Issuu

Wildcat

a joint decision The Wildcat examines how the legalization of marijuana has impacted Brea and surrounding communities. pgs 7-9

issue

vol. 87 march 2018

brea olinda high school

THE WILDCAT PRESENTS

How to Use a LockBlok STEP 1

STEP 2

Place lockblok on door.

Push block into place.

LOCK BLOK

NewManagement.com

his is not a drill. As you are reading this in your second period, there is a 30 percent chance that you are in a classroom that is not secure against an active shooter. From Feb. 20 to Feb. 26, the Wildcat staff checked every occupied classroom on both floors of the old and new buildings to see what percentage of teachers are utilizing their Lock Blok, the black rubber student-accessible safety feature that allows doors to be quickly locked from the inside. We discovered that only 70 percent of the 61 occupied classrooms we checked during second period, over the course of five days, were consistently utilizing the Lock Blok. 30 percent of the classrooms were unlocked, leaving around 575 students and approximately 18 teachers unprotected against a shooter. Six classrooms did not have a Lock Blok at all. Our experiment was inspired by Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School teacher Scott Beigel, who was shot and killed while attempting to lock his classroom door from the outside after ushering students into his room. In an interview with South Florida’s Sun-Sentinel newspaper,

FRONT Wildcat COVER

cover illustration by HALIE NAM staff ed illustration by

MATTHEW MOON

STAFF ED

a joint decision The Wildcat examines how the legalization of marijuana has impacted Brea and surrounding communities. pgs 7-9

March 2018

issue

vol. 87 march 2018

brea olinda high school

student and shooting survivor Kelsey Friend said, “[Beigel] unlocked the door and let us in. I thought he was behind me, but he wasn’t. When he opened the door, he had to re-lock it so we could stay safe, but he didn’t get the chance to.” According to Campus Safety Magazine, “in the majority of K-12 school shootings in the United States, not a single student or staff member was killed behind a locked door.” And a report from analysis of the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting in Newtown, Conn. which resulted in 26 deaths, stated that “where lockdown was accomplished fast enough, no victims were killed.” We live in a country in which there have been 366 school shootings since 1999 and 13 already in 2018. In the time between our research for this editorial and the day we sent this issue to the printer, the Wildcat had to update the school shooting count three times. It is appalling that, in the wake of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School rampage that left 17 people dead, that the most basic of safety features, the Lock Blok, which takes a single second to activate, is not being utilized in every occupied classroom on the Brea Olinda High School campus.

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

We deserve better than 70 percent. On March 2, the day of the lockdown drill, the Wildcat conducted an experiment to see how long it would take a teacher in an unlocked classroom to move from a desk at the opposite end of the room to the hallway to lock their door from the outside. On average, it took 17 seconds to grab a set of keys, run the distance to the door, enter the hallway, locate the correct key, lock the door, and re-enter the classroom and move away from the window. But with the Lock Blok employed, it took just three seconds to secure the door. In the instance of a school shooting, a single second delay could be the difference between life and death. Lock Blok technology is present and it’s easy to use. So why, in a country in which there is a school shooting every single week, is it not being fully employed? An increase in teacher vigilance is needed. The classrooms that do not have Lock Bloks installed need them now. If every educator on campus makes it a routine to lock their doors in the morning and utilize their Lock Bloks, our campus will be dramatically more secure, more safe, and more prepared.

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 Yeil Lee C.J. Quion

ADVISOR

Alex Koers

Wildcat DESIGNERS Power Past FUNDING Boundaries Robotics Club builds their first autonomous robot in over a decade After a final tweak and tightening of the screw, the automaton blinks. As it whirs into life, the members of Robotics Club cheer, celebrating BOHS’ first autonomous robot since 2007. They had finally overcome difficulties from the lack of funds that prevented the project from being completed for 11 years. Between March 21 and 24, Robotics Club, comprised of 25 active members, will compete in the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology Robotics Competition (FRC) at UC Irvine. FRC is organized through district and regional events, with 12,000 teams competing worldwide. “Robotics is more than a normal school club; it demands extra time from the [club members’ lives] in order for us to succeed in competitions. We meet every Wednesday after school until 5, but sometimes I have all the members come after school to my house until late at night,” Jonathan Eichinger, senior and Robotics Club president, said. “On top of that, we have to learn to build the robot [under a time limit] in the build course. One must dedicate themselves fully to Robotics.” Not only did the Robotics team commit to their project, but Kurtis Chan, science teacher and Robotics Club advisor, played a crucial role in guiding the students. By “advising their path and leadership skills” and “what pathways [they] want to pursue,” he assisted the Robotics team in various aspects. According to Chan, acquiring the donations and grants from companies to support the club was challenging.

THE WILDCAT NEWSMAGAZINE IS LOOKING FOR NEW STAFF MEMBERS! THIS UC-APPROVED ELECTIVE SEEKS CREATIVE & PASSIONATE INDIVIDUALS...in other words, you!

news

BJH adds another period to schedule BJH adds another pe New Electives at BJH news

by CHOYUN LEE

fter a year of negotiations, the Brea Junior by CHOYUN LEE High (BJH) staff celebrated as their plan to reform student schedules was approved fter a year of negotiations, the Brea Junior Careers Jazz Band Exploring Medical by the school board. Since the year prior, BJH staff High (BJH) staff celebrated as their plan expressed their wish to provide students better String Orchestra Exploring Computer Science to reform student schedules was approved college preparation via career pathways and more Jazz Band Marine Biology by the school board. Since Speech and Debate the year prior, BJH staff varied course offerings. expressed their wish to provide students better String Orchestra Forensics Greek and Roman Mythology This decision was approved by the board in college preparation via career pathways and more March, and the project is set to launch by next Marine Biology PLTW - Design/Modeling varied course offerings. History of Media and Technology year. Forensics This decision was approved by the board in PLTW - Automation and Robotics Leadership 101 Periods will be shortened to fit two elective March, and the project is set to launch by next PLTW - Design/Mod periods instead of one, and only a single lunch period Science Olympiad year. Bobcat Academy will be provided. New electives, several of which PLTW - Automation Periods will be shortened to fit two elective are focused on science and college preparatory periods instead of one, and only a single lunch period Science courses, have also been created for students. BJH staff. into high school and college and career futures.”Olympiad ENGINEERS AT WORK: Daniel Yi, sophomore, and Seymour Tseng, junior, are will be provided. New electives, several of which “These changes will give students more chances New electives such as computer science, Students attending BJH are already thinking are focused on science and college preparatory inspecting and rewiring the club robot. After overcoming years of financial to explore things they like,” Kelly Kennedy, BJH automation and robotics, marine biology, and ahead to the new courses. Many are looking forward courses, have also been created for students. BJH staff. limitations, Robotics Club debuted their firstoffer autonomous robot since 2007. principal, said, “It will many opportunities Greek and Roman Mythology will also be made to the variety in electives. “These changes will give students more chances New electives such as for students so that they can have more experiences available. “The community is glad for this change, as to explore things they like,” Kelly Kennedy, BJH automation and robotics, ma on what they are interested in and are passionate “Many of the courses directly lead to [courses] [the new schedule] is something we have never principal, said, “It will offer many opportunities Greek and Roman Mythology about.” at BOHS, so the students and staff are very excited considered before,” Kennedy said. “Everybody will for students so that they can have more experiences available. New bell schedules to accommodate the for this opportunity,” Kennedy said. “It will allow get to try new things, and that is something we can on what they are interested in and are passionate “Many of the courses direct schedule change are currently being finalized by students to explore their pathway before they head all look forward to.” about.” at BOHS, so the students and st New bell schedules to accommodate the for this opportunity,” Kennedy schedule change are currently being finalized by students to explore their pathwa

But the Robotics business team, comprised of senior Lindsey Morrill and juniors Vivien Coop and Kate Hsieh, secured a $4,000 grant from Boeing. Boeing also provided “great mentorship” to “refine the students’ skills” in various areas, such as the mechanical, electrical, and programming fields. What motivates the club is the sixweek “building term”, which includes gathering data, examining, and experimenting with, their research, and constructing the body of the robot. Built with an expensive brain system, it has an intake system that compresses air and shoots out “cubes” towards targets. Coop said that the club motivates people in many aspects, not just the hands-on construction. The business team’s main objective is to fundraise

New Electiv

monetary funds and apply for company grants. The programming team built the software using a Java. According to Coop, she is more “passionate about interacting with new people” Your instead of the award-winning Wildcat newsmagazine is looking for new staff engineering mechanisms of the robot. members! This UC-approved elective curious,with creative, and passionate She remarks seeks that “students all individuals...in other words, YOU! kinds of talents” and different areas of interests “contribute to the goal [in building the robot].” With the talents of each individual and the leadership of the advisor and mentors, the Robotics Club hopes PAGE Editor Staff Writer to reach semifinals in the FRC. The automated robot will be donated after the competition. The club plans to focus on training recruits in their particular fields for the rest of the year.

COME TO ROOM 201 TO PICK UP AN APPLICATION!

Join the Wildcat Join the W

Photographer

Your award-winni newsmagazine is looki members! This UC-ap seeks curious, creative individuals...in other

Staff Writer

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by YEIL LEE & CHOYUN LEE photo by YEIL LEE

Photographer

March 2018

NEWS

Multiculturalism Meets Marvel!

here’s a lot to love about Black Panther: it’s the first superhero movie with a majority black cast and it contains a brilliant soundtrack by rap legend Kendrick Lamar. But more importantly, the movie’s core values reflect the culture of a generation characterized by diversity, inclusion, and a fiery drive to spread these principles. Black Panther is Marvel’s two hour love letter to multiculturalism. After all, its status as the first distinctively non-white blockbuster superhero movie is testament to the growing diversity of Marvel’s target audience, Generation Z (those born from the mid-1990s to the early-2000s). Generation Z, also known as “Centennials”, is the most worldly generation because we have come of age in an age of social media. According to U.S. Census data from 2000 to 2010, Generation Z is the most multicultural generation in history, with 48 percent of Generation Z identifying as nonCaucasian. But where is the diversity and cultural richness our generation is known for? We grew up cheering for Marvel’s Iron 4

OPINION

March 2018

Man, Captain America, and Thor, and DC’s Batman and Superman, but while they are all inspiring heroes with compelling stories, Black Panther is the first hero that our increasinglydiverse generation can relate to the most. Once announced, Black Panther quickly sold the most pre-sale tickets for a superhero movie in history, according to imdb.com. Generation Z was finally getting the representation it deserved: just one year earlier, Spider-Man: Homecoming gave us a chance to see a 15-year-old sophomore as one of Marvel’s most iconic superheroes. Likewise, Black Panther is also proof that our generation is the most diverse and the most accepting of diversity. “This movie is about working together for the common good. It is good versus evil, no matter what race, ethnicity, or color,” Wade Cormier, advisor of BOHS’s Black Student Union and superhero aficionado, said. “The shades are different, [but] the challenges are the same.”

In a generation characterized by the advocacy for social justice and the abandonment of many traditional (and stifling) values, this movie is everything we could hope for. Without spoiling too much, the core conflict of the film involves race and identity politics, and one of the most poignant quotes from the movie involves a heartbreaking reference to slavery. Without a doubt, Black Panther will claim its place in history as one of the most accurate representations of the diversity of Generation Z. As an Asian-American, I can’t help but feel pride when recognizing the revolutionary multiculturalism present in both Black Panther and our own generation. This message of multiculturalism goes into the soundtrack as well, one personally curated and produced by Lamar Kendrick. Outspoken advocate for minority empowerment, the decision for such a high-profile rapper to control an essential part of the movie was a bold but necessary move. On the title track, Lamar spits

“sisters and brothers in unison, not because of me / Because we don’t glue with the opposition, we glue with peace.” Unity within diversity has always been a central theme to Lamar’s music, and Black Panther: The Album is an ode to the beauty of the multiculturalism this theme invokes. “It was important to have Kendrick Lamar create Black Panther: The Album because Kendrick is our voice for the times, for our generation,” Genesis Hartsfield, junior, noted. “There’s just something with [the album] that he knew what to do with, and he provided a voice.” If anything can be taken away from the movie, it should be the recognition of the movie’s status as a champion of Generation Z. And it’s succeeded as a result: Black Panther opened with a jaw-dropping $218 million, making it the fifth-highest opening for a film of all time. Its success proves Generation Z not only needs, but wants, more representation on the big screen. Hollywood, listen up.

Erik Killmonger CHallenges

T’Challa’s Rule over Wakanda!

The World’s Going to start over and i’m going to be on top!

What happens now dEtermines what happens to the rest of the world...

Brought to you by KENNETH KIM

(writer)

and

JUSTIN LEE

(illustrator)

March 2018

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a jo nt DECISION california legalized recreational pot, but LOCAL CITIZENS remain divided over the decision. by NICOLE YOU

n New Year’s Eve, some looked forward to Snapchatting their New Year’s resolutions, while others looked forward to watching the New Year’s Eve countdown, but to 57.1 percent of Californians, New Year’s Eve was a long-awaited countdown to the legalization of recreational marijuana use. But with the legalization, questions about how the easier, legal access to marijuana will affect teens, adults, and communities statewide arose among the public. The Adult Use of Marijuana Act, also known as Proposition 64, was passed by Californians with a 57.1 percent vote on Nov. 8, 2016. The vote for the legalization of marijuana in California immediately allowed “adults, 21 years of age and older, to possess no more [than] 28.5 grams of marijuana” and “individuals to cultivate up to six plants, as long as they remain either indoors or in a garden that is not visible from any public place, such as a sidewalk or city street,” according to Jack Conklin, Brea Chief of Police. Proposition 64 “only [allowed] non-

design by MATTHEW MOON

medical marijuana to be sold by state licensed businesses,” and “it [gave] the state until Jan. 1, 2018, to begin issuing sales licenses for recreational retailers” according to the Los Angeles Times. And, as of Jan. 1, 2018, adults 21 years or older are able to possess, cultivate, share, and recreationally use their ounce of marijuana. But within the city of Brea, where 52 percent of 1,191,347 voters voted “no” for Proposition 64, and for many cities throughout Orange County, “commercial cannabis activities of any type or nature are expressly prohibited”, according to the Brea Zoning Code, which states,“no person shall establish, operate, maintain, conduct or allow a commercial cannabis activity anywhere within the city.” The code, which bans recreational marijuana use in Brea, aims to “protect the public health, safety and welfare” of the city by limiting marijuana use “to avoid the risks of criminal activity, degradation of the natural environment, noxious smells and indoor electrical fire hazards that may result from such activities.” (Under state law, marijuana use is legal, but cities are allowed to tailor the law to their own local governments).

March 2018

CENTERSPREAD

ecause of the city’s limitations on marijuana sales, the nearest marijuana dispensaries lie in Santa Ana, 13.5 miles away on average, from Brea. According to ocregister. com, “just two of [Orange County’s] 34 cities even allow marijuana businesses.” However, for some marijuana users in Brea, the lack of cities in Orange County that allow marijuana dispensaries actually increases its accessibility. “I wouldn’t really say Prop 64 has affected me too much,” an 18-year old BOHS student and medical marijuana user who requested to remain anonymous, said. “The only thing that it’s done so far for me is that it’s just made [marijuana] more accessible to get because I’ve noticed more dispensaries [in Orange County]. [It’s] easier for me because I have options now.” Brea’s City Council, under the city’s Zoning Code, has also expressed concern that the use, delivery, or cultivation of marijuana could “adversely affect the public health, safety, and well-being of city residents.” For opponents of Proposition 64, including California Senator Dianne Feinstein, the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, the Peace Officers Research Association of California, the California Police Chiefs Association, and other arms of law enforcement, conditions -- such as adolescent drug abuse and impaired driving -- of states where marijuana is legalized portend the same risks as they do to Californian citizens and society. “It is reasonable to believe Brea and California will experience some of the same problems the state of Colorado has endured since they legalized the recreational use of marijuana a few years ago,” Conklin explained. “The majority of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) drug arrests involve marijuana and 25 to 40 percent were marijuana alone. In 2013, 48.4 percent of Denver adult arrestees tested positive for marijuana, which is a 16 percent

increase from 2008. Driving a vehicle while impaired [or] under the influence of marijuana is a crime just like driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and driving is a crime. Not only is DUI a crime with serious legal consequences, but it may be the single most dangerous threat to public safety in the city of Brea.”

n a survey conducted by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDT), 55 percent of marijuana users believed that it was safe to drive under the influence. Actually, 50 percent of users were reported to have already driven high before. Furthermore, the risk of an accident while having THC, a psychoactive chemical in marijuana, in the bloodstream increases twofold, according to a study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The legalization of recreational cannabis in Colorado was passed by a majority 55.3 percent through Amendment 64 in 2012. And, in Washington, recreational cannabis was legalized by a majority 55.7 percent through Washington Initiative 502. Similar to California, opponents to marijuana in both states expressed concern that the legalization of marijuana would increase adolescent drug abuse, impaired driving, and crime rates. However, according to news. lift.co, “crime statistics for Washington state reached a 40-year low in 2014”, which includes a decrease in rape and thefts, and “Colorado also saw decreases in overall crime rates, violent crimes, and property crimes” after the legalization of marijuana in both of the states in 2012. In 2011, an attempted robbery of a medical marijuana delivery driver in the Birchwood Village apartment complex resulted in the death of one of the robbers, but the incident occurred nearly seven years before the legalization of marijuana in California.

INFO GRAPH

2 marijuana BY THE NUMBERS 34 ONLY

sources: OC Register & PEW Research Center

CENTERSPREAD

March 2018

OUT OF

CITIES IN

OC ALLOW WEED BUSINESSES.

According to Conklin, “it will take several months to collect and analyze data to determine what, if any, the impact the legalization of recreational marijuana has on crime rates in the city of Brea.”

ontrary to claims from opponents of legalized marijuana, according to huffingtonpost.com, data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has indicated that the number of teenagers smoking marijuana has decreased ever since Proposition 64 came into effect just this year. Even more surprising, the past-month cannabis use by youth aged 12 to 17 is also lower than it was before recreational pot became legal. However, according to drugabuse.gov, “substantial evidence from animal research and a growing number of studies in humans indicate that marijuana exposure during development can cause long-term or possibly permanent adverse changes in the brain.” Further, “those who used marijuana heavily as teenagers and quit using as adults did not recover… lost IQ points”, but “people who only began using marijuana heavily in adulthood did not lose IQ points.” These studies have revealed that the longterm adverse effects of using marijuana, contrary to popular opinion, came from its use at younger ages, and not from its use during adulthood. “Personally, I hate that it has become legalized,” Jill Matyuch, psychology teacher, said. “As [use of marijuana] becomes more commonplace, it will be more abused. Teenagers (and adults) do not need more access to things that will alter their brain chemistry.” While the adolescent use of marijuana threatens the loss of IQ points, its use at young ages also risks the threat of being a “gateway” towards harder drugs like heroin and cocaine.

52 57.1%

IN ORANGE COUNTY

% OF VOTERS VOTED “YES” FOR PROPOSITION 64.

OF CALIFORNIANS VOTED “YES” TO PROPOSITION 64.

According to pediatrics.aappublications. org, it was discovered that adolescents who use marijuana are 104 times more likely to abuse cocaine than adolescents who had not used marijuana. It is because of the increased likelihood of abusing “harder” drugs after using marijuana that it is often coined as a “gateway drug.” “The bad [impression] that people get from marijuana usage [comes from] the continued stigma that surrounds marijuana use and marijuana users”, said the 18-year old user. “It is not a ‘gateway drug’. I don’t like it when people say that. Yes, it can get you high, but marijuana itself is not addictive. Hard drugs kill so many people [each and every] year, but no one has ever died from a marijuana overdose. I use it because it makes me feel good and calm and I [am able to] sleep better at night.” The student added that, despite how easy it is to procure marijuana, “[he has] never once even thought about touching pills, cocaine, or other substances like that.”

hile studies have suggested that the regular use of marijuana at younger ages affects areas of the brain concerned with “memory, learning, and impulse control”, according to drugabuse. gov, others have suggested that there are not significant differences seen of the brains of those who use the drug, and those who do not use the drug. In fact, “recent results from two prospective longitudinal twin studies did not support a relationship between marijuana use and IQ loss.” The IQ loss through adolescence, according to these studies, could instead be the result of genetics or family environment, and not the result of marijuana use. “In general, I like sugar. So I’ll start with a small packet of M&M’s, but then [I’ll] want the bigger bag of M&M’s, and even with something like that, your body’s chemistry and brain really

PROP 64 ALLOWS ADULTS YEARS AND OLDER TO POSSESS UP TO

21 1

OUNCE OF RECREATIONAL

CANNABIS.

can be influenced by something like sugar” Nicole Baughman-Collinge, math teacher, explained. “So if you can think of marijuana as the same type of situation with the M&M’s, I could see how making it easier to have the benefits of that drug would lead people to be curious about more. When the effect dies off, [they will] need to try bigger things for a bigger effect.” In Orange County, the stigma around marijuana use not only causes a lack of community and support, but, consequently, also causes the divide between generations. According to a 2016 study conducted by PEW Research Center, 59 percent of the “silent” generation, ranging from 71 to 88 years old, believe marijuana use should be illegal, while only 25 percent of the “millennial” generation, ranging from 18 to 35 years old, believe marijuana should be illegal. “The older people in Orange County have this negative image of marijuana because they’ve grown up their whole lives under the impression that it’s bad” said the 18-year old. “When that’s been in [their] mind for so long, it’s kind of hard to change [their] mindset and their personal views. I would tell them to meet someone who uses marijuana because [they] have this image that we’re all bad people, but that’s false. We aren’t what people make us out to be.”

TIME LINE

WEED LEGISLATION WEED PROHIBITION 1933

By this time, over 29 states in The Union have banned the use of cannabis.

PROPOSITION 215 1996

California becomes the first state in history to legalize the medical use of marijuana. Several other states follow.

AMENDMENT 64 & INITIATIVE 502

2012

Through these laws, Washington and Colorado are the first states to legalize recreational marijuana.

lthough marijuana’s impact on the city of Brea remains unclear, the stance on its legality and use is clear: despite the 57 percent support for marijuana in California, misinformation and stigma on its effects continue to limit marijuana usage within Brea and Orange County. Although there may be no clear solution, it is important to recognize the disadvantages and advantages of marijuana and how its effects will continue to influence communities and youth throughout California.

PROPOSITION 64 2016

California officially legalizes recreational marijuana and becomes the 7th state to do so.

PRESENT TIME 2018

Nine states and The District of Colombia have legalized recreational cannabis so far.

RECEIPT

INDIVIDUALS CAN GROW

WEED PLANTS.

THERE IS A

15%

TAX ON RETAIL CANNABIS. March 2018

CENTERSPREAD

The Wildcat Asks... Get-to-know the leaders of Marching Band!

Candace Ko

Karen Elrayes

Vivien Coop

Head Drum Major

Junior Assistant Drum Major

Assistant Drum Major

Drum Captain

“Taiwan!”

“Definitely Hawaii.”

Joe Bartell Band Director

Dream vacation destination?

“Tokyo, Japan.”

My main job is to...

“Conduct music during marching season and sectionals. I work to reinforce leadership.”

“To lead the team with my other majors and motivate everyone after a long practice.”

“I’m learning a lot still! I’m able to talk to more people and be a leader and it’s really just a great experience.”

“I am in charge of the drum line and I help the team out with music and technique. I lead the team.”

“I teach and coordinate the drum line and color guard programs. I also maintain instrument and music inventory.”

What is something people don’t know about band?

“I feel like people don’t realize that members do other things besides band.”

“It’s actually quite competitive. We aren’t just the band that plays at rallies and football games.”

“Band is really communal. It [is all about] being there for each other and having a good time.”

“It’s a very exhausting and stressfull, yet fun activity.”

“I think people don’t realize how much work these students put into their craft.”

“We did really well and everyone worked really hard. We’re getting ready for festival season now.”

“There have been ups and downs, but a lot of memories were made.”

“We’ve progressed every competition, and as a team we grew closer.”

“It was our best season yet!”

“Very well! We once again qualified for, and participated in State Finals.”

How do you think this last season went?

Favorite food to snack on during practice (or in general)?

“Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.”

“Chex Mix.”

Favorite thing about band?

“Band is like a little family and we hang out with each other outside of band.”

“I really enjoy the community and everyone that I am able to meet and work with.”

“I love the people. We all have fun together, even at our 4 hour practices and 12 hour competitions.”

“The music and the learning process.”

“Being a mentor and confidant to my students is one of my most favorite parts of what I do.”

Most challenging thing about band?

“We have to put in so much time and effort that it’s hard to focus on [other] things. “

“To keep everyone going. We had once had to rehearse in 104 degree weather.”

“To do things you’re not used to and to get out of your comfort zone.”

“Keeping everyone in check, and making sure everyone is on the same page so that we can have a good show.”

“Taking students with varying levels of skills and experience and putting together music that highlights our strengths.” “I play all instruments as a part of earning my degree. I play the sax, flute, and clarinet primarily. “

What instrument do you play?

Meno Mosso (

Caleb Yun

= 100 )

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

composed by SARAH BURRIS & YEIL LEE

March 2018

MUSIC MERCH

Show & Tell

BOHS students share merchandise from their favorite artists. compiled by GUNNAR CIERLEY & YEIL LEE

TWICE LIGHT STICK

BTS ALBUMS

Why is this merchandise important to you? “It’s a way to support BTS and I can admire their hard work.”

Taylor Pi senior

Why do you like this artist? “BTS makes me feel happier whenever I’m down. Just by watching their videos or listening to their songs, they brighten up my day no matter what.”

Nitin Nellisserry senior

SHAWN MENDES FLAG

Rayna Alonzo junior

UZI VERT SWEATER

photos by ROWAN KEMPS

Why is this merchandise important to you? “I got [my flag] at my first Shawn Mendes concert and I take it to every concert I go to and I wear the same outfit each time.” Why do you like this artist? “I love Shawn Mendes not just for his music but for his personality. I’ve never actually met him unfortunately, but from what I see from videos and interviews I’m in love. He cares about his fans and I respect that.”

Why is this merchandise important to you? “It represents the fan base that was created. It is a special symbol of TWICE to be collected and used during concerts.”

Aakash Khatri

senior

Why do you like this artist? “I like Uzi because he does whatever he wants and doesn’t care about what others think of him.”

Why do you like this artist? “They are adorable and amazing dancers.”

TAYLOR SWIFT CALENDAR

Joey Jang

junior

Why is this merchandise important to you? “I bought it from Rolling Loud where he performed. It was one of the best weekends of my life.”

Why is this merchandise important to you? “The calendars are special to me because my sister got them for me.” Why do you like this artist? “Taylor Swift is the GOAT.”

THE GARDEN ALBUM

Why is this merchandise important to you? “It’s special to me because it [reflects] my mood. I can chill to it.”

Carson Kaiser senior

Why do you like this artist? “I like The Garden because they go really frikkin’ hard. It’s a jam, honestly, and I love to listen to it.”

ONE DIRECTION AUTOGRAPHS

Why is this merchandise important to you? “My dad bought it for me.”

Madison Ferguson senior

March 2018

Why do you like this artist? “I like One Direction because they’re hot and because they make good, upbeat music.”

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A DOUBLE TAKE Pace twins Rachel (left) and Amanda (right) have “around 40” acting credits in TV, film, and video games under their belts. photo by SARAH BURRIS

A CHANGE OF

PACE Despite spending more than a decade in front of the camera, seniors Amanda and Rachel Paces’ future plans lie elsewhere -- in the classroom.

he flashing lights and cameras surveyed the carefully constructed set, taking in exact detail of seniors Amanda and Rachel Pace. Too familiar with being behind the camera, they recited their lines with ease: no stumbling, mumbling, or stammering. The scriptwriters watched with an interested eye before jotting down some corrections on their notebook. Their fellow cast members patiently waited on the sidelines for their turn to film. The director, pleased with the specific camera take and the twins’ emotional performance, called “that’s a wrap” to the production crew. Late at 1 a.m., their blood, sweat, and tears paid off — they finished that day’s work. Tomorrow, the cycle would continue again. Both Amanda and Rachel resolutely accepted this routine. Acting was worthwhile to the both of them, despite its grueling hours and numerous rejections. Acting and its lessons on life and communication would pave the way for their dream careers with textbooks, children, and classrooms.

Growing up in the spotlight wasn’t too different from growing up like everyone else. They just had the best of both worlds, a “regular life where [they’ve] been blessed to have such great friends and an exciting future as well as a taste of Hollywood, where [they] could get a tougher skin,” according to Amanda. The balance of school and acting has been ingrained in them since kindergarten, so it’s never been too difficult to adjust. By having good relationships with their teachers, it became manageable to be updated on missed classwork. Despite some struggles, extra effort is necessary to be an actress and high school student. “Sometimes, it’s really hard to miss the actual learning like the lectures. At some points, I don’t even know how to do that work at all, so I study, read my book, and ask friends,” Rachel said. “It’s still worth it because acting is a really great life experience and if you don’t get behind in school, you’ll successfully [live] the best of both worlds, just like I am right now.”

typical day on set starts with an early morning call time to the studio, usually at 6:00 a.m. There’s usually a breakfast food truck as well for those at set early. After, the assistant director shows Amanda and Rachel to their trailer, which has a mirror, couch, and bathroom. Then, they’ll be called up to hair and makeup right away, and that takes anytime between one to three hours. “All dolled up,” they get into wardrobe. (Common misconception: actors and actresses keep their wardrobe. They actually don’t.) Lastly, they’ll be called onto set for many practice runs to get it just right. Then there are numerous takes “from one camera angle and

“Acting is a really great life experience, and if you don’t get behind in school, you can successfully [live] the best of both worlds, like I am.”

heir life in TV and film began when Amanda and Rachel were two-years old. Jennifer Pace, their mother, found out that twins were in demand in Hollywood as babies can only work very short hours. Twins could bypass this rule by switching out during scenes. So although no one in the Pace family had ever delved into the acting industry, Jennifer auditioned them for the highest rated daytime TV show, The Young and the Restless. In their very first audition, the twins landed the role of rich heiress Abby Newman. A couple of months later, the twins joined the Bold and the Beautiful cast as Hope Logan, their first major role. Logan was a recurring role that went on for five years. Since then, they’ve had prominent roles in Weeds, The History of Spaceflight, and Elevator. Rachel has appeared in iCarly and the video game Fallout 4, and Amanda has been featured in A Letter to Momo and Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown. Their notable commercials include Infiniti (Amanda), T-mobile (Rachel), and Time Warner Cable Company (both). “When it comes to being an actress, the twins both have similar styles, fortitude, and diligence in their approach in creating characters for roles,” Linda Henry, the twins’ agent, said. “Because of that, I’ve always enjoyed watching Amanda and Rachel in the various roles they’ve had as little girls on Weeds, pre-teens on Ringer, teenagers on Bucket and Skinner, Kirstie, and Growing up Fisher, to name a few, and most recently, young adults in Hallmark’s Switched at Christmas.”

Rachel Pace, senior then another camera angle to some other camera angle, which becomes really repetitive,” according to Rachel. A regular day’s work ends around 6 p.m. and in some extreme cases, 1 a.m. But once the director is satisfied, the production always ends with “that’s a wrap!” Acting also provided a way for them to function in a work environment and meet different kinds of people -- cameramen, directors, scriptwriters, and makeup artists -- not just the famous actors on set. (When asked who she was most starstruck by, Amanda said Jerry Trainor.) Rachel recalls the kindness of the production crews, the “people who make everything happen,” and how they were easily “her favorite people of the entertainment world.”

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

from pages 12-13

heir time in the acting industry has come with a fair share of difficulty though. According to a survey of the National Endowment of the Arts in 2006, 1.4 percent of the population in the United States were writers, or artists, or actors, or employed in some form of creative work. Only 2 percent of these artists are actors, making the industry very tough and competitive. Of an estimated 1,000 auditions they’ve taken altogether, Amanda and Rachel have only landed around 40 roles. Also, most of the decision making in being cast for a role is often dependent on looks for actresses. Amanda thought she was “too short, too young, or she wasn’t pretty enough” when she wasn’t called back. Yet throughout the years, both of them realized that rejection is a natural process in the entertainment field. Directors in movies and TV shows are looking for a certain je ne sais quoi, and “you’re going to get a role sometimes but other times you won’t,” according to Rachel. “When you’re younger, you don’t truly understand what’s going on, but as you age you begin to grasp the idea that auditions really are just putting yourself in a position to be judged,” Amanda said. “If I had any advice for someone entering the industry, I would say that you have to be prepared for a lot of rejection. It takes patience to see the results of the work you put in, but at the end of the day, as long as you do not let it all get to your head, everything will be worth it.”

ut these issues have never really fazed the twins. Both of them have future aspirations outside the acting industry -- they would like to become teachers. They were never in it to become

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

HIGHLIGHT REEL: (clockwise from L. to R.) Amanda and Rachel Pace, seniors, as Shayla and Taylor Grey in “Weeds, See Blue and Smell Cheese and Die” in TV series Weeds (2005); Amanda driving a car in an Infiniti commercial (2017); Amanda in American thriller film Elevator (2011); and Rachel in a T-Mobile commercial (2017)

famous Hollywood stars or walk the red carpet. Acting has always been an outlet for Amanda and Rachel to have fun, to step out of their comfort zone, and to make some money. Those were the end goals of their acting stint. Amanda’s real passion is English. “When I got to high school, I began to really fall in love with English in Mr. Maeda’s class. Since then, my love for English has only grown. If you would ever talk to me about books, I’m sure I would talk your ear off and go on for hours,” Amanda said. “So I thought about the possibility of doing English my whole life and getting paid. I was immediately sold.” There are so many ways to interact with and interpret the material one’s given in English. She believes “it is such an unique gift to be able to see a little piece of someone’s mind through what they choose to write and the way they choose to do it.” And to be able to come alongside students in those formational years where she can help them grow in a constructive way is what is so appealing about

March 2018

teaching to her. Specifically, Amanda would like to teach high schoolers, who are at “age where they are old enough to have serious conversations, but also young enough so that they’re still open-minded.” To be able to be a teacher who builds relationships with their students and allows them to teach her is definitely “worth it, even if it may be a difficult age to teach.” In contrast, Rachel would like to become an elementary school teacher. Connecting with people has always been a motivating force in her life. But she would like to see a difference in the people she’s around. In acting, “[she] can’t do that because she’s bouncing from place to place.” Teaching provides a sense of stability as Rachel could communicate with the same people everyday and be a positive role model to “cute and happy and innocent” elementary school students. She is inspired by her own 5th grade teacher at Country Hills, Thomas Arnston, who dedicated so much time to caring for his class.

His efforts made her believe that being an elementary school teacher is something she could do the rest of her life. “Acting has given Amanda and Rachel so much fulfillment over the past fifteen years, but I feel that they will use the skills they have acquired to be flexible and creative to transfer those gifts to the classroom,” Jennifer said. “They have both expressed interest in becoming teachers, and I expect they will use their love of learning and sharing to those in the classroom setting.”

urrently, the twins are in the final rounds of auditioning of a Netflix original series. As for the nearby future, Rachel will pursue a major in Education at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif. whereas Amanda hopes to attend Biola University in La Mirada, Calif. for an English degree. by SAMANTHA MAGPANTAY photos courtesy of AMANDA & RACHEL PACE

DYNAMIC DUO: Rachel Spadt (left) and Meghan Lopez (right) led girls’ varsity water polo to their first CIF quarterfinals appearance in team history on Feb. 17.

Record-Setting Juniors

Juniors Rachel Spadt and Meghan Lopez topped a historic season with shattered records and a CIF victory.

oming into the season with a group of relatively inexperienced players, not many expected girls’ varsity water polo to place second in the North Hills league, much less reach CIF-Southern Section Division 4 quarterfinals for the first time in school history. But under the leadership of recordbreaking junior co-captains Rachel Spadt and Meghan Lopez, the Wildcats shattered expectations, records, and any doubts about the future of the program. “Both Rachel and Meghan have helped lead our team to the farthest point girls’ water polo has ever gotten,” Nicole Stefun, team’s lone senior said. “They did so by helping each player learn, develop, and understand the game. They included everyone and encouraged us all to do

our best and take every opportunity during the game.” The majority of the girls’ varsity water polo squad has never played the sport prior to high school. And on a roster of nine, the only club players are Spadt and Lopez, who play for SET Aquatics in Lake Forest and SOCAL in Tustin, respectively. But this lack of experience was a nonfactor, earning a 2-2 league record, and an 8-7 win against Xavier Prep on Feb. 13 to secure a spot in CIF. After a first round win against Tesoro High School, the Wildcats fell in the second round against Segerstrom High School, 11-8, on Feb. 17. In comparison to last year’s overall 1515 record, the team finished 17-10, according to maxpreps.com. Spadt attributes “a little bit of luck, dropping well, and finishing

great shots” to girls’ varsity water polo’s best run ever. Spadt and Lopez made it a mission to impart the knowledge gleaned from their competitive club experience to their teammates. That way, “even if we don’t win, the team will have at least played our best game,” Spadt said. The play of the co-captains is another component to the team’s success. Stan Sprague, head coach, said, “Meghan is a very good goalie, who understands the game and directs traffic very well. And Rachel is an extremely good center who created enormous problems for her opponent as they can’t play her one on one.” Lopez’s junior season was especially memorable with a bevy of school and CIF records, achieving first in school history with 63 assists

in one season, 25 saves in the game against Esperanza on Jan. 9, 88 career assists, and 426 saves in one season. Her saves record is also first in CIFSS Division 4 annals. “It’s nice to break records, but it’s just a number to me. If anything, records are just a byproduct of all the hard work that gets put into practices,” Lopez said of her historic season and career. “The success of the team will always be more important to me than any individual record I could achieve. Spadt reflects similar accolades; she is first in school history with 12 goals in a game and 161 goals in a season, and she is only 17 goals away from having the most career goals (328) at BOHS. However, she is quick to say that her individual success, as well as Lopez’s, is not the primary factor as to girls’ varsity water polo’s unprecedented run. “The pieces just fell in the right place for the team. All the girls stepped up when they needed to, leading us to win the game that got us into the wild card tournament, then later winning that tournament, and winning CIF game after CIF game,” Spadt said. “It’s the girls’ work, drive, and motivation that got us so far in the first place. You can’t get to CIF with one or two people; it’s definitely a team effort.” Next year, the team loses Stefun to graduation. But Spadt and Lopez plan to fill that gap by improving on difficulties like lack of communication, looking into center, and narrow court vision. They hope to follow up on this record-breaking season by reaching the CIF-SS Division 4 semifinals, and potentially the finals, next year.

by SAMANTHA MAGPANTAY photo by DANIEL CHO

WINTER SPORTS WRAP-UP

Boys’ Basketball

Girls’ Basketball

Boys’ Soccer

Boys’ Wrestling

Overall Record 8-15-2

Overall Record 9-16

Overall Record 23-5

Overall Record 10-10-2

CIF Qualifiers

League Record 2-6

League Record 3-4

League Record 6-0

League Record 5-2

Did not qualify for CIF

CIF-SS Division III 1st Round Loss to Mission Viejo

CIF-SS Division I 2nd Round Loss to Los Alamitos

Tyler Clark

Iyree Jarrett

CIF-SS Division III 1st Round Loss to La Habra

Girls’ Soccer

Chloe Imperiali freshman

senior

Colby Hyunh

senior, 3rd in CIF Jonathan Salas junior Ethan Halili junior Sebastian Guevara junior Conor Ragland sophomore Joshua Kim senior

Grant Rutledge senior

photos courtesy of The Gusher March 2018

SPORTS

Maria Dominguez, Advanced Art student, illustrates her interpretation of the psychoactive effects of marijuana. 16

BACK COVER

March 2018