November 2018

THE AZTEC VOLUME LXXXI NUMBER II

November 15, 2018

VIEWPOINT PG 3

FOCUS PG 4-5

Features PG 6

Fans turn on celebrities as cancel culture arises

The impact of midterm election

Appreciating the actions of our veterans

News in Brief Tri-City field show Band and Color Guard will be participating at the district-wide Tri-City field show at San Gabriel High School on Saturday, December 1 at 11 am. All are welcome to attend.

Career Center invites college advisors to help with applications The Career Center hosted an all-day college application workshop for seniors to work with college advisors from throughout the San Gabriel Valley yesterday, November 14.

theaztecnews.com

SPORTS PG 7-8 Girls soccer wins first preseason game

Students perfect woodworking at district competition VINCENT BAGABALDO A&E/ Features Editor High school students from the Alhambra Unified School District showcased their woodworking skills on November 3 at the competition held at Alhambra High School.

The event helped students digest the competitive scene and prepared them for the upcoming regional competition on January 4.

For Mark Keppel, this competition also served as a way to see which four students get to participate in the regional competition. This year’s roster include seniors Kelsey Bustamante, My Hong, and Aileen Liu; and junior Gabriel Martinez. All four contestants are gunning for a spot at the regional competition and potentially the state competition.

This holds especially true for Martinez saying, “My hopes for regionals is to place just for the school’s sake and for my sake. I think I’d be satisfied just to place so i can move on to state [competition]. ” Compared to what the students are normally used to, which is a month of preparation and building, competitors had only three hours to cut, assemble, and sand their project. Each year the project is different. At this year’s

COURTESY OF AILEEN LIU Kelsey Bustamante (12), My Hong (12), Aileen Liu (12), and Gabriel Martinez (11) building their stools at the district competition.

district competition, students were tasked to assemble a stool. It was a monumental and strenuous task, and Liu felt the pressure of it all. “[It was] stressful because I was wondering how I was going to build a project in three hours. At the same time, our team did a prototype and practiced before the competition.” she says.

Looking forward, woodtech teacher Mr. Lam hopes that more competitions like these will arise saying, “It’s fun for me as a teacher to watch them compete, but really they gain a type of practice [in woodworking] that is much different than normal. They really have to critical think and problem solve and apply the skills and techniques we teach them.”

Crown and Sceptre's new SEI program takes effect Deck the halls ASB will be organizing Deck the Halls workshops during Thanksgiving break.

See your class council for information about what Deck the Halls is, volunteer opportunities, etc.

Your calendar 11/19-11/23- Thanksgiving Break 11/26- Pupil Free Day 11/28- Collaboration Schedule 12/5- Collaboration Schedule

JOYCE LEE Photographer Crown and Sceptre, a seventeen person senior honor society, began their new program to help the SEI (Structured English Immersion) students integrate into Mark Keppel.

This program includes get-togethers and activities focused on learning English, setting a landmark in student activism.

Crown and Sceptre president Sabrina Sy hopes that this program will help SEI students feel less alienated at school as well as turn Keppel into a more welcoming environment for them. According to Sy, the program began out of a concern for the distinct separation between the SEI students and the other students of Keppel. She says that “there is very little effort to bridge the divide between [the SEI students and non-SEI students] but that should be Keppel’s main concern if we want to help SEI students effectively transition into school life.” SEI teacher Mr. Hill says that “within the SEI students, they definitely feel a sense of isolation...they have a feeling of being pigeonholed...and those newcomers only socializing with other newcomers from the same country stagnates their language acquisition because they’re not practicing [their

Letters were exchanged between AP Literature students and SEI students. THE AZTEC/TIMOTHY CHUMAN

English].”

Member Alvin Tu recalls seeing such a division between SEI students and the rest of students in a class he had in sophomore year.

“Everyone [sat] in their separate groups… [the SEI students] didn’t talk to anyone at all. Our teacher had to specifically give them projects in order for them to talk to other kids,” Tu remembers. There is indeed a long history of SEI students sticking to their own groups and many Keppel students have come

to view them as a distinct group. Tu also explains that “some of these students are spending a lot of money to be here. It is important that we help them learn English as well as integrate them into American culture.” Mr. Hill also adds that “it is more helpful for their social and emotional development to feel integrated and on an academic level, it will help them learn English faster.” continued on page 2

continued from page 1

Crown and Sceptre’s new SEI program takes effect

Katherine Harry (10), Jessica Bobadilla (12), and Kiana Kanegawa (10) introduce their stage characters.

THE AZTEC/TIMOTHY CHUMAN

Theatre debuts She Kills Monsters JOYCE LEE Photographer This year’s fall play, She Kills Monsters, performed by the MKHS Theatre Company, presented a positive message about individuality and acceptance of others. The shows were held in the auditorium on November 2 and 3.

She Kills Monsters is about a girl named Agnes who discovers a notebook belonging to her deceased younger sister Tilly, which helps her play the online game Dungeons & Dragons. Agnes uses the notebook to learn more about the sister whom she never really knew.

Director Ms. Philips chose the play for several reasons. “The play really spoke to me in many ways. I love the story between the sisters, the fantasy world of D & D, the lead roles being women, and the representation of the LGBTQ+ community being represented,” says Ms. Phillips. The play promoted self-

awareness through its mature storyline, and conveyed to the audience the internal struggles of growing up. Junior Dylan Kishishita describes the theme as, “it’s okay to be different.”

The show was highly praised by many of the attendees, including sophomore Genevieve Chin, who believed that the performance was unforgettable. From the plotline to the characters, she says, “the most memorable [were] the provocative jokes.” Though Chin did not expect the story to be very suggestive, she believed that the play was worth watching. “Underneath the innuendos and games, it’s about a sister trying to bond with her sister that passed… I like that message,” says Chin.

The performers also learned to appreciate the story’s message. Junior Chris Fu, who played Chuck, liked how relatable the piece was. Fu could “connect with some of the main story plots, like sibling love and remembering family.”

Fu recalls how touching several of the scenes were and inspiring the overall story was. “I feel like the most moving scene for me was [when] Agnes and Tilly are arguing...because I myself know what it’s like to be forgotten by some family members,” Fu explained.

She Kills Monsters was eye-opening in demonstrating that, as Chin explains, “what someone seems to be on the outside does not always match up who they truly are.” Fu adds, “[It helped] remind everyone the value of love we have in our family.” Ms. Phillips, as well as Theatre Company and Mr. Gillette, hopes that “ [students] walked away thoroughly entertained by the humor of the piece, moved by the emotions of the piece, and a little more aware of the high school world our teens live in today and some of the pain that comes with that.”

Crown and Sceptre’s first project is a pen pal letter exchange between SEI students and students in regular English classes. Students in Mrs. Flores’s AP English classes were the first to start exchanging letters with her SEI students.

Sy says, “The pen pal service has been very successful. Both AP students and SEI students are ecstatic to receive their letters.”

In addition to the pen-pal letters, Tu says that Crown & Sceptre is “thinking of having the SEI kids try and perform all English songs for World Language Week… and they can be offered extra credit as well as learn English and get rid of their shyness.”

Although the project’s first steps look promising, there is still a long way to go.

Sy notes that although a majority of Keppel’s student body comes from minority backgrounds, “there is an unwillingness to accept others from backgrounds different from our own.” “We cannot claim to stand for diversity if we aren’t taking an active role in facilitating the change in a long-standing cultural stigma,” says Sy.

Wildfires destroy everything in path SOPHIE WONG Editor-in-chief/ News Editor Firefighters are in the process of containing three wildfires: Camp Fire in Butte County; Woolsey Fire in Los Angeles County and Ventura County; and Hill Fire in Ventura County. The fires continue to grow, under influence of the Santa Ana winds. The causes of each wildfire remain unknown.

“Camp Fire,” the first of the three, has been named the deadliest and most destructive in California history. As of Tuesday, November 13, Camp Fire has claimed 48 lives, and destroyed approximately 8,800 structures, with 7,600 of them being homes. 50 lives have been lost in total.

President Donald Trump approved a Major Disaster Declaration for California on Monday, November 12. The declaration makes victims of the fire eligible for aid such as crisis counseling, and housing and employment help.

Unfortunately wildfires will not be going anywhere anytime soon. “Many scientists believe that because of climate change, natural disasters like fires will become more frequent,” says Environmental Science teacher Mr. Howley.

To help those affected by the wildfires, the American Red Cross, California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund, California Fire Fund, and Salvation Army are accepting donations to provide victims with shelter, medical treatment, financial assistance, and meals.

Firefighters battle the Woolsey Fire in Los Angeles County.

COURTESY OF CNN

The Aztec 2018-2019 Timothy Chuman

Aurora Zeng

Sophie Wong

Vincent Bagabaldo

Editor-in-Chief/ Photographer Editor-in-Chief/ News Editor

Selina Martinez

Viewpoint Editor/ Asst.

Editor-in-Chief/ Asst.

News Editor

Focus Editor/ Chief Photographer A&E/Features Editor

Wesley Zeng

Sports Editor/ Business Manager

Laura Chen

Business Manager

Maple Duong Viewpoint Editor/ Web Editor/ Asst. Focus Editor Kevin Liu Copy Editor

Vivian Luk

Copy Editor/ Historian

Izabella Cofressi Photographer

Joyce Lee Photographer

Winnye Tu Staff Writer

Maggie Luu

Quennie Zeng Staff Writer

Photographer

Emily Chu Staff Writer

Sdeyni Martinez Staff Writer

The Aztec is published monthly by the journalism class of Mark Keppel High School and is printed by News publishers’ press.

Opinions expressed are those of the writers, not of the faculty or administration. Articles without bylines are staff editorials, and reflect the opinion of the staff.

Letters to the editor are welcome and are subject to editing. Letters can be given to Ms. Bradley in room A227 or sent to theaztecsubmit@gmail.com.

All letters must be signed, but on request, names will be withheld. We do not acknowledge unsigned letters.

All internet graphics on The Aztec newspaper are the properties of their respective owners.

Alhambra, CA 91801

November 15, 2018 The Aztec If you were racist, you are #cancelled MAGGIE LUU Photographer The cultural shift towards political correctness has swept through society, partly in thanks to the public nature of social media. The expectation of political correctness has allowed people to have a platform to express their opinions and thoughts into the world. Combined with social media tweets, Facebook posts and even Instagram photos are instantly immortalized. However, because these everlasting sentiments are mixed with society’s newfound social awareness, people are actually being held accountable for past remarks.

From this new form of political correctness, a term called “cancel culture” has risen.

Cancel culture is defined as an instance in which an individual who has said or done problematic things in the past or present is cast out from the mainstream. Thus, people are no longer expected to support them or their future endeavors. Many celebrities fall under this movement of getting called out for their problematic behavior.

“I think [cancel culture] is too harsh because it does not allow for redemption,” says senior Phoebe Dang. “It isn’t efficient in determining whether a person is good

or bad because people can change. Those that were misinformed in the past did not know the offensiveness behind racist slurs but I believe that once they have become informed that change can happen.”

COURTESTY OF @COLDGAMEKELV

Kelvin Peña poses for his instagram picture.

Influencer Kelvin Peña — known widely by the nickname “Brother Nature” — has experienced this phenomenon recently after tweets that included racist, sexist, and anti-semitic insults from 2011-2012 resurfaced. Some of his fans on social media denounced Peña soon after the offensive tweets were shared, while others expressed sympathy, given his age when they were

posted. Like Peña, Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn was in a similar situation after his controversial tweets about pedophilia and rape were unearthed.

“I don’t think it’s ever too late to learn from past mistakes, but some people need to realize that there is no undoing what you did,” says freshman Sullivan Thompson. “Be wiser with the next thing you do.”

At its core, cancel culture is ineffective. The problem with deciding someone is “canceled” internalizes the idea that one uneducated opinion invalidates a person’s entire existence. Rather than educating the misinformed, people criticize one another because of how heavily cancel culture relies on the notion that people are not allowed to make mistakes.

However, this is not to say cancel culture itself should be “canceled.” Even in a social climate in which accountability is necessary for change, it is important to keep a reminder that people are fallible. As opposed to acting as the judge, jury and executioner for every offense, people should learn to distinguish when derailment of one’s career is warranted, and when to educate and inform a person to understand the fault at hand.

Is College Board a scam?

THE AZTEC/ TIMOTHY CHUMAN

AURORA ZENG Focus Editor

Anyone who has signed up for an SAT or AP test knows firsthand how expensive the fee is. Add a late fee, a retake or two, or some prep books and the total cost could be a couple hundred dollars. Yet, with all these fees, The College Board calls itself a “mission-driven not-for-profit organization.”

The College Board president, David Coleman, made over $700,000 in 2013,

according to The College Board’s 990 tax forms. Vice President Peter Negroni is reported to have earned even more than Coleman, says The Washington Post.

Meanwhile, as of October 2018, the average salary of CEOs of non-profit organizations is about $104,000, according to PayScale.

“College Board executive salaries are very much in line with the capabilities of professionals required to run an organization of this size and complexity,” Zach Goldberg, The College Board’s director of media relations, tells The Washington Post. Goldberg states that the revenue is reinvested back into the organization, specifically those aimed to help low-income students.

Students, especially those who do not qualify for a fee waiver, have to carefully plan their application process. Having already spent a large amounts of money on the SAT, the subject tests, and AP exams, application fees and score reports will only further add to the cost. Sending SAT scores from College Board costs $12 per recipient school, which can easily add up

for students applying to multiple private schools. “I’ve definitely held off on taking a few SATs because of the pricing,” senior Pauline Liew, who is planning to apply to five private schools, admits. She adds, “My parents aren’t too bothered by the costs.

I think… holding off on taking tests has more so to do with the guilt I feel from making my parents pay the test fee.”

Free services are still provided for students who do not wish to spend excessive money on testing. To cut costs of prep classes, Liew prefers to self study with resources online. Khan Academy has partnered with The College Board to offer free official test-prep courses, and prep books are sold for an affordable price between students and on websites like Amazon.

Inevitably, students will have no choice but to take a pricey standardized test like the SAT in order to apply to most colleges. Ultimately, the amount of money students choose to invest in their education will be worth it only if they put their effort in as well.

Power to the parents or to the students?

THE AZTEC/ TIMOTHY CHUMAN

WINNYE TU Staff Writer

With final grades approaching, tensions intensify among students and parents as the race to raise grades becomes more heightened and timely. To stay updated

with their grades, students use Powerschool, a web-based student information system intended to provide parents, students, and teachers transparency about student performance. At Keppel, students’ parents have unlimited access to their child’s grades with Powerschool. According to studies reported by the New York Times, Daily American, and Today, parents have abused this power to cause their child more harm than good.

English teacher Mr. Yankowsky believes that parents should have access to their child’s grades. “I do believe that transparency needs to be a part of the teacher-student-parent relationship and I think that Powerschool plays a key role in that. As a teacher, I really don’t have a control over how often the parent checks in through Powerschool. In that case, [grade checking] has the potential to be abused or overused by the parent. And that of course can

affect the students negatively,” says Mr. Yankowsky.

Social science teacher Mr. Ko validates this saying, “Students probably would feel that their privacy is being invaded which adds to their stress level on a daily basis especially if the he/she has a vigilant parent.”

However, some students whose parents are much more stern and strict on grades do not believe Powerschool helps them the way it means to. For example, senior Tussanee Ashley Limthaveemongkol, has faced this extremity up until senior year.

Her parents regularly checked on her grades and got involved with her education. “It felt like an invasion of privacy to me. I personally needed space to grow and make my own mistakes, and when my parents checked on my grades, it felt suffocating,” says Limthaveemongkol.

Senior Victoria Yip feels similarly about the situation. “[Students] don’t need extra

Viewpoint 3

COURTESTY OF PARENT REPORT

Senioritis: Healthy Dosage Recommended VIVIAN LUK Historian / Copy Editor For many students, “senioritis” is to be avoided at all costs; it is the downfall of most seniors, but perhaps it comes with an unseen silver lining.

The first semester of senior year is seen as a crucial aspect for college admissions.

Chasing their dream college is a source of motivation to many students. For senior Manuel Holguin, his goal is to work hard and do well in order to “make one final good impression on colleges.” In situations like this, a case of senioritis would be crippling to a student’s goal, which is why Holguin is trying to avoid it.

For those who do fall into the trap of senioritis, it may be difficult for them to dig themselves out of the hole later on. “[Students are] nearsighted. They think they will snap out of it once they get to college, but it’s not that easy. Once they have a habit, it’s hard to break that,” says Gateway counselor Mr. Wang. Senioritis has long-term effects that may impact students’ academic performance long after the end of their high school career.

On the flip side, senioritis allows many students to finally take a breather after working tirelessly for three years. “Senioritis does give that benefit of being more relaxed so that we can collect ourselves and be more comfortable in our own skin,” says senior Sherena Tan. The lack of pressure to do well during their senior year allows many students to simply bask in the glory of their final days of high school, which may benefit their overall mental health, allowing them to enter college in a positive state of mind.

While senioritis has both pros and cons, the ideal senior is a balanced senior. “They see that the end is near, and they’re enjoying themselves while remaining relatively focused on finishing high school,” says Mr. Wang. disappointed faces or unnecessary stress tacked onto the dismay they already have for themselves. There have been countless times where my friend and I would host ‘crying fests’ because of some test that didn’t get curved. Powerschool paved the way for self-loathing. From the moment you log in till the moment you exit the Powerschool page, I guarantee you your heart will drop,” says Yip. “I like to believe [the parents] are coming from a good place but I understand the drive to be perfect in everything that we do so parents might be tempted to take [grade checking] too far and Powerschool can aid them with that. Then in that sense, it could do more harm than good. So really it’s up to the individual parent and their philosophy of how their child should be raised.

That plays the biggest role,” says Mr. Yankowsky.

THE A

4 FOCUS

A politically Act KEVIN LIU Copy Editor

Debriefing the Midterm Election results

As the final votes tallied on November 7th, the political landscape dramatically shifted in favor of the Democratic Party despite not being the “blue wave” that many Democrats hoped for.

The House of Representatives changed control to the Democrats while the Republicans remained in control of the Senate.

The Democrats and Republicans both engaged in massive political rallies in the attempt to garner votes for each of their party.

President Trump attended more than thirty rallies endorsing Republican candidates in Congress, while Democrats saw the emergence of Hollywood figures like Taylor Swift support Democratic candidates.

In the midst of the firestorm of political activism from both sides of the spectrum, voter participation skyrocketed. Voter turnout peaked at forty-nine percent, with an even greater increases in youth voter turnout, which is often the age group that participates the least in elections.

The Democrats took control of the House while the Republicans gained seats in the Senate. Initially hopeful of taking both the House and the Senate from the Republicans, the Democrats had to settle for gains in the House of Representatives alone. Despite losses in Senate seats, national voting patterns revealed a cracks in the Republican voter base. In traditionally Republican strongholds like Iowa, three of the four House congressional districts voted Democrat. It could be a reaction to the politically charged messages that President Trump has been promoting and

Prop 3: no

Prop 4: yes

Intended to allocate $8.877 billion into water infrastructure, storage, and supply, this proposition did not pass by a margin of 4.8% of the popular vote.

Winning over three fifths of the popular vote, this will allow $1.4 billion to be given in bonds to children’s hospitals so they can make expansions and renovations.

House of Representatives Midterm Results Dark gray: Democrat districts Regular gray: Undeclared Light gray: Republican districts

signifies a significant shift in opinion. While the Senate seat remains in Republican hands, it brings into question the possibility of Democrat wins in Republican strongholds.

Speaking of new precedents, numerous candidates have made political history. Krysten Sinema was declared the winner of the Arizona Senate race after a recount of votes, becoming the first Democrat senator from Arizona since 1976. The midterm elections also ushered in its first Native American congresswomen, Sharice Davids of Kansas and Debra Haaland of New Mexico.

In addition, voters elected their first Muslim congresswomen, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan. The first openly gay man elected governor was Jared Polis of Colorado.

Other notables include Democrats Sylvia Garcia and Veronica Escobar of Texas, Angie Craig of Minnesota, etc.

Even after the midterms were over, the political tumult was not over. Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigned, replaced by his assistant Matthew Whitaker. Speculated to have been done after the midterm elections to avoid political disunity within the Republican Party, Session’s replacement has untold consequences. Whitaker has publicly mused about minimizing the Mueller investigation’s budget to the point of rendering the investigation nonexistent. Currently, Whitaker’s appointment is being sued for being unconstitutional because he has not been confirmed by the Senate.

Prop 6: no

Top: Voters at Barnes Park Service Club House cast their ba Bottom: Crown and Sceptre member, senior Alvin Tu, asks f

Prop 7: yes

This proposition failed California can now to repeal a previous change its daylight gas tax. As a result, savings time period, prices will remain the as long as it still folsame and the tax revlows federal law and enue will go towards passes by a two thirds road repairs. It lost by vote. This won over a margin of 10.6%.

60% of popular vote.

Senate Midterm Results

Dark gray: Democrat districts Regular gray: Undeclared Light gray: Republican districts

keeping up EMILY CHU Staff Writer

Many people in the past had to fight for their to vote for their president, but for students and zens of the U.S. today, the right is given. Even this right, most students at Mark Keppel do no advantage of it. Because students schedules are a busy with classes, clubs, and sports, keeping up them can be a burden.

Compared to the last midterm election in schools have been doing more to promote the v of students this year. School organizations at K have been promoting politics around campus. Ju cently, service club Promoting Youth Advocacy ( hosted a mock voting event, where students coul time out of their lunch and vote for political c dates. Many eligible students participated in the Ms. Duong, a 9th grade English teacher, say the main priorities of Keppel students should b ademics, but they should also try to stay in the about the political world. “Politics play a bigge in my life now than before. I’m more conscien of these things because now I know it will affe in the long run,” she says. Ms. Duong advises a dents to take a little time out of their day to watc

November 15, 2018 5

AZTEC

tive Generation Should Election day be a federal holiday?

AURORA ZENG Focus Editor

THE AZTEC/WESLEY ZENG allots during Election Day afternoon. for more translated voting pamphlets for his voting precinct.

p with politics

r right d citin with ot take always p with

2014, voting Keppel ust re(PYA) ld take candievent. ys that be ace loop er role ntious ect me all stuch the

news and be aware of the basic things going on in the world and even follow popular political platforms on social media, such as CNN. Freshman Michelle Swe says, “I don’t really keep up with politics, and it is not one of my priorities when I have spare time. In order to reach my goals and perfect them, I have to focus on just school. But if there’s something big going on, then I’ll take the time to learn more about it.”

After this year’s monumental midterm elections, the idea of the youth as an influential voting bloc has come closer to reality. Voters aged 18 to 29 years old were expected to contribute to 13% of all midterm elections vote, up by two percent from 2014 midterm elections.

In hotly-contested states such as Nevada and Texas, early and regular youth voter turnout increased by at least three times. Despite that youth turnout in the age bloc from 18 to 29 does not reflect the current level of awareness of ineligible high school students, it sets a growing trend of future awareness.

With the greater promotion of politics at school and social media, the world of American politics may shift towards an era of youthful activism.

For a country who has struggled so much to grant they want to and not have to wake up early or get home equal voting rights to all citizens, Americans do not vote late, they would be more likely to take the time to particioften. According to the National Public Radio, the turn- pate,” says Crown and Sceptre member Manuel Holguin. out for the 2018 midterm elections was about 47%--the He described the younger voters as being impatient from highest turnout rate in fifty years, yet it is still less than waiting in long lines. half of the nation’s eligible voters.

However, there are many alternatives if a person canSurveys done by the US Census Bureau found that the not make it to the voting booth. “What matters… is most common reason why people do not vote is simply that people need to understand their voice matters,” says because finding time to cast a ballot on a Tuesday can be junior Ryan Chow. “There’s early voting and absentee difficult for those who work a full time job. Polling places voting, so time shouldn’t really be a problem.” In certain in California open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 states, voters can send in an early ballot to p.m., so those who want to vote have two an election office before the actual election “Since younger inconvenient options: wake up earlier or voters are generally or they can request an absentee ballot to go home later. fill out and mail in if they cannot make it less likely to vote, “I firmly believe that Election Day should I think if they were to Election Day. California offers both opbe a federal holiday or [at least] move it tions and does not require an excuse from given a day off to go to a weekend where people have greater someone requesting an absentee ballot. access [to voting] and not have to worry vote...they would be “Especially in government classes, people about their jobs,” says AP United States more likely to take have to know about their right to vote and the time to History teacher Mr. Luong. Teachers, about the different ways [to vote],” Chow participate.” despite working in a government job, are adds. “Students need to be educated about senior Manuel Holguin not allowed a day off to vote. “Extend it to these things.” more than day,” Luong suggests. “Make it Whether or not Election Day becomes a week if [they’re] not going to put it on a weekend.” a national holiday rests in the hands of Congress. CurThis year, Crown and Sceptre seniors volunteered at rently, there are no proposed bills about this issue that the various local polling sites from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. In al- have passed. most all precincts, the busiest times were during opening “There are some in power who are against increases in time, lunch breaks, and closing time, when the majority voter participation because they will bring out younger of younger and working-age people voted. Meanwhile, and working class folks who will vote a certain way,” Luretiring age voters came in throughout the day. During ong explains. the peak hours, people would have to wait anywhere from Undoubtedly, voting can be a hassle for those who 15 to over 30 minutes to cast their vote. Some places, like have school or work. While there are many options for Almansor Court, even saw a wait time of an hour. When them to cast in a ballot, many of these alternatives remain it was not busy, however, voters spent around five minutes buried under other responsibilities. Our current system is at polling sites. still flawed because allocating voters enough time to vote “I think if they were given a day off to go vote when should be common sense in a democracy.

Poll: Do you participate in voting at Keppel?

(ASB elections, Homecoming nominations, etc.)

YES 42.7%

NO 57.3%

227 STUDENTS WERE POLLED.

Average National Voting Participation

(calculated from November general election turnouts since 2010)

YES 49.3% SOURCE: UNITED STATES ELECTION PROJECT

NO 50.7%

6 FEATURES

THE AZTEC

November 15, 2018

Students tackling gender biases IZABELLA COFRESSI Photographer

as well, have made her experience on the team less than easy with assumptions regarding her sexuality. It has not been all bad, however, and has been an experience she would not trade for the world. “I am so grateful for Coach Tuttle. He has been

came around this year and has since been supportive, as has the rest of my family.

Some are still a little confused by it, but In recent years, the gender construct overall they are happy [that] I am happy,” of “boys play sports and girls dance” has she says. slowly been fading away. The most promNot everybody has received such backinent effect of this is apparent in high lash for stepping outside school pep and sports of the box however. For teams. junior Angel Silva, the For senior Maya high school cheer team has Lee-Morales, football was been a dream come true. all she ever wanted to play.

“When I was first trying She remembers her parents’ out, it was nerve-wrackdisapproval, telling her that ing because Keppel hadn’t “football is a man’s sport,” had a male cheerleader in and then proceeding to put 10 years and I was the only her in ballet lessons to try one trying out, but the girls to deter her from football. were very sweet and welThis, however, did not stop coming about it,” he says. her from trying out for the But cheerleading runs in team when her junior year his blood; “My mom and came around.“When I first all my aunts were cheertold my mom I made the leaders, so it just felt natteam, she was supportive Maya Lee-Morales (#44) gets set on the defensive line THE AZTEC/TIMOTHY CHUMAN ural for me to join, and my of me, but my dad was an- against the Montebello Oilers. entire family has been very supportive of other story. I was scared to so supportive and I am happy I was lucky my decision,” he says. Despite the fact tell him, and once I did he was not happy. enough to get him as a coach.” she says. that his experience has been so accepting, He yelled at me the whole way home for As for her team, she wouldn’t trade them it has not been completely easy. Just like not telling him when I tried out,” she says. for the world.

“I feel like their sister or Lee-Morales, he himself is a prone to cuAs for her team, it was not the easiest of mom sometimes.

I am always looking rious comments from other students. transitions for a while saying, “At the beAt the end of the day, it all boils down ginning, I could tell they were a little cu- out for them… As far as teams go, Keppel’s a really good one for girls who want to what a student wants to do and how rious as to what I would be like, but since to play; they’re all welcoming and I love determined they are to accomplish their I got injured this season and was not able them,” she says.

Even her family has come goals, regardless of what other people say. to play much, I feel I was not able to live around, after some time.

“My dad fi nally up to their expectations.” Other students

Overcoming the stigma of community college that they can.”

Community college is often overlooked as a viable education option because many After 4 years of high school, the major- students are quick to put down the educaity of Aztecs pursue a college education, tion quality of junior colleges. However, in whether that is enrolling at a 4 year uni- addition to being a cost-friendly option, there are many resources that community versity or attending community college.

However, the latter is sometimes college can provide.

“East Los Angeles College (ELAC) has frowned upon or seen as “less of ” an edumany programs that cation compared to the former. In fact, many “Community college teachers make students more Aztec parents often are educators who, more often competitive as opposed discourage or do not than not, take time out of their to the general population of students. For allow their children to personal days...” example, [in the Honsee community college - Bianca Trevizo ors program at ELAC], as a potential option for I take special honors postsecondary education. “Many parents think that at [com- courses that then make me honors certimunity college] there are less resources for fied. A list of schools, including UCLA, their child such as networking with other see students in this program and give students who have the same goals as them them an extra reader on their app and give or top tier college professors,” says senior them priority admission,” Keppel’s ELAC Jordan La. “Parents are putting pressure counselor Bianca Trevizo says. “There are on their child to get into the best college many programs such as this one on cam-

SELINA MARTINEZ Asst. Editor-in-Chief/ Asst. News Editor

pus. It is important to look into gateway programs at any 2-year college.”

Shanni Chen, a Keppel alumni who, after attending two years at East Los Angeles College (ELAC), transferred to Cal State Long Beach states that one common misconception about community college concerns the quality of education. “Going to a community college may not sound as good as going to a 4 year university, but the material learned is mostly the same.”

Trevizo agrees with Chen, saying, “Community college teachers are educators who, more often than not, take time out of their personal days to give you extra insight, tutoring, and resources that can help you along the way. The type of school doesn’t matter – it’s all about the qualifications and experience of the professors and the work ethic of each individual student.”

To read the full article, visit theaztecnews.com

Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday

MAPLE DUONG Web Editor/ Asst. Focus Editor

This year, Black Friday lands on November 23 and Cyber Monday on November 26. Black Friday is essentially the day after Thanksgiving in which stores discount their merchandise to start off the holiday season. Cyber Monday, on the other hand, is designed particularly for online communities.

Black Fridays gives customers the options of physically being able to see what shopping centers have to offer. “I like Black Friday shopping because I get to explore each department outlet, see what I am buying, and how various clothes fit,” says senior Angela Trieu.

However, Black Friday shopping does come with some disadvantages. “There are a lot of people in the malls [on Black Friday], and trying to buy certain items is really hard unless you arrive at your destination early.” says Trieu.

The incorporation of bargain- fanatic shoppers and difficult crowd control has made Black Friday infamous for injuries and trouble. However, junior Eanika Yu says, otherwise. “Black Friday is not as chaotic as people make it out to be. Sure there are long lines and minor arguments here and there, but nobody really resorts to fighting as much as [one] would think.”

While Black Friday involves people physically going to retail stores, Cyber Monday gives others the option of shopping online. “Everything is just as cheap as it is on Black Friday, and you don’t need to wait in line,” Trieu adds.

On Cyber Monday, there is a different kind of trouble.

“When you see various cheap deals as you’re scrolling through the Internet, you become so tempted to buy more than you need,” explains Yu. Regardless if you shop on either of these days, it is best to go with people to make it more eventful. “If it’s your first time [going Black Friday shopping], go with your friends or family that have been to Black Friday shopping already,” says Trieu.

Similarly to Black Friday, Cyber Monday requires some intelligent tactics in regards to looking for the best deals. “Know what you want and need, and make sure the prices are more than reasonable,” explains Yu.

THE AZTEC/TIMOTHY CHUMAN

Paul Zhang (10, left) and Mr. Tran (right).

Never forget TIMOTHY CHUMAN Editor-in-Chief

At every Los Angeles Dodgers home game, there is always a brief tribute to honor the “military hero of the game”.

Fans give a standing ovation to pay their respects to a veteran who rightfully deserves the recognition.

What is the difference between a Dodgers home game and Veterans Day? Besides the Dodger dogs and game of baseball, the gesture of recognizing those who have served in the military is one and the same. Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, is celebrated every November 11th to honor America’s veterans and thank them for their patriotism, bravery, and willingness to put their lives on the line for their country. While it may signify a day off of school or work for many, the importance of the holiday is far greater.

“I think [Veterans Day] is very important because people sacrifice so much to serve their country and are willing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect the country” says senior Nicholas Stratacos, whose father served in the Air force after the Vietnam War. While many veterans suffer from life-threatening injuries or PTSD, others like Mr. Tran, a Social Science teacher, are fortunate enough to not deal with injuries from their time serving. After 13 years of serving as a Naval officer, his good health has helped shape his perspective on life.

“I’m fortunate that I didn’t get hurt or anything and I don’t have nightmares, but every day is a blessing,” says Mr. Tran.

“Having gone through active duty in the military, it puts everything in perspective.

I live my life to the fullest as much as I can because you never want to take things for granted.”

While the violence and trauma typically associated with the military may spark a negative connotation of war, there are certainly positives that can lighten the experience of military service. “[Serving] was a real adventure. I flew planes for the Navy and did stuff that was really exciting and dangerous,” says Tran. “The good stuff was the adventure and the friends I made because it is rare in life that you have people that will literally give their lives for you, and in the military, you find people like that.”

However, this does not compensate for the hardships that military service brings.

Military service came at the expense of a college education for the elder Stratacos, while Mr. Tran laments about the effect that moving constantly had on his relationships. As he points out, veterans are not the only ones making sacrifices, but their families as well.

To read the full article, visit theaztecnews.com

november 15, 2018

sports 7

the aztec

Basketball plans for successful season LAURA CHEN Business Manager The Boys Varsity Basketball team played their first preseason game of the year at Mark Keppel High School against the Glendale Nitros on November 13th. The Aztecs easily swept through the game, ending each quarter in the lead with a 58-41 win.

Sophomore Aidan Acosta states, “We got a lot of great stops in defense which helped us limit the amount of points that they scored, but they also had a lot of good shot blockers so we tried to get a lot of shots in the paint, but they just kept blocking us.”

The Aztec also took a major hit when senior Joseph Haluska suffered a head injury that held him out for the rest of the game.

Although it hurt the team, other players were able to step up in his absence. Despite these difficulties, the Aztecs were able to pull away with the win.

The Aztecs have practiced all summer as a team and strengthened their individual skill sets. “Coach [Duong] has mainly been emphasizing defense a lot during practice and after that is down, he moves on to of-

Junior Michael Granados puts up a layup on a fast break, scoring two points for the Aztecs.

fense and our plays,” says Acosta. Seeing each other everyday, the team members have built strong bonds with each other, and the chemistry aids their communication out on the court. Junior Michael Granados expresses, “We started off on the right foot with our first game, but there is still a lot we can improve on.”

As the team strives to further progress, individuals search for areas to improve on.

As a new member that moved up from the Junior Varsity Team, Acosta says, “One of

the main things is to just ask a lot of questions. I continuously ask questions like, what is my role on varsity, or what can I do to be better on varsity because it is on a whole different level. I ask the coach or the upperclassmen for any advice or things I need to improve on.”

This past weekend, friends and family also gathered to watch the Aztecs participate in an annual tradition. Every year, basketball alumni come back to Keppel to play a game against the current team members

THE AZTEC/ TIMOTHY CHUMAN

of all three levels. In the past years, the current Aztec players have never been able to win against the alumni. However, for the first time in recent history, the varsity team was able to beat the alumni.

Taking home the win, Senior Esteban Rodriguez states, “The starting five players have been together for three years so we are familiar with each other and we understand how we like to play. We just really wanted to win to set the tone for the upcoming season.”

Preseason Previews girls basketball WESLEY ZENG Sports Editor/Business Manager

Junior Alyssa Lopez Ramirez looks for an opening in the opponents defense.

THE AZTEC/ TIMOTHY CHUMAN

Scoring a win against Flintridge MAPLE DUONG Web Editor/ Viewpoint Editor Girls Water Polo took a win against Flintridge High School Monday afternoon at Barnes Park. Although the referee was not present, the girls ended up playing a scrimmage against the opposing team, taking home a score of 13 to 7.

Sophomore Angelina Tang explains how the scrimmage “better prepared the team for [upcoming games] as we were able to experience true in-game scenarios.” In spite of Tang being a new addition to the team, she was able to adjust to the setting of the game.

The Aztecs’ pre-season started off rocky as the girls water polo team did not have enough members. “It was a

big struggle for a while because we were trying really hard to get enough girls for a JV team. A lot of girls tried out but didn’t stick with it so now we only have one team,” says junior Katherine Dodge.

This, however, did not deter Lady Aztecs in training hard for this upcoming season.

The girls water polo team struggled to find new recruits to make a varsity and junior varsity team. Regardless of how little members trying out for the team, Lady Aztecs had enough people to make one varsity team.

Despite their loss against Arcadia on November 13, the girls have high hopes for the team. Their loss “will motivate the team to improve in the future,” says Tang. “[The game] gave us an idea of what level every-

one is at since that was most girls’ first varsity game,” adds Dodge.

Dodge has faith that as the season progresses, there will be visible improvement amongst all the players on the team. “I’m looking forward to the upcoming water polo season to see how much our team will improve throughout the season,” explains Tang.

As the season starts to progress, Dodge and Tang both have high expectations this impending season. “I want to do well in CIF, and possibly improve some of our weaknesses,” says Tang.

Dodge too, has high aspirations for the Lady Aztecs.

“As the season goes on, I have faith [players] will start to pick up the game much more.”

With practices year around, the Girls Basketball team has continued to work toward beating their previous records. “We’ve been together and played together since last year… so we have better connection on the court,” says junior Grace Song.

Since the team has consistently qualified for CIF, the girls have worked on improving some of their weaker areas. One of their main focuses is fixing their zone offense.

“Last year we had a lot of trouble being able to run plays against a zone... all we had to do was shoot and sometimes our shots wouldn’t go in,” explains Song.

The girls have also played multiple practice games, including a scrimmage that resulted in a win for the Aztecs.

Song believes that the team is strong and with practice, the girls can make it far into CIF. “All of us collectively are like we gotta win, we gotta score, and we gotta make coach happy.”

boys soccer JOYCE LEE Photographer

Boys Soccer is gearing up for their first game of the season on October 15, with high expectations from players and coaches alike. “This team has a completely different personality from last year’s team,” says Coach Alvarado.

“We have a batch of new players that came in and are meshing beautifully with the existing team. The set of skills that they all bring to the field has made a positive impact on the chemistry of playing styles.”

The team is also preparing to make it to CIF this year and Alvarado already has plans to make that happen, as he says “they have the talent and conditioning to challenge all rivals in the league and create winning scenarios for themselves.”

This season, Alvarado is determined that the team do well and says “we’ve worked tirelessly on conditioning and setting up players in positions that will help the team succeed. The leadership of everyone is imperative this season.”

november 15, 2018

the aztec

8 Sports

THE AZTEC/ TIMOTHY CHUMAN

Athlete’s Profile: Raymond Tang THE AZTEC/ TIMOTHY CHUMAN

Senior Noelle Frasher dribbles the ball toward the oppenents goal as she prepares to score her third goal.

Girls Soccer kicks off season with win SELINA MARTINEZ Asst. Editor-in-Chief/ Viewpoint Editor After a monumental 7-0 win against Bassett High School on Tuesday, girls soccer is hopeful about the 2018-2019 season. Within the first three minutes of the game, the Lady Aztecs were up 1-0 with a goal from sophomore Soraya Shafer. This gave the girls an advantage and sense of positivity that lasted the duration of the game.

Going into the game, there was a feeling of nervousness on how the team would

perform.“Having a lot of new players felt like it was going to be challenging [to do well in games] but by the amount of training that we are doing, I feel like our new players have come a long way. One of our new players even scored yesterday,” says junior and goalkeeper Beatriz Rodriguez.

She states that now that they “know what winning feels like,” they are encouraged to try even harder.

Despite Tuesday’s game being a “confidence booster,” varsity head coach Steve Shain states that confidence remains a top priority for improvement. “If [the girls]

are confident when they’re doing things, it’s easier to teach. A lot of these girls are one- or two-year players. We have a few solid seniors but I think confidence is one thing that we’re going to keep building.

If they’re confident I think we can do well.”

As they prepare for their next game against Ganesha High School, they have high hopes for their season. “This year we not only want to get to CIF; we want to win our first CIF game as well,” Rodriguez says.

Girls Tennis Ace Almont League KEVIN LIU Copy Editor The Girls Tennis team lost against El Toro High School in CIF quarterfinals 15-3 on November 5th, ending their CIF run.

After finishing 8-0 as Almont League champions, the Girls Varsity tied with La Quinta High School and won against Carpinteria High School with a score of 9-9 and 12-6, respectively.

“Winning Almont League and advancing to CIF was amazing,” says freshman player Dara Dispanurat. “It felt so good to be a part of the winning team that took the title this year.”

However, when faced against El Toro High School’s varsity team, the girls found it to be one of their hardest challenges.

“I believe that we have a bit more improvement ot make before we can beat

The Girls Varsity Tennis team poses for a team picture after winning their last Almont League game, undefeated.

them,” says Dispanurat. “We were playing just as hard as our other games, but we only came out with three wins.”

Despite not qualifying further into CIF, senior Sharon Deng has a positive outlook.

“Even though we lost, we are still winners for getting this far in League and CIF,” says Deng. “In the past, we struggled with confidence a lot, always putting

COURTESY OF COACH TEN

ourselves down… and saying negative things, but we were able to improve that and have [greater] confidence in our ability to win.”

The girls varsity team has a positive vision for the future, since the program has many junior varsity players ready to join varsity in the next season. “From here [on], the team will start to get better,” says Deng.

WESLEY ZENG Sports Editor/Business Manager

Starting his journey in the water at age nine, senior Raymond Tang has swam competitively for eight years. He first joined the school’s swim and water polo team his freshman year. After playing water polo the summer before entering high school, Tang jokes that he joined water polo “since the game itself seemed so much more fun than swimming laps.”

Rather than thinking about swimming laps, Tang focuses on the unique feeling of shooting the ball and the playing with the whole team. His favorite games are when the teams are neck to neck, and the players are putting in all their effort.

Tang’s motivation comes from previous games. “Thinking back to moments in the game where you could have stepped up and scored a point and help your team win the game, those moments help push you through practice.” He also credits the team’s motivation and success to the team’s good chemistry both as teammates and friends.

Out of the water, Tang has set his path toward his goal of becoming an architect, joining clubs such as Skills USA and taking Drafting ½ , Drafting ¾, and Drafting Architecture ½ throughout his time in high school.

He first became interested in the field of architecture when he was in third grade.

“I went to a friends house and saw his dad making a floor plan and was like, ‘Oh, I’d be fine doing that for the rest of my life’,” says Tang. To continue pursuing this career, Tang plans to apply to Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Pratt Institute.

His most missed memory will is the experience he shares when in the water.

Tang explains how “playing the game with a bunch of friends [and] the fact that you won’t be playing water polo seriously is sort of sad.”

To read the full article, visist www.theaztecnews.com

Sports Calendar Boys Basketball On 11/16 versus Monrovia at Mark Keppel On 11/26-12/1 versus Sierra Vista Tournament On 12/4-12/8 versus La Canada Tournament On 12/11 versus San Gabriel Academy at Mark keppel

Girls Soccer On 11/16 versus Ganesha at Ganesha On 11/19 versus San Marino at San Marino On 11/20 versus Mary Star at Mary Star On 11/28 versus Poly/Pasadena at Poly/Pasadena On 12/4 versus Marshall at Mark Keppel

boys soccer

Girls basketball

On 11/15 versus South Pasadena at South Pasadena On 11/20 versus Mary Star at Mark Keppel On 11/28 versus Poly/Pasadena at Mark Keppel On 12/4 versus Marshall at Marshall On 12/6 versus Mayfair at Mark Keppel

On 11/17 versus GH Invitational at Mark Keppel On 11/19 versus GH Invitational at Mark Keppel On 11/21 versus GH Invitational at Mark Keppel On 11/24 versus GH Invitational at Mark Keppel On 12/19 versus Tarkanian Classic

girls water polo

wrestling

On 11/15 versus El Rancho at Barnes Park On 11/20 versus Burbank at Barnes Park On 11/29 versus Sierra Vista at Sierra Vista On 11/30 versus Downey at Downey On 12/4 versus Webb at Barnes Park

On 11/28 versus Ganesha at Mark Keppel On 12/12 versus Schurr at Schurr