Senior Awards Night honors Class of 2012
Water balloon fight captivates campus By Shyam Senthilkumar Business Manager
By Remeny White Assoc. News Editor
Dozens of students spent lunch last Friday throwing water balloons at each other on the west end of the SPHS campus. Rumors of what has become a June tradition at the high school has already spread throughout the school, and many weren’t surprised when the fight broke out. “We were all sort of expecting it to happen at some point,” said junior Krishna Mocherla. “We heard screams coming from the students at the Tiger Patio and saw everyone running away. Then mostly seniors came out with the water balloons and began throwing them at students.” The students involved, primarily male upperclassmen, had stashed water balloons earlier in the day and brought them out near the beginning of lunch in dark black bags. Assistant principal Terrance Dunn was given the difficult task of attempting to prevent the senior See “Water balloons” on page 2
Fedor Kossakovski, Lia Lohr, Kelsey Nakamura, Michelle Ozaki, Josh Roquemore, and Max White received the Weldon Fair Play Award at the annual Senior Awards Night on Wednesday night. Parents and faculty members gathered in the auditorium to honor the graduating seniors with over fifty scholarships and awards. According to Principal Janet Anderson, the Weldon Award is “perhaps the most prestigious award offered to a South Pasadena High School student.” It recognizes responsibility, integrity, and sportsmanship. The names of the recipients were engraved on the Weldon Award Trophy alongside all past winners since 1929. The Oneonta Club of South Pasadena awarded the largest scholarships of the night to Montane Silverman, Libby Rainey, and Sara Patterson. Each received $10,000. Patterson was granted three other scholarships throughout the course of the evening, including the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Award for Art for “making a positive impact on the world with her art.” She also earned the Chapter AX of the PEO Sisterhood and the Kiwanis Arts awards. “I could actually hear people See “Senior Awards” on page 2
Siria Medina
Kelsey Nakamura, Lia Lohr, Michelle Ozaki, Fedor Kossakovski, Max White, and Josh Roquemore received the Weldon Award at Senior Awards Night on Wednesday. See page 3 for more coverage.
Girls track wins CIF Division III By Heather Vaughan Staff Writer The South Pasadena girls track team made history on May 19, winning the CIF Division III title for the first time. Seven members of the SPHS girls team attend-
ed CIF finals at Mt. SAC in Walnut, California. The girls placed first out of 41 teams with a final score of 62 points. “This is such a big deal for us,” said sophomore Kamia Willis, who competed in four events on Saturday. “To reach our goal of being champs was really rewarding.” The 4x400 team, which consists of Willis, sophomore Claire Kieffer-Wright, and juniors Anika Renken and Laura Anuakpado, finished third. The girls ran a 3:53.48, breaking the school record for the second time this season after shattering it at a PCC meet earlier in the season. Freshman Nina Acebo added 24 points to the Tigers’ final score. Acebo placed second in the
100-meter hurdles with a time of 15.25, fifth in the 300-meter hurdles at 45.57, and third in the long jump with an eighteen-foot leap. She also competed in the 4x100-meter relay with Willis, freshman Jazmin Jackmon, and junior Sammy Amido. The girls placed second at 48.34. The 4x100 relay team qualified for the Masters meet as an alternate, and Acebo did the same in the long jump. However, neither got the chance to actually compete. Kieffer-Wright also qualified for Masters; she placed second to move on to state championships, where she took home the first place medal with a 5’10” jump. For more coverage of CIF track, see Sports on Page 18.
Rachael Garner
Commissioner General Ben Lee and Commissioner of Academics Fedor Kossakovski present Mrs. Judy Sammis with the Hartsough Award.
Sammis honored at Hartsough Assembly By Rachel Newhall Staff Writer Not every teacher is reknowned on campus for both quirky catchphrases and successful math and science instruction. Mrs. Judy Sammis is. Sammis, the beloved Math Analysis Honors and AP Physics teacher, was honored with the Hartsough Award during an assembly in the auditorium on Friday. The award recognizes an outstanding teacher each year; students nominate instructors, and the ASB commission makes the final decision. Sammis has been at SPHS for eight years. “It makes me feel wonderful,” said Mrs. Sammis, “The people I respect most here have gotten
this award.” The award is named in memory of former SPHS counselor Harold Hartsough. “Mrs. Sammis really excels in every category described by the Hartsough,” said Commissioner of Academics Fedor Kossakovski. “She truly cares about every student she teaches and spends untold hours planning how the year will go for students.” Social studies teachers Sean Regan and Annalee Pearson were also lauded at the assembly. Regan was named Most Inspirational Teacher and Pearson was given the Heart of Gold award. Science teacher and SPHS alumnus Benjamin Ku was presented with the Rookie of the Year award.
Claims against Zurita deemed false By Carlton Lew Assoc. Opinion Editor An investigation into South Pasadena boys soccer coach Juan Zurita’s alleged violation of CIF steroid use policy proved all allegations were false. Zurita was accused of both promoting steroid use and providing steroids to players. Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Karen Reed and an attorney conducted the exclusively internal investigation. “We believe, although it cannot be proven, that this was a malicious attempt by one or more individuals to defame the coach,” said SPUSD Superintendent Joel Shapiro. “If the coach were to know who the individual was who brought these false charges, he would certainly have the right to bring it to a civil lawsuit.” According to Shapiro, the
school district believed the allegations were false from the outset, but had an obligation to investigate. “The district resolved it in a way it needed to be resolved,” Shapiro said. “We suspected it to be false from the beginning and took the necessary steps to complete it. Somebody displayed a lack of respect of confidentiality and brought discomfort to Coach Zurita.” Zurita had previously been unable to comment due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, but he was pleased with its results. “I have received word that the investigation was over and was told that the district didn’t find anything,” said Zurita. “I’m doing better now, but I’m still disturbed about the person who wrote these things about my coaching.” Zurita has the support of the superintendent and Athletic Director Ralph Punaro and will continue
Courtesy of Crown City United
Allegations against Coach Juan Zurita proved to be untrue.
coaching the soccer team next season. “Coach Zurita has been as honest as they come,” said Punaro. “He is dedicated to the program and I was very sorry that this was even brought up.”
News 2
Tiger - Friday, June 8, 2012
News
Around Campus
Friday, 2:00 - 5:00 P.M.: The junior ASB officers are putting on the “Junior Jam,” a pool party to celebrate the end of the year. Friday, 3:15 - 6:00 P.M.: Mrs. Moonesinghe is hosting a math tutoring session for finals on the senior lawn. Study packets will be available for $20. All proceeds go to the drama department. / Remeny White
Wielenga visits aqueduct
Students donate at final blood drive of the year
By Marcy Kuo Staff Writer More than eighty students donated blood to the American Red Cross last Friday at the final blood drive of the year. Commissioner of School and Community Brianna Loo and Commissioner of Clubs Michelle Ozaki coordinated the event. “I have always wanted to donate blood, but my involvement in varsity tennis has prevented me from contributing to the American Red Cross,” said senior Jordan Cheng, who donated this Friday. “It’s my first time donating and I’m glad I can at least donate one pint in my last year of high school.” Students must be at least sixteen years old and weigh 110 pounds to donate blood. Those exceeding the minimum weight and height requirements are qualified to donate two pints of blood. The Red Cross provided refreshments and gave t-shirts
and Cold Stone Creamery coupons to participants. “This was the most successful blood drive out of all the years we’ve worked with the American Red Cross,” said Loo. “We raised 97 pints of blood and each pint can save three lives.” The blood will now be sent to the Pomona Red Cross Regional Headquarters to be analyzed and tested for possible diseases. Once the tests are complete, the American Red Cross will distribute the blood to over 160 hospitals including Huntington Memorial, Alhambra, Monterey Park, and San Gabriel hospitals. “It is our job to distribute the donated blood,” said Nicole McAdams, the Pasadena representative for the American Red Cross. “But we are extremely grateful for ASB. They are ones who actually motivate and educate the students about the importance of a blood drive.”
Rachael Garner
Senior Alan Shen was one of over eighty students who donated blood on June 1. From “Senior Awards” on page 1 whispering things like ‘What? Her again? Wow,’ as I was walking past for the fourth time,” said Patterson. “I’m so delighted to receive these scholarships and the money will help me so much going into college. I feel really proud to be recognized alongside all the other brilliant, talented, and welldeserving applicants and I thank those organizations who gave me recognition so very much.” The Kathryn L. Crary Sportsmanship Award was presented to Kaylee Anderson and Cody Dunn at the beginning of the three-hour event. Both received a $5,000 scholarship for their success as athletes and as students. The 2012 valedictorians and salutatorian were also announced. Aashrita Mangu, Fedor Kossakovski, Kelsey Nakamura, Dunn, and Tiffany Chen are the five valedictorians and Laurel Kitada is the salutatorian. For a list of other notable awards and their recipients, see Page 3.
By Natalie McLain Staff Writer
Rachael Garner
Seniors Marika Stanford-Moore and Anne Kitchens register to vote at the Tiger Patio on June 1.
New voters register at SPHS By Kelsey Hess Staff Writer Fifty-three students registered to vote on Friday at SPHS. Students who will be eighteen years old this fall and therefore eligible to vote filled out registration forms on the Tiger Patio. “The students who have been registering seem really excited,” said senior Joyce Alexander, who organized the voter registration drive. “I didn’t expect this many people to be interested in politics, but it’s clear that people seem pretty enthusiastic to take this next step into maturity and adulthood.” Alexander is a politically active member of the SPHS community. She considers voting and participating in the political process to be of utmost importance. Many seniors who registered share her sense of political efficacy. “The thought of being able to make the changes I want to in
the government is my main motivation for registering to vote,” said senior Hyrum Judkins. “Since there’s a lack of youth voting now, and a majority of voters are much older, I’m really excited that other kids and I who are graduating can vote and make a difference.” Those that registered Friday will first vote in the November election. “I want [to vote for] someone in office who best reflects my beliefs,” said senior Sean Magill. “I also feel obligated, as a human being, to keep parties out of office that could harm the rights of people who are unable to vote, or who are minorities. I don’t believe in everything Obama does, but I would certainly prefer four more years with him over anyone else running.”
Mr. Donald Wielenga had the opportunity to tour the California aqueduct last month through the Arroyo Seco Foundation. The AP Environmental Science teacher traveled from Pasadena along the Colorado River Reservoir to the Colorado River, where California’s water supply originates. “I was able to get in contact with people who could come and speak here and get resources for myself and for students,” said Wielenga. “It’s one thing to know about something, it’s another to actually see it.” Wielenga developed a hands-on understanding of the principles of water quality, a prominent part of the AP Environmental Science curriculum, while on the trip. He had the opportunity to meet a variety of individuals while touring the aqueduct, all with different interests in water quality and the reservoir. Wielenga also connected junior Austin Kahn with a summer internship opportunity with the Arroyo Seco Foundation. “Mr. Wielenga came to me and said ‘here’s an opportunity,’ so I took it,” said Kahn. “It’s kind of a vague organization, but they do volunteer things and sometimes do water-quality testing.”
2012-2013 Class Officers Freshmen
Sophomores
President James Song
President Jasmine Lee
Vice President Justin Burger
Vice President Shine Cho
Secretary Jaydon Krooss
Secretary Karen Hsueh
Treasurer Arian Nazarian
Treasurer Kendall Chang
Juniors
Seniors
President Josh Ma
President Abe Song
Vice President Ted Kim
Vice President Jessica Ng
Secretary Brennan Yu
Secretary Annie Toffioli
Treasurer Patricia San Pedro
Treasurer Evelyn Faung
Rachael Garner
Seniors Christian Deamer and Michael Bernal flee the scene of the water balloon fight on June 1. From “Water balloons” on page 1 prank from taking place. “We suspected a water balloon fight would break out, based on what the teachers have told us,” said Dunn. “Teachers overheard kids planning it and let us know, but without any physical evidence, we didn’t know for sure.” Dunn and campus supervisor Mr. Megerdich Baghram-Gregor searched the school for physical evidence. Baghram-Gregor discovered balloons underneath the lining of certain trashcans throughout the school and even found balloons stashed on the roof of the cafeteria. “Students perceive it as a tradition,” said Dunn. “They’re willing
to go to extreme lengths to do it. It’s not a school-sanctioned event.” According to students who participated, most of the balloons were discarded prior to the fight. But enough balloons remained or were brought onto campus during lunch to enable the fight to last for most of lunch. Despite the illicit nature of the fight, no students will be punished for their involvement. “There will be no punishment to my knowledge,” said Principal Janet Anderson. “I didn’t think it got too out of hand. I did get out there a little late and I just took a bag full of balloons and popped them myself, but the fight did not really escalate.”
News
Friday, June 8, 2012 - Tiger
3
Senior Awards Night: Notable honors Aydin Salek Leadership Scholarship Joyce Alexander
David N. Dickson Athletic Awards Alex Tranquada, Taylor Colliau
Karen Offenhauser Outstanding Senior Award Helen Lee
Afram Family Scholarship Aashrita Mangu
Andy Wang Spirit Award Charles Gio Fata, Lia Lohr
C. Merrill Greene Scholar Athletes Kelsey Nakamura, Max White
Sina Massoumi Memorial Scholarships Nick Hudson, Naomi Krieger
C. Merrill Greene Athletes of the Year Ali Jabalameli, Taylor Colliau
Gage Hewes Scholarship Ben Lee Lt. Peter Wood Scholarship Devin Mitchell Ruth Turpin Scholarship Clair Fuller John E. Alman Scholarship Tori Kause Wagner Family Scholarship Tiffany Chen
Open House showcases student work By Erin Chan Staff Writer
Matt Winkel
Parents watch a presentation in Mrs. Margaret Fullinwider’s classroom.
Students, families, and community members visited the SPHS campus on May 30 for Open House. The annual event gives parents the opportunity to see the work their students have done over the course of the year. In an effort to integrate the community, balloting for new members of the SPHS Site Council took place outside of Mary Ida Phair Library. Students engaged in hands-on activities from PowerPoint presentations to Socratic seminars to demonstrate their knowledge for parents. Many teachers offered extra credit for participation.
“I needed extra credit in AP Calculus, so I was happy that our teacher gave us the opportunity to present,” said senior Erica Trinh. Without an extra credit incentive, however, many students opted out of the event. “I didn’t go because I didn’t have to,” said senior Errol Lopez. “I haven’t gone to open house since middle school.” Parents also enjoyed visiting their children’s classes and meeting teachers and counselors. “Since high school kids don’t generally like to share everything with their parents, it’s really fun to get a glimpse into their world,” said SPHS parent Lily Su.
Jennifer Kim
Science teacher Greg Ring swings at a pitch in the annual faculty-senior softball game. Several home runs propelled the seniors to a 6-5 victory.
Survey says: The ASB class distributed a survey in April in hopes of gauging student opinion on South Pasadena High School’s block schedule. The current schedule, which alternates between odd and even class period days, has been utilized at the high school for over ten years. Below are some of the survey results, which were presented at the school board meeting on May 29.
1,342 students surveyed 1. The current block schedule works well for me. Strongly Agree: 43.12%, Agree: 44.61%, Disagree: 7.66%, Strongly Disagree: 3.72%
2. The current 100-minute class duration generally allows me to stay focused throughout my classes. Strongly Agree: 10.93%, Agree: 38.36%, Disagree: 36.13%, Strongly Disagree: 13.61%
3. My teachers effectively use the entire 100-minute class period for useful classtime instruction. Strongly Agree: 16.95%, Agree: 52.90%, Disagree: 23.64%, Strongly Disagree: 6.77%
4. I can stay focused in 100-minute class periods when teachers change up activities within the period. Strongly Agree: 35.99%, Agree: 46.32%, Disagree: 12.49%, Strongly Disagree: 4.31%
The ASB class plans to utilize these results, and the responses to 19 other questions, in a series of student forums on the block schedule and effective instruction within 100-minute blocks.
4 Tiger - Friday, June 8, 2012 A-C Abelev Michael Acebo Chloe Acevedo Girald Alyssa Adamson Thomas Alexander Joyce Allen Michael Allen Thomas Alvarado Nicolas Alvarez Paulina Amaya Michael Amini Michael Anderson Kaylee Ang Sue Angerman Harrison Arbolado Ivy Ashleigh Evelyn Atwater Jackson Austin Amber Aviles Matthew Baca Marissa Baines Cherylin Bartlett Cody Bautista Joshua Benavides Manuel Bernal Michael Bhattacharya Aritra Bitar Riyan Blackwell Steven Blatt Atticus Bollin Eryn Brandt Sean Broadway Kiara Broder Lauren Butler Emily Cachu Michael Cai Elizabeth Callahan Thomas Cameron Eren Cao Karen Carlos Victoria Cassilly Helena Castillo Amorette Castillo Kate Cervantes Jacqueline Chan Calvin Chan Cindy Chan Erin Chang Ashley Chavez Bella Chavez Victor Chen Tiffany Cheng Bryce Cheng Jordan Cheung Kevin Chiao Ping-Hsuan Chin-Robinson Taci Ching Christine Chiu Amanda Choi Gary Choi Jin-Yong Choi Stanley Chou Han Chung Emma Claro Lauren Clauss Andrew Clauss Rachel Coie Lilian Colliau Taylor Combs Cassidy Compton Chloe Cornford Justin Corr-Robinett Dylan Cummings Stephen
University of Southern California Broadcast Journalism University of California, Santa Cruz Sociology Glendale Community College Wildlife Conservation, Zoology University of California, Santa Cruz Applied Physics University of California, Berkeley Civil and Environmental Engineering Pasadena City College Film, Ethnomusicology University of Southern California Business Administration Hollywood School of Music Undeclared Mills College Art History, Business Administration Cerritos College
Fine Woodworking Technology and Manufacturing
Pierce College Business Scripps College Biology Pasadena City College Business, Film Southern Seattle Community College Psychology, Nutrition and Fitness Pasadena City College Dentistry Geneva College Business Occidental College Chemistry University of California, Santa Cruz Philosophy Pasadena City College Film Humboldt State University Business Administration Pasadena City College Undeclared University of California, Santa Barbara Biology (Pre-Medical) East Los Angeles College Physical Therapy Marines
California Lutheran University Undeclared Cal. Poly. San Luis Obispo Software Engineering University of California, Riverside Biology Glendale Community College Fire Science Roger Williams University History Pasadena City College Business San Diego State University Undeclared Pasadena City College Undeclared University of California, Davis Animal Science Brigham Young University Undeclared University of California, Santa Cruz Undeclared University of California, Riverside Biology Citrus College Undeclared Pasadena City College Undeclared University of California, Santa Barbara Chemical Engineering Azusa Pacific University Biology Gap Year News Internship in Brazil Alaska Pacific University Undeclared Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Apparel Industry Management Art Center College of Design Illustration University of California, Los Angeles Electrical Engineering University of California, Santa Barbara Undeclared University of California, San Diego Undeclared University of California, Santa Barbara Chemistry Pasadena City College Medicine Santa Barbara City College Undeclared Princeton University Undeclared University of California, Riverside Pre-Dental University of California, Berkeley Undeclared University of California, Santa Barbara Accounting Rice University Biological Sciences University of California, Santa Barbara Biology Pasadena City College/Citrus College Business/International Relations University of San Francisco Nursing University of California, Berkeley Electrical Engineering Art Center College of Design Art University of Southern California Business University of California, Santa Barbara Electrical Engineering University of California, Berkeley Legal Studies Platt College Graphic Design Los Angeles Trade Technical College Undeclared Washinton and Jefferson College Undeclared University of California, Los Angeles Neuroscience Valparaiso University Business Administration Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Merchandise Product Development Florida Atlantic University Communications University of San Diego Biology Pasadena City College Undeclared Pasadena City College Music
D-H Davis Sol De la Torre Michael Deamer Christian Deichert Robert Deleon Gabriela Dempster Jamison Deng Alexander Detzel Zoë Dominguez Jonah Don Jimmy Dunn Cody Dyudin Anton Ehrlich Sean Elaziz Sarp Escandon Joshua
Pasadena City College Education Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Aeronautical Science Citrus College Undeclared University of California, Santa Barbara Undeclared Pasadena City College Undeclared Citrus College Undeclared University of California, Davis Economics Eastern University Nursing Pasadena City College Undeclared California Institute of the Arts Photography Cal. State University, Long Beach Medical and Clinical Engineering Neumont University Computer Science University of California, Davis Economics Cal. Poly. San Luis Obispo Environmental Studies, Pre-Medical Latin American Bible Institute Worship Music
After SPHS: Class of 2012
S P H S
Class of 2012
Page by Rachael Garner
After SPHS
Tiger’s annual senior survey and individual phone calls yielded a response from 361 graduating members of the senior class. Beside each name are listed plans for higher education and intended major, employment, or military enlistment.
Top Five Intended Majors Psychology Biology Economics Business Sociology University / College
14.5% 7.9% 6.5% 3.5% 3.2%
Public or Private
In-State or Out-of-State
Private
30%
California
Public
70%
Out-of-State
18%
International
1%
81%
Number Attending
Seattle University Oregon State University University of Oregon University of Portland Macalester College So. Illinois U., Carbondale University of Illinois, U.C. University of Chicago DePaul University Brigham Young University Neumond University
1 1 4 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1
University / College
Number Attending
University of Nevada, Las Vegas 1 Arizona State University
1
University of Arizona
1
University of Arkansas
1
Rice University
1
Texas Christian University
1
Alaska Pacific University
2
Espinoza Samuel Estrada Ned Farnworth John Fata Gio Fennessy Sean Fernandez Talia Ford Audrey Forman MacKenzie Fox Kellyna Fox Kevyn Franco Stephen Frescura Dominic Fuller Clair Fung Alexander Galvez Cody Genie Raquel Gershman Zachary Gerst Sidney Ghebrekristos Mathewos Giberson Grace Goldman Tess Gomez Jorge Gontz Miranda Gor Jonathan Gutierrez Bryan Gutierrez Matthew Ha Timothy Han Yihai Hang Veronica Harvey Telanto He Kevin Hillman Benjamin Hom Alexander Hong Elaine Hong Sooji Horng Eric How Kimberly Huang Diana Huang Liu Lorena Hudson Nicholas Hurtado Stephanie Hutkoff Alexander Hwang Stephen Hwang Simon Hysell Allison
Santa Monica Community College Computer Programming Rio Hondo College Criminal Law University of California, Santa Cruz Psychology Cal. Poly. San Luis Obispo Business Administration Pasadena City College Business Pasadena City College Business University of California, Santa Cruz Marine Biology Eastern Michigan University Film University of Southern California Gerontology University of Oregon Business Administration Pasadena City College Undeclared College of the Canyons Business The University of Chicago Political Science, Public Policy University of California, Irvine Business Administration Pasadena City College Nutrition Pierce College Business, Finance University of Connecticut Political Science Oregon State University Undeclared Cal. Poly. Pomona Business Administration High Point University Undeclared Pasadena City College Criminal Justice Mt. San Antonio College Health Mount Holyoke College Film Studies, Creative Writing Cal. State University, Los Angeles Account University of California, Santa Barbara Pre-Economics, Accounting East Los Angeles College Undeclared University of California, Santa Barbara Accounting San Diego State University Nursing Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Apparel Industry Management Pasadena City College Business University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Chemical Engineering Emerson College Film Cal. State University, Northridge Undeclared University of California, Davis Biology University of California, Irvine Pharmacy University of California, San Diego Electrical Engineering Pasadena City College Undeclared Boston College Economics, Communications Stanford University International Relations Loyola Marymount University Undeclared Cal. State University, Northridge Business American University International Relations Washington and Lee University Accelerated Law Program Pasadena City College Business Pasadena City College Undeclared
J-L Jabalameli Alireza Santa Barbara Community College Biology
Jan Sara University of California, Davis Psychology Jayamaha Elizabeth Pasadena City College Psychology, Dance Jhun Crystal Cal. Poly. Pomona Art Jin Jing Jie University of California, Santa Barbara Electrical Engineering Joe Brandon Cal. Poly. Pomona Computer Inforrmation Systems Johnson McKenna Cal. Poly. San Luis Obispo Cultural Anthropology Jones Derek Pasadena City College Psychology Judkins Hyrum Syracuse University Theatre Design and Technology Jung Ye Chan Pasadena City College Film Studies Kaiser Benjamin Pasadena City College Film Kajikawa Trent University of California, Los Angeles Business Economics Kang Andy University of the Pacific Biological Sciences Kang Joo Woon Biola University Undeclared Kause Victoria Cal. State University, Los Angeles Elementary Education Kawakami James University of California, Los Angeles Computer Science Kelly-Sullenger Adria University of Massachusetts, Amherst Hospitality and Management Khan Haseeb University of Southern California Business Khashayar Amirhesam Santa Barbara Community College Psychology Kim Do Hee University of California, Davis Animal Biology Kim Hyo June University of Notre Dame Pre-Medical Kim Hyun Jae University of California, Riverside Undeclared Kim Isabel New York University Media, Culture, and Communications Kim Jeeho Brigham Young University Accounting Kim Jiwon Biola University Intercultural Studies Kim Kyeongjun Cal. State University, Long Beach Nursing Kim Kyungrib Pasadena City College History KIm Ree-Ha University of California, San Diego Biochemistry Kim Seong Min Cal. State University, Los Angeles History Kim Jennifer University of Southern California Biomedical Engineering Kinnoin Grady Cabrillo College Music Kitada Laurel Scripps College Asian American Studies Kitchens Anne Washington State University Sociology Kobara Robert University of California, Santa Barbara Sociology Kong Ye Rin Pasadena City College Undeclared Koo Isabel Pasadena City College Biology Koo Ji Hoon University of Richmond Business Kopperud Bennett Pitzer College Business, Italian Studies Kossakovski Fedor U. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Biochemistry Krieger Naomi Connecticut College Behavioral Neuroscience Kruse Alyssa Pasadena City College Radiology Kusayanagi Kevin Pasadena City College Undeclared Lagunas Miguel Glendale Community College Undeclared Lai Nancy Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Apparel Industry Management Lam Michelle Claremont McKenna College Biology Lasell Andrew Lau Dinh Bang Law David Leach Keaton
Pasadena City College Medicine Platt College Graphic Design Glendale Community College Business Management
After SPHS: Class of 2012 University / College
Number Attending
University / College
Number Attending
University of California, Merced
1
American Musical and Dramatic Academy 1
University of California, Davis
8
Art Center College of Design
4
University of California, Berkeley
10
Azusa Pacific University
3
University of California, Santa Cruz
8
Biola University
2
University of California, Santa Barbara 17
California Institute of the Arts
3
University of California, Los Angeles 7
California Institute of Technology
1
University of California, Riverside
14
California Lutheran University
1
University of California, Irvine
5
Cal. Poly. Pomona
7
University of California, San Diego
9
Cal. Poly. San Luis Obispo
7
Cal. State University, East Bay
2
Cal. State University, Long Beach
3
Cal. State University, Los Angeles
6
Cal. State University, Northridge
8
Claremont McKenna College
2
Friday, June 8, 2012 - Tiger
Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising 4
University / College
Number Attending
1
Los Angeles Trade Tech College
1
Latin American Bible Institute
1
Los Angeles Valley College
1
Loyola Marymount University
4
Mills College
2
Mount San Antonio College
2
Musicians Institute 1
Boston College 1 Boston University 1 Emerson College 1
Occidental College 1
Mount Holyoke College 2 Tufts University 1 Wellesley College 1 University of Massachusetts, Amherst 1 Bennington College 1 Middlebury College 1
Pitzer College 1
Baruch College 1 Cooper Union School of Architecture 1 New York University 3 Pace University 1 Parsons The New School For Design 2
Scripps College 1
Princeton University American University Florida Atlantic University Lee Benjamin University of California, Berkeley Political Science Lee Catherine Arizona State University Social Work Lee Dongwook Gap Semester Lee Gyum University of California, San Diego Computer Science Lee Helen Cal. State University, Long Beach English Lee Jennifer Art Center College of Design Advertisement Lee Vivian University of California, Riverside Sociology Leung Emily Parsons The New School for Design Communications, Product Design Levine Taylor Texas Christian University Pre-Medical Lew Carlton Loyola Marymount University Business Li Janelle University of Portland Business Administration Li Steven University of Washington, Seattle Business Administration, Economics Lim Lydia Work Lindecamp Zachary Cal. Poly. San Luis Obispo Business Administration Lis Martin Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Biomedical Engineering Little Adrian University of Arkansas Education Liu Daphne University of California, Davis English Liu Sophia University of California, Berkeley Undeclared Lohr Lia Azusa Pacific University Liberal Studies Loo Brianna Yale University Electrical Engineering Loo Samantha Mills College Undeclared Lopez Errol Pasadena City College Undeclared Louie Aidan University of Southern California Medical Biophysics Low Kimberlin University of the Pacific Pre-Dentistry Lu Jane Case Western Reserve University Nursing Lussier Laura Denison University Undeclared Lussier Nicole Luther College Music
M-N Mackey Victoria Magdaleno Mary Magill Sean Mak Yee-Lum Mancera Steven Mandin-Lee Edmond Mangu Aashrita Matsukama Kai Mawn August McMahon Kevin Melahouris Mekayla Mendoza Candy Millard Avery Min Brian Min Kyeong Hyeon Min Matthew Mitchell Devin Miyauchi Lee
Humboldt State University
University of Oregon Education Art Institute of California, Los Angeles Undeclared College of the Canyons Undeclared University of Southern California English (Creative Writing) Pasadena City College History New York University Urban Design California Institute of Technology Electrical Engineering Santa Monica City College Communications University of California, San Diego Economics Pasadena City College Business Management Cal. State University, Northridge Nursing Pasadena City College Undeclared Wheelock College Communications Loyola Marymount University Business University of Redlands Environmental Science Pasadena City College Undeclared American University Political Science University of California, Irvine Undeclared
1 3 1
Pasadena City College Pepperdine University
60 1
Platt College 2 Rio Hondo Community College
1
Riverside Community College
1
San Diego State University
2
San Francisco State University
2
Southern California Institute of Architecture
2
Stanford University 1 University of the Pacific
3
University of Redlands
1
University of San Diego
1
University of San Francisco
2
University of Southern California
12
Moffett Lillie Moore Seth Morales Katherine Mulcahy Dylan Muller Wilson Munoz-Brocatto Anthony Murphy Malika Murray Brian Na Ellen Nakamura Kelsey Nam Arin Navarro Misael Negrini Charles Ng Ryan
University of Southern California Cognitive Science University of Oregon Undeclared San Francisco State University Business, Macroeconomics Santa Monica City College Music Cooper Union School of Architecture Architecture Cal. State University, Los Angeles Undeclared Southern Illinois University, Carbondale Animal Science Pasadena City College Photography Cal. Poly. Pomona Animal Science (Pre-Veterinary) University of California, San Diego Undeclared Univeristy of California, Los Angeles Biochemistry Cal. State University, East Bay Undeclared Pasadena City College Undeclared University of Arizona Veterinary Medicine
O-R Oh Angela University of California, Riverside Business Ong Caleb Pasadena City College Undeclared Ortiz Mary Cruz Citrus College Social Work Ozaki Michelle Scripps College Biology Pacella Madison Parsons The New School for Design Photography, Film Paggao Amanda Loyola Marymount University Business, Entrepreneurship Pallares Victoria Cal. State University, Northridge Psychology Palm Siena DePaul University Italian Studies, Hospitality Palma Morgan Cal. Poly. Pomona Business Pan Krino University of California, Riverside Mechanical Engineering Pang Yun Hao California Institute of the Arts Photography Park Alex University of California, Santa Barbara Political Science Park Justin University of the Pacific Pre-Dental Park Ju Hea Cal. State University, Northridge Nursing Patterson Sara American Musical and Dramatic Academy Acting Payne Melissa Pasadena City College Undeclared Piña Michael Marines Pinson Matt Pasadena City College Nursing Pon Daniel University of California, Santa Barbara Biology Powell Peyton Riverside Community College Education Prado Samantha Pasadena City College Undeclared Prescott Alexander Baruch College Advertising Prime Alexandra University of San Francisco History Qi Yongdan University of California, Santa Barbara Actuarial Science Quiles Adrienne Cal. State University, Los Angeles Social Work Rainey Elizabeth University of California, Berkeley English, Political Science Ramos Samantha Glendale Community College Psychology Rascon Joaquin Pasadena City College Graphic Design Reagan Riley Pasadena City College Undeclared Resnick Sophie Santa Barbara City College Communications Reynolds Chelsea Cal. State University, Northridge Psychology, Art
Roche Meghan Rodas Tziquin Rodriguez-Lagunas Raquel Rogatneva Julia Rojas Carlos Roquemore Joshua Rosenthal Isabelle Ruatta Daniel Ruiz Joseph Rusk Mason
5
Seattle University Communications, Media Studies Pasadena Community College Undeclared Cal. State University, East Bay Kinesiology Pasadena Community College Economics Mt. San Antonio College Studio Arts Azusa Pacific University Political Science Wellesley College Neuroscience, English University of California, Santa Cruz Robotics Pasadena City College Dance, Education Glendale City College CNC Programming
S-T Salumbides Charles Sanchez Max Sato-Sicat Brandin Schor Jacob Sedano Kathelyne Seetao Erik Seguin Angelina Shackelford David Shapiro Daniel Sharma Ruhana Shen Alan Shettleroe Christopher Shields Jevon Shin Haley Shou Jodi Show Tiffany Sidle Makenna Silverman Montane Sim Jae Hyuk Snow Sarah Son Gunyoung Sone Rin Sosa Victor Stanford-Moore Marika Steen Ryan Sue Melody Suh Jennifer Sui Genie Sunabe Joel Szu Timothy Tan Edwin Taylor Chloe Ten Tiffany Teraoka Emily Terry Faun Thio Samudra Tranquada Alex Trimarchi Dylan Trinh Erica Tsao Freddy Tse Gavin Tuason Caroline Tung Tze Yu Turrietta Justine Tyler Edward
University of California, Santa Cruz Bioengineering East Los Angeles City College Undeclared Pasadena City College Graphic Design East Los Angeles Community College Music Pasadena City College Nursing University of California, San Diego Electrical Engineering Cal. State University, Northridge Biology Santa Barbara Community College Undeclared University of Oregon Psychology University of California, Riverside Pre-Medicine, Psychology University of Nevada, Las Vegas Hospitality Management Santa Monica Community College History College of the Canyons Business, Management Pace University Forensics Pasadena City College Communications University of California, Merced Biological Sciences New York University Undeclared Tufts University Community Health, International Relations Pepperdine University Business West Los Angeles College Child Development Pasadena City College Business Administration Southern California Institute of Architecture Architecture Cal. Poly. Pomona Computer Science University of Southern California Spanish, Public Relations Pasadena City College Undeclared Claremont McKenna College Environmental Science University of California, Santa Barbara Environmental Studies Glendale City College Undeclared Cal. Poly. San Luis Obispo Computer Science University of California, Irvine Biology University of California, Riverside Business Pasadena City College Graphic Design Cal. State University, Los Angeles Undeclared Mount Holyoke College English, Engineering Musicians Institute Music Composition Pasadena City College Economics, Linguistics University of Southern California Writing for Screen and Television Glendale Community College Business University of California, San Diego Undeclared The University of Chicago Political Science University of California, San Diego Biomedical Engineering Los Angeles Valley College Communications Boston University Biology Boise State University General Heath, Pre-Medicine Bennington College Undeclared
V-Z Venegas Cristina von Bibra Thomas Vyas Siddhartha Wakabayashi Lauren Wang Siqi Wang Yun-Ting West Claire White Maxwell White Natalie Whitworth Kathryn Willardson Daniel Wong Matthew Wong Tyler Woosley Claire Wooton Christina Yadav Harry Yang Christina Yang Fenghua Yang Jennifer Yang Kumbi Ybarra Daniel Yen Jessie Yeo Rachel Yi Christine Yin Tiffany Yonami Raymond Yoon Paul Yu Marc Yu Zhe Xi Zhan Ni Zhao Xi Zheng Rebecca Zhu Cece
San Francisco State University Environmental Studies St. Olaf College Physics University of California, Santa Barbara Chemical Engineering Macalester College Undeclared University of California, Los Angeles Math, Economics Taipei University Undeclared University of California, Santa Barbara Physics Middlebury College Biology Pasadena City College Undeclared Cal. State University, Northridge Child Development Cal. Poly. San Luis Obispo Art and Design University of California, Berkeley Electrical and Computer Engineering Cal. Poly. Pomona Kinesiology American University Public Health Azusa Pacific University Athletic Training University of the South Biology University of California, Los Angeles Biology University of Southern California Mathematics University of California, Irvine Undeclared Pasadena City College Nutrition Pasadena City College Psychology University of California, Berkeley Economics Mount St. Mary’s College Undeclared California Institute of the Arts Animation University of California, Riverside Pre-Business University of California, Riverside Pre-Business University of California, Riverside Pre-Business University of California, Riverside Pre-Business Art Center College of Design Illustration Cal. State University, Los Angeles Nursing Southern California Institute of Architecture Architecture Santa Monica City College Undeclared University of California, Davis Animal Science
6 Tiger - Friday, June 8, 2012
Senior Farewells
FAREWELL FROM THE TIGER STAFF
Pen throwing and hand gestures
Bazinga
By Devin Mitchell News Editor
By Daniel Willardson Illustrator As you may have noticed by the byline, I’m not a writer, so bear with me. This is the time of year when all the seniors who want to are given the opportunity to write a farewell, a chance to pass down their acquired high school wisdom. Unfortunately, due to the number of seniors graduating, I’ll have to keep this short. Like most of my fellow seniors and seniors before me, my time throughout high school was an interesting ride that leaves me questioning how much of it I truly enjoyed. College is approaching rapidly. Now that my classes are winding down and my free time is increasing, I find myself looking around and realizing what I am going to be leaving. Sure, it’s easy to call high school a prison of education when you’re forced to spend seven hours a day there, but I feel that education can come in forms other than strictly academics. Gloria Vanderbilt is famous for many things, including the quote, “Follow your bliss.” Don’t get so caught up in maintaining your 4.0 that you forget to see the world around you. Spend time doing the things that make you smile, whether it’s a sport, an art, academics, or even a guilty pleasure. Chances are the thing you enjoy most is also the thing you are best at. I don’t think happiness derives from success, but rather the other way around. I’d like to thank those who helped me realize my passions. It’s because of you that I am pursuing what I truly love.
Daniel Willardson
I was reluctantly upgraded to Facebook Timeline a few weeks ago. Like any self-respecting human being, I immediately went through and deleted any potentially embarrassing content from my younger days. Unfortunately, I was too late - Remeny and Charlotte had already sarcastically “liked” several statuses and profile pictures from my freshman year. Thanks again for that, guys. Yet even as I cringed at my fourteenyear-old self, I took some solace in the fact that I’m not as lame as I was four years ago. But what was responsible? How and when did I become the person I am today? In one of her vlogs that wasn’t about
a morbidly obese cat, Clair said that there is no one turning point when you become an adult. “Eventually you just look back one day and realize that you’re different, and you have been for awhile,” she said. In that, I basically agree. Growing up is a gradual process, and there isn’t one specific event I can point to. That said, I cannot overstate how much working on this newspaper the past three years has shaped me. Tiger introduced me to the perils and triumphs of leadership. It allowed me to meet and get to know some truly amazing people. It showed me that Libby never stops worrying. But seriously, some of my fondest high school memories are from deadline in Mr. Hogan’s room, and having that pillar of
My high school experience By Harry Yadav Senior Staff Writer What a four years it has been. I’ve romanticized memories of freshman year. I remember having a crush on an older girl in my French class. Being chased by senior basketball players and forced to wash their cars. Going 0-9 in freshman football but not caring one bit. Hiding in the library for a week because of chin acne. The first (and by far the best) water balloon fight I have witnessed in high school. Then came what everybody says is “the year that matters:” sophomore year. It was in Ms Gill’s class that I read Crime and Punishment, which is still my favorite
in-class experience. The only other thing I recall from tenth grade is studying for AP Chem. That class was hard. I don’t care what Cody Dunn says! Junior year I became really close with my basketball team. We were young and unpredictable. So was our coach, except the young part. We didn’t respect him much and enjoyed causing some entertaining tantrums. At the end of the season, many of us vowed to quit. Senior year came fast. Basketball got a new coach. We all came back. Coach was younger and more energetic and had one goal in mind: a league championship. The season was crazy and emotional for so many reasons. In the end, though, through a lot of hard work,
Leave your mark, have fun By Carlton Lew Assoc. Opinion Editor Here we are, friends. With the end of my senior year fast approaching, I find myself sitting here reliving all the countless memories from my high school years. Before I finish my final article for Tiger, I would like to thank the people who have helped me reach this monumentous stage in my life. But before I can do that, I want to leave my fellow peers with a couple tips to succeed. First of all, explore. High school is a time when you can take advantage of your multiple opportunities. Learn a new language, discover a new hobby, and get involved. Do it. At the end of your four years,
you don’t want to regret missing out on a chance to take that cute girl to the movies, or trying out for that sports team. Second, stay positive. There may be all-nighters and days when you are swamped with homework. Keep in mind that the teachers here at SPHS always have the students’ best interests in mind. Think about where you want to be five years from now and work towards that goal. Trying your best and striving for the future is the best thing you can ask of yourself. Finally, I want to thank everybody who has played a role throughout my journey. Thank you Gong Gong and Po Po for being awesome. Gong Gong, if I can be half the person you are, I will consider myself lucky. Thank you Mom and Dad
for instilling in me the values that will serve me well in the future. Thank you uncles and aunts for providing me with an amazing support system. Thank you cousins for always being there for me. Thank you Mr. Hogan for everything you’ve done for me. I cannot thank you enough. Thank you Mrs. Moonesinghe for helping me realize my academic potential. Thank you Heather for being simply amazing. Thank you Michael for being the best bro ever. Thank you Kevin, Calvin, Raymond, Haseeb and everybody else for being the homies. Shout out to the YOLO crew. In the end, high school is what you make of it. Take advantage of every opportunity, stay positive, and most importantly, just be yourself and have fun.
In which the little scamp learns his lesson By Max White, Alex Tranquada, and Jackson Atwater Tiger Staff They say that friendship is like a grumbly tumbleweed. You sometimes win and sometimes kick the bucket, but in the end you’ll wish you had a prickly grapefruit smoothie to tide you over and a little gnome to tickle your innards. I hate goodbyes. They break my heart. I tend to build them up in my head, to expect something profoundly climactic, only to watch numbly as they slip by. And now that I have the chance to say farewell to high school, I’ve got Cinderblock. I mean, writer’s block. (That was for you, Rem.) This is the best I can do. To the cross country team: you are my rock. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you. To the Core Four:
support at school during a turbulent period in my life was invaluable. While there are undoubtedly things and people I will miss, I’m ready to move on from that difficult period and head off to college. After all, my parents got divorced, I struggled with the absence of a traditional group of friends, and I underachieved academically. The country didn’t do much better. We went from electing the first African-American president to Rick Santorum winning primaries. So make of that what you will. If for some reason you’ve made it to the end of this self-indulgent rant, my advice is this: find your own Tiger, the thing that helps you deal with the toils of day-to-day life. You won’t be sorry you did.
you make life worth living. To Fedor, Thewos, and the soccer team: whatever, LC; we’re league champs in my book. To Tiger: thanks for keeping my life newsworthy. Although I wish you’d given this article a bigger word count. I have a lot of feelings, but my ability to express them is severely hindered by my chronic need to appear witty. Because of this unfortunate handicap, I’m not going to be talking about how joining the cross country team was the best decision I’ve ever made, or all of the fun I’ve had at late-night Tiger deadlines. I won’t be mentioning how I wish I knew how cool virtual business was before this year, and I most definitely will not be including shoutouts to the Boiyz, or the Core Four, or my soul sister Clair. Nope. None of that sentimental crap here. I have a bad habit of being late to
things. I’m usually late to appointments and meetings, and now Alex has taken to telling me that he’s showing up at my house ten minutes earlier than he actually does so I’ll be ready. I was also late to join cross country and Tiger, the two best moves of my high school career. I was late in meeting my three best friends, Alex, Max, and Montane. High school, and for that matter, life in general, didn’t click for me until pretty late. But I don’t regret—rather, I savor and love each second for which I made it in time, and thank the universe that I arrived at all. Thus ends the last stand of three of the grumbliest, tumbliest tumbleweeds to ever make their way through South Pasadena. But we’re not gone forever; you can bet that whenever there’s a fiddle to strum or a heart willing to love, we’ll be there.
we earned South Pasadena’s first league championship in 21 years. Then came the spring, and… golf ! I made it my mission to redeem myself after letting my team and coach down by not dedicating myself junior year. I made CIF with an eagle on the seventeenth hole (breaking the heart of a poor La Cañada Spartan) and our team also qualified for CIF for the first time in many years, earning us a trip to Ojai and a day off of school. Reflecting on my high school experience, I will savor my friendships more than anything. I know the toughest part of leaving for college will be not being able to see my buddies. That will be hard.
HAGS, guys By Anne Kitchens Staff Writer I’ve received my share of farewells over the past couple of years, and they have revealed themselves in a variety of ways: the ones that are so cryptic you drive yourself insane trying to decipher them, only to accept complete defeat; the ones whose messages are so artfully and meticulously concealed throughout the songs of a mix CD; the ones that come in the form of an offhand joke matched with a heartbreaking tear-filled eye; and those that are so honest and vulnerable you feel embarrassed even acknowledging them. I hope that this one can measure up. High school is over. We’re about to embark upon the most unknown chapter of our lives, and I could not be more ready—simply because the idea of coming back for yet another year feels more paralyzing than being eaten alive by a band of feral monkeys. I’ve met some of the most important people in my life thus far over the past four years, many of whom were on Tiger. Because of this, I can honestly say that I don’t know what I would have done without it. Since my first year on Tiger, I have formed relationships that I will never be able to duplicate or replace. And since then, I have lost people close to me for a variety of reasons. Some because of time and distance, and others because they were prematurely stolen from me. I will never stop celebrating your birthday, Aydin. And no, for the last time, I do not have a crush on Brendan. And no, the stains on the chairs in room 615 are not because of me. As my friend Elizabeth Rainey once wisely stated, “Senior farewells are not a blessing, they’re a curse.” I agree with this sentiment, simply because I cannot offer much insight. I don’t feel as if I know anything. So all I can say is thank you, to everyone I love. Not for being especially good people, but for being interesting and dynamic enough to catch and hold my affection.
Senior Farewells
By Josh Roquemore and Katie Whitworth Tiger Staff
#farewellSPHS
Yo homies. As we began writing this article, we realized two things: first, how close we really are to leaving high school forever. Secondly, how much we will miss a handful of people, places, and traditions. This is not just a farewell article – it’s an honest end of the year message to every grade. Take it or leave it. Fr e shm e n : Sorry. Three more years of this sounds like hell. However, you are no longer freshmen after this year, and I can promise that you will miss these easy days. Do not be the sophomores who try to hang out with only seniors. Lame. Your year will come. Enjoy your first year with a history class at SPHS. Cherish Mr. Regan’s essay tests and appreciate Mrs. Pearson’s heart of gold. If you do not apply
A swan song By Meghan Roche Staff Writer For over a week now, I’ve been trying to write this stupid farewell. Everything I have started to write has turned out badly, and am currently looking at five unfinished drafts sitting open on my computer. There’s a good chance this one will join them, but what can you do. Among those drafts, there is one that is sentimental, one cynical, and one detailing my stance on One Direction. Another was directed at the group of girls with presumably awful taste in movies, seeing as my unfortunate streak of negative movie reviews offended them so much. It was frustrating to me that I couldn’t just get the thing written. I mean, what’s so difficult about coming up with a farewell that successfully sums up my years here at SPHS, and is clever and insightful, with glittering, relatable metaphors that make the reader both laugh and cry? Last night, however, an epiphany came to me during some deeply therapeutic 2 A.M. online shoe shopping: I still don’t know how I feel about leaving. All year, I’ve been asked whether I was going to miss school, whether I was sad it was almost over. And every time, I’ve said no, that “I’m just waiting for it to kick in.” Though there were certainly a lot of people I got to know and experiences I got to have in my time here that I will miss and always appreciate, there’s also a lot I’ll be glad to be rid of. Most importantly, I think, is my excitement for the change of pace and the opportunities that studying and living in another school and city will bring. I’m hopeful for the future. On a related note: don’t believe people when they tell you that these are the best years of your life. The type of people who peak sometime around now are people like Tom Buchanan from The Great Gatsby. Don’t be Tom. Tom sucks. In closing, I’d like to extend a final “thank you” to the friends and teachers who made my time here bearable, and a “good luck” to those of you still waiting to graduate. No matter how you feel about the school experience you’re having right now, it will come to pass. Enjoy it while you can!
By Erin Chan Staff Writer Cindy: from this point on, we’ll never be the same. We won’t fight every single second of every single day. I won’t purposefully step on your heels anymore. We won’t have to share a room and throw remotes, tables, televisions, and cats at each other in fits of rage. But maybe after this thing called college, we’ll find a pair of twins, marry them, have twin babies, and have four identicallooking children. Or probably not. Or probably so. We’ll change. But for the better. To the other people that I have grown to love over the years: To Grace – help me find a quote to express our friendship. To Chloe – te amo a la luna, mi amor! Amigas para siempre. To Evelyn – who’ll I have next year to physically assault me? To Karen – we shall synchronize our swimming from hours away. To Erica – Muniz to SD! Are you
paid advertisement By Alexander Prescott Ads Manager I’ve never actually written for the newspaper before (ads are more my style) so this is all going to be quite strange for me, but I’ll give it my best shot. Being around the people that make up the Tiger staff has been one of the most rewarding experiences I could have asked for. Y’all are so smart and talented, and I’d like to think that a little bit has rubbed off on me over this past year. Before thanking anyone else, I must acknowledge one of the major reasons that I enjoyed the multitude of hours spent in and outside of school dedicated to the paper: Makenna Sidle. I may not
always show it, but I value your amazing friendship and everything you have taught me more than you will ever know. I love you way up to the sky. Together this year we dominated the non-writing aspects of Tiger and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. To all my other besties: I can’t wait to have the best summer of all time with the “gang.” Let’s go out in style. In real life though, I really do love the entire Tiger family and it’s just about going to break my heart to have to say goodbye to you in the upcoming weeks. I know that my protégé, Marcy, and the rest of next year’s staff are going to carry on the legacy and tradition that is Tiger.
Thank you, for you By Jennifer Kim Managing Editor The night draws on, and the sound of fingers tapping on keyboards gets louder. Rem cheers Devin up, Clair makes witty comments and Theo eats dried mangos. Soon the pizza we have been longing for arrives, and the whole staff is briefly distracted. Tiger deadline can potentially be a stressful late evening, but the staff makes it blissful and keeps each other strong. Although I like completing issues and looking at freshly printed bylines, nothing can compare to simply enjoying the moment together. Tiger has given me a new family in high school and become part of me; it is my greatest source of knowledge and pride. It has taught me to follow my passions with people I love. Now, even that piece of cold pizza makes me happy. My favorite teacher told me that the only constant is change. And six years after moving to here from Korea, I am so close to yet another one. I am
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To you, and you, and you
and AP Gov. #Webinars Seniors: ‘Sup. We are so close to freedom, and so close to having our own lives. Let’s just not think about the fact that we will all be freshmen again in about three months. We hope your “finals” are good. Socratic seminars are legit. Real talk. Let’s be honest, we will miss you guys more than anyone. We have known some of you forever, and some not long enough. Farewell is gonna be dope. Cannot wait to see everyone riding in on each other’s backs and drowning in balloons. Lets make it happen, captain. We are looking forward to June 14. Tears at 3:30, smiles at 5:00, Daniel Willardson more tears afterwards. school. Believe us when we tell you, We will be the coolest sea of black and those rumors are absolutely true. At white to ever walk across Roosevelt the same time, you will have some of Field ever. #Doneeskiesss #YOLO Not to play favorites, but thank the best teachers and classes. Live it up. Just ‘cause you can push around you Victoria, Joshy, Siena, Nick, Issy, next year’s seniors does not mean you Abz, and J-Ash. You all make our should. Leave them some room on the lives a little brighter. #sunshine Tigers, its been real. #RoomTiger Patio, okay guys? #SAT Juniors: Have fun in AP Lit 615FoLyfe for Tiger, you’re crazy. Shoutout to Alyssa Carlos and Julia Primuth, the only freshmen we know. Stay fly. #3MoLeftHa! Sophomores: Get ready for the storm. It is rumored that junior year is by far the hardest year of high
Friday, June 8, 2012 - Tiger
so excited for what’s to come, but while this moment lasts, I want to show appreciation to everyone who gives me a little joy in life. Thank you Libby for being an incredible Tiger mom. I’ll miss your kisses, songs and lines. Thank you Mr. Hogan for everything you do. Room 615 has become my new home and you made every moment in Tiger memorable. Rach, you are my baby. You’ve made the potential I saw in the beginning come out this year and I’m so proud of you. Sof and Jessica, I’m confident Tiger next year will be as wonderful as you two are. Thank you Erin for being my distribution buddy and pulling Mack pranks with me. Will, thank you for existing. I will always remember you. Always. Thank you Ree-Ha and Haseeb for caring. Mom, Dad and Steph, thank you for believing in me. Thank you.
ready? To Julieta – “We’ve been learning algebra all your life.” To Sophia – heart-shaped brownies. To Daph – I shall send cat shirts to Davis. To Mrs. Tull’s fifth grade class; to Sr. Whitney and Spanish; to the pool (Hannah, Jackie, Consuelo, Sabrina, America, Carolyn, Cody, Grace, Heather, Sophia, Yaelin); to Tiger (Jennifer *BEEP, Marcy, Madison, Siria); to those I’ve known since middle school (Atty, Carlton, Kelsey, Paulina, Sara, Malika, Lauren, Sooji, Jackson, Stephen, Lia); and to people I was just lucky enough to meet (Wendall, Phillip, Eryn, Sarp, Liz, Danny, Taci, Aidan, Calvin, Megumi, and so many more). High school up until this point – and just life in general – hasn’t been what I expected. But I couldn’t have imagined spending the last six years of my life with any other people than the ones here in South Pas. The people here are the people that you would never want to say goodbye to. So I won’t. I love you all.
Signing off, homies By Makenna Sidle Web Editor I came to Tiger as a wee sophomore, having been handed the reins to a website that I didn’t know would dominate my life for the next two and a half years. Tiger Online has evolved into something great over my time as web editor on Tiger. To say that I’m proud of what we’ve produced is a definite understatement. Seeing updates go up each day and posting thousands of pictures was breathtaking. We hit 100,000 hits back in January and it’s becoming better than ever. Leaving Tiger after three years of laughter and frustration and so much love is hard (of course) but I have nothing but good memories from it. Each year was completely different from the last, and this year was the best. Having said my piece about TNO, I must say that I’m sad to say goodbye to SPHS. All those rumors about senior year being both the worst and the best were true. To all my seniors -- the past few months have been incredible but it’s time for the rest of our lives. See you there! To the younger Sidles -- three more years. But you can do it. To Alexander, my pal, let’s get out of here. New York isn’t prepared for us. Eye lahve yew!!!1 I love you, Tiger. It’s going to be a huge wrench to hand over TNO, but I know that next year’s staff will do magnificent things with it.
Rachael Lee
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Tiger - Friday, June 8, 2012
Opinion
Opinion B
A love letter
to all the girls selling their clothes on Facebook. No one wants your used bikini bottoms. oo
By Elizabeth Ford Rainey Editor-in-Chief
B
ravo to the chaotic cap and gown distribution on Tuesday. We love feeling like poorly-herded cattle.
B
ravo to Copa for your hard work on the amazing yearbook. We know you only get this kind of satisfaction once every year. Enjoy it while it lasts.
B
oo to the explosion of Skittles and Sour Patch Kids on the senior lawn and Tiger Patio this week. The water balloon fight may be unoriginal, but this was just stupid.
B
ravo to five valedictorians from the Class of 2012. It must feel so special to receive this singular honor... oh wait.
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 Libby Rainey Managing Editor Jennifer Kim News Devin Mitchell, Editor Remeny White, Associate Opinion Clair Fuller, Editor Carlton Lew, Associate Feature Sofi Goode, Editor Rhian Moore, Associate Sports Jessica Moog, Editor Clem Witherall, Associate Copy Editors Alex Tranquada and Max White Photography Theo Mandin-Lee, Editor Kathryn Whitworth, Associate Photographers Rachael Garner, Siria Medina, Matthew Winkel Senior Staff Writer Harry Yadav Staff Writers Madison Amido, Jackson Atwater, Erin Chan, Matt DeFulgentiis, Kelsey Hess, Anne Kitchens, Marcy Kuo, Amber Laird, Natalie McLain, Christian Miyamae, Rachel Newhall, Meghan Roche, Joshua Roquemore, Heather Vaughan
Daniel Willardson
The Open House disconnect Staff Editorial Hot glue, colored construction paper, and three-paneled poster boards remind most people of fifth-grade science projects. But to an SPHS student in late May, they are essential staples of projects that could make or break their second semester grades. Towards the end of the school year, teacher attention predictably shifts to devising projects that will make appealing additions to a blank classroom wall—all so that parents visiting the school for Open House will leave impressed. But do these colorful posters and flashy PowerPoints really equivocate the hours of intensive studying and testing that make up most SPHS students’ academic experiences? Open House should be a presentation of the work students have been doing for the past nine months, not a dog-and-pony show put on to please parents with fancy displays and multimedia presentations. When students are spending more time making a board game for math class than studying for a final, it’s a sign of a larger problem – somehow, “real” learning and studying are taking a backseat to an inconsequential gallery night.
Saying goodbye is hard to do
Staff Illustrators Rachael Lee and Daniel Willardson Managers Alexander Prescott, Ads Shyam Senthilkumar, Business Webmaster Makenna Sidle 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 witheld upon request. Tiger is a forum for student free speech, in compliance with California Ed Code 48907.
It’s understandable that parents want to come and see what their children have been doing in class for the past nine months. Why, then, is it that all they see is the shiny product of a frantic two-week project? Perhaps the fine arts classes spend most of the year creating work that is easy to display at Open House, but it appears that most other classes lack this convenience. There are several courses that spend large chunks of time throughout the year on research papers and reports—projects worthy of parents’ perusal with or without an illustration. Seniors especially find themselves at the mercy of these assignments. Many have to prepare additional work for classes in the weekends leading up to the end of school rather than doing things like gearing up for important final tests and graduation. Yes, butcher-papered walls and more design-based presentations make for a livelier classroom the night of Open House. But SPHS students are not in fifth grade anymore, and their schoolwork should be treated with academic importance, even if it comes in a less appealing package.
I remember my first day on Tiger like it was yesterday. Anne and I walked into class nervously, but despite our attempts to hide, within seconds I was nicknamed “Betsy” and at least four people had muttered snarky remarks to Anne about the zipper down the front of her shirt. Minutes later, Patrick Adelstein had the staff outside straddling one another on the senior lawn. These ten minutes were a rite of passage of sorts, after which we were members of the cult. Since then, Tiger has been my home away from home, my second family. With Tiger, I’ve sat in the middle of Diamond Street in ungodly hours of the night in celebration. I’ve poured gas into my stalled car with Sam and Carlton and chased hordes of police cars to break a story about a potato gun with Devin and Clair. Rachael, Sofi and I nearly died in a house filled with bunnies. Cole taught me to write and edit through example. Aydin made me laugh. There are many farewells I’d like to make to high school. But this farewell is different. This is a love letter to Tiger itself. Thanks. Jennifer, for your substance and perspective. And secret sass. Devin, for embracing the sad ball of sadness role, yet never failing to surprise me. Your occasional outbursts of expletives from the glass room were always just the spice that Sunday deadlines needed. Theo, sometimes I wanted to kill you. Mr. Shotwell, Theo ripped down the ASB countdown signs. I encouraged him. Clair, your mind and mine can be uncannily similar. It’s simultaneously terrifying and thrilling. Thanks to you and Joyce for deeming me worthy of your feminist cult. Sofi, I’m happy to be leaving this publication in your worthy and ready hands. Be prepared for a few obsessive phone calls, but not many. Anne, you’re my sister. No words come close, but you should know that I love your neutral face. And the bagels in your kitchen. No one understands us, but that’s okay. I do. Mr. Hogan, your wisdom and humor in these four years has been a treat. You’re a true friend. Seriously, come advise for The Daily Cal. And to Tiger: Thank you for making high school mean something to me. For putting up with my neurotic and obsessive texts, messages, emails, and phone calls. For hilarious late-night deadlines, weird YouTube videos, hacked Facebook accounts. For 100,000 unique hits. For making Room 615 a home. For these things, I am immensely grateful.
Clair Fuller Opinion Editor From time to time I find myself overcome with an urge to peruse my old yearbooks. I have them from as far back as third grade, and, of course, I have one hefty volume for each year of my high school career. Before we go any further: Copa, don’t think you’re special for getting a cursory mention in my farewell. Except for Owen Emerson, who actually is special. Year after year, we’ve had the urge to fill each other’s yearbooks with affirmations of fondness and imperative statements urging the
recipient to stay cool, never change, and HAGS. It’s strange to think that this year we’ll feel compelled to step up the level of sharpie-scrawled discourse and actually impart some sense of final retrospection. Take my word for it: if writing this farewell is any indication, final retrospection can be really, really difficult. But here I am, signing the proverbial yearbook of my high school experience. I’m not generally a nostalgic person. I don’t want to romanticize the past four years, but I don’t want to be unfairly harsh to them either. What I want to do is say goodbye, to my friends and this high school
and this newspaper. When it comes down to the big, important moments, I never know what to say—I still don’t. So take this as my humble, awkward admission that I have, in fact, appreciated my time here. Know that this might be the only time that I acknowledge everyone and everything that has made me a better person than I was on my first day of freshman year. And because I believe in giving credit where credit is due (or at least trying to), a few thank yous are in order. To Devin for being the Josh to my CJ. To Meghan for her creamy caramel center. To Sofi for
waiting until the fiddle dropped, to Sidney for the Mystic Water Zoo. To Joyce for our vagina. To Lummy, even though you like my mom more than me. To Mrs. Kimberly Kadletz for her sweet smoke of rhetoric. To Rachael, Remeny, Jennifer, Little Chef and Natalie for being the lights of my life. To Miranda for crying with me during Like Crazy. To Libby for always calling me on my BS (tween room), and to Alex for being my platonic soulmate. To Mr. Hogan for giving me a shot. And last but not least, to Tiger, for sometimes being the only good thing about high school. HAGS, ily, and don’t ever change.
Friday, June 8, 2012 - Tiger
Opinion
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Unplugging from the over-sharing mantra By Jackson Atwater Staff Writer The idea of social media in the past decade or so has been simple yet effective: share as much as possible, as frequently as possible, with as many people as possible. The most successful social networks, like Facebook and Twitter, have adopted this principle as the core of their business model and the development of their interface. Their mission has been to make it as easy as possible for users to surrender the secrets and details of their personal lives to the greatest number of people possible. Such sites have doubtless played an irreplaceable role in shaping the way society now communicates. But they have long since served their role in connecting us, and should retreat from their excesses in favor of more reasonable sharing. Our generation has developed a knee-jerk instinct to post an update online whenever anything happens. Often, those who don’t want the information end up with a deluge of very personal details, and private companies are able
to paint a very detailed picture of them. This is hardly a harmless ideology. In addition to the simply irritating side effects it creates, our generation’s eagerness to share information with people can be deadly. The UK Daily Mail reports that a crime tied to Facebook activity is reported to police every forty minutes, and that last year police officers logged 12,300 alleged offenses
This unwavering focus on maximizing the quantity of information is beginning to spawn a backlash movement that values privacy over constant connectivity.
involving Facebook. However, now that these websites and services have staked out their place in modern communications, some questions arise: how digitally connected do people have to be to feel connected? This unwavering focus on maximizing the quantity of informa-
tion is beginning to spawn a backlash movement that values privacy over constant connectivity. While developing countries struggle to become more connected, our struggle is to disconnect, to find peace and solitude. Applications like Snapchat, which takes private messaging to the extreme, and Pair, a Tumblr for two, are at the fore of a new wave of media that is attempting to allow people to share with boundaries. These utilities give users a golden opportunity to share with limits instead of without, eliminating the black-andwhite decision of whether to share everything or nothing. The movement itself is an opportunity to give users back some control over their lives. In the coming years, one’s personal information is going to constitute who one is; if a person surrenders all their information to a platform like Facebook, then the person surrenders themselves. The solution to this problem is such applications, which encourage tasteful sharing and ensures that the right information ends up in the hands of the right people; nothing more, nothing less.
Wasted time and wasted effort By Natalie McLain Staff Writer
By Mr. Mark Afram 10th Grade English Honors, 12th Grade English In the April 27 edition of Tiger, Devin Mitchell expresses a great deal of concern about the SPHS English department. While I do not want to dismiss his experience or deny any potential issues, I do take offense at the sweeping language with which he writes. First, Mitchell criticizes the entire department for “the absence of writing assignments.” I am certain, however, that General Kadletz’s students would never make this complaint. Similarly, Mr. Enright’s seniors are finishing up their senior research papers, most of which average from ten to fifteen pages in length. Before Mr. Mitchell rushes to judgment on the entire department, he should check the writing assignments within each course. Later, the article claims that English instruction is characterized by multiple-choice drills. I, for one, have never heard of any colleagues organizing instruction around drills, and I know that Ms Gill’s classes are oriented around thought-provoking Essential Questions. Similarly, I have never drilled my students. I have been known to tell one too many corny jokes, but I typically reserve those jokes for my unit on existentialism. Mr. Mitchell offers solutions to the “English Department Problem” by stating that teachers should “set… a serious tone in class.” I completely agree with this statement, and I know this occurs in most English classes. No one could accuse Ms Taylor, for example, of being lackadaisical with her instructional approach! In addition, Ms Tucker is known for her intense focus in the classroom. Finally, Mitchell concludes with an appeal for “thought-provoking writing and… extensive feedback.” Again, I agree with him. As a writer on Tiger, Mitchell has undoubtedly benefited from the constructive criticism of another English teacher, Mr. Hogan. Clearly, Devin Mitchell is an apt pupil; he’s a talented writer and he expresses his thoughts clearly. I only wish that he’d avoid hasty generalization.
As the end of the year draws near, ditching AP classes seems an increasingly tempting transgression. There appears to be little left to do, and more often than not, time feels wasted on filler assignments and lectures with little point. The AP tests have passed, and as such, the classes lose their main focus: passing and excelling at one test. In these final weeks of the school, something in the AP class curriculum needs to be changed. Students have presumably been killing themselves all year to keep up with the course rate and commit massive amounts of material to memory. Consequently, once the AP test has passed, students often feel that the culmination of their efforts has finally hit its peak, and are reluctant to continue learning. What’s the point, really? It is no secret that classes are taught to the AP tests, so once the test has passed, reason often follows that so too
has any amount of real effort and learning. But teachers cannot simply allow students to cease work completely. There is still class time to be filled. And that can be difficult when you’re dealing with a class of thirty-some students who are resentful of any additional work they might have to do. While there are numerous ways of dealing with this odd patch of time, the most common methods are to continue AP-style teaching, or simply pile on busy work. Many of the AP English classes, for example, continue work which, while appropriate for AP test prep, has little use once the test has passed. The weeks wedged between the end of the school year and the end of AP tests, while awkward, are prime time for projects or lectures which involve cumulative learning or application. For example, the AP Physics classes take on a project at the end of the year that combines several of the principals and formulas learned over the year, and uses them to analyze real life situations. Students
Rachael Lee
choose a subject with which they are familiar or partial, and analyze it in a physics-oriented way. In contrast, AP English Language has had a smattering of diction and tone analysis assignments almost exactly mirroring those used earlier in the year specifically to prepare for the multiple-choice portion of the AP exam. So instead of filling classes to the brim with a continuation of AP-style course material, teachers perhaps need to take a lesson from the physics classes, and find some way to string the whole year together. Teachers, give your students something of substance that somehow deviates from standard AP, test-taking prep. Allow them a bit of a break, but don’t insult them by turning the class into an extended snooze period. Students, buckle down. There are only a few weeks left in school, and while teachers need to make a genuine effort to convey valuable information and application, students need to kick their lackadaisical, end-of-the-year stupor and match that effort.
Students weigh in... Many students have noted the increased prevalence of projects assigned specifically for display at the annual Open House. Do you think that Open House serves a purpose at SPHS?
STUDENT VOICE: “The purpose of Open House is to show what we’ve learned, which is mostly notes and material. Projects don’t reflect that.” -Tyler Halley, sophomore “To get supplemental points for AP Chemistry, we had the option of doing a lab at Open House. I got the fifteen points out of fifteen, but the preparation was almost four hours, and it wasn’t worth it. Because teachers now aren’t allowed to give us extra credit, it takes even more away from Open House.” -Paul Song, sophomore “After elementary school, Open House stops being an accurate representation of our year. Instead of one night where all the parents and students come to every class, the teachers should hold several low-key individual Open Houses however often they want. That way it would be less about entertainment, and more like a conference.” -Abby Shulman, freshman “Open House could be better organized. There’s too much chaos with so many students running around. And it ends up being the teachers talking to parents for too long.” -David Cho, junior “I do not think it’s valuable for the school. It’s supposed to show what we’ve done. Instead it’s just a bunch of last minute projects, and doesn’t represent what we did throughout the year.” -Nathaniel Joseph, junior
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Tiger - Friday, June 11, 2010
Yosemite
Yosemite
Friday, June 11, 2010 - Tiger
Thunder - Casey Shotwell, Kaylee Anderson, John Farnworth, Sidney Gerst, Grace Giberson, Miranda Gontz, Ben Hillman, Eric Horng, Riley Reagan, Joel Sunabe, Melody Sue, Claire West, Max White Don Wielenga, Thomas Adamson, Emma Chung, Audrey Ford, Kevyn Fox, Martin Lis, Lillie Moffett, Seth Moore, Wilson Muller, Elizabeth Rainey, Adria Kelly-Sullenger, Michael de la Torre, Claire Woosley - Sierra Wind
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Rushing Water - Melissa Muntz, Cody Bartlett, Thomas Von Bibra, Karen Cao, Tiffany Chen, Rachel Clauss, Sean Ehrlich, Bobby Kobara, Bennett Kopperud, Krino Pan, Sophie Resnick, Isabelle Rosenthal, Chelsea Reynolds
Yosemite was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I wish I were still there, sleeping under the Milky Way and counting shooting stars. The trip was so physically challenging and painful that I didn’t even have time to think about anyone or anything other than hike, eat, sleep, repeat. It was life at its simplest and most beautiful, which helped me appreciate the little joys of life.
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YOSEMITE ‘ 2012
Tiffany Chen
The outdoor experience of Yosemite is embodied by the peaceful serenity of using sticks and stones to wipe after pooping in a freshly dug hole.
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Kevin He
Unlike most of school, the Yosemite experience is largely unscripted. But something meaningful tends to happen when you put 15 people together in the back country for several days and nights. That “something” is different for everyone--for some, it’s about beauty; for others, connection with people; and for still others, getting back in touch with oneself.
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Mr. Josh Whitney
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Spending a week backpacking with my group was very memorable because together we got through difficult moments, enjoyed a lot of great laughs and learned a lot from and about each other. Jennifer Suh
Hikes up six-mile switch backs in the sweltering heat, long nights under the starry black sky, eating trail mix out of sweaty bandanas, views of Half Dome at sunset, and senior Martin Lis carrying advisor Mr. Shane Mills across a freezing pond are among the most vivid images of the senior trip to Yosemite National Park. Sixty seniors embarked on a weeklong journey to Yosemite May 20-25, and returned with stories of triumph, physical struggle, and self-discovery.
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Nothing anyone told me about the trip could have prepared me for what it was really like. No matter how close you think you are with the people in your group, by the end you’ll be ten times closer. Yosemite is the most pristine and special place in the world and on the trip we got to experience it from the inside in a way that very few people do.
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Audrey Ford
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It was a highly spiritual experience. We connected with nature and our group mates on a deep emotional level.
Melody Sue
It was a humbling, unexpectedly beautiful experience... There’s no way, in words or photos, to convey how gorgeous Yosemite is.
Spread by Jennifer Kim Photos by Jennifer Kim, Atty Blatt, Cody Bartlett, Kevin He and Lillie Moffett
Isabelle Rosenthal
Sometimes I get too caught up in my hectic life and everything is very scheduled. Yosemite helped me chill out, stop, and think about what I’m doing with my life. Lillie Moffett
Birdsong - Shane Mills, Evelyn Ashleigh, Michael Bernal, Taci Chin Robinson, Stanley Choi, Kevin He, Nick Hudson, Jennifer Kim, Fedor Kossakovski, Alexandra Prime, Charles Salumbides, Jodi Shou, Marika Stanford-Moore Josh Whitney, Jackson Atwater, Atty Blatt, Michael Cachu, Andrew Clauss, Anne Kitchens, Naomi Krieger, Lia Lohr, Brian Min, Morgan Palma, Alexander Prescott, Jennifer Suh, Alex Tranquada - Voices in your Head
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Feature
Feature
Tiger - Friday, June 8, 2012
Out and About The annual Last Chance Dance will be held tonight at 7:30 P.M. on the Tiger Patio. Tickets are $3 for SAC and $5 for non-SAC, but admission is free for the class that wins “Most Spirited.” Don’t miss the last dance for our graduating seniors! /Rhian Moore
Students bond over SPHS memes By Christian Miyamae Staff Writer
From clapping during assemblies to sparse AP Literature attendance, South Pasadena High School has a lot of inside jokes. Recently, an anonymous group of students turned these jokes to pictures and created the immensely popular Facebook page “SPHS Memes.” The creators of the page regularly post a wellknown photo (known as a meme) that is captioned with a mocking comment about some school activity or event. “I think they’re funny because they’re true! It’s nice when the page comes out with new memes because the students can relate to them,” said senior Alex Park. The page has 363 likes and has posted 31 memes since its inception on March 1. Several months after its creation, “SPHS Memes” began accepting submissions from the students. The most popular of all the memes satirizes South Pasadena High School’s bathrooms, which are often locked during the school day. A background picture of the Dos Equis “Most Interesting Man in the World” complements the caption “I don’t always go to the bathroom, but when I do, they’re all locked.” “The motive behind making this page was to shed light on the ‘lighter’ problems of SPHS as things we can all laugh about and share a common bond about,” said the creators, who were contacted via Facebook but wished to remain anonymous. The page does not intend to bond the students together at the expense of the administration. There is a disclaimer in the “About” section which states that “SPHS Memes” was not created to offend the SPHS staff, but rather to bring students together. Despite their light-hearted intensions, the creators of “SPHS Memes” remain anonymous in order to prevent the removal of the page and administrative action towards its creators. After hearing about the page, school administration expressed mixed feelings about the memes’ intent. “Personally, while I really like the idea of using technology in many new ways, I hate it when it comes down to the lowest common denominator where people use a public forum to put down other people,” said principal Janet Anderson. “But if it’s in good fun and not making a mockery of anyone or hurting anyone and if it’s clever, that’s great.”
Theo Mandin-Lee
The Arroyo Seco Choir, directed by Michael Gray, performs their spring festival on Monday night. Along with the Oneonta Choir, the group presented songs from different cultures, featuring several soloists.
Choir presents soloists in spring festival By Heather Vaughan Staff Writer Voices rang throughout the auditorium Monday night. The South Pasadena choir program hosted its annual spring festival, a compilation of a semester’s worth of rehearsal, on June 4. The Oneonta Choir and the advanced Arroyo Seco Choir both performed under the conduction of choirmaster Mr. Michael Gray. The two choirs presented a variety of pieces throughout the hour-long show, ranging from traditional folk songs to more contemporary pieces. The show also featured selections from various musicals. Several students were featured as soloists, and others alternated playing piano accompaniment. “We’ve been preparing this whole semester,” said sophomore Alison Far-
rar, one of the pianists. “We also tried to bring out everyone’s talents, like choosing a Greek song that [junior Erini Katopodis] helped us with.” The concert also featured a song composed by Gray and his wife entitled
“Take My Hand.” Sophomore Andrea Rogando performed a solo for the piece. “My goal this year, like every year, has been to help students learn how to sing with their soul,” said Gray. “That’s what singing is all about.”
California State Fair Winners Photography MacKenzie Forman Paulina Darett Joshua Escandon Jon Ceron Alexander Chu Charles Negrini Frankie Steimer Metalworking Woo Sub Kim Fred Rusk
Wood Turning Alexander English Nicholas Alvarado Video Mason Wierick Miranda Gontz Screen Print Jimmy Don Branding Freddy Tsao
Digital Drawing Jennifer Yang Woodworking Joe Espinoza Architecture Django Schermerhorn Tyler Armstrong Graphic Design Alan Shen
Personality Profile: Sidney Gerst By Heather Vaughan Staff Writer Sidney Gerst could beat you up. Not that she ever would – the courteous senior would never consider doing anything of the sort. But, as a fourth-degree black belt in tae kwon do, she could do some serious damage if provoked. Gerst was introduced to the Korean martial art at the age of four through her preschool. She receieved her black belt just three years later, and continued to train. Since she was never involved in any other sports, Gerst was particularly drawn to her alternative, practical form of exercise. “The biggest incentive [to continue past black belt] was to have fun and keep myself occupied,” said Gerst. Keeping occupied, however, has hardly proved to be an issue for the active member of the SPHS marching, symphonic, and jazz bands. A long-time saxophonist, Gerst got started as a fifth grader with SPUSD instructor Mr. Jim Macomber, and continued playing though middle school. She now plays year-round at the high school. During
Siria Medina
Sidney Gerst is a fourth-degree black belt in tae kwon do. The senior has practiced this martial art for thirteen years and attends and teaches five classes a week. marching season, Gerst dedicates up to thirty hours a week to her various bands. And she does it all with a smile on her face. Gerst also somehow finds time to run a weekly video blog with four of her friends. Their YouTube channel started in August and is updated daily... in theory. The vlog, “Five Mediocre Teenagers,” has chronicled
everything from the hectic world of politics to how to make whipped cream. “Some weeks are better than others, but we’ve definitely kept [making videos], which is nice,” said Gerst. “It’s hard when we don’t have a topic. Theme weeks are easy, but when we just have to come up with things, not so much, but we get
it done. Whether or not they’re the best, they’re fun.” In the little free time left between her many activities, Gerst pursues her passion for all things Disney. Her house is filled with paraphernalia related to the loveable characters and theme park, and she used to visit Disneyland as often as three or four times a month as a child. “I literally know the words to every Disney song ever,” said Gerst. She traces her infatuation back to the age of two, when her father became friends with a self-proclaimed Disney enthusiast. Now, her family sports everything from annual passes to a Mickey Mouse address sign outside of their home. “Disney just gives me nice feelings,” said Gerst. “It makes me happy.” Gerst’s persistent smile and easy laugh make her both likeable and approachable. Said classmate and friend Jessie Yen, “My favorite thing about Sidney is how easygoing and friendly she is. She’s super easy to talk to and she’s so much fun to be around! She’s one of those girls who gets along with everyone.”
Feature
Band plays through blackout By Shyam Senthilkumar Business Manager Despite a blackout, music continued to emanate from inside the high school auditorium until the night came to an end on May 31. The South Pasadena High School music program held its annual spring concert this past Thursday, and this year marked the third consecutive end-of-the-year performance to end without lights. The Combined Concert Band and Symphonic Band, the Jazz Ensemble and the Orchestra all performed at the event. The power went out in the auditorium midway through the Concert and Symphonic Band’s performance. “The blackout was very fun. It really got everyone to relax and breathe a sigh of relief. It seemed to even add to the fluidity of the concert,” said sophomore percussionist Hee Jin Yim. A crowd of parents, students, and faculty gathered to enjoy the night of music. Former assistant band director Albert Chung was very pleased with the performance. “It was so good to see how much everybody has grown musically over the last year. The students seemed to have fun with the music, and that’s probably the best thing that could happen,” said Chung. Band director Mr. Howard Crawford rehearsed with and led the music groups for months in preparation for the event. “We have a renowned music program. Everywhere we play people really appreciate us, and that’s nice to see,” said Crawford.
Tiger - Friday, June 8, 2012
Letters to Hajime Senior Hajime Miyasaka was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in November of 2010. His health has kept him out of school, but as his would-be graduating class prepares for their ceremony, they keep Miyasaka in their thoughts and in their hearts. Hajime, You have been such an inspiration to our school and small community of South Pasadena. You have shown us how we can be better people for others in need, and what it means to fight for those who need it. Hang in there, Hajime. We love you, and pray daily that God will heal you and take care of you and your family. ~Tori Kause, senior
Hey Hajime! You are the strongest person I know. I enjoy seeing you and hanging out with you! You’re an inspiration to the entire school! You are the best fighter I know and everyone in the city is here for you! We Japanese have a saying, “Fall down seven times, get up eight.” You keep fighting and never give up! You are the most inspirational person in my life and I am always here for you! I still remember our adventures in sixth-grade math with Ms. Brown where we first met! You were wonderful back then and still are! I will come visit often! See you soon Hajime! ~Kevyn Fox, senior
Hajime, I am so utterly inspired and touched by you and your spirit every day. I feel such pride to be able to call you my friend and I am so thankful that you joined our church and that we have many great memories together. As the class of 2012 prepares for graduation, you are in my thoughts every step of the way. I have so much love in my heart for you, Ryo, Yuki, and your parents. ~Nicole Lussier, senior
Hajime! It seems like just yesterday when everyone was blessed enough to welcome you to the South Pasadena family for the first time. I - and I believe I can speak for the rest of the family- have been absolutely thrilled to be able to recognize you as one of our own here. You have indeed blessed us with your presence and we will continue to cherish your unique and beautiful spirit wherever this life takes us. You are immensely loved by all of us. The South Pasadena Family ~Ben Lee, senior
Personality Profile: Joaquin Rascon
Gontz’s film to screen at festival
By Kelsey Hess Staff Writer Joaquin. The very mention of the senior is guaranteed to conjure up an emotion. Maybe it’s love, maybe it’s utter confusion, but it sure is something. Despite assumptions many may make about his extroverted disposition, senior Joaquin Rascon is perhaps one of the most optimistic students at SPHS. “I love it when I make people laugh because I just did something that made someone smile,” said Rascon. “What beats that?” Rascon balances schoolwork with two jobs in order to pay for personal and home expenses; he lives alone and supports himself. He is currently working at a daycare center and at Papa John’s Pizza, but has previously worked for a barstool welding company and an electrical company and used his strength to dig ditches and break down walls. Although Rascon doesn’t live with relatives, he remains fiercely loyal to his family. When his grandmother was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer last year, he shaved his head to support her as she lost her hair. Rascon and his grandmother have a very close relationship, and he has gained much wisdom from her. “At the end of the day, if you do no good…if no one knows you or knows your
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By Heather Vaughan Staff Writer
Matt Winkel
Senior Joaquin Rascon is artistic, independent, and full of nuggets of wisdom. name, who’s going to care about you? Unless you have your name on a wall or something,” said Rascon. His connection with his grandmother has kept him going through many difficult times. Rascon’s plans of having a career in wrestling were shot down when he tore his shoulder last year. In addition to this injury, Rascon has suffered a total of seventeen concussions. He has learned to deal with loss by expressing himself through art. Lately he has developed a particular interest in the Chicano style, but he is also inspired by Picasso and Peter Max. Next year, Rascon will continue his education at PCC, and hopes to transfer to a university and
Typical By Daniel Willardson
major in fine art. “I have a lot of respect for Joaquin he’s very hardworking and talented,” said Mr. Alek Furchgott, an SPHS faculty member whom Rascon admires. “He’s really magnanimous and interesting, and I’ve just really enjoyed getting to know him.” Throughout his tragedies and triumphs, Rascon has learned one inclusive lesson: nothing is ever more important than being true to yourself. “My grandma told me, ‘I could complain that I have no shoes, but I know a man without feet.’ That’s one of my favorite quotes ever, because what do I have to complain about?” said Rascon. “Nothing, that’s what.”
Like this comic? View it in full color at tigernewspaper.com.
When the lights dim for a video clip at SPHS assemblies, it’s almost always due to the hard work of senior Miranda Gontz. The ASB video coordinator and aspiring filmmaker is taking her talents beyond the South Pasadena stage in the form of a short documentary, “The Rialto: A Fading Treasure.” Her film, a narrative concerning the local theater and its history, will be featured at the Los Angeles Film Festival on Saturday, June 16. The piece will be entered in the “Future Filmmakers” category; Gontz wrote, directed, and edited the film completely independently. Gontz was inspired to create the documentary after completing a shorter version for a digital media assignment last year. She pursued the project to raise awareness within the community about the history of the Rialto Theater. Gontz spent over a year and a half shooting and editing the film. Upon its completion, the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce used the film as the focal point of its “Encore! Rialto” presentation at the public library in October 2011. Gontz was one of fourteen students accepted into the “Future Filmmakers” category of the Los Angeles Film Festival. Gontz’s eightminute piece is one of just two documentaries within the group. “I had never really done a documentary, so it was really hard to make it interesting,” said Gontz. “I focused on making the cuts flashy and did a lot of complex editing, which is one of the reasons it took so long.” Although Gontz will not be present when her film is screened, she is glad to have been accepted into the festival and considers it a step toward her ultimate goal of becoming a film director. She will be attending Mount Holyoke College in the fall, and plans to participate in the university’s Five College Film Festival in the spring. “I like every aspect of filmmaking,” Gontz said. “Hopefully, I can use this as a basis of credit to get started in the industry as early as possible.”
14 Tiger - Friday, June 8, 2012
Feature
Asher captures NYC in Tattoo By Marcy Kuo Staff Writer
Chloe Acebo
Lilo (Lilo and Stitch)
Katie Whitworth
images.wikia.com
A dark twist on a White tale By Rhian Moore Assoc. Feature Editor 4/5
Director Rupert Sanders takes Snow White and the Huntsman from a classic fairytale to an eerie fantasy-action film with a dark and violent spin. The film opens with an evil queen named Ravenna (Charlize Theron). Under her reign, the kingdom wilts away as the tyrant queen sucks the life out of the land, feeding on young women to keep herself the “fairest of them all.” However, a mirror divulges that a young girl named Snow White has come of age and is now the fairest in the land. Snow White is Ravenna’s only chance at immortality and destruction. The focus then shifts to the now
grown-up Snow White (Kristen Stewart), who has been locked up in a tower since Ravenna’s takeover and is thought to be dead by all. Snow escapes her prison and goes into the Dark Forest, where Ravenna’s powers do not work. A huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) is sent by the queen to capture Snow, but joins her instead. Along with long-lost childhood friend William and eight dwarves, they journey to the Duke’s castle to bring down the queen. The most outstanding part of the action-packed film is the art direction. The scenery—from the fairy-like forestry of Sanctuary to the shot of knights on horseback racing along the coastline—is both fitting and breathtaking. Theron carries the film on her shoulders with her brilliant portrayal of the deadly queen. The sudden shifts
from alluring and powerful to withered and weak come not only from her makeup, but also from her riveting and convincing performance. Beautiful though the film may be, Snow White comes with its faults. Stewart’s acting pales in comparison to her talented co-stars. While her unchanging expression is not as noticeable with the role in question—a fair maiden who represents “all that is good in the world” makes for a transparent heroine—Snow White’s character suffers. The movie itself drags on; traveling scenes extend far beyond the point of entertainment, and become monotonous. Snow White does not quite reach the epic it was made to be, but it makes up for its weak lead and unnecessary length with stunning visuals and a unique take on the Brothers Grimm’s popular tale.
When people think of New York City, most immediately picture Times Square and the Empire State Building. But what tourists normally don’t see are the utility tunnels beneath the city that house countless homeless people. SPHS AP Literature teacher Mr. Jim Asher illustrates the interaction between the wealthy and the homeless in his new orchestrated musical, Tattoo. The contemporary piece focuses on the “underworld overtones” of two separate worlds, the rich and the homeless, coming together on common ground. “The big driving force for me to write this musical was my brother. He has been homeless for quite a while. I’ve stepped into his world and I’m sensitized by it,” said Asher. AP Literature teacher Ms Patricia Wylie collaborated with Asher in writing Tattoo. However, Wylie says that she took a slightly more futuristic approach with the time period of the musical. “[The era] is kind of like The Hunger Games. [Though] the way [Asher and I] shape our characters is slightly different,” said Wylie. Senior Nicole Lussier is currently coordinating the vocals for the musical, which Asher and Wylie hope to complete by the end of the summer. The SPHS drama department began a reading of the script in celebration of drama teacher Mr. Daniel Enright’s birthday on May 29. “It was an unexpected thrill for me to share it with them. They did a great job with the reading, and I really appreciate their effort,” said Asher. “If time permits, we might finish the reading before the end of the school year.”
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Feature
Tiger - Friday, June 8, 2012
Assassins exchange spoon money By Natalie McLain Staff Writer After eight and a half months of intense assassinations and paranoia, four weary survivors finally resigned to peace on June 5. This is an end to the enemies lurking around every corner, bursts of creativity, and friends turned mortal combatants. Perhaps the longest game of spoon assassin in 2012 has finally come to its close. In a game that extended months past the SPHS spoon assassin craze of the fall, seniors Martin Lis, Raymond Yonami, and Aritra Bhattacharya and junior Will Rygg were the last four standing. The competition, a game in which all participants were vulnerable to “death” if caught without their plastic spoon in hand, originally involved sixty participants. Each student received the name of their target when the game began, and the list of targets narrowed as participants were caught spoonless. Each assassin contributed $5 to the pot at the beginning, and with their agreement to peace comes an equal splitting of the $300 of prize money. Their game witnessed many creative assassination attempts, one of which included a midnight breakin by former freshman participant Daniella Ulmer. However, the final four’s tenacity and commitment to victory were partially cut short by the impending graduation ceremonies. “We probably wouldn’t be able to bring our spoons to the ceremony,” said Lis, the initiator of the game. But graduation was not the only dampener. As the weeks turned into months of competition, both current and previous participants grew less enthusiastic about the endeavor that they originally embraced with such vigor. “Martin’s leaving in a week and we’re all frankly tired of it. Plus, $75 each? We all make a $70 profit, so it sounds good to me,” said senior Aritra Bhattacharya.
By Sofi Goode Feature Editor Over the course of the 2010-2011 school year, Tiger’s Sam Gurley and Luka Douridas embarked on several missions around L.A., looking for unique and exciting places. Their column was entitled “Sam and Luka’s Awesome Adventures in the Greater Los Angeles Area.” In November, Libby and I decided to take up their tradition, and with our trusty photographer, have ventured to locations in various parts of Los Angeles. We started off in Artesia, with a trip to Little India. Pioneer Boulevard sported eyebrow-threading places, Indian restaurants, cheap henna, and marvelously creepy
shopkeepers. From the thousand-dollar saris to the free henna at Ms India Fashion, Little India was full of cultural surprises. Our next adventure led us around the Pasadena area in search of Christmas lights. Braving rain and poorly Mapquested directions, we visited Hastings Ranch, the Ballan House, Christmas Tree Lane, and St. Albans Drive in San Marino. We found inflatable snowmen, brilliantly-lit trees, and homeowners who were delightfully ambivalent about teenagers running around on their lawns. In February, we took a trip to Sky High Sports in Woodland Hills. This warehouse is home to three fields made entirely out of trampolines. Though regulars are able to do triple flips, newcomers can easily
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pick up techniques, and skill isn’t necessary to enjoy the experience. April took us in search of the sunset, and we discovered a location in the hills of L.A. that’s ideal for viewing the vibrant colors of the setting sun, the lights of the city and the stars that shine in spite of them. Our final adventure together found us at the Bunny Museum, an Altadena home which houses 28,000 bunny-related items—from cereal to board games—in a manner that is mildly disturbing. Our SLAAGLAA adventures were some of the strangest and most memorable of this year. Should summer bring boredom, we encourage any and all to follow our trail to these quirky locations, or pursue unique experiences of your own in the greater Los Angeles area.
Rachael Garner
Summer Movies
With so much spare time on their hands, students find summer to be the prime time for blockbuster releases. Here are two of the most highly anticipated films that are coming out in the summer of 2012.
beyondhollywood.com
Brave
The Amazing Spider-Man
Release date: June 22 Director: Mark Andrews Actors: Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Kelly MacDonald
Release date: July 3 Director: Marc Webb Actors: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone
In Pixar’s latest animated motion picture, Princess Merida must rely on her archery skills and courage to undo a curse.
latino-review.com
This new Spider-Man movie features Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker, who stumbles on a clue that may explain how and why his parents disappeared.
16 Tiger - Friday, June 8, 2012
Farewell to Departing Faculty
She constantly pushes us to connect to the topic instead of only learning all of the formulas. She really wants us to succeed. I think she has greatly impacted the math department because she is really enthusiastic about being apart of it. I think they’ll lose a lot of morale because Mrs. Fullinwider is really upbeat and she really boosts students’ morale in mathematics. -Carol Yoon, sophomore
Mrs. Margaret Fullinwider 15 years with the district....Algebra & Advanced Algebra teacher
Mrs. Margaret Fullinwider has served as a math teacher at SPHS for fifteen years, but her happiest times weren’t in-class instruction; they were engaging in the school community. Fullinwider genuinely enjoys seeing smiling faces of students on campus each day and loves school events such as Powderpuff and the many end-of-the-year senior activities. “Every day I am humbled by what I learn from my students and it is a humbling experience to always be with youth that look forward to so much change in the world...I’ve loved it and have been involved with wonderful students every minute,” she said. Fullinwider has no intention of wasting her free time this summer. “I’m going to start off by hiking the Inca Trail this summer in Peru; I’m so excited about that!”
“
I will really miss the retirees. With their departure goes many years of contributions to SPHS and institutional memory that has helped to sustain our school, its excellence, and its traditions. When the call went out with the retirement incentive, I’m not sure anyone anticipated such a huge number of staff members taking it. This really is a game-changer in many ways. Of course, on a personal level, I am very happy for each of the retirees because this is a great time for them and opporunities will open up for them to do other exciting things.
”
-Principal Janet Anderson
“From my freshman year up until now, I have always approached Mrs. Dam with questions. She has always been patient with me and always there for support. Even in the midst of all the chaos during the first few weeks of new semesters, she always took the time to listen to my requests and help me as much as she can. She was helpful to me all four years of high school.” -Ellen Na, senior
Mrs. Marnie Dam 10 years with the district
.................................................Counselor
SPHS’s beloved counselor Mrs. Marnie Dam is spending her last year in the district after a decade of serving the students of South Pasadena. She cites her numerous Color Day experiences as some of her fondest memories, and also looks fondly upon the relationships that she has developed with her fellow colleagues and the students that she has mentored in her time at SPHS. She plans on moving to west Los Angeles in her retirement to spend more time with her grandchildren, and also hopes to visit New York City more frequently. She also plans to fulfill her ambition of snow skiing in Tahoe once she is no longer employed.
Mr. Edward Smith 33 years with the district......
Geometry & Geometry Honors teacher
Mr. Edward Smith has left his mark on SPHS. The math instructor and football coach has touched student and community lives both in the classroom and on the field for over thirty years, but now is looking forward to retirement. Smith started his career at the school district in 1979, and has since enjoyed spending time with his fellow faculty members and getting to know his many students. “It wasn’t just about teaching; I learned so much myself solely from the interactions and friendships I built with the teachers and students,” said Smith. His favorite memory at SPHS was the football team beating San Marino High School five years in a row. Smith plans to spend his retirement relaxing, playing golf, and possibly even coaching freshman or sophomore sports teams.
I was in Mr. Smith’s math class in freshman year. It was such an important year in our growth. The transition from middle school to high school is huge, and Mr. Smith made it quite seamless. -Aaron Huelsman, junior
SAYING
NINE SPHS STAFF FROM
Mr. Patrick Mack 25 years with the district........
Calculus & Geometry teacher
Mr. Patrick Mack has done it all in his 25 years as a part of the SPHS mathematics department. He’s taught every level of math, from Algebra A to Calculus. Mack also attended and timed each football game during each season, and always enjoyed watching the annual Powderpuff game. “I learned how to teach by teaching...they’ve taught me how to go slow enough to have them follow along with me because my work level is very quick,” said Mack. “I’m a little bit sad I guess, but I’m also happy because I’m looking forward to retirement.”
“He is very dedicated to his job and offers help before school, brunch, lunch, and after school for those who need it. As head of the mathematics department, Mr. Mack continually strives to make sure students are well prepared for the future. As I walk through the 500 buildings everyday, Mr. Mack waits patiently, ready to help students.” -Jessica Ng, junior
Farewell to Departing Faculty
Mr. Ralph Punaro
27 years with the district.............................Athletic Director Ralph Punaro has been a staple of the SPHS athletics program for over two decades. Punaro began working in the school initially as a P.E. instructor, and even spent a few years teaching health before stepping up as head athletics director. “There has never been a day I haven’t enjoyed working here at South Pasadena. Even when I was in high school, I knew this was the path I would take and it has really paid off,” said Punaro. He made the decision to retire after receiving attractive district incentives, and has yet to make plans for his retirement.
All the little things Mr. Punaro does make a huge difference for all of us. Freshman year in JV tennis, our coach was gone without notice, and Mr. Punaro immediately stepped in and coached our team to a great victory. He will definitely be missed. -Krishna Mocherla, junior
FAREWELL:
MEMBERS RETIRE DISTRICT I’ll really miss her and I’m extremely thankful for all the time she’s dedicated to South Pasadena High School. I wish her the best in the years to come. -Evelyn Faung, junior
Ms Eileen Phillips
13 years with the district.................................Health Office Clerk Sick days are tough, but health clerk Ms Eileen Phillips is always there with a smile to make ill students just a little less miserable when they come to the office feeling under the weather. Phillips will be retiring at the end of this year after nearly eight years at Monterey Hills Elementary School and five at SPHS. She is looking forward to volunteering at the Huntington Library in San Marino and at the LA USC Medical Center with her free time. “There is so much to do. I would love to learn how to play the piano, become a better cook, and go sky-diving when I’m 85 years old. That’s on my bucket list,” said Phillips. SPHS will feel the loss of her presence on campus and immense dedication to South Pasadena schools.
Friday, June 8, 2012 - Tiger
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Mrs. Martinez is always equipped with a smile and a warm personality, eager to help any student or faculty member. – Phillip Kim, senior
Mrs. Alice Martinez 14 years with the district....
Secretary to the Assistant Principal
Mrs. Alice Martinez has manned an office desk at SPHS for fourteen years. In her time at the high school as a technician assistant to the assistant principal and secretary for the testing coordinating center and counseling center, she has touched countless student and faculty lives with her helpful smile. Now she’s ready to spread compassion and kindness in another arena. Mrs. Martinez has worked part time as an assistant funeral director at Douglass and Zook Funeral Home in Monrovia, and after retiring, she plans to increase her hours there with a few important projects. She plans to create an outreach and a bereavement program at the home, where she will help those in need to grieve and cope with the loss of loved ones.
174 ~
total years of service
Mr. Jack Smith
37 years with the district.....Assistant Principal of Instruction Assistant Principal Jack Smith isn’t your standard administrator. Smith is a charismatic, sympathetic presence around campus, always available to dole out quirky advice or his thoughts on the state of education today. He has spent years as an integral part of the SPHS administrative team, and he won’t be easy to replace. Smith also played a major role in jump-starting the South Pasadena Aquatics program during his first few years with the district. He was the first water polo coach at SPHS; he also led the girls swim team. Smith left the water for on-campus duties years ago, and now will leave SPHS altogether for retirement. He cites his most rewarding experience in the district as the work that he has done with students and teachers to benefit future generations.
“Mr. Smith suggested that we make an AP Chemistry Facebook page, and it’s been life-saving. We were also unbelievably grateful after the AP test when he let us go back to class whenever we wanted. I know he’ll be greatly missed at SPHS.” - Shirley Tan, sophomore
18 Tiger - Friday, June 8, 2012
Sports
Claire Kieffer-Wright wins state high jump title By Heather Vaughan Staff Writer
Rachael Garner
Kieffer-Wright matched her PR of 5’10’’.
Sophomore Claire KiefferWright brought home the gold on June 2, placing first in the state of California for high jump with a jump of five feet, ten inches. Kieffer-Wright was one of twelve girls who qualified after preliminary cuts on Friday. She jumped five feet, seven inches to advance to the final meet. This marks the first time ever that any member of the South Pasadena girls track team has won state. “It was really exciting, and
the best part about knowing I’m number one is to be able to bring that back to South Pas and make our school’s track team more wellknown so we can be a force in the future,” said Kieffer-Wright. SPHS high jump coach Eugene Hutchinson was at the meet and has coached Kieffer-Wright since her freshman year. “Claire is one of the most hardworking individuals I have ever had the chance to work with,” said Hutchinson. “She is disciplined, self-motivated, and coachable. Her journey from the girl that had a hard time clearing 4’8” last year to the fierce state-
winning competitor this year has been remarkable. She just knows how to win.” After placing second at CIF Finals on May 19 with a jump of five feet, seven inches, KiefferWright advanced to the Masters meet on May 25. She tied for seventh place with a mark of five feet, five inches, which qualified her to continue to state. Her 4x400 relay team also qualified for Masters as an alternate, but did not get the chance to run. Kieffer-Wright was an integral part of the track squad throughout the season, but her post-season efforts helped to earn
South Pas girls their first-ever Division 3 CIF team title following Finals. The sophomore expects the fairly young track team to be even stronger in upcoming seasons and hopefully repeat its win. Even though regulation season and state championships are over, she plans to continue training year-round outside of school until the 2013 season. “My success is due to all the support of my family, teammates, and coaches,” she said. “My next goal is to train hard and improve my mark, and do it all again.”
Punaro says farewell to athletics after 27 years “I am here for the students. If they are not having a good time, that is something I need to fix…I try to help students understand that despite winning or losing a contest, the sun will always come up in the morning.”
- Ralph Punaro, Athletic Director By Rachel Newhall Staff Writer After fifteen years at the helm of SPHS athletics and 27 with the district, athletic director and former girls basketball coach Mr. Ralph Punaro will retire at the end of this school year. Under Punaro’s leadership, SPHS earned 89 league championships and won CIF championships in girls soccer, girls swimming, and girls track. His most difficult feat as athletic director was managing the continuously shrinking budget. With the help of the booster club, bingo, and community support, the SPHS
athletic department has been able to thrive in spite of a lack of funding. Punaro was able to help facilitate a new football stadium, a renovated baseball field, a refurbished main gym, the installation of a practice gym, and a renovated softball field in his time at the head of South Pasadena athletics. Punaro also served as the head coach of the girls basketball program. Senior Kelsey Nakamura is the only current SPHS student who has been coached by Mr. Punaro. “Mr. Punaro made basketball not only competitive, but fun as well. He had a laidback way of coaching which made practices
and games less stressful but still productive… he was always there to support us, and that is what I will remember most,” she said. He coached for Theo Mandin-Lee nineteen years, and Punaro has also served South Pas as a health, driving, the Tigers rarely did and P.E. teacher, as well as baseball and basketball coach. not qualify for playoffs We are widely respected in the community as under his leadership. During his term as head coach, Punaro won an academic school while still being extremely three league championships - the only league competitive in athletics. We run a first-class organization and I have been honored to be titles in school history for girls basketball. “I have been extremely proud to be associated with this great school, students, affiliated with South Pasadena High School. and community for 27 years,” said Punaro.
Sports
Friday, June 8, 2012 - Tiger
19
The spring sports season has drawn to a close, and with it SPHS will lose many standout athletes to graduation. Featured below are four of this year’s finest competitors.
Malika Murphy Cody Bartlett
Sports have always been a driving factor in senior Malika Murphy’s life. She’s done everything from tackling innocent juniors on the football field in the Powderpuff game to playing with the SPHS girls basketball team in several successful seasons, and has maintained a sassy smile and hard-working attitude throughout. Murphy brought her athletic tenacity to South Pasadena swimming, volleyball, and basketball in her four years at SPHS. “I love volleyball for the atmosphere of the game. The intensity and energy is so high. The basketball team, on the other hand, has become like a second family to me. I’ve made so many friends and it’s been such a great experience,” said Murphy. After playing her first two years on the junior varsity basketball team, Murphy moved up to the varsity team her junior year, playing the positions of power forward and center. Murphy cites her most memorable
moment as when she blocked and shut down the number-two player in the state, Poly’s Michelle Miller. “Malika is like the mom of the team, she takes care of all of us... She’s willing to stand up for all of us even when all of us are afraid of what might happen. On top of that, though, she’s really awesome and a great friend,” said varsity basketball captain Kelsey Nakamura. Murphy isn’t just a player; she also coaches seventh and eigth grade volleyball teams at the middle school, and has led them to many successful tournament outcomes. Outside of high school sports, Murphy has a strong interest in baking and enjoys watching professional basketball; she has the Miami Heat picked to win it all this year. Murphy plans to attend Southern Illinois University next fall, where she will possibly redshirt for volleyball. -Shyam Senthilkumar
Naomi Krieger La Cañada this year particularly stands out. “In the last game against the Spartans, I scored twice in a row with the same play,” she said. Krieger believes the bonds she formed during her high school season are more important than the goals and victories. Her advice for incoming freshmen contemplating trying out for the polo squad: go for it. “You do not need to be a vicious person to play a vicious sport,” said Krieger. “It has been a great stress reliever as well as a thrilling game to play. It is a sport one can start in high school and quickly grow into a strong player.” Whether or not her career in the pool continues, Krieger is excited about her future at the “close-knit” Connecticut College and is ready to take advantage of study abroad and choir opportunities. -Clem Witherall
Katie Whitworth
award during Senior Awards Night. The basketball court isn’t the only stage that Jabalameli dominates. His talent as an outside hitter on the SPHS varsity volleyball team did not go unnoticed. He was named part of both Second Team All-League and the All-Star Team this season – helping lead the volleyball team to a league title. “He is a fascinating player. His success is well-deserved, and I am very proud of him as he is an amazing athlete and an extremely hard worker,” said SPHS basketball coach Timothy Brown. Jabalameli plans to play summer basketball at Santa Barbara City College, where he will return in the fall to play as a Vaquero and major in Biology. One day in the future, he hopes to transfer to play ball at either UCLA or at the University of Kentucky, and also gain a degree in ophthalmology. -Erin Chan
Alireza Jabalameli Since he began playing baseball thirteen years ago as part of South Pasadena’s little league, the sport has been senior Dylan Trimarchi’s labor of love. Describing himself as “that kid who played all the sports,” Trimarchi stuck with baseball over all others because he loved it most. His passion is matched by his great skill on the field. He is a force to be reckoned with, as his .465 batting average and .934 fielding average attest. Trimarchi won all-league nods his freshman, junior, and senior years, team MVP his junior and senior years, and All-Area his junior year; he is in contention for selection this year. Trimarchi considers himself a secondbase specialist, but is also a team player. “I’m willing to go wherever my team needs me when they need me there,” said Trimarchi, who is happy to play any position except pitcher. His undeniable charisma also shines on
the field. “Dylan has been a huge part of the program, being an overachiever, setting the standards for the other guys...he carried the team for the last three years,” said head coach Anthony Chevrier. Trimarchi plays baseball year-round, both for SPHS and the Arroyo Seco Saints club team. The seasons run into each other at both ends, so Trimarchi takes only a short break between seasons. “I love playing baseball, it’s my life right now. I wouldn’t give it up,” said Trimarchi. Baseball isn’t the only thing that Trimarchi holds close to his heart—he also enjoys backpacking, being in the outdoors, and surfing. He plans to attend Glendale Community College next year, and transfer to a bigger baseball school after two years. He doesn’t have any specific ideas, but has one criterion: “It has to be in California. I couldn’t leave here.” -Jackson Atwater
Dylan Trimarchi
When Naomi Krieger tried out for the water polo team her freshman year, she was primarily looking to get in shape for swim season. But her love for the sport soon blossomed and these roles reversed: swimming became offseason training for water polo. Krieger didn’t pick up the sport until ninth grade, but she quickly grew to be a power player in the pool. The team captain played a central role in helping the Tigers earn their third straight undefeated season in league this year, and went on to lead them to CIF success; the girls made it to the third round of the CIF playoffs. She is now considering continuing her career on the other side of the country at Connecticut College. “Next year I have the opportunity to play on the varsity Division III water polo team,” said Krieger. “Although I haven’t decided if I will end up playing.” Krieger has enjoyed many successes as a Tiger, but the game against
Matt Winkel
Alireza Jabalameli first picked up a basketball at just three years old. Fifteen years later, Jabalameli’s senior year of varsity basketball has undoubtedly made South Pasadena history. Leading the Tigers with a total of 329 points and 149 rebounds this season – averaging 14.3 and 6.5 per game respectively – it’s safe to say that the league title, regained after 22 years, would have been impossible to attain without Jabalameli’s prowess. His success is the result of dedication and incessant hard work. Practicing and working out have been a fundamental part of Jabalameli’s life ever since he was recruited in sixth grade to play club ball. He has collected numerous accolades this season, being named to the Rio Hondo League’s Second Team, as well as the Pasadena Star News All-Area Team. He also was given the honor of All-Rio-HondoLeague MVP. Jabalameli also recieved the C. Merrill Greene Male Athlete of the Year
Theo Mandin-Lee
20 Tiger - Friday, June 8, 2012
Year in Sports