The Matador: February 2017

OPINIONS “San Gabriel should encourage student

collaboration” pg. 4

SPORTS

LIFE & ART “Anime Café garners

“Varsity boys b-ball

triumphs in Almont

success for its fifth

League” pg. 10

year” pg. 8

THE MATADOR

SAN GABRIEL HIGH/FEBRUARY 16, 2017/ VOLUME 62 / ISSUE 6

WWW.THEMATADORSGHS.US/801 S. RAMONA ST., SAN GABRIEL, CA 91776

Uplift Club hosts event to promote Christianity

Lilo & Stitch-themed talent show displays unique performances

Photo courtesy of J.P. Geronimo

Rapper Dedge-P entertains the crowd with his Christian-inspired music.

Photo by Jessica Tran

Joanne Chau In order to raise awareness to their club, San Gabriel High School’s Uplift Club, a Christian club that offers to provide emotional support, hosted the “What is Love?”

Valentine’s-themed event on Feb. 9 during lunch in the Matador Arena. As an outreach to God, it included inspirational guest speakers and free pizza.

Christian rapper and hip-hop performer DedgeP kicked off the event with a musical performance dedicated to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The event also featured guest speaker Christopher Spolar, who spoke about his personal relationship issues and heart-break, read a story from the Bible, and inspired students by offering advice for the future.

“I went with my friends to help serve pizza. It was fun; I liked it. I could connect with what they were saying, mostly [with the] relationship problems,” senior Esperanza Ayala said.

In addition, several raffles took place. A $15 Starbucks gift card was given to the two winners.

At the end of lunch, pizza from Little Caesars, provided by the club, was given to all of the students who attended.

The Uplift Club holds meetings every Tuesday during lunch at MS-4.

Judges take their seats as they await the first performance of the Lilo & Stitch-themed night.

Jessica Tran Twelve judges assemble, facing the auditorium stage, as they wait for the contestants to perform. The annual school talent show was held on Jan. 27. In the end, the winners were announced: duet singers senior Diana Kou and Anney Lin in third place, Latin dancer senior Karina Guan as runner up, and guitarist senior Eric Xie in first place.

“I wanted to give the audience a good time. [It was] like a dream,” Xie said. “This was my first prize in the U.S. [and] I was able to make my parents proud.”

At 6 p.m., the curtains opened, revealing Associated Student Body (ASB) members dancing to Lilo & Stitch theme song, “He Mele No Lilo”.

“I thought [their dance] was really cute,” junior Joey Hua said. “[I liked] how they came down and did their own little moves.”

Shortly after, the first contestant, sophomore Britney Huynh, commenced the show with the song “How Far I’ll Go” by Auli’i Cravalho from Moana.

During intermission, ASB introduced the judges: English teachers Catherine Burkhart, Virginia Parra, and Jordan Vogel, math teacher Harmonie Bassette, Spanish teachers Victor

Garcia and Eliana Deniz, and Marching Band teacher Tammy Cognetta. In addition, as a yearly tradition, ASB members acted school event commercials.

“I got to hear about Sadies and prom,” senior Ashley Del Rio said. “[I thought] the skits were really funny.”

Collectively, the talent show featured an eclectic mix which included singing, dancing, and guitar-playing. The spectacle was culture-oriented, ranging from Korean to Latin roots.

“I felt like [the contestants] influenced the cultural theme,” Del Rio said. “I felt like all the acts had their own flare, especially the girl who danced tango. She showed her passion through dance.”

The contestants were: freshman Lauryn Capulong; sophomore Jerick Ee; junior Jerome Ee; junior Anthony Gallardo; senior Evan Garcia; senior Karina Guan; junior Bruce Hernandez; junior Britney Huynh; seniors Kathleen Ha, Sharon Lee, and Ivy Ly; seniors Diana Kou and Anney Lin; senior Lila Macias; senior Kiana Saucedo-Moreno; freshmen Ahyoung and Sunhi Nguyen; freshman Hanson Pham; freshman Sharleen Rengifo; senior Eric Xie. The talent show had a total of 16 performances.

ASB plans to host another talent show in 2018, continuing the annual San Gabriel High School talent show tradition.

FBLA advances to State, places 2nd in sweepstakes Kathy Quach Clad in suits and up by dawn, members of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competed at Westlake High School on Feb. 4 for their sectional competition. The competition featured 30 different events from Introductions to Business Communication to Health Care administration. In each of these events, the top ten competitors are announced, and, depending on the event, only a certain number of the them move on to state-level competition.

Out of the 32 students who placed, 26 qualified for the state competition, including seniors Georgianna Chan, Phuong Ha, Winston Hau, Thinley Huang, Kevin Huynh, Diana Kou, Crystal Lam, Vicki Lei, Anita Li, Anney Lin, Kylie Tran, Charlene Vong, San Vu, and Katie Wong; juniors Carlos Carrillo, Roxanne Fong, Kelly Luu, Kaijie Han, Lisa Hong, Justin Phan, Lexie Tang, Leo Yue, and Lilian Zhang; and sophomores Jamie Fong, Sonam Huang, and Kyle Lam.

“Since I had no expectation to place at all, I was very for the state-level competition in Sacramento, CA from anxious and surprised to hear the [announcer say] ‘From April 6-9.

San Gabriel High School’ and the dreaded pause before finally announcing the name,” Phan said. “When they did call my name, I was exhilarated.”

For many, competing was a new and enjoyable experience. Despite being new competitors, several students won against students from other schools. The event brought much fulfillment to those who placed.

“I was able to meet many new people that I wouldn’t have otherwise met,” Kyle Lam said. “It was the first time I had received an award for an event. I’m glad that I was able to go home knowing that I had placed fifth.”

Older members relived the anticipation and satisfaction of being a part of the sectional competition.

“I took the [hospitality event] with my teammates, Vicki Lei and Anney Lin, and because we were together, Photo courtesy of Diana Kou it was actually really funny and we felt good about our answers,” Kou said.

Those who placed in Sectionals will now prepare The San Gabriel High School FBLA team poses with

their awards after Sectionals at Westlake High School.

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THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

Trump issues many controversial policies in first month

NEWS

San Gabriel Science Olympiad team prepares for regionals

Lucas J orgensen The first 30 days of President Trump have been eventful with many of his promises made in his campaign coming to pass. Naturally, these actions have been met with multiple reactions from the people and U.S. officials. The actions of the 45th President of the U.S are shocking and affecting citizens all throughout the nation.

“I don’t think his actions immediately affect us, but they will eventually,” sophomore Jonathan Sycip said.

President Trump has begun the construction of the new border wall separating the U.S. from Mexico to supposedly stop illegal immigration. He has also placed a temporary ban on immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries for 90 days and halted the refugee program for 120 days until a “safer” vetting system can be put into effect. The immigration ban has angered people throughout the country, sparking protests nationwide. President Trump also fired the Attorney General Sally Q. Yates for telling lawyers to not defend the immigration ban. Trump has also threatened the the city of Chicago to comply to his policies. On the last day of January, the President also appointed Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.

At the beginning of this month, Trump also began to threaten sanctions against Iran after an Iranian missile test, which the President deemed “irresponsible.” He also appointed Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State. On Feb. 7, Trump’s pick for Secretary of Education Betsy Devos was voted in, 51-50 votes, with Vice President Michael Pence breaking the tie. This was the first time in history a vice president was called in to break the tie on confirming a nominee into office.

AP test prices remain low despite funding cut C arl os C ari l l o The price of an Advanced Placement (AP) exam for low-income high school students has consistently been $5 in recent years. However, with the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the price for an AP test for qualifying students could rise to $53 in the upcoming school year.

The ESSA, a bill signed in Dec. 2015 without much media attention, is meant to replace the No Child Left Behind Act which had been in effect since the Bush administration. One of the major changes with the ESSA is that it cut the AP Test Fee Program, a provision that provided states with federal funding for the specific purpose of lowering the price of AP Exams. Instead of implementing a specific fund for subsidizing AP tests, the new act puts the power of the grant money in states and districts, who now have to choose between various ways to spend grant money. Without a dedicated fund paying for AP tests, students in many states and districts nationwide will be subjected to higher test fees. Even so, school districts have many options to keep prices low, so not every school will face steep price hikes for tests.

One district taking advantage of different funds and grants to lower prices is Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD). Despite being faced with these funding cuts, the AUSD is determined to maintain affordable test prices for its students. Brad Walsh, the Director of Secondary Education at the AUSD, stated that although the AP Test Program did expire, the students will not see a change in price.

“AP Fee reductions will remain the same as in past years,” Walsh said. “We [received] College and Career Readiness funds that will allow us to offer them.”

That College Readiness Block Grant, a program financed by the California Department of Education, provides additional resources to low-income students and schools, giving districts like the AUSD the ability to minimize test prices.

Because of programs like these, AUSD students should not expect to see an increase in price for their tests in the near future, even though the AP Test Fee Program has expired.

District career fair returns at Mark Keppel Vi rgi ni a S i t u Mark Keppel High School (MKHS) will be hosting a district-wide career fair on March 2 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for the students who want to find a career they may be interested in, or want to know more about.

There will be over 50 companies attending, holding workshops and mock interviews, and offering job and internship opportunities. Buses will also be provided for students who do not attend MKHS and will also be making regular return stops home.

Before going to the fair last school year, junior Steven Nguyen wanted to be a mechanical engineer; however after attending the career fair, he decided to go towards the computer science field.

“I learned [more about] the admission rates and what I need to [do] to [get into] the specific colleges,” Nguyen said.

Sophomore Joyce Wu has her mind set on becoming a forensic psychologist after attending the career fair last year. She was debating whether or not she should join the military, and the career fair helped make her final decision.

“I learned that there are many fields in forensic sciences as well as how being an optometrist is [like],” Wu said.

“I have decided to pursue to become a forensic psychologist.”

Photo by Eileen Ong

Eileen Ong In preparation for their upcoming competition, San Gabriel High School’s Science Olympiad club have been designing and building their projects, as well learning their test materials, for Regionals on March 4 at Occidental College. They will compete against 39 other high schools, such as Hollywood High, South Pasadena, and Mark Keppel, for a chance to place in the 31st Los Angeles Regional Science Olympiad Tournament.

“I’ve been adviser since I’ve been working here, so I think it’s been nine years now,” David Whitman, Advanced Placement Environmental Science teacher, said. “I like to build things, and it goes along with the topics I like to teach.”

Every year the Science Olympiad offers 23 different events in Division C, which refers to the competition for high schoolers. New events are often introduced. The events cover many areas of science, ranging from chemistry to astronomy.

“This year is hovercraft, wind turbines, and these tower that are shaped like the Eiffel Tower,” Whitman said. “There’s forensic detectives. There’s CSI stuff. One year we made something that shoots golf balls and we have to hit a target.

We have a robotic arm here.”

This year, the team consists of about 15 students who will each

compete in multiple events.

“It’s too bad there [aren’t] more people in [Science Olympiad], because it’s really fun,” Whitman said. “Stuff with chemistry, biology.

It’s just fun. I like to teach kids how to make stuff.”

With their competition only a few weeks away, Whitman said that they do not feel prepared. The team hurry to get their projects finished in time for regionals. “[However] we do have select few member who are actually studying and doing amazing work and gathering material for the events,” President of Science Olympiad senior Amy Hua said. “I really hope that we compete and let the few people who actually want to participate get the chance to compete in Science Olympiad.”

Last year the team placed third in Electric Vehicle and third in Write It Do It. They placed fifth in Scrambler and second in Bungee Drop two years ago. They aim to place first in an event in this year’s tournament and hope to rank somewhere in top 20 overall.

“I really hope that this year we will do even better with the new members,” Hua said. “And hopefully people will make a commitment and dedicate their time to Science Olympiad.”

The club meets every Tuesday during lunch in Whitman’s room, E-209.

NEWS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 THE MATADOR

3

New White House website removes LGBTQ+, EPA information Ei l een O ng After former President Barack Obama’s web pages were archived onto another website, the current White House website, under President Donald Trump’s administration, no longer has sections on LGBTQ+ rights, climate change, and civil rights. After three weeks into Trump’s presidency, they are still absent from the website. It is unsure whether this is intentional on the administration’s part, or if it is just a matter of time until they bring the sections back.

“With the new administration, they are going to prioritize different things, so if this isn’t a priority of his, then they are not going to talk about it anymore,” world history teacher Nicole Manalang said. “This is unfortunate, because I think that stuff is important.”

Nonetheless, some people, including AP United States Government Raymond Gin, are concerned about the implications of Trump deliberately leaving these issues out from recent website updates.

“If it’s not on the Internet, it doesn’t exist,” Gin said. “That’s pretty much what they’re doing. It’s kind of like ‘I’m going to put a towel over my head. If I can’t see it, it doesn’t exist.’

It’s very simple, but it’s a really powerful step. Let’s get rid of it. Let’s get rid of the evidence it ever existed.”

Sadies cancelled due to lack of contracts Thomas Wang

Senior Timothy Jou felt that the United States “has made considerable progress in the 1960s and 1970s from gay rights protests, all the way to now.” However, Jou said that the country is “going backwards in time.”

“The LGBTQ+ section, whether Trump likes it or not, whether Pence likes it or not, [is] a part of our country,” Jou said.”There are millions of people who consider themselves LGBTQ+.

While I may not consider myself a part of that category, I do support them and their rights because we’re all still people.”

In addition to removing the climate change section, one of Trump’s first updates to the White House website was a section regarding his energy policies, which included a plan to lift the regulations established by Obama’s Climate Action plan and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water Act. “I think we have the benefit of living in California so we understand the benefit of the EPA,” Manalang said. “But there are probably parts of the country who don’t understand how the EPA works. There’s a big group of people who don’t understand why your air isn’t a smog sandwich is because of the EPA.” Despite the controversy , the White House website reflects President Trump’s policies and plans. Former president Obama’s archived content can be accessed at <http://www. obamawhitehouse.gov/>.

Whitman brings Stanford roller coaster lab to San Gabriel High School Physics class

Because a minimum number of submitted dance contracts was not met, this year’s Sadie Hawkins dance will be cancelled. According to ASB member and former ASB president senior Cassidy Pham, the students who have bought posters will receive compensation. These students can either receive a free poster or credit for another ASB event. ASB will host a stand-alone carnival utilizing the materials slated for Sadies without an accompanying dance at a later date.

“I’m kind of sad,” Pham said. “I was really excited [for Sadies] because we changed the way we did dances. We included more activities so students wouldn’t have to dance all the time.”

Acadec decks out in accolades K el l y H o After months of weekly practice sessions, quizzes, flashcard overviews, and heavy reading, San Gabriel’s academic decathletes made their way into El Rancho High School for the two-day Los Angeles County Academic Decathlon on Jan. 28 and Feb. 4.

San Gabriel’s decathletes took home a total of 12 medals: sophomore Cecilia Hua, two bronze medals; junior Mellony Li, gold medal; junior Benson Vuong, silver and gold medals; and senior Michael Lam, two gold, two silver, and a bronze medal, as well as two additional medals for scoring at the top of his division and school.

As the only senior in Academic Decathlon, Lam aspired to “set the example for future competitors to follow.” Having won seven medals at this competition after only winning one medal the year before, Lam was reassured, as he had achieved his goal before graduating.

“More than anything, I wanted them to know that they were all capable of greatness if they put their mind into it. It felt comforting knowing that I had left something for the next generation of competitors to aspire towards,” Lam said.

At the competition, all decathletes competed in 10 different subjects; on the first day, they showcased their writing and speaking skills through an interview, essay, and impromptu and prepared speeches. The following day, students took eight tests on seven subject areas: math, science, art, literature, economics, music, and social science.

The final test was a “Super Quiz” containing questions about all the aforementioned subjects.

“I didn’t know what to expect from the official competition. It was pretty tiring taking test after test, especially with all the different subjects, but I’m glad I got the experience so I can do better next time,” Hua said.

With this competition, the academic decathlon team has improved greatly, jumping from 31st place to 24th within Los Angeles County and 12th place to 5th within its division. The team’s adviser, chemistry teacher Anderson Ma, wishes to continue this improvement and take the team towards greater heights.

“I hope that we don’t stop this kind of trend,” Ma said. “As long as we keep improving every single year, we can eventually start reaching the top 10, Division I, where Alhambra and Mark Keppel are.”

In the future, San Gabriel’s Academic Decathlon team plans to attend scrimmages and events alongside its sister teams from Alhambra and Mark Keppel.

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Photo By Nahtan Ta

AP Enviormental Science and regular physics teacher David Whitman help senior Lynh Luong and junior Jessica Huynh construct their roller coaster for their lab.

Nathan Ta After browsing the internet, Advanced Placement Environmental Science and physics teacher David Whitman decided to do a lab experiment from the Stanford Physical Science Department for the first time at San Gabriel High School.

“It’s one of those classic physics labs that you have to do,” Whitman said.

The experiment’s purpose was supposed to provide a live demonstration of gravitational potential and kinetic energy through the model of a roller coaster.

Using a two-meter aluminium track, foam channels, and a marble, students were instructed to create a roller coaster to test different the effects of the height from where the marble is dropped to see its effects on the potential and kinetic energy of the marble using. Other factors, such as the height of a hill and the size of a loop, are also taken into consideration in seeing how potential and kinetic energy are affected as well.

“It’s one thing to watch a [video] of a rollercoaster demonstrating potential and kinetic energy, but it’s another to build a roller coaster and see it for yourself,” Whitman said.

Senior John Peng found the lab to be fun and helpful to the lesson at the same time.

“Instead of doing just regular work, Mr. Whitman tries his best to do these labs [to make a fun] learning experience,” Peng said. “It challenges us to apply physics to a real world situation and teaches us the lesson well.”

The lab also includes a competition where groups compete to see who can make the most number of hills with the highest combined height of the hills on their roller coaster. The group with the highest combined height with a successful run would wins.

4

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

“Contr”ary to popular belief

Kevin Contreras Finding answers As a child, I always excelled in school. I wasn’t the smartest, but I sure wasn’t the dumbest. I never got student of the month, but teachers always seemed to say the same thing.

“He’s smart, he’s a good kid.” “He’s lucky to have the parents he has.” My parents always motivated me to be the best and to do the best I could because that was the most fruitful thing I would be able to inherit from them.

Throughout my years in school, I was highly motivated. I wanted t o ma ke t h e m h a p p y, w a n t e d t o make them proud, and fulfill the grand expectations they had of me.

Throughout school, I always had three things with me at all times: my motivation; not wanting to disappoint my parents; and my goal, which changed from time to time, but it was always there.

That was until I entered high school. Throughout my three years of high school, I’ve learned incredible new things about the world. My view of it has changed from a black and white filter to a life full of gray areas.

The thing that once served as my motivation has slowly lost its charm.

High School was supposed to be where I found myself, but that evidently is not the case. I am now more unsure than ever of what it is I want to pursue.

While I continue to grow, so does the world. I’ve learned that there is so much more beyond the city I live in. My motivation is no longer to please my parents and fulfill their expectations. That has changed. It has now become a path where I am trying to fulfil my own. I am on an endeavor in which I am trying to fulfill my own expectations of myself and get to the point I want to get to in life, while at the same time I am discovering where that point is.

Throughout the trajectory of this journey, I have hit many slumps, points where I wonder if it is all worth while. I keep looking for answers to my questions but I’ve found an endless loop where those answers lead to more questions. Each question and answer reveal a new lens to look at life. It seems to me as if that is the point of it all. To walk this world as I always have: in a search for answers.

Each answer strips away another layer slowly revealing who I truly am. I find these answers in many areas of my life. Ranging from the way my closest friends lend their aid to the way my beliefs in Christ reveal grand mysteries of the universe.

I am unsure of many things. The future is so uncertain and so easily changeable. The uncertainty of my future causes a hint of fear as I wonder and ask myself if in the end, will I achieve success? Will I have found the answer that truly satisfies me? I cannot answer that right now. What I can say is that even though is that I’m still walking through the tunnel we call life. Even though the light seems so far away. I must keep walking, I mustn’t go astray. If I keep walking, I know that I will eventually reach the end. I’m not sure when, but I do know that when I do reach the end, I will look back and the tunnel won’t seem so dark anymore.

OPINIONS

Editorial

San Gabriel should encourage student collaboration As diverse and large as San Gabriel High School (SGHS) cannot be fostered with only five pep rallies a year. Besides those is, there are walls that still divide the student body. Not grade rallies, interacting and integrating are left to the students, and level. Not classes. Just one look at the students during lunch and aside from the brave few, this is unlikely. it becomes easy to sort through all of them. The same cliques Although Motivating Matadors (MoMa) has created occupy the same space with groups being as homogeneous as an environment for different people to interact, more vanilla. Even though the school is not as divided as teens in efforts are needed to integrate students. A MoMa1980s coming-of-age movies, the student body should be esque program should take place for all grade more porous and less separate. levels. Moreover, teachers should be encourage In SGHS, cliques permeate in many activities the to mix students up within their classes. In student body does. One look in the extracurriculars and addition, school wide events can be held where clubs shows that they are filled with mostly similar races. students are mixed up and encouraged to interact.

There are exceptions, of course, but beyond the racial However, it is ultimately up to the students to step borders within San Gabriel, friend groups seem out of their comfort zones and be willing to meet to dominate the cabinet positions of clubs. people they are unfamiliar with.

There According to the Atlantic, cliques are created are students that come from all walks as a safety net, a familiar sense of security. of life, and it is a shame that students However, this does not mean the fail to interact with others because students are at fault for closing themselves they are different and unfamiliar. off. According to Daniel MacFarland, a Beyond reaching an idyllic dream of professor at Stanford Graduate School of being a school where all student can Education, cliques are caused because share a proud single identity, the skills to schools do not foster an environment make friends beyond familiar groups is a where students are made to interact vital skill in adulthood. SGHS should with others outside of their friend take strides in order to tear down the Illustration by Jennifer Cheung group. This is especially true in SGHS. The walls the student have created for themselves and offer dead school pride and the lack of heterogeneous friend groups opportunities where they can intermingle.

Diversity at the Oscars is not a simple black-or-white issue K i m P ham Baby steps? Maybe. But Hollywood proved on Feb. 7 that it can do a better job honoring actors and actresses of color in Oscar nominations and at the same time, fall short in full inclusiveness.

The list of nominations for the 2017 Academy Awards, which covers movies released in 2016, makes clear this will not be a third year in a row in which all 20 of the nominated actors and actresses are white people, thus averting another year of online jeers and sneers of #OscarsSoWhite.

The list of acting nominees includes a black actor and an Asian actor: Mahershala Ali (Moonlight), who is African American, and Dev Patel (Lion), who is British of Indian descent, nominated in the best supporting actor category. Three of the best supporting actress nominees are black: Viola Davis (Fences), Naomie Harris (Moonlight) and Octavia Spencer (Hidden *Figures). The lead categories are the least diverse in 2017, but they’re still not entirely white. Denzel Washington is vying for best lead actor for Fences, and Ruth Negga was nominated for best actress for Loving.

Spencer made history as the first African-American woman to win

an Oscar for best supporting actress (in 2012 for The Help) and then came back to be nominated again. “I’m just over the moon,” she said.

But she echoed the widespread reaction to the look of the nominees this year: elation for black entertainers mixed with disappointment for Latinos, Asians, and other minority entertainers.

“I don’t feel there’s a lot of diversity. There’s black and white,” Spencer said to USA TODAY. “But there are a lot more people of color than African Americans. ... There’s so much more to diversity than being black or white ... I’d like to see diversity in directing. There are brilliant women directors and cinematographers.”

So is this the start of a permanent shift in nomination diversity or just a temporary break from the same-old, same-old? Is it the result of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ recent efforts to diversify and expand its voting membership?

Or is it the consequence of a powerful social-media campaign to shame Hollywood about the persistent lack of diversity in the industry and in those it chooses to nominate and honor with gold statuettes every year? The immediate reaction from some activists was exultation, along with reminders that there is still far to go in improving representation of other minority groups.

The Oscars in Black and White

by Jennifer Cheung

President Trump’s immigration, refugee lockdown raises protests Vi ncent Maresca Within the first few days of President Donald J. Trump in office, he began to deliver on his word and signed executive orders to keep out any immigrants from entering the country. However, these actions were done in a very unorganized and abstract way that sparked up aggression. Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia were affected by the signing. The executive order has suspended the U.S. refugee admission system for 120 days, and the countries listed were banned any entry into America for 90 days as of Jan. 27. The Syrian refugee system was also suspended. Upon signing the executive order, Trump followed with the quote, “We don’t want them here.”

Many federal judges who have seen the effects of this newly placed ban disagree with it and hope the ban is taken down immediately.

Trump contradicts this by saying the act was signed “perfectly” and all who oppose it is rage-fueled with “politics.” Trump has also claimed that all the backlash are signs of the court being “biased” and against his goal: to bring security and safety to the country of America. Even Hillary Clinton, Trump’s rival in the election, joined in to oppose

Trump’s act and tweeted out “This is not the America I remember.” As said by a Cairo airport official, “This is a new era we are witnessing.”

The effects of the ban instantly took place with several airports arresting immigrants before and upon landing. Over 11 million immigrants are planned to be banned, and eight major U.S. airports were stormed by a cloud of protesters. Even green card holders and legal U.S. citizens were hit hard from the new law. Not only that, but it has been reported that the San Bernardino shooting in 2015 that killed 14 people was a sign to connect terror attacks and immigration.

However, none of the shooters would have been affected by the new ban. Despite the act not being called “Muslim Ban” at first, society instantly named the new rule that moments after the law was passed.

If only the whole event was actually instituted properly, a reasonable resolution could have been made. But America will just have to wait and see if the name lives up to the law. Thankfully, it is not a very long wait considering that an act out of obscurity took place with Judge James Robart lifting the ban. Donald Trump was offended and even tweeted out the now viral message that this, in his words, “so-called judge” is making “ridiculous” decisions. But America will have to wait, for sure this time, to see more from Trump’s rule.

OPINIONS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

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THE MATADOR

Betsy DeVos is not qualified for Secretary of Education A n d y Yung Betsy DeVos is a fine choice for the role of the United States Secretary of Education with no experience in student loans, grants, and scholarships and no background in education policy. In all seriousness, DeVos is actually a horrible choice for Secretary of Education. DeVos was born to billionaire Edgar Prince and is currently the spouse of Dick DeVos Jr., whose father was also a multi-billionaire. Both Betsy and her family have donated millions of dollars towards the Republican cause, perhaps doing so to sway senator votes.

So how did DeVos gain the confirmation as the Secretary of Education? Many people suspect bribery, while others point to the lack of understanding towards modern educational needs.

The Senate tied 50-50 after Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined the Democrat Senators in voting against the confirmation of DeVos as Secretary of Education. Vice President Michael Pence broke the tie by voting for the confirmation of DeVos. According to the Center for American Progress, the DeVos family has “donated” roughly one million dollars to about 20 senators, including Murkowski, to vote on her confirmation.

Back in Nov. 2016, President Donald Trump nominated DeVos as his Secretary of Education and promised to “end Common Core”; DeVos plans to enact those requirements set by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)—signed by former President Barack Obama on Dec. 10, 2015—which would mean that all students are required to “be taught to high academic standards that will prepare them to succeed in college and careers.”

DeVos, opposed by many teachers, parents, and activists, has faced the most scrutiny among all of Trump’s nominees. But why is that? DeVos has no experience working in education; she can only make judgements that she deems to be worthy and could end up supporting only the rich rather than the majority of people, unbalancing the education system. She strongly supports the use of school vouchers—often interpreted as scholarships that are provided by the state for individuals who attend private schools instead of public schools—for many decades. With vouchers, public funds would be diverted from public schools towards private schools, which are not regulated by federal standards and could potentially have a lower standard for education and teacher qualifications.

When DeVos was asked about the debate between proficiency and growth in schools, she confused the latter. She proposed that proficiency “would [be correlated] to competency and mastery so that each student is measured according to the advancement that they’re making to each subject area.” She then tried to clarify that proficiency is when “[students] reached third grade level for reading.” But what she has claimed was actually growth and not proficiency.

Even with the confirmation of DeVos, she is still clearly unfit for the position of Secretary of Education. Should someone even be nominated and confirmed into a government position if they could not answer a simple yes or no question? Democrat Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia asked DeVos a question about making sure all schools are held to the same standards, only to be responded with “I support accountability” after four times of asking.

Illustration by Vincent Maresca

Journalists must avoid alternative facts, not trump truth K e v i n C o n treras Since the inauguration of Donald Trump, the issue of what is true has arisen, as well as the newly coined term, “alternative facts” said

by Counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway.

In the article, “The Delusion of Alternative Facts” neuroscientists Susana Martinez-Conde and Stephen L. Macknik analyze what saying the truth means and what it is. The truth, according to Merriam-Webster, is a “piece of information presented as having objective reality.” In the article, the authors analyze how from Trump’s vantage point, it seems as if there was” the largest” group of people at the inauguration. Using the scientific method, they delve into the topic of how our mind can warp reality, and give us “alternative facts.”

As journalists, we are called to safeguard the truth. We are the ones held responsible for distributing information.

Yet, how do we know what we are saying is true if our own mind is warping the truth and giving us its own reality? Though we think something is true, it is our subjective reality. We must double check the truth. Trump, from his perspective, saw the largest group of people at an inauguration. That is his “alternative fact.” But thanks to scientists and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit, this is not the case.

MATADOR

Editors-in-Chief News Editors

Opinions Editors Focus Editors Life and Art Editors Sports Editors Features Editors Copy Editors Photo Editors Artist Business Managers Website Editors Multimedia Editors Blogs Manager Community Editors Adviser

Sydney Trieu Thomas Wang Joanne Chau Nathan Ta Sunny Chen Eileen Ong Karina Matias Kim Pham Lu Yue Wang Jennifer Cheung Jessica Tran Uyen Sy Kim Ta Michele Thai Selina Han Kelly Ho Shirley Dinh Eva Hernandez Andy Yung Sunny Chen Michelle Ho Vincent Maresca Anny Li Wu Christina Lov Tom Cheah Kathy Quach Kevin Contreras Michelle Ho Vivian Wong Carlos Carillo Virginia Situ Jennifer Kim

Reporters: Nian Capilli, Lucas Jorgensen, Chelsea Li, Vincent Maresca, Kayla Tang The Matador is published monthly by the journalism class of San Gabriel High School. 1,600 copies per issue are published at J. E. J Print Inc. The Matador is a public forum for student expression and highly encourages responses in reaction to issues discussed in the paper. The opinions expressed are those of the writers, not the faculty or administration. Articles without bylines are the opinion of the staff. Submit comments as a letter to the editor, signed (anonymity is guaranteed if requested), to H-2, or Ms. Kim’s mailbox.

When analyzing the truth, there are three rules that accompany the scientific method. The first is, “we can’t ascertain what’s true, but we can establish what’s false.” When a scientist creates a hypothesis, he is supposed to follow the scientific method and gather as much information as possible. Even if a scientist gathers data for years, one contradictory fact will derail his work. As journalists we may deliver a well-supported story, but it takes one contradicting statement to shut it down. We must stay alert for new information.

The second is that “High confidence does not equal objective truth.”

This is where bias plays its part in our story. We all have bias, but we can’t allow what we believe to be used as evidence. Our bias is just another form of alternative facts.

Lastly, “Perception depends on perspective, but subjectivity is not a measure of reality.” Many magicians use perspective to trick your mind.

What we see and feel depends on how our mind filters everything.

However, this is not the explanation for what truly happened. Though our mind makes us think that a magician can be sawed in half, that is not the objective truth.

As journalists and as everyday people, we must check our sources.

That way we don’t give alternative facts, but instead we give the real truth. We must cleanse ourselves from our own biases.

The Matador Bullring What is your dream date?

“ “

I don’t have a dream date. I’ll be single forever.”

-Brianna Vo, 9th grade

Doing homework and studying together.”

-Shawn Ho, 10th grade

“

My dream date would be going to a carnival with someone because that way we would be able to participate in activities that are both fun and involves less pressure.”

-Donna Hernandez, 11th grade

“

I would want to watch sports together like at an actual game.“ -Jovanni Ramiriez, 12th grade

Photos by Sunny Chen

Li“viv”ing in the moment

Vivian Wong Life is too short There was a time when my brother was almost taken away from my family because of a poor decision he made.

Whenever I recall that point in time, the devastation I felt at that moment comes running back to me because I could have lost my big brother. It often takes a major conflict or a tragic moment, like a near-death experience, for me to realize the fragility of life. I continually ask myself, “Why? Any life, whether it’s mine, the people close and dear to my heart or anyone in that matter can be taken tomorrow.” It is eye-opening to think that someone’s life can be cut short due to an illness, violent act, or an undesirable event. We are here today, but we could be gone tomorrow. So we should be grateful and treasure all that we have while living life to the fullest.

That is something I’ve been trying to ingrain in my head for quite some time now. After the alarming experience with my brother, I realized that life is precious. Rather than permitting time to slip right through my fingertips, I should instead be thankful and live each day like it is my last—sort of.

We tend to have trouble appreciating everything that we have now. I think many people can agree with me when I say that we, as humans, often take life for granted at some point in our lives.

It seems as though we are constantly chasing one thing after the other and in the midst of it all, we forget how far we have come to attain a specific goal or desire. Everything and everyone were once just a wish. For example, the car we have now is the car we wanted so desperately just a few years ago. Why is it that we can’t appreciate all these things without fussing about the things we don’t have?

Personally, I can recount many occasions where I’ve been unappreciative of the things and people I’ve had in my life, which I’m ashamed of admitting.

The things I once wanted quickly lost its glory and ultimately gave me a desire to want the next best thing. In the past, my thoughts and attention were focused on things that I didn’t have, which gave me a negative and unhealthy outlook on life.

Right now, at this very moment, there are far more people suffering in the world than we realize. Just the thought of all the agony around the world can feel overwhelming. However, these tough times should remind us of all the little things and beauty we have in our own lives. If we are always drowning in negative thoughts and emotions, it can be difficult to acknowledge the fact that we’ve been given this inexplicable and precious life. The hardships of life that we experience in this current moment are temporary. Whatever the problem may be, shifting the negativity into something more positive leaves one to feel better about the situation and about oneself.

We need to be appreciative of what we have now because life can be gone in an instant. In my opinion, life is not about all the superficial items we have or may not have. It’s not about pondering or wishing for things we don’t have, instead it’s about concentrating on everything we do have, and spending our moments here on earth in the most meaningful and satisfying way possible.

8

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

The Matador Muse

Submitted by Liza Coe, 11

Life Skills: Formatting envelopes

LIFE & ART

Review: Anime Café succeeds for its fifth year Eva Her nandez Anime Anonymous hosted their fifth annual Anime Café, formerly known as the “Maid Café,” on Feb. 10. Guests were greeted at the door with a red carpet and a row of maids and butlers saying “Okaerinasaimas!” which means “Welcome home.”

Some members of Anime Anonymous did not dress in maid and butler uniforms, instead cosplaying as characters from their favorite animes such as Attack on Titan, Tokyo Ghoul, and the movie Howl’s Moving Castle.

After everyone was seated, a smaller group of maids and butlers stood before the guests and performed a few dance numbers before dispersing to take orders.

“I really found the dances and performances enjoyable,” junior Britney Huynh said. “[They] were really nice and entertaining.”

Meals were served in three courses: appetizers, entrées, and dessert. I ordered an Arnold Palmer to drink and was pleased to taste a perfect balance between the sweetness of the lemonade and the bitterness of the iced tea.

Soon after receiving drinks, the maid serving my table took orders for appetizers, and nearly the entire table ordered spring rolls, as the kitchen began to run out of options. However, the initial disappointment was made up for by the rolls’ taste, which was crisp, cool, and flavorful.

“The food was the best part,” senior Steven Lu said. “Compared to everything else, I really liked it.”

After finishing the appetizers, food really began to run thin, and my table had to again only order one option: curry with rice. After a short wait on the rice, we received our meal. The curry was delicious, with the rice complementing it perfectly.

Just after eating, maids and butlers again performed for the audience, garnering applause as they entertained the crowd. Guests from the Acapella Choir joined them as well, singing a mashup song that included “Just the Way You

Photo by Eva Hernandez

Senior Winnie Liang serves as a maid.

Are” by Bruno Mars and “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz.

Senior and president of Acapella Choir, Grace Li, said their performance “was great.”

“They felt a little nervous at the beginning,” Li said. “But as the song continued, they got more comfortable with it.”

Unfortunately dessert ran out before I was able to taste any, but that was a good sign of how well the café had done this school year.

President of Anime Anonymous senior Jennifer Flores ordered pizza for those who were unable to eat after the food ran out.

As a farewell treat, the maids and butlers invited the guests to dance a waltz. Maids, butlers, and students filled the open space to dance with each other in all manner of couples, friends, and odd pairings.

The Anime Café was a very enjoyable experience that myself and my fellow peers enjoyed. I am disappointed that I waited until my last year at San Gabriel High School to attend the event, but I believe that going as a senior was better than not going at all. Hopefully, the Anime Café will continue to be a success next year.

Zhao explores creativity through bullet journaling hobby

Photo by Sunny Chen

First line: Recipient’s name Second line: Recipient’s address Third line: Recipient’s city, state, and zip code Virginia Situ Step 1: Place the envelope horizontally (left to right, not top to bottom).

Step 2: Write the return address (your own name and address) on the upper-left corner of the envelope. This will be in three lines of text. See above for clarification.

Step 3: Write the recipient’s name and address (house number, street name, state, and zip code) on the middle of the envelope—also in three lines of text. See above for clarification.

Step 4: Place a stamp on the upper-right corner to finish before mailing. Stamps are currently $0.49 each.

Photo by Sunny Chen

Z h a o s h o w c a s e s a n i n t r i c a t e p a g e f r o m h e r j o u r n a l i n t h e m o n t h o f F e b r u a r y.

Uyen Sy With two minutes of class remaining, senior Mandy Zhao eagerly pulls out a journal along with a few colorful pens from her backpack and starts jotting down what she ate for lunch, the forecast for the day, and her plans for the week. This little black journal has become one of Zhao’s daily essentials, serving as a resourceful tool to keep her life orderly and organized.

This is commonly known as the bullet journal.

A bullet journal is a customizable organization system in which journalists have the freedom to use as their to-do list, sketchbook, notebook, and diary all in one. It is a convenient way to track day-to-day activities, experiences, and long-term goals with charts and diagrams and is also a flexible way to personally design a planner without pre-printed pages. “[The bullet journal] is such a nice way to keep track of everything in my life, and it’s also very therapeutic when I’m just sitting around,” Zhao said. “Whenever I’m stressed out,

I start to bullet journal as a break from homework.”

With patience, Zhao devotes an ample amount of time out of her day to her bullet journal. In every spare minute that she finds in her classes, she will take it out and “let her creativity run wild.” After school, she spends an additional couple of hours intricately laying out pages or writing inspirational quotes in fancy calligraphy.

“If I set my mind to something, then I can do it,” Zhao said. “I just want to be able to look over my journal next year and recall all the things I have accomplished over the year.”

A bullet journal does not have to be a fancy art project in order to be a functional system. One does not have to feel obligated to innovatively decorate or invest nearly as much time as Zhao. In fact, Zhao encourages others to start a bullet journal because it comes with many benefits, such as relieving stress and enforcing an orderly lifestyle.

“You don’t have to be creative or know how to write prettily,” Zhao said. “It’s about organizing yourself and letting your personality come out on the page and into the art.”

LIFE & ART

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

Movie review: La La Land

Photo courtesy of Lionsgate

Sunny Chen Musicals are not for everyone. With that being said, La La Land—a modernday musical styled after the old Hollywood classics starring Fred and Ginger, and Gene Kelly likewise—was one of the most highly acclaimed films of 2016, and its brilliance has already set multiple records during this year ’s awards season.

Written and directed by Damien Chazelle, the film features a passionate jazz pianist played by Ryan Gosling and an aspiring actress played by Emma Stone, both of whom are trying to achieve their respective dreams in the stunningly portrayed city of Los Angeles. Their story is told through musical form, whether that entails singing, or dancing, or oftentimes both. However, what makes La La Land really impressive (and for many non-musical fans, bearable), is the fact that the movie’s musical numbers are seamlessly woven into the storyline in a way where the songs feel like a natu-

ral and essential progression of where each scene is headed. The film takes on themes that touch every single member of its audience. Its universal sentiment inspires anyone with a dream, but it also wisely conveys that sacrifices have to be made in order to attain those goals; and the musical does not shy away from the pain of compromise.

La La Land is a paradox of what constitutes a good film. It has a devastatingly straightforward plot, yet its cinematography and style of storytelling make it anything but simple. It is the special kind of movie where you walk out of the theater in awe but not in love, yet it never leaves your mind for the rest of the week. The more you think about the movie, the more you listen to its soundtrack on Spotify. And the more you watch interviews of Chazelle, Gosling, and Stone, the further you fall into an unconscious state of love with La La Land—until you go see it again. And the second time is even better than the first.

9

Weird food combinations excite taste buds

Photo by Michelle Ho

Hot Cheetos placed on top of plain white rice offers an interesting experience.

Anny Li Wu From being basic to being incredibly creative, mixing food combinations to make a meal more gourmet is a trend that has been surfacing on the internet and around San Gabriel High School (SGHS) for everyone to enjoy. Although the food itself already tastes good, mixing it with other foods can give an extra kick of flavor to salivate on. People usually like to mix foods that are quite cheap and bland.

There are many common ways that people like to combine their food. For example, one way to spice up the taste of french fries or chicken nuggets is to dip it into ice cream or milkshakes at fast food restaurants.

“When hot fries [and] something cold goes in my mouth, it is refreshing and tasty,” junior Fionna Luu said.

YouTube channels such as Buzzfeed, Facts, and “Wendy’s Eating Show” all show different techniques and styles to eating foods. In “Wendy’s Eating Show,”

YouTuber Wendy likes to put Hot Cheetos into all of her foods, from corn to pizza to cucumbers and jicama.

“You guys know I love my Hot Cheetos.

Don’t mess with my Hot Cheetos,” Wendy said in one of her videos on YouTube.

The most common way to enjoy plain rice, fried rice, or noodles at SGHS is to sprinkle some Hot Cheetos over it. This will add an extra crunch when eating something bland. Because Hot Cheetos with rice is not satisfying enough, junior Cindy Lim likes to put Hot Cheetos into her soup, which makes the Hot Cheetos softer.

“I thought that if [Hot Cheetos and cheddar Ruffles] could make plain rice taste better, then it could probably make plain soup taste better too. I put Hot Cheetos in my soup sometimes for the mild spice. Sriracha and other spices are too spicy for me but Hot Cheetos aren't as spicy,” Lim said.

Overall, mixing food is great way to spice up our taste buds. With many variations, it can be fun and interesting to what these combinations of food taste like.

Dessert Restaurant Reviews in San Gabriel Valley area Creamistry

Photo courtesy of Tinny Guan

Creamistry offers unique and basic flavors: fruity pebbles (left) and chocolate (right).

Christina Lov Creamistry, known for using liquid nitrogen to make ice cream and its wide variety of flavors, is a burgeoning franchise with over 30 locations across the United States. Its recent opening in Alhambra offers ice cream lovers fresh nitrogen ice cream locally.

The grand opening of Creamistry in Alhambra was held last Friday. The first 200 customers were given T-shirts for their purchase, and a free scoop of ice cream was offered between 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Participants were also given the opportunity to win free ice cream for a year if they posted a picture with the hashtag, #creamistryalhambra.

The thought of free ice cream was very alluring, attracting a line of people which included a number of San Gabriel students that wrapped around the entire building.

While standing in the rain, students’ wait time ranged from an hour and 15 minutes to over two hours.

“I got the flavor cookie butter with small chocolate chips mixed in because I didn’t see anyone else getting it, so I wanted to try it out,” junior Kelvin Huynh said. “It had the taste of cookie dough and tasted like every other place, but I can’t complain since it was free.”

Junior Justin Phan got the cookies and cream flavor and also thought “it tasted like any other regular ice cream.”

“It was worth the wait because it was free,” Phan said. “I just regret choosing a basic flavor.”

Although some students thought the ice cream tasted the same compared to other stores, senior Cassidy Pham thought “the quality [was] really there.”

“I got the Cap’n Crunch [flavor],” Pham said. “It’s really interesting because the flavor of the cereal melded with the ice cream.”

Sophomore Tam Luong also got the Cap’n Crunch flavor and thought “it was good.”

“Out of all the nitrogen ice cream places I’ve tried, Creamistry tasted the best,” Luong said.

Despite the cereal flavors hitting it off, the prices were expensive for some.

“It’s six dollars for just the ice cream without toppings,” Huynh said. “I think going to another place [for] ice cream would be more worth it.”

All in all, the unique and interesting flavors are worth trying. It’s just the basic ones that should be avoided.

Labobatory

Photo by Nian Capili

The Purple DREAm comes with a generous helping of honey boba.

Nian Capili The first time I’ve heard about Labobatory was on my newsfeed on Facebook.

It was a video about their #Bobatella flavored drink, which was basically Nutella milk tea with honey boba. I thought to myself, “Oh, this looks good, but I don’t understand what is the big deal with Nutella milk tea.”

There is only one Labobatory in San Gabriel and was recently opened this year. I arrived at Labobatory around 4 p.m. with a warm welcome from the workers. As I walked in the building, I actually expected a unique look from the tea shop. But the inside of the tea shop was nothing flashy—just an ordinary, clean-looking little place with a decent amount of customers. It wasn’t really meant for dining in but more for picking up drinks to-go.

The menu was filled with interesting brewed drinks along with a sweetness level from zero percent to one hundred percent for any drink. There were unique flavors with creative names such as #BobaFéte, #FuegoMango, Purple DREAm, ABG (Asian Boba Girl), Prosotea, #LebaneseRoseMilk along with the generic fruity and tea flavors.

However, the first thing that caught my attention from the menu was the price of each drink. All drinks cost over four dollars without tax, which is unreasonably high in my opinion.

I asked the cashier what their most popular drinks were and was recommended the Purple DREAm, a taro drink with Fosselman’s Ube Ice Cream Float.

I ordered two drinks, an ordinary boba milk tea and the Purple DREAm. They cost me about $11 total, with the milk tea at $4.25 and the Purple DREAm at six dollars.

At first, I expected the Purple DREAm to have a unique look to compliment its name, but it had an ordinary purple colored look. I thought the boba was good, with a warm, sweet chewy texture. The tea had a balanced sweetness and a strong kick of ube, which was okay in my opinion—just not worth the price.

I believe it’s not a drink meant for everyone, unless you are willing to try it.

Overall, I believe that Labobatory is good, but not good enough. Yes, they do have interesting mixtures of drinks, and they are quite good, but the price doesn’t make it worth buying. Labobatory is definitely unique, but it is overrated in my opinion. Despite the price, I’d recommend to at least try it out and see what it’s all about.

10

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

SPORTS

2016-17 Winter Sports Scoreboard BOYS BASKETBALL

GIRLS BASKETBALL

BOYS SOCCER

VARSITY 2/3 vs Mark Keppel 2/7 @ Schurr 2/10 @ Bell Gardens

62-54 60-51 65-47

L L W

VARSITY 2/3 vs Mark Keppel 2/7 @ Schurr 2/10 @ Bell Gardens

69-38 49-44 60-35

L W W

L L T L

8-1 5-0 4-1 3-0

JV 2/7 @ Schurr 2/10 @ Bell Gardens

4-0 9-0 3-3 5-0

VARSITY 1/31 @ Schurr 2/2 vs Bell Gardens 2/7 @ Mark Keppel 2/9 vs Montebello

64-58 82-78

W W

JV 2/7 vs Schurr 2/10 vs Bell Gardens

VARSITY 1/31 vs Schurr 2/2 @ Bell Gardens 2/7 vs Mark Keppel 2/9 @ Montebello

43-21 30-15

W W

FRESHMAN 2/7 vs Schurr 2/10 vs Bell Gardens

N/A N/A

FROSH/SOPH 2/7 vs Schurr 2/10 vs Bell Gardens

N/A N/A

JV 1/31 vs Schurr 2/2 @ Bell Gardens 2/7 vs Mark Keppel 2/9 @ Montebello

3-0 2-0 2-1 5-0

W W W L

JV 1/31 @ Schurr 2/2 vs Bell Gardens 2/7 @ Mark Keppel 2/9 vs Montebello

11-0 L N/A 2-0 L N/A

GIRLS SOCCER L L L L

Boys varsity soccer ties with Aztecs to cap season Chelsea Li The Matadors varsity finished off their season with a bittersweet tie of 3-3 against the Aztecs after Mark Keppel High School (MK) scored two goals in the second half. An assumed win for SG in the first half was halted as soon as MK caught up towards the end. Outside of the score, teamwork was definite on the field. Players signaled each other, gave out calls, and mutually communicated from the start of the game.

“Our team was healthy and ready to go. We played like how a team [was] supposed to play with the brotherhood we have,” senior Andres Huerta, the team’s captain and left middle, said.

SG immediately scored three goals within the first half of the game. The players were focused on the ball, jumping up into the air to receive it.

Their stamina was unlimited as the referees lagged behind. They received more balls with their heads than with their legs.

Senior Jorge Rivera scored the first goal with a penalty kick. Sophomore Guillermo Ruelas then made the second goal off of an Aztecs’ mistake on defense. The boys finished off the first half with one last goal by Huerta.

“I was right there thinking that [the ball] was going to go over but it did not. The defenders were blocking the goal so I just kicked it as hard as I [could]. Then, it kept going on and went in,” Huerta said.

The boys’ energy slowed down as they entered the second half. Despite their tiredness from afar, they continued to hunt down the ball. At one point, the Matadors were cornered by a few opponents, but they did not leave the ball out of reach. Soon, MK advanced into their positions with a sudden surge of energy, leaving the field with a score equal to the Matadors. “[Mark Keppel] did try, and you could tell,” Ruelas said.

Though the last game of the Almont League ended with a tie against MK under soccer coach Gabriel Garcia, they will prepare for their upcoming season in the next school year.

“We didn’t get all the results that we wanted, but we definitely made major strides in the program.

Our number of players have nearly doubled since last season on both levels,” Garcia said. “We are not losing to same teams in the past, [such as] Duarte, Don Bosco, St. Paul, Alhambra, etc. We are either beating them or tying them now.”

Photo by Michelle Ho

Forward senior Jorge Rivera dribbles the ball through Aztec defenders when presented with an opportunity to score a goal.

Matador girls face defeat versus Aztecs altered the scoreboard to 40-21 with less than three minutes left.

The fourth quarter started off with a slow and The basket swished as the game came to the last 50 steady trade-off between both teams and the ball. Then, seconds where both teams aggressively and attentively with a three minutes and 44 seconds, senior captain scored one after another. As the buzzer rang, the Jennifer Yan made a distinct basket, initiating a rush of scoreboard displayed a striking score of 69-38 in excitement for every Matador in the room as the score lightning red. The mood throughout the Matador Arena became 62-30. was tense—San Gabriel was unable to prevail.

“Prior to the game, I felt like that our team had It was the final girls basketball home league a chance on beating Mark Keppel,” Yan said. “Then game, played against the during the game, I felt that Mark Keppel Aztecs, and we shouldn’t [give] up just both the offense and defense [yet], and I still had a bit captivated the crowd. of hope left for this game.

Commencing with shoutAfter the last home game, outs to San Gabriel teams’ I felt that we could have seniors and their lineup, the done better, and I wished game had begun. From the we had a better start. But Aztecs earning a cheer from nothing can change now. the crowd by scoring first to Even though we got beat the multiple interceptions, horribly, I believe we did air balls, and feisty steals, put in a good fight with the game was action-packed them.” within just four minutes of The score was 67-36 the first quarter. with Aztecs in the lead.

The timer for the second There were 48 seconds left. quarter started, and the The scoreboard counted Matadors quickly scored a down in due time, with two-pointer at seven minutes, swift moves made by both Photo by Michelle Ho resulting in the score of 18-4 teams. Though the Aztecs with the Aztecs leading. And took the literal victory, the as time went by Matadors Junior point guard Christine Nguyen looks Matadors fought valiantly scored one after another; the for open teammate to bounce pass the ball. d e s p i t e t h e f i g u r a t i v e quarter ended in a bittersweet battle scars. mood and a 34-13 score.

“Like my coach says, During halftime, the Aztecs and Matadors cooled ‘Let our emotions carry us to victory.’ I really cared down as the background noise changed from roars and about how our seniors would end their last home screams to music and cheering. game, so it triggered an emotional response from me In the third quarter, the score shifted to 34-17 due to play with my heart for them,” junior power forward to one of many free throws made throughout all four Xue Fu said. “We did not do well, [but] fortunately, quarters by senior starting guard Lynh Luong at six we still have two away games left in the season and minutes. Once again, Luong made a free throw that hopefully CIF.” K i m Ta

Varsity boys basketball triumphs in Almont League Nian Capili After many years of hardship, San Gabriel’s varsity boys basketball team triumphed against the Bell Gardens Lancers on Feb. 10. Defeating the Lancers gave the Matadors a 8-2 record, tying them with Schurr High School as Almont League Co-Champs. Not only did they win for league, but they also qualified to play for the CIF playoffs as a number one seed in Division Four AA. San Gabriel struggled for over 10 years to end their drought of victories and win league in order to qualify for CIF, which is a huge accomplishment for this year’s boys varsity basketball team. With a stronger and more confident squad, the Matadors are set to compete head-to-head against either the Segerstrom Jaguars or the Rio Mesa Spartans this Friday in the San Gabriel Matador Arena at 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Wendy Ha

Va r s i t y b o y s p o s e f o r a p i c t u re a f t e r t h e i r v i c t o r y a g a i n s t B e l l G a rd e n s H i g h S c h o o l .

FEATURES San Gabriel PICK-UP LINES “By chance, do you like Messi?”

“Is your dad a baker? Because you are a cutie pie.”

“Are you a broom?

Because you swept me away.”

“Are you religious?

Because you are the answer to all of my prayers.”

“Are you a magician? Because whenever I look at you, everyone else disappears!”

“I bet you play soccer, because you’re a keeper.”

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

San Gabriel campus offers dating opportunities SATIRE Thomas Wang

In a relationship? Crashed the car a week ago? Spent too much money on bae (before anyone else) already? Even though Valentine’s Day is over, frugal alternatives for dating can be found across the beautiful San Gabriel High School campus.

For some nice and quiet locations, couples can make a pilgrimage to the stairwells of most buildings or to the back of the H-building for those cozy benches. Don’t be too wild now. For those daredevil couples, rendezvous at the basketball courts to take the ballroom dancing. Caught by the campus supervisors because you forgot your pass? It’s no problem. No dean can stop you from dancing to Ariana Grande.

If your significant other is feeling a bit hungry, take them out to one of the finest dining places in the San Gabriel Valley: the San Gabriel cafeteria. Feel like eating some Mexican food? Try out the tamales. Want to go Italian? Nothing can go wrong with spaghetti. Or want something more exotic? Gourmet tuna sushi. There is something to accommodate everyone at this school.

If you feel a bit bloated after lunch, burn the calories together on the track. If you both want to run in the morning, arrive at zero period to enjoy the Marching Band’s music! Maybe running isn’t exactly your speed. Take your bae on a promenade around the quad and enjoy the view of the Fish Bowl. The “Loop” hiking trail also provides a beautiful scenic experience while strengthening your glutes.

If things have been rocky between you two, talk it out at Conflict Mediation!

For those who like the fine arts and want a fancy night out, take bae out to a choir concert and the spring play. Enjoy the fine performances done by the Matador band and choir. Make sure to bring some tissues when bae cries

“I’m not a photographer but I can picture you and me together.”

“Did the sun come out or did you just smile at me?”

“If you were a chicken, you would be impeccable.”

“You may fall from the sky, you may fall from a tree, but the best way to fall . . . is in love with me.”

Photo by Michelle Ho

from the masterfully performed plays. Enjoy museums? Take them out to the Art Gallery hosted in the auditorium foyer. Make sure to support your local clubs! Also, make sure to attend pep rallies and jam out to the Fight Song.

For those couples that want to take their relationship to the next level, adopt a freshman from your local Motivating Matador group. Nothing sets the mood better than good old-fashioned commitment. No matter where you look, SGHS has something for all couples.

(Article idea inspired by 2014-15 Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Lei)

Gin uses untraditional methods to find love

“My name is Jane, but you can call me anytime.”

“Stand still so I can pick you up!”

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Photo by Michelle Ho

Mi chel l e H o People all over the world have been matched with their significant other through the world of technology. AP Government teacher Raymond Gin happens to be one of those lucky people who did not find love through the traditional method of match making, but rather through the electrical waves of eHarmony. As technological advances come to play within the modern world, especially the world of dating, one cannot help but realize how different things have become

compared to traditional methods of interaction. Whether one has been on blind dates or merely wants to meet new people, it can now all be done via the internet.

“It wasn’t actually me who went online, but it was all my childhood friends’ wives who signed me up for [online dating],” Gin said.

Gin and his wife have been together for nine years and married for six. Their story began the moment Gin’s friends’ wives typed up his online profile on eHarmony. At first, Gin went along with it for the laughs and as a topic of conversation. The wives never forced Gin to go on any dates he did not want to attend. They allowed him his choice of people, and by pure “chance,” Gin decided to go out with someone the website matched him with. He took a chance by allowing himself to have an online profile, but the mystery came the fact that both him and his wife did not have profile pictures of themselves. Little did he know that the moment he decided he would go out with the mysterious eHarmony girl, he would start the long journey that is love.

“Online dating is like anything else, you get what you put into it,” Gin said. “If you are honest about it, you never know [what can happen].”

In other words, meshing the internet and dating together is not as horrible as it seems. Sure, there can be some “doozies” or “really bad ones” out there, but if you are really looking for someone, the more dates you go on raises the chances of you actually finding what you are looking for. However, for students, Gin recommends a different path. The online world can be a dangerous place especially knowing that people can say they are someone that they are not.

“My advice for all the kids out there is [to] ‘forget about all the dating sites, no guts, no glory. If you’re interested in a him or her, just ask,” Gin said. “Just go and ask, you never know. The worst thing that can happen is that they say no.”

Singles have no need to mingle Selina Han February. The month where it is practically impossible to avoid roses, teddy bears, anything and everything heart-shaped, and pictures of cute couples. For some, Valentine’s Day is the perfect holiday to shower their significant other with gifts. For others, it is just like any other day, but maybe a bit more lonely than usual.

With Instagram feeds filled with #relationshipgoals, it is a bit hard to remember that it’s perfectly fine to be single on Feb. 14. In fact, sometimes being single on Valentine’s Day is more of a blessing than a curse.

“There is so much freedom,” sophomore Alice Li said. “You can do whatever you want! You don’t have to worry about buying a Valentine’s Day gift for anybody and you can just treat yourself as your own companion.”

Single people should not feel pressured to get into a relationship for the sake of not being lonely on Valentine’s Day. Being single on Valentine’s Day means a happy wallet and a whole day to

yourself. “[Being single on Valentine’s Day] feels pretty normal,” senior Christian Campa said. “It feels like any other day that I’ve lived single. My plans are to go out and eat by myself- It’s Taco Tuesday.

It’s just a normal day.”

Campa believes that for many, the amount of time people save from being single can be put into alone time and time for friends and family.

Despite not having a significant other to celebrate this holiday with, Campa still understands the pressure people face when looking for something special to do for their partner.

“I’m naturally a romantic guy,” Campa said.

“But all I can say is that you should just wait for the person you are hoping to find. It takes time.

Time is literally the only bane of your existence.

Being single, I don’t have to spend money on anyone. I don’t have the stress of arguing and worrying about maintaining a relationship.”

Being single on Valentine’s Day is not the end of the world. At the end of the day, it is about surrounding yourself with people you care about and doing the things that you love.

Illustration by Vincent Maresca

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THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

FEATURES

Layout graphic by Kelly Ho

“God, it feels like I just saw you yesterday.”

The realization hit Spanish teacher Victor Garcia as he picked up his longtime friend and then ex-partner Conrad Nadeau from the LAX airport during a 12-hour layover about five years ago.

Though the two had put their relationship behind them in the 1990s due to the strain of long distance—Nadeau lived in Montreal, Canada while Garcia remained in Los Angeles—they found themselves reconnecting in their short time together.

“Since that time he came to visit, we kept in contact, and he kept coming back [to LA]. That year after, we saw each other a lot,” Garcia said. “[After] I went back to Montreal to visit, we just decided to try and have a relationship again.”

About four years ago, Nadeau moved from Montreal to LA, and since then, the two have been living together. However, distance still proved to be a major challenge with Nadeau’s career as a fashion designer.

“He still goes back to do work for clients in Canada,” Garcia said. “We still have to spend time apart even though we’re together. He can go and be there for two weeks or five weeks, which is challenging when you’re trying to build a relationship.”

Despite this hurdle, Garcia believes that “[they’re] kind of meant to be together.”

“I mean, we spent all this time apart, but we’re back,” Garcia said. “We both still felt an attraction to one another. He’s a great person. He’s a wonderful human being. It just worked out.”

In addition, Garcia received support from his family despite not being “out” to his mother—his only living parent. He said that he has never hidden his past nor current relationship and has “never felt the need to have that conversation.”

“I can have my significant other at family functions, at my dad’s funeral, at weddings, at my mom’s birthday, so it’s never been an issue,” Garcia said. “Maybe it’s because I’ve had the support of my sisters especially, since I’ve always been closer to them.”

Garcia also emphasized the importance of communication and “the [willingness] to make concessions” in any relationship.

“I think we just have to be aware that no relationship is perfect,” Garcia said. “It’s always a work in progress. In any relationship, you want to grow as a human being and as a couple together.”

Photo courtesy of Victor Garcia

Shopping at the Promenade in the Santa Anita Mall, thensophomore Dion Jiao and alumnus Christopher Lan gazed into the windows of each store and slowly made their way to the other side of the mall.

“Are we a thing?” Jiao asked.

“I don’t know. Are we?” Lan replied.

“I don’t know. I’m asking you,” Jiao remarked back.

Despite the “really weird” start, that was how the two eased into their new relationship. But as time passed by, they would have to ease into something else: a long distance relationship.

While Lan attended college at University of California, Berkeley, Jiao continued high school at San Gabriel. Despite the difference in educational levels, both of them faced the burdens of highly rigorous curriculums. With schoolwork and studying for tests taking up most of their time, having to travel 382 miles to see each other did not help their situation. Still, their relationship never languished with the myriad of jokes and memes exchanged online. Now, as a senior, Jiao said that “for the most part, it’s not as terrible as most people think it is.”

“They think ‘Oh, long distance relationship. You guys prob-

ably don’t talk a lot,’” Jiao said. “No, we still do. If anything, he might be in between classes and ask ‘Oh, how’s your day?’ or ‘What are you doing?’ It’s pretty chill; it’s not hard to maintain.”

Communication proved to be a minor problem as they “Skype [for] at least a couple of minutes a day.”

“On top of keeping in contact every single day, we never fret over any small details,” Lan said. “We still spend a lot of time online together watching TV series, videos, and playing games.”

What seemed to be bigger challenge was the lack of opportunities to physically spend time with each other. As a pre-medical student, Lan spends much of his time taking outside classes, doing volunteer work, and performing research.

“He’s really busy,” Jiao said. “It sucks, but we try to hang out at least once every break if he’s over.”

Despite the negative connotations revolving long distance relationships, it taught Lan “better empathy and sensitivity.”

“A long distance relationship itself is moreso a different type of relationship than an impediment to one,” Lan said. “If two people can truly appreciate and enjoy each other’s presences, the physical distance plays a smaller role than supposed.”

Photo courtesy of Dion Jiao

While many people encounter bumps in their relationship, there are ways to go around them and solve the problem. Junior Katelyn Nguyen and sophomore Ryle Vargas face the problem of a cultural barrier.

After six months of dating, Nguyen and Vargas feel like they’ve met “the one.” It all began in 2016. Nguyen captivated Vargas’s attention the first time he saw her. He was a bit shy, but after a month of messaging on Facebook, Vargas built up the courage to make their relationship official by asking Nguyen to be his girlfriend with a rose during one of their dates in August.

While they are still building their relationship, their strength and structure come from their daily communication, ranging from lots of cheesy humor to trust and support.

“It’s insane how much we have in common,” Nguyen said.

“We are each other’s best friend, and I don’t think we would want it any other way.”

After Nguyen met Vargas’s family and Vargas met Nguyen’s grandparents, they both realized that their racial differences would not affect their relationship and now see it as a learning experience as they continue to dedicate their time to each other.

“You shouldn’t listen to the people who give you negative comments on who you choose to date,” Vargas said. “It’s better to listen to your heart.”

Nguyen believes that people should be more open-minded with the people they meet instead of forcing social standards onto themselves. She advises students to “be with someone who treats you with respect and prioritizes your happiness because that only happens with people who really love and care about you.”

“Love is about being happy and if you’re not happy in your relationship, then maybe that person wasn’t meant for you,” Vargas said.

Photo by Sydney Trieu