May 2023

News

Senior Assembly 2023

By CATHERINE CHAN

Opinion - Page 7

Editor in Chief remarkable honor.

With the final two weeks of the school year rapidly approaching, excitement filled the air at Arcadia High School’s (AHS) recent senior assembly. The assembly served as a crucial event for the graduating class of 2023, where upcoming events were unveiled, and the prestigious title of valedictorian was revealed.

The senior assembly, held in the school’s Performing Arts Center (PAC), brought together the entire graduating class to celebrate their accomplishments and navigate the final stretch of their high school journey. As the clock ticked down, students eagerly awaited news about upcoming events and important milestones that would mark the conclusion of their high school careers.

Principal Angela Dillman expressed her gratitude toward the seniors for their hard work and dedication throughout the year and emphasized the importance of cherishing the remaining time they had at AHS.

Following the principal’s opening remarks, various staff members took the stage to share the upcoming events that seniors could look forward to in the last two weeks of school. A wave of enthusiasm rippled through the crowd as the announcements unfolded.

One of the highlights of the upcoming weeks is the traditional event, Grad Nite. Students will have the opportunity to relax, socialize, and live their final high school memories at Disneyland’s California Adventure Park on June 9.

As the excitement grew, Principal Dillman took center stage once again to address the most eagerly awaited announcement of the assembly—the Class of 2023 valedictorian. The room fell silent as the principal revealed that senior Weber Lin had achieved this

“I never thought I really stood a chance because I know there are a lot of people who are way smarter than I am. I always feel that I’m just decently good at a lot of things, but I’m far from the best at all of them. Getting valedictorian was never a goal from a start; I always just put my time into things that I find interesting, whether it be running, band, or origami,” expressed Lin.

Lin, known for his exceptional academic achievements and dedication to extracurricular activities, has left an indelible mark on the AHS community. Lin’s classmates erupted into applause as he made his way to the stage, displaying a mixture of pride, admiration, and respect for their accomplished peer. Lin will have the honor of delivering a speech at the graduation ceremony with seniors Anvitha Marlapati and Claire Li delivering speeches at the Baccalaureate.

With the ceremony and speeches coming soon, Lin shared that “it’s an honor to get to represent our class and speak at graduation, especially because it could have been any one of us. The beginning of this school year was a really tough time for me, but I couldn’t be happier with the way everything turned out. I’m going to miss everyone when we part ways”

With the conclusion of the senior assembly, the spirited Class of 2023 departed the PAC, brimming with renewed excitement and a resolute determination to seize the remaining two weeks at AHS. Comprising a total of 738 students, this remarkable graduating class is eagerly anticipating their upcoming graduation ceremony, a momentous occasion that symbolizes the closing of one chapter in their lives and the commencement of the next exciting chapter yet to be written.

achang@arcadiaquill.com

Photo Courtesy of AMANDA CHANG

THE ARCADIA QUILL

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy

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

We hold ourselves to high standards in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these efforts by The Arcadia Quill, please email eic. arcadiaquill@gmail.com.

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EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF

Editors in Chief: Michelle So, Madison Yee, Chloe Wong

News Editors:

Emmaline Pan, Clarissa Suryapranata

Opinion Editors: Ellie Gladson-Pang, Michael Hum

Features Editors: Annie Jiang, Harini Devaguptapu

Arts & Entertainment Editors: Caroline Li, Kathy Wong

Sports Editors: Sophia Li, Sohana Sahni

Media Editor / Publicity Manager: Lauryn Chao

Campus Focus Editors: Justina Liu, Lorin Teng

Staff Writers: Darin Buenaluz, Ryan Chai, Ashley Chan, Catherine Chan, Amanda Chang, Nathan Chen, Lilian Chong, Niyah (Elliot) Davis, Juliette Fang, Jose Gama, Enzo Gobel, Vritti Godani, Michelle Ho, Amish Jha, Emily Lee, Lisa Li, Zhilin Liu, Samantha Luan, Victoria Thalia Mair, Anna Odell, Breeanna Pham, Maryam Sadeghifard, Ava Shaw, Sofia Payan Siegrist, Kaitlynn Trinnh, Stephanie Wang, Ziming (Sarah) Wang, Pamina Yung, Lin Zhang

Media Staff:

Skye Escobedo, Veronica Meyers, Ainsley Najafzadeh, Katrina Reghitto, Vanessa Valentino, May Wang, Olivia Zheng

Advisor: Mrs. Lesley Lee

AHS STUDENTS GO TO FRANCE

By HARINI DEVAGUPTAPU Staff Writer

France is an extremely wonderful destination people dream of visiting. Arcadia High School (AHS) students in French 2, French 3, and AP French were given the opportunity to travel there for two weeks during spring break. Madame Christina Vaughan, a French teacher at AHS, planned and executed this trip, offering an immersive hands-on experience surrounded by the culture and beauty of France.

Madame Vaughan started this tradition with another teacher in France, Madame Décombas-Deschamps, years ago. In October and February, students from France came to AHS and were hosted by AHS students taking French. This time around, when the AHS students went to France, families in France hosted them. Many of the students were fond of their experiences with their host families, as the family members were extremely generous and treated them with kindness and hospitality.

When traveling, the students had the opportunity to see two sides of France. With their host families, they got to experience Trévoux, a small city in the rural countryside. There, they went to school with the French students, experiencing their daily lives and schedules which are very different from what we have in Arcadia. School lunches were two hours long, so they had time to travel to another part of the city to eat and shop.

Senior Jackie Chen explained how she “played volleyball for 5 years [which she and her host] had in common, and [she] got the opportunity to play at the club with her in France.” This is really rare because French students don’t typically get as much free time for outside activities and sports.

There were many interactions made between the students and other people in

France. Senior Dania Azher went to a host’s grandmother’s birthday party and spoke with the elders in French. She learned a lot from them and their fascinating life stories, from being on a ship during a nuclear power plant explosion and fighting in wars, to trekking through Europe with friends.

“Schedules differed every day, so sometimes we would get home at 1 p.m. and sometimes at 6 p.m.,” Azher shared. “Everyone was extremely welcoming, and even though I had to give a speech in front of a class in French, it was intriguing to compare cultures and bond with students!”

In addition, Azher explained how nervous she felt before going to France and being hosted by a family.

“From the moment I met my host, I realized we had really similar personalities, and she and her family did their best to make me feel welcome and have the best French experience,” said Azher.

Her host family took her out to classic French restaurants and shopping malls, and as a family, they made peach tiramisu while listening to music, watched Bridgerton while having dinner, had crepe parties, cooked frog legs, tried different wines, and went out to celebrate her host mother’s birthday.

Senior Avari Wang also shared how she loved the environment where she stayed with her host family.

“I really enjoyed the countryside and its tranquility, in stark contrast with the usual bustling city that I’m accustomed to,” said Wang. “Even just walking my host family’s dog around the nearby lakes and meadows was very calming and a beautiful experience.”

For part of the trip, the students stayed in Paris at a hotel for four days, traveling with Madame Vaughan. Students woke up early to go to the bakery with their friends,

and buy baguettes and pain au chocolat for everyone. While exploring the city, they would walk 10 miles or more at a time. Wang found that the city had a lot more to explore outside of the stereotypical touristy destinations. She fed French pigeons pieces of her baguette sandwich, which was truly fun for her.

Throughout the trip, they visited a lot of different museums. However, Chen shared that the Louvre wasn’t open due to protests happening that day about the change in retirement age. Seeing all of this happening was really fascinating because she got to see the political side of France.

Azher explained how they “barely [had] time to shovel down [their] sandwiches as [they] got ready to climb dozens of stairs up to Montmartre or down to the Catacombs,” which she really enjoyed.

A favorite of the trip for quite a few students was listening to music, dancing, and watching the Eiffel Tower glimmer from up close while riding a boat in the Seine River at night. They went to a crepe restaurant for dinner and climbed 300 stairs to the top of the Arc de Triomphe to see Paris and the whole city.

Wang tried a variety of French cheeses which were especially delicious. Her favorite was comte, which she even brought back for her host family.

Chen’s host family owned chickens which they could get eggs from to make different foods like quiche and pasta. She also noticed that before every meal, they had something called a Mousse Bouche.

Azher explained how they would “begin with an appetizer, move on to the entree, have some fruits or yogurt to cleanse [their] palette, carry on with dessert, and then finish with cheese and an espresso. [They] would sit at the dinner table at 8 p.m. and leave at 11 p.m.!”

Wang noticed the same thing, and expressed that a food she found really interesting was the French Tacos, which was nothing like a traditional taco. It had a mixture of meat, sauces, cheese, and fries wrapped in a tortilla and then grilled.

“I will never forget eating French tacos and drinking Orangina with the rest of my friends on the last day before we left France, watching the sun set over the Rhone River,” Wang voiced.

On the last day when they had to leave, everyone realized how close they got.

Since Trévoux is a smaller city, there is less access to bigger chain restaurants like the fast food places in Arcadia. Instead, there are a lot of traditional homemade foods that are made every day. Everyone tried a variety of different foods during the trip. They were exposed to a different culture and were pushed to try new things and expand their palate. They tried things like couscous, tacos, escargot (snails), and grenouille (frog legs).

Azer confirmed that escargot are pretty good, especially once you forget about thefact that you are eating snails. They taste similar to mushrooms and were complimentary with buttered baguettes.

Azer shared how she “sobbed on [her] host mom’s shoulder for 10 minutes as she consoled [her] and promised that [her] family and [her] would have a home with them forever.”

Overall, the trip was a true learning experience and meant a lot to those who participated. AHS students were able to improve their French language skills, experience a new culture, make lifelong bonds, and get a glimpse of how life would be as a student in France.

hdevaguptapu@arcadiaquill.com

Highland Oaks STEAM Night

By MICHELLE SO Campus Focus Editor

What do you get when you put a hawk, an astronomer, and a LEGO robot together in a room? An airborne, astral automated phenomenon? Perhaps, but this unlikely lineup provided the perfect entertainment at Highland Oaks Elementary School’s STEAM night on Apr. 27. STEAM, to those unfamiliar, refers not to gaseous water but also to a commonly-used acronym meaning Science Technology Engineering Art and Math. The buzzword has gained popularity recently as a necessary focal point for education.

At STEAM Night, inquisitive young scholars took the opportunity to explore all the different facets of science. Booths organized by the Highland Oaks’ PTA hosted several outside organizations and had a schedule packed with unconventional activities; future chemists concocted colored slime, aspiring astronauts made spacethemed buttons, and eager wildlife biologists ogled at tortoises.

One notable feathered performer was Aspen, a rescued red-tailed hawk serving as an “ambassador” animal for the Wildlife Learning Center. Since being struck by a car, Aspen now spends his days gorging on raw meat and lounging around with his girlfriend, and fellow raptor, Willow. But perhaps the most amusing part of Aspen’s display was when he casually raised his tail and ejected a smelly present onto the stage, receiving delighted little shrieks from the

young crowd.

Numerous students stopped by the Arcadia High School (AHS) Science Olympiad booth, the only AHS organization represented at the event. Many had just come from the Wildlife Learning Center’s screech owl demonstration and were then able to flip through a rather large binder of bird pictures to find information on the birds they had just seen.

Another booth run by the Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage received numerous visitors who were rewarded for their attendance with free magnets, pens, and “educational kits” discussing the importance of native plants and animals, including one on native birds.

“Admission is free, all the programs at the museum are free,” said Stevy Acevedo, a curator at the Gilb Museum. “We’re here just promoting our events, especially our summer enrichment program, which is available to children ages five to 12.”

She also mentioned several other programs the museum will host this summer, including preservation workshops for adults, a textiles seminar in July, and—get ready T-Rex enthusiasts—Dino Day in August.

“We have a collaboration with the Museum of Paleontology in Claremont and they bring out some of their fossils for the community to enjoy them,” said Acevedo.

Students then made their way from fossils to something older: the Big Bang. Geovanni Somoza, @telescope_man on

Instagram and Tiktok, was busily making space-themed buttons with a hand press. But he was more than willing to talk about his organization, the Planetary Society, whilst doing so. With rolled-up sleeves and a waistcoat covered with astronauts in various positions, Somoza was dressed to entertain and disperse his passion for space.

The Planetary Society “is the world’s largest non-governmental space advocacy group,” said Somoza. “So we create, educate, advocate, and make our own space missions.”

Founded by astronomer Carl Sagan in 1980, the little-known group has rallied behind major projects, including sending tardigrades, or water bears, to space. But at the moment, the group is more focused on a more ambitious mission.

“Right now, we’re really fighting for a mission to go to planet Venus. It’s very hot—the hottest planet in our solar system,” said Somoza. “Carl Sagan used Venus as his vehicle to write down his thesis work, and we didn’t really understand Venus that much even. We’re talking about 60-70 years ago…We’re only going to learn more if we can visit the planet again. There are some people that think there might be life on the upper clouds of Venus.”

While the Planetary Society carries out its official business, the team running the Highland Oaks booth was more than willing to let kids fulfill their out-of-this-world aspirations with space merch and writing letters that, according to the organizer, will

fly out into orbit on the Shepard rocket and back. After a joyride on the reusable suborbital rocket, letters will be mailed back to their return addresses

These community events are such rich and vibrant occasions. Whether you were born around the first Mars landing or when astronauts walked on the Moon, discovering the world of science and technology is never a regret—and the Highland Oaks STEAM Night was no exception!

mso@arcadiaquill.com

AHS PROM 2023: LOST IN THE AFTERGLOW

By ANNA ODELL A&E Editor

As the school year comes to a close and final exams approach, many Arcadia High School (AHS) students are looking forward to summer break. To close off the year, the school held its 2023 Prom at the California Science Center on May 13, as a last hurrah for the students.

The theme this year was “Lost in the Afterglow,” derived from the movie Tangled. In the weeks prior to the dance, numerous Promposals were orchestrated, which ranged from picnics and cakes to cute and creative posters.

On Prom day, many friend groups and couples gathered to get ready and took photos of their planned outfits. The girls wore unique dresses and jewelry, and their hair was done to match the feel of the outfit. The men came dressed in suits that often paired with the color of their date’s dress. The crowd itself at the dance was a flurry of colors ranging from red to purple, and even in some cases, gold and silver.

“For me, the best part of Prom was

getting ready with my friends. It was like a bonding activity for us,” said senior Dahlia Johnson.

Arriving at the dance was a separate matter. Some people took party buses with flashing lights and loud music, and some decided to carpool with their friends or dates. Either way, most people got to the dance closer to the 8 p.m. cut off because of the terrible traffic on the freeways and side streets.

At Prom, there were a few activities that one could partake in, as well as some snacks in case anyone got hungry. There was a dance floor near the DJ, which was always cramped and chaotic in a good way. There were also a few caricature artists whose student-filled lines stretched far behind

them. In their own style, they drew silly pictures that were sure to get laughs from the people they drew. In a separate room, there were two different photo booths. One produced the typical strip photos and the other created a little flipbook of the people who participated. For both types, the lines and the wait to get photos were long, but the pictures turned out wonderfully. It was a great way to keep a memory of the night and the people you came with. Lastly, there was a 360 photo booth machine which also proved to be popular.

“The games or like activities offered at Prom were pretty fun,” said senior Chloe Ramirez, “I personally liked the photo booths the most.”

On the way out, volunteers handed out small makeshift lanterns, like the ones from the movie Tangled. The night proved to be fun for many, and especially for seniors, it was a great last dance of the year.

aodell@arcadiaquill.com

Photo by MICHELLE SO

Photos by JAIMIE LEE

Social Media’s Destruction of Nature

By JULIETTE FANG Staff Writer

You’re scrolling through Instagram when you spot a viral landscape photo of nature, the epitome of beauty and serenity. You think of how nice it would be there, away from the rush of everyday life and one with nature. Unfortunately, many other people share the same sentiment. If you were to actually go to the spot, it’s certain that it won’t be as beautiful and serene as in the photo. While it’s a common saying to take nothing more than pictures when visiting a spot in nature, thanks to social media, even photos taken of a scenic waterfall or beautiful view will harm the environment.

The primary reason for social media’s harm on nature is geotagging, a feature that can be found on most social media platforms and embeds the exact location of a photo. Combined with photos going viral, social media attracts a sudden influx of people to previously unknown sites that the environment oftentimes can’t handle. The over-tourism caused by geotagging and social media pollutes nature and is dangerous to people and wildlife.

Take Horseshoe Bend, which overlooks the Colorado River and is accessible by an almost-hidden dirt trail. Thirty years ago, the trail was marked by nothing more than a dirt patch but is now surrounded by two parking lots to receive more than a million visitors each year. Why? Because in 2015, viral Instagram photos of its beautiful view were conveniently geotagged as being located in Page, Arizona. In no time at all, a crowd flooded the area faster than the park could manage. Soon, the park was filled with litter and human waste brought in by the Instagram-eager tourists.

Before 2019, about 50,000 people lived in Lake Elsinore, CA. But as soon as photos of their vibrant poppy fields went viral that spring, approximately 100,000 people, twice as many as usual, crowded in. This caused heavy traffic and inconvenience, but the environment also suffered as inconsiderate tourists picked poppies and walked off marked trails, leaving the area trampled and litter-filled.

In both these examples, one of the prime examples for why geotagging has been so impactful was the lack of infrastructure required for such a huge number of tourists. Virality on the Internet tends to happen quickly, suddenly, and unpredictably, so it causes an enormous number of people to rush in all at once without any warning. Park services and towns simply don’t have the time to prepare.

From just a few photos, both Horseshoe Bend and Lake Elsinore became scarred by overtourism. Is the brief burst of virality on the Internet really worth it if it means that places like those become trampled and ruined? It definitely

natural sites with selfie-hungry tourists, even places that are the picture of serenity are serene no more. As our world becomes more and more reliant on social media, the crowds of daily life will become impossible to escape, as untouched nature begins to dwindle.

“For tourist spots in travel guides or burgeoning areas hoping to attract more visi-

In a 2012 interview, Marc Reading, who provides marketing for South Africa’s national parks, said, “The method is to send a young couple on safari with a GPS-enabled smartphone, which they use to take a photo of the rhino. The exact coordinates are attached to the picture, allowing poachers to come in after dark and track the animal.”

poachers tracking rhinoceroses in South Africa to aquarium enthusiasts hunting for fish and other marine life in the ocean.

In some places, the threats caused by geotagging are becoming more and more severe, especially to wild animals. Just like how geotagged photos lead tourists right to sightseeing destinations, they lead poachers right to animals. Poachers use the coordinates in geotagged photos of wild animals to locate, track, and catch creatures. This extends from ivory poachers tracking rhinoceroses in South Africa to aquarium enthusiasts hunting for fish and other marine life in the ocean. Horseshoe Bend, for example, does not have safety railings, so it is extremely easy for tourists to fall into the gorge below if they aren’t careful. Across the country at Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskill Mountains, at least four tourists died when attempting to take dramatic photos. Certain photos and posts should not have the ability to end lives, and yet geotagging has caused numerous accidents and poaching. Without viral, geotagged photos, it’s these events could have likely been pre vented. These deaths mark a warning for the dangerous potential of social media, and we should take heed in order to stop accidents and illegal poaching from becoming widespread or even normalized.

Even the tourists themselves suffer from the drive to take photos and post caused by social media. The purpose of visiting such wonders is to enjoy them and take in the view, not scramble to find the best angle for a selfie. The ever-present influence of platforms like Instagram or Facebook pressure people into viewing their lives through camera lenses and screens rather than enjoying nature for what it is.

While some may argue that geotagging helps expose more people to locations that encourage them to enjoy the outdoors more, geotagging only makes it easier for people who don’t know or don’t care about safety and preserving the environment to overcrowd spots. People who are genuinely interested in the outdoors would have the initiative to find places for themselves. Social media can provide exposure, but virality on the Internet is unpredictable and very difficult to control, leading to events such as overtourism.

tors, a viral, geotagged post could drive foot traffic,” stated Christina Djossa in a National Geographic article. “But for places like Horseshoe Bend, Bogle Seeds Farm, and Kaaterskill Falls, which don’t have the infrastructure to support thousands of visitors, geotagging is

While the environment suffers from geotagging, it also has a direct impact on people. As mentioned above, places overwhelmed by selfie-craving tourists often don’t have the proper infrastructure to receive them, including safety precautions. poachers right to

It’s astounding that a single photo can cause great damage, yet natural sites are seeing it happen more and more. Thankfully, there’s a very simple way to keep social media from ruining nature: don’t geotag. Without the feature, scenic places are more difficult to access and can preserve their beauty for years to come. Not posting a cool selfie is a small price to pay for protecting the land, wildlife, and other people from decay.

jfang@arcadiaquill.com

Representation over Decorum

By ASHLEY CHAN Opinion Editor

In Tennessee, Republican lawmakers voted to expel three Democratic state legislators for their participation in a gun-safety protest following the Covenant School mass shooting that occurred on Mar. 27. Representatives Justin Pearson, Justin Jones, and Gloria Johnson joined protestors in Nashville, Tennessee to advocate for gun control legislation such as improved red-flag laws, which would heighten requirements to own a gun. These representatives have subsequently been dubbed the “Tennessee Three” and have faced expulsion on the alleged offense that their gun control reform behavior “reflects poorly on the House’s reputation.” By expelling these lawmakers to protect the House’s so-called reputation, the House, and thus Tennessee as a whole, loses democracy. Tennessee chose decorum over representation in the belief that some people do not deserve representative government. This decision is a crime against democracy.

The expulsion of these lawmakers is inherently wrong–it’s an “erosion of democracy” and an abuse of power by Republicans to silence opposition.

By oppressing Democrat voices, the people in Tennessee are not properly represented in the government, demonstrating how these Republican legislators would rather “protect” the House’s so-called reputation instead of offer the public true representation.

According to Pearson, the three legislators had broken “a house rule, because we’re fighting for kids who are dying from

gun violence and people in our communities who want to see an end to the proliferation of weapons in our communities.”

Additionally, only Pearson and Jones were voted out of office, while the House was one vote short of expelling Johnson. Both Pearson and Jones are young Black Democrats, while Johnson is white. By removing Pearson and Jones from their positions, the House has rightfully been under fire for perceived racism.

This is what we have been challenging all session, a very toxic, racist work environment.”

Pearson stated, “You cannot ignore the racial dynamic of what happened today. Two young Black lawmakers get expelled, while the white woman does not? That is a statement in and of itself.”

Even if the Tennessee legislature did not mean to be blatantly racist, their decision-making has been questionable at best.

without proper representation, making the decision to expel these two lawmakers even more problematic.

Due to the immediate backlash the House rightfully faced, both Pearson and Jones were reappointed to their respective seats a few days after their expulsion. Although the problematic decision has been reversed, the truth still lingers: the expulsion of opposition is not democratic, it’s authoritarian, and we, as a nation, should be concerned for our future because this issue is not just confined to the boundaries of Tennessee. The favoring of decorum over representation has set a dangerous precedent for the entire nation.

“What is happening here today is a situation in which the jury has already publicly announced the verdict,” Jones stated. “A lynch mob assembled to not lynch me but our democratic process.”

The Republican Party’s actions are nothing less than an attack on democracy. Their attempt to force a muzzle onto their opponents who are simply fighting for the safety of their community and their nation is blatantly wrong. Everybody deserves representative government. The Tennessee Republican lawmakers seem to disagree.

“What happened yesterday was an attack on our democracy and overt racism,” Jones commented. “The nation got to see clearly what’s going on in Tennessee, that we don’t have democracy especially when it comes to Black and brown communities.

Removing two people of color from the House for something as trivial as breaking decorum raises questions about the Republican party’s ability to uphold democracy. After all, their decision left tens of thousands of people of color in Tennessee

Republican politicians have chosen decorum over representation. But is decorum going to protect children from school shootings? Will decorum ensure that all voices are equally represented? Will decorum uphold democracy? No, it won’t. Representation will.

How an Inflated Ego Can (Sometimes) Result in Success

By ENZO GOEBEL Editor-in-Chief

In an 8,000 seat tin box of an arena, an underdog hockey team composed of perennial rivals from Boston University and University of Minnesota faced off against the legendary Soviet Union and previous five-time world champions. It was 5 p.m., a night like any other—Feb. 22, 1980, to be exact. Then, in a shocking turn of events, the score was 4-3 with 10 minutes remaining in the third period.

Sportscaster Al Michaels began what would become the legendary countdown: “11 seconds, you’ve got 10 seconds, the countdown going on right now!… 5 seconds left in the game. Do you believe in miracles? YES!”

The game would be a major upset. The Americans would miraculously end up winning. But was that fated Winter Olympics really a miracle? I would argue that it was not nearly as much of a miracle as we believe. In fact, how these athletes overcame the pressure they faced and the mindset that they employed, though a miracle in its own

right, played just as large, if not a larger role in their success.

As a student-athlete, I’ve long been fascinated by the power of the mind. I’m painfully aware when I’m performing at my worst, and blissfully unaware at my best. The more I think, the more I freeze, fumble the puck, or cause a turnover. But when I’m confident, I can take my game to a whole different level. Self-confidence is a practice that most of us fail to perfect when it comes to getting what we want in life, and occasionally the pursuit of it makes us come across as downright awful. But to me, having an inflated ego isn’t the hubris of Odysseus nor the demeanor of a superstar. In a society that teaches humility, sometimes it’s necessary to don a little blind faith in order to perform our best under stress.

The ability to self-distance is a topic of interest for researchers like Ethan Kross, professor of psychology at the University of Michigan. His research suggests the ability to take on a character or alter ego allows us to disassociate from the emotional aspect and can increase willpower. Better known as the “Batman Effect,” it is an active cog-

nitive strategy that lets us take on a character who is extremely successful at the task at hand. A study published in 2016 by the University of Minnesota had children aged 4 to 6 accomplish recurring tasks while taking on the persona of a role model. The kids who impersonated an exemplar character were more productive.

When we envision ourselves as masters, we in turn become them. Rather than being an “egomaniac,” masters of their craft call upon the power of the mind to transcend what is believed to be humanly possible. It’s a skill you’ve likely used in your day to day life without knowledge, from taking a math test to playing video games or practicing a skill.

Whether it’s historic team efforts like “The Miracle On Ice,” or Herculean individual performances of the likes of Bob Beamon’s 1968 long jump or Jesse Owens performance in the 1963 world Olympics— or feats beyond the world of sports—the world’s greatest performers face immeasurable pressure. Pressure that is often overlooked by the public, exemplified by when Simone Biles withdrew From All-Around

Final competition in 2021 and even the 1994 World Cup final that left the walls of the Vatican inscribed with the ominous “God forgives everyone except Baggio” after the renowned footballer missed the penalty to lose the game. In part, what makes great competitors so incredible, is their uncanny ability to function under pressure that would split anyone else in two.

And yet, among the world’s greatest performers, there are those unfazed in the face of adversity, who shrug nonchalantly as much in defeat as in success. We love them and we hate them. These are your Iron Mike (Mike Tyson) or Untucked Kyrie (Kyrie Irving). They seemingly hold the ability to tap into “the zone” through their alter egos, and in an instant master all doubt.

So while you certainly shouldn’t be a jerk, whether it’s for a job interview or applying for college, when it’s your time to shine don’t settle for anything less.

Photo courtesy of FLICKR

CRASH COURSE: COLLEGE APPLICATION

By AMANDA CHANG

Media Editor

As the number of college applicants increases, so does the difficulty of getting into one you like. Here are some tips and tricks from seniors to help your college app process go more smoothly.

1. Start Early!

You’ve heard it before—it’s never too early to start. Here are some questions you can ask yourself if you don’t know where to start; it’s an overwhelming process! What are my interests? What can I do to build onto these passions? What do I not know about the college application process?

From there, you will probably realize that there’s quite a lot to do. Every school has a different name or variation of the major you’re interested in. There might even be instances where your desired major is unavailable. Are you still interested in attending the school if that’s the case?

To navigate through the process effectively,make sure to look through all the different applications and make a to-do list. The CommonApp and UC Application both require basic information about yourself, your family, and more, including whether your parents attended college and what your household income is. Oftentimes, extra essays and information will be required per school you’re applying to. If you’re applying for an artistic major, you may have to submit a portfolio as well.

“Right when your junior year ends, or even maybe during the end of that year, I would suggest getting started on your applications. You could start looking at the UC questions or prompts from your colleges to get an idea of how you want to answer. I would jot down the points you want to include in your essays and start editing as soon as possible. Ask as many people to help you proofread to give you feedback,” said senior Isabella Lo.

Before starting the initial applications, know which schools you plan to apply to. If you have a busy summer schedule, start your applications during your second semester of junior year. Consider visiting some campuses before you apply; visiting can help you to narrow down the list of colleges you apply to.

2. Letters of Recommendation

On the topic of starting early, make sure you get a good letter of rec. Typically, it is advisable to ask your teachers from your junior year and extra curriculars, such as a coach or employer. The admissions officers are well aware that your senior teachers may not have had sufficient time to develop a comprehensive understanding of your character and ability.

To get a good letter of rec, starting really early gives applicants an easier time when deciding whom to ask for a letter. If you are a freshman, you may not be thinking about college applications right now, but it’s crucial to anticipate future needs. Once you’re a senior and are considering who amongst your previous teachers to ask for a letter, make sure the teachers you ask will write a letter that will help your application. Thus, no matter what grade you’re in, pay attention in class, be engaged, and participate to allow your teachers to gauge a firm sense of your ability and character. You’ll thank yourself in the long run.

If you made sure to start early and make a to-do list, you’ll also notice that different schools require various types of letters. Some schools ask for letters from a specific type of teacher, or require more than one letter. If the school you are applying to is less specific, consider asking a teacher that has taught you for more than one class, knows you fairly well, or will be able to give the college a comprehensive understanding of your abilities regarding your major. For example, if you are applying for an engineering major, it is better to ask your physics teacher for a letter rather than your history teacher. Be sure to ask your teachers at least three months before your application is due in order to give them adequate time. “It’s critical to interview the student and get a view into what makes a student unique. [Students] tend to copy everyone else, thinking it’s [their] ticket in. Every college is going to get a data packet with the same basic information…you need to find

applications. Try to fulfill prompts that are similar to other essays. Turn in your first essays to schools that you have a good chance of getting into, like your “safety schools”. Your essay skills will improve over time. Submit these better essays to your more competitive schools. Reuse parts of your essays to craft new answers, but make sure that they still grab the reader’s attention and are easy to follow.

When it comes to editing, many people, including your English teacher, will most likely be open to meeting with you to help you with your essays. However, be sure to ask them many weeks in advance to ensure the best results. Writing and editing your essays is a long process.

6. Be Passionate

Show your interests in everything from the extracurriculars you list to the stories you include in your essays. This gives the admissions officers a better taste of what you’re like. Doing extracurriculars that you truly enjoy can also be a great source of inspiration and content in essays. You can also try to connect your extracurriculars and essays to the major you’re applying for. This shows the admissions officers that you truly have an interest in the major and will stick to studying it, even when times get tough.

7. Resources

school, a better route would be to enroll in a community college. I would like to acknowledge that it is quite costly to apply for multiple colleges, but if you are financially able, it is advisable to apply for a variety of colleges.

9. Fill Up Space

While some essays and standardized tests are optional, it’s better to complete the “optional” things. Every answer is one more piece of information you’re giving the admissions officers.

Likewise, be sure to fill every other “optional” box. For example, the CommonApp gives applicants 20 spaces for extracurricular activities. If you cannot fill all 20 spaces, use other experiences to do so.

10. Stay Organized

Although this seems kind of given, staying organized is really important, and there are many different ways to do so. Consider:

Organizing all extracurricular activities by type and the amount of type dedicated to it. Write a small description of each activity too. This is especially important for underclassmen to do as they volunteer and do other events before applying. By the time students are seniors, most probably will not be able to remember how many hours of they dedicated to each activity they participated in, but such information

Creating a new Google Drive folder for each school you’re applying to and separate folders for the CommonApp and UC general

perspectives can provide valuable guidance on your application process.

4. Majors

It can be overwhelming when it comes to choosing a major. While it is important to have a major that will serve you well after college.

“Choose a broader major and then later in your career you can narrow it down. Don’t go for something to specific in case you don’t end up liking it,” said senior Destiny Farley.

Also choose one that is not too competitive, but be sure to also declare a major that appeals to you! Do not select a random major if you have no interest in it. For instance, do not choose to study German Studies if you are interested in math and science. While a less competitive major may improve your chances of admission to your dream college, there is no guarantee that you will be able to switch majors. Additionally, admissions officers can most likely tell whether you are truly interested in a major, especially when looking at your application as a whole–if you wish to major in an artistic field, it would be noticeable and strange to not have any extracurriculars that indicates an interest in art.

5. Essays: Write, Edit, Repeat.

Essays are a MAJOR part of college

Anyone and anything can be a helpful resource during the tedious application process. As mentioned, family, alumni, friends, and your teachers can be helpful in becoming a resource to you. Ask your friends what they are doing to motivate themselves, stay organized, and approach the application process. Don’t forget that our college counselors are also available to help answer any questions you have. “The UC site for the prompts gave good explanations for what the admissions officers are looking for. Reddit and Quora are also great since they show you the opinions of current and graduated students,” said senior Jada Isabela.

Other seniors also suggested YouTubing tips, going to college essay-writing classes, having a tutor advise you, and Googling examples.

8. Apply To A Lot Of Schools

In recent times, there has been an increase in the number of students applying to undergraduate colleges, which subsequently decreases the likelihood of acceptance to the schools you apply to. Be prepared for rejection and apply to many schools that you would be open to attending. The more places you apply for, the more chances and choices you will have in the spring.

“I heard that a lot of students this year only applied to a couple and they didn’t get in. So applying to more than your reach schools is better,” said senior Jada Isabela.

Making a spreadsheet that lists the schools you wish to apply to, then ranking the schools based on different categories like student life, food, housing, and value. This can help to organize information you do on each school and help indecisive students to decide on which

11. Financial Aid & Scholarships

Research and apply for scholarships early on, too. Many scholarship and honor programs require a separate application and it is best to get them done in advance. This “free money” can help to pay for any number of expenses that comes with college apps and the college experience.

12. Talk to Your Counselor

The Arcadia High School (AHS) counselors often hold webinars and workshops that are helpful for students of all ages to prepare for college apps. Attend them for extra insight into the minds of the admissions officers and for other tips.

“They can give you information that you wouldn’t be able to look for and you can ask them any questions you may have,” said senior Irene Banh about the counselors’ webinars.

The counselors are also available before school, at lunch, and at the Counselor of the Day desk during the college app season. And since most apps require a counselor’s letter of rec, the AHS counselors make sure to interview each applicant individually to be able to write the best letter of rec for students.

Although the college app process can be daunting, difficult, and frustrating, we hope this crash course to apps is helpful. Good luck!

However, don’t apply solely for the sake of applying. If you are genuinely uninterested in attending many schools besides your dream achang@arcadiaquill.com

TEACHERS ON SENIORITIS

By PAMINA YUNG

Features Editor

Senior students are about to graduate, and the closer graduation gets, the more prominent senioritis becomes. Senioritis is often interpreted as either increasing laziness or a reorganization of priorities at the expense of schoolwork. Even the word’s suffix “-itis” mocks itself with the negative connotation of an illness. So how does this behavior affect the people who are in charge of keeping these students on track for graduation?

AP U.S. Government teacher Mr. Kevin Fox thinks that senioritis, mainly defined by apathy and lethargy, shows up in several grades of students near the end of the school year, but is most apparent in virtually all students who are in their final year of high school.

“I’ve seen the dreaded disease [of senioritis] up close in my classes with students showing no willingness or eagerness to engage in productive learning activities,” said Mr. Fox. “Some students drift off into oblivion before anything even gets going in class sometimes.”

Mr. Fox noted that an increased number of absences, tardies, and deadline extensions that rarely get honored also come with this trend of slacking off. He thinks that senioritis may be a result of sustained intense work that starts as

early as kindergarten in addition to the fact that high school is about to end.

“I guess some students simply don’t want to leave the paradise we call AHS and try to undermine their chance to graduate,” said Mr. Fox. “Maybe they are fearful of the next chapter of life, adulthood, as well.”

AP Calculus BC teacher Mr. Ben Smith thinks that the severity of senioritis depends on the types of students and classes being taught. Although he has seen absences increase and some students not turning in as much homework throughout second semester, test scores have remained the same since first semester, and senioritis isn’t too bad in his class.

“Most seniors at AHS have worked really hard for four years, and they’re getting down to the end,” said Mr. Smith. “They finished their college apps, and so there’s this natural tendency to let off the gas a little bit, wanting to relax. It’s a little bit cultural too. Students are very much aware that [senioritis is] a thing, and because of that, some students want to use that as an excuse to not do stuff.”

Mr. Smith tries to counter his students’ waning motivation by being more energetic and encouraging and by giving shorter in-class assignments.

Both teachers believe it’s understandable to get burnt out and want to slow things down,

but seniors need to fight against this inclination to protect their grades and well-being.

“Particularly for those who teach seniors, this time of year can be very challenging, and it may be difficult to keep up the pace and intensity—and that’s OK,” said Mr. Fox. “Maybe it’s good for all of us to relax just a bit and to reflect on all we, students and teachers alike, have accomplished together over the years.”

Many seniors are clutching onto the remains of their academic ambitions, but there’s a way to power through.

“Picture your family gathered together, sometimes from all corners of the globe, on graduation day only to be left to sit in the living room with no ceremony to attend because you let senioritis get the better of you,” Mr. Fox said. “Snap out of it. The end is near and you’ll be moving onto new and glorious adventures, and a whole lot of normal, mundane, boring life stuff too. Don’t stop until you cross the finish line—and try not to test your teachers too much in the process.”

“Make sure you look at your whole high school career and what you’re trying to accomplish,” said Mr. Smith. “It’s always good to finish off strong so you’re confident when you go into summer and into college next year. Finishing the year slacking off leaves a bad taste in your mouth, and you don’t feel as good about

what you did. Think about how you want to remember your four years—did you finish off strong, or did you whimper to the end?”

Senioritis is both a primal urge and a social phenomenon that results in a slip in academic performance and in-class attentiveness. The fact that most seniors already know what college they’re headed off to and will permanently leave this school in June is only more incentive to ditch class, not study, or brush aside homework. While these students should be allowed to relax and celebrate their hard work, school is still in session, especially for non-AP classes that are continuing to work on new curricula. We hope all the seniors out there find the bit of courage to push through with their schoolwork and activities until graduation. You can do it!

TOTE BAGS: WHERE FUNCTIONALITY MEETS FASHION

By ANNIE JIANG

Staff Writer

Move over designer handbags—tote bags are the new ‘it’ accessory, as seen on the shoulders of A-list celebrities like Emma Watson, and even the Queen herself, Rihanna. Tote bags have come a long way from being a practical bag for grocery shopping to becoming a trendy accessory worn by celebrities and students alike.

As students, these versatile bags have become a staple, accompanying us from school to our favorite coffee shop. Looking around, it is really hard to miss them! Tote bags with witty slogans, bold graphics, and unique designs appear everywhere you turn at Arcadia High School. So, what is exactly behind this tote bag phenomenon?

Rather than the bulky and heavy handbags that pack everything tightly, tote bags offer a practical solution that fits your everyday needs. Thanks to their wide open top and lack of fixed compartments, tote bags provide ample space for your daily essentials. Tote bags are never restricted by size or shape, meaning that you can fit all your belongings without the

need to sacrifice style for functionality. Over time, the tote bag has become a popular choice for individuals who want a flexible and dependable option to carry their belongings, whether it’s a laptop for class or groceries for home.

Other than being practical, tote bags also offer an affordable and sustainable alter- native to expensive designer handbags. Moreover, with the growing concern for fashion sustainability, tote bags have become a favored option for individuals seeking to minimize their environmental impact. Sustainable materials in the production of tote bags benefit the environment: tote bags are often made of organic cotton and recycled plastic! ! Totes are also reusable, which has the potential to significantly decrease the demand for dispos-

able plastic bags. So by choosing a tote bag over a traditional handbag as a student, you’re not only making a practical choice but also doing your part in helping the environment!

To me, or any teenagers out there, the most impor- tant part of tote bags is prob- ably the aesthetics they can bring to our life.

Tote bags have become a fashion statement in their own right with endless design possibilities. From simple canvas designs with charming statements

to bold patterns and prints, tote bags offer a variety of fabrics for individuals to incorporate their personal styles. And even for artists and designers, tote bags have emerged as a way to exhibit their creativity. Whether you’re in search of simple and classic design or more colorful artwork, the aesthetic appeal of tote bags

is undeniable.

“I think tote bags are a combination of multiple modern components,” said sophomore Maria Huang. “I really like tote bags, as they somehow represent my personality and preferences.”

There are many organizations at Arcadia High School that have done fundraisers using tote bags such as The Wellness Center and Senior of Merit at Work (SMW).

According to senior Tess Ige, who is a member of SMW, the primary reason SMW expects the fundraiser for tote bags to “sell well” is the scenario where “there are always people at school holding tote bags.”

Opting for a tote bag instead of a conventional handbag not only makes for a fashionable and functional choice, but also contributes to environmental sustainability. Whether you’re a student, celebrity, or anyone in between, tote bags are a great option for carrying your essentials in a variety of ways!

SENIOR

By ANNA ODELL A/E Editor

I spent my whole childhood dreaming about getting to high school. I thought it would be just like the movies: new friends, late nights of studying things I was interested in, etc. Much to my dismay, it was nothing like this. Instead, I was met with seemingly unreachable standards, friend drama, and a pandemic that took away two important years of my life. Despite the shocking reality, I wouldn’t change my experience for anything.

Looking back, high school has really been a time for me to self-reflect. From trying to join clubs to competing with the “smart kids” in my class, I never really felt like I had a place where I belonged, so I made one. Rather than trying to be who everyone wanted to be, I decided to take control of my life and focus on what made me happy. I ended up finding happiness in the small things. As cheesy as it sounds, I learned how to create boundaries and make myself a priority.

I’ve spent my time watching silly shows and discovering the consequences of procrastination, connecting with old friends who never let the air between us get tense or awkward, and spending way too much money on Sonny Angels which serve no purpose other than to crowd my already full shelves. I also discovered the

beauty of being alone and how peaceful it is to enjoy time with myself. I feel as though I am prepared to take on the challenges that life throws at me. Every part of me wishes I could go back to being a little kid but life is about moving forward. High school has taught me that ultimately, nothing is ever perfect or what people make it out to be and that’s okay. I’ve learned to stop trying to live up to the expectations that people have created and instead live up to the expectations that I want myself to achieve.

As my senior year comes to a close I seem to have found myself in a similar situation as I did many years ago. I’m excited to grow up and discover what the future holds for me. I’m excited about independence and my future career and starting a new chapter in my life. Maybe ten years from now I’ll be saying to myself “What was she thinking” but I truly hope not. I hope that in the future I’m able to continue to appreciate the small things in life. I hope that, whether or not I’m able to find what’s right for me, I can still find happiness in life. As I’ve learned in my psychology class, positive emotions and experiences are astonishingly important to human survival, yet the negative ones affect us more. My goal is to cherish every positive moment I have because, in the end, that’s what will keep me going.

COLUMN

By ENZO GOEBEL Editor in Chief

After four years of rediscovering myself in the amalgamation of identities that is Arcadia High School (AHS), it’s finally my turn to add my two cents about the high school experience via The Quill’s Senior Column—and then, embark to do it all over again at Berkeley. In writing this, there are a few memories that instantly spring to mind: the elation of East Coast hockey trips and the dread of airport layovers; becoming an “American Scholar” in AP Lang; hunkering down in Seattle, Washington at the height of the pandemic; more recently, the stats videos and portal astrology of college admissions; learning to fail; and a tendency to obsess over the unnecessary and an eagerness to neglect the present. There is much to be gained as I step into my future self, but there is also an element of loss.

Graduation is an uncanny notion to me. In many ways I feel nothing, I am more than ready to venture into that unknown next stage of my life. I don’t dare regret the past, but even so, there is an almost melancholic awareness in moving on. A word to describe it, if ever there were one, is charmolypi (the joy that emerges from the middle of sadness and vice-versa). The

best way I can convey the sentiment is through a similar journey I am experiencing with sports.

When I first donned hockey skates at 4-years-old, I fell in love with what I consider to be the greatest game to ever grace this earth. Since then, I’ve won a state championship (and lost many more), had a meniscal repair and learned not just to skate but to walk again, watched Miracle on Ice and had coaches try to replicate Herb Brooks’ magic tirelessly, devoured junk food at 1 a.m. before a 6 a.m. game, ran suicides due to hotel noise complaints, and dressed outside in Minnesota blizzards because of Covid guidelines.

I’ve found friends in the most unexpected places from a scouting combine where ego and grit seem to be your only companion to the kid who tries to kill you every time you step on the ice and is an equally devout pacifist off it. And I’ve been inspired by plenty, a player with one arm or a teammate who works three jobs just to pay the outrageous price of Tier 1 Travel Hockey.

In choosing to prioritize education over pursuing my dream of playing NCAA intercollegiate sports (hockey players play until age 20 before college recruitment), I have struggled with losing something that has come to represent so much of who I am.

Much like my high school experience, there’s a lot to regret, and yet, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. To lose those moments of pain and pleasure would effectively change who I am. While I am ready to move on, it also makes me sad, because there was a boy who used to skate tirelessly in Lake Tahoe and who couldn’t imagine a tomorrow without playing hockey. I find something beautifully human in that contradiction.

Though in many ways I can relate my experiences in hockey to high school, in countless others I find myself at a loss for words. I am not the ideal Arcadia student. For a long time, I’ve tried to calibrate my life in the way Arcadia encourages perfection. In an environment of so many brilliant individuals, I convinced myself that if I wanted to find meaning in my life, and a perception of self-worth, I would need to change the world. An ostracizing sentiment. For someone who is fascinated by the law, that means attending a HYPSM school (Harvard/Yale/Princeton/Stanford/MIT), graduating top of my class; then, Harvard Law, Moot Court, and the Law Review, clerking for a feeder judge, clerking on the Supreme Court, landing partner, and so on until SCOTUS nomination. Pretentious?

AHS’ greatest flaw, in my eyes, is

that sometimes in pursuit of greatness, a toxic prestige-centric mindset eclipses all else. I would be an unreliable narrator to suggest I didn’t buy into it. Too much of my time here was spent concerned with my future. Too much like Ricky Bobby, life was about being first.

I’ve been experimenting with a theory of my own. That is, the best part of any activity is not the finish line, nor its inception, but instead the point of uncertainty. Consider a race, you’re winded, your quads are burning, and every fiber in your body is screaming. Will you continue? If you do, will you succeed? These questions are inconsequential because right now anything is possible.

Therefore, if I had any advice it would be the following: be honest with yourself, don’t be afraid to explore your interests, challenge yourself in uncertain areas, and find a community where you are valued. If you want something, pursue it regardless of what anyone thinks, and if you don’t, realize it’s pointless to let others dictate your actions. Forget about college for now, AP courses and standardized tests included. These will ultimately be irrelevant to your future success. Focus not on what you should do, but on what you want to and are willing to do. After all, life is only meaningful in living it.

The Paul Taylor Dance Company Show

By HARINI DEVAGUPTAPU Staff Writer

Dancing is truly a beautiful art, and it has been used to explore and showcase the different stories, inner workings of humans, and aspects of life we each have to offer. Watching the Paul Taylor show that I attended on Apr. 29 was one of the experiences that I will never forget. I can still remember the feeling of walking into the LA Music Center and feeling the lights and seeing the fancy chandeliers and not knowing what to expect at all. After walking into this gorgeous big theater, with the excited chatter of people and discussions on these iconic dance pieces filling the room, the performance did not disappoint. As soon as the lights dimmed, the music started playing. Each dancer’s entrance on stage lifted my heart; I could feel myself immediately smiling and feeling joy.

The dances that were performed that day were “Company B” by Paul Taylor and “The Green Table” by Kurt Jooss, which are two classic masterpieces, and the world premiere of “Dream Machine” by Lauren Lovette.

The best part of watching these performances is knowing the rich history of each dance piece and the inspiration behind each one. Interpreting and connecting with the dancers made the experience especially enjoyable. Knowing what the creators of these dances were trying to bring to the world, I was able to understand what each movement, music, and expression was trying to tell the audience. These artists had something to share with this world, and they gave it to us with their talent and ambition, using their experiences to tell us what they want us to know and learn.

With each of the dancers I noticed an intense chemistry between them. I could see how they connected with each other emotionally and physically; their movements were so in sync with each other, and there was a bond between them. This made the show very fascinating to watch.

Kenny Corrigan, dancer from Paul Taylor, shared his experiences and insight in being a dancer, being at Paul Taylor, and being a part of this show.

“There’s definitely a lot of camaraderie amongst the whole company as dancers, as a company, and as a whole. We have that because some of the partnering we do is so athletic. We are literally putting our lives in our coworkers’ hands, so we need to be closer than coworkers. We need to be essentially a family and a team, and I think there’s a certain level of trust going into a performance or even a regular day at rehearsal.”

“I think eye contact, I know, is really important. I know Paul really encouraged dancers to look at each other, so when you’re stepping into an understudy or something, [and] you don’t feel completely confident with the choreography, that’s what I was told, is that it’s OK to look at the person next to you and feed off their energy…Within this past year I’ve noticed a growth in the sense that I feel very connected to

all of these dancers and all 15 of these dancers.”

“Company B” starts off upbeat and exciting with great music from the 40s sung by the Andrew Sisters. Despite the cheery, exciting costumes and choreography, there is a shadow of death and war in the background. This piece displays the turbulent times in which America emerged from the Great Depression and fell into the Second World War. You can see the high spirits and energies of people saying goodbye to their loved ones. They are playful and excited about a hopeful future, although there is a hint of darkness to the idea that they may never come back from war and don’t know when they will meet again.

The dancers were very expressive in their dancing. Their movements were unique, yet very fitting to the piece. As the dance progressed,

other, although they all connected with one another. The first section was about creating machine parts, focusing on a girl who is creating this machine, and the second section was a duet where the dancers danced with Heely’s, and the third section, as Corrigan described, was Star Trek-inspired and his favorite to do.

Corrigan talked about what it was like to work with Lovette for the Dream Machine as he shared, “This wasn’t my first time working with Lauren…Her process is very similar in a sense that she loves to showcase her dancers and their unique skills and fortes as much as she can; she doesn’t want her dancers to look the same or remotely look the way she demonstrates or choreographed it.”

Throughout these pieces, there is a storyline that is being shared as well as

the world around them will be. It starts off with an eerie vibe, and they are all wearing these masks and mocking these politicians by showing their actions being hypocritical and selfish. There is the use of mock guns which, after more silent and calmer movements, they set off. It was startling, but made a big statement for what the piece was trying to tell us.

From this, it changes to the soldiers marching with death following them around as they go, which is glowing blue and intimated to be inevitable for them. Their loved ones urge them to come back, and to stay away from the war. People are quite literally dancing with death, forced into doing things that end up killing them.

In the end, we come back to that same green table where the politicians are proud of themselves for everything they have done. It is quite remarkable how much we can get from this, and how we can relate to it in today’s world. We know the struggles, and all the death that surrounds when these things happen, and somehow there are these voices making the decisions for us.

When asked how Corrigan considered performing “The Green Table” in consideration of today’s politics, and the differences of how it was when it was first created, he shared, “Unfortunately I don’t think much has changed. It depicts the futility of peace negotiations, and that’s still happening, and war is still going on, and I do think that unfortunately, it still has the same message and unfortunately, also stands the test of time. My role was the flag bearer… It’s an iconic piece, and it’s obviously still being performed by many ballet companies. It’s an honor for Paul Taylor to be able to perform it…I’d say it’s definitely still relatable today.”

you could see the obvious juxtaposition with the young lovers trying to grasp onto hope and stay happy while in the background’s darkness and shadows the soldiers are dying. They are clearly trying to reach out to the people who have gone away. By the end, the atmosphere and world has changed quite a bit, as the war affected the world and impacted their lives forever. This dance was perfect to start off with, and this is an excellent example of Paul Taylor using a dance to present history and showcase the impact of war.

Dream Machine is a 30-minute piece divided into three sections with the percussion concerto by Micheal Daugherty that takes us on to show us humans and their excitement and curiosity for technology and creating new inventions. In each of the three movements there is a clear distinction between grace and beauty, and the power of it, too. There is an entire world created through this creativity and filled with exploration.

When creating this piece, Lovette thought about what exactly happens when people are creating new inventions, and how they make our imaginations soar about what we want to present to the world. The costumes and lighting were spectacular and really grabbed the essence of a new world of inventions and technology.

Each section was different from each

movements that correspond to the music.

In these pieces, there are a lot of emotions and a lot that the dancers are bringing out to the audience. When asked how he embodies these emotions and makes them clear to the audience Corrigan shared, “it always helps to have your own storyline in your head. For example, for performing the duet with the Heelys where it was supposed to be like electric heels, and there’s a lot of steps to remember and a lot of time on stage so for me, I always have an inner monologue of…what I’m saying, when I’m doing this movement this is what I should be thinking about, and this is what I want to say throughout the movement. So the movement kind of becomes a dialogue in a sense for me.”

“The Green Table,” first performed in 1932, is one of the most astounding and shocking performances I have ever seen, and it is quite fascinating to see a dance being performed to share a political view’s impact on people. It is quite real, honest, and raw, and I was truly awestruck watching this performance. After all these years, the message in this dance is still just as real as it once was before.

The piece starts off with the politicians sitting at a green table and discussing war strategies and making arrangements knowing that they will not be hurt in this war but

These choreographers have made a great statement creating pieces that speak out to the world on things that need to be said, and have created a diverse world of choreographies displaying an immense number of different techniques.

Dancing is truly a beautiful art, and Paul Taylor really captured the essence of that. The art they are making will forever be alive for everyone to see. I really got into the dances and fell into the worlds that they were building. These performances are truly unforgettable and one of those very once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Be sure to check out their beautiful pieces, and learn more about Paul Taylor’s Dance Company and the legacy they are leaving, the beautiful dancers and choreographers, and everyone behind the scenes who are working hard and displaying their art.

Watching this world premiere and seeing it come to life before me was one of the best things I have experienced. I was so focused on what was happening, I couldn’t take my eyes off of how beautiful everything was and how well each part of it went with each other.

THE ODYSSEY D rama T ic pr OD uc T i O n

By MICHELLE HO Staff Writer

Held in the Black Box Theater, students performed The Odyssey to a full house on May 11, 12, and 13. As the theater is much smaller than that of the Performing Arts Center (PAC), it allowed for a closer intimacy with the actors and the play itself. The crowd was excited and murmured amongst themselves as the play began with the introduction of the directors and producers of the drama.

The production was directed by Mr. Evan Tamayo as well as student Co-Directors Amber Comanescu, Annika Zhang, Ashley Warp, Ariel Alcazar, Jared Daniels, Kevin Wu, and Lucas Lim. The student directors are part of the Advanced Theater Arts class, and, as part of the directing program,

improving their craft of acting and allowing themselves to be funny, vulnerable, bold, and passionate in their performances,” said Mr. Tamayo.

The recreation of the epic poem

The Odyssey was nothing short of captivating and thrilling. The actors and behindthe-scenes members outdid themselves in putting on an amazing play for the audience, and they truly helped bring the play to life. The audience members who secured a ticket were lucky to have attended this memorable performance.

mho@arcadiaquill.com

Photos courtesy of ARCADIA STAGE

Graphics courtesy of WANNAPIK and FREESGV

CIF Arcadia Softball vs. Great Oak

By JULIETTE FANG Staff Writer

With a crowd cheering them on, the Arcadia High School (AHS) Girls Varsity Softball team went up against Great Oak High School (GOHS) for an exciting game in the first round of the 2023 CIF Southern Section (SS) Division 2. Held on May 3, the game ended with an unfortunate loss of 0-5 for Arcadia, making it the last game of their season. Regardless, the Lady Apaches played very well and persisted throughout the game.

“Performance wise, it was a flat game on our side of the field, but our dugout never gave up,” commented senior Giselle Lai. “The girls on the bench were supporting our pitcher, and

came at a cost, as the Arcadia player on third base, junior Virginia Garcia-Torres, was injured, the second Apache in the game to do so. Fortunately, she too was able to get back in the game. Despite that, the inning was still a success with two outs being made prior to the injury.

Almaraz commented that Garcia-Torres “did very [well] that game [and] she put her body on the line a lot…but she was very aggressive and did very well.”

One of the greatest challenges of the game was overcoming how intimidating the other team was. However, it would prove to be a learning experience in just how much a player’s mindset can affect their performance.

“I believed we all learned, and confirmed, that softball is a mental sport,” stated Lai. “Had

Apache Baseball Senior Night vs. Crescenta Valley

By SOHANA SAHNI Sports Editor

The Arcadia High School (AHS) Varsity Baseball team beat the Crescenta Valley High School (CVHS) Varsity Baseball team on Apr. 25 in a nail-biting game at Giambrone Field, ending with a score of 5-4. The game was a crucial one for Pacific League, with the Apaches currently standing second, with an 11-1 record and the Falcons claiming first in league with a 12-0 record. With CVHS undefeated in league so far, the Apaches need to win the next two games against Crescenta to clutch the Pacific League title.

The game was also a personal one, as it was Senior Night for the nine graduating Apache baseball players Andrew Yonemoto, Nicholas Moreno, Ben Cooper, Kennan Wilson, Evan Huang, Brayden Herrera, Devon Eskridge, Chris Garcia, and Ian Hoffsetter. Coming into the game, the seniors were both sentimental and hopeful.

single, CVHS got their first run of the game. Hoffsetter followed the run by striking out #7 from Crescenta Valley, getting the third out of the inning. With the Apaches up to bat again, freshman Maverick Silva got a single, and Eskridge followed him with a skillful bunt, ending up on first. Palencia followed behind with an RBI double, getting another run for Arcadia and making the score 3-1. With Chris Garcia next up, Arcadia scored another two runs from his single, evening the score to 5-1.

In the third inning, both teams came onto the field with vigor, and through skillful defense from both schools, the inning ended with no runs for both CVHS and AHS.

The fourth inning was headed off by a couple good swings from CV, and though the Apaches exhibited quick and skillful defense, CV ended with three more runs, making the score 5-4. The Apaches followed at bat and featured some great plays, notably another single from Silva and Garcia, yet ended with no runs, keeping the score at 5-4.

we continued to cheer for our batters throughout the entire seven innings.”

Prior to the game, Arcadia had scored an overwhelming victory over Crescenta Valley of 17-5. With this, they stood second in the CIF SS Pacific League standings at 9-1, neck and neck with Burroughs High School (BHS). Great Oak was also ranked second in the Southwestern League at 11-3-1. The CIF game would prove to be the most high stakes of all; whichever team won would advance to the next round.

The first inning started out with GOHS up to bat. Arcadia started out strong, scoring their first out immediately. However, Great Oak bounced back, scoring a home run. Despite this, Arcadia managed to keep Great Oak from scoring throughout the second inning, striking two of the opposing players out remarkably quickly.

“My teammates played really well and battled hard,” said freshman Samatha Almaraz, adding that “there was just a lot of excitement and adrenaline, so I think everyone…played the best they could.”

Around halfway through the game, pitcher junior Sofia Herrera was hit in the leg after a Great Oaks player bunted a ball. Though clearly hurt, she was quick to recover and amazingly, continued on with the game.

The sixth inning saw multiple catches by Arcadia, including an impressive one from the outfield, made just in time to tag the Great Oak player out on third base. Unfortunately, this

we not known that Great Oak’s pitcher was committed to Ole Miss, our mindsets may have been different going into this game. We may have been more confident and may not have given up so easily.”

The team also showed outstanding sportsmanship and had a great attitude throughout the entire game. Although they unfortunately did not score any points, they still acted as a team and didn’t let the results of the game get them down.

“Even though we were having a rough time, we were still talking and laughing and getting along,” expressed Almaraz.

Their great attitudes paid off, as Arcadia showed Great Oak that they would not give up despite the odds.

“Maintaining a good attitude throughout the game is extremely important because it shows that we are not willing to quit,” said Lai. “The other team knows not to let-up because we can build momentum and come back from behind at any given time. Good attitudes spread from one player to another, just as easily as bad attitudes do, so it’s important to stay positive.”

In spite of the outcome of the game, the AHS Girls Varsity Softball team showed great tenacity and excellent effort. Best of luck in the next season, Apaches!

jfang@arcadiaquill.com

“I’ve been playing with some of these guys since I was the age of 5 or 6, and moving up the ranks from middle school to high school has been really special to us. Especially this last year, we’ve built such a strong chemistry, and I feel like coming into one of our last final games against CV we have a good chance,” said Huang.

The first inning started with Arcadia coming in strong with Hoffsetter as starting pitcher. After getting a quick three outs, Eskridge headed the Apache batting lineup with a line drive single deep in the outfield. Followed by Eskridge was Fernando Palencia, the junior infielder/pitcher leading their team in most offensive stats, with a double far into left outfield. Garcia followed Palencia with a double, leading to the first run of the game from Eskridge. Next up was Avery Truesdale, a sophomore infielder, who hit an impressive single, but got out on first after trying to steal second. With runners on the corners and two outs on the board, Herrera came up to the plate and hit a double, scoring an RBI and allowing Palencia to score a run, making the current score 2-0.

As the second inning began, Arcadia came out with Hoffsetter on the mound again. As the inning commenced, the team worked efficiently, striking out the first batter and getting a quick out after a line drive to third from the second. With two outs on the board, Arcadia had runners on first and third base. After a quick

The following two innings were an intense battle between the two teams, but the Apaches stayed strong with a clean and impenetrable defense, keeping CV at bay and ending the game with a score of 5-4.

This win was not only an important one for Pacific League, but also a sentimental one for many of the departing seniors and underclassmen.

“Since we’ve all been playing together so long, it was a really special moment, especially because it’s one of our last games all together. Playing against a tough rival like CV was a great atmosphere, along with all the photographers and people in the stands,” said Huang.

“Some of my best friends are seniors who I’ve developed close friendships with over the past several years. Watching them leave is a proud and heart wrenching moment,” said junior Roman Cicero.

“I’m really proud of our team, and we’re gonna get the dub Friday,” said Cooper.

In their next match against CV on Apr. 28, the Apaches came out victorious with a score of 11-2 and claimed their 4th straight Pacific League title. Congratulations to the Arcadia Baseball team for such a successful run, and good luck to them in their endeavors! Go Apaches!

ssahni@arcadiaquill.com

Photo by DCI Intern Jodie Tran

Photo by Skye Escobedo

CIF BADMINTON SOUTHERN SECTION OPEN DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIPS

By SOPHIA LI

Sports Editor

In a highly anticipated match up, the Apache Badminton team faced off against Walnut High School at the CIF Southern Section Open Division Championship on May 13. As one of the fiercest athletic teams competing for Arcadia High School, the Apaches came in with a thirst for victory. In a home game against their biggest rival, they put up an insurmountable effort, but it came down to a tight finish of 10-11, with the Apaches winning the runner up CIF title. Walnut High School did not crack under pressure, winning the Championship title.

However, the road to the CIF Southern Section Open Division Championships was one fought with hard work and dedication.

“To prepare for this game against Walnut, the Apache Badminton team practiced every day and made sure to stay hydrated on and off [the] court. On the days leading up to the match, we encouraged each other to sleep and eat well,” said Boys Varsity Badminton team player, junior Caleb Xu.

Determined to represent Arcadia to the

their 3rd straight CIF championship title. The only thing in their way? A team of Mustangs equally hungry for the title.

In badminton, each match is won by winning 21 points against the other team, which counts for 1 point towards the overall score. Despite starting behind the Mustangs with a preliminary match score of 15-21 on Court 2, the Apaches fought back on Court 3, pulling away with a score of 21-12 against the Mustangs. The two teams kept each other at bay throughout the beginning games, across all of the courts. About one hour into the game, the overall score of the two teams was 5-3, with Arcadia in the lead.

After the initial lead, the Mustangs put in a surge of effort in the game play, making sure to close the gap as quickly as they could. Two hours and thirty minutes into the championship, the overall score was marked with

game, we would be undefeated for three years. However, losing would be the end of our winning streak, and the school’s reputation in badminton would decrease. Sitting back and watching every point that was lost or won, it was terrifying as the results got closer and closer to who would win the match,” said spectator and Junior Varsity player Lilian Gu.

The final game that determined the winner, the boys doubles, had it all – sweat, self-motivating talks, fist pumps, and the roars of the crowd, sitting feet behind the players, watching the match unfold. No matter who scored the point, applause came from both teams, as all the spectators acknowledged the great play by the athletes.

“The best part of the meet was definitely the support of the players. In the team, we always stress the importance of morale and how we can support our players. With that being said, to see all of our team cheering on players is really heartwarming and it displays the community we’ve built up. Our team is all about drive and willingness to stand out, and I feel very enlightened to be one of the select few. Seeing the match unfold definitely injects some pride into you, but it’s always important to stay humble and work to the best of your abilities to improve,” said spectator and Junior Varsity player Brian Yuan.

The Mustangs were starting to gain momentum, but the Apaches were determined to keep their lead, and increase it if possible.

By 11:00 a.m., it was apparent the Mustangs were going for a comeback. Tied neck and neck at 9-9, it was anyone’s game now; the Mustangs proved to be valiant by regrouping and evening out the score, but the Apaches were still in the running to secure the coveted title. Across all the games – singles, mixed doubles, and doubles, each game was played down to the wire. Every birdie that hit the ground resulted in an eruption from a crowd, on either side of the gym.

“The game coming to an end was very stressful to watch. It felt like a gamble. If we won the

on court,” expressed Xu.

The mixed doubles, featuring seniors Reanee Chan and Matthew Li, was won with a score of 21-11.

“Reanne and I work to cover the other’s weakness. I fully trust Reanne’s strategic decisions during a match and try my best to complement that strategy. We have both played badminton for a long time and played together as early as middle school so we know each other’s habits well. On certain days, we may struggle on court individually but we always support each other,” Li shared.

Chan echoed Li’s sentiments: “I’ve played mixed doubles with Matthew since I was little, and I would say playing with him in high school is no different. Since we both have been playing for a long time, it’s very easy to trust each other when we play, making ourselves perform our best,” expressed Chan.

However, despite the win by Chan and Li, the loss in the boys doubles, with a score of 1621, allowed the Mustangs to pull ahead. This ultimately secured their title as CIF Southern Section Champions, as the final score was 1011, with the Apaches being one point behind.

“If I could describe the match in three words, these are my three words: regretful, disappointing, and proud. Regretful because we lost the open championship by the slimmest of margins. We had many opportunities but did not capitalize on it. Disappointing because it is me and many others’ last year with the team. Proud because despite the outcome, we’ve come a long way as individual players and as a team, and I cherish this team deeply,” shared Li.

The Apache Badminton team pulled off an amazing season with their dedication and passion. Even though the CIF title wasn’t secured, it’s the lessons learned and the drive to perform to the best of their ability that has left a lasting impact on the players. The cream of the crop was a second place finish in the CIF Open Division, against competitive schools across California, one of the most competitive states for badminton. Congratulations to the Arcadia Varsity Badminton team on such a successful season, for winning Runner Up for the 2023 Co-Ed Team Badminton Team Championships Open Division! We are so proud of you, go Apaches!

sli@arcadiaquill.com

Photo courtesy of AHS BADMINTON

“IF WE WON THE GAME, WE WOULD BE UNDEFEATED FOR THREE YEARS. HOWEVER, LOSING WOULD BE THE END OF OUR WINNING STREAK...”

ATTENDING COSMOS SUMMER PROGRAM, I’M GOING TO BE STUDYING MICROBIOLOGY FOR ALL OF JULY. SO

FUN! #STEM

- MICHELLE SO, 11

TAKING GEOMETRY AS WELL AS PLAYING BADMINTON WITH FRIENDS.

- OLIVIA FORTUNA, 9

TRAVELLING TO BOSTON!! I’M TAKING A JOURNALISM PROGRAM AT HARVARD!

- ANNIE JIANG, 10

GO TO NEW YORK AND TO TO THE BEACH WITH MY FRIENDS!

- SOPHIA LI, 11

I PLAN TO HAVE A PRODUCTIVE SUMMER, AS I AM GOING TO TAKE AEF SUMMER SCHOOL AND DRIVER’S ED. I ALSO PLAN TO VISIT RELATIVES, SO THAT SHOULD BE FUN!

- JULIETTE FANG, 9

MY PLANS IS TO STUDY FOR PRE CALC HONORS NEXT YEAR, AND ALSO FOR AP COMP SCI.

- ANDY YU, 9

TAKE SUMMER SCHOOL, TRAVEL WITH FAMILY, AND GO TO ANIME EXPO WITH FRIENDS.

- FANCHEN LOU, 10

I’M GOING TO TAKE SUMMER SCHOOL AND PREPARE FOR THE SAT.

- CHUN YU LAU, 11

I’M TRAVELLING TO BOSTON, FRANCE, PHILADELPHIA, AND OHIO.

- SARAH POON, 11

I’M GOING TO VISIT MY GRANDMA LATER ON IN THE SUMMER.

- SYEDA SULIMAN, 10

I”M CURRENTLY PLANNING MY QUINCE AND PREPARING FOR THE NEW UPCOMING BAND FIELD SHOW.

I PLAN TO TAKE US HISTORY ONLINE OVER THE SUMMER AND VISIT FAMILY ON THE EAST COAST.

- ERIN CHEN, 10

I PLAN OF JOINING WHARTON ESSENTIALS OF FINANCE PROGRAM, PLANUSA YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY, PREPARING FOR ACT, AND STARTING COLLEGE APPLICATIONS.

- SHIRLYN HUANG, 11

Summer Plans

I PLAN ON STAYING AT HOME OVER SUMMER BREAK.

- DAMENPREET KAUR, 11

I’M ATTENDING SUMMER SCHOOL, TAKING THE SAT, TRYING FOR DRIVERS’ PERMIT, AND PLAYING GENSHIN.

I’M GOING TO HAWAII FOR A WEEK!

- JUSTINA LIU, 11

- HELEN LUTZ, 10 THIS SUMMER I WILL BE GOING TO GREECE AND THEN WHEN I GET BACK I WILL BE WORKING AT A SUMMER CAMP!

- GRACE MCCLOSKEY, 10

THIS SUMMER I’M GOING TO BE RUNNING A LOT TO GET READY FOR CROSS COUNTRY SEASON THIS FALL. I ALSO WANT TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND JUST MAKE THE MOST OF THE FREE TIME DOING WHAT I ENJOY. I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO BEING MORE RELAXED THESE NEXT FEW MONTHS WHILE STILL KEEPING UP WITH MY SCHOOL AND CROSS RESPONSIBILITIES.

- AARON LY, 10

MY PLANS FOR THIS SUMMER ARE TO TAKE BIOLOGY SUMMER SCHOOL AT AEF, TRAVEL IN ASIA AND PERCUSSION CLASSES.

- GRACE WANG, 9

MY PLANS FOR THIS SUMMER ARE TO TAKE SUMMER CLASSES, START COLLEGE TOURS, TAKE A TRIP TO THE GRAND CANYON, ATTEND ORCHESTRA MUSIC CAMP AT AHS, AND CONTINUE VOLUNTEERING FOR THE CITY OF ARCADIA.

- JULIANA WONG, 10

- MELANIE JIANG, 11

I WILL BE SPENDING 2 NIGHTS AT LAS VEGAS WITH MY FAMILY, GO TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD, AND WALK AND SHOP.

- NICOLE MEJIA, 10

THIS SUMMER, I WILL BE TAKING AEF SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM (FOR CALCULUS), LEARN HOW TO DRIVE AND TRAVEL.

- DIANA V. BISONO-BALAGUER, 11

MY PLANS FOR THIS SUMMER ARE TO HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS AND CELEBRATE MY BIRTHDAY!

- SHUHAO CHEN, 11

TRAVELING ! VISITING JAPAN & SOUTH KOREA & IM SUPER EXCITED TO GO CAFE HOPPING, GO TO NIGHTMARKETS, BUY TONS OF ALBUMS & CLOTHES, MAYBE GO TO ANIMAL CAFES, LOOK AT BEAUTIFUL SCENERY! HANGING OUT WITH FRIENDS & GOING TO THE BEACH :) PLANNING A GRADUATION TRIP WITH MY FRIENDS !

- ANGELINA WU, 11

MY PLANS FOR THE SUMMER IS TO VISIT MY HOMETOWN AND HANGOUT WITH MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

- MARIAM IBRAHIM, 10

I PLAN ON TRAVELLING TO SOUTH KOREA AND MONGOLIA.

- KHANGEREL PUREVERDENE, 11

WITH SUMMER COMING UP, WE SURVEYED AHS STUDENTS TO SEE WHAT THEY ARE DOING DURING THEIR SUMMER BREAK.