The Aztec - December 2015 issue

THE AZTEC VOLUME LXXVIII NUMBER IV

IN THIS ISSUE

VIEWPOINT PG 3 Addressing the fear of terrorism in large crowds

FOCUS PG 4-5

The Romantic Side of Christmas

FEATURES PG 6

Channel your inner St. Nick

December 10, 2015

theaztecnews.com

No charges against former Mark Keppel principal Jas Cisneros; reassignment to be determined BONNIE WONG Editor-in-Chief/ Asst. A&E/Features Editor

Keppel parents, faculty, and students attended the December 8 Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD) board meeting to discuss matters including the reassignment of former Mark Keppel principal Jacinth “Jas” Cisneros to the district.

In an email sent out by Sharon Woo, a Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) Committee Chair Member, PTSA members were invited to attend the meeting to show support of Cisneros’ return. AUSD planned to reassign Cisneros to a different position within the district, but many meeting attendees called for her return to Keppel as principal.

Some speakers stated that Cisneros wants to return to Keppel

to serve the students. Denise Tso, another PTSA Committee Member, said, “She is a very transparent person…Our school removing her creates a cloud of suspicion.”

The Alhambra Police Department is not pressing criminal charges regarding Cisneros’ role in the recent Keppel incident.

This was emphasized by teachers, parents, and students who addressed the board.

Speakers voiced their support, listing accomplishments that Cisneros has spearheaded as principal of Keppel. These included the school’s increased academic achievement, new projects, events, and general comradeship.

Woo said, “Principal Cisneros has done nothing wrong to be put on leave…I urge you to vote no [to move Principal Jacinth Cisneros to the district office].

She is dedicated and devoted to her students.”

AUSD considered Cisneros’ reassignment due to undisclosed, confidential reasons concerning a recent incident at Keppel. AUSD Board of Education Member Adele Andrade-Stadler mentioned the board’s consideration for the affected student and the parents involved in the issue that removed Cisneros as principal.

A meeting regarding the reassignment of Cisneros will be rescheduled at a later date, open to faculty and parents.

“Things are very difficult to explain when you have court, district attorney, and police departments involved. Our hands are bound by some of that confidentiality,” said Andrade-Stadler. “I plead with you all to bear with us and will ask for that meeting before we go forward to move Jas.”

Deck the Halls brings Cartoon Network theme to hallways

SPORTS PG 8

12/10 Drama Boosters Meeting in A114 7-8:30 pm 12/14-12/16 Finals 12/16 MKHS PTSA Meeting 7-9 pm 12/17 Minimum Day 12/18 End of Semester 1 12/18 Pupil Free Day 12/21-1/1 Winter Break 1/6 Collaboration Schedule 1/13 Collaboration Schedule 1/14 Drama Boosters Meeting 7-8:30 pm in A114 1/18 School Holiday

Two Keppel seniors make All State Honor Choir The Aztec choir teacher Mr. Azeltine announced that Keppel seniors Kelsey Kwan and Emily Castelazo made the All State Honor Choir.

Mr. Trieu returns to Keppel Mr. Trieu returned to Keppel as a Social Science teacher on Wednesday, December 9.

Ms. Lee featured in "Teacher Tech Stories" website Ms. May Lee was featured in the district's "Teacher Tech Stories," a website where teachers can share lessons based around implementing technology into the curriculum.

Prizes for winning include a gift card and a chance to win a basket of school supplies for the classroom.

Kidnapping suspect apprehended BRANDON CHUNG Historian/ Co-Copy Editor

Mark Keppel girls soccer continues winning streak

Your calendar

News in Brief

Juniors Kelly Ong and Yun Ou pose in front of a Deck the Halls poster.

WESLEY ZENG Staff Writer Deck the Halls is an event that occurs at Keppel annually during December. This year's Deck the Halls started on December 4 beginning after school and ending at 10 p.m. This year's theme is Cartoon Network. Each class was assigned a different show that appeared on Cartoon Network to decorate their hallway.

The senior class is Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, the junior class is Pokemon, the sophomore class is Adventure Time, and the

freshmen class is Teen Titans.

Each class has their own hall that they are in charge of decorating, and students from all grades are allowed to help out with the decorating process.

Junior class president Janet Chung said, “Christmas time is always so cheerful and heartwarming, so by decorating the hallways, it puts everyone in that Christmas spirit. Not only that but it pushes everyone to finish the semester strong.”

Throughout the whole event, there were fundraisers for all class committees, each one sell-

THE AZTEC/DARWIN TSE

ing different food items. ASB advisor, Mrs. Carmona, talked about how previous class fundraisers were used for this event and many others to come. All classes bought their own supplies from the money fundraised, such as posters, paint, paintbrushes, tape, and more.

When asked for her opinion about the results, Carmona said, “I think it’s great. So many of the students have a nostalgic element [to this year’s theme], [and] I think the students got really excited because it reminded them of their childhood.”

The suspect of the attempted abduction of a Keppel student has been apprehended, reported police on Tuesday.

22-year old Saul Villa Jr. was arrested on Saturday, December 5 on suspicion of attempted kidnapping and possession of a stolen vehicle.

The attempted abduction occurred at approximately 7:05 a.m on December 3 near the intersection of Orange and Hellman.

On December 5, the Baldwin Park Police Department located the stolen truck the city of Baldwin Park. The truck's occupants, Villa and a female passenger, were both detained, and further investigation by the Monterey Park Police Department identified Villa as the outstanding suspect in the case.

Villa is being housed at the Monterey Park Jail, with his bail set at $130,000. He was due to appear yesterday in court at the Alhambra Superior Court.

To read the full article visit theaztecnews.com.

Mark Keppel choirs perform in It Feels Like Christmas ANITA HUANG Staff Writer

who sponsors the choir. Money earned from previous shows covers expenses such as bus fees and prop costs.

The Mark Keppel choirs performed a Christmas seasonal show. This year was based off an actual movie called The Muppets Christmas Carol, hence the name of the show, It Feels Like Christmas.

Aztec Singer, senior Cristine Chou said, “We usually have choreography rehearsals for two hours every Tuesday, and one hour every Friday. But when it’s closer to our concert, we rehearse until we get it right.”

The Mark Keppel choirs hosted a concert on Saturday, December 5 from 7-9 p.m. Ticket prices were $5 presale and $8 at the door.

The show was directed by the Aztec choir teacher, Mr. Azeltine. Each concert makes a profit of approximately $300, which funds upcoming concerts. The money first goes to the Aztec Singer Drama Booster Club, which is a group of choir alumni Choir performing in their holiday performance.

THE AZTEC/RODOLFO ARIAS

Winter Concert to take place tomorrow ANTHONY JIAN Staff Writer

The Winter Concert will take place tomorrow at 7-8:30 p.m. In this event, at least 250 students will participate in four music groups: world drumming, guitar, orchestra, and band.

According to Dr. Bartlett, “This is an event where it shows the demonstrations of what the students have learned throughout the first semester.”

As the final assessment for a visual and performing arts course, performers will receive credit for their work.

Presale tickets cost $5 and tickets at the door cost $7. Students can buy presale tickets from performers.

Dr. Bartlett said, “This money goes towards the music programs where kids will participate in the future and the money goes towards buying new in-

struments, buying uniforms, and other equipments needed for all my music classes.” Last year, about 230 tickets were sold.

Junior Tommy Ho, a band and orchestra member, said, “In this event, the songs that we will play are Christmas songs.

We have started practicing every Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. in the beginning of the year. And this event is considered as the final for both of my classes.”

In order to better prepare for this event, Dr. Bartlett instructed her students to work on music about one month ahead of time.

Junior Jacky Han, a world drumming student, said, “It took us about a month to prepare for the event. In this event, we will play four to five African Rhythm songs.” These African Rhythm songs are considered as the basic concepts of world drumming.

Color Guard performs at the Winter Pep Rally.

THE AZTEC/KRISTIN CHINGBURANAKIT & RODOLFO ARIAS

Winter Pep Rally recognizes seniors BRANDON CHUNG Historian/ Co-Copy Editor

The annual Winter Pep Rally was held on Friday, December 4, in Palm Court during lunch.

During the rally, ASB recognized all senior students participating in winter sports.

The pep rally started off with a performance by cheer. Afterwards, seniors from wrestling, boys basketball, and boys soc-

cer were announced. Following that was a performance by Color Guard, and girls soccer, girls basketball, and girls water polo seniors were announced.

Basketball senior Serena Chen said, “[Being recognized] gives me a sense of accomplishment. Three years of putting in so much time and hard work is paying off, and it’s our final year to play in front of our friends and our family, and it’s just bittersweet.”

Terrorist attack shocks Paris; losses deeply felt

ERIC TAM Staff Writer

At La Belle Equipe stands a memorial for the patrons who died at the restaurant in the November Paris bombings. The memorial is simple in construction: a collage of flowers, candles, and pictures of the unforgotten deceased. Although it is humble in aesthetic, the memorial serves as a sign of solidarity for a nation still in mourning.

At least 129 people were confirmed dead on the night of November 13, 2015.

There were three explosions that night.

The first took place at the Stade de France, a soccer stadium seated on the northern edge of Paris. French President Fran-

cois Hollande was present in the stadium. Thanks to vigilant security staff, the would-be mass murderer was turned away.

He exploded his suicide vest outside the stadium, killing one passer-by.

Later, near the Place de Republique, a gunmen opened fire on pedestrians at the restaurant Le Petit Combodge. Over 100 bullets were fired. 15 people died within minutes. Just a few miles south of Place de Republique, five people were shot dead in the streets of Rue de la Fontaine au Roi. These attacks were carried out by gunmen travelling in a black Seat car. Nearby, the restaurant La Belle Equipe was attacked by gunmen. 19 people died, with nine other victims in critical condition.

A few minutes later, a suicide vest was detonated by Braham Abdeslam on the Boulevard Voltaire, critically injuring one person.

The deadliest attack took place at the Bataclan Concert Hall. The 1,500-seat stadium was sold-out for Californian rock group Eagles of Death Metal. Three attackers wearing suicide belts arrived in a black Volkswagen Polo. They killed 89 people with Kalashnikov-type assault rifles. At least 99 people were in critical condition. The attackers shot indiscriminately into the crowd, and people fled via emergency exit on the left side of the stage. Many victims died from their injuries within hours. A gunman was shot by

police and his suicide belt detonated. The other two also detonated their belts soon after. Two of the bombers have been identified as Omar Ismail Mostefai, 29, and Samy Animour, 28.

Senior Karla Sandoval weighs the risks of terrorism occurring in the United States.

She said, “I am very terrified because, first, the terrorist attack occurred in Paris and now in San Bernardino. It is getting closer to home which scares me the most.”

In the aftermath, many French citizens mourned their losses. President Francois Hollande closed France’s borders and promised a “merciless” res ponse.

The Aztec 2015-2016

Bonnie Wong Editor-in-Chief/ Asst. A&E/Features Editor Vivian To Editor-in-Chief/ Focus Editor Darwin Tse Asst. Editor-in-Chief/ Web Editor Sarah McCormick News Editor Alexander Beaumont A&E/Features Editor

Brian Yeo Viewpoint Editor

Edlyn Wong Head Cartoonist

Celeste Arambula Staff Writer

Cristina Gonzalez Staff Writer

Jonathan Lou Staff Writer

Eric Lam Sports Editor

Aurora Zeng Cartoonist

Anna Badros Staff Writer

Anita Huang Staff Writer

Eric Tam Staff Writer

Karli Cheng Business Manager

Wesley Zeng Asst. Business Manager

Calvin Chan Staff Writer

Anthony Jian Staff Writer

Shanae To Staff Writer

Victoria Ramirez Chief Photographer

Kristin Chingburanakit Asst. Photographer

Dianne Do Staff Writer

Cole Kim Staff Writer

Babyruth Torres Staff Writer

Noelle Frasher Staff Writer

Kevin Kuang Staff Writer

Sophie Wong Staff Writer

Arodi Garcia Staff Writer

Kenneth Liu Staff Writer

Brandon Chung Historian/Co-Copy Editor Yang Lu Co-Copy Editor/Business Manager

Rodolfo Arias Asst. Photographer Angela Chen Asst. Focus Editor

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 A225 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

Snapchat begins charging for use of lenses BABYRUTH TORRES Staff Writer Snapchat has been a hit with social media since 2012. The app makes communication easier by sending pictures or videos. Recently, Snapchat added selfie lenses, a feature that gives users many editing options to alter their looks.

When selfie lenses first came out on Snapchat, they were all free and many enjoyed the new update. Users posted videos of themselves using the selfie lenses on Instagram or Facebook. After a while, Instagram started charging for the more popular lenses, leaving a few still free.

Even though this change may

increase the profitability of the company, it may turn away dedicated users of the free features.

Some students say that 99 cents for one filter is not a fair deal.

Senior Sharon Ng agreed. “I love the face filters [selfie lenses] because it is funny and fun to send to your friends, but the new update charges people the ones that are liked the most. The free ones are the worst ones, which isn’t fair,” Ng said.

Instagram adds new selfie lenses almost every week, but now fewer students are excited about the new contents.

It is unfair for Snapchat to pursue profits at the expense of user satisfaction. However, some students remain loyal to the app

and are willing to purchase the new paid contents. The rainbow selfie lens has seen the highest number of sales overall.

Freshman Alize Navarro said, “I did buy the rainbow one because it is interesting, and I liked it a lot. It was smart for snapchat to put a price on it because they can make more profit.”

Snapchat developed these lenses to encourage more app downloads. According to Business Insider, Snapchat is on track to make $100 million from selfie lenses alone.

Snapchat made many changes, such as Story Replies and Improved Lenses, but paid selfie lenses have provoked the most responses.

Asst. Principal Alejandra Perez takes a selfie using Snapchat’s lenses.

THE AZTEC/RODOLFO ARIAS

Regifting: Holiday taboo or practical thing to do?

THE AZTEC/EDLYN WONG

Addressing the fear of attacks in large crowds COLE KIM Staff Writer Paris, Syria, and now San Bernardino are three of many places where terrorists have suddenly attacked. The recent attacks have struck fear into millions of people in the United States and beyond.

Some believe that terrorists usually target crowded places and that the best way to avoid attacks would be to stay home. However, is that really an informed choice?

“Major events may be targeted by terrorists or extremists because of the large crowds of people in attendance,” stated the U.K. National Counter Terrorism Security

Office. “They also offer the group or individual the opportunity for publicity by events being televised or subject of media attention.”

Moreover, some terrorist attacks may be for publicity and to spread fear, and instill paranoia into everyone, everywhere - a plan that, though deceitful and evil, works well.

This blind fear may fulfill the exact objective of the terrorists: to cause terror. “[I] think that terrorists would try to use this fear,” said freshmen Kelly Tsan. “Even if it feels like terrorism [can] strike anytime, anywhere, we should trust the people that protect us, the people that protect our country.” In other

words, we shouldn’t let the terrorists instill fear in us and control us.

“Fear shouldn’t control our lives. It just wouldn’t seem right,” asserted freshman Ryan Tien. “[The] same goes for any other emotion.”

No one should let terrorists control them with fear. Avoiding crowds for a fear of terrorism seems correct at first, but in reality, this is unreasonable and impractical.

People should exercise their free will and their right to choose, but one thing for certain is that everyone needs to be aware and make informed choices.

CRISTINA GONZALEZ Staff Writer Many times during the holidays, people will take a gift received from someone and give it to another person. Whether this practice, commonly referred to as regifting, is okay, is often contested.

Specific people react to regifting differently. Junior Kavian Jalali feels that regifting takes the care out of the gift giving “system.”

He said, “the whole point of giving a gift is to try to find something that you think the other person would like, on your own, not giving something that someone else has already chosen.”

On the other hand, regifting is a way to get rid of unwanted things in a nice way.

Junior Tatiana Garnett said, “Sometimes I regift because a distant relative gives me something they think that I would like, but they end up giving me something that I would never use... I give it to someone else as a gift if I think it would work better off with them.”

However, senior Kara Chuang adds that “regifting something doesn’t lose any of the values that come with normal gift giving, because in order to regift something you still have to pick a person that the said gift is right for and still decide whether or not it would work them, doing nothing but saving you money.”

Whether regifting is okay or not may depend on the value you plaace on a gift. Ultimately, regifting provides a way for many people to save money and possibly give unused gifts a new purpose.

TUTORING IN YOUR HOME Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, SAT UC Berkeley Graduate Roy Wu (626) 818-2657

The Romantic Side of

Pucker Up for Mistletoe ARODI GARCIA Staff Wrier

^

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gifts of love DARWIN TSE Asst. Editor-in-Chief/ Web Editor

During the holiday season, the mistletoe makes its appearance in doorways across America.

Often, it represents romance that comes with this time of year, but in reality, mistletoe is far from romantic. It is a parasitic plant that latches onto trees and feeds off of them.

Why, then, is a parasite associated with love?

According to History.com, the plant’s association with romance originates in Norse mythology, where the god Baldur was killed by an arrow made of mistletoe. He was resurrected and his mother, Frigg, goddess of love, declared mistletoe a symbol of love. She vowed to kiss those who passed beneath it.

By the 18th century, stealing a kiss under the mistletoe became a common tradition among British servants.

The custom then popularized to other parts of the world.

Junior Mabel Kwan staid, “It’s a trend. It’s seen in a lot of Christmas movies. It’s usually the first kiss of the characters. People think it’s cute and really romantic.”

Today, any couple standing underneath the mistletoe is pressured to pucker up. Physiology teacher, Ms. Dhala, had hers at a Christmas party. Her advice is to “always be with your husband under the mistletoe.” The occasion is less awkward if you are with your significant other. She also says that the kiss can be a simple one on the cheek.

Biology teacher, Ms. Ng, said, “I think it’s an old school way of how people who liked each other [could] break the ice and be able to enjoy each other’s company and get a little free kiss.” She also said the tradition is romantic if it is under the right conditions.

Many agree that this custom relates to the Christmas spirit because it brings love and happiness. However, others do not need an excuse to show their love. Junior Kristen Lee said, “[My boyfriend] probably won’t even mention that we’re under the mistletoe and kiss me anyway, but if we were under [the mistletoe] we would kiss.”

Traditionally, if the kiss is refused under the mistletoe, it is considered bad luck. Another tradition instructs to pluck a single berry from the mistletoe with each kiss. Then after all the berries are gone, the kissing ends. You might want to make sure your mistletoe has enough berries to last.

It’s holiday season! Time for family, love, friends… Okay, who am I kidding-gifts! Whether it’s Secret Santa or white elephant, gifts always find their way into the holiday traditions. Although giving gifts shouldn’t be “make it or break it” for a relationship, the stakes do seem higher when giving to your significant other.

When giving gifts to a significant other, it seems obvious to show more sincerity and thought. Seniors Johnny Wright and Melissa Zepeda have been in a relationship for three years and, consequently, three Christmases.

“A gift from my girlfriend is special because it’s from her,” said Wright. “She gets me pajama pants [so] it’s special, whereas if someone else got me pajamas it would be like ‘whatever’.” Zepeda said she usually receives food from Wright, while she gives him items for video games or clothes.

“You have to make it special to what they like,” said Zepeda. “If you give a gift for a friend, it’s more of you at least thought about them.” For significant others, Zepeda stated that there is more effort and personalization involved.

For couples, more time is usually involved in the gift. “I try to pay attention to the little details that he wants,” said senior Mollie Pirkle. “For friends, I don’t put as much effort because I make one gift in a mass amount to distribute.” Pirkle stated that she starts to think about a gift for her boyfriend three weeks ahead of time It makes sense for couples to spend more time on each other concerning gifts becau what makes them different from your friends. However, that’s not to say you should less time on your friends’ gifts either. Ultimately, all gifts should have meaning specific to the receiver, whether it’s your girlfriend, sibling, or best friend.

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^ Photos courtesy of Google Images

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f Christmas Magical Winter

wonderland dates

Student Picks: Romance movies to watch during Christmas ^50 Shades of Grey ^The Vow ^The Notebook ^Love Actually ^The Grinch ^Elf

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Although LA not cold enough for ice skating on frozen lakes, we do have LA Live’s outdoor ice skating rink at the Nokia Plaza, next to the Staples Center. This ice skating rink offers an LED light show projected on huge screens around the plaza and a Christmas tree that stands at the center of rink.

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younger siblings grow up with Christmas.”

English teacher, Ms. Chase, agrees with the “family first” notion during the holidays, as she spends most of her time with her son.

Ms. Chase feels that spending time with her family near Christmas feels more special since she grew up with many family traditions. She stated, “Every year during December, since I’m so conditioned to want to be with family and keep my family traditions, I feel [inclined] to do the things I’ve been so used to doing during Christmas.”

While couples spend lots of time with each other, people not in relationships spend more time with friends. It seems that there is one general consensus; Christmas is a time to show kindness and gratefulness to your family. It is a time where you can create new memories and show appreciation to everyone who has stood by you. Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter if you’re in a relationship or not. What really matters is that you spend good, quality time with those that matter most to you, whoever they may be.

THE AZTEC/ EDLYN WONG

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NOELLE FRASHER Staff Writer

vatory

Griffith Observatory never fails to set the scene with its spectacular view of the city. The best part is that it’s free.

Located in the Woodland Hills, the streets of Lubao and Oxnard are filled with amazing holiday displays that will leave you in awe. To end the night with dazzling holiday lights, Candy Cane Lane is your place to go.

e for th e m o h o h o g l i d s a ’ y t e s L Relationships can be quite clichéd during the holidays, especially with couples going on cheesy dates and presenting each other with gifts. Although many couples enjoy going on these winter adventures with each other, people who are not in relationships might not. However, that doesn’t necessarily make winter outings bad, as most people see family and friends as the most important part of the holiday season, not the romance.

Sophomore Daniel Lieu believes that “Christmas is a time to just hang out with your family and friends and be thankful for each other. Your family will always show you love and kindness and you should return that, especially when it’s Christmas time.” Lieu revealed that he has several holiday family traditions, such as driving around town and viewing Christmas lights. He states that family will always come first to him during the holidays, as he says, “They’re my family. I’ve spent every Christmas with them and they’ve seen me grow [just as] I’ve seen my

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Winter dates at Disneyland are the dreams of many couples, especially if they wish to snap an obligatory photo in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle or with Mickey Mouse dressed in his Christmas sweater and Santa hat. Senior Mario Cook, who will be visiting Disneyland this year, said, “I am looking forward to having a good time [with my girlfriend] and being able to make that time valuable.” For the holiday season, Disneyland will be having seasonally decorated entertainment and attractions. “I just want to have fun and I hope Jess has fun King too,” Cook continued.

Disneyland

^Frozen ^Harry Potter Series ^Titanic ^The Fault in Our Stars ^50 First Dates ^It’s a Wonderful Life

EDLYN WONG Head Cartoonist

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS VICTORIA RAMIREZ Chief Photographer

Courtesy of Google Images Movie Poster for Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Fans of the original Star Wars saga are rejoicing with the upcoming release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The film takes place about thirty years after Return of the Jedi, where the heroes Ray (Daisy Ridley), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), and Finn ( John Boyega) pick up the theoretical “baton” of the warriors who fought in George Lucas’s original trilogy. Disney has kept lots of the details of the film under wraps. Fortunately, we do know that this film is meant to bring the old and new generations together. Characters like Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Car-

rie Fisher), and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) will be playing a focal role in leading the new heroes. The mission is still the same: bring peace to the galaxy.

Director J.J. Abrams has made it his main focus to make this film as original as possible but still include the magic of Star War’s films. The lack of information in the trailers is absolutely intentional. He wants the newer generation to come in with having no idea about what Star Wars is about to give them that experience of wonder once they leave the theater and also give the older fans something to keep them on their toes. After asking a former Disney employee about his thoughts on the lack of details the trailers gave, he said, “I love

knowing I’m going to go in the film knowing pretty much nothing. I know I’m in for a surprise.” It’s that feeling of awe that Abrams wants to give to the newer generation, just like how fans felt after watching A New Hope the first Star Wars film ever released in 1977.

Overall, the film is expected to break multiple records like it did on the internet and have the largest opening weekend in the history of global film sales. In fact the film already broke two major records: one for advance ticket sales and the second for the most bought advanced screening for the IMAX showing. Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be released on December 18.

May the force be with you!

Are gift cards impersonal?

KEVIN KUANG Staff Writer Gift giving can be tricky during the holidays, especially when exchanging with the same friends, acquaintances, or giving “white elephants,” which may lead people to settle with giving a gift card.

However, many people believe that gift cards are not acceptable as Christmas gifts. Some argue that gift cards may seem impersonal and not meaningful. The gift recipient may interpret the gift certificate with negativity. “Taking the time to look around and pick out a gift specifically for each person is much more meaningful than simply giving them credit to spend.” Senior Nevin Chow states. There is a special meaning to recognizing what item will make a person happy and giving the person what they enjoy. The gift also doesn’t just represent something they have, rather it’s a token of the relationship you have with the person. Gift giving may involves emotion, feelings, and recognition.

On the contrary, those who believe

that gift certificates are an acceptable form of Christmas gifts have reason to believe so. Getting a gift card is like giving someone money for a specific store. It says that the “gifter” doesn’t know what the person wants or needs, so the gift receiver can pick out and choose what they look for. This way, the gifter avoids giving a gift that is disinterested by the recipient. Freshman Kacie Le states that, “I wouldn’t mind receiving just gift cards for Christmas. They’re the same as getting cash.” Although others may argue that gift cards are impersonal, a gift card is giving them the personal freedom to buy whatever they want, whenever they want.

Additionally, giving someone a gift such as an iPad may seem like a good gift - even a great gift, but is it something they love? Is it just a popular and expensive gift? A gift card can ensure that the recipient gets something they love.

Whether you decide to give a gift card or buy a gift, the main purpose should be the intentions behind giving the present, not the net worth or form of the gift.

It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas JONATHAN LOU Staff Writer With the Christmas season approaching, it’s normal for people to sing to the joyous tunes of the holiday season. Christmas songs are known for their heartwarming tunes and cheerful lyrics.

Christmas is known to be a happy holiday season and many people try to get into the spirit by listening to Christmas music.

Christmas music, in the form of songs, also known as christmas carols, are commonplace during this time and well-known by many. Christmas carols such as, “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” and “Joy to the World” are heard throughout the winter and are very popular. These songs are based around the theme of Christmas and have a positive outlook about the season.

The coming of full-spirited tunes is a reminder to us of the upcoming holiday and the good things to come. Many people begin to look forward to the presents or the

large family gatherings that bring people together in a happy mood. Senior Leanne Duong said, “[Christmas songs] are like a really happy indication that the holidays are near and it helps reminds us of family and loved ones.”

Such a holiday also influences modern music, such as hip-hop and many other music genres. There is some rap music that is themed around Christmas such as Snoop Dogg’s “Santa Claus Goes Straight To The Ghetto” and the Ying Yang Twins “Deck Da Club.” Also, one of the most popular and famous singers, Justin Bieber, has many songs that are Christmas themed.

Some of his songs include “Drummer Boy” and “Mistletoe.” Bieber even has a Christmas album, titled “Under The Mistletoe.”

While Christmas is a holiday that people celebrate every year, it’s a holiday that people never get tired of and are reminded of when they hear those Christmas tunes, and lets us all know that the wonderful occasion is almost here.

Senior Sofia Campa receives a Secret Santa present in class.

THE AZTEC/ RODOLFO ARIAS

Channel your inner St. Nick BRIAN YEO Viewpoint Editor The holidays are a time for giving, and one of the best ways to exchange gifts is through Secret Santa. A well-known Christmas tradition, Secret Santa involves a group of people or friends who are randomly assigned a person to whom they anonymously give a present. Secret Santa is commonly played in several countries, most notably in the United States and Great Britain.

Many clubs, school organizations, and sports teams are currently arranging their own Secret Santa groups. One such organization is the Mark Keppel Orchestra, who participates in Secret Santa every winter.

Current planning for this year’s Secret Santa began in mid-November. Orchestra members were asked to write their names on a slip of paper along with a list of items that they wanted. Like many Secret Santa groups, Orchestra set a price limit for gifts at $15. The names were placed in a bag and then picked at random by other members.

On Monday, December 14, Orchestra will gather as Secret Santas will give their gifts one-by-one. As is done with many Secret Santas, each person will have to say a few words about the person to whom they are giving the gift.

Dance Company is also organizing their own Secret Santa, though theirs is more unorthodox. Though they do the usual exchange of presents, each Secret Santa will give their assigned person small gifts such as snacks every day for a week before the final exchange. Dance Team Co-Captain Sofia Campa said, “Since the week usually takes place right before finals, it’s fun to get small little snacks to make us feel better.”

Most Secret Santa exchanges will take place in the following weeks and though every group’s Secret Santa may take different shapes, the overall effect is the same.

Like most holiday events, though the presents may bring instant joy, the real gift of Secret Santa comes from the strengthening of bonds and camaraderie. For Dance Co., Campa said, “[Secret Santa] makes us feel more like a family.”

PRIME PRESENT BUYING TIME KRISTIN CHINGBURANAKIT Photographer Presents play a major role in the holiday season and are often given to show appreciation and gratitude one has for another.

Some people try to buy gifts as early as possible while others wait until the last minute. There are many sales that happen during the holidays that can help save people money.

However, figuring out how much to spend on someone is difficult. Some claim to have spent $30, while others spent $50.

Freshman Valerie Lam thinks that Black Friday is the best time to buy presents since “you have a long time before Christmas to decide if you want to change your gift and the sales are pretty good.”

Holiday shopping is also a great time to buy items for lower prices. Senior Richard Thai believes that Black Friday or Cyber Monday are the the times to buy presents because “you can get at least 30-50% off on most items.” Shopping online is convenient for those who don’t enjoy waiting in long lines since they can buy what they want with a click of their finger from the comfort of their home. Though the lines during Black Friday are hectic, Thai said that “the lines are worth the money being saved and sometimes the lines look long but they are quick.”

The time people usually buy Christmas presents are around Black Friday either online or at the mall, yet there are people who procrastinate and buy presents last minute 1-2 weeks before Christmas.

Coach Shahin talks to the girls soccer team during practice.

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Mark Keppel girls’ soccer continues winning streak ANGELA CHEN Staff Writer

The Mark Keppel girl’s varsity soccer team played a preseason game at home against La Puente High School on Friday, December 14. The first goal of the game was made by freshman Emily Zepeda. Zepeda scored yet another point later on the game, setting the score at 3-0. By the end of the first half the score was 4-0, placing Keppel at an advantage against the opposing team. Varsity captain and senior Kara Chuang, scored the first goal of the second half, and after a back-and-forth rally and a few more goals with Keppel in possession of the ball for the majority of

Senior Jessenia Barbarena #10, junior Zoe Atkins #2, and junior Katherine Bustamante #12 attempt a play against Pioneer.

the game, Zepeda scored the last goal of the second half, thus concluding the match with a final score of 8-0 with a win from the Aztecs.

With Keppel’s victory against La Puente, the team has obtained their fourth win in their current 4-win streak.

Previous victories include matches against Aspire Ollin University Prep, Workman High School and more recently, Rosemead.

Coach Shahin said, “Today’s opponents were fair. [Compared to last year] we have a lot better attitude. We have a lot more pride in what we do, so we’re taking the games a lot more seriously.”Chuang stated, “At the beginning of the game we started out pretty rough because we weren’t really talking. I think communication, no matter what

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Girls’ water polo defeats Pioneer High RODOLFO ARIAS Photographer The girls varsity water polo team beat Pioneer High School this past Friday with a finishing score of 125. Although they already played the school earlier that same week, it seemed that the girls were going to have a tough time when in the 1st quarter the game was tied 2-2.

They soon recovered and were able to win the match.

“We did really well and I’m proud of my girls for all that they did in the game,” said Coach Wendy Centeno. “We still need to work on our aggression and confidence, however.”

Near the end of the game it seemed like the girls began to pick up their momentum, making score

after score. During the 3rd quarter, senior Jessenia Barbarena scored, followed by a goal from junior Elizabeth Melendrez. The score at the end of the quarter was 10-5, and the girls were able to win the game with a final score of 12-5.

“I’m so glad that I was able to make more goals this season then the last one.” said sophomore Zoe Atkins. “It’s a really nice feeling being able to help your team win.”

With another victory under their belts, or in this case their swim caps, the girls say that they have nothing more to do but improve any small mistakes. “We should work on our awareness and our communication,” said captain, senior Caitlyn Gonzales. “I’m still really proud of my teammates, I know with them it’s going to be a great season.”

game we’re playing, is the number one thing we need to work on because when we don’t communicate, we don’t know who’s marking who, and this season we’ve been playing in different spots. The coach has been trying new formations, so getting used to that is hard. You have to trust whoever is behind you because they might be new. I think in the later part of the second half we started getting better.

We started talking, and our passes became a lot cleaner.”

When asked about how the team is preparing for their upcoming matches, Chuang said, “We usually have 2-hour practices every other day. We not only want to get better skill-wise, but alsowant to bond as a team. We’re planning on having Secret Santas, Christmas socials, and parties.

That’s how we’re getting ready for the season.”

Roy Vargas #2, Jacob Hansen #7, and Dianiel Bello #14 contest their opponents for the ball.

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Boys’ soccer faces challenges YANG LU Copy Editor / Bus. Manager

The Mark Keppel boys soccer team lost the Tuesday, Dec. 8 game against the Aspire Ollin University Prep Jaguars, 1-2.

The preseason’s record is 0-5.

The teams are led by Coach Gerson Justiniano and new

Varsity Boys’ Soccer 12/17 vs. Poly Pasadena @ home 3:30 PM Varsity Girls’ Soccer 12/18 vs. Temple City @ home 3:15 PM

Coach Jose Cortes.

Prior to the game, Coach Gerson Justiniano noted several significant challenges that the team faces. The team continues to develop skill and experience is needed for such a young team.

Coach Gerson welcomes the challenges that his team will overcome this season.

Sports Calendar

Captain Kavian Jalali is responsible for maintaining team discipline. He thinks that “everyone’s going to step up as a team.” Jalali also mentioned the team’s few upperclassmen, but he does not believe that the lack of juniors and seniors will impair the team’s performance.

“We’ll do as good as we can,” said Jalali.

Varsity Girls’ Water Polo 12/18 vs. Arcadia @ Barnes 3:15 PM Varsity Boys’ Wrestling 12/16 vs. Alhambra @ home 3:15 PM

Wrestling prepares for competitive season

Senior Hector Ruiz wresetles his teammate Senior Ryan Valladoild during practice.

CELESTE ARAMBULA Staff Writer As wrestling season is slowly approaching Mark Keppel wrestling Aztecs are preparing, both physically and mentally. The team will be having their first match on January 21, 2016 at 3:15 and will be held at Schurr High School. Wrestling isn’t just physical, according to sophomore Catherine Go. “You need to have a good mentality going into a match. It really affects the way you wrestle,” Go said, “That’s one thing I struggle with is my confidence

and mentality. I need to work on that.”

One of Go’s strengths is that she is very determined and always puts 100% by coming to practice everyday and being on time. Mark Keppel wrestling team currently has two girls on the team but puts as much effort as the boys. What the team is expecting out of this season is to make it to CIF, Masters and hopefully State says sophomore Katarina Fernandez. “It is a really big deal to us and would be a big accomplishment.”

Wrestling, led by Coach Elias Roacha, recently made a new rule that their matches has to be co-ed which

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means the girls are only allowed to wrestle girls. This recently happened because the sport has been growing by adding more females to teams.

Senior Andrew Cruz started his junior year and feels like they have improved a lot since last season. “Last season we did not do so well; we could’ve done better.” Cruz feels like they have been more committed and dedicated.

“One thing we have improved on is offense but we still need to improve on being more aggressive and our defense.”

These Aztecs are prepared to get the CIF title.

Boys’ basketball prepares for League ERIC LAM Sports Editor

The Mark Keppel boys basketball team starts their season this month, and currently are at a record of 3-3 in their preseason - winning against Monrovia, Covina, and La Puente while losing against Adelanto, Colony, and Temple City.

Although they don’t seem poised to beat last year’s preseason record of 13-4, the team has plenty of time to prepare for the upcoming season. Senior Brandon Hamaguchi said, “We’re

preparing for the upcoming season by working out in the weight room and by ourselves at LA fitness and other gyms. At school we work with Mr. Luong. “ Hamaguchi also mentions that this year’s team is young - most of the varsity players are fresh off the junior varsity roster.

The current roster consists of seniors Chongxu Qiu #0, Bryant Chow #1, Ethan Lam #2, Matthew Tan #5, Brandon Hamaguchi #15, Nelson Muronaka #21, Todd Kitagawa #23, Kenneth Zhang #35 and juniors Nick Fong #10, Scotty Hong #13, and Jo-

siah Ojiri #25.

Despite the inexperience of the team, Hamaguchi has high hopes this season. His personal goal is to work harder and just keeping his focus on the court and on winning. “I want to be that one positive guy on my team just motivating everyone else,” said Hamaguchi. He also hopes that the team is able to come out with a clean 10-0 record in League this season.

The next game is on December 14 vs. Bell in a neutral tournament game, and their season officially starts in January 2016.

Girls’ basketball plays under new coach

The Mark Keppel girls varsity team practice under their new coach.

VIVIAN TO Editor-In-Chief / Focus Editor With the recent addition of Head Coach Jose Herrera, the girls’ varsity basketball team played at a tournament on November 30 to start off their season.

They played four games against Colony, Orange Lutheran, Gardena Serra, and Norco High Schools, coming in 4th place with a final score of 2-2.

In response to how the team did on the tournament, cocaptain and senior Sophia Song said, “We’re still trying to figure things out. We played some top teams in state so it

COURTESY OF TODD KITAGAWA

Athlete’s Profile:

Todd Kitagawa DIANNE DO Staff Writer Senior, varsity basketball player Todd Kitagawa has been playing basketball since he was five.

He describes himself as hardworking, dedicated, helpful, passionate, and kind. He has certainly has shown these traits through his commitment to basketball. This is Kitagawa’s fourth year on the team and his jersey.

At the start of high school, Kitagawa knew he wanted to try out for the basketball team. His reasons are that he’s been playing the game his whole life, and his father is a basketball coach and encouraged him to. Growing up surrounded by basketball, he grew to love the sport and wanted it to be a part of his high school experience. Kitagawa says that the thing he is most proud of is the Mark Keppel Basketball Team.

“Through this team I have made many friends that I hope to keep for the rest of my life,” says Kitagawa. He would also like to recognize the coaches who have sacrificed so much of their time for the program. Kitagawa says that not only have they helped him become a better basketball player but also a better person.

Outside of basketball and school, Kitagawa’s hobbies include hanging out with friends, Netflix, and sleeping. When he’s not at school, he’s usually at a friend’s house hanging out or at home relaxing. On the weekends, he helps to coach two Asian league teams with his dad and also plays on an Asian league and a club team himself. Kitagawa says that balancing his time between basketball, school, and having free time is not easy, especially during season. He is constantly doing homework, going to practice and games, or spending times with his friends.

Kitagawa uses Stephen Curry, his favorite basketball player, as his role model. “Not only is he a great basketball player, he was always the underdog in high school and college, [and] he had a lot of doubters, but with hard work and dedication he came the successful basketball player he is today,” says Kitagawa. Basketball has taught him how to be a team player and to not take the little things in life for granted.

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was a good challenge.” In addition, co-captain and senior Serena Chen said, “We got a lot out of the losses in terms of what we need to work on.”

This year, the only returning Varsity players are seniors Sophia Song and Serena Chen. New senior Varsity members include Brianne Woo, Vanessa Freeman, Julia Saisho, Chalisa Phiboolsook, Kaitlyn Lee, and Sydne Kaku. In hopes of winning CIF this year, Chen said, “We’re just trying to play together well and get as far as we can.”

For Coach Herrera, transitioning to Keppel as a coach was very smooth because he “already knows what to expect.” He has had more than 10 years of experience, coaching at schools such as Rio Hondo College, Chapman Uni-

versity, and South El Monte High School. When asked how he thinks the team is doing, Coach Herrera said, “There is still [more] room to improve; I always have to remind myself that this is a brand new team.”

In preparation for the season, the team focuses on drills that make the them run “to get into shape and at the same time, these drills train our minds into making proper decisions when we are tired.” Chen also adds, “The two main factors we work on are defense and rebounding.”

Coach Herrera said, “We have a very talented group of players who have potential to help this team win on any given night.”