SBAC test results boost district’s standing
In the News Local car show to fund SP Rose Parade float held on Sunday September 19 (pg. 2) ASB lauches Snapchat account for leadership it can be found under the username: sphsasb
Class of 2016 testing results prove to be a deviation
Upcoming Moon Festival celebration to be held at public library on October 3
By Brandon Yung Staff Writer
SP public library to host Steve Synder author of Shot Down on September 24 Varsity waterpolo to play away game against Pasadena on Thursday September 24 Football faces off against Alhambra on the road on Friday, September 25 Common Application workshop scheduled for seniors on Tuesday, September 30 Planned Parenthood organizes rally protests anti-abortion at Pasadena City Hall last Saturday (pg. 2) Girls’ varsity volleyball beats La Salle 3-0 to play Temple City on October 1 (pg. 16)
VIEWPOINTS: STAFF EDITORIAL
“When you mix low expectations and inexperienced teachers, it’s a recipe for kids to fall short. We set students up for failure when we tell them that they’re destined to do poorly - not just academically, but socially and emotionally. If the bar is never raised, students will never excel. That’s a pattern that those students will find themselves stuck in, not just in middle school, not just in high school.” Read more on pg. 5
Read more at tigernewspaper.com
Tucker Judkins
CLUB OFFICERS SEEK PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS Sophomore Bailey Wu and senior Maia Thomas look on as seniors Regina Han and Jordan Fucci sign up for the Photo Club at Club Rush.
Annual Club Rush draws hundreds to packed gym By Sandra Moore Staff Writer SPHS’s diverse array of clubs came together in the gym during lunch on September 16 and 17 for Club Rush, with the intention of gathering as many new club members as possible. Some clubs waved flags while others had decorated their booths in creative ways to catch students’ attention. “Club Rush is a very exciting occasion in that people get to find similar interests with other people that they may have not known before,” senior Maia Thomas said. “I wasn’t really active last year, but I love Club Rush
because it helps me realize the variety of clubs that I didn’t even know about.” Students were able to pick and choose from a wide variety of clubs, including the longrunning Key Club, the highly active TASSEL Club, and the brand new UNICEF Club. While browsing through the gym, some students complained that the loud music made it harder to hear each other, but overall most were pleased with how organized the event was compared to last year’s Club Rush. Students also enjoyed the location, which until last year, had been outdoors. “The location was nice,
even if it was a little hot,” junior Janice Park said. “It was already pretty crowded in the gym, so it’s great that it wasn’t in the senior patio. I think Cameron [Waters] ran it really well and he made it super organized and easy to navigate.” Club Rush is one of the two events revolving around clubs, and the other one, Homecoming Picnic, will be hosted in October. “It was a great experience,” Commissioner of Clubs Cameron Waters said. “It went really smoothly and I’m so grateful for everyone that was able to contribute and help. I look forward to an awesome year.”
The test results from last year’s Smarter Balance Assessment Consortium (SBAC) were announced during a school board meeting on September 8. Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Ms Christiane Gervais gave a presentation on the results for all of the participating grades within the district, including the Class of 2016. A total of 307 juniors took the English Language Arts test; 297 took Mathematics. From this group, 26% did not meet the English language achievement standards, and 43% of students failed to meet the math achievement standards. Overall, however, around 70% of South Pasadena students met or exceeded standards in both ELA and Math for almost every grade, while the only notable exception was the low performance in 11th grade math. The previous year’s juniors were part of the first year of students to take part in the SBAC, a test designed adjacent to the Common Core curriculum. Some speculation as to the reasons behind South Pasadena’s low math scores scores surrounded the possibilities associated with the unfamiliar format. (See SBAC Testing Results on pg. 3)
New assistant superintendent already making her mark Christiane Gervais brings expertise to Instructional Services By Jenna Giulioni Senior Staff Writer The South Pasadena Unified School District has a new face this year: Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Ms Christiane Gervais. She joined the SPUSD staff in early August after working with Beverly Hills and San Gabriel Unified School Districts, as both an administrator and teacher.
Counseling Conflicts: Tiger staff members share their thoughts on the growing barrier between counselors and students
6
PAG E
As part of her administrative role in San Gabriel, Gervais directed a new teacher mentoring program for those joining districts in the area, including new additions to South Pasadena. Her experience with SPUSD employees impressed her and when a spot was available within the district office, she “just couldn’t pass up the opportunity.” “Assessment is part of it [the Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services job], but I think assessment is directly linked to instruction,” Gervais said. “It’s a way to judge how students are progressing in their (See Superintendent, pg.
A fresh take on horror: The Visit, based on the story of Hansel and Gretel, gives a modern twist to a predictable plot
Stephanie Kim
Gervais brings experience from her administrative and teaching roles within the Beverly Hills and San Gabriel Unified School Districts.
12 PAG E
Football on a hot streak:
15
Tigers beat Glendale 51-21 to establish a 3-0 record. Football to face Alhambra on Friday, September 25
PAG E
2
Tiger - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2015
NEWS
News
AROUND CAMPUS
Senior College Night Representatives from universities across the country will be going over the application process and giving tips for all parents and seniors who want to attend. The event will take place on September 24 in the auditorium at 7 p.m. /Sandy Grossman
Academic Decathalon gears up for upcoming competitive year after past success
AcaDeca takes third place out of nine at John Marshall Classic By Faye Witherall Feature Editor The South Pasadena High School Academic Decathalon team, which enjoyed a breakout season last year, is getting into intellectual shape for the upcoming season. The team competed in its first scrimmage on Friday, September 18 at John Marshall High School, and placed third out of the nine teams. The team broke LA Country records last year, raising the expectations for this year’s competitive performance after taking first place in a countywide competition against 55 teams and placing third at the California State Championship. “It’s sometimes hard to live up to the legacy last year’s team left behind,” junior Tim
Matthew Scholtz
After performing exceptionally well in last year’s competitions, the SPHS AcaDeca group anticipates a year of hardwork and success to live up to high expectations. An said. “However, that doesn’t mean that we cannot succeed. As a team, we know that we cannot dwell on the past and that we need to look to our future. I think this allows us to truly work together and to truly help one another grow.” The team is head-
Planned Parenthood supporters host rally for reproductive justice in Pasadena
ing into its fourth year since the inception of South Pasadena’s Academic Decathalon squad in 2012. Decathletes participate in five different types of competitive events: the Super quiz, speech, interview, essay, and a test of knowledge. Each school
must have three different GPA divisions represented by including team members with a 3.75 or greater, a 3.75 to 3.0, and a 3.0 or below GPA. “The team’s goals for this year are to do well in state, go to nationals, and hopefully be national champions,” An said.
NEw supEriNtENdENt (cont. from pg. 1) learning… This job is about the big picture, what are our goals and how do we achieve them?” Gervais has already set her sights on some issues within South Pasadena schools after only two months on the job. Her main goal this year is to set up three separate sub-groups of district officials to handle issues that schools face today. With the addition of Chromebooks in elementary classrooms, Gervais wants to form a team to work on K-12 technology sequences and cyber safety. She hopes to establish another committee to advise the Common Core Assessment to ensure that students are staying on track with the educational standards. Gervais also wants to create a larger focus on arts education throughout the district and through all grade levels. Gervais taught AP Literature before going into administration, and although she loves teaching and interacting with students, she realized that she had the potential to make bigger difference within the district office. “The idea that you can make that much of a difference, it’s just an amazing job.” Gervais said when asked about her teaching career. “And now that I do it differently, I am able to impact students’ lives in different ways. But the students are always at the forefront of my mind.”
Students break the ice at first dance of the year ASB hosts Icebreaker in practice gym to kick off the year
By Isabel Barbera Staff Writer
By Vaughn Huelsman Staff Writer
Hundreds of Planned Parenthood advocates flocked to Pasadena City Hall on Saturday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. to rally in response to an anti-abortion protest in the area three weeks prior. The gathering occurred the day after the House of Representatives voted 241-187 to defund the program. During the first half of the hour-long event, local supporters and youth activists spoke of the importance of Planned Parenthood. They voiced their frustration with the recent allegations against Planned Parenthood - specifically, the series of videos produced by the Center for Medical Progress. In addition, All Saints Church members Reverend Susan Russell and Church Rector J. Edwin Bacon addressed the religiously backed attacks on the organization. “It is our responsibility to stand up when the core American value of religious liberty is hijacked as a weapon of mass disinformation in a campaign to undermine a woman’s constitutional right to make choices about reproductive health care,” Russell said. Speakers also included the President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley Sheri Bonner, Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek, and Congresswoman Judy Chu. The supporters wrapped up the event with a march down Colorado Boulevard. “It was energizing to see high school students stand alongside veterans of the movement, all with the purpose of supporting each other and the right of all people to receive honest information and high-quality health care,” Vice President of External Affairs for Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley Julianne Hines said.
Black-Eyed Peas disc jockey and SPHS alumnus DJ Bonk blared EDM over a blur of dancing students, glow sticks, and interactive, glowing decor in the main gym at the Icebreaker Dance on September 11. This first dance of the school year, which gave attend-
ees the chance to see new and old friends, was hosted by the senior and freshman classes. “It was a very nice welcome back to school,” sophomore Cole Elsner said. “I saw some people I haven’t seen in awhile. It was a really great way to break the ice.” Many students came to the dance in large groups and danced together in the practice gym, while others socialized and played games such as Twister and cards in the main gym. “The dance seemed to go really smoothly. Everyone I saw looked like
they were having a good time,” junior Maddie Cordon said. “The music was okay, the new DJ was a lot better than others in the past.” The Icebreaker Dance was able to turn a profit, kicking off the school year with a financial success for ASB. The officers in charge of planning the dance were satisfied with the outcome of the event. “Overall, it went pretty well. The freshmen and seniors really bonded in creating this event,” senior class secretary Lauren Richards said. “It looked like everyone was having a fun time so our job was accomplished.”
Classic car rally raises funds for Rose Parade float By Declan Chin Staff Writer Car enthusiasts flocked to the 11th Annual South Pasadena Cruz’n for Roses car show on September 20. Approximately 260 cars were on display along Mission Street from Fair Oaks to Meridian. Entries ranged from restored vintage cars from the 1920s to chrome-clad muscle cars of the 1950s. “We had a great turnout, especially considering the heat,” Master of Ceremonies Rob Williams said. “While the number of car entries hasn’t changed much since the start of the auto show, the attendance increase over the past 11 years really shows the growing interest throughout the community.” In recent years, the event has become increasingly popular, and this year was no exception. People from all over came to the center of South Pasadena, setting up chairs and enjoying food from local restaurants and food vendors.
Cars had to be at least 40 years old in order to enter the show, requiring all entries to be made before 1975. “The car show is a great way of
going back in time,” Mayor Robert Joe said. “We can see old cars that we grew up with and relive our memories.” The event was a fundraiser for the South Pasadena 2016 Rose Parade float.
Tucker Judkins
Car lovers from all over the Pasadena area came to admire the vintage cars on display at the 11th annual Cruz’n for Roses car show.
News
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 - Tiger
Seniors from across Pasadena vie for spots on Royal Court in second round of interviews Hopefuls continue selection process for Rose Queen By Noah Miyamae Staff Writer The second round of interviews for the Royal Court took place at the Tournament House on Saturday, September 19. Around 250 of the 800 students who originally tried out for the Court moved on to this stage.
“I felt anxious before the interview but as soon as it was over I just felt grateful to be a part of such an amazing opportunity,” senior Alex Hurtado said. “This round definitely gave me the chance to show the judges more of who I am and I feel blessed to be a part of it.” Each contestant had a minute to answer questions presented by a panel of judges. The questions were designed to cover a variety of topics, as the judges hoped to surprise contestants and allow students to express themselves in a genuine manner.
“The judges were really just looking for people to be themselves,” Hurtado said. “[Overall], I just felt super grateful to be apart of such an amazing experience.” Only 75 of the remaining contestants go onto the third round, and only about 25 to the final round. The final seven vying for Rose Queen will be announced on Monday, October 3, ending the monthlong process. “[The Royal Court tryouts] have definitely been an interesting, nerve-wracking process,” senior
Denise Huang said. “But I have been able to meet so many nice people and treat this experience almost like a practice job interview.” The results for round two have been announced. Round three will take place on September 24.
Upcoming Dates Final Round: September 30 Royal Court Announcement: October 5 Rose Queen Announcment: October 22
SkillsUSA off to a fresh start after Nationals By Cole Cahill Staff Writer The SkillsUSA Entrepreneur team from South Pasadena took 5th place at the SkillsUSA National Conference in Louisville, Kentucky last June. The team claimed first in both the regional and statewide conferences in order to compete at the national level against representatives from 20 states. “This was our first time ever going to nationals, so we didn’t really know what was expected of us. SkillsUSA is more toned down compared to Virtual Business,” sophomore Alex Fonseca said. The group, made up of seniors Ryoung Kim and Noelle Cho, junior Jake McCurdy, and Fonseca, presented their compost company called Orbis. The business plan for Orbis was originally
conceived by the JV Virtual Business team, and was modified to compete in the Entrepreneurship event in SkillsUSA, which hosts other vocational competitions including such as masonry, carpentry and photography. “We made some changes on [our Virtual Business] financial statements and we also incorporated a detailed process of composting in the SkillsUSA presentation,” Kim said. “The competition was focused more on the company’s future finances. The company was still selling the same products and was offering the same services.” Next year’s team, which will likely recruit students from the Introduction to Virtual Business class, looks forward to this year’s competition where they will develop a new business idea. The team hopes to place higher than they did last June. The com-
pany and competitors are yet to be decided and there are no formal prerequisites. “[The program] is another way of expanding what you’re learning, another place you can be eligible for scholarships, and a
great opportunity to make lots of contacts,” SkillsUSA advisor Ms. Matson-Fennell said. The team’s first competition takes place in January at LA Trade Tech. The state conference will be in San Diego in March.
Sandra Matson-Fennel
Seniors Ryoung Kim and Noelle Cho, sophomre Alex Fonseca, and junior Jake McCurdy comprised the SkillsUSA Entrepeneur team.
3
SBAC TESTING RESULTS (cont. from pg. 1) “Some of the [students] didn’t even know that there was a calculator available [on the computers] for them to use during the test,” Commissioner of Internal Affairs Kristen Kafkaloff said. Gervais explained that a lack of student participation may have caused some of the poor test results, because many of those who didn’t participate were AP students who didn’t have much incentive for to study for the SBAC. This may explain the anomaly in the 11th grade math scores. However, the same conflict of interests were present in other competing schools. “[The other school districts] don’t have the lag that we are reporting. Their 11th grade scores are more in line with their other grade levels,” Gervais said. “There must have been an incorrect assumption that this was a field test... I think the message that it not being included in the API (Academic Performance Index) may have been misunderstood.” While the overall scores of the school district prove to be competitive, the issue of the low participation rate and math scores still remain a subject of concern throughout district faculty. “[The results] were not as high as we would like them to be, but I also don’t think it’s a number that should frighten anyone. I think it is something we can improve,” Math Department Chair Andrew McGough said. “The big problem I have with the test as it stands is that there’s really no incentive for the students to put in effort.”
4
Tiger - Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Sparknote It or Read It?
04
02 01
03
05 06
08
07
SPARKNOTE IT OR READ IT? A Guide to Getting Through Your Year in English Page by Michael Stukan Text by Isabel Barbera, Sandy Grossman, Somi Jun, Ross Lelieur, & Sammy Park Illustrations by Sandra Moore
Images from pinterest.com, pixgood.com, wikimedia.org, zanda.com, subplotstudio.com, theknowtv.com, 7headlines.com, & 8centpublishing.wordpress.com used with permission
SOPHOMORES
FRESHMEN The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding is (maybe) not the worst book that is required in ninth grade. That being said, it is not complication that makes Lord of the Flies Sparknote-able. Although Golding’s imagery is powerful, it is potent. Describing the ocean in one and a half pages, riddled with metaphors and symbolism, it is every English teacher’s dream. But does the reader really need to know about every single thing and what color it was and how it sounded? Sometimes the intense imagery in the book is borderline nausea-inducing. From describing murder scenes to the island inhabitants’ diarrhea and other bodily functions, Golding does not consider his readers may have sensitive stomachs. Sparknotes is great for a summary of the book, but skimming over some sections may help to formulate overarching themes or symbols.
01
To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, is regarded by many to be the most important literature pieces of the 21st century. The quality and themes make the piece crucial to read, not just Sparknote. Oftentimes, schools do not teach students relevant and useful subjects or topics. To Kill a Mockingbird is an exception. With themes like racism and the U.S. judicial system, the book teaches without preaching. The novel is also original in that it is told from the perspective of a child. Even though the language is obviously more sophisticated, having the viewpoint of a little girl in the Jim Crow-era is a fresh outlook on a popular topic. There will definitely be more boring and overly complicated books that are required in freshman year. So enjoy To Kill a Mockingbird’s relevancy and simplicity while it lasts!
02
03
Paulo Coelho’s universally known story of a young man’s journey of self-discovery, The Alchemist, is required reading in high schools across the country. But with heavy-handed themes and not-so-profound ideas, it is a wonder why anyone studies its 163 pages. The novel’s main character, Santiago, is bland and underdeveloped, making the reader quickly lose interest in his journey. In fact, the story as a whole is just as bland and underdeveloped as its protagonist. The plot follows a simple and cliché formula: the hero leaves home to find treasure, the hero discovers himself as a result, and finally, the hero realizes that the treasure was inside him the whole time. This uninteresting and overrated book deserves nothing more than a quick read of the Sparknotes summary before the test.
SENIORS
JUNIORS
05
Othello is an entertaining tragedy in traditional Shakespearean fashion. Unfortunately, the language is equally reflective of Shakespeare’s style, in all of its confusing and drawn-out metaphors, indecipherable language, and convoluted poetry. There is little doubt that reading all of this would be valuable to a student, but the labor involved is not worth the amount of time truly understanding Shakespeare would take. Furthermore, a large part of Shakespeare’s stories are the tragic or comedic plotlines, which make use of situations and plot events rather than dialogue to make their points. Dialogue and figurative language do not make it into Sparknotes, but plotlines certainly do, which helps make Shakespeare’s Othello a viable choice for only reading through their summaries.
The Great Gatsby is not the most exciting of Jazz Age tales, and many a student has found himself gone glassyeyed while struggling through the slow-moving plot of the novel. Still, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s lavish diction and intriguing themes make the book highly valuable in literary terms. Even if one does not find inspiration in the plodding tale of Gatsby’s downfall, Fitzgerald’s beautiful writing is something students should read for themselves, instead of opting for the Sparknotes version. The Sparknotes outline also fails to capture the full breadth of each character’s nuances in its rush to streamline content; it leaves out all of the complexities that the author relies on to convey the emotions and subtle interactions of his characters.
06
04
If you are only going to read one book Sophomore year, let it be Elie Wiesel’s captivating Holocaust memoir –– Night. Boasting easily accessible emotional depth and a quick moving storyline, Night is 116 pages worth your time. Unlike other assigned reading you may have had in the past, Night captures your attention right from the get-go. Because the novel lacks a typical lengthy introduction, the reader gets to begin Wiesel’s first-person account of the horrors of the Holocaust almost immediately. And because Wiesel chooses not to use complex diction or overtly flowery language, emphasis rests on his raw, personal journey and character development - particularly the struggle with his own humanity. Sparknotes truly does not do Wiesel’s story justice, so do your very best to actually crack this book open!
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is considered a classic because it was one of the earliest examples of science fiction and an embodiment of both Gothic and Romantic era themes. That said, you can learn all about the history and importance of Frankenstein without reading the dense volume itself. Shelley’s flowery, complicated syntax has not withstood the test of time and is sheer torture to read in a time crunch. Furthermore, the narrator Victor Frankenstein is uninteresting and difficult to comprehend, making it all the more painful to trudge through the dense text. The only character that was enjoyable to read about was the Creature, whose pitiful attempts at human connection are moving and genuine. Unfortunately, most of Frankenstein consists of the eponymous scientist shunning and hiding from his creation.
07
08
J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye is thought of as the quintessential representation of the post-modern teenager. As a result, the novel is a winding, plotless string of protagonist Holden’s thoughts, which become increasingly dejected and existential. While Holden’s perpetually disappointed attitude is jarring at first, it becomes the defining characteristic of the book. His whining about “phonies” and growing up somehow becomes relatable, relevant to each teenager’s transition from childhood to adulthood. The Catcher in the Rye is not exactly an enjoyable read, but it’s a unique experience that can only be fully appreciated through the original text and Salinger’s stripped, intimate language.
DISCLAIMER: Tiger Newspaper nor any of its staff members encourage or suggest that students should not read any of the book materials for your classes.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015 - Tiger
Opinion
5
Opinion
Boi
B
to SPHS for finally h av i n g a u d i b l e a s s e m bly videos. If only we had an audible commissioner. r avo
B
oo to Ms Fradkin for breaking traditions. AP Lang isn’t supposed to be productive.
B
Sandra Moore
Take it all in
to the Commissioner of Noontime’s high energy dancing. We might not love everything you play, but we love that you love everything you play. ravo
By Jenna Giulioni Senior Staff Writer
B
to the influx of bleach-blond males on campus. This isn’t the 90s and you aren’t NSYNC. oo
B
ravo to SPHS ASB for being on Snapchat. We’ll show you what the “tu” stands for in “student.”
The Tiger EstablishEd 1913
CSPA Gold Medalist 2005 CSPA Gold Medalist 2006 CSPA Gold Medalist 2009 CSPA Gold Medalist 2010 CSPA Gold Medalist 2011 CSPA Gold Medalist 2013 CSPA Gold Medalist 2014 Editor-in-Chief Julian Prime Managing Editors Somi Jun, Print Alex Nakagawa, Online News Kyle Kan, Editor Opinion Olivia Nouriani, Editor Feature Faye Witherall, Editor Sports Jung Su Park, Editor Copy Editors Fiona Bock, Olivia Chiu Photography Tucker Judkins, Editor Photographers Thomas Forman, Stephanie Kim, Hana Tyzka, Matt Scholtz Senior Staff Writers Jenna Giulioni, Ross Lelieur Staff Writers Isabel Barbera, Cole Cahill,Declan Chin, Sandy Grossman, Vaughn Huelsman, Nick Michael, Sandra Moore, Ryan Nakamura, Kevin Park, Sammy Park, Brandon Yung
Isabella Frescura
A growing gap between classes Staff Editorial “Regular” and “Honors” classes have been separated since we were in middle school. For some of us, it began even earlier than that. The classes we were sorted into held huge weight in measuring our self-esteem for some; for others, it made no difference. The tracking and separating of students has always been controversial, and probably always will be. It is expected that curriculum and rigor will vary greatly between honors and regular classes. That is what the division is designed for. However, the difference in expectations between students of the two classes goes beyond academic achievement, and that is where the distinction gets dangerous. Teachers often set lower standards for the character of students in their regular classes. This not only demeans students by associating scholastic performance with personal qualities, but sets up students for an unbreakable cycle of low-achievement. In some regular classes, walk in and you might find a resigned teacher sitting at the front of the room, the class absorbed in side conversations. This doesn’t speak to a trend in non-honors students; it speaks to the consequences of teachers who expect little from their classes. One teacher, notorious for confiscating cell phones in their honors classes, has been known to “let it slide” in regular classes. There may be other motives behind this drastic
Staff Illustrators Isabella Frescura, Sandra Moore, Angelica Navarro
Closing windows to online predators
Design Editor Michael Stukan Managers Jake McCurdy, Ads Adam Hamden, Business Web Master William Walker Statistician Nicholas Baer Faculty Advisor Mike Hogan Vol. CII No. I distributed on September 23, 2015. Distribution: 1529 students; 70 community. 1700 copies printed. Distributed by Tiger staff free of charge. Tiger is produced by the advanced journalism newspaper class at South Pasadena High School, 1401 Fremont Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030. Layout and photo imaging are completed on-site. Printed by American/ Foothill Publishing Co., Inc., Tujunga, CA. Signed articles appearing in Tiger represent the writer’s opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff, student body, faculty or administration of SPHS. Contact the publications office at (626) 441-5820 ext. 2615 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. for advertising rates and subscriptions. Tiger welcomes articles, letters or rebuttals for publication in the print and online editions. All letters must be signed and verifiable, but names will be withheld upon request. Tiger Newspaper’s mission is to provide a reliable news outlet for SPHS and the local community. Through a variety of coverage, Tiger empowers/enables students to think critically and creatively, communicate effectively, solve problems, set and reach goals, and work cooperatively and independently as responsible citizens. Tiger is a forum for student free speech, in accordance with California Ed Code 48907.
behavioral shift, but one can assume that it involves the notion that students in regular classes have little to contribute anyway. These low standards are set for kids in “regular” classes as soon as we enter sixth grade. Expectations are never raised, so those students never have a chance to excel. That’s how students get stuck on one path, never able to move up. What makes this worse is that in general, more qualified teachers are assigned to honors classes. Most students who have experience in both honors and regular classes will agree that there are several teachers of lower-level classes who seem to be clueless when it comes to leading a class. This is counterintuitive; regular classes are the ones that need skilled and experienced teachers to head them. When low expectations are mixed with inexperienced teachers, it’s a recipe for kids to fall short. We set students up for failure when we tell them that they’re destined to do poorly––not just academically, but socially and emotionally. If the bar is never raised, students will never excel. That’s a pattern that those students will find themselves repeating, not just in middle school, not just in high school, but for the rest of their lives. The potential is there for success; but if no one tells you that, how will you know to look for it?
Still staggering, the Class of 2016 has finally reached the other side of a grueling junior year. Our class has suffered through more than the typical SAT and AP stress that defines eleventh grade; we made it through a year compounded with the emotional roller coaster South Pasadangerous held for us, shooting threats, glued locks, and all. It finally hit me when the counselors and Ms Anderson came into our English classrooms this past week: we have made it. And besides the small heart attack that ensued when I realized just how close those application deadlines are, Janderson’s speech was what really resonated with me. These are our last 180 days at South Pasadena High School. “The future” is just close enough to look ahead towards, but those endless opportunities that await us reside just far enough away that all we can do is pray that everything turns out the way we hope. As we struggle over our college applications, obsess over every word of our essays and try desperately to remember our Social Security numbers, it often seems that the only option, the only thing that can keep us sane, is to imagine that freshman hall waiting for us. But doing that defeats the purpose of our senior year. It’s easy to get wrapped up in what’s to come and overlook what’s right in front of us: the football games, the dances, and the random mosh pits in the middle of Tiger Patio. While our heads are in the clouds, preparing for the rest of our lives, I hope that we don’t lose track of this year. I hope we soak up every opportunity that lies in front of us. I hope that we take a second to remember “those times;” not just the ones in our snapchat stories, but also the adventures shared with friends, and the jokes between classmates. If we get too caught up in the future, we’ll miss what’s happening now. Make this year a memory that lasts… Because I can already tell that it is going to be amazing.
By Sandra Moore Staff Writer The abundance of social media websites on the Internet make it easy for child predators to find their prey. Youtube prankster Coby Persin showed this in his viral video in which he created a fake Facebook account and posed as a 15-yearold boy looking to meet up with girls. Three preteen girls agreed to meet him and upon arrival, encountered their furious parents. Most are quick to blame the naive group of girls. This approach, however, is no better than victim-blaming. A lack of comprehensive Internet safety education is the real culprit. I nter net sa fe ty c ra sh
courses tend to use scaretactics in an attempt to keep young people off the Internet all together, but with youth sitting at the core of a technology-centric generation, this couldn’t be further from realistic. Out-of-touch older educators operate under the assumption that abstinence from the internet is the best option, much like outdated sex education from the 20th century. Whether or not they are taught proper Inter net safety, children will, and do, go on the Internet before the suggested age of 13, much like how teenagers have sex before marriage. Our sex ed has developed through the years to accommodate our changing culture, and it’s
time for Internet education to catch up. Kids today are stuck learning Internet safety through trial and error, which leads to worse situations than Persin’s prank. Internet safety should be mandated in the classroom, and at a much younger age. Classes should advise students on how to stay safe on the Internet - not to avoid it. And these classes should be led by adults with knowledge of the benefits and detriments of internet chatting, not elders with little experience. The Internet is valuable for so many things; connecting people is powerful, and it isn’t inherently bad to make friends online. But stories about cyberbullying and kidnappings
overshadow this reality. An ever-expanding Internet means that the world is growing smaller. The ability to reach people halfway across the world is par t of what makes the web so powerful. Future generations have the opportunity to become more culturally aware and sensitive. To do so, they need to learn how to stay away from the creeps and the perverts. They also need to know the power that the Internet holds. If today’s online community is dangerous, it’s because students find themselves in the dark alleys of the Internet, thanks to a lack of information. Our parents taught us safety on the streets. It’s time for us to learn safety on the World Wide Web.
6
Tiger - Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Opinion
Counselors shuffle, students suffer By Fiona Bock & Jenna Giulioni Tiger Staff
Angelica Navarro
Frida Kahlo: more than decor By Samantha Park Staff Writer Frida Kahlo is hailed as one of the most important feminists that we recognize today. She was a fierce Mexican patriot and was unashamed in her activism. The image of Frida Kahlo, an iconic Mexican painter known for her unfiltered portrayals of women, has recently been commercialized. The movement has hijacked not only Kahlo’s image, but her ethics as well. One of the reasons Kahlo was important was because of her unibrow, which, even though it opposed the time’s beauty standards, was purposely darkened to her preference. It did not matter that men didn’t find it attractive. Kahlo enhanced her natural body hair because she wanted to. Currently, the ‘Frida’ items sold make their interpretation of Kahlo not more beautiful, but more in line with Eurocentric beauty standards. Photoshopping Kahlo’s unibrows and mustache is dismissing the way she wanted to look. By commercializing Frida Kahlo, people are disrespecting her beliefs. As a woman who fought against capitalism and a member of the Mexican Communist Party, she would never want her personhood to be reduced to an overpriced Etsy item.
“As a Mexican American, I feel like it’s just another case of white people taking an iconic woman and symbol of Mexican pride that doesn’t belong to them, dismissing her agency, and reducing her to an ‘ethnic’ accessory for white people to pick up at Forever 21 so that they can feel culturally aware without doing anything to help the Latino community,” sophomore Ciena Venezuela-Peterson said. Wearing Kahlo’s face on earrings or tote bags is disrespectful to her and her Mexican heritage. Kahlo, who was extremely proud of her Mexican ethnicity, would not want her image displayed across the chests of people who are unaware of her activism and the oppression of her people. There is a difference between wearing a t-shirt with Frida Kahlo because one agrees with her political views and just wearing her face because it fits one’s style. Wearing items that go against the ideals Kahlo held silences her voice and demeans her accomplishments. What we need to acknowledge is that revolutionary people of color do not exist to be put on a white person’s t-shirt or embroidered onto socks for the ‘aesthetic.’ This is is objectification, and disrespects one of the most powerful female figures of our time. It is time to Kahlo her as a human being, not as a decoration.
High school is no easy feat. The four years leading up to graduation are packed with challenging classes, demanding extracurriculars, tiring standardized tests, and lengthy college applications. During this stressful time, most students seek guidance–– or try to. Any student who has had to rely on a counselor at SPHS knows that developing a relationship with your counselor is so challenging, it often isn’t worth the effort. There is a wall between students and counselors, and it isn’t the fault of the counselors. Countless obstacles make it challenging for both counselors and students to reach out to one another. The huge number of students assigned to each counselor is one of the largest problems the department faces. While hiring new, qualified staff is an investment, most students will agree that the longterm benefits are greater than upgraded facilities. Counselors
Tiger Newspaper Asks: Based on your experiences, how do you feel about the Rose Court application proccess, and why? I went into Rose Court tryouts expecting something very superficial and not very diverse, but was pleasantly surprised as the day went on. There were all kinds of girls from all around the area. So many people had very different and very genuine reasons for being there. During the interview itself, I felt surprisingly respected and heard, and the process seemed as genuine as it could be considering the circumstances. Maya Crain, Grade 12 One of the reasons I didn’t try out for Rose Court this year is that I feel that the process isn’t very comprehensive, especially considering that the first round consists of just 15 seconds in front of a panel of judges. Regardless of how much the Rose Court claims to stress personality and achievement, it’s hard to imagine the judges getting to know much about a person beyond what is presented on the outside in such a short amount of time. Alcina Chen, Grade 12
are constantly overloaded trying to fix schedules, write letters, and advise their hundreds of assigned students. It’s impossible to give each student the attention they need when fighting to balance that attention between 300 other students. When focus is absorbed in assisting their many students, it’s easy for counselors to forget to communicate with one another. When it comes to scheduling, many students will report that so-called “rules” are often enforced or disregarded depending the counselor. This includes second period home study being mandated for some seniors but waved for others, some getting P.E. credit for sports management while others don’t, and even some students being discouraged to take challenging classes while others are pushed to succeed. This may seem irrelevant, but it isn’t; restrictions are in place for good reason - and if they aren’t, they should be revoked entirely. Subjecting one group of students to regulations and not another puts everyone at a disadvantage. The frustration that this often induces in students gives them another reason to stay away from the counseling office
all together. Most students have experienced first-hand the consequences of the recent, seemingly endless, switching of counselors. Some students are on their third counselor in three years, thanks to counterintuitive executive decisions to move students back and forth between the department. If a student did manage to build a relationship with their counselor last year despite the odds, good for them - but don’t be surprised if that relationship is all but erased with yet another counselor shift. Counselors play an incredibly important role in our high school lives. It is essential to have a relationship with your counselor, especially if you are a senior in need of a letter of recommendation. Regardless of grade level, counselors have valuable insights to share. The confusion throughout the department needs to be mended if we ever hope to tap into their knowledge. It’s clear that as of now, the convenience of neither the counselors nor the students is being prioritized. Changes need to be made now - for everyone’s sake.
Angelica Navarro
A step backward for women’s rights By Fiona Bock Copy Editor It is easy to forget that the fight for women’s reproductive rights is ongoing when we live in the liberal bubble of California. It is an issue that may seem far from home, but is slowly gaining momentum with increasingly absurd legislation nationwide. In the past four years, Ohio has become a testing ground for anti-abortion laws. Since 2011, Ohio governor John Kasich has approved every antiabortion measure placed in front of him, resulting in the closure of half of Ohio’s abortion clinics. The most recent bill on the table will make it illegal for doctors to perform an abortion based on a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. As of now, it seems likely that the law will pass in the fall. While this legislation appears to be “protecting the disabled,” its only purpose is to diminish women’s abortion rights. This is just the latest in a series of disguised attempts to take huge strides backwards for women’s rights. The guise of defending those who live with Down syndrome doesn’t take away from the truth: this law only serves to impose control over women’s
bodies yet again. If this bill passes, Ohio will become the ninth state to pass legislation policing a woman’s reason for terminating a pregnancy. These far-from-isolated incidents represent a larger effort to undermine women’s reproductive rights across the country. The threat to defund Planned Parenthood has recently struck a nerve close to home, as Republicans make more and more forceful pushes to eliminate the nonprofit. This threatens women everywhere, and is yet another angle from which reproductive rights are being endangered. More politicians are jumping on board with the attack on women’s rights every day. Sarah Palin is one of many Republicans who have endorsed the bill in Ohio. Pro-lifers everywhere won’t stop seeking new ways to stomp out access to reproductive healthcare until times are reminiscent of pre-Roe vs. Wade. The struggle over abortion access should be over, but Down syndrome and Planned Parenthood are just examples of platforms that anti-abortion advocates have adopted to steadily chip away at women’s rights. No law should prevent a woman from receiving an abortion. We all need to stand up and speak out––before it is too late.
7
Tiger - Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Opinion
Rose princesses court diversity By Somi Jun Print Managing Editor Humans judge based on first impressions and appearances. The Tournament of Roses Royal Court is largely based on this tenet of human behavior, but in the process of gauging appearances, the Rose Court also provides scholarship opportunities for young women, promotes diversity, and empowers its participants by involving them in their local community. In the past few years alone, the Rose Court has featured a remarkable amount of diversity. Judges clearly make an effort to have a racially diverse court, with women of color holding more than half of court positions from the past three years. Whereas most prestigious positions are reserved for students with a high GPA, the Rose Court’s minimum GPA is 2.0. While this may initially seem like a devaluing of intelligence, it’s actually allowed the Court to honor women who are intelligent in areas other than academia. As a result, each Court has a diverse range of skills, from traditionally high-achieving scholars to excellent artists and performers to devoted athletes. Similarly, the Court constituents come from both high schools and Pasadena City College, actively de-stigmatizing community colleges. The Court elevates these diverse women to positions of influence and ex-
posure. The young women attend as many as 100 media and community appearances during their time in Court. This exposure is a two-way street: thousands of people will be able to view these diverse women as role models, while the Court will meet and network
Princesses find more thorns than roses By Olivia Chiu Copy Editor Every year, nearly a thousand young women congregate at the Tournament House in Pasadena in hopes of serving on the Tournament of Roses Royal Court. The highly selective
Sandra Moore
with professionals. Ultimately, the Rose Court may have a conservative slant, but it is undoubtedly one of the best opportunities for self-advancement available to diverse women in the Pasadena area.
four-round process claims to honor women with poise, personality, public speaking ability, and scholastic achievement. Unfortunately, the execution of the program does not reflect its mission statement. Candidates are allowed a mere 15 seconds
to state the number they have been assigned and their reasons for auditioning in the preliminary round. While this may reflect one’s poise and public speaking abilities, personality and scholastic achievement are certainly not factors in this part of the selection process. Since little more than appearance can be noted in such a brief amount of time, it is apparent that “poise and public speaking” are pretenses for beauty. This emphasis on beauty standards is reflected in the final Court of Seven. Women of varied ethnicities have been selected throughout the years, but nearly every princess is tall, slender, clear-skinned, and glasses-free, conforming to the eurocentric mold of beauty. The Court seeks to recognize young women with the four aforementioned qualities. However, criteria for participation excludes married women and mothers in the given age range of 17 to 21. Barring these two demographics from auditioning perpetuates the assumption that their social standing automatically disqualifies them from having the characteristics worthy of Rose Court. Although the Rose Court was created to celebrate young women’s accomplishments in multiple fields, its first round is designed to reward appearance and first impressions rather than the well-roundedness of contestants. It discriminates against young mothers and wives, who should be recognized as potential candidates. Overall, the Court states its desire to commemorate young women and their achievements, but accomplishes little more than the preservation of outdated beauty ideals.
Watering down curricula washes away reality By Vaughn Huelsman Staff Writer
Isabella Frescura
Open an SPHS junior’s U.S. history textbook and the first thing you’ll find is a list of rules regarding flag etiquette. This hailing of American symbols is something that can be found throughout California’s Social Studies standards, and speaks to the nationalist angle that history curricula in the U.S. seems to take. While pride in your nation can be positive, “patriotism” is taken to the extreme in America. The practice tends to erase the shortcomings of the country throughout history. This erasure means failing to fully acknowledge the oppression of Native Americans, nonwhite immigrants, LGBT people, and countless other groups, as well as the histories of many of the leaders of those groups who have made this nation what it is today. Pressured by conservative lobbyists, the College Board has redefined its AP U.S. History curriculum, omitting anything considered to have an “anti-American bias.” The class now includes
information on the United States’ founding documents and leaders and its capitalist economic structure, but downplays the stories of those who faced oppression but still played large roles in creating modern America. The brutal, federal American hand which spared no innocent lives in its imperialist expansion has been swept under the rug. The result of whitewashing of curricula is generation after generation of students who have no understanding of true American history. Many educators combat this with commentary, but there are huge strides to be made on statewide and nationwide fronts. Students who leave the classroom uneducated go on to perpetuate this cycle of oppression and erasure. The history and cultures of the groups that America has wronged need representation; their stories are all a part of what the U.S. flag symbolizes. If we can’t spare space in the textbook to tell those stories, there certainly is no space to further hail an American symbol that has been washed down to represent a nonexistent nation that can do no wrong.
Political correctness trumps exclusion By Cole Cahill Staff Writer Presidential candidate Donald Trump has brought political correctness to national attention. He recently said that he “doesn’t have time for political correctness,” and that “this country doesn’t have time, either.” People are now speaking out nationwide, labeling political correctness as “language policing” and claiming that it serves no purpose. These recent advocates don’t represent the noble cause that they claim; in fact, they represent ignorance and a general lack of understanding of the concept of political correctness as a whole. Without political correctness, phrases like “retard,” “slut,” and “anchor baby” reduce incredibly important conversations to jokes and name calling. An intense negative connotation turns these words, which are descriptions of perfectly acceptable
characteristics, into insults. Whether or not they are used to put down people who fall under the descriptors doesn’t matter; they load words that should be harmless with negativity, and project the idea that being any one of those things is wrong. Instead of fostering a meaningful dialogue about issues like immigration, gay rights, and women’s rights, these politically incorrect terms serve to offend masses for no apparent gain. Simple offense, however, is not the worst of the problems. There are important conversations to be had and shared with the groups of people that are marginalized by political incorrectness. By bringing language that directly demeans individuals into impor tant conversations, political incorrectness immediately send the message that they are not welcome. Such phrases shut already oppressed groups of people out of valuable discus-
sions entirely, because the discussions themselves are dehumanizing. Political incorrectness is not harmless; it further pushes out those who are already being disregarded. It completely eliminates a whole range of voices from the very issues that need their input. Under the First Amendment, it is your right to say “that’s so gay.” But that has no relevance in deciding whether or not the phrase should be tolerated socially. The answer is that it should not; such language hurts individuals, groups, and this country. Strides can’t be made forward if we are still using racial slurs daily. They can’t be made forward if we demean minorities with every opportunity we get. It will take effort to make adjustments to everyday language. It will take time. But not only is it courteous, it is necessary to a healthy democracy. Check yourself and make the change––it’s well worth the benefits.
B
ravo to every girl
who who tried out for the Rose Court “just, like, as a joke.” Uh huh. Sure.
B
ravo to Commissioner of Clubs Cameron Waters for being better than the last guy.
B B
to Icebreaker. Not even D.J. Bonk’s sick beats could save it.
oo
ravo to the Royal Ball; nothing says “Royal” like vomit on the bathroom floor.
8 Tiger - Wednesday, September 23, 2015 Club Rush
Origami
Club Rush
Smash
Smash Club is a brand new club at SPHS for the 2015-2016 school year, headed by president Waynedon Duaso. The club is for both gamers and non-gamers alike, where they can play nostalgic games, such as Smash Brothers, in a friendly environment. At Club Rush, many students were seen flocking around their old-school computer on display. Duaso is looking forward to meeting the new members in the upcoming year. “I really love the sense of community I get from watching all the people who are signing up,” Duaso said. “It’s really great to see.”
“I gained an interesting perspective from being in a club. It was great to see all the freshmen signing up this year because it reminded me of how much fun I had in my club the first year, and having that enjoyable experience makes me want to encourage more people to join clubs.” –Jisu Kim (11)
Titus
Titus Club, best described as a mini TedX experience for students, is looking forward to a new year. The club gathers weekly to discuss values of life, while incorporating Bible teachings. Led by senior president James Song and senior VP Justin Burger, members talk about ethics and morals in the Little Theater. The club also hosts teacher speakers occasionally; Mr. Whitney and Mrs. Pearson have both spoke to the members of Titus, performing talks ranging from religion to human value. The group have dubbed their meetings as “intellectual experiences” and are enthusiastic for their next discussion.
For one day a year, the many diverse clubs from around campus gather under one roof to tell prospective members about their missions and goals. But with so many booths at the event it is hard to know which clubs are best for you. Here are four clubs you might have missed of at Club Rush.
Page by: Tucker Judkins & Michael Stukan Text by: Olivia Chiu, Nick Michael, Kevin Park, & Riley Segal Photos by: Tiger Photographers
CLUB RUSH
The Origami Club strives to merge new types of art and community service. President Rachelle Jin hopes to raise money for hospitals and charities by selling artwork made by club members. She was inspired to start the club after discovering how interesting origami could be and wants to introduce the unique form of art to the school environment. The Origami Club is optimistic about its plans for the upcoming year. “I hope a lot of people find it in themselves to join,” Jin said. “I want it to be successful and I hope we can make a name for ourselves.”
“Club Rush was very overwhelming because there were so many options in terms of clubs to sign up for, but I think it was a good thing because it gave me lots of opportunities to be involved with the school. I signed up for multiple clubs and look forward to meeting the different types of people in each one.” –Jessica Lopez (9)
Book
The book club, created by juniors Paloma Carmel Strong and Ella Wilson, is dedicated towards creating a place where SPHS students can talk about literature.The pair hopes to create the first successful Book Club in recent SPHS history. “We want to open the members’ minds to explore new books and genres, and to discuss the philosophy behind the author’s message,” Strong said. The club welcomes all students, especially those with a love of reading, which will be held every Thursday at lunch in room 317.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015 - Tiger
9
10
TIGER - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2015
Feature
Feature
Out and About The annual South Pasadena Moon Festival will be held on Saturday October 3rd at the Library Community Room and Park from noon to four o’clock. Stop by to celebrate and enjoy fluff ice, a noodle eating contest, and traditional Chinese performances of all kind. Admission is free! /Isabel Barbera
Black Mass depicts the dark minds of crime By Ross Lelieur Senior Staff Writer 4/5
Nina Acebo
GIVING BACK: 14 SPHS seniors have begun to prepare for Outdoor Science School, a weeklong sleepaway camp designed to provide hands-on science experience for fifth graders.
Seniors prepare for Outdoor Science School By Declan Chin Staff Writer The Outdoor Science School trip for fifth grade classes has been a source of lasting memories for the entire South Pasadena School District. Now, 14 seniors have the chance to pay it forward and return as counselors to Monterey Hills Elementary School’s OSS trip next week. Teachers, counselors, and students will travel to Malibu on September 28 and return on October 2. “I was definitely scared for the interview, but the fact that it was as a group took a bit of pressure away from it,” senior Alexa Esler said. “The teacher who interviewed us was very friendly and made the process a
lot easier. I am so excited that I was chosen and am looking forward to the experience.” Although most students participate for the week off school spent poking around hiking trails and observing tidepools, some have special reasons for applying. “I want to do some form teaching in the future,” junior Sungyool Park said. “I feel like getting the experience of working with kids could be very valuable to me in helping me choose a focus.” There is minimal training for counselors at Outdoor Science School. In the group interview, conselors were asked specific questions to ensure that they knew how to respond to situtions.
Also, each SPHS counselor will receive a packet of information and a brief orientation when they arrive at the camp, before having five to nine kids assigned to them each. This leads many counselors to have certain fears going into the week away from school. “Last year, there were a series of injuries throughout the week. By the end, almost one kid from every cabin was hurt,” returning conselor senior Isabelle Edens said. “There is a smaller number of counselors going this year, so I hope we can work extra hard to prevent what happened last year from happening again.” Arroyo Vista and Marengo Elementary will have their OSS trips staggered throughout the school year.
Black Mass is amongst the first of the grittier fall and winter films. Its thematic elements and style are a far cry from what audiences have become used to over the past few months. Black Mass performs well when taken as a refresher from the quality-parched summer months. However, as an early contender for the awards season, the film falls short, delivering on quality filmmaking but lacking in innovation or closure. Black Mass is a dramatization of the life of James “Whitey” Bulger (Johnny Depp), a South Boston crime lord who forms an alliance with FBI agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton). The story follows Whitey as he eliminates loose ends, expands his enterprise, and plays the FBI, as John Connolly turns a blind eye to Whitey’s activities in order to gain enough intelligence to take down the Italian Mafia. (see pg. 13)
forbes.com
Personality Profile: Chira Løvvik By Vaughn Hueslman Staff Writer When you first take a glimpse of junior Chira Løvvik, her blond hair, striking blue eyes, fair skin, and short stature clue into her identity as native Norwegian. But behind her distinctive looks and soft accent, she masks her tremendous musical talent. Chira began her musical journey at seven, when she first picked up a clarinet. She found the instrument to be quite boring, however, because she could not express herself fully. Chira turned to the piano which allowed her to create melodies as well as write and perform vocally. When listening to one of her original songs, “Polar Nights,” you can hear a warmth and authenticity in her voice, providing a comforting contrast to her emotional and raw lyricism. When explaining the lyrics Hana Tyszka behind the piece, Chira said, “It’s Junior Chira Løvvik is currently transitining from the “Polar me telling myself that I’m going to Nights” of her native Norway to SoCal summer and stop signs. make an effort to improve things
instead of waiting for them to become better by themselves.” She writes her songs in English, but this is only one of the three languages Chira speaks fluently. Although she primarily speaks her native Norwegian at home, she chooses to compose her music in English, feeling that it separates her music from herself enough for her to analyze her emotions and understand herself better through a different lens. Chira’s passion is influenced by her father, who was a professional musician for a while, but eventually decided to become a physicist. His choice to change his career would later result in his employment in the Caltech physics department and with it, the family’s temporary move to Southern California. “I’ve always lived in the same place, my family is very important to me, and we’ve always spent a lot of time together,” Chira said. “Also, since Oslo is so small, my friends were always really
close, geographically. My friends from the other side of the city were only a 30 - minute bus ride away.” She has adapted well to South Pasadena, with her few frustrations being the excessive number of stop signs and the strangeness of America’s slow-flushing toilets. She is enrolled in SPHS’s choir and dance classes, and hopes to venture into string instruments and take lessons for guitar, in order to broaden her musical abilities. She has also found time to socialize in her short time at the high school. “She’s sweet and has a really warm personality,” junior Sara Bellusci said. “It’s sometimes funny to have conversations about certain things because of the cultural barrier or there are words that don’t translate so we have to try and explain.” Uncertain of where her musical journey will take her, Chira will continue to express her experiences and insights artistically through her music.
wednesday, september 23, 2015 - Tiger
Feature
Gold Line Metro Stops: 1. Mission Station 2. Little Tokyo/Arts District Station Get off the Metro, and walk for ten minutes towards Winston Street By Brandon Yung Staff Writer It was in the middle of a bike ride through downtown LA when I first encountered the mural on Indian Alley. The unmistakable style of the legendary street artist Shepard Fairey immediately grabbed my attention. The picture was massive, an image depicting a young man with his hand around a horse accompanied by the words, ‘We are still here.’ The mural was part of a themed art presentation that occupied the walkway, coined Indian Alley. After a relatively quick trip
downtown, I recognized the familiar equestrian. Behind an iron gate safeguarding the alleyway, it was clear why the place was called Indian Alley: artwork depicting Native Americans and commentary regarding their conditions peppered the facades of the buildings adjacent to the sidewalk. I walked up the stairs to the art gallery, owned by Steven Zeigler, and asked him if I could take a look around the alley and he gave me a welcoming affirmative. The artwork was engaging, depicting a mixture of traditional and contemporary Native American imagery. The alley told a collective
Tucker Judkins
story of an oppressed but vigilant group. Steven explained the history of the alley, of its Skid Row origins and its subsequent conversion into a Native American rehabilitation center. While walking around the murals, I asked him what he wanted for people to take away from the artwork. “I want people to recognize and respect all the history and people that have been in this place before them, to walk away with a greater respect of the native people’s struggles in this city,” he said. I sat on the train on my way back home that evening, the picture of the boy with his horse occupying my thoughts.
Tucker Judkins
Ygritte from Game of Thrones
Bela Haye Tatiana Karme-Scalisi
funmozar.com
11
Forgotten residents By Sandra Moore Staff Writer This Friday marks Native American Day, a holiday exclusive to California and North Dakota.Yet this date does little to honor many tribes, including the Hahamongna Native Americans, the tribe that once inhabited the lands of Pasadena and Glendale before the San Gabriel Mission was built. The Hahamongna Native Americans (pronounced: hahHAH-mow-gnaw) were a small group of Tongva Native Americans that lived behind the modern Jet Propulsion Laboratory in what is now known as the Hahamongna Watershed Park. Hahamovic was the name of the tribal chief and extended to the rest of the tribe. This is not ancient history; South Pasadena coexisted with the Hahamongna, and our first governor, Governor Portola, smoked the peace pipe with Hahamovic in 1770. However, not many know of their existence. Even the Hahamongna Watershed park contributes to this general ignorance; though named after the Hahamongna, there is no informational center or sign mentioning the origins and history behind the name. And if there does happen to be some informational plaque, it’s impossible to find, only emphasizing the lack of awareness. Julia Bogany, a respected Tongva tribal elder and Cultural Affairs officer of the Tongva nation, describes California’s history as erasive of the Native Americans that lived there. With the arrival of the Spanish, the Hahamongna were christened with a new, more Catholic-friendly name: Pascual. This led to the Hahamongna tribe also being called the Pascual Indians and the Pascualites. The Tongva have also been referred to as Gabrielinos, a name also deemed more Catholic. “Gabrielino is the name that a priest gave us. Some people still say it, but in the middle of the 90’s some started going back to Tongva, which translates to ‘people of the earth,’” Bogany said. The Tongva nation, unlike some other Native American tribes, are only state-recognized and therefore lack the medical benefits and allotted lands that federally-recognized Native American tribes receive. However, over the past few decades, awareness of the Tongva nation has slowly increased. “Arcadia’s Gold Line Bridge features baskets that honor the Tongva Native Americans. Some schools have started to teach children in fourth to sixth grade about the Gabrielinos and take them to murals around LA,” Bogany said. “I myself teach at the Claremont Colleges about the Gabrielinos. All of these have helped raise awareness.” Though students are not taught about the Hahamongna tribe in elementary, middle, or high school, resources to educate oneself about the tribe that used to live here are prominent. The annual Acorn Festival hosted in Claremont and the Gabrielino (Tongva) Museum and Culture Center in downtown LA both celebrate the Hahamongna people. UCLA professor Pamela Munro is helping revive the language by maintaining a Facebook page where she posts a new Tongva word daily (Tongva Language). The Hahamongna, and therefore the Tongva nation, is integrated in our culture and our history. It’d be a shame to let that all fade away.
Personality Profile: Addison Foord By Sammy Park Staff Writer It is hard to picture the quiet Addison Foord acting in front of crowds. But as soon as he steps onstage, the reserved freshman transforms into an animated, enthusiastic character, with dramatic facial expressions and rhythmic dance moves. Since his debut in the fifth grade musical Guys and Dolls, Foord has been hooked to the spotlight. He acts professionally with a goal to save as much money as he can for college. But financial gain is not Foord’s only motivation to act. “There is just something about putting yourself on the line. Acting for me is not just about reciting memorized lines to people. It is about facial expressions, cadence, tonality,” Foord said. “People think of acting as easy and nonchalant, but it is actually about vulnerability and opening yourself up to an audience.” Foord’s wide repertoire of roles has accumulated due to his relentless auditioning. His experiences
have led to him to new characters and scripts, as well as eccentric directors. Foord recalls his most kooky audition as the afternoon he spent discussing the California raisin with a casting director. These oddities lend themselves to interesting anecdotes, but also have created an aspect to acting that Foord appreciates. The thrill of success he receives when getting cast makes auditions his favorite part of the experience. But this excitement is coupled with nervousness. Due to the unlikeliness of getting a role, Foord combats his apprehensiveness with inspirational music and meditation. At middle school DTASC (Drama Teachers Association of Southern California), Foord was cast as a dead person. He spent the perfomance as a spirit staring into his casket. This unusual credit led to anxiety, but when he embraced the dramatic role, he was able to focus on the character and provide a solid performance. However, Foord steps out of his character shoes and into soccer cleats. Foord plays soccer around
seven hours a week, and he takes his sport very seriously. He can be spotted speeding across a field as a center defender for LA Premier, a club team based near Los Angeles. His favorite position of center defender add to his leadership qualities, and he stresses the importance of team communication when playing. Foord juggles acting and soccer daily, but also manages to squeeze in socializing time. “When I first met Addison in fifth grade, his kindness to others no matter the circumstances was the primary thing I noticed about him,” teammate and friend Henry Barbera said. “Of course, the second thing was his nice hair, sharp jawline, and his charismatic spirit.” Foord’s acting qualities benefit his education. His favorite courses are English and Speech and Debate, the two classes that allow him to fully express himself. “I like being a leader and public speaking,” Addison said. “The Stephanie Kim things I do are just a reflection of what I enjoy. Acting and soccer are Freshman Addison Foord’s last performance at SPMS not only fun, but a part of who I am was spent clad in a leather jacket, cast as Danny Zuko.
TIGER - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2015
Feature
A different kind of sex ed
The Visit lacks horror, but presents solid acting environment help to construct the film’s eerie ambiance. On top of that, the found-footage style contributes to the horror aspect of the film. These establishing shots and the overall presentation showcase Shyamalan’s directing talent. Another great aspect of the film was the strong performance given by the grandmother (Deanna Dunagan). Dunagan’s role as a psychotic old lady provides an amusing balance of horror and comedy. The children also gave solid performances, with Dejonge playing the leader of the siblings, and Oxenbould offering moments of comic relief. However, one fault of the movie is that it doesn’t entirely
By Nick Michael & Noah Miyame Tiger Staff
By Olivia Nouriani Opinion Editor The first time I learned about sex in school was in the seventh grade. Most students within SPUSD share a similar experience. My Life Science teacher was well-meaning. She emphasized open dialogue and the value of knowledge. There are key concepts, however, that today’s education system leaves out. There are students-high schoolers who are 16, 17, even 18 years old-who are entirely uneducated when it comes to this topic. And if we’re honest, it’s incredibly important; sex plays a huge role in teenage and young adult lives. So, here are some of the things we don’t learn in school: 1) Sex can be many, many things. In some classes, “sex” is defined by vaginal intercourse. Not only is this outlook ignorant of an entire range of sexual acts, but it promotes heteronormative values. Regardless of your opinion on same-sex marriage and relationships, there is no denying that gay sex happens. Learning that sex is between a penis and a vagina leaves students uneducated and increases the likelihood of unsafe sex. 2) Abstinence-only education has been off the table in California for years. In some classrooms, however, it’s been replaced with similarly limited perspectives on sexuality. Many teachers seem to deliver the message that abstinence is the best option. They address sex as a last resort, and give students information on safe sex to prepare them for the “worst case scenario.” This invalidates the reality that sex can be the right decision for many teenagers. It demeans students who are already sexually active and scares students who want to be. This “Sex Ed” is not inclusive. It promotes an agenda. 3) When discussing sex in class, the emphasis is almost always on safety. This is incredibly important and should continue to be a focus of sex education. However, what’s missing is a dialogue about having positive sex. Pleasure is almost never brought up, and pleasure is important. There is an entire population of high schoolers who have never heard of the clitoris, a sex organ that plays a large role in female pleasure. Positive sex is balanced; all partners benefit as equally as possible. Positive sex is respectful. Most importantly, positive sex is consensual. It is totally okay to have sex if people desire it, and totally okay not to have sex if you don’t. There are legitimate reasons to engage in and to abstain from sex - the only thing that’s not okay is to try to impress your opinions on who/when/where/why/with whom to have sex on the people around you.
3/5
M. Night Shyamalan has had one of the most varied careers of any notable director today. From classics such as The Sixth Sense to disaster films like After Earth, he’s been credited with it all. His newest film, The Visit, was heavily advertised on the internet, leading to high anticipation from people around the country. And, to the surprise of many, the film doesn’t disappoint. The Visit tells the story of two siblings, Becca (Olivia Dejonge) and Tyler (Ed Oxenbould), who visit their estranged grandparents for the first time. In the beginning, the grandparents seem normal, but soon the kids start to notice peculiarities around the house. Becca, an aspiring documentarian, turns a blind eye at first, but Tyler is convinced that something is wrong with their “Na-Na” and “Pop-Pop.” Eventually, after days of suspicious behavior, the two agree that their grandparents have a problem and decide to investigate further. From the beginning, the film is aesthetically pleasing. It is well-shot, and organized in a stylistic manner. Often, there are bare images of the surrounding
rack.3.mshcdn.com
An isolated cabin, impressive acting, and sweeping shots of a barren landscape generate much needed suspense in the otherwise not so scary flim.
// teacher profiles //
Page by Michael Stukan Text by Isabel Barbera & Sandy Grossman & Nick Michael Pictures by Hana Tyszka & Stephanie Kim & Matt Scholtz
Mr. Patrick MacFarland //
Mr. Mark Afram // Mr. Patrick MacFarland arrived in LA a mere two days before the beginning of school. He made the journey from his hometown of San Diego to our humble hamlet of South Pasadena in order to teach Spanish at SPHS. But this short road trip is far from the most arduous excursion he has ever taken. MacFarland’s love of travel has taken him all over the world, from Mexico to Germany in his quest to see the world. He even attended school in Europe after receiving his bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University.
fit into the horror genre. Unlike true horror films, The Visit lacks especially scary scenes. Shyamalan does a solid job of building suspense throughout the film, but only a few times does he actually cash in on that suspense. For the majority of the movie, cheesy jokes ruin the feeling of tension that was developed so well. Moviegoers looking to be thoroughly spooked will want to consider a different film. The Visit has its ups and downs, but is ultimately a fun experience. Fans who expect to experience a true horror movie will most likely be disappointed, but others will enjoy it thoroughly. At the very least, the strong acting makes the film worth the visit.
Yes, the rumors are true: beloved AP Lang teacher Mark Afram has returned to SPHS. After a two year hiatus teaching at both Los Gatos High School in the Bay Area and local La Cañada High School, Afram has decided to return to the only place he feels at home - SPHS. Since his move in early summer, Afram has spent his days moving into his new home, running daily, and frequenting one of his favorite restaurants, La Grande Orange.
Mrs. Elizabeth Delacy //
12
This year, one of the new faces in the math department is Mrs. Elizabeth Delacy. Delacy is heading into her fifth year of teaching, with previous work experience at Lancaster High School and at LAUSD. So far, she has thoroughly enjoyed her experience at South Pasadena High School. “It’s a really nice school,” Delacy said. “The math department is really fun, and so far the kids seem sweet and eager to learn.”
“I did my masters at the International European Center and I recently graduated with a masters in European Union studies,” MacFarland said.
But as the school year begins, Afram could not be more ready to jump back into working with students. Originally an advertising major at UC Berkeley, Afram did not always want to be a teacher. Only after substitute teaching to pay the bills did Afram realize his passion for teaching.
Whether he is teaching in a classroom or traveling the world, Mr. MacFarland will bring passion to whatever he does.
“I remember thinking if I can enjoy the worst “I look forward to getting to know the culture job in education then it’s probably a good fit,” of the school, and getting involved with school Afram said. pride,” Delacy said.
Outside of work, Mrs. Delacy’s interests include architecture and politics. In her spare time, she enjoys playing squash and travelling. At SPHS, she anticipates the coming year with great anticipation.
Feature
wednesday september 23, 2015 - Tiger
13
Gray water offers a clear solution By Cole Cahill Staff Writer There is a sign that reads “Lawn and gardens maintained exclusively with grey water” in front of a house on Oxley Street here in South Pasadena. It advertises a number to call for questions and concerns regarding gray water. On the other end of that line is Norbert Rozanski, an SPHS alumnus who has been in the know about gray water and the water crisis in California years before it was trending. Gray water is the process of collecting and reusing water from non-harmful sources such as showers, washing machines, and almost anything besides dish or toilet water. This water is repurposed for lawns, washing cars, filling up pools, and more. By this point, it would be safe to assume that the vast majority of Californians are aware of the severe drought our
state faces. The larger Los Angeles Area has experienced water cutbacks, introduced evaporation-preventing balls into its reservoirs, and been barraged with roadside reminders to cut back on water usage. However, even the best efforts at conservation are playing a small role in the big picture of the water shortage. Rozanski has owned a gray water system in his home for over a decade, and boasts degrees in engineering from UCLA and the University of Berlin. He began his career developing more efficient coatings for reservoirs, and has been working with gray water since the early 1990s. He now installs gray water systems and is an expert in water usage in California. “If all of us just saved our laundry water, the LA River would be filled up to the brim completely, and we could water everything,” Rozanski said. According to Rozanski, gray water is not the only step that needs to be taken
to combat the drought. “Even if it rained two, three, four months, it’s not going to solve the drought, it’s only going to be a temporary fix. Then we would go right back to the same cycle we had before. Gray water is still only just a stepping stone to extend the bandaid required to supply a city [with water] which always gets more people.” Although this recycling system saves huge amounts of water, it is not without its drawbacks. When widely used, it can diminish sewage flow; if collected improperly it can be contaminated, and in many cases it cannot be stored for over 24 hours. This gray water movement spearheaded by Rozanski is impressive on a small scale, but in the long run, not completely effective. In order for conditions to truly improve, changes must be made on a larger scale through legislature, conservation projects, and industrial adjustments.
Installing a Gray Water System INSTALLATION: Households that utilize gray water must switch to sulphide and phosphate-free cleaning products. Typically, a gray water system consists of an alternative water line on a shower, washing machine, or other clean source that leads to a barrel as opposed to the sewer.
COST: The whole installation process rarely costs more than $1500. Furthermore, houses that use gray water typically see their bills cut at least by half — many see 300 gallons of water being collected each week. Tucker Judkins
Black Mass depicts the dark minds of crime (cont. from pg. 10) On the positive side, Black Mass is excellently executed. Its cinematography and editing are performed with style, but the quality of its writing is ultimately what enraptures audiences. Woven throughout the film is a dramatic juxtaposition of Whitey’s psychopathic murders and brutal violence, and the tender care and affection he shows toward his elderly mother and young son. Connolly is also written well, with his motivations blurred into a murky blend of loyalty to his roots, a sense of justice, and a lust for fame. Depp himself deserves commendation for returning to more complex roles, after an extended stint as a whimsical pirate and an unemotional AI. Bulger is a psychopath driven by a desire to succeed at all cost, a persona difficult enough to impersonate. Depp has the additional burden of truly unnerving and intimidating the audience, a task he pulls off with great success. However, Black Mass is not extraordinary. Its story, which is forced to stay close to actual events, is necessarily wandering. It is defined by Whitey’s sequential murders, without any overall goal or story arc. As such, the movie ends without a sense of finality, as if little actually occurred within its runtime. Black Mass’ quality writing and excellent acting contribute to an overall positive impression of the film, although its genre necessitates a somewhat dull storyline. Still, as a spearhead for the more impressive films sure to follow later in the fall and winter season, Black Mass serves its purpose well.
14
Sports
Tiger - Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Caitlyn Yamashita By Ryan Nakamura Staff Writer Junior golfer Caitlyn Yamashita has consistently proven her importance to the girls’ varsity golf team. Yamashita, who grew up in South Pasadena, said her parents’ support helped her advance in her golfing career and personal life. Yamashita has been an integral part of the team since joining varsity her freshman year, averaging one under per match.
“Caitlyn is really dedicated to golf,” junior Emily Swanson said. “She puts in countless hours so it’s no surprise that it shows in her game.” Yamashita, a co-captain this season, hopes to lead the Tigers to the team’s eighth consecutive undefeated season and league championship. “I want to keep up the tradition of being undefeated league champions. This’ll be our eighth year so it’s a lot of pressure but I think we can do it,” Yamashita said. With 11 years of golfing experience, Yamashita has shown her ability on the course, playing in a multitude of clubs such as the San Gabriel Valley Junior Golf League and the First Tee of Pasadena. “[In golf,] you have to be really honest, especially because there are no refs or officials unlike other sports,” Yamashita stated. “If you mess up, you have to tell your opponents that you’ve made a mistake [and] you have to take action for yourself and just be a leader on the field.” Yamashita plans to continue her golfing career in college by playing Division I golf at USC. In her free time, Yamashita enjoys listening to music, and playing video games.
9/22 SPHS v. Alhambra Tucker Judkins
Yamashita reveals unfaltering confidence every time she steps on the course
Michael Partida
9/15 SPHS v. Azusa
9/3 SPHS v. Westridge
35 strokes 36 strokes 35 strokes over 9 holes over 9 holes over 9 holes
By Alex Nakagawa Online Managing Editor Senior Michael Partida’s father introduced Michael to the sport of football at the age of four. However, basketball was surprisingly Partida’s favorite sport throughout his childhood. Even so, Partida’s natural ability to throw the football growing up didn’t go unnoticed by many of his coaches, to which he now dedicates three years of his varsity high school athletic career. “I have been playing football for 13 years now, and I believe that it has made me a strong individual with a great mindset and great work ethic,” Partida said. “It has always been my own little sanctuary for when times got rough.” Partida’s poised nature on the field contributes greatly to his ability to lead all 41 of his teammates every Friday night. In three games, Partida has culminated 366 passing yards, as well as seven allpurpose touchdowns. Partida’s prowess was especially on display last Friday, when he passed for 191 passing yards and three touchdowns against Glendale. “The quarterback’s responsibility is to show no fear,” Partida said. “It’s all about the team, and to get everybody focused and on-task. I practice hard every day so that I can get the team going, and I think I’ve done a good job in setting an example. We spend so much time together that we get along very well.”
Partida’s determined attitude during games is what makes him so special to his teammates, who will look to him for guidance as the team begins its league season on Friday, October 9 against La Cañada. “[Michael] is a student of the quarterback position,” coach CB Richards said. “The thing I am most proud of is his growth as a leader. Leadership is his most valuable asset, along with a strong desire for himself and his teammates to give their best in practice or games.”
Matt Scholtz
Partida’s love for football contributes to his individuality and work ethic.
Girls’ tennis showcases promising preseason By Noah Miyamae Staff Writer The varsity girls’ tennis team has exceeded expectations throughout preseason play. Most recently, the girls were victorious at Schurr High School, topping the Spartans on Tuesday, September 22, by a score of 14-4. This game provides an excellent sample for what to expect in the upcoming Rio Hondo League Season from girls’ tennis. The team came out swinging from the
Brian Kojima
Round has defeated all of her preseason opponents so far in dominant fashion.
beginning, winning four of six in the first series of matches. Sophomore team captain Molly Round was victorious by a score of 6-3 in her first game. Freshman Shannon Huang overtook her opponent with barrages of backhand shots down the line, winning by a score of 6-3. Junior Anya Nicolaides rounded out singles performances in the first games with another promising victory. The girls improved their overall performance as the game progressed, following a sloppy start for some. Collectively, the squad dominated by winning ten of the last twelve. Round claimed victory in her second set by placing a memorable backhand volley to finish a clean sweep of her opponent. Sophomore Emma Childers and junior Phoebe Moffett played together for the first time as doubles partners. The two girls proved that they possess strong talents especially when they are paired up. They won all three of their games, bringing out a clutch performance in their second set, breaking a tie by a score of 7-6. The Tigers have the daunting task of facing the La Cañada Spartans at home on Thursday, September 24, to kick off their Rio Hondo League season. The Spartans have been historically tough opponents for the Tigers as South Pas finished third behind La Cañada last season. Nonetheless, the Tigers look to bounce back with vengeance. One thing is different for this year’s squad, since a dynamic training regiment has enhanced the team’s overall performance. The new coach has emphasized the importance of conditioning and weight training to ensure a strong performance for the entirety of matches. Onlookers can expect a thrilling competition between these two teams when they square off. “I am really proud of our overall preseason performance after putting in so much hard work,” Round said.
Sports
Wednesday , September 23, 2015 - Tiger
15
JV Football JV Football is prepping for league season with a 2-1 record in preseason. The team’s first loss came to La Salle High School on September 3 with a score of 6-21. “Aside from that one loss, our goal is to go undefeated this season in league and boost ourselves into varsity,” sophomore Matt Walker said. After claiming a 47-0 victory against Glendale High School last Thursday, and beating Hoover High School 41-0, the Tigers are filled with confidence. Their next game is at home against Alhambra High School on Thursday, September 24.
JV Boys’ Water Polo While the varsity boys’ water polo team has looked very impressive to start off the new season, the junior varsity team has looked just as good, if not better. The team has won all four of its games so far this season, showing great talent and teamwork. “We have great team chemistry,” sophomore Alex Fonseca said. “It’s almost like a family between us. That communication has translated into us playing well.” The team’s next game is on Thursday, September 24, at home against Pasadena High School.
JV Girls’ Volleyball The JV girls’ volleyball team has a record of 5-2 in preseason play, losing only to Mayfield Senior High and El Rancho High School. The Tigers are confident that they will bring the skills they have gained from their preseason matches into league play. “We’re going to be a really strong team to compete against. Our outside and middle hitters have been doing a great job, and our serving is solid,” sophomore captain Veronica Pallares said. “We just need to improve on our serve-receives.” The JV squad will face Temple City High School on the road for the first league game as the Tigers look to establish a strong start to the regular season.
JV Cross Country JV Cross Country began its season on Friday, September 19 with a strong performance at Woodbridge Invitational. The Tigers raced in the White division by grade level. While the girls’ teams were not ranked as a group due to a lack of runners, freshmen, sophomore, junior and senior boys placed ninth of 34, 10th of 34, 13th of 24, and ninth of 20, respectively. Notably, freshman Elizabeth Bock finished at 19:39, freshman Maÿlis Whetsel at 20:24, and sophomore Maddy Engelsman at 20:02 to individually place first, eighth, and third, respectively, in each of their races.
Tucker Judkins
Junior Jalen Ross stiff arms a Glendale defender while pushing for first down after an impressive catch. Ross gained a total of 120 receiving yards and scored one touchdown to help the Tigers achieve a 51-21 win against the Nitros.
Football continues to impress during preseason By Ryan Nakamura Staff Writer The football team is confident in finishing its preseason undefeated, as the Tigers currently stand at a record of 3-0 after Friday’s 51-21 win against the Glendale Nitros. Everything went as planned for the Tigers on Friday, when they took the lead in the first half and never looked back. Senior quarterback Michael Partida led the offense with 191 passing yards and three touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Max Luck had seven receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Junior Jalen Ross
opener. The Tigers opened the season on the road against Santa Clarita Christian in a climactic 31-28 win back in September 5. “We’re all brothers and we all just want to have fun,” senior linebacker Anthony Bakhshi said. “I’m positive that we’re going to be the strongest team in Rio Hondo.” The Tigers hope to continue their success against Alhambra High School away on September 25 at 7:00 p.m. “We are well-aware of our tough schedule ahead of us,” head coach CB Richards said. “This recognition fuels our desire to continue to work hard and improve everyday.”
Girls’ golf emerges as powerhouse By Kevin Park Staff Writer After leaving with an effortless win last Tuesday against the Azusa Aztecs, girls’ golf capped its fourth straight win this Tuesday with a victory against the Alhambra Moors. The Tigers’ record now stands at 4-0 overall and 2-0 in league. The girls cruised to an easy 214-255 win this Thursday, September 22 against Alhambra high school. Junior co-captain Caitlyn Yamashita and senior co-captain Christine Abbott finished with scores of 35 and 46, respectively, helping the Tigers top the Moors. The team’s 195-290 blowout win on September 15 against Azusa high school marked its first league win of the 2015-
2016 season. The Tigers’ first and second preseason wins came on September 1 and September 3 against Polytechnic and Westridge, respectively. The girls’ historic regular season undefeated streak is now at eight years. Coach Goto has played an integral role in their success, bringing South Pasadena all eight Monteview League championships and rebuilding this year’s young team back into a winning golf squad. “We have looked really strong so far. Our wins can be attributed to a positive attitude and years of practice,” Abbott said. “Even though we have three new starters to the team, everyone has been able to coexist and feed off of our playing partner’s momentum to maintain SP’s tradition of a superb golf program.”
Tucker Judkins
Junior Clara Wong gathers her focus to swing for a victory against Westridge.
XC gears up for league race By Isabel Barbera Staff Writer
JV Girls’ Tennis The girls’ junior varsity tennis team has reinvigorated itself with a new coach, Karlos Huschke-Favela, and many new players. The girls had a preseason record of 5-3-1, with many ups and downs. However, this young group, with four sophomores, has greatly benefited from the experience and will be ready to compete with Rio Hondo League opponents. The team will begin league play on Thursday, September 24 at La Cañada.
accounted for Partida’s third touchdown pass and attained 120 receiving yards of his own. Not to be outdone, the Tigers’ runningback committee racked up 285 total yards with senior Jason Takarabe contributing 159 yards and a touchdown. Senior fullback Christian Carter allotted 75 yards with two touchdowns as well. The South Pas defense allowed 232 total yards in comparison to the 526 yards acquired by the Tigers on offense. Luck recovered a botched Nitro snap, and Ross tallied an interception. The previous week, South Pas sent the Hoover Tornadoes home in a 44-6 rout on September 11 in the Tigers’ home
Hana Tyszka
Cross Country is looking toward its experienced seniors for leadership this season.
Boys and girls’ cross country kicked off its season on Friday, September 18 with a successful first race at the Woodbridge Invitational in Orange County Great Park. There, the boys took 5th out of 22 in their divison, and the girls took 7th out of 21. Individually, the Tigers performed exceptionally well. Rising as a new varsity star, junior Kieran Press-Reynolds surpassed his personal record by 1:30, achieving a time of 15:38 to come in tenth out of 150 and first for his team. In the girls’ race, senior Emily Ye achieved a personal best time of 18:33, placing seventh out of 154 and first for her team. The Tigers are set to compete in
their first Rio Hondo league race today, September 23 at La Crescenta Valley Park. Based on the Woodbridge results, there are a few expected changes in the team roster. JV runners junior Robert Steele, freshman Elizabeth Bock, and sophomore Maddie Engelsman are likely to make the move up to varsity. Those getting moved downward may return to the varsity squad for future races. Though the race today promises tough competition from both San Marino and La Cañada, the Tiger runners are feeling confident about the outcome. “Last year, San Marino took advantage of our young squad and stole the league crown,” Press-Reynolds said. “This year, in addition to the plethora of conditioned returnees, we have a bunch of new talent, and I truly do foresee us dominating the season.”
Sports
Wednesday , September 23, 2015 - Tiger
15
JV Football JV Football is prepping for league season with a 2-1 record in preseason. The team’s first loss came to La Salle High School on September 3 with a score of 6-21. “Aside from that one loss, our goal is to go undefeated this season in league and boost ourselves into varsity,” sophomore Matt Walker said. After claiming a 47-0 victory against Glendale High School last Thursday, and beating Hoover High School 41-0, the Tigers are filled with confidence. Their next game is at home against Alhambra High School on Thursday, September 24.
JV Boys’ Water Polo While the varsity boys’ water polo team has looked very impressive to start off the new season, the junior varsity team has looked just as good, if not better. The team has won all four of its games so far this season, showing great talent and teamwork. “We have great team chemistry,” sophomore Alex Fonseca said. “It’s almost like a family between us. That communication has translated into us playing well.” The team’s next game is on Thursday, September 24, at home against Pasadena High School.
JV Girls’ Volleyball The JV girls’ volleyball team has a record of 5-2 in preseason play, losing only to Mayfield Senior High and El Rancho High School. The Tigers are confident that they will bring the skills they have gained from their preseason matches into league play. “We’re going to be a really strong team to compete against. Our outside and middle hitters have been doing a great job, and our serving is solid,” sophomore captain Veronica Pallares said. “We just need to improve on our serve-receives.” The JV squad will face Temple City High School on the road for the first league game as the Tigers look to establish a strong start to the regular season.
JV Cross Country JV Cross Country began its season on Friday, September 19 with a strong performance at Woodbridge Invitational. The Tigers raced in the White division by grade level. While the girls’ teams were not ranked as a group due to a lack of runners, freshmen, sophomore, junior and senior boys placed ninth of 34, 10th of 34, 13th of 24, and ninth of 20, respectively. Notably, freshman Elizabeth Bock finished at 19:39, freshman Maÿlis Whetsel at 20:24, and sophomore Maddy Engelsman at 20:02 to individually place first, eighth, and third, respectively, in each of their races.
Tucker Judkins
Junior Jalen Ross stiff arms a Glendale defender while pushing for first down after an impressive catch. Ross gained a total of 120 receiving yards and scored one touchdown to help the Tigers achieve a 51-21 win against the Nitros.
Football continues to impress during preseason By Ryan Nakamura Staff Writer The football team is confident in finishing its preseason undefeated, as the Tigers currently stand at a record of 3-0 after Friday’s 51-21 win against the Glendale Nitros. Everything went as planned for the Tigers on Friday, when they took the lead in the first half and never looked back. Senior quarterback Michael Partida led the offense with 191 passing yards and three touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Max Luck had seven receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Junior Jalen Ross
opener. The Tigers opened the season on the road against Santa Clarita Christian in a climactic 31-28 win back in September 5. “We’re all brothers and we all just want to have fun,” senior linebacker Anthony Bakhshi said. “I’m positive that we’re going to be the strongest team in Rio Hondo.” The Tigers hope to continue their success against Alhambra High School away on September 25 at 7:00 p.m. “We are well-aware of our tough schedule ahead of us,” head coach CB Richards said. “This recognition fuels our desire to continue to work hard and improve everyday.”
Girls’ golf emerges as powerhouse By Kevin Park Staff Writer After leaving with an effortless win last Tuesday against the Azusa Aztecs, girls’ golf capped its fourth straight win this Tuesday with a victory against the Alhambra Moors. The Tigers’ record now stands at 4-0 overall and 2-0 in league. The girls cruised to an easy 214-255 win this Thursday, September 22 against Alhambra high school. Junior co-captain Caitlyn Yamashita and senior co-captain Christine Abbott finished with scores of 35 and 46, respectively, helping the Tigers top the Moors. The team’s 195-290 blowout win on September 15 against Azusa high school marked its first league win of the 2015-
2016 season. The Tigers’ first and second preseason wins came on September 1 and September 3 against Polytechnic and Westridge, respectively. The girls’ historic regular season undefeated streak is now at eight years. Coach Goto has played an integral role in their success, bringing South Pasadena all eight Monteview League championships and rebuilding this year’s young team back into a winning golf squad. “We have looked really strong so far. Our wins can be attributed to a positive attitude and years of practice,” Abbott said. “Even though we have three new starters to the team, everyone has been able to coexist and feed off of our playing partner’s momentum to maintain SP’s tradition of a superb golf program.”
Tucker Judkins
Junior Clara Wong gathers her focus to swing for a victory against Westridge.
XC gears up for league race By Isabel Barbera Staff Writer
JV Girls’ Tennis The girls’ junior varsity tennis team has reinvigorated itself with a new coach, Karlos Huschke-Favela, and many new players. The girls had a preseason record of 5-3-1, with many ups and downs. However, this young group, with four sophomores, has greatly benefited from the experience and will be ready to compete with Rio Hondo League opponents. The team will begin league play on Thursday, September 24 at La Cañada.
accounted for Partida’s third touchdown pass and attained 120 receiving yards of his own. Not to be outdone, the Tigers’ runningback committee racked up 285 total yards with senior Jason Takarabe contributing 159 yards and a touchdown. Senior fullback Christian Carter allotted 75 yards with two touchdowns as well. The South Pas defense allowed 232 total yards in comparison to the 526 yards acquired by the Tigers on offense. Luck recovered a botched Nitro snap, and Ross tallied an interception. The previous week, South Pas sent the Hoover Tornadoes home in a 44-6 rout on September 11 in the Tigers’ home
Hana Tyszka
Cross Country is looking toward its experienced seniors for leadership this season.
Boys and girls’ cross country kicked off its season on Friday, September 18 with a successful first race at the Woodbridge Invitational in Orange County Great Park. There, the boys took 5th out of 22 in their divison, and the girls took 7th out of 21. Individually, the Tigers performed exceptionally well. Rising as a new varsity star, junior Kieran Press-Reynolds surpassed his personal record by 1:30, achieving a time of 15:38 to come in tenth out of 150 and first for his team. In the girls’ race, senior Emily Ye achieved a personal best time of 18:33, placing seventh out of 154 and first for her team. The Tigers are set to compete in
their first Rio Hondo league race today, September 23 at La Crescenta Valley Park. Based on the Woodbridge results, there are a few expected changes in the team roster. JV runners junior Robert Steele, freshman Elizabeth Bock, and sophomore Maddie Engelsman are likely to make the move up to varsity. Those getting moved downward may return to the varsity squad for future races. Though the race today promises tough competition from both San Marino and La Cañada, the Tiger runners are feeling confident about the outcome. “Last year, San Marino took advantage of our young squad and stole the league crown,” Press-Reynolds said. “This year, in addition to the plethora of conditioned returnees, we have a bunch of new talent, and I truly do foresee us dominating the season.”
16
Sports Tiger - Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Sports
Upcoming sports games Thursday: Boys’ Varsity Water Polo @ Pasadena @ 3:30 P.M. Thursday: Girls’ Varsity Tennis vs La Cañada @ 3:30 P.M. Friday: Football @ Alhambra @ 7:00 P.M.
Jung Su’s Views Bouncing back from hardship By Jung Su Park Sports Editor
Stephanie Kim
Junior Nick Madrigal eyes the target to add onto the 18-2 rout the Tigers showcased against Ramona High School.
Boys’ water polo looks stout heading into league action By Nick Michael Staff Writer The varsity boys’ water polo team played five games in two days over the weekend in the Los Altos Water Polo Tournament. The boys won three of the five, and finished in sixth place out of the 32 teams that entered the tournament. “We faced the best teams around, and it was a good learning experience. We did better than we did last year, and we hope to do even better next year,” junior Robert Decker said. The team looks to maintain such success in the weeks to come, with league play creeping close. The boys have just two more non-league games, against Pasadena High School and El Rancho High School. On Tuesday, October 6, the Tigers will face the
Temple City Rams in the Rio Hondo League opener. The team’s season has been excellent so far. The boys won seven of their first ten games, and two of their three losses came against Montebello High School, a team that advanced to the Division III CIF Finals last year. However, it is not the losses that stand out this year, but the wins. At one point in the season, the Tigers had outscored their opponents 63-9 over a three game stretch. All of the boys’ wins have been by significant margins, most notably the 23-1 beatdown of Mark Keppel High School on September 3. Last year, the boys did not fare so well in league play, finishing with an unsatisfactory record of 3-5. However, the new squad is looking significantly better. The team chemistry seems to have improved greatly, which has led
to more wins. And the boys expect to continue this in league play. “Our hard work during the offseason has really paid off this year,” junior Spencer Gurley said. “We are hoping for eight wins in league play, and we want to develop our skills.” The team’s next game is on Thursday, September 24, away against Pasadena High School. The boys will be without one of their key players, as junior DJ Myer received a one game suspension for an illegal foul in the previous game. Despite the setback, however, the Tigers are confident that they can still play at a high level.
9/15 9/19 9/18 SPHS v. SPHS v. SPHS v. Montebello Ramona Glendale 7-18 L 18-2 W 19-7 W
Girls’ volleyball cruises past Div. I La Salle in straight sets By Riley Segal Staff Writer The girls’ volleyball team beat the La Salle Lancers on the road in three sets yesterday, with scores of 25-22, 25-23, and 25-16. The Lancers, a Division 1AA team, provided a challenge to South Pas, but the Tigers came out on top. The Tigers and the Lancers stayed even throughout the first and second sets, with the home team leading before the Tigers managed to catch up and maintain the lead. Junior Kate Kutzer fueled the Tigers’ lead, but the Lancers’ defense kept the score close. Though La Salle had fairly consistent hits throughout the whole game, junior Maddy Hirano kept the Lancer attacks from reaching their targets. Junior Molly Feldmeth and senior Taleen Mitchell produced powerful kills more often in the second and third sets. The deafening roar of the Tiger fans put the Lancers on edge, causing La Salle to make many errors. Towards the end of the match, the Lancers fell apart and South Pas was able to win 25-16 in the third set.
“This game was unbelievable. We were just so connected throughout the game, and the support we got was amazing,” Kutzer said.” The Tigers have performed exceptionally well in preseason play with a record of 7-1, and the team will be a dangerous competitor in league if it continues with such a high level of play. League season kicks off
on Thursday, October 1, in an away matchup against Temple City. “Considering that La Salle is a Division 1AA team and we’re a Division 2AA team, I am sure that we will be phenomenal in league,” Feldmeth said. “Such intense competition is also going to help us immensely for CIF because this is the level of play we’re going to see.”
The most important aspect of going through a disheartening experience is gaining valuable lessons that enable the use of the challenge as a stepping stone to reach something greater. Victorious with a dominating score of 21-3 in the Rio Hondo League season finale against La Cañada in November of last year, the varsity football team earned the third and final spot in the RHL standings, seizing a CIF playoff berth for the first time in 11 years. After controlling the pivotal moments of the game, the Tigers celebrated their notable accomplishment that no other South Pas football team has achieved since 2003. However, allegations that the Spartans’ practices were filmed revoked the opportunity. The celebratory Tigers returned to their home field only to find out about the unfortunate news. They were devastated, as their hard work all season long seemed to go down the drain. Nonetheless, the varsity squad has worked diligently to return even stronger instead of letting disappointment negatively impact their performance in the current season. The Tigers have valued the power of resilience since then, solidifying their willingness to do whatever it takes to win and make the South Pas community proud. Such signs of endurance within the team are evident. Under the new coach C.B. Richards, players have been stepping onto the field in Monday and Wednesday mornings from 5:45 am to 7:00 am. These special committments do not exempt daily after-school practices from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm. The team’s strong-willed efforts have been paying off so far as the energized group of Tigers firmly stands on a 3-0 record. This story of how the football team turned the tides around is incredibly inspiring. The Tigers’ reactions, unwavered by the blemishes from the previous season, denote their new sense of motivation to achieve a more successful season and deeper playoff campaign, as well as provide profound insight to the world both in and out of athletics. Endeavors contain possible routes to failures, but those threats should not bother us as Tigers. We are more than capable of transforming any resulting setbacks into supplements that boost us to analyze different perspectives and approaches for a chance at redemption.
[inside]
Matt Scholtz
Girls’ volleyball is in high spirits after closing the preseason with an impressive 7-1 record. The squad looks to carry the momentum to the regular season.
Tucker Judkins
Football and XC look to carry over strong performances to RHL play. page 15