The Paw Print November 2014 by The Paw Print

the paw print

Volume 4 Issue 2

Book Smart p. 10-11

Fall In Defense Rally of kanye P. 1 west p. 5

Secret Menus p. 12

West Ranch Jackson Concerts Clark P. 16-17 p. 18-19

The Paw Print. Advisor

Mrs. O’Shea

Editor-in-Chiefs

Celine Kiner Jenny Lee

Hey West Ranch,

Congratulations on making it through the first quarter--we know it’s not only the seniors that get lazy. And congratulations to you, reader, for picking up this lovely edition of the Paw Print. In this edition, you’ll find all kinds of news and features, including pieces on the Halloween rally, secret menus for your favorite restaurant franchises, and a preview on winter sports here at the Ranch. If these stories aren’t your cup of pumpkin spice latte, check out our website for college deadlines, Light the Night, and more. We’ve had a successful quarter here at the Paw Print, and we’re hoping our talented staff can pull off another. Look for our December edition soon, but until then, good luck with the upcoming month and Happy Thanksgiving. Finish out the semester strong, Cats!

Web Editor Social Media Manager

Jaeun Park Riley Villiers-Furze

News Editors

Candace Ro Nikhil Bhumralkar Morgan Smith Raylene Factora Lauren Lee Andy Song Sydney Chang Erica Gillespie

Sports Editors Sports Writers

Irene Kyoung Jong Hak Won

Features Editor Features Writers

Sierra Soto Juliet Bernal Sarah Castillo Jacqueline Hofmann Erica Lee Kiana Quick

A&E Editors A&E Writers

Halloween Rally, Clubs on Campus, and the Halloween Costume Contest

Pixar Shorts, May I Take Your Order, and Staff Spotlight

Minjae Kang Rachel Lee Minju Kang Alexa Hesseldenz Sam Hartung Megan Chang Amrit Kehal Emily Beroth

YouTubers on Campus, AP Studio Art Artists, and the Jazz Band and Orchestra Concert

Kanye “Best,” News Satire, and Women in Music

Celia Hofmann

Arts & Entertainment

Opinions

Features

Jamie Meyer Aaron Lee Bryce Fenenbock Sarah Ziskind

Opinions Editor Opinions Writer

Centerspread Editor

News

Gisela Factora

Copy Editors

News Writers

Thanks for reading, Jenny Lee & Celine Kiner

Jagmeet Arora

Sports

Jackson Clark, and WR Tennis

News

Editors N. Bhumralkar & C. Ro

New Deputy on Campus

“I look forward to getting to know the kids, everyone seems nervous to talk to me.”

Morgan Smith Staff Writer West Ranch is a safe place for its students to learn and Josh Clark, the new deputy on campus, is here to make sure it stays that way. Although he has eight years of experience with the force under his belt, this is the first time Clark has worked in the school system. “I went into law enforcement to give back to the community and make sure the innocent are protected,” said Clark. As a deputy, Clark serves as a bridge between the school and the law. “Any situations involving any drug issues, extra security at football games, basketball games, or crowd control would call for the deputy,” said Assistant Principal Bryan Wilson. His biggest responsibility among the ones listed is the safety of the students and staff. One of Clark’s main goals while at the school is to be as proactive as he can in his role as an officer. In the short time that he has been at West Ranch, Clark as already encountered two narcotics cases, one while checking parking permits one morning. The transition from the Santa Clarita Station has been beneficial for Clark, as his schedule allows more time for his wife and their baby on the way. “It’s quieter here,” describes Clark. “ It is fun working with civilian staff rather than working with police officers all the time.” Officer Clark extends a warm invitation to students, his office doors are always open. “I look forward to getting to know the kids,” said Clark. “Everyone seems nervous to talk to me.”

For the full story check out the Pawprint website at www.wrpawprint.com

- Deputy Clark Photos by Morgan Smith

Deputy Clark is ready to protect, watch over, and interact with West Ranch.

Say farewell Food Day

Remember when students rushed to the quad area like a herd of buffalos and trampled one another in search of food? Ah, the wonderful Food Day. On this day, student groups sold foods from various restaurants. In past Food Days, clubs have sold burgers from In N’ Out, refreshing smoothies from Juice It Up and more. Many groups have raised more than 100 dollars each time, helping out their club budgets. Todd Arrowsmith, ASB Director, confirmed that there will be no Food Days this year. “With the new healthy food guidelines sent down from the State of California, most foods that were sold in the past food days would not be allowed to be sold on our campus. Basically the only thing you could sell at food days would be carrots and celery.” Upon hearing the news of the Food Day cancellation, students could not hide their disappointment. “I surely enjoyed the Portos and biscuits from Red Lobster. It was all delicious food and an efficient way to advertise clubs around campus. [This] is unfortunate,” said junior Jonas Katona. The Special Olympics club has raised a lot of money by selling food from Hungry Ninja for the past few years. “The Special Olympics is a non-profit organization that does not charge their athletes to participate in their programs. With this said they mainly rely on donations from fundraisers and the community.The lack of food day is definitely a loss in terms of raising donations for the organization, but we will not stop fundraising,” said club officer Andrew Arcilla. Although they will not be able to earn those extra dollars, clubs will not be completely deprived of profit. Mr. Arrowsmith implanted a new hope for club members. “There are still many ways for clubs to earn money. Clubs will have to come up with creative ways to raise money such as hosting food nights or selling spirit items at athletic events,” said Arrowsmith. Although this is a new change this year, students will have to accept the policy and think of new ways to maintain their clubs. New year, new rules. Right, Cats? Sydney Chang Staff Writer

Sell Spirit Items Host Food Nights Ask for Donations www. wrpawprint.com

The Pawprint

News

Students brawl their way to the top of

Jong Hak Won Staff Writer

Tournament Starting on Nov. 4, throngs of eager gamers lined up outside room 426 to demonstrate their skill. Super Smash Bros Brawl is a video game where players select famous characters from the Nintendo’s numerous franchises such as Pikachu, Kirby, and Link and duke it out with other characters on various stages. In order to keep the competition fair and accurate to a player’s skill, the tournament used the Final Destination stage, a stage with no environmental hazards or barriers. The regulators slowly let in a few teams at a time into the room to have them compete. Teams that won advanced to a bracket stage on Nov. 5. To find out who won this epic brawl, see more at wrpawprint.com.

Photos by Jong-Hak Won

For the full story check out the Pawprint website at www.wrpawprint.com

Wildcat Clubs work to give back to Santa Clarita community Rachel Lee A&E Editor

Photo by Jenny Lee

Seniors Shannon Faltys and Justin Ross help donate toys for the NHS Toy Drive.

West Ranch clubs are always looking for ways to reach out to those in need. This November, many clubs have planned fundraisers to accomplish their goals. National Honor Society (NHS) is hosting a toy drive to collect toys for children in Santa Clarita who have been abused or who live in unstable homes. NHS’s toy drive began on Oct. 31 and will continue throughout the month of November. If you are interested in helping out children, bring a $20 new unwrapped toy, or two toys that add up to $20 to Shawn Zeringue’s room 311 during brunch. “We are hosting this toy drive for all those children who can’t spend the holidays with family and friends, so by doing [the fundraiser] we hope we can brighten up their day in any way possible,” said NHS officer Angelica Alberto. For those of you who need community service hours, NHS will be offering two hours for participaThe Pawprint

A box presents and supplies, including toothbrushes and pencils. donated to Compassion by junior Brian Kim.

tion in this toy drive. Compassion, a new club on campus, is also hosting a toy drive: Operation Christmas Child. Compassion will be packing shoe boxes filled with little gifts to send to third world countries. Bring toys, school supplies, accessories, or hygiene items to Adam Holland’s room 407 at brunch to participate in Operation Christmas Child. If you bring 10 items, you can receive two NHS or Key Club hours. Operation Christmas Child has begun and will end on Nov. 14. Hope Initiative will host its first fundraiser of the year on Nov. 15 from 6-8pm at West Ranch’s Greek Amphitheater. According to Hope Initiative’s blog, their goal is to “help raise money for This Star Won’t Go Out Foundation as well as the Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles Foundation to help grant a child’s wish.” If you want to contribute to Hope Initiative’s goal, mark your calendars and don’t forget to attend their

auction. Do Something is hosting its canned food drive until Nov. 14. All donations will be given to the Santa Clarita Food Pantry in an effort to alleviate hunger in Santa Clarita. Bring your items to William Hughes’ room 508, and you can earn 2 NHS hours by donating 10 cans. Even if you don’t want NHS hours, go donate to help Do Something help our community. CSF has two upcoming fundraisers; one on Nov. 13 and 14, and another on Dec. 4 and 5. For their first fundraiser on Nov. 13 and 14, CSF members are encouraged to bring hygiene products for Family Promise of Santa Clarita, a local organization that aims to assist homeless families. The second fundraiser will take place on Dec. 4 and 5: CSF members can donate toys for children for the Santa’s Helpers Toy Drive. If you are a member of any of these clubs, or are just interested in helping others, mark your calendars to participate in these fundraisers! www. wrpawprint.com

News

Welcome to the West ranch Freakshow Sydney Chang Staff Writer On Oct. 31, West Ranch hosted the annual Halloween rally, one of the most anticipated rallies of the year. With a theme based off the TV show “American Horror Story,” the rally succeeded in giving students and staff the chills. Giant posters with spooky pictures covered the walls while a creepy, Halloween tune blared on the speakers. Dressed up in their costumes, students rushed to find seats. The crowd was more hyped up than usual and that excitement increased with Todd Arrowsmith, the ASB director, grabbed the microphone. As cheers from each class rang in people’s ears, the rally officially began. Makayla Rhodes, a 12th grader and ASB rally coordinator, hosted as the ring leader of the rally. In an all-black attire, cheer showcased their impressive

skills from the very beginning when moving in a circle with one person standing on top of another. Shouts and cheers ensued from the crowd as cheer members performed multiple backflips and frontflips. The hip hop team also impressed with their smooth dance moves. Members garnered attention with their unique Halloween costumes and performance with creepy, Halloween-themed music. With a charismatic attire, the dance team performed to a more hip-hop style of music. They ended with a strong, lasting impression and left the spotlight, with cheers trailing behind them. The drumline performed last and got everyone jumping up and down to the exciting beat. Three of the members performed upside down and received

loud cheers from the crowd. Dressed in white suits to protect their clothes, four drumline members passionately pounded on drums filled with colored water to create a spectacular water show. In between the performances, ASB set up exciting games for students to participate and win prizes. Six students won prizes from the Halloween raffle. These students included Evan Block, Emily Arshonsky, Lauren Spector won a chance to throw a pie at our principal, Mr. Crawford. Two students’ legs were tied to one another in a twin race, ending with the junior class victorious. A few members from cheer competed in the bearded lady race and the rally closed with the special pie-throwing event.

Photos by Celine Kiner www. wrpawprint.com

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News

For more pictures of costumes check out www.wrpawprint.com

HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST SCARY

FUNNY

Junior Olivia Ortiz wins the Scary cateogry with her costume “The Mutilated Girl.”

Blake O’Rullian, Logan Haskett, Val Domingo, Braden Drake dress up as the “Wiggles” and win the Funny category.

CUTE

Junior Megan Waldau wins the Cute category and the overall Costume Contest as Russell from “Up.”

CREATIVE

Senior Kendall Eckle dressed up as a Nintendo Mii and proceeded to the tie breaker.

Erica Gillespie Staff Writer

We may grow out of a lot of things, but it is impossible to get tired of Halloween. On Halloween, students and teachers came to school dressed in their costumes. In honor of this event, teachers Tracy Kane, Holly Zeilenga, and Terri Sage, ranked the best costumes with input from the crowd. “I love doing fun, gory makeup. It’s fun watching people double take when they see me,” said Olivia Ortiz, who won the scary category as a mutilated girl. Four seniors went as the Wiggles and easily won the funny category. “We got the idea from my mom,” said senior Logan Haskett, one fourth of the group. “Back in eighth grade we did this, and we’ve wanted to do it again ever since. A lot of people appreciate the costumes and we’ve been getting a ton of support from our friends.” Junior Megan Waldau won the cute and overall categories with her adorable interpretation of Russell in the movie “Up.” She wore an exact replica of his costume and even tied balloons to herself. “I really love everything Pixar. I wanted to be Russell one year and I thought that this year would be great,” said Waldau. “I’m in ASB and I like to show my school spirit. The best way to do that was to come in an awesome costume. I love my costume.” Students had a great time dressing up and eagerly await next year’s Halloween.

Photos by Candace Ro

Pawprint

Top to botttom: Participants of the creative category line up, anxiously waiting for emcee Mr. Helm to get to them. The audience and judges (Mrs. Zeilenga, Mrs. Sage, and Mrs. Kane) cheer for Megan Waldau dressed as Russell from Up. Nintendo Mii (Kendall Eckle) and Russell (Waldau) came in a tie, but after hearing the audience, Russell came on top. www. wrpawprint.com

Editor I. Kyoung

Opinions

Gisela Factora Staff Writer

Provided by Imnotobsessed

Kanye West is the Kanye Best

“Why don’t you stand up straight?” my teacher asked a kid in my class. “Oh, he has a back condition,” others said. The kid simply nodded. “Oh. Okay,” said my teacher. And we all moved on with our lives. No one told him he was a terrible person for telling the kid to stand up straight, because he’s not a terrible person for it. It was a simple misunderstanding that was easily resolved upon further explanation. So why is it when Kanye West does the same thing, dozens of articles are written vilifying him? At a concert in Sydney, Australia, Kanye noticed there were two members of his audience who were not standing up. Many news outlets are reporting that he “demanded” the two stand up, but the video of the incident clearly tells a different story. Yes, he pauses the concert to wait for two members of the audience to stand up, but he also says, “Now, if he’s in a wheelchair, then it’s fine.” And then the concert continues. Let’s be completely real. The people writing these articles don’t actually care about disabled people, because the people who go out of their way to bash Kanye West are typically people who scoff at silly, made-up concepts like “ableism,” or discrimination against disabled people. They care about defaming Kanye West. But why is Kanye so hated? Well, he’s infamous for his ego. If you google “Kanye West ego,” you get two million results. He constantly compares himself to figures like Beethoven, Michael Jackson, and even God. My question is: who cares? Yeah, Kanye’s full of himself. So is every other www. wrpawprint.com

celebrity. What has he done other than have a superiority complex? Are you upset by the charities he donates to: Stand Up To Cancer, Human Rights Watch, Food Bank for New York City, and other such shady, disreputable organizations? Is it the way he so cruelly treated Kim Kardashian’s cousin, a cancer patient, by taking her to a Givenchy show? Or perhaps it’s the way he abandoned his partner in crime, the similarly vile Kim K, in her time of need? Oh wait, no. He skipped out on the release party of his Grammy-nominated, gold certified album “Yeezus” to accompany her through the birth of their child. Yet the media hardly pays any attention to any of these things, and instead focuses on his ego, and his supposed hatred of disabled people, and a million other things that don’t actually matter and are overdramatized. Really though, other than being a little full of himself, what egregious sin has Kanye committed? He’s in a happy relationship with his wife (in fact, Kim’s the only person he follows on Twitter), he loves his child more than anything, and he’s built a successful career off hard work and genuine talent and uses that success to speak boldly for causes he cares about. Isn’t that the epitome of the American Dream? Why don’t people hate John Lennon for being a stuck-up jerk? He, like Kanye West, compared himself and his bandmates to Jesus. In fact, he went a step beyond Kanye and claimed that the Beatles were bigger than Jesus. What about Sean Penn, Nicolas Cage, Woody Allen, all these guys? They literally abused people, yet the media ignores this and instead focuses on things like Kanye West’s ego. And these

abusive men are allowed to continue living in luxury and fame. I don’t think people hate Kanye solely for the fact that he’s a narcissist. I think people hate Kanye because he’s a black narcissist in a society that devalues the lives of black people, and because he dares to speak out against racism. As a person of color, especially a black person, especially in America, daring to exist is an act of rebellion in itself. (It seems there’s a new story about a black male being gunned down every week.) Daring to love yourself, daring to speak out against the system? Even more radical. “Black Skinhead” off his latest album, “Yeezus,” seems to be the most radical song he’s released yet. He directly attacks the media, the American right wingers, Middle America, for their attacks on him. One of the annotations for the song on Rap Genius notes, “The media portrays him as crazy, you could go so far as to say possessed. ‘Ye gets these types of critiques because he’s openly criticizing structural and institutional racism, and is leaving no stone unturned.” And it’s true. Everyone’s “claiming [he’s] overreacting” (another lyric) simply for the fact that he acknowledges and actively speaks against racism. Kanye doesn’t need your approval, and he really couldn’t care less what you think of him. In his own words, he’s aware he’s a king, he’s aware he’s a god. In a world where people of color, especially young people of color, are constantly told, directly and indirectly, that our contributions, our rights, our lives don’t matter we would do well to love ourselves a little more.

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Opinions Benefits of political satire..... Jong Hak Won Staff Writer For many, political satire shows are a source of entertainment, humoring us by pointing out the ridiculousness of politics. Shows like the “Colbert Report,” “The Daily Show,” and “Last Week Tonight” are immensely popular garnering millions of views every episode they air. No doubt these shows are a great source of entertainment, but what do they do in terms of actually changing the world? These shows usually address pressing issues in a light-hearted manner which is the issue at stake here. Is it bad that these shows seemingly satricize important issues? The key benefit of satire shows is that they raise awareness for people who normally wouldn’t be interested in these issues. Although these shows do make jokes about serious issues, this makes it easier for more people to listen. The alternative would be going to C-SPAN and likely falling asleep on the keyboard out of boredom. Not everyone who tunes in to watch these shows is a serious political scientist. If all these shows just listed out boring facts, no one would watch them and no one would care. By presenting it in an interesting way, satire shows can raise awareness about issues in people who would generally be apathetic about said issues. For example in July, John Oliver, host of the satirical show “Last Week Tonight,” spoke about net neutrality and urged internet commenters to go to the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) website to plead them not to repeal net neutrality. The next day, the FCC’s website crashed as a result of the overwhelming traffic which was no coincidence. These shows also provide a gasp of fresh air in a world filled with politically biased news organizations. Mainstream news outlets are often skewed toward one political party and that becomes apparent in the way they report. Fox News reacted to the Ferguson shooting and riots by complaining that other news channels were building up this “mantra” of an unarmed black man getting shot by a white policeman. They also complained how “black-on-black” crimes don’t receive as much attention as these sort of crimes. Jon Stewart on “The Daily Show” pointed out how ridiculous this was by saying “Yes! Why all the interest in holding police officers to a higher standard than gangs? They both flash colors and, yes, one of them has been sworn to protect and defend, but still.” It is hard for people to detect the biases within news outlets like Fox especially while they’re watching it. However, satire shows can provide a slightly more objective perspective or point out just how ridiculous the things these channels like Fox News say. In the process of recognizing how horrible our country is with its corrupt officials and business greed, it may seem like these satirists only want to criticize the status quo not change it. The problem with this is that these hosts do want change and encourage their viewers to take action. But even if these satire shows don’t create any change, they at the very least expose our shameful acts for what they are. Without these, we would never even hear about this and we could never hold our politicians accountable. Political satire has little negative impact and it benefits society greatly by getting people to care about issues they wouldn’t have cared about otherwise. For the full articles, please visit www.wrpawprint.com

Pawprint

In most places, people take an active, invested interest in politics. In India, nearly everybody has an opinion on politics, not just the middle-class fogeys but teens as well. They understand that the government is theirs, made to work for them. At West Ranch, however, the students have less than a valid opinion on politics. In an interview with sophomore Jake Rice, he knew almost nothing about net neutrality, civil forfeiture, or even the recent midterm elections. “I should care, but I really don’t,” Rice said, turning back to his lunch. All three of these topics were discussed extensively on such news satire shows like Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show,” “Last Week Tonight,” hosted by John Oliver, and “The Colbert Report” by Stephen Colbert. The trend of these news satire shows was started by Jon Stewart, who began “The Daily Show” and the newer hosts Oliver and Colbert branched off from this show. They have good content and manage to raise awareness in a country full of people who don’t realize that it is their government. However, an integral part of all three of the above shows is that most of the “stories” they run are based off of horrific things the government does. They parody the way FOX news shamelessly slams Democrats and upholds the values of extreme Republicans. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but a key part of Stewart, Oliver, and Colbert’s routine is that they place an emphasis on the fact that nothing in the government can change. It’s a little saddening to hear over and over again a person slams your government. It develops a sort of detached attitude toward America in people who are the ones who want the most good. To truly appreciate free speech, people need to understand that you have to work a little if you want to see the change you desire. An efficient government will have the support of their people. These gentlemen encourage their audience to have bad sentiments and resent their government−not to attempt to try to reform it. They waste their influence on stupid gimmicks and jokes in an attempt to bring a few laughs. John Oliver is a perfect example of wasted influence. During a segment, he urged audiences to tweet the #gogetthosegeckos when it was revealed a Russian satellite full of mating geckos was lost. Celebrities, government officials, even a professional wrestler tweeted it in response, and Russia did get back control of the satellite, though not because of the hashtag, obviously. It is quite nice to know that Oliver prioritizes Russian geckos in heat over our corrupt police force. If even half of the amount of people who tweeted “LOL, just watched this haha #gogetthosegeckos” was told to write a letter to Congress and revoke civil forfeiture, perhaps the U.S. could better itself. It’s hard enough to be patriotic in a country where nobody seems to care, but to be told repeatedly by men that nothing will change ever is too foreboding. It makes me almost hate my country. A recurring joke on “The Daily Show” is, “Why should we vote in the mid-term elections if the same senators are going to be elected again anyway?” They are unknowingly encouraging the despicability they advocate against. If Stewart, Colbert, and Oliver were really as patriotic and involved as they seem to be, they would also be informing their audience on how to change government if they want to. It’s possible, that’s why freedom of speech exists. Lobbying, peaceful protesting, picketing, letter-writing, even just sending an e-mail on your phone can bring you one step closer to a more efficient, smoothly-running country. Don’t just wish for change, do it yourself. Take advantage of the fact that you live in a country that allows you to do so. Jaeun Park Staff Writer

...versus drawbacks www. wrpawprint.com

Opinions

Minaj-yny:

Women’s presence in popular music Riley Villiers-Furze Staff Writer Music is inescapable. Almost everywhere you go there is some tune playing: supermarkets, elevators, restaurant bathrooms. The list is endless. With technology ever-increasing and constantly bettering itself, music sharing has become like underage drinking: inevitable, illegal, and always in process. To some (like the stereotypical “get off my lawn” old people), this ineludible nature of music isn’t necessarily a good thing: “those darn teens with their modern day music are wreaking havoc in the world.” While I believe it is slightly absurd to make television, music, and movies the sole miscreant in a multifarious list of things wrong with this generation, the above culprits do add to the problems. Have you listened to today’s popular songs? They are horrible. From the lyrics to the beats, nothing seems to work, flow, or make sense. Although, the most disconcerting problem in this music is the way women are treated. They are objects. They are background twerkers. They are temptations to men. They are worth nothing more than the mass of their behinds. And if they are not these things, then they are insecure beings, insignificant unless they have a man. Take for example “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction— a seemingly innocent pop song. However, the lyrics are all about a girl who doesn’t feel beautiful and needs the reassurance of a man to feel good about herself. Why can’t women be confident, body-loving individuals that enjoy having a boyfriend, but don’t need one to know they are pretty? Why does there www. wrpawprint.com

have to be an inferior, weaker sex? I understand Meghan Trainor attempted to address this in her song “All About That Bass,” and while that is a step in the right direction it still isn’t enough. She discusses body-image and loving yourself no matter what jean size you are, and that’s great, but music should be about more than people’s bodies. I don’t want to hear songs that use anacondas as euphemisms, that treat women like objects, and that value booty over inner and outer beauty, I want a song that tells me I am beautiful for more than just my looks. I want it to recognize me for my personality, sense of humor, confidence, and intelligence, because that is what I want to be known for: not for the shape of my body or for my insecurities. Women are not the stuffed animals that you win at a carnival, treasure for an hour, and then toss away. They exist outside of men having sex with them. They have personalities, and hobbies, and interests, and so many other things to contribute to the world beside the silkiness of their hair, the softness of their skin, and the squishy, bouncing nature of their chests and rears. Women don’t exist to fuel men’s fantasies, and it’s about time people start recognizing this. A study done by Daniel J. Levitin, a professor of psychology and the director of the Laboratory for Music Perception, Cognition and Expertise at Mcgill University, showed that music impacts us most at age 14. Fourteen year olds are the perfect mixture of hormones, angst, joy, and repression. Thus,

everything they experience, including music, seems and is incredibly important. People wear their music tastes as badges of identity. Your musical interests become a part of you, and if that part of you is influenced by modern music I fear for the treatment of women in the future. The misogyny in these popular songs imprints people with such an abhorrent view of women, and it sticks with you like the residue of a Band-Aid. At a time when it is so important that teenagers learn the right the thing, these songs are detrimental. Girls don’t need to be taught that they are insignificant without a man, and boys don’t need to be taught that women exist to pleasure men. Musicians are powerful. They impact, influence, and bring happiness to people daily. Even if they don’t want to be, they are role models, and they need to start acting the part. These songs that are sexualizing and fantasizing women are disgusting and unnecessary. They are giving boys and girls across the world the wrong ideas on how their gender should act. Female musicians don’t need to show their bodies for people to know they are beautiful. Singers like Nicki Minaj and Jennifer Lopez shouldn’t be advertising themselves as pieces of well-carved meat that men can stake their claim in. Furthermore, male artists don’t need to be flanked by scantily dressed women for people to understand that they are cool guys. There are better ways to convey their messages. But if misogyny is what they want to sing, then the world shouldn’t listen.

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Opinions

What makes me super cool for being in DFYIT

Irene Kyoung Opinions Editor

According to the high school social code, I am just not cool. I am too tall for the average Korean girl, and I have a graphing calculator app on my phone. And to add on to my resume of unconformity, I am a goodytwo-shoes who actively participates in West Ranch’s Drug Free Youth In Town (DFYIT) club. One of my proudest accomplishments was that I moved up the ranks of DFYIT ever since its formation three years ago. I started off as a chairman, then Secretary, and now I am the co-president of one of the biggest chapters of DFYIT in the Santa Clarita Valley. Why are those accomplishments not cool? I understand that there are many reasons why people don’t support DFYIT. Some have other commitments that they prioritize before DFYIT. Others miss the WRTV news about the meetings. Many are scared about the random drug testing. All of those are valid reasons to not being able to attend meetings or support the club. That’s cool. That’s fine. But what’s not cool or fine is when the people who do prioritize DFYIT over other commitments, who do get the news about meeting dates on WRTV, who do join the club and aren’t afraid of random drug testing face multiple facets of bullying just for those simple reasons. You don’t see me making fun of someone’s newest addition to your Air Jordan collection or another’s passion for environmental change. Supporting breast cancer awareness month is widely accepted. Why is supporting a drug-free life not cool? It shouldn’t be

Photos by Lolo Bryne and Sierra Soto

satisfying to many people who rudely cat-call a DFYIT member because he proclaims his passion to be drugfree. There is an incredibly unique community within the club. Not all members start off completely clean and not all members face the same struggles. In fact, when asked

why they joined DFYIT during the 2014 Youth Summit on Oct. 21, not a single student had the same answer. One girl wanted to set a drug-free example for her eight younger siblings. Another girl went through rehab for two months and realized the perils of drugs. One guy wanted to change the community’s perception of drugs. Mayor Laurene Weste, Captain Johnson, and doctor and nurses from Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, had their own input, experiences, and accomplishments they wanted to share. Why is that not cool? We need more people like them in our lives. Ones who make an effort to better themselves not just for their own gain but for the loved ones around them, for troubled ones around them, for the disheartened ones around them. At the summit, I, with the help of my fellow officers, led a group of 62 West Ranch students into a discussion of how to make the club better for the needs at our school. Many came up with great ideas such as a haunted house, raffles, and a run. All of these students of different races, different ages, different socioeconomic backgrounds, supported every idea with a high-five or a round of applause. These students had a vision and motivation to improve their community for themselves and others. Making an effort to “change the world for the better” is cool, super cool. DFYIT has its own versions to contribute to that change. It can be just as good and effective on our community as recycling cans or donating old jeans to the homeless. I think I’m pretty cool.

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Features

Editor S. Soto

Three Jackets Perfect for Fall

Jacqueline Hofmann Staff Writer

Yes, you have probably seen every girl at our school wearing one of these jackets but they truly are a great investment piece. I personally love the color green because it is neutral but adds a bit more dimension than a typical black or grey. I added some vintage buttons to my jacket in order to make it a little more unique.

In contrast to green anoraks, blazers can transform an outfit from casual to dressy. I personally like to mix the sophisticated silhouette of blazers with a pair of ripped boyfriend jeans to create a strong contrast between classy and comfortable. However, you could easily put them with a skirt or a pair of solid colored skinny jeans to form a dressier outfit. For school, I feel this look is most appropriate.

3. Leather jackets can make any outfit more edgy. A simple tee and a pair of jeans can become less basic by layering with a black leather jacket. There is no limit to the colors and styles that are offered with leather jackets. If you don’t like the harshness of black leather jackets then you can opt for a soft pink or brown one, and if you don’t think black is grunge enough you can buy a spiked or embellished one.

Photos by Jacqueline Hofman

Pixar keeps it short & sweet Kiana Quick Staff Writer

“I always look forward to the little short films before any Disney movie,” said sophomore Madison Robbins. Who doesn’t love those adorable short films before the debut of a Disney movie? Pixar Animation Studios first created these animated shorts to exhibit how their animations would advance in the future, but now they exhibit morals they believe every child should learn. Originally only on the DVD version of movies, the shorts would move from home media into the theaters and on the big screen. Pixar’s new movie about a normal teenage girl called “Inside Out” will be released in early 2015, but the animated short “Lava” has already been made. It is reportedly about a love story that takes place over millions of years. Pixar has been making shorts for over thirty years, but why? www. wrpawprint.com

“Tin Toy,” was the first Pixar short, made in 1988. It was later aired before the showing of “Toy Story” in 1995. This five minute long animation about Tinny, a tin marching band member toy, shows his escape from Billy the destructive baby. This short only presented what talents Pixar had without any secret meaning. Nevertheless, the short brought home Pixar’s first Oscar for Best Animated Film. “For the Birds” played before the beloved classic “Monsters Inc” also won an Oscar in 2001. It follows the story of a group of small birds on top of a telephone wire. When they push the largest bird off of the wire, all of them are slingshotted high into the air while the large bird lands softly on the ground. As the, now featherless, small birds are falling next to the large bird, the large bird offers them leaves to “cover themselves.” This taught children that they shouldn’t treat others negatively just because they may be different, which is something they should learn. Pixar’s short “The Blue Umbrella” merged the idea of displaying new shading techniques and implanting a well-known life lesson. The short

focuses on a rainy city with inanimate objects coming to life– signs, windows, mailboxes, and umbrellas. Out of all the conforming grey umbrellas, a red and blue umbrella catch a glimpse of each other. Too soon they part ways, but fate and the wind find a clever way to bring them back together again. It taught people, as author Sherrilyn Kenyon said, “If you love something, set it free. If it comes back it was, and will always be yours.”

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Sarah Park Takes Volunteering to a New Level Juliet Bernal Staff Writer High school is supposed to be the time to find your niche; lower than an A, despite taking all honors and AP classes. some devote their time to sports, some focus on taking I study every ounce of free time I have: in the car and every AP class offered, and others still decide to dedicate walking to school. Then in my free time I volunteer.” themselves to more altruistic occupations. For West Ranch Park says that she enjoys taking difficult classes and is sophomore Sarah Park, that is exactly what she chose to looking forward to being able to challenge herself over the do; in total she has volunteered over 300 hours simply next two years at West Ranch, but is also already exciting because she loves seeing the the smiles on her students for graduation. faces and the feeling of being able to help someone. “I’m afraid for the day that she graduates and leaves “At first I volunteered only for CJSF hours, but I realized the library; she always has a thoughtful perspective and that I loved to volunteer. I started volunteering at multiple creative ideas to contribute,” said Schlesinger. places every week,” said Park. Her academic achievements and volunteer hours will help Park volunteers with the West Ranch Library, the Newhall her with her ultimate goal of ending up at Pomona College Public Library, and the Valencia Public Library, where she in Claremont, Calif., majoring in nutrition sciences. is a Homework Helper, which is dedicated toward helping “I’ve wanted to work in nutrition since eighth grade. elementary students That year I found with their homework. out my grandfather t first volunteered only She also works got diabetes despite special events and is being very slim; and for hours but realized on the Teen Advisory I saw the amount Board. Park has of medication my that loved to volunteer unwavering patience parents took. I and encourages the wanted to help them children she helps. in some way.” She immediately puts them at ease with her warmth and Park realized through her own personal experiences how friendly smile. many health issues exist in America and desires to be able “I’ve always thought she had a joyful personality- she’s to work toward helping people suffering. always smiling. I’ve really enjoyed seeing her mature over When Sarah Park finally does get a chance to rest, she the past few years,” said Stacy Schlesinger, Valencia’s occupies her free time by playing violin, drawing, reading, Public Library Volunteer Service Coordinator and Parks watching YouTube videos, and spending quality time with supervisor since she began volunteering there in October her friends and family, who support her in everything as of 2011. “She’s the best kind of volunteer; anything we long as she gets good grades. Park also used to play tennis, need help with she’s always reliable and willing to work.” but because of her school work and volunteering had to On West Ranch’s campus, Park is involved with the Sole quit. Hope and Compassion club, which is focused on combating “She is one of the hardest working students this year. diseases that enter through the feet in impoverished She is so conscientious of her assignments and grades. She countries that don’t have access to shoes. takes an interest in her studies,” said AP European History “We are fairly new so we are focusing on on fundraising. teacher Adam Holland. Currently we are planning a ‘shoe party’ to make shoes for Sarah Park is truly a renaissance student, who is children in Africa.” said Park. motivated, hard-working, and perserverant. Although high All of these organizations occupy a lot of time and school is difficult, this sophomore proves that you can not dedication; however, Park also ensures that school remains only be successful but make a difference in the lives of her top priority. other students. “My greatest achievement is that I’ve never [received] Photo By: Sarah Castillo

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Features

May I take your order?

Juliet Bernal Staff Writer

Butterbeer Latte• Whole milk steamer • Add caramel, toffee nut and cinnamon dolce syrup • Whipped cream and salted caramel bits • Optional: Add a shot or 2 of espresso Cotton Candy Frappuccino• Vanilla bean frappuccino • Add raspberry syrup Pumpkin Caramel Macchiato• Follow the recipe for a caramel macchiato • Substitute pumpkin spice sauce for vanilla syrup • Top with pumpkin spice topping

Taco Salad• Ask for a taco bowl • Fill it with all of your favorite salad fillings Quesarito• Ask for a quesadilla made with 2 burrito shells • Use the quesadilla as a tortilla shell for your burrito • Fill your burrito with all your favorite toppings Nachos• Order a burrito bowl and ask for chips instead of rice at the bottom

Piña Colada Smoothie• 12 ounces pineapple juice • 1 scoop pineapple sherbet • frozen yogurt • 1 scoop of banana and coconut Chocolate Gummy Bear Smoothie• 6 ounces peach juice • 4 ounces of soy milk • 1 scoop lime, raspberry, pineapple, orange sherbet • 1 scoop of mangoes and chocolate base Butterfinger Smoothie• 12 ounces carrot juice • chocolate • peanut butter • 2 scoops of frozen yogurt McGangbang• Order a McDouble • Order a McChicken • Place the McChicken in between the patties of the McDouble McCrepe• Order hotcakes and a yogurt parfait • Add the yogurt into a folded hotcake • Drizzle with syrup Pie McFlurry• Order a McFlurry and a Mcdonalds pie • Ask the server to blend the two items together

Photos by Sarah Castillo

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Features

STAFF SPOTLIGHT Christine Smith

Jan Ondra

Trevor Norberg

Erica Lee Staff Writer

Q: What is your job at the counseling office? I do all sorts of interesting things. My first and foremost responsibility is to make sure that the counselors have everything they need, so if they’ve got things that need to be copied, typed, sent, phone calls to make, contacts to people I take care of all that. I try to relieve their workload. When kids or students come in I try to take care of things that I can do for them, so that they can get served faster rather than waiting in lines, and that way the counselors can work on things that I can’t do. I spend as much time trying to solve the little problems when the kids come in. Also I work with the parents on things that I can solve. My privilege is I run a grief group called TAG, Teenagers Against Grief, and I’ve done that every year since I’ve started, and that’ts extremely rewarding. Kids who have lost somebody,, a mom, a dad, a friend, a sibling, and need a safe spot to go to and see that there are other kids like them on campus, and figure out how to get through it. That is my great privilege. I’m really honored that the counselors let me do that. I’m also advisor or Wildcats Again Cancer, and that takes up a lot of my extracurricular time. It’s been very rewarding; I’ve lost several people to cancer in my family. [The club] was started on campus by a student who lost her dad to cancer and wanted to do something positive. And here we are still doing it, and it has been a very successful club. Q: What is your advice to students here? Try really hard to trust your own instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not right. It would be a really smart thing to stand back, think about what you’re doing, ask somebody if you need to. Trust your instincts, you know if it’s wrong. www. wrpawprint.com

Q: Why did you decide to become a campus supervisor? When I moved to California I met my buddy John and he actually was a campus supervisor at La Mesa Junior High and he told me what he got to do and it sounded pretty chill and I waited a couple years before I applied. A couple of my buddies told me there was an opening, so I decided to apply for it and got set up to take a test and I did a couple of interviews and got hired to be a substitute supervisor and then when I did that I got a call for a full time gig here at West Ranch. Q: What college did you go to? I went to a college in Arizona for two semesters. It was called Cochise College and I hated it there. It was completely boring. So I moved to Portland, Oregon where I went to personal training school and got my certification there, which was a year long school and then after that I called my brother who lived in California. And I said, “Hey Mike, what’s up? I have 400 bucks. You got an empty room. Let me move in.” And he said, “Yeah for sure.” Then I got a job delivering pizza pies for the first couple of months and that’s how I made rent before I got on my feet. Q: Why do you have tattoos and what do they mean? I never even wanted any until I was about eighteen. My first one I got on my leg is my brother’s initials and mine. Ever since then I liked the art. They have a lot of deep meaning; a lot of them are kind of hard to explain, but each one means quite a bit to me. And I would like to get more just not sure when and where. Q: Tiffany, another campus supervisor, said that it would be more interesting to interview you. Why would she say that? Maybe because she thinks that I’m younger and more wild and more adventurous. I can relate more to you guys because I’m younger and I’m only 23. I just graduated high school in 2009 so I’m not that much older.

Megan Chang Staff Writer Q: What are your responsibilities as a custodian? My responsibility as a custodian is to make sure that everything in the school is in working order. For example, I have to fix the air conditioning. I have to go up on the roof to check to see if it’s working. If it’s not, I have to try to find a way to fix it. I also clean the kitchen. Q: What time do you come to school and what time do you leave? I get to school each day at about six o’clock, and I leave at around 2:30. Q: Where were you born? I was born in Czechoslovakia, but most students don’t even know where that is. [Czechoslovakia was a sovereign state located in Central Europe. However, in 1993, the state split into present-day Czech Republic and Slovakia.] Q: Why did you leave Czechoslovakia? I moved from Czechoslovakia because I wished to see the world. I wanted to see different things and experience life. I wanted to do something. So when I got the chance to come to America, I took it. Q: Where is the weirdest thing you’ve had to do? There was this skunk trapped inside of the gym only a couple months ago. I had to chase it out. I’ve also had to try to retrieve shoes, a backpack, and a shirt from an unflushed toilet. That was pretty gross. Q: What is the most difficult part of your job? Difficult? I don’t believe that my job is difficult at all. I enjoy coming to work each day, and getting to do something new every time. Nothing is the same for me. One day I may be fixing the air conditioning, the next day I may be doing something completely different. But, I guess the most difficult thing about my job is sometimes dealing with impatient people. Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I like to spend time camping with my family. I do not follow very many sports teams, but I guess my favorite would have to be the Dodgers. Q: Tell me about your family. I’m married with two kids: a girl and a boy. Q: What advice do you have to give to students about having a good work ethic? Stay in school and focus. It is the easiest time in your life. Enjoy it. ang Photo by Megan Ch

Photo by Erica Lee

Photo by Sarah Castillo

Sarah Castillo Staff Writer

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A&E

Editors M. Kang & R. Lee

Wildcat Personalities Alexa Hesseldenz Staff Writer

SoulSina11 “I started SoulSina11 because I played video games and wanted to create videos that commented on them,” said Sina Rahmani, junior. His account is his own life tips on how a particular game could be improved to comical reenactments of intense game scenes. “My favorite part about accounts such as YouTube is the freedom of creativity,” said Rahmani. “I’ve been on YouTube for nearly six years now and all I can say is I’ve enjoyed every second of it.” Within those six years, Rahmani has gained almost 600 followers. “I hope to have 2 million, as unreasonable as that sounds.”

TrapstepMedia Senior Brian Herrera started “Trap Step Media,” a channel dedicated to promote Los Angeles and New York rap artists. He now has about three million views and over 25,000 subscribers. “I have been supported by Far East Movement, Jody Highroller, and others.” Herrera has to not only please the people he is promoting, but his viewers as well. “That’s probably the hardest part, the balance,” sais Herrera. Herrera hopes to expand his prescence in the Youtube world.

Night and Dayna Bullying: very few experience it first hand. West Ranch junior Dayna Ballenberg is no stranger to these feelings, but instead of using the pain to self destruct, she decided to allow it to motivate her to do something incredible. “The main purpose of it is to, well, make people smile.” She puts together video shorts,silly challenges, and tips for her audience. Dayna is one example of how something truly beautiful can come out of such a negative experience. “I hope my future videos can inspire people to be themselves.”

Generation Why “I wanted to make movies and put them on YouTube to show to my friends,” said senior Matthew Josten, who creates humorous skits. “My favorite part about posting videos is the satisfaction of creating and finishing a video that you work so hard on,” said Josten. At a young age he was featured in films like “Meet the Robinsons, “Rodney,” and “Chicken Little.” Since then, he has found his true passion: directing and producing. Josten hopes to continue his producing career in college. “I want to make people laugh and smile and undergo an emotional experience, even if it is only for a few minutes.”

Willy the Wildcat

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Created by Kendell Eckle - Issac Howse - Betsy Vera www. wrpawprint.com

A&E Zach and Shannon: Artists at Heart

Photos by: Minjae Kang

Minjae Kang Staff Writer

It’s 7 a.m. and West Ranch opens its gates for period one. Two students, carrying large portfolios, look forward to their early class, AP Studio Art. AP Studio Art, the highest level of art offered at West Ranch, “requires twice the quantity and twice the quality,” according to the course syllabus. The course has prerequisite classes, Art I and Art II, that most of the AP artists have taken. Under Sally Rush, who teaches Art I, Art II, and AP Studio Art, the AP students master the mediums provided and techniques teached. AP Studio Art is unlike any other AP class on campus. Students start the AP exam from day one; everything is put into a portfolio and turned in to CollegeBoard for a score out of five. Students are pushed to make every piece better than their last, and students must be independent and diligent as they are allowed to work on anything in any form they want; they pick the mediums to be used, the drawing that they want to make, as well as the canvas they wish to work on. Despite the fact that most of the artists excel at their craft, two students exhibit passion and talent like no other. Zachary Erberich and Shannon Faltys are seniors who have discovered their love for art during their high school careers. “I’ve always loved art, but I did not start getting passionate about it until AP Studio Art,” said Faltys, who has taken the course since her sophomore year. “I’ve always loved to doodle and be creative, but not since studio art have I really advanced on it,” said Erberich, who took Art I in his junior year. Since their introduction to art on a high school level, both Erberich and Faltys have discovered their own styles, which is evident in the progression of their pieces. While Faltys prefers paint to make her art stand out, Erberich likes to use “anything pointy” to get detail into his drawings. Both have caught the eye of Rush, who acts as a mentor to the studio art students. “Shannon is successful in everything she tries, and her sense of composition, form, color, and markmaking are impressive,” said Rush. “Zach has a relentless work ethic and exhibits acute details in his

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work.” Even for a person with no art background, a glance at the artworks made by each of the artists reveals the style of their craft. Faltys’ pieces highlight a sense of shade, which is emphasized with her vast array of colors that pop out off of her canvas. The bold use of colors also evokes an electrifying spirit within each work. Her latest work, a pastel piece depicting an array of squash crops, is overlaid by a blue filter, and every detail is made with a different shade of blue. The piece grabs a viewers attention, seeming to embody the spirit of autumn that is coming; the bluetoned squash makes one feel the refreshing nature

ended up winning second place at the Congressional Art competition.” Furthermore, the artists try to feed their insatiable hunger for art by attending conventions outside of West Ranch. Faltys has taken two College of the Canyons courses, and is now taking a course led by Glenn Vilppu, a famous illustrator. Erberich recently attended “National Portfolio Day” to gather suggestions and build a stronger portfolio. Despite the the tiresome and extra work that goes into being an AP Studio Artist, Erberich and Faltys are driven by their passion, something that can’t be taken away. They both say that AP Studio Art is their favorite class, because of the freedom it allows and the fact that it is different from typical school classes. “Art to me is a way to express feelings and beliefs, and I always put a bit of me into every piece I make,” said Erberich. “The end product is what drives me, and it it allows me to continuously be passionate about the piece and art itself.” Faltys added, “You can’t be worried about other people’s judgment, and from there you can just let your creativity lead you.” As seniors, the two artists are looking ahead and plan to let art be a part of their college experience as well. Within art, there are many different majors, and the artists are still deciding which field they wish to explore. Faltys has a growing interest in product design and illustration, while Erberich became interested in illustration and video game design at “National Portfolio Day.” Faltys and Erberich know that art in the real world is a “really competitive and difficult field,” but they are up for the challenge. “It’s about being crazy with it and having fun,” said Faltys. “If you are interested in something, never give up,and always pursue that,” said Erberich. “Don’t worry about what other people say.” Faltys and Erberich are indeed pursuing their unending interest in art, and have a long but exciting journey ahead of them. “Art is endless because as long as we think, we can make,” said Erberich.

“Art to me is a way to express feelings and beliefs, and I always put a bit of me into every piece I make.” of the fall season. “Art has no limits, and it helps us understand the world around us,” she said. Erberich loves to do realistic pieces, in which he makes drawings that mirror real life situations or structures. One of his pieces, a pencil sketch, centers around a triumphal arch structure, reminding viewers of a structure similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Taking a closer look at this piece, it becomes apparent that every line has thought behind it, and the realist style that Erberich uses makes it hard to notice that the lines are a drawing. “Art is a way for me to distract myself from the real world problems. I’m in my own world when I work,” he said. “I think we put in probably about 20 hours a week,” said Faltys. “It’s really time consuming.” During these 20 hours, Erberich and Faltys work endlessly to draw, edit, and get as close to perfect as possible, which can, at many times, be a daunting task. Despite this, these artists’ love for art drives them to not only complete work for the class but their own personal projects as well. “Recently I created a color pencil piece of a mountain lion, and I’m not used to drawing animals, but it ended up being really successful, even though I completely went out of my box,” she said. “I

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A&E

West Ranch Choir makes it to BROADWAY

Megan Chang Staff Writer

On Oct. 15, West Ranch Choir brought the excitement of Broadway to West Ranch in their first concert of the year. They performed many songs from popular Broadway shows. First, the combined choirs opened up the night with a jazzy rendition of “Lullaby from Broadway” from the musical “42nd Street.” The students soon shuffled off of the stage leaving only the Women’s Choir to enchant the audience. First, they sang “I Got the Sun in the Morning.” Students Julia Finnigan, Salma Taher, and Bea Javellana performed beautiful solos. The Women’s Choir then contrasted this soothing mood with the upbeat song “Popular” from “Wicked” and “Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now” from “Hairspray. Erica Choir, Dana Saulo, Kayla Dizon, and Mitchie Lerma added their own flair as they sang

their solos. The Encore choir then harmonized the twinkling song “If I Were a Bell” from “Guys and Dolls.” Mitchie Lerma, Grace Foster, Julia Platz, Bea Javellana, and Kiera Jew all performed solos during this part of the show. Encore closed with another song from “Guys and Dolls” called “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat.” This song definitely got audience members to tap their feet to the music. After Encore’s passionate performance, Concert Choir filed onto the stage. They first sang “Do You Hear the People Sing” from “Les Miserables.” Joshua Flancer, Sydney Adams, and Kyuhun Han were able to deliver impeccable solos during this patriotic song. Encore then performed, “Suddenly Seymour,” from “Little Shop of Horrors,” and filled the theater with a lighthearted atmosphere. Lastly, the Concert Choir grooved to “You’re the One That I Want.” The audience hummed along to this fun tune from “Grease.”

When the show was coming to a close, the audience received a treat for the finale. All of the choirs joined each other on the stage to end the show with familiar songs. The choir show ended the musical night with the fan favorite “We Go Together” from “Grease.” Despite the many tongue twisters in the song, the choir put on a flawless performance to close the night. As for Molly Peters, choir director, she couldn’t be happier. “Considering that this was our first show, I think that the choir was awesome, and everything went really well,” said Peters. The Broadway theme also brought a fun element to the show. “It was great that we got to do Broadway songs for this performance,” said Peters. “It was really nice because everyone in the audience knew the music.” Well if this is Broadway, then “break a leg” West Ranch Choir.

Photos by Erica Gillespie Choir performs in their broadway-themed concert.

Swinging Back in Time: Glenn Miller Orchestra

Emily Beroth Staff Writer

The Glenn Miller Orchestra harkens back to a time when popular music came from shiny brass instruments above a romping bass. Musician, composer, and band leader Glenn Miller l e a d t h e boom in big band m u s i c during the era of the 1930s Miller began an

swing and 1940s. orchestra that has been playing since 1956. On Oct. 16, the fizzy sound of 1940’s vintage vinyl actualized on stage in the form of a live Big Band Orchestra. As the theme song “Moonlight Serenade” played, stray beams of the stage lights twinkled in theyes of audience members like stars. Such a large turnout for the show can be attributed to the fact that most of the audience recalled the songs of Glenn Miller playing a significant role in childhood memories. “My love of Big Band music was passed down

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from my parents and grandparents,” West Ranch Principal Mark Crawford said. “I remember my grandfather playing Glenn Miller during drives and at his home near Newport.” Featured female vocalist Natalie Angstcommanded attention to the stage as she sashayed into the spotlight. Angst channeled Ella Fitzgerald as she sang the bubbly tune “A Tisket, a Tasket.” With audience energy high director Nick Hilscher interacted with the audience in a call and answer harmony during “Pennsylvania 6-5000.” The orchestra played through a set including “Little Brown Jug” and Hoagy Carmichael’s famous “Stardust.” After much anticipation, Hilscher introduced the Glenn Miller history of the Four Modernaires. The Glenn M i l l e r Orchestra reincarnated the idea of a group of singers to accompany the orchestra into their own quintet known as

The Moonlight Serenaders. The Moonlight Serenaders sang “A Gal in Kalamazoo,” much to the delight of the audience. Audience member and orchestra aunt Betsey Thorne said Photo that her favorite song s by Celin e Kin from the performance was “A er Gal in Kalamazoo” because, “Sean’s mother and I grew up in Kalamazoo, so we grew up knowing all the lyrics.” Just before the intermission, Hilscher dedicated the next Midnight Serenaders song, “The American Patrol,” to the numerous veterans in the audience. The night came to a conclusion with a return to the theme song of “Moonlight Serenade” that earned the orchestra a standing ovation. Finally, the West Ranch Jazz Band came on stage to play “In the Mood” with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. The performance gifted students and the community with a chance to swing back in time to the big city sound of the big band music. www. wrpawprint.com

A&E

Drums, Tubas, and Marching, Oh My! Megan Chang Staff Writer

Maybe it’s just me, but sometimes simply walking in a straight line is difficult. That being said, I can’t even imagine how hard marching band would be. I mean, walking simultaneously with 111 other students, playing the entire song perfectly, and ignoring distracting fans is a bit daunting. To the marching band, however, all of this is an everyday routine. Jason Marshall, the West Ranch band director said, “We practice every Tuesday and Thursday night from 6 p.m.9 p.m., as well as many Saturdays, and the entire two weeks prior to the start of school.” In addition to the music element of their routine, there is a also a physical aspect. The young musicians concentrate on strength building, conditioning, and moving and playing in their formations. For freshman Gamin Kim, flute player, all of the new challenges can be a little intimidating. “When I first started band camp this August, I definitely thought of it as hard, demanding, and mentally challenging,” she said. “I was marching for the first time and had to play the music with perfection on the field. I think the practices really push us, but also benefit us for marching band competitions.” The many hours of practice have paid off for the band. At every football game, they manage to put on an excellent show. In addition, they have won the title of state marching band champion three times. The Wildcat Marching Band has also earned recognition locally. “We have won tournament sweepstakes (awarded to the

Photos by Samantha Hartung Marching band performs at the West Ranch Classic

overall best band) numerous times at the Hart Rampage, Moorpark, Baldwin Park, and Valencia high school field tournaments,” said Marshall. Although the band has been very successful over the years, they are still looking for more competitions to participate in. The Wildcat Marching Band seems to already be very busy this upcoming year. The marching band is planning on entering the Hart Rampage on Nov. 1, and in other various high school competitions in Santa Clarita, Moorpark, and Vista throughout the month of November. Championships take place at Warren High School on Nov. 22. Also, the theme of this year’s field show is Swan Lake. The music will be inspired from Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake. Christy Frierson is a junior and drum major of the Wildcat Marching Band. Drum majors lead the entire band on the field. To him, being in the marching band has positively affected his overall high school experience. “Marching band has given me a sense of belonging. I love it because it’s a group of people that I can relate with. I enjoy hanging out with them all. It’s also given me a sense of what direction I want to go in life,” said Frierson. The marching band has grown tremendously since its formation in 2005. This year, they have over 100 members. Yet, even after the many years and many wins, the marching band’s core principles remain. Overall, Marshall is optimistic for the upcoming year. “This is definitely one of the best West Ranch bands ever and the students are working incredibly hard. They are going to have a very successful year,” he said.

Chamber Orchestra and Jazz hit all the right notes Minju Kang Staff Writer

On Oct. 22, the West Ranch Chamber Orchestra, the West Ranch Lab Band, and the Studio A Jazz Band all stepped on stage for their first concert of the year. The Chamber Orchestra kicked the night off with the three pieces: “Capriol Suite” by Peter Warlock, “October” by Eric Whitacre, and “Red Rhythmico” by Kirt Mosier. “My favorite song to play was ‘Red Rhythmico’ because the piece itself was very lively and entertaining,” said junior violinist, Christian Chung. Led by Jason Marshall, the orchestra played wonderfully and the audience was delighted. “I couldn’t have asked for a better performance,” said Marshall. “The students should be proud. Oveall, the concert was great.” After an intermission, the West Ranch Lab Band entered the stage. First, they played “A String of Pearls” by Jerry Gray then transitioned into “The Girl From Ipanema” by Antonio Carlos Jobim. These catchy jazz melodies led to two more fantastic songs, titled “Li’l Darlin’” and “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.” Once the Lab Band exited the stage, West Ranch’s Studio A Jazz Band hurried on to reveal an amazing www. wrpawprint.com

by Johnny Green, featured senior soloist Steven Griggs throughout the whole piece. “I felt pretty good about my solo and our group performance,” said Griggs. “I’m glad that the audience reacted positively. The Studio A Jazz Band had a lot of fun preparing for this night, and I’m relieved it turned out well.” Moving on, the Studio A Jazz Band played “Brazil” by Ary Barroso, which made the audience want to rise from their seats and dance. To conclude the successful night, the band performed the famous song, “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller. The next musical event will be in on Dec. 9 and 11. “People should definitely be looking forward to our holiday extravaganza,” said Marshall. “We Photos by Min Ju Kang will be collaborating with the choir and this is the Top Left: Chase Kim, Riley Mault, Cooper Curtis, EJ Ng; perfect event for everyone” Top Right: Skylee Jeffrey; Bottom: Steven Griggs and Andrew You definitely don’t want to miss out on hearing Launier West Ranch’s Chamber Orchestra, Lab Band, and performance. The Studio A Studio A Jazz Band. So, mark your calendars, Jazz Band played “The Kid From Red Bank” by Neal Wildcats. Hefti and “Take the ‘A’ Train” by Billy Strayhorn. The next piece they performed, “Body and Soul”

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Sports

Editors A. Lee & J. Meyer

Justifying Jackson

Aaron Lee Sports Editor Photographer: Marc Danny

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Beginning his first official year as a varsity player, Jackson Clark was subject to the widespread scrutiny, doubts, and criticism of many fans, sports journalists, and scouts. With a breakout junior campaign and relentless confidence, Clark has earned his position to shut them up.

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CLARK Off the gridiron, West

Ranch High School junior quarterback Jackson Clark is a relatively reserved, quiet young gentleman. But, come gametime, Clark is an unrelenting lion, a king of the moment. “When I wake up on game day, the only thing I’m worried about is trying to mentally and physically prepare myself for the game,” said Clark. And he delivers. He’s a vocal leader and a prolific signal caller. In a season that has often been far from pretty for the West Ranch Wildcats, Jackson Clark has proven to be one of the brightest new prospects in the entire Foothill League. He started his varsity career off with a sensational performance, the perfect way to assert his arrival as a top player in Santa Clarita. In his first ever start on Sept. 12 against Knight High School, Clark threw for a staggering 428 yards and

four passing touchdowns to only one interception. The Signal sports writers immediately dubbed him as an “elite quarterback,” a flattering title to have as a player in a prestigious Foothill League that has been and undoubtedly still is home to some of the best quarterbacks in the state. He built on this performance with solid showings in league play, throwing for over 200 yards and three touchdowns total in games against Saugus and Golden Valley. However his best showcase of potential was against Hart. In a thrilling Oct. 17 showdown at College of the Canyons against a nationally ranked Indians team, Clark significantly outdueled Hart senior quarterback Brady White (who by the way is considered third best pro-style quarterback in the entire nation by 247Sports and the eighth best by ESPN) in the first half, before

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ultimately falling to a Brady White rampage in the second half. Clark attributes his success to an unrelenting confidence in himself. “Nervous? Never. The players and coaches all have confidence in me going into these games,” said Clark. “I just go out and play my game.” He also credits the great players and coaches he has had around him. “[Senior quarterback] Chase [Killingsworth] has been a great mentor by teaching me what to do out there,

very special player, very soon.” Varsity football head coach Jan Miller also agrees that Clark can be the key aspect of a refined offense next year that can guide West Ranch out of its rebuilding years into a new tradition of winning. “Right now, we’re playing for pride and maybe -- hopefully -- a playoff spot,” said Miller. “But I am very excited for next year with returning leaders like Jackson when a playoff berth might not have to be a question

“Nervous? Never. The players and coaches have confidence in me ... I just go out and play my game.” and the coaches have great plans every week that we try to execute as best as we can.” The West Ranch coaching staff had seen Clark’s potential before this year and even took a bold step by moving Clark up to the varsity level midway through last season -- his sophomore year. “As soon as we saw Jackson practice with us for the first time, we knew he had the ability to turn this school’s football record around,” said Max Mazur, a now-graduated former wide receiver for the Wildcats. Austin Bleecker, another former player, adds, “I think he’s going to be a A NEW BEGINNING From now to his senior season, junior gunslinger Jackson Clark has the opportunity to usher in a new generation of West Ranch Wildcat football. He’s making the most of this opportunity by stepping up and proving his talent.

mark.” When he faces critics, the junior gunslinger doesn’t let their words get to him. However, Clark does acknowledge that, in order to achieve his lofty goals to carry the West Ranch Wildcats to an unfamiliar winning record in league next season, there are many aspects of his play that he must address and improve. “I need to be a better leader because I will have to take that role next year. I need to work on delivering the football to open receivers and being smarter with the ball.” Regardless of what happens for the remainder of this season, Jackson Clark has already established his name and reputation in this star-studded Foothill League. Watch out, because next season, he will be a man on a mission to prove that he is worthy to be among the Foothill League stars.

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Volleyball proudly closes the season The girls’ varsity volleyball team gave it their all this season, but it wasn’t enough to bring them to CIF. They finished 1-7 in our league, beating only Golden Valley (twice) and Canyon. However, it must be remembered that this was Coach Brandon Pank’s first season as a head coach here at West Ranch. Next season, the program is bound to blossom when the players enter their junior and senior years. The Wildcats only had six seniors out of all 15 players on the varsity team this season, with three sophomores and the rest juniors. “The season didn’t necessarily turn out the way we wanted it to, but this is probably one of my favorite teams I’ve ever played on. Our chemistry is better

than most of the teams I know of,” said senior Captain Hunter Zeleznik. “Unfortunately, I won’t get to watch this program grow in the next few years, but we have some really solid girls and I think West Ranch Volleyball will be among the top dogs in the near future. With a little more experience and some incoming big hitters, I am excited to see how well this team will do.” Another captain, senior Haylee Fricke, was also disappointed to leave the progressing team. “This year our team was really close and it was a great bonding experience for me,” said Fricke. “I would just hope that the program continues to improve when I leave and advances its style of play.” Though this season hasn’t been their best, senior night

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was a very special night for the team. The Wildcats beat a strong Canyon team and later crushed Golden Valley at home, leaving a great end to the season. The team may not have finished top, but they were surely proud with the amount of hardwork and effort they put into this year’s season. Congrats Wildcats!

Good job on a strong finish!

Photos by Jamie Meyer

Under new varsity tennis coach Dina McBride, girls’ tennis had the privilege of enjoying new coaching methods as well as overall goals for the season. Through this fall season, girls’ tennis has competed locally in Santa Clarita Valley and on the road against other schools such as Buckley and La Canada. Finishing the season with five wins and three losses, the Wildcats have dominated against Golden Valley, Canyon, and Saugus; however, they /fell short to Hart and Valencia in close matches. Although only her first season at West Ranch, McBride established her presence here by setting up rigid goals at the beginning of the season and completing them at the end of the season. “My goal at the beginning of the season was to have the girls compete at their highest level and to have the passion for tennis. Both goals were met

and both exceeded my expectations. The whole team improved and gave me their best effort.” Focusing on mechanics this season, Coach McBride strived to make sure that each player accomplished and exceeded at the fundamentals, which are the first step in the building of a great tennis team. The Wildcats now have that to build off of for next season. “My plan for next season is to build on this season and add more conditioning and fitness to our program… My goal now is to bring the fitness aspect to a higher level.” In addition to the accomplishments of the entire tennis team, Captain Julia Lynch is running for the CIF Spirit of Sport Award, which is given to one female student-athlete of each sport for exemplary sportsmanship, community service, and leadership. Quinterra Walter-Eze is also competing in the

semi-finals of the league finals at the Paseo Club. Overall, Coach McBride and the entire tennis team are proud of the season that had this fall. Each athlete played with passion and effort that made their experience even more enjoyable. Good job girls’ tennis and good luck next year.

Congrats Wildcats!

Tennis goes out with a strong finish

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Danielle Christiansen

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Celia Hofmann Centerspread Editor

Horseback riding is more than just a pretty horse prancing around an arena. It’s a sport that requires hard work, dedication and teamwork, even when you’re the only one on the team. “It’s really amazing how the animal and the human have to become one in thi s sport. There’s nothing else like it,” said West Ranch senior, Danielle Christiansen. Christiansen is the sole me mber of the 2014-2015 West Ranch Equestrian Tea m. She has competed all three previous years of her high school career and has worked her way up to the varsity level classes. “I started freshman year wit h the hunter jumper class and won overall champion in that. Sophomore year my horse got hurt and jun ior year he was finishing up rehab so it was a little hard for me to compete as much. But now I am compet ing in the varsity Jumpers Division of Interscholastic Equestrian League.” As easy as it may seem to rise through the ranks in I.E.L., Christiansen has wo rked all her life to get to where she is now. “I’ve known her since she was little and riding a pony. Then, she was lea sing a horse for a while that was a bit of a challen ge for her, which really helped her grow as a rider and learn how to control the horse,” said equestria n team representative and guidance counselor, Suzan ne Van Amburg. “She’s a hard worker and diligent abo ut going to practices.” The team competes in the I.E.L. which has four annual shows drawing studen ts from all over the L.A. county. Points go toward a individual ribbons in each class but accumulate, along with teammate’s points, throughout the year for eac h school. “I love how you can compet e on not only a personal level but also with your team,” said Christiansen. “Horseback riding is such an individual sport it’s nice to have to work hard for oth er people.” As for her future, Christian sen hopes to take riding into college and wants to attend a school with an equestrian team. “I’ve applied to a few sch ools, all with equestrian teams,” said Christiansen, “but, I want to be able to have a balance between aca demics and riding.” There is definitely a wonde rful future in store for this talented rider.

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