THE
ARROW
VOLUME XXXV, ISSUE 8
\100 N. LAKEVIEW CANYON ROAD, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91362
WHS ranking jumps to 184th
MAY 31, 2013
RECORDS
SMASHED
Michelle Noyes Feature Editor The Daily Beast’s Newsweek recently released its list of “America’s Best High Schools.” WHS ranked 184th. All conventional high schools in the CVUSD made the list. Newbury Park High School came in right behind WHS in 192nd place. Making the list at 624th place was Thousand Oaks High School. In addition, WHS is ranked first place in Ventura County and 29th in California alone. “WHS students continue to perform at a high academic level,” said Assistant Principal of Instruction Nicole Judd. “Our rankings continue to improve based on the increased offerings of AP classes and how well our students score on the AP exams.” Newsweek recognizes 2,000 high school across the nation determined by six categories. The school’s graduation rates, college acceptance rates, and the average number of AP tests taken per student are each equally worth 25% of the total score. ACT or SAT scores and AP scores each account for 10% of the total score. The number of students who are enrolled in at least one AP makes the last 5% of the school’s ranking. Since a decade ago when Newsweek started ranking high schools, the national graduation rate has increased by four percent. Only 26% of high schools that made the list, including WHS, have over 2,000 students. WHS was previously ranked 240th in 2012 and 104th in 2011. “With the help of leadership on campus, we will continue to develop new curriculum and new course offerings to increase our ranking every year,” added Judd.
The girls 4x100 relay team, composed of Abigail Smith ‘15 (shown above), Sara Schwartz ‘14, Nicole Greenberg ‘14, and Brooke Edell ‘14, break WHS’ all-time record, set in 2012. For more, see page 8.
COURTESY PHOTO
Junior Achievementʼs Swipe ID to compete at nationals Frances Ling News Editor Victoria Wang Staff Writer Aspiring business managers have the chance to get ahead of the game. Junior Achievement (JA), an international volunteer program for grades K-12, provides students with the opportunity to create original business concepts or products and then set them into motion. In order to join the WHS program,
students must submit an application at the beginning of the school semester. They are then interviewed by either a JA advisor or previous members. The leadership positions of JA are modeled after those in businesses: the current “officers” are Founder/CEO Kameron Butler ‘14 and President Lauren Chin ‘14. Dr. Laurie Looker acts as the program advisor. “Each student gets the experience of a business environment while benefiting from the excitement of watching a business grow,” Butler explained. “From concept design to product development and marketing, the
in this issue Page 2 CSC Visits Classes
Page 3 Retiring Teachers
JA program offers students a learning experience along every step of creating and running a business.” The WHS team competes every year in the Junior Achievement Company Program Competition, where schools across the nation demonstrate their products or services to a panel of judges. “On top of continuing our Deuces Wild company, this year’s new concept is Swipe ID, an exciting point rewards system designed to increase students’ attendance and achievement!” commented Butler. This April, WHS’ Swipe ID won Best Presentation, Best Trade Show Display, and SoCal’s Company of the Year at the JA SoCal Sectional Competition.
Page 6 Teachers’ Pets
The Swipe ID company will go on to compete at the national level to take place in Washington D.C. this June. To prepare for each competition, JA members mainly focus on developing a Powerpoint presentation and a trade show booth to showcase Swipe ID. The national level also requires a twominute commercial, currently in the works. “Every week offers a new learning experience, and JA provides students the ability to network and make relationships that could ultimately influence your future. The exposure is what I personally value the most... If you have an amazing idea or vision, this is the place to reveal it!” said Butler.
Page 8 Track and Field
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News
The Arrow
May 31, 2013
CSC brings classics to life
transported the class throughout the decades, as they performed 5 classic acts, ranging from Of Mice and Men to The Great Gatsby. Although watching an hour of theatrical performances may not seem like every senior’s dream, many students, such as Kyle Erickson ‘13 and Josefina San Martin ‘13 of Mrs. Novak’s 4th period class, felt the performance was “a really cool and interesting visual representation of what [they] read.”
Sitting merely feet from the company of actors, students were able to enjoy these classics in an intimate and personal atmosphere. With each subtle facial expression, gesture, and hidden reference, it was clear to the audience that “seeing the performances live was so much better than any movie. It was less fabricated and I felt like I was actually in each moment with the characters,” said Erickson. As students followed along with the characters using both books and memorized monologues, room 42D became a stage. “The atmosphere became even more personal, exciting, and impressive,” said San Martin. “I really liked that it was in class because I was a great opportunity to see performances that I probably wouldn’t have seen on my own,” said San Martin. Adding on to her statement, Erickson said, “Plus, I didn’t have to pay money, drive there, or even go on my own time; it was perfect!” Without the help of the CSC director Bill Fisher and Novak, these three classes of AP English students never would have been able to experience the “magic and emotion of timeless literature,” commented Erickson.
the quality of feckless unseriousness that leads Nick to famously describe her and her husband Tom as ‘careless people [who] smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness,” said The Weekly Standard writer John Podhoretz. However, Leonardo DiCaprio received much acclaim from those who watched the movie. “Leonardo’s depiction of Gatsby shows the duality in his nature: he is the quintessential ‘elegant young roughneck’ who is both awkward and polished simultaneously,” said AP English Language teacher Margaret Schlehner. Although some critics disagree with the choice in actors, “F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel remains the perfect summer read,” said L.A. Times writer Chris Erskine. Comparing the classic novel to the movie, students and critics alike felt that Baz Luhrmann wrote so word-for-word to the original novel that Fitzgerald’s estate should get screenwriting credits as well as writer’s royalties. Although the movie stayed relatively true to the book (a first in cinematic history), students found themselves annoyed with the words that appeared verbatim to the
novel. “The animated words [that appeared as they were being spoken at the same time] were unnecessary, and there were many flaws in coherency throughout the movie,” said Shanzé Athar ‘14. Other students also felt that integral subplots were left out, the most notable being the romance between Jordan Baker and Nick Carraway. Although Luhrmann and DiCaprio depicted Gatsby’s character thoroughly, other characters such as Jordan, Nick, and the Wilsons had much less exposition in comparison. “The sanitarium framing device, which seems silly, ends up solving the problem [of Nick’s passive presence],” said Podhoretz. “Luhrmann gives Nick the chance to change and redeem his life as Gatsby could not.” Students also appreciated the computer generated imagery (CGI) employed by Luhrmann. “It gave the movie an almost dreamlike quality, emphasizing the fact that Gatsby was living in a dream and not reality,” said Camille Danielsen ‘14. “Overall, I really liked the movie; my favorite part was the soundtrack.”
Thousand Oaks Library to host reading program
PHOTO BY ETHAN REUL
The annual Thousand Oaks Library Summer Reading Club takes place from June 17 to Aug. 11. The Teen Reading Club’s theme this year is Beneath the Surface. Various contests and activities, such as the 5-Book Challenge will be held throughout the summer. At the end of the reading club, members will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win gift cards from the Oaks Mall.
Relay For Life to come to Westlake The Relay For Life in Westlake Village will take place at 10 a.m. on June 8. Other events will take place in the morning before the run. The total distance is 36.2 miles and the event will be held at Oaks Christian High School.
Final Exam Schedule Tuesday, June 11 7:00 - 9:00 9:07 - 9:51 9:58 - 10:42 10:49 - 11:33 11:40 - 12:24 12:24 - 1:04 1:10 - 1:54 2:01 - 2:45 Wednesday, June 12 8:00 - 10:00 10:00 - 10:14 10:20 - 12:20 Thursday, June 13 8:00 - 10:00 10:00 - 10:14 10:14 - 12:20 Friday, June 14 8:00 - 10:00 10:00 - 10:14 10:20 - 12:20
Period 1 Exam Period 2 Period 3 Period 4 Period 5 Lunch Period 6 Period 7 Period 2 Exam Passing Period Period 3 Exam Period 4 Exam Passing Period Period 5 Exam Period 6 Exam Passing Period Period 7 Exam
Library selects novel for “One City, One Book” Matt Donovan Staff Writer
First time novelist Chad Harbach’s book, The Art of Fielding, will be featured at the “One City, One Book” event held at the Thousand Oaks Library. The book will be featured throughout all of October. The novel serves as commentary on the fact that baseball has become a crucible for several important issues in American life including racism, civil rights, labor relations, money and ethics. The book revolves around baseball superstar Henry Skrimshander, whose self-doubts could impact his future. Simultaneously, Mike Schwartz, team captain and Henry’s best friend, realizes that he has influenced and progressed Henry’s career at the expense of his own. Owen Dunne, Henry’s gay roommate and teammate, becomes caught up in a dangerous affair. Guert Affenlight, the college president and longtime bachelor, falls unexpectedly and helplessly in love. And Pella Affenlight, Guert’s daughter, returns to Westish to start a new life away from her broken marriage. Throughout the book, the five main characters are forced to face their deepest hopes, anxieties and secrets. Through this process, new friendships and close bonds are formed. Along the way, they help each other find their true passions and destinies.
GATSBY: California Shakespeare Company actors perform a scene from The Great Gatsby.
Sydney Johnson Staff Writer
As the school year comes to a close, teachers search for creative ways to entertain and involve students. In English teacher Lora Novak’s class of English 12 AP students, literature came to life as they were visited by the California Shakespeare Company (CSC) on Tuesday, May 21. Directed by Bill Fisher, the CSC
Juniors get jazzed up for Gatsby film
Lauren Chin
Advertisement Manager Nearly 140 students in AP English Language and Composition spent either May 20 and 21 at the local Cinépolis watching an idealistic young man attempt to repeat the past. Trekking down to the Promenade at the beginning of lunch, students and chaperones watched the long anticipated The Great Gatsby movie which correlated with the 11th grade AP English reading curriculum. The movie garnered mixed reviews, with students and critics feeling ambivalent towards the characters, the movie’s comparison to the book, and special effects. Students, teachers, and critics felt that most of the actors were perfectly cast, with a few notable exceptions. “Although I thought Jason Clarke [George Wilson’s actor] portrayed his crazy side really well, I didn’t see as much of him before he became crazy as I would have liked,” said Kishan Desai ‘14. Others had an issue with the actress who played Daisy, the young Lousiville debutante who captures Gatsby’s heart. “Carey Mulligan... is unable to capture
National Honor Society inducts 39 Kelli DaRin
Advertisement Manager The 2013-14 inductees for the WHS Chapter of National Honor Society include 39 juniors who were honored at an induction ceremony on May 21 in the WHS Library. Parents, grandparents, siblings, and other relatives were all invited to support the students who received the honor of membership in the Warrior Honors Chapter of NHS. Advised by Tina Carlisle, students will have various responsibilities and expectations in such a prestigious club. National Honor Society requires its members to attend monthly meetings and to participate in different service projects throughout the year.
2013-14 NHS Members Christopher Aguilera Kevin Aguilera William Barrett Allison Blank Shauna Burr Kameron Butler Lauren Chin Dominic Conti Kelli DaRin Nicholas Daneshvari Kishan Desai Victoria Doder Sierra Drummond
Brooke Edell Stephen Gerken Rachel Howe Vivian Hu Hanyi Huang Lexington Isham Parker Jadwin Brandon Kern Alexander Loh Thitacitta Low Erik Martin Bharath Mohan Carly Pierson
Isabella Preisz Divya Raman Maya Rosen Chase Rosenberg Amanda Shi Monica Shi Megan Soller Hailey Speerstra Georgia Strafacce-Costa Evelyn Truong Meghan Wells Kevin Ye Cynthia Yin
FEATURE
THE ARROW
MAY 31, 2013
LE QUEREMOS MUCHISIMO: Cheri Blackburn (now and then) will retire after 44 years teaching.
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GUITAR-STRUMMING: John Farmer (in 1974 and in 2013) will retire after 22 years at WHS.
Two Retiring Teachers Recall Career Highlights Blackburn to retire after 44 years of teaching
Farmer to explore art and fossils
Alex Zhu
Staff Writer Principal Ron Lipari. "Senora Blackburn is one of the finest educators with whom I have worked in 37 years of education." After 44 years of educating and menStudents of Senora Blackburn also extoring, World Languages Department pressed their love for Blackburn. "Senora Chair and Spanish teacher Cheri Blackis more than a teacher; she is someone any burn announced her plans to retire this student can go to for advice on family, year. friends, or life decisions, and she introducCurrently a teacher for Spanish 3 CP es us to great music!" said former student and AP SpanRachel Herrera ‘13. ish Language, Blackburn shares the stuBlackburn is dents' fondest memories with her f I could teach one recognized by as well. She mentioned events thing to students, it her students such as the NHHS's annual visit would be to treat one and colleagues to Olvera Street, its induction another with respect and as not only and pilgrimage ceremony at the kindness. a successful park, and tango nights as some of teacher, but her favorite moments during her -Cheri Blackburn also a loving teaching career. life mentor. "I truly focus on the social "The thing aspects of teaching," stated BlackI'll miss the burn. "When students graduate most will be seeing young students thrive they might not remember past subjunctive and grow," stated Blackburn. "No matter or 'if contrary to that' lessons, but they will how old I am, I'll look forward to the gradremember the songs and the projects they uations and weddings of former students." did." Beginning her CVUSD career two Replacing Blackburn in her position years before arriving at WHS, Blackburn as department chair is her daughter Diane has been a Warrior for 20 years. Blackburn-Rudas. "When I first came, "Senora Blackthere were no bungalows. burn is irreplaceable So teachers had to share but I hope to bring enora Blackburn has classrooms. But since I was as much passion and never lost her ena new teacher, the former devotion to teachthusiasm and joy for Department Chair Melaing as she has for teaching. She loves and nie Ashen gave me a classthe past 44 years," cares about her students, room so that I could get she said. "I rememand, at the same time, settled in," said Blackburn. ber sitting under holds them accountable "All the teachers were very Senora's desk when and expects nothing short supportive and altruistic." I was five years old of excellence from both Blackburn hopes to and listening to her the students and herself. leave behind a legacy of teach. The students excellence in both characused to come visit -Ron Lipari ter and education, just as me under the desk she had seen in WHS 20 after class...I'm glad years ago. I overcame my shy"If I could teach one ness and don't teach thing to students," stated Blackburn, "It from underneath the desk!" would be to treat one another with respect Blackburn plans to spend the upand kindness." coming months visiting various regions Those around Blackburn also recogaround the country, often visiting former nize her positive impact to the WHS comstudents at their college campuses. munity. Whether the students remember the "Senora Blackburn has never lost her Juanes, David Bisbal, and La Oreja de Van enthusiasm and joy for teaching. She Gogh songs or struggling through Don loves and cares about her students, and, Quixote with fellow students, Blackburn at the same time, holds them accountable leaves behind a legacy of pedagogical exand expects nothing short of excellence cellence at WHS as well as a lasting imfrom both the students and herself," stated print upon students’ hearts.
Brian Chang
Editor-in-chief
I
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For 22 years, John Farmer has taught art classes, 15 of those years at WHS. This year, he will officially retire. Before teaching at WHS, he taught his first three years at a Junior High School in Sacramento, CA. While teaching at WHS, he successfully helped create a visual arts program that now has a variety of art classes, including art media, ceramics, and computer graphics, some of which WHS did not have before and evolved with Principal Ron Lipari’s assistance. In Farmer’s opinion, teaching an art class varies. “The introductory classes tend to be students who are curious about the art process. From those entry level classes we get students to go to the more intermediate levels, and from those intermediate classes, we get our AP students,” said Farmer. This dedicated art teacher’s greatest
memory is of his AP portfolio class and the “remarkable students in both talent and creativity. I consider it a privilege to have really worked with those students to help them achieve their artistic goals to get into the colleges of their choice,” said Farmer. “Engaging the students in the art process all the way from beginning students who have no idea in watching them discover how fun it can be and how rewarding the art process is, all the way to working with highly skilled students whose work could be installed on gallery walls,” said the artist veteran. Farmer will miss the talent and the students, as well as the seniors’ excitement of pursuing arts careers and applying to colleges. In retirement, Farmer plans to pursue a lot of artwork independently, as well as beginning fossil hunting, which his dentist introduced to him. If the schedule works outs, Farmer will teach Drawing and AP Art Portfolio classes next year.
OPINION
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THE ARROW
MAY 31, 2013
What freedom of expression? IRS targets conservative groups, sparking outrage and investigation in Congress
Harry Chung
#prayformygeneration Orly Greenberg
Opinion Editor I’ve learned something recently. If you don’t grieve publicly, then you’re not grieving. And if this grieving doesn’t involve some form of self-serving, narcissistic ulterior motive, then you can’t be all that sad. If a tree falls and no one’s around to hear it, did it actually fall? If a small child has a horrific disease and no one’s around to make a Facebook status, is he or she actually sick? The answer, of course, is no. Everyone likes to seem socially aware and compassionate, but the news is boring. Checking the newspaper? Lame. Current events? No thank you. However, to not do so puts millions of teenagers in quite the conundrum. How will their peers know that they are, in fact, involved members of society, all the while putting in as little effort as possible? This is where technology comes into play. My generation, rather than expressing itself verbally, darts to a computer or an iPhone to express any fleeting emotion, trivializing tragedy with platitudes and inflating dangerously large egos with a sycophantic sense of concern. Let’s start with Twitter. One can take a simple route. For example, post a picture of yourself clutching a fruity alcoholic beverage with a caption reading “In honor of Sandy Hook #RIP #toosoon #crazyfridaynights.” Not only will your followers know that you care about the lives of others, but also that you’re down to have a good time. Or, take the slightly more obvious approach with a gentle “Retweet to send those in Aurora our love. P.S. follow me I follow back.” Can you say compassionate? Not to draw comparisons, but you’re sure starting to sound a whole lot like a certain Dr. King. But the opportunities don’t just end with Twitter. Facebook in and of itself offers a wide variety of options concerning society’s relentless pursuit of pity. Dive right in with a status that reads something like: “One like=one prayer! If you don’t like, then you are most likely an unpatriotic Satanist who hates puppies and also your mom.” Admittedly a little passive aggressive, but undeniably effective. Or if you’re old school, follow in the footsteps of a certain male pop star with a heart felt written message. Inscribed in the Anne Frank House guest book is the following note from Justin Bieber: “Truly inspiring to be able to come here. Anne was a great girl. Hopefully she would have been a belieber.” Look, Anne was a busy gal. But I’m sure, in the middle of her time hiding in an attic and then working as a slave at Bergen-Belsen, Anne Frank looked up towards the heaven, hands clasped in prayer, and said “hey, you know what? Give it sixty or so years, this Justin Bieber kid is gonna blow your mind.” Lastly is Instagram. For three minutes spent editing, you can have a selftaken portrait of yourself captioned “Never forget #prayforboston.” Limit your filters to Walden or Lo-Fi only. Out of respect. A more mild approach would be a small donation to the victims of any tragedy, or perhaps a brief handwritten letter. But to keep it light, include a small photograph of yourself. And maybe don a silly hat. Also, forget the letter all together. No one likes a downer.
Perhaps the Internal Revenue Service ought to change its name to the Internal Republican Snooper. After all, the IRS has been revealed to be targeting conservative political groups such as the Tea Party and the 9/12 Project. From 2010 to 2011, Internal Revenue Service officials in Cincinnati, Ohio searched for keywords such as “government debt,” “Patriot,” and “tea party” through their database to specifically seek out Republican and conservative-linked political groups. These conservative groups, looking for a tax-exempt status, were subject to a more intense investigation. More than 98 groups were asked for sensitive information such as donor lists and plans to run for office. Some applicants’ requests were delayed for almost three years. The government has started to take action. The Senate Finance Committee will have a hearing to judge whether people such as Lois Lerner, head of the IRS division overseeing tax exemption, will be judged guilty. Most recently, Lerner has exercised her right to remain silent and pledged her innocence in the case. And though Obama has released a statement that he just heard of the scandal, his detractors claim that such a feat could not have been orchestrated by some low level Ohioan employees. But the true focus should not be on who did what wrong. Rather, the govern-
DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE
ment should focus on how to stop such a powerful group from intervening in the private lives of its citizens. Americans should not be afraid of discrimination for their political beliefs; the entire basis of America as a republic is freedom of expression. In times like these, the American people must be reminded of a particular quote: “Who watches the Watchmen?” Who was there to stop Richard Nixon
Associated Press (and free speech) stifled by White House administration
from committing the Watergate scandal? Who was there to stop King George III from oppressing the American people? Who was there to stop the IRS from abusing its immense power in the name of partisanship? Rather than directing our energy towards punishing the wrongdoers, we must focus on ways to keep the IRS and other powerful entities in check.
ARROW
THE
Oh, RealLY?
Staff Writer
Editor-in-chief Brian Chang
Orly Greenberg Opinion Editor
Talk about a credibility gap. In just one of the three scandals rocking the White House, reports have recently emerged regarding the Obama administration’s attempts at a tight grasp on the Associated Press. Essentially, the AP looked to cover a foiled terrorist attack. Fox News reports that the White House requested that the AP hold off on the story for five days, as the Obama administration wanted to confirm that the news breaking would not be a security risk. However, after waiting for five days, the AP was held off time and time again by the White House and its ever weakening excuses. Tired of waiting and fed up with inexplicable protests from the White House, the Associated Press finally ran the story. Since Osama bin Laden’s death in May 2011, Obama has crowned himself champion of terrorism, using the death of one to disregard the continuing crimes of many. So naturally, the Obama administration jumped at the chance to promote the President’s triumphant persona. Turns out, they were willing to disregard the First Amendment to do so. The Associated Press was advised not to publish the story, simply because the administration wanted to spin the event into another Obama success story. However, executive powers do not grant the president the right to suppress journalists or the press for personal gain via a publicity boost. The White House’s actions are a breach on Constitutional rights, plain and simple. The AP had confirmation that the news was no longer considered a security risk, yet was prevented from reporting a factually accurate story.
Good or bad, journalists have the right to report on the U.S. government, regardless of the publicity opportunity it may provide those concerned. The government can justifiably censor certain stories, but only if what is being reported poses a direct threat to U.S. security. Otherwise, the happenings of Washington are fair game. The Washington Times reports that despite the IRS, AP, and Benghazi scandals, Obama’s approval rating remains relatively unscathed, with a “53% approval rating . . . essentially unchanged after a week of bad news.” Most cite their faith in Obama’s honesty and pledge of ignorance in the matters. However, this brings up two serious points. It is highly unlikely that an entire sector of government could defy the First Amendment to such a large extent without the President at least having a vague idea of what is being done. Therefore, there are two possible options. The first is that our President is lying. The second is that he is telling the truth, and that his administration is wildly incompetent. So which is better? However, there is a larger issue at hand. Constitutional rights were blatantly violated, yet the public appears to be wholly uninterested. Mitt Romney’s declaration to cut funding to PBS garnered more outrage on behalf of Big Bird than Obama’s severe misstep. Indifference is poison to a republic. The moment citizens no longer care about their constitutional rights is the moment that the government can further take advantage of them. The reality is that this overreach of executive powers is frightening. America prides itself on being the first republic with constitutionally protected rights, where the government serves the people and not the other way around.
Managing Editor Vivian Hu
Layout Administrator Ethan Reul
News Editors Ryan Cheng, Frances Ling
Opinion Editor Orly Greenberg
Feature Editors Shane Bogan, Woody Chung, Sam Doctrow, Yangzong Guo, Hanyi Huang, Stacy Kane, Liz Mossessian, Julia Shi
Sports Editors Christian Coates, Shayna Kudler, Michelle Noyes, Tara Spencer
Ad Managers
Nicolette Blatt, Lauren Chin, Kelli DaRin
Staff Writers Haley Appell, Sammy Bentivegna, Michelle Choi, Harry Chung, Danielle Cortes, Emily Demsetz, Matt Donovan, Katelyn Eaton, Rachel Finegold, Ariana Haider, Tatiana Hamlin, Leah Henry, Kallyn Hobmann David Huang, Sydney Johnson, Pranav Kaygee, Nicholas Ketterling, Simone Moscovitch, Emily Parker, Ashwin Rangarajan, Alex Shi, Eric Steinman, Victoria Wang, Alex Zhu
Adviser
Caron Battaglia
100 N. Lakeview Canyon Road Westlake Village, CA 91362 (805) 497-6711 ext. 4225
CONTACT US! Scan the link to find us on Facebook, or email us at: westlakearrow@gmail.com
FEATURE
THE ARROW
MAY 31, 2013
5
Sun Life Juice detox fad claims restorative powers turns lights on
at The Lakes Sammy Bentivegna Staff Writer
People in Thousand Oaks can now expect a little more sun in their lives. The famous Malibu cafe, Sun Life Organics, has opened up a sister store in The Lakes shopping center in Thousand Oaks. Sun Life is a juice and smoothie bar with the main goal of making organic, and healthy foods while still remaining delicious. Their choices range from creamy acai bowls to tasty juice cleanses. Additionally, there is a myriad of smoothie options to choose from that everybody can enjoy. Although Thousand Oaks is home to multiple smoothie restaurants, Sun Life seems to be one of the more popular choices. Sun Life is one of the few places that does not pack its smoothies with sugary sherbets and powders. With the recent health food craze, people are constantly looking for a new trend; Sun Life is the perfect solution for this ongoing desire to eat healthy and has created a certain health phenomena among WHS students. With the new Thousand Oaks location opening, we can expect Sun Life to become a hot new hang out spot for WHS students. Some students have already joined the Sun Life trend, traveling all the way to Malibu just for the treat. “The acai bowl is probably the best thing I’ve ever had. I love how everything is so healthy,” said Kelsey Kimball ’15. Although the drinks are quite expensive, all of the ingredients are locally grown and free of harsh preservatives. Clearly, Thousand Oaks is in for a healthy treat.
HALF PAGE AD
Liz Mossessian Feature Editor
In the past decade celebrities and vegan, organic zealots have been found guzzling meal replacement juice bottles, desperate to bring their bodies as close as they can to their idea of perfection. The juice fad has now diffused into mainstream culture becoming a highly profitable business for producers. From Pressed Juicery to BluePrint to Clover, these juice companies have been very successful in marketing to the new health craze of consumers. Juice cleansers are meant to have extensive health benefits depending on the ingredients. From boosting immune systems to lowering cholesterol, juice cleansers are all designed to naturally detoxify our bodies. The cleansers can help boost detoxification and restore balance and health by infiltrating our bodies with nutrients and enzymes. Many consumers may also use the juice cleansers to clear acne and brighten skin. Most juice cleansing programs offer three to five day kits consisting of a variety of juice flavors. In this
expensive package, it is advised that consumers drink six juices a day, supposedly fulfilling the minimum amount of calories needed. Juice cleansing programs typically range from $40 to $70 a day depending on the program. Attempting to appeal to crowds in trendy, central cities, juice bars have opened all across Los Angeles. Pressed Juicery is special because it has multiple locations in Los Angeles as well as along the coast of California up to San Francisco. They categorize their juice flavors into Greens, Roots, and Citrus, and
offer a few special sweeter drinks. Many of the Greens consist of kale, spinach, and cucumber; the Roots and Citrus often consist of carrots, beets, watermelon, apple, pear, ginger, and strawberries. Recently opened on S. La Brea Ave. in Los Angeles, Clover Juice has become a hit in the neighborhood, offering a unique selection of cleansing kits as well as coldpressed juices for on the go. Clover Juice also has a special charity called Red Eye that involves individuals in the art and entertainment industry in supporting the less fortunate develop their talent and reach their dreams.
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Feature
The Arrow
May 31, 2013
Teacher’s Pets
Biller’s Q-Tip and Minion Q-Tip
Bowman’s Buster and Brody Brody
Minion
Preston’s Brigitte and Francesca
Brigitte
Francesca
Pets’ Names: Q-Tip and Minion
Pets’ Names: Buster and Brody
Pets’ Names: Brigitte and Francesca
Age: Q-tip: 6 years old Minion: 1.5 year old
Age: Buster: 10 years old Brody: 5 years old
Age: 3 years old
Breed: Yorkshire Terriers
Breed: Buster: yellow lab Brody: red fox lab
How did your pet find you? My friend wanted a cat so I went shopping with her and I found Q-Tip sad and alone in a fish tank store. So he came home with me. What is your favorite memory of your pet? I like to dress them up at Halloween. They also travel on airplanes with me. What is the favorite thing your pet does that warms your heart? Q-Tip loves the hair dryer. Every morning he comes running in when he hears it and I “dry” his hair. He also does “yoga” every morning when he wakes up. Minion likes to sleep with her head on the pillow like a person.
Rollins’s Stella and Lucy
How did your pet find you? My daughter Katie and her friend Megan Weiss (both WHS students!) were volunteering at a Pet Rescue organization when they were in middle school, and Katie chose these cats
What is the favorite thing your pet does that warms your heart? Buster: great when he wants to cuddle Brody: fastest lab ever when retrieving his ball when we play; love it when I hold the ball and he stands at attention
What is the favorite thing your pet does that warms your heart? Each cat belongs to each one of my daughters, and the cats somehow figured out to which girl they belong and have claimed each girl’s bedroom: Brigitte claims Katie’s room, and Francesca claims Alison’s room.
What activities do you enjoy doing with your pet? Buster: he’s too lazy for activities other than short walks Brody: playing ball with a tennis racket because he’s so fast the ball need to cover distance.
What activities do you enjoy doing with your pet? Since they don’t really like to be carried and petted too much, I love it when they approach us and want affection and stretch out, purr, and act adorable.
Dale’s Abby and Zoey
Skaff’s Kona
PHOTO BY KYLE SKAFF
PHOTO BY EMILY DALE
Lucy
Breed: American, shorthair domestic cats
How did your pet find you? Burster: from a breeder when an older yellow lab, Jade, passed away Brody: 5 years later to keep Buster company
PHOTOS BY AUDREY ROLLINS
Stella
PHOTOS BY MARIANNE PRESTON
PHOTOS BY SHELBY BOWMAN
PHOTO BY ASHLEY BILLER
Buster
Pets’ Names: Stella and Lucy
Pets’ Names: Abby and Zoey
Pet’s Name: Kona
Age: Stella: 5 years old Lucy: 3 years old
Age: 4 years old
Age: 2.5 years old
Breed: Tuxedo cats
Breed: Beagle Boxer
How did your pet find you? Adopted them as kittens; they were feral
How did your pet find you? My wife actually chose her from the Agoura Animal Shelter. I wanted another dog, but I’m SO glad she chose Kona!!
Breed: Chihuahuas What is your favorite memory of your pet? My son cuddling and kissing Stella for the first time during Christmas time and sticking her in a stocking and when I found out that Lucy loves to sing along to Holy, Holy, Holy Worship Song, howling in the cutest way. What is the favorite thing your pet does that warms your heart? When I adopted Lucy, Stella adopted Lucy as her own puppy and licks her face and ears, cleaning her constantly. What activities do you enjoy doing with your pet? I love bike riding with my dogs as well as hiking through Newbury Park.
What is the favorite thing your pet does that warms your heart? Abby purring and Zoey scratching my eye BECAUSE SHE LOVES ME SO MUCH! What is the favorite thing your pet does that warms your heart? They get excited when I come home, meow and the like What activities do you enjoy doing with your pet? Mostly things on their level, looking at birds, chasing fluffy stuff, sleeping...
What is your favorite memory of your pet? When she climbed up into my lap the first day I met her! I knew we had our dog and I carried her all the way to the adoption office. What is the favorite thing your pet does that warms your heart? When she beats up my wife’s little dog! Haha! Actually it’s when she greets me everyday in my backyard and sprints to me and pounces on me, tail wagging and all! Compiled by Hanyi Huang
7
LACROSSE TAKES IT STEP-BY-STEP
Michelle Noyes Sports Editor
The first season of girl’s lacrosse ended with a tie for 2nd place in the Marmonte League. Their in-league record was 6-4 and was one of the 2 Marmonte teams with a winning overall record (8-5). Arden Edgerton ‘16 and Lexi Padilla ‘16 were named to the All-Marmonte League First Team. “Everyone found a way to contribute and the entire team should be proud of their first year accomplishments” said coach Brendan Edgerton. Edgerton commented that throughout the season the team achieved their goal of bonding as a team. The team stayed focused on what was ahead of them, whether it was the second half or the next game. “We are hoping that we get a lot more interest in girls’ lacrosse as we grow the program and we are looking forward to meeting new players as we play club ball together this summer and get ready for next season.”
Leah Henry Staff Writer
After a great Marmonte League season, the WHS varsity boys volleyball team lost in the second round of CIF-Southern Section Division 1 playoffs to Redondo Union High School. WHS began their postseason with a 3-0 sweep against Saugus High School. Their win was well earned, with the final scores of 25-15, 25-21, and 25-21. The team was led by Colby Magorien ‘13, Ean Silbar ‘13, and Ryan Yamashita ‘13. “Yamashita supplied
SPORTS
THE ARROW
MAY 31, 2013
What is going on with the Marmonte League? Matt Donovan Staff Writer
Southern section league realignment discussion has finally come to a close after a four hour meeting at Bishop Diego High School on April 15. The 35-proposal discussion was cut down to two. Out of the 35 proposals, only two were discussed and approved including a proposition from Agoura High School that will come into effect in 2014. The proposal cuts the Marmonte league in half for all sports except football. WHS would be in League 1 which will add a new team in Camarillo High School, and will face Royal, Simi Valley, and Thousand Oaks High Schools. Oak Park High School will join the Marmonte in League 2 with Agoura, Calabasas, Moorpark and Newbury Park High Schools. Football, however, is a little different for all schools in the Marmonte league, with previous success in past years determining the placement between the two leagues. The association gave schools
that have not had previous success in past years a better chance of making the playoffs by eliminating their top competition.
WHS Athletic Director Bennett Wutkee is not thrilled with the new alignment, “Our hope was to be in a league where it was the same teams for all sports, football included. We didn’t want an association,” explained Wutkee. “It also takes playoff spots away from the teams that would qualify for playoffs under our
BOYS VOLLEYBALL BL
Silbar with quality passes, allowing Silbar to set up star hitters Jackson Hollister ‘14 and team kill leader Magorien,” says Coach Doug Magorien. Colby Magorien told the Ventura County Star, “Every point is important in a playoff game, because every team you face is capable of playing at a high level. You can’t afford to let down, or it could come back to bite you in the butt.” However, the next round was not as celebratory. Having advanced to the 2nd round of the CIF playoffs, WHS played three tough games against Redondo Union
current format. I don’t prefer that, I prefer that the best teams get into the playoffs.” For the other sports, WHS now has to compete more fiercely for playoff spots. In a five-team league, only two playoff spots are awarded. Teams now have a smaller window to prove themselves. There will only eight league games so every play has to count, leaving no room for error. “Having five teams per league deletes the competitive edge between some teams who have created a meaningful rivalry” said Turner Nelson ‘16. “It also takes the fun out of the league for fans who like to see the neighboring schools play and not teams from farther down the road.” “Its a shame that these changes will take the competitive edge out of some rivalries,” said Timothy Burtzloff ‘15. “For baseball, we have become cross town rivals with Agoura and it is upsetting to hear that we aren’t going to play them anymore.” We will have to wait and see how drastically these changes affect WHS’ teams in their quests for playoff berths.
CKED BY
REDONDO
on May 9. Despite coming back from a 1822 lead in the first game to take a 24-23 lead, the team was unable to pull through and win game one. WHS let the match slip, losing 24-26, 18-25, and 18-25. “The team accomplished its main goal of winning this year’s league title,” said Coach Magorien. The Marmonte League season went well for the boys volleyball team, with a record of 13-1 en route to becoming five-time defending Marmonte League champions. Overall, the Warriors went 206.
SPORTS
8
THE ARROW
MAY 31, 2013
COURTESY PHOTOS
Track & Field Finishes Strong
HOLE IN A
COURTESY PHOTO
Undefeated throughout the Marmonte league season, WHS Boys Golf scored first place. Their season was 14-0 and at Marmonte Championships they won with a 77-stroke lead and 1,498 points. Sean Crocker ‘14 won the award for low amateur. During the matches, co-captain A.J. Hopkins ‘13 stated, “As captain I, as well as Brandon Kelly ‘13, am responsible for keeping a positive attitude for the team.” As a top golfer in Ventura County, Kelly shot in the low 70s during the season. The two captains set examples on and off the course for the underclassmen on the team. “We had a good mix of upperclassmen and freshmen,” Coach Rick Naranjo told the Ventura County Star. This year the freshman were very strong, experienced players who greatly contributed to Varsity. Kelley, Nicks Dallas ‘13, Brandon Jacobs ‘16, and Spencer Soosman ‘16, won first place in the CIF Northern Division Championship at River Ridge Golf Club on May 13. The four boys finished in 12th place in the CIF Final Championships which took place on May 16 at Mission Lakes in Desert Hot s captain I, as well as Springs. Brandon Kelly ‘13, am Going into responsible for keeping the championship, a positive attitude for the team. WHS was the overall -A.J. Hopkins favored team. Naranjo explained that the “finish was very disappointing for the entire team. It was the worst scoring total for the entire year.” “A team saying is ‘some days are diamonds and some days a stones,’” said Naranjo. Despite the disappointment at CIF final Championships, Naranjo is moving on and looking forward to the talented players who will form next years team. Although the team did not end with a desired finish, the optimistic players are keeping their heads high. According to The Acorn, Soosman shared, “I’m only a freshman and I’m glad to say that I have three more years to get better,” who shot a 6-over-par 78 on Monday. “I didn’t accomplish my team and individual goals of getting to state. I’ll play better as a sophomore and hopefully accomplish my goal next year.” Jacobs also added to The Acorn, “It’s an honor to wear the Westlake uniform.”
FORE THE WIN: Sean Crocker focuses on his next move.
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overall, finishing Finals with fourth place and dominating Masters with fourth place. The Boys 4x400 Relay, composed of Sean O’Bryan , Ryan Finch, Michael Purdy ‘15, and Jonathon Cantle ‘15 reached all the way to Masters and finished seventh. The four also claimed the first overall spot on the WHS All-Time list, and well as the fifth best time ever for Ventura County. Paris Pijuan ‘13 also had a successful season, winning second at Prelims, sixth at Finals, and 11th at Masters. Pijuan also claimed the top senior record in WHS history. The future for the team is looking bright. The varsity girls 4x100 team placed 9th overall in the State Championships. The team is looking forward to coming back even stronger next year.
ONE
Michelle Noyes
Discus, holding the best freshman record in school history. Sara Schwartz ‘14, Abigail Smith ‘15, Nicole Greenberg ‘14, and Brooke Edell ‘14 are all a part of the girls varsity 4x100 Relay team. The group earned the Ventura County Championship title and are also Defending CIF-SS Division 2 Champions. “We have great capability and I cannot wait to see what next year holds for us,” said Greenberg. Although the group was plagued with an injury during the off-season and also the beginning of this season, they were able to overcome the misfortune. Working quickly and tirelessly, they posted a time of 46.73, first overall on the Top 10 list for WHS and a Ventura County All-Time Record. Their hard work paid off at prelims with a fourth
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The WHS Track and Field team has evolved into a tremendously speedy team this year. Recently, the team conquered CIF Prelims, the Ventura County Championship, CIF Finals, even a CIFSouthern Section Division 2 championship, and CIF SS Divisions 2 Masters Meet, along with multiple wins and prestigious placings throughout the season. The distance team is led by standout Mikey Giguere ‘14, who broke the 3200 meter run school record by more than 10 seconds by running a 9:12:38. Chris Costa ‘14 also ran 9:29:29 in the 3200, which is the fourth fastest in WHS history. Giguere
also clinched the CIF-SS Division 2 3200 Meter championship and placed twelfth at Masters. Apart from the distance team, there are other athletes in separate events that have excelled this season, according to Assistant Coach, Chad Scott. Scott is the Math Analysis and Algebra 2 Honors teacher, who has been a coach since 2007. Sean O’Bryan ‘14 has ranked fastest in WHS history in the 300m Hurdles with a time of 38.97. O’Bryan also clinched Prelims with an overall first place and thirteenth overall at Finals. Ryan Finch ‘15 ran a 49.24 in the 200, which is third fastest all time for WHS and also earned the Ventura County Champion title. Finch went on to place third overall at prelims and 12th overall at finals. Kyle Carrillo ‘16 throws a 119-00 in
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