THE
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Girls Soccer earns 4th consecutive League title. Page
Cove Club organizes to make a difference.
Westlake High School VOLUME XXXIV, ISSUE 5
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Boys Basketball earns playoff spot.
100 N. LAKEVIEW CANYON ROAD, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91362
February 14, 2012
Decathlon Team Makes History with 1st Place Victory
ACA DECA TEAM STRIKES IT RICH: (left) Caleb Stokols, Wyatt Green, Aaron Demsetz , Brian Ho, and Lily Chen pose at the awards ceremony. (below) The entire team shows their awards.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Dance Team Takes 11 Awards at WCE Lisa Battaglia Editor-in-chief
Continued on page 2
Feature Editor
WHS Academic Decathlon team, led by advisor Joe Nigro, secured first place in the Ventura County Academic Decathlon competition for the first time in WHS history. Defeating all other county teams, the team will move on to the state championship, which takes place March 15-17 in Sacramento. Team A competed in the Red Conference. In addition to getting first place overall, it also placed first in Music, Science, Art, Math, Economics, and Science. Team B achieved first place overall in the Blue Conference, as well as third place in Speech and Science. Members also had impressive individual performances. Wyatt Green '12 earned three scholarships for the highest individual Honors senior score, the highest Red Conference score, and the highest score overall. Green's teammate Brian Ho ‘12 received a scholarship for the highest individual Scholastic senior score, and Aaron Demsetz '12 earned a scholarship for the highest overall senior score in the Blue Conference. (For the full list of awards, see page 3.)
Science Olympiad Heads to Regionals
Meini Cheng News Editor
WHS Science Olympiad team will attend the regional competition on Feb. 25 at Occidental College. The team members will gather and await the start times of their events. The whole competition includes 23 events, scheduled throughout the day. For the competition, the participants must be knowledgeable in a broad range of topics, including fields such as anatomy, biology, physics, chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. With either a written test or a hands-on activity, each event takes approximately one hour to complete. During the day of the competition, the team has “ample free time to discuss events and socialize with fellow members, and as a builder, I enjoy observing the solutions of others to the same engineering problem,” said Jeffrey Kurohara ‘12. The team has two big goals this year. The first is “to do well at the regional competition and qualify to compete at the state competition,” said Fandi Lin ‘12. “We also want to establish a group of prepared underclassmen that can lead Science Olympiad in future years.” Science Olympiad is a school club open for everyone to join, but the team is selected based on various qualifications. This year, the application process had two parts: a written application and a scrimmage in which applicants competed in up to three competitions. Members are organized into groups to study for their respective competitions. “Our team has several seniors who are excellent in math and sciences with previous competition experience,” commented Lin.
In preparation, the members study using textbooks, prep books, and notes from previous courses. “I have my old blueprints, measurements, and devices from my previous events, and I took notes on the contraptions of other competitors from previous years,” explained head-engineer Kurohara. This year, the team is Harry Chung ‘13, Vasant Iyer ‘13, Kurohara, Paul Kwon ‘13, Allen Li ‘12, Lin, Alexander Loh ‘14, Winnie Long ‘12, Grace Ng ‘13, Amanda Shi ‘14, Monica Shi ‘14, Alper Vural ‘12, Stella Wang ‘12, Cynthia Yin ‘14, and Kev-
in Yin ‘12. “We’ve had an influx of incredibly talented team members in all portions of the competition. I can confidently say that this year’s team is the strongest we’ve ever had, in all six years,” stated Li. “I have no doubt that we’ll do very well.” If the team performs well at the regional competition, it will advance to the state competition on April 12 at Canyon High School in Anaheim. Goals are set high for the team. As Lin stated, “We’re looking forward to competing at state, having a good time, and all those shiny medals.”
COURTESY PHOTO
WHS was packed as 400 dancers and their supporters attended the West Coast Elite Dance Competition championships Feb. 11. The team won 1st in Large Lyrical, 1st in Medium Jazz, 2nd in Small Jazz, 2nd in Intermediate Jazz, 3rd in Large Hip-Hop, 4th in Elite, and Top Overall Technique Award in Intermediate Jazz. Makayla Yoshimoto ‘12 placed 9th overall as a top 10 solo finalist and Zoe Steele ‘12 placed 4th in Improv Contemporary. Madison Olandt ‘13 won 1st in Improv Contemporary and Paige Ingles ‘15 won 3rd in Freshman Solos. After four years on the team, for cocaptains Steele and Yoshimoto the day was bittersweet after months and years of preparation as they set off to college. “I never thought this would happen to me, I am so happy that I got to experience being in the finals,” said Yoshimoto. Steele expressed pride in the entire team for working so hard despite having “three teammates injured and out of competition season.” “As a senior, I know I’m going to remember these girls as my home away from home,” said Steele. In addition to WHS, 15 schools from Southern California competed in the dance competition with solo dances, small group dances, and team dances. The event went from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. With both team captains leaving this
Julia Shi
NEW HEIGHTS: Samuel Hsu, Kevin Yin, and Ryan Kurohara experiment with new methods of engineering and building.
News
2
In Brief FAFSA Deadline Approaches
February 14, 2012 • The Arrow
Physics Project Takes Students for a Ride
loway. “Students gain an in-depth understanding of abstract ideas by applying those ideas to real devices.” Projects like this one effectively give participants a deeper understanding of material which otherwise would be limited to dully memorized equations and monotonous problem solving, according to Holloway. “It is great to get to actually design and build something using concepts that you have learned, but the hard part comes from having to fully understand the concepts in such a way as to be able to explain them in detail,” commented Holloway.
The assignment was a significant grade to consider, worth over a test and a half. Students were required to become experts on the roller coasters that they built and the 24 physics terms given, some of which the class had yet to cover. In addition to the time spent actually building the roller-coaster, time also had to be spent on doing the research necessary to gain a complete understanding of the physics involved. “The most difficult part of the project was when we presented our physics knowledge to Mr. Holloway, and explained various physics concepts as well as how the coaster worked,” said Cynthia Yin ‘14. “He kept his well-known poker face throughout the whole time, so we would end up questioning our own knowledge.” Although the explanations and the knowledge aspect was the most difficult and significant part of the project, the process of actually designing and building the roller coasters cannot be forgotten, nor can its importance be diminished. Creating a roller-coaster that fits all size and functional requirements is quite the task—especially when most students have no significant previous experience in structural design, aside from the egg-drop project the Physics C classes participated in earlier in the school year. Students could get extra credit if they added loops, made the ride last more than 10 or 15 seconds or added an “increase in mechanical energy device,” such as pulleys and springs. “Actually coming up with the whole design was a bit of a challenge because we had to incorporate many elements into the coaster,” said Yin. Maegan Richards ‘12 added, for future physics hopefuls, “If something doesn’t work out like you had planned, don’t worry. It’s better to do something different and make it work than focus on what you thought would work.”
cy and Brian Dinkel. Drumline’s theme this year is “Blizzard,” which starts off in an urban, enclosed setting and expands out to winter. In the upcoming weeks, many more competitions will test the full potential of the band. “The competitions to come will be a lot more competitive,” said Kidd. “There are 30 other schools that we haven’t competed with yet… we’re in for a surprise ahead.” “Our goal this year is to earn a medal in the A-Class. It would be a great improvement for us from last year,” said Kidd. The captain of this year’s team is snare drummer Natalie Green ‘13. She too has high hopes for the season. “When I got here freshman year, drum-
line wasn’t exactly at its high point,” stated Green. “Sophomore year, we saw more improvement, and we’ve seen a progression of improvement up to now.” The WHS Drumline consists of over 30 students, most of whom are also in either concert band or marching band. The band consists of only percussion instruments, ranging from bass drums to cymbals to marimbas. The drumline will attend a competition at Thousand Oaks High School on March 3, and from then will compete in several other tournaments both inside and outside of Conejo Valley. “I’m really excited this year,” said Green. “Everyone is working really hard together.”
The FAFSA—Free Application for Federal Student Aid—is now open until March 2. Seniors must choose the 2012-2013 Application and submit the application as soon as possible. This is need-based. The CSS Profile for financial aid, required by many colleges can be found on profileonline.collegeboard.com. The due date depends on the school, but heavy online traffic is possible, so students are advised to complete the form early. There is a $16 fee for each school/program you send the CSS Profile to. For more information visit fafsa.ed.gov.
WHS Information Technology Academy is now accepting applications for the 2012-2013 school year. WIT applications are found online on the school website and must be turned into the counseling office by March 2. Students must add a teacher recommendation form. Scheduled interviews are from March 5-15.
Sophomores to Take CaHSEE in March Sophomores will take the state required CaHSEE exam March 13 and 14 in the gym at 7:30 a.m. Sophomores who have a Period 1 class will be dismissed at 7:25 a.m.
Straight Up Sponsors Video Contest Straight Up Ventura County will be hosting a video contest, with a theme of making a difference and creating positive community change. Ages 12-25 are all welcome to create short videos of 30 to 90 seconds on how people can create positive change to their own or other people’s lives and bring awareness to harmful acts such as binge drinking or drug abuse. The grand prize winner will receive $500. All entries must be turned in by Friday, March 9. For more info, go to www.straightupvc.org/contest.
Baseball Essay Contest Open to Freshmen
Correction An article in the December issue of The Arrow had a spelling error. In “Reflections Winners Announced” on page 2 the name should be Kritin Karkare.
IN THE LOOP: Physics teacher Scott Holloway grades the rollercoaster project of Tyler Baca’s group.
Skye Kriger Staff Writer
Roller coasters designed and crafted by Physics C Mechanics students for their December project lined the hallways of Building 3, the result of hands-on application of physics. Classes labored over creating a model roller coaster, designed for a glass or metal marble, using materials such as pipe insulator and K’NEX. “I assign the coaster to bring in a real life model that abstract physics can be applied to,” said Physics teacher Scott Hol-
Drumline Earns 1st at Winter Competition Brian Chang
Managing Editor WHS Marching Drumline won first place in the Southern California Percussion Alliance Drumline competition, which took place on Jan. 28 and 29. After many seasons of competition in which the group was denied an award, it won in the A-Class division at the all-day competition held at Chino High School. Nine schools participated in the division. “It was the first competition of the year, and I was pretty impressed that we had won. We practiced intensely before the competition,” said snare drummer Robert Kidd ‘13. Drumline is led by directors Paul Cur-
Coaches Benkert, Fong Honored for Football Season that it were Coaching Staff of the Year, that they wouldn’t put so much emphasis on one After a dominant person. Coaching staff dewinning season, Warrior serves that type of an honor,” football head coach Jim he added. Benkert received the This past season, the footCIF Coach of the Year ball team was undefeated in Award and the Southern its Marmonte league games. California Broadcasters Winning every league games Association Prep Award. earned them the Marmonte Assistant coach Richard league title championship. Richard Fong Fong received the AssisAdditionally, in Decemtant Coach of the Year for ber, the team had the opporFootball award from the California Coach- tunity to play in the California Bowl Open es Association. Division for State Championship held at The team had an extraordinary season The Home Depot Center. in 2011. Fong said some of the season high“My philosophy is that coaching is lights were “seeing players receive college teaching. I teach much more than just to scholarships to play football and players play a great game of football,” said Fong. earn All-League and All-CIF awards.” “Ultimately though, I try to teach courage “CIF Coach of the year traditionally regardless of the sport that I am coaching.” goes to the team and coach that wins the “He really cares about the players,” CIF title. Obviously it’s a great honor for said Cody Tuttle ‘12. ”That comes through our program,” commented Benkert. in the way he approaches being a coach.” “From a coaching standpoint, I wish Fong has coached Tuttle for three years and
Michelle Noyes News Editor
Photo By Katrina Brewer
The Breaking Barriers Essay Contest is now open for freshmen. The essay, which should be from 500 to 1,500 words, must be about overcoming barriers using one or more of Jackie Robinson’s Nine Values: courage, persistence, justice, determination, integrity, commitment, teamwork, excellence, and citizenship. The grand prize winner will receive a laptop computer, a visit from daughter Sharon Robinson, and a 3 day/2 night trip for two to the 2012 Major League Baseball World Series. The essay must be turned in by mail or online by Feb. 21, 2012. More information can be found at http:// www.scholastic.com/breakingbarriers/ grade9/.
Photo By Brian Chang
WIT Applications Available
noted his coach’s comedic side he saw during practice. After 33 years of coaching football Fong said, “Sometimes the players teach me a thing or two along the way.”
4 Dancers Win Soloist Awards Continued from page 1 year, Olandt is next in line as team captain. Outstanding performer Olandt earned a $300 scholarship as West Coast Elite dancer of the year at the regional competition in Valencia last month for her solo. Olandt is the junior choreographer and has earned several competitive awards in her high school career. This is Advisor Lauren Guynes’s first year coaching the team.
News
February 14, 2012 • The Arrow
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Academic Decathlon Scores
Team earns multiple medals at the Ventura County competition.
Team A
Aaron Jassenoff
Brian Ho
1st place Team Overall
1st place Scholastic Essay, Red
1st place Varsity Interview, Blue
2
3 place Scholastic Economics, Red
1st place Varsity Music, Blue
Highest Individual Scholastic Senior Score
1st place Varsity Super Quiz, Blue
1st place Team in Music, Red Conference nd
place Team in Essay, Red
1 place Team in Science, Red st
1st place Team in Art, Red
1st place Team in Math, Red
2nd place Team in Language and Lit, Red
1st place Scholastic Music, Red rd
1 place Scholastic Science, Red st
Andrew Hill
3rd place Scholastic Language and Lit, Red
1st place Honors Lit and Language, Blue
1st place Team in Science, Red
2nd place Scholastic Music, Red
Team B
1 place Team Overall in Blue st
3rd place Team in Speech, Blue
3rd place Team in Science, Blue
Wyatt Green
2nd place Honors Math, Red
st
1 place Varsity Math, Red
2nd place Varsity Science, Red
2nd place Honors Super Quiz, Blue
Conor Richards
3 place Varsity Language and Lit, Red rd
3rd place Varsity Art, Red
1 place Honors Economics, Red
Gaby Breiter
st
3rd place Honors Economics, Blue
2nd place Honors Super Quiz, Red
1st place Scholastic Language and Lit, Blue
Highest Individual Senior Score in Red
1 place Scholastic Art, Blue
Team Spirit Award Team A
Highest Individual Honors Senior Score Highest Score Overall
Lily Chen
Highest Individual Score in the Blue
Lily Wang
3rd place Honors Music, Blue
1 place Scholastic Essay, Blue
1st place Honors Art, Red
1st place Student Choice Speech
1st place Honors Interview, Blue
2nd place Varsity Art, Red
1 place Honors Science, Red st
2nd place Honors Music, Blue
2nd place Honors Art, Blue
st
Daria Abrahamian
3rd place Honors Math, Blue
3rd place Honors Science, Blue
Elliot Friedman
1st place Honors Language and Lit, Red 1st place Honors Music, Red
Aaron Demsetz
1st place Honors Speech, Blue
1 place Scholastic Speech, Red
1st place Team in Economics, Red
3 place Varsity Economics, Blue rd
3rd place Scholastic Interview, Red
3 place team in Super Quiz, Red rd
3rd place Varsity Speech, Blue
st
2nd place Scholastic Speech, Blue
1st place Scholastic Economics, Blue st
3rd place Super Scholastic Super Quiz, Blue
Team Spirit Award Team B
1st place Honors Art, Blue
1st place Honors Super Quiz, Blue
Hannah Rios
1st place Varsity Math, Blue
3rd place Varsity Music, Blue
Paul Kwon
Highest Alternate Score in Math
Alexander Loh
Jill Eide-Ettaro
2nd place Honors Essay, Red
3rd place Scholastic Essay, Blue
3 place Honors Language and Lit, Red
3 place Scholastic Language and Lit, Blue
Highest Alternate Score in Music
1st place Scholastic Art, Blue
Highest Alternate Score in Science
3rd place Honors Math, Red rd
2nd place Honors Music, Red
2nd place Honors Economics, Red 3rd place Honors Science, Red
3rd place Honors Super Quiz, Red
Stella Wang
3 place Honors Essay, Red rd
2nd place Scholastic Science, Blue
1st place Honors Essay, Blue 1st place Honors Math, Blue
3rd place Honors Language and Lit, Blue
2
1st place Honors Science, Blue
place Honors Art, Red
Highest Alternate Score in Economics Highest Alternate Score in Super Quiz
Eric Kuecks
1st place Honors Music, Blue
nd
Caleb Stokols
rd
1st place Honors Math, Red
2nd place Honors Science, Red
Highest Alternate Score in Math
1st place Scholastic Speech, Blue
2nd place Honors Economics, Blue Highest Individual Score on Team B
Photo by Skye Kriger
Ng Chosen As Girls State Delegate Grace Ng ‘13 has been selected to represent WHS at Girls State this summer. She will participate in a mock government designed to increase her understanding of the political system. The junior is looking forward to representing WHS among delegates from all over California. “I’m really excited. I think it’s a great opportunity…and it’s really cool that they have a program where you can actually simulate a real state and be able to run it,” said Ng. This hands-on experience will allow Ng to run for governor, senator, or congresswomen in a mock setting and “feel what it’s like to be part of the political process.” The next step would be a nomination to Girls Nation. Approximately 475 girls from high schools throughout the state volunteer to hold offices at the city, county, district, or state level, establishing a mini government. Courtney Hoffmans ‘13 was selected as the runner-up and will attend if Ng cannot. “During the interview I could imagine her there,” commented last year’s delegate, Lisa Battaglia ‘12. “It will truly be a life-changing experience for her.”
WHS Earns Highest WASC Distinction WHS has earned a six-year clear accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Principal Ron Lipari made the announcement last week to the faculty. “We are very excited about the six-year clear accreditation. This is a tribute to the staff, students, and parents of WHS. We have an outstanding school in every respect and the accreditation team confirmed that,” said Principal Ron Lipari. Committee co-chair Deborah Kolodney explained that “sixclears are not given very often, so it is very exciting.” She added that she feels all the hard work that she and co-chair Laurie Looker put into the evaluation paid off and “confirms the fact that we are a high performing school with programs that help students succeed,” said Kolodney.
Rotary Club Sponsors Essay Contest The Rotary Club of Westlake Village is holding an essay contest titled “The 4-Way Test And Me.” This allows students from grade levels 1-12 to participate and show their own personal creativity in writing. Awards will be given to the top three winners, with a first place cash prize of $175. The deadline for all entries is Friday, March 30, 2012 and should be sent to The Rotary Club of Westlake Village, 652 Cricketfield Court, Westlake Village, CA 91362. For more information email Stephanie Bell-Harbourne at stephaniebelleagle@earthlink.net.
Literary Chronicles Now Accepting Submissions
ugly bitch
Are you from girls state?: Grace Ng was selected by the local chapter of the American Legion to represent WHS.
In Brief
<3
Literary Chronicles, the WHS literary magazine, is looking for literary and art submissions. Accepted works include, poems, songs, photographs, drawings, and paintings. New this year, the group will consider music videos, since the club will establish a website. All submissions must be turned in to Peggy Schlehner’s Room 42B by April 14. The publication accepts an unlimited number of submissions from all students but cannot include all student work.
Opinion
4
Gun Sale Goes South Monica Huskins Staff Writer
The Obama Administration has undertaken much scrutiny recently, as it was discovered that the administration’s push for gun control has no boundaries. Top GOP lawmakers have said that the administration wanted to show a high number of guns crossing over the United StatesMexican border were being used by drug gangs. According to Fox News, this was done through Operation Fast & Furious, as well as an increase in legislation for more gun regulations. It was uncovered that the ATF, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, oversaw the sale of firearms to Mexican drug gangs. This sale eventually backfired on top Justice officials and according to Fox News, “undercut any justification for new regulations and destroyed any support they might have had.” This is a situation in which the Obama Administration was actually caught, leaving many to wonder what else have they been hiding? This scandal is added to the laundry list of political scandals that have taken place since the founding of this country. "The amount of corruption and secrecy in today's government isn't that surprising. The only thing that has changed between politics today and centuries ago is that it is now easier for Americans to find out about it. The published cases of corruption are the only known ones; even with the growing unease and accusations of conspiracies against the government, there's absolutely no reason for the government to stop what they're doing. Politics has a long history of foul play and that's just how it operates to get its goals accomplished," said Juanna Zhai '12. It seems corruption in politics is limitless and politicians will go to any length to prove a point, or in this cause, improve a statistic. The pro-gun community is outraged by these accounts, which add to the built up feud between the President and groups such as the National Rifle Association (NRA). According to the Los Angeles Times, about 2,500 guns were sold to these drug gangs and have been linked to violent crimes on American soil such as the death of Border Patrol Agent, Brian Terry. Not only has there been violence in the United States but also Mexico is having to clean up the mess. It is a tough situation for the Mexican government and its people considering the problems they have had to face concerning these powerful drug cartels. Since the scandal broke, there have been accusations from both sides as to who is to blame. On Feb. 2, Attorney General Eric Holder testified to a House panel investigating the scandal. “There is no attempt at any kind of cover-up,” said Holder. Americans should be aware of what the government is doing because it directly impacts every citizen. Many students can vote in the next election, and it is their civic duty to stay up-to-date on currents events that will potentially affect their lives.
February 14, 2012 • The Arrow
When the Scales of Justice Don’t Balance Lisa Battaglia Editor-in-chief
After the jury deliberated for 10 hours and 40 minutes, the clerk read the bombshell verdict for alleged murdered Casey Anthony-not guilty of first degree murder. As millions of outraged people watched the live verdict, Casey Anthony’s eyes filled with tears of joy for her verdict--not tears of sadness for her deceased twoyear-old daughter Caylee. Anthony was then charged for four misdemeanors for lying to the police, and then was released less than 10 days after her sentencing. Considering the media reaction, millions believed that neither Anthony nor her daughter Caylee saw justice. Five months later, former Illinois senator Rod Blagojevich was sentenced one of the stiffest corruption penalties for allegedly trying to leverage his power to sell someone President Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat. Blagojevich will serve 14 years in prison for 18 convictions including solicitation of bribes for Obama’s Senate seat. The issues that rise with the different sentences begs the question, was justice truly served to both Anthony and Blagojevich? Most people believe Anthony’s verdict was a travesty of justice. Although corrupt politics is a serious crime, 14 years for solicitation is far different from
CAPTION!
UNEQUAL VERDICTS
less than 14 days in prison for Anthony. In addition, Blagojevich’s $20,000 fine is far more than Anthony’s $4,000 fine, according to the NY Times. According to E-Poll’s E-Score Celebrity research, Casey Anthony was named most hated person in America. Alleged child abuser and killer Anthony, only served a few years in prison and is now in hiding universal hatred.
Many people, through Facebook, Twitter, and other social media have expressed this frustration with the justice system within the last few years, tracking back to the controversial O.J. Simpson case. This ground-breaking case attracted an immense amount of attention over the summer. People were shocked at Anthony’s behaviors of partying, drinking,
WINGED DEFEAT
Thousands of birds mysteriously die each year, and the government’s role in the deaths is becoming increasingly apparent. Katrina Brewer Staff Writer
The unexplained deaths of large groups of animals, especially birds, over the past few years have been a mystery. One of these anomalies, however, was recently solved. The Examiner reported that 300 starlings (a type of bird) appeared dead one snowy morning in Yankton, South Dakota. The United States Department of Agriculture admitted responsibility for the genocide. According to The Examiner, local farmers had been complaining that the birds were defecating in their livestock feed and posing a health risk to the animals and workers. In response, the USDA initiated operation “Bye Bye Blackbird” and intentionally murdered the birds using a poison called DRC-1339. This “solution” is both irresponsible and temporary. The migratory patterns of birds never change and murdering one flock does not stop the issue from occurring again next year. In addition, when an animal is poisoned the concentration in its body is magnified in further generations as it reproduces. If any of these birds managed to reproduce, their contamination will be passed on, as seen when eagles teetered on the brink of extinction due to the pesticide DDT. “Bye Bye Blackbird” has been responsible for exterminating birds since 1964. The Christian Science Monitor revealed that in 2009 four million red-winged blackbirds, starlings, cowbirds, and
grackles were killed with pesticides. The operation was also used to exterminate a roost of 5,000 birds in Nebraska. The Christian Science Monitor further reported that an order of depredation from the US Fish and Wildlife Service has allowed birds who pose a “risk of health or economic damage” to be shot on sight. Each year professionals are hired to quietly kill thousands of birds. Simple solutions such as covering the livestock feed to protect it from defecation, having an indoor feeding system, or simply relocating as to not be in the paths of these birds did not seem as fool-proof to the USDA as death. It is also clear that the USDA believed that the health risks exposing the environment to pesticides and poison would pose to crops and humans was much less than those of the bird’s natural cycles. Although some of the mysteries involving these deaths have been solved, the USDA claims to have taken no part in the deaths of thousands of birds in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee, Italy, and Sweden. Is this an apocalypse, or lack of transparency in government? These recent discoveries cause me to lean toward the latter.
“The Christian Science Monitor revealed that an order of depredation from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has allowed birds who pose ‘a risk of health or economic damage’ to be shot on sight.”
and her irrational acts only weeks after her two-year-old daughter went missing. The Anthony family surely entertained America with their courtroom drama and spontaneous actions over the three years the case was under the microscope. “The public has been whipped up into this frenzy wanting revenge for this poor little adorable child. And because of the desire for revenge, they’ve been whipped up into a lynch mob,” said Dr. Carole Lieberman, forensic psychiatrist at UCLA, to ABC News. However after arguments came to a close, the 12 jurors decided on a not guilty verdict for first degree murder, but then convicted her for lying to the police numerous times. Given four years for these simple misdemeanors, Anthony was released less than 10 days later with probation. Blagojevich, on the other hand, was found guilty for political corruption and given 14 years in prison--a verdict that his attorneys said were “too harsh,” according to Fox News. Considering Casey Anthony’s verdict, Blagojevich’s sentence does seem slightly harsh for a solicitation of bribes for a Senate seat, no matter how politically corrupt it may be. With both of these contrasting cases, the courts must consider if their scales of justice balance perfectly or not at all.
THE WESTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL
ARROW
100 N. Lakeview Canyon Road Westlake Village, CA 91362 (805) 497-6711 ext. 4225 westlakearrow@yahoo.com
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Lisa Battaglia, Dashiell Young-Saver MANAGING EDITOR Brian Chang NEWS EDITORS Meini Cheng, Stephanie Kim, Michelle Noyes OPINION EDITORS Woody Chung, Orly Greenberg, Yangzong Guo, Alexa Lucas FEATURE EDITORS Lauren Chin, Shannon Reiffen, Julia Shi, Victoria Wang ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Vivian Hu SPORTS EDITORS Harry Chung, Brian Danziger, Alex Farkas STAFF WRITERS Nicolette Blatt, Erica Boucher, Katrina Brewer, Ryan Cheng, Samantha Doctrow, David Huang, Hanyi Huang, Monica Huskins, Stacey Kane, Skye Kriger, Christopher Lam, Dylan Moore, Vivian Xu, Vallia Yu 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 this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the Conejo Valley Unified School District, Westlake High School administration, faculty, or student body. We welcome feedback. Letters must be signed by the writer, though names can be withheld by request in the publication. Please send submissions to Mrs. Battaglia’s box in the main office or to Room 42E. For The Arrow online, visit www. conejo.k12.ca.us/whs and click on Activities menu.
Opinion
February 14, 2012 • The Arrow
5
Social Networking Incriminates Modern technology, with the numerous social networking and blogging outlets, is a vital source of information for many criminal and civil court cases. This raises the question: Is social networking a positive or negative contribution to society?
Positive News Editor
Negative Monica Huskins Staff Writer
In today’s society, Facebook and texting seem more important than actual physical interactions. Lately, people have been facing consequences from posting certain information. The importance and impact that these sites have on the lives of teenagers grows every day with the rise of social sites. The internet is unedited and thus leaves room for inappropriate remarks and bad behavior, including cyber bullying. It provides outlets to cheat and lures people away from the consequences and realities of life. People have to pay for what they do online.
Con SHOW YOUR FACEBOOK IN COURT: Online posts are the perfect evidence for court case claims.
application Instagram for iPhone users is a fun way to spend downtime. A few minutes here and there, such as before class starts, will keep users updated on friends’ lives, newest fashion trends, and favorite celebrities. Pictures only take a few seconds to scroll through and the feature of a double tap to “love” makes this great for sharing
opinions. If you apply all the settings to private and make a screen name not related to your own name, no personal information can spread on the application. There are even options in which users can approve people before they start following that user. There is no need to complain about useless updates on social networking sites. The more a user
Whether it is online shopping in childhood depression. This that doubles the credit card bill, or modern bullying sometimes leads the increase in online bullies, the to adolescent suicide. With these internet is a breeding ground for extra outlets, bullying is now at trouble. an all-time high. Recently, people have taken Parents are becoming more to Twitter to aware of the discuss the idea negative aspects of Fidel Castro’s “Facebook, Instagram, of social sites rumored death. have even and Twitter have and Cuba is getting joined the sites as become a measure of a well to monitor i n v o l v e d and pointing person’s worth when in activity. fingers. It is “I’m not reality, the person you interesting that going to lie, I’m are online is nothing like Cuba is getting pretty addicted who you really are.” involved with to social media. social networks But it’s pretty -Katherine Sun ‘12 like Twitter, but sad when you it adds to the are out with negative image friends and none that social sites have. of you are talking to each other, More importantly, the issue but instead are on your phones on of cyber bullying seems to be a Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram,” never-ending cycle with a rise said Katherine Sun ’12.
posts on Twitter, the more people will re-tweet the post and spread the message. There is nothing wrong with having an account on a social networking website. If it consumes too much time, profiles can easily be terminated. Overall, so much can be gained from maintaining connections with the socialnetworking community. If society continues on this path, there will cease to be much of a society at all. Individuals communicating on the internet will dominate social interactions. Not only are social or various negative sites luring people in, but some people wonder if communication skills are getting hurt in the process. “We focus too much on technology and what’s new that we can plug ourselves into. We have to find a middle ground and be fully aware of the way our society is functioning. We are losing sight of the value of face-to-face communication, and we need to improve further on what we really care about,” said Brandon Weger ‘12. It is imperative that people develop their social skills in the real world, not through the internet.
Teachers’ Take on Technology Orly Greenberg Opinion Editor
For every young, tech savvy teacher, there is always a slightly outdated, technologically challenged educator. While it is important for schools to encourage the use and knowledge of the newest technology, teachers very rarely know how to use the latest gadgets to benefit students. So why can’t teachers use
Friend Requests Alexa Lucas
Opinion Editor
Michelle Noyes Instead of watching television after homework, teenagers should learn life skills by double-tasking with social networking and scholastic responsibilities. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are great social ways to promote a new product or business. Small businesses take advantage of these websites to advertise for free. Aside from business use of these sites, social networks have many advantages for high school students. Facebook is a way to stay connected with friends who live out of town. A message through Facebook is a fast, simple mode of communication–necessary in the busy lives of high school students. A timeline post is a convenient way to ask peers for missed school assignments when absent. A status asking friends for help on a homework question can enhance study skills. Messages are quick to send when you need to immediately contact members for a group project at school. Also, not every single post is completely public. Privacy can be easily protected on Facebook. If proper precautions are taken, there is really no logical reason not to take advantage of these technological aids. A picture is worth a thousand words, but in pictures you do not have to read anything. The
Universities Send
technology well? The answer is simple. Fewer young people are becoming teachers, according to www.iodinenews.com. Yes, older teachers means more teaching experience, but it also means less technological experience. Although technological abilities are not necessarily required to be a good teacher, the increasingly tech-oriented youth may find it easier to learn through
Smart Boards and iPads, rather than pens and paper. Moreover, while it may not be immediately evident, teachers misusing technology can seriously affect a student’s learning process. Struggling with a projector or a laptop can take as much time as understanding a concept, and glitches are frequent. Teachers should be expected to know how to use Zangle
or Edline, but past those two programs, anything more becomes unnecessary and confusing. Used well, technology can make a huge difference in how students absorb information. “I think [teacher’s use of technology] is done well. There’s nothing confusing about the way they use it. It only benefits learning,” said Nick Daneshavi ‘14.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr–-these are all places where students document their lives. This sometimes includes the inappropriate aspects of student’s lives as well. Yes, although unnecessary, many have seen those pictures of people and their red SOLO cups partying like there is no tomorrow. What some people fail to understand, however, is that colleges can see what applicants are doing on Facebook. They are posting it on a public website. There are companies with the sole agenda of providing colleges with tracking systems to help factor Facebook profiles into the picture for college recruits. One of these companies is called TargetX. TargetX’s CEO, Brian Niles, said that these profiles provide a better picture for possible recruits than preliminary applications consisting of bare resumés and essays. It is clear that college essays present most of the personality and accomplishments of the applicant, and many students are conscious of what they integrate into their college profiles. If this is the case, it seems absurd that this generation is not more careful as to what pictures, language, and other information are made available to the general public. A study done by Kaplan Test Prep concluded that the number of college admissions officers that utilize social networking in recruitment consideration has quadrupled. To avoid being caught with exposed “dirty laundry,” people have been hastily changing the names on their profiles, yet this is entirely ineffective. They are looking over the fact that accounts are attached to the individual’s email address as well as name. If colleges are hiring groups to find applicants on these websites, an instantaneous name change will not save explicit information from exposure. The email address will lead the trackers straight to the student’s profile. A prevalent question amongst students is whether or not colleges have the right to do these types of searches. The answer is yes. If this information is made public, and is circulating throughout the interminable land of the internet, these colleges have just as much of a right to this information as any other internet user. Even if the profile is private, colleges have tools to push past this and view the information that was voluntarily posted on the webpage. Advice: Use these networking sites properly. Accept that university admissions will have access to these posts. Be smart and do not post inappropriate information on the internet.
6
Opinion
February 14, 2012 • The Arrow
S O PA / P I PA :
In our society that relies heavily on internet use, do the SOPA and PIPA bills threaten our usage of the internet or guarantee the protection of further innovation?
A Dash of Sanity:
See You in Health Dashiell Young-Saver Editor-in-chief
I advanced on the enemy. The trip through the parking lot went fine. But as I got closer to the entrance of Whole Foods, I grew fearful. The green sign loomed overhead, looking so healthy. My diet, which consists of only red meat and freedom fries, does not correspond with health food stores. But I wanted to see why people go there. The store’s, I mean “market’s,” outside looked as pristine as the happy hut room at the insane asylum. (Don’t ask how I know) Except there was one thing that seemed out-of-place: a homeless man was lying down in a deep sleep at the edge of the building, with an empty coffee cup by his knees. People looked away as they passed. I, admittedly, did the same. A smiling, young man welcomed me at the door, “Welcome to Whole Foods!” “Temptress,” I muttered as I put my hood up and walked inside. The battle began. Immediately, I was surrounded by enemy combatants. Gluten-free, aioli-covered, whole grain, nutrient-enhanced, anti-oxidant-rich, and other healthy, hyphenated adjective-loaded rabbit food surrounded me in the aisles. Dolphin-friendly products were everywhere. You could swear that the pita bread was actually PETA bread. At my normal supermarket, I usually look for the dolphin logos so I know which foods to avoid. I actively support dolphin hunting because I believe dolphins are too happy. Why are they always laughing? Why not make them screech a little? The shoppers were beautiful, too beautiful. Each had the Adonis look of a world cup soccer referee. They lift weights, watch their weight, and wait around for the next time their diets allow them to swallow a pill or “dinner.” The truly beautiful people are at WalMart. It’s called Wal-Mart because the customers look like their faces have been slammed into walls. These are my people. There is no need to worry about appearances. They just live, as is. Granted, they may not live as long. But at least they have no plastic in their faces, so they actually look alive. I made the mistake of looking at the prices. Nine dollars for a handful of pecans; eleven for the macadamias. The more green the food, the more green from my wallet. I followed my instincts and navigated my way through the warzone to the butcher section at the back. There, I finally found Babylon. Wall to wall, shelves taunted me with slices of every cow part one could imagine. The best part was, compared to the other stuff, they were really inexpensive. Sirloin: $6.99. New York Strip: $13.99. Meat quality at Whole Foods: priceless. I guess when there is no demand for meat, they charge more for nuts. That’s just nuts! (that was bad, sorry) I grabbed the sirloin, paid for it, and left. I passed by the sleeping homeless man again. He looked skinnier than the dieting customers. I watched the beautiful people walking out of the store with bags full of expensive, carb-less foods that supported endangered things. They didn’t even notice the endangered man. Feeling bad, I went to a supermarket across the street and bought a $3 loaf of Wonder bread that had carbs, gluten, and maybe even some calories. I put the bread down by the sleeping man. While Whole Foods customers would have refused to eat my bread, I thought the homeless man would eat it, fattening ingredients and all, because his diet wasn’t voluntary.
PRO SOPA Vallia Yu
Staff Writer The negative stance on SOPA and PIPA has been made pretty clear by the general populous of the internet. But what many don't realize is that the issue the government is now adresses is an ongoing struggle that will have to be dealt with sooner or later. By now, many know what SOPA is, but some may not know the difference between it and it's sister act PIPA. SOPA was created by the US House of Representatives, while the PIPA was created as a compromise by the Senate. While SOPA aims to purge sites that display any kind of copyright infringement, PIPA affects sites that merely have "no significant use other than" illegal activities such as piracy. A study in semantics, to be sure, but this small difference of lenience could be the key to preventing the exile of sites like Wikipedia. So, for the internet community, this means that if PIPA were to pass, web users wouldn't have to fear about having their sites taken down with only a minor infraction. Only websites dedicated to piracy will be affected by PIPA. Sites with user generated content, such as Youtube, are already under copyright management, and won't be as heavily affected as people think. Ultimately, the issue boils down to a matter of morality and money. Piracy is fueled by the desire to make money, and these pirates divert quite a large chunk out of legitimate sales. According to the Motion Picture Association of America estimates, the industry loses nearly $446 million per year in the US alone.
Popuppirates.com, a website entirely dedicated to revealing the truth about piracy, provides insightful information on the profits that it can bring. A provider of copyrighted material on any file storage website such as FileSonic can easily post an illegal film and watch the profits flow in as clients download the content. Pirates can leech off from $0.16 to $17 per day; left for a year on it's own, the original host of the content can add up to nearly $26,477 from both downloads and torrents. And all that money is flowing into their pockets instead towards those that made the actual effort in the first place. Neither SOPA nor PIPA have been passed, but the shutdown of Megaupload and Megavideo has already sent criminals scurrying for cover. Huge contributors to the online piracy menace, both the sites had contained large amounts of free videos and music alike. The threat of government intervention cleaned up websites significantly, and the servers are now taking down illegal content in order to keep their sites copyright free. Most importantly, the closure of these websites could be a glimpse at what SOPA could do to legitimatize the online community and protect the interests of innovators. Ultimately, these efforts are vital to the encouragement of the innovation that allows this country to improve in creativity, economy, and morality. Despite the postponement for the SOPA and PIPA acts, the matters that they address are and will continue to be present in the ongoing battle against the threat of online piracy. With our economy in the current crisis that it's in, America is going to need all the economic support it can get. The innovation protected by the SOPA and PIPA bills can help accomplish this. Thus, although these bills have been delayed at the moment, when we meet these bills again, we must not forget the benefits.
SOPATHETIC Vivian Hu
Entertainment Editor “What is this... Why isn’t Wikipedia working? What happened to Google?” On January 18, these questions ran through the minds of millions of people. The cause: the PIPA and SOPA bills, bills that could possibly destroy creativity on the internet. According to the Search Engine Journal, the bills in their current state “make website owners responsible and punishable for how users interact with their sites.” In other words, the bills can shut down websites and cut off the funding if the website adds or links to pirated information. These bills can cut off the website without a warning. The first amendment of the Constitution says the government cannot censor most things before they are published; it can only censor them afterwards if it is in violation of the law. The internet already does this with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. However, SOPA and PIPA aim to wipe out prior restraint and make websites responsible for censorship of all illegal/ copyright material, a blatantly shocking defiance of the constitutional values. These acts also threaten internet businesses. Booz and Company, a global management consulting firm, released a study funded by Google that showed that almost all of the 200 venture capitalists and angel investors (investors of a business in its early stages) interviewed would stop funding digital media intermediaries if the House bill became a law. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, an international protector of digital rights, stated that the bill was a “massive piece of job-killing Internet regulation,” and
declared that the bill is incorrigible; the only option is to get rid of it. Although people think that SOPA will protect others from pirating, the current bills take the wrong approach. Even Neil Gaiman, an author who would naturally want his works protected from piracy, does not support SOPA’s methods of internet censorship. “It’s not a lost sale,” he said, regarding his pirated works (online), “What you’re actually doing is advertising...You’re reaching more people [and] awareness.” The editors of Wikipedia said in a FAQ about SOPA that it “could require Wikipedia to actively monitor every site we link to, to ensure it doesn’t host infringing content. Any link to an infringing site could put us in jeopardy of being forced offline.” “Google has stated that YouTube will not be able to exist if SOPA passes.” Millions have protested SOPA. On January 18, Google, Wikipedia, Reddit, and more than 75,000 other sites protested by blacking out their websites. Google created a petition that was signed by 4.5 million people. Even the Obama administration said that it would oppose PIPA and SOPA as both would reduce “freedom of expression, [increase] cybersecurity risk, or [undermine] the dynamic, innovative global Internet.” With all this support for the opposition of SOPA, 18 senators have withdrawn support from the controversial bill. Senator Lamar Smith has withdrawn the bill until a later time to revise it, and Senator Patrick Leahy has rescinded the PIPA bill as well. Nevertheless, don’t be fooled; the SOPA and PIPA bills are not dead, and there are more threats coming on the horizon. After some period of time, the senators will raise the issue of the bill again. We must be ready. But for now, know that even with these controversial bills, our internet and our liberty are safe.
Feature
February 14, 2012 • The Arrow
7
Mock Trial to Debate Murder Case at County DELIBERATE JUDGMENTS: (Left) Team Captain Jordan Hobmann and expert witness Kevin Shi clean witnesses’ testimonies before practice. (Below) Andrea Teoderescu and Nicholas Whetstone PHOTOS BY BRIAN CHANG AND LISA BATTAGLIA
Scoring second place in last year’s county competition and placing 15th at the State championships, the Mock Trial team is prepared to defend and prosecute at the Ventura County competition to be held Feb. 27-28. After months of polishing speeches, perfecting performances, and examining every detail, the team will compete at the Ventura County competition at the Ventura County courthouse. This year, the team has lost coach of 15 years, Christina Harrison, after closing her last year with a victory at State. History teachers Ashley Tomkins and Lauren Palotay are teacher coaches along with the help of several volunteering attorney coaches throughout the county. Practicing twice a week for two hours and now moving into all-day Saturday practices, the team is perfecting their speaking skills and composure in the courtroom to prepare for competition against 28 other teams in the county. “All the new members are starting to adjust really well and it’s good to have a full returning staff of attorneys,” said Defense Team Captain Jordan Hobmann ‘12. The Case: This year’s case, People v. Buschell revolves around the murder of college student, Becca Abeles who applied for a Lyon Prize consisting of a $50,000 stipend. Close childhood friend Ryan Buschell, portrayed by Will Saksa ‘13, also applied for the prize, causing a dispute. Becca, furious with Ryan, obtained evidence of Ryan and his best friend A.G. Prout, played by Danny Levy ‘13, using drugs and plagiarizing term papers. Ryan would only receive his $20 million trust fund from his family if he graduated in four years with a 3.5 GPA from Wheeler University. If Becca had exposed Ryan’s plagiarism, he would have lost his $20 million immediately. After confronting Ryan, Becca was
found dead at the Wooly Wizard Music Festival at her campsite. Upon examining the body, Dr. Marion Schwartz played by Andrea Teoderescu ‘14, and Dr. Jan Shartsis, played by Kevin Shi ‘14, determined the cause of death was a stabbing and homicide. “I think it is exciting that it involves college students this year and there is a little bit more drama with college students and murder and plagiarism. It’s just a good combination of facts this year,” said Tomkins. The Prosecution: Headed by team captain Lisa Battaglia ‘12, the prosecution team will argue that Ryan Buschell had the means, motive, and opportunity to murder Becca Abeles. Detective Kennedy Shephard played by Nancy Liu ‘13 was the first to arrive at the scene and found the victim’s best friend Devin Lin, portrayed by Josephine Strauss ‘13. Detective Shephard interviewed several people connected to the defendant and victim and arrested Ryan for the murder. The People will argue that Ryan used an expensive knife from his grandfather to stab Becca and then claimed that the knife was stolen while he was at the Wooly Wizard Music Festival. Lin will testify that Becca Abeles was a hard-working student and that Ryan and A.G. were “druggies and losers.” Kai Mauer, portrayed by Tiffany Han
rehearse lines.
Mock Trial Team 2012: Teacher Coaches: Ashley Tomkins Lauren Palotay Prosecution Attorneys: Lisa Battaglia ‘12 Woody Chung ‘13 Garrett Hardy ‘12 Defense Attorneys: Brian Chang ‘13 Jordan Hobmann ‘12 Elizabeth Matusov ‘12 Pretrial Attorneys: Alexander Loh ‘14 Nicholas Whetstone ‘13 Witnesses: Tiffany Han ‘14 Danny Levy ‘13 Nancy Liu ‘13 Alexa Lucas ‘12 Will Saksa ‘13 Kevin Shi ‘14 Josephine Strauss ‘13 Andrea Teoderescu ‘14 Court Clerk: Taylor Li ‘15 Bailiff: Zach Garelik ‘15 A.G. Prout, portrayed by Levy, is a former-college student who often attended parties and drank with Ryan. Prout explains that the relationship between the defendant and the victim was anything but hostile.
‘14, was a worker at Wheeler University for the school’s disciplinary system. She will testify that after she asked Ryan if anyone was going to report him, he said “believe me no one is going to come forward.” Dr. Schwartz will argue that the knife Ryan had matched the victim’s stab wound. The People will provide enough evidence beyond a reasonable doubt to convict the defendant of murder. The Defense: Led by team captain Hobmann, the defense will argue that there is plenty of reasonable doubt to find Ryan Buschell not guilty. “The biggest challenge is that all the evidence matches his clothes and his knife,” said Hobmann. Played by Shi, Dr. Jan Shartsis testifies that the evidence presented in the trial is highly insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Ryan’s knife was used for the murder.
The Pretrial: Pretrial attorneys Nicholas Whetstone ‘13 and Alexander Loh ‘14 will debate the Second Amendment and the hypothetical California Carried Concealed Weapon Statute. Instructed by Attorney and Counselor at Law Mark Jessee, they will argue the Second Amendment which includes the right to bear arms. Defense pretrial attorney Whetstone will assert that the statue violates the Second Amendment right to bear arms. Prosecution pretrial attorney Loh will convey to the judge that the statute is not a violation of the Second Amendment. The team competes Feb. 27 and 28, and March 1 if they move onto finals. “I think everyone has worked really hard and I’m excited to see everyone’s work pay off,” said Tomkins. Lisa Battaglia and Brian Chang contributed to this story.
Witness Testimony
Nancy Liu ‘13 Portraying Detective Shephard
Josephine Strauss ‘13 Portraying Devin Lin
Danny Levy ‘13 Portraying A.G. Prout
Will Saksa ‘13 Portraying Ryan Buschell
“I arrested Mr. Buschell based on the evidence and forensics reports of Becca.”
“There was no one more honest and hardworking than my best friend Becca.”
“Ryan’s innocent, we were just trying to have a good time.”
“I killed her. It’s pretty obvious. I mean it’s hard for me to defend against that.”
8
Feat
Music to Our Ears Don’t Ban the Banjo
Dashiell Young-Saver Editor-in-chief
Mike Rowe and one of his cameramen stood on a pile of garbage and composed a song for the 100th episode of Dirty Jobs. Rowe played guitar and sang while the cameraman played banjo and smiled uneasily. Made up of amateur musicianship and background noises from the San Francisco dump, their production could not be considered, by any measure, “less than a masterpiece.” Little did they know that one scrawny, awkward, little freshman from WHS saw their production and become musically inspired. That scrawny, awkward, little freshman was me. For some reason, the plinks, plucks, and picks of the banjo at that moment, with mounds of trash in the background, struck a melody chord inside my heart. I fell in love with the instrument and have played it ever since. Now, as I have developed into a scrawny, awkward, tall senior, I can say that the banjo has never gotten old for
a second, and it is one of the most elegant, versatile, and influential instruments ever created. I know its reputation. When I tell people that I play, they usually respond with a look of disgust that could frighten even hardcore teletubbies. It is as if I told them, “I eat Pampers baby wipes every day for breakfast.” But at least that activity is sanitary; to many, the banjo is a dirty instrument whose filthy sounds are only trumped by the filthy people that play it. But the banjo is so much more than a symphony in moonshine and recently chewed tobacco. It is an instrument known in many areas throughout the world and used in many areas of music, such as Bluegrass, Dixie, Folk, Jazz, Celtic, Country, and Rock. To understand the greatness of the instrument, one must understand its history. The banjo originated from one of the most prestigious parts of the globe: West Africa. The instrument went by many names—“banjar,” “banjil,” “banza,” “bangoe,” “bangie,” and “banshaw.” While “banjo” is what stuck, I would have preferred the name “banjar,” so I could have called myself “Banjar Binks,” but no instrument is perfect. Slaves brought the banjo to the colonies, where they played folk music. Thomas Jefferson recounted in 1781, “The instrument proper to (the slaves) is the Banjar, which they brought hither from Africa.” The banjo was also used by Minstrel bands using blackface in racist depictions of the slaves. After the Civil War, soldiers took the music home with them and the banjo became a popular parlor instrument. Another shift occurred during the First World War, when the tenor banjo became a popular instrument for early Jazz and Dixie bands. But with the introduction of swing and the Depression, the guitar took over the jazz scene, leaving the banjo to country and bluegrass musicians of the South. Now the banjo is experiencing a semi-revival. Although the movement is small, the popular banjo jazz/folk group Bela Fleck and the Flecktones keeps on winning Grammy’s year after year. Plus, the banjo has appeared on rock albums for Modest Mouse, The Black Keys, and Sufjan Stevens. The whole point is that the banjo has a history wrapped throughout the fabric of the nation. Its sounds have entertained the smoke-filled jazz clubs of the early 20’s, smoke-filled parlors and battlefields of the 1800’s, and smokefilled rooms of the teenagers today crazy enough to take on the instrument. As America has progressed, it has progressed. It may be loud, arrogant, and not tasteful, but aren’t all Americans loud, arrogant, and not tasteful? So, whether you love it or hate it (because there is nothing in between) know that you are loving or hating America. If nothing else, at least appreciate its influence on American musical culture.
107 WHS students were surveyed on their music preferences.
1888: Emile Berliner invents the gramophone.
1877: Edison invents the phonograph for voice recording.
1920s: Radio Corporation of America begins mass-producing commercial radios.
Downloading
Who’s to blame for the plum
Brian Chang
Managing Editor Recent controversy over the Stop Online Piracy Act has highlighted the problem of music that is illegally downloaded. Some claim that record companies are losing millions of dollars a year due to torrenting. Others claim that free information is a right, and that the widespread availability of a song can actually spark more interest and popularity for the music industry. Statistics reveal, however, that both consumers and companies are at fault for the increasing piracy and decreasing revenue from music sales. In the status quo, the music
industry is a giant gamble for aspiring businessmen. The Recording Industry Association of America reported that approximately 90% of released records fail to make a profit. Consumers are definitely at fault to some extent for their actions. Simply arguing that “information should be free” is not valid; just like any other company, record companies sell a product which belongs to them and ought to be purchased from them. One cannot take a copy of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series, reproduce the book, and distribute it to the public. Analogously, a recording label ought to be entitled to its property, and should receive a profit proportional to the product’s popularity.
ture
s
9
From the phonograph to the iPod, music technology has shaped our appreciation. The Arrow examines what has inspired the evolution of music that has brought the ground-breaking technology of today.
What genre of music do you listen to most?
1980s: Phillips and Sony plan to create a Compact Disc (CD) in 1978.
1964: The cassette tape is the technology of choice.
1943: Vinyl becomes the medium of choice.
1950s: Diner jukeboxes become mainstream.
Centerspread designed by Lisa Battaglia and Brian Chang. Polls compiled by Michelle Noyes.
Just Beat it Rapper and music producer Dr. Dre launched his Beats line including headphones, earphones, and speakers. For $299, Beats headphones provide ultimate comfort and cancel out hisses and background noises. Beats come in several different colors including pink, orange, gold, black, white, and purple.
g the iLegal
mmeting music sales? In a recent anonymous survey conducted by The Arrow, 17% of 107 student participants admitted that their main source of copyrighted music was through illegal sources. Furthermore, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) concluded that 95% of all downloaded music content was illegal. Such numbers seem to point a finger towards the consumers who are “killing” the music industry. However, some company advocates note that the companies may, in fact, be killing themselves. The main and deceptively obvious problem is that music costs too much. On iTunes, most songs range from 99 cents to $1.29; supply and demand charts indicate that consumers lack
2001: The first iPod is released. iTunes is created in 2003 after artists sign off with Apple.
Buying the CD: 6%
Illegal Downloading: 17%
an incentive to use such money when music is available for free. The leverage that the companies have is reliability and efficiency, because people who buy music do not risk the chance of viruses in files, nor do they have to tediously find music that may or may not be the actual file they are looking for. This leverage is, however, outweighed by the incentive that torrent sites have to offer: free money. Business experts contend that with a decrease in costs, the lever held by companies may be enough to win over consumers again. Most seem to agree that strict regulation and enforcement will be ineffective; smart marketing by companies seems to offer the most plausible solution.
(Legal) Online
iTunes: 53%
Sites: 24%
What is your primary music source?
Feature
10
February 14, 2012 • The Arrow
Caring for the Earth
Skye Kriger
Students Pave Way for Brighter Future
Staff Writer
Katrina Brewer Staff Writer
photo by stacey kane
Hopefully, whenever you throw out an empty beverage container during or after class, you notice the recycling bin and drop it in the proper receptacle. You walk away from the area feeling proud of yourself, because you know you’ve made the right choice and have contributed to the effort to clean the world. And hopefully, when you go to recycle something and the recycling bin is nowhere to be found, you wonder where it could be, and leave the premises a little disgruntled, robbed of your semi-heroic moment. We may take the recycling bins in the classrooms for granted; those recycling bins are courtesy of the hard efforts of our school’s Earth Club. The club, since the year after its birth in the fall of 2007, has “[managed] the school’s bottle, can and paper recycling,” placing “boxes in the majority of the classrooms for convenient disposal,” said club co-president Bethany Maddison ‘12. The boxes are collected every Wednesday by club members and their contents are taken to the rePLANET recycling center, where the trash is converted into reusable material. In the WHS office, because of the nature of the work and the previous lack of an official recycling program, a significant amount of paper trash is created every day; while many efforts are made to avoid this (such as relying more on electronic communication), it is impossible to avoid paper entirely. The fact that Earth Club picks up our recycling every Wednesday is fantastic, Activities Secretary Jan Taylor said. While the club already is commendable for keeping up such a time consuming weekly ritual, the placing and emptying of recycling containers is only part of what they do. During the weekend of Jan. 20, the club planted a “succulent garden” on the top of the amphitheater, where the upper walkway meets the hill. Around 80 plants were placed, including aloe, aeonium, and dudleya plants. The plants are all of the “succulent” variety (hence the name of the garden), meaning that they store water in their leaves, stems, and roots and are consequently successful in arid climates like our own. Money to fund the planting came from profits saved after collecting recyclables from our campus. “I hope it will grow and develop over the years and demonstrate that we should plant vegetation that takes advantage of
FLOWERS IN THE DESERT: Genna Gmeiner ‘13 visits the Earth Club’s newly planted succulent garden, an environmentally conscious project to save water and decorate the landscape.
our hot climate, rather than landscaping that depletes our lacking water resources,” Maddison explained. In September, Earth club also participated in the annual coastal cleanup. They also do a school-wide battery drive every Spring, to give people at WHS an easy opportunity to dispose of their batteries safely and properly--something most people do not even think to do. “Our goal is to inform WHS about the current environmental issues and discuss how each of us can do our part to try to fix each one,” said Connor MacLean ‘13, copresident of the club. By making students aware of
environmental issues, the club hopes to increase the frequency that students make earth-conscious decisions. The club meets every Friday at lunch in the library to discuss methods of helping the planet and minimizing consumerism and its negative effects on the globe. They also meet on Wednesdays in the library’s book room to collect recyclables. MacLean concluded: “I want my grandkids to enjoy the planet as it is now, and know what a polar bear is. I want to protect animals’ natural habitats and be a member of Earth’s community, not a member of the community of Earth’s dominant species.”
Students for Solar Schools is an inspiring story of student ambition and passion. Originating at WHS with founder Adam Raudonis (currently a sophomore at Stanford University), Students for Solar Schools is now nationwide. The club can be found at high schools in over a dozen states including New Jersey, South Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Illinois, Connecticut, and Rhode Island as well as in Canada, Africa, and Puerto Rico. The WHS club meets on Mondays in Doug Freed’s Room 12E and spends lunch time once a week discussing ways to improve the school’s sustainability and to fundraise for new projects. June 7, 2010, Students for Solar Schools reached its first goal, installing a 6.3 kilowatt solar array on Building 3. This important step was the world’s largest student-funded solar project. The club managed to raise $1,833 last February at a Teen Center benefit concert, as well as $686 from a Sea Casa fundraiser in December. In addition, students had a blast at the Teen Center, enjoying a lively concert where students from WHS got to show off their talent while contributing to a good cause. The promising turnouts at these fundraising events show the student body’s willingness to take action in a progressive, environmental way. Support throughout the community is also apparent. Sponsors include Advanced Solar Electric, Solar World, and Tremco. This year’s club presidents are Frank Duan ‘12 and Alex Struck ‘12. Their eventual goals, in addition to fundraising, include installing fluorescent lightbulbs throughout the WHS campus. Fluorescent lightbulbs use electricity far more efficiently than the commonly used incandescent lightbulbs. Struck expressed his hopes for the club’s effect on Westlake’s student body and the community: “Our goal is not only to promote a greener, more energy efficient mold for schools, but also to promote an atmosphere that inspires individuals and society as a whole to take on a challenge and live sustainably.”
Protect the Cove Club members protest against dolphin slaughter Entertainment Editor “Clubs meeting today are Junior State in 12F, Drama in 21K…and the Cove Club in 22E.” The Cove Club? What is that? Founded last year by Louise Smith ‘14, with Lisa Ryder as the advisor, Cove Club is dedicated to “[raising] awareness about the brutal slaughter and mistreatment of dolphins in Taiji, Japan,” according to Smith. Smith was inspired to start the club after seeing the movie The Cove, directed by Louie Psihoyos, an award-winning documentary about how dolphins in Japan are annually butchered off the coast of Taiji, Japan.
photo by vivian hu
Vivian Hu
“I couldn’t let myself know about such cruelty and not take action,” Smith said. Members of the Cove Club raise money to donate to the Earth Land Island Institute’s Dolphin project (an organization that actively works to stop dolphin slaughter) and raise awareness about the dangers of eating fish that have high amounts of mercury in them, like dolphins and whales. They also participate in a variety of volunteer activities to protect the environment. The ultimate goal, however, is to make a difference by putting an end to violence inflicted upon dolphins. Hanyi Huang ‘14, vice president, said, “I feel like the slaughtering of dolphins is awful, and I want to help prevent any more of this senseless killing. “ The Cove Club went to the natural landmark Ballona Wetlands on Jan. 28, with Science Olympiad and other volunteers, to clean up the pollution. Members worked for two hours to pull up invasive European species of plants, which inhibit the growth
WETLANDS CLEANUP: (Left to right) Megan Soller ‘14, Shauna Burr ‘14, Louise Smith ‘14 and Elyse Munemera ‘14 help scour non-native plant species from Ballona Wetlands for the Cove Club.
of native species. The area that they cleared will be used to replant native species. At the end of their hard work, they paid a visit to the Los Angeles Basin and viewed the largest wetland in Southern California. “It was hard work,” said Megan Soller ‘14, “but it was satisfying to know that I
was helping the wetland.” The club plans to have a bake sale on Feb. 24 in front of school and hopes to participate in the Adopt-A-Beach program by the end of the semester, where they will help clear the beach of pollution and debris. To join the Cove Club, check announcements for information.
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February 14, 2012 • The Arrow
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Social Media Overload?
With websites like Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram taking over the internet, teenagers are finding more and more ways to express their feelings and thoughts. Looking for a way to break free from parents and even grandparents who now have Facebook sites, they want a place they can call their own. Smaller groups and more personal expressions are the attractions of three featured social networking sites. They can post pictures, microblog, and tweet to their hearts’ content.
Tumbling into a New Photo Frenzy A picture’s worth a thousand words and only an Instagram away.
Alexa Lucas
Opinion Editor Tumblr is a social location in which members can post inspirational and document-like pictures. “Followers” can then see these pictures to keep track of their friends day-to-day thoughts and schedules. In a way, this site creates a universal group of stalkers. Social networking has transformed from Facebook (a documentation through status and pictures), to Twitter (continuous documentation of unimportant events), to now Tumblr (continuous picture prates). This is relevant if you are worried you will forget what your friends look like during the day. Around campus, everyone is glued to a phone. Between all of these social networking outlets, everyone is distracted and intrigued by the lives of others and their day-to-day experiences.
Tumblr can also be used to publish interesting pages found online, videos, and other pictures users may come across. “It is fun to see what celebrities and your friends have to say more often than just on Facebook. It is somewhat more personal,” said Paige Cipriani ‘12. Yes, it is fun to constantly see what is going on with people’s lives through this pictorial social networking. It is the 21st century’s form of entertainment. Still, this generation needs many new forms of interaction— none of it the face-to-face kind though. Tumblr users typically spend their time microblogging—sharing minute details about what they are doing at every moment. Tumblr is designed for the high-schooler curious about the minutiae of everyone around them. Still, social networking such as this is only training young minds to be less productive and more absorbed by trivialities.
Twitter #Taking Over Alex Farkas
Sports Editor Twitter has emerged as a top social networking site that has was established in 2006 by Jack Dorsey. For those who do not know what or how twitter works it allows people to post or tweet up to 140 characters about anything they want. All over the nation, athletes, actors and actresses, anchors of news shows, and many more use twitter. For example, while watching a college or professional sports game, the commentators provide their Twitter usernames so that users will follow their tweets. According to Time Magazine, Twitter has over 100 million active users. It may not have as many as Facebook (over 800 million) but Twitter is on the rise to be very successful in the near future. W h e n people tweet it is usually about the motions of their everyday lives; however, there are ways that athletes and actors/actress make headlines. When Tim Tebow threw the 80 yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas to defeat the Steelers in overtime in the NFL playoffs, Twitter users tweeted about Tebow “in a record 9,420 tweets per second,” according to Yahoo!. With a new social networking site comes different perspectives of users. People like and dislike it for different reasons. Criticism helps Twitter come out with new changes to the website and mobile versions so that the users approve. “Twitter is really easy to use. It is full of quick updates and little jokes crammed into 140 characters. It’s Facebook without the fluff,” said WHS Math teacher Chad Scott, who is in favor of Twitter. Even though Victoria Doder ’14 is an active twitter user, she still believes that some things could be changed. “The
140 character limit is frustrating because sometimes I cannot express everything I want to say in one tweet.” Even though Twitter has its flaws and its strengths, it will be a social networking site that many people will be using in the future.
Nicolette Blatt Staff Writer
Instagram is a picture social networking app for all Apple products. One of the many perks of Instagram is cool editing and bordering on your picture. This app allows you to see what your friends are up to and also to follow some celebrities who have the app, including Snoop Dogg, Drake, Chris Brown, Taylor Swift and many more. Instagram is more like twitter with the statuses and the picture updates. Instagram is an amusing way to turn any picture into an artistic master piece. To create an instagram begin by making a user profile as you do on other social networking sites. The five minutes IMAGE CAPTURE of an Instagram for the IPhone it takes to make a user profile is well worth it because you get Once you have set up the profile, you hours of fun and many playful pictures can follow your friends. to keep for life. Instagram can feed your On the news feed you can like the submitted photos to any other social picture or comment on it with one easy networking sites, such as Facebook, touch of your screen. If the picture owner Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, Posterous, and does not like the comment you can even Foursquare. Privacy settings are very easy delete the other person’s comment. and safe. Instagram has only one privacy This fun app is possibly the future of setting and it is either private or fully open social media and may overtake Facebook to the public. and Twitter.
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February 14, 2012 • The Arrow
Kevin Explores Evolution of a Young Killer
Gaiman’s Smoke and Mirrors Plunges Readers Through the Looking Glass
We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver
Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman
Vivian Xu
Staff Writer
Orly Greenberg Opinion Editor
No matter how terrifying a horror book or film might be, there is always the sense of relief at the culmination, knowing that any conclusion that might occur would never happen in an ordinary life. However, there is no such consolation in We Need to Talk About Kevin. Written by Lionel Shriver, the novel explores the Columbine-like murders of several students, committed by fictional teenager Kevin Khatchadourian. It is written as a series of letters from Kevin’s mother Eva to her estranged husband Franklin, in which she reflects on Kevin’s life leading up to the crime. The novel begins with Eva recalling Kevin as a baby and toddler, which gives insight into a major theme of the novel: are children born with emotional deficiencies, or does maternal neglect influence their mental development? Eva is very clear that she never wanted kids, while her husband insists on expanding their family. Kevin senses Eva’s indifference to motherhood, and their struggle makes the book powerful and memorable. While the novel could have easily ended in an optimistic Lifetime-esque way, Shriver leaves very little hope for the redemption for both Kevin and Eva, a despair which makes the book all the more effective. The realistic way in which Shriver describes Kevin’s grisly evolution into a murderer gives the book a tense, foreboding feel. The book goes far deeper than just the mother-son struggle, exploring if the American dream is in fact possible to achieve. Eva, a bohemian, career driven woman with the need to travel, is adamantly anti-American. Franklin, however, longs for the ideal American family life. The persistent hope of achieving the American dream blinds him from seeing very serious flaws in his son’s mental health. Kevin as a novel about teen homicide is striking; however, the added depth about the impossibility of the American dream elevates the book. It is difficult for the reader to sympathize with Eva, as she so often comes across as cold and distant, at times even abusive. It is surprisingly easy to warm up to Kevin; his clever quips and disdain for society make him a fascinating character. Making Kevin slightly likable, while risky, pays off for the novel, as it causes the reader to question who in fact is at fault: Eva or Kevin. Kevin combines the mystery of human psyche with the strain of family relationships, and while the read lacks the light-hearted feel that some readers want, the shocking build up leaves a lasting impression.
Neil Gaiman’s masterfully crafted collection of short stories, appropriately entitled Smoke and Mirrors, enthralls the audience, allowing the reader a fleeting glance into the intriguing and nonsensical universe skirting each leaf. The stories are a mix of classic Neil Gaiman: occasionally funny, but more often than not deep, dark, and haunting. Gaiman says in his introduction that a majority of the stories “are about love in some form or another”, but they do touch on all of Gaiman’s favorite themes: death, dreams, and the end of the world. The entries have the absurd logic and poetic feel of a dream, with characters regarding each bizarre or disturbing event as nothing out of the norm. In fact, “Chivalry” begins with the grandmotherly Mrs. Whitaker buying the Holy Grail in an old thrift shop (it would look good on her mantel), and Dawnie Morningside picnics with her family at Armageddon in “When We Went to Go See the End of the World”. Many of the stories are imaginative twists on classic myths and fairy tales;
“Bay Wolf” is an unlikely combination of “Beowulf” and “Bay Watch”. “Troll Bridge”, in which a boy barters for his life with a bridge-dwelling troll, and “Snow, Glass, Apples” are takes on The Three Billy Goats Gruff and Snow White, respectively, although Gaiman’s versions are certainly more morbid and esoteric than anything found in a children’s storybook. It should be noted, however, that although a nice large portion of the book is terrifically engaging, certain parts should be avoided by those who tend to avoid racy content, the most notable being “Tastings”, “Foreign Parts”, and “Looking for the Girl”. Despite the sometimes incomprehensible or sexual themes, Smoke and Mirrors had me captivated—for about three-fourths of the book. Certain stories were merely too slow-paced to completely enjoy, or too enigmatic to fully comprehend. I had gotten the feeling that “Mouse” contained some sort of subliminal message, but, despite rereading the story, could not interpret exactly what it was. Nonetheless, the arcana screening each short tale or poem was more often thrilling than perturbing. Another prominent feature of many
Readers Find Humor, Heartbreak in Looking for Alaska
stories that may repel some readers is the abundance of gore and similar disturbing imagery. “Babycakes”,”Snow, Glass, Apples”, and “The White Road” should be avoided by anyone who dislikes things such as steaming flesh and maggoty entrails. Still, “The White Road”, one of the poems dotting the book like gems, was thrilling once I connected the dots. One of the most unexpectedly enjoyable parts of the collection was the Introduction, in which Gaiman explains his inspiration for each story or poem—also in which is hidden another short tale. I found myself flipping back to read his comments after each story. The world veiled behind the pages of Neil Gaiman’s Smoke and Mirrors is indeed smoke and mirrors; each rich and hauntingly beautiful tale is an enticing glimpse into something beyond reality. Those who enjoy the alluring style and occult themes will also enjoy Gaiman’s other works; Coraline, on which the stopmotion movie is based, is an excellent example of the morbid yet delightful mood so often exhibited in his stories. Good Omens, co-written with Terry Pratchett, and American Gods are personal favorites.
Paolini Ends Series with Inheritance
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Inheritance by Christopher Paolini
Victoria Wang
Ryan Cheng
Miles Halter is the new kid at boarding school. His low expectations are quickly blown away, though, when he falls (unfortunately) in love with Alaska Young, a human hurricane who strips away his no-conflict attitude and pulls him into her fiery, spontaneous, self-destructive world. But the high always has a crash, and when tragedy strikes, Miles finds himself stranded in the middle of Alaska’s labyrinth. John Green’s first novel Looking for Alaska elegantly traces a teen’s quest to unravel the mysteries of love, liberty, and loss, told with Miles’s gentle, selfdeprecating voice and woven with a healthy balance of genius humor and profound sadness. A finalist for the LA Times Book Prize, its cover is wreathed with the prestigious Printz Award for young adult literature. One of the book’s key winning points is its character development. The briefest encounter introduces the reader to a character as multi-dimensional as a living person, even more so for the main characters. Miles and the rest of his shoddy gang are each unforgettably quirky and hilariously cunning, each fundamentally flawed and heartbreakingly sweet. The reader comes to love and understand each character like a childhood friend. Because of its emphasis on characterization, though, the book’s plot can be sporadic and seemingly aimless at times—each scene is designed to add dimension to the characters and elaborate on Miles’s occasional philosophical musings, not to sketch a linear plan of action. But in spite of this meandering style, the nature of the story still allows Green to build up towards the climax with a flourish. As a coming-of-age novel, Looking for Alaska delves deep into the issue of
Christopher Paolini delivers a riveting finish to his Inheritance Cycle with Inheritance, in which Eragon must finally confront his half-brother, Murtagh, and the evil king Galbatorix. After years of preparation, the forces that oppose Galbatorix are finally on the brink of toppling his empire. The people of Alagaësia unite to free themselves from the reign of terror. Armed with his fiery blade Brisingr and with his dragon Saphira by his side, Eragon fearlessly leads the Varden’s campaign across the continent and toward the king’s throne in Uru’baen despite Galbatorix’s overwhelming advantages. Eragon also attempts to reawaken Glaedr’s sleeping Eldunarí, which has fallen into a state of despair after losing its rider. Eragon searches for the truth behind the Rock of Kuthian and the mysterious Vault of Souls prophesied by the werecat Solembum to save their cause when all hope is lost. However, whenever he attempts to learn more of the hidden location, he learns that the name is familiar, but distant, and the people he asks can never remember where they heard it. Another mystery lies on the cover, where an unfamiliar green dragon makes its first appearance. The series maintains its vividly descriptive battles and heart-stopping action; however, Paolini takes his time to get to the ending. Despite this, the book is still action-packed as Galbatorix’s empire draws to a close. The heroes of the story maintain their noble ideals throughout various hardships, while Murtagh struggles to discover where his true loyalties lie. Despite the slim chances of victory, Eragon forges forward, towards the ancient city, and the heart of Galbatorix’s empire.
Feature Editor
Staff Writer
recovering from the loss of a loved one through the eyes of a boy discovering adulthood. Miles, chronically obsessed with the last words of the famous dead, begins to question whether he has lived his own life in a way worth recording in the type of biography he so often reads. And when he comes face to face with life’s greatest mystery, he finally discovers the key to escape from Alaska’s labyrinth. Green’s sparkling, honest prose inspires readers to live life to the fullest— after all, our time here is short. Despite its brilliance, however, Green’s novel has sparked controversy over its “young adult” label because of the mature content peppered throughout its plot. On a superficial level, parents will (and should) condemn it as “inappropriate” or “a bad example”—comments which, as we teenagers know, have little consequence to our ravenous appetite for mischief, but mean everything to a school’s reputation. However, the fact that Looking for Alaska is taught in several schools’ English curriculum is testimony to the strength of the story behind the cover. The only advice that can be given to more adventurous teenagers is this: read it, don’t live it.
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February 14, 2012 • The Arrow
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Life is like a box of chocolates
Every year Americans spend $14.1 billion on Valentine’s Day. More than $2 billion are spent on romantic candy, such as chocolate. Picking the right kind can get you a lot of chocolove.
Short on Change?
See’s Candies Traditional Red Hearts With Assorted Chocolates ($6.35)-Starting at 4 ounces, this heart shaped box comes with a variety of different chocolates. Russell Stover Happy Valentine’s Day Gift Bag ($4.24)- This product is a steal that will steal your paramour’s heart with its 4 heart-shaped chocolates.
For Foodies:
Vosges Exotic Truffle Collection, 16 pieces ($40)-If your significant other is a gastronome, you can blow his/her mind with delights such as Naga, which is made of Sweet Indian curry powder, coconut, and milk chocolate. Choclatique Build-A-Box ($20)-Coming in 8, 15, and 30 piece boxes, this gift is completely customizable with over 100 flavors, from Creamy Orange’sicle to Chocolate Cola.
If You Can Afford It:
Delafee “Intimacy” Gold Chocolate Box ($266)-This chocolate box comes with two Swiss pralines adorned with edible gold and a solid Swiss gold coin. Chocopologie by Knipschildt ($250)-Available at $2,600 per pound, this truffle is made with 70% Valrhona cocoa, which is blended with the finest truffle oil and dusted with cocoa powder. *Compiled by Harry Chung
Great Expectations for V-Day Vallia Yu
Staff Writer Flowers? Boring. Chocolates? Cliche. Stuffed animals? Dull. Depending on what kind of person you are, Valentine’s Day can either be stressful and overwhelming or charming and laid- back. Dozens of articles are cranked out every year during the season of love, advising young couples and faithful spouses alike of ways to brighten up the day for their special other. But the question is, how are you supposed to do that? The generic image for romantic getaways is a candlelit dinner and a bouquet of roses. These ac-
tions may be declarations of love, but by now, they can be considered the norm during the holiday. It doesn’t mean that your girlfriend/boyfriend would not appreciate the act, but it takes a little extra something to make the day truly special. So to start off, learn about your significant other’s ideal Valentine’s: what do they want to do or what items would they enjoy having. Even the mention of his or her favorite movie could be useful, so add it into the mix. By knowing a favorite hobby, you can send a gift that is related to his or her dreams, show support, and express your thoughtfulness. The smallest efforts can some-
times reveal a genuine concern for your Valentine. Handmade crafts have been favorite gifts during the holiday. Remember those coupons that you made in preschool and gave for Mother’s Day, listing chores that you would do on presentation of the coupon? One free hug, one free clean the dishes or take out the trash coupon...the list of options goes on. These can easily become a heartfelt gift if you tweak a few things here and there. Instead of writing in a tedious chore, change it to ‘one free movie night’ or some other activity that you two may or may not normally do. But people don’t necessar-
ily have to create something new to impress. If you two have an activity that both of you enjoy, simply doing the things you love best with that other person can be considered a great way to spend quality time together. An additional way to express your feelings includes writing sappy poems! Make a special CD with music that you know the other loves! Just be sure to make a gift that really symbolizes what you want to convey to other person and embodies the true spirit of the day. No matter how you put it, Valentine’s Day is really just a day to show your devotion and not hold back.
Survival Guide for the Valentine’s Day Challenged Do...
Don’t...
“keep it classic with the roses and the chocolate. Or if you really know the girl it’d be romantic to serenade her.” -Eric Kuecks ‘13
“go overboard! Keep it small and sweet! Something thoughtful is better than some overly obnoxious gift.” -Marissa Gonzales ‘14
“something meaningful. It doesn’t have to be money oriented, just something meaningful!” -Miraj Patel ‘13
“give anonymous cards!” -Gabby Scudieri ‘12
“seduce your significant other with discount candy and singing telegrams.” -Chase Rosenberg ‘14 “something original and something that fits your loved one perfectly.” -Chayla Harris ‘12 “give flowers and candies. That is the best gift you can give! You don’t have to go all out!” -Gabby Scudieri ‘12
“do the same thing you did last year!” -Jordan Landsberg ‘14 “buy milk chocolate when she likes dark chocolate.” -Jeremy Delahanty ‘12 “ask me out on Valentine’s Day; that’s just cheesy.” -Morgan Butler ‘13
Even the Romans Had Romance Shannon Reiffen Feature Editor
Gentlemen, prepare your wallets. Valentine’s Day is here. February 14 is a day cherished by women and dreaded by men. Girls wait anxiously for their boyfriends to hand deliver red roses to their door, riding in on a sparkling unicorn that sings Cody Simpson songs. Guys try their best to reach their lady’s expectations, but when they don’t and get yelled at for being “unemotional,” they go home and play Skyrim. But where did all this start? What kind of overly emotional woman created this holiday? According to legend, St. Valentine was persecuted as a Christian by the Roman Emperor Claudius II. The emperor felt that young men made better soldiers if they were single, as there weren’t as many distractions for them. Therefore, he refused to allow young men to get married. St. Valentine, the romantic man that he was, performed secret marriage ceremonies for young men and women. When the emperor found out, St. Valentine was thrown in prison. There he met the jailer’s daughter, a girl whom legend says he fell in love with. The night before he was to be executed, St. Valentine wrote the first official valentine’s day card, sending his love to the jailer’s daughter and signing it “from your Valentine.” Many current traditions and sayings come from ancient Valentine’s day celebrations. In the Middle Ages, young men and women would draw a name from a bowl to see who their Valentine would be. They would then wear that name on their sleeve for a week. That’s where we get the phrase “wearing your heart on your sleeve.” Also, the tradition of blowing dandelion seeds into the wind came from years ago. However many seeds were left on the stem would be the number of kids you’d have. The idea of a love seat also came from this time. It was first a wide chair that fit a woman and her wide skirt. It was later made into an “S” shape, so that a courting couple could sit next to each other, but not too close. Modern society has transformed Valentine’s Day into a Hallmark holiday with lots of expensive gifts, cards and chocolate. People use this day to tell those close to them that they love them and care about them. But we should be able to tell people we love them all the time. We can spread the love over the other 364 days of the year, not with chocolate and flowers, but with kind words and actions.
Entertainment
February 14, 2012 • The Arrow
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Performing Arts Groups Unite to Stage Oklahoma
Katrina Brewer Staff Writer
‘14. In love with Ado Annie, Will is required to act well, perform advanced dance numbers, as well as sing with emotion and power. “The students have to be very secure to put on this show,” explained Burke in regards to the versatility and confidence that the performers need to emanate for their roles. Kim Morgan Greene, a professional choreographer from California Dance Studio, is assisting with the production as well. The Performing Arts Department is striving to make the production as professional and representative of this timeless classic as possible. “I’m so excited to showcase the incredible talent we have here at WHS, as well as utilize all of the divisions of the performing arts department together,” said Burke. The unique opportunity to display the charisma and voices of
PHOTO BY MICHELLE NOYES
In April, the Drama, Choral, and Music Departments will stage a production of the musical ‘Oklahoma.’ For the first time in years, the three groups of the Performing Arts Department are collaborating on a large production. Drama instructor DeDra Burke is directing the production, while Alan Rose is the musical director, Elizabeth Blake is conducting the music, and Brian Peter is production support. Both choir and drama students will be playing the leading roles. Auditions, which took place Jan. 9 -19 after school, were open to everyone at WHS. The show is doublecast. Megan Rittenhouse ‘12 and Holly Cronin ‘15 are portraying shy farm-girl Laurey, and Court-
ney Allen ‘12 and Elena Vucetic ‘12 are portraying flirt Ado Annie Carnes. Curly, a cowboy in love with Laurey, is portrayed by Rei Vardi ‘14 and Michael Mancuso ‘12. Mysterious and dangerous loner Jud is portrayed by Colin Carpenter ‘13 and Andres Winokur ‘14. Jud was tricky to cast because his range of emotions has to be convincing, and the actors must be comfortable to show themselves as “villains.” Burke added, “Jud has to be somber and have a beautiful voice, but be able to be threatening and intense at the same time. He must also be strong enough to lift another man in one scene.” Will Parker, one of the most daunting roles to cast due to the diversity of talent required for the part, is portrayed by Lyndon Apostal ‘12 and Mike Ghaussy
ANTHONY ANGELINI AND COLIN CARPENTER rehearse a song from ‘Oklahoma.’
WHS students by putting on this original classic is a “draw to the Carpenter Family Theatre” that
Burke hopes will “sweep the community, as well as the campus.”
‘Artist’ Proves Silence Is Golden Samantha Doctrow Staff Writer
COURTESY PHOTO
FRENCH ACTOR Jean Dujardin (pictured above with Uggie) plays silent screen idol George Valentin in Oscar-nominated ‘The Artist’.
Hollywood’s most talked about movie during awards season is ironically the movie with no words. The Artist, an old-fashioned, silent black-and-white movie, is a love letter to classic Hollywood films that featured swashbuckler-types like Douglas Fairbanks and Charlie Chaplin. The movie begins in the late 1920s, as handsome silent-film star George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is at the height of his fame. After a fortuitous encounter with the quirky and charming actress Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), the two start to maintain an enduring friendship. However, George’s fame begins to fade as a result of the new creation of talkies, films with words. As his
popularity declines, Peppy skyrockets to stardom. Then in 1929, the stock market crashes and renders George broke. With the help and support of Peppy and his faithful Jack Russell terrier, George must learn to overcome the loss of his status, his career, and his money. Although this film remains almost entirely wordless, it never ceases to engross the audience with its captivating plot. Dujardin and Bejo are both mesmerizing, masters of comedy and drama with exquisitely expressive faces. Although a silent film may seem an unlikely choice in this era of CGI-filled blockbusters, The Artist has already won three Golden Globes, among many other awards, and is currently nominated for ten Oscars. Overall, ‘The Artist’ proves that in awards season, silence is golden.
Fans Find Hidden Treasures Academy Award Nominees in Winehouse Final Album The 84th annual Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, February 26th at 4 p.m. Pacific Time.
ance of dissent and conflicts with fans and public figures made her infamous throughout her native United Kingdom. She ofLast year, when Amy Winehouse ten stumbled into shows drunken or late, passed away, the only time I had heard of and then disappointed fans by drinking her was through the television show Glee. throughout the show. Out of curiosity, I bought her “Back to Despite all of her problems, WineBlack” album, and after listening to the first house left a lasting legacy that changed pop track, “Rehab,” I was immediately in love. music forever. Towards the end of 2011, “Lioness: Amy Winehouse made it easier for Hidden Treasures” was released, a posthu- different or non-conventional artists to bemous compilation of previously unheard come successful in mainstream pop music. tracks. Her first single “I loved her and I just from the album, “Body remember feeling like “I loved her and I just rememand Soul,” a duet with I wasn’t alone because ber feeling like I wasn’t alone American jazz singer she was so different Tony Bennett, was and she was so spebecause she was so different released on Sept. 14, cial”, proclaimed Lady and she was so special.” which would have Gaga, on an interview been her 28th birthday. with AMP Radio. With The album contains tracks that Winehouse her signature beehive hair and coffeehouse worked on from before 2002 until the songs jazz music style, Winehouse was far from she was working on in 2011. conventional. The jazzy Motown sound, crooning Some may say that Winehouse’s vocals, and heart-wrenching performance problems in life and traumatic experiences make the album familiar to any Winehouse contributed to her authentic soulfulness. fan. “Lioness” is not an album of outtakes, Her lyrics were often confessional (“Tears but an album of possibilities. It is a col- Dry”), rarely apologetic (“Rehab”), and allection of all the works that proved Wine- ways genuine (“Half Time”). house’s enduring imprint on pop music. Amy was a true diva who was indeTo say that her life was troubled is an pendent and strong throughout her probunderstatement. She had constant drug lems in life. She lived her life to its fullest and alcohol problems; she was diagnosed limits, and she never gave up on love. with manic-depressive disorder, and her Amy Winehouse’s music reminds peograndmother died around the time that ple that the sad things in life make the hapshe recorded “Back to Black.” Her intoler- pier moments truly important.
David Huang Staff Writer
• The Artist • The Descendants • Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close • The Help
Best Picture
• Hugo • Midnight In Paris • Moneyball • The Tree of Life • War Horse
Actor in a Leading Role
Actor in a Supporting Role
Actress in a Leading Role
Actress in a Supporting Role
• Demián Bichir • George Clooney • Jean Dujardin • Gary Oldman • Brad Pitt
• Glenn Close • Viola Davis • Rooney Mara • Meryl Streep • Michelle Williams
• Kenneth Branagh • Jonah Hill • Nick Nolte • Christopher Plummer • Max von Sydow
• Bérénice Bejo • Jessica Chastain • Melissa McCarthy • Janet McTeer • Octavia Spencer
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Sports
February14,2012•TheArrow
Girls Soccer Champs for 4th Consecutive Year
Brian Danziger Sports Editor
photo by alex Farkas
The WHS Girls Soccer Team has had sustained success throughout the season thus far with a 11-2-4 record overall and the team is first place in league play with a stellar 9-1-2 record. Before the season started, the bar was set at a low standard for the team, but it has surpassed that standard in amazing fashion. “The team has done well, maybe better than initially expected,” said Coach Frank Marino. For the team to keep its winning ways this year, according to Coach Marino, “the team must defend well, put away our chances when we get them, and continue to improve as the season progresses.” There have been many highlights to the season but a favorite event for the team is
the pasta party before the home games. “It is a great way to bond and get to know my teammates,” said Julia Ozello ‘12. The main contributors to the team are Julia Ozello, Autumn Fox ‘12, Bianca Riazi ‘12, Nicole Molen ‘14, Kaitlyn Pitcher ‘14, Amanda Apelian ’13 and Kelsey Kimball ’15. They have had a major influence on the team’s incredible success this year. Ozello states that before every game, the team reminds itself “that the league title is on the line every time we step on the field.” The team has accomplished its goal by winning fourth consecutive league title and clinching a berth to CIF’s with two games left in the regular season. The sky is the limit to where this star studded girls soccer team can go in the postseason. They will continue to play their hardest till the end.
BENDING LIKE BECKHAM: Kelsey Kimball aims for a kick as Bianca Riazi watches.
Boys Soccer Closes Season Senior night brings out competitive spirit as team ties Calabasas in a dramatic finish.
Shannon Reiffen Feature Editor
COURTESY PHOTO
PINNING THOSE WINNINGS: Amir Hassan strikes down an unsuspecting victim.
Q&A with Marmonte League Champ The 2012 Marmonte League champion wrestler Amir Hassan ‘13 explains the ups and downs, the dreams and the failures of the team’s stellar season from an individual and group perspective. Q. Can you give a comprehensive update on recent wrestling events: competitions, and new players. A. So far we have lost to Simi Valley and Royal, but both were pretty close matches. We have beat Calabasas, Agoura, and Thousand Oaks, which was a pretty big win for us. We have had wrestlers- such as Robert Flores ’13, Glenn Sanchez ‘13, Danny Castillo ‘12, and me - place at every big tournament so far, which was really a great success for Westlake Wrestling, considering that in previous years our team had never even dared attending those tournaments. Recently, a new heavyweight (Kenneth Ahching ‘12) from football joined the team, so as a morale booster that was huge. Now we can finally fill up a whole lineup in our league matches, an achievement we really haven’t been able to accomplish in at least five to ten years. Q. How do you feel about these updates from a wrestler’s perspective? A. I’m pretty happy with our accomplishments and success so far as a team and as an individual wrestler. Just about everybody has been attending practices and giving it their all at the tournaments and league matches. But, to be honest, enough is never really enough in this sport, so I grudgingly look forward to another month and a half of grueling practices that will assuredly make all of us a lot better. I hope that by
League Finals and CIF, every individual Westlake wrestler will be able to gladly say that they belong to a team of the same caliber as Simi Valley’s and Royal’s. Q. What are you most excited about this season? A. As a team, I look forward to placing third in league, as long as we beat Newbury Park (1/26) and Moorpark (2/2). I am also pretty anxious to finally find out how everybody on our team does at League Finals, CIF, Masters, and even State, to find out how far everybody’s hard work will take them, to realize the culmination of our success. Individually, I look forward to winning CIF and placing at Masters. I am pretty sure that a fellow teammate or two will make it to State with me, an achievement that has not occurred with Westlake Wrestling since about 1979. Q. What are you most proud of? A. I am most proud of how hard everyone on our team has consistently worked, throughout finals, throughout winter break, and even since the end of the season last year in March. I am truly content with the will of everyone to attend the practices and at the very least put forward their best effort. I am also glad that our coaches have never stopped helping those of us who want to achieve their personal goals achieve them. Q. Any hopes for this season? A. Yeah, I hope that we place third in league... Most important of all though, I hope that Westlake Wrestling finally has some Masters Placers, not next year, but this year.
With 30 seconds left in the final game in the season, Warriors are down 2-1 against Calabasas. Without the pressure of needing a win for CIF playoffs (WHS finished 6th in Marmonte League), the boys soccer team decided to end the season with an unconquerable spirit. Jacob Hovell ‘12 swept past Calabasas defense to score the tying goal. The crowd went wild, as all the parents and fans celebrated a strong finish by the Warriors. Bijan Saremi ‘12 felt that “this year’s team stepped it up to a new level. The work ethic and desire to succeed was much greater than last year. We were determined, passionate and driven to be the best we could be.” Led by Coach William Propster and captains Bijan Sobhanpanah ’12 and Christian Castro ’12, the boys played harder than ever, and finished 3-6-5 in the league and 7-10-8 overall. “Every single player goes 100% on the field because we want to win every single game. And no one gives up,” said Sobhanpanah. Varsity soccer played tougher than ever. Coach Propster gave credit to a team
that had older, stronger, and more motivated players. The players have had more experience, more practice, and are stronger than before. There is also the addition of several younger players, like Alec Minkow ’15 on defense and Mark Carelli ’15 in midfield. According to right midfielder Hovell, “At the Buena Tournament, we came in third out of 12 teams. We had a good preseason.” A tough loss to Thousand Oaks hit home for the Warriors. According to Saremi, “We were unlucky in the sense that two of our starting midfielders were out with injuries. ” The team seems more in sync this year, more united and working more on the same page. “We communicate more in the games and in practice this year. As a team, we are bonding much more after every practice and game,” said Sobhanpanah The team united one last time during the senior ceremony, when all 16 varsity seniors were honored. They walked down midfield with parents on each arm, handed roses to their mothers and then posed for a picture. The audience and younger varsity members gave all the seniors a standing ovation, a thanks for all their hard work and dedication to the team over the years.
Girls Water Polo Places 2nd in League Michelle Noyes News Editor The
Girls water polo team placed second in the Marmonte League and are advancing on to CIF. The team won all of its league games except for the two loses against long time cross town rivalry, Agoura High School. Overall, including games at tournaments, the team won 20 games and had eight loses. At the final league game last Thursday, WHS played an away game and defeated Moorpark High School. “We are a very driven team and work hard during practice,” said the team captain Stephanie Barlev ‘12, “The team this year has returning players with varsity experience.” This was Barlev’s fourth year playing water polo and her third year playing at varsity level. Consistent starters for every game are Barlev, Emily Kerchner
’13, and Madison Lyon ‘13. Eight coaches were split between coaching varsity, junior varsity, and frosh-soph. “I teach them how to get to the next level but maintain the same sense of team and what gets them excited about the sport and having fun,” said varsity coach Farhad Ghaemi. While treading in the pool during the game there are many thoughts circulating though each player’s mind. “I try to stay calm and not let the coaches’ yelling, the ref’s, or the other players get in the way of playing the game,” commented Kerchner on her thoughts during every game. It is Kerchner’s third season on varsity playing center and center guard. Barlev commented on her team,”This year we are doing well and have a wide range of talent.” This Thursday the CIF game is away against San Clemente High School. They will continue to train for this game.
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Sports
February 14, 2012 • The Arrow
FAST BREAK: Grant Lozoya (above) takes the ball down the court. Jason Blumhart (top right) plays defense against Simi. Quentin Weinerman (right) passes the ball to Gabe Markowitz.
Boys Tie for 3rd Alex Farkas
Sports Editor Boys basketball is entering the Division 2A CIF playoffs as a 12 seed and will face Dominguez High School on Friday, Feb. 17 at Dominguez. Over the past few years the team has squeezed by with decent records into CIF, but this year with a new coach, Rob Bloom, the team has tied for third in the Marmonte League with Thousand Oaks behind Calabasas and Royal. WHS lost to Simi Valley last Friday, Feb. 3, 60-57, and Calabasas defeated Newbury Park on Feb. 6, which ended WHS’ run at the Marmonte League Title. “We’ve got a young group,
but our plan is always to take it as far as we can take it in the playoffs,” said Coach Bloom to the VC Star. The team has had some crucial wins against some top performing teams such as Calabasas and TOHS. With a record of 19-10, the team is well on their way to being successful during CIF. “We are all on the same page, working towards the same goal. When we practice, we push one another to excel and I am happy to play with this group of guys who want to dominate whoever we play,” said starting point guard Quentin Weinerman‘12. However, there was one “victory” that did not go their way. In a recent game against Agoura, WHS’ junior varsity coach, who
was recently kicked out of a JV game, sat on WHS’ varsity bench. The refs approved of it, but the Agoura athletic director complained that the JV coach was not allowed to be on the bench or in the gym after the JV game. After they won by a score of 73-67 over Agoura, the team ended up having to forfeit the game. Based on CIF rules, the team is not allowed to have a coach who was ejected from a Frosh-Soph or Junior varsity Team sit with the varsity team. It gave them a loss that may have been a factor in losing the league title. “The referees are in charge of knowing the NFHS (National Federation of State High School
Ball Named National Kicker of the Year Senior commits to Lamar University after receiving recognition for outstanding season
Lisa Battaglia Editor-in-chief
As he kisses the sides of his cleats, listening to country music for his pre-game routine, varsity football kicker Alex Ball ‘12 walks out onto the football field for his last game against rival Oaks Christian. Starting as a freshman on the WHS football team, Ball recently moved from England at 14 years of age. He had soccer experience and “kicking was very natural” for him as the team’s kicker when he made the adjustment from soccer to football. Now as a senior, Ball has earned countless awards and college offers for his stellar performance over the past four years as the varsity team’s kicker. Ball has earned his titles as
National Kicker of the Year, ESPN All-American Team, All-state, and All-Ventura County this year. Several schools have contacted Ball including Lamar University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and Sacramento State. However, Ball officially committed to Lamar University where he can play college football as a Cardinal and move onto the NFL afterwards. Under constant watch, Ball has handled the pressure of his numerous fans very well. “I just focus on what I do and not what others think,” said Ball. Against Oaks Christian at his final game as a senior, Ball tore his ACL after kicking his fifth punt that game. The same day of his knee surgery, Ball made the ESPN AllAmerican First Team.
Throughout Ball’s experience on the WHS football team, he has developed a “Band of Brothers” connection with his teammates. “They are always there for me as I am to them,” said Ball. The record-setting kicker made five field goals against the first Oaks Christian rematch this year, which tied a CIF-Southern Section record, and finished with 39 field goals for his high school career. He became the all time leader for field goals in the southern section. Ball considers this the highlight of this season and his four years at WHS. At a professional level, Ball has had an outstanding touchback rate with 83% of his kickoffs reaching the end zone. Ball’s recovery is going as he expected and he should be able to run in about four months.
PHOTOS BY ALEX FARKAS
Basketball keeps high hopes entering CIF playoffs against Dominguez
Associations) rules for the sport they are officiating and not the CIF Blue Book rules. The ejection and ramifications of the ejection fall under CIF Blue Book rules and it is the responsibility of the school Athletic Directors and coaches to know these rules,” said Athletic Director Jason Branham about the forfeit. This story made it all over the news from the Ventura County of the VC Star to the nation through Yahoo! Sports. WHS boys basketball had a
more successful season than the past few years , but will have to wait another year to get another basketball on the banner in the gym since the since the 1995-1996 season. “I would like to congratulate the boys basketball team on facing this adversity with character and focusing on the upcoming games,” said Branham. WHS closed the season out with losses against the top two teams in the Marmonte League, Royal and Calabasas.
Girls Basketball
Team Advances to CIF Stephanie Kim News Editor
With a record of 8-6 in Marmonte League and 14-11 including tournaments, WHS girls basketball, coached by William Burr, draws near to the Division 3AAA Playoffs after pushing its way into CIF. Their first playoff will be away on Feb. 16 against La Habra. The first league game took place on Dec. 13 at NPHS. The game resulted in the team’s first loss this season. Though varsity ended up losing the next two league games, the girls scored a victory against Moorpark at home on Jan. 6. The girls’ victories were often matched by their losses, without a streak of either during the season, but “in an environment that’s really physical and active,” the team mainly strives to “commu-
nicate with one another and just have fun,” said Gabby Scudieri ’12. The captains this season are seniors Scudieri, Sam Wilson ‘12, Jada Webster ‘12, and Sarah Raymond ‘13. Wilson said that Coach Burr “is constantly pushing the team. He expects a lot from [the girls] so they are always giving their full effort.” Their drive for success is based not only upon victories, but team building, as it is many of the varsity team members’ last season. “Our team’s really special this year because we all love and care for each other like a true family. On game days we try and stay focused and keep each other in the right mindset,” said Kenna Fallan ‘12. The last league game was on Feb. 9, against Calabasas and resulted in a victory.