glamorous dresses and tuxedos lined the entrance of downtown Universal Studios to be admitted to the event, which included a delicious buffet-style dinner complete with mountains of eye-catching desserts. The aura of the picturesque stone streets was similar to Venice with plenty of black chairs and tables clustered near long tables of food.

Farther along, prom attendees were able to enjoy free milkshakes made in chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavors. Perhaps one of the more popular attractions at prom was the mini photo booth, in which couples or individuals could take several customized pictures free of charge. Needless to say, the dance floor inside the Golden Globe Theater was the main source of entertainment for many; hundreds of students danced to the music on lustrous black and white checkered flooring, beneath a starry-skied decor.

“To me, prom was great; the food was good, especially the chicken and mashed potatoes.

Although some of the songs were hard to dance to, the atmosphere overall was great,” said senior Nick Wang. Towards the end of the night, the prom royalty was announced before Prom King and Prom Queen were revealed—this year, Sean Maroongroge and Joanne Kim snatched the crown. “It’s hard to recapture all of the thoughts that raced through my mind. I was awestruck by the sea of cheering people and the weight of the moment as I’m sure most people would be. There were just too many people I wanted to thank. But it was exciting for sure, and I’ll remember it forever,” said Sean. Junior Jessica Ma said, “The venue was really pretty, although we were unaware there were more tables and food outside—so we circled the room about three times to find a table. But prom was pretty fun and everyone looked amazing.” For many, Prom 2009 was truly a night to remember, where the universe seemed just within our reach. ashen@theapachepowwow.com

Photos Courtesy of PETER BAI and JOANNE KIM and By ANGELA SHEN