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GEORGE WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL’S

Volume V Issue I | September 27, 2010 | San Francisco, California

OP-ED, P2

How to get into the paper

New Fields for GWHS $2-3 million project has finally come to an end

FEATURES, P4&5

Get to know Mr. Fan! LIFESTYLES, P3

What are students doing after school? SPORTS, P6

How are the Cross-Country runners doing this year? ENTERTAINMENT, P7

“Gym, Tan, Laundry” Jersey Shore Season 2

(left) The almost completed North Field. (right) The completed South Field By Sofya Gefter Staff Writer

emember the holes in the fields of George Washington High School? The tufts and random patches of grass? Uneven levels, the need to constantly reapply the paint, and built up mud and water? That was the year 2009; now a new year brings two new and improved turf fields. “I believe a fine institution like yours deserves to have a quality

November Elections By Amanda Lizcano Staff Writer

oters and politicians alike are looking to the upcoming November elections, both for the proposed measures and the officer elections. The nine ballot measures are propositions 19 through 27. Proposition 19, the marijuana measure, is the most interest to students. It would make it legal to sell, grow, and transport marijuana if a person is over 21. The main reason it is being proposed is that it would both theoretically save millions in what would be used detaining those who illegally use marijuana, as well as generate revenue from taxation of the plant. Senior Ted Franklin said, “If we’ve legalized tobacco and alcohol, products that are clearly more deadly and dangerous than pot, then why not? What’s most likely going to happen is it’ll be taxed, and the state will make money on it. Besides, one of the unintended effects is a decrease in crime and drug

dealers.” For the State Office part of the election there are several positions, the most noted being Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General. The Bay Area is well-represented. SF Mayor Gavin Newsom is running for Lieutenant Governor against five other people, the biggest competitor being the current Lieutenant Governor, Abel Maldonado. SF District Attorney Kamal Harris is running for State Attorney General. Former Gocernoe and Oakland Mayor and current Attorney General Jerry Brown is running against Meg Whitman for Governor. Those who watch television are sure to have seen the various ads of these competitors. Whether you can vote or not, the outcome of the elections will have an effect on you. The decisions they make will impact the education we receive. So 18 or not, be sure to stay informed!

field”, says athletic commissioner Don Collins, and that is exactly what our school has now. With construction for the backfield and track started in April and opened September 7th of this year, and the frontfield started the first Saturday of the summer and scheduled to open on October 1st, all of the hard work has been as much on schedule as weather conditions would permit. All schools around San Francisco had insufficient fields and were planned to be replaced. The $2-$3 million dollar project has been in planning for the past two

years but only at the end of last school year had enough money finally been raised. From fundraisers, Prop H funds, the BOND Program, GWHS team donations, alumni donations, and a generous private donation, our athletic teams and physical education classes have finally gotten a more than satisfactory practice area for themselves. The school has been undergoing different types of construction for the past five years now, and with this particular job one of the main sight overseers were physical education teacher Carrie

PHOTO BY SOFYA GEFTER Wert. “It’s absolutely beautiful”, says Wert, “when there’s a passion behind it, you enjoy doing it”. She is thankful for construction to be over with the back field and almost over with the front because without them, gym classes and sports teams had to be extremely creative with where they would practice/do activities. So take a jog around the track, play a game of soccer on the back field, and be there for the opening of the new front field; it’s been a long road to get it that way!

San Bruno Gas Explosion By Kristen Yee Staff Writer

n September 9th, a Pacific Gas and Electric gas line exploded leaving four fatalities, upon the explosion. As Charisse Van Horn of the Examiner states, “ Earlier reports suggested that three sets of skeletal remains were found, causing some news reports to announce the death toll at four with 37 homes destroyed. The coroner, however, has confirmed four fatalities.” San Bruno’s coroners office are still examining other skeletal

remains, while family and friends hope that these bones are not the remains of their missing loved ones. In an exclusive interview with The Eagle, Ron Chin a pastor at a local church, who lives in San Bruno and is still in shock, “The explosion was heard about 2 blocks from my house,” Chin had noticed the first explosion and stepped out of his home to see nothing. Then the second explosion occurred. “ The fire was near a friend’s home, and a man waved at me to leave the house. So, I put on my shoes and took my keys to leave.” Chin, still in

PG&E workers & civilians run out of hazard zone. PHOTO PROVIDED BY KWGN DENVER AT 2THEDEUCE.COM

shock, evacuated to his mother’s home. “I was able to go back home on Sunday. I was lucky that my house had not caught fire. Thank God.” On September 13th, PG&E began a $100-million relief fund for the San Bruno victims. MSNBC. com quoted Chris Johns, the PG&E president, “ The money would be provided with no strings attached. It is very important that this community know that there are funds, enough funds to be able to rebuild their lives and this community.” Bob Pellerini, whose house was burned down, stated, “ The residents were told that they would receive $50,000 checks this week to get back on their feet.” Many homes were destroyed, and lives were lost. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, and San Francisco Foundation are requesting donations. Currently two people are still missing, and are assumed as either present in the blast, or away from the area.

OP-ED Mission Statement

he Eagle is the official student publication of Washington High School and is partially supported by sale of ads. The Eagle is written and produced by students as an open forum with the purpose of serving as a venue for the expression and education of the student and community. The opinions expressed herein are

those of the individual students or community members only, and do not necessarily represent or reflect the opinions of the San Francisco Unified School District, its employees, or its patrons. The staff of The Eagle encourages students and the staff to submit editorial comments, opinions, or concerns to the publication.

Publication Policy

he Eagle is produced and protected under the guidelines set forth by SFUSD’s mission, goals and policies as well as Washington High School’s instructional mission and values statements. In addition, the student staff members and adviser observe and uphold the following the policies: Student staff members understanding that the free expression of student opinion is an important part of education in a democratic society and will be encouraged as long as standard journalistic principles set forth by the WJEA are upheld, Staff members accept full responsibility for the contents of this publication and its impact or effect on the readership. The publication adviser shall have the primary responsibility for supervising student publications and to see that provisions incorporated into the policy and procedures are met. The publication adviser shall not serve as a censor, nor can s/he be fired, transferred or removed from the advisership by reason of his or her refusal to exercise editorial control over this publication or to otherwise suppress the protected free speech of the publication staff. Student staff members shall ensure that the publication reflects areas of students interest, including topics about which there may be controversy and dissent. Accordingly, controversial issues shall be presented in an in-depth manner and represent a variety of viewpoints. Student staff members shall be encouraged to exercise good judgment in reference to the content of this publication and

shall ensure that materials are not libelous, obscene, disruptive or an invasion of privacy or copyright. Libelous material shall be defined to include defamatory falsehoods about any person. In order to be libelous, the defamatory falsehood must be made with actual malice: that is, with knowledge that it is false, or with reckless disregard of whether it was false or not. In order for the publication to be considered disruptive, there must exist specific facts upon which it would be reasonable to forecast that a clear and present likelihood of an immediate and substantial disruption to normal school activity would occur if it were published and distributed. Disruption includes, but is not necessarily limited to; student riots; destruction of property; wide spread shouting, or boisterous conduct; or substantial student participation in a school boycott, sit-in, stand-in, walk-out or any action that distracts from the established educational program. Invasion of privacy shall be defined as the publication of one’’ private affairs with which the public has no legitimate concern; exploitation of one’s personality; or wrongful intrusion into one’s private activities in a manner that can cause mental suffering, shame or humiliation to a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities. Student staff members shall ensure that the publication does not advocate prejudice or discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation nor shall it disparage groups based on race, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

Advertising Policy

ll advertising within the Eagle is equally provided for and protected under the above policies. The staff of the Eagle also observes the following policies and conditions for advertising within the newspaper: The publication staff has the authority to reject, edit for accuracy or cancel any advertising at any time. Any ads that are prepaid prior to publication and are canceled by the staff will be refunded for the remaining ads. Advertising shall be free of statements, illustrations, or implications that are offensive to good taste or public decency based on the opinion of the publication staff.

Advertising shall offer merchandise or service on its merits and refrain from attacking competitors or disparaging their products, services, or methods of doing business. The publication staff may run political advertisements. The publication staff will not accept advertising for products or groups that is racist, sexist, illegal for high school students, or violates other standard journalistic principles (libel, obscenity, invasion of privacy, disruption). Ads which the publication staff accepts do not imply an endorsement from the staff, the adviser, the Eagle, its employees, or its patrons.

Monday, September 27, 2010

The Eagle Editorial: School Spirit at Washington By the Eagle Staff

ash has no school spirit,” “I don’t have school spirit because no one else has school spirit.” These are a few of the complaints voiced by students at George Washington regarding our lack of school spirit. ASB (Associated Student Body) hears lots of complaints, but not very many solutions, as it appears the students of Washington have given up on reviving school spirit at Washington. However, ASB and student government have made school unity and spirit one of its top

priorities. The members have and are continuing to come up with ideas and student activities that will help promote school unity such as spirit week, rallies, and dances. Along with these ideas, proposals of special lunch time rallies, more school festivities like Spring-fest, and Eagle products sold at the student store are being considered. The reality is, the student body can’t depend on student government alone to improve the school’s sense of community. A lot of effort has already been put into the planning and carrying out of ideas, but these ideas can only be successful if the student body cares enough to encourage and actually participate in

school events. It’s on you to make Washington the spirited school that many people strive for. If everybody’s excuse for their lack of spirit is their friends lacking spirit, then nothing will ever change. For our school to truly progress, individuals need to lead by example. Teachers and student government can only do so much to encourage despondent students. YOU are the difference. Just as many students follow the pattern of indifference to school spirit, if someone is to start a pattern of enthusiasm, others will follow. So be a trend-setter, and save the spirit of Washington.

Marijuana Legalization By Stacey Hom Entertainment Editor

don’t like marijuana. I don’t smoke marijuana. I don’t like the way it smells. I don’t like its recreational use. I don’t like the way it can hurt one’s health. Frankly, I don’t like people who smoke marijuana for non-medicinal purposes. However, I think marijuana can have its perks. Our current economy is obviously not the ideal condition we would like it to be in. Foreclosures, bankruptcies, war in the Middle East, and many other factors are contributing to our country’s decreasing budget. Believe it or not, I think that the legalization of marijuana can lessen the severity of our country’s economic problems. We could raise revenue simply by imposing a small tax on every purchase of marijuana. Travel back to the early 1920’s, where music and parties filled the lives of many Americans. Although Americans were having a great time, there was one thing that was missing from those

parties: Alcohol. Not only did prohibition anger many regularly drinking Americans, the crime rate skyrocketed. Our current crime rates are very similar. Many crimes are due to drug dealing and the illegal use of marijuana. Although marijuana is illegal, people still find their ways to find marijuana. If we legalized mari-

juana, our crime rates could potentially be significantly lowered. Yes, marijuana can be dangerous if it were to be legalized. However, we could impose simi-

lar laws that we impose on alcohol. We could make an age limit for one to purchase marijuana. Also, we could have a “driving under the influence” law to limit the amount of accidents. To produce and sell marijuana, we can require one to obtain some kind of certificate of authorization. Also, marijuana doesn’t have as many health hazards as you might think it has. Marijuana does not cause brain damage, genetic damage, or damage the immune system. Unlike alcohol, marijuana does not kill brain cells or induce violent behavior (legalizationofmarijuana.com). Often times, people think of marijuana users as “pothead” trouble making youngsters. However, that may not be the case if we were to legalize marijuana. To this day, regular working Americans who care for their families smoke marijuana pose no threat to our society. As long as one is able to use marijuana for recreational use responsibly, there shouldn’t be any problem. The consumer is content with their purchase and part of their money goes to the government through taxes.

The Eagle Staff What’s on your mind? Share your insight to community problems with gwhsjournalism@ gmail.com

Advisor: John Propster

Co-Editors-in-Chief: Kevin Kim and Kathy Woo Front Page Editor: Michelle Tran Op-Ed Editors: Kevin Kim and Kathy Woo Lifestyles Editor: Sofya Gefter Features Editor: Amanda Lizcano

Sports Editor: Ivan Huang Entertainment Editor: Stacey Hom Backpage Editor: Tammy Zhan Staff Writers: Samantha Castro, Vivian Cheng, Derek Ng, Kimberly Quant, Kristen Yee

VOLUME V, ISSUE I

LIFESTYLES Dear Agnes...

ear Agnes, I met a girl during the summer through a camp; I thought she was the cutest thing in the world. We grew closer and closer as we spent time together and talked often. It turns out we have the same birthday though I’m 3 years older. One night, we happened to kiss, it was fabulous, like Drizzy said, “Best I Ever Had.” I felt it was destiny for me to meet her but after camp, we stopped talking and seeing each other. Question is: Should I keep trying to approach her, or should I move on? I really do like her but with the age difference and distance apart, I feel like it’d be impossible to work it out. –Peter Pan Dear Peter Pan, If you really like this girl then you should definitely keep trying to approach her; make an effort to try to hang out with her

and talk to her. Most importantly, be honest with her and tell her how you feel. Girls like it when guys are straightforward and she may be impressed and even touched that you were courageous enough to tell her. When two people really like each other, the difference in age is not important and shouldn’t even matter; age is but a number. In terms of distance, nothing is impossible if you are both willing to put in the effort to make it work and last. -Agnes Dear Agnes, My ex-boyfriend and I dated for two years and he ended the relationship because of personal reasons but we are still very close friends. Now one of my best friends tells me that she has feelings for him. I am still not completely over him and the thought of my best friend and my

Do You Have A Job? By Kimberly Quant Staff-Writer

ave you ever walked through the mall and stumbled upon a super cute pair of shoes or a video game that you were just dying to have? Is the only thing stopping you from getting it not having enough money? Maybe you should consider getting a job like some of your fellow George Washington High School students. There are many places in San Francisco where teenagers can get jobs. Hadrian Quan, a senior at GWHS, has been working at the California Academy of Sciences since the summer of his freshman year. He’s saved up a considerate amount of money

homework.” You could also work at a hotel like senior Claire Liu. Liu really enjoys working at the front desk at Hotel Monaco. Liu stated, “Working at the hotel is hella fun…and I get paid more than most kids.” Liu is usually scheduled to work on Fridays and Saturdays from 3-11 PM and Sundays from 11AM to 7 PM. If none of the above jobs catch your interest, you could try searching online for job positions. You could try going to http://jobstar.org/ or http://www. groovejob.com/. They offer jobs at various places including the Exploratorium and UPS. If you’ve found a job opportunity, you need to make sure you do well during your interview. According to www.wikihow.

Senior Hadrian Quan working at the California Academy of PHOTO BY KIMBERLY QUANT Sciences. based on the fact that he gets paid $11.50 an hour to work three to five days per week for two to six hours a day. Quan stated, “[at work] I learn science from researchers and conduct science with them.” If science isn’t really your thing, you could try tutoring younger kids. Jonathan Mak, a junior at GWHS, tutors middle school students in the sunset district. He’s been helping them with their math and science homework on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4-6 PM for over a year. Mak stated, “Even though I only get paid minimum wage, I like helping the kids understand their

com, when the employer asks you “tell me about yourself” the interviewer wants to understand your background, your accomplishments, why you want to work at XYZ company and what your future goals are, NOT what you’ve done as a child. Be prepared to answers questions regarding challenges you encountered in the past and how you would deal with hypothetical situations in regards to the job. Know that looking for a job may be difficult, but also remember to not give up. If you aren’t hired, there are still plenty of job opportunities out there.

former boyfriend dating is so weird to me. After all, we dated for TWO years and there is still and always will be a special place for him in my heart. Should I give her some form of support to date him or should I let her know that I’m not comfortable with it? -Friend-or-Fiend

Dear Friend-or-Fiend, You and your best friend seriously need to sit down and have a talk about this. Tell her how you feel about this whole situation and be honest with her. Keep in mind that you can’t exactly stop them from dating; there is no such thing as a “best friend code” where you can’t date your friend’s ex-boyfriends (but it is proper etiquette for a best friend to at least check if his or her friend is okay with it). The decision is hers to make, not yours. But you definitely need to let her know how you feel and if she’s really your best friend, she will put your feelings into consideration. -Agnes Dear Agnes, I am a freshman at Washington High School whose life has taken a turn on the rough side. My life used to be simple, but now it has become a confusing pot of love, deceit, hormones, and confusion. The girl I like does drugs and hangs out with the

wrong people. Sometimes she comes to class with her frail wrists slashed and her rounded face full with fear. She tells me that she has had a rough night but I see her doing drugs. I don’t know what to do Agnes, should I help or should I forget about her and leave her? -Stuck between a rock and a hard place Dear Stuck between a rock and a hard place, If she is someone you truly care about and have feelings for, you would try to steer her back on the right track. Tell her you know about her drug problem but also let her know that you are there to help her. Encourage her to get help and maybe take a trip with her to the Wellness Center. It is ultimately her decision to make, so do not try to force her into anything. What she really needs right now is a friend who can be there for her and guide her in the right direction. -Agnes

ASK AGNES: helpmeagnes@yahoo.com

Busted! The Myth of the Low-fat Diet By Tammy Zhan Back-Page Editor

t is widely believed among teenagers that low-fat diets help prevent heart diseases and promote weight loss. For the last 15 years, we have been constantly bombarded with the message that low-fat is healthy – information broadcast by public health services, doctors, and parents. The message either goes something like “cut out fat if you want to lose weight” or “low fat diets are healthy diets”. But, increasing evidence suggests that a low-fat diet is not the solution we have been promised. In 2006, the Journal of the American Medical Association proved in a $415 million study that “low-fat diets do not reduce heart disease

risks”. As stated in the research, “Over of 8.1 years, a dietary intervention that reduced total fat intake and increased intake of vegetables, fruits and grains did

not significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, or cardiovascular disease…” In addition, one claim after another proves that such diets

might actually do more harm than good. According to Harvard nutritionist Mark Hegstead at www.mindbodyhealth.com, “dietary fat has the nutritional equivalent of cigarettes”. Of course, if an individual is at high risk of having a heart disease (i.e. overweight, high blood pressure, no exercise…etc), then reducing them with diet can significantly reduce the chances of a heart attack. However, someone who is not at risk at all will actually have their life cut short due to regularly eating more than the recommended level of dietary fat. The link between low-fat diets and weight loss has not succeeded either. The $100 million Women’s Health Initiative Study enrolled 50,000 women in a randomized trial, putting half of them on a low-fat diet that provided only 20 percent of their calories from fat. After three years the women had lost, on average, just one kilogram. So, take this issue and think about this the next time you turn down the scrumptious warm chocolate chip cookie sundae in favor of choking down some tasteless whole-wheat cereal with skim milk!

Monday, September 27, 2010

FEATURES

What’s Your Status? by Kimberly Quant Staff writer

I was supposed to start last weekend but I was too busy doing homework..I should be starting [my personal statements for UC] anytime now.

“I’m one fifth of the way done—pretty much all I’ve done is the basic info, I haven’t don’t the important stuff like write my personal statement or get letters of recommendation. I’m applying to over twenty colleges including UCLA, UCSB, UCI, UCSD, Stanford, Harvard and Yale. -Virginia Lee

“I haven’t started [the college application process] yet. I’m planning on applying to the CSUs.”

“I’ve done my personal statements. I’m applying to Cal Poly, Fresno and Georgia State.” -Denzel Saulny

-Jovelean Villanueva

“I went to the college center to make sure I met all the requirements for the CSUs... but that’s about it.” -Laura Reyes

Be a Fan of Mr. Fan!

-Edward Chan

“I’m nowhere in the app process. Depend on grades to go to college. Go to any college that will accept me based on my grades if they’re good enough” -Mike Mankin Photos by Virginia Lee, Kimberly Quant, and Kathy Woo

can involve bringing in tutors, looking at college readiness, or preparing for classes.” In addition to his new position, Marquez teaches one class of Advanced Algebra. While the shift from classroom to office may be a difficult adjustment,

Marquez attended Oakland High School and has attended Berkeley, Cal-State (East Bay), r. Eddie Eugene and Mills College. He is a baseMarquez, an exball fan, roots for the A’s, and perienced ten year likes to play tennis with his wife teacher, will no lonand kids on weekends. One thing ger be in the classroom, but his we may not know about him is office in that he origiroom 116 nally went to for he has college in the recently hopes of bebeen apcoming a rich pointed businessman, as our but opted for school’s a different newest Incareer choice structional when he beReform came unhapFacilitator, py with all the or IRF. greed and lies This he had wityear, as nessed within result of the busiteacher ness world. layoffs, “ Instead, Marquez I went for took on the opposite the job and became of the a teacher so Instructhat I, you tional Reform Mr. Marquez working with a student. could say, help Photo by Kevin Adler people, which Facilitator, previously has made me preformed by Ms. Rudi Faltus. Marquez doesn’t see the change much happier.” Marquez says, “ “What I do as an IRF is that I as troublesome because he still And, you know, I really like helpcome up with plans that help gets to help and work with ing out the kids.” African American or Latino students, which is one of his most As an IRF and math teacher, students who struggle in their favorite aspects of working in Mr. Marquez will continue helpclasses,” he says, “ …and that this school. ing students succeed.

by Stephanie Rauda Staff writer

eniors, are you starting to worry about getting your college applications done? Have you done any research for the college(s) you’re planning to attend? If you haven’t done anything for college, it’s not too late to start. According to Valerie Robinson, an advisor at the college center (room 114), all you can do at this point is have your personal statement written. Robinson also stated that the UC application period is from November 1 to November 30 and the CSU application period is from October 1 to November 30. If you’re planning to apply to private colleges, you’ll have to check deadlines for them individually. Here is what some seniors have done so far:

Mr. Marquez: Our New IRF

by Sam Castro Staff writer

his year at Washington, we are pleased to welcome several new additions to our teaching and administrating staff. Although many of us were sad to see our former assistant principal, Ms. Martha Torres, accept the principal position at Ida B. Wells High School, we are more than happy to extend our arms to our newest assistant principal, Mr. Paul Fan. Before becoming a fellow Washington Eagle, Fan was a counselor and dean at Thurgood Marshall Academic High School. “I spend eighty percent of my time on enforcing discipline and attendance for students. The other twenty is dedicated to working with teachers, and doing the best I can to participate in important meetings.” Fan also had opportunities to assist teachers in their classrooms, enabling them to become more effective and increase student engagements between the staff. “My passion is to really support the teachers so that the students can be more successful;

it was what mainly lead me to become assistant principal.” He also shares that the learning environment and hospitality at Washington High School is much different than at Thurgood. “To be honest, it’s still quite

Assistant principal, Mr. Fan

Photo by Sam Castro

overwhelming because of the number of teachers and great programs offered at Wash. However, the school has a good structure and system in place, and discipline with students has not been an issue. I’m also learning to handle things differently

and multitask more. I’ve greatly enjoyed Washington so far.” While he has been spending time discovering what the Eagles are all about, many of us have also enjoyed interacting with Fan and getting to know him more. Among these people are none other than the administration themselves. “As sad as I was to see Ms. Torres go, I’m happy to welcome Mr. Fan,” Ms. Black said. Mrs. Lovrin gladly shared, “It’s been great! He’s delved into the test scores and understanding Wash, and he also brings a fresh perspective to the administrative team. He also offers great services to people, and is wonderful at dealing with the students. He brings several instructional strategies, having been with a wide variety of ethnic groups.” Fan has definitely been a great asset to the Washington Eagles. “I’d like everyone to know that I’m very approachable and easy to get along with. However, I will be firm and continue to enforce school rules.” So whether you’re in the hall, or somewhere around campus say hello to our newest assistant princiPAL!

Volume V, Issue I

A Special Ed Teacher by Day, Comedian by Night

proving that her observational jokes and impressions were well liked, she decided to do showcases. During these showcases, she eet the Special would submit video clips of herEducation teacher self to comedy clubs in attempt to who hosts her own gain a spot on their stage. comedy show: Iris After building up her comeWeiss. The twenty nine year old dian status, she decided to make graduated from University of her own comedy show at California Santa Cruz the Abbey Tavern (also with a major in film and located in the Richmond digital media. Although District) called “Iris’s and she had hopes of creatKhara’s Variety Show”. ing her own television With a packed house show, she also wanted to and several requests to work with kids. As a reperform the show again, sult, she decided to teach the night proved to be high school students highly successful. Upon about film and digital her audience’s requests, media. Together, they she will host another created the television show next month at the show, “Frankensense”, same location. Her audiwhich broadcasted on ences included many local television stations well-known faces in our From there, she deschool, such as Tracy cided to earn a teaching Thompson, Rudy Choy, credential at San Jose Lawrence Tak, Charlie State University. After Brinton, and Michelle being a substitute teachKyung. er for special education Choy remarked, “She students, she decided to was one of the best parts teach a special education of the show! She was class of her own. funnier than her peers. While commenting on She was REALLY good. her experiences, Weiss I’m not being bias, but I said, “It’s challenging, really think she’s absofun, and rewarding. It’s lutely funny!” nice building relationMs. Weiss smiles for the camera. Whether it may be ships with the students and Photo by Stacey Hom within the classroom or at watching their progress… of entertaining a crowd of their the comedy club, Weiss never [as they] become independent”. own some day. Within the whole ceases to bring her hilarious and Charles Stansberry, one of club, Weiss felt the most comfortawesome energy to her audience. Weiss’s students at GWHS, comable performing on stage. mented, “I like her because she’s Weiss’s Comedy Club Weiss’s first performance was my teacher! She’s funny and I suggestion on September 22nd, 2009 at the learn a lot from her”. “Walk the Plank” Rocket Room (located in the In the summer of 2009, Weiss Castagnola’s-Fisherman’s Wharf Richmond District) with an audi- October 14th $5 decided to use her film and ence of seventeen friends. After

By Stacey Hom Entertainment editor

digital media to pick up a hobby in entertainment. She started an unofficial club of friends that would attend different comedy clubs that featured open microphone sessions. The curious members of the club started experimenting open microphone material on each other, in hopes

Demi Char-Student of the Issue by Michelle Tran news editor

Tunnel where her painting hangs. This year Char won 1st place for her oil painting, “In Our Hands” in the annual Congressional Art Competition. Her painting was chosen by Congresswoman,

extracurricular activity. Yet again, surprises us with other notable activities. Char has been in the hat describes, Speech and Debate team for four senior Demi Char? years and is now the president of Some may say the club. She is the co-president leader, debater, of the Worlds Affair student, or painter. Club where members You might not notice learn about issues such an student walkfacing global concern ing down the crowded and propose methods halls of GWHS. But to solve them. Char after sitting down is also involved in and interviewing this several internships aspiring student, it such as the UCSF seems like George Getting Women In, Washington High UCSF Youth Steering School has another Committee, and the young star emerging. Fiona Ma InternThis summer Char ship. Finally to top was nominated by things off, she has Congresswoman Nanwon several awards cy Pelosi to participate such as the 2nd Best in the U.S. House of Poster and the 4th Representative, Page Best Team Overall for Program. “The Page the World Savvy, a Program provided me program dedicated to with an exciting opeducate students in portunity to work on the community about the House floor and world affairs, and experience democracy freshman and Junior upfront,” commented of the year in Speech Char, “As a Page and Debate. my responsibilities Despite her inincluded delivering volvement in these correspondence and various events, legislative material upon asking Char within the congressioabout what she looks nal complex, monitorDemi Char is an exceptional student. ing phones in the memPhoto by Michelle Tran forward in her future, she replies, “I want a ber cloakrooms, taking Jackie Speier and now hangs in lifestyle completely separate and statements from representatives the Cannon Tunnel for admirers internally different from the one for the Congressional Record, to see. I’ve had for the past 17 years. I and monitoring and delivering Juggling with such distinctive look forward to the full range of vote reports.” While working activities, it may seem impossible opportunities and experiences on the House floor, Char would for Char to even handle another college has to offer!” have pass through the Cannon

Come Watch Some Talent! by Derek Ng Staff writer

esting acts in the past. Excellent bands, interesting dance solos, outstanding narrative, and artsy videos have all been showcased at Brown Bag. One year, there was even a guy who previously worked with the circus who performed circus acts on stage! Savannah Kuang, a senior, plans to perform this year for Brown Bag. “I hope to gain performing experiences. I just want to show how I actually sing because I usually don’t sing publicly.” Kimberly Owyang, also a senior, is going to do a solo dance for Brown Bag. “I’m doing this because I’m a senior and there’s no musical this year so I want to do the talent show,” she said. “I want the performing experience and I love performing.” Both Kuang and Owyang would recommend people to perform in Brown Bag. “People who have hidden talents should show them,” Kuang said. Owyang commented, “I would recommend people to perform at Brown Bag. Performing is such a good experience because you get to show your talent.” The way the acts are judged is based on the crowd’s reaction as well as Propster’s own personal opinion on the act. If the contestant gets an overwhelming cheer after his act, he or she qualifies for Star

ant to watch some amazing talent? Or perhaps get your talent discovered? Come to watch Brown Bag Theater during lunch every Friday starting October 1st. Enter through the back stage of the auditorium. Brown Bag Theater is an event that showcases student’s talents and qualifies them for the Star Search talent show in April. It has been going on for eight years now and is still going strong. John Propster, the Visual and Performing Arts Chair, sponsors this event. He says, “Brown Bag is an opportunity for students to perform. It serves as an audition for Star Search in April which will have cash prizes.” Star Search is a talent show in which the contestants compete for cash prizes. Judges determine which acts are the best and award the winning contestants prizes. So why was Brown Bag Theater created? “We wanted to give a venue for students to perform without going through a six week rehearsal process,” said Propster. Brown Bag qualifies the contestants to enter in Star Search. If you want to participate in Star Search to win a cash prize, you must perform in Brown Bag Theater. Even if you do not want to do Star Search, you can still come perform at Brown Bag Search. Theater to showcase your If it talents! is dead To apply, you must get silent, he an application from a or she does performing arts teacher, not qualify. including: teachers There are are: Ms. Mayer no official (Dance), Ms. judges for Hendrix Brown Bag, (Music), Ms. only the Karney audience’s (Singreaction. ing), Ms. Come Philipp out dur(Acting lunch ing), on every and Mr. Friday Propafter OcGrab the mike and be a star! ster tober 1st! photo by Noj Restporp (Video). It is $1 After to watch showing one of them your speor $2 to get juice and pretzels as cific talent, you can get a slot. well! There have been many inter-

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Sports

Monday, September 27, 2010

Athlete of the Issue

Le Vander Moore

Football Practice : w/o Fields

model for new and upcoming players. “He’s a hard worker, very committed to this team, and he has tremendous athletic ootball skills,” commented Dephenom fensive Coordinator Luis. Le Vander “He’s a very smart football Moore player, maybe one of the is back for his smartest in the league.” senior campaign “Emotionally, he gets of GWHS Football really into the game,” said and is ready to junior Joshua Kidd. “He dominate the field helps keep us pumped up once again. and focused during games. This season, He’s a good leader.” Moore, standing When asked about future at a towering 6’3’’ football, Moore said that he and 195 lbs., will was interested in playing fill a variety of college football. “Yeah, I positions for the want to play college footteam, including ball, and after that, if I’m tight end, wide good enough, maybe even receiver, middle in the NFL.” When asked line-backer, and about which college he defensive end. wanted to play for, Moore Moore has also had no preference. assumed the posiWhen asked about what tion of team capmakes this year’s team tain and will be unique, Moore said, “we’re unsatisfied with experienced but we’re also anything short of young, and as a result, his team winning we’re able to learn from the city championeach other, and become ship. “We have the better.” By bringing the potential to make team together with his it to the champihard work and emotional onships and take Le Vander Moore photo by devin chen play, Le Vander Moore gives it all,” said Moore. Washington a big chance at On a more personal success in the playoffs and note, Moore’s goal this season amongst his teammates and beyond. is to “score 12 touchdowns, but coaches and has become a role mostly to just help my team win, practice.” Lui agreed and said, “And you need to perservere through losses and tough things, like school and stuff.” Kimberly Wong, Junior of George Washington, watched the Wash preseason game versus Terranova. “They played well! Even though they lost, they were pretty good.” Wu said, “I’m not worried. We’ll just try harder next time.” Jen Gee, the coach of the Washington Girls Volleyball team has been training with them though out the summer and has been giving them certain diets, “They should not be drinking a lot of sugar.” Gee has been training this team for two years, “I’m happy with the progress the girls have made.” Each player has different attributes, which helps make a better team, “I hope that Volleyball team in a preseason game PHOTO BY BRADFORD CHIN next year, new players will join yelled Lui as she was practicing and improve to become greater By Kristin Yee with her friend, Katie Wu, anothvolleyball players.” Staff Writer er Junior of George Washington. The Girls Varsity Volleyball s the volleyball is in Lui chose volleyball as her main Team all together has made a mid air, Varsity player sport because, “it’s a good work great improvement last year and Tiffany Lui, a Junior out and it’s really fun.” has been able to push through to of George Washington Much like Lui, Wu said, “It championships, and won. This High School, slams the ball down was the first sport I learned how year, as volleyball starts, come over to the opponents side. Lui to play, well! And it’s really cheer on the Girls Varsity Team, has been in Washington’s Varsity energizing.” Wu has been playon October 1st against Wallenburg th team for three years. Lui was in ing since the 4 grade and has at Wallenberg’s gym. Presidio’s volleyball team. “I’ve progressed throughout the years, been playing since 8th Grade!” Wu said,” It just takes a lot of

By Kevin Kim Editor-in-Chief

whatever it takes.” Moore has also earned him self an impressive reputation

Bump Set Spike

By Derek Ng Staff Writer

ince the beginning of school, the front and back fields have been closed. So where has George Washington’s JV and Varsity Football teams practiced? Were did they practice with the fields closed? They traveled to SOTA to pratice. Denzel Saulny, a senior and current member of the Varsity Football team, talks about the hardships he faced traveling to SOTA. “It was real tough getting to SOTA. By the time we got there, we already lost an hour of practice. We didn’t have any rides. We had to catch two busses with all our equipment to get there.” The coaches also had a tough time with practicing to SOTA. Special Teams Coach Rick Carre

said, “It was really difficult getting the guys. We had lots of people missing and coming late. The kids don’t get out at the same time too.” Coach Luis, the defensive coordinator, agreed. “We had less time to practice because kids had to travel. It took forty-five minutes out of our practice time. They had to carry their equipment onto the busses.” How was practice different at SOTA? Saulny commented, “There was a huge difference practicing there. There were a lot of distractions from other schools.” “We had to share the field with Balboa We had 50 yards, they had 50 yards,” Coach Luis said. “We weren’t hiding any of our plays though,” he added jokingly. Coach Carre added, “There was no equipment there. We were limited to the things we had.” But with the fields now open, the football team can train and practice better and harder than ever. No more difficulties and obstacles. Go Eagles!

Just Keep Running sible, but that’s what practice is for — to push your limits. Tang adds, “Practice isn’t really considered hard, Cross Country Runner PHOTO BY JEFFERY TANG but it is Jeffery Tang challengBy Vivian Cheng ing. To be become better as an individual, Staff Writer the team needs to push that t’s that time of the year individual and he or she needs again, when cross-country to push him or herself past the runners take out their runbreaking point.” ning shoes and start their A lot of people think that runtraining. You may be wondering, ning is about who wins, but this what exactly is cross-country? is not an individual sport and it’s Cross-country is a sport where not about the one runner who runners compete in a course finishes first. It is about the many over open or rough terrain; the runners who all push themselves courses used at these events may and each other to do their best. include grass, mud, woodlands, It’s a team sport; you need seven hills, and flat ground. The crossstrong runners to win a meet, not country team at George Washjust a strong number one. ington High School usually runs When asked about how he around Golden Gate Park and feels about the team this year, sometimes around Land’s End Tang says, “The team is very toand Park Presidio. gether and everyone fits in, even So how many miles do they the freshman and it’s the largest have to run during practice? Jefteam I’ve seen in the past three frey Tang, a senior at GWHS who years I’ve been on cross-counhas been on the cross-country try.” Tang also states that, “The team for three years, says, “Usuteam has a lot of potential but ally we run between 3-9 miles needs more motivation to push during practice, but since it’s still themselves and run harder. As pretty early in the season, we’ve the weeks pass, the team should been running 3-5 miles.” Most improve.” people would find that extremely difficult and maybe even impos

ENTERTAINMENT Volume V Issue I

All Hail Harry Potter!

The seventh book of the Harry Potter series enters movie theaters in November of 2010 and July of 2011

By Sam Castro Staff Writer

or almost a decade, the Harry Potter series has swept the minds of muggles everywhere. Although there are many people who have just recently boarded the Hogwart’s Express of the story’s fans, both old and new Potterheads are expressing their excitement towards the upcoming two-part film. Directed by David Yates, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is based on the novel written by

J.K. Rowling (cinematical.com). The seventh and final installment of the Harry Potter series will portray the main characters’ (Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermoine Granger) quest to locate and obliterate Lord Voldemort’s secret to immortality. The story will be split into two movies; Part I will be premiering on November 19th 2010, and Part II will release on July 15th, 2011. Producer David Heyman claims, “Unlike every other book, you can’t remove elements of this book… Deathly Hallows is so rich; the story is so dense and

there is so much resolved that we came to the conclusion that two parts were needed.” Not only is the cast and crew thrilled for the upcoming movie, but millions of fans are more than ready to step into ‘Platform 9 & 3/4’ as well. GWHS seniors Sirena Bevilacqua, Marlene Olmedo, and Kaitlyn Nonaka are among these Potterheads. “I’m excited to see what happens to Harry. I’ve been a fan since the first movie came out,” Nonaka says. Meanwhile, Olmedo shares that she’s excited to see “how old they will all look, and how much

“California Night Life” Dance Washington’s first dance of the school year is here! By Kathy Woo Editor-in-Chief

low sticks, neon, and all that’s glow-in-thedark will be emanated in this year’s “California Night Life” Homecoming Dance. The welcome back dance will be hosted in Washington’s Senior Court on Friday, October 1st, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Ticket prices are $8 with an ASB sticker, $10 for regular admission, and $12 for guests who also require a guest form faxed into Washington from his or her school. Washington has experienced difficulties in the past—primarily

government is making changes to ensure that students enjoy the first dance of the school year. Hopes for Dance Chair, Reika Kagami, plans for homecoming this PHOTO BY KATHY WOO year’s homecomin attendence—with homecoming dance includes diversity in ing dances, but the Associative attendance. “Usually the same Student Body (ASB), or student

“Gym Tan Laundry” Jersey Shore season two enters Miami By Ivan Huang Sports Editor

ym Tan Laundry” describes the lifestyle of the self proclaimed Guidoson Jersey Shore. Jersey Shore is a reality series that started on December 3rd, 2009. Season 2 of Jersey Shore premiered on July 29th, 2010, this time taking place in Miami. Eight people of Italian decent in their mid to late 20’s from the New Jersey area live in a house for the summer. Little did they know that the show would turn in to a hit, becoming the #1 cable telecast of 2010 from ages 12-34 demographics. What makes this show such a phenomenon is the personal-

ity of the cast. The cast features Mike “The Situation”, Pauly D, Vinny, Ronnie, Sammi, J-Woww, Snooki, and Angelina. They classify themselves as Guidos or Guidettes (Urban Italian Americans). “I like watching this show because it’s just very funny. They say and do funny things. It’s the same idea of when you slow down to watch a traffic accident; you can’t help but watch the carnage.” said English teacher Mr. Ryan Novack. Though the show is classified as a reality series, it’s liked by many because of its unintentional humor. “I think Jersey Shore is hilarious, the unique culture in the east coast and the fights make the show interesting.” said Senior Jonathan Chin.

Most of the humor comes from the fact that the men in the show are immense womanizers who create their own slang and abbreviations. For example, unattractive women are known as “grenades”, and “GFF” stands for Grenade Free Foundation. “It’s like watching aliens because it’s like they have their own language.” said Novack. Jersey Shore is such a variety show because it also contains a lot of drama in every episode. The cast members would get into so many fights in bars usually without having a reason. Senior Lana Shapiro said, “[I like the show] because it’s very entertaining, especially when the roommates argue about unnecessary drama.” Jersey Shore is on MTV every Thursday at 10 pm.

of the book they actually put in.” more detail.” Both students agree While Nonaka admits that she that splitting Harry Potter and has “only read the first book and the Deathly Hallows is a great figured it would be easier to just idea because they can cover watch the all the movies instead,” more details from Sirena Bevilacqua the book in the and Marlene movie. Olmedo express Whether your their greater love favorite charfor the books. acter is Ron, “I like the Hermoine, or Harry Potter books better because himself, I feel enter the like the wizarding characters world and are more Voldemort threatens to kill Harry Potter support wellPHOTO FROM jay-elx.blogspot.com the trio in defined the biggest than the movie,” Bevilacqua says. adventure they encounter of all Olmedo claims that by reading time. Mark your calendars beginthe books, it is “easier to use your ning November 15th, and prepare for the final epic storylines own imagination and vision the story the way you want it, with in the world of Harry Potter.

people attend the dances and ASB is hoping to mix it up a little and make the dances more enjoyable for the entire student body,” says ASB Dance Chair Reika Kagami. Kagami and her dance committee have been hard at work sine the beginning of the school year deciding on themes, selecting décor, booking DJs and venues, and calculating ticket prices as well as establishing and maintaining publicity for the dance. Kagami expresses her satisfaction of hosting the dance at the Senior Court by saying, “It gives Wash the opportunity to raise and save money so that ASB can invest in winter ball and other formal dances.” Students have also offered their advice for improving homecoming this year. Senior

Leanne Wu, who hasn’t attended any of the homecomings during her high school career says that she’d go to homecoming if food was provided. Senior Chris Hernandez, who has attended all the homecomings throughout his high school career, expressed his thoughts on homecoming over the past few years as “alright” and “Nothing to come home to and brag about. You feel me?” Chris has mentioned that he will be going to this year’s homecoming dance because it is his senior year. “Aside from the quality of the venues, some people don’t go to dances because the venues are sometimes far away. The long distance makes getting to the dances inconvenient for some people,” says junior Brian Woo.

VAPA Schedule

hroughout the year the Vapa department has performances and events by students to showcase their hard work and talent. With this calendar you’ll be able to know when to go and support your fellow classmates! Spring 2011 Fall 2010 Spring Play To Kill A Mockingbird --Thurs March 10 @ 3:00 pm (Fall Play): --Fri & Sat March 11 & 12 @ 7:30 --Thursday, 10/28 @ 3:00 pm --Fri & Sat March 18 & 19 @ 7:30 --Fri & Sat 10/29 & 30 @ 7:30 pm Eagle Star Search: --Fri & Sat 11/5 & 6 @ 7:30 pm – Fri & Sat April 15th & 16th @ 7:30 Fall Video Festival: Dance Concert: --Wed. Dec 1st @ 7:00 pm --Thurs & Fri April 28 & 29 @ 7:30 pm Winter Music Concert: --Sat April 30 @ 2:00 --Thurs. Dec. 2nd @ 7:00 pm Band Concert: -Thursday, May 5th @ 7:00 Holiday Assembly-12 Days of Choir Concert: Christmas: –Thursday, May 12 @ 7:00 pm – Fri. Dec 3rd - 5th per Spring Video Festival: -Mon, Tues & Wed May 16th 18th @ lunch

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VOLUME V, ISSUE I

FUN AND GAMES Sudoku

Ken-Ken By Sofya Gefter Lifestyles Editor

By Derek Ng Staff Writer

Word Search By Kristen Yee Staff Writer

Word Bank: Abstruse, acumen, audacity, curtail, didactic, egotistical, epitome, esoteric, extrapolated, foster, incoherence, irreverence, lucid, onerous, squalid, vociferous

Answers