Talent Show features fresh and familiar faces By Jason Wang Staff Writer
Matt Winkel
TALENT SHOW Seniors Henry Sue and Nathan Pokpongkiat perform robotic dance moves in their act. See pages 6 and 7 for more performances.
Ten acts, ranging from a capella to electronic dancing, were featured during last Friday’s talent show assembly. Commissioner of Assemblies Marcy Kuo hosted the event, announcing the GQ nominees for each grade level in between performances. Judges representing the student body and faculty evaluated the talent show participants based on quality, uniqueness, execution, and ability. The show opened with a exhilarating string performance by seniors Samuel Chen, Julius Lam, and Arthur Puu on violin and freshman Geoffrey Lee on cello. The quartet played a compilation of “Through the Fire and Flames” by Dragon Force and “Harder, Better, Faster” by Daft Punk with instruments illuminated with glow sticks, blending the two fast-paced songs into one seamless melody. In the second act, senior Xiomara De La O sang a cover of “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons accompanied by junior Drew Hodis on piano, demonstrating a charming, yet powerful vocal range. The mood of the assembly was lightened by an a capella performance of Mr. Gray’s original composition, “Mr. Gecko,” a Hawaiian-
themed piece reminiscent of Disneyland. “The Amphibians,” made up of senior Courtney Chu, juniors Glenda Chen and Alex Wong, and sophomore Abraham Szilagyi mixed the high-pitches of soprano voices with the resonance of a bass. Seniors Andrea Rogando and Julius Lam sang a mashup of “Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood and “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk, mixing their voices with melodies on the guitar and piano. Seniors Nathan Pokpongkiat and Henry Sue performed animation dancing to dubstep in an aura of orange fog, imitating the movements of robots. The dynamic duo began their series of fluid dance moves with an introduction from Delta Heavy’s Empire. Senior Justin Park concluded the assembly with a stunning cover of Bruno Mars’s “When I Was Your Man,” embracing his solo with a powerful vocal range. For many performers, the talent show was a breath of fresh air, a chance to step out of their comfort zones. “I’ve wanted to participate in the talent show since freshmen year, but I had always been afraid of performing in front of crowds,” Rogando said. “Coming from a girl that sings only in the shower, singing for the whole school felt liberating.”
College Night presents juniors with information on admissions By Andrew Shults Assoc. Sports Editor The counseling department held its annual 11th Grade College Night to inform juniors and parents of the college admissions process. The February 20 event, which lasted from 6:30 p.m until 8:45 p.m., was divided into two parts, featuring a case study and a mini college fair. The first portion of the evening was dedicated to a case study where attendees pretended to be admissions officers for Redbrick College, a fictional liberal arts school. Parents and students were separated into different classrooms, and later into four teams in each classroom to review four applications. Each team was then assigned an applicant, and the classroom decided as a whole whether the student was accepted, waitlisted, or denied. “The case study was a very informative experience,” junior Garrett Tse said. “It gave me new insight on how the college admissions process worked. [I learned] that deciding who gets admitted or denied is much more complicated than I previously thought.”
For the rest of the night, attendees were invited to a mini college fair in the practice gym, which showcased several colleges from around the country and the world. This gave students a chance to meet with college representatives on a more personal basis and to learn more about the schools in which they were interested. “I really enjoyed the event. This was much more interactive than other college nights, and I learned a lot from both the case study and the college fair,” junior Justin Ninomiya said.
Matt Winkel
Community members commented on the documentary, “Miss Representation,” on February 24.
Miss Representation informs viewers at special screening By Kea Hudson Staff Writer
Raj Jain
Students and parents listened to a presentation on college applications on February 20.
Feminism, films, and food: Feminists Unite club meetings use baked goods and media to advance equality
4 PAG E
SPHS students and local residents packed the Community Room of the South Pasadena Public Library on Monday, February 24 for a special screening of the documentary Miss Representation. The event was hosted by The Healthy South Pasadena Community. Miss Representation explores how unrealistic images of women portrayed in the media affect female body image and lead to the misrepresented and underrepresented role of
Putin the Olympics to the test: Examining journalistic integrity and human rights violations both in Sochi and at home
women in positions of power. After the 90-minute screening, attendees engaged in a dynamic conversation about the issues presented in the film. Senior Charlotte Foley, a member of South Pasadena High School’s Feminists Unite Club, sat on the panel during the discussion portion of the event. “The movie was very informative,” Foley said. “The most striking thing about it was the attention it drew to our paradoxical obsession and objectivization of the preservation of prepubescent youth and naïveté.”
8 PAG E
Mrs. Patti Winkel, who runs a website that provides information to parents with college-bound children, was one of the event’s many coordinators. “The goal of the event was to raise awareness in our community of the hugely negative impact that the media’s biased messages and limited portrayal of girls and women has on our culture’s leadership and health,” Winkel said. “I wish we had had more time to hear from the audience but perhaps we can continue the conversation at a future Healthy South Pasadena community event.”
Soccer season slides to a stop: Read about boys’ soccer’s defeat in the second round of CIF playoffs that drew the season to a close
11 PAG E
News
2
Tiger - Friday, February 28, 2014
News
Around Campus
Virtual Enterprise sweeps at Long Beach
By Jason Wang Staff Writer All three South Pasadena Virtual Enterprise firms attended the sixth annual Long Beach Trade Show on Thursday, February 13, competing in a broad range of business-oriented categories ranging from marketing and sales to human resources and technology. The six-hour event took place at the Long Beach Convention Center and started promptly at 8 a.m. for booth set-up. Following opening ceremonies, the floor was opened for the trade show. Employees from all 49 firms in attendance displayed their products and services, livening the marketplace with various displays, slogans, and giveaways. In terms of competition, the varsity firm Oasis earned accolades in several fields. Oasis’s Marketing Plan team, composed of seniors Annie Lu and Jenny Wang and junior Amy Choi, took first in their competition, adding to their initial first place win at Bakersfield. Wang proved to be a standout, winning first in Company Newsletter as well. Senior Do-
Young Kim was awarded second place in Job Interview, alongside fellow Oasis employee senior Jeffrey Xiong, who took second place in Company Website. Both junior varsity teams, ZenPow and Level 2, performed well above expectations, especially in technology and sales competitions. “It was a good showcase, especially for the JV teams,” Virtual Enterprise adviser Ms Cathy Mason said. “There was a lot of success from students that haven’t been acknowledged in the past.” Level 2 seniors Nathan Pokpongkiat, Yumai Sone, and Sonny An took first place in Company Catalog, while sophomore Jacob Benowitz, ZenPow’s videographer, took first in Company Video, a feat that took nearly ten hours. “We spent a great deal of time shooting retakes, editing, and just evaluating the rubric, but it was really the natural talent of the actors and the carefully written script that helped us succeed,” Benowitz said. Junior Ryan Chase, the chief executive officer of ZenPow, brought
home a first place trophy in Elevator Pitch, a competition that required him to sell his product in a mere minute and a half. The three firms will compete in their third competition of the year on March 16 and 17 at the Bay Area Trade Show and Conference.
Virtual Enterprise won awards at the Long Beach Trade Show in the following categories: Catalog Elevator Pitch Job Interview Marketing Plan Newsletter Salesmanship Trade Fair Booth Video Website Check tigernewspaper.com for full details and placings
Flower Chain is seeking junior girls to help with Baccalaureate, senior breakfast, and graduation. The informational meeting will be held Friday, March 7, in the Counseling Center Room CC2. For additional information, please contact Ms Kang or Ms Baca. /Jenna Giulioni
Lena Gavenas elected 67th youth governor By Kira Gabriel Staff Writer Junior Lena Gavenas was elected California’s Youth Governor of the YMCA Youth and Government Model Legislature and Court on February 17. She is now the first female governor in over a decade and the third in the program’s 66 years. Gavenas won by a statistical majority, and the election was called before every member of the delegation had cast their vote. “I am beyond honored to be able to call myself the 67th Youth Governor and I am incredibly excited to lead this program forward,” Gavenas said. Candidates began campaigning in November, four months prior to the final election in Sacramento. The top five finalists were chosen to move on to the final round at the second Camp Roberts in January. Once in the capital, the remaining candidates delivered speeches and answered questions
in front of the 3000 participants in the Youth and Government program. They continued campaigning throughout the weekend until the polls opened on Sunday morning and the final two candidates were announced at the closing joint session Sunday night. Emily Vidovich and Lena Gavenas, the first two female final governor candidates in Youth and Government history, both delivered their final speeches. Following the speeches, the caucus vote was conducted, and Lena Gavenas was named youth governor. “The process of running in and of itself was the experience of a lifetime, but to be elected and entrusted with the future of this program, and to be met by such incredible support and kindness, has truly moved me,” Governor Gavenas said. Gavenas will be responsible for leading the California Youth and Government program in multiple national conferences and will serve as the representative of the entire California program.
Academic Decathlon clinches second in county By Brandon Kim Staff Writer
Siria Medina
A late-night fire in the woodshop on February 13 caused damage to the walls and ceiling. Classes will return to the shop on March 5.
Fire damages woodshop By Jordan Xiao Staff Writer A small fire ignited in the South Pasadena High School woodshop and caused light damage to the woodworking facilities. The conflagration, which occurred near midnight on February 13, displaced numerous classes the next day. The fire was caused by the spontaneous combustion of oily rags in a plastic trash barrel, which were most likely used in demonstrations during Eighth Grade Night the evening before. Flames were swiftly extinguished after the South Pasadena Fire Department, aided by personnel from the San Gabriel and San Marino fire departments, responded to the Simplex alarm system’s activation. Art, Journalism, Graphic Design, and other classes in the 600 building were relocated the next day to protect students from smoke residue.
Despite original hopes to reopen Room 612 by February 18, the woodshop will be reopened for classes on Wednesday, March 5. Renovation is set to take place in the coming weeks. “We have to order a new sink to replace one that was destroyed, which may take up to two weeks to arrive, including other repairs,” SPUSD Director of Maintenance Joe Hiton said. The first phase of restoration involved wiping ash from all contaminated surfaces, followed by replacement of soot-covered ceiling tiles and other damaged fixtures. An environmental expert also tested the air quality of the room. To prevent similarly caused fires in the future, a “fire can” will be installed in the woodshop for safe disposal of linseed oil rags that are used in wood finishing which are known to spontaneously combust when left exposed to air.
The team of Tigers took the title of second place in the Los Angeles county competition. The decathletes of the South Pasadena High School qualified tenth in the state overall and will advance to the state competition in March. Out of a maximum of 65,400 possible points including the Super Quiz, South Pasadena scored 46,687.40 points, 9098.3 points behind the first ranked team in the state, John Marshall High School, who currently sits at 55,785.70 points. South Pasadena was right behind the winner of the county competition, Mark Kep-
pel High School, who scored 36.3 points ahead of the Tigers. South Pasadena placed second of the five Los Angeles county teams who qualified for Division I. Of the 44 medals that the team received, 13 were gold, 25 silver, and 6 bronze. Junior Elise Matsusaka won the gold medal for the Top Scoring Decathlete and junior Oscar Garcia won the silver medal for the Top Scoring varsity member in the county. Each member of the team won a silver medal for Overall Scoring. Academic Decathlon Coach Mr. Oliver Valcorza was extremely pleased with the results. “I knew this year’s team
would be great. The new members of the team contributed very much in our achievement,” Valcorza said. Out of the 65 schools that qualified overall for state, the South Pasadena squad was placed among the twenty schools in Division I. This group of schools includes powerhouses such as El Camino Real Charter High School and Granada Hills Charter High School. Beverly Hills High School, a school with one of the oldest Academic Decathlon programs in the state at 31 years old, also qualified for Division I. South Pasadena qualified for Division I after only two years of competition.
Skills USA excels in regional conference By Alexander Nakagawa Staff Writer The South Pasadena High School Skills USA Team participated in regional competitions at the Los Angeles Trade Technical College on February 1, and at the Southeast Regional Occupation Center on February 8. Over 1700 students from the Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Orange counties gathered to showcase their different skills in a workforce environment at these two events. Skills USA is a team of students, teachers, and representatives from varying industries that work together to encourage a strong workforce for future Americans. The South Pasadena team won three gold, three silver, and four
bronze medals in competition, earning one medal in nearly every category they entered. This was also the first year in which the SPHS team participated in these competitions. “I decided to enter our school in order to expand the opportunities for our students to compete at a larger scale,” Graphic Design teacher Ms Sandra Matson-Fennell said. South Pasadena participated in a variety of categories that the competition offered. These included 3-D Visualization and Animation, Advertising Design, Architectural Drafting, Cabinetmaking, Chapter Display, Community Service, Entrepreneurship, Job Skill Demonstration, Photography, Screen Printing Technology, and T-shirt Design. Senior Joe Espinoza won
a silver medal in Cabinetmaking, and qualified to continue to the state conference. “To have highly knowedgeable professionals actually judging [me] was pretty scary,” senior Joe Espinoza said. “Even with that pressure I was able to have an amazing time and still prove to the judges that I have a passion for woodworking.” “It’s our first year competing in Skills USA, and we’re glad to have made it this far,” chapter president junior Romeal Strong said. “We’ve had a great time so far and I’m confident we are going to continue to do well.” 21 SPHS students will compete in the state competition on April 24-27 in San Diego.
Teacher Trivia
Teacher Trivia
Friday, February 28, 2014 - Tiger
3
Page by Rachael Garner Managing by Rhian Moore Reporting by Tiger Staff Photos by Tiger Photographers
MATCH THE TEACHER
MR. REGAN
1. I almost got married on the anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor. 2. I was once on the TV show Highway to Heaven. 3. Ms Shires was my favorite teacher when I was in high school.
MR. KU
1. My first cousin is celebrated Hollywood actress, Lucy Liu. 2. When I was a junior, I failed my chemistry class. 3. I had four years of perfect attendance in high school.
A. Ms Deedler
B. Mr. Ring
C. Ms Matson
1. My ideal date night is somewhere in an urban area, like a club. 2. I don’t own a cell phone. 3. I can juggle a soccer ball over five hundred times.
MR. ARNOLD
1. Before I became a teacher for South Pasadena High School, I worked in road construction.
4. I used to have long hair all the way down my back. 5. If I could go anywhere in the world, I would go to New Zealand.
2. I have a book of my own poetry published.
6. I belong to the Occidental College Baseball Hall of Fame.
3. I was born and raised in the great city of Dallas, Texas.
D. Mr. Regan
MRS. PEARSON
E. Mr. Wielenga
F. Ms Huynh
1. I own over 100 dresses. 2. When I was younger, I took belly dancing classes. 3. I once flew on a plane with Ashton Kutcher.
TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE Who is your celebrity crush? A: Henry Cavill B: Jennifer Aniston C: Emma Watson D: Denzel Washington What’s the top item on your bucket list? A: Travel around the world B: Find a loving partner C: Go skydiving D: Open a restaurant Who’s your favorite Disney character? A: Snow White B: Can’t choose a favorite C: Iago, the parrot from Aladdin D: Minnie Mouse What’s the first thing you do in the morning? A: Hit the snooze button B: Put on running clothes C: Take a shower D: Drink a cup of coffee
WHICH WERE THE LIES? REGAN: 3, KU: 2, ARNOLD: 1, PEARSON: 2 MATCHING 1: C, 2. E, 3. A, 4. D, 5. F, 6. B
KEY
WHICH TEACHER ARE YOU? Ms Baca
Mr. Whitney
Though she is known for conducting her class in a straightforward and no-nonsense manner, Ms Baca has a wicked sense of humor that could surprise any student.
A critical thinker and beach-loving nature enthusiast, Mr. Whitney is known for his philosophical musings, occasional off-topic tangents, and passion for yoga.
Mostly As--
Mostly Bs--
Mr. Blackford
Ms Moone
Mr. Blackford is prone to joking around in the middle of a calculus lesson. Recently married, he’s known for his easygoing and laid back attitude despite his unusual love for math.
Leading AP Calculus teacher Ms. Moone is much more than just her impossible exams, she’s a loving grandmother and she makes the world’s greatest shrimp curry.
Mostly Cs--
Mostly Ds--
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER... “I was an actress for the San Diego Junior Theater.” Mrs. Pearson
“I only went on one date during high school: the Backwards dance.”
Mr. Ring
“I was voted Teacher’s Pet.” Mr. Ku
“I got caught cheating when I was in high school.” Ms. Baca
4
Feature TIGER - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014
Feature
Out and About Revisit your middle school experience at SPMS’s Tigers Got Talent Show. The performance will be held today at 3:30 p.m. for just $2 a ticket. Snacks will also be avaliable for purchase. /Somi Jun
Robocop is an uninspired production
By Stanley Wu Assoc. News Editor 2.5/5
The second Robocop film outfits its main character in classy new electronics and a 200,000-volt taser, but it can’t seem to spark him to life. Although the movie is a bold remake of the 1987 classic, it is neither as humorous nor as entertaining as the original. The movie is the story of Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman), a policeman who escapes death by becoming Robocop. Omnicorp, the company behind the program, attempts to use Murphy to increase public support for fully-robotic law enforcement in U.S. cities. The primary focus of the film becomes the moral conflicts surrounding Omnicorp’s dubious actions and Murphy’s role in the center of the controversy. Both the plot and the action are droll at best; the story is predictable and shaky camera action can be compared to a first-person shooter video game. The film fails to provide any memorable action scenes, considering Robocop’s overpowered weapons and his technological advancement. This mediocrity sharply contrasts against the obvious messages contained within the movie, most prominently a blatant criticism of U.S. missile strikes against overseas suspects. The opening scene portrays “peace-keeping” U.S. robots in Tehran that swiftly neutralize perceived threats but are unable to react amidst chaos. Ironically, these robots are approved for usage anywhere in the world other than on U.S. soil. The film makes no attempts to disguise these bold statements. Omnicorp CEO Raymond Sellars (Michael Keaton) is a businessman who hunts for loopholes to bring patrol robots to America in spite of the risk to citizens. Samuel L. Jackson plays a passionate and perpetually profane pundit pushing for the proliferation of these machines, a subplot with a message attacking mainstream media. These unfiltered denunciations, while granting the film some depth, heavily detract from the enjoyability of the movie. Overall, Robocop has a canned and cynical plot, and is generally uneventful throughout its duration. These flaws result in a film that is no better than a typical action flick and lacks the finesse to impress.
Siria Medina
Members of SPHS Band and Orchestra perform at Thursday evening’s Spaghetti Dinner Night. The fundraiser allowed guests to partake in a homestyle meal and enjoy a variety of performances.
Spaghetti Dinner Night supports music program By Karen Hsueh Staff Writer The South Pasadena High School gym was filled with music, food, and excitement for the SPHS Instrumental Music Department’s annual Spaghetti Dinner Night yesterday. Spaghetti Dinner Night is of the most important fundraisers for the department as it raises money for instrument repairs, new music, student scholarships, and the annual Band and Orchestra Spring Festival trip. Individual band and orchestra students were split into small quartet-like groups in December to practice their performances. Each group was allowed to select their own music; some ensembles even arranged their music, writing the different instrumental parts and put-
ting all the sections together to complete their piece. “The unique thing about Spaghetti Dinner Night is that all of the music, with the exception of jazz band and drumline, is entirely student organized,” band president senior Amanda Wen said. “Rather than just performing a song like we would at a concert, we are learning about music throughout different times in history as well as technical points that improve our musical skill.” From the Beatles hit “Eleanor Rigby” to the classic jazz piece “St. Louis Blues,” the music played at the dinner night covered a wide variety of genres. One group of saxophone players paid tribute to the 1993 movie Jurassic Park by performing themes from the film. In addition to musical variation,
a variety of instruments was utilized throughout the performances. For the rock mash-up of “Through the Fire and Flames” and “Harder Better Faster” the traditional string sound was replaced by an electric violin and cello. “I think it’s the overall ambiance of Spaghetti Dinner Night that makes it so fun and well received,” orchestra president senior Samuel Chen said. “It’s a really large community event, so many teachers and administrators go, along with literally hundreds of parents and other people.” The evening of music was followed by the results of an ongoing silent auction organized by the parents of the Music Boosters Club. The fundraiser generated over $1000 for the music department.
Personality Profile: Nailah Jamerson By Rhian Moore Print Managing Editor Senior Nailah Jamerson is a character driven by her love for helping others and expressing herself. Most of all, she is driven by passion, and this is most exemplified in her love for dance. “I have always been a dancer, on and off, for my entire life. I remember thinking that I really wanted to know what it was like to be part of a group of dancers who are very passionate about what they are doing,” Jamerson said. Jamerson has come a long way since her start in kindergarten as a ballerina. She joined Advanced Dance in the second semester of her freshman year. The group’s most recent performance was a female empowerment themed hip-hop piece at the talent show that featured the songs “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child and “Do It Like a Dude” by Jessie J. As captain choreographer of the team, Jamerson creates choreography for pieces, helps pick songs
and concepts, and assists dancers individually. She considers hip-hop her strongest dance style, but also cites contemporary and modern dance as a few of her more recent favorites. “There is this guy in modern dance named Alvin Ailey who has passed away, but his program still lives on. I saw this program, and something about it—watching them dance the way they did, using each other—was amazing,” Jamerson said. The conditioning, technique, show preparation, and across-thefloor exercises that are packed into dance rehearsals undoubtedly make Advanced Dance a rigorous and time-consuming activity. Jamerson’s duties outside of dance are no less demanding. She is a member of Varsity Yell on SPHS Pep, actively participates in Young Life, and earns money by working for a chiropractic office. Jamerson’s love for traveling united with her interest in helping others last summer when she became involved with a Warm Heart
volunteer program that took her Thailand for two months and gave her the opportunity to help students with English and math and teach art to the disabled. “I was there with my uncle, but we did separate programs, so I learned about the area and how to get around on my own,” Jamerson said. “I became very independent, and it was really nice to be exposed to a different culture.” These experiences have all contributed to her future plans: Jamerson is interested in studying business or international affairs in college, but she can also see herself starting her own dance company to help younger dancers pursue their dreams. “The dance program brought Nailah and me together. She’s one of my best friends and I spend almost every day together,” senior Anicia Petroza said. “This year was my first year joining dance, and she would always help me. Nailah was like a mentor to all of us, and in my eyes, she was my idol.”
Sophia Arriola
Senior Nailah Jamerson practices with Advanced Dance. Dance played a part in Jamerson’s summer volunteer work in Thailand.
5
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014 - Tiger
Feature
Personality Profile: Justin Park By Madison Amido Staff Writer Senior Justin Park anxiously took the stage for the first time during last year’s Homecoming Picnic celebration to sing “Treasure” by Bruno Mars. The spontaneity of his first school performance had forced him to rely on his cell phone for lyrics. Since then, Park has come a long way, establishing himself as a successful singer and expecting to release his own album this summer. Park participated in the talent show last week as a way to redeem himself for his Homecoming performance; he sang Bruno Mars’s “When I Was Your Man.” Park described this experience as an educational one. “I do feel like I redeemed myself during that performance and I learned to love exactly what it is that makes me want to become a singer,” Park said. With the support of his friends, Park was able to come
out of his shell and sing at school events. While singing began as a hobby for Park at the age of sixteen, over the past two years it has transformed into Park’s emotional outlet and his future career. “I would go to concerts and see the way performers portrayed themselves, and the way that they would take the stage captured me,” Park said. “The thrill, the feeling, and the jitters of performing make me feel on edge and alive.” Park then met Kassanova, a producer and songwriter that recognized his potential, last December. He initially planned for Park to sing a backtrack for Jason Derulo, but Kassanova opted out of the backtrack to build an artist of his own. The songs on Park’s upcoming album feature “a mix of electronic dance music, ballads and R&B.” Upon completion of the album, his songs will be pitched to radio stations, Disney Channel, or Nickelodeon. Fully intend-
ing to pursue music professionally, Park understands that the music industry requires a high degree of dedication. Park plans to keep a part time job while his album is in the works, and intends to stay close for college in order to make the commute to Hollywood. Park attributes his focus on singing despite its demands to the goals he sets for himself. “This year I want to have an album done, but in the long run I want to tour across America, and at least try to get a song on a radio,” Park said. Senior Angus Cheng, one of Park’s closest friends, has supported Park throughout his musical endeavors. “Justin has the talent to become very successful. He enjoys entertaining people and he can sing any genre,” Cheng said. “I hope he can break the race barrier that hinders Asians from entering mainstream music.”
Siria Medina
The spotlight focuses on senior Justin Park during a heartfelt moment in the talent show. Park began singing as a hobby at sixteen, and has now transformed it into a career.
The Lego Movie is a delight for all ages By Joey Shapiro Staff Writer 3.5/5
By Kira Gabriel & Kea Hudson Tiger Staff Clubs at South Pasadena High School often have a tendency to lose member enthusiasm after the initial excitement of Club Rush, but Feminists Unite has maintained a consistently passionate group for two years. Junior Suki Sekula founded the club in 2012 to spread feminism’s misunderstood message of equality. “I was just fed up with an ignorant view of women,” Sekula said. “The reason I started this club [was] to show that feminism is for everybody. Feminism should be natural and it’s important for youth to take on the movement and realize its importance in our changing society.” The club meets regularly to
watch TED talks that address feminism and hold discussions about women’s rights issues in society and politics. While the club’s primary goal is to create a safe environment for discussion, the members also raise awareness at school. Last year, the club made and sold shirts to raise funds for trained midwives in Afghanistan in order to prevent pregnancy related deaths. This January, Sekula led members in making posters that dis-
Matt Winkel
Senior Charlotte Foley, a member of Feminists Unite, speaks at Healthy South Pasadena’s screening of Miss Representation.
played the definition of feminism around campus. “The word ‘feminism’ has a negative connotation because many associate it with stereotypes of manhating, bra-burning radical women,” Sekula said. “The posters said things like, ‘Are you a feminist?’ and we had definitions of feminism and a feminist next to it. One said, ‘Beyoncé is a feminist. Are you?’ and another said ‘Feminism=Equality of the sexes.’ We wanted to define the movement to help people better understand our mission.” Members meet face-to-face every two weeks, but also communicate and discuss thought-provoking articles and videos through the club’s Facebook page. The page has become an active forum for open discussion for more than 100 members. The club will be holding a bake sale in the coming weeks where goods will be sold at $1 for males and $.77 for females to raise awareness about unequal pay based on gender. Under Sekula’s strong leadership, Feminists Unite continues to advocate for social equality through innovative fundraising, conversation, and campaigning.
It’s natural to be skeptical of The Lego Movie. Upon first impression it seems like it could be nothing more than a 100-minute advertisement for the popular Danish construction toys. Against all odds though, The Lego Movie is more than a marketing gimmick; it’s a surprisingly enjoyable animated movie with an abundance of charm, action, and witty humor. Chris Pratt leads the star-studded voice cast as Emmet, a relentlessly optimistic but otherwise unremarkable Lego construction worker who is mistaken for the MasterBuilder, a hero destined to save the universe from the evil Lord Business and his mysterious super-weapon known only as “The Kragle.” Pratt, who is known for his role as Andy Dwyer on the television show Parks and Recreation, headlines the cast with an enthusiastic and lovable performance, and he is supported by an equally extraordinary group of actors. Morgan Freeman, Elizabeth Banks, and Will Ferrell are featured as the supporting cast, with countless other celebrities fulfilling smaller roles. Every cast member is given at least one memorable line of dialogue, so no celebrity cameo feels underused or wasted. Although its PG rating and colorful animation may suggest that The Lego Movie is aimed solely at younger children, it has a surprisingly broad appeal. It may not win many Academy Awards next year, but it is more intelligent and likeable than the average animated movie. The humor is a blend of slapstick and pop-culture references, the latter of which are targeted mainly at older audience members. The film is directed by the same duo behind the 2012 action-comedy 21 Jump Street, and the two of them instill in The Lego Movie the same raucous energy and pacing- albeit with drastically less raunchy humor. Of course, as funny and entertaining as it may be, The Lego Movie is in essence a very successful advertisement. Nearly everything in the movie is made of Legos, a wide variety of Lego sets are showcased in the characters and settings, and it gradually drives in the point that Legos promote creativity and unity. The Lego Movie’s high-profile cast and clever sense of humor give it an uncommonly universal appeal. That doesn’t alter the fact that it may ultimately be a feature-length commercial for Legos, but it’s hard to imagine a more fun and satisfying promotion.
forbes.com
The Lego Movie boasts a lovable cast of animated characters, spectacular visuals, and spirited storyline.
6
TIGER - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014
Feature
To get to the Salvation Army:
1. Head north on Fremont Ave toward Bank St. 2. Turn left onto Columbia St. 3. Turn right onto S Pasadena Ave. 4. Turn right onto W Del Mar Blvd. By Somi Jun & Madeline Hellwig Tiger Staff Our mission to embark on a cost efficient shopping spree began with a simple strategy: hit vintage clothing stores. Determined to spend less than $45 apiece, we began our mini-adventure at Pasadena’s Salvation Army Family Store, a thrifting staple. Racks of jumbled clothing, books, furniture, and other knickknacks were marked 50% off for the Friday storewide sale. Books left shelves at $1 apiece, and Maddie modeled a $27 wedding gown. We received advice on how to turn a stretch skirt into a stretch dress, and eventually got to watch a proud father purchase Maddie’s wedding dress for his bride-to-be daughter. We left the family store satis-
fied with our finds (a green tricot croptop and a gold-black embroidered coat) and headed to our next location: vintage rock store Meowmeowz!. Self-described as a “one-stop rock shop,” Meowmeowz! blasted screamo metal music that faded into a more mellow, indie-rock sound later in our visit. The ceiling was decked in rock posters, records, and fairy lights, while the back of the store doubled as a platform for guest musicians and more merchandise. Everything from lacy maid dresses to black rubber pants was sold for relatively affordable prices. We spent most of our time at Meowmeowz! marveling at its novelty. Never before had we seen so many alternatively exquisite goods crammed into such a small space. We eventually left with a floor-length black suede skirt, bandana,
and oversized plaid shirt in tow. Our final stop was more classically beautiful and just as breathtaking. High Low Vintage was a look into trends of the past. Pieces ranged from cute retro coats to antique jewelry to designer formalwear. These treasures were displayed in equally high-end decor, with soft lighting washing over vintage furniture and gold-framed art. Fashion books lay off to the side of a pinball machine. Unfortunately, the items were out of our price range, but were still far more affordable than comparable formalwear at a local mall. We agreed to return if we ever needed a prom dress, and ended our trip with light hearts and heavy wallets. I spent $35 while Maddie spent just $14 for a lazy afternoon of clothes, people, and conversation.
Somi Jun
this month in
Pop Culture
Movies Non-Stop
Starring Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore (Feb. 28) During a transatlantic flight U.S. Air Marshall Bill Marks must prevent a grave threat that endangers the plane’s passengers if the airline fails to transfer $150 million into an offshore acount.
Concerts in Los Angeles Papa
at The Observatory (Mar. 4) Cost: $12 Kings of Leon at the Forum (Mar. 21) Cost: $30
Albums Pharrell Williams
G I R L (Mar. 3) Genre: Hip hop, R&B
Foster the People Supermodel (Mar. 18)
Genre: Alternative rock, Indie pop
Talent Show
Talent Show The annual talent show, though somewhat lacking in variety, nevertheless brought with it a number of fascinating and original acts. Slower emotional pieces such as Bruno Mars’s “When I Was Your Man,” sung by the senior “Asian Usher” Justin Park, contrasted with more lively pieces, like “Mr. Gecko,” performed by the Amphibians, a group comprised of sophomore Abraham Szilagyi, juniors Alex Wong and Glenda Chen, and senior Courtney Chu. Neon-adorned instruments lit up the stage, as did the electrifying dance routine of seniors Henry Sue and Nathan Pokpongkiat. Page by Rachael Garner Text by Ross Lelieur Photos by Sophia Arriola, Raj Jain, Stephanie Kim, Siria Medina, & Matt Winkel
Friday, February 28, 2014 - Tiger
7
8
Tiger - Friday, February 28, 2014
Opinion
Opinion
Yeah Boi
B
oo to the “Asian Usher.” I mean, he gave a good performance, but why didn’t he show us to our seats?
B
ravo to the Olympics. There’s nothing like a world-wide sporting event to encourage the rest of the world to enter a vegetative state of lethargy.
B
ravo to the band for playing “Get Lucky” during 8th Grade Night. Are you daft?
By Heather Vaughan Senior Staff Writer
B
Sob story
oo to the Drumline’s absence from this year’s talent show. Watching those boys banging on the stage was one of the best parts of the show.
B
to the uprising in Ukraine. Everyone needs to realize that human rights violations are completely unacceptable unless they happen in America. ravo
The Tiger Established 1913
CSPA Gold Medalist 2005 CSPA Gold Medalist 2006 CSPA Gold Medalist 2009 CSPA Gold Medalist 2010 CSPA Gold Medalist 2011 CSPA Gold Medalist 2013 Editor-in-Chief Rachael Garner Managing Editors Rhian Moore, Print Remeny White, Online News Shine Cho, Editor Stanley Wu, Associate Editor Opinion David Yang, Editor Petra Barbu, Associate Editor Feature Sarah Stukan, Editor Somi Jun, Associate Editor Sports Clem Witherall, Editor Andrew Shults, Associate Editor Copy Editors Leo Parker IV Jenny Wang Photography Matthew Winkel, Editor Siria Medina, Associate Editor Photographers Sophia Arriola, Raj Jain, Stephanie Kim Senior Staff Writer Heather Vaughan Staff Writers Madison Amido, Kira Gabriel, Jenna Giulioni, Madeline Hellwig, Karen Hsueh, Kea Hudson, Brandon Kim, Ross Lelieur, Alexander Nakagawa, Julian Prime, Joey Shapiro, Asa Silverman, Jason Wang, Jordan Xiao Staff Illustrators Dylan Anselmo, Spenser Atlas, Annie Lu Managers Marcy Kuo, Ads Emily Markese, Business Webmaster Michael Xu Faculty Advisor Mike Hogan
Vol. C. No. VI distributed on February 28, 2014. Distribution: 1519 students; 70 community. 1700 copies printed. Distributed by Tiger staff free of charge. Tiger is produced by the advanced journalism newspaper class at South Pasadena High School, 1401 FremontAve, South Pasadena, CA 91030. Layout and photo imaging are completed on-site. Printed by American/Foothill Publishing Co., Inc., Tujunga, CA. Signed articles appearing in Tiger represent the writer’s opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff, student body, faculty or administration of SPHS. Contact the publications office at (626) 441-5820 ext. 2615 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. for advertising rates and subscriptions. Tiger welcomes articles, letters or rebuttals for publication in the print and online editions. All letters must be signed and verifiable, but names will be withheld upon request. Tiger Newspaper’s mission is to provide a reliable news outlet for SPHS and the local community. Through a variety of coverage, Tiger empowers/enables students to think critically and creatively, communicate effectively, solve problems, set and reach goals, and work cooperatively and independently as responsible citizens. Tiger is a forum for student free speech, in accordance with California Ed Code 48907.
Dylan Anselmo
“Slacktivism:” not golden Staff Editorial We’ve built up a new podium for ourselves at the Sochi Olympics, putting on gold medals triumphantly and congratulating ourselves on our equal rights while shaking fingers at Russia and their oppressive policies. But when you total the scores, America has countless blatant penalties and the similarities between the two teams become uncomfortably close. Half-hearted support of gay rights done more to support our egos than a cause isn’t going to solve a global issue that touches closer to home than many believe. We’ve embraced the gay rights movement in a slightly different way: targeted, egocentric slacktivism. A rapper who sings about that one time in third grade he thought he was gay (but he wasn’t really, crisis averted) has become our new Martin Luther King Jr., trading real activism for changing our profile pictures to equal signs. We sport rainbow colors and rant on Facebook to “show support,” but our activism-only-when-convenient approach does nothing to address a very real fight for human rights. It’s especially a problem when there are tangible things that can be done to aid the movement: sign a petition for same-sex marriage, write to a congressman, or volunteer your time to a gay rights association, which all provide a much more real benefit than “one
share equals one prayer.” But then comes the question of whether we’re allowed to passive-aggressively punish Russia for its stifling of human rights when the US isn’t exactly the land of the free. In Alabama, state law dictates that homosexuality is not an acceptable lifestyle; Mississippi legislation states that gay sex is neither safe, appropriate, nor legal; Arizona law bans portraying homosexuality as a positive alternative lifestyle. Nine states in America have adopted laws that explicitly impose limitations on homosexuality, with Kansas soon to join them with a shocking new law that allows anti-gay segregation, allowing everything from employers firing employees based on sexuality to denying gay couples entry into state hospitals. South Pasadena certainly provides a convenient bubble, but when you take a look at that “real world” everyone keeps talking about, it hardly puts us in a position to point fingers. Another Valentine’s Day has passed with equal love still not a reality. This isn’t a problem that you can point to, not something you can separate yourself from and gesture vaguely at. This is a problem that affects us all, and it’s about time we did something real about it.
A wave of outrage and criticism erupted from appalled spectators after NBC reporter Christin Cooper pushed Olympic medalist Bode Miller to tears during an emotional interview. Miller had just captured the sixth medal of his career, but Cooper seemed interested only in the effect that his late brother’s death had on the experience and peppered him with several questions that led him to bow his head in quiet sobs. NBC’s choice to run this clip over twenty hours after it was filmed spurred widespread backlash on the network and the journalist, shaming them for poor journalistic ethics. Cooper’s choice to pressure Miller to tears was insensitive, as was NBC’s decision to air the clip. However, the fault does not lie with the individual, nor with the corporation, but with the culture of sensationalism that has bled into the way that journalists approach their trade. No longer is pure journalism acceptable; viewers and readers expect heart-wrenching tales of love and loss, inspiring against-all-odds successes, juicy rumors and scandalous affairs, and more than just the truth. Ethical journalism aims to extract information from a source, whereas sensational journalism extracts an excess of emotion. Reporters can, and should, incorporate human emotion in order to give stories more depth and venture beyond the stark hard news norm. However, Cooper exploited Miller’s emotions and pushed him to the breaking point, which NBC broadcast on national television. This is the difference between ethical and unethical journalism: a lack of respect for the person being covered, and a capitalization of his vulnerability. The way that Cooper treated Miller is not an isolated incident; this happens on a daily basis between frenzied media and celebrities whose private lives are openly displayed for viewers’ satiation. Although this case garnered criticism, Cooper’s strategy is otherwise the norm in a cutthroat age of journalistic competition and a constant race to get the most unique, most touching, or most shocking story. Because Bode Miller made himself vulnerable by opening up about his brother’s death, this became fodder for the press to embellish his Olympic accomplishment. Although it made sense for Cooper to utilize this opportunity to enhance her story, she failed to show the fundamental respect for Miller that is essential in ethical journalism.
Mixing poverty and pleasure By Rhian Moore Print Managing Editor The lifestyles of wealthy stock brokers and the poor differ in many ways, but there is one thing that these wildly dissimilar groups have in common: they both spend a lot of time and energy thinking about money. The scarcer money gets, the more exponentially important it becomes. The way that it is handled ranges from people clipping coupons meticulously before every shopping trip to draining money almost as
quickly as it is earned, unable to reap the benefits of saving. Almost as problematic as the plight of the poor is the attitude towards the latter, the ones who are shamed for indulging in luxuries. Too often are the impoverished considered exempt from the pursuit of pleasure that the rest of our society seem to enjoy. Splurging on non-necessities is met with raised eyebrows—after all, the poor are designated for a life of misery and sacrifice, and certainly not one that involves cable TV. What people seem to forget is that the
poor often have disposable income—liquid money, instead of assets or financial protection. A poor mother shopping for her children may buy a $20 pair of sneakers rather than the less expensive ones at the dollar store, and that treat is more attainable than the ten-thousand-dollar car one might dream of buying further down the road. Everyone should be able to have fun without being chastised for partaking in the hedonism that the rest of America delights in. It’s nice to have nice things—who are we to deprive anyone of these simple pleasures?
Opinion
A night to remember By Ross Lelieur Staff Writer Students often complain that dances, especially prom, cost unreasonably large amounts. However, it is easy to throw around large numbers for effect, meanwhile forgetting or ignoring what these actually mean. Prom is expensive, but it also is intended to be fun, and that is something worth paying for. $1,139, the average amount spent on prom in the U.S., has been extensively touted as an example of tremendous excess. However, the only items that are needed are a ticket, costing between $80$120, and a tuxedo or dress, at about $200. Any other things, such as a limo, are unnecessary additions, up to the individual to spend on. Prom and other school dances serve as a sort of dress-rehearsal for formal events that most students, especially in more affluent areas, will most likely encounter in their lives. For example, they may be required to interact with other professionals at social events in their careers. From high school dances, students will have garnered important experience in how to behave, dress and interact with others that can be applied to their professional lives. Students are hard pressed to organize socialize events when their free time is limited by academic focus. School dances provide a social experience after school
hours in a time where the afterschool activities of many consist of homework and videogames, television, or reading; all entertaining and in their own ways valuable, but lacking in face-to-face social aspects. The fact is, sociability makes people happy, and school dances help promote this. Despite this number cr unching, many forget that prom is labelled “a night to remember” exactly because you will. As one of the most memorable high school moments, many would agree that a special event merits a little extra spending. Once one looks past the eye-catching expense of prom, it becomes plainly evident that many benefits come of attending both in the present and in the future, and that in truth, the cost is not as concrete as detractors would have people believe.
Friday, February 28, 2014 - Tiger
A night to regret By Madeline Hellwig Staff Writer Prom has become a highly profitable business from often extravagant locations and elaborate preparations. Behind the lavish backdrop of prom lies the idea that fun and money are inextricably related, fostering an unhealthy outlook on life. F r o m d r e s s e s, s h o e s, hairdos, tuxedos, accessories and jewelr y, f lower bouquets, tickets, transpor tation, photog raphs, dinner, and after-prom parties, it comes as no surprise that the average cost of prom adds up to $1,139 across Annie Lu the US. Dresses alone climb up to a staggering $1000, and buying multiple for after-parties only adds to the exorbitant expense of a laundry list of prom “essentials.”
Evolving religious debate By Brandon Kim Staff Writer The conflict between faith and reason has been a point of contention from as far back as the time of conflict between Galileo Galilei and the Catholic Church. Tensions between the two ideologies still exist today, and were recently revived in the debate between science educator Bill Nye and president of the Creation Museum Ken Ham. After the two-hour debate, people spoke fiercely for both sides on various social media and news portals. Many comments derided Christians, saying that such people are deluded just because of their beliefs, a method of argument reminiscent of the close-minded Christians of the Inquisition. If atheists want to make their position stronger, they must take care to remain objective. A problem arises when the members of both sides cross the boundary of advocacy and step into the realm of militant suppor t. These ardent followers tend to tear down their opponents without consideration of different opinions. At some point, the argument degenerates into insensitive ad hominem attacks instead of an earnest debate of ideologies with decorum. Richard Dawkins, a famous evolutionary biologist, was once quoted as saying, “By all means let’s be open-minded, but not so open-minded that our brains drop out,” showing the close-mindedness of certain militant atheists. A healthy argument requires a realization that convincing someone with contrary viewpoints needs proper civil-
9
ity on the part of the persuader. Nye and Ham are very educated individuals, but nevertheless showed great respect for their opponent during the debate because they understood that the other was just as educated in his own field. Following their example, Christians must respect atheists and vice versa. While this passionate strife exists on both ends of the debate, in the case of Nye and Ham online attacks from evolutionists were more prevalent. A myriad of online commenters criticized Ham’s inferior speech and went on to label Creationist Christians as those with “blind faith,” even going as far as to suggest that those who believe in God are irrational merely based on their faith. Rather than seriously considering the possibility that having faith is a way of living, these critics decided to mute valid arguments not in accordance with evolution. A difference in opinion is highly desirable for the progress of society. A well-functioning democracy requires an objective discussion on issues, and not one muddled with personal offenses and fallacious oratory. It is true that some religious individuSpenser Atlas als have displayed judgment and hypocrisy in the past. However, these individuals often do not represent the true Christian values of compassion and goodness. If those supporting evolution and science genuinely wish to rise above the immature, they must realize that they must promote their opinions with an open mind.
Despite popular belief, spending thousands of dollars is not a necessity for a night to be special or memorable. Its proverbial label as a “special moment of high school” is often thrown around, but in reality its purpose can be achieved through less costly means. Anti-proms, or student-planned events outside school, not only achieve the same purpose of having a good time with friends, but also lower the financial pressure of prom. Some SPHS students opted out of winter formal, for example, for a less expensive trip to Souplantation and Target. There also is a misleading implication that having fun is directly related to increasing expenses. From television shows to typical high school prom settings, it seems that the more money one spends on prom, the better the outcome of the night will be. Contrary to this belief, it rarely requires considerable amounts of money to enjoy oneself with friends. Though these images may be attractive, it is the real moments of quality time that matter in the long run. A “night to remember” doesn’t need to have an enormous price tag to merit a memory. Extravagant spending hardly benefits a school already strapped with budget problems, and quality time with friends doesn’t equate shelling out thousands for a good time. For many, cost becomes a major factor, and not attending the most awaited dance of the year simply for financial issues is the most costly thing of all.
The new Goldilocks: not too hot, not too bold By Petra Barbu Assoc. Opinion Editor People complain that female characters in films and books aren’t developed, but maybe that’s because they’re not allowed to be developed in real life. Girls get grouped into one of two overarching subsets that define them, but the catch is that it doesn’t matter which avenue they choose as both get judged and criticized equally. It’s difficult for a girl to be too smart or pretty, too nice or funny, because that becomes her label and identifies her entire personality, rarely leaving room for her to be perceived as a complex person. She’s either the virgin or the whore with no in between, making it easier for such a polarized domain to quickly begin to hate the other side. It’s not always the stereotyped quiet, shy girl who gets bullied, but rather a vast amount of aggression is directed to attractive girls. This reality is often met with profound skepticism, as most people instinctively label “hot girls” as the bullies. The reaction itself attests to the fact that most people link negative characteristics, including promiscuity, incompetence, and cattishness, to women who
are considered classically attractive. According to the New York Times, the more attractive a young woman is, the more likely she is to become a target for indirect aggression from her female peers. There’s definitely a mutual criticism that occurs, and “hot girls” obviously aren’t spotless in their reputations for judgment. Girls who choose not to party and instead dedicate themselves to their academics are categorized as wasting their high school experience and not living their lives. A large part of this stems from the fact that girls become pigeon-holed almost immediately. Studying becomes equated to not knowing how to have fun, when the reality is that both groups simply have a different set of priorities, with neither superior to the other. Part of the high school mission statement reads “to empower students to think critically,” a goal that the female population on campus has doubtless achieved. Girls who “aren’t like other girls” have become very good at criticizing pretty girls for being shallow, while girls who party are skilled at judging girls who study on Friday nights. Perhaps both groups should keep in mind another of SPHS’s tenents: respect, tolerance, and integrity.
10
Tiger - FRIDAY, February 28, 2014
Sports
Devin Grab
James Yun By Jordan Xiao Staff Writer Senior James Yun shatters the stereotype that all wrestlers are muscle-bound hulks. Yun’s diminutive size of 113 pounds belies a mastery of the technique of takedowns, which has been put to spectacular use representing the Tigers since freshman year. The senior’s success in a SPHS uniform arises from very humble beginnings. “I used to horse around a lot with my friends in middle school, so I joined wrestling because I thought I’d learn how to tap out people. Wrestling took me completely by surprise,” Yun said. “I think I became addicted to wrestling after I won third place in my first tournament. The thrill of getting that medal was amazing.” Yun has gone on to receive countless accolades for his accomplishments on the wres-
tling mat. This season, Yun placed first for the 106-lb class at South Pasadena’s Holiday Invitational, and was one CIF match away from qualifying for the prestigious Masters tournament. His light weight has made no difference in his performance as a wrestler. “James is a technician. He uses technique, patience, and strategy instead of sheer muscle. He doesn’t force things; he waits for the opponent to make a mistake, then capitalizes on that to win,” Coach Peter Phe said. “That’s what makes James such a good wrestler.” Yun admits wrestling will become secondary to his academics in college, but he hopes to continue practicing on the side. He attributes his success in non-athletic fields to training as a wrestler. “Wrestling has taught me a lot of life skills, especially discipline and work ethic,” Yun said. “It’s motivated me to try harder at everything, not just physical fitness.”
Siria Medina Raj Jain
Senior captain James Yun (113 Ib) is consistently one of the Tigers’ best wrestlers.
By Heather Vaughan Senior Staff Writer Senior Devin Grab has a tendency to break into song to describe whatever she’s doing and constantly quotes The Office’s Michael Scott. But although her exterior implies a silly, relaxed personality, this athlete is all business when it comes to water polo. Grab’s lifelong dedication to the sport has earned her admission to the Division I University of California at Los Angeles, helped the SPHS varsity team break a school record, and provided her with a passion that trumps all others. The pool has been Grab’s home since the day she was born, and she hasn’t left since. Grab joined the South Pas Sea Tigers swim team at age four, and started water polo at age ten when two of her older brothers began playing. “My mom said, ‘You can’t play polo until you make [Junior Olympics] for swimming,’ so that year, I made JOs,” Grab said. Even as a beginner, Grab attracted attention from coaches and players who noticed her natural talent. A member of the SPHS varsity team as a freshman, she was a key player and became a captain the following season. This year, the squad is arguably the strongest it has ever been, thanks in part to Grab’s leadership. Grab’s water polo escapades extend much further than the high school season. She has played for the USA Cadet, Youth, and Senior National teams at various tournaments in the last few years, competing alongside college athletes and Olympic gold medalists.
Sophia Arriola
Senior Devin Grab was a key member of the 2013-14 record-setting squad. “I feel like I’ve been very fortunate [to be on the team],” Grab said of her National team experience. “Just in the right place at the right time.” It is clear that Grab’s success in the pool isn’t attributed to pure luck. She has put in countless hours to reach her goals, and although she acknowledges that the repetitive motions of multiple workouts a day can be “exhausting,” Grab stays committed because of her lofty goals, the support of her teammates, and her pure love for the game. “The most rewarding thing has been seeing all my hard work pay off by getting into college and all of the friendships I’ve made,” Grab said.
Sports
Friday, February 28, 2014 - Tiger
Girls’ soccer falls 1-0 in first round of playoffs By Leo Parker & Jason Wang Tiger Staff
Siria Medina
Senior Kelly Brady takes the ball away from an Oxford Academy player. The Tigers lost 1-0 in the CIF game.
The South Pasadena girls’ soccer squad concluded its 20132014 season with a first round CIF loss against Bloomington on February 21. After defeating Blair 6-0 for the third and final qualifying spot for CIF, the girls faced a series of struggles, beginning with a wild card game against Oxford Academy last Wednesday. South Pas proved victorious, beating Oxford 1-0 with a lone goal from senior standout Kelly Brady. Last Friday, the team traveled to play against Bloomington High School, the second seed in Division V. The game began with both teams level, and neither
squad could break the deadlock. In the last fifteen minutes of the second half, however, the Bruins scored two consecutive goals, ending the Tigers’ campaign. Back in December, the girls started the year with a shaky preseason, heading into Rio Hondo play with a dismal 1-10 record. Despite several talented players quitting, an unexpected hurdle that greatly affected team chemistry, the Tigers pulled together during league play, finishing with a 3-3-4 record in Rio Hondo. “Despite our loss, the whole season was a success because the players worked hard for each other,” head coach Rob Gallo said. “They focused on their training, collectively strengthening their bond as a team.”
Boys’ soccer loses heartbreaker to Godinez By Asa Silverman Staff Writer The setting was perfect for the South Pasadena boys’ soccer team: the stands were full, temperatures were in the seventies, and the Tigers had home field advantage. Yet from the start, South Pasadena lacked its usual efficient style of play as the Tigers kicked off their second round CIF game at home against Godinez High School. The Tigers were quickly caught off guard as the Grizzlies outplayed them from the start, winning loose balls and maintaining possession. The Tigers slowly found a foothold in the match but fell behind in the 18th minute after Godinez was awarded a free kick. The Grizzlies took the free kick and forced goalie junior Samuel Hoadley-Brill to tip the ball. The keeper couldn’t stop the ball from rolling behind him and another Grizzly player tapped the ball into the back of the net from a few yards out.
“We tried our best the whole game teammate who put it away. When the final whistle blew, the emobut just couldn’t seem to finish our chances,” tions began to set in, as the loss ended the junior Ramon Guiterrez said. Godinez held its lead and went into Tigers’ run for the CIF title, and for eight seniors, it was the final time the boys would the break up 1-0. Head coach Juan Zurita’s halftime play in a South Pas uniform. “It was an unfortunate loss,” Dunn talk immediately fired up the Tigers as they came onto the field with new life in them in said. “But this was an incredible season that I the second half. As soon as the whistle blew, will cherish for a lifetime.” junior Jordan Jackmon made a skillful run down the left flank and got off a cross, but the Grizzly goalkeeper punched the ball away under pressure. With twenty minutes left, Gutierrez played a brilliant ball wide to senior captain Zach Dunn. The captain whipped in a cross to Heven Gomez who headed just wide. Time started to wind down and the Tigers threw bodies forward. With four minutes remaining, Godinez sealed the game. The Grizzlies caught the Tigers’ back four off guard on a throw-in near South Matt Winkel Pas’ goal and a Grizzly forward chipped Senior Zach Dunn dribbles the the ball to the back post onto the head of his ball downfield in the second half.
11
Wrestling met with limited CIF success By Jordan Xiao Staff Writer The competitive season drew to a close for South Pasadena High School’s wrestling team, which participated in the CIF Eastern Division Tournament at Citrus Hill HS from February 21 to 22. Tough competition and unfavorable luck resulted in no Tigers qualifying for the next-level Masters tournament. Senior James Yun lasted into the quarterfinals round before his first loss at the hands of a Fountain Valley wrestler. Yun (113 lb) was later pinned by his class’ eventual sixth place winner to finish with a match score of 3-2. Brother and junior Harry Yun was taken down in the runoffs by Rio Hondo rival and San Marino wrestler Russell Chang, whom he had managed to defeat at league finals for the title. The younger Yun had actually defeated the 106-lb third place winner in his first match, but failed to place due to bracket assignments. “The bottom line is we didn’t qualify because when push came to shove, we didn’t have what it takes to consistently win,” head coach Al Shuton said. “We did learn a few things from this tournament, and it’s that our boys are just as good as the other wrestlers out there. I’m confident that we’ll have a CIF champ next year.” Senior Charlie Barrone concluded his high school wrestling career with drastic improvement on his CIF performance, earning two more wins than last year. Barrone lost by one point in the final seconds of his last match, literally a single point away from qualifying for Masters. “I feel like I could have done better since I came so close, but I’m happy I did a lot better this year than last,” Barrone said. “I’m proud to have represented SP wrestling for the last four years, and being captain for two of them is an experience I will never forget.”
Coach Garcia here to stay Basketball knocked out of CIF dent support for the past two months guaranteed the retention of Garcia’s services The South Pasadena for the next three months. “I’m probably the High School athletics program received a tremen- only trainer in the San Gadous boost two weeks ago briel Valley that is full-time at after it was announced that a non-private high school,” athletic trainer Anthony Garcia said. “I love it here. Garcia earned an extension Everyone is good to me.” Sophomore Leah that keeps him at the school until the end of the year. Nu- Schexnayder led the student merous parent letters, cash support by starting a SPHS donations and extensive stu- Athletic Training Room group composed of over 200 SPHS Tigers. Schexnayder coordinated multiple meetings with the booster club and organized bingo cleanup and set-up shifts in an attempt to garner more money to keep Garcia. “I can not express how happy I was to hear the news and all the support I got,” Schexnayder said. Raj Jain In addition to Coach Anthony Garcia tapes an extending Garcia’s injured ankle in the training room. contract, the school By Clem Witherall Sports Editor
provided the trainer with $5,000 to replenish athletic materials and purchase new equipment for the training facility. Student athletes were relieved to hear about coach’s extension and stressed the wonderful impact Garcia has had on the school’s sports programs. “He’s always there for us and even on his days off he comes in and ensures that we get the proper treatment,” junior soccer player Kevin Yonami said. The news of Garcia’s extension came a week after the the Sports Medicine Complex out of the Rose Bowl company offered the trainer a similar position. The sports medicine group provides physical therapy to a range of high schools, including Temple City and South Pas’ rivals, San Marino. “They offered me the position twice,” Garcia said. “But you know what, I’d rather be a Tiger .”
By Julian Prime Staff Writer As the clock hit zero in San Marcos a week ago, the South Pasadena boy’s varsity basketball team found themselves down 62-52. The season was over, and for the seniors on the team, so were their high school basketball careers. However, the 201314 season was a proud one. Head coach David Lutzeier debuted in his first year coaching with the Tigers. The squad was young and inexperienced, causing many people to label this season a “rebuilding year”. Despite all of these hurdles, the team proved everyone wrong by earning a decent 11-10 record, which was a major improvement upon last year’s 9-18 disaster. The Tigers also produced a respectable 6-4 league record, including two big wins against rival San Marino. The Tigers went on to snag the third
place standing in the Rio Hondo league, earning themselves a CIF playoff berth. “The reason why we were able to make CIF was because of Coach Lutzeier’s image for our program,” junior Darren Tom said. “I believe that our team had a lot of talent which was the main reason why we were able to overcome
We were able to make CIF was because of Coach Lutzeier’s image for our program. - Darren Tom, 11 a lot of difficulties.” Despite the early CIF exit, the Tigers are in a very good position going into the future. With young phenomns such as freshman Stone Franco and sophomores Alex Nakagawa, Greg Luck and Max Luck, the team has solidi-
fied a dependable future. Star player junior Joey Toyama still has another year in him, along with offensive monster junior Christian Lee. A rich JV team is also ready to add some depth to the roster, which was a serious issue early on in the season. “The JV squad could really help by bringing energy and toughness to the team,” Tom said. However, the Tigers are going to lose some valuable players on offense, such as senior Kyler Lee, who hit three pointers almost automatically throughout the season. Four year veteran senior Logan Wong will also be departing from the team. “I had a lot of highs and lows being part of the program over the years,” Wong said. “But this year stood out as the most successful and fun. The future looks great. With a young and bright team and an amazing coach, our team should be successful over the next couple years.”
12
Tiger - FRIDAY, February 28, 2014
Sports
Sports
Zach Dunn (12)
Dunn was second top scorer for the Tigers with an impressive 20 goals and tallied a team-high 20 assists.
South Pas Stars Lexie Scholtz (11)
James Yun (12)
Scholtz has consistently led her squad with stunning offensive displays and is currently averging a spectacular 16.2 ppg.
The senior wrestler fared the best of the Tigers in CIF finals and boasted a 3-2 record in the 113 lb weight class.
Clement’s Corner It was fun while it lasted
Rachael Garner
Junior Glenda Chen powers a shot past the La Serna keeper to even up the score at one apiece early in the match.
Water polo’s comeback falls short in playoffs By Heather Vaughan & Julian Prime Tiger Staff The South Pasadena High School girls’ water polo team fell one step short of a trip to the CIF championship after losing 10-9 to the La Serna Lancers on Wednesday night. The game marked the end of a phenomenal season with a spotless 8-0 league record, in which the Tigers captured the league crown for the fifth year in a row and shattered an SPHS record of most consecutive league games won. As the teams entered the packed PCC aquatic center, they were met with rounds of applause from both sides. The game opened with a quick La Serna score; sophomore Bianca Vera and junior Glenda Chen responded with a goal for the Tigers. It was a tight game throughout as
neither squad could take a significant advantage. The Tigers rocketed a quick volley of shots, ending with a goal from senior Liza Echeverria and putting the Tigers in front again, 4-3. Yet La Serna would not back down and earned a penalty shot, tying the score as the clock ran down to zero. The two squads found themselves deadlocked at 5-5 midway through the third. La Serna answered back with a pair of quick goals. A controversial decision by the referees ended the night for senior star Devin Grab after she received her third personal foul, dramatically shifting the outlook of the match. “This was one of the most one sided games I’ve ever played [because of the referees],” Grab said. The Lancers took advantage of the Tigers’ frustration to score another goal, advancing 8-5. However, senior Dani-
elle Krieger and Echeverria reduced the deficit to one and Vera completed a great pass to Chen, setting her up for the third consecutive Tiger goal that tied the game up 8-8. With the rain pouring at this point, the Lancers called a quick timeout to catch their breath. La Serna scored two goals with 45 seconds left on the clock. Down 10-8, the Tigers came rolling back. Echeverria had a booming shot to bring the Tigers within a single point with only 29 seconds left. However, the Lancers cemented the win by holding on to the ball in an effort to burn the clock. “Nobody in the division really believed we could get that far, so it was nice to show them that our team isn’t just one player,” Grab said. “There is always room for improvement, but I think the girls played with such a large amount of heart that it didn’t really matter.”
Girls basketball looks ahead to CIF semis By Andrew Shults & Alex Nakagawa Tiger Staff The South Pasadena High School girls’ basketball team continued its historymaking streak, winning its first three games of CIF to advance to the final four after defeating Ocean View High School 51-29 on Wednesday afternoon. South Pasadena, bolstered by a packed home crowd, took the lead early in their game against Ocean View and never looked back. The Tigers played strongly on defense and held a 27-13 by the end of the half. South Pasadena continued to feature an aggressive playing style, causing Ocean View to commit several fouls, sealing the Seahawks’ fate in the third quarter after the Tigers outshot their opponents 177. South Pas cruised in the final period and clinched a 51-29 win, marking the first time the Tigers have moved to the semifinals in CIF since former athletic director Ralph Punaro began coaching the girl’s basketball team over a decade ago. “Our shots weren’t falling as much tonight so we made some adjustments and
drove to the basket,” coach Tammy Lai said. “Defensively, we were better than our game Saturday.” Gabrielino proved to be much more of a challenge in the girls’ quarterfinal game, as the Eagles forced the Tigers into overtime, before South Pas was able to take the lead and win 72-59. The Tigers held an early advantage but significantly lowered their tempo in the third, and found themselves behind in the final quarter. However, the squad rallied behind junior Sophia Hathaway whose two monster blocks caused the game to go into overtime. Hathaway continued to dominate, scoring the first six points in OT to secure the win for the Tigers. The Tigers now face a tough Inglewood Sentinels team, the top seed in the tournament, and come off of a strong performance against Burroughs High School in which they won 47-40. “Our team is really excited to pull off a big upset on Wednesday,” junior Natalie Song said. “We can’t wait for the challenge to play a higher seeded team.”
From the moment you pull on a Tiger jersey to play your first game as a nervous freshman, you know that eventually you’ll have to play your last. However, the awareness doesn’t make it any easier when the journey finally concludes. I learned that the hard way Tuesday afternoon when our soccer team fell to Godinez High School in the second round of CIF. In our previous three games, we ended the seasons of Blair, Righetti, and San Jacinto High Schools and those outcomes felt fantastic. When the shoe landed on the other foot, it felt awful and somehow unfair, even though the result was just. More than a few tears were shed in our locker room following the game. Some of them were mine. On the surface, the sadness was a result of falling short of our high school sports dreams. We had won sixteen games this season, and another four would have landed us a CIF title. It would have been great to keep playing and see our team’s championship painted on the side of the gym. We’ll miss the soccer, for sure. Humbling fierce rival La Cañada by six goals is not something we’ll soon forget and neither is hammering heavily favored San Jacinto on the road by four. But the truth is that the soccer is only a small part of what the tears were all about. The true sadness is that we suddenly realized that the camaraderie we had built over four years came to its conclusion. The shared experiences that made us teammates, then friends, and eventually brothers are no more. It was a first taste of what to expect in June. Some of my best soccer memories happened away from the field. Breakfast at Carrows after a 6 a.m. freshman practice during Christmas break. Victory In-n-Out burgers on the bus ride home from Riverside County. I’ll desperately miss the pranks, jokes, and laughs we shared. The image of Zach Dunn getting romantic with a goalpost is seared in my mind, whether I like it or not. Sam HoadleyBrill’s infamous weekend tales enthusiastically presented during our daily warm-ups will also be a memory I won’t easily forget. Naturally, the sense of loss is not limited to the boys’ soccer team. Our girls’ water polo and soccer teams have endured their own recent sad endings. So have our boys’ football, water polo, basketball and wrestling programs. The same story is still ahead for our spring sports teams. When you start your Tiger sports journey, it’s all about goals and victories. When it ends, it’s about friendship and brotherhood. Game over.
[inside] Read about boys’ soccer and the squad’s second round CIF exit.
Stephanie Kim
Freshman Jalynne Li hits a jumper against Ocean View High School.
2/20 2/22 2/26 SPHS v. SPHS v. SPHS v. Rubidoux Gabrielino Ocean View 81-18 W 72-59 W 51-29 W
Matt Winkel
page 11