December 2012

Sophomore class sells 900 candy cane grams

By Kea Hudson Staff Writer

Rachael Garner

The Advanced Dance and Dance 1 classes performed in the “Step Into the Basics” dance recital on December 20. The recital showcased various styles of dance and student choreography.

“Step Into the Basics” features student choreography

By Jason Wang Business Manager Thirty-seven dancers performed for a nearly filled auditorium during the annual South Pasadena High School Winter Dance Concert on Thursday night. The performance, entitled “Step Into the Basics,” exhibited dance styles ranging from hip-hop to contemporary, and featured a wide variety of studentchoreographed pieces.

The first half of the concert emphasized the fundamentals of each genre of dance, highlighting the uniqueness of jazz and ballad movements.

“The entire performance

was breathtaking,” said Advanced Dance president junior Leah Zeiger. “The most exciting thing for me is seeing all the new students shape their own style and become an individual dancer.”

The concert gradually built up momentum, with the basics setting the stage for more complex performances. The second half featured student-choreographed selections, including break dancing and several lyrical and modern productions.

“We’ve been prepping since September – some of us even began in the summer,” said junior Anneliese Sloss, who serves as the treasurer of the dance class. “When all the pieces came together, the show

was truly amazing.”

The Advanced Dance and Dance 1 classes, under the direction of instructor Ms Maria del Bagno, have practiced nearly everyday from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. to perfect the fluidity and coherency of every movement in the show.

Del Bagno views the concert as a way for the dancers to focus on execution, strength, and ability and uses the experience as a foundation for the rest of the year.

“Without the proper form, creativity and self-expression cannot be communicated well,” said Del Bagno. “The concert is an old school demonstration of basic ability, which is the springboard for all creation and

Seniors Ryan Stone and Nick O’Brien donned Santa Claus costumes and visited fourth period classes on December 20 to distribute candy cane grams and hand-written notes on behalf of the sophomore class officers. Approximately 900 students sent candy grams to friends for $1 each.

“Dressing up as Santa was an awesome experience,” said O’Brien. “I busted into the rooms and said ‘Ho ho ho,’ and everyone seemed very jolly as I handed them their candy canes and read some love notes aloud.

It was just great holiday spirit and a nice little break from class.”

According to sophomore class president Jasmine Lee, this year’s candy gram sales significantly surpassed the Class of 2015’s goal of 600 grams.

The sale began on Monday, December 10, and lasted through Wednesday, December 19. The sophomore class officers implemented candy cane grams as a new fundraiser for the Class of 2015. “[The sale] was such a huge success,” said Lee. “It was difficult getting organized, but the end result was definitely worth it and exceeded my expectations. We made an extremely rewarding profit that will really

New math Winter Formal location announced test policy introduced

By Shine Cho Assoc. News Editor

By Kira Gabriel Assoc. Opinion Editor A new test policy called Golden Ticket Tutoring was implemented in the South Pasadena High School math department on December 12.

Advanced Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra B students who score less than seventy percent on a test section are required to attend an after school tutoring session focused on the specific material that the section covered. Students who score less than seventy percent on the entire test will be taught the chapter again in a Saturday session.

Four tutoring sessions are held after school each week. Students are free to choose when they attend the sessions, and will be provided with the opportunity to re-take the test.

“This is not considered a See “Math policy” on Page 2

Jillian’s Billiards and Bowling was revealed as this year’s Winter Formal site during this morning’s winter assembly in the auditorium.

The “Light Up the Night” themed dance is scheduled for February 2, 2013 at 8 P.M. at the Universal Studios CityWalk in

Hollywood.

Jillian’s was chosen as the Winter Formal site for its versatility, said Commissioner of Activities Ryan Stone, who is planning the dance with the help of the Winter Formal Committee.

“This site is unique because it has bowling, an arcade, billiards tables, and ample space for dancing. This makes it so that

Wen Zeng

The “Light Up the Night” Winter Formal dance will be held at Jillian’s Billiards and Bowling in Hollywood on February 2, 2013 at 8 P.M.

everyone can come and enjoy themselves, not only the hardcore dancers,” said Stone. “There will be activities for everyone to enjoy.”

Approximately 450 students have attended the winter formal dance in prior years.

Stone hopes that this year’s formal will surpass previous ticket sale records.

Unlike other school-sponsored dances, the ticket sales for Winter Formal do not serve as a fundraiser for a specific class or cause.

The money raised from sales will help pay for the venue in an effort to maintain low and attainable ticket prices.

“I am so excited about this dance,” said Stone. “My committee and I have put in a lot of time and effort to make this the best dance possible, and we really hope you can join us for a truly memorable night.”

Tickets will go on sale when students return from winter break on Monday, January 7.

benefit us during this year and next year.”

The officers hope to raise $3000 by the end of the school year, and are focusing on raising enough money for a deposit on the 2014 prom location.

“I thought the candy cane sale was a great idea for a fundraiser,” said sophomore Mariela Carrillo. “Receiving a candy cane from someone really shows they care. It’s funny how something so small can really brighten your day.”

Anastasia Velicescu

Senior Ryan Stone delivered candy canes during period four.

Local fire department collects toys

By Brandon Kim Staff Writer The South Pasadena Fire Department partnered with ABC7 News and CVS Pharmacy to hold its twentieth annual Spark of Love Toy Drive, which donates holiday gifts to local disadvantaged children and teens.

The program has collected and distributed over seven million toys to children and teens who live in Southern California. Residents are encouraged to donate a variety of new and unwrapped items, ranging from simple products like sunglasses and watches to more expensive items such as sports equipment and make-up tools.

The South Pasadena City Hall and the Fire and Police Departments set up donation boxes.

To encourage more donations, participating Starbucks cafés offer free lattés to anyone who donates unwrapped gifts of $10 or more in value.

“We are especially helping families with elementary school students, and any extra toys will See “Toy Drive” on Page 2

News 2 Tiger - Friday, December 21, 2012

News

Around Campus

A full house applauds the fall play

Rose Parade float construction enters final decoration stage

By David Yang Staff Writer

By Clem Witherall Co-Sports Editor A filled audience saluted the cast and crew of The Importance of Being Earnest on December 15 at the South Pasadena Little Theater, marking the end of a successful six-performance stand of the Oscar Wilde comedy.

Audiences for the production gradually grew to a total of 380 attendees throughout the two-week run as positive word-of-mouth built momentum for the farce about manners and mistaken identity in 1895 England.

“We sold out the second Friday performance and we were almost completely packed closing day,” said Enright. “I kept running into people who said they loved it, and when I saw the same play in New York I thought to myself, ‘God, we should do this.’”

Enright continued a South Pasadena tradition at the conclusion of the play by presenting a single red rose to the lone senior in the production, Ashley Allen, who played a governess.

“It’s a little upsetting that this is my last play at South Pasadena High School, but I thought everyone worked well together and it was definitely one of the best productions I have been a part of,” said Allen.

With the curtain dropping on the fall play, Enright will now turn his attention to the spring musical.

From “Toy Drive” on Page 1 be given to other non-profit organizations like the Ronald McDonald House,” said South Pasadena firefighter Dann Dunn, who is in charge of the toy drive.

Special “Stuff-A-Bus” events, during which volunteers fill buses with donations of gifts, have been held in different areas throughout Southern California to encourage large amounts of donations.

The Spark of Love Toy Drive will continue until December 24, when the donated gifts will be distributed to different counties in Southern California.

Rachael Garner

The South Pasadena Fire Department set up toy donation boxes.

Ms Ruth Moonesinghe will be holding a math tutoring session for finals on Sunday, January 13 on the Tiger Patio. Students will receive a review packet corresponding to their math level as well as one-on-one assistance from several Calculus AB and BC students for a fee of $20. All proceeds will be donated to the families affected by the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. /Remeny White

Sophia Arriola

Academic Decathlon advisor Mr. Oliver Valcorza lectures about Russia. The club is preparing for a competition on January 26.

Academic Decathlon prepares for competition

By Jenny Wang Staff Writer Since its formation in August, the Academic Decathlon team has been rigorously preparing for its team debut at the Los Angeles County Academic Decathlon tournament on January 26 and February 2.

The competition consists of ten subjects regarding the 2012-2013 topic, Russia. The January 26 competition will include a speech, essay, and interview competition. The February 2 competition will be a multiplechoice exam.

The team participated in the Los Angeles County Scrimmage on November 17, placing second overall and winning 30 individual medals. “[The scrimmage] was not only an amazing practice for our bigger competitions, but it opened our eyes to how things work in a competition setting and what kind of competition we must set out to beat,” said sophomore Leia Balliett.

Under the instruction of advisor Mr. Oliver Valcorza, the Academic Decathlon team meets three to six days a week, from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. on weekdays and anywhere from 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Saturdays.

Academic Decathlon members are required to complete assignments, such as practicing speeches and writing detailed subject outlines, on top of their regular schoolwork.

Only nine members of the team are allowed to participate in the upcoming competition. These nine competitors are freshman Joey Li, sophomores Leia Balliett, Elise Matsusaka, Glenda Chen, Brooke Drury, Misha Kreinbring, and Ryan Chase, and juniors Michael Owens and Misha Krienbring.

The nine Decathletes were chosen based on a rigorous selection process involving speeches, tests, and teacher evaluations.

The students who will not compete comprise the support team, which creates study material for the competition.

Come New Year’s Day, a towering ship cradled by a disproportionately large book will sail down the Rose Parade route.

The float, entitled “Sailing the Sea of Knowledge,” will be the South Pasadena’s 2013 submission to the Tournament of Roses competition.

The pace of construction is approaching an annual high as volunteers transition to a detailoriented stage.

The 2013 float is taller than past floats, measuring 28 feet above the ground at its highest point. The increased height has proved a challenge for decoration crews, as old scaffolding does not support the vertical construction.

“Space in the tent has been tight,” said Event and Site Chairman James Jontz. “We’ve had to move several things around.”

The flowers, which are the focus of the float, are expected to arrive on December 27. Volunteers are covering the less visible surfaces of the float with

Siria Medina

The decorative flowers for the “Sailing the Sea of Knowledge” South Pasadena Rose Parade float will arrive on December 27.

City council elects Schneider as mayor

By Madison Amido Staff Writer City council member Dr. Richard Schneider was elected as the South Pasadena Mayor/Successor Agency Chair for the 2012-2013 term on Wednesday night. Councilmember Ms Marina Khubesrian was chosen as the next Mayor Pro Tem/Successor Agency Vice Chair. Schneider will replace current Mayor Mr. Michael Cacciotti, and Khubesrian will replace current Mayor Pro Tem Mr. Philip Putnam.

An old city resolution calls for a rotation of the next Mayor with the Mayor Pro Tem. Given the resolution, Putnam was expected to serve as Cacciotti’s successor.

Putnam proposed a motion to reduce the term from one year to nine months so that each member would have a fair chance to serve, but the recommendation did not gain

sufficient support from the council.

During the meeting, Schneider nominated Khubesrian for Mayor, but she declined and in turn nominated Schneider for the position.

“Thank you for the nomination, but I feel like it would make for a much better term as Mayor if I serve as Mayor Pro Tem for a year to

colored paint in preparation for mounting the different blossoms.

Various seeds will also be applied to the surface of the float to cover less visible surfaces and much of the smaller decorative figures.

“The float is coming along nicely, but we could use all the help we can get over winter break,” said volunteer junior Jeremy Reynoso.

The project is currently accepting volunteers to contribute to float decoration as January 1 approaches. Much of the decorative work must be done at the last minute, as the flowers will wither if placed too early.

The Rose Parade volunteers are hosting the annual Crunch Time Party dinner fundraiser on December 27 to raise money for the financial demands of the float.

“There is a lot of work to be done between now and the end of the year, but I’m looking forward to seeing [the float] go down the parade path and then starting again,” said Jontz. “Volunteers should start coming now.”

gain experience,” said Khubesrian.

Schneider accepted Khubesrian’s nomination and was elected by 4-1, with Putnam abstaining from voting. Khubesrian was then unanimously elected as the next Mayor Pro-Tem. The new positions will go into effect at the next city council meeting on January 2.

Sophia Arriola

The South Pasadena City Council elected Dr. Richard Schneider as the Mayor for the 2012-2013 term on December 19.

From “Math policy” on Page 1 punishment,” said Principal Ms Janet Anderson. “We’re simply catching misunderstandings early instead of waiting until a semester grade is issued, and filling in educational gaps before they get too big.”

Sessions can be scheduled around high school sports games, but students are expected to miss or arrive late to sports practices in order to attend.

The new policy is valid for the next math test students take.

Geometry teachers Mr. Jeff Chi, Mr. Ian Merrick, and Mr. Garrett Shorr began teaching sessions last week.

“The goal of the tutoring is to help students understand what they got wrong, and why,” said Schorr. “The best remedy for conceptual errors is outside intervention – tutoring from a peer or a teacher. This is what we’re trying to provide.”

News

Friday, December 21, 2012 - Tiger

3

National Merit semifinalists recognized at breakfast

By Shyam Senthilkumar Copy Editor A group of students gathered in the cafeteria during late start to eat baked goods provided by the Corner Bakery and celebrate their national recognition for the PSAT. South Pasadena High School’s National Merit senior semifinalists Matthew Yeung, David Liu, Shyam Senthilkumar, Kei Shao, Wendy Tsai, and Gloria Kim commemorated their state-level accomplishments on December 5.

The National Merit Schol-

Rachael Garner

Ms Maria Long speaks to the National Merit semifinalists on December 5.

arship Program honors students with high PSAT scores, SAT scores, and GPA’s. The semifinalists each received a score of at least 220 out of a possible 240 points on the PSAT last October.

Commissioner of Academics Wen Zeng hosted the event and Commissioner of Noontime Thomas Chang provided music and entertainment.

“The semifinalists deserved to be rewarded for their success, and this breakfast was a nice way to do that,” said Zeng. “It also provided us with the opportunity to introduce the semifinalists to the parents and administration.”

During a brief question and answer session, Chang attempted to embarrass the semifinalists by asking personal questions, such as which Victoria’s Secret model they preferred.

“The food was surprisingly good,” said Tsai. “I know this was difficult for Wen to organize, but it went very smoothly.”

Numerous district officials attended to offer advice for the semifinalists in their academic futures. SPHS Principal Ms Janet Anderson expressed gratitude to those in attendance to support the students.

“I was very happy to see

parents here for their kids, and also of course our district representatives because the students here represent some of the best of what happens at South Pasadena High School,” said Anderson.

“We’re very proud of their accomplishments.”

The semifinalists were required to submit an essay and an application to The National Merit Scholarship Association in order to apply to be finalists.

National Merit will begin reviewing the applications on January 27, 2013 and will choose approximately 15,000 finalists in February 2013.

Substitute teacher salary set to increase

By Shine Cho Assoc. News Editor The South Pasadena Unified School District School Board members approved a measure to increase the pay for substitute teachers during the meeting on December 11.

The district has received several comments from substitute teachers regarding SPUSD’s low pay compared to other districts, and recently substitutes have frequently canceled their class assignments.

According to a survey conducted by the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Ms

Karen Reed, South Pasadena has one of the lowest substitute teacher salaries in the area.

SPUSD ranks eighteenth out of the twenty districts surveyed in terms of substitute teacher salary, providing a salary of $102 per day for each substitute teacher. The highest paying district from the survey, Baldwin Park Unified, pays substitutes $38 more per day than SPUSD for a total salary of $140.

The newly passed measure raises the pay for substitute teachers from $102 to $115, a $13 increase.

The figure represents the calculated average pay of substitute teachers from the 20 surveyed school dis-

tricts. The School Board hopes that the raise will appeal to substitute teachers, but stay reasonably within the budget of the district’s general fund.

“The goal is to keep our quality substitutes so that our students will have a proper substitute, not just a teacher filling in at the last minute,” said Reed. “This way our students are still learning even when the teacher is gone.”

The South Pasadena Board of Education hopes the hired substitute teachers will continue working with SPUSD, preserving the quality of the substitutes hired by the district.

one west California Blvd.

Suite 312 pasadena, Ca 91105 626.793.9000 www.portaViaFoods.com

Picnic Boxes for:

Hollywood Bowl Menu on website See: “Events & Catering” Tab

Now Open!

in San Marino!

2507 Mission St. • 626.441.7600

PortaVia_3x6.5_bw_09_13.indd

open 7 dayS a week

Rachael Garner

The School Board passed a measure to raise South Pasadena substitute teacher salaries at the meeting on December 11.

4 Tiger - Friday, December 21, 2012

News

Measure M funds allocated for new science buildings The South Pasadena Unified School District will be utilizing surplus Measure M money to fund the construction of an additional South Pasadena High School science building. Measure M authorizes SPUSD to sell bonds to raise money for the district facilities, and was passed by South Pasadena residents in 2003. According to the School Board, the projected budget for the entire project is approximately $3 million. “I’m excited for the students at the high school. This is the School Board’s priority on our current agenda, and we’re looking forward to starting the science building construction and getting it done,” said Dr. Scott S. Price, the School Board Business Services Personnel.

According to the tentative science building floor plan:

According to the School Board Business Services Personnel:

•

•

• • •

The new building will include four new laboratory science rooms conjoined by two storerooms A parapit will rest on the roof, storing air vents and providing a more solid structure The building will be constructed on the grass to the east of the softball field along the fence The new science classrooms will be “flexible rooms” with science lab stations located in the back and student desks stationed in the middle of the room

• •

The projected budget covers the cost of the sitework and the interior package of the building Construction is set to begin the summer or early fall of 2013, depending on when the architects are granted state approval of the building If all the individual construction steps are completed according to the predicted timeline, the new science building will be completed by the second semester of the 2013-2014 school year

Student Perspectives “I don’t think more buildings are necessary. It would be helpful to have more science rooms so all the teachers could have their own place, and it would benefit teachers and students, but it shouldn’t be built on the field since the sports teams need it.” - Jenny Luo, 10 “The soccer team practices on the softball field during the fall. Science buildings are important, but we won’t be able to prepare for the season without space, and there isn’t any other open field to use. ” - Claire Bilderback, 11

Teacher Perspectives “Science needs to be done in a real science classroom. Certainly, the students who currently use the softball field will be negatively affected, but the new rooms will be here for thousands of students, year after year. I don’t know where else we could place the building.” - Mr. Paul Groves

Annie Lu

The tentative new science building floor plan includes four science classrooms with lab space in the back and desks in the middle. The configuration is still subject to change as construction ensues.

“We need many more science rooms. We have nine science teachers in seven classrooms, and only five lab classrooms, so we have to take turns for labs. By having our own space, we can do more in-depth labs. Plus, it can be difficult when a student is looking for me and isn’t sure which room I’m in.” - Mr. Benjamin Ku

Tiger - Friday, December 21, 2012

Winter Formal Video Contest

1st Place: Winners of two free Winter Formal Tickets

5

2nd Place:

Angela Peng and Scott Richards

3rd Place Tie:

Madeline Chin & Bryan Bednarski

The Premise: Freshman Jaydon Krooss and a few friends planned weeks ahead, meeting up every day after school for nearly an hour to set up the foundation of Krooss’s plan to ask freshman Nicole Nugroho to Winter Formal. The plan was based upon the horror videogame Slenderman; Krooss would dress up as the ominous character and hide handwritten notes to Nugroho that would eventually lead her to him.

“The idea had been in its conception since she asked me to Homecoming. I wanted to do something that’d be unforgettable, something that would let her feel the love, not just from me, but from everyone within my grasp that I could get to show it.” ~ Thomas Chang “I was very lucky to be the first person to recite lines to Annie. The actual day was very funny and romantic. Thomas sealed the deal with a kiss like no other. I think I saw sparks fly.” ~ Senior Nick O’Brien

Natalie McLain and Noah Brown

The Execution: After changing the filming from afterschool to lunch, Krooss recruited an army of friends to follow Nugroho with cameras as she made her way around the campus. His notes led her from the auditorium to the Tiger Patio and finally to the basketball courts, where Krooss, dressed as Slenderman, asked in person.

3rd Place Tie: Thomas Chang & Annie Lu The Preparation: Senior Thomas Chang spent a

full two weeks preparing, centered around an elaborately detailed Facebook group. Complete with diagrams and schedules calibrated to the minute, Chang’s plan involved 65 people helping him ask junior Annie Lu.

Page by Sofi Goode Photos by Tiger Photographers Reporting and Text by Jenny Wang, Heather Vaughan, Emily Markese, Shyam Senthilkumar

The Execution: After playing two of Lu’s favorite songs at the beginning of lunch, Chang asked the crowd if it was interested in hearing some One Direction, Lu’s favorite band. The speakers began to play “One Thing” as Chang led his girlfriend around the Tiger Patio as their fellow students lip synced and danced to the love song.

The show culminated with Lu dashing through a human tunnel to find a bouquet waiting at the end, where Chang officially asked.

Nicole Nugroho & Jaydon Krooss “The idea behind this whole thing is that love can emerge from almost any emotion, even fear. Being creative doesn’t necessarily have to be sappy and old school. I tried something a little different… Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a little horror, anyway?” ~ Jaydon Krooss

The Preparation: Senior Amber Partida and her friends from the South Pasa-

The Preparation: Junior Victor Hidalgo arranged with Mr. Groves, Ms Garcia, and Mr. Fonseca to pull junior Helena Van Loan out of her sixth period chemistry class and help him ask her to the dance.

dena High School girls basketball team hand-made t-shirts spelling out “Hey Omar” and a sign asking him to the dance.

The Execution: On a Saturday morning, Partida and her friends drove over to Gabrielino High School, where Omar is a senior, to surprise him after a soccer practice. One of Omar’s friends blind-folded him and followed him onto the field, with Partida following. Once he removed the blindfold, Partida asked him directly.

“I was extremely nervous and anxious and really wanted to get it over with. As I look back, I’m just really happy how it all turned out, especially his reaction. I couldn’t have done it without [the basketball team]. It couldn’t have been any better.” ~ Amber Partida

Amber Partida & Omar Khatib

“As I was holding the ‘Hey Omar’ sign and waiting for him to walk onto the field, I was excited and a little nervous all at the same time. In the end, things went smoothly and I’m extremely happy it all worked out for Amber.” ~ Junior Michelle Gin, teammate

“I personally think the way Jaydon asked me out to Winter Formal was the most creative and awesome way anybody could have ever asked somebody out to a dance, ever. The way he planned the placement of the notes really impressed me, and I really like the little poems he put on the back of them. I was really surprised and shocked, but it was so sweet.” ~ Nicole Nugroho

Victor Hidalgo & Helena Van Loan “The plan worked exactly the way I wanted it to. I was nervous at first about the possibility of her saying no, but you have to be confident or else nerves will get to you. I think Helena was very surprised because she was caught completely off guard. I think and I hope she was just as happy and excited as I am.” ~ Victor Hidalgo

The Exectuion: Van Loan was sent a call slip to go to the counseling office early in the period, and Hidalgo’s friends filmed her on her way around campus. Garcia and Fonseca played along, stalling and filming Van Loan in the office. When she returned to class, she found Hidalgo waiting with a sign, flowers, and balloons.

6 Tiger - Friday, December 21, 2012

Opinion

Opinion B

Confronting societal obsession with the end-of-days

oo to to the weather for raining out pictures

with Santa. All I want for Christmas is to sit in Ryan Stone’s lap.

B

ravo to the administration for listening to the girls’ concerns about toilet paper in the bathrooms. We would have preferred it in the holders as opposed to in the place of the locks, but your effort is commendable.

By Sofi Goode Editor-in-Chief

B

to the middle schoolers for starting their own spoon assassin game. You can play when your dances aren’t at the War Memorial Building. oo

B

ravo to to the end of the world for waiting until Tiger was distributed. The apocalypse knows what’s up.

B

oo to Will Nader. Candy cane grams aren’t nearly expensive enough to win over a girl’s heart.

The Tiger Established 1913

CSPA Gold Medalist 2005 CSPA Gold Medalist 2006 CSPA Gold Medalist 2009 CSPA Gold Medalist 2010 CSPA Gold Medalist 2011 Editor-in-Chief Sofi Goode Managing Editor Jessica Moog News Remeny White, Editor Shine Cho, Associate Opinion Natalie McLain, Editor Kira Gabriel, Associate Feature Rhian Moore, Editor Sarah Stukan, Associate Sports Christian Miyamae, Co-editor Clem Witherall, Co-editor Copy Editors Amber Laird, Shyam Senthilkumar, and Heather Vaughan Photography Rachael Garner, Editor Matt Winkel, Associate Photographers Sophia Arriola, Siria Medina, Anastasia Velicescu Senior Staff Writer Kelsey Hess Staff Writers Madison Amido, Petra Barbu, Matt DeFulgentiis, Andrés García, Kea Hudson, Brandon Kim, Andrew Shults, Pooja Vyas, Jason Wang, Jenny Wang, Jordan Xiao, David Yang Tiger Online Writers Karen Hsueh, Rachel Newhall, Talia Wun-Young Staff Illustrators Evan Davis, Rachael Lee, Annie Lu, Amanda Stewart Managers Marcy Kuo, Ads Jason Wang, Business Webmaster Michael Xu Faculty Advisor Mike Hogan

Tiger is produced by the advanced journalism newspaper class at South Pasadena High School, 1401 Fremont Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030. Layout and photo imaging are completed on-site. Printed by American/Foothill Publishing Co., Inc., Tujunga, CA. Signed articles appearing in Tiger represent the writer’s opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff, student body, faculty or administration of SPHS. Contact the publications office at (626) 441-5820 ext. 2615 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. for advertising rates and subscriptions. Tiger welcomes articles, letters or rebuttals for publication in the print and online editions. All letters must be signed and verifiable, but names will be withheld upon request.

Tiger is a forum for student free speech, in compliance with California Ed Code 48907.

Yeah Boi

Annie Lu

Bringing back the spirit of volunteering Staff Editorial The holiday season often sees a spike in social involvement in philanthropy and volunteer work with local nonprofits. As warm feelings and holiday spirit flow like the lines to your favorite Christmas song, people volunteer their time because they wish to do so, not because they are being mandated to fulfill a set number of hours. The term “community service” literally means voluntary work for the benefit of society. Giving students mandatory community service hours is an oxymoron and takes away the very essence of volunteering: the spirit of service.

Currently, South Pasadena High School expects its students to fulfill a minimum of 45 volunteer hours spent working for any non-profit organization to help them interact with the community. However, these hours have become more of a chore than an authentic desire to help.

Students take part in meaningless, trivial volunteer activities just to fill up the 45 hours.

Sophomores in honors World History are hit especially hard by the quantifying aspect of community service requirements. These students participate in the “Unresolved World Issues” project. The project familiarizes students with different global problems and encourages

them to commit to helping an organization that addresses this issue locally. Even though this attempt is commendable, the assignment is evaluated based largely on the quantity, rather than the quality, of time spent volunteering.

Senior awards also pose the problem of compulsory community service. Out of the various awards given to seniors, there is one reserved especially for community service. This award is based on the hours of community service that the respective seniors have completed. Even though there could be students who have made and experienced a greater impact in a shorter amount of time, only the seniors who have managed to rack up the most volunteer hours are awarded.

The most reasonable solution to this problem is to do away with the current quantitative system of evaluating community service and implement a more qualitative approach. Students could be required to present a reflection about their experiences, focusing more on how their volunteering has impacted them and those they helped. This would make students choose where to volunteer carefully and it would also eliminate the mistake of rewarding students based solely on the number of their volunteer hours.

If you’re reading this, congratulations.

You have survived the end of the world.

In 2005, History Channel ran a special on the inner workings of the Mayan calendar, which ends on December 21, 2012. A year later, they ran another special. And then another. In 2009, Discovery Channel jumped on the apocalypse bandwagon, predicting everything from solar storms to supervolcanoes.

Ever since these typically reliable sources predicted a chaotic end, panic and paranoia have spread worldwide. But this is far from the first time we have prepared for the end of life as we know it; from the plague to Y2K, humans have predicted their own annihilation thousands of times.

Amazingly, our species carries on. But the obsession with the end of our days does not leave us unscathed. Every time some entity predicts another apocalypse, it makes a serious impact on humanity’s psyche.

In preparation for Y2K, some people hoarded months’ worth of food. Others simply called it quits and spent every dime that they had to take an exotic vacation and go out in style. People mentally prepared themselves for the end of the world as they knew it, and on January 1, 2000, had to get up and pick up the pieces of the life that they, single-handedly, had ended.

In the last couple of days, Facebook statuses alone have shown that, though most of South Pasadena High School openly scorns the Mayan Calendar theory, there are people with legitimate concerns on the subject.

It’s unfair to society for previously reliable and fact-based media companies to force us all into a destructive state of alarm. This constant “you only have so many months to live” mentality is unhealthy for the generations being raised in the panic. We are taught that the future must be ignored because it may not exist.

Humanity should not live exclusively for its future, but acting as though tomorrow isn’t coming teaches us that our actions do not have consequences and that we can live without care. So as we move on to the Fiscal Cliff, the next apocalypse, perhaps people should take responsibility for properly educating themselves about the nature of the crisis.

SPHS Compliments a positive outlet

By Andrés García, Amber Laird, Heather Vaughan Tiger Staff Inspired by similar Facebook pages for universities, SPHS Compliments was recently created so South Pasadena High School students may send complimentary posts about one another to a source that publishes them anonymously.

Despite its seemingly positive motives, the page immediately generated unexpected controversy upon its debut.

Within hours of the page’s creation, several critical posts expressed concern about its potential, unintended impacts. The worry

largely centered on the page being turned into a joke and hurting feelings through rude or sarcastic comments. Furthermore, there was concern for people who did not receive compliments or “likes” on their respective posts. While these are all legitimate concerns, they were voiced before the page had a chance to develop, or even get much of a start.

SPHS Compliments’ intentions are genuinely positive, and it was not created as an incentive to criticize other students. Anonymous compliments can be sweet, encouraging, or funny, but the point is that they all spread good feelings that might not have existed

without the page and the student in charge of it.

A page like this really shouldn’t be controversial; it should be approached with a positive attitude. It is not a competition of who receives the most compliments, or who gets the most “likes” and comments. It is simply a way to encourage kindness among friends and classmates.

As the number of reported cyber-bullying cases rises daily, an organization whose sole purpose is to recognize and uplift students is a refreshing and much-needed contrast. Rather than focusing on the ways that SPHS Compliments can potentially go wrong, students

should recognize the positive inspirational purpose of the page. SPHS Compliments is not to blame for a single person’s negativity; it is simply a medium to communicate a comment sent in by a student. It is the responsibility of the students to control how many and what kind of comments are sent.

This method of giving anonymous “shoutouts” to classmates is currently being used by students at numerous universities, and has not sparked the same controversy there as it has at SPHS. Students should approach the page in a mature manner and avoid negativity about a concept whose sole purpose is to promote positive feelings.

Friday, December 21, 2012 - Tiger

Opinion

7

Review sessions for reinforcement, not punishment

By Shyam Senthilkumar Copy Editor No one wants to spend four hours of his or her Saturday sitting in a classroom.

Despite this obvious fact, however, math teachers at South Pasadena High School are implementing a new system in which all students in Advanced Algebra or below who get a “C” grade or lower on any test have to serve a period of detention.

The word “detention” should be taken very lightly, however, as it is more of a mandatory review session with the teachers than it is a form of punishment.

The construction of this new system offers students a chance to go over the test that they did not pass and figure out why exactly each problem was wrong. Once the students identify their mistakes, the teachers present at the review session can provide lessons that apply to the main topics that the students do not understand.

Administration is likely to receive major complaints from the students, as these sessions come off as essentially a sixth day of school. But students need to recognize the opportunity currently presenting itself, and take full advantage of it. If implemented correctly, these “detentions” will provide students with a chance to work in small groups with different teachers, and delve into all of the troubling material. And hopefully, after a few sessions, students will no longer have to attend, as they will have already learned the skills and work ethic necessary to excel at math.

In a practical sense, regardless of what takes place at this new form of review session, just the idea of having to serve detention will provide some incentive for students to try harder on tests. “Tardy sweeps,” implemented two years ago, seemed extreme at the start, and garnered much criticism from the

students. Despite the excessive complaints, however, students no doubt arrived to class on time more often, simply in fear of the detention that could follow. The Advanced Algebra teachers may have very similar intentions. Even the most uninterested D and F students may try harder to get a C and pass just to avoid the detention.

It will take time to see how successful this addition will be, as it comes down to whether it is used as a form of punishment or a means of reinforcement.

If it ends up just becoming a time for students to put their heads down and catch up on sleep, the system will solve nothing.

But if many teachers are present, students are actively involved, and the system is run correctly, these review sessions could vastly improve the knowledge and understanding of the math students at SPHS. SPHS has long offered after-school review sessions for the students, but there has never been a strong turnout. Although it’s severe, making these review sessions mandatory will—if they are run purposefully and effectively—force students to attend and improve their math skills.

Rachael Lee

Varying opportunity calls for communal sports funding

By Andrew Shults Staff Writer

Amanda Stewart

South Pasadena is known for, among other things, extensive and excellent athletic programs. With over twenty sports currently active at South Pasadena High School, many students are able to grow and learn from the experience of participating in a team sport.

However, this great opportunity comes at a cost, as all sports in the public school system rely on fundraisers and donations to survive.

To make matters worse, some sports are put at a fundraising disadvantage due to smaller teams, and players must reach into their own pockets to pay for equipment and uniforms. It’s unfair to both these students and their parents that they must pay to participate in what should be a free, enriching experience.

Traditionally, football is thought of as “the” high school sport. Because of its status, football attracts the most attention and draws the most fans, making it one of the largest programs on campus. These factors allow the team to earn the most money from the fundraisers that it implements. Other sports, such as girls tennis, however, are put at a disadvantage. The smaller team and fan base greatly restrict the amount they can make fundraising, causing

Instagram’s new policy violates user rights

By Natalie McLain Opinion Editor If you have a smart phone, chances are you’ve accessed the application Instagram within the past few days. One of the top downloads from the app store, Instagram is fondly regarded for its fairly simple design and wide array of filters that most seem to equate with professional quality photography. However, despite the website’s rather frivolous premise, it has recently become a battleground in the increasingly heated war for user rights.

In an updated version of its Terms of Use Agreement, Instagram claims that by continuing to use its services, users consent to the sale of their content without notification or compensation. The perpetuation of one’s account is license enough for the application to use your content in order to generate profit and these conditions also apply to users under eighteen, as

perpetuated use also verifies, apparently, that your parents consent to the use and sale of any images of or by you. However, this new policy blatantly disregards individuals who have their photos taken and put onto the application, not under an account of their own, but under that of a friend. They have made no agreement to have their likeness sold, and yet, they will be lumped in under a new policy to which their friend has apparently agreed.

Furthermore, the policy poses an actual threat in the case of companies such as National Geographic. The Instagram account of this world-renowned magazine is updated daily with photographs by a professional staff that travels the world on company business.

Now, the company must delete its account before January 16, or risk having its photos sold. On a more relatable level, the updated policy means that anyone’s photos can be sold without their knowledge. This

directly infringes on users’ rights to privacy and content ownership.

Though Instagram provides the outlet, it is the users’ who generate the content. For the company to directly profit from such seems not only invasive, but immoral and illegal.

The zeitgeist of the Instagram era is one of freedom of expression. It is a means to communicate thoughts, feelings, and creativity, even if it comes in such juvenile forms as “selfies” and food portraits. This new policy is a betrayal of sorts, and the truth is that every filtered leaf picture, every party post, and every artsy shot of clouds, bagels, and puppies belongs to the user who posted it. This is not only the way the service has always been run, but also the lawful and ethical conclusion. For Instagram to create a policy that directly contradicts this fundamental truth in such a surreptitious manner is to dupe and abuse its users.

many players to make a “required donation,” in order to receive the supplies they need to participate.

California law makes it illegal for coaches to require athletes to pay to participate in sports offered at a public school. While sports are expensive and should not rely entirely on district funding, no students should be required to make payments to be an active member of a team. The idea of labeling expenses as “mandatory donations” undermines this law and discriminates based on an athlete’s ability and willingness to donate.

To create a balance between teams, the sports booster club should implement a communal fund to which all sports are required to give a percentage of their donations and fundraising profits. All sports would be allowed to draw from this fund according to their need, eliminating mandatory donations and preventing students from being unable to play because they are unable to pay.

The South Pasadena Athletic Department is a team of teams, and those teams must support each other in order to succeed. Sports that are more capable of easy fundraising should be proud to share a portion of funds with their smaller counterparts, allowing all South Pas athletes to compete free of charge.

According Instagram’s updated Terms of Use Agreement: Some or all of the Service may be supported by advertising revenue. To help us deliver interesting paid or sponsored content or promotions, you agree that a business or other entity may pay us to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata), and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you. If you are under the age of eighteen (18), or under any other applicable age of majority, you represent that at least one of your parents or legal guardians has also agreed to this provision (and the use of your name, likeness, username, and/or photos (along with any associated metadata)) on your behalf.

Amanda Stewart

8 Tiger - Friday, December 21, 2012

Opinion

Students weigh in...

One of the South Pasadena High School graduation requirements is a 45 hour community service commitment.

Concerns have been raised that this policy takes away the spirit of volunteer work, while others insist that without this policy, high schoolers would not seek community service of their own accord.

STUDENT VOICE: “The number of hours is a pretty terrible portrayal of what the student got out of the volunteering. Hanging out at the Tiger Run is a lot different from handing out food at Skid Row, but they count as the same thing. But I think it’s good that the school has a minimum number of hours.”

-Abigail Shulman, sophomore “Unlike many of the mandatory policies at our school, there really is no negative aspect to the mandatory volunteering policy. In any situation, the student and the community can benefit from the hours.”

-Chelsea Hong, junior “I don’t necessarily believe that the number of hours of volunteering is an adequate measure of the quality of experience. It might be more effective to measure a students volunteering experience through a reflection write-up, picture documentation, or a Q & A with a counselor/office staff. That way both the school and the students emphasize the greater impact of the service, rather than the quantity of the service.”

-Charlotte Gleeson, senior “This policy is a great way for the students at the school to give back to the community that has given so much to us. After all the years of supporting the students at South Pasadena, volunteering for a couple of hours is the least we can do.”

-Seiji Sasaki, freshman

City Council setting moral standards for all

By Jessica Moog Managing Editor Early this month, the South Pasadena City Council officially decreed the week of December 2 Modesty Week in honor of freshman Saige Hatch’s high school Modesty Club. While the club on its own has every right to stand up for its beliefs and values, the moral views of a fraction of South Pasadena should not be allowed to set a city-wide standard concerning the morality of women and how they choose to dress.

The Modesty Club and its platform have been under scrutiny since the club’s introduction at the start of the school year. Its website, YouTube promotional rap, and mission statement all share an

underlying religious connota- ous to the week’s existence tion. So it is surprising that the until the Wednesday announceCity Council would dedicate ment in the South Pasadena an entire week to the club’s Review. That is to say, it slipped campaign for the spiritual by nearly undetected.

No banners were hung, and moral preservation of the but the City town’s young implicitly women. nodded in As a The city council agreement public board, is stepping outwhen Hatch the council side of its govasked South represents ernment jurisdicPasadena to South Pasadetion and declar“not engage na as a whole ing a “right” path in viewing – bravely fightfor its citizens. any form of ing the 710, pornography” setting water or “do anyrates, and managing city business. De- thing that would jeopardize spite its good intentions to up- the code of chastity” by blindly hold the integrity of this town, embracing the idea of a Modit is evident that Modesty Week esty Week.

South Pasadena is generwas implemented without adequate forethought. Many South ally thought of as a nurturing Pasadena residents were oblivi- environment where diverse

ideas are encouraged and accepted. By internalizing the views of a single club as “morally correct” and declaring a city-wide week to acknowledge them, the city ouncil is stepping outside of its government jurisdiction and declaring a “right” path for its citizens.

The City’s calendar would be much better served if it offered the chance for high school clubs like Youth With A Voice or Helping Hands, local service groups, to use a week to raise money for locals or encourage volunteerism and service.

The people of this town have the right to freedom of expression and it its not the City’s responsibility to protect the sanctity of its citizens. It seems especially out of place to endorse “chastity” or a certain moral dress code.

By Austin Chee SPHS Senior In the past month, a staple of the cheap high schooler on campus has gone MIA. I speak of none other than the infamous Styrofoam cup, the iconic Cup Noodles. Could this MIA status be attributed to flooding in the Cup Noodle farms? Or perhaps to shipping issues due to the ongoing Nissin Cup Noodle – Nongshim Ramen wars? No. Apparently, this mouthwatering ambrosia has been banned from campus for health reasons.

Though these may be legitimate concerns in some respects, much of the food served at the cafeteria isn’t likely to be significantly better. While food served at the buffet table and burger line might be healthier, it also tempts many to buy too much and overeat, adding unhealthy toppings such as nacho cheese, sour cream, ranch, and alfredo pasta sauce, all of which are notoriously high in fat. But, in the name of healthiness, death by clogged arteries is clearly better than death by MSG. There is also the standard cafeteria line that serves pizza and delicious microwaved burritos.

Both suffer from the same issue that plagues everything delicious: they lacks nutritional value. In addition they are packaged in plastic and zapped by a microwave. And for those of us who have taken APES, we know that the vast majority of cheap plastics release various toxins when heated.

The issue remains that obesity rates don’t change simply by fixing school lunches. Weight management begins at home, with parents ingraining healthy eating habits and a more rigorous exercise regimen into their kids’ lifestyles. Eating marginally healthier in exchange for ingesting different toxins for a single meal a day will do nothing to prevent students from being overweight. On top of that, a single cup noodles probably contains less calories than the vast majority of meals being sold in the cafeteria.

Besides, high school students will consume cup noodles by the ton once they are in college, so it is best to begin acquiring the taste for it in high school. If Cup Noodle consumption begins now, SPHS students will be known as Cup Noodle connoisseurs in college dorms around the U.S., writing rave reviews about the subtleties of taste difference between Hearty Chicken and Chicken flavor. Sadly, due to the removal of Cup Noodles from SPHS, that future will never come to pass.

Grieve with me.

College isn’t the only option

By Amber Laird Copy Editor

Amber Laird

It’s a frightening time for new college graduates. With hordes of business administration and psychology majors entering the job market, finding an occupation pertinent to one’s degree right out of school is becoming less of an American guarantee and more of a farfetched dream. Some college graduates with student loans to pay become so desperate that they forget about their incredibly expensive degree and instead take any job that will have them.

Society sees this hyper-competitive job market and responds with the assumption that it’s even more imperative that one earns, at the very least, a bachelor’s degree from a reputable fouryear university. This message seems to be ingrained in the minds of South Pasadena High School students, as well as teens across the country: you must get a degree in order to secure a job.

A quick look overseas, however, tells a different tale. On the whole, European education is much less focused on universities and tailors more to the needs of individual students. This means much more vocational schooling for people suited to entering the workplace earlier, with jobs that require more specific training and less general education. As a result, the job market is more balanced. In addition to the university-educated, plenty of young people learn specific, useful skills for specific jobs.

In Germany, a system of publicly funded vocational training ensures that young people in trade schools not only learn skills that will prepare them to work, but also have a job waiting for them right out of school. Companies offer two or three year training contracts to recently graduated high schoolers.

Students apply to these programs, and, if accepted, are offered government supplemented training with broader,

vocational schooling in the same field.

A few years later, the trainees have jobs waiting for them with the company that originally signed their contract. The United States has a 16 percent unemployment rate for people under 25. In Germany, it’s less than half that number, largely due to young people who train for a specific skill set.

It’s doubtful that the U.S. will borrow customs from Europe anytime soon, but the benefits of vocational school can still be applied within the American system. A college degree is useful or even necessary for certain careers, but a student interested in being a baker or a mechanic shouldn’t feel as if going to a university is his or her only option. Vocational schools are a vastly underrated, often overlooked option.

They are often more sensible and can lead to greater success than running up hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt to earn a degree in a subject you may not even enjoy.

Opinion

Friday, December 21, 2012 - Tiger

9

Maximizing instructional time with subsitute teachers imperfect system.

One aspect of the No Child Left Behind Act requires instructors to have a The moment a class realizes that their credential in each field that they teach. The teacher is absent and a substitute will be lead- same mentality should be applied to substiing the class, a wave of relief washes over tute teachers. Even if the students will only every student. If busy work is not the order of have the teacher for a day or two, the instructhe day, order inevitably decays into conversa- tor should comply with the same regulations tional chaos as the confused sub spends most that year-round teachers have. In order to of the class period mulling over teacher’s become a substitute, one only needs to hold notes that he or she doesn’t understand. But a bachelor’s degree in any subject and to pass if substitutes were specialized in a specific a test on elementary level reading, writing, subject or area, the efficiency of class periods and math skills.

Students deserve to learn from somein the absence of regular teachers would be heightened, and massive amounts of valuable one with more than basic reading skills, teachers deserve more adinstructional time would no equate replacements, and longer be. substitutes deserve to avoid The sole purpose of While students embarrassment by teaching a substitute teacher is to often rejoice at the subjects that they know. continue class curriculum sight of a substiThe obvious soluin the absence of a teacher. tion to this is to implement But more often than not, tute, the sense of higher requirements for students are confused by relief is countersubstitutes. Advanced levincorrect directions or misintuitive. els of education as well as guided lessons given by evaluations of their teachsubstitutes who do not have ing would allow substitutes the same credentials as their usual instructors. In fact, teachers often spend to teach with at least a basic knowledge of the majority of the next period untangling the topic covered.

Specialized substitutes for each subject messes that substitutes leave behind, hence setting back the students not one, but two or even each grade level would allow these replacements to fall into the curriculum with class periods.

While students often rejoice at the ease. Especially during the present economic sight of a substitute, the sense of relief is climate, out-of-work specialized teachers counterintuitive. Unfinished work accumu- could find a temporary niche.

Competent substitutes would signifilates and results in an end-of-semester rush.

The added, unnecessary stress falls on both cantly cut back on the ridiculous amount of student and teacher. But the substitute is time wasted every time a teacher is absent. not to blame—how can they be expected to And it seems prudent to note that students teach subjects that they do not understand or shouldn’t have to learn from someone who have the qualifications to teach? The blame understands a concept or subject less than for this squandered class time falls on the they do.

By Petra Barbu Staff Writer

Rachael Lee

Getting rid of work without feedback

By David Yang Staff Writer There is a fairly ubiquitous understanding among students that education is a privilege and the hours spent hunched over books and computers are preparation for an eventual payoff of some kind. Given the hours of work put in by students, there are few things more frustrating to dedicated students than a teacher that is silent when it comes to feedback. When students willingly dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to hours of reading and writing to improve their grasp of a concept, the comments “Good job” or “Needs work” provide insufficient guidance to students about their progress.

With torrents of assigned work returned to teachers, it is understandable that they cannot dedicate sufficient time to providing extensive feedback for every paper. The obvious solution would be to assign less work, but make every assignment contribute to the best possible learning experience. Homework needs to evaluate the quality of a student’s understanding, not their ability to complete pages of repetitive work. This solution would be beneficial to students and teachers, giving

the students less work to do and the teachers enough time to grade with meaningful, instructive in-depth commentary.

With less work to grade, teachers would be able to grade everything themselves and relieve TAs from their duties. Student teaching assistants are not qualified to grade student work because they are not conversantly familiar with the concepts and standards of the courses for which they volunteer. Even TAs with polished academic records cannot provide adequate feedback attuned to each student’s personal level of achievement. Assignments that are usually pushed to TAs are also typically assignments that serve as important indicators of content comprehension. Without grading the assignments themselves, teachers cannot have a good grasp of the concepts for which the class needs further instruction.

Ultimately, the streamlining of homework policies would lead to less but better work on the part of students, and less but more thorough grading by teachers. If given difficult assignments which properly reinforce concepts, students will finally savor the challenging concepts as opposed to scarfing down bland buckets of academic chum.

Tiger Newspaper Asks:

When it comes to homework, is quality or quantity more important? Do you believe that the amount of homework that you are currently assigned is beneficial to your learning? Should teachers review every assignment and provide feedback? Is it more effective for homework to be graded on completeness or accuracy? How could homework assignments and grading be changed to be more helpful for students?

Pablo Centeno, Grade 12 The problem with most homework is that it is graded on accuracy and not effort, Good teachers always take that into account. As for the amount of work, teachers should consider the fact that what they assign is added to our other classes we have to worry about. They should be considerate when deciding how much to give us and not just load up on material expecting everyone to memorize it.

Jennifer Wu, Grade 10 To be beneficial, the amount of homework should help students familiarize themselves with the new materials taught in class. It should also contain key concepts that prepare a student for future quizzes or tests. Any excess amount of homework will cause students to focus on completing the work instead of understanding the concepts. Homework should not be graded, but simply given credit for completion.

Lily Round, Grade 9 I feel like when it comes to homework, quality is more important

when compared to quantity. It is easier to focus on finishing an assignment well, rather than trying to finish all of the assignments in a hurry. If there isn’t as much homework, teachers are more capable of reviewing assignments more thoroughly, and the feedback is beneficial to the students. When it comes to grading, both accuracy and completeness is important. It’s important for an assignment to be finished, but it also needs to be thorough. Therefore, it can’t be one or the other, instead both should be accounted for.

Henry Sue, Grade 11 The amount of homework is directly proportional to the quality.

However, each circumstance should be considered differently. When can we judge the effectiveness of homework? Homework is meant to review and practice the material we learn in class. Unfortunately for students, many teachers have misconceptions on what homework is. Some decide to give homework that teaches for them, either due to lack of capability to do so themselves, or out of laziness. Some give homework that is meant to waste our time; some homework

is meaningless.

Of course this isn’t an attack on teachers or the homework they assign. It is an unfortunate byproduct of today’s educational standards, where a student learns to take tests, rather than learning to understand the material. Homework isn’t meant to be confusing or a waste of time.

By reviewing and practicing the material, the student prepares and facilitates future learning. However we must consider that even when we have an optimal homework/time spent balance, and a good review of prior material, homework will still be a menial task, so the select few of us who are lazy will still face the consequences.

Gloria Kim, Grade 12 The purpose of homework is to help students grasp new concepts they are being introduced to through practice. Though the amount and type of homework assigned depend on the subject and nature of each class, ultimately, homework should reflect the level of academic difficulty at which they are expected to perform. However, the errors students make on their homework should not be counted against them in point values.

Mistakes and misinterpretations are not deadly sins. This is how students learn. Is it not better to make these mistakes on homework, which serve as practice, rather than on tests, which serve to measure understanding? Yes, accuracy is important, but homework is not where perfection should be demanded.

Julius Lam, Grade 11 Homework is indisputably necessary and engages the focus of students...

Short, condensed, thinking-intensive homework can be exhausting for both students and teachers, but busywork, while enabling multitasking, is still inefficient, and ultimately ineffective.

Homework assignments ought to strike a balance between quality and quantity, a balance of which different classes lie on different sides. Likewise, the grading of assignments should be balanced in attention to completeness and accuracy...

Cursory grading of homework is convenient for both students and teachers, and is perhaps a necessity, but in turn encourages the cursory completion of homework. In this respect, homework quantity ought to be reduced for quality.

10 Tiger - Friday, December 21, 2012

Last Minute Holidays

A LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY SEASON

With four days to prepare for the holidays, SPHS students are guaranteed to be in a panic. Whether it be hosting relatives, dealing with airports or trying to track down cinnamon sticks for your eggnog, it’s easy for the Christmas cheer to be dampened.

Here is a guide for dealing with the holidays in a time-crunch. Did you forget to buy a Secret Santa present? Looking for a recipe for peppermint bark? This Christmas, have no fears nor anxiety attacks. From the Tiger Newspaper family to yours, we wish you the best of luck and a happy holiday season.

Last minute gifts

Last minute excuses The magic of the holidays spurs on dozens of dinner parties and family celebrations. And we all know that there are those gatherings that you just don’t want to attend. Feel free to drop in one of these charming, believable excuses when those invites come along.

I’m going to be out of town.

I’m deep sea fishing with Bear Grylls. In the Atlantic.

I have a therapy session scheduled.

I’m still recovering from last Christmas.

I’m building a scale model of the Taj Mahal...out of gingerbread.

I need to pack for my family vacation.

You see my mom’s never been to...

I’m busy being with loved ones that day.

I have my grandparents coming from Idaho. Gram-Gram hasn’t been here since 1983.

“I’m so sorry, but I can’t make it because...”

I left my stove on in my vacation house, which happens to be in the Aleutian Islands, and need to go turn it off.

I’m rowing.

Item: CD Can be purchased at: Make it yourself at home!

Starting price: Free Personal touch: Decorate a plastic case and the CD itself with Sharpie. Don’t forget to print out a track list and tape it inside the case.

My parents won’t let me go to that part of town.

I has breaked my head.

Friends

Item: Holiday slippers Can be purchased at: Target, Urban Outfitters Starting price: $17 Personal touch: Choose a pair of fuzzy socks to go with your gift, & roll them up inside the sole. A pair made in gift-giving heaven.

Parents

Item: Scarf Can be purchased: H&M, Nordstrom Starting price: $10 Personal touch: Take advantage of the easy-to-wrap shape and package it in an innovative way; make a shape with tinfoil! Use the scarf as wrapping paper!

Item: Holiday lotion & soap package Can be purchased at: Bath and Body Works Starting price: $18 Personal touch: For an excuse to say “it’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas,” choose scents such as Cinnamon, Iced Gingerbread and Candy Cane Bliss.

Item: Vintage candy and soda Can be purchased at: Rocket Fizz Starting price: $1 Personal touch: Find a soda in your sibling’s favorite smoothie flavor or only buy candy that fits a certain theme.

Item: Homemade meal Can be purchased at: Vons Starting price: Free or cost of ingredients Personal touch: Enlist the help of your siblings and turn your dining room into a restaurant, complete with a menu, multiple courses, and shockingly familiar waiters.

Item: Classic movie or CD Can be purchased at: Amazon; eBay; Amoeba Starting price: $1 Personal touch: Find a favorite film or album that your parent loves to quote, try starting with one that came out the year they graduated high school.

Item: Framed family pictures Can be purchased at: Target, FedEx Starting price: $10 Personal touch: Pick up some puffy paint while you’re at Target and write you and your siblings’ names on the frames with messages of love.

Item: Creative coffee cups Can be purchased at: Amazon, Color Me Mine Starting price: $10 Personal touch: Make sure you order a themed mug from their favorite television show or personalize a plain mug with your siblings.

Design by Sofi Goode. Page by Jessica Moog. Illustrations by Evan Davis, Amber Laird, Annie Lu, Amanda Stewart. Text by Kea Hudson, Pooja Vyas, Andrés García, David Yang, Talia Wun-Young, Heather Vaughan, Madison Amido, Kelsey Hess, Sofi Goode. Photos courtesy of marthastewart.com and polyvore.com

5 tablespoons (packed) grated Romano cheese (about 1 ounce) 3 tablespoons light mayonnaise 3 tablespoons light sour cream 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon onion salt 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts packed in water, well drained, chopped into 1/4-inch pieces 1/4 teaspoon paprika French bread baguette slices, toasted

Whisk 4 tbs grated Romano cheese, light mayonnaise, light sour cream, dried marjoram, black pepper, onion salt, and garlic powder in medium bowl to blend. Stir in chopped artichoke hearts. Transfer mixture to 1 1/2cup ramekin. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead.

Cover mixture and refrigerate.)

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake dip until heated through, about 20 minutes (about 30 minutes if chilled).

Preheat broiler. Sprinkle dip with remaining 1 tablespoon grated Romano cheese and paprika. Broil until cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices.

Honey-baked Ham 6 pound bone-in ham 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup honey 2 teaspoons cornstarch ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line a roasting pan with foil. Place the ham in the pan, rounded side up, and bake for 60 minutes.

In a saucepan over medium heat, mix the brown sugar, honey, cornstarch, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper until a thick glaze is formed.

Rub the half of the glaze on the ham and bake for another 30 minutes.

Flip the ham over and rub on the remaining glaze. Bake for another 60 minutes.

Remove the ham from the oven and allow it to rest for 30 minutes before serving.

Last minute dinner The holiday season is characterized by specific, well-known flavors. Here are some simple dishes for a homemade dinner that embody the holiday palette of gingerbread, peppermint, and honey.

Peppermint Bark 3 crushed candy canes 12 ounces of good-quality white chocolate, melted 12 ounces of good-quality semisweet chocolate, melted 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, divided

Line sheet pan with parchment paper.

Melt chocolate chips in a microwave on low power. When completely melted, add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract.

Use spatula to spread the melted chocolate over the parchment paper. Allow about 30 minutes chocolate to cool.

Melt the white chocolate in a microwave on low power. When completely melted, add the other ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Pour white chocolate over the semisweet layer and use a spatula to spread.

Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the white chocolate layer.

Allow chocolate an hour to set before gently peeling bark from the paper. Break or cut into pieces.

Gingerbread Latte 1 cup milk, steamed 1 cup very strong coffee 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon gingerbread syrup (you can use the recipe provided below) Whipped cream (optional) Festive Sprinkles (optional)

In a pot, heat up one cup of milk until it is steaming. Froth the milk with a wire whisk or an immersion blender until it is nice and foamy.

In your coffee cup, add your gingerbread syrup and white sugar. Pour your coffee over the gingerbread syrup and sugar and then stir well with a spoon until the gingerbread syrup dissolves and everything is incorporated well. Pour the milk foam over the top of the coffee/mocha mixture and stir again to incorporate. Allow it to merry together for a minute or two and then mix once more. Top with whipped cream and festive sprinkles.

Last minute outfits

Item: Gas Card Can be purchased at: Local gas station Starting price: Whatever owed Personal touch: In addition to paying them back for driving you around, design a coupon for them to give you when they want to be chauffeured.

Siblings Item: Dinosaur Encyclopedia Can be purchased at: The Dinosaur Farm Starting price: $14 Personal touch: If your siblings are young, try printing out dinosaur coloring pictures off Google to glue into the book.

Artichoke Dip

I’m baking the world’s largest bundt cake.

You have a Secret Santa party in an hour and you still need a gift, but want to avoid purchasing an impersonal gift card. It’s December 21 and you have yet to even think of a gift for your parents. Don’t panic; here are some last-minute gift ideas that are thoughtful, affordable, convenient, and best of all, still seem heartfelt.

Item: Movie theater tickets Can be purchased at: Any local theater Starting price: $12 Personal touch: Make the tickets part of a package! Include bags of kettle corn and candy to get them in a cinema-ready mood.

Friday, December 21, 2012 - Tiger

Last Minute Holidays

With the holiday season in full swing, it is important to know how to put together outfits that promise warmth while still being festive and stylish. In the midst of holiday parties, family gatherings, and winter events, traditional pieces are essential to making a fast statement before new clothes arrive under the tree. Try different combinations of these five essential pieces for last-minute style.

THE BASICS These five basic versatile pieces can be paired together numerous ways to accomplish polished night looks and cute daytime outfits. If you don’t have any of these pieces, they can be found anywhere from Target to Foreign Exchange for relatively cheap prices – especially with holiday season deals in full effect.

DAYTIME An easy, comfortable daytime look can be achieved by wearing an oversized sweater and jeans. Oversized sweaters are a great way to stay warm while still being trendy. Mens sweaters are key to accomplishing the slouchy oversized look and can be found at any thrift store for extremely af-

fordable pieces. Pairing a sweater, jeans, scarf, and boots together makes up a daytime winter look that is quick, simple and perfect for class.

NIGHTTIME If you’re up for a look requiring slightly more effort, utilize the classic little black dress with boots and layer it under a open sweater to keep cozy. The silhouette of an the oversized sweater and form fitting dress adds visual contrast to the ensemble. Adding semi-sheer tights or leg warmers adds practical warmth.

A key thing to remember when dressing for cold California weather is that going out and buying a whole new wardrobe is unnecessary. Layering summer pieces under sweaters, adding tights,

Last minute music Music is an essential part of every party. Enjoy these readymade playlists of oldies, holiday songs, and generally upbeat music for your seasonal celebrations.

A Break from the Spirit “Anna Sun” – Walk the Moon “Undercover Martyn” – Two Door Cinema Club “Moth’s Wings” – Passion Pit “In the Sun” – She & Him “Radioactive” – Imagine Dragons “Smile Like You Mean It” – The Killers “River” – Civil Twilight “Lakehouse” – Of Monsters And Men “San Francisco” – The Mowgli’s “Best Night”– The War On Drugs “Don’t Panic” – Coldplay “Love Lost” – The Temper Trap “Million Dollar Man” – Lana Del Rey “Dreamers” – Savoir Adore “Mr. Brightside” – The Killers

and throwing on a beanie or scarf are all ways to use pieces you already have in your closet to create the perfect winter ensemble.

FOR GUYS Any guys interested in looking good no matter the temperature should put away your bro tanks and khaki shorts and go for dark layers. Getting dressed in five minutes is still possbile; hoodies un-

derneath cargo jackets make a nice pair with classic Vans. Go for desert boots for a clean look during holiday parties with friends.

Those with bolder wardrobes may already have graphic crew necks and burgundy jeans, both of which are perfect for hanging out over break. Try a casual long-sleeved jean shirt to avoid having to change from home to going out.

Best of the Holiday Classics The Most Wonderful Time “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” – Andy Williams “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” – Jackson 5 “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” – Gene Autry “Let It Snow” – Dean Martin “Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms “Run Rudolph Run” – Chuck Berry “Santa Baby” – Eartha Kitt “Winter Wonderland” – Aretha Franklin “The Christmas Song” – Nat King Cole “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” – Frank Sinatra “Sleigh Ride” – Andy Williams “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” – Jackson 5 “A Holly Jolly Christmas” – Alan Jackson “Jingle Bells” – Frank Sinatra “Happy Hanukkah” – Matisyahu “Driedel Song” – The XMas Players

“It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” – Michael Bublé “All I Want For Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey “Christmas in Harlem” – Kanye West “Last Christmas” – Cascada “I Do Not Care For The Winter Sun” – Beach House “Christmas Wrapping” – Summer Camp “Cold December Night” – Michael Bublé “Christmas In the Room” – Sufjan Stevens “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” – Coldplay “Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)” – Death Cab for Cutie “Boots” – The Killers “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” – John Lennon ‘Feliz Navidad” – Michael Bublé “Carol of the Bells” – The Bird and the Bee

11

12 Tiger - Friday, December 21, 2012

Feature

Feature

Out and About The perfect way to end this week of holiday festivities is with delicious baked goods and a cup of hot chocolate. Buy them after school today in front of the school gym, courtesy of the Baking Tigers and the freshmen class officers.

Happy holidays! /Rhian Moore

Reflections entries present the magic of the moment

By Sarah Stukan Assoc. Feature Editor A baby swaddled in a white blanket with two border stripes sits in the foreground. Her eyes are closed in a peaceful sleep. In the blur that makes up most of the upper right hand corner sits her mother in a hospital bed, in conversation with someone beyond our perspective.

SPHS sophomore Hanna Crowley’s photo, entitled “Thirty Hours Old,” won first place and received Outstanding Interpretation in the ParentTeacher Association’s annual Reflections program.

This year’s theme was “The Magic of a Moment.”

“My photo is of a baby when she was just thirty hours old. The baby is my mom’s friend’s baby, Vivienne. That was the first time I’d ever seen or held a baby so small and I thought she was beautiful,” said Crowley, who has participated in this competition since second grade.

Freshman Jenna Giulioni’s visual art piece “Reflection Point” earned identical awards in the competition. Giulioni’s piece features a rugged mountain range rising to the right of the canvas under an ominous grey and black sky. Reflections of the surrounding landscape are mirrored in a still, dark lake at the painting’s center.

The Reflections contest is a national program that encourages students to explore the arts and express themselves by receiving recognition for their artistic efforts. Students from preschool through grade 12 submit artwork to one of six competition categories: dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, or visual arts.

Professionals judge the work and give awards based on excellence, interpretation, and merit.

Crowley and Giulioni’s pieces each garnered awards at the high school and district levels, and will be moving on to the state level for further judging. Other students honored this year include senior Christian Miyamae and junior Matthew Winkel, who both earned second place and the Award of Excellence for their pieces “Boulevard Bliss” (visual art) and “Bound” (photography), respectively.

“Try your best and have fun,” said Giulioni.

“It’s all about the art.”

Rachael Garner

Ruby Muller and Ashley Allen played Cecily Cardew and her governess in this year’s fall play, a successful comedic production about two men who pretend to be named Ernest to catch the attention of two women who both love the name.

The Importance of Being Earnest captures trivialty and wit

By Kira Gabriel and Sarah Stukan Tiger Staff 4.5/5

Once the lights dimmed and the preperformance chatter died down, laughter filled the air of the Little Theater as this year’s fall play, The Importance of Being Earnest, unfolded on stage. The 1895 Oscar Wilde classic, performed for two consecutive weekends, charmed audiences with its wit, hilarity, and exceptional quality.

The romantic comedy follows friends Jack Worthing (freshman Jake Swayze) and Algernon Moncrieff (junior David Yang), who fall in love with the attractive and clever Gwendolen Fairfax (junior Sophie Negrini) and Cecily Cardew (junior Ruby Muller) respectively. Both women have dreamed of marrying men named Ernest, which prompts Jack and Algernon to take the names, setting up a hilariously

complicated mix-up that leads to confusion and heartbreak.

The Little Theater’s close stage proximity was perfectly suited to The Importance of Being Earnest and provided the audience with a very intimate environment. The small cast created a more personal show, and the minor set changes gave the feeling of one continuous scene and story.

Oscar Wilde’s sharp and intelligent tongue-and-cheek dialogue was executed at a fast pace, but still allowed appropriate pause for laughter no matter how quickly the lines were delivered. The actors often engaged in conversations so filled with fury and passion that the lines appeared improvised, an impressive feat for student actors.

Each actor gave an outstanding performance, creating a level of professionalism that excelled beyond a student production. The small set and simple costumes were offset by realistic British ac-

cents and flawless character portrayals.

Especially commendable were Muller, who brought sass to the otherwise innocent Cecily Cardew, and Negrini, who instilled taste and authority as Gwendolen Fairfax. Both actresses were ludicrous, but never to the extent of sacrificing their characters’ dignity.

Swayze and Yang’s performances both flaunted an amazing control of the stage. Besides hardly ever stumbling over complicated dialogue, their body language and facial expressions added humor to scenes even where lines weren’t intentionally comedic.

The Importance of Being Earnest’s sarcastic and quick-witted script, teamed with superb acting, made for an evening that was enjoyable to all. The outstanding performances and level of professionalism displayed by the cast set a standard that will be a challenge for future productions to recreate.

Personality Profile: Joe Espinosa

By Madison Amido Staff Writer

Siria Medina

Joe Espinosa began woodworking in eighth grade and has built a foosball table and fireplace mantle since then.

When junior Joe Espinosa arrives home from school, he puts aside his homework for at least three hours and sits down at a bench to practice woodworking. The latest fruit of his daily labor is a legless chair made from carob wood specially imported from the Mediterranean.

Espinosa ranked as the number one woodworker in the state of California for 2012 in a competition against both high school and college students. Already, he has received scholarship offers for his woodwork from schools in Paris and New York.

“I made a chair with no legs,” said Espinosa. “I had all of these angles and measurements done so that you could sit on it without falling down, and I think that’s why it won.”

It may be difficult to believe that Espinosa was home schooled his

entire life upon entering South Pasadena High School as a freshman, because the outgoing junior defies common home school misconceptions.

Woodshop is not just a hobby for Espinosa—his constant participation in the activity eased the transition of attending a public school.

“He keeps getting more and more advanced. His work is well done, approaching perfection. He is super hardworking,” said woodshop teacher Mr. Bruce Jessen, who has been working with Espinosa for three years.

Espinosa first realized his passion for carpentry when he presented his award-winning submission to the school faculty, including Mr. Terrance Dunn and Mr. Jack Smith.

“I was asked to give a presentation to faculty on my project [in] sophomore year. Just having them want to hear how I built it... other people are actually interested

in my work. Having that same chair win first in state was amazing,” said Espinosa.

When he isn’t crafting pieces for competitions, Espinosa’s schedule is filled with daily wrestling practices as part of the school’s varsity wrestling team. Amazingly, he still finds time between practice and woodshop to play the piano, drums, and the ukulele.

Though Espinosa’s woodshop teacher believes that he could have a full kitchen cabinet and furniture business, Espinosa is currently leaning towards pursuing architectural design after high school. However, he does intend to continue woodworking as a hobby for the rest of his life.

“What makes [cabinetry] worth it is being happy. If I wasn’t happy doing this, then I wouldn’t be that good,” said Espinosa. “The best aspect is when you finally finish and see how much you’ve accomplished.”

Feature

Band and orchestra hold holiday concert

By Jason Wang Business Manager Parents, faculty, and fellow students found refuge from the winter chill in the cozy auditorium last Thursday night for the South Pasadena High School music department’s annual winter concert. The symphonic band, jazz band, and orchestra provided the audience with a heartwarming assortment of holiday-themed songs.

The orchestra kicked off the night at 7:00 PM with an energetic, blithe composition titled “Figaro Figaro.” The strings performed two more classical selections, “Rigaudon” and “Fire Dance,” before concluding the set alongside band members with “A Carol Festival.”

In commemoration of the holiday spirit, the symphonic band began with the traditional Christmas carol “Sleigh Ride.” The band then performed two contemporary selections, “Rollercoaster” and “Ghost Dances,” to add musical variety to the program.

The jazz band followed a short intermission and concluded the concert with a series of upbeat pieces, including “Fancy Pants” and “Groovin’ Hard,” both of which featured several individual solos.

“We haven’t had a significant chunk of time to prepare,” said senior drum major Derek Wang. “However, during class and rehearsals, we have been working really hard to perfect the music.”

In addition to independent practice, the musicians attended group rehearsals every Monday and Wednesday for the past few weeks to prepare for the holiday concert.

“I can tell that the musicians worked extremely hard to make this concert as enjoyable as it was,” said South Pasadena High School alumnus and former band member Christina Yang. “The atmosphere was soothing, and gave me the chance to see both the band and orchestra play at their full potential.”

Tiger - Friday, December 21, 2012

13

Personality Profile: Emily Joe

By Emily Markese Staff Writer Senior Emily Joe first experienced the magic of the stage while acting in her fifth grade musical, Annie Junior. Although she decided that acting was not her thing, Joe found her passion as a member of stage crew, and she hasn’t left the theater since.

A part of both the South Pasadena High School stage crew and the Fremont Center Theater professional stage crew, Joe spends most of her time backstage building sets and props or controlling the lights and sound.

“I was really jealous of all the people who got to do cool things backstage,” said Joe. “I saw all the high schoolers from the stage crew and I was like, I want to do that.”

As a member of the SPHS stage crew, Joe practically lives in the theater, but she manages to find time for side jobs as well.

Joe recently interviewed for a job on the stage crew at the Pasadena Playhouse, and currently works at Fremont Centre Theatre in South Pasadena as a paid intern.

“The best thing about Emily would definitely have to be her humor and sarcasm. She can always get the whole room to laugh,” said junior Lauren Miller, who works alongside Joe at the Fremont Centre Theatre. “We’d always be cracking jokes

Sophia Arriola

Emily Joe discovered stage crew after observing high schoolers working behind the scenes. Her most recent work has been on the high school’s fall play. with the actors and playing little pranks on them.”

Her passion for stage crew, though time-consuming, still enables Joe to pursue other interests. Well-versed in music, she taught herself to play the acoustic, electric, and twelve-string guitars, as well as the piano, and often performs in school assemblies.

After reading The Hunger Games, she also became interested in archery and has been practicing the sport almost every week for the past year and a half.

“If filmmaking doesn’t pan out, I think being an Olympic archer would be the next step,” said Joe.

Most people think stage crew’s only job is in the theater, but these often underappreciated workers do everything from graduation to plays to assemblies and more.

“Secretly this school is run by stage crew. I want the world to know,” said Joe. Joe hopes to go to Art Center College of Design as a film major after high school, and then on to New York University to achieve her dream of directing films.

Though stage crew and directors are two very different professions, both have one thing in common: while they’re not necessarily in the spotlight, they take control behind the scenes to create a great show.

By David Yang Staff Writer

Stooping over in the school garden, Science teacher Mr. Don Wielenga plucks a leaf of lettuce, flicks off two slugs, inserts a thin blade of chive into the crease of the leaf, and takes a bite into what he calls a “lettuce wrap.”

Siria Medina His concept of food may seem strange to a generation Be sure to visit tigernewspaper.com for extra food column features. raised on Lunchables and prepackaged salads, but the simplicity of his ingredients represents the very foundation of cooking.

However foreign, there is a rustic appeal to food that is so fresh that nature is still sliming or crawling on rupt. His troubles begin when the wiz- ellan), Frodo (Elijah Wood), and Elit. Fresh, natural food has, unfortunately, been bred

By Jordan Xiao ard Gandalf the Grey plans a meeting rond (Hugo Weaving) portrayed by out of our diets and made inaccessible by America’s Staff Writer in Bilbo’s home against his will, and the familiar faces. While the performance commercial culture.

4/5 diminutive hero is unsuspectingly swept from veterans is as stellar as ever, ac“These days, it’s almost like food has to be packinto twelve valiant dwarves’ quest. tors new to the franchise lived up to the aged for it to be good,” Wielenga said.

This on-campus garden in front of the science “In a hole there lived a hobbit,” Bilbo must help them take back their high standards of the series. Freeman building has been a project shared between Wielenga and begins Peter Jackson’s new release ancestral home and lost treasure from develops Bilbo from a timid farmer into a courageous adventurer, and Richard various students over the years. Currently the five planters The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the an evil dragon.

The journey isn’t an easy one: Armitage truly delivers as Thorin Oakin the garden produce lettuce, rosemary, swiss chard, yelsame way J.R.R. Tolkien began his low squash, cilantro, peas, and chives.

1937 novel of the same name. Jack- marauding orcs, towering stone giants, enshield, the solemn and noble dwarf Said Wielenga, “Most people seem interested, exson combines surreal direction with and racial tensions all stall the party’s prince intent on restoring his people cited, and intrigued [by] the garden.”

Tolkien’s gripping story to create a film progress. All the while, an ancient evil to glory.

The film induces nostalgia for is stirring in the shadows, restlessly preJoining Wielenga and several of the students that lives up to the name of the Lord of paring for the moment it can once more Lord of the Rings fans with its familwho work on the garden with him, I had the opporthe Rings trilogy. tunity to taste the fruits of their labor—a simple sauté An Unexpected Journey takes place rain death and destruction upon the iar New Zealand landscapes, Howard Shore’s stirring score, and well-acof swiss chard, yellow squash, and chives, seasoned sixty years before the events of The Fel- citizens of Middle Earth.

Many actors from the original quainted characters. While An Unexwith salt, pepper, and rosemary whipped up by seniors lowship of the Ring, and begins in the William Rygg and Angelise Slifkin. The entire dish peaceful Shire. Like any other hobbit, Lord of the Rings trilogy have returned pected Journey’s quest is not on as grand possessed flavor that I had not expected out of such Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) leads for the chronological prequel, with a scale as that of The Two Towers or The simple ingredients. a routine life that he is reluctant to dis- characters such as Gandalf (Ian McK- Return of the King, there is a different kind of heartwarming camaraderie Wielenga acknowledges that cooking from a garamong the dwarves, who are united by den can pose challenges for the home chef. For example, their common desire to reclaim their a large harvest can all come in over a period of one to two homeland and their people’s future. months and quickly put off the palate. Take the seemingly Some of the action and humor harmless zucchini squash: anyone who has ever grown too may be slightly more slapstick than much of this deceptively benign vegetable will attest to the what was seen in the previous three horror of its dietary overabundance during harvest. films, but as the book was originally inFor Wielenga, growing food for eating, though delitended for younger audiences, this comcious and satisfying, is not the entire purpose of gardening. edy only adds to the movie’s quality.

Gardening provides an escape from the rapid tempo of life While Tolkien fans may be irthat probably yields more health benefits than all the vegritated to know they’ll have to wait etables in the world combined. until 2014 to finish the story, the three“Gardening is about slowing down from the rush of installment adaptation of The Hobbit life,” said Wielenga. “It’s the awareness of a process and upmovie.net The first film of the new prequel trilogy is supported by familiar returning should be well worth multiple trips to relationship with nature that makes gardening special.” actors but ultimately led by Martin Freeman, who plays Bilbo Baggins. the theater.

An Unexpected Journey meets high expectations

14 Tiger - Friday, December 21, 2012

Feature

Tiger explores the lesserknown parts of the greater Los Angeles area.

By Sofi Goode Editor-in-Chief After last year’s semi-successful search for extravagant Christmas decorations, we set off looking for holiday cheer once again. Though we were missing the L of our original SLAAGLAA and burdened by time constraints, we chose a single location that we hoped would embody the Christmas spirit.

Griffith Park’s Travel Town train museum houses Los Angeles’s transportation history, but starting December 12, it is transformed into a winter wonderland. A light display is set up along the route of the miniature train and Santa and Mrs. Claus

report for duty.

For $7 a person, you can get a ride around the museum to view the decorations, a picture with Santa, a candy cane, and a coupon to return for free.

Entering at 7:30 PM on Sunday night, we found the area completely deserted. Though the twinkling lights lit up a portion of the museum, there was not a soul in sight, and it took us nearly ten minutes to find the train station.

Despite the setback, we at last boarded the train and set off on a seven-minute journey. The light display was quaint—featuring wooden reindeer, Santa’s workshop, animals formed out of lights, and a tunnel of twinkling Christmas spirit at the end.

By the time we disembarked, it was clear to us that the museum would have been more fitting if we had been babysitting. But refusing to waste a dime, we got in line for our pictures with Santa.

As we followed an infant into Santa’s arms, we couldn’t help but feel that our age made the situation

Photos by Rachael Garner

slightly creepy. We were too dazed to answer coherently when asked what we wanted for Christmas, and we informed Santa that he was responsible for a unicorn and printer, and getting us into college.

We next headed over to the Griffith Observatory, where the brisk winter air provided a beautiful view of the stars, in hopes of a more age-appropriate Christmas experience. The hilltop made a lovely vantage point for the decorations set up around the city.

One night this holiday season, take your younger siblings up to the Travel Town train ride and swing by the observatory with your friends. Between the two locations, natural and designed beauty will fill you with a heartwarming sense of Christmas cheer.

Assassins prepare for cereal killings

By Petra Barbu Staff Writer Ruthless strategies, whispered plots, and violent attacks—spoon assassin has more in common with warfare than it does with most games, and once again South Pasadena High School has been declared a battle ground.

The game has straightforward rules. Students play hit man and “assassinate” their assigned victim at a time when that person is not holding his or her spoon, an activity that is far less simple than it sounds and often requires weeks of stealthy planning. Upon tagging his or her subject, the player takes that person’s spoon and designated target, and the hunt begins again. These plastic spoons will be the students’ permanent companions until the second to last player is tagged out. The longest running game in the 2011-2012 school year lasted over eight months.

Over two hundred students are competing this year, one hundred in an upperclassman game organized by seniors Cole Teague and Nick O’Brien and ninety in an underclassman game organized by sophomores Sam Benzoni, Khalil Ellams, Patrick Nelson, and Roy Mabie. The number of participating students has more than doubled since last year and has been steadily rising from the forty when Martin Lis (Class of 2012) introduced the game to SPHS in 2010.

Each participant is required to pay $5 to play, and the winner is awarded all the money at the end of the game.

Competing for cash prizes of hundreds of dollars has inspired several noteworthy attacks throughout the years.

“Spoon assassin is a game of lies and manipulation.

Your only friend is yourself and you can’t trust anyone,” said O’Brien. “It takes a lot of dedication and mental capability to hold on to your spoon, but the pride in winning and the $500 will all be worth it.”

Spoon assassin is being played on a far larger scale than ever before. The students of SPHS can expect months of backstabbing, betrayal, and intricately planned assassination.

Anna Karenina’s surreal façade Club Spotlight: The Environmental Club loses touch with its audience

By Sarah Stukan Assoc. Feature Editor 3/5

From the moment a curtain opens on a luxurious Russian Czarist stage in 1875, Anna Karenina announces itself as a bold adaptation of Tolstoy’s novel set in a single location.

In a creative twist, the film is shot entirely inside of a theater using all parts of the building as if they were the stage. Action spills out onto the floor of the auditorium, transformed and redressed into a frozen lake or ballroom.

This bold and gloriously ornate approach paired with brilliantly interpreted acting undoubtedly creates a surreal adaptation of the epic. However, as the film evolves, its look and image make it difficult for the audience to be drawn into the story.

The film chronicles Anna Karenina (Keira Knightley), the artless wife of government official Alexei Karenin (Jude Law).

When summoned from St. Petersburg to Moscow to help keep her brother’s marriage intact,

she enraptures the dashing young Count Alexei Vronsky (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Anna and Vronsky engage in a passionate affair, which unravels social order and sets Anna on a tragic, heartbreaking path of destruction.

Knightley does an effective job as Anna, creating beautiful contrast from the mature woman in the opening of the film to one ruined with passion and madness in its closing.

Taylor-Johnson perfectly captures his character as an attractive womanizer and demonstrates the depth necessary to express extreme agony in Vronsky.

At first glance, the creative staging is doubly intriguing and perplexing. But once the dazzling innovation loses its shine, the confusing set design buries the acting, and the impact of the film is lost. The dreamy framework becomes heavy and leaves the viewer wishing for a transition to realistic locations. This adaptation of one of the greatest literary classics is too showy to resonate with viewers as the original story has for over a century.

Although it boasts gorgeous presentation and compelling performances, Anna Karenina fails to connect with its audience and unfortunately upstages itself.

By Kealia Hudson Staff Writer The South Pasadena High School Environmental Club’s name is slightly misleading.

Though the environment is ultimately important to its members, the group has a more specific goal: restoring the Arroyo Seco Nature Park. The newly founded club works to spread community awareness and participate in the park’s renovation.

Over the summer, senior Betty Soibel graduated from a Jewish leadership program called Diller Teen Fellows. Upon completion of the program, she was responsible for organizing and implementing a community service project. Soibel founded the club this year after Mrs. Barbara Einstein, the president of the South Pasadena Conservancy Board, came to speak to her AP Environmental Science class about the park.

When Einstein said she needed someone to spread community awareness at the high school, Soibel took the offer and formed the Environmental Club.

Soibel and the other members discovered soon after taking on the project that the

Like this comic? View it in full color at tigernewspaper.com.

Anastasia Velicescu

Senior Betty Soibel started the environmental club to renovate the Arroyo Seco. renovation would be no easy task. The officers attended a number of Treepeople workshops, which certified the students as volunteer supervisors and trained them in direct plantings.

The students also have the help of their advisor, AP Environmental Science teacher Mr. Donald Wielenga, who provides them with his environmental expertise and necessary supplies. Einstein has also helped the club order plants and map out plans for planting in the park.

The students took part in their first planting on November 17. Since then, they have visited the park weekly for watering. The members plan to plant another native species in the near future, and Soibel expects to hold the actual tree planting in late March.

“I believe our club is unique because it is centered on one goal: reviving the nature park,” said Soibel. “In addition, being a part of the club teaches practical skills that seem very simple in theory, but are slightly more complicated in practice.”

The members of the SPHS Environmental Club are passionate and goaloriented, and as such have shaped their group from a social gathering into a collection of students dedicated to serving their community.

Feature

Tiger - Friday, December 21, 2012

15

Jukebox boasts an infectious beat

By Karen Hsueh Tiger Online Writer 4/5

Ever since Bruno Mars hit the charts with his single “Just the Way You Are,” he has been well known for his romantic musical style and signature fedora. The artist’s highly anticipated sophomore album, Unorthodox Jukebox, demonstrates his ability to transform his mix of breezy pop music and great vocals into a darker sound.

This album’s different style and instrumentation is a refreshing change for Bruno Mars as he steps out of his sweet romancer image into that of a careless bad boy.

The hit single “Locked Out of Heaven” is only a small taste of the mixing bowl of pop beats, killer vocals, and sultry lyrics which range from regretful to racy. The album boasts a wide variety of different sounds and genres of music, including piano ballads and pop songs.

The lyrics are what distinguishes Mars from other contemporary artists: he romanticizes his Rrated lyrics to make them less explicit and more upbeat, making the songs worthy of some grade-A head bobbing. The tune “Young Girls” is especially catchy and unforgettable, and stands out in the album.

Mars’s feel-good voice is compatible with many different music genres, allowing him to channel his inner Michael Jackson disco in “Treasure,” reggae pop in “Show Me,” and regretful romantic in “When I Was Your Man.” Though Mars’s experimentation is undoubtedly good for the future of his career, Unorthodox Jukebox suffers from a lack of attention to lyrics and beat. Tracks in similar genres, such as “Natalie” and “Money Make Her Smile,” sound undeniably similar and are bland in comparison to the unique styles of other songs. Many have drawn connections between his individual songs and styles of other artists, such as the resemblance between “Locked Out of Heav-

store.brunomars.com

Mars’s sophomore album was aptly named for its unconventional melting pot of musical styles. en” and songs by The Police.

Unorthodox Jukebox is straight to the point— with ten songs in about half an hour—and, despite its weaknesses, lives up to the expectations of Mars’s debut album. With Jukebox’s variety of music appealing to a wider listener pool than that of its predecessor, Bruno Mars appears to be on a roller coaster that is only going up.

EOVER heard Illustrations by Amanda Stewart

Like this comic? View it in full color at tigernewspaper.com.

16 Tiger - Friday, December 21, 2012

Winter Wonders

Page by Rachael Garner Text by Heather Vaughan Photos by Sophia Arriola, Rachael Garner, Siria Medina, and Anastasia Velicescu

Winter Wonders SPHS performers spread holiday cheer As the year comes to a close, the performing arts programs of South Pasadena High School are ending it with an exciting array of holiday performances. After spending a long, dedicated year putting endless hours into their respective activities, these gifted groups of students prepared three shows to share the fruits of their labor. Music from the band concert seamlessly flowed, giving evidence of the performers’ consistently hard work. Members of the drama department flawlessly portrayed Victorian Londoners in The Importance of Being Earnest, captivating the attendees with their sharp wit. And finally, the “Step Into the Basics” recital, presented by the advanced and beginning dance classes, covered a vast spectrum of elaborately choreographed styles. All of these South Pasadena performers gracefully illustrated their talents in acts that let the hardworking attitude of our school shine through.

Sports

Tiger - Friday, December 21, 2012

17

Charles Slocum

By Heather Vaughan Copy Editor

Anastasia Velicescu

Slocum is a four-year varsity defender.

Ever since his first game at the young age of six years old, Charles Slocum has been a naturally gifted soccer player. Starting as just a humble member of his community American Youth Soccer Organization team, Slocum has grown into a skilled athlete with a bright future ahead of him.

Slocum is a three-year veteran, captain, and left defender of the varsity boys team as well as a

first-team all league player for last season.

“When I began, I wasn’t really good; I was just having fun and enjoying the snacks,” said Slocum candidly. Now that he’s at a higher level, he says that soccer has helped him mature as a person and as an athlete, work with others, and build on the mistakes that he makes.

Slocum has actively participated on a Crown City club team since the fourth grade, having joined to train in a more competitive and stimulating atmosphere.

Although he admits that club play is more stressful and requires a more consistent performance than recreational play, he acknowledges that it has opened up numerous scouting opportunities that he never would have obtained otherwise; notably, his team won a national Nomads tournament in 2011, earning him the attention of many college coaches.

As for the South Pasadena team, Slocum has high hopes for this season. His goal is to go as far as possible in CIF competition,

and, as he puts it, “get the job done.” He takes it upon himself to keep the team “focused and disciplined,” during practice as well as games, upholding his belief that “you practice the way you play.”

Slocum will become a member of the Carleton College varsity soccer team this coming fall, and plans to continue playing even after his competitive career comes to a close.

Said Slocum of his passion, “I always want soccer to stay a part of my life.”

America Hall

By Andrés García Staff Writer Known for being one of the toughest players on the girls water polo team, senior America Hall was attracted to the sport by its aggressive and competitive nature.

“It’s an aggressive sport, but I love that you get to still work as a team,” said Hall.

Hall began to play water polo her freshman year, and after proving to be one of the best players on the JV team, she made varsity her junior year. She is currently the team captain, and has played a key role in the team’s success.

“She is a large contributor on the offensive end,” said teammate Carolyn Magistrale. “She always steps it up on the offense and defense, and always keeps the team focused during games.”

During the off-season, she par ticipates in swimming and club water polo to stay in shape and prepare for league play. This past summer, Hall and the South Pasadena varsity team competed in a two-week long tournament in Hungary.

Hall feels that her exposure to the different playing styles of teams from various countries built her skills as a player, and is anex-

cited heading into her final season at South Pasadena. Hall hopes to take the team far into CIF, and to compete for the championship title.

Although she has not committed to any school yet, Hall is determined to continue playing water polo in college.

“America’s determination and leadership [has] been one of the major driving forces in the success of the team,” said coach Robert Echeverria. “She is always energetic at games and practices, and always has a positive way of viewing things. Without her, the team would not be what it is now.”

Sophia Arriola

Senior America Hall hopes that she will lead the Tigers to a CIF championship in her final season.

18 Friday, December 21, 2012 - Tiger

Wrestling finds success in preseason

By Jordan Xiao Staff Writer The annual preseason tournaments have been successful thus far for the South Pasadena High School wrestling squad, and the varsity team performed strongly at Western High School’s Pioneer Invitational on Saturday, December 15.

Among athletes from about fifteen other schools, senior Albert Estrada and juniors Charlie Barrone and James Yun placed within the top three for their weight classes.

Despite the success, several minor problems prohibited the Tigers from performing at their full ability. Sophomore Sam Benzoni received a concussion during his second match that later hampered his performance and the team suffered problems with weight categorization.

“It was also a harder tournament overall, but I still think I could have placed if I didn’t get hurt,” said Benzoni.

Several other wrestlers did not qualify for their usual weight categories and were forced to compete in higher weight brackets than they had trained for.

“The beginning of the tournament was a disaster,” said coach Al Shuton. “A few people didn’t make weight, so they wound up on the low side of heavier brackets.”

Barrone lost in the last few seconds of his final match with a score of 6-5, but his effort and the team’s impressive overall score in spite of the unexpected difficulties and weight changes reflect their daily training.

The Tigers will be training hard throughout winter in various tournaments, and will be hosting the Tiger Invitational at the school gym on December 27.

League matches will begin when school commences in January and the Tigers will compete in their next meet on Friday, January 4.

“All I’m concerned about is making the wrestlers we have the best around,” said Shuton. “We’re going to make them champions, because we run the toughest fitness program around.”

Sports

Boys basketball earns mixed results

By Jessica Moog Managing Editor Boys basketball’s 3-6 record indicates the team’s struggle to close out games, but not a lack of confidence. The team dropped four of five games in tournament play along with the Tigers’ first home game of the preseason, but there is still optimism heading into Rio Hondo league play.

Tuesday’s home opener against Mark Keppel ended 59-32 as the Aztecs took control in the first half and prevented South Pas from making a comeback. Senior Daniel Grant was named MVP of the fixture by head coach Timothy Brown after showing strength on the rebound and offered nine points of his own. Freshman Greg Luck also stood out against Keppel. Despite early passing errors, Luck maintained composure and stepped up in a squad missing senior starting center Darren Wong (6’7”) as well as senior Nico Sullivan (6’4”), who fouled out. Luck contributed nine points.

“We weren’t competing in the first half, but them we came back and put in work. They were a disciplined team,” said senior Nathan Lee of the game.

Although the team remains positive,

Rachael Garner

Senior Dylan Mouradian dribbles past the Mark Keppel defense.

preseason results can’t be ignored. The squad has struggled to find a dominant shooter and hopes to find its offense in the coming weeks.

“One big problem is that we aren’t a year around sport. The guys are coming from other places, other sports; it’s taking us a while to get our heads together and get warmed up,” said Brown.

Many of the team’s woes in the El Segundo Tournament that took place December 12-15 can be attributed to a more rigorous schedule. After claiming the league title in the 2011-12 season, the team has opted to compete against Division 1 and 2 programs that rank ahead of the Tigers.

South Pas faced Marshall High School last night after press time.

“Marshall is a game I’m excited for.

They are ranked sixth in the area, above La Cañada, so this game should be a good indicator. Tonight should be a good challenge,” said Brown before the game.

Reflecting on sports: Coach Zalin’s thoughts Dear Tiger(s) I am really enjoying being a part of the South Pasadena community in general and being a Tiger in particular. It’s not often that one gets to be a part of a school community where the student athletes prove on a daily basis that a pursuit of excellence in the class room is fully compatible with a pursuit of excellence on the playing field, and that a combination of the two endeavors lends itself to a more complete educational experience.

Things like watching a football player shed his pads at the half to go and play

South Pasadena High School’s star athletes have not only captured the attention of their classmates, but also that of a collegiate audience. This is a life-changing opportunity to pursue their passion and live out their dreams. Have a look at five local athletes who are turning heads around the country .

in the band or a wrestler finishing his meet and going to act in the school play, or a volleyball player changing from her volleyball uniform to business attire for a virtual business conference, are all in a days work here.

I am also enjoying watching all the student athletes compete at every level and in every sport. Unlike many schools where there are “major” and “minor” sports, there is the same level of enthusiasm throughout the program.

Ask any player, or their parents, if the sport they are playing is major or minor! Watching the Band perform both

Paul Messana - Cross Country/Track, 12 - College: Pitzer - Personal records: 14:46 min. (3 mile), 1:56 (800m) - “[High school] has been a great starting place to see what I’m capable of and to acknowledge my strengths and weaknesses. By taking this to college, I’ll get to see how much I’ve grown and I’ll be able to really thrive as an athlete.”

Claire Kieffer-Wright

Quinn Hutchings - Football, Offensive Tackle, 12

- Volleyball/High Jump, 11 - College: University of Michigan - “I love the fact that it’s a big, renowned, respected school, and it’s cool to have that atmosphere. Also, the education is great, and there’s a feeling of respect and family within the students and staff, and I really felt that when I was there.”

- Colleges: Chapman, Utah, University of San Diego, Benedictine - Height: 6’8’’, Weight: 255 lbs - “I feel excited to see my potential moving into college. I want to show that I have what it takes to plow guys over at the next level.”

Cynthia Ream -Softball, First Base/Outfield, 12 - Colleges: Whittier College, Notre Dame de Namur, La Sierra University, Belmont Abbey College - Overall Statistics: 40 RBI, 10 HR - “I have known for a long time that playing in college was my goal, and I have sacrificed a lot to get to this point. My goals, once I decide where to go, are to work to become a starter, an impact player and eventually hopefully a captain. Playing at SPHS has taught me a lot, most importantly to not put too much pressure on myself.“

home and away and cheer, pep and flag have been a joy to watch and the school spirit generated is fantastic.

Most important to me is how welcome we’ve been made to feel here.

The faculty, staff and administration have been most helpful.........but the students, and not just the athletes have made us so welcome and glad to be here. I have a wealth of new friends, know a variety of secret handshakes and can’t go anywhere on campus or in town without someone stopping to say “hi”.

- Mr. Mark Zalin, Athletic Director

Anika Renken - Cross Country, Track - College: Santa Clara University - Personal records: 18:10 min. (3 mile), :57 sec (400m) - “Being recruited by Santa Clara was fantastic. They gave me a chance to meet the team and make sure it was right for me.

Friday, December 21, 2012 - Tiger

Sports

19

Soccer coach leaves program

By Kelsey Hess Senior Staff Writer

and their family to be much closer to relatives.

“I will especially miss the day to day interaction with the girls on the Ms Eva Dixon will replace Mr. team,” said Lilavois. “After so many Randy Lilavois as the varsity girls soccer coach, as Lilavois is leaving South years, they have become a special group to me. I will miss Pasadena High School to take another coaching He’s been such an seeing them ever yday position out of state. Afintegral part of the and being a part of each of their lives… I will ter six consecutive seateam since the current miss the team terribly.” sons as the varsity girls The Lilavois famsoccer coach, Lilavois seniors freshman year.

We’re sad to see ily will be moving to is leaving the team midAlabama over the holiseason and will be takhim leave. ing over as head coach - Senior Charlie Gleeson days.

“Coach Lilavois at Grimson High School has made a big impact in in Huntsville, Alabama.

Lilavois believes that the move my life, whether it was with soccer or will be especially hard after spending everyday life. To see him go this early so many years at South Pasadena High in the season really saddens me.” said School, but will allow him, his wife, SPHS senior and varsity soccer captain Angelique Ulmer.

Despite the changing in coaching staff, Lilavois is confident in the team’s ability.

“Our goal is to repeat as Rio Hondo League Champions and go far into the playoffs,” said Lilavois. “The team is very good, and very capable.”

Dixon will take over as head coach in the beginning of 2013. As a former SPHS soccer player, Dixon advanced to CIF with the varsity team in 2003. She hopes to accomplish the same feat as a coach.

“It’s going to be different without him, but we will adjust to the change. We still will have the same Rachael Garner team, and hopefully will once again Head coach Lilavois stands with be undefeated Rio Honda league, as his future replacement Eva Dixon. well as CIF champions,” said Ulmer.

Anastasia Velicescu

Senior Andrew Moreno passes the ball in the Tiger’s match against Burroughs.

Boys soccer hot heading into league

By Andrew Shults Staff Writer The South Pasadena varsity boys soccer team is confidently heading into winter break after making history by concluding its preseason with a 7-1 record, the best in the program’s history. Despite a tough loss to Marshall Fundamental on Monday, the team bounced back on Tuesday and clinched a 3-2 victory over Burroughs High School.

The Indians stunned the Tigers by scoring the first goal of the game. The boys responded quickly when the Indians failed to clear a ball in their own box and senior Andrew Moreno scored from close range. Juniors

Heven Gomez and Zachary Dunn scored minutes after and the half ended 3-1 to the Tigers.

Burroughs scored early in the second half after an Indian player finished from a rebound after senior goalie Christopher Mejia saved the initial shot. Despite the setback, the Tigers were able to hold onto their lead and earned their seventh victory of preseason over Burroughs.

“We’ve been working hard and it was a great way to end preseason,” said Dunn, one of the team’s captains.

South Pasadena fell to Marshall Fundamental in a tough 2-1 loss the day before.

Dunn scored the only Tiger goal when he converted a shot from

outside the box in the first five minutes of the game. South Pas held a 1-0 lead at the end of the first half. The Eagles came alive in the second half and scored twice to win 2-1, with the winning goal in the last ten minutes of the game. Marshall’s narrow victory snapped South Pasadena’s six game winning streak.

Though disappointed to lose its perfect record, South Pas and its coach remain confident.

“I’d rather lose in a preseason game than a league game,” said coach Zurita. “In league we have to win 100 percent of the time.”

The Tigers will resume play after winter break by traveling to Temple City on January 9 for their first league game.

Girls waterpolo ready for season Team not shaken by struggles and boosted by return of Grab

By Matthew Defulgentiis Staff Writer Tuesday proved to be both frustrating and revealing for the South Pasadena girls water polo team as the Tigers fell to the Los Altos High School Eagles 10-9 in the final seconds of their preseason game.

The Tigers valiantly fought against the Eagles, matching them goal for goal and managing to shut them out in the third quarter. The girls performed strongly in the second and third periods and a majority of their goals were converted from outside the five-meter zone. South Pas held a three-goal lead with 3:16 left in the game, but a series of questionable offensive calls allowed Los Altos to take the game.

“We started off slow,” said South Pasadena head coach Mr. Robert Echeverria. “It was our first game with almost everybody back and we’re

Girls Volleyball First Team All-League Claire Kieffer-Wright,11 Samantha Figueroa, 11

Boys Waterpolo First Team All-League Pierce Deamer, 11 Adrian Suarez, 11

still learning how to adjust and play with one another.”

While the Tigers did not get the immediate outcome they had hoped for, they proved that they are going to be a force to be reckoned with throughout the remainder of preseason, league, and CIF play.

“We came focused and ready to play, which is why overall we executed pretty well. We ran our plays and they worked, which is how we got our leads,” said Echeverria. “Even though we lost the game I still don’t think they were the better team, they got some lucky breaks which gave them momentum. I just think they lucked out… [the Tigers] are starting to see just how good they can really be.”

Junior Devin Grab continued to prove her dominance, scoring seven out of the nine Tiger goals. This was Grab’s first game back after coming in fourth place with the USA Junior National team in the first annual FINA

World Youth Water Polo Championships, held in Australia. Junior Liza Echeverria chipped into the offense with two goals of her own.

Although Grab returned to the team, the Tigers were still shorthanded as senior Sabrina Pierce was unable to play due to a shoulder injury. Pierce has been a notable force for South Pasadena over the past two seasons.

With ten preseason games already played in the 2012-13 season, the Tigers have a record of 4-6 heading into the New Year. The girls have no games until January 7, when they take on El Rancho High School. The Tigers will continue to train over winter break and intend to earn a fourth consecutive Rio Hondo league title.

12/18 SPHS v. Los Altos 10-9 L

12/12 SPHS v. St. Lucy’s 11-7 L

Fall sports awards Cross Country First Team All-League

Football First Team All-League

Anika Renken, 12 Paul Messana, 12 Helena Van Loan, 11 Josh Wilson, 11 Tyler Gershman, 11 Victor Hidalgo, 11

Nico Sullivan recieved Lineman of the Year Award Quinn Hutchings, 12 Ryan Stone, 12 Linus Zide, 12 Nathan Lee, 12

Sophia Arriola

Sophomore Glenda Chen launches the ball across the pool during practice.The Tiger’s now carry a 4-6 record.

Second Team All-League Athletes Boys Cross Country: Tyler Armstrong, 12 Cullen Irvine, 10 Boys Waterpolo: Will Renken,10 Cameron Lee,11 Girls Volleyball: Jessica Arroyo,12 Sophia Hathaway,10

Girls Cross Country: Emily Ye, 9 Football: Hector Fernandez, 12 Nick Klinger, 12 Bryan Bednarski, 12 David Madrid, 12 Rudy Murillo, 11 Heven Gomez, 11

20 Tiger - Friday, December 21, 2012

Sports

Sports

Winter Preseason Records Boys Soccer: 7-1

Girls Waterpolo: 4-6

Boys Basketball: 3-6

Girls Soccer: 3-7

Girls Basketball: 10-2

Speaking of

Sports

By Jake Swayze Contributing Writer

Matt Winkel

Junior Caitlin Chan, and sophomores Sophia Hathaway (center) and Lexie Scholtz (right) display the team’s aggressive play against Maranatha at home on December 13. The Tigers were victorious in a 50-30 game.

Girls basketball excels under new coach

By Andrés García and Shyam Senthilkumar Tiger Staff The South Pasadena varsity girls basketball team extended its winning streak to eight games after beating Price High School 73-32 on December 20. South Pas was dominant from start to finish and maintained its lead the entire game.

“We played really well as a team. We played well together, we played really good defense and we were very solid,” said freshman Kristen Kafkaloff.

On Tuesday, the Tigers faced South East High School in a much more challenging contest, but the girls were able to hold off the Jaguars in a 41-34 win. The Tigers received especially strong play from senior Amber Partida who finished the game with ten points and thirteen rebounds

South Pasadena took on Maranatha High School last Thursday in a very lopsided game and triumphed over the Minutemen, 50-30.

“It was our third time playing Maranatha, and we were already familiar with the way they played,” said senior Wen Zeng.

“We knew they wanted to redeem themselves from the last time we beat them, but we were able to stick to our game.”

Sophomore Sophia Hathaway led the Tigers with thirteen points. Sophomore Lexie Scholtz recorded ten points while Kafkaloff and Zeng both contributed nine.

The game was decided after the first quarter as the Tigers raced out to a 21-2 lead and then coasted through the rest of the game.

Coach Lai was pleased with her team’s performance.

“I thought we played well. We’ve played Maranatha before so we knew they

were going to make some adjustments in this game,” said Lai. The Tigers currently boast a strong 10-2 record and look to continue their dominance heading into season. Coach Lai is optimistic about the squad and is confident that the team will be able to go deep in CIF. “I think we will be competitive the rest of the season. Our goal is to do well in league and in CIF,” Lai added.

The Tigers will play away at El Segundo High School today at 4:30 PM. El Segundo is 5-2 in its preseason and the Tigers will look to keep their winning streak alive heading into winter break.

12/13 12/18 12/20 SPHS SPHS SPHS v. Maranatha v. South East v. Price 50-30 W 41-34 W 73-32 W

Girls soccer concludes a rough preseason Jason Wang and David Yang Tiger Staff After suffering two losses in the last week against Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy and Flintridge Preparatory, the girls varsity soccer team will enter league play with a 3-7 preseason record.

The Tigers were defeated by Flintridge Preparatory on Wednesday, December 19, losing by a narrow margin of 2-1. Junior Kelly Brady scored the only Tiger goal with the assist coming from fellow junior Alexis Velasco in the first half, but Flintridge Prep jumped out to an early lead and the Rebels were able to maintain their advantage throughout the game.

“We would have won if everyone was healthy,” said junior captain Samantha Siria Medina Figueroa. “We have two key players who are Junior Alexis Velasco carries the ball injured, but they’ll be able to recover by the down the field in their 1-4 home loss. time league begins.”

The girls played Flintridge Sacred outclassed the Tigers and were in control the Heart Academy on Thursday, December 13, entire game. The Tigers had difficulty securing which resulted in a devastating 4-1 loss on the the midfield throughout the game, and goalie Tiger’s home field. Despite South Pas’ excep- Angelique Ulmer was busy all night dealing tional performance, the Division 1 opponents with the Tolog’s offensive power. Nonetheless,

senior captain Jessica Moog managed to score a goal in the second half from a penalty kick.

Sacred Heart advanced to the finals of the Southern California regional CIF championships two years ago. South Pasadena, as a division 5 team, knew they were going to need a huge effort to upset the Tologs.

“We played well, connecting with each other throughout the game,” said sophomore Anais Franco. “It was a good match, but we couldn’t get the ball into the net.”

With the preseason coming to a close, the girls are looking to strengthen their teamwork and overall coherency before heading into league play.

“We are a team and we need to start acting like one,” said sophomore Jazmin Jackmon. “We need to communicate and actually talk to each other on the field.”

The Tigers will compete in their first league game against Temple City on January 9.

12/11 SPHS v. Ramona 6-0 W

12/13 SPHS v. FSHA 1-4 L

12/19 SPHS v. Prep 1-2 L

In the wake of National Football League Commissioner Mr. Roger Goodell addressing player safety in Time Magazine, we at South Pasadena High School need to have a serious discussion about the dangers and after-effects of football. In the December 17 issue, Goodell addressed the downside of the game, specifically the issue of kickoff injuries.

High school football players reportedly receive 43,000 to 67,000 concussions per yearthough the actual number is likely to be much higher. An estimated 50% of athletes who suffer concussions fail to report their symptoms. The human skull isn’t designed for the continual collisions incurred by playing football. Although the helmets in football protect against skull fractures, they don’t do enough to protect against concussions. When impact occurs, the head decelerates but the brain lurches forward, much like a driver in a car crash. This bruising and stretching of brain tissue results in permanent brain damage.

Dr. Ann McKee, a Boston University Neuroscientist, studied the brains of former NFL, college, and high school football players.

In each brain, she found a protein called tau which indicates a debilitating disease known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. CTE’s symptoms include depression, paranoia, and sudden memory loss.

It’s not just the fact that there are consequences down the line, research by The New York Times shows that at least fifty football players of high school age or younger, from twenty different states, have died or sustained serious head injuries since 1997. According to the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research, there were five debilitating spinal cord injuries in high school football in 2010 alone.

The way it is currently played, high school football is simply too dangerous to be continued, and steps must be taken to make the game safer.

Eliminating the kickoff is a start, but a major portion of the problem lies with the macho culture of ignoring the pain. A large number of concussions are ignored by players who don’t want to let down the team. Safety should be more important then the win-loss record. Players should know the potential for permanent harm and high schools should take steps to reevaluate and ajust the popular but detrimental sport.

[inside]

Anastasia Velicescu

Read about South Pasadena boys soccer’s historic preseason as it heads into league play with strong momentum.