The Pen by The Pen Newspaper

the

PEN

Palos Verdes Peninsula High School www.pvphsnews.com Vol. XXXV

Issue 7 April 24, 2015

game rituals Athletes share their ways of getting in the zone SPORTS Page 11

REACTING TO IMPACT Impaction at California public universities affects applicants NEWS Page 3

BEYOND THE CURRICULUM Learning is not limited by the Common Core curriculum FOCUS Page 6-7

CAASPP AT ITS CORE

ACTIVE CLUBBERS

The new standardized test meets opposition OPINION Page 5

A look at Peninsula's most active clubs STUDENT LIFE Page 8

news

GINO ABRAJANO/THE PEN

REjected. March is often a very stressful month for high school seniors, as the decisions from all University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) schools are released. This year, 83 percent of surveyed Peninsula seniors applied to one or more UC, while 68 percent of surveyed seniors applied to one or more CSU. These seniors, however, have been plagued by a growing issue in the college community: impaction. Impaction is a situation when a campus receives more qualified applicants than there are spots available and therefore has no choice but to reject some applicants who may be qualified for acceptance. A decade ago, only eight CSUs declared impaction of any kind. Last fall, however, 18 of the 23 CSUs declared impaction for first-time freshmen. The CSUs have started giving preference to students from local area districts while demanding higher academic standards for non-local applicants. CSU Northridge increased its selectivity by declaring that for the fall of 2015 and

onward, it will only accept applicants from its local area district, consisting of only Los Angeles County and Ventura County. Educators are worried that this decision will influence the other CSU schools, until there is no chance that any student could get into a non-local CSU.

“ I thought I was qualified to get into most of the UCs and CSUs I applied to. It was hard to accept that I didn’t get into my dream school.

“

BY sonia desaidamle

- senior john mepham “Every year, all of the counselors attend a conference to learn about changes at the UCs and CSUs. Over the past few years, we have been frustrated with the neglect that these schools have been showing towards our students,” counselor Kelly

Baranick said. “CSU Dominguez Hills is the only CSU that prefers students from our district, so students and parents get upset when they learn they won’t have as good of a chance of getting into any other CSU simply based on their location.” Peninsula students face an opposite yet equal disadvantage when applying to UC schools. After the 2008 recession, over half a billion dollars was cut from the UC budget. Since then, the UCs have been supplementing that lost income by accepting a greater percentage of out-of-state students, who pay twice the tuition that in-state students pay. Last year, nearly 35 percent of UCLA and UC Berkeley acceptances went to out-of-state applicants, a record high percentage for public universities, which on average do not accept more than 15 percent of out-of-state applicants. Gov. Jerry Brown and UC President Janet Napolitano are still debating about a 2016 budget that could decrease tuition and increase the percent of local student acceptances.

*Survey of 100 students on April 8

Capitol Convoy delegation congregates in Sacramento

BY esther chu Since 2000, Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD) has sponsored the Capitol Convoy delegation to help the California legislature pass laws benefiting the district and its schools. On April 7 and 8, a team of 40 Peninsula and Palos Verdes High School students and district advisors traveled to Sacramento to lobby and to meet with assemblymen and congressmen. Eight groups, each of which consisted of five members, advocated for four points, including a repeal for an increase in the state reserve cap from three percent to 12 percent, greater funding for Southern California Regional Occupational Center (SoCal ROC), better facility maintenance for all schools in the district, and the payment of deferred funds promised as a part of Proposition 98. Two students from each group had the chance to voice their concerns and to propose ideas for the district. “Talking to an assemblyman and to some of the staffs and learning about the inner workings of California’s

political system was an amazing experience,” junior Arman Ramezani said. “They made me feel important because they valued what we had to say.” Democratic state senator Ben Allen, who was elected in 2014, spoke to the group about educational policies and how to involve high school students more in the political process. “Twelfth grade government is not enough for the students to voice their opinions and get involved,” Allen said. “It is important for the students to follow the news and protest in Sacramento on a larger scale.” Local assemblyman David Hadley, who controls the South Bay region, firmly supports the district’s policies. “We are lucky to have schools surrounded by affluent communities, and it is unique that an extremely high number of kids move on to four year colleges,” Hadley said. “It is my job to maintain a balanced budget and to keep urging the legislatures to properly fund our schools.” The district plans to continue its annual Capitol Convoy program to strengthen its cause in representing the community and district’s interests.

The 4 key pointS lOBBIED:

greater funding for Southern California Regional Occupational Center

More funding for facility maintenance

Increased money in the district reserve

payment of deferrals promised in proposition 98

PALOS VERDES PENINSULA HIGH SCHOOL

“If I had a better foundation, high school math definitely would have been easier.” -junior monice wong

27118 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274

COPY/MANAGING EDITOR Fatima Siddiqui DESIGN EDITOR Angela Song NEWS EDITOR: Noah Werksman WRITERS: Annie Benedict Esther Chu Sonia Desaidamle OPINION EDITORS: Lauren Lee Alex Bologna WRITERS: Zoe Willoughby Marine Fujisawa Trisha Valukonis FOCUS EDITORS: Chris Kong Sama Shah WRITERS: Amani Jalota Christopher Lee STUDENT LIFE EDITORS: Jina Kim Florencia Park WRITERS: Phoebe Borsum Stella Yoo Annie Tyler SPORTS EDITOR: Tunika Onnekikami WRITERS: Christopher Chien Jenna Henry Joe Foard GRAPHICS Yasmine Kahsai Jackie Uy BUSINESS & ADVERTISING Isabelle Wang ADVISER Jaymee Johnson “The Pen” is the student newspaper produced by the advanced journalism students of Palos Verdes Peninsula High School. It is published eight times per year. Advertising inquiries may be directed to Advertising Manager Isabelle Wang at (310) 377- 4888 ext. 652. The Pen editors appreciate Letters to the Editor, which are accepted up to one week before publication. You may submit them to H52 or Jaymee Johnson’s mailbox. Copyright © 2014

Front Page Illustration by Angela Song Design by Angela Song

Maya Tamhane/The Pen

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Uswah Shabbir

Common

learning at a better pace :

core

Students face greater challenges when adjusting to a less rigorous course schedule

BY Zoe Willoughby In the 2015-2016 school year, the final course of the new Palos Verdes Core Math (PVCM) initiative will be implemented into eighth grade. It will be offered to students on a non-accelerated pathway. PVCM 8 will serve as a class between PVCM 7, the current math class in seventh grade, and Algebra 1 to give students a better foundation for high school math. Recent debates over the effectiveness of the new standards have sparked controversy over whether Common Core covers enough material to allow all students to succeed in Calculus in 12th grade. The students that take the class will most likely be on the non-accelerated path and will not be able to take Calculus. Misconceptions about the new math standards assume that there is less material covered. In fact, the same topics are covered, although a few may be switched to a different grade, and each

one will be taught more in-depth. These new classes will build better foundations for students, while still allowing advanced students to take Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Accelerated in eighth grade. “Many studies have shown that many [students] who are not quite ready for Algebra [1] and take it do poorly, and even if they retake it the following year, they still do poorly,” Linda Kurt, chair of the Peninsula Math Department said. “If [students] can get a better foundation before they take algebra, they will do better in Algebra [1] if they wait a year to take it. I think if the kids [who really need it] are in the PVCM 8 class, it will help them.” The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) aim to abolish a “mile-wide, inch-deep” teaching policy, according to their website. Teachers are instructed to review slightly different concepts than previous years. According to Kurt, only a few topics will be switched to a different class level, less than what most people perceived.

“I definitely think the PVCM 8 class could better prepare students [for later math classes],” junior Monice Wong, who is currently taking Calculus AB AP, said. “Even now I have several holes in my understanding of some basic math concepts because they were not taught very thoroughly in middle school. If I had a better foundation, high school math definitely would have been easier.” Contrary to many beliefs about the CCSS, in the 2015-2016 school year, advanced students will not be restricted from taking Algebra 1 in eighth grade. The goal of PVCM 8 is to establish better foundations for success in high school math classes and beyond. According to a study by WestEd’s Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning, 34 percent of students will repeat Algebra 1, and only one in five students will improve the second time around. PVCM 8 will provide a basis that will allow students to have a better chance of succeeding in high school.

Editorial: take advantage of advantage BY editorial staff As the May 1 college commitment deadline rapidly approaches, seniors and underclassman alike are discussing seniors’ college acceptances as well as rejections. Though where one attends college may seem like a major aspect of life, and a sure indication of future success, it is imperative that students realize that above all, college is a privilege. We must be cognizant that we live in an affluent community where education is easily accessible. Though The Pen in no way means to denounce the

clear intelligence and hard work that permeates the student body, the fact remains: Going to prestigious four-year schools can be strongly attributed to the privilege that Peninsula students are born with. Teenagers all over the world do not have the same opportunities we do, such as outstanding counselors, teachers who academically prepare us for college, and, above all, the strong encouragement we get to consider college after high school. We are inundated with the idea of college to a point of ad nauseam where it seems as though higher education is

a requirement. It is essential that we remember that for many students our age, it is not. These students are not far from our community; many students in Los Angeles do not have the resources or the support to apply. This is not an extravagance afforded to everyone and we must acknowledge and take advantage of the countless possibilities available to us because of our educational privilege. According to globalissues. org, nearly one billion people entered the twenty-first century not knowing how to read a book or sign their own name. For children specifically, Right

to Education states that, around the world, more than 72 million children of primary education age are not in school. It is undeniable that education is a basic fundamental right and it is important that we, as students, not only recognize how significant of a privilege accessible education is, but also use it to benefit others. Though the colleges we attend is indeed important, obsessing over rejections from our “dream schools” instead of celebrating the opportunities afforded to us by our “second choices” is the true missed opportunity.

[

opting out:

OPINION

students choose to opt out of new standardized caaspp exam

Maya Tamhane/The Pen

by lauren lee and alex bologna

This year, Palos Verdes more than marginally impact improvement of Peninsula Peninsula High School their high school experience. High’s overall proficiency level implemented the California Students have always had the on standardized tests and Assessment of Student right to “opt out” of testing, yet beyond, has been working Performance and Progress a majority choose not to do so. tirelessly to gain support for the (CAASPP), to replace STAR The large number choosing to exams among students. testing in evaluating Peninsula “opt out” this year will instead “[It] absolutely is their High’s academic credibility. The spend CAASPP examination right [to opt out], but I can’t data from standardized testing, time working with teachers on retaliate; I can just look at which assigns school proficiency English oriented assignments. those kids individually and say levels across California, has Their refusal to participate ‘I am so disappointed,’” Cress repeatedly marked Peninsula will in no way help the school said. “These tests [are] what High’s outstanding Peninsula is all about: reputation as one identifying where we of the top 50 public and how we can [those[ students that opted out of stand schools in the nation. improve.” However, when the It is up to the CAASPP testing [ are doing a disservice first round of CAASPP student body to testing took place on to peninsula high. support the school April 20, Peninsula by participating in - associate principal alicia Foulkk the new standardized did not reach the required 95 percent testing, for it impacts of the 625 juniors to validate collect data and consequently not only the schools they this assessment. As a result, the impede Peninsula’s rating apply to but also the colleges’ school’s institutional rank and process. views of Peninsula. Without college recognition have been “It’s simple… [those] the CAASPP baseline data, put at stake. Because the scores students [that opted out of influential news outlets, such as from this year’s CAASPP acts CAASPP testing] are doing a “Newsweek,” will be unable to as a baseline for telling how disservice to Peninsula High,” rank the school on a national well Peninsula High is doing Associate Principal Alicia Foulk level. Colleges and universities academically and, as in past years, said. that take competitive school validates the school’s credibility, When Foulk and Principal ranking into consideration students should willingly take the Mitzi Cress were informed will no longer be able to use examination instead of opting about the mere two percent this tool of evaluation in their out. of juniors that would offset the selection process. This school has never school from being validated Sadly, as the school’s had a problem, traditionally, for the CAASPP testing due to national ranking hangs in with student participation in opt outs, they were extremely the balance, so does the standardized testing because discouraged. Cress, having administration’s confidence in many understood it would dedicated her career to the the students.

“

95%

OF THE JUNIOR CLASS must participate in the caaspp for the school to be considered at a national level in major news outlets

juniors have decided to opt out of the caaspp

93%

of the junior class is currently participating in the caaspp *625 students make up the junior class at Peninsula *Information provided by Principal Mitzi Cress

Lee enny

asm And Y

ahs ine k

a i /T

he Pe

s e at

b e d

s i r

BY Christopher lee

rizona Governor Janet Napolitano began work on a special curriculum in the mid-2000s, one with which she intended to reform and revolutionize the current education system to step it up to international standards. Those efforts eventually led to the establishment of state standards and rigorous standardized tests collectively known as the Common Core. The new curriculum structure centers on the achievement of specific standards which ensure that students have an in depth understanding of English and math materials. Starting this year, juniors will take the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) test, formerly known as the Smarter

v o e

m o c

Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) test, in April, which will feature the use of computers and a new rigorous set of questions that will test students’ abilities to think critically about materials. When subjects of a poll taken by Education Next were asked about the establishment of “standards for reading and math that are the same across the states,” responses were more positive in comparison to those in response to the Common Core. “I think that whenever there is change, many people become worried for the future,” junior Michael McFarland, a member of the Student District Board, said. “But I think that it was time for California to update our state standards to keep pace with the changing world of technology.” Peninsula’s school standards, known as the Expected School-wide Learning Results (ESLR’s), emphasize the development of “lifelong learners”: students who pursue “individual interests and abilities” at a professional and highachieving level. Math teacher Christian Kim fears that previously high-achieving schools around

n o m

e r co

the country may be pressured to lower their standards in accordance with the Common Core, thereby hindering the academic achievement and lifelong passion for learning by Peninsula students. “Most teachers at Peninsula already have a curriculum more akin to the Advanced Placement curricula,” Kim said. “I am concerned that the government is trying to establish a maximum for education by diminishing our own high-performing standards.” Many factors of the Common Core still exist in a gray area of experimentation, and according to studies by Brookings Institution’s Brown Center on Education Policy and the National Center for Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research, trustworthy data regarding the true effects of the new standards may not be measurable for a long time. Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Joanne Culverhouse, however, has high hopes for the new standards, which she says will endow students with the skills necessary to excel in both college and their future careers, not just the ability to take standardized tests. “The implementation of these standards promotes the four C’s—collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication,” Culverhouse said. “We aim for continued success within the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD) and increased college and career readiness.”

focus

BY Amani jalota A review of Kendrick Lamar’s new album gives insight to Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” according to English teacher Mike Hoeger. Hoeger strays from Cornell notes and Power Points and instead utilizes culture and art to enliven his curriculum, which includes lectures on gothic architecture and Bach. Hoeger began his teaching career using standard teaching methods and curricula, but noticed that his students shared his passion for the arts and started to incorporate more culture into his teachings. “I like to pay attention to what is going on in the world and adapt that to my teaching,” Hoeger said. “It is important to have a broad knowledge of things, and I think it is better to focus on the arts because it always connects back to literature.” Hoeger often provides lessons that are both interesting

and informative. For example, during a lesson about Baroque music, Hoeger had his students compare classical Baroque music to music from the band Vampire Weekend, allowing students to get a better understanding of the lesson. “My favorite part of Hoeger’s class is learning about English at a broad level and studying architecture, book awards and modern versus post-modern eras [in literature and art],” senior Travis Simpkins said. With 25 years of teaching experience, Hoeger continues to incorporate the humanities into lessons and educate his students beyond just textbooks, inspiring students to explore the relationship between art and literature. “I want to engage my students so I focus on contemporary arts to keep them interested,” Hoeger said. “I am more of a Renaissance man and I am that type of teacher also.”

Jenny Lee/The Pen

Bach, Baroque and bands: The world of English grows

Senior pursues a career in cosmetology BY amani jalota Senior Shelby Smith lives the tedious life of a high school student by day, but enjoys exploring her passion for cosmetology after school. Initially, she planned on taking the four year college route and becoming a teacher or counselor; however, Smith has always been passionate about beauty. When her sister pointed out her talent with cosmetics, Smith enrolled in cosmetology courses at Southern California Regional Occupational Center (SCROC). This year, Smith has periods zero to three, and then heads to SCROC Monday through Thursday after school. “Ever since I can remember, I have loved doing people’s hair and makeup,” Smith said. “I never thought I would be able turn something I love so much into a career.” SCROC is a vocational training facility which provides several courses students can take to receive

a General Educational Development (GED). Smith has been enrolled in the Cosmetology course since the beginning of her senior year, and currently receives high school credit for it. She will finish her last four modules after graduation and will receive her GED and cosmetology license in 2016. She not only learns makeup techniques, but also explores the field of nails, facials and hair treatments in her classes. “I am not only learning a lot, but also meeting many great people through SCROC while getting an education [and] having fun,” Smith said. After earning her license, Smith will move to Utah to be closer to her family and have increased job opportunities in her field. Her dream is to get a job doing hair and makeup on a movie or television show set. She also has a family friend, Romney Olsen, a cameraman for the BYUtv television channel, who is helping her get a job doing hair and makeup on set for the sketch comedy television show, Studio C.

68.4 percent of 2014 high school graduates are enrolled in colleges or universities.* SCROC offers over 100 courses. SCROC has five distinct schools: School of Art and Design, Engineering and Design, Finance and Business, Health Sciences and Public and Consumer Services. *Data acquired from the US Bureau of Labor statistics

Let's go

CLUBBING

KEY CLUB DEC. 27, 2014 Key Clu b me mb ers helped de floats fo cor ate the r the R ose B ow l P a r ad e .

BY jina kim Key Club is an international organization devoted to serving the community and building member character. The club not only works in the city, but also meets with other schools for division-wide collaborations. Projects include fundraisers for UNICEF Eliminate, Ralphs canned food drives, environment restorations and assistance of the annual Community Helpline directory distribution. Key Club also helps out in several races, such as the Palos Verdes Half Marathon, by passing out water cups and managing the set-up and clean-up to ensure a fun community experience for the participants. “We tend not to focus on the numbers and strive to mentor passionate and dedicated students who want the opportunity to make a change in the world,” Key Club co-President and senior Tiffany Yeh said.

Key Club members

BY florencia park

Acknowledged by fellow clubs as club of the year in 2014, Best Buddies continues to actively promote inclusion and create relationships between people with and without disabilities. Twice a month, peer members spend time with their buddy and every month they attend group activities that include playing games like charades and freeze dancing. On average, 30 members come to the lunch time meeting. In addition to on-campus activities, the leadership team takes additional time to plan off-campus events. This year, they have been bowling, gone to movies, decorated club shirts, and tie-dyed capes for the Friendship Walk that they will be participating in on May 2. Senior Lexi Mckissock, president of Best Buddies, believes her three years as a member of the club were very meaningful. “I contribute time to this club because I feel that it is so important that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are included and presented with the same opportunities [as] people without intellectual disabilities,” Mckissock said.

BEST BUDDIES 15 pairs of buddies

APRIL 11, 2015 Me mbe rs dyed ca tie pe the Frie s for nd Walk , h ship osted by B e s t B Interna uddies tional.

BY florencia park

AMERICAN RED CROSS

MARCH 20, 2015

50 first aid and emergency kits were distributed in Torrance neighborhoods

Me mbe rs South B in the ay at ten ded an infor m session ation abou t upcomin g local e ve n t s .

From fundraising for the Philippines Disaster Relief Fund to passing out breast cancer awareness pins, American Red Cross regularly contributes to its purpose of alleviating human suffering. During each lunch meeting, roughly 25 students come to plan and prepare for special events such as Clara’s Kit operation, which provided the community with essential first aid and disaster kits. Members also attend monthly Lifeguard Management classes in which they learn about saving lives on beaches. In addition to this meeting, representatives attend a monthly South Bay district meeting that includes representatives of each local school’s American Red Cross Club. Together they discuss future plans and share what they have done as a club. “I hope that future students will not treat this club as another thing to bump up their college resume, but really pour effort to bring opportunities to our students and become stronger leaders and more compassionate human beings,” Chang said.

JACKIE UY/THE PEN

student life

BREAKING NEWS SENIOR INDEPENDENTLY HOSTS TV SEGMENT LIVE

BY PHoebe borsum As senior Caitlin Semko looks into the camera while filming her show with RPV TV, a broadcast television channel, she has quite a lot on her mind. She has to make sure she sounds clear and articulate, be careful of her facial expressions and body movements, and speak in an engaging way to the audience. According to Semko, this is difficult because the only people in the studio when she films are the essential crew members. Semko’s new television program, Community Calendar, explores local events and informs viewers on how to get involved in the RPV community. Semko is the first and only intern to have ever gotten the chance to have her own show at this station. “I was definitely surprised to find out that I had gotten the opportunity to do my own show because it never even occurred to me that it could be a possibility,” Semko said. “I had been doing some other on-camera work for the station, but never in this capacity. I was very excited, to say the least.” Semko had wanted to do oncamera segments since she started her internship, and her goal was to go from being a behind the scenes intern to having more responsibilities

and carrying a production role on camera. “They were looking for someone to do the community calendar show and since they had been sending me out to do interviews with local sports teams and to cover community events, they offered it to me,” Semko said. She also works with other RPV TV staff members who help her with the filming and editing process. They operate the camera and teleprompter, and manage the technical aspects involved in producing a show. “There has always been a camaraderie between me and the other members of the RPV TV News Team,” Semko said. “Although it is important to be professional and on task, I have always had fun working at the station.” Her passion for reporting was not driven by being on camera but by connecting and communicating with the community. Semko is considering to choose this path as her career, and major in broadcasting or communications. “I like being social and involved in the community,” Semko said. “I think that’s what I enjoy more than being on-camera.”

gino abrajano/the pen

Channel 33: RPV T V

Senior Caitlin Semko poses for the camera as she would when she reports local news for the Community Calendar. She has been a part of this segment since July 2013.

Junior signs with ShiftAxis Records for his EDM mixes

BY annie tyler

When junior Alex Chang first began making music at the age of 12, he never thought he would be signed to a record label. “I was exposed to classical music at an early age from playing piano and violin [and since then] I always try to compose songs on the piano,” Chang said. Chang produces EDM, electronic dance music, on a popular music-sharing website called Soundcloud. EDM is a remix of a popular song or just a mix of different beats all flowing together as one. He uses the pseudonym Vestic. “I used to go by the alias Bass Noodles because I thought it was hilarious and appropriately fitting since

I’m an Asian producer,”Chang said. Da Candy. His most recent production “However, when I started pursuing is a remix of Cashin’ Out, which was music seriously, I knew I had to change released on Feb. 2. it. After a couple days of thinking, I just Chang dedicates 30 to 40 hours of came up with Vestic.” work to each song Seven months ago, which he produces i love producing and i Chang was signed to from home. ShiftAxis Records, an “I love making do not think i will stop EDM label that has remixes to popular signed artists such songs. I can put my anytime soon. as DJ Da Candy and own spin on wellRobosteel. - alex chang known tracks and His first album really show off my called “The Nooice signature style,” Chang EP” reached number nine on the hipsaid. “Originals are a bit harder to make, hop chart for Beatport.com, a site that but when I finally finish them I feel so allows users to discover EDM artists. proud. A lot of people think producing is His most successful track in the album simple and easy, but it really isn’t.” is a Melbourne Bounce remix for DJ Although Chang does not write his

“

”

own lyrics, he still draws inspiration from those around him. “A lot of my inspiration comes from friends who support me and help critique my songs,” Chang said. “I love producing and I do not think I will stop anytime soon.” Although Chang considers his music producing to be more of a serious hobby than a career, he tries his best to balance school and his passion. Alex is always trying to keep his music fresh for his listeners. “I learned everything about producing on my own, so I may not be as solid as some major artists,” Chang said. “I’m just a high school kid trying to make it in a huge industry. I’m not a full time producer, but one day I’ll get there.”

Picture

perfect BY Jenna Henry As one of the three remaining teams in the championship round of Large HipHop, the Co-ed Choreo dancers began to celebrate when they were not called for third place; when they were not called for second place either, they knew they had won. “Once the announcer congratulated us, we were jumping up and down and screaming like crazy,” second year co-ed dancer sophomore Nathan Pereira said. It was the first time in their program’s history that they claimed a first place national title; they earned it on March 21 at USA Dance Nationals at the Anaheim Convention Center, accompanied by coach Heather Horn. The team also received second place in Partner Dance and fifth place in All-Male Hip-Hop. Additionally, before their first place title was announced, they were awarded a second place title in Small Hip-Hop. It was the same title the team had won the year before, but it did not hold the same feeling. “[Getting second] was much more exciting last year, since it was the first time we had made championships,” second year junior dancer Derrick Valdez said. “Winning first [this year] felt better, obviously, but second was nice too.” With their biggest team success to

date, senior captains Amanda Cheam, Sebastian Park, Mai Ono and Aaron Jung feel that their team is on an upward trend as they have continually improved in competition. When at USA Nationals both Large and Small Hip-Hop dances qualified for finals, they were overjoyed. In years prior, only Small HipHop has made it to the final round. “When we received results that our Small Hip-Hop and Large Hip-Hop made it into finals, we were ecstatic,” Cheam said. “We were able to experience finals together, as a whole team.” Prior to competition, the team practiced six days a week sometimes until 10 p.m. to prepare. Captains worked with the dancers to help the team develop as a whole. They used their experience and knowledge to choreograph the dances and teach the members their parts. “All the captains made sure to show the others that it’s a team effort and we all have to work together,” Park said. Although the day was long and exhausting, the team was able to come out on top and realized that the day was more than just a win. “It was a day filled with laughs, unforgettable memories and, most importantly, a lot of dancing,” Cheam said.

Courtesy of PVPHS Co-ed Choreo

With picture perfect choreography, Coed Choreo shined at the USA Dance Nationals Championship. Among other awards, the team earned a first place national title for the first time in the program’s history.

A smiling co-ed choreo team poses with their awards after being cr owned national champions in the large hip-hop category. They claimed th e title and three others at the USA Dance Na tionals competition in Anaheim , CA on March 21.

“We were able to experience Finals together, as a whole team. “

- Senior Amanda Cheam

Courtesy of PVPHS C o-ed Chor eo

In the air, sop homore Keon G hodrati dances teammates Ch along with his ristian Guanz junio in g (l along with th e other member eft) and Derrick Valdez (rig r ht). They, s, earned fift h in All-Male Hip-Hop.

Sports

Very Superstitious Many athletes have pre-game traditions that they believe are essential for performance during competition. Some studentathletes told The Pen what it is they believe will guarantee success during a game.

Before every serve, freshman volleyball player Taeler Watson smacks the ball on the ground multiple times and makes sure to tap her left shoe once. “I have been doing it so long,” Watson said, “that now it’s just tradition.”

At every track meet, senior high jumper Tammy McVickar wears a white headband. “Praying is something I need to do before I jump,” McVickar said. “Wearing my headband is just something I like to do.”

Before and during soccer games, junior Izzy Shen makes sure to high five senior teammate Ellie Judge. “We high five before every half,” Shen said. “We have been doing it for the last five years. It doesn’t feel right if we don’t.”

On the field, junior lacrosse player Jack Mohr partakes in many traditions with his teammates, but also has one of his own. “I have a pair of lucky underwear,” Mohr said. “And, of course, I wash them.”

Senior varsity soccer captain Tori Buda listens to the same pre-game playlist which pumps her up while helping her focus. She also prays before every game and finds peace in knowing God will be with her on the field.

To keep his cool, senior varsity soccer and baseball player Zach Phillips pours water on his head before every game. “When I was nine, my friend’s mom told me it was good luck,” Phillips said.

Jackie Uy/The Pen

Wearing a green mouth guard, listening to “Remember the Name” by Fort Minor and jumping three times before getting in the pool is a ritual for junior water polo player Hannah McGuiness. “After the first time I did [them], I played better,” McGuiness said. “At this point, it’s second nature.”

Jumping rope before every game proves to be a relaxing tradition for senior tennis player Kenadi Hance. She has found an in-game ritual that helps her too. “Before my first serve, I have to bounce the ball seven times,” Hance said. “It gives me a rhythm to breathe to.”