The Pen by The Pen Newspaper

the newspaper of Palos Verdes Peninsula High School 27118 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274

www.pvphsnews.com

Vol. XXXIII Issue 4

25 Jan. 2013

Gunning for Safety

MARIE LUM/THE PEN

On Nov. 14, one of the most traumatic mass shootings in America’s history took place at Sandy Hooks Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. Of the 28 casualties, 20 were children.

Moreover, six administrators, the shooter and his mother died. As a result of this tragedy the question arose: how safe are public schools? The Los Angles Unified School District has instructed police officers to perform random, frequent and imminent checkups

Pen students witness media history in the making at live shows - see Arts and Entertainment, page 9

at all 600 district schools. Peninsula is also taking similar actions to greater increase security within the school, including cooperating with the local police station. “We’ve asked the sheriff to make unannounced rounds to check on the school,” Associate

Principal Micah Ferrell said. After hearing about the tragic news regarding the shooting, both principal Mitzi Cress and superintendant Walker Williams sent out an email describing Peninsula’s course of action should any emergency situations take place.

Several Pen alumni made it big in the NFL, and one is even heading to the Super Bowl this year - read more in Sports, page 11

BENSON LEUNG/THE PEN

PEN NEWS WRITER

SCOTT JACKSON

By USWAH SHABBIR

BENSON LEUNG/THE PEN

In light of the recent tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Peninsula amps up its security measures in order to ensure the safety of students.

“The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District takes its responsibility to provide the safest school environment possible very seriously,” Superintendant Walker Williams said via email. (continued on page 3)

A student rises above her past of child abuse to find happiness with her current family continue reading in Student Life, page 10

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NEWS

MARIE LUM/THE PEN

Peninsula scheduled to connect via Wi-Fi By CHRISTOPHER KONG PEN NEWS WRITER

SARAH ANDERSON/THE PEN

Supervisor Christine Holguin double checks senior Jason Qiu’s pass before letting him walk off campus. During school hours, all gates remain locked and under supervision.

By USWAH SHABBIR PEN NEWS WRITER

(continued from page 1) “I want to ensure you that the district has systems and procedures in place to protect both students and staff as best we can.” Principal Mitzi Cress’s address focused on Peninsula’s specific security measures and its campus impact. Cress has met with the police to formulate a plan for possible emergencies that could take place and to increase awareness regarding actions that have to be taken in the event of a crisis. In fact, many students are unaware that Peninsula’s evacuation site is the Unitarian

Church. “As principal of Peninsula High, the safety of every child on this campus is my top priority,” Cress said. “We have an excellent relationship with the Lomita Sheriff Department and we have two sheriff resource officers that are on daily standby to respond immediately to any needs Peninsula High might have.” Several steps are being taken in order to increase emergency preparedness. All staff members at Peninsula have been issued an ID card, which includes their names and positions at the school. These IDs will be crucial in the new security plans, and adults on campus without one will be asked to check into the office immediately. During events, campus security and staff will wear special attire in order to be easily recognizable in the event of an emergency. In addition, teachers will be notified in advance when a parent or a visitor is on campus and plans on visiting classrooms. “If you see an adult without a nametag on campus, you must take action,” Cress said. The administration is also working towards providing

more safety necessities in the classrooms, such as blinds in every room and more packaged food and water that are essential during a lockdown. “There are many little things we can do to improve our safety measures,” Cress said. Furthermore,the district has taken the uniqueness of each classroom into consideration while improving emergency plans. Lockdown drills, which are a crucial part in preparing for an emergency, will be implemented during different periods of the day, not just during the typical third period class. This will better simulate an emergency situation. The district has also been advised to invest in a mechanism that enables doors to be locked from the inside, called “School Safe”. This latch can prop a locked door open but can be operated from the inside so teachers can close doors quickly. During staff meetings, Associate Principal Micah Farrell reiterated that preparedness is the key to handling any unexpected situation. Farrell added that every small action taken to improve safety conditions within each classroom is worth the district’s investment.

PV High senior Sean Heffernan passes away By USWAH SHABBIR PEN NEWS WRITER

On Jan. 18, 17-year-old Palos Verdes High School senior Sean Heffernan was killed after being hit by a suspected drunk driver on Hawthorne Blvd. The news was released Sunday night by email to Peninsula High parents and

staff. “As soon as I heard about the news, I called Palos Verdes to offer our counselor’s support,” Principal Mitzi Cress said. Peninsula counselors went to Palos Verdes High on Tuesday to offer additional support to any grieving students. Students from Peninsula who knew Heffernan well are deeply affected by this tragedy. Senior

Marissa Hartzell attended Miraleste Intermediate School with Sean and has long-lasting memories as his friend. “He was one of a kind,” Hartzell said. “He appreciated the simple things in life.” The entire Panther family is deeply saddened and offers its condolences to Palos Verdes High and the entire Heffernan family.

SARAH ANDERSON/THE PEN

District works with staff to improve safety measures

Wireless internet is coming soon to Peninsula. Students will now have greater access to resources, information and research for school-related activities. With Wi-Fi, students will be able to access the Internet through various multimedia devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones, vastly improving convenience when computers are unavailable. “Laptops will be required to have current anti-virus software [in order] to access Wi-Fi,” network analyst Dusko Erakovic said. The PVPUSD administration hopes students will become more productive with Wi-Fi.

“The goal is to have coverage throughout the campus learning environments,” Erakovic said. The PVPUSD campus Wi-Fi network will have the same content filtering as the filtering currently in place for the campus Internet. Students will have their own account with a username and password which will be used to access the server. Internet access will be denied to students who use it inappropriately. The school has not set a date for wireless installation. “A target date has not yet been identified,” said Erakovic. “The first phase is for PVPUSD staff and then students. There is still some software that needs to be acquired for student access and configuration in order to set up student accounts.”

Flags will guard the edge of the newly filled pool which is set to open in the near future.

Jackie Prindle Pool to open soon By CHRISTOPHER KONG PEN NEWS WRITER

Construction of the Jackie Prindle Pool area continues, with the California Commercial Pool Company working on fencing that will surround the pool. The pool was filled with water on Dec. 14. The Jackie Prindle Pool replaces the old pool which became a safety hazard to swimmers and staff due to long years of use. “The old pool was cracking and crumbling and rusting and completely falling apart,” Attendance Clerk Mary DiMatteo said. In addition, the pool did not meet the CIF standards for water polo. “[The old pool] was not CIF compliant for water polo events. The first pool had a deep end of

11 feet and the other of 4 feet,” DiMatteo said. “So one goalie would be actually standing in the goal.” With the new pool, Peninsula will be hosting Bay League finals for swim this year. Costing an estimated $2.1 million, the new pool is larger then its predecessor, 134 feet wide and 75 feet long. It contains over 8,000 cubic feet of water. The new pool also features 11 swim lanes and provides more deck space for students to do dry land exercises. This larger pool will allow more students to use the pool together. “This will free up time for groups [to practice together] and will let the student athletes get home at a reasonable time to do homework,” DiMatteo said. During second semester, the school will host a ribbon cutting ceremony in honor of Jackie Prindle. The first team to be able to swim in the pool will be the girls water polo team. “It is only fitting as Jackie Prindle was a water polo player at Peninsula,” DiMatteo said.

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By VIVEKA KRISHNASWAMY PEN OPINION EDITOR

Last week I was bombarded with news about Taylor Swift’s break-up (shocker!) with One Direction front man Harry Styles. The split, reportedly some time soon after the start of the New Year, left me rather upset and dissatisfied -- not because I actually gave a hoot about the pair, but because I couldn’t stop thinking “why does anyone care?!” Our culture has become obsessed with the trivialities of celebrity life, so much so that it has hit the point of absurdity. When this turns into sheer idolatry, however, it becomes even more problematic: Teenage girls across the country worship stars like Swift, tracking her every move and tweeting their misspelled support for her ‘struggles.’ These hardships of hers usually revolve

around having 5,320 boyfriends in four days and are, without fail, followed by country-pop ballad doused in melodrama and angst. Nevertheless, she remains America’s sweetheart because of the world’s misguided impression that her messages are meaningful. Unsurprisingly, I fail to see what is so significant about ephemeral relationships and albums that boast 12 versions of the same song. Sure, she’s cute and seems sweet but there really isn’t more to it than that. Her unfailing obsession with men only undermines the notions of female independence that modern women have been so struggling to perpetuate. I understand that teens will be teens, but society must still see through the fluff and redefine what it means to be a role model. While 13-year-olds may not yet want to stick up posters of Ruth Bader Ginsburg or Sandra Day O’Connor on their bedroom walls, true admirable qualities (perseverance, profundity, resilience, ambition, etc.) need to be promoted despite the shallow mainstream media. Our values can’t be defined by what we hear on the radio or see on MTV.

PALOS VERDES PENINSULA HIGH SCHOOL 27118 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Jason Choe, Edwin Chu, Kendall Van Nort COPY/DESIGN EDITOR Samantha Neal WEB CHIEF Michael Yu NEWS Editors: Sunnie Kim, Zohair Lalani Writers: Jasmine Kim, Valeria Park, Uswah Shabbir, Chris Kong OPINION Editors: Viveka Krishnaswamy, Izma Shabbir Writers: Amanda Katz, Florencia Park, Caroline Park FOCUS Editors: Sehar Dedmari, Stephanie Minn Writers: Julian Choi, Jina Kim STUDENT LIFE Editor: Michelle Lin Writers: Fatima Siddiqui, Rachel Tosney, Tunika Onnekikami ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Editors: Audrey Tsai, Wendy Wei Writers: Maerah Ahmed, Charles Kim, Lauren Lee SPORTS Editors: Bryan Lee, Jonathan Wu Writers: Sam Quon, Amy Valukonis, Noah Werksman WEB Web Editor: Robert Papa GRAPHICS Benson Leung Marie Lum BUSINESS TEAM Manager: Liliana Pond Assistant: Alisha Prasad ADVISER Katherine Crowley “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 Liliana Pond at (310) 377- 4888 ext. 652. The Pen editors appreciate Letters to the Editors, which may be accepted up to one week before publication. You may submit them to H52 or Katherine Crowley’s mailbox. Copyright © 2013

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4 OPINION Taylor Swift: Idol?

Editorial By EDITORIAL STAFF Recently, the violent actions spawned by a single madman tragically snuffed out dozens of innocent lives. In the aftermath of the carnage, reflection is inevitable; while some consider more stringent gun regulations as the surest way to prevent a similar disaster from striking again, others turn inward and reevaluate their own risk assessment. People fearfully wonder if they could be the next victim, but at the same time, as unthinkable as it may seem, they also need to consider whether they could be the next gunman. After all, in the two most recent instances of overt gun violence, mental illness has been to blame. Adam Lanza gunned down 26 victims at Sandy Hook Elementary school, including 20 first-grade students. Six months before, James Holmes murdered 12 movie attendees in Aurora, Colorado. In both cases, new gun laws and stricter security measures would not have been enough to stop these tragedies. According to an article published by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “about 25% of all U.S. adults have a mental illness and nearly 50% of U.S. adults will develop at least one mental illness during their

lifetime.” These figures, when juxtaposed with the 2010 Gallup statistic that over 39 percent of the American population already own guns, unfortunately lead to the startlingly scary conclusion: people with mental illnesses have access to guns. However, most people who have mental illnesses are not dangerous, and only a small number can be considered to be potentially violent to themselves and others. The most common myth regarding people with mental illnesses is that they are unpredictable, violent and dangerous. In all honesty, though, “mental illness” is a broad term that encompasses multiple conditions in varying degrees of intensities. Of the estimated 75 million American citizens who possess such conditions, few actually pose a threat to themselves or to their community. Obviously, the isolated occurrences of a few deranged individuals cannot characterize all those with mental illnesses. In the past decade, efforts have been made to decriminalize and recharacterize mental illness; most notably, the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) in 2004 mandates that state

governments fund special education endeavors that include, if needed, psychiatric services. These services include the implementation of peer support programs such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness’s Family-to-Family program and its Peer-to-Peer program. In the PVPUSD, stricter safety regulations, tighter security and higher awareness are all methods to prevent a similar incident from occuring at one of our schools. Simultaneously, though, people need to reconceptualize their perceptions of people with “mental illness,” not as social pariahs, but simply as others who have a condition that needs to be, and can be, treated. To these ends, it is imperative that we provide the mentally ill with the resources they need-even if it costs more money. After all, in the long run, if better treatment for the mentally ill prevents a similar incident from occuring in the future, the investment would have been worth it. In the face of increasingly limited resources, it is everyone’s responsibility to be understanding and to refrain from further alienating those who are mentally ill. Though it may be an individual’s aliement, it is society’s responsiblity.

Immigration policies much too stringent, need serious reform By FLORENCIA PARK PEN OPINION WRITER

On Dec. 11, 25 illegal immigrants from Mexico were arrested and later detained along the coast of Abalone Cove. This new incident has increased local citizens’ awareness about the United States’ continued illegal immigration problem. The recent landings force the realization that it is time that immigrants seeking asylum on our shores be allowed an easier time of it. These local arrests emphasize the injustice of immigration practices. Although immigration laws are necessary and provide stability to the nation’s security, the current laws are much too stringent. The laws criminalize illegal immigrants instead of acknowledging the hardships and trials they go through to come here. Current legislation characterizes illegal aliens as pests, rather than as individuals who seek refuge and safety from harsh conditions. Like many others who remain

unauthorized, these Palos Verdes bound immigrants will face deportation back to Mexico. They receive hostility because of their efforts to bypass U.S. law, but the entirety of their efforts are ignored. Many base their objections on the fact that illegal immigrants are “freeloaders” who use up the benefits that the country has to offer without giving anything in return. Contrary to popular sentiment, however, illegal immigrants contribute significantly to the United States. For example, in 2011, the state of Georgia implemented an immigration law to reduce the illegal population. With this drastic action came a slew of repercussions. Farmers lost 11,000 workers and were forced to raise wages; consequently, they lost an average of $140 million in one year. Georgia’s devastation exposes the growing economic roles that illegal immigrants play. Federal officials like Virginia Kice, a spokeswoman for U.S.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement still believe in adhering to our nation’s current unforgiving laws. “Obviously, if someone has the means to get back into the country lawfully, they aren’t going to be in the need of undercover darkness in the United States,” Kice said. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, illegal immigrants constitute 3.5 percent of the population. Although this may seem like a trivial number, these illegal immigrants provide economic welfare to many states, such as our own California. Currently, the government believes that the focus should be on deporting criminals and other unnecessary influence away from America. However, efforts and concentrations should shift away from decriminalizing these people to understanding their plight. These overly harsh regulations should undergo reform for humanitarian and economic reasons.

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OPINION

By FLORENCIA PARK PEN OPINION WRITER

With only three hours left before the New Year, the Senate negotiated a compromise to avert the much-feared fiscal cliff. Missing the deadline by just over two hours, the resolution provoked anxiety in households across the nation. Despite having 518 days to come up with the decision and 12 years to anticipate the end of the Bush tax cuts, the Senate’s final overdue compromise was belated and disappointing in that it only answers short term concerns. With the bill, income tax rates were allowed to revert to preBush tax cut levels for those earning $450,000 or more; this is a significant development in such an affluent community like Palos Verdes. A budget plan, as well as the decision of whether or not to raise the debt ceiling, has been postponed until March. For taxpayers, the wait was nerve-wracking. According to the Congressional Budget Office’s predictions in late November, if America were to fall off the fiscal cliff, the unemployment rate would plummet to 9.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Furthermore, the across-theboard tax hikes and education cuts would impose an increased burden on the poor and middle class. As a result, American households were anxious and, to the economy’s detriment, afraid to spend. The delay made it near-impossible to plan for the 2013 fiscal year. Gridlock is to blame for this holdup; Congress let its citizens stew in economic distress because of partisanship. The legislative tax compromise was a let-down because it only deals with certain aspects of the postponed decisions that must be made regarding expenditures, entitlements and the debt ceiling. Many GOP members were unhappy with the compromise, as its focus was tax increases; efforts to cut spending were lacking. This undermines the ‘bargaining’ aspect of the bill and instead gives it a more biased feel. Indeed, Palos Verdes’ former district representative Dana Rohrabacher voted no on the bill because of, according to the OC Register, “the absence of spending cuts.” This is not to say that increased taxes on the rich are out of line; merely that tax increases sans spending cuts are

Peninsula’s stance on marijuana legalization By AMANDA KATZ PEN OPINION WRITER

not indicative of fairness. The situation raises some questions as to why Congress spent nearly 17 months deliberating without successfully settling in a way agreeable to both parties. Palos Verdes Congressman Henry A. Waxman agrees that partisanship has taken its toll. “The last Congress was the most partisan – and least productive – in decades... When Democrats and Republicans work together, we were able to enact good laws,” Rep. Waxman said. The representative continued to explain that, of the 31 bills sent from the Energy and Commerce Committee to the House floor last year without Democratic support, only two became law. In contrast, however, of the 33 Energy and Commerce Committee bills with bipartisan support, 18 became law. We cannot wait for government officials to bicker amongst themselves and conclude in the eleventh hour. The March budgetary decisions must be dealt with by a proactive, cooperative Congress. “If we don’t find a way to deal with these issues, our recovery and our national security will be threatened,” Rep. Waxman said.

Measure benefitting lowincome schools unfair

its wealthy surroundings cannot be mistaken as the same as the school itself. Peninsula, though seemingly For many months, students well off, cannot afford to bear and staff alike have been the burden of other schools. stressing about conserving PVPUSD’s already-meager resources and being ecobudget cannot afford to pay friendly in order to minimize for other schools in lowercosts. The school loses $36 per income neighborhoods. Though absent student daily, and as a Palos Verdes is an affluent result, enforcement of student neighborhood, this does not attendance has grown more directly correlate with its stringent. district’s financial budget. Now PVPUSD students Since schools with higherand teachers have another income families would not be issue to worry about. On given as much state funding as Jan. 10, California Gov. Jerry those with lower incomes, it Brown proposed a plan that poses the question as to whether would benefit the low-income the money is truly population. In being allocated fairly. the proposed “[It’s stealing from one group to give to another. Other plan, areas with There is not much left to cut.” neighborhoods like more than half the El Segundo area of its student have businesses such population European History AP teacher Don Frazier as Chevron and Los classified as Angeles International low-income will Airport that allow for Though Peninsula may be receive a poverty “concentration” more district funding. However, better off than other schools in grant. However, Brown plans because of Peninsula’s seclusion California, it is still suffering to pay for the program with the from large corporations, it from both the budget deficit $1.8 billion the state owes school unfortunately has no way of and the cuts made throughout districts, including PVPUSD. receiving this type of grandthe years. For example, in the Even though Peninsula is in scale funding from its area. 2011-2012 school year, PVPUSD’s a wealthier community than Though it may appear that many other schools in California, net change in fund balance was schools like those of PVPUSD are -$2,628,408. This decrease PVPUSD still faces many shows how much money PVPUSD more endowed, one must realize financial struggles. While Palos that all schools in California has lost and its need for districtVerdes is certainly a wealthy are facing these similar budget wide financial recovery. As community, its schools do not problems. each new school year starts, in necessarily share the same This proposed solution does California’s current position, the affluence as some of the families not help schools in less fortunate budget is being cut more and on the hill; the need for financial neighborhoods; instead, it more. Now is not the time to aid is pervasive and persistent. takes money from schools with remove money from our limited With Brown’s plan comes a seemingly large budget like budget. Peninsula needs the many flaws. He plans to increase ours. Everyone is suffering, so maximum amount of money funding for schools overall, there is no need to take from the that can be allocated for its while simultaneously promising supposed rich. Brown should funds. This money can not be to shift some money to the surely rethink his proposal. redistributed to other schools; lower-income schools. If the By CAROLINE PARK

MARIE LUM/PEN

PEN OPINION WRITER

*survey out of 118 people

MARIE LUM/PEN

Congressional gridlock must come to an end soon

money is to be reallocated to the needier schools, that money has to come from somewhere: that somewhere being from the socalled richer school districts. “[It’s] stealing from one group to give to another,” European History AP teacher Don Frazier said. “There is not much left to cut. All I get from the school are markers, scantrons [and] paper.” The correct way to close the disparity between higher and lower income schools is not to take money from ‘wealthier’ schools, who, in truth, are likewise facing their own financial problems and budget cuts as well.

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FOCUS

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Friendship knows no limits

True friends stick together when homework piles up and punishments are delved out. Their loyalty in tough times makes it that much easier for a struggling student to find his or her center of balance. By JINA KIM PEN FOCUS WRITER

Go to your best friend’s birthday party or catch up on pre-calculus homework? Babysit your little sister or form a study group for your Spanish final?

They’re the ones who can Siddiqui and Khan joined a youth in our class so it was hard to grow apart [once you became communicate with one glance group at their mosque, which friends].” from across the room, who allowed them to meet more Fortunately for the two, their blackmail each other with frequently at their previous, friendship focuses more on embarrassing middle school favorite spot for hijinks. Now providing support for each other anecdotes, and who know each reunited at Peninsula, the duo’s through difficult times rather other’s parents better than their friendship only continues to than allowing issues to divide own. flourish. them. Sophomores Dilawer Siddiqui “It’s not really hard to balance Although increasing numbers and Shahzada Khan have been it, honestly,” Siddiqui said. of students in their classes lead best friends for almost fourteen “[Even when we’re not together] to making new friends, Abele years. Since childhood, they have we’ll text each other with and Scott managed shared many to incorporate exciting “Without trust, there is no true companionship. And without new friends with moments. old and always “We were true companionship, there can never be love.” supporting them. known as the Sophomore Genna Abele “In fifth grade, little trouble this girl that used makers, all to be my friend bullied me,” the adults knew us but never something like, ‘Oh hey, go on Abele said. “[Brittany] always hated us,” Siddiqui said. Xbox’ and we’ll play.” defended me and listened to me Even with fun memories Another pair, sophomores whenever I wanted to talk about solidifying their relationship, Genna Abele and Brittany Scott, it.” difficulties arose while juggling have managed to keep their Throughout the ten years, lives outside antics at the friendship alive for more than Abele and Scott have developed mosque. ten years. The two have faced their friendship to a point in “[During] middle school, we multiple hardships together as which they completely trust one only saw each other sometimes a team rather than allowing another. They consider honesty until the end of eighth grade,” negative incidents to affect their to be a huge foundation of their Siddiqui said. “I missed getting friendship. successful friendship. into trouble with him, having “We met on the first day of “Without honesty, there is punishments together, and kindergarten because we were no trust. Without trust, there joking around laughing.” sitting next to each other,” Abele is no true companionship. And At the end of the eighth grade, said. “There were only 32 people without true companionship,

A modern-day traditional family

MARIE LUM/PEN

Twelve children, one family. Balancing bathroom time and school schedules is stressful as is, but in this household, fun is deifnitely cheaper bythe dozen. By JINA KIM PEN FOCUS WRITER

“He’s hogging the bathroom!” “She went through my closet!” “He hit me over the head!” These complaints are standard in a household of multiple children, but for freshman Kathleen Maeder, sophomore Matthew Maeder, and their ten other siblings, the problem is a little larger. “My dad had two previous wives. We’re half siblings,” Matthew said. “There are eight inside the house, and four have moved out.” With seven siblings living together, the home is much more crowded than a typical American household, which reportedly holds approximately one child, according to The United States Census Bureau. Their family, however, has learned to live with one another. “You just get used to it after a while, people being everywhere and the constant noise in the house,” Matthew said. Despite the conflicts that may arise from living with seven siblings, the Maeder family maintains a level of respect and

peace with one another. “My brothers and sisters and I don’t really fight very often,” Kathleen said. “We normally fight about what belongs to [who], and who gets to do certain things first, [such as] who gets to choose movies when we’re watching something.” With so many people living under one roof, compromise is necessary to avoid discord, such as within carpool schedules or plans with friends. “One of the drawbacks is that you can’t always get to do what you want to do because you have to arrange your day around everyone else’s,” Matthew said. Everyone in the family has responsibilities. Kathleen must often take care of her younger siblings. “Dealing with an 11 month old isn’t really fun,” Kathleen said. “[But], I can see how it’s fair because my parents are really busy all the time.” However, many benefits, including the abundance of activities within the home, present a positive aspect.

“You never really get bored,” Matthew said. “I play UNO, poker, and other board games with my siblings.” The difference in maturity levels provides the siblings with a number of people to go to for advice. “For the most part, we talk to our brothers and sisters who are closer to our age,” Kathleen said. “If I’m ever having a serious problem, I like to talk to my older sisters about it, who are in their twenties. They can offer a lot of

advice that I probably wouldn’t get otherwise.” Living every day with eleven other siblings seems overwhelming. The Maeder family, however, has grown to realize that each member is vital to the family as a whole. “I definitely wouldn’t trade my family for any other,” Kathleen said.

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FOCUS

Finding the perfect balance between one’s personal and academic life is no easy feat. The scale tips constantly, but with precise measurements and diligent practice, every student can find their center of balance.

Her sister’s keeper The bond of two sisters is a remarkable one. A sister is a best friend, a confidante—but what about a caregiver? When a high school girl is left to raise her own sister, how does she balance the lifestyle of a teenage girl with that of a mother? By JULIAN CHOI PEN FOCUS WRITER

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The typical Peninsula student tackles roles such as an ambitious scholar, a caring friend, a loving boyfriend or girlfriend, a diligent student, a mature son or daughter. As the modern family evolves, however, students occasionally must take on the role of a parent or caregiver as well. Spending an increasing amount of time at the office and on business trips, working parents strive to give their children the best education. However, in order to reach this goal financially, they may not always be available at home. These situations leave many students with the responsibilities of caring for their younger siblings or handling housework. “My parents are out working a lot so I basically do everything around the house,” senior Anson Tsang said. “I cook for both myself and my little sister, clean around the house, do the dishes, etc.” Tsang lives a normal senior life in many respects. She takes four classes each day, works part time at Honey Boba, participates as Vice President of Kiwin’s Club on campus, takes art classes and participates in art competitions. Yet she also bears the burden of taking a parental role by looking after her younger sister in her household as well. According to COURTESY OF MATTHEW MAEDER research conducted by Northwestern University, “Nationally, 20 percent Sophomores Matthew and Kathleen Maeder and 11 of their of families…regularly use family members, sophomores Dilawer Siddiqui and Shahzaadolescent care for an average da Khan, Genna Abele and Brittany Scott, and senior Anson of 9.9 hours a week... not Tsang rest precariously on the scale of life. The students’ lives surprisingly, adolescent care is most have been devoted to balacing their academic lives with their likely to be used in families where the personal ones. designated parent is employed.” Research has also shown that households with the designated

parent working full-time “use adolescent care for longer hours” than in households in which the designated parent works parttime. “It’s frustrating when I want to go hang out with my friends but I can’t because I have to stay home and take care of my little sister,” Tsang said. “It’s hard because I have to be good with time management and looking after her is a priority over going out with friends.” Through the challenges she has faced by taking on a parental role in her family, Tsang expressed that her experiences taught her many valuable lessons. “Taking on a parental role in the house taught me how to manage my time more efficiently and be more productive,” Tsang said. “It helped me be more independent and learn how to care for others and not just myself. I have to put aside extra time for my family but I love them and I’m glad to help out in any way.” Tsang stated that she admires those who care for others more than themselves and commented on the difficulties of having to bear the burden of looking after someone else. “I have to make sure that all of my work is done, like sending college applications, finishing homework, studying for tests, organizing for Kiwin’s, getting my hours in at work, and other things,” Tsang said. “But I also have to make sure my little sister has her work done and has had lunch and dinner, make sure the dishes are washed and the house is clean.” With an steadfast sense of responsibility and an even steadier source of love from her younger sister, Tsang finishes her last year of high school standing balanced and proud on the tightrope of life.

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A&E

MARIE LUM/PEN

BEHIND THE SCENES: SHOW TAPINGS

Instead of their usual enthusiastic selves on national television, the real taping of a reality show reveals the off-screen reality of the judges.

PEN A&E WRITER

The high definition of the television screen illuminates the face of Cassadee Pope as she belts out the last notes of her song. The audience flashes on the screen, cheering loudly with ecstatic expressions. Senior Erin Gazdik, however, is seeing a different side of the story at the Nokia Theatre, where The Voice is regularly filmed. As the cameras turn away, judge Cee Lo Green dozes off while Adam

Levine rolls his eyes irritably at the producers. Seniors Anna and Erin Gazdik have attended the Ellen Show, the Jay Leno show and most recently, the Voice. They received their tickets from a website that gives out free tickets to fans 16 or older. “My view of the celebrity judges changed,” Erin said. “They act completely different offscreen than they do on-screen.” Live shows provide a frontrow seat to how celebrities act in real life as compared to how they

are portrayed in the media. Erin’s experience was drastically different from what viewers see on television. The taping was often stopped because the judges had to continuously rehearse their lines. Singers would occasionally have to redo their entrance if they were off on timing. “Adam Levine was supposed to be saying a line to the camera and couldn’t get it right so he had to keep on re-doing it,” Anna said. “He finally got fed up, yelled

Palos Verdes goes Hollywood By LAUREN LEE

ELLIE KIM/PEN

WENDY WEI/PEN

PEN A&E WRITER

Wayfarers Chapel, also known as the “Glass Church,” is the perfect set location for Hollywood weddings because of its redwood frame and glass windows.”90210” used Wayfarers Chapel to film beautiful wedding scenes. In “90210,” one of the main characters, Naomi Clarke, interrupts the wedding of the man she loves. Another wedding scene in the final episode of “The O.C.” took place at the chapel in 2007. Several commercials, including a Visa credit card one, was also shot here.

Parts of the successful American teen drama series “The O.C.” were filmed at Trump National Golf Course. The inside and entrance to the club house at the golf course posed as a local country club in the show. Some recognizable shots are found in episodes such as “The Debut,” in which protagonist Ryan has to attend a cotillion ball. Other episodes include “The Shower” and “The Risky Business.” Also, in the movie “Stepbrothers,” a wine mixer at Catalina Island was actually filmed in the Trump Gold Club.

“Inception” included shots of the Pacific Ocean. What was supposed to be a balcony in Japan was really a man-made structure built right at the edge of the coast along Palos Verdes. In “Pirates of the Caribbean”, many of the sea sequences in which the sailing pirate ships appeared were also filmed in the South Bay’s very own beaches. Other projects such as the original “Charlie’s Angels”, “90210”, “The Mentalist” and “Savages” are only a handful of films and shows that have been filmed along the coast.

at someone and then walked out for awhile.” At the taping, directors held up signs directing the audience how to react, whether to cheer or boo. “All the reactions are actually directed and set up,” Erin said. “Ironically, the real taping turned out to be a lot more boring than when I watch it on TV.” When Erin came home and watched the episode on TV a few days later, she noticed that the editors had added in music and

comments to add excitement and suspension when watching the show. The scene sequence was changed to make the show flow more. “[The sets] are always much smaller in real life,” Erin said. “Everything you see on television is magnified and heightened.” Participating in a taping of a favorite television show is undoubtedly a thrilling experience, but it also reveals that not everything is what it seems.

Sex in media misleads today’s youth By LAUREN LEE PEN A&E WRITER

“A hot tub is the perfect temperature for sperm,” Glee character Quinn Fabray said as part of her ploy to convince her boyfriend that he impregnated her in a jacuzzi. While this explanation may seem ridiculous, today’s youth lacks sexual knowledge. Every year, approximately 12 million people in the world are reported to have STDs, unintended teen pregnancies and HIV/AIDS, all of which are transmitted through sexual contact. The highest reported rates of these cases are in 15 to 19-year-old patients. Movies and books set in high school display misleading realities of sexual activity. From physical education to core classes, health education used to be a required class in all high schools throughout the state. In this class, students learned the consequences of unhealthy diets, drugs and sexual activity. However, due to budget cuts, health became an optional course for schools in California. With this class removed, students now have no choice but to turn to media for sex education. In 2007, the hit movie “Juno” was released. “Juno” focused on the life of a pregnant teenager and the consequences of her pregnancy. Other reality television shows such as “16 and Pregnant” reveal the lives of young teenage girls after conceiving a child. These reality stars learn how to cope with the realities of being a mother at the age of 16. Cable shows portray young adults’ sexuality more carelessly. Purchased cable stations, such as Home Box Office, are not subject to censorship and often play movies with nudity and graphic scenes. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, media exposure has led to more permissive attitudes by youth towards casual sex. Students in the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District receive one trimester of health during middle school. Freshman Tiana Clarke, a transfer from Chadwick, received two trimesters of health that focused on the effects of stressful activities, sex and drugs. “I felt that learning the consequences of becoming sexually active at a young age in a proper health class really allowed me to think of things at a broader prospective and become more aware of my actions,” Clarke said. Sophomore Geena Shah from Ridecrest received one trimester of health education. Having been exposed to scenes that portray high school students as sexually active but ignores the actual realities of premature sexual activity, Shah believes that on the contrary, movies prove more valuable to a student’s understanding of sexual activity in high school. “It is hard to truly understand such an experience by attaining information from a textbook. Media allows us to put [sexual understanding] into some context to the real world, especially when it is incorporated into true stories,” Shah said. “Although they do not completely replace a proper sex education, movies provide a beneficial supplement to what we receive in school.”

BENSON LEUNG/PEN

By KENDALL KISSEL

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Facebook creates an academic niche By KENDALL KISSEL PEN A&E WRITER

By KENDALL KISSEL PEN A&E WRITER

With the recent switch from Edline to Aeries, many students have turned to Facebook for additional educational aid. In taking multiple AP classes and participating in various clubs, senior Josephine Lin is bombarded with notifications and posts ranging from her next club meeting or the daily calculus homework assignment to the study material of her upcoming English test as she scrolls down her news feed. Nowadays, having a Facebook is almost required for classes, clubs and sports. It is used as a site to post assignments, news and upcoming events. National Honors Society, Advanced Placement Classes and Model United Nations all use Facebook as a form of communication amongst the students. With this new and convenient trend, some students find they no longer have to write their assignments in their agenda book. The Facebook group features everything from personalized study guides, project and assignment

discussions. Without Facebook, some students find themselves at a disadvantage because they do not have access to class discussions. Senior Michelle Wong, who doesn’t have a Facebook, acknowledges its usefulness. “I feel like having a Facebook would be useful for group projects and asking my friends questions on a homework assignment,” Wong said. While students are prohibited from friending current teachers on Facebook, teachers have found Facebook groups to be a way to connect with students outside of school. Physics teacher Mark Greenberg holds an open Facebook group as a complement to Aeries where he posts links and videos about the current unit of study. “The Facebook group allows for students to ask and clarify information for each other,” Greenberg said. Originally a social platform, Facebook has turned into a classroom outside of school.

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10 Student life

Through the fire A young Peninsula student recalls the abuse she endured as a child and reflects on her time as a foster child.

Michelle Kim/PEN

were fueled by her parents’ drug addiction. “It made me feel that I was unloved,” Crystal said. “I didn’t have a mom and dad.” Safe School Coordinator Christine Lopez said that she does not believe that adults enter parenthood with the intention of hurting their children, but situations in the adults’ past and present can affect the way they treat their own children. “I think that every situation could be very different, [but] by no means is there any justification for that,” Lopez said. When he was about six, Ernesto called the police on his parents, but when the police arrived their mother denied that any abuse had occurred in the home. After a year, the police returned and found scars

and Ernesto were placed together and they were much happier. Her new family taught her about God and she In November of 2012, sophomore began to move on. They lived with Crystal Kurtz discovered a tumor in the family for nearly four years, but her right knee. Although the small the parents decided they couldn’t cyst was benign, it needed to be adopt the two children, so Crystal removed to prevent any further pain and Ernesto were placed with a third or problems. There were no surgical foster family, the Kurtz family. The complications and doctors expected siblings lived with them for a year Crystal to make a full recovery in a before they were adopted by them. week and a half. Crystal was back in With the life she lives today, school the next day because for her Crystal feels that God has “answered the surgery was just a small hurdle her prayers.” While she does miss compared to what she had already her siblings, Crystal does not like to overcome. think about them too often because Currently Crystal is a student, a they bring back many of her childhood volunteer and an athlete who cites memories. reading and listening to music as some “I have a really strong memory. of her favorite hobbies. Talking to her, I remember [my past] every day,” one would never guess that Crystal Crystal said. “I can’t get [it] out of my was once the victim of child abuse. head.” Crystal, the second eldest of ten In spite of all that she siblings, once lived in a has been through, Crystal small, musty trailer. She “It was really hard to watch. I would cry because I still manages to think of recalls sharing one bed Crystal volunteers didn’t want my sisters and brothers to get hurt or others. with some of her siblings at the Los Angeles County while others would sleep on anything.” Fire Station 106 on Indian the floor. Peak Road, and would also “We lived alone,” consider adopting. Sophomore Crystal Kurtz Crystal said. “My parents: “When I grow up, I they were drug addicts.” want to be a firefighter By age five, Kurtz and on the children’s backs. Crystal does because I want to help people… and her younger brother, Peninsula not know how Social Services was bring safety,” Crystal said. “I’m really freshman Ernesto, were helping to informed, but at seven years old, interested in it.” cook and clean for the remaining Crystal and her siblings were placed The strength and faith Crystal children. in the foster care system. Her older possesses have helped her move on “My older brother did the brother, however, ran away and from what she has been through. shopping. I have no idea where the Crystal has not heard from him since. Lopez said that believing that there money came from,” Crystal said. Crystal lived in her first foster is a power “bigger and higher than When her parents were at home, home on her own. Though there was [themselves]” can help people move on they physically and emotionally not much physical abuse, there was from abusive pasts. abused their children. drug usage by her guardians and “I think it’s important for kids or “It was really hard to watch,” Crystal said that her foster parents anybody…to remember that it wasn’t Crystal said. “I would cry often neglected her. Lopez said that their fault,” Lopez said. “No matter because I didn’t want neglect is a form of abuse in which what you did, [or] what you said, that my sisters and a person’s basic needs are not met, you didn’t deserve to be abused.” brothers to and in Crystal’s case, her neglect was If you or anyone you know is get hurt or mostly emotional. a victim of domestic violence, anything.” The “They weren’t home at all. They please visit Safe School beatings came didn’t care,” Crystal said. Coordinator Christine Lopez without reason After a few months, Social Services in the counseling office or call and Crystal checked on Crystal and she was moved Community Helpline (877)541believes they to another home. This time Crystal 2525.

By Tunika Onnekikami PEN student life writer

graphic by Benson Leung/PEN

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SPORTS

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SCOTT JACKSON MARIE LUM/PEN

Scott Jackson watches his Panther teammates from the sideline during a game.

Panther alumni take their games to the next level By NOAH WERKSMAN PEN SPORTS WRITER

Panther alumni Erik Lorig, class of 2005, and Scott Jackson, class of 1997, are two professional football players who got their start at Peninsula High, their self-described “second home.” Erik Lorig, a 6’4”, 300-pound fullback, just completed his third full season as a starter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The year he graduated, he was the fifteenth best football recruit in California. Scott Jackson, the same weight and height as Lorig, entered the NFL draft in 2004 becoming a linemen for the Bucaneers. He was signed by the Houston Texans in 2006 and retired in 2009.

“My Peninsula coaches and teammates were awesome,” Jackson said in a recent interview from his home in Houston. Jackson’s favorite memories were running the snake pit with his teammates, an experience of extreme physical exertion that is still a training tool for Peninsula athletes. It was the encouragement and support from the football community that gave him the power and will to go pro. “The trips to In-N-Out with the team after games and the pregame luncheons showed me what football was all about,” Jackson said. He considered some of his fellow players his “brothers”

and this camaraderie motivated him on and off the field. After Jackson’s freshman year on varsity, he remembers thinking he had a shot in the professional league after an awards ceremony when former coach Ken Russell told him that he had a “great future ahead.” Further from the line of scrimmage stands fullback Erik Lorig. One of his greatest memories with Peninsula football was training in the weight room. There, he learned discipline and “how to give your complete focus to the task at hand.” Coach Adam Boyd, one of Erik Lorig’s assistant coaches at the time, remembers Lorig as a “versatile and exceptional

athlete,” for he succeeded in playing multiple offensive and defensive positions. “He had the body of a Greek god,” said Coach Boyd. “He could do anything on the football field, as well as basketball, track and other sports.” Lorig’s mother, Karen Lorig, described her son’s daily routine during the football season: “He would carefully watch what he ate and how much he exercised,” she said. Erik Lorig emphasized his passion for his mother’s egg turkey and cheese sandwiches in the morning, then returning home at noon for another healthy meal. “Peninsula meant more to him than football,” Lorig’s

mother added. He was a true athletescholar, getting admitted into Stanford University based on his academics. Before his fame in the NFL, he began playing varsity at Peninsula as an underclassman and had a breakout performance against Inglewood during a struggle to qualify for the playoffs. “I played against collegerecruited seniors that day and roughed them up,” said Lorig. “That was when I knew I could go all the way.” Indeed, Peninsula is the birthplace of many succes stories and Jackson and Lorig are just two examples of many professional athletes that made history at this school.

KURT JUPIN/PEN

Sophomore Natalie Hill passes the ball to a fellow teammate in a preseason game.

Girls’ water polo has a promising start By AMY VALUKONIS PEN SPORTS WRITER

Girls’ water polo has experienced success thus far and much of that can be credited to sophomores Robbie Martin, Natalie Hill and Miranda Moore. Although they play like seasoned veterans, none of them has been playing for more than five years. In fact, Hill made the switch to water polo during middle school while Moore began playing the sport two years ago.

“I definitely think that I have stepped up my game from last year,” Hill said. “I have become more comfortable in my position.” On the other hand, Martin chose water polo as an alternative to soccer. After a knee injury, Martin looked for a low-impact sport where injuries were less likely to occur. Even though the risk of injury during a match or practice seems inevitable, Martin continues to play for the

Rose Bowl Water Polo Club. “Set, the position I play, is like a wrestling match against the defender,” Martin said. “There is a lot of grabbing, punching, and kicking.” Together, Martin, Hill and Moore show promise for the years to come. With their skill set added on to the team’s already proficient skills, the prized Bay League title is certainly not out of reach for these girls.

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In Memory of Mrs. Hescox....

Mrs. Hescox was a special teacher who touched the lives of many students and faculty members at Peninsula High School. Her passion for science was truly inspirational, and her supportive and loving personality has left a lasting legacy. She will be dearly missed by the entire Panther community.