Vol. 82, No. 4 (2012-2013)

wildcat the

est. 1930

Vol. 82, Issue 4 Feb. 5, 2013

be mine?

Y 21 affordable date ideas,

Brea Olinda High School 789 Wildcat Way, Brea, CA 92821

history of valentine’s day, celebrating single’s awareness day

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The Wildcat

What's inside bohswildcat.com

Feb. 3, 2013

lockdown procedures

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The Wildcat evaluates procedures after recent shootings by sharon cho news editor

panera has a point

7

Opinion Editor sides with restaurants’ limiting students’ study time by audrey moon opinion editor

12 14 23 31

wildcat voices

Managing Editor remembers eleven years spent in India

By AKSHay verma MANAGING EDITOR

rise of hiv

Teenagers have lack of awareness of virus, rates of existence are increasing By selina che design manager

ZOMBIES IN POP CULTURE

Prevalence of zombies in television and movies By michelle suh photo EDITOR

from bohs to ‘the beach’

Former Ladycat Wynn to coach Anna Kim at Cal State Long Beach By joy kim editor-in-chief

In the Nov. 15 edition of the school newspaper, The Wildcat, an article was written regarding wrestling and some In the November 2012 edition of the negative stereotypes Wildcat, Stephanie Lopez’s story that are associated with titled “Wrestlers go to extremes the sport. First and to compete” contained several foremost, the health and inaccuracies. Wrestling head safety of all wrestlers coach Feargus McTeggart writes on our wrestling team in response: is our top priority. No student/athlete will ever engage in the practices described in that article. Wrestlers have to maintain weight in order to wrestle at their medically assigned weights. Each member of the wrestling team is required at the beginning of the year to undergo a state mandated hydration test. This test is required in order to participate on the wrestling team. Furthermore, these tests were designed to offset the practices mentioned in the school article.

Wrestling is the oldest sport known to man; it is a true test of speed, strength, and intelligence. Our wrestling program has been one of the top teams in Orange County the past twenty years. Brea Wrestling individually has produced many League Champions, CIF Champions, State qualifiers, and placers. As a team, Brea has been in the top five in CIF nearly every year. Coach McTeggart and Coach Schluter both have been named Orange County Coach of the Year. As a matter of fact, Coach Schluter was named just this past season Orange County Coach of the Year. Doctor Tom James, who has been a coach at Brea for the past fifteen years, is also a professor at California State University at Fullerton in their kinesiology department. Coach James teaches health and nutrition, and has been an integral part of our staff. Coach James has developed many diet programs, strength programs, and supplement programs to assist our wrestlers. All of these services are posted on our website, breawrestling.com. Coach Dave Quinn has been part of our staff for over ten years. During this time he has served as our lower level head coach, as well as the director for our Freestyle Club. Coach Quinn is a retired police sergeant from the city of La Habra. He was a multiple winner in wrestling for the Police Olympics.

Our program speaks for itself; from the coaching to the kids we are wrestlers. We are proud. WE ARE WRESTLERS.

Letter to the Editor

Feargus McTeggart Wrestling Head Coach

Like us at facebook.com/ theBOHSwildcatnewspaper. @bohswildcat

Editor-in-chief Joy Kim responds: The article “Wrestlers go to extremes to compete” made several inaccurate claims about the BOHS wrestling team.

The story implied that stereotypes associated with wrestlers, such as forcing extreme weight loss to compete, apply to wrestlers at BOHS. However, we learned after publication that the wrestling department does not support such practices mentioned in the article.

That wrestlers must choose between health and the sport, as stated in the article, is a myth that has little factual support. It was our fault for poorly researching the topic and using anecdotes that are merely stereotypes.

Had we researched the topic further, we would have discovered that the wrestling department holds wrestlers’ health as a priority. It upholds regulations and has coaches that ensure wrestlers maintain hydration and a healthy weight, contrary to the false claims made in our article.

Our error reminded us of the purpose of journalism, which is to pursue the truth. Our mission as the Wildcat is to accurately educate and inform the student body, which can only be done through fairness and research.

We regret our error.

For the record:

Adam Allred’s name was misspelled on page 27 of the Nov. 15 issue

Wildcat Brea Olinda High School 789 Wildcat Way, Brea, CA 92821 bohs.wildcat.newspaper@gmail.com www.bohswildcat.com

Our Mission

We, the Wildcat, are the voice for the student body of Brea Olinda High School. The purpose of our publication is to inform and educate the Brea community, as well as to highlight campus life and student achievement. Our energy is dedicated to the research of facts and opinions, and focusing on issues that concern the high school experience.

Editorial Policy The Wildcat encourages expression of reader opinion in the form of letters to the editor. We believe our purpose in pursuing the truth requires an open forum among students. Letters must be signed with a name and title and submitted online at www.bohswildcat. com or emailed to bohs.wildcat.newspaper@gmail.com.

Any opinions stated in the Wildcat do not necessarily belong to Brea Olinda High School administration, faculty, and students.

Unsigned editorials reflect views of the majority of the staff while bylined columns and stories reflect views of the writer.

Advertising Policy The Brea Olinda Unified School District has not reviewed, nor does it endorse, the products or services advertised. Purchasing of advertisements can be requested through email. We reserve the right to refuse to place an advertisement if it contains overly controversial material or promotes illegal behavior.

Wildcat Staff JULIA EBERHARDT MICHELLE SUH AMORETTE VALERO Photo Editors

Joy Kim Editor-in-Chief AKSHAY VERMA Managing Editor

EUNICE CHO JOHN SERNA RISHI PATEL trent preston Photographers

SELINA CHE Design Manager Feature Editor SHARON CHO News Editor

Jessica yim Cartoonist Photographer

AUDREY MOON Opinion Editor KEVIN KIM JOSEPH YIM Arts Co-editors EMIKO KANEOKA Sports Editor GRACE CHUNG Business Manager

NOELLE GRACIA DAVID KANG LAUREN LEE KAITLIN MARTINEZ rishi patel lauren smith Staff Writers

ALEX KOERS Adviser

ON THE COVER

Joy Liu and Spencer Rogers, seniors, spend an evening at Brea Downtown.

Cover photos by trent preston Cover design by Joy Kim

NEWS

The Wildcat

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Feb. 5, 2013

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Dreamcatchers club makes more dreams come true

by Rishi Patel, Staff Writer

Hospice patients Salvador Orozco, Mary Monk, and Claudia Kielb were “granted their last wish” through the help of the DreamCatchers club.

DreamCatchers club is an organization that grants terminally ill patients who typically have about six months or less to live, their last “dream.”

Orozco’s wish was to be able to meet a Lakers basketball player.

DreamCatchers set up a “meet-and-greet” with all the players during the Lakers’ warm-up and purchased tickets to the game for Orozco’s family. This was accomplished by contacting Lakers public relations and requesting a meet up.

“The Lakers’ public relations could not have done more for both our club and Salvador. It was incredible to see the whole family’s reaction when we told them that Salvador would be able to meet the entire team and see the game,” said Kristen Park, senior, and DreamCatcher‘s president.

Another dream that was granted was for Monk and Kielb, who wished to get their fingernails painted. However, because of their brittle fingernails due to their illnesses, the club contacted Spa-Goes, a nail salon that specializes in such situations, rather than a regular local nail salon.

In addition to the spa day for Monk and Kielb, DreamCatcher sprovided the patients their favorite desserts: cheesecake for Monk and chocolate chunk cookies for Kielb.

“Seeing how [Kielb and Monk] were so happy to even do something as simple as getting their nails painted was amazing,” said Cameron

BRIEFLY INTERNATIONAL WEEK PREVIEW

by Lauren Lee, Staff Writer This year’s annual International Week will be held on Feb. 12-15.

On that Tuesday, students will be performing cultural acts during lunch in the quad.

The next day, students are encouraged to wear any type of cultural attire for “International Dress-up Day.” Thursday will be “International Love Day” due to Valentine’s Day. Students can play games in the quad during lunch.

On the last day, Friday, there will be the annual Food Fair.

Clubs will represent different areas of the world and serve food accordingly. Unlike last year,

there will also be performances that will be held during the Food Fair.

Throughout the week, different clubs will provide their own activities during lunch.

Participating clubs include Club India, who will draw henna tattoos for students for $3, and the Japanese Cultural Dance Club, who will perform a traditional Japanese dance.

Teachers and their second period students are encouraged to participate in the annual door decorating competition. Like last year, each hallway will represent a different continent and each door is to depict a certain country. The winning class will receive a prize.

Photos courtesy of CAROLINE CHOI and SEAN PARK

WHEN YOU WISH UPON A CLUB: At left, Mary Monk holds a dreamcatcher, a gift from the club, with club members before her nail spa day began. At right, the DreamCatchers Club stand with Salvado Orozco and his family in front of the Staples Center before the game.

Bishop, junior.

To help fund the patients’ wishes, DreamCatchers received $1000 in donations from the Beverly Hills Lion Club, an organization that fulfills the needs of humanitarian services. The club received the donation through Richard Corp, club adviser, who introduced the DreamCatchers to the organization.

The club also held a garage sale on Nov. 10 and raised about $700 that also contributed to Monk and Kielb’s wish.

“Every time I fulfill a dream, it feels as amazing as the first dream I granted. This is what motivates the whole club to continue to do what we do. There is nothing more heart filling than to see the smiles that come across everyone’s face,” Park said.

JARED LOVE TAKES MR. BREA

RED CROSS HOLDS BENEFIT CONCERT

by Akshay Verma, Managing Editor

by Lauren Smith, Staff Writer

Jared Love, senior, and Phil Henderson, science teacher, were crowned Mr. Brea 2012 at the annual Mr. Brea contest on Dec. 13.

During the show, Love showcased his talent of singing and playing the guitar with a performance of “Then” by Brad Paisley. Love was accompanied by his band, Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters.

“It was cool to win, but it really wasn’t about winning. Any one of us could have won and it happened to be me. I was just happy to be a part of the show and I’m glad I didn’t mess up too badly. I met a lot of awesome people that I wouldn’t have known otherwise,” said Love.

Henderson also showcased his musical talents by singing an Irish folk song while his dog sat by his

side.

“I think having my dog made all the difference. I think having him in the show [made it] in my favor because you just can’t beat a cute dog,” said Henderson.

Derek Anderson, senior, and Jonathan Gunther, history teacher, were both crowned Mr. Brea 2012 runner-ups.

Anna Blaho, junior and ASB Fine Arts Commissioner, worked since October to ensure a show that the audience would find entertaining and satisfying.

“Overall, it went really well and I got a lot of good feedback.

There were a few mistakes made, but that always happens during a live show. We only had one full rehearsal. But it was good, and everyone was entertained, so overall it was an amazing show,” said Blaho.

In order to raise funds for Hurricane Sandy relief, the Red Cross Club will hold a benefit concert called Love (in) Action on Feb. 16.

In addition to helping the relief, funds from the concert will go towards scholarships for students to attend the Leadership Development Camp, held annually by the Orange County Red Cross chapter.

Nathan Yoo, senior and Red Cross president, said that he is extremely excited for how the event will turn out. He said he is proud of the club’s efforts thus far.

Among the performers is Can Nguyen from Poreotics, a B-Boy dance team that appeared on the television show America’s Best Dance Crew (ABDC). Also performing that evening is Tony T.

Nguyen, musician and manager of Poreotics, and Kaba Kids, a high school dance team and a rendition of Kaba Modern. Kaba Modern also appeared on ABDC. Red Cross has also asked students from other local high schools who attended LDC to perform as well.

Michael Song, junior, who will be singing and playing guitar at the concert, said, “Since this is the first concert that Red Cross is hosting, it is exciting to see what is happening ‘behind-the-scenes.’

I am glad I am able to be a part of this concert as a performer and through the club.”

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased from Red Cross members on campus for $10 presale and $12 at the door. The club meets on Tuesdays in Room 216. /theBOHSwildcatnewspaper

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NEWS

The Wildcat

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Feb. 5, 2013

Recent SHOOTINGS arise AT SCHOOLS

by David Kang, Staff Writer

The recent rise in school shootings has called for more protection on campus and even throughout the country.

On campus, Officer Dan Moon is back on-duty full time after only being available a few days of the week due to previous changes in the Brea-Yorba Linda Contract. The supervision staff members have also received 49 new radios to use on campus in case of emergencies.

On the morning of Dec. 14 at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown,

nytimes.com

IN REMEMBRANCE: Police officers stand in front of Sandy Hook Elementary School after the shooting on Dec. 14.

Conn., 20 children between the ages of six and seven, along with six adults, were killed as a gunman opened fire.

“I know there is not a parent in America who does not feel the same overwhelming grief that I do,” President Barack Obama said, according to The New York Times.

Less than a month after the Connecticut shooting, a similar incident occurred at Taft Union High School in Taft, Calif. According to the Los Angeles Times, a 16-year old student entered his classroom on the morning of Jan. 10 and shot a classmate with a 12-gauge shotgun because of prior conflicts. The victim was hospitalized right after the shooting and proclaimed to be in a stable but critical condition.

In Obama’s public statements about guns, he insisted on balancing the Second Amendment rights while enforcing already existing laws and a national background check system instead of new gun control laws.

According to release of Obama’s speech at the National Urban League Convention in July, he believes that communities and government officials need to “convene conversations” and form consensus.

“I, like most Americans, believe that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual the right to bear arms…but I believe the majority of gun owners would agree that we should do everything possible to prevent criminals and fugitives from purchasing weapons,” the president said at the National Urban League Convention.

Q&A with

Bob Parish assistant principal

Q:

How should students prepare for the possibility of a gun attack?

A:

Parents can encourage their students to be aware of the school safety plans, take the disaster and emergency drills seriously and be prepared to follow the directions of school officials and legal authorities in the event of a disaster or emergency situation.

Q:

Should parents/guardians worry about their students’ safety at school?

A:

We encourage our parents and guardians to be confident that our school is a safe learning environment for their student.

We recognize that we cannot stop individuals from worrying, but we want to reassure our community that we have safety plans in place in the event of any disaster or emergency situation. All staff members and teachers participate and are members in our annual Disaster/ Emergency Response Drills.

Q: A:

What has been updated to bring more protection on campus?

Lockdown Procedures

announcement saying, “We are in a 1. Anlockdown situation, this is not a drill, all students and staff must seek secured shelter immediately, I repeat we are in a lockdown situation, this is not a drill,” will be made over the public address system by an administrator or staff member. and other staff members will assist 2. Teachers with the safe and expedient movement of all students and staff into a secure area. must ensure the entrance door to the 3. Teachers secured area is locked and secured as best as possible. and staff need to lie flat on the floor 4. Students near the wall farthest away from windows. further instructions from a school 5. Await administrator or legal authority, staying calm and as quiet as possible. The principal, site administrator, or designee will call 911 and the police will take over the situation.

Courtesy of Bob Parish

@bohswildcat

MICHELLE SUH / the wildcat

NEW LOCKS: New locks that allow teachers and staff members to lock doors from the inside are in the process of being installed throughout the entire campus.

The Brea Police Department has reassigned Officer [Dan] Moon to our school as a full-time School Resource Officer. At the beginning of this school year Officer Moon had been placed on patrol duty as a result of changes in the Brea–Yorba Linda Police Contract issue.

We feel very fortunate that the Brea Police Department has returned Officer Moon back to our school. We have also received 49 new radios for our supervision staff members. The new radios have been distributed and are in use and greatly enhance our campus communications capabilities.

NEWS

The Wildcat

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Feb. 5, 2013

body of missing graduate identified THE WILDCAT WORLD

by Sharon Cho, News Editor

After police, friends, and family searched for missing Arizona State University freshman Jack Culolias (’12) for almost a month, a private search group found his body on Dec. 19.

In the Salt River near Tempe Marketplace in Arizona, where Culolias was last seen, a private search group found a body that had surfaced. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed the body to be that of Culolias, but the cause of his death is still unknown.

Grace Culolias, Jack’s mother, filed a missing person report two days after he disappeared from a Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity party on Nov. 31 at Cadillac Ranch Bar. His wallet and cell phone were left behind at the bar.

A few days later, Culolias drove to Tempe to take part in the investigation, according to ABC News. In the midst of her search, she found a red Vans sneaker near the Salt River, which she claimed belonged to her son. The Department of Public Safety Crime Lab confirmed the shoe belongs to Jack after DNA testing.

Although Alec Pinto, ASU freshman, told ABC News that Culolias was escorted out of the bar, there was no surveillance footage that shows him leaving the bar. Members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon reported inconsistent information regarding what took place that night, police said.

A candlelight vigil was held at Tempe on Dec. 3 with 200 attending. Grace Culolias said, “There’s so many unanswered questions, so many, but I want to thank everyone from the police to the media and especially all the moms who have come to help

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Compiled by DAVID KANG

RUSSIAN PRESIDENT BANS U.S. ADOPTIONS

MICHELLE SUH / the wildcat

PRAYING FOR JACK: On Dec. 13, Grace Culolias, Jack Culolias’ mother, and other family and friends prayed for Jack Culolias’ return at a candlelight vigil held at school. me.”

On Dec. 13, about 100 Brea residents, students, and teachers gathered around the Wildcat statue to pray for Jack Culolias’ return for the holidays on Dec. 13. The Culolias family attended that night after spending a week in Arizona investigating.

“I just want everyone to take a good look at this and see that this happens to people, and not think that it can’t happen to you. Be safe,” Alex Culolias said.

On Jan. 1, Russian president Vladimir Putin signed a bill banning American adoption of Russian children.

According to The New York Times, the bill is in retaliation to new U.S. legislation known as the Magnitsky Act, which denies visas to Russians accused of human rights infractions and freezes their assets in the U.S. Opponents of the adoption ban argue it “victimizes children to make a political point,” according to The New York Times. Russian lawmakers have justified the adoption ban with cases of mistreatment and 19 deaths of adopted Russian children in the past decade.

In addition to the ban, Putin also issued a decree aimed at improving conditions for orphaned Russian children and allowing children who were already approved by a court to continue on with the adoptions in the U.S. On Jan. 13, thousands of Russians participated in a “March Against Scoundrels”, to protest the ban.

Board of education welcomes maciel

by David Kang, Staff Writer After an interview and voting process the Brea Olinda Unified School District’s Board of Education welcomed Alicia Maciel as a new member on Nov. 26.

“I am very honored to be on the school board with such a distinguished group of fellow board members and I am excited to have the opportunity to serve our community in this capacity. I take this opportunity very seriously, especially during a time when our schools have to navigate ever shrinking budgets, the implementation of new Common Core State Standards, and solid plans to reinforce the safety of our schools,” Maciel said.

Previous board member Michael Condiff resigned on Oct. 8, leaving a vacancy. Nine community members applied for a provisional appointment to replace Condiff. After interviewing all nine candidates at the District Office, the Board granted the position to Maciel.

Maciel will serve as a board member for the remainder of Condiff’s term, which expires in Dec. 2014. Her first meeting as a Board member was on Dec. 10.

Maciel earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Harvard University. Maciel has worked with On the RISE, Inc., a support program for homeless women, as well as Chevron, Walt Disney, KRAFT, and the UCI Medical Center.

She has also taught management courses at California State

nytimes.com

AGAINST THE BAN: Russian citizens gather in the streets to participate in a “March Against Scoundrels”, protesting the ban of American adoptions.

WITHDRAWAL OF U.S. FORCES CONSIDERED

thinktogether.org

WELCOME ON BOARD: Alicia Maciel and Superintendent A.J. “Skip” Roland after Maciel was elected to be on the Board of Education.

University, Fullerton. Currently, Maciel is the Director of Strategic Initiatives of THINK Together, a nonprofit organization that provides academic support to low-income students.

“I am proud of our Brea students, teachers, staff, parents and other community members who work hard to support our students and help our schools thrive and I wanted to play an active role in this effort,” Maciel said.

The Obama Administration is considering a complete withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan after 2014, an action which has sparked firm opposition from Afghan politicians.

According to the Guardian, Afghan politicians worry that Afghanistan’s army is still not ready to face internal belligerent groups on its own, stating that the U.S. must continue to train and equip the nation’s army.

“If Americans pull out all of their troops without a plan, the civil war of the 1990’s would repeat itself,” Naeem Lalai, a lawmaker from the Kandahar province and birthplace of the Taliban, told the Guardian.

After Soviet troops left Afghanistan in 1989, its communist government collapsed, leading to a violent civil war, which paved the way to the forming of the Taliban.

U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes stated, however, that a decision regarding troop levels after 2014 was not expected for months and would be made depending on the outcome of two U.S. objectives: preventing the al-Qaida from acquiring a safe haven and properly training and equipping Afghan soldiers. /theBOHSwildcatnewspaper

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NEWS

The Wildcat

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Feb. 5, 2013

Students from hanno, Japan, visit brea schools

by Sharon Cho, News Editor

Every year, students from Brea’s sister city, Hanno, Japan, have the opportunity to partake in an exchange program through the Japanese Language Program.

Accompanied by six chaperones, sixteen students came to America to immerse themselves in American culture by living with 10 BOHS host students for a week.

On what the students want to accomplish on this trip, Ayano Ogura, Japanese exchange student said, “I want to make many friends.”

The exchange students participated in various activities such as visiting the campus and performing at the rally and in the Quad during lunch. Performances in the Quad included Kendo, the Japanese martial art of sword-fighting, students singing and playing the guitar, and karate.

Students in Masako White’s Japanese class had the opportunity to converse and socialize with the Japanese students that day.

The Japanese Booster Club also hosted a picnic at the Tri-City Park for the exchange students to experience traditional American food and games.

“Anything is good for the students. Just eating around is a good memory for us,” said Yoshimi Sano, chaperone.

The Japanese students were given the chance

@bohswildcat

to learn about an American student’s schedule by shadowing their host and visiting the junior high where the ASB welcomed them with an ice cream social.

On the last day, the Hanno students participated in the annual Undoukai, translated in English as “Sports Day.” All students taking Japanese and English as a Second Language (ESL) were on a release list from their classes to be a part of the event.

After an introduction ceremony, with the exchange of Japanese and American Anthems, students participated in games, and the traditional stretching routine called rajio taiso, translated as “radio exercise”. The event ended with a closing ceremony and Japanese snacks provided by Japanese Booster Club.

After Undoukai, the Japanese students were given a tour of Brea and the Civic Center. Mayor Ron Garcia then presented a speech and the host families exchanged a final farewell with the Hanno students before they left.

“It’s a life long friendship. Most of our students who have done this continued their friendship with the Hanno students and many have gone back to visit them,” said White, “Even if you do not go on this trip, Hanno will welcome you with open arms [if you decide to visit]. It’s just been a great program.”

JULIA EBERHARDT / the wildcat

TAKE POSITION: A Japanese student from the exchange program displays traditional martial arts in the Quad with the help of a chaperone.

OPINION bohswildcat.com

Staff Editorial

7 If you don’t pay, don’t stay The Wildcat Feb. 5, 2013

businesses should not be free study spaces for students social networking unifies byLocal Audrey Moon, Opinion Editor students in tragedies While social networking sites are often notorious for circulating false reports of popular news or creating blind followers of fraudulent propaganda, not all information found on such websites is unreliable.

According to pewinternet.org, 80 percent of teens that are active users of the Internet have accounts on popular social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr.

Since social media has become such an important means of communication for teenagers, it has allowed teens to learn about breaking news, express their support, and voice their opinions.

Because of this, it is common for teens to make false assumptions or blindly believe in some sketchy and fraudulent news reports that they find on their social networking websites.

Even so, teens have found respectable ways in which they can utilize social media to show support for the victims of tragedy, such as with the Culolias family.

When Jack Culolias (‘12), was reported missing on Nov. 30, the news spread rapidly on websites such as Facebook. Many spread pleas for support and prayers. Photos of Culolias were also scattered on the newsfeeds of many BOHS students, asking the community to pray for the safe return of the young man.

The number of people who shared such photos and posted statuses regarding Culolias’ absence is astounding, and proves that social media can, in fact, be used for good.

While the community spread the news, it was unified under a common hope for the young man’s safe return home. Though Culolias never returned home, his memory was never forgotten as teens and other users of social websites continued to send their prayers and good wishes to the family of the Arizona State University student.

As technology becomes more central to the lives of the general public, teens have created new, sincere means of sharing news, along with new ways in which they show support for families who are victims of tragedy not only locally, but also across the nation.

When a gunman entered Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., and killed 20 children and six adults, the nation showed its outrage, sadness, and support for the affected families largely through social media.

Many teens posted statuses filled with prayers, speculation, and grief for what had happened to the innocent children of Newtown. Stories of the brave teachers who died for their students also spread on social networking sites.

In this way, the utilization of social media by teens to spread news was not exploited, but rather used to unify many under a common hope or sadness of both a community and a nation.

Teens use these websites not only to casually communicate with their friends but also to sympathize with one another during times of tragedy.

Those who use social media in order to spread news and sympathize with others during tragedy are bound to be more aware of the world around them, along with local news that should not be ignored.

Recently, a couple of math teachers hosted a study session at the local Panera Bread, a cafe and high school “study spot.”

Only a few of the approximately fifty students, however, felt obliged to buy even a drink despite occupying a huge space.

Most students remained occupied in their study session and were oblivious of the fact that they were taking up space, while paying customers had nowhere to sit. As Panera became more and more crowded during the six o’clock rush hour, a customer complained to the manager, and the students were asked to leave.

Since that incident, Panera Bread has restricted students’ studying time to an hour maximum and refused seats to those who did not purchase food.

Though the news was a complete shock to many students who often study there, Panera has a point. The purpose of Panera Bread’s existence is to make a profit selling food, not provide a free space for students to socialize and study.

Panera Bread might have overreacted when implementing this new restriction, but we should understand that they are a for-profit business, not a public study hall. What is needed here is an exercise of common sense.

In this case, both parties are a bit at fault here, the customers perhaps a bit more. Panera could easily have been more flexible with its restriction of an hour for studies, instead allowing students to study as long as the restaurant is not too busy.

At the same time, the customers should most definitely not

occupy seats without purchasing anything.

After all, the last thing the store wants to see is its paying customers unable to enjoy their food because of students hoarding all the available tables.

The least we could do is to buy the cheapest thing on the menu, even if it is just a chocolate chip cookie and a cup of coffee.

Although the manager of Panera has declined to comment due to his contract, he did mention that banning study sessions was due to “classes” that were held at his restaurant. He suggested an alternate Panera location that was less busy.

The manager of Corner Bakery, another popular study nest, said, “It’d be best if [students] bought at least a drink because there are some people who just buy drinks and stay all day long–and that’s fine. However, an entree would be better.”

Joseph Breen, supervisor at the popular coffee house Starbucks, said, “As long as [students] buy something like a coffee or tea, we are okay with students staying. They shouldn’t stay more than a few hours. If it’s busy and there are people looking for seats, I would say not more than an hour.”

The Brea Public Library is also a perfect option for students who want a free, quiet place to study.

But for students who do still study at coffeeshops or restaurants, how long is too long?

There is no real answer to how long is too long, as long as sensibility is in play. Obviously, if the place is busy, it is only etiquette to reasonably time our stay and leave.

He’s been here forever...

JESSICA YIM / the wildcat

BREA Babble

How long is it too long to stay at a restaurant?

“I think staying is okay if you buy food.

If you buy food, they should stay there and study because they do provide free wifi.”

“It depends on the restaurant. A reasonable time would be an hour to an hour and thirty minutes.”

Michelle Lu Senior

Kyle Kasser Junior

“The most I’ve stayed at Panera is six hours, but when you stay too long you can tell they want you to leave.”

Jean Park Freshman

/theBOHSwildcatnewspaper

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The Wildcat

OPINION

Feb. 5, 2013

bohswildcat.com

tighter gun laws are imperative

AFTER RECENT SHOOTINGS, EDITOR EVALUATES OBAMA’S PROPOSED GUN LAW PLAN

by Joy Kim, Editor-in-Chief

After a staggering amount of deaths caused by arash shootings in 2012, President Barack Obama is finally pushing for tighter gun laws—this time with a real, coherent plan.

The next step is for Congress to approve of Obama’s plan, which includes universal background checks on gun owners and a ban on high capacity magazines and assault weapons. It is

imperative that the government follows through and reduces the number of guns in the hands of Americans in order to prevent the loss of more innocent lives.

Among the shootings in 2012, including the shootings in Aurora, Colo., and Newtown, Conn., several involved shooters with legally-purchased guns, according to The Washington Post. In fact, our laws allowed these shooters to kill more than 70 people with legally-purchased guns in 2012 alone.

One crucial aspect of Obama’s gun control proposal is the assault weapons ban. Though Vice President Joe Biden told Los Angeles Times that he and Obama want a “stronger” ban

than in 1994, he said the gun industry would ultimately “exploit loopholes.”

“Exploiting loopholes” is exactly how the gun industry responded to the 1994 assault weapons ban. It defined “assault weapons” in a complex manner that made it easy to find a loophole. For example, the Colt AR-15 used in the Colorado shooting would have been illegal according to the ban, but a very 58 percent of similar Colt Match Americans want Target Rifle would tighter gun laws have been allowed.

Also, any assault 15 out of 25 weapons or high capacity magazines worst mass manufactured before shootings in last 1994 were still 50 years happened allowed.

That hardly in the U.S. made a difference in the number of people 213 firearm who owned them, since 1.5 million homicides per year assault weapons and since 2005 24 million highcapacity magazines 92 percent of were already out there Americans want according to The background checks Washington Post.

Source: AP-GFK If and when Congress passes a Photo courtesy of JOSEPH KIM new assault weapons ban, it must avoid the complex language and gigantic loopholes the 1994 ban held. Congress must vehemently fight against these weapons that have no place in society.

Another essential aspect of Obama’s plan that must be enforced to prevent future deaths is the execution of background checks on all gun owners. Several of the shooters in 2012 had criminal records or a history of mental illness.

In the case of Radcliffe Franklin Haughton, who killed his wife and two other women in a Milwaukee spa, Haughton purchased a gun through a private seller to escape a background check. Haughton’s wife had placed a restraining order against

him.

People like Haughton do not have the right to purchase a weapon that can so easily kill another human being. The government must be more stringent on who can own guns, and eradicate the black markets that allow purchasers to escape background checks.

But by no means is the answer to increase gun ownership.

Obama’s plan is not to eradicate all guns in society, but it is to get rid of the ones that are absolutely not necessary.

Those who fear losing their Second Amendment rights need to realize that their rights are not being infringed upon at all.

The government merely needs to exercise its protecting citizens’ rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. If guns are so rapidly killing innocent Americans, who have the right to live freely, then our government must fight to keep these lives.

Some have argued that guns are necessary for protection.

And they are, in the right hands.

Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the National Rifle Association (NRA), made a statement on Dec. 21 suggesting an armed security guard on every school campus in America to prevent another Sandy Hook incident. He said, “The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.”

Of course, security guards and policemen’s jobs are to protect us. They really are good guys who need guns, and we need them to be there in the moment of danger.

But security guards will not fully protect us from future shootings. Even in the 1999 Columbine High School shooting, where 15 died and 23 were injured, a security guard was on campus.

And the shootings that occurred in this past year were on many other places besides schools, such as shopping malls, a movie theatre, a coffee shop, a Sikh temple, and just out on the street.

If we really think that the only answer to preventing future deaths is to put more good guys with guns out there, then we need a good guy with a gun standing every three feet all across the United States.

After witnessing 20 six-to-seven-year-old lives ended by a gun, the government needs to push for clear, effective, and sensible gun laws. Let’s hope we do not have to wait until the next shooting for that to happen.

BREABabble

Do guns protect us?

“If they’re put away from people who can’t handle it. They protect people, but only in important causes.”

Haley Sims

Freshman @bohswildcat

“Yes. We use guns to protect ourselves, so surely it protects us. It only does what you make it do.”

Brent Gackstetter

Sophomore

“Guns protect us to a point. They are not necessary for every situation, and their use should be strictly regulated.”

Noelle Gracia

Sophomore

“Guns do protect us because when in danger, guns can be used to defend ourselves.”

Summer Hale

Junior

“Yes, guns do protect us but it’s the soldiers who use those guns that really matter.”

John Janneck

Senior

OPINION

The Wildcat

bohswildcat.com

Verbal Verma

New YEAR, SAME RESOLUTIONS?

by Akshay Verma, Managing Editor Upon recently reading a friend’s blog post on his resolutions for the new year, I found the exact same resolutions we all hope to accomplish each year: losing weight, eating healthier, studying more, and procrastinating less in the new year.

Yet, come late January or (for those of us who are really determined) early February, many of our lists often begin to falter.

We eat that doughnut which we vowed to stay away from, skip that daily jog, watch re-runs of The Mindy Project instead of studying for the Calculus exam the next day, and spend hours re-blogging cheesy quotes on Tumblr after unsuccessfully staying away from social networking websites (these are strictly impersonal observations, obviously).

Now, forgive me for this cliché, Oprah-sounding statement, but here it goes: at the top of all of our New Years resolutions, we need to write down, in black Sharpie which yells and resonates throughout the room: find that confidence.

What confidence, you ask?

Find the confidence to think outside the box, to come up with new, innovate, adventurous “resolutions” for new year.

Plan to do something you’ve never done before, to bring out the quirkiness and individuality in you, and to go beyond the usual resolutions of losing weight or procrastinating less which the new year brings for us.

Find the confidence to eat that doughnut and not regret it later; to be alone in your room, pick up the closest piece of ruffled, messy notebook paper, and write your future self a handwritten note in which you recount all that is good in life; to read said note a year from now and then smile about it.

Find the confidence in solitude, in staying in your room on a Saturday night and realizing that beyond the myriad of Facebook wall-posts and Instagram updates is a world which is your own, not anybody else’s (I warned you of sounding like Oprah, didn’t I?).

Ultimately, yearn to try new things this year, beyond merely eating healthier and studying more: perhaps go on a train ride with your best friend; take an art class; learn how to read music; or buy a Rosetta Stone disc and begin learning French or Russian, just as you always wanted to.

Begin the year with a unique “bucket list” of sorts, and ultimately break free of the same New Year’s resolutions we always have. Now is the perfect time to explore and be spontaneous, and to finally stop saying what you wish to do “one day.”

Tell yourself that there is no “one day” this year; yesterday was “the day”, today is the day, and tomorrow is the day. Be spontaneous, and begin your new year by with resolutions of new, exciting things.

Feb. 5, 2013

9

college is worth the investment

by Akshay Verma, Managing Editor

As a college-bound student looking to earn a professional future stability. Therefore, a college education is most definitely degree through a postsecondary education, I can attest to the a worthy investment, despite the high price tag which may belief that college is absolutely worth the investment. discourage many.

Today, many people will agree that money remains to be the The average cost of college tuition for four-year universities ultimate measure of how “successful” one is. Students work hard is $21,657 according to nces.ed.gov. This may seem to be throughout high school in order to attend colleges or universities, excessive and absolutely unaffordable to many—but once hoping to complete some form of postsecondary education in grants, financial aid packages, and scholarships are factored order to be financially stable and thus, “successful.” into the equation, the cost actually decreases significantly.

But without a college education, is such financial stability The state of California, for example, runs a Cal Grant possible? program which awards free grants that students are not expected While the answer may not be a resounding “no,” it is to repay. Many individual colleges even offer merit-based actually quite difficult for one to attain such financial stability financial aid for academic and extracurricular achievements without a college education. and even need-based financial aid, which grants students any “In modern day society, it is hard to be successful without [a amount of money necessary for attendance, regardless of college education]. For most businesses, it is mandatory that one has a degree to even be a considered for a job.

While college is getting more and more expensive, it is also becoming increasingly necessary to support oneself in the real world, ” said Rachel Pennington, a college-bound senior.

According to nytimes.com, approximately 65 percent of college graduates earn an annual wage of at least $60,000. Nytimes.com additionally claims that the more income one earns, the more likely it is that he or she attended some form of college. Furthermore, of the Americans who earn over $150,000 annually, 82 percent have earned a Bachelor’s degree, whereas only 6.5 percent of those who earn over this amount had no more than a high school diploma— COLLEGE PAYS: Though college is expensive, those who invest in an education quite the difference from the 82 percent are more likely to achieve financial stability. with a bachelor’s degree.

Moreover, as californiacolleges.

JESSICA YIM / the wildcat edu claims, 5.7 percent of high school graduates were unemployed in 2008 and 9 percent of academic ability or merit. those with less than a high school diploma were unemployed; Paying for Cal State schools or local community colleges in comparison, only 2.8 percent of those with a Bachelor’s is actually much more affordable than expected. The average degree were unemployed and only 1.7 percent of those with annual in-state tuition for Cal State Fullerton, for example, is professional degrees were unemployed. $6,120 per semester, according to californiacolleges.edu. Yet, Also, whereas those with a Bachelor’s degree had a median 58 percent of new students receive some sort of financial aid to weekly wage of $978, those with only a high school diploma ease the severity of that price tag, with 45 percent of students had a median weekly wage of $591. today receiving grants that they are not expected to repay later.

These shocking statistics make clear just how integral a Thus, college can be both affordable and available, contrary college education is in attaining the ultimate financial “success” to popular belief—the cost of attendance is not what it is said to which we all yearn for. be on paper, as grants and aid are often not considered.

Californiacolleges.edu also claims that “over the course So, is attending college worth the money? Absolutely. of a lifetime, someone with a Bachelor’s degree is likely to Arguments that claim that it is too expensive are often not rooted earn $1.9 million more than a student with only a high school in fact, as the abundance of available financial aid shows. And diploma.” ultimately, college is the path that students should take in order Sure, a collegiate or professional degree may not absolutely to not only be financially stable but financially successful as guarantee success, but it nonetheless props open the door to well.

10

The Wildcat

Feature

Feb. 5, 2013

bohswildcat.com

In Memory of Jack Culolias 1993-2012

Jack Culolias: What is there to say about him?

To be honest, there’s just too much that I could say about him, but I guess I’ll just start his story with high school.

Jack was very active in and outside of high school. He was likable and had many friends. He loved going to the Promenade on the weekends and he even worked at their movie theater.

However, he hated his job, but that never stopped him from staring at all of the pretty girls that came in on the weekends. I remember one of his most memorable moments at the movie theater was when he was given a red rose by a girl while working on Valentine’s Day. He bragged about it for weeks.

Jack loved high school. Maybe not the classes associated with it, but he had his favorite teachers that made high school bearable for him. I remember Jack raving about his favorite teacher, Mr. Quiming, and how he was a surfer and how laid back he was -- two qualities that my brother also had.

I admired those qualities in him. He never cared about anything and went with the flow, a trait that I wish I had.

Jack’s life was cut short but his legacy will live on through me. Every day I ask myself is this what Jack would want me to do, or I wonder how Jack would handle this situation.

He may be gone, but he still lives on through all of those whose lives he touched.

ALEX CULOLIAS Jack’s twin brother

Photos courtesy of the Culolias family

Remembering jack: Photos depict Jack with his father, George Culolias, and brothers Nick and Alex.

Feature bohswildcat.com

A

t any Abercrombie and Fitch clothing store, customers can smell the store’s signature Fierce cologne, see photos of attractive models plastered on the walls, and be greeted by employees who are all donning skinny jeans, white tees, and gray cardigans.

It is obvious that the employees’ image is a crucial factor to retail stores such as Abercrombie and Fitch and its branch, Hollister Co. The “AAA”, a list of clothes employees are required to wear for that season, and an all-season three page “Look Policy”, state details down to “super-skinny jeans” and no nail polish for girls. Even members of the Impact Team, those who work in the back room, must abide by this policy.

Female employees must wear only mascara for eye makeup, one pair of earrings, and a hidden white camisole under their shirts. Male employees are required to have a white t-shirt under a navy blue polo or knit. Shoes must be brown flip-flops, or, for employees on the Impact Team only, navy blue or grey Vans.

Despite the stringency of the employee dress code, and the need to purchase costly clothes, some employees have said the “clean look” of those who represent the stores’ clothes is a necessary business tactic.

“I feel a little restricted with the dress code but I have gotten used to it. I do, however, think most of the dress code is necessary because when people come in the store, they see polished and natural beauty that intrigues the customers,” said Devin Green, senior and Hollister Co. employee.

Michael Jeffries, CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch, is known to be precise in what employees wear. In the fall of 2012, a discrimination lawsuit criticized Jeffries’ wanting the flight attendants on his private jet to wear boxers, not briefs, flip flops, a winter coat with the collar turned up on cold days, gloves, and many other specific requirements.

But regarding the dress code of the employees at their stores, Abercrombie’s former vicepresident of communications Tom Lennox said, “We want to hire brand representatives that will represent the Abercrombie and Fitch brand natural classic American style, look great while exhibiting individuality, project the brand and themselves with energy and enthusiasm, and make the store a warm inviting place that provides a social experience for the customer.”

Other retail stores uphold dress codes for employees as well, though the breadth of the requirements varies. Aeropastale recommends, but does not require, employees to wear its clothes, as long as their attire is appropriate and does not promote a competing store, according to former employee and senior Marissa Kuriki. American

by Joy Kim, Editor-in-Chief Eagle holds similar policies. American Apparel, according to nymag.com, bans essentially all makeup except mascara, dyed or greasy hair, bangs, Uggs, Vans, and many more articles of clothing.

Floor workers are called “models”, because they are to portray these stores’ classic, American styles through their attire.

Michael Weidner, senior and Hollister Co. employee, said, “I definitely think [the dress code] focuses on the employee image, but that’s to attract younger people.

If the employees look cool, people are going to want to

A ‘classic,

clean look’ Abercrombie and Hollister dress codes serve as business tactics, perceived ‘restrictive’ by employees.

Photos by JULIA EBERHARDT / the wildcat

The Wildcat Jan. 23, 2013

11

shop there. That’s what they’re going for.”

However, Weidner believes the stores’ hunt for attractive workers is discriminatory. Managers and employees regularly walk around Brea mall searching for potential employees, or will offer jobs to attractive customers.

“A couple times at work I’ve had to walk around the mall for 30 minutes looking for people that ‘fit our look’ and ask them if they would like a part-time job as a model,” said Alanna Arno, senior and Abercrombie employee.

Weidner claimed that in his group interview for the job, people with more experience in retail had been denied rather than those more attractive with less experience.

“It’s discriminatory. It’s not fair,” Weidner said.

“They only want to hire attractive people. They would hire someone who’s attractive with no skill over someone who has skill.”

Abercrombie and Fitch has been under attack several times for allegedly discriminating employees based on appearances.

In 2009, Riam Dean, the a 22-yearold studying law at the for girls University of Toe nails must be London at the painted either red, time, said that pink, or French tip. her manager Flip flops must be moved her brown and brand tags off the floor must be cut off. because her for guys prosthetic arm did not comply Face must be cleanly shaven. with the dress Hair must be natural and code, and sued. cannot contain gel, grease, However, the or other types of hair company stated products. that it has a Source: Anonymous “strong antidiscrimination and antiharassment policy.”

In 2003, the company also paid $2.2 million to settle allegations that it forced employees to purchase and wear Abercrombie and Fitch clothes on the job. Since then, the “Look Policy” has been revised to make wearing the company’s clothes optional, as long as employees do not wear logos from a competitor or detract from the seasonal styles.

“The managers do not require us to buy Abercrombie clothes. We are allowed to wear similar-looking clothes that do not have another label showing. I feel like it’s just easier to buy Abercrombie clothes instead of getting something else and making sure it is okay with my manager,” said Arno.

On top of revising the “Look Policy”, Abercrombie and Fitch also gives employees a 50 percent discount on one set of clothes for the season. Still, employees might pay up to $70 to cover the cost of their uniform.

“Before you even work there you have to spend money,” Weidner said.

Stores like Abercrombie and Fitch with stringent “look policies”, while exercising a business strategy to attract young customers, also skirt with possible cases of discrimination and infringement on employee rights.

Look Policy

/theBOHSwildcatnewspaper

12

The Wildcat

Wildcat Voices

Feb. 5, 2013

bohswildcat.com

former life in chandigarh turns verma into modern ‘storyteller’

by Akshay Verma, Managing Editor

A

ll my life, I have been a storyteller—whether it is through recounting the implications of sleep-deprivation on teenagers for this school newspaper or sharing stories of how my towns and villages in Northern India had an uncanny resemblance to the India portrayed in Slumdog Millionaire.

Born in Chandigarh, India, a seemingly paradoxical combination of both a cosmopolitan town and quaint, rural village, I moved around much of Northern India for the first eleven years of my life. Then, upon settling across the globe in Brea just seven years ago, I found myself astounded by the vast differences between American and Indian cultures, from the way one would say words such as “schedule” to the attitudes that people held towards coffee.

In much-too-vivid detail, I now recall an experience which highlights just how strange and confusing my transition to Southern California truly was.

My sixth-grade teacher asked the class to suggest a random number during a Friday

Communist invasions. His tall tales, which both frightened and enthralled me, ultimately compelled me to become the storyteller I am today.

Since then, I have found myself in situations in which I am able to captivate others with exciting, unique stories of my own experiences and my own adventures.

After attending Silver Oaks School, a private kindergarten in Chandigarh, I moved to St. Anne’s Convent School of Sector 41, a Catholic private school which only a select few students from across the city attended.

I schooled at St. Anne’sfor five years before moving to Brea.

The school system of India is quite a bit different from Southern California’s. For one, most students in India attend Even in India, I was the odd-boy-out; just as g o v e r n m e n t I found myself to be the far-too-hairy, Indian owned public schools in the immigrant with awkward English as a sixth r e s p e c t i v e grader in Brea, I was the odd Hindu student “sector” of their city. My state at a Catholic elementary school. of Punjab in Northern India was divided into afternoon game of Madlibs; “threecrore!” I cities (and I lived in the aforementioned city yelled proudly. The puzzled and confused of Chandigarh); these cities were divided looks on the faces surrounding me led me further into “sectors”, which essentially to have the cliché epiphany of, “You’re not divided city regions by “class.” This led to an in Chandigarh anymore, Akshay,” (which is, interesting contrast—some of these sectors indeed, a reference to The Wizard of Oz, a remained to be, quite literally, clichéSlumdog movie which I saw in black-and-white on my Millionare-esque slums, whereas some 20-inch television as a third grader in India. sectors of the same city would be more Life in this part-cosmopolitan-and-partdeveloped, cosmopolitan ones with large rural town of Chandigarh was quite a bit houses and fairly affluent neighborhoods. different from my new life in Brea. At the age At St. Anne’s, I found myself to be among of five, I recall sitting on a cold, marble floor a few Hindu students in a Catholic school, next to a stove which provided me warmth attending primarily to earn an education during the bitter winter of Chandigarh in which I would be able to learn English (there were no fireplaces). My grandpapa adequately (the government-owned public often shared stories of his past life to me, schools aforementioned did not offer a real recounting exaggerated tales of how he was chance to learn English). acquainted with Gandhi when he was my The storyteller in me thus developed in age (even my five-year-old self refused to the walls of his elementary school; as I came believe him) or of how he would hide in fear to learn of the trials and tribulations of Jesus behind sofas upon watching broadcasts of and Mary, who then seemed to me to be

Photos courtesy of AKSHAY VERMA

‘CHILD OF THE WORLD’: (Top to

bottom) Two-year-old Verma playing on a statue of a lion in India. Verma spending time with his grandmother, Rani, in Chandigarh, India. Verma hanging out with his father, Pawan, near a lake in the state of Punjab in Northern India.

fascinating fictional characters, I told stories of my own Hindu faith. Through curious discourse between me and my classmates, I became the storyteller I am today. Even in India, I was the odd-boy-out; just as I found myself to be the far-too-hairy Indian immigrant with awkward English as a sixth grader in Brea, I was the odd Hindu student at a Catholic school.

The apartment which I spent most of my life in India neighbored a slum. Life in India was so peculiar and interesting largely because of this. In fact, one of my best friends lived in such slums and worked as servants throughout the day. In India, the title of being a “servant” was hardly condescending or inferior; in fact, many were only able to make enough money to support their living by working as servants for middle-class or upper-class families.

Another distinct feature of Indian life that I now vividly recall is the lack of reliance upon technology. Each evening, I played with my friends and classmates out in the parks, often playing “tag” or “hide-andseek” for hours upon hours.

In fact, computers were uncommon enough that I hardly knew how to operate one until I moved to America, save for the times I used one during the rare computer-lab sessions at my elementary schools. Life thus revolved around actual human interaction, which made communities far more tightlyknit than the ones in Southern California.

Adults bonded over daily walks at local parks and children spent their evenings running around for hours.

Yet, upon moving across the globe to Brea, I have now found my own tightlyknit communities, including this very newspaper staff, my fellow leaders at the American Red Cross of Orange County, my close group of friends, and even my “friends” across the world whom I remain connected with through a program known as Postcrossing. Through Postcrossing, I now have unsurpassable opportunities to share handwritten notes, “best of luck” messages, and postcards with strangers from around the world, including Sweden, Russia, Norway, China, and Ukraine.

These postcards and international missives today remind me of my own unique experiences around the globe—as a Hindu student in a Catholic school of a small town in India; as a first grader who captivated his friends with his grandfather’s photos from around the world for show-and-tell; and as Hindu who continues his traditions across the globe in Southern California. And ultimately, I know that beyond the blissful “Brea bubble” in which I now live, I am a child of the world.

The Wildcat

13 clark teaches English to Ukrainian children Wildcat voices bohswildcat.com

F

Feb. 5, 2013

lying straight into the remnants of communism this past summer, I, along with 28 other high school seniors, experienced firsthand the repressive effects of a regime that ended 20 years ago.

We flew for 18 hours to Lviv, Ukraine to teach English to underprivileged kids. During this eye-opening three week trip, the children improved in their conversational English. However, I grew in my faith and in my world view.

As soon as I stepped off the plane I was in shock. The effects of communism could still be seen everywhere. From the deteriorating city to the cement monoliths, I was astonished by the stark city scape.

The citizens were extremely reserved and sat in silence, making for an eerie bus ride. I knew immediately that this would be a huge challenge for me when interacting with kids around the city.

Shortly after arriving I started the real work of my trip. The first activity was seemingly simple, playing with kids. This, however, proved to be more difficult than I thought. When none of the neighborhood kids came to the park, our team had to get creative.

Because of the closed culture, the kids only trickled out when enticing music blasted from our speakers. By the end of the day, 40 kids were out playing and having fun.

Communication was the biggest challenge of the day. By working with translators, I was able to draw in the shyer kids and get them involved as well.

The fun and games continued for several more days until it was

time for English camp. English camp consisted of English lessons, crazy games, Bible stories and times of worship in the evening.

Our camp had about 50 Ukrainian youth and I was roomed with five guys of varying English speaking ability. Figuring out how to teach my class of six was especially challenging because I speak no Ukrainian. Through various creative techniques like Pictionary and sharing American literature, I was able to convey my messages and teach them English. They left with a greater understanding of conversational English, a broader knowledge of the Gospel, and an amazing camp experience.

Going to Ukraine opened my eyes to the rest of the world. I saw firsthand how devastating communism was in Eastern Europe.

But more importantly, I grew in my faith with others who believe the same things as me, even though they live on the other side of the globe. Previously, I had been surrounded by other believers in Orange County, so having fellowship with other Christians from Ukraine was a moving and empowering experience. I was amazed by how people who had never met before could so quickly be united by their beliefs. Spending three weeks in Ukraine was an incredible experience that helped me grow in my faith as well as make an impact in the lives of others.

SPREADING LOVE AND LANGUAGE: At a high school student-led English camp in Ukraine, Bryan Clark (third row, second from the right), senior, sits with children after spending a day playing in the neighborhood park. Clark and other Orange County students travelled to Ukraine last summer to teach English to underprivileged children.

14

The Wildcat

Feature

Feb. 5, 2013

bohswildcat.com

Rise of

HIV

One in five teens infected with HIV don’t know they are.

AMORETTE VALERO / the wildcat

Human immunodeficiency virus, better known as HIV, is not a widely discussed topic today. But one thing is clear: HIV is still a prevalent issue. Approximately 50,000 people are infected with HIV in the United States each year, and one in four is between the ages of 13 and 24 years old. What’s more, one in five of infected adolescents are unaware that they are. But through just one test, infected teens can prevent HIV from spreading and further worsening their condition . known as AIDS. “As many CD4 cells die, the immune system gets weak and it gets very difficult for our body to fight infections, and we become ill. After a long period of time, the doctor can diagnose the patient with AIDS,” said Mario Casas Gonzalez, HIV specialist of the AIDS Services Foundation Orange County .

HIV and AIDS cannot cause death, however, but other diseases and viruses can.

As an HIV infection worsens into AIDS, the immune system grows vulnerable to other normally innocuous viruses.

The Numbers Although the number of people with AIDS has decreased globally— according to UNAIDS, there were 1.7 million AIDS related deaths in 2011 compared to the 2.3 million in 2005— the

with the virus before birth.

Furthermore, many of these teens infected before birth are sexually active, inadvertently transferring HIV to their unsuspecting partners.

“If [those prenatally infected] are young people, and if they don’t know that they have [HIV], they probably don’t think that there is a reason to get tested,” said Amy Welch, biology teacher.

“If they haven’t practiced any sex or haven’t been sexually active, then they probably think that they’re safe, unless their parents have disclosed that information, so communication is important.”

Fast Facts

by Selina Che, Design Manager and Feature Editor

What is HIV? HIV is a lentivirus, and while most viruses are killed by the immune system, HIV is not. The reason: HIV directly attacks the immune system, the body’s natural self-defense system against infections and diseases. Like other viruses, HIV cannot replicate on its own, so it attacks other cells instead, turning the cells into “factories” to make copies of itself.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HIV damages the body by destroying specific blood cells in the immune system called CD4+ T cells, which recognize viruses and bacteria and fight them off.

As more and more CD4 cells die, an HIV infection can become acquired immune deficiency syndrome, better

‘I have HIV?’ Despite being the largest population to contract HIV in the U.S., 60 percent of teens are completely oblivious to the fact that they are infected with the virus.

“One major factor [that teens are unaware they have HIV] is fear of getting tested, and accessibility to get tested,” said Jessica Dombrowski, health and Skills for Success teacher. “[Teens] might be afraid that their parents will find out [that they have HIV], and some people would rather not know [that they have HIV] for fear that it is true.”

U.S. is still seeing new HIV infections.

The CDC states that there are 1.3 million Americans living with HIV or AIDS today, an all time high with nearly 40,000 to 80,000 new infections each year. Moreover, it is the teenage population that faces the largest risk in HIV infection and AIDS in the U.S. Compared to the general population, adolescents have the fastest increasing rates of HIV. Nearly half of all new HIV infections occur among young people between the ages of 13 and 24, according to kidshealth.org. In December 2000, CDC statistics showed 774,467 reported HIV cases, 4,061 cases of which were among teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19. Young people accounted for 39 percent of all new HIV infections in 2009.

31 percent of new HIV infections are transmitted heterosexually.

Casas Gonzalez said most teens are also unaware that they are infected with the virus due of lack of information.

“Some people believe that HIV is no longer an issue,” said Casas Gonzalez.

“Parents also don’t talk about [HIV and AIDS] with their kids; parents and teachers focus their attention more on the prevention of pregnancy.

Society is very afraid to talk about HIV, AIDS, and sex. We no longer see visuals of people dying in painful, difficult ways as we did in the ‘80s. We know [HIV, AIDS, and sex] is there, but we refuse to talk about it. We tend to think ‘if it is not affecting me, then I have nothing to worry about.’”

A significant number of people are also unaware that they were born with HIV, states washingtontimes.com.

The CDC estimates that approximately 10,000 children and teens in the U.S. are living with HIV after being infected

be more open on discussing [HIV and AIDS] in public settings, such as schools, hospitals, boys and girls clubs, etc. Parents should really talk about sexual relations and its connection to HIV with their children and the benefit of condom use.”

The U.S. Preventative Task Force is also calling for doctors to test almost everyone between the ages of 15 and 64 for HIV. With a wider acceptance to HIV testing, the U.S. Preventative Task Force believes that it could lead to earlier treatment of cases, and thus slow the spread of AIDS. The Task Force’s

1 in 5 teens infected with HIV are unaware they are.

Every 9.5 minutes someone is infected with HIV. 1 in 4 infections occur among youth between the ages of 13 and 24.

Sources: aids.gov, cdc.gov, unaids.org

Prevention is key HIV is not a contagious virus, and can only be transmitted through body fluids or tissues such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, and other body fluids containing blood, according to thebody.com.

“The number one way [to prevent HIV infection] is abstinence,” said Dombrowski.

“That’s the only way that you can know 100 percent that you will not contract HIV.” More education and awareness can also protect teens from contracting HIV. Research has shown that due to a lack of awareness, a large number of teens are unconcerned about contracting HIV. “Not enough HIV prevention programs or materials in schools and lack of education [has caused the increase in HIV rates among teens],” said Casas Gonzalez.

“Society at large should try to

previous plans have limited the number of screenings to those with increased rates of HIV contraction, such as homosexuals and men who have sex with men (MSM).

However, Casas Gonzalez does not “see that happening anytime soon.”

Even if the Task Force’s plan is not approved, there are numerous ways one can get tested for HIV today.

Doctors will add HIV to the blood-check list if patients ask, and rapid tests today cost less than $20 with results in as soon as 20 minutes. Free testing is also available in various communities around the country, including a CDC pilot program in drug stores in 24 cities and rural sites.

HIV is a preventable tragedy. Through learning more about the virus and getting an HIV test, teens can prevent not only themselves from contracting the virus, but also prevent it from spreading.

The Wildcat

Feature bohswildcat.com

Behind the Beard

Feb. 5, 2013

15

Adversities, love for young people shape Gunther’s teaching career

by Akshay Verma, Managing Editor

I

n the summer prior to his sophomore year of high school, Jonathan Gunther, history teacher, traveled to Europe, hoping to marvel at historical landmarks and the typical tourist attractions. Instead, his trip forever changed his relationship with not only his sister but with the many people in his life.

While in Europe, Gunther was trapped in a hotel fire, eventually being rescued by hook-and-ladder as in old cartoons and taken to a hospital where he found himself to be the only English-speaking patient. While at this children’s hospital with his younger sister Emily, he realized that he had been separated from his parents in a foreign land. Eventually, as he took care of his sister, he developed a strong bond and friendship with her, a bond now mirrored in his relationships with family, friends, and students.

Today, these relationships are evident in his role as an AP Government and World History teacher, a future Court Appointed Special Advocate, vice-president of the Brea Olinda Teachers Association, a legal marriage officiant, an award-winning beer brewer, and even the Dungeons and Dragons club adviser on campus and a regular member of two Dungeons and Dragons game play groups.

“Every healthy adult needs some kind of hobby or creative outlet,” he said. As such, his favorite hobby remains to be brewing beer, as his Best of Show for beer brewing award at the 2010 Orange County Fair makes evident. Ultimately, his many childhood experiences have shaped his many hobbies today, from his love for role-playing games and brewing beer to his attempts at teaching his dogs how to use a nunchuck as a security weapon.

“I was always a weird kid. I never quite fit in anywhere,” he said. “I had a bug collection.

I always loved science and nature. I read Nemesis by Isaac Asimov in Junior High and the rest of my life was lost to speculative fiction.”

Born in Santa Ana, Calif., Gunther spent most of his life nearby in La Habra, where he attended Imperial Middle School and Sonora High School. Some of Gunther’s favorite childhood memories remain to be his frequent family vacations during the summers, when he would travel on road trips after loading up his family van. Over the years, he visited all 48 contiguous states. In high school, Gunther was a champion Academic Decathlete, placing second and eventually first in the county for students with a C grade average.

Yet, Gunther believes that it is the adversities he faced and overcame in his young life which now define him.

“I have had health challenges in my life that have shaped who I am. One is epilepsy, which used to cause me to have seizures.

It also gave me hand tremors which made learning to write difficult and a stutter which I overcame with lots of practice. Epilepsy was a challenge in my young life; technically

I am still epileptic, although I haven’t had a seizure in more than twenty years.

“The other health challenge I’ve faced is MDD (Major Depressive Disorder). I have gone through much of my life dealing with periodic bouts of deep depression where every day functioning is extremely difficult. I was ashamed of this for many years and it nearly ruined my life many times, but I finally got help and am currently taking a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which allows me to maintain serotonin levels in my brain and control the depressive episodes,” he shared.

As Gunther overcame such difficulties and transitioned into adulthood, teaching was an occupation that came naturally for him, especially after having grown up in a family of teachers—

Photos courtesy of Jonathan gunther

GROWING UP:

(Clockwise) Gunther as a baby, the same baby in the poster on his podium (opposite).

Gunther with his wife, Mina, on their wedding day. Gunther displaying his carved pumpkin.

Gunther on a hiking trail. Gunther as a boy practicing throwing baseballs.

his mother, uncle, grandfather, and many great aunts and uncles had all been teachers.

As such, he had always seriously considered growing up to be a teacher one day, along with perhaps a priest or a civil engineer, two jobs he eventually found himself unfit for due to various reasons, much to his dismay.

Today, his love for young people can be seen in both his teaching and his current efforts in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

“I love working with young people, so I am in training to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate. I will help kids in the foster care system, representing them in court and school as well as mentoring them,” he said.

Ultimately, it is this love for young people which motivates Gunther defines his strong relationships, dedication, and love with teaching.

“I love teaching. It is always challenging and interesting to teach. I think graduations are my favorite experiences, seeing students who I usually taught as little sophomores, graduating as big seniors,” he said. “Also, in a general way, I just love interacting with students, learning all about them as people, watching them become the people they will be for the rest of their lives.” /theBOHSwildcatnewspaper

16 The Wildcat

Centerspread

Feb. 5, 2013

Love

Valentine S Day

Feb. 14 is known as the “Day of Love” by many. It is the day where couples everywhere can display their love for their significant others; however, impressing your partner can get pricey. The Wildcat shares inexpensive ways to spend Valentine’s Day for BOHS couples on a budget.

Saint Valentine' s Day? A

Each February, lovers express their feelings for each other with chocolates, flowers, stuffed animals, and cards. Since the exchanging of Valentine’s gifts is expected, few stop to wonder exactly why we celebrate this holiday of love. Therefore, much mystery surrounds the origins of Valentine’s Day. One of the most well-known rumors of the holiday’s beginning comes from Saint Valentine of the Catholic Church. According to history.com, Valentine married couples in secret during a time when Emperor Claudius II of Rome decided that single men were better warriors, and prohibited marriage for young men. Once Valentine’s secret marriages were uncovered, he was put to death, creating a martyr of love for the Catholic Church.

Another story suggests that Valentine was martyred while saving Christians from severe Roman prisons. He may have also sent the first Valentine note to a lover while in prison, signed, “From your Valentine.” Saint Valentine is regarded as one of the most romantic figures, which is why many believe that the holiday is a dedication to him.

According to time.com, the first celebration of St. Valentine’s Day may have began with the feast of Pope Gelasius I in the year 496. This feast was meant to prevent the Roman pagan holiday of fertility, Lupercalia. Even so, Valentine’s Day was not celebrated as a holiday of love in America until the early 1700s.

Since then, lovers have been expressing their feelings for one another through typical Valentine’s Day mementos, which parallel the romance of Saint Valentine, oftentimes forgotten as the initiator of this timeless holiday.

Information from history.com Compiled by EMIKO KANEOKA / the wildcat

Entertainment Perfect N Playlist

When Harry Met Sally

Crazy, Stupid, Love follows newly-divorced Cal (Steve Carell) as he navigates his way through the single-scene with help of bachelor friend Jacob (Ryan Gosling).

10 Things I hate about you

10 Things I Hate About You is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” set in a modern day high school.

50 First Dates

50 First Dates follows Henry Roth (Adam Sandler) who tries to date Lucy Whitmore (Drew Barrymore). However, Lucy suffers from short-term memory loss, and forgets each of their first dates.

G simple

G Romantic

Dinner and a movie keeps things simple, yet still romantic. Head downtown and grab a bite at Bruxies or Crepes de Paris for something cheap and delicious. Afterwards. walk over to the Edwards Theaters and take in a new movie such as Warm Bodies (out on Feb. 1) or Safe Haven (out on Feb. 14). For those who prefer some thrills (and guaranteed hand-holding), check out The Haunting of Connecticut 2.

G Athletic

For couples seeking an adventure, going on a hike is an inexpensive way to spend time with a loved one. Eaton Canyon in Pasadena and Schabarum Regional Park in Rowland Heights offer hiking trails with scenic views for no charge. Taking the Metro and traveling throughout Los Angeles is also a great way to spend the day for couples on a budget, with day passes at $5 per person.

Frank Ocean

Banana Pancakes Jack Johnson

Love on Top Beyoncé

First Date Blink 182

Isn’t She Lovely Stevie Wonder

Rock climbing is a great way to spend Valentine’s Day for athletic couples. Rock City in Anaheim offers indoor rock climbing for less than $20 per person. Kayaking or going for a bike ride by Newport Beach are also local, inexpensive and fun ways to spend the day with your significant other. Newport Aquatic Center offers a two-person kayaks for $20 per hour.

G Lazy

G Artistic

For couples not willing to go all out this Valentine’s Day, stay home and challenge each other to Just Dance battles or rent a movie from RedBox. Experiment with recipes and cook together for fun, or order pizza for a simple yet delicious meal.

Couples seeking an artistic date on Feb. 14 should spend the day at an art museum.

The Getty Museum in Los Angeles offers numerous collections of art from paintings to architecture in a beautiful setting at no cost. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) also displays multiple genres of art for only $3 per person. Couples can get lost in the beauty of masterpieces for hours.

GIFT IDEAS For

H E R

Build -a -bear

Chocolates Chocolate is a traditional Valentine’s gift that no girl can say no to. Head to Target or Walmart and pick up a box!

Gift a customized Builda-Bear to your girl. It’s a cute and personal spin on the classic teddy bear.

Don ‘ t Stay Home Even if you’re single this year, head out and do something fun! Cooping up at home and spending the day watching The Notebook whilst eating ice-cream will just make you feel depressed this Valentine’s Day.

go to downtown brea Downtown Brea on Valentine’s Day will be swarmed with couples. No matter how much you want to go to Bruxies or Merely Sweets, if you don’t want to be surrounded by lovey-dovey couples, don’t head downtown.

H I M

Hang out with friends

Phone Case

Bake Something They say that the quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so bake him cupcakes or his favorite dessert.

Spencer Rogers + Joy Liu

Watch

Cologne If you’re willing to spend a little more for your boyfriend, get him some cologne. It’s personal and useful.

A watch is a classy gift and something he’ll be sure to use. It’ll also help him be on time to your guys’ next date too.

Jacob Von Romero + Noelle Gracia

You don’t need to be in a relationship to have fun this Valentine’s Day. Spend the day with your friends! Go on an adventure by taking the Metro, or do something random like going laser-tagging at Laser Quest.

Treat yourself While others are spending money on their significant others, spend on yourself! Head to the spa or go on a shopping spree.

Indulge on as much food as you want! One of the best things about being single is that you don’t have to worry about your body.

Kiss & Tell

senior & sophomore

Seniors

Favorite Valentine' ‘ s Day memory

Favorite Valentine' ‘ s Day memory

Favorite Valentine' ‘ s Day memory

“On Valentine’s Day, which is also my birthday, I brought Emily In-N-Out and we watched movies at her house and I am glad that I got to spend this day with her and make her happy.”

“I took [Joy] to Craig park and we had a relaxing picnic next to the lake. She surprised me with a book of what she likes about me. It was my first Valentine’s Day, and I am glad I got to spend it with an amazing girl like her.”

“[Jacob] sang me ‘Memories Are Made of This’ by Dean Martin last Valentine’s Day. It was really sweet and meant a lot. It was the first time I’ve ever gotten sung to and it just made the whole day.”

Cameron Bishop

For those of you who are spending Valentine’s Day alone this year, here are some ideas of how to keep yourself from being lonely.

Do

Give your girl a cute case for her phone! You can never have too many phone cases, and she’ll be sure to use it.

Spencer Rogers

Noelle Gracia Photos courtesy of CAMERON BISHOP, JOY LIU, and NOELLE GRACIA

17

Single Awareness Day

For

Couples on Campus juniors

Thinking About You

Picnics are inexpensive and a romantic way to dine. Craig Park or Tri-City Park are great venues. Go to Trader Joe’s and pick up pre-made sandwiches and salads. For dessert, stop by Merely Sweets and pick up some cupcakes. Drive-in movies are also a great way to “bond” with a significant other. Head to Pacific Theaters Vineland Drive-In in the City of Industry for showings of recent movies for $9 per person.

G Adventurous

Cameron Bishop + Emily Mcfarland

When Harry Met Sally is a story of two friends, Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan), who try to maintain a friendship without having a relationship get in the way.

, Stupid Love Crazy

Bohswildcat.com

Date night

A

Movie Night:

The Wildcat

Kissing is the language of love. Here are some quick facts to boost your kissing knowledge.

G A person burns 26 calories in a one minute kiss .

G As many as 286 colonies of bacteria are exchanged during a kiss. .

G G

An average person spends 22 weeks of his or her life kissing .

Studies have shown that kissing can reduce blemishes on the skin .

Facts from myvocabulary.com

18

The Wildcat

Wildcat Heroes bohswildcat.com

Feb. 5, 2013

Sitt organizes benefit concert to fight human trafficking

F

by Emiko Kaneoka, Sports Editor

or junior and Dance Production member Melody Sitt, dance, singing, and playing the piano are not simply ways in which she expresses herself as an individual, but rather ways in which she is contributing to the end.

For the past five months, Sitt has been preparing for the Hope Over Bondage Benefit Concert at the Chinese Baptist Church of Orange County (CBCOC), which will be held on Feb. 16 and 17 to benefit the organization Raise 100 to Free 100. The goal of this organization, created by the high school group and youth pastor of CBCOC in 2004, is to raise money in order to free victims of human trafficking from the hands of their oppressors in parts of Africa, South America, and Asia.

In the past, the youth group of CBCOC has raised funds for the organization through car washes, concerts, bake sales, and other events. So far, the group has raised $8,000, and hopes to ultimately raise $100,00 in total for the cause.

“Our youth group had started raising money for this cause many years ago by the high school students. I have wanted to do this concert for years, but I didn’t have the courage to ask at first,” said Sitt.

According to cbcoc.org, many poverty-stricken women all over the world are forced into prostitution to meet their financial needs. Of these women, an estimated 70 percent are HIV-positive and 40 percent are under the age of 18.

“I feel that this is a great cause and that it is my job as a Christian to help the oppressed and troubled.

Also, I feel sadness that girls my age and younger have to go through prostitution. The night of the concert, I hope to entertain the audience with the arts and raise awareness of human trafficking,” said Sitt.

The benefit concert will include dancing, singing, and various instrumental performances by the youth.

As a skilled dancer, Sitt has also been choreographing and teaching a number of her own to the group of dancers, which will be performed on the night of the event. In addition, Sitt will sing and play the piano.

While organizing the approaching event, Sitt has learned the hardships and triumphs of being an event organizer.

“Since I have been planning this concert, I have learned the difficulty in making people come and commit to something. It really shows who is truly willing to help you and stick with you,” said Sitt. “It has also been very difficult because of the pressure on me for the concert to be successful and it has been tiring because I stay up a lot to work on the planning along with schoolwork.”

Though she may feel stressed by her responsibility, she said her faith in God has driven her forward. Sitt also receives support from her youth pastor, Eugene Kim, and the CBCOC congregation.

“This concert is her idea and, as her youth pastor, @bohswildcat

I’m here to support her,” said Eugene Kim, Minister of Youth and Missions at CBCOC. “Melody is very detailed and meticulous. I love that about her. She tells me what to do and I do it. Melody also has a big heart. She’s willing to use whatever talents and abilities God has given to help others.”

She said that the support she has received from the congregation has inspired her to work her hardest to make the event a success while keeping the sole purpose of the concert in mind—to glorify God by helping to free the oppressed.

“My youth pastor has been very inspirational

Photo courtesy of Melody Sitt

GLORY TO GOD: Sitt (first row, second from

right) with all the participants in the benefit concert (including Wilson Lai, senior, Alicia McCallister, junior, and Jun Park, sophomore) she is organizing. in helping me to make this concert meaningful, not just for money, but for the purpose and heart,” said Sitt. “ Also, many other adults I have worked with have offered to help and have also been encouraging my incentive to use the talents of the people for the Lord.”

Sitt’s passion for dance and the arts has driven her to end human trafficking and help the oppressed.

Through the Hope Over Bondage Benefit Concert, Sitt hopes to inspire others to use their talents to honor what they believe in.

“I feel honored to do something for the Lord, knowing that He has taught me new things through this experience and how to have the chance to serve Him,” said Sitt. “If I had to go through the pain and stress of this again to help another cause, I would not

“Melody is very detailed and meticulous. I love that about her. She tells me what to do and I do it. Melody also has a big heart. She’s willing to use whatever talents and abilities God has given to help others.”

Eugene Kim, CBCOC Minister of Youth and Missions

The Wildcat

Wildcat Heroes bohswildcat.com

Feb. 5, 2013

ACTIVE YOUTH: Araujo (far right) participates in an annual LGBT walk-a-thon with fellow GSA club member Brittany Llamas, junior, and other advocates for equality for the LGBT community.

19

Photo courtesy of JULIAN ARAUjo

Equal rights for all Araujo fights for equality for LGBT community

by Emiko Kaneoka, Sports Editor

a

s an advocate for the rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community, Julian Araujo, an openly-gay senior and president of the Gay-Straight Alliance, embodies the progressing celebration of diversity amongst American youth.

Ever since Araujo attended a weekend-long activist camp at the University of Southern California in the summer of 2011, he has been committed to his journey towards equality.

“It was an incredible experience, and it inspired me to work towards change and equality—specifically towards safe schools for all. Since that summer, I have worked with several organizations and have served as the co-president of our school’s GSA,” said Araujo.

Since then, Araujo has worked with the GSA Network, a non-profit organization for youth advocates of the LGBT community of California, and was selected to be a member of the Southern California Youth Council and the Statewide Advocacy Council. Julian also reaches out to GSA’s educational partner organizations in order to work together to reform school policies on the bullying of minority groups.

“These young people such as Julian are aware of their rights and they value fairness, inclusiveness and a respect for all people. They act in the name of their values, which is something that we cherish and recruit for GSA leadership,” said Yvonna Cezares, GSA Network Policy Manager.

Through the GSA Network, Araujo has also attended activist camps, local GSA youth summits, and lobbying events in Sacramento. In Sacramento, he attended a weekend-long

GSA Advocacy and Youth Leadership Academy, allowing him to meet with lawmakers in the Capitol building and to lobby for the passage of bills that would directly affect the LGBT youth of California’s schools.

One of the two bills that Araujo supported was AB 1729, which was passed and is now a law. The bill encourages schools to replace suspension and expulsion with other methods of discipline in order to directly address the student’s problem instead of allowing them a break of sorts.

“I sat down with representatives from the California School Boards Association to talk about implementation of the FAIR Education Act that was passed and signed by Governor Brown last year and went into effect January first of this year,” said Araujo.

Locally, Araujo works with Youth Empowered to Act at the Orange County LGBT Center. Through this organization, he hopes to bring a campaign to Brea in order to implement Seth’s Law, which requires schools to create policies prohibiting the bullying of LGBT students and other minorities.

“The struggles my [LGBT] community has faced, and those who felt that life was so bad that they no longer wanted to exist in this world, motivate me every day to continue my advocacy work,” said Araujo. “I wish someone had been there for them to tell them that it would get better, because it will, and I’m determined to make that happen.”

According to Jonathan Gunther, GSA advisor, Araujo’s patience, respect, and leadership qualities allows him to sympathize with diverse groups of people while gaining their respect as a leader.

“When it comes to his advocacy, Julian doesn’t let passion rule his arguments. He has his facts very straight, he is a clear thinker and he researches very carefully. So, his opinions are always founded on a very solid basis,” said Gunther.

This year, the school’s GSA attended Models of Pride, a Youth Conference at USC. There, members of GSA learned more about LGBT activism and ways in which they can become more involved. They also promoted the Trevor Project Lifeline for LGBT individuals contemplating suicide by putting up posters on campus during Suicide Prevention Week.

As Araujo advocates for change concerning the LGBT community, he says that he has not met as many challenges as his peers have faced, but does recognize that activism is not easy. He believes that persistence and diligence are important in creating change and, once this change is made, one must set even higher goals.

“This is a generation where activism is not necessarily easier, because standing up like that is always difficult, but because people can communicate and connect so effectively, you never really feel like you’re alone,” said Gunther. “I think Julian is a product of his generation and the activism of the youth says that we’re going in a positive direction for the future.”

In the spring, Julian plans on returning to Sacramento to continue his advocacy work in the Capital. He also plans on furthering his advocacy for the LGBT community as either a career path or as a lifelong commitment.

Araujo will continue to advocate for such reforms until all individuals receive the rights they deserve, regardless of sexual orientation. As for society’s view of the LGBT community, Araujo hopes for overall acceptance and celebration.

“I hope that one day sexual orientation will be a non-issue, and we can throw a big party for someone when they come out, instead of the drama that coming out sometimes entails,” said Araujo. “We need to learn how to celebrate our differences and accept them as a fact of life.”

Did you know? +

The number of homosexuals in the United States is approximately 8.8 million.

+

There are currently over 700 LGBT clubs and groups on campuses nationwide.

+

The first rainbow flag was designed by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in 1978.

+ +

90 percent of LGBT students hear anti-LGBT comments at school.

Maryland was the first state to legalize same sex marriage.

Facts from wcdav.org

/theBOHSwildcatnewspaper

20

The Wildcat Feb. 5, 2013

Creative Mind

Feature bohswildcat.com

Art a ‘saving grace’ for Simonetta (‘10); inspired by family, early struggles

by Sharon Cho, News Editor

Artwork courtesy of kathy simonetta

PAINTING FROM HER SOUL: (Left to right) One of the paintings in Simonetta’s notebook. A painting inspired by “magic”, humility, and nobility. A painting done in watercolor and acrylic mediums with a quote by Simonetta. A recent painting by Simonetta.

A

pencil pouch containing art pens and pencils symbolizes the life of Kathaleena Simonetta (’10). With these utensils, she creates art that express her passions, affords her a career, and brought her through struggles.

At a young age, Simonetta spent hours drawing princesses and their dresses. Her passion for art stemmed from these princess drawings and her father’s experience with dyslexia, which prevented him from being successful in classes other than art.

“It wasn’t until I was older that I learned why he would draw so well. He never went on to pursue [art], but he could have been truly exceptional. I think the fact that I would always do what my dad would have liked to have done is something that not only piqued my interest, but empowered me,” said Simonetta.

Although in the beginning of high school she was unsure whether art would be the right career for her, she changed her mind when her mother became fatally ill.

Even while coping with illness and the loss of their home, Simonetta’s parents wished that their daughter would attend college after graduating high school. After seriously contemplating her future, Simonetta decided to pursue an art career. Since her grades faltered when her mother became sick, Simonetta created and sold her artwork through her own business and joined numerous extracurricular activities to build a resume for college.

“The talk basically came down to the fact that no matter what, life, death, homeless, happy, depressed, it didn’t matter.

I needed to get myself into college. I did the only thing I knew how to do, which was make art,” said Simonetta.

Simonetta entered the University of California, Riverside, to be close to her family due to her mother’s poor health. She now double majors in Fine Arts and Philosophy.

While Simonetta focused on watercolor painting and developing a “hand,” which is the identification of the artist through the artwork, during high school, she is now creating assemblages, art created from discarded objects; abstract minimalism, clean cut and often bold work that has no representational meaning; and conceptual art, which is intended to convey a concept.

“She was full of ideas with developing her own personal style that showed up in all of her work. You can definitely recognize [her artwork] as Kathy Simonetta,” Delaina Hofacre, art teacher.

“There’s a lot of pressure in art school to leave behind the kind of stuff I used to do in high school,” said Simonetta.

By shifting her art interest, she is creating more work that “would be seen in art galleries” but still strives to help people understand why artists make art. She desires for people who cannot learn the “language of modern art” to be educated on this subject through her artwork.

Simonetta’s most recent art pieces concentrate on death.

According to Simonetta, although it is a depressing topic, it is important for her to explore every aspect of her mother’s struggles and experiences. She is focusing on defining death, its role in everyday life, and how society either ignores or humanizes it.

“I never really grieved or rather the reality didn’t really hit me until it was obvious that she was in the grips of death’s hands, and I feel it’s something I’m always going to be exploring,” said Simonetta.

After high school, Simonetta continued her business and charity work. She receives requests from those who see her work posted online, the small advertisement on the back of her car, and doodles and business cards she leaves behind on restaurant napkins.

Simonetta also works with Recooperate, a local charity for a family who has a son with a serious medical condition, and the California Hospital Medical Center. Simonetta also donates artwork for auction at Grad Night, and small murals.

The paintings above the doors of the Global Information Technology Academy (GITA), yearbook, and newspaper classrooms have all been Simonetta’s contributions.

In the future, Simonetta hopes to attend graduate school to study art therapy and work in a hospital as an art therapist.

She wants to help children who experienced traumatizing accidents find relief in art through their thoughts.

Ultimately, Simonetta wants to tell a story and give people hope through her artwork. She desires to have a legacy that showed she “loved and created with every fiber of being,” according to Simonetta.

“Art for me is my only true and saving grace. If nothing else, believe in art. It’s always there to redeem me. I always say you don’t have to like me, but at least have a conversation with my art. If you don’t like me, at least you can love my art,” said Simonetta.

Art for me is my only true and saving grace. If nothing else, believe in art. It’s always there to redeem me. I always say you don’t have to like me, but at least have a conversation with my art. If you don’t like me, at least you can love my art.

Kathy Simonetta (‘10)

@bohswildcat

FOOD

The Wildcat

bohswildcat.com

Feb. 5, 2013

21

BATTLE OF THE FROZEN YOGURT

Who has the best yogurt in brea? The wildcat visits four local fro-yo shops

by Joseph Yim, Arts Co-Editor Photos by MICHELLE SUH / the wildcat

our mix: Strawberry Lemonade, Tart, Peanuts, Strawberries, Mochi

Coffee, Vanilla, Cookie Dough, Chocolate Sprinkles, Plain Tart

Pomegranate, Raspberries, Chocolate Hazelnut

Blueberry Pomegranate Tart, Plain Tart, Almonds

$4.42 (35 cents per ounce)

$4.00 for 1 cup

$4.95 for a small cup

$4.79 for a medium cup

I initially believed that Yogurtland, without a doubt, dominated all other yogurt chains in taste and variety. due to my family preferences. Although I was correct about the variety of options for yogurt and toppings offered, the quality of the yogurt was worse than that of Pinkberry. Right when I reached the cashier and paid for my yogurt, I looked down and saw, in dismay, a pool of melted goodness that had already formed at the bottom of the cup. This strange mixture of strawberry banana, plain tart, and raspberry gave off an unsavory appearance.

Unlike Pinkberry, I could see that Yogurtland’s philosophy was quantity over quality, thus losing the satisfactory level of thickness. Yes, the taste was delighting, but I would rather have yogurt that will remain yogurt, not milky syrup, until I finish it.

Visiting Golden Spoon brought back memories of my childhood, since it was the most prevalent yogurt shop in the early 2000’s.

Recently, I bought a coffee, peanut butter and cookie dough yogurt mixture, only to be unsatisfied by its quick melting. After cleaning up the spillage, I took a bite and was shocked by its strange taste. The taste of peanut butter and cookie dough was there, but the coffee yogurt should have been named “wasabi”. Maybe it was the mixture of flavors, but I was astonished by the taste of the Japanese condiment usually used for sushi. Although Golden Spoon’s yogurt was cheaper than the other stores I had visited, it just struck me as another mediocre and undesirable yogurt shop.

As a Yogurtland lover, I believed this ‘best yogurt’ competition would have no opposition.

This all changed once I entered Pinkberry.

Although there aren’t nearly as many selections as other yogurt stores, my server, Mark, explained how their focus was not on quantity, but quality.

He supported this claim by making each flavor the store offered, including pomegranate. I was immediately taken aback by how fresh the ingredients were. Mark noted that there is no water added and the yogurt is completely organic.

He also shared how Pinkberry imports chocolate from Italy, and picks every pomegranate seed for customer satisfaction. Overall, Pinkberry was incredible, with great service and flavors that would make anyone feel welcome and satisfied.

The first negative aspect that stood out to me at Jamba Juice was the long wait. After ordering a simple cup of blueberry pomegranate, it took longer than ten minutes for the employees to make the yogurt. In fact, the yogurt wasn’t yogurt, but essentially a smoothie put into a cup. My inital thought when receiving the yogurt was how healthy and soft it appeared. Although it had a crisp, sweet flavor, the yogurt was extremely thick, which I thought was because of Jamba’s liberal amounts of fruit put in the yogurt. Jamba Juice’s yogurt selection, known as Whirls, boasts all-organic blended mixtures, thus producing the similar texture of their popular smoothie drinks.

I would just stick to what Jamba Juice is known for: smoothies.

Rating:

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The wildcat asks Literature teachers: ‘Which yogurt shop is the best?’

“

“

I have no preference, since I don’t visit these places enough to have a preference.

I could happily go to any yogurt shop and eat the yogurt offered there.” @bohswildcat

“

Jonathan Quiming

Jamba Juice, because it offers a healthy alternative my children can eat during the afternoons. It’s a great dessert with sufficient nutrients.”

“

Summer Teal

I choose Yogurtland because they have the most fresh fruit. I get to put as much as I want, which makes me want to pick that shop over the rest.”

Susan Luce

Jamba Juice is delicious, and has many healthy options. I love how you can order sugar free food products.

My favorite flavor of all time has to contain mango.”

Laurel Batchelor

22

ARTS

The Wildcat

bohswildcat.com

Feb. 5, 2013

Ludwig twins develop musical careers

by David Kang, Staff Writer

Many twins are alike—be it in appearance, skills, or hobbies. For Bradley and Julia Ludwig, seniors, what defines their relationship as twins is music.

According to Claudia Ludwig, Julia and Bradley’s mother, her children developed an interest in music at a very young age.She took the twins to music class when they were two years old, and both were complimented by their instructors for their understanding of music.

The twins’ music careers began at age five with the piano.

According to the twins, however, they did not intend on continuing on the piano. Instead, playing the piano introduced the Ludwigs to music and eventually influenced Bradley to play the trumpet and inspired Julia to sing and play the clarinet and violin.

The Ludwigs are a musical family, Julia said, so it is only natural that she and her brother are also adept musicians.

“Our grandmother was a flute player and band teacher. One of our great-grandparents was a choir teacher and the other was a band teacher. So I guess that’s kind of why we started; it’s in our blood,” Julia said.

Bradley’s interest in the trumpet began when he attended a local band parade in first grade. “[The trumpet] was something that I’ve always wanted to do. My mom took me to a parade once and asked, ‘What instrument do you want to play?’ I pointed to the trumpet and said, ‘I want to play that one,’” Bradley said.

Bradley is the former trumpet section leader and the current brass sergeant of band. He is also the lead trumpet player for the jazz band and the wind ensemble and the treasurer of band council. He is a member of the Arcadia Brass Ensemble, which attends various competitions and is recognized nationally for its musical excellence.

More recently, Bradley passed a rigorous audition to be accepted into the Pasadena City College Honor Band, and he marched in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. “I was a little nervous, but I was also very excited I got this opportunity. It was something I’ve always wanted to do, and although it was challenging, it was loads of fun doing it,” Bradley said.

Bradley has come a long way since he was first exposed to music, from starting the trumpet at a young age to marching in the Rose Parade and performing in a renowned brass ensemble. “[At age seven], it would be very unusual for someone, like Bradley, to start a brass instrument so young in the United States. But we were living in Paris, France, at the time, and many children started playing wind instruments at age seven,” Claudia Ludwig said. “Brad is hoping to go to college at a school with a big marching band, so I may get to see a few more half time shows!”

Julia, on the other hand, moved on to play the violin during second grade. After starting out on the piano with Bradley during fifth grade, she began playing the clarinet, and has been playing ever since.

Julia is the former clarinet co-section leader and the former assistant drum major.

She led the Wildcat Entertainment Corps as the head drum major and is the first chair clarinetist. Furthermore, she is the vice president of band council, a member of the Spellbound Choir, and the president of Masquerade Choir.

Julia also frequently participates in the Brea community theatre, performing in plays such as Peter Pan and Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Like Bradley, Julia also marched on New Year’s Day, but at at a different location. She performed in the London New Year’s Day Parade, as part of an “All-American” award received at drum major camp last summer. ​Julia has come a long way since she began music as well, from starting her instrumental and vocal music careers as a child to marching in London.

For the Ludwig twins, music helped them gain confidence and learn to cooperate with others.

“I realized that [the band] really improves a lot if we work together as a group, harnessing each member’s talents, and not as a bunch of individuals,” Bradley said. “You learn how to work with certain people, and you really learn how to adapt to individual differences.”

The leadership skills Julia acquired from being a drum major will be invaluable in the future, she said. Her experience in choir also strengthened her boldness and confidence.

“Choir has made me more of an outgoing person, so when it comes to things like applying for college and interviews I feel more confident, presenting myself and not being afraid,” “Even in class when I’m giving a presentation, I have a better stage presence because of what I’ve learned through choir,” she added.

Both twins have come a long way in their music career from the moment they picked up their first instrument, and as they prepare for college, they will continue to hone their talents.

“As for me, I love that they are musical. I think I attend all of their performances whether it is band, choir or theatre.

Next year, they are both planning to go away to college.

I will miss out on attending all their concerts!” Claudia Ludwig said.

MICHELLE SUH / the wildcat

“Our grandmother was a flute player and band teacher. One of our greatgrandparents was a choir teacher and the other was a band teacher. So I guess that’s kind of why we started; it’s in our blood.”

Julia Ludwig, senior

TWO-RIFIC TWINS: (Left to right) Bradley and Julia at age one. The twins at age four, a year before they began playing the piano. Shortly before moving to Paris, Bradley and Julia play in their Yorba Linda home. Julia and Bradley pose with their instruments for marching band during sophomore year. Bradley embraces Julia during lunch in the quad.

ARTS

The Wildcat

bohswildcat.com

Feb. 5, 2013

23

Zombies crawl into Popular Culture

by Michelle Suh, Photo Editor

In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of creatures, like sparkling vampires and ripped werewolves, but neither of these creatures are “top-dog” anymore. Groaning and dragging its decayed feet into first place are zombies. From video games like Left 4 Dead to the television series The Walking Dead, zombies are crawling out of their graves and into the pop culture consciousness.

However, the zombie fad is not new to the pop culture scene. It made its debut in the cinematic world in the 1932 cult classic, White Zombie, which starred renowned monster-man Bela Lugosi. Since then, zombies have made appearances in films such as Valley of the Zombies, Night of the Living Dead, Zombieland and Resident Evil. The undead have even lurched their way into literature with Seth Grahame-Smith’s parody Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and Max Brook’s World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War. In the development of the genre, zombies are dead but vague in concept. Zombies first debuted in Victor Halperlin’s White Zombie. They were lumbering, blank-eyed creatures that were controlled by the magic of an evil character played by Lugosi. These creatures neither killed nor ate people, but only attacked if they were ordered to.

The modern zombie, the flesh eater, did not appear in movies until George A. Romero’s gruesome zombie feature, Night of the Living Dead (1968). His zombies were incompetent, flesh-eating ghouls who trudged stiffly out of their graves and toward a barricaded house to attack fugitives who were hiding to escape being infected by zombie bites. Romero was influenced by the 1964 film, The Last Man on Earth, adapted from Richard Matheson’s 1954 novella I Am Legend. The zombie apocalypse scenario was used in Romero’s next two living dead movies, Dawn of the Dead (1978) and Day of the Dead (1985).

Having evolved from slaves controlled by voodoo magic to stumbling, man-eating corpses, zombies have recently undergone further drastic change. In the films 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2007), as well as several video games such as Resident Evil and Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare, zombies have gained both speed and intelligence. Since they have some intelligence, fast zombies are thought to not really count as zombies at all, because by definition zombies have had all of their human traits taken from them. However, others believe that the sluggish but persistent approach of dawdling zombies just doesn’t cut it in the 21st century. Like Romero’s films, the gore is profound but the pace of the films and the zombies are faster, though a cavernous doubt of authority still runs strong.

Gaining agility is not the only way zombies have changed. Toying with viewers expectations, zombies are still terrifying and covered in gore, but are also good for a few laughs. In films such as Shaun of the Dead (2004) and Zombieland (2009), the atypical hero is confronted with zombie apocalypse.

Also new to the genre: satire and modern indie film conventions. Although zombies are fictional, the disaster they create is realistic. In Robert Kirkman’s television sensation The Walking Dead, an epidemic infection is a real threat to our species, especially in this age of globalization. The lesson here is that it’s the vulnerability of our human will that gives the living dead their power over us. The worst fate that can occur to the victim of a zombie (far worse than being eaten) is being turned into a zombie himself. What initially seems to be as a mere external physical threat can get inside us, corrupt our humanity, and turn us into just another brainless, voracious drone.

Zombies let us discuss both larger problems and personal dilemmas by creating circumstances that are fictional but nevertheless relevant to other disasters. It is a contemplation in which all can participate, a philosophical experiment that all can comprehend and reflect upon. Vampires, demons, and ghosts are supernatural. When the movie ends and the credits roll, the creatures and the horror they bring slowly diffuse. Zombies, and the big questions they compel us to brood over, linger much longer.

we asked Teachers, “What would you do in a zombie apocalypse?”

“As a family man, I would protect my family with my last breath. And if I die, I die. Unless I turn into a zombie myself.”

Franco Ciccerello, Visual Communications

“I would shoot fast-reproducing retroviruses into them to slow down their movement. And then obviously teleport to the moon.”

Amy Welch, Biology

“I would store lots of water, move up to my attic, stay away from population areas, and definitely not wait for goverment rescue.”

Jon Gunther, History

upcoming zombie-inflfiffiiltrated media TO look out for February 1, 2013

Warm Bodies (Film)

Summary: After a zombie becomes involved with the girlfriend of one of his victims, their romance sets in motion a sequence of events that transforms the entire world.

February 5, 2013

Dead Space 3 (PC)

Summary: Two soldiers, Issac Clarke and John Carver, set on a journey to Planet Tau Volantis to solve the crisis behind an unstoppable zombie outbreak.

March 26, 2013

The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct (Xbox 360) Summary: This first-person action game allows players to assume the role of the crossbow-wielding survivor Daryl Dixon, alongside his brother Merle, on a quest to safety.

May 7, 2013

The Last of Us (PS3)

Summary: Survive an apocalypse on Earth in The Last of Us, where a population becomes decimated by a modern plague. Here, you find no hope.

June 21, 2013

World War Z (Film)

Summary: Based on a 2006 horror novel by Max Brooks, a U.N. employee, played by Brad Pitt, races against time as he travels the world trying to stop a deadly zombie

July 19, 2013

R.I.P.D. (Film)

Summary: Nick Cruz (Ryan Reynolds) is a slain cop who joins zombie officers working for the Rest in Peace Department to find the man who murdered him.

“I would get a gun and protect myself until the end. Or I can fly my plane again and bomb the zombies right off the ground.”

Matthew Finnerty, Math

Illustrations by JESSICA YIM/ the wildcat

/theBOHSwildcatnewspaper

24

inFocus

by TRENT PRESTON

Going Above and Beyond Matt Pace, senior and boys’ basketball co-captain, rises over defender, and Michael Turner, senior, splits the defense at Esperanza High School on Jan. 2

The Wildcat

SPORTS bohswildcat.com

Feb. 5, 2013

25

BOYS’ BASKETBALL FOURTH IN LEAGUE, 5-4 RECORD

by Noelle Gracia, Staff Writer

espite a fourth place standing in Century League play with a 3-3 record, boys’ varsity basketball is enjoying its best season in a decade with a 16-6 overall record and a shot at its first 20-win campaign in years.

The boys have been relying heavily on their “improved team dynamics,” and the fact that everyone on the team, according to Jason Muehlhoff, senior, “puts the team first.”

“All 16 guys on our team are all [about] the team first and are not about personal glory, which has resulted in unselfish play on the court,” said Muehlhoff.

The boys have also been turning up the intensity in practice so that when game time rolls around, they can “out-hustle [their] opponents every game,” according to captain Matt Pace, senior.

Kicking off the season with a four game winning streak, the Wildcats hit their first obstacle when they lost to Clark High School, 50-40. After beating both Hoover and Los Altos High Schools, they fell to Price High School, ending the game with a score of 63-42.

On the Jan. 20 Century League-opener, Dominating Offense: (top Canyon beat the team left) Chandler, junior, attempts by five points, right after a lay-up on Esperanza Jan. 25. the Wildcats trounced St. (top right) Chandler Ramos, Paul High School by a junior, dribbles past El Modena on Jan. 6. (right) Turner rises score of 70-31.

A nine game winning over an El Dorado player Jan. streak followed until Jan. 15.

8 when the Wildcats lost to Villa Park High School, 68-66, after the referee negated what would have been the game winning shot by Michael Turner, junior. A charge was called on Turner during the last few seconds of the game, negating his basket.

“That call was really frustrating to hear, especially since we were so close to winning. I didn’t think that I had checked the guy that hard to deserve a foul, but in the end, it’s whatever the ref thinks,” said Turner. “All I can say is that I imagine tension will be running very high the next time we play their team.”

Turner is currently the Wildcats’ leading rebounder and scorer, with 334 points this season.

According to Chandler Ramos, junior, who leads the team with 21 three pointers along with Pace, the whole team was upset about what they felt was an unfair call, with Jeff Sink, head coach, “probably the most furious of us all,” chuckled Ramos.

D

Of the season thus far, and the last-second loss to Villa Park, Sink said, “Our height has never been as big of an issue this season as initially thought, except most obviously in the absolutely heart breaking Villa Park game. All season we’ve been able to counteract our lack of height with our great speed and athleticism by double-teaming the bigger guys and maneuvering around them, but as we’ve come to find out, when there is a 6’7 player in the middle of the court, they can just throw it over our heads. I think that it was such a close loss, that it did dishearten the boys more than usual. When you’re used to losing all the time, and then all of a sudden you get a taste of a winning streak, it’s easy to become addicted.”

Though the closely lost game came as a disappointment to the team, they’re putting it out of their mind, and “just focusing on the next game,” according to Turner.

The team chooses not to talk about their record amongst themselves, using it instead “as validation that we are a good team who can compete with any other team in our league and our division,” said Muehlhoff.

Since the Villa Park game, the boys faced Foothill High School and lost, 56-40.

Sink believes this is due to the “discouragementthat the Villa Park game caused.”

The Wildcats soon redeemed themselves against El Dorado four days later when they defeated the Golden Hawks by a score of 64-48, behind Turner’s 22 points, and Wallace’s 14 points.

But the victory from the El Dorado win was shortlived as the boys fell again to Canyon with a score of 63-54 on Jan. 22. Taking a cue from the rest of the season, the boys rebounded and defeated Esperanza for a second time, with an incredibly close score of 52-51, as compared to the last time they faced this team, in which they won by 33 points.

“I don’t doubt we’ll bounce back, we’re a good team with a great amount of dedication,” said Sink of the league losses, “It’s just a matter of wanting it.”

This statement rang true when Sink’s team defeated El Modena on Jan. 29, 67-62, in overtime. This puts their record at 16-6, and currently fourth in Century League. . The boys are due to go up against Villa Park again on Feb. 2. who is currently second in Century League, with a league record of 8-1.

Going off the results of the last time the Wildcats played the Spartans, this is expected to be a “high intensity game, with a lot of tension,” according to Turner.

TRENT PRESTON / the wildcat

FLYING TO THE HOOP: Jonathan Wallace, junior, drives the ball toward the basket for a lay-up against Villa Park’s 6’10 Lamont Tyler, junior, during the Jan. 9 game.

/theBOHSwildcatnewspaper

26

The Wildcat

SPORTS

Feb. 5, 2013

bohswildcat.com

TRENT PRESTON / the wildcat

LEANING TOWARDS THE WIN: (from left to right) Lance Halm, junior, launches a shot on goal during the boys’ Villa Park game on Jan. 9. Ryan Maris , junior, and Oscar Martinez, senior, leap up to head off an incoming corner kick, with the game ending in a 2-1 victory for the Wildcats. Ty Muhovich, junior, takes a shot on goal against his Villa Park opponent on Jan. 9. The boys currently have an overall 8-6-2 record, with their next game Thursday against El Dorado High School.

BOYS’ SOCCER FALLS TO FIFTH IN LEAGUE

2-5-1 RECORD; TEAM HOPES TO REGAIN MOMENTUM

by Kaitlin Martinez, Staff Writer

@bohswildcat

The Wildcats are two games into the second half of league. Rematches against Canyon and Esperanza had mixed results, a 0-0 tie against Canyon and 2-1 loss against Esperanza. Currently boys’ varsity soccer is fifth in league with two wins, five losses and one tie behind Villa Park in fourth with five wins, two losses and one tie. In third Foothill holds a record of six wins, two losses and one tie, and second and first are tied with scores of six wins and three losses, Esperanza in first followed by El Dorado.

According to Kyle Eurich, senior and goalie who had 16 saves that game, the Wildcats’ main problem is their inability to follow through and score. A lone goal by Alexis Diaz, sophomore and forward, in the first half tied the game and sent the Wildcats into overtime twice where Esperanza scored the tie breaking goal.

A similar outcome happened in the game against El Doardo with a scoreless first half and deciding goal in the second to put the score at a 1-0 loss for the Wildcats.

Garrett Anderson, senior captain and outside defender and midfielder, said, “We should have tried to find our forwards a bit more [against El Dorado], but otherwise it was a good game.”

While the Wildcats fell in the league standings, El Dorado improved to 3-3, placing the team fourth in league.

The Wildcats’ previous match against Foothill on Jan. 11 ended in a 2-0 loss, the first loss for the Wildcats after wins against Villa Park on Jan. 9 and El Modena on Jan. 4. “[Foothill was] the most difficult team of the year. They controlled the middle really well and had a strong midfield,” said Kyle Eurich, senior captain and goalie. The Wildcats also found it challenging to get shots on goal. After Foothill managed to score two goals in the first half, neither team scored.

“We actually dominated the game, but we couldn’t score. We maintained possession of the ball most of the time, they didn’t. We just couldn’t score,” said Daniel Fuller, senior captain and mid-fielder.

That loss followed a win against Villa Park on Jan. 9, that game ending 2-1. The victory seemed to give the Wildcats momentum to keep on winning.

“That game was the best game we played all year.

Going into that game, they were in first place and we ended up knocking them out,” said Fuller.

The preceding game against El Modena on Jan. 4 was another win for the Wildcats after losses to Esperanza and Canyon. They dominated the

STAT LEADER

MOST GOALS AND ASSISTS Lance Halm junior

TRENT PRESTON / the wildcat Vanguards with three goals in the first five minutes— one by Fuller and two more by junior and forward Lance Halm. Even with El Modena scoring once in both halves, the Wildcats maintained their lead. A last goal by junior forward Alexis Diaz near the end of the game gave the Wildcats a 4-2 win.

“Everyone did what they were supposed to do. [There was] a lot of hard work and good communication. [The Cardinals] were good, but we just played our best against them,” said Eurich of the win.

Halm and Diaz were instrumental in the games that the Wildcats won. As forwards, they scored the

goals and “kept the team in the game,” said Fuller.

The previous games were the second and first games of league against Esperanza and Canyon. Since the game against Canyon was earlier in the season on Dec. 12 amidst preseason matches, Esperanza was the second league match after the Wildcats were prepared and pumped by a preseason record of 6-1-1.

These expectations of continued success fell with the loss to the Aztecs, who were third in league at the time.

According to Fuller, there is a recurring problem that has brought about the Wildcats’ losses this season. “We do really well, but we don’t score,” said Fuller.

In their first league game against the Comanches on Dec. 12, this problem was evident. Even with three saves by Eurich, the one goal Canyon scored in the first half was enough to win because the Wildcats did not come back with a goal of their own.

Eurich added that the “awkward” and premature scheduling during pre-season did not help because “[the team] was not ready yet.”

With a rematch against Canyon today, the Wildcats have a chance to even the score and beat the rival they lost to in the opening game. Fuller is confident that the Wildcats will win against Canyon, who currently has a league record of 1-5.

In terms of the rest of the season, the team, including Anderson, remains optimistic. “We have performed well because [head coach Steve] Teal has very good tactics for us this year and as a team we have great talent. We have everything we need to get to CIF. We just have to stick to our game plan and we will win.”

The results of Wednesday’s game against El Modena, Friday’s game against Villa Park, and Monday’s game against Foothill were unavailable at press time.

The Wildcat

SPORTS bohswildcat.com

Feb. 5, 2013

27

TRENT PRESTON/ the wildcat

WINNING THE BALL: (left to right) Kaitlin Gishwiller, senior, controls the ball and blocks her Esperanza opponent during the Jan. 9 game. Gishwiller attempts to head a corner kick. Kristen Avila, sophomore, leaps toward the ball while blocking her Esperanza opponent. The game ended 1-0, the team’s eighth win, and the first league game of the season. Currently, the girls hold a 9-7-6 record with their next game tomorrow at El Dorado High School.

3-4 LEAGUE record kicks off LEAGUE season

by Kaitlin Martinez, Staff Writer

Their win last week against El Dorado broke a three game losing streak for girls’ varsity soccer, which put their league record at 4-4. The Wildcats are fourth in league behind Esperanza, Canyon and Villa Park, who is first with a record of 7-1.

The team’s recent wins against El Dorado and El Modena are attributed to successfully fixing problems they faced during league- lack of communication and having the right amount of confidence.

“We were successful against El Modena because all week we focused on our mental game and our chemistry as a team and I feel like it showed on the field,” said Amber Rojas, junior and goalie.

Losses against Canyon and Esperanza in-between the wins impacted their record.

Goals by sophomore and center forward, Gissel Avila, who has scored ten goals this season, also helped the team win the games against El Modena and El Dorado. In the game against El Modena, she followed a goal by Sara Jones, senior and defense, with two more, one in each half. Their combined effort gave the Wildcats a win, 3-1. She also scored within the first five minutes of the match against El Dorado. A second goal by junior Ali Moon later in the first half secured a 2-0 lead by half time.

“We came out confident and kept fighting. Since we lost our last three games, they underestimated us.

This win proved them [wrong]. We actually had a chance to go to CIF,” said Avila.

According to Avila, the team struggled most with having the right amount of confidence at the right time, which was seen in the second half of the match and the three game losing streak in the games preceding it.

“We were too confident. We thought kicking the ball and running to it would [work] but it didn’t do anything,” said Avila. This led to fewer opportunities to score. Even so, the game ended with a 2-0 win

against El Dorado.

These problems with confidence and lack of communication caused the three game losing streak against Villa Park, Foothill and Canyon. This followed a solid preseason record of six wins, three losses and six ties and a positive start to league with wins against El Modena and Esperanza. They lost to Foothill, who is currently one spot below them in league, and Canyon, who is second in league, by a score of 1-0 on goals made during the second half.

Villa Park, first in league, beat the Wildcats, 4-0.

“It was a really close game, so we just have to have more communication. It was because of

“We psyched ourselves out a little bit, being the team that was supposedly the underdog. I know that we could have come out and stepped up. We were the better team,” said Lindsay Brady, senior captain and mid-fielder, of the defeat against the Spartans.

These losses followed a strong preseason record and a promising start to league. The Wildcats beat El Modena and Esperanza on Jan. 2 and 4.

Gishwiller and Jones scored the winning goals against El Modena. Three goals, two by Gishwiller and one by Jones, beat the Vanguards, who only scored once.

The Jan. 2 win against Esperanza was determined

““We came out confident and kept fighting. Since we lost our last three games, they underestimated us. This win proved them [wrong].”

Gissel Avila Sophomore a miscommunication that [the girl was open] and she just took a nice shot. That’s one of our biggest problem—talking,” said Emalee Burt, senior and defender, of their loss against Canyon.

Their game against Foothill revealed similar problems for the team.

“We played down to their pace of the game and we chased [the ball] a lot. We didn’t have good communication. We didn’t use the middle and played a lot of kick ball, waiting for them to score,” said Kaitlin Gishwiller, senior and center forward.

The loss against Villa Park was more disappointing. Three points were scored in the first half by the Spartans who are currently 6-1 in league.

This was followed by a fourth and final goal in the second half.

by Jones, who has scored seven times this season, and shouldered in the deciding goal on a corner kick.

“The girls are gaining experience, which is key,” said Mike Knaus, head coach. Though they have a lot to work on, they maintain that CIF is still a possibility.

Currently, the Wildcats are fourth in league ahead of Foothill and El Modena, and behind Esperanza.

Villa Park is first in league with a 7-1 league record, followed by Canyon.

FINAL GAME: bohs @ EL DORADO THURS. 3 P.M.

/theBOHSwildcatnewspaper

28 wrestlers compete in ‘oldest sport known to man’ The Wildcat

SPORTS bohswildcat.com

Feb. 5, 2013

by Noelle Gracia, Staff Writer

It is one of the most grueling sports offered at Athletes flock to wrestling for a variety of BOHS, according to wrestling head coach Feargus reasons; some, like Brown, wanted to get in shape McTeggart. for other sports, and go into wrestling with only the Between the long, late-night practices, the careful intention of building muscle. monitoring of a healthy diet to maintain the peak of Mike Baker, Health teacher and football coach, physical fitness, and the ability to get back up after introduced Brown to wrestling his freshman year. being defeated time and time again, wrestling is not Baker told Brown that if he wanted to be in good shape something “everyone is capable of handling if you’re for football season, wrestling was the “best sport to not willing to put in the work,” said McTeggart. do that,” because it is so physically demanding.

So, what is the payoff we ask? What is it about “So I signed up, not really expecting much, but this physically and mentally challenging sport that it was crazy. By the end of that season, I was more keeps attracting athletes to the sport?

“That’s easy,” said Grant Brown, senior varsity wrestler. “There is something just really satisfying about being able to take down an opponent, and knowing that it was because of your ability and strength that made that happen. Yeah, it’s a lot of work but it is so worth it. Because the victory is completely yours, and you STARTING POSITION: finally can see all the work you put in John Evan Lee, senior, show itself on the mat.” attempts to pin his Wrestling is also one of the opponent at the Ed most successful athletic programs at Spring Wrestling BOHS. Twice, Wildcat coaches have Tournament. The been named Orange County Coaches Wildcats will compete of the Year. again at Foothill High McTeggart, who has been School today. wrestling since he was nine-yearsold, received the title in 1999.

Brian Schlueter, assistant head coach, won Assistant Head Coach of the Year in 2012. The team also boasts of having sent six wrestlers to CIF last year.

Even so, it is not a widely attended sport compared to others such as football or basketball. McTeggart believes that not having as large a fan base is not due to a lack of talent or skill on his team, but simply due to the fact that many people have not experienced the sport yet. in love with wrestling than I was football,” said “I’ve seen it happen many times, people come Brown. out to watch just for the heck and before you know Others, like Gabe Martinez, senior, chose to it, they’re hooked. And it’s easy to see why,” said follow in the footsteps of a family member, in this McTeggart. “It’s the oldest sport known to man, just case, his father. two people dueling it out, without anyone or anything “The reason why I joined wrestling was mainly else involved. And the more superior one comes out because my dad had done it and he was a role model to on top.” me at the time. Plus, I wanted to become stronger and Also, McTeggart said that one of the reasons tougher because when I was younger, I was always that the team does not garner as much attention as the small one and got picked on for it. I’m very glad other sport is because the team rarely goes to CIF; this is not the case anymore,” said Martinez. rather, the team annually sends individual wrestlers In the case of Adam Allred, senior and to compete. team captain, his love for the sport was almost

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instantaneous.

“When I was in the fourth grade, I went to my older brother’s wrestling match, where I watched the 215 pounders wrestle, and our wrestler threw the other wrestler off the mat. He came charging back and the Brea wrestler threw him again, this time for a pin. I’ll never forget it, I thought it was the coolest thing ever, and I wanted to immediately learn how. I signed up that spring, and I have been wrestling ever since,” said Allred.

Despite the common misconception that

that wrestler. We try to instill in them that losing will never be a good feeling and that if you want that victory, then you have to be willing to work for it, to go hard and get back on that mat every single time.

Only then will we go to them and ask, ‘What could we do to not let that happen again?’” said Schlueter.

Wrestling is a unique sport because it is one of few competitions that involve only two dueling athletes, without any equipment. Because of this, McTeggart said this sport requires strong character, and that “one of the main objectives of this program” is to develop

TRENT PRESTON / the wildcat wrestling is purely an individual competition, the athletes do find support in one another while reveling in their victories and recovering from their losses.

The “athletic brotherhood” that is often associated with more team-orientated sports, such as football or baseball, is just as evident in wrestling.

Allred said, “These guys know just what sacrifices that need to be made to achieve our goals.”

Although the coaches fully encourage the team to work as a whole, and to aid each other in becoming better athletes, they refuse to “coddle” their athletes, according to Schlueter.

“After a loss, we let the disappointment sit with

not only accomplished athletes, but also adults.

“Wrestling can easily be used as a metaphor for life. Like life, you are not always going to be the best there will be disappointments, but that doesn’t serve as an excuse to not go out and try again. Those victories and losses lie completely with you, that there is no one else to blame but yourself,” said McTeggart. “The champions on our teams are not the athletes who rack up the most amount of points or win the most matches, but they are the ones who simply step out on the mats everyday, knowing that they could lose. And that is where the true courage of our team lies.”

SPORTS bohswildcat.com

The Wildcat

Feb. 5, 2013

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CP NO MATCH FOR VARSITY WRESTLER

by Noelle Gracia, Staff Writer AMORETTE VALERO / the wildcat

It was not believed by many that Paul Poulis, junior, would ever have the ability to walk, let alone run. His possibility of being an athlete was basically out the window.

Poulis was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) at age two, leaving him with restricted range in motion in both legs, making even walking a struggle. Yet, fourteen years later, Poulis is a two-year varsity lettered wrestler after being raised with the belief that a physical condition should not deter us from succeeding in life.

“I may not be able to do everything like everyone else does, and it may take me longer, but I will figure it out eventually.

I refuse to let cerebral palsy get in the way of what I want to achieve in life,” said Paul Poulis, junior.

At age two, Poulis was diagnosed with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy after his parents realized that he was not walking properly.

Diplegia means “affects two areas,” which in Poulis’ case refers to both his legs. According to cerebralpalsysource.com, spastic diplegia allows a person to walk, though with much difficulty and effort as it requires a more strenuous involvement of the lower half of the body versus the upper half. Like Poulis, most people afflicted with this form of CP walk with a crouched gait due to complications in brain-to-nerve-to-muscle communication.

“I hung on to a lot of things when I was younger, just using stuff around the house as a kind of crutch. I mean, I could walk but never really by myself, I always had to have something to support me like a table or the side of a wall. But it never seemed different to me, it’s all I’ve really known. This is how I’ve always been. This is normal to me,” said Poulis.

Even though his parents noticed that their son was progressing at a different rate physically than his peers, it still came as a shock when they learned that it was caused by cerebral palsy.

“We were set back to hear his diagnosis. Most doctors believed that Paul would not walk and would never run, having balance issues all his life,” said Paula Poulis, Paul’s mother.

Poulis was taken to various forms of physical therapy after he was diagnosed. He wore leg braces in his early years and on the first day of therapy, he was given numerous tests to determine this level of ability he was currently functioning at. After he failed every one, his father, Pete, told the therapist that his son would be capable of doing everything she asked for if he did them without the braces. The therapist was amazed when she saw that Pete was right, and Poulis was able to pass all the tests without the braces.

“She grabbed the braces and took them to the trash can. That was a real eye-opener for us. After that, we figured we were not going to limit him from doing anything,” said Pete.

After awhile, Poulis’ parents felt that the therapy was great,

See page 30 STANDING STRONG: Paul Poulis, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age two, is a two-year varsity lettered wrestler.

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SPORTS

The Wildcat

bohswildcat.com

Feb. 5, 2013

ladycats poised for league championship with 9-0 record

by Noelle Gracia, Staff Writer

TRENT PRESTON / the wildcat

FINAL DEFEAT: Tori Bryant, senior, attempts a lay-up against Troy High School on Jan. 26.

Despite a rocky start that included three losses out of their first five games, the Ladycats won 14 straight and currently sit atop Century League with a 9-0 record, and a 17-4 record overall.

Kelsey Hazama, junior, said that their losses can be attributed to the fact that, “in the beginning, during the Ladycat Classic, our chemistry on the court was not too great. Everybody’s roles had changed from last year to this year.”

These three games confirmed senior Anna Kim’s worry she expressed at the beginning of the season that the team’s biggest weakness “will probably be the fact that [they] are a new team, with many new faces, and not a lot of experience playing together.”

The weakness was short lived, however, as the Ladycats proceeded to play to their usual championship standard, crushing their Timpanogos opponent from Utah in their next game at the Nike Tournament of Champions (TOC), by a score of 6129. The Ladycats went on to win the tournament.

According to Shaylissa Jarrett, sophomore, winning the Nike TOC tournament and the Palo Alto Coaches Against Cancer Tournament, “really lifted

our spirits. It gave us just the push we needed to start league strong.”

With two championships under their belt, the Ladycats began league play against Esperanza, whom they easily beat, 78-45. Blowout wins against El Modena, Canyon, Villa Park, and Foothill followed.

The Ladycats’ next challenge was against El Dorado High School on Jan. 15, which was right behind them in league standings with a 5-0 record, an 18-1 record on the season, and on an impressive winning streak of 16 games. The Ladycats defeated the Golden Hawks, 63-54.

“We try not to judge a team by their record. Each game is going to be a challenge in our mind,” said Tori Bryant, senior. “I can only assume that [El Dorado] is a well-coached, hardworking team just like we are, and wants to win the game just as much as we do.”

The girls’ strategy for this particular challenge was to “control the game as a team,” said Jarrett.

The girls and Kim Cram-Torres, head coach, both attribute the Ladycats’ sub-par performance at the beginning of the season to being “not sure about what style of basketball was going to bring us the

most success. The coaching staff had to make a lot of adjustments early on,” said Cram-Torres.

Whether or not they would be able to play up to the expectations of others, the girls “stayed really upbeat,” as the coaching staff had informed them that December “was going to be a long hard month, and the only thing we cared about was getting better and finding more ways to successful,” said Cram-Torres.

“Our record definitely isn’t adding any more pressure that is not already there, it is actually just giving us more confidence and fueling the Ladycat fire,” said Kim, recently named ocvarsity.com’s top point guard in the county.

The Ladycats next game was at Esperanza High where they continued their winning streak by crushing their opponents with a score of 72-25 on Jan. 25.

The Ladycats’ 14-game winning streak finally came to an end when they were defeated by Troy High School, ranked number two in Orange County, by a 52-30 score on Jan. 26.

Although the loss was disappointing, it was not a Century League game, therefore the girls still hold maintain a perfect league record of 9-0.

‘I refuse to let CEREBRAL PALSY get in the way of what I want to achieve’ POULIS

from page 29

but it was not enough their son grew older and did not gain strength in his entire body.

They enrolled him in gymnastics when Poulis turned four, which gave him greater control of his body, and improved his flexibility and strength. The strength he gained from being a gymnast allowed him to later pursue other sports, such as basketball and soccer.

Though he and most of his peers eventually accepted his condition as normal, Poulis remembers one incident from elementary school in which he and his schoolmates were running to the swings and one classmate purposely pushed him out of the way to procure the last available swing, the one that Poulis was about to claim. In response, Poulis army-crawled over to the hijacked swing, reached up to the boy’s leg and pulled him off. Though the boy was not hurt, just “surprised,” Poulis was sent home from school that day.

“I thought my parents would be mad that I had to get sent home, but they actually ended up rewarding me,” chuckled Poulis. “They always taught me that I’m not different from anyone else, and that I should be treated as such. They understood that I was upset at that kid for trying to take advantage of me, and were glad that I stood up to him.”

Even so, Poulis’ family also felt the blow whenever Poulis was teased or taken advantage of for his disability.

“I’ve always hated seeing my brother get made fun of for his CP. Even when I was little I would get mad and stand up for him whenever I could. I think since we’re only a year apart, it makes us closer, but we’ve always been like that. He looks out for me, and I look out for him,” said Samantha Poulis, sophomore, and Poulis’ younger sister.

When he was a freshman, Poulis decided to try out for the wrestling team, despite never having played the sport. Though he did not win any matches his first year, his parents refused to let him drop the sport

AMORETTE VALERO / the wildcat

STARTING POSITION: Because Poulis’ cerebral palsy gives him a crouched gait, his starting position is on his knees. regardless of the frustration he would feel throughout the season.

“I would get really frustrated and disheartened whenever I couldn’t do something. Sometimes I would even get frustrated with God himself, wondering why it had to be me that had this disability. But that happened pretty rarely—my parents were always really supportive of me and my goals. Still, I got pretty agitated,” said Poulis.

Although Poulis’ family never allowed him to have a “pity-partyvictim-attitude,” according to Poulis’ mother, they kept realistic goals for him. At the beginning of his freshman year, the only goal was to learn the sport and, by the end of the season, it was to not get pinned.

Anthony Robles, the one-legged wrestler who went on to win the

2010-2011 NCAA individual wrestling championship in the 125-pound weight class, was someone whom Poulis drew a lot of his strength and encouragement from.

“I figured that if he was able to not only be a collegiate level wrestler, but go on to win the whole thing, then there’s no excuse why I can’t do it with CP,” said Poulis.

Poulis lettered as a varsity player his sophomore year. He joined an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) gym and was on the mat everyday, wrestling and training submission for fun. He also developed his own modified style of wrestling in which he stays on his knees for the duration of the match.

When Poulis transferred to BOHS his junior year, he also made the varsity team using his special style of wrestling.

“We knew Paul would be a huge contribution to our team, from the first time we saw him practice. He’s super ripped, and that strength is great for the team. Even if our competitors do underestimate Paul when they go against him, that’s only better for us when they see just how much skill he has and beats them,” said Nicky Linn, junior, and junior varsity wrestler.

Feargus McTeggart, varsity wrestling head coach, also believes that “little else beats pure strength in a sport like wrestling. In our league, we even have a blind wrestler. Wrestling is just one of those sports where it doesn’t really matter.”

Though Poulis’ form of CP does not currently have a cure, he and his family are strong believers in the Bible Scripture, Jeremiah 29:11. It reads, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

From that and the constant support from his parents, Poulis keeps faith that he is capable of overcoming any obstacle he may face, though it may not be in the most “conventional” way.

The Wildcat

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Feb. 5, 2013

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four West Coast Conference championships.

In 2004, Trakh and Wynn transferred to University of Southern California, where the Trojans advanced to the Pac-10 championship game for the first time in seven years. A total of 13 years of Wynn’s coaching career were spent assisting Trakh, her high school coach.

On their relationship, Wynn said, “Without Coach Trakh, I would not have earned a scholarship to study and play at USC, nor would I be the coach I am today. After college, Coach Trakh opened the doors to my coaching career and I was blessed to learn under him for 13 years at the Division I collegiate level.”

Wynn’s husband, Derek Wynn, also assisted Trakh at USC. Trakh is the godfather of their older daughter, Jada.

Later, in 2009, Wynn became head coach of the women’s basketball team at CSU Long Beach, with her husband assisting her. She led the team into an appearance in the Big West Tournament championship game and two double-figure win campaigns.

The Long Beach 49’ers will have another former Ladycat join their team this year. Anna Kim, senior, signed with the team on Nov. 14.

On coaching a fellow Ladycat, Wynn said, “I am

LADYCAT FOREVER: (top to bottom, left to right) Wynn and her team celebrate their CIF championship in 1992. Wynn fights for a rebound during her senior year. Wynn calls a play at a CSU Long Beach game against Columbia University on Dec. 29.

“THe special thing about coach wynn is how she makes her players feel like they are family. She has a lot of passion and intensity when she coaches that becomes infectious to her team. anna kim, senior

Photos courtesy of the Gusher

kim will play for wynn’s

49’ers in the fall

TRENT PRESTON / the wildcat

from brea olinda to ‘the beach’

wynn (‘92) says being a ladycat influenced her collegiate coaching career

by Joy Kim, Editor-in-Chief A two-week long tournament in fifth grade at Fanning Elementary School was where Jody Anton Wynn (’92) first fell in love with basketball. Now, she helms the women’s basketball team at California State University, Long Beach, and has coached at the collegiate level for 17 years. And she attributes her success to her days in the Brea Olinda High School gymnasium when she was a Ladycat.

In the years leading up to her high school basketball career, she participated in the girls’ basketball P.E. class at Brea Junior High, which she said was “20 years ahead of its time.” This class was a precursor to her days ahead as a Ladycat, which began in 1988 when Wynn was a freshman in high school.

“Becoming a Ladycat was a dream come true,” Wynn said. “I idolized many of the Ladycats that played before me, and I wanted to follow in their footsteps.”

Mark Trakh, Ladycat coach at the time, and now a head coach at New Mexico State, led the team to four CIF and three state championships during Wynn’s high school years. Wynn described him as the “absolute best coach around.”

With the team’s victories came much publicity and fan support. The Daily Star Progress featured the Ladycats almost everyday, with regular coverage from the Orange County Register, Los Angeles Times, OC News Station, and NBC. According to Wynn, tickets sold out and crowds flooded the newly

absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to coach another Ladycat.

She is as tough a young lady as they come, full of self-discipline, a great leader, and has a team-first mentality.”

Kim, who was recently named Orange County’s Top Point Guard by ocvarsity.com, said, “The special thing about Coach Wynn is how she makes her players feel like they are family...She has a lot of passion and intensity when she coaches that becomes infectious to her team.”

When the Ladycats opened their season with a “Green and Gold” alumni game on Nov. 10, Wynn was a guest speaker prior to the game.

She shared the pride she holds in being a Ladycat, and how she and her former teammates cared about the “Brea” on their jerseys more than personal accomplishments.

She encouraged the current Ladycats to “hold the team above the individual.”

“Being a Ladycat represents something much larger than just being a high school basketball player. We are members of the greatest high school girls basketball program in southern California, and probably much more…I am so proud to be a Ladycat. It taught me life lessons that I still carry with me today,” said Wynn.

built gymnasium at almost every game (the BOHS campus opened at its current location for Wynn’s sophomore year in 1989). 3000 fans supported the Ladycats each year they went to the state championships in Northern California, “dressed in crazy outfits, chanting, and cheering their hearts out.”

“A high school girls’ basketball team with that much success was a novelty back during my time, and because of our success we almost became Orange County celebrities,” Wynn said.

By Wynn’s senior year, she was named LA Times’ Player of the Year and two-time Orange County Register Player of the Year. She was also named USA Today and Streets and Smith honorable mention AllAmerican. Over four seasons, Wynn scored 1674 points and had 546 assists.

“She’s the best player I’ve ever had,” The Influence Trakh said.

Wynn went on to play for University During Mark Trakh’s reign as Ladycat coach from 1981-1993, the team won four state titles, six of Southern California as a starting CIF Southern Section championships, and 12 Orange League crowns, with a 354-45 overall record.

Trakh is a member of the City of Brea Athletic Hall of Fame, the Southern California Basketball guard for four years. Upon graduating, Coaches’ Hall of Fame, and was named California State High School Coach of the Year.

Wynn served as assistant coach to Trakh Later, Trakh coached at Pepperdine University for 11 years, where he was named the league’s for Pepperdine University’s womens’ coach of the year in 1999 and 2002. After he transferred to University of Southern California in basketball team for eight seasons.

2004, the team made the top half of the Pac-10 all five years of his tenure. He now coaches at New There, the Waves had six postseason Mexico State University.

-JOY KIM appearances, six 20-win seasons, and

/theBOHSwildcatnewspaper

inFocus

by MICHELLE SUH

Dressed to Impress

In the final phase of the Mr. Brea competition on Dec. 12, Jason Muelhoff, senior, and Mr. Brea contestant, poses with his escort, Alanna Arno, senior.

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