Tiger Newspaper Vol. XCVIII, No. IV

Hajime Miyasaka returns to visit campus

By Sofi Goode Feature Editor

Rachael Garner

Queen Lauren Claro headed the Homecoming Court, which also included seniors Erin Chan and Lia Lohr, junior Amber Laird, sophomore Siria Medina, and freshman Grace Wakabayashi.

Rain dampers Homecoming picnic

By Christian Miyamae Staff Writer The Homecoming picnic was rushed from the softball field into the SPHS gym due to inclement weather on Friday, November 4.

Many school clubs had to adapt to the transition.

“At the beginning it was really stressful,” said Commissioner of Clubs Michelle Ozaki. “I think a lot of the clubs had pressure moving because they didn’t know where they had to go. The rain actually brought us together during [the transition] and overall I think it went well, even though it was totally hectic.”

The clubs running the inflatable rides fared worse than others, as the attractions were not fully inflated

until later in the picnic and attendance suffered due to the rain; although ASB pays for the attractions, the clubs were unable to meet their fundraising goals.

Most clubs were able to bring in more than $100, but many of the clubs in charge of inflatable rides made less. The Hip Hop Club made only $24 while the Christian Campus Fellowship brought in $35.

The weather also negatively affected clubs that sold cold food and beverages. The Red Cross Club, which offered boba, raised considerably less than it expected to. “[The rain] lowered our sales by about $100 because people don’t want to buy cold drinks when it’s freezing outside,” said club president Montane Silverman.

Key Club, however, benefited from the rain.

“I think we raised more money because the cold weather made people attracted to our warm food,” said Key Club president Tiffany Yin. The club served a variety of Chinese foods, including chow mein, fried rice, and chicken.

The picnic featured live music from seniors David Lee, Kelsey Nakamura, Libby Rainey, Audrey Ford, and Ben Hillman. Junior Ashim Shrestha and sophomore Sophie Negrini also performed.

“The atmosphere this year [was] different and I think Michelle had to deal with a lot, including the rain, and she worked incredibly well with what she had,” said junior Will Jones.

Seniors apply early

By Alex Tranquada Copy Editor While most seniors are resigned to spending the coming weeks sequestered in their rooms writing college essays, those who apply early decision to a particular school can afford to maintain a social life through the month of November.

The early decision option allows seniors to submit their application and receive their results up to two months before the school’s normal deadline.

Many early decision applications are binding, meaning that if the student is accepted, they must attend the school in question. Early action, an alternative offered by many colleges, offers the accelerated timeframe of an early decision See “Early decision” on Page 2

Katie Whitworth

Schneider, who was re-elected on November 8, spoke at the Wednesday City Council meeting.

Joe and Khubesrian join City Council

By Madison Amido Staff Writer Challengers Bob Joe and Marina Khubesrian and incumbent Richard Schneider were elected to the City Council on November 8. With David Sifuentes retiring and current member Mike Ten finishing sixth, there will be

multiple new faces on the Council. Khubesrian will be the first woman to serve since 2003; she received 1,748 votes. Schneider received 1,745 votes, and Joe came in third with 1,478 votes. Art Salinas finished with 1,056 votes.

“The election process was a very humbling experience, but See “Election results” on Page 2

SPHS senior Hajime Miyasaka visited campus yesterday. Miyasaka—who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) last year—arrived on campus at the end of fourth period and stayed through the end of lunch.

“He’s wanted to come back since he was released from the hospital,” said senior Nicole Lussier.

Lussier is the president of campus club Youth With a Voice, which was founded to help support Miyasaka and his family.

Miyasaka was hospitalized in June and not released until October 31, when the school began making plans for his visit.

“ASB has been working with his parents and Ms Joan Aguado to make this a reality,” said ASB director Mr. Casey Shotwell.

When he arrived on campus, friends and students, some of whom had not seen him since he left school, greeted Miyasaka. Peers brought him cards, letters and CDs, while the

ASB class made posters.

Since he arrived home, Miyasaka has been keeping in close contact with his friends.

“He can type with his feet,” said Miyasaka’s father, Hiro. “He uses Facebook to talk to his friends… sometimes he even plays Call of Duty.”

Miyasaka hopes to stay home for the foreseeable future, staying in contact with his friends through the Internet and taking visitors.

Jennifer Kim

Miyasaka poses with his parents.

SPHS addresses cheating

By Libby Rainey Editor-in-Chief Assistant Principal Mr. Jack Smith and SPHS department chairs are working together to address the growing issue of plagiarism. They are analyzing methods of prevention that will better prepare South Pasadena students for both educational standards in college and competence in the workplace.

SPHS staff is focused on addressing this ever-changing problem first on a department level and soon with the entire faculty. They will eventually be implementing new techniques both in the classroom and in instruction to steer students away from the temptation of cheating.

Smith is focused on educating teachers on the issue of cheating and examining what they can do to deter students from taking the easy, but potentially dangerous, alternative: copying the work of others.

“We really need to systematically assess what plagiarism is,” said Smith.

The department chairs and Smith are looking into changes in class curricula that will focus more on demonstrating knowledge. These are expected to involve more longterm projects and research-based learning in all subject areas.

A long-term curriculum change is not the only preventative tool to which teachers are turning.

After discovering a number of pa-

pers taken from online sources for an assignment in AP Government, department chair Ms Maryann Nielsen began using turnitin.com, a site that matches student papers with Internet sites and student work and generates an “originality report.”

English teacher Mrs. Kim Kadletz has used turnitin.com for a number of years.

“We have to nip [cheating] in the bud at this level,” said Kadletz.

She believes it is the responsibility of teachers and parents to take high-school-level cheating seriously, and notes that many colleges have a zero-tolerance or two-strike cheating policy that could ruin students’ chances at educational success.

The next steps for the department chairs are unspecific at this point, but Nielsen notes, “We have been dealing with this issue all year.

We’ve been looking at several different definitions of cheating and several different policies of different schools.”

Among the options being considered is a policy from Arcadia High School. For some advanced courses, students are required to attend school early so all class periods can take exams at the same time and place to avoid the spreading of test information.

“The next step is bringing this [issue] to the faculty, and putting a systematic curriculum together regarding cheating and plagiarism,” said Smith.

News 2

Tiger - Friday, November 18, 2011

TAG Day honors academics

By Shyam Senthilkumar Staff Writer Tigers Achieving Greatness Day took place on campus yesterday. Commissioner of Academics Fedor Kossakovski arranged the event and was pleased with the outcome of his work.

TAG Day is dedicated to rewarding and recognizing students for academic excellence.

“It’s similar to the SPEX assembly, but without the fanfare or t-shirts or assembly, almost like a test run for SPEX. We want to recognize students doing well and try to get other students to put more effort in their studies as well,” said Kossakovski.

ASB representatives visited every classroom during fourth period. They read off the names of every student with either a 3.5+ or a 4.0 GPA, called them to the front of the classroom and awarded them an elegant pin.

They also recognized students who improved their GPAs by 0.5 or more from one semester to the next.

Senior Freddy Tsao designed the pins, which were given out to over 500 students.

“I enjoyed getting tagged.

It was nice to take time out of class to recognize everyone with something as simple as a pin,” said junior Thomas Chang.

From “Early admissions” on Page 1 application without binding the student to one school.

For seniors who are absolutely sure of their first-choice school, applying early is practical and takes some of the stress out of the secondsemester waiting period.

“The minute I walked onto campus, I knew I wanted to go there,” said Kaylee Anderson, who applied early decision to Claremont McKenna. “CMC met every single requirement I was looking for in a college. I wanted to apply early decision because I knew it was my true first-choice school.”

Miranda Gontz felt the same sense of surety about Columbia University.

“I fell in love with their creative writing program,” she said. “I knew early decision bumped up the rate of admittance by about 10%, so I took it as my best chance to get in.”

However, Montane Silverman, who applied non-binding early action to Tulane University, is still not entirely sure which college he wants to attend.

“I was going to apply there anyway,” said Silverman, “but I decided I wanted to experience what it would feel like to apply early action, so I went for it.”

News

Around Campus

The first blood drive of the year will take place in the SPHS gym on November 30. The Red Cross is facilitating the event, and Commissioner of School and Community Brianna Loo hopes to collect 85 pints of blood.

As posters around school advertise, each donation saves approximately three lives. “We really hope a lot students attend the drive,” said Commissioner General Ben Lee. /Libby Rainey

Teacher feedback program in works

By Erin Chan Staff Writer Seniors Chloe Acebo and Jennifer Suh are in the process of implementing a student feedback program for SPHS teachers. They have been meeting with students and teachers in recent weeks to gather input regarding the program and its potential.

Acebo and Suh are co-outreach directors for Los Angeles County’s region 9 of the California Association of Student Councils, and they hope to involve SPHS students in the teacher feedback process by the end of the 2011-2012 school year.

The process will take shape through Classroom Compass, an online program that allows students to anonymously provide commentary on their teachers.

The responses are accessible only to the teacher they pertain to.

The idea is to “really give students a voice,” Suh said. Acebo added that they aim to “provide teachers with genuine feedback.”

“If anyone is going to help teachers improve, it’s going to be their students,” said Mr. Don Wielenga, a member of the current committee discussing student-to-teacher feedback. “They know what goes on in the classroom everyday, and how their teachers can improve. At the same time, even well-intended criticism is hard to hear, because teachers’ jobs are so complex.”

The idea is still in the planning stages and little is set in stone. Students and teachers will meet in the coming weeks to discuss the particulars.

Siria Medina

The building at the southwest corner of the intersection of Hope Street and Fair Oaks Avenue, previously at Wild Thyme, will be reopened as The Canoe House before the end of the year.

Canoe House to replace Wild Thyme

By Heather Vaughan Staff Writer South Pasadena’s Wild Thyme restaurant is undergoing renovations, transforming from a quaint Sunday brunch spot into a casual Hawaiian-themed hangout under the new name The Canoe House.

The new restaurant will feature a full bar, several flat-screen televisions, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Restaurant co-owners Randy Hoffman and David Yost, who also manage several other eateries in and around South Pasadena, had been contemplating the transition in theme since the middle of last year.

“We had a good 22-year run with Wild Thyme, and now we are ready for something new,” said Hoffman. “It was time for a change.

We have a lot of confidence in the concept of doing this.”

The restaurant, located on the southwest corner of Fair Oaks Avenue and Hope Street, is in an ideal location to attract customers,

according to Hoffman.

The recent construction along Fair Oaks, which negatively affected many businesses along the avenue due to a lack of accessibility, has ended, and the proprietors believe that The Canoe House can thrive. They intend to use its busy location, along with the change in theme, to reach a wider demographic of potential customers.

SPHS students have mixed feelings about the renovations, but many are disappointed to see the classic restaurant go.

“Since I was a kid, I went there with my family and with my grandpa,” said sophomore Brandon Huff.

“It became a kind of tradition.”

Sophomore Claire Bilderback also grew to love Wild Thyme after selling its pies for SPMS band and Youth and Government fundraisers.

“I’ll really miss it. Wild Thyme helped us raise a lot of money, and fundraising will never be the same,” said Bilderback.

Some students, like senior

Drama club hosts Christopher Murray

By Marcy Kuo Staff Writer Renowned actor Christopher Murray spoke to the SPHS drama club and other interested students yesterday in the Little Theater. Murray was raised in a family of Hollywood actors, and shared these experi

ences and more with the group that attended the event.

Exposed to the public at a young age, Murray followed his parents’ footsteps in pursuing a career in acting both on camera and the Broadway stage.

His most recent role was in Crossing Over with Harrison Ford,

Siria Medina

Christopher Murray sat down with SPHS drama teacher Daniel Enright to discuss Murray’s childhood and his background as an actor.

and since then, Murray has visited many schools to share his acting experience with students.

One of Murray’s fondest childhood memories was witnessing the production of the 1956 movie Bus Stop.

“My father was playing Bo, the cowboy who falls in love with Marilyn Monroe. That woman is hard to work with; she is a shrewd businesswoman,” said Murray.

His connection to Bus Stop is particularly timely; the SPHS Drama Club is currently rehearsing its own production of the play, which opens December 2 in the Little Theater.

Although the visit was brief, students were able to ask Murray questions about his role as an angry principal on Zoey 101, a Nickelodeon TV show.

Freshman fan of the show Colleen Berry said, “I am obsessed with Murray. He is funny and adorable, especially when tomatoes were thrown at him.”

Mekayla Melahouris, are more interested in the changes that the new restaurant will bring.

Said Melahouris, “I’ve never been to Wild Thyme, but I’m excited to see the new restaurant. A Hawaiian theme would mix things up.”

Construction to renovate the building began on July 3 and is expected to finish before the end of the year.

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to go for another 25, 30 years with The Canoe House,” said Hoffman.

“We’re confident that we can succeed and make this new restaurant even more popular than Wild Thyme was.”

From “Election results” on Page 1 I am very grateful for the support and votes from the citizens of South Pasadena,” said Joe, reflecting on the election process.

Election night was emotional for Khubesrian as well.

“I joined my team in a moment of jubilation which evolved into group hugs and even a few tears. That moment is one I will always cherish,” she said.

In the School Board race, incumbents Joseph Loo and Richard Sonner were comfortably re-elected. Loo received 2,269 votes, Sonner received 2,121, and challenger Ben Figueroa collected 1,578.

The controversial Utility Tax Measure passed with 54% of the votes. The measure will reduce the Utility User’s Tax from 8% to 7.5%. Khubesrian supported the measure from the beginning of her campaign, promising at a candidate forum that she would justify each penny taken out of Measure UT. “While the UT funds are allocated to the General Fund, I will ask to have at least 60% allocated to infrastructure needs and quarterly reports made available to the public detailing how funds were allocated,” said Khubesrian.

Khubesrian, Joe and Schneider will be sworn into office on December 7.

News

Rachael Garner

SPHS’s National Merit Semifinalists were celebrated Wednesday morning at a breakfast in the cafeteria.

National Merit Semifinalists honored at breakfast

By Remeny White Assoc. News Editor The eleven SPHS National Merit Semifinalists celebrated their academic achievement during the annual National Merit breakfast on Wednesday in the cafeteria.

The event was organized

by Commissioner of Academics

Fedor Kossakovski to allow the National Merit Scholars to mingle with parents, choice faculty members and fellow Semifinalists.

Superintendent Joel Shapiro, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Steve Seaford and Principal Janet Anderson spoke about how pleased they were with this year’s National Merit qualifiers and

asked the Semifinalists to share their college plans and favorite high school memories.

“It was necessary to reward all the hard work the Semifinalists put in to achieve their goals. The breakfast was a great way to show other students that your success will not go unnoticed,” said Kossakovski.

Semifinalist Aidan Louie is grateful for the effort put into the breakfast and appreciates the acknowledgement of his accomplishments, but he attributes his success to the school and its faculty.

“It was nice to get a bit of recognition for the work that we put into preparing for the test, but it was more than just our individual efforts that allowed us to achieve. Years of school and nurturing from our teachers are really what helped us to do well,” said Louie.

Of the 16,000 Semifinalists, approximately 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level in February, 2012.

Finalists will be selected based on academic records, administrative recommendations and SAT scores.

The SPHS Semifinalists are optimistic about their chances to advance to the Finalist round, but are proud of their accomplishments regardless.

“Becoming a Finalist is really just a lottery, and of course it would be nice to advance, but there isn’t a lot riding on it. It is a great honor just to be named a Semifinalist,” said Kossakovski.

Friday, November 18, 2011 - Tiger

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Rose Parade ambassadors begin work

By Rhian Moore Assoc. Feature Editor Seniors Sidney Gerst and Trent Kajikawa began their work as this year’s SPHS representatives for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association Program. As two of the participating student ambassadors, they will assist members of the Tournament of Roses in the following months in numerous pre- and post-parade Tournament events.

The program began in 1998 and is overseen by the Student Ambassadors Committee.

The selection process took place in the springtime. Juniors were nominated by faculty members. After receiving input from administrators and counselors, activities director Mr. Casey Shotwell made the final decision.

“We look for students who are responsible and have good social skills,” said Shotwell. “There is quite a schedule to keep, and they need to be able to follow up on commitments and obligations.”

“I am most excited for just being part of the group that puts together the Rose Parade,” said Gerst.

Gerst and Kajikawa participated in the Orientation Dinner in September as well as monthly training meetings, the last of which was held on Tuesday at the

Float Barn. They also attended social events such as the PostParade Reception, a dinner for the people who live around the parade route.

“I accepted the invitation because I would be able to get involved in a local holiday tradition I grew up watching,” said Kajikawa.

“I definitely have enjoyed meeting other students from the surrounding areas.”

Kajikawa is looking forward to the activities during Events Week, which is from December 27 to January 3. These include BandFest and the Rose Parade, which he will help execute with the other student ambassadors.

Matt Winkel

Gerst and Kajikawa were nominated in May.

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Tiger - Friday, November 18, 2011

News

Bomb squad called to Diamond Avenue

By Clair Fuller and Devin Mitchell Tiger Staff Eduardo Lopez was apprehended on November 1 on the 1500 block of Diamond Avenue in connection to an allegedly suspicious firearm that was taken from the residence by a police vehicle.

The FBI had received information the previous afternoon suggesting someone in the Los Angeles area was in possession of a suspicious device. Agents investigated and concluded the man was a South Pasadena resident.

The investigation and evacuation of the 500 block of Fair Oaks Avenue and the closing of the 110 Freeway on ramp in that area until 8:30 PM led to the search of the Diamond residence. The parking lot and all surrounding businesses, including Orchard Supply Hardware, Starbucks, and FedEx Office, were evacuated.

FBI personnel, assisted

by South Pasadena police, also blocked off a portion of Diamond Avenue near South Pasadena High School before entering the residence and arresting Lopez. According to an FBI press release, he was taken into

custody on suspicion of a state felony charge of manufacturing a device that could be used to fire projectiles. He was released on bail on the morning of November 2.

A consent search was conducted and the devices were taken from the backyard of the home for further inspection. Police determined that the devices posed no immediate threat.

“It falls under the classification of a destructive device,” said South Pasadena Chief of Police Joe Payne of what was removed.

The Los Angeles Sheriff ’s Bomb Squad was called to

the parking lot outside of OSH around 5 earlier in the evening to investigate a possible explosive device in the trunk of a vehicle.

“After the Sheriff ’s bomb squad got here, they brought out a robot to search the vehicle, which found nothing. A secondary search of the vehicle also found nothing,” said Sergeant Robert Burtl of the SPPD. “Once we were clear there [Fair Oaks] we came to this location,” said Payne at the Diamond Avenue residence.

The investigation into Lopez’s activities is ongoing.

Additional reporting by Sofi Goode and Matt DeFulgentiis.

Theo Mandin-Lee

Lopez was arrested and a suspicious firearm was confiscated from his home.

APES students work in Arroyo Seco

By Natalie McLain Staff Writer

Theo Mandin-Lee

Seniors Cece Zhu and Cindy Chan work by the Arroyo Seco stream on Thursday, November 10.

The South Pasadena AP Environmental Science classes took one of their many field trips to the Arroyo Seco last week. Accompanied by teacher Mr. Donald Wielenga, students conducted a series of water quality tests in order to give concepts covered in class tangible reinforcement.

One such test included disturbing the stream bottom and catching any macroorganisms stirred to the water’s surface. Based on the ratio of the species present, students were given a rough outline of the stream conditions and what

kind of life it can sustain. Other tests included temperature and pH level, dissolved oxygen content, and turbidity. After the data was gathered, it was submitted to the Arroyo Seco Foundation, which does not have the means to organize and fund such testing on its own.

“It’s real… it’s real in all sorts of ways. It’s real tests, a real stream, and the information is going to people who really care about it,” said Wielenga of the trip’s significance.

The general response from students seemed to be similarly positive. Especially emphasized was the appreciation of a physical

connection to the material learned in class.

“It’s hands-on… you get to go out into the field and actually do it, not just read about it,” said senior Tyler Wong.

To further the adventurous and eco-friendly feel of the trip, students traveled to the stream by bike. The experience, as with most of the excursion, is not commonly included in a course’s standard academic curriculum. Through this and many future travels to the Arroyo Seco stream, students are given a chance to have hands-on experience outside of the classroom with the concepts covered in day-to-day classes.

Friday, November 18, 2011 - Tiger Lauren Claro

Erin Chan

Lia Lohr

Siria Medina

Grace Wakabayashi

Amber Laird

HC

Text by Clair Fuller Photos by Rachael Garner, Matt Winkel and Jennifer Kim Page by Jennifer Kim

ome oming

Homecoming 2011 was not without setbacks. But despite a loss on the football field and a picnic confined to the gym, the week of festivities carried on, peppered with decade-themed spirit days. A Friday assembly announced the Winter Formal video contest and presented the 2011 Homecoming Court, headed by Queen Lauren Claro. Celebrations culminated with a dance that departed pleasantly from the traditional on-campus, postfootball game model. Held on a Saturday at the Pasadena Hilton, this year’s homecoming dance was met with success, and unusually high attendance.

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Tiger - Friday, November 18, 2011

Opinion

Opinion B

to Texas Governor Rick Perry. We don’t understand what all the fuss is about; three things on a list are really hard to remember. Stay strong, push forward and… uh...

Cheating prevention is a shared responsibility

B

By Elizabeth Ford Rainey Editor-in-Chief

ravo

to the rain during the Homecoming Picnic. All we wanted was to beat each other up with the inflatable wrecking ball.

B B

oo

ravo to the new Call of

Duty game. Who needs food? Or sleep? Or friends?

oo to the administration for bringing back tardy sweeps. We’ll support them once our teachers get detention for showing up late.

B

to Tiger Thanksgiving. It’s so exclusive that we’re not even mentioning it in the paper this year… wait.

B B

ravo

oo to the new Twilight movie. Honestly, this one needs no explanation.

to the the month of November for containing only 15 school days. December has only 12—not that it will stop teachers from weighing us down with homework.

Daniel Willardson

Falling behind the technological learning curve Staff Editorial

ravo

The Tiger Established 1913

CSPA Gold Medalist 2005 CSPA Gold Medalist 2006 CSPA Gold Medalist 2009 CSPA Gold Medalist 2010 CSPA Gold Medalist 2011 Editor-in-Chief Libby Rainey Managing Editor Jennifer Kim News Devin Mitchell, Editor Remeny White, Associate Opinion Carlton Lew, Editor Clair Fuller, Associate Feature Sofi Goode, Editor Rhian Moore, Associate Sports Jessica Moog, Editor Clem Witherall, Associate Copy Editors Alex Tranquada and Max White Photography Theo Mandin-Lee, Editor Kathryn Whitworth, Associate Photographers Rachael Garner, Siria Medina, Matthew Winkel Staff Writers Michael Abelev, Madison Amido, Jackson Atwater, Erin Chan, Matt DeFulgentiis, Kelsey Hess, Anne Kitchens, Marcy Kuo, Amber Laird, Natalie McLain, Christian Miyamae, Meghan Roche, Joshua Roquemore, Shyam Senthilkumar, Heather Vaughan Tiger Online Wyatt Bukowski, Zoey Dupont, Rachel Newhall, Thomas von Bibra Staff Illustrators Rachael Lee, Daniel Willardson Managers Alexander Prescott, Ads Angela Jang, Business Webmaster Makenna Sidle Faculty Advisor Mike Hogan

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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.

YouTube. Twitter. Tumblr. Flickr.

All are social media giants, and all are directly accessible from school computers.

But one major contributor to the social media revolution is clearly missing: Facebook.

Rather than embrace the role of Facebook as a dependable tool for communication, the district has chosen to focus on its potential to distract students from their studies.

This concern is rooted more in a misinterpretation of how students use Facebook while at school than anything else. The standard recreational aspect of Facebook - uaing it for mindless chatting and useless status updates - becomes nearly obsolete within the boundaries of SPHS; its role as a means to send out important information to specific people remains undiminished.

All school groups benefit from the heightened communication that Facebook provides.

Girls basketball coach Rich Kitigawa said, “I would bet that 90 percent of our program communicates through Facebook. Since nearly none of them use email as frequently, we use it a lot for day-to-day stuff, like if the girls can’t make it to practice or if there is a change in our schedule.”

In addition to sports teams, school clubs also stay connected through the site.

Red Cross Club president Montane Silverman said, “It is very helpful because it allows our club to communicate with members of our Facebook group and to keep them updated on meetings and important events.”

The major inconvenience posed by the pesky Facebook block on school computers is a colossal limitation on the actual ability of the members of the SPHS campus to stay up-to-date and clearly connected with others during school hours.

The social media revolution is undeniable, and the districtwide ban of Facebook is counterintuitive considering the progress that technology has reached.

While even teachers are embracing the benefits of social media by assigning blogs on sites like Wordpress and Wikipedia for students to conveniently and accessibly post assignments online, the districtwide and administrator-approved ban of Facebook remains a glaringly inconsistent against current times .

By its pure definition, Facebook is able to ensure a source of surefire communication. And at the end of the day, Facebook can be an overall source of unity on campus – if it is allowed to be.

Courseloads get heavier, nights grow longer, and the ease of cheating grows all the more alluring in high school students’ minds.

Cheating is a dirty word in education, and rightfully so. It undermines the learning process and removes all legitimacy from student work. Yet for what appears to be a majority of the student body, some level of cheating is necessary to survive a packed high school schedule. For some this means fudging homework or copying an assignment from a friend. When brought to extremes, it can also mean blatant plagiarism of essays and the sale of assignments or answer keys.

Most students realize that these techniques lack integrity. However, they remain standard because students also recognize that many teachers never read or check the assigned work, but still weight it heavily in final grades.

The most effective way to deter student dishonesty is not through threats of punishment, but instead through assigning work that mandates originality. The reality is distasteful but glaring: it is naïve of teachers to expect 100% honesty on assignments that are rarely given feedback or teacher attention.

This is largely because of an unfortunate but unavoidable focus on letter grades in high school.

Performance in courses means little to colleges beyond the “A” or “B” a transcript presents, and therefore it can be difficult to elicit effective work from students, particularly on trivial assignments. This problem can be easily avoided by barely weighting or simply not grading homework assignments that will go unchecked anyway, and by emphasizing longer, more in-depth projects that students know will be effectively evaluated.

This way, homework can be used as it is intended: as a study tool that helps students to effectively process information, not an easy opportunity for mindless copying.

College grades often come down to a few large essay assignments and midterm or final exams. High school grades would fare well from being placed in a similar model; tools such as turnitin.com, effective teacher evaluation, and testing would make cheating and plagiarism impossible.

Students are capable of innovative and original work, and should hold themselves to a high standard of integrity. At the same time, however, SPHS faculty must adapt to reduce frivolous assignments and focus on stimulating educational pursuits.

Relieving part of education’s financial burden

By Remeny White Assoc. News Editor Between brag sheets, letters of recommendation, scholarships, interviews and essays, seniors are finding it nearly impossible to escape the hysteria that surrounds college applications. The sheer madness of the application process is taxing enough; the added stress of figuring out how to pay for college is not necessary.

Though financial aid is helpful, in many cases it is simply not enough. Most students are forced to turn to student loans, a decision that will haunt them for many years after their college graduation.

Student loan debt now burdens two-thirds of college graduates and in 2010 totaled more than credit card debt for the first time ever.

President Obama recently announced the implementation of alreadyapproved changes to the government’s student loan program in order to combat these statistics. The execution of the Income-Based payment program included in the Affordable Care Act of 2010 will be pushed forward from 2014 to 2012, and various types of federal loans will be eligible for Income-Based Repayment.

The White House estimates that these changes will benefit 1.6 million Americans and produce $68 billion in savings over the next ten years. A cap will also be put on college graduates’ annual loan payments to limit them to 10% of their income.

Though these attempts at reformation are certainly commendable, IncomeBased Repayment possesses many flaws.

The “Pay as You Earn” plan is only

available to those who have federal loans.

Anyone with a mountain of private student loan debt, which often includes excessive interest rates and few decent options for those struggling to pay off loans, is considered unqualified. In addition, it is required that a person be up-to-date with their payments, though those who are behind tend to need more help than those who are on track.

However radical it may seem, ending all federally-supported loans and grants is the only true solution to the problem. Easily attainable student loans have just caused college tuition to increase over the years. The more money available to the students, the more money the universities will charge them. Eliminating loans would reduce the cost of attending college, thus allowing more people to receive a college education debt-free.

Opinion

Friday, November 18, 2011 - Tiger

7

Protecting victims, not football

By Carlton Lew and Clair Fuller Tiger Staff

Daniel Willardson

Smear tactics make for cheap politics

By Madison Amido Staff Writer It’s campaign season. Cue the debates with candidates frantically trying to gain as many supporters as possible before Election Day. With national elections just around the corner, voters looking beneath the surface of campaigns will discover something candidates try to conceal: negative campaigning based on empty promises.

Politicians never fail to go overboard advertising through lawn signs, mail, and phone calls. Advertisements personally target opponents on unconfirmed rumors, rather than laying out plans to accomplish campaign agendas.

The website of GOP candidate Rick Perry recently displayed a post addressing rival Mitt Romeny’s seemingly contradictory statements on emission issues. The post was titled, “His Carefully Choreographed, Rare Iowa Appearances Attempt to Hide Positions on Carbon Emissions.”

Perry smeared Romney on his website rather than taking the time to address his personal take on carbon emissions, something that visitors to Perry’s website would find far more

intriguing and informative than Romney’s contradictions.

Candidates follow this process of preaching but not delivering, broadcasting catchy slogans over meaningful content, and bashing opposing candidates instead of offering authentic political platforms. This process can only end when a candidate appeals to voters with genuine plans, and citizens stop believing in the system that has become a politician’s lifeblood.

President Barack Obama has a list of broken campaign promises, such as his pledge to improve the economy.

With unemployment skyrocketing, the U.S. economy was a key issue in the last presidential election. During the upcoming election, GOP candidates should base their campaign plans on practical promises they intend to fulfill during their tenure.

Unfortunately, politicians let their own reelection and partisan allegiance take precedent over responsibilities to their constituents. At this point in the campaign, details, accuracy, and honesty are needed. Yet strangely enough, they’re nowhere to be found. Stopping this campaigning cop-out would prove beneficial to candidates overall and help them earn voter support.

Every year, approximately 80,000 cases of child sexual abuse and molestation are reported. This number, however, is hardly representative of the true scope of this horrendous tragedy; countless victims suffer in silence as the crimes against them go unreported.

This is not an issue that can be ignored. There is no grey area. Nothing should be allowed to take precedence over preserving a child’s innocence and safety— least of all college football.

This past week, allegations of child sexual abuse on the Pennsylvania State University campus surfaced involving former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky.

He was arrested on forty counts of molesting eight young boys over the course of fifteen years.

In 2002, then-graduate-assistant Mike McQueary allegedly saw Sandusky sexually assulting a ten-year-old boy. McQueary reported the incident to then-head coach Joe Paterno, who in turn reported it to athletic director Tim Curley.

The incident was never reported to the police; instead, Penn State kept the issue under wraps, failing to take legal action that would have provided any kind of consolation, however minimal, to those affected by Sandusky’s heinous actions.

Almost ten years have passed since McQueary first notified his superiors of the alleged molestation. The issue had faded from prominence (although surely not in the minds of the victims), and only came under public scrutiny after Paterno announced his planned retirement at the end

of the season. His termination caused riots to erupt on the university campus. Students were in an uproar—not over the abuse, scandal, and coverup, but over the damage done to their football season.

The legal guilt of the university officials involved with the scandal is unclear, but their moral guilt is obvious. Equally evident are their priorities: protecting the name of Penn State football, whatever the cost may be.

Leeway cannot be afforded in cases like this. Not all parties involved at Penn State were found to violate legal regulations, but they are all guilty of violating a much greater law: their obligation as human beings to behave morally. Scandals like this betray the sick and twisted values of society—since when does football come before the life of a child?

The forgotten hills

By Natalie McLain Staff Writer

making the commute from a home in the hills to the flatlands can be a dangerous affair, not to mention the lack of room available for emergency vehicles, such as South Pasadena has long been known for its fire engines, to pass through.

Further safety concerns are evidenced in the small-town charm. From the tree-lined sidewalks to the generally quiet, family-friendly streets, it seems, story of South Pasadena resident Sue Matz, who broke at first glance, to be a well-maintained and cohesive her fibula while attempting to walk to work from her little city. But such ideas are only gleaned from a drive home on Mountain View Avenue.

“A person in an SUV was pulling away from down the main thoroughfares; a trip into the city’s hill communities would most certainly leave one less the curb. I stepped aside since… there wasn’t much room… and stepped into a pothole that was littered than enchanted. with broken asphalt... my ankle came Streets such as Marengo, up at such a bad angle, it actually Milan, and Laurel enjoy relativeThe Dept. of snapped my fibula.” ly lavish attention from the city Public Works seems Though city workers came the and its maintenance crews. The to be constantly maknext day to patch up the spot, it took Department of Public Works ing improvements. serious injury and the threat of legal seems to constantly be makIn the hills, however, action to bring about any sort of acing improvements. In the hills, the city loses interest tion. Needless to say, such conduct however, the city loses interest and conditions would not be tolerated in maintaining such a pristine in maintaining such a in areas such as the Marengo district, environment. pristine environment. so why does it seem to be the accepted “They just don’t care,” norm in the hill communities? said resident Rosemary Eskridge.

Some may argue that the less-manicured conCity renovations on her street, Hanscom Drive, resulted in, among other things, black tar on driveways ditions are concessions exchanged for the secluded and an overall lack of respect for private property. charm the hills’ homes offer. However, when said Frustrated with the scarcity of city assistance and concessions become a danger to citizens’ safety, it angered by the disrespectful manner in which the rare becomes a matter of fulfilling city responsibility. visits are carried out, Eskridge continued, “It was a South Pasadena must pay equal attention to all whom it houses, citizens in the hills included. Perhaps it nightmare. A living nightmare.”

Aside from annoyance is the matter of safety. sounds ill-conceived, but discontent continues to brew, Perhaps most dangerous is the plethora of cars parked and few have found charm in the depths of a pothole along the already-narrow streets by city permit. Simply long due to be filled.

How do we truly measure wealth?

By Matt DeFulgentiis Staff Writer My family has lived in South Pasadena for ten years. We moved here for all the reasons that everybody else does: excellent schools, clean streets, beautiful houses and abundant trees. By almost any measure, it’s a very well-off community, yet not one that represents the reality of our country’s economy. The wealth of this society should be distributed amongst the people evenly, rather than being consumed by the top few percent.

Residents of this town have to accept that they are clearly part of the top. It’s easy in this kind of environment to maintain the perspective that everything is good and fairly positive, especially on the economic front. But it begs the question: how does one measure the health of the country or community that they’re a part of ? By looking at how well the top few percent are living? Or by examining how well the majority of citizens in the country fare?

The 400 richest people in the United States currently posess more wealth than 155 million Americans, or the bottom fifty percent. Over the last thirty years, the top one percent of

to measure wealth inequality in other countries. This index is based on a scale that goes from 0 to 1 – with 0 meaning that the wealth in that society is distributed equally while a 1 means that one person owns literally all the wealth.

The higher the number the more unequal the wealth, and a higher number is usually equated with an unstable and unhealthy country. Out of 125 countries recently measured, a whopping 73 countries have a lower Gini Index than the United States, including Japan and all the nations of Europe.

If someone believes that the success of a country can be measured based on how well the top is doing, they might say the system is fine and should be left alone, since the top is doing extremely well. However, if a country’s health and stability is measured by how well the majority is doing, it is clear that some sort of adjustment is necessary. Clearly, the system that is currently in place isn’t serving the middle class adequately, which is an indication that it’s time to rethink or tweak Amber Laird our system of economic distribution.

Does this analysis suggest a trend that we as a nation numbers are evidence that increasingly, a small number of should be comfortable with? Or does it suggest a potential people are living better while the vast majority is not.

For several decades, the CIA has used the Gini Index crisis?

U.S. citizens has accumulated eighty percent of income gains.

During that same period, the median income in America has fallen and average wages have remained stagnant. These

8 Tiger - Friday, November 18, 2011

Opinion

Keeping options open: applying undecided

By Shyam Senthilkumar Staff Writer There are a select few who know exactly which career path to pursue, which field to focus on, exactly which major to choose and even the very courses they plan to take in college and further down the line.

And then there’s everyone else.

Most students aren’t sure which colleges to apply to or which major to choose; quite frankly, their career path is a bit muddled. Having to choose a major directly out of high school is a daunting task, and one that shouldn’t be expected of seventeento eighteen-year-olds.

Prior edcuation gives one a basic understanding of most common subjects, yet merely scratches the surface of these fields as a whole. So why do colleges expect students to pick a major in the first place? In general, it is because they want students to enter

to look into numerous areas of study.

Yet many still feel the need to pick a major just for the sake of picking one.

With colleges as competitive as they are, students strive to gain even the smallest advantage over their peers and overlook the drawbacks of forcefully choosing a major.

F u r t h e r m o r e, i f switching majors wasn’t such a hassle, the entire issue of choosing one would hold much less weight. At Cal Poly Pomona, if at any point a student wishes to change majors, they must complete and submit an approved Petition to Change Curriculum. Changing from a declared major to undeclared is not allowed, so from that point on, they must have committed to a major.

Christian Miyamae Examples like this freshman or sophomore year, creating make it clear that in many cases, the entire time to pursue and refine their interests. system is need of reform. Students should For example, at the University of San not be afraid to apply undecided; it preDiego, students do not have to declare a vents them from becoming entangled in major until they complete ninety units of a major they are unsure about, and helps coursework, which allows plenty of time keep neccessary options open.

college with an aim or goal. But what do they expect young people to base their drive off of ?

Applying to college undecided provides the option of postponing the choice of a major until the end of a student’s

Cheating money out of Modern Warfare fans

By Jackson Atwater Staff Writer When Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 hit the shelves earlier this month, consumers flocked to retail and online merchants to secure their copy. Countless grinning teenagers sat down and started calling in UAVs and airstrikes, bringing back memories of the previous two games in the Modern Warfare franchise. The killstreaks returned, guns felt familiar, and players were back in their groove, this time with a newer, flashier thrill ride.

The pleasant familiarity that these players feel is the inherent problem with the Call of Duty series. Modern Warfare 3 is by no means a poorly-made game; its record sales are a testament to its quality. The problem

with the game is that it has simply the changes are groundbreaking.

With this installment in been done before, not once, but twice. Gamers flocked to game the franchise, Call of Duty is review website Metacritic, where going in the same direction as their reviews average a score FIFA or Madden: a new game every year, with of 2.7 out of a new number 10. All of these Instead, it practiand minor reviews point cally re-releases changes. The out the same games each year, difference is problem with that FIFA and the game: it is semmingly with Madden have extremely simithe purpose of established a lar to the first making profit. precedent for two games in d o i n g t h i s, the franchise. while Modern Whereas most games in a series feature a Warfare 3 was intended to be a new engine, the game uses the brand-new game.

While it is understandable same “Unreal 3” engine as its previous two iterations. Its vari- that developer Infinity Ward ous gameplay modes include a would take this lucrative opfew minor tweaks from the portunity, such an influential second installment, but none of studio has the power to take

the video game industry in bold new directions. Instead, it practically re-releases games each year, seemingly with the sole purpose of making profit.

The success and warm reception of the original Modern Warfare game was due to the new direction it gave the firstperson shooter genre. The two games following were uninspired iterations of the already existing game.

A developer like Infinity Ward has the power to take the video game industry in the right direction, and with that power comes the responsibility to follow through. While it certainly could take Call of Duty in exciting new directions, as it is, it seems to have its head stuck in the ground, leaving players stuck in 2007.

By Ms Rae Luce Civics and World History I am what Mr. Jack Smith calls a “digital immigrant.” Due to my age, I have arrived late to the Age of Information. I use my generation as an excuse, but I truly just don’t get it. I particularly do not understand the allure of cell phones.

My students stifle laughs when I share with them how my friends and I connected when I was young.

It’s a long and Luddite-esque story, but it had to do with giving up trying to call a friend’s home number and jumping on my bike to go over there and see if anyone was home.

Laborious? Yes. Time-consuming? Yes. But the unknown was part of the charm in those days. Perhaps the absence of mystery is why I don’t like cell phones.

I feel the price I pay to have one, to be able to contact anyone at any time, is high. He or she, too, can find me.

This brings me to the crux of my concern, which is cell phones in the classroom. When I look out into the faces of my students, I am not searching for a reason to bust anyone.

On the contrary, I am trying to make human connections with those in my classes. I find their addiction to sending and receiving texts during class personally insulting and socially impolite.

My students know I cannot tell an iPod from a cell phone from a deck of cards. I refer to everything as a “gizmo,” as in, “Young people today find themselves in a state of gizmoblivion.”

I am just one of those people who needs facial expressions and vocal inflections to help me understand someone else’s message.

Perhaps what I most wish is that students would simply follow the classroom rules and not drain my energy by arguing when I take gizmos away. Just show grace. Be present.

Faculty and staff members interested in contributing to this section can email us at opinion@tigernewspaper.com.

Stifling student voice

How can we make a difference if we can’t be heard?

By Harry Yadav Senior Staff Writer There is no doubt that most school rules are put into place for a reason. If there weren’t punishments for tardies, people would not worry about coming to class on time. If cell phones and iPods were allowed in class, nobody would pay attention to the teacher. But there are some school rules that are absolutely unmerited.

Recently, administration r uled against allowing seniors with privilege cards to play on the outdoor basketball courts adjacent to the gym during lunch.

“Students must be supervised at all times for safety and liability reasons,” said Assistant Principal for Student Services Mr. Terrance Dunn.

While this is a legitimate concern, there are ways for adRachael Lee

ministration to protect itself from a lawsuit without preventing basketball. All it needs to do is assign a teacher to oversee the courts at lunch. The disturbing aspect of the administration’s decision is not that they vetoed the proposal, it is that they failed to even give it a chance.

The fact that a very reasonable idea was shot down without a trial run brings up a necessary question. Is it realistically possible for a student to make real change at SPHS? Some would say that opportunities such as ASB and student forums give students this chance, but those programs deal much more with running student government then improving the school. The only practical option a student has to bring about change is to approach administration and plead for their interest. However even that, as the failed attempt to use the basketball

courts exemplifies, is not very useful.

Perhaps the hear t of the problem is that the administration doesn’t trust students. They feel that the students will find the loopholes in every rule and take advantage of them. Another part of the problem could be that they just fear change, and therefore use any technicality available to preserve the norm.

But rules should be flexible.

The U.S. Constitution was written by brilliant, progressive thinkers and has been amended multiple times since its creation to fit the needs of modern society. Similarly, SPHS students have the occasional request for improvements to be made to their school. At the very least, if the student’s proposal is reasonable and realistic, administration should give the idea a chance.

Friday, November 18, 2011 - Tiger

Opinion

Students weigh in...

A national study revealed that nearly half of students in grades 7 through 12 experienced sexual harassment in the last school year.

The study, conducted by the American Association of University Women, found sexual harassment—defined by the study as “unwelcome sexual behavior that takes place in person or electronically”—to be pervasive. In total, 48% of students reported being harassed during the 2010-2011 school year, with girls reporting higher rates of occurence (58%) than boys (40%).

STUDENT VOICE: “While sexual harassment is a legitimate issue, I find that it’s quite overblown. It’s not exactly an issue you can be proactive about, without setting too many limits on things that wouldn’t be considered harassment in the first place.” - Evan Davis, junior “Some people can’t differentiate between jokes and sexual harassment, and I think that’s the problem. There’s no clear guideline. It’s their own opinion, and if they feel it’s sexual harassment they can let the other person know. Especially in a school environment, there’s always a risk when you make a joke like that.” - Claire Woosley, senior “It’s not surprising, because society kind of approves of it. Guys are being ‘cool’ by making jokes, it’s their way of being accepted by society or in their group. By making fun of girls it’s their “in” to the group, to be popular or cool.” - Sabrina Pierce, junior “If any [students] have any suspicions of sexual harassment, they should contact their parents or the authorities right away. [It] needs to stop, and the perpetrators need to know that something will be done about it.” - Owen Emerson, sophomore THE BOTTOM LINE: “Sexual harassment is a suspendable offense after an investigation.

If it is found to be true, based on the seriousness or degree, it is punishable by a minimum three days of suspension and a maximum of expulsion. It is also a violation of Ed Code 48900.n, which talks about sexual harassment and battery.”

- Mr. Terrance Dunn, Assistant Principal of Student Services.

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Bumping the grade, making the difference

By Rhian Moore Assoc. Feature Editor It’s the end of the semester, and students have just received the grade printouts that will appear on their semester report cards. Some make the calculations and are dismayed to find that they are mere points away from a higher letter grade, and therefore a higher GPA. About 46% of 26 surveyed SPHS teachers said that, at the end of the semester, they would bump or round students up, under certain circumstances. According to SPUSD Administrative Regulation 5121, an A is 90-100%, a B is 80-89%, and so on. This is not board policy; such regulations are details and suggestions for enforcing board policies.

This grading system is vague. What about a percentage between 89% and 90%? With teachers leaning different ways, it is difficult to determine what the correct system for determining a student’s final grade is. They alone know what the best method is for their respective classes and themselves; the topic at hand is keeping these methods consistent.

A popular way of deciding whether a student on the borderline should be given the higher letter grade is to examine the student’s participation and effort in class, or their final exam grades. Biology teacher Mr. Gregory Ring incorporates both into his unique system, in which he lists students by percentage and looks for gaps to determine grade cutoffs.

Other teachers do not use subjective considerations when deciding their students’ grades.

English teacher Mrs. Kim Kadletz, who rounds up at 0.5%, prefers to stick to the math.

More teachers at SPHS are against bumping grades. The common belief is that students have many opportunities to affect their grades through class work. “I think [students have]

plenty of opportunities in my class to keep or raise their grade to whatever they want to earn,” said Spanish teacher Ms Brenda Baca.

Consistency is key with teachers who are lenient enough to round or bump up at the end of the semester. Students should be informed of the exact requirements for rounding up in order to avoid arguments about uncertain terms.

Most teachers who bump grades up choose to do so when students are 0.5% or less away from the next letter grade. Teachers who do not round up can offer a maximum of 0.5% extra credit. For a class with one thousand possible points, this means that just five points can make the difference.

However, extra credit is believed to fuel students’ ideas that they can slack off and bring their grades back up to the desired letter grade at the end of the semester, and is sometimes unrelated to the class it applies to.

Said principal Mrs. Janet Anderson, “It’s good to have opportunities above and beyond class work, but it gets misapplied so often.”

Certain measures can be taken to prevent this. Extra credit should be a way to demonstrate that in addition to understanding material taught in class, students can go more in depth. 0.5% extra credit is enough to make up for one missed worksheet, and is what can allow a student on the borderline to earn a higher grade. This small amount of extra credit is insufficient for a solid C student to jump to a B-, which remedies the problem of students abusing extra credit to make up for lazy work habits.

This issue has been the topic of discussion between teachers, parents, and students alike.

The staff is currently examining the matter, and to know that they are working to eliminate these inconsistencies is reassuring when they ultimately decide a student’s final grade.

Tiger Newspaper Asks: Social media websites such as Facebook have a history of being blocked on school computers. Do you feel that this ban is justified or do you think that such sites can be useful in academic settings?

Tori Kause, Grade 12 I think that we should be allowed to use social media websites when using school computers. It’s unfair to the students who use Facebook to ask questions with fellow classmates about certain assignments or classes in general. That’s one of the better qualities of sites like these, and it allows the student to be more in tune with their class(es). Also, it’s Facebook and other social media websites; it’s not like we students are looking to use other websites that may have a negative influence upon the student body as a whole. Facebook is a better way for us to communicate with each other... In order to become a better school, SPHS could use a little more unity among its students, and allowing Facebook would be a great way to create more bonds with fellow classmates.

Michael Chang, Grade 10 The blockage of social media websites on school computers is justified. Social media websites such as Facebook serve as a distraction to students during school. It is true that students that really want to get on Facebook will find ways to bypass the blockage. Although these websites are a good source of information such as homework assignments, in a school setting, students shouldn’t be asking their friends what their homework is. Social media websites can be invaluable for classes such as

virtual business who utilize Facebook for their surveys. To the extent of my knowledge, virtual business product surveys are only assigned once a year... and there are many different ways to administer a survey. Students shouldn’t feel a dependence on social media websites such as Facebook and they have no reason to be accessing it during school.

Alyssa Naritoku, Grade 11 The websites are blocked for a reason, and for a good one too. The problem with social media websites is the fact that they can prove to be a great distraction in class. Teachers have a right to have their students’ attention, and with these websites, it diverts the attention of the students even more. To have the ban lifted would be like putting a dog in a park full of squirrels. Why would the owner provide his dog with this temptation? I understand that these websites are nice to access, however, if used during class, it is just adding to those who will be distracted.

Kea Hudson, Grade 10 I personally feel that a social media ban on school computers is justified.

I definitely see how Facebook is a useful tool for communicating with other students (I use it myself), as it connects students while they are apart. However, I think that it would be pretty pointless in a classroom setting. Why would social media

communication be necessary if you’re already at the school with the people you are trying to communicate with? I know students who outsmart the block at school, and they don’t use Facebook for academic purposes. Lifting the ban would cause more distractions in the classroom.

comes to school. Yes, you can talk to other students about schoolrelated things, but you can always use emailing rather than Facebook chat or tweeting. I honestly don’t see how Facebook can benefit students if it were to be unblocked at school.

Pauline Lai, Grade 11

Those that are determined enough to access Facebook at school will do so, regardless of the ban. That being said, there are reasons social networking can be useful in school. I’m sure Tiger Asks, for example, could benefit from being able to access these answers during class, along with Virtual Business and their product surveys. The ban on Facebook is a little unnecessary, given that it is being accessed anyway and that it can serve as a useful tool for different classes and groups on campus.

I believe that social media websites both have their useful points and their own bad points. Sometimes, it is easier for students to log on to Facebook to get the news for the day, but I believe that these can be saved for later. However, Facebook has helped me find out homework assignments as well as connect with friends I do not see often at school. I think, overall, that there is no need for social media websites to be banned; students should know that they are at school mostly to learn, not to chat with friends over the Internet.

Mia Fernandez, Grade 10 I feel that it’s perfectly reasonable to block these social media websites at school. I don’t really think it’s necessary to use them at school when you’re at school for, well... school; not to do social networking. I’m pretty sure that students are capable of waiting till the end of the school day to use those websites once they get home. These websites aren’t really useful or necessary when it

Vesta Javaheri, Grade 11

Sidney Gerst, Grade 12 I understand that teachers and administrators don’t like students using social media sites, such as Facebook, during school to talk to people or get off task or to even cheat. But Facebook has become a much greater resource than what it is perceived as. It is much easier to look up someone’s name rather than ask for their email for group work... If Facebook were actually allowed at school, I believe that there would be less hassle with accessing work to turn in.

Friday, November 18, 2011 - Tiger

Tiger - Friday, November 18, 2011

FEELING FESTIVE?

Thanksgiving: tweaked

Thanksgiving is typically seen as a day to sit down and eat a classic holiday meal. However, there are families who do not conform to popular practice, and who take part in unique yet meaningful traditions. In an attempt to discover and expose exceptions to the rule of uniformity, Tiger asked students to share their “less than customary” Thanksgiving traditions.

November has come around again: the month of falling autumn leaves, warm earthy tones, rain, and most importantly, Thanksgiving. It’s a time to forget about differences and revel in what we’re thankful for. So whether you gather around a fifteenpound turkey with your family or gather around with your neighbors for a football game, this Thanksgiving season is all about reflecting on the joyous aspects of life and coming together to celebrate.

~ Amber Laird

~ Josh Roquemore

“My whole block gets together for a big Thanksgiving football game.”

– Colleen Berry, 9

Thanksgiving in and around

Delicious food and entertainment come in many disguises this coming Thursday in Los Angeles. Eat and laugh for free at the 32nd Annual Free Thanksgiving Day Feast at the Laugh Factory on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. Children will especially enjoy the familiar animated characters that appear at the Family Thanksgiving Feast in the Grand Ballroom of the Disneyland Hotel. Lastly, give thanks by giving back and volunteering at places such as the Midnight Mission to serve the homeless traditional Thanksgiving dinners so that everyone can enjoy this holiday. ~Rhian Moore

Do It Yourself:

“I always eat at three separate Thanksgiving dinners.”

– Jessica Tatoya, 10

“My abuela cooks a bunch of Mexican food, like tamales, and our whole family gets together for a big Mexican feast.”

– Nicki Quiles, 12

“My family deep-fries our whole Thanksgiving turkey” –Seth Moore,12

Bundle up for fall fashion During the fall holidays, simply wear what makes you feel – and look – warm.

Pull over your favorite comfy knit sweater and your warmest pair of wool socks to keep your cheeks rosy and radiant.

Embrace rich colors like cream, burgundy, plum, and forest green in your wardrobe to parallel the Thanksgiving gravies, cranberries, pies, and hearty veggies of the holidays.

Celebrating the holidays is for friends too. How to make your own meal, without grandma’s help.

Your favorite dishes

You’ll be all set to enjoy a snug and relaxed Thanksgiving with your family and friends – in perfect attire to cozy up in front of the fire with a cinnamon-y beverage, or watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving accompanied by a giant bowl of leftover mashed potatoes.

~ Erin Chan

Blues & Beats: fall playlists

Celebrating Thanksgiving can be more than cheesy family photo shoots, football games and wobbly drawings of cornucopias. It can be a reason to gather recipes of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes and bake with your buddies. A roasted turkey, stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes and hot gravy are dishes from a dinner that everyone seems to enjoy.

Sit back, relax, and let these mellow sounds wash over you. The perfect backdrops for walks in crisp weather and watching the rain fall outside your window, regardless of your taste in music.

• • • • • •

Give thanks with friends, and enjoy some great food while doing it. Check out some of our favorite recipes below. ~Kelsey Hess www.allrecipes.com

Mashed Potatoes 1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes; drain.

2. In a small saucepan heat butter and milk over low heat until butter is melted. Using a potato masher or electric beater, slowly blend milk mixture into potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• • • • • •

Decorations Candles are a great way to warm up any space. The smell, appearance and presence of a candle immediately make any visitor feel welcome, and it’s the perfect addition to improve the feel of your environment.

If you dig a hole in a small pumpkin and find a candle that would fit in without much excess space, you can create a festive decoration perfect for Thanksgiving by using the pumpkin as a candle holder!

For other thanksgiving recipes and more decoration tips, visit Tiger Newspaper Online for web exclusive content. (www.tigernewspaper.com) Page by Jennifer Kim Illustration by Rachael Lee Photos by Rachael Garner & Katie Whitworth

www.marthastewart.com

What is your favorite pie to eat on Thanksgiving?

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• • •

Re: Stacks – Bon Iver Audience – Cold War Kids White Winter Hymnal – Fleet Foxes Furr – Blitzen Trapper December – Norah Jones Who Knows Who Cares – Local Natives Carolina – M. Ward Weird Fishes/ Arpeggi – Radiohead Sentimental Heart – She & Him Love Is All – Tallest Man on Earth Pink Bullets – The Shins Homeward Bound – Simon and Garfunkel In These Arms – Swell Season I’ll Be Seeing You - Billie Holiday Nothing is Written - Mumford & Sons

By Libby Rainey

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Circus- Mellowhype Breakadawn- De La Soul Forest Whitaker- Brother Ali The Prayer- Kid Cudi Novocane- Frank Ocean Thuggish Ruggish Bone- Bone Thugs N’ Harmony U Not Like Me- 50 Cent Netflix- G-Eazy L.A.- Murs Heart and Soul – Schwayze Get Down- Nas Another Night- Mac Miller The Party & The After Party- The Weeknd Winter Wars- Wu Tang Clan

By Jessica Moog

108 students were polled for the survey.

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Feature Tiger - Friday, November 18, 2011

Feature

Culture Music Art Books Movies Fashion

Choir warms up for concert season

By Heather Vaughan Staff Writer Members of the SPHS advanced choir, the Arroyo Seco Ensemble, are preparing for their annual lineup of activities and performances.

The ensemble is conducted by Mr. Michael Gray and will be hosting two major concerts in the next few months, in addition to several smaller performances scattered throughout the holiday season.

The choir is currently rehearsing for its annual January concert. The show will include classical music—dating from around the year 1000 to 1750—as well as modern pop.

“For the classical music, we’re taking some of the really basic, classic pieces from the past,” said Gray. “The idea for the pop music is that we’re trying to convey a message and get a response from the audience.”

Another holiday tradition for the ensemble is caroling around Los Angeles County.

The choir carols at the L.A. Central Library and L.A. County supervisor meetings.

Senior Laurel Kitada’s favorite choir event of the year is caroling. She has been a member of the Arroyo Seco Ensemble for three years.

“It’s really festive, and we sing songs that people know, so they like to join in, and it’s really great to be able to share that with the community,” Kitada said.

The ensemble members are also beginning preparations for a concert in March, which will be more focused on solos.

“What we want to do is get everyone over the stigma of singing solo, and we want to give them the chance to do it in an intimate environment, where the audience is right there and is really supportive,” said Gray.

To prepare for their upcoming concerts, the ensemble members have zero period rehearsal every morning, as well as nighttime practice.

“These kids are so dedicated,” said Gray.

“Everybody has potential, but it takes a lot of effort to take that a step further and commit.”

With such a devoted and talented group of students participating in choir, the Arroyo Seco Ensemble is set for a successful year.

Jennifer Kim

Juniors Emily Shon and Wendy Tsai completed the NaNoWriMo challenge in 2010. They received free copies of their books through CreateSpace and Tsai self-published her book, entitled “Norman,” on Amazon.

SPHS students participate in NaNoWriMo

By Rhian Moore Assoc. Feature Editor The rules of National Novel Writing Month, lovingly nicknamed NaNoWriMo or NaNo by its participants, are quite simple. If you can write fifty thousand words of your story in thirty days, you win. The game, however, is not quite so straightforward.

For a high schooler, a 1,667-word quota for each day in November, on top of schoolwork, is a challenge.

Despite this, more than twenty students at South Pasadena High School have picked up the gauntlet and begun their writing frenzy, steadily—or, more often, feverishly—working towards the five free paperback copies of their novel offered by the CreateSpace website for winners of NaNoWriMo this year.

This is junior Hayden Graham’s first year participating in NaNoWriMo, and the challenge is motivating him to finish the story that he has been working on for a while.

Said Graham, “I’m new to California, [and] didn’t see [NaNo] before now. I’ve always loved writing so it was a no-brainer for me.”

One would think that the more experience one has, the more confidence one will gain, but just as every story is unique, every year is completely different. Every participant, from amateurs to veterans, is working just as frantically as any other novel-writer.

“Every year is crazy, but in a different way,” said senior YeeLum Mak. “Experience has taught me that I may not necessarily

get polished writing, but I find ideas that are usable. So far, I’ve always pulled through. Here’s to hoping for a fourth straight win!”

A typical day this month for freshman Hanna Crowley, who is also new to NaNoWriMo, is to come home and finish homework. After that, she will write from anywhere between one and five hours.

“I also carry a notebook around with me at school so I can write if I have a sudden burst of ideas,” said Crowley.

English teacher Ms Audrey Toth is participating in NaNoWriMo for the second time. In 2010, she managed to reach 40,000 words before the 30th of November.

“It forces me to stop procrastinating and experience finishing something I start,” said Toth. “For me, it’s more about finishing as opposed to writing the most brilliant thing ever.”

Tiger compiled a list of this year’s SPHS NaNoWriMo participants, along with how many years they have attempted the challenge.

Alyssa Naritoku (1) Amanda Stewart (2) Amber Laird (3) Anton Dyudin (2) Audrey Toth (2) Courtney Chu (2)

Diane Shires (2) Emily Shon (2) Hanna Crowley (1) Hayden Graham (1) Jamie Liu (2) Makenna Sidle (3) Peyton Powell (1)

Rachel Tait-Enroth (2) Ryan Stone (2) Samuel Chen (2) Susannah Mitchell (2) Wendy Tsai (2) Yee-Lum Mak (4)

Personality Profile: Eren Cameron

By Anne Kitchens Staff Writer

Rachael Garner

Eren Cameron mans the DJ booth during lunch. He has been a music enthusiast since seventh grade.

Eren Cameron is not exactly well-known around SPHS; his introverted personality does not lend itself to jovial outbursts. But when one takes a closer look at this bashful senior, it becomes clear that he is one of the most precious hidden gems in the school.

If Cameron were to be likened to any animal, his close friends say it would be a two-toed sloth. This is not for its lethargic personality, but rather for its piercing eyes and friendly disposition. These admirable traits are evident in his unshakable sense of right and wrong. According to Cameron’s close friend Bryce Cheng, he is “basically the best thing that has ever stepped out of Canada.”

Cameron breaks the mold with his unconventional interests, preferring basketball to the more traditional adored football and exploring the depths of the musical world to partying, Cameron’s approach to the otherwise mundane process of high school makes him unique.

And it’s no wonder he’s this cool – Cameron’s older brother, now 27 years old, is his biggest inspiration and the primary reason for his mature taste in music. Since inheriting his older brother’s iPod in his freshman year, his love for music has grown exponentially. Music serves as an incredible

coping mechanism for Cameron.

“It’s immediate,” he said. “You don’t have to think about it a lot. It just happens—like when you’re at a concert and you don’t have to worry about anything for the time being. It’s an escape.”

Despite his affinity for music, if Cameron were forced to choose, basketball would take precedence.

Cameron has been dedicated to the sport since the start of high school. Originally used as a means to make friends at a new school, basketball has been a great way to jumpstart his social life.

Since coming to SPHS, Cameron has formed lasting relationships with people who appreciate his quirky and charming nature.

“Eren was definitely born in the wrong era,” said senior Aritra Bhattacharya, one of Cameron’s best friends.

“He would have been better suited to living in the 80’s, when the punk scene thrived. It’s not every day that you meet a Canadian who can go ham to some Waka Flocka with you and chill out to some Belle and Sebastian, too.”

In addition to continuing his basketball career, before he dies Cameron wants to compete in an NBA three-point contest against either Ray Allen or a young Larry Bird.

Cameron sees himself graduating from UC Berkeley, and with his abundance of ambition and personality, he has what it takes to succeed in any area he feels enough passion in.

Feature

Tiger - Friday, November 18, 2011

Musical duo raps its way to happiness exact same personality and that we would be perfect for each other.”

The boys finally met in August; things clicked almost immediately and they’ve been rapping with each other ever since.

They have both been rapping individually since a very young age. Trotter began in seventh grade after a friend introduced him to the world of rhythm and beats.

Cervantes officially started rapping in fifth grade, but he’s been making music ever since he was a baby.

“I’ve been writing all sorts of little songs ever since I was a toddler. I would always just bang around on random objects making a lot of noise,” said Cervantes.

Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Drake, Eminem, Big Sean, Matt Winkel and Kendrick Lamar are some of the duo’s favorCervantes and Trotter rap behind the SPHS pool. ite rappers; Trotter and Cervantes strive for a feeling

By Matthew DeFulgentiis similar to the lyrics and rhythms of these artists.

Staff Writer The boys’ typical production process takes place within the confines of Trotter’s closet. They Sophomore Tyhler Trotter (a.k.a. T.A.T.) and junior Alec first find or create a beat that they feel comfortCervantes (a.k.a. Alectrik) together form a rap crew known as able with and then incorporate their strong, unique Some of their songs include Westward. Ever since posting their first two songs, “I’m on lyrics.

One” and “Gotta Have It,” on YouTube and a plethora of other “Trouble on My Mind” and “Hustle (Freaks & social media websites like Facebook and SoundCloud, their Geeks Remix).”

Trotter’s and Cervantes’s inspiration comes popularity has been growing at SPHS. “It’s cool listening to [Westward’s] music because from sources in their everyday lives.

“It’s all about how you vibe and feel the beat,” it lets me view them in a different way,” said sophomore Sam Mohammadion. “I can relate to their music because I said Cervantes. “I get [the inspiration for] my lyrics understand and share the same feelings about a lot of the topics from life experiences and how I feel about certain things.” they rap about.”

Looking towards the future, the boys have Trotter and Cervantes found each other by what seemed to be just word of mouth. Until a few months ago, the now- larger-than-life expectations. They hope to perform live and go on tour. They would love to be awardinseparable duo had never met.

“A bunch of my friends told me about Alec,” said Trotter. winning artists who appear at high profile ceremo“I didn’t actually know who he was, but they said we had the nies such as the VMAs or the Grammys.

Typical By Daniel Willardson

Like this comic? View it in full color at tigernewspaper.com.

Personality Profile

By Marcy Kuo Staff Writer Senior Sara Patterson is a genuinely charismatic character on and off the stage. In her two years at SPHS, she has brought a bubbly personality and unique individuality to the campus.

During her freshman and sophomore years, Sara was a member of the Fine Arts Institute, a non-profit community organization in Edmond, Oklahoma. She performed in classic plays such as The Miracle Worker, The Phantom Tolbooth and The Story of Robin Hood. She also worked backstage as a makeup artist in a community theater, painting bruised lips and scars on stage actors, including herself.

In her early teens, Patterson participated in competitive speech tournaments in Oklahoma. Her involvement in these competitions has made Patterson not only a motivational speaker but also an expressive actress onstage.

“Sara has an uncanny knowledge of human nature,” said drama teacher Mr. Daniel Enright. “She can believably play a seventy-year-old southern woman or a sleazy nightclub singer in her twenties. This has to come from observation and a terrific ability to mimic the reality she sees in people from all walks of life.”

Patterson’s ability to show the audience dynamic emotions in each character originates from her experience with an inspirational director she worked with in Oklahoma.

“One thing I learned about the acting industry, besides staying in character, is that you can’t sit quietly and do as you’re told,” she said. “You need to show humanity’s different emotions and expose the new artistic world of drama.”

Patterson’s dramatic interpretation was influenced by the classical plays of William Shakespeare. While many students dread reading Othello and Macbeth in AP Language and AP Literature, Sara finds Shakespeare’s

13

Mylo tops international iTunes charts 5/5

By Clair Fuller and Alex Tranquada Tiger Staff In the summer of 2008, everyone knew the phrase “Viva la Vida,” as Coldplay’s hit album climbed to the top of the charts and remained there for weeks at a time. Three years later, the band’s new album is experiencing the same success; the only difference is that no one knows how to pronounce this one’s title.

Mylo Xyloto, Coldplay’s fifth full-length LP, represents the band’s first attempt at a concept album, and although the concept isn’t always readily apparent, the music is just fine without it. Fans of both old and new Coldplay will be pleased, as the album incorporates just as many intimate acoustic moments as it does electro-rock synths.

The record’s title track serves as a short, instrumental introduction to “Hurts Like Heaven,” the first fulllength song on Mylo. Previewed many times at summer festivals, it’s an upbeat, drum-driven number that showcases the talents of guitarist Jonny Buckland. Following the subsequent “Paradise” comes the album’s high point, in the form of “Charlie Brown.” With an irresistible hook and beautiful outro, “Charlie Brown” is undoubtedly one of Coldplay’s finest songs to date.

Also not to be missed are “Us Against the World” and “Up in Flames.” The former features a rarely-heard duet with lead singer Chris Martin and drummer Will Champion, while the latter’s structural simplicity and falsetto vocals are heavily reminiscent of “Fix You” from X & Y. This satisfying blend of old and new sounds makes for an album that is surprisingly cohesive considering the standout singles it contains.

“Princess of China,” which precedes “Up in Flames,” has proved to be the most polarizing song in all of Coldplay’s works. The song features world-famous pop artist Rihanna, and fans are split—some see the track as confirmation that the band has sold out and others defend the decision to include the Barbadian singer. Regardless of the band’s motivation, the song (originally written with Rihanna in mind, says Martin) takes them in a completely new direction. Backed by hazy synths and a clubby beat, it seems like a track you’d expect to find on Beatport rather than a Coldplay album.

For a band older than some students at this high school, Coldplay has demonstrated a remarkable ability to keep its music current and fresh—Mylo Xyloto is no exception.

Sara Patterson

writing style—especially in the world-renowned A Midsummer Night’s Dream—intriguing and romantic.

“Reading Shakespeare and his romantic comedies involving historical plots is a hobby and a guilty pleasure,” said Patterson.

Patterson’s exceptional drive to achieve her best performance in each play earned her an acceptance letter to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, also known as AMDA. Patterson describes the Hollywood academy as her dream school, and was overjoyed to receive a $6500 scholarship.

During her four years in college, Patterson hopes to make wise decisions in the acting industry and to establish contacts with potential agencies that are welcoming aspiring actresses.

“It’s not all about fame and wealth,” Patterson said. “I don’t dream of holding an Oscar in my hand. If I’m a small town actor performing in a local theatre, I’m happy.”

Katie Whitworth

Sara Patterson puts on makeup for a show.

14 Tiger - Friday, November 18, 2011

Feature

Adbusters sets protest in motion

By Meghan Roche Staff Writer

Photos by Rachael Garner

By Sofi Goode Feature Editor Los Angeles spans over 500 square miles and has a population of almost ten million people. It’s no surprise that there are interesting pockets hidden around the city.

Little India is one of those pockets. It’s nestled in Artesia, about a thirty-minute drive down the 605 and 91 freeways. Though it isn’t as prominent as L.A.’s other ethnic neighborhoods like Chinatown or Little Tokyo, Little India offers just as many cultural delights and unique opportunities.

To scope out the area, we drove all the way down Pioneer Boulevard—the heart of

Little India. Though at first glance it didn’t look like much—just a small collection of Indian shops on the sides of the streets—we decided to park and walk around.

We first came across the Little Indian Market. Through the windows, we could tell that it was a cultural jackpot. Saris, scarves and Indian snacks lined the walls. It certainly looked like a popular destination, except that the store didn’t open until 4:30 P.M. Determined not to give up, we pressed farther south. We passed at least ten banks before we arrived at another Indian store. This one, named Sona Chaandi Plaza, was a beauty parlor. As soon as we walked in, the lady behind the counter asked if we wanted our eye-

When the Canadian anti-consumerist magazine Adbusters first posted a call to action for “a Tahrir movement” on its website, telling readers to set up camp in lower Manhattan, it was impossible to foresee what it would soon mean for America. Two short months later, the Occupy Wall Street movement was born.

While the movement continues to grow at a shocking rate, with participants in hundreds of cities worldwide (even in Pasadena, where plans for “Occupy the Rose Parade” have spawned), Adbusters has managed to remain largely in the background of its movement.

The magazine was founded in 1989 by advertising-executive-turned-activist Kalle Lasn.

Lasn’s ideology was relatively simple: advertising in a capitalist society shouldn’t just be used to promote capitalism. If used correctly, it can even become an equalizer. His term is “culture brows threaded. We passed and walked to the back of the shop, where they sold saris.

Saris—traditional Indian dresses—are carefully hand-stitched and have elaborately embroidered designs. But don’t go expecting to try on these intricate garments; they are modeled by mannequins and cost over fifteen hundred dollars. However, there was some cheaper and simpler clothing on the racks available for twenty dollars or less.

Carefully avoiding knocking over anything in the shop, we made our way back to the salon. In addition to eyebrow threading, they offered cheap henna. There were myriad designs, but the owner also offered to make up her own patterns as she drew.

jamming,” and the end goal is to change “the way they interact with the mass media and the way in which meaning is produced in our society.”

Efforts have run from the illegal—hacking corporate websites, vandalism, and copyright infringement in the way of parody ads—to things more akin to the #OCCUPY movement.

One example is “Buy Nothing Day,” which coincides with the after-Thanksgiving shopping frenzy known as Black Friday. Participants have formed massive sit-ins and credit card cut-ups, organized clothing exchanges, and set up outdoor sports like the Buy Nothing Day Paddle along the San Francisco waterfront.

Though the Adbusters Media Foundation has grown far beyond the borders of the magazine that originally started it, it continues to put out its bi-monthly periodicalas a keystone of the organization.

“The growth has been phenomenal… and it can only get better,” said Lasn.

With henna drying on our hands, we continued on until we found Ms India Fashion. This store had considerably less expensive saris and shawls, as well as actual henna paint for sale. The young and beautiful should watch out, though: the forty-five-year-old barefoot shopkeeper may offer free henna and compliment their “million-dollar smiles.”

Though there were many Indian restaurants lining the street, most of them are not open on Mondays. However, a Jack in the Box, a McDonald’s and a Yogurtland are open twelve hours a day, seven days a week.

Overall, Little India is worth the drive.

Though it’s hidden away, its unique opportunities make it an excellent Saturday outing.

Tiger - Friday, November 18, 2011

Feature

Like Crazy is simplistic but relatable 4.5/5

By Libby Rainey Editor-in-Chief A note. A date. A lingering look through a closed window. Five minutes into Like Crazy, and the audience is lost in the romance of Anna (Felicity Jones) and Jacob (Anton Yelchin).

Lingering cinematography and a nostalgic soundtrack set the scene for the couple’s bittersweet relationship, at first a picture of idealistic young love before they must face months apart after Anna overstays her student visa in the United States.

The simplicity of their relationship quickly fades as the complications of a long-distance relationship ensue. Missed phone calls, melancholy voicemails, and time differences quickly and painfully reveal the fragility of their happiness together.

Life keeps moving for both of them.

Anna gets a job writing in the UK and Jacob starts designing furniture in Los Angeles, but the film exposes their discontent through telling body language and moments of impulse.

A series of reunions and separations only

further complicates their situation, and the craziness that was once so fresh and blissful is convoluted. They fight, they make up, they meet other people.

And the film follows their journey every step of the way.

Anna and Jacob’s search for happiness and wholeness, both together and apart, is most powerful in the poignant moments of silence they share.

Their scenes together, largely improvised under the direction of Drake Doremus, are tragically genuine. Yelchin’s charming, softspoken persona and Jones’s crisp accent and intelligent confidence shine in moments together, and make it all the more difficult to watch them fail to translate their connection through phone calls and plane rides.

Haunting shots and instrumental music composed by Dustin O’Halloran refine

After receiving an initial score of 65.10 out of 100 at the Ayala Music in Motion Competition in October, SPHS Tiger Marching Band and Colorguard exceeded expectations by scoring over seventy points in following competitions.

In the most recent competition— the Trabuco Hills Tournament on November 12—the group scored 75.40 points. The band won third place in its division, moving up from its fifth place ranking at the RCC Big Orange Classic the week before. “[At Trabuco Hills] we had a better mentality than before,” said junior drum major Derek Wang. “We were more disciplined and thought about what we had to do. The main thing we did was think and execute.”

At each competition, the group performs its field show, entitled “The Raven.” It is scored by a collection of judges in several different categories, including

separate scores for percussion and colorguard. After receiving the highest score at the Ayala Music in Motion Competition, colorguard has continued to impress.

“We are doing so well because we have determination and more experience,” said junior colorguard captain Moises Aguirre. “We have more experience in our team and that has allowed us to use more tosses and tricks. Our fundamentals are a lot stronger and the new people are able to look up to the experienced juniors.”

The band’s score has been consistently improving every time it competes.

At the RCC Big Orange Classic on November 5, the Tigers received a score of 70.95. It was the first time that the group had broken seventy points in two years. “[Improving our score] is something we work towards every year.

We watched a lot of videos and have considered all of the judges’ comments,” band director Mr. Howard Crawford said.

One of the band’s weaknesses this year has been the individual music score.

“There are judges on the field and watching from the box, so there is a lot

Fire and Ice creates contrasting tones 4/5

By Kelsey Hess Staff Writer

www.watchmoviesonline.ca

the already touching story; if the tale of unfulfilled romance doesn’t connect personally, the film is undoubtedly aesthetically pleasing.

The movie explores the sting of first love, the confusion of a deep relationship, and a search for fulfillment, and after an hour and a half leaves the audience reflective. A classic story of young love is made fresh by its intricacies; the romance and its after-effects will drive movie-goers crazy.

Band and colorguard expect to meet season goal

By Christian Miyamae Staff Writer

of pressure on the students individually,” Mr. Crawford said. “Practice has improved during the season and everyone has been taking their practice more personally.”

Band has one competition left in its season; its championships are being held in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, November 19. If its score continues to improve at the same rate, it will receive over eighty points – the go-to goal for a high school marching band.

“I think eighty is a reachable goal, but we need to execute better,” Wang said. “We really need to look at our mistakes from before and learn from them.”

Ryan Raddon, publicly known as Kaskade, is on a roll. He has been awarded the honorary title of “America’s Best DJ of 2011” and worked with electronic music sensatation Skrillex. On October 25, he released his seventh album, entitled Fire and Ice. Kaskade’s changing tones—created by using a different music studio for each album—is perhaps the key to his constantly transforming image. In his latest album, he takes this to the next level by creating two opposite sounds for the same songs. The first of two CDs, entitled Fire, is a collection of upbeat and high-tempo songs. Completing the album is Ice – the same songs remixed to have a completely different feel.

One of the best tracks on Fire is “Eyes.” The mellow yet empowering sounds blend flawlessly into the song’s basic instrumentals and honest vocals. “Ice” (featuring Dan Black) is a catchy song with a strong, forceful energy.

On Ice, the best remix is easily “Room for Happiness,” featuring Skylar Grey. It keeps an upbeat sound similar to other songs on the album, but has a less electronic feel.

Kaskade has always appealed strongly to teenagers and young adults, and South Pasadena High School is no exception. Senior Christian Deamer is an avid listener of Kaskade and is enthusiastic about the new album.

“This is his best album yet,” said Deamer. “I love how he incorporates other producers such as the Neon Trees, Skrillex and Dada Life because it contributes to a really unique variety of music. He has an Ice mix to every song on the album, which I find very soothing, unlike most of his other upbeat music.”

For electronic music fans, Kaskade does not disappoint with this new collection of original and remixed compositions. Although some tracks may be slightly repetitive, the remixes are almost completely separate from the original versions. Fire and Ice is an excellent album that continues to push the boundaries of Kaskade’s chosen genre.

A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas: lots of drugs but not a lot of laughs 2.5/5

By Harry Yadav Senior Staff Writer The return of Kal Penn to Hollywood wasn’t enough to save A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas, the third in the series of comedies including Harold and Kumar go to White Castle and Harold and Kumar: Escape from Guantanamo Bay. The first half of the movie featured much of the same politically incorrect humor that was featured in the previous films, but the second half morphed into a fairy tale. The film begins in New Jersey, but most of the action takes place in the Big Apple. Since the last film, Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) have become almost estranged. Kumar is his same immature self, smoking and underachieving, while Harold has made it on Wall Street and given up their old lifestyle. The film reconciles these two old friends through a series of improbable events that include getting in trouble with the Mafia and shooting

Santa Claus.

Unfortunately, director Todd StraussSchulson got a little too creative with the plot. In one exhausting scene, Harold and Kumar turn into clay characters. In another, Santa’s reindeer take the duo on a sleigh ride. These scenes were visually impressive in 3D, but slowed down the movie and lowered the energy level.

Strauss-Shulson unwisely strayed from the formula that was so successful in the first two movies: hilarious dialogue and funny stereotypes. The film overused multiple stereotypes that just weren’t funny. For instance, the Mafia characters were overly dramatic and failed to add any humor.

In some respects, the movie’s plot felt restricted. The Christmas theme made certain parts of the film corny. Unlike the other Harold and Kumar movies, in which the characters went on journeys that took them to random and ridiculous places, this one never leaves New York. The limitations and failed humor made A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas a rental at best.

Iz, Short for Izz By Amber Laird

Siria Medina

SPHS colorguard practices its field show, entitled “The Raven,” on the SPHS field. The group performed at the Homecoming halftime show, and is bringing their performance to competitions as well.

15

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16 Tiger - Friday, November 18, 2011

College Guide

College Guide:

Advice from SPHS graduates to struggling seniors

Thanksgiving Break is upon us, and for SPHS seniors that means only one thing: college applications. South Pas alumni have spread around the country and world for college, and now they report back on the good and bad of their school of choice. Read, consider, and apply while you still can.

Page by Libby Rainey

West Coast

LOCATION

weather, culture, and environment

Pros:

Cons:

-Cheap airfare home -Same time zone as South Pasadena -Unpretentious Northwest culture -Beautiful seasons

-Usually not for those searching for a high-intensity environment -Weather isn’t as mild as Southern California; expect snow and rain!

Pros:

east Coast

Pros:

-Different syle of living: a completely new experience and breadth of different views available -Decent weather -Southern hospitality

“I am far enough away from my family that they won’t drop in unexpectedly, but if there was ever an issue I could go home cheaply and quickly.” - Zane MacPhee

“The style of living is different in the South. It’s been very eye-opening so far to meet people who grew up very differently from me.”

-Sam Gurley (Reed College) & Zane MacPhee (Whitman College)

MIDWEST

South

Cons:

Pros:

Cons:

-Friendly and hospitable culture -Beautiful fall colors and nature -Clearly defined seasons

-Some areas can be very isolated -Brutal, long, windy winters -Expensive travel

-Southern cities are very spread out -Without a car, one can feel stuck on campus (depending on the school)

“If you aren’t bringing your car to college, or don’t have one, you really need to consider what the surrounding area (of your school) is like.”

“The culture here is different than Los Angeles... People seem to be a little more grounded.” - Anthony D’Oro -Anthony D’Oro (Northwestern University) & Brendan Perry (Notre Dame University)

-Elise Gabriel (Southwestern University)

- Proximity: great travel time to big cities -Dynamic and diverse culture -Distance from home and new environment provides opportunity for adventure

“You’re paving your way in an unfamiliar environment, which really pushes you out of your comfort zone.” - Melissa Chan

Cons: - Not for those who fear the cold; temperatures will drop to the negatives in winter -More expensive food, commodities, and travel

“Everything seems to be much pricier on the East Coast.”- Christine Chen -Melissa Chan (Northeastern University) & Christine Chen (Columbia University)

SIZE

class sizes, school spirit, and educational experience

Pros:

SMALL

-Small class sizes and increased professor availability -More one-on-one academic attention -Small extracurricular groups increase likelihood of fitting a lot into a busy schedule

“The small class sizes provide a more interactive learning environment and the professors are available to students if they have questions.” - Sara Charney

Cons:

13

-Lana Ho (Stanford University)

vs.

-Cheap cost (particularly for California inhabitants) campuses -Easy application (No essays!)

-Increased chance of transferring: CSUs work closely with the University of California system -A lot of money available for scholarships from the state of California -Not all Cal State class credits transfer over -It can be difficult to get into classes due to budget cuts -Upperclassmen have a much easier time getting the classes of their preference

“You can be far from home and experience the college life, but still benefit from the in-state tuition.”- Carson Guzowski

WORDS OF WISDOM

Average Cost: $31,200

9

UC

-Must be self-motivated: opportunities must be sought out, campuses they aren’t handed to you -Affordable cost (particularly for California inhabitants) -Promotes political efficacy because school is inherently tied into state politics -It can be easy to get lost in the large student body -Diverse student population -Many opportunities in academic, career, athletic, and extracurricular interests

“Definitely consider applying to a UC. It’s easy to enjoy the dynamic environment of a public university and how down-to-earth people are at California schools.”- Stacy Lee -Sean Nang (UCLA), Gabriel Kahn (UC Berkeley), & Stacy Lee (UC Davis)

-Carson Guzowski (Humboldt State University)

“Don’t stress out. The second the application process is over all of the fretting and worrying seems trivial. I’m completely serious. I didn’t get into my number one, and I love my school.”

- Marcus Kahn, University of St. Andrews

“Enjoy the people around you because you can’t even imagine how much you will miss them. You will soon be on the bottom again, so enjoy your time while it lasts.”

-Carson Guzowski, Humboldt State University

“The professors are amazing people who are experts in their field, and you actually get to take classes with them.” - Lana Ho -Less personal attention in classes (lecture classes can have hundreds of students) -Must be self-motivated in large, competitive environment

Tai Carter (Redlands University), Chloe Lloyd (Chapman University), & Sara Charney (Occidental College)

Average Cost: $21,988

-Great opportunities in nearly every field of study -Professors are often experts and there are opportunities to work with them and learn from them -Diverse student body, many chances to get involved

Cons:

-Limited class choice; courses may not be offered every semester -School spirit can be lacking -Avoiding annoying classmates can be nearly impossible

CAL STATE

LARGE

Pros:

“Go with your gut. When it comes to making a decision about where you are going to spend the next four years of your life, nobody knows what you really want better than you. ”

- Anthony D’Oro, Northwestern University

“It doesn’t matter where you start, just where you end up.”

- Melissa Chan, Northeastern

University

“Picture yourself at that school; in the library, in the classes, in the dorms. If you can do that and are happy with what you see, go for it. Apply. If you get in, go.”

-Lana Ho, Stanford University

Sports

Tiger - Friday, November 18, 2011

17

Boys basketball

This year’s varsity basketball team bears little resemblance to that of the 2010-2011 season. With a new head coach, new uniforms, and a newfound tenacity, SPHS boys varsity basketball appears to exceed standards held in previous years.

A lack of physical size on the team has typically been an issue for SPHS boys basketball in recent years. However, the roster this year will include several taller and bigger players that will allow the Tigers to be more competitive with a wide range of teams.

Senior JJ Shields led the team in points last year, and is also a team captain along with seniors Kai Matsukuma and Alireza Jabalameli. They will lead their team in their first game on November 28 against the Alhambra Moors.

“We are faster, stronger, and we have a lot of big scorers ready to play,” said Shields.

The game in Alhambra will be head coach Tim Brown’s first game in charge of the Tigers. He has coached several high schools as well as the local Caltech team. He hopes to lead his squad through a successful season and also get a feel for the players and school.

“I am excited to see these guys on the court this season,” said Brown. “We are focused and we have been working hard.”

Boys basketball finished 4-6 in league last season and did not qualify for CIF. This close miss is a major source of motivation and encouragement for the team this year, and it plans to practice and drill its way to CIF. ~Josh Roquemore

League standing ‘10-’11: 3

rd

Jennifer Kim

Girls water polo

The SPHS girls water polo team has been working non-stop this summer and fall to perfect its strategy and skill, hoping to enter its upcoming season with momentum.

“As always, we are hoping to win league, and would love to make it to [CIF] semis again this year,” said varsity head coach Robert Echeverria of the upcoming season.

Returning senior varsity players Cody Bartlett, Rachel Clauss, and Naomi Krieger and sophomore power player Devin Grab will be key to securing league wins. Despite losing powerhouses Anna-Lena Hathaway and Tyler Brown to graduation, the team hopes that this year’s dedication to training will result in success.

“Because we are a young team, we’re very anxious and excited for a new year,” said returning junior Sabrina Pierce.

Pierce and the majority of her teammates attended a four-day intensive training camp at UCSB this past August. In addition, the team has held bi-weekly morning practices and regular nightly club practices during the summer and fall.

“We tread in the water carrying chairs,” said senior goalie Karen Cao of the notoriously intense water polo workouts.

The first pre-season game is away on November 30, against St. Lucy’s Priory. ~Erin Chan

League standing ‘10-’11: 1st; CIF quarterfinals

Girls soccer

Katie Whitworth

The 2011-2012 girls varsity soccer team is starting with a clean slate this year. For many other teams, a clean slate is exactly what is needed. But after a successful third-place finish in league and a thrilling quarterfinal advancement in CIF last year, the loss of twelve seniors leaves a gaping hole in the Tigers’ line-up.

In order to fill this void and prepare the new team for league, senior varsity captains Taylor Colliau, Michelle Lam and Jennifer Suh have helped lead practices over the past months, concluding with this week’s final tryouts. The tryouts will determine who will make the final teams and play in the upcoming scrimmage against Arcadia High School on Tuesday, November 22.

“It was amazing making it to quarterfinals in CIF last season; we are really hoping to make it even further this year,” said Colliau of the team’s ambitious outlook.

“It’s true, we lost a lot of our team, but some really strong players are moving up from the JV team and several strong freshman are coming in,” said Lam. “I definitely have high hopes for this season.”

Varsity head coach Randy Lilivois, in addition to selecting the twenty to twenty-one player varsity sqaud, has brought on board a new assistant varsity coach, Kim Cristobal, a collegiate player at Pasadena City College. Assistant coach Eva Dixon will head the JV squad for the the season. Lilivois and the captains have also told the team of plans to switch up pre-game warm-ups this year. With all of these changes, the tea seems prepared to rebuild and take on the Rio Hondo League .

~ Kelsey Hess

League standing ‘10-’11: 3rd; CIF quarterfinals

Theo Mandin-Lee

Boys soccer

Siria Medina

With a veteran roster and a new assistant coach, the South Pasadena High School boys soccer team is primed to compete for the 2011 Rio Hondo league championship. The Tigers will be led by returning varsity seniors Steven Blackwell, Cody Dunn, Mathewos Ghebrekistos and Max White.

The team has already begun practicing for their first game on November 22 at Marshall Fundamental. The league season begins January 6 at 3:30 against Monrovia.

The Tigers are optimistic because rival team La Canada lost most of last year’s roster to graduation. Now the Tigers’ biggest competition is Monrovia.

“Monrovia has speed; they can always score. So we know they are the team to beat,” said senior Fedor Kossakovski.

The most recent addition to the Tigers’ coaching staff is a former Monrovia player and 2006 graduate Coach German. So far players have benefitted from his lessons on technique and his gift for making workouts fun.

“I’m excited for the chance to play varsity,” said sophomore Zachary Dunn. “It’s a whole new level of physicality. I’ve been hitting the weight room a lot and I think I’m prepared for the step up.”

“I think we’ll win a lot of games if we play hard because we have more talent than most of the other teams in league,” added sophomore Heven Gomez.

With all of their weapons working together, both new and old, the Tigers should be a force to be reckoned with this season.

~ Harry Yadav

League standing ‘10-’11: 3rd; CIF first round

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Sports

Friday, November 18, 2011 - Tiger

Boys cross country bound for Finals Two varsity runners break fifteen-minute mark; team heads back to Mt. SAC this weekend

By Clem Witherall Assoc. Sports Editor Fueled by several standout performances, the SPHS boys cross country team earned third place at the CIF Southern Section Preliminaries at Mt. San Antonio College on Saturday, November 12. By placing third in their Division 3 heat, the Tigers qualified for CIF Finals next week.

“The boys definitely lived up to expectations. They ran well and I’m happy, but not surprised, with the performance,” said head coach Patrick McGrail.

Senior captain Alex Tranquada led the swift South Pas team by placing ninth with a time of 14:57. He was one of two Tigers to break the fifteen-minute mark for the 2.91-mile course. Sophomore Josh Wilson was a step behind Tranquada and completed the race in 14:58. Wilson finished the race in eleventh. This was the first time that either runner finished under fifteen minutes in any race.

The next two South Pasadena runners to cross the finish line were junior Paul Messana, who ran a 15:09, good for sixteenth, and senior Max White, who finished in 15:32, taking 35th place. The final member of the scoring five was freshman Cullen Irvine, who ran the race in 15:45, crossing the finish line in 43rd.

Sophomore runner Tyler Gershman sat out the race with an injured hip flexor.

Although Mt. SAC is known for its treacherous hills, the race was transferred to the rain course due to poor weather. The special route doesn’t include any of the hills, which helped the runners earn their fast times.

The Tigers are confident about their

Katie Whitworth

Deamer shows off his powerful shot, a move he has been perfecting since eighth grade.

Christian Deamer Siria Medina

Junior Paul Messana placed sixteenth at CIF Prelims with a time of 15:09. chances of placing well in CIF Finals and moving on to State. To advance, they must place in the top seven this weekend.

“If you look at our times compared with the other squads, we are ranked ninth, but our times are really close to the fourth and fifth spots. It’s going to be close,” said McGrail.

The Tigers look to improve on last year’s eleventh-place showing at CIF Finals.

If all goes well this weekend, South Pasadena will participate in the State Finals on November 26 at Woodward Park in Fresno.

11/30/11

By Heather Vaughan Staff Writer Jumping into cold water in the early morning while it’s still dark, treading water while holding a five-gallon water jug, shivering while doing push-ups just after jumping out of the pool; these strenuous activities constitute a normal water polo workout for senior Christian Deamer.

Deamer’s water polo career started at the beginning of eighth grade, when he began to play for the Los Angeles Water Polo Club alongside

his two brothers. In his freshman year, Deamer played on SPHS’s JV team; he has since become a crucial member of varsity.

“Getting experience from playing JV my freshman year helped me grow as a player,” said Deamer. “It definitely gave me the confidence to play at the varsity level.”

A typical week of practices for Deamer and the rest of the team includes two hours of practice in the afternoon, as well as morning practices that sometimes start as early as 5 A.M. “Waking up at 5 was the hardest part,” said Deamer. “But [the morning practices] definitely paid off.”

Despite the immense amount of dedication water

polo requires, Deamer’s desire to win keeps him going. In his sophomore year, South Pasadena beat rival La Cañada for the first time in years, a memory Deamer cites as one of his fondest.

“That was probably the most memorable thing, and the most rewarding,” Deamer said of the match.

Deamer is unsure about his post-high-school plans for water polo, but he doesn’t want his passion to end upon graduation.

Said senior Martin Lis, “Losing all our starters from last year got me worried, but knowing that Christian is a smart and unselfish player really settled me; I’m glad that he was someone I could really count on this season.”

Sports

Tiger - Friday, November 18, 2011

19

Football denied CIF berth with 6-4 record

By Michael Abelev Staff Writer CIF wild card spots were awarded last Sunday, and SPHS once again found its season shut down earlier than expected. A wild card spot was the only way for SPHS football to see action in the playoffs, but the opening was instead awarded to Sierra Vista High School, officially ending the Tigers’ season.

The Tigers’ senior players ended their high school varsity careers with their last league game on Thursday, November 10, with a 34-22 loss to Monrovia.

Entering the matchup after a loss the previous week to San Marino, the Tigers came into the game hungry for a win. The loss made their chances of reaching the playoffs slim.

The Tigers attacked with all they had and were able to make some impressive plays. Senior running Rachael Garner backs Yihai Han and Sean Magill both scored touchJunior Nathan Lee, #27, faces off against a Monrovia defender downs and were able to cut Monrovia’s lead to seven and during the second half of the November 4 defeat. Said fellow bring the game to 20-13 in the second half. Han ran for runningback Telanto Harvey of the game, “[It] was honestly 89 yards on fourteen carries while Magill had 55 yards the most satistfying loss I’ve ever been a part of.”

Crowley Cup: a tradition of rivalry

By Kelsey Hess Staff Writer South Pasadena and San Marino High Schools used to exist as one before the school split into two in 1955. Paul Crowley graduated from the high school the year that the split occurred, and devised the idea to create a rivalry. This rivalry still exists 56 years later.

Two years ago, Crowley’s son, Jon, encouraged his grandchildren to create a trophy to be passed between the two schools depending on the winner of each year’s football game.

The Crowley Cup was inspired by a plaque that the rival schools compete for each year. This plaque has engraved on it the winner and score of each South Pasadena vs. San Marino game.

Since 1955, South Pasadena has had 28 wins, San Marino has had 26, and there have been three ties.

Paul Crowley has attended every game since the split, including this year’s Homecoming game.

The two school’s principals exchange the plaque and cup at the end of every South Pasadena/San Marino game, but few students notice the switch. San Marino will hold onto the plaque and the cup for the following year until the next game.

SPHS Principal Janet Anderson relinquished the plaque to SMHS Principal Keith Derrick, and South Pas Athletic Director Ralph Punaro gave San Marino Athletic Director Andy Gale the Crowley Cup on November 4. It will now be San Marino’s responsibility to add its name and the score to the plaque.

Despite the tension between the two schools, Punaro is determined to continue the friendly competition for many years to come.

“San Marino will have had them [the Crowley Cup and the plaque] for a year until we go over, beat them, and get it back,” he said.

Matt Winkel

The Crowley Cup displays results of the rivalry dating back 56 school years, just like the SP vs. SM plaque.

on ten carries.

The Tigers collected a total of 264 yards overall, but Monrovia pulled off 332 yards. South Pasadena forced several turnovers against the Wildcats, including interceptions made by junior defensive back Bertin Ngnibogha and senior linebacker John Farnworth.

Though Monrovia held the lead for the entire game, the Tigers played with consistency and were never far behind. The night was not without successes; South Pasadena was the first team in the league to score more than one touchdown against Monrovia.

“Thursday’s game was honestly the most satisfying loss I’ve ever been a part of. We redeemed ourselves after our tough loss to San Marino. Even though we didn’t win, or even make it to playoffs, it was positive way to end the season,” said senior running back/defensive back Telanto Harvey.

The Tigers’ overall record was 6-4 and they finished 3-2 in league. Their record was identical to that of last year, making this their second consecutive winning season after recording losing records in ’08-’09 and ’09-’10.

Girls cross country stronger than ever

By Alex Tranquada Copy Editor The South Pasadena girls cross country team was unable to defend its league title at the Rio Hondo League

Paul Messana

Anika Renken took third place at the Rio Hondo League Finals on 11/3.

Victoria Pallares

By Josh Roquemore Staff Writer If there is one thing Victoria Pallares knows, it’s sports. Very few high school students have continually participated in athletics since the age of five; Pallares is a rare and talented exception.

Pallares began joining organized sports teams as a toddler, and started playing volleyball in sixth grade. She was so captivated with the sport that she has been playing ever since.

“Volleyball is a perfect sport because it ties in competitiveness and teamwork,” said Pallares. “All the different aspects of the game create an awesome experience.”

Pallares plays both basketball and volleyball at SPHS. She plays the libero position for the varsity volleyball team, a role that requires defensive skill and passing consistency.

She spent much of the off-season in

finals on Thursday, November 3, falling to the La Cañada Spartans by just five points.

The loss came despite strong races from sophomore Helena van Loan, whose 18:20 was the fastest South Pas time ever recorded on the Lacy Park course, and junior Anika Renken, who placed third both in the race and on the SPHS all-time list.

Van Loan easily captured the individual league title, finishing eighteen seconds ahead of the first Spartan.

The Tigers’ second-place finish in league competition qualified them for the Southern Section CIF Prelims, held last Saturday at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut.

All qualifying Division III teams were divided into three heats of roughly fifteen teams each. Inclement weather forced the race to shift to the rain course, which is much flatter and slightly shorter than the normal Mt. SAC course.

Although South Pas was without junior Jessica Hitchcock, who sat out with a hip injury, the squad placed fifth within its heat, allowing them

constantly repeating drills and playing in scrimmages. Her doggedness on the court has paid off.

“My technique and overall skill have definitely improved this year,” said Pallares. “Our new coach has also been a great help.”

Pallares loves the competitiveness of sports such as volleyball.

However, the experience she has shared with her teammates while playing together is what keeps her coming back to SPHS sports.

“My friends on the team are most definitely a big reason I continue to play,” said Pallares. “I have formed a lot of bonds with the girls on my team.”

These bonds have benefited the teams she is on both personally and competitively. She maintains a positive and supportive attitude while interacting with teammates.

“Victoria has made my job as setter so much easier,” said junior volleyball captain Jessica Arroyo. “She brings a lot to the team athletically, and is always super fun to be around.”

The girls volleyball team’s season ended last week with an 11-7 record.

Pallares considers herself privileged for all she has taken away from

to advance to tomorrow’s Southern Section Finals.

Van Loan took the opportunity to prove herself on a much larger scale, placing third out of 107 runners and demonstrating the potential to qualify for the state meet as an individual.

Renken placed in the top fifteen, and senior Cece Zhu in the top thirty.

However, the girls once again found themselves behind La Cañada, who were placed in the same heat and finished fourth.

The Tigers had the eleventhfastest team time of the day; with the top seven teams from CIF Finals advancing to the state meet, head coach Patrick McGrail is sure that the team can make the necessary improvement.

“The girls have been running team times at every major race that are faster than any I’ve ever coached, and possibly any that South Pas has ever had,” said McGrail.

“We’ve been consistently ranked among the best teams in CIF. We’re not guaranteed anything, but this is probably the strongest chance we’ve ever had,” he finished.

Theo Mandin-Lee

Senior Victoria Pallares has played libero all four years at SP. volleyball and basketball. She also encourages other students to join a sports team in high school.

“I have had amazing people with me in all the sports I have done,” said Victoria. “My family has been extremely supportive of me. Between them and my teammates, everything has definitely been worth it.”

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Sports Tiger - Friday, November 18, 2011

Sports

CIF Southern Section

[inside]

Cross Country Finals Tomorrow, November 19 @ Mt. SAC

page 17

Jennifer Kim

Read about girls water polo’s preseason.

page 15

Rachael Garner

Meet Victoria Pallares, volleyball’s standout libero.

Darek Lis

Sophomore Pierce Deamer winds up for one of his four goals against Palos Verdes. The Tigers fell 12-10 on November 9.

Heartbreaking CIF loss for water polo The Tigers see their second round playoff berth slip away in the final minutes

By Heather Vaughan Staff Writer The South Pasadena boys’ water polo team fell to the Palos Verdes Sea Kings in its first and only CIF match of the year on Wednesday, November 9, bringing its season to a bittersweet conclusion.

The game, which ended in a close 12-10 loss for the Tigers, brought the best out of all the players. Everyone had one of their most impressive performances of the season, despite being overcome by the Sea Kings in the fourth quarter.

The team started out strong, with senior Andrew

Clauss scoring the first goal within the first two minutes of play.

Sophomore Pierce Deamer and senior Martin Lis contributed four goals each, and junior Wyatt Bukowski scored a goal of his own.

Thanks to a forced ejection by senior Christian Deamer, the Tigers also managed a goal off of a five-meter penalty shot.

Although Deamer was unable to score, he contributed two assists and two steals. At the end of the third quarter, the Tigers were winning 10-6, having seemingly secured victory and a second-round playoff.

Unfortunately, South Pas lost its momentum as the fourth quarter ticked by.

Although sophomore Adrian Suarez impressed with his six steals and achieved multiple forced ejections of Palos Verdes players, the advantage he provided was not enough to prevent a Sea King victory.

South Pas fell after letting in a shocking six goals in the final minutes.

The 12-10 finish ended the stunned Tigers’ hopes of a second CIF game.

“Our guys played great for the first three quarters, but towards the end, some inexperience kicked in, and we lost

it. But for such a young team, with a freshman goalie, a lot of sophomores, and only three seniors, we were in really good shape, and we had an amazing run,” said head coach Robert Echeverria of the game.

The season ended with a league record of six wins and two losses; South Pasadena finished second in the Rio Hondo League behind La Cañada.

“This was a rebuilding year,” said Echeverria, “but next year, with more time, more experience, and more veterans, we’re going to win league. I have faith in these guys, and I’m proud of their performance this season.”

Girls volleyball falls in first-round matchup

By Matt DeFulgentiis Staff Writer The South Pasadena girls volleyball team lost last Tuesday’s CIF match against the Bishop Amat Lancers three games to zero. With the loss, South Pasadena’s record dropped to 11-7.

This loss was a heartbreaking one for the Tigers; the girls had two five-point leads throughout the first and the second games, but went on to lose both by scores of 25-22 and 25-19 respectively.

As usual, sophomore Claire KiefferWright led the Tigers on the offensive front with eleven kills. Kieffer-Wright also had four blocks on defense.

The Tigers were the underdogs heading into the match against the Lancers, whose season record stood at 19-10 at the time.

Before the game, head coach Ben Diaz stated that the girls needed to execute better on “stopping middles and capitalizing on critical serves.”

During the match, these still continued to be the players’ most inconsistent

areas.

Even though the game was disappointing for the South Pas team, the girls were still happy with their overall performance this year.

“This season was different than any other season we’ve had in a while at South Pas. Unlike previous years, we actually earned our spot at CIF,” said junior setter and team captain Jessica Arroyo.

The CIF tournament is the most competitive tourTheo Mandin-Lee nament that a team takes part in during its season. As many Claire Kieffer-Wright, #15, tips the ball over the players have acknowledged, Amat block. SP’s CIF run ended after the 3-0 loss. this year’s team was a very “We are going to have one whole year young.

That lack of experience explains their to work together and really implement our nerves and perhaps their lack of success in game strategies,” said Diaz.

“I will also have a better relationship the first round of CIF. Coach Diaz is already looking forward with all of the girls, which will be helpful the next time we go to CIF.” to the 2012 season, and he has big plans.

Speaking of

Sports Devin Mitchell News Editor

Future looking bright for Dodgers The story of the Los Angeles Dodgers since their World Series win in 1988 is not a happy one. They have reached the playoffs just six times and have been sold twice. The franchise reached a new low in October 2009 when owners Frank and Jamie McCourt announced their separation.

It became clear that the financially troubled couple used profits that the Dodgers generated for personal purposes and no longer had the funds to support a winning team.

Thus the announcement on November 1 that McCourt was selling the team was rightfully met with joy and relief. The black cloud that had been hanging over the franchise in the last two years was lifted.

A team in one of the largest media markets in the country that should be consistently among the best teams in the National League had become an afterthought. The disastrous ownership situation was never far from any discussion of their on-the-field performance.

Immediately after news of the settlement broke, multiple individuals and groups emerged with plans to make bids for the club.

The sale to McCourt in 2004, which involved very little of his money, looks unlikely to be repeated. Whoever ends up with the team is almost sure to be in better economic shape than McCourt, who placed the club in bankruptcy in June after not being able to meet the payroll.

The benefits of McCourt’s departure are already becoming apparent.

Star center-fielder and MVP candidate Matt Kemp was signed to a long-term extension just this week with the understanding that a new owner will be able to afford the expensive contract.

As new players are signed and old ones retained, the team will have the opportunity to return to the level they were at in the 1980’s when they won two World Series.