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Arcadia High School / 180 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA
the apache
POW WOW the world is our campus.
volume 66 issue 8 april 2019
National merit finalists
CONGRATULATIONS! 23 AHS seniors were named National Merit finalists this year. From left to right: Margaret Chang, Kelvin Maung, Sean Ye, William Shue, Isabella Liu, Michael Huang, Ailin Atasoy, Dean Frame, Geoffrey Basinger, Lucia Cheng, Ryan Wang, Alex Feng, Estelle Hooper, Jason Ke, Anusha Silla, Ivan Luu, Jessie Chen, Victor Huang, Gabriela Yu, Michelle Liang, Jennifer Qi, Kevin Tan, and Grace Mohandoss. By AILIN ATASOY
the most competitive state in the country, netism, I really liked Electrical Engineering and can now attend USC’s Viterbi School for The luncheon consisted of the finalists, Engineering for half the price. However, I do their parents, and many important figures in think the test is mostly luck to a certain dethe community like the Police/Fire Depart- gree...[because] becoming a semifinalist can ment and other school principals. As mem- rest on [a] guess” Achieving the title of a Nabers of the Senior Men and Women served tional Merit Scholar doesn’t just help with lunch, it was opened by a few songs from school-specific scholarships. William Shue, the Arcadia High Marching Band followed who is going to UC Berkeley for Astrophysby speeches from the mayor, Superintendent ics, received a scholarship that is eligible for Vanasdall, and AHS principal Dr. Forsee. Fi- any institution he attends. The lunch, pronally, as the finalists received their plaque vided by the school district, of kale, roast and certificate, they were asked to give a beef, and molten cake stood out to him the few words about their journey in the Arca- most. “But in all seriousness, it was nice to dia School District and their plans after high be given a opportunity to reflect upon our school. Senior Michelle Liang was grate- high school journey and thank all those who ful for the opportunity. “I decided to take have helped us along the way.” the PSAT because it gave me a chance for a aatasoy@apachepowwow.net scholarship. After taking AP Computer SciPhoto by AUSD ence and AP Physics Electricity and Mag-
Staff Writer and recognized at a district luncheon.
Every year, over 1.5 million students take the PSAT. Of these test-takers, only those with scores in the top 1% in their respective state (which often means getting only a few questions wrong) are allowed to apply to be a National Merit Finalist. The application, which includes essays, transcripts, and SAT scores, opens doors to numerous scholarships open only to National Merit Finalists, including a full-ride to many schools and the prestigious half-tuition Presidential Scholarship to accepted students who are also Merit Finalists. Only 15,000 students nationwide get a chance to apply as a semifinalist, and half of that move on to become finalist. On Apr. 25, 23 Arcadia High School seniors were awarded the title in California,
STUDENT LIFE
pg. 8-9
Travel Plans for the Summer: As the school year winds down and temperatures warm up, Apaches are looking forward to and eagerly planning for the summer. Here are a few Apache-favorite travel spots.
NEWS
Photo courtesy of MEDIUM.COM
pg. 2-3
Lori Lightfoot: Chicago’s First AfricanAmerican Mayor: Lori Lightfoot was elected mayor of Chicago on Apr. 2, promising better schools, safer streets, and support for immigrants and business owners.
Photo courtesy of PINTEREST.COM
Dear Readers, This issue is the last one that we will be handling as EICs, and we are so grateful for all of the experiences and memories we’ve made on this journey. We’d like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported our staff’s efforts along the way; you make this job worthwhile. Signing off, Frances, Maggie, and Trinity
Also in this issue:
FEATURES pg. 4-5 Us Movie Review: Us hit theaters on Mar. 22
and has been a hit in the box office ever since. ACADEMICS pg. 12-13 Lucky Test-taking Outfits: When it comes to tests, sometimes a lucky charm is the last boost you need to feel confident and prepared. Photo courtesy of JUSTIN CHEN Apaches share their own lucky charm—their SPORTS pg. 16-17 outfit—and the reasoning behind this test ritual. pg. 14-15 Varsity Golf: Pacific League Champs: On PERFORMING ARTS What the Constitution Means to Me: The BroadApr. 18, Varsity Golf won its match at Hansen way play What the Constitution Means To Me Dam. The team’s successes did not end there, however, as the boys were crowned Pacific is a memoir that follows actress and playwright Heidi Schreck and how the U.S. Constitution reLeague Champions as well. lates to her life.
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April 2019
usda ends experiments
using cats
By EMILY CHEN
prevalent toxoplasmosis was around the world. Kittens became immune to the effects of the parasite after two weeks of being infected, but the USDA chose to euthanize them in both experiments after the research was complete. There was much public backlash against the USDA when these practices were revealed. As a result, the “Kittens in Traumatic Testing Ends Now Act,” also known as the KITTEN Act, was put into place. The USDA states that “toxoplasmosis research has been redirected and the use of cats as part of any research protocol in any ARS laboratory has been discontinued and will not be reinstated.” This means that there will be no more cat testing in the USDA as a whole, since the ARS is the only sector of the organization which uses the felines as research subjects. Jimmy Panetta, a California representative who helped to pass the KITTEN Act, stated, “I commend the USDA for their decision...They listened to the people and responded appropriately to our concerns. This is how our institutions, our government, and our democracy should and must work.” Fourteen cats remain in the labs at the USDA, all of which have not been infected with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. They will be available for adoption to employees of the agency.
Staff Writer
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it will no longer be using cats as test subjects. The decision was made in response to backlash against the organization after several reports were released describing inhumane and deadly experiments being conducted on the animals. The White Coat Waste Project, a taxpayer-funded organization which fights against unnecessary and cruel animal testing, found that the USDA had been using cats for their research related to a common parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii. It is a food-borne parasite but can also spread through soil and cat feces. The parasite causes a disease called toxoplasmosis, which causes flu-like symptoms and can have dangerous effects on pregnant women, newborns, and people who have weak immune systems. There have been two significant accounts of cruelty against felines over recent years. The first was released in May 2018. It reported that the USDA infected several kittens with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite to study its early stages. The second incident was exposed in March. The White Coat Waste Project reported that USDA had purchased hundreds of dogs and cats from animal shelters and overseas meat markets. The animals were killed and fed to the USDA’s lab cats for the purpose of researching how
LORI LIGHTFOOT
echen@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of REQUESTREDUCE.ORG and VECTORSTOCKIMAGES.COM
ELECTED AS CHICAGO’S FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN FEMALE MAYOR By KYLIE HA Staff Writer
On Tuesday, Apr. 2, Chicago voters elected Lori Lightfoot as mayor, marking the first time that the city will be led by an African-American woman. Currently 56 years old, Lightfoot was a former federal prosecutor and ran against Toni Preckwinkle, a retired teacher who served on the city council and county board of commissioners. With more than 95% of the precincts reporting results, Lightfoot had an immense lead with 74% of the votes, compared to Periwinkle’s 26%. After polls closed, Lightfoot vowed to make the city work for all its residents, promising better schools, safer streets, and support for immigrants and business owners. “This is not us versus them, or neighborhoods versus downtown,” she stated. “We are in this together, and we will grow together.” Because Toni Preckwinkle will remain president of the Cook County Board, Lightfoot still looks forward to working together with her former opponent. Periwinkle, who is also AfricanAmerican, stated that she would continue to stay committed to public service and applaud the progress the city has made in representation. “While I may be disappointed, I’m not disheartened,” she said. “This is clearly a historic night. Not long ago, two African-American women vying for the this position would have been unthinkable.” From the overall runoff of the February general election, 14 candidates ran for the city’s top office, while current mayor Rahm Emanuel did not seek for a re-election for a third term. Lightfoot did not lay out a specific plan for how she might seek budget and pension relief from state lawmakers during a legislative session, but stated that she would hold her cards for a bit longer. However, she did note that many Illinois communities face similar challenges when it comes to pension funding, public safety, and the need to rebuild infrastructure, indicating that she plans to address these issues through her leadership. State Rep. LaShawn Ford, D-Chicago, one of the 14 candidates who ran for the first-round election stated that he had “developed a great relationship” with Lightfoot during the campaign and looked forward to having more interactions with the City Hall. “She has recognized that Downstate folks have problems also, and she sent the message that she’s not going to worry about governing based only on Chicago, but making sure she takes into consideration the entire state.” kha@apachepowwow.net Photo courtesy of WASHINGTONPOST.COM
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April 2019
DUARTE IMPLEMENTS
s t a f f Editors
TRANSIT SYSTEM
Editors-in-Chief
By REBECCA TAO
Staff Writer
The city of Duarte is the first city in Southern California to have an all-electric fleet for their buses. In order to increase the use of public transportation, and go in the direction of being more green, the city has transformed their transportation system. Prior to Apr. l1, Duarte has been relying on diesel powered buses. The fleet consists of three 30-foot battery powered buses that are able to travel 150 miles without recharging. The fleet makes its stops at neighborhoods, the Target center on Mountain Avenue, the City of Hope, and the Duarte Gold Line Station. The deputy city manager, Karen Herrera said, “We went from diesel to zero emissions. That is huge.” In fact, diesel is the most commonly used fuel of most vehicles, but it releases the highest amounts of particulates that cause smog and is damaging to the lungs. Because of the risk to health, some cities, like Pasadena, have opted for cleaner alternatives like compressed natural gas. In an email, Herrera said that electric buses will reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions by 227 tons per year. The former buses, fueled by diesel, emitted about 1,456 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions daily or 454,272 pounds annually. Other Californian cities also have electric buses among their fleet. Long Beach, for example, has ten electric powered buses in their transit system. Antelope Valley Transit Authority, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, Anaheim Resort Transportation and Foothill Transit, based in the San Gabriel Valley are also all cities with such electric buses. Compared to the tiny bus trio of Duarte, the Foothill Transit hopes to convert all of its 370 buses into zero-emission by 2030 (currently, the city has 37 electric buses). However, this clean transportation system is not cheap. Duarte Mayor Tzeitel Paras-Caracci said the city used $1.6 million in Proposition A money to convert all the buses. The prices of fares have also increased. From its original no-cost service, rides will now cost $0.50 for seniors and $1.25 for everyone else by tap card and $1.50 and $0.75 by cash. The mayor believes that this cost is minuscule compared to how this change will influence the health of the city. While Duarte is the first city in Southern California to make this transition, California has implemented a law that requires all buses to become zero-emissions by 2040. As a result, this small city has set a precedence for other cities to follow and model their transportation services after.
News Editors Opinion Editors Performing Arts Editors Student Life Editors Features Editors Sports Editors Academics Editors Center Spread Editor Calendar Editor Campus Focus Editor Photography Editor Publicity Manager Design Editor Executive Copy Editor
Writers
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Performing Arts Staff
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rtao@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of VECTORSTOCK.COM and 1001 FONTS.COM
fight over mueller
Sports Staff
Academics Staff
Calendar Staff
By ROBINSON LEE Staff Writer
On Mar. 22, the Mueller Probe which was investigating president Donald Trump, ended. After almost two years of investigation and interrogation into Trump’s campaign, his connections, and personal connections, Mueller sent his findings to the Attorney General’s office. Attorney General William Barr is now in possession of the report and has sent Congress a redacted version to hide sensitive and top secret information from getting leaked. Barr, has released a four page summary of the report in his own words. Democrats have objected to his summary as they believe that Barr is trying to minimize the impact of the report on Trump while also hiding critical information from the American public. To emphasize and support their position on this decision, Speaker Nancy Pelosi commented, “Just show us the Mueller report, that’s all.” Meanwhile Trump and his allies have been very defensive about reacting to the Mueller probe. Trump stated that the Mueller investigation “was an illegal investigation. Everything about it was crooked. This was an attempted coup.” Sarah Huckabee Sanders called Democrats “sore losers” when referring to how they were ordering a subpoena. The House Judiciary Committee approved a subpoena for important figures in Trump’s circle such as: former White House counsel Don McGahn, former adviser Steve Bannon, former spokesperson Hope Hicks, and former chief of staff Reince Priebus. The voting revealed 24 in approval with 17 in negation which was along party lines in the committee. The question of what is in the Mueller probe have divided Americans. According to a Post-Schar School poll which asked questions about the Mueller probe to Americans over a span of four days, 47% believe that Trump committed serious wrongdoing while 46% believe that Trump did not. In contrast Democrats had a 76% majority in who believes that Trump committed wrongdoing while 81% of Republicans don’t believe that he committed wrongdoing. However 83% of Americans are in general agreement that the Mueller report should be released without any information withheld. The future of the Mueller probe rests in the hands of William Barr and the Attorney General’s office as they are responsible for the probe’s undertaking and are in possession of the report. As Barr announces his investigation on the Mueller probe and also expresses his concerns that Trump has been spied on, we still cannot affirm for ourselves what steps need to be taken until the Mueller report is released. rlee@apachepowwow.net Photo courtesy of WASHINGTONPOST.COM
Frances Cheung, Trinity Chhay, and Maggie Wong Sandi Khine and Maruko Myint Reiko Inoue and Tanya Lee Cynthia Lin and Alyssa Rave Cassidy Chhay and Rachel Lee Brandon Chen and Ariana Parizadeh Justin Cun and Christine Law Jeremy Du and Margaret Lin Camille Marquez Jocelyn Liao and Natalie Samadi Vivian Kwang Josie Chen and Conner Hua Tiffany Liang Jocelyn Thao Paul Lee
Campus Focus Staff Center Spread Staff Photography Staff
Design Staff
Copy Editing Staff
Publicity Staff Adviser
Oishika Chattopadhya, Emily Chen, Shumin Chen, Justin Chen, Kylie Ha, Alex Kim, Robinson Lee, Iris Lim, Kayli Mak, Samantha Rivera, Kaitlyn Tran, Sarah Wang, Anabell Xu, Anya Yang, Roselind Zeng Ailin Atasoy, Manasvi Chandra, Becky Chen, Jocelyn Chin, Abby Choy, Phillip Gan, Conner Hua, Alexis Kim, Michelle Lee, Robinson Lee, Kaitlin Lee, Anncine Lin, Kayli Mak, Arina Miyadi, Katie Wen, Anabell Xu Oishika Chattopadhyay, Leslie Chen, Emma Chen, Jocelyn Chin, Kylie Ha, Alexis Kim, Samantha Rivera, Kali Tam, Chuanchun Tang, Cindy Tse, Anya Yang, Nancy Zhang, Ashley Zhao Tanvi Batra, Becky Chen, Jeslyn Chou, Gavin Do, Ally Fung, Phillip Gan, Kylie Ha, Parisa Haq, Michelle Lee, Jenny Qiu, Cindy Tse, Sarah Wang, Rebecca Xu, Anya Yang, Kobe Yu, Nancy Zhang Ailin Atasoy, Moriah Chang, Oishika Chattopadhyay, Becky Chen, Emma Chen, Jocelyn Chin, Collin Gaja, Kaitlin Lee, Michelle Lee, Robinson Lee, Lisza Lo, Rebecca Tao, Cindy Tse, Christie Wang, Caitlin Wang Tanvi Batra, Justin Chen, Collin Gaja, Arina Miyadi, Jasmine Oang, Kali Tam, Christie Wang, Anya Yang, Melody Yang, Nancy Zhang, Anya Yang Emma Chen, Leslie Chen, Jeslyn Chou, Abby Choy, Ally Fung, Phillip Gan, Charles Su, Ella Tang, Rebecca Tao, Kaitlyn Tran, Rebecca Xu, Melody Yang Ailin Atasoy, Tanvi Batra, Emily Chen, Cadence Chen, Jennifer Fuerte, Yoko Inoue, Alex Kim, Iris Lim, Anncine Lin, Lisza Lo, Jasmine Oang, Caitlin Wang, Melody Yang, Kobe Yu, Ashley Zhao Anncine Lin Manasvi Chandra Shumin Chen, Gavin Do, Jennifer Fuerte, Ally Fung, Parisa Haq, Jessilin Lee, Iris Lim, Anncine Lin, Lisza Lo, Kali Tam, Kaitlyn Tran, Caitlin Wang, Christie Wang, Sarah Wang, Kobe Yu Abby Choy, Arina Miyadi, Ashley Zhao, Cadence Chen, Ella Tang, Emily Chen, Gavin Do, Jenny Qiu, Jessilin Lee, Leslie Chen, Moriah Chang, Roselind Zeng, Samantha Rivera, Yoko Inoue Manasvi Chandra, Moriah Chang, Shumin Chen, Justin Chen, Cadence Chen, Leslie Chen, Becky Chen, Jeslyn Chou, Collin Gaja, Parisa Haq, Yoko Inoue, Kaitlin Lee, Kayli Mak, Jasmine Oang, Jenny Qiu, Charles Su, Anabell Xu, Rebecca Xu, Roselind Zeng Gavin Do, Jennifer Fuerte, Jasmine Oang Mrs. 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 $25 for a side strip advertisement to $100 for a full-page advertisement, with square and popup advertisement options available.
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By MANASVI CHANDRA
April 2019
Staff Writer
I’m no stranger when it comes to makeup—as a dancer, I perform often and have to wear stage makeup for each performance. However, the only times I have used makeup is for these types of performances. I’ve never believed that I needed to put on makeup to enhance my daily appearance. On top of that, I looked down on the girls who did wear makeup, even to school (which is a place meant for education, not to impress others with physical beauty). My mindset changed completely during Spring Break, though. I was scrolling through my phone for some pictures of me that looked half-decent. Yet the only pictures I liked were ones right before or after a dance performance (when I had a full face of makeup) or photos in which I was wearing my hair down (which is different from my normal braided hairstyle). I realized that I needed a little something to help me love myself a bit more. With this determination, I pulled out my big black vanity box from the top shelf of my closet that night and put it by my desk, ready for the next morning. The following day, I woke up about thirty minutes early, put on some basic makeup (I’m really not an expert nor am I confident enough to try new things on my face), and when I looked in the mirror, I felt a lot better than I ever did upon seeing my reflection. We went to Lake Elsinore to see the wildflowers that day. As we were hiking uphill, many people took the time to stop and compliment me. This was the first time strangers have complimented my appearance, and I reveled in the fact that a few products and some extra time in the morning could achieve this effect. It made me feel powerful and strong, and I began to understand why so many girls wear makeup on a regular basis. After this experience, I realized once again how important it is to refrain from making judgments about others before putting yourself in their position. I understand now that their actions are not out of vanity and a desire to cover themselves up. Rather, their actions help themselves feel more confident. Although I do not have the time or patience to wear makeup daily, I will likely do it if I ever feel myself lacking confidence again. mchandra@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of FONTSPACE.COM and SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
By KAITLIN LEE
Staff Writer
I’m not going to lie: I am a pretty cynical, very glass-half-empty type of person. And often, I find myself complaining about the negativities in life. A bad grade on a test, the unhappy glance from a person I respect, or a small mistake—these moments seem to dominate my life and affect how I view the world. Because I mull over these bad parts so much, people tell me to live in the moment and enjoy the good while it lasts. But I could never fully enjoy the good moments. Maybe because I was so needy for something to counterbalance the bad, but I found myself seeking good moments and over-exploiting them. As in, I didn’t want anything bad or even neutral to occur. Sometimes I would try to act stupid or make jokes or do anything to try to pull out more good moments for me to enjoy. It was like the good moments were the freshest oranges, and I squeezed out every last drop so that I could greedily lap it up. In my pursuit for good moments, I signed up for the French exchange trip, thinking that I would need it to have a fun and eventful vacation. I had thought that the trip would be stuffed to the brim with good moments and distract me completely. However, at first, I was surprised. For instance, I didn’t realize how much walking there would be, and how tiring it would be on my feet, my legs, and basically my entire body. And being so exhausted like that wore me to the point where I stopped enjoying the trip. I mean, I still enjoyed looking at the Eiffel Tour or staring at paintings in the Louvre, but there was something within me that believed it wasn’t enough to satiate my need. I grew more irritated and upset and began to regret going on the trip. I’m not sure when it happened, but then there was a moment during my trip when I stood, tired from walking and stressed about the incoming homework load when I realized that I was in Paris. And I was sure wasting my time being upset and not taking advantage of every happy moment. Maybe, it was after eating some strong cheese I realized this; there is a strong, pungent taste that causes you to recoil and squirm, but after a couple of slow, steady bites, only the delicious, woody flavors of good French cheese remain and swirl in your mouth. Feeling true happiness is like eating strong cheese. You are going to go through hard and frustrating parts, of course, but it’s necessary to enjoy the satisfying taste afterward. But, that sort of satisfaction is only going to remain for a long time if you let it stay in you. You can’t squeeze out deliciousness and expect it to satiate you forever. Each moment should be enjoyed fully and slowly. In the end, I’m glad I got to go on this French trip. Not only did I get to try amazing food, but I got to make great memories and stronger bonds. And I still carry around bouncy happiness within me from all of the good moments of Paris. kleey@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of FONTSPACE.COM, TRANSPARENTPNG.COM, and UNSPLASH.COM
April 2019
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Filters on Learning By ABBY CHOY
Staff Writer
In 2000, the Children’s Internet Protection Act was instated in order to protect vulnerable students from harmful content that could be found on the Internet. To shield the students, schools have opted to use filters and blockages to close off any dangerous web pages with less than savory information. Two decades later, it’s still intact and very noticeably present in today’s educational system. Today, a majority of students have access to a digital device allowing them to reach across the globe for information from all corners of the internet. At AHS, students are assigned a Chromebook, which is infamously known to block off any signs of suspicious content. For a biology project, students struggle to find one of the most common forms of cancer, breast cancer, because the word “breast” is an ‘‘inappropriate” word that students shouldn’t be searching up in the first place. While it’s understandable why someone would deem such a term as a heinous evil, they are also deciding what’s unacceptable for a student before they even understand what it is. Although I am sure that everyone knows what specific part of the female anatomy that is, it brings a sense of shame that comes with uttering the word. We associate that word with sin, isolating it from our vocabulary when it’s just a part of the body that’s been heavily sexualized. Filters only censor understanding and normalization of words. Filters cover up the problems of the internet that are thought to distract us. However, this doesn’t completely remove the problem. It’s like closing your eyes so you don’t see the pitfall in front of you. It’s not contributing to any solutions and will not help you. While there are concerns that some students will intentionally search up entertainment in the form of games or other questionable material, it’s guaranteed a couple kids could easily bypass the filters, as noticed by all the teachers complaining about students playing games in the middle of class, which shouldn’t be possible. Nearly a generation has passed since the act, but the act still hasn’t been adjusted to today’s needs. More students are using more sources which have opened up thanks to the development of the Internet. Filters shouldn’t be so strict to the point where it restricts thinking and educational purposes. achoyapachepowwow.net Graphic courtesy of PINTEREST.CO.UK
By ROBINSON LEE
Staff Writer
AHS has maintained a high standard of students succeeding. Arcadia students are fortunate enough to have such a district when other parts of the U.S. and even Los Angeles suffer from poor public education in their school districts. The quality of schools and education systems can be so poor that teachers burnout and some students are unable to complete their grade. In fact, LAUSD is having a shortage of teachers which causes the district to hire underprepared teachers who have not completed their requirements, according to Learning Policy Institute. Additionally, only 76.1% of seniors graduated from LAUSD in the class of 2017. So, the idea of charter schools was coined to let families pick schools they liked and for schools to run independently without intervention from local districts, allowing for freedom in curriculum and types of opportunities they can provide. Private schools run on this idea as well. However, private schools do not receive public funding and charge a tuition fee. In contrast, charter schools receive funding from the state and federal government with an increase in funding for every student who attends. The idea of a charter school is not inherently bad and there have been very successful charter schools, but the idea of an independently run school with public funds is mildly questionable at the best and fraudulent at its worst. Though for-profit charter schools exist in name, it is possible for an individual or corporation to profit off charter schools as a non-profit, which is what many people who want to make a profit by charter schools do. Charter schools open opportunities for greedy corporations and individuals to make money off the regular taxpayer at the expense of public education and the futures of children who put their faith into a better education. Unlike public schools, charter schools have fewer standards to adhere to as a part of the idea of experimentation and freedom in the curriculum and management of the school. The nature of a charter school gives the control of funds and executive decisions to independent or volunteer committees. These committees vary in financial accountability, but due to the lack of state oversight, these committees can disappropriate funding for a school, affecting the students, staff, and faculty by unregulated spending.
The most common way people make profits out of non-profit charter schools is by hiring a management company to organize funds and run the school. The management company then has access to the funds which are allocated by the independent organization to use however it wants. To make a full profit, the committee turns over all of the public funds to the management company and spends only a minimal amount to keep the school running, while profiting by the “excess” amount of cash created in the process. Even worse, the management company can be run by the same people who are on the committee, which makes the process of wiring public funds for private use even easier. If the charter school fails, the management company keeps all of the funds and everything purchased under the company’s name. It gets even more heinous. Through the use of Clinton-era tax breaks, investors can have their funds put into charter schools doubled in a span of seven years thanks to the American taxpayer. Management companies can even distribute checks to another entity using that same public money which has resulted in millions of dollars being distributed to distantly related entities who do little to oversee the school. People like charter school founder Vielka McFarlane pleaded guilty in a case where she misused 2.5 million dollars “for expensive clothing, luxury hotel stays and first-class flights for her and her family”, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The exploitation of public funds for private use is a detriment to public education and the students who participate in charter schools, as ultimately, funds are taken away from public schools. If the charter school abruptly closes down for no apparent reason, then the student is left with an unfinished year or crushed opportunities. Though charter schools may seem like an alternative resolution to traditional schooling, the more students the money is spent towards means less money for the management company to distribute towards investors and entities who are involved. This means that in order to satisfy and appease possible investors, the funding will go towards them and not students who need it. What the charter school system is creating is the path for schools to no longer be schools, but to become businesses on the tab of the taxpayers and the taxes paid by our own families. rlee@apachepowwow.net Graphic courtesy of SLATE.COM
The Issues with Charter schools
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HOW TV “DIED”
By CHARLES SU
April 2019
Staff Writer
Television can seem like a relic or something unfamiliar today, especially with the rise of mobile devices and streaming services such as Netflix or Hulu. Although the TV hasn’t completely disappeared from our lives, many companies have brought upon the decline of cable TV. This form of TV is the most familiar with many people, with providers like Dish and Directv being that most commonly known, but many people today are canceling their TV packages and are instead opting for streaming services. Let’s first start with the history of cable TV, which is essential, since it gives context/background to its “death” and our current sources of entertainment today. TV became popular during the late 1940s and 1950s with sales skyrocketing in the millions. Before that, TV units were believed to be a novelty for the rich and not something to be owned by everyone. While inventions like the radio had several outlets and stations for its users, TV had very few limited stations that broadcasted. It also didn’t help that the quality of the units was terrifyingly horrible, with images having 30 vertical pixel lines; a modern image can contain 360 to 1920 pixel lines, for context. The Great Depression had the populace more concerned about their life and anything but entertainment, with the exception being movies. TV really got its big break during the 1947 World Series, which was broadcasted on TV, with people crowding around to see camera cuts to an arguably better view of the game. Senior Jacky Zhou, who also knows this story, added, “It was really the first time that many strangers gathered together in one area just to watch anything on TV.” Our view of TV channels also began to form too, with networks having stations sign onto their deals. As the quality of image and video became better, more companies and channels began to invest in. Shows began to have more interesting characters, storylines, and people began seeing it as a necessity for entertainment. Movies were eventually allowed although some companies reluctant as they feared that no one would go to the movies anymore. The real death of cable TV started with the invention of the VHS and eventually, the DVR. Now, people can easily record their preferred shows and movies to watch later. When Netflix and Hulu started appearing with cheaper monthly subscriptions, more people began flowing to these programs because of convenience. Financial reasons can also attribute to people moving away from cable as freshmen Eugene Wong said that his “family prefers things like Netflix since it’s cheaper than cable, monthly.” So does this mean that cable TV is completely dead or soon to be? No, not really, but it has transformed into these new streaming services. These huge cable providers still have chances to move their services online and adapt to customers’ desires.
csu@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of FREEPIK.COM
By KAITLIN LEE
Staff Writer
In different cultures around the world, there can be little subtle differences between mannerisms and how people tend to act. This fact became much more defined to me when I went to France as a part of an exchange trip. For a week, I lived with a French family and as I did, I noticed small aspects of French culture that were foreign to me as an American. The first thing I noticed about my French family’s house were the toilets. The toilet is not in the same room as the bath/shower and sink and gets its own small room, slightly bigger than a closet. This is so there are fewer toilets built and to save on materials and wastewater. Also, the toilets themselves have different mechanisms for flushing, usually having two buttons: one for flushing just water, and another one with a stronger jet. This is so more water is saved. Then, when I went to eat, I noticed subtle differences in the manner that French people eat. Firstly, they sometimes place their food on the dining cloth, probably because their dining cloths are cleaner than American cloths. Also, French people tend to serve their dinners in sections: appetizers, main plates, and then dessert. This took me a while to get used to, as in an Asian-American family I would usually eat appetizers and main plates at the same time. However, this is the only meal as large. Breakfasts tend to be very small at most, two pieces of bread— and lunches are not much bigger. One of the bigger culture shocks I experienced was witnessing (and taking part in) a common greeting French people have for their family and friends. It’s called “faire la bise” or, en anglais, “to do the kiss”. It is when two people— usually woman to woman or man to woman press their cheeks together and make a kissing sound, then moving to do the other cheek. To the French, this is completely normal and people just meeting each other for the first time also do it. However, the French find hugging a new person to be weird, and hugging is mostly reserved for close friends, though that’s the common American greeting. However, despite the differences between the French and American cultures, I found myself very quickly accustomed to my host family and the culture. I had a lovely time in France, and living among French people taught me so much about a different culture that I find interesting. Maybe next summer you should visit France and live as the French do!
klee@apachepowwow.net Photo courtesy of TUMBLR.COM
April 2019
By MORIAH CHANG
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Staff Writer
By EMMA CHEN
Staff Writer
The countdown has begun as Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s first baby is to be expected any time now. This is because the couple has recently created a personal joint Instagram account, thereby sparking the speculation that a big announcement is well under way. Here’s a look into what we know so far, and what the world is curiously waiting to find out in regards to the newest royal baby. Just five months after their wedding in May 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan took a trip to Australia for the first time as a married couple. News and rumors that the couple were expecting a baby broke out right when they arrived in Sydney at the start of their tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Tonga. Soon enough, their hectic visit was becoming a royal frenzy. Kensington Palace officials have been unsure about the Duchess of Sussex’s exact due date. However, they suspect that Meghan and Harry’s first baby will be due in the spring of 2019. Meghan is said to have told members of the public at various royal engagements that their baby is due to arrive around the end of April or the beginning of May since the original announcement. With just a few days or weeks to go, it is still unclear which hospital, the new royal baby will be born. In recent years, the Lindo Wing at London’s St. Mary’s Hospital has become the hospital for royal births. Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, gave birth to her three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, at this hospital. This hospital is also where Harry and his brother Prince William were born at. This maternity hospital provides private birthing suites, and it even offers new mothers a “celebratory high tea” and a glass of champagne to welcome their new arrival. William’s birth at the hospital in Paddington broke past traditions, for until then, all heirs to the throne had been born at home or at one of the royal family’s homes. One last key fact is that no one knows whether the new arrival of the royal baby will be a boy or a girl. In fact, even the Duke and Duchess of Sussex don’t know for sure. At an event in February, Meghan was overheard saying that the couple had decided not to find out the baby’s gender before the birth.
Us hit theaters on Mar. 22, and it has been a hit in the box office ever since. Just a warning, there are spoilers in this article. Receiving strong feedback from both critics and regular moviegoers, the movie seems be doing well, which is becoming increasingly difficult for movies in the horror genre these days. For example, Pet Sematary was rated 60% on Rotten Tomatoes, a popular movie critic site, whereas Us was rated a solid 94%. What was this movie all about, and what made it so successful in the movie industry? Accompanied by her husband Gabe, daughter Zora, and son Jason, Adelaide Wilson goes on vacation to Santa Cruz, her childhood beach house. She recalls a traumatic childhood memory where she met her doppelgänger in a funhouse on a previous vacation with her parents as a child. Adelaide is anxious and fearful of taking her family on this trip and frets for her family’s safety. That night, the Wilson’s doppelgänger family, known as the Tethered, breaks into their home and attacks them. The intruders are led by Adelaide’s double, Red. The Wilson family is set on a scary mission to destroy their doppelgängers and save themselves. After successfully defeating their doppelgängers, Adelaide thinks back to the first time she met Red in the funhouse. At this point in the movie, it is revealed to audience viewers that Adelaide herself is one of the Tethered and had taken Red’s place in the real world. The movie ends with Jason watching her carefully and slowly pulling a scary mask over his face. I personally think that the director, Jordan Peele, as well as the actors and actresses, had done a phenomenal job with this movie. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and was ready to scream for the entire duration of the movie. Peele was very effective in keeping audience members almost stressed because he incorporated moments of eerie calmness that would be broken by jump-scares at moments the audience did not expect. The acting was persuasive and made me feel genuinely scared for them, as if I too was dealing with the Wilson family’s doppelgängers. The last moment in the movie when Jason pulls the mask over his face was what really shocked me, and I left the movie theater wanting to know what would happen next. Overall, I would say that this movie was horrifying, suspenseful, and exciting all at the same time. A big round of applause for Jordan Peele and all the talented actors and actresses in this great movie!
mchang@apachepowwow.net Photo courtesy of TUMBLR.COM
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April 2019
Stuffed Animal
Dilemma
By CINDY TSE
By PARISA HAQ Staff Writer
Staff Writer
You are eating animal crackers and watching the latest episode of Wizards of Waverly Place on the TV. Your family just finished listening to Green Day while you play on your new Wii. That’s right. It’s 2009. While most of us were young, we started to grow up in that amazing era. It’s the basis of our earliest memories. Below, I’ll cover the highlights of 2009 and all the great things that happened. First off, the music. As I listened back to these memoryfilled tunes, I’ve realized something. Most of the songs have something special to them, and by that, I mean if played once, I could remember all the lyrics. Of course, that could be because it’s been years, but it’s something to think about. The billboards of the year consisted of “Boom Boom Pow” by The Black Eyed Peas as the number one song. It was followed closely by “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga. The most “successful” artists were Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Pink. These artists successfully made 2009 their year. TV shows and movies can reflect the mood of the year. Some of the most popular TV shows consisted of The Office, Glee, How I Met Your Mother, and Breaking Bad. At this time, Disney Channel was at its “prime” according to some. They had many iconic shows airing such as Hannah Montana and Sonny With a Chance to name a few. Along with movies, the High School Musical series had ended the year before, so many films were released. A couple of which include the Princess Protection Program, Up, The Princess and the Frog, and lastly Hannah Montana: The Movie. Just like any year, many events took place. The year started with Barack Obama being sworn in as president. As the year continued, we saw an increase in the effect social media has on society. It is crazy to see how it increased over the past ten years. While that has its pros and cons, it’s shifted our viewpoints and even daily lives. Many of us learn about news or opportunities through these platforms, but we can lose confidence from it too. In conclusion, the last ten years have changed the world drastically. There have been ups or downs constantly, but all we can do is grow from here.
It might seem weird for teenagers to be sleeping with stuffed animals, but some of us are quite attached to our furry friends. For many, they are items of both sentimental value and comfort. And they are also quite cute and can add a bit of color and coziness to a room. But the question lies with should teens and adults still sleep with stuffed animals? There are some who feel that it is too childish and wastes space. And others might just find it an odd but harmless habit. There’s been some research into this question, and the results are quite interesting. As children, we usually have an “attachment item”, usually a toy or blanket that provides a feeling of comfort. Why this is the case is not fully explained, but this type of attachment to toys can maybe explain the sense of comfort that we associate with them. A Psychology Today article noted when children did not or were not allowed to have a particular “transitional object”, “it can actually create more anxiety and discourse. In fact, research indicates that those children who were deprived of object relations were often more susceptible to pathological disorders.” As we grow, these items stay important to us because they “pull us back to “a place and time of great solace and memory.” On top of that, a study by researchers at UV University Amsterdam revealed that, “touch—including even that of a Teddy Bear or other stuffed animal—has health benefits, and can even help relieve existential angst.” By being a source of relief from stress, stuffed animals can benefit both mental and physical health. However, this research isn’t exactly common knowledge, and there may be varying levels of acceptance on a social level. Senior Monica Tsui muses, “Plush toys are kind of a kiddie thing, I guess. But they’re really cute and they’re nice to snuggle into after a long day at school! I think I would keep them around in my room even as I get older and go to college.” Meanwhile, junior Natalie Chi says, “Stuffed animals are really cuddly! I loved to play with them as a kid, but I feel like now that I’m growing up, letting go of them helps me feel like I’m moving on with my life.” Despite the lingering stigma around adults owning toys, plushies are quite useful and can help us even in adulthood. So don’t feel embarrassed for being attached to your teddy bear or being tempted by the toy dolphin at the aquarium!
phaq@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of EXCLUSIVEPET.COM and FONTSPACE.COM
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The petition site By NANCY ZHANG Staff Writer
There are many website-based nonprofit organizations that are solely dependent on community input and involvement. Similar to GoFundMe, a website known as The Petition Site is a platform that promotes online petitions. Anyone can join to either start a petition or sign petitions with causes that they believe in. With different categories from women’s rights to environmental awareness, there is a petition for everyone. For politically alert students, this site is a gateway to bringing youth opinion into the adult world. According to freshman Rachel Oh, “The website seems like a pretty reliable place to start petitions. Since it shows the number of people who are currently supporting the petition, it makes the viewers want to support it as well.” She is describing the general format of a petition, which includes a brief description of its purpose and the number of supporters that it’s gained. The petitions on the trending page, which Rachel would personally sign, especially gain attraction faster. “I think it’ll be a good opportunity for people to fight for what they believe in and to come together as a community!” concluded Rachel. Likewise, sophomore Ashley Lin thinks positively of this website, saying that it is “one of the better [sites] on the internet.” By bringing up issues at hand that genuinely affect people’s’ lives, “it not only keeps one updated on the current problems that exist, but also gives one an opportunity to act.” Action is as simple as the literal click of a button. Ashley explained that “it requires almost no effort to sign a petition, so it is a good way for people to speak up for what they believe in and help make a change that could improve this world.” Petitions that interested her included animal rights such as “Help End Puppy Mills All Across The Country” or human rights such as “Let’s End California’s Homelessness Crisis” ones. Another person who finds The Petition Site to be “a good opportunity” is junior Gyumin Shin. He believes it is “one way people can ‘speak up’ and form a power for the society.” In other words, Gyumin understands the importance of involvement in the world’s problems from normal people in the community. However, he wonders about the flip side, in which people who “might make petitions for their own gain.” There are “some risks” with people making “petitions that are not necessary” which can lead to possible negative results. One petition that caught his eye specifically is “California Wildfire Victims Needs Federal Disaster Relief.” This is one of the more current problems that actually applies to people in help around the area. A common theme about The Petition Site seems to be that it’s a helpful online platform meant to increase awareness of current world issues and take action against problems that just need more attention. Just scrolling through the petitions will immediately bring down one’s subconscious oblivion of unheard issues as well as allowing anybody—even a student—to take a step towards reforming a damaged world. phaq@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of THEPETITIONSITE.COM and UNSPLASH.COM
April 2019
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studentlife.powwow@gmail.com By JENNY QIU Staff Writer
With summer just around the corner, students are ready for a couple of well-deserved weeks of break from the work and stress of school. It is often a time for students to relax, spend time with friends and family, and most of all, travel. Whether it’s traveling internationally or traveling locally, students at AHS all have their personal favorite places to travel to. “I really like going to local boba joints to hang out with friends or [to] catch up on studying,” said sophomore Sharon Hang. Because we live in Arcadia, it is no surprise that boba has a special place in our hearts, and what better place to go than a boba shop? “It is usually super relaxing to just spend time in the shop and the atmosphere is really calming,” Sharon added. For some, the comfort that local cafes offer makes them a favorite place to go to. While some students like Sharon prefer local places, others travel a little further. “New York is a great place to go to,” said freshman Eileen Zhang. “The bustling city and nightlife are super exciting, and there are so many activities to do, from watching Broadway shows to spending time at Central Park.” After staying in the fairly quiet and calm suburbs of Arcadia, the busy streets of New York are a welcoming environment for some. In addition, with the vast hotspots, it is the perfect place to sightsee. Similarly, other students enjoy places that require a flight. “Hawaii is probably my favorite place to travel to,” said sophomore Katherine Sun. “I went there once for vacation and it was so relaxing. The weather, food, and attractions are really plentiful. Also, there are some great beaches to just pass time at and not think about anything.” Even in the summer, it is difficult to set aside summer work, but in places like Hawaii, it is very easy to leave the stress behind. With the sun and the ocean, Hawaii is a favorite vacation spot for many. In fact, weather seems to play a great role in people’s preferences for travel spots. Junior Emma Liao said, “Cancun is one of my favorite places for traveling mainly because of the tropical climate. It’s always sunny, and there’s also a little breeze, which makes it really nice to just swim in the ocean or sightsee. It’s also really cool to be immersed in a different culture and learn the history behind the city.” Not only is Cancun known for its warm weather, but it is also known for its rich history, which makes it a perfect spot for traveling. With summer quickly approaching, make sure to start planning to travel!
jqiu@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of DAFONT.COM and VECTORSTOCK.COM By KYLIE HA Staff Writer
can be demanding, but school campuses make it simpler for students to get exercise. At AHS, there are numerous physical fitness classes and intramural sports programs, so take advantage of them! Exercise doesn’t have to mean a hardcore seven-mile run or spending two hours at the gym, but a brisk walk, yoga, stretching, dancing, or even a light jog can elevate your heart rate, reduce stress, build confidence, and increase energy levels. “As a runner, I’m basically expected to maintain a healthy lifestyle, not only by running, but also by watching my diet. Besides, boba drains my wallet,” said junior Jacob Hsu. “To stay healthy, all you really have to do is to keep envisioning the end goal to motivate yourself.” Though you might be tempted to pull an all-nighter to study for an exam or stay out until 3:00 a.m. with friends, make sure that this doesn’t develop into a habit. Sleep deprivation can lead to reduced brain function, fatigue, headaches, or weight fluctuations. An approximated seven to nine hours of sleep can improve overall health. To stay rested throughout the day, take a short power nap, stick to a schedule, keep the room dark and quiet before bedtime, and avoid drinking high-energy or sugary, caffeinated drinks right before bed. Although caffeinated beverages like soda, energy drinks, or coffee can be beneficial when studying or doing late-night homework, they can ultimately harm your body. The combination of caffeine and sugar in these drinks can cause you to “crash”. If you need an energy boost, try eating foods high in protein and fiber.
Amid challenging classes, studying, homework, meetings, and maintaining a social life, a majority of students forget to maintain their health. Though some students may not think about developing healthy habits, being aware and knowing ways to keep our emotional, mental, and physical health in check proves better for the long run. But, what exactly can you do maintain a healthy lifestyle? Good food nourishes the body and powers a strong mind. Eating right is actually one of the biggest methods in making sure our bodies and minds are in good condition. Sometimes, it’s difficult to eat healthy when meal choices consist of fast food take outs, but small adjustments in eating habits pave the way for bigger decisions. One major mistake students make is skipping meals. When running out the door before you’re late to your class, try grabbing a small granola bar. For those late-night cravings during study sessions, try alternatives to your favorite late-night foods. For example, get pizza with a whole wheat crust, vegetable toppings instead of meat, and low-fat cheese. Instead of being those “mindless eaters” who eat for comfort, keep small snacks such as pre-cut vegetables, fruits, or bread. Try keeping an equally portioned balance of dairy, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein every day and remember: moderation, variety, and balance. Junior Shinjini Das said, “To stay healthy, I make sure that I balance my diet, as well as exercise a little bit. I also make sure to take some time off of school during the weekends to focus on kha@apachepowwow.net my Graphics courtesy of mental health with friends and family!” DAFONT.COM and VECTEEZY.COM Fitting exercise into a packed schedule
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SPRING INTO FULL BLOOM
April 2019
April 2019
SPRING
centerspread.powwow@gmail.com
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By MANASVI CHANDRA Staff Writer
If you have social media, you’ve probably seen countless pictures of those seemingly never-ending fields of orange poppies. After scrolling through similar posts of the same scenery, you might find yourself asking, “Why, exactly, are the flowers such a big deal this month?” This year, the world is experiencing a “super bloom” like never seen before. This is not a scientific term; it simply means that the flowers are blooming at an astounding rate. This phenomenon has lured many sightseers, intensifying traffic problems near the poppy fields. The view, however, is definitely worth it—there’s just something about the vibrant colors and ethereal feeling that can’t be attained from looking at those photos. Moreover, this magnificent event is so close to us, so don’t miss out on the opportunity!
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April 2019
NO FEAR By ELLA TANG
Staff Writer
Do you know what book you will read next? Chances are, it might be a play written by William Shakespeare. Oftentimes, Shakespeare is a name that people are afraid of; just thinking of those plays and their oldfashioned grammar usage can give us a headache. Undoubtedly, his writings are hard to decipher for many, and even professors who have studied English and works of literature for years have difficulty understanding them. Knowing this, people might wonder why students should read Shakespeare at such an early age. The purpose of this is
to expose students to classic literature that still has relevant themes. However, it seems like they have achieved the exact opposite of their goal. Many people no longer have any interest in old literature because they have read Shakespeare while in high school. One of the main cause for this is that the plays written by Shakespeare are too hard to understand. Without being able to understand his writing, students aren’t ever going to love Shakespeare’s plays. Here’s a tool people should use while reading Shakespeare’s plays: No Fear Shakespeare. Students might get confused because of the way things are written, and go online to see if there’s a version of it
Summer Reading
that’s written in modern day English. No Fear Shakespeare is a website people can go to and read Shakespeare’s plays translated into modern day English. With this tool, students can understand without worrying about misinterpreting something. Moreover, No Fear Shakespeare puts both the original text and the modern version on the same page, which helps students to look at the original text while the translated version can help them understand the scenes. Using such a tool can help students understand the text without having to get a tutor or a translator. At the same time, No Fear Shakespeare is a non-profit website, which means that you can read every-
By LESLIE CHEN
Staff Writer
With no homework or school to worry about, summer can be the perfect time for students to read a new book. Whether it’s a classic or contemporary novel, there is a book out there for every reader. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak This novel takes place in Nazi Germany during World War II. A young girl named Liesel learns to read and steals books from Nazi book-burnings, libraries, and wherever there were books to be found. She shares them with her neighbors and foster family, as well as the Jewish refugee hiding with her family. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan In 1949, four Chinese women, recent immigrants to San Francisco, begin meeting to play mahjong and talk. United by their feelings of loss and hope, they call themselves the Joy Luck Club. The book focuses on the painful and deep connections between the four women and their American-born children. Life of Pi by Yann Martel Later adapted into a movie, Life of Pi is a fantasy adventure novel. The protagonist, Piscine Molitor “Pi” Patel, explores issues of spirituality and practicality from an early age. He manages to survive 227 days after he is stranded on a boat in the Pacific Ocean with Richard Parker, a Bengal tiger.
thing on it without worrying about money. To sum up, No Fear Shakespeare is a wonderful tool for students to use. It helps us to understand what Shakespeare is trying to write while being able to read thoroughly. With the help of No Fear Shakespeare, it is easier for students to analyze Shakespeare’s plays. After all, you don’t need to read the old, hard-to-understand Shakespeare’s plays on your own, No Fear Shakespeare will help you solve your understanding problems. etang@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of AMAZON.COM, BARNESANDNOBLES.COM, and 1001FONTS.COM
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank This is a book of writings by Anne Frank, a young girl who hid with her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Facing hunger and fear of discovery, Frank writes with wisdom beyond her years. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo Jean Valjean, a peasant living during the French Revolution, must escape persecution by Inspector Javert. Hugo takes readers deep into the Parisian setting and immerses them into a battle of good and evil. This 1862 historical novel has been adapted into a movie and musical. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald This novel is well known for capturing the mood of America in the 1920s, a society obsessed with wealth and status. Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire from his criminal activities, falls in love with Daisy Buchanan, a popular and careless woman. However, he is ultimately betrayed by his own dreams, which have been nurtured by society. Summer may be your chance to take a break from school, but you can still continue your learning over summer while having fun! Summer reading is the perfect way to help and influence students to prepare for the following school year. lchen@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of PIXABAY.COM and REQUESTREDUCE.ORG
April 2019
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By MELODY YANG
Staff Writer
Houseplants are good for your brain—countless studies and large amounts of research have proven that fact. Here are some reasons as to why you should include a plant in your workspace. More Oxygen It’s no secret that plants absorb the carbon dioxide that we breathe out and replace it with oxygen during photosynthesis. It is precisely this fact that makes these greens all the more valuable. Not only do they renew the air with fresh oxygen, but they also remove toxins this way. Research by NASA revealed that houseplants can remove up to 87% of toxins in the air after 24 hours. The brain needs oxygen to function, so the increased amount of it that is produced by plants can improve cognitive function and thinking. Boosts Concentration Spans In a study to be published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, researchers were able to show
By EMMA CHEN
that the presence of plants in office settings boosts one’s ability to maintain their attention. When participants in one room without plants were compared to others in another room with plants, it could be seen that those who worked in a setting with plants were able to improve their performance between the two tests. Improves Productivity An unexpected benefit of houseplants is better productivity. Studies have shown that indoor plants not only improve productivity by up to 15% but also reduce stress levels and boost your mood. A substantial amount of research has shown that interior landscaping can have dramatic effects on the well-being of the building’s occupants. Now that you know the benefits of decorating your house with plants, which ones should you get? There are various things to consider when choosing the plants you place around your house, so here are some pointers and suggestions. Although plants release oxygen during the day, they should be kept in mind that most plants stop pho-
tosynthesizing at night. However, orchids, succulents, snake plants, and bromeliads do not have this problem and continue to emit oxygen during nocturnal hours, making them perfect for your bedroom. Succulents are also a good idea for those of you searching for an easy plant to take care of. These plants only require a light misting of water every so often, but allows you to reap their many benefits. The spider plant is also recommended for beginner gardeners, as it is low-maintenance but purifies air rapidly. The benefits that plants have on the brain have been proven by numerous studies and large amounts of research, so there’s no reason as to why you shouldn’t include one in your workplace as well. You can simply place a plant on your table and experience all the advantages it has to offer—it doesn’t require much work either. myang@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of GUIDE.COM and 1001FONTS.COM
Staff Writer
Many students swear by outfits that they believe must be worn on the day of an important quiz or exam in order to do well, but do lucky test-taking outfits really exist? Why do some Apaches believe that their outfits, of all things, will help them clutch that A+? Let’s look at some of their explanations behind their perfect outfit. Sophomore Nathan Kuo says that his lucky test-taking outfit consists of any comfortable shirt, his blue H&M shorts, short socks, a black Uniqlo fleece jacket, and white Ultraboosts. Nathan says he picks this outfit to wear on his test days because he wore this outfit at the beginning of the semester on one of his math tests and did really well on it. From then on, he makes sure to keep his lucky outfit in his closet when he knows that he has an exam coming up. Nathan says he’ll be making a new outfit either at the start of junior year or if a poor test grade comes up — whichever comes first! Junior Rukan Saif says that on her more difficult test days, she opts for a casual hoodie, leggings or sweatpants, fuzzy socks, and her Birkenstock sandals. In addition, Rukan says, “I have to wear the ring from my grandparents and the necklace from my parents because I always have to fiddle with something.” This is one of her favorite outfits to wear because it’s comfortable and keeps her feeling ready for the exam of the day. Sophomore Perry Lu says that on his test days, he goes for his Patagonia jacket, Adidas track pants, and his gray Ultraboosts. Without that special outfit, he feels unprepared for the day which psyches him out. Perry hopes to continue this outfit into senior year as he doesn’t “want to risk a bad test grade” because he decided to switch up his pretest ritual. In anticipation for his upcoming test in AP Human Geography, he already has his outfit ready to go for the big day. Sophomore Samantha Botkin says that her lucky test-taking outfit is made up of her purple Lululemon leggings, her volleyball hoodie from a tournament back in 2017, and UGGs, regardless of the weather forecast for that day. She says that she loves wearing her “Lulus” on test days because they’re comfortable and keep her focused on the test. Samantha thinks that she’ll probably switch up the outfit in the future, but for now, she’s happy with her lucky outfit and will continue to wear it on her future test days. Regardless of what you wear on your test days or if you even pay attention to the outfit of the day, lucky test-taking outfits are an important factor in doing well for many students. Maybe it’s time we all picked out a lucky outfit for a boost of confidence and a stroke of luck! echen@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of ISTOCKPHOTO.COM and 1001FONTS.COM
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California
Dance Classics
By EMMA CHEN Staff Writer
California Dance Classics, a popular classical ballet and contemporary dance competition directed by Conny Mathot, held its third competition at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre in San Diego last weekend. With the entry list filled with talented dancers from all across California, the competition was definitely a difficult but memorable experience for all participating dancers. Let’s break down the highlights of this past weekend and the experience at this last competition. The competition ran from Mar. 29 to Mar. 31 with master classes and performances being held throughout those three days. The master classes were led by well-known teachers and choreographers, such as Meelis Pakri and Peter LeBreton Merz. The challenging classes were typical of the average ballet class: barre and center combinations that included adagio, petite allegro, and grande allegro. In my class, taught by Meelis Pakri, we were encouraged to bring our pointe shoes though there was not enough time for them, which frustrated some girls and relieved others. The intensity of the class matched the levels characteristic of the Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP), another popular and highly competitive classical ballet and contemporary dance competition. Sophomore Maya Malaby from the California School of the Arts, or more commonly known as CSArts, says, “YAGP was really scary because all the girls are so talented and focused on their profession. The master class was definitely really intimidating, but it was good to be around people of that intensity. I learned a lot from the master class teacher and from the incredibly amazing dancers around me.” Dancers were given a 15-minute window to warm-up on the stage. Though it was crowded, this session gave competitors time to get accustomed to the feeling of the dance floor and general spacing. The stage manager called roll, and we were promptly instructed to exit the stage and return to the dressing rooms so that the competition for our category could begin. Backstage, everyone was nervous. We went through our pre-performance rituals: anxious dancers put in their earphones, closed their eyes, and went through the motions of their choreography, while others stretched for what seemed like forever. I stayed hydrated, rolled out my muscles, and got myself warm and in shape. About 30 minutes before I was to perform, I went into a small studio in the theatre and went over parts of my dance with my teacher, Ms. Annelise. After, I headed backstage and waited for my time to perform. Watching the dancers before me was nerve-racking and intimidating— I marveled at how 15-year-olds could be so capable of such beautiful and powerful movement. When #414 finished her piece, I stood in the last wing on stage right, anticipating the quiet strums of my song that would cue me to run on and meet the judges and audience. One of the stage managers tapped me on the back as I shook myself out in fear and reminded me to enjoy myself, reward myself for the work, and show the audience who I am; I’m unlikely to forget her words of wisdom. The California Dance Classics kept its promise and truly delivered the highest level of competition, educating and preparing dancers for the scary world of professional careers in the performing arts well. The weekend left me feeling overwhelmed but content—until next year! echen@apachepowwow.com Graphics courtesy of CLIPARTLIBRARY.COM and PINTEREST.COM
April 2019
2019 PULTIZERS: What the Constitution Means to Me By SAMANTHA RIVERA
Staff Writer
The Broadway play What the Constitution Means To Me is much more than entertainment. It follows actress and playwright Heidi Schreck and her understanding of the U.S. Constitution and how it relates to “her life, her family, and the women in her family.” This play explains her meaning of the Constitution but also represents a personal “love letter” to her mother. Partially a “personal memoir,” Schreck highlights her understanding of the Constitution by explaining debates she attended in high school which explained how its existence had “been shaped by this document, circumscribed by this document, and, in some ways, harmed by this document.” During the play, Schereck added how the 9th Amendment personally impacted her and what it represented to her. The 9th Amendment states, “The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.” Schreck continued, “This little, tiny, magic amendment, right there at the end of the Bill of Rights says there are rights that we did not list in this document. You have those rights. We don’t know what they are—we’re not going to tell you—but they’re there.” Each of these amendments explain the full rights of each person, director Olivia Butler included, “when she talks about the 14th Amendment protecting you from the government taking anything or anyone from you—before we became aware of the children being taken away from their parents at the border, that didn’t hit in the same way,” Butler says. In addition, Schreck opened up about her abuse, testifying against her own stepfather in order to protect both her grandmother and mother. Her mother stated, “I now fully apprehend the incredible bravery it took for her to testify against a[n] abuser at age 14.” Sara Holden, the New York Times theatre critic added, “It’s rather terrifying, because she goes back and kind of traces the ways in which dehumanization is written into the document.” Featured in the play, Thursday Williams is a 17-year-old high school student who expressed her passion for the Constitution through her debates. Thursday stated, “The Constitution is the key to our liberation. We have the oldest active constitution in the world. My opponent wants you to think this is a bad thing, but the reason it has lasted so long is because it gives ‘we the people’ the tools we need to free ourselves from tyranny.” What the Constitution Means to Me is a nominated finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. srivera@apachepowwow.com Graphics courtesy of CLICKR.COM, NEWYORKTHEATREGUIDE.COM, PINTEREST.COM, and VECTEEZY.COM
April 2019
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arcadiaperformingarts@gmail.net
By ASHLEY ZHAO
Staff Writer
No matter the instrument, whether it be piano or a guitar, learning to play songs by ear can be a helpful tool in improving your skills as a musician in general. Whether it be straying away from relying on tabs and video lessons or just honing your ability to pick apart a song, knowing how to play a song on your instrument after listening to it is a rewarding skill for any musician to attain. Although many assume that you need to have natural-born talent to do it, in actuality, all you need is a simple set of skills in order for you to learn to play by ear quickly and easily. In the words of American jazz guitarist and composer Pat Metheny, “Listening is the key to everything great in music.” By listening closely to a song, you can hear and remember an accurate outline of it in your brain. Even though this step might seem very simple, it’s vital for musicians to have a solid grasp of how a song actually sounds, not the way you think it sounds. For instance, if you tried to build a house without carefully going over the blueprint, you’d end up with a house that’d be entirely different from what it should be. Before attempting to play a song, try singing or humming the entire thing. You don’t have to be the greatest singer, but you do have to be able to hear the music clearly in your head. As a result, you’ll be able to easily pick out any wrong notes when you actually start playing your instrument. Furthermore, singing along to a song will help you connect with its rhythm so that you
By KYLIE HA
Staff Writer
In today’s dance world, many dancers consider versatility as key. Although dancers may specialize in one area, it’s not enough to be a master of just one style—dancers are frequently asked to fuse multiple genres or to step out of their comfort zones for a project. All dancers, whether those who perform ballet, hip-hop, jazz, need to have a detailed understanding of daily ballet technique. The numerous programs that offer different types of performing arts all follow the same path. West Los Angeles, compared to a “fusion program”, offers contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, musical theater, and ballroom. However, San Francisco is a more concert-based focused, combining classical and pointe, modern and improv training. New York City (NYC), a booming urban city, has a more classical focus, but still manages to include contemporary or modern ballet training and techniques. It’s a mandatory “prerequisite” for all dancers, allowing them to tackle contemporary choreography. According to Maximilien Baud, codirector of Musical Theater NYC, London Musical Theater, Las Vegas Jazz & Contemporary, and Vegas Cirque Arts, “Directors of ballet companies with vast repertoire need versatile dancers who can dance multiple types of roles during a grueling season. Broadway choreographers need dancers who can do ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, and more.” Much of this is extremely looked into at the new Cirque du Soleil program. “Cirque is always looking for cutting-edge dancers who are versatile and able to do just more than
dance.” Besides versatility, another keyword is integration. As cultures continue to get more distinct and popular shows or songs hit more than just one country, the different parts of the dance world that used to be more unmistakable display connections. Though programs in musical theater or circus arts might sound specific, choreographers encourage dancers of all styles to try them and broaden their idea of what they can do with their training. Yusha Sorzano, director of Joffrey Southwest Dallas, and has taught more than once at the JBS programs located all over New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, sees another foundational technique that is neglected upon. While a ballet base is fundamental and essential for today’s concert dancers, there’s another underlying principle that isn’t highlighted enough: modern. “Even before I was doing ballet, I knew how to groove and to dance in a social setting,” Sorzano stated. Elements of jazz, street styles, contemporary, improv, Latin jazz, and Afro-based movement are all included into her program’s curriculum, along with background information and the history behind these movements. Versatility, the ability to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities, is something that is highly valued in a dancer’s point of view. Not only does it give an advantage to those trying out, but it also allows the brain and body to be flexible, open, and resilient! kha@apachepowwow.com Graphics courtesy of DAFONT.COM, PINTEREST.COM VECTORSTOCK.COM, and 1001FONTS.COM
don’t have to guess on how to count out each beat. After getting a general understanding of a song’s outline, the next step is to analyze the music more closely. Let’s start with identifying chord progressions. You can either spend time figuring out the chord structure of the song you’d like to learn or utilize your web browser to search for chord charts. Try playing a handful of basic chords and sing along to have a good feel for the song. The next step will require you to find out the key of a song, as the final chord of a song will typically be that song’s key. If you are having trouble discerning what types of chords a song contains, then try hunting down the note that sounds like it’d be a stable foundation for a chord—it’s most likely the root note of that chord. While this process may be difficult in the beginning, you’ll get faster at finding the key once your hands are on your instrument. Once you know the key that your song is in, it can provide more clues on what chords will most likely show up in that song. One of the most important parts of this learning process will be in the way you choose to learn it. Tackle each part of a song in small sections, and be patient! By giving yourself the time to learn a song note by note—no matter how long it takes—you can eventually garner enough skill to play any song by ear. Realize that, after finding the correct notes or chord sequences to play, you can focus on other elements of the song such as phrasing, dynamics, groove, etc. After working on a single part of the song, you’ll find the next to come easier. Even if it takes you several weeks or months to figure out how to play a song by ear, the numerous skills that you build while doing so are irreplaceable. azhao@apachepowwow.com Graphics courtesy of VECTEEZY.COM, and 1001FONTS.COM
16 By JASMINE OANG
sports.powwow@gmail.com
Staff Writer
These athletes have dedicated their time and energy to playing here at AHS. For their last season, learn how it affected them, what they’ve learned, what they have to share, and what they’ll remember. Boys Varsity Volleyball Co-Captain and Starting Setter senior Jared Park reflected, “Playing four years of volleyball at Arcadia has affected me by making me into the person I am now. It made me realize I had to work hard for something I wanted, which was the role in the starting line up and improved my work ethic not only in volleyball but in school.” He added, “Being an Apache athlete is great, putting on the jersey with my number and representing Arcadia every game and trying my best means a lot and feels even better when we win.” For him, the most memorable part of playing on the team was not the games or the wins, but “all the team bondings and tournaments we went to together.” He elaborated, “Not only did
it bring us closer but it built the team chemistry and helped us grow as a team.” Before he leaves, he shared some advice for his teammates, “Always give it your best and enjoy
By JUSTIN CHEN
playing volleyball because in no time it will be your last time putting on a jersey and playing for a high school volleyball team.” Boys Varsity Tennis senior Hellman Zhao shared, “Playing on the Boys Varsity Tennis team for AHS has definitely affected me as an individual. For the past four years, tennis for me has not only been an escape from the stresses of schoolwork and standardized tests, but also a great motivator to achieve my goals in school and for the tennis team. As a result, I can say I walked out more confident in my abilities
as a tennis player and as a person in society.” From his experience, he learned, “It is very hard to stand out in a crowd of highly academic students, especially that of AHS. Being an Apache athlete for me means that I have the opportunity to represent the school in a different fashion and further the prestige others have built onto it while working towards my own goals as a student-athlete as well.” As for something he’ll remember when he leaves, he reflected, “My favorite memory of all four years would be us winning the Beckman tournament during this senior year. The year before that, when we were arguably at our strongest, we came in third place in that tournament, so
we did not have as high expectations going in again. Winning the whole thing showed us
in plain sight just how much we improved in a year and gave us greater hope for what will come in the rest of the season and CIF.” He jokingly added, “For the rest of my teammates, I sincerely hope that they keep working hard to continue the prestige of AHS tennis and not slack off in their training like most of us seniors did this year.” Track and Field senior Cindy Chen shared, “Running has helped me tremendously with my ability to handle stress since the sport itself challenges me mentally and physically. There are a lot of obstacles athletes have to overcome when in track, even with all the different fields. Personally, I felt as though I learned to push even harder when things got difficult, and the sport made me realize I could do a lot more things than I originally thought I could. Also, a lot of the friends I hang out with at school are from the cross country and track team, so that has been a highlight of my four years here.” When asked about what it means to be an Apache athlete, she revealed, “To me, it means being proud to represent the school name, especially because in running we’re ranked pretty high. It also means doing the best you can be-
Staff Writer
Just as the golf legend Tiger Woods recently won his fifth Masters Championship, our Apache golfers have been winning on the course. Currently 3 to 2 in League, the boys have struggled with winning and losing each match. As junior Varsity member Joshua Kwon told us, “John Burroughs’ new freshmen and sophomore golfers have been able to keep up with us. However, there is no need to fret because I know we practice harder, play harder, and work harder than them.” Just last year, Burroughs picked up Ryan McGowan, Kodiak Hernandez, and Trey Sanchez to their Varsity Top 6. Not only that but,this year, John Burroughs also added its #1 player, Lincoln Melcher, to the squad. With four fresh new faces on the team, Arcadia’s toughest opponent may seem intimidating. However, let’s refer back to our school motto: No Apaches Down, because that’s exactly how our Apaches are playing right now. Junior Varsity member Warren Oetojo described matches as not just “a competi-
A CLOSE SEASON Boys Varsity Golf ends the season 4 to 3 after its final match at the Hansen Dam Golf Course, and named Pacific League Champions. tion where we play individually, but [also] as a team that works together to win. Every few holes, we bump into one another and encourage each other, pushing us to hit and putt each ball
to the best of our ability for the team.” For our Apaches, winning means nothing if it isn’t done together. Practices for the golf boys are no differ-
April 2019
cause you wear Arcadia on your chest and you want to follow in the footsteps of the athletes who came before you. There are a lot of great track and field alumni that have set an excellent precedent for the rest of us so it’s really about maintaining our reputation and just being the best athlete you can be.” Behind that pride is a strong team, as she added, “My favorite memory of track is the Burroughs track meet my sophomore year where we were having a dual meet with John Burroughs. [Burroughs was] really fast in that year, and we needed every single point we could get against them, and it came down to the last event: the 4x400. I’d never seen our team as unified as that moment since there are a lot of different events and usually it’s hard to rally all of us in one place. But for that race, everyone was running back and forth across the field screaming because we wanted our team to come out at the top. I loved seeing the energy and unity we had as a track team.” For her teammates and other aspiring runners she says, “Never give up! It’s a tough sport and there are definitely times where it’ll feel like too much but it always gets better. The harder you work, the better your results and the more satisfied you’ll get. I would say there are ups and downs in everything we do in life and track and field, and running in general, can end up benefiting a person a lot if they stay committed to it.” There is no doubt that this Spring season has been a thrilling chapter for these three athletes. From their fondest memories to their most difficult obstacles, thank you for sharing your experiences and we wish you the best of luck! joang@apachepowwow.net Photo by LISZA LO Graphic courtesy of 1001FONTS.COM
ent. In the past few weeks, the team has played many mini-competitions against each other to not only apply pressure, but also force each other to focus and play seriously. Joshua noted, “It has really helped us with dealing with pressure, since many of us struggle with that on the course.” The golfers’ next league match was on Apr. 18 at Hansen Dam Golf Course. With this being the last match of the season, our boys looked to close out the regular season with an uncontested victory before setting their sights on CIF. And, that Thursday, the boys accomplished exactly what they hoped for, winning their match at Hansen Dam. The team’s successes did not end there, however, as the boys were eventually crowned Pacific League Champions. To close, I would like to finish off with junior Varsity member David Ju’s quote as he looks forward to the next season, “Oh, I’m ready. No, I’m beyond ready.” Good luck Boys Varsity Golf, and play well. We’ll be cheering you on! jchen@apachepowwow.net Photo by JUSTIN CHEN Graphic courtesy of 1001FONTS.COM
April 2019
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theapachepowwow.net
By KALI TAM
Staff Writer
Billed as the “Home of National Records,” the annual Arcadia Invitational event took place once again on our very own Salter Stadium from Apr. 5 to 6. Boasting 31 national records and being the host of over 179 U.S. Olympians, this meet is considered to be one of the most prestigious track and field meets in the country and brings top athletes from over 30 states across the U.S. and even some from other countries, such as New Zealand, Australia, and Ireland, to compete together. Around five decades ago, AHS’ Track and Field Coach Doug Smith came up with the idea to create a small evening track meet for schools in the surrounding area. After acting upon that idea, the first invitational was held in 1968 with about 23 high schools and 6 track clubs participating. The event quickly expanded to become a two-day event and has gone on to host more than 4,000 athletes who compete every year. Not only is this track competition one of the largest in the nation, but it also provides many athletes a chance to compete in events that are not common at most high school meets, such as the shuttle hurdles, spring medleys, and 4x800 relays. The talented athletes put on spectacular performances this year, resulting in many new national and state records being set. Washington State commit Chloe Cunliffe broke the former national record for Girls Pole Vault as she cleared the bar at 14 feet 8 inches on her first attempt, while Newbury Park’s Nico Young
By MELODY YANG
CROSSING THE FINISH LINE AHS’ athletes continue to make history as they set new personal records in the annual Arcadia Invitational. Particularly in sprints and long distance runs, athletes from all over the globe have been able to set national records here. broke the 36-year-old county record in the 3200 meters with an impressive 8:40. AHS had its fair share of athletes competing at the meet in events such as the 800m, 3200m, and 4x400 relay. Some Apaches’ achievements include senior Joyce Wu, who placed 26th in the 3200m run rated with a 11:04.48; senior Anthony Carranza, who placed 20th in the 800m run with a 1:56.78; and senior Soichiro Nagao, who placed 39th in the 3200m run rated with a 9:26.52.
Staff Writer
AHS Girls Varsity Basketball ended its season strong this year with an overall record of 25-4. Not only is its record impressive, but three seniors on the team were selected to play in the San Gabriel Valley All Star Game as well. Seniors Sahana Saikumar, Ashley Sue, and Mychayl Phillips were part of a team with top players from a multitude of schools in Southern California. These girls weren’t the only people gaining remarkable accomplishments, as Coach Adam Conover was also selected as head coach of the Star News Team and even earned the title of being Pacific League Coach of the Year.
Sahana was a part of the All-CIF 1st Team along with the Star News All Area 1st Team. She was also a member of the Pacific League 1st Team. These accomplishments, however, didn’t just fall into her lap. She revealed, “I spent a lot of time in the offseason working on my game, so seeing my efforts pay off feels nice.” She also mentioned, “I did a lot of weight-lifting, went on the shooting machine, and practiced drills to obtain these achievements.” Her efforts definitely paid off, and she expressed, “The overall experience on the team this year was amazing. We fought a lot of battles together and got really close as a team.” As a result of her and the team’s intensive training, they were able to win league outright for the first time in AHS Girls Basketball history. Despite this, improvements
Junior Nikki Wong, who was among the handful of Arcadians participating, raced with three other teammates—Kira Graves, Emilie Sung, and Jill Taylor—in the 4x400 relay. Nikki reveals that she has been “able to compete in the prestigious race since her freshman year,” which made her excited to use her experience to perform well. However, she states that she “personally didn’t do [her] best that day” and felt that “there was a lot of room for improvement,” but is still extremely happy that she was
given the chance to race alongside so many skilled athletes. With so many new records—both personal and state or national—being set, this year’s Arcadia Invitational is definitely one to be remembered. Congratulations to all of the athletes who competed this year and we wish you all the best!
could still have been made. Sahana mentioned that the team still needed to work on its “maindefense and executing plays on offense.” With her devotion to basketball, Sahana affirmed that she will continue playing basketball in college. Ashley, another senior on the team with notable achievements, was part of the All CIF 2nd Team and the Star News All Area 1st Team alongside Sahana. She was also awarded the title of Pacific League Co-Player of the Year. Ashley, like Sahana, trained extensively to attain these feats. She disclosed, “I practiced at least two hours a day to maintain the skills I’ve developed and to continue to try and improve each day.” She had come back to the court from a severe back injury, making her achievements
all the more impressive. However, she revealed that “none of it could have been done without the help of [her] amazing teammates.” She expressed similar sentiments with Sahana, “The team this year has had the best bond out of the four years I’ve been here. We all truly get along even though we all have such different personalities.” The incredible bond between her teammates and her this year provided Ashley with a large amount of support, ending her high school basketball career on a positive note. Mychayl Phillips also had incredible accomplishments. Not only was she able to be a part of the Star News All Area 2nd Team, but she was also a member of the Pacific League 2nd Team. This year was most definitely a successful year for the AHS Girls Varsity Basketball Team. Through their hard work and resilience, they were able to become their league champions and win a CIF game. Most notably, Sahana, Ashley, and Mychayl were able to represent the Arcadia team in bigger games and be awarded with amazing titles. Congratulations to these three seniors and great job!
ktam@apachepowwow.net Photo courtesy of CHUCK UTASH Graphic courtesy of 1001FONTS.COM
myang@apachepowwow.net Photos by ALLY FUNG Graphic courtesy of 1001FONTS.COM
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theapachepowwow.net
By CAITLIN WANG
Staff Writer
Both beautiful outdoor shopping spaces here in Los Angeles (LA), The Americana at Brand and The Grove are amazing places to have a good time. With outstanding dining options and an impressive number of stores, both places are very similar yet different in their own ways. Here is a breakdown of the differences between The Americana and The Grove to help you decide which one you want to visit in the near future. To start off, The Americana at Brand was built a little later than the Grove, making it fairly newer. It is located in Glendale, which, from Arcadia, is only about a 20-minute drive depending on traffic. Just across the street from The Americana is the Glendale Galleria, which is a huge shopping mall that is larger than both The Americana and The Grove combined. In one trip, shoppers can get everything they need, from luxury goods to everyday items. Upon being built, it was questionable as to why The Americana had to be built by an already busy shopping area. Plus, contrary to popular opinion, the two
By ALEXIS KIM
Staff Writer
With only some strawberries, milk, and sugar, you can make delicious fresh strawberry milk! It doesn’t sound like much, but it tastes refreshing with desserts or breakfast and is perfectly sweet for the spring and summer season. Ingredients: 12-16 strawberries 1-2 cups of milk ¼ cup of sugar Materials: 2 bowls Measuring cups Knife Cutting board Spoon Small pot Cute glass jar Blender (optional but helpful) Small ladle (optional but helpful) 1. Wash and cut 6 to 8 strawberries into small pieces and put them into a small bowl. 2. Use a spoon or a small ladle to crush the pieces into a jam-like consistency. This is more difficult than it sounds, so a blender could help
have various activities. The Americana has extra space. The Grove is more cramped, with all the shops closer together. For the an amazing environment overall. Moreover, the Grove is located in the most part, both places have similar stores and heart of LA, close to famous spots like Bev- attractions like the trolleys and movie theerly Hills and Melrose. It is known to attract aters. The Americana has grown significantly many celebrities. I have personally seen a throughout the years, adding new stores that handful of celebrities/social-media stars at already existed at The Grove, such as Brandy The Grove and witnessed some of my peers Melville, Laduree, etc. Both are perfect for take pictures with some as well. A huge con all-day outings with friends. At the end of the day, both spaces have is that The Grove is significantly further from Arcadia than the Americana. With heavy high and weak points. The Americana at traffic, it takes nearly two hours to get there. Brand is definitely more convenient for us There are quite a few gourmet restaurants to visit, considering how much closer it is to within the Grove, and its surrounding area Arcadia. Don’t worry about it being inferior includes many Instagrammable cafes and to The Grove because according to the Los brunch spots. Melrose is practically a street Angeles Times it is, “The Grove on steroids.” away and Santa Monica is very close as well. If you happen to be in the area, a stop at The The huge Farmer’s Market down the street is Grove is worth your time as well. According also a unique place to stop for a quick bite. If to the Los Angeles Times, the place is “more you happen to spend a day at the Grove, you insular universe than shopping center.” With might as well hit the other popular LA spots all factors considered, both do not disappoint if you’re looking for the ultimate LA experiaround it as well. A huge factor that sets the two outdoor ence. malls apart is their layouts. The Americana at Brand is more spacious and spread-out in cwang@apachepowwow.net Photos courtesy of CARUSO.COM comparison to The Grove. The fountain is and 1001FONTS.COM significantly larger as well, considering the
you get this started. 3. Pour in ¼ cup of sugar into the strawberry jam bowl. This will also help bring out the juices of the strawberries. 4. Pour the jam into a small pot and cook on medium heat until the jam simmers. 5. Take the jam off the heat, and wait for it to cool. 6. While waiting for the jam to cook and cool, cut 6 to 8 more strawberries into small pieces. Put these into another bowl. 7. Scoop the jam into a glass jar and pour a cup or two of milk into the jar. 8. Put the strawberry pieces into the milk as a topping. Once you’re done, you can enjoy your yummy cup of homemade strawberry milk. You can feel free to share your creation with your friends and family!
akim@apachepowwow.net Photos courtesy of BAKINGMISCHIEF.COM, DELEMEREDAIRY.CO.COM, MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM, RASAHNWORLD.COM, STICKPNG.COM, and 1001FONTS.COM
April 2019
April 2019
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calendareditor.powwow@gmail.com
By EMILY CHEN
Staff Writer
Letting yourself indulge in things that you like is an important part of self-care. For many people, treating themselves could mean a trip to Starbucks or a shopping spree at the mall. However, if you’re looking to save money, there are still many ways you can spoil yourself. Here are some ways to treat yourself without spending money: 1. Go hiking to enjoy the landoscape, nature, and fresh air. It’s relaxing, entertaining, and great exercise! 2. Have a picnic with your friends or family. You’ll be treating yourself and whoever you invite! 3. Take a long, hot shower. Hot showers help relieve muscle soreness and stiffness. 4. Catch up on your favorite TV shows or start a new series if you’ve done that already. 5. Go to bed a few hours early and let yourself sleep in in the morning. Your body needs rest,
By KOBE YU
Staff Writer
Walking through the auto-sliding doors, the smell of fresh produce and packaged goods welcomes you with open arms. Stocked with a variety of ramen noodles and mochis, the aisles are like a theme park of delicious snacks. Not only do these markets carry high-quality goods, but their cleanliness and organization also cannot be beat. Scattered all around the Greater Los Angeles (LA) area, these Japanese markets are the hidden gems of the city; here are a few markets that are worth visiting! Mitsuwa Marketplace Mitsuwa is one of the most popular Japanese markets in the LA area, with locations in San Gabriel, Santa Monica, and Irvine! In addition to being a place where consumers can stock up on fruits and vegetables, this market also has a food court with restaurants that serve delicious and authentic Japanese and Chinese food, a Japanese toy store, and a Daiso all within the same building!
and you deserve it! 6. Listen to your favorite music to unwind and relax. 7. Find a new hobby or learn a new skill. Trying things you haven’t done before can be exciting and will leave you with a feeling of accomplishment. 8. Read a book or listen to an audiobook. If you don’t have any, take a trip to the library! 9. Chat with somebody you haven’t seen in a while. It’s always nice to catch up with friends and family members. 10. Do some coloring pages. Coloring isn’t just for kids—it has been found to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in people of all ages. 11. Play card games or board games. Whether it’s an intense game like Uno or Monopoly or something chill like Scrabble or chess, you’re bound to have fun! 12. Find a free event to attend. Some examples are farmers’ markets, street fairs, music concerts, and city hosted teen events. With all the pos-
Tokyo Central Of all the markets in the San Gabriel Valley (SGV), this one by far is my favorite. Tokyo Central has stores in West Covina and Gardena; these branches have snacks not only limited to Japanese but also Hawaiian and Korean varieties too. Booths within the market sell goods ranging from fresh sashimi to anime figurines. The most notable feature of the store is its aesthetics; red lanterns light up parts of the room with pink cherry blossoms and calligraphy posters adding to the stylish ambiance. Marukai Market Located in the heart of Little Tokyo, this market is in an ideal location because of its close distance to the Metro Station. Unlike the two markets listed above, this one gives off a more comfortable and family-owned vibe. Though it’s
sibilities, you’re sure to find something that suits your interests. 13. Spend some time meditating. Clear your mind of things that have been stressing you out, and let yourself focus on the moment. 14. Sing or dance to your heart’s content. Don’t worry about people judging you—enjoy yourself and don’t hold back! If there is something you enjoy doing, by all means, do it. Whether it is something big or small, you deserve to take some time to yourself. With exam season approaching, there is no better time to enjoy yourself and have a little fun. Remember to take care of yourself, and good luck!
echen@apachepowwow.net Photos courtesy of AMAZON.COM, AQUAELEGANTE.COM, ARTKNAPPSPG.COM, FIVEBELOW.COM, HOUZZ.COM, MAXIAIDS.COM, TREAT.COM, and 1001FONTS.COM
relatively small in size, Marukai Market is definitely a competitor when it comes to quality and design. Walking through the store, the color coordinated candy section caught my eye; bags of different flavored gummy candies were hung on a pillar in a way that made it a great backdrop for a photo. This market is also in close proximity to many ramen and sushi restaurants if you want to grab a quick bite before shopping. Stocked with high-quality produce and delicious snacks, all of these markets will offer their visitors a taste of Japan, more or less. They go above and beyond when it comes to providing produce to their customers, so next time you are in need of a quick snack or ingredients for a meal, consider a Japanese market!
kyu@apachepowwow.net Photos courtesy of AMAZON.COM, DNIGROUP.COM, EBAY.COM, MUSHROOMS.CA, PINTEREST.COM, SWEETJAPAN.SHOP, WAGAMAMA.US, and 1001FONTS.COM
20 CAMPUS
FOCUS
By ANNCINE LIN
theapachepowwow.net
Staff Writer
nth. Pretty relatable: Stress awareness mo . nts de stu us juniors for ed t next year’s classes, uably the most need homores worry abou sop The month that is arg ions. d an cis de en d an shm s fre ir college result l year draws near, elf s nervously receive he urs ior yo as the end of the schoo ep sen d ke an to , ys T’s wa SA tests such as work, there are the all th wi . up ad he ing ep cram in studying for my d ke or a run to clear s of being in school an de and taking a walk, tsi te ou ori ing fav go Despite all the hardship e ur yo lov I , , or eating ur stress. Personally ng, listening to music 15 calm and to relieve yo as journaling or drawi h reading, sleeping for suc r, ic, we ist sho art t ho ing a ing tak e lov o als Working on someth ople finitely help. Many pe sed by snack or sweet can de are routines. nc ski th wi es elv notes that stress is cau ms the has a lot to say. She no lves to Sa minutes, or pampering rse nie ou An are re mp mo stress, sopho is causes us to co “th t tha ing liz rea When talking about e, ur mpetitiv you to do yo best. l environment is so co is helpful in order for g tin na sti she’s cra pro the fact that our schoo t no t des, especially when to this, she found tha stressed about her gra ts ge your e Sh ge our peers.” In response t. na en ma st tem sta mu rees that you g agrees with this t you this situation, Sonia ag In tha Freshman Sonia Zhan . e up liz ng rea mi ll co wi t u tes yo tasks, facing a big e time organizing your at a borderline A- and out being nd that if you spend som e what Annie said ab fou nu nti she , co ion To . dit ful ad In ess str as m rtheless, time well. see ve n’t Ne . wo your self-esteem of them, and things ers, for it may lower oth n so be can actually tackle all to the e, elf tiv urs eti yo mp are l not to comp d if that is being co an d, ate tiv t mo m sic competitive, be carefu the keep listening to mu tha le to find something to relieves her stress by nie An s. ces she encourages peop pro the in sh air. u don’t hurt yourself block to get some fre u it! Just make sure yo d walking around the an , things that bother yo hy the rap of lig go cal let ing to do , rd od ha mo ly r me he tre es! ns ex do hte rk be lig ing the wo te all this, it can still you anywhere. But do I understand that despi t stressing never gets tha r ask people around be to em ate sit rem r, he r ve Howe t done. Just neve ge to s ha or weigh you down. ne do on! You never be to go not, what needs n’t bite!) the list es or do I , ess too str u me yo r ask the uld he W (you co chers, friends, parents, you for help: your tea th in you, good luck! fai ve ha I . ne alo es tim rd ha gh ou thr have to go
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April 2019