THE AZTEC VOLUME LXXVIV NUMBER VI
VIEWPOINT PG 3-4 From protests to refugee bans, changing times
News in Brief Paint the Night at Sadie's This year’s Sadies dance will be located in the new gym, themed “Paint the Night”. It will begin at 7:30 pm and end at 11:00 pm. Early Bird ticket prices are $10 with an ASB card and $12 without, while regular ticket prices are $10 with an ASB card and $12 without. Science Olympiad competes at Occidental College Led by captains Rachel Wang and Jason Xian, the Science Olympiad team earned a sixth place overall trophy and plaque at the Los Angeles County Science Olympiad at Occidental College. They also placed 20th in the Southern California Science Olympiad at Caltech. Eighth Annual Mandarin Airband The Chinese Entertainment Club will host its eighth Mandarin Airband in April celebrating Chinese music, dance, and comedy. Mr. Lien and president of the Chinese Culture Club Beulah Zhou will be organizing this event.
Your calendar 2/14-2/17- Valentine's Spirit Week 2/20-President's Day (No school) 2/21-2/24- Sadie's Spirit Week 2/22- MKHS Alliance Meeting (7-9 pm at cafeteria) 2/24- Sadie's 2/25- Math Field Day 2/28- ELAC Meeting #6 (6:30-7:30 pm at cafeteria)
February 16, 2017
VALENTINE'S ADS PG 5-8
FEATURES PG 9-10 The Oscar award goes to diversity
theaztecnews.com
SPORTS PG 11-12 Five winter sports enter CIF league
Second annual Keppel's Got Talent JASPER DUONG Staff Writer
The second annual Keppel’s Got Talent took place on February 3rd in the auditorium. The talent show is modeled after the television series America’s Got Talent, but with Keppel students and administrators. Ticket prices were $10, and the show lasted from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. There were a total of 25 student competitors. The talent show was separated into two divisions of vocalists and non-vocalists. Freshman Emily Au won first the first place prize of $30 by playing the ukulele and singing her original song, “If You Ever.” When asked about her achievement, she said, “I was initially in shock for about 5 seconds.” Sophomore Jeanine Luna came in second place with her vocal performance of “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone, while junior Kyle Truong came in third place with his hip hop medley dance piece. “It was quite stressful, but I have to give most of the credits to [senior] Audrey
Fiona Yuen (12), Samson Truong (12), Justin Khuong (11) , Tristan Nguyen (12) , Calvin Nguyen (11) , and Cody Wong (11) hold up posters in support of friends. COURTESY OF SAMSON TRUONG
[Hong] for finding the judges and [creating] the poster and also to Tech [theater] for making the program,” said talent show coordinator and junior Evan Sakuma. “Audrey also came up with a brilliant idea to start it off like an Oscar [with a song].” Tech Theatre played an important part in
running Keppel’s Got Talent. “We communicated with the performers constantly in order to make a great show,” Sophomore Zoe Ng shared. “As [payment], the performers gave us a great show.” Interviews conducted by Kelly Yuan
Golden Dragon sweeps Chinatown streets JAMIE CHAU & BAILEY HUYNH Historian & Asst. Business Manager
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles held the 118th annual Golden Dragon Parade in Chinatown on February 4th. The parade began on Hill Street, looped around the city twice, and lasted for two hours. The Golden Dragon parade is held annually to celebrate the Lunar New Year, which landed on January 28th this year. Since the 1980’s, this parade has grown to thousands of spectators each year, according to the LA Golden Dragon Parade website. With colorful floats, lion-dancers, beauty pageants winners, and important government officials, the parade has become an exciting way to ring in the new year. Mark Keppel Aztec Marching Band and Color Guard performed as well. Mark Keppel Alumni Lauren Chin said, “I think the Golden Dragon Parade has become not only a deeply ingrained annual tradition that many look forward to, but a way for the Asian Americans to also share their culture.” Some performing groups included the Api Equality LA, children who performed kung fu, and models representing different Asian countries that toured through the city on cars. Mark Keppel band parent Dolores Munoz said, “I think the parade is an excellent oppor-
Colorguard marches down North Broadway with the Aztec band.
tunity for the Asian community to showcase its rich culture traditions. As a newcomer to the event, I felt enveloped in the rich tradition that made me wonder about different cultures and made me want to learn more.” Senior Amy Huang said, “With performances from all sorts of Asian cultures (to me) the Golden Dragon Parade is a showcases ethnic diversity in the LA county.” She noted that the parade symbolizes “the traditions which are carried out in the countries that celebrate the Lunar New Year.” The band played “The Liberty Bell” by John
THE AZTEC/JAMIE CHAU
Philip Sousa and “On Wisconsin” while Color Guard coordinated with elaborate flag routines. Band director Mr. Lee stated, “I thought all of the participants did a phenomenal job, especially the Aztec Band and Color Guard. These students conducted themselves professionally and represented our school and cities with pride, and I couldn't have asked for a better performance.” Although the Lunar New year is celebrated mainly by Asian cultures, the Golden Dragon Parade left everyone in high spirits.
FBLA competes at Gold Coast Section Conference
The FBLA competitors pose with their awards at Westlake High School.
Math Team finishes first at Westmont College
On February 4th, 27 Keppel students in FBLA attended the Gold Coast Section Conference at Westlake High School. According to Ms. Fillpot, students signed up for competitions at the beginning of the year and studied on their own time. Before the Southern Section FBLA Conference, Ms. Fillpot expressed hopes that students would socialize and learn with other FBLA members. Felicia Iriwan won first in Global Business, Chelsea Ng won first in Global Business and second in Introduction to Business, Andy Phu placed third in Accounting 1, Bryce Chan won third in Economics, and Salvina Lam achieved third in Word Processing.
Captain Bonnie Woo (12) led team members Edward Ma (12), Kenny Chang (11), Tommy Nguyen (11), Fuxiang Yang (10), Aurora Zeng (10), Emily Zhou (10), and Michael Choi (9) to victory.
Mark Keppel’s math team competed at Westmont College’s 29th annual mathematics contest on February 4th, placing first overall in the 11th/12th grade division and second overall in the 9th/10th grade division. The competition consisted of a buzzer round, a written team exam, and a Chalk Talk presentation, given by junior Kenny Chang. Both the upper division team and the lower division team made it to the final buzzer round, in which the former won but the latter lost. The lowerclassmen team won second in the written exam as well.
Mark Keppel Dance Company competes at Street Dance USA
Mark Keppel’s All Male Dance team takes a picture with their trophy.
Mark Keppel’s Dance Company competed in the annual 26th Street Dance USA on February 11th. The competition was held at West High School in Torrance, California. Street Dance USA is a tournament hip hop category competition only offered by Miss Dance Drill Team USA, or MDDTUSA. Dance Team won second place in the Kick category, and All Male placed first in the large male hip hop category. Dance Team captain and senior Angela Lopena and sophomore Olivia Cheung competed in
Mark Keppel Drill Team places second at SHARP
the hip hop solo category, and senior Jenny Wang competed in the jazz category. All Male captain and senior Edward Tsai, co-captain junior Eric Dinh, senior Andy Yam, and junior Justin Lam and Anderson Lee performed in the solo competitions. Tsai said, “It was a very stressful competition, but we pulled through. It wasn’t our best but we did pretty well.” Dance Company will be attending the US Nationals and International Pageant on March 23rd to 25th at Irvine, California.
ACADEC Team places fourth in county competition
Mark Keppel Drill Team participated in the SHARP competition at Arroyo High School on February 12. The competition included categories such as pep flags, cheer, dance, hip hop, and more. The Mark Keppel Drill Team won 2nd place in the senior military category and was also awarded Most Spirited. Drill captain senior Jasmine Flores stated, “I was really proud of my team… the way we performed and how our routine turned out…hopefully we can get first place in our next competition.” Academic Decathlon “A Team” from left to right: Chanel Tse (12), Johnny Nguyen (11), Angelica Ruiz (11), Brandon Kishishita (11), Christina Tran (12), Keven Som (11), Cristina Ruiz (11), Rachel Wang (12), Jason Luc (11), and alternate Phillip Tran (10).
Team members includes Annie Ruan (11), Sidney Li (11), Angie Law (10), Elizabeth Herajanto (11), Kaitlyn Thai (10), Kelsey Quon (9), Katherine La (12), Jeannine Tjandra (11), Lauren Mar (12), Taylor Marty (12), Evan Sakuma (11), Kayla Hang (11), Jasmine Flores (12).
Stories written by: Faith Torres, Staff Writer Aurora Zeng, Focus Editor Angela Chen, Asst. Editor-in-Chief Sophie Wong, News Editor Jamie Chau, Historian
Keppel’s Academic Decathlon team participated in LA County Competition on January 28th and February 4th at El Rancho High School, placing fourth overall in the county and qualifying for state finals in March. The junior team placed first in the county, continuing a winning streak. Awards were announced at the LA County banquet on February 9th. Senior captain Christina Tran was the team’s top scorer, with gold medals in Essay and Speech. Other gold medalists included senior Rachel Wang and juniors Johnny Nguyen and Keven Som. In addition, the Keppel team placed third in the Super Quiz round. This marks Coach Tran’s sixth year taking the Acadec team to state.
Photo courtesy of respective groups.
The Aztec 2016-2017 Victoria Ramirez Editor-in-Chief/ Chief Photographer
Angela Chen
Asst. Editor-in-Chief
Sophie Wong News Editor
Eric Tam
Viewpoint Editor
Aurora Zeng
Wesley Zeng
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A&E/Features Editor
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Tommy Chao Laura Chen
Evan Cheng Kellie Chin Iris Chung
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Maple Duong
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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 sub ject to editing. Letters can be given to Ms. Bradley in room A227 or sent to theaztecstaff@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
Your voice. Your school. Your POLL
Was Donald Trump’s travel ban executive order
37% YES
18 students
63% NO
32 students 50 students were polled in and nearby the Career Center.
Viewpoint.
“Papers, please...” unprecedented attack on the First Amendment DANIEL LU
ERIC TAM
Copy Editor
Viewpoint Editor
T
HE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is neither united
nor in agreeance of what the clause “of America” means.
presidential nominees since the Reagan era. Even the iconic conservative icon Former President Ronald Reagan called for generous amnesty for undocumented immigrants in the United States. In short, Trump’s hardline immigration platform is unprecedented even from within the modern Republican Party.
anti- Islamic policy? Although President Trump’s refugee ban does not directly adexplicitly his intent to temporarily ban Muslim travel into the United States. A statement on December 7, 2015, reveals that “Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our
February 9, against President Donald Trump’s travel ban appeal, maintaining the freeze on Trump’s travel ban that is widely viewed by many liberals as a xeTrump defends his decision to bar nophobic, unconstitutional, and alarmist these seven countries by citing the lighter what is going on.” measure. restrictions placed on these countries by Federal Judge James Robart of the US deftly written, but its interpretation is the Obama administration. District Court for the Western District “Because too many people are taking of Washington immediately halted gress shall make no law respecting an Trump’s immigration ban on Friday, “Because too many people are establishment of religion, or prohibitFebruary 3 on a temporary basis or ing the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the eral appeals court rejected the Justice wants to deport everyone back. press; or the right of the people peaceDepartment’s request to immediately ably to assemble, and to petition the It’s pretty logical.” reinstate the ban. Although the execGovernment for a redress and grievutive order has divided politicians al-Alvin Koh, most exactly across party lines, Judge its concise language is not immune to senior Robart, who ruled against Trump’s orpolitics. der, is actually a conservative Republican appointed by Former President vindicates President Trump is that his George W. Bush. why he wants to deport everyone back. executive order doesn’t literally bar MusTrump signed an executive order on It’s pretty logical. I’m pretty sure it’ll lims from entering the United States. Friday, January 27, that bars immigration work to bring back jobs.” Let’s be clear: President Donald from seven Muslim countries, prohibits Admittedly, Koh shares an increasing- Trump has made himelf an enemy of the any refugees for 120 days, and bans Syrily-common view that is gaining popular- First Amendment. Recall his tweet in ity among voters throughout the manu- which he directly called for the banning No citizens, including permanent U.S. facturing powerhouses of the Midwest, of Muslim travel into the United States. citizens, from these Muslim countries — also known as the “Rust Belt.” Voters Iraq, Iran, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, there, who are predominately white and inthe House of Representatives. It comand Yemen — can enter the U.S. Greenworking -class, have felt disenfranchised card holders need to submit their work as manufacturing jobs that once charac- ity: 238 Republicans to 193 Democrats. terized the region have disappeared in considered on a case-by-case basis. the last 20 years. More recent attitudes, echoed by the in the Senate. Two U.S. Senators for each citizenships with one of the seven counRepublican Party, have been exasperated state. It too has a Republican majority, by the frustration of policymakers and albeit a slight one with 52 Republicans tection agency will question U.S. citizens citizens regarding terrorism throughout to 48 Democrats or Democratic-leaning who hold these types of dual citizenships. - senators. U.S. citizens are exempt from the travtacks of November 15, 2015, as well as elling ban. However, those travelling to other attacks allegedly perpetrated by the election in 2018, let’s see exactly what the one of the seven countries will be subject Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), nation thinks of President Trump. to further interrogation by the CBP. Trump advocated for the “total and proach to foreign policy and immigration complete” ban of Muslims during his from Middle Eastern countries. Where are the safeguards against has been contained by past Republican
BRYANNE RACHAPAETAYAKOM
EDMOND LIN Senior makes sense. But it may be unconstitutional. People with valid green cards should be able to enter.” THE AZTEC/ERIC TAM (photo credit)
Senior
“I think that [the ban] is not a good idea because America is a land of immigrant culture. After all, it was the Native Americans who
DANIEL RAMOS Senior
“We have to understand where [people who support the ban] are But then again, it overgeneralizes the Muslim people. A line has to be drawn between peaceful Muslims and actual terrorists.”
Your voice. Your school. Your
Viewpoint.
Method without Madness: IRIS CHUNG
TATIANA GARNETT Senior “I went to the Women’s March in [Downtown Los Angeles]. Never have I been located in such a passionate, yet safe, atmosphere.”
NOAH SANCHEZ Senior
“If I recall there were a lot of Hispanics [at the Hillary Clinton rally at East Los Angeles College]. A number of them were waving them I spoke to said they felt underrepresented by Clinton.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF INDIVIDUALS DEPICTED
ALEXANDER KWOK
T
HE DEFINITION of protest is a statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something. Protesting has always been a way to voice your opinion on the subject at hand because it increases the exposure of the cause you support or recent events at UC Berkeley and there are peaceful protests such as the U.S. civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King Jr. Both protests showed exposure to their was the Women’s March to protest rights Women’s March had over millions of people around the world to protest, another peaceful protest has been happening at airports all over America protesting President Trump’s immigrant policies that ban people from seven Muslim dominant countries travel to those countries, they would have to wait for the ban to end. It also bans all
500,000
prominent animal rights group BRENDA GIANG
ops a special relationship with a boy that the dog eventually meets again when the boy grows older. According to LA Times, going to earn more than $25 million in its opening weekend and ultimately collect at least $75 million in domestic ticket sales. However, perspectives changed when the TV show, TMZ, showed a video of brought up controversy on social media and people are still talking about it this day. A senior, Terena Phan, felt “shocked and questioned about why they would do the video had been edited to look like the dog was in more danger than in real life. Gavin Polone, said that the German shepherd was excited about jumping into the water on set that he had to be held back. Consequently, to reduce this public controversy, LA Times stated that Univerpremiere and promotional press junket. Due to this, opening weekend estimates
“It was very cool to see so many people come together...” Amy Uthenpong, sophomore the people protesting feel like the policies are very prejudice and unfair to the people who are Muslim. A couple of students from Mark Keppel High School have been to a protest and were asked if they had ever attended a protest. Senior Ryan Ma stated, “I
in Washington D.C. as part of the worldwide Women’s March.
“A Dog’s Purpose”
“A Dog’s Purpose” released in January 27th, 2017, is about a dog who
refugee admissions for the next 120 days. Both of these protests are protesting the President Trump’s policies and views on the events that have been happening because
video caused animal rights organization, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), to convince protesters and Angela Novack, said, “the dog looked like he was drowning and it was wrong for the producers to force an innocent dog into the water.” In the end, the Dog’s Purpose controversy has raised larger questions of the Apes”, etc. featured CGI (computer-generated imagery) animals instead of real animals in their movies and their budgets were well over $100 million. If “A Dog’s Purpose” used CGI animals, “its
budget would have quadrupled” said Polone. Ultimately, Polone recognizes that “mistakes were made” on set in tor, Lasse Hallstrom, said making this movie made him love dogs even more.
think people protest as a form of expressing what they believe in and freely being able ways wanted to attend one but my parents say it’s dangerous. Maybe one day when I’m older.” Sophomore Amy Uthenpong, who attended the women’s march said, “It was very cool to see so many people come together and support one cause and there there was a positive vibe.” When asked if they had ever attended one, Senior Kimberley Phung said “I think the purpose of protesting is to give a voice to the people who aren’t usually heard. When protesting, people with valid opinions can say what our community. Also, by participating in protests we become more involved with the current politics and begin to form our own perspectives about the world.”
equivalent of eight Monterey Parks or 221 Mark Keppel High Schools!
So, what happened to Title IX Rights?
Girl’s Basketball is amazing, but what about the other sports? BRANDON LAM
assistance from the school in order to pay for transportation, equipment, and sports uniforms, which is just a small part of the total costs. As expected, our school attempts to stay fair to all our sport clubs and provides them with the money they need. Despite occasional assurances from the school, students are uncertain in a school district that’s no stranger to controversy. Although the school provides the sports teams with assistance, the money given to each sport do not cover all the money to each sport only covers the necessities. Roughly $2,000 is given to each sport. According to our Athletic Director Heather Semelmacher, “95% of the money of remaining 5% that the school could not cover includes equipment too expensive for the school. As a result, many sports have to fundraise. Jacklyn Ng, a junior, is president of the Badminton club as well as a member of the Junior Varsity Badminton team. She says that they had to fundraise roughly $300-400 per season for socials and snacks and drinks.
Paying for the essentials of the sports is one thing, but having enough money for Over the years there has been some talk about how Mark Keppel should build a swimming pool. Sharon Taing, senior, says, “It’d be really convenient for us to get a pool because we wouldn’t have to take the bus everyday and that would save some believes it’s about time the swimming team has been very successful throughout its history and has a record of being 52time league champs across junior varsity boys and girls, as well as varsity boys and girls. school does its best to cover the cost for tournaments, rides, and most of the equipment, but it can not cover everything. Even though some sports are content with the distribution of money, some are not. It is easier to think of reasons to give more support to the sports which our school have been excelling at, but our athletic director makes sure the support each sport receives is equal.
February 17, 2017
THE AZTEC
Valentine’s Ads 5 I made a deal with Anny from journalism: if i buy an ad she will come to my track pieology fundraiser. COME SUPPORT our next TRACK fundrasier @ CHIPOTLE on 3/1
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Venez nous voir: Join the fantastic French family at the world language assembly. Sign up for our 2018 Spring Break voyage en France/ WE’LL SEND YOU A POSTCARD Paris, Normandy, FROM CIF Brittany. Attend the French Film Festival COLCOA in Hollywood April 24-30. Merci, Madame Smith (C207)
I love you Congrats on 4 years, G. #favsenior
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Shoutout to my fav girlssss!!
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February 17, 2017
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THE AZTEC
February 17, 2017
My Valentine this year
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With love, Potatoes
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Happy Valentine’s Day! From, the Aztec Staff
ALBUMS COMING SOON... February 17 Future- Future Flume- Skin Companion II March 3 Ed Sheeran- ÷ March 17 Milky Chance- Blossom
Rick Ross- Rather You Than Me April 7 Cold War Kids- L.A. Divine 2 Chainz- Pretty Girls Like Trap Music May 5 Mac Demarco- This Old Dog
CARTOONS BY SHERRY LIANG
Coming to ... February 16 Milk (2008) Sundown (2016) February 17 Kill Ratio (2016) February 19 Girl Meets World: S3 (2016) Growing Up Wild (2016) February 23
Sausage Party (2016) February 26 Night Will Fall (2016) February 27 Brazilian Western (2013) February 28 Be Here Now (2015)
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“Little Funny,” Big Opportunity
Artist Profile: Tatiana Garnett CELESTE GIL Staff Writer
MAPLE DUONG Staff Writer
Senior Tatiana Garnett poses for profile.
THE AZTEC/CRISTINA GONZALEZ
Tatiana Garnett, senior at Mark Keppel High School is a true artist at heart. Her life revolves around film, books, sports, and music. Tatiana has been in four musicals throughout her high school career. She performed in Beauty in the Beast, Hairspray, Peter Pan and more recently A Christmas Carol. She performed Peter Pan in Scotland on a trip with Mark Keppel. Tatiana’s dream is to someday be a well-known professional cinematographer. She enjoys making videos, shortfilms, taking pictures, and editing her work. Tatiana is inspired by directors and cinematographers. “My mom is my biggest supporter, and Wes Anderson, my favorite director, inspires me.” She is president of the Theater Company, a school club at Mark Keppel. Tatiana has been dedicated to Ms. Phillip’s (dramatic arts teacher at Mark Keppel) classes for four years. She is also the president
Samples of Tatiana’s work of art.
COURTESY OF TATIANA GARNETT
of ALAS, the Association of Latin and American Students, a school club at Mark Keppel. She loves to participate in extracurricular activities and she is captain of the Varsity Girls Soccer team at Mark Keppel. She has been playing soccer since she was five years old, showing her true dedication. Although Tatiana applied to a total of six colleges this year including the University of Southern California, Occidental College, Loyola Marymount University, Syracuse, Emerson College, and Boston University, she accepted a full ride to her top choice school, a private school of the name Occidental College. She has 100 percent committed to Occidental and is going to pursue cinematography there. She is excited what life after Keppel has in store for her. She would like to send a special shoutout to Arianna, Michael, William, Barack Obama, and her lovely soccer team for constantly dealing with her nonsense.
“And the Oscar goes to... Diversity” MIRANDA KWOK Staff Writer For the first time in the Academy of Octavia Spencer, and Mahershala Ali. Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’s his“Now that the [Oscars] are becoming more tory, black actors have been nominated diverse, we see different backgrounds and a in every acting category. The Academy different future compared to the old Holwill host its 89th Academy Awards, falywood,” said AP Biology teacher Ms.Ng. mously known as the OsFor the past two cars, at the Dolby Theatre years, there were no and Highland center in Oscar nominations Hollywood. The Oscars for nonwhite actors. will air live on ABC on In 2015, activist April February 26, 2017, hostReign started the viral ed by Jimmy Kimmel. hashtag #OscarsSoWThe Oscars’s acting cathite, due to the lack of egories include nominadiversity among the tions for Best Actor, Best Academy’s nominee Actress, Best Supporting selections. Because of Actor, and Best Supthis trending hashtag, porting Actress. In this on January 21, 2016 the year’s acting category, a Academy announced CARTOON BY SHERRY LIANG total of seven minority changes to its memactors are nominated, including a record bership and voting rules to establish a of six black actors. This is the first time diverse spectrum of Oscar nominees. The in the Academy’s history that black acAcademy is currently made up of more tors have been nominated in every actthan 6,000 members, in which voters ing category. The black nominees of this are predominantly white and male. Its year’s acting category include Viola Dagoal is to include double the number of vis, Denzel Washington, Ruth Negga, women and diverse members by 2020.
Comedian Saffron “Saffy” Herncently a guest star on Ellen Degeneres. don isn’t like other normal stand-up She is now starring in her very own TV comedians. Herndon is talented in show, called the Little Funny, with Ellen her own unique way. She’s spunky, DeGeneres as the Executive Director. sarcastic, and only 11 years old. Freshman Jeffrey Szeto said, “They Saffron Herndon, also known as are similar as they do take the occasionLittle Funny is able to humor both al shots at other people and their jokes crowds of adults target an older auand children. Her dience...” when outrageously inapasked how politipropriate perforcal comedians and mances had caught Herndon contrast. the attention of Herndon has many crowds. She high hopes and is unafraid to joke yearns to be just about religion, her like her idols - Tina father [who is also Fey, Amy Poehler, a stand-up comediand Aubrey Plaza. an and her idol], as “Nobody is too well as sacred cows. young to pursue Herndon is now her dreams and a rising star who [Herndon] is an exstarted off at the cellent example of age of 9 in a tiny that…” says Szeto. comedy club in “Online dating Dallas, Texas. She is tough,” Hernhad performed in Stand-up comedian Saffron Herndon. don says, “EvCOURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES comedy clubs all ery time I meet over the world for about 3 years. Herndon someone new, they claims to be able to easily get into places end up in jail.” She has decided where the age requirement is 21 or oldto continue her career as a stander because she is a performer. She was re up comedian even in ten years.
VDAY: BUY OR D.I.Y.? MEGAN YAN Staff Writer The pressure is real when it comes buying chocolates, make them. There to gift giving, whether it’s getting the are many recipes on how to make chocperfect gift or fitting it within budget. olate with just cocoa powder to save This is especially true during Valentine’s some money. And it’s not just chocoDay. According to a survey conducted by lates- there are many other options to the National Retail Federation last year, make the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. the average amount Americans spent But making DIY/homemade gifts is on Valentine’s gifts was $146.84 per not merely about saving money. Senior gift. For high school students with no Andi Kunisaki says, “I personally think income, store bought jewelry or clothes homemade gifts have a deeper meanmay not exactly ing because there be the best idea. could be a reason It’s not unusuto making a gift, al for students either a memoto get gifts for ry or something each other on symbolic in the holidays and relationship.” Even special events. if the gift doesn’t On campus, cuturn out exactly as linary teacher imagined or mayMs. Bradford be the Valentine’s says, “The kids cookies are a little are very gift burnt, the receivgiving, like all er will be satisfied the balloons with just the time and baskets of spent on a DIY snacks on birthgift. “It takes more days. We’ll see effort/creativity to what happens make a homemade [when Valengift rather than tine’s comes].” purchasing someFor many, thing in the store,” Senior Angela Lopena poses with bought gifts. Va l e n t i n e ’s Simpson also said. COURTESY OF ANGELA LOPENA Day holds It’s not to say a special meaning. Junior Kaitlin that store-bought gifts are bad or lazy. Simpson says, “My parents celebrate Kunisaki adds, “Personally, a bought it every year and so, to me, it repor homemade gift way. I’d be grateresents a day of happiness and joy.” ful for someone taking the time to So, DIYs or Do-It-Yourself gifts think of me.” Both are great ways to might just be the answer to this year’s show appreciation and love for a perValentine’s Day. The option of customson, but when the opportunity calls ization is open. For example, instead of for it, give DIY Valentine’s gifts a try.
february 17, 2017
the aztec
sports 11
Girls basketball finishes season undefeated TIMOTHY CHUMAN Copy Editor
With emotions running high in the final Almont League game of the season, the Mark Keppel Girls Basketball team defeated the Schurr Spartans, 74-36, on Friday night to clinch an undefeated record in league play. On a night dedicated to commemorate the seniors for their commitment to the program, the Lady Aztecs started with 5 of their 6 seniors. Each player was honored before the game, and the entire team displayed strong effort throughout the contest. Fanny Tu led all scorers with 14 points, while Jocelyn Song added 12 points off the bench. Seniors Alyssa Lee and Katie Kuang also contributed 10 points each in the winning effort. The Lady Aztecs struggled from the start, allowing 15 points in the first quarter due to hot shooting by the Spartans.
Coach Sydne Kaku noticed that the high intensity of the game might have affected the players in the beginning. “There was a dip in our scoring… because of the jitters of it being our last game.” After being tied at 15 at the end of the first quarter, the Lady Aztecs caught fire as they went on a 23-8 run to take a 38-23 lead by halftime. They cooled off to start the third quarter, but were able to extend their lead to 53-33 at the end of the segment. The girls finished the season finale strong by scoring 21 points in the final quarter while only giving up 3 points. There was a significant difference between the team’s performance in the first quarter compared to the rest of the game, and Kuang attributed the change in execution to trying to make up for their miscues “We usually don’t let teams score that much, so it motivated us to step up our game and shove it down their throats,” said Kuang.
In the second half, Song and senior Erika Sato both suffered game-ending injuries, adding to the accumulating list of injured players. Sophomores Vanessa Aguirre and Catherine Dea both tore their ACL’s earlier in the year, ending their season. “It’s tough being out for the season, but when I come back, my mindset will be to not be scared and to pick up where I left off,” said Aguirre. In order to fill in for the injured players, the team brought up freshmen Patricia Chung and Grace Song along with sophomore Harper Kim. Coach Kaku doesn’t expect them to be immediate stars, but is hoping that they are willing to do whatever the team needs them to do. “Ultimately, we just expect them to play their game and be a good supporting cast,” Kaku said. As the girls head into playoffs, the seniors high school basketball career begins to wind down. “I’m really excited to
be playing in CIF, but I’m also really sad that our high school career is ending,” said Kuang. It is tough to recover from losing the senior leaders, but Coach Kaku believes the team will persevere and grow stronger over the offseason and shared,”With the past history of the seniors leaving, this program is really good at bouncing back because we depend on each other and we stay united as a team.” The Lady Aztecs’ strong performance during the season earned them a bye in the first round of CIF playoffs. They will face off against the winner of the St. Anthony vs. Crescenta Valley contest which was determined late Thursday night. “We’ll enjoy being league champs for now, but we need to continue to learn visually and take it into practice so we are ready for the higher level of competition,” said Coach Kaku.
Student wrestlers make it into CIF LAURA CHEN Staff Writer
Player Vienna Tan throws ball towards ally player as opponent #3 attempts to block.
THE AZTEC/ CHRISTOPHER HUNT
Girls Water Polo enters CIF with 3-1 record KEVIN LIU Copy Editor
started off with another goal, further solidifying their lead over to Bell GarThe Varsity Girls’ Water Polo won dens before bringing it into a close in the against Bell Gardens on Febru- fourth quarter. Katherine Dodge is the only freshman ary 8th at Barnes Park Pool 5-2. . on the team to make the team this year Despite starting the game with a 0-1 among the seniors and juniors. However, deficit, Junior Maya Castelazo quickly she felt confident in her performance due equalized the score, followed by another to her prior experience of three years in a goal that ended the first quarter with a 2-1 club team. advantage over Bell Gardens. “Working with a team, you have to be “For the whole team, I emphasize deable to look at other players, and it’s diffense, but Maya is such a fast playferent since they’re all older than me, but I er that I always tell her to look for a find that once you get to know them better, counter,” said Coach Wendy Centeno. it’s a bit easier,” says Dodge. Senior goal keeper and Captain ShaGirls’ Water Polo has finished Almont ron Taing managed to block two League in second place with a team score goals in the second quarter, and Casof 3-1, and will move onto CIF withtelazo followed up with a third goal. out going through wild card matches. In the third quarter, the Lady Aztecs
For the first time in years, former Mark Keppel student junior Katarina Fernandez, entered CIF for Wrestling along with alternate, freshman Thomas Hake. Katarina Fernandez was the head captain of the wrestling team. She was the only female member, but hoped that the sport would continue to grow at Keppel. She was the only one that was able to make it to CIF this year and she “felt very excited for CIF this year just because there are a lot of good competitors and it’s a challenge.” Throughout the season, Fernandez believed that she had accomplished much more than she had over the past 2 years. “Even if the progress is small, I look back on the season and see how much I’ve learned,” she said. She thought that the best way to improve was to also be on time
to all practices and work to your full potential. Fernandez said, “This is my 3rd year in wrestling and I plan on continuing this sport in my senior year.” As an alternate and freshmen at Mark Keppel, Thomas Hake states that he is proud to make CIF alongside Fernandez, but also nervous to be a competitor. Hake says that when they were preparing for season, “there was a lot of running and conditioning, but we are all learning new moves.” Personally, he believes that everyone does better individually in tournaments, because since there aren’t as many players, the rank of the team gets pushed down. Before matches, Fernandez “[tries] to calm myself down by listening to some music.” She believed that all athletes must find a way to take losses because no matter win or lose, “you must always think positive and motivate yourself to continue.”
Senior Gabriel Barragan readies to kick the ball as the opposing team sprints forward to stop him.
THE AZTEC/ CHRISTOPHER HUNT
Boys Soccer plays Schurr; last season game CAITLYN WOO Staff Writer Last Thursday on February 9, the Boy’s Soccer team tied against Schurr with one point each. The team had trained vigorously throughout the season for the league games. However, “due to concerns with our coach’s health, we didn’t really get an opportunity to prepare and train to play the last game,” said Senior, Kyle Chuang. Although the boys had problems without their coach, they still practiced by exercising their “ball handling skills, some passing, shooting, and scrimmaging,” said senior Victor Alfaro.
Boy’s soccer ended the season with a record of two wins, three ties, and five losses, placing them in fifth place out of six teams for league standings. “For the first time in I don’t know how long, we beat Alhambra ,which I’m pretty proud of,” says Chuang. In the past years, the Aztecs were not able to defeat Alhambra until this year which is a great accomplishment for the team, adding another win to a historic record of 86s wins against Alhambra out of 201 varsity games. Compared to last year, Alfaro believed that “[they] improved a lot since last season.”
February 17, 2017
the aztec
12 sports
COURTESY OF NICK FONG
Athlete’s Profile: Nick Fong TIFFANY GUAN Staff Writer Junior Xochitl Garcia ran the ball down the field towards San Gabriel’s goal.
THE AZTEC/ CHRISTOPHER HUNT
Girls Soccer beats San Gabriel 4-1 LESLIE SOTO Photographer On January 19th the Girls Varsity Soccer team played against San Gabriel at their field, the Lady Aztecs taking the win with the score 2-1 .Both the team and the Varsity coach Steve Shahin were not very happy with how the game came so close. Shahin stated, “It is frustrating when you play a lot better, you would like to see the result of the team be better.” He explained that even though they didn’t reach their full potential, “a win is a win.” February 7th was the team’s Senior
Night. They were all very excited to play against San Gabriel again, wanting to achieve a better win. But before starting off the conference, the administration, friends, and parents honored the seniors that were on both Varsity and Junior Varsity. Confidence was running high in the first half and it was obvious that the girls communicated well other on the field. Soon after the match had started the the team made their first goal. As the game progressed, the girls began building momentum as more goals were being made. During the second half, freshmen Be-
atriz Rodriguez substituted as goalkeeper, and was later kicked in the ribs by one of the opposing team’s forwards. “Beatriz came out of the goal to try to get the ball but as she was doing that the forward was coming in to try and score and ended up kicking her in the rib.” says Elena Martinez. The girls took the win at their Senior Night with the final score being (4-1). Alina Shahin explained the difference between the two games was that “we really took control this time, we stayed focused through the whole game and didn’t let the score affect us at any time.”
Boys Basketball gains win; advances to CIF ANTHONY GABRIE Photographer
THE AZTEC/ CHRISTOPHER HUNT
Senior Rakan Almomani shoots in a three point shoot.
Friday’s senior night victory was no easy feat for the Aztecs as the lead alternated back and forth between Mark Keppel and Schurr. The nail-biting game ended with a win for the Aztecs with the final score of 55-52; a necessary win in order to qualify for CIF championship. The game was neck to neck from the start, and continued until half time and the last quarter when the boys began to take initiative on the court. By 2:55 in the second quarter, the Aztecs maintained a lead of 4 points (20-16), close in score but enough for the boys to take advantage of the opportunity to widen the lead. An immense crowd was present to cheer on the Aztecs as tension ran high due to this contest being the last league game for seniors Nick Fong and Rakan Almomani. Both contributed to the win with Almomani dropping 14 points and Fong putting up 22 points with 7
assists. Fong later shared that, “It was a very emotional game that meant a lot to Rakan and I. The game was meant to celebrate being a basketball senior for 4 years and for all the basketball we have played throughout our life. It really made me think of how grateful and lucky I am to experience such an amazing basketball career.” The 4th quarter was a struggle for both teams as each tried to outdo each other. There were many back to back layouts and 3 pointers by the Aztecs and Spartans, the lead continued to change until the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter. With only 12 seconds left on the clock, the Aztecs were up by one (5148). Almomani was fouled following a take out and made one of his free throws putting the Aztecs at a 3 point lead.
Senior Nicholas Cameron Fong is on the Boy’s Varsity Basketball team. He has been playing basketball since he was 5 years old and was active in three different teams before high school. Fong and Rakan Almomani are the only two seniors on the varsity team. Fong said, “Rakan and I have found ways to bond with our teammates so that our team has a unique style and attitude in games. We try to have as much fun as possible while being competitive.” Since Fong first began playing basketball, he has always idolized Kobe Bryant’s ability to score and make critical shots. According to Fong, a basketball player should be humble, play with sportsmanship, and be competitive with a drive to win. Some of the hardships Fong faced this year was trying to lead the new varsity players. “Since there were only two returning players from last year’s varsity team, I had to step up and be a leader to set an example for my younger teammates. Although I have made several mistakes throughout the season, I am still learning. Hopefully, I can lead my team into a CIF run,” said Fong. Fong is supported by his entire family and he would also like to give special thanks to his friends and his girlfriend, junior Allison Nishimura. They have been to many of his games and have cheered him on during his plays. From basketball, Fong would like to give special shoutouts to freshmen Laird, Mike, and Diego, sophomores Joseph and Esteban, and juniors Brusen and Josiah. “They are the type of players who would do anything for the team to win, and I believe they will lead Keppel the next couple of years to something great,” replied Fong. “Lastly, Rakan has been with me all 4 years. He is just an amazing person on and off the court and I couldn’t imagine how this year would have been like without him.” Aside from playing basketball, one of Fong’s other hobbies is fishing. He grew up and self-taught himself how to fish. After high school, he would like to continue playing for college basketball. Fong hopes he can take on a whole new experience of basketball and is willing to challenge himself even further.
Congratulations for the following teams in making it into CIF Boys Basketball
Overall Almont League record: 5-5 Third place in league.
Girls Basketball
Overall Almont League record: 10-0 First place in league.
Girls Soccer Overall Almont League record: 7-3 Second place in league.
Girls Water Polo
Overall Almont League record: 3-1 Second place in league.