9.28.17 by The Westlake Arrow

the

Arrow 100 Lakeview Canyon Rd. Westlake Village, CA 91362 Volume XXXIX | Issue 1 | September 28, 2017

D E N N

A B

National Banned Books Week Page 11

Free speech controversy

Letter to freshmen

Misery movie review

Page 4

Page 10

Page 12

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Kicking off our first issue

Academy insight

A dive into the new year

by The Editor Team editorial

Meet new staff

8-9

Cost of education

What’s in your sports bag?

Homecoming photo essay

Cover photo by Caelyn Pender

theArrow Staff www.westlakearrow.net westlakearrow@gmail.com

kay lim & albert zhang

managing editor

daryn mink, sydney rosinski & melanie zhang

news section editor caelyn pender

web editor

The Arrow is written, designed and run by the students of the Advanced Journalism and Journalism 1CP classes at Westlake High School. 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.

Entering the new school year, we had to say goodbye to last year’s seniors on the staff. As they head off to college, we have the weight of their accomplishments on our shoulders as we try to carry on their legacy of quality journalism. Don’t worry, we will still remember you as the second best editor team, Amanda, Helen and Jaisen. However, we are very glad to welcome the new staff! This year, the paper is created by a large team of tremendously talented writers, photographers and page designers. Already, we are proud to announce that the food bin has been far better stocked and preserved than last year. We will always remember Andy and Steven’s countless attempts to force students to contribute calories to our staff. However, we still have endless hours of hard work and attempts to finish APUSH homework and college apps while “writing articles” (we are looking at you, juniors and seniors) ahead of us to ensure that this year’s issues will continue to grow in quality and craft. We appreciate you taking the time to enjoy this issue and sending us your feedback! We love to hear suggestions and comments about how we might improve our publication. Let’s make this year one that is filled with many extraordinary memories and experiences ... and also good sleep.

opinion editors

editors-in-chief

@westlakearrow 100 N. Lakeview Canyon Road Westlake Village, CA 91362 (805) 497-6711 ext. 4225

PHOTO

PHOTO BY ISRA DIN

Pass the AUX

Welcome to the first issue of the 39th edition of The Arrow. As your new editor team, we’re so excited to announce new improvements and additions to the “new”spaper this year. To address the elephant in the room, yes, we decided to change the paper’s appearance. We have shortened the length of each page by three inches in an attempt to give The Arrow a fresh, modern look. In order to make up for the loss in size, we are adding four more pages to every issue for readers to enjoy. The addition of these pages led to the birth of the brand– new Arts & Entertainment section. Under the direction of Katie Reul, this section will keep readers up to date with recent events in pop culture. Featuring everything from movie reviews to music recommendations, we are expecting this section to keep readers entertained. A standing photo essay will appear in each issue, featuring a wide range of topics such as fashion, sports and school sponsored events. The Sept. issue photo spread highlights some of the students’ favorite homecoming memories. In this first issue, the front page and an opinion piece highlight the national controversy over banned books and a news piece covers the nation’s current controversy over free speech. It is impossible to express the excitement we have for our brand–new, revolutionized website, westlakearrow.net. New stories will be uploaded on a weekly basis so students and staff can stay updated with what is happening on campus. In addition, readers will be entertained by creative videos and infographics that accompany stories. For students seeking information, the daily announcements and other important dates will be available. And don’t forget to check out the comics! They will be created bi–weekly by WHS’s very own Art Club. We will also serve as reporters for the new WHS athletics website, westlakeathletics.com, so expect plenty of season updates and game recaps of WHS athletic teams. As our publication continues to expand, so do our responsibilities. As journalists, we have the responsibility of bringing news to the students at WHS so they can stay informed. Therefore, The Arrow serves as a protection against violation of our rights of speech and press. We also have the duty to report the truth accurately and fairly without harming anybody. As journalists, we must have the integrity to make sure everything we print is correct to the best of our abilities. The staff is well aware of the dangers involving libel and obscenity, especially in a school newspaper. More often than not, our witty opinion writers will give their unique outlook on current topics. It is important that our writers refrain from simply ranting; instead, they should strive to express their ideas in a professional manner.

milla wu

news editors isra din

photo & graphics editor

taylor chen, marc choi & jamie lee

arts & entertainment section editor megan king

business manager

katie reul

arts & entertainment editors michelle hang

social media manager

amanda ju, elliot kim & alex li

sports section editor sona bhargava

lo yarnall

sports editors

feature section editor connie shi

feature editors prarthana kaygee, avery pak & sydney schlesinger

nate brenner, akhil gutta & matt zhang

adviser karie lynch

NEWS

Local, national and international news

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PUBLIC DOMAIN

Local

On Sat., Sept. 30 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., the Collection Riverpark in Oxnard is hosting the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. following a 9 a.m. ceremony. “Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research,” states the Walk’s website, act.alz. org. The Oxnard Walk to End Alzheimer’s, hosted at 2751 Park View Ct., is a two mile route. Walkers can register as part of a team or simply as an individual. There is no registration fee, but participants are encouraged to donate. Those who donate $100 or more receive a shirt on walk day. Another Walk will be held in Thousand Oaks at Kingsmen Park, California Lutheran University on Sat., Oct. 21 from 8 a.m. to 11a.m. Visit act.alz.org for more information about the walk.

National

On Sept. 5, President Donald Trump’s administration announced its plan to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. “DACA is a federal government program created in 2012 under Barack Obama to allow people brought to the U.S. illegally as children the temporary right to live, study and work in America,” said Joanna Walters in a theGuardian article. “Those protected under DACA are known as ‘Dreamers.’” After the president’s administration’s announcement, DACA stopped considering applications. Those who have already applied and received DACA papers have six months before all DACA protections end, a time frame in which Congress must reach an agreement in order to reinstate protections for the Dreamers. Almost 800,000 illegal immigrants in America will be affected by the decisions Congress and Trump make; 7,000 DACA–eligible immigrants live in Ventura County and 200,000 of the 800,000 live in California.

International

North Korea fired its second missile test launch over the Japanese island of Hokkaido on Sept. 15. “The launch came just hours after North Korea responded to the United Nations Security Council’s ... additional sanctions by threatening to ‘sink’ Japan and reduce the U.S. mainland into ‘ash and darkness,’” stated CNN article by Joshua Berlinger. According to the U.S. intelligence assessment, the bomb released 140 kilotons of energy, but recent research by 38 North, which is run by the U.S.–Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University, suggests that it may have released as much as 250 kilotons of energy. In response to recent tests, the United Nations drafted a resolution on or of sanctions on North Korea on Sept. 11. The North Korean test may have been almost 17 times stronger than the bomb detonated over Hiroshima,” stated Michelle Ye Hee Lee in a Washington Post article. “The United Nations on Monday unanimously agreed on its toughest sanctions against North Korea, setting limits on its oil imports and banning its textile exports. Compiled by Megan King and Caelyn Pender

CVUSD board votes on English core curriculum

by taylor chen news editor There is a very tense debate currently going on in the Conejo Valley Unified School District school board. This debate concerns the implementation of proposed core literature books taught at the high school level. Controversial books include Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. Approval of new English books is a very subjective process; each person involved with the process has a different set of standards that they apply to new curriculum. “[I] make sure the novel has substantial literary merit,” said English Department Chair Lora Novak. “We try to look for authors likely to show up on standardized tests.”

For each grade level, there is a curriculum standard issued at the state level. Often the standards follow a common theme. For example, in 11th grade, the theme is American history; therefore, 11th grade English is focused around American literature. English teachers go through many books through the course of the year. If they happen upon a certain book that follows curriculum themes, they can suggest these titles to the English articulation committee. The English articulation committee is composed of the department chairs from every school in the district. Part of this group’s responsibility is to propose a timeline for teaching the curriculum. The department chairs analyze the proposed novels, and after lengthy sessions of discussion, they vote which books will proceed to the next level.

Books that have enough votes move onto the Secondary Curriculum Advisory Council. The Secondary Curriculum Advisory Council is composed of 32 cross–district representatives of all areas of articulation. This panel goes over the same process of analyzing and discussing. Then, another vote sends desired novels to the school board for a final decision. At the school board, public discussion reveals a divide between standards and morality. Each board member has conflicting standards they use for their decisions. “My position is that no child should be forced to read an obscene book,” said school board President Mike Dunn. “We cannot be complicit to minors reading profane and graphic, explicit material in class.” There is a fine line between literary merit and age appropriate reading. “I am an avid reader and one of the

reasons is that a great novel lets me experience a life different from my own, different in culture, language and experiences,” said school board Member Betsy Connolly. “I want all of our students to have this opportunity. If the school board votes for approval, a book will be added to the core English reading list. From this list, teachers can choose books to teach in class. Snow Falling on Cedars is especially controversial. The community is split: one side opposes it because of its sexually explicit material; however, the other side advocates it because of its literary themes and style. Books that do not make it onto the board approved list are not banned from the district curriculum, but students cannot be required to read or analyze them for a grade. However, the school board’s decision does not affect the availability of the book for students in school.

1655 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

NEWS

In brief PSAT

PTSA reflections Students interested in showcasing their talent in visual arts, photography, literature, music composition, dance choreography and/or film production can enter the national PTSA reflections program. The theme for this year is “Within Reach…” The paperwork can be picked up in the library, and the deadline for all entries is Oct. 24.

Club rush Club Rush will take place in the quad on Fri., Oct. 13. Clubs will have the opportunity to set up booths to publicize their goals and activities giving interested students the opportunity to explore what clubs have to offer.

Food truck festival On Sun., Oct. 8, from 11—4 p.m. at Conejo Creek Park, the WHS band program will host its annual Food Truck Festival. The venue will include various food trucks serving meals such as grilled cheese and chili cheese fries, and there will also be a children’s carnival for small kids. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the door.

Compiled by Elliot Kim

by Milla Wu

news section editor On Aug. 11–12, white nationalists and other right–wing groups hosted the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, North Carolina which escalated chaotically. Heather Heyer was killed and 19 others were injured after rally attendee James Alex Fields Jr. drove his Dodge into a group of civilians. The next Saturday, the right–wing “Free Speech Rally,” held in Boston Common, was disbanded early after thousands of counter– protesters flooded the site, chanting anti–Nazi and anti–KKK slogans such as “Hey hey, ho ho. White supremacy has got to go,” according NPR and The Washington Post. There was a fear of violence breaking out. Boston police “waded into the crowd at times before the march began to confiscate sticks and poles that were used to hold placards,” according to Philip Martin, reporter from WGBH, a local Boston TV station. According to The Washington Post, Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said that there were 27 arrests, mostly for disorderly conduct, but no officers or protesters were injured and there was no property damage. However, the Boston Police Department did confirm that there were rocks being thrown at the officers. Then, on Aug. 27, right–wing protesters organized the “No to Marxism in America” rally in the Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park at Berkeley, California. In response, a group of 2,000 people coordinated a “Rally Against Hate” as a counter–protest. However, several self–identified anarchists and antifa (anti–fascists) attacked Trump supporters, leading to 13 arrests on various charges, including “assault with a deadly weapon, obstructing a police officer and various Berkeley municipal code violations,” according to Berkeley policeman Lt. Joe Okies.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PUBLIC DOMAIN

The annual PSAT, also known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualification Test, will be on Sat., Oct. 14 at 7:30 a.m. for juniors, sophomores and freshmen. Juniors who achieve a top score may qualify for a National Merit Scholarship Award and will be in contention for various scholarships up to $2,500.

Protests shake the nation

STANDING UP: Protestors at Berkeley organize the “Rally Against Hate” protest on Aug. 27. After neo–Nazis infliltrated events such as the Charlottesville protests, counter–protests have increased in frequency around Berkeley and other areas.

These events have raised national concerns over limits to free speech. The American Civil Liberties Union, in particular, has attracted controversy for defending the Charlottesville protesters’ right to hold the rally. Waldo Jaquith, a member of the Virginia ACLU board, publicly resigned from the organization on Twitter, adding to the heated debate about legality and morality in the 2017 political context. “I just resigned from the ACLU of Virginia board,” said Jacquith. “What’s legal and what’s right are sometimes different. I won’t be a fig leaf for Nazis.” Recurring debate about the extent of First Amendment rights for fringe groups such as white supremacists has been an issue for the ACLU since it gained notoriety for defending the right of neo–Nazis to march in Skokie, Illinois in 1978.

“The [ACLU’s] defense of the Charlottesville rally has crystallized a recurring challenge for the organization: how to pursue its First Amendment advocacy, even for hate– based groups, without alienating its supporters,” said Joseph Goldstein, reporter for The New York Times. The question over the First Amendment and freedom of speech is still hotly debated. Constitution Day is a national holiday on Sept. 17 that celebrates and recognizes the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. The First Amendment of the Constitution states that Congress cannot make laws barring the right to freedom of religion, speech, press and assembly. “The need to fight neo–Nazism and white supremacy wherever it appears is compelling,” said Glenn Greenwald, co–founding editor and columnist of The Intercept. “The least effective tactic is to try to empower the state to suppress the expression of their views.”

WASC improves WHS in eyes of colleges by Jamie Lee news editor WASC evaluators made of teachers and administrators throughout California will visit WHS from Oct. 1–4 to assess the learning environments in classrooms and around campus, ultimately deciding whether or not WHS is meeting their accreditation standards. “WASC comes to visit us every few years to make sure we are staying on track in the way we help, educate and prepare students for college and careers,” said Sophie State, biology teacher and WASC coordinator. “When they come, we’re trying to show them all the amazing things that we’re doing and to also learn about the ways we can improve.” WASC stands for Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It is one of six renowned regional accrediting agencies in the United States that gives schools valid accreditation based on a long series of checkups that occur every six years. “Schools have to be accredited for people to go to college,” said vice principal Nicole Judd. “Colleges want to know that students have attended a school accredited by WASC.” Last year, WHS prepared for WASC’s arrival by having teachers and administrators evaluate current teaching practices, student needs and accomplishments and observe lessons in action.

GRAPHIC BY MARC CHOI AND ALEX LI

During CPT, they used their observations to discuss potential improvements that could be made to enhance the way students learn. “Teachers took different roles and groups in brainstorming and writing the whole WASC report during CPT,” said Judd. “We tried to mix up groups to make them even and get an accurate representation of our school.” In their research, WHS WASC members have noted the increases in students’ grades brought about by the programs designed to help those who are struggling in their classes.

“We looked at … the different [Career Technical Education] pathway classes that WHS is trying to bring to help those students,” said WASC student representative Jennie Rao ‘18. “We saw statistically that less students are on the D and F line, which is good because it shows improvement and that teachers are trying to interact with students to elevate their grades.” Despite the successes prompted by WHS’s changing curriculum, there are still improvements that need to be made. “As a school, we came up with three things we need to improve on,” said State. “We want

to continue to find ways to support students who are struggling in college prep classes … so they can access the things we already have like the science center. Second, we want to provide more chances for teachers to collaborate. Third, we want to provide opportunities for all of our classes to have career education.” The objective for the upcoming appraisal is to get a six–year clear and a three–year follow– up from the WASC visitors. The six–year clear indicates that the evaluated school needs “little … support for high–quality student learning and the implementation, monitoring and accomplishment of the schoolwide action plan, including the identified critical areas for follow– up,” according to the WASC explanation of the accreditation status. “WASC wants to know how we are serving our students and form a report to see if we are accomplishing our student learning objectives,” said Judd. “If this doesn’t happen, the WASC team will come back in two years to re–evaluate.” State reassures students not to worry about the approaching evaluation. Rather, all they have to do is continue being themselves. “Students just need to be here at school and show that they’re the amazing students that they are,” said State. “It’s not like we want students to be someone they’re not normally. We want to show the people visiting us exactly who we are.”

FEATURE

Academy students pursue technology by Connie Shi

CONCENTRATION IS KEY (left): Academy member Guillermo Castro ‘19 films a varsity football home game against Birmingham High School on Fri., Sept. 15. WHS beat Birmingham 40–21.

feature section editor

RECORDINGS IN PROGRESS: (top right): On the sidelines, Academy member Ashley Williams ‘19 captures the live action going down on the field.

PHOTOS BY AVERY PAK

Every school day, some 30 students per grade level on campus share three classes together: English, social science and a technological elective. As a part of WHS’s Information Technology Academy, these students focus on developing technological skills. The Academy, which is one of the Career Technological Pathways at WHS, helps students prepare for college and beyond. “It’s important for Westlake to have programs like the Academy because it gives students an opportunity to dive into a subject that is really of interest to them that you might not find in your basic academic classes,” said Academy member Jake Lunn ‘18. Started in 2001, the Academy boasts a 98 percent graduation rate, and 90 percent of members enroll in college. “The Academy is sort of a school within a school, so it’s a small school community within the big Westlake community,” said Academy Coordinator Laurie Looker. “It’s a different structure for education and sort of a community learning environment.” The three shared classes help students create stronger bonds with their teachers and each other. “Class sizes are a lot smaller, so you are able to have this personal relationship with the teacher,” said Academy member Sophie Hartsuyker ‘20. “You have more one–on–one time.” The program, which receives funding from the state, aims to provide students with state of the art equipment to explore technological fields. “The unique thing is the cohort educational structure that we do, which is a little different,” said Looker. “We do a lot of college and career readiness with them so that when they graduate, they have a really solid plan on what they want to do.” The Academy includes sophomores, juniors and seniors, and introduces students to future job applications. Students have the opportunity to participate in job shadowing, mentorship programs, internships and industry–related field trips. “I joined the Academy, not because I’m very technologically savvy or I want to go into [the technological field],” said Lunn. “I just felt like it would give me real–life practical applications to a career that is in my interest. [The Academy] opened doors for me that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.” Academy students focus on career development, accumulating valuable experience and familiarizing themselves with commonly used programs such as Adobe Photoshop. “If you want to do something that’s in that field, then it’s a really great opportunity because you are learning these

programs,” said Hartsuyker. “The more that you know in that field, the more valuable you are.” The Academy also helps to foster leadership, and veteran members help integrate newer members into the Academy, teaching them vital skills. “It’s more than a club, but in a way we represent ourselves as a club because we have leadership roles,” said Academy President Katherine Shirinyan ‘18. “We help you do things like build a resume and prepare yourself for the future.” The Academy is open to students of all backgrounds who hope to improve their high school experience.

BEHIND THE SCENES (bottom right): Academy Vice President Ryan Bough ‘19 and Academy member Preston Knapp ‘19 adjust the audio mix for listeners on Conejo TV during the game. “I like the behind the scenes aspect,” said Bough. “Rather than just watching the game, I enjoy having an actual purpose by working in the press box.”

“It’s not just for students with a low GPA or just students with a high GPA,” said Looker. “It’s for all students who are really interested in finding that different learning environment, and so it’s a very positive program.” Application typically takes place at the beginning of second semester, but students can also apply online through the WHS website or talk to their counselors. Students can start the program as early as their sophomore year. “[The Academy] wants to be a productive and positive element or factor on Westlake’s campus,” said Looker. “We’re sort of that hidden jewel, I think, and I’d love for more students to get involved.”

Keeping up with the clubs: Bazooka Music by Avery Pak feature editor PHOTOS COURTESY OF JULIANNA GIN

Many students have a passion for music, but the purpose of WHS’s Bazooka Music Club is to share that passion with the community. Bazooka consists of a group of students who put together free concerts for local senior centers, retirement homes and elementary schools. “The sense of community that you gain from the club is special because everyone loves music,” said co–president Joanna Yang ‘18. “We also meet so many wonderful people around the community when we play.” Bazooka meets the first Wednesday of every month in room 42Z. At meetings, the officers and club members arrange upcoming charity concerts. “The students plan out ideas for how their next concert is going to be—what type of music they are going to play, coordinate who is going to be playing which instrument or what kind of theme they are going for,” said adviser Dinah Emmons. “For example, during the holidays, they usually pick out Christmas show tunes.”

SING A JOYFUL TUNE (left): At Sunrise of Westlake Village, Hailie Wood ‘19 sings “I Could Have Danced All Night” at Bazooka’s concert on Sunday, Sept. 10 for Grandparent’s Day. FAST FINGERS (right): Jeremy Shiu ‘21 performs a fast, jazz version of “Bumblebee” at the same Sunrise Village concert.

Many of the concerts are performed at Sunrise of Westlake Village, a senior assisted living facility. The number of performers can include up to 15 students. Members have the option to play an instrument or sing. “Students can choose solos or duets when playing instruments or singing,” said Emmons. “They attend when they

are available and perform what it is they want to.” Many students are drawn to Bazooka, especially because of the independence they are given. “I think it’s neat that they have the freedom to pick what they’re going to play or sing,” said Emmons. “They are able to choose their own musical sound and perform it to those who want to listen.” While students receive service hours for playing, that is not their only motive for being a part of Bazooka. “The real goal is to spread love toward the community through holding our free concerts,” said Yang. The officers of Bazooka have high hopes for the future of the club, hoping to spread their message to all students on the WHS campus. “Hopefully we can bring more people to participate and get our club more out there,” said publicist Julianna Gin ‘19. “We will definitely talk to underclassmen and choir students and try to bring them to our meetings.” Performing at concerts can also fill community service hours and band or orchestra hours. All musically inclined students are encouraged to join. “[Students] should definitely be interested in music and be willing to commit one or two days a month to attend concerts and perform,” said Gin. “It is very gratifying to see the smiles on the elderly’s faces when we go to Sunrise and other places like that.”

FEATURE

Warrior family welcomes additional faculty

Lindsay Jones returns to she only gets to teach Shakespeare WHS this year after receiving in 9CP when her students read her master’s degree from Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare Institute in “I’m hoping that since I Stratford Upon Avon, England. have so much more content While in England, she knowledge in Shakespeare, it appreciated the experience of will really show through in [my] being in Europe and learning lessons,” said Jones. Lindsay Jones more about Shakespeare. While away, she missed her “[I enjoyed] being able to co–workers, such as Emily Dale. explore England and traveling a little bit while “I’m looking forward to this school year and I was there,” said Jones. “[I focused] on one just getting back in the routine of things,” said Jones. subject matter the whole time and [went] in Besides teaching, Jones is an advisor for depth with Shakespeare.” the Make a Wish Foundation club. Outside of Although Jones currently teaches both 9CP school she enjoys reading, writing, running and English and 11AP Language and Composition, hanging out with her friends.

Kristina Konish returns to WHS as a counselor to students with last names ranging from Md–Sa. Konish left WHS in 2014 to serve as the Assistant Principal at Sycamore Canyon Middle School. Kristina “I liked the middle school students [and enjoyed] developing relationships with them,” said Konish. “It was definitely a learning experience for me, [and] it was a completely new environment.” Konish said that when she was gone, she “missed the kids and the families at WHS because they are probably the best in Conejo [Valley].”

Marina Morales is starting her teaching career at WHS as an Algebra 1B and Math Analysis CP teacher. Morales is excited and nervous because she has never taught before. Her passion for teaching stems from her love Marina for math. “I’ve always liked math and enjoyed it, and I’ve always tutored,” said Morales. “I like helping [others] understand it, so I’ve always known that I wanted to be a teacher.” Before Morales began working at WHS, she was employed at California State

In school, she is a Amy Rolniak is the new passionate sports fan and loves choir director at WHS. supporting WHS sports teams. Her passion for music “[I’ve] been going to developed at a young age. football games and sporting “My high school choir events,” said Rolniak. “I'm director made me who I am as always happy to help anyone if a teacher and as a human,” said they need some support.” Rolniak. “Having my mom as a Amy Rolniak Rolniak hopes to guide her teacher really showed me what students to success. can happen when someone who “My goals for this year ... are taking the loves to teach gets to do it.” Before coming to WHS, she worked at potential and making it real,” said Rolniak. “I see so much potential in all the kids and group Charter High School of Arts. “I never planned on leaving that job,” said so far, and [I want to find] a way to take that Rolniak. “[A position at WHS] was really the only potential and [convince] them that they can do something amazing with it.” job that would have taken me away from that job.”

University, Channel Islands while she was getting her master’s degree in algebra. Outside of school, she enjoys going to the gym, watching movies and hiking. Her favorite place to be is in Morales her bed. Morales hopes to get more involved with the school, such as through the cheerleading program and advising clubs. She will be the advisor for Liberty in North Korea and Save the Mermaids if they are approved. “I feel excited to be the advisor,” said Morales. “It will be good to get to know the students.”

As a result, she decided to return this year as a counselor for high school students. “I wanted to work more with the high school population,” said Konish. “I feel like that’s my niche.” Outside of school, she loves Konish the outdoors. In school, she wants to be involved by going to the games and theater productions. “My goals are to get to know all the students because, these seniors especially, I don’t know [them],” said Konish. “I’m excited to learn who these kids are and get to know their families and start to develop those relationships.”

Compiled by Michelle Hang and Sydney Schlesinger

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Price of

NTER

education Despite the notion that public education is “free,” students find themselves knee–deep in unexpected costs.

by Prarthana Kaygee & Avery Pak

feature editors

Cap and G own Cords $35

CSF Membe rship GENERAL

$30

$2 Tickets t o sportin g events $10 2 games @ $5 Printer P aper Ream s 2 @ 13 e ach $ 26 Ink for f our years 5 Get Ahead $260 Summer Sc hool 0 Transport $5 $ 6 00 ation Cos ts 00 SPORTS $124 $1 30 Donation $1 0 $6 MUSIC/ART $225 S Donation $300 0 Tickets t o concert $10

TOTAL $5,063.35

Complied by Megan King

he average cost of education for a high school student is close to $5,063. Although WHS is a public school, there are many costs to account for, such as school supplies, AP registration and participation in sports and other activities. Colleges examine standarized test scores during the application process, making them important. SAT and ACT tests each cost around $60. “I feel like some things, such as the ACT and SAT are overpriced, and I don’t understand why we have to pay in order to test to get into college,” said Josephine Martinelli ‘19. “Some families can’t necessarily afford to pay for such tests, and this can affect students’ opportunities when getting into college.” Students who are eligible for a fee waiver can apply to take two SATs and two SAT Subject Test administrations for no cost. There are also programs designed to help low–income students mitigate the costs of school and provide support for them. Federal TRIO programs are “outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds,” according to the U.S. Department of Education. “TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low–income individuals, first– generation college students and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline,” stated the DOE website. One specific TRIO program is Upward Bound, which offers work–study programs, tutoring and other services in order “to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.” In addition to testing costs, many students also pay for school benefits such as parking permits. For $100, a parking permit gives a student a spot in the student parking lot. Driving to school is a necessity for many students whose parents work or for students who have jobs after school hours. “I have no idea why they charge so much,” said

Sophie McLean ‘18. “Parking permits are luckily not a necessity for me because I park on the street.” Many students also participate in various sports and activities on campus which often place importance on suggested donations. “I understand why they have the prices the way they are; however, I have seen lower income friends of mine struggle with prices, especially with the prices that come with participating in a sport,” said McLean. For example, cross–country has singlets, sweatshirts and other items available to buy, and like all sports at WHS, it has a transportation cost of $124. In addition, many sports ask for donations to help support their programs; however, these are only encouraged not required. “They find ways for you to pay the amount you can,” said Karla Ortega ‘18. “They do not remove anyone from the team just because they cannot pay.” Many students at WHS are involved in choir and band. The programs rely on donations to fund the purchase of necessary equipment as well as performance costs, competition entry fees and travel expenses. “[Paying] will affect the type of competitions we go to and the quality of our costumes,” said Martinelli. Rebecca Mertel, College and Career Guidance Specialist, suggests getting a job to sufficiently help narrow down these expenses. “Students also get a great experience working,” said Mertel. “They develop responsibility and doing something that they really enjoy helps them decide on their careers.” Many students have taken this advice. Sebastian Kimble ‘18 works at Baskin Robbins in Westlake Village two to three times a week. Kimble suggests knowing your priorities. “Be sure you have a clear schedule—sports, school, and work—to make sure you can balance everything easily,” said Kimble. “Don’t get [a job] if you can’t handle it.” The cost of education is significant, but by utilizing alternative measures such as jobs and special programs, students can better manage the heavy price. Ultimately, students must find a balance between budgeting their costs and supporting their education. For many students, the money they spend in high school is an investment in their future. Often, the costs pay themselves off in the long run and yield success both in college and in the workplace.

OPINION

Dear freshmen: a survival guide

by Marc Choi

DIN

news editor

TO P HO

Stressed for Success by Sydney Rosinski

opinion editor So far, my high school career has felt like it has been spent watching the senior class from the sidelines, wishing to be in their exact place. The allure of the infamous senior year has brought me excitement since I first stepped foot on campus as a freshman. This was until I learned just how much blood, sweat and tears go into college applications, both literally and figuratively. College apps have consumed approximately 90 percent of my thoughts since the beginning of Aug., and let me tell you: Nov. 1 could not come faster. I began my application process by creating the beloved Common App account. I thought all I had to do was make an account— standard procedure for any website. However, I stumbled upon question after question that I had no answer to. My dad’s graduating year? What kind of degree my sister earned? The Common App had me stalking my family members’ Facebook pages for answers. Writing the essays was another endeavor that I thought would be a walk in the park. Again, I was mistaken. Every college has its own “Extended Response Questions”; I ended up writing nine of them in total, rewriting and revising each essay countless times. Thus, I can say with confidence that senior year is not a breeze like it is commonly perceived to be. However, I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The deadlines for applications are rapidly approaching, and when they do arrive, all the stress will hopefully disappear. So my fellow seniors, while these past few months may seem incredibly overwhelming, keep your foot on the gas and push to the finish. Only a few measly questions and essays stand between us and the colleges of our dreams. It’s no impossible feat; after all, we’ve spent the past four years preparing for this. We only get to experience the college application process once, so let’s enjoy it. Soon, all the work of high school will pay off and we can finally bask in the glory of being seniors.

The clock strikes 8:55, and the bell rings. Everyone simultaneously stands up and floods the hall. Over 2,000 brave souls battle their way from one class to the next, avoiding slippery floors and searching for friends along the way. Bathroom lines are far out the door and the quad is filled with mingling upperclassmen. Welcome to the colossal labyrinth where Warriors spend over 1,000 hours a year learning for four years. Although on the surface this behemoth may seem intimidating, for some it is the most cherished place in the world. WHS teachers are completely devoted to their students’ growth, both intellectually and personally. They will do everything they can to prepare you for college and the real world. Take advantage of their wisdom and don’t be afraid to ask them questions. Although upperclassmen seem terrifying due to their staggering height, they are actually quite friendly and open to sharing their experiences. In fact, upperclassmen are just as scared of you as you are of them.

GRAPHIC BY SYDNEY SCHLESINGER

High school can be an extremely stressful place. Numerous people are fixated on studying to receive the grades necessary to get into the school of their dreams; even with this remarkable amount of stress, there are many ways to enjoy the high school experience. Joining clubs and sports teams are the best ways to relieve stress and enjoy yourself. Each club is unique and has an enriching atmosphere where people dedicate countless hours to give back to the community. Although

it may seem like a lot on your plate, these extracurricular activities are quite relaxing, and a good way to showcase your hidden talents. Rallies, although admittedly a little cheesy at times, can be the optimal place to let loose and display school spirit. These rallies often include performances from the cheer team, dance team, band and choir. This is the perfect place to see which class is the most enthusiastic. Ardent cheering and respectful

sportsmanship will result in a victory. Regardless of who you are, your best friend is going to be Sleep. The beast that you once tried to avoid as a child will be the only thing keeping you from insanity. Instead of checking Instagram or Snapchat at 1 a.m., sleep. You’ll feel much better in the morning. On the other hand, your worst enemy is going to be Procrastination. Teachers expect students to work on long term projects and study throughout the time allotted. Procrastination not only deprives you time with your best friend, Sleep, but also damages your grades. Even though everyone has a group of friends that they tend to cling to, step outside your comfort zone. With over 2,000 other Warriors alongside you, you may find a lifelong friend by simply talking to another person during nutrition or at a club meeting. Finally, and arguably most importantly, have fun. Your academic responsibilities are important, but so is your ability to enjoy each and every day. Your potential is limitless and high school is only four years long. Embrace challenges and prove why the Class of 2021 may be among the best in WHS history.

Glitz, glamour, garbage: Hollywood today by Amanda Ju arts & entertainment editor The earth is round, water is wet and it is physically impossible to drive on a highway around the L.A. area and not see a huge, obnoxious billboard for the next Fast and Furious movie. You would think that by now— 16 years after the first movie was released—the franchise would have died of shame long, long ago, but put out two hours and 16 minutes of exploding cars and Dwayne Johnson in a tank top and fans practically trip over themselves on their way to Muvico, where they can ogle Vin Diesel’s rippling biceps on the big screen and munch on curly fries that cost enough to feed a small island civilization. There’s really nothing wrong with money–making remakes, and definitely nothing wrong with Vin Diesel’s biceps, but the fact that sequels and reboots make so much money means that studios often push original movies aside in favor of their shinier, higher–grossing counterparts. For instance, The Fate of the Furious—the tenth movie in the franchise—brought in a whopping $1.24 billion in box office revenue. To put this into perspective, Moonlight only brought in about $65 million, even though it won the Oscar for Best Picture. That’s more than 19 times less. Yes, some remakes are charming, relevant and just plain fun. But the seventh Saw movie? The 24th Bond movie? The Hobbit—which wasn’t even that long of a book in

the first place—split into three three hour–films? As much as I love Bilbo Baggins and his hairy little feet— really, Warner Brothers? Really? Disney is another offender. Of the 27 movies it has scheduled to release from now until 2020, 18 are sequels or remakes. Out of the other nine, seven are adapted and only two are completely original: a 2018 live– action comedy called Magic Camp that wasn’t even mentioned at D23 Expo and an untitled Pixar movie with no release date in sight. Forget about Frozen 2—I can practically taste the hype for Nameless Pixar Movie, in theatres nowhere on the 12th of never! Bring your invisible popcorn! And that’s the real problem with Hollywood today. Every now and then a good original surfaces on the radar, but, according to film researcher Stephen Follows, the top ten movies of each year are truly original only 15 percent of the time. And it’s easy to understand why. When it comes to remakes, studios know exactly who their audiences will be and how much they will make—all with minimal creativity required. If you can remember anything distinct from Disney’s remakes of The Jungle Book or Pete’s Dragon, I’ll be massively impressed, but with a healthy dose of celebrity stars and VFX, oh, did they sell well. I do agree that there is a very specific case in which a remake is the best way to go. When the new Beauty and the Beast came out in March, I was convinced that Disney would take the same route that it did with Cinderella

and recreate the original with a pretty dress here and a new song there. But alas, my unhealthy obsession with Harry Potter prevailed, and I bought a ticket just to see Hermione Granger waltz with a CGI buffalo. I ended up seeing it twice. Not only were the visuals and performances stunning, but instead of mimicking the original movie, it fully reimagined it, added significant changes to the plot and fleshed it out where it previously fell short. Not to mention composer Alan Menken’s amazing new songs—I won’t rave, but it’s a miracle that my neighbors haven’t sent me a passive–aggressive note telling me to stop blasting “Evermore” at one in the morning. Does this mean I want every cinema to fill up with weird indie

GRAPHIC BY AMANDA JU

movies like Rubber, the story of Robert, a sentient car tire with terrifying telepathic powers that rolls around the desert making people explode with the power of his diabolical mind (no, I couldn’t make this one up if I tried)? Maybe not, but I do think Hollywood should acknowledge that a good remake must be relevant, well–crafted and, most importantly, different from the original. I want to see sequels and remakes that are created for the sake of building on, not just recreating their predecessors and, most of all, I want the industry to capitalize on a new, pooling talent base to see much more original movies. All starring Dwayne Johnson, if possible.

OPINION

Falling off bookshelves

September’s banned books week highlights core literature novels such as Brave New World, Grapes of Wrath and 1984. by Alex Li arts & entertainment editor Being 11 years old and reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a rite of passage into young–adult literature. However, not everyone has the privilege of reading this beloved fantasy series, such as students at St. Mary’s Island Church of England Primary School in Kent, United Kingdom. Remarkably, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was the most challenged book in 2001 because of its glorified, whimsical view of witchcraft that didn’t align with the teachings of the Bible. Not only did hundreds of parents challenge J.K. Rowling’s novel in 2001, but they also challenged John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men and Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings for offensive language and sexually explicit topics. Challenging books has a rich history around the world, but many people are oblivious to the fact that numerous classic and revered novels are banned around the world. Banned Books Week, Sept. 24–30, highlights the problem of censoring books and celebrates the freedom to read. If schools and libraries were forced to ban books, WHS students would never have the opportunity to read classics such as Of Mice and

Men, The Catcher in the Rye, Grapes of Wrath, The Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird, Lord of the Flies, 1984 and Brave New World, which are among the most challenged books of all time according to the American Library Association. Essentially, WHS’s entire English curriculum has been scrutinized at some point in time. Attempting to ban cult classics such as the ones listed above is ludicrous because of their importance to American history. Grapes of Wrath touches on the struggles of the fictional Joad family as they plod their way through the Great Depression. To Kill a Mockingbird challenges racism and morals in 1930s Alabama through the eyes of a budding preteen named Scout. Satirical works of literature such as Lord of the Flies, 1984 and Brave New World forces readers to examine societal issues such as fundamental savagery in humans, totalitarian governments and social hierarchy. Banned Books Week was created in 1982 to draw attention to the deprivation of students’ learning. The valuable lessons taught in great works of literature would be lost; therefore, America’s future depends on the freedom to read. However, critics of such books have some

GRAPHIC BY SONA BHARGAVA

validity to their argument. Many believe these books should be banned in high schools to shelter minors from explicit language, violence, racial slurs and sexual behavior. All high school students should have the

capacity to be mature enough to handle the drawbacks of reading challenged or banned books. Maturity is an essential characteristic for adulthood, so as high schoolers, reading mature novels is a valuable lesson on its own. As long as students uphold a mature learning environment in the classroom, the freedom to read books should never be an issue. Not only are people challenging classic works of literature in the classroom and libraries nationwide, but they are also challenging young–adult fiction novels. According to the ALA, the overall top five most challenged books of 2016 were all contested because of LGBT and sexually explicit content. It’s unfathomable that LGBT content is still an issue in 2017. Sheltering teenagers from books of such nature will do more harm than good because they will never see the entire world for what it is: a mixed bag of personalities and perspectives. Once again, sensitivity and maturity are vital whenever reading a novel in any setting. As Banned Books Week 2017 draws to a close, remember to keep a mature and sensitive attitude towards works of literature, and appreciate the freedom you have to read.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The Reul Reel

Frightening Film Fest

O NA

ARG AVA

As the spooky season approaches, so do Halloween movie marathons. Whether you’re a lifelong horror fanatic or you’re still scarred from childhood nightmares of Casper the Friendly Ghost, this collection of films, ranked from one to six in the scary factor, allows anyone to dive right into the Halloween spirit and prepare for the greatest time of the year.

TO P HO

There’s nothing miserable about Misery by Katie Reul arts & entertainment section editor

Want to celebrate Halloween without all the blood and guts? Take a trip down memory lane and spend some time with Charlie Brown and his elementary school pals! It’s Halloween night; Charlie Brown has been invited to the first Halloween party of his life, and Linus skips out on the festivities for another year to wait for the fabled Great Pumpkin to arrive. From the gang’s trick–or–treating shenanigans to the famous Red Baron sequence where Snoopy imagines himself as a World War I fighter pilot, Charlie Brown’s cartoon antics in It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown will leave any human being with a strange desire to camp out in a pumpkin patch.

If you have already seen it all when it comes to modern–day horror movies, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is for you. Yes, it is a silent movie, and yes, it is almost 100 years old, but its twisted narrative and distorted, nightmarish visuals could give Tim Burton a run for his money. Considered the quintessential German expressionist film, the movie follows a man named Francis as he explains the sad story of him and his fianceé, Jane, as they struggled with the evil Dr. Caligari and his mysterious prodigy, Cesare. From its powerful political commentary to its crazy twist ending, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari will have you captivated from start to finish.

Would You Rather will make you cringe like you’ve never cringed before. A woman who needs a large amount of money to pay for her brother’s medical expenses is introduced to a wealthy man by her brother’s doctor. This man hosts a mass game of Would You Rather at his house where the other participants are an eclectic mix of people that he has recently met. If someone completes one of the dares from the game, that person gets a massive amount of the money. However, all of the dares are gory and lower one’s faith in humanity. The competitors have no idea what they are walking into and the innocent game of Would You Rather will never be seen the same.

Silence of the Lambs, a cult classic, brings a new level of terror to any screen. This movie envelops fright and suspense through following FBI agent Clarice Starling who is solving a case about a kidnapper Jame Gumb. However, in order to solve this crime, agents go to the infamous ex–cannibalist Hannibal Lecter, masterfully portrayed by Anthony Hopkins, to see the case from a different perspective. Although Lecter is now behind bars, Starling can get in the mindset of what a psychopath might do. Director Jonathan Demme’s masterpiece of suspense is a must see for any horror fanatic or anyone who still does not get the reference “put the lotion in the basket.”

What makes Sinister so unique is its new spin on the demon–possession movie type. Instead of a child becoming possessed and later saved by some sort of religious figure, this movie encompasses the psychological trauma of living in a haunted house experienced by the whole family. Knowing the nature of the home, the father of the family forces his family to stay there in order to finally get a decent story for his job as a crime writer. He discovers a box of old horror tapes in the attic that follow the demon Bagul that haunts the occupants of the house. The stories the father uncovers are more haunting than expected, but his family is already too far into the evil to turn back now.

You’ve probably already seen a fair share of Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Steven King’s The Shining in popular culture, from the bloody twins in the hallway, to REDRUM scrawled in lipstick on the bathroom door, to Jack Nicholson’s iconic “Heeeeere’s Johnny!,” complete with ax and manic grin. But what really makes the movie a masterpiece is the incredible level of suspense that Kubrick maintains throughout the entire film, assisted by a bone–chilling score from Béla Bartók. From the moment you enter the haunted Overlook Hotel to the film’s jarring conclusion, The Shining takes you on a downward spiral that never lets you go.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PUBLIC DOMAIN

A throwback to an era of horror films that rose above the commercialization of blood and gore, director Rob Reiner’s 1990 adaptation of Stephen King’s Misery had me in suspense from start to finish with its emphasis on how true terror is based upon the realm of possibility. Misery depicts the rescue of famous author Paul Sheldon (James Caan) by a retired nurse, Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), after getting in a near fatal car crash. Wilkes claims to be his biggest fan, and her idolatry rapidly turns into something far worse as Sheldon soon realizes that he may never leave her house. I was impressed with Bates’ acting as a whole; her Oscar in 1991 for Best Actress in a Leading Role was well–deserved for her chilling depiction of pure insanity. Caan’s acting was superb as well; I found myself becoming more invested as the film progressed, and I witnessed his mental drive to live surpass his physical deterioration. Additionally, I applaud Reiner for his usage of subtle foreshadowing by displaying shots of seemingly irrelevant objects or simple actions and then proving them to be important in the future. For example, when Sheldon leaves the confines of his room unbeknownst to Wilkes and accidentally leaves a penguin ceramic piece placed in the opposite direction. However, for a film shot in such a small space, I wish that there had been more variance in camera angles and other elements of style to break up the monotony of watching Sheldon waste away each day. While the plot was suspenseful and entertaining, the film lacked a unique style in contrast to other adaptations of Stephen King novels, such as The Shining, which exhibited the same suspense, but also explored cinematography to a much deeper extent. Granted, the film focuses more on the interaction between Sheldon and Wilkes to show how Wilkes’ psychopathic tendencies were not based upon a lust for murder, but rather an obsession—an obsession that starkly compares to modern day’s idolization of celebrities. Yet, I feel as though certain scenes were longer than necessary, such as the montage of Sheldon working on his manuscript. Overall, I enjoyed the film and appreciated its usage of alternative methods for instilling fear in its viewers than succumbing to the more common slasher horror. For horror fanatics and scaredy cats alike, Misery is a good option to kick off the Halloween spirit.

Compiled by Amanda Ju and Sydney Schlesinger

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PHOTO COURTESY OF PUBLIC DOMAIN

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PUBLIC DOMAIN

Taylor’s swift comeback by Lo Yarnall sports section editor

GRAPHIC BY ELLIOT KIM

Pass the AUX

More pressure than the SAT, CIF finals game and AP European History combined, having control of the AUX can be terrifying for a lot of people. What would you play if you were handed the AUX?

Matt Bedigian ‘20 “Look What You Made Me Do” by Taylor Swift

Sophia Lee ‘21 “Can’t Fight this Feeling” by REO Speedwagon

Sophia Brent ‘19 “Like Real People Do” by Hozier

Compiled by Alex Li

Razeen Ahmed ‘18 “The Way Life Goes” by Lil Uzi Vert

If anyone was clinging on to the hope that the bright–eyed, curly–haired, love song writing prodigy from Tennessee would emerge from the shadows clutching her bedazzled guitar with the number 13 written on the back of her hand, it’s about time you lay that dream to rest. Because Taylor Swift herself said, “I’m sorry, the old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now. Why? ‘Cause she’s dead!” Taylor Swift is back in the public eye, and this time it’s personal. After speculation surrounding her official departure with 1989 from the country music genre that gave her her name, along with a couple of rocky years in the limelight, Swift decided to take some personal time to figure out who she is as an artist and person. Her answer is in her sixth album, Reputation. Swift checks off all the boxes required for an artist’s rebellion, from edgy music with lyrics aimed at her critics all the way down to the black–and–white album cover with old–fashioned newspaper headlines. Her first single from the album confirmed the public’s suspicions of Swift’s changing image, bringing with it a music video encrypted with secret messages and lots of snakes—her apparent spirit animal. “Look What You Made Me Do” is her official clap–back to every single one of her haters. The release on Aug. 25 came after Swift deleted all content from her social media accounts and posted three separate clips featuring a coiled snake flickering against a black background. The song is chock–full of not–so–subtle references to multiple events that went down during her self–induced hiatus from the spotlight, such as the Kim and Kanye controversy surrounding West’s song “Famous.” She outright states that the old Taylor is long gone and the new rebirthed Swift “rose up from the dead; [she does] it all the time.” Her second single took a much different path from the first, being the soundtrack for a Florida State University football hype video. “... Ready For It?” definitely follows in the footsteps of “Look What You Made Me Do” in terms of beat, sound editing and more angry talking than singing, but it came without the social waves of its predecessor. The opinions on Swift’s new album and image are wildly mixed, which is to be expected when one of the most popular pop icons of this generation pulls an infamous “Miley Cyrus.” Idolator.com speculates that “the album is shaping up to be her response letter to … the tidal wave of bad press she has received over the last couple of years after allegedly being exposed as a liar by celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Kanye West and Katy Perry.” The highly anticipated album comes out Nov. 10.

SPORTS

the

culpepper family

Bill Culpepper and his two daughters, Faith and Bailey, reflect on their lifetimes of involvement in WHS academics and sports.

by Daryn Mink

Bailey Culpepper ‘20, have been part of the WHS athletic department through all of their years in high school, opinion editor currently as captains of varsity and JV cheer, respectively. he Culpepper family has been a part of both the They have attended WHS games with their parents since WHS community and athletic department for the they were little girls. past several years. “Because my dad is a football coach, it made me Bill Culpepper, Government teacher and excited to cheer for the teams, and I’ve been doing it for former football coach, landed his first coaching job with the 11 years now,” said Bailey Culpepper. WHS JV football team in 1989 before moving to Texas. He The girls started out cheerleading for the Braves, moved back to California in 2003 and resumed teaching and Westlake’s junior football league, inspired by the coaching at WHS, eventually retiring from his high school cheerleaders they would see at their dad’s football games. coaching career in 2014. “I played a lot of sports when I was little and I After coaching at WHS for 11 years, he moved on wasn’t good at any of them,” said Faith Culpepper to coaching football at California Lutheran University jokingly. “But I also loved football and I grew up where he currently works as the Kingsmen’s defensive line watching the cheerleaders.” coach and special teams coordinator. As they grew older, their Culpepper describes the experience of appreciation increased as they started coaching men in their early twenties as HS has always to understand the sport more in depth. being very different from coaching high “It was fun to be a part of it when been a place school students. I was little and I didn’t understand that’s been football, [but] I’d go to watch the “There’s a different sort of dynamic that goes into dealing with [the players] in the business of benefitting cheerleaders and loved watching in which you’re equal in terms of you’re kids... It’s about investing in them,” said Faith Culpepper. “And [both] grown men,” said Culpepper. “It’s then when I was able to understand [students’] lives.” what was going on in the game, I lived a competitive business, and you have to be demanding, have high expectations for WHS football—I still do.” and challenge them. In football, that The girls admire their father both -Bill Culpepper requires some aggressive tactics so how as a person and as a coach for the way you balance that is a little bit different he motivates his players. than how you would with a high school kid.” “He’s very dedicated and he likes to coach the To Culpepper, the outcome of the game does not matter football players to be good people before being good in comparison to whether or not he and his players perform football players,’’ said Bailey Culpepper. “He’s training to the best of their abilities and work to improve themselves. them to work hard for what they want to achieve.” “My job is to put them in the right place and give them The Culpeppers have spent years being influenced by the training they need physically so they can be successful, and inspiring the spirit of WHS, its athletic department and then whatever happens, happens,” said Culpepper. and the amazing community they create. “The wins are joyful and the losses are painful, but you have “[WHS] has always been a place that’s been in the to sort of balance that and keep yourself even emotionally business of benefiting kids,” said Bill Culpepper. “It’s so that you can get the job done.” not just academically teaching ... information, it’s about Culpepper’s daughters, Faith Culpepper ‘18 and investing in [students’] lives.”

“W

PHOTO BY PRARTHANA KAYGEE

SPORTS

What’s in my bag: Volleyball

Ashley Webb ‘19 is the setter and team captain of WHS’s varsity volleyball team. Take a look at her athletic necessities as she progesses through the season. Hairbrush:

“It has everything I need, from my gear to water to simple things like hair ties and tape.”

“[I have a hairbrush] to do my hair if I need to fix anything.”

IE ZHA N

Towel:

M EL AN

“My palms get sweaty when I play, so I use it to wipe off during games.” OS OT PH

Contact Lenses:

Extra T-shirts:

Chalk:

Gum:

Wallet:

Finger Tape:

“[I have] contact lenses in case one falls out.”

“It’s been really hot in the gym, [so] I carry a bunch [of t-shirts] in case I need them for practice.”

“I use chalk to keep my hands dry.”

“I have gum for before and after games—I usually don’t play with it.”

“[I have a] wallet that has my driver’s license and my ID card.”

“[Finger tape is] for jammed fingers; I get a lot of those during the game.”

Compiled by Melanie Zhang

Flanderka says goodbye (as of Sept. 27)

by Taylor Chen & Matt Zhang news & sports editors PHOTO COURTESY OF YEARBOOK STAFF

After 39 years of hard work and dedication to the WHS tennis team, Connie Flanderka has finalized her decision to retire and begin the next chapter of her life. Flanderka was the thread of the tennis team and led WHS to 20 Marmonte League titles, four CIF Championships and seven CIF runner–up titles. Flanderka holds the record for the most wins by a single coach in any sport in the state of California with 601 career wins. Her success wasn’t handed to her; she spent immeasurable hours coaching and helping kids hone their skills both on and off the court. “Flanderka was super caring and responsible, but she didn’t give anyone a loose leash,” said Daniel Yao ‘20. “We were always working our butts off with her.” While developing numerous talented players, Flanderka created solid, close–knit teams by constantly improving team chemistry. “She has a great positive attitude and loves the sport of tennis passionately,” said Aarun Devgan ‘19. This uplifting attitude carried into Flanderka’s ability to motivate her students and help them create a positive outlook on playing tennis. “She was a great motivation,” said Devgan. “[During] one match she gave a pep talk and we came back and won. We were losing 2–5, but ended up winning all the next matches.” This was just one example of how Flanderka’s ability to coach helped WHS find success on the court.

League Meet 1 (out of 3) @Agoura

SHARING WISDOM: Flanderka discusses the match–ups with a player before a match.

“She wins so many games because of her good coaching,” said Ryan Lam ‘19. Flanderka’s success can be attributed to her experience as a coach. She was able to perfect her program to put her teams in the best position for winning. Besides her knack for winning, Flanderka also cultivated players’ personal tennis skills. She coached many athletes who went on to play tennis at higher levels. “It’s been great to see student athletes grow over the years,” said Flanderka. “Hopefully lessons learned on the tennis court go far beyond and will serve them well through the rest of their lives.” Flanderka will forever be remembered for her passion and dedication to the WHS tennis community, saying that she feels “blessed to have worked with so many outstanding student athletes, coaches, administrators and parents over the 39 years at WHS.”

Compiled by Kay Lim, Caelyn Pender & Lo Yarnall

PHOTO ESSAY

Packed with spirit, homecoming week offered superhero-themed festivities—beginning with the rally and ending with the dance. 1. DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY: WHS dance team performs at the homecoming game halftime show. The halftime show included performances by the cheer squad and dance team, a fireworks display and a presentation honoring local heroes. 2. CLUTCH CATCH: Carson Kuhl ‘20 makes a break with the ball after catching a pass from the Warriors’ backup quarterback Brendan Udolph ‘18. With only a few minutes left in the game, emotions ran high in the stands, making WHS’s 24-21 win over Moorpark High School even more exciting. 3. CROWNING ROYALTY: Varsity cheer captain Faith Culpepper ‘18 and senior class president Joey Dinardo ‘18 were crowned homecoming king and queen during the homecoming game halftime show. 4. TAKING THE LEAP: Varsity cheer hypes up the audience at the homecoming rally on Mon. Sept.18. The crowd buzzed with excitement, setting the mood for homecoming spirit week.

5. SERVING IT UP: Marissa Huang ‘18, Maddie Wechsler ‘18 and Jordyn Kinsley ‘18 sell nachos at Tuesday’s food fair to support EcoSchools. The food fair has been an annual event on campus for three years now, giving clubs the chance to promote themselves and raise money by selling food. 6. CLASS PRIDE: The junior class attended the rally decked out in their class color. Spirit soared as they participated in their class chants, giving their best efforts in an attempt to beat the seniors.

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PHOTOS BY MICHELLE HANG, MEGAN KING & AVERY PAK

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