The Hoofprint 2012 December

THE

hoofprint VOLUME 45 ISSUE 3

WALNUT HIGH SCHOOL www.whshoofprint.com

“We did pretty well [this concert], and we added Men’s Ensemble this year, which stole the show. Our choir program has grown so much. I hope we can make each year better as we go along.”

Photo by Janzen Alejo

-Angelica Tan, 11

2 table of contents

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the hoofprint

table of contents

news

opinion

feature

December 14, 2012

EDITORIAL The High School Highway Upperclassmen stick together.

Underclassmen stick together. These are the unspoken rules of high school.

But when it comes to marching band, wrestling, Photoshop or anything in between, opposites tend to meet.

While we don’t always see these inter-year connections, they better both sides. Upperclassmen have experience with high school and underclassmen, at times, need guidance.

Underclassmen, you’re going to have to make a lot of decisions in the coming years. Choosing the right sport and figuring when to take SRC are questions you’ll encounter high school. There’s probably an upperclassman who’s asked him or herself that same question. They know what they could’ve done better, what worked for them, and what you can learn from it. So don’t be afraid to ask; upperclassmen can help.

And upperclassmen, you have a responsibility. Maturity and experience come with age. You’re growing up, and that means taking on a duty to help others. When underclassmen ask you for your opinion, it’s your obligation to give an honest answer. You may not think that you have anything to offer, but your experience has led to perspective, and your perspective

can help an underclassman with a hard decision.

Moreover, you can be your own advice giver. The wrong decision made yesterday could help you make a better choice tomorrow, so reflect on your high school career. Should I have chosen different clubs, taken another year of Spanish? Answering these questions means understanding what worked and what didn’t, and preparing yourself for the decisions you haven’t made yet. These conclusions can do you as much good for a freshman or sophomore who needs your experience.

We’re not telling upperclassmen to just throw themselves at adviceseeking underclassmen. But there’s value in getting some help from people who might know a little more than you do. Upperclassmen-underclassmen relationships are common sights in organizations or sports or clubs, but we want to see these interactions in our Music Appreciation and our Digital Photography classes, where freshmen and seniors are often together, but rarely connected.

Be open to the prospect of talking to someone three years older or younger. By communicating, we can see better choices made and a better school community built.

MISSION STATEMENT We, the Hoofprint staff, strive to inform the student body in an accurate, timely and objective manner. While we take responsibility for the legitimacy of our reporting, we also recognize the freedom of the press and speech given to us under California Education Code 48907. We seek to reflect the diversity of the school and to be an open forum that encourages student expression and discussion. Through our coverage, we hope to represent the distinct character of the Walnut community.

in-depth

STAFF

arts

scene

sports

Staff Writers: Michael Aie, Andraes Arteaga, Jezebel Cardenas, Chantel Chan, Alison Chang, Crystal Chang, Michelle Chang, Cloris Chou, Anita Chuen, Jackson Deng, Avika Dua, Diane Fann, Samantha Gomes, Raytene Han, Kent Hsieh, Daniela Kim, Michelle Kim, Joyce Lam, Chase Lau, Jessica Lee, Doris Li, Rebecca Liaw, Jasmine Lin, Serena Lin, Susan Lin, Sarah Liu, Gabrielle Manuit, Ashlyn Montoya, Brandon Ng, Eunice Pang, Leonie Phoa, Caroline Shih, Agnes Shin, Angelina Tang, Varisa Tantiwasadakran, Lynze Tom, Deanna Trang, Terrence Tsou, Morgan Valdez, Derek Wan, Alexa Wong, Bryan Wong, Kevin Wu, Megan Wu, Kevin Yin, Aaron Yong, Yolanda Yu, Laura Zhang, Mary Zhang, Maxwell Zhu Editors-in-Chief: Jessica Kwok, Felix Lee, Elliot Park Managing Editor: Leonie Phoa Copy Editor: Karen Ou News Editors: Nathan Au-Yeung, Ashley Xu Opinion Editors: Jessica Wang, Ted Zhu Feature Editors: Jefferey Huang, Amy Lee, Belle Sun Arts Editors: Janzen Alejo, Tiffany Diep

CONTACT

Business Information For all ad and business inquiries, please email whshoofprint.business@gmail.com.

Scene Editor: Candee Yuan Sports Editors: Michael Hyun, Spencer Wu Business Manager: Leon Ho Photo Editor: Frank Lin Tech Team Leader: Alvin Wan Tech Team Editors: Leon Ho, Jackie Sotoodeh, Jessica You Adviser: Rebecca Chai

Walnut High School 400 N. Pierre Rd. Walnut, CA 91789 (909) 594-1333 Extension 34251

December 14, 2012

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the hoofprint

news 3

FBLA, ECGA members attend social Key Club members FBLA and ECGA attended a social during which they learned about environmental issues from the film “The Lorax” and listened to a speaker.

serve the elderly

Leon Ho Business manager

Key Club assisted the elderly at a retirement center after originally planning to wrap presents.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Environmental Care and Global Awareness (ECGA) held a social on Friday, Dec. 7, to allow members of both clubs to network with one another. In addition to watching the movie “The Lorax,” the members were introduced to a special guest, California FBLA State President Cameron Khansarinia.

Officers from the FBLA board hoped that this event would let the members feel more involved in the club, as well as get them to understand what being a FBLA member means.

“We were hoping that this social would provide a medium for the officers and members to communicate with each other,” FBLA president senior Ashley Soong said. “The FBLA State President came to visit us, and it was really helpful for him to be there because both members and officers were able to gain more insight about FBLA.” Although it is a different type of club from FBLA, the ECGA board also wants its members to be more interactive while learning about environmental concerns.

“We really wanted to give our

Mary Zhang Staff writer

PHOTO BY FRANK LIN

SOCIALITE: California FBLA State President Cameron Khansarinia speaks to listeners about the individual and chapter projects of FBLA. club members a chance to interact with each other in a fun and relaxing way while also achieving our club’s goal of promoting eco-friendliness,” ECGA co-president senior Nikita Sarwar said. “The movie showed the members how easy it is to be apathetic about environmental issues such as deforestation, and how important it is for each of us to take action to prevent these problems from growing more serious.”

Both clubs have been collaborating more with each other at volunteer services and activities, such as this social.

“This social was to encourage members to be more involved with the environment along with FBLA doing the Goes Green project,” ECGA cabinet member junior Tiffany Chen said. “This social was just one of the many events that will happen this year.” Ω

Key Club volunteers participated in serving residents of Emeritus at Villa Colima on Saturday, Dec. 8. The event originally involved wrapping Christmas presents in a retirement center, but last minute changes called for volunteers to serve the elderly.

“I was happy with the change in plans. Being able to talk and help the seniors was very memorable,” sophomore Cindy Huang said. “We played bingo with some residents, and they were all having a great time.

I felt accomplished helping take care of them and making them smile.”

Students worked with residents from the Alzheimer’s unit and kept them company while assisting them in rounds of bingo.

“I chose to pair up with a friendly woman who smiled at me first when I was looking for someone to help. She constantly forgot she was playing the game and would always fall asleep momentarily, but when she woke up I would always begin where she left off,” sophomore Ruth Chen said.

“They made me realize what their loved ones must do to provide them comfort and it taught me to always keep trying.”

Members worked with other Key Club members from the D35E district and met students from Bonita, Diamond Barz and South Hills.

“It was fun working with people from other schools. I got to meet a lot of fellow volunteers from other schools and they were all very nice,” senior Hussam Nassman said. “It was great to interact with a lot of different people and know more of the students in our division, besides the ones from our school.”

The experience of helping elderly residents left a positive impact on students.

“I learned that giving back to the community always has a sweet, special feel to it and just giving a few hours of your time can really make a difference,” sophomore Ruth Chen said. “Helping out the seniors play bingo required patience and enthusiasm, but the smiles on their faces always made the whole experience worthwhile.” Ω

4 news

Simple Faith holds annual Gospel Rally

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the hoofprint

December 14, 2012

The Gospel Rally featured three speakers and games to share Christian faith among students.

Megan Wu Staff writer Simple Faith’s annual rally week was held from Dec. 2 - 7 in the multi-purpose room. The event was aimed at spreading the gospel while allowing attendees to socialize “It’s been an annual thing because Simple Faith has been working with a group called California School Projects since 2011,” senior Grace Woo said. “It’s run by college students from APU and Biola, and they help mentor local Christian clubs in developing their own outreach.”

On Monday, students introduced themselves and played interactive games.

“We tried to do this before we got into all the preaching,” sophomore Jenny Yoo said. “We tried to break the ice and bond, and get to know each other.”

Sermons were given by senior E.J. Cabasal and two guest speakers, who spoke about marital, family and spiritual relationships.

“Our adviser, Mr. Bosanko, brought up the problem having a need

for true love, so we based our theme off of that, and how only God can fulfill the void in our hearts,” Woo said. “It was good that we could have speakers talk about things relevant to high schoolers.”

Though the attendance turnout proved to be fewer than previous years, the smaller number of people created a more comfortable environment for some.

“I think that a smaller group was better in that it was more intimate and we got know each other more easily,” Woo said. “It was a lot lower in attendance, but I think in the past a lot of the attendances were from Simple Faith. I think this year, a lot of non-believers were attending.”

Despite the low number of attendees, the rally succeeded in spreading its message of love.

“It reminded me of the types of love there are out there and how God’s love is the strongest,” sophomore Claire Atanacio said. “I recently went to a wedding, and it reminded me of God’s love and the rally did as well.

It gave me advice about how to love and pick the right person in life.” Ω

PHOTOS BY FRANK LIN

MR. ROBOTO (FROM LEFT): Sophomore Bobbie Chen examines the wiring underneath the robot. // Sophomore Kelly Seto untangles the wiring to prevent damage and future potential problems to the robot.

Robotics prepares for first competition Students prepare to compete in the team’s first ever competition in the First Tech Challenge, pitting their robot, Sheldon I, against other teams’ robots.

Frank Lin Photo editor The Awkward Turtle, Walnut’s robotics team, will participate in the First Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics competition on Saturday, Dec. 15.

This year will be the first year this team will compete at FTC. If the team passes either this qualifier or the second qualifier later in January, it will have the chance to compete at the Championship Tournament.

“I feel that we might be at a disadvantage because nobody really has any experience with this. The rules seem slightly unclear about what we can do or can’t do. Because we’re the first team at Walnut, we

don’t have anything to go off of,” senior Matthew Diep said.

The competition, called the Ring It Up challenge, transports rings to pegs one feet, two feet, or three feet off the ground. The competition pits robots against each other to compete for the most number of rings successfully moved onto the structure.

“It’s been really satisfying watching our first robot come together, piece by piece, and seeing the team work together to solve issues and make progress,” sophomore James Li said.

While building the robot, the team encountered many design, construction and programming problems, but the members remain optimistic.

“We ran into more problems than

we had anticipated for. That’s part of the challenge - learning how to adapt to new problems that come your way,” senior David Cao said. “If you view them as learning experiences, you find the best way to think about things and deal with them.”

The team hopes to learn from its first competition and receive feedback and tips that will allow it to continue improving its robot for the next competition. Through competing, the members also seek to leave favorable impressions.

“As a novice team, we may not be the most important or the most skilled, but we will establish a reputation, and hopefully this reputation will grow as we grow over time,” Li said. Ω

Key Club organizes Canned Food Drive Students donated 5,335 cans on Saturday, Dec. 8 at Ken Gunn Stadium and Key Club will be holding its last collection day the next Saturday.

Jackson Deng Staff writer Key Club held its annual canned food drive fundraiser on Dec. 8 and 15 from 9 - 12 a.m. in the north end of the stadium to donate to the Insan Foundation, a humanitarian organization that aids the destitute.

This year, the collection process changed to decrease class interruptions, with students bringing their cans straight to the stadium unlike previous years.

“It’s easier when students bring it in to their teachers. It’ll save a lot of time for teachers, but kids don’t like waking up early on Saturday and going to school,” vice president senior Morgan Lee said.

With the new collection method, fewer teachers are offering extra credit this time, taking away an incentive that has attracted donors.

“I still donate for points,” junior Conrad Tseng said, “but I also feel

PHOTO BY MICHAEL HYUN

YES WE CAN: In the weight training room under the Ken Gunn stadium, senior Tiffany Liem sorts through many bags and boxes of donated cans. like I should help the poor. I went to a “We have to provide an mission a few months ago to visit the experience of active service, not homeless and I was touched by how just for the points,” cabinet member, lucky I was for my luxurious lifestyle sophomore Brian Hyun said. “Our compared to theirs.” main goal is to collect enough cans, Through the canned food drive, but our long-term goal is to provide Key Club hopes to aid and provide food for the needy and let them eat food for the needy. every day.” Ω

December 14, 2012

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the hoofprint

Hear ye, hear ye The typical high school student today has little to no interest in old literature. However, no one is completely at fault for this disinterest.

opinion 5

PARK’S PLACE Having to abandon a dream does not mean we have come to the end. As the saying goes, when one door closes, another one opens.

Elliot Park Editor-inChief

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY AMY LEE

Alvin Wan Tech leader The general consensus in school is that old literature is difficult to understand. It might as well be in Latin, written by a foreigner, timeworn and covered in soot. Here’s a point to deaden the excitement; old literature is all that and nothing more.

Old literature was not written for the 21st-century, technology-plagued, never-want-to-be-here student.

Yet, when considering the intended audience, we can easily realize the ancient prose’s hidden potential. The message is indeed embedded in the text, only it’s uncovered for the wrong eyes, for impatient eyes accustomed to single-line notifications and 140 character tweets. This difference in length and level of sophistication is the root of the problem, just as important as the difference between the audience, and the audience it’s tailored to.

The success of education in the ancient arts lies heavily with this audience. Seeing as the text is readily available, it is up to the readership to challenge itself, translating Old English to English, Latin to the vernacular, and then frustration into four-letter buzz. News flash: according to its own whims and fancies, the majority of the student body could do without more thinking

than necessary. For most students, age obscures the meaning of the masterpiece, and for others, age obscures the words themselves.

There is an underlying issue to the story. By nature, old literature is irrelevant. So naturally, it must be useless. On the other hand, maybe old literature has simply been handed to the wrong set of eyes. Disinterest leads to frustration, which in turn leads to more disinterest. This vicious

“The message is embedded in the text, only it’s uncovered for impatient eyes accustomed to 140 character tweets.” cycle does not necessarily mean a far-fetched solution is needed. It continues only as long as students and teachers allow it to. The student, forced to consider an idea, refuses to analyze what requires more work to bear fruit.

This cycle is egged on by the classic head-on-head charge that borders on disaster if neither side gives in. Between student and teacher, one must first think outside the cycle to end it. Without this break, book after book will continue to plague the teen analyst. Willpower alone is enough

to break the cycle, but without it in a willing student body, it only spins faster.

Students need to start thinking and turning four-letter words into four-paragraph analysis, and what’s most important here is not the quality, but rather the willingness. Given that modern teenage minds process bits of information in bursts at a time, it’s time to sit down with one larger block of information burst and nibble at it slowly.

Conversely, there is an alternative. Old literature part of the curriculum of most English classes, but new literature can serve just the same purpose. There is an argument for challenging the student mind, but is there any point to egging on an obviously unworkable cycle? There is certainly not, and on the same note, obstacles are similarly present in modern literature. The work factor is still present, only the message is far more relevant and definitely easier to perceive, and this ease is not due to a lack of challenge but rather to a relatability with the audience.

I am a student and I write. I speak.

Therefore, I have a message, and it is for you to think. Most students would do otherwise, instead idling to their heart’s content. I give you that many are self-proclaimed critical thinkers, but if I’d written this argument in Latin, Capitalized every Other word Like this, and used language thou shalt not comprehend, would you have even read this far? Ω

Let me tell you about Kyle.

Kyle’s a beast when it comes to gaming. And I don’t use the term “beast” lightly. He’s a Call of Duty player, and I can’t think of anyone near his level.

As soon as a bad dude comes within Kyle’s line of sight in a Team Deathmatch, bam, he’s gone, no chance.

And he loved it. He loved the competition. He loved playing against the best. He loved winning, but above anything else, he loved gaming. But as good as Kyle was, he always ended up losing his spot on the Call of Duty team he was playing for.

Why? Not because he lost his touch; he just had school or got grounded. Consistency was pretty much impossible for him. Competitive teams needed players that could play all day and everyday, so they always had to let him go or he always had to leave.

And at some point, Kyle was tired of working his way to the top then losing his spot, so he stopped. He didn’t give up, though. He’s the last guy I’d expect to give up on gaming.

He was just fed up. He wanted to play with the best; his passion was to be one of them. But he had to retire a little early. Ultimately, he didn’t have hours and hours to dedicate to CoD. He was always so close to where he wanted to be, but always lost his spot and had to start over.

build a record, make a name for himself, and then had to start over, again.

The moment I saw that he was leaving gaming, I felt sad.

Here’s a guy who you knew loved something, dedicated himself to it, but had to give up the dream. No Major League Gaming circuit, no chance to play with the big shots, just a lot of junk feelings.

I think everybody’s had a passion that they’ve had to give up at one point. I think today, we’re bombarded by the “follow our dreams” speech.

But you’re not always going to be the same you. If there’s anything high school’s taught me, it’s that things about you change all the time. The way you look, the time you wake up, the number of days you go without taking a shower, etc.

And if you’re changing, then your dreams are probably changing too. So have a passion and follow it, but remember that it, like anything else about you, can change and probably will.

Conan O’Brien once said, “Your path at 22 will not necessarily be your path at 32 or 42. One’s dream is constantly evolving, rising and falling, changing course.”

And I think that sums it up pretty well. It sucks that at this moment in time, Kyle has to give up his dream. It sucks that any of us might have to give up the dreams we have.

But losing a dream isn’t about giving up on your passion.

Losing a dream is just making room for another one, and probably a better one, too. Ω

PUBLISH YOUR OPINION/PROVIDE FEEDBACK: 1.

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Type a full-length reply to a particular article or situation on campus and email to whshoofprint@gmail.com.

Include your name, grade, first period class, and phone number. (Anonymous letters will not be published.)

You can also directly email this issue’s opinion writers: Alvin Wan (alvinwan1@gmail.com), Elliot Park (elliot. whs@gmail.com), Rebecca Liaw (rebeccaliaw13@ gmail.com), Maxwell Zhu (maxwellzhu@gmail.com)

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6 opinion

December 14, 2012

It’s not as easy as it sounds Setting New Year’s resolutions is a common tradition. While these resolutions are made out of good intention, they are typically unsuccessful. Of course, this is due to lack of commitment, but this is not the only reason behind their failure.

Rebecca Liaw Staff writer January 2 – the Christmas lights have been stowed away, the confetti is being swept from Times Square and millions of Americans are breaking their New Year’s Resolutions as they reach for a leftover holiday cookie, watch a few hours of television, or neglect their friends and family for the magical allure of video games, social networking, and smart phones.

And there lie the problems with New Year’s resolutions – despite all the optimism you might have had in the dying days of last year, a resolution is extremely difficult to keep when the holiday season is over and you’re back in the daily grind.

Many people don’t realize that a New Year’s resolution is a long time effort, not just an end of the year whim. Especially since some of the more popular resolutions – get fit, spend more time with family and friends, spend less time on Facebook,

watching TV, playing video games, etc. – necessitate entire lifestyle changes. Making time to actually change your life isn’t exactly an easy task and it isn’t even exclusive to the month of January. The name “New Year’s resolutions” is misleading because to actually succeed and reach a goal, you’re going to need a lot more than the first frosty days of the New Year. In any case, “Don’t give up” should be added to any resolution because, if nothing else, perseverance is the bond that brings everything together.

New Year’s resolutions often feel impossible – that’s because they are impossible. Get better grades, beat a sports record, read more books – from the get go, many resolutions sound daunting and insanely difficult.

When you only have one huge New Year’s resolution it’s easy to lose sight of your goal, forgetting that a simply worded resolution encompasses and is built upon a whole slew of smaller, actually reachable goals.

These smaller goals are a necessary foundation achieve success. We shouldn’t be asking our friends about

their single New Year’s resolution; we should be asking about the numerous goals they have and their progress.

New Year’s resolutions by nature don’t suggest progress. Individuals goals do.

Suddenly, winter has turned into spring and hundreds of New Year’s resolutions have been cast aside. But the beauty of goal setting is that you don’t need the label of a New Year

to move forward and work for your goals. Resolutions don’t need to be confined to the New Year because we make small choices to better or worsen our lives every single day.

You could drive to the store or take your bike; you could study for a test or watch television. Committing to a mid-year resolution is just as difficult, but equally as rewarding.

New Year’s resolutions are often

made with good intentions and a strong, sudden burst of willpower.

But when it comes down to the line and the next New Year, you need more than mere intention and will for success. Strong perseverance, a healthy sense of realism, and the necessary audacity to move on after mistakes are made and are necessary.

After all, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Ω

Q&A: What do you think of New Years’ resolutions?

COMPILED BY LEON HO

“People should set their New Year’s Resolutions they know they could do. If they’re too hard, they’re easier to give up on.”

- Emilio Triguero, 9

“They help you understand what you want to achieve. I think they’re good for some people, but only if they’re really dedicated to them.”

-Jeffrey Zhang, 10

“I think it’s good to follow through with New Year’s resolutions by baby steps. I try not to change too much, but do little things like making better relationships.”

- Alexis Pollerana, 11

“I think resolutions are just for fun, and most people don’t tend to take them very seriously, because it’s just a New Year tradition and a way of being in the holiday spirit.”

- Ty’Jalayah Robertson, 12

Procrastinate with purpose Most of the time, procrastinating is not something to be proud of. Contrary to popular belief, however, putting something off for later doesn’t necessarily mean that nothing good comes out of it. There are plenty of benefits to procrastination.

Maxwell Zhu Staff writer

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY MARY ZHANG

Procrastination.

We all know what it is: starting that English essay, assigned a week ago, at 1 a.m. Sunday night. Drawing those cosine graphs in the car on the way to school. Flipping open your history textbook during lunch to cram for a test in 6th period. Most of us are guilty of it. The working at the last minute thing happens pretty often, to the point that many students have developed this unhealthy habit of putting things off until later.

Procrastination is considered a big no-no by most people, but its consequences all depend on whether you see that its good or bad. Quite often, we only see procrastination as a detrimental thing, and the benefits go overlooked.

One merit of procrastination is rest, something that allows us to function better in class and complete our work more efficiently. It’s true that if homework is simply finished earlier, the burden of dealing with it later wouldn’t exist. However, putting it off and getting some sleep to function in class is preferable to

half-heartedly completing work and wasting time and energy in the process.

Between the two options, either sleep is lost or homework remains incomplete, sleep would be the more popular (and reasonable) choice.

When we actually start to procrastinate, when it’s down to the last hour before the bell rings, the pressure typically sets in. We’re being

“The truth is, there are a few benefits that we glean from procrastinating that have always been there.” handed an ultimatum: either finish this, or deal with the consequences.

Instead of checking Facebook every five seconds, you check every five minutes, since that English presentation isn’t completing itself.

Gradually, the pressure of working in crunch time becomes familiar, and efficiency becomes second nature.

While we may only be in high school right now, we’re going to have to deal with this in the real world,

by

making practice opportunities like this even more important. So when the boss comes over and says to you that you need to have that report done in twenty minutes, you’ll be ready.

While it may seem rather paradoxical that procrastination has tmerits, the fact is that it does help us prepare for a real world setting. The experience we gain allows us to deal with what we are bound to face in the future.

What concerns most people a little more, however, are the immediate benefits. When you cram one period before that quiz, you probably remember the information much more clearly than if you had studied it last night. And when the goal is all about getting the best grades, procrastinations helps ensure you study better for tests, albeit you don’t learn anything in the long run.

I’m not encouraging you to play Xbox or to watch Netflix and stop doing homework. The point is, old habits are hard to break, and procrastination is one of them. This isn’t a habit we should develop, but the truth is there are a few benefits that we glean from procrastinating that have always been there. So next time just remember: whether it helps you or hurts you all depends on what light you view it in.

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December 14, 2012

feature 7

Keeping craftsmanship alive These two students express themselves through art mediums other than the usual pencil and paint.

The origami artist: 1,000 paper cranes

Junior Danielle Larracas’ thousands of unique hand-made paper cranes help her wishes come true.

PHOTO BY AMY LEE

I FOLD YOU SO: Junior Danielle Larracas folds another paper crane for her expanding collection, which she hopes will break the world record.

Terrence Tsou Staff writer While many fantasize of becoming famous, fame could easily become a reality for junior Danielle Larracas, who has been an avid origami crane folder since fifth grade. Larracas has 24,000 pairs of wings flying her toward her dream of breaking the world record of 200,000 paper cranes.

After her aunt first introduced

her to folding cranes, a nun from Larracas’ Catholic school inspired her to fold cranes as a hobby.

“She showed me the record for the number of cranes made on The Guinness Book of World Records,” Larracas said. “At first I thought the nun was crazy because I didn’t think I could do it, but then I started to make them and I got hooked and inspired. I thought maybe I could be different [from others] for once.”

Larracas’ interest in her hobby

grew when she discovered an ancient Japanese legend.

“I researched the legend and found that for every time you make 1,000, you get a free wish. Most of mine came true,” Larracas said. “It feels great because I didn’t think they would but when they did, it surprised me. It shows it’s not a lie, and it motivates me to make more.”

After folding paper cranes for a while, Larracas found new ways to express herself and began creating her cranes with other materials.

“Because sometimes folding them out of paper is boring, I fold origami out of gum and candy wrappers,” Larracus said. “I try to make every crane different. I like seeing each one being different because I believe that originality is a big key in life, so I apply that to my cranes too. Sometimes, I get white paper, and my brother and I scribble on it, and when I cut it out to make a crane, it all looks different.”

For Larracas, every paper used in her collection of cranes possesses its own meaning.

“Each paper represents something. Usually gum wrappers come from my brother, so they

represent my brother, and candy represents happiness because after I use the wrapper, I eat the candy,” Larracas said.

Larracas’ new unique medium for creating cranes reflects her desire to stand out from the crowd.

“I feel that folding each paper crane, either different by color, material paper, or looking similar to others, reflects on myself,” Larracas said. “I like being different from others because I get to show my own talent and things that I’m good at.

Therefore, I fold my cranes, as if with different personalities, to symbolize that being different is okay. It’s a way to express yourself.”

Hoping to at least obtain the record within her lifetime, Larracas squeezes in time for crane folding whenever she can “It lets everyone know that nothing is impossible; it proves to myself that I’m not insane and that through all my hard work, there’s always a good outcome,” Larracas said. “I just tell my family, ‘Just watch and wait, I’ll prove myself and you’ll regret it.’ I want to show off my talent because if I’m good at it, why not?” Ω

for a cure

The sewing artist:

Senior Sharon Wu sews her own characters to life through plush dolls and pillows to help save lives.

Michelle Chang Staff writer

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF SHARON WU

There is a land filled with scenic green hills and lush green trees. Birds roam the skies. Plush dolls gleefully play with each other. Soft pillows are laid for cozy naps. Key chains with cute faces smile or wink at each other.

This is miCreatures.com, a nonprofit online store started by senior Sharon Wu, who sells her handmade plush dolls, pillows and keychains to raise funds for children with leukemia.

“Sewing and making these dolls started out as my own hobby. It was just something that I enjoyed doing in my free time. I made a doll for my sister, and then I started making dolls for my friends as Christmas gifts,” Wu said. “Pretty soon, a lot of my friends were asking me if they could buy some from me because they thought the dolls were so cute. I still think it’s really cool that people are actually willing to buy something that I make.”

Seeking a way to meet the needs of her new customers, Wu created her own website, miCreatures.com.

“I started miCreatures.com

because it was just a lot easier to sell my dolls and pillows through a website. It was much more organized and easier to manage,” Wu said. “I still think it’s really cool that people are willing to buy something that I make. All the time and effort I put into making the dolls eventually pays off, [because] they actually end up in someone else’s home. Hopefully, people will also recognize the effort that was put into each doll.”

Wu gives specific characters on the website different names like Nom Nom, Swingle, and Bean to help her customers identify with the different dolls more easily.

“The inspiration for the names actually come from a lot of random places. For Swingle, my sister and I were sitting in a restaurant for dinner and we randomly came up with the name. Nom Nom is actually a name one of my friends named the doll I made her, and Bean just looked like a bean to me,” Wu said.

All proceeds from the items Wu make go to Operation Bluebird, an organization started by senior Molly Yee with some help from Wu. Operation Bluebird donates all proceeds to various charities that focus on leukemia research.

PHOTO BY MEGAN WU

STITCH BY STITCH: Senior Sharon Wu traces patterns onto the fabric that will be pieced together into a pillow of one of her main characters.

“I do love helping others, and leukemia is just one of many places where the money from this project can go. The motto for Operation Bluebird is ‘happiness.’ I know there are many people suffering from leukemia and I want to make a difference and to be able to help some of the patients,” Wu said.

Although making the dolls is time consuming, Wu is motivated by her desire to help those in need.

“I’m going to let this project kind of run on its own and I’ll see how big or successful it can be. It’s really rewarding to know that something I did completely on my own time is going to help someone who is battling cancer,” Wu said. “Knowing that all the time spent on scraping together the money from miCreatures might actually make a difference in at least one person’s life is a pretty good feeling.” Ω

8 in-depth

VOLUME 45, ISSUE 3

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the hoofprint

December 14 2012

Working hard or hardly working?

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the hoofprint

10 feature

December 14, 2012

There are two sides to every story Senior Megan Hustana dedicates her time twice a week to teach her students at her synagogue to help them learn different topics.

TEACHING forSUCCESS Outside of the classroom, these students make it a point to help out other people with their school work.

COMPILED BY ALISON CHANG AND MICHELLE CHANG

“Knowing that you’re helping shape the future of a child is pretty rewarding in itself. I feel really helpful, because I’m not just helping a child, but the community and potentially something bigger.”

- Jay Tesoro, 12 Kumon “Tutoring allows other people to be able to succeed. People who need help can learn and get a more focused education, because it’s one-to-one.

- Timothy Yeung, 10 Student tutor “I really like working with kids, seeing them learn and what interests them. It amazes me how they’re always so full of life.”

- Erica Lardizabal, 12 School Connection

Jefferey Huang Feature editor A slight Wednesday afternoon breeze blows outside as a group of 7th graders play a game together. But as the bell rings, they file inside and gather around their teacher, getting ready to listen to her teach today’s lesson. But this isn’t a middle school lunch recess, and she’s not a regular teacher.

Ever since her own bat mitzvah five years ago, senior Megan Hustana has been teaching at Temple Beth Israel, preparing 7th graders for their bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs while also teaching them Jewish history.

“Sometimes the kids are hyper and they think that they know everything, but it helps me stay connected to my Jewish community and gives me people to connect with,” Hustana said. “Helping out and teaching there has helped me create really good bonds at my synagogue.”

Despite being in her final year of high school, Hustana finds the time to teach from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesdays and 9 a.m. - noon on Sundays every week.

“It’s tough because I only get a one day weekend, which is pretty much just Saturday. I don’t have a sixth period either so instead of going out I have to get ready for work on Wednesdays,” Hustana said. “I do have to make sacrifices, but I’d rather have more experience working with

A different type of

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN HUSTANA

NO KIDDING AROUND: Senior Megan Hustana (2nd from left) smiles with some of the kids after donating bags of canned food to a local food pantry.

kids and teaching them.”

Hustana volunteered her time as a teacher’s helper until her freshman year, when she began getting paid as an assistant teacher at her synagogue.

“After my own bat mitzvah, I just continued being involved as a teacher’s helper and they really liked my ability to work with the kids,” Hustana said. “My boss noticed I did a lot of the teaching and saw that I was more committed than other people and that I was really dedicated to helping out.”

The activities Hustana prepares for the students range from games and projects to prayers and service; but she enjoys working with them on certain activities more than others.

“I like working with them on Hebrew prayers because not a lot of

people know Hebrew so it’s really fun to practice my Hebrew with them,” Hustana said.

As a student at school and as a teacher at her synagogue, Hustana gets a better feel for her own learning experience.

“It’s a really good experience for me because I’m usually on the student side at school and it flips and I’m on the teacher side there so I know how what it’s like to work with students,” Hustana said.

Above all, Hustana feels teaching not only provides her with experience, but also keeps her rooted.

“It really helps me stay connected to the Jewish community, especially because there are almost no Jewish people around,” Hustana said. “It’s a place where I’m around people whom I have a commonality with.” Ω

vation

The health clerk not only uses her passion for motorcycles to go to demo shows, but also to support a cause dear to her own heart.

Angelina Tang Staff writer

Harley-Davidson.

“I’ll admit, I laughed when I heard about motorcycles and the While many only hope to pass demo shows,” McAnally-Cuelho their license test to drive a car, health said. “They seemed crazy to me back clerk Donna McAnally-Cuelho drives then.” a car and a prototype three-wheeled After buying Harley, McAnallymotorcycle.

Cuelho decided to buy a motorcycle Although McAnally-Cuelho from Bombardier Recreational initially started with a car, she soon Products. The canary yellow Can-am became interested in motorcycles Spyder Roadster was one of the 2500 by attending bike shows and prototypes from Quebec, Canada competitions in the area. Every time coming into the U.S. she visited, McAnally-Cuelho did “I wanted to receive the very simulations and test runs on bikes first shipment and I did,” McAnally provided. After five years, she finally -Cuelho said. “It was very exciting caved in and bought her first bike, a because Jay Leno got the first bike of this kind in America, while I received bike number 133. As soon as I received it, two brothers Surprise your friend or special someone on Valentine’s from a bike vendor Day by putting a special message and/or photo in our offered to help me build Valentine’s issue! up my exhaust pipes, so we basically remodeled Purchase a 2.5 in. x 2 in. space the entire engine. I for $20 in the next issue now! made the exhaust a double cylinder because Contact whshoofprint.business@gmail.com to reserve I wanted to be seen and a space before January 29. heard. That’s my favorite First come first serve! thing about riding a cycle; everyone stares

You could have THIS space!

when I ride past.”

Because of her passion, Bombardier Recreational Products lent her a gas card, a Nikon camera set, leather jackets and gear, helmets, and another motorcycle for twelve weeks so that she could promote motorcycle riding and the company. McAnallyCuelho also became a volunteer at the annual International Motorcycle Show at Long Beach.

Additionally, McAnally-Cuelho has participated in motorcycle shows herself and has even won prizes.

“I competed in the Malcolm Sports Motorcycle demo ride and got 3rd place,” McAnally-Cuelho said. “I won a free helmet, and afterwards I was s o happy I chromed my wheels.”

W h i l e McAnallyCuelho enjoys riding a

motorcycle, her friends are a little more doubtful.

“When I tell my friends I ride a three-wheeled motorcycle, they can’t believe it,” McAnally-Cuelho said. “They never can. It’s neat to be a part of something that’s really new technology. I feel like I’m on the ground floor with everyone else.”

Through her motorcycle riding and Facebook, McAnally-Cuelho has become involved in a new project for a Prisoner of War. The soldier, 29year-old Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, was captured while in Afghanistan and has been missing in action for more than three years.

“I feel very strongly for this cause and am trying my best to spread word about this. Bowe’s sacrifice should be a top priority in government,” McAnally-Cuelho said. “As a response to all this, I’ve helped hand out o v e r 7 0 0 0 yellow

Support Bowe wristbands, pamphlets, and business cards at the motor shows and dealerships I visit.

I’m hoping to raise awareness for his and his family’s struggles. Each wristband I sell is another dollar I donate to Bowe’s grandmother [and his family].”

She also organized a tribute ride for Bowe in mid-November, again hoping that a public event would draw attention.

“I had imagined it to be a small event, but over forty bikes turned up,” McAnally-Cuelho said. “I was amazed, and saddened at the same time. I believe in the policy of having no man left behind. I’ve contacted the Senate, hoping for anything that can help this young man’s family, and my car is filled with bumper stickers for Bowe.”

Through her passion and hobby, she has managed to make motorcycle riding a central part of her life.

“I love it when you’re riding a motorcycle,” McAnally-Cuelho said.

“It’s very hard to explain if you’ve never ridden one, but it gives me a huge sense of freedom. The ride completely clears your head. I call it my riding-therapy.” Ω

Ω

Winter Wishes the hoofprint

December 14, 2012

arts 11

IN PHOTOS

PHOTOS BY ASHLYN MONTOYA AND KEVIN YIN

GREATEST TIME OF YEAR (CLOCKWISE): Smiling brightly, seniors Joseph Campos and Ashley Basilio, juniors Amberly Hsieh and Bryan Ko and sophomores

Rebecca Arroyo-Cisneros and Danielle Larracas playfully reenact their version

Dance gives its wishes In their annual Winter Wishes, Dance Team and the Advanced Dance convey their holiday spirit.

Chantel Chan Staff writer Dance Team and Advanced Dance performed together at Winter Wishes on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 29-30. The proceeds went to funding the WHS Dance Department.

“I’ve never performed in a concert before. Although it was really nerve-wracking at first, I felt like, I did my best,” Advanced Dance member junior Tiffany Sowles said.

“I really enjoyed dancing on stage.”

For those who had a background in performing, though, the event added to their experience.

“I wasn’t feeling very nervous before the show because I’m used to performing for crowds. I dance on a daily basis, so it was just a normal thing for me,” Advanced Dance member senior Joseph Campos said.

The dances this year all embody the holiday spirit and have themes such as optimism, resilience, celebration and cheerfulness.

“This year is definitely different because the dances are more cheerful compared to the emotional ones from last year,” Dance Team and Advanced Dance member senior Denise Pai said.

Each student submitted a wish he or she wanted to portray to the

audience and those whose wishes were chosen by Coach Jenny Tomlin were given the chance to choreograph a dance.

“I really enjoyed having the opportunity to choreograph my own piece. I haven’t had much experience as a choreographer and it was difficult, but I felt that I had a really good experience,” Dance Team member sophomore Hillary Tang said.

To prepare for this event, the performers practiced during class, and sometimes held extra rehearsal outside of school.

“Practice was stressful because we were all trying to learn the dances and make sure every move was correct. At the same time, though, we all came together as a team to make sure every piece looked good,” Pai said. “For the student-choreographed dances, everyone helped each other out in coming up with the movements to integrate into the entire piece.”

The students from both classes had a chance to watch one another’s performance for the first time during tech rehearsal.

“I enjoyed watching the dances by other students because they were really good,” Campos said. “It was nice to see their performances because we all came together for the same thing, which is dance.” Ω

Band parades in Covina For the first time in 20 years, Band and Color Guard performs in the Covina Christmas Parade, with both receiving third place in competition.

Angelina Tang Staff writer Marching Band and Color Guard participated in the Covina Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 1. Since the event was also a competition march that included a band review, the band performed its competition routine of “Fairest of the Fair” and then played “Here Comes Santa Claus” throughout the rest of the parade.

One of the biggest differences between this competition and others was that the band had to play two different songs throughout the parade instead of just one. Another difference was that there was a change in the line up.

“This event made me love band even more because the piccolos got to march in the front,” piccolo player sophomore Katherine Lu said. “Since flutes and piccolos are usually the last section in the parade, I felt like I became a lot closer to some of the older and newer members in band with this change.”

Although the band has not competed in this event for over 20 years, they decided to participate this year. They started by performing for a judging panel in a closed area before moving on to the actual parade and interacting with the crowd.

“I think parades are really fun because you get to march through the street and have people cheer for you and just have the feeling that your music is entertaining them,” trombone player senior Stella Moran said. “It was pretty fun even though it rained. I was excited in this parade because our songs are always crowd pleasers.”

The band placed third in Division

“The whole thing gets you into a holiday and Christmas spirit, and the atmosphere helped us deliver a stronger performance.”

- Lorraine Blas De Vera, 12 A with a score of 88.50 out of 100, while Color Guard placed third in Auxiliary with a score of 69.50 out of 100. Color Guard’s choreography was different this year because it performed its field show number, “76 trombones,” instead of “The Fight Song” routine.

“We care more about how we

deliver our performance and how the crowd feels rather than winning 1st place right off the bat,” trumpet player sophomore Jackie Gonzalez said. “We do work really hard and it pays off really well. We also pick music that everyone can have a good time with.”

To get into the festive mood, Color Guard used finger lights while Band decorated their instruments with lights, tinsel, and garlands.

“It felt like Christmas, with all the decorations, music, and people,” senior Color Guard member Lorraine Blas said. “The whole thing gets you into a holiday and Christmas spirit, and helped us deliver a stronger performance.”

There was also an awards ceremony at the end, with the mayor of Covina presenting the awards and a live DJ playing music nearby. Band members had this time after to parade to relax and enjoy themselves.

“The awards ceremony was really fun because we had a Gangnam Style dance party. It was unlike any other ceremony that I have experienced,” Lu said. “Overall, I thought the parade was a great experience. Even though we did not win the parade, I felt like this was the best parade I have ever been to because it was a great bonding event.” Ω

Ω

the hoofprint

12 arts

Drama at the dinner table

For its annual Dinner Theatre, Drama performs “A Partridge in a Palm Tree.” This performance differs from others by its many unique aspects.

Derek Wan Staff writer Dinner Theatre, Drama’s winter production, ran Saturday, Dec. 8 and Friday and Saturday, Dec. 14-15 in the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR). The show featured a catered dinner and a three-act play, “A Partridge in a Palm Tree.” The play revolves around the Partridges, a family of four from Chicago, who are snowed in at an airport with five odd strangers.

“It’s good for Walnut because it’s a fun family show and it has a good message. At one point, my character says, ‘Christmas isn’t about where you are, it’s about the people you share it with,’” freshman Riley Herms said. “We work hard to get that message across. It does get stressful sometimes when we run three-hour practices, but we understand that we signed up for a reason and that it will pay off in the end.”

The production was studentrun, with Drama teacher Joanne Karr supervising and alumna Elizabeth Horn teaching vocals. Directors seniors Rose Liu and Rebecca Liaw, costume designer and makeup artist Ayesha Rasheed and set designer and props master James Wei organized the play corresponding to the International Baccalaureate (IB) theater program, which required them to devise original material to go with the play.

“It’s a lot different from the fall and spring shows, which are directed

by Ms. Karr. Having student directors takes a little weight off your shoulders.

Because we know them and they go to school too, they work and adapt to

SPOTLIGHT POT LI GHT Kelsey Lacanilao, 12 Café Night Singer

PHOTOS BY KEVIN YIN

BE OUR GUEST (CLOCKWISE): Junior Allison Do scolds senior Albert Tang. // Tang aims a prop gun after incorrectly hearing the word “bomb.” // Junior Joseph Lacanilao recites a love poem to senior Bailey Herms. our schedule and we adapt to theirs,” junior Joseph Lacanilao said. “When Ms. Karr directs, we work really hard and she’s really demanding, but then we have a good production. However, the student directors can work around our schedules - like extracurriculars and still make a good production.”

Presented with the chance to direct a production, Liaw chose this play for its humor and message - that Christmas joy comes in different shapes and forms - while also gaining insight into her future and possible

career choices. “‘A Partridge in a Palm Tree’ shows that no matter how annoying your surroundings might be, it’s the people you’re spending time with who really matter,” Liaw said.

“It is the first production I’ve ever directed, and I am so grateful for this opportunity because few people get a chance to do something like this. I want the audience to enjoy seeing the show, I want my cast to enjoy being in the show, and in the end, I want a production that I am proud of.” Ω

Orchestra, Band and Choir soloists partake in the annual Winter Concert to help bring the Christmas spirit into the lives of family and friends.

Orchestra showcased its abilities in a display of holiday tunes at its Winter Concert on Thursday, Dec. 13. It performed many Christmas songs such as “Brazilian Sleigh Bells,” “Stille Nacht” and “There’s Christmas in the Air” and also collaborated with two choir members on “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”

“Every year they change up the music that we’re playing, so this year we played some other songs. There was a mix, and we just kind of blended them since they were arranged that way,” junior Ricki Worth said. “I liked the music a lot because it was very joyful, and I think I liked this concert because everyone knew this type of music. It was music everyone could enjoy and have fun with.”

Having fun was not limited to the audience; however, for the musicians

CHOIR IN THE COMPILED BY JANZEN ALEJO, MORGAN VALDEZ AND JESSICA YOU

Musicians spread the joy

Lynze Tom Staff writer

December 14, 2012

too, playing Christmas music as opposed to the usual classical made for an enjoyable evening.

“I liked the songs that we played

“I liked the music a lot because it was very joyful, and I think I liked this concert because everyone knew this type of music.”

- Ricki Worth, 11 because we played ‘Brazilian Sleigh Bells,’ which added a cultural twist,” sophomore Megan Li said.

In order to play well, the performers needed to venture outside their comfort zone genre. By playing Christmas songs, they broke free of

the constraints placed by classical music, an experience which allowed them to become better musicians.

“Playing different music at this concert has helped me gain a wider perspective about a variety of music that can further balance my playing styles of classical and the more contemporary styles of music,” sophomore Stanley Lin said.

For first-year Orchestra members, it was their first Winter Concert.

Through this concert their musical skills were vastly improved on due to the new surroundings as well as the overall ambience of playing in our own Performing Arts Center.

“I’m pretty happy we’re playing Christmas music for other people and ourselves to enjoy and be together with friends and family,” junior Ivan Kuo said. “I learned to see the mistakes I make when I perform and how to play better in front of an audience.” Ω

Q: When do you perform and where?

A: I’m invited to sing at this popular “Coffee/ Cafe Night” at a local church; they have it every three months. It’s pretty popular to the public and community. A lot of teens do poetry, sing and attend. I’ve sung at every single one.

Q: How do you feel about singing in front of others?

A: Mostly being able to express myself through music. I know it’s cliche but music is my life. I live in music, I daydream in music, I live and see my life in terms of music, so being able to render it from myself is a blessing. Singing in front of others is always nerve-wracking, but halfway through the song, I feel better, more comfortable.

Dana Hernandez, 9 Opera Trained Singer

Q: How does it feel to perform?

A: At first when I walk on stage, I feel very nervous, so I try to picture myself singing in front of my mom. Knowing this, it makes me want to perform my best and I know that I’m able to give everyone a good performance. Even if I mess up, I know my mom will always be proud of me.

Q: How did you get started?

A: I starting classical training in sixth grade. Originally, I was trying to sing pop music, but my coach advised me that my voice was fit most for classical and that I would strain my voice if I kept continuing pop.

Chamber sings at Disneyland

Members participate at the annual Candlelight.

Bryan Wong Staff writer Chamber had the opportunity to go to Disneyland to participate in Candlelight, a day-long performance in celebration of Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 8.

“It was really special because when I was small I was the one watching the people at Disneyland perform. It felt really incredible to be a part of the performers and be able to know that we are the ones making other peoples’ experience all the better,” junior Arthur Tang said. “And since we were working with Disney, it made it all more ‘magical.’”

Chamber worked with choirs from all over Southern California to perform over 10 songs, including “Candlelight Carol,” “Silent Night,”

and “Joy to the World.”

“We weren’t just performing our songs; we performed something that everyone else has prepared this whole semester as well. So when we finally got together it sounded amazing because there were 500 people singing the same stuff,” senior Megan Belmonte said. “It was traditional Christmas music with a classical twist, so it was harder to sing.”

Seeing different choirs gather and sing was not only a unique experience for the audience but also for the Chamber singers as well.

“When we came together and there were so many voices, you got to hear other people and learn new things from them,” junior Cassie Pong said.

“I learned that we have to be aware of those singing around us in order to have the best experience.” Ω

December 14, 2012

Ω

scene 13

the hoofprint Music

Les Misérables Stepping onto foreign land Throughout the years, “Les Misérables” has been made into movies, plays and musicals based on the novel. By Jaelene Halili, Guest Writer Hi, I’m Jaelene, I’ve loved “Les Misérables” ever since I watched the play two years ago.

It had a major impact on my life and has become something special to me.

The musical version Play

If you want to be introduced to the wonderful world of “Les Misérables,” I recommend that you start here. After watching the play, I was speechless; I couldn’t even form words to describe how much I loved it.

The music is so full of emotion and passion that it grabs you and keeps you sucked in. The play romanticizes the book and heightens the already beautiful story. The performance that I watched was beautiful and Eponine (Chasten Harmon) blew me away.

The ticket ended up being

$135, but the show was worth every penny. It’s something you simply have to see. But if the price point seems daunting, don’t despair! A really good alternative is the 25th Anniversary DVD, which features stars such as Lea Salonga as Fantine and Nick Jonas as Marius.

It’s still one of the greatest plays I have ever seen. The characters are so much more relatable than in the book that I felt like no matter how I was feeling, there would be a song or a character to which I could relate. It has something for everyone and won’t disappoint.

The orginal novel Book “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo is my definition of a love-hate relationship. Although the plot is beautiful, the rest of the 1,500 page book left me bored and unwilling to go on. But if you manage to get past the endless pages of Hugo’s views on politics, religion and history, it truly touches your heart.

“Les Miserables” focuses on Jean Val Jean, an ex-convict who struggles with his new life and can’t seem to escape his past. The side stories (my favorite part) explore the love triangle of young adults Eponine, Marius and Cosette,

revolution with the Friends of the ABC as well as Inspector Javert’s relentless pursuit of Jean Val Jean.

The book itself isn’t the easiest to read, with unfamiliar words in English and French making it difficult to understand. But beyond the language is a story with amazingly relatable characters.

The three months I spent reading “Les Mis” weren’t wasted.

Even though nearly half of the book was dreary and dull, I had so much more to be thankful for after I finished it. If you have the time, definitely read the book.

The movie(1998) version PHOTOS USED WITH PERMISSION OF WIKIPEDIA.ORG

Movie In all honesty, I really wanted to like the movie. However, I felt like it completely butchered what I loved most about the play and the book. The writers changed parts of the book that I felt were vital to the storyline.

I can say, though, that I really enjoyed the actors, with Liam Neeson as Jean Val Jean being my favorite. The cast’s interpretations of the characters were enjoyable and were the only thing that kept me watching after the storyline utterly disappointed me.

So would I watch it again?

No. It’s upsetting when a bookturned-movie goes horribly wrong, depriving its viewers of what made the original content so amazing.

But there is still hope. The new rendition of “Les Miserables” that comes out this month on Christmas Day is based on the play. With a star-studded cast that includes two performers from the London production of “Les Miserables,” it looks very promising, and I hope the entire cast and crew stay true to the ideals of the play and book.

Olly Murs, a musician from the U.K., releases his third studio album that is sure to please listeners.

Michelle Chang Staff writer

made me want to get up and dance.

“Hand on Heart” was my favorite song of the album. The song A British singer-songwriter. possesses a “feel-good” quality that Second place on The X Factor. Four warms the heart of any listener, mine number one singles. Over 5 million included. The lyrics are very sweet records sold. This impressive list and actually have a deep meaning to of achievements belongs to them, telling of the undeniable love Olly Murs, who has recently one feels for a significant other. released his third album, The lyrics, when paired with “Right Place Right Time.” the catchy tune, made the song Murs manages to stay true extremely uplifting. Murs sings to his own style of music every word of “Hand on Heart” and create yet another album with emotion that sounds so real that I thoroughly enjoyed. and full of life.

Murs establishes Murs instantly wins himself as an over his listeners with artist with a very his extraordinary carefree and catchy ability to channel style. The album his emotions into uses a variety his music. I found of instruments, myself eagerly ranging from listening to every violins to electric track of the album, guitars, to give and despite the each track its few minor flaws I own individual encountered, I was melody. However, impressed. Now is the songs were definitely the right generally upbeat and place, right time for PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION OF AP IMAGESOlly Murs. Ω

Book

Kwok’s Korner: “The Hobbit” “The Hobbit” written by J.R.R. Tolkein acts as the prequel to the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy that readers love.

Jessica Kwok Editor-in-Chief I have a long list of classics I haven’t read yet. “Moby Dick,” “Little Women,” “The Catcher in the Rye,” so on. I’ve checked off quite a few for my English classes, but I never did read “The Hobbit.” But because it’s coming out in theaters, I decided that now might be a good time to read it.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” is a children’s book about a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins who journeys with 13 dwarves and Gandalf the wizard to reclaim a lost treasure from Smaug the dragon. Simple, but simple is good.

The language and dialogue all add to a quaint style, which makes the book stand out. Thankfully, there weren’t many fewer painful, long-winded descriptions, which means fewer mind-numbing paragraphs about some flower’s petals and more action. Tolkien’s scattering of humor definitely makes a good mark as he establishes a strong storytelling tone with songs and a narrative voice that directly addresses the reader.

I’ll come straight out with what I didn’t like: the dwarves. They’re useless. It’s always Gandalf or Bilbo pulling their chestnuts out of the fire. Not to mention that it’s difficult enough to keep track of 13 different dwarves, but when they have nearly identical names, I want to pull out my already thinning hair.

Still, I can see why this is a classic. I wouldn’t say it’s a “MUST READ” but it’s not bad at all. Who knows, after this novel, reading books might even become a hobbit for you (oh, I crack myself up). Ω PHOTO BY JANZEN ALEJO

December 14, 2012 Ω Sugar and Spice and everything nice 14 scene

the hoofprint

Around Walnut and Rowland Heights, restaurants and cafés serve shaved ice and drinks to attract customers to eat there.

1. Tenju Tea House Restaurant

1655 Azusa Ave Ste F Hacienda Heights, CA 91745

Michael Hyun Sports editor Tenju Tea House? You’re probably thinking, “Great, another tea/boba place exactly like Quickly, Tea Station, Tastea, etc.” Although the name may give the store a bad first impression, the drinks and quality are nonetheless hard to be compared to.

Sharing the same space as Champion Gourmet, the “house” did take awhile to find. But once in, it was easy to differentiate the store from its adjacent partner - a Chinese ginseng shop. The friendly staff greeted me with a free daily sample of one of its many teas. Although I can appreciate a friendly staff, my server gave me a list of the ten top choices even before I got to see the full menu, which was a bit overwhelming.

After looking at its wide variety of over 20 different teas, I ordered the Monk Tea, lightly sweetened (they can adjust the sweetness for thecustomers). Although the price isn’t cheap with the regular size priced at $3.25, it was definitely cheaper compared to its competitor, Tea Station, which was located four stores down the block.

During my wait, the server came around to show me the different kinds of tea they sold for customers to make themselves. Similar to the concept behind the store Teamania, Tenju sells its own tea in containers with different quantities and varied mixtures. Although the idea is quite unique, I’d have to say tea is a onetime thing, and I wouldn’t keep a stash wasting away in my food cabinet.

When my order came out, I sipped on my very first Monk Tea, a rather unappetizing name, but it did the drink justice. Although I can’t put my finger on the exact taste of the tea, it left me calm and refreshed. Neither too sweet nor too bland. It had a good balance between a fresh, minty flavor and a sweet aftertaste, which was a nice surprise. Overall, the Monk Tea was unique and had a taste far from the “typical” green tea.

So if you’re tired of wasting your money on the usual Boba Milk Tea, give Tenju Tea House a try - it’s on the house (only the samples, of course)! Ω

1 2

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HYUN, JESSICA LEE AND MARY ZHANG

BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE (CLOCKWISE): 1. Tenju Tea House, located in Hacienda Heights, offers a wide range of teas and slushes to please customers. // 2. iSweet, recently opened near the Puente Hills Mall, serves shaved snow with a like strawberry, pumpkin and soybean milk. // 3. Snow Princess takes their own spin on shaved snow by layering snow along with toppings on the side as an extra charge.

3

NEED A MAP? SCAN ME!

2. Satisfying my iSweet tooth

3. Snow Princess

Restaurant

Restaurant 1655 S Azusa Ave

17501 Colima Rd Unit F Rowland Heights, CA 91748

Anita Chuen Staff writer Roasted peanut, soybean milk, pumpkin - these aren’t the usual flavors you would expect to find at any a shaved ice parlor. But the newly opened iSweet offers numerous exotic flavors that left me with a numbing brainfreeze after every spoonful, a brainfreeze that I, surprisingly enough, enjoyed.

Nestled between Wingstop and Niko Niko Sushi bar, it wasn’t hard for my eyes to completely miss the newly-opened parlor. As I walked in, I noticed that the chic little café was nearly empty, with only a few people huddled in little groups throughout the place and talking over their desserts, and the lack of customers struck me as odd. But as the server arrived at my table, any apprehensions I had had beforehand abruptly disappeared.

The gracious waiter was eager to take my order and cheerfully offered

Ste G Hacienda Heights, CA 91745

multiple suggestions, and it seemed that in a blink he was returning with my order.

The shaved ice, or “snow” as iSweet calls it, was exactly that: snow. It was light, fluffy and delicately layered so that every bite was airy. The texture of the “snow” was creamy, smooth and every bite seemed to melt right on my tongue.

But what sets iSweet’s shaved ice apart from other shaved ices was the sheer amount of flavor each spoonful held. I ordered their strawberry and milk two-in-one snow, and the amount of sweetness and tartness in each bite was perfectly balanced. Needless to say, my spoon was kept in constant motion. The waiter, eager to ensure my satisfaction with the food, was quick to tailor to my taste, offering condensed milk if I found the snow not sweet enough.

Even for such good-quality shaved ice in a decently-portioned mound, I still found the $6 I paid for

one two-in-one snow a little harsh on my wallet. Over 10 single flavors of snow are offered at an average of $5, and to-go cups are priced at $4.

Fifteen additional toppings, ranging from mini mochi balls to fresh fruit, are offered for 50 cents each. Leaving with a newfound appreciation for shaved ice, I’ll say that the $6 was almost worth the indulgence for my taste buds.

If you’re looking for a dessert parlor to sample, I suggest giving iSweet a try. The variety of flavors and topings as well as the friendly and efficient service made my experience worth while. Located next to the Puente Hills mall, it’s a great place to swing by after a trip to the mall if you want to splurge on food. Who knows, you might find a whole new dish to satisfy your sweet tooth. Ω NEED A MAP? SCAN ME!

Jessica Lee Staff writer It’s no secret to me that Taiwanese dessert places are exceptionally great.

They provide a place to hang out after dinner or with friends. Snow Princess, an ice-themed café in Hacienda Heights, is no normal shaved ice place, but it still has yet to live up to the standards of what shaved ice is.

I expected it to have a bit of a crowd, considering it was late in the afternoon. Upon walking in, though, I soon found that I was the only customer there. The tiled walls, mostly blue and white furniture, and decorative features such as the lights and chairs coordinated nicely with the name of the restaurant.

The specialty is Princess Snow, a shaved ice-like snow that comes in 20 different flavors with three free toppings. I ordered the Mango Princess Snow with rainbow jelly, pineapple jelly, marshmallows and

lychee popping boba. When it arrived, I thought the snow looked really neat.

The way it was layered onto the plate was like nothing I’d ever seen before.

It was chewy and had a sorbet-like texture. I did order too many jellies; but to be honest, the jellies were the only toppings that came with the snow. Besides its appearance, there was nothing special about the snow.

Compared to other shaved ice I’ve had before, Snow Princess’s desserts aren’t anything I would remember.

In conclusion, I would not go back to Snow Princess for the snow.

Service-wise, it’s great, with the staff quickly bringing me everything I needed. Although the overall interior design and ambiance of Snow Princess is cool, the quality of the dessert selection quality hardly lives up to my expectations. Ω NEED A MAP? SCAN ME!

December 14, 2012

Ω

sports 15

the hoofprint

Boys soccer to the drawing board Hosting regular team dinners to look over taped games, boys soccer has been improving its overall play with three wins and one tie in pre-season.

ALL ABOUT

CAPTAINS

COMPILED BY ALISON CHANG

We asked sports members how they feel about their captains for this upcoming season.

GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL “Corie Pitpit and Carolyn Nguyen guide the team and take responsibility, and they’re always encouraging us. They look out for the best interests of the team.”

- Brittany Yee, 10

BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL “[Garrett Vita, Anthony Ramirez and James Te] always tell us to get up. They push us hard, so everyone does their best.”

- Nick Cruz, 12

GIRLS VARSITY WATER POLO “Mia Rycraw knows when the team is down, and she knows how to keep us motivated. She keeps telling us, ‘You can do this’ to keep us positive.”

- Rachelle Gonzales, 11

VARSITY WRESTLING

PHOTO BY MICHAEL AIE

“Michael Sill and Roger Liang want us to to be the best CIF team. They motivate us when we’re drilling, and they teach us arm and leg placements. They care for us, and we’re all a big family.”

- Alex Chang, 10

BACK TO THE BOARD: Senior Mario Interiano advises the team to cross the ball more during practices.

Michael Hyun Sports editor Making a comeback from last year’s season, boys soccer has been implementing changes, with more plan time on the whiteboard and team dinners to review tapes of previous games.

“We didn’t do so well last year, so we thought the more we bond and the more we change our style, the better we’ll be,” cocaptain senior Daniel Hernandez said. “We want to learn from our mistakes. Little by little, it’ll help us clean up mistakes, and the more we see and correct those mistakes,

the better off we’re going to be.”

The team aims to have better control on the field by engaging the ball more.

“We know that one side’s always open, so we played through one side more, and we figured that out by crossing the ball more. So far we have a better record than last year,” right back senior David Porras said.

Starting its practices earlier, the team incorporated more drills in addition to scrimmages.

“It’ll help us know where we’re at and how to play against certain teams because there are different tactics that you use

against different teams. There’s different formations,” forward sophomore Jonathan Nakamine said. “I feel more prepared for this coming season.”

With a clean record of three wins and one tie in pre-season, the boys look forward to a successful season.

“I think it’s definitely a good thing. It just shows that we want CIF because we’re doing all this extra stuff that we’ve never done in the past,” center back senior Andrew Almeida said. “We just keep working hard and learning from our mistakes. We can achieve anything.” Ω

Water polo starts with a smaller team To compensate for its fewer players, the team increases practice time.

Chantel Chan Staff writer With a smaller team this year, girls varsity water polo hopes to set a solid foundation for next year’s incoming players.

“I feel it improves our team chemistry and allows us to work together better. We are already closer as a team and know each other pretty well,” junior Sharon Han said. “Since we play with the same people all the time, we know each other’s strengths and

GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER “Cassie Duran and Katelyn Oshima are really open to suggestions, which brings us closer as a team. They listen to everybody on the team and have positive attitudes. They’re good players, and everybody respects them.”

- Erin Harris, 11

BOYS VARSITY SOCCER “Since our coach doesn’t really speak English, Daniel Hernandez and Mario Interiano are the ones who push us to work harder. They make us realize what we did wrong so we - Yawar Chaudhry, 11

Girls Basketball conditions and builds team chemistry Without a center, the team is putting more focus on fundamentals, practices and game setup.

Spencer Wu Sports editor

PHOTO BY MICHAEL HYUN

POINT: Junior Ariana Solano prepares to shoot during team practice. weaknesses and can help one another out.”

This year, the team is doing fewer dryland exercises and is instead focusing more on its passes and ball work.

“So far this year, practice has been harder because we’re tested more on our endurance. A lot of us have to play the whole game without a break, so it’s definitely more difficult,” senior Cathleen Nguyen said. “In the end, though, I think it’s good for us because it improves the way that we play.”

The team will be at a disadvantage later this season, as Coach Megan Morales will be leaving in early January of next year.

“It’s definitely going to be harder for us, and we’re going to have to learn to overcome that obstacle. I still feel we’re going to do really well, though, because all the girls on the team are pretty solid players,” senior Mia Rycraw said. “We were strong last year, but I think we have a better chance of winning this year.” Ω

Girls varsity basketball plans on improving its season with more conditioning during practices.

“We have more team chemistry, and everyone gets along on and off the court,” guard sophomore K i m b e r l y Mayekawa said.

“We can run the opponents off the court.”

With the absence of a center, the players build team chemistry to make up for a smaller team.

“From the very first practice, we acted as a family,” guard senior Janelle Pereyra said. “A family sticks together; same goes with this team now. We are a smaller team, but we can play with the biggest heart and not give up.”

The girls hope that a more

tight-knit team will lead to more wins.

“I have a lot of faith in the team. We should be a lot more aggressively and be playing at a quicker pace,” captain sophomore Corie Pitpit said. “We have a strong bond, and we are able to rely on each other for anything.”

Investing more time in fundamentals, they look to improve the basic aspects of the game.

“Most of us have played with each other before, so we understand each player well,” forward senior Carolyn Nguyen said.

The team plans to reach CIF playoffs.

“We are going to beat our rival, Diamond Bar, this year since we are better prepared to reach our full potential,” guard sophomore Manika Tolentino said. Ω

“I have a lot of faith in the team. We have a strong bond and we are able to rely on each other for anything.”

- Corie Pitpit, 10

Ω Maes brothers follow in dad’s footsteps 16 sports

the hoofprint

Freshman Micah Maes and sophomore Jeffrey Maes take their father’s wrestling experience to the mats, hoping to become state champions.

Bryan Wong Staff writer “Back straight, head up,” a voice echoes in his head. He hears the same voice, yelling at him to stay focused. It is the voice that has coached him in the wrestling ring and the voice that has spoken to him and given him advice in his very home.

For freshman Micah Maes and sophomore Jeffrey Maes, Dad becomes coach when they hit the wrestling mats.

“My dad always kept us both in PHOTOS BY EUNICE PANG good shape by taking us running or BRO-BRAWL (CLOCKWISE): Micah taking us to wrestle,” Micah said. and Jeffrey grapple during practice. // “He never wanted us to sit down Micah tries to knock his brother down. and do nothing.”

The Maes brothers took an it down our throats, we wouldn’t interest in wrestling after watching want to wrestle as much.” their father coach the West Covina The Maes brothers aspire Wrestling Team and soon they to become state champions, and began sparring with the team.

Jeffrey hopes to take his wrestling “Going to his high school career even further to the national practices when he was coaching, level. we would say ‘I want to be like that “You hear stories of my dad and guy,’” Jeffrey said. “He didn’t push you want to be able to tell others the us into it, but since we were around stories of your career as a wrestler,” it a lot in our childhood, we picked Micah said. it up along the way. He never forced Micah and Jeffrey are both us because he knew that if he shoved varsity wrestlers this year. Ω

December 14, 2012 VARSITY WINTER SPORTS SCOREBOARD BOYS BASKETBALL Sierra Vista Tournament 11/26- @ Edgewood 80-13 W 11/27- @ Mark Keppel 58-66 L 11/29- @ Don Lugo 75-68 W 11/30- @ Covina 58-53 W 12/1- @ Glendora 49-52 L Glendora Tournament 12/10- @ Northview 76-60 W 12/11- @ Basset 92-37 W 12/18- vs. South Hills 12/26-12/29- Nogales Tournament

WRESTLING 11/29-Savana Rebel Rumble Tournament Alyssa Barredo- 4th Katie West- 6th 12/5- vs. Sierra Vista 45-21 W 12/7-12/8- @ Sierra Vista Duals 9-1 12/14- Downey Tournament 12/22- Sierra Canyon Tournament 1 2 / 2 7 - 1 2 / 2 8 - U p l a n d - B l a c k Wa t c h Tournament

GIRLS SOCCER 12/3- @ Ayala 12/5- vs. South Hills 12/12- vs. Saint Lucy’s Priory 12/14-12/15, 12/21-12/22- Walnut Nutcracker Classic Tournament 12/26-12/28- Excalibur - Foothill

GIRLS BASKETBALL Wilson Tournament 11/23- @ La Mirada 48-39 W Claremont Tournament 12/4- @ Chaffey 62-35 W 12/5- @ Ontario Christian 59-17 W 12/6- @ Claremont 36-55 L 12/26-12/29- Ayala Tournament

GIRLS WATER POLO 12/7-12/8- Los Altos Tournament 12/7- @ Claremont 7-4 W @ Carpenteria 10-2 W 12/8- @ Helix 8-3 W @ Los Altos 8-7 W @ Sunny Hills 5-9 L 12/11- @ Ayala 8-4 W 12/13-12/15- Ayala Tournament

BOYS SOCCER 11/27- vs. Ayala 5-0 W 11/29- vs. Ontario 2-1 W 12/3- @ South Hills 1-1 T 12/5- @ Azusa 2-1 W