The Fourth Estate June Issue

the fourth estate june issue 2016

news

journalism conference cum laude inductees johan khalilian

feature

learning differences the sine of a major problem the truth behind vaping

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arts & entertainment yogis in our midst the illustrated interview the coachella experience

seniors

the college map most likely to . . . remember when . . .

our voice june issue 2016

editor’s letter Summer is almost here and our seniors are almost gone. In this last issue of The Fourth Estate, we recognize the last four years The Class of 2016 has spent at Laguna.

This year, The Fourth Estate transitioned from a broadsheet newspaper to a magazine, and we would like to thank our advertisers, our subscribers, and our readers for supporting us through this change. Not to mention our staff, a lot of whom were new this year, for being thrown into our creative chaos and new process of becoming a magazine.

After six years with The Fourth Estate, Luisa Cameron and I will be leaving the paper, and in great hands. Sophomores Rose Houglet and Aura Carlson will be co-editors-in-chief next year and I can’t wait to see what they produce.

Thank you to the teachers and faculty for yet another incredible year, and congratulations to the Class of 2016—we did it!

The Fourth Estate welcomes guest columns and letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and must be no longer than 400 words. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity and/or taste. The Fourth Estate reserves the right to reject advertising.

Opinions expressed in this publication reflect the perspectives of the staff. The Fourth Estate publishes four issues per year with a senior insert in the last issue. We mail issues to subscribers and advertisers and exchange papers with high school journalism staffs across the country. When factual errors occur, we will correct the error in the next issue. The Fourth Estate accepts both print and online advertising in either black and white or color.

Contact Carson Shevitz at shecar@lbsstudents.org for advertising and/or subscriptions. Visit us online for daily updates: www. thefourthestate.net. “Follow” us on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook.

photo: valeria romo

The 2015-2016 Fourth Estate staff (from left back to right front): Phillip Hicks, Beatrice Tolan, Sydney Edgecomb, Jack Stein, Philip Fauntleroy, Jacqueline Berci, Emily Lafitte, Kailea Hieshima, Sonya Kotler, Patricia McHale, Rose Houglet, Luisa Cameron, Carson Shevitz, Carina Tedesco, Ruby Haber, Caylin Zimmerman, Aura Carlson, Amanda Skinner, Katherine Perez, Kendall White, Mia Waters, Kelly Bickett. *Not pictured: Frances Carlson, Fiona Flynn, Mathew Goldsholl, Payton Hassan, Madeleine Nicks, Pierce O’Donnell, Bea Tolan.

4125 paloma drive santa barbara, ca 93110 www.thefourthestate.net 2

in this issue staff editor-in-chief jacqueline berci creative director luisa cameron photographer & business manager carson shevitz

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web editor phillip hicks

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news editors aura carlson rose houglet opinion editor mathew goldsholl sports editor pierce o’donnell lifestyle editor emily lafitte copy editor jackson hurley

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faculty adviser trish mchale, mje kelly bickett frances carlson sydney edgecomb philip fauntleroy fiona flynn ruby haber payton hassan kailea hieshima sonya kotler madeleine nicks katherine perez amanda skinner jack stein carina tedesco beatrice tolan mia waters kendall white caylin zimmerman

students inducted into the cum laude society by katherine perez

photo: carson shevitz

(Clockwise from left to right) Seniors Mikey Hawker, Phillip Hicks, Travis Fristoe, juniors Henry Farrell, Grace MacNeil and senior Dani Abrams hold up their Cum Laude certificates outside of Spaulding Auditorium.

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hen students arrived at school, everyone was dressed up. with fellow classmates and faculty members.

Why? Because they had been told beforehand to dress Following his speech, Upper School Head Lolli Lucas introduced nicely for the day’s assembly during which their peers the seniors from the Class of 2016 who were inducted last year were to be inducted into the Cum Laude Society. as juniors: Armon Ghodoussi, Phoebe Madsen, Cameron Morello Students inducted into the Cum Laude Society have demonstrated and Pierce O’Donnell. academic excellence in a college preparatory curriculum as well Each of the students went on to introduce and induct the new as good character, honor and integrity in all aspects of both members, but students in the audience had mixed feelings about their school and outside life. The society, dedicated to honoring the introductions being read by fellow students. scholastic achievement in secondary schools, was founded in 1906 “I didn’t like it because it felt unprofessional,” said senior Gabby and has grown to contain 382 chapters.

Campbell.

Cum Laude students clearly exemplify On the other hand, senior Sarah the society’s motto containing the three “I definitely felt honored to be Dillemuth said, “it was really personalized, Greek words: Areté, for excellence, inducted . . . While I’m excited and I think it’s uplifting to hear the Diké, for justice, and Timé, for honor. comments coming from other students.”

Laguna is one of two schools (along to graduate with the Cum When asked how she felt being inducted with The Cate School) in the Santa Laude induction, I see our class into the society, senior Dani Abrams said, Barbara area that share the honor of the definitely felt honored to be inducted, as a whole as representative of “I Cum Laude Society. but I feel like there are a ton of people in To be eligible for induction, a student the ideals of Cum Laude.” our class qualified for it as well. There are must be in the top 10 percent of his or -dani abrams so many genuine and hardworking kids in her junior class or the top 20 percent of our senior class, and while I’m excited to his or her senior class. graduate with the Cum Laude induction, To start the ceremony, Head of School Rob Hereford presented I see our class as a whole as representative of the ideals of Cum information on the history and background of Cum Laude and Laude.” introduced the speaker, Ryan Emmons ‘08.

Henry Farrell, Grace MacNeil, Mikey Hawker, Travis Fristoe, Speaking about the difference a Laguna education makes, Phillip Hicks and Dani Abrams were all inducted and as each Emmons explained that the best part of his experience was the one finished hearing their introductions, they heard the words: sense of community stemming from the relationships he formed “Welcome to the Society.”

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a pledge to be a “crazy one” by fiona flynn

photo: carson shevitz

What really matters?

The label on your shirt? The athlete on your shoes?

What side of town is your family from?

What makes an inspiring public speaker?

Passion? Eloquence? Integrity?

Johan Khalilian, a Chicago-born actor and youth motivational speaker, has encompassed all of these traits.

From his relatable antics to his motivational principles, Khalilian captured the attention of the audience within seconds.

One of Khalilian’s biggest messages was that the only person who can change your life is you.

However, as a child, Khalilian often felt discouraged by the adults around him.

In eighth grade, his principal told him and his classmates the reality for kids who grow up in the “ghetto.”

But instead of telling these kids how things were supposed to be, he thought, “what we needed was someone who could pick up a paintbrush and help us see something different.”

Although not many Laguna students

could relate to growing up in poverty, they connected to the idea of wanting something different in their lives — something bigger.

Years later, Khalilian felt similar discouragement to when he was in eighth grade. In high school, his academic counselor told him that he would never be able to handle the work load at University of Chicago to which he had been given an athletic scholarship to, because he ‘just wasn’t smart enough.’

“When I walked out of that room, I didn’t walk out a 17-year-old who believed in myself. I walked out as a 17-year-old who said ‘what am I going to do?’”

During his talk, Khalilian recalled another life-changing moment. He was 11 and walked in on his uncle who was passed out drunk at 8:00 a.m.

He then started to question himself: “Is this going to be me? Is this my life? Is this my future? Is this what I’m going to 5

experience?”

“And as an 11-year-old kid, who didn’t quite know what life was all about, I said you know what, all I know is that I don’t want to be like him.”

From that point forward, he devoted himself to leading a drug and alcohol-free life.

There were many hidden messages behind the different stories that he told — coming together to create some key values by which to live. Through each story he told, one more value was added.

“I liked how he came from nothing and had a very rough childhood and how he grew from that and didn’t let anyone break him down,” said junior Joan Curran.

Khalilian closed his speech with the recitation of the poem, “The Crazy Ones.”

He had everyone stand up and pledge to be a “crazy one” — one who is a little bit off but, ultimately, changes the world.

photos: aura carlson & ashley tidey

(Clockwise, from left to right) On the swamp tour, freshman Julia Stone and sophomore Maddy Lazarovits look at the scenery.

(Clockwise, from left to right) As part of the Jericho Road housing initiative, freshman Tony Bai, sophomore Kelvin Chen, junior Mathew Goldsholl and freshman Izzy Sabino spread wood chips.

(Clockwise, from left to right) Freshmen Caitlin Gainey and Athena Boyle, sophomore Camila Lemere and freshman Hunter Hawkins on stage with Charmaine Neville at Snug Harbor.

Junior Mathew Goldsholl (right) photographs Brandan Odoms (left) in front of the artist’s mosaic and spray paint wall.

(Clockwise, from left to right) Freshman Izzy Sabino, sophomore Aura Carlson and junior Mathew Goldsholl read the Latin inscriptions on a church wall.

Sophomore Maddy Lazarovits (left) and freshman Hunter Hawkins (right) follow the guide Ibrahima Se point during the Whitney Plantation tour.

Junior Joan Curran (right) responds to questions from the tour guide Monique Moss (left) during the Hidden History tour.

(Clockwise from left to right) Senior Tyler Hurley, sophomore Jack Fry, junior Clara Hillis, seniors Gabby Campbell and Dani Abrams, sophomores Sophia Bakaev and Sydney Edgecomb and chaperone Meghan Roarty huddled up in Hanoi.

an interview with nguyen thi thuy linh

Sophomore Sydney Edgecomb and her Vietnamese pen pal, Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh meet in front on a bridge in Ho Chi Minh.

Q: Have you ever been to America?

A: No, but I want to come.

Q: What is your favorite American food?

A: Pizza.

Right: (Clockwise from left to right) Chaperons Meghan Roarty and Kevin Shertzer, sophomore Jack Fry, seniors Tyler Hurley, Dani Abrams and Gabby Campbell, junior Clara Hillis and sophomore Sophia Bakaev eat lunch at MOI!

Q: What is one American hobby or sport you wish you could try?

A: I really want to try to ride a horse. They are one of my favorite animals.

the pen pal program

Q: What do your parents do?

A: My mother and father own a glass shop in the market.

by sydney edgecomb After a three-hour bus ride to Los Angeles, a 15-hour flight to Taipei, and a three-hour flight to Hanoi, seven Laguna students, history instructor Kevin Shertzer, and AP psychology instructor Megan Roarty finally arrived in the International Hanoi Airport, starting a ten-day trip to Vietnam.

Shaking off any remaining jet lag, the group entered the airconditioned bus, met Q, the tour guide and translator, and started touring the city.

By visiting historical sites such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh lies, the group got to see the daily life of the Vietnamese from a different perspective.

To further learn about Vietnamese culture, each student was given the opportunity to connect with Vietnamese college students through a pen pal program.

After exchanging emails weeks before the trip, the Vietnamese students and the Laguna students got to meet their pen pals and spend an afternoon exploring the city with the ones who know it best. This writer conducted an interview with pen pal Nguyễn Thị Thùy Linh, a freshman at Hanoi University, to discuss her life story including her school experience in Vietnam.

Q: How do you get into a university in Vietnam?

A: When you are a senior in high school, you take a big test with everyone else; and you get in if you do very well.

Q: Do you live on the campus or do you travel there everyday?

A: I live at home with my parents and take my bike to school everyday. It is around 15 minutes on a bike to get to school.

Q: What classes do you take? Do you enjoy school?

A: I am studying tourism and English. I take classes from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon. I don’t like school at all. I know I have to take classes for my future but I would much rather be sleeping.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Vietnam?

A: I have no idea. I really like the food I guess, but also the people are really nice.

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photos: sydney edgecomb & kevin shertzer

campus clubs finish strong youth 4 direct relief and the entrepreneurship club make a difference on and off campus by mathew goldsholl

photo: tara broucqsault

photo: moji ghodoussi

Following a presentation from Holley Malia, President and Founder of Grey Matter Marketing, members of the Entrepreneur class gather in the Rugg Room for a group photo. Clockwise from left to right: Tyler Hurley, Armon Ghodoussi, Travis Fristoe, Henry Farrell, Pierce O’Donnell, Holley Malia, Théo Berriet, Chris Costantino, and Mathew Goldsholl. Right: Armon Ghodoussi invited Lynda Weinman to Laguna and acted as host to the 30-minute “fireside chat” during an Upper School assembly.

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any clubs on campus don’t actually do anything. Come on, admit it. You’re probably president of one (or three).

However, two clubs, Youth4Direct Relief (Y4DR) and the Entrepreneurship Club, have both been highly active this year, one engaging in serving the community and the other providing students with a chance to learn about business skills from highly successful CEOs. Youth4Direct Relief has a strong leadership team, led by presidents senior Phoebe Madsen, junior Henry Farrell, sophomores Julia Fay and Sophia Fay. The club raises funds in the fall through a coin drive. Members place large jars, one for each grade level, inside the library and students can donate by dropping their change in the jars.

“We raise money for different areas that have gone through natural disasters or for areas that need medical supplies. We raised money to help with Ebola in Africa. We also raised money for supplies for midwives in Africa as well,” said Sophia.

In the spring, the club participates in an event with the Dream Foundation called Flower Empower.

Flower Empower is a program that delivers hope and compassion in the form of beautiful bouquets to those in need.

Several days each week, groups of volunteers prepare dozens of arrangements using donated flowers, and then make deliveries to hospitals, hospices, cancer centers and personal residences.

“People donate money to buy flowers for other people and Direct Relief delivers flowers to those people.

Our club, along with other high-school Y4DR clubs helped to raise $22,000 this year,” said Sophia.

The Entrepreneurship Club, founded and led by senior Armon Ghodoussi, hosts seminars every few months in which they invite speakers from industry to speak on leadership and entrepreneurship.

Club members take field trips to local businesses, host assemblies and invite speakers to class. Speakers have included Hani Zeini, the former President of Sientra, and Holley Malia, President and Founder of Grey Matter Marketing.

“I believe the club was extremely successful this year, considering the caliber of our guests. We lined up many guests for the Entrepreneurship Club and I hope that next year we continue and build on the momentum. The club’s success is also measured by how many signed up this year. I have over 85 club members, which is the highest club membership on campus,” Armon said.

Armon hosted two assemblies in which he interviewed the speakers: the first featured Lynda Weinman, the former CEO of lynda.com; and the next one featured Angel Martinez, the CEO of Deckers.

Angel Martniez had a profound effect on junior Joan Curran.

“He inspired me to try to create a program at Laguna that will help students learn basic life skills to prepare them for college and for life in general.” Her program is working toward a monthly lesson during advisory period.

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journalism, evaluations & awards

by aura carlson & rose houglet photo: aura carlson

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itting in the Sacramento Room at Most contests have three judges who 1-4 with 4 being the highest) in simple the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, review and score entries, awarding and clear editorial statement, unique sophomores Aura Carlson and Rose Honorable Mentions, Excellent or Superior approach, effective conveyance of a Houglet, freshman Jack Stein and faculty Awards. message, wit and conventions, and 3s adviser Trish McHale anxiously await the Finally, it was time for the in artistic ability, quality of drawing and results of the Write-off contests for the Editorial Cartooning awards to be simplicity of line.

Editorial Cartooning category. announced.

“Being a freshman, and competing Following two days of attending sessions, The Honorable Mention and Excellent against such talented artists, I was sure that ranging from photography, to InDesign, Award winners were announced, but no I had no chance, but I was wrong. When to editorial leadership and op-ed writing, Jack Stein. they called my name, I was surprised and Jack headed to the Wilshire Suite G thrilled to have won such a prestigious to participate in the Write-off contest. award,” Jack said.

“When I first walked in, the Write-offs were not the only teacher was talking and everyone was activity available to the group of 11 completely silent, and I was like 10 students (five from yearbook, seven minutes late. I thought I was going from journalism and two from both) to lose because everyone else was who attended this year’s conference. prepared and on time [whereas] I felt On each day of the annual JEA/ unprepared and late,” Jack said.

NSPA Journalism Conference, Jack sat down next to a man he students could choose from hundreds described as “tall with a dark bushy of sessions to attend. beard and piercing eyes . . . the man They also had the choice of going art: jack stein carried with him a wooden box filled out to lunch or eating in at the hotel. with expensive drawing equipment As part of the conference, students such as pencils and water colors, and attended this year’s keynote speaker, he had a sketch pad of high quality Jack sat down next to a man he Jose Antonio Vargas, who is an paper. On the other hand, I had the pen described as “tall with a dark bushy immigration rights activist. that I brought from the hotel room and Vargas discussed immigration beard and piercing eyes” printer paper from the hotel printer.” focusing on his personal experience The official topic of the editorial of being a Filipino immigrant and cartooning contest was school his elevating the conversation about uniforms. Jack, with his hotel pen in hand, “Well, there go all my chances of immigration and citizenship in America began to draw. winning,” Jack said just as the first recipient through his non-profit, Define American.

After having participated in the contests, of the Superior Award was announced: When asked about her last JEA participants can pick up their entry during “Jack Stein from Laguna Blanca School.” experience, senior Luisa Cameron said, the awards ceremony and read the judges’ In spite of being late and feeling “It was great to experience the conference comments. unprepared, Jack earned 4s (on a scale of with the next generation of journalists.”

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the

sine of a major

problem by kailea hieshima

The other day, I was out to lunch with a friend (yes, I have those) and we had just gotten the bill — $23, I think.

Anyway, she immediately pulled out her phone to calculate the tip with an app, when I said that the tip was going to be $4 plus a little bit of change.

Bewildered, she asked how in the world I had done that so fast, but the rest isn’t pertinent.

What really struck me was not the fact that she relied on her phone to calculate a simple tip — it was the fact that she didn’t even know how to calculate a tip on her own.

And so I come to the subject of this piece: What’s the point of learning calculus and statistics, and other advanced math if we don’t even know how to calculate 20 percent?

It’s not a simple problem.

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The solution is very complex. It can’t be solved by just removing all advanced math classes — as much as I hate to say it; they greatly expand college and career paths and are necessary in many jobs.

But what about the people who know they want to go to art school or major in English? They don’t need to know how to calculate logs and limits. When are they going to need to know how to do that while they study ancient literature? Answer: probably never.

And, on top of all this, in daily life (outside of school), we really only need simple addition, multiplication, division etc.

We don’t walk around trying to figure out what the square root of 246 is or how to factor polynomials — if we did, that would be a sad, sad life.

And it seems like, for me anyway, the increasingly difficult concepts in advanced classes are just overpowering much more relevant information like what 10 + 9 equals — apparently 21.

I have a crazy idea — what if we have a class that teaches students how to solve real-world problems?

How to calculate a tip, for example. We could keep all of these advanced subjects, but still know how to function as an adult. It would be called: Adulting 105.

I’m not saying that all of these advanced math classes are stupid and worthless — I’m just saying that we need to learn how to balance real world and advanced concepts.

And, most importantly, please learn how to calculate a tip — then you can do whatever you want.

the murder of stanley kowlaski by frances carlson

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photo: tara broucqsault

English instructor Blake Dorfman in costume for the zombie apocalypse activity.

ver wonder how detectives solve mysteries? Yes? Well, on CSI Day, the eighth graders learned how to investigate a murder case.

The annual CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) event took place on May 10.

Two years ago, English instructor Carol Nordgaarden was inspired to create this out-of-classroom event.

Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” which Nordgaarden’s students read in class, connects to the CSI Day because it highlights a crime scene investigation and a trial. Like the characters of the book, eighth graders got to examine a crime scene.

“We set up an on-campus crime scene, wrote the back-story of what happened, and created a set of suspects all from Laguna faculty and staff,” Nordgaarden said.

The event started with a visit from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff.

Students listened to details of the Laguna laptop robbery in 2011.

Then, everyone assembled into detective agency groups and went through a series of scientific approaches to solve the made-up mystery.

Nordgaarden describes the process of figuring out the fictional murderer: “[the class used] fingerprint and handwriting analysis, forensic psychology, probability on who the suspect is, flame tests, and robotic retrieval.”

After using this forensic evidence, listening to guest speakers and going to five different activities, the students found their answer.

The day ended with a bang. Literally. The eighth graders were surprised with a real life Bomb Squad visit and explosion.

“It was interesting to see how real detective agencies in Santa Barbara and all around the world actually work,” said eighth grader Sydney Hlavaty. photo: zoë jaye

SCOOPS for wishes by frances carlson and madeleine nicks

(Clockwise from left to right, front row) Sixth graders George Nicks, Ava Rice, Amara Murphy, Madeleine Nicks, Frances Carlson (Back row) Emma Eades, Connor Koke, Diego Arroyo, Zoe Temple, Catie Fristoe, Maura Jaye and Abbie Delwiche hold up posters in front of SCOOPS during the fundraiser.

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hen thinking about inventive charity events, the first thing that came to the sixth graders’ minds was ice cream — specifically gelato and sorbet.

The Middle School advisory program requires each house to participate in a service-learning project.

The sixth grade House, Santa Rosa, decided to hold a fundraiser called “Scoops for Wishes” in association with SCOOP, a locally-run gelato shop, to support the

Make A Wish Foundation.

Head of house, Madeleine Nicks, who has connections with SCOOP’s owners, Ellie and Bob Patterson, came up with an idea for a fundraiser.

On May 15, Scoop donated 20 percent of their proceeds to the Make A Wish Foundation. To publicize the event, their digital artist created and designed a poster to hang up around Santa Barbara.

On the day of the event, students helped

out by convincing pedestrians to buy gelato and handing out posters to the community.

By the end of the day, the sixth graders had raised $500 through the donation jar alone with the event being published in the Montecito and Hope Ranch Journal.

When asked about her thoughts on the day, sixth grader Maura Jaye said, “It’s so amazing to have so much fun and at the same time be able to make a difference in the world.”

graphics: jack stein and bea tolan

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t’s a man’s world — a man’s virtual world, that is. When you hear the word “gamer,” chances are that you, along with most of the country, are picturing a man.

Statistically, however, this really isn’t the case.

In fact, the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world, found that of the 60 percent of Americans who play videogames, 48 percent are women.

This completely discredits the idea that playing videogames is exclusively a male activity.

However, a whopping 60 percent of Americans believe that gaming is solely a male activity, revealing that a large portion of female gamers, who make up close to half of its fan base, believe that videogames are a man’s sport.

Both the game development industry and its audience are affected by this longstanding, ingrained idea that videogames

are primarily reserved for men.

In an interview in USA Today, game developer Laralyn McWilliams said that “the alienation is more subconscious than active.”

This subconscious, seemingly unintentional mindset ultimately breeds a negative affect on the industry, with only 24 percent of game-developers being either women, transgender or androgynous according to the International Game Developers Association.

Games cater heavily to a male audience, and are created primarily by men, so women end up feeling somewhat like outsiders— and that’s the best case scenario.

The world has been seeing the worstcase scenario for years, in the form of something called Gamergate.

Gamergate is the term for an Internet war that started in 2013: It is a fight between the people who believe in an allinclusive, equal world for creative people to create entertaining videogames versus a multitude of racist, sexist Internet trolls

who believe that game design should be limited to its fan base— what they beilieve is the white man.

Tensions between the people celebrating equality and the Internet trolls became tense when female game developer Zoe Quinn, the creator of a controversial indie game called “Depression Quest,” was accused by her former boyfriend of infidelity with an influential video-game critic to obtain publicity for her game.

Quinn received a multitude of deaththreats over Twitter.

Brianna Wu, the transgender founder of the independent development studio, Giant Spacekat, tweeted, “You cannot have 30 years of portraying women as bimbos, sex objects, second bananas, cleavage-y eye candy. Eventually it normalizes this treatment of women. And I think something is really sick and broken in our culture.”

Almost immediately, Wu received similar death threats, which amount to 45 in-depth threats, causing her to contact police, not leave her home for weeks at a

the misconception, misrepresentation and mistreatment of women in the video game industry by jack stein & bea tolan 12

time and put her home into full lockdown.

Polygon, a culture-focused gaming website, reported that at E3 2014, one of the world’s largest gaming and tech conferences, there were “more severed heads than female speakers.”

Remarkably, the multitude of cut-off appendages used for marketing games such as Assassin’s Creed Unity, The Witcher, and Mortal Kombat outnumbered the five women and three people of color who, among many more white men, spoke at the event.

Companies such as Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo were all represented, but mostly by men.

While a man representing a company isn’t a problem in and of itself, it represents a larger problem plaguing the gaming community: the condemnable

lack of diverse female and racial representation.

Students in the Laguna Blanca community, gamers or not, recognize the unrealistic female body images depicted in videogames.

“Women in videogames have impossible bodies,” senior Chandler Aubrey said.

Senior Travis Fristoe tagged to his statement saying, “guys in videogames, they’re the kind of guys you can see on the street.”

Gamers and developers, regardless of their gender, are raising their voices in outrage at the sexism that we see every day.

From Zoe Quinn to Laralyn McWilliams, people are recognizing the problem and moving to find a solution.

Game developers have taken leaps forward

on the path toward gender equality in the past years.

Lara Croft, the protagonist of the wildly popular adventure game franchise Tomb Raider, is a character famously oversexualized.

However, according to Rachel Kowert & Johannes Breuer, authors of a longitudinal study on the relationship between video game use and sexist attitudes called “Sexist Games=Sexist Gamers?” reported that “Lara is making a change for the better.”

The coauthors said in an interview with ResearchGate that, “in the successful reboot of the franchise, Lara Croft no longer seems to be the stereotypical sexy action heroine that she was in the first games of the series. Today, she has much more depth and, consequently, offers more potential for identification with different players.”

Despite setbacks, it would seem that games are taking steps in the right direction.

Lara Croft is just the first in what female game developers, and supporters of equal rights everywhere, hope will be a long line of strong female lead characters in big-budget videogames.

Game journalist Sam Maggs, said that, “there are more female-lead titles than ever in games.”

While there are some who believe this should never happen, that number is rapidly shrinking, as game developing companies around the world are working on ushering in a new era in video gaming: the era of equality.

The controversy on educational accommodations by carina tedesco

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or Sanford Newmark, head of the pediatric integrative neurodevelopmental program at the University of California, San Francisco, there is no question. “We diagnose too fast.”

While acknowledging that ADD and ADHD are valid and significant disabilities, Newmark questions the treatments that the majority of diagnosed youth in the US are currently receiving.

For kids and teens who are accurately diagnosed with ADD and ADHD, Newmark, along with other specialists on the subject, believes that prescribing medication, the primary treatment plan today, is not always the most successful solution.

One opportunity for youth with documented learning differences, mandated by law to be used by schools in the US, is to receive classroom accommodations.

This law is called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and was originally enacted by Congress in 1975.

Although the act was established over 40 years ago, it has been revised multiple times, most recently in 2006.

IDEA ensures that students with learning or other disabilities receive an equivalent education to those without disabilities.

Thus, IDEA requires schools to provide classroom accommodations for all kids who qualify.

The accommodations are as follows: Instead of taking notes by hand, one may record lessons, be given notes, and be allowed to type notes or assignments. Tests may be taken over several days, or in a different setting, such as a quiet room or one without windows.

Extra time and shorter word count requirements may be allowed for papers and essays.

By leveling the playing field, these accommodations are given with a primary goal of allowing disabled students to achieve their highest potentials.

The accommodations continue into college, where the number of college and university students labeled as learning disabled has nearly doubled in the last 10 years. The rate at which these numbers have increased is far greater than that of any other disability to date.

Today, one in every 50 college students receives academic service due to ADD, ADHD, dyslexia or other learning differences. With this increasing number of academic accommodations comes a newfound controversy surrounding what is recognized as a legitimate diagnosis.

From professors and teachers to students without accommodations, many believe that classroom accommodations are doing the opposite of creating a fair game.

Organizations that administer national tests such as the SAT and ACT have been criticized in the media for their policies on accommodations, and the American Association of University Professors published calls for reforms on IDEA. By law, learning disabilities are c:

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defined as “difficulty in staying focused and paying attention, difficulty in controlling behavior, and hyperactivity, difficulty in understanding or using spoken or written language, mathematical calculations, and coordinate movements.”

Students are diagnosed with learning disabilities by licensed psychologists or doctors, but since the definitions of these disabilities are vague and there is no standard national test to diagnose, some scholars argue that not all diagnoses are legitimate. That being said, a diagnosis, whether legitimate or not, is not easily obtained — nor should it be.

Laguna Blanca’s academic services coordinator, Rose Steeber, explains that “for a student to get accommodations, there is a really strong, long battery of tests that need to be taken. It is called a psycho-educational evaluation, and it is composed of two separate types of exams. The first is a standard IQ test. The second battery of tests are called achievement tests, and those measure how students learn. Clinicians take the scores of the tests and compare them. If the IQ test score is high, and the achievement test scores are low, there must be a reason, and that is what the doctor looks for.”

Not only do the diagnostic exams take a large amount of time, but they also cost a great amount of money: evaluations cost between $500 and $2500, according to the Learning Disabilities Association of America. So why has the number of learning disabled students risen so quickly in the last decade?

One reason attributed to the answer of this question is a recent focus that psychologists have had on learning differences and the results of their research on the topic.

This newborn focus has sparked a change in the law, broadening the federal law’s definition of learning disabilities.

A more commercial reason is that some psychologists are advertising their diagnostic services with a main message that a learning disability diagnosis promises extra time on the SAT and other academic benefits.

News organizations such as ABC News and USA today have commented on the topic, broadcasting that it is possible to “buy” an illegitimate diagnosis in order to gain academic benefits.

The College Board, which conducts the SAT, has also commented. In its report, “The Impact of Flagging on the Admission Process: Policies, Practices, and Implications,” it stated that, “There is some manipulation of the admission and testing systems. Students who abuse the process are actually hurting more than helping themselves. Some parents seek what is perceived as an advantage for their children. Some professionals are contributing to the abuse by writing suspicious documentation.”

When asked about illegitimate cases at Laguna Blanca, Steeber quickly denied, saying, “In my experience, I have students who more often don’t want to use the accommodations because they don’t want to have the stigma. I have been doing this for six years, and out of my six years, I have only encountered two situations which I would say were not quite legit.”

Continuing to speak of the uneasiness Laguna students have about accepting accommodations, Steeber said, “I have to convince students that it is really the same as needing eyeglasses.

If you’re nearsighted, you don’t walk around saying ‘I don’t need glasses, I’ll just make do.’ The accommodations are the reading glasses; they are supposed to help the person get to the potential he or she can reach.”

As science continues to research the way we learn, our society, according to Mel Levine, author of “A Mind at a Time,” is beginning to “pay a heavy price for misunderstood kids.”

STRENGTH OF AMERICA AWARD

SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS AT LAGUNA SUMMER TENNIS CAMP

ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE CAMP

June 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 Monday-Thursday: 9AM-3PM Friday: 9AM-Noon Laguna Blanca Tennis Facility $450 per week

July 18, 19, 21, 22 8:30AM-Noon For students ages 12-18 Laguna Blanca Merovick Gymnasium & Chase Fields $175 per camper

Intermediate level players entering Grades 7-9 will gain confidence in their game and build a strong foundation for competitive high school tennis. Taught by certified tennis professional and Laguna Blanca boys’ tennis coach Trevor Thorpe.

• Safe training practices: nutritional guidelines, exercise and spotting techniques • Various movement patterns: agility, jumping, sprinting • Resistance training: bodyweight, bands, and medicine balls

Laguna Blanca School and Coach SHANE LOPES have been recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association from the NSCA.

FOOTBALL SKILLS & TRAINING CAMP July 25, 26, 28, 29 8:30AM-Noon Laguna Blanca Merovick Gymnasium & Chase Fields $175 per camper Students in Grades 6-12 will learn safe methods of training the mind and body for the game of football.

They will develop specific skills and techniques for offensive and defensive positions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER, VISIT LAGUNABLANCA.ORG.

n d l.

lacrosse players face adversity by philip fauntleroy

graphic: sonya kotler

Sophomore Aidan O’Donnell cradling the ball as he tries to avoid a check from a Hart player in a close home game.

The Owls Lacrosse team didn’t have the start of the sophomore Will McCormick said. season that they hoped for. They started off with a The Dos Pueblos game was neck and neck, but record of 0-6 but this record didn’t show how with Laguna slowing down in the third quarter, hard the team had actually fought every single Dos Pueblos won with the score of 14-10. game.

The following game was a much The Owl’s home opener was against anticipated because the Owls were playing San Marcos. The Owls and the Royals their biggest rivals, the Cate Rams. both fought hard and at the end of the first The team went into this game with high Aidan O’Donnell quarter the score was 4-2. San Marcos held hopes but Cate ended up winning 17-3.

38 goals the upper hand.

This game was the Owls worst game Christian Fowler At the end of the second quarter, the score of their season.

33 goals was 7-4 with Laguna still hanging on.

After after taking a hard loss, they won Anton Homeniuk After a hard fought first half the Owls started two games in a row 19 goals to slowly do worse in the second quarter with First winning against Dos Pueblos and San Marcos winning 11-4 at the end of the third then playing the Dunn Earwigs and beating quarter. them 26-1 with everyone playing well After this third quarter the Owls started to throughout these two games. wake up by outscoring San Marcos 4-3 in the After these games, the Owls played San fourth quarter ending the game with a final Marcos for a second time. They were very score of 14-8. hopeful after a tough loss the first time at After starting slow in the home opener, the home.

Owls wanted revenge playing their second game The Owls ended up losing the second against Simi Valley. game 15-2, but they didn’t have all of their This was a well-played game from the Owls and players. After the end of this game, they they just came up short, losing 15-14. had to play against Simi Valley again in their The Owls’ record after this game was 0-2; and second to last game of the season. after this devastating loss, they were trying to get their The Owls fell just short losing that game 14-13 first win. with a great comeback that almost got them the Next, they played Santa Barbara High School and game. They played against Santa Barbara High in their this ended up being a high-scoring game with the Owls last game. They went in hoping that they’d finish strong, losing 15-10. but ended up losing by three with a final score of 14-11.

After this, the Owls had to play Hart and the game “I believe we accomplished becoming a team more came down to a last-minute goal scored by Hart to win the than anything,” said sophomore forward Aidan O’Donnell game with a final score of 5-4. on the season stating.

“After these two close losses, we were angry and really hoping “We faced a lot of adversity as far as having healthy guys at for better luck in our game against cross town rival Dos Pueblos,” practice and we are much better because of it.”

boys tennis season soars

underclassmen provided strong play during the season while hosting several matches on our home tennis courts by pierce o’donnell

After coming up just games short of a trip to the CIF Quarterfinals in a 9-9 loss in games a year ago, the boys tennis team returned the nucleus of its squad with hopes of making another run in May. Unfortunately, despite a 12-4 record and a top-10 divisional ranking behind the senior leadership of Phillip Hicks, Kylan Tyng and Atty Roddick, the Owls were ruled ineligible for CIF playoffs due to strict regulations on freelance entries after the Condor League disbanded for tennis.

“It was a shame that we didn’t get a playoff bid because this team really could have gone far,” said senior captain and no. 1 singles standout Hicks. “We still had a very successful season and got some great wins.”

Atty Roddick

Laguna’s win over Santa for a win and Jason [Barnick] Ynez was the marquee and Victor [Liu] reached out victory of the season as the and grabbed it for us with their Owls defeated the 2014 CIF excellent doubles play.”

Champion Pirates in a 10-8 The Owls also routed crossshootout. town rival Carpinteria twice “I’m and former incredibly happy Condor “It was a shame to have this win that we didn’t get a League and to see the opponent playoff bid because Dunn progress our team has made thrice in this team really in the first month convincing could have gone of the season,” fashion said head coach far.” behind Trevor Thorpe. solid team -phillip hicks play before He continued, “Alex Furukawa hosting played a terrific Lompoc in first round match against the their final home game. the Santa Ynez no. 1, and In a highly anticipated Phillip Hicks played his most match between Laguna and the intelligent tennis of the season. playoff-bound Conquistadors, When these two get it right, the Owls stormed their way our team is always in the hunt to a 13-5 victory on Senior

Kylan Tyng

Day behind the singles play of seniors Hicks and Tyng and a crucial victory by Roddick and Wakelin McNeel in doubles.

The victory notched the team a .750 winning percentage on the season, just shy of the .800 mark that CIF-SS requires for freelance teams to make the playoffs.

Though the Owls will be losing Hicks, Roddick, Tyng and newcomer Wakelin McNeel as they transition into the offseason, the strong play of underclassmen Furukawa, Liu, Barnick and Andrew Tolles provide a lot of hope for the Owls moving forward.

“It was my first year playing with the Owls and I was incredibly grateful that I got to play and glad we had fun doing it,” sophomore Cameron Squire said.

Alex Furukawa photos: carson shevitz

girls beach volleyball rolls their competition by pierce o’donnell

Great competition between the Owls and local rivals the SB Dons on our brand new pristine beach volleyball courts. (below) Sophomore Caylin Zimmerman in action reaching high and placing the volleyball over the net against tough competition.

Despite a roster with only contributing on the fives team one senior and a pair of including Kathryn Norris, juniors, the underclassmen Maddie Walker and Most Owls stormed to a secondImproved Player Margaux place league finish with several Murphy. wins over much bigger schools “I look up to the older girls and older opponents. on the team as role models and Other than suffering a pair of I look forward to playing beach close losses next year,” to Santa said.

“I look up to the older Walker Barbara As if High, graduating girls on the team as the girls only three rolled their role models and I look players over competition forward to playing the next two en route years wasn’t beach next year.” to another a good -maddie walker enough sign winning season with of success a pair of 4-1 to come, wins over Oxnard and Ventura, the Owls are also bolstered a 3-2 win over Dos Pueblos on the sand by Laguna’s and a 5-0 route over San extremely strong indoor Marcos in the season finale. volleyball program in the fall The Owls were led by junior and the majority of the team’s Maddy Nicolson and MVP participation in club volleyball sophomore Laurel Kujan as throughout the winter and the ones team, lone senior spring.

Phoebe Madsen and Caylin Laguna is a force to be Zimmerman as the twos, reckoned with as its strong sophomores Kelly Bickett class of sophomores transitions and Sophia Fay as the threes, into a stalwart of veteran Kendall White and Julia Fay as leaders for both the indoor and the fours and a mix of players sand programs.

boys varsity volleyball finishes strong by kelly bickett

photos: carson shevitz

Owls Timeout: Members of the Owls varsity volleyball team huddle together in Merovick Gym to talk strategies.

Coming off of losing in the semifinals last season, the Owls were looking forward to redemption in this coming season. They have had a long road of victories from their first practices in the beginning of February to finishing strong in the California Interscholastic Federation.

To make up for the loss of all but four varsity players, freshmen Charlie MacNeil, Kyle Aitcheson and Sam Stegall and sophomores Spencer Rycroft and Miles McGovern had to step up their game to meet the high intensity game mentality.

MacNeil — especially, had the biggest adjustment to make because he not only had to rise to the fast pace of high school volleyball, but he also had to change positions from outside hitter to starting libero.

“Switching positions was a hard adjustment especially in the intense tournament games where we played Division I and II schools,” Charlie said.

“With the help of my older, and more experienced teammates, I learned new styles and techniques to help adjust to the new position and also to rise to match the high intensity of the game.”

The boys started off their season with a home opening match against Foothill Tech; the Owls swept the Division III team in three.

From there, they beat two top-10 teams from higher divisions such as Viewpoint (Number 10 in Division III) and St. Margaret’s (Number 2 in Division IV) which moved their ranking up to number 2 in Division V. Seniors Pierce O’Donnell and Philip Fauntleroy have a very special connection on the court.

Setter Pierce O’Donnell

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“Pierce O’Donnell was an all CIF libero last year and I asked him to set for us this year and he has done a really great job.

Setting is the most difficult position, and he has gotten better and better,” said coach John Roberts. “Philip is a very dynamic outside hitter. He is probably our quickest jumper in other words he gets up to the hitting zone and reaches real high the quickest of any of our hitters. In volleyball the connection between the setter and the hitter is all about time. Philip and Pierce’s connection is very consistent and strong. We are still getting better from the left side and getting better at Philip hitting a pipe. It is still a work in progress.”

The Owls didn’t stop there, but continued to win every match they played including making it to the finals of both the San Louis Obispo and Chadwick Tournaments.

By playing, beating, and making it to the finals in both of these hard tournaments—where they played Division I, II, and III teams such as Bishop Montgomery, Torrance, Chadwick, Ventura, and San Louis Obispo—really helped boost the team’s overall confidence on the court.

Throughout their season, the boys have shown high-intensity work ethics, competitiveness and determination.

They were undefeated at home and in league, holding an overall record of 24-4. After advancing through the first couple of rounds, the Owls came from behind to win the quarter-finals on the road.

They hosted a strong El Rancho team in the semi-finals in front of a packed Merovick Gym. With a 3-0 sweep, the Owls earned our first trip to the CIF Finals in Boys Volleyball.

Libero Charlie MacNeil

Dear Seniors,

T

he time to leave the nest has arrived. For years now, you have been a collective group of teens spending your days, and even nights, together attending classes, studying, rehearsing, practicing and hanging out.

Throughout your journey here you have been challenged by various forms of adversity and have also been exposed to new insights.

As a result, you have grown and transformed into the fine young men and women you are today; now ready to pursue new destinations.

For the rest of your life, you will be an adult and you will develop new relationships with other adults who, too, have their own unique backgrounds.

What you will find, however, is that only a select group of people in this world can say they knew you before you were an adult, back when you spent your time at the “nest.”

Among other faculty and staff at Laguna, I had the distinct pleasure of knowing you as teenagers; the final phase of life before adulthood.

Your freshman year happened to be my first year at Laguna and although we have been fellow Owls in the same community, you have been the student and I have been the “Dean Coach.”

Not anymore. From this point on, we are fellow adults.

Before you take flight, I leave you with this… with knowledge and wisdom, comes responsibility. What you know only has value if you act on it.

Consider what you have learned and gained thus far and apply it. Only you have control over how you spend your time and treat others.

You have my word that I will not call you in my office again when you are late, have missed class, driven too fast or have spoken out of turn.

It is up to you now to lead yourself. Please know that I have full confidence in your ability to do so.

All of us at the nest believe in you and are so proud of you.

Now, it’s time for you to fly. Journey well and remember: the sky is the limit.

~ Shane

The class of 2016 headed to El Capitan Beach on the last day of their senior retreat in September.

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most likely to . . . win the lottery & lose the ticket

win an Oscar for Best Director

star in Kylan’s award-winning movie

KYLAN

BEA

become a famous Parisian photographer

become a famous installation artist

make billions on Wall Street

be the voice of the Los Angeles Lakers

play for the Los Angeles Lakers

share the major keys with the world

be a worldrenowned vet and animal rescuer

become a CEO of a Fortune 500 company

produce Wakelin’s Platinum album

be the head of PR at Tom Ford

be a model at Tom Ford

be a Shark on “Shark Tank”

be the host of his own talk show

MAX

CHARIS

PHILIP

CHANDLER

MARK

ARMON

get a custommade suit for our reunion and then miss the reunion

HENRY

RENAE

JOSÉ

LEXI

EMILY

TRAVIS

set the record for largest wingspan at NJIT

CHRIS

become a ninja

SAGE

be a Broadway star

TYLER

VALERIA

name his kid ‘America’

be an orthopedic surgeon

CHRISTIAN

JOHN

ATTICUS

simultaneously become a Poet Laureate and a professional wrestler

become the next Charlie’s Angels

ROBERT

be a princess

save ALL the sharks with Norbert by his side

rescue Phillip from multiple shark attacks at sea

go Platinum in R&B

PHILLIP

CARSON

be a professional video gamer

build a heart with stem cells

be a tenured professor of classic literature

be a conspiracy theorist

design the future

BEN

23

THÉO

own the Greenbay Packers

DANI

be a cartoon artist for The New Yorker

ISAAC

be “gossip girl”

VICTORIA

MADDIE

DARWIN

BJÖRN

RUBY

have her paintings in the Louvre

GABBY PAYTON SARAH

MIKEY

be a stand-up comedian on Travis’ TV show

open her own yoga studio

PHOEBE

LUISA

WAKELIN

CAMERON

be the President of the United States of America

PIERCE

be the boss of something JACQUELINE

most likely to succeed

CLASS OF 2016

remember freshman year Sage “Aye Papi” Pickering Gnidus breaks his leg Gnidus gets concussed John and Lexi are dating for a year Mark and Emily Lafitte date for 6 minutes Maddie Sokolove enrolls at SBHS Chandler taken off the market Pierce and JQ the “shley” Two shirts reigned supreme Hunter Cong and the Bobcat Boys had cooties Phoebe refuses the honor of biggest flirt

sophomore year Ren some Bios Pierce got swoll Mark plays football “Do you wanna go somewhere err . . . what?”

Maddie’s Bashes Dani searches for Eric Aubery enrolls in Laguna Blanca Hallow nights ft. Darwin Miguel and Philip Hicks Bill leaves Travis cuts through butter with a hot knife Under the pier with Kylan

24 24

r when . . . junior year Pierce and Emily Sienna gets a puppy from Craigslist Pierce gets more swoll Pierce goes pin-dropping Christian and Juria Wakelin joins Laguna “Lunch in my truck with Turquoise Eyes” The French invasion Bjorn goes for the Turtleneck The Prom-Asking Frenzy Miles Crist becomes Powerful Tyler becomes “Jimmy” Sage bumps a Bentley Theo founds the Baguette Club

senior year

John, Chan, Robert and Pierce complete the Long Haul Tyler, Chan and John join the squad Gabby makes her return Sarah and Payton say ShangHI to Laguna Captain Carson, the Seaman Darwin and Melissa are cute Dani, Emily and Phe lead volleyball to the state finals John and Lexi still goin strong Pierce scores 30 points...in a half Tyler squats… a lot Kylan wins 10-10-10 Boys Football goes 6-0, Beats Orcutt Cameron hears a who Bea’s been in every show Pierce is born to go to prom with Laurel Lexi takes several for the team Max and Ei Norbert takes a field trip

25

back to the future

we interviewed kindergarteners and first graders about their perception of high school search -camila lemere- on youtube or thefourthestate.net to see the video

26

CONGRADS

CALIFORNIA

ART CENTER Luisa Cameron CAL POLY SLO Payton Hassan CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY Gabby Campbell Sage Pickering Carson Shevitz CLAREMONT MCKENNA Phoebe Madsen SAN DIEGO STATE Darwin Miguel SANTA MONICA CC

Henry Courtemanche UC BERKELEY Sarah Dillemuth UC LOS ANGELES Robert Estrada Armon Ghodoussi UC SANTA BARBARA Mikey Hawker USC Emily Lafitte Maddie Sokolove UNIVERSITY SAN DIEGO Tyler Hurley UNIVERSITY SAN FRANCISCO

Isaac Baron Ben Rios

COLORADO BOULDER Mark Brown Christian Fowler Atty Roddick

CONNECTICUT YALE UNIVERSITY Phillip Hicks

FRANCE

ESAG PENNINGHEN Charis Monrose

GEORGIA EMORY Jacqueline Berci

ILLINOIS SAIC Victoria Huang

MAINE

BOWDOIN COLLEGE Dani Abrams

MASSACHUSETTS

BOSTON UNIVERSITY Valeria Romo HARVARD UNIVERSITY Pierce O’Donnell NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Beatrice Tolan

MISSOURI

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY Chandler Aubrey Théo Berriet

John Puzder 27

NEW JERSEY NJIT Chris Costantino

NEW YORK

CORNELL UNIVERSITY Travis Fristoe NYU Max Mayrock Kylan Tyng SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY Renae Mai

TEXAS

SAINT EDWARDS Philip Fauntleroy SMU Lexi Yabsley

VERMONT MIDDLEBURY Cameron Morello

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY OF PUGET SOUND

Ruby Haber

WISCONSIN

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN Björn Lindskog Wakelin McNeel

graphic: bea tolan

a laguna lifer looks back

photo: dee puzder

(Clockwise left to right) Seniors Pierce O’Donnell, Chandler Aubrey, Robert Estrada and John Puzder pose for a picture at prom.

The lifers have been at Laguna together for 13 years.

by pierce o’donnell

A

fter nine incredible, yet admittedly sheltered years at Laguna, I began to wonder if I wanted to leave the comfortable classrooms and conversant classmates to whom I had grown accustomed.

As false notions of larger friend groups and athletic glory lured several of my classmates and me toward a transition to public school, the trite, but true gut feeling inside me told me to stay at Laguna: and that decision has changed my life in the best way possible.

Laguna enabled me to be myself in every single facet of my being by allowing me to pursue all of my intellectual, athletic, and extracurricular interests.

While at other schools I would’ve been pigeonholed into one or two stereotypes, Laguna allowed me to be a scholar, a leader, an athlete, a thespian, a journalist, and a lawyer simultaneously without sacrificing a single aspect of who I am.

Furthermore, Laguna’s tight-knit community and athletic camaraderie not only allowed me to be apart of something much bigger than myself, but also enabled me to share that experience with teammates over a wide-range of ages and grade levels.

As a freshman, I had the honor and privilege of playing

varsity athletics with juniors and seniors, many of whom are some of my closest friends today.

Instead of playing on a freshman team as I would at almost any other school, Laguna allowed me the opportunity to learn from and become friends with upperclassmen as a 14-year old.

And as a senior, I cherish the opportunity I have every practice, workout and game to pass the torch of the team over directly to not just my younger teammates, but more so my younger brothers.

Laguna is more than a school; it is a family. Like any family, there are some members you may only see occasionally and a few you might have never even met at all, but regardless of our individual relationships, we are all bound by something much greater than ourselves.

Something that we may not be able to explain, but something that we cannot possibly ignore. Something that inexplicably and uncontrollably brings us back whether it be for one year, for 13 years, or anywhere in between.

From the relationships we have with our teachers and classmates, to the endless opportunities to succeed that we are given daily, I have been truly blessed to be apart of both the extraordinary school and the one-of-a-kind family that Laguna Blanca is. Thank you.

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How does a teenager really manage their time? From school, to extracurriculars, to the joy of Youtube, to the burden of homework, what do they have to give up in order to succeed?

Of course, among all competing factors, teenagers will simply ignore the most vital necessity — sleep. When competing for a teenager’s time, sleep often comes in last. So what’s to blame?

counting sleep by kailea hieshima & amanda skinner

I

definitely do not get enough sleep. And I’m sure that most of my classmates feel the same way. Most days, I get less than six hours because, let’s be honest, trying to fall asleep is boring. It’s much more fun to waste my life away on Netflix and Youtube. Plus, with homework and extracurriculars, I don’t have time to watch videos, so what choice do I have? Not watch Youtube at all? Ha! Not a chance. In the end, however, this just makes for a very grumpy teenager and, as a result, a very angry mother. And I’m not saying that everything is school’s fault — just 80 percent of it (not really, I just don’t like to take responsibility for my actions).

Anyhow, most days, I don’t even get home before 8:00 p.m., and I definitely don’t have time to start my homework in between. Other days, when I do have time, I somehow always end up procrastinating. Who knew there were so many videos on Youtube. Also, a word of advice: never, ever end up on the ‘dark side’ of Youtube.

Earwax videos are not pleasant, but it is also very hard to click away from them. And, on top of my problems with Netflix and Youtube, many teachers seem to assign more work because they think that students have homework for their class alone.

And on top of the hours of homework every day, most students (including me) have at least one extracurricular that they have to attend after school everyday — hence the reason why I don’t get home until 8:00 p.m.. This isn’t even including the time it takes me to shower, eat and get ready for bed before I can even start homework.

Furthermore, adults seem to think that we’re just being dramatic and that we get plenty of sleep. Well, let’s talk about that. With homework, most nights, I go to sleep around 1:00 a.m.. Then, the next morning, I have to wake up an hour (or more) before school starts, which averages out to around six hours a night. I don’t know about you, but that is not enough sleep for a growing teenager. Maybe for adults, but according to recent studies, teenagers are supposed to get at least nine hours of sleep in order to properly function.

In the end, yes, my lack of sleep is partly my fault, but, like most students, I’m way over scheduled — between school, homework and extracurriculars — which, in the long run, pretty much ruins my sleep schedule and, therefore, my happiness. graphics: sonya kotler

29

The results of our school-wide sleep survey showed that the average 9th grader gets 7 ½ hours, and 10th graders get 6 ¾ hours of sleep during the week.

Averaging to just over 7 hours of sleep per night.

Researchers from University of Oxford, Harvard Medical School, and University of Nevada at Reno found that delaying high school start times to 10:00 a.m. could improve the learning process and result in a decrease in teen health problems.

In 2011, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) found that 69 percent of U.S. high school students get fewer than 8 hours of sleep on school nights and 40 percent get 6 hours of sleep or less.

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) found that teens need at least 8 ½ to 9 ½ hours of sleep each night in order to function properly throughout the day.

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photo: aura carlson graphic: luisa cameron

H

ello my name is my husband’s.

Throughout history, there has been a continuous altering of what names women receive at birth and at marriage. If you were a woman living in Ancient Rome, upon birth, your first name would be the feminine form of your father’s last name. When getting married one would keep her birth name, but also add her husband’s name — you might be referred to, for example, as “Aurelia (wife) of Metellus.”

When looking back on ancient cultures, these different but similar ways of naming provoke questions about our modern day naming choices. By taking your husband’s last name are you unifying your marriage, or are you submitting to being your husband’s possession?

Whichever option you choose — hyphenating, keeping your maiden name, or taking your husband’s last name — there are several reasons why women do or don’t take their husbands’ last names: personal, legal, or professional.

Look at the women around you. Did your mom keep her last name? What about your aunt or grandmother? by For many women, choosing to keep their maiden name is part of a family tradition: growing up with a mother who’s last name is different from her children’s or husband’s influences her daughters into making the same choice.

Men are also affected by familycustoms; in fact, math instructor Erik Faust explained that although his wife took his last name, this “kind of shocked [him].” However, he added, “I was raised by a woman one might consider a classic feminist from the 60s, so as far as I was concerned, I have no sense to think that my wife would change [her] name.”

Women also choose to change their name to their husbands’ for more unique reasons; some didn’t like their maiden names, such as English Department Chair Carol Nordgaarden.

“Probably fewer people when I got married were keeping their own name.

If it were five years later, I probably would have kept mine. I didn’t really like my maiden name, which was Campbell — everybody always said, ‘Campbell Soup.’”

Others, such as Latin instructor Rose Steeber, go by their maiden names on some things and their husbands’ names on others. Steeber explained why she does this: “Because I feel ambivalent about taking my married name. The married name is so different from my maiden name that I feel as though I am compromising part of my identity by using Steeber. I mean think about it, Gebbia, spelled G-e-b-b-i-a, is very different from Steeber.”

emigrate from France. Our first twoyear-old daughter had my husband’s last name before we got married and so we thought the uniformity would make the administrative tasks (visa, passports, etc.) easier,” Maillard said.

If you were to take your partner’s last name, there is always the burden of having to change your professional and/or social media identity but there is also the burden of constantly explaining to coworkers and other people you meet in the world that you have — yes chosen not to take your husband’s last name.

Sometimes your maiden name is so intertwined in your work and social life that you use both names in different situations.

Art instructor Melissa Abrams, who didn’t immediately change her name to her husband’s said, “I was in a professional career before marriage and wanted to remain with the same name because of my contacts knowing me by that name. I also preferred it to my husband’s name.

I also used it to sign my artwork, which began way before meeting my husband, so I was known in the art world as Melissa Seawards. aura carlson & rose houglet After having children, I began to use the name For some women there are legal “Abrams” because that was the name situations that force or strongly given to my children, and it was easier encourage them to change their last because people automatically knew names to their husbands’. Back in the which kids were mine.”

1970s, state laws required a woman to The inconvenience caused by not take her husband’s last name in order having the same last name as one’s to vote, bank or obtain a passport — children is one of the most difficult although it was a woman’s choice parts for women in deciding whether whether or not she took her husband’s or not to change their names. last name, it really wasn’t, because Solutions include the more subtle what woman doesn’t want to have the making of the mother’s name the right to vote? child’s middle name or hyphenating French instructor Maud Maillard, the mother’s and father’s names to experienced a similar situation where form the child’s last name. she was cornered into changing last Regardless of why a woman may names. “I actually wanted to keep my choose to keep or change her last maiden name (Ricard) when I married name, it is no one else’s decision but my husband, but we thought it would her own. After considering what is be easier to move to the US using best professionally and personally, the one/his name since he was the one name a woman carries should be the who got a job here and allowed us to one that makes her happiest.

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teacher’s pet? by kelly bickett & kendall white

An investigation of how Laguna’s students and teachers feel about biased grading.

A

grade is defined as a number or letter that indicates how usually turns in low-quality work might receive a higher grade a student performs in a class or on a test. The question is: than the student who usually turns in high quality work because Do students’ grades really reflect how they performed? work is better than usual for the first student.

“I agonize over grades,” one teacher stated. Students’ grades From the students’ perspective, grading seems somewhat play important roles in where they will end up going to college, biased, but teachers, on the other hand, are trying their best to so grading must be consistent in order to be make the grading process fair. fair. If two different students were to turn in teacher commented on this issue stating, “You subconsciously “I Agrade the same paper, they should receive the exact tests page by page. I think that helps same grade. me be fair. I don’t want to know whose test forgive things in On campus, we set out to learn students’ and grading.” people you like and see I’mOne teachers’ opinions on this topic, investigating solution to biased grading is for mistakes inherently in teachers to cover up the name on the work that if they think teachers grade differently based on whom they’re grading and how they truly are grading. Anonymous grading helps someone who is more of they feel about grading bias. teachers be consistent with how many points a challenge in class.”

Some students have experienced grading they take off of a problem and minimizes bias at our school. One student said, “if a biased thoughts. However, anonymous teacher likes a student, one is more likely to grading can’t always be used because it can be give him or her a good grade.” difficult to keep everything anonymous.

Teachers’ personal opinions of students may subconsciously be Additionally, teachers may set different standards for different a factor when determining a student’s grade. students and grade upon these set standards. A teacher shared Another student said, “someone whom the teacher thinks isn’t her opinion on this topic: “You subconsciously forgive things in as a gifted student will get a higher grade because he or she people you like and see mistakes inherently in someone who is puts more effort into it.” He elaborated by explaining that if two more of a challenge in class.” She continued to say, “If you come students both turn in A-worthy assignments, the student who to expect them to do poorly, you might then look more closely for 32

graphic: bea tolan

the ways they are doing poorly.” affect what grade students get? One student answered, “If a We asked students if they think different standards are set for student turned in a mediocre essay, the teacher might give the different students, if they think teachers grade upon these set student a higher grade because he or she usually puts out a higher standards and if students think this is fair. standard of work.”

One student answered, “It’s fair because you should be judged Another student contradicted this point by saying, “They do on how hard you work. Although, when it comes to what the play favorites, but I feel like a lot of them try not to. They will grades mean, grades should mean people who can get good often try to counteract having favorites by grading more harshly grades can get into better colleges and get better opportunities; on their favorites.” but if anyone can get an A that makes it a lot more difficult.”

A teacher explained a scenario stating that if a student who Teachers want to see their students succeed, usually does his or her homework on time and is “It should be which can, unfortunately, lead to some kids attentive in class one time forgets to do his or her getting higher grades than they truly deserve. the teacher “will take that case as an whoever writes the homework, When asked about this topic, one teacher individual case and forgive that student.” best essay gets the said, “If someone is dejected because they feel This could be interpreted as a teacher playing as if they aren’t good, I will maybe lift the favorites; it also can be understood as an best grade.” grade a little.” understanding teacher wanting to see his or her Teachers may have the right intentions, but students succeed — especially the students who could unconsciously end up lifting students’ grades when it may usually complete their work on time. not be deserved.

Grading isn’t simple. There is no definite line between playing “That’s one of the problems in the whole education system favorites and being nice. Different things can affect what grade is when it comes to college admissions,” a student said, “grades given including effort in class, the personal relationship with the no longer tell the college whether you’re a competent student or teacher, progress and overall quality of work produced. not.”

One teacher put it very simply for us: “Whoever writes the best It is well known that teachers play favorites, but does that essay should get the best grade.”

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an interview with public speaking & journalism teacher extraordinaire by luisa cameron & carson shevitz

best local coffee shops by sonya kotler

photo: sonya kotler

I am addicted to coffee. I literally drink at least three cups a day. So, of course, when I had a chance to write a review of coffee shops, I was thrilled. And so, I set out to find all of the best coffee shops in town, to which I proceeded to order a cappuccino at each one. Pretty much Heaven on earth; here’s what I thought about each one on a scale of 1 to 5.

french press

java station 4447 hollister ave, santa barbara I wasn’t sure whether or not to include Java Station in my article (as it isn’t a traditional coffee shop due to its large menu) but I decided it deserves a spot on the page. Java Station has great coffee, and great food — I love their sandwiches and fresh green juice — and some of the best service.

I go here so often that the barista knows me by name. rating: 4.5

1101 state st, santa barbara 528 anacapa st, santa barbara 250 1-A storke rd, goleta It’s safe to say that French Press is one of SB’s favorite coffee shops and it is definitely worthy of the title. The French Press bakes its own delicious pastries and roasts its own beans, so everything is incredibly fresh. A good cappuccino and a croissant from this stylish coffee shop is just what you need on a lazy Saturday morning. This is one of those places where you accidentally stay for four hours instead of the intended five minutes. rating: 4.5

handle bar 128 e canon perdido st, santa barbara Hidden away in the historical downtown area of Santa Barbara is a new coffee shop. I must admit, I wasn’t expecting much from this place, but as I walked through the doors, I instantly fell in love with it. The well-designed, cozy Handle Bar is the gathering place of local hipsters — and let’s be honest — they know their coffee. The shop serves the most amazing fresh roasted coffee. The cappuccino I ordered was perfectly balanced — not too bitter, not too acidic — and topped off with smooth, velvety foam (not the bubble bath kind) and, of course, beautiful latte art. From the cowboy cookie that makes you forget about your diet to the orange bike hanging from the ceiling, this place is an absolute gem; I still can’t believe there is a coffee shop this perfect. rating: 5

santa barbara roasting co. (RoCo) 321 motor Way, santa barbara RoCo is a Santa Barbara classic that deserves its faithful followers. It has perfected its roast and drinks over 27 years. Santa Barbara Roasting Co. may not be your number one choice to get a latte or cappuccino, but if it’s drip coffee you’re after, then you won’t be disappointed. rating: 3.5 lucky llama 5100 carpinteria ave, carpinteria The Lucky Llama is Carpinteria’s finest coffee shop (not just because of its adorable name), and it is definitely worth visiting. If you are a fan of chai lattes this place is a must; they are cinnamony, sweet and everything a chai latte should be.

The welcoming atmosphere and sunny terrace will make you stay for hours. rating: 4

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yogis in our midst by ruby haber

may the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you, and the pure light within you guide your way on. kundalini yoga farewell blessing

M

indfulness starts with an awareness of being in the present moment, setting an intention and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Those who practice yoga notice the awareness and connection between mind and body. Yoga embodies a practice that strengthens the core for balance and anchors and grounds determined warriors.

Yoga integrates breath into each movement throughout the practice.

There are many types of yoga classes including a variety of restorative classes and deep vinyasa classes.

Throughout every yoga class, the word “Om” is often chanted to open or close a practice. It is a mantra and an expression of gratitude. In yoga, this is thought to be the sound of the universe.

Several students and faculty members practice yoga as a means of coping with the stress of juggling their busy schedules.

Sophomore Kendall White, an accomplished volleyball player and journalist, began her practice on the mat

during freshman year along with friend and fellow student Caylin Zimmerman.

Kendall started with a variation of yoga called Bikram Yoga, which is done in a room where the temperature is 103 degree Fahrenheit.

After a few Bikram classes, Kendall took a break, but eventually returned to her mat at a local hot-yoga studio called Core Power. She rejuvenates her energy with an intensive hot-yoga sculpt class, moving through a vinyasa, and ending with settling down into her favorite pose called “happy baby.”

To help her beach volleyball team focus she sometimes leads them in sun salutations before practice.

“My favorite thing about yoga is how it combines physical exercise with mental exercise and relaxation,” Kendall said.

Laguna yogi, freshman Alex Koke, also a well-rounded athlete, practices yoga to strengthen and stretch and for balance in basketball and soccer. Yoga creates a foundation for her agility as an athlete.

Alex relaxes on the mat in her favorite 38 38

position “down dog” with ease in between her vinyasa flow.

Although it is hard to find time for yoga in her athletic schedule, when she takes an early morning practice or a midday class, the chaos of her day settles. Alex closes sessions with a namaste, meaning thank you.

Senior Maddie Sokolove, with encouragement from her best friends, arrived at her mat at Core Power yoga studio during sophomore year.

The studio’s sculpt class, inspired Maddie to continue her practice throughout the rest of high school.

An aspect of yoga is acceptance, which Maddie expresses as, “to fully accept where you are, whether it be in a pose or a moment in your life.”

In her favorite sculpt class, she brings awareness into child’s pose creating space for the hips to invite an emotional release.

For her senior project, Maddie spent 80 hours in an intensive yoga-teacher training internship at Core Power. Although she is passionate about yoga, she discovered that teaching yoga wasn’t “her cup of tea.”

On May 14, upperclassmen boarded the Channel Cat for a night of dancing, treats, and photo booth fun.

Clockwise from top to bottom and left to right: Wakelin McNeel and Payton Hassan; Amber Zangrillo, Holly Tobias and Nicole Belton; Sarah Dillmuth and Gabby Campbell; Maddie Sokolove, Jacqueline Berci and Emily Lafitte; Darwin Miguel and Melissa Silva; Wakelin McNeel, James Mehl, Conor Scheinberg, Mark Brown, Zane Mazor-Brown and Miles McGovern kneeling; Pierce O’Donnell, Henry Farrell and Theo Berriet; Laurel Kujan and Maddy Nicolson; Harrison Porter and Luisa Cameron.

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the truth behind

VAPING

by mia waters & payton hassan photo: carina tedesco

“I was looking for a safer and healthier alternative to smoking weed, and everywhere I looked people were vaping at parties and in public.� #1 response to why people start vaping

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V

aping has rapidly increased in popularity as it provides a new alternative to cigarettes. The word vape has become so popular that it was added to the Oxford English Dictionary with the definition: “inhale and exhale the vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device.”

Vaping devices are very similar if not identical to most e-cigarettes. Vapes and e-cigarettes were designed to give the effects of nicotine, but cause less harm.

When buying a vape, customers sometimes buy an e-juice, which you put into the vape to produce the smoke and flavor, with a higher amount of nicotine and at a higher voltage, ensuring that the customer will consistently return to buy more juice.

The juice is measured in milligrams of nicotine, and the amount ranges from 0mg to 24mg. More milligrams in the juice create a higher menthol sensation in the throat and lungs.

Most first time customers don’t have any experience in buying vapes, and in return, just trust the employee’s’ suggestions.

“I was looking for a safer and healthier alternative to smoking weed and everywhere I looked people were vaping at parties and in public.”

This is one of the most popular responses given when we asked why one chooses to start vaping.

Many may think that e-cigarettes and vapes are the healthier alternative to cigarettes and cannabis, but when one chooses to vape; they are inhaling the water, nicotine, and propylene glycol based vapor, all the while getting hooked.

The nicotine in vapes is not in the raw form and can cause a spike in blood pressure, according to preliminary studies, and might do direct damage to heart cells.

Although propylene glycol is harmless in its unexcited state, when heated, it becomes a gaseous form of vaporized formaldehyde. And, inhaling a carcinogenic gas is hazardous to one’s health.

The amount of nicotine, vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol are enough to get anyone hooked after their first hit, something that teens and young adults don’t realize.

a teen perspective We interviewed two teens about their vaping experiences.

Why did you start vaping?

1. Because my friends started.

2. I wanted to learn how to do smoke tricks.

Do you think you are addicted?

1. No. 2. Probably not, but who knows?

Do you think you could easily stop if you wanted to?

1. Yes, but maybe not cold turkey 2. No. A couple weeks ago I lost my vape and I thought it would be good for me to stop for a while, but after 3 days, I had to go out and buy a new one.

Do you think vaping is better for you than weed?

1. Yes, because it isn’t considered a recreational drug.

2. I’m sure vaping is better.

There are studies that show that teens that have used, or are using vapes, are more likely to start smoking cigarettes than their peers who don’t vape. The nicotine in vapes is dangerous to young adults because of the addictive qualities in nicotine.

According to K. Vendrell Rankin, director of Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry’s Tobacco Treatment Services. “Nicotine’s addictive properties are a risk for any age group, but with adolescents, the stakes are even higher.”

The appeal to teens is obvious. The effects of vaping are parallel to smoking cigarettes, getting that short light-headed high with the release of dopamine in the brain, supposedly without the harm.

Not only is the high almost identical to smoking cigarettes, but teens think that it is the “trendy” and “cool” thing to do. Stars like Katy Perry, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cara Delevigne, and Rihanna are all about ‘that vape life.’

The influence of celebrities seen vaping on popular social media sites such as Instagram and Snapchat or in magazine photos sets an example that vaping is okay; thus, impacting the decisions of young fans.

Researchers have done extensive research and found that vaping can be related to a five-fold increase in the probability of developing a formaldehyde-related cancer.

Despite the fact that, in America, the FDA has approved the production and sale of e-cigarettes, there is a lack of quality control and regulations, causing much to still be unknown.

In July of 2015, the CDC released a study showing that an astounding 75 percent of American adults favor raising the tobacco age to 21, including 70 percent of current smokers, 65 percent of those aged 18 to 24.

California just enacted some of its most significant tobacco legislation in decades as Governor Brown signed a pack of bills that will raise the smoking age from 18 to 21 and will restrict the use of electronic cigarettes in public places and expand nosmoking areas at public schools.

Do you know the health risks of vaping?

1. Isn’t there something to do with cancer?

2. No, but I’m sure it can’t be worse than other things on the market.

Do the majority of your friends vape?

1. Yeah, we usually vape together at parties and when we hang out. That’s how I started.

2. Yes, my friends convinced me to buy my vape.

Do you think peer pressure had anything to do with you starting to vape?

1. Definitely 2. Yes

Did the media have any influence?

1. Yeah, especially on Snapchat 2. No

How much money have you spent on vaping?

1. Easily $500 2. Maybe a couple hundred

seussical

Directed by Dana Ortner Choreographed by Jillian Honoroff

“It was a first time experience that opened up a lot of opportunities and got me interested in the arts.”

-katherine perez

“It was a really awesome experience!”

-frances carlson

by sydney edgecomb

“It was my last show and it was definitely a nice send off. It was very cheerful and silly.”

-bea tolan “As both my first and last high school production as an actor, “Seussical” was an incredibly fun and dynamic musical where I got to explore my love for music and singing.”

-cameron morelloo

photos: brad elliot

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A Veteran’s Guide to Making the Most of the Festival by emily lafitte If you have ever bought a ticket to the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, you know the drill: glue yourself to your computer screen with the festival’s website open, wait until the clock hits 11:00 a.m., and click “Buy Passes” as fast as humanly possible before 200,000 tickets sell out before your eyes.

Ringing in nearly $85 million in ticket sales, it is one of the most talked about, publicized and attended music festivals since Woodstock, according to New Musical Express (NME).

In the heart of Indio, California, Coachella-goers flood into the Empire Polo Club, scan their bands and enter the music madness.

With headliners like Guns N’ Roses, LCD Soundsystem and Calvin Harris, the crowds become frenzied surrounding the speaker-covered stages.

Sharpen your elbows; you will need them.

A little piece of advice, while swimming in the pool of people to get to the front row of a headliner, hold hands, link elbows or grab onto your Chellapartner’s shoulders so you don’t get separated.

What to wear? Anything goes, from cut-offs and simple t-shirts to boho chic.

The best people watching of the year can be found at Coachella.

One first-timer, a young woman, expressed her feelings of excitement: “It’s such a crazy experience. I already got lost. It’s definitely really hot, but this

is some of the best food I’ve ever eaten and some of the greatest musicians all in one place.”

What some don’t realize is that the festival is gigantic, making it extremely easy to get lost.

Trust me, getting lost happens in the a blink of an eye.

Walking into the food-zone is a foodie’s heaven. There is an alley filled with stands from some of the best restaurants in LA. You won’t ever be able to understand the full essence of Coachella without frolicking around the grounds and stuffing your face with five-star food-truck grub.

As someone who attended the festival this past April, I think I ate more than I actually listened to the music.

Between the best sushi hand-roll you’ll ever come across and the most incredible

fried-chicken sandwiches, you can imagine; there is anything and everything a festival-goer could want.

Getting to and from the festival is a trek, even with a shuttle pass, so my group really only went to the grounds for our favorites and the headliners — for me, that’s the way to go.

Despite shoving through crowds to get to the next stage, Coachella is one of the best, and definitely loudest, ways to hear new music groups, if you can get to them, that is.

The bottom line is to enjoy the chaos.

You will not find anything else like it.

Sure, there are some definite pains, like the dirt coming out of your nose and lungs for three days post-Coachella and the intense, constant heat, but that is part of the adventure. tolan : bea

graphics

home away from home

When the weather starts heating up in Santa Barbara some families seek refuge out of town in their homes away from home.

by caylin zimmerman

Cape Cod, Massachusetts Bea Tolan still remembers the Massachusetts’ smell after stepping off the plane at just three years old — the luscious smell of the forest after the rain. Her earliest memory is playing in the tall, green grass. Over the years, she stayed in various houses along the beaches of Cape Cod, collecting shells and rope swinging. One of her favorite memories is painting wooden figurines and selling them in exchange for rocks at the beach.

Bea loves the relaxation of Cape Cod and how calm the people are there. “Cape Cod will always be special to me because it reminds me of the times when my whole family was together.”

Lake Arrowhead, California Lake Arrowhead, California When Julia Fay was just four years old, she was brought to Bruin Woods’ Family Camp, by her two UCLA alumni parents.

Most of her first memories there come from walking around the camp attached to a rope with some of her now lifelong friends, so that they wouldn’t get lost. Julia loves how much there is to do, “It’s impossible to be bored. There’s always something to do like fishing, wakeboarding, water skiing, archery, daily art classes and my favorite is beach volleyball.” Every year, Julia and her dad compete in the Father Daughter Beach Tournament, and every year they make it to the finals, facing up against her best friend and her dad. Julia is so grateful to her parents for taking her and her sister so many years ago to Bruin Woods because if she hadn’t of gone, she wouldn’t have made so many lifelong friends.

Kauai, Hawaii Laird Fowler’s earliest memory of spending time in Hawaii is walking through his house and going into the water to swim by the reefs. His favorite things to do in Kauai include surfing with his brother, exploring the mountains and snorkeling.

Laird’s scariest memory comes from a day of surfing. “I was out on the reef catching five to ten foot waves. While riding the wave, I fell off my board and was pinned down into the sand.

It felt like I was drowning, but after about a minute the wave let me go and I rushed straight to shore.” Laird loves to go to Hawaii because it has so many great memories of growing up.

Whitefish, Whitefish,Montana Montana

Kelly Bickett first visited Whitefish, Montana at just seven Kelly firstinvisited Whitefish, Montana at age years old. Bickett She stayed a hotel on the same lake that her seven. family later on.onHer night, Shebought stayed ainhouse a hotel thefirst same lake baseball-sized that her familyhail later started falling from sky andnight, everyone started rushing out of bought a house on.the Her first baseball-sized hail started the hotel from and into theirand carseveryone to drive started away. “It was aout really falling the sky rushing of scary experience but into the next we went peaceful the hotel and theirday carsonce to drive away.out “Itonto wasthe a really lake, I was convinced that Montana was the place to be.” scary experience but the next day, once we went out ontoKelly’s the favorite part about visiting Montana is all of the activities peaceful I was convinced that Montana was the there are tolake, do. While out on the lake in their family skiplace boat,to be.”wakesurf Kelly’s favorite part about Montanariding, is all of the they and go tubing.

On visiting land, horseback laser activities areare to do.

Whileactivities out on the lake inher their family tagging, andthere hiking popular amongst and her ski boat, they favorite wakesurfmemory and go of tubing.

On land, family.

Kelly’s spending time horseback in Whitefish laser andonhiking are popular Kelly’s isriding, shooting offtagging fireworks the Fourth of July.activities.

Kelly loves the peace and memory comfortableness of being in Montana, “It’s theon perfect favorite of Whitefish is shooting off fireworks the refuge toof escape during the summertime.”

Fourth July. to “It’s the perfect refuge to escape to during the summertime.”

the illustrated interview with cameron morello

The Cum Laude, Middlebury-bound student shares his thoughts and drawings. by luisa cameron

What makes you smile?

Donuts.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Be a couple inches taller.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Peace and balance.

What is your greatest fear?

Loss of the ability to think.

Please draw a self-portrait.

Who is your favorite person?

Cicero.

What annoys you the most?

People sneezing on their hands.

What’s your favorite quality in a person?

Trustworthiness.

What is your intended college major?

Classics.

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lagunablanca school

art: luisa cameron

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