January 2016

The World Is Our Campus Volume 63, Issue 6

Arcadia High School 180 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA

January 2016

remembering the lin brothers

In this issue:

Graphic courtesy of LATINTIMES.COM

NEWS pg. 3 2016 Rose Parade: On Jan. 1, the 127th edition of the Tournament of Roses Parade took place in Pasadena.

Photo by DYLAN SHEN

#NEVERFORGETLIN In memory of brothers William and Anthony Lin, students, teachers, parents, and members of the the community gathered at AHS to pay their respects.

By TITUS WU Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of UNITEMAG.COM

PERFORMING ARTS pg. 9 A Hollywood Appearance: Mamma Mia, the musical, will be coming to the Pantages Theater in the last week of January.

Photo by VIVIAN KWANG

SPORTS pg. 16 Making a Splash: With the start of a new season, Girls Varsity Water Polo plans to make this one its most memorable yet.

Have a question, comment, or concern about The Apache Pow Wow? Email the Editors-in-Chief at eic.powwow@gmail.com.

Find us online at apachepowwow.tumblr.com

The lives of two fellow Apaches, junior William Lin and freshman Anthony Lin, were commemorated this past Monday at the PAC Courtyard with a somber candlelight vigil.

With the event being sponsored

by AHS PTSA (Parent-TeacherStudent Association), hundreds of family, friends, and students gathered together in the night to pay respects to the Lins. Many who came were either close friends, academic team teammates, or simply acquaintances to one of the two brothers.

The vigil began with those in attendance lighting each other’s candles one by one, with freshman and junior student council presidents starting the flame. As the lighting of the candles continued, Dr. Brent Forsee spoke briefly about the brothers while many dabbed tears.

“The presence tonight,” said Dr. Forsee, “signifies the love for a

fellow friend... and Apache,” noting how the lights of the many candles represented this love.

“We cannot know how or why this happened,” he said. “There are simply no answers, but the light can conquer the darkness.” He urged the crowd to continue their acts of kindness, to “live out their legacies as compassionate people.”

Soon, English teacher Mr. Matthew Woodin performed a poem in tribute to the brothers, speaking about the deaths and the impact the brothers had.

It was followed soon after by a Chanteurs performance led by teacher Dr. Stephen Pu, which also revolved around the same theme of candles and love. By that time, much of the candle lighting was done as groups huddled together, staring at the flames.

The event culminated into a singing of “Amazing Grace” by all in attendance soon after, where copies of the song had been distributed among the participants beforehand. The singing was accompanied by Chanteurs as Dr. Pu led the singing.

After the singing, there was a quiet mingling of guests as people comforted each other, talked about the brothers, and signed posters with well-wishes and thoughts to the Lin brothers.

Many of the well-wishers paid simple respects, while others recounted the first time people met the brothers and many other experiences.

As the candles died out slowly, they were placed within two hearts, formed by other candles. Many close friends and acquaintances stood over the hearts in silence as they quietly watched and reflected.

Regarding Anthony, his friend freshman Felix Li stated, “He was a really good, really caring friend. It’s very sad that he passed away.”

In remembrance of William, his close group of friends said, “Thanks for your dedication to helping us improve, personally as humans, and academically as students. But best of all, thanks for being that proud, laidback, silly friend, nobody can replicate.” twu@apachepowwow.com

2

NEWS

apachepowwow.tumblr.com

January 2016

NASA’s Robot Hillary Clinton Makes Local Appearance Competition

By TRINITY CHHAY

Staff Writer

By ERIC CHEN Staff Writer

With scientists beginning to further question the origins of life outside of Earth, research on our universe intensifies. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been a major contributor to our knowledge of space. Recently, NASA has organized its inaugural “Swarmathon” challenge, a competition for students from minority colleges to compete against each other by building robots and contributing to space research. The goal of such a competition is ultimately to foster the development of robots to support the work done by NASA’s Human Explorations and Operations Mission Directorate in Washington. However, this also gives students an eye-opening chance to participate in governmental research of aerospace. NASA will reportedly grant the winner of the competition a $5,000 cash prize along with the opportunity to apply for research internships within the organization. However, this deal is only available for 12 colleges around the nation. In California, only Pasadena City College (PCC) and Cal State Los Angeles (CSLA) have been selected to compete.

Both PCC and CSLA will receive three robots called “Swarmies” to test software for desired competition results. The colleges will have until April to program their robots to find the most resources using swarm technology, which mirrors how ants behave. Nancy Warter-Perez, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at CSLA, believes a strategic technique like so: “once one of them finds something, they can communicate with the others and then collect the resources more efficiently.”

NASA believes that these robots will help greatly with the research in space currently being conducted by scientists and astronauts. The robots will be used primarily to scour and forage food on Mars and the Moon while astronauts focus on research.

With finals over and the commencement of a new semester, Warter-Perez will guide a team of 18 students through programming of the robot’s software. One group will be taking the lead initiative while a less-experienced group will be providing valuable support. While Warter-Perez and her students all really want to win, she believes that, most importantly, “it will be a good learning experience for the students.”

At PCC, Jamal Ashraf, a computer science instructor, will work with students from four of his classes to develop the robots using Python and C++ coding techniques. He believes that “the challenge will be getting the robots to communicate with one another without using a centralized unit to relay messages.”

As part of their deal with NASA, PCC and CSLA will keep their test robots after the competition to inspire the youth communities. The colleges will take their final creations to middle and high schools across Los Angeles County to draw interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. echen@apachepowwow.com

On Jan. 7, Congresswoman Judy Chu introduced Hillary Clinton as she launched Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders at the San Gabriel Hilton. The San Gabriel Valley was the perfect area for Clinton to launch her effort in attracting AsianAmerican voters and donors because it is both a highly Asian-American populated area and a link to Clinton’s past.

Clinton revealed that her late mother attended Alhambra High School. After having been “rejected” by their parents, Clinton’s mother, Dorothy Rodham, and her younger sister were sent to live with their grandparents in Alhambra. However, when the arrangement did not go as planned, 14-year-old Dorothy Rodham began working as a maid. Rodham’s employer soon realized that the school was very important to her and allowed her to attend Alhambra High School, Clinton explained to the crowd.

“When I think about this part of California, the first thing I think about is my mom, and how kind people were to her here when

her own family was not,” Clinton explained.

She continued on to say, “I know how important family is to all of you. That is how I see our country. I see us when we are at our best, as lifting up families, helping families be strong, helping families get the support they need to do

the best they can for their children and for their parents.”

Clinton’s speech revolved around her support of families. She pledged to fund Alzheimer’s disease research, offer tax credits that would minimize the cost of caring for older rel-

FYI: New Traffic Laws

By KIMBERLY LO Staff Writer

With a new year comes new traffic laws and most of them have been effective since Jan. 1 of this year. They range from matters of driving under the influence to using highway lanes. For instance, now all slow-moving vehicles including bicycles are required to pull over and let the traffic pass when there are five or more vehicles backed up.

Beginning development in 2010, the Ignition Interlock Device pilot was meant to help prevent drunk driving. Drivers who had previously been caught driving under the influence might have had an Ignition Interlock Device put in their vehicle. When the device sensed alcohol in the breath of the driver, the vehicle would be prevented from starting. The installation period of the device in the vehicle would vary depending on how many convictions the driver had for driving under the influence. In 2016, the project for the device was extended for another year.

In addition, to address hit and run issues, a Yellow Alert system for notifications has been established for hit and run occasions where there are numerous serious injuries or deaths. The California Highway Patrol and law enforcement agencies will cooperate to determine the requirements for

labeling a Yellow Alert. Another system, The Silver Alert system, is one in which alerts are broadcasted in regions or states where a disabled or an impaired person is missing. The system has undergone changes that now call for alerts to be spread on Changeable Message Signs on the freeway when is a missing person and the incident involves a vehicle.

For electric vehicles, there are also new laws. Users of electrically motorized boards must be at least 16-years-old and always wear a helmet when operating the board. The electrically motorized board is a device that is operated while standing and propelled electronically.

The speed limit is 15 miles per hour, and on the highway the speed limit is 35 miles per hour.

However, counties and cities may have further restrictions on the use of electrically motorized boards. Electric bicycles are now classified in one of three classes, depending on their maximum speed and motor power. Bicycles in Classes One and Two can operate up to 20 miles per hour, and Class Three bicycles can operate up to 28 miles per hour. Moreover, riders of Class Three bicycles have to be at least 16-years-old and always wear a helmet.

While this law won’t be in effect until 2017, children younger than age two must sit in appropriate safety seats facing the rear. However, kids that weigh more than 40 pounds and are at least 40 inches tall are excused from the law. For kids 8-years-old or younger, they must sit in safety seats in the back of a vehicle.

For all the drivers, keep these new laws in mind as they start to be implemented this year. klo@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of CLIPARTPANDA.COM

atives, and expand Social Security to reduce punishments on people who had stopped temporarily to care for families. Later on, she also vowed to reduce the visa backlog and help unauthorized immigrants with deep community ties that “deserve[d] the chance to stay.”

Clinton expanded on her vow by saying, “We have got to do more to help the millions of people who are eligible for citizenship take that last step. I will work to expand fee waivers so more people can get a break on the costs. I will increase access to language programmes to help people boost their English proficiency.”

She ended on a positive note with her belief in the American people.

“We are a country built by the hard work of generations of immigrants and we are stronger because of our diversity and our openness...Being an open and tolerant society does not make us vulnerable; it is at the core of our strength.” tchhay@apachepowwow.com

Photo courtesy of ASIANJOURNAL.COM

Mars Mission Suspended

By ANDREW LIM Staff Writer

The red planet continues to be the object of exploration as the search for water on Mars progresses. Unfortunately, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is experiencing a setback with the Mars lander, InSight. The rover will have a delayed launch as a faulty seismometer was discovered. The design flaw in the instrument was its inability to measure movement. The sensor relies on a vacuum seal that surrounds the main sensors to protect the seismometer from Mars’ hostile atmosphere and conditions. During testing, the vacuum seal didn’t hold below freezing temperatures, the average temperature on Mars.

Bruce Banerdt, the Principal Investigator for InSight at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory stated that although the main issue of the vacuum seal could be repaired, numerous issues were discovered after the rover was sent to repair.

“We do not believe that this is a fundamentally difficult problem…The French space agency estimates that a handful of months should suffice, although we will probably take a little longer to make sure there aren’t any further subtle problems,” stated Banerdt.

NASA initially anticipated launch ing the rover to Mars on Mar. 30; however, the unexpected issues found in the rover’s design delayed the launch to 2018 when the orbital conditions are suitable. alim@apachepowwow.com

January 2016

powwownews@gmail.com

Rose Parade Welcomes In 2016

By CHRISTINA READ Staff Writer

For the 127th year in a row, Pasadena hosted its annual Rose Parade this Jan. 1 to celebrate the New Year. This year’s theme, “Find Your Adventure”, was chosen to commemorate Rose Parade’s new affiliation with the U.S. National Park Service. The parade hoped to help the Park Service celebrate its centennial anniversary.

The tradition of the Rose Parade began in 1890, as a simple festival hosted by Pasadena’s Valley Hunt Club. To advertise California to potential settlers, the community designed an outdoor winter festival featuring competitions in different sports—an event only possible in California’s sunny, warm winters; it showcased California’s ability to grow roses through winter and kicked off the festival with a parade featuring carriages decorated with hundreds of colorful roses. And so the Rose Parade began.

In the last few decades years, the Rose Parade has grown and modernized significantly. It now boasts 44 floats, in addition to 18 equestrian units and 18 marching bands. Among the performers this year were marching bands visiting from as far as Guatemala, Mexico, and Japan, as well as equestrian

units from all over the U.S. Participants are selected up to 15 months in advance after a rigorous application process.

Most importantly, the parade is a time for each group to showcase the incredible amount of effort and creativity it has invested into its floats. Each year, 24 medals are awarded to different floats for their special achievements, including the Bob Hope Humor Award for

tion and the California Milk Advisory Board, respectively.)

One of the most prestigious awards is the Extraordinaire Trophy, awarded to the most spectacular float. This was presented to Disney for its Star Wars and Frozen themed float, which featured three separate sections and was joined by an extensive cast of characters, including Darth Vader, Elsa, Anna, and all the classic princesses.

Another feature of the Rose Parade is its Rose Court, led by Rose Queen Erika Winter this year. She and the six Rose Princesses attended hundreds of events leading up to the big day, when they waved to thousands of fans from atop the Royal Court float.

This parade also marked the last year for long-time hosts Rob Eubanks and Stephanie Edwards, who announced their retirement in September. After 35 years of hosting, they will be replaced next year by Leeza Gibbons and Mark Steines.

In just a few short weeks, work will begin upon next year’s floats.

And when January 2017 hits, rest assured that the Pasadena Tournament of Roses will be ready to welcome the New best comedic entry, and the Tournament Year with its 128th annual Rose Parade.

Special Trophy for exceptional merit in cread@apachepowwow.com multiple classifications. (Those awards Graphic courtesy of were received by the La Canada FlinPRNEWSWIRE.COM tridge Tournament of Roses Associa-

Star Wars’ Force Awakens $1 Billion

By HAEUN PARK Staff Writer

Lately, the new Star Wars movie has been the center of many people’s conversations—Star Wars definitely knows how to make a comeback.

Impressively, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, reached this $1 billion milestone just 12 days after release, according to Walt Disney Co. It was a close battle, but it beat the previous record-holding movie, Universal Studios’s Jurassic World (which reached $1 billion in 13 days last June). Jurassic World even had an advantage over Stars Wars; Jurassic World’s $1 billion

included sales from China, the world’s second-largest movie market, whereas The Force Awakens opened to China on Jan. 9, weeks after its U.S. opening on Dec. 18. Many box office analysts predicted that with the “booming Chinese market,” The Force Awakens may have a shot to level up with the two top-grossing films worldwide: Avatar, which earned $2.78 billion, and Titanic at $2.19 billion.

However, the numbers didn’t meet expectations, as The Force Awakens wasn’t as big of a hit in China as the predictors believed. In four days, it only garnered $66 million.

Nevertheless, Star Wars continued to break even more records, with the biggest Christmas Day box office in history and best

2nd-weekend earnings. Since its debut, it scored $529 million, from Australia to New Zealand and throughout Europe, making it the biggest worldwide debut.

It even topped another global record when it earned $100 million in IMAX screenings. Box office analyst Paul Dergarabedian of Rentrak said, “You almost have to rewrite all the record books for this movie. It’s absolutely mind-blowing that Star Wars could get to a billion dollars in 12 days.”

With the tremendous recordbreaking sales and power, the rest of that week’s releases had no choice but to compete for 2nd place. That standing went to the Paramount comedy Daddy’s Home, which opened with $38.8 million. David O. Russell’s new drama Joy, starring Jennifer Lawrence, came in 3rd place raking in $17.5 million.

“A juggernaut like Star Wars empowers the entire industry,” Dergarabedian said. “It’s great for the audiences, great for studios, and theater owners in particular can point to this and say the movie theater industry is as viable and relevant as it’s ever been.” It’s no surprise that Star Wars: The Force Awakens is already the highest-grossing film of all time in North America. hpark@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of COLOR-PAGES-ADULT.COM and KOLORINGPAGES.COM

NEWS

3

s t a f f Editors

Editors-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editors Opinion Editors Performing Arts Editors Student Life Editors Features Editors Sports Editors Academics Editors Center Spread Editor Calendar Editor Campus Focus Editor Advertisements Editors Photography Editors Executive Copy Editors Fundraising Chairs Webmaster

Victoria Yu and Erika Zheng Yoko Chan Justin Tang and Emily Wu Amber Chong and Tiffany Liu Jacqueline Chang and Katie Huang Briana Shen and Terri Shi Michelle Fang and Jessie Hui Charles Xu and Pearl Yang Simone Chu and Veronica Yu Elaine Chung Kristen Tran Kaitlyn Liao Tiffany Chen and Andrew Muliadi Ryan Fann and Debbie Moon Michelle Gu and Hafsah Umerani Julia Lin and Flora Ung Elyse Yao

Writers

News Staff

Aaron Chan, Trinity Chhay, Cassandra Gonzales, Jocelyn Hu, Vivian Kwang, Eileen Lee, Eric Chen, Yanhui Li, Andrew Lim, Kimberly Lo, Joshua Ma, Andrew Muliadi, Cristian Nalbandian, Noelle Natividad, Chloe O’Connor, HaEun Park, Christina Read, Kayli Temple, Victoria Tovmasyan, Michael Tseng, Faisal Umerani, Andrew Wang

Opinion Staff

Eric Chen, Simone Chu, Justin Cun, Christy Kang, Yanhui Li, Julia Lin, HaEun Park, Pourobee Saha, Kayli Temple, Cindy Tse, Faisal Umerani, Maggie Wong, Titus Wu, Elyse Yao

Features Staff

Trinity Chhay, Christy Kang, Christine Law, Yanhui Li, David Llacuna, Andrew Muliadi, Noelle Natividad, Kayli Temple, Victoria Tovmasyan, Cindy Tse, Michael Tseng, Faisal Umerani, Andrew Wang, Katie Wen, Maggie Wong

Performing Arts Staff

Eric Chen, Trinity Chhay, Cassandra Gonzales, Jocelyn Hu, Thomas Hui, Christine Law, Eileen Lee, Pourobee Saha, Nadine Templeton, Victoria Tovmasyan

Student Life Staff

Liani Chan, Eric Chen, Trinity Chhay, Thomas Hui, Eileen Lee, Ellie Lee, Andrea Liu, Cristian Nalbandian, Noelle Natvidad, Chloe O’Connor, HaEun Park, Nadine Templeton, Kyle Wang, Maggie Wong, Titus Wu

Sports Staff

Trinity Chhay, Justin Cun, Ellie Lee, Andrew Lim, Kimberly Lo, Joshua Ma, Christina Read, Danielle Santoyo, Timothy Yen

Academics Staff

Chelsea Cheng, Jocelyn Hu, Andrew Lim, Kimberly Lo, Noelle Natividad, Pourobee Saha, Nadine Templeton, Michael Tseng, Faisal Umerani, Katie Wen, Titus Wu

Calendar Staff

Vivian Kwang, Christine Law, Andrew Lim, Andrea Liu, Danielle Santoyo, Kayli Temple, Victoria Tovmasyan, Cindy Tse, Andrew Wang, Sunny Wu, Elyse Yao

Campus Focus Staff

Maggie Wong

Center Spread Staff

Christy Kang

Advertisements Staff

Cassandra Gonzales, Christy Kang, Kyle Wang, Timothy Yen

Photo Staff

Aaron Chan, Vivian Kwang, Andrea Liu, Joshua Ma, Danielle Santoyo, Nadine Templeton, Titus Wu

Copy Editing Staff

Christine Law, Ellie Lee, David Llacuna, Christina Read, Pourobee Saha, Cindy Tse, Kyle Wang, Katie Wen, Maggie Wong, Elyse Yao

Web Staff

Aaron Chan, Christine Law, Chloe O’Connor, Katie Wen, Maggie Wong

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. 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 $30 for a business card advertisement to $250 for a full-page black and white advertisement, with quarter-page, half-page, and advertisement insert options available.

Photo courtesy of MDEMOREE.BLOGSPOT.COM

4

OPINION time to watch Vegucated with me. Frankly that movie was quite traumatizing, but winded up and becoming the spirit guide on my vegetarian quest. While watching the movie, I remember clutching my friend’s arm with my fingernails sinking deeper

By SUNNY WU Staff Writer

A little more than six months ago, in a candlelit restaurant in Old Town Pasadena, I sliced into a chunk of meatloaf, and declared defiantly to myself, “I could never be a vegetarian.”

That fall of 2015, I met up with my favorite teacher in her classroom during lunch. And that was when she told me that she became a vegetarian.

I couldn’t believe that the woman who once craved for Chinese pork buns and Korean BBQ was now someone who ate nothing but vegetables! How can she resist the temptation, and what made her give up?

I quizzed her about her new lifestyle, the way a couch potato asks a runner about training for a marathon. “How do you do it?”

“Do you feel tired?” “Are you getting enough protein?” “Do you miss meat at all?”

She, in fact, was doing great.

I remember her telling me she felt healthier, lighter than ever before. I can attest; her skin was downright glowy and she did have less acne.

I bit into my ham sandwich and swallowed uneasily. Maybe she was onto something. After I expressed a mild interest in vegetarianism, she encouraged me—never preachy—and took the

into her flesh every time a dear pig was abruptly shot in its head.

Its lifeless legs twitched once, then twice, then no movement at

Fixed vs

By HAEUN PARK

Staff Writer

If you imagine less, less will be what you deserve. A fixed mindset will cause your intelligence to be static while a growth mindset will develop it. Ideally, failure is about having a small setback that can be easily overcome by determination and effort. However, for some, failure is about not growing, not reaching for the things you value, not fulfilling your potential. There are two different mindsets that can shape our lives and we must always choose the more fruitful mindset in order to achieve our goals and a greater sense of free will.

Having a fixed mindset, is unfortunately, what most of us possess as our setback, even if we don’t realize it. A fixed mindset means setting limits for yourself, avoiding risks, and giving up on challenges. People with fixed mindsets have a goal, and stop at that goal. A failure to them means a major throw off to their abilities, and a lack of incentive to try harder. To them, failure is the literal definition, failure, as if it almost happens by chance. An encounter with failure says to them that they can’t continue with their goal, and should instead pick a different path. Why is there such a big fear of failure or risk? The words ‘failure’ and ‘risk’ rings an alarm of all sorts of wrong.

Even as we fail a test at a certain subject, it’s almost an automatic assumption that we aren’t good at that subject and plan on majoring in another. As they walk down a path of life and view it as two different paths; their perception of failure is black and white. They’re either good at it, or they aren’t, feeling threatened at others’ success. At all costs they need to avoid the risks and

apachepowwow.tumblr.com

follow the common ways to success. First, their dream college, secondly a great major that’ll get them their dream job, and it’s a successful life. It’s a mindset that could harm their selfesteem, their ability, their future.

Hav-

ing a fixed mindset has negative effects to personal growth—unconventional ways to achieving your goals can be good and labeling yourself as someone who can only do the bare minimum is detrimental. However, a fixed mindset is not rare to see in many people, in fact it’s more seen

January 2016

all. Lacking legal protection, the farm animals and their condition in the slaughterhouses were unspeakably cruel. We had to pause the movie at least half a dozen times, for me to just burst into uncontrollable tears. I’m talking sobs.

As an animal lover, I couldn’t believe I had participated in the system for so long. Too long. I never knew where my meat really came from—factories so far removed from the pastoral farm where you assume that steak or cow was once grazing. I remember being uneasy when I was younger, the first time I made the connection that the steak on my plate was once a living, breathing cow—not so different from a family dog. I comforted myself with the thought that he lived a long and happy life before he became my dinner, but I realize now that probably wasn’t true.

Unfortunately, most meat today is produced in a factory, pumped full of hormones and antibiotics. What’s worse is that it’s passed onto us when we eat it.

So where am I now? It’s a little over six months to the day since I became a vegetarian, and it has suited me just fine. I eat way more fruits and vegetables on a regular basis. I’m glad that vegetarianism is becoming more widespread and I hope that it only continues to grow. swu@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of 123AF.COM and IMAGE.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Mindset

than the growth mindset. The growth mindset is the setback many don’t possess, but it’s the most important to achieve in ourselves. One of the biggest risks in order to possess this setback is risk itself. Not many are eager to latch onto risks and find failures necessary. It’s a constant challenge testing your perseverance, your patience, your will. Carry this mindset and nothing can conquer you. However, I believe that people with the growth mindset have a much more challenging, risky life than one with a fixed mindset, but a better life.

It’s no argument that when on the fixed mindset, people are inhibiting themselves from their own potential, when on the other hand the growth mindsets are champions that believe that their abilities are limitless. They desire challenges and perceive it as a step up, and they find failures inevitable obstacles necessary to build up their strength.

Even as they climb towards their goal, success only inspires them, and the goal never ceases to grow.I believe that people with this setback find life as just a one-way path where everyone must walk through, but only the ones who dare to move further in life, they run instead of walk.

They fight instead of walking around it, and most importantly they get back up instead of taking an easier path.

These are the people that make a statement in history, the only way you can truly succeed in life is with this attitude towards setbacks.

Which one are you? hpark@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of ADAMFEIT.COM

January 2016

theopinionsection@gmail.com

Do-Nothing Day

By CHRISTY KANG Staff Writer

January has always been the hardest month for me. It’s when my motivation and vigor that I’ve maintained since August wears off, leaving me with lethargy, indifference, and doubt. Maybe it’s the weather, I don’t know.

I try really hard to get into that “new year new me” mode, but around this time of the year, everything becomes a perfect excuse to delay or even avoid doing whatever that I have to do. Finals materials are stacked up together sitting on my desk, the list of new year resolutions is taped right on the window, reminding me I need to pull myself together and get things done. Very reluctantly, I would sit in front of my desk, and half-heartedly do the bare minimum to maintain my grades.

When this happens, rather than continuing this painful act, I take a day off and do nothing instead. It’s a small gift to myself–a day in which I can do nothing productive.

In order to truly enjoy this one free day, I force myself to finish everything I need to do the night before, so I can truly be free. It’s a lot of work, but think of it as a few hours of sacrifice for an entire day of freedom.

On the do-nothing day, do whatever you like to or want to do. I personally wake up around ten o’clock in the morning, say hello to my mom, and make a fresh pot of coffee for both of us. We usually sit at the counter and talk while waiting for the coffee to be finished, breathing in the deep invigorating aroma of coffee. After having my daily dose of caffeine, I lie on my

By MAGGIE WONG Staff Writer

I think it’s safe to say that music is an important part of many lives, including mine. To me, music is an art form, a way of expressing thoughts and feelings. As is with all art, there are different genres that someone might like and that others might not.

I’ll admit it, I have a taste in music that some people might consider “pretentious”.

I don’t really listen to pop music, with the exception of Taylor Swift (who, in case you were wondering, is still slaying in the music industry). The genre I like listening to the most is indie folk, but I like any indie or alternative music. A lot of the artists I like aren’t necessarily popular or even

OPINION

couch and watch TV shows and movies, take a nap, read some books, talk to my sister or mom, and do anything but homework until I go to bed.

Basically nothing remarkable.

In the past, I used to view a do-nothing day negatively, since I felt like it was a waste of precious time and very unproductive. But as the chaotic junior year and college app season passed, I realized I needed it. We use our brain too much that sometimes it needs a break. The human brain just isn’t built for the extended focus we ask of it these days. Let the poor thing rest from rigorous activities. In fact, some studies have shown that our mind solves its stickiest problems while daydreaming. It’s like when you have an epiphany while doing the most mundane thing such as brushing your teeth. Therefore, there’s no reason to feel guilty for taking a break. This donothing day is wonderful to just rest and recharge energy. As you know, stress can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, and nothing is more important than health. After a full day of relaxation and indulgence, I find myself cleared of seemingly perennial anxiety, apprehension, and filled with energy and positivity.

My only caution is that you can’t take too many do-nothing days. It’s like drinking water while exercising. A little sip can be wonderfully refreshing and sweet, and too much water can make you sick.

Nonetheless, those do-nothing days are essential for me, and they are something we all need amidst the stressful, at times, hectic lives we live in. ckang@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of FUNNYJUNK.COM

famous. I’ll also admit that I occasionally (read: all the time) judge people based on their music tastes. Horrible, I know.

See, I happen to have a very strong dislike for many artists and bands, and sometimes I end up projecting that same dislike onto the fans of said artists and bands. Let’s take the band, 5 Seconds of Summer, for example. Speaking only about music, I don’t like their sound at all. It’s not that I think they’re untalented, just not talented enough for their huge fanbase to be justified. Same with Iggy Azalea.

Besides my strong dislike for her racist comments, her music just isn’t my cup of tea. And for some reason, my mind immediately thinks that their fans are bad people, just because they like a type of music I don’t. Part of me goes, “Well, if they don’t agree with my music taste, they must not agree with me on other issues.”

Honestly speaking, there are tons of people out there who feel the same way about me because of my love for Taylor Swift. That used to make me really angry, because how would you know what kind of person I am based only off of my love for one music artist? The more I thought

5

The A r t o f Gi ft Gi vi n g

By ELYSE YAO Webmaster

Ah, gifts.

The holidays may be over, but gift-giving never stops— around the world, countless gifts are given daily for birthdays, anniversaries, parties, and every other occasion. Gift-giving’s become an important part of our lives: Americans spend an average of $882 on gifts for the holiday season alone.

Being on the receiving end of the gift is great—it’s picking out someone else’s gift that’s the hard part. Of course, you could save yourself effort and buy everyone gift cards. It seems to work: you save yourself from the hair-tearing and indecision, and they get exactly what they want. And for simple acquaintances you know close to nothing about, a gift card may be a safer bet. But for a friend?

That’s rather sad, isn’t it?

The true value of a gift lies not in its price tag, or in the gift itself, but rather in the sentimental value and emotions that come with it. “I thought about you,” The gift says, more clearly than any words can, “This is specifically picked out just for you! You’re important. You’re special to me.”

But when the gift in question is a gift card, or a wad of cash? How boring.

There is no sentimental value, no underlying message. The gift seems more of an afterthought; no effort was put into it.

Perhaps you mean well, knowing all too well that the gift you’ll choose probably won’t meet the recipient’s expectations, but even a wrongly chosen gift speaks volumes more than a woefully mundane gift card.

But in the end, if gift cards are the only option you really have?

Hey, at least wrap it nicely. eyao@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of EVOHOSTING.CO.UK

about it, I realized that I was doing the same thing to the fans of artists I don’t like. Why does the music someone else likes have any effect on my day-to-day life? It’s not harming me in anyway. If Iggy Azalea rapping about how she’s so fancy makes someone happy, then who am I to say that they shouldn’t listen to her?

Someone’s taste in music is a very small part of their life, and doesn’t say a lot about their personality. The beliefs of the music artist doesn’t necessarily have to reflect onto the fan.

To determine whether or not someone is a good or bad person based off of what they listen to is a problematic thing that I, and many others, I’m sure, need to stop doing. The only way one can see whether or not someone is a good person and friend is by getting to know them personally, and not by asking if they like listening to One Direction. mwong@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of THUMB7.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

8

FEATURES

2° CELSIUS

By ANDREW MULIADI

Advertisements Editor

Last year in November, world leaders came to Paris to attend the Conference of Parties for the 21st time (COP21). There, leaders discussed the topic of two degrees Celsius.

In this respect, if the Earth’s temperature increases by two degrees Celsius, or three and a half degrees Fahrenheit, environmental catastrophes such as mega droughts and extinction could ensue. The earth is currently 0.85 degrees Celsius, or 1.53 degrees Fahrenheit, above its average temperature and scientists predict that by midcentury, the Earth will go over 2 degrees Celsius.

The rise of the earth’s temperature is parallel to an increase in carbon emissions.

Whether it is from factories or automobiles, carbon emitted from these objects are added to the Earth’s atmosphere. Since carbon is a greenhouse gas, the additional carbon received traps in heat in the atmosphere, hence increasing the Earth’s temperature. At COP21, nearly 150 world leaders worked out a treaty for 200 countries to reduce and contain the rise in carbon emissions. Using the template from an agreement two years ago at COP20 in Lima, Peru, the contract delegates the same principles, carbon emission reduction differs depending on the status of that country and its development. Wealthier countries would aid poorer countries and help with external calamities.

According to CNN, the two biggest players of the meeting were President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping, both taking the time for a one-on-one meeting as China and the U.S. are the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases. In a quote taken from President Obama by a reporter, nowhere “has our coordination been more necessary or more fruitful than the topic that we’re here to discuss during the Paris conference, and that is how the world can come together to arrest the pace of climate change.” China took the first step last year, charging companies for emitting carbon or additional pollution in the environment.

Despite China’s efforts, critics say that China won’t be able to accurately measure its output of carbon dioxide and other pollutants, fearing that its environment would get muddled easily. President Obama tried to enact a bill analogous to that of China’s, but was turned down due to bipartisan conflict, a feud conflicted over the fear that such a restraint would hamper economic activities and competition with rivals like China.

Failure to control carbon emission has been seen before, nearly a decade ago in 1997. At COP3, the Kyoto Protocol was announced, an agreement between 192 states to lower greenhouse gas output by 5%. Although the ordeal was hopeful, many countries opted out. The U.S. did not ratify the movement, Canada quit, and other countries such as China and India were exempt from it. In the face of the dangers posed by the earth’s rising temperature, the world is still at a standstill. amuliadi@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of CLIPARTPANDA.COM

By KAYLI TEMPLE Staff Writer

Hoverboards, perhaps the greatest technological advancement of the era, have been topping the charts in business and finding a place in households everywhere since their release in late 2014. The idea originated from the well-beloved movie franchise Back to the Future, becoming high in demand due to young Michael J. Fox’s sweet tricks. Providing comfort and convenience to daily life, an owner wouldn’t suspect any downsides to the product, but could the invention possibly be too good to be true?

Recently in California, a Christmas present cost a Folsom family a house when it unexpectedly burst into flames, but thankfully no one was injured. The Folsom Fire Department told the residents that this was caused by, you guessed it, their new hoverboard charging. The homeowners’ final words to the press were related to corporations notifying their customers for dangers such as this before they purchase the device.

Despite the Folsom family narrowly avoiding any minor to serious injuries, the likelihood of breaking a bone or two have become all too common with the hoverboard progression of the sales. Add Christmas into the mix with a handful of families expecting to find the perfect gift for friends and loved ones and the result is a recipe for disaster. Hospitals everywhere reported that a big spike of injuries was due to hoverboard accidents. As stated by eighth grader Walker Baty of Liberty Hill, California, “Watching some spills on social media are kind of funny, unless you’re the one taking the fall.”

One might be thinking, “Not all hoverboards!” And trust me, I know that, but with the increased occurrence of these situations happening everywhere, it’s important to think practically about the matter in order to secure one’s safety. This is what the government has been putting into consideration lately, banning the distribution of hoverboards throughout the U.S. There’s much in store for the future of the hoverboard: aiding the handicapped and physically disabled, decreasing traffic on the way to work or school, and even lowering pollution. With these benefits in mind, hoverboards should not be condemned and should instead be redesigned to be safer. But for now all we can do is recommend safety gear and not multitasking to those who are looking to or have purchased a hoverboard. If we can fix the problems the product faces today, there will be hope for a bright (and more accessible) tomorrow. ktemple@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of DAFONT.COM Photo courtesy of NEPASCENE.COM

apachepowwow.tumblr.com

January 2016

AS SEEN on Television

By CINDY TSE

Staff Writer

Recently, there was a new addition to one of the biggest science fiction franchises in history. Star Wars: The Force Awakens was a huge hit, drawing in older crowds with nostalgia and grabbing children’s attention by advertising both the film and extensive merchandise. Stars Wars is just one of many franchises born and developed in the 80’s and 90’s that still stands today.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are four anthropomorphic turtles. Based on the graphic novel by comic artist Frank Miller, the turtles were a huge deal back in the late 80’s and early 90’s, especially among younger boys. The franchise made it big after the release of a television series based around the young terrapins. Not only were they able to sell action figures and lunch boxes, but they also had their own rock band.

The four brothers are called Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo, named for the great Renaissance artists. Taught the art of ninjutsu by their adoptive father, a mutated rat named Master Splinter, they hide in the sewers of New York, fighting crime and battling the evil Shredder. Though their story originally began over 20 years ago, they are still very relevant. In 2014, Michael Bay produced the movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (with a sequel being released in June), and in 2012, there was a reboot of the old TV series.

Transformers What is cooler than giant transforming robots? Well, I can think of a few things, but they aren’t nearly as nostalgic as the Transformers.

Beginning as a toy line between the American company Hasbro and the Japanese company Takara Tomy, the Transformers tell the tale of an alien race known as the Cybertronians. Civil war tore apart their planet, and the inhabitants split into two factions: Autobots and Decepticons. Their battles continue on Earth, and each robot has an “alt-mode,” usually in the form of a vehicle. Like TMNT, this franchise started back in the 80s, and gained most of its popularity during the 90s. Their action figure designs are known for being confusing, as it was very hard to sort out the bits and pieces that could change the robot into its alt-form. After their debut, the Transformers not only received their own comic, but also got several television shows. On the big screen, they have a series of notoriously bad live-action films, mostly praised for their special effects and not much else.

The Legend of Zelda Most gamers have heard of The Legend of Zelda, a series of games set in a beautiful medieval fantasy world where monsters hide behind every bush, rock, and cave. It is pretty much the ultimate exploration game. Since its release in 1986, the game’s story and design have been revamped time and time again, making some versions better than others. The player journeys as the hero Link and is tasked to save Princess Zelda. Of course, there are more than enough enemies to act as obstacles, from the tiny octoroks to the powerful darknuts. Along the way, one collects weapons and upgrades while piecing together the sacred artifact known as the Triforce. Eventually, one will become powerful enough to fight the gigantic pig known as Ganondorf. One of the most recent additions to the series was the multiplayer game for the 3DS, The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes.

These big-name franchises have impacted culture in many ways, creating and exposing new ideas to the general populace. More importantly, they have shaped our childhoods and inspired our imagination. ctse@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of REBLOGGY.COM

PERFORMING ARTS BEHIND THE SCENES OF DRAMA

January 2016

arcadiaperformingarts@gmail.com

9

By EILEEN LEE

Staff Writer

By TRINITY CHHAY

Staff Writer

Production season is back! Theater will be performing Yellow by Del Shores, from Jan. 20 to 22 at the Black Box Theatre, at 7:00 p.m. Directed by Steven Volpe, Yellow is a dramatic play that plays on the themes of cowardice and intolerance. The play also expresses the damage that is caused by family secrets, rejection, and the difficulty of forgiveness. Yellow was the winner of the 2012 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award, and winner for Best Production 2012 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award.

While everybody knows what goes on onstage, not everybody knows what goes on behind the scenes in class. Freshman Nicole Salinas stated, “We work on team building skills and how to communicate during a professional situation. We also work on learning to deal with job-related skills.”

Sophomore Kaitlin Aquino added in, “We warm up by stretching our bodies, but stretching is done only when we need to do blocking. We also do warm ups for singing too. We are always either preparing for DTASC or preparing for an upcoming play or musical, and when we actually perform it’s really fun!”

While drama class is a fun and interesting environment, being a part of drama is a whole different feeling. “It’s a place where you can go and be yourself; you don’t have to worry someone judging you.

Everybody there is unique in their own way,” continued Nicole. Drama prepares many people for real life scenarios as well. Junior Nicholas Luong comments, “Being in drama prepares you for rejection, so that helps in life.”

With the new year, all of the drama kids are looking forward to new events and new experiences.

Nicole expressed that in the new year she was looking forward to “the experience of being in drama and getting to know my fellow classmates.” While Nicole is looking forward to new friendships and experiences, Kaitlin is looking forward to events, stating, “Shakespeare DTASC and the drama jackets!”

Shakespeare DTASC is a competition that focuses on the works of Shakespeare, which also develops a wide variety of competition categories that provide unique ways to show Shakespeare’s plays.

With production season starting up again at AHS, the drama students are looking forward to what’s ahead of them in the new year. tchhay@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of STEINHARDT.NYU.EDU

By ERIC CHEN

Surely everyone has watched the musical or movie, or at least has heard of the phrase, “Mamma Mia!” This popular title is originally a jukebox musical scripted by Catherine Johnson, a playwright from England. The songs used in the musical were composed by former members of the band who composed the original music for ABBA, and were deeply involved with the production of the musical from the beginning. The popular musical has the impressive record of having the 8th longest running show in Broadway history, which closed down after a 14 year run. The musical has a huge impact globally, as the content was exported and recreated in numerous countries around the world.

This iconic musical is said to be coming to the Pantages Theater located in Hollywood, giving a chance for the students at AHS to watch the show. The theater has an old history of being owned and operated by The Nederlander Organization, now being run as its third generation of theater development. The renowned architect B. Marcus Priteca designed the building itself and was the last theater built by Alexander Pantages, the man which it is named for. The theater is a popular performance center as it is surely one of the largest and most historical operators in Hollywood.

The musical “Mamma Mia!” is going to be performed for five days starting from Jan. 26 to 31.

Even though the musical is perfect for a younger audience to also sing along and enjoy, it’s hard for them to grasp the deeper meaning of the show and is recommended for ages five and up. It is stated that in consideration of the other audience of higher ages, no one under the age of 5-years-old is admitted into the theater for a calmer environment. Students at AHS should definitely get a chance to stop by the theater and watch what the renowned musical has to say. elee@apachepowwow.com Graphics courtesy of STICKURZ.COM

MUSIC IN LIFE Staff Writer

Declaring yourself as a music major is definitely a difficult decision to make. When all of your peers declare for standard majors such as business or computer science, music becomes the outlier. Even if people have a passion for music, most decide against a music major because it’s just too risky; it’s difficult to find a successful profession in the music field when compared to other majors. However, through all their doubts, some Arcadia seniors have firmly declared for the music major, foregoing all other intentions of specializing in other fields. These students have fully committed themselves to their lifelong love for music, attempting to take their talents from various high school performing arts groups to the next stage—college.

Senior Danna Xue declared for three schools that all “interested [her] greatly”—one being music. One specific program that particularly interested her was a joint degree for bachelor’s of arts and science in computer science and music. When asked what drew her attention to this program, she replied, “I’m very interested in examining how sound and other stimuli affect our biological processes and the way we think.” Danna is still uncertain about where her majors in college will lead her but “she’s always been fascinated by the sciences” and “music has always had a special place in [her] heart.”

Senior Veronica Wang also applied for more than one major—she applied as a classical voice and opera major. Veronica believed she has been “lucky enough to have had the opportunity to perform and compete all around the world.” Her nine tedious years of practice have “finally paid off.” When asked what influenced her to choose music as a major, she replied that “after touring and performing in many venues, [she] realized that voice was what [she] wanted to pursue.” The greatest influence on her decision was “standing on the stage of the Vienna Golden Concert Hall in 2012.” After singing her heart out and standing there, awaiting the responses of the judges, she “knew that singing was what [she] wanted to do for the rest of [her] life.” Lastly, Veronica takes note that even if she can’t be a performer “since the music industry has grown increasingly difficult,” music will “always have a place in [her] heart.”

Both Danna and Veronica have already applied for the majors and received acceptances to their prospective top schools. Good luck to both of them and may their music never stop flowing. echen@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of BLUESBLUEGRASSANDBEYOND.COM Photo courtesy of VERONICA WANG and DANNA XUE

10

LEAPING INTO Tackling Climate Change For the first time ever, the world has come together to implement a comprehensive environmental protection agreement. The Paris Climate Accord, which has 196 members, demands that every nation curb greenhouse gases. By June, all U.S. states will submit their plans to reduce emission from the power plants. Perhaps, this year we will finally get to see the true Downtown LA without smog.

Where the Magic Exists From magical spells to fantastic creatures, from evil villains to valiant heroes, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is opening Apr. 7 at Universal Studios Hollywood. There will be Hogwarts castle, Hogsmeade, and other bestknown wizarding world establishments.

Don’t be too stressed about the AP tests, and go to Universal Studios and experience pulse-pounding rides and attractions.

apachepowwow.tumblr.com

January 2016

Completion of the world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope This year around Septem China will be completing the bi telescope in the world. The five-hu meter Aperture Spherical Telesc the size of 30 football fields, and 40 minutes to walk from one end to th It will potentially broaden the sea signs of extraterrestrial life allow astronomers to stud various galaxies.

2016 Presidential Election Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, J Bush, Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Cruz, Ben Carson, the list still goes o has been quite entertaining to watch a 20 Republican candidates trying to t once during the GOP debates. It to quite a long time to learn all the candid too. This year, some of the seniors wi able to vote for the first time in th life. Keep up with the campaign

January 2016

centerspread.powwow@gmail.com

t

m b e r, iggest undredcope is it takes he other. arch for and dy

n Jeb Ted on. It almost talk at ook us dates, ill be heir n!

The Rio 2016 Olympics Four years after the London Olympics, this year’s Olympic Games will be held in Rio, Brazil from Aug. 5 to 21. More than 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees will take part in this sporting event.

There will be 28 sports, including a few relatively new sports added in 2009, such as rugby and golf.

One S tep Cl o s e r t o Downtown Los Angeles We’ve probably all seen the construction going on in the northwest corner of First Avenue and Santa Clara Street in downtown Arcadia. Metro has stated that it expects to open the entire 11.5-mile Pasadena to Azusa segment, which includes the newly built Arcadia Station, around this March.

THE NEW YEAR

11

Superheroes, superheroes,and more superheroes There will be so many superhero movies coming out in 2016: DeadPool featuring Ryan Reynolds, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice which will finally sate fans’ curiosities, Captain America: Civil War in which we get to see Iron Man and Captain America punch each other in the face, and X-men: Apocalypse in which James McAvoy goes bald. If you love these movies, this year will be full of fun for you.

12

ADVERTISEMENTS

theapachepowwow.com

Febuary 2016

14

ACADEMICS

Academic Decathlon

By NADINE TEMPLETON Staff Writer

While most academic teams on campus focus on only one subject, AHS’ Academic Decathlon (AcaDeca) members each study a whopping ten different categories.

Academic Decathlon, established in 1968, is the oldest nationally recognized academic competition for high school students. The competition consists of seven multiple choice tests, two performance events, and an essay. Decathletes are challenged to use analytical skills, performance abilities and test-taking and writing aptitude in all categories. All members compete in all ten categories and win awards based on their GPAs. This year’s team is comprised of 25 of some of the school’s brightest students, including Captains seniors Titus Wu and William Wen. AcaDeca starts recruiting members around late April and early May. They accept students

By JOCELYN HU

apachepowwow.tumblr.com

January 2016

How to De-stress Staff Writer

Now that finals are over, the best thing to do will be to take a good cooldown before the challenge of second semester arrives.

Some ways to de-stress and relax a little after finals include exercising, attending an event, or doing something fun that helps you lighten up.

Anything that can get your mind off school and work is good. For example, stretching, watching television or Netflix, or just relaxing and taking a nap may help out. Other things to do may be going on a walk, attending a concert, “chilling” to some music, eating some desserts, or making a craft.

Exploring nature is another good way to relax. Just sitting outside and listening to nature, and perhaps writing in a journal.

Another way to unwind is to hang out with friends and buy some food and drinks you enjoy. Talking to them and having a good time will certainly get your mind off of school work. Good ideas for hanging out may be watching a movie, eating a meal togeth-

er, or just going over to each other’s houses.

However, if you’re not allowed to go out, then sitting at your desk works, too. A scientifically backed way to de-stress is to take a two-minute “mini vacation” by choosing one of your favorite vacation memories

or the best moment of your life and replaying it in your head. Use your imagination!

Taking a break from your screen will also alleviate your stress. Whether it’s your computer, phone, or television screen, staring at an electronic for too long may give you a headache. Letting

your eyes rest for around five minutes and leaving your desk will help you return refocused and feeling much better.

Keeping aromatic oils at your desk is another research-proven way to help you escape your stress. Studies have shown that simply inhaling a few whiffs of these oils will help decrease your stress level. They give off fragrant smells and allow one to be at ease. Another fun fact: smells can bring back good memories, so that’s a two-in-one way to relax.

Other simple habits will also reduce stress, like turning on music, stretching, and much more. A 2013 study showed that listening to music will help “keep your stress in check.” Any mood-boosting playlist or individual preferences from Spotify or SoundCloud are stressrelieving, completely free, and also a great source of inspiration.

These are only some ways to “chill out” and take a break from all the frustrations in life, whether it’s school work, extracurriculars, or even drama. Hope these ideas will help out! jhu@apachepowwow.com Graphic courtesy of KOVACORP.COM

with all different GPAs, since they competition divisions are GPA-based. During the summer, the team met weekly to rigorously prepare for the year ahead of them. Meetings are usually on Mondays and Wednesdays after school for one to two hours. However, as competitions approach, members must attend meetings on the weekends. Being on the team requires a lot of time and dedication because they “learn so much new material that many [of them] have never even heard of,” according to freshman Cindy Qi. At home, members have to spend time to read the material carefully because the test asks questions on detailed facts and data. Most of members spend two to three hours reading material on the weekends and during the break.

Joining AcaDeca this year was a way for Cindy to “learn how an academic team works and have a family.” The team is really close and “everyone has a fun time learning about new things even though many of them are very hard…. but we all pull through thanks to each other’s encouragement,” Cindy said.

She hopes that the team will do well at Regionals and go to State this year. ntempleton@apachepowwow.com

Photo courtesy of ACADEMICS.AHS.AUSD.NET

ntempleton@apachepowwow.com

January 2016

academics.powwow@gmail.com

ACADEMICS Biology Olympiad

By MICHAEL TSENG Staff Writer

By KIMBERLY LO Staff Writer

AHS recently began implementing a program called Naviance that aims to aid students in their preparation for future college and career endeavors. Naviance is a software provider established in 2002 that aims to help kindergarten through 12th grade students prepare for their futures through researching colleges and careers.

Once logged in to Naviance, a home page immediately greets users and lists several links for different activities including working on a résumé, looking up careers and colleges, signing up for visits by college representatives, and researching scholarship opportunities. In addition, there is also a section for college applications. For one’s convenience, counselor emails are listed at the bottom of the home page.

On the homepage, there is a left column that can link one to: his or her colleges of interest, the AHS counselor website, lessons, and more. There are seventeen lessons, and they cover topics including self-confidence, college essays, and financial aid. After completing a lesson, one can always return later to see what he or she has written in the past. On the right column of the homepage, there is an update section for

information such as the Rotary Youth Leadership Award.

At the top of the page, there are a few tabs designated for looking up colleges, careers, and one’s own information. In the colleges section, there are several features that allow users to look up a specific college, compare up to ten colleges, and more. Valuable parts of this section are the scattergram and college acceptance history sections. In the college acceptance history part, the number of students accepted and enrolled into each school are listed. When the time comes to choose colleges to apply to, this tool can offer helpful information and help direct one’s focus.

In the scattergram portion, after choosing a college and a type of test, a chart will be created that indicates some average statistics of students who were accepted from AHS. For colleges with only a small sample size, information may not be available. Nonetheless, it is a very useful tool to get an idea of the academic background that accepted students had.

All in all, Naviance is a service that offers many opportunities for students to explore potential colleges and careers of interest. klo@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of SANJUAN.EDU

AHS is home to over 100 clubs and organizations, both big and small. Now, AHS is adding another organization into its family, called Biology Olympiad. Biology Olympiad is a national competition where students polish and study biology for the main national test around Feb. 20 to 25. It includes three national rounds, preliminaries, semifinals, and finals. Four students will be chosen to attend the international competition in Vietnam.

Unlike many competitive clubs, there are no requirements for the exam, although a general knowledge of biology or an AP understanding is recommended. The preliminaries consist of around 50 multiple choice questions only.

Semifinals includes both free response and multiple choice questions. Finally, if one manages to make it to finals, they will receive a one week training with top biology professors, and will be presented with a ecological problem that they must solve.

The Biology Olympiad exam focuses on Animal Anatomy and physiology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics and Evolution, and Plant Anatomy and Physiology. Meanwhile, the other small topics that are also included are ecology, ethology, and biosystematics.

15

The school organization was founded

by Helen Gu, a sophomore who wishes to bring her love of biology to AHS. After she failed the preliminaries last year, she was determined to pass the exam this year. decided that she wanted to bring the organization back to AHS and restarted the program with the help of junior Nora Sharp and sophomore Michael Tseng.

“I discovered the USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) through the memoir of an MIT student named Rebecca Shi. I have always been interested in biological sciences, especially anatomy and physiology. This was an opportunity for me to compete with a topic I enjoyed learning. My hope is that the USABO can encourage students to pursue their interests in biology.”

She has already begun to train the students that are interested in taking the exam, giving them practice questions every time they have a weekly meeting. Helen hopes that she and the students will be able to take this experience and gain a love of biology like she did.

The exam deadline was Jan. 22, but if anyone wishes to join this organization they should talk to Mr. Craig Mondon and Mr. Tal Jones, or any of the three students who are hosting the exam. mtseng@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of UNDERSTANDBIOLOGY.COM

The College Tuition Hike

By TITUS WU Staff Writer

High school seniors worry about many things when applying to college; cost is no exception. In the months of January and onward, for AHS seniors, it is more than just a waiting period for admissions results; it is also a time to tackle the cost of college.

Tuition has increased at an alarming pace, and the story of a college graduate burdened by debt is becoming ever common. Expenses can range from $21,000 to $70,000, all high prices that are tough for the average family to eke out.

The amount of money that has to be paid, however, is dependent on which type of college one goes to. Indeed, the tackling of expensive tuition starts at the very beginning with college selection.

“I have to be very picky with the colleges I choose,” said senior Tiger Wang. “For example, New York University was originally one of the schools I was going to apply to, but after seeing the low amount of financial aid given to students I decided not to apply.”

On the contrary, Tiger applied to Northwestern University, ultimately because it guarantees to satisfy 100% of all financial need.

An important distinction has to be made as well between pub-

lic and private universities, where public ones tend to cost much cheaper. In case Tiger wasn’t able to afford any of the private ones he applied to, he “would have at least a UC school which [he] could afford.”

Senior Ziyan Feng disagreed, seeing private universities as more financially appealing. “Privates offer a lot more financial aid and scholarships so the tuition for privates usually end up very similar to publics,” said Ziyan. This similar cost, he added on, pays for a much higher quality education in private colleges.

Regardless of how they selected colleges, both are pursuing outside scholarships to reduce financial pressure.

For Tiger, much of it is already settled with a prestigious organization called QuestBridge that offers humongous need or meritbased scholarships.

“The way it works is that during the summer and early fall of senior year, one must fill out a sepa-

rate application in order to be selected as a Finalist. Once selected as a Finalist, which is a 35% chance” one can get a full ride to a QuestBridge-associated school, said Tiger.

Tiger was not selected, but even then, due to QuestBridge, he “still got a lot of financial aid, just not as much as a full ride.”

Ziyan, on the other hand, is opting to search and apply for numerous smaller scholarships, ranging to a maximum of $500 each. When argued if that was going to waste much time and effort, he dissented.

“If you apply to ten

small scholarships and it takes you ten hours,” said Ziyan, “say you get one of them. That’s $500 for ten hours or $50/hour, which is still a lot for a student. So I don’t think that it is a waste.”

Even if he were to fail to gain any scholarships, he had “started working over the summer,” he noted. “Even though the pay isn’t huge, it adds up over the year,” and helps relieve the financial stress.

Two important financial aid documents to note are the FAFSA and the CSS. Both forms are used to garner loans or grants from the federal/state governments and from colleges themselves. The earlier submitted, the higher chance one has to receive such monetary assistance.

“It was a struggle to fill the CSS out,” said Ziyan, “but I’m not expecting much from it,” since government assistance is known to be not as generous as it used to be. But money is still money.

Ultimately, navigating the affordable path to college is difficult, and there is no one right way. One thing is for sure: many Apaches will invest money into college for a brighter future. twu@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of MISTUDENTS.COM

16

apachepowwow.tumblr.com

January 2016

Swishin’ and Dishin’ Warriors of the Water

By JUSTIN CUN & JOSHUA MA Staff Writers

The Boys Varsity Basketball team continues to strive for a victorious season with the help of its new coaching staff and players. With a whole new coaching staff, the team is expecting a successful season. A few weeks into the season, the Boys Varsity Basketball team currently has a 1-3 record in League play and a 2-13 overall record.

Head coach Donte Bell expressed his thoughts on the season so far by saying the team is “up and down.” The team consists of a talented “group of young guys, [but the boys still need] to learn [how] to win games.”

The team’s first game of the season on Jan. 5 resulted in a close 5556 loss against Hoover High School.

However, our Apaches showed resilience on Jan. 8, as they beat Glendale High School 67-57. Through its grueling training in the offseason, the team hopes to continue to showcase its talent this season.

With the loss of eight seniors, new leaders have to step up this year to fill their spots. Sophomore David Chen stated that the main weakness

of the group is that it is “a young team” and has to work on chemistry.

David believes that the team has started off slowly, but “is gradually getting to where [it] needs to [be]. As a unit, playing together, [Boys Varsity Basketball is] a stronger team and excels when everyone is on the same page.” In order to fix these issues, David said that the team is working on “execution of plays, being disciplined, and working together as a unit consistently.”

Although the boys have weaknesses, their ability to utilize their overall strengths is one reason why they continue to win games. David stated that the strengths of the team include being “smaller and more agile than other teams.” Similarly, Team Captain senior Matthew Hatfield believed that the team’s strengths are “speed and athleticism.”

In addition, Matthew gave his insight on the season which has “been pretty tough. We have had to play against some very good teams.”

Since it is only the start of the season, Boys Varsity Basketball has plenty of time to improve and realize its potential. Best of luck!

jcun@apachepowwow.com jma@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of AMAZON.COM

By KIMBERLY LO Staff Writer

Girls Varsity Water Polo started off this season strong with a 6-5 overall record. So far, the team has played a total of 11 games in this season, four of which were part of a Burbank Tournament at Burbank High School.

With the start of this season, junior Loreny Valdez noted, “In the beginning, I did not think it would be so difficult to start all over with a new group of people, but now the team has come a long way with what it began with.” With new members on the team, all of the players had to adjust and learn to cooperate as a unit since water polo is a sport that places heavy emphasis on teamwork.

Junior Colleen Cook added, “I think our season is off to a good start since we have really talented players. Many are returners, so the team has a lot of experience, which helps.”

As for the team dynamic, sophomore Haley Harvey emphasized, “Our strengths are that we work together really well, we’re strong shooters, and we’re fast.” In addition, Loreny added that the team members “continue to grow with every game.”

With every game comes experience, and the water polo players surely

gain more insight on game strategies and plans as the season continues.

Nonetheless, Haley also said, “Our primary weakness is that we are not shooting enough during games. To work on that, we practice taking more shots during scrimmages in practices.” Moreover, Colleen claimed, “We need to work on better passing.

We’ve been doing a lot of passing drills, both short and long distance, as well as passing and shooting drills.”

With practice, the team can make a lot of progress and become more accustomed to shooting and passing.

This, in turn, can help its overall play as a team.

While the season is just about halfway through, the players have

already had plenty of fun moments.

Haley exclaimed that she enjoyed the “Burbank tournament when the team won its game in overtime” and “sang in the bus after games.” With every game, Colleen also noted how she liked “getting in a group huddle before games to get [them] pumped.”

What’s more, Loreny commented that “at the end of each game the team huddles together and talks about what [teammates] did right and what they could improve on, which really brings the team together.”

Overall, the Girls Varsity Water Polo team has had a great start and a lot of potential. Good luck to the Apache girls with the rest of the season.

PACIFIC FORTRESS Junior Loreny Valdez stretches out with all her effort to defend a shot, anchoring a stellar Apache defense.

klo@apachepowwow.com

Photos byVIVIAN KWANG

Lady Apaches Cross Over League New Year’s Resolutions She believed that they can fulfill their goals through “hard work and [the team’s] unbreakable bond.”

Freshman Sahana Saikumar’s personal goal is “be a strong player A new year is here and so is the overall.” She wishes to score “many Girls Varsity Basketball team’s seapoints” and produce a lot of “blocks son. Our Lady Apaches have worked and rebounds.” Sahana wants to play hard during their off season with daicollege basketball one day and ly practices and participation in she can get there by “working multiple tournaments, resulting hard.” in their current record of 10-7 Senior Kristin Shigenaga and 2-2 in League. All the hard stated that “height is definitely” work that they have been puther team’s biggest weakness. ting in during the off season can Since the team is smaller than finally be displayed in the next the competition, Kristin added few months. that the girls used to “really Senior Sarah Nakamoto struggle with winning offensive believed that the team had “a boards” but in their past tourrocky start” to the season. Alnament, they “did a lot better though the girls were “strug[job of] boxing out the bigger gling with executing plays girls and getting over-the-back during games and having [offcalls.” In addition, junior Mitarget] shots,” they were “still chelle Kam expressed that her able to pull out wins.” Sarah team’s positives were “chemisstated that her teammates are working on “making sure they SCANNING THE HARDWOOD Senior try, speed, individual skill, disare prepared to play against fu- Victoria Hatfield surveys the defense as she cipline, technique usage, great coaching staff, and having a lot ture teams.” Sarah also added prepares to make a dish to her teammates. that their “coaches are helping them accomplishing this would be a huge of heart, effort, and energy.”

These ladies kicked off their feel prepared by emphasizing the im- accomplishment.” However, Lindsey emphasized that the Lady Apaches season well. Best wishes for your portance of focusing.”

In regards to team chemistry, aren’t competing “just to win,” but season, Girls Varsity Basketball! sophomore Clarissa Kiyomura’s fa- also to make “memories that count,” ellee@apachepowwow.com vorite season moment so far was so they can aim to “develop a close, “bonding with [her] teammates on unbreakable bond with one another.”

Photo by KRISTEN TRAN

By ELLIE LEE

Staff Writer

and off the courts.” Clarissa is glad to “be close with such great people” and considers them as “more of a family than a team.”

Junior Lindsey Young stated that their team’s overall goal is “to win League and go past the second round in CIF.” Lindsey believed “that

By ANDREW LIM Staff Writer

It’s a new year and a new athletic season. The beginning of 2016 has gotten our AHS athletes pumped and ready to face new challenges and achieve their goals. Here are some New Year’s resolutions for the new athletic season from our fellow Apaches.

“As a water polo player, I’m excited to bond more with my team and improve both my individual skills and team chemistry. League games are starting soon and I hope to achieve the best of our ability and do as well as possible. Individually, I hope to increase my swimming speed and improve my shot accuracy. I hope that we can qualify for CIF this year but if not, I simply want to have fun and enjoy the team’s company.”

— Lucy Zhang, 11, Girls Varsity Water Polo “I want to enjoy the time with friends and try my best for my senior year. I hope to get a five minute mile to end my athletic career in high school. I will try to get stronger with my upper body strength since my legs are pretty strong as a runner.”

— Brandon Yamada, 12, Boys Varsity Cross Country “I would like to continue improving from where I left off last year. Although I will be going into different kinds of races, I still want to maintain the hard work and spirit of competition that pushed me so far. I want to work with my teammates and friends to accomplish these improvements.”

— Kevin Lee, 11, Boys Varsity Cross Country.

With a couple of New Year’s Resolutions brought to light, AHS athletes will have an idea of any upcoming ambitions and goals, which will in turn help them try to live up to the task. Good luck to our athletes in the second semester. alim@apachepowwow.com Graphic courtesy of ABEXINSURANCE.COM

January 2016

17

sports.powwow@gmail.com

Golden Routines and Cardinal Rituals

Girls Soccer Building on Perfection

By TRINITY CHHAY

Staff Writer

By DANIELLE SANTOYO Staff Writer

Many athletes have superstitions on how they play their games and how they practice and prepare both mentally and physically. Whether he or she is a recreational player or an Olympic gold medalist, every athlete has an established routine.

Even doing the simplest of things just to get his or her mind in gear can help an athlete win a game. For example, U. S. judo gold medalist Kayla Harrison wore her lucky socks given to her by her grandmother when she won at the Olympic Games.

Our Apache athletes look for any mental edge they can get to ease their minds and perform at their peak.

Tennis CIF champion sophomore Aubrie Weissbuch shared that, “Usually, the team and I gather around our coach and listen to what he has to say, whether it’s something meant to motivate us, or give us any pointers before the games. It makes me feel like I could win the game, and when I start off playing confident, the match usually ends well.”

Girls Varsity Cross Country runner sophomore Kelly Liang stated, “I always drink water before any of my races, as well as bring a water bottle wherever I go just to make sure I’m hydrated. I think it’s superstitious because I’ll have this thought where during my race, I’ll get so dehydrated that I slow down or faint. For me, during races I also make sure I have on all my lucky clothes, such as my lucky socks and shorts.”

Fellow Girls Varsity Cross Country runner sophomore Eryca Yamane shared, “Before races, in order to get my mind focused, I listen to music because I feel it makes me less nervous about the competition and more focused on winning.” The many rituals, including music, are most common because the song being played helps an athlete disassociate feelings of fatigue and perceived exertion.

Boys Varsity Cross Country runner senior Austin Che stated, “I have to listen to music before every race in order to get ‘in the zone’. Because of this, I block everyone out and am sort of like an introvert. I don’t really want to talk to people when I’m trying to ‘get into the zone’. I also usually say a prayer before I get on the line as well. It feels comfortable just reminding myself that God is there with me.”

Our Apache athletes’ superstitions and pre-game rituals are a key factor in improving performance to uphold AHS’ tradition of excellence. dsantoyo@apachepowwow.com

Last year, Girls Varsity Soccer had a legendary season, going undefeated and making a deep playoff run. Although the team lost many key senior players from last year, our Lady Apaches are determined to continue the program’s streak of perfection.

With a solid 8-2 season record and excellent 5-0 League record, the girls are already setting their goal for another fantastic year. Sophomore Serena Rosas stated, “We are going to have another wonderful season with a great group of girls.

We all want to set a goal as a team and achieve it. Since last year we made it to the quarter-finals of CIF, we [gained confidence that] we had the talent to go all the way. This was our goal ever since we lost last year in a penalty kick score against Moorpark High School (MHS). MHS had a great team, but overall, we could have come out on top. No one on this team wants to lose like that again, which made us aim higher.” Freshman Amanda Howard agreed, stating, “So far, the start of the season has been strong for us. Our team-

work has been good and I think the team will get even stronger as the season goes on.”

With the start of their season going well, the girls are trying to focus on what they are able to improve on.

With a lot of new incomers, the girls are using that as an advantage instead of a disad-

ly helps us as a team because we are already familiar with one another.

The downside is that we are a young

POWER AND FINESSE

Junior Sarah Gutierrez (left) displays her dribbling skills as she maneuvers through the defense.

Sophomore Erin Wong (right) loads up for a stunning kick across the field to her teammates. vantage. “We all work really well together. Over the course of the next two years, I think we will be able to become a really strong team as well as great teammates. A lot of us have been playing soccer with each other for a long time, and I think that real-

team, but I think in the long run, we will be able to use [our youth] to our advantage,” stated sophomore Erin Wong. With a very young team, the girls are at a disadvantage when it comes to senior guidance, but that isn’t going to stop them. “Our weak-

ness is that we lack leadership. As a whole team, each one of us should be a leader in our own way, which can unify us to become a stronger unit. We [just need to] have a voice that will impact us,” said Serena.

Nevertheless, with a young core, the team had plenty of years to develop leadership.

Currently working on tactical plays and playing as a single team, Girls Varsity Soccer seems to be getting better with each practice. “We are preparing and training a lot so that we can do really well in CIF,” Erin stated. Amanda added in that the team will be “working on playing as a unit, improving on its field shape and formation.”

Recent wins against Hoover High School, Glendale High School, and Pasadena High School tallied blowouts of 9-0, 5-0, and 11-0, respectively.

These wins solidified Girls Varsity Soccer’s dominance in the area and demonstrated its potential to be crowned CIF champion this season.

With diligence and heart, our Lady Apaches are primed for success this season. Good luck girls! tchhay@apachepowwow.com Photos by TITUS WU

Athlete Profile: Phillip Rocha

By ANDREW LIM Staff Writer

Boys Varsity Cross Country has been churning out victory after victory these past seasons. Though the cross country program continues to win for the Apaches, Runner of the Year senior Phillip Rocha will soon move on to compete on the college level and strive for even greater accomplishments after capping off a legendary high school career filled with school and course records along with numerous accolades.

According to Phillip, the main reason for his love of running is that it’s “so beautiful” and the U. S. “has so much potential in this sport.” As he continues to delve into his passion, Phillip mentioned that the nation is “the best track and field country in the world,” solidifying his determination to live up to the standard. By “contributing to that greatness and allowing [himself] to open up those doors,” he cements his reasons for running and training so diligently.

Drawing inspiration from his father being a former track runner, Phillip decided to try out for the cross country team in 6th grade. He loved running, during that time, and simply thought he “might as well do a sport that involves just running.”

The rest is history as he felt he was excelling and “pursued [his goals] more and more.”

Phillip’s senior cross country season concluded with the international race in Scotland and, to sum it up, his season this year “has been nothing but spectacular.” A lot of the goals Phillip determined to achieve were met and sometimes exceeded his expectations.

His progress as a runner is a great benchmark coming into college.

He indicated “a lot of the [team members] really stepped up this year” and they worked hard to reach State. The previous years Phillip noticed mostly consisted of runners “that had a lot of talent,” but this year they had a lot of hard workers. Phillip took the times he made it into the State competition “for granted, until [he] realized how hard it was to make it into State” and now appreciates the hard work he and his teammates put in.

When asked about his most sat-

isfying personal achievement, Phillip responded, “It would probably be the National Championship with Footlocker” in San Diego, where he placed 2nd. According to Phillip, the week before that competition, he had become afflicted with food poisoning and “actually missed school for that because [he] couldn’t get out of bed [and] was depleted of all energy.” He was ranked second in the nation at that time and going in that race, he was “thinking [he wasn’t going to do as well as [he] wanted to.” In his mind, Phillip said, “Maybe I’ll make top 15, that’s still All-American. If I make top 10, that’s great.

I was really selling myself short because of how bad I felt because of the food poisoning.” The day of the competition, all of Phillip’s friends and family came and supported him and he happily recalls that he “pushed through [his] low energy barrier as well as [he]

could.” Seeing it as a mental race, Phillip views it as the most satisfying achievement.

Post-collegiate, he plans to run whether it’s professionally or for leisure. As of now, Phillip hasn’t made his college decision, “but [he’ll] be making [his choice] at the end of the February or through March.” He hopes to gain All-American as a college freshman and “see where [he] can work from that.” Elaborating on his college decision, he plans to definitely “go to a college where he can succeed and platform [himself] for post-collegiate running.” Phillip wants to perform well in college “so [he] can run professionally whether it be with Nike, Adidas, Saucony” or any other brand sponsoring him.

Ultimately, he wants to pursue the Olympics but “doesn’t know if it’s a possibility.”

The soon graduating running star Phillip Rocha has capped off a historic high school cross country career with two straight CIF championships and multiple appearances in Nike Cross Nationals. Hopefully, Phillip can also be a part of worldwide history with his promising athletic career and outstanding work ethic. Congratulations to Phillip and good luck in the future! alim@apachepowwow.com

Photo courtesy of CHUCK UTASH

18

ADVERTISEMENTS

theapachepowwow.com

Febuary 2016

January 2016

calendareditor.powwow@gmail.com

CALENDAR

Origins of Disney Movies

By DANIELLE SANTOYO Staff Writer

Lots of Disney movies, especially fairy tales have been coming out recently, and those that are already planned ahead for the future, such as Frozen, Maleficent, the live action Cinderella movie, the new release of Moana (coming out November 2016) and more. But one thing they all have in common is that none of them are actually based off of original Walt Disney ideas, rather they are inspired by stories told centuries before being Disney films. Of these is the movie Cinderella, a German told story by the Grimm brothers, in which Cinderella never had a fairy godmother. Instead, at the grave of her mother was a hazel tree in which housed doves, and those doves gave Cinderella the gown she needed to go to the ball that her stepmother so cruelly banned her from. After the prince fell in love with her and the only thing he had to find her by was her lost slipper, he declared the he would marry the girl whose shoe fit the golden slipper. To marry the prince, Cinderella’s step sisters cut off parts of their feet, starting off with slicing off chunks of their heels and toes. The prince seeing this, finally tried his hope with Cinderella whose shoe did fit the slipper. In their happiness they wed and the stepsisters’ eyes were clawed out by Cinderella’s doves.

Taking a darker turn, The Little Mermaid, a Disney tale that had brought the company back from bankruptcy, also came from a less happy origin. In the original story of the Little Mermaid, when Merfolk would die they turn into sea foam. In the story, after Ariel saves a Prince from drowning, she falls in love with him, but the Prince marries a different girl thinking she is the one that saved him. However as Ariel had already made a deal with a old sea witch, she is forced to kill the Prince in order to save herself, but she can not bring herself to do it. Instead, she turns into sea foam and dies.

Even worse, the Tale of Peter Pan is originally of a boy named Peter who kidnapped boys and brought them to a secluded island to keep him company and do his bidding. But when the boys got too old, he killed them, and then ventured off to find more young children to take.

All these movies, now modernized, most with sequels, or prequels, have been fit to see the happily ever afters that children so innocently desire. But, when looking at the origins of these ‘fairy tales’ we can see how far today’s culture has changed from the views of the past. dsantoyo@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of ETSY.COM

By ANDREW LIM

Staff Writer

Oh my, oh my, oh my. It has been 39 years since the original Star Wars and ever since its release, generations upon generations engrossed themselves into the entire franchise. With the franchise growing bigger and bigger by the second, the Star Wars franchise remains one of the biggest today. Everyone’s been talking about it, everyone’s hyping about it, everyone’s been giving it extravagant ratings on IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, even non-Star Wars fans are talking about it. It’s true.

All of it. The ratings, the story. They’re real. As an insane Star Wars fan myself, I will most likely have obvious favored bias in this review. Star Wars: The Force Awakens rekindles the Star Wars franchise, drives the hype out of the ballpark, and sets up the start of the new trilogy in the upcoming years competently. This film was directed by J. J. Abrams and stars Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Leia Organa), Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), Daisy Ridley (Rey), John Boyega (Finn), Gwendoline Christie (Captain Phasma), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), Andy Serkis (Supreme Leader Snoke), and Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux). First and foremost, Star Wars: The Force Awakens somewhat lives up to its hype and caters towards veteran fans while providing new information and excitement to newer viewers; however, the film is still incredibly satisfying.

It would be a miracle if you, the reader, hasn’t even watched the film yet considering the torrent of fans hyping over and discussing the film.

Regardless, the synopsis is very simple. 30 years after the Galactic Civil War and the destruction of Darth Vader and the Battle of Endor, the First Order emerged from ashes of the Galactic Empire, determined to reclaim the galaxy. The New Republic, a new galactic wide organization reminiscent of the Galactic Republic, continues to repair and salvage the crumbling galaxy. These two superpowers are at continuing odds and thus the constant conflicts forms the Resistance, essentially the Rebellion, to stop the First Order. Secretly under the New Republic’s backing, the Resistance poses an enormous threat to the order.

The film follows Finn, a First Order stormtrooper struggling to make amends with his profession and the horrors confined in it, and Rey, a scavenger on Jakku abandoned by her parents, in their inauguration to the Resistance and fight against the First Order. Kylo Ren, the apprentice of the First Order’s leader, searches for the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker as he has gone missing in the aftermath of the war. The overarching story remains simple, the Resistance is essentially fighting the First Order seen through the eyes of Finn and Rey. Anything else regarding the film will possibly lead to spoilers, assuming the avoidance of said spoilers is possible.

As for the soundtrack, it pays much homage to the original trilogy. Most scenes are accompanied with the classic Star Wars vibe of orchestra music and trumpets. A few pieces did stand out as the high points soundtrack captured the most astonishing aspects of the film. The homage to the original trilogy in The Force Awakens’ soundtrack brought nostalgia to the veteran fans, as for myself: the soundtrack reminds me of the first time I watched New Hope as a kid. All in all, the soundtrack is an incredible piece that orchestrates the film’s hype and high points.

Just as vibrant as the soundtrack, the special effects deserves a recognition as the effects are heightened and improved to grasp the feeling of the original trilogies. Every battle and the atmosphere of the space battles are drastically improved to bring the characters and the ships to life.

Ultimately, Star Wars: The Force Awakens sets the stage for the upcoming Star Wars films and, though it can be argued of whether it lives up to its hype, the film succeeds in satisfying the audience, especially veteran Star Wars fans. The plot plays with the new technology and serves as the stage to launch new hype for the Star Wars franchise. I give Star Wars: The Force Awakens a solid 9 out of 10 and will recommend this film to practically anyone.

19

20

CAMPUS FOCUS

cf.powwow@gmail.com

January 2016

By MAGGIE WONG Staff Writer

Many people like to choose the New Year as a time to set new goals for themselves. While one can definitely choose any time of year to improve upon themselves and their lives, a new year is a good place to start. 2016 is a great year to say, “New year, new me”—and mean it.

mwong@apachepowwow.com Graphics courtesy of WORDPRESS.COM