04.08.09 by The Westlake Arrow

ARROW

THE

VOLUME XXXI, ISSUE 8

Westlake High School

100 N. LAKEVIEW CANYON ROAD, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91362

APRIL 8, 2009

New ASG Board Gets The Vote “With our past experiences in ASG, I believe we will do a great job in our An all-female positions,” said the ASG cabinet will president-elect. lead the student body The new board into the next decade. members said they are Miranda Fang ‘10 as most excited to “work ASG President, Erin on homecoming week Apregan ‘10 as Vice festivities, especially the President , Katherine half-time show at the Pincus ‘10 as football game.” Secretary, and Molly Fang said that she Norling-Christensen is “anticipating a win ‘10 as Treasurer. at spirit night next year ASG’s newly under my presidency, elected board was especially since this voted in by students year we laid such a during the week of great foundation for a March 16-20. win.” Fang won All candidates the vote for ASG have had experience in President and said leadership roles before, she felt “so honored either in ASG or as part to be voted into my of their class board. position.” Fang was Fang said her Sophomore and Junior victory was the Class Secretary and result of “lots of hard Student Recognition work,” including THE PRESIDENT AND HER CABINET: Erin Apregan, Miranda Fang, Katherine Pincus, commissioner; Apregan painting artistic and Molly Norling-Christensen are beginning to plan for next year’s activities. was Sophomore posters, hanging and Junior Vice flyers all around President and Rally She also wants to recognize students the school, and campaigning by speaking at several club and clubs more, by “holding luncheons commissioner; Pincus was Junior Class and sending out grams to congratulate President; and Norling-Christensen was meetings throughout the election week. Fang said that she hopes that with them on doing well in school and helping election commissioner. The four juniors “want to be role her candidacy she can “communicate in our community.” Except for Fang, the other candidates models for the students at Westlake, and better with the student body and inspire lots of school spirit,” said Fang. ran unopposed. administration.” KATELYN SMITH STAFF WRITER COURTESY PHOTO

A Final Salute to Touchdown Toner JESSICA AECK STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY CARINA WOLFF

A WHS alumnus was killed serving his country in Afghanistan on March 27. Frankie Toner ‘01 former football player and homecoming king was shot by an insurgent dressed like an Afghan soldier. Toner was a navy lieutenant. He attended Merchant Marine Academy on a full scholarship and was in the Navy as a garrison engineer, helping the U.S military train Afghan soldiers. He was scheduled to arrive home on Wednesday, April 1 on leave to visit his wife. He served a total of five months in Afghanistan. Recently, Toner and his wife attended a Westlake football game and visited with his former Westlake football coach, Jim Benkert. Toner was the star running back for the championship football team when he graduated in 2001. Benkert got the news of his tragic death from a former football player. As he said in the Ventura County Star, “I heard a rumor, and I called his aunt, hoping it was just a rumor, but she confirmed it.” When Toner was applying to the Merchant Marine Academy, Benkert recommended him. “He was one of the best our society has to offer,” Benkert said. “He is, he was, one of those special kids who come around once in a lifetime.” Spanish teacher Robert Hay was another teacher who thought highly of him, teaching Toner for three years. “He was well-behaved and well-liked by everyone. I was shocked, especially when I found out he was coming home soon, “ said Hay. According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, Toner spoke of his time helping train the Afghan security forces with pride and excitement. Toner’s wish was to be buried in the Arlington National Cemetery.

WHS Earns Distinguished School KATIE ROUGHAN STAFF WRITER

Westlake High School has once again been awarded the title of a California Distinguished School, officially on April 1. Visiting various classrooms, the distinguished schools committee, evaluated the school for the award on March 25, . The school was awarded the Distinguished School title before, but with the newly announced recognition, administrators and faculty are preparing for the next stage. The award paves the way for the school to seize additional opportunities, such as the coveted National Blue Ribbon. The committee was given a prepared

schedule, which highlighted certain elements WHS wanted to showcase. During the visit the committee mainly focused on the common planning time, the W.I.T. Academy, the ELD program and the after school tutoring programs. All of these programs make the school unique in contrast to other local high schools. The main purpose was to validate that teachers, staff, and students work together. The committee saw the school in operation focusing on not just these programs, but the school overall. “It (the award) reemphasizes some of the great things we do here at Westlake. . . We know Westlake is a great school but it is nice to hear,” said Assistant Principal of

Instruction Steve Lepire. With the positive feedback from the committee after their visit, they unofficially commended Westlake for their impressive commitment to education, and the quality of the school. “I want to congratulate every single staff member of Westlake High School for the hard work that they put in every day to make this award possible. You deserve it,” said Lepire. In a District e-mail CVUSD Superintendent Mario Contini congratulated all six secondary schools (which included the other high schools Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks), for the Distinguished School recognition.

IN THIS

ISSUE

NEWS..................................1-2 OPINION..............................3-5 HEALTH..................................6 FEATURE...........7-9, 13,15, 17 ART .................................10-11 FASHION..............................12 ENTERTAINMENT................16 SPORTS..........................18-20

Jessica Clark ‘12 aspires to become a professional NASCAR racer. See PAGE 8

Mrs. Schlehner cuddles with her eight month old yorkie, Codie. See PAGE 17

Juniors Danny Nieves and Christian Yelich remain cornerstones in the baseball season. See PAGE 20

NEWS

April 8, 2009• THE ARROW

Coull Embraces New Roles

IN BRIEF Instrumental Music to Hold Annual Spring Concert

AARON DEMSETZ ASHLEY CHANG STAFF WRITERS

JSA to Attend Spring State Convention

COURTESY PHOTO

English Department Chair and new father Greg Coull has become a hot topic in the halls of WHS. While recently receiving a Teacher of the Month award for February, Coull is also the happy father of Taylor Jane Coull, his baby daughter, born on Feb. 11. Just as most award winners and fathers must feel in the situation, Coull says that he is “tired, but excited.” After teaching for seven years, Coull consistently provides a dynamic learning experience for students. This is just one of a myriad of reasons Coull was awarded the Ventura County Teacher of the Month Award. Upon winning the award, the first thought passing Coull’s mind was that he “didn’t deserve it because there are so many great teachers at this school that could have won it.” He finds it unfortunate that schools are going to lose a portion of their valued teaching staff. On March 13, reduction in force (RIF) notifications were handed to 18 WHS teachers. “I’m saddened by it,” said Coull. “We have a lot of teachers and wonderful people who won’t have jobs.

WHS Instrumental Music Department will be holding its annual Spring Concert on April 29 and 30 in the theater at 7 p.m. The orchestra will play on April 29 and the band will perform the following night. Admission is free.

DADDY’S LITTLE GIRL: New father Greg Coull (with Taylor) was recently named Teacher of the Month for February.

The bottom line is that with layoffs, students are also negatively affected and that hurts us all.”

Superman Jin Takes Home the Gold JARED ERMAN STAFF WRITER

Dance Team Gets into the Groove at Nationals

SASHA LEWIS STAFF WRITER

Although the Dance Team did not repeat as Grand National Champs, it still brought home several awards, including a first place in Character dance and two fourth places in Small dance and Officers. In order to make it to Nationals, the team went to two Regional competitions to make sure they would qualify as many dances they could at Nationals. “Preparing was definitely stressful and exciting leading up to it,” said Lindsay Meade ‘10. Only five dances are allowed at Nationals from each dance team, so Hip Hop was left behind. The girls took five of their dances to Anaheim Convention Center and competed all of Friday and Saturday. The competition is divided into two categories consisting of “Open” and “Championship.” Qualifying for the “Championship” category lets the team compete to be scored to see if they are able to continue onto the Finals. If the dance was scored to be place into the “Open” category, then the team can still continue onto Nationals. Westlake was lucky to have four

dances under “Championship” and one dance in “Open. “ Its Flamenco piece was placed in Open Character and ended up receiving first place in the category. Their other four dances (Lyrical, Intermediate, Officers, and Small) all qualified for Championship. From there two of the team’s dances made it to Finals, which took place late Saturday night in a massive arena. The two dances that made it into finals were Officers and Small dance, both of which received fourth place in the whole competition. Alex Imperato ’10 and Rory Platt ’09, performed their solos at Nationals. Imperato placed 4th place under one category called “Super Dancer” and Platt placed in the top 20 under “Championship.” “The best part of the weekend was dancing in the finals on the big arena floor in front of everyone at the competition. It was such a great experience that I will always remember since it was the last time I will ever compete,” said Platt. The girls now have their 2008-2009 Dance Team Showcase to look forward to on May 16. See dance team members for tickets.

WHS Offers “AP Cram Slam” for Students ASG is sponsoring an event called the “AP Cram Slam.” The event will be held on Saturday, May 2 and is designed to boost student’s confidence and get any last minute questions answered. If any teachers are interested in volunteering a few hours to come help out, contact Eszter Boldis ‘11 at boldis_eszter@hotmail.com.

Wexler Chosen as Boys State Representative Dillon Wexler ’10 has been selected as the Boys State representative from WHS. Nominated by American History Teacher Matthew Baldwin, he will be spending a weekend this summer in Sacramento creating a mock government to further his interest in politics. Adam Raudonis ’10 was chosen as runner up. COURTESY PHOTO

Who’s smarter than a 5th grader as well as all the math competitors at the State Academic Decathlon finals? Tony Jin ‘10, representing the WHS Academic Decathlon team, swept through the competition, earning three medals in Sacramento March 13 to 15. Jin took home the mathematics gold with a perfect score, uprooting Moorpark’s gold medalist. In addition he earned silver medals in economics and social science, “To do well, you have to be wellrounded, not just focused on one area,” explained Jin. “Aca Deca gives me a chance to demonstrate my strengths, as well as to improve my weaknesses.” Jin’s peer Sam Wexler ‘10, along with many other students, perceives Jin as a “super-genius.” The fact is, however, that Jin simply enjoys math and has since childhood. “I remember doing Algebra in second grade,” he explained. “In sixth grade, I skipped two grades worth of math.” Jin now teaches himself concepts that are not included in the school curriculum,

such as Number Theory and Combinatorics. While Jin does not consider himself the “average teenager,” he feels that nobody can be considered average. “Everyone has innate talents and should work to achieve his or her own potential,” he said. Jin spends much of his time doing volunteer work and teaching others. “I help at the Agoura Hills Library, and I am a teacher’s aide at the Thousand Oaks Chinese School,” he said RENAISSANCE MAN: Tony Jin earned Jin is also a member of a gold medal in math at the State AcaSouthern California’s Ameri- demic Decathlon finals in Sacramento. can Regions Math League (ARML). He hopes to be a mathematician or a physicist in the future. “Math is a good way to get into college,” added Jin. The team returned from Sacramento after finals, with a respectable finish. Moorpark High School once again earned the top spot as State champions.

The Westlake JSA chapter will attend the annual Spring State Convention from April 24 to 26 at the LAX Hilton. Participants will listen to guest speakers, attend the political fair, and engage in political debate. State and regional elections will also be held with several WHS members running for positions in next year’s cabinet.

ASG Sponsoring Blood Drive ASG will hold a blood drive on April 21 in the WHS mezzanine from 6:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.. Everyone older than 16 can participate. A Donor Permit, available in English classes or the library, must be signed by a parent or guardian. For more information, visit www.unitedbloo dservices.org.

OPINION

April 8, 2009 • THE ARROW

Would a Tax on Marijuana Reduce America’s Debt? Pro JESSICA KANE COPY EDITOR

Alcohol and tobacco cause a total of 520,000 deaths a year. The total number of deaths caused by marijuana? Zero. With these statistics, it is difficult to understand why we allow the sale and distribution of tobacco and alcohol, when on the other hand, there is so much controversy over the brewing legislation to legalize marijuana in California proposed to stimulate the economy during this rocky crisis. By taxing each ounce sold at a $50 fee, CA could rake in an estimated $1.3 billion dollars a year. Currently, marijuana is CA’s biggest cash crop, responsible for $14 billion dollars a year in sales. This completely outnumbers the state’s second agricultural commodity, milk and cream, which only brings in $7.3 billion a year, according to USDA statistics. The bill, described above, was introduced by Democratic state assemblyman, Tom Ammiano, who claims that “the state of CA is in the toilet. I feel that the issue of the decriminalization, regulation and taxation of marijuana fits that bill.” If Ammiano’s legislation is passed, the Marijuana Control, Regulation and Education Act would give CA control of marijuana in a manner similar to that of alcohol while prohibiting its purchase by citizens under age 21, similar to alcohol sales. The legalization of marijuana would in no way deem hard drugs permissible but could instead be the jump start needed to recover from the recession. In 1996, CA was one of the first states in the U.S. that legalized medical marijua-

Con na, and the $200 million in sales would be subject to taxing. However, John Lovell, lobbyist for the CA Peace Officers’ Association, believes that we do not need to be monitoring and worrying about “yet another mind-altering substance,” and that “we have enough problems with alcohol and the abuse of pharmaceutical products.” Few realize the huge expenses used to control t h e sale

and use of marijuana, and the average saving could preserve jobs, help businesses, and keep families from bankruptcy. Orange County Superior Court Judge James Gray, a longtime proponent of legalization, said, “we couldn’t make this drug any more available if we tried. Unfortunately, every society in the history of mankind has some form of mind-altering, sometimes addictive substances to us, to misuse, abuse of get addicted to.”

CONRAD WILTON SPORTS EDITOR

Perhaps it is the heat of the economic crisis or from spring fever, but numerous individuals are not thinking rationally regarding the legalization of marijuana. A seemingly flawless solution to the economic mess, the legalization of marijuana possesses two faces—one of apparent financial bliss and the other of real moral corruption. Is it really necessary to sacrifice the morality and health of Americans in order to reap only small and fleeting financial benefits? Although the government will enjoy some monetary success due to taxation, the decision to legalize the drug would eventually backfire. According to an indepth study performed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, for every pack of tobacco sold, it costs an extra $7.18 in increased health care costs and lost worker productivity in the long run. In Illinois, where this experiment took place, the base tax rate for a pack of cigarettes is 98 cents, hardly enough tax money to recoup the financial cost incurred because of cigarette use. Therefore, the government is not able to counter the total cost of tobacco use through product taxation making

THE WESTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL

True Acts of Heroism:

“Where have all the good men gone”? ANNIE GERLACH STAFF WRITER

Chad Lindsey, a 33-year-old Off Broadway actor, did not expect a reallife role in the spotlight to come his way while waiting for a subway in New York City. Yet on a Monday afternoon not too long ago, Lindsey miraculously rescued another man who had fallen onto the tracks in the face of an oncoming train. However, the story does not end there. Because just as police and paramedics reached the scene of the accident, Lindsey was already boarding another train, escaping the notice of onlookers and authorities and slowly returning to the hustle and bustle of the big city. Here is a young actor trying to make it big onstage, a man who would obviously bask in a bit of well-earned publicity. Yet on an ordinary day in an extraordinary situation, Chad Lindsey selflessly chose modesty and anonymity over fame and recognition. How many of us can say that about our own lives? How many Americans can truly reflect such altruistic decisions? We as a country are living in the midst of a stardom frenzy; we thrive on the sagas of celebrities and glorify in the worn-out repetition of petty gossip. I for one can barely walk through the supermarket without noticing Brangelina or Miley Cyrus plastered to the covers of tabloids, and it is almost impossible to watch the evening news without hearing some bizarre blurb about Nadya “OctoMom” Suleman.

We strive too much for notoriety, try too hard to achieve those beloved 15 minutes of fame. And yet, in the midst of all that struggle, we forget what it actually means to be famous in the eyes of others. We forget what it actually means to be a modern-day hero. A hero is someone who stands by in

the face of adversity and applauds in the midst of accomplishment. A hero is someone who never stops encouraging others to always do their best. A hero puts another’s needs above his own and never stops to think twice. A hero dedicates time, strength, courage, and wisdom in order to enrich and better another life. So what are some everyday acts of heroism? The sacrifices of our parents, the choic-

it unrealistic to think that legalizing marijuana will provide the government a net increase in tax revenues in the distant future. In addition to the economic aspect, legalizing marijuana has social consequences as well. As expected, the youth is the leading consumer, by far, in the marijuana market today. Consumers of marijuana also tend to get involved with other more damaging substances, creating a domino effect. Marijuana is dubbed the “gateway drug” because of this. Like second-hand smoking, marijuana has the potential for not only injuring its user but innocent bystanders as well. The most obvious example of this is car accidents. A medical website reports users under the influence of marijuana who are more likely to lose control of a vehicle, for they display signs of clumsiness and disorientation and should therefore not be permitted to operate machinery in this condition. The history of legalizing marijuana is not encouraging. Street Smart Prevention reports that when both Canada and the Netherlands legalized the substance, its usage rose 44% among Dutch 18-20 yearolds, and Canadians witnessed the highest usage rates in 25 years. Switzerland also saw the experiment backfire as crime rose dramatically. In Ireland, according to the Sunday Post, the number of children treated for mental disorders linked to marijuana quadrupled. History has spoken and in the past, the decision to legalize marijuana has not paid dividends. No matter how bad the economic situation, the safety and wellbeing of Americans should be first and foremost.

es they make every single day in order to ensure that we live full and wholesome lives even when they could not. The unconditional love from our families, boundless love which continually exceeds capacity. The camaraderie that bonds us to our closest friends and strengthens rather than severs with every passing year. The lessons from our educators, lessons in which we learn multiplication, proper essay structure. These are simple acts which we bear witness to every day. And these are the signs of true heroism, rather than dwindling fortune or a battered social status. Those whom we admire should not be glamorous celebrities preserved in a glossy magazine. Our mentors should be those who have had a profound impact on our lives, those who influence and shape us and inspire us to succeed. Often times we are so caught up in Hollywood hearsay that we forget to appreciate the unforgettable effect of the heroes in our own lives. But stories such as Chad Lindsey’s fill us with new hope, and open our eyes and hearts to the heroes all around us. Cartoon By Kabir Nakargatti.

ARROW

100 N. Lakeview Canyon Road Westlake Village, CA 91362 (805) 497-6711 ext. 4225 westlakearrow@yahoo.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jimmy Moore MANAGING EDITOR Soumya Karlamangla COPY EDITORS Jessica Kane, Carina Wolff ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR Tiffany Loh NEWS EDITORS Kayli Miletich, Katelyn Smith OPINION EDITORS Kylie Blaber, Nikki Fay, Iris Yan COLUMNIST Robert Dillon FEATURE EDITORS Lisa Battaglia, Alannah Bradley, Bianca DiGuiseppe, Justin Edwards CENTER Kabir Nagarkatti Dashiell Young-Saver ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Kelley Biggs SPORTS EDITORS Alessandra Catanese, Dena Gallucci, Conrad Wilton CARTOONIST Vivian Shi ADVERTISING MANAGER Rachel Bernstein ADVISOR Caron Battaglia STAFF WRITERS Jessica Aeck, Makenzie Carlston, Jacob Cavanah, Ashley Chang, Aaron Demsetz, Frank Duan, Jared Erman, Stella Fang, Annie Gerlach, Allison Montroy Alex Nutkiewicz, Marika Price, Travis Rice, Katie Roughan, Tori Scoville, Sofia Talarico, Sam Wexler The Arrow is written, designed and run by the students of the Advanced Journalism and Journalism 1CP classes at Westlake High School and is published monthly. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the Conejo Valley Unified School District, Westlake High School administration, faculty, or student body. We welcome feedback. Letters must be signed by the writer, though names can be withheld by request in the publication. Please send submissions to Mrs. Battaglia’s box in the main office or to Room 42E. For The Arrow online, visit www.whswarriors.com and click on Arrow under the Activites menu.

OPINION

Robert’s Reality The College Quest

April 8, 2009 • THE ARROW

The Universal Healthcare Debate Pro

Should all eligible United States citizens receive free healthcare or should the current employer-based system stay?

Con

ROBERT DILLON STAFF WRITER

IRIS YAN OPINION EDITOR

It seems as the school year begins to wind down, academic pressure has only increased. Students are more and more frantic about grades, extracurricular requirements, community service, etc., all of their minds focused towards one goal—college. This pressure about college creates a collectively anxious state of mind, especially in juniors. This common nervousness does not necessarily translate into comforting solidarity. Instead, there exists a sense of competition. When a classmate asks you about your grades, it’s rarely ever purely out of friendly curiosity. It’s a means to compare each other and gauge your place in the rat race. Cutthroat competition is disheartening and works against educational goals. The shared pressure can be more divisive than uniting. The competitiveness has no chance of going away in the current economic climate. Universities’ funds are shrinking and many colleges are cutting enrollment. Even great students who hope to stand out in their applications may be glossed over by admissions officers who are forced to think in terms of numbers and costs instead of in terms of people and opportunities. But if there is any wisdom I can offer about the college quest, it is this: The narrow-mindedness of the college quest is dangerous. There has been laid out one right path to a good college. We are all very familiar with it—good grades, high test scores, extracurricular activities—but the reality is it may not be the right path every student wants to follow. Some students may choose to wait a year before entering college or enter the job market after high school. In our enormous numbers, we are like millions of sheep being herded through a single small gate. Our existence is restricted to a single purpose at the expense of free time, friends, family, and other aspects of our lives that hold immense importance for us. The rhetoric and ideas promoted by people like “college experts” often mislead and monger fear too. Their notions of “what colleges are looking for” are vast, varied, and can lead people to rely on them too heavily. People can think irrationally and jump to conclusions like, “my B in 10th grade math ruins my college chances.” Something to avoid is the course people take when they participate in community service solely for the resume boost. Their self-service is not for the noble cause of charity, but for the selfish cause of ensuring admission to college. For me, it has been difficult to look beyond all this college tumult into the vague realm of “the future” and see the point of it all. Why is this ridiculous selfsacrificial college quest such an integral part on the lifelong road to happiness? Is this the fabled American Dream? To give the effort of a lifetime and get into the college you want? Who knows? All I know is that a college education can become a reality for anyone who puts his mind to it, but this quest should not consume his life. There must be a way to enjoy high school and work hard to get into a favorite college. I just have not had time to find it yet.

In the universal healthcare argument, this is the bottom line: the government has a responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of its citizens. Ingrained in our nation’s founding documents is the idea of government promoting the common welfare. Then why is the United States the only wealthy industrialized nation without a universal healthcare system? Unfortunately, 15.3% of the population, or 45.7 million people, remain without health insurance. Countless suffer each year because they are unable to afford necessary treatments. As a result, America has a lower average life expectancy than countries with universal healthcare like Australia, England, Canada, and Sweden, and average infant mortality rates have been higher than those of the European nations. In fact, the World Health Organization has ranked America’s healthcare system below other countries’ universal systems. Implementing a universal system will provide financial backup for families supporting a member with a chronic condition. These families can be at ease knowing their finances will not be wiped out by accrued medical costs. In addition, taxes may not be raised, as so many opponents of universal healthcare fear. The U.S. spends more per person on healthcare than any other nation. Eliminating administrative costs will cut healthcare costs dramatically, and can be accomplished with a nationalized system. Nationalized medicine could also take the burden of providing healthcare off of employers struggling in the economic recession. Business could be stimulated and citizens could appreciate the promise that in turbulent economic times, their healthcare will be guaranteed. The reasons for a universal healthcare system in the United States are obvious. It would include improved scope of care, business stimulation, and government money saved. Most of all, it is the fulfillment of a nation’s age-old promise for the welfare of its citizens.

The term universal health care, the system that all industrialized nations except the U.S. have utilized for their citizens, simply will not be beneficial for the United States. In a poll by ABCNEWS/Washington Post, 62% versus 32% are in favor of universal health insurance over the current employerbased system. However, to those 62% that may be unaware of the inadequacies of the system, it will be simply unfeasible. For a majority of countries, universal health coverage, once implemented, significantly debases the quality of medical care. In Sweden, the wait for heart surgery can be as long as 25 weeks, and the average wait for hip replacement surgery is more than a year. In Britain, another country with universal health care, the Department of Health reported in 2006 that nearly 900,000 Britons were waiting for admission to National Health Service hospitals. These shortages force the cancellation of more than 50,000 operations every year. Thus, the idea that everyone will be covered with universal health care is in truth a fallacy. On March 26, Obama emphasized that universal health insurance systems like Canada’s would not work in the United States. Implementing the system in the United States would be a tremendous challenge to politicians, employers, and working Americans alike, he said. The Obama administration seeks to streamline the existing employer-based system. The real danger is that our national obsession with universal coverage will lead us to neglect basic reforms—enacting a standard health insurance deduction, expanding health savings accounts, and deregulating insurance markets—that could truly expand coverage, improve quality, and make care more affordable Theoretically, universal coverage seems to be a clear remedy to our problems, but the harsh reality presented by countries that currently implement it has shown that it is only a means to lower our standard of quality health care.

Illegals Unfairly Pay Lower Tuition CONRAD WILTON SPORTS EDITOR

In the midst of great economic turmoil, the task of paying inflated college tuitions is becoming burdensome for numerous qualified seniors, except if one is an illegal immigrant. The Immigration Act, enacted 14 years ago, states “an alien who is not lawfully present in the United States shall not be eligible for any post-secondary education benefit.” In other words, students residing in the United States illegally do not pay in-state tuition at a state university because they are residing illegally in that state. This law was passed to prevent immigrants without citizenship from getting free passes. The State of California was the first of nine states to openly ignore the act and permit illegal aliens to attend public colleges and universities at in-state tuition rates while charging out-of-state students a fortune. After several years of this, California universities suddenly faced opposition. According to the Los Angeles Times, many lawsuits have been filed against the UC system. The plaintiffs in these cases alleged they were being charged higher tuition and fees than undocumented immigrants and the UC system has thereby violated federal law.

The cost difference between in-state and out-of-state tuitions is significant. Out-of-state undergraduates face tuition fees up to $46,000 while college bound illegal immigrants get billed discounted amounts ranging saving them thousands of dollars. This practice is not only unjust, but also unconstitutional; it violates both the equal protection clause and the privileges and immunity clause. In response, the UC system has reported that “they don’t really know” how many of its students are undocumented immigrants and can therefore not distinguish between an American citizen and an illegal immigrant. Henceforth, the UC system treats students residing in California illegally the same as those who live here legally, completely ignoring the citizenship status of its applicants. The opposing view to the situation argues that children of illegal immigrants did not choose to enter the United States and can make valuable contributions to society if allowed to continue their studies. But is it really fair to grant those residing in America illegally a substantial advantage over those who are justly here? The in-state and out-of-state tuitions for UC Berkeley are around $31,702 and $46,708 respectively. Ignoring international tuition rates as illegal immigrants originate in foreign countries, simple math reveals that

an out-of-state citizen, California bound, pays considerably more (over $60,000) than an illegal immigrant. Ironically, those paying taxes that finance these institutions are the least likely to reap the benefits. Kris Kobach, a law professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, feels “this is an example of disregarding federal law, undermining law enforcement, and treating U.S. citizens unfairly.” For the college-bound American citizen, these free rides inflict more than one negative side-effect. First, since illegal immigrants often do not pay property or income taxes, citizens are essentially paying for their education. Secondly, these individuals are taking numerous spots that could and should be given to deserving legal residents. “Citizen students have been mortgaging their futures and taking on really heavy student loans,” said Kobach. “Meanwhile, they see aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States getting a massive subsidy from the State of California.” Ira Mehlman, a spokesman for the Federation for American Immigration Reform, claims that California has basically become a magnet that attracts illegal aliens to violate federal immigration law. Considering the above, crossing the line seems more than a smart decision.

April 8, 2009 • THE ARROW

OPINION

Will Conventions Allow Women True Equality? NIKKI FAY OPINION EDITOR

What is a woman’s role in society? Is she the homemaker? Is she the professional, the peacemaker, or the activist? Possibly, women are all of these, but they are not spectators. Women have not watched as people have tried to prove that they are unequal and incapable, but instead they have taken action and proven just the opposite—that women are valuable members of society. Society often recognizes the many minorities that have progressed throughout history and commends them for their many accomplishments. Women, however, do not fall into these categorical minorities, but have been oppressed longer than many of them. Women have gained the right to vote, the right to fight for their country, the right to climb the corporate ladder, but more importantly the right to dream as extensively as everyone else does. But what has it taken for them to get to this point? How long has it taken for women to possess these simple rights? Too long. Women have broken through barriers unlike any other group. They have become some of the most powerful and influential people in the world; nevertheless, it should not be such a highly recognized accomplishment, since they should have always been equal.

Women have overcome the most stifling oppression and have become empowered by reaching beyond stereotypes. We now have women running for president, as the head of companies, as irreplaceable political figures, and more importantly we still have women who are not afraid to continue being typical homemakers. By achieving these positions but also maintaining what used to be the “expected” role of females, women give themselves more power than any female activist could ever have imagined because they have the power of choice. So where do women stand today? Women have successfully proven themselves as completely able to reach any goal that they set. While others have merely been spectators, watching women achieve what no one thought they could, these women have been taking action and changing people’s perspectives. True, sexism still exists in many instances but will not for much longer. Had it not been for this constant oppression and continuous reminder that they once were not equal, women would not be as strong as they are today and many would not have the incredible drive that they do. Women will continue to accomplish everything that they were told they could not.

TIFFANY LOH ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR

officials and managers. In contrast, they account for 80.3% of office and clerical For centuries, women have struggled workers, a phenomenon that many have in the face of oppression to achieve attributed to the age-long “glass ceiling.” Even in education, where young liberty. Born into prejudiced societies, these individuals have long fought women have and continue to outagainst discrimination and have steadily number men in terms of the college population, female students lack sufficient progressed. Although women have broken representation in many fields, most namely barriers, many other obstacles to women’s engineering (20%), math and computer freedom still resolutely remain, and thus, sciences (25%), and physical science (28%). “There are a lot of environmental one could argue that the modern woman and social is not yet fully reasons “liberated.” Venturing into these areas to this trend], [for but Undoubtedly, establish their influence is their also the level some women of expectations such as Hillary first step to true “liberty” for boys R o d h a m and girls are Clinton and different,” said Condoleezza Rice have made a great impact in Miriam Deutsch, an associate professor expanding women’s power. But despite the at Oregon State University. “We have prominence of these individuals, women evolved from a male-dominated society continue to be excluded from politics. where men called the shots for centuries, Currently, only 90 women serve in the but it becomes a culture.” But whether or not women will U.S. Congress (17 in the Senate and 73 in the House of Representatives), and the continue to be seen as inferior ultimately proportion of women in states legislatures comes down to the willingness of this new generation of women to explore fields that is 24.3%. Another field in which women have have traditionally been male-dominated. not overcome the gender divide is the area Venturing into these areas to establish their of leadership in businesses. Although they influence is their first step to true “liberty,” have indeed increased their numbers in the and their contribution to the cause of workforce, women only represent 36.4% of generations of women before them.

What Will Become of ‘Fakebook’ Craze? LISA BATTAGLIA FEATURE EDITOR

Once a teenage girl finds a picture of herself on a day that she has applied more makeup than She thinks people will see her as usual and dressed herself up, she her profile picture. She stays up all purposely puts it as her profile night talking to the most popular guy picture. However, this picture does in school because she cannot talk to not represent her in reality. Every him in person. She thinks that having day she wears a light amount of 184 more “Facebook friends” than her makeup and usually sweatpants, other friends automatically makes jeans on nice occasions. But her her more popular. And the hyperlink Facebook friends see her as her “http://www.facebook.com” is set profile picture; a completely as her homepage. She is addicted to different person compared to who Facebook. she really is. The Weekly Standard claimed that Facebook has become a way Facebook just added its 150-millionth for people to get attention they member and is currently signing up do not get every day. America 374,000 people each day. Facebook is has become a country feasting a social-networking site created five on attention. Every last action years ago, and since then, teenagers we do or word we say is to catch to middle-aged Americans have been another’s focus. Many members signing up to meet new people and have started to substitute working reunite with old friends. with Facebook, and many also get But does America realize that PUT ON A HAPPY FACE: Many people are beginning to even more addicted to the attention Facebook is just another waste of our get the real world and the “facebook world” mixed up. when a person of the opposite sex time? Most of these 10 million people comments on a picture of them are probably addicted to Facebook. saying, “you look hot.” This site has become a replacement to fool his friends into thinking that he is The idea of the competition for how talking to people in person. When people a “hard-core” person with tattoos, but think that their “friends” are people they in reality, he lives with his parents and many “friends” one has is pointless. have only met on Facebook but never in writes comic books at 30 years old. One Facebook should not be a way to measure real life, that is when they have become a could change his real image into anybody a person’s popularity, it should merely be a Facebook fanatic. that he wants to be through Facebook and way to communicate between real people, not their fake personas. A member of Facebook could easily simply live a completely different life.

JESSICA KANE COPY EDITOR

Seven Signs You’re Addicted to Facebook 1. You feel popular when someone comments your photo. 2. You have Facebook “friends” that you have never met in real life. 3. You think “poking” a friend is a valid form of flirting. 4. You think your everyday image is controlled by your profile picture. 5. You realize you have spent the last hour looking at someone elseʼs photos. 6. You check your Facebook daily, multiple times a day. 7. You update your status more than twice a day.

Just Walk Away When Violence Strikes

The photo was circulating the media quicker than anyone could say “domestic violence.” News channels, magazines, and newspapers nationwide displayed the bruised, swollen, and pained face of R&B sensation, Rihanna, who was beaten by her boyfriend of two years, R&B star, Chris Brown. According to the Los Angeles Police Department and Fox News, Brown “allegedly slammed Rihanna’s head against her window…punched her…and put her in a headlock so long that she almost lost consciousness.” The incident occurred just hours before the Grammy’s, at which the two were scheduled to appear, but both cancelled their performances. Chris Brown

was arrested on a felony in connection with domestic violence and posted a $50,000 bail the Sunday of the Grammy Awards. Tyra Banks recently guest appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s Chicago-based talk show, where she recounted an interview she had with Chris Brown in November, 2007. On the show, he had claimed to have witnessed his mother’s boyfriend repeatedly beat her when he was seven years old until he was 13, and said he was so scarred that he wet the bed in fear. “It affected me,” Brown said. “Especially [in my behavior] toward women. I treat them differently.” However, Brown now seems to just be a statistic in the ‘cycle of violence.’ According to casanet.org, “children who witness domestic violence may also learn

to believe that violence and subordination are intrinsic to all relationships, and especially that women are normally subordinate to men.” “Let me tell you why she got back with him, in my opinion,” Oprah Winfrey said. “If you go back with a man who hits you, it is because you don’t feel you’re worthy of being with a man who won’t.” Many were shocked to hear the news, but according to a recent survey conducted by the Boston Herald, almost half of the 200 teenagers surveyed thought Rihanna should be blamed for the abuse, and 44% thought that fighting was a normal part of a relationship. However, the most shocking was that within that 44%, a significant number said that Rihanna was destroying Chris Brown’s career. Fighting may be normal, but biting,

hitting, choking, and punching are not considered normal behaviors when “fighting.” When did abuse and violence become acceptable behaviors in our society? Or worse, when have parents taught their children that it is the victim’s fault that they were being hurt? “Rihanna has enough money to support herself, so she is an idiot to go back to Chris Brown,” said Thomas Ziccardi ‘10. Experts say that for the first time in decades, the prevalence of teen domestic abuse is on the rise. Mirroring the current event, more people are entering and remaining in abusive relationships. This incident is a wake-up call, telling us to start paying more attention to the dangers of domestic violence.

HEALTH

April 8, 2009• THE ARROW

Eat More Food All Day Long Or Eat More than Six Healthy Meals

Eat Three Unhealthy Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

A high-fiber, low-sugar cereal with berries A glass of milk And even add a midmorning snack of a 100 calorie Balance Bar

Bagel with cream cheese Iced coffee with cream and sugar Why is it bad for you? Coffee and a large bagel pile on empty calories and a lot of sugar.

Ham Sandwich with tomatoes and lettuce on rye bread Sun Chips Diet Coke And even add a late after school snack of Wheat Thins with cheese and veggies with low-fat ranch dip

Six piece chicken nuggets French fries Coke Why is it bad for you? Fried food can make you feel tired, drained and bloated.

Dinner

Caesar Salad with chicken Lemonade Why is it bad for you? The Caesar dressing contains the amount of fat that is one-third of your daily allowance.

LISA BATTAGLIA FEATURE EDITOR

Whoever said more is not always better was not referring to food. Studies show that by eating more often, you will get a faster metabolism and will not feel hungry during the day. For breakfast, instead of grabbing a quick sugary coffee and bagel with cream cheese, take the time in the morning to pour a bowl of whole-grain cereal, top it with some berries and add a glass of milk. The cereal gives you a well-balanced meal to keep you full throughout the morning. Also packing a healthy Balance Bar

Homemade cheeseburger on a whole wheat bun Oven-baked French fries Salad And even add a late-night snack of Jell-O fat-free chocolate pudding. for nutrition break will keep you energized until lunch. Stopping by McDonald’s for a quick lunch of chicken McNuggets, medium fries and a medium coke is not the healthiest lunch. The fried, sugary, greasy food can make you feel lethargic. The sugar can give you a rush and make you crash after a few minutes. As a substitute, pack yourself a honey ham sandwich on rye bread with lettuce and tomatoes, a bag of Sun Chips, and a can of Diet Coke. This whole meal contains the same number of calories as the fries alone. After a long day at school, relaxing

Feed Between the Lines CARINA WOLFF COPY EDITOR

The conveniences of fast food often lead high schoolers, employees, and parents to utilize the quickness and cheapness of these restaurants, but often at the price of their health. When debating between two items, it seems safer to pick the salad over the burger, the bagel over the donut, or the sandwich over the fries. The calorie content and the fat in items are hidden within thick dressings and fried meats, and it can be difficult to differentiate what food is better for you. Although it may seem healthier to order something with chicken rather than meat, this assumption can often be deceiving; the Burger King Bacon Double Cheeseburger has only 620 calories and 38 grams of fat while the Chicken Sandwich has 710 calories and 43 grams of fat. Choices like chicken and salads which may seem low in fat and calories are often fried and drenched in fattening sauces or dressings. The Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad at McDonald’s with dressing is 21 grams of fat and 380 calories, compared to its cheeseburger with 310 calories and 12 grams of fat. Portion size can also affect the healthiness of a meal, and occasionally fast food places can be better for you than local restaurants. Qdoba, a popular lunch spot, has a 1,244 calorie Chicken burrito with 58 grams of fat, and that is excluding additions such as sour cream and guacamole. At Taco Bell, the Grilled Chicken Burrito has 390 calories and only 13 grams of fat.

Surprisingly, many foods that have “unhealthy” names may actually turn out to be better for you in terms of nutritional value. At Tacone, the Kickin’ Fried Chicken Wrap seems like it would be worse than a Caesar Salad Wrap with Grilled Chicken. The Caesar wrap has 726 calories and 38 grams of fat, but the fried chicken has only 280 calories and 11 grams of fat. Certain breakfast foods can also appear beneficial when in reality they are loaded with excess ingredients. A seemingly light and fruity breakfast, a Jamba Juice 12 oz. Chunky Strawberry Smoothie with Granola has 450 calories and 14 grams of fat, while the McDonald’s Egg McMuffin has only 290 calories and 12 grams of fat; the McMuffin also has protein, while the Jamba Juice is mostly sugar. To keep morning coffees light, opt for the iced version rather than the hot, which can save up to 50 calories and 3 grams of fat. By skipping the whip cream, you can save 50 to 110 calories and 5 to 11 grams of fat. It can be hard to tell what foods are better from places that often fry their foods, but when in doubt, avoid creamy dressings, sugary foods, and large portion sizes. If it is still too difficult to decide on a healthy choice, restaurants as well as fast food places, are required to post nutritional facts, either in the form of a pamphlet or directly on their menu. So when in doubt, check the exact calorie counts on food, to know exactly what is going in the body. The internet also provides exact calorie content for foods on websites such as thedailyplate.com and fastfoodnutrition.com.

with a soda and some potato chips sounds appealing. But in order to stay healthy, kick back with Wheat Thins crackers with cheese. You can also add vegetables such as carrots and celery with some low-fat ranch dip, which partly supplies the daily necessity of vegetables. Some think that a Caesar salad with chicken and a glass of lemonade would be a healthy meal for dinner. But the lemonade would supply you with a high amount of sugar and the fat in the Caesar dressing is about one-third of the daily allowance of calories. As an alternative, make yourself a homemade cheeseburger on a whole

wheat bun with tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. The extra-lean beef can eliminate excess grease that is in fast food burgers. Fries can be healthier when they are baked in the oven. A salad will make this a complete and healthy meal. For a late-night snack, sweeten the evening with a Jell-O fat-free chocolate pudding and top it with a small dollop of whipped cream. Both of these plans contain the same number of calories and the typical amount needed for the whole day. One plan has three unhealthy meals and the other has six well-balanced meals so you will not go hungry at all during the day.

April 8, 2009 • THE ARROW

FEATURE

Students Make Major Decisions SOUMYA KARLAMANGLA MANAGING EDITOR

As seniors begin to commit to colleges, they must also decide what they want to major in. A major must not only interest the student, but also provide the student with a means of obtaining a profitable job. Typically, every year the number of college graduates hired for jobs goes up, but because of the recession, the number of college students hired will stay the same as last year. “When [the number hired] goes up only 1%, that’s a bad year, and that’s what it is this year” said Edwin W. Koc, director of research at the National Association of Colleges and Employers. “Unemployment for young bachelor’s degree holders is 3.4%, but it’s expected to reach 4.1% this year. Unemployment for all bachelor’s holders is 3.1% and is expected to rise to 3.7%,” said Tara Weiss of Forbes. The issue with the more popular college majors is that they fail to provide enough training to jump into a career, but instead give a basic foundation which needs to be followed by graduate school. “The sectors that are still hiring include government, high-tech manufacturing and professional services like accounting,” said Weiss. “Times have never been better for accounting majors. This is partly because the Obama administration is calling for greater oversight of the financial markets. Some of those positions will be in the private sector; many will be in government.” Furthermore, most of the current government employees are baby boomers who will hit retirement age soon, making way for younger job-seekers to take their places. Mechanical and electrical engineering careers are becoming popular again because companies want to cut down on outsourcing because they want to have people on hand, instead of employees that they can only communicate with by

phone or video conference. In Starting Salaries for 10 Popular Majors* general, people with degrees Major Average annual salary relating to technology and Electrical engineering $51,372 computer science Accounting $41,110 are more likely to get jobs because Economics/Finance $40,906 “there’s demand Business administration/Management $38,188 almost everywhere Marketing $35,321 for professionals who can build Political science $32,999 networks, design English $31,169 software and serve as IT support staff,” Biology $28,750 said Weiss. Psychology $27,791 Furthermore, Journalism $27,646 psychology is *NACE Summer 2004 Salary Survey the second most popular major according to Princeton Review. Unfortunately, psychology majors have trouble getting lucrative jobs. “Psychology majors during their first few years out of school typically make around $35,000; those with 10 to 20 years’ experience are pulling in $54,000,” said Airplane pilots and copilots Surgeons Kurt Badenhausen of Forbes. Dentists Also, psychologists with graduate Anesthesiologists degrees only make about 2,500 dollars Obstetricians and gynecologists Podiatrists more a year than those without. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons Lawyers If a student is looking to make money, Engineering managers careers in technology, like computer Internists, general Air traffic controllers engineering, are the way to go. prosthodontists “[Computer engineering majors] with Computer and information Orthodontists less than five years’ experience are making systems managers $60,500, while those with 10 to 20 years’ Psychiatrists Marketing managers experience are banking $104,000 per year,” Chief executives said Badenhausen. Engineers have high Natural sciences managers Pediatricians starting salaries out of college, but mainly Sales managers because companies that hire engineers Family and general Astronomers “know they’re typically getting competent Practitioners people straight out of school, and therefore Optometrists Physicians and surgeons, all are willing to dole out generous salaries” Law teachers, postsecondary because “the [engineering] programs other tend to be very rigorous.” In general, Data from MSN.com engineering salaries start high but do not grow much through the years.

Best Paying Careers of 2009

FEATURE

April 8, 2009• THE ARROW

Clark: Driven To “Accel”

STELLA FANG STAFF WRITER

FAST AND THE FURIOUS: Clark proudly shows off her Go-Kart.

90 miles per hour. The shoot-out tests the drivers’ application of skills learned in class the day before, personality, and ability to communicate effectively to their pit-

Gersh To Ride for SMU

ALESSANDRA CATANESE SPORTS EDITOR

To some, senior Danielle Gersh is another warm and welcoming face in the sea of students at WHS, but to the WHS Equestrian Club, Gersh is not only president, but also one of the team’s most valuable riders. At the age of four, Gersh began riding horses under the influence of her mother. “My mom rode as a kid and always enjoyed it, so she had me try and I’ve been riding ever since,” said Gersh. Her first horse was named Cloudy Crystal, a Welsh Pony Gersh’s family owned for about seven years. By the age of 10, Gersh, along with Cloudy Crystal, had finished second place in the zone 10 finals of the Inner-

Scholastic Equestrian League (IEL), and had won the Pony Finals a record of four times. Today, Gersh has led the WHS Equestrian League to be ranked fourth in all of Southern California and second in the entire Varsity League. Since she began riding, Gersh has owned about 10 horses. Gersh’s current horse, Pikxie, a Hanoverian Mare, has been bred with the family since infancy, but has only been riding and showing for about three years. “Pikxie is very talented. I couldn’t ask for a better horse,” said Gersh. Gersh was chosen as president of WHS’s Equestrian Club after being involved in the club for the past three years. Gersh was also secretary and vice president before she was elected president by the team. Riding has also influenced Gersh’s college choices. Gersh plans to attend Southern M e t h o d i s t University in Dallas in the fall. “I am looking forward to riding for SMU. They recently got a great new coach and have a very impressive team,” said Gersh. Gersh will be riding on the NCAA Division I Equestrian Team at SMU, but unfortunately, Pikxie cannot go with her. “For Division I Equestrian, you have to ride the school’s horse,” Gersh explained.

COURTESY PHOTO

Racing cars is not an ordinary hobby for a 15-year old girl, but Jessica Clark ’12 makes the unordinary become a reality. Inspired by the Go-Karts at Golf N’ Stuff, Clark became interested in motor sports and started to road race with GoKarts at the age of 11. Clark got her own Go-Kart for Christmas in 2005 and went to a variety of racing schools on the weekends. After racing for one and a half seasons, she was invited to race with a car called Junior Midgets. After her first full year of racing Junior Midgets on a dirt oval track in Ventura Raceway, she came in 2nd in overall points and was awarded most improved driver. After her second year, she had the most wins out of all the drivers. Ready to experience a new challenge, Clark applied to Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle (RSWC) in late October 2008. RSWC is a “driver development program that develops young drivers with the talent to become professional racers in NASCAR”. Of the 751 that applied, 44 were chosen to drive in a shoot-out, a NASCAR talent search where the drivers are given 100 laps in a USAC Ford Focus Midget, a car for 15-18 year old drivers which goes

crew. Only 12 of the 44 were chosen to join the program, which totaled 20 kids from the age of 11 to 20 in RSWC program. Only

three, including Clark, are girls. Clark and her teammates will travel all throughout the Western Region of United States, including Utah and Las Vegas, to participate in races. Currently, three of the 20 are being scouted by NASCAR cup teams. Being in the program requires plenty of time and energy from both the racers and their families. Every other weekend, Clark and her parents drive up to Sacramento for both in-class and on-track training. She may have it difficult according to some; however, one driver that is currently in RSWC is less fortunate and had to move from Sweden to participate in the program. Not only does racing take time and energy, but racing is said to be the most expensive sport in the world. “My goal for this season is to get enough sponsorships to race in eight races,” said Clark. Clark also enjoys playing soccer on her club team and was a member of the WHS JV team this year. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing and designing computer graphics. Over the years, racing has become more than a hobby to Clark. “My long term goal is to become a professional NASCAR driver. There is yet to be a women in NASCAR and it is my dream to be one of the first.”

Riding Inspires Millet to Compete MARIKA PRICE STAFF WRITER

Most juniors are struggling to balance academics and extracurriculars, but on top of AP classes, school clubs, and a part-time job, Julie Millet shows dedication for horseback riding that leaves her without a spare moment. Millet is a competitive equestrian whose love for horses has become a full time commitment. Millet started riding horses when she was nine years old, but did not realize that it was her passion until she entered middle school. “After going to my first show and finally getting results after so much hard work, I knew it was my thing. That’s when it finally clicked,” said Millet. She has won a number of medals in English style competitions and show jumping, which are her two favorite events.

In order to excel, one must practice as frequently as possible and have a team of supporters. Millet is no exception to this rule since on average she practices four days a week for three hours and does not miss riding on holidays. Thanks to her family and coaches, there is never a lack of encouragement or enthusiasm for her passion. “My parents are there for me no matter what and allow me to keep riding. And my coaches help by building my confidence up and helping m e believe I can do i t , ”

s a i d

“It took me a while to get to a point where I started earning a reward for my hard work,” said Millet.

Millet. Nonetheless, other priorities have become more difficult to manage during her stressful school year, but she refuses to let her competitions and practices interfere with her grades. “It sometimes gets hard to do everything and I sometimes have to get pulled out of school,” she said. “But my trainers enforce school as a

priority and if my grades aren’t good then I can’t keep riding.” Another factor that gives Millet the drive to continue this sport is her chestnut horse, Rocky. Immediately, Millet’s face lit up and a huge smile spread across her face when she talked about him. “He’s the biggest sweetheart ever. He’s basically a big giant lab. I like to call him a gentle

giant,” she said. Millet’s primary focus is qualifying for finals this year and continuing to improve. Whether or not professional horseback riding becomes her future career, she is positive horses will be a permanent component of her life. “I can see myself working under a trainer, and later hopefully owning my own barn,” she said. With such high aspirations, it is obvious that horseback riding will always remain in her life.

April 8, 2009 • THE ARROW

FEAT

Creativity at Work A Look Inside the Portfolio of Art AP

Center Designed By: Kabir Nagarkatti & Dashiell Young-Saver

Vivian Shih

Bringing Life to Art

ASHLEY CHANG ALEX NUTKIEWICZ STAFF WRITERS

PHOTO BY KABIR NAGARKATTI

Vivian Shih ‘09 has shown her dedication for art since freshman year. Her interest for the subject first sparked from curiosity and the search for a fun elective. She likes to express her emotions not through words, but through her artwork. Her passion has landed her among the best in the Art AP class. “In AP, there’s more freedom, but with it comes more dedication and a larger time commitment,” said Shih. According to Shih, each of her pieces take about six hours to make. “Vivian is conceptually-driven. She gets an idea and expresses ways she can let her ideas come out,” said art teacher John Farmer. “Vivian exemplifies the expression of boldness in her art.” Pastels are her favorite medium because it has a “really loose style.” Shih says that her style is dark and free because she does not like conformity. Shih’s skill has won her “Best in Show” awards at competitions such as Focus of the Masters. She

has also entered pieces in The Westlake Art Show. Her favorite drawing was an elephant in pen and ink which she created as a sophomore. Shih plans to go to an art school and, after she graduates, can see herself becoming a professional.

Michelle Yoon

A Perfect Pastel

ASHLEY CHANG STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY ASHLEY CHANG

WHS junior and artist Michelle Yoon knows how to show her flare and personality in her pieces. Much, if not all, of her artwork has been hung on the board outside the Art AP class for display. Yoon arrived at Westlake High in 2006 from South Korea where art was not exactly a future career option. Later on, she took Art Media where she received an AP recommendation from Art AP teacher John Farmer. This allowed her to advance to Life Drawing, which she is currently enrolled in. “Michelle is an interesting girl. When I first met her three years ago, her dad was concerned because she spoke no English. She would watch what other students were doing and adapt. She has always been so dedicated to her work,” said Farmer. She has been taking drawing seriously for a little over a year now. Yoon’s mother, Elizabeth Han, had been teaching art for five years and exerted a great influence on Yoon’s passion for the subject as well. “My mom quit art after I was born, but she wants me to continue drawing so I’ll have a brighter future,” Yoon explained. Yoon stated that her favorite medium to work with is pastels because she can use them to express more

emotions. She also enjoys working with thick materials because she thinks it is easier to create details with. “I prefer my art to look realistic, so I spend a lot of time on details,” said Yoon. Although the Art AP class requires many different subjects to represent the students’ skill level, Yoon prefers to draw humans, specifically her family and friends. Her artwork focuses more on realism and various skin tones. She says that her pieces take an average of seven to ten hours to complete and she usually finishes each all at once. Her favorite piece is her brother’s portrait because of the skin color. “I like it because of how the color of the skin is different from all the other ones I’ve done,” said Yoon. She is considering art as a profession and would love to go to an art school after graduating high school.

TURE

PHOTO BY KABIR NAGARKATTI

Nathan Ruff

MAKENZIE CARLSTON STAFF WRITER

Senior Nathan Ruff is an artist in the AP program that has a unique style of color and shading. He usually takes one color scheme and creates a whole art piece with it in different shades. Ruff enjoys distorting colors to draw pictures of his friends in exaggerated facial expressions. Growing up in gloomy England motivated him to use bright, crazy colors in his pieces. “He is a combination of bold expression of nature and precision. A lot of his work is very well-done and he manages his time well now,” explained Art AP teacher John Farmer. Most of his artwork takes nine to ten hours from start to finish and is usually done in separate increments of time. Ruff feels that art brings variety and discipline to all students. He also describes art as his personal escape. Ruff participated in art contests when he lived in England and Illinois, but he is not involved in these contests anymore. His favorite pieces of artwork are his self portraits. He completes these by taking photographs of himself and then copying the image. However, he does not draw himself with the weird facial expressions that he draws others with. Ruff’s future plans do not involve going to art school but rather to a UC to study to become a plastic surgeon.

Haewon Lee

Harnessing Imagination ALEX NUTKIEWICZ STAFF WRITER

Art has been a part of Haewon Lee’s ’11 life ever since she was a little girl when she drew pictures on her closet door. Lee’s love for art has never been questioned. “For both me and a lot of people, it’s a way of life,” Lee said. Lee took Life Drawing as a freshman and has continued to be in the art program since. “In Life Drawing, you learn things. But in AP, you produce art,” said Lee. She explains that while in Life Drawing students may learn new skills in scratch art and pen and ink, but AP requires that artists take those skills and apply them to each art piece they create. “Haewon is technique driven, using interpretive color to project her ideas. The difference between Hae-

won and everyone else is her additional personality that she adds to her art. She takes it beyond illustration,” said AP Art teacher John Farmer. Lee mainly enjoys doodling with her pencil and using pastels for her artwork. She likes drawing small, imaginative creatures on any surface she can get her hands on. “It gives me a way to make whatever is in my head seeable for people,” Lee says. Lee’s drawings in her sketchbook consist of random objects around her with a creative spin. Lee says that the monsters and small creatures in her head are her inspiration. “I think she has a definite future in art. She’s fully into it,” said Farmer. Lee says that she plans go to art school and take on art as a profession. “I’ll probably continue art until the day I die,” Lee said.

PHOTO BY KABIR NAGARKATTI

Color & Shade

FEATURE

April 8, 2009• THE ARROW

From Head to Toe Let Your Style Show Photographed by Alannah Bradley Leather Motorcycle Jacket by Silence & Noise for $128.00 at Urban Outfitters. If you are looking for a cheaper find, Forever 21 sells look-a-like leather jackets.

Shirt Kimchi Blue $45.00 at Urban Outfitters. You can also find other Kimchi Blue items in the sale section at Urban ranging from $14.9939.00.

True Religion Skinny Jeans ranging from $172.00- 297.00 at Rita’s Closet. You can dig around at stores like Buffalo Exchange and The Closet to find these jeans for $60.00130.00. Black flats by Steve Madden for $59.95. You can purchase these at the Steve Madden store. Also you can find these flats at department stores and shoe boutiques.

ALANNAH BRADLEY FEATURE EDITOR Around campus many people express their personalities through their fashion. Aria DiGiovanni ‘09 is a leading lady when it comes to being herself. “My style is a mix of everything. I put things I like together into one outfit,” said DiGiovanni. DiGiovanni, above, is sporting a classic, yet fun look. The leather jacket adds an edgy feel to her outfit. DiGiovanni does an excellent job mixing expensive pieces with inexpensive items. “If I can’t afford a really

expensive piece, I try to replicate it with something else,” said DiGiovanni. Stores like Urban Outfitters, Frenzy, and ANGL have some of the best sale racks around. You can get good deals on expensive pieces. If you are willing to really search for clothes, Wasteland is a high-end thrift store, located near the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. The Closet is located in Thousand Oaks, and is also another high-end thrift store. DiGiovanni said she is influenced by Nylon Magazine, and the many different Free People ads. Nylon features everything from fashion to beauty to music. The

magazine itself focuses on mostly fashion and pop culture. “With my personality, I’m really open to new things, which translates to my style by me trying new pieces and new looks.” DiGiovanni’s main goal with her fashion is to always keep it fun. Noelle Starr ‘10 walks around the school with her head held high and her fashion glowing. Starr does not look to anyone for ideas; she finds inspiration from her own imagination and picks pieces that she loves. “I shop at a lot of stores and put random things together,” said Starr. Her favorite stores are Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, Soto,

and Frenzy. “I like little boutiques in L.A. and thrift stores,” said Starr. Her daily moods dictate her fashion. “I find the best sales at places in Melrose and also at Soto and Frenzy,” said Starr. Expressing yourself through fashion is a great way to be creative and make things your own. Take inspiration from celebrities, magazines, and ads, or simply find inspiration within yourself. Spice things up, and take risks with looks you normally would not try. Remember most of all, let your personality shine through with everything you wear.

FEATURE

April 8, 2009 • THE ARROW

Mexico Poses Threat for Vacationers NIKKI FAY OPINION EDITOR Cancun, Mexico is one of the most visited and desirable tropical destinations in the world. More importantly, it happens to be the most popular spring break spot for many high school and college students. Until now. The recent uncontrollable uproar of drug violence in Mexico has many people thinking twice about planning their vacation to one of its many beautiful resorts. According to the Ventura County Star, last year 6,000 people died in drugrelated violence, including murders, kidnappings and beheadings. While most of the killings have been in border

towns, there have been reports of killings in the resort cities as well. Many authorities in Mexico have been jailed as a result of their involvement in the drug trafficking, and even more officials are under investigation. Although many Mexican officials insist that the resorts are immune to drugrelated violence, some analysts say that

Bon Voyage

security in the “hotel zone” could disappear quickly in the event that a drug turf war breaks out. What does this mean for spring breakers? Is one of the most desirable vacation spots in the world going to be off limits? According to the State Department, over 100,000 American high school and college students go to Mexico over spring break each year, and many of them will

continue to go despite the reported dangers. Authorities in Mexico as well as vacationers are still confident that they will be perfectly safe as long as they take simple precautions such as staying in groups, carefully following all laws, and not going out after dark. Though the dangers of Mexico are undeniable, spring breakers should be more worried about accidents that can occur outside of drug violence. Spring break is notorious for the immense amount of partying and drinking, and many accidents occur as a result of violence and faulty decisions fueled by alcohol. Rape, car and motorcycle accidents, and drowning are also serious risks during spring break. However, while the current state of Mexico is dangerous, if vacationers take precautions and are aware of the dangers that they face, they will have a fun and problem-free vacation.

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Au Revoir Westlake, Bonjour France ALLISON MONTROY STAFF WRITER Seventeen students, accompanied by French teacher Madame Marlene Rosselli and her longtime friend, a retired Thousand Oaks French teacher are on their way to France for a 10-day trip. The students will stay with families in Rouen, visit the Normandy beaches, and spend the last four days touring Versailles, Giverny, and Paris. The students are mostly in the French 3 and French 4 classes. While in Rouen, students will tour the city’s museums about Jeanne D’Arc and live with the French students at Lycee Jeanne D’Arc that came to Westlake last October. About half of the traveling students hosted them and will now be reversing roles and living with the students they hosted. Easter weekend the host families plan to take WHS students individually to “experience culture of a holiday in France,” said Rosselli.

“I’ll be doing something fun with [the host student’s] friends. I’ll be happy doing anything,” said Tammy Lee ’11. “I’m hoping that they gain a first hand approach of culture over there,” said Rosselli, “that they learn about family life and how many similarities there are. It’s possible to get along and understand each other.” For Michelle Carney ’10, discovering the history behind France and taking photographs will be her main goal. “You always see it in movies, and it’s one thing to hear, read, and play songs written about it, but to visit really brings everything you’ve learned about it to life,” Carney explains about the famous WWII Normandy beaches. Perhaps the most intriguing part about the trip will not be the art and monuments, but seeing life through an entirely different perspective. “I want to see the French people and how differently they live their lives from us,” explains Lee. “Oh yeah, and the Eiffel Tower.”

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April 8, 2009 • THE ARROW

Book Clubs, Internet Spark Novel Interest

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BOOK REVIEWS books ooks books ooks books books books

JESSICA KANE COPY EDITOR

It seems that more adults are complaining each day about the recent decline in literary culture in teens and young adults. The United States Census has recorded the percentage of Americans who are reading at least one novel, short story, poem or play since 1982 which has been steadily decreasing ever since the survey began. However, the moaning about more television, computer use, and video games may be finally halted; for the first time in the history of the survey, the number of Americans who are reading literature has increased. In the recent study in 2008, The National Endowment for the Arts discovered that 50.2% have been reading more actively, up from 46.7% in 2002. Though 2008’s proportion is not as high as it was in 1982 or 1992- 56.9% and 54.0%, respectively, the amount of overall literary reading has increased in the past six years, with 16.6 million more readers, most dramatically among 18to-24 year-olds, who previously were reading the least. “There has been a measurable cultural change in society’s commitment to literary reading,” said Dana Gioia, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “In a cultural moment when we are hearing nothing but bad news, we have reassuring evidence that the dumbing down of our culture is not inevitable.” This sudden surge throughout the U.S. has been sparked by many different factors, including the spread of Internet reading that has become more popular since 2002. About 15% of adults choose to read literature online and 84% of adults who are reading literature online or who download it from the internet are also reading books. As well, with the new introduction to the Kindle However, Mr. Gioia attributed the increase in fiction and literary reading in general to nation-wide book clubs like Oprah Winfrey’s “Big Read,” to the huge popularity of teen book series like J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight, and to the individual efforts of local teachers, parents, and librarians. With the economy steady decreasing, it does not come as a surprise that individuals are reaching out for an escape to become engulfed in and to find comfort in the fictitious worlds these authors describe. In 2008, AP English Literature teacher Lora Novak decided to replace Jane Austen’s classic novel, Pride and Prejudice, with The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini’s contemporary coming-of-age story, as the 12th grade summer read. Hopefully as the time continues and more realize its importance, reading will continue to rise.

FEATURE

April 8, 2009 • THE ARROW

books

Contemporary Authors Ignite Enthusiasm with New Core-Lit Novels

Into the Wild Runs Ahead of the Pack

Kite Runner Soars to Summer Reading List

JESSICA AECK STAFF WRITER

ALLISON MONTROY STAFF WRITER

Khaled Hosseini has opened our eyes to the mysteries of the Islam faith and Muslim culture through his award-winning novel, The Kite Runner. This story touches on family relationships, the loss of innocence, deep-rooted cultural values and most of all, the looming realization that our choices ultimately determine who we are. The reader follows Hosseini’s protagonist, Amir, through his wealthy childhood in Kabul with distant father Baba and devoted companion Hassan. When Amir faces a decision to save Hassan from being a victim of grave humiliation and pain, he cowers and backs away. This one choice changes his life entirely; he loses Hassan and destroys a long friendship between both of their fathers. As the novel continues we see Afghanistan struggle against the control of the Taliban and the hardships Amir must endure about himself and against the Taliban in the eyes of the people in the heart of Afghanistan and Muslim culture today. Once he has escaped to America, he forms new relationships and discovers a new way of life. The past,

FROM PRINT TO SILVER SCREEN: Both Into the Wild and The Kite Runner were added to core reading lists for 11th and 12th grades, respectively.

however, never escapes Amir’s troubled mind, as he ultimately faces his youth, his abandoned Kabul, and the decision that changed his life. Hosseini’s somber story describes the stark differences between cultures and helps its readers understand and relate to the Islamic culture. Seniors in AP English were assigned to read this coming-

of-age story this past summer, and the novel’s heart-wrenching plot and Hosseini’s distinct style and technique stuck with the students. “I read it my freshman year, and I was honestly excited to read it again. It’s my favorite book by far,” said Michael Sadighian ‘09. Amir and Hassan’s story stays with the reader and makes it an unforgettable read.

In Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer, readers learn about the amazing fight and struggle of Chris McCandless’ journey. McCandless, a young college graduate, was not content with his lifestyle and world around him, so he decided to abandon all his belongings and hitchhike all over the U.S. with the ultimate goal of going to Alaska. Along the way he met and connected with many people and traveled from his home of Washington D.C. all the way to Alaska by foot and car rides from strangers. Chris wanted to see what it would be like to live without all the luxuries of life. From the beginning the reader knows that Chris’s life is cut short when he is found dead four months later from starvation. The readers see the transformation in Chris McCandless and appreciate his new-found discovery of life. Krakauer received so many responses from opinionated readers that he converted what at first was just going to be a magazine article into a book with the help of Chris’s family. McCandless’ decision to leave modern day life for nature, had many question whether he was suicidal or just looking for the meaning of life. This book was recently chosen as one of the main course requirements for juniors.

Kindle Sparks Literary Generation AARON DEMSETZ STAFF WRITER

Lately, nearly every aspect of culture has experienced an advance in technology. Music with the iPod, movies with Blu-Ray, and cell phones with, well, pretty much everything. As a result, it comes as no surprise that reading, one of the world’s most ancient hobbies, follows the trend. With Amazon’s new e-book player, Kindle, readers can store their favorite stories conveniently onto the device. Like the iTunes store, Amazon also offers a pay-to-download site where users are free to purchase books for download. Newspaper subscriptions and other types of media are also offered. The tool is basically an iPod that you can put text files instead of music files onto. While many critics believe that Kindle is a dead-end, its massive popularity and media exposition begs to differ. Kindle, however,

may than

have more influence people have predicted. As older forms of media and news fail, the newspaper being one of them, Kindle offers a new route to the renewed popularity that ailing sources of news crave. More and more e-books are being offered, and Kindle also does much more than just provide reading material. Highlighting words, bookmarking pages, and even looking up synonyms to words provided are only a few options offered by Kindle. If all goes according to Amazon’s plan, then the entire game of reading will be changed. Developers already predict sales of Kindle that can match those that the first year of iPod’s yielded. But that’s not the end of it. Amazon also has released an upgrade- the Kindle 2, priced at $354.00. Its new features include a slimmer design, wireless 3G connection, more battery storage, and a new text-to-speech feature. With luck, the Kindle 2 will meet the high standards set for it.

ENTERTAINMENT

April 8, 2009• THE ARROW

Get Ready for Spring Movies

KELLEY BIGGS ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

RapidFflow of Sound FRANK DUAN STAFF WRITER

Two sophomores, Cameron Wolff and Chris Atanasian , banded together about a year and a half ago to found a techno group called RapidFflow. Now having synthesized multiple songs they released an album on iTunes in the beginning of April. Their music has a steady beat and is a great addition to the new music category of “techno.” “We both love to produce music that people can dance to and feel good listening to,” said Wolff. “We see ourselves improving with every song we create and hope to be lucky enough to become famous,” said Atanasian. Usually, they make their songs separately and then give each other advice and help each other along the way. Although

they have also created songs together from start to finish. “We get our inspiration from the techno bands Daft Punk, the Prodigy and others,” said Atanasian. They gather inspiration from listening to great classics. Every song takes effort and time to make. First, they start off with the melody and bass line and add a constant beat throughout the song. Lastly, they create the special effects that truly complete the song. “The hardest part of creating the music is creating the melody; after we have our beat, the rest comes easier,” said Atanasian. Every tune they create has a solid beat, and multiple variations. Although they have no lyrics in their songs, they are starting to work on a newer album, one with vocals. “We make music to please people and to make them enjoy

our tunes,” said Wolff. They love what they do and always try to improve on their work. The self-titled album features songs such as Euro Ap and Cold Water. Euro Ap is named after the Westlake Euro AP class taught by Doug Freed. “Techyes” is an alteration of techno because they wanted to say tech yes instead of tech no. The song has a fast pace, but slows down around the middle. Throughout the album, many different tones are made. “Cold Water” is a very mellow, calm song, while “Hot Fire” is the complete opposite, but both offer strong, steady beats. Altogether, the whole album has great balance and is great addition for the techno-lover. To find out more on Rapidfflow, visit www.myspace.com/ rapidfflow.

Apple Shuffles It Up DENA GALLUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

COURTESY PHOTO

Apart from the Apple logo, the new iPod shuffle gives no indication that it does anything. Devoid of a screen and buttons, this new product uses what Apple calls VoiceOver technology and buttons placed on the earphone cord to control the device. Measuring .7 by 1.8 by .3 inches and smaller than a USB drive, the new shuffle is almost half its old size with double the song capacity. The 4GB model holds up to 1000 songs and for the first time, allows shuffle owners to create and browse through playlists with the click of a button. The controls are simple. A plain button lies in between volume up and volume down buttons, all located on the earphone cord. Click the center button once to play/pause, twice to go to the next song, and three times to go back.

On top of the device is a switch to turn the iPod on and off, shuffle songs, or play them continuously. Next to the switch is a status light that indicates how much battery remains. Apple’s most noticeable feature on the shuffle is its VoiceOver

technology. It is the first iPod that talks to you. By pressing and holding the center button, the shuffle tells you the song name and artist of the track that is currently playing. Keep holding that center button a little longer, and the shuffle starts to list the iPod’s playlists, giving owners a new way to navigate their mucic. Simply press the button again to select. The shuffle has two different voices depending on the type of computer it is synced to: a British man for the Mac OS Leopard, and a slightly more robotic female for PCs and the Mac OS Tiger. The shuffle also speaks 14 languages including Turkish, Swedish, and Mandarin Chinese. The new iPod shuffle is available in black and silver at Apple stores now for $80.

COURTESY PHOTO

During spring break, many families would be heading off to Mexico but because of the violence, they may want to re-consider. • Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana has become one of the biggest icons in the past years. The TV series, albums, and the concerts have all made her one of the most popular celebrities among children and teens. Now Hannah Montana: The Movie will hit theaters April 10. The movie is about Hannah Montana's popularity taking over her life. Her father decides that taking a trip to her hometown of Crowley Corners, Tennessee will give her some perspective on what matters most in life. • Stepping away from the High School Musical stage, Zac Efron stars in LET’S GET CRAZY: Hannah Montana performs at the beach for Lily’s birthday in her new movie. the new teen comedy, coming out April they are expecting. Twenty years later, 17, 17 Again. Mike O'Donnell is the star • Earth, in theaters April 24, is a Disney of his high school basketball team with his life is nothing like he expected. Little documentary of three animal families a bright future ahead of him but decides does he know he is about to be given and their journeys across the planet. The to throw it all away to share his life with another chance when he is miraculously movie combines rare actions, unbelievable his girlfriend and the baby he just learned transformed back to the age of 17. images and impossible locations, along

with our planet’s wildest and most exclusive creatures. • Small-town boy Shawn MacArthur has come to New York City with nothing. Barely earning a living and selling counterfeit goods on the streets, he has his luck change when scam artist Harvey Boarden sees that he has a natural talent for street fighting. Almost overnight, he becomes a star brawler, taking down every other fighter he faces. But if Shawn ever hopes to escape this dark world, he must face the toughest fight of his life. This exciting action movie, Fighting, can be seen in theaters April 24. • The Obsessed is about Derek Charles (Idris Elba), a successful asset manager who has just received a huge promotion. Like everyone else, he is extremely happy with his new career and his marriage with his beautiful wife Beth Charles. But when Lisa Sheridan, a temp worker, starts stalking Derek, everything he’s worked so hard for is placed in jeopardy. The Obsessed can be seen April 24.

Spring Break Classics

SOFIA TALARICO STAFF WRITER

As spring break approaches, images of new-found adventures and far away places swarm our minds. The way people used to spend their spring break and the way people do now are extremely different. The bathing suits were different and the “partying” is out of the norm for many of us. However, the way that most of them end up is relatively the same, through the ever-popular, classic spring break films of our generation and generations before. An old-time spring break classic movie that teaches the value of morals and self-esteem is Where the Boys Are. This movie embodies every aspect of the 1960s culture in which four girls travel to the popular spring break

venue of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in search of adventure and fun. They have life-changing experiences traveling abroad and let go of all of their inhibitions. Another popular movie is Girl Happy which features Elvis Presley as a member of a band anxiously awaiting his spring break getaway in Ft. Lauderdale. Presley’s character, Rusty Wells, hits a bump in the road when he must watch after the local club owner’s daughter, Deena, and keep her out of trouble. Rusty soon realizes that this task is way more than he bargained for. Jaws embodies every spring breaker’s nightmare. When a shark terrorizes a local Florida beach, its sends every person running from the water in terror. This thriller helps us appreciate the changes in technology; by today’s standards the special effects seem obvious.

FEATURE

April, 8 2009• THE ARROW

Teachers and Their Adorable Pets Mrs. Schlehner’s Codie

Mrs. Ballard’s Lucy and K.C.

Mrs. Kukta’s Knuckles

Breed: Yorkie Age: Eight months Personality: “He is cuddly, sweet, and a showboat” Favorite Activities: “Snuggling and retrieving toys.” Funny Habits: “Codie likes to bite on your head.” How did you find your pet: “At a street fair in Montana. We flew him home” Pet’s Favorite Food: “Codie does not eat.” Annoying Behavior: “No! He’s perfect.”

Breed: K.C—Shiba Inu. Lucy—Pit Bull/Pointer Mix. Age: Four and a half years and three years. Personality: “K.C. is cat-like and Lucy is Miss Lick-a-lot. She’s a lover.” Favorite Activities: “Sleeping, sniffing trees, hanging out with our parents.” Funny Habits: “Lucy is a runner, barker, and crier when she dreams.” Annoying Behavior: “Lucy paces the hardwood floor and snorts when my husband’s alarm goes off in the morning and we don’t get up right away.”

Breed: Olde English Bulldog Age: Three months Personality: “Crazy! He actually is somewhat Jekyll and Hyde at the moment. But he’s totally adorable and lovable.” Funny Habits: “Knuckles used to bark at his reflection in windows and mirrors.” How did you find your pet: “A friend had one puppy left from his litter. My husband took one look and fell instantly in love.” Annoying Behavior: “Knuckles snores like you wouldn’t believe and sleeps like a rock. He is also very stubborn.”

Mrs. Kolodney’s Sadie

Mrs. Moxley’s Rosie

Mrs. Prezzano’s Lucy

Breed: Welsh Corgi and Beagle Mix. Age: One year; been together for four weeks. Personality: “Happy and loving.” Favorite Activities: “Hiking, licking, and playing with our cats.” How you found your pet: “Through pet adoption—perfectpetrescue.com.” Annoying Behavior: “She takes the stuffing out of stuffed animals, but that’s really kind of cute.” (Alumnus Adam Kolodney is pictured above.)

Breed: Quarterhorse Mare Age: “26 years. I got her when she was four months old.” Personality: “Friendly.” Favorite Activities: “Trail-riding, eating horse cookies and carrots.” Funny Habits: “She loves little kids; lots of them have learned to groom and ride with her.” Special Tricks: “She shakes hands and opens gates.” Annoying Behavior: “She’s the boss and wants all the other horses to know this. She likes to be the center of attention.”

Breed: Gordon Setter Age: Four years Personality: “Very friendly and loves to be with people. She is full of energy.” Favorite Activities: “Walking, running, sniffing to find things.” Funny Habits: “She always makes us laugh.” Annoying Behavior: “She barks to come inside. Then we come to the door and she doesn’t want to come in. She just wants to know we’re there.” Special Tricks: “Diving into the swimming pool to retrieve a tennis ball.”

Pet Adoptions on Rise as Economy Fails KAYLI MILETICH NEWS EDITOR

WHS Athletic Director Secretary Ellen Hellman has recently begun volunteering with a local pet rescue group in Santa Monica. Perfect Pet Rescue, the organization, takes in dogs from local pet shelters when there is no more space. The volunteers work with a local animal hospital, where the majority of the rescued animals are housed; they also hold adoption fairs in Santa Monica on Saturdays and Sundays. “On a good weekend, we adopt out six or seven dogs, and we usually have around 12,” said Hellman. The organization has volunteers of all different ages, including middle school

students, who help out for community When the animals first are rescued, service hours. they are microchipped and spayed or Each animal is then photographed neutered. and placed on the organization’s website, “We meet and they bring the dogs perfectpetrescue.com, where the volun- from the shelter and foster them. We try teers also post to make them information about and “It’s truly amazing watching comfortable, the pet. socialize them “It’s truly the dogs get more social as too,” Hellman examazing watching plained. the dogs get more the day progresses.” As more social as the day people are forced progresses. Their Ellen Hellman to abandon their tails start wagging homes in forecloby the end of the sure, they are also day,” said Hellman. forced to leave their pets behind. With the On average, it takes about two weeks current economic situation, many families for Perfect Pet Rescue to get animals ad- are being forced to tighten their budgets opted. and sometimes that includes animal care.

“Because of the economy, people can’t afford to keep their pets, so they turn them into shelters, even if there is no room for the pets,” said Hellman. Perfect Pet Rescue, which holds adoptions on the corner of First Street and Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, has been visited by many celebrities including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Don Cheadle, and Bette Midler. “It’s such a good feeling. You get to meet a lot of interesting people,” said Hellman. Overcrowding and lack of funds have been an increasingly prevalent concern to many city-run shelters. Non-profit organizations and private rescue groups have recently seen a decrease in adoptions and donations.

SPORTS

April 8, 2009 • THE ARROW

5 Reasons to Date a Lacrosse Player

The “Unofficial”

1. “We’re smarter than the football players.” Sean Rothermel ‘09

WARRIORS:

2. “Lacrosse players come in all shapes and sizes.” Matthew Markowitz ‘09 3. “I was the team MVP last year.” Andrew Dietz ‘09 4. “Have you seen how good of shape I’m in?” Andrew Turner ‘09

The WHS Lacrosse Club War⋅ri⋅or

–noun 1. a person who shows or has shown great vigor, courage, or aggressiveness, as in politics or athletics. ALESSANDRA CATANESE SPORTS EDITOR

Although not an official WHS athletics team, the WHS Lacrosse Club is persistent in their steadfast battle to protect and preserve WHS’s reputation. With the excuses of funding, space for team practices and games, and the high risk of injury, the club’s fight for recognition and participation in a CIF league has been a struggle, but the team and its supporters keep their hopes high.

THE GAME

The game is a mix of running, checking, strategy and style. Does that seem difficult? Not even close. The players not only have 12-minute quarters of incessant running down the football field used for their playing space, but also must multi-task by beating each other with the crosse, or lacrosse stick, and you have a recipe for pain, pain, and more pain.

To start, the players wear a specific uniform for protection. A solid, bar-faced helmet guards the face, large cushioned gloves shield the hands, and optional elbow-pads protect the arms in the midst of attack, or just eating dirt. The game is played with 10 players from each team: a goalie, three defenders that stay only in the defensive end, three midfielders free to roam the entire field, and three attackers who try to score goals on the offensive end. Each goal sits in a circular “crease” of which only the goalie and his defenders may enter. G a m e s start off each quarter, and after each goal, with a faceoff; two players lay their sticks horizontally next to the solid rubber ball and “scrap” for it by clamping it under their stick and attempting to toss it out to a nearby teammate. As the running begins, the penalty box also serves as an area for the substitution of players “on the fly.” Penalties result in 3060 second time-outs in the

ANDREW DIETZ #12

CAPTAIN DIETZ

Age: 17 Years Played: 7 Grade: 12 Position: Midfield “When I’m playing, the only thing on my mind is bringing home the win for my boys.”

5. “We are laid back, relaxed, and we always have fun.” Tim Farrell ‘09

penalty box, while the opposing team continues “man-up,” and the penalized team, “man-down.” Currently they have a record of five wins and three losses.

THE PLAYERS

Seniors Andrew Dietz (midfield), Greg Yeoman (defense), and Tim Farrell (attack) are the proud captains of the team. Dietz leads midfield players, Sean Rothermel ‘09, William “Ice Cream” Cohn ‘09, and Andrew Turner ‘09 (Long Stick Middle) across the field to assist the offensive as well as attempt at scoring goals themselves. “I have a good shot and speed, although I’ve only played for three years,” said Rothermel. “We’re not afraid to get sweaty.” Yeoman, who has been playing for seven years, heads the defensive players,

also known as the “Death Quartet” or “Dpoles.” Matthew Markowitz ‘09, Adam Smith ‘09, and Yeoman have the one solid job of helping goalkeeper Alec Farrell ‘09, defend the goal. “I can always count on the guys to have my back,” said Farrell. Freshman “Puppy” Luke Hegeman, and junior Dylan Ball ‘10, are led by Tim Farrell as the offensive “attack” end. Hegeman, although a freshman, has been playing lacrosse for nine years. “I’m not as fast as I could be,” Hegeman humbly stated, “but I have good stick skills and can see the field well.” After each game, fans join the team members at the Newbury Park In N’ Out to celebrate or to just show support. “It doesn’t matter if the team isn’t recognized by the school. [The fans] still see them as a part of WHS,” said Shayne Sherry ‘09.

VARSITY LAX GAME SCHEDULE Date Time Venue/FiELD 4/21 6:30 p.m. WHS/TOHS Newbury Park G

4/26 2:00 p.m. WHS/AHS

Newbury Park

4/28 6:30 p.m. WHS/NPHS Newbury Park 5/01 7:00 p.m. WHS/GHS

TIM FARRELL #44

CAPTAIN FARRELL

Age: 17 Years Played: 7 Grade: 12 Position: Attack “I bring a lot of heart, vision to see the field, and the ability to make plays happen.”

Glendale

GREG YEOMAN #10

CAPTAIN YEOMAN

Age: 18 Years Played: 7 Grade: 12 Position: Defense “I yell to distract the other team when they’re going for a groundball or trying to catch.”

April 8, 2009• THE ARROW

SPORTS

Volleyball Boys Are Back

DENA GALLUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

Schedule 4/8 Moorpark-Home 4/22 Calabasas-Away 4/24 Royal-Home 4/27 Newbury-Away 4/29 T.O.-Home 5/4 Agoura-Home 5/6 Simi Valley-Away PHOTO BY DENA GALLUCCI

HANDS UP: Scott Kevorken and Travis Magorien go up for a block while Jake Kneller plays defense against Newbury Park High School.

Magorien also agrees this year’s team demonstrates more determination and commitment than last year’s. “The dedication of this year’s team is a lot greater, and Jake Kneller is proving to be a great leader,” said Magorien. Coach Magorien also expects a lot from the younger players, adding that outside hitter Keats Stanley ‘11 and setter Travis Magorien ‘11 will have large roles to play on the team.

Swim Team Cruising to League Finals TIFFANY LOH ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR

If last week’s swim meet against Royal High School is any indication of the team’s ability to take the top spot in League, then Warriors can rest easy. Both Girls Varsity swimmers Meagan Norling-Christensen ‘09 and Jackie Brousseau ‘09 dominated in their events. Norling-Christensen won the 200yard individual medley in 2:18.86 and the 100 butterfly in 1:01.91; Brousseau placed first in the 200 freestyle in 2:01.41 and the 100 breast stroke in 1:07.84. Finishing first in all events, the Warriors made a clean sweep. So far, the athletes have competed against two Marmonte League schools, Agoura and Calabasas, and two nonleague teams, Hart and Santa Barbara. These competitions already seem to indicate a promising season. With a current record of 3-0 in league and 4-1 overall, the girls team continues to sustain its excellent performance and poses a prominent threat to rival schools. “We’re going pretty strong,” said varsity swimmer Kimberly Ha ‘10. “Although we have a smaller team this year, we have some pretty talented people.” The WHS girls swim team is comprised mostly of juniors, along with a few seniors and sophomores. Therefore, because of a relatively older age group, “we have a lot more maturity and experience,” said Ha. With its current record, the WHS girls team is extremely confident about this

season. “I think we are strong across the board,” said Coach Todd Irmas. “We have a lot of experienced swimmers. I’m very happy about where we’re at right now.” Some prominent swimmers on the team include Brousseau, Marisa DeWames ‘09, Norling-Christensen, Nora Darago ‘10, and Savannah Miller ‘12. In addition, Irmas stated that the goal for the girls team this year is to win league championships and to place top five in CIF. “I think we are very capable of achieving this goal. We’re just slightly under what we were last year, but we are still strong,” said Irmas. For the boys swim team, although many seniors have graduated, the athletes are swimming well. Currently, they have a record of 2-1 in league and 4-1 overall. “We lost a lot of club swimmers who really contributed to the team last year,” said varsity swimmer Thomas Ziccardi ‘10. “But we still have a strong team.” “Our boys are stronger this year than last year,” said Irmas. “We’re pretty young, and I think we have more depth than last year.” Swimmers such as Ziccardi, Sam Chen ‘10, David Sommers ‘12, David Brewer ‘09, Ray Zhang ‘09, and John Covell ‘09 will contribute to the team’s goal of making top three in the league. “I think we just lack a bit of experience. A lot of guys are learning how to swim races using strategies, and they have really improved this year,” said Irmas. Upcoming meets include Moorpark and Thousand Oaks.

“Keats is one of the top outside hitters for his age level,” said Magorien. Varsity starting line up consists of seniors Kneller, Kevorken, and Paul Attkisson, and sophomores Keats Stanley, Travis Magorien, and junior Nick Weaver. Games are Wednesdays and Fridays at 6 p.m. for varsity, 5 p.m. for junior varsity, and 4 p.m. for frosh/soph. Admission is free for students with an ASG sticker and $5 without.

PHOTO BY DENA GALLUCCI

After not qualifying for CIF playoffs last year, the varsity WHS boys volleyball team is ready to reestablish their dominance on the court seen in previous years. With a current record of 7-0 and a ranking of number two in CIF and 16 in the nation, this season promises to have a different outcome than the last. With WHS, Thousand Oaks, and Royal emerging as early season favorites, the Marmonte league is sure to be a competitive one. Royal went undefeated last season with a first place record of 14-0. Senior captains Scott Kevorken and Jake Kneller are providing leadership for the team and both will continue playing on college scholarships next year, Kevorken at University of California at Irvine and Kneller at Stanford University. During the Royal match, which WHS won in four games (27-25, 25-19, 32-34, 25-21), Kevorken and Kneller recorded a combined 41 kills and established WHS as the team to beat this season. Facing the tougher competition early in the season, WHS also beat Thousand Oaks on March 25 in a close five-game match with one game reaching scores in the forties. Coach Doug Magorien said his goals for the season are to “first, recover from the many injuries that hampered the team last year and second, to win league and hopefully have a chance to compete for the CIF championship.” Kneller, who was injured all of last year, said this year’s team has better chemistry on and off the court. “A lot of positive energy comes from the younger players. They work hard and are constantly working to improve, which makes the rest of us work harder. No one is guaranteed playing time,” said Kneller.

COMING TOGETHER: The team huddles for a loud chant prior to the game.

Seniors Lead Golf Squad JIMMY MOORE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

With the 2009 season underway, WHS boys golf has much to live up to following a successful performance last year. According to coach David Costley, the team’s goal this season, as with those of the past, is to “win the Marmonte League Champion, move to the CIF playoffs, and go as far in the playoffs as possible.” On March 18, the team scored 357 strokes, only two above its all-time best of 355 last year at Tierra Rejada in the league tournament. To date, the varsity team is undefeated in the Marmonte League, with a record of 10-0 and an overall record of 19-2. In 2008, WHS went as far as the CIF Team Finals and finished eighth; this year, the team aspires to finish in the top four, which would secure a spot at the state qualifier. A top three finish there would send the team to the State Championship, where it would then compete with the remaining top three teams from Northern California. “We expect nothing less than a state championship. We want to bring home the rings,” said Cole Seeger ‘09. Among the top performers for the current season are college-bound seniors Marshall Colby, Brandon Hagy, Justin Edwards, and Cole Seeger, along with juniors Chris Doyle and Jake Katz. Also, there has been some competition for the 6th spot on the team by seniors Justin Edwards, Kevin Santos, Brian Johnsen, and freshman Brandon Shaw. “The golf team is an eclectic group of

people. We are poised for success,” said Seeger. Hagy, heading to UC Berkeley this fall on a golf scholarship, is currently leading the team with a scoring average of 71.29. Also thriving this season is Colby, who will be an essential contributor on the course throughout the season, and is bound for the University of Oregon to begin his collegiate golf career. Seeger, who suffered some physical problems following a car accident last year, is expected to bounce back and help lead the team to a Marmonte League championship. He has been playing very consistently, and has received a golf scholarship to UC Davis. Edwards, who had a successful summer in junior tournaments, has also committed to play golf at Georgetown University. With hopes of playing college golf, Santos has significantly helped the team by shooting low scores in several league matches. “It’s pretty amazing that we have several athletes going to Division I schools,” said Seeger. On April 6, the varsity team improved its already excellent record by defeating Rio Mesa 415-389, with a hole-in-one from Edwards on the 14th hole. The junior varsity team has also maintained an undefeated record of 60, led by several talented freshmen and sophomores. With the bulk of the season still ahead of them, the members of WHS golf will need to stay consistent and ambitious to accomplish their goals for the year.

Tennis Has Hopes for League Playoffs IRIS YAN OPINION EDITOR

Baseball Needs Strong Finish TRAVIS RICE STAFF WRITER

After losing four out of the first five games of the season, varsity baseball Head Coach Zach Miller blames the “little things” that are causing the early misfortune. Fundamental mistakes like fielding errors have hindered the Warriors who have struggled playing nine full innings of quality baseball. “We just need to play better defense and we’ll start winning games; it’s that simple,” said Miller. WHS has lost many contests by small margins. The first three games were lost in extra innings, and the 4th loss came in the 7th inning against Marmonte League frontrunner Royal High School when the Warriors squandered a three run lead to the Highlanders. After six years of failing to win a league title in baseball, the Warriors are looking to rebuild. Despite the graduation of 13 seniors including two Major League Baseball draft picks, and another two with full-ride scholarships, Coach Miller is confident that this year’s team can survive in the always competitive Marmonte League, thanks to some young talent. A member of the varsity team since his freshman year, shortstop Christian Yelich ‘10 has been a cornerstone of Westlake’s success. He is a solid fielder and an exceptional base runner but is most effective at the plate. “Christian is the big bat for our team,” says Coach Miller. As a sophomore, Yelich led the team with six home runs, surpassing the record established by 2nd round Major League draft pick Cutter Dykstra ‘08, and current Wake Forest shortstop Shane Kroker ‘08. Although the Warriors have been effective at the plate, WHS has experienced

PHOTO BY TRAVIS RICE

UPCOMING MATCHES: Varsity Boys Tennis Thursday, April 9—VS. Simi Valley Tuesday, April 21—VS. Moorpark Wednesday, April 22—VS. Calabasas Thursday, April 23—Ojai Tournament Thursday, April 30—VS. Thousand Oaks

April 8, 2009 • THE ARROW

TRIPLE THREAT: (from left to right) Cameron Cuneo, Christian Yelich, and Danny Nieves.

inconsistency on the mound. The Warriors surrendered six runs or more in five out of the first nine games of the season and have had trouble holding leads in the later innings due to an unreliable bullpen. Cameron Cuneo ‘10 and Danny Nieves ‘10 have been two of the few bright spots in the Warrior pitching staff this year. “They’re the reason we are able to stay in the game so long,” said Miller. Cuneo, according to Coach Miller is a “competitive leader and a fantastic pitcher.” Nieves has also been effective on the mound. “Danny is crafty with the ball and has

great placement in the strike zone,” said Miller. The Warrior pitching has been unpredictable. After pitching relatively well against West, Newbury Park, and T.O., WHS gave up a grand total of 39 runs in the next two contests, 20 to Camarillo and 19 to Agoura. On average, Westlake coughs up almost nine runs per game, making it very difficult to taste victory against quality opponents. Westlake is 4-7 overall, almost an exact flip from last year’s mid-season record of 8-3. The next league game is against Calabasas on April 22.

Pitching Keeps Softball in Contention school. “Walking the halls that day was one of the most embarrassing things I have Playing in the competitive ever been through, but I am Marmonte League, victories already looking back at it and do not come easy for WHS seeing how much fun we all varsity softball. had,” reflected Sammy Judd The incoming players ‘12. have served the team well, as “We have a good mix of three are batting a solid .250 veterans and new players and or better. there is a lot of commodity Despite the loss of a this year,” said Coach Baum. couple of reliable senior WHS began the season bats last year, the Warriors well winning four out of the have enjoyed vital offensive first five games; however, afproduction from the outfield, ter the non-league success, as Melissa Preish ‘09, Kylie the Warriors only managed McNutt ‘11, and Amanda three victories in their next Collins ‘09 are all batting well seven contests. above .300. The road was especially The Warrior lineup, led cruel to WHS. Away losses to by the team captain Caylin current league leaders ThouCampbell ‘10, is more potent sand Oaks and Royal have at the top than at the bottom. not helped the team’s cause. After the first five slots, the The Warriors are in 4th place production level decreases to midway through the season. below the mendoza line (that A main concern for WHS is under .200) in some cases. is the level of productivity at Pitching has kept the the plate. Warriors competitive and in Campbell admitted, contention for a top spot in the “Our hitting has been inleague. Christine Magee ‘09 consistent so far,” but has and Rebecca Ho ‘11, throwing UNDERMINING THE OPPONENT: Rebecca Ho deals a shutout and lifts witnessed “encouraging imwith earned run averages Westlake over Rio Mesa. provement.” of less than three, have Although winning is important, the The Warrior bats have been flaming continued the dominance established by last year’s starter Jenna Becerra ‘08, who quest for victory is not the team’s only one game and nonexistent the next. In the two pivotal wins against Calabasas had a microscopic ERA of .60. Despite goal. “Having fun is a big part of both and Rio Mesa, WHS tacked on a grand toa few blemishes against non-league opponents Pacifica and Camarillo, the practice and games so we are rarely tal of 18 runs; however, during the following two-game road trip, WHS plated only Warrior pitching staff has been effective serious,” said Campbell. To maintain a close relationship, the two runs. and consistent in most cases. Record wise, the Warriors are 7-5 Coach Lynn Baum feels confident seniors and juniors plan outside bonding regarding the potential of the team and experiences. The upperclassmen got overall, a slight improvement from last claims the girls are “pretty good this year” together at 5:00 a.m. before class and year’s 6-6 first half performance. Upcoming games against frontrunand have a lot of speed and talent at the kidnapped the freshmen, dressed them up in embarrassing outfits, and took them to ners Royal and T.O. will be crucial. plate. RACHEL BERNSTEIN ADVERTISING MANAGER

PHOTO BY RACHEL BERNSTEIN

Currently, the WHS boys varsity tennis team is vying for second or third in Marmonte League. This year Coach Connie Flanderka characterizes the team as one of “depth that is mainly composed of new freshmen and improved players.” Though the boys varsity tennis team lost five seniors last year, according to Flanderka, “We don’t have any weak links this year; we filled in the spots.” The only senior this year, also the captain of the team, Ernesto Santiago, said, “The team is young, but has a lot of mental strength. I’m optimistic for a good year because we find ourselves in a really good position.” Since Zach Drost ‘10, a nationally ranked player, has been injured, the other players had to step up to cover ground in the singles matches. The best singles players according to Flanderka are Mitch Krems ‘11, Tate Nelson ‘10, Josh Lefkovich ‘10, and Drost. Commenting on the many improved players this year, Flanderka said, “I have been pleased with those who stepped up.” This year, Flanderka expects the matches with Calabasas and Newbury Park to be quite tight. “Our ultimate goal this year is to make playoffs. The ideal goal is to be second or third, or to be in the socalled “hunt” in League,” Flanderka said. So far, the team lost some early pre-league matches but has won their two league contests against Simi Valley by a score of 17-1 and Royal by a tally of 14-4. After winning the Newbury Park match on April 2, Flanderka concluded, “Right now our chances for playoffs are really good; we are hoping to secure 2nd or 3rd after winning Newbury Park.” The match against Newbury Park ended in a score of 9-9 with Westlake winning by games 85-78. Currently, WHS is in 3rd place behind Thousand Oaks and Calabasas with a record of 4-2 in league and 5-4 overall. After spring break, the team will compete in a “tough” match against Calabasas, in the second round of league play. Since the Coyotes are currently in front of the Warriors, this game is crucial for both teams. Besides the predicted outcome, “You never know; last year T.O. should have won League, but they were missing two players—anything can happen,” said Flanderka.

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