March 2019--vnhsMIRROR

VAN NUYS HIGH SCHOOL | VAN NUYS, CALIFORNIA | VOLUME 105 | ISSUE 4 | MARCH 2019

The Mirror Everybody’s gotta make some dough.

Find out who could be selling pizzas and frescas near you. PAGE 5

CPR. Taxes. Healthcare. Will high school ever teach students practical knowledge? PAGE 10

UNDERPAID

It’s the happiest conglomerate on Earth! And the hungriest...

PAGE 12

CURRENT EVENTS 2 REFLECTION 5 COMMENT & OPINION 10 ARTS ETCETERA 12 ATHLETICS 15

These are the many terms that describe the hardships

of public school teachers that devalue their role in society PAGE 8

OVERWORKED

UNAPPRECIATED

THE MIRROR | PHOTOS BY KAYLA LEE

vnhsmirror.com

[2] Current Events

vnhsmirror.com

THE MIRROR | MARCH 2019

UTLA-LAUSD Agreement: What Do Teachers Think?

BRIEFLY

SPEAKING COURTESY OF FANNY ARAÑA

By LUCAS SHIM

The Academic Decathlon team competed in regionals and placed 6th—becoming one of nine LAUSD schools advancing to state.

Academic Decathlon is an annual competition for high school students to compete in categories such as art, economics, language and literature, math, music, science, social science, essay, interview and speech.

The team won a total of 18 medals in speech, interview, essay, economics, literature, music, social science and art.

“It’s great to know our hard work has paid off,” team captain Diluni Wijeyewickrema said.

THE MIRROR STAFF

S

ix days.

It took six days of missing school and roaming the slippery L.A. streets for students and teachers to head back to the classroom.

After several months of negotiating over class sizes, additional staff and funding, the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) Board of Directors and Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) established an official agreement on Jan. 22, bringing the union strike to an end.

But what are the contents of the agreement? Are the teachers satisfied with the deal?

One of UTLA’s primary demands was the reduction of class sizes.

LAUSD will establish an immediate reduction of seven students in secondary Math and English classes in the 2019-2020 school year.

Classes will also be reduced by one student in the next two school years. The 2021-2022 school year will face a reduction of two students.

The deal also eliminates Section 1.5 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which ignored class size averages and caps.

“Well, the main thing that I wanted—what I am most happy about—is reducing the class size,” Ms. Wanda Moore said. “Years past, the negotiations were that we can limit the class size, but if the district wanted to implement some kind of financial insolvency kind of clause, they just disregard whatever the class size promises were. I was particularly pleased that that section was eliminated.”

LAUSD has offered to hire 150 full-time nurse positions for the 2019-2020 school year and the following year. Every school will have a nurse on the premises five days a week.

“It’s better for a school to have a fulltime nurse in order for them [nurses] to be familiar with what’s going on in school and the kids in needs,” Nurse Heghine Avetisyan said. “Healthy kids need a good education.”

LAUSD will also hire 41 full-time teacher librarian positions for the next two school years.

Every secondary school campus will consist of a librarian by the 2020-2021 school year.

“I think that having a librarian on ev-

n ANI TUTUNJYAN

MUN DELEGATES TO COMPETE AT UC BERKELEY

BANDED TOGETHER: MR. SHANO AND MR. OSORIO POSE WHILE ADVOCATING FOR UTLA DEMANDS.

ery campus sets the tone that reading is important,” Ms. Suzanne Osman said. “It’s a research specialist on campus that helps teachers and students navigate the internet and do appropriate research. It helps kids find books, it encourages reading, it’s a literary specialist on campus.”

The district also promised to hire more full-time counselors by Oct. 1, 2019. The number of people hired will be based on a 500:1 ratio of students to counselors.

“Our school actually exceeds it [ratio] because [Principal] Ms. [Yolanda] Gardea makes sure that we don’t give each counselor more students,” Ms. Fanny Araña, Performing Arts Magnet Coordinator, said.

Another controversial issue surrounding the strike was the overfunding of L.A. charter schools.

“Charter schools are the ones seeping the money from public schools,” Math Teacher Mr. Anthony Catalan said.

Though charter schools are not under LAUSD, they are still funded by the state. As a result, public schools are given less money.

To alleviate the issue, UTLA, LAUSD and the mayor’s office will advocate for more funding towards public schools.

LAUSD will pay a 3 percent retroactive salary increase for the 2017-2018 school year. However, a misconception surround-

ing the teachers’ primary demands was increased pay.

“The people who were dissatisfied that we didn’t get enough of a raise—because people were complaining about that—that to me is ridiculous because that’s not what this was about,” Ms. Araña said.

LAUSD is also expanding rights for substitutes and itinerants (travelling trade teachers) by allowing them to participate in district meetings.

The deal contains other resolved sticking points: early education workdays, local school leadership councils, substitute educators, adult education, workspace for itinerant employees, transfers/magnet conversion, immigrant services, healthcare, more green space areas and limited district assessments and random searches.

Though the agreement was inadequate for some teachers, it’s considered by many as a reasonable solution for both UTLA and LAUSD. “I think it was the best that we can hope for. The thing that people forget is that both sides need to win. It’s not just what we want,” Ms. Osman said. “Obviously, I would have wanted the world (as much from the deal as possible), but that wasn’t realistic and wouldn’t have been fair. They [district and union] must coexist.”

THE MIRROR | KAYLA LEE

PERFECT ATTENDANCE… UNTIL THE STRIKE

A

s a student who attended school everyday since elementary school, maintaining perfect attendance has been crucial to my school life.

Commuting by school bus an hour everyday from Koreatown, I did not have the option to leave school early in cases where I became sick.

Then came the teachers’ strike.

On the first day of the strike, I was placed inside the small gym with other juniors and seniors and seated at tables like we were taking an AP Exam.

Attendance took about 30 minutes because the administrators went up to each student and asked for his or her name—and more students kept on coming through the doors.

ACADEMIC DECATHALON ADVANCES TO STATE

Juniors and seniors were kept separate until attendance was completed. After attendance, the admins began calling up students who needed Chromebooks for Edgenuity and told the others to complete their homework or study for their classes.

There were about seven adults, some of whom were administrators and others who I had never seen. They walked around the gym to make sure everyone was doing “something” academicrelated.

But many students were not actually studying, and I found myself having difficulty working, not because the gym was chaotic, but because I didn’t like the feeling of being watched by strangers.

About an hour into the school

day, I saw students being called to leave the school because their parents had arrived to pick them up. More people began to leave in the span of a few minutes.

My friend who left before me noticed there was a long line of parents in the magnet office trying to pick up their children.

It almost seemed like the adSTRIKE ENDED NAH’S PERFECT ministrators understood why the THE 12 YEAR ATTENDANCE RECORD. students were leaving: there was just no productivity in the air. in a comfortable environment I thought it was ridiculous to instead of a place with filled with stay at school if a group of adults strangers. were to babysit teenagers for the I decided to stay home for whole day. the rest of the strike, especially For the first time in 12 years, since LAUSD announced that I had no reason to be at school. I attendance would not matter. called my dad and asked him to Despite my perfect attenpick me up early from school. dance streak, I could not find one I knew I would be more prosingle reason to come to school. ductive at home, working n SHARON NAH

Model United Nations (MUN) will compete at UC Berkeley, the largest on the West Coast.

Beginning March 1, 2019, sixteen delegates will compete against other teams from across the world in a United Nations simulation for three days.

“In the past, we have also won multiple awards and commendations from conferences at UCLA, USC, Mira Costa High School and Cerritos High School,” MUN President Christina Kwak said. n ANI TUTUNJYAN

ELD ACADEMY PROVIDES MORE OPPORTUNITIES A new student-lead club, ELD Academy, is focused on giving ELD students more opportunities to practice English and serve the community.

The ELD teachers and students practice their English skills through school activities and community engagement. This includes reading books to elementary school children.

“We are trying to instill the importance of education and contributing to your community,” club teacher Mr. Arlan Cashier said. The club meets every Friday during lunch in room 317. n MHAR TENORIO

VOCALISTS TO PERFORM WITH MASTER CHORALE The Vannaires, Bella Voce, chamber and vocal ensembles will be performing an original oratorio with members of the LA Master Chorale, a resident company at the L.A. Music Center and Walt Disney Concert Hall on Friday, Mar. 1 and Saturday, Mar. 2 at 1 p.m in the Donna Hubbard Auditorium.

Written by 85 students, the narrative “Walkout: Past, Present, Repeat,” is based on the 1968 Chicano civil rights movement walkouts at L.A. high schools. The movement was particularly among Mexican-American individuals demanding education reforms, rights for farm workers and an end to racism.

“We are singing about how significant this is,” Vannaire India Mutchnick said. “People try to get to this country and try to reach for opportunities that this country has, but they get ostracized and it’s not fair.” n JESSICA EUSEBIO

SCIENCE BOWL BUZZES FOR NINE HOURS The Science Bowl A-team won 6th place and B-team won 1st in the engineering event of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s annual Regional High School competition.

Science Bowl is a national STEM based competition where participants use a complex buzzer system to signify an answer. They practice all-year round for these fast paced technical problems. Although the B-team did not pass the double-elim rounds, they won the first place prize of $250 for the hands-on competition.

“We were buzzing for nine hours. It was mentally draining,” A-team member Lacthu Vu said. n MARGARITA HOVSEPYAN

Current Events [3]

vnhsmirror.com

THE MIRROR | MARCH 2019

BURIED WITH MAIL: COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES SEND STUDENTS PILES OF BROCHURES AND POSTCARDS EVERY YEAR.

THE MIRROR | KAYLA LEE

FIRST PERSON

You’ve Got Mail For the first time in two years, my parents got more mail than I did.

Between the summer after my sophomore year and the fall of senior year, I was bombarded with postcards, letters, brochures, fold-out posters and full-blown catalogs from every college I could possibly imagine—and those I couldn’t.

Stacked up, it stood well more than half my height—and that’s only the physical mail.

If I include emails, they go into the thousands.

Now I get it, colleges only have one chance to get a student to apply. And for smaller colleges, sending something unprompted gets their names out to students who would never have heard of them otherwise.

For me, learning there was actually a place entirely dedicated to the engineering and geosciences—Colorado School of Mines—was a pretty interesting Google rabbit hole that I would never have known about if they hadn’t sent postcards and emails. Other schools gave me a good laugh by making fun of how much mail they knew I was getting and used humor to cut through the clutter.

Zoe Rodriguez

But for some schools, I really wonder what their motivations were sending dozens of postcards without a single response from me.

Early in my junior year, I went to a presentation for Johns Hopkins. Though it’s an amazing school, it just wasn’t for me. The presentation stressed the school’s exclusivity with mentions of the acceptance rate and the average SAT and GPA required to get in.

But the Johns Hopkins postcards display something entirely different. They all talked about how their students spend their weekends and what their favorite movies are. They may have a picture of a lab coat with a beaker full of chemicals, but the postcards emphasize how ordinary their students are.

After a while, I didn’t think about the average ACT score of 34. I really just thought about Marissa, an Economics major who drinks too much green tea.

It was difficult to keep in mind the 8.4 percent acceptance rate when all I saw were students that were just like me.

The real shock was when I found out how many of my friends received the same postcard from the University of Chicago where one side was personalized with my name.

That kind of individualized printing couldn’t be cheap.

I didn’t think much about it at that time, but then they were in the news for being one of the first big name schools to get rid of the

CLASS OF 2019 UPDATES SENIOR PACKAGES

n Online: www.moongradservices.com n Student Store: Fill out an order form n Full payment is due April 5

SENIOR APPAREL

n Last day to purchase Senior Apparel is Friday, March 1. n Apparel will be ready before the week of March 18 (Look out for an announcement)

YEARBOOKS

n Students who bought the package that includes the yearbook can disregard this info n Online: due May 1 (link is on the Senior Class Page on Schoology) n Student Store: Purchase your yearbook before April, if you plan to buy it in the student store after the

books have arrived, it will be sold until supplies last.

GRAD NITE TICKETS

n Last dates to buy tickets is 03/20-03/22, including Open House. n Turn in form and full payment to the student store during these dates n Price: $120

A LA CARTE ITEMS

n Panorama Picture $25.00 in the student store (if you want to buy and it’s not included in your Senior Package)

PROM

n Ticket sale dates: TBA n Starting price: $100

‘‘ ’’

It’s simple math: the bigger the denominator, the smaller the fraction. In this case, the bigger the pool of applicants given a set class size, the lower the acceptance rate.

SAT requirement.

This took me aback because I hadn’t realized that they were such a big name school. I had figured they were in the range of a 15 to 20 percent acceptance rate. But after a quick Google search, I found that I was very wrong. The acceptance rate of the University of Chicago is 7.2 percent, which is lower than some of the Ivy Leagues.

In context, I drove up to Stanford and went on their tour as well as attended an information session in downtown LA. After all of that engagement, they sent one brochure.

I didn’t go on a tour for MIT, Yale, Princeton or Harvard and they each sent one. Although each sent a substantial catalog or brochure, it was a single outreach. But judging by their application pool, I don’t think they needed my application.

So why would schools with already incredibly low acceptance rates bother to recruit more kids to apply knowing that they don’t have a chance? I doubt that it’s for the application fee, since many of these schools often waive them for students who have financial need.

Perhaps this is pessimistic of me, but I

feel that the race to brag about incredibly low acceptance rates is the issue here.

It’s simple math: the bigger the denominator the smaller the fraction. In this case, the bigger the pool of applicants given a set class size, the lower the acceptance rate.

It is not enough to simply be selective.

These schools are trying to make a name for themselves as the most selective.

Every few months there is a new report out about the lowest acceptance rates in the country. And every time, media outlets lead with dramatic headlines, giving the colleges even more publicity and reason to want lower rates.

Some schools have already decided to get out of this rat race.

In August, Stanford announced that they won’t release their application numbers any longer. While their acceptance rate has hovered around four percent for the past few years, the point is they no longer will publish that information and have it affect their applicant pool.

Regardless, it is human nature to strive to be the best. Students are conditioned to take the most rigorous classes and have the most extracurriculars in order to get into the best colleges.

The fact that these colleges are using this to their advantage is the very definition of manipulation. But then again, by that same definition, so is all advertisement.

Ms. Bakenhus: Saying Her Goodbyes to Van Nuys

By JACK BECKMAN-SMITH THE MIRROR STAFF

F

ormer Assistant Principal Judith Bakenhus has taken a step up the district ladder.

After saying her final goodbyes to students, faculty and staff, Bakenhus transferred to Amelia Earhart Continuation School, becoming the school’s new principal.

Having worked at Van Nuys High School for six years, Bakenhus joined the staff at the same time as Principal Yolanda Gardea and Assistant Principal Maria Cristina Phillips.

Throughout her six year tenure, Bakenhus served primarily in managing attendance and working closely with Restorative Justice Teacher Ellen Stearn, Deans Donald Cloutier and Dora Lopez, and A-G Counselors Gregory Achen and Mallisa Venagas.

Replacing former Principal John Berns at Amelia

Earhart, Bakenhus hopes she will click well with her new staff. Staff dynamic is crucial, and Ms. Bakenhus will find out how she fits into a small campus.

Bakenhus is not afraid of the students at Amelia Earhart. Having worked closely with A-G and Restorative Justice, she believes that she will find herself right at home at a continuation school.

Departing from her six BAKENHUS TAKES A year job, she gave advice to NEW POSITION. the wolves of Van Nuys.

“Cast a wide net,” Ms. Bakenhus said. “A lot of times, people just limit themselves to just one thing.

Find the things that interest you, but don’t necessarily feel like you have to commit to one thing right now.”

As Ms. Bakenhus embarks on a new journey, her temporary replacement is Mr. Manuel Diaz, the former principal of Van Nuys Middle School.

[4] Current Events

vnhsmirror.com

THE MIRROR | MARCH 2019

Yemen: A Forgotten War

ALMIGDAD MOJALLI | VOA

By BAHAR GHANDEHARI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

T

he 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran created a tension between Shia and Sunni Muslims across the Middle East that led to the destruction of nations and the murder of millions.

The Sunni­-Shia divide has legitimized intervention and acts of aggression that would be inhumanely unjustifiable.

Over the past 40 years, the growing religious divide has led to uprisings, insurgencies, civil wars, failed states and deadly alliances.

Citizens of Yemen, Syria and Iraq have been the collateral damage of the inesYEMEN capable proxy wars between Iran and Saudi Arabia. They are victims of conflicts they have no part in.

The Yemeni uprising began in Jan. 2011 as part of a series of anti-government movements that spread in the Middle East—also known as the Arab Spring. Thousands of people took part in demonstrations against government corruption and Ali Abdullah Saleh’s presidency in the major cities of Yemen.

Amid these protests was an assassination attempt on President Saleh in 2011. He was later murdered by “Houthis,” a minority group of Shia Muslims.

Before his assassination, Saleh handed

HOW TO HELP

Donate to these organizations: n International Rescue Committee n Unicef n Save the Children Federation n International Committee of the Red Cross.

Contact your Representatives: n Local Rep is Tony Cardenas (818) 221-3718 n Email at bit.ly/yemen-congress

his presidential position to Vice President Abd al-Rab Mansur al-Hadi. But the deeprooted government corruption and the loyalty of many officials to Saleh sparked a challenging political transition for al-Hadi.

In 2014, the Houthis took advantage of the vulnerable administration and seized Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and the northwestern parts of the country—igniting the Yemeni Civil War. Yemen’s neighbor, Saudi Arabia, believed that the Houthi rebels were supported by their rival regional power and Shia-majority state, Iran. To this day, Iran has denied any involvement.

In fear that Iran would gain control of their southern border, Saudi Arabia formed an alliance with forces loyal to the Hadi government in 2015 and started a military campaign— backed by the U.S., UK, and France—against the Houthis. Since then, Yemen has become

another power playground for millions of people to flee.

SCOURING THE RUBBLE: A SAUDI BOMBING RAID Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Until recently, the Yemen LEAVES YEMENIS SEARCHAs a military tactic, Saudi conflict was the Middle East’s ING FOR BELONGINGS. Arabia blocked one of the major “forgotten war.” It was only until rebel-held ports, Hudaydah—cutthe murder of Saudi dissident ting off food and aid supplies from more Jamal Khashoggi that the U.S. began to rethan twenty million Yemeni in an attempt think its position in the devastating war. to weaken the Houthis through starvation In Dec. 2018, the Senate used its authority without taking into account the effects it would based on the War Powers Act to direct Presihave on innocent civilians. dent Trump to terminate U.S. military support 85,000 children under five have died of for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. malnutrition, exceeding the number of Yemeni The bill has yet to pass the House. children killed by firearms and explosives.

With the rising peak of collateral damages, Aided by American­-supplied bombs and division and indecision within the internationintelligence, a Saudi air-campaign has deal community continue to fuel this ongoing stroyed schools, homes and hospitals, forcing humanitarian crisis.

A Psychedelic Renaissance

By DIANA CHERNYAK CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A

psychedelic renaissance has begun in the West in treating mental and psychological illness­—after an almost 40-year moratorium on its study.

Psychedelics are drugs that alter the thought processes of the brain. These drugs work by disabling filters that control the brain’s ability to block signals that control everyday body functions from reaching the mind.

Though psychedelics, which include LSD, mescaline (derived from cactus) and psylocibin (derived from mushrooms) are used recreationally, their potential for legitimate medical applications remains largely unexplored.

Used by indigenous tribes for centuries, their discovery in the 1900s by the modernized world launched modern neuroscience and revolutioned the treatment of mental illness.

Most psychedelic substances were deemed illegal in the U.S. in the 1970s, bringing research on their effects and potential uses to a standstill.

However, a re-examination of attitudes toward the drugs has led to increasing research by leading psychologists, biologists, doctors and pharmacists around the world.

A 2016 study from New York University showed a rapid, continuous reduction in anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer after only a single dose of psilocybin. This drug, which causes hallucinations, has also been used in treating alcoholism and smoking addictions with success rates much higher than trials for traditional antidepressant drugs.

wave of research carried out in the 1950s to late 1960s, when the drugs were first utilized by science and medicine.

The 1960s and 1970s witnessed a blossoming of an underground psychedelic culture that influenced not only art, music and society but also psychiatry and biology.

Synthesized in 1938 by Albert Hoffman, lysergic acid diethylamide, better known by the acronym LSD, is a symbol of the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Before it was discovered by recreational users, the drug catalyzed neuroscience research.

It was found that LSD changed behavior by acting through the newly discovered serotonin pathway in the human brain. Early experiments with the drug led to the development of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs that shift brain chemical balances.

Research ended in the U.S. when the 1970 Controlled Substances Act classified LSD as a Schedule One drug—along with marijuana, ecstasy and heroin—completely stopping any research that was in progress.

This was partly due to LSD’s reputation as a dangerous drug, as well as poorly managed GORBASH VARVARA clinical trials.

Similar drugs, including MDMA and Ibogaine, have Today, the drugs remain illegal in the U.S., however, been shown to potentially relieve depression, symptoms of an increasing number of people are using psychedelbipolar disorder and suicidal thoughts, as well as help treat ics, including LSD, mescaline and ayahuasca, a plant opiate addiction. medicine from the Peruvian Amazon in South America, In 2018, the FDA-approved the Phase Three Clinical as they search for transcendental experiences.

Trials of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy PTSD of the In some indigenous cultures, psychedelics are used Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies in sacred rituals guided by experienced, trusted sha(MAPS), the final stage in making a drug available to the man under special conditions only­—not as a recrepublic. ational substance.

The effects of these psychedelic-derived drugs Perhaps in this increasingly disconnected era of sometimes last not just months, but years after only a technology, one may ask the question: Will society few treatment sessions. eventually change its perspective about the use of psyThese clinical studies follow in the footsteps of a huge chedlics in the near future?

Reflection [5]

vnhsmirror.com

THE MIRROR | MARCH 2019

Students at Work

COURTESY OF MARCOS GARCIA

PART ONE OF A TWO PART SERIES

W

ork is a given that awaits everyone after high school. However, that doesn’t mean students can’t get ahead of the curve. Here are some students who have taken a plunge into the workforce.

ANGELA SAHA

FAR MAR LAW FIRM I currently work at FarMar Law Firm as a Legal Assistant to attorneys who deal with debt. I review data and create documents to send to both courts and consumers. From 64 people interviewed, I was one of the five selected to receive the job.

The most memorable moment so far has been learning the amount of wealth my employers have. We were having a Christmas lunch where our bosses were casually speaking of their Rovers and Jags, while joking about how we were still minors.

Dealing with documents we send to courts regarding the clients is stressful. One digit off on a case and we sue the wrong person. Not only does the client face consequences if something is late, but we too get fines which usually start at $10,000.

I am exposed to a work environment that teaches me how local courts work and how to read law papers. It’s a wonderful experience for a future career I’m interested in.

I do tend to stay late and finish the paperwork properly. It exhausts me, especially straining my eyes since I have to stare at a computer screen for hours.

FRANCESCA AQUINO JOLLIBEE

I work at Jollibee. It’s a Filipino food chain based in the Philippines.

I mostly work as a cashier, but I also assemble and dispatch food.

I found my job through a close friend’s recommendation. At first,

During Halloween, our second most busy day of the year, I was stationed at the front taking phone calls and helping carry outs. My coworkers were nice, helped me every time I didn’t know something and made me feel at home.

The most stressful part of the job is certainly the customers. In a place where the mentality is “the customer is always right,” we have to treat every customer well to the best of our ability.

Sometimes it’s tough as we get occasional rude and inconsiderate customers. At the end of the day, they’re just hungry people who take out their anger and stress on us. We get through it and everything ends up okay.

HANNAH NOTO SQUIZ UP

PIZZA PIZZA: MARCOS GARCIA WHIPS OUT THE DOUGH TO PREPARE THE PIZZA FOR HUNGRY CUSTOMERS.

I didn’t want to do it, but I realized that Jollibee was the only job available for me at that time.

It’s easy to get close to and connect with my coworkers. They are caring and help one another with both work and personal problems.

Once in a while, there will be an audit where officials watch every

crew’s performance at work. I feel as though it’s similar to school because of the stress of store official will privately ask you questions.

MARCOS GARCIA DOMINO’S PIZZA

I work at Domino’s Pizza in Sherman Oaks as an insider. I

found my job while applying to several retail and food stores left, right and center. It wasn’t until my good friend Marco Morales recommended me to apply to the Domino’s on Sherman Oaks that I had a chance to work. It took three times applying across a few months to finally get a phone call back.

COURTESY OF FRANCESCA AQUINO

I work at Squiz Up and sell aqua frescas. I whip up different flavors of juice and fill cups with the customer’s choice of flavor. I also cut up fresh fruits daily for the fruit cups and juices.

I slipped on a mango once. My co-worker was blending a batch of mango juice to refill the jar and a slice did not go into the blender.

I, on the other hand, was making a chamango and needed to use the blender. I stumbled toward the cart and it knocked into the wall, My coworker and I looked at each other and broke into hysterical laughter. The customer also joined in on it. I was beyond embarrassed.

When orders pile up, it can get a bit messy since our booth is really small and there are only three people working the shift. The best part is the all the remaining juice we can take home to drink. The looming responsibility of going to work instead of my cozy, relaxing home after a long day of school is exhausting. However, once I start my shift, all bothersome thoughts are forgotten. n JULIA PFAU COMPILED THESE INTERVIEWS

COURTESY OF HANNAH NOTO

LAW AND PAPERWORK: ANGELA SAHA SERVES AS AN ASSISTANT TO ATTORNEYS AT A LAW FIRM. COURTESY OF ANGELA SAHA

FILIPINO CHICKEN: CASHIER FRANCESCA AQUINO PREPARES AN ORDER FOR A CUSTOMER AT JOLLIBEE IN UNIFORM.

FRESCA-LICIOUS: HANNAH NOTO HANDS A FRESH CUP OF JUICE TO A CUSTOMER AT SQUIZ UP.

[6] Reflection

vnhsmirror.com

THE MIRROR | MARCH 2019

THE MIRROR | GINA KIM

TEACHERS HAVE FRIENDS TOO Students aren’t the only ones who get to laugh, joke and gossip with their buddies

BESTIE TRIVIA

The friends were asked the following questions to test how well they know one another.

By INESA SARGSYAN & JANESSA BISARRA

n What’s ___’s favorite color? n When’s ___’s birthday? n What’s ___’s hobby? n What’s ___’s favorite food?

THE MIRROR STAFF

SLACKER: A SOON-TO-BE GRAD SLEEPS DURING CLASS.

THE LAST SPRINT TO THE FINISH LINE

F

rom a student’s standpoint, teachers are viewed as people who are only interested in lecturing and giving tests. Contrary to this misconception, teachers have a private life and close friends working just a couple steps away. Here is a look at the closest teacher friendships on campus (and off).

Shano & Osorio

M

SENIORITIS. IT’S REAL.

r. Kenneth Osorio and Mr. Brent Shano immediately kindled their friendship when they first met as football coaches. The pair share a unique bond with both watching the latter’s children grow and Shano’s mother personally delivering one of Osorio’s kids. “It’s awesome.

We hang out at lunch. We talk about family, life and how we can improve our craft. We help each other be better people everyday,” Shano said.

S

AT? Over. College apps? Submitted. Admissions? Notified or being processed.

The 12 years of grueling studying with the sole objective of attending college are nearly over. It’s time for a well deserved break before returning back to the grind in college. Right?

Not so fast.

We’ve all heard it before. Outstanding students have struggled with this disease that ultimately rendered them unqualified for graduation and rejected by colleges.

Senioritis. Yes, it’s real.

Senioritis can be defined as a senior’s decreased motivation to excel in their classes as graduation day approaches. Symptoms include ditching classes, avoiding responsibilities, school grades dropping, binging Netflix shows and more.

It’s not hard to understand the logic behind this seasonal “disease.” After stressing over submitting college applications over the winter break and surviving an entire semester, there is no doubt that any senior would want to leave their 12 or so years of schoolwork behind. Hitting that ‘Submit’ button on the Common App is comparable to crossing the finish line in a 26.22 mile marathon.

But it’s not over. While the finish line is getting closer, it will be crossed on June 7—the last day of instruction and the day seniors receive their diplomas.

“My study habits and academic performance have remained relatively the same, as well as my love for sweatpants,” senior Scarlett Kim said. “But it has become considerably more difficult to get out of bed and go to school everyday. The graduation requirements are what keeps me in check.”

Senioritis is already kicking in for many students, and it is only the beginning of the second semester.

Before choosing to unravel and neglect responsibilities, be aware of the consequences that could follow.

Graduation and Senior Privileges: It may feel pointless to attend school after receiving an acceptance letter, but be aware that nine or more unexcused school absences will result in being unqualified to walk the graduation stage. Frequent absences may result with plummeting grades and revoked senior privileges, including prom.

College Admissions: Your teachers probably told you stories about how an excellent student got accepted to a prestigious school but ultimately ended up having their admission revoked due to senioritis.

Those stories are true. Keep in mind that colleges receive your full year transcript by the end of the school year. They will notice your lackadaisical attitude through poor grades and attendance rates in the second semester.

Financial Aid: Numerous students depend on financial aid to attend the schools of their choice. Senioritis can affect financial aid. Based on an example provided by HuffPost, merit aid at a particular institution can be based on class rank. Some students who are awarded can potentially lose $1,000 to $3,000 per year. Several merit scholarships are also based on GPA. So if your GPA slips significantly, you can expect the consequences.

Though following the time-honored tradition of neglecting to study during the final semester may sound fun, it’s best to avoid it. Instead of aiming for long-term goals that are bound to bring exhaustion, set small goals with large rewards for accomplishment and get the average amount of rest.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race. n GINA KIM

TRIVIA RESULTS: Osorio 3/4 | Shano: 3/4

OSORIO (L) AND SHANO-

Shim, Kim, Park

P

eggy Shim and Tracey Kim had mutual friends in high school and became closer over the 19 years of teaching science together. Ms. Michelle Park, the new biology teacher, is a VNHS alumni who knew Shim and Kim during her high school years.

“It’s really nice to know that they have your back,” Ms. Kim said. “I just feel like you can go deeper into not only your professional teaching support, but sometimes talk about other things too. So it’s kinda nice.”

TRIVIA RESULTS: Kim 3/4 | Park: 1/4 | Shim: 3/4

Charlton & Torres

SHIM (L), KIM (C) AND PARK-

TORRES (L) AND CHARLTON-

C

ollege Counselor Ms. Mary Charlton approached Ms. Elizabeth Torres and asked if she would like to teach Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), a college readiness program. Agreeing to teach AVID, Torres and Charlton grew closer. “It [their friendship] just makes it so wonderful, it really does,” Charlton said. “It just is so enjoyable and I love hearing about her family and I get to complain to her about anything that happens to me.”

Through AVID, the pair was able to throw a Christmas party for the students.

“There was a photo session, arts, crafts and food and I think that was one of our most memorable experiences we had with each other,” Charlton said.

TRIVIA RESULTS: Torres 1/4 | Charlton: 0/4

MARTIN (L), FUHRMAN (C) AND MARGOLIN-

Margolin, Martin, Fuhrman

M

ath and science teachers Mr. Bradley Margolin, Ms. Kyrie Martin and Ms. Diane Fuhrman are close companions as they teach in similar departments. “We collaborate all the time because we’re in the same department,” Margolin said. The teachers

share tips and learn about other students through one another. When asked about their most memorable experience together, Fuhrman shared a time when she made Martin laugh and choke on a piece of apple. “Mr. Margolin saved my life,” Martin said.

TRIVIA RESULTS: Margolin 1/4 | Martin: 3/4 | Fuhrman: 1/4

Reflection [7]

vnhsmirror.com

THE MIRROR | MARCH 2019

ALL TEACHER FRIENDSHIP PHOTOS: THE MIRROR | PJ RATTAPITAK, IVAN DELGADO AND SEUNGYOUN KIM

WATSON (L), CROSBY (C) AND MITCHELL-

Crosby & Mitchell & Watson

M

r. Jonathan Mitchell, Mr. Michael Watson and Mr. Robert Crosby met one another 23 years ago—the first year they began teaching at Van Nuys. Teaching in the same department at similar ages, the trio began their friendship with casual conversations. “With Mr. Mitchell, we talk about sports. He knows more about my favorite football team, USC, so I’ll get news updates from him,” Watson said.

MEDRANO (L) AND SADIGHI-

Medrano & Sadighi

“With Mr. Crosby, we talk about history, politics and common complaints about the district.” Having close companions in a working environment to talk to greatly elevates the stress teachers face. “It’s just like how you have friends at school.

Have someone to talk to,” Crosby said. “You just be you instead of being ‘Mr.Crosby’ or whatever my role is today.”

Besides conversing, the three comrades played basketball frequently with other students. “We all played basketball together in the celebrity-model basketball game,” Mitchell

MOLINA (L) AND SAAKYAN-

Saakyan & Molina

recalled. “Crosby and Watson were really good at basketball.

These guys killed everybody and we were tied. They were afraid the teachers were gonna beat them.”

The three teachers share many memories together from visiting Crosby’s house up north to participating in unions.

Their wives know each other from occasional visits to each other’s house.

TRIVIA RESULTS: Mitchell 4/4 | Watson: 0/4 | Crosby: 1/4

HULA (L) AND PARTIDA-

Hula & Partida

MAGAÑA (L) AND BERNARDEZ-

Magaña & Bernardez

M

D

M

U

TRIVIA RESULTS: Medrano 4/4 | Sadighi: 2/4

TRIVIA RESULTS: Saakyan 4/4 | Molina: 4/4

TRIVIA RESULTS: Hula 4/4 | Partida: 3/4

TRIVIA RESULTS: Magaña 4/4 | Bernardez: 4/4

s. Milagro Medrano and Ms. Lydia Sadighi met at CSUN in a credential program. Although the pair met years ago, it was only until recently their budding friendship began. “We met there and didn’t really see each other for a few years until recently,” Sadighi said. “After Ms. Debova retired, Ms. Medrano took her room, and now, we’re neighbors.”

Since Medrano arrived at Van Nuys after Sadighi did, Medrano seeks advice and support from her friend. “It is so awesome to be able to talk to somebody that not only went to the same university, but is my friend who can help me with anything like ‘Ugh this kid…’ or ‘this lesson didn’t go well’.” Medrano said.

The pair even attended a “System of Down” concert together.

espite meeting in 2006 at CSUN in a Computer Science class, Ms. Kristina Saakyan and Ms. Xochitl Molina grew close after arriving at Van Nuys. The friendship that Saakyan and Molina share greatly helps the pair, especially in teaching. “We get to vent out our frustrations,” Saakyan said. “It helps to talk with someone who knows what you’re going through, listens and lends a helping hand.”

When asked about their favorite memory that they share, Molina exclaimed, “HER WEDDING!” Besides the wedding, Molina also recalled the special Professional Development session at Palm Springs.

“When you have a lot to talk about, a twohour car drive can seem like ten minutes,” Saakyan said.

s. Diane Hula and Mrs. Reesa Partida, the two dance teachers of Van Nuys, did not know each other prior to working in VNHS. It was only until they worked and made shows together that they became friends. “We have similar work ethics,” Ms. Hula said. “If we didn’t have the same work ethic, you would see it in our shows. It wouldn’t work.” When asked about a memorable moment with one another, Ms. Hula answered, “Having each others back.” “Having that person who has your back at school and it’s all the time, it’s not one particular thing,” Ms. Partida added. The two teachers sustain their friendship outside of school and hang out once in a while.

nlike the friendships shared by other teachers, Ms. Ana Magaña and Ms. Evelyn Bernardez share a unique bond. Though they do not share the last name, they are biological sisters.

Ms. Magaña finds that working in the same school under the same department is very convenient. “We are able to collaborate with each other, share ideas, resources and help each other in many different ways. It is great to know that I have someone around who I can trust, someone who knows my strengths and weaknesses,” Ms. Magaña said.

Their most striking memories with each other come from their childhood of playing together.

“We are both quite involved in each other’s life. We are in contact all the time, while at work and outside. We sometimes travel together, and also spend time with our respective families,” Ms. Magaña concluded.

[8] Cover Story THE MIRROR | MARCH 2019

F

rom twins to troublemakers, teachers have to deal with hundreds of people on a daily basis. Among the unwashed masses there are bound to be a few bad apples, or at least some crazy ones.

Here is an insight on some of the most memorable teacher horror stories. COMPILED BY THE MIRROR STAFF

n

KRISTINA SAAKYAN

In my second or third year of teaching, a small learning community was founded. I had all the boys in the class, most of them repeats, who were troublemakers. One day, one of the boys came back to the class and he had a dead pigeon inside of his hands.

He brought the pigeon because he thought it was dead. But the pigeon wasn’t dead, it was injured. While bleeding, it started chasing us around and we were all screaming. I finally got to the window, opened it and the poor thing flew out. I asked,”Why would you bring a pigeon in the class?” and he said “as I was walking to the bathroom, the pigeon hit the glass window and it didn’t see the glass and fell down.” I’m like, first of all, you don’t touch a dead pigeon, you don’t pick it up, and you don’t bring it to class. So that was a horrifying experience.

GROWING CRISIS Why Doesn’t Anyone Want to Be a Teacher Anymore?

TALES FROM TH TEACHER HOR

n

JACOB FERRIN

n

DANIEL KLAIN

DANNY CORTES

past four decades.

To make matters worse, along with having a lack of interest in teaching as a career, the younger generations in the U.S. are expected to grow much larger, leaving an even further skewed ratio of students to teachers.

California is already suffering the brunt of this problem. The National Education Association reports a ratio of 21 students per teacher, while the national average is around 16.

So what has caused this widespread rejection of teaching as a career?

There is no straight answer to this multifaceted problem, but incentivization is a giant reason. The mass

devaluation of teaching jobs no doubt dissuades many potential teachers, and punishes those already teaching. Factors such as inadequate teacher salaries, lack of support from school boards and an untenable workload all plague the profession.

Teachers have notoriously been associated with their relatively low salaries.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) put “educators, trainers, and librarians” at making an average of $55,470 in annual wages, which sits well below most other postgraduate school professions.

A sizeable number of people believe teachers are underpaid for what they do.

It was my first year as a substitute teacher. This kid comes into the room and just beelines for an empty seat with his head down. I walked up to him and I said, “Hey man, look. I know you’re not on my roster and I’m gonna have to ask you to leave.”

No response, stays on his phone, head down. I kind of got a little louder and tougher with him. He got up right in my face and started screaming and swearing at me, cocking his fists at my face. But I remained calm and he got up to leave.

So I started to go to the door to close it, but to him, I was following him. He reengaged me, started getting at my face again, and the whole exchange started again. He told me he was going to kill me and started saying some pretty scary things. I called the teacher next door saying, “This kid is threatening to kill me.” And I felt a thud on my back. He had thrown a trash can at me.

The thing I learned about the student though was that he was a foster kid. He had a hard life with this and that. And that’s why you don’t get tough with kids because one, they might get tough right back at you and cause a whole other problem. And two, you never know what’s going on. But I’ll always have the story about the kid who hit me with a trash can.

By STEFANIE TYO THE MIRROR STAFF

E

ducation is essential to the function and progression of any advanced civilization.

Despite the ever growing need for education in our society, the supply of educators is depreciating.

From 1975 to 2015, the number of education majors dropped from 22 percent to only 7 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. While other majors have maintained a stable share of college students, education as a major has been at a constant decline over the

nn

n

I used to coach the girls softball team back when the softball field used to be down by Kester. We would have softball practice after school. A group of men from the community used to come and take their shirts off to play handball. It looked like a prison. The Beyond the Bell program gave us leftover snacks because we were practicing. One day, I was at home plate hitting balls to the girls on the outfield. One of the guys playing handball took our cart and wheeled it to the handball courts. The girls were yelling “Hey Mr. Klain! They took our snacks!” And I replied, “What am I going to do?” There were 20 of these guys that look like they came from prison.

The first talent show I coordinated was a memorable experience. I was excited to see students audition for it. We had a student who just came from China, and she wanted to be in the talent show so she auditioned.

She wasn’t the best singer and didn’t make auditions. I had to tell her that she couldn’t be in the talent show. A lot of students from Educare and the assistant site coordinator felt bad and wanted her to be in the show.

I didn’t want her to fail in front of the kids and have a bad experience so I didn’t think it was such a good idea. I ended up deciding to put her in the talent show. If anything got out of hand and kids started laughing I would be there to control everything so nothing bad could happen. Last minute she decided to sing a song in her native language—Chinese. Turns out, she presented one of the best performances. Everybody clapped and enjoyed the performance. It made me think about how good the kids here at Van Nuys High are. They supported her and it was great that we were able to embrace her culture in a positive way.

JOSE

Once up was stuc by the P. When he two of hi top of th to get th fingers. I back to t she put t and sent Moral of need to w open, as to jump.

In a new nationwide s tion Next (EdNext), 49 polled indicated that t be raised in their hom Entry-level educato oftentimes insufficien BLS, one in five teach job. It isn’t surprising th students swayed towa professions.

Salaries, however, of the issue.

In early January, te Angeles Unified Scho on strike for six days i wages, immense clas lack of support staff.

vnhsmirror.com

HE CLASSROOM RROR STORIES

nn

n

n

EDUCATOR POLL: WOULD YOU RECOMMEND BECOMING A TEACHER?

NO 25% YES 75%

In this poll, 32 Van Nuys High School teachers responded to the question.

n

n TEACHER PHOTOS: THE MIRROR | STAFF

E AVILA

pon a time, a student ck on top of a fence .E. girl’s side area. e came down, I saw is fingers cut on the he fence. My job was he student and his brought the fingers the nurse’s office and them in a container t him to the hospital. f the story is if you wait for the gate to sk for help and try not

study by Educa9 percent of those teacher pay should me states. or salaries are nt; according to the hers work a second hen to see many ards higher paying are merely a part

eachers for the Los ool District went in response to low ss sizes and the

MIYA KUROMIYA

I was a brand new teacher and it was my very first day substituting for a kindergarten classroom. I thought it was going to be really easy because they are so tiny. But a little boy stepped in dog poop before coming to school. The poop went all over the carpet. Then someone goes “Look he pooped in his pants!” and he hadn’t— he was like “I didn’t poop in my pants!”

Everybody started screaming and running around. I had to move them all outside so they can clean the carpet but it was a really windy day and they were trying to do some coloring and their papers were blowing all over the place and nobody could hold any of the papers down and pens were all over the place and I was trying to clean up the little boy.

The poop was on his shoes and everything and it was probably the worst day ever. At one point I was so overwhelmed I thought I was going to either start laughing or crying. I put my hands over my face and this little girl goes “Ms. Miya it looks like you need a hug!” so she runs up and hugs me around my legs and then the whole class got up and hugged me around my legs. It was total chaos but they were super cute.

But I decided to teach high school after that.

Though teachers demanded raise, their primary issue was the lack of support from the school board to remedy other school site issues.

Communicating with the school board isn’t easy, and teachers have almost no direct way to talk with their higher ups. Therefore, many problems fall on deaf ears.

Of course students who see their teachers suffer through poor working conditions would understandably not want to enter the same field.

Teachers often work long hours, having to grade hundreds of assignments at a time. They also are expected to function as cafeteria workers when they

JAMES NEER

In my very first year of teaching, I invited a police officer to speak to the class. When the police officer walked into the class, I noticed a young man in the back ducked down and spent the whole period just keeping his head really low— kind of hiding behind the kid in front of him. About two weeks later, he disappeared from my class and I never saw him again, but I heard he was wanted for numerous felonies by the police and that he had been arrested.

GLADYS VASQUEZ

There were two identical twins in my class. They both were named Muhammad. I couldn’t tell the two of them apart. The only way I can distinguish them was by making them sit apart and calling one “Muhammad number one” and the other “Muhammad number two.”

RAMON TOVAR

I had a student in my second period who caught a mouse and brought the mouse into the class in her backpack. She was a ninth grader and thought it was cute. I asked, “Where did you find it?” And she said that she found it outside. I said, “That’s gross. Get that out of my room.” And she said, “Oh you’re so mean Mr. Tovar.” She named the mouse Rusty. She comes to me after fourth period and said, “Oh my God, I lost Rusty.” She stuck her finger in her backpack and there was a hole.

Rusty had chewed his way out in Mr. Margolin’s room.

coordinate meals, janitors who have to sweep their own rooms, and psychologists for students who are dealing with unstable home situations.

It’s little wonder that becoming an educator holds little appeal to the emerging generation.

If the problems with the teaching profession are not adequately addressed, our society may be faced with a real crisis.

In the short term, it may lead to a major shortage of qualified teachers.

In the long term, it may severely cripple our increasingly technologydriven economy and our population as a whole.

‘‘ ’’

Entry-level educator salaries are oftentimes insufficient; one in five teachers work a second job to make ends meet.

WAVEBREAKMEDIA

[10 ] Comment&Opinion

vnhsmirror.com

THE MIRROR | MARCH 2019

ALEXANDER P

Tvnhsmirror.com he Mirror EXECUTIVE EDITOR

MARGARITA HOVSEPYAN PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

LUCAS SHIM

ONLINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

JACK BECKMAN-SMITH LAYOUT EDITOR

STEFANIE TYO CURRENT EVENTS EDITOR

ZOE RODRIGUEZ

REFLECTION EDITOR

GINA KIM

COMMENT & OPINION EDITOR

HOLDEN MANDELL ARTS ETC. EDITOR

JESSICA EUSEBIO ATHLETICS EDITOR

DEVIN TSE

PHOTO EDITOR

KAYLA LEE

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

GINA KIM

ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITORS

I KNOW NOTHING I have learned how to find confidence intervals, solve algebra equations, understand chemistry and memorize history.

In every high school class, I’ve asked myself the question: Will I ever use this after high school?

I probably won’t.

As the world after high school is around the corner, I realized that I’m not prepared for what the “real world” will bring.

High school did not prepare me for adulthood. Not only has it not taught me what I need in life, but it has prepared me to fail.

In the field of safety, high school has neglected students. America has 121 firearms per every 100 civilians yet school has failed to teach us proper gun safety. Instead, school has pretended like guns do not even exist. Self-inflicted gunshot wounds are not uncommon.

First Aid presents another problem. I don’t know how to give CPR or to do the Heimlich Maneuver in an emergency medical situation. In the event when someone is bitten by a venomous animal or overdoses on drugs, I wouldn’t know what to do other than call an ambulance. The fact that most of my classmates will not be able to do the same for me is scary and dangerous.

Healthcare and health insurance are essential in life. However, high school did not teach me how to purchase healthcare or how

Holden Mandell

it even works.

The same idea applies to car insurance, considering how many high school students dream of owning a car. Furthermore, I know nothing about how to satisfy the constant and expensive maintenance a car requires. Instead, I will most likely pay ridiculous prices for repairs that the average person could do themselves for half the cost.

I don’t understand how to apply for higher end jobs or negotiate or even understand an employment contract. I don’t understand how credit works or how to increase my credit.

After taking my own step towards adulthood by finding a job, I was confused when my first paycheck came. I took home roughly 85 percent of what I made. The rest was taken through taxes.

I came to the realization that not only do I not know how to pay taxes, but I also don’t know if I am being taxed correctly. I had to send my first paycheck back to my employer to be rewritten. My parents realized that I was overtaxed about $25 when I showed them my paycheck.

By teaching arbitrary concepts and ignoring real-world skills, high school has stuffed me with too much knowledge that will prove no use to me in my life.

Because the stereotype that today’s young adults are heavily dependent and uninformed is embraced by the American education system, I fear that my transition into adulthood will be rough.

And I hope that standardized tests will not define who I am.

OUR TAKE ON...

GOVERNOR’S FALL FROM GRACE Virginia Governor Ralph Northam (D) is under fire following photos of his medical school yearbook page being published.

The page shows a man wearing blackface and another wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood. Though the people in the photo are unknown, the rest of the page is filled with photos of Northam and his information.

While both Democrats and Republicans are calling for his resignation, Northam is refusing to resign.

FRENCH PROTESTS CONTINUE

The French protest movement commonly known as the “Yellow Vests” continues to rage on as the French Government provides more concessions. The movement began late last year as a response to various taxes and policy initiatives. Since then, the government has cancelled a fuel tax and a tax on overtime along with other concessions. Since the protests began, 13 people have died, and thousands more have been imprisoned or injured. The movement has spread across Europe with a shared message against globalism.

CRISIS IN VENEZUELA

After years of increasing inflation, poverty and overall dissatisfaction, Venezuelans are roaming the streets and calling for the removal of their detested dictator, Nicolás Maduro. Maduro’s regime led Venezuela in establishing the world’s worst economy, fueling the largest exodus in Latin American history. Leading the opposition, Juan Guaidó declared himself the rightful interim president of Venezuela and has championed democracy. While other countries call for diplomatic talks, national tensions escalate as a potential civil war looms.

CREDITS (L TO R) YEARBOOK; PELLE DE BRABANDER; EFFECTO ECO

IVAN DELGADO SEUNGYOUN KIM PJ RATTAPITAK

STAFF WRITERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS

JANESSA BISARRA JOSEPH HERNANDEZ KAITLYN JUNG TRISHA KHAOWNIMON KASEY KIM SEUNGYOUN KIM GWENDOLYN LANGI KAYLA LEE KIMBERELY PEREZ JULIA PFAU PJ RATTAPITAK DANIEL REYES ANDRE RODAS INESA SARGSYAN PILAR SIMS MHAR TENORIO CHAU TRAN ANI TUTUNJYAN JOSHUA UPDEGRAPH CHRISTIAN WALSH LAYLA WILLIAMS SPECIAL CONSULTANT

MR. MARIO RODRIGUEZ JOURNALISM ADVISER

MR. RON GOINS

ABOUT US The Mirror is the student newspaper of Van Nuys Senior High School in Van Nuys, California, a district of Los Angeles. It is published six times per year. The opinions expressed in bylined commentary articles and columns represent the views of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Mirror or the Editorial Board.

DISTRIBUTION Copies are free of charge to students, faculty and staff and are available in Room 112, Second Floor, Main Building.

READER PARTICIPATION Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the Editorial Board.

Letters to the Editor may be delivered to Room 112 or mailed to The Mirror, 6535 Cedros Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91411. Letters must be signed and may be edited for space to conform to The Mirror style and format.

ADVERTISING Advertising questions may be directed to Gina Kim at gkim0039@mymail.lausd.net, or by telephoning (818) 788-6800. Publication of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product or service by the newspaper or the school.

MEMBERSHIPS: Member of National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) and Southern California Journalism Educators Association (SCJEA).

Comment&Opinion [11]

vnhsmirror.com

THE MIRROR | MARCH 2019

Slandered By The Media

INTENSE STAND-OFF: NATHAN PHILLIPS COMES FACE TO FACE WITH COVINGTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. CNN

FACT CHECK: The Native American was not harassed by the MAGA hat kids in Washington D.C. Political division over the past couple years has consumed the country.

Two sides label each other in such a way that no constructive dialogue can happen. Outrage culture and the media have only fueled this division to an unnecessary level.

Take the recent controversy over the kids of Covington Catholic High School for example.

A two-minute clip posted all over social media revealed a group of kids wearing “Make America Great Again” hats and surrounding a Native American, Nathan Phillips, banging his drums. The kids seemed to be dancing and laughing around this individual, and one stood directly in front of him, smiling.

The media jumped on this story moments

Stephane

Mita

after it happened and total outrage ensued.

“How dare these kids harass such a peaceful individual?” “How dare they wear such racist hats?” “How dare they look so smug with their ‘white supremacist’ smirks?”

Celebrities like Kathy Griffin as well as hundreds of journalists asked these questions.

Twitter users were wishing death to these students for what they called “racist,” “shameful” and “disrespectful” behavior.

Hours later, more footage was released, and the two minute clip was circulated online.

It turned out the clip was taken completely out of context.

A full two-hour video reveals a group of African Americans shouting slurs at the high school students. Phillips is also seen approaching the kids first and proceeding to bang his drums in their faces.

This action contradicts Phillips’ claim that he was approached and harrassed by the teenagers.

The media, specifically CNN and MSNBC, accused the boys of racially harassing the senior without all the evidence at their disposal.

But not one single derogatory statement was said to Phillips’ in the two minute video.

No one was yelling at this man or keeping him from passing. The boys were only dancing and smiling, and the “disrespect” that was given was created by the media’s lies is nowhere to be found.

This brings out the question: Can we trust our news sources and are they purposely trying to establish a political divide among Americans?

Let’s put aside the politics. It does not matter if you side with the current administration or not. Associating a hat with racism and deeming them bannable because of their offensiveness only creates more division in America.

To say that these kids deserve any harm

against them for simply exercising their rights and keeping their cool amongst the onslaught of racial slurs and loud banging in their faces is pure evil.

This event was meant to spark division.

The journalists who took part in this ridiculous narrative to slander these kids have no right to call themselves “journalists.”

Many celebrities, including Jamie-Lee Curtis, issued apologies for their rush to judgment.

Parents of one of the students in question, Nicholas Sandmann, filed a $250,000 lawsuit against The Washington Post for “targeting” and “bullying” him as well as using this event to attack President Donald Trump.

The people and the mainstream media shouldn’t rush stories without all of the information at their disposal.

Everyone should listen to both sides of the story before rushing to make accusations.

If we don’t, then political division will continue to tear us apart.

A Brief History of Islamic Extremism Muslims have been born into a world over the last century where their religion is being stretched and twisted by the inner-conflicts of their societies.

Never has this been seen in Muslim history before. Though the Middle East has historically almost always been a tense region, even before the onset of Islam, never have these conflicts been fueled by theological doctrine as it is today.

The large majority of Muslims depicted in the mass-media are the radical traditionalists—the terrorists and criminals that cause widespread devastation. That is all the West knows of them, and perhaps all the Muslim world fears for themselves.

Their fight has been elongated by the fact that there is no “central” authority in Islam.

The Protestants had the Catholic Church to blame, not the Catholics. An institution cannot be shot or killed. There is no churchlike institution in Islam, a central authority to challenge or an institution to reform.

Their anger and confusion is placed upon other believers and carried out through the modern day weapons that have facilitated murder.

David

Akcheirlian

Perhaps it also has to do with European and American invasions and occupations.

Once moderates shared a platform with the radicals—the expulsion of foreign troops from their land—it would only take a matter of time before the moderates could be radicalized. If it wasn’t for the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, where thousands of Muslims from around the world gathered to defend themselves, the radicals would have never have been able to touch so many Muslims and export their ideology worldwide.

With all the chaos and uncertainty ensuing in the world today, there is one thing for sure: whether Christian or Muslim, Catholic or Protestant, Sunni or Shia, Hindu or Buddhist, doctrine will always be made to fit preexisting beliefs, attitudes and opinions towards others, the individual, and the world around him or her.

It is not so much that a person becomes murderous after adopting a violent creed, but seeks a violent creed to justify murder.

Holy Scriptures are a tangled work of lit-

ALIBABA2K16

‘‘ ’’

It is not so much that a person becomes murderous after adopting a violent creed, but seeks a violent creed to justify murder.

RADICAL: ISIS INSURGENTS POSE MENACINGLY FOR A PROPAGANDA PHOTO.

erature, recording and reflecting the opinions of hundreds of people over time—all endorsing different ideologies and perspectives.

Just as there are verses in the Holy Bible supporting and condemning slavery, there are verses in the Holy Quran supporting and condemning violence. Any verse can be cherry-picked out of any book to justify any means. Ultimately, our selfish human

interests need to be verified by any Higher Power. That will always overcome the idea of listening to the other side and what it has to offer.

Truly, if there is a creator observing us from above the clouds, he must really be disappointed at how often we allow ourselves to superimpose our own personal struggles onto others.

[12] Arts Etcetera

vnhsmirror.com

THE MIRROR | MARCH 2019

By LUCAS SHIM THE MIRROR STAFF

M

ovies. TV shows. Music.

Video games. Toys. Books.

And Disneyland.

What more can the happiest entertainment corporation on Earth want?

Disney already owns several different companies: ABC, ESPN, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar, and The History Channel.

The list goes on and on.

As the world’s largest media company, Disney earns billions of dollars from merchandise, cinema and theme parks every year.

Yet the company is still hungry for more money and power as they continue to eliminate their competition in the entertainment industry.

Just like Amazon dominates online merchandise sales, Disney is displaying the characteristics of a monopoly, an exclusive

independent films, such as “Birdman” and “The Shape of Water.”

While Fox’s sports networks are heading under Disney’s ESPN banner, Disney is also planning on creating more original shows produced by Fox. Also as a result of the merger, Disney will be the majority shareholder in Hulu, owning 60 percent of the streaming service.

DISNEY’S VERY OWN NETFLIX Although Disney already established ESPN+, a streaming service for sports and live events, the company announced that it will also be starting another service primarily for movies and shows called Disney+.

Expected to debut late this year, it is expected to compete with Netflix and Hulu, airing programming and content associated with Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, The History Channel and other Disney-related properties.

“That’s kind of what these companies are doing,” Mr. Carlos Dominguez said.

“They are kind of trying to create domina-

cently, “The Punisher” and “Jessica Jones” were cancelled as well.

Another possible explanation for the cancellations is decreased viewerships and poor critical reviews, especially for “Iron Fist.”

Disney’s current restrictions on R-rated movies and TV-MA shows might prevent any revivals from ever happening on the new streaming service.

With all of these movies and televisions shows coming to your devices, people begin to wonder, “Should I stick with Netflix?

Or should I switch to Disney?”

BUT DISNEY IS NOT CLOSE… YET Since the Disney-Fox deal managed to pass federal scrutiny, it does not seem to be approaching a monopoly, despite its heavy impact on the entertainment industry.

“The federal trade commission is primarily involved in deciding whether or not the company is allowed to merge,” Mr. Dominguez said. “Before, the government did nothing about it. But it does

Gobbling Up the Industry

which owns Time Warner Inc., home to HBO, the CW, Warner Bros. and Marvel’s biggest rival, DC Comics.

These companies and networks are responsible for hit shows and movies like “Game of Thrones,” “The Flash,” “Harry Potter,” “Lord of the Rings” and “Wonder Woman.”

DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. also began their own streaming service, DC Universe.

Other movie studios remain untouched by the big three entertainment giants, like A24, Lionsgate, Paramount and many more.

So for now, the entertainment industry is still growing.

But the Disney-Fox deal may still portend a continuing consolidation in the entertainment industry as smaller companies get snapped up by major players.

And while being praised for its “entertaining” content, could Disney also have the power to influence its consumers with political and ideological agendas?

“Disney has always had

FOX

A MAGICAL PROPHECY: ”THE SIMPSONS” PREDICTED THE DISNEYFOX MERGER IN A 1998 EPISODE TITLED “WHEN YOU DISH UPON A STAR.”

market of a supply or trade of a specific service.

If Disney does eventually bully its way into becoming the main player in the entertainment industry, the company might very well be tempted to prioritize profit over quality, potentially producing mediocre projects while overcharging consumers.

With so many companies under one domain, could Disney be slowly eliminating its competition as time goes by?

DISNEY-FOX MERGER When a 1998 episode of “The Simpsons” showed a sign of 21st Century Fox, labeling it as a “Division of Walt Disney Co.,” nobody expected it to really come true—but it has.

Disney made a $71.3 billion deal with 21st Century Fox in 2018 to buy their assets, including the “X-Men,” “Deadpool” and the “Fantastic Four.”

One of the primary goals was to bring the entire slate of Marvel characters back to Marvel Studios, which is responsible for “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Iron Man” and “Captain America.”

The superhero genre in Hollywood is already dominated by Marvel. And with so many characters in one cinematic universe, chances are that more Marvel movies will be made, and each of them will make even larger profits.

However, Disney cannot fold the characters back into the movies until the deal is fully finished by mid-2019.

In the deal, Disney will own the rights to the “Avatar” and the “Alien” franchises. It will also take control of Fox Searchlight, which is responsible for many Oscar-nominated

DISNEY+

DISNEY+: DISNEY’S UPCOMING STREAMING SERVICE MAY POTENTIALLY BE A DANGEROUS COMPETITOR FOR HULU, HBO AND NETFLIX.

tion through their vertical integration. They are not just producing content. They are also distributing the content—like streaming.”

But how exactly will this new player change the streaming service game?

Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar are large entertainment giants that already dominate pop culture.

Hit movies, such as “Infinity War,” “Incredibles 2” and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” will be making their way to Disney+, implying that any Disney-associated films currently airing on Netflix and other streaming services will be removed.

Disney has also announced plans for television shows that will be based on iconic Marvel movie characters, including Loki, Vision, Scarlet Witch, the Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Tom Hiddleston will be returning as Loki, who supposedly died in “Infinity War.” With so many popular characters coming to the small screen, there is little doubt that Marvel fans will open their wallets for the new streaming service.

Several Netflix shows based on the Marvel characters have already been axed. In 2018, Netflix announced the cancellations of “Iron Fist,” “Luke Cage” and “Daredevil.” Re-

MICKEY MOUSE: FROM MOVIES AND SHOWS TO STREAMING SERVICES, WALT DISNEY’S ICONIC MASCOT IS APPEARING ALMOST EVERYWHERE IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. MERCHANDISE, LIKE THIS TOY, IS STILL A HUGE MONEYMAKER FOR THE CORPORATION.

NICESCENE

a lot about it now.”

“The federal government went after Microsoft and accused it of wanting it to become a monopoly because if you buy a PC computer, it would have Windows already installed,” Mr. Douglas Kayne said.

“But Microsoft made the case that there are other operating systems out there, and you don’t have to just stick with Microsoft.”

Just like how Microsoft is not the only available operating system, Disney is certainly not the only available entertainment service out there.

So what companies does Disney not own?

One of Disney’s heavy competitors is Comcast NBCUniversal, which owns Universal Studios, Dreamworks and popular franchises: “The Fast and the Furious,” “Jurassic Park,” “King Kong” and “Shrek.”

Another major competitor is AT&T.,

an agenda in the content that they deliver,” Mr. Raul Meneses, a former worker in the entertainment industry, stated. “What are the ideas that they are putting out there that can shape society in the ideological sense?”

Though it sounds like a conspiracy theory, especially for the happiest conglomerate on Earth, Disney’s content can have a negative impact towards one’s way of thinking.

Who knows what a child can learn from rebels and superheroes who typically question the “evil” authority in movies?

“It bothers me that Disney is able to get a hold onto the minds of young people,” Mr. Daniel Klain said. “I can see how Disney was very subversive, shaping the way you felt about the country and patriotism.”

With so many frightening questions surrounding Mickey Mouse, only time will tell until we find out if Walt Disney’s legacy is truly defined by money, power and ideology.

Arts Etcetera [13]

vnhsmirror.com

THE MIRROR | MARCH 2019

Bring it On: The Movie vs. the Musical

By TRISHA KHAOWNIMON THE MIRROR STAFF

A

fter bringing movie characters to life in “Elephant Man,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Lord of the Flies,” Actors in Action will be presenting “Bring It On: The Musical,” an adaptation of the 2000 film, “Bring It On.” “People who come to see our show should not expect to see the movie,” Theatre Director Ms. Mollie Lief said.

There will be many similarities and differences between the movie and the upcoming play.

“Bring It On” (2000) centers on Rancho Carne High School’s cheerleading squad, the Toros. When the cheer captain graduates, Torrance, played by Kirsten Dunst, becomes the new captain. However, Torrance soon discovers that the former captain stole routines from the East Compton Clovers, which led the Toros to championships. The squad gets caught in a whirlwind of trouble by scrambling to create an authentic cheer routine to win the National Championship.

The musical adaptation is based on the comedy film.

Campbell becomes captain at Truman High School. However, she is suddenly transferred to an inner-city Jackson High School. Campbell learns that the school does not have a cheer squad and decides to form one from scratch. She teams up with tough girls from the school’s hip-hop dance crew to compete in the National Cheerleading Championship.

While the film addresses sportsmanship, the musical also touches on social issues, including self-esteem, socio-economics and the LGBTQ community. The characters from the musical are inspired by the movie characters; Torrance and Campbell are both passionate about cheerleading.

THE MIRROR | KAYLA LEE

THE CAST: IN THEIR OWN WORDS

High kids since he’s reluctant to join the squad. He also tries to be a mediator in some of the show’s discourse, but it quickly falls flat.

DARIAN CALDERON: RANDALL

NATALIE CHAVEZ: CAMPBELL

I auditioned for the musical because I always do. I’ve been doing theatre for what feels like all my life so there was no way I would miss out on doing my 8th mainstage production at VNHS. Randall is one of the kids Campbell meets when she goes to Jackson High. I think he’s a lot different than the other kids. He’s calm, friendly and someone who genuinely cares about the others. He’s a great listener that loves to DJ. He’s also different in the fact that he doesn’t cheer and he doesn’t dance like most of the characters in the show. I’ve always played flamboyant and energetic jerks, but now i’m playing someone who’s relaxed and who cares and listens. Randall and I are both related in the way that we both love music and that we both genuinely care about our friends and their lives.

I’ve always been a huge nerd for musical theatre. When they announced they’re doing “Bring It On,” I had to try out. Campbell is a senior at Truman.

She’s hardworking and a bit of a perfectionist. Throughout the show, she definitely grows as a character, and you can see how she changes from someone who only cares about winning to someone who redefines what winning is. I can relate to her in a way that I’m kind of a perfectionist. When things don’t work out, it stresses me out. But I usually find a way to work through it and end up learning something in the end like Campbell does.

SIENA VIVIANO: SKYLAR

I didn’t get a chance to audition for “Lord of the Flies” so I wanted to audition for Van Nuys’ next production.

My character’s name is Skylar. She’s the most popular and meanest senior who never fulfilled her dream of becoming cheer captain. She’s Campbell’s number two and has her sidekick Kylar, who does whatever Skylar tells her to do.

She is meant to be hated by the audience, but she does have a soft side that she only shows to the people she cares about.

I’m afraid of people not liking me. Skylar is a little different. She’s afraid that if the other kids see that she’s just a normal girl, she’s going to lose everyone.

GABBIE SANTOS: NAUTICA

GENEVIEVE ROCHBLATT: KYLAR

I’ve been in other plays and musicals at VNHS under our old director, Mr. Olea. When we got our new director, Ms. Lief, I was really excited to work with her based on all the positive things I heard about her and the amazing work she did on “Lord of the Flies.” In “Bring it On,” the characters are relatable and funny. It’s a really great show to be apart of. I also love working with the theatre kids. They’re all so supportive and everyone genuinely wants to work hard. I play Kylar, a cheerleader at Truman High. She’s best friends with Skylar and does everything Skylar tells her to do. She’s a gossip who loves being the center of attention.I relate to Kylar because she’s really peppy and enthusiastic.

ALEXA ABREGO: BRIDGET

Since I didn’t do any plays last year, I didn’t want to regret anything. I wanted to look back in 30 years and say, “Oh yeah, I did that.” Bridget is very loud and energetic who so badly wants to be a cheerleader. Unfortunately, everyone is very superficial and has strict rules.

She is also on the chubby side, which is why they never let her in the squad. I absolutely relate to my character. I feel like we are the same person. We both

MEET THE CAST OF “BRING IT ON”: (L TO R) STUDENTS LINDA MELENDEZ, NICHOLAS BOWLER, GABBIE SANTOS, ANDDY CHUTA, BRANDON LARGE, NATALIE CHAVEZ, ALEXA ABREGO, ELIZABETH TALLEDO AND SIENA VIVIANO.

are very loud and we try our best to be nice to everyone. I learned that it’s okay to have curves. This role seriously boosted my confidence with my body image.

NICHOLAS BOWLER: STEVEN

I auditioned because I’ve always wanted to come out of my comfort zone and put myself out there. I finally got the courage and auditioned. My role in the play is a boy named Steven.

Steven is one of the lead roles in the play and is Campbell’s boyfriend. He’s handsome, but sort of clueless. He’s more brawn than brains. I relate to him in a way that both of us are sort of jocks. I’m also a senior, but otherwise, I don’t think I share many other characteristics with Steven—maybe besides that I consider myself super funny and conceited just like Steven.

LINDA MELENDEZ: EVA

It’s amazing how many people you get to work with during any production. That inspired me to audition. I play Eva, a girl who is obsessed with

cheerleading and is in it to win. I do a lot of thinking, mainly about my character’s motivation and background to help build a distinctive and strong character.

I both do and don’t relate to my character. We both keep going to achieve our goals even though I think my character and I are drastically different.

ELIZABETH TALLEDO: DANIELLE I auditioned for the musical because of Ms. Partida’s encouragment. Being in a school musical is on my bucket list.

The character I play is Danielle. She’s fun and sassy. She knows what she wants and gets it. She is the head of the Jackson crew—a hip top team from Jackson High. Danielle might seem intimidating at first, but she has the sweetest heart. My character is very energetic. Though she really puts herself out there, I’m actually very shy. Danielle is a leader and I’m not. I like to follow the leader so having the opportunity to play this role is interesting. However, anyone who knows me know that I love making people laugh and I love being sassy, especially when I’m dancing.

ENRIQUE BERGANZA: TWIG

I auditioned for this musical because I wanted to really put myself out there and step out of my comfort zone. I was never comfortable with acting, singing and dancing at the same time so I thought that this would be a good step to start that all. I play a Jackson High student named Twig.

He acts very chill and everything, but he’s really obnoxious and he’s madly in love with Bridget, who is a transfer kid from Truman High. I do not relate to Twig. I’d say that I am very mature when the moment comes, but at times, I can get very obnoxious and weird.

ANDDY CHUTA: CAMERON

I auditioned because it was more of a “why not” thing since I had nothing to lose. Watching the opening sequence for the “Lord of the Flies” play convinced me that auditioning was something that I should just go for. In the show, Cameron serves as a momentary roadblock for the Jackson

I was involved in our school’s drama department in my freshman year, but I didn’t continue it in my sophomore and junior year because I was more involved in dance. But when I saw the “Lord of the Flies” play last semester, I was so amazed by the perspective and energy that Ms. Lief brought to the program and it really made me want to do the musical. I play Nautica. She’s a student at Jackson High and loves dancing with her friends in their hip-hop crew. She’s loud, ambitious and has big dreams of fame and fortune. She is also a very supportive friend. My character is really into hip-hop so I’ve been trying to take more hip-hop classes and work on endurance in preparation for the show. I’ve been practicing parts in the songs frequently and it’s really exciting. I do believe that I am similar to Nautica in quite a few ways. We’re both very passionate about dance, and we’re both ambitious.

Like Nautica, I’m very supportive of my friends and ready to hype them up whenever they’re in doubt.

BRANDON LARGE: LA CIENEGA I wanted to involve myself in the theatre atmosphere at our school. I perform professionally as a career so I need the stage as much as possible.

The more experience, the better. La Cienega is a transgender student at Jackson High School. She is a featured member of the Jackson dance crew and stands confidently by queen bee Danielle’s side along with her friend, Nautica. Both she and I are strong dancers who would stand by friends in trivial times. We also have big aspirations in the performing arts for our future. n CHAU TRAN AND KASEY KIM COMPILED THESE INTERVIEWS

[14 ] Arts Etcetera

vnhsmirror.com

THE MIRROR | MARCH 2019

THE MIRROR | MARGARITA HOVSEPYAN

Ms. Osman’s Recommended Reading List Here are the school librarian’s suggestions for romance and African American centered books.

ROMANCE

STAGE the crew behind the

Eleanor & Park

by Rainbow Rowell

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

by Jenny Han

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

by Becky Albertalli

Matched

by Allie Condi

AFRICAN AMERICAN

The Rose That Grew from Concrete

by Tupac Shakur

The Color of Water

by James McBride

The Skin I’m In

by Sharon G. Flake

Piecing Me Together

by Rene Watson

By KAITLYN JUNG THE MIRROR STAFF

A

ssemblies, plays, showcases and matinees.

The Van Nuys stage technicians are always there— whether it’s to illuminate the lights or move the props.

Under the supervision of Mr. Ronnell Greene, the students work behind the scenes to ensure the best experience for the audience.

Why did you join stage tech? n ODALYS PALMA (12th grade): I remember going to assemblies and being part of the audience. Watching all kinds of performances made it feel like I was stepping into a whole new world. Whether it be dancing, acting or singing, it was amazing to watch every performer share something so special to them. I joined so that I could help bring that picture together. n JAN MARTINEZ (11th grade): I chose to join stage tech because of my interest in learning how technical theatre worked behind the art of the performance. n JOHN BROWN (11th grade): I chose stage tech as an elective because I saw it as something I’ve never fully experienced before. I saw it as a challenge to learn something new, and it intrigued me more and more as I grew into it. n LULU PENDERGRASS (10th grade): I joined stage tech after I transferred schools during the second semester of my freshman year from Daniel Pearl High School. I had previously done some backstage stuff at my other school.

How long have you been in stage tech and how has your experience been so far? n PALMA: I have been in stage tech for two years, and it’s been amazing so far. You get to meet new people and work with amazing Performing Arts teachers as well. It’s also a place

where I got to learn new things I never knew before about theater. n MARTINEZ: This is my first year.

I enjoy the different positions I do in tech. n BROWN: I’ve been in stage tech since my freshman year with much outside experience throughout the three years since. Before stage tech, I was practicing audio engineering, I believe a year prior to starting high school at Van Nuys Senior high. It takes a lot of hard work and teambased effort, but something about the air and the environment of stage tech feeds my passion for it. n PENDERGRASS: I’ve been in stage tech since the second semester of freshman year. About a year now.

My experience has been great. I love working backstage and being a part of the crew. It’s really exciting and I get to know everyone on set really well.

Is there any example of a memorable experience you learned from? n PALMA: It happened last year when I was learning how to operate the lighting board. We had a show where students directed their own short plays. I was nervous doing it all on my own without guidance, but one of the student directors loved my work and told me he believed I could do great even on my own. A part of me learned to trust myself and pursue giving it my all to provide the best experience for any performer. n MARTINEZ: “Lord of the Flies” taught me the responsibility of backstage. The dance show taught me the responsibility of the sound crew. n BROWN: Most of my memorable moments occurred when the class only had about ten students daily.

Daniela Del Real, Julian Rangel, Laurence Granola, Marque Coy and many close others meant a lot to me.

The times spent laying stage staring at the ceiling as movers created a night sky and the bass vibrated our bodies to the tune of the music that echoed throughout the auditorium will always be priceless.

n PENDERGRASS: I think the most memorable moment I’ve had in tech so far was during our run of “Lord of the Flies” last semester. Before our second to last show, we did a group circle. It’s a cool activity where Ms. Leif gathers people who worked on the show in a circle to talk and get ready before the show as we did for all the previous shows. But because we had gotten to know each other so well at this point, we really opened up and I’ve never been that close to any cast other than the ones I’ve actually been in. I’m really thankful to Ms. Leif because she unites the actors and the crew so well. She’s such a positive person.

Were there any challenges? n PALMA: It’s a challenge to learn anything new. I had many moments where I was completely lost and had trouble with what to do and how to do it. I got help and support along the way from people I met through stage tech. I was told that making mistakes is completely fine because that’s how we learn. n MARTINEZ: It’s different for each person in my opinion, but personally, for me, it’s just not letting anyone down. n BROWN: Most challenges I face in stage tech are usually made lighter by the crew family that stands behind me. I can’t really say I faced any problem alone. n PENDERGRASS: I think the biggest challenge was last year on “42nd Street” because the cast was so big.

I was working props and set. One time, the blackout couldn’t be held long enough for us to fully adjust a set piece so it can stand. I had to crouch down behind it during the entire 10-minute scene and partially stand it up. “42nd Street” was sometimes a disaster backstage because of the sheer quantity of people changing costume, people in the wings and the cast. However, it was still a successful show. I’ve noticed that every show has a little bit of that disastrous element to it, but we always pull it together in the end.

EYES OF THE STAGE: STAGE TECH STUDENTS TEST THEIR EQUIPMENT IN THE BACK OF THE AUDITORIUM.

THE MAN BEHIND THE CREW: STAGE TECH TEACHER RONNELL GREENE What made you interested in teaching stage tech?

My interest comes from working in the industry for 20 years.

How long have you been a stage teacher?

This is my first year as a certificated teacher.

How do you prepare your students for stage tech?

I prepare my students by starting with the basics of stage tech: stage positions, stage directions and safety.

We then progress to lighting, sound and carpentry.

Do you and your students face any challenges in stage preparations?

The challenges we face are always meeting the production calendar schedule and being prepared. All performances are live so I teach my students to prepare for all possibilities of something going wrong.

It’s how you handle diversity when it happens during a live event that I stress with students.

STAGE CREW MENTOR: WITH 20 YEARS OF STAGE TECH EXPERIENCE, MR. GREENE TEACHES HIS STUDENTS IN THE AUDITORIUM.

OSMAN: JESSICA EUSEBIO; GREENE: PJ RATTAPITAK

Athletics [15]

vnhsmirror.com

THE MIRROR | MARCH 2019

THE MIRROR | KAYLA LEE

ATHLETIC

BRIEFS

FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP IN SCHOOL HISTORY In the regular season, the Lady Wolves posted a staggering 10-0 league record, which marked their first undefeated league record in school history. They were rewarded with the first seed in the CIFLACS Division II playoffs.

The Wolves faced off against Dorsey High in the CIFLACS Division II Championship game. A closely contested game saw the Wolves trailing for the first time in the playoffs as they entered the halftime break down 1819. The Lady Wolves came out with a changed defensive scheme in the second half as they held the Dorsey Dons to a total of 10 points.

The Wolves turned defense into offense and regained control of the game, finishing with a 43-29 victory. Van Nuys was led by senior captain Roselyn Poommai as she put up a double double with 13 points and 11 steals. n DEVIN TSE & JOSH UPDEGRAPH

ZERO DEDUCTIONS AT USA CHEER NATIONALS The cheer team competed in the USA nationals on Friday, Feb. 22. From the 20 participating teams, 35 percent advanced to the next stage.

While other teams have funds for tumbling coaches and choreographers, Van Nuys’ Cheer team has made due with low funding. As Captain Ana Pfau put it, “everything we do is 100 percent us.”

When it came time for competition, the team executed their performance with no falls or deductions—but didn’t progress to stage two. The team and their coaches were proud of their accomplishments. n JACK BECKMAN-SMITH

WRESTLING THEIR WAY TO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP The Varsity Wrestling Team enters a new chapter in the season as they prepare for the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Competition. The wrestlers dedicated their time and work ethic practicing through drills and conditioning.

Sophomore Matthew Updegraph experienced rigorous training during the off-season and regular season. Whether it is conditioning drills, weightlifting, endurance training or sparring, Updegraph believes in giving it your all in every chance given.

“It has been a tiring and time consuming experience, but it has been all worth it. I am looking forward for to next season,” Updegraph said.

Although not all of the team members are city champions, one lone wolf managed to break through the pack. Senior Jaylen Mason placed 2nd in city and is eager to wrestle at the CIF state competition.

“I’m looking forward to state, and I’m hungry to prove myself,” Mason said. n ANDRE RODAS

BASEBALL SCOREBOARD SPARKS CONTROVERSY The 2019 baseball season starts off with a bang as the school administration and Athletic Department confirmed the construction of the first ever baseball scoreboard, which will arrive in the near future.

The scoreboard will cost $12,000, excluding the price of labor and material. LAUSD will install the board as a way of exercising its full right in providing its employees with benefits.

Their refusal in hiring inexpensive private contractors costs a greater amount of money.

“The sad part is that it takes way too long for them [LAUSD] to do it, and it cost 100 times than it should,” Principal Yolanda Gardea said. n JOSEPH HERNANDEZ

Ms. Fuhrman: A Former Weightlifting Champion

By CHRISTIAN WALSH THE MIRROR STAFF

A

teacher on campus once dreamed of becoming an Olympian.

Ms. Diana Fuhrman began her athletic career at the age of 16 during her school years at Van Nuys High. For three years, she played tennis and track.

“I wanted to compete in pole vaulting and thought it would be really cool, but the track coach said women can’t pole vault because when they plant the pole, their breast tissue might tear off,” Fuhrman said. “I thought that was crazy.”

As she practiced for doubles tennis, former biology teacher Mr. Robert Takano approached Fuhrman, asking if she wanted to be trained in weightlifting and promising that it would make her a faster player.

Fuhrman accepted Takano’s offer, believing that her coach had a vision to train women and prove their equality to men.

“I loved watching it, I loved doing it. I loved the adrenaline rush of competing and the comodery of lifting.”

Naming the team, “PHAT ELVIS,” and sporting Elvis’ bouffant hairdo on their team shirts, Fuhrman, Takano and the Van Nuys Weightlifting Club spent six days a week training for national caliber competitions.

With hopes of someday joining the athletes in the Olympics, Fuhrman worked countless nights training for smaller national

competitions, including the Olympic Festival.

She won all of the events she competed in and eventually worked her way up to world events, representing the United States.

The former weightlifter’s best snatch was 93 kilos (205 lbs), and her best clean and jerk was 117.5 kilos (259 lbs).

In addition, she was invited to the NISSAN cup in Canada, MOOMBA cup in Australia and many other international competitions.

“I got to travel everywhere with people that had the same weird passion as I did.”

One of the challenges that she faced was the discriminatory Olympics in the 1980s.

Men were allowed to live at the Olympic training centers and train all day with free meals, housing and personal trainers.

Women were deprived of these privileges and were only allowed to eat, train and lift for a week.

But despite these problems, Ms. Fuhrman placed first and fourth in the United States Women’s Weightlifting in her weight class. During the Olympic Festival at UCLA in 1991, she made plenty of American records.

In 2016, she was inducted into the Weightlifting Hall of Fame for being one of the best female weightlifters of all time.

But every sport comes with injuries.

During a training session, Fuhrman tore her rotator cuff, ultimately halting her training for the Olympic trials.

Taking a break from her weightlifting career, Fuhrman became a part-time high

BACK IN THE PAST: MS. FUHRMAN SHOWSCASES A NEWSPAPER ARTICLE FEATURING HERSELF WEIGHTLIFTING IN A COMPETITION.

school coach at Van Nuys. She obtained credentials from the U.S. Weightlifting Federation, qualifying as a level two and a national strength and conditioning coach certified by the NSCA. “I coached kids in this very school [Van Nuys],” Fuhrman said. “One of them, Rebecca Shouhed, even won a bronze medal in the Junior World Championship.”

Since Olympic standards hadn’t changed, Fuhrman completed her teaching credential in 1994. Following her mentor’s footsteps, Fuhrman became a science teacher.

When women were allowed to compete in weightlifting in the 2000 Olympics, Fuhrman qualified at the National Weightlifting Championships and competed at the first Olympic trials for women’s weightlifting.

However, in order to continue her training, she would have needed to quit her teaching career; she believed it was too much of a gamble to risk losing a good job. She also thought she had slim chances in getting drafted to the Olympic team, considering her competitive weight class.

After the Olympic trials, Fuhrman decided to end her training and let her dream live on through her students.

Ms. Fuhrman’s advice to anybody who wants to start weightlifting is “to find a coach who is experienced and has seen millions of lifts.”

Though Fuhrman may not have been able to compete in the Olympics, her passion for weightlifting continues on to this day.

[16] Athletics

vnhsmirror.com

THE MIRROR | MARCH 2019

Which Teams Reign Supreme?

There are 18 sport teams. Each driven by different aspiratiions, skills and techniques. In the end, these teams share one aspect in common—the motivation to win. Whether it’s reaching the postseason or being crowned the champions of the California Interscholastic Federation Los Angeles City Section (CIFLACS), the Van Nuys Wolves are pushed to succeed at all costs.

BOYS BASKETBALL

GIRLS SOCCER

BOYS TENNIS

BOYS GOLF

BOYS WRESTLING

BOYS SOCCER

PRACTICE ROUTINE

Review offensive/inbounds plays, defensive rotations, shootaround and watch film.

Scrimmage, shooting drills, practice offensive and defensive schemes and communication.

Serving, forehand/backhand drills and conditioning.

Practice on tee shots, iron shots, chipping and putting at the golf range.

Learning new wrestling moves and techniques.

Sparring and conditioning to maintain physique.

Warm up with two laps around the track. Work on shooting and possession drills, defensive schemes and goalie drills.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

(2017-2018) Division II City Runner Ups, Division V Southern California State Regional Runner Ups; (2016-2017) Division III Champions.

(2017-2018) Semi-final appearance in CIFLACS Division II playoffs.

Placed 3rd in League.

Placed 2nd overall in League Finals.

Julian Trinidad and Jalen Mason placed 4th in City.

(2017-2018) 1st round appearance in CIFLACS Division II playoffs.

(Overall) 24-13. (League) 11-1.

(Overall) 11-6-5. (League) 6-2-4.

(Overall) 6-6. (League) 5-5.

(Overall) 5-3.

(Overall) 2-2.

(Overall) 3-18-5. (League) 1-7-4.

BOYS BASEBALL

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

GIRLS SOFTBALL

GIRLS BASKETBALL

GIRLS TENNIS

Begin by jogging five laps around the track. Drills vary infield, outfield or hitting. Conditioning and weight training.

Serving, passing drills, hitting drills, blocking and covering drills. Scrimmages and conditioning.

Practice receiving, digging, blocking, and covering. Hitting lines and scrimmages.

Perform infield, outfield and hitting drills. Work on communication and conditioning.

Work on jumpshots, finish layup moves and “suicides” (running baseline, half court, baseline, and full court back).

Serving and backhand/ forehand drill. Suicide laps and scrimmaging.

(2017-2018) Wild Card victory over Fremont High School, 1st round appearance in CIFLACS Division II playoffs.

(2018-2019) 1st round appearance in CIFLACS Division I playoffs.

(2017-2018) Quarterfinals appearance in CIFLACS Division I playoffs.

Wild Card appearance in CIFLACS Division II playoffs.

Quarterfinals in CIFLACS Division II playoffs.

Placed 3rd in League.

(Overall) 8-17. (League) 5-7.

(Overall) 18-20. (League) 6-6.

(Overall) 15-8. (League) 9-3.

(Overall) 10-12. (League) 5-7.

Last Year’s Record: (Overall) 13-8. (League) 9-3.

(Overall) 4-6. (League) 4-4.

SWIMMING

WATER POLO

CROSS COUNTRY

FOOTBALL

TRACK & FIELD

GIRLS GOLF

PRACTICE ROUTINE

Work on diving, flipping, turns and stroke technique.

500m freestyle, contact drills for passing, scrimmage and sprint drills.

Run 5-9 miles a day.

Bag drills, hitting drills for linemen, running laps, practice defensive and offensive plays, 7v7 and 1v1.

1-mile warmup, stretches, training into their respective groups (sprinters and long distance runners) and stretching.

Improve on accuracy in putting.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Jason Morales, Nathan Oh, Mawil Hasan, Kitiphum Thianthong all reached the 2017-2018 CIFLACS City Swim Meet.

Placed 3rd in League.

Arianna Villalobos placed 10th in City Individuals for Girls.

Reached CIFLACS Division III playoffs in three of the last four years.

Zahir Anderson placed 6th in 200m and Moses Merino placed 10th in 3200m. Francoise Bate placed 9th in the 400m and Natalia Martinez placed 9th in the high jump.

Vanesza Hengthanaphaibun, Kristen Vitolo and Megan Dulkanchainun.

(Overall and League) 4-1.

(Overall) 3-9. (League) 3-4.

Varsity placed 16th in Division I of the LA City Finals.

Girls Varsity placed 13th in Division I of the L

(Overall) 1-9. (League) 0-6.

Mens Varsity placed 27th in CIF Finals.

Placed 3rd in League Finals.

LAST YEAR’S RECORD

PRACTICE ROUTINE

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

LAST YEAR’S RECORD

LAST YEAR’S RECORD

THE MIRROR | KAYLA LEE

THE MIRROR | IVAN DELGADO

GIRLS SOCCER: MELANIE AYALA CONTRIBUTES TO THE TEAM’S DEFENSE AS THE GOALKEEPER. THE MIRROR | CHAU TRAN

TRACK & FIELD: IN ADDITION TO PUSH-UPS, TEAM MEMBERS PRACTICE BY RUNNING A ONE-MILE STARTING WARM-UP AND BREAKING INTO SPRINTER OR LONG DISTANCE GROUPS.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: VARSITY PLAYERS HUDDLE FOR A GAME PLAN BEFORE HEADING TO THE COURT.