Run-off elections finalize Commission By Kelsey Hess Staff Writer Run-off elections for the 2012-2013 ASB Commission ended on Tuesday when junior Blake Benavides was elected next year’s Commissioner of Publicity. Three hundred and nineteen students voted in the final run-off, a drop from the 581 who went to the polls on April 20 for the first round of run-offs. Benavides and Gloria Kim were the only candidates that had to campaign early this week. “It was such a stressful process, and for basically three backto-back weekends, I had no life. I would get super dizzy from spraypainting so many shirts,” said Benavides. “It would get harder as the weeks progressed because people would tell me that they
Katie Whitworth
Sophomore Michael Chang will be the Commissioner of Clubs.
Junior officers prepare for prom By Heather Vaughan Staff Writer Junior ASB officers and SPHS faculty are hard at work planning this year’s prom. Themed “The Secret Garden,” the dance will be held on May 12 at the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens. Tickets are on sale in the student bank every lunch. Counselor Marcile Vadell-Strickland and senior Kellyna Fox are organizing a dress drive in which students can donate old dresses and claim donated ones. “This year, we’re trying to make prom more interactive,” said junior class secretary Shannon Zheng. In addition to the traditional dance floor, prom will also feature a photo booth and gambling tables. See “Prom preparation” on Page 2
supported me in their hearts, and I would have to say thank you, but that it would mean much more if they would actually go out and vote for me.” Eight candidates ran in the initial election on April 13, and Benavides emerged as the winner after two rounds of run-offs. As Commissioner of Publicity, he will be responsible for creating campus posters and spreading information to the school and community. The other run-off elections were decided last week. Junior Thomas Chang was elected as Commissioner of Noontime and junior Bryan Bednarski was chosen to be next year’s Commissioner of Athletics. Junior Wen Zeng will serve as Commissioner of Academics, and sophomore Michael Chang will be Commissioner of Clubs. “All of the current commissioners really made themselves available to help out candidates,” said next year’s Commissioner General Will Jones on the election process. Current Commissioner General Ben Lee is excited about the 2012-13 commission. “With assets such as the comic Nick O’ Brien and the charismatic Peter Seo, this fine group of commissioners is absolutely something to look forward to,” said Lee. See page 4 for more coverage of Commission Elections.
Jennifer Kim
Senior Michael Abelev, pictured above, made his stage debut as Lt. Frank Cioffi in Curtains, the spring musical. The show ran from April 19 to April 21. See page 10 for more coverage.
Curtains attendance low; some cite lack of extra credit By Clem Witherall Assoc. Sports Editor Attendance for both the Thursday and Friday performances of the spring musical Curtains was down from last year’s The Sound of Music. About 120 people attended each performance. The show ran from April 19 to April 21; the cast performed four times over the course of the weekend. The lower attendance has been accredited by some to multiple teachers discontinuing attendance at the musical as an extra credit opportunity. “In a sense, it is nice to get the people who actually want to see the show and not those who go and
Seniors meet to pick graduation seats By Erin Chan Staff Writer Seniors met on Thursday morning to attend a mandatory organizational meeting. The event was originally planned as a picnic, but was moved to the gym due to inclement weather.
“I think it went pretty well considering we had to reschedule because of the rain,” said senior class secretary Janelle Li. The annual event is traditionally held at the pool while freshmen, sophomores, and junior take STAR tests. See “Senior picnic” on Page 2
Rachael Garner
Seniors had to choose between “Send Me On My Way,” “All Star,” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” for this year’s senior song.
put earbuds in their ears during the performance,” said director Daniel Enright. “On the other hand, some people who go originally for the extra credit end up having a great time.” Turnout was higher for the Saturday performances. Over 200 people attended the 7 P.M. showing. Ticket sales, along with a generous donation from the school board, helped the drama department turn a profit of about $2,000. “The school board presented us with a nice $6,000 donation,” said senior Sara Patterson, the president of the drama club. “We also made about $6,000 in ticket sales and spent around $10,000 overall.”
The musical follows a murder mystery set in the 1950s. Senior Michael Abelev played Lieutenant Frank Coffi, a local detective with an interest in theater who is investigating the murder of the show’s leading lady. Senior Clair Fuller played Broadway producer Carmen Bernstein, and senior Libby Rainey portrayed Georgia Hendricks, a songwriter who steps in to replace the leading lady. “The musical was a character-builder and I think I might give drama a shot in college,” said Abelev, who made his stage debut in Curtains. “It was an enjoyable experience and something I will hold onto.”
Oneonta scholarship recipients announced By Marcy Kuo Staff Writer The Oneonta Club Foundation of South Pasadena awarded seniors Sara Patterson, Libby Rainey, and Montane Silverman with $10,000 scholarship awards on Monday. The seniors received congratulatory phone calls from Carl von Bibra, who organized the selection process. “I ignored the unknown phone call at first,” said Patterson. “But when I checked the voicemail and heard that I received the scholarship, I had a heart attack…in my kitchen. My mom and I even did a little happy dance.” Senior applicants for the prestigious award were required to write letters detailing the reasons they deserved the scholarship. Ten finalists were granted interviews, which were conducted late last week.
Patterson, Rainey, and Silverman will attend the Oneonta awards dinner on May 14 to be officially recognized for their academic success and community involvement. Other scholarship opportunities are still available for seniors attending a four-year college in the fall. Karl Kwang, the former president of the South Pasadena Chinese-American Club (SPCC), will be awarding $2,000 scholarships to two seniors by the end of May. The “Most Improved Student in Chinese Language” will be given an additional $500 scholarship. Applications for SPCC scholarships must be submitted to English teacher Ms Denise Gill by April 30. The SPHS PTSA will also be awarding scholarships. Seniors who have demonstrated exceptional volunteer service benefiting the school and community can apply for $500 grants. Applications for the PTSA scholarship are due by May 1 in the Counseling Center.