20:1 class ratios could be cut in 2013-2014 By Meghan Roche Staff Writer A recent SPUSD board meeting revealed that the expiration of funding for last year’s highly-debated parcel tax could lead to the expansion of certain classes to at least 30 students per teacher in 2013-14. Students in SPHS freshman English classes, as well as students in K-3 could be affected by an increase from the current 20:1 ratio. SPUSD Superintendent Mr. Joel Shapiro said, “If state funding improves over the next two years, that assumption can change. It’s an assumption based on the current funding level.” Given the current level of funding SPUSD receives from the state, the only way the reductions would be able to continue after 201213 is through an extension of the parcel tax. Nonetheless, some South Pasadena parents are not happy with the spectre of increased class size. “My son is pretty anti-social in his kindergarten class. I’m worried that he’ll become even more isolated if his teachers can’t give him as much attention in the future,” said one Marengo Elementary School parent. Not all parents are as worried, however. Some take into account that there has been what they consider little research that confirms smaller class size ratios to be better. Sophomore Evan Davis said, “I didn’t really think having a small English class last year was much better than this year’s class. It depends on how much supervision people need, I guess.”
Spring musical delights
By Kelsey Hess Staff Writer Eighty-one SPHS student actors, choral singers, stage crew workers and orchestra members were showcased in The Sound of Music, performed in the high school auditorium on May 19, 20 and 21. SPHS English teacher Mr. Daniel Enright directed the musical, and he considers it a great success. “I think it went fabulously. I had the most talented people in the school participating, and I’m so lucky that they had faith in me,” said Enright. Senior Jake Folsom starred as Captain Georg vonTrapp opposite junior Libby Rainey, who played Maria. Senior Elise Gabriel played the Mother Abbess, junior Meghan Roche acted as Elsa Schraeder, and senior Nick Primuth played Max Detweiler. Freshman Sophie Negrini and senior Jefferson Astle performed as Liesl and Rolf. Economics teacher Ms Melissa Muntz choreographed and costumed the show. The school choir and orchestra dedicated their time to the performance as well; Orchestra Director Mr. Howard Crawford and Assistant Director Mr. Albert Chung directed the 27 person orchestra each night, and Mr. Michael Gray conducted the Arroyo Seco Ensemble in the balcony. This year was also the first time in several years that open auditions were held for the spring play. The theater was filled near capacity every night. According to Enright, around 1800 tickets were sold. “Right before the show we were all nervous. But once you go onstage with your friends, it’s pretty fun,” said senior Sam Swayze, who played Franz. “It was a great experience, and I’m really glad I did it.”
Seniors and faculty members head to Yosemite this week By Amber Laird Staff Writer Sixty seniors and five teachers—Mr. Josh Whitney, Mr. Casey Shotwell, Mr. Don Wielenga, Mr. Shane Mills, and Ms Bethany Budde—are all absent from school this week for a common reason: they all left at 5:00 am on Sunday to embark on an adventure in Yosemite National Park They will have no access to technology, and will carry all their belongings on their backs. A longstanding tradition at SPHS, the senior Yosemite visit was founded by SPHS science teacher Mr. Greg Ring and two other teachers who have since retired. It involves one night in Yosemite Valley and a four-day, three-night backpacking trip through the wilderness with two guides for each group of twelve students.
Class elections result in many run-offs
The hills are alive:
The students write journals, reflect, and bond while backpacking in the wilderness. “This is not a ‘just hop on the bus’ sort of trip,” Whitney said, “It involves quite a bit of preparation.” Students who wish to participate are required to attend meetings, write a reflective paper, make payments, and even undergo five weeks of workouts so they will be able to handle the rigorous hiking schedule. The seniors will return from Yosemite on Friday, May 27.
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The seniors will hike Half Dome in Yosemite on their trip.
By Kristin Gunther Copy Editor
Edmond Mandin-Lee
PROM 2011: Students take a break from dancing in the Globe Theater at Universal Studios during “A Star Studded Affair” on May 14. See Page 5 for more coverage.
Advanced dance to present ‘Gotta Dance’ end of the year recital By Jessica Moog Assoc. Feature Editor The Advanced Dance Class will present ‘Gotta Dance’ on May 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. The show will be the largest that the South Pasadena program has ever attempted to put together, with 24 numbers scheduled within the show’s two acts. The performance will feature a variety of group, couple, and solo works that will represent a range of all styles of dance. From musical theater to a Sri Lankan dance, this year’s pieces will go far beyond the typical hip-hop and ballet numbers students have seen in assemblies so far. The concert will also feature SPHS Dance alumni from the past three years, showcasing the best of combination movement and music that the high school has to offer. These alumni include Erica Ehrlich and Liz Stratton, performing a piece they choreographed themselves. “We have all invested so much more blood, sweat, and tears for this years spring show,” said current Advanced Dance captain senior Deziree Alvarez. The choreography for the show was imagined by both the
students and the current SPHS dance teacher Ms Maria Del Bagno, who along with the alumni, pooled their ideas and talents to take the show in a new direction. The group has been preparing for this spring concert for quite some time, starting the creative process as early as spring break. “My hopes for the show are that these kids have a lot of fun of course, but also that the show is entertaining and that other kids who are interested in dance are inspired. The show is going to be so diverse, we’re just hoping to help grow the dance community here,” said Del Bagno.
Class officer elections for the 2011-2012 school year were held on Friday. Speeches were given during school hours, and results of each grade’s student vote were announced later that day. This year yielded few clear position winners and many run-off elections. All sophomore elections resulted in run-offs. For the position of sophomore treasurer, Michael Ruan and Julius Lam will run this week. “There are two voices in my mind—one part says ‘Yes! You’re still in it!’. The other one says ‘Man, is this still going?’” said Lam. Luciana Ponce de Leon and Ted Kim are the finalists for sophomore secretary, as are Michael Chang and Nathan Lee for the position of sophomore vice president. In a three-way tie, Jason Wang, Rachel Newhall, and Josh Ma are in runoffs for sophomore class president. The current sophomore class proved more decisive in electing their future class officers. Shannon Zheng was voted to be the class secretary and Ashim Shrestha will be next year’s junior class president. Candidates for treasurer Emily Shon and Nathaniel Joseph are in run-offs, as are vice presidential candidates Nick O’Brien and Peter Seo. The 2012 class elected Phillip Kim as treasurer. After it had been determined that Harry Yadav and Christine Ching were in runoffs, Ching appealed a vote deduction she had received during election week. After deliberation, ASB determined that her deduction was invalid. Christine Ching was announced as the senior class secretary. Many were astonished by the number of run-off candidates for senior class vice president; Lillie Moffett, Dominic Frescura, Janelle Li, and Katie Whitworth are all in contention. The junior class elected Alex Park to be its president next year.
Sam Gurley
Seniors Michael Roquemore and dance captain Deziree Alvarez in rehearsal for Thursday’s ‘Gotta Dance’ performance.
News 2
Tiger - Tuesday, May 24, 2011
News
Around Campus
ROP teacher and advisor to the SPHS Virtual and Small Business teams Mrs. Cathy Mason was selected as a South Pasadena Unified School District Teacher of the Year for the 2010-2011 school year. “Mrs. Mason has been our biggest cheerleader throughout the year. Even though she’s strict at times, she inspires us to do our best,” said JV Virtual Business team member Amanda Chiu. /Libby Rainey
Waiting for a Taiwanese heritage festival brightens campus Junior Joo Woon Kang Medina, along with the adGunther new weight room ByCopyKristin noted, “a lot creative things ministration to coordinate the Editor
By Michael Abelev Staff Writer The Tiger Booster Club has opened discussion about renovating the weight room due to broken glass and sweat-pockets. Located on the northeast side of the football field, the weight room hasn’t had any renovations for four or five years, according to Athletics Director Mr. Ralph Punaro. Many of the machines currently in the weight room were bought in the mid 1990’s and are not functioning due to their use of easily breakable cables. New head varsity football coach Mr. Martin Konrad has taken charge of organizing the renovation. During his tenure at Flintridge Preparatory Academy, Konrad remodeled its weight room and established a weight lifting program that is still used there today. Konrad plans on working with Samson Equipment Inc. to supply the new equipment in the room. According to Samson’s sale marketing director Scott Shroeder, “We’ve worked with just about every big-name university and professional team in the country. South Pas. is getting a great deal.” Konrad plans on removing all nonworking machines and outdated equipment and replacing it with new gear. See “Weight Room” on pg. 3
South Pasadena High School held an informative and fun Taiwanese festival on Friday, May 6. Twelve artists and art professors from Taiwan, along with volunteers and translators, set up booths on the Tiger Patio during lunch. They demonstrated traditional elements of Taiwanese culture, ranging from fragrant sachets and glass beads to calligraphy and kite making. Students were encouraged to make crafts and received the art they made as souvenirs. Some were taught to make “Jacob’s Ladder,” a game with flipping boards connected by ribbons, while other students learned about dough figurines, which are modern replacements to human sacrifices in ancient religious rituals. Many students continued onto fifth period toting various toys and gifts.
came from [the artists]. It was all so colorful.” One of the group’s goals was to show school kids the distinctiveness of Taiwanese culture and how the Republic differs from China. “People usually don’t know the difference between Chinese and Taiwanese things,” commented senior Jamie Yang. In accordance with Taiwanese tradition, SPHS Principal Ms Janet Anderson offered each of the twelve artists a gift bag, filled with a school t-shirt and other school paraphernalia. In return, Ms Anderson received a gift from each teacher’s craft and the students were given the opportunity to create hundreds of crafts at no cost. SPHS Chinese teachers Ms Emily Chiang and Ms Melissa Cheng worked with the Foreign Language Department head, Mrs. Sadie
lunchtime event. In recognition of Taiwan’s (also known as the Republic of China) 100th birthday, the Taiwanese government compiled a group of talented artists and art professors to tour North America and introduce “Taiwanese American Heritage Week.” Ms Chiang and Ms Cheng worked with George Chen, President of the Taiwan Benevolent Association of California, to coordinate the group’s visit to the school. The ROC government planned a month long trip to the United States for the artists, translators, and volunteers. Before visiting SPHS, the group had been to Boston, Seattle, New York, and more locally, a Burbank elementary school. “This activity was very successful…it was a good opportunity for our students to actively participate in Taiwanese culture,” said Ms Chiang.
Eclectic Music Festival a success By Kelsey Hess Staff Writer The fourth annual South Pasadena Eclectic Music Festival and Art Walk was held at various locations on Mission Street on Saturday, May 7. “I’ve seen really cool bands and I can tell this is going to be a really great night,” said SPHS freshman Charlotte Foley of the festival. Senior Marla Burke organized the Eclectic Stage, one of the three main stages, located at her family’s BurkeTriolo Studio. The Eclectic Music Festival and Art Walk featured over 20 emerging artists, including South Pasadena bands Junk, Torches in Trees, Hazel, A House for Lions, Kitten, and many others. “It’s a great family event, and I look forward to next year.” said SPHS junior Sarah Snow.
Edmond Mandin-Lee
Senior Marian Slocum makes crafts and celebrates Taiwanese culture with classmates.
Jazz ensemble competes in Play Days Festival in Monterey Park By Sofi Goode Staff Writer The South Pasadena High School Jazz Ensemble attended the Play Days Choir and Jazz Festival on May 21, 2011.
Sam Gurley
Senior Luka Douridas performed in Hazel at the BurkeTriolo Studio.
The Jazz Ensemble competed in the “intermediate” category against three other bands from local high schools. “We really should be in novice,” said Band Director Mr. Howard Crawford. “But since we always do well, the director bumps us up a category. If we have a novice jazz band, he puts us in [the intermediate category]. If we have an intermediate band, he puts us in advanced.” The festival is hosted annually by the City of Monterey Park. It is held at a fair at a local park, with a similar atmosphere to the South Pasadena Fun Fair. SPHS has been attending the festival for over ten years.
“It’s basically a bigger Fun Fair with cooler rides and more Asian food,” junior Sidney Gerst said. The band played four pieces that they have been preparing since January. These pieces have been played at numerous performances, including the Jazz Ensemble’s trip to San Francisco at the beginning of April. Three of the pieces are a 1950’s-style jazz, while the fourth piece is a hard funk song entitled ‘Pick Up the Pieces’. The Jazz Band left before receiving their award, and will be notified of their placement before the end of the week. See Tiger Online for the festival results.
Academic Performance scores released By Marcus Kahn Managing Editor South Pasadena High School received an API (Academic Performance Index) score of 879 this year, a 19-point increase from last year. This puts SPHS behind rival San Marino, who scored 929 points. La Cañada, Temple City, Monrovia, and Blair scored 915, 873, 765, and 753 respectively. La Quinta and Fountain Valley High Schools have the same APIs as SPHS. A school’s index is judged solely by the STAR and CAHSEE tests, and runs on a scale of 2001000. Although they are trying to integrate a more holistic evaluation process using factors such as graduation rates and staff attendance, this has not been deemed reliable enough for effective use. The API, which is exclusive to California, runs on a twoyear cycle in order to measure academic growth. The first year establishes a “base” score, while the second is used to measure the progress between the two. Though schools with indexes below 800 are required to improve by 5% each year, schools above 800 are simply asked to remain above that threshold. As you get lower on the tiers, the incentives to improve increase in order to foster improvement. These incentives can take the form of grants and increased funding.
Mayan Schexnayder named ROP Student of the Year By Brendan Perry Staff Writer SPHS senior Mayan Schexnayder was named ROP Student of the Year for Los Angeles County on May 17 after a rigorous application and interview process. After being nominated by ROP teacher Mrs. Cathy Mason, Schexnayder’s interview and resumé ranked the highest in the county. Schexnayder participates in multiple ROP programs at SPHS, acting as the CEO of Small Business and the Vice President of varsity Virtual Business. As CEO of Small Business, he oversees the operations of the Student Store, the Spirit Store, Tiger Ink, and Paw Prints. Schexnayder traveled to New York this past Spring Break with virtual business as an integral member of the business plan team that placed second in the country. “These ROP classes have changed my life,” said Shexnayder. “I now have direction with what I want to do with my life. ROP classes have opened my eyes to what the world has to offer.”
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 - Tiger
News
Grad Night: The story behind the senior celebration
The Fun Fair: a community event and fundraiser for all ages By Ande Withers Copy Editor
By Luka Douridas Asoc. Opinion Editor The story of Grad Night at South Pasadena High School is long, twisted, and sprinkled with rumor and hearsay. One of the most pressing questions that students have tried to answer is, “Why don’t we ever have Grad Night at Disneyland?” Several rumors have formed. Many people believe that Disneyland has banned South Pasadena High School after an unfortunate Grad Night disaster many years back. In reality, the truth is much less sensational. Grad Night was first conceived after a tragic incident that occurred the night of the 1957 SPHS graduation ceremony. On the way home from a party, three graduates suffered life-threatening injuries in a tragic car accident, one of whom later died as a result. This prompted SPHS to organize an event for seniors the night of graduation to keep them from engaging in unsafe activities. The representatives of the senior class had several requests for the night: that it be an all-night celebration and that it not be held on campus or at Disneyland. This has been one reason why Disneyland has never been considered an option for Grad Night. The organizers of Grad Night have agreed that holding the event at Disneyland would ensure only minimal bonding time between members of the SPHS senior class as well. This year, Grad Night will be held on a yacht in Marina del Rey with food and music, as well as at Speed Zone, where graduates will be able to race to their hearts’ content.
Tai Carter
South Pasadena High School science teacher Mr. Dean Papadakis will receive Southern California’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award from the American Chemistry Society
Tai Carter
Tai Carter
(ACS) on June 3. He will be honored at the annual Educational Awards Banquet along with the top-placing high school students in this year’s Chemistry Olympiad competition. The event will be held in the Donahue Center of Mount Saint Mary’s College starting at six o’clock.
Sam Gurley
Mr. Papadakis oversees Sabrina Pierce in his Honors Physics class.
When Papadakis was told in midMarch that he was the Outstanding Teacher of the Year, he was pleasantly surprised to be chosen as the recipient of the prestigious award. “I had no idea what my chances were, but when I heard I had won of course I was happy,” he said. The ACS required all candidates for the award to go through a comprehensive nomination process in November. Five letters of recommendation—three from former students, one from a colleague, and one from Principal Ms Janet Anderson—were sent with Mr. Papadakis’ application along with a 1,000 word biography. “It is exciting to know that his hard work and dedication have been recognized,” says junior Christian Allen, who took physics and chemistry with Mr. Papadakis. “We really appreciate all that he does for us, and now his efforts have been validated.”
Ilse Colmenares takes second place in graphic design competition By Lana Ho Feature Editor It all came down to one word: delamination. Unscrambling the word would mean the difference between second and third place for senior Ilse Colmenares in the 16th annual PIASC/RAISE Academic and Technical Competition, a jeopardy-style game that tests students’ knowledge of graphic design terms. The competition was held May 19 at Tamayo Restaurant in Los Angeles. Colmenares overcame technical difficulties in the first round of the com-
The South Pasadena PTA Council hosted the fourteenth annual Fun Fair last weekend in the school district parking lot. A collaboration between South Pasadena’s three elementary schools, Marengo, Monterey Hills, and Arroyo Vista, the Fun Fair is a fundraiser that supports programs within South Pasadena’s schools. In 2010, the Fun Fair raised over $45,000 for the elementary schools. This year, the event was expected to attract
more than 12,000 supporters of the South Pasadena community. Mary Heuges, a South Pasadena parent who has been volunteering at the Fun Fair for the past twelve years, says that in addition to its financial importance for the schools, the best part of the function is watching the kids enjoy themselves. “Everyone knows everyone here—its like a big family reunion. The kids love going off by themselves, and being independent, but every parent is keeping their eye on them to make sure its safe.”
Students enjoy the annual Fun Fair: (Top) Juniors Fedor Kossakovski and Miranda Gontz check out the game booths. (Left) Elementary school students enjoy the giant slide, a classic Fun Fair attraction. (Above) Senior Madeline Godwin cracks a confetti egg on classmate Schuyler Youngstrom’s head.
Papadakis named Outstanding Teacher of the Year by the American Chemical Society By Max White Staff Writer
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petition to make it to the third part of a tie-breaker for second place. Colmenares, who advanced to the Academic Competition after several preliminary rounds, had been studying the terms since March, and quickly presented her answer before her El Camino Real adversary. Colmnares took second place in her competition, winning a $700 scholarship for herself and a $500 grant for Graphic Design teacher Ms Sandra Matson-Fennell. South Pasadena Graphic Design was also recognized for two projects in the technical competition. A tie, designed by Colmenares and produced by junior
Lee Miyauchi, won first place in the Best Design category and second place in the Best Production category, which carried two $400 vouchers as prizes.
Construction at the middle school near complete By Michael Abelev Staff Writer After many grueling months of fighting the elements and deadlines, South Pasadena Middle School can expect to see the construction on campus finished by late July, when the buildings will be turned over to South Pasadena Unified School District. Construction was still in the early stages of setting up the framework and cement for both the new gym and administration building in September. According to construction manager Paulo G. Lopez, the gym is 8590% complete, with only a few finishing touches left until it is completely done. The administration building is about 80% complete, with only some instalFrom “Weight Room” on Page 2 New benches, new dumbbells, new mirrors, and new Olympic Double Station power racks are all on the laundry list of new equipment to come in. However,
Courtesy of Lana Ho
Colmenares, with Ms Matson-Fennell, was awarded second place.
lations remaining such as paint, flooring and cabinets. “State of the art facility” are the words that SPMS physical education teacher Mr. Shlomo Nitzani had to describe the new gym The new administration building’s first floor will serve as a new office, compared to the current office located in the school auditorium lobby. The second floor of the new building will serve as the school’s library. “It’s exciting for the office staff, because we have been in cramped quarters for a long time, but it’s also exciting for the teachers because it’s very state of the art” said SPMS principal David Kubela. See Tiger Online for additional coverage and photos. if boosters and fundraisers are unable to raise the estimated $40,000 necessary for the project, it might not happen. “Everything’s on hold for now. We have to look at all the athletic facilities first before doing anything,” said Punaro. “It all costs money but we definitely want to upgrade the facility. We want this to be something we can all be proud of. Something that we can use to show our commitment to athletics and show our commitment as a school and a community to the development of our student athletes,” said Konrad.
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Tiger - Tuesday, May 24, 2011
News
Class Elections! Current freshmen, sophomores and juniors elected their class officers for the 2011-2012 school year last week. Newly elected senior class president Alex Park celebrates with friends.
Junior Officers:
Ashim Shrestha
President: Ashim Shrestha Vice Presidential Candidates: Nick O’Brien & Peter Seo Secretary: Shannon Zheng Treasurer Candidates: Nathaniel Joseph & Emily Shon
Peter Seo
Shannon Zheng
Nick O’Brien
Senior Sophomore Officers: Officers:
President: Alex Park Vice Presidential Candidates: -Dominic Frescura -Janelle Li -Lillie Moffett -Katie Whitworth Secretary: Christine Ching Treasurer: Phillip Kim
Presidential Candidates: Jason Wang, Rachel Newhall, & Josh Ma Vice Presidential Candidates: Michael Chang & Nathan Lee Secretary Candidates: Ted Kim & Luciana Ponce de Leon Treasurer Candidates: Julius Lam & Michael Ruan
Freshmen candidates wait in anticipation to give their speeches on the field. Spread: Jennifer Kim and Libby Rainey Photos: Tai Carter, Sam Gurley, and Jennifer Kim
A Star Studded Affair
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 - Tiger
Since its humble beginnings at Amherst College in 1894, proms have become a highly anticipated part of student life. The SPHS 2011 prom, “A Star-Studded Affair”, was held at Universal Studio’s Globe Theatre. It was met with success—558 students attended for an evening of dancing, dinner, DQG D YDJXHO\ UDFLVW VLOHQW ÀOP EHLQJ VKRZQ on repeat. The desserts were tiny, the high heels uncomfortable, and the dance ÁRRU FURZGHG ´,W ZDV D UHDOO\ amazing night,” said senior Jacob Kabealo, “everyone had a great time.”
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Tiger - Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Opinion
Opinion B
Educational debt
to Paul Messana for changing the photos on the high school website. We loved the pictures of the pre-renovation football field, but it was time for a change.
B
ravo
By Coleman Westfall Rainey Editor-in-Chief
oo to Arnold Schwarzenegger for cheat-
ing on his wife with a maid and secretly fathering a child with her. The only difference between you and Dominique Strauss-Kahn of the IMF is that it was consensual.
B
oo to Harold Camping for trying to convince the world that the Rapture would occur last Saturday. It’s scheduled for December 21, 2012, don’t rush it.
B
ravo to Yosemite. We’re so excited to make bonds with our fellow classmates that will last for...three more weeks?
B
Sam Shin
The ills of the College Board
to No Strings Attached and Friends with Benefits. We didn’t think it was possible to release the same movie twice.
B B
ravo
to our capitalist democratic student elections. ¡VIVA LA REVOLUCION!
oo
ravo to The Sound of Music cast and crew for a great show this weekend. We know we’re biased, but the return of the spring musical was a welcome change.
The Tiger Established 1913
CSPA Gold Medalist 2005 CSPA Gold Medalist 2006 CSPA Gold Medalist 2009 CSPA Gold Medalist 2010 Editor-in-Chief Coleman Westfall Rainey Managing Editor Marcus Kahn News Libby Rainey, Editor Jackson Atwater, Associate Opinion Devin Mitchell, Editor Luka Douridas, Associate Feature Lana Ho, Editor Jessica Moog, Associate Sports Carlton Lew, Editor Christian Miyamae, Associate Copy Editors Christine Chen and Kristin Gunther Photography Sam Gurley, Editor Edmund Mandin-Lee, Associate
Staff Editorial Your heart may have felt light af ter walking out of your last AP test this year, especially if you’re a senior. Your wallet, however, or that of your parents, probably felt a great deal lighter. After all, each individual test costs $87. Many students could have ta ken a d ate (or severa l) to prom with the money they spent on AP tests. Meanwhile, education has been placed on the chopping block throughout the country and schools are being forced to cut programs they simply can’t afford to keep going. The fees don’t just stop at the tests themselves, either. According to the College Board website, if you opt out of a test you signed up for, “you will probably be required to pay the $13 fee the school is charged for each unused exam.” I f you wa nt to receive you r s cor e s by pho ne t he d ay t he y’r e available, it’s $8. Want them to rush the reports to you? $25. Want back all those essays you wrote and FRQs you solved? $7 per test. Did the College Board make a mistake grading your mu lt iple - choice a n s we r s? T hey apologize for any inaccuracies and will require a $25 fee to correct them. In essence, students are being charged enormous sums of money simply to deter m i ne what t hey learned in school. Of course, if you
Photographers Tai Carter, Jennifer Kim, Kathryn Whitworth Staff Writers Michael Abelev, Wyatt Bukowski, Jake Folsom, Clair Fuller, Sofi Goode, Kristin Gunther, Kelsey Hess, Amber Laird, Chloe Lloyd, Brendan Perry, Meghan Roche, Joshua Roquemore, Alex Tranquada, Max White, Ande Withers Harry Yadav Staff Illustrators Samuel Shin, Daniel Willardson Managers Kennedy Diaz, Ads Angela Jang, 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. All letters must be signed and verifiable, but names will be witheld upon request.
get a high enough score on an AP you can maybe earn some college credit for only $87 as opposed to several hundred dollars. But when you pay for a college course, you’re paying the professor to teach you. Wit h A P tests, you’re paying t he College Board to print thousands of individually shrink-wrapped pink and green packets with seals that must not be broken until the proctor instructs you to do so. The president of the College Boa rd made over $70 0,0 0 0 i n 2007, with another $125,000 in his expense account. The organization consistently takes in millions more dollars in revenue than it expends in its programs. Meanwhile, throughout the country, if a new budget passes in any sort of legislature, it involves cuts to education. If anyone deserves the hundreds of t housa nd s of dol la rs spe nt on more-or-less mandatory standardized tests every year, it’s the teachers who stayed for four hours af ter school three days a week, who came in on weekends, and who graded hundreds of essays and tests to make sure we were ready. The man at the helm of an ostensibly not-for-profit organization with a near-monopoly on the testing market has no right to profit off of the work of our nation’s educators.
Student loans for college-bound Americans surpassed credit card debt last year. As of 2010, students in the United States owe some $826.5 billion in credit. Students are paying a terrible price for their education. A college degree has always been seen as one of the wisest investments—a principle with a dividend of vocation, fortune, and success. Students are willing to pay any price to colleges and universities. And the problem is getting worse. The graduating class of 2011 will be the most indebted class in history: the average student will enter the job market $22,900 in debt. As the cost of secondary education rises by 5% annually, and the Great Recession continues to limit the amount that parents and students are able to pay, young people seeking an education have no choice but to continue borrowing money. This will only lead to financial ruin, when the market is saturated with degrees. What happens when there is degree inflation and the most trusted investment—education—defaults? The speculative bubble will pop and the alumni of the nation’s great universities will have no means to pay back $800 billion of debt. Oddly, the most popularly supported method for breaking out of the Great Recession is through innovation and education. The supposed solution is exacerbating the problem. The real culprits behind American students’ debt, however, are universities’ financial aid and recruitment policies, and high tuition costs. The average university spends $1,941 per student on recruitment. This a multi-million dollar industry aimed at attracting a pool of applicants far larger than they can admit. This boosts a school’s exclusivity, and therefore, its ability to charge its students more tuition. The following year students will be forced to apply to more universities, which will only fill the pockets of deans with more application fees. Then, while they boast of giving millions of dollars in financial aid, universities across the country skimp kids out of massive endowments. That money should always go in the hands of students. Financial aid should not be withheld because tedious and bureaucratic paperwork wasn’t filled out correctly, nor because a student receives an outside scholarship. When I receive a $10,000 scholarship from the Oneonta Foundation this summer, my school will take it all away from me – because I no longer demonstrate that “need.” This is common practice. I apologize, Columbia, for trying to stay out of debt.
TiVo shouldn’t have to exist By Marcus Kahn Managing Editor I have always considered the free culture on the Internet a privilege and the increase in the length and quantity of advertisements seems to be an inevitable result of development, and the quest to make profit. But as the volume increases, what used to seem a necessary and short evil is turning into a legitimate problem, not only because of their quantity, but also because of their quality. Though low quality advertisements were not a problem when they were shorter and more avoidable, as Internet surfers are channeled through sites like YouTube and Hulu, they are constantly assaulted by bad commercials. I have realized that I only hate being advertised at when it bores me. Watching the slew of funny Geico or All-State com-
mercials with that baritone announcer doesn’t bother me. But after over a decade of crappy McDonald’s commercials, I have had enough. These companies have money out the yang, and the responsibility to entertain us when trying to persuade us. Anything less than that is like watching a really bad traveling salesman trying to pitch a new set of kitchen knives on your front porch. But the only ways we can slam the door is turn off the T.V., leave the room, or get TiVo. All three options work in direct opposition to the goals of advertising. And the companies are capable of producing funny commercials. Have you seen the Super Bowl? My friend’s mom leaves the room and says to tell her when the commercials come back on. And it’s not as if comedy writers only work during football season. Maybe the humorless CEOs only approve the blandest thirty
seconds of programming on the market, or maybe a minor, yet prevalent form of consumer abuse has been largely ignored by corporate America. So why are these companies holding back? Are they intentionally resisting raising the bar so they don’t have to try all the time, or do they believe humor is somehow unprofitable? It’s true humor that varies from person to person, so the case could be made that it would be difficult to target a large consumer base with one short joke. However, a quick glance at Rebecca Black on YouTube, and you will see over one hundred million views. We live in a world where Kung Fu Panda grossed over $600 million. Obviously, there is a lowest common denominator when it comes to what’s funny, even if that LCD is lowbrow. There is a universal funny bone that needs to be catered to in the advertising world.
Opinion
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 - Tiger
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Extravagance is overrated By Christian Miyamae and Jackson Atwater Tiger Staff Around mid-May, there was much to see around campus, as love birds attempted to fulfill their dreams of flying into prom. Roses, romantic cards, and balloons were all used to ask dates to prom. Sometimes, though, the methods that some used to ask their dates went too far. Sometimes pulling someone out of class or announcing one’s intentions in front the entire student body can be cute and clever, but it can also just be an underhanded way to make a potential date say yes. This is when pressure comes into the equation, as people do not want to embarrass the person who went through the trouble of asking. What if they don’t want to go with them? How do they reject someone in front of all their friends, someone who went through so much preparation to impress? It’s almost impossible. What with reputations and peer pressure,
students will lose touch with what they really want. They begin to depend on the opinions of their fellow students and end up listening more to what others think than what they do themselves. People shouldn’t be pressured into going with someone to a dance. Dances can be very personal and if he
Dances can be very personal and if he or she isn’t the right person, the night will not be very enjoyable. or she isn’t the right person, the night will not be very enjoyable. Instead of going through all of that trouble, it would be far easier to ask in a conservative, yet cute, manner. Otherwise, it is unfair both to the person being asked and to the pursuer. In all likelihood, one wants to go with someone who wants to go with them as well, rather than someone who accepted their invitation
AP Tests: not a big deal By Max White Staff Writer AP students across the nation and across campus can breathe a little easier with the painful ordeal of AP tests behind them - and after almost two semesters of preparation and more than three hours of brutal testing, this change of pace is exactly what they need. But, even in the midst of this newfound leisure, a whole new manner of anxiety emerges. Nervous students can find only superficial comfort having completed their AP schedules when, in the back of their minds, they are dreading the day in mid-July when they will receive their AP scores – and this is no surprise when one considers the great golden hype that surrounds these standardized tests. But students should know that such pressure to do well, with all its potential to motivate, is largely the result of exaggeration and myth when it comes to AP tests. While the exams are an excellent way to demonstrate mastery of a subject, there are other aspects of one’s high school experience that colleges consider to be much more significant - like GPA, extracurricular activities, and SAT scores. That is not to say AP tests are unimportant. High scores look great on college applications, give legitimacy to the grade one earned in the AP class, and can sometimes earn exemptions from certain mandatory college classes. They just do not merit the kind of hysteria that many students associate with AP tests. Perhaps the biggest misconception about the AP exams is that students must strive for those elusive “fives” to impress colleges. The overwhelming majority of colleges count any passing grade to the student’s credit. And since college applicants get to decide which scores to show and which to withhold, there is really no harm in getting a low score in a subject. In essence, passing scores can only help one’s chances when it comes to college acceptances, and bad scores do nothing to hurt them. South Pas students should keep something else in mind when worrying about their scores. SPHS has some of the most outstanding AP programs in the nation, with many subjects boasting incredibly high pass rates. Dedicated teachers have spent months preparing each student for the test, and even if the exam itself seems difficult or even overwhelming, students across the nation find it much more challenging. No AP test score will shape a student’s entire future. Rather, the exams are the culmination of a year of hard work and stress – stress that should not be extended two extra months while students worry about their scores.
out of pity. Despite this, being too conservative has problems as well. The individual being asked likely wants to be impressed, so doing something too subtle probably won’t have the best outcome. Asking someone through Facebook or a text message is an unacceptable way to ask someone to prom. Even if the person being asked in such a manner were to accept the offer, it is unlikely that their experience would be enjoyable in an environment that demands real-life, interpersonal interaction. Lastly, dances cost a lot of money. Not only the tickets, but the outfits, the pictures, and the transportation all must be accounted for. All in all, these things can add up to produce a costly night. Spending a night with such financial and emotional significance with someone who is not invested in participating in it can be a disappointing, and asking someone in an overly elaborate way only enables this problem.
The vices of behavioral profiling By Jackson Atwater Assoc. News Editor In the copious time you spend browsing Facebook, have you ever looked through the sidebar ads? If you have, you may have noticed that they quite often pertain to you, your interests, or your demographic. Have you ever considered the implications of the fact that advertisements on the web are becoming increasingly relevant to you or to your interests? This phenomenon is due to a new development in advertising that came about with the advent of the Internet: behavioral targeting. Practically since the inception of the art of advertising products for commercial reasons, advertisements have relied on semantic targeting—predicting which demographic will be around the advertisement most, and then targeting that demo-
graphic with the advertisement—but now a more effective method of targeting has come about. This new method, known as behavioral targeting, is a method of targeting specific audiences that has been gaining momentum as a result of the increasing usage of the internet. Advertising networks, which place advertisements across the Internet, are able to build a profile of individual users and place advertisements that pertain to the user across the web. This leads to an array of ads seen across the web that are suspiciously appealing to users. A problem this presents is that users can easily lose track of which corporations own the rights to information on their browsing habits. The Internet produces and integrates information at a rate at with which no human user can hope to keep up with. Odds are that you do not remember
Sam Shin
how many “I agree” buttons you have clicked on to consent to the terms of an end user license agreement. In fact, odds are that you have not even read the terms of the agreement. This creates an environment in which users cannot keep track of which corporations own the rights to their information. At some point, users must be given some notice that this is going on. Corporations have a responsibility to notify users that they are being tracked, and that their browsing information is being used to specifically target advertisements at them. Moreover, they should be notifying users that they own information on their browsing habits. Users cannot be expected to keep up with the terms of endless agreements, and to remember who has rights to their information. It’s up to these advertisers to make the Internet friendly and habitable for users.
Photoshopping for rape culture By Clair Fuller Staff Writer After the assassination of Osama bin Laden, the White House released a photo of President Obama’s national security team watching the raid live from the situation room. The photo prominently features Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the foreground, as well as Counterterrorism director Audrey Tomason standing near the door. Everyone else in the image is male. The photo was reprinted in countless magazines and newspapers, including a Brooklyn-based paper called Der Tzitung. The ultra-Orthadox Hasidic Jewish newspaper, published the photograph—but without the two women in the room. Der Tzitung removed Clinton and Tomason from the photograph as part of their policy to never publish any pictures of any women, lest they be found “sexually suggestive” and drive men to have inappropriate desires and behave immorally. Aside from their image doctoring violating the White House’s rule stating that “the photograph may not be manipulated in any way”, it perpetuates a dangerous ideology. Their actions support a philosophy of women as sexual gatekeepers and men as the unwilling victims of their apparently overpowering hotness, rendering
the poor men-folk incapable of controlling their actions. Der Tzitung is an extreme example, but women are told every day not to act in a way that is too sexually provocative or scandalous, so as to avoid inciting sexual violence or assault. Society has placed the
Sam Shin
responsibility on women to not be sexually assaulted, not to be harassed or leered at or even raped. If any of those things do happen, the implication is that the woman in question must have brought it upon herself through her behavior, her clothing, the amount she had to drink, or any number of factors. At its most basic form, this is victim
blaming, and it’s part of a larger social complex known as rape culture. Rape culture is the reason that 60% of rapes and sexual assaults go unreported to the police. The victims that do come forward are subjected to intense scrutiny—Where were they? What were they wearing? Had they been drinking? Had they, at any time and in any way, suggested (even implicitly) that they might have been ‘asking for it’? Women are simply expected not to “get themselves raped.” Campaigns are launched that tell women not to wear their hair in a ponytail, or walk alone at night, or be alone with a man. But an alarmingly minimal amount of time and energy is put into telling men to simply not rape or assault women. They’re not taught to be responsible for their actions, not taught that ‘yes’ is the only thing that really means yes, not taught that no woman, no matter what she’s doing or wearing, is asking for the trauma and horror that comes with sexual crimes. We can’t live in a world without rapes until we can stop punishing the victims of those rapes. Hillary Clinton and Audrey Tomason were punished—for what? For being photographed? For existing? You can’t blame women for being women. You can however, blame a rapist for their rape.
8 Tiger - Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Opinion
Golf course expansion threatens nature park
A lack of federalism
By Jake Folsom Senior Staff Writer
By Kelsey Hess Staff Writer If I am a high school student in South Dakota, get pregnant on accident, and want to get an abortion, I would encounter difficulty. Despite Roe v. Wade being the law of the land and the abortion of my child being my first choice, in that state, the option is not encouraged. A bill that requires someone who wants an abortion to go to a therapy session, and wait 72 hours before they are legally allowed to commit to the abortion was recently signed into law. This is as close as South Dakota can get to banning abortion without contradicting the federal law. The contradiction of federal law may sound like monumental, rare occurrence that one wouldn’t think happens regularly. However, situations like these are hardly mistakes. According to the Guttmacher Institute, about 570 bills have been introduced in 48 states this year to restrict abortion. It is no secret that a large percentage of the nation is unhappy with the federal government. In fact, a supposed 67% of Americans are unhappy with the direction that the government has been heading. With all of this ignominy, one would think that respect still existed, but that’s become rare too. The federal laws that were respected and honored for years are now being questioned and people have written countless contradicting state laws. When all else fails, laws are written that complicate matters. Regardless of whether one thinks abortion should be legal or not, states need a reminder that they must follow federal law. They can’t write their own laws from scratch. Generally speaking, most people aren’t aware of all of the federal and state laws. Most people just care about knowing that they have rights even if they don’t know each one specifically. Usually, people who feel strongly about an issue want to get their way, and if we know we can’t be arrested for heckling, we can be relentless. We have the right to freedom of speech, but it’s important to note that with those rights come great responsibilities. Abortion is just one example, and unfortunately it is time for a reality check. With more and more laws introduced in the hopes that they will overpower federal law, it’s gotten a little out of control. We are raised being taught that respect is the most important thing. It’s important that we extend that principle to obeying laws.
Unbeknownst to many citizens of South Pasadena, there is a three-acre park that is in danger of being harmed. There is a roughly one-acre expanse of land that acts as sort of a buffer zone between the driving range at the Arroyo Seco Golf Course and the nature park, and this is where the problems begin. The lease on the golf course by the current owners will expire in the next couple of years, and they do not wish to renew their lease. A new company has agreed to take it on, but under one condition. They have to add 27 yards to the driving range, and that will come from the buffer zone that the nature park supporters want to protect. The nature park supporters were talking to the city counsel about adding the buffer zone to the nature park and preserving the wildlife that currently lives there. The land there is also nowhere near ready to become part of a golf course, and so if the city were to give the area to the nature park, no money would have to be spent by the tax payers.
them back by giving them rent credits. Basically, this means that they won’t have to pay rent until they have been paid back in full for the cost of the renovations. It is outrageous that the city is even considering this. Twenty-seven yards will not change anything. People who currently visit the golf course will continue to come, and those who don’t aren’t going to be persuaded to by an extra 27 yards. The driving range is frequently full on the weekends and in the late afternoons on weekdays, so even if it does attract a few extra people, it will not make a dramatic difference in their profits. South Pasadeneans are not allowed in on the talks taking place between the city and the new company. It is a travesty of justice that we as Daniel Willardson citizens have no say over the use of the city’s land and that decisions be true. Now, here is where things get are being made without the public being interesting. The company that is willing made aware. Aside from the debate over to lease the land will pay for the vast the land and its use, what is happening amounts of work that will need to be is a blatant disregard of the city leaders done for the driving range to gain the 27 to take into consideration the wants of yards. However, the city is going to pay the people. The ground ungulates and there are trees covering most of the space. There would have to be massive renovations done to the space to make it usable by the golf course. It would almost make sense if the golf course could add a substantial amount of yardage to the course, and if that additional space would bring more customers, it might be worthwhile, but as it is none of these things would
Protection against cheating is essential By Luka Douridas Assoc. Opinion Editor Taking the AP tests this past month was nothing out of the ordinary. With the exception of the “minus a quarter point if incorrect rule,” most everything had stayed the same: the same information sheet, the same student questionnaire, the same statement I needed to sign. And sure enough, just after we finished the first section, the sticker seals went on the multiple-choice booklets (unalignedly so), and we turned in our Scantrons. Rather than rolling my eyes at the College Board’s paranoia, I was rather impressed. I remember remarking to a friend while sealing the booklets: “You know, this may seem unnecessary, but it really works,” I said. “There is no way I can change any of
my answers without anybody knowing.” This observation is important. Most of the time it seems as if the College Board runs AP tests like lunchtime at San Quentin. Backpacks are placed in one side of the room, no food or drinks, including water, are allowed, your work is turned in before each break, and if there is any report of any misconduct whatsoever, all of the scores for that particular test are canceled for the entire school—even if the test was taken in multiple rooms. And to be honest, I like these rules. Not only does it make me feel better to know that my score is fair, but it is a lot less tempting to change my answer on a previous section if doing so would require me to ask my proctor for permission. Yet, as I was sealing my multiple-choice booklet, I couldn’t help but wish that the
A tree grows in your binder By Sofi Goode Staff Writer As the end of the school year rolls around, students start cleaning out their binders, turning in lost homework, and deciding whether or not any of the work they did this year is worth keeping. However, as high school students go through this process, we all end up with the same result: masses of paper. Between the worksheets, the notes, the handouts, the bookwork, the projects, and the doodles, students use hundreds of pieces of paper every year. Using too much paper can cause everything from nearsightedness to a negative environmental impact. For example a student is taking five academic classes, and they have a 200 page spiral-bound notebook for each of them. Take into account handouts and printed homework, that’s well over a thousand pages for one school year. Four years for each of SPHS’ 1,400 students, and we might as well
be looking at an entire tree. The paper consumption and waste at school is ridiculous. Some students throw worksheets away the moment that teacher has graded them. Others make a valiant
surplus to waste paper at such a high rate. Some teachers have already made the switch, but why not put handouts online? If every student made a Gmail account, giving them access to GoogleDocs, teachers could put all handouts and reading materials online. GoogleDocs update and save online, meaning that the teachers could grade everything on their computers. This would not only save paper, but also save teachers the hassle of carrying around mounds of homework. High school could even take this one step further. In college, kids bring in their laptops and take notes on those. SPHS could allow students to bring their own laptops and create Daniel Willardson an outreach board to raise money for attempts at organization. It is beside the those who were unable to afford it. point, though, as either way, there are few These technology-oriented solutions who actually look at the handouts more may seem far out of reach, but some action than once. must be taken. People cannot continue conPrinting everything out is tremendous suming paper at this rate. Your high school waste of paper that our world really can’t can’t afford to buy you an iPad, but when afford. Trees are being cut down by the you’re cleaning out your binder this year, at thousands, and we don’t have enough of a least recycle the paper.
SAT was just as secure. While the AP tests are nearly foolproof against cheating, the SAT nearly asks for it. Not only can you have water at your desk and keep your backpack at your side, but also the answers to every section are kept on the same packet, and all the questions are kept in the same book. There is nothing to stop me from keeping a dictionary in my pocket, looking up “chagrin” during one of the many breaks, and then going back to change my answer. Let me emphasize that I have never even considered cheating on the SAT. I just feel obligated to point out that, because of its lenient rules, cheaters can sometimes come out on top, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. Yet, in spite of my frustration, however, I reminded myself that the College Board has no obligation to share its methods with other standardized test organizations. If I were to be mad at anyone, it would be the makers of the SAT. But then I realized: The College Board does the SAT too. And with that realization, I lost all faith in humanity. Now, even if the SAT weren’t the single most competitive test in all of high school, I would still feel as if an injustice had occurred. Does the College Board really feel that AP tests are more important than the SAT? Or are their drastically varying security methods just the result of years of tradition applied without proper evaluation? Say what you want about how important the AP tests are, and how the College Board needs to be absolutely sure that whoever passes an AP test deserves college credit, but cheating on the SAT would cause just as much unfairness. Sufficient anti-cheating methods should be standard. Look, I know that the SAT and the AP tests are two separate tests, and are therefore run by two different sets of people. But even without the AP tests to compare it to, I would still argue that the SAT needs to be much more protected against cheaters. And with the AP tests as a model, now I know that such protection is possible. The fact that the SAT is not taking advantage of it is inexcusable.
Opinion
The lessons of Osama bin Laden
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 - Tiger
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Monthly Doodle
towards the United States originated from the presence of American troops in Saudi Arabia before the Gulf War in 1991. Bin On September 11, 2001, I was seven Laden’s fatwa against the United States in years old and only vaguely aware that there 1996 specifically cited incidents in Qana, were more significant world events than the Lebanon, Tajakestan, Burma, Assam, OgaLos Angeles Dodgers games I watched every den, Somalia, and Eritrea as evidence of night. I was fortunate enough not to lose any atrocities committed in the Muslim world friends or family members in the terrorist by the United States or Israel, who the U.S. attacks in New York and Washington, D.C. strongly supports. Obviously, flying planes into buildon that fateful day, and can’t comprehend ings and killing innocent civilians was not a what those who did felt. justifiable form of protest, Still, the reactions and al-Qaeda’s vision of of some to the news But it is important to the world is a disgrace to that Osama bin Laden note that some of the women and personal freehad been killed on May objections he had to dom everywhere. But bin 1 were puzzling. The Laden was responding in festive atmosphere that U.S. foreign policy an extreme, convoluted way was present throughout were not illegitimate. to morally ambiguous acthe country in the wake tions. It makes comparisons of bin Laden’s demise was an odd way to commemorate someone’s some made of bin Laden to Adolf Hitler death. After all, as bad as bin Laden was, his due to their deaths on the same days of the death has not fundamentally changed the calendar year unfair. Hitler pandered to the daily lives of the celebrators. The dire situa- worst instincts of the German people against tion in the Middle East remains, as does the the Jewish in order in to rise to power. His presence of terrorism around the world. The purely evil intentions contrast with bin staggering economy that is still struggling to Laden’s somewhat justifiable gripe, even if recover from the recession was not affected. his responding actions were reprehensible. Hopefully bin Laden’s death, along Look, Osama was a bad guy, and no one should be shedding any tears at the with the ongoing Arab democracy movepassing of a man who was responsible for ment, will change the way the United States the deaths of thousands of people. But it is interacts with the Muslim world. But as important to note that some of the objec- President Obama said in the aftermath of the tions he had to the United States foreign raid, we shouldn’t “spike the ball” and act policy were not illegitimate. The anger that arrogantly moving forward without underbin Laden, and by extension al-Qaeda, felt standing what the core causes of 9/11 were. By Devin Mitchell Opinion Editor
Tiger Asks: Have AP classes fulfilled their mission of providing a high-level class that is roughly equivalent to an undergraduate college course, or have they covered too much information in too little time? Alice Min-Gee Kim, Grade 10
Davy Li, Grade 12
I took my first AP test, in Chemistry, and it was horrible. Well, the experience was horrible. I think the teachers did a good job covering the material but not really for the test itself. I was exhausted after sitting through hours of instructions and testing. Furthermore, keeping track of time is something I didn’t really know I had to do.
The main flaw with Advanced Placement is that it does not represent a college courses at all. AP’s may be challenging for some high school students, but the pace and exam difficulty pale in comparison to that of a university course. I tried to transfer my Calculus AB and Physics B scores for college credits at PCC, so I could take higher level courses. To my dismay, PCC would not accept the scores for the credits I wanted, instead offering me credit for a lower level math/science class. I realize why when I enrolled in Calculus C and Physics C, as the classes expected me to know many materials that I had never covered in my AP classes.
Miranda Gontz, Grade 11 I feel that for quite a few classes, the sole purpose is to do well on the exam. While that is good in some respects, the students are thinking, obsessing, psyching themselves out about it for a full school year. That type of preparation is not good for the body or the mind, and it lowers the value of the class as something taken for the purpose of learning. These are in stark contrast with the few that are naturally taught at a high level and hardly touch on the test at all. Here, the students have a natural knowledge of the material, there is less stress about it, and the class has a lasting impact by doing what it is supposed to do, prepare someone for college.
Additionally, the PCC courses were only 3 months long, yet covered more materials than I had previously learned in a year. The AP Calculus BC course is deceptive—it should really be called AP Calculus B Part 2. The AP class barely even touches Calculus C materials. AP’s are inadequate preparation for college and cannot be redeemed for appropriate college credits. Thus, other than for college admissions purposes, they are a waste of time.
Daniel Willardson
Helping the Middle East help themsleves By Coleman Westfall Rainey Editor-in-Chief As the fight over the 2012 budget heats up in the Congress, and the threat of a government shutdown looms, Americans are becoming increasingly aware that tough decisions about the budget deficit are not so far away. Programs are being sacrificed as Republican leaders and their conservative Tea Party base push for billions of dollars of cuts to federal programs. According to a Gallup poll conducted in 2010, Americans overwhelmingly consider reducing the deficit the most effective solution to solving the country’s economic problems. Citizens also consistently vote the deficit the most pressing issue the nation will face in the future. However, according to an NPR report, Americans will invariably disagree with almost every method proposed to reduce it. The majority of voters agree the government should not cut entitlement spending, military or defense spending, or most governmental programs. They also strongly oppose changes in revenue, or changes in taxes, even if the change would be a tax cut. The only area of the federal budget that a majority of Americans believe should be cut is foreign aid. This, unfortunately, only makes up approximately 1% of the budget. Clearly, this is not an effective place to significantly fix the nation’s budgetary problems. But if foreign aid can be changed in a significant way, rather than cut altogether, it could become an integral part of government’s budgetary planning. We should not be increasing our aid to Egypt and elsewhere, as Obama proposed just last week. In 2010 alone, the U.S. government
granted $1.6 billion to Egypt. It granted $842.9 million to Jordan, $500.4 to Palestinian refugees, $283.3 million to Lebanon, and $67.3 million to Yemen. Israel, the United States most important ally in the region, received $2.8 billion. In most of these countries, the American government is buying the support of dictators and rebel leaders, in an attempt to purchase loyalty and stability. This old model is crumbling, along with the statues of Mubarak and Kadafi. What the United States must do— which will both reduce direct foreign aid and maintain stability and foster support for the U.S.—is create subsidies and opportunities for microcredit companies and establish effective ways for them to operate in the Middle East and north Africa. Microcredit is the extension of very small loans, or microloans, to those in poverty, designed to spur entrepreneurship. The practice has been utilized on a large scale in India and Southeast Asia, in which over 20 million women have used microloans to start small businesses and paid, miraculously, 30 to 70 percent interest. Microcredit is an effective privatization of foreign aid (and public programs in general), and has made its way in a small way to Israel. This practice will allow Americans to support democracy and capitalistic development while significantly reducing foreign aid. This practice, if successful, will allow the U.S. government to cut military and homeland security spending in the future. The threat of terrorism in Yemen and the political unrest in Iraq can be solved with localized business innovation – when America helps the Middle East and Africa help themselves.
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Tiger - Tuesday, May 24, 2011
“Life has no smooth road for any of us; and in the bracing atmosphere of a high aim the very roughness stimulates the climber to steadier steps, till the legend, over steep ways to the stars, fulfills itself.” - W.C. Doane Good luck!! Anonymous
Messages for Hajime
Hajime, you are so strong and inspirational! Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Keep fighting!”
Messages for Hajime
Hajime, You inspire me, my friend. Thank you.
Madeline & Isabel Chin Will Jones
Mr. Shane Mills
Messages for Hajime
Your courage is an inspiration to us all. You are the teacher now.
Anonymous
In November, Hajime Miyasaka was diagnosed with ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Although his body has begun to fail him, the students at South Pasadena will not. Students have left their messages for Hajime here to show that he is not alone in his fight against ALS. To date, the messages on this page represent $1,100 in donations to our friend Hajime. More than $100 of them came anonymously. They came in the form of a crumpled five, or a whole class pooling their money. We are all with you, Hajime.
Hey Haji. I just wanted to let you know I am always here for you. You’re my best friend.
Hajime don’t worry you are not alone and you have a bunch of unbelievable support. Don’t give up you will be O.K. I hope this money helps you as much as possible. Eric Alvarez
Thinking of you with love. Madeline Godwin
Our love goes out to you and your family, Hajime! We are keeping you in our thoughts.
Mark Swanson
Mrs. Yang’s Class: 3rd Period Biology
Our best to you - your spirit inspires us. Mrs. Fullinwider’s Math Classes
“Whenever you see darkness, there is extraordinary opportunity for the light to burn brighter.” - Bono Stay strong Hajime! The Liu Family Although I do not know you personally, the fact that you can smile regardless of your situation says enough. While this disease is associated only with tragedy, I would like to tell you that I find inspiration in the way you have handled it. Everything in life is a gift, and you have helped me see it as such. So I would like to say thank you, and I wish you and your family the best of luck.
Eren Cameron
Our best wishes. We’re all supporting you! Malaya Torres & Daniella Ulmer
COPA LOVE
The SPHS Science Department would like to donate this money for you, Hajime. We want to wish you well and hope for your improved health. Science Department
Copa de Oro Staff
Hajime keep fighting, you can beat this thing. We’re praying for you every day. Harry Yadav & Alireza Jabalameli
Love to HAJIME!! From: Pete, Stephanie, Charlotte, Oona, Ruddy & Jojo
Charlotte Foley
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Christina, Tiffany, Yee-Lum, Eric, Jessie, Jordan & Daphne
Dear Hajime, I love the memories we have made together. Remember when we were dance partners for our church’s production of Anything Goes? What a fun summer! From car rallies to history class and Camp Sky Meadows to Choir Tour. I’m glad that we have the opportunity to grow up together. Hajime, you are such a fun, respectful and optimistic friend. I will always be here for you. Lia Lohr
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“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 Thank you for your genuine kindness and heartfealt smiles. Stay strong, Hajime.
All of your friends, family, and loved ones are wishing for the best. You’re in all of our hearts and we are all here for you.
Helen Lee
Hajime - here’s to an awesome guy you’re an inspiration to all of us. We care about you and are thinking of you.
You’ll never walk alone.
Joey Shapiro
A friend
Hey! Remember that birthday party you had when we all came over and built cars? We still remember how much fun that was. Best wishes!
I can’t even imagine what you are going through. It is clear that you have the support of not only your family and friends, but the support of an entire school. I hope that you continue fighting this disease and I hope to help your support grow as much as possible.
The Atwater Family
Ben Hillman
Hajime you have deeply touched all of our hearts with your condition, and yet you still strive to achieve in school. You have made a difference upon all your peers. Our prayers go out to you, for you Hajime to stay strong and never give up fighting.
We send our love and support to you and your family. Love,
Stay swaggin to the maximum. I love you Hajime. I hope the best for you <3
Keep smiling. You are loved.
Sara & Ben Charney, AJ Pruett & Laura Parada
Nicole Hall
Dominic Frescura & Sam Espinoza
Anne Kitchens & Libby Rainey
“Promise me you’ll always remember. You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem.”
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 - Tiger
- Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh Ruth Moonesinghe
We love you and are praying for you.
Kimberly How & Laura Hill
The Atwater Family
Hajime! Our whole school will be supporting you. Never give up and may God be with you all the time so you can have your strength and power against hardships. /^o^/ We love you Hajime!
The Lee Family
Out of the night that covers me, black as the pit from pole to pole. I thank whatever gods may be, for my unconquerable soul. Under the fell clutch of circumstance, I have winced or cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance, my head is bloody by unbowed. Out of this place of wrath and tears, loans but the horror of the shade. And yet the menace of the years finds, and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll. I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.
Ryan Quon, Jonathan Lee, Brian Donovan, Himal Suthar, James Canares
The entire school adores you, and always has. Through all of our support we hope we can guide you towards victory forever. I will never understand why such terrible things happen to the greatest of people.
Danny Shapiro
We admire your optimism and strength. Your smile lights up our campus. We are truly inspired by you. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make to shine upon, and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen. Nicole Lussier, Laura Lussier, Lia Lohr & Sean Erlich
Feature 12 Tiger - Tuesday, May 24, 2011
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Culture Music Art Books Movies Fashion People
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Fast Five, featuring an all-star cast of action
heroes, features several extreme car chases.
Fast Five: a little too fast By Wyatt Bukowski Staff Writer
3/5
Fast Five is a larger-than-life action film, full of high-octane car chases that bring out your inner ten-year-old. The fifth movie in the Fast and Furious series, the movie is directed by Justin Lin. Fast Five presents the return of the popular characters Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), Brian O’Connor (Paul Walker), and Mia Toretto (Jordana Brewster), along with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who plays a hard-nosed cop trying to hunt the three fugitives down. While this movie lacks a strong plot and its action scenes seem to abandon all regard for realism, its striking visuals keep your eyes glued to the screen the whole time. This film delivers plenty of explosions, fistfights, and car crashes. In addition, the combo of Diesel and Johnson make for one of the more intense fights in the Fast and Furious series, and gives off a Chuck Norris-Bruce Lee type feel. The movie runs for about two hours and ten minutes, which creates some issues. The film could have done without some of the long, drawn-out dialog between action scenes, which kill the momentum of the movie. It doesn’t help, either, that both Walker and Brewster’s acting haven’t seemed to improve over the course of the series, making heartfelt scenes between the two just seem silly. There’s no doubt that Fast Five could have used some acting coaches and maybe a better editor. However, if you can look past these major flaws, you may find that the heartpounding action scenes have you clapping along the whole time, creating for a good atmosphere for majority of the movie.
Shana Skelton
The von Trapp children being led in song by the wonderful Maria, played by junior Libby Rainey, during the SPHS spring musical. The performance was directed by Daniel Enright, who is in his first year as the head of the Drama department.
The halls are alive with the Sound of Music By Sofi Goode Staff Writer
5/5
When a high school puts on a wellrecognized play for their spring musical, it usually falls short of the crowd’s biased expectations. The South Pasadena High School Drama Department’s performance of The Sound of Music was the complete opposite of this stereotype. Although this is Mr. Daniel Enright’s first year as head of the Drama department and the first year that the spring musical has had open auditions, The Sound of Music was absolutely fantastic. “I’ve had people from the community saying positive things,” Enright said. “The talent on that stage is incredible.” The lead role of Maria, played by junior Libby Rainey, could have easily have been portrayed by a professional actress. Rainey’s voice filled the auditorium to the rafters, while her acting had even those who
know her thinking that she was Julie Andrews. One got over the fact that the von Trapp children did not all look Austrian as soon as they started singing the famous “Do Re Mi.” Freshman Sophie Negrini and senior J.J. Astle did a fantastic rendition of “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” managing to use some of the movie choreography in their dance. As the musical went on, the audience became more and more impressed with the cast. Between the witty lines of Max Detweiler, played by senior Nick Primuth, and senior Elise Gabriel’s performance of “Climb Every Mountain,” the beginning of Act II wowed the crowd. Enright mixed the movie with the Broadway production to get the script that the SPHS cast used. He took several lines from the movie, while changing the location of songs and adding the song “No Way to Stop It”—sung by the Baroness and Max Detweiler—from the musical.
The song was a nice addition, giving both the Baroness, played by junior Meghan Roche, and Max a chance to sing. The two, along with senior Jake Folsom as Captain von Trapp, belted out the song. This song marked the end of Captain von Trapp and the Baroness’ engagement. An orchestra made up of the SPHS band played all of the music for the show, and the Arroyo Seco Choir sang in several songs. An all-student stage crew ran the production. “Doing a musical is a collaborative effort,” Enright said. “You have actors, musicians, an orchestra director, a choreographer, an acting director. You really have to work with people.” The play’s costumes, set, and lighting all complimented the actors’ performances and left nothing to complain about. All in all, the cast and crew of The Sound of Music did an incredible job, and it was well worth the time.
Personality Profile: Estelle Rubin By Chloe Lloyd Staff Writer Estelle Rubin is not your average high school student. With bright blonde hair, a wide grin, and a carefree essence, Rubin’s charm is undeniable. Rubin will be graduating a year early, with the class of 2011, in order to pursue her aspirations of becoming an international fashion journalist for an independent New York publisher. “I feel as if I have taken away all that I need from a high school experience, and I am ready to move on to what I really want to do with my life,” Rubin comments on graduating a year early. Rubin has grown up surrounded by creativity. Her mother, Cynthia Erland, is the Vice President for clothing company Perry Ellis, while her father, Mitch Rubin, is an architect. Immersed in this environment, Rubin began her career at a young age.
Rubin has now been styling photo shoots for three years, and styled the fashion section of Pique, a 20-page, quarterly magazine, showcasing the styles of progressive Los Angeles musicians and artists. Rubin will be moving to New York this summer in order to complete her internship at Teen Vogue. The extensive process of obtaining the internship included flying to New York every few weeks, and meeting with editors at Condé Nast Publications. She will be using her strong artistic vision to assist with styling photo shoots and fashion features. While Rubin acknowledges the fact that she will be faced with discrimination due to her young age, she is determined that her hard work and talent will compensate for these prejudgments. Rubin has always been considered an independent and mature individual by her peers, which intensifies her confidence in mak-
Sam Gurley
Estelle Rubin, graduating in her third year of high school, has found her calling in the world of fashion and hopes to get even more experience in the industry by leaving SPHS early. ing a name for herself in the big city. Rubin comments, “I have always believed that one should never let peoples negative criticism deter from your goals.” After completing the Teen Vogue internship, Rubin will be attending Eu-
gene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts in the fall, and majoring in writing. Rubin’s commitment to her passions—writing, reading, and fashion— has allowed for immeasurable opportunities for success to be presented.
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Tuesday, May 24, 2011 - Tiger
Cutthroat cutlery and the art of Spoon Assassin By Brendan Perry Staff Writer Forty-one students carried a plastic spoon in their hand everywhere they went throughout the past seven weeks. The reason: Spoon Assassin. Spoon Assassin is a game in which participants must carry a designated spoon in their hand or mouth at all times if they want to stay “alive.” Every spoon has the name of another player written on the bottom. This name becomes the carrier’s target. If players spot their target without their spoon they can tag them, eliminating them from the game and gaining control of a new spoon with a new target. The objective—be the last one standing. Spoon Assassin—brought to SPHS by junior Martin Lis after seeing his brother playing in college—has finally crowned a winner. Senior Davy Li outlasted Lis in an epic top two showdown. Lis, the organizer, had taken the game extremely seriously and Li made Spoon Assassin his life, stalking targets, hiding in their cars, and showing up unexpectedly at targets’ houses. Knowing that it might take months before he could catch Li off-guard, Lis forfeited so he could have a good and spoon-free time at prom. “Spoon assassin is a game of mental
strength,” said Li. “It’s really fun at the beginning but it soon becomes a chore and a frustrating game of perseverance and will.” Li is undoubtedly considered the best player. He has “assassinated” a game-high 7 players. Lis, on the other hand, never killed a single target, due to the misfortune of his first and only spoon having Li as the target. Other great players have emerged outside of the top two. Senior Chole Lloyd, for example, made it to the final five despite being hunted by Li for several weeks. Lloyd was the last girl in the game before “committing suicide” on April 29. The game is certainly a mental challenge that puts participants in a perpetual state of paranoia. “I was very determined to win and represent the girls in this male-dominated game,” said Lloyd. “But in the end, it just wasn’t fun anymore. The game became so cutthroat and stressful. I even got some anonymous spoon assassin threatening phone calls.” For others, like Lis, the game became a part of their daily routine. “The spoon grows on you,” said Lis, prior to prom. “For me, it’s wallet, watch, spoon, and I am out the door. You become so used to holding your spoon, you do everything with it, and not because you have
Edmond Mandin-Lee
to but because you want to.” Overall, Lis and the other participants have considered the game extremely successful and fun for the majority of the time. Lis is already creating a Facebook group in preparation for round two. Many have expressed interest in joining the second round – however, Lis plans to keep the number of participants at forty in hopes of preventing the game from getting out of hand.
Hunger Games cast disappoints fans of book By Sofi Goode Staff Writer In 2010, Lionsgate Entertainment began production on a film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ New York Times Bestselling book, Hunger Games. Casting for the movie began in March of 2011 with the role of the main character, sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen. Girls aging from 14 to 24 tried out for the role, and the fan argument began. Die-hard Hunger Games fans insisted on a young actress – someone who actually looked like a teenager. Lesser fans were simply on a search for someone who looked the part and could play the roll, but few were expecting twenty year-old Jennifer Lawrence. Lawrence was cast as Katniss in mid-April, and the fanbase immediately burst to life, insisting she is too old for the part, her eyes aren’t gray, her hair is the wrong color, and her skin is far too light. Lawrence’s curvy
Entertainment Weekly
Jennifer Lawrence, selected for the title role. attempting to look the part for the fans. physique is in stark contrast with Katniss’ light and nimble build. Lawrence looks taller and stronger than the other tributes, far too much of a contender for her underdog character. Many fans think that the cast went
Googoo for (Lady) Gaga By Kelsey Hess Staff Writer
3.5/5
Twenty thousand little monsters flooded the gates of Manhattan’s Madison Square Garden to see the one and only Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga Presents: The Monster Ball Tour at Madison Square Garden, shown on HBO, is behind-the-scenes footage of the last of five concerts at Madison Square Garden, directed by Laurieann Gibson. With moments obviously inspired by Madonna: Truth or Dare, The Monster Ball is a closer look at Gaga’s music, her lifestyle, and her efforts to stay grounded throughout the whirlwind of her fame. Although The Monster Ball is weird and controversial to the average music fan, it never fails to entertain. Her custom-made instruments, overwhelming theatrical presence on stage, and backstage footage after each act can keep any viewer satisfied. As Gaga pulls up to Madison Square Garden for her last concert, she wipes away a tear from under her Chanel glasses with a bedazzled acrylic nail. “Do you know how many times I came to this arena?” she asks her crew of dancers and back up singers sitting around
her in a black SUV. “And now, look at this. They’re opening these gates up for us.” Never has Gaga’s exceptional love for her fans been so clear but in her pianoaccompanying rendition on “You and I”, as she stares out into the arena, her eyes glassy and full of inspiration and endearment. “I’m brave for you, my little monsters,” Gaga says at the end of “You and I”. “Thank you.” The best part of the documentary was the first five minutes, shot stunningly in crystal-clear black-and-white film as Lady Gaga walked though her hometown of New York City (completely glammed up) and ordered a coffee at a local convenience store. After the opening of the special, which slips the viewer into a visual nirvana, the concert footage begins. Despite the lack of behind-thescenes footage throughout the majority of the film, Lady Gaga fans will undoubtedly love this. For the non-fans, 90 minutes of Gaga may seem too long, but it’s still interesting and worth watching. Though you may not know every song made by our favorite little monster, we can appreciate the creativity and passion expressed, and, isn’t that what music is all about anyway?
Music Review Lonely Island By Alex Tranquada Staff Wrtier
Champion Davy Li, senior, demonstrates the agility that allowed him to outlast Martin Lis.
downhill from there. Numerous boys tried out for both Gale and Peeta – the two male leads. While the fanbase cried out for Hunter Parrish as Peeta and Gaspard Ulliel as Gale, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth were given the rolls. Immediately, fans began complaining that the boys had the wrong hair colors, the wrong faces, and the wrong skin tones. The rest of cast hasn’t been as controversial as the main three characters, but several groups have already sworn off the movie. They complain that the characters are too old and have the wrong coloring and body types. With so many options to choose from, the casting crew obviously didn’t consider physical appearance in their choice. While some fans are angry enough to give up on the film, many will push through with Harry Potter-style perseverance, dying a little when they look into Jennifer Lawrence’s not-gray eyes.
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4/5
Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone have lives that most high schoolers would kill for. The three childhood friends currently write for and act on Saturday Night Live, produced a movie together, and have just released their second rap album, jokingly entitled Turtleneck and Chain. Their sophomore effort is much in the same vein as their debut album Incredibad, from the self-explanatory “I Just Had Sex” to the gratuitously violent “Rocky.” Tracks like “The Creep” keep up the group’s penchant for parodying conventional hip-hop, while “Japan” presents itself as a blatant effort to get their record label to pay for a trip to Japan so they can shoot the music video. The album includes guest appearances from Rihanna, Akon, Beck, Snoop Dogg, and Nicki Minaj. “Jack Sparrow,” one of the highlights of the album, features singer Michael Bolton sporadically interrupting the song to praise the titular pirate and his exploits. Also included are old tracks that didn’t make the cut for Incredibad; “Motherlover,” the spiritual sequel to the popular “D**k in a Box,” and “Threw It on the Ground” were originally released as SNL Digital Shorts in 2009 but never made available for purchase. Some songs, however, take things a bit too far. “We’re Back,” a song ostensibly about the group’s triumphant return, features far too many tales of erectile dysfunction. “Watch Me Do Me,” another self-explanatory sketch, does not benefit from the addition of relevant sound effects, although it is thankfully only 27 seconds long. The group has also released an additional single, “We’ll Kill U,” that did not appear on the album itself. The song features the return of Schaffer and Taccone’s “Guy #1” and “Guy #2” from the Incredibad track “We Like Sportz” as offbeat gangsters who claim to kill for fun. All in all, Turtleneck and Chain is a solid record. Although perhaps not as hilarious as its predecessor, it’ll still draw laughter from anyone with a good sense of humor.
14 Tiger - Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Feature
Get EdUKated By Marcus Kahn Managing Editor There exists in modern education two approaches to academics. The liberal arts approach allows the student to experiment and dabble during their college careers: a perfect opportunity for droves of uncertain teenagers in the world. But for those who seek specialization, for those who know what they want to study specifically, distribution requirements can be frustrating and redundant. And from here, there are two conventional options. If you are into math and science you can go to a technical school such as MIT, or an engineering college within a larger university. Or, you can go into a school with open-curriculum, such as Brown University. But there is a third, lesser-known option—The United Kingdom. In the UK, you apply to specific courses within universities. This means that some courses are more selective than others, even within the same school. For instance, I applied to a combined History and Literature course within Durham University. In England, the undergraduate degree lasts three years, with an annual tuition, and room and board of roughly $30,000. That is more than $20,000 cheaper than the typical American private school. In Scotland, the courses last the normal four years. Let’s examine the downsides for a minute. It can be difficult to switch your courses once you have been accepted to the university, and in a three-year degree, you may be at a disadvantage because the Brits have been specializing in their “A-Levels” for two years. Airfare can burn cash (though not nearly enough to offset the cheaper cost). The American college obsession with luring applicants is not as fervent in England, so the facilities can be lacking. The method in which they evaluate applicants is not comprehensive (though this could be beneficial to some). Extracurricular activities are negligible, and the focus is heavy on AP scores and SAT II’s rather than grades in your classes. UCAS, the centralized British system, charges you 21 pounds (about 32 dollars), for your first application, and 11 pounds (16 dollars) for the next four (the maximum allowed). The application consists of standard information, one essay, and one recommendation from a teacher in a course similar to the one you are applying for. For the University of Cambridge there is the supplemental COAS (Cambridge Overseas Application Form). All due dates are January 15, except for Oxford and Cambridge which are October 15. And, your responses nearly always come within a month or two. Unsuccessful means you have been rejected. Conditional means that they have outlined certain requirements from your future tests (i.e. SAT or AP), and unconditional means that you can drop everything and chill for the rest of the year. The UK option isn’t for everyone. But if you know what you want to do, and you want to pay less to learn how to do it you may want to spend the next three or four years in the misted isles across the pond. Also they think American accents are suuuuuuper hot…
Sam & Luka’s Awesome Adventures in the Greater L.A. Area By Luka Douridas Assoc. Opinion Editor At SLAAGLAA, Master Adventurers Sam and Luka usually try to find an attraction that is unique, under-appreciated, or under-visited. Yet this past month, a string of circumstances led us to spend an afternoon at the local tourist hotspot of Venice Beach. Neither of us had been to Venice Beach since childhood, and in more recent years had dismissed it as a bleak location filled with seagulls, tourists, and litter. Yet we thought to ourselves that maybe we could, as AP Lit has taught us, view Venice Beach through a different lens. Maybe it’s not just a place for tourists? We decided to find out. Shortly after arriving at Venice Beach, Sam and I decided to grab a bit to eat before we hit the main walkway. We came across a local eating edifice that claimed to serve the original fish tacos that were featured in the 2009 comedy film I Love You, Man, starring Paul Rudd and Jason Segel. Being practitio-
ners of manly love ourselves, Sam and I decided to drop in and give them a try. Because Sam was a vegetarian, he had to rely on me to describe their flavor, but unfortunately, I found them disappointingly dry and tasteless. After leaving to take a walk alongside the beach, I stopped to grab a fish taco at the nearest sidewalk stand. With one bite, it blew the previous tacos away. Perhaps I found it too perfect of a story, that a humble local stand along the boardwalk served better food than a boasting restaurant around the corner, but standing next to my dear friend Sam and eating that delicious, Ensenada-style fish taco in the light spring breeze gave me a surge of happiness. It was a moment, and a taco, to savor. Sam and I proceeded to progress along the pathway, perusing among the various shops selling sunglasses and marijuana merchandise amidst the soundtrack of waves and reggae music. Watching zorbing and street performers were just the icing on the
celebrityfanweb.com
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) speaks with his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins.) The movie kicks off the season’s line up of comic-book-to-silver-screen adaptions.
Thor: a thunderous success By Sam Shin Illustrator
4.5/5
The first week of May usually means a Marvel superhero hits the big screen. In the past we have gotten Spider-Man, Wolverine, Iron Man—now the summer movie season kicks off with the premiere of the a new Marvel hero, Thor. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is a powerful, arrogant, hammer-wielding warrior. His reckless action reignites an ancient war
between his people and the Frost Giants. For this, he is banned by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) to Earth as punishment. There, he lives among the mortals and meets Jane (Natalie Portman) who eventually teaches him humility. Thor’s evil brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) has malicious plans for the hero, and sends dark forces to Earth. In the process, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero. The acting in this film is top-notch and probably the movie’s biggest strength.
Sam Gurley
One of the many strange sights Luka and Sam witnessed while wandering around the sunny sidewalks of Venice. cake. We did feel a bit strange, looking like tourists—but it felt nice to be in a different world, to play a different role. One aspiring rapper even mistook me as being British. Heading back to Sam’s car, we felt cheerier than usual. Who knew that such a worn-out location could provide such a pleasant afternoon? Adventurers, take note. For a day of low pressure relaxation and leisure, Venice Beach is just the spot. This is a breakout performance by the Australian actor Chris Hemsworth. He and Tom Hiddleston show they have the acting chops and star quality to become mega-marquee names in the future. Both actors make a huge impression with their undeniable charisma. The two play off each other well, setting up an interesting sibling rivalry in the story. While Academy Award winners Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman are also excellent, it is Hemsworth and Hiddleston who carry the movie. The idea of a “classic” director like Kenneth Branagh making a superhero film might initially sound strange, but in the case of Thor, it ends up being very appropriate. Branagh is able to use Shakespearean drama and archaic language to tell the story. The only flaw within this film is the patchiness of scene changes between Asgard and Earth. Nevertheless, Branagh’s competent direction, the excellent performances, dazzling visual effects, and the solid screenplay all add up to make Thor to be a very entertaining movie. This isn’t the only Marvel superhero film coming out this year. X-Men: First Class and Captain America: The First Avenger are next in line. Marvel is planning to unite Thor, Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, and possibly more heroes in the epic superhero team-up The Avengers, coming May of next year.
Trails near JPL open two years after devasting Station Fire By Harry Yadav Staff Writer This month holds good news for any die-hard backpackers at SPHS. The hiking trails surrounding JPL officially reopened on May 16, after being closed for two and a half years due to the devastating Station Fire of August 2009. 154,000 acres of the Angeles National Forest were burned as a result of the fire, and the restoration of 98,000 acres of trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds is significant to those who found solace in the area prior to the devastation. Many residents believe the area was well worth restoring, citing the numerous paths that run for miles while providing beautiful views of the Mojave Desert and
L.A. Basin. The renovation has not gone unappreciated. “I’ve waited two and half years for this to open. The trails are great, not too steep, but there are lots of streams and a good amount of shade. It’s really a good way to spend your day,” said Peter Darney, an avid hiker and outdoorsman. In fact, the overabundance of visitors the trail has attracted has become almost irritating for Altadena resident Tabitha Joiner. “People have been asking me so much that I had to go check the trails out myself, they are extremely popular,” said Joiner. The trails even permit biking, which can make the trip much shorter for those who like nature, but can only appreciate it in small
doses. In fact, for many students, biking the trails up by JPL and taking a picnic to one of the waterfalls would be a relaxing way to wind down the year. “I’m always looking for a place to hike and go camping, and the trails in that area are extremely beautiful. Now that it is open, I’ll definitely go check it out,” said junior Eagle Scout Bennett Kopperud. The reopening also comes at an opportune time, as many seniors return from Yosemite, possibly with a newfound passion for the outdoors. After hosting a horrific fire that scorched the hills, claimed two lives, and destroyed over eighty homes, the trails that border La Cañada and Altadena are finally ready to be trodden again.
latrailhikers.com
The hiking trails and several campsites around JPL are now open to the public.
Feature
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 - Tiger
Personality Profile
EOVER heard
Gabriel Balaa
By Clair Fuller Staff Writer “I dunno, I do normal things,” says senior Gabriel Balaa when asked about his hobbies and interests. It’s clear, however, that Balaa is being falsely modest—the partially deaf seventeen-year-old goes on to list riding mopeds, watching horror movies, and taking photographs among the ways he spends his time. Balaa has lived in the Pasadena area his entire life, but he started attending SPHS, where his sister is a freshman, just a few months ago. He’ll be here next year as well, as changing schools multiple times has made it difficult to obtain all the required credits. Balaa’s hearing impairment necessitates a sign language interpreter to be with him in class, but with the help of a hearing aid, Balaa is able to hear fairly well out
of one ear. He still describes being deaf as barrier, though. “People think that I understand them, but I don’t. Sometimes I pretend I do,” he says. Meningitis at age seven left Balaa deaf; his hearing later returned, only to disappear completely, until it came back partially in one ear. Balaa didn’t learn sign language until he was 14, when his friend, JD, taught him. “JD learned sign language because he liked a girl who was deaf,” he laughs. Balaa says he put off learning sign language for so long because he “didn’t want to learn it. I really hated being deaf. I still hate it.” He wasn’t born deaf, and because of this he says that he doesn’t feel he has much in common with other deaf people. “But I’m not the same as people who can hear, either,” he says. “I’m stuck in the middle.”
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Sam Gurley
Senior Gabriel Balaa spelling out his first name in sign language. The obvious challenges that Balaa faces certainly don’t stop him from enjoying life, however. He enjoys listening to “good music”, going “exploring” on mopeds with friends, and taking pictures—“of, you know, life,” and aspires to be a film director. “I want to make movies that affect people,” he says, “and that make you feel something.”
Adventure Time appeals to more than just kids By Sam Gurley Photo Editor
Jake the dog and Fin the human: two best buds whose youthspriters-resource.com ful optimism drives 5/5 them to fight bad guys and save princesses. The adventures that ensue are what make up the new television show Adventure Time, which is, without a doubt, exploding in popularity. If you aren’t already watching it, you can find it on Cartoon Network, Hulu, or any media sharing website. Adventure Time is the type of show that has two target audiences, children and
adults. The only real show that it can be compared to is the late and great Ren and Stimpy that has almost attained a cult following. With subtle cursing such as “lump off, mom” and “Slam-a-cow!” the show has a dark side that is unbeknownst to the typical Cartoon Network viewer. The show has a vicious past, in which all humans were killed in a great “Mushroom War”, implying nuclear warfare. For now, the show takes place in a kodachrome dream-world of hot dog warriors, labyrinths, and adventures. Each episode is roughly eleven minutes long, and always teaches a lesson by the end. There is a delicate humor that is prev-
alent throughout the show that is the main draw for the older audiences. In a musical battle to save Jake’s soul, Death plays a double bass pedal guitar and screams, reminiscent of death metal. In another episode, three “smooth posers” are seen at “Make Out Point”, abandoned there by their friends. Ultimately, if you aren’t watching Adventure Time, you have really missed a cultural phenomenon. But it’s not too late, and those of you that get Cartoon Network are in luck. You can either tune in every day at 4:30 pm to relive your childhood dreams through our two adventurers’ antics, or miss the greatest television show of the new decade.
Have you ever accidently tuned into a bit of conversation that sounds comical, out of place, or inspirational? Submit it to Tiger for our OverHeard section! illustrations by Sam Shin
Scholarship Opportunity for High School Seniors!!! Asian American Economic Development Enterprises (AAEDE) is opening their 3rd annual scholarship to eligible graduating seniors. Awards will range from $500~$1000.
AAEDE
Please download application materials at www.aaede.org or for more information, call (626) 572—7021. Application postmark deadline: June 3rd, 2011
16 Tuesday, May 24, 2011 - Tiger
AP Studio Art
Portfolios
AP Art Exposé AP Art students work all year, crafting their photos, paintings and drawings perfectly in preparation for submission to the College Board. They are judged by as many as seven art educators, on criteria like “Confident, Evocative Work That Engages the Viewer” and the “Students Voice.” Clearly, these students exhibit that. Enjoy.
Elim Pan (12)
Daniel Willardson (11)
Elim Pan (12) Irene Park (12)
Yuliya Tumaykina (12) Mathew Ravanelle (12)
Mathew Ravanelle (12)
Elise Bonilla-Meyers (12) Irene Park (12) Elise BonillaMeyers (12)
Anthony Harmer (12)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 - Tiger
Sports
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Boys tennis Wang and Charney can’t compensate for a mostly inexperienced squad By Max White Staff Writer It was a rebuilding year for the South Pasadena boys tennis team, which took a disappointing fourth place in league and sent no individuals or pairs to CIF. The young Tiger squad went 2-6 in league play, claiming Rio Hondo victories over the Monrovia Wildcats but falling twice to La Cañada, Temple City, and San Marino. South Pas still had an opportunity to salvage its season with three opponents left before prelims, but hopes for third place vanished on April 22 with a heartbreaking 7-11 loss to the Spartans. The Tigers then dropped a match to the Rams on May 26 before finishing their season with a decisive 11-7 victory over the Wildcats the next day. South Pas was similarly unlucky in prelims and finals. A doubles team consisting of seniors Benjamin Charney and Sam Yang was South Pasadena’s best shot at a Rio Hondo title and possible CIF appearance. The impressive duo played all the way to the semifinals and was poised to take on San Marino’s Robert Carter and Nicolas Splichal in the finals. But Charney suffered a crippling arm injury midway through the semifinal match against the Rams, and the Tigers ultimately fell to their Temple City opponents. The team is optimistic about its chances next season, but knows that graduation will rob it of some of this year’s strongest players.
Katie Whitworth
Junior Taylor Colliau tags out a runner from Temple City on May 12. The Tigers lost the season finale 9-6.
Softball looks towards next season By Christian Miyamae Assoc. Sports Editor As the season came to a close, it seemed to be much of the same story as softball went 0-12 in league. Although it was a season of several defeats, in the end, not all was lost as it was a rebuilding year for the Tigers. “We were young this year. The team is mostly sophomores and juniors. But we also need to support our pitcher more and stop making errors,” said sophomore Ashley Gentry. In the girls’ last game of the season on May 12, the team lost in close 6-9 game at Temple City. Producing most of the Tigers’ runs was senior Laura Parada and sophomore Erika Rodriquez, who both drove in two RBI’s. Another notable included sophomore Samantha Gomez,
Stacy Lee on the track By Carlton Lew Sports Editor
cism instantly captures your attention. Along with her vibrant smile and energetic If you have seen senior personality, it is hard to miss superstar Stacy Lee on the this stellar athlete. Lee planned to be a track, her blistering speed and extraordinary athleti- swimmer, but during soccer season of her freshman year, at the urging of her mother and track coach, she decided to join the team. And as a result, she has blossomed into one of the school’s finest sprinters. Lee has been on the varsity track team since her freshman year, serving as captain for the last two seasons. Although a specialist in the 200 and 400 meters, Lee decided to explore her talents this year opting instead to compete in the field events. “It was my last year of track so I wanted to have some fun,” she said. “I was quite satisfied with the way I Katie Whitworth finished in the shot put.” Senior Stacy Lee readying herself Lee’s impact on to compete in the 100 yard dash. the team was instantly
apparent her freshman year as she broke the high school sprint medley relay school record, a mark that still stands to this day. She also holds the 4x100 meter relay mark, which the team broke twice this season. Lee’s multiple accolades include being named the defending “Sprinter of the Year” her freshman, sophomore, and junior years. Her most memorable moment in her illustrious career was breaking a minute in the 400 meters and the Stanford Invitational as a sophomore. Along with being a standout on the track, Lee also starts at the forward position on the varsity soccer squad. Her proudest achievements in the sport were being named Second-team AllArea her sophomore year and receiving the Coach’s Award her senior year. Lee credits her achievements on the track and the soccer field to her loving family, especially her affectionate parents, Annie and Winston Lee “If it weren’t for them, I would not be where I am today in track,” she said. Lee plans to attend UC Davis and continue her success in track in college. “Davis has a Division I program which will be a challenge to make,” she said. “I’ll try my best, but it will be interesting.”
ed two hits against Orozco. who recorded two hits. “We are going to work on playing After a tough loss to Monrovia, not much changed on May 10, as South Pas together more and on our defense in the was shut out against La Cañada. With offseason,” said Gentry. Despite finishing with a dismal reonly one hit allowed, La Cañada’s senior Lauren O’leary, with the whole game cord, the girls come away with some opand struck out seventeen Tigers. On the timism. However, their inability to score flip side, the home town South Pasadena runs and play sufficient defense will give crowd did not have much to cheer for, ex- the team something to work on for next year. cept sophomore Isabel Chin’s lone hit. The core of the team will stay largeWith April coming to an end, the Tigers hoped to turn things around as ly intact for the next few years as Parada they started the month of May hosting and Angelique Singh are the only seniors Monrovia. However, all was for not, as on the squad. softball was defeated in a 0-20 game. Pitching the whole game for Monrovia was senior Emmy 5/12 10/11 10/12 Orozco who shutout the Tigers SPHS SPHS SPHS in five innings. A bright spot in v. TC v. Monrovia v. La Cañada South Pasadena’s line up was ju6-9 L 0-20 L 0-11 nior Taylor Colliau, who record-
Sean Nang: Minister of Speed By Joshua Roquemore Staff Writer The Blur, Flash, Minister of Speed: these are all nicknames that embody senior Sean Nang. From a young age he has shown the tenacity to succeed with speed. While Nang participates in several sports, track stands above the rest. He began track as a 7th grader in middle school. Now, 5 years later, he considers competitive track one of his foremost passions. “I knew I wanted to join track when I got to high school,” said Nang. “I did distance in 7th grade, but moved to sprinting and jumping in 9th grade.” Now in his fourth year in track Nang competes in the triple jump, long jump, high jump, and four by four. He previously held the school record for triple jump. He has also done basketball for four years and football for his senior year. “As far as priorities go, sports would
be an 8 or 9,” said Nang, “and track would definitely be my favorite.” Although high school has been Sean’s main platform for participating in sports, he plans on continuing after graduation. His excellent performance both in the classroom and on the track allows him to pursue both a competitive and an intellectual future. “I was accepted by UCLA [partly] because of my 4.0 GPA,” said Nang. “I plan on trying out for the track team there.” You may see Sean speeding down the track, or speeding easily through a final exam, or running across the graduation stage. When he is not racing somewhere however, you will find him to be an intelligent, engaging individual who has a passion for sports. “As for the distant future, I plan on staying in shape and continuing to run and play basketball,” said Nang. “These are all things [I love] and will continue to do.”
Katie Whitworth
Senior Sean Nang in the triple jump at the Rio Hondo League Finals on May 6.
18 Tiger - Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Sports
Coaches and players ready for season after many changes to team By Michael Abelev Staff Writer Little more than a hundred days stand between now and the beginning of the season for the South Pasadena High School varsity football team. With many changes to the football program from coaches to equipment and hopes for a new weight lifting facility, the Tigers expect to improve themselves no matter the differences.
With the addition of new head football coach Mr. Martin Konrad in early March, the team has experienced many changes to the coaching staff. According to Konrad, the team is expecting to add three to four new coaches, but names cannot be disclosed until paperwork is completed in the upcoming weeks. No comment could be made on coaches who would be leaving, but it is confirmed that defensive coordinator Mr.
Golf hits a bunker Yadav and Sue unable to qualify for individual CIF. “Our whole year pretty much was a waste. The field of players in league this year was weak so this was the best chance for one of Lackluster effort in the second half of us to qualify, but nobody, including me, really the season, an increase of bickering between stepped up,” said the captain, Yadav. The Titeammates, and some gers season bad luck culminated began to spiral in a disastrous showdownwards very ing at league prelims quickly in the for the boys golf team. second half of The only player to league after the qualify for finals was squad dropped a freshman Henry Sue, couple of close though even he did contests to Temnot play to his pople City and San tential. Marino. “That Junior Harry was our season Yadav, who qualified right there,” refor finals the previous flected coach two years, shot a disRichard Goto. appointing 87 to miss Junior the cut by two strokes. Kai MatsukuSophomore ma claims that Cole Teague’s expefriendly comperience at Prelims is tition became emblematic of the TiKatie Whitworth gers woes. Teague shot Soph. Cole Teague mid-way through excessive by the end of the year, a first day 85, which his swing during a match San Marino. contributing to initially made the cut. But by the time the team’s number three player the teams sub par performances. “Our had arrived at Marshall Canyon Golf Course chemistry, which wasn’t ideal to begin with, the next day, league officials had cut the field was completely lost by league finals,” said down from fifteen to thirteen, consequently Matsukuma. While this year was a failure in many eliminating him. “I mean, it was frustrating because it took like an hour to get out there respects, the Tigers will not be losing any and then they give me that news,” Teague players to graduation, giving them reason to believe. said angrily. By Jake Folsom Senior Staff Writer
Jeff Chi will not return. However, he will remain at SPHS teaching Math Analysis and Advanced Algebra. Chi said that he is still keeping coaching at a different school an option, but nothing is certain. “My primary job was always to teach. Coaching was a side job. I don’t want to undermine the new coach and ‘step on his toes’. I’m stepping away. I don’t want to be a distraction. [Coach Konrad] is going in the right direction and I wish him the best of luck. I’m keeping coaching in the open. It’s hard to leave something you’ve been doing so long,” said Chi. In a collaborative effort between the coaches, players, Athletic Director Mr. Ralph Punaro, and SPHS Principal Ms Janet Anderson, the team decided on the design of new Nike uniforms. According to Konrad, tradition was a big factor when creating the new design. Keeping to SPHS’s tradition, Konrad confirmed that the jerseys would not bare each individual player’s last name on the back. “It’s not about the name on the back of the jersey, it’s about the school that you play for. We talk about sports being a team effort. You don’t need your name on the back of your jersey to tell who you are. Your friends know who you are, your parents know who you are, and your team
knows who you are. But it goes against our team philosophy, and I think that putting names on the back singles out the players,” said Konrad. The team has ordered a total of 100 jerseys from Nike (50 home and 50 away) with a price tag of about $10,000. On May 21, the football team held a fundraiser in order to pay for the new jerseys. About $3000 was raised according to Konrad and it was a “great turnout.” The team plans on having another fundraising car wash in late June. “Our goals are the same right now. We are trying to get bigger, faster, stronger. We’re going to do that through our weight room and spring training. We’re taking it one day at a time, and see how good we can get,” said Konrad. The schedule for the upcoming season has been prepared and a change has been made. Instead of playing Cathedral High School, the Tigers will face the Maranatha High School Minutemen who went 8-4 last season, and made it to playoffs. “I’ve been satisfied thus far with the progress that were making. We still have a long way to go, we’re not even close to being ready for our first game against San Gabriel, but we have a lot of plans for this summer and we hope to make big strides,” said Konrad.
Courtesy of Martin Konrad and Ralph Punaro
The football program unveils its new jerseys for the 2011-2012 season.
Baseball ends season with second consecutive CIF berth
Edmond Mandin-Lee
Senior Tony Veiller in his wind-up during a game against La Cañada on May 10. By Wyatt Bukowski Staff Writer After closing the regular season with a 6-6 record, 12-16 overall, the Tigers headed to the CIF playoffs to face the third seeded Torrance Tartars last Thursday. Senior ace Antony D’Oro took the mound for the Tigers against Torrance starter Antony Konders. The Tigers fell behind early as the
Tartars jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the third inning with doubles by David Ike and Tyron Taylor. The Tigers answered back in the forth cutting the lead in half with a single from freshman Joey Harmon. Torrance would add another run in the fifth giving them a 3-1 lead heading to the seventh. With their backs against the wall, the Tigers responded. Junior Keaton Leach hit a double into the gap to score Harmon,
then a sacrifice fly hit by D’Oro tied the game at three a piece. But it was Torrance who would push the last run across. After D’Oro gave up two walks, Torrance’s Ishikawa hit a double to give the Tartars a 4-3 win. “It was a tough way to go out, but I’m still proud of our team” said senior Tony Vieller. The Tigers finished with an overall record of 12-16 with a third place finish in league. The team ended the regular season on a four game losing skid, falling to Monrovia 2-1, Poly 10-6, La Cañada 7-2, and Temple City 5-0. Their finish in league was not good enough for an automatic bid so they had to play a wild-card game last Tuesday. The Tigers secured a 2-1 win over Nordhoff High School which locked up a CIF berth for the Tigers. This was South Pasadena’s second straight year in the CIF playoffs; an impressive feat considering the team had not reached that point in eleven years up until 2010. In two seasons as head coach, Anthony Chevrier has brought the team to CIF twice and has increased the teams winning percentage from the previous two
seasons under former coach Rob Hertel. The Tigers will look to continue their success next season, but the team will be losing a total of eight seniors. Among those eight seniors seven are starters on this year’s squad. “We know we’re losing a lot of guys next year, and it’s our job to work hard and keep our winning ways up” said junior Dylan Trimarchi. The junior varsity squad also finished the season on a high note. The Tigers won four of their last five games, dominating Temple City 16-4 last Thursday. The boys finished with an overall record of 16-6, sharing the league crown with crosstown rivals La Cañada and San Marino. Impressive seasons by talented sophomores Nick O’Brien and Mark Swanson lead to their championship. O’Brien finished the season with a .500 batting average and Swanson maintained a 1.43 earned run average. This core of the junior varsity team, along with sophomores Bryan Bednarski (who tossed a perfect game earlier in the season), Skyler Anselmo, Christian Miyamae, and Kyle Decker, look forward to making a positive impact on the varsity level next year.
Sports
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 - Tiger
Swimming exceeds expectations
19
By Harry Yadav Staff Writer
Boys team finishes with 7-2 record for season
Tai Carter
Senior Norman Lai competes in the 200 individual medley at the Rio Hondo League Finals on May 6.
Girls share three-way tie for league champ The South Pasadena Girls Swimming program finished its season in strong fashion at league finals on May 6, which were held at the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center in Pasadena. The Tigers made six CIF consideration cuts and sent freshman Samantha Zavala to the first round of CIF playoffs, held at the Belmont Olympic Plaza in Long Beach. Zavala came in a few spots short of qualifying for the next round in the 500 freestyle, touching the wall with a time of 5:10:61. The Tigers ended up in a
three-way tie for first place in the Rio Hondo League. They would have been outright league champions if not for their mere nine-point defeat by San Marino. The close of the season also means it is time to say farewell to the eight seniors who spent the past four years representing South Pasadena. “We finished the year successfully and worked really hard,” said senior Jane Iio. “I’ve enjoyed being a Tiger and swimming with any team, so I
am definitely going to miss coming to the pool everyday,” said senior Tyler Brown. Next year, the Tigers will be returning much of this year’s talent, including Zavala, freshman Liza Echevarria, and junior Rachel Clauss. “With the talent that we already have and incoming freshmen, we should be able to do great next year,” said Zavala. “We just want to enjoy next year and hopefully win league again,” said junior Karen Cao.
A successful season came to an end for the boys swimming program at the first round of CIF, held on May 11 at the Belmont Olympic Plaza in Long Beach. Though six consideration times were achieved at league finals, only one Tiger qualified for CIF. League Finals were held at the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center on May 6th. The Tigers first qualifying time came from junior captain Carlton Lew in the 200 individual medley, with a time of 2:01:57. Lew later qualified in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:01:57, finishing the race in second. That time was a mere 0.48 seconds from the school record. Lew competed the next week at CIF and swam a 1:01.69 in the breaststroke. Junior Andrew Clauss finished with a qualifying time of 54.76 in the 100 butterfly. This was followed by Junior Sarp Elaziz’s 57.82 in the 100 backstroke. The next CIF qualification came from the 200 free-
style relay. The squad which includes senior Evan MacCarthy, Jack Sinclair, Lew, and Sean Grab, closed out the meet by placing third in league while simultaneously posting a CIF time of 3:23 in the 400 freestyle relay. With the end of the season the Tigers say goodbye to seven seniors on the varsity squad, a fact that brought coach Tyrone Brown to tears at the conclusion of League Finals. “I had a great time being a Tiger and swimming in this program. I’ll definitely miss it next year,” said Grab. Though the Tigers are losing many important pieces, they will be returning up and coming star Lew, along with experienced members Clauss, Elaziz, and fellow junior Martin Lis. “We did well this year even though we were bumped up to Division I,” Lew said. “We have a strong core returning next year so I expect us to do even better.”
20 Tiger - Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Sports
Sports Volleyball
Temple City So. Pasadena Gabrielino La Cañada San Marino N/A
2011 Rio Hondo League Standings
Wins
8 6 2 2 2 N/A
Losses Baseball
0 2 6 6 6 N/A
Temple City Monrovia So. Pasadena La Cañada San Marino Blair
Losses
Wins
10 7 6 5 2 N/A
2 5 6 7 10 N/A
[inside] Read up on tennis’ tumultuous season.
page 17
Sam Gurley
See how the softball team performed in league competition.
page 17
Katie Whitworth
Junior Kellyna Fox competes in the 300 hurdles at the Rio Hondo League Championships. She placed fourth in the event.
Track & Field impressive in CIF Team breaks multiple school records in league and CIF; qualifies multiple athletes into Masters By Kristin Gunther Copy Editor Although the spring season is over for most sports, many athletes on South Pasadena High School’s track and field team have continued their season through the different rounds of CIF competition. Senior Mayan Schexnayder broke the school record and set a league record of 47 feet, 1 inch in the triple jump at the Rio Hondo League preliminaries on May 3. At the Rio Hondo Finals on May 6, fellow senior Elaine Horng was crowned the triple jump and long jump League Champion. Freshman Claire KiefferWright was made eligible for CIF Finals competition after high-
jumping an astonishing 5 feet, 2 inches at the preliminaries. Kieffer-Wright also set a new school record for high jump with a height of five feet, four inches. The previous record stood at five feet, three inches. The top Tiger athletes spent Saturday at Cerritos College in Norwalk, where many qualifying SPHS runners and jumpers competed in CIF Finals events. Neither Schexnayder nor senior Sean Nang qualified in the long or triple jump for Masters, the next level after finals. However, each boy jumped well; Schexnayder placed third in Division III and Nang placed sixth. Senior Sam Pons received first place and set a personal
record in the 1600 meter with a time of 4:10 – two seconds faster than usual. Despite the win, Pons scratched the 1600 race to focus on the 3200. Division II and III runners were combined for the boys’ 3200 race. Pons finished second overall in the 3200, but was first in Division III with a time of 9:02. Freshman Kamia Willis did not advance to the next level of competition after running the 200 meter in a slower 25.24 seconds. Although senior Blake Parson competed well in the 300 meter hurdles, he did not qualify for Masters. The girls’ 4x400 team comprised, of freshmen Willis and Wright and sophomores Jessica
Moog and Anika Renken, broke the school record of 4:00.1 minutes set at Pre-lims with a time or 3:59.11. Despite the impressive time, the girls came in fifth in their heat and did not advance. The boys’ 4x400 team of Parson, Nang, senior Daniel Buchen, and sophomore Paul Messana was scheduled as an alternate. All teams were present at Cerritos, however, so the boys did not run. Coach PJ Hernandez kept his composure throughout the meet. “I’m not nervous…it’s really up to the kids now. I train them throughout the week and now it’s their chance to execute what they’ve learned.”
Volleyball loses in CIF but ends season satisfied By Brendan Perry Staff Writer South Pasadena boys volleyball’s season came to a close on May 11 with a first round CIF loss to Torrance. The Tigers, 6-2 in league and 13-18 overall, fell to the Tartars in three straight games. The loss, however, came against a worthy opponent. Torrance, like the Tigers, finished second in league with a 6-2 record, but they also put together an impressive overall record of 20-12. “We didn’t play our best and Torrance was a good team,” said senior Gabriel Kahn. “We are happy with how we did this season, and I think it was great for the younger guys to get some playoff experience.” South Pasadena will lose Kahn, their captain and first team all-league setter, to graduation this year along with outside hitter Cole Rainey, defensive specialist Alex Rudchenko, and the towering presence of 6’8” middle blocker Sebastian Latting. Despite the loss of these players, the
Jennifer Kim
Junior Ben Hillman taps the ball over the net against his Temple City opponent. Tigers like their chances next year. The Tigers’ top two hitters, second team all league junior Thomas Adamson and first team all- league sophomore Robert Adamson, will be returning. The brothers expect to be
even better after training with San Gabriel Volleyball club team during the off-season. The versatile junior Nick Hudson will also be returning, possibly to replace Kahn as the setter. “We definitely have a good chance at winning league next year,” said the younger Adamson. “With the players we have now and the players that will be coming up, I think we will be the best team in Rio Hondo.” The Tigers also like their young talent coming up from the junior varsity team. Sophomore David Barker led the team in hitting as South Pasadena cruised to a JV league title, going undefeated against conference opponents. With a majority of their starters returning and strong talent moving up, the South Pasadena varsity teams expects to make a deep run in CIF next year.
05/03 SPHS v. SM 3-1 W
05/05 SPHS v. TC 0-3 L
5/10 SPHS v. Torrance 0-3 L
Speaking of
Sports Devin Mitchell
Impending struggle? The city of Los Angeles has had success in the athletic arena recently, most notably with five NBA Championships from the Lakers in the last eleven years. Other towns have been much less lucky. However, trouble appears to be on the horizon for many teams in the area. The Lakers exited the playoffs quietly after being swept in the second round this year. With an aging roster, highlighted by a declining Kobe Bryant, the team’s window to win a championship with the current group of players is likely over. Teams with younger talent have already emerged and overtaken the Lakers. A labor dispute between the players and owners could delay or cancel the next season and slam that window shut for good. This multitude of factors means that it could be quite awhile until the Lakers raise their 18th championship banner at Staples Center. The situation at Dodger Stadium is not much better. Through 48 games in 2011, the team is off to their worst start since 1967. The actual baseball has become a sideshow to the ownership soap opera. With the team in financial peril because of the ongoing dispute between Frank and Jamie McCourt, Major League Baseball appointed a representative to oversee dayto-day operations. Multiple outlets have reported that Frank will not be able to meet the payroll at the end of this month, which would result in MLB seizing control and selling the team. While his exit would be welcome, the sale would be damaging in the short-term. The Dodgers would not be able to build on their core group of players before they leave in 2012. Elsewhere, the football and basketball programs at both USC and UCLA were unable to crack most preseason top 25 lists. The Angels across town are off to another mediocre start. The silverware will come to Los Angeles again, eventually, but for the time being, we could be in for a dry spell.