Lancer Express 10.9.13

LANCER ex PRESS

the we h ave i ssues.

In this issue:

3 Five Star 14 Loud Crowd 18 Music Festival 21 Varsity X-Country

carlsbad high school carlsbad, ca october 2013 volume 27, issue 1

2 news

photo highlight

october 2013

photo by jacquelyn nakamura

Seniors (left to right) Yasaman Samsamshariat, Caihla Petiprin, AJ Johnson, Logan Casteel, Courtney Haubach, Jakob Karlsson, Bridget McGowan and Kari Fiske dressed as “Harry Potter”characters ride the senior float in the Homecoming Parade in downtown Carlsbad on Sept. 20. After the seniors spent a week working on the float, the voting committee announced them as the winners of the float contest. “After putting so much work into the float, the recognition of winning was so satisfying,” senior AJ Johnson said. “It’s great senior memory.”

October Community Highlights 10/9

Scream Zone opens with North County a new attraction Coastal College Fair cream Zone is back and better El Camino High than ever! New attraction Zombie School, 5pm Paintball Safari will join returning

10/11 Pep Rally Plaza,11:30am 10/19

PSAT CHS, 8 a.m.

10/22

Chatting With CHS Room 4005, 8:30 a.m.

10/31

Halloween

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favorites The Haunted Hayride, House of Horror and The Chamber at the annual Halloween event.

In this attraction, people get the opportunity to defend themselves with a paintball gun as the zombies attack. But do not dismiss the other haunts. Get lost in the disorienting maze, The Chamber, that has the longest kaleidoscope tunnel in Southern California, where all kinds of terrors await. The House of Horror is always a thrill of it’s own with monsters lurking in the dark corners and 12 new terrifying dens including, 13 Ghosts, Zombie House, Texas Graveyard and The Underworld. Climb onto The Haunted Hayride, a favorite with its scary clowns and walking dead, but new this year is Zombie Prison, Zombie Town and the Hills have Eyes (for you).

So, brave the Del Mar Fairgrounds this October and check out the specific dates and times at www.thescreamzone.com.

Admin introduces app to keep students updated

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his summer, on Aug. 16 administration announced the Carlsbad High School App. This convenient app contains features such as a school calendar, bell schedules, newsletters, staff contact information and quick access to the school’s absence line.

First, the school calendar keeps track of the even and odd days and also informs students of upcoming school events. The bell schedule includes information on late start Wednesdays, and final exams. Also, this app contains links to several related websites such as Aeries, which includes student transcripts and School Loop, keeping students up to date on current assignments. Conveniently, students are able to download the app for both the iPhone and Android.

Over the past few months, the app has accumulated an impressive 1,000 downloads. The app also sends regular notifications to keep students updated on school news. This innovative tool allows for greater communication between the school and community.

Sports Varsity football dominates their competition

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he new fall season has brought great success to the varsity football team who has won five consecutive games with ease. Starting off their season with a home game against Great Oak High School, the Lancers won with a score of 41 to 17, a feat which foreshadowed their later successes. In the last five games, the varsity team scored 240 points total while holding their opponents to 24 points overall.

At their second game, the Lancers took on the San Diego Cavers and came out on top with a score of 63-0. When the Lancers battled the Fallbrook Warriors, the Carlsbad defense held the Warriors to a 43 yard gain during the entire game.

With three more home games and two away games, CIF playoffs draw near. Despite the team’s initial success, qualification for CIF playoffs has yet to be determined. This week the Lancers will confront Oceanside High School at home.

With the showdown between the Pirates and Lancers approaching, make sure to come out to support this Friday at 7 p.m.

news 3

lancer express, volume 27, issue 1

5 Star program leaves mark on school spirit david rubinstein staff writer

S

tudents are once again walking in the halls and quads at CHS. They have hung up their towels and beach bags for binders and backpacks. They have traded the beach for the classroom, sleeping in for waking up bright and early and video games for loads of homework.

Yet, school starting is not all bad. Students have pep rallies, football games, dances and water polo matches to look forward to just in the first month of school. In fact, ASB and the administration are so focused on highlighting these aspects of school that they have purchased and set up a new system called Five Star to encourage and reward students who attend school events.

“Five Star is the new system we’re using to keep track of spirit point by scanning people at events and activities, like pep rallies, football games, tennis matches, drama performances and really anything that gets more people involved,” ASB president Courtney Benner said.

One thing ASB and the administrators want to make clear is that this reward system is not just for seniors and not even just for upperclassmen; this system is for every grade at CHS. “One person from each class will get a big prize” Benner said. “Freshman

[and sophomores and juniors] who do it this year, will also be getting prizes, this is not just a senior prize.”

One thing most students really would like to know is what the prize or prizes even are for each class.

“Seniors will for sure get free prom tickets and possibly some items for graduation week as well,” ASB member Ashlyn Sprinkle said. “The prizes for the other classes will be announced later on as well.”

One of the niftiest parts of this program is that it is ever evolving. The system is still a work in progress, and students can still submit ideas

“

to improve it.

“We’ve left [the prizes] up to Mrs. Nasser. If there’s something you want to do, bring that up to your ASB people and we’ll tweak the whole thing to make it work for us. It’s gonna be Five Star for Carlsbad High School,” Assistant Principal Joe Liebentritt said.

Now is the chance to make a mark on CHS. Freshman no longer have to be too scared to

participate. Sophomores, who feel like they might be getting the hang of this whole scary high school thing, but might be too intimidated to get out there yet, now have an extra incentive to get involved.

Juniors, who think they are the big dog upperclassman now can dip their toes into the realm of school spirit. Even the seniors, who have finally figured out this crazy little thing called high school but might not have made their marks on the school as of yet, are encouraged to make Five Star unique to Carlsbad.

One final benefit from the Five Star system will bring to CHS is the fact it will allow students

In the long run, I think this will get more people involved, bringing the students closer together and create a more fun campus.

”

anthony derose

Want to earn some spirit points?

Pariticpate in these upcoming Red Ribbon events • • • • • photo by mikayla ferraro Spirited student hank kollar gets his ID card scanned for neon day. ASB will be scanning ID cards at many school events and every spirit day.

What do you think of the 5 star system?

SOAPBOX

to create competitions amongst themselves on being the most school spirited.

“I think it will make more people participate since they could possibly be rewarded creating friendly competitions amongst classmates,” junior Anthony DeRose said.

Just look at loud crowd numbers this year compared to last year: This year CHS gets people showing up at girls JV tennis matches, at water polo games and a large turn up at our pep rallies, all in the name of school spirit and friendly competition. After all, a little competition, just like a little party, never did kill nobody.

“In the long run, I think this will get more people involved, bringing the students closer together and create a more fun campus,”Derose said

“I think 5 star is really effective at our school because it shoots to all different angles of each different group of kids at our school.”

Kelly Cowles, 12

“I think the 5 star system is going to increase school spirit and will get more kids involved in school than before.”

Kaytlin Barr, 12

Greg Hroach and Brian Borgeuss made the software and came up with the idea.

5 star system is not the same system as the Lancer Trac.

It is a reward system.

ASB is currently deciding what the prizes will be for students who earn a lot of points.

Students can earn spirit points at all types of events not just athletic events.

“It’s a good idea but i think there should be more people wearing something that signifies if they have the device.”

Ernest Jackson, 10

“5 star will encourage more students

to get involved and possibly win prizes.”

•

10/11 Wear Pink 10/28 Wear red 10/29 Superhero Day 10/30 Wear your favorite Hat 10/31 Appropriate Halloween Costumes 11/1 Purple Pride

5 Star System

Riley Porter, 12

“It’s a good way to show school spirit I guess, so it will probably help.”

Joseph Maya, 10

4

news

october 2013

New year welcomes new teachers jacob luna tanner layton staff writers

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his fall, Carlsbad High School added a host of new and talented teachers to its already exceptional staff. These new teachers accompany Carlsbad High’s growing student body and fill the open classrooms vacated by recently departed staff members.

Biology teachers Candy Chesnut and Jeff Newman bring their backgrounds in science to the students of inquiry here at CHS. Joining them is English teacher Kenton Helms, who moved to Carlsbad from his homeland of Wisconsin. Lastly, Psychology and World History teacher Brian Co, previously a teacher at Aviara Oaks Middle School and CVA, hopes to challenge students and adjust to the new environment. These teachers drive themselves knowing they’re helping students and teaching alongside Carlsbad’s dedicated staff of instructors.

Brian Co

Candy Chesnut

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World History & Psychology

mong the new additions to the staff this year is World History and Psychology teacher Brian Co. Spending a majority of his classes teaching Psychology, Co not only enjoys how broad the subject is but the challenge it presents.

“I think a lot of the kids like psychology,” Co said. “It’s an elective so kids choose to take it and you get kids that really want to be in this class.”

A graduate of the University of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, Co attended National University for his Master’s degree before coming to Carlsbad.

As a teacher, Mr. Co’s motivations include making students productive and effective adults so as to not deprive society of its potential.

Already a few weeks into his career at CHS, Co offers a word of advice for all students.

“Don’t be afraid to talk to me,” Co

photo by mikayla ferraro Mr. Co speaks to his World History students between presentations. Uniquely, Co speaks to students with a microphone.

said. “Class sizes are so big, some kids you can tell want to talk to you but they’re so scared since there’s other people. Be curious and ask questions.”

Jeff Newman A

nother addition to the staff is biology teacher Candy Chesnut.

Serving last year as the science department’s lab coordinator, Chesnut now teaches freshman biology.

“I have been teaching for all different levels,” Chesnut said. “I taught middle school for eight years. So far, all the kids have been very polite and well-behaved. They’re not as nutty as the middle school kids. They sit in their seats a little bit more.”

After transferring to SDSU from University of Arizona, Chesnut completed graduate school at Humboldt State and received her teaching credential from National University.

Although she was already part of the staff, Chesnut takes the transition into becoming a teacher with pride.

“Hopefully I’m inspiring kids,”

photo by elise chen Ms. Chesnut joins the teaching staff from her previous position as lab coordinator. Outside of class, Chesnut enjoys surfing and camping with her family.

Chesnut said. “I feel like I’m making a difference. It’s never boring.”

Kenton Helms

Biology

lso joining the science department is biology teacher Jeff Newman, who came to CHS from his previous tenure at Chula Vista High School.

Mr. Newman enjoys teaching biology because of the fact that he loves the environment and finds wildlife—both land and sea—fascinating.

“Growing up I always really liked the ocean, and in college I studied marine biology [at UC Santa Cruz].”

Mr. Newman appreciates how polite and respectful Carlsbad’s students and staff are, enjoying the fairly easy-going and well-mannered nature of the CHS community.

“It’s nice to have access to nice labs and nice lab materials,” Newman said.

“It’s very different than my experience teaching in Chula Vista.”

When not teaching in the classroom, Mr. Newman likes to spend his free time attending concerts, spending time with both family and friends, and staying active by hiking and exercising outdoors.

Biology

K

photo by mikalya ferraro Mr. Newman examines a vial with students of his biology class during a lab.

“I also like to do a little bit of art,” Newman said. “I took a lot of art classes in high school, even though I am a science teacher.”

English

enton Helms, a freshman and sophomore English teacher, is another unique addition to Carlsbad High’s faculty.

He first taught in his hometown of Madison, Wisconsin, but moved to Carlsbad after his wife got a job as a veterinarian for the San Diego Zoo. “Carlsbad has a nice, positive vibe,” Helms said. “I don’t know if the students realize that it’s a very nice place to be right now.”

Initially, Helms didn’t plan on becoming an English teacher. He originally studied to be a math major in college but found his passion in English.

“I had a couple English classes in college that just tripped my trigger,” Helms said. “I didn’t anything like it before. I did a complete 180 and here I am now.”

Mr. Helms is also a very straightforward and open-minded kind of person.

“I think I’m pretty much an open

photo by mikayla ferraro

Mr. Helms lectures students of his English 2 class. Outside of class, Helms enjoys skiing and guitar.

book,” Helms said. “I speak my mind.

Sometimes it gets me into trouble, but I try to be very honest.”

news 5

lancer express, volume 27, issue 1

If Hogwarts had a Homecoming... brooklyn o’neill staff writer

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SB needed to rely on a bit of magic this year while planning the Homecoming festivities. In previous years, ASB had nearly two months to put together all of the activities that comprise Homecoming week. This year’s Homecoming came just three weeks into the school year.

Homecoming week for Carlsbad

kicked off Monday, Sept. 16 and ran through Saturday, Sept. 21. The spirit of the student body lasted throughout the entire week. Each day of the week involved a different theme: Decades, Rock Star, Tacky Tourist, Harry Potter and Lancer Day, with students and staff dressing accordingly.

“Spirit week got the students pumped, and gave them a sense of unity,” senior Emma Allen said.

The festivities continued on Lancer Day Friday with the annual Homecoming

“We prepared with a hard week of pep rally in Lancer Arena.

The gym transformed into a Quidditch practice and film sessions every day at lunch,” junior Eli Cullinan said. “Winning Arena and the orchestra, choir and dance with such a high score felt great because programs performed in true CHS style. we had accomplished something we The Homecoming King, Marc Reina, and Queen, Maddy Oas, were also announced. would remember for a long time after high school is Along with the over.” rest of the court, With the they represented Representing Carlsbad High great victory, the Lancers with as a Homecoming prince was a the crowd and integrity, honor and endless huge honor. I’ve grown up going players left the stadium with Lancer school to the parades and seeing the an exhilarating spirit. rush. While the “Representing court drive by on convertibles. I sweet smell of Carlsbad High as feel really humbled and grateful. victory remains a Homecoming rewarding, Prince was a Homecoming huge honor,” means much more than just winning the Beyer said. “I’ve grown up going to the game for the Lancers. parades and seeing court drive by on the “Watching our football team crush convertibles, but it wasn’t until I actually Westview was awesome,” Homecoming experienced it all that I realized how Prince Spencer Beyer said. “Being the much of a role model I am to the school and community. I feel very humbled and Loud Crowd leader, it was a ton of fun being in my tux leading the cheers and grateful,” encouraging the fans to go crazy for As the day pushed forward, everyone our players. It was a once in a lifetime greatly anticipated the Homecoming experience.” game. In the Harry Potter books On Saturday, after a night full of Hermione Granger uses the stupify spell to stun Malfoy, the same way the Carlsbad rest, the Lancers were ready for another memory filled night. The Homecoming Lancers dazed the Westview High School dance perfected the ending to a weekWolverines by putting up a score of long celebration full of energy, a little bit 56-7 on the scoreboard. The win gave of magic and plenty of Lancer spirit. the Lancers a perfect 4-0 season, which improved since to 5-0.

“

spencer beyer

photo by jacquelyn nakamura

Homecoming King Marc Reina and Queen Maddy Oas wave to the crowd as they ride in a convertible in the Lancer Day Parade alongside Lance the Lancer.

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SETA gives pets a Homecoming of their own kelsey aijala

drive. Blake contacted Brianne Miller, the community engagement coordinator editor-in-chief from the San Diego Humane Society, to set up the adoption drive which was held hile most students were either marching in or enjoying the Lancer in downtown Carlsbad during the Lancer Day parade.

Day Parade, SETA club was hard at work “We go out with our adoptable finding homes for shelter animals. animals and try to SETA club, find them loving Students for the I think people don’t realize how homes out in the Ethical Treatment a very small contribution such as community,” Miller of Animals, going to one event or volunteering said. “A lot of times was founded in at a shelter for one day can make people don’t know 2012 by senior a huge difference in these animals’ about our hidden Sophie Blake. animals that we The club works lives. don’t have room to promote the on the adoption ethical treatment floor to show off so of animals and events like these are awareness for good opportunities for these pets to be animal welfare through shelter supply seen.” drives, volunteering at local animal Right now, the San Diego Humane shelters and putting on various events. “[We] wanted the students at Carlsbad Society has over 1000 animals in their care who are in need of homes. The to have the opportunity to volunteer and realization that some of the worst cases to be more aware about animal welfare,” of animal cruelty occur to domestic Blake said. “I think a lot of kids have the animals played a crucial role in Miller’s idea that they can help but they don’t involvement with the Humane Society. know how, which is where we come in.”

“I started out in the zoo industry, Though the club is only in its second year of existence, it has high ambitions for informing kids about conservation but after doing that for two years I realized the year, beginning with the pet adoption

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”sophie blake

photo by kelsey aijala SETA club president Sophie Blake and Brianne Miller from the San Diego Humane Society play with adoptable pet Walter during the adoption event.

that there is a greater need to pay attention to that animals in our own homes,” Miller said.

To continue the success of the adoption event, SETA will be introducing a new segment on CHSTV called PAW (Pet A Week) in which they promote a different animal from the San Diego Humane Society each week. Additionally, SETA hopes to offer volunteer and

informational opportunities throughout the year and possibly hold another adoption event later in the year. To get involved with SETA club come to room 5102 on odd Thursdays during lunch.

“I think people don’t realize how a very small contribution such as going to one event or volunteering at a shelter for one day can make a huge difference in these animals’ lives,” Blake said.

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editorial 7

lancer express, volume 27, issue 1

The entertainment industry strikes back editorial board

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n high school it’s judgment time, all the time. Grades, colleges, athletics, extracurriculars...it seems like it’s always time to commit.

You’ve heard it time and time again; these final years largely determine your future away from lovely Carlsbad.

On the outside it seems pretty obvious, “just do your work.” Unfortunately, that blunt command quickly loses significance at the sight of your greatest enemy: the distraction.

The distraction, often in the form of social networks, virtual entertainment and TV shows is quite the phenomenon. It has the power to critically addict, waste time and...well...distract. Mr. Distraction also tends to choose an inconvenient time to strike. The last months before winter break are arguably the most important time for any college bound student. Even for juniors and underclassmen, the burden of new classes often requires a great deal of time and effort.

Following a rather disappointing summer, it seems as if the entertainment industry wants to capitalize on the teen screen lust. Whether it be video games, movies or TV shows, they have clearly mastered the idea of giving teens amazing content, at the cost of their time and money.

Why would I want to do math homework when “The Walking Dead” is on? Why should I study for this

quiz when I could be “pwning n00bs” in “Battlefield 4?” Should I write this article or stalk Kelsey Aijala on Facebook?

Based on personal experience, it’s far too easy to give in. It’s too easy to lose sight of what is important. It’s too easy to watch ten episodes in a row of “Game of Thrones” without the faintest idea of what you’re sacrificing. It’s too easy to spend a weekend creating virtual crime on the streets of Los Santos rather than writing the 200 point essay due Monday. It’s too easy to “fall” into the temptation of entertainment in front of you, every year, around the exact same time you should be focusing on your future. It’s too damn easy.

While our prior examples may generally seem to reflect a more manly preference,“The Industry” focuses an equal amount of time plotting on how to exploit the female population. Many girls laughing at the rest of us now will soon find themselves entranced in the new season of “Pretty Little Liars” and begging for more “Awkward.”

Ultimately, they will probably see themselves in the same position as the rest of us mere mortal men.

Just like the yin and yang, balance is the key. Nobody is expecting you to spend five hours studying for a Spanish quiz. Similarly, it’s probably not a good idea to destroy your friends in FIFA 14 all day (cut them a break, it’s tough losing all the time.) Also, we don’t recommend catching up on multiple seasons of a TV show, it’s a never ending source of addiction. Whoever created weekends

lancer express staff editor in chief: kelsey aijala section editors: julius koch vlad korobkin garrett snyder

business: alison casey

staff writers: calla blawusch natalie cortez eri flores kayla fraga emilio gonzalez john hankforth riley hoffman samuel horan jakob karlsson olivia langen tanner layton

jacob luna madison mcmurray brooklyn o’neill david rubinstein jenny simpson lauren t’kint savannah wardle artist: stephen sweeney

photographers: elise chen mikayla ferraro jacquelyn nakamura kyle veidt

design: tyler dresser zack spanier

did so for a reason; note this students and teachers.

Our time is valuable, and how we choose to spend it will ultimately pay dividends for our future. With this in mind, consider every moment an opportunity to do something important, and in these precious weeks to come make the decisions that will best create success for you.

Beware of Entertainment TV Content

Video Game Content

-“The Walking Dead” - “Battlefield 4” -“Pretty Little Liars” - “CoD: Ghosts” -“American Horror Story” - Xbox One -“Game of Thrones” - Playstation 4 -“Awkward” - “FIFA 14” - “SNL” - “Madden 25” - “Parks and Rec” - “NBA 2K14” - “Homeland” -“GTA V” - “Americans” -“AC: Black Flag” - “Key and Peele” -”Pokemon X and Y” - “New Girl” -“League of Legends”

editorial policy

As a public forum for student expression, Lancer Express welcomes letters to the editor, but reserves the right to refuse inappropriate or anonymous letters. Letters must be directed to room 3104 or to the editor-in-chief. Lancer Express adheres to a strict policy regarding propriety of all photos and text. Controversial advertisements and opinion articles do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the entire staff. Both sides of any issue are welcome here. Letters, questions or comments by emails to lancerexpress@gmail. com are welcome.

8 opinion

october 2013

Our generation is not toying around savannah wardle

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staff writer

SAD, BAD, RAD

hile babysitting a few weeks ago, I had a nostalgic experience as the kids decided to play Lincoln Logs. I may have even been more excited than they were to turn the bin upside down and pour all of its contents out onto the floor. My eyes lit up with the pile of logs that equated to endless possibilities of buildings and towers and towns.

After spending too many recent hours on AP summer assignments, Lincoln Logs were the creative outlet I needed to escape my current responsibilities. Ironically, as I was just about to enter my senior year, I found myself wishing that I could go back to the carefree childhood that allowed me to spend hours building log cabins or racing Hot Wheels.

Of course, it is irrational to pronounce that, as teenagers, we should put together Mr. Potato Head, have a Nerf Gun battle or create Bionicle warriors in the little free time we have. However, the majority of us likely share the same memories driving Polly Pockets around in their Limo, baking a brownie in the Easy Bake Oven or playing Pokemon on the Game Boy Color.

Yes, it is unreasonable to continue these activities at this stage of our life, but playing with toys has a recognizable influence in the development of children into young adults.

Toys often increase creativity and improvisation which can benefit our success in future occupations.

Our generation really is the first to have built the bridge between playing with traditional toys as well as technology. Now-a-days, technology takes the precedent over any toy.

Obviously children still play with traditional toys, but definitely to a lesser degree. There are iPad games and endless TV shows and iPods and kids who own iPhones at arguably too early of an age. The technological revolution was inevitable and could never have been

postponed. It happened when it happened, and most of us are thankful that it did.

Replacing toys with technology can have equal benefits on child development like the obvious gain of improved hand-eye coordination, as well as educational advantages that force users to problem solve, develop multitasking skills, and improve decisionmaking abilities. So in actuality, we never

stopped playing with toys, we merely switched their form. The technology is what allows us to play Candy Crush, Madden NFL 25, Fun Run, Call of Duty, etc., etc. Interestingly enough, technology, unlike toys, is socially acceptable, despite the parallel “childlike” concepts and basis.

I am not hating on video games, but merely addressing a concern about technology completely replacing traditional toys for younger generations. Toys have assets that technology simply cannot make up for.

Building, creating, forming and imagining are genuine forms of relief and result in more innovative citizens when those children finally grow up. Parents of younger generations should keep that in mind.

Since we grew up with the toys that acted as an outlet for our creative imaginations, how is it that our generation adapted so easily to technological gaming?

We packed up our favorite toys in boxes or sold them at garage sales because we decided they no longer fulfilled our means to have fun or because we felt we were too mature for fantastical pastimes. It’s unfortunate.

Nonetheless, I am not asking you Carlsbad students to bring out the GI Joes or the Tickle Me Elmos and begin spending your free time with them; but playing a game of Monopoly on a Saturday night in the spirit of enjoying traditional games wouldn’t kill you.

And when you have kids of your own that play both Grand Theft Auto and with Barbie Dolls, you can be assured that either way they are benefiting from each form of toy. Plus, you can reminisce about our generation’s glory days when the batteries dying in either your XBox controller or Buzz Lightyear seemed to be the end of the world.

Highlighting our generation’s best and worst toys out of the 90’s Toy Box..

Teletubbies

Teletubbies are a colorful, mythological specie of toddlers that originally aired from 1997 to 2001 on PBS yet continued to have a popular following for years after.

Malfunctioning teletubby dolls caused huge controversy when they were heard saying derogatory and sexual slurs obviously inappropriate for a children’s toy. Furthermore, a sexologist was hired to analyze the purple teletubby named Tinky Winky who was said to promote homosexuality. Now that’s pretty sad.

SAD

Abacuses

Abacuses (or abaci) are wooden beads of varying colors on a frame that was used by merchants and traders in the centuries before a written, numeral system was created. So then why did our parents buy us one to play with as a toy? Although they are intended as educational toys meant to develop counting skills, chances are none of us kids used them for that reason. We pushed the colored beads back and forth until our short, child attention spans led us to another toy.

BAD

Frogger

Why does Frogger the frog cross the road?

Frogger originated as a classic arcade game but has been made into a video game for Playstation, Gamecube and Gameboy which successfully increased the radness of the game as a whole.

The concept is to lead a frog across a street with hulking tractors and monstrous semitrucks. If you manage not to become frog guts, you then have to cross a rush of flowing water by hopping on logs, turtles, and alligators. Frogger crosses the road solely to hop its way into children’s’ hearts... and to get to the other side. Radical.

RAD

opinion 9

lancer express, volume 27, issue 1

Better late than never riley hoffman staff writer

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hey’re gone forever that once a month occurrence that we students came to love and expect. Just like the dinosaur and the dodo bird, early release Thursday is an extinct creature.

The replacement is a fickle creature, the newly implemented late start Wednesday.

While just about nothing sounds better to a high schooler than more sleep, the extra hour from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. really doesn’t do much in the way of help and recovery. Gone is the short day spent anticipating a delicious after school burrito and a nap, and in it’s place comes a high chance of showing up at 7:30 a.m. and having to wait an extra hour in your car just to go to school. I personally would much rather have the pure bliss of leaving school at lunch time rather than an extra hour of push and pull with the snooze button on my alarm clock.

I feel endless empathy for the freshman who will never know what it feels like to walk downtown on a Thursday with all of your friends and maybe even go to the beach on a weekday. The many great memories I have from early tThursdays are one of the things I will never forget about high school at Carlsbad, and the fact that they are gone now in my senior year feels like a chunk of my heart

has been ripped out.

But maybe the late day isn’t so bad. Maybe I’ll actually start eating breakfast, albeit once a week. Though I feel it may just highlight the issue that school itself starts too early for a night owl like myself. That extra hour may save me on Wednesday, but come Thursday I’ll be even more likely to smash my alarm clock when it blares off at 6:00 a.m.

However, if we were to continue having early days, we could all spend our time saving puppies from burning buildings, getting ahead on our schoolwork or other productive things. I’m sure I would never take a nap after school when I still have an entire day to work with, and I’m sure all the other extremely driven members of Carlsbad High school feel exactly the same. I mean not to take anything away from the other students here, but we high school kids aren’t exactly the most hard working, dedicated group of people. Sure there are exceptions, but I’d say a majority of us would spend early days doing nothing meaningful at all.

These new late days have just about the same effect.

Very few people will do anything of meaning in this extra hour in the morning, with most people, myself included, opting to either battle their alarm clock some more, or still hate themselves for waking up at 7 a.m. At most, some people might take the extra time to get their white mocha extra whip no foam frappucino from the local Starbucks.

I guess in the end all I’m trying to say is that it really doesn’t matter all that much. The administration is

actually doing us a favor by giving us something to replace early days, rather than just taking them away all together.

And while, in my opinion, they may not be as rewarding as early days were, I can certainly still appreciate an extra hour of sleep every once in a while. This, coupled with the fact that we couldn’t really do anything to fight it even if we wanted to, means that we students kind of just need to roll with the punches on this one and get along trying to make our school year as wonderful as possible.

Don’t want to spend your late Wednesday catching up on sleep?

Here are our top 3 choices for breakfast instead

Buccaneer Beach Cafe: Take a page from the senior memory book of Mr Hendricks himself and try the great breakfast burrito from this restauraunt located just seconds from the beach. Maybe even bring a honey along.

Beach Break Cafe: Located on the corner of Cassidy Street and Coast Highway, This family run restauraunt is well known for their great breakfast. I recommend the Santa Fe omelette with a side of their amazing coffee cake.

Garden State Bagels: For the quicker, but just as good option, check out this bagel joint located right off Carlsbad Village Drive. I reccomend the sausage, egg and cheese option on an onion bagel.

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10 opinion

october 2013

Lancer Trac works at the student’s expense john hankforth staff writer

I

t’s easy to view things like Lancer Trac positively because of what they do in the short-run, but it’s important to recognize that changes to the school will always have a ripple effect leading to unexpected, and expected, consequences. At some point, we must draw the line between what we can do and what we should do.

When I was a freshman, I was amazed at all the responsibility given to the students. I felt privileged to be part of the school where the students are trusted with the ability to go on and off campus, even walk around campus without scrutiny. By giving students these freedoms, the school built a trusting relationship between teacher and student. This trust has become a cornerstone of the culture here at CHS. Part of the learning experience is the environment in which we are educated.

I’m proud to have gone to a school wherein there exists a mutual respect between teacher and student. That independence allows me the freedom to make my education my own. At a time where classes are getting fewer in number and bigger in size, this sense of independence is more important now than ever.

However, with the new changes that came with the introduction of Lancer Trac, it make it seem as though we just aren’t worthy of these responsibilities anymore.

Lancer Trac, I fear, represents a symbolic change happening, beyond the administrative staff, at the school. The

post Sandy Hook shockwave has finally reached Carlsbad and now the school feels responsible for keeping track of each and every student’s whereabouts.

Yet, that doesn’t make the students any more comfortable or safer. If anything, this cultural transition moves the school another step towards an authoritative campus that we don’t need or deserve.

Alas, the true victims here are the students. From the perspective of the administrators, Lancer Trac is working as intended. Lancer Trac took the paperwork responsibility off of teachers and the attendance office and the amount of tardies falls more and more every single day. If it wasn’t for the morning tardies that are potentially out of the student’s

control, the daily tardies would likely cut down to the double digits.

Yet, this fragile reduction in tardies could be shattered at any moment. Lancer Trac records tardies, nothing less and nothing more. The idea that Lancer Trac reduces tardies is a fallacy. Students feeling liable for their tardiness reduces tardies.

But that only lasts so long as teachers and administrators enforce Lancer Trac.

Otherwise, the system will just collapse in on itself and it would just be a wasted 20,000 dollars.

Lancer Trac doesn’t educate students in the value of punctuality; rather, it teaches a habit in the same way you housetrain a dog. Sending a tardy student out of class

to be even more late does no service to the students of CHS. The school can’t force punctuality on the students. A student shouldn’t be coming to class on time because he or she is afraid of being marked tardy.

If it’s only about punishing tardiness and enforcing punctuality, it will always fall short. Even now, there are so many ways to get around Lancer Trac, the administrators will have to spend their valuable time here closing them and chasing them down rather than building relationships with students or making long-term improvements to the school.

Coming to school everyday is a choice.

Whether legally binding or otherwise, it is up to the student to bring himself to school on time. The goal should be to move towards a more college-like and enriching atmosphere, not away from it.

It’d be a shame if the underclassmen never get the opportunity to experience the same kind of campus that I did, and it’d be a travesty if greater restrictions are imposed on the students of tomorrow.

The administrators have two choices here. Either, they commit to Lancer Trac and tighten up on inefficiencies, addressing the problems listed in order to make Lancer Trac less inconvenient for students, all the while maintaining the convenience it offers for teachers; or, they take it as a loss and say it’s just not worth it anymore. It’s important to make sure that improvements are made before it’s too late. If the student’s are going to be stuck with Lancer Trac, it might as well be a Lancer Trac that works to the benefit of the students and not just the faculty’s.

Lancer Trac daily tardy totals: Month of September

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12 October 2013

What I Wish I Knew as a Freshman...

featu

Advice from upperclassmen and staff

kelsey aijala

editor-in-chief

chloe young tyra wu madison mcmurray staff writers

stephen sweeney artist

zack spanier tyler dresser

graphic designer

H

igh school. A period of your life filled with sleep deprivation, more than 3000 new faces and a labyrinth of classrooms.

Sitting down in first period and seeing the faces you’re stuck with for the rest of the school year may be daunting. No matter what grade, there’s always that mixture of dread and excitement starting the new year.

The transition from middle school to high school can be an unnerving experience with looming metal buildings and crowded hallways.

“I thought Carlsbad High School was intimidating,” junior Ryan Little said. “I went to a small school before so it was a big change.”

“High school is hard. There’s going to be some times when you’re not going to get the grade you’re used to. You’re not a failure for receiving a C in a class or if you’re getting a B and you’re used to getting As.” -Dr. Steitz

It is surprising how much you are supposed to know.

With so many clubs to join, sports to play and volunteer hours to gather, planning ahead is crucial. Active involvement in the various programs at Carlsbad High School brings community service opportunities, meeting people with common interests and looks great when applying for college. However cliched this advice sounds, it does help in the long run.

“There is a club for everybody and if there isn’t then we should start one,” ASB Advisor, Mrs. Nasser said. “I want everyone to feel like they belong on this campus.”

High school is on do alone. Through a and impossible tests a definite must. Wit school seems like an Have we scared y Despite its faults its perks. Football g plays, concerts, fund an infinite amount o be discovered. So, p don’t be embarrasse pride. With enough tips and tricks, you jungle we call high s

Staff Quotes

“Be careful who you to be friends with b your friends can eit you up or bring you -Ms. Hoyma

“I wish I had known a little bit more about time management, how to organize myself. ” -Mr. Spanier

ID Card: Want to have this bad baby on you in case you’re late to class. Also, they’re essential for earning spirit points. (And of course showing off that “super-flattering” I.D. picture) Snack: Nobody wants to be that person whose stomach growls during a test.

Coffee: For the morning after the grueling sleepless night spent finishing that pesky essay Money: Just in case you forgot that snack, Lancer Jacks and the on-campus snack machines will be your new best friends.

ure

lancer express, volume 27, issue 1

13

Survival Tips

• Don’t procrastinate! Watching another “Game of Thrones” episode may seem like a good idea but when you’re frantically finishing homework at 2 a.m. you’ll wish you were at the Red Wedding instead.

one of those things you can’t h all of the stress, breakups sts, supportive friends are Without those people, high an unconquerable feat. d you yet? ts, high school definitely has games, pep rallies, drama ndraisers, school dances and t of other activities wait to put yourself out there and ssed to show your Lancer gh coffee and the following u may just survive this h school.

• Walk faster between classes. They’re called walkways not stopways people.

• Teachers are there to teach, not to condemn students. Don’t be afraid to approach them for help if you don’t understand something.

• Starbucks pit stops are an absolute must for those late night cram sessions.

• Take advantage of the odd-even schedule. Do homework the day it’s assigned.

• Don’t get dropped off in the parking lot, it only clogs up traffic even more.

• Get those pesky volunteer hours over early i.e. freshmen year.

• Take time to de-stress. Embrace the Californian lifestyle and take an hour out of the day to head to the beach or hit the skate park.

• Don’t take yourself too seriously. It’s high school and there’s bound to be unnecessary drama.

ou choose because either pull ou down.” man

Freshman Q & A “What should I do to get good grades?”

-Alyssa Acuna

“Look for a club. Get out of your comfort zone.”

-Junior Jonah Ibrahim

“What is the most important thing I need to know?”

-Megan Phillips

“Don’t procrastinate. Take classes that you know you will do well in and you are interested in.”

-Senior Maddy Oas

“What do you do to fit in?”

-Robert Rasul

“Don’t be afraid to be a Lancer.”

-Junior Sarah Lang

14 student life

october 2013

Loud Crowd gets louder natalie cortez jennifer simpson staff writers

One banana at a time

A

t a large school, it may seem difficult for students to find a place they belong, a place where they feel comfortable and at ease with their peers. CHS offers a variety of clubs and sports for students to join, but sometimes none of them truly fit. Whether a student is an athlete, brainiac or anything in between, anyone can support and cheer on their fellow classmates.

There is a group of students on campus known as the Loud Crowd. These students, although not known individually, become a part of something bigger than themselves when they join the Loud Crowd. Their title of “loud” is well deserved as they shout, cheer and chant their hearts out and enjoy every minute of it.

“If you want to go crazy without anybody caring, then Loud Crowd is the place for you,” senior Spencer Beyer said.

It is no secret that football games are a big deal for the Carlsbad community. The Friday night atmosphere not only intensifies the energy for the players, but also allows the Purple Pit to course with electrified Lancer pride. Imagine having an equal level of dedication at other sporting events and the opportunity it would give other athletes to shine.

“I’m most excited for, of course the football games, but also venturing out and supporting the rest of the Lancer sports,” senior Nicole Walker said. “Overall, I think the student body really enjoys the Loud Crowd. We get everyone super amped up and at the end of the day that’s what school spirit is all about.”

Loud Crowd has been part of the Lancer culture for years and as the leader, Beyer plans on giving Loud Crowd a purpose for the entire student body. He helped take over and established a more concrete organization.

Although Loud Crowd is not technically a club, he takes on a new challenge along with the rest of the members: to motivate others to support any Lancer.

“Our Loud Crowd leader is texting, calling and notifying people, making people even more involved,” senior Ashlyn Sprinkle said.

As a whole, the Loud Crowd decided that in order to achieve their purpose for the ultimate school spirit experience, they must expand their attention to not only varsity, but JV and freshmen athletes as well.

“Our whole point is to bring people together,” Sprinkle said.

Several participants of Loud Crowd have put themselves into an environment which enables them to discover new relationships that withstand the trials of high school.

Students are able to form a well established foundation creating a productive, fun lifestyle for the future.

“It feels great honestly,” junior class President Sarah Lang said. “The players love it,

photo by lindsey gamberg On September 20th at the Homecoming football game Carlsbad students go bananas in the Loud Crowd pit. Students clearly having a reason to celebrate, as the lancers dominate the Westview Wolverines 56-7.

the crowd loves it, and it makes me love being a Lancer.”

Spreading school spirit is a difficult job, but luckily the Loud Crowd has a trusty supporter who definitely understands the art of pumping up a crowd. This honorary member of the Loud Crowd team needs only his hefty helmet and purple banners to help transform the crowd into full blown purple pride machine.

“Loud Crowd really embraces the mascot, therefore, influencing everyone else to embrace him as well.” Walker said. “Mascots always bring out spirit, and Lance is no different.”

Not only is the Loud Crowd known for their barbaric roar and attempting to out do the cheerleaders, but they also hold some of the most peculiar cheers that result in an abundance of laughter for anyone who performs them.

“The staple of Loud Crowd became the banana cheer,” Beyer said. “And I started that last year and it’s just kind of become like the big thing that people just go crazy.”

Clearly Loud Crowd’s new methods of pep have changed the atmosphere on campus and unified students throughout Carlsbad High School. Their new priority is something every Lancer can identify with.

“Everyone is super encouraging of each other and it’s where we get to show our school spirit and prove to all the other schools that you can’t mess with Lancer pride,” Walker said. “The memories that we create and also with the friendships are things that will last us a lifetime and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

photo by jessica streich Dr. Steitz participates in the banana cheer during the Homecoming football game. Enjoying his third homecoming game as principal, Steitz shows his purple pride by getting wild with the Loud Crowd.

lancer express, volume 27, issue 1

A vital experience

student life 15

Climbing center provides a new hangout for students lauren t’kint staff writer

I

t’s 8:00 PM on a Tuesday night. It’s a Vital kind of night, seeing as a group of at least 50 people have crowded into an old abandoned warehouse.

Welcome to the new phenomena that is taking over Carlsbad: climbing culture.

Two years ago, Nam Phan and Dave Sacher decided to open a climbing gym in a storage unit off of Palomar.

As a small business, they rely on the trust of their members to ensure the companies success. After regular work hours, members become the managers of the gym. And with this responsibility, they are expected to run the place as their own home. After two years or gruling work and dedication, Vital Climbing Gym has turned into a thriving business.

“I can fit [climbing] into my schedule...if I need to get out of the house I come here,” Senior Andrew Burger said.

The difference between Vital and a typical gym is significant. Not only is it a place for people to get in a good workout, but they offer everything from a BBQ in the front, to a fridge and espresso maker inside and a built in iPad that allows anyone to have a say in the music.

“The [$1] snacks and the 24 hours are the getters to get people in...the access makes it feel homey...you feel like it’s yours,” Vital employee Adam Mashouri said.

To push the relaxed vibes of the gym, they have an upstairs loft with a bookshelf overflowing with great reads, work tables and couches, allowing kids to focus on everything from homework to an intense chess match between friends.

Recently, a group of kids from CHS got bitten by this climbing bug, and have made the gym their new hangout and study spot for late nights. Many have even made the switch and have replaced their old gym memberships with one from Vital.

“The atmosphere is cooler...it’s great because everyone’s doing the same thing, a common spirit. Everyone’s

in it to help each other,” Austrian exchange student, Stani Gonschoroski, said.

This supportive environment is one of the many aspects that makes climbing a different kind of sport than most of the popular team activities most students have participated in at one point or another. In many sports, athletes face constant stress.

Whether it is over tryouts, playing time or blowing it in front a college scout, athletes feel constant pressure to perform every time they step on the field.

Sports used to be a way to get your excess energy and stress over a difficult day out of your system, which may be why students are starting to migrate over to climbing as a way to achieve this. Long days at school, homework and testing often take their toll if not matched with out-of-school activities.

“Climbing has a lot of synergy, lot’s of cheering, other sports like to see other’s struggle so that you can come out stronger,” Mashouri said.

This affects not only the mood of the gym, but also the kind of crowd the sport attracts. Everyone at Vital is always friendly and relaxed. Nobody is there to show off, but to get in a good, healthy workout that works the whole body for all levels of physical and mental ability.

“It challenges your brain because you have to figure out how to get up the wall in the most efficient way possible,” Senior Brian Russell said.

Climbers often work on “projects” each time they come to the gym.

These consist of a specific set of challenging routes that often take multiple attempts, even days, to accomplish. Catching that last hold as you finally make it up the wall fuels your motivation, driving climbers to aim for that next level. The great thing is, the competition is between yourself and the wall, without any outside forces involved.

“The climbing experience that Vital brings inspires me to pursue climbing now, and in the future. It makes you feel great and the community surrounding it is awesome, that’s what it’s all about,” Junior, Yvan t’Kint, said.

photo by lauren t’kint Reid Pipp, member of Vital Climbing Gym,slimbs a Red route (4th out of a 6 level difficulty scale) during a study break.

Vital For Beginners

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Chess Table Book Shelves BBQ Espresso Machine iPad/Pandora Surround Sound System Movie Nights Boxing, Dumbells, and Weights Stationary Bikes Pull Up/Grip Work Station Comfy Couches

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arts & entertainment 17

lancer express, volume 27, issue 1

Alumni take the stage at Carlsbad Music Festival livi langen

staff writer

M

any high school students have high hopes of pursuing music in their adulthood, but only a few of them carry out these aspirations. Former students and current members of the local band named “Trouble in the Wind” pursue these dreams with much success. With a unique folk-rock style, these alumni stood out from the crowd at this year’s Carlsbad Music Festival from Sept. 20 to 22.

The members of the band include lead singer Robby Gira, banjo/accordion player Kyle Merrit, bassist Trevor Mulvey and drummer Larry Doran. With three of the four being Carlsbad alumni, they are great representatives of the school talent.

“This is our second time playing at this festival. Our experience so far this year has been wonderful,” Merrit said. “It’s a nice thing to have in Carlsbad. Families photo by elise chen can come out, it’s outdoors and it’s nice to walk around the village on sunny Band members (left to right) Kyle Merrit, Robby Gira, and Trevor Mulvey perform in Carlsbad’s own Magee Park on Sept. 22. Behind the rest weekends like these.” of the band, Larry Doran plays the drums. “Trouble in the Wind” varies in genre throughout the concert set.

The festival had a very relaxing feeling; the performers all possessed a rare sense to show everyone in the community what of originality. Perhaps that is what makes we’ve been working on,” said Merrit. “It’s folk music an increasing trend. a whole different feeling at local festivals There is a growing interest in ‘organic’ like this as opposed to private concerts.” music. Many listeners crave to discover -This year marked the tenth annual Carlsbad Music Festival.

When hearing the members of new, unprocessed music and the best -The festival was founded by Matt McBane.

Trouble in the Wind talk about music, way to do so is through local bands.

-Featuring the California debut of NY vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth. their passion shines through their words.

“Trouble in the Wind” has perfected this -Sean and Sara Watkins performed at Magee Park.

Musicians with this level of determination authentic style. When listening to their -La Jolla Symphony conductor Steven Schick and flutist Claire Chase collaborated. albums, every song brings a new surprise. in creating fresh, new music have infinite -The Calder Quartet perform with guitarist and composer Steven Mackey. potential in the music community.

Each piece of music made by the band -To begin the festival, the “Village Walk” featured many bands throughout the streets “Music has always been a passion for of downtown Carlsbad. is innovative, artistic and very pleasing -The Village Music walk featured over 40 sets of various bands all within five hours. us. We really like doing what we do,” Gira to listen to. The Carlsbad Music Festival -50 concerts took place over three days. said. “We keep our Facebook showcases -Jazz, surf-rock, and folk were among the many genres seen at the festival. updated, so keep checking it out musicians -Founder McBane is also a very talented musician and composer.

Events like this give for new things. ” like this and The next big move for the local musicians a really introduces their great chance to show band is the November release of their next album “Slide Rock”. individual their artistic side.

Their CDs are currently sold styles to the on iTunes and in downtown community.

Carlsbad’s Spin Records.

“Events like this give a really great These dedicated musicians are on the chance for local musicians to show path of major success.

With their next their artistic side, and also for local concert at Solana Beach’s famous ‘Belly music lovers to come out and see what’s Up’ , “Trouble in the Wind” is bound to happening in their neighborhood,” Gira gain popularity.

The band has many local said. concerts, allowing their sizable fan base When hearing “Trouble in the Wind” to grow. perform, it seems as though they have “Playing at venues like this really puts been making music together forever. things into perspective,” Gira said. “It They have a great amount of authenticity shows us that the community really cares and talent. Merrit alone plays three about local music, and that’s a really great instruments on their latest album. thing for aspiring musicians.”

Their flawless performance at the Carlsbad Music Festival in Magee Park To keep updated, check was the opening act to folk music icons photo by elise chen the “Trouble in the Wind”s Sean and Sarah Watkins. This says quite a Local music lovers around Southern California enjoy the beautiful Carlsbad weather while Facebook page, iTunes, bit regarding the talent of the band. listening to “Trouble in the Wind” perform. People of all ages attend the Carlsbad Music “We love performing at events like this Twitter, or scan the QR Festival. code to visit their website. music festival because it gives us a chance

The Carlsbad Music Festival

“

robby gira

”

18 arts & entertainment

october 2013

ArtSplash creates ripple in the community eri flores

K

staff writer

eeping the arts alive has been a goal for many people throughout the years, but the arts have also been put second behind subjects that are seen as superior.

Thankfully, ArtSplash is Carlsbad’s reminder of how significant art is in everyone’s daily life.

People of all ages filled the streets. The art was everywhere; ranging from music, to dancers, to sculptures, to chalk art, to sand castles, all being created right in the moment. No matter where community members turrned, they couldn’t escape it--not that anyone would want to.

“There aren’t always opportunities for young kids to come and learn about art,” junior Juandalyn Abadir said. “Here the kids don’t just have to observe, they’re able to be a part of it.”

Everyone is invited not only to view but to create art alongside the artists. Venders provided chalk to purchase for anyone interested in using the pavement as their own personal canvas.

“I love to bring my kids here,”

Here the kids “don’t just have to observe, they’re able to be a part of it.

”

juandalyn abadir Valley Middle School Art teacher Sue de Wulf said. “Its a perfect venue for my students to create art.”

De Wulf has been bringing her students to ArtSplash since the second year the festival featured in 2002. Every year two murals are painted by her advanced art students.

“At ArtSplash they are able to really get the feel of what it is like to participate in a real art festival,” De Wulf said.

Even though ArtSplash has a numerous amount of children’s activities, the event is just as

photo credit: eri flores

36 Advanced art students from Valley Middle School work on one of their two murals, starting from the early morning to the end of the event.

targeted towards adults and teens as it is towards kids.

“It is most definitely important not only for kids and teens, but for everyone to be given the ability to express creativity and imagination,” artist Cecilia Linayao said. “Art is just as important as math, English or science. You need all of it for a well-rounded life.”

Linayao was asked to come and display her street art for ArtSplash about five years ago and fell in love with the idea of interacting with the community.

ArtSplash was not only designed to unite the community in a family friendly environment, but to raise funds for North County Schools’ music and art programs as well.

“The money that is spent at our event is all given to the schools,” artist Phyllis Swanson said. “We supply grants and over the 11 years we’ve given about $50,000. Last year we donated around $10,000 and all the money is raised by sponsorships.”

ArtSplash has grown tremendously since featured 11 years ago. The event evolved from a small crowd to a stampede; with over a hundred artists

photo credit: eri flores Artist Cecelia Lanayao at her fifth year of “ArtSplash” creating her display of chalk art titled “Poseidon Water”. Lanayao every year has donated money for her area of pavement to create her masterpiece.

participating, and about 200 volunteers from the community and Carlsbad High School.

“I can’t see ArtSplash ever going away. It just keeps growing and growing,” Mayor Matt Hall said. “ArtSplash has benefited the community in many ways. Most importantly, I think it’s how it showcases the city of Carlsbad.

Not only do all the citizens and residents of Carlsbad participate in it, but now its known throughout

the country. It was in the New York Times, so this has helped us gain recognition.”

In the end, ArtSplash has benefited countless schools and has helped keeping the arts alive. Community members are confident the event will continue on as a Carlsbad tradition.

“I never expected anything like this,” Abadir said. “There’s really no better place to be if you’re looking for inspiration.”

Buy your yearbook NOW at this year’s new low price of $65 before prices SkyRocket!

After Nov. 1st yearbooks will be $75 ($70 w/ASB sticker) To purchase go to: yearbookordercenter.com order number 16404 or buy at the ASB Window

Lancer Express would like to thank its generous 2013-2014 donors!

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Bridget & Robert Maas Sara Sands Sue Askew Micheaux Hall Hiroko Ambo Betsy Simpson Jennifer Pestonjee Shannon McMurray John & Kathleen Veidt Janice Treanor Robin Tarr Robert Sweeney Phyllis Naugler Richard & June Miklaw Katrina & Ellen Nakamura David Dohl Katarina Murdock Hilde Miklaw Mrs. Jan Foss Kristi Fousa

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sports

lancer express, volume 27, issue 1

21

Fresh legs, same old race samuel horan emilio gonzalez staff writers

N

ormally when thinking of a varsity athlete, one pictures a senior who has perfected their trade after years of practice and experience. Therefore it comes as a surprise that this year’s girls’ varsity cross country team has added three freshman to the squad.

Barbara DeSilva, Courtney Drisko and Miranda Lakey all ran together in middle school, but they each took different paths to get to where they are now.

DeSilva, on one hand, didn’t discover running by the most conventional means.

“I started out swimming but then I did well on the mile at school and my mom told me to do track,” DeSilva said. “I told Courtney to do it with me and that was how it started.”

Though influenced to join the team by DeSilva, cross country seemed to “run” in Drisko’s family.

“My mom was a big runner when she was in middle and high school,” Drisko said. “Then I got into it in third grade after my brother started running and it’s been really fun since then.”

Though they are young, the girls hope to have a positive impact on the team’s season this year. Their mile times are all strong enough to make them varsity runners, but their limited experience at this level poses them a challenge.

“As freshmen, it can be a little overwhelming when they show up to a meet, and at some of our big invitationals they may have 200 other athletes at a race. So that may be a little bit intimidating to them; being one of the younger ones running against the older ones,” coach Connie

Martin said.

Indeed, being freshmen, they do not quite match up in stature to some of the other runners on the varsity team,

Lakey and DeSilva to shine.

Cross country is a unique sport because while the girls are running for their individual times, they still need to work together and help push each other. In a cross country meet the I’m just hoping to inspire runners set out in groups.

They all help each other some of the people on keep on track, especially if the team to bring out their one of them is not feeling it that day. This unit feeds best. off of each other and here the freshmen can push their teammates.

“I’m just hoping to but junior Natalie North-Cole, inspire some of the people on a captain on the team, does not the team to bring out their best,” Lakey said. believe that it will make a big No matter the outcome of difference given their technical the season, the school can look ability. forward to what the girls will “The freshmen look really do for their team as they grow good this year and I’m glad and improve physically and we got these girls, because mentally. we really needed to resupply “Already the three of them our team with good runners,” are showing great potential,” North-Cole said. coach Martin said. “These girls The girls provide a great are going to be good athletes, inspiration to push the right up there with the older team forward as a unit. The kids.” squad is not as packed with upperclassmen as it has been in the past, so now more than ever will be a time for Drisko,

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Miranda Lakey

(Left to Right) Barbara DeSilva, Courtney Drisko and Miranda Lakey are seen here leaving it all out on the track in order to prepare themselves for their next meet.

Season Update: •

The girls team recently had their first meet at Mt. Carmel on September 21st.

•

The three freshman managed to crack the top 7 on the 2.75 mile event which is nothing to be taken lightly for a runner’s first high school meet.

•

Miranda Lakey came in at 18:38, Barbara DeSilva at 18:40, and Courtney Drisko at 18:46.

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The girls will be competing in the upcoming So Cal Invitational on October 19th.

”

•

The full potential of the girls cross country team will be put on display on the 26th at the Mt. Sac Invitational.

22 sports

october 2013

Started underwater now we here

Waterpolo works to regain their CIF title

jakob karlsson staff writer

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view on what to expect for the season.

Mosquera has an determined attitude to contribute to the successful program.

“We have a group of twelve seniors who have known each other for a while, and I think we have a pretty good team chemistry,” Mosquera said.

Seniors Owen Asalone, Kevin Chapa and Joe Behun and junior Connor Chanove are the only varsity returners from last season. With knowledge and experience from previous struggles, these four have seen what goes into a CIF title season. With only four returners, the team already looks completely distinctive. Let alone the differences seen in the team, they all have the common mindset to be champs.

“Basically most of the team is new so the players are going to need to gain the varsity experience,” Feaster said.

After playing and growing up with title-holders, Chapa’s ambition to live up to his name is desirable. With three years of varsity involvement under his belt, his experience and dedication still lead to the

It’s not how you start, it’s how you end

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ater polo is a unique sport that combines the animalism of rugby, the intellect of basketball and the agility of swimming. Boys water polo, a popular game of Southern California, has been one of the strongest and most consistent sports for Carlsbad High School, however, the program faces a new set of challenges this year.

Bleeding purple and ready to start, the water polo squad is in search of vengeance this fall. With eight straight CIF titles from 2003-2010, the team looks to overcome their past two CIF final defeats and make another run at the championship.

The expectations for this season are set very high according to Coach Feaster and the players.

“We have a lot of potential, but we have a lot of work to do,” Feaster said. “We are concentrating more on defense this year because it will always get the job done.”

New varsity member, Ramiro Mosquera, feels the team has a strong

ramiro mosquera

photo by mikayla ferraro

Senior Charlie Dunlap, left, shooting over the Santa Fe Christan defender in a 17-4 Carlsbad victory.

same goal he envisioned as a freshman: to leave Carlsbad a champion.

“We are feeling pretty confident, and we hope to see that show at the end of the season,” Chapa said.

The CIF hopeful team already had early success against another CIF contender, Torrey Pines High School. With the final score being 21-7, Carlsbad, the team seeks to maintain this momentum throughout

the season and turn it into a playoff run.

The team strives to carry on a new chapter of success in their winning traditions.

“Our main goal is to get back on top, this season is the most important thing I will do in high school since it is my last year playing water polo,” Chapa said. “I look forward to get back to the CIF finals and come away with a win. I mean the third time’s a charm.”

Gunnar shoots down stereotypes on cheer calla blawusch staff writer

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photo by jackie nakamura

Junior Gunnar Sexton and the rest of the varsity squad cheer on the Lancers to a Homecoming win.

he stadium may be empty, but the football field buzzes with energy. On one side of the field, pads and helmets clash relentlessly. On the other, cheerleaders drill to perfect their routines. Out of all the practice uniforms, cleats and hair bows, one guy stands out from the rest.

Junior Gunnar Sexton is the only male cheerleader at CHS. He surprised himself last year by making the varsity squad, after trying out on a whim.

“I wanted to do something a little more athletic, so cheer seemed like a good option,” Sexton said.

Sexton participates in both dance and advanced theatre, so he did not lack the credentials for his position.

However, Sexton was swept up into cheerleading so quickly, he confessed he had no idea what to expect at first. Now, with months of experience, Sexton radiates confidence and is genuinely content in his position of back-spot.

“I had to change my mind-set to ‘I can do it.’ I just have to be as strong as I can for the team,” Sexton said.

Sexton’s coach and teammates have nothing but support for Sexton, and have backed his decision not to submit to gender stereotypes. Even though they may have a typified image, cheerleaders do not have to be female to be successful. According to Head Coach Heather Gasso, Sexton has not only proved this, but exceeded expectations as well.

“As a coach, it’s really rewarding to see everyone set goals for themselves and to achieve them,” Gasso said.

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Stay fit, stay flexible, always come in with a positive attitude

”gunnar sexton

“We are much sharper and cleaner. He brings so much strength and power to the team.”

She expects a high level of trust throughout the squad and says Sexton has set a new bar. Cheerleaders must rely on each other for support throughout the entire routine, but Sexton’s execution is fearless, even with the pressure of being in front of a crowd.

“It’s not that nerve-wracking,” Sexton said. “You kind of go blank. You go into performance mode.”

Sexton says cheer continues to impact him in a positive way by making him more disciplined and encourages those considering cheerleading to give it a try.

“My advice for incoming cheerleaders is to stay fit, stay flexible,” Sexton said. “Always come in with a positive attitude.”

Varsity cheerleader Georgi Gnibus says the team is honored to call Sexton their teammate. The entire cheer program looks forward to his continued success.

“He worked so hard to earn his spot and learn all the tumbling and jumps. It doesn’t just come naturally,” Gnibus said. “He brings such an upbeat dynamic and we are so proud of him.”

sports 23

lancer express, volume 27, issue 1

Fall sports season hits the ground running T

he fall season is in full pursuit, which means strap on your helmets, pull up your knee pads, grab your rackets and put on your speedos. Carlsbad has a variety of fall sports that spark excitement on the campus. With water polo, tennis, volleyball, football, golf and cross country the Lancers are full swing of a powerful season. The effort put into preseason workouts only adds to the potential of each and every sport. The ability to

achieve great heights begins with dedication, passion and the heart that all of our Lancer athletes surely possess. Individuals hope to accomplish their personal goals which in turn will contribute to the betterment of their team. These teams will look to fulfill their CIF aspirations one game at a time.

Below: Representing purple, the Lancer defense lines up as Westview prepares to hike the ball in the Homecoming game. The Lancers dominated the first half and ended the game in a 56-7 Homecoming victory.

photo by carolyn oertle Above: Sophomore Erica Weng preapres to return a serve during her match against La Costa Canyon High School on Oct. 3. This week, the team will take on Rancho Buena Vista on Oct. 8 and El Camino Real on Oct. 10.

photo by kyle veidt Left: Owen Asalone lobs the ball in a classic Division I match-up between Torrey Pines.

Carlsbad came out with a 21-7 victory over the Falcons. In their next home match, the Lancers will take on Bishop’s on Oct 29 at 4:15 p.m.

The Lancers hope to achieve another deep playoff run in November.

photo by sara brower Above: The girls junior varsity volleyball team has been working hard to improve from last year’s season. In addition, the varsity team had a strong finish taking 9th out of 42 teams in the 13th annual Beach City Invitational. The squad seeks to hit their peak as the playoffs begin.

photo by mikayla ferraro

24 lancers in the crowd

october 2013

Super student with large ambitions and responsibilities

Senior Elise Wright strives for success in and out of the water workload that we do. I just try to stay as healthy and in the best shape that I can.”

She constantly trains and makes healthy choices to stay in good shape.

Training can range from swimming laps to cardio and strength training exercises outside of the water, known as dry land exercises. In addition to practices, there are competitions for the swim team.

Throughout the season, swimmers strive to qualify for CIF where they are given the chance to race against other top competitors in their event. All schools in San Diego county are divided into two divisions, CHS being in division one. The top qualifications include the 12 fastest swimmers in the event, from there the six fastest swimmers continue to compete, and so on until there is a winner.

All the hard work pays off; Wright has made top final each year. Last year she even made it to the top six for her division.

“They’re all day, all weekend things.

It’s mentally and physically exhausting,” Wright said. “I really do love competing that’s mainly why I do the sport. The feeling of achieving a best time or your goal time is just amazing. I’m planning on swimming in college. It’s a good pastime, and it’s kind of become a part of my life.”

In addition to swimming, Wright has a full schedule with many challenging classes, which also mentally and physically drain her. She balances these classes well and maintains a high GPA, which is how she attained her honor as a Royal Lancer.

Royal Lancers are seniors with high academic achievement and the top 20 GPAs in the school. They challenge themselves with weighted and AP classes, and encourage middle school students to challenge themselves in high school and in life, as they do.

“It’s pretty exciting, and it helps with college. It’s an honor to be recognized as that,” Wright said. “I got into Royal Lancers because I had one of the top 20 GPAs of our class. Last year I’m pretty sure my GPA was a 4.8. My cumulative I think is a 4.4.”

She’s humble, yet proud to be a part of such a prestigious society. After all, she worked hard to earn the title. Last year she took four weighted classes, three of which were AP. These classes included English 3 AP, Spanish 4 AP, AP US History, and chemistry one-honors.

Royal Lancers are particularly recognized by colleges, and discovering which college she will be attending is one of the things she is most excited for her senior year.

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After high school, she hopes to major in International Relations and Affairs. People in this field usually work in areas such as art, archeology, healthcare, education, agriculture, management and finance.

However, she is not sure which career she will pursue yet.

In addition to attending school, she intends to embark on an activity that has always interested her, traveling.

“I know I want to travel and experience other cultures.

Mostly through Europe, I’d say, and South America. I’ve never been to South America and I’ve learned a lot about Spanish culture there from taking four years of Spanish. I think that’d be really interesting to go there and experience it myself. Europe mainly because I have family there. I’ve been to France and Spain, I’ve been to France multiple times because my family’s there.

I would definitely live in most places in Europe,” Wright said.

Wright’s ambitions to see the world and seek success in the things she pursues will lead her to a life filled with adventure and satisfaction. Her open mindedness towards other cultures will provide her diversity and knowledge one can only imagine. For Wright, the sky’s the limit and the possibilities are endless. She’s on her way to a bright future.

The feeling of achieving a best time or your goal time is just amazing.

photo by jacquelyn nakamura Under all the pressure of extracurricular and academics, Elise Wright resorts to swimming, one of her favorite pastimes, to relieve stress.

kayla fraga

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staff writer

ith all of the sports, clubs and other extracurriculars to balance on top of academics, students can become buried under the pressure. One senior, Elise Wright, manages to handle all these responsibilities with grace.

Wright is involved in many school activities, such as Royal Lancers, varsity swim and Athletes for Rwanda.

The club, Athletes for Rwanda fundraises money to purchase sports equipment for an orphanage in Rwanda.

Because the club promotes such a selfless cause, Wright joined the club last year.

She also values sports, which is why she feels the club suits her well. Since she had such a pleasant experience, she intends to continue this year.

“It allows children who don’t have as much as we do to get the opportunity to have a more enriched life with sports,” Wright said. “Personally, I’m really into athletics so it kind of fits my interests

and I think it’s a really good outlet to express yourself leading to a better life.

It’s important to help children much less fortunate than us.”

Wright believes that sports are an important element in a child’s life because they provide physical benefits such as preventing disease and building a healthy physique. She believes sports boost selfesteem and confidence, and better social skills. They’ve helped motivate her in all aspects of her life. Perhaps this passion for athletics stems from her place on the swim team.

Wright has been on the varsity swim team for all of her four years of high school. Varsity isn’t easy to make, and she admits the sport consumes quite a bit of time. However, her dedication and determination drive her to success.

“We practice about twenty to twentyfour hours a week; a lot of it’s swimming, but we also do dry land exercises,” Wright said. “Usually I try to eat really healthy and hydrate a lot the week before. If it’s a really big meet we’ll kind of cut down on the

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elise wright

Elise Wright’s involvement at CHS: • Varsity swim team • Training and competitions • Athletes for Rwanda • Attaining a high GPA and representing the title of Royal Lancers

Plans for the future: • Attend college and continue swimming • Major in international relations and affairs • Travel to exotic places such as Europe and South America