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UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL
11800 Texas Avenue
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Volume LXXXIX Issue 7 Friday, October 31, 2014
Def
Los Angeles, CA 90025
0 50 $8
icit is ov er
Student Body fund low, athletics and organizations at risk for closure By Alissa Nardo Editor-in-Chief
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ue to a staggering drop in student store revenue, the student body fund, according to the September 2014 statement, currently carries a deficit of over $8500. If the student body fund continues to stay in the red in the long run, athletic teams and organizations may have to be cut from the school. The student body fund is the general pool of money that organizations on campus can pull from to purchase equipment and run events. The money goes towards essentials such as Homecoming, CIF fees, sport officials and more. While the funds are depleted, organizations have to continue withdrawing money from the account. “The clubs can’t stop taking
do not money out for the account,” ultimately financial manager Chanel financially benefit our school. “Those things on the James said. “But that leaves us preapproved list are nutritious, at a loss.” In previous years, the but they’re nothing a kid wants majority of the student body to spend their money on, Aside from the large fund consisted of student store revenue. As of this year, income received from the however, LAUSD’s Food student store, the student body lost two more Services, the of income. sector which runs “It’s hard sources While in the past school cafeterias were and sets district when all of students food regulations, our sources required to purchase a physical education enforced stricter income uniform from the limits on the of approved food list have been student store, now can wear any from which taken away they sort of athletic outfit student stores are from us.” for P.E. On top of able to select their stock. that, the school Food Services lost football does not contribute money to game admission revenue the Student Body fund. So through the duration of while the new student store construction of the Cavanagh regulations may mean a (lower) field. potential for more cafeteria “I’m doing all I can to bring customers, these regulations in revenue,” James said. “But
i t ’s
i t ’s hard when all of our sources of income have been taken away from us.” Leadership hopes to help out by hosting various dances and mixers in the upcoming future. Beyond that, the school struggles to find the proper way to raise the funds necessary to cover this deficit that lines up with LAUSD’s general regulations. “With all of the district’s regulations, they make it very hard to fundraise,” Davidson said. “If every student donated 10 dollars, we would have enough to be covered. The question is how we can find an effective way to fundraise.”
Clubs introduce themselves to students at Club Rush By Emma Nicoletta Opinion Editor
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SB Leadership hosted the annual Club Rush in the Grove at lunch on Friday, Oct. 24. Club Rush is a school tradition based off of Rush Week in colleges, an event when usually set in the beginning of the school year, where sororities and fraternities try to accumulate members. At the event, students are able to gather and sign up for clubs that seem appealing to them, while clubs are given the opportunity to welcome new members. Members of campus clubs set up tables and presented posters to inform others about their purposes. Many used different tactics to gain attention, such as handing out free candy, miniature alien toys and even specially made
patches. The goal of the event is to introduce the various clubs without necessarily fundraising. In order to be more organized this year, signups were on a first come, first serve basis as opposed to a more open and lenient policy. Twentythree clubs participated in the event this year. Older clubs, such as Red Cross, and newer ones, such as Conspiracy Club, were present. Junior and member of Leadership, Brendan Palomo, organized the event this year. “Club Rush is mainly for the benefit of the students to become immersed and learn about the various different activities or clubs that happen throughout the school year,” Palomo said. Club Rush is mostly geared toward freshman and sophomore students, who are responsible in continuing the clubs and maintaining the
Ashley Drew
Circle of Friends tried to attract new members with their table at Club Rush. legacies. “It was a cool experience to see all the different clubs,” sophomore Gia Friedberg said. “I was interested in Environmental and Interact Club.” Uni’s cheerleading team also held a performance featuring a surprise homecoming proposal during the event. Club Rush proved to be successful for most clubs; many clubs received over 20 signups. “It was encouraging to see
how many people signed up,” Red Cross president and junior Lexi Myrie said. “I’m extremely excited to teach new members about what the Red Cross does for the community and world.” Leadership plans on organizing the Multicultural Food Festival, another opportunity for clubs to fundraise on Dec. 4.
To view more photos, visit the Photo Gallery at wildcatpaper.com
wildcatpaper.com @uniwildcatnews
Students gain knowledge at College Night By Sania Syed News Editor
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ith college application deadlines fast approaching, Uni held its Annual College Knowledge Night from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29. The event, organized by College Counselor Paula Van Norden, featured two main events: a college fair and a selection of workshop sessions afterward. The college fair took place in the cafeteria and included over 30 schools, all equipped with representatives. “I learned that all my suffering these four years are going to pay off,” senior Precious Nwaba said. Among the schools present were some local schools, such as University of California, Los Angeles and West Los Angeles College, and even a variety of out of state schools, such as Yale University and Pennsylvania State University. Approximately 200 students and parents attended. After the fair, parents and students were invited to attend 40-minute workshops in the Classroom Building, which specialized in the application process, such as personal statement writing, recruiting for NCAA and financial aid opportunities. “The event exposes students to opportunities that they may not have considered,” Van Norden said. “Many students did not even realize they qualified for some of the schools. “ Last year’s statistics of Uni prove optimistic; ninety-two percent of all graduating seniors went on to attend either a two or four year college. “Uni offers as many options for rigorous classes as other schools,” Van Norden said. “Our top students do as well as students from other schools, but the students that don’t take advantage of all the opportunities won’t fare well.” This year, Van Norden has already seen two thirds of the senior class in one-on-one meetings. Van Norden suggests that students review their application with her so that absolutely no mistakes are made. “I hope everybody will take advantage of the opportunities available,” Van Norden said.
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October 31, 2014
UNIVERSITY HIGH WILDCAT
OPINION
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Parking passes curb danger
Feminism: not just for females By Zoha Syed Staff Writer
s some students may have crime or tragedy, but to prevent them. heard, parking in the student With all of the school shootings lot now requires registering and invasions on the news nowadays, one’s car with the main office to parents want to make sure, now receive a parking pass for their more than ever, that their children vehicle. While this may seem like a are safe. If there is an emergency, hassle, parking passes are a safety the administration has a legal precaution that will only benefit the responsibility to assure everyone on student body in the long run. campus is safe. Administration will put this Administration is not just trying rule into effect beginning next to force rule after rule on the week, Nov. 3. Out students. It is unfair of the five parking for the students to get lots across campus, angry at the staff for “Administration students are limited doing their best put this new to parking in the to make the lowest parking lot campus as secure for us policy in place not on Barrington Ave., as possible. in reaction to a tucked behind the Monitoring who crime or tragedy,” Tongva Springs. parks in the lot assures When campus that only students are security comes across using the student lot, an unregistered car, it and not potentially will be towed off-site. To students, dangerous outsiders. Registering towing cars may seem like a harsh who parks in the lot also ensures that punishment, as the lot never fills up. everyone parking in the lot is legally Students can be heard licensed to drive. complaining about registering for With driving comes a set of extra parking passes, but would they be responsibilities. Students who upset if something bad actually are capable of driving to school occurred? What would parents say? should be capable of registering How would the media react? their car and realizing why Administration put this new everyone’s safety comes before their policy in place not in reaction to any convenience.
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omen have always been subject to follow the lifestyle of an oppressed female under the rulings of patriarchy. This can be seen through Hillary Clinton’s successes and struggles in the political system. Though she achieved her position as First Lady and Secretary of State, she continues to receive criticism as a potential presidential candidate. Likewise, the nation still awaits a female president while countries all over the world have already accomplished this. The false assumption that women cannot handle going into politics for fear of “messing up the system” causes this. Feminism started as an advocation for women, to gain political, social, legal and economic rights equal to those of men. But what most people do not understand is that this notion is for everyone’s equality—not just women. Merriam-Webster defines feminism as the act of bettering the circumstances of other women both socially and economically for equal rights with men. Women’s rights have come a long way in the last few decades. Because of this, opposers of feminism believe that the inequality between men and women has already been solved. However, the disparity between the two genders is apparent when comparing the blatant wage difference between them. In 2013,
women were paid 78 percent of what men were paid according to the National Women’s Law Center. Society tends to blame women for this inequality. There is an assumption that women make personal decisions which result in fewer and shorter work days, therefore leading to less pay. Recently, many activists have made speeches demanding that the link between man-hating and feminism needs to stop. Most female activists are striving to encourage men to become advocates for change. Last month, Emma Watson argued the ideas of feminism through an informative speech to the United Nations saying, “It is time that we all see gender as a spectrum instead of two sets of opposing deals.” Feminism gives women a voice against these types of misconceptions. Other not-so-silent stereotypes depict that women should not join demanding fields assuming they may not be able to handle it because they are too “sensitive.” Feminism receives a negative stigma because of the misunderstanding of the true definition. It did not form out of hatred for men, it was developed as a reaction to
women being manipulated or understated in society. It is often misinterpreted and linked to man-hating. It is time to take back the true meaning of what this word stands for.
Dress interesting, not insulting By Shirin Enayati Feature Editor
purchase that only depicts a small, stereotypical portion of that culture. One can take off a costume and alloween— a holiday that never have to deal with being a victim of celebrates all things scary, sweet and oppression and racism, but one can sometimes funny. Some never take off a culture when it is a part of people dare to who they are. go creepy and An undocumented alien gory with their coscostume may seem hilarious, but “... there is a tumes while othit is only making light of the ers try to wrongfully big difference difficult and burdensome replicate ethnicilifestyle that over 11 million between ties or cultures with immigrants face. a comical or sexualized A sexy Native American cultural point of view. costume may seem flirty, appropriation but it does not help the fact Dressing up as a sexy Native American or a that one out of every three and cultural funny sombrero-wea ring Native American women exchange...” Mexican to go trickare raped or sexually or-treating may seem assaulted, according to The justified but ethnic Washington Post . costumes are both This costume also does not disrespectful and offensive. depict the millions of deaths that It is wrong for an entire culture to Natives experienced with the conquering be undermined by a $60, last-minute of the Americas and the years
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Wildcat
University High School
11800 Texas Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025 The Wildcat student newspaper is published by the Journalism 2 class at University High School. Letters should be directed to room C-261, Wildcatpaper@gmail.com or the Journalism mailbox in the main office. Please include full name and grade. Letters are subject to editorial discretion. Call (310) 914-3551, ext. 504 or email Wildcatpaper@gmail.com to place an advertisement.
of abuse and mistreatment that followed suit. There is a big difference between cultural appropriation and cultural exchange. Cultural exchange is the mutual promotion, understanding and embracement of different lifestyle. Dressing up for one night of the year exemplifies cultural appropriation because you are picking and choosing the qualities that you want and throwing away the qualities you do not. While some may say that they do not mean to offend anyone or that it was only supposed to be a joke, it does not matter. Ethnic costumes will always represent a clichéd version of someone’s everyday lifestyle. Although many may consider Halloween as an entertaining and amusing holiday, people should take more consideration into what they choose to dress up as in order to prevent offending any culture or portraying a stereotypical view.
Editor-in-Chief ...............................................................Alissa Nardo Managing Editor...........................................Eduardo Cuellar-Aguilar News Editor........................................................................Sania Syed Opinion Editor............................................................Emma Nicoletta Feature Editor................................................................Shirin Enayati Sports Editor........................................................Brandon Berookhim Creative Director.........................................................Samantha Elms Online Manager............................................Matthew Goriachkovsky Business Manager........................................................Samantha Elms Copy Editor......................................................................Alissa Nardo Photo Editor.................................................................Stephanie Zeck Writing Coach...................................................................James Ward Journalism Adviser......................................................Alexandria Lau
Samantha Elms
Wildcat Staff: Zoe Adams, Ashley Drew, Destiny Frazier, Jesse Herrera, Ariana Kidd, Erica Kopf, Robin Kopf, Julissa Lopez, Sha’terra Myles, Alexandria Parker, Matthew Song and Zoha Syed
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The Wildcat is a student-run, student-operated student-produced newspaper, which does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the administration or the school at large. Staff editorials represent the collectively agreed upon opinions of the Wildcat editors. All writers published in the Wildcat are protected under Calfiornia Education Code 48907.
October 31, 2014
UNIVERSITY HIGH WILDCAT
FEATURE
Page 3
Model United Nations promotes unity By Sania Syed News Editor
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embers of Model United Nations Club today, world leaders tomorrow. That is what club president Jonathan Delgadillo strives for: a club that prepares students for the modern world. At their most recent event, five club members attended a conference hosted at Fairmont Preparatory Academy in Anaheim on Saturday, Oct. 18; here they discussed the Senkaku Island Territorial Dispute between China, Taiwan and Japan. Seniors Delgadillo, Mostafa Vahidi and Brandon Berookhim each took home awards and gavels as Best Delegate, while seniors Sean Victory and Sam Vedernikoff each won the Outstanding Delegate award. Junior Hyejin Hong, although not in attendance, won Excellence in Research. The club received five out of the seven awards handed out at the event. “I found the conference very enriching,” co-vice president Vedenikoff said. “I learned
Photo provided by: Mostafa Vahidi Members Brandon Berookhim, Sean Victory and Sam Vedernikoff represented countries as they drafted a proposal at the Fairmont Preparatory Academy. so much about a topic I had never even heard of before.” At the conference, students from Uni and three other schools selected teams (countries to represent), gave speeches, drafted resolutions and then ratified those as the countries they represented. This is similar to what the actual United Nations conducts in their General Assembly.
Spooktacular things to do on Halloween
By Erica Kopf Staff Writer
@ or-treating
1 Dress up to go trick-
with friends or hand out candy.
What is Halloween without the dress up? Go solo with a silly costume like a banana or with your friends as a group of superheroes. Walk around your neighborhood to get your favorite candies. Not a fan of going out on All Hallows’ Eve? That’s okay! Spend the night in your home handing out candy to trick-or-treaters! Remember to stay safe and say please and thank you!
@ Host a scary movie marathon party. 2
Have a fun night with all of your friends and spend the evening with the scariest villains in cinematic history. Count the deaths in horror movie classics like Child’s Play and the Friday the 13th movies. Or, if you are not a big horror fan, watch some old “scary” Disney movies like Hocus Pocus or all four of the Halloweentown films.
@ Go to spooky Halloween themed nights 3
at amusement parks.
Get excited and scared through Halloween themed amusement park attractions such as Knott’s Berry
Farm’s “Knott’s Scary Farm” or Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights.” Both amusement parks are filled with fun rides and horror mazes at night that scare even the bravest of us. The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, located in the spine-chilling hills of Griffith park, runs from 7 p.m. to midnight. Ride if you dare!
@ Parade around West Hollywood in this annual 4
Halloween event.
This traditional Halloween parade is filled with the loud, fun and colorful culture that West Hollywood is known for. Admission is free and the festivities begin at 6 p.m. and go on until 11 p.m. but the party lasts all night!
@ Carve fun into pumpkins. 5
designs
Pumpkin carving is a fun activity that anyone can help out with. Make the typical jacko’-lantern or get creative by carving your favorite characters and celebrities such as Minnie Mouse or Obama! Fun tip: If you have a pumpkin left over that you are not carving, don’t throw it away! Make a delicious homemade pumpkin pie to share with your family and friends. Recipes can be found on www.foodnetwork.com.
Specifically, Delgadillo and Vahidi (representing America) proposed that the Islands should be territorially split. Delgadillo introduced the club to Uni last year after participating in a similar club at his previous school. “I liked seeing people give serious thought about what happens to our world,” Delgadillo said. “I wanted to bring that to our campus.”
The club aspires to introduce students to the global issues that surround them. “Our goal is to create a strong and intellectual group of individuals who represent Uni as one of the city’s top schools in terms of politics and international relations,” co-vice president Vahidi said. Club members also attended the Regional Mira Costa High School Conference last year. Model U.N. hopes to attend the Irvine Model United Nations Conference. Although the club is mostly active outside of school, they meet every Mondays in Rm. 220 with Dr. Robbins to fundraise for future events and prepare for conferences. “There are at least seven conferences planned for this year, so it is vital that we fundraise in order to attend all of them,” senior and treasurer Sarah Contreras said. Any student interested in immersing themselves in the realm of global affairs can join the club. “It is critical for high school students to be aware of the world surrounding them and to be able to act accordingly to any government’s actions,” Delgadillo said.
Gone (Girl) with the win By Robin Kopf Staff Writer
what Flynn did in her book. Even experienced film goers will feel the agony of wishing they could t is often said that film adaptations yell warnings to the unsuspecting of books flop in comparison characters. with the experience of actually Actor Ben Affleck (Academy flipping the pages. Gone Girl, Award Winner Argo-Best Picture, originally a novel by Gillian Good Will Hunting-Screenwriting) Flynn, is a solid exception. The gives a stunning performance as movie, as well as the book, gives a Nick Dunne, troubled husband to gripping insight on disappeared wife, the challenges of Amy Dunne, played marriage and the by Rosamund Pike, “It’s...a destructive effects (Jack Reacher, psychological and of psychopathy. Pride & Prejudice). The plot of thought-provoking Pike’s unanticipated Gone Girl flows performance is trip capable of seamlessly as a equally well-done cleverly thought- leaving viewers with and spawns feelings out mystery that of enmity and something to talk toggles between sympathy in the about for a long the perspectives same heartbeat. time.” of married Her character couple, Nick and also holds some Amy Dunne. feminist undertones Its storyline is best that add depth to the story described as a psychological and and a variety of audience thought-provoking trip capable of reactions. leaving viewers with something to Gone Girl has “legs” as it talk about for a long time. continues to make millions in its Gone Girl also employs fourth week, after grossing roughly dramatic irony, letting the viewer $37 million in its first weekend. know details of which some of the Worldwide, Gone Girl has been able characters are not yet aware. Flynn, to make more than $242 million. who also wrote the film adaptation, Overall, Gone Girl is a dark, and director David Fincher’s sarcastic and thrilling film that will (Fight Club, The Social leave audiences spellbound. This Network) use of dramatic must-see thriller will replicate the irony is achieved through the adrenaline-pumping feeling that changes of perspective between readers experience while reading the two protagonists and paralleling the book.
I
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October 31, 2014
UNIVERSITY HIGH WILDCAT
SPORTS
Guess your teacher athletes By Brandon Berookhim Sports Editor
1.
University High School Warriors Playing basketball since age 12 “My team beat Hami. Uni didn’t do that again for years.”
4.
University High School Warriors Did gymnastics for four years “We were a winning team, but we knew how to have fun.” Campolindo High School Cougars Played volleyball for 16 years “We went to state championship for the first time ever.”
7.
10.
Bloomington High School Panthers Played soccer since age 8 “High school set me up for my D1 career.”
R.C. Mahar High School Senators Played basketball for 11 years “I recall Saturday practices and coach’s donuts.” A.A. Stagg High School Delta Kings Played volleyball since age 14 “I love volleyball and I still play at the beach!” Twentynine Palms High School Wildcats Played football for four years “We beat our rival in Battle of the Bell.”
2.
3.
Spirit Lake High School Indians Played volleyball for 24 years “I remember finally winning a game after three years.”
5.
Northport High School Tigers Played volleyball for nine years “I forged friendships that I still maintain to this day.”
8.
9.
12.
Kennewick High School Lions Played soccer for 12 years “My club team won the state championship.”
Wheaton North High School Falcons Swam for 10 years “I loved the competitiveness with my friends.”
Answers: 1. Steve Ackerman 2. Kelly Aguda 3. Kerri Eich 4. Dayle Fuqua-Caballero 5. Alexandria Lau 6. Nancy Phear 7. Alyson Randick 8. Jeff Ricards 9. Ryan Ritcheske 10. Kahlil Sabbagh 11. Ariana Silva 12. Craig Weidert
Cross country champs Hamilton
By Samantha Elms Creative Director
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ross country’s varsity boys and girls trampled the Hamilton Yankees at Kenneth Hahn Park last Thursday, Oct. 23, while one of our freshman newcomers kicked up more than a little trail dust. Primed and pumped, the Wildcats faced their long-time rival: the Yankees. “Hamilton is a team that we have always been head to head with,” junior Erick Hernandez said, finishing in 4th place for varsity with a time of 20:06. “Running this race was intense for all of us. We had to make sure our heads were solid. Every single step counted.” The team’s practiced strategy, running as a cohesive pack from the start, allowed the Wildcats to keep up their paces and their morales. It proved to be a formula for success. The frosh/soph team was slowed down by the dusty, varying terrain, except for the surprising freshman, Ruben Morales. Despite having little practice due to a leg injury, Morales took the first race of his high school career in stride. Some teammates feared he would lose steam. “He started off way too fast and it was like he was going to burn out,” sophomore Christina Santos said. Morales scratched his way up Suicide Hill, a seemingly endless 800-meter uphill run, a test for any runner. “When I looked at Suicide Hill [from afar] it looked flat to me, but when I got there it was really different,” Morales said. “It was suicide. I was going up and my body
Interview by Jesse Herrera
6.
Mona Shores High School Sailors Played basketball for three decades “I still listen to my team’s games on the radio!”
11.
Get to know your athlete
Name: Alyssa Suzukawa Age: 15 Height: 5’2” Weight: 115 lbs. Grade: 10 Sport: Softball Position: Catcher Q: What keeps you motivated for your sport? A: At first I joined the team for college, but later on, as I started to play, I got more interested in the sport. Now I love playing everyday. Joining the team was my best decision. Q: What is your favorite part of softball? A: I love practicing with my teammates. It’s always fun to be around them. They have really become a part of my family. We have a great time practicing and joking with each other. Q: What advice would you give to anyone joining a sports team? A: You should always try new things. Your team will always help you up and help you grow. My first time playing was very scary, but my team made me feel comfortable. Don’t be scared.
Jesus Lopez
Boys varsity beat the Hamilton Yankees on Thursday, Oct. 23. They ran in their pack formation from the start of the race. wanted to give up, but I did not let that slow me down.” Morales muscled it out and ran away with the impressive 2nd place in frosh/soph, finishing the race with a time of 20:52. “I totally underestimated [Morales],” Santos said. “I regret everything I said [before about him].” The Wildcats followed up their strong showing in a head to head to head meet with the Fairfax Lions and the Palisades Dolphins yesterday, Thursday, Oct. 30, at Kenneth Hahn. Results will not be known until after press time. If we win, we will head off to league finals as the second seed team. Otherwise, we will compete at league finals as the third place team. Finals are to be held at Elysian Park on Thursday, Nov. 6.
Boys Varsity 1. 4.
J. Abraham 19:13 E. Hernandez 20:06
Boys Frosh/Soph 2. 5.
R. Perez J. Koscheka
Girls Varsity 1. 2.
M. Ho E. Martinez
Girls Frosh/Soph 3. 6
Toni Carter J. Whitfield
20:52 21:14 22:35 23:17 25:51 28:10
Q: What has been your greatest motivation? A: My greatest motivations are my parents and my team. I love making all of them proud after each game. They always support me in everything I do. Q: What has been your greatest experience on the team? A: Whenever we play a game or practice together, we always have a fun time. Even if we lose a game, we always come together and enjoy each other’s company.