The BOHS Wildcat Volume 87 Issue 5

Wildcat The Prom Issue

issue

05

vol. 87 may 2018

brea olinda high school

Staff Editorial

it’s time to change tradition When you receive this issue of the Wildcat, BOHS will be in the midst of one of the most stressful times of the school year — Advanced Placement (AP) testing.

It’s around this time that the 724 students who take at least one AP class at BOHS wish they had more time to study Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal or how to calculate acceleration vectors. But for many students at nearby high schools, they do have an extra couple of week to prepare because they begin two weeks earlier.

In less than a month, Troy, Sunny Hills (SHHS), and La Habra high schools will end their years on May 31 due to an August 15 start date. (BOHS began on Aug. 29 this year.) But while our peers in Fullerton and La Habra will be starting summer jobs to earn a couple of weeks of more pay for college, or already relaxing at the beach after a brutal senior year, BOHS’s seniors will still be in school, frustratingly counting down the days until June 15.

But in addition to having an extra few days for exams, practice essays, and mock tests, there are other benefits to an earlier start date. With our current schedule, Winter Break occurs two weeks before midterms rather than right after. Because of this, students are forced to study over the two week vacation versus returning to school at the start of the new year with a new semester and a fresh start. There is not much time to celebrate having finished a semester, not much time to de-stress with friends and family, and not much time for seniors who procrastinated on college apps.

Finishing sooner will also enable working seniors to work a few dozen extra hours to earn extra cash for college. Seniors can make $840 working eight hours a day for 10 days, which can cover more than half of their textbook fees. (According to College Board, the average college student spends around $1,200 a year on books and supplies.) And non-seniors, like SHHS junior Kelly Bae, can get a head start on expanding their resumes through summer programs and community service. Bae said a mid-August

FRONT COVER

Wildcat The Prom Issue

photo by

DANIEL CHO & MATTHEW Monte MOON

Carlo

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STAFF ED

May 2018

issue

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vol. 87 may 2018

brea olinda high school

start is “beneficial for students who want internship opportunities that begin earlier in the summer.”

The biggest benefit to starting earlier, however, is that extra prep time for the May exams. BOHS students currently only have 35 weeks to study for AP Exams compared to Troy’s 37 weeks. Two more weeks to study sounds insignificant, but for an AP student that is juggling AP Literature, AP Biology, and AP Calculus BC, these extra hours might mean the difference between a score of a 3 and a score of a 5. At UC Irvine, for example, a 3 on the AP Chemistry test can earn eight units of elective credits, whereas a 5 guarantees full credit for Chemistry 1A or Engineering 1A plus four units elective credit.

Although only roughly 36 percent of BOHS students take at least one AP class, that’s still a huge number of students -- more than 700 -- who are forced to attend AP classes for a full month after the exams even though those classes exist to prepare us

THE WILDCAT

Vol. 87, Issue 04 since 1930

The Wildcat is published by the students of Brea Olinda High School’s Newspaper class. The purpose of the publication is to inform and educate the Brea community, as well as highlight campus life and student achievement. Opinions stated in the Wildcat do not necessarily belong to Brea Olinda High School administration, faculty, and students.

Unsigned editorials reflect the views of the staff.

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

Samantha Magpantay Matthew Moon

BUSINESS MANAGER

Sarah Burris

SOCIAL MEDIA

Rowan Kemps

for the test. One of the purposes of taking an AP class is to e xperience the rigor of an undergraduate college course. Another purpose is to earn coveted college credit for passing the exam. So when the AP test is over, why should we spend another three to four weeks in an AP class? An earlier start date ensures that our AP classes will only spend time on test prep.

According to an online poll conducted by the Wildcat newsmagazine, students and staff are nearly equally divided in their opinions on BOHS’s start time, with 54 percent of both favoring the current start time, and 46 percent favoring starting two weeks earlier.

Supporters of the current start time cited tradition, summer weather, and sports tournament times, while advocates for moving the school year two weeks earlier primarily cited AP preparation.

Even though the school population is evenly split, it is still in BOHS’s best interests to move its schedule two weeks earlier.

PHOTO EDITORS

Juliet Isles Grace Yang

NEWS EDITOR

Choyun Lee

PHOTOGS

Daniel Cho

SPORTS EDITOR

Jacob Nam

OPINION EDITOR ILLUSTRATOR

Nicole You

Justin Lee

STAFF WRITERS

Gunnar Cierley Kenneth Kim Kylie Lai Yeil Lee C.J. Quion

ADVISOR

Alex Koers

eSports: More than just a game

WELCOME TO SUMMONER’S RIFT: Player Jackson Wedin, junior, attacks an enemy turret in a League of Legends practice tournament.

T

he rapid clicking of the mouse and keyboard is heard in the room 104 as senior Josh Gaxiola calls for support.

With strategy, plan, and teamwork, their opponents perish one by one.

Gaxiola, Matthew Yang, senior, Lam Nguyen, sophomore, and Bryson Cole, freshman, celebrate their win as BOHS’s first eSports team.

In eSports, short for electronic sports, individuals compete in multiplayer PC video games. League

of Legends, Fortnite, and Overwatch are a few of the popular tournament competitions in the eSports community.

The BOHS eSports’ starting lineup is Gaxiola as the Mid-Laner, Yang as the Support, Nguyen as the Jungler, and Cole as the Starter.

Beginning the regular season on Jan. 28, the team competed in Wednesday League of Legends matches, which involves two teams attempting to destroy their opponent’s home base

by completing objectives and taking down turrets that protect the nexus.

The team ended their first season with a total record of 1-7 in the Orange County High School eSports League, defeating La Habra High School at Round 4. Their league is comprised of 38 teams from 25 high schools, and the regular season is broken down into eight rounds, where each team works their way to the league championship. The competition consists of players competing with computers lined up side by side, with the audience watching the game through a large shared screen.

“It is a rough process. The goal for this year was to experience working as a team in a high school eSports league, so next year will allow us to show our skills, teamwork, and ability to contend far into league,” Gaxiola said.

The BOHS team was formed by advisor and science teacher Kurtis Chan, who wanted to show that there was more to eSports than just gaming. Meeting every Friday, the team focuses on teamwork, strategies, and communication. After practices,

Chan, an avid gamer himself, coaches the students on the flaws during the match and improvements that need to be made.

“Many people can see eSports as entertainment, but there’s more to it. The idea of eSports influences students to strategically plan and think outside the box,” Chan said.

“This team is an example to others that eSports can benefit students in terms of critical thinking and finding different ways to win.”

The team’s goal was to not only compete in league, but also allow others to be aware of the growing world of eSports. Several universities are beginning to offer eSports scholarships, including UCI, where an eSports Arena is available for scholarship and club teams to use. “eSports is becoming worldwide now. Players all over the world play in competitions, which shows that eSports can be for everyone,” Nguyen said.

by JACOB NAM photo by DANIEL CHO

Principal Halpin relocated after 15 years After 15 years, Jerry Halpin, principal, is bidding farewell to BOHS after the 2017-2018 school year.

Halpin will still be a fixture within Brea Olinda Unified School District, however, as he will be a “Principal on Assignment” and will work beside Kerrie Torres, the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.

Regarding the new role, Halpin said, “No specific responsibilities have been determined. More than likely I will [be] a program manager for district programs like AVID [Advancement Via Individual Determination], PBIS [Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports], and MTSS [Multi–Tier System of Supports].”

“The school district will work very hard to find a great Principal. I would expect everyone here would welcome and support the new Principal in his/ her first year and beyond.”

A highlight of Halpin’s 15year tenure at BOHS was the implementation of enormously popular and successful careerspecific programs, such as Global Information Technology Academy (GITA), Building Industry Technology Academy (BITA), and Medical Careers. The award-winning counseling and Fine Arts departments, Career Technical Education (CTE)

internships (including the annual Boeing internship), and Wildcat athletics have also thrived from Halpin’s leadership.

“He has always been approachable, ready to help in any way he can,” Joy Cordia, assistant principal, said. “He really has used his expertise well to support BOHS the past 15 years.”

Halpin wishes BOHS’s future

principal good luck.“I would expect everyone would welcome and support the new principal in his/her first year and beyond,” Halpin said. “BOHS is a very special place — whoever the new principal is will see that very quickly.”

by GUNNAR CIERLEY photo by DANIEL CHO May 2018

NEWS

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May 2018

SPRING SPORTS

WRAP-UP

by JACOB NAM

photos courtesy of ERIC WALKER

hurling to HISTORY The Wildcat asks Eric Walker, senior, about his no-hitter against Canyon at Angel Stadium on April 25.

What was your mindset when each batter went down one by one?

I was just trying to stay focused on the game and embrace being able to compete in a MLB stadium, let alone having fun. When the 5th inning came around and they still didn’t have any hits, I realized a no-hitter was a possibility.

What were your thoughts after the game?

After I threw the last pitch for the final out, I couldn’t believe that I had thrown a no-hitter.

I was filled with joy, and everyone was extremely proud and happy for me. I couldn’t thank them enough because I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, coaches, or parents being there with me.

How did it feel to record a no-hitter at Angel Stadium?

Throwing the no hitter at Angel Stadium was something I’ll never forget, and every time I go back to watch a game, I’ll be able to remember that moment. Just being able to play a game at the stadium was special, regardless of the outcome.

How have your teammates and coaches helped you achieve this feat?

The coaches have done a great job of preparing us for every game we go into and setting up a competitive game plan for each opponent. The defense, especially Sean Lentini and Derek Sims, were great, and the bench was there supporting and cheering for me on every pitch.

How did you prepare for the game?

I went through my usual routine of stretching, batting practice, going over the gameplan with the coaches, and warming up in the bullpen.

What was going through your mind when you were chosen as the starting pitcher?

When I got the call to be the starting pitcher I was excited that I would be pitching at Angel Stadium. As an Angels fan, it felt like a dream to stand on the same pitching mound as the professional baseball players pitch on.

What strategies/tactics did you use to record outs?

I wanted to trust my defense and throw as many strikes as I could for seven innings. I was just throwing my fastball and slider for strikes, and I used my changeup to keep their hitters off balance.

Who is your role model?

Both of my parents because they’ve done, and will do, anything they can to make sure that I’m happy, healthy, and prepared for whatever happens in my life. They go to every game, talk to me through any upsetting experiences, and have been willing to sign me up for any teams/leagues that could help advance my skills.

What are your plans after high school?

I am committed to continue my education at Oregon State University, but I have a few offers to continue my baseball career that I am still considering.

With Spring sports coming to a close, teams have seen ups and downs in their respective journeys to compete for league and CIF championships.

One of the “ups”: varsity baseball holds a first place lead in North Hills league, posting an overall record of 15-12 and league record of 4-2, at presstime. On April 25, senior Eric Walker threw a no-hitter in a 4-0 win against Canyon at Angel Stadium, striking out four batters through seven innings.

“The game [against Canyon] will be a game I’ll never forget. Our teamwork and passion for the game helped us get to where we are right now,” Walker said.

Boys’ varsity tennis ended their season with an overall record of 5-7-1, and a league record of 2-4, with a third place finish in North Hills League.

Although the team did not qualify for CIF, Casey Yun, senior, and team captain, expects a strong showing in league finals, which began on May 2.

(Results were not available at presstime.)

With an overall record of 3-6, and a league record of 2-1, boys’ varsity golf aims to advance to North Hills League finals. Senior captains Ethan Han, Carson Kaiser, and Daniel Tran believe their experiences in league finals in past seasons will propel them to a finals win.

“We played successfully against some top teams in the county, [and] we played in league finals before, so we know what its takes to win,” Han said.

Girls’ varsity softball posts a 6-16 overall record, and a 1-2 league record, at presstime. Tied for second in North Hills league, junior, and team captain, Hallie Stark believes that teamwork and communication were the strengths of this season.

“We focused a majority of the season on building bonds and improving team chemistry.

This year has been about getting to know each other more rather than simply going on the field and just playing softball,” Stark said.

Boys’ varsity volleyball held an overall record of 0-13, and a North Hills record of 0-3, at presstime. Though the team has struggled this season, captain Chandler Gorham, senior, hopes to finish the season on a high note.

“We’ve been in a big slump from the beginning of the season to now, but we improved on our teamwork and techniques so we can end this season with a win,” Gorham said.

May 2018

SPORTS

5

We Protested

Because...

The Wildcat interviewed students who participated in the National School Walkout on March 14. This is what they said.

It’s not only “important, but

empowering to have the protest at school.

It’s time for a change.”

Gracie Wilson sophomore

Everyone should “ feel safe at school SIGNS OF THE TIMES: Students gather at the flagpole on March 14 to peacefully protest against gun violence in schools. Students of all grades show a united front, wearing orange-colored clothing, signs, and ribbons.

The Power of Protest O n March 14, over one million students from over 3,000 schools, including BOHS, participated in a national school walkout that lasted for 17 minutes from 10 to 10:17 a.m. to demand solutions to gun violence. This student-led movement proved that peaceful protest is the only effective -- and necessary -- way to create change.

“On the walk-out day, BOHS students responded appropriately” said Jerry Halpin, principal. “I think that student-led, non-violent protests are great. Students are taking a stand because enough is enough in their eyes. It’s clear that students have a voice and I was excited to see them express their concerns.”

Since 2013, there have been a staggering 305 school shootings in America, with an average of one school shooting per week, according to everytownresearch. org. For many BOHS students who protested, who wore orange ribbon pins and clothes and held orange-colored signs in solidarity, the walkout was not only a space 6

OPINION

May 2018

to honor the lives lost at Stoneman Douglas, but also a space in which they could instead voice solutions to end gun violence in schools.

“I’m here today speaking out for students who can no longer speak anymore,” Sydney Skipper, junior and protester, said. “I think that it’s great that people can come out and use their voices to speak out and make a difference. There should not be fear felt in schools. Students should not be afraid to come and be at school to learn, and that needs to change.

Students should feel safe in schools.”

It’s important that students are finding their voice and are using their voice, through peaceful protest, to force change. In fact, dialogue between proponents and opponents of gun control is a necessary step towards a viable solution -- a common, middle ground -- where students are ensured their safety in schools. The solution must allow students to uphold their First Amendment rights while also upholding Second Amendment rights.

“When I see students dying across the country, I want to say

something about it,” Vivien Coop, junior and protester, said. “I know that this is a very controversial thing, but it doesn’t have to be. We can all agree that these students at Parkland didn’t deserve to die. We can all agree that we don’t want this to happen anymore. It’s just the solution to this problem that we don’t agree on, and I think that with small steps -- peaceful protests, standing outside for 17 minutes -- we can make impactful change.”

While the school walkout endured for only 17 minutes, for students nationwide and at BOHS, the 17 minutes was a necessary means toward finding solutions for gun violence and urging lawmakers to make a much change in gun legislation. For students at BOHS, now is not the time to shy away from discussing gun control legislation.

Now is the time to voice and demand for change to ensure that no student will feel unsafe in school again.

by NICOLE YOU photos by YEIL LEE

and these walkouts show that we students feel that no one is doing anything to help us feel safe.”

Ally Wilcox sophomore

“

It’s a good cause and it’s important to remember the victims whose lives were lost at the Florida high school shooting.”

Andrew Spittell junior

Why should I have “to be scared to come to school everyday?

It’s something that shouldn’t be happening.”

Allison Timmons junior

In order to get our “message across, it’s

important that students band together. I’m looking at the bigger picture because it’s really us students that will protect each other and make change.”

Mark Espinoza senior

Meet the Prom Court The Wildcat asks this year’s nominees four random questions. compiled by SAMANTHA MAGPANTAY & ROWAN KEMPS

Audrey Kim

Madison McWhirter

photos by DANIEL CHO & JULIET ISLES

Hallie Stack

IF YOU HAD THREE WISHES? IF YOU HAD THREE WISHES? IF YOU HAD THREE WISHES? “A full ride college scholarship, a “A baby goat, a lifetime supply of “To get more wishes, spend more corgi that never dies, and world mac and cheese, and the ability time with some of the people peace.” to play any instrument.” that aren’t here, and to own a house by a big lake.”

FAV. HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY? FAV. HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY? “Every moment is my favorite “Spending sophomore year prom FAV. HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY? high school [memory].” with all my friends.”

“When my team went to Florida this past year because it was a FEELINGS ABOUT BEING FEELINGS ABOUT BEING great experience.”

NOMINATED? NOMINATED? “I’m just happy I get a tiara.”

“I’m super excited and I’m glad to FEELINGS ABOUT BEING be able to share this experience NOMINATED? QUICK, TELL ME A JOKE! with all the other [nominees].”

“I’m excited. It’s interesting “You’re American when you to know people at this school go in the bathroom and you’re QUICK, TELL ME A JOKE! actually voted for me.”

American when you come out.

“Do you wanna hear a joke But when you’re in there, you’re about pizza? Never mind, it’s too QUICK, TELL ME A JOKE! European.” cheesy.”

“I’m just a joke myself.”

Valerie Tetreault

Camille Tyree

IF YOU HAD THREE WISHES? “A perfect GPA, all the money in the world, and world peace.”

IF YOU HAD THREE WISHES? “Good food all the time, financially stable, and to end world hunger.”

FAV. HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY? “Finding out i was nominated for prom court my senior year.”

FEELINGS ABOUT BEING NOMINATED? “It’s really exciting and I’m really grateful that people nominated me.”

QUICK, TELL ME A JOKE! “I could bet you $5 I can find a song I can fit anyone’s name into.

It’s Happy Birthday.”

FAV. HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY? “Hanging out around the tree with my friends at snack.”

FEELINGS ABOUT BEING NOMINATED? “I don’t know how I feel yet.

I’m excited but it’s a little weird because I wasn’t expecting it.”

QUICK, TELL ME A JOKE! “Any joke that Kevin Hart says.

Any joke that Kevin Hart says is my favorite joke.”

Blake Arroyo

John Dempsey

Bennett Hawkins

Ryan Klapp

Ben Seidl

IF YOU HAD THREE WISHES? “For the knowledge to know everything, free Canes, and the ability to fly.”

IF YOU HAD THREE WISHES? “Bobby Shmurda to be freed, Cleveland Browns to have a winning season, & more wishes.”

IF YOU HAD THREE WISHES? “Travel the world, end starvation, and world peace.”

IF YOU HAD THREE WISHES? “To fly, all the money in the world, unlimited Chick-Fil-A.”

FAV. HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY? “I was Frankenstein during Young Frankenstein and I tripped and sprained my ankle.”

FAV. HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY? “Winning my first state championship.”

FAV. HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY? “Going to a Yung Bans concert and touching him.”

FAV. HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY? “My favorite high school moment will be graduation.”

IF YOU HAD THREE WISHES? “I would wish for a million dollars, world peace, and I would wish that high school was over tomorrow.”

FEELINGS ABOUT BEING NOMINATED? “It’s pretty cool. I’m surprised I got it; I wasn’t expecting it.”

FEELINGS ABOUT BEING NOMINATED? “I feel super excited and honored that I get to stand next to some awesome people.”

FEELINGS ABOUT BEING FEELINGS ABOUT BEING NOMINATED? NOMINATED? “Surprised because I didn’t think “I think it’s crazy because I never people actually liked me.” thought I would be on prom court.”

QUICK, TELL ME A JOKE! “Why did all their zoo animals QUICK, TELL ME A JOKE! pass their test? Too many “My existence.” cheetahs.”

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CENTERSPREAD

May 2018

QUICK, TELL ME A JOKE! “Shout out to my dad, ‘She was the bootlegger’s daughter but I love her still.’”

QUICK, TELL ME A JOKE! “I don’t know any jokes.”

FAV. HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY? “Running around in Spider-man costumes for Meme Day with my friend, Sterling.”

FEELINGS ABOUT BEING NOMINATED? “I’m excited but I’m just happy I get a free ticket.”

QUICK, TELL ME A JOKE! “My life.”

A Night in Monte Carlo As the AP testing season comes to a close, prom begins; this time, at a grand casino.

BOHS welcomes juniors and seniors to “A Night in Monte Carlo” at Anaheim’s City National Grove. The Grove is an indoor multipurpose venue that has been used annually for concerts, shows, and other private events since its opening in 1998.

Known for its sophisticated sound and lighting equipments, the facility has been regularly “ranked as a ‘Top 10 Stop’ in North America,” according to citynationalgroveofanaheim. com.

Guests are invited for a night in the five-star casino venue.

Card tables and the swing dance highlight the classic theme while caricature artists and photographers are available to capture unforgettable memories.

ASB junior class officers Noah Tango and Kirin King primarily organized this year’s

prom. Beginning in January, Tango and King collaborated with teachers Jennifer Collier and Andrea Ramos in planning the event. The dance was promoted through posters, social media, and free ticket giveaways through WILD raffles. Sponsors include Friar Tux and TLC Tanning.

This year’s prom theme was suggested by Ashley Hong, one of the committee members of the event’s preparation team.

The coordination process “required constant communication and hours of planning” for perfection, but “worth the effort,” according to King.

“The Grove at Anaheim is a great venue, and I’m very excited to see everything that we all worked hard to set up.

I’m also definitely excited for the swing dancing,” King said.

After rounds of nomination and voting, the prom court princes this year include John

Dempsey, Ryan Klapp, Blake Arroyo, Bennet Hawkins, and Ben Seidl. Alongside the the are princesses are Audrey Kim, Camille Tyree, Madison McWhirter, Hallie Stack, and Valerie Tetreault.

“I’m honestly pretty surprised because it was something that I definitely was not expecting,” Dempsey said. “I’m looking forward to everything that prom has to offer such as having a good time with my date, looking dapper and taking pictures, dinner, the drive over, and having a blast at the dance itself. I hope it embodies everything that Monte Carlo stands for like living wild and having a party mindset.”

With an ASB sticker, tickets are priced $155 for couples and $77.50 for singles. Without an ASB sticker, it will cost $170 for couples and $85 for singles.

PLAYLIST

The Wildcat’s Top 7 Songs for Prom PLAY

Replay Iyaz

“Replay” is an infectious electro-R&B single that lives up perfectly to its title; its repeating hook demands everyone to “replay” it.

Know No Better

Major Lazer, Travis Scott, Camila Cabello

An upbeat electrodance track featuring Cabello’s alluring voice and Scott’s velvety rap, “Know No Better” is the ultimate song to “get turnt”.

Finesse Remix Cardi B

Featuring rising rapper Cardi B along with everyone’s favorite retro singer, Bruno Mars, this remix of “Finesse” is a guaranteed crowdpleaser.

Butterfly Effect Travis Scott

by SAMANTHA MAGPANTAY & CHOYUN LEE

“Butterfly Effect” is the ideal song for anyone entering the prom venue; Scott’s fluid rap with the catchy beat does more than well in setting the lavish atmosphere of Monte Carlo.

don’t forget the

ESSENTIALS Presenting the top 6 must-have items to prepare for prom on a budget. compiled by NICOLE YOU

nyx makeup setting spray matte

elf lip plumping gloss

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Spent a Check Hella Sketchy

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“Spent a Check” is a hip-hop record with a distinctive instrumental set by synths, giving the song an unexpected but not unappreciated twist.

elf mineral infused face primer

$6.00

wet n’ wild megaglo highlighting powder $4.99

elf cream eyeliner

sally hansen insta-dri asap apple

Yo (Excuse Me Miss) Chris Brown

Brown’s trademark R&B vocals paired with the suave melody will make sure all couples swoon to the rhythm.

$3.96

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New Wave DC the Don

With upbeat guitar riffs, this melodious track is a unique but well-fitting tune for couples present on the dance floor.

May 2018

CENTERSPREAD

9

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Starting at $50 per hour.

Limos and Party Buses available!

We have something for all group sizes!

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May 2018

DOWN TO

THE STITCH Senior Chloe Peña changes from ‘Fairy Princess Pink Blossom’ to ‘Queen of the Dark Forest Empire’ with her do-it-yourself transformation prom dress.

by SAMANTHA MAGPANTAY

D

photo by DANIEL CHO

esigning her own prom dress was never about saving money or ensuring that no girl would have the same look for Chloe Peña, senior. Rather, it has always been about the challenge -- the very idea of making something so difficult and so different -- that led her to the ambitious task of creating a “transformation dress”.

A transformation dress is a twoin-one design that changes with a single tug. Popularized by the “ragsto-riches” Cinderella outfit, this style is very detail-oriented due to its exact

resizing, various fabric transitions, and the layering of the two outfits.

Peña’s own take is a puffy and pink polka-dot patterned dress that changes into a dark maroon and black ballgown embellished with a burnout design and a tulle flare. She describes it as a conversion “from Fairy Princess Pink Blossom of the Sugarcandies to Queen of the Dark Forest Empire.”

“After seeing a post on Instagram of some guy making transformation Disney-themed dresses, I wanted to be the same; I wanted to be that person who would ‘go big or go

home.’” Peña said. “Essentially, I couldn’t make my prom dress without making it a little extra.”

36 hours later and $60 spent, Peña created her first ever transformation dress, a feat that only adds to her extensive sewing experience. Peña has made pillowcases, pillows, stuffed animals, flannel pajamas, shirts, jumpsuits, leotards, and more.

Her sewing background dates back to fourth grade. After Peña tried sports and dance, her mother, an ardent seamstress herself, encouraged Peña to take up a more artistic field: design.

Peña then took sewing classes at Cypress College, which fostered her love for needlework.

“I learned back then that in sewing, you can do whatever you want to do and you can make it however you want. And the fact that I can make clothes my way is what makes design so liberating to me.

Through my outfits and costumes, I can express myself to people that ‘this is me,’” Peña said.

Peña especially has an interest in creating cosplay costumes and attending conventions to showcase her work. Her favorite cosplay is Marvel’s Medusalith, who she portrayed at this year’s Wondercon in Anaheim on March 24 .

“Sewing is not a typical hobby for a girl her age. And I’m thrilled that she has learned to love it and use it as an outlet for her creativity,” Veronica Peña, Chloe’s mother, said. “I know that she’ll only keep creating even more beautiful costumes and patterns and designs in the future.”

Despite Peña’s avid passion for sewing, she has no plans to pursue a fashion major in college. Instead, she hopes to study a minor in costume design. Peña cites her strength as “making outfits different from the original” than in creating a highfashion original piece.

Her intended major is Literary Arts because of its similarity to sewing; both allow her to create a product that express how Peña views the world.

MAKING A TRANSFORMATION DRESS

Peña’s pink dress transforms into the dress pictured left with a spin.

Buy your dress pattern.

Make sure you buy enough so that your skirt is long enough to fold in half.

Have time and patience to cut the fabrics to the pattern. Cut the same amount of the main color and the flip side.

Sew it all together.

You may make a lot of mistakes, but trial and error is necessary to make the dress.

While sewing, keep following the pattern and make sure that it fits your form. Resize and adjust as necessary.

Add any other details or flares to your dress.

Make it “you”! Go crazy; you don’t need to follow directions in sewing.

May 2018

FEATURE

11

a not-so-sweet

REVELATION

Staff writer Kylie Lai explores the addictive nature of sugar as well as her own experiences with its temptations.

S

ugar is commonly associated with happiness in cheesy slogans you’ve probably heard of: “sweeten up your day with a little sugar,” “sugary goodness,”or “on a sugar high.” But did you know that sugar is just as addictive as cocaine, morphine, and nicotine?

From a young age, we all learn that sugar is bad for us but despite our parents’ warnings, we don’t really understand why or how sugar is bad for us.

During my freshman year, Jessica Dombrowski, Health teacher, showed our class a documentary that changed my life as it opened up my eyes to the dangers of sugar dependency.

The documentary, Fed Up, was nominated for the Grand Jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2014 for its insight into the integration 12

FEATURE

May 2018

of sugar into our society. Ever since that day in Dombrowski’s class, I’ve changed my mentality towards what I consume. Before I eat or buy any processed foods, I check the nutrition labels to see how much junk I’m actually putting into my body. Realizing that sucrose contributes to sugar cravings doesn’t mean that I completely restrain myself from stealing a brownie or two when my friends bake me a treat, or completely cut candy and sugary teas like Snapple out of my life. What my epiphany about processed sugar did for my life was subtly alter my eating habits by creating a constant voice in my head that advised me to check the nutrition labels on the foods I bought. Making these small changes to my diet has made me a healthier eater; I started turning to natural sources of sugar such as fruits instead of Sour Patch Kids

or Oreos.

Without proper education on sugar addiction, our generation has come to integrate sugar into our reward systems; sugar addiction may not be as publized as drug addiction because of its slower effects of dependency, but it is a form of addiction nonetheless as it prompts “searching for more sweets to regain that sugar “high.”” (Ratini, DO, 2018). Dating back to Persia in 510 B.C., cane sugar was described as “the reed which gives honey without bees” (Contented Belly, 2015).

Since sugar has always been incorporated into our culture and history – candy on Halloween, sugary treats as rewards, spoonfuls in coffee – how could it be so terrible for our health? The truth is that certain doses of natural sugars aren’t harmful to our bodies, but processed sugar – sucrose – is

the substance that’s damaging our brains and manipulating our generation through cravings and addiction.

One demonstration of the addictiveness of sucrose was an experiment conducted by Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut in 2013. Scientists observed rats ingesting Oreos and cocaine to see if Oreos, which contain 4.6 grams of sucrose per cookie, could be just as addicting as cocaine; the experimental group of rats seemed to be as addicted to Oreos just as the control group was hooked on cocaine. Sugar lights up the reward pathways in our brains that usually react when we do a good deed, get a compliment, or feel happy. That region in our brains releases a chemical called dopamine that produces feelings of happiness. When the Oreos were consumed by the lab rats, the sugar in them lit up their reward pathways and produced an abnormal amount of dopamine. Joseph Schroeder, neuroscience director at Connecticut College, believes that the research yielded from this experiment “supports the theory that high-fat/high-sugar foods stimulate the brain in the same way that drugs do.”

Mary Grigoli, Honors Chemistry teacher at BOHS, believes that all kinds of “dietary guidelines should be introduced in schools” in classes such as “Biology, Chemistry, and Foods programs as well.”

This way, students can learn how to control what they eat and how often they eat it. In consideration of the unnatural amount of dopamine we release when consuming sugar, Grigoli tries to “fill [her] pantry and fridge full of healthy options as well as some treats” to balance her eating lifestyle. As a Type 1 diabetic, she strives to limit the amount of carbohydrates (sugar) she eats in her diet, but strongly believes that “moderation is key.”

Do you ever feel hungry despite just having eaten some junk food? This is a feeling shared by many teenagers when eating snacks because the body breaks down refined sugars in the processed foods we eat rapidly, causing insulin and blood sugar levels to drastically increase, according to cancercenter.com. How the body metabolizes the sugar in fruit and milk differs from how it metabolizes the refined sugar added to processed foods. Because refined sugar is digested quickly, consumers don’t feel full after eating, no matter how many calories are eaten. Fruits contain nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, whereas typical table sugar doesn’t. Having this full package allows your body to slow down the absorption of fructose, and therefore is another option to consuming addictive processed sugar.

With our school cafeteria, portable lunch carts selling typical fast foods, and the ubiquitous fast food restaurant options available in Brea, our student population is caught up in cycle of

addiction. The reason why we all love popular fast foods like pizza and burritos are due to their sugar content. Wait, does that mean salty foods contain sugar as well? That was a question I asked Dombrowski after the documentary.

Unfortunately, yes. The tomato sauce in a JoJo’s Pizza slice served at BOHS contains 4.3 grams of processed sugars (to enhance the taste), while the cheese in the burritos contain three grams of sugar.

Although high-fat processed foods are served in our cafeteria, BOHS also has healthier options such as salads and grilled sandwiches. It isn’t about the lack of healthy options on our lunch menu, but the lack of knowledge people have in the area of sugar and its effects on digestion that cause them to continue choosing processed foods. According to a survey conducted by the Wildcat in February, 47% of our student body would buy processed foods rather than non-processed foods even if they were priced the same, because it “tastes better” and “it’s what we eat all the time.” This is mainly due to the advertising of processed foods on 48foot billboards on the freeways, commercials, and flyers sent to our houses by restaurant chains.

Because we’re so used to consuming pasta, tacos, and other sugar-filled foods, we lack experiences with organic and natural foods to cross-reference to.

With proper knowledge and increasing awareness of sugar hazards, our generation can break through the illusion of health processed food companies advertise on the back of their products.

Health classes in BOHS have already started to spread awareness of sugar in processed foods; 86% of the freshmen class has been educated on and retained the knowledge of the difference between sucrose and natural sugars. With a majority of students in freshman classes willing to utilize the Health class information about healthier eating habits, the number of people unwilling to act upon his or her diet to reduce processed sugar intake decreases. The economy won’t stop finding ways to make profit, even as scientists shed light on the evidence of the effects of harmful ingredients used to make their foods. It is up to me, you, and us as a collective whole to adapt to the increasing amounts of sugar-containing processed foods out there in our local supermarkets. By starting with our own eating habits, and reducing the amount of processed sugar and processed food we consume, we reduce the amount of business food manufacturers get. We start small, but every single bit counts.

by KYLIE LAI design by MATTHEW MOON

sugar by the numbers

33 vs.

0

grams of sugar

14

vs.

58

vs.

grams of sugar

grams of sugar

grams of sugar

3

grams of sugar

0

grams of sugar

4

35 vs. grams of sugar

25 172 251

grams of sugar

grams (or 6 teaspoons) of sugar per day is recommended for adults.

But, the average adult consumes

grams (or 22 teaspoons) of sugar per day.

The average American child consumes

grams (or 32 teaspoons) of sugar per day.

*each bag represents two pounds of sugar

150 60

pounds of sugar per year are consumed by the average American per year.

pounds of that comes from high fructose corn syrup which increases the risk of diabetes. sources: ucsf.edu, statista.com, & eatthismuch.com

May 2018

FEATURE

13

You Heard It From Me

Sophomore C.J. Quion details his ordinary life as a 16-year old with a not-so-ordinary conditon: he’s hard of hearing.

by C.J. QUION

A

riddle: What carries an anvil and a hammer, but not any nails? No, it’s not a blacksmith or a carpenter, which may have been your first guesses. Instead, it’s the human ear, which has the hammer and anvil organs. My hearing impairment prevents these organs from being fully functional.

My hearing impairment isn’t unique. According to the Journal of Pediatrics, at least 12.5% of American teenagers suffer from some form of hearing loss, due to either genetics, illness, or prolonged exposure to loud noises. However, I didn’t lose my hearing because I blared Taylor Swift songs at max volume, I was born with my hearing loss.

When I was born, the medical staff at the San Diego Kaiser Medical Center performed a standard newborn screening. After the tests, the nurses told my parents to bring me back to the hospital in a week for an additional Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test, which determines if an infant can respond to sound. The result: I had 75% hearing loss caused by underdeveloped organs in my inner ears. My hearing loss was borderline severe.

At the time, my parents didn’t know how to deal with my disability. My mom was emotional; she worried about how I would make friends, find a job, and perform well in school. My dad was concerned about trying to find assistance for my impairment, such as therapy and intervention.

Eventually, they accepted my hearing loss and decided that it was best to try and find services that would benefit me later in life.

I received my first hearing aid when I was six months old and the second one came when I turned one. I hated wearing my hearing aids because they were clunky and uncomfortable, so I often yanked them out and chewed on them like pacifiers. My early life, for my parents, was a vicious cycle of trying to find my hearing aids and having to put them back in my ears despite my babbling protests.

Upon finding out that I was hard of hearing (“hard of hearing” means to have moderate to severe hearing loss, while being “deaf” means extreme or profound hearing loss), my parents traveled from San Diego to Brea in order for me to attend Oralingua, a school for the hearing impaired in Whittier. This was one of about 15 not-for-profit schools for the hearing impaired in California. But after an initial visit and doing further research,

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FEATURE

May 2018

photo by JULIET ISLES

my parents decided that I didn’t need to attend a specialized school. I was instead “mainstreamed”, which was ultimately the best decision because learning from kids in public schools has helped me become the adept speaker I am today.

My early life has been marked by extensive Auditory-Verbal Therapy (AVT), which helps the hearing impaired by enhancing their listening skills.

During my childhood AVT sessions, I learned how to differentiate between similarly-pronounced words, such as “fair” and “there”. For the longest time, I struggled with hearing the similar sounds such as the “f” or “th” sound. I was encouraged to use techniques other than lip-reading, which is not as efficient as listening to the speaker.

W

hile the AVT sessions did improve my listening skills in social situations, I was still socially challenged during elementary school. I remember for half my elementary life, I spent months roaming around at recess like a lost lamb seeking a shepherd. The experience was similar to being around people who do not speak your language.

I didn’t have a lot of friends my age to talk to so I enjoyed speaking to adults because they understood my challenges (which annoyed my mom a bit, especially when I rambled on about the paranormal and supernatural). But while it was difficult to communicate, I developed a love for jokes and puns. (My favorite: “I’d marry history, but she’s very ugly.”) Although my jokes often resulted in groans, and sometimes even laughter, it was a way for me to close the social gap with my peers.

Living with my hearing loss is not easy. I face challenges such as listening in noisy areas and difficulties hearing soft-spoken people.

Sometimes, the environments I find myself in are so loud and chaotic that I can’t even hear myself, especially during rallies where the entire school is crammed into the gym and the clamor of students and dubstep bounces off the walls. Listening to soft-spoken people also tends to be a challenge, but this hasn’t stopped me from making friends with quieter people.

I am a trumpet player in our high school band; I’m not the best of my section even though I want to be. I find it challenging to listen to my bandmates while instruments are playing. The

brass instruments are some of the loudest in a band, at a level as high as 110 decibels, equivalent to a live rock concert. Although my hearing loss does impact my band experience, I still experience the “suffer together” attitude of the band: rehearsal in 90 degree weather, hijinks at football games, and holding heavy instruments for hours.

L

ike band, I’m expected to be able to complete the same amount of work as my classmates in school. I often don’t fully comprehend what my teachers and my friends say to me during conversations and lectures, but to combat this, I use an FM system, which acts like a one-way phone call. The microphone I use projects the speaker’s voice directly into my ears.

The mic is especially helpful when I also receive help from the program CART (Computer Aided Real-time Transcription). CART uses the help of a transcriber who provides real-time captioning during my classes. The transcriber’s notes are sent to an iPad on my desk, where I can read the words and understand what the speaker is expressing, like subtitles from a movie. CART is especially useful when there’s a joke I didn’t hear. But because I usually see the joke a few seconds after my classmates, my laughter arrives a beat too late.

Although I suffer from time to time because of my hearing loss, being hard of hearing has its perks. I can find a quiet place anywhere, anytime simply by turning off my hearing aids. I’ve become a stronger advocate for myself and I’ve become a better communicator. My friends and family support me and help me get past the limitations of my life with hearing loss by understanding my hardships.

I

am part of a massive culture consisting of 360 million hearing impaired people from different backgrounds across the globe.

Although it may not always be easy, I’m proud to be part of a culture in a world where hearing is heavily relied on. In fact, the deaf community has taught me that those with hearing impairment thrive and succeed, like the software engineer I’ve met and my ninth grade English teacher. There are deaf actors, athletes, and professionals in every field you can think of. Achievers like these give me hope that one day, I will overcome my own difficulties and become successful in life.

“I’m part of a massive culture consisting of 360 million hearing impaired people from different backgrounds across the globe.

Although it may not always be easy, I’m proud to be part of a culture in a world where hearing is heavily relied on.”

C.J. Quion

”

May 2018

FEATURE

15

The Wildcat Asks...

BOHS teachers about their past prom experiences!

Bruno Morlan

What year did you go to prom?

Did you have a date or did you go with friends?

What was the theme of your prom?

Gil Rotblum

American History

European History

“2007”

“1994”

Jenna Harkey

Stephen Teal

Pam Valenti

Economics

ASB

“2008, 2009, and 2010”

“I went to five different proms when I was a wee lad.”

“1986”

“I did have a date.”

History

“I had a date.”

“I had a date.”

“I had a date each year.”

“I went to all with my girlfriend. Four with a [long term] girlfriend, and one with a girlfriend who was a senior after I graduated.”

“Senior Royale”

“I don’t remember the theme but it was at the Hilton hotel in East Brunswick, NJ.”

“My senior year it was ‘Red Carpet.’ My senior Prom was actually where BOHS is having prom this year!”

“I don’t remember.”

“It was a cartoon character theme because the senior float was a giant Smurf.”

“It was one of those ball gowns with hoop skirt. I looked like a cake topper. I actually re-wore it at a BOHS rally.”

“I had a black suit with a purple shirt and paisley tie.

I would NEVER re-wear that outfit.”

“I wore a tux but I don’t remember what it really looked like.”

“I wore [a dress and] it was so cute! I’m still in love with it. It was coral and beaded.”

“My sweetest look was a tux with tails, black spandex pants, and purple converse high tops. I was cutting edge [but] NO, I would never re-wear it.”

Were you on the prom court? Did you win?

“I was, but I didn’t win.”

“I wasn’t, unfortunately.”

“I wasn’t.”

“Me on prom court? That’s pretty funny.”

“I wasn’t that cool. I’m still not that cool.”

How did your date ask you? / How did you ask your date?

“It wasn’t anything special.

We just agreed to go.”

“She was a friend of mine for a long, long time so I just asked her if she wanted to go with me.”

“One year, I was asked with one of those really long banner posters.”

“I said ‘so, let’s go to prom.’

See how easy that was?”

“Back in my day, guys just asked ‘did you want to go?’

So that’s how I was asked.”

Craziest/best high school memory, overall?

“I got to go to UC Austin for a school newspaper conference.”

“I can’t share that…”

“Right after prom, my friends [and I] went camping.

There were marshmallows and everything.”

“That’s classified.”

“None of the teachers can tell you the really crazy stories.

But I did get to compete in the Track State Championships.”

How did you look on prom night?

Would you rewear your dress/tux?

16

BACK COVER

May 2018

composed by SARAH BURRIS