December 2012

Page 1

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


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