December 2019 by The Arcadia Quill

theapachepowwow.net

arcadia high school 180 Campus drive, Arcadia, ca, 91007 volume 67 • issue 4

the apache

december 2019

POW WOW

@ahspowwow quote of the month:

“Love the giver

more than the gift.”

the world is our campus

est. 1952

Netflix Amy Poehler Q&A

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! AHS hosted the Netflix crew for the upcoming film, Moxie! The Apache Pow Wow, AUSD DCI, Apache News, Yearbook, Theatre, and Women’s Lit were granted access to behind-the-scenes of the film. By ALYSSA RAVE, BRANDON CHEN, & SANDI KHINE Editors-in-Chief

Moxie, based on Jennifer Mathieu’s 2017 novel of the same name, is a new Netflix Original Film that will feature our very own AHS! Directed by Amy Poehler, The Apache Pow Wow got the scoop on the film in an exclusive media interview last Wednesday, Dec. 4. The filming trucks and closed-off spots of school hardly went unnoticed. Starting Thanksgiving break and continuing over the past week, filming at our school lasted all day every day, even through the rain. So, why was AHS chosen as a filming location? While Moxie was shot at two other high schools as well, production manager Chris Baugh stated, “In Arcadia, there’s a look that we couldn’t find closer into town.” Out of about fifty schools, AHS was singled out for multiple scenes. Besides being a locational match, “facilities open to use for staff” helped the contract form between our school and the production company. Although filming included hundreds

of extras on set for the AHS scenes—during school hours, nonetheless—Poehler was adamant that AHS was the perfect location. She stated, “It takes place in a high school, and we could not have found a better high school to shoot in. It has beautiful facilities, the biggest football field I’ve ever seen in a high school, and they’ve been nothing but warm and welcoming to us, so we’re happy to be here!” Director Poehler, whom is best known by students for her work on Parks and Rec, made her directing debut with Netflix earlier this year for Wine Country, but remains excited to be in charge of Moxie. “This movie is less of a comedy and more of a drama, and it’s about a serious subject matter that is important in schools all over this country right now, which is how to address when there is violence and assault against young women, how to address that properly, and what is it like to be a young woman coming in touch with her rage. We’re calling it a coming-of-rage story. We’re dealing with a heavier subject matter.” Moxie is a novel about a teenager starting a feminist revolution in her high school, and Poehler declared, “This book takes place in a small town and

arave@theapachepowwow.net bchen@theapachepowwow.net skhine@thepachepowwow.net Photos courtesy of AMBER NUUVALI AUSD PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

w h at ’s in s i de

NEWS Breakthrough ridesharing company Uber made headlines when it first came out, but Uber is now currently making OPINION. With President Trump’s impeachits way back into the news ment hearings, significant attention has been for an unfortunate reason. called to the whistleblowers of the White House. Within the last two years, around 6,000 sexual as- “Delivering rightful justice to those who hide saults have been reported ...is our duty as citizens. It should be the same to the company. Passen- for all wrongdoers who misuse authority to gers worry for their safety; threaten others into silence.” Photo courtesy of TELEGRAPH.CO.UK Uber denies responisbility.

Uber: thousands of sexual assault claims pg. 3

is about a young girl who realizes her small voice could make a difference. It’s really just following the story of one young woman deciding to make a small change in her life which then inspires a lot of young women to do the same.” Working with such a powerful message, Poehler said, “It’s really fun to get to work with young women and in projects such as this and to work with young people who are doing things like this. It’s also nice to be back in high school (and not have any tests or any homework)!” Of course, for such an exciting interview opportunity, there is more to share! Check out Keepin’ It Arcadia’s podcast interview with the complete edited audio, and be on the look-out for APN’s special stream tomorrow! Pow Wow is happy to bring AHS breaking news, but it will also be publishing a Student Life article on film careers, tips, and advice from this interview soon!

WHISTLEBLOWING: THE POWER OF THE TRUTH pg. 4

MEME OF THE DECADE

Photo courtesy of TWITTER.COM

pg. 12

FEATURES The ubiquity of the internet has fostered the creation of the dankest memes this decade has to offer. This unique internet culture is most easily recognizable by its memes, which include “Grumpy Cat,” “Doge,” “Distracted Boyfriend,” and a plethora of others.

By LESLIE CHEN

theapachepowwow.net

Staff Writer

According to China’s Foreign Ministry, the country will now ban U.S. warships and military aircraft from visiting Hong Kong. This new policy comes after the White House recently adopted the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, legislation that supports the pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. The act, signed Nov. 27 by President Donald Trump, will impose sanctions against Chinese officials who are found to have violated human rights against any individual in Hong Kong. The new law will also require the U.S. to assess annually if Hong Kong’s autonomy is being adequately maintained by Beijing to determine whether it will continue to hold special trading status with the U.S. Changes to its status could dramatically hurt Hong Kong’s economy. In a personal statement, President Trump said he signed the bills “out of respect for President Xi, China, and the people of Hong Kong.” He urged the two parties to reach a common ground after months of violent protests. “The bills are being enacted in the hope that Leaders and Representatives of China and Hong Kong will be able to amicably set-

By LILIAN CHONG

Staff Writer

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently approved a proposal made in February 2019 that will establish more stringent federal work requirements to determine eligibility to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), otherwise known as the food stamp program. Passed on Dec. 3, this new rule will require able-bodied adults without children to carry out certain requirements. It will eliminate nearly 700,000 individuals from the food stamp program. Under the Trump administration, the department has maintained that the economy has improved and “assistance to unemployed, able-bodied adults was no longer necessary in a strong job market.” This change is expected to cut $5.5 billion food stamp spending over the next five years. Sonny Perdue, the Agriculture Secretary, stated, “We need to encourage people by giving them a helping hand but not allowing it to become an indefinitely giving hand.” Under the USDA system, childless, ablebodied individuals aged 18 to 49 must work at

tle their differences leading to long term peace and prosperity for all,” he stated. The signing of the bill was well-received by Hong Kong activists, who had long called for Congress to endorse and support their

movement. Thousands took to the streets to celebrate, waving U.S. flags and singing “The Star-Spangled Banner”. However, after President Trump signed the act, Chinese officials and media accused the

DECEMBER 2019

U.S. of showing its “malicious and hegemonic nature” and “publicly supporting violent criminals.” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said in an official statement: “China urges the U.S. to correct its mistakes and stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs or interfering in China’s internal affairs by any word or act.” In a bold move, China announced a ban on U.S. military warships and aircraft from making stops in Hong Kong for its support of democracy in Hong Kong. In a regular press conference on Dec. 2, she explained, “In response to the unreasonable behavior of the U.S. side, the Chinese government has decided to suspend reviewing the applications for U.S. warships to go to Hong Kong for (rest and) recuperation as of today.” Hua announced Beijing would impose new sanctions on several U.S.-based human rights organizations that have been monitoring and reporting the protests in Hong Kong; she claimed that the organizations are supporting “anti-China people” and are instigating protesters to “engage in extreme crimes.” lchen@apachepowwow.net Photo courtesy of CNN.COM Graphics courtesy of 1001FONTS.COM

least 20 hours a week for more than 3 months over a 36-month period to qualify for food stamps. However, according to the New York Times, many states have waived the labor requirements in “areas that have insufficient jobs or a 24-month average unemployment rate that is at least 20% above the national average.” The new rule will restrict states from granting waivers to only areas “that have a 6% unemployment rate or higher,” as stated by NBC News. To put it into perspective, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the national unemployment rate as of October 2019 was 3.6%. Anti-poverty groups have expressed opposition to the new rule on the grounds that unemployment rates are misleading. Stacy Dean, the Vice President for Food Assistance Policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, explained, “The overall unem-

ployment rate is really a measure of the whole labor market and not people without a high school diploma who are incredibly poor and may lack transportation.” She adds, “We’re talking about a different group who just face a very different labor market.” This rule is the first of three that will cause millions to lose their benefits. The New York Times reports “more than 140,000 public comments were submitted” after the rule was finalized, most “overwhelmingly negative.” Senate Minority Leader, Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, expressed, “The Trump administration is driving the vulnerable into hunger… It is heartless. It is cruel. It exposes a deep and shameful cruelness and hypocrisy in this administration.” One of the three proposals in particular received 75,000 mostly negative comments.

The proposal will eliminate a loophole that allowed individuals “with incomes up to 200% of the poverty level—about $50,000 for a family of four—to receive food stamps,” according to the New York Times. However, it will also prevent households with over $2,250 in assets, or $3,500 for households with a disabled adult, from qualifying to receive food stamps. The department estimates these “changes [will] strip nearly 3 million people of their benefits… and nearly 1 million children [will] lose automatic eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals.” The final proposal will cut $4.5 billion from the program over five years “by adjusting eligibility formulas.” As hundreds of thousands are expected to adjust to the SNAP program’s new requirements, many will lose their benefits. Disabling food stamps to the million children and struggling families, the proposals have received thousands of protest letters and negative feedback. lchong@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of CR80NEWS.COM and 1001FONTS.COM

DECEMBER 2019

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KAMALA HARRIS ENDS 2020 PRESIDENTIAL BID By BONNIE CHEN

Staff Writer

On Dec. 3, California Senator Kamala Harris announced that she would be dropping out from the presidential race, because poll numbers did not meet expectations and there were difficulties obtaining money to continue campaigning. In an email forwarded to supporters of her presidential campaign, Senator Harris wrote, “In good faith, I can’t tell you, my supporters and volunteers, that I have a path forward if I don’t believe I do... So, to you my supporters, it is with deep regret—but also with deep gratitude—that I am suspending my campaign today.” Her presidential campaign brought a focus to serious sociopolitical issues, covering topics such as homelessness, immigration, and the criminal justice system, as reported by USA Today. She had successfully raised over $12 million in her first three months of the presidential race, according to Fox News. However, as time progressed, she was unable to raise more funds to continue her competition against more popular candidates, including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. As of September, Senator Harris had raised $37 million in total; according to USA Today, this was “less than half the amount” Senator Sanders had raised. Many voters had initially expected Senator Harris to win when they saw her poll numbers skyrocket after her first debate against Joe Biden on desegregation busing in June. However, her time in the “top-tiers” seemed to be short-lived. According to Fox News, her July debate against the Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard was viewed by Harris’ advisers as a speed boost to her gradually-slumping poll numbers. This setback “won’t endanger her future political aspirations,” assured Bob Shrum, a former political consultant, to USA Today. In the same email announcing the end to her presidential bid, Senator Harris expressed, “Our campaign uniquely spoke to the experiences of black women and people of color—and their importance to the success and future of this party. Our campaign demanded no one should be taken for granted by any political party. We will keep up that fight because no one should be made to fight alone.” bchen@apachepowwow.net Photo courtesy of LITCHFIELDJAZZFEST.COM

Uber Receives Thousands of Sexual Assault Claims

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By SHIRLEY HUANG Staff Writer

Over the course of two years, the ridesharing company, Uber, has received nearly 6,000 allegations of sexual assault from both passengers and drivers, ranging from non-consensual touching and kissing to rape. Tony West, Uber’s chief legal officer, stated that Uber takes no responsibility for these incidents. “At the scale that Uber operates, we’re going to see both the good and the bad that happens in society because we’re operating so many trips every single day. One of the unfortunate but sad truths is that sexual assault, sexual violence is far more prevalent in American society than a lot of people recognize. That exists in companies, it exists in classrooms, it exists on university campuses and homes. Uber’s not immune to that,” West said. On Dec. 5, Uber released a report addressing a variety of safety incidents that occurred between 2017 and 2018. Sexual assault was one of the most severe cases. There were 1,440 reports of sexual violence in 2017 and 1,560 reports in 2018. The company’s statistics, however, do not capture the complete picture. Uber defines sexual assault in only five categories: non-consensual kissing, touching of a sexual body part, kissing of a sexual body part, attempted sexual penetration, and sexual penetration. The report did not include complaints of other forms of sexual misconduct, such as masturbation or verbal threats of assault. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center and other advocacy groups have been working with Uber to prevent future incidents. For instance, Uber has introduced a “panic button” in its app, which allows passengers and drivers to contact emergency services. Sensors must also be installed onto drivers’ smartphones to perform continuous background checks. West professed his faith in Uber, stating, “I feel comfortable that Uber is a very safe mode of transportation. And I think the data in this report actually indicates that as well.” From 2017 to 2018, the rate of sexual assault incidents had decreased in every category while the average rate of reports per ride fell by 16% across all categories. However, Uber warns that these rates could go up as more and more people are encouraged to report sexual assault. In the 2.3 billion rides that occured in the U.S. during those 2 years, only 0.1% of passengers have filed a complaint concerning their safety. As of now, this percentage remains prevalent in all businesses due to notoriously low reporting rates for sexual assault. Uber assures that those who have faced sexual violence and misconduct while using its services will have their claims thoroughly investigated by police and criminally prosecuted. shuang@apachepowwow.net Graphic courtesy of NBCNEWS.COM

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Bonnie Chen, Emily Chen, Leslie Chen, Lilian Chong, Enzo Goebel, Kylie Ha, Shirley Huang, Robinson Lee, Kaitlin Lee, Branden Leong, Kayli Mak, Janell Wang, Anabell Xu, Tiffany Zhu Emily Banuelos, Brandon Chan, Becky Chen, Bonnie Chen, Kate De Prima, Vritti Godani, Enzo Goebel, Robinson Lee, Kaitlin Lee, Branden Leong, Kayli Mak, Linda Qiu, Kaytalie Shang, Phoebe Wang, Braden Wong, Anabell Xu Emily Chen, Leslie Chen, Nicholas Chhay, Olivia Ge, Vritti Godani, Kylie Ha, Shirley Huang, Robinson Lee, Kaytalie Shang, Caitlin Wang, Leilani Wetterau, Braden Wong, Annalise Xiao, Ashley Zhao Emily Banuelos, Becky Chen, Ethan Chen, Lilian Chong, Kirsten Fuu, Abhiyan Kota, Pamina Yun Ethan Chen, Leslie Chen, Alan Lee, Caitlin Wang, Ashley Zhao Brandon Chan, Victoria Cheng, Lilian Chong, Enzo Goebel, Kylie Ha, Zoe Lin, Melody Lui, Linda Qiu Nicholas Chhay, Emily Chen, Victoria Cheng, Kate De Prima, Kirsten Fuu, Shirley Huang, Zoe Lin, Janell Wang, Phoebe Wang, Annalise Xiao, Ashley Zhao, Tiffany Zhu Brandon Chan, Becky Chen, Ethan Chen, Hong Yu (Bonnie) Chen, Leslie Chen, Kirsten Fuu, Kaitlin Lee, Branden Leong, Zoe Lin, Kayli Mak, Linda Qiu, Kaytalie Shang, Janell Wang, Pamina Yung, Tiffany Zhu Emily Banuelos, Victoria Cheng, Nicholas Chhay, Lilian Chong, Alan Lee, Melody Lui, Caitlin Wang, Leilani Wetterau, Pamina Yung Melody Lui, Braden Wong Peixi (Olivia) Ge, Vritti Godani, Alan Lee, Kate de Prima, Leilani Wetterau, Annalise Xiao Mrs. Lesley 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 do not reflect the opinion of The Apache Pow Wow editorial board. A student’s work does not represent the views of Arcadia High School or the Arcadia Unified School District. Address letters to the editor to: The Apache Pow Wow, 180 W. Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007. To place an advertisement in the newspaper, email ads.powwow@gmail.com. Advertisement rates vary from $25 for a side strip advertisement to $100 for a full-page advertisement, with square and popup advertisement options available.

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By PHOEBE WANG

DECEMBER 2019

Staff Writer

Whistleblowing refers to the revealing of illegal actions done by an individual or organization. Many of these lawless acts are simply swept under the rug, as the perpetrator is usually of high rank, and unmasking them is not without consequence. A whistleblower refers to the courageous individual who risks their status, job and sometimes even life to expose such criminality. Within the last few weeks, I’ve seen several examples of whistleblowing. Some of which include Trump’s issue with Ukraine; a revealing of corrupt officials in the Korean drama, Pinocchio; and many cases in multiple novels and TV shows. Whistleblowing seems to be a grown-up issue, with a serious focus on political and moral views. However, in reality, it can be easily applicable in our own lives. Bullying is a major issue that is relatively common in students our age. Through this, we can observe an obvious correlation between corruption in adults and kids. Many of those who have power misuse it for personal profit and rarely face punishment, as no one dares to disclose their crime. Bystanders and the victim themselves are usually intimidated and not willing to reveal their mistreatment in fear of further retribution. Speaking out might be difficult, especially against authority or those who may retaliate. However, it is important to uphold such values. By standing against such behavior, you essentially save the victim, build up important morals and show the bully your disapproval. It potentially helps you grow as a person. Whistleblowing has sparked many controversial thoughts. Trump claimed that whistleblowers acted “close to a spy.” Whereas, others may argue that they are simply taking on the responsibility of bringing wrongdoing to light. As Americans, we are constantly encouraged to speak up for our own beliefs. Delivering rightful justice to those who hide behind their positions is our duty as citizens. It should be the same for all wrongdoers who misuse authority to threaten others into silence. Whether it be adults or teenagers, we all have a voice. Use it. Speak up for what you believe in and don’t hesitate to criticize those in the wrong. Don’t be afraid to do what is right, even in the face of adversity. pwang@apachepowwow.net Photos courtesy of BBC.COM

By KAITLIN LEE

Staff Writer

In an age where communication is as easily accessible as the swipe of a finger and trends fall as quickly as they rise, the customs of the past can no longer be considered appropriate nor practical in the modern-day world. This is particularly true when it comes to politics. Whether it be a message aimed at spreading awareness over an issue or an ad belittling another candidate, social media has allowed politics to keep up with technology. As a result, the methods used by political campaigns have been fundamentally changed, having the power to gain hundreds of followers in an instant and lose even more in the next. Despite this achievement, it can be argued that social media has given politics too much freedom by tolerating campaign ads that speak false information and mislead voters. In fact, politically biased sources are allowed to “stir the pot” so much so that it has become questionable if safeguarding voters from “foreign hackers” and outside influences is even the real threat. Over the course of the 2016 election, the candidate’s costs exceeded $63 million in marketing on social media, according to The New Yorker. This goes to show how crucial social media has become in regards to a successful political career. It also presents an alarming change where politicians rely on social media over other methods of contact. So much content is being produced on social media that social media platforms currently lack a comprehensive way to filter through ads and determine its legitimacy. It is no surprise these platforms prefer to be seen as neutral bystanders. Unfortunately, this is not the case, as these companies are not only racking in profit from the ads they show but have algorithms to moderate content which are inherently biased. Besides, there is no room for false claims to be debated because these algorithms only show them to the users who are most susceptible to believing the information.

POLITICS & SOCIAL MEDIA By allowing deceitful content to be produced as “neutral platforms” they only encourage politicians to push the limits of their campaigns. A key example of this was shown when the Trump campaign falsely accused former vice-president Joe Biden of “bribing” Ukrainian officials to drop a case on his son. After unfairly hurting Biden’s campaign, and without hard evidence to substantiate the claims, Facebook would not take down the ad. In a hearing before the House of Representatives, CEO Mark Zuckerberg told Congressional representatives that Facebook generally does not fact check ads on their website. If platforms like Facebook are willing to give this much freedom by allowing campaigns to buy any ad, what is stopping others from turning politics into a battle of quips and lies? To illustrate such flaws, the Warren campaign paid for an ad that claimed the CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, endorsed Trump for President. On the flip side, social media does have its merits. It allows for increased connectivity among like-minded people, something especially helpful when building grassroots support for a political campaign. Social media has the potential to influence millions in a short period of time for a political campaign, rather than at less reliant numbers over long periods of time with “outdated” methods such as going door to door. The fact that social media includes millennials and Gen Zers is another object of interest in the elections. To show just how important a role social media has on the election, one can look towards the Pew Research Center which informs us that the next generation will make up 37% of eligible voters in 2020. This is significant, extremely significant, albeit one fact, “only 46% of 18- to 29-year-olds voted in 2016, compared to nearly 71% of voters 65 and older” according to Forbes. Social media would have the power to “mobilize” these young voters for the future no matter what the party. Although social media certainly has its strengths, “making specious claims about a political opponent has a long and storied history in this country,” reports The New Yorker. Social media has made it worse, going to show how we aren’t yet mature enough for the technology of our time. klee@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of TTMIND.COM

DECEMBER 2019

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Feeling SELFConscious By BRANDEN LEONG

Staff Writer

Ponder this: how many languages can you speak? I mean, in how many different languages can you hold a conversation with someone? Though the average number of languages a person speaks is quite low at 1.5, learning languages has many benefits for both the speaker and the listener. Knowing a variety of languages is a key factor in helping different cultures connect. There is often a language barrier between people from different nations, preventing people from forming meaningful relationships because of the inability to communicate. For example, a person who speaks Chinese in Northern China may not be able to converse with an immigrant from Siberia who only speaks Russian. But, if they both could understand and speak each other’s native language, then the two may become best friends, even if they’re from different countries. For this reason, the European Union is extremely unified, because of the relatively high number of languages a person speaks. Since a person may know German, French, English, Italian, and Spanish, that person will be able to travel to other countries and fit in well with other cultures. Practically everyone wants to visit a foreign country as part of their bucket list, and learning languages can help make the trip more enjoyable. You can travel freely without having to worry about not understanding other people or other people not understanding you. Constantly having to look up words in order to find a good restaurant dramatically reduces the quality of your stay. You can read signs, menus, posters, and maps without hesitation, relieving you of worrying about not

By LINDA QIU

Staff Writer

The shame and horror of embarrassing moments fade after they have passed, but when you’re in the middle of one, it can feel like the whole world is looking down on you. Embarrassment is a ‘self-conscious’ emotion, which is an emotion classified as something experienced in relation to others when we behave in a way against social standards or norms. Embarrassment becomes part of our lives earlier than you think. According to Christine R. Harris, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at the University of California, San Diego, kids begin showing signs of self-consciousness at age three. Fortunately, most people develop thicker skins and a stronger sense of personal identity after their teenage years. Though embarrassment is nearly always classified as a negative emotion, closely related to both guilt and shame, it has some positive outcomes. People who experience embarrassment are more likely to be trusted and forgiven than those who don’t. When others see that you have experienced embarrassment, they note that you care about making mistakes and worry about the impact you cause on others. In comparison, people who don’t express embarrassment outwardly may come off as shameless and thus less trustworthy. Furthermore, the anticipation of being embarrassed helps you better prepare for challenging situations you may face in the future. Potential embarrassment is a huge motivating factor to work harder and plan ahead. For example, if you have an important group presentation coming soon, you’ll want to review the content and your performance not only to maintain your grade, but also not to disappoint or shame your group members. And if you’ve already messed up on group presentations before, you feel even more motivated to work harder because you don’t want to experience it again. Embarrassment shines a light on things we value, like meeting expectations or not letting people we care about down. It may make you uncomfortable, but there are ways you can deal with it. When in an awkward situation, you can address it rather than avoiding it. Call yourself out. When you make fun of your own situation, you look confident and courageous. Also, practice selfkindness. If you find yourself being embarrassed often, take notes on these moments and remember to stay calm when they occur. Understand that embarrassment is a perfectly normal emotion to experience. Recognize that as a human, you are inherently imperfect, just like all other humans. Let go of past embarrassment with the knowledge that you did your best. lqiu@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM

being able to read and speak the language of the country you’re visiting. Increased language options to communicate with customers mean more business. Therefore, employers look more favorably towards applicants who speak more languages, giving an edge over competitors. Not just in jobs, but in everyday life, the more languages you know, the more you can communicate with others who have another language besides English as their first language. They will feel more comfortable talking to you, as you share a commonality that’s hard to find with others. For me, I’m learning Spanish, German, Russian, and Chinese right now. I find learning all of these different languages fun and exciting, because I’m learning new ways to say things and also learning about different cultures. Plus, I can speak to people that I know who also speak these languages, making conversations with them more exciting. Even though this might sound nerdy, but knowing different languages is actually impressive to those who hear it. If you are able to switch between four or five different languages all in one breath, people around will be shocked to see how fluent you actually are, given that not many people in America know foreign languages. Learning a variety of languages has tremendous benefits. The more languages one masters, the more influential and relatable one becomes. Learning languages connects cultures together, as we strive for a more unified and connected world together.

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DECEMBER 2019

All About Reindeer By EMILY CHEN

Staff Writer

Reindeer are best known as the majestic creatures that pull Santa Claus’ sleigh across the night sky on Christmas Eve. While reindeer don’t really fly, with the exception of the nine living at the North Pole, of course, they have plenty of other fascinating quirks you may not know about. Reindeer look very different from how they are typically depicted in the media. They are not the slender, dainty, whitetail deer-like animals you may have seen on advertisements and in movies. Real reindeer look very similar to moose. They have tan fur with dark patches on their face, back, stomach, and legs. Their antlers are very thick and sturdy. Unlike other members of the deer family, both male and female reindeer have antlers. According to the San Diego Zoo, “A male’s antlers can measure up to 51 inches long, and a female’s antlers can reach 20 inches.” The antlers are shed and regrown every year. Reindeer hooves have four toes each, and are adapted to help them walk in snow. If this description made you think of a caribou, you’re on the right track! Caribou and reindeer are in fact the same animal. As stated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, “The world’s Caribou and Reindeer are classified as a single species Rangifer tarandus. Reindeer is the European name for the species while in North America, the species is known as Caribou.” The word “caribou” was derived from the Miꞌkmaq word “qalipu”. “Reindeer” was formed from the Norse words “hreinn” and “dyr”. In many cultures around the world, it is a tradition to leave carrots out for Santa’s reindeer alongside milk and cookies for Santa himself. While reindeer will much on carrots if they are fed to them, they would probably prefer something from their natural diet. Wild reindeer graze on lichen, moss, grasses, and other vegetation they can find in their tundra habitat. One of the most strange behaviors practiced by herds of reindeer is the “reindeer cyclone”. When being attacked by a predator or a hunter, a herd of reindeer will sometimes run in a counter-clockwise direction. The result is a swirling, cyclone-like stampede of reindeer! The fast moving swarm confuses the attacker and makes it difficult for them to target an individual. Reindeer are considered semi-domesticated animals because people began to domesticate them relatively recently. Many people depended on the reindeer for milk, meat, fur, and transportation. They are still herded and hunted today. Despite the amount of information we have about them, scientists are still baffled by the nine reindeer who reside at the North Pole. They possess the ability to fly, which physicists haven’t been able to explain due to their lack of wings. Rudolph’s famous glowing red nose is also a m y s t e r y. Some say it’s bioluminescence. Others believe he has a stuffy nose. However, the general consensus is that it’s just a case of good old holiday magic.

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By LESLIE CHEN Christmas isn’t the only holiday in December! Hanukkah, also known as the fFestival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday is celebrated Dec. 22 to Jan. 30. For eight days, families say prayers and light candles on a menorah, an eight-branched candelabrum. Each community has its own unique traditions, but there are several traditions. The Hanukkah story is based on historical events that took place in 165 BCE Jerusalem. After the Second Temple in Jerusalem was deprecated by foreign troops, Jewish priests lit the holy lamp (the menorah), but only had enough oil to light it for one night. Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days. According to Jewish law, Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days. It’s unlikely that families will hold a celebration every night, but they are almost certain to light Hanukkah candles and say blessings each night. There are complex rules on the placement of the menorah, the quality of the candles, and the treatment of the candle’s wicks after use. Each family has their own menorah. The central candle is first lit, and that candle is used to light the others each night until they’re all lit on the eighth day. Special blessings are said in Hebrew as they are lit; the candles are allowed to burn each night and are replaced the following day. Food is also an important part of Hanuk-

Staff Writer

kah. Because the holiday celebrates the miracle of the oil, it’s traditional to eat fried foods. One popular dish is latkes, pancakes made of onion and potatoes. Other traditional foods include sufganiyot, jelly-filled donuts; kugel, a sweet casserole; challah, braided egg bread; and tzimmes, a vegetable stew. While gift-giving is not part of the ancient Hanukkah tradition, many people have integrated this because the holiday occurs during the Christmas season. Some families give gifts every night, while others give them at the end of the eight-day celebration. A common gift to give to children is gelt, a coin-shaped piece of chocolate, which is used to play a Jewish game named dreidel. The dreidel game is played by spinning a dreidel, a four-sided top with Hebrew letters written on each side. Together, the letters translate to read: “A great miracle happened there in Israel.” To play the game, players place bets using their gelt coins. Depending on where the dreidel lands, players can either lose or gain gelt. These traditions are only a small part of an important holiday for many.

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DECEMBER 2019

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By NICHOLAS CHHAY

Staff Writer

Christmas is one of the most popular holidays all around the world, and every country celebrates it differently based on their culture. For example, in America we decorate our houses, leave milk and cookies for Santa, put up a Christmas Tree. While in Japan, Christmas Eve is more celebrated than Christmas Day; Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan. Kids don’t attend school on Christmas Day, whereas most business will just count it as a normal work day. Here are some other examples of Christmas in other countries. First of all, Christmas in Thailand isn’t a national holiday, and according to freshman Alina Itthichaichan, most Thai families “don’t celebrate Christmas” on Dec. 25 with trees, and gift giving. She also said that the appeal of Christmas was “too much for the malls.” They get in the holiday spirit and decorate the mall, and they also have discounts. Second of all, Christmas in Indonesia is that Indonesian Christians love to celebrate Christmas. Freshmen Daphne Satzo stated that in Indonesia, Indonesian Christians “usually go to church on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.” In most churches, people create nativity scenes, and use them for Nativity drama performance.Incase you don’t know nativity scenes is a play typically played by children. This play depicts the birth of Jesus Christ. Daphne also said that “most Christmas trees are artificial and made of plastic.” In early December, huge Christmas trees are decorated and placed in most shopping malls. Finally, Christmas in China is only celebrated in major cities, because only 1% of the people in China are Christians. Freshmen Isabella Dong stated that in these big cities there are “Christmas trees, lights, and decorations on the streets” and in the department stores. Santa Clause in China is called “Shen Dan Lao Ren,” which mean Old Christman Man. As Isabella also stated that “sometimes the mail men might dress up as Santa” when he deliver letters before Christmas. Most Christmas trees in China are usually fake, and are decorated with paper lanterns, chains, and flowers. This is sometimes the “Tree of Light.” The only trees most people in China see are in the mall. As you can tell Christmas varies from country to country, and because of this each time you go to a different country you have a new experience.

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By SHIRLEY HUANG

CHRISTMAS Decorations Staff Writer

Are you planning to go all out with Christmas decor but are a little on the broke side? From wreaths made of bows to cookie-cutter ornaments, here are a few inexpensive ways to create fun and festive Christmas decorations! Gift Bow Wreath: Overestimate the amount of bows you would need for presents this year? Turn store-bought bows into joyous wreaths you can use to decorate your walls or front door. Begin by attaching a loop of floral wire, meant for hanging, to a styrofoam wreath form. Then, hot glue gift bows all around the styrofoam, leaving only the backside empty. Try choosing festive colored bows that compliment each other, such a classic red-and-white combo, to better represent this wonderful time of year. Plastic Spoons Christmas Tree: If you have a bunch of plastic spoons lying around your house, you can recycle them by creating a mini Christmas tree! Cut off the long ends and save the circular tips. Spray paint all the cut spoons either white, silver, or gold. Once dry, apply hot glue to the backs of the spoons and attach them onto a cone-shaped paper mache. Start from the bottom of the mache and be sure to vary the space on each layer. Leave enough space for a spoon to be placed above and in between two lower spoons. Keep working your way up until you reach the top. Cookie Cutter Ornaments: Why buy ornaments when you can just make your own? Gather a few Christmas-themed cookie cutters and trace their outlines onto patterned paper. Cut out the shape of the cookie cutters. Apply glue onto the edges of the cookie cutters and securely glue on the corresponding patterned paper. Allow the glue to dry before attaching a loop of yarn on the back. Now you’ve got yourself a festive assortment of ornaments! Paper Leaf Garland: No one wants to deal with the pine needles that fall off real garlands. Instead, try opting for paper garlands! Start off by cutting out leaf shapes from patterned paper, folding each piece in half. Feel free to alternate colors and sizes for the paper leaves. Then, cut about 10 inches of floral wire--the wire will be used to connect all the leaves together. Fold the wire in half and twist. Attach the ends of each leaf onto the wire by using hot glue. With the leaves attached, twist the wires once more to make the garland seem more abundant in leaves due to the overlap. As a finishing touch, attach pom pom berries throughout the garland. This year, be sure to full your home will festive decor that is sure to bring out the holiday spirit in everyone!

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by ROBINSON LEE

DECEMBER 2019

Staff Writer

Without a doubt, this decade has been the dankest in history. The internet which has once has been a nifty tool for nerds and for people with time has become so integrated; along with the unique culture it has to offer. As for the meme, it has succeeded in becoming the pinnacle of human thoughts, ideas and imagination conveying humor, information, and pure madness in conjunction with the ease. Thus to celebrate this tumor of human magnificence let’s take a look back at some notable memes through the past ten years in the most fashionable of manners, a WatchMojo Pow Wow Top Ten list. Unfortunately, many favorites may not make this list because it is physically, mentally, and emotionally beyond my capacity of being to be able to even scratch the surface of every single hip and cool memes from the decade and compile them. I am only human after all. Apologies and fedora tips in advance.

10.uwu/owo

The uwu deserves a spot on this list despite its current contemporary popularity for being popular in 2010. According to Google Trends, searches for uwu spike in June 2010 and October 2019. The emoticon face has been used to symbolize cuteness and has gained popularity most via social media. A significant comedic variation of this meme is “owo uwu owo” which when translated from Igbo in Google Translate, “human trafficking” appears in English. To the dismay of memers, Google has removed this translation and now it refers to it as “cash flow” instead.

9. MLG

Major League Gaming (MLG) is a esports organization which has gained fame for hosting many different gaming tournaments most of first person shooting games. But this aspect of internet culture expanded with the introduction of MLG montages which would have gameplay footage accompanied with 8-bit sunglasses, meme faces, weed, “420 blaze it”, Doritos and Mountain Dew for (gamer fuel), dramatic edits, airhorns, obnoxious dubstep and many other popular memes of the time. Sometimes the montages would feature the Illuminati, Shrek or Sanic (a bastardization of Sonic the Hedgehog) as recurring characters. Though MLG is not exclusive to the 2010s, it was a major impact in the first five years of the decade and is still recognized today.

unjust and cruel. But knowing the internet they distilled it to memes and jokes the most notable one being “RIP Harambe” as well as different tributes such as a person changing a street name to Harambe. RIP Harambe.

Google Trends has reported its spike in 2016 but it is still used despite its decline since then.

1. Grumpy Cat

6. Damn Daniel

Damn Daniel refers to the phrase “Damn Daniel Back At It With the White Vans” where a highschooler posted a video saying that remark to a friend and showing off his Vans shoes. The initial meme was spread through social media notably Vine and Twitter and has been seen millions of times. The meme itself seems to have eroded in popularity though it still has made a mark on meme history.

5. Distracted Boyfriend

Distracted Boyfriend refers to an image of a man next to a girl and him looking to another girl who is walking away. The meme has been used to characterize attraction to the dismay or the opposition of another idea, person, or general thing. There are many different examples ranging from economic ideologies, video game characters, to memes themselves. Though the meme is no longer in its prime time it still deserves a spot for being extremely recognizable to this day.

3. Roll Safe

Roll Safe is the image of actor Kayode Ewumi grinning and pointing to his forehead. The image has been coupled with sentences such as “can’t get fired if you don’t have a job” usually to display ironic insight or idiotic genius. There have been many variations of the picture from video game characters doing the pose or adding many different types of text related to faulty critical thinking.

8. Thicc

Thicc is an intentional misspelling of “thick” and is used to describe something fat or big. It has notably been referred to different parts of people appearances but specifically referring to such details will probably end my Pow Wow career. This phenomenon is less of a meme but is still referred to as such as is notable for being used by a vast majority of people on the internet from celebrities to everyday social media users.

7. Harambe

Harambe was a gorilla whose claim to fame was being shot and killed at the Cincinnati Zoo after being seen dragging a child who found his way inside the enclosed space. Harambe has become a martyr for many as his death has been seen as

2. Doge

Doge has become one of the most popular symbols of memes ever. The image if you haven’t seen it (you have no soul) shows a Shiba Inu making face that can only be described as “derpy” but the meme itself has words similar to that of an inner monologue

4. Confused Nick Young

An image of NBA basketball player Nick Young making a confused face surrounded with three question marks has no doubt come one of the most famous memes in existence mainly for its applicability. As the meme represents confusion it has been used to describe awkward “relatable” situations, exaggerated stories, or just random quotes.

in colored Comic Sans text in broken English or text. The term doge has also been generally used for the inner monologue of dogs outside of the trademark image. Grumpy Cat is a phenomenon beholden to many on the internet and she has symbolized this decade. That signature “annoyed face” has captivated many with its lack of cheer. The cat officially named Tarter Sauce by her owner lived for about seven years between 2012 and 2019 to the dismay of many internet dwellers. Many Grumpy Cat memes include insulting or rude captions such as “Happy New Years; One Year Closer to Death”. This meme is quite peculiar due to its ability to be wholesome to many but also be severely insulting in many cases. Nevertheless RIP Tarter Sauce.

These last ten years have been a journey for many. While we look back at the collective mistakes of our human conscious, I personally look forward to the memes the next couple years have to offer. At this point it could be anything. The power of the internet is limitless; though that not necessarily may be a good thing. Nevertheless a decade of memes, vines, and internet culture will get written in the books and build the foundation for the next iteration of internet culture to take its place.

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DECEMBER 2019

KIRSTEN FUU Staff Writer

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It can greatly affect how we think, feel, and act and also determines how we handle stress, something many students struggle with. If someone’s mental state is unhealthy, they might act without thinking and also be easily overwhelmed by daily life. In contrast, if someone’s mental state is healthy, they can understand their individual abilities to cope with the normal stresses of life. The mental state of someone’s mind impacts someone’s well-being all throughout life. From December 2 to December 6, AHS students held different events each day in order to spread awareness of mental health, dubbing it as “Wellness Week.” Each day after school, an event was held, and anyone could join in on various activities meant to help students relax and destress after a hard day of school. The events hosted the past week were these: Mindful Monday At the North Gym, students were invited to participate in doing yoga with the Orchesis team. There, different exercises were prepared for the opening event and featured the talented members of the Orchesis team. Yoga poses are proven to bring a positive change in someone’s mood and attitude, as well as increase energy levels and the ability to focus. For some students, yoga may be the perfect after-school activity after learning and working for a long time. In addition, they may emerge with a positive mood and a new mindset ready to work on homework. Thoughtful Tuesday On Tuesday, different culture clubs assembled together to hold an arts and crafts event and a positivity tree activity for anyone interested. The positivity tree activity involved students writing down their own thoughts on small pieces of paper before attaching them all together for everyone to read. “Writing down my feelings and thoughts helped a lot,” Sophomore Arina Miyadi states. “At first, I didn’t plan on going but the event that took place on Tuesday made me much more interested.” Wholesome Wednesday Wednesday was the perfect day for both music and dog lovers. Students were able to interact with therapy dogs and enjoy the music performances that were held at the rally court. These two activities are known as helpful ways to relieve stress. “I absolutely love dogs,” Sophomore Krystal Dang says. “Being able to pet the dogs was probably the highlight of the week. They just make me so happy!” Talkative Thursday On Thursday, a time management panel was held at the lecture hall. Students interested in learning how to manage their time effectively as well as small tips on how to improve were invited to go and listen to the panel where many guest speakers were invited. One of the common reasons why students stress out is because they are not able to efficiently get things done. The panel offered students detailed ways to improve, which many found beneficial. As students advance through the years, the pressure to manage time well is more and more emphasized. Knowing a few ways to improve could help. Fearless Friday The last event that was held was a CPR and first aid training one. Located at the south gym, a group of professionals taught students the importance of CPR and first aid as well as offering test runs for them to practice on dummies. “I think that Fearless Friday taught a really valuable lesson,” Sophomore Ashley Choi conveys. “If there were to be a dangerous situation, there’s a chance you could help, and I think it would be very heroic.” Overall, there were positive comments about the events this week. Good mental health will always be an essential part of everyone’s life, and this week worked hard to promote it. kfuu@apachepowwow.net Graphic courtesy of TUMBLR.COM By BECKY CHEN

Staff Writer

The annual Ed Schreiner Memorial Toy and Jacket Drive hosted by the Student Council Apache Commission (SCAC) was wrapped up on Dec. 9 after the truck was loaded with the toys and jackets donated by students and staff across AHS. Along with SCAC, volunteers from Senior Men and Women (SMW) and National Honor Society (NHS) also helped out in collecting the toys and jackets from each classroom and in the overall process of the drive. Senior Shinjini Das, member of SCAC, expressed, “We had a lot of stuff this year! We were [at school] for more than an hour [to load everything on the truck], which is a long time considering how many of us were helping out.” Senior Filbert Aung, another member of SCAC, described how the drive is a “district-wide endeavor” that “involves the help of the entire district to send whatever clothing and household goods that may be use of the White Mountain Apaches.” It works like this: people have a week to drop off all donations at school sites and district sites. When collected, the donations are then organized. Filbert detailed how “wheeled vehicles are separated to be repaired before also being put in the [loading] truck. A Penske truck is loaded up and our driver, Mr. Talon, and a school administrator, this year Mr. Finn, take the drive to Whiteriver, Arizona, where monetary and material donations can be distributed to the community.” The drives hosted by SCAC serve as a way for us Apaches of AHS to maintain contact with the White Mountain Apache community. By “acknowledging their struggles and becoming their ally,” Filbert believes that “SCAC helps foster a sense of mutual respect.” Because the White Mountain Apaches live in the mountains where the climate is extreme in the winter, it’s necessary for us to give them a helping hand. Because we students are, as Shinjini expressed, “using their name as Apaches,” it’s essential that we respect and dignify them as a people. “SCAC promotes the message that it is all Arcadians’ responsibility to stand in solidarity with our parallel White Mountain Apache community,” Filbert concluded. By helping out our fellow Apaches, we grow closer to fully understanding their struggles as well as their rich culture. Fortunately, the Ed Schreiner Memorial Toy and Jacket Drive is not the only drive that SCAC hosts annually. Upcoming is their Spring Money Drive, where people can donate money to the White Mountain Apaches. If you wish to help out during that time, find posters around campus with information or ask a friendly SCAC member at school bcehn@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of 1001FONTS.COM

DECEMBER 2019

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SCAC drive, holliday performances, and bonding events. Graphics courtesy of 1001FONTS.COM Photos by GAVIN DO

THE END OF We started the decade off strong with the release of the first iPad from Apple in 2010. This new release helped strengthen Apple’s monopoly around the world. The beginning of the decade also helped the environmental movement grow when the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Meixco started in 2010.

Ebola outbreaks in Africa became unbearable as that year’s Ebola outbreak began in an overpopulated zone of West Africa with several independent cases in Europe and the United States. 55% of Scotland’s people voted to stay part of the United Kingdom while 45% voted to

leave.

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DECEMBER 2019

Because of new technologies and medicine, worldwide malaria death rates fell 20% in 2011 from 2001, with over 30 countries working to completely eliminate the disease by 2020. SEAL Team Six was able to locate and kill Osama Bin Laden after several years of plan-

ning and training.

By MELODY LUI

2019 is about to end, signifying the completion of one deca wonders, including Twitter memes, new slang, multiple social how far we have come, here is a little recap of the major events

While Hillary Clinton won the popular vote, Donald Trump won the electoral college and therefore the entire US Presidential election. Clinton was the first female presidential candidate in U.S. history. With a vote of 52% to 48%, the people of Great Britain voted for Brexit and leaving the European Union.

On Trump’s first day in office in 2017, people gathered at the US Capitol for the Women’s March. Hurricanes Harvey and Irma devastated the southern parts of the US and countries in Central America and the Caribbean. The #MeToo movement became an opportunity for people to come forward with their own sexual abuse allegations.

DECEMBER 2019

THE DECADE

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After Trayvon Martin’s murderer faced no penalty for his crimes in 2012, the #BlackLivesMatter movement trended worldwide. President Barack Obama and his administration began taking applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients in 2012.

Staff Writer

The Roman Catholic Church’s Pope has always been of European descent, but that changed when Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected and became the first non-European pope in about 1,200 years. The death of Fast and Furious star Paul Walker caused an emotional outpouring.

The LGBTQ+ community in the United States celebrated a large achievement when the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in all states. China officially announced that their onechild policy would no longer be in effect as birth rates were becoming extremely low.

ade and the beginning of another. The 2010s have brought us many movements, and a few scandals along the way. To acknowledge s from the past decade.

Stephen Hawking, a world-renowned physicist, died in 2018. With the start of the #MeToo movement in 2017, 2018 made sure that women all over the world are heard as the movement went global. For example, in Italy, the movement became known as #QuellaVoltaChe or ‘that time when’.

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris burned down causing an international uproar. Great Britain was supposed to leave the European Union on May 29, 2019, but the members of parliament (MPs) kept rejecting Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deals and pushing back Brexit.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

By LESLIE CHEN

Staff Writer

On Dec. 6, AHS’ Dance Department held its annual Charity Dance show. The show featured all of the departments in the dance program such as Beginning Dance, Intermediate Dance, Orchesis Dance Company, as well as other professional dance companies from the LA region. The night featured a variety of dance styles such as contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, and folk dances, leaving something for every audience member to enjoy. Sophomore Intermediate Dance member Jasmine Che admitted that she “felt challenged by this blend of dances, but everyone is so supportive and willing to help each other!” Preparation for the show started months before opening night. According to Jasmine, rehearsals started as early as October. “We did all of our tech rehearsals in class,” she said. “We

By BRANDON LEONG

arcadiaperformingarts@gmail.com

only had one dress rehearsal the day before the actual performance that was around two hours long. It was a bit stressful to adjust from the classroom to the stage, and I had to adapt really quickly.”

ing to help each other!” Not only will the Show provide revdance departof the

The night featured a variety of dance styles such as contemporary, jazz, hiphop, and folk dances, leaving something for every audience member to enjoy. Jasmine admitted that she “felt challenged by this blend of dances, but everyone is so supportive and will-

charitable cause. This year, they will be going to Doctors Without Borders (DWB), an international organization dedicated to providing medical aid to victims affected by natural disasters or exclusion to health care. Founded in 1971, DWB “is guided by medical ethics and the principles of impar-

Charity Dance enue for the ment, a portion proceeds will go to a

tiality, independence, and neutrality.” Through this organization, staff members travel across the world to provide aid to all victims, regardless of gender, age, or political and religious affiliation. Today, DWB has become a worldwide movement, with 67,000 team members active in over 70 countries. AHS’ Orchesis website stated: “We are very excited to be highlighting such an amazing organization this year. It has always been the Charity Show’s mission to give back to the community and inspire change through art and dance!” Overall, the show was a great experience, both for the dancers and the audience. “I think just being able to dance in the show was an amazing experience,” Jasmine said. “Everything from the beautiful lighting to being around people with the same passion as me is absolutely crazy!” However, to her, raising money for DWB was the best part. “I think it’s crazy how by doing what we love, we were able to raise money to help people All in all, it was a wonderful experience, and I’m so lucky to have been able to be in the show.” lchen@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of 123RF.COM AND1001FONTS.COM

Staff Writer

The Orchestra Winter Concerts were hosted at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Wednesday, Dec. 11, and Thursday, Dec. 12, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. All tickets were sold for $10 each. The concerts featured Concert Choir, Chanteurs, Freshman Orchestra and String Orchestra on Wednesday, and Band, Concert Choir, Chanteurs, Concert Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra on Thursday. Both concerts were directed by Ms. Pin Chen and Ms. Amanda Svetich. Comprising of a medley of winter-themed songs such as “Jingle Bell Rock”, “All I Want For Christmas”, and “A Christmas Festival”, the concerts unified the Band, Orchestra, and Choir in a memorable performance. Viola player senior Tiffany Hu reflected, “I’m really proud of what our orchestra and choir were able to put together in just two months; it took a lot of coordination between many of our music groups to be able to have this concert. My favorite part of the concert was when Symphony Orchestra collaborated with the Concert Choir to perform ‘A Christmas Festival’.” As a senior, Hu reminisced, “It’s my last holiday concert, and being surrounded by so many great people playing great music just made all the work it took to get here so much more worth it.” Regarding the difficulties the students faced, cello player senior Joceline Nguyen explained that “because the band members were primarily focused on the marching band season, they were given the music pretty late, thus making it hard to put everything together with such little time to rehearse together.” Even with some mishaps like “someone’s bridge popping or someone squeaking”, the concert “ended up being the most memorable one this year”, explained Nguyen. She noted that the highlight was “the last piece of the concert, ‘A Christmas Festival’, featuring the Symphony Orchestra along with the Concert Choir—a combination of the performing arts groups.” Viola player senior Jace Kwan also agreed that “A Christmas Festival” was the highlight “because of how much coordination it took to put the entire piece together with strings, band, and choir”. Her favorite piece was “Dargason”, the finale of “St. Paul’s Suite”, because “the solos drew everyone’s attention”. After all of the hard work to create such a fantastic performance, Kwan felt that “we did our best and that’s all that matters because the outcome was very good!” For cello player sophomore Nicole Klatt, it was her “very first time performing in a violin concerto and with a choir”. Performing in the Winter Orchestra Concerts required “hard work to polish new pieces with sectionals and full ensemble rehearsals”. Although it took a lot of time and effort to practice multiple pieces, she enjoyed “every minute of being able to perform with a group of talented, hilarious, and passionate musicians” in the concert. Wonderfully arranged by AHS’ Orchestra, Band, and Choir, the Winter Orchestra Concerts were a truly unique experience. The concerts combined the talents of all three groups, culminating in a memorable event to end the year. This event was special because it featured multiple elements of the creative arts, bringing a variety of talents together to the same stage. A big thanks to Ms. Chen and Ms. Svetich for directing such an amazing event, and to the students for uniting the school and giving us a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays! bleong@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of 123RF.COM AND1001FONTS.COM,

DECEMBER 2019

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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By CAITLIN WANG

By VRITTI GODANI

Staff Writer

As the first semester of the school year comes to an end, why not celebrate it with a wonderful assembly in the PAC. This year, it was on Dec. 13. The Winter Pops Assembly happens annually and is a special assembly for the entire student body here at AHS. It gets students excited for Winter Break and in the holiday spirit before finishing up finals in the following week. Everyone enjoys performances from many different performing arts groups on campus and share laughs with friends around them. It is unique from other yearly assemblies because instead of taking place in the North Gym, the assembly takes place in the PAC. Here is a bit of background and insight on a few of the performances! Each year, Orchesis Dance Company performs one of their routines at the Pops Assembly. The Company’s upbeat dance moves and high energy gets the audience pumped up. Orchesis officer senior Scarlet Yang describes, “This year, Orchesis performed a holiday routine choreographed by all the officers: Scarlet Yang, Jenny Namkoong, Talia Yip, Ella Hokanson, Madison Estevez, and Elaine Zhou. The routine was a jazz-based piece and we hoped that it would spread the holiday cheer to our audience. We were really excited to perform for our peers and we had an amazing time!” The

entire Company did a wonderful job overall and each of their movements was on point. Chanteurs also performs a few pieces each year at the assembly. This year, they sang beautifully and truly captivated their audience. Each singer was enthusiastic and each song was fun to watch and move along to. Chanteurs officer senior Amy Brockman describes, “We did a variety of holiday pieces that ranged from slow classical accompanied by the piano to jazzy pop. I think our set satisfied the audience and got them hyped up for the holidays.” Thank you for the amazing performance, Chanteurs! Lastly, Orchestra also performs a few holiday-inspired pieces at the assembly. Senior Joceline Nguyen reflects on Orchestra 3’s performance, “We played Winter by Vivaldi, all 4 movements of St. Paul’s Suite by Gustav Holst, O Holy Night, and Christmas Festival. Winter was played by a smaller portion of our orchestra to fit the baroque style while St. Paul’s was played by the entire orchestra. I especially liked O Holy Night and Christmas Festival because we performed it with band and choir!” The Pops Assembly this year was an absolute success. Performing Arts groups at AHS were able to showcase their talents in singing, dancing, and instruments. Happy Holidays Apaches! cwang@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of 1001FONTS.COM and 123RF.COM

Staff Writer

The movie Frozen came out 6 years ago in 2013. It mainly focused on courage, trust, and sisterly love. In the movie, the death of her parents causes Elsa, the new queen of Arendelle, to fear her icy powers are uncontrollable, so she runs away to the North Mountains. Her younger sister Anna, whom she had shut out for years, goes on a journey to find her sister and is accompanied by Olaf and other characters. The first movie was a big hit and Frozen 2 came out on Nov. 22 and excited the immense number of Frozen fans. The movie was one of the best-animated films I have ever seen; the animation was so incredible that I almost forgot I was watching an animated film. It was filled with unexpected plot twists and new characters. There were multiple changes in emotion too, as I cried and laughed throughout the film. The film depicts a lot of character development. We get to see how much Anna and Elsa’s relationship has changed over the course of 6 years and the relationships between Kristoff and Anna, and Olaf and Sven. We also meet new characters who play a huge role in the plot of the story. These characters might not seem important when we first see them, but towards the end, we realize their value and importance in the plot of the story. The plot of the story, in the simplest of words, is unexpected. Although this is a children’s movie, the plot is incredibly complex and mature. The story starts off with a flashback to Anna and Elsa’s childhood, which later leads to a shocking revelation, causing complete chaos in Arendelle and igniting the main conflict of the story. We are introduced to a new “civilization”, which also plays a huge role in the plot of the story. Frozen 2 has become one of my favorite movies because of its interesting plot that pulls you in. From the animations to the soundtrack, every single aspect of this film is flawless. I would definitely recommend this movie to my others and I would, with no doubt, watch it over and over again.

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By LESLIE CHEN

Staff Writer

Disney has officially launched its new streaming service, Disney+. The streaming service provides a multitude of Disney content, including classic TV shows, iconic movies, and new content. Here is a guide to what is available on Disney. Movies According to company executives, the streaming service is designed to be “the only place you can stream all of Disney’s theatrically released movies,” with everything from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Marvel’s Captain Marvel. Disney+ will also house the entire film library of media companies like Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, and National Geographic. Users should also expect to see an abundance of the classic hand-drawn animated movies, such as Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. Original Content The company is also designing and developing multiple original shows and movies, exclusive to the service. One major original that fans are looking to is The Mandalorian, a series set after the events in Star Wars’s The Return of the Jedi. The company is investing heavily in the show, as the budget reportedly reached $15 million per episode. Additionally, Disney announced ten live-action series featuring the characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In fact, the first show, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, is set to release in fall 2020. Marvel president Kevin Feige detailed how the

studio’s Disney+ shows are designed to be essential viewing for Marvel fans; the characters and narratives of the MCU will be knitted together between the original content on Disney+. Behind the Scene Content Disney+ users would be able to see exclusive behind the scenes content about their favorite shows and movies. The Disney vault also includes interviews with the animators and producers behind your favorite Disney characters. However, the behind the scenes content will extend far beyond shows and movies. For example, the Walt Disney Imagineering series will chronicle the history of Walt Disney’s imagination and follow the people, craft, and business behind Disney’s iconic theme parks. Documentaries Along with their own content, Disney+ will feature some non-Disney content, including documentaries from National Geographic. Some notable ones include Magic of the Animal Kingdom, a behind the scenes look at Disney’s animals and animal care experts in its Animal Kingdom park, and The World According to Jeff Goldblum, which takes the audience along with Goldblum as he provides an interesting take on something people love (like ice cream). With a fee of $7 per month and a wide variety of content to enjoy, there’s no doubt that many will start turning to Disney+! lchen@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of PINTEREST.COM and 1001FONTS.COM

SPORTS

By MELODY LUI

theapachepowwow.net

Staff Writer

Starting the season strong, the Girls Varsity Basketball team went against Hoover in a daunting head-to-head battle on Dec. 10. At first glance, Hoover looks like a tough opponent. With their intimidating jerseys and formidable height, the crowd was anxious for the Lady Apaches. However, with the teamwork from the girls, they were able to defeat Hoover by a noticeable margin, 63-42. The game was about to start and each team did their signature cheer, trying to intimidate one another. The beginning of the first period started with a bang when Senior Annie Tran scores the first two points of the game. However, Hoover attacked back and scored a point on us when we weren’t expecting it. This point didn’t discourage the ladies, however, as more and more points were being scored on Hoover by the Apaches. With the score 9-2, Hoover called their first time out. Hoover’s coach became very involved in the game, calling multiple timeouts and giving his girls lots of encouragement throughout the entire game. With 56.8 seconds left in the 3rd quarter, a time out was called and the suspense-filled the gym. The score is 40-32, and Hoover has the ball. Hoover attempted to make a shot, and with

By LINDA QIU Staff Writer At first glance, becoming a professional athlete seems like an appealing job, with ample opportunities for fame and money. But the harsh truth is that it’s extremely difficult to reach that level of distinction in professional sports. It takes talent and drive, not chance, to achieve that level of playing and access the money it brings. If you want to become a professional athlete, understand that you’ll have to compete against countless equally talented hopefuls for chances to prove yourself on a professional field or court. Also know that your career will most likely last only several years due to the inevitable: debilitating injuries and age. Be ready to spend hours practicing and training (possibly daily), study the strategies and rules of your game closely, follow a strict diet while training, review videotapes of yourself to work on your weaknesses, work odd hours, and travel often. As competition is extremely intense at all levels of professional sports, most athletes train throughout the year, even during the off-season, to maintain their peak physical condition. You will need good eyesight, good reflexes and coordination, competitiveness, and discipline. You will need to be able to take directions from teammates, coaches, and other sporting staff regarding strategy and tactics.

GO APACHES! The Lady Apaches worked together to defeat the Hoover Tornadoes in an exciting game, ultimately ending with a score of 63-42.

DECEMBER 2019

lot of momentum and decided to go all out during the 4th quarter. Junior Janelle Chuang stated, “The 4th quarter was when everything started to work. Fewer turnovers, more steals and conversions on the offensive side of the court.” With the newfound momentum from the team, the Apaches were able to widen the gap between the scores. After four quarters, both teams were breathing heavily, but the Apaches were able to score several points before the buzzer went off ending the game with a score of 63-42. “The game started off really bad. None of our shots were falling and everything was going against us. Hoover is usually the team we beat by 40, but yesterday we were only up by 9 at the half,” Janelle states. To improve for the next games, the Lady Apaches plan to improve on their team chemistry both on court and off court while also working on turning the ball over less. Although they might have felt discouraged about this game, there will be many games in the future where they’ll be able to show their strengths and overcome weaknesses. We hope the Lady Apaches will be able to make it far into league this season while also making us proud and getting far into CIFs.

34 seconds remaining, they shot and scored a 2-pointer. In the remaining ten seconds, the Apaches were determined to score at least one more point before the 4th quarter. However, the Apaches missed, leaving the score before the fourth quarter to be 40-34. The second half of the game begans and we can see that Arcadia and Hoover were both worn out. The Apaches decided to play a more

offensive game in the second half to rack up more points. Especially in the second half, the Apaches were trying their hardest to take control of the ball and prevent Hoover from scoring any more points. With more shots being made and more interceptions, the Apaches were able to get a big lead on Hoover. mlui@apachepowwow.net In the 4th quarter, there was a dramatic Photo by CAITLIN WANG shift in the atmosphere. The Apaches gained a Graphics courtesy of FONTSPACE.COM

If you’re seriously considering pursuing a future in sports, keep yourself physically fit and build your willpower. In high school, take classes that will help you get into college and maintain your GPA once you’re there. Attending college is a good way to participate in your sport and continue developing in it. You can also prepare for another backup career at the same time. Pay attention in biology and health classes so you know how your body works and how to keep it in peak condition. This is particularly important because an injury could end or severely damage your career. Playing your sport in high school helps you gain extensive knowledge of the sport, build your skills, and develop your teamwork.

According to Collegeboard, though government economists expect jobs for athletes to increase at a faster rate than the average for all careers through 2020, “the number of athletes who make a living at their sport is so small that this growth will not make it any easier to become a pro athlete.” Currently, only one out of every five thousand high school students playing a major sport will go professional. The growth of athletic careers may create more openings for new athletes to become successful. \However, the competition for paying jobs will remain fiercely competitive. Additionally, most athletes earn far less than star athletes. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that ten percent of athletes earn less than $18,000 per year. Only 10% make above $200,000 a year. Common misconceptions held by those

who pursue sports are that they will be drafted by a professional team, they will make a lot of money, and they will be famous. Actually, most people who aspire to be professional athletes don’t make it; many who are drafted by minor league teams do not end up in the majors. Also, high-profile players like Steph Curry might have multi-million contracts, but his lesserknown teammates earn less than a fraction of that amount. From Michael Phelps to Lionel Messi, the famous athletes you may idolize and want to emulate are the exception, not the norm. The odds are against anyone who chooses to take the path of competitive sports. In the United States, there are currently nearly 8 million students participating in high school athletics. Only 495,000 will compete at NCAA schools. Of that group, only a few will realize their goal of becoming a professional or Olympic athlete. For example, according to the NCAA, in 2018 255 of 16,346 draft-eligible NCAA football players were drafted into the NHL. Your determination and drive to win will boost your chances of success, particularly when the most significant way to advance in your sport is through displaying superior performance and receiving recognition in turn.

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DECEMBER 2019

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By ENZO GOEBEL Staff Writer The AHS JV Boys Soccer Team played their first league game against the Hoover High School Tornadoes on Dec. 10. The Apaches had won all their pre-season games so the outlook was promising, and the excitement was high for another win. However, the Tornadoes proved to be tough opponents, and their teamwork overwhelmed the Apaches. The night ended with an unfortunate loss of 0-3. Throughout the first half, The Apaches controlled the game with decisive passes and offensive rushes. They were clearly in possession of the ball and were making good progress. Hoover’s attempts at scoring were thwarted by clever blocks and interceptions. Even on an early breakaway when it seemed The Apaches had been beaten, player number 12, Stanley Liu, hustled back and stopped the player in a fearless slide tackle, giving possession of the ball back to the Apaches. However, there was only one problem: Hoover’s goalie was on his feet and proved to be a formidable opponent, stopping both player number four, Avik Shrestha’s post shot and player number seven, Adhithya Rajagoopalan’s crossbar. With five minutes remaining in the first half, while Arcadia struggled against Hoover’s goalie, Hoover managed to turn the game around and score. Despite a goal so soon after the start of the game, the Apaches were not phased, knowing that the game was not over yet. Hoover’s goal only motivated them to work

harder in the remainder of the game, determined to score and turn the score around in their favor. Following the tension of the first half, the second half of the game continued to pick up momentum. Once again, The Apaches had many opportunities to score (most notably in plays by player number 13, George WilesKoehler, and player number six, Max Briggs), but their opportunities were once again thwarted by the Tornadoes. Another five minutes into the second half, Hoover scored again with a corner kick on their second shot of the game. At the 13-minute-mark, Hoover was penalized for a foul. Only seconds later, Hoover received another penalty which resulted in a direct free kick for The Apaches. George (number 13) took a well-aimed shot on net, Hoover’s goalie made the save and the ball returned to the opposition. As Hoover rushed the ball upfield, their player was stopped by Stanley (number 12) who appeared to be injured after both players fell. He was subbed out by player number 16, Weber Lin, who did a good job keeping up with Hoover’s speed and integrating with the rest of the Apaches, despite joining in the middle of the game. At 19 minutes, Hoover scored yet another goal, making the score 0-3. Things were not looking up for the Apaches, yet they continued to make a valiant effort to turn the game around. The Apaches had many chances to score in the remainder of the game; however, Hoover was also keeping their leading, blocking goals left and right. In the remaining minutes of the game the Apache’s goalie, Andre Portacarrero, made

SPORTS

AN EXCITING GAME The Apaches played valiantly against the Hoover Tornadoes, however, ended the night with an unfortunate loss of 0-3. a big save, preventing Hoover from furthur wid- future. ening the score gap, much to the relief both the The season is only just beginning for the Apaches and the spectators. Apaches, and there are still many chances for After their defeat, The Apaches shook them to win the next games. The team is still hands the other team in good sportsmanship, working hard to improve their teamwork and and like true athletes, had no less a spark in them basic skills in hopes that they when face another than they did before, motivated to work harder tough opponent like Hoover, they will be preand win the next game. When asked about his pared. Good luck in the rest of the season! thoughts on the game, JV Head Coach Zachary Baroni said he thought that “they had a tough egoebel@apachepowwow.net game” but seemed positive that they could pick Photo by ENZO GOEBEL up the intensity and “finish their chances” in the Graphics Courtesy of FONTSPACE.COM

CAMPUS FOCUS

theapachepowwow.net

By BRADEN WONG Staff Writer

As the end of the year approaches, the holidays and a new year edge ever closer. Christmas is a Christian festival which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ observed on Dec. 25. Christmas traditions vary wildly but are often characterized by decorations, Christmas trees, present-giving, mass, and other customs. Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish tradition that celebrates the Maccabees and Jewish fight for independence. Traditions for Hanukkah include eating gelt, playing dreidel, cooking food, gift-giving, and lighting the menorah. Kwanzaa is a week-long tradition honoring African heritage, created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at CSU Long Beach. Beginning the day after Christmas and extending until the new year on Jan. 1, festivities often include dancing, singing, gifts, and a large feast. This holiday season, AHS students are excited to begin their festivities and observe their holidays in unique ways. For most, the holidays marks a period to simply relax. As Senior Rose Nguyen remarked, “I probably will sleep in and hang out with friends. There isn’t much planned yet but I’m sure we’ll think of something.” This sentiment seems to be shared by many students: to simply “chill” and have fun. Many Apaches have special plans for the season. Sophomore Bryce Neo looks forward to “celebrating Christmas and watching college football bowls”, while sophomore Matthew Sabaro plans to “play video games and visit Disney World”. Whether it be Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kawanza, the holidays marks a joyous period for all. No matter how you may be celebrating this season, be sure to enjoy some holiday music, gift-giving, feasting, and festivities with families and friends! bwong@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of BEFONT.COM, LENOX.COM, and WALLPAPERKUZ.COM

DECEMBER 2019