Nine SPHS faculty members to retire By Sofi Goode Feature Editor Assistant Principal of Instruction Jack Smith, athletic director Ralph Punaro, and seven other SPHS faculty members have announced that they will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2011-12 school year. The staff members are retiring with a special package that the Public Agency Retirement Service is offering this year. District employees who are 55 years of age with 25 years of district employment or are fifty years of age with thirty years of district employment are eligible. The district will purchase an annuity for each retiree, and an insurance company will pay 85% of that faculty member’s final salary over the course of five to Retiring Faculty Jack Smith Assistant Principal Ralph Punaro Athletic Director Marjorie Dam Counselor Patrick Mack Math teacher Edward Smith Math teacher Margaret Fullinwider Math teacher Alice Martinez Technician to Asst. Principal Eileen Phillips Health Clerk Ted Lin Custodian
fifteen months. Those who accepted the offer had to formally declare their retirement by May 8, and were announced at the school board meeting that same night. “I think [the package] was a major incentive because most of these people enjoy what they do,” said assistant principal of instruction Jack Smith, who himself is retiring. “However, it is the end of my goal to be a long-haul worker.” Faculty members are required to resign from district employment, but can go on to work in another district. Some retiring this year will return to work part-time. “Ms Anderson and I might have a couple of people work parttime to plug gaps,” said Smith. “But there is no employment guarantee.” Some students have expressed concern about faculty members that are not returning next year. “As a junior, I’m concerned for the college application process,” said Wendy Tsai. “We need a counselor letter of recommendation, and I’m worried that [Ms Dam’s] could affect our applications.” Punaro began teaching in 1985. His retirement was a sudden decision, but he said that everyone at school has been supportive. “There are so many good memories I have at SPHS,” said Punaro. “From leading the baseball team to playoffs in my third year of coaching to three championships for girls basketball, I enjoyed every moment of it.”
Anderson visits China in principal exchange By Amber Laird Staff Writer Principal Janet Anderson left South Pasadena High School for Shanghai, China on Friday as part of an international principal exchange program. She will be overseas until May 20; she is visiting and observing a performing arts school while on her trip. Anderson’s visit comes after several Shanghai principals visited South Pasadena in September to sit in on classes and learn about the American educational system. SPMS principal David Kubela is also in Shanghai for the exchange program. The California School Boards Association (CSBA) contacted Superintendent Joel Shapiro last year to ask if the South Pasadena Unified School District would be interested in accommodating the Shanghai principals who were visiting the San Gabriel Valley. The CSBA then offered to send a few SPUSD princi-
pals to Shanghai for the May trip. “This is a nice opportunity that I wouldn’t have otherwise,” said Anderson. “I’m anxious to explore and figure out what life is like there.” Anderson and Kubela are traveling with several other principals from the San Gabriel Valley. Anderson brought along an extra suitcase filled with gifts for the school that will be hosting her, including some that represent SPHS and some that are edible treats not available in China. “I’m looking forward to this a lot,” said Anderson. “Being in a totally different environment, stepping out of my routine. Everything except for the heat.” In Anderson’s absence, Assistant Principal of Instruction Jack Smith is in charge of daily operations at SPHS. Anderson will be updating the school throughout her trip with a written journal on tigernewspaper.com.
Prom venue delights Students enjoy night in Secret Garden By Devin Mitchell News Editor
Matt Winkel
Junior Peter Seo and senior Arin Nam dance at the prom, which was held at the L.A. River Center on Saturday night. See pages 8-9.
Boys soccer coach under investigation By Carlton Lew Assoc. Opinion Editor An investigation of South Pasadena boys varsity soccer coach Juan Zurita’s possible violation of CIF steroid use policy began last week. Zurita is alleged to have promoted and/or administered steroids to his players. An anonymous letter of complaint against Zurita was filed with CIF and with the school district, according to players who have asked to remain anonymous. Several members of the community, whose signatures were supposedly included in the letter, denied their involvement.
“I was contacted by SPHS administration seeking information about this letter,” said soccer parent Scott Nelson. “My name was not on this letter, but a name similar to ours was used, so they contacted us and we informed them that we knew nothing about it.” Two attorneys representing the school district were brought to the high school on May 9 to speak with members of the soccer team. According to several of the players who were interviewed, the attorneys asked them if they knew anything about, were provided with, or were ever See “Boys soccer” on Page 2
Almost 400 students attended the SPHS prom on Saturday night at the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens, spending the evening dancing, gambling, and utilizing the photo booth, which was packed the entire night. “Prom went really well,” said junior class vice president Peter Seo. “The weather was perfect, the decorations were fantastic, and the food was amazing.” Seniors Danny Shapiro and Evelyn Ashleigh were voted Prom King and Queen, and juniors Austin Kahn and Ella Hardy were elected prince and princess. “It was really surprising and flattering,” said Ashleigh. “One of the best parts of it that one of my best friends, Ella Hardy was the junior princess. We got to share the experience together.” “I had a lovely time with my date, and I was pleasantly surprised by the venue,” said Kahn. “The decor was divine.” Attendees began the “Secret Garden” themed night with dinner in the main courtyard. Students had the option to dance in the smaller courtyard or go indoors to use the casino tables and photo booth, which were at opposite ends of the grounds. “I thought the photo booth was the most popular place of the night,” said Seo. “The casino tables went over really well also. I think both activities were great additions to prom this year.” Despite the positive reviews, attendance was down from last year, when 558 students went to prom at Universal Studios.
Oneonta Club honors teachers and students By Josh Roquemore Staff Writer The South Pasadena Oneonta Club honored senior scholarship winners Sara Patterson, Libby Rainey, and Montane Silverman on Monday. SPHS English teacher Mark Afram and SPMS teacher Mary Hylbom were also recognized as the Oneonta Teachers of the Year. “I am really glad to be receiving the award, just because it shows that all of my hard work has paid off,” said Patterson. “It is also great to see that the community supports its graduating students.” Patterson and her fellow
recipients will receive $10,000 scholarship grants from the club, which will go towards their college tuition. “I am honored to have received such a noteworthy scholarship,” said Silverman. “And I’m honored to be placed in the same category as great people like Sara and Libby.” Members of the Oneonta Club selected Afram and Hylbom, who were commended for their excellence in the classroom. They received an inscribed plaque and a small sum of money. “I was very surprised to find I was being honored with this,” said Afram. “However, I am very grateful to receive it.”
Katie Whitworth
Oneonta recipients seniors Libby Rainey, Montane Silverman and Sara Patterson .
News 2
Tiger - Wednesday, May 16, 2012
News
Around Campus
Wednesday: Career Night is at 6:30 P.M. in the Auditorium. Career workshops offered include medical, music, law, finance, and construction, among many others. Friday: Seniors will be wearing college attire for College Dress-Up Day. Sunday: Seniors leave for annual Yosemite Institute backpacking trip.
Seniors prepare for Yosemite trip
By Natalie McLain Staff Writer The annual Yosemite Institute trip entails spending six days at altitudes of seven to nine thousand feet, hiking twenty miles, and carrying an average of 30 to 40 pounds every day. After weeks of physical training and months of preparation, sixty SPHS seniors are finally ready to take on the challenge. Participating students will be departing at 5:00 A.M. on Sunday morning. “This is year 33, and we have a real respect for that,” said Spanish teacher and Yosemite group advisor Joshua Whitney. “It’s one of the oldest traditions in the school, and we want to keep it around.” Students received their hiking group assignments on April 25, with group names keeping with the “Sounds of Yosemite” theme. The teacher-distributed titles ranged from “Thunder” to “Voices in Your Head”. Groups
have since been meeting for group dinners and equipment checks to ensure that materials such as sleeping pads and bear canisters are prepared for the groups’ departure. Because participants will spend an average of four to five hours a day on the trails, all students purchased hiking boots and collectively tested them on May 4. This traditional “Boot Day” served both to break in boots and generate excitement and unity among Yosemite seniors. To further prepare and unite students, all sixty were also invited to a hike to Echo Mountain on May 5. Some students are doing additional preparation on their own. Participants who are not athletes or don’t exercise daily were encouraged to hike or walk regularly before the trip. “We went on a hike together, but I’ve also been going on hikes with my parents,” said senior Benjamin Hillman. “I guess just going on hikes in general helps out.”
Matt Winkel
Casey Shotwell’s Yosemite group, “Thunder,” met at senior Ben Hillman’s house Tuesday night for an equipment check. From “Boys soccer” on Page 1 persuaded by Zurita to use steroids. Members of the team who were contacted by Tiger said that they were told not to disclose information about the meeting. Most of the players who were interviewed are under eighteen years old. The players were not asked if they wished for legal representation, and no parents were present during questioning. “It’s a witch hunt because someone hates Coach and his coaching methods,” said senior Cody Dunn. “The whole thing is a waste of money. Coach is a good guy and there were forged signatures on the letter.” SPHS principal Janet Anderson is currently in China and was unavailable for comment. Tiger was awaiting an official response from CIF and SPUSD at press time. Zurita declined to comment on the record, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. He has coached the boys soccer program for over a decade.
Macomber retiring from SPMS By Heather Vaughan Staff Writer
Theo Mandin-Lee
Senior Clair Fuller, senior Chloe Acebo, junior Laura Hill, and senior Tiffany Chen were featured in the May issue of The Magazine.
SPHS students featured in Pasadena magazine By Kelsey Hess Staff Writer SPHS seniors Clair Fuller, Chloe Acebo, Tiffany Chen and junior Laura Hill were recognized as four of the “50 Student Leaders” in the May issue of The Magazine. The Pasadena publication chose fifty juniors and seniors from 27 San Gabriel Valley high schools. Their teachers nominated approximately 130 students who actively contribute to their communities and pursue their interests. Those selected were featured in the magazine alongside their picture and a description of the activities and traits that made them candidates for the honor. “Honestly, the other students who were nominated were so involved and committed, it made me proud to be selected along with them,” said Acebo.
“It means the world to me I was recognized and nominated for this award, especially when I least expected it.” The California State Legislature held a banquet for the students on May 6 at the Eden Cafe in Pasadena. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis emceed the event, presented the awards, and spoke to the students about their achievement. English teacher Kim Kadletz nominated three of the four selected students, who were her former students. “Among the thousands of kids who have good grades and passionate interests, The Magazine took nominations and holistically evaluated the kids,” said Kadletz. “I am always looking for these types of opportunities to honor the kids who are hard working, but not generally recognized.”
Class officer campaigns underway By Rhian Moore Assoc. Feature Editor Thirty-six candidates are campaigning this week for twelve 2012-13 ASB class officer positions. Election week began on Monday and prospective officers will deliver speeches on Friday, the same day that students will vote. The votes will be tallied that afternoon, and the results will be announced at 5 P.M. The current commission took steps to better inform candidates of the campaign regulations and how they will be enforced after observing and overseeing last month’s commission elections. The commission additionally prohibited handout items considered to be classroom distractions, like snap bracelets. Juniors Abe Song and Matthew Nang are running to be next year’s senior class president.
“My campaign is pretty simple. I am just using posters and shirts. I felt that simplicity was the best way to go since it’s easier for people to remember things that are straightforward,” said Nang. Six freshmen are candidates for sophomore class secretary, which is the most competitive class officer election this year. “[I think there are so many candidates for secretary] because it’s a simple position,” said freshman Hermes Ip, one of the six candidates. “You keep minutes and plan Prom and Color Day. For me, it’s a great opportunity to meet people and do things I normally wouldn’t do.” Junior Jessica Ng is running unopposed for senior vice president. Despite the lack of competition for the position, Ng is spending lunches distributing
backpack tags and t-shirts. “I’m campaigning as though there are other candidates running for the position,” said Ng. “I still want to show that I care.”
South Pasadena Middle School will have some new background music next year. Longtime band director Mr. Jim Macomber retire in June after 31 years as a musical instructor in the district. Macomber leads the fifth grade band program and is the director of the SPMS music department. A committee of teachers and administrators, including Macomber himself, has been tasked with finding a new middle school band director this summer. “South Pasadena is so much like the town I come from, and the community is so supportive of the arts, which makes them flourish,” said Macomber. Macomber values musical education because he believes that it helps students excel in all areas of life. “The skills that it takes to create a good musician are the same skills that are found in a good person,” he said. SPHS sophomore Matt Chan began his musical career in fourth grade in Macomber’s band program at Marengo Elementary School. Now, as a member of the high school drumline, Chan credits much of his success to his former teacher. “[Macomber] set a nice foundation for us,” said Chan. “He exposed us to music when we were younger, and gave us someone we could look up to.” Macomber plans to retire in Palm Springs, where he hopes to wind down and relax. He also intends to make himself available as a substitute teacher for music classes within the district. “It’s difficult to find an effective substitute for a musical position, so I want to be the sub that I always had trouble finding,” said Macomber.
Rachael Garner
Left: Sophomore treasurer candidate Alex Kim sifts through posters. Right: Freshman Jasmine Lee is running for sophomore president.
News
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - Tiger
Muntz leaving SPHS for New York By Anne Kitchens Staff Writer Social Science and economics teacher Ms Melissa Muntz will announced last week that she plans to move to New York, where she intends to continue teaching high school social studies. “I have always wanted to live there and I had the opportunity to move,” said Muntz. “I took it.” Muntz has been teaching at SPHS for the past five years, but did not cite anything about the school in her decision to leave. “I like the idea of dividing my life into chapters,” she said. “I had always wanted to reassess my life after five years.” Muntz is most looking for-
ward to New York City’s public transportation, and thus no need for her car. She is looking forward to having the option of taking the train anywhere in the city, and plans to take advantage of Manhattan’s concentrated cultural resources. “There are actually places open for dinner after 9 P.M.,” said Muntz. “Carrows just gets gross after a while.” Many students were surprised and dismayed by the announcement. “I think everyone is going to really feel the loss next year without her,” said senior Nick Hudson. “It’s hard to find someone so genuinely interested in economics.” “Everyone was immedi-
High school students across the country take Advanced Placement exams from May 7-18. The tests assess the performance of students in what is supposed to be the equivalent of a college-level class. Here are several facts about AP tests at SPHS in 2012.
• 468 students took 970 AP tests this year, a decrease from 2011, when 485 students took 1,003 tests.
Siria Medina
Muntz taught Social Science at SPHS for the past five years. ately upset about it [when she told us],” said junior Arielle Gerrish. “I think it’s really sad. She is just a great teacher and a great person.”
Eclectic Music Festival showcases local talent By Christian Miyamae and Jackson Atwater Tiger Staff Live music filled South Pasadena’s otherwise unassuming streets on May 5 for the South Pasadena Eclectic Music Festival and Art Walk. Students, families and locals strolled city streets during the event, listening to live music and grabbing dinner at restaurants and food trucks. The South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce organized the festival. Live performers played in a number of different venues. The
festival incorporated genres such as blues, jazz, soul, and folk. Many shops on Mission Street also took part, displaying art-friendly galleries that showcased works ranging from photography to fine arts. “I expected a lot fewer people to come, but the turnout is nice,” said junior Nick Falo. “They have performances that are very good; I especially liked the ones at the library.” Artists such as Brad Colerick, Roger Espinosa, and Kara Grainger performed at the main stage at Mission Station. The event also incorporated seven other stages along Mis-
AP Testing - 2012
sion Street and featured The Young Dubliners, Tapioca and the Flea, and three-time Grammy winner Billy Childs along with son and SPHS alumnus Aaron Childs. The festival also featured thirteen art galleries. Kaldi presented black and white photography by Wm/H. Berwald, and Mission Street Yoga displayed India-inspired fine art by Liz Reday. “It was cool that you could walk to different locations to look at different kinds of art instead of having to stay in one place,” said sophomore Becca Phan.
• The most popular AP tests this year were English Literature (122 students), English Language (117), Chemistry (109), Environmental Science (109), and U.S. Government (106). • Senior Cody Dunn is the only student who is taking five Advanced Placement tests this year. The class was terrible, but after the test, it was so worth it. During the year I regretted all of my choices in terms of class scheduling, but now that I’ve finished it’s absolutely wonderful. - Tiffany Diep, junior “It would help if they didn’t cram everything in the last few weeks. They cram everything in at the end and then your mind is exploded.” - Jessica Hitchcock, junior “The AP test is valuable simply because there is something to be said of mastering a body of knowledge and having a chance to apply that knowledge in an official manner.” - Mr. Donald Wielenga, science teacher
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On stage :
Dedication, passion, and overwhelming commitment have helped twelve SPHS performers refine their art and pursue performance inside and outside of school. Whether singing in a choir, choreographing pieces for varsity dance, or mastering the cello, SPHS students have unexpected talents, and they have worked to perfect them. While some turn to athletics and academics to showcase their strengths, these students have found success in the arts. The fulfillment of delivering a jaw-dropping performance or overcoming a challenging song has inspired them to spend hours in rehearsal, waiting for their moments in the spotlight. Whether on the stage or in a studio, student performers in South Pasadena continue to prove themselves worthy of the hype. /Kelsey Hess Page by Jennifer Kim
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Photos by Tiger photographers
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Text by Madison Amido, Kelsey Hess, Meghan Roche, Shyam Senthilkumar, and Marcy Kuo
SARAH STUKAN
ALEX HOM
“I plan on pursuing a career in physical therapy because it’s a more stable route. Going into choreography as a job is hard and risky. But dancing will always be my hobby.”
- Style: Balanchine - Years studying: 10 - Favorite Pieces: Sleeping Beauty songs, “Who Cares” by George Balanchine - Involvement: Colburn School’s professional training program in downtown LA - Did you know: Stukan was inspired to study dance after watching a tap dancing bear on Teletubbies when she was four. “It was only two summers ago that I saw American Ballet Theatre perform Sleeping Beauty, and was completely inspired by the heart and soul the dancers put into their performance. I knew after that night that ballet was what I wanted to make my main focus and do professionally.”
Trumpet and Piano
- Style: Classical and jazz piano - Years playing: 11 years piano, 2 years percussion - Involvement: Took formal piano up until he finished the entire program in his freshman year. He is a member of jazz band and senior captain of the SPHS drumline. - Future Plans: Calvin will attend UCLA next fall. He recently auditioned for the school’s drumline.
- Style: Classical, contemporary, but also interested in jazz - Years studying: 8 - Favorite piece(s): Brahms E minor sonata, Swan Lake - Involvement: Active in Harmony Project - she takes part in orchestra and quartets, and teaches every Saturday.
- Style: Instrumental music involving flute, band, or solo piano - Years: 8; involved with band program from middle school to high school - Favorite piece: “Danzón No. 2” by Arturo Márquez
- Style: No specific focus; enjoys march or mariachi-styled music - Years studying: 7 - Favorite Piece: “A Tough Act to Follow”
“I was singing in the shower one day and my neighbor yelled at me to shut up.”
- Style: Jazz - Years: 4 - Favorite Piece: “My Funny Valentine,” from Babes and Arms “Singing is the best way for me to express myself. I love the reaction people have when they hear me sing, and I really love the way it feels.”
NICOLE LUSSIER
“I’m writing [songs] all the time – that’s something a lot of people don’t know about me.”
- Style: Classical - Years: 9; first began singing at a church choir - Favorite Song: “The Long and Winding Road” by The Beatles
AUDREY FORD
- Style: “Pop, rock, folk...that kind of stuff.” - How Long: Since childhood - Favorite Song: “Oh! Darling” by the Beatles, currently - Involvement: SPHS musicals and performances and home study – her dad is a vocalist and vocal instructor.
“Music is a big part of my life... Without music my life would be really empty.”
“I play the flute at my church every so often with the adult hand bell choir, youth choir, and Laura Lussier - another flautist.”
PATRICK GAN
Flute
LIA LOHR
Cello
REE-HA KIM
Piano & percussion
DAVID YANG
CALVIN CHAN SOPHIE NEGRINI
- Style: Hip hop - Years: 6 years of dance training at the San Marino Dance Academy - Favorite Music Genre: Dumpstep, underground music - Involvement: Member of SPHS Varsity Dance team - Future Plans: Will attend Cal State Northridge this fall
JOSEPH RUIZ
LIZ JAYAMAHA
Instrumental
Student Performers Tiger - Wednesday, May 16, 2012
4
“Dance really helps me get through things when words fail. Dance is my medicine.”
- Style: Hip hop (especially breakdancing) - Years dancing: 2 - Favorite Music Genre: ‘90s music - Involvement: Founded a dance crew of six high school students (Active Crew), involved in SPHS dance - Future Plans: Will attend Pasadena City College this fall; plans to pursue a career as choreographer
Illustrations by Rachael Lee
Dance
SPHS students & the performing arts - Style: Hip hop, jazz, contemporary - Music genre: R&B, hip hop - Favorite music artist: The Weeknd - Involvement: Member of competitive dance crew and SPHS varsity dance - Future Plans: Plans to pursue a career in choreography
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”One of the reasons I found the trumpet to be appealing was the abundance of trumpet sounds in jazz and orchestral music. Seriously, have you heard those guys?”
Voice
- Style: Classical - Years: 8 - Favorite Performance: Mahler’s 8th Symphony with L.A. Children’s Choir, L.A. Mastercraft, the L.A. Philharmonic and 25 others “The choir has completely consumed my life since I was ten years old, and I’ve really just fallen in love with it.”
Opinion
Tiger - Wednesday, May 16, 2012
5
Opinion Yeah Boi
B
Efficiency, not austerity
ravo to Meow, the 39 lb. obese cat that passed away last weekend at the young age of two. Rest in peace.
B
to the Doomsday-style countdowns on the Tiger Patio mosaic. We’re never quite sure what’s coming... but it can’t be anything good.
B
oo
By Elizabeth Ford Rainey Editor-in-Chief
to AP testing for giving us a chance to troll the graders during the FRQs. Shout out to Michael DLT for including a movie review of The Avengers.
B
ravo
oo to Virtual Business interviews. You
stole our copy editor. Any typos this issue are on you.
B
to class election swag. The number of t-shirts in my drawer has doubled in the past month. ravo
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 Tiger Online Thomas von Bibra 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.
Rachael Lee
Senioritis: squandering time and effort Staff Editorial The stereotypical apathy of high school seniors is often fondly referenced by pop culture, the media, and those suffering t hemselves. T he t r ut h of t he mat ter, however, is that “senioritis” is a real issue. In addition to damaging the confidence of matriculating college students for their first year, it is a huge waste of resources. The time that unmotivated seniors spend in their second semester of high school is a significant use of taxpayer dollars, and ultimately a waste if the students aren’t capitalizing on the time they have left to learn new things and better themselves. The root of the problem is the effect that easing up has on both students and teachers. Teachers that normally would not cut students any slack might now let a few missing assignments slide, or assign a smaller workload. This may seem harmless, or even kind, but it causes larger problems. A sense that letting work habits fall by the wayside is acceptable goes on to create a feeling that the work that’s being assigned isn’t meaningful. This makes students question their motives for completing the work they are given, as well as the purpose of finishing high school itself. Completing a high school education
is important to being prepared for college, or any post-g raduation pat h. T here’s an illusion that once a student has been accepted to a college, he or she is deemed ready to succeed in higher education and can exist in a state of educational limbo until they begin studying there. The fact is, however, that learning is learning, and is equally important in all phases of one’s educational career. Students must avoid the trap of believing that college will provide an education so much better than high school, and that post-college acceptance learning is a waste. The remedy to this apathy can be found at the source of the problem: the feeling that letting up a little is okay. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the end of a high school career, but students and teachers have a dual responsibility to keep work in the classroom efficient and effective. Students and teachers waste time and energy when the students have effectively left the classroom months before their date of graduation. Senioritis isn’t charming; it’s a detriment to those preparing to leave high school and a crippling kink in a system supposedly programmed to cultivate independent and college-ready students.
Statewide, education is in crisis. Despite the relative affluence of the South Pasadena community, this school district is in similar trouble. If Governor Jerry Brown’s tax initiative doesn’t pass this fall, South Pasadena schools are looking at cuts of around $2 million. If the district is unable to garner enough support for a parcel tax renewal, SPUSD will be forced to make further cuts to education at all grade levels. The November election and community support this year will have a huge influence on the state of local education. And it is possible that South Pasadena schools will face huge losses. Loss of small classroom sizes and possible cuts to arts programs are among potential reductions to spending, and in light of the possible barebones state of education, it is easy to forget the district-wide goal of creating a college-going environment for all South Pasadena students. While it is of the utmost importance that the district prepares for future financial struggles, it also has a responsibility to ensure quality education and college preparation for students going through the system now. So even in the midst of severe budget limitations, the South Pasadena school district must look to improve students’ chances at pursuing higher education. College eligibility for SPHS students often comes down to A-G requirements, the necessities for applying to Cal State and UC schools. Students sometimes fall short, however, often missing the two-year foreign language requirement. Acquainting students with foreign languages must begin in middle school to bring all students to a college-ready level. Sixth and seventh grade students at SPHS only have access to Spanish as part of the elective wheel, with a new elective each quarter. These short courses hardly delve into the language, and allow no time for student retention, wasting instruction time and district money. The district would be well advised to take Spanish off of the wheel, and instead implement full-year courses for sixth- and seventh-grade students, as they do for eighth grade students. This would not only more efficiently utilize district funds, but allow more middle schoolers to enter high school prepared complete two years of foreign language instruction. Money is tight, but the district is still capable of improving programs for student use. It will be increasingly important in coming years to utilize money for education effectively, and implementing a more productive language program for the middle school is a good place to start.
The difference between ‘likes’ and compassion By Natalie McLain Staff Writer The fleeting concerns of today’s youth are marked by what could be called “trending causes.” In the rapid-fire world of Facebook and Twitter, an injustice or worldly need will rapidly gain popular support and media attention, followed by an equally rapid decline in interest. This boom-and-bust cycle of “save the world” frenzies has somewhat become the accepted norm in society, and while it might not be moral or just, there is hardly a solid argument that can be posed against feeble-minded individuals who possess the attention span of
a gnat. But at some point, a line must be drawn. At some point, the “trendification” of serious subjects morphs from ditzy trend-following to complete disrespect toward the causes at hand. For example, recall the last time you visited Facebook. Chances are, there were at least three photos in your news feed that went a little something like this: the picture is one of the heart-wrenching sort. A feeble, African baby starving to the point of near nonexistence. A puppy that has several gashes and serrations across its fuzzy, pleading little face. A disheveled, tear-streaked girl, whose arm is dripping blood
from self-inflicted pain. And the caption on these horrific photos? Something along the lines of “Like if you would feed him!”, “Like if you would hurt the person who harmed this poor puppy!”, “Like if you would help her stop cutting!” Firstly, why would you even post such a thing? These are all incredibly grave and serious topics. To post them in this manner is indescribably degrading to the subject and the poster. Raising awareness is one thing, trivializing subjects so that they will slide more easily into the world of Facebook and beyond is another completely. To constantly expose gruesome images to the public in a
bubblegum, cliché light, especially to the increasingly younger audience that has recently taken an interest in Facebook, is to make people immune to subjects that should concern them. Like a bright light blasted intensely every few seconds, these kinds of sporadic, self-indulgent posts encouraging “likes” to support a cause will eventually leave the audience completely blind to the severity of subjects which need serious attention. Tangible support. Physical care. Unfortunately, Facebook stopped exchanging “likes” for charity funding and volunteers a long time ago.
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Opinion
Tiger - Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Students weigh in... Nine teachers are retiring from the South Pasadena High School staff this year. Those leaving are Marjorie Dam, Margaret Fullinwider, Ted Lin, Patrick Mack, Alice Martinez, Eileen Phillips, Ralph Punaro, Edward Smith, and Jack Smith. Students reflect on the legacy the departing staff members will leave behind.
STUDENT VOICE: “I don’t know any counselor who cares more about her students. [Ms Dam’s] experience, in addition to her kind and helpful character, will be irreplaceable on campus. It’ll be extremely difficult to find a replacement.” -Hannah Vaden, junior “The smiling faces of Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Martinez are always at the office to welcome, as well as help out anyone who looks confused or needs anything. The school won’t be the same without the presence of their sweet demeanors.” -Malika Murphy, senior “It’s really sad that Mr. Mack is leaving after all this time because he is just a genuinely nice person, and he actually cares a lot about his students. He is always willing to be flexible with us and is very understanding. I know wherever he ends up in the future he’ll be appreciated.” -Lauren Wakabayashi, senior “Mr. Punaro was really good at helping us out and was always there to support the South Pas Tigers in all of our sports ventures. It’s definitely going to be hard to see him leave.” -Talia Wun-Young, sophomore “This particular group of individuals represents a wealth of experience and their absence will be hard to overcome in the following years. The leadership and guidance these veterans have been bringing to the school for the past thirty or more years has been huge to the development of the younger staff and students and their presence will be sorely missed.” -Krishna Mocherla, junior
AP standards in regular classes By Shyam Senthilkumar Business Manager Whether they like to admit or not, teachers have a tendency to apply the same standards to all the classes they teach. The teachers whose classes range from the AP to regular level can have a hard time treating each class differently, and subsequently, students often fall victim to inconsistencies in expectations. To eliminate this issue, teachers should teach classes all at the same level, whether that means instructing only APs and honors courses, or only regular classes. There is a fundamental difference between students who choose to enroll in honors classes and those who choose regular classes. The latter tend to need more assistance as well as for
teachers to go at a slower pace. effort to treat classes of differing There is nothing wrong with levels separately, instructing taking classes at an appropriate classes of multiple levels is still level, but it must be acknowl- not the most optimal arrangeedged that teaching and learning ment. If allowed to teach all APs, styles will differ across classes. or only regular classes, teachers would When teachnot have to ers go from If allowed to teach all build currian AP class cula based in one period APs, or only regular around to a regular classes, teachers students of in the next, would not have to build completely their expeccurriculums based different tations don’t around students of learning always make completely different styles. Nor the same learning styles. would they transition. have to When APworry about level teachers maintain their very high expecta- changing teaching strategies tions for regular classes, students between periods. These factors that aren’t accustomed to those would contribute to the overall fluidity of the teacher’s lessons. standards suffer. Even if teachers make the Teachers would be able to focus
more on the narrowed-down courses rather than trying to appease a broad range of students. “There needs to be stability. Teaching math analysis adds another third of work to my workload and of course it would be easier if I solely taught calculus next year. But what’s best for the students is stability. Establishing skilled teachers who stay put every year and teach specific classes would be best,” said Mrs. Ruth Moonesinghe. She taught Math Analysis this year in addition to her usual AP Calculus classes. If effort were taken to implement this change, students would more likely be placed in a more efficient environment for their own standard of learning—surely something to which everyone should aspire.
By Mr. Richard Martin AP U.S. History, Honors U.S. History The pressure for grades has become greater over the years as acceptance to our universities has become more competitive. Teaching for 35 years has given me a perspective on what education is really about. Having observed students over a period of time, I have come to understand the natural limitation of our grading system. I am not saying we need to get rid of grades, because they serve an important purpose. What I do believe is that they are limited in what I call the “big picture” of life and education. I have slowly come to appreciate what makes a good student. I understand the need for students to take the most difficult classes, get the highest grades possible, do volunteer work, and be involved in extracuriculars so that they can get into an elite college. I support those students, write their recommendations, and respect them to the utmost. This is our system today, especially at this school. It is important for all of us to be aware that this is not the entire story. I would certainly not want students to think a 4.0 is what assures life happiness or success. Students might be surprised that I (as well as every employer I have spoken to) don’t use grades in our personal assessment or opinions of them. What is a successful student? To me, it is someone who is a thinker and wants to learn, is a problem solver, works well with others, is independent, has integrity, responsibility, empathy, is determined, and is willing to take on a challenge. We know that there are many different types of intelligence, and some do not show up in our grade system. There are many B and C students who have these qualities and will go to a less elite university, but their special and diverse strengths will enable them to be successful and happy people throughout their lives. I like to tell my students there are no jobs for those who major in “A”s, and that I look at them individually for what makes them special. I have had many students who choose to follow a different route, or do not buy into the system, and it would bother me if they see grades as the way to judge their selfworth and potential. My suggestion for students is this: when you get a grade, see it for what it is: an assessment of a class, useful to learn from, but essentially limited to that. You are mistaken if you think one grade or class will make or break your life. More importantly, look at what qualities you possess and what you have accomplished, and then base your self-worth on that. I believe you will have a much clearer picture of who you really are.
Stop forcing seniors to “bond” If we aren’t friends at this point, it’s probably too late By Clair Fuller Opinion Editor The thought that high school is the best time of your life is a depressing one, and hopefully untrue. As seniors approach graduation, though, they may be hopeful that at least one product of their four years here will be with them in the future: the friendships they’ve made during their high school career. With limited time left in the school year and students leaving for colleges across the country this fall, it makes sense that seniors want to cherish the time they have left with their classmates—but not all of their classmates. Attempts to facilitate the bonding of the senior class or encourage the forging of new friendships ultimately fall flat, because the blind fondness born out Daniel Willardson
of premature end-of-high school nostalgia only extends so far. With only a few weeks of school left, why would students want to spend time with classmates they hardly know when the could spend time with their real friends? From senior picnics to Yosemite, and even to Grad Night, events are planned to bring the senior class together right until the very last moment possible. But these efforts are simply too little, too late. Most students here have gone to school together for the past four years; some have had classes together since kindergarten. If they wanted to seek out friendships with particular classmates, chances are they would have already done so. By the time the end of senior year rolls around, relationship dynamics have long since been estab-
lished. Yet in some cases, such as the formation of Yosemite groups, efforts are made to specifically separate close friends. This is not to say that students will have a bad time on the trip with a group they don’t know well—but it is likely that they would have a better time on the weeklong camping trip with the friends with whom they have shared fond memories in the years past. It’s one thing to provide the option to branch out of established social groups, but to purposefully split them up is gratuitous. High school is an experience that, thankfully, will not be replicated after graduation. Perhaps the best part of our time here is the people we have met and come to care for. Wouldn’t our remaining time be better spent appreciating them, instead of near-strangers?
Opinion
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - Tiger
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The enforcement of necessary boundaries
Facebook is not the place for a teacher-student relationship By Heather Vaughan Staff Writer
Daniel Willardson
Doing justice to students and retirees By Madison Amido Staff Writer Nine SPHS teachers and staff members will retire when the 2011-12 school year reaches its conclusion. When searching for new employees, the district should chiefly consider a candidate’s enthusiasm and ability to create an engaging learning environment. This year’s hiring is a rare chance to enlist multiple longterm faculty members that will maintain SPHS’s teacher quality and consistency. During the selection process, the district must remember that whomever they choose will not only affect the future of SPHS’s administration, but also directly and dramatically impact the lives of students. With the end of the school year approaching and retirement for specific employees finalized, one is drawn to reflect upon the legacy that these employees will leave behind: not only a history of employment, but also a record of student academic achievement that they greatly influenced during their tenure at the school. Considering today’s economic climate, this sudden need for teacher employment
should allow the district to have its pick of influential and eager teachers in need of work. Although candidates won’t have the years of experience that SPHS retirees boast, they will have fresh perspective; if the right teachers enter the South Pasadena school system next year, they’ll eventually have the same influence on this community that the departing faculty has had. For example, three retiring math teachers will leave significant room for new employment in SPHS mathematics. As the math program rebuilds, retiring Algebra teacher Mrs. Margaret Fullinwider believes that SPHS will hire skilled math instructors. “I know that South Pas will hire people who can really be strong in their mathematics and strong in their teaching,” said Fullinwider. The jobs that teachers are leaving and the educators that will fill their places will play a vital role in SPHS students’ futures. The new employees chosen must meet the standard of the best South Pasadena instructors. Effective teachers are bidding farewell to SPHS, and it would be a disservice to them, to the school, and to students if they weren’t replaced with employees of equal quality.
opinions, or photos that are not meant for student eyes. For a class to function Social networking sites are a valu- effectively, the teacher-student dynamic able tool for organizing school-related must be preserved—this dynamic does activities and can, in some cases, serve not include Facebook friendship. The issues that arise from this as a liaison between students and faculty. But numerous issues can arise when online mixing of teachers and students teachers and students interact via Face- can be easily resolved by simply banning students and teachers from officially bebook and other forms of social media. Allowing teachers and students to ing “friends” on social media sites. This is not to say that students be Facebook “friends” can be a breeding and teachers can’t interact ground for inapproonline effectively. Some priate relationships instructors use Facebook and activities. In Allowing teachers groups to share inforone extreme case, and students to be m a t i o n o n h o m ewo r k a New York teachFacebook “friends” and class projects. This er, who was later can be a breeding conduct, however, can be suspended, comground for inapproimplemented without an mented on a female priate relationships explicit Facebook friendstudent’s photos, and activities. ship. This way, teachers calling her “sexy” and their pupils can take and making other advantage of social meremarks. dia’s educational benefits This example is blatantly inappropriate, but even while avoiding the ills that online friendwhen teachers choose not to outwardly ship can foster. Once SPHS students become comment on their students’ personal information, they are still provided alumni, Facebook friendships become a an unnecessary glimpse into students’ method of continued communication inprivate lives on social sites. Such expo- stead of a potential in-class discomfort. S P H S t e a c h e r M s M a r ya n n sure to personal details, and some even potentially incriminating photos and Nielsen shares this sentiment. “I think it is important for students statuses can alter a teacher’s perception of students and encourage improper and teachers to maintain a healthy professional relationship, and so I do not behavior on the teacher’s part. Thes e po tenti al probl e ms go feel it is appropriate for me to know both ways. Just like students, teachers intimate details of their lives while they sometimes use Facebook to post rants, are in high school,” Nielsen said.
Tiger Newspaper Asks:
“Senioritis” is a well-known phenomenon; twelfth-grade students experience a lack of motivation and slipping grades after receiving college decisions near the end of the year. Is there substantial evidence, in your opinion, that senioritis is detrimental to graduating students? Is the responsibility to prevent this loss of motivation on the teachers, or the students? Tiffany Chen, Grade 12 Without the worry of college acceptances, we are liberated from mindnumbing work. Each person learns at his/her own pace, and senioritis is simply giving in to our natural tendencies to pursue what we like and what will benefit us and to ignore those things that make our brains rot. It’s the students’ responsibilities to be motivated, by grades or pride or OCD tendencies or genuine interest in a subject, to continue learning and maintaining grades, and teachers’ responsibilities to let students choose between doing work and succumbing to senioritis. YOLO. Make the most of it. Evan Davis, Grade 11 While I myself am not a senior, from what I’ve observed it doesn’t seem as though senioritis has many lasting effects on an individual. Granted it spurs on an extended period of lethargy in which students busy themselves with just about everything except school assignments, but this is to be expected. They’ve spent the past three and half years working towards being accepted into a college and, once they have, no longer need to pay attention to the finer points of high school, an institution that exists predominantly to prepare individuals
for said higher learning. So long as seniors can keep their grades within the passing range, senioritis is of no concern. Alongside that, most, if not all, of these individuals understand that this is just a phase, a sort of extension to the summer with a moderately increased workload, and default back to what could be considered “normal study habits” come first semester of college. Joyce Alexander, Grade 12 I think the responsibility lies with the student to keep up with their schoolwork. In the end, it won’t really kill you to Sparknote “Beloved.” If we’ve made it this far, we can make it for one more month. Seniors 2012. You only live once, so don’t screw it up. Miranda Gontz, Grade 12 Yes, there have definitely been cases of lower grades in classes where students would usually succeed and maybe a few more “YOLO” moments. But this I don’t think is the teacher’s fault, nor the students. This is the fault I think of the mentality of secondary school: to prepare you for college. Once one applies, is accepted, and has chosen a college, high school loses its purpose and therefore the attention of its students.
Emily Teraoka, Grade 12 Students experience a lack of motivation because, as of May, there are no more goals to reach for. We have applied and been accepted to college, we are finishing up AP exams, sports competitions, and year-end performances, and now we have nothing left to look forward to but graduation --which is a month away. Teachers are obliged to keep students busy with work until the end of the year, but this time around, seniors cannot tolerate what may be a waste of effort, because now there is no reward at the end of it all. The only thing left to accomplish as this awkward, empty period drags itself out is to not get rescinded from their school of choice. I think it is neither the fault of the students nor of the teachers, but rather just unfortunate timing that leaves both students and faculty worn out and uninspired. Aashrita Mangu, Grade 12 Senioritis would be detrimental if students didn’t know they were “affected” -- the reality is that most students embrace this “disease” with pride. When teachers make attempts on “curing” seniors, we simply ignore
it...I mean, who wants to do more work when everything we’ve worked towards so far has finally taken shape (college!)? Most students still do their part in (possibly) showing up to class or doing homework just to keep their grades afloat. Basically, senioritis is unavoidable, because we all like the idea of not having anything to do. This may be the last time we’ll ever truly feel that we are “done” -- after this, we have to worry about college, jobs, paying bills, and other nasty, real-world, adult things! Teachers, just give us a break! Jennifer Suh, Grade 12 Senioritis can be bad if your grades drop low enough for you to get rescinded from the school you got accepted into. But for the most part, everyone is able to keep at least a C in all their classes, so in my opinion, it’s fine. It’s part of being a second semester senior. We’re supposed to be having fun and not worrying about school. Seniors don’t really have any reason to get good grades anymore, but it is our responsibility to make sure our grades don’t us rescinded after all the work that we put into high school during the first three years.
8 Tiger - Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - Tiger “Prom was really fun and the site was, surprsingly, not too cold and very pretty. The best part was seeing everyone dressed up so beautifully and looking classy, and dancing with Mrs. Moonesinghe!” / Tiffany Chen
“I had a blast at prom. The photo booth was really fun and I of course enjoyed dancing the night away. Being chosen senior prom king was very shocking but also an extremely humbling experience. Cheers to a great night!” / Danny Shapiro
PROM 2012
Page by Jennifer Kim and Rachael Photos by Rachael Garner and Matt
“Great friends, beautiful date - what more could I ask for?”- Junior prince Austin Kahn
Corsages, boutonnieres, heels, tuxes, and expensive dresses. To high school students, these add up to a magical night on the dance floor: prom. This year, the “Secret Garden”-themed event took place on May 12 at the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens. The marshmallow-roasting station, photo booth, and imitation blackjack table were hits with students. The hours and days following prom were characterized by the annual outpouring of uploaded photos and Facebook statuses calling it a “lovely night” and “a blast.” For at least the most vocal partygoers, it was clearly a night to remember. / Amber Laird
Garner Winkel
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10 Tiger - Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Feature
Feature
Out and About The annual Fun Fair will be held in the parking lot behind the District Office this weekend. Food booths, games, and the traditional Ferris wheel will be open to the public; proceeds support local elementary schools. /Sofi Goode
SPHS music students plan fundraiser By Anne Kitchens Staff Writer Selling cheesecake isn’t the only way for SPHS instrumentalists to raise money. The South Pasadena High School band and orchestra are preparing to host a performance-based fundraiser on Sunday, May 20 in the SPHS auditorium. The event, scheduled to begin at 2:00 P.M., is in conjunction with independent film company Breaking Tide. Breaking Tide’s latest film, entitled Choosing Signs, will screen at the fundraiser, and both band and orchestra will perform before and after the screening. The event is also set to include a bake sale and a casual lunch available at an additional cost. Band and orchestra students are selling event tickets for ten dollars and are planning to put up signs and posters advertising the event. Choosing Signs is the story of an American girl living in Ireland who takes care of her mentally disabled brother. The May 20 event will be the only public screening of the film. The show was originally scheduled to debut at a venue in west Los Angeles, but was moved due to band and orchestra director Howard Crawford’s connection to one of the actors. Crawford worked with Gwendolyn Oliver last year during the production of David Zeiger’s independent film Sweet Old World. The two have planned this fundraiser together, and their respective programs will split the profits. The band and orchestra’s portion of the proceeds will be used to purchase new music and repair broken instruments. Crawford also intends to save some of the money for marching band next year, as he expects the field show to cost more than five thousand dollars. Crawford expects the event to draw many different types of people. “About two hundred ‘Hollywood types’ are expected to attend,” he said. Band and orchestra members are excited about this new fundraising method. “The members of the music program are thrilled to have this fundraiser opportunity and we encourage everyone to come see the film,” said senior orchestra member Melody Sue.
Katie Whitworth
Advanced dance performs its dress rehearsal for its annual spring concert, themed “Dare to Dance.” The team will perform its show of student-choreographed numbers twice, on May 17 and 18 at 7:00 P.M.
Dance faces fears at spring recital By Rachel Newhall Staff Writer Advanced Dance president senior Liz Jayamaha rushes out of seventh period every day, puts on her dance shoes, and runs into the dance room to rehearse for Advanced Dance’s spring concert, which will take place on May 17 and 18. Last year, the spring concert, “Gotta Dance,” had an outstanding turnout of over 600 people. The large number of attendees caused a delay in the beginning of the performance, so this year the concert will include two performances. The shows will be held in the SPHS auditorium. “The additional show will teach the dancers how to sustain a performance and grow for the next one like a true performer must,” said dance instructor Maria Del Bagno.
The theme, “Dare to Dance,” has created an expressive environment, allowing students to build a story behind each piece. “Each performer is confronting a challenge they are facing, or have faced,” said Jayamaha. The show features 24 performers from the sophomore, junior, and senior classes. The majority of the pieces are student-choreographed. Sophomores Kelinda White, Nina Parson, and Emma Bross and seniors Alex Hom and Jayamaha led choreography for most performances. The concert, which will open at 7:00 P.M. both nights, contains performances ranging from solo to ensemble, ballet to hip-hop, and rap to jazz. Many mainstream artists will be featured, such as Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Clarkson, and Travis Porter. Del Bagno is encouraging each dancer to explore the “Dare to Dance” theme in
his or her individual performance. Sophomore Leah Zeiger is pursuing a “Dare to Heal” theme. After she tore her ACL, doctors told Zeiger that she would not be able to perfom for nine months. The opening night of the show will be exactly three months after Zeiger’s surgery and, despite limitations, she is scheduled to perform. Because every piece has such great meaning to each individual, the creative environment is essential. “There is no criticism in the dance room,” said sophomore dancer Jesse Phelps. The team has excellent chemistry and a great work ethic, both critical factors in the expected success of the spring concert. Audiences should look forward to an upbeat, energetic performance that is sure to have it on its feet by the end.
Personality Profile: Anthony Brocatto By Natalie McLain Staff Writer
Jennifer Kim
Brocatto has a strong interest in various social causes such as police brutality and worker’s rights.
He’s a hipster’s idea of a hipster. With an eclectic mix of passion for social ills, various musical and literary interests, and a unique outlook on life, senior Anthony Brocatto is tough to define by typical standards. A politically-driven student and brother to seven sisters, Brocatto presents a dynamic, elusive character determined to challenge the boundaries set by authority. Even the small things hold significance and meaning to Brocatto. His favorite color is red, which, while a trivial subject for many, has a story all its own. “I see it being a symbol for the greatest, passionate love... However, on the other hand, it’s complete anger and frustration all at the same time... It’s a complete paradox in and of itself, and I think that
it is a statement about human existence. We’re all these paradoxes of different things rolled into one, and yet we still try to define each other,” he said. He dedicates similar passion to addressing social causes, including police brutality, sexism and racism, deportation, and workers’ rights. Brocatto took part in the annual May 1 general strike that swept across Los Angeles. He spent much of the day “finding ways around” blockades of police officers that were trying to impede the movement of the strike. Brocatto’s father, an anarchist and a member of the International Workers of the World, is the main source of inspiration for Anthony’s involvement in improving social conditions. He also looks to Karl Marx as one of his primary role models. “All we can respect in life is to contribute as much as we can to the individu-
als that surround us,” said Brocatto. Perhaps better known by much of the student body is Brocatto’s strong interest in music. He occasionally performs with his synthesizer on the Tiger Patio and casually plays guitar during most lunches and passing periods. Brocatto has been playing instruments since fourth grade, including the recorder, trombone, violin, guitar, and keyboard. For him, music is a manifestation of emotion, which he relies upon as a source of happiness. But his sensitivity to the plights of others ensures that he will never be politically or emotionally content with said happiness, especially if it ends within himself. “People have a tendency to limit the universe to themselves,” said Brocatto. “But really, you should put enough thought into the world around you to where you want to make a change for other people.”
Feature
Iz, Short for Izz
By Amber Laird
Tiger - Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Like this comic? You can view it in full color at tigernewspaper.com.
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Students send art to State Fair By Joshua Roquemore Staff Writer
Personality Profile: Lilian Coie She volunteers regularly at the Skid Row Housing Trust, which provides housing for people on Skid Row. Coie is also a dedicated musician. She Some people are into performing arts. began playing the violin in second grade, Some people are more doctor-scientist types. and continues today in the South Pasadena Some volunteer. Some drive around at night High School Orchestra. She also enjoys listening to a tape called Jinglecats. listening to music, citing indie and oldies as Senior Lilian Coie, on the other her favorites. Her musical escapades include hand, forgoes the choice and simply does going to Coachella and seeing JonWayne it all. at The Airliner. She complements her pasCoie was born in Ecuador and is flusion by working as an usher at Huntington ent in both English and Spanish. However, Chamber Music. she is hardly content with bilingualism and Coie’s ambition and ambiable perintends to learn was she refers to as “the pretsonality endear her to friends. ty languages” (French and Italian) in college. Senior Wilson Muller, “I want to learn French owner of the aforementioned so I can see little babies and go, Jinglecats tape, said, “She has a ‘Aw, petit enfant,’” said Coie. great laugh and loves to express Her international heriher creativity through her drawtage has also sparked a love of ings on my car windshield.” travel. She hopes to travel to Whether she’s learning Spain, Greece and Japan. a new language, traveling the Her curiosity about the world, studying medicine, or enunknown is accompanied by a joying music, Coie is not afraid to love for antiquity and heritage. express her passions in a way that Coie returns to Ecuador every touches the lives of other people. summer; though the trip is a Her incontrovertible sense of huvacation, Ecuador still holds mor just adds to her friendly, wellaspects of home for Coie. She Siria Medina has taken dance classes, taught Senior Lilian Coie has been playing violin for ten years. rounded personality. English at her aunt’s school, and interned with a doctor in rural Ecuador delivering birth control and anti-parasitic drugs to locals while visiting her country of origin. In Ecuador, Coie met a 102-year-old woman in good health who did her own laundry. That, in part, inspired her to become a doctor. Coie will be attending UCLA next year and intends to major in neuroscience. After she finishes her education, Coie hopes to move back to Ecuador, where doctors are in high demand and a lack of restrictions makes it easier to help patients directly. However, Coie is not letting current circumstances stop her from helping others.
By Amber Laird Staff Writer
A buzz of excitement has been all but tangible in ROP and practical arts classes for the last month. Every May, SPHS art students send their finest woodworking, photography, and design projects to the California State Fair. The State Fair is an annual exhibition of student work; categories include photography, graphic design, architecture, and woodworking. SPHS has a collection of 164 entries to be submitted for competition this year. “Kids in my classes are preparing all year for the State Fair,” said architecture and woodworking teacher Mr. Bruce Jessen. “I will be delivering the items this Saturday, so many students are beginning to wrap up their projects.” Some of the most creative woodworking items include a rocking chair, a shelf, and a snare drum. Last year, senior Michael Amaya created a table that won first place for woodworking as well as the Green Futures award. This year he will be entering yet another unique creation. “It was really exciting winning the prize and the money,” said Amaya. “This year I am entering a Maloof Rocker rocking chair, but I have only had one semester to work on the chair. Although I don’t have as much time as I did last year, I’m hoping I can do well again.” Many students chose to compete on a more visual level. All students enrolled in ROP teacher Mr. Mike Hogan’s photography classes have the option of submitting individual photos for competition. 104 entries have been submitted from photo classes alone. “I love finding an angle or perspective for my photos that no one else would think of,” said senior Joshua Escandon. “I entered three pretty awesome pictures this year. I’m excited to see what happens.”
After school ends, students take part in a variety of activities: summer school, vacation, and sports. Some locations seem to become a hub for summer jobs.
Menchie’s If you’re craving a cool treat this summer, head over to Menchie’s and senior Trent Kajikawa can assist you. Last May, Kajikawa was offered a job at Menchies after previously organizing multiple fundraisers with the yogurt chain. “After every shift I get a free cup of fro-yo which is pretty chill.” Centrally located on Mission Street, Menchie’s is a popular after-school joint for many SPHS students. Its frozen yogurt is particularly appealing during the hot summer months; while a few students usually work behind the counter, more are set to join their ranks for the break.
The Canoe House USC Lab Research The Canoe House, which is owned by the same people as The Diner on Main and Shakers, is an island-themed restaurant on the corner of Fair Oaks Avenue and Hope Street. A laidback atmosphere and quality food motivated several SPHS seniors to seek jobs at the joint soon after it opened. This summer, senior Evelyn Ashleigh can be found giving customers a warm welcome at the Canoe House. Ashleigh has been employed at the restaurant for four months. She tackled the job with past experience as a summer camp leader and a volunteer. “The only downside is sometime it gets me hyper and it takes me a while to wind down before bed time.”
Trouble finding a job? They’re hiring!
From June to August, junior William Jones will be working in the labs at USC. Jones will be interning at the Norris Cancer Center to do research on lung cancer. He hopes to use this to determine whether he wants to pursue a career in science. “I’m going to learn about early prevention and detection of lung cancer as well as a lot of the basic skills used in a lab.” Every summer, a biological research lab at University of Southern California opens its doors to high schoolers. Dr. Ite Laird allows interested students to do research with those in her graduate program, attend lab meetings, and give a presentation at the end of the summer.
Reporting by: Christian Miyamae and Clem Witherall Photos by: Rachael Garner and Theo Mandin-Lee
Who: Cha for Tea The Job: Waiter
Who: Starbucks on Fair Oaks The Job: Barista
picasaweb.google.com
Who: Fair Oaks Pharmacy The Job: Cashier/Ice cream
dailycaller.com
12 Tiger - Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Feature
SPHS CLUBS: CLOSE-UP With AP exams, sports, and increased workloads, there aren’t many clubs that continue to stay active during second semester. Nonetheless, several clubs exceed expectations with their service or participation. These clubs contribute both to the school and community in unique ways. Jennifer Orr
Key Club
Jeffrey Xiong
This service club is one of the most active at the high school. Key Club members focus on serving their community and learning leadership skills. The newly elected club officers, sophomores Annie Lu, Jason Wang, Nathan Lee, and Michael Ruan, began their terms in April after attending this year’s annual District Convention in Santa Clara.
LOOK International Siria Medina
Science Club
“I felt we were too focused on competitions [last year]. As president this year, I brought scientists to show how you can apply science to the real world.” - Fedor Kossakovski
“The motto of Key Club is: ‘Caring is our way of life.’ No club will ever make you feel as welcome... Come for the volunteering, stay for the family.” - Michael Ruan
“I think that the best clubs are those that are entirely student-managed. I have a supportive role. If they ask me to show up somewhere, I do!” - Mr. Paul Groves, Advisor
SPHS’s Science Club has taken many steps to stay active throughout the year. Members competed in the L.A. County Science Olympiad, and two professors from CalTech were among those who spoke at club meetings. Sophomore Jack Bishop and junior Andrew Hon were elected to be next year’s presidents of Science Club.
The club was founded by senior Jason Sim, who handed over the reins to his brother, sophomore Jake Sim, this year. LOOK International’s goal is to raise awareness of worldwide inequality and injustice and serve the underprivileged. In addition to feeding the homeless at Skid Row, the club is also addressing the issue of human trafficking.
“[For our new cause] we are surveying and petitioning people for change, and will be taking our results to a congressman... We have a goal of at least 2000 surveys.” -Jake Sim
“During my time in LOOK, all of the Skid Row experiences were really memorable. I met people from other schools who are also part of LOOK.” -Mariela Carrillo
Reporting by Rhian Moore, Photos by Rachael Garner
Coldplay rocks Hollywood Bowl By Libby Rainey Editor-in-Chief A sea of flashing wristbands and screaming fans greeted British band Coldplay as it kicked off its last in of a series of concerts at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday, May 4. The crowd sang along to “The Scientist,” watched lead singer Chris Martin throw his guitar in the air after “God Put a Smile Upon Your Face” and saw the stage light up to “Paradise,” off the group’s latest album, Mylo Xyloto, during the band’s ninety-minute set. Martin and the band commanded the stage, and had the crowd of over 17,000 on its feet for new hits and classics off old albums such as Parachutes and X & Y. “[Coldplay] had the audience really involved and it was so colorful. They played great songs off Mylo Xyloto but also didn’t forget old hits. It was really great,” said freshman Hannah Winnie, who attended the May 2 concert. A high point of the energetic show was Coldplay’s bittersweet cover of “Fight For Your Right,” by the Beastie Boys, a mellow interpretation in honor of Adam “MCA” Yauch, who died on May 4. The band’s other cover came at the end of the night, when Chris Martin sang “What a Wonderful World,” with substituted lyrics. “I feel so good, you made me feel so whole. Thanks for three incredible nights at the Hollywood Bowl,” sang Martin, before transitioning into “Fix You.” The show ended with a cascade of fireworks. Senior Lillie Moffett also attended the concert on May 2. “Light-up wristbands, Chris Martin’s beautiful performance and connection with the audience, fireworks, blow-up balls, crazy lights, unbelievable energy of the audience. That pretty much sums up one of the best concerts I’ve been to,” she said.
stereogum.com
Coldplay lead guitarist Jonny Buckland performs at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on May 2.
By Sofi Goode Feature Editor The Guinness Book of World Records has some pretty crazy stuff: loudest purr by a domestic cat, world’s longest taxi ride, largest wave ever ridden. Among these quirky records is a 1500-square-foot house in Altadena, the home to the world’s largest collection of bunnies. Dubbed “The Bunny Museum” by owners Candace Frazee and Steve Lubanski, the collection includes over 28,000 bunnies and is growing larger by the day. The couple started collecting bunnies nineteen years ago, when Lubanski gave
Frazee a bunny as a symbol of their mutual nickname, “honey bunny.” Every morning since then, they have exchanged bunny-related objects. We took off for the Bunny Museum with really no idea what to expect. It was clearly identifiable from the street by the huge, bunny-shaped hedge. That was only the beginning of the vaguely creepy bunny insanity. Frazee opened the door, accepted our five-dollar donations and vegetables for the bunnies, and then set us loose on her cramped house, where she lives and manages the museum. The hallways, living room, dining room, kitchen,
and TV room are essentially indiscernable under mounds of bunny paraphernalia. We ogled at everything from two-inch-tall china replicas to a six-foot wire
bunny in the backyard. We even spent a few minutes feeding two live bunnies, who were resting beneath an impressive display of bunny board games. Our brief time with Candance and her 28,000 bunnies was both thrilling and terrifying. Those that take the twenty-minute trip to see the bunny-laden spectacle may be mildly scarred by the sheer quantity of items, but it’s worth the drive and veggie donation to witness this rare and slightly fanatical display. Have a hoppy day!
Photos by Rachael Garner
Dark Shadows is neither gothic nor comedy By Meghan Roche Staff Writer 2.5/5
Moviegoers and classic TV fans will be disappointed by Tim Burton’s and Johnny Depp’s latest offering, Dark Shadows, based off of the 1960s gothic soap opera of the same name. Though major star power and quality production values kept the film from sinking entirely, it leaves much to be desired. The film begins on a positive note, plowing through an intricate backstory in a quick and entertaining pre-credits sequence, which effectively explains just how Barnabas Collins (Johnny Depp) became a vampire. When he rejected the advances of one of his enormously wealthy family’s servants, the servant revealed herself to be a witch and confined him to a coffin for 200 years.
When he is finally dug up by a team of unwitting construction workers, the year is 1972, but Barnabas still speaks and acts as if it were 1770. When he discovers that his illustrious family name has been tarnished by the same witch who condemned him to a life of vampirism, Barnabas uses charm and a little bit of hypnotism to restore the Collins family, as well as Collinwood Manor itself, to its former glory. As a “gothic comedy,” the film is badly balanced—neither scary nor funny enough to call it either. Like its soap opera counterpart, the film suffers from a lack of focus; it has so many different plot lines that they are forced to compete for screen time. Unfortunately, none of these plots receives enough attention to be especially interesting, and many of them never have the chance to completely mature or even conclude. Worse yet, audiences are flooded with what ends
up being the majority of the key plot information in the last act, which ends up reading as a cheap cop-out to audiences already tired from having to follow the rest of this mess. Much of the humor found in the film was intended as camp, but the majority of it fell flat. Perhaps moviegoers more familiar with the cult classic on which the movie was based would have found the satire a bit more biting, but to the average moviegoer, the effect was mostly just underwhelming. However, director Tim Burton’s twenty-plus years in the business have not completely gone to waste in this film. Sets, dialogue, music and other atmospherics meet Burton’s usual high artistic standards: beautifully styled, marrying the gothic with the ‘70s surprisingly well. Though there were eventually plenty of laughs to be found, Dark Shadows did not live up to expectations.
Feature
The Avengers is witty and well-made By Sofi Goode Feature Editor 4.5/5
It is not often that a new movie takes the coveted title of highest-grossing opening weekend of all time. Marvel’s The Avengers, which opened on May 4, has both the hype and the quality to carry the position. Four of Marvel’s past superhero movies bring their protagonists together to form the alliance known as the Avengers. Master assassins Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) join Captain America (Chris Evans), the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.) to form a team that gathers to save the world from Loki, the God of Mischief from Asgard and brother of Thor. Loki comes to Earth with a plan to “free humanity” from freedom. He steals the Tesseract, an unbelievably powerful magical artifact, and is able to hide it away before being captured by the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). Fury unofficially assembles the Avengers to find the Tesseract before
seamlessly wound complicated backstories together, staying remarkably true to each superhero’s past. Even more outstanding are the film’s special effects. From Ruffalo turning into the Hulk and huge 100foot aliens soaring above New York City, the effects are both intricate and believable. Supernatural energies and intergalactic worlds were depicted with the same realism as a small town in India. ifanboy.com The Avengers is fanLoki can open a portal from tastically put together. A witty the alien world of Chitauri to script, an intricate plot, and impressive special effects comEarth. From the action-packed bine to make a movie woropening sequence to the hour- thy of the superheroes that long battle scene in downtown it stars. Manhattan, there is never a dull moment. The lead actors from the four prequels By Daniel balance out on the screen. Though it isn’t necessary to watch any of their individual films to understand the plot, the more movies one has seen, the more depth is revealed. On top of a riveting, continually progressing plot, The Avengers is amazingly well written. Witty lines leave the audience laughing out loud, and the team has a sense of humor even in the midst of battle. The script
Typical
Tiger - Wednesday, May 16, 2012
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E OVER heard Illustrations by Amber Laird
Willardson
Like this comic? You can view it in full color at tigernewspaper.com.
14 Tiger - Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Cece Zhu Varsity track and cross country runner Cece Zhu is reaching the finish line of a fantastic senior year. Zhu has participated in cross country and track since her sophomore year, with personal bests of 5:30 in the 1600, 11:59.25 in the 3200, and 19:20 in the three mile. Zhu has worked to become a force to be reckoned with on the cross country and track teams. She qualified for cross country CIF two years in a row and is now in her first year competing in CIF for track. Zhu will be heading to UC Davis next fall, and although competition will be tough at a D-1 school, Zhu plans to try out for the cross country team. Prior to a meet, Zhu can be found sneaking in a quick nap, whether on the stands or in the bus. “Any chance I get before my race, I will sleep. I’m just so nervous about it and the only way to stop thinking about it is to knock out,” said Zhu.
Sports
Zhu acknowledges that distance running is challenging, both physically and mentally, but has learned to fight through the pain. “I feel like anyone could [run] if they wanted to, but most people think it’s too painful. My motto is always, ‘Just do it,’” said Zhu. When she isn’t running, Zhu spends time working on visual art and frequenting the library. Zhu is also an extreme Anaheim Ducks fan. Zhu believes that aspiring runners must push themselves if they truly want to reap the benefits of distance running. “I once saw this one t-shirt that said, ‘Our sport is other sport’s punishment,’ and I thought it was hilarious, because I think we’re tougher than most sports. It’s definitely a rewarding experience,” said Zhu. “Cece is constantly laughing or smiling. She always makes the best of the situations, even during gruesome intervals,” said fellow runner Kaylee Anderson. -Madison Amido
ter winning the 100 fly at league championships and nabbing second in the 100 back. His impressive stats make it easy to assume that the current varsity captain was simply born an athlete; however, it has taken Elaziz nearly seven years to reach his current level. After immigrating to Los Angeles from Turkey in 2005, Elaziz began training with the club program at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center. With passion and a grueling athletic regiment – often including two full-length practices a day, as well as weight sets – he steadily ascended club levels, advancing from Junior to Senior and, for the past two years, National – the most competitive of the Rose Bowl Siria Medina teams. Senior Sarp Elaziz has been swimming for the Rose Bowl for “People like Sarp make seven years, and has risen to National level in competition. individual swimmers into a team. The guy loves to have fun and he knows it – but he also motivates us with his immense devotion and his genuine desire to watch us sucSenior Sarp Elaziz is one of the fastest ceed,” said teammate junior Mike Chang. The senior is looking toward the medical swimmers in SPHS history. He has broken multiple school and personal field and preparing for his freshman year at Cal records this year – including the 100 backstroke Poly San Luis Obispo with a spot in the Los reocrd four different times, with a PR of 55 sec- Angeles Pediatric Society’s Eve and Gene Black onds. He has shattered his own PRs in both his Summer Medical Career Program. Although he 50 and 100 meter freestyle splits, swimming 21.09 has no official plans to swim in college, Elaziz and 48.01 respectively at league finals. Elaziz won’t let the water go that easily. He is considering came one second short of setting the school record walking on to Cal Poly’s team, or even trying his in the 100 butterfly with a time of 52.55 seconds. hand at water polo. Elaziz also qualified for CIF this month af-Erin Chan
Sarp Elaziz
Jennifer Kim
Cece Zhu, a senior, finds the best way to prep for her intense races is to nap.
Sports
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - Tiger
Softball closes league in fourth; misses CIF berth By Christian Miyamae Staff Writer South Pasadena softball’s season came to a close on Thursday with a 10-0 loss to the La Cañada Spartans. Under new head coach Ted Mureau, the girls finished in fourth-place with an overall record of 8-14. The girls’ 4-8 record in the Rio Hondo League was an impressive improvement from last year’s winless season. Thursday’s loss to La Cañada was credited to the Trojan offense, which produced ten runs on seventeen hits. South Pasadena’s offense could only muster two hits; senior Melissa Payne and sophomore Chelsea Hong each hit singles. Pitching was a problem for the Tigers, as freshman Cassie Baca pitched 4 1/3 innings and was charged with nine runs. “I think overall the team has improved tremendously from last year,”
said sophomore Katie Donovan. “We have shown the other teams that we are a threat and have become a competing factor in the Rio Hondo League. We definitely have the potential to keep showing them what we have next year.” The team will have ten returning players next year, seven of which will be seniors. The team will look to junior Cynthia Ream-Garcia offensively, who
led the team this year with a .348 average, four home runs, and fifteen RBIs. Pitching-wise, freshman Baca maintained a 3.45 ERA throughout her first year and will return next year as the number-one starter. Loaded with a promising blend of experience and young talent, the Tigers will look to climb higher in the standings in 2013.
Katie Whitworth
Freshman Cassie Baca is safe at first base during a May 10 game versus LC.
Tennis looks to future with more experience By Harry Yadav Senior Staff Writer The season officially ended for the South Pasadena boys tennis team at Rio Hondo League prelims on Wednesday, May 2. The event was held at Live Oak Park in Temple City. Not a single Tiger qualified for league finals the next day. To qualify for Finals on Thursday, the players had to defeat two opponents on Wednesday. A few Tigers made it to the second round. Senior Jordan Chang beat a Monrovia challenger in the first round. In the second round, however, Chang lost to San Marino standout James Wade by
a score of 0-6. The doubles pairing of junior Scott Richards and senior Phillip Kim defeated a duo from La Cañada in round one. Unfortunately, in round two they fell by a score of 4-8. Another hard-fought performance came from senior co-captain Eren Cameron, who barely lost by a score of 6-8 in round one to La Cañada’s top singles player. “It was a tough day but we fought hard,” said Cameron, “I had to leave everything on the court because it was my last day of high school competition.” The Tigers will say goodbye to seven seniors at graduation this year, five of whom are starters.
However, many of this year’s team leaders were juniors. Next season, head coach Jim Asher will have a much more experienced core of seniors. The 2013 team will be led by Richards, and fellow juniors Krishna Mocherla and Shyam Senthilkumar. “This year was a bit of a struggle but it was important to gain experience for next year,” said Richards.
4/25 SPHS v. TC 1-17 L
4/27 SPHS v. TC 1-17 L
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Golf wraps up at prelims By Carlton Lew Assoc. Opinion Editor After a successful regular season, the 2012 boys golf campaign ended with CIF prelims on May 7. After securing a share of the league title with San Marino, the boys were able to qualify for the team CIF divisional round. The qualification to team CIF ended a four-year drought for the Tigers. The post-season tournament was held at the Soule Golf Course in Ojai. The Tigers put together a good team effort with senior captain Harry Yadav leading the way, shooting a 79. Junior Cole Teague and sophomore Henry Sue followed closely behind with an 81 and 82 respectively. Junior Kenneth Rodriguez finished the day with a 92 and senior Zach Lindecamp added a solid 99. Junior Kevin Ryu rounded out the Tiger effort with a 102. “This year was a great year,” Rodriguez said. “We lost a teammate in the beginning of the season, but we came back strong with everyone stepping up their game. We were able to place second in league and make it to team CIF, which is something we all should be very proud of.” Yadav was the only golfer from South Pas to qualify for individual CIF competition. “This season has been pretty good, as our coach didn’t quite expect us to do too well,” Sue said. “I think we really pulled through and well exceeded Coach Goto’s expectations. Team CIF was quite fun, as we had the opportunity to meet and play with some great players from around Southern California. Altogether, it was a fun experience.” Visit tigernewspaper.com for more extensive coverage of boys golf.
Baseball finds success in last game of the 2012 season By Rachel Newhall Staff Writer In the last game of their high school careers, seniors Dylan Trimarchi, Justin Cornford, Keaton Leach, and Matt Pinson broke the Tigers’ thirteen-game losing streak and defeated the La Cañada Spartans 13-0. The team attributes the win to the drastically different mentality with which it entered the game. “We wanted to have a fun, ‘no pressure’ last game,” Trimarchi said. This mental change proved beneficial for the Tigers and resulted in what Trimarchi believes to be the best game of their season. SPHS had a team batting average of .486,
.224 higher than its season-long batting average. Freshman Andrew Shults, sophomore Alex Chu, sophomore Joey Harmon, junior Johnny Karalis, junior Mark Swanson, and all four seniors scored runs. The seniors led the team, scoring seven of the thirteen runs and hitting eleven of the team’s eighteen hits. Pinson reached base three times for three runs, Cornford went two for four with one run, and Leach went two for four t with two runs. Season-long standout player Trimarchi went four for four and accumulated two runs for the Tigers. Trimarchi had the second-highest batting average in the Rio Hondo League, only one hit behind the leading batter. The seniors also dominated the game in
pitching. Leach pitched the first five innings and good season, but on learning life lessons it was struck out eleven Spartans. Cornford pitched the a great season for everybody.” following inning. For the seventh and last inning of the seniors’ high school baseball experience, Trimarchi pitched for the first time in his four years on the SPHS team. Despite his lack of experience on the mound, he did not give up any runs. This win brought the Tigers to a 2-10 record in league. “We played to our potential and we finally played true Tiger baseball,” said Pinson. SPHS tied for last place in league with La Cañada. Bill Glazier Head Coach Anthony Chevrier said, “On a win-lose scale it wasn’t a The Tigers will lose four starters to graduation.
Off Campus: South Pas athletes excel in AYSO “The championship game was ridiculous. It’s terrible to lose when the other team doesn’t even get the ball in the net. The controversial calls really made the difference, but overall the season was very enjoyable.” - Leo Parker IV, sophomore
GrahamWitherall
“We had a brand new team… yet we were so successful from the first game. It was definitely a season with more ups than downs.” - Mathewos Ghebrekristos, senior
SPHS had two AYSO YDP teams associated with it this spring season, one a Boys Under 16 team and the other a Boys Under 19. Both teams fared relatively well. The U16 team, which consisted of SPHS students Leo Parker, Nathan Lam, Jesse Phelps, Raoul Huang Liu, Clem Witherall, as well as players from Poly and St. Francis, went undefeated except for two games, which it forfeited due to a lack of players. The team scored 28 goals through the nine-game season while only allowing five goals. The squad lost 1-0 in a close championship game against Pasadena this past weekend due to a controversial call involving a ricochet off the goalpost which was counted as a goal.
The U19 team, which included students Mathewos Ghebrekristos, Steven Blackwell, Fedor Kossakovski, Max White, Daniel Ruatta, Cody Dunn, Cesco O’Brien, Chris Mejia, Liam Hise, Robert Hernandez, and John Farnworth, had a similar experience. They performed very well when players showed up, but forfeited some games because they could not field enough players. The team was scheduled to play in a consolation match after falling to Glendale in the semis, but forfeited after only six players showed up. This resulted in an automatic fourth-place finish. Still, members of the team agreed that they all had a rewarding experience nonetheless. /Jackson Atwater
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Sports Tiger - Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Sports
Spring League Records: Boys Track: 3-2 Baseball: 2-10 Golf: 4-3
Volleyball: 4-1 Softball: 4-8 Girls Track: 5-0
Boys Tennis: 2-6 Boys Swimming: 6-3 Girls Swimming: 9-0
Boys volleyball falls in third round matchup By Matt DeFulgentiis Staff Writer
Siria Medina
Freshman Jasmine Lee races in the 100-yard butterfly during Rio Hondo League Finals on Friday, May 4.
Swim finishes season in CIF prelims SP manages strong closing results but falls short of qualifying for further rounds By Shyam Senthilkumar Buisness Manager The 2011-2012 swim season came to an end last Thursday at the Riverside Aquatics Complex. Out of a total of 32 swimmers, only senior captain Sarp Elaziz from the boys’ team qualified to race. In total, four individual Tiger swimmers and two girla relay teams team competed. The boys’ single swimmer, Elaziz, competed in both the 100 butterfly and the 100 backstroke. The top twenty swimmers from each event qualify for finals, but Elaziz missed the mark, placing 22nd in the butter-
fly with a time of 52.27 and 29th in the backstroke with a time of 55.26. Elaziz holds the school record in the 100 backstroke and came one second short of breaking the record in the 100 butterfly. “It was a great experience,” Elaziz said. “I just went out there and had a lot of fun. It’s a little disappointing that I didn’t qualify for finals, but this season has been a blast.” Sophomore Samantha Zavala competed in the 200 freestyle and the 500 freestyle. Zavala finished in a time of 1:59.65 in the 200, placing 35th. She completed the 500 freestyle in 30th place with a time of 5:12.56.
Her younger sister, freshman Sabrina Zavala, finished in 35th place in the 500 freestyle with a time of 5:18.06. “Overall our girls team did very well,” said Samantha Zavala. “We all trained hard this year to meet our goal to become league champs and not share the title. I think our season was a success; we were undefeated the whole season with only a few challenges along the way, especially with San Marino, but I think we all stepped up and took the challenge.” The 200 freestyle relay, which broke the school record earlier at the Rio Hondo League Championships, fin-
ished in a time of 1:43.66. “CIF was a great experience going and swimming against the top swimmers in Division I. It was a really awesome opportunity and I hope to go again next year,” said sophomore Liza Echeverria, who competed with both relay teams. The boys team has only four graduating seniors, so the future remains bright, though the team will have to recover from the losses of captains Carlton Lew and Elaziz. “I am sad it’s over, and we are losing some amazing swimmers, but I’m sure we will gain even more talent next year,” said Zavala.
Record-breaking relays launch into CIF finals Alex Tranquada and Max White Copy Editors
Jennifer Kim
Senior Zoë Detzel takes third place in the 100 meter hurdles during Rio Hondo League Finals on May 12.
SPHS’s girls track team is the strongest it’s been in years, and the Tigers proved it on Saturday at CIF Division 3 Prelims in Costa Mesa. Seven South Pas girls qualified for CIF finals in individual events, along with both the 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams. Freshman phenom Nina Acebo achieved the highest placing of any South Pas athlete, running the fastest time of the meet in the 100-meter hurdles; she also qualified in the 300-meter hurdles, long jump, and 4x100. Sophomore Kamia Willis also qualified in four events, and will compete on Saturday in the 200, 400, 4x100, and 4x400. Freshman Jazmin Jackmon proved her potential by qualifying in the 200, 4x100, and long jump. “I definitely think we have a chance of making it even further than finals,” said junior Anika Renken, a member of the 4x400. “We’ve been building up to this all season, and
based on how we ran on Saturday, [the CIF Masters meet] is a pretty realistic goal for us.” Renken also competed in the 800, but did not qualify for finals. The girls’ success in CIF came after record-breaking performances at Rio Hondo League Finals, held on May 5. The girls, already undefeated in dual-meet competition, took seven league championships in both individual and relay events. Willis led the way by setting three new league records, one individually in the 400 and two with teammates in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. Fellow sophomore Helena Van Loan dominated the distance races, winning both the 1600 and 3200 and setting the league record with a time of 5:07 in the 1600. CIF finals will be held on Saturday at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut. Visit tigernewspaper.com for extended coverage of boys track qualifiers.
Emotions ran high on Saturday night, and the pressure was on for the Tigers. Having already won the Rio Hondo League championship and its first two rounds of CIF playoffs, the South Pasadena boys volleyball team was matched up against host Camarillo in the CIF Southern Section Division III quarterfinal match. Unfortunately for the Tigers, the night ended in defeat. Despite coming out strong and taking the first game 31-29, the Tigers dropped the next three games to the Scorpions 25-21, 25-10, 25-17. “They [Camarillo] were a good team and tough to beat, which was expected, but in the end we just didn’t play as well as we could have,” said South Pasadena head coach Ben Diaz. “We weren’t on the top of our game. We didn’t come out with the same energy we had in our previous matches, and they [Camarillo] took advantage of it.” This loss ended the Tigers’ longest postseason run in seven years. Previously, South Pasadena was able to defeat the Gahr Gladiators 3-0, and took an exciting 3-1 home win against the fourth-seeded Claremont Wolfpack. However, the boys still fell short of their biggest goal—winning CIF. “It’s awful that we weren’t able to continue and go farther into CIF—I feel like we were capable of going to the finals. But we were still able to win league and make it this far, which is pretty amazing,” said sophomore Andrew Rudchenko. “It was an awesome experience to be a part of this team. We did great and should be proud of what we accomplished.” The Camarillo match was the last time seniors Thomas Adamson, Ben Hillman, Alireza Jabalameli, Tim Szu, Samudra Thio, and Nick Hudson got to put on the South Pasadena jersey, as their high school volleyball careers came to a collective end. “It’s unfortunate that we’re losing a few of our key guys after this year; they were great players and I’m lucky I had the opportunity to coach them,” said Diaz. “We did well this year and achieved a lot. Now it’s time to work hard with the younger guys so we can come out and do it again next year.”
Matt Winkel
SPHS dominated Gahr 3-1 last Thursday but fell to Camarillo 3-1 away on May 12.