THE
ARROW
VOLUME XXXVI, ISSUE 1
\100 N. LAKEVIEW CANYON ROAD, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91362
OCTOBER 4, 2013
Homecoming to spin music for the ages Rachel Finegold Feature Editor
Students will have the chance to move to their favorite beats as they prepare for the Homecoming rally, dance, and other activities planned for next week. Homecoming commissioner Isabella Preisz ‘14 has assigned music genres to the classes: freshmen will have country music, sophomores will have pop, juniors classic rock, and seniors rap/R&B. The week will kick off with the rally on Oct. 7. ASG is asking attendees to wear their class colors. Freshmen are orange, sophomores are blue, juniors are white, and seniors are black. Tuesday the freshmen will wear their school appropriate country attire, on Wednesday the sophomores will wear their pop outfits, Thursday the juniors will put on their classic rock clothes, and on Friday the seniors will show off their Rap/R&B outfits. Tickets for the Oct. 12 dance (8 p.m. to 11 p.m.) are on sale until Oct. 11 in the student store. “We completely redid the floor plan so there is a concert feel to the dance, with the DJ on a stage that will be where the bleachers are, and the homecoming court nominees will appear on stage just like they do in the movies,” said Preisz. The dance will also have a photo booth; two hard copies will be printed for the guests, and if they want more copies they can find them on Facebook. Nominees for freshman princess are Emily Greer, Lily Rosenberg, Brooke Sand, and Mary Grace Weigel. Freshman prince nominees are Ryan Bishop, Conrad Bluth, Isaiah Bradshaw, and Andrew L’Heureux. Sophomore nominees for princess are Lauren Hom, Brooke Katz, Lauren Katz, and Brianna Rawlings. Nominees for sophomore prince are Trevor Burtzloff, Thomas Morley, Matt Ng, and James Sullivan. Nominees for junior princess are Maddy Aplin, Meisha Lamb-Bell, Kelly Mark, and Maddy McClung. Junior prince nominees are Ryan Chen, Alex Dye, Jordan Hurless, Alec Minkow. Homecoming queen nominees are seniors Shauna Burr, Carly Pierson, Izzy Preisz, and Chloe Walian. King nominees are seniors Kameron Butler, Colin Hall, Connor Kudirka, and Chase Rosenberg.
2014 THAT ROYAL FEELING:
(From top to bottom) Peter Brancato regally displays his crown as the seniors attend the Welcome Back Rally. Seniors scream in support for the first rally of the year. President of the 2014 Class Dominic Conti is ready to face the upcoming challenges with determination. PHOTOS BY LAUREN CHIN
Physics teacher nominated for Presidential Award He enjoys teaching physics in particular because it’s a logic based subject. “Physics is a brain teaser,” he said. “It’s challenging and fun.” A student nominated Holloway for the award, and Holloway had to submit a 45-minute video lesson. He is ecstatic and grateful for the opportunity and the recognition for the hard work and effort he puts into teaching the class. Holloway attributes his success to his parents. They instilled a strong work ethic and positive social skills that helped him become a teacher. If he wins the award, he looks forward to meeting the President. “Your actions describe you,” said Holloway. “You can be better by choosing to chase lofty goals. Be confident, believe in yourself; be our next leaders.”
Michelle Choi Staff Writer
“Holloway is Prometheus. He’s stolen the knowledge of physics from the gods and passed it on to us mortals,” said Jason Chuang ‘14. Physics teacher Scott Holloway has been chosen as a California finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teachings. When Holloway first arrived five years ago at WHS, only 13 students were enrolled in AP Physics. Last year, 150 students were registered for his classes, 98% of whom passed the AP exam. Along with physics, Holloway has taught physical science, environmental science, AP Environmental Science, chemistry and a semester of Algebra 2.
WAVELENGTH WIZARD: Holloway explains the concepts behind wavelengths to students in preparation of the SAT Physics exam.
in this issue Page 2 College Information Night
Page 5 New Teachers
Page 6 Fashion
Page 11 Football
2 Chamber hosts Childrenʼs Concert Westlake Chamber Players, conducted by Liz Blake will perform the 5th Annual Children’s Concert in the Carpenter Family Theatrre on Oct. 6 at 2:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Let’s Dance.” Children can come early (1:45 p.m.) to try out the string instruments at the instrument “petting zoo.” The concert is free.
National Merit announces semifinalists Fifteen seniors qualified as National Merit Semifinalists this year. Ryan Cheng, Jason Chuang, Anita Gao, Michael Ghaussy, Vivian Hu, Alexander Loh, Bharath Mohan, Kevin Shi, Monica Shi, Emily Tsui, Victoria Wang, Vivian Xu, Jasmine Yang, Kevin Ye, and Cynthia Yin qualified in the top one percent of all PSAT scores among 1.5 million others, scoring above 223 on the exam. To qualify for scholarships, students must have a consistent GPA and SAT score, as well as a sponsorship from a school official and essay. They will compete with 16,000 other students for a chance to be a National Merit Finalist and receive a $2,500 scholarship in the spring of 2014.
Writing Contests available for students Creative Communications is offering $2,000 for the winners of its essay and poetry competitions. The poetry divisions will be for grades K-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12, and the essay divisions will be between grades 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Essays must be non-fiction and between 100 and 250 words. Poems cannot exceed 21 lines, and both the essays and poems must be original and in English. Entries can be submitted online. Deadlines vary, so for more information visit www.poeticpower.com.
Music Department to hold food truck festival The Instrumental Music Department will be hosting a Food Truck Festival at Conejo Creek Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 13. There are 14 participating food trucks, including Jogasaki Sushi Burrito Truck, Cousins Maine Lobster Truck, The Grilled Cheese Truck, White Rabbit Filipino Fusion, Trailer Park Truck, and Sweet Arlene’s. The event will also feature live jazz music. Tickets are $5 presale and $7 at the door. The ticket also serves as a raffle ticket for a drawing of an iPad Mini. For more information, visit www. WHSFoodTruckEvent.com.
NEWS THE ARROW College Night draws crowds OCTOBER 4, 2013
Heidi Chiu News Editor Hundreds of students and parents crowded into classrooms and sessions when WHS hosted the CVUSD College Information Night on Sept. 25. Twenty-six different college workshops were presented by over 30 people. Workshops varied from understanding the UC system to scholarships to ROTC. Presenters included WHS faculty, admissions officers from various schools, and college consultants. One of those consultants, Arun Ponnusamy, was a past Caltech and University of Chicago admissions officer. Ponnusamy presented in a workshop called “Selective Colleges,” and informed students and parents about what the admission officers look for in students. “We really care about passion and intellectual curiosity in students. Every single application for Caltech has amazing test scores, but not everyone has passion,” said Ponnusamy. Ponnusamy has more advice for students applying for selective colleges. “To be successful, you have to find the things you are truly interested and curious in… Don’t play piano for 10 years just because your parents forced you to,” advised Ponnusamy. Furthermore, Ponnusamy tells students to be open and be smart when they are applying to the school. “You have to understand why you are
applying to each school. . . . Every school has different curriculum, requirements and environment,” said Ponnusamy. Current admissions officers, such as UCSB’s Courtney Good, were also present. Good presented the workshops “Understand the UC System” and “Admissions to UCSB.” She informed students about the UC system emphasizing that understanding the requirements to apply is important. “Stay connected to the admissions officers, and know what exactly you need to do to apply to colleges,” said Good.
Karkare claims first place in writing contest Vivian Xu
Feature Editor Most people simply see baggage; Kritin Karkare, ‘15, saw inspiration. The imaginative junior, musician, cross-country runner, and Literary Chronicles editor won first place for his short story ‘A Tryst Ignored’ in the Sept. 5 issue of the Thousand Oaks Acorn with his story about the dilemmas and despair of an unlikely protagonist: an unclaimed suitcase. Karkare’s third entry to the Acorn’s annual Fiction in a Nutshell contest took form while he was waiting for luggage at LAX. Taking note of “all the lonely baggage” at baggage claim, Karkare raised a question that most travelers, explorers, and airportfrequenters rarely consider: “What happens to them?” The contest, divided into ‘Under 18 Years’ and ‘18 and Over’ divisions, was judged on writing style, creativity, and plot, all contained in under 100 words. Karkare, who spent half an hour crafting and two hours refining his work of fic-
ʻA Tryst Ignoredʼ
PHOTO BY VIVIAN XU
AWARD WINNER: Karkare holds the results of the Acorn contest, featuring his winning story.
tion, was surprised by the phone call notifying him of his win. “The shock just sort of got to me,” he said. Although he likes his winning piece, he feels it “could use some improvements” and looks forward to showcasing his imagination and writing skill with future works.
Planes overhead fly with frantic excitement. He sees me! A slow rhythmic clicking sound starts to resonate throughout the hall. I’m moving around to get to you, OK? Around the carousels people dash to find their friends. The cramped premises buzz with commotion. Did he remember? Hey! Over here! The hours drain away. Friends, enemies, strangers wash away from the sea of color. What am I, nobody? It is past midnight. Busy streets filled with busybodies now lack life. Lights dim, machines stop. I can’t hold back my tears. The suitcase, sullen eyed, hangs its head down. Thanks, partner.
John Ford: Forever a Warrior Danielle Cortes Staff Writer
Regiment to perform ʻPhantomʼ show Through countless hours of marching and listening to the relentless click of the metronome, the WHS Regiment is preparing for its first full-length “Phantom of the Opera” performance on Oct. 5. Under the leadership of Drum Majors Madeline Maddox ‘14 and Ryan Kurohara ‘15, the Regiment has nearly mastered the three-movement show containing excerpts from “Phantom of the Opera,” most notably originals such as “Music of the Night,” “Think of Me,” and “Masquerade.” The show is estimated to be from seven to ten minutes long and takes inspiration from the 1989 Santa Clara Vanguard performance.
PHOTOS BY LAUREN CHIN
WORDS OF ADVICE: Joe Beltran offers college admissions strategies to students and parents at the College Information Night (Top). WHS Counselor Melissa Kukta offers Naviance tips (Below).
Just over a month ago, WHS lost a prominent man, Coach John Ford, after a sudden heart attack on Aug. 24, 2013. “John represented everything good about WHS students, faculty, and staff. He was always about the well-being of the students. He always went the extra mile for everybody. He will forever be in our hearts and forever be a Warrior. Thank you John for all your love,” said Coach Rick Kelman. As we grieve his passing, we can never forget his dedication to the students of WHS. On a bad day, students could always count on seeing Ford in the hallways with a genial smile and a contagious chortle. COURTESY PHOTO
“He was a pretty cool person,” explained Alex Millet ’16. “I remember on the last day of school we were talking about his health and then he promised me that he would see me graduate. And when I heard that he passed… I was pretty bummed. “ He left an impact on many students here at WHS. With his knowledge and reverential personality, we will always remember him. Ford was a part of the WHS family for over eight years. “John Ford was a true Warrior and he will be greatly missed by all of us at WHS,” said Athletics Secretary Ellen Hellman. In his memory, a plaque will be placed at WHS. To make a donation for this plaque, contact Hellman in the Main Office.
OPINION
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THE ARROW
OCTOBER 4 , 2013
Is it WISE?
The new advisory period is divisive; some love it, while others are having trouble adjusting to the new schedule Rachel Finegold Feature Editor
The Twelve Steps
Orly Greenberg Opinion Editor
Hi, my name is Orly Greenberg. And I’m a Netflix addict. Just saying that makes me feel better, you know? My body is simply flooded with relief. The same kind of relief I felt when I saw that season five of “Mad Men” had finally been uploaded, and I would once again enter the drama of one Don Draper’s matrimonial woes. But I digress. I feel as though a weight has been lifted from my increasingly frail shoulders. I say frail, because I have forgone exercise in favor of binge watching old episodes of “30 Rock” while I weep softly, mourning the death of Tina Fey’s brainchild. It started off so innocent. I would order DVDs and over the course of three weeks slowly make my way through the deliveries. It was healthy. It wasn’t habitual. I’d always heard that Netflix was addictive, that it was so easy to lose control. But for me, Netflix was recreational. I never thought it would escalate so quickly. I guess I realized I had a problem this summer. I started living for the rush of starting a new series. I would spend days holed up in my room, refusing food, eyes glued to the screen. When I did leave my home I would be jittery and distracted, always thinking of the next rush of cinematicinduced bliss. I guess I should have caught on when I started watching shows focusing on addiction. I sympathized with Jesse of “Breaking Bad” and was never quite sure as to why. I think my lowest point came after my friends confronted me. “Who is this person, I—I don’t know who she is anymore!” They pleaded and cried, and I watched in horror. I panicked, like John Travolta after witnessing an overdose in “Pulp Fiction.” I was angry, like Matt Damon is so very often during his performance in “Good Will Hunting.” I was confused, just like I was while watching “2001: Space Odyssey” (because that movie will never, ever make sense). I retreated into my room, brimming with self-loathing. I watched the pilot and series finale of “Lost” in a rage, sobbing uncontrollably. I woke up dazed, dehydrated from all my tears, surrounded by tissues and empty popcorn bags. So now I’m taking action. I refuse to be a victim anymore. I apologize to those I’ve hurt—namely my dog Maeby, for never walking her in favor of a “How I Met Your Mother” episode. Incidentally, the name Maeby comes from the television show “Arrested Development.” I hear it now. I get it. I have a problem, okay? And so I move forward. And while every so often it is comforting to bask in the soft glow of my computer screen, I find that venturing out from my cushioned abyss and into the real world is far more exhilarating. Like for instance, going outside for a brisk walk around the neighborhood is almost comparable to watching the lush, full greenery of “Avatar.” Who would have guessed? *If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one please contact the BWDA (Binge Watching Disorder Association) for more information.
PHOTO BY LAUREN CHIN
SPREADING WISDOM: While freshmen appear to be enjoying their WISE period, there has been some conflict over the usefulness of the schedule change
nothing,” said Ryann Corpuz ’16. Do students really need an extra half hour of class? Every class period was cut by two minutes to create the almost thirty minutes of WISE. Instead of having sophomores sit around at lunch, activities designed specifically for them would provide alternatives. It may even be time to extend the off-campus passes to sophomores during lunch as well.
WISE decision by WHS staff Orly Greenberg Opinion Editor
To be perfectly honest, I joined WISE on a whim. The program, which is mandatory for freshmen and those with a GPA under 2.3, seemed like a good idea to me. However, sacrificing hour long lunches my senior year was a far off prospect. But here I am, almost a month into WISE after a chance encounter with Mrs. Hronek (and some convincing logos via WISE friends). The advisory period is divisive. As a mentor, I see the benefits. Freshmen, selfassured as they might be, do need guidance. The slight nuances of WHS are hard to discern, and senior guides can provide advice from a student’s perspective, rather than a teacher or lecture not wholly ingrained in the high school culture. As a freshman, I would have greatly benefitted from a senior who has been through the classes, standardized tests, and various social transitions. Besides the useful information, WISE keeps freshmen organized and in line. High school can be overwhelming, and it’s incredibly easy to lose track of an increased work load and harder classes. I am convinced that WISE does in fact instill skills that will follow its participants for the remainder of their high school career. Moreover, I firmly believe that students who work diligently deserve to be rewarded. WISE recognizes those who achieve academically by providing a leisurely lunch. Inversely, students who don’t meet minimum standards should be made aware of the progress they must make. WISE, however, is not a punishment for poor grades; rather, it allows high schoolers a block of time during which they can study and do homework that might other-
wise go unattended. There are benefits for seniors as well. Boasting that you single-handedly molded the minds of youths looks great on a college resume. WISE also counts as community service, as it’s an easy way to accumulate a substantial number of hours. Moreover, there is something surprisingly rewarding about leaving the class after a particularly good session. It allows upperclassmen to bond with freshmen and make them feel welcome, rather than greet them with hostility and chastise them for their aimless wandering of the hallways. However, there are problems with the program. WISE attracts leaders; unfortunately, this means many of the mentors also run clubs. With the new schedule, clubs can only start halfway through lunch, as presidents and vice presidents are already committed elsewhere. Additionally, if the clubs are not run by WISE mentors, they can take up the full lunch hour. However, this means that freshmen will be unable to participate for the entirety of the club. Sophomores have also taken offense to the new schedule. Unable to leave campus, many students are forced to roam aimlessly around during lunch. Getting help from teachers is also more difficult; most spend the first half of lunch with their WISE classes and the second half by making up for lost time. Some solutions? Give sophomores off campus passes. Sure they can’t drive, but walking to the Promenade, grabbing lunch, and walking back is completely possible to accomplish within the hour. Ultimately, WISE is a wholly good program. It helps freshmen navigate the mercurial first year of high school, and gives seniors a chance to bond with the underclassmen.
“It’s a good program, but we’re still in the beginning phase of filling things out, but I think it will get there,” said social science teacher Emily Dale. Teachers still seem to be adapting to this change. I appreciate that WHS administrators are trying to reach out to kids who are struggling. However, it should be done in a way that would not affect the sophomores in a negative way.
ARROW
THE
Oh, RealLY?
WHS has altered its bell schedule to make time for a WISE period, a 26-minute, mandatory class for all freshmen and students who have a GPA of 2.3 or lower. For students who do not have to go to WISE, lunch has become much longer, roughly an hour compared to the previous 40 minutes. Seniors who can go off campus have more time to enjoy lunch, and even though juniors have to wait 15 minutes before they can officially depart, the longer meal time still gives them enough time to go off campus. “The extra time is really nice to go off campus for lunch and you don’t have to stress out over time,” said Katie Sascha ‘15. Sophomores, however, are caught in an awkward year during which students have no other option but to sit and do nothing, as sophomores are forbidden from leaving campus for lunch. It simply does not take an hour and six minutes to eat our lunch, even for the excessively slow eaters. “It is a waste of my time to just sit around and do nothing, and lunch becomes boring,” said Margaret Dorhout ’16. I know that many would say we could do our homework. But it’s hard to concentrate in the crowded library and busting out a heavy math textbook, calculator, protractor, pencil, red correcting pen, and homework binder just to finish up a few problems of homework seems like a lot of effort with little payoff. “It is very hard to focus on homework during lunch, and it is just too long and I have too much time on my hands to do
Editor-in-chief Vivian Hu
News Editors Ryan Cheng, Lauren Chin, Heidi Chiu
Opinion Editor Orly Greenberg
Feature Editors Nicolette Blatt, Emily Demsetz,Rachel Finegold, Ariana Haider, Hanyi Huang, Simone Moscovitch, Erik Steinman, Victoria Wang, Vivian Xu, Vallia Yu
Sports Editors Christian Coates, Tara Spencer
Ad Managers Kelli DaRin
Staff Writers
Michelle Choi, Danielle Cortes, Kallyn Hobmann Pranav Kaygee, Taylor Li, Ashwin Rangarajan, Alex Shi
Adviser Caron Battaglia 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 these 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. Please send submissions to westlakearrow@gmail.com. 100 N. Lakeview Canyon Road Westlake Village, CA 91362 (805) 497-6711 ext. 4225
CONTACT US! Scan the link to find us on Facebook, or email us at: westlakearrow.com
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FEATURE
THE ARROW
OCTOBER 4, 2013
Apple is taking a bite out of the market
Something for everyone: from the tasteful Alex Shi
Staff Writer The new Apple product is out, and it’s better than ever. Not only is the new iPhone 5s lighter, thinner, and sleeker, but it also comes in three different colors: gold, silver, and space gray.
...to the neon Ashwin Rangarajan Michelle Choi Staff Writers
The iPhone 5c is capturing the eyes of millions around the world. With dozens of smartphones on the market, the new candy colored iPhone has made an impression on the industry. Made of plastic, unlike the traditional metal and glass hardware of the earlier iPhones, it is more practical for the younger generation. The plastic build makes it significantly cheaper, starting at $99, whereas the typical new iPhone would cost double. The battery life is also significantly improved with ten hours of LTE browsing, talk, and video playback time with the new A6 chip. Thirteen LTE bands are available for the iPhone, more bands for any single brand smartphone, which in turn allows for faster download and upload speeds worldwide.
In addition to the new colors, Apple has replaced the Gorilla Glass with Sapphire crystal, a blue glass that a company called Oosting claims is lighter, cheaper, and stronger. The iPhone 5s is newly equipped with Touch ID, a new fingerprint identity sensor. Now you can simply press your finger on the home screen button to unlock it. The sensor isn’t only restricted to unlocking your phone either; fingerprints also approve purchases from the App, iBooks, and iTunes Store. Touch ID even allows you to set multiple fingerprints so it remembers who you trust. Along with its novel outer features, the iPhone 5s has improved functions. It is the first 64 bit phone, incorporating a new and improved A7 chip which is twice as fast as the iPhone 5c’s A6. Not only is the phone now twice as fast, its graphics are also twice as sharp. In fact, the A7 chip has long since been used as a template for laptops. Shadows in games look more realistic and sunlight reflects off of water bringing graphics to a completely different level. All of the improvements
iPhone 5s...
don’t even come at a cost - the battery life has been increased by nearly two hours thanks to the extremely energy efficient chip. Along with the A7 chip comes the M7 coprocessor. It’s designed to measure motion data, which can then detect when you’re driving, running, or walking. This allows Maps to switch from walking to driving when you need it. For example, if you park and start walking on foot, M7 will automatically change Maps to accommodate your new surroundings. Apple has added True Tone Flash to the iSight camera. It consists of two LED lights, one white, and one amber. iSight determines the color temperature of the scene and selects a combination of amber and white light to create the best picture. The video in the iPhone 5s now even has a slow motion and live video zoom function. Apple also came out with iOS 7 on Sept. 18, which will be included in the iPhone 5s. The expected prices for the iPhone 5s are $199 for the 16GB, $299 for the 32GB, and $399 for the 64GB.
iPhone 5c. The improved iSight camera delivers HD quality pictures and videos using an eight megapixel camera. It also has a panoramic view capability, giving high resolution shots in 1080p. Along with its camera in the back, the iPhone 5c also features an upgraded frontfacing camera with a higher resolution. With a more advanced camera, FaceTime, Skype and video chats can be conducted flawlessly through clearer images. However, in spite of these amazing features, the iPhone 5c does have its downsides. Consumers feel as though Apple is trying to appeal towards a younger generation instead of continuing with its elegant designs. Quite frankly, the new cases look like shabby versions of Connect Four. The new colors of the iPhone 5c are supposed to mimic those of the original Apple logo, but many find them dull and
unentertaining. The cheap polycarbonate shell upsets many users who are used to the original aluminum backing. Though the iPhone 5c has many upsides, there are still some features that may decide how Apple will fare in today’s judgmental world.
Apple’s iOS 7 upgrade offers 3D changes
Kallyn Hobmann
Staff Writer
Apple iPhone users may feel as if they are getting a brand new phone when they download the iOS7 update. This highly anticipated software upgrade was released on Sept. 18. According to Los Angeles Times, Apple’s chief executive, Tim Cook, described the update as the biggest change to the iPhone since its introduction in 2007. The home screen has a more of a three-dimensional look with flatter, newly designed apps and dynamic wallpapers. New swipe gestures are included for easy access to numerous items, including the new control menu. One swipe up from the bottom of the screen gives the user complete control over WiFi, brightness, music, and the new gadget, Airdrop. Airdrop allows nearby iPhones to quickly send over photos, videos, and other data. Other new features include a different format for Safari and iTunes Radio. Safari now has the “unified smart search field.” There is only one search bar at the top of the screen in which users can type in the URLs or what they wish to search for, all in the same place. iTunes Radio is a free streaming radio with more than 250 stations of various genres. With a subscription to iTunes Match, users do not have to listen to occasional ads between songs. iTunes Match is designed to save time when uploading and saving music to devices through iCloud. The update also includes changes to the camera. There are nine filters that can be applied before or after taking a photo, and there is a new format for choosing to take a video, photo, or panorama. If all goes well, Apple predicts the update will be used far more than any other rival operating system. “It’s a whole new take on an accepted concept,” said Caleb Harris ‘16.
APP ATTACK Mobile applications are dominating the online market. Developers and designers alike are finding new and creative ways of developing unique apps. Whether it
is a game like the classic mobile favorite Candy Crush Saga, an app for entertainment, or a useful tool for making life more productive, mobile applications are
taking over the world. Here are four new apps that every smartphone user should download by the end of the year:
MyScript Calculator
Yelp
Vine
MyScript is a very creative and handson way of approaching a mobile-based calculator. With a user-friendly interface, MyScript allows users to write equations and other mathematical formulas directly on the screen of the smartphone— like writing it down on paper without the hassle of eraser shavings and frustrated strike-outs. This unique app allows for quick calculations and complex formulas alike to be detected from the user, and efficiently provides the solution.
New to a city? Need to grab a sandwich in the middle of nowhere? Yelp has you covered. The largest entertainment search feed has seen immense popularity in recent years, and its mobile app does not disappoint. Yelp can search for almost any type of public service near you and sort it by rating, price, distance, or genre. It can even search for restaurants, theaters, malls, bowling alleys, and entertainment complexes just a few miles away from your location. A must-have for avid travelers.
Vine is an app-based social network that takes creativity to the limit. Users are challenged to create unique videos limited to a mere six seconds. Using stop-motion animation, Vine users can create infinite loops on comedic jokes, stop-motion tricks, short news podcasts, pranks, and much more. The possibilities are endless. Even if you may not be an avid “Viner,” the application is a great way to keep in touch with friends and even follow renowned actors like Will Ferrell.
SoundHound The days of frustration over unknown song titles are long gone. With SoundHound, the fastest music detecting device in the App Store, music lovers can now get information about any song in just a few seconds. By simply playing the song or humming the tune to SoundHound, the application will quickly and efficiently provide the song title, artists, album, and song lyrics. A new feature called “Near Me” can even use location services to find trending singles in your area.
Compiled by Pranav Kaygee and Ashwin Rangarajan
FEATURE OCTOBER 4, 2013
THE ARROW
10 teachers join faculty
Armita Mehrabi-Hashemi
Armita Mehrabi-Hashemi (returning)
Nancy Opitz (returning)
Q: What was your first impression of WHS? A: I graduated from WHS in 1990, taught here from 99-05… Loved it then, still love it now. :)
Q: What do you like about teaching art? A: It allows me to think creatively. We get messy and students have creative freedom.
Q: What do you like about teaching math? A: Helping students have a better understanding of math and teaching problem solving skills that can help them in any aspect of life.
Q: What five things would you take with you on a deserted island? A: My surfboard, my husband, my daughter, my favorite hat, and film camera.
Q: What is your dream job (besides teaching)? A: UNICEF ambassador.
Nancy Opitz Analise Greenberg
Q: First impression? A: I was very impressed by the staff as well as the students at Westlake; it’s unlike any school I have ever worked in. Q: What do you like about teaching Social Science? A: I love history because it allows us the opportunity to learn many different areas of study, from art to economics.
Kathryn Mallen
Kirsta Andrew Q: First impression? A: Great school, great students, and everyone is really nice.
Q: What do you like about teaching science? A: I love teaching science because it is a very interactive subject, and we get to do a lot of labs. I especially love Biology because it is all about life so we get to talk about a lot of interesting species of plants, animals, and microorganisms. Q: What was your favorite TV show in high school? A: My favorite TV shows in high school were One Tree Hill and SpongeBob; I actually still love SpongeBob.
Q: First impression? A: My first impression is that the school is very athletic.
Q: What was your favorite TV show in high school? A: Friends
Q: What do you like about teaching? A: I love teaching Physical Education and Health because I can help students lead healthy lifestyles. As an athlete myself and health advocate, my goal is to motivate and encourage students to be dedicated to a life time of health and fitness.
Q: What did you do over the summer? A: Went to Hawaii, and jumped off the southern most spot in the U.S. Q: What is your favorite quote? A: “Failure isn’t falling down; it’s staying down.”
Sophie State Q: What do you like about teaching biology? A: I LOVE teaching biology because I enjoy watching my students discover things about their bodies and the world around them that they didn’t know before. Q: First impression? A: So beautiful. Q: Do you have any pets? A: Yes, an Australian shepherd, Nutmeg. Sophie State Ryan Hendrickson Q: First impression of WHS? A: A great school with great students and staff. I really feel at home here. Q: What do you like about teaching biology? A: I enjoy the subject because of the many connections to the real world. Science in general is amazing and I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to share just how amazing it is to students.
Ryan Hendrickson PHOTOS BY RACHEL FINEGOLD AND SIMONE MOSCOVITCH
Spanish teacher Jessica Fancett and Special Education teacher Kacey Kalsman did not reply in time to be featured in this issue.
Q: What was your favorite teaching style in high school? Do you try to emulate that style? A: My favorite teaching style in high school was when my teachers had hands-on activities. I try to incorporate hands on activities in each class to draw in the students’ attention and get them involved in learning.
Analise Greenberg
Krystle Sundberg
Q: What do you like about teaching science? A: The hands-on learning and seeing how things work.
Kirsta Andrew
Q: What is your dream job (besides teaching)? A: Being a helicopter pilot.
Q: First impression? A: I was actually a graduate of WHS, so I was familiar with the campus. My first impression as a teacher, however, was amazing. The students and staff are all so kind and welcoming. And of course we have an absolutely beautiful campus, so I couldn’t be more excited for the school year.
Kathryn Mallen
Q: Would you rather be able to fly or read minds? A: I’d want to fly. Being able to read minds would be exhausting.
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Krystle Sundberg
Q: What is your favorite sports team? A: Los Angeles Lakers.
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FEATURE
THE ARROW
OCTOBER 4, 2013
Let there be light this homecoming Feature Editor
To be trendy at this year’s homecoming dance ditch the LBD (little black dress) and think bright and simple. Break away from the tight dresses that are too low cut and too short. Although the cutout dress seems like a safe option, this year dare to wear color and be classy. Choosing a casual and flattering dress is the perfect way to go. Homecoming is not the time dress too formally. Dress code for the event is semiformal. Victoria Doder ‘14 (photographed here) is wearing a hot pink dress from Topshop. The dress flatters her athletic body perfectly. The delicate straps and the slit up the front give the illusion of a longer torso and accentuates the legs. Erik Kostin ‘16 is wearing a casual sweater from Forever 21. Boys should keep it fun and casual. Save the three piece suit for prom later. Just a button-up and multi-colored bow tie will do. The dress-code tells the boys to dress semi-formal; thus, a nice pair of dress pants and a button-up shirt fit the description.
1.
2.
Coolest Shoes On Campus
3.
1. Topman
Ben Sherman “RIPY” Chelsea Boots Price: $170.00
2. Topman
Grey Suede Gibson Shoes Price: $90.00
Girls, switch it up! It may be easy to veer towards the basic black dress, but homecoming is all about showcasing your personal fashion sense. If you want to showcase your personal style, show it off in your jewelry. The biggest trend in the past few seasons has been statement necklaces. Statement necklaces always help an outfit look more put together. Places to look for these necklaces are Asos.com, Topshop.com, and Lulus. com. Nevertheless, keep all other jewelry to a minimum when rocking a statement piece. Shoes are the second most important part of your outfit. Trends are chunky booties, high platforms, and thick rectangle heels. See below for shoes that complement dresses. When searching for the perfect pair of shoes, keep a couple rules in mind. While trying on shoes, have a friend that will tell you truth. There is nothing more embarrassing than walking around in high heels and looking like Bambi trying to walk for the first time. Shoes can either be a friend or foe. Pick a pair that will support you throughout a night of dancing. PHOTOS BY NICOLETTE BLATT
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4. 3. Topshop
5. Topshop
4. Topshop
6. Topshop
Ronson Punched Shoes Price: $60.00 Boot Platform A-line Platform Shoe Boots Price: $150.00
Dress: ASOS PETITE Exclusive Off Shoulder Bodycon Dress In Aztec print Price: $16.18
Loud Hi Vamp Platform Sandals Price: $90.00
The cinching of the waist creates an illusion of a slim lower half of the body. The lower neckline creates a longer looking neck. Dress: ASOS CURVE Exclusive Wrap Dress in Tile Print Price: $59.07
s Body
The off the shoulder dress gives your shoulders a more feminine shape. The tightness of the dress will highlight your curves.
Rio 2-Part Simple Sandal Price: $80.00
Dress shopping can be difficult. Here, Feature Editor Nicolette Blatt shares advice on what dresses will flatter you best.
Hourglas
Pear Shaped Body
Dress: Motel A Line Dress With Laddered Back Price: $37.13
B c o i t d e l y h t A t h g Strai
Know your body, know your dress The simple a-line cut of the dress gives your curvy body a slimmer fit. It shows off your slimmer waist while at the same time showing off the natural curve in your body.
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Triangle Body
Nicolette Blatt
The fitted top part of this dress will show off your small waist. The flair out will make the rest of your body appear smaller. Dress: True Decadence Skater Dress In Floral Print Price: $67.50
FEATURE OCTOBER 4, 2013
7
THE ARROW
One more year...
Looking forward
Victoria Wang Feature Editor
I'm a senior now. At first, when I walked through the school at the end of August, I thought I ought to be depressed. One more year of excruciating torture upon the rack of public education, and then relief—only to be shipped off in a few more months to undergo the exquisite, privileged punishment of college? One more year of loitering aimlessly with a bunch of teenagers like me, and then watching most of them walk off the face of my world after graduation? One more year of carefree constraint, before— oh, I don't know—the ominous, inevitable, final, Cap and Gown? I expected these thoughts to weigh on me for the rest of my high school days. I am terrified of endings, you see, almost as much as I am terrified of beginnings. I always feel like they have to be perfect. But I wasn't depressed. Instead, plodding through paths jam-packed with both strangers and old friends, I felt a warm, fuzzy feeling wash over me. I passed the half-finished mural by the North Quad, and I thought to myself: little guys have never known anything else. Not the washed-out Yosemite scenery buried beneath the paint; not the hours spent balancing on a rickety ladder with a paintbrush in hand, trying to figure out if the trumpet dude's head fits on his neck right. They've come into this school, and the first impression they ever had of this wall was the half-finished mural. I'm a senior. I know things they don't. I'm at the top of the food chain, and I'm amazed that I managed to make it this far. Three years, and so much has happened— so many things I'd rather not repeat, but that I don't want to ever forget—so many
Hanyi Huang Feature Editor
IT’S FINAL: The last year of high school is an interesting moment of reflection on how much these three years have changed us.
things that made life worth loving. And I looked at the new kids and realized that, pretty soon, they're going to be where I am now. They're going to go through freshman year and sophomore year and junior year, and by the time they're seniors, they'll have changed. For better or for worse, nobody goes into high school and then comes out exactly the same. I can only pray that all these kids come out with both feet on the ground and heads held high. I was happy as I squeezed past all these young faces. They looked confused, sleepy,
annoyed, and maybe a little scared. But if there's one thing they all had in common, it was a future. They're going to define what comes next in this place where, for the last three years, I've spent a third of my waking hours in. Senior year isn't really an ending —I'll just be stepping off one chapter and into another. There will be plenty of others keeping the cycle going. And I'm not done yet, either. I've still got a year before signing out of here, and I don't plan on letting it go to waste. I'll enjoy my life, and make the most of my last year in high school—and that's final.
Time is precious. My 17 years have passed by in a blur. Every day is an endless repetition of waking up early, going to school, doing homework, and going to bed. There is only one day in my life I remember distinctly: the day I got on that airplane in China and landed in the U.S. It has been 10 years since then. In the blink of an eye, I started the first day of my last year in high school. And in another blink of an eye, that day had already ended. Soon college application deadlines will come and go, and before we know it, we will be graduating from high school, leaving our hometowns, and going to college. The term ”YOLO,” despite how annoying and overstated it is, is undeniably true. Time doesn’t wait for us. It is the only thing in this world that we don’t have enough of and can’t do anything to keep. Even as I’m writing this, time is slipping away from me. A commonly asked question is, ”Where do you see yourself or what do you see yourself doing ten years from now?” Honestly, I don’t know. I can’t see into the future. However, I hope that I won’t look back when I’m 30 years old and wish that I could turn back time and live my life differently, because then I won’t be able to. To my fellow seniors, even though we may fail miserably, let’s fight against senioritis, take advantage of our youth, and live every day to the fullest!
Retro to Mod: Fall trends to fall in love with Simone Moscovitch Feature Editor
It’s just about time to scavenge for your favorite cat sweater that grandma knitted with love back in ’04... NOT. Maybe it is time to do yourself a favor and throw that baby out. This fall, we are seeing many new and recurring trends, ranging from “modern” Jeffery Campbell’s Barbie head pumps all the way to 90’s grunge flannels. A typical outfit you might spot this upcoming season is a woven sweater with a chambray button up shirt peeking through—and you “betta pop dat colla.” A pair of black high-waisted jeans and Steve Madden booties will complete the look. Julia Mannisto ’14 (photographed) is a proud owner of her own graphic beanie and is looking forward to sporting it this fall. “I think it’s so cute, and it keeps my ears warm!” said Mannisto. Many celebrities, like British model Cara Delevingne, former Disney Channel star Vanessa Hudgens, and fashion icon Kylie Jenner have been seen wearing similar fall trends. To achieve this sort of look, visit stores and websites like Urban Outfitters, Nastygal, Brandy Melville, and LF. “I always find my favorite clothes at Urban Outfitters and Nastygal,” said Mannisto.
Left: Mannisto sports a graphic beanie and cozy sweater. Right: Colorful bracelets and light pants add a bright but casual flair.
PHOTOS BY SIMONE MOSCOVITCH
• Graphic tees/sweatshirts •Oversized sweaters/cardigans •Hand and ring bracelets •Cat-eye neon sunglasses •Pins and patches (for jean jackets and backpacks) •Flannels with cropped shirts •Clear plastic purses •Harem pants •Jumpsuits •Vintage jean jackets •Graphic Beanies •Peek-a-boo boots •Body suits •Overalls •Bright lipstick •Jelly shoes •Platform shoes •Dark floral print •Frilly socks •Chokers •Stacked rings
8
Victoria Wang Feature Editor
I know what you’re thinking. Poetry, to you, consists of pale, sickly European men writing about trees and fainting girls, and its sole purpose is to make children hundreds of years later spew nonsense about it in English class. Well, it isn’t. Roger Bonair-Agard, two-time National Poetry Slam Champion, is a veteran at spoken word poetry—a form of expression that mixes lyrical metaphors
REVIEWS
THE ARROW
OCTOBER 4, 2013
RHYTHMS OF BROOKLYN with street corner beats, the happy marriage of Shakespeare and hip-hop. He doesn’t recite poetry, he performs it; and the result picks listeners up and sends them dancing. His most recent poetry collection, Bury My Clothes, pins his voice down on paper for readers to enjoy anywhere. With lines like “Love went to war/in both our hearts [...] This is the second/line funeral I danced to/as Biggie lay”, the poems do not disappoint. Bonair-Agard’s heritage and racial identity play large roles in his work. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, he immigrated
to New York City over twenty years ago and discovered American life as a young black man in the ghettos. Previous poetry collections, Tarnish and Masquerade and Gully, explore coming-of-age, the immigrant experience, and racial discrimination. Bury My Clothes focuses on violence and the power of art to triumph over it in oppressed communities. The book contains 55 poems, averaging two pages each and split into eight sections. Style and form vary from section to section, but the collection is united thematically and by a deep sense of pride, love, and strength.
The nature of the collection requires references to mature topics, and he quite frequently uses words that I can’t publish in this newspaper. However, teens can still appreciate Bonair-Agard’s literary brilliance, and the spoken word influence allows his language to be easily accessible to many people who aren’t accustomed to reading poetry. To those who enjoy poetry and rap, I highly recommend searching up videos of Bonair-Agard performing live highlight pieces such as “The All-Black Penguin Speaks” and “The Night Biggie Died.”
Remember that first love Hanyi Huang Feature Editor
Deadly fight for freedom Hanyi Huang
What happens when socially awkward, half-Korean Park meets obnoxiously redhaired Eleanor? Sparks fly, obstacles arise, and hearts break. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell is set in small town Ohama in 1986. Eleanor Douglas is the new girl with family struggles that she doesn’t want anyone to know about. Park Sheridan is a social misfit whose dad is always telling him to be a “man.” The two become acquainted due to an unfortunate seating arrangement and build an alliance through their mutual love of comic books and music. Their friendship eventually turns into romance.
The story is told in first person and switches between Eleanor and Park’s perspectives, so the readers get to experience both sides of the story. The development of Eleanor and Park’s relationship is very gradual. The readers watch every step that the protagonists take to becoming a couple, from seating together in silence, to sharing comic books and music, to holding hands. The romance between Eleanor and Park is genuine and realistic, and the
couple’s descriptions of each other are often evocative and sensual. To Park, Eleanor “looked like art” and “holding [her] hand was like holding a butterfly.” Eleanor thinks Park is the most beautiful person she has ever seen, and she “can’t even breath when [they are] not together.” Although happily ever after seems like the appropriate ending for this romantic young adult novel, the ending is not what everyone would wish for. Rowell stays true to reality and gives the story a solemn but believable conclusion. Eleanor and Park is a story of being young and innocently in love. It is a story of taking risks even when the result can be undesirable. It is a story of loving someone for all their imperfections.
Feature Editor
What if Cinderella went to the castle to kill the prince instead of to marry him? New author Sarah J. Maas played with such an idea, and the Throne of Glass was born. Heroine Celaena Sardothien is an 18-year-old assassin who is jailed after being betrayed by a fellow assassin. Celaena receives the chance to win her freedom when the Crown Prince chooses her as his Champion in his father’s competition. She must beat 23 other assassins, thieves, and warriors in tests of strength, skill, and prowess to become the King’s Champion. The storyline is similar to that of The Hunger Games in regards to the competition motif; however, the purpose of the contest is very different from that of The Hunger Games, and defeat is not defined by death. Additionally, every character in the novel has his or her unique personality. Celaena Sardothien is beautiful but dangerous; Chaol Westfall is strict and loyal; Prince Dorian is charming and carefree, and Princess Nehemia is sweet, yet sharp-tongued. Despite how diverse the characters are, they all have one thing in common: they are all very sassy. This common character trait serves as a humor and relief factor when the characters interact with each other, especially when gruesome details surface. Of course, no good story is complete without a little romance, and Throne of Glass is no exception. However, the love story in this novel is not overly dramatic or particularly heart-wrenching; there is only one romantic scene in the entire book. Maas creates an intriguing tale when she experimented with the idea of a deadly Cinderella. Fans of The Hunger Games will enjoy this new type of fantasy.
Perks of Being a Wallflower “I just loved the fact that I could relate to how Charlie felt throughout the entire book; not fitting in, trying to make new friends. I just felt like even though it was just a book, it reassured me that I’m not the only one who feels like that.” -Marissa Legal ‘16
Top 10 Young Adult Bestsellers According to The New York Times
The Fault in Our Stars “Even though it was extremely different from my life, I felt like I could relate to some of the issues Hazel and Augustus went through, and they helped me through my own struggles in life. It’s a story of pure, genuine love and you can’t help but fall in love with it.” -Ayana Baker ‘16
REVIEWS
9
THE ARROW
OCTOBER 4, 2013
Michelleʼs Music Corner
By Michelle Choi
Melody by melody
Nobles, Royals, and Lorde
Panic! returns
Faded Paper Figures is an indie pop electronica band from Los Angeles, with sounds often compared to those of The Postal Service and Freelance Whales. Their debut album, “Dynamo,” received a lot of attention from the indie world; many of the songs, such as “Polaroid Solution” and “North by North,” were played on “Grey’s Anatomy.” “Dynamo”’s opener, the catchy “North By North,” is the most popular song by Faded Paper Figures. “North by North” has a similar vibe to “Little Talks” by Of Monsters and Men, with the vocal subtleties of a typical indie band. The lyrics are more than just a string of wasted syllables usually found in typical pop songs, instead forming a narrative about two people escaping and exploring the world together. The rest of the album is nothing spectacular: each song has the same synthetic repeated beat as the one before it. Still, the endless loop of smooth melodies works well to relax the listener. Although the album is rather outdated (it came out in 2008), it’s still timeless and a good listen for when you need a relaxing, cheerful melody to brighten your spirits.
I spent a lot of time last weekend trying to expose myself to the “popular” music of my generation. After listening to about three hours of the same synthetic beats and provocative lyrics, “Royals” by Lorde began playing. Lorde is a 16-year old New Zealand singer-songwriter, often referred to as the “pop prodigy who’s sick of rappers.” Her song “Royals” has hit first on the iTunes U.S. chart, beating out “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke and “We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus. “Royals” is a commentary on the “luxe life” that criticizes how many modern songs focus on wasting wealth at whim, when in reality, wealth isn’t a significant factor to happiness in life. It’s a very simple song, with a basic beat and a catchy tune. Any melodic line comes from Lorde’s voice herself, without the assistance of any instruments or synthesizers. Her voice has the same huskiness associated with Adele and Amy Winehouse, but it’s softer and more subtle. Both pop lovers and haters like the song that carries a positive message. Finally, Lorde has given us an appropriate pop song.
Panic! at the Disco is back from hiatus with the announcement of its new album “Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die!” They have already released two singles from the album, “Miss Jackson feat. Lolo” and “This Is Gospel,” which have received over two million views each on YouTube. The album is inspired by Las Vegas, the hometown of frontman and lead singer Brendon Urie. “Miss Jackson” is very different from the songs on Panic! at the Disco’s previous albums, having a similar beat and vibe as Fall Out Boy’s “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light ‘Em Up).” The group consciously simplified the melody and lyrics to appeal to a wider audience. “This Is Gospel,” on the other hand, has a fun punkpop beat with lyrics that contain the complex jargon that the band is famous for. The music video has been called “deadly and dark,” but is the quintessential example of Panic!’s peculiarity. “Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die!” will be released on Oct. 8 and is available for pre-order on iTunes, Amazon, and Fueled by Ramen/Decaydance.com
Romeo and Juliet resurrected
Victoria Wang Feature Editor
Once upon a time, a poet told the story of two young lovers whose passions cause their deaths. Over 416 years later, on Oct. 11, 2013, Romeo and Juliet will be resurrected and (spoiler alert!) killed again in a new movie adaptation called “Romeo & Juliet,” directed by Carlo Carlei and written by Julian Fellowes of “Downtown Abbey” fame. Douglas Booth and Hailee Steinfeld will play the titular characters. It was first shown in the UK on July 26. “Romeo & Juliet” is by no means the first film adaptation of Shakespeare's classic. Ever since the classic play first went into the film industry with George Cukor’s 1936 “Romeo and Juliet,” each generation
seems to feel the need to retell the story on the big screen, with varying levels of success. The tragic theme has been woven into countless other storylines as well. Direct adaptations include the 1968 Zeffirelli version, “Romeo + Juliet” (1996), and “Gnomeo and Juliet” (2011). Each strives for originality: while the 1968 production stays largely true to the original play, the 1996 production is set in fictional, modernized Verona Beach, and the 2011 production is a children’s animated tale centered on gnomes. The two most successful are the 1968 version—which was nominated for Best Picture—and the 1996 version—Leonardo DiCaprio plus romance plus guns equals box office behemoth. Movies more loosely based on the starcrossed lovers also abound, most notably
One Direction lights up silver screen
Ariana Haider Feature Editor
Five cheeky British lads, one group, one movie: “One Direction: This Is Us.” With 19 million singles and 10 million albums sold, One Direction, with members Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne, has become one of the biggest boy bands in the world since the group came together on “The X Factor” in 2010. The new movie, directed by Morgan Spurlock, lets fans in on the lives of the band members and their transition from ordinary small town boys to pop stars. “[The movie] made me feel like I was actually at one of their concerts,” said Lauren Mackinnon ‘15. Made up of scenes and clips of concerts, backstage life, screaming fans, and plenty of their own shenanigans, the movie’s plot is quite simple. Its main purpose is to help fans connect with the band members on a personal level and
allows them to look at the boys as ordinary people. After watching the movie, Tyler Ducich ‘15 said, “I thought I knew a lot about [One Direction] before but I found out even more.” Although the movie was created as a tribute to the fans, it has managed to capture the hearts of parents and others who do not follow the boy band. Fan or not, viewers are bound to feel connected to these five outspoken lads who call themselves One Direction.
“West Side Story” (1961), in which a young couple is divided by New York City gang violence. With all these forerunners, “Romeo &
Juliet” (2013) has a lot to live up to. Whether it will be capable of adding something fresh to this timeless play, however, has yet to be determined.
COURTESY PHOTO
WHAT’S IN A REMAKE?: Will stars Douglas Booth and Hailee Steinfeld live happily ever after?
10
The Arrow
Mission: Transition
A sophomore seeking meaning in calculators
Three Arrow staff writers reflect on their new year
Emily Demsetz
October 4, 2013
Standing taller as a senior Erik Steinman
Feature Editor
Every day I hear the typical chorus of complaints from my fellow sophomores. Sighs and scoffs rebound off the hallway walls as they groan about freshmen stopping mid-stride, the enormous amounts of stress from classes, and the growing pressure of necessary grades to qualify for specific courses, valedictorian status, and beyond. The past few weeks have been easy and enjoyable. While an eight-period day may seem much too tiring to some, my sophomore year has so far been a series of enjoyable and relatively easy courses, marked with Mr. Scott’s jokes and exclamations of “GGOGP” as well as a sea of colorful balloons in Mr. Freed’s seventh period class. I don’t doubt that workloads will increase and marching band nights may grow longer as homework piles up, but this year I feel prepared. Freshman year was an ongoing battle between me and Geometry, the mathematical bane of my existence. I spent countless hours trying to become less horrible at playing percussion. I fought an intense daily craving for Mexican food that I have not yet shed. Through late-night dreams of tacos and protractors covered in tears, I conquered freshman year. And it was completely fine. It was my foundation year of high school: organizing my time more effectively, discovering what I love to do, and simultaneously enjoying the perks of an abundance of new friends and entertaining lab partners. I give a hearty welcome to the 700 new freshmen. Enjoy yourselves and all of the challenges before you. This year may determine your work ethic and attitude throughout the rest of high school. Sophomores, take the new year by storm. Now is the time to embrace your intriguing textbooks and graphing calculator capabilities.
Feature
Feature Editor
EVOLUTION: The natural progression of the average high school student.
A junior’s juggling act Ariana Haider Feature Editor Junior year is the year that matters the most. The year that many believe defines your future. The workload dramatically increased from sophomore year, and classes are faster paced. Compared to upperclassmen’s warnings, however, junior year has been easier than expected. This year teachers have assigned more reading than work in all of my classes. More reading means more hours spent after school staring at my textbook. My agenda says “Read” in the Psychology category, “Read” in the AP US History category, “Read” in the AP Environmental Science category and “Read” in the English category. As a result I never want to pick up another book again. I feel as though I have a test or a quiz every day. Maybe my teachers are plotting to cause the most stress possible amongst the student body. If teachers put
themselves in students’ shoes, maybe they would sympathize more with our situation and consider the numerous responsibilities and classwork. Despite all of this, I was expecting the material to be much more difficult and late night reading sessions to last much longer. I have been handling my course load with time to spare, maybe because the fear of junior year helped prepare me mentally. The best thing this year is having Common Planning Time every Friday and having a 15 minute longer lunch MondayThursday. Common Planning Time allows me to cram for a test the night before and still sleep in an extra hour since I don’t have a first period class. Longer lunches allow me to catch up on the overload of homework I was too lazy to finish the night before because I spent several hours napping instead. Juniors, brace yourselves for a storm that is an unenjoyable work load, huge number of quizzes and excessive amount of reading that is frightening for even the brightest of us.
What does it mean to be a senior? Is it taking five easy classes and relaxing at home by lunch time? Is it having absolute priority over the rest of the student body? Is it knowing that a world of opportunity will open to you as you walk across the stage and grab your diploma? These assumptions drive the juniors forwards, but as homework begins to fill backpacks and college application deadlines approach, junior expectations become senior disappointments. Seniors learn quickly that the light workloads are myths. My classes have not decreased in number or rigor. Instead, I am now taking five AP courses instead of four and I do not leave school at 12:00, but at 1:53 (six minutes later than I did last year). I now have a shortened lunch because I decided to use my time to become a WISE mentor and encourage freshman success. As a senior, I have not received any special attention from WHS staff. My freedom in the school remains the same. Taking classes, walking three miles between periods, and sitting on the dirty concrete floors of the campus remain focal points of my daily school routine. The whole “college” monster sneaks up closer and closer every day, waiting for the perfect opportunity to pounce and attack innocent seniors. Worrying about making deadlines and writing essays has taken a toll on my outlook. But senior year isn’t all bad: I learned that my second semester grades won’t significantly impact my future; I no longer have to worry about preparing for state standardized testing. I will leave with all of the great memories I have made with friends and family throughout my high school years. And best of all, I am taller than the freshmen.
SPORTS
11
THE ARROW
OCTOBER 4, 2013 Christian Coates Sports Editor
Warrior football (2-2) traveled to Encino last week to take on the Crespi High School Celts (2-2). Both teams have played well this year but had losses to very good programs such as La Serna and Alemany, respectively. However, the Warriors knocked off the Celts 24-14 in the matchup last week that was televised live on Fox Sports Prime Ticket. Neither offense could get much started in the first half. Crespi took a 7-0 lead into halftime, but was hindered all night by penalties. Untimely flags cut their drives short and gave free yardage to the Warriors. At the end of the game, the Celts totaled a whopping 145 yards on 13 penalties. Lexi Isham ‘14 provided a spark after the break, blocking former WHS kicker Johnathon Weilbacher’s punt and giving the Warrior offense great field position. Malik Henry ‘16 found his groove in the third quarter, delivering touchdown passes to Nick Rodriguez ‘15 and Cole Hair ‘14. Henry finished 17 for 24 with 218 yards and, most importantly, no interceptions. “Malik is a young guy and he is going to continue to get better,” Coach Jim Benkert said after the game. “I think he showed tonight that he can really throw the football.” A 54-yard strike to Andre Baccellia ‘15 set up another WHS score in the fourth quarter. Reno Doubreuil ‘15 powered in a short-yardage touchdown, which was all the Warrior running backs could do. The Crespi defense was able to bottle up their running game, limiting them to a total of 62 yards. Crespi quarterback Conor McMahon led the Celts down the field in the fourth to cut the lead to 24-14, and the momentum was slowly shifted back Crespi’s way. Rodriguez was able to seal the game for
Westlake speeds past Crespi PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN COATES
CATCH HIM IF YOU CAN: Jesse Cuccia runs a screen pass by the Crespi defense in the Warriors victory over the Celts, 24-14.
WHS by picking off McMahon’s errant pass. From that point, WHS ran out the clock and left coach Troy Thomas’ team with a bitter defeat. Joe Garcia ‘14 transferred from Crespi after his freshman season and was particularly excited about the win. “It’s the best feeling in the world. I got hurt but we
PHOTO BY LAUREN CHIN
RALLYING TO VICTORY: Gianna Insogna returns a Hart player’s shot.
Girls tennis off to blistering start Ryan Cheng News Editor
Girls tennis, led by Coach Connie Flanderka, has launched into a strong season, with both varsity and JV going 6-0 in league. Despite the loss of eight seniors and Assistant Coach Jim Azevedo last year, the team has taken a commanding lead in the Marmonte League. Nine seniors will leave the team this year, including Vanessa Cortes, Kristina Ferrari, Nina Heintz, Vivian Hu, Anita Gao, Gianna Insogna, Amanda Shi, Monica Shi, and Jasmine Yang. “Coach Flanderka’s belief in our individual abilities and in our synergy as a team motivates me to play my best. As a senior, I play not only for myself, but also for my teammates, and for our coach who has dedicated so much to us and the
team,” said Monica. “The four years I spent on the tennis team have been lifechanging, and I’m really going to miss WHS tennis.” Varsity recently defeated rival Thousand Oaks High School in a 17-1 victory. The JV team has had an almost unblemished record this season, taking 6-0 wins against all the other Marmonte League teams except for Calabasas High School, the team they beat 5-1. “I’m really going to miss playing tennis here,” said Gao. “The years I spent on this team have been a great experience.” At the end of the season, two singles and two doubles teams will compete in the CIF playoffs starting on Nov. 6, and one singles and one doubles team will enter in the CIF Individuals tournament, which begins on Nov. 25.
have [St. Bonaventure] next week and I’ll be back,” the linebacker said. The Oct. 3 matchup against division rival St. Bonaventure (3-2) figures to be the toughest game left on the schedule. The Warriors faced the Seraphs at Santa Barbara City College. A big question heading in will be the health of Seraph star quarterback
Ricky Town, who has had knee troubles this season. WHS homecoming game is against Royal. The Highlanders are 3-1, with wins against Golden Valley, Calabasas, and Channel Islands teams. However, Royal could challenge the Warriors at Westlake, so it is a game worth paying attention to.
12
SPORTS
THE ARROW
OCTOBER 4, 2013
Cross country races
Tara Spencer Sports Editor
down the road
Coming back after winning the first state championship in school history, WHS boys cross country is eager and ready to fight for another victory at state. After a loss to Agoura in their first league meet, the Warriors are ready to suit up for battle to take on the rest of the league. “We have a long way to go,” said Mikey Giguere ‘14 to The Acorn. However, although losing only one varsity runner from last year, Rocky Peterson ‘13, the group recognizes that they must work together to accomplish the
same results this year. The varsity runners are Chris Costa ’14, Giguere, transfer from TOHS Jimmy DeMello ’15, Sean O’Bryan ’14, and Ryan Finch ’15. The group lost 25-32 against Agoura. They have the chance to redeem themselves, however, at League Finals when they return to this course. Additionally, Costa finished second in the race at 15:56 and close behind was Giguere (16:01). Jimmy claimed sixth at 16:26. O’Bryan ran a 16:36 and Finch crossed the line at 16:42. Jenny Giguere ’15 helped lead the varsity girls to a comfortable victory with a 19:00 minute time. Katrina Jenkins ’15
was second at 19:13 and Clarice Douille ’15 came in fourth with a 19:52. Freshman standout, Karina Richman, was the next for the team, followed by newcomer Andrea Sikra ‘14. Frosh/soph girls slammed Agoura going 15-45 with Abigail Hayes ‘17 winning at 21:20; Allison Mendoza ‘16 (22:11) was next, followed by Spenser Vigeland ‘17 and Amanda Schatz ‘16 tying at 22:26, and Samira Bell ‘17 closing it up with a 22:33. JV girls dominated with winner Alexa Ashley ‘15 (21:44), followed by Kathryn (Kat) Nickel ‘15 (22:38). Soo Kim ‘16 ran a 23:21, while Devan Schefferine ‘15 (23:37) was right behind. The last scorer was Kelly
COURTESY PHOTOS
Fahy ‘17 at 23:49. JV boys and frosh/soph boys also lost to Agoura 24-33 and 15-45. According to Coach Chad Scott, some key races to look forward to will be against Simi Valley on Oct. 9, along with the meet against Moorpark and Thousand Oaks on Oct. 17. Scott also stated, “It is harder to repeat as champions. But in the meantime our team is working hard in practice, dealing with the aches and pains of competing at a high level, and racing with a strong competitive spirit.” The Warriors ran against Calabasas and Royal High School at Challenger Park (Royal’s home course) on Oct. 3.
Frosh/Soph volleyball coach sets winning tone for season Rachel Finegold Feature Editor
PHOTO BY RACHEL FINEGOLD
TAKING THE LEAD: Coach Diorio instructs her team during a game.
Victoria Diorio, the new frosh/soph girls volleyball coach, has taken WHS by storm. Though she has no prior experience, she is making a big impact. The team has won all of its preseason games and was the champion of the high school tournament in Anaheim. Coach Diorio has already set her team up to be Marmonte League champions just like the coaches that preceded her. “Coaching volleyball at WHS has been a fun experience and I have a lot of athletic girls on the frosh/soph team who are all very advanced for their age,”
Water polo improves league ranking Kallyn Hobmann Staff Writer
With an undefeated league record so far in the season, the varsity water polo team is off to an exciting start as their season begins. "We expect this season to go really well. We have been working very hard and we will be ready to wow some people," said Coach Ricky Mulcahey. The boys battled in the Conejo Valley Classic on Sept. 6, losing to Rio Mesa with a final score of 8-9. They lost 7-9 to Cresenta Valley the next day, but came back and defeated Yucaipa 11-8 and Notre Dame 14-10. The team played in its first home game on Sept. 10 against Notre Dame High School. "The game was very intense," said Nakul Gupta ‘16. WHS was winning 5-3 in the third quarter when Notre Dame scored two quick goals to tie up the game 5-5. After a fourth quarter with neither team scoring, the game went into over-
time. The first period passed with no goals, leading to double overtime. In the second overtime period, Chris Farkas ‘15 scored the winning goal within the last minute, handing WHS the victory in double overtime 6-5. Varsity defeated Royal 10-6 on Sept. 19, and on Sept. 20 and 21, they participated in the Los Altos Varsity Tournament. On Sept. 30, they defeated Calabasas, ending the game with a winning score of 16-12. The Warriors defeated Newbury Park on Oct. 2, moving them into tie for first place in league with Agoura. Overall, the team is 8-6. “Our team goals are not only to win all of our league games but to work harder than all the other teams while we do it,” said Mulcahey. UPCOMING GAMES: Varsity boys water polo Oct. 8- VS. Thousand Oaks Oct. 9- VS. Newbury Park Oct. 16- VS. Agoura Oct. 18- VS. Royal Oct. 19- VS. Brea Olinda
said Diorio. Her goal is to win as many games as possible and also to enjoy the sport. “I would like to become a better hitter and Diorio can help me with her positive attitude, fun practices, and encouragement,” said Margaret Dorhout ‘16. Diorio wants the girls to have fun and always try their best to balance hard work and play. The girls’ love for the game and work ethic is very important to her. Diorio also teaches math, including Algebra 2CP and Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry. “My schedule is a little overbooked right now with everything that is going on. It’s enjoyable; however, sometimes I
do wish I had a little more downtime,” said Diorio. The varsity team also got off to a great start winning all of their games so far for the season. Against Agoura, the varsity team won their match 22-25, 2523, 25-21, and 25-23. Varsity also played very well winning their next game against Newbury Park 25-15, 25-14, and 25-16 never letting their opponent put points on the board. Varsity defeated their biggest rival TOHS in four very intense games, the scores being 25-16, 2523, 26-28, and 25-23. Yesterday the girls volleyball teams played Royal at home, and next week they will play Calabasas and Moorpark.