Tiger Newspaper March 2017 by Tiger Newspaper

VOLUME 103 ISSUE VI MARCH 15, 2017

IN THE NEWS

SOUTH PASADENA HIGH SCHOOL 1401 FREMONT AVE, SOUTH PASADENA, CA 91030

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TIGERNEWSPAPER.COM

TEDxSOUTHPASADENA

EIGHTH GRADE NIGHT II

TASSEL YARD SALE

The Peer Mediators will feature local speakers at their upcoming ‘Expecting & Accepting’ TEDx salon on March 25.

Middle school students will visit campus again tonight, gaining a second glimpse into high school life.

The TASSEL club is hosting its annual yard sale this Saturday to fundraise for children in Cambodia.

A POLICE CAR is parked outside an ucharacteristically empty gym Friday morning, in response to a threat that was brought to light earlier in the day. South Pasadena police officers searched for the suspect on campus, while students and teachers remained in classrooms under “hard” lockdown.

Social media threat initiates school lockdown Classrooms were placed on lockdown for more than two hours last Friday morning, a precaution taken in response to a school shooting threat via Snapchat. The situation was similar to a lockdown that occurred two years ago, but this time, classes resumed after the lockdown ended. On the morning of March 10, administrators discovered the general threat made to the school. A senior allegedly posted the image on his Snapchat story: a drawer of guns and ammunition with the caption “3 replies and I’ll shoot up the school.” After the threat was reported to administration, the police were notified and began searching for the 17-year-old suspect. Authorities initally were unable to locate him, prompting them to place the school on a lockdown at 9:10 AM. After two hours of searching, the South Pasadena Police Department located the student in San Bernardino. The suspect turned himself in without a struggle, and the lockdown ended.

A FAMILIAR PRECAUTION Many teachers continued their lessons during the lockdown, taking advantage of the extra classroom time; others played movies. The Powderpuff assembly, which was planned that day to promote the evening’s football game and initiate the inaugural Tiger Games, had to be cancelled. Reactions ranged from shock and fear to indifference amongst students. Many juniors and seniors weren’t unfamiliar with the schoolwide threat procedure; SPHS has experienced three threats within recent memory, one of which made national headlines before the 2014 school year. “Each time there’s a [threat], our response gets a little tighter in its execution,” Principal Janet Anderson, who coordinated the lockdown, said. “It’s a sad reality; for some people it’s sport to send out those messages.” Anderson has dealt with past threats to the school, each one potentially compromising student safety. For school officials, last week’s threat was no different.

COSTLY RECOVERY

GRAND OPENING

Read Cole Cahill’s opposition to new summer school budget changes regarding recovery classes

Associate Feature Editor Maya Williamson reviews the brand new Fair Oaks restaurant: Poke Salad Bar

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STORY BRANDON YUNG PHOTOGRAPH MATT SCHOLTZ

“I don’t know his motivation. We considered it a threat when we received it,” Anderson said.

UNCLEAR INTENTIONS The seventeen-year-old senior had aspirations to join the military after he graduated, according to Amanda (whose name has been changed for anonymity), who knew him at school. She saw the threat when it was initially posted on Snapchat, and identified it as nothing more than an attention-seeking gag. On Friday morning, the senior returned to his Snapchat story after learning about involvement by authorities. According to Amanda, he made a post indicating that the image of guns used in the initial threat was a Google image, and that he felt remorseful for what he did: “My bad,” he captioned one of his Snapchat images. For an in-depth breakdown of the day’s events, visit tigernewspaper.com.

TRACK OVERCOMES BUDGET CUTS The Tigers have found success early in their season despite major managerial changes

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NEWS

TIGER MARCH 15, 2017

South Pasadena hosts 626 Golden Streets Mission St. was blocked off to afford space for various activities and live musical acts STORY ISABELLA TSAI PHOTOGRAPHS HANA TYSZKA The people of South Pasadena filled the streets on bikes, skateboards, and scooters on Sunday, March 5 for 626 Golden Streets. Over 17 miles of major streets were blocked off from automobile traffic throughout seven cities in the San Gabriel Valley, from South Pasadena to Azusa. The event encouraged people to live active lives, as well as celebrate the Metro’s most recent extension of the Foothill Gold Line from Pasadena to Azusa. Participants were free to roam the route at their own pace. Some opted to join the Train Run, a half-marathon and 5K that started at Garfield Park. Gabe the Sasquatch, the “elusive and unofficial mayor of the San Gabriel Mountains,” indulged bike riders with selfies while South Pasadena mayor Michael A. Cacciotti led a leisurely bike tour of the entire route, stopping by activity hubs along the way. Seven activity hubs were set up throughout the route for participants to stop and rest at. South Pasadena’s hub, located by the Metro station on Mission Street, boasted Zumba classes, sidewalk chalk art, hula hoops stations, and live musical performances by local artists. Booths lined the street promoting national parks, fresh produce, and biking gear. SPHS’ own SkillsUSA had a booth, selling See’s candy bars to raise funds for its upcoming state competitions. “It was really nice to get to fundraise for state and share about SkillsUSA with the many people passing by,” senior Jennifer Xiao said, “I also think that Golden Streets was great because it got the community out and exercising on a Sunday morning.” The event was originally slated for June 26 of last year, but the nearby San Gabriel Complex fires and blazing

SOUTH PASADENIANS and visitors explore diverse booths (above) while bikers of all ages take to the streets (below) at the 626 Golden Streets event. temperatures forced its cancellation. This time around, the event was faced with another weather-related obstacle: rain. However, the organizers were adamant that the show would go on. Participants did not let the rain dampen their spirits, braving the cold to enjoy the festivities on the streets. One of the coordinators of the event was BikeSGV. The group consists of local community members who advocate for making the San Gabriel Valley a safer place for pedestrians and bike riders. “[We hope] 626 Golden Streets introduced participants to the Foothill Gold Line Azusa Extension, fostered community connections within and between the participating cities, and allowed participants to experience these cities in a novel, healthy fashion,” BikeSGV executive director Wesley Reutimann said.

Potential AP class limit under consideration STORY ELIZABETH BOCK ILLUSTRATION ASHTON CARLESS SPHS administration is considering placing cap of three AP classes on every student, starting in the 2018-2019 school year. Nothing official has been put into place to implement this, but if a change were to be made it would have to be decided on by January of 2018. Administrators first considered the limit after reviewing the results of the California Healthy Kids Survey. The census documented that students who took the survey as juniors and freshmen in 2016 were significantly more stressed than those who took it in 2014. This caused the administration team to wonder what they could do to improve the mental health of their students. To relieve this widespread anxiety, Assistant Principal and head of Curriculum and Instruction Ginger Merritt believes that students should take fewer AP classes to lessen workloads. “It’s in the best interest of our students,” Mrs. Merritt said, “that we, as administrators, ensure that they aren’t putting too much work or stress on themselves.” According to Mrs. Merritt, there are many upsides to this plan, and only a few

contradicting arguments. One of the negative consequences, she acknowledges, is that the AP cap would probably reduce enrollment in several classes, especially in the language department. But Merritt believes that there are a lot of misconceptions about how this new plan will affect students’ college acceptance chances. She is currently in touch with many college admittance counselors and gauging their reactions to the class limit. “Students are no longer specifically constrained by what happens within their school building,” Collegewise CEO Paul Kanarek said. “With the plethora of online, college summer and community college classes, they have almost unlimited opportunity to craft a broader more interesting curriculum.” Mrs. Merritt, Mrs. Anderson, and Mrs. Wichman have discussed this change with the counselors. These converstaions began in September of 2015 and have been continuing on-and-off since. No community meetings have been held or are planned in future to discuss the proposal, due to schedule programming for the 2017-2018 school year.

TIGER MARCH 15, 2017

WASC EVALUATES SPHS

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges surveys South Pasadena High School in its first visit since 2011, continuing the ongoing accreditation process of self-study. PAGE TRUMAN LESAK & ASHTON CARLESS STORY RACHEL LU ILLUSTRATION ASHTON CARLESS PHS is currently undergoing a visit from an accrediting commission team, representing the Western Association of S Schools and Colleges (WASC). This process, which seeks to keep

schools accountable for quality and continuous improvement, will renew SPHS’ accreditation status that was granted in 2011. A school can be accredited for either three or six years, making their diplomas ‘legitimate.’ Faculty and student-parent organizations have spent the six years since SPHS’ last accreditation evaluating the school as a whole. Each year the School Site Council, PTA, PTSA, and staff addressed the school’s strengths and shortcomings in response to prompts given by WASC during its 2011 visit. The responses were compiled into a 215-page document, reporting how SPHS has resolved previous areas of weakness and its goals for the future. WASC officials are currently evaluating SPHS by

CRITICAL ACADEMIC NEED #1: COLLEGE READINESS The critical need for ‘College Readiness’ is set to ensure that all SPHS students are prepared for college education, with a school focus on further implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). SBAC participation in 2016 was significantly higher than previous years yet still did not reach the national standard of 95%. Meanwhile, A-G requirement completions have dropped a full 10% from 2014, demonstrating a crucial need. SPHS seeks to achieve these standards through a variety of tasks such as increasing incentive for standardized tests, continuing college visits on campus, increasing PCC credit courses for students, and creating course-specific implementations, all with the goal to address growth areas.

CRITICAL ACADEMIC NEED #2: CAREER READINESS Similar to the first, ‘Career Readiness’ falls under the umbrella of curriculum and instruction. Its attention falls specifically on effective incorporation of CCSS in Career Technical Education (CTE) classes such as Graphic Design, Dance, Photography, etc. Enrollment in CTE classes last school year amounted to 331 students; however, only 38 completed a CTE pathway. SPHS’ most direct connection to careers, the internship program, placed 20 of 50 students enrolled into local internships. The school addresses SPHS-specific career readiness by aiming to support CTE, with specific plans for expanding the PLTW Bio Med program. It seeks to maintain the quality of Computer Science classes, particularly addressing the gender gap by collaborating with the Femineers organization and SPHS’ coding club. Underserved students are targeted for specific career awareness field trips, in addition to a full implementation of the internship program. CTE classes overall are set to be improved and expanded to increase enrollment and eventual career readiness for all students.

examining this report and observing campus interactions. “[The committee] looks back over the last six years; where we were then, where we are now, how we got where we are now, why we’ve made the choices that we made, and [if] we have continued to improve what we offer our students,” Principal Janet Anderson said. “The process keeps us accountable; it’s had me here every day, even [during] break, so I don’t get to be with students as much as I’d like to. But as an administrator, the WASC visit is one of the healthiest things we can do.” The WASC report, containing a school profile, progress report, analysis, and the self-study developed by campus organizations, culminates in SPHS’ “action plan,” which highlights four critical academic needs and growth steps for years to come.

CRITICAL ACADEMIC NEED #3: ACHIEVEMENT GAP CLOSURE The third critical need centers on one of the most widely mentioned issues in statewide and local education: the achievement gap. SPHS found a concerning 52% gap in CAASPP ELA performance between all and Special Education students. CAASPP results also revealed racial disparities, with an achievement gap of 14% in ELA and 29% in Math for Hispanic/Latino students. In previous years, 9.1% of ELL (English Language Learner) students left SPHS without a diploma, a rate which has dropped 5.5% to 3.6% as of 2016, meeting the school’s goal. The dominant gaps in mathematics have tasks such as additional after-school tutoring and online intervention modules in the subject for underserved students. Increased technology access for ELL students and a variety in projects, specifically one on social justice, are set to be incorporated in the ELD program for upcoming years. Overall, special education students will receive additional training on the usage of SBAC applications for a most accurate account of performance.

CRITICAL ACADEMIC NEED #4: HEALTHY SCHOOL CULTURE A healthy school culture and climate are often not quantifiable; this is a key part of why WASC needs to conduct recurring visits. However, this fourth need can collect sufficient data through the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) and the school’s Senior Survey. The 2016 Senior Survey revealed an overall positive perspective from students toward their overall preparation, resources, and climate. Both surveys revealed negative remarks on social/emotional interactions and school connectedness. Similarly, the CHKS revealed a decrease in perception of school safety from 87-74%, and an increase in experiences of harassment or bullying (26-30%). The school plans to utilize the Peer Mediators program, providing full support with a class and assembly. A wellness committee of students and staff will form to further analyze school climate and provide student support while all staff implement Train Your Brain interventions.

From what I have read of the documents, [the assessment] is very factual and accurate. I am honored by the [staff ’s noting] of the mediators, [but] students are feeling less connected to the campus as they have in the past and it is a real problem. And students should be at the forefront of this change. I believe that if all of the scheduled steps are taken and administrators [are] willing to work with students and hear us out, our campus culture can truly be improved. –WILL HOADLEY-BRILL, PEER MEDIATORS FOUNDER

TIGER MARCH 15, 2017

Budget cuts pose changes to special ed Following state budget cuts, SPUSD’s special education programs may face reductions STORY DASHIEL BOVE PHOTOGRAPH MATT SCHOLTZ The SPUSD Board has announced that the district is facing serious budget cuts due to a $900,000 increase in the district deficit, which may impact funding for special education, employee hours and benefits, utilities spending, and classroom supplies. These cuts will certainly affect schoolwide funding, as SPHS and other schools in the district face income reductions. Assistant Superintendent of Business Services David Lubs outlined the district’s financial situation at the February meeting, saying that the SPUSD must now look to creative solutions to help make up for the losses. “Considerable attention needs to be placed on making our dollars stretch for the district to remain solvent in the future,” Lubs said. Alongside immediate reductions in utilities spending, decreasing working hours for district employees, and increased expenditure for the CalPERS and CalSTRS retirement programs across the district, further cuts will be needed due to a possible upcoming merger between California state’s special education funding and the LCFF (Local Control Funding Formula). SPUSD currently stands in the bottom 10% of recipients for the LCFF, due to the relative wealth of the area. Such a merger between special education funding would not only reduce district income, it could also dissolve the West San Gabriel Valley SELPA, a coalition of SPUSD and nearby school districts that collectively manage and distribute special education funds. Additionally, an overall decrease in special education funding will further impact the district’s ability to fund Special Ed. This reduction is the result of an overall decrease in California student population, despite a growth in

THE SCHOOL BOARD will be working in the future to alleviate the possible impact of nearly a million dollars worth of projected districtwide budget cuts. students applying for special education programs. In light of these reductions, the district is looking to alternative sources for income, although none have been found that can make up for a large portion of the deficit. While organizations like SPEF and the Booster Club may be able to slightly cushion the deficit, cuts will still be necessary for the district to remain solvent. Superintendent Geoff Yantz is pushing for a reduced voter requirement for the renewal of the Parcel Tax, which provides $2.3 million to the district. He is approaching the solution to the cuts from many directions, describing it as a “combination of many different strategies.” On the brighter side, Governor Jerry Brown is due for a possible revision of the state education budget

in May. Given pushback across the state from a multitude of school districts, the cuts may be retracted. However, until this is affirmed, SPUSD will continue with a modified budget, with cuts to retiree benefits, textbook purchasing, as well as hours reductions for district employees.

“Considerable attention needs to be placed on making our dollars stretch for the district to remain solvent in the future.”

OPINION

TIGER MARCH 15, 2017

THEESTABLISHED TIGER 1913 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2005 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2006 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2009 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2010 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2011 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2013 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2014 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2015 CSPA CROWN AWARD 2016 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2017

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OLIVIA NOURIANI MANAGING EDITORS FAYE WITHERALL, Print TUCKER JUDKINS, Online NEWS NICK MICHAEL, Editor BRANDON YUNG, Associate OPINION ISABEL BARBERA, Editor COLE CAHILL & OONA FOLEY, Associates FEATURE DECLAN CHIN, Editor MAYA WILLIAMSON, Associate SPORTS NOAH MIYAMAE, Editor RILEY SEGAL & MATT WAKUMOTO, Associates DESIGN SANDRA MOORE, Editor MICHAEL STUKAN, Editor ASHTON CARLESS & TRUMAN LESAK, Associates PHOTOGRAPHY MATT SCHOLTZ, Editor THOMAS FORMAN & LUKE QUEZADA, Associates COPY SANDY GROSSMAN, Editor NATE RUDMAN, Editor SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER HANA TYSZKA STAFF WRITERS AMELIA ANTHONY, ELIZABETH BOCK, DASHIEL BOVE, RACHEL LU, RYAN NAKAMURA, SAMMY PARK, DAVID SEO, ISABELLA TSAI PHOTOGRAPHER KEVIN HUANG ILLUSTRATORS ISABELLA FRESCURA, ANGELICA NAVARRO MANAGERS ALINA MEHDI, Ads LAUREN TAN, Business WEBMASTER OLIVER CHANG FACULTY ADVISOR MIKE HOGAN VOL. 103 NO. 6 DISTRIBUTED ON MAR 15, 2017. DISTRIBUTION: 1479 STUDENTS; 70 COMMUNITY. 1600 COPIES PRINTED. DISTRIBUTED BY TIGER STAFF FREE OF CHARGE.

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.

ST A F F ED IT O R I A L

Mansplainers monopolize discourse The legitimacy of mansplaining, and why accusations of such behavior are not personal attacks Nobody likes to be called out. It’s uncomfortable, guilt inducing, and often embarrassing. To a certain extent it makes sense that anger is the go to response when accused of performing in a way that is offensive or ignorant: vulnerability breeds defensiveness. But more often than not, people misinterpret the intent of this sort of criticism. This is especially true when it comes to mansplaining. At its core, mansplaining it is the practice of a man explaining something to someone (typically a woman) in a condescending or patronizing manner, often without regard to the explainee’s knowledge of the topic. It is enabled by the overconfidence of men and the ingrained polite nature of women. While the term was only coined a few years back, the phenomena has existed essentially forever. Cavemen probably used to mansplain the semantics of cave art to cavewomen in the same way pretentious art bros are unfailingly condescending when it comes to Pink Floyd. For as long as sexism has existed there has been a clear gendered power difference in discourse. A study conducted by the Journal of Language and Sociology found that men are more likely to interrupt, and women are interrupted more, by both men and women. Women tend to self-censor, edit, and even apologize when they speak. Men rarely have these tendencies, and are often not familiar with the type of guilt women experience when they take up a lot of time speaking. Mansplaining occurs because of the way women, no matter how much power they attain—yes even Michelle Obama and

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TIGER’S MISSION IS TO PROVIDE A RELIABLE NEWS OUTLET FOR SPHS AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. THROUGH A VARIETY OF COVERAGE, TIGER EMPOWERS/ENABLES STUDENTS TO THINK CRITICALLY AND CREATIVELY, COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY, SOLVE PROBLEMS, SET AND REACH GOALS, AND WORK COOPERATIVELY AND INDEPENDENTLY AS RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS. TIGER IS A FORUM FOR STUDENT FREE SPEECH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA ED CODE 48907.

Beyoncé experience mansplaining—are assumed to be innately less intelligent and competent than men. When men speak over women, or interject an unnecessary “well, actually...” after a woman has explained something, the harmful aforementioned gender stereotypes are enforced. This is not to say that every man who has mansplained is inherently evil. Society conditions them to be more likely to mansplain. From a young age, boys are endowed with more confidence than women. They are told that their words carry great weight, and are affected greatly by subliminal messages about the women’s incompetence. The sense of responsibility many men have to explain things to women is an inevitable result of such conditioning. For this reason, the sense of personal injury many men feel when they are accused of mansplaining is unfounded. A criticism of the natural tendency of men is not necessarily a criticism of the entire personality of a single man. That said, just because a tendency is natural does not mean it is excusable. Rampant mansplaining still silences women, and makes them feel lesser than. Instead of reacting with anger to such accusations of mansplaining, men should make an intentional effort to listen more, and respect the knowledge of their female counterparts. In order for women to speak more, more than just inclusion is necessary. In the words of a study conducted at Princeton and Brigham Young Universities “having a seat at the table is very different than having a voice.”

Boos & Bravos

Tiger ’s cheers and jeers for the month of March. BOOS

BRAVOS

BOO to the Tiger Games for highlighting eight boys’ athletic and intellectual superiority. Way to combat the toxic masculinity of GQ!

BRAVO to Afon for picking himself up off his shelf and releasing P.A.T.H.S.

BOO to everyone who has discovered their love of food photography since the opening of Poke Salad Bar.

BRAVO to the lockdown for showing our teachers’ true colors. Kadletz taught for three straight hours, Mills’ class played human baseball, and Whitney existed in a state of blissful limbo with no loudspeaker.

BOO to Virtual Business. Why bother having a meme page when you’re already a joke? BOO to Sandy’s beard. Gross, man. @jprimexd

BRAVO to our wonderful high school that definitely always has a stellar staff, rigorous education, and a plethora of shining student projects hanging on the wall that all have no relation to the coming of WASC.

TIGER MARCH 15, 2017

OPINION

Pro/Con: 3 AP CLASS LIMIT At SPHS, students are technically free to take as many AP classes as their schedule will allow. However, in an effort to alleviate mental health issues and student stress, administrators, counselors, and teachers in the South Pasadena Unified School District are discussing placing a cap on the number of AP classes a student can take in the near future.

+ Stretched too thin STORY DAVID SEO ILLUSTRATION ASHTON CARLESS There’s no better feeling than being impressive. In an attempt to bolster our self-worth (and college applications), we go about gathering extracurriculars, leadership positions, and sports. Most notably, high schoolers fill their schedules with AP classes to bulk up their resumes. For many, these steps are taken in order to attain entry to top colleges. In a sort of brutal positive feedback loop, the standard of admittance is raised higher and higher as colleges pervert the definition of a student worthy of attention. Adults often shower today’s youth with praise, amazed by how versatile and engaged we are in comparison to their high school years. But ‘versatile’ and ‘engaged’ commonly translates to stretched too thin and swamped, leaving students feeling demoralized. We are quickly approaching the boundary of students’ stability, and an AP class limit could be the first step toward mitigating the situation. Understandably, many students would protest a limit on AP classes. It seems like not only a limit on those classes, but a limit on the path to university and on one’s full potential. But

this would not prevent students from being competitive in the college world, as schools evaluate a student’s course load within the context of what is available at their school. And, with refocused energy, students can spend valuable time with subjects they are most passionate about, rather than frantically scramble from class to class. By the same token, mental wellness takes a backseat for many AP students. Counselors bear witness to students’ frequent behindthe-door breakdowns because of the overwhelming amount of work they take on. It shouldn’t be normal to face extreme mental duress for the sake of a so-called “rigorous” schedule. If anything, it reveals a serious flaw in the way students navigate school. SPHS prides itself on being at the forefront of progressive policy in regards to the environment it provides for its students. An AP class limit is integral in continuing such a status and will encourage a significant reevaluation of what is truly important in high school.

– Don't put a cap on success

STORY OONA FOLEY ILLUSTRATION ASHTON CARLESS

As college tuition spirals out of reach for many Americans, young academics are learning to wring every drop out of their public education with increasing desperation. Taking Advanced Placement courses proves to be a financially sound alternative to paying for college classes as well as a reliable path to future academic success. Capping AP classes limits student potential and disincentives student participation in art programs.

students require fast paced classes in order to feel adequately stimulated in school. A cap could cause an outflow of South Pas’ top students to more rigorous schools, possibly decreasing average test scores and overall student performance. It can be safely assumed that admissions to high level colleges would also drop as the AP program helps improve students’ academic records and sets them up for success at ambitious colleges.

AP classes help students save money during college by decreasing their course load and exempting them from purchasing outrageously priced textbooks. Some students have even managed to take enough AP classes in high school to graduate a semester or even a year early from college. AP Exams cost around $100 each, which is undeniably expensive. However, according to the College Board, the average American college student spends approximately $1,200 a year on textbooks and supplies, and a semester of college can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Additionally, the cap would be implemented by an administration that has no first hand understanding of the difference between AP Studio Art and AP Biology. Applying the same cap to all AP classes encourages students to trade their AP electives for academic classes and emphasizes how the arts are undervalued in public education.

A cap on all APs is a one size fits all solution to student stress levels. High achieving

AP courses provide students with invaluable opportunities to advance their education. They are part of what makes SPHS such a highly esteemed public school. Limiting this program in any way effectively restrains students from receiving the high-level and well rounded education they deserve.

THE ROAD LESS FRAZZLED | OLIVIA NOURIANI

Embracing an uncertain future Through middle and the first half of high school, I had no idea what I wanted to pursue. I liked math, writing, and history, and didn't want to give up one for another. The path I should take was a question of passion—what career could I see myself happiest in? Somewhere along the line, the question morphed into one of which major I declared would serve me best for college admissions. I found myself immersed in extracurriculars related to advocacy, so political science became the obvious choice. For those of us who applied to college, the time came

to check that box, and many made their choice using the same guidelines I did. There are others—those the rest of us are in awe of—that have known exactly what they want to do since middle school. Some check "undecided," but for many of us, that would be far too honest about how much we don't know yet. Unfortunately, sharp changes come swinging despite how concrete our ambitions were in high school. Some people have wanted to be an engineer since fourth grade, but that won’t protect them from stock market crashes, pregnancies, World War III, or even simple changes of heart.

Whichever camp you fall in, you are just as likely to be somewhere entirely unexpected 10 or 20 years down the line. Some of us will discover our passions at age 40. Others will face twists that will force us to start from scratch. Certainty of one’s future is as equally impressive as it is dangerous. Allowing yourself some room to explore, to fall and pick yourself up, will at least save you existential crises down the line. Ideally it guarantees a happier, healthier relationship with your version success.

TIGER MARCH 15, 2017

OPINION

Tiger Asks: Students’ opinions on the effects of charging for summer school recovery courses Every public school student has the right to graduate high school without being charged extra money. My brother had to take recovery courses the summer after his senior year, and that is ultimately how he received his diploma. He did not have to pay for these classes; no one should. —ANONYMOUS

It’s understandable to try and supplement the budget cuts by having students pay for recovery classes, but for students who struggled in those classes, it sucks they have to pay for those classes. I used APEX junior year and I think the option for online classes is a great idea, but self-monitoring and making sure to get all your work done is real hard. —GRACE PRIVETT-MENDOZA (12)

If my parents had been required to pay for my [recovery math class], they may have opted out, forcing me to clutter my senior year schedule with a makeup class.

—ANONYMOUS

A high price to pay for GPA STORY COLE CAHILL ILLUSTRATION ISABELLA FRESCURA

the class.

A failed class is a transcript blemish that many simply cannot afford. For a large portion of SPHS students, the most effective way to rid a D or F grade from a transcript is to retake the class during summer school for free; five weeks of the summer are dedicated to relearning the course, the grade is replaced, and BAM! GPA saved. Last month, South Pasadena Educational Foundation (SPEF) announced that summer school recovery courses will no longer be freely provided due to SPUSD budget cuts from the state government, undermining the spirit of public education. Charging tuition for recovery classes removes summer school as a viable option for some students; the $360 fee for a two-period class (or $180 for a one-period class) is simply not feasible for many families. With the change in place, these students must take the class again during the next semester or take the class over APEX, an online recovery system offered during the school year. Both options are inferior to summer school. Students often fail classes because they do not work well with a teacher or class structure. As SPHS is a relatively small high school, many courses are taught exclusively by one teacher. When students retake classes the following school year, they are sometimes stuck with the same teacher in the same classroom that led them to fail

APEX brings with it other problems. While an online class works for some students, many find it difficult to completely understand material, and it is integral that our district provides that. “For some students APEX is better, for some students it’s horrible, because they need that face-to-face interaction,” Assistant Principal of Instruction and Curriculum Mrs. Merritt-Paul said. The mandate of public schooling is to provide students with a free, inclusive education. Charging for classes that students need to reach their GPA goals completely contradicts this idea. California Education Code states that “pupils who are at risk of failing to meet state adopted standards [must] be provided the opportunity for supplemental instruction sufficient to assist them.” It is the intent of the state for all students to have access to recovery classes. SPUSD compromises that access under this measure. The blame for these changes cannot wholly be placed on the district. Working with budget cuts is not easy. But this change cannot be accepted as a permanent norm, because meeting education standards should always be free of charge. Whether it be at the district or statewide level, recovery classes must be accessible to all.

The unrecognized benefit of LA’s hipster problem Despite negative press, the hipster subculture makes significant positive contributions to LA STORY NATE RUDMAN ILLUSTRATION ANGELICA NAVARRO Hipsterism is a defining aspect of Los Angeles, but those who fit the label often disavow it. The subculture can be classist, exclusive, self-indulgent, and can sometimes even undermine progressive movements—but hipsters often contribute positively to LA culture, and should not be dismissed wholesale. One of the sources of the classically criticized hipster arrogance, the belief that they know more about culture, is actually quite valuable. In most cases, they do have expansive knowledge regarding a topic or two and that same arrogance tends to spread that knowledge. It’s okay to be a culture warrior. Culture should be preserved and remembered. There have been too many wonderful lives lived in Los Angeles to forget them all. Along similar lines, the deep involvement of hipsters in art has numerous benefits. The hipster’s obsession with finding lesser known artists has created a highly competitive music, photography, and art scene. As a consequence, the scene has become much more diverse and rich, and encouraged much wider involvement in the arts. Art itself is very important because it provides cultural and social snapshots from a community, and Los Angeles’s diversity should be reflected in the art it creates.

While art galleries remain an exclusive atmosphere, there has been a concerted effort by factions of the hipster community to make the display of art more accessible. New small and community galleries, even temporary ones, tend to involve locals more often. SPACE’s galleries featured large amounts of art from all over LA County, and MOCA’s teen nights have exposed countless young people to new and interesting art. Large public art projects have also become more open to the public, such as The Great Wall of LA. A large number of hipsters are also valuable patrons at thrift stores and organizations like Goodwill. Goodwill itself, with its 81 stores across Southern California, has given back quite a lot to the communities it touches. In this year alone, Goodwill has helped 51,000 people get new jobs. Eighty five percent of each dollar spent by hipsters shopping for unique, individual looks at Goodwill goes right back into the LA community. That hipster culture has a prevalent influence on Los Angeles and should be recognized and accepted. Not just because it’s true but because hipsters are ultimately positive forces in this community. While they don’t need adoration they should be accepted as contributing citizens to the great city of Los Angeles.

The hipster’s obsession with finding lesser known artists has created a highly competitive music, photography, and art scene.

TIGER MARCH 15, 2017

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TIGER MARCH 15, 2017

POWDERPUFF

“It’s really cool how many people actually come to Powderpuff, seeing the stands so full was great. I’m excited for next year, when we’ll WIN. it’s Also lighthearted and relaxed, which I appreciate. it made me realize how many people I don’t know. Powderpuff is more like bonding with flag football, which I think is fun.”

“I think my favorite part about Powderpuff was being able to bond and play with other girls in my grade who I usually don’t talk to. On the sidelines everyone was cheering and chanting when we scored or made a good play. it’s nice to be in an atmosphere filled with so much spirit and competitiveness from each player.”

–ISABEL BLUML, JUNIOR PLAYER

–TIFFANY HOLMES, JUNIOR CO-CAPTAIN

powderpuff

An annual tradition celebrates another year with a modern twist

Page Michael Stukan Story Luke Quezada Photos Tucker Judkins & Kevin Huang

“With the Seniors winning last year and again this year, I think our class spirit has increased GREATLY and the friendships FROM Powerpuff have been phenomenal. Although the lockdown did throw everyone off, Tiger Games and the Powderpuff game resumed without difficulty and it was just great to see the turnout of both.”

–JALYNNE LI, SENIOR CO-CAPTAIN

“I was so proud to be a part of powderpuff this year alongside other seniors. The practices were really fun, because I got to spend time with my friends and bond with other people in my class. I’m not gonna lie, the juniors had us in the first half, but we were able to pull through as a team and persevere in the second half”

–SOPHIA LOPEZ, SENIOR PLAYER

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THE JUNIOR TEAM (RIGHT) and senior TEAM (FAR Right) faced off in the annual PowderPuff games.

AN Upperclassmen Rivalry

eeks of training came to a head last Friday, March 10, during the annual Powderpuff game. Junior and senior girls faced off in a spirited game of flag football. The senior class reigned supreme but not without a fair fight from the juniors. Although the point total remained relatively low, the score was tight throughout the game. Seniors Jalynne Li and Amelia DeYoung led their team to victory, consistently scoring with intense sprints. DeYoung covered more than 75 yards to secure a touchdown for the seniors in the final quarter. This marked the second Powder Puff victory for the class of 2017, who also won against last year’s seniors. Juniors, coached by Matthew Walker, Benny Martinez and Sydney Luna, maintained a strong presence throughout the game. Ashley Rusch served as a dominant defensive force for the juniors with several tackles. Venus Vu was also a workhorse, powering through play after play. “It was a really intense game up until the end. All of the players and coaches were getting pretty nervous but at half time we got it together in the locker room, we readjusted the key plays and we pulled it out.” Senior Skyler Ramirez said.

Although the competition was heated, the mood on the field remained relatively composed as the crowd boisterously rallied behind their respective classmates. The most impressive display of spirit came from the players, where each class remained lively throughout the duration of the game. Teams enthusiastically cheered their friends on from the sidelines and any breaks in play and time in between quarters were filled with congratulations and pep talks. There was certainly no lack of friendly competition between the two teams. While the gameplay remained relatively lighthearted, the coaches (namely seniors Colby Pineda and Tommy Huff), maintained frequent trash talk between plays. Although the seniors bested the juniors in the end, there was no lack of smiles on the field afterwards.

Tiger Games & Manleaders

“it was a great bonding experience for us. even though we didn’t win, we definitely played well. [We] kept the game close until the last couple minutes and made the seniors work hard for their win.”

his year, the Tiger Games took the place of the traditional Court. Two representatives from each class competed in tested students’ intelligence and athleticism. Although the was planned to be accompanied by events held during the assembly, the schedule was changed due to the lockdown.

–MADISON PEARSON, JUNIOR LINEBACKER

Gentleman’s games that competition Powder Puff

ASB was able to condense the entirety of the games into the halftime show. First, commissioner of assemblies Charlotte Emerson led the participants in a fast-paced round of SPHS trivia, quizzing competitors on facts about South Pasadena traditions, teachers and culture. Then, the classes faced off in an obstacle course which included a race with vision impairment goggles and a football throwing competition. Sage Pierone and Jeremy Wong carried the sophomore class to the finals where they then beat senior representatives Kieran Press-Reynolds and Jaehyung Choi to win the first ever Tiger Games champion title. As per usual, junior and senior boys also replaced the pep squad in rallying the support of the crowd to cultivate spirit. Junior Anders Keith performed a flag routine alongside seniors Stone Franco and Jonathan Sawyer during halftime.

Senior Adriana Ramirez (Left) and Junior Sophie Reynolds (above) avoid their respective defenseman.

Senior manleader Stone Franco (Above) rallies on the crowd as sophomore Sage Pierone (Right) competes in the Tiger Games for the sophomore class during halftime.

FEATURE

TIGER MARCH 15, 2017

SANFORD’S OVERTLY ORDINARY DINNER PARTY SANDY GROSSMAN

Why I don’t like South Park Despite the words of parents everywhere, shock humor is not what makes South Park a bad show

EXPANDING ITS REACH, the beloved Poke Salad Bar of Old Town Pasadena has opened its second location in the heart of South Pasadena.

Poke Salad Bar is a fresh addition to South Pas South Pasadena jumps on the trendy Hawaiian bandwagon with a new poke restaurant on Fair Oaks Avenue STORY MAYA WILLIAMSON PHOTOGRAPH THOMAS FORMAN South Pasadena’s diverse list of restaurants received a new addition last week with the opening of Poke Salad Bar (PSB) on Fair Oaks Avenue. The restaurant was already an extremely popular locale in Old Town Pasadena and its expansion to South Pasadena triggered the excitement of many local residents. In the short time that it’s been open, PSB has already become a South Pasadena hot spot for affordable and healthy fast food. PSB serves poke-everything. The Hawaiian dish consisting of cubed, raw fish usually served over rice has become the new food craze spreading across Southern California. PSB offers poke burritos, poke chips, and poke salads, but the main star of their menu is the classic poke bowl. Like many shops on Fair Oaks, room inside PSB is limited; however, its service bar utilizes the space effectively. To order, customers walk down a line of five stations. Each one provides a wide variety of options to customize your dish. At the first, customers choose the base and size of their meal, I went with a small traditional poke bowl with a white rice base, though brown rice is a common choice in Southern California. Next you choose your “Dori,” your choice of raw seafood, the number of scoops depending on the size of the dish. Toppings such as crab meat, cucumbers, onions, seaweed, pineapples, sweet corn,

Out & About

jalapeno, and cilantro can also be added. To “Top It Off,” as their menu says, I added dried onion and asked my server, who was very helpful in the ordering process considering my extreme indecisiveness, to give me whatever sauce she recommended. The result: a vibrant and fresh deconstructed sushi dish. Poke Salad Bar’s quick and friendly service made the poke all the more enjoyable. It was flavorful and the freshness of each ingredient was wonderfully apparent in the taste. My small bowl was surprisingly filling and well worth the price of $9.50. Seating is limited in their tiny space, and while having a sit-down meal in the often crowded restaurant is not the most dependable choice, PSB’s quick service and simply packaged dishes make it a perfect option for takeout. “The atmosphere is very upbeat and colorful and the employees are always cheerful,” sophomore Teddy Baker said. “The food itself is delicious and always tastes fresh. I went to the one in Old Town a bunch so it’s nice to have one so close now.” PSB is a healthier option than most fast food restaurants but still provides great taste at an affordable price. It’s understandable why PSB has so many fanatics already, and it will undoubtedly continue to garner more in the future. Poke Salad Bar 1106 Fair Oaks Ave. South Pasadena, CA 91030 (626) 460-6122

I was 13 when I watched the first episode of South Park. Despite the fact that I didn’t understand much of the satire, or find it all that funny, I spent the summer watching the following ten seasons of the show. It must have been social obligation that kept me coming back, as most of my friends at the time worshipped Matt Stone and Trey Parker as only 13-year-old boys can. Looking back, I realize that I was too young for South Park. Not because of the foul language or anything-but-subtle sexual innuendo; because South Park tells its audience that faith (not just of the religious sort, but faith in anything at all) is foolish. And that is a genuinely harmful thing to hear as an impressionable kid. As most already know, the show’s writers take great pride in their ability and willingness to lampoon everything. To them, nothing is holy. Liberal self aggrandizing, republican jingoism, and anything in between have been dragged over the coals innumerable times. This “equal opportunity satire” is intended to take everyone down a peg, to show that everyone, regardless of belief, can sometimes take themselves too seriously. But, to a 13-year-old Sandy, this was not message broadcast by Kyle, Stan, Cartman, and Kenny. To me, the show preached that the best way to get through life was to believe in nothing. Every episode seemed to illustrate the malice or buffoonery that motivated every cause or organization under the sun. In South Park, religion is a refuge for people too scared or stupid to cope with reality, the government is a corrupt institution run by idiots, and Hollywood is the last bastion of the wretched and self-obsessed. Even those trying to change those systems, those who at first appear to be doing some good in the world, are simply motivated by their own self-interests. And this lesson is far worse than any swear word or lewd gesture could ever be. Because profanity is a part of everyday life. There is no evidence that exposing young people to it will morally corrupt them. But teaching young people that faith in something larger than themselves is incorrect, as I feel the show taught me, is truly harmful.

Tiger’s take on local eats and activities. Take one of our suggestions for a weekend of adventure.

STORY SAMMY PARK

EVENTS TASSEL, a club dedicated to teaching English to students in Cambodia, is hosting a yard sale this Saturday, March 18th. The sale is being held at 2016 Oak Street and all proceeds go towards the organization. Stop by to show your support and obtain some hidden gems.

ACTIVITIES Explore the San Gabriel valley and hike the Dawn Mine Trail this weekend. The abandoned mines can be accessed after a five to six-mile round-trip hike, moderate in difficulty. Take a break from studying to enjoy some time outside navigating Californian mountains.

FOOD Put a gourmet kick on a childhood-classic cereal, Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Toast a slice of bread, and then top it with a spread of butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Stick the toast in broil or re-toast it for two more minutes, and serve it up for a weekend snack.

TIGER MARCH 15, 2017

FEATURE

Personality Profiles:

From analysts to artists, Tiger showcases an array of SPHS’s finest

HOYT GONG

WEARS MANY HATS On top of his school commitments, Gong currently serves as the Pasadena Youth Executive Board President for the Red Cross.

STORY FAYE WITHERALL PHOTOGRAPH KEVIN HUANG The first thing Hoyt Gong did when we sat down for an interview was hand me his thorough resume and a college application essay. And while this accolade-collecting senior is certainly well-accomplished, this move was very emblematic of Gong’s personality: organized, efficient, and helpful. Gong is well-known around campus. From leading the Leo Club and Copa de Oro yearbook to heading the Varsity Virtual Business team as Chief Operations Officer, he has left fingerprints on a plethora of the campus’ top organizations. He sees these various leadership positions as not only highlights during his high school career, but also as a peek into his future. “Being a part of Virtual and Copa really helped me blossom,” Gong explained. “I used to be a shy kid, but joining those activities taught me how to work effectively toward a goal, whether that’s building a company or a yearbook. Having a leadership position has opened me up a lot more.” Hoyt plays two very important roles on the Varsity Virtual team. Officially, his position of Chief Operations Officer entails being in charge of all research for the team: analyzing the company industry, digging into legal expenditures, and securing contracts with local businesses. However, unofficially, Gong plays a large role in enhancing company morale: his department serves as the music-playing and meme-making group for the class. Gong’s versatility is translated into other aspects of his

life. He alleviates his five AP academic course load by reading Sigmund Freud and “pondering the purpose of life,” revealing his more introspective characteristics. Gong carries this dimensional trait into his college endeavor. He looks forward studying at the University of Pennsylvania in a dual-degree program that combines a degree in the Wharton School of Business with one from the College of Arts and Sciences. “I was drawn to the program because I am interested in both sciences and business,” Gong said. “I was always so

sure that I was always going to become a doctor; I worked at the Lemus Medical Center as a volunteer and also at Caltech in a lab. Even now, I still volunteer every weekend at a medical center. I realized last summer, though, that I wanted to combine my interests in the medical field with a business understanding as well.” While Gong heads to Pennsylvania next year, the tracks he has laid in South Pasadena are permanent. From the glossy pages of the yearbook to introducing the Virtual team to the Hamilton soundtrack, Gong’s accomplishments are lasting.

REBECCA DALEY STORY ELIZABETH BOCK PHOTOGRAPH ANNA CICONE Senior Rebecca Daley is a spontaneous all-ornothing spirit. Once, while white water rafting with her friend Katie Lam, she suddenly was seized by an urge to jump out of the boat. The water was freezing, but Daley convinced Lam to jump in after her. Despite the surging waves and frigid temperatures, the pair say the experience was well worth it. The same boundless energy that prompted this action is apparent in her readiness to take on a multitude of different extracurricular activities. Daley regularly has bruises along her knees, feet, and back. These marks are her body’s response to her extreme dedication to aerial arts. To any stranger of this dance style, it can be instantly recognized as a scarily flexible person flipping, spinning, and jumping at dizzying heights, only being kept aloft by long silky ribbons hanging from the ceiling. The uncommon technique is rare to see around South Pas, forcing Daley to drive for 45 minutes once a week to practice at her studio in Inglewood. Daley was drawn to the dance style after seeing it performed once in middle school, and something in her gut told her she should try it.

A MULTIFACETED PHILANTHROPIST Rebecca Daley has served as a member of the Pasadena National Charity League since seventh grade.

“I think everything [Rebecca] does comes from her pursuit to meet parts of herself she hasn’t met before,” senior Elizabeth Mercado said. “She will look under every rock to find a part of life she hasn’t enjoyed. She will indulge every debate, not always to persuade others but learn something herself.”

Her tenacity and drive sets Daley apart from most and she is always eager to explore the path less traveled. Last summer she visited Central America to help conserve sea turtle habitats through the Girl Scout’s “Destinations” program. Her duties during the two week stint in Panama consisted of assisting with research on the turtles by weighing them and marking their nests on the beach sand. Daley’s love of travel can be seen in various parts of her life, including her future. Inspiration first struck to study overseas when she made a bet with her mom. If Donald Trump became president, she would only apply to universities out of the country. True to her word, Daley is currently narrowing down her choices to spend her next four years in either England or Scotland. Her willingness to take this leap of faith shines a spotlight on her spontaneity and faith in the unknown. No matter where Daley decides to attend college, she will still continue to surprise her friends, family, and even herself.

“I think everything [Rebecca] does comes from her pursuit to meet parts of herself she hasn’t met before. She will look under every rock to find a part of life she hasn’t enjoyed. She will indulge every debate, not always to persuade others but learn something herself.”

TIGER MARCH 15, 2017

FEATURE

Pi Day Pie Reviews

STORY FAYE WITHERALL & COLE CAHILL PHOTOGRAPHS COLE CAHILL & LUKE QUEZADA

In honor of yesterday’s Pi Day, Faye Witherall and Cole Cahill cover the best pie South Pasadena has to offer

Pie ‘n Burger

The Pie Hole

Time seems to stand still when you walk into Pie ‘n Burger. Rooted in Pasadena culture, the restautant’s wood-panelled walls, formica counter, and swivelling barstools are home to the same burger and pie recipes that have been enjoyed since 1963. With one bite of a homemade pie a la mode, it’s immediately clear why customers come back.

The Pie Hole is a gourmet artisanal pie shop tucked into the heart of Old Town Pasadena. The funky little shop has an interior as unique as their pies: the brick walls and ever-changing menu displayed on butcher paper combine to create a warm, rustic ambiance with a hipster kick.

Over a dozen pie flavors are baked fresh each morning, including best sellers like boysenberry, coconut, and banana cream. Generous slices ensure a worthwhile, if guilt-inducing meal. The boysenberry pie hits the perfect balance between sweet and tart, and some stray seeds prove that the filling is fresh. A scoop of vanilla ice cream deliciously counters the tartness of the pie.

Shakers

The coconut cream variation is seriously rich, but leveled nicely with a meringue topping. The crust (arguably the key to a good pie) is perfectly flaky and buttery—when it comes to a homestyle slice of pie, Pie ‘n Burger holds up to its reputation.

Shakers diner-style menu is one built on filling sandwiches, hearty burgers, and massive breakfasts. Yet the South Pasadena staple also bakes deceptively sweet desserts.

With a seasonal menu offering flavors such as Earl Grey and Mexican Chocolate, the apple pie seemed strangely simple. However, the slice, served artistically on a metal pie tin, proved to be anything but basic. The crust is a delicate golden brown, and barely covers the enormous apple filling. Slices upon slices of apple are carefully battered in a cinnamon-flavored sauce, and are baked to soft, sweet perfection. The Earl Grey pie tastes exactly like the signature drink, and is topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The sugary elements balance the tea’s natural bitterness, and the chopped pistachios on top of the slice tied the various notes together nicely.

The restaurant boasts three different flavors of pie: apple, pecan, and boysenberry, with strawberry making a seasonal appearance. The boysenberry is the best of Shakers pie repertoire. The filling is sweet and chunks of berry tie together the jam-like texture. The crust is flaky, buttery and a bit hard. The doughy and salty flavors complement one another, and the filling pie balances a precarious combination of sweet and tart. The apple pie slice is a dessert that appeals more to sweet-lovers. Served in a deeper dish and topped with a warm caramel sauce, there is no hint of tartness with this pie. The chewy caramel seemed a bit overwhelming with the thick apple filling, but hints of cinnamon added much-needed spice to the caramel-heavy dish.

Kong succeeds as a simple monster movie STORY DASHIEL BOVE ILLUSTRATION ASHTON CARLESS

KONG: SKULL ISLAND director

Jordan Vogt-Roberts

genre

Fantasy/Sci-fi

rating

PG-13

run time

2hrs

Kong: Skull Island, directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, sits somewhere in the strange middle ground between a Vietnam War movie and a giant creature feature. With a colorful visual style and great performances from a star studded cast, Kong is a fun, straightforward monster movie. Set in the late 1970s, Kong details the story of a joint US government military taskforce and survey team sent to the strange and foreboding Skull Island to chart the last unexplored and undocumented landmass on Earth. As can be expected with any monster movie worth its salt, everything goes wrong almost immediately after the team arrives. Within minutes of flying into the island, nearly the entire team is killed by our much beloved giant gorilla, Kong. What follows is a story of monsters, madness, and late 70s rock.

he wants to play his character, resulting in a bland, flat lead with not much in the way of a personality beyond being a British tracker and former soldier.

The cast of Kong is full to the brim with A-listers and equally entertaining character actors: John Goodman, John C. Reilly, Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Hiddleston, and Brie Larson are all present. Almost every performance hits its beats perfectly, though two stand out as being on opposite ends of the quality spectrum. John C. Reilly as an aging, stranded World War 2 pilot, is able to both charm the viewer with wit and humor and turn that charm to sadness as he remembers the wife he left behind and the son he never met. At the other end of the spectrum is Tom Hiddleston. Hiddleston seems to be unsure of how

Where Kong shines brightest is in its visuals. With its setting in the late 70s, the film’s visual style is an homage to classic Vietnam war movies, the most clear influence being Apocalypse Now. Brilliant camerawork is used to both highlight the natural beauty of the tropical setting as well as portray the epic size and strength of the movie’s monsters as they tear through the landscape. The film employs the use of color grading to emphasize the bright orange, green, blue, and red of Skull Island and its inhabitants, making the colors pop and the characters blend with the island as they are sucked into the

tropic insanity. Of course, Kong wouldn’t be any good if its ape didn’t get into some fights with some other giant monsters. In these moments, Kong is King. The audience feels the size and scale of each monster and their power over the environment. The fights are kinetic, incredibly colorful, and just plain fun to watch. With all of this in mind, Kong: Skull Island is an enjoyable, surprisingly humorous, and entertaining watch. With generally good performances, a strong visual style, a great sense of humor, and perfectly executed monster fights, Kong should be seen in theaters, as home TVs and computers won’t do it justice.

TIGER MARCH 15, 2017

FEATURE

TAAGLAA: The Velaslavasay Panorama TIGER’S AWESOME ADVENTURES IN THE GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA

AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE In 2005, the Velaslavasay Panorama re-opened a space closed since 1956.

STORY AMELIA ANTHONY PHOTOGRAPH THOMAS FORMAN

The Velaslavasay Panorama museum resides in the South Los Angeles neighborhood of West Adams, its oddities unbeknownst to most passersby and residents. The building’s exterior resembles that of an old-time movie theatre, with neon signs and bright teal tiles from floor to ceiling. According to its website, the museum’s objective is to resemble the “illustrious history of the great panorama paintings of the 18th and 19th centuries,” but I didn’t really know what to expect. The lone employee there offered me pamphlets, an invitation to the mailing list, and a smile. But I was left to figure out the rest for myself. Upon entrance, the visitor is greeted with a choice between two corridors. A small room to the left revealed a model living space with antlers on the wall, small vials of unnamed substances, weathered books, and a fraying bed and mattress. The origins of the curious exhibit were explained more in depth in the rather lengthy pamphlet, but the employee summed it up by informing me the entire museum was in an “Arctic North” phase. A tunnel to the right, partially concealed by a curtain, led

to the true prize of the museum: Effulgence of the North, the panorama itself. At this point, I was alone in the gallery as I carefully ascended the spiral staircase into the upper level.

thirty-five minute period, providing shifting experiences for viewers over time. The low-hanging ceiling provided an even more intimate space for viewing art, namely the only 360-degree panorama on the West Coast.

I circled the room to look at the painting from all angles. I felt strangely small in comparison to its beauty. The glacier scene was simple, but meticulously crafted. The paint glittered in the soft light coming from hidden fixtures, appearing to be illuminated by the painted Aurora Borealis itself.

I descended the staircase as if I was returning from a dream. After exiting the building out into the gardens, I was met with a refreshing surge of greenness. The neighboring 10 freeway seemed far away as I explored the outdoor space, decorated with gazebos, overgrown plants, flowerpots and fountains. The entire museum felt like an oasis—a little-known getaway space for Angelenos with a mission.

I later learned the sound and lighting alter slightly over a

TIGER MARCH 15, 2017

SPORTS

Player Profiles:

Outstanding SPHS athletes exemplify the best of South Pas

KYRA ANGKASA STORY MATT WAKUMOTO PHOTOGRAPH MATT SCHOLTZ Sophomore Kyra Angkasa spends upwards of four hours a day swimming laps in South Pas’ aquatic center. In her seven-year swimming career, chlorine water has become an integral part of Angkasa’s identity. Despite the influence of swim in her life, enjoyment and fulfillment for the swimmer is not restricted to the confinement of local pools.

THE EXCEPTIONAL SOPHOMORE has been swimming competitively for seven years.

As Angkasa glides through the water, she is given a unique opportunity to reflect on her competence as an athlete and individual. Yet in times of turbulence, she often remembers her friends more than her long list of swimming accomplishments. Unique moments with loved ones, often marked by her creativity and sense of showmanship, are more important to Angkasa than her decorated career as an amateur aquatic athlete.

As an eighth grader, Angkasa donned a bright green jumpsuit in order to lip sync the song Body Rolls with three of her friends on the SPMS stage. Although the performance may seem unsubstantial to many, it is the collection of these moments that helps Angkasa to contrast the monotony of swimming and preserve balance in her life. Her obsession with the Bee Movie and Ollie, her pet bunny, act as motivation while she prepares for important meets. Despite her resilient, stoic demeanor, Angkasa often cries profusely to release emotion. Catharsis is essential for the swimmer, as she struggles to cope with the physical and mental stress of swimming. During her second season at South Pas, Angkasa is prepared to compete for South Pasadena and carry the school on the wits of her broad shoulders.

MAX SCHOERNER STORY RILEY SEGAL PHOTOGRAPH TUCKER JUDKINS The track has become a place of solace for senior Max Schoerner, though it was once one of defeat. In his freshman year, Schoerner was pulled up to the varsity level for high jump to make CIF. Under the immense pressure, he blew his chance. “I hated myself for that loss,” Schoerner said. “I hated the team. I hated track. I hated having to look my coach in the eyes with each of us knowing I was not moving on to the next level.” A difficult loss can crumble an athlete’s fortitude. But for Schoerner, it only strengthened him. The following year, Schoerner reached CIF preliminaries, and then CIF Finals as a junior. As a senior, he plans to go to the State Championships, already having trained eight months for this season alone.

“From the start, I have had absolutely no doubt that if I put in the work, I will be a champion,” Schoerner said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s raining, I’m sick, or have no place close to train. If you want to be the greatest, you will find a way.” Despite competing as an individual, Schoerner relishes in the team aspect of track. As a second year captain, he pushes his teammates to reach their full potential and leads by example. Schoerner plans to compete at the collegiate level, preferably at the University of Michigan or University of Washington as both have produced elite athletes in incredibly challenging conferences. “Every school I applied to is a Division I institution,” Schoerner said. “I want to surround myself with the best, most fierce competition I can in order to better myself.”

THE HIGH JUMPER constantly pushes himself and his fellow athletes to grow as individuals.

TIGER MARCH 15, 2017

SPORTS

Baseball shows promise in preseason STORY RYAN NAKAMURA PHOTOGRAPH KEVIN HUANG Sierra Vista in a 5-3 loss. The Dons held the overall advantage throughout the game against the Tigers’ pitching. In similar fashion to the St. Bernard game, the Tigers attempted another desperate comeback and managed to chalk up two additional runs until mental errors cost South Pas the game. The third game for the Tigers pitted them against the Alhambra Moors on March 7 in a dismal 1-0 loss. Both teams excelled defensively with solid pitching until a lone Moor run gave Alhambra the lead midway through the game. In the top of the fourth inning, South Pas had bases loaded with no outs but squandered the opportunity with poor hitting. The team bounced back from the loss two days later against Marshall Fundamental, clinching a 7-6 win. Both sides played neck and neck the entire game with runs being scored almost every inning. The Eagles managed to pull away from the Tigers with a 6-4 lead in the fifth inning until red hot hitting from South Pas in the fifth and sixth gave the Tigers a 7-6 lead and eventual win.

SENIOR KEVIN PARK loads his swing as Saint Bernard’s ace fiddles with a pitch. The Tigers would go on to tie the game at seven runs a piece.

The Tigers capped off the tournament with a 3-2 win over the Baldwin Park Braves. South Pas and the Braves both got off to solid start at the plate with the two teams finding success at getting on base. With the score tied at 2-2, the Tigers managed to load the bases and score of off a single to give the team a 3-2 record in the tournament.

Varsity baseball concluded the Dave Moore Invitational tournament with a 3-2 record following a 3-2 victory over Baldwin park.

“We need to work on scoring earlier into the games instead of waiting until the last inning to score and come back,” senior Kyle Ninomiya said.

In the Tigers’ first matchup of the tournament, South Pas tied the St. Bernard Vikings 7-7. In the game, the team trailed for most of the time after the Vikings scored

four runs in the fourth inning, leaving South Pas down 5-1. South Pas answered back with four consecutive runs before ending the inning to tie the game at 7-7. Despite another inning left in regulation, the umpires ended the match due to lack of daylight. In the team’s second game, South Pas faced off against

Softball suffers third loss STORY DAVID SEO PHOTOGRAPH HANA TYSZKA The varsity softball team suffered from tough losses early in preseason. Although the girls were demolished 11-1 by the Polytechnic Panthers at their most recent match, key moments showcased the Tigers’ potential that could be vital later in season. Their preseason has not been fruitless, as the team holds a 1-3 record. The girls struggled offensively against a quick Panther defense, where any hits were recovered to extinguish any Tiger endeavors. Despite their defeat, junior Amelia Anthony and sophomore Anna Riffle revealed a glimpse into the team’s capacity, as both performed strongly at the plate. Riffle moved quickly around the bases to garner the only run of the game. For the most part, South Pas held up against the Polytechnic offense. The Tigers boast a particularly robust outfield, rounded out by right fielder

Anthony and left fielder junior Victoria Venardi intercepting many fly balls. But in the fourth inning, the Panthers were able to capitalize on a lapse in focus. Mistakes snowballed as bases filled with opponents. Polytechnic capitalized on loaded bases while pitcher Katelyn Wooton struggled, hitting batters to walk in three of the inning’s six runs. The girls faced similar issues with stamina in their preceding match against La Salle, where they were conquered 13-4 after coming out in the lead. Looking forward, the Tigers hope to work on their sluggish infield; efficiency is crucial to secure bases and tap players out.

The Tigers will seek to improve their record in South Pasadena’s next match against Gabrielino High School on Wednesday, March 15.

Boys' golf falls to St. Francis STORY ALINA MEHDI GRAPHICS TRUMAN LESAK

Glimmers of potential lie in the not so obvious aspects of the team. Returning senior infielder Adriana Ramirez consistently holds the team together throughout preseason. Her presence on the team will surely prove essential as the team dives into league. For coverage on the team’s most recent matchup against Schurr check tigernewspaper.com.

Boys’ varsity golf was unable to come out victorious in its third preseason match against St. Francis High School on Thursday, March 9. The Tigers concluded the game with a score of 236-197 on the Brookside Country Club course. Sophomore Josh Ramos upheld his status as the top-scoring player with a 37. Seniors Elliott Lee and Matthew Wright came in a close second, both bringing in scores of 46. Sophomore Jason Gomez played a 49, while senior Andrew Son and freshman Andy Chung each closed out the match with 61. St. Francis proved to be a tough opposition, bringing in a low score under 200 strokes. South Pas also faced the disadvantage of playing on an unfamiliar course, as the Tigers only play on Brookside Country Club once a year. This defeat brings South Pas’ overall record to 1-3. The crew won its first match earlier in the week against Azusa High School, following two losses the week before. This season the team is focusing on improving their 2-10 overall record from last year, hoping to ultimately advance to CIF. With Ramos, who consistently brings in exceptional scores, this may be possible. In order to succeed in league, South Pasadena will have to prepare for challenging opponents similar to St. Francis like La Cañada and San Marino. Under the guidance of Coach Ed Smith, the Tigers will hopefully be able to achieve these goals.

SENIOR EMILY SWANSON sprints home as South Pas fights to produce runs. The team strives to improve on situational hitting with league play approaching.

The South Pas crew will continue to work hard towards boosting its record while preparing for its first league game on March 23.

SPORTS

TIGER MARCH 15, 2017

Boys' volleyball dominates Santa Fe in third match STORY MATT WAKUMOTO PHOTOGRAPH HANA TYSZKA

LOOKING TO FINISH A RALLY senior Lucas Fox leaps for the kill against blocking Chief players

Track succeeds despite major budget cuts STORY RILEY SEGAL PHOTOGRAPH ISAAC MARZIALI The track and field teams have entered their 2017 season with a depleted staﬀ, forcing a slashed roster on both the varsity and frosh-soph levels. Many of the budget cuts have come as a result of a new state budget proposal, which has subsequently restricted the adult leadership surrounding the program. “We have had to cut the roster down to a safe size and basically limit opportunities to a lot of students that wanted to come out for the team,” head coach CB Richards said. The teams currently lack pole vault and shot put coaches and only have a part-time volunteer to mentor the distance runners. “These coaches helped produce a large number of college scholarship athletes and team success over the years, so the limited staﬀ is the greatest challenge the program faces for that continued success now and for future Tigers to come,” Richards said.

Boys’ varsity volleyball won its third consecutive game of the season against the Sante Fe Chiefs on Thursday, March 9. The 3-1 win displayed South Pas’ seasoned team chemistry and ability to dominate up front. The team’s mental errors were far outweighed by its ability to rally and dominate the net. With league approaching, the team remains undefeated in preseason, with a 3-0 record. The victory featured a 30 point margin of victory. Despite being challenged by Sante Fe’s height, the team persevered,

using shifty strokes, while overpowering its opponents in the late sets. After losing the third set by three points, South Pas bounced back with as astounding 25-6 beat down, while fully seizing control of the game. The fluorescent glow of the gym served as an elegant backdrop for South Pas’ many blocks up front, and strong rallies along the deck. The leadership displayed by seniors Matt Scholtz and Gunther Vaden helped give South Pasadena stability in moments of uncertainty. Despite these brief moments, the team

fought viciously while flirting with the full length of their potential. Junior Kanak Belgaum punished the Chiefs with a 66% kill percentage. Scholtz and Vaden were responsible for twelve and eight kills, respectively. Senior Lucas Fox contributed with eight kills. Their sheer strength and passion helped to propel the team as they gained momentum and silenced the Chiefs. The Tigers will prepare to face La Salle at home on Thursday, March 16.

Boys' tennis struggles against Flintridge Prep and Polytechnic

Despite this challenge, South Pas still expects to find the same level of success that has been prevalent in the past decade. By narrowing the roster, a stronger pool of athletes were selected, and they hope to earn yet another league championship title. The Tigers have been top competitors thus far in season. They most recently competed at the Redondo Nike Invite on Saturday, March 11, at Redondo Union High School. Many varsity underclassmen competed on the frosh-soph level to gain experience and often dominated in their events. Freshmen Gianna Beasley and Corey Segal and sophomore Ashley Hugasian prevailed in the open 400 meter race, with Beasley setting a new meet record with a time of 60.54 seconds. Both frosh-soph 4x400 meter relay teams dominated as well, with the girls taking first and the boys clinching second after sophomore Kai Dettman battled it out with a competitor during the last 100 meter stretch, barely pushing a couple meters in front. South Pas will next participate in the Monrovia Wildcat Relays on Saturday, March 18, at Monrovia.

STORY SAMMY PARK GRAPHICS TRUMAN LESAK The boys’ varsity tennis team kicked oﬀ its fourth game of the preseason against the Rebels at Flintridge Prep on Tuesday, March 7. The Tigers ended the match 11-7, placing South Pas’ record at 1-2-1 in overall play. The doubles teams shut out the Rebels by winning six out of nine games. In the number one doubles spot were seniors Kevin Huang and Anthony Chen, who dominated Flintridge Prep’s number two and three doubles teams. The two other doubles teams continued the trend by beating the Rebels’ two and three doubles team despite losing to their number one doubles players. This dominant performance was absent from the Tigers’ singles teams. After the injured freshman Ben Pistana was substituted, the only singles player to get a match oﬀ of Flintridge Prep was senior co-captain Jason Cai. The team continued its losing streak in another away

preseason game against Polytechnic on Friday, March 10. South Pas’ final score was a disappointing 17-1. The Tigers’ only win was its number two doubles squad, junior Andrew Lee and senior Daniel Hong, who won in a tiebreaker. The Tigers are still looking forward to the start of league, which is March 23 at Temple City High School.

JUNIOR HARPER FOX launches herself through the air while competing in long jump against Alhambra.

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