W ILDCA T UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL
Volume LXXXIX Issue 6 Friday, October 17, 2014
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EDUCATION: •
LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy resigns after overseeing two back-to-back technology disasters under his control.
NATIONAL: Eduardo Cuellar- Aguilar
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Life Before Columbus featured dances that symbolized nature and birth in the perspective of the GabrielinoTongva tribe. The birth dance symbolized the circle of life. Attendees were allowed to participate in the Welcome dance.
Tongva celebrates Life Before Columbus
By Eduardo CuellarAguilar Managing Editor
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embers of the GabrielinoTongva Native American tribe held their annual Life Before Columbus Day Festival to honor both their own tribe and all Native American tribal traditions on Oct. 12. The tribe sits on Uni’s campus and their sacred ground has existed before the campus was even here. “It’s wonderful to come down and experience the culture and to
help and learn about this interesting culture.” Paul Apodaca, who has spoken at the festival for the past four years, said. The tribe members aim to educate children on how life was for various Native American tribes before Columbus arrived. Throughout the festival, attendees were given the chance to eat native foods and buy Native American clothes and art. The Gabrielinos performed several traditional dances for the attendees as well. These included the welcome dance, the dolphin
dance and the birth dance. The attendees were allowed to join in towards the end. “The dances were amazing,” senior Davon Benton said. “It was interesting to see how differently they celebrated.” Among the attendees was Indiana Robs, an archeologist that worked on the excavation in the Gabrielino-Tongva tribe. His findings include coins, arrowheads and bones; they were displayed in the GabrielinoTongva Indian Springs Museum. “The artifacts in the museums were really interesting,
they are completely different from other artifacts in any other museum,” Benton said. “The fact that these relics were under our school is unbelievable.” This year the GabrielinoTongva Native Americans gifted the school with books on Native American culture. Principal Eric Davidson represented the school and will place the books in the library for all to read and be educated. The event is a tradition that will remain at Uni for years to come.
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Obama releases an executive order to send medical troops to West Africa to combat Ebola, as it grows into a global humanitarian crisis. The Dept. of Health and Human Services awarded an $8.2 million contract towards research and development of an Ebola vaccine; it has been proven 100 percent effective in animals. Ferguson riots continue on past the two-month mensiversary of the murder of Michael Brown. Officer Darren Wilson, who shot Brown, continues to receive paid leave.
INTERNATIONAL: •
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Nepal suffers from snow storms as 27 people are confirmed dead and 100 remain missing. Negotiations between the Chinese government and Hong Kong rioters fighting for democracy will begin next week.
Students show support in AIDS Walk By Sania Syed & Shirin Enayati News Editor & Feature Editor
2001. “I want to lead the way to raising awareness to this disease,” junior Stacey Flores and president ni students were among the of GSA said. “I personally know 25,000 participants in AIDS someone suffering from AIDS Walk Los Angeles on Oct. 14. In and I wanted to show support its 30th year, AIDS Walk is a 10 with Uni.” Much like kilometer-long GSA, AIDS Walk walk sponsored hopes to gather by AIDS Project people from Los Angeles “I personally all sorts of (APLA) that aims know someone backgrounds and to raise money for form a community improving the suffering from of supporters. lives of those AIDS and I The walk starts affected by HIV at 10 a.m. and lasts and preventing wanted to show around three further infection. support with hours. It is This year, 25 centered in the students from the Uni.” West Hollywood Gay Straight area. Alliance, Swim “The 6.2 miles Club, Yearbook did not feel that and Journalism participated. Uni students have bad because I was walking with participated as a group since friends,” senior Maria Nicholas
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said. “I participated to support a good cause and to raise awareness since no one really understands who the disease can affect.” The walk is an opportunity for clubs to come together and for students to gain community service hours. “Students should participate in events like this because there needs to be awareness and more tolerance,” Leslie Coleman, Spanish teacher and GSA adviser said. Coleman has participated in the walk for 10 years. “The longer I live, the more intolerance and ignorance I see. With events like these, we can spread the word, little by little, by getting people out there.” GSA plans on collaborating with other schools in the area to create a community and hopes to completely stamp out bullying and the use of inappropriate terms on campus. Walks like these provide
Jesus Lopez
Students and alumni represent the University High School team at the finish line. community service opportunities and a good workout. LAUSD will be hosting a 5k “Move It” as both a race and a health festival in the Dodger Stadium on Nov. 22.
“I participated in AIDS Walk as a member of GSA because I realize how much this disease affects the LGBTQ community,” senior Jesus Lopez said.
October 17, 2014
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UNIVERSITY HIGH WILDCAT
OPINION
Locking up the gate policy
ast week, administration implemented a policy that includes closing all of the school’s gates 5 minutes before the first bell every day, causing a rise in tardies. The purpose of this rule is to ensure that students arrive to school on time. Administration altered the original one-hour detention punishment to a 20 minute one because it was not approved by the school council yet. Though this solution is supposed to be beneficial, it causes distress to many students who may still have the potential of getting to class on schedule. Administration should not punish those who have the chance to avoid detention and tardiness–– this policy is reactive and not well-thought-out. Those who enter school from the campus’ gates on Barrington, Texas and Ohio or the student parking lot are forced to walk around the block for up to 10 minutes to come in from the main entrance and subsequently receive 20 minutes of detention. When the one-hour detention tardy policy was in effect, the average number of students who arrived late fell from
Matthew Song
148 to 64. The results from the new gate policy reveal that an average of 126 students were marked late to first period every day during the first week of enforcement. This shows that the policy is not entirely productive. Students who have the opportunity of arriving on time are being unfairly penalized. The amount of time spent walking to the front of the school makes students several minutes later than they originally would have been. Essentially, it is contradicting administration’s goal.
Students who drive to school also suffer the consequences. Those who arrive at or after 7:55 a.m. must spend additional time searching for parking spaces around the school rather than the school lot. This can take up to an entire hour due to traffic and parking restrictions. Not only is this solution ineffective, but it is a burden on everyone affected. Parents are rushing their children to school and administration is wasting resources on chasing down the culprits.
Catapult into community service By Eduardo Cuellar-Aguillar Managing Editor
According to the University of Nevada, Reno, teenagers volunteer 2.4 billion hours annually – worth $34.3 billion to the U.S. s pollution, homelessness and economy. worldwide poverty increases, so does Though many believe that this yearthe global and community effort to fix the long break between high school and college problem. However, the recent rise of these digresses a student’s education, youth who issues greatly outweigh the help they receive volunteer are more likely to succeed or in return. exceed in school, graduate and vote. High school graduates should be required Opponents also argue that this would make to serve a year or more of community a graduate more dependent on their families, service after graduating. since they would be unable Whether it be local to sustain an independent or global, the enactment life while working without “ ... youth who of such a policy would a salary. However, the longvolunteer are more lasting social benefits gained vastly improve the city, nation and world. likely to succeed or from volunteering make up If students were for the financial dependence exceed in school, required to serve a year of a person may have. graduate and community service after Making it a requirement vote...” graduating high school, to volunteer for at least they would be given the one year would lead a new opportunity to find a passion generation of individuals that is unrelated to their helping each other, thus education. creating a cleaner, more idealistic world. Teens who are exposed to conditions It would also raise society’s well-being such as poverty will become more socially and improve the prospects of low-wage aware and cultured. neighborhoods. This would not only help Even if it is not required, students can make the world a better place, but it would still take time out of their day to help their also help save the nation millions of dollars in community and those in need. Whether it repairs and in expending manpower to third is a miniscule or menial task, it will make a world countries. difference.
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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.
Instead of focusing on punishing the students, faculty members should attempt to pinpoint the cause of the student’s tardiness and work together to resolve the issue through meetings between parents, students and the school’s dean. Once the source is identified, students can receive referrals which will be more successful at solving their problem. Though the motive for this policy is understandable, it should be altered to provide fairness for all students. Administration should leave the gates open until 8:00 a.m. This will allow students driving to school to park in the student parking lot and ensure that no student is locked outside before class even begins. Improving the policy will also result in less tardies caused by the school itself. Rather than enforce unnecessary and harsh policies that punish responsible students, administration should strive to implement an approach that is more equitable and efficient for the entire student body.
Letter to the Editor This letter was written as a response to “Beat the system, don’t cheat the system,” an article featured in the fifth issue of the Wildcat, Oct. 10, 2014. In response to your insightful editorial “Beat the system...” I wanted to comment on the advice given to teachers, that we should “place less emphasis on test scores and grades and more on thoroughly comprehending the material.” I think I can speak for my colleagues when I say that test scores and grades are not the end goal of our teaching. Our primary goal as teachers is to help our students learn the skills to comprehend and apply the material. Test scores and grades are intended simply to reflect how effectively the student has done
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
so. It is not an either/or proposition. Short of sitting each student down for an in-depth conversation on each topic, the only way we can assess a student’s comprehension is through a test, a writing assignment, a performance, a speech, etc., any of which will need to be graded in some way to provide feedback on progress. I hope this reassures students that our goal is not to grade (I can guarantee you that we would prefer NOT to have to grade!), but to guide learning through teaching and assessment. -Dr. Deborah Robbins Social Science Teacher
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 17, 2014
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UNIVERSITY HIGH WILDCAT
FEATURE
Class of 2015 shakes it up with mixer By Alissa Nardo Editor-in-Chief
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Zoha Syed
round 50 people attended Class of 2015’s after school mixer dance held on Oct. 10 in the East Gym. A few students took turns playing DJ while students grooved to music on the makeshift dance floor. “There weren’t that many people there,” senior Molly Meyer said. “But I had so much fun dancing with my friends.” While the event brought in little revenue and a small crowd, the Class of 2015 considers the event a learning experience. Using the knowledge they gained through planning this event, Class of 2015 hopes to plan similar and more successful events in the upcoming year. In the mean time, Leadership is currently planning a $1 lunchtime mixer in the East Gym on Thursday, Oct. 30.
comes out in theatres By Shirin Enayati Feature Editor
relationships that this group of unlikely characters are able to build. Rather than over-sexualizing ased on a true story of the struggle for equality, Pride the story, this film depicts two proudly hit independent U.S. groups that have experienced hardships who look past their theaters on Sept. 26. Set in 1980s U.K., Pride prejudices and come together to follows a group of gays and successfully form a bond. The ensemble cast, including, lesbians who insist on raising money and supporting the union of George MacKay, How I Live Now, (Joe), Andrew Scott, Sherlock, striking mine workers. (Gethin) and Imelda Stenton, After being Maleficent, (Hefina) rejected by The “An eccentric create a stirring and National Union genuine performance of Mineworkers cast and an that allows the because of artfullyaudience to empathize their sexuality, “Lesbians and Gays written script with the characters and storyline. Support the Miners brings life The retro wardrobe (LGSM)” choose to and upbeat music raise money to feed and verve to further bring the 80s a small, rural mining a seemingly to life. community in While this proves Wales. Charismatic mundane to be an amazing story, Mark Ashton story.” history is not its main (Ben Schnetzer, focus. It would have The Book Thief), been more beneficial influences LGSM if a title card was used to advocate for the miners because they are both facing as a preface to the film to give similar backlash and prejudice by American audiences adequate information and place into context the authorities. An eccentric cast and an this important time in British artfully-written script brings history. Although the subject matter life and verve to a seemingly mundane story. The playful banter may not seem to appeal to all between the quirky Gwen (Menna audiences, Pride is a must-see Trussler), Stella (Karina Fernandez film that will leave you laughing, and Zoe (Jessie Cave) and the crying, cheering and feeling allheartwarming scenes between the together inspired by the message miners’ wives and the gays, allows of the film of finding friends in audiences to focus on the powerful unlikely.
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Hunter Piano prodigyMeelee strikes high notes By Robin Kopf Staff Writer
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f one swings by Rm 384 any day of the week, he or she might hear the clean-cut sounds of the piano and see senior Hunter Meelee with fingers actively playing. He is a remarkably talented jazz pianist, jamming out with a sense of professional effortlessness whenever he sits down at the keys. Meelee started classical piano lessons at 8 years old. Looking for more excitement in his music, Meelee took up playing heavy metal on the electric guitar instead. Meelee jumped from heavy metal to jazz after his aunt suggested he listen to “Misty,” an old 1950s jazz tune by Erroll Garner. He was inspired to study everything he could about jazz piano. “Something about the sounds [Garner] made with the piano, how he played it so effortlessly entranced me with the piano,” Meelee said. “It was something I’d never seen or heard before. Sooner or later it just clicked—I don’t exactly know when, but it became something I loved to do more than anything and of course still is.” Meelee’s talents were first debuted on campus during the Winter Concert his sophomore year. Ay Pong
He was featured as a pianist by choir and guitar teacher Kahlil Sabbagh, who Meelee says is an instrumental part of his success as a pianist. “In 18 years of teaching, I have never come across a student this talented at piano,” Sabbagh said. “The other professional musicians that heard him play are all in awe of his talent as well.” Meelee got his first professional gig on his 16th birthday in the Maggiano’s restaurant at The Grove. It took two minutes of Meelee playing their baby grand piano before the manager requested that he play regularly on Friday and Saturday nights. Meelee books other gigs playing piano at events outside of school. He performs at private parties around Los Angeles, such as in Beverly Hills, Calabasas and even The Ritz Carlton in Downtown. Actor Dave Franco approached him one night while Meelee was playing at Maggiano’s and requested that he play “Tiger Rag” based on a rendition he heard of jazz musician and musical inspiration for Meelee, Art Tatum. Meelee plans on pursuing music as a full-time career and would potentially study music production. Catch Meelee at the Winter Concert on Dec. 11, as pianist for the Jazzcats choir.
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October 17, 2014
UNIVERSITY HIGH WILDCAT
SPORTS
Get to know your athlete Interview by Zoha Syed
Stephanie Zeck
The Wildcats faced off against the Venice Gondoliers in a historic game on Friday, Oct. 10. The Wildcats ended the Gondos’ 43-game Western League winning streak. The last time Uni beat them was in 1996.
Football makes history By Brandon Berookhim & Erica Kopf Sports Editor & Staff Writer
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riday Oct. 10, 2014 was a night to remember for all Wildcats. The Wildcats varsity football team (3-3 overall, 1-0 league) defeated the Venice Gondoliers (1-5 overall, 0-1 league), with a final score of 14-7, destroying Venice’s 43-game Western League winning streak. Many Uni students attended the match at Venice to show their support for the Wildcats. They cheered on, witnessing history in the making as the Wildcats conquered the Gondos for the first time since 1996, the year a handful of our students were born. “I was ecstatic to be part of such a historical event for Uni. It made me proud to be playing with my team and coaches,” senior team captain Rashley Castillo said. Uni jumped to an early lead with
Tyrone Nelson’s 67-yard rumble on the first play from scrimmage. It seemed as if the Wildcats could have built on this lead, but some questionable calls were made, which fumbled their confidence. “There were some bad calls early on that almost discouraged the players, but they kept their heads up, and they prevailed,” coach Ed Wiedemeier said. However, Venice came through with a touchdown in the final play of the first half, which threatened Uni’s lead, setting the halftime score at 14-7. Venice had a very difficult time getting the ball past Uni’s strong defense, especially during the second half of the game, which secured their score. They led the Wildcats to their much earned victory. “This win shows that this football team is new and improved. This team gets better every week no matter how the games go on Friday. We work hard
everyday at practice and it showed on Friday,” junior quarterback Paul Davis said. Their hard work has given them the opportunity to be in the conversation for the Western League crown. Last Friday’s memorable game will be a tough one to beat for the most gratifying victory of any sports season. “They love one another and play for each other and I love them, [I love] coaching them, and teaching football and life lessons every day to them! One of the lessons is to work hard. No matter the result, eventually you will win! Go Wildcats!” head coach Lee Lowe said. The Wildcats will continue their Western League season tomorrow on Friday, Oct. 17 against the Hamilton High School Yankees (3-3 overall, 1-0 league) fresh off their obliteration of the Fairfax Lions. The victor of this game will be guaranteed a share of the Western League lead.
Wildcats claw at LACES unicorns By Zoha Syed Staff Writer
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he girls tennis team (2-4 overall, 2-4 league) fell to the LACES Unicorns (1-1 overall, 1-0 league) on Monday, Oct. 13, 4-3. The girls have been closing the gap in their losses. This loss was one of the closest ones they have had this season. Their two previous losses were to Palisades and Venice by 6-1 and 5-2, respectively. “We started off somewhat strong. We had leads in several matches, but we couldn’t close them out. The only way we’re going to get better is by experience. The team has only one senior, [Sarah Flamer], and most of these girls haven’t played competitively,” coach Antonio Robertson said. Flamer, team captain of the girls tennis team, was neck and neck with LACES in her No. 2 singles set until the very end when she lost two straight games, ending her bid. “I wasn’t getting under the ball enough. I was hitting too many balls into the net,” Flamer said. The team was also hampered by injury. Sophomore team co-captain Cassidy Globerman made her much-awaited return to
the court after a three week injury hiatus. Her right wrist, which started giving her pain nearly a month ago, was still clearly bothering her during her No. 1 singles game. To her credit, she battled her opponent for more than half the match before succumbing. “I was scared to exacerbate my injury and that prevented me from performing like I usually do,” Globerman said. Her injury has necessitated another doctor’s visit. She will be sidelined indefinitely. The team can only hope she returns before playoffs come around. Coach Robertson is starting to use what he learned from last year’s playoffs to prepare the team for what they will face there. They will be playing the standard women’s competition format, best of three six-game sets. Currently, the girls play pro-sets, first to eight sets, in the regular season. The playoff environment is also much more stressful, and the hot weather only makes it worse. “They got tired and couldn’t close out. A lot of it comes from getting too involved in the moment,” Robertson said. The Wildcats will be back it on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at home against the Fairfax Lions at 2:30 p.m.
Name: Gabe Okmin Age: 15 Height: 6’1” Weight: 160 lbs. Grade: 10 Sport: Basketball Position: Shooting guard Q: Why did you join the basketball team and what is the most important thing you got out of this? A: I’ve been playing basketball my whole life. When I first started to play I realized it was really fun and I wanted to continue playing ever since. I learned how to be a good leader and a good teammate. Q: What is your favorite part of the sport? A: I love the competition when going up against other teams. I appreciate the times I get to play with my team because they have become somewhat of a family. I love the atmosphere, whether it’s on the bus rides or during practice. Q: What advice would you give to anyone joining a sports team? A: Make sure you’re motivated to do the sport. Practicing and communicating with your team is key to success. Q: What has been your greatest motivation? A: Playing at the next level and always doing my best. I love the feeling I get when my team wins a game. I always look forward to that during games. Q: What is the most important game or experience you have had?
Brandon Berookhim
Sophomore co-captain Cassidy Globerman played in her No. 1 singles game on Monday, Oct. 13 against LACES with a wrist injury. The Wildcats lost with a final score of 4-3.
A: The most important game I played was against Brentwood because I struggled in the first half but later found my confidence.