The Senior Issue

THE FOURTH ESTATE LAGUNA BLANCA SCHOOL

VOL 27

ISSUE 4

JUNE 2019

ON OUR COVER: Seniors Athena Boyle, Jordan Bollag, Bowen “Tony” Bai, Isabella Sabino, Charles “Charlie” Markham, Hayley Bankhead and Kovid Mishra giggle in the sun together.

ART by BEAU GLAZIER AND JACK STEIN

Contents news feature opinion a&e sports

.......... 5 . . . . . . . . . . 12 . . . . . . . . . . 30 . . . . . . . . . . 36 . . . . . . . . . . 40

Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jack Stein

SPORTS EDITOR Macy Christal

PHOTOGRAPHER Hanna Masri

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Beau Glazier

OPINION and ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Phoebe Stein

MAGAZINE STAFF Ruth Beckmen Christian Branch Ian Brown Frances Carlson Nafisah Fathima Catie Fristoe Amara Murphy Audrey Murphy Estelle Murray Maggie Newell

COPY EDITOR Elizabeth Bisno BUSINESS EDITOR Zoë King NEWS and FEATURE EDITOR Daisy Finefrock

WEB EDITOR Natalie McCaffery WEB DESIGNER Zane Zemeckis

Madeleine Nicks Patrick Otte Emma Raith Ava Rice Julianna Seymour Wesley Schulz Maddie Walker Boning Zhang Violet Zhou FACULTY ADVISER Trish McHale, MJE

Letter from the Editor

L

ife has a funny way of coming full circle. Four years ago, I started my time at Laguna. I had my first journalism class last period of my first day of high school.

I was nervous and alone, and the only other freshman in the room was a girl I’d never talked to in my life.

The class was filled with scary older students, people who I had no idea would become some of my closest friends.

My journey in journalism began that day, scared and alone: with this issue, it comes to a close.

I speak to you surrounded by friends and coworkers I trust and admire, as I leave this magazine behind in more than capable hands. I am so grateful for the experiences I’ve had on this staff.

I’ve grown as a writer, an artist, and a journalist. I’ve had long nights, rough days and had to make difficult decisions.

I’ve held positions from staff member to editor-in-chief, and it’s all gone by in a blur. I couldn’t be more excited to see what the next generation of the Fourth Estate staff brings to the table, but that excitement is bittersweet: Saying goodbye to the staff and magazine I put four years of my life into is difficult. And yet, at the same time, I’m filled with excitement. I can’t wait to take the skills and personal growth that journalism has provided me and apply them to this next chapter of my life. When I continue my studies in journalism and beyond at Brown University in the fall, I will hold with me all of the lessons this program has taught me.

This issue, as a whole, is about endings. Our annual senior issue is always an emotional experience as we say goodbye to our departing staff members, but it packs a particular punch now that I am among them.

An integral part of this issue as well is the role it serves as a sort of passing of the torch. I’ve found myself stepping back more and more, allowing the younger students to step up and begin to really take ownership over the magazine.

I’m extraordinarily proud of the work they’ve done in the past months, and I’m really happy to call this my final issue of the Fourth Estate.

Thank you all for your support for the past four years; it’s been a crazy ride, and I don’t regret anything. And with that, without further ado, I’d like to present the senior issue. Thanks for reading.

- Jack Stein, Editor-in-Chief

4 • NEWS

• MISSION STATEMENT The Fourth Estate is an open forum created for and by journalism students of Laguna Blanca Upper School. We hope to use this space to cover events, interviews and topics of interest in greater depth. Our staff seeks to be a platform for creative expression and to report on events and ideas of importance to our readers and to focus on topics of significance and interest to inform and entertain the school community.

• LETTERS TO THE EDITORS 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. Anonymous letters will not be published.

The Fourth Estate reserves the right to reject advertising. Opinions expressed in this publication reflect the perspectives of the staff whose goal is to inform our readers with reliable information from which to base decisions and opinions. Editorials represent the voice of the staff and are voted on by the entire staff. Columns and commentaries are labeled as such and represent the opinion of the author. The Fourth Estate publishes four issues per year with a senior insert in the last issue.

• BYLINE POLICY When two or three people work on a story, all names will be listed. If an editor rewrites a majority of a story, the editor’s name will be listed.

• CORRECTION POLICY The staff strives for accuracy. When factual errors occur, mistakes or omissions are found or brought to the attention of the staff, corrections will be printed in a corrections box in the next issue.

• COLOPHON This is the fourth issue and 24th volume (published in November) of the Laguna Blanca School, 4125 Paloma Dr., Santa Barbara, CA 93110, magazine, The Fourth Estate. Contacts are available at tmchale@lagunablanca.org, (805) 687-2461 x317 or www.thefourthestate. net. Laguna Blanca School has an EK through 12th grade student population of approximately 400, with 100 in the Lower School, 110 in the Middle School and 182 in the Upper School, and a faculty of approximately 60. The Fourth Estate is an 8.5 by 11 general magazine, created on Apple computers on Adobe InDesign CC2019, using Avenir and Abril font families and printed on glossy paper free for students and $40 for an annual subscription. The magazine is distributed to all Upper School students through the school’s advisory program and sent by mail to subscribers, with 300 copies printed per issue. We are associated with NSPA, CSPA and JEA. thefourthestate.net

Each year a select group of students are welcomed into the Cum Laude Honors Society as a result of their excellent academic achievements.

C

um Laude can be defined as “with distinction.” It is with this distinct honor that a select group of juniors and seniors were honored with induction into this illustrious society.

The society was founded in 1906, and includes by a wide variety of schools.

Cum Laude mirrors the college honors society, Phi Beta Kappa, and includes 382 schools around the nation. High schools are accepted into the program after an intense process of induction.

In California specifically, 32 schools have Cum Laude Chapters, with Laguna, Cate and Thacher being the local ones.

“Essentially what you’re doing is presenting the community with the student body who have really achieved such a phenomenal level,” Head of Upper School Lolli Lucas, said. thefourthestate.net

The society honors “the scholarship and the intellectual curiosity of a student” as well as their strengths in college preparatory classes, their character and integrity within their academic life.

Students who are inducted as juniors placed into the top 10 percent of their class. As for seniors, the students must place into the top 20 percent of their class. For our community “that is usually four to five students per year, depending on the size of the class,” Lucas said.

With so many traditions and scholarly achievements, why is this honor so important?

Lucas explained that similar to participating in the school play or scoring the winning point in a sports game, Cum Laude provides another chance for students to distinguish themselves.

“For students who are admitted in their junior year, it’s a small and prestigious club, so obviously that’s a part of their college application and their plans after. It’s something that people know. I think it absolutely has a strong role in terms of their future.”

Cum Laude ceremony took place on April 24 in Spaulding Auditorium

and was attended by students, faculty, staff and invited guests.

Both Lucas and Head of School Rob Hereford provided a insightful introductions.

Next came guest speaker, alum Nick Miller ‘98 who shared his memorable experiences and moments from his time at school.

Following the opening speeches, new Cum Laude students were introduced by current Cum Laude members Caitlin Gainey, Sullivan Israel, Isabella Sabino and Julia Stone who spoke about each student’s academic and co-curricular achievements.

They include juniors Lucy Cao, Audrey Murphy, Kai Nakamura, Caetano Perez-Marchant, and Kiki Tolles along with seniors Tony Bai, Jordan Bollag, Bennett Coy and Jack Stein.

WORDS by CATIE FRISTOE ART by TARA BROUCQSAULT Above: A gathering of newly inducted Cum Laude students following the official induction assembly. From left to right: Jack Stein ‘19, Jordan Bollag ‘19, Lucy Cao ‘20, Kai Nakamura ‘20, Audrey Murphy ‘20, Kiki Tolles ‘20, Bennett Coy ‘19, Bowen Bai ‘19, Caetano PerezMarchant ‘20 NEWS • 5

Screen Time The benefits of technology are very prevalent in this era of innovative advancements. But how much are we letting these corporations control our lives?

M

icromanaging kids has become a new norm for many parents.

A new addition to the iPhone, the Screen Time has made this parenting technique a whole lot easier.

Screen Time is a tool that gives you various information about the time spent on your phone. From the number of times you pick up the phone to minutes spent on Instagram, one can learn a lot about themselves and their habits from this program.

Apple recently introduced the Screen Time app, designed to provide information on how you’re using your time on your iPhone and iPad. However, with this addition comes the cons like parents virtually being able to disable a phone with a secret password.

This password enables parents to block their child’s access to certain apps after set times or once they’ve reached their quota for the day.

The question remains, does all of this new technology help us or control us?

Many students are aware of the Screen Time app, some learning that they spend up to 33 hours per week on their devices.

With Screen Time, not only is it possible to put limits on apps, but it is also possible to shut down the phone, except for Messages, the Clock and a few other set features.

This can help a student to manage their time on technology during times of studying or homework.

But does this app really deter determined screen-users and social media lovers from using their phones?

Not necessarily. However, it does provide a way for young adults to monitor themselves, understand the impacts of the constant input of devices and, possibly, taking the number of hours into consideration next time they pick up their phones.

Screen Time apps that compete with Apple are finding themselves in a battle and iPhone users are losing control.

According to a New York Times article “Apple Cracks Down on Apps That Fight iPhone Addiction,” The screen-time app makers are the latest companies to suddenly find themselves both competing against Apple and at the mercy of the tech titan.”

The competition among Screen Time app producers has become more contentious.

Apple programmers are eliminating competing Screen Time-tracking apps. With competition diminishing, iPhone users are forced to rely on the Apple installed program. CEO of OurPact Amir Moussavian, a top parental-control iPhone app, with more than 3 million downloads said, “They yanked us out of the blue with no warning... [Apple is] systematically killing the industry.”

By removing competing programs, Screen Time is now a set feature of the new IOS updates and is set to stay in the Apple program for future devices.

New A progra pple mS Time a creen ll childre ows parent n and s daily p to track h How d one use. oes additio this new device n to our s im indepe pact our screen ndence, usage and self co ntrol?

WORDS and ART by PHOEBE STEIN and DAISY FINEFROCK

Sage advice for students on how to be successful while avoiding stress and anxiety from Rose Steeber, coordinator of Academic Services.

Why do you think procrastination is such a problem with high school students?

“Distractions, distractions, distractions! And fear! I think that most of the time when people procrastinate they are afraid to get done what they need to get done.

They are afraid they are not going to do it well, that it’s too difficult, and that it requires too much energy.

So I think there is that fear factor and so people avoid things that are difficult because it’s just human nature. And the other thing is just distractions. There are so many other better things that could be done.“

How would you suggest holding onto these tips and modifying them for college life?

Based on a survey of 150 LBS students

6 • NEWS

THE STEEBER METHOD

thefourthestate.net

“Well, all of these tips work for some people, not all of them work for everybody.

So I think that your job in high school is to figure out what works for you. Because now is the time to experiment. Because once you’re in college you are almost an adult.

I mean you really ought to be an adult. You ought to be functioning like an adult and you really should have this stuff figured out.

So a lot of it is trial and error. Now is the time to figure out what it is that works for you and what makes you healthy and what makes you less stressed.” thefourthestate.net

What inspired you to become the director of Academic Services? And what is your main role in that job?

“I like problem solving and I like helping people. So when the two come together it’s academic services.

The main parts of my role are just helping students strategize and figure out how they learn best and help them figure out how to be successful in school.

And everybody has their own individualized style, but it’s no different for kids who are in academic services then for kids you are not.

Most of the time it’s just good habits or good teaching.“

What is your definition of good time management?

“Being able to prioritize tasks and complete the tasks. Meeting deadlines in a healthy way. That means not staying up all night to finish it and not feeling stressed because you got this deadline you have to meet.

So in my opinion good time management is when you are able to strategically plan what you need to get done so that you meet your deadlines and you’re not stressed about it and you’re not skipping self care to get it done.”

What are your tips for avoiding procrastination?

1. Get organized 2. Create a prioritized list For me, and it doesn’t work for everybody, once I see it all down on a list I feel like I have control and it gets manageable.

3. Get rid of the distractions Put the phone away, put the iPad away, shut the TV off.

4. Set yourself a reward.”

What would you do to avoid pretest anxiety?

“Be prepared. You got to be prepared. I remember being in high school and I remember trying not to work so hard for a test but the anxiety of not having done everything I could to prep for it would drive me nuts.

It would really stress me out. So the number one thing is to just be prepared.

Make sure that you’ve given yourself enough time to study and you’ve done the best you can in preparing and I think that that’s the number one thing to get rid of anxiety.

Some people just have test anxiety no matter how much they’ve prepared.”

WORDS by FRANCES CARLSON and MADELEINE NICKS NEWS

• 7

The Windy City Over spring break, students were given the opportunity to explore one of the most diverse, industrial, and colorful cities in America: Chicago. Through pictures and anecdotes, take a look inside the eventful journey.

PHOTOS by THE NINTH GRADE WORDS and ART by FRANCES CARLSON and MADELEINE NICKS

8 • NEWS thefourthestate.net

thefourthestate.net

NEWS

• 9

Living in Santa Barbara, we are gifted with a vast region of highly preserved natural scenery — the back country. Over spring break, nine students learned first-hand that maintaining the wilderness it is no easy task.

An interview with Grace Hoffacker, the newly appointed 8th grade speaker, on her upcoming graduation speech and experiencing the Middle School “senior” year.

Wilderness guide Paul Crenshaw instructs students who are about to take on the task of clearing trails.

Expedition into the Wilderness

B

uilding a toilet and clearing up trails in the back-country are not conventional ways to spend a spring break. Yet, those are exactly what nine students did last break.

Clear sky and beautiful natural scenery made up for the pain that resulted from hiking seven miles with a backpack that held everything that each of us had to rely on to survive, from tents to sleeping bag to food.

Freshmen Harrison Jones recalled the work he had to do: “I consider myself a hiking person but it’s surprising that I have never really appreciated the maintenance done on the trail. Most importantly, we build a toilet that could potentially benefit the hikers for four to five years!

It’s a lot of work, but I like it.”

The biggest reward for the hard work was the feast at the end of each day that included all types of energy bars along with the breath-taking scenery.

College counselor and trip leader Matt Struckmeyer said, “For me, the most memorable moment was sitting on the waterfall’s edge with you guys, taking in an incredible view of the surrounding mountains and the valley below.”

WORDS by JACK ZHANG ART by MATT STRUCKMEYER

The Other Senior Year

Students ford the creek while heading to the camp site.

PAGE by MADELEINE NICKS ART by HANNA MASRI

What does being the 8th grade speaker mean to you?

“I get to speak for everyone, and not just myself. I’m just very grateful that I got picked and was chosen to be able to be that person for everyone. Because I know a lot of people wanted to be it, and I’m just really excited that I’m the one who got chosen.”

What was your reaction when you found that you had been chosen?

“I was in shock. I didn’t really say anything and everybody was looking at me and it didn’t really process through me head that it was me.”

Students carry a wooden platform to act as a support for a toilet.

10 • NEWS thefourthestate.net

thefourthestate.net

Are you nervous or excited to deliver your speech?

“I’m really excited. Pretty nervous, though, because I’m not the best at public speaking but hopefully, you know, it will go smoothly.”

What was the general message of your speech and why?

“The general message is how Laguna has been a blessing for my family and I because the community is so amazing and everyone here is so nice and all the teacher are so amazing. [The teachers] want to help you succeed and I haven’t always had that. So it’s really nice to have the support behind you so that you can succeed.”

Are you excited to start high school?

“Yeah I’m really excited. Just do be in a different environment and, I know it’s not a big move, but moving over here ad meeting new people and friends. Hopefully having a bigger class next year.”

Do you think that 8th grade is it’s own version of a senior year?

“Yes. Because they put us as the role of the leaders in the middle school. We get more opportunities and our class has bonded more this year than it ever has because we are so close and we do so many because they know it is our last year all together. So it’s a good year for bonding and leadership.”

NEWS •

11

A Tribute to Lolli Lolli Lucas, the beloved Head of Upper School for the past four years is departing from the community as she goes on to new adventures.

A

s the 2019 school year comes to a close, the community learned the sad news that our Head of Upper School was leaving.

Our well-regarded and admired Lolli Lucas is leaving. Whether you had a class with Lolli or you met her as a member of the Laguna Blanca community, you were likely touched by her friendly nature.

Lolli graced our campus for the first time four years ago. Her kindness has affected us all and her students are very thankful to have had her leading and teaching them.

“Lolli is so sweet, and she has brought so much to our community,” freshman Lauren Mills said.

We got to sit down and have a chat with Lolli to discuss her time at Laguna. She says that of all the aspects of Laguna, the community is what made her experience here so memorable.

In addition to her administrative role, Lolli taught two Upper School classes during her four years: Civil Rights and Leadership.

In her Civil Rights class, students learned how to be independent and free-thinking members of society and how to exercise their rights of free speech and to use their voice.

Senior Ty Trosky, a student in the Civil Rights class, said:“Lolli is someone who I look up to and am proud to call my friend. She has taken care of me for the last four years and I don’t know how I would have done it without her.”

According to Lolli, her most rewarding moment as a teacher was “[T]he comfort level that you have with the students at Laguna Blanca, because it is so small, you have this

A special thank you to Arturo Flores, who always shows care and dedication to his students no matter what he goes through. We love you WORDS ans ART by CHRISTIAN BRANCH

“I can’t enough thank Señor Flores he is to teaching d ate dic de w ho for much from him and us. I’ve learned so te w much we apprecia ho hope that he knows h suc be to ne do s ha and everything he does e lov We n. r and perso an amazing teache you, Señor!” ior - Audrey Murphy, Jun

ongoing sort of developing relationship [where] kids really feel comfortable challenging you, but also [want] to be a part of a growth mindset.

Everybody’s excited to learn here, so for me, it’s the inspiration behind that.”

Lolli finds the people at Laguna to be different than those at other schools. “People are really intellectually curious here in ways that I think that in some schools it doesn’t have the same sort of stability, but here I think it’s that. I think the most rewarding thing is that people care about growing.”

Lolli has impacted each and every one of our lives tremendously.

Thank you, Lolli for how you have

impacted our community. We wish you well in your new position as the Assistant Head of School at The Buckley School in Sherman Oaks.

Lolli’s right hand in all things school related is her assistant Tina Braniff who shared her thoughts on working closely with Lolli: ”Lolli is a force of nature, with the quickest mind I’ve seen and the biggest heart. She is a lover of people and an expert at making any situation fun.

I’ve learned so much working alongside her and I will surely miss the joy and laughs she brings to Laguna! “ WORDS by JULIANNA SEYMOUR and HANNA MASRI ART by MELISSA WALKER

12 • FEATURE thefourthestate.net

“Señor is Flores’ smile were hether we W . us io ag the tenth cont r fo ’ so arte Un Be her singing ‘Rob bumping into each ot s, s or he as cl nc lu in d e tim es an munity tim y day. We during com m e ak m s alway Señor can love you!” nior e Walker, Se di ad -M

“Señor Flores is so generous his time an with d energy.

Spanish 3 I got to ta Honors cl ke his ass last ye us were ex ar cited to b passionate e there ev and all of ery d abo with studen ut sharing the Span ay. He is ish langua ts ge of Spanish , and his love for th e grammar is contagio intricacies us. He’s ju a great guy st .”

- Blake Do rfman, Te acher

“I am so thankful fo r Señor F showing lores me what it means a membe to be r of Lagu na - bein ted to lear g commit ning and b e ttering on as a worl d citizen.

Muchas g eself ra cias Señor.”

- Jack Mo rouse, Ju

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During an age of rapid technological advancements, it’s essential to understand the impacts of expecting constant input, and to recognize how to look at life through a new lens.

C

an I see it?” one may ask as soon as the camera shutter goes off.

“Just take a few more, I think you caught my bad side,” is muttered as people flip through an array of digital photos.

This is not a luxury that earlier cameras offered. Once upon a time, taking a photo seemed precious — there was a limited amount of photos in a role of film and a sense of anticipation and surprise every time you flipped through the stack of photos, fresh from the developer.

Until the early 2000s, film remained more prominent in the photography world, widely known as the best way to capture high quality images.

It wasn’t until around 2002 that there was word of digital cameras surpassing the unbeatable legacy of the film. A New York Times article from that same year announced that two major camera manufacturers “have introduced digital cameras that both companies claim surpass film.”

The logistics of film versus. Digital is not what matters; however; what matters is what generations lose when making the transfer between the two.

In the times when film dominated photography, artists were required to make each shot count. The reward lay in the moments of waiting when photos were

developed.

With anticipation building and the contents of the envelope still an enigma, unveiling the final product seemed that much better.

Yes, the rapid advancement of technology is incredible. It allows people easier access to news, art and information.

Students can express themselves, technology making once hard tasks so much simpler.

The onslaught of information can help with developing skills in multitasking. However, in this case, the good may not out way the bad.

An article from The Chopra Center, a source for everything from self-awareness to the impacts of meditation, identified this issue in teens and recognized the repercussions that stem from the constant input and immediate rewards of modern technology.

From those impacted by this growing issue, Chopra recognized that “they lack the ability to delay gratification, and instead prefer to seize upon it immediately in a habituated, almost automatic response, which stops them from reaching their full potential.”

As students become more dependent on the input that is awarded through the new advancements in technology, they lose the chance to embrace possibilities that may lay with waiting fully.

Not only does this craving of instant gratification lose children the ability to work to their full potential, but it also deters said students from learning.

It becomes challenging to keep direct, focused attention after being groomed to rely on a steady stream of graphics, photos and information.

It isn’t only constant input that is impacting the current generation; advanced corporations like Amazon make waiting more than four days for a package seem ludicrous. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu make waiting for an anticipated episode a thing of the past— entire seasons are at our fingertips to binge.

The rush of adrenaline that accompanies subtle things like a text message or a like on social media is partially to blame for this dependency on input.

Emma Taubenfeld, author of an article for college-focused magazine “Study Breaks” noticed that the amount of children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) has “skyrocketed” in the past decade, going to show that “society is losing its ability to focus.”

Taubenfeld correctly identified one of the leading factors in this epidemic as the inability to recognize the dependence on instant gratification. If teens and young adults were to understand the importance of delayed

satisfaction, we would have a better functioning society.

“It’s important to remember how beneficial patience can be,” Taubenfeld pointed out, “because the best things in life are more than a click away.”

How can the present generation, and future generations for that matter, understand the importance of direct focus and non-distracted one-on-one connections?

It’s all about the little things. Take time to enjoy life without being caught up in capturing the moment.

Listen to people, give your full attention and let them know that you care about what they say without a glowing screen creating a barrier.

Make connections. Learn from the people around you.

Live in the moment.

“[Students] lack the ability to delay gratification... which stops them from reaching their full potential.”

thefourthestate.net

FEATURE • 15

Take a look at where the Laguna students are off to this summer!

Visiting Colleges Yale University UChicago Williams College Brown University California

North America Montreal, Canada Mexico

Newport Beach San Francisco Lake Tahoe Sonoma Roadtrip!

East Coast New York City, NY Boston, MA Belgrade, Maine Nantucket, MA Quogue, NY Concord, NH Cape Cod, MA Lennox, MA

United States

Africa Tanzania

Savannah, Georgia Alaska Hawaii Utah

French Polynesia Bora Bora

Europe England Italy Poland Great Britain France The Netherlands Portugal

Spain Ireland Belgium Switzerland London, England Germany Holland

WORDS by AUDREY MURPHY ART by PHOEBE STEIN and AUDREY MURPHY

16• FEATURE thefourthestate.net

Looking Forward & Looking Back A glance into school life from the perspective of three students in kindergarten who are beginning their sojourn at Laguna and from three Laguna Lifers.

WORDS and ART by CATIE FRISTOE and RUTH BECKMEN

Ethan Gengadharan Why do you like Laguna?

“I like Laguna because it’s fun, and I love celebrations like the 100th day of School, Field Day, and Earth Day!”

Cielle Baker

What are you excited about for high school?

“I am excited about soccer because it is my favorite sport and I want to be on the team. You don’t use your hands and you mostly won’t get hurt.

We are a team and feel like family.”

Jake Muralles What would you say to your future self?

“I am so proud I’ve grown.”

Describe Laguna in three words.

“Laguna, teaching and professional.”

Caitlin Gainey

What would you say to your Lower School self?

“Use time in middle and high school to uncover what you love to do. Every one of you has the power to do amazing things, but you first need to discover the things that you find amazing.”

Sophie Henderson What experience do you cherish the most?

“The teachers at Laguna care about all their students and know a lot of what’s happening in their lives, and that’s something I don’t think you get at every school.”

Izzy Sabino

Dear Freshman Selves, It’s been quite the journey.

Four years ago, we stood where you now stand, turning the page of the next chapter of our lives. You’re scared of what the future will bring. You’re petrified by the looming presence of the college process, something that people have always seemed to be talking about but now is finally knocking at your door. You’re worried about your friends: which ones you’ll keep from middle school, the friends you’ll make, the friends you’ll inevitably lose to time.

Let’s start off saying this: Everything is going to be fine. There will, of course, be the highs and the lows. There will be bad grades, stressful tardies and rainedout dances. There will be mudslides and wildfires. Your schedules will gradually saturate themselves with honors and AP courses, and there will be times when you wonder if it’s really worth it to stay up those couple of extra hours just to get that A+. Trust us, it is.

Over your next four years of high school, be they at Laguna or some blend of other schools culminating on this campus, you’re going to learn exactly why that’s true. For the proud look on your teacher’s

face when you show them that you care enough about the material to do the extra reading, or the glowing comment on your third quarter grade report.

So trust us when we tell you to tough it out. Remember the good times when you’re dealing with the bad, and make sure that you remember it’s the good times that you’re going to remember in the end. Enjoy the little quirks and tics of Laguna: if a teacher is hanging around their room after class, or a classmate is sitting alone during lunch, strike up a conversation. You might be surprised by the sides of themselves that people don’t always display on the outside.

Most importantly, have a blast. Like a fine wine, your time at Laguna grows even better with age, and it’s meant to be savored. Relish every drop of your time here, because it’ll be over before you know it.

Enjoy the good times, break the rules, try new things and, most importantly, take advantage of every opportunity that arises. You never know whether your next passion could lie around the corner.

Good luck, although we know you won’t need it: You’re in good hands.

Share a memory from the Lower School?

“I remember in kindergarten, Ryan Douglas and Katherine Ibarra hid in the bathroom at recess and drew mustaches on each other in sharpies. Mrs. Glanville was not thrilled.”

18 • SENIOR SECTION thefourthestate.net

Love, the Class of 2019

Seniors in SRP How has the Science Research Program prepared seniors for their future endeavors “I dedicated my first year of the program to cancer research, focusing on the diagnosis, growth, and metastasization of tumors. I learned about the basic structure of cancer, more specifically the protein that is found in cancer patients: p53.

Focusing on this topic has shown me that I would like to research cancer in my future. For my second year, I was given the opportunity to work with Dr. Rauch at the Kosik Neuroscience lab at UCSB, researching tau aggregation in Alzheimer’s Disease: research that hit close to home due to my grandmother’s recent diagnosis.

For my final year, I worked with Dr. Fristoe creating child-friendly medical graphics for Kaiser Permanente. I am excited about my future and how I will play a part in the evolving world of healthcare and medicine.” Maddie Walker “The most valuable piece of the first year I took away is my discovery of my passion for materials science when I began research into the doping of semiconductors to produce more favorable materials.

The next year I conducted my year-long research project/experiment where I tested the efficiencies of different combinations of solar cell strings. I am currently in my third year of the program, and I am working in the Pennathur Lab at UCSB as a lab assistant performing chemical experiments.

The STEM program itself prepared me for college by helping me get into a lab environment before I even go off. The program as well as my AP Chem class allowed me to discover what I want to do and what I will be majoring in at UC Berkeley: Chemical Engineering.” Bennett Coy “Over the last few years, the STEM program gave me the opportunity to explore my interests in theoretical physics, particularly cosmology and astrophysics.

Decoding scientific papers, adopting (many) mentors, and diving head first into lab work, I have obtained a wealth of skills from the program that will help me for the rest of my career and my life.

With the knowledge and research experience I’ve procured through the STEM program, I could not be more prepared and excited for my future as an undergraduate physics student at the college I will be attending in the fall.”

Caitlin Gainey

“I have wanted to be a vet since I was 10, and have been lucky enough to pursue my interests in my school’s Science Research Program.

During the first year, I studied topics that ranged from Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage to Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

During my second year of SRP, I dove into research with Dr. Phoebe Smith to determine whether serum amyloid A (SAA) protein was a viable test for the presence of Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis, a bacteria that enters cells creating abscesses.

After learning many equine-specific issues, I became interested in learning about crossover issues that occur in multiple species, so I started shadowing small animal vets in addition to Dr. Smith. I can’t wait to attend college so that I can continue on this path, learning more with every article I read, experiment I run, and animal I meet.” Izzy Sabino WORDS and ART by MADELINE WALKER

20 • SENIOR SECTION thefourthestate.net

Bon Voyage, Seniors!

Goodbyes are always painful. Let’s send off the class of 2019 in style as we at the Fourth Estate break down exactly where our graduating senior class is going to college, and we bid farewell and safe travels to these 38 irreplaceable students as they transition into the next stage of their lives. Good luck, seniors!

USC (5)• UC Berkeley University of Washington Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Santa Barbara City College Pitzer College • USD (2) University of Santa Clara (4) Pepperdine University (2) UC Los Angeles (3) • USD (2)

West Coast

Texas Christian University Arizona State University University of Arts, London University of Incarnate Word University of Illinois UN Las Vegas

Further Inland

98%

of the class of 2019 is staying in the

UNITED

STATES

47%

of the class of 2019 is

STAYING IN-STATE

Johns Hopkins University Cornell University Brown University Georgetown University Yale University Barnard College Babson College University of Miami

East Coast

71%

53%

of the class of 2019 is heading to the

COAST

is exploring NEW HORIZONS

d

ke cakneddloc LandloL

PAGE by JACK STEIN

Mr. Faust

Kyle

Senior Quotes

Kyle has been my compadre for the last six years. It will be weird not having him around next year to make fun of him. -Hector

PAGE by ESTELLE MURRAY

Josh

SENIORS

BELLA GAVASSE & MARGAUX MURPHY & SAM STEGALL

I’ve known Josh since 7th grade and although we didn’t start off liking each other, I am so lucky to have had him as my best friend for the past 5 years. He is funny, nice, and keeps me in line and I look forward to continuing our relationship for the rest of our lives. Thank you for being such an amazing person. -Sierra

Bennett

BELLA GAVASSE

KYLE AITCHESON

RUTH BECKMEN

DYLAN YOUNG

IZZY SABINO

MARGAUX MURPHY

Dylan

I see Dylan as a very hardworking student-athlete. He loves what he does and is very dedicated to not only his own success but others as well. He has a great attitude and you can always count on him for a joke and a smile!! -Margaux

Estelle

Sophie has been one my closest friends at Laguna since freshmen year and has always been someone I can count on. No matter the occasion, her positive attitude and great sense of humor always makes her a joy to be around as she never ceases to put a smile on the faces of those around her. I am very thankful to have met Sophie at Laguna and my time has been better because of it. -Oliver

Estelle is an amazing girl. She is always so put together and gives the best advice. She is a brilliant girl and is going to do great things in life. I’m so lucky to have her as a friend and I can’t wait to create many more unforgettable memories with her in the years to come. -Sophie

Athena

Margaux

Margaux is hardworking and dedicated at everything she attempts.

She has a fantastic smile and brings positivity into her friend group. Haha classic oatmeal.-Dylan

Sofia

JACK STEIN, JORDAN BOLLAG, MAGGIE NEWELL, AVA MOROUSE, GRACE GIORDANO, HAYLEY BANKHEAD, AND ATHENA BOYLE

Ruth

Ruth is a funny and kind person. She always looks out for her friends and makes sure that they are taken care of. She works hard, plays hard. -Ty

Bennett is the Brad to my Angelina.

Whenever I’m feeling down and I need a friend, he’s there in an instant. He brightens my world with his self effacing charm and effortless wit, and is surely making his way toward an incredible future at Berkeley and beyond. -Jack

A passionate warrior for justice and equality, Athena is a true Goddess of Wisdom. Athena, the world awaits you with open arms!

-Ms. Hill

ESTELLE MURRAY & SOPHIE HENDERSON

Bowen Bai

Bowen is a rare mixture scientist and humanist. His heart is overflowing with a concern for the wellbeing of others.

Bowen enjoys having his ideas challenged and his beliefs questioned. He is a philosopher-poet who will make an impact on this world that will extend far beyond his immediate reach. I am truly blessed that I have had the good fortune to know such a man. -Mr. Faust

Sofia is a great friend, she always knows the right thing to say when you aren’t in the best mood. She is really kind and thoughtful and I can always go to her for a good laugh. -Vivian

Sophie

Charlie

One of the first times I talked to Charlie was during the Paris trip. We were at dinner with a group of friends and by the end of the night everyone’s cheeks were sore from smiling so much. That’s what every interaction with Charlie is like. -Pisci

Sherlock

He is a real-life Sherlock Holmes. He is young but sophisticated; energetic yet dispassionate. He rises the IQ of the whole school. He will find unprecedented success wherever he goes—for him, it is elementary. -Tony

Sully

Sully has distinguished himself in many ways, intellectually and artistically, during his Laguna years, not the least of which is ‘doing Ace’ as well as Angeloff does! -Ace

Hayley

Hayley is a very unique individual.

She’s one of the most outgoing people I’ve met, is thoughtful, considerate and always sticks up for the friends that she trusts. She bears a permanent cheeky smile on her face listening to trendy indie music with coffee in hand, whilst at the same time somehow remaining a dedicated and enthusiastic student, but more importantly, a loyal friend that I will miss very much. -Maggie

Caitlin

Caitlin shares with me a love of understanding the theoretical both in Mathematics and Science. She enjoys seeing the big picture. I enjoy seeing her love of abstract knowledge. -Mr. Ary

Sam

Sam Stegall is special. He is as equally funny as he is caring. He is both dedicated and driven in all aspects of his life. I will miss his dance moves that never fail to put a smile on my face and how he always finds the best in every moment and everyone. -Estelle

Andrew

Andrew is my brother, best friend, and student council running mate!

For as long as I can remember (or, since I was born, I guess) he has been there for me, and I will miss him more than anything when he goes off to college next year. -Kiki

Hector

I’m going to miss driving to school with him and seeing him everyday.

It will be sad not having him around to tease me. Hector is a really nice brother, sibling, athlete, and friend.

We will all miss him very much but I think he will miss Rosa the most.

USD is lucky. -Bea

Julia

I’ve known Julia since third grade. Julia has always had an incredible presence, as both an Equestrian and a best friend.

After years of her support and endless wit, I will miss her so much. I wish Julia the best of luck at Georgetown! -Emma

Oliver

Oliver has been one of my best friends for as long as I can remember. There’s almost no one else that I would put above him. He is truly one of the greatest people I know.

I’m so sad to leave him but super excited to see what he’ll do. Because I know it will be great. -Sam

Maddie

Grace

Grace is an honestly amazing, and I consider myself so lucky to know her. She truly embodies her name– graceful, loyal, and incredibly humble in everything she does. I’ve been lucky enough to get to know Grace better this year, and I consider her one of my closest friends. From beach walks to yoga, and all of our other senior year adventures, Grace is a light in everything she does. I cannot wait to see where the future takes her, and I am so proud of her! Love you, Grace! -Ava

Maddie is by far one of the coolest chicks around. She’s an incredibly dedicated student, and an even better friend. Her laugh makes you Tony is the most motivated, funny, and smile, and she’s always up for doing passionate person I know. Since the first anything. I have absolutely no idea day we enrolled, we became very close what I’m going to do without her. friends.

Tony will keep trying to pursue his I’m going to miss you so much! dream of dating an attractive girl in the -Audrey next four years. -Melissa

Tony

Alfie

Alfie’s humor takes a minute to get used to however once that barrier is broken he instantly becomes one of the funniest people you will meet. He is an intelligent young man and I’m sure that he will do great things in the future. -Dylan

Maeve

Maeve is one of the most generous and kind person I know. She is always there for you, and will always have your back! -Grace

Maggie

Maggie is one of the hardest working, dedicated, down to Earth, and loyal people I know. Her work ethic never fails to impress me and our rants, coffee runs, shared laughs, and driving adventures mean the world to me! I am so grateful for our friendship and can’t wait to watch her kill it over the next four years and beyond! -Hayley

Jordan Jordan displayed considerable perspicacity in appreciating the complexities involved and the non-judgmental analysis required when looking at societies and cultures so different from our own. He has all the qualities to make an excellent ambassador abroad, representing the best of our own culture and society. Mr. Nathan

Sierra

The first interaction I had with Sierra was when she stood outside my Yosemite cabin in her sleeping bag calling my name. From that moment on, she has been by my side through it all. Whether we were watching Moana at the drive in, burning sage from the Sacred Space, or watching Love it or List it, I loved spending every moment with her. -Maddie

Jack

Ty

When Jack Stein is not philosophizing on the doom of humanity, he is a fun lunch pal, my best track buddy, and the sweetest person ever.

He is a star in all kinds of ways, but more importantly, as a friend, he is supportive, kind, genuine, caring, and someone who can always make me smile. I’ll miss him next year!

-Lucy

Ava

Izzy is the greatest sister anyone could ask for. It is because of her outstanding leadership skills, her witty humor, and her immense work ethic that she has become my role model. Thank you sister, and have the best time in college. -Gus

I enjoy hanging out with Ty and he’s been a really good mentor for me at Laguna and he has taught me the way of how to control yourself in high school and be a nice, independent and good person for the community. -Oscar Ava has persistently been a positive influence on my life, being my trailblazer for all kinds of situations, from school, to camps, to adventures, Ava has always had my back by leading by example. -Jack

Kovid

Kovid has the biggest, kindest heart of anyone I’ve ever met! I know I can always count on him for a warm greeting and a big smile. Kovid is the embodiment of integrity--he always does what’s right, and he always puts others’ happiness first. He’s a truly special soul who is destined to improve the lives of so many people!

-Ms. Woodard

Maxx

Maxx is hands down the nicest, caring, optimistic, and hardworking person I have ever known. He always defies the odds through his positivity. He has been the best friend that I could ever have. He is very spontaneous and always ready for an adventure around Santa Barbara with me. I am very honored to have a friend like him and can’t wait for more adventures. -Kovid

senior confessions

Izzy

Avery

“Avery Hughes has grown so much since I first met him in 7th grade, his personality and dry humor is an acquired taste.

He is the weirdest combination of lazy and determined and even though I’m going to miss him next year I’m sure his YSL Shoes and Louis Vuitton vest will get him through college” -Josh

Bella

I feel so lucky to have met Bells.

Her smile is infectious and her laugh contagious. She is so caring and welcomed me into Laguna since the first second I stepped foot on campus. I can’t describe how much you mean to me Bells, thank you for being the best friend I could’ve ever asked for.

Pepperdine is so lucky. -Estelle

Spencer

Spencer has a big heart. He is always so supportive, kind, and is overall such a great person.

-Devon

ART by EMMA RAITH

Ridgewood Farm

founded by beTsy woods owner/head TraIner - courTney cochran

Gap Year?

H

ave you ever dreamed of teaching the children in Ghana, creating music that drifts out across the West African landscape, conducting case studies, joining a Himalayan expedition, or spending an entire year after graduating from high school pursuing your greatest passions?

“More and more I’ve found myself fantasizing about taking a gap year in college,” sophomore Elizabeth Bisno said. “I think it is something everyone should do.

I see it as an incredible experience that I will learn so much from and won’t regret.”

Despite his decision not to take a gap year after he graduates from Laguna, senior Sherlock Jian still pictures himself “traveling around the world or doing internships” if he will have such an opportunity in the future. Whether or not you have ever considered taking a gap year, learning about it now will help you make the best decision for yourself and your future.

The American Gap Association defines a gap year as "a year of experiential learning, typically taken after high school and prior to career or post-secondary education, in order to deepen one's practical, professional, and personal awareness.”

Through experiences such as overseas studies and internships, taking a gap year before entering college provides students opportunities to pursue their passions outside of the classroom. This opportunity not only broadens their horizons –– quite literally –– but also forges their identity as world citizens.

One year abroad exposes students to foreign cultures, encourages them to reach out to other communities, and provides new perspectives on their studies, all of which form immeasurably meaningful experiences unable to find in schools.

Especially for students who are still in the process of finding out their passions, taking a gap year helps them to discover who they are and what is important to them.

According to the American Gap Association, 98 percent of the gappers surveyed believe that taking a gap year promotes their personal growth, indicating

the increasing maturity and self-reliance of post-gapyear students having overcome challenges in living away from parents, interacting with new people, and immersing themselves in fresh activities and ideas.

After a semester-long outdoor adventure in cultural exchange and academic study at Alzar School, sophomore Kate Spauldingsaid: “learned how well [she] can handle difficulties. [She] realized that [she] [is] capable of pushing [herself] physically and mentally in school now, as [she] had classes in the wilderness and was usually tired from backpacking, and was forced to speak in different languages like Spanish."

Despite the benefits gap years can provide, concerns rise among parents and students, such as a student’s risk of falling behind academically or simply the cost of gap year programs.

It is true that some programs carry high price tags, yet some provide scholarships and financial aid to those students in need.

The pros and cons to taking a gap-year are numerous, but eventually one side will outweigh the other–– it all depends on the student.

As a piece of advice for our graduating students on this decision, college counselor Matt Struckmeyer said: “The essential thing to consider is how refreshed students feel when entering colleges. More and more high school students are facing extremely fatigued activities to get admitted, pushing themselves to their limits, getting both intelligently and physically tired.

Therefore, taking a gap year allows them to have a break from the intense pressure. This entirely selfdirected process is spiritually refreshing. They will truly begin college with maturity.”

Whether taking a gap year or not truly depends o n a n i n d i v i d u a l ’s c h a r a c t e r, g o a l s , p a s s i o n s , economical background and other factors. I believe one’s motivation, capability of planning ahead, selfdisciplinary and self-awareness are keys to a successful gap year experience.

WORDS and ART by VIOLET ZHOU

30 • OPINION thefourthestate.net

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Congratulates Isabella sabIno on an outstandIng JunIor Career.

Isabella sabIno and ToccaTa

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A

Orthorexia

Everyone knows someone who is fixated on eating cage-free, refined sugar, Paleo, and lowfat foods. Their “unhealthy binges” consist of raspberries and dark chocolate. You notice their body, workout regimen, and weight loss and are envious because you wonder how a human can be so perfect — yet their lifestyle could be far from perfect.

WORDS and ART by DAISY FINEFROCK

s a society, we are informed of the dangers of eating disorders, along with the many signs, symptoms, and treatments. In this regard, we are helping many potential victims of eating disorders.

Yet, there is this underlying problem which is not addressed by the public... and it is hidden right in plain sight. It’s in our magazines, in our daily conversations, in our thoughts — the disorder of over-healthy eating. Orthorexia.

Not formally recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, it is the obsession with eating healthy to the point where it is life-threatening.

The probable reason why no one recognizes this illness is that it doesn’t fall into the usual “standards” of an eating disorder.

Whereas the image that comes to mind for an eating disorder is someone throwing up or binging. We don’t seem to think about what an eating disorder actually means — in a dictionary, the phrase is defined as someone having a “disturbed eating habit.”

This would entail a bad relationship with food, just like any other relationship: bad could mean obsessive or abusive. The constant in orthorexia and the more standard eating disorders are the connections between food and control.

Victims of the disorder claim to feel that they have no real control in their lives and food is that outlet. It results in emotional turmoil if the regimen they’ve self-prescribed is broken.

The anxiety, shaming and guilt that follows the indulgence is most concerning. It creates a negative feeling about food. To be able to choose what they are going to eat and how much, they are controlling one part of their lives.

The thing that sets orthorexia apart is the fact that it is so hard for loved ones to notice the obvious issue.

Orthorexia generally does not originate from body image issues or weight loss; these are problems that victims develop over time.

The fixation with eating pure, healthy foods is driven by the motivation to be their healthiest self.

What’s scary is that this disorder was born out of good motives.

People just want to be their best selves, yet it is when it becomes a scenario where they’d rather starve than eat an “impure” food, it goes from a health fad to a serious disorder.

What is most confusing about this disorder is that experts aren’t even sure of the true origins of the disorder.

What is the obsession with being healthy?

It may be a good thing but when health comes at the cost of happiness, is it worth it? Impressionable youth are at stake.

Growing up in the Gen Z generation, I know what it is like to scroll through Instagram and see all the gorgeous models.

I see them advertising their sugar-free gummy bears, green salads and workout routines.

Their slim bodies and smiling faces make it easy for people to make the connection: a good and happy life correlates to the food we put in our bodies.

Because we are what we eat, right?

It’s been imprinted in our brains since the very beginning when our parents first told us “eat your greens” or when as a child we are praised for eating healthy and not reaching for a donut.

As we grow up, we understand that cookies are bad and broccoli is good.

Sweets and junk food are treated as a specialty: like a dog yearning for a treat — we have to earn it.

There is so much emotion involved in food which shouldn’t exist. When we create a bad attitude about certain foods, it turns into bad self-esteem.

In the event when someone with orthorexia “slips up” and eats something not deemed “healthy,” they become horribly upset with themselves.

When there are emotions involved with eating habits, it can easily go downhill because of the repercussions of normal human mistakes.

Everyone can eat food that isn’t the healthiest every now and then, or everyday, or every meal.

Orthorexics go into the mindset of believing that if they had carbs at

lunch means that they can only have a salad with no dressing and veggies for dinner. Yet, if you want to have chocolate with all three meals, it doesn’t mean that you’ll drop dead or gain 100 pounds.

It’s all a figment of their mental disorder. The key is that victims of orthorexia self prescribe their regimen.

It’s nothing that a doctor says is good for them, it’s what they think is good. And with no help readily available for victims, it makes the disorder a whole lot more complicated.

Perhaps the world is so focused on disorders because they are more interesting.

“

ciety, are concerned about. It is when the positive turns to negative because for orthorexics, the strategy is quality over quantity.

They would much rather focus on the “pureness” of their food than how much of it they are consuming.

Theoretically, an orthorexic could eat a buffet of food but it would only be filled with greens.

The diet is so restricting that it ensures that the victim has an invisible hold over themselves and their happiness.

There is no freedom in choices when you’re being persuaded by your mind everyday, every meal, every decision.

Being bombarded at the grocery store with labels like “gluten-free,” “refined sugar,” or “low fat” it’s easy to be brainwashed with the idea of eating foods that are pure and choosing the “better” alternative to foods.

Most items have a nutritional label — it’s so easy to see what you’re about to eat and analyze it.

I find myself looking at the pros and cons of items I eat on a daily basis. “Well, it has 15 grams of sugar but also 9 grams of protein.”

I have a daily battle with my brain and insecurities racking my thoughts telling me I’m not eating well enough. That my vegan diet isn’t enough.

Is it worth it to eat that bowl of cereal or should I just go for an apple with almond butter for breakfast?

The thoughts that consume me every day can be overwhelming. It is a perfect example that having too much of something can still be detrimental.

The transformation posts to the healthy lifestyle blogs are destructive yet effective for people wanting to change their lifestyles for the better.

As technology progresses, many problems vanish but with that comes the new issues this generation is having to face.

Until we find a way to cope with the rising dilemma of being a teenager in this modern world, there will be more and more problems coming our way.

A content life correlates to the food we nourish ourselves with because we are what we eat, right?”

thefourthestate.net

People want to hear about the sadness and pain that comes with some of these disorders. It is human nature that we are drawn to other people’s struggles. We are morbidly obsessed with all the details.

Just because one eating disorder is less likely to become the plot of a movie doesn’t mean it’s less important.

Orthorexia is not given the attention is needs because for most, to be extremely healthy would be an ideal goal — likely unattainable but still a goal.

People are infatuated with all of the new diets and exercises that are being advertised that they don’t see the harm that can come with it because being health conscious is positive!

It isn’t something that we, as a so-

OPINION • 33

Students ask, should the Isham Library be used for quiet studying, socializing or a mix of both?

F

or as long as present students can remember, the library has been a balance of studying and socializing with friends.

It was a location where students could eat, talk, study and do homework during free periods and lunch.

Recently, however, the rules (and, some would argue, culture) of the Library has changed. The new rules stand as follows: 1. Students may not eat in the library 2. Students may not drink anything besides water in the library 3. Students may only whisper very quietly in the library If you do not comply with any or all of these rules, you will be asked to leave.

Most would agree that the rules above aren’t outrageous should the Laguna Library be akin places like the Santa Barbara Public Library. But does Isham serve only as a library?

Two students enjoying the reading corner From a poll of Upper School students, 73 of the 79 students polled agree that it should be a multi-functional space designated to facilitate a mix of both studying and socializing, as it is the only inside location on campus that students can meet.

Seventy four believe that students should be able to eat in the library.

When asked to share their thoughts, students used evidence to defend their opinion, “I know I study better if I have a

Do you think the library should be for just studying, socializing, or a mix of both?

snack. There are scientific studies that prove study and focus levels both increase when you are chewing — this is why gum is sometimes encouraged during standardized testing.”

The most unfortunate aspect of the new rule implementation, however, is the timing.

The rules were enforced in mid-February, right when Santa Barbara became cold and rainy.

It was difficult for students to find places for

Do you think we should be able to eat in the library?

them to eat at lunch, as the Library had become so abruptly off limits to any food or drink.

Of the comments received during the poll, most were understandably receptive to the new rules, with just a few tweaks.

Students seem to agree that odorless snacks and drinks (i.e.

Starbucks, Blenders) should be permitted in the library.

There was a suggestion to open the windows during lunch/free periods to prevent the room from being stuffy.

Almost all agreed that the library should be available for students to eat lunch, especially when it’s raining, and be a study space during free periods with respectable talking allowed.

Overall, students are grateful for the well-kept and helpful study spaces that are available to us on campus, but nothing compares to the library in its versatile potential and useful relationship with the student body.

WORDS and ART by AUDREY MURPHY

Are you more productive with the new rules in place?

34 • OPINION thefourthestate.net

M

ueller’s report, after three years of preparation, has finally been released.

The long-anticipated end to the Russia Investigation, a rare constant throughout the President’s time in the White House, was made available to the American public on April 18 and was greeted with a flurry of excited news stations reporting on the 448page investigation.

However, with the avalanche of articles and reports that instantaneously flooded across the internet, it became clear that each station had its own interpretation and summary of the report.

This is certainly not inherently unique or new; it has been made clear over several years now that media bias plays a heavy role in the reporting of nearly every political event of significance.

However, the Mueller report seems to take such biases to a whole new level.

For instance, Fox News released pieces such as: “With Full Mueller Report out, time to go after the real conspirators,” the “real conspirators” being a number of high-ranking Democrats.

Meanwhile, CNN ran with: “Mueller had everything he needed to charge Trump with obstruction, but didn’t,” suggesting a much different narrative from what their counterparts claimed.

Ultimately, the Mueller report was not the decisive, crushing blow to thefourthestate.net

Mueller and the Media The Mueller Report reveals a nasty habit of ditching journalistic integrity for dishonest partisanship.

Trump that many Democrats had hoped it would be, nor was it the “all clear” that Republicans were looking for.

In the end, the Mueller report serves to show only one thing: that our media is still too divided to handle something with the magnitude of the Mueller Report and Russia Investigation.

The first stories to be released on such a topic should not be fiery op-eds pushing a specific agenda.

While I commend both Fox and CNN for releasing copies of the full report for public use, their links on both sites were surrounded by countless flashy ti-

tles, all seemingly more interesting and engaging to the average reader than the genuine piece of writing from which they are based.

In such a hostile landscape, the Mueller Investigation is unlikely to satisfy either side of the political spectrum.

There is no way the probe could be released with absolutely no redactions; doing so would be reckless and could endanger countless wellkept government secrets, as well as US operatives across the globe.

But, with our media all trying to push a story, many sensationalist report-

ers used the redactions as evidence that “the real accusations are just being covered up! He is guilty after all!”

In contrast, defenders of Trump cherry-picked sentences to convince readers that the report found absolutely nothing fishy about Trump’s conduct, which is also inaccurate.

In the end, though, the biggest tragedy of the Russia investigation is how much time, money and energy it consumed for such a predictable and unproductive conclusion.

Millions of dollars and over 700 days of investigating, with constant coverage on the news, only for petty partisanship to get in the way of reality.

We must remember that there are other dilemmas still raging across the globe: issues with our southern border continue, North Korea is still testing missiles and Venezuela is in utter ruins. Yet, despite this, the media has chosen to spend countless hours of reporting time for the duration of Trump’s presidency on what was largely speculation, only for all of the conspiracies and accusations to once again crumble down into pathetic party alliances and screaming matches.

In short, if we want such investigations to carry any political weight in the future, it is imperative that we ditch the sensationalism and stick with the facts.

WORDS and ART by

IAN BROWN

OPINION • 35

Mia Humberd-Hilf ‘20 as Lady Larken Patrick Otte ‘20 as Sir Harry

Sullivan Israel ‘19 as King Sextimus Madeleine Nicks ‘22 as Jester

Sydney Hlavaty ‘20 as Wizard

Once Upon a Mattress Directed by Dana Caldwell Musical Direction & Choreography

by Jullian Honorof

Simon Lea as Mistral

Beau Glazier ‘20 as Princess Winnifred Athena Boyle ‘19 as Merrill

PAGE by NAFISAH FATHIMA ART by BRAD ELLIOTT

Elizabeth Bisno ‘21 as Rowena, Violet Zhou ‘21 as Lady H, and Lauren Mills ‘22 as Lucille

Caetano Perez-Marchant ‘20 as Prince Dauntless & Juliana Slater ‘20 as Queen Aggravain

Amara Murphy ‘22 as Princess #12, Elizabeth Bisno ‘21 as Rowena, and Beau Glazier as Princess Winnifred

36 • A&E thefourthestate.net

A New Age in Cinema “Endgame” made $1.2 billion in five days which breathed new life into Marvel Studios, making it the most successful movie franchise in film history — but the journey wasn’t easy

M

ovies have changed drastically in-part due to the raging success of Marvel superhero movies.

The company wasn’t always the giant movie-producing company that it is today. They got their start in comics.

And although the company received raging success from their previous comic book era, as we moved into the 21st century, comics weren’t as popular as they were in the late 20th century.

With fewer people buying their comics, their income was dwindling, and the once thriving company was facing bankruptcy.

They were in need of revenue so they started selling off the rights of their characters in the 1990s. They sold the rights of “Spiderman” to Sony and the rights of “Fantastic Four” and “X-Men” to 20th Century Fox. These companies then made movies on these previously marvel characters.

Sony made “Spiderman” and 20th Century Fox made “X-Men” were some of the Box-office hits that paved the way for superhero movies.

Marvel continued to sell off the rights of their characters for a couple more years, watching their characters grace the silver screen with other movie-making companies.

Marvels problems were not solved by selling off their characters, they received very little of the huge sums their

previous characters were making and were still declining into bankruptcy.

Finally, in 2004 Marvel had the idea to make the movies themselves. This marked the start of the Marvel Cinematic Universe — the MCU. The first movie was “Iron-Man” which came out in 2008.

The movie was, safe to say, a box office hit. It grossed $585.2 million at the box office.

“Iron-Man” paved the way for the success of the rest of the MCU and Marvel took off.

They continued to release superhero movies based on their comic characters such as “Captain America” and “Thor” and have released new movies for the past 10 years.

The heroes in Marvel’s movies crossover in the Avengers’ movies, the first in 2012.

“The Avengers” marked the first crossover. It was followed by “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and the much anticipated “Avengers: Infinity War,” which is one of the most recent Marvel films, in which Marvel has all the characters, from every comic and movie, come together to fight the villain, Thanos.

For one of the first times in Marvel history, the heroes lost this battle and Thanos killed over half the population in the Marvel universe.

The much-anticipated “Avengers: Endgame” is Marvel’s most-anticipated and most-popular movie to hit the silver screen, and will bring more excited superhero fans to theaters to see their childhood superheroes come alive.

Freshman Olivia Davenport said that “Endgame, by far, is the most legendary movie from the Marvel Cinematic Universe I have come across thus far.”

WORDS by AVA RICE

and

HANNA MASARI

ART by AVA RICE

A&E 38 • thefourthestate.net

Unpacking “The Rise of Skywalker” Trailer

S

WORDS by PATRICK OTTE and WESLEY SCHULZ ART by CHRISTIAN BRANCH

tar Wars fans are racking their brains, pondering — what will happen next?

Triggering a variety of excited and speculating reactions.

“The Rise of Skywalker” could spur Star Wars back on track, provoking nostalgia from the watcher while Lando Calrissian flies the Millennium Falcon with Chewbacca.

What role will the two key-force users, Rey, and Kylo Ren have in this so-called finale?

Palpatine’s cackle at the end of the trailer brings up fan theories a-plenty, ultimately asking: What part will the Emperor play in “The Last Jedi?”

“We’ve passed down all we know, a thousand generations live in you now,” said Luke Skywalker when Rey jumped over what seems to be Kylo Ren’s Tie Interceptor.

Rey showcases her natural force abilities that Luke comments on in the “The Last Jedi”: “I’ve only seen this raw strength once before.”

Kylo matched Rey’s power, and when Luke tried to eliminate Kylo in “The Last Jedi,” Kylo brought his wrath down upon the Jedi Temple situated at Yavin Four.

Rey’s brief sneak-peak of abilities has fans speculating on what role she will have in “The Rise of Skywalker.”

Rey’s “flair of the force” is a brief teaser in the opening scene is a teaser of her force abilities to come. Kylo Ren has cemented his place on “the dark side of the force” by killing both his father, Han Solo, and his former master, Snoke.

Kylo looks up to Darth Vader, and frankly, many consider Kylo to be an inadequate Sith. His expectation of becoming more powerful than Darth Vader is destroying him.

However, we can infer from Kylo’s occasional moments of hesitation — ones that the Sith would deem pathetically week — that Kylo is not wholeheartedly evil like Emperor Palpatine.

Kylo’s lost and questions himself. Will Kylo’s allegiance turn to the “light side?”

When one chooses the path of the dark side, the hole they dig themselves into is a near-impossible one to clamber out of.

As the trailer ends, Rey, Finn, BB-8, Chewbacca, C3PO, and Poe Dameron are all looking at the remnants of the Death Star strewn in an unknown ocean, with Palpatine’s cackle haunting the background.

“When it comes to Palpatine, I only have one wish, that they don’t ruin him for me,” junior Jacob Self said. I hope Palpatine puts some of the newer characters in their place with some epic dialogue and unparalleled combat.”

Fan theories spread like wildfire: Is Palpatine a force ghost. Is Palpatine even alive? Could Snoke’s death be a setup?

Whatever the truth, Star Wars fans are ecstatic that the most iconic villain in all of Star Wars will make an appearance in the finale.

With the Star

Wars movie-saga coming to an end, the hype surrounding “The Rise of Skywalker” is through the roof.

Rey and Kylo’s roles will shape people’s views on Star Wars for generations.

“The Rise of Skywalker” is detrimental to Disney’s self-image of creating top-notch Star War’s content. If it can balance the needs of both the Star Wars fandom as well as the general population and provide a satisfactory conclusion, it could go on to be one of the most successful movies not just in the franchise but, in history,” freshman George Nicks said. Will “The Rise of Skywalker” fail to deliver, as several of the previous Star Wars movies have done — or crush the box office and compete with other top-grossing movies?

Only time will tell.”We’ll always be with you, no one’s ever really gone.”

thefourthestate.net A&E • 39

Senior Profile: Andrew Tolles Senior Andrew Tolles summarizes and reflects on his time throughout his four years of high school being a multi-sport athlete.

Where are you attending college? Santa Clara University Do you plan to play sports in college? Yes, club volleyball What sports have you played through school? Tennis, beach volleyball, indoor volleyball, football and soccer.

What has been your favorite sport to play in high school?

Indoor volleyball.

Have you won any awards related to sports?

Yes! Through indoor volleyball I have won MVP in 2018 and the 2019 Chad Tournament All-Tournament player. A more general award I have won is Scholar Athlete of the Year.

What do sports mean to you?

To me sports are a way staying active and having fun. Playing a sport after school also helps me de-stress after a long day. I can get out any frustrations or unhappiness by playing because it’s something I really love to do.

What is one thing you’ve learned from being on a Laguna Blanca team?

One thing I learned about being on a team which I might not have learned at another school is what it’s like to be on a team with guys all four years of high school. Most other schools don’t have freshmen playing on the same team as seniors. That aspect has shaped my athletic experience.

40 • SPORTS

What makes a good teammate?

To me, a good teammate is somebody who works as hard as they can to be the best they can be — someone you can always rely on, even if they are not having a good day.

What’s something special about Laguna’s athletics?

Due to Laguna Blanca’s smaller size, I have been able to play any sport I have every wanted to try. If I had gone somewhere else I never would have had the experience of playing five different sports at the same school.

How has your family supported you with athletics?

My parents have always raised me to try new things and have supported me in anything I chose to do. For example, sophomore year I wanted to transition from my main sport of tennis, to volleyball and both my parents fully supported me in that decision despite how much time they had put into my tennis education.

How do you handle pressure in an athletic situation?

I’ll try and stop thinking about what I have to do and think about something small instead like my footsteps or breathing.

What goals have you achieved as an athlete during high school?

In soccer, I really wanted to start during my high school career and as a senior I finally did. In volleyball, my goal was to be captain senior year which I am now.

WORDS and ART by MACY CHRISTAL thefourthestate.net

Emergence of New Greatness The stage of the NBA is never short in talent, and always welcoming to ambitious youngins willing to challenge greatness.

F

or basketball fans across the globe, the annual NBA Finals traditionally award fans with a combination of high-quality basketball, drama, and close games that tightly grab the eyes of millions.

As far as the stats can tell, however, the part of grabbing eyeballs isn’t exactly true. NBA Finals reached its lowest viewership since 2014, a mere14.8 million. Amid a tech-dominating era where viewing the game only takes couple of clicks, there is no other reason for this decline but fans’ dissatisfactions toward the repetitiveness of match-up in NBA Finals.

However, everything will change this year. For the first time in eight years, the renowned LeBron James does not have the chance to showcase his skills in the playoffs, let alone Finals.

The seemingly unbeatable Golden State Warriors, though having claimed the O’Brien trophy three times in the past four years, proved themselves to be not invincible with their “poor” regular season record, 57-25, worst in past four years.

Furthermore, there are plenty of teams and players with staunch determination that will not hesitate to take their places, two of which are Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks.

thefourthestate.net

WORDS by JACK BONING ART by CHRISTIAN BRANCH

It seems obvious that all the essential elements are in place, ready for stirring a dramatic change in the NBA landscape.

Denver Nuggets Compared with the star-stacked warriors or any other top-seeded teams, Denver has a much less stellar roster.

Nikola Jokic, the sole all-star on the team, earned his foothold in the league with unorthodox playing style, one that combines the skill of a center and a point guard, which can be apparently shown through his stat: 10.8 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game in the 18-19 season.

Nikola’s role as a facilitator in the game, however, is much more than what the stats scream.

In their first playoff game this season against the Spurs, Nuggets’ plays were frequently initiated with Nikola setting high-quality screens for either one of the two shooters, Gary Harris and Jamal Murray, providing them with an open area to either shoot, drive, or pass.

Milwaukee Bucks In 2013, a reporter asked Giannis Antetokounmpo what kind of player he would be five years from now?

Giannis answered firmly, “I will be much stronger. I will be much better, than you ever think.”

Five years later, through countless hours of grueling work unseen to the

outside, Giannis’ status as a top-five player in the NBA proved himself different from other ambitious teenagers who could not keep their momentum high for more than a week.

Giannis is now the absolute leader on this top-seeded Bucks team and has contributed for the most part to their first playoffs series win since 2001. Such a dramatic transformation could not have occurred without Giannis ’s steady improvement over the span of five years.

In his fifth season, 17-18 season, he was leading his team in all five stats, especially his Points Per Games (PPG) which increased four times from his rookie year.

But his success comes from sheer athleticism, and a large part of his potential lays unexplored.

“The numbers he’s getting right now are almost on accident. Once he learns how to play play — unstoppable. It’s almost like he’s from another planet,” said Michael Reed, former Bucks star, at the beginning of the 17-18 season.

It seems as if Giannis took those words to his heart. In the current season, he took the responsibility of both a scorer and a facilitator, making smarter passes and fewer turnovers while maintaining his lack of hesitation when attacking the basket.

SPORTS • 41

TY TROSKY Q: What have you learned from being a captain on both the football and the basketball team?

A: I learned that being a family with your team is the most important key to a successful season, because there are always people who have your back, ready to ride or die.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

GIRLS INDOOR & SAND VOLLEYBALL

KYLE AITCHESON

SAM STEGALL

ANDREW TOLLES

Q: What motivates you to be a leader?

Q: What makes a good leader in your opinion?

Q: What sort of leader would you say that you are?

A: A good leader is someone who is humble, honest, and willing to admit when they’re wrong.

A: I would say that I lead more by example than anything else. If I be the best I can be, then maybe others will be inspired to be their best too.

A: I’m motivated to be a leader by my teammates. I know that if I can stay calm and confident then they might be inspired to do the same.

MADDIE WALKER

MARGAUX MURPHY

Q: Describe your senior season in three words?

Q: What achievement have you accomplished on both teams during your senior year?

A: Bump. Set. Destroy.

A: Watching both the teams come together to bond as we won competitive games.

VARSITY FOOTBALL SAM STEGALL

Varsity Football Co-Captain

JOSH BARON Q: What has been a memorable moment on both the Laguna Blanca Teams?

TY TROSKY

Varsity Football Co-Captain

A: Some of my favorite memories come from helping freshman and new kids to feel comfortable and welcome on the team.

42 •

SPORTS thefourthestate.net

BOYS SOCCER

JOSH BARON

HECTOR LUJAN Q: Can you describe a memorable moment on the soccer team?

A: When we played Cate away, and somehow lost 1-0 despite dominating the game. We scored on the last minute to take the game into overtime, and we ended on a draw. That game felt like a victory, though, because we played our best game of the season that day.

DYLAN YOUNG Q: What lesson have you learned from being a captain? How will it help you with playing in college?

A: As a captain, you have a lot of responsibility. I find it especially important to prevent conflicts among players, as they can be toxic to the team morale. Now entering into the college game, this mentality will help me because I understand the obligation of my captain position at UIW, and can be a better teammate that way. thefourthestate.net

Boys Varsity Soccer Co-Captain

ALFIE RUSSEL Q: Describe your senior season in three words?

A: Challenging, memorable, and enjoyable.

MARGAUX MURPHY

Girls Varsity Soccer Co-Captain

SIERRA WILLARD Q: What have you learned from being a captain of the soccer team?

A: I learned that to be a leader you don’t need to be at the highest skill level but you have to work hard, have your own voice, and give your time and energy to the people you care about. If you do those things, fun and skills will come naturally.

GIRLS TENNIS SOPHIE HENDERSON Q: What have you learned from being a captain of the tennis team? How will your experience help you in college?

A: I learned that it’s important to act as a role model to my teammates.

When a player would come to me for reassurance, I learned to be present, supportive, and non-judgmental. In college, this experience will help me to stay motivated in the goals I set for myself, but more importantly, to find strength in each person I meet, and love them for that.

BOYS TENNIS KOVID MISHRA Q: Describe your season in three words?

A: Exhilarating, intense, enjoyable.

WORDS by MACY CHRISTAL ART by EMMA RAITH

SPORTS • 43

Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson