May 2011 Issue

Aragon High School 900 Alameda de las Pulgas San Mateo, CA, 94402 www.aragonoutlook.net

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 782 San Mateo, CA

Aragon’s talent shows

BY TAYLOR WESTMONT NEWS

On Wednesday, April 13, Assistant Principal Joe Mahood was appointed the Vice President of the Central Coast Section (CCS), the sports league that Aragon plays under.

San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, Santa Cruz County, San Benito County, and Monterey County all are a part of CCS. In addition, several Catholic and Christian high schools in San Francisco compete in CCS. The region spans from Daly City to King City, and comprises of over 100 schools.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

BY KATHRYN DEWITT NEWS

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARL MALAMUD

FEATURE: Flip to page 6-7 to read what eight different seniors are doing after high school!

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILL FOLSOM

ANNUAL COLLEGE SPREAD: Check out pages 10-11 to find out where the Aragon senior class of 2011 is attending college!

ERIC TORRES

Aragon vice principal Joe Mahood has been elected to vice president of the Central Coast Section (CCS), the sports division under which Aragon competes.

KENAN CHAN

CASEY FITZGERALD

KENAN CHAN

KENAN CHAN

Gay Straight Alliance hosts BAYS Summit

BY BRANDON LIU NEWS

On Saturday, April 23, over 150 attendees came to Aragon High School for the Bay Area Youth Summit (BAYS) which was hosted by the Aragon Gay Straight Alliance (GSA). Led by GSA Senior President Jason Galisatus, the summit’s theme was anti-bullying and featured numerous speakers advocating for LGBT issues and rights.

Galisatus was inspired to host the event after visiting Los Angeles in October 2010. “It really crystallized after I met Tammy Aaberg, the mother of a gay youth who committed suicide. I wanted to tackle the issue of bullying, but bullying is such a huge issue. Lots of lessons about LGBT bullying can be applied elsewhere,” says Galisatus.

Galisatus contacted many high schools around the Bay Area by sending out letters. Many par-

ticipants were not only looking to benefit from the experience, but also hoped to receive tips on how to start their own GSAs. After months of preparation and coordination between Executive Director Jason Galisatus and sophomore Deputy Director Sam Alavi, LGBT youth and straight allies arrived at Aragon at noon.

The summit began with an introduction from Executive Director Galisatus and emcee Delta Work, a Los Angeles entertainer and drag queen.

The night featured appearances from various speakers, including legendary LGBT activist Cleve Jones and 14-year old activist Graeme Taylor. While the two are from entirely different eras, they represent the unification of new and old activism, and show the diverse range of those fighting for equality.

Jones is known worldwide for starting the AIDS quilt, the CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

KORE CHAN

Turn to page 4 to learn about the AIDS Quilt’s visit to Aragon!

MAHOOD PROMOTED

Speakers included LGBT activist Billy Pollina and drag queen Delta Work.

KORE CHAN

Aragon’s annual Talent Show was held on Friday, May 6, and included talents such as singing, dancing, handshaking, and playing rock-n-roll music. The show was divided into two acts with an intermission; the first act was composed primarily of people singing and playing instruments, while the second act primarily had dances.

For a group to enter the Talent Show, it was necessary for them to audition for drama teacher Shane Smuin, who selected 20 groups out of the approximately 40 that auditioned. After selecting the final participants, Smuin held tech rehearsal the day before the talent show.

The money raised from ticket sales and candy/baked goods sales during intermission goes to a scholarship fund for Aragon seniors pursuing performing arts in college.

Some highlights from the first act include the Aragon Improv Team performing to begin the show. Later, senior Jessia Hoffman sang “Climbing Uphill” describing the struggle of the audition process from the musical “The Last Five Years.” Later, Junior Sammy Shufton and senior Alex Phinney abruptly walked on to the stage each dressed like businessmen and carrying a briefcase; the two stared at each other for a few seconds before breaking into CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Speaker Cleve Jones was portrayed in the movie Milk, an acclaimed biographical film about gay rights activist Harvey Milk.

02 NEWS

volume 50, issue 08 May 19, 2011

Mahood takes on new responsibilities as CCS Vice President and the district wanted.

Mahood says that Diane Burbank, previous Vice President of CCS and principal of Prospect High School, suggested that he run for Vice President.

Mahood’s decision to become a board member had in part to do with his interest in sports. Mahood ran cross country and track in high school, and played rugby in college.

“This new position will not keep me from my duties as the Assistant Principal of Aragon”, says Mahood. Most of his time with CCS is spent in meetings, which occur multiple times throughout the year. He meets with the Board of Managers, the President and other administrators.

The CCS formed in the fall of 1914, with former principal of Santa Cruz High School Lee Sims as the section’s first com-

mander. In the winter of 1965, CCS offered section-wide competition for boys’ cross country and wrestling for the first time. Boys’ swimming, tennis and track and field took part in their first CCS competition in the spring of 1966.

Baseball started in 1967, with the first baseball tournament in the spring. Beginning in 1970, male students could participate in soccer. Then, in 1972, golf and football became available.

In 1974, girls were finally allowed to participate in sports. The first girls’ track and field meet occurred that spring. That fall, girls’ swimming became a CCS Championship sport, and afterwards girls could participate in tennis, badminton, and volleyball. Girls continued to be able to take part in more and more sports, such as field hockey, gymnastics and softball in 1976. The last sports added

MARTIN CONTRERAS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “I bring both a public school vision and Aragon’s views to [CCS-related] decisions,” Mahood says. His duties will also include stepping in as the head of meetings if the President is not there and handling financial matters. The term will last for two years; however, Mahood will be able to run for another term if he wishes to.

Previously, Mahood was a member of the Board of Managers with Athletic Director Steve Sell, a position which Sell still holds. which is comprised of representatives from each school in CCS. He joined to represent the interests of Aragon High School.

Mahood was also a board member for a number of years. He voted in regard to changes in policy, budget and other important details, representing what Aragon

to the girls’ sports offerings were basketball, cross country, soccer, golf and water polo in 1996.

The first new CCS sport available to boys in years was volleyball, first offered in 1997.

Originally, the schools competed against each other in section tournaments. However, in 1980, football was split Mahood played rugby in college, and ran for his high school’s own track and into three divisions based on field team. the strength of the leagues. another division, and so on.

Then, in 1982, volleyball Higher up than CCS, the Calisplit into two divisions based on the average enrollment of schools. fornia Interscholastic FederaNow, almost all sports are split tion acts as the administrator of into divisions. Two years ago, for athletic programs in public and example, boys and girls basket- private schools in California. ball became one of the last sports The CIF comprises of ten athletic to switch into a division setup leagues, one of which is CCS. In that was based on the perceived total, 1,400 schools take part in strengths of teams; that is, the CIF, which offers 27 boys’ and stronger teams played in a divi- girls’ sports. sion, the weaker teams played in

Aragon GSA hosts youth summit

Far Left: Participants check in for the Summit in the SLR. Left: Senior GSA President Jason Galisatus walks and talks with other coordinators throughout the day with the use of walkie talkies. Center: GSA Members set up for a giant pizza dinner to transition into the evening events. Right: Local indie band Fighting Jupiter performs for guests in the theater. Far Right: Representatives from the Trevor Project share information with summit participants in one of the numerous workshops and interaction.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 world’s largest community art project, which consists of over 45,000 panels, each representing one person who has died of AIDS. He first became notable as an instrumental leader of the protests that followed the minimal sentencing of Dan White for the 1978 murders of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, which became known as the White Night Riots.

A close friend to Milk, Jones was extremely optimistic at the turnout of the summit. He notes the significant change in recent years and has been responsible for rallying other activists in support of LGBT rights. Jones says, “It’s interesting because I graduated high school in 1972 and nobody talked about being gay. There were no GSAs. I didn’t know there were others like me.”

He believes that these youth represent the next generation of leaders and the change that has come is inspiring. Jones says, “I am happy to see the young leaders emerging and I enjoy speaking to them. There’s not a whole lot I can do; I can’t protect everybody, but hopefully, I can show people that by being honest, they can fight back.”

Along with the speakers, participants had a chance to attend the broad range of workshops and interact with each other at the same time. These individual workshops addressed a variety of issues pertaining to LGBT youth.

One such workshop was hosted by filmmaker Joe Wilson, who presented a screening of his own Emmy Award-winning docu-

mentary about the journey of the family of a gay boy. Wilson also had his own opinions on change, saying, “The only way to make change is through people-to-people contact.”

Wilson also has a two part message to young people on how to deal with LGBT bullying. He says, “To young people, it’s important to be confident but careful and proactive. The second part is that to address bullying, it’s up to the adults and straight allies because they are in a much safer position.”

Sam Alavi also has thoughts on the issue and brings a different perspective as a straight ally.

She says, “No people can move forward without others outside helping. We are looking to hopefully make BAYS an annual thing.

The first step to change is education. We need to teach people the problem on a personal level, rather than throw out facts.”

Having prepared since December, members of Aragon’s GSA were motivated to help out and prepare for the event. Freshman Alex Furuya says, “I think it’s really revolutionary...it’s going to impact the whole area and other LGBT communities.”

After the workshops and interactions of the day were over, dinner was served, and people had a chance to interact and meet one another. The summit wrapped up with appearances from guest speakers, and was followed by a brief message from Galisatus, finally finishing with a free dance.

However, despite the strong participation and enthusiasm from those who attended, BAYS did not receive the 300 partici-

pants it had originally expected.

The minimal turnout of press also came as a surprise because GSA members had sent out invitations and had received coverage at previous events.

Nonetheless, BAYS has been

selected as a San Francisco Gay Pride Community Partner. They will be a featured organization and will receive a donation at the end of Pride Week in late June.

With a promising turnout of speakers and participants, Ara-

ALL PHOTOS

BY ERIC TORRES

gon’s GSA has plans to make this into a tradition.

Be sure to visit www.aragonoutlook.net for more content!

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NEWS 03

volume 50, issue 08 May 19, 2011

Personnel Changes

Aragon’s talent shines through

the GATE programs have been affected because of the state’s decision to cut back on them.

With the end of this school Yet, the school itself possesses year, many staff members will a surplus “emergency fund” be either retiring or leaving the to rely on in the face of state school alongside the graduating cuts. These funds have not been class. prominently tapped into this Staff members such as Lisa year, though there is a possibilFox, George Engle, and James ity they will be utilized more Richmond will be retiring this heavily the next school year. year after years of teaching.

It seems that the school curHowever, for other reasons, rently is fairly stable; however, several other teachers will be conditions will worsen if state departing from Aragon. Tem- budget problems persist. Buildporary teachers in different ing President for Aragon of the subject areas will not be return- Teacher’s Association of the ing to teach next year, primar- San Mateo Union High School ily due to the District and “We are not being hurt as history teacher smaller size of the incoming badly as other districts, but Douglas Mcfreshman class. [there are] still significant Glashan says, U n l i k e cutbacks. Something has got “We are not teachers grantbeing hurt as ed tenure, new to give if this continues.” badly as other -History teacher Douglas districts, but teachers sign annual con- McGlashan [there are] tracts that are still significant liable to termination after one cutbacks. Something has got to year. All new teachers thus be- give if this continues.” gin as temporary teachers, reThus, district and state budgardless of their subject course, get issues are not the primary background, or intended dura- factor for the temporary teachtion of stay. ers to be leaving this year. InTeachers maintain their po- stead, the decline in freshman sitions due mainly to senior- enrollment is the cause for the ity; staying power is granted cutting back of several departprimarily on the basis of years ments at Aragon. spent teaching. Of this, band diHonors Chinese teacher Sorector Troy Davis says, “It is all nya Yu is amongst those first just a numbers game.” year teachers who will be leavIt is important to note, how- ing at the end of their one year ever, that such cuts are not re- contract. Due to the smaller sults of severe state budget cuts student body next year, Chinese on the district. classes will be consolidated and The school district, unlike all taught by Qi Fan. most in the nation, is financed Like other temporary teachthrough a revenue limit model. ers, Yu will continue teaching This means that instead of re- her subject, but as a part time ceiving a large portion of its fi- teacher elsewhere. In spite of nances from the state, most of her short tenure at the school, the money comes in through Yu remains positive about life property taxes. For the most ahead. She says, “Although it is part, the money from these tax- really challenging to teach in es has remained stable. high school, I love my honors However, a portion of the class very much... For me, it is school’s budget is neverthe- like teaching [is] great experiless funded by the state. Most ence. To get to know the world notably, special education and to and to live is my philosophy.”

COURTESY OF JESVIN CHANDY

BY JUSTIN CHING NEWS

COURTESY OF IRON AND ICE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 an elaborate handshake that included some dancing, clapping, spinning, and stripping of their pants (both wore a second pair underneath the pants they took off). To close act one, Aragon’s mens acappella group, “September”, comprised of junior Shufton and seniors Andrew Cohen, Jason Galisatus, Michael Miyahira, Phinney, sang the classic “Over The Rainbow” by Harold Arlen.

After the intermission, the second act began with the musical rock fusion group “Iron and Ice”, comprised of junior Luna Lynch and seniors Reza Moein-Taghavi, The Aragon Indian Club closed the Talent Show with a complex dance to Charlie Pai, and Brendan O’Brien. a medley of Indian music.

The group performed “Back from Cali” by Slash and two other rock songs. Junior Mariko Ishikawa, wearing a golden tiara and yellow tutu, danced to “La Esmarelda” by Cesare Pugni, and used a tambourine as she demonstrated her ballet talents. Later, Ishikawa performed a duet dance with sophomore Ashley Lu to the song “Count On Me” by Bruno Mars, an act that exhibited precise timing and skill. For the finale, the Aragon Indian Club, consisting of a handful of Aragon students, per- Rock fusion group “Iron and Ice,” comprised of junior Luna Lynch and formed a medley of Indian music seniors Reza Moein-Taghavi, Charlie Pai, and Brendan O’Brien, performed which included lots of spinning, three songs including a piece by rock guitarist Slash. stepping, and hand turning.

The talent show has different significance to different people. by Linkin Park, called the Talent ing on [in dance].”

For senior Haley Malinverno Show “…a great experience and While construction of the new who sang “Take It All” by Adele the highlight of the school year.” theater continues in the backwith her father, Don Malinverno For senior Kathy Shield, the show ground, Smuin reflected on the accompaprovided an show saying, “It’s a bitter-sweet nying her opportuni- moment because this was the last “It’s a bittersweet moment on piano, ty to dem- public performance for this thebecause this was the last public the show onstrate her ater. Exciting as the new theater performance for this theater. helped her dance skills is, there are a lot of memories Exciting as the new theater face her in “The here.” fear. After D r e a m is, there are a lot of memories performSong” by here.” ing, the Sam Spar-Drama teacher Shane younger ro; Shield Be sure to visit

Smuin Ma l i n said after www.aragonoutlook.net verno said, the show for more articles, pictures, “…I’m glad I did it, I had stage “That was the first time I’ve ever and web-exclusive content! fright [and it] helped with stage performed on stage; I’ve done a fear.” Sophomore Brittany Pisoni, lot backstage…it was nice to show who danced to “The Messenger” my friends what I’ve been work-

A year in reflection: music department ends semester with series of concerts KORE CHAN

The Aragon symphonic band performed four songs in the annual band spring concert, including “A Longford Legend” and “Kirkpatrick Fanfare.”

BY HEIMANA VAEA NEWS

The 2010-11 school year has been a busy one for the Aragon Music Department. Both orchestra teacher David Martin and band teacher Troy Davis have hosted a number of visiting music groups from across the na-

tion, including some from Utah and Montana. Martin says, “We exchange music with them, they play pieces for us and we play for them in what is called ‘call and response.’ It’s just for fun and our students get a chance to see and hear other kids just like them.”

Some more experienced visiting groups have included the Al-

exander String Quartet from San Francisco University, the Peninsula Symphony and the Acapella group from Cornell University.

The Aragon campus visitors have not only shared music with young music students, but they have also continued to help educate them with lecture demonstrations and other events.

Sophomore James Garcia says, “Hanasaki in particular taught me that discipline can create a great performance.” Freshman bass trombone player Stanley Krzesniak says, “The visiting music groups have helped me grow because they’ve taught you to practice more and I even practice more because of them.” As an experienced Aragon musician, junior trumpeter Joseph Chua says, “Hanasaki was so good and it showed me how good one can get with both practice and discipline.”

Davis also says, “We’ve become

a real destination for groups either on tour or traveling because we have such a great music program.”

On Thursday, April 28, the Aragon music students participated in their annual Band Spring Concert in this year’s theme, “Reflections.” All three music branches met in the Aragon theatre to perform various pieces they had learned throughout the year: the concert band, symphonic band and wind ensemble. The evening began with four songs played by the concert band, some of which included Semper Fidelis March, At Morning’s First Light, Rollo Takes a Walk and Flight of the Griffin. Following the concert band was the symphonic band and the night continued with another four pieces they performed including: A Longford Legend, Chorale for Band, Inchon and Kirkpatrick Fanfare. Coming to the event’s close, the Wind En-

semble played five familiar pieces, two of the more popular including their Pirate’s of the Carribean (Symphonic Suite) and Machu Picchu- City in the Sky. The Aragon concert band, symphonic band, and wind ensemble were able to end the year with a final performance in the CMEA band festival at Hillsdale High School. Bands from around the San Mateo area were participants as well, a few included Serra, Burlingame and Carlmont High School. At the end of the festival, Aragon was the recipient of a number of awards and honors.

The concert band was awarded All Excellent, Symphonic Band was awarded all Superiors and One Excellent, and the Wind Ensemble was awarded Unanimous Superior. The music department will close the year with a final performance at the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2011.

04 NEWS

volume 50, issue 08 May 19, 2011

Aragon community gets a chance to view the AIDS Memorial Quilt

“There are two messages that the [AIDS quilt] sends out, first: the devastation of disease, and second: the disease effects all ages, races, sexual orientations, and genders. There is a story behind the disease, and in 2011 that story is no longer being shared on the level that it used to be,” said GSA Advisor Vince Bravo.

The AIDS Memorial Quilt, created by The NAMES Project Foundation, was on display at Aragon from April 18 to April 22.

Bravo arranged for Aragon to host the AIDS quilt. After Bravo picked up the quilt from the center in San Francisco, he drove it to Aragon in the back of his car trunk.

Bravo contacted the AIDS Emergency Relief Fund in San Francisco, and the organization agreed to let Aragon host the sections of the quilt.

There were four sections of the quilt on display in the Student Lunch Room. Each section of an AIDS quilt contains eight patches; each patch is an individual memo-

MARTIN CONTRERAS

BY KIRA BRENNER NEWS

Counselor Stacy Becker takes time during lunch to visit the Student Lunch Room and view the AIDS Quilt with Aragon Students.

rial for someone who passed away after suffering from HIV/AIDS. One of the patches was a memorial for a choir of 13, so there

were a total of 44 people commemorated on the quilt sections that Aragon hosted.

Senior Nicole Beck said, “My mom passed away. There was one patch that really spoke to me… it said: ‘we’re not done talking yet.’ I could relate.”

Teachers received emails asking them to contact Bravo if they wanted to bring their classes to view the quilt for 20-30 minutes the week of the 18th. Bravo said, “There were a ton of periods that went in to view the quilt.”

Freshman Andisheh Kabiri said, “Before the quilt came to Aragon, what I knew [was] that it was a moving quilt, and that it moves people.”

The quilt is used in schools as an educational tool; it raises awareness about HIV/ AIDS and provides a forum to have a discussion about the disease and those who are affected by it.

Bravo said, “It is important for more schools to host the quilt because it draws the awareness to the subject. It is in the news less, but it’s important to remember.”

Teachers reached a consensus that their

students got the message. Hughes stood up to show how her students stood while viewing the quilt: heads down, feet together, hands clasped together, and solemn faces.

Hughes said, “It was humbling. [The students] rose to the occasion. They were somber and respectful.”

Junior Conrad Bracht, who saw the quilt in three different classes, said, “It seemed like an antique. No touching it… People put their hearts into their work.”

Health Teacher Steve Sell took his third period health class to see the quilt. Sell said, “Seeing the quilt raises empathy, it makes the risks of getting HIV tangible… it can seem obscure to teens who sometimes think that only gay people get HIV, there are real risks.”

“Sometimes teens feel invincible,” said Bravo, “the quilt is a message that it can happen to anyone, through various activities, and kids have died from it.”

Hontalas said, “[My favorite patch] was probably the one that was about Christmas.

Perhaps the man was Santa for his family…

Don’t you wonder what their stories are?”

Lawsuit brings attention to students paying for public school A suit by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) last September will likely make large changes in operation of many curricular and extra-curricular activities at Aragon next year. The suit has prompted a statewide policy that public school institutions cannot mandate fees for any class or extra-curricular activity.

As discussed in the April issue of the Outlook, the ACLU suit complicated summer reading assignments traditionally assigned in the English department. Contrary to popular speculation, the Aragon English department is in fact assigning summer reading. The lawsuit did not explicitly challenge summer reading assignments; rather the lawsuit brought attention to the flaws in the standing process of collecting fees or otherwise mandating spending from students.

In accordance with the new policy, students will not be required to purchase books. Students have the option of checking out summer reading books through the Aragon library, which has recently placed a large order for each of the assigned summer reading books. Books chosen for this summer’s assignments are books already in the curriculum of English classes, and are already in stock in the Aragon library. This allowed for the Library to only order enough addiKORE CHAN

Aragon students are interviewed by KRON 4 News during protests last Friday.

tional copies to reach the amount of students who would need the books, rather than ordering a huge amount of new books.

While summer reading is no longer in jeopardy, the fate of many other programs at Aragon has fallen into question. Currently, however, policymakers in Sacramento have yet to define exactly what kinds of fees are acceptable and what kind of fees are prohibited. “A lot of the debate is about what is actually core curriculum,” says assistant principal Joe Mahood.

For example, Mahood reports that Aragon will likely still be able to charge for parking due to the fact that the ability to drive to school is a privilege and not requirement. Art classes, which every student is required to take at least one year of, is core curriculum, and thus the law may fall more stringently on these classes.

In some cases, Aragon has chosen to provide students access to materials instead of requiring them to purchase such materials such as the summer reading decision. The math department has also received a large grant to buy calculators which can be checked out at the library.

In the case of the Physical Education department, a new policy will be implemented next year.

“We are still selling the Aragon clothes, which will be a better material and will be cheaper than the costs at the store,” says teacher Ed Larios, “but students will not be required to buy the Aragon wear.

[The P.E. department] will still be requiring a red shirt and black shorts.” Considering that clothes are considered more of a general item as opposed to specific works of literature or calculators, the P.E. department might be allowed such a mandate.

The group which may be hit hardest at Aragon are the elective programs. The Ceramics, Art, Photography, and Nutrition classes, each of which charge a fee for materials, will likely be unable to mandate such charges next year.

In the case that these classes cannot charge fees, Ceramics teacher Barbara Hughes says,

“We will have to ask for donations. And in the case we don’t get the donations, we just can’t have one project a week [for ceramics classes].”

While the individual $50 fee for ceramics may seem small to some students, the impact of the policy will have much larger consequences. With approximately, 160 students in Art, 160 students in Ceramics, 130 students in Home Economics Classes, and 150 students in Photography classes, small material charges add up. Considering that the fees charged this year ranged from $20 to $50, if these classes are unable to charge fees for materials next year, they will face a budget difference ranging from $12,000 to $30,000.

This policy may greatly change the composition of Aragon classes in the future. Junior Andrew Lin says, “[While] the serious students would probably make donations, the less advanced classes with less serious students would suffer.”

Considering that a full year of a fine art is required to graduate at Aragon, many students end up choosing a visual art, as opposed to a performing art, to fill requirements. These students, Lin says, may not want to be monetarily invested in such classes.

Still, junior Kaitlin Choy, who takes photography, argues that “[She] uses her own equipment mainly.” While she admits that some students may use the school’s equipment, she says, “Not having to pay a fee would be nice.”

Unfortunately, in the case that art classes don’t get the necessary funding, Hughes says “We will have ‘Art in the Dark’. We will have to shift the course material towards art history instead of hands on projects.” While Hughes says she does not want to move in that direction, it may be the directions the classes will take with less funding. Food and Nutrition teacher Susan Hontalas says

KORE CHAN

BY ANDREW LYU NEWS

Freshman Scott Bell and a group of Aragon students gather on Alameda de las Pulgas last Friday to protest cuts to school funds.

“It’s would be like going through chemistry without ever doing labs or taking biology without ever dissecting anything.”

Junior Dillon Waugh says, “There is little point to having an art elective if it’s going to be about Art History. [Art class] is about exploring and honing what you love to do.” Indeed, Waugh’s statement is a common sentiment among many students who may suffer due to the budget issues.

The bottom line is that this is yet another issue related to the education budget problems facing our state. While the ACLU’s stated goal with the recent suit is to highlight “the need for advocacy to ensure [the state of California’s] public schools receive from the state the resources necessary to achieve the democratic ideal of helping all children,” the reality of the matter is that California schools, including Aragon, are facing but more budget cuts

next year.

Aragon’s Fair Share Program, which helps fund many programs at Aragon will certainly have a tough time raising the funds to combat the new deficits at Aragon, but could alleviate the impact to the art program.

Community supporter of the Aragon Fair Share committee Sharman Blood says “[the distribution of Fair Share funds] changes every year depending on the need, but Fair Share’s goals have always been to help students by making sure that the districtwide budget cuts don’t reduce their choices, particularly for electives.”

Currently, it is still not clear exactly what academic and extracurricular programs will be subject to the new restrictions. However, as it is looking right now, there will be many policy changes at Aragon next year.

volume 50, issue 08 May 19, 2011

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 05

06 SENIOR SPREAD What is California Baptist University like?

It’s a small private Christian college in Riverside. After school I want to become a math teacher. My music pastor went there, and I visited the school and it was small and comfortable, and it has a good math program. The have teaching credentials, and they have a lot of places to sponsor teaching opportunities at other schools, and I might come back here to teach.

What profession do you plan on pursuing after school?

I want to become a math teacher because I like math and working with kids. Being good at math, I’ve found I could actually help people. People think math is hard, but it’s not when you actually look at it.

Joseph Gemignani California Baptist University Why did you choose Chapman?

I chose Chapman because it’s small, but not too small. When I went to visit over spring break, I really liked the atmosphere because everyone was so enthusiastic and welcoming. In addition, I really liked that I could receive a personable education experience, meaning I could get a lot more personal attention from professors as compared to a UC or other state school.

What will you be studying at Chapman?

As of right now, I want to pursue a double major in Business Administration and Psychology. But I also have a head for statistics, so maybe something with that as well.

What are you most looking forward to at college?

Well, for one thing I am currently taking AP Statistics and Ms. Gould’s passion for

What was the process of finding this school like, and how did you decide it was it kind of rubbed off on me. As for the Business and Psychology I was influenced by my mother who studied both of those fields in college.

What are you most looking forward to at college?

The thing I am looking forward to most in college is the ability to study what I want and have a wider selection of courses to choose from. Also, I am looking forward to meeting new people and strengthening my independence.

How did you narrow down your college search?

To be honest, I really didn’t narrow down my college search. I applied to a ton of schools. However, that being said, I chose schools with strong business programs.

Why did you decide to attend Cañada College?

I decided to attend Cañada College because I wasn’t ready to leave home and embark the solo life yet. I felt like the transition from high school to a 4 year university would be overwhelming. Cañada seems like a fun and friendly environment.

Jacqueline Cortez Cañada College Why did you choose Brown University?

I chose to go to Brown for a number of different reasons, but one of them is the completely new and different experience I’ll have there. My college is in Providence, Rhode Island, which will be a very different environment from San Mateo, and I am looking forward to it! I also decided to go to Brown because it offers the kind of education I want, which is known to be stellar.

What will you be studying?

I am going in as undeclared, but I am interested in psychology, education, sociology, and cognitive science. I also really like history and foreign languages, so I’ll have a tough time deciding exactly what I want to study!

What does your course schedule look like?

volume 50, issue 08 May 19, 2011 the right school?

I already knew about the school before because my music pastor went there. I went to a college fair, a private Christian college fair, [a] state college fair, and I visited other college fairs. I went to the school with my pastor, and looked at a couple other schools, and this school just felt comfortable and it just fit.

What does it mean that this is a Christian school?

They base everything not just on the education process, but it’s also faith based.

It teaches you how to live out your faith in the real-world, and how to apply your faith to life.

What is the social aspect of the school like?

Because it’s a smaller school, I’ll know more people. Dorms for freshman are Can you describe your most memorable experience at Aragon?

I would have to say participating in ‘The Producers’ as the Judge, my junior year.

Specifically, taking a bow and hearing the applause. This has stuck with me because I realized that even though I don’t walk with the grace and poise of a model, I have the courage to put myself in front of an audience of 200+ people and not be self conscious about my appearance.

What will you most miss about Aragon?

My friends and the musicals!

Any advice for incoming seniors?

First semester is really hectic with all the college apps, but just remember not to get caught up in the competition. You will end up where you’re supposed to in the end. Enjoy the year, because it goes by in the blink of an eye. lege application process?

Through Aragon’s AVID program, the college application process was much easier than if I had done it alone. Having our AVID [and Spanish] teacher, Ms. [Nicole] Elenz-Martin, was a tremendous help.

What other colleges were you considering before deciding on Cañada?

Before going to Cañada, I was deciding to go to San Francisco State.

What do you look forward to the most in the future?

In the future, I look forward to becoming more independent and ready to live my life with all that I have learned through out my life.

What do you plan on doing after community college?

After Cañada, I plan to transfer to one of the UC’s. Either Berkeley, Santa Cruz, or San Diego. I haven’t made up my mind yet.

What will you remember the most about Aragon?

What I will remember the most about Aragon will be the fun activities like Prom, the various clubs, and definitely the Senior Grad Night.

How has Aragon helped you in the col-

Do you have any advice for the under-

Brown has an open curriculum, which basically means that there are no GE (general education) or core requirements that students have to fulfill. It allows for a lot more freedom and flexibility in choosing which classes to take, which means that in theory, I can take classes that really interest me without being forced to take classes that don’t!

I will also miss the great teachers and grown-ups who supported me the whole way.

Can you describe your most memorable experience at Aragon?

It’s impossible to put a finger on just one single experience, but I’ll definitely remember all my years in music, as well as spending time with my friends every day.

What will you miss most about Aragon?

I will miss the great people I’ve met throughout my years at Aragon. I’ll miss my friends, who have brought a smile to my face and stuck by my side every day.

in the Smith hall, and the people in the hallways are your group. Once a week, they’ll do something together like bible study, party or go bowling. In the 1st week, the freshmen go early on a trip with their group to start the social process and to make friends.

Emily Zelter Chapman University classmen at Aragon?

The advice I would give to the underclassmen would be, to fit in a little “self-time” in between one’s busy schedule. Life isn’t all business. Despite all the stress, taking time to relax and have fun is rewarding in the long-run.

Is there anything else you want to mention?

Take life as it comes. Go class of 2011!!!!!

How will you keep in touch with friends/ family?

I know I’ll miss my family and friends a lot, so I plan on keeping frequent contact with them! We are lucky to live in an age where we can use great technology. I will also have a few other friends that will be on the East Coast, who I hope to visit when time allows!

What are your plans for the future?

That’s probably the most difficult question that anyone could ask me right now! Currently, my only plans are to work hard and hopefully be an independent, confident, and happy person.

Sarah Hosokawa Brown University

SENIOR SPREAD 07

volume 50, issue 08 May 19, 2011 Why did you choose this college/university?

I chose to attend Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut because going to school back east was something I always wanted.

It has a strong liberal arts program with rich tradition, and offers what I think will be the full college experience.

How did you narrow down your college search?

It took many hours of conversations and research to narrow down the colleges that I wanted to consider. I talked to a private college counselor, my parents, and past teachers to help me find schools that were a good fit.

Erin Sullivan Trinity College What were the factors that made you pick UCLA? The location and spirit of the school were some of the primary factors in selecting UCLA because I wanted to be in a lively and academically stimulating environment, which are definitely some large aspects of living in LA. Financial aid was also another large factor in choosing UCLA because I wanted to know that once I graduated, I wouldn’t be burdened by excessive student loans.

What other colleges were you considering before deciding on UCLA? I was really considering going to either UC Berkeley, Boston University, or NYU. But when it came down to it, UC Berkeley was too close to home and Boston University/ NYU were too far away from home.

How do you think you’ve changed since you began high school?

In the beginning of high school I was reluctant to ask for help in classes I was in the future?

I’m not sure of what exactly I want to major in, but I’m definitely leaning towards the social and health sciences field.

What kind of new things do you want to explore once you’re at UCLA? I definitely want to take advantage of the vast amount of resources and activities at UCLA. College is a time of exploration so I want to get involved in as many activities as I can, whether that be through research, volunteering, or joining clubs.

How has Aragon helped you in the college application process?

With all the college informational sessions and college visits, it was hard for Aragon not to get involved! The staff and faculty at Aragon were always very supportive and ready to assist me with any problems I had.

struggling in, but now I have learned the importance of being my own advocate and getting the support I need to be successful.

What lessons from Aragon will you take with you?

The most valuable lesson I will take with me from Aragon is the importance of learning both inside and outside of the classroom, and how being a student is not only with a book but also with an open mind.

Any advice for incoming seniors?

To all the incoming seniors I would say to not freak out about taking AP classes to look good on an application—take classes you’re interested in and enjoy your senior year. I would also say to not limit your college search to just California because there are so many outstanding colleges out of state that are worth looking at.

Joseph Hala’ufia Boston University

Can you tell me about the Academy of Art? The school is very art-centered.

There are departments for many things. I’m focusing on gamedesign. I’m interested in creating games. In game design, one can do the animation as well as do texts.

Others do models and characters—

What will you be studying?

Most likely education or history; one of the two preferably. But I might double in business too.

What are you most looking forward to at college?

I am looking forward immersing myself in change and gaining a different perspective that will foster learning and growth.

What will you remember the most about Aragon?

Definitely all the friendships and bonds that I’ve formed over my four years here at Aragon. It’ll be really hard to leave everybody once graduation rolls around!

Do you have any advice for the underclassmen at Aragon?

Take advantage of the multitude of resources around you and participate in activities that you enjoy, not because you feel obligated to.

[J]ust meeting teachers here like Mr. Colglazier and Ms. Hu who have been really effective teachers in what they do has pushed me towards [education].

What are you most looking forward to at college?

Probably the whole culture change; going to the east coast is definitely huge. I’m probably going to have culture shock for the first couple of months. And then living independently—you’re kind of sampling it before you have to do it yourself.

What are your plans for the future?

I haven’t really thought about that yet.

All I know is that I’m definitely going to be coaching somewhere, especially for basketball and volleyball. That’s the closest I’ve come to planning my future so far.

How has Aragon influenced your desire to study this?

How will you keep in touch with friends/

I’m interested in doing models.

like seeing smaller companies grow.

How did you realize you wanted to go to the Academy?

[I realized I was interested in the Academy of Art because] I like the [gaming] program MAYA. Also, in the beginning of this year, I started taking Saturday classes at the Academy of Art, and I had a lot of fun.

I’ve always wanted to go to art school, and the school is close-by in San Francisco; it’s convenient.

And my mother heard good reviews about the school.

Do you know what the social scene is like?

I’m staying at a dorm over there.

I’m not sure about the social scene, but I’m finding out.

What do you plan on doing after school?

I’m interested in any gaming like Wizard, Sega, Nintendo, and Riot. I

How are you feeling about going off to college?

Going off to college seems somewhat scary, but I have been preparing for this practically my whole life, so it is something I am very much looking forward to!

What do you look forward to the most in college?

I’m most excited about gaining some independence and meeting new people in a new environment. I’m also really eager to find and get involved in cool opportunities/activities that I’m passionate about.

What field/major do you want to go into Why did you choose this college/university?

I picked Boston University because I really like the campus, and out of all of the colleges I was accepted to, it seemed like the one that would be most helpful in connecting me to future occupations after [I graduated from] college. Aragon’s really prepared me well since all of the classes have been relatively difficult and pushed me to do the best I can. Also, Boston is a great fit for me because coming out of Aragon, [I’m used to] a mix of cultures and at Boston it’s very similar.

What will you miss most about Aragon?

I will undoubtedly miss my friends the most. They are people I have been close with for the last several years and leaving is going to be difficult.

Michelle Yu UCLA family?

Facebook is definitely helpful but also whenever I come back just reconnecting with people because face to face contact is definitely the best way to go.

Any advice for incoming seniors?

Do your college applications early. Try to do a lot of research on colleges during the summer. I know you want to relax and all of that, but it’s probably better to get through all of that stress during the summer when you can relax at the same time and take days off whenever you feel like it, because when you get back to school, the first semester is not as easy as everyone says it is.

How are you feeling about going off to college?

Really excited. But also nervous because I’m going to miss everyone back here.

INTERVIEWS BY WASSIM KHEMICI AND PANIZ AMIRNASIRI (FEATURES) GRAPHICS BY JANICE PANG

For web-exclusive content, including extended senior interviews and pictures of Senior Activity Day, check out www.aragonoutlook.net

Caroline Breaux Academy of Art University

08 FEATURES

volume 50, issue 08 May 19, 2011

At Aragon, there are clubs for all!

BY DEREK HAN FEATURES

GRAPHICS BY NATALIE PALTER

Math Club

Some clubs at Aragon provide an academic environment, such as Math Club.

Senior Amrit Saxena, Math Club founder and president, says, “Math club is basically a body that is intended to foster the development of mathematical talent and interest in the Aragon community.”

“One of the reasons I founded [the math club] was that I wanted to break the stereotype that math is too hard. My main goal is to incorporate as many different types of people in math club as possible,” says Saxena.

The Math Club has over 30 students, all with various reasons for joining.

“I was in the math club at Bayside and [math] is something I’m interested in,” says Sophomore Kevin Huang, “I decided to join because I want to broaden my knowledge of higher level math.”

The Aragon Math Club has become the most successful math team in the region and recently won its division in the competitive California Math League Contest.

“While our district had no national math Olympiad qualifications in over a decade, since the founding of the math club back in 2008, Aragon has had seven national math Olympiad finalist qualifications in the past three years,” Saxena says, “I have hope that the Aragon math club will continue its success.”

Christian Club

Celebrating religion plays a role in clubs at Aragon, such as the Christian club. The Christian club shares the love of Jesus Christ to provide a friendly environment for all students.

“Christian club is a place where Christians gather and have fellowship,” says President Alice Liu, “We want to show others about the Christian faith.”

Vice president Min-Jung Lee adds that, “Christian Club is to provide a place where people can share and spread God’s word in a comfortable environment.”

In the Christian club, welcoming others in a peaceful way is important. Games, small groups, prayer and sermon are some of the ways members can bond together while spiritually growing at the same time.

“We try to have a rotating schedule of games, worship, small groups and guest speakers. Small groups are when people come together and have fellowship and pray for each other. We want to help others come together and be like a family,” says Liu. “You don’t have to be a Christian to join the club. Anyone is welcome to join us at any time, Christian or non-Christian,” says Lee. Members of the Christian club have opportunities to display their pride in their religion during school, such as an event called Greek Week. “Greek Week is a statewide Christian club awareness to show others we are Christian. We wear shirts that have a biblical saying in Greek. We want to share our faith and spread the love of God,” says senior Joseph Hala’ufia.

Breakfast Club

The Breakfast club was created at Aragon to keep breakdancing popular to at the school.

Sophomore Michael Alverez, president of the club, says, “The Breakfast club is about showing your dance styles and expressing yourself. The purpose is to let students express themselves as individuals.”

“You can find hidden talents in the breakfast club. We taught a kid that how to breakdance that was completely new. He’s gotten so much better and knows how to backflip.”

Senior Joel Vazquez says that “Anybody can breakdance, and we’re here to show newcomers how. The purpose is to mingle, hangout, enjoy lunch and just breakdance.

I’m proud to let others know about my ability.”

The Breakfast Club is no stranger to performance. We try our best to help other clubs in school with an event. We want others to know that we are hard workers and that we have passion for what we’re doing,”says Alverez.

Sophomore Andrew Wong comments, “When you dance, the adrenaline rushes throughout your body. It’s an amazing feeling and I really love [breakdancing]. We’re here to show other students how fun breakdancing is and what talents they can find within themselves.”

Black Student Union

The Black Student Union creates pride and a feeling of allegiance toward one another and allows people of African background to mingle and be acquainted with people of the same heritage.

Senior Charles Grant, a member of the BSU adds that, “[The BSU] is about uniting black students of Aragon and to come up with common goals and learn about [the black] culture.”

Senior Jamison Hall, president of the BSU says that “[The BSU] is a place where students can come together and better themselves and become better people.”

“We host the BSU sponsored dance camp. That’s a big one. We fundraise throughout the year to provide tickets for the BSU state conference,” adds Charles Grant, “The conference is about leadership in the black community.”

Members agree that there is a strong connection within the club. Sophomore Gabrielle Tompkins says that, “I feel that [the BSU] is the closest group of students at this school. It’s a family and we understand each other. The seniors are like parents and Mr. Bush is like a grandfather.”

“We’re here to help the community and show that we can be leaders,” says Andreana Grant.

College: to know or not to know Every graduating student attending university seeks a different experience. Some want to go far, some want to stay close. Some want urban, and some prefer rural. Regardless of the setting, an integral aspect of the “college experience” is the social aspect.

While many students choose to go at it on their own, this year there are a healthy number of seniors attending the same college as their friends.

CSU Chico has a notable amount of Aragon students attending. “I made the decision to enroll before I knew that some of my friends were going, so they never really influenced my decision to go” says Colleen Hahn whose decision was largely based off Chico’s Recording Arts major. For Hahn, Chico offers a very unique opportunity. “What really hooked me to this major was the fact that I would be learning a lot about the music industry and the newer technology,” says Hahn, who plans on taking classes like music theory and electronic mu-

sic composition.

Senior Laura Joyce adds says, “I had actually decided a long time ago that I wanted to go to Chico State for college. It just so happened that a lot of my friends chose to go too.”

Stephen Chan, who is going to UC Davis with several close classmates, had a similar experience. “We found out we were going to the same college after all the college acceptances came out. Both [Kyle Kim] and I chose to go to UC Davis after talking to our parents, and talking about what schools to go to.”

While going to college with friends may make adjusting to campus life a bit easier it’s still a daunting adventure.

“A huge part of going away to college is meeting new people and making friends because it’s something a lot of us aren’t used to and it’s often times very challenging for people,” says Joyce. However this doesn’t worry her too much. “I feel that the socializing isn’t going to be such an issue for me because so many of

who says they aren’t the slightest bit nervous about moving away is lying through their teeth.”

Hahn agrees, saying, “It definitely does make me feel less nervous knowing that I will know at least a few people, but I would say going to college in general is just pretty nerve racking.”

On the other side of the spectrum, there are also many students that are choosing to go to school without any familiar faces.

Senior Ella Riffenburg is attending Willamette University in Oregon “I choose to go to a school without my friends because I wanted a new start. I want to go to college to experience new things and meet new people without having to worry about how my old friends are feeling and fitting into the college scene,” says Riffenburg.

Overall, the prospective students are all very excited to go to college with their friends. Their expectations are positive with a hint of sadness that they will be leaving their home. “Although I am really sad that I will be leaving

LUNA LYNCH

BY WILL ECKSTEIN FEATURES

my friends from high school are going to the same college.”

However, Joyce does remark that she is not without her worries about going away. “I may be going with a few friends, but anyone

my closest friends and my family, I am excited to get the best college experience that I can. And I also know that I can always come back home whenever I want and that makes it more comforting. But I cannot wait to get up to Chico in August,” says Senior Andrea Nelson.

Whether students are going to college surrounded by people they already know, or whether they are braving it on their own, this period of change is full of emotions for any transitioning student.

As soon-to-be Chico Freshman Haley Matthews points out, “I am really excited for the college experience, and the fact that I am sharing it with a lot of friends makes it that much better.”

For more exciting articles, colorful photos and thrilling web-exclusive content, please check out aragonoutlook.net

FEATURES 09

volume 50, issue 08 May 19, 2011

DEAR MOM, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Words from the graduating seniors

BY JAN MARINI C. GALABAY FEATURES

Graduation is a day of celebration and speeches.

However, with only three students speaking on the graduation stage, not everyone can share their parting thoughts. Thus, many seniors offered their thoughts as to what they would say if they could give a graduation speech.

Senior Rashmi Jain says, “I would want to tell the people how important learning and working hard are. If you just give your 110 percent, you can do anything. You have to always aim high.” Senior Zhili Wang says, “Do not waste your time. Study hard. Be strong.

There are a lot of hardships to conquer.”

Moreover, facing these obstacles will not be easy without the support and guidance of important people. Senior Steven Wu says, “I really appreciate all the assistance from the staff who helped me get through high school. I learned how to

communicate with others and express my ideas.” Senior Stephen Chan adds, “I think my teachers are really good. I like them. I will remember [AP Biology teacher Katie] Ward because she is very easy to talk to, kind and understanding. She makes the effort to teach you.”

Furthermore, getting up every morning and going to school would not be fun unless there are truly great people who accompany you. Senior Folau Etu, who values his friends more than anyone else, says, “I like to thank my sons Joe G. and Raymont A. Shoreview all day!” Senior Ayaka Chin is also grateful for the friendship she found. She says, “I am glad I met all my friends here.

They are some of the best people.

I met here two of my best friends, Kathy Shield and LuShuang Xu.” The school itself is also a part in molding the students for

their future. Senior Jamison Hall says, “Aragon has cultivated just the right amount of adversity that it has allowed me to grow as a student and a person.”

Chan agrees, saying, “I like the environment here. It is really nice.

I feel like I fit in better here than in middle school. [I think] that high school students are more mature and accepting unlike middle school where they kind of judge you.”

However, school can also be challenging place to adjust to.

Senior Emily Dinges says, “They did not talk about my disability [epilepsy]. It made my freshmen and sophomore year difficult.

I wish they would inform the students about certain things because kids who are not aware make fun of other kids.”

However, although leaving may seem overwhelming, seniors are looking forward to the next stage of their lives. Jain says, “I am going to miss my family and friends a lot, but I am excited to meet new friends.” Chan says, “It will be bittersweet.

Bitter because I will be missing my friends for four years and teachers who are supportive.

But sweet because I am going to college.” On the other hand, Dinges feels excited about leaving. She says, “I feel free and more independent.”

With the things they learned in high school, the seniors will apply them in college. Chan says, “Be happy. Nothing is really the end of the world. Do not stress too much.”

He adds, “Good luck and do not party too hard.”

Dinges agrees, “Just enjoy yourself. You EMILY YIP do not really know what you are going to major in until you get out of high school.”

On the other hand, college is a more competitive environment, which requires full attention and energy. Wu says, “As we grow up, we have more responsibility. I hope everyone will still stay on task. For those who decided not to go to college, I hope they do something meaningful in their life. Chin says, “Do what you want to do, but make the right choices.”

Graduation speeches are once in a lifetime experience, but unfortunately, not everyone gets to have the chance. Although not everyone can experience that shining moment, most of the seniors are grateful for all the support and memories and are hoping for a good start in college.

For more articles, photos, and web-exclusive content, visit www.aragonoutlook.net

BRIAN BARCH

BY ANTHONY LU FEATURES

Amidst the frenzy of AP testing and final exam review, one day in May is set aside for something entirely different, a day to celebrate and honor one person very special to each of us: our mothers.

Mother’s Day was first designated a national holiday on May 9, 1914, as a day for Americans to honor the mothers of those who died in war.

Since then, it has been celebrated on the second Sunday in May every year, and has become a commercially popular holiday with flowers, jewelry, and greeting card sales.

At Aragon, many students celebrate Mother’s Day by preparing a gift for their mothers, as a sign of thanks for all they have done for them.

Junior Patrick Kerrigan says, “I give my mom breakfast in bed, massage her feet, wash her car, give her a card. To me the most important present that you could give is love.”

“I made her some decoration thing I knew she’d like,” says senior Nathaly Casco. “If I had money, I’d buy her flowers.”

Some students make gifts, while others purchase something for Mother’s Day. Junior Amy

Jiang says, “My brother and I went and bought a high quality frying pan for our mom.”

Senior Cynthia Huang recalls one time when she went jewelry shopping with her dad and picked out a pair of earrings as a gift.

“That’s all she ever wears now,” she says.

“There was one time I made her a book of reasons of why she’s the best mom. I was like ... 12 or something,” says Huang.

“We take her out to dinner and take a picture with my brother and I. We’ve done this every year since I was born.”

-Junior Alex Lew

“I make my mother breakfast in bed, to the best of my ability,” says freshman Julia Murray. “We go for walks, and do stuff she likes to do, family things together.”

“I usually make my mom breakfast and give her chocolate,” says junior Pritika Natraj.

Not all presents are those that can be bought. “I give my mom flowers, and I give her the best day on earth because I don’t argue with my sisters,” says freshman Jasmine Chen.

One common way that

students celebrate the day is by going out for dinner with their families. “Our family goes out to eat somewhere, like the Melting Pot,” says senior Caroline Breaux.

Dinner is a typical tradition both at Aragon and nationwide; according to the National Restaurant Association, Mother’s Day is the most popular day of the year for dining at a restaurant in the United States, with more than six in 10 families opting to do so.

Junior Alex Lew says, “We take her out to dinner and take a picture with my brother and I. We’ve done this every year since I was born.”

While some students have certain traditions related to Mother’s Day, such as preferred places to eat; for others, it may vary year to year.

Junior Michelle Pei says, “I buy my mom chocolate, flowers, and we go to Benihana’s to eat.” In contrast, Jiang’s family has dinner “just anywhere,” she says.

People have different methods and degrees to which they celebrate Mother’s Day, from flowers and gifts to meals and favors. But regardless of how it is spent, in the end it exists as a symbolically important holiday, reminding us of the one we have most to thank for being here today.

STARRING: The Aragon Hi

Scene 18, Take 12:

The final shot before Aragon seniors graduate California State University, Chico Haley Matthews Emily Antoniazzi Andrea Nelson Heather Avila Gabriel Cortwright Naveed Peimani Jordan Stoner Colleen Hahn Gabriel Tomas Dela Cruz Laura Joyce Haley Kilroy

Humboldt State University Ryan Ashbaugh

University of California at Berkeley Alice Bebbington Cindy Lam Ayaka Chin Charlie Pai Shorhon Gong Conor Stanton June Jiao Ryan Yu Christine Kalife Tony Zhang

California State University, Sonoma Trevor McNeil

San Francisco State University Sabrina Bondoc Sheng-Ta Lee Andrea Correa Kevin-Khang Kha Otra El-Miaari Adrianne Recidoro Gavin Huckaby Craig Severais Mark Jelinsky

University of California at Davis Erika Brinkley Jina Lee Chris Chan Laura Nguyen Stephen Chan Brendan O’Brien Tim Chidyausiku Kelly Otsuka Danielle Hassid Janice Pang Yvonne Hsiao Tiffany Siu Kyle Kim Jeffrey Ware

Western Career College Arroya Andrea Elzie

Seattle Univ Candice de S

Willamette Universit Ella Riffenburg

University of Orego Erica Bass Kayla Lahoz Anthony Nichols

Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, San Francisco Haley Malinverno

University of the Pacific Rita Huang

City College of San Francisco Rachel Carlson Reynaldo Montes America Lares David Tocchini Aniva Nunez Mamea

California State University, East Bay Devon Hanna Vasilika Pules

Santa Clara University Winta Bairu Amanda Holl Sinclaire Cheong Cristobal Madrigal Ashley Frankel Kathryn McAuliffe Alexander Goya

University of San Francisco Andrea Cardona Will Randick Jessica Frankel Megan Ryan Raffi Manoukian Jaclyn Sutow San Jose State University Jillian Oto Chad Bolanos Brittney-Jules Perez Jakob Bray Lexi Ramil Christopher Chu Jennifer Quezada Daniele Fuller Cayetano Sandino Kimberly Ho Stanford University Alexandra Spremich Berlen Jiang Jason Galisatus Gabi Straughn Jonathan Lam Jessia Hoffman Bernice Manglicmot Bunthong Taing Amrit Saxena Michael Nakamura Serena Tumakay-Dailey Byron Ng

University of California at Merced Yi Lu Josh Quan

University of California at Santa Cruz Zoe Bartlett Mei Fukuhara Gurjote Bolaria Golzaar Mahdavi Michelle Bunarjo Dina Marshalek Kenan Chan Eric Torres Christian Demartini Marinel Yoro

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Kirsty McBurnie Nicole Killigrew Casper Lau

California State University, Fullerton Joseph Kamikihara Kristana Torreano

California State University, Channel Islands Evelyn Vilchez

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Felicia Dito University of California Ryan O’Donnell at Santa Barbara Lauren Nakasako Mark Nguyen Angie Cheung Ryan Spencer Natasha Issayeva InYoung Song Lewis Yang Zhili Wang Amol Mahal

California State University, Northridge Alyssa Kujiraoka Sophia Lopez

Mills College Ivy Binns Emma Walsh

Dominican University of California Melissa Cruz Jessica Locke

Academy of Art University Caroline Breaux Sandy Frank

University of California at Riverside Olivia Bocanegra Joshua Chan Priscilla Young

California Baptist University Joe Gemignani Art Center College of Design Chenwen Hwang

Chapman University Emily Zelter Azusa Pacific University Justin Mao

University of California at Los Angeles Joseph Kwon Anjana Amirapu Monique Beaudouin Alice Liu Courtney Louie Andrea Chau Melody Ma Harmony Chua Michelle Yu Jack Guan

California State University, San Diego Rosslee Mamis Immanuel Marinas University of California at Irvine Eunice Chan Cynthia Huang Sarah Kim Kally Tang Crystal Zhou

University of California at San Diego Philip Dimaano Rashmi Jain Danielle Tong

Universit Nevada at John Ou Sam Pach

Uni Hawa Max

igh School Class of 2011

e and take on their next roles.

versity Sauvage

Scene fades, cut to credits.

University of British Columbia Bryce Balbon

University of Pennsylvania Daniel Fu

Whitworth University Chris Engelmann University of Montana Loyola University Chicago Alex Catiggay Alexander Venosa Whitman College Lake Forest College Jonathan Luo Kate Kell

Bennington College Nina Prentiss

ty

Bowling Green State University Michael Miyahira Cornell University Eric Ding Boston University Joseph Hala’ufia Kalie San Felipe Brown University Sarah Hosokawa

on

Trinity College Erin Sullivan Yale University Peter Zhan Marist College Natalie Palter New York University Jacob Rennert Parsons The New School for Design Stephanie Wang

ty of t Reno utzen holuk

iversity of aii at Manoa Liebergesell

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Anthony Lu

Harvard University LuShuang Xu

University of Michigan Andrew Cohen

Wheaton College Hannah Hibbs

Tufts University Kathy Shields

Drew University Aaron Oppenheim

George Washington University Alina Polishuk Walter Sandmeyer

University of Arizona Andrea Arnoldi Alexa Sennett Arizona State University Jennifer Shields

University of Colorado at Boulder Casey Vaez

Rice University Jesvin Chandy Nichole Kwee

Other Military US Navy: -Firas Aridi -Yi Lu US Marines: -Nolan Freitag

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Concept and Layout by REBECCA HU

12 OPINION THE ARAGON OUTLOOK: Mission Statement The Aragon Outlook staff publishes a monthly newspaper created for the students to express themselves on issues of interest and importance to them and to provoke thought and discussion within the Aragon community.

Adviser Scott Silton Co-Editors in Chief Philip Dimaano Daniel Fu News Editors Olivia Bocanegra, Sabrina Imbler and Ryan Yu News Writers Kira Brenner, Justin Ching, Kathryn DeWitt, Bailey Godwin, Landon Hart, Brandon Liu, Andrew Lyu, Heimana Vaea, Taylor Westmont, Wendy Yu, Peter Zhan Features Editors Alice Bebbington, Alina Polishuk and LuShuang Xu

Bettering the relationship between the administration and students Aragon as a whole is composed of four distinct, but intricately-connected bodies: the administration, the teachers, the students, and the staff. When different organizations with different expectations must work together to achieve a similar goal, communication and transparency are crucial. This is especially true between the student body and the administration, given the oversight responsibilities the administration must exercise over the student population as student leaders organize events for the whole community.

That being said, the student body seems to feel that a general lack of communication and consistency between the student body and the administration exists. As described by Student Body President Jesvin Chandy, a lack of finality of administrative approvals and of specific details regarding cancellations or withdrawals of approval has led to a feeling of noncooperation. “It should be more of a cooperative effort,” Chandy says. “[Leadership] sees [both leadership and the administration] as important parts of the school, we don’t see us as just

Photo and Technology Editor Eric Torres

Arts and Graphics Editor Janice Pang Arts and Graphics Staffers Brian Barch, Chenwen Hwang, Luna Lynch, Yuzo Makitani, Natalie Palter, Emily Yip Center Spread Editor Rebecca Hu The Outlook would love to hear from you.

Visit us at: www.aragonoutlook.net or: E-mail us at: aragonoutlook@gmail.com

being rebellious or anything, we just hope to work towards the common student good through cooperation.”

Consequences of this lack of communication have arisen before, as witnessed by planners of last year’s winter rally, who were told just two days before the event had been canceled, only to have it be reactivated the next day. In addition, the Aragon Improv Team found itself in a conflict when administrative scheduling issues between it and the music department were brought up at the last minute.

The student body realizes that the administration, being responsible for enforcing discipline, and being responsible for affairs beyond those pertaining to students, sometimes has to make quick, final decisions. However, the general feeling of disappointment does not rise from animosity towards the decisions, but the lack of transparency as to how these decisions were made.

Chandy says, “Usually when [the administration] denies a request, they just say something along the lines of ‘it goes against a district policy,’ without giving us any spe-

cifics.”

Compromise and cooperation, then, is the only, and best solution to this situation. A technique that has been tried before by both of the organizations is to create a sort of liaison system between the two, with daily reports being shared between both the student body and the administration. This liaison responsibility currently falls upon the teacher of the leadership class, Catherine Williamson. In events regarding leadership, removing the middleman between the organizers of the events, the student leadership class, and the administration might be more efficient. Also, a student laison would better be able to represent the needs of the student organizers. The Aragon Outlook suggests that the laison responsibiltiy be transferred to a student, possibly another elected position or an assigned position inside of leadership.

In regards to other events that have inspired the writing of this editorial, the Outlook wishes to acknowledge that the administration can rightly expect students to turn in reservation requests in a timely matter, and that stu-

dents can expect the administration to return decisions that are transparent, fair and final. Thus, the Outlook would suggest that stricter regulations regarding requests be implemented so that the administration has a suitable amount of time to organize a master schedule.

The Outlook believes that these changes would be a positive given that not only would the students further develop communication and reporting skills, but would also provide an incentive for the student to make the communication a priority.

In addition, other student organizations such as the aforementioned Improv Team or any other student club would probably have an easier time communicating with a student as opposed to the administration, which often finds itself busy with things other than strictly student affairs.

When asked to comment on these matters, Assistant Principal Joe Mahood referred us to Principal Patricia Kurtz, who was occupied during the several occasions we tried to reach her. The Outlook welcomes a response to this issue on our website in the future.

SEX SELLS: Abercrombie and Fitch flares debate as clothing line sexualizes the industry

Features Writers Sam Alavi, Paniz Amirnasiri, Will Eckstein, Jan Marini Galabay, Camille Halley, Derek Han, Jack Herrera, Christine Kalife, Wassim Khemici, Anthony Lu, Jason Mai, Sangwon Yun

Photo Staffers Kenan Chan, Kore Chan, Martin Contreras, Casey Fitzgerald, Alyssa Lim, Kayla Solomon, Samantha Soon, Erika Wang

volume 50, issue 08 May 19, 2011

BY SANGWON YUN FEATURES

Whether we want to or not, let’s face it: sex is ubiquitous. We find it at the movie theaters and on the television, in the works of various members of the musical industry, and on the web. It permeates popular culture as an integral element to fuel comedy, to incorporate drama, to attract higher ratings, and to sell products. The fact of the matter is that sex sells.

Recently, this issue received renewed attention with a focus on the clothing company Abercrombie and Fitch. A retailer notorious for often selling sexually suggestive clothing, the company recently came under fire with the marketing of a product initially called the “Ashley bikini”, an ar-

ticle of underclothing for females designed to function as a padded push-up bra, to preteen girls on the Abercrombie Kids website.

The magnitude of outrage was such that the product can no longer be seen on the site. In the aftermath, though, there seems to be no end to the publications condemning Abercrombie’s deliberate sexualization of such young females. A comment that appears to be manifest in virtually all of such writings is the detrimental influence such premature sexualization potentially poses to targeted individuals as they mature into adolescents and adults.

Concerned parents and experts alike have argued that promoting promiscuity from such a young age carry serious repercussions in regard to self-esteem, self-image, and encouraging predators.

The website for the American Psychological Association Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls reports that, “Ample evidence testing these theories indicates that sexualization has negative effects in a variety of domains, including cognitive functioning, physical and mental health, sexuality and attitudes and beliefs.” Furthermore, they add that, “Research links sexualization with three of the most common mental health problems of girls and women: eating disorders, low self-esteem and depression or depressed mood… evidence suggests that the sexualization of

girls has negative consequences in terms of girls’ ability to develop healthy sexuality. Self-objectification has been linked directly with diminished sexual health among adolescent girls.

Arguably most vocal of them all, however, is the CNN columnist LZ Granderson. In his article entitled “Parents, don’t dress your girls like tramps”, Granderson argues that this issue ultimately begins with the parental unit, as they stand to be seen as the individuals responsible for dressing their child. He writes, “It’s easy to blast companies for introducing the sexy wear, but our ire really should be directed at the parents who think low rise jeans for a second grader is cute. They are the ones who are spending the money to fuel this budding trend.

They are the ones who are suppose to decide what’s appropriate for their young children to wear, not executives looking to brew up controversy or turn a profit.”

In many ways, this returns to the idea that sex sells (figuratively). Abercrombie, as well as the countless other clothing retailers throughout the world, sell this particular type of product because there is a significant demand for it. To put it into perspective, this product is available to the public for same reason that McDonalds still sells its food and Jersey Shore still airs its program on television: people want it.

For those looking for a quick

solution to bring an end to further sexualization of young girls from the clothing industry, past instances indicate that such a thing does not exist. As with the campaign against the tobacco industry, the fast food industry, as well as various other industries that concerted citizens have sought to reform, change is slow in the coming, and often unsuccessful.

We can, however, vote with what industry will inevitably listen to: our dollar. Just as Michael Pollack promoted the idea of voting with your fork in campaigning for healthier eating habits in America, the same can be said of the sale of Ashleys.

The problem, as you may have guessed, is that a significant number of individual elect to eat fast food, smoke cigarettes and buy Ashley bras over what may seem more desirable in the eyes of some. And keep in mind that they have the right to eat whatever they want, smoke whatever they’d like, and dress their children however they may please.

The only viable option it may seem, then, is to begin at the level of the individual and convince those members of society who vote for to vote against, at which point the endeavor would reveal its social implications. At that point, we may as well ask Granderson to cordially reiterate his rhetoric “Parents, don’t dress your girls like tramps.”

For more articles, web-exclusive content, and photo galleries, or if you’d like to comment on something that we’ve written, we’re all ears. Please visit us online at http://www.aragonoutlook.net!

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FEATURES 13

volume 50, issue 08 May 19, 2011

International summers

BY JASON MAI FEATURES

For many high school juniors and seniors, the summer season is a time to continue studying and get involved in extracurricular activities; at the same time, many other students get the chance to relax and take a break from a year of studying.

Freshman Madison Brown’s summer will be both recreational and academic.

Brown will be going to upstate New York to visit family. In addition to visiting family, he will also be hanging out with friends.

For the other part of his summer, Brown will be focusing on the Medical Explorer Program of Stanford he plans on attending.

Brown wants to be a doctor, and is ambitiously taking early steps to-

casions for family reunions, Privitera will be visiting family during the summer also. Privitera says, “My family and I are going to New York to visit my mom’s family and to have fun.”

Like Privitera, junior Justine Kubo will also attend a wedding, but in Hawaii. Kubo says, NATALIE PALTER “I’ve been to Hawaii twice before and have cruised through all the islands. I think it could be a different and better experience this time, since I will be there for a beautiful wedding.”

In addition, Kubo will be getward fulfilling his goal. He ting a house in Lake Tahoe will says, “Basically, you get to meet four of her friends. “We will be many people in different medi- going to the lake everyday to cal fields like surgeons. It’s a great swim,” says Kubo.

Although the latter part of program.”

Sophomore Anthony Privitera Kubo’s summer is packed with exwill also be having a busy sum- citing adventures, in June she will mer. In the early summer, Privit- be taking the SAT, ACT, and her era will be accompanying Penin- SAT Subject tests. There will be a sula Youth Orchestra to London lot of hard work for Kubo before for a performance. He says, “It she can have any real fun.

Senior Joe Kwon will be travwill be my first time to Europe. I expect London to be a very differ- elling all over the world during summer. Most of his summer ent, but fun place.”

Later in Privitera’s summer, he consists of going on missions will be attending his cousin’s wed- with his church. Kwon and his church will be going to Cambodia ding in Atlanta, GA. While Christmas and Thanks- for the third time to help out the giving are the more typical oc- locals. He says, “We basically help

the community. For example, last time, we helped make street signs.

We also go door to door and ask people if we could pray for them.”

In addition, they will also be going to South Korea.

Kwon says, “There is a possibility that we might fly around the states to give seminars about religious topics.” Besides church work, Kwon and his friends plan to take a road trip through the states and possibly visit UCLA. Most people are going to be travelling and having fun throughout the summer. However, sophomore Candy Tong will be working hard towards her dream of getting better at ballet.

She has won several competitions before and has been learning how to dance since she was little. Tong is currently the Teen Miss Dance of California and she plans to compete for the title of Teen Miss Dance of America during the summer.

“It’s really intense because there’s at least two girls from each state competing. I’m fairly confident about the competition,” says Tong. “I will be temporarily moving to Orlando, FL, for the dance competition.”

Also, during the summer, she will be attending the Patel Conservatory of Dance School with a full scholarship. Along with learning, she will be attending the Carreno Dance Festival.

Junior Eric Feng’s summer is full of dedication and community service. “I will be trying to work at any community service possible where I can give back to the

society,” Feng says. In addition to helping other people, he will be helping himself by studying for the SAT after school ends. Feng says, “I have already taken classes for the SAT, I just need to study by myself.”

Junior Pedro Cardona will be enjoying the beach during the summer. “I will be boogie boarding and surfing all day long at Santa Cruz’s beach,” says Cardona. He has boogie boarded many times before. Cardona advises, “Just don’t fall off your board!”

“I don’t want any academic work over the summer, I just want to enjoy it,” says Cardona.

Students at Aragon have planned incredibly adventurous summers ranging from boogieboarding to helping people halfway around the world. Although there are a wide variety of activities happening over the summer around the world, Aragon students have their own brand of fun throughout the summer.

signatures. I don’t care how many people sign it… I’d like them to write a paragraph, not just sign it.”

“When I’m signing people yearbooks, I try to go for quality, not quantity. I really

ered in signatures, Anoushiravani replies, “No. [The Yearbook] really doesn't mater to me that much to me.”

Sophomore Ian Barrie’s only criteria for the messages in his yearbook are that, “They have to be something meaningful that will be hilarious in thirty years, because that’s really what a yearbook’s for.” When it comes to signing Barrie says, “I only try to sign my friends, or somebody that’s close to me anyway. If I don’t really know you and you ask me to sign your yearbook, I honestly don’t want to sign it, because you’re just trying to get as many signatures as possible.”

With the end of school right around the bend, Aragon students must prepare themselves for the oddly political endeavor of Yearbook signing.

For more articles like these, web exclusives, and photo galleries, please visit us online at www.aragonoutlook.net.

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We’re on Facebook: facebook.com/aragonoutlook Also, we’re on Twitter: @aragonoutlook

The politics of yearbook signing

BY JACK HERRERA FEATURES

While the yearbook chronicles any given year in Aragon history, it is the back pages that many people covet. In those last few blank pages, there is a treasure trove of personal memories, hilarious laughs, and way too many “HAGS!” The last few pages hold the signatures, the fun, sometimes tearful end of the year ritual that has created a fascinating array of politics. “[When somebody I barely know] comes up to me and asks me to sign their yearbook, I’ll normally just [write] ‘Have a great summer! or ‘I hope to get to know you better next year!’”, says freshman Paige Kotowitz. “It really matters how much you know the person. I think it’s nicer if the sign with more than their name though; it’s more personal. I don’t really care how many people sign my yearbook; it doesn’t really matter.”

Senior Katayoon Anoushiravani says, “I try to get quality

YUZO MAKITANI

d o n’t care how many yearbooks I sign.

I want the ones I do sign to be genuine though,” Anoushiravani says. When asked if being a senior heightens the need to leave your mark, and get your yearbook lay-

For more content and to comment on articles like these and more, please visit us online at www.aragonoutlook.net!

14 PHOTO

volume 50, issue 08 May 19, 2011

BEST OF THE BEST: The best photos of the year by Aragon Outlook Photographers

April 2011: Samantha Soon Senior Amol Mahal looks beyond the woody horizon with his club as he takes a break from practicing at the Coyote Point Golf Course in San Mateo.

January 2011: Kenan Chan Varsity player and senior Max Liebergesell (center) shoots a hoop while avoiding Menlo-Atherton players Myles Brewer (left) and Ian Proulx (right) at a home game.

October 2010: Kore Chan At a frosh-soph home football game against Carlmont High, an extremely focused Nathan Zhang kicks off to start the fourth quarter of the game.

May 2011: Casey Fitzgerald October 2010: Alyssa Lim Freshman tennis player Rahul Joshi leaps to serve the tennis ball at practice. Overall, the tennis season was very successful amid the rise in newer players.

At the Halloween Rally, the costume team that stole the show was the Scooby Doo gang, with seniors Deryc Fong-Cripe as Shaggy, Tyler Outzen as Scooby, Sam Pacholuk as Freddy, Sandra Corzantes as Velma, Sophia Lopez as Daphne, and Joe Kwon as the villain.

February 2011: Martin Contreras In preparation for this year’s spring play “The Grapes of Wrath,” junior Wassim Khemici gets into character by wielding a pickaxe while senior Alex Phinney looks on, getting into the somber mood of the scene.

December 2010: Kore Chan Aragon band director Troy Davis conducts the Hanasaki Tokuharu band, who visited from Japan on a music exchange trip.

November 2010: Kenan Chan

Varsity water polo player Hannah Hibbs passes the ball away from a Sacred Heart player at CCS 2010. The Dons lost to Sacred Heart 13 to 5 at an away game.

April 2011: Casey Fitzgerald

Varsity baseball player and junior Christian Larsen warms up for the game against Menlo-Atherton. The Dons lost 8 to 5 at a home game.

September 2010: Erika Wang

Sophomore Alexia Hong positions herself after a team huddle at a home game against MenloAtherton High School.

January 2011: Kore Chan

Sophomore Rory Beyer plays the trombone at the Double Exposure Jazz Concert. Hillsdale and Aragon performed two acts at Aragon’s Memorial Theatre.

A big thanks to this year’s photo staffers for making this year’s Aragon Outlook issues look great with your photos!

You guys have made this 50th anniversary volume of The Aragon Outlook fantastic, and it’s been great working with all of you. I wish the best for everyone continuing on the photo staff next year, and keep on shooting those photos!

Sincerely, Eric Torres, Photography and Technology Editor

February 2011: Kayla Solomon

Doing drills and practices for her first game of the season against Notre Dame High, infielder Stephanie Perez gets into her stance to get ready to pitch to one of her teammates.

January 2011: Erika Wang

The Aragon Frosh-Soph basketball team runs its practice drills, with freshman Alex Manu dribbling the ball across the gymnasium floor. The FroshSoph basketball team is co-coached by Hosea Patton and Lou Murgo.

PHOTO 15

volume 50, issue 08 May 19, 2011

The final few days: The end of the year for the Aragon Class of 2011

Aragon Dance Team performers Lexi Ramil and Andrea Arnoldi hug following their final rally performance of the year.

Polynesian Club member Sione Taufahema performs a dance in front of students at Center Court in the last rally of the year.

Colleen Hahn dances with the rest of her senior classmates at Luau, held on Friday, May 13, 2011.

By tradition, seniors only pay $1, encouraging higher turnout and promoting overall class comradery.

At Senior Activity Day on Monday, May 16, 2011, Daniel Fu and Tony Zhang pore over their newly acquired yearbooks.

Reynaldo Montes does the airplane at the Luau dance.

America Lares and Wanda Castro relax on the football field turf after running through the inflatable obstacle course, one of the many fun activities set up for Senior Activity Day.

Free food was a prominent aspect of Senior Activity Day, and Joe Gemignani definitely took advantage of it by eating some strawberries.

After many failed attempts by numerous seniors to get themselves stuck to the Velcro wall, Sharlin Waran becomes the first.

Friends Haley Kilroy, Felicia Dito, and Alexa Sennett tumble down the inflatable slide.

Chad Bolanos gets dunked by Alofalou Etu and his other friends as a way to conclude Senior Activity Day as the Class of 2011 inches closer to Graduation, which will be held on May 27, 2011.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ARAGON CLASS OF 2011!

PHOTOS BY ERIC TORRES | FOR MORE SENIOR CLASS PHOTOS, GO ONLINE TO WWW.ARAGONOUTLOOK.NET

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SPORTS 17

volume 50, issue 08 May 19, 2011

Boys tennis team reflects on season, teamwork, love for the sport and cheeseburgers

BY CHRISTINE KALIFE FEATURES

This year, the boys’ tennis team followed through the season with the utmost dedication, because to them, “It’s all about experience,” explains sophomore Rahul Joshi. “It is really a mental sport as much as [a] physical [one],” says freshman player Arthur Zhu. With similar enthusiasm, junior Evan Lee, another member of the Aragon boys tennis team states, “Tennis is probably the only sport I like to play and watch. The reason why I love tennis is because I grew up around [it] all my life.”

“What I love the most about tennis is that it’s a sport of thinking. By thinking I mean, every time before you hit the ball, you need to predict your opponent’s next move and think about the amount of power you need to put on the ball and the direction of it; otherwise,

you will lose,” explains senior Reza Moein.

Junior Thomas Pauly adds, “…anything can happen. It all depends on who you are as a player not [on] your skill.”

This season, it was this hard-earned skill that led to some memorable highlights for the boys’ tennis team.

“There was one match that really stood out of me, and that was our first against El Camino High School.

We’d already won overall, but Chris and El Camino’s number one had split sets and were playing a third. Chris came back to win that match and really showed lots of heart. Essentially, [that moment] showed how much he cared about the team and how he was [its] heart and soul,” explains Joshi.

The tennis team had its moments of “heart and soul,” made personal accomplishments, and broke personal records. “Me and my partner

won the match against MenloAtherton and it was our greatest victory in the season,” Moein states.

Freshman Isaac Wang can relate to a personal success regarding a match against Menlo Atherton. “Me and my partner had to

“Coach promised us cheeseburgers if we beat Mills since we had a huge win streak over them and they were kind of our rivals. We won and got to eat cheeseburgers the next day at practice.”

-Freshman Issac Wang play number two doubles and we were matched against MA’s number two singles and another boy.

We were expected to lose 0-6, 0-6, but me and Arthur played really well. Even though we lost, we… put up a good fight. The final score was 4-6, 5-7.”

“As a player, I’ve become more serious about playing tennis rather than thinking it is just for fun. The whole varsity team helped me. Watching them play

just know the rewith conficords are simidence and lar to last hard work, y e a r ’ s ,” made me realex p l a i n s ized how much this team is committing Lee. toward the school. It All in made me want to do the all, the same,” states Zhu of the imtennis portance of teamwork. team com“Coach promised us pleted the season on a positive note, cheeseburgers if we beat Mills each player making since we had a huge win streak personal achievements over them and they were kind of and enjoying time toour rivals. We won and got to gether as a team. As eat cheeseburgers the next Joshi sums it all up day at practice,” says saying, “Tennis is just Wang about his bondawesome, that is what ing experience with makes it better than all the team.

However, deother sports, you just spite such successes, cannot be as awesome the team generally as a tennis player.” felt no improvement from last year, or any deterioration for that matter. “In my honest opinion, I think we did same in PHOTOS BY CASEY FITZGERALD comparison to last year. I believe we lost and won to Please visit aragonoutlook.net the same schools as we did last for more articles and photos. year but I’m not entirely sure. I

Softball team perserveres through minor setbacks

BY BAILEY GODWIN NEWS

season. We’re where we want to be.”

Senior outfielder Tori Lovell says, “The season started out really rocky, but we’re definitely finishing strong. It’s a totally different team out there now. I’d love to restart the season and start out like this instead of how we did.”

Aragon began the season at 3-8 before finishing with a 12-15 record.

Laskey says, “We lost a few seniors this year, so we had to bring up freshmen and sophomores.

I watched this team win five out of eleven games, and then they proceeded to win six out of seven

good] communication and good chemistry. You know when a team has good chemistry when the players understand who is going to catch the ball and throw it to the next person, and that person is ready for the ball.”

Ramsey says, “Definitely communication and teamwork [make a good team]. When everyone gives 100 percent and everyone is behind you, that’s teamwork.”

Laskey says, “I value the concept of girls being able to play softball, and learning enough so that they will be able to coach later on.”

Ramsey says, “It was a slow start, but now that we’re in the middle, it’s starting to be a good

Left: Sophomore Stephanie Perez scoops up a groundball during practice in preparation for their final games of the season.

Right: From the outfield, sophomore Annalise Di Santo looks and throws to her teammate on the infield during a typical afternoon practice.

PHOTOS BY ERIKA WANG

The Aragon varsity softball team ended its season with a win against Mills High School last Thursday, May 12. Although they ended the season with a record of 12-15, they perservered throughout their games.

The team played against Burlingame on May 3. In the bottom of the first inning, Aragon outfielder junior Maureen Duddy hit a solo home run, putting the score at 1-0. However, at the top of the second inning, Burlingame hit two home runs, putting the score at 2-1.

Later, an error led to two more Burlingame runs, and another two were scored in the inning, giving Burlingame a 6-1 lead.

With outfielder sophomore Annalesse Di Santo and infielder sophomore Stephanie Perez on base, outfielder Duddy hit a ball out to left field, and moved Aragon up two runs, ending the second inning with a score of 6-3.

By the bottom of the fourth inning, Burlingame had gained one more run, putting them up 7-3. With senior Vanessa Smith at bat, she brought in two more runs, followed by a third, allowing Aragon to catch up to Burlingame 7-6. The two teams were tied at the bottom of the sixth, but one more run ended the inning with Aragon leading by one run, 8-7.

At the top of the seventh and final inning, Burlingame tied the game at eight runs apiece. Initially, the Aragon girls managed to keep Burlingame at bay, but their hold on the tie slipped. Burlingame would later drive in two more runs, keeping the score at 10-8 until the end of the game.

Head coach Bill Laskey says, “The majority of the team played

to their abilities. Three fourths of the girls had adrenaline and intensity, and the one or two that didn’t cost us the game.”

Duddy says, “We played really well today. Burlingame was finding gaps in our playing, and they beat us. We did not lose for ourselves, they legitimately beat us.”

Junior shortstop Brook Ramsey says, “It was a good game, but we deserved to win more than they did. Everyone was trying hard. We have to come to every game with the attitude that the opposing team is just a regular team, and that we have the opportunity to win.”

Duddy says, “[Some things that make up a solid team are

games. I couldn’t ask for better individual effort or better team effort from these girls.”

Lovell says, “The team has hugely changed. We had a lot of dominant seniors on the team last year, and since there are a lot of young people this year, we don’t have very many leaders. Outstanding leaders really help the team.”

Laskey says, “Overall, the Aragon softball program is improving. It’s showing all the people who are considering joining the softball team both that we are rising as a whole, and that it is a high intensity sport.”

18 SPORTS

volume 50, issue 08 May 19, 2011 PHOTOS BY KAYLA SOLOMON

BADMINTON ONCE AGAIN VICTORIOUS

BY CAMILLE HALLEY FEATURES

As the badminton team wraps up the season and heads into PALS and CCS, its members reflect on their remarkably successful season.

“They had an outstanding season,” said coach Linda Brown about the Aragon badminton team’s undefeated 2011 season.

“I think it’s the best season we’ve had in ten years,” says senior player Justin Mao. “We started off the season with our toughest match,” said Brown about their first match of the year against Carlmont High School.

“You could say that was the highlight of the year because it went down to our very last match. We were tied 7-7, so whoever won that match basically started off

the season really strong.”

Players agree that Carlmont was one of the team’s most difficult opponents, along with Menlo-Atherton. Junior Alyssa Lim says the Menlo-Atherton may have been toughest because they “had more sportsmanship [oriented] people, and Carlmont [just had] players.”

There have been changes to the team since last year, however, which may have helped them to be successful. “We’ve gotten stronger this year,” says Brown.

“We’re a deeper team. This year, our team has strong four and five spots. Last year, we weren’t that strong.” Players on the team are ranked and placed from one to five based on skill, one being the best.

Mao says, “I think our seniors have really stepped up this year,”

but points out that the team had “pretty strong underclassmen.”

However, Brown says, “The problem with freshmen is that we’ve got a lot of strong sophomores, so there’s a lot of competition going on. Although the freshmen are strong and they’ve stepped up, there’s just no place for them to play.”

Focus also might have helped the team this year, according to senior Yi Lu, who says, “Ms. Brown worked with all of us a lot, like, on technique, and that really helped.”

But, the season isn’t over quite yet. The team is scheduled to begin PALS on May 16, where only the top two players in each division will attend. Fellow juniors and partners Alyssa Lim and Kevin Toy, who will both attend, agree that it will be a challenge because they will have to play Carlmont

days. The first day incorporated the use of the cut line; players who achieved a score below the cut line would advance to day two of the tournament. Players who advanced past day two would advance to day three, the PAL Championships.

Being ranked within the Top 40 in the league, Mahal and Hardy, along with sophomore Landon Hart and senior Ryan Spencer were given a bye for day one.

Meanwhile, senior Joshua Chan, along with the others ranked below the Top 40, competed in Day One of PAL, also known as the Qualifier round.

Chan would make the cut and advance to day two.

Day Two took place at the Shoreline Golf Course on May 3 where the 50 golfers competed for the 24 spots available for Day Three.

Playing 18-holes, Hart shot the best of the day with a score of 73, which placed him in first place for Day Three. Not far behind, Mahal shot 77.

With these scores, both players made the cut and proceeded onto the next day; the rest of the team failed to make the cut.

Moving onto Day Three, the PAL Championships, Hart and Mahal managed to play very well despite the windy weather and challenging courses at Half Moon Bay Golf Links.

Shooting 79, Mahal’s total from those two days put him at

156, which qualified him for CCS for the fourth time since freshman year.

Mahal, who has played in PAL every year in high school, states, “My goals were to play competitively. And that's exactly what I did. I felt this was my best season in PAL.” Scoring the low of the day, Hart, as one of the younger players who competed, shot 77. With a score of 73 from the previous day, Hart’s two day total added up to 150, which not only qualified him for CCS, but sealed him his first place spot and made him the PAL Golf Tournament Champion.

Holding a score of 150, Hart beat out Woodside’s senior Jarvis Sill who had followed very close behind Hart, losing first place to him by only three strokes.

Hart says, “I'm proud that I won because I had a bad season, and I was able to step up during the playoffs.”

After a successful performance at PAL, both Hart and Mahal moved onto compete in the first rounds of CCS on May 11 at Rancho Canada Country Club in Carmel.

CCS proved to be not as successful as PAL turned out to be. On Day One of CCS, Hart shot 94, while Mahal barely missed the cut after shooting 76 when the cut was 75.

Left: Junior Aaron Kim and Senior Lauren Nakasako anticipate a serve.

Above: Sophomore Jaehee Park smashes his opponent’s overhead volley.

and M.A. again. But, Toy is confident. “We’ll be fine though, we’ll advance to the next round probably,” he says.

Brown is not totally convinced.

“PALS is a totally different animal because it’s all ones and twos, so a lot of it depends on scene. We have a lot of potential to do well, but you never know until people show up,” she says.

One of her concerns is how physically draining a day of PALS can be for players. “They have to step up their condition a little bit because, if a team loses on the first day of PALS, they could end up playing five or six games that

first day. So, they’ve got be in condition to be able to handle the exhaustion they’re going to have to deal with if that happens.”

Despite any concerns having to do with PALS, the team and their coach are overjoyed with their success this season. Lim says, “Our team is more like a family than a sports team. We support each other more than train each other.”

Brown is proud of her team. She says, “They had an outstanding season. They were undefeated, and in badminton that’s really hard because there’s a couple of difficult schools out there.”

Regarding CCS, Hart states, “This year everything was bad for me with waking up early and then having to concentrate. Next year, I am really going to try to get to Day Two because if I had played like I did in PAL, I think I would've had a much better chance, but I played so poorly that I was never even close.”

Of his performance, Mahal comments,

down.”

Nevertheless, Mahal adds, “I think I ended my golf career perfectly, even though I missed the cut for CCS Finals, I had a great season in the PAL and

Golfers Hart and Mahal now PAL Champions

BY WENDY YU NEWS

After ending their season in third place in the Bay Division, the Aragon’s Boys’ Golf Team competed in the Peninsula Athletic League (PAL) Boy’s Golf Tournament and in the Central Coast Section (CCS) playoffs.

In their competitive league, the Aragon Boy’s Golf Team played a very successful season, finishing strongly in third in the league with a record of 14-4.

Commenting on the highlight of the season, junior Jeremy Hardy says, “The one highlight that immediately comes to mind is when we defeated M-A. Because of this victory, we shot up in the league rankings and gained lots of momentum going into our next matches.”

Of the season, Hardy adds, “Overall, this year's season has been great. Even though we lost some teammates along the way, this year has definitely been our strongest in terms of team familiarity and our chances of going to CCS as a team.”

At the end of the season, senior Amol Mahal, also the team captain, was awarded PAL Golfer of the Year for having the best scoring average of the season.

With the close to the season, players from the Boy’s Golf Team competed in the PAL Individual Golf Tournament, a 36-hole tournament that is split into several

LUNA LYNCH

“Day One of CCS was an unfortunate ride.

For as well as I played, my score did not reflect it.

I had no problem hitting greens, but my putting just let me

this l o s s only motivates me to play better golf in the future.”

In the end, despite the fact that CCS did not end as successfully as hoped for the two, Hardy sums up the year, saying, “I'm very proud of the way our team has come together this year to be strong competition ... I think all of us have significantly improved in our individual games, and this helped us evolve into the team we were this year.”

Make sure to visit www.aragonoutlook.net for more articles like this and web-exclusive content!

SPORTS 19

volume 50, issue 08 May 19, 2011

Baseball concludes difficult season

BY PETER ZHAN NEWS

portunity to run to home base, set- ting the score to 2-0.

Hillsdale scored The Aragon one run each in Varsity Baseball the fifth and sixth Team lost its final innings, game to Hillsdale 4-0 bringing on May 13. It was a tight the total game until the fourth inscore to ning. Hillsdale’s Armando 4-0.

Fajardo drew a walk, adAccordvancing to second base afing to the San ter Nick Serrata hit a single.

Mateo Daily Tyler Kelly then hit a single Journal, coach into right field that rolled Lenny Souza said, toward the fence, allowing “Every game we Fajardo to score a run, would take one asgiving Hillsdale the early pect of the game lead. and just play really Hillsdale’s Scott poorly.”

Cecil was up to bat Junior Chrisnext, with runtian Larsen said, ners on second “We didn’t hit the and third base. opposing pitcher Hillsdale well.

He had a good KENAN CHAN curveball, and we fell behind on co ach the count. We alDonohoe lowed him to called for a suicide t h r o w the curve ball squeeze, but this failed, giving the w h e r e he wanted to, Dons an opportunity to tag out and it was very effective Serrata between third and home. against us.

As a result, However, the catcher’s throw to we didn’t score the bag allowed Kelly, who was any runs.” walking back to second, an opThe last two g a m e s

Student Athletic Awards

The following students were recognized by the Athletics department last night. Congratulations!

Student Athletes of the Year 2010-2011 Tyler Outzen & Miya Oto 2010 -2011 Varsity Most Valuable Players Softball Elena Bowman Maureen Duddy Water Polo Kyle Kim Miya Oto Badminton Jasmine Huang Andrea Chau Cross Country Rory Beyer Lauren Croshaw

Volleyball Felicia Dito

Diving Sara Boushakra

Boys Basketball Max Liebergesell Joseph Hala’ufia

Boys Soccer Jose Cabezas

Swimming Billy Seeburger Miya Oto Boys Tennis Chris Engelmann

Girls Basketball Justine Kubo

Girls Soccer Kat McAuliffe Rachel Killigrew

Girls Golf Gina Hazelton Erin Sullivan

Softball Elena Bowman Maureen Duddy

Girls Tennis Alice Liu

Wrestling Conor Stanton

Boys Golf Amol Mahal

Football Viliami Fukofuka

of the season for the Dons were against Hillsdale. The first was played on home soil where the Dons suffered a loss 7-0. The final game, which was described above, took place at Hillsdale.

Overall, the season had not lived up to expectations. The Dons finished the season at 3-110 in league play and 9-16-2 overall, a dampening performance compared to last year’s 9-5-0 in league play and 15-11 overall.

Larsen said, “The most disappointing thing was the amount of losses we had. The teams we played were very beatable; none of the teams were so much better than us that they were untouchable. We just achieved less than we

wanted.”

Senior Cris Madrigal said, “We had a few less experienced pitchers this year, since some more experienced pitchers left last year.

But even though they were less experienced in the beginning of this year, they’ve been improving a lot.”

Senior Alex Venosa said, “We’ve played together before, but this year we just haven’t been as cohesive as a team. We haven’t won a lot of league games due to injuries and not having an established short stop.”

Despite the disappointments in league play, though, Larsen pointed out some highlights of the season. “We beat a number of

Track and Field Nick DeFerrari Candice De Sauvage

non-league opponents, like Santa Teresa in San Jose, and Aptos down by Santa Cruz. We had a big win against Burlingame, beating them 8-0, and we also beat Sequoia 17-0.”

He hoped that next year the team could clean up their play a little bit, saying that this year’s team made quite a few small errors.

Coach Lenny Souza concluded by saying, “The whole team really earned my respect this year. They earned my respect through their hard work and dedication.”

For other articles, photos, and web-exclusive content, visit www.aragonoutlook.net

Practice for CCS goes swimmingly PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA SOON

The girls of Aragon’s swimming team line up on their respective blocks to dive.

BY SAM ALAVI FEATURES

As Aragon athletes enter the locker rooms to prepare for afternoon practice, swimmers put on their suits, snap on their goggles, and pull on their swim caps and get ready for a hard day’s swim.

The season is coming to an end and the swim team members reflect on the season, and get ready for upcoming CCS finals.

“The season started off a little hectic,” explains coach Fred Farley. “With Aragon’s pool under construction, we were up at CSM and it was hard because of complications of getting people up there after school. However, once we got back at Aragon, things got easier and kids [were] swimming as well as they [could].”

Sophomore Steven Callas says, “I feel like the team as a whole has

been putting a lot of effort this the teams we swim against like season. Despite a rocky start and Sequoia and Carlmont get faster some bad luck, we are really try- and we need to work harder,” exing to pick up the pace. The other plains Farley. One of the lower teams are really good this year so points of the season was the meet against Burlingame High School. it is a nice challenge.”

One of the team’s biggest chal- With over 40 varsity swimmers and about 40 lenges this year is their size.“A “Despite a rocky start and some frosh/soph, Burtook problem the bad luck, we are really trying to lingame team as a whole pick up the pace. The other teams home most of faces, is the num- are really good this year so it is a the first places.

The swimber of swimmers nice challenge.” mers have to on the team,” -Sophomore Steven Callas push themselves explains Callas. to their limit to “We have lost thrive at PALs and CCS. quite a few meets because of it and the number of times that we have “Everyone goes to PALs but to outnumbered the other school’s go to the finals, you have to make team has been very few this sea- it to the top 16 in the event,” exson.” With only a few dual meets plains Farley. “And CCS is even to go, the pressure to end the sea- harder. The qualifying times are son well is kicked up a notch. extremely tough.”

“The season is going well but With a team larger than the as we get farther into the season, previous year, Aragon’s swim

Freshman David Leong watches his teammates compete.

team has more of a chance of in the 50 and 100 freestyle which going farther in competitions. was a big accomplishment for the Sophomore Christy Conway says, Varsity Girls team.

Sophomore Zi Quan Lin says, “I think we are doing better this year compared to last year because “The season over all has been there are more people on the good but there is always room team. However, we only have four for improvement. But with lots Frosh/Soph guys and it would of dedication and practices, I can tell that we are have been nice to have more.”

“I feel like we become more and improving every day.”

Farley agrees. more like a family.”

“I’m glad “We have a lot -Freshman MariaClara Plascencia I joined swim of new younger team and I kids. For some reason, a lot of Frosh/Soph girls loved meeting new people who joined the team which is great.” share the same passion as me and Despite the challenges with size with every practice and meet I feel and having the pool redone, Ara- like we become more and more gon did very well at PALs. Many like a family,” explains Freshman of the swimmers made CCS. MariaClara Plascencia.

Senior Kyle Kim qualified for As the school year comes to an CCS in the 100 breast. His time end, swimmers push themselves was 1:05.22. The qualifying time at their last meets and at CCS fifor the event is 1:05.23. nals this weekend in Santa Clara.

Senior Jillian Oto placed first