Office robbed, SPHS security enhanced
Seniors defeat juniors 28-6 in Powderpuff
By Heather Vaughan Copy Editor
By Brandon Kim Staff Writer
An unidentified person or persons gained unauthorized access to the administration office at South Pasadena High School between the hours of 12:00 A.M. and 6:00 A.M. on Thursday, February 28. District maintenance staff member Mr. Lalo Alvarado discovered the break-in at around 6 A.M. when he arrived at the high school. Alvarado informed Director of Facilities and Maintenance Mr. Joe Hiton, who immediately called Principal Ms Janet Anderson. The South Pasadena Police arrived on campus shortly after and proceeded to dust the office for fingerprints and take photos to use for the investigation. The police suspect that the intruders entered through a window in the attendance office, according to Hiton. They were then able to gain access to all areas of the office, including locked rooms within the office itself. Most office staff members’ cupboards, desktops, and drawers were upset and showed signs of a search. Anderson said that the items of significant value that were stolen include a sum of about $200 in cash, a computer, and several cameras owned by the school. Numerous cell phones belonging to students that had been confiscated by the administration were also stolen; the families will be reimbursed with district money. The SAC Room was also entered by force the same night. Fingerprints were retrieved and given to police, who are currently conducting an investigation. Hiton and his staff have fortified the office and the outer security of the school in order to prevent future forced entries. According to Anderson, the new alarm system is now functioning, and most of the office keys were replaced. Anderson noted that this is the only major office break-in that she has witnessed in her time at SPHS; the most recent infiltration was a minor break-in in 2011. “Nothing about this is acceptable,” Anderson said. “We will prosecute if we figure out who did this. It’s so disappointing, and it’s a real shame.”
After a historic victory over the seniors last year, the Class of 2013 team rushed the field after grabbing a second consecutive win at the annual Powderpuff game on March 8. Rain did not mar the seniors’ spirit or success and the final score was 28-6 in their favor. Senior captain and running back Sammy Amido set the tone for the game with a touchdown less than five minutes in. After some confusion with the clock and an abnormally short first half, Rachael Garner the manleaders performed renditions SENIOR TRIUMPH: Senior Kate Farnworth shoots down the field during the annual Powder- of “Harlem Shake” and “Gangnam puff game on March 8. See Pages 10 and 11 for additional Powderpuff game and GQ coverage. Style.” Senior Janty Woojuh was named GQ King following their dance. “It was surprising. Ashim [Shrestha] is preposterously nice, and everyone knows [Ryan Stone]. It was kind of intimidating. I didn’t feel like I was socially dexterous or capable enough,” Woojuh said. “But it was fun hanging time between the South Pasadena By Madison Amido Middle School and High School,” out with kids that I normally wouldn’t.” Staff Writer After halftime, seniors Jessica Gonzalez said. By Petra Barbu Moog and Angelique Ulmer each added Gonzalez stated that he can Staff Writer City Manager Mr. Sergio Gonzalez appointed Mr. Art Mill- appoint Miller permanently after a touchdown, bringing the score to 22-0 Although former South er as South Pasadena’s Interim reviewing his work and collabo- in the final minutes of the game. However, during the last minute of playing Pasadena High School English Police Chief on February 25. He rating with city staff. “An interim appointment time, junior Ryann Ramirez dispelled teacher Barbara Ercek endowed a will serve as the successor to for$300,000 grant to the high school mer Chief Mr. Joe Payne, who re- gives me the flexibility to evaluate senior hopes of a shutout with a touchhis performance and gather com- down. Moog immediately followed suit before she passed away four years signed at the end of January. Miller has thirty-four years munity imput before making a fi- with a touchdown of her own, securing ago, the scholarship money has just a senior victory and ending the game. been made available to current se- of experience in law enforcement nal decision,” Gonzalez said. “The girls were committed to the Miller looks forward to niors. The Barbara Ercek scholar- from the Los Angeles Police Deship offers $2,000 a year to selected partment. He intends to begin his working with the city and listen- game,” senior coach Liam Hise said. term by meeting with school rep- ing to possible concerns residents “Our hard work showed on the field.” college-bound seniors. The GQ Assembly introduced The scholarship recipients resentatives in the coming weeks may have. “I just want the community the Court that morning. Homecoming are classified as diligent students to discuss safety on campus. “One of his first tasks is to to know that I’m here to solve the Queen senior Isabel Chin interviewed who may not be at the top of their class but constantly strive to im- meet with school representatives issues they think are important,” freshman Omni Lott, sophomore Branprove. In future years, the schol- to hear from them about the safety Miller said. “I like the challenge don Shahniani, junior Andrew Wong, arship may increase to $4,000 or concerns and to get input before any leadership position provides and seniors Shrestha, Woojuh, and $5,000 per student and be present- reinstating a full time School Re- and working here is sure to be a Stone about bad jokes, model poses, and who would play them in a movie. source Officer, who will split his fun experience.” ed to multiple recipients. The Scholarship Committee, consisting of faculty Ms Denise Gill, Mr. Mike Hogan, Mr. Terrance Dunn, and Mr. Casey “This money will actually do Shotwell and five juniors chosen By Jordan Xiao ta lunch. through faculty recommenda- Staff Writer Although most classes cur- something beneficial,” said Shapiro. tion, will select the recipients and rently average less than one dollar “It’s a much better use of my money present the scholarship during The annual Pennies for Pa- per student, several students have than just buying a DVD.” Tomorrow is the final day the annual Senior Awards Night tients fundraiser has accumulated contributed large donations to comin June. an approximately $3700 for the pensate for the lack of participation. to donate. Cash, checks, and spare “I think it’s a great oppor- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Junior Joey Shapiro gave $50 dollars change will be collected for the last time during fourth period. tunity for students who may not as of Wednesday, March 13. This to the cancer research society. have considered college other- sum is 53 percent of the Associated wise,” said Gill. “It serves as that Student Body’s final goal of $7000. extra push that some students “I really appreciate all the need, and the fact that students support the school has shown toward this cause,” senior CommisSee “Scholarship Fund” on Page 2 sioner of School and Community Isabel Chin said. “The money will definitely make a difference.” If the school reaches its goal Sports: Feature: of five dollars per student, ASB will Swimming Virtual Busiextend lunch on Friday, March 29. wins season ness preThe one-hour lunch period would opener, girls track pares for its Oakland dominates Alhambra include music, food, and activities. Competition, the Art 93-34, and the baseball Reach Club works In addition, the fourth period class Matt Winkel seniors prepare for their on a mural, and the that raises the most money will win Commissioner of School and Community Isabel Chin sells blood final season together. movie Oz disappoints. a complimentary Olive Garden pas-
in this issue
6 Opinion: 12 Why makeup tests should not be more difficult, it is society’s duty to help the homeless, and Homecoming should be more lighthearted.
Barbara Ercek Art Miller selected as new scholarship South Pasadena Police Chief established
Pennies for Patients raises $3700, ends Friday
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drive and SPEX shirts for $1 to raise money for Pennies for Patients.