Water balloon fight participants go unpunished
Class officer elections finalized
By Shine Cho Assoc. News Editor
By Jason Wang Business Manager
Groups of juniors and seniors flocked to the Tiger Patio during lunch on May 31 to start a schoolwide water balloon fight. According to Assistant Principal Ms Ginger Merritt, the administration will not be taking disciplinary action. The fight erupted in the middle of a pep rally and quickly spread across campus. The chaos continued until faculty members halted the fracas by confiscating water balloons from participating students. Although the majority of the students did not anticipate the water balloon fight, it was allegedly organized weeks in advance by a group of seniors. “The water balloon fight was the best one in my four years and it was nice to see administration ease off a bit and not seriously punish anybody,” senior Nick O’Brien said. “I was only able to throw about three balloons out of my 30, but seeing everyone run around while screaming and laughing made it all worthwhile.”
Elections for Associated Student Body class offices concluded on May 3 with the selection of Kristen Kafkaloff as Sophomore Vice President and Paul Song as Senior President. The candidates for these offices campaigned for nearly three weeks. “I’m really excited to serve my class,” Kafkaloff said. “Last year, I ran but lost, and I haven’t done ASB since 5th grade. Nonetheless, campaigning was a fun experience. Although the amount of work was sometimes overwhelming and stressful, I really enjoyed meeting people I didn’t know.” The 2013-2014 ASB is now finalized, excluding appointed positions such as teachers assistants and videographer. For junior Paul Song, this was the second time he had entered a series of narrow runoff elections. “It was a great feeling to finally win, especially after five straight weeks of campaigning,” Song said. “All of the work that I did really paid off.”
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Senior Nick Klinger holds a water balloon during lunch on May 31.
Tiger Photographers
Math teacher Mr. Andrew McGough walks to the stage after he is named Rookie of the Year and Principal Ms Janet Anderson receives the Most Inspirational award during the Hartsough Assembly on May 31.
Afram receives Hartsough Award By Kea Hudson Staff Writer English teacher Mr. Mark Afram was announced as the recipient of the Hartsough Award during an assembly in the auditorium on May 31. Afram has been a member of the South Pasadena High School staff for ten and a half years. The Associated Student Body hosted the annual assembly, which recognizes faculty for their hard work and dedication to SPHS. “I was not able to attend the assembly because I had to leave town unexpectedly,” Mr. Afram said. “I was a little embarrassed that I couldn’t be there to accept the award, but I feel humble, honored, and excited all at the same time.” The Hartsough Award was
created in 1981 in honor of former SPHS counselor and administrator Harold Hartsough and recognizes staff members that go out of their way to serve the school and its students. “Mr. Afram deserved the Hartsough Award because he is so nice and always willing to help,” sophomore Samantha Lee said. “The thing I probably like the most about Mr. Afram is how friendly he is and that he makes me feel comfortable in class.” This year’s assembly also honored two other staff members with unique awards. Principal Janet Anderson was named the Most Inspirational. Mathematics teacher Mr. Andrew McGough received the Rookie of the Year Award, which recognizes teachers who have made a large impact on the
Final blood drive collects 74 pints By Jordan Xiao Staff Writer The third and final blood drive of the 2012-2013 school year collected 74 pints of blood on May 30. Approximately 70 students ages 16 and up donated blood in the practice gym throughout the day. “We’ve had more people participate in the past, but in the spring it’s harder to get people to
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come out because they’re busy with finals and other activities,” Commissioner of School and Community Isabel Chin said. Chin worked with the American Red Cross to coordinate the event and is a four-time donor herself. Donors were required to fill out parental release forms prior to the blood drive and meet various physical requirements, including a minimum weight requirement of 110 pounds.
in this issue
Opinion:
How removing bonfire pits from public beaches puts a damper on summer, the annual water balloon fight crossed the line, and “Lulu” objectifies men.
10 Feature: 14 Spor ts: The final band concert of the year features an anime theme, David Yang cooks with Nick Fong, and Tiger profiles five unique SPHS personalities.
A year in sports is reviewed through photos, the boys Volleyball team ends its season at State semifinals, and the Dodgers’ pay roll does not reflect its record.
“My freshman year, there was a lot of publicity about the [blood drive], and people wore those shirts that said ‘I saved three lives’ and I was like, ‘Well, I saved zero lives,’” sophomore and first-time donor Irene Tang said. “My grandma was in the hospital last summer and needed a lot of blood. That was pretty much when I realized someone has to give it and that people actually need it.” Although the drive collected fewer pints for donation than the fall blood drive, 84 pints, and the spring blood drive, 93 pints, ASB is pleased to continue hosting the event and thankful to those who contributed. “It was heartwarming to have so many people coming in to donate this late in the year, both returning donors and newbies,” Chin said. “Overall I would consider it a success.”
school in a short period of time. “I was a bit shocked when I received the award, because I thought it was given only to complete newcomers,” said Mr. McGough, who has been on the faculty for two years. “My time at SPHS has been great, and I am fortunate to have had such great students.”
Martin announces retirement By Remeny White News Editor Social Studies and English Language Development teacher Mr. Rick Martin is retiring after 22 years of instruction at South Pasadena High School. Martin taught at the middle school for two years before transferring to SPHS in 1991 and spent 14 years teaching in Pasadena prior to entering the South Pasadena Unified School District. “My daughter and my wife have been urging me to retire for a couple of years now,” Martin said. “The original plan was for me to retire five years ago, but I kept telling myself, ‘I’ll decide next year.’ This year was different, though, and I know my daughter really wants me to spend time with her children and take them places.” Martin has taught World History, Global Studies, and United States History courses throughout his SPHS career. He also founded the ELD Social Studies program. “Most students pass through the school system no problem because they know how it works, but ELD kids enter school without knowing the language or the culture and they’re scared,” Martin said. “I have been able to establish a different and more personal relationship with them because of that vulnerability, which
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Mr. Rick Martin is retiring after 22 years at the high school. has been rewarding.” As for the infamous ReganMartin rivalry, Martin hopes to continue it even when he is no longer teaching at SPHS. “Some things just have to be kept alive,” Martin said. Although Martin will no longer be spending time in the classroom, he plans to keep himself busy by joining a softball league and participating in tournaments, continuing to improve his martial arts, and maintaining his involvement with the ELD program in some capacity. “I have always felt like we’ve got to use every second of our life in some way,” Martin said. “That’s my plan for retirement.”