January 2023

The Arcadia Quill

The official student newspaper of Arcadia High School since 1952

All-School Winter Pep Assembly

By SOFIA PAYAN SIEGRIST Staff Writer

On Jan. 27, Arcadia High School students attended the annual Winter Pep Assembly—the first all-student assembly since September 2019. Student led organizations, clubs, and winter sports teams were all introduced in a fun, entertaining procession at Salter stadium.

As students filed into their designated seating areas, Pep Band welcomed the crowd with an amazing performance.

Then, ASB President senior Benjamin Oh welcomed students on behalf of the ASB committee. Students were encouraged to cheer for their class in a competition between students.

Following the introduction, student organizations and clubs were led on the field one by one, where they had an opportunity to say their chant and show off other cool tricks. All

academic teams were featured in the rally.

Shortly after, Pep Cheer performed, leaving the audience in awe at their jaw-dropping performance which included several flips, stunts, and synchronized choreography.

Afterwards, students participated in a relay race. The tricycle relay game required two students from each grade to run with their ankles tied together, carry their partner, and ride a tricycle to the finish line. 11th graders jumped out of their seats as one of the junior students crossed the finish line.

Next, students had the opportunity to see Orchesis’ dazzling performance, which was complete with complex formations and spirited dancers.

“I think Orchesis is amazing. Seeing them move and be productive, especially in the heat was incredible. Knowing that they practiced for hours really inspired me as a dancer,” said freshman Annel Garcia, as she recalled the Orchesis performance.

As Orchesis members made their way off the field, the Varsity winter sports teams lined up on the other side of the track. All Varsity winter sports teams, both boys and girls were introduced.

To top it all off, Pep Song finished the assembly with their spectacular performance. Then together, as a school, everyone sang the Alma Mater which was performed by Pep Band.

One student, sophomore Kristy Tran, recounted her experience at her first all-school assembly. ”The dancers that performed were clearly passionate in what they were doing. And although it was hot outside, I still enjoyed the assembly,” she explained.

All in all, this assembly was a great way to start the year and get students excited for all the future activities 2023 has to offer.

psiegrist@arcadiaquill.com

Tribute to Mr. Thomas Hernandez

By SOPHIA LI Sports Editor

One of our Football Team’s assistant coaches, Mr. Thomas Hernandez, recently passed away. He was a valued member of the staff at Arcadia High School. Coaches and students on the football team called him Coach Tom. The counselors have set up a safe space for the players and students if they need a place to go to talk about their loss. Students and administrators alike share their sentiments in honor of Coach Tom.

“Coach Tom and I met when he helped start up the Tri City Saints. He came on to coach at the high school shortly after. He had a great relationship with the kids he coached and really helped build up the program through those relationships. We had more numbers in the freshman class due to his work with the Saints and club trenches. Tom was quiet but was someone who could always be counted on. He was always there, showing up to every practice or offseason workout. He will be missed dearly by the entire Arcadia football family.” - Coach Policky

“He will be missed. He’s the reason we are on the football team in the first place. Coach Tom is the first person that actually gave us an opportunity and believed in us.” - Victoria Kenworthy, kicker on the varsity football team

“Coach Hernandez, A man with few words but his dedication to the program and the kids spoke volumes. He will be missed.” - Mr. Keith Kerney, Arcadia High School. Assistant Principal

“Coach Hernandez meant so much to the program. The coaching staff and players will miss his presence deeply. He will be remembered as the kind of person you can always count on who put one hundred percent effort into everything he did.” - Dr. Angela Dillman, Arcadia High School Principal.

“Simplest things in life brought Tom joy! He was a very polite, calm and patient human being especially when teaching basic skills at football practice. We could always count on him, and his presence was noticeable. His dedication was far and beyond what could have ever been expected of him. He was always present and gave his all to the program. He devoted everyday to helping and mentoring the youth at

Arcadia Football team. There are no words to express how grateful and blessed we are to have him in our lives. Tom will be dearly missed.”Mrs. Milica Protic

“Tom was an alumni of Arcadia High School. Coach Tom enjoyed coaching and being a part of the Apache family. Coach Tom’s dedication and contribution to the football program and this community will be missed, but never forgotten. As the football program prepares for the 2023 fall football season we will do so carrying the spirit of Coach Tom with us.”

- Varsity Football Head Coach Antyone Sims

Coach Tom has inspired and touched the lives of those around him. He was down to earth, infectious, and a dedicated leader in his community. His devotion to coaching and developing athletes to their fullest potential will always resonate with his fellow coaches, students, family members, and friends. Coach Tom will be missed, but his memory will live on in the lives that he has touched.

The Epidemic of Overconsumption

Vritti Godani’23 addresses the detrimental consequences of overconsumption and its impact on climate change.

National Poverty in America Awareness Month

Annie Jiang’25 covers National Poverty Awareness Month in light of the homelessness situation in Arcadia.

Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year

Juliette Fang’26 reflects on the significance of Viva Magenta 18-750, Pantone Color Institute’s 2023 Color of the Year.

Girls Varsity Water Polo vs. Pasadena

SMW Blood Drive Follow-Up

By MICHELLE HO

Staff Writer

Starting off the year with an altruistic deed, Seniors of Merit and Work (SMW) hosted the UCLA Blood Drive on Jan. 17. The blood drive was held from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the North Gym, allowing those who are 17-years-old and above to donate their blood as volunteers.

Senior Celena Fu, one of the people who volunteered to donate said, “I’ve always wanted to donate blood and possibly help someone, so this was my decision.”

Upon entering the gym, students were walked through the procedure to donate blood. Ms. Rita Wilkins, one of the SMW advisors, who ran the blood drive with UCLA, explained this process.

“Before [Winter] Break, we started signing people up for the blood drive in the ASB office. [Students] had to turn in packets with their parents’ permission to be able to donate,” said Ms. Wilkins. “Students then get processed through UCLA and do a confidential history alone, and then sit one-on-one with a UCLA staff member who goes over everything and makes sure they are eligible to donate blood.”

“Before [the donation] I was nervous,” said junior Nyla Harding. “Afterwards, though, I was calm and pretty chill.”

With 12 stations that the phlebotomists worked at, the blood donors usually did not have to wait long to donate.

Arcadia, CA 91006

Clarissa Suryapranata’24 recaps the Girls Varsity Water Polo game vs. Pasadena High School

Photo by Lorin Teng

The Arcadia Quill The Arcadia Quill

Editorial Board

Editors-in-Chief: Catherine Chan, Lillian Chong, Enzo Goebel

News Editors: Stephanie Wang, Madison Yee

Opinion Editors: Ashley Chan, Chloe Wong

Features Editors: Darin Buenaluz, Pamina Yung

Arts & Entertainment Editors: Anna Odell, Maryam Sadeghifard

Sports Editors: Sophia Li, Sohana Sahni

Media Editor: Amanda Chang

Campus Focus Editor:

Michelle So

Publicity Manager:

Vritti Godani

General Staff

Staff Writers:

Ryan Chai, Nathan Chen, Niyah (Elliot) Davis, Harini Devaguptapu, Juliette Fang, Jose Gama, Eleanor Gladson-Pang, Michelle Ho, Michael Hum, Amish Jha, Annie Jiang, Emily Lee, Caroline Li, Lisa Li, Justina Liu, Zhilin Liu, Samantha Luan, Victoria Thalia Mair, Emmaline Pan, Breeanna Pham, Ava Shaw, Sofia Payan Siegrist, Clarissa Suryapranata, Kaitlynn Trinnh, Ziming (Sarah) Wang, Kathy Wong, Lin Zhang

Media Staff:

Lauryn Chao, Skye Escobedo, Veronica Meyers, Ainsley Najafzadeh, Katrina Reghitto, Lorin Teng, Vanessa Valentino, May Wang, Olivia Zheng

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy

The Arcadia Quill acknowledges the systemic inequities persistent in our country and community, and therefore we maintain a dedication towards equity, diversity, and inclusion. As a student-led organization, we strive to inspire high school students to use their voices to discuss issues that affect them in conjunction with our goal to provide a space of journalistic integrity and professionalism. We expect ourselves to be inclusive and respectful of everyone regardless of identity—including but not limited to race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic identity, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ability, and religious belief. We strive to put our values into action by doing the following: Highlighting the stories and experiences of students from backgrounds that have historically faced inequality. Assessing how The Arcadia Quill can improve by taking steps to avoid contributing to cultural appropriation and systemic injustice. Working to educate our staff on the impact of systemic inequality, and equipping them with tools on how to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion within their own means. Following standards set by Arcadia Unified School District to confront systemic injustice including racial inequity. We hold ourselves to high standards in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these efforts by The Arcadia Quill, please email eic.arcadiaquill@gmail.com.

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Social media will be used to promote appropriate media, to promote published content, and to engage with Arcadia and Arcadia High School’s community. The Editorial Board reserves the right to remove comments deemed inappropriate, offensive, or threatening. The information posted on social media platforms (i.e. Instagram) will be held to the same standards as all other reporting in terms of information gathering and fact-checking.

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Editorial Policy

The Arcadia Quill will not print anything in our publication (online or print) that is deemed libelous, obscene, or otherwise offensive or inappropriate, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s justified standards. Rights are reserved to postpone, edit or withhold from publication anything submitted which does not meet the specifications.

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Staff members are guided by the Canons of Journalism of the American Society of Newspaper Editors, a code of ethics which outlines the principles of responsibility, fairness, and accuracy.

Corrections Policy

Corrections will be printed when brought to the attention of the staff. Original stories will carry bylines but additional contributors to a story will be listed on the byline.

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Plagiarism of any form will not be tolerated. Story ideas and article content are to remain completely original with the exception of the use of outside graphics/images/quotes, which are to be duly credited.

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Quotes are representative of a single opinion; they do not represent the beliefs of the student body and staff. Quotes are to be written in past tense with the correct style guide format.

In Sept. 2020, residents of the Foothills area of Arcadia received an urgent notice: Prepare for evacuation. Overnight, the Bobcat fire had grown from a small blaze to a snaking line that spanned the entirety of the mountains overlooking the San Gabriel Valley. Fueled by dry shrubs and even more arid conditions, the Bobcat Fire had progressed rapidly and dangerously, putting property and lives at risk.

Two and a half years later, many of the same residents received a flash flood warning issued by the National Weather Service in the face of record-setting torrential storms blasting through the area, a bout of extreme weather that killed at least 21 people throughout California earlier this month.

Smothered by an endless cloak of rain, soils have the potential to oversaturate, leading to water running across, instead of into, the ground. The precipitation brought little respite from the extended dryspell, an unfortunate consequence of runoff mismanagement. It also added to the list of extreme weather diction—”bomb cyclone” and “atmospheric river” among the bulk of them.

From scorching summers to waterlogged winters, the dichotomy

is clear. Climate change, in all of its forms, poses an increasingly dangerous threat to our world.

Greenhouse gases, those noxious emissions we have been hearing so much about lately, are responsible for trapping heat within the atmosphere. More heat means more water vapor getting trapped in that in-between space. Eventually, the moisture condenses into clouds. Global weather patterns drastically shift as a result of these misplaced clouds, with certain places receiving far more rain than others.

“California normally has rainy winters but the warming air in our atmosphere is now absorbing incredible amounts of moisture that ends up getting dumped into places like the San Gabriel Valley,” said AP Environmental Science teacher Mr. Carlos Carranza. “What worries me is that we’ve covered most of this land with concrete and suburbs. We’re left with so little soil on the ground to absorb water that large storms can easily cause flooding and risk of mudslides.”

To that end, in Arcadia, the extreme weather conditions of unbearable hot periods followed by the recent heavy rain is a sign that the Earth’s temperature is increasing as a whole. According to the Indicators of Climate Change in California report, the annual average air temperatures have increased by around 2.5 degrees since 1895, and have been warming at a faster rate since the 1980s. Not to mention, since climate change strengthens the likelihood of wetter and more intense storms, the California showers that have taken locals by surprise are no part of the expected routine.

“In California, the snow peaks that we rely on for water are not forming as often, due to it getting warmer. Over in the Pacific, the warmer air can carry more moisture which eventually ends up in California,” stated Mr. Carranza.

From a global perspective, different parts of the world face two temperature alterations— either being colder or hotter than usual conditions. Each rapid fluctuation influences the various

climates in unique ways, ultimately developing to the Earth’s current state. This is one of the key steps to noticing that global warming is more present than ever, and so far, what humans have done to try and stop it has not been enough.

True, governments around the world have been far from complacent against this oncoming climate crisis. Beginning from 1972, when member nations of the United Nations convened in Stockholm, Sweden to discuss the issue of climate change for the first time at the First Earth Summit, many countries have made great strides towards tackling climate change;

Aided by international organizations such as the UN, many nations across the world have joined forces in a collective effort to protect Earth’s resources, such as reducing the production and emission of ozone-depleting substances through the 1987 Montreal Protocol, and formally tracking and holding each other accountable for reducing carbon emissions through the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.

Most recently, at the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27), held in Egypt, world leaders committed to helping countries battered by climate change, a historic step forward. In the U.S., measures under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act also aimed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the use of green energy in major sectors of the economy.

However, despite decades of progress, past action against climate change isn’t enough, especially because climate change still isn’t prioritized as a policy item, despite impacting millions around the globe. At COP27, for example, member nations agreed to establish mutual aid for countries struggling with climate change, but stopped short of committing to cutting emissions further. Just a month after signing the Inflation Reduction Act into law, President Biden also authorized the release of 15 million barrels of oil from American reserves in

response to the global energy crisis.

In fact, the Environmental Perspective to the Year 2000 and Beyond, the first-ever UN document advising international action to achieve sustainable development, was not adopted with a focus on climate change, but rather, on energy, under which climate change was marked as a secondary issue.

As governments around the world continue to hobble forward in a collaborative effort against climate change, goals for cutting carbon emissions by 2030 – as much as 45% to 50% in certain countries – continue to remain elusive. So how can we, as regular citizens, help to enact change in our everyday lives?

While the average person may not have the power to end practices like fossil fuel consumption, there are still ways we can contribute to the well-being of our planet. Electricity and heat, for instance, are primarily powered by oil, gas, and coal. By switching to energy-efficient power sources (such as LEDs), you can reduce your carbon footprint dramatically. Walking and biking also reduces CO2 emissions, as does switching to an electric vehicle. Simply throwing away less food prevents landfill overcrowding (rotting food produces methane, a greenhouse gas). And if you’re willing to make a more substantial lifestyle change, going vegetarian is also a great idea, as plant-based food production is much more efficient than the production of meat and dairy.

Given the oft-repeated warnings that time is running out for Planet Earth, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the looming threat of climate change. But through campaigning for preventative action and making simple changes to everyday life, we can combat, if not entirely undo, the damage inflicted upon our environment. We all must take collective action. It isn’t too late for our planet. Not yet.

Photo by CREDITS

SPEECH AND DEBATE STARTS STRONG AT

SPRING VARSITY DEBATE

By ANNIE JIANG Staff Writer

Excitement for the new semester has swiftly spread among students. Like all the students who are trying to adapt to their new academic schedules, Arcadia High School’s (AHS) Speech and Debate team has been practicing tremendously for future tournaments of 2023. It’s no surprise that the Speech and Debate team continued their success at Spring Debate Varsity.

On Jan. 21, Gabrielino High School hosted the Spring Debate Varsity tournament, attended by 13 Southern California Debate League member schools. This tournament consisted of five different types of debates: Congressional Debate (Congress), Lincoln-Douglas Debate (LD), Parliamentary Debate (Parli), Policy Debate, and Public Forum Debate (PF).

Each debate round’s schedule was different depending on the time requirements of the specific debate type. Despite the difficulty of waking up early to attend a full-day tournament, each competitor needed to compete at least three preliminary rounds to advance to the finals. However, the six members of AHS’ Speech and Debate team who participated all advanced to their finals round, resulting in a huge success.

Four members from AHS’ Speech and Debate team participated in Parli. Similar to how the British Parliament works, competitors act as representatives

advocating for or against a certain motion. In Parli, there are two constructive speeches and one rebuttal speech for each team. Constructive speeches last for eight minutes except for the first affirmative constructive which requires seven minutes. Usually in the second constructive, speakers start to debunk points from the opposition team. And the rebuttal lasts four minutes and five minutes respectively starting from the negation side, in which speakers usually summarize the most important points that they think will outperform their opponents.

Juniors Euan Laru-An and Merjan Khwajazada partnered

to compete in Parli, winning 3rd place overall. Laru-An considered this tournament to be valuable and educational, claiming to be “in disbelief” when noticing his marvelous achievement.

“Seeing as Parliamentary Debate isn’t my main event, I woke up expecting it to be another trophyless tournament,” stated Laru-An. “However, throughout the day, I felt myself gradually feeling more confident, as our competitors were very friendly and helpful by giving us advice. Sure, the win is the highlight, but the learning experience is what sticks with me. After all, it’s what will make a better speaker, not the trophy.”

Different from Parli, participants of Congress debate bills and resolutions to simulate acting as members of the U.S. Congress. Sophomore William Pan, who advanced into finals, specifically expressed his appreciation towards the effort AHS’ Speech and Debate team and officers have put into the lengthy preparation.

“The Arcadia [Speech and Debate team] Officers gave great preparation and guidance for the tournament,” said Pan. “Their consistent Congress round simulations during class gave me insight to the tournament; I knew exactly what to expect in my rounds.”

One of the Speech and Debate Officers, senior Sarah Chao, reflects the team performance in this tournament as “extremely well,” seeing that the team is “more specialized in speech rather than debate.”

“We gave it our all, and the effort definitely paid off [by] placing in Parliamentary Debate and Lincoln Douglas Debate,” stated Chao.

Congratulations to the entire team for all the successes they have accomplished so far, and best of luck in future tournaments!

“We gave it our all, and the effort paid off... placing in both Parliamentary Debate and Lincoln-Douglas Debate.”

“Sure, the win is the highlight, but the learning experience is what sticks with me... it’s what will make a better speaker, not the trophy.”

EUAN LARU-AN, Parliamentary Competitor

SARAH CHAO, Speech and Debate Officer

SMW BLOOD DRIVE Follow Up

By MICHELLE HO Staff Writer

Starting off the year with an altruistic deed, Seniors of Merit and Work (SMW) hosted the UCLA Blood Drive on Jan. 17. The blood drive was held from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the North Gym, allowing those who are 17-years-old and above to donate their blood as volunteers.

Senior Celena Fu, one of the people who volunteered to donate said, “I’ve always wanted to donate blood and possibly help some one, so this was my decision.”

Upon entering the gym, students were walked through the procedure to donate blood. Ms. Rita Wilkins, one of the SMW advisors who ran the blood drive with UCLA, explained this process.

“Before [Winter] Break, we started signing people up for the blood drive in the ASB office.

[Students] had to turn in packets with their parents’ permission to be able to donate,” said Ms. Wilkins.

“Students then get processed through UCLA do a confidential history alone, and then sit one-on-one with a UCLA staff member who goes over everything and makes sure they are eligible to donate blood.”

“Before [the donation] I was ner

occasionally people can feel faint. After [about 15 minutes] has passed [students] can checkout. They take their call-slip, go through attendance, and then go back to their classroom.”

“This [was] my first time donating blood,” said junior Yifeng (Jack) Wang. “When the needle [was in my] arm, [I felt] half a second of pain, but after that everything was good. In the future, if my blood can save more people, I will choose to donate one more time.”

Overall, the UCLA Blood Drive hosted by SMW received over 200 sign ups for donation and processed 82 for actual donations. In total, units of blood were collected for patients in need.

“The UCLA team could not have been more grateful. Thank you to the custodians who added blood drive work to their already busy day, to those of you who donated blood, to those who wore shirts in support, and to those who graciously allowed students to leave their classes. You are all lifesavers!” said Ms. Wilkins. “All of the blood will be used for our patients at UCLA,” said Principal Administrative Analyst Deborah Alter, the UCLA administrator overseeing the blood drive. “The drive was a great success and we are grateful to all of the donors who donated today!”

Again, we thank all the staff from UCLA and our own AHS staff for helping make this blood drive possible. Congratulations to UCLA and SMW on the great success at

The epidemic of OVERCONSUMPTION

By VRITTI GODANI Publicity Manager

We would require 5.1 Earths to support the population if everyone on the planet lived the same lifestyle Americans do. With the rise of fast fashion websites such as Shein (which lists over 5000 new products each day), short-lasting social media trends, and a rapid increase in online shopping consumerism, it is no surprise that Americans live an unsustainable lifestyle that our planet is paying the price for.

Although Americans and Western Euro-

production of the item. Americans will often disregard any issues with their purchase as long as they are at the benefit which further tolerates overconsumption and its harmful effects.

Think about all the different seasonal decorations, foods, gifts, and such that you see while walking through Target or Walmart. There is an overproduction of such goods, which encourages more impulsive purchases and ignores intuitive shopping. Themed and festive candles, scented lotion, and such items are unnecessary, and although it is okay to indulge once in a while, social media has made a norm out of impulsive and constant shopping. This increas-

duction that are degrading to others due to the outsourcing of production to increase profits. Again, Americans will be ignorant as long as convenience serves them, whether it be through production or purchase, which, in turn, promotes overconsumption and normalizes it, despite its harms.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw the short-lived impact of lessening consumption (before the rise of Shein), which resulted in a clear view of the Himalayas for the first time in ages, cleaner seas, and breathable air in developing countries. Although these effects were not everlasting, they show

tions, despite how impossible it may seem. Additionally, the United Nations (UN) states that sustainable consumption and production can help take significant steps towards improving poverty and can help guide the shift to low-carbon and green economies. It has also been proven that sustainable methods of production and consumption reduce greenhouse gas emissions (which reduces air pollution) and help favor local businesses as opposed to big corporations.

Yes, the easy answer would be to consume less, spend less money, and live a minimalist lifestyle. But for many Americans,

The Importance of Celebrities

By Anna Odell A&E Editor

Everyone knows about celebrities, and many of us either look up to one or enjoy the content that they produce. What many people don’t realize, however, is the importance of these celebrities and the positive impact they have on our lives.

Many celebrities send out important messages. For example, Lizzo’s message of body positivity and self-love or Harry Styles’ message to treat people with kindness. Their messages help their followers’ self-esteem while motivating others to be kind to those around them and even themselves. After hearing the positivity that some famous people broadcast, we may be able to work on our self-esteem and improve our attitude toward the world.

In addition, many celebrities are more open about their struggles which can help their supporters feel less alone. Celebrities can also “help to reduce stigma and raise awareness,” stated Newport Academy.

Demi Lovato is a great example of this. She has been very open about her struggle with bipolar disorder, depression, alcoholism, and eating disorders. Being transparent about these sorts of issues can help followers and supporters understand that even the people we idolize aren’t perfect and go through difficulties as well. Her

discuss their psychological problems. They show that they’re real people, making them likable,” said Brillianto.

Celebrities can also inspire us to work towards our goals. Many people idolize celebrities who have worked hard to be where they are which can motivate them to work hard as well. This influence is important because we all deserve some kind of motivational force in our lives. For example, after Harry Styles left the famous One Direction band, he worked incredibly hard to become a huge pop star. Although he already had fame, starting a solo career is incredibly difficult. Many of his fans look up to this. Because of him, they are motivated to follow their dreams.

His story is inspiring to many who want to be

port as well. They can represent groups that are underrepresented and can serve as role models for people that are a part of a minority. For example, Elliot Page. His journey in discovering his gender identity and sexuality as well as his success is one that many people may look up to. Because he already had a big platform, coming out as transgender was stressful for him, yet he was met with a lot of positive reinforcement from his fans, and his success only grew. This is incredibly important in helping people feel less alone and can help them feel as though they can go anywhere in life if they try hard enough. His story can help those who feel lost regarding their sexuality or gender realize that other people are going through similar things.

things do get better, and if we all push through tough times, we can achieve greatness. For example, Harry Styles has had a big influence on my life. When life seemed to be getting hard, I would think of how his life before fame wasn’t easy either, and this motivates me to get through whatever life throws at me.

Many celebrities bring awareness to or support certain political topics that are important in our society. By watching what they say or post on social media, we can even educate ourselves on the topics that they are familiar with and can come up with our own opinions on the subject. Taylor Swift, for example, spoke out about the Black Lives Matter movement when the protests were at their peak in 2020. Because of this, her fans may have been more inclined to learn about the situation.

Overall, celebrities serve many purposes beyond just being famous. Celebrities help motivate us, boost our self-esteem, represent our struggles, and allow us to realize that no one is perfect. It’s important to look up to celebrities or even simply recognize them so that we, as a society, have something in our lives that represents us and encourages us for the better.

aodell@arcadiaquill. com

“Celebrities give me something to focus on when life gets hard. They are a constant reminder that things do get better, and if we all push through tough times, we can achieve greatness.”

By ANNIE JIANG

Each year offers a fresh new start. Other than the celebration of the new year, January is also National Poverty in America Awareness Month.

Poverty is defined as financial difficulties in meeting basic needs such as food, clothing, or housing. Its status is established by comparing annual income to a series of incomes that vary by family size, the number of children, and the age of the householder. As an example for 2023 coverage, the federal poverty line is $13,590 for an individual and $27,750 for a household of four. In the nation, there are approximately 140 million poor and low-income people in the U.S. according to the Poor People’s Campaign. We can easily infer that millions of Americans are only one job loss, missed payment, or unexpected medical expense away from

going hungry, showing that the problem of poverty is nearly impossible to be eradicated.

Staff Writer

Taking a look at the city of Arcadia, it is often hard to realize the poverty that exists inside this community of affluence. There are unhoused people and people experiencing food insecurity and there are residents who struggle to pay for the high standard of living. When we look at the statistics from the United States Cen sus Bureau, Arcadia residents living in poverty in recent years approximated 8.9%.

Life in poverty, however, implies more serious repercussions than just not having enough money to afford a reasonable standard

of living. Lack of decent, reasonably priced housing may cause social problems like homelessness, low educational achievement, and mental and physical illness. When families are unable to afford medical services or when parents are unable to take their kids to school, it will negatively affect the whole community as well as individual well beings. And in terms of health situations, the limitations poverty puts on people’s ability to afford food will eventually lead to the result of food insecurity.

The goal of National Poverty in America Awareness Month is to raise awareness of the harsh living conditions

NATIONAL POVERTY IN AMERICA AWARENESS MONTH the of

that many Americans experience. Given the destruction that the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing economic turmoil have caused in families and communities throughout the nation, this year’s tribute is far more significant than ever.

As students, we can help to raise awareness through volunteering. For example, Foothill Unity Center is a great place to make an impact in nearby communities surrounding the San Gabriel Valley. It provides programs that focus on Food, Health, Crisis Case Management, Job Development, and Housing and Homeless Services. Whether to participate in a food drive, get informed through reading, or make DIY kits for the homeless in our own communities, everything will make a difference.

ajiang@arcadiaquill.com

Photo courtesy of UNSPLASH.COM

Graphic courtesy of FLATICON.COM

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HISTORY MISS UNIVERSE

By AVA SHAW

Staff Writer

R’bonney Gabriel of Texas was just crowned as the 71st Miss Universe, making history as the first Filipino American to represent the U.S. The Miss Universe pageant is revered as one of the most prestigious competitions in the pageant world, with origins dating back to 1952. Throughout the years, the pageant has changed immensely, becoming more inclusive of different backgrounds, as well as having a change in core values, becoming more focused on uplifting women. However, Miss Universe has had no shortage of controversies, from onstage slip-ups, to claims that the pageant is rigged.

Miss Universe began simply as a marketing stunt, when Miss America Yolanda Betbeze refused to wear a swimsuit by Catalina Swimwear. In retaliation, the brand created its own pageant, Miss Universe. The first Miss Universe was held in Long Beach, California where Miss Finland would take the crown, out of the 30 total contestants. The pageant wasn’t broadcast until three years later in 1955.

Especially in more recent years, female empowerment has been at the center of Miss Universe. Various changes have been made in hopes of making women feel more celebrated and represented by the competition. As an example, the pageant is now owned by a woman, which perhaps combats feelings of oppression provoked by previous male ownership. Additionally, the pageant now includes many more countries and allows married women and mothers to compete, diversifying the contestants. On the other hand, there are still several rules that many view as unjust and in need of change. For instance, the age limit is set to only 28-yearsold. There is also a fee required to enter into the competition, making it a financial barrier to potential contestants from participating.

In regards to how Miss Universe affects

women, Arcadia High School (AHS) sophomore Carmen Bermejo commented, “I do believe that pageants are changing for the better, but features like the swimsuit competition make me hesitant to fully support them. I feel like the focus should be less on physical qualities.”

Perhaps the most notorious Miss Universe moment of all time was when host Steve Harvey announced the wrong winner, live on stage in 2015. Miss Colombia was falsely declared as victorious, when in actuality, Miss Philippines had earned the crown. Audiences were shocked as the crown was awkwardly taken off of Miss Colombia’s head and given to Miss Philippines. Many expressed outrage online, upset about the seemingly careless blunder.

“I thought it was crazy how Steve Harvey made such a huge mistake, but I was glad that

Miss Philippines was the true winner. It made me proud because I am half Filipino,” said AHS senior Bryant Shaw.

The pageant’s most recent controversy is still ongoing, as it relates to this year’s pageant, which took place in New Orleans, Louisiana. Critics are questioning the legitimacy of the 2023 competition, believing that favoritism played a role in crowning a winner. Rumors began with the prior Miss USA pageant, as Gabriel was said to have suspicious ties to certain brands and judges. Drawing from the fact that both Miss Universe and Miss USA are controlled by the same company, many speculate Gabriel was destined to win for the wrong reasons.

The next pageant is set to take place in El Salvador, for its 72nd edition. Although often shrouded by controversy, the Miss Universe pageant continues on, as people from around the world tune in to and enjoy the show annually. ashaw@arcadiaquill.com Graphics courtesy of

Design by May Wang

By MICHELLE HO

Saying “it’S Okay” iS nOt Okay

Staff Writer

For couples, arguments now and then are normal and are considered healthy. Usually, after one person apologizes to the other, the latter may respond with “it’s okay”. However, choosing to say this phrase is not the best way to accept an apology; it can lead to bad communication between the two parties, resulting in similar mistakes to repeat or for an even worse argument to ensue.

If the phrase seems meaningless and harmless to you, that’s because it is. The term “it’s okay” implies that the actions of the one who apologizes are not wrong even when they are. Also, the phrase is vague and disregards the offensive action, suggesting that there is nothing to be sorry about. When you reply to an apology, choosing to communicate clearly and openly with the other person will go a long way. By the time you have accepted the apology, you should be reassured that the reason for the argument does not occur again; empty words and promises will only lead to more trouble.

“I took a family communications class in college that taught me how to express myself to my significant other through XYZ statements,” said Kelsey Smith in How Do You Accept an Apology Without Saying “It’s Okay”? “Tell them what the action was, when the action took place, and how the action made you feel.” Obviously, the phrase “it’s okay” does not explain any of the former to the person apologizing, instead jumping straight to accepting the apology without any further discussion.

Freshman Sonoma Lu explained how she would advise someone to accept an apology.

“You should say ‘I’m very thankful or grateful that you apologized for what you did. Of course, I don’t forgive you yet, but [I would be glad if] we could talk it out’. Accept and then forgive, not the other way around,” said Lu. The most important part of an apology is accepting and talking about what caused the argument. After both have been made clear, forgiveness may be given. The opposite happens when replying with “it’s okay”; the receiver of the apology forgives the action before both people can talk about the apology and accept it.

If you don’t want to forgive the person just yet, saying “it’s okay” will make the situation even worse because the phrase means that you have forgiven the person and no longer have any negative feelings about the situation.

“Some people still think in black and white, the way I did when I was a kid,” said Smith. “They think that to accept an apology is

to accept the action, that there’s no middle ground.”

In reality, there are a variety of different ways you can choose to accept or not accept an apology. But in every situation, communication is key.

It may seem reasonable to assume that once an apology is made, the argument has been resolved. However, this is not always the case. If the apology is followed by “it’s okay”, then the conversation is not over as that is simply not enough to respond to an apology. This response can result in miscommunication between the two parties, which is the opposite of what you want after an apology. In a conversation after an apology, talking about the gravity of the situation is incredibly important because it allows the person in fault to see what they did wrong and correct their mistake. Both people must be on the same page afterwards, and using two words to respond to an apology is not sufficient in doing this. The argument is only resolved after both

parties have talked thoroughly.

Additionally, responding “it’s okay” to a lengthy or sincere apology can make your reply seem like you are trying to belittle their attempt to make amends.

“If someone does something wrong, something hurtful, that requires an apology, we should not turn around and comfort them [by] saying, ‘it’s okay,’” said Kayla Ann, author of Why I Don’t Say “It’s Okay” When Someone Apologizes. “Not only does it make light of their action, but it also diminishes their apology.” A two-word answer to a paragraph is not exactly the best response, as it can further antagonize your relationship with the person apologizing and make you seem irritated by their attempt to apologize.

Overall, opting to use or not use specific words and phrases can make a huge impact on how you heal your relationships with others. Apologies need more than a two-word response like “it’s okay” to truly be meaningful. Using apologies as a way to communicate with people will strengthen your bond with each other, and will teach you new ways to use your words to solve problems in your relationships, whether they be with friends or romantic partners.

mho@arcadiaquill.com

Courtesy of AYO OGUNSEINDE Graphics Courtesy of WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

How Countries Get into the Eurozone

By MICHAEL HUM Staff Writer

Good news, travelers! Thanks to Croatia joining the eurozone this year, you now have more purchasing power out of euros from your trip to other European countries. From its incep tion in the late 1990s, the euro has helped facilitate inter national trade and helped strengthened inter-member relations. Generally, adopting the euro has been shown to improve economic growth within the country, ultimately making it more successful in the long term. But, if that’s the case, why don’t all 44 European nations use the euro, and how do countries get permission to use this currency?

The euro dates back to the 1990s when one of the requirements of the Maastricht Treaty was for the European Union to adopt a single currency. The treaty, then signed by all European community members, was to promote European integration to foster new eco-

union of economic cooperation to the second-largest world economy. All that economic growth is partially thanks to the euro, as financial sources show that a country adopting the euro generally leads to economic growth. But how does a country adopt the euro?

The process of join ing the eurozone is to first comply with the guidelines set within the Maastricht Treaty. The treaty states that the country must meet the guidelines for its price stability, how sustainable its public fi nances are, the long-term outcome of using the euro, and the currency’s strength to join the eurozone.

The treaty’s requirements are based on aspects of a financial market decided by the European Commission. Price stability is based on a country’s inflation rate, the public finances are based on the government’s debt, the long-term effect is based on interest rates, and the stability is based on exchange rates.

Once the country meets an inflation rate of 1.5% above the three best-performing member states, the debt is mostly clear, the interest rate is 2% above the three best-performing states, and the exchange rate doesn’t devalue the euro after two years of adoption, the member country applying to join will be accepted into the eurozone. However, the process listed will take any of adoption, the member country applying to join will be accepted into the eurozone. However, the process listed will take any where from five to ten years, with Croatia specifically taking nine.

“I think this will bring a great benefit to Croatia,” commented junior Eric Wang. “The use of euros in a country where most of the reserve currency is euros helps with their economy.”

After the requirements are met, a country is in the eurozone. Now, this unspecified country can more easily participate in the

European Single Market, euros will be legal tender, and the previous currency is usually phased out over time. Hopefully, the country will become as prosperous as the other member countries.

mhum@arcadiaquill.com

Photo Courtesy of WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Photo

National Be On-Purpose

National Be On-Purpose

By MICHAEL HUM Staff Position

New year, new me! At least that’s how the saying goes. But how do you become a new you? Sure, resolutions will help plan out and set some goals, but unless you’re the 9% of people that successfully keep it to the end of the year, resolutions won’t help much. Instead of focusing on a never-ending list of goals, it’s better to focus on the most specific, ambitious, and achievable. Although the list of goals will be shorter than a typical resolution, studies by American psychiatrist Edwin Locke have shown that setting these shorter goals have resulted in more successful selfimprovement efforts. To promote this new sense of goal setting, January is officially known as “National Be On-Purpose Month,” a month to start off the year right by setting goals, putting good intentions first, and generally finding out a person’s purpose.

To start off this month, remember that setting shorter and more achievable goals that eventually conclude into a bigger goal is more achievable than setting a giant goal upfront. As an example, if one of your resolutions was to save money, putting “save money” as a goal is both vague and hard to achieve. Instead, break down this general goal into more specific ones. Instead of just saving money, set a goal of keeping a monthly budget of some amount, or monitor any unnecessary spending that will eventually

add up. Setting more specific goals like these will help eliminate any uncertainty in setting the goal, and makes it more manageable to even execute them. Eventually, the smaller goals you set will accomplish the more general goal. Good job!

The other component of this month is to find your purpose. This is harder to put into words, as everyone has a different way to find their own purpose. A person’s purpose in life is both everchanging and hard to find. Here are some general guidelines to at least get you started.

First off, most people’s purpose in life is related to what they’re passionate about. Find something you enjoy doing, and try to find a way to adopt it into your life more often. However, sometimes learning something new can eventually evolve into something you’ll

mhum@arcadiaquil.com Graphics courtesy of VECTEEZY.COM, FREEPIK.COM

A LIFE IN MODERN PUNK AND NEW WAVE FASHION

Vivienne Westwood is a name associated with the pinnacle of fashion design. As a person and a brand, the English fashion designer and businesswoman is known worldwide as one of the greatest and most influential British style and luxury clothing architects. But behind the trendy pearl-orb logo necklace, opulent and dreamy tulle wedding gowns, and prevalence in modern “coquette” fashion that seem to characterize the brand today, is a distinctly subversive element of punk influence.

From punk pioneering to a clear resonance with young fashion communities, Vivienne Westwood’s life and work are a story of revolution and individuality that has transcended generations and traditions.

Following the prevalent fashion designer’s passing in late December of 2022, the fashion industry has taken a look back at how her abrasive designs and revolutionary social commentary through clothing shaped the 1970’s and beyond. From her time with the punkrock band the Sex Pistols and the British-teen anarchist movement, to her later years dressing supermodels and designing wedding dresses, Westwood became one of the most revered style icons in the world.

Westwood made her start in the fashion industry in the early 70’s, at a time when the mainstream fashion culture was focused on the hippie movement. Westwood and her partner Malcolm McClaren, on the other hand, drew inspiration from acts of rebellion and the 1950’s. Their own brand of counter-culture grew with the opening of their small London shop called Let it Rock, where Vivienne designed and made rock-and-roll influenced “Teddy Boy” clothing. Malcolm became the manager of a punk band Pistols, for whom they began clothing. Soon, shop began to evolve, with hard-core punk themes

provocative slogans. The pair’s prosecution under the 1959 Obscene Publications Act only led to further rebranding in the same trend. By 1976, the confrontational Sex Pistols’ song ‘God Save the Queen’ went to number one on the charts, helping inspire the movement mass media labeled as “punk rock.”

Westwood’s influence on punk culture, and the controversial fashion that stemmed from it, was undeniable. Soon, she and McClaren began to design collections that burst onto the London high-fashion scene. While she began a radical shift away from the punk aesthetic, Westwood nevertheless maintained revolutionary and out-of-the box ideas in her collections, combining punk and romantic aesthetics with 17th and 18th century art and youth street style inspirations.

Combining punk and alternative symbolism with traditional feminine themes, the late eighties and early nineties saw Westwood use clothing to parody the upper class, examine British tradition, encourage sustainability, and comment on elitism. In the years since, Vivienne Westwood boutiques have seen the epitome of art in fashion, as well as the reflection of significant and radical social commentaries by Westwood herself.

In the most recent years, the younger generations have taken to Westwood’s clothing and style; many young adults have popularized the orblogo, which combines the sovereign orb of British royalty and the rings of Saturn, and coquette aesthetic that Westwood’s designs seem to align with.

All in all, Vivienne Westwood and her long career have embodied

juxtaposition, combining influences of subculture with traditional tweed and tailoring, and inspiring generations with both fashion and revolutionary ideas that were brilliantly

Junior Joyce Lee, and President of the Arcadia High School (AHS) Fashion Industry Club, reflected on this quality of Westwood’s designs: “Living in an expeditious society, people have only a few seconds to make a impression. In just a fashion can reveal the truth of one’s identity and connect people alike— making individuality paramount. Showcasing an image untrue to oneself will allure those that are dissimilar, unable to see and love who

The interest in Westwood’s designs and aesthetics have certainly permeated the current generation of high school and college students.

“You see Vivienne Westwood’s designs on social media all the time, and they’re really not like anything else anywhere,” said Sophomore Myka Oishii. “That’s really cool, and is a big part of what’s interesting and dynamic about the fashion industry and trends,” added Oishii.

Looking back, it’s clear to see that Vivienne Westwood was never interested in going with the grain. But really, that was never a bad thing. Even after her passing, inspiration can be drawn from her spirit and designs, to help incite a new generation of artists and activists that will keep our society moving forward.

When asked about her feelings on being seen as an “icon”, Westwood said this: “Well I’m not interested. I mean 10 years after I’m dead,

nobody will even remember you. It doesn’t matter, you know, I don’t care… I just want to save the world and get a life, you know I mean, that is one of my slogans which is to do with literally “let the Next Generation get a life.”

Staff Writer egladson-pang@ausd.net

Photo courtesy of WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

2023 Color of the Year

By JULIETTE FENG Staff Writer

Recently Viva Magenta 18-750 has been unveiled as Pantone Color Institute’s 2023 Color of the Year. After a year of a more subdued and neutral Very Peri, this bright shade of red brings a welcome pop of boldness and vivacity to the new year.

Since 2000, the popular paint company has chosen a unique color to represent each coming year. The process of choosing a color, from the name to the shade, takes much careful thought, time, and energy. Pantone team members study world trends and events, and consider psychology when selecting (and sometimes even creating) colors to best represent these factors.

According to an interview with Pantone’s Vice President Laurie Pressman, the Color of the Year “really reflects what’s taking place in

the global culture at that moment in time” and that “the popularity of a color is symbolic of the age we live in.”

This year’s Color of the Year was described as “an unconventional shade for an unconventional time”. Viva Magenta was selected to represent strength, optimism, and warmth without being aggressive. The dynamic hue also has an effect on our psychology as well, evoking feelings of confidence and fun. This is a much needed assurance after the rocky past few years, and the bright color can hopefully provide motivation to take on these challenges.

Freshman Andrew Jung described Viva Magenta as “really bright and vivid” and that it’s “strong, bold, [courageous] and gives a sense of strength.”

“It’s a color that really vibrates with vim and vigor, that demonstrates a new signal of

strength, which is something we all need for a more optimistic future,” said Pantone executive director Leatrice Eiseman, in an interview with TIME.

Lately, many nature-related trends have boomed in popularity, from home decor involving plants to renewed enjoyment in travel. As a result, the “Magentaverse” is rife with references to the natural world. Being a shade of magenta, it is derived from the bright red carmine dye of the cochineal beetle, a nod to the color’s organic roots. The hue also acknowledges the balance between an increasingly digital world and the environment, as a hybrid of warm and cool colors.

Viva Magenta is “dark but bright at the same time because it’s a shade of pink and red,” according to freshman Melinda Yu.

Pantone’s Color of the Year also has impacts on global design and marketing trends. Many brands collaborate with Pantone to create products in the Color of the Year, and it gets a surprisingly large amount of media attention. This year, Pantone worked with hundreds of brands, including Motorola, Cariuma, and Spoonflower to produce Viva Magenta phone cases, shoes, and patterns. This is only scratch ing the surface, with the Color of the Year being featured in art galleries and setting trends for the new year.

emotional type of motion,” said freshman Jasmine Guzman, adding that she feels like “the year ahead will lead to changes [and] growth… and we will learn from our mistakes.”

As Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year, Viva Magenta not only represents trends from across the globe, but creates them as well. Hopefully, its message of strength and bravery will continue to be reflected in the next 12 months.

THE HISTORY OFJAZZ MUSIC THE HISTORY OFJAZZ MUSIC

By CLARISSA SURYAPRANATA Staff Writer

When entering a bar or eating at a restaurant, customers are usually greeted with the soothing sound of jazz music playing in the background. Jazz is a diverse musical genre distinguished by its complex choice of chords, unique rhythm, and dependency on the musician’s improvisation style. It is known to be one of the most calming and relaxing genres of music.

Jazz was born out of the Black experience in America, combining African and European musical traditions. The African American neighborhoods in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was where this style of music first emerged.

A movement that brought light to jazz was the A movement that brought light to jazz was the Harlem Renaissance. Jazz was the best medium for expressing the experiences of African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance, which was all about giving African Americans a voice. The Harlem Renais -

JAZZ JAZZ

sance was centered on the neighborhood of Harlem in New York; it was a result of altera tions in the African American community fol lowing the abolition of slavery, as the growth of communities in the North. It brought a sense of hope to the African Americans during the early 20th century.

Former slaves from the rural South were forced to move to northern urban areas in the process of the Great Migration. This -

ern states where Jim Crow laws were set. Despite the ongoing -

because it still is popular to a great extent today, with there being new versions of it even after the Harlem Renaissance came to an end. Ever since the Renaissance, jazz music has branched out to produce many different subgenres, some of which are swing jazz, Latin jazz, and funk.

The mood of the sound produced from jazz music essentially influences a person’s brain waves, resulting in a variety of positive effects. This includes stress relief and better sleep, among others. Jazz music calms the body

Junior Judith Banuelos, who played sev eral instruments when she was younger, stated that jazz has a special place in her heart.

“I was drawn to many types of genres, but through jazz, I always feel like there’s a story being told to me,” said Banuelos. “Jazz brings a comfort that is indescribable.”

For music fans who enjoy exploring various forms of genres, jazz is an exceptional category that is definitely worth looking into.

Boys Varsity Soccer V.S. Crescenta Valley

By CAROLINE LI Staff Writer

Amid the oversized Jenga games, sparkly red face paint, and festivities taking place at the Hoopcoming tailgate, Arcadia High School’s (AHS) Boys Varsity Soccer team was up against

movements. Twice, attempts by the Falcons to score a fourth goal were stymied by the Apaches. Despite this, CVHS quickly regained possession of the ball and field, forcing the Apaches to go on the defensive for the time being. A third attempt by CV missed again, and players from both sides made headbutts that definitely

AHS player was injured and attended by a team of medics. Despite this, the Apaches recovered and the ball was sent flying from one end of the field to the other, goalies from both teams kicking the ball sky-high. The first half ended with another foul on CVHS’ part and the score remaining at 0-3.

By the time halftime ended, the sun had already begun to wane, its absence blanketing the field with frigid anticipation. Despite wearing several layers, I personally felt the need to rant about how stupidly cold it was in my notes; one can only imagine how much worse off the players were in their jerseys and shorts. Nevertheless, as the timer barreled toward 0, the Apaches

there on out, the Apaches fought long and hard, goalies from both teams shouting encouraging words to hype their fellow players up, beads of effort running down the players’ faces. Passes were made, another AHS player was injured, and reserves were switched out. The Falcons’ and the Apaches’ determination came to a head, fueled by cries of support from both sides of the bleachers. “That’s a yellow, ref!” someone yelled when the Apaches’ goalie fell, hard. Murmurs of agreement rippled outward from the epicenter of this sentiment as the AHS goalie stood and shook himself off, surrounded by concerned players from both teams.

As the game dragged heavily on the play-

Crescenta Valley High School (CVHS) on Jan. 13. Unfortunately, the Apaches lost to the Falcons with a score of 0-4, despite great plays from both teams.

“We went into the game knowing it would be a [tough] team,” said junior Harry Hairepetian. “The team was working hard out there, we were giving it our all, but sadly we didn’t get the result we wanted. We are upset about the loss knowing we can do better. We will take this game as a learning experience and come back stronger.”

CVHS scored their first goal early on in the game, exhibiting a strong sense of teamwork and coordination right out of the gate. However, the Apaches refused to back down, displaying an unwavering resilience through continual interceptions of the ball, with possession passing between the teams and shots from both sides. As the game intensified, players on the bench ran through various drills and stretches, preparing themselves to enter the game if need be, and shouts of “Come on, Arcadia!” were passed along throughout the bleachers. A few latecomers were still filtering in at this point, plastic red Hoopcoming headbands rustling as one girl murmured to her friend how they were up against a really good team this time.

“CV[HS] is the best in the league,” said senior Andre Portocarrero, the boys varsity soccer goalie, when asked for a comment. “I…will give them full props for their performance and hope we can learn from that match and improve for the last few matches to enter CIF.”

The Falcons quickly scored twice more, bringing the score to 0-3 with quick, incisive

left lasting head trauma but also looked really cool.

With about 20 minutes left on the clock, CVHS was penalized for a foul against AHS, resulting in the Apaches taking the offensive, displaying the team’s intricate footwork and impressive tenacity. During this time, AHS took a shot that went too high, and CVHS sent the ball flying into the bleachers. The Apaches were determined to not let the Falcons score another goal.

With 10 minutes left in the first half, an

wrapped up their stretches and assumed their respective positions, with the Falcons following suit.

Minutes in, CVHS scored the first goal of the second half, bringing the score to 0-4. From

ers’ stamina, CVHS made some more fouls. With mere minutes left on the clock, the pressure was palpable, both teams exhausted but persevering. Neither was making much headway, their efforts constantly being intercepted by the other in a discursive back-and-forth, but both were running up and down the field like their lives depended on it.

Before the game ended, another AHS player was injured, resulting in the referee having to step in and have a chat with the Falcons. Despite their best efforts, the Apaches lost 0-4 against the Falcons after hours of tiring play.

“The Apaches fought valiantly,” said senior Navya Kannan, one of the many sports medicine students who were present at the game. “Despite the disappointing outcome, they tried their best.”

In the end, both CVHS and AHS gave the game their all. All players shared a round of good-natured high-fives afterward, marking a game well played. Though Arcadia may have lost the game, our team learned a lot and took the loss in stride. It’s safe to say that the next time the Apaches and the Falcons face off, they’ll be prepared to give their all once again.

cli@arcadiaquill.com

Photo by CREDITS

CELTICS VS. PELICANS

By HARINI DEVAGUPTA

Staff Writer

The Boston Celtics and New Orleans Pelicans faced off on Jan. 11 in a thrilling game at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. With a win from the Celtics of 125 to 114; the Celtics became the first team in this NBA season to reach 30 wins. Their win also led them to the NBA finals.

Both teams were short-handed, but that didn’t stop them from working hard at court. Despite their lack of key players, it was obvious that the Pelicans were trying their best without Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, and the Celtics with Robert Williams and Marcus Smart sidelined.

Specifically, the two star players Jaylen Brown, a shooting guard, small forward,

guard, and forward and Jason Tatum a power forward, small forward, guard, and forward were on fire with their performance, picking up the team completely and leading the team to victory Jaylen Brown scored a seasonhigh of 41 points and 21 rebound points, and Jayson Tatum scored 31 points and 10 rebounds. They clearly had a big impact on the team, working with their other team members in tandem, and outplaying their opponents. After a poor season for the Celtics, these two players have brought their team’s performance up this season.

Brown was significant with his breathtaking play in this game. With his sixth 40 point game, he has crossed several other players

in the Celtics with a record. Brown’s strategy was to go for the mid range at court, and he wasn’t going to back down until he did what he needed to do. Brown and Tatum’s progress has been important to the team’s success, and it’s fascinating to see how they are driving the team at the moment.

Though the Pelicans were trying their best considering their situation with fewer players, they weren’t able to break through and take the lead, but rather fell behind. Two players who dominated on the court were Naji Marshall, a small forward and shooting guard,

who scored 18 points, and Trey Murphy, a small forward and power forward, who scored 15 points. CJ McCollum, a point guard and shooting guard of the Pelicans finished with a magnificent score of 28.

By the time halftime hit, the Celtics were in the lead by six points, and went to 104 to 89 with 10 more minutes on the clock. However, the Pelicans got to 107 to 97 taking the lead, but the Celtics quickly regrouped and gained 11 points as they scored 3 pointers.

This was an entertaining game to watch— to see these two teams who are playing with hard work and determination. It’s interesting to see the key players flourishing on the court.

hdevagupta@arcadiaquilll.com

GIRLS VARSITY WATER POLO VS PASADENA

By CLARISSA SURYAPRANATA

Staff Writer

Arcadia High School’s (AHS) Girls Varsity Water Polo team played against Pasadena High School (PHS) on Jan. 12 at the AHS Aquatics Center. The Apaches won with a final score of 20-6, taking home another win in the league, now with a record of 3-0 in the Pacific League so far this season.

A slightly cloudy afternoon, the first quarter of the game immediately began at 3:30 p.m. as the sound of the first buzz was heard. Both teams fought for possession of the ball, swimming fast and efficiently across the pool. The Apaches started off incredibly strong, as they were already leading with a score of 5-2 only 10 minutes into the game.

The first quarter ended at about 3:43 p.m., as each team gathered together on opposite sides of the pool, taking a break as well as coming up with a strategy for the next quarter. The score was 6-2 so far, with Arcadia in the lead.

As the first half of the game came to an end, both teams swam over to the other end of the pool as they switched sides. As of 4 p.m., the score was 12-2, still in favor of Arcadia.

The third quarter officially started after the halftime break, and the Apaches instantly scored a goal. Minutes later, Pasadena was given a penalty throw because the Apaches had

a defensive foul. As the throw was a success, the score became 13-3. Arcadia’s teamwork brought them impressive and smooth passes from one player to another, dodging their opponent’s attempts to defend. Pasadena came in strong with an effort to create a comeback, but the Apaches possessed sharp defensive

game, Pasadena started powerful, as they stole the ball right before Arcadia was about to score. With three minutes left in the game, Arcadia switched up the lineup and did their last rotation of players, replacing the teammates who had been in the field long enough with

Arcadia scored a spectacular three goals in just five minutes, while Pasadena made another penalty throw and scored a goal as well. The game ended with a final score of 20-6 in favor of AHS. Overall, the Apaches did a great job in maintaining as well as advancing their score as the game went on.

AHS team member junior Lana Menck, who managed to score multiple goals during the game, believes that field awareness is the most important skill that all team members should have in order to play well together.

“We have to be able to not only understand our role at any point in the game, but also everyone else’s position, ultimately benefiting our plays,” said Menck.

All in all, Girls Varsity Water Polo coach Janice Clark was very happy with the outcome of the game against PHS, though she felt that the offense of plays still needed a little work.

“I am really happy with their man-up play,” stated Coach Clark. “That has been a weak point for us earlier this season; we’ve been working on it, and I’m seeing some nice improvement.”

A huge congratulations to the AHS Girls Water Polo team for their terrific performance, and best of luck for the remainder of the season. Be sure to catch them in future games!

skills.

The Apaches finished off the third quarter at around 4:15 p.m. with a score of 15-3.

Beginning their fourth and final quarter of the

benchwarmers to maximize the team’s performance. Both teams played competitively with the remaining time, making swift passes and trying to score at every chance they got.

csuryapranata@arcadiaquilll.com

Photo courtesy of WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Photo by Kartrina Reghitto

Climate Resolutions

In honor of the new year, the Arcadia Quill sent out a survey asking Arcadia students how they pledge to adopt sustainable habits. Below is a culmination of over 70 responses to the question: What are some action(s) you are going to take up in the new year to combat climate change?

“Climate change is a threat that must be addressed for the future of not only humanity, but life on earth as a whole. I try to make environmentally conscious decisions (vegetarian, buying books second hand, etc), but it’s very disheartening to know that until changes occur on a larger scale, climate change will remain an issue. I wish the topic weren’t so politicized and polarizing, because it’s an issue that concerns every human on earth, and being tied to politics impedes productive discussion.” Jenna Lam (11) ● “Climate change is crucial to our Earth’s health and the numerous altered weather patterns are great examples of how our climate is being altered. If our home is unhealthy, we are unhealthy. To help raise awareness and create a change for our planet, I can be sure to reduce my carbon footprint at home.” Marielle McCall (10) ● “I believe that it is a real issue we are not paying enough attention to.” Pia Wolf (12) ● “I feel that despite the severity it can reach and how much it can affect us, there is a lack of urgency about the issue.” Noah Tran (11) ● “Angry.” Ryan Ontoun (9) ● “As something that needs to be resolved through systematic change on a global scale.” Ashley Chan (12) ● “I feel that climate change is a very real threat to humankind, and that we must work together as a community to stop it. Everyone can

do their part to lower carbon emissions and slow the warming of the planet.” Kai Wetterau (10) ● “It is a big problem in our society and we tend to just talk about it but take no real action or responsibility for our effect on the planet.” Irene Lema Madueno (12) ● “It’s crazy how there’s not a lot of attention directed toward this issue.” Arion Togelang (10) I feel that climate change is real and happening, and that I as an individual can do my part in

in such a country with such high emissions.” Ellie Gladson-Pang (10) ● “It’s rough.” Gabriel Hernandez (9) ● “Climate change, to me, is a HUGE problem in the world. Even though we may not see changes yet, the strange weather patterns are only the beginning of the issues. The weather is getting more intense, both colder in the winter and hotter in the summer. There is more heavy rain, causing flooding in many places. Not only

How do you Feel about climate change?

helping so can everyone else.“ Celena Fu (12) ● “It has to be slowed down as soon as possible.” James Hong (9) ● “I believe it is a major issue and we need to make a change.” Emery Li (10) ● “Even though climate change is being treated as a low profile issue, I think it’s actually one of the most pressing problems at hand, especially

that, but wildfires are becoming more common and more intense. I believe to combat this, we, as a community, need to become more aware of our environmental impacts. Start taking notes about energy use, start driving to less places, try to take public transportation. Together, I believe that AHS can begin the end of climate

change.” Ethan Lao (9) ● “I believe it is one of the most significant yet unnoticed threats to the world (second or third to war) as its effects reach across every aspect of life. It is a bit of a hopeless problem since the country’s leaders don’t care and the politics are set up in such a way that the corporations that pay them for leeway that this problem will never go addressed.” Mark Cheng (10) ● “It’s maliciously irresponsible to put pressure on consumers when most of the C02 is caused by corporations. The average person doesn’t matter, it’s on company and government leaders to create change.” Lupo Graber (11) ● “I think its good to change our negative ways of living to change our planet.” Tiffany Leon (9) ● “It is a serious topic. Global warming is a threat humanity has made on themselves. Even if we may be one of the last ones to really feel the impact and consequences of climate change (as we will probably create artificial solutions), it will definitely become a problem we cannot ignore longer if we prolong the causes of climate change.” Melissa (12)● “It is very bad.” Alaina Lee (10) ● “I believe that climate change is an issue that we can fight to change.If we strive to keep our planet clean whether it be reducing the use of home energy or cutting down on the amount of meat you are consuming we can make a difference for our world.”

Zaliya Galeano

(12)