April 30, 2004

FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2004

Volume 47, Issue 10

Castro Valley, CA 94546

Drug dog search finds nothing Dance team dominates national competition

By Ben Topkins SPORTS EDITOR

A trained drug-sniffing dog and its trainer walked through the halls of CVHS searching for illegal substances on April 8, the last school day before spring break. The dog led administrators to search certain lockers, but it found no narcotics.

“No suspensions have resulted from the two drug dog visits this year,” said Assistant Principal Peter Alvarez. “Iʼm pretty confident that the areas that they searched were drug and gun free.”

Every year CVUSD hires Interquest Detection Canines, a private company, to bring a drug-sniffing dog through the hallways and parking lots of CVHS and Canyon and Creekside middle schools.

This visit was the second of three planned this year. Each visit costs the district $320, which comes from a safety grant that can only be used to improve or insure campus safety, Alvarez said.

The dogʼs trained nose can detect alcohol, all illegal drugs, gunpowder and some medications, said the dogʼs trainer Julia Ford.

“No school is immune to drugs,” said Ford as she, the dog and Assistant Principal Jim Maxwell scoured the 300 hall boysʼ bathroom.

Neither Ford nor Maxwell

SEARCH: Page 8

By Jordan Bailey STAFF WRITER

BEN TOPKINS / SPORTS EDITOR

Julia Ford guides drug-sniffing dog through 100 hall of CVHS during third period on April 8.

Staff plans to renovate and enlarge 800 hall

By Yelena Teplitskaya STAFF WRITER Following the emerging pattern of renewed halls and areas around the school, the administration has decided to renovate the 800 hall.

The house offices from the 300 hall, along with other administrative offices scattered about the school, are going to move to the reconstructed hall.

“The idea is to enlarge and modernize the 800 hall and return [the 300 hall] to being only classrooms,” said Assistant Principal John Morrison. “[The administration] wants to move the entire operation into the 800 hall,” concurred Assistant Principal Peter Alvarez. The new hall will look very different because everything will be redone.

“I think itʼs going to be a great thing for everybody once itʼs all said and done,” commented Secretary Kathy Duncan. “Weʼre looking forward to working all in one place. For as long as weʼve been secretaries, weʼve never worked together.”

“I think itʼs going to be convenient for everyone,” said Secretary Jo Ann Sears. “The main office is going to be good because there

will be an outside door [leading to the visitorsʼ parking lot]. The only drawback I see is that weʼll all be here and itʼll take a while longer for everyone to get to the other side of the campus in case of an emergency.”

Construction and remodeling are “supposed to start as soon as schoolʼs out,” explained Morrison.

The renovation may even take until winter break of next year.

Meanwhile, all the school officials will move temporarily to the 300 hall until construction is done.

Principal Deborah Cocoʼs office will move to the detention room in 301 and the detention room will relocate to room 401.

“Hopefully House 1 and 2 will be a little bit bigger because itʼs a little squished right now,” explained Secretary Daphne Hashimoto. Aside from a few minor concerns, though, everyone is optimistic about the new move.

“Theyʼre going to make it as nice for us as possible,” said Duncan.

“Weʼre getting hot water in the bathrooms, so thatʼll be a nice thing.”

“The plan was to enlarge and renovate the building and weʼre finally doing that,” said Morrison.

“And it needs it desperately.”

National championships are hard to come by, although the CVHS Varsity Dance Team managed to dance their way to the first place podium in the category of Dance/Pom. The team recently competed in the 2004 United Spirit Association High School Dance/ Drills competition in Anaheim, California.

“I just wanted them to place.

What we got was more than I could ever have asked for,” commented Rob Perry, coach of both JV and Varsity squads. Being only the second year Castro Valley has attended the competition, they did not expect much. Placing eleventh in last yearʼs competition, first place was quite a shock for the girls.

“It was one of those things where you say youʼll never jump up and down and scream for, but thatʼs what we did,” recounted senior Cassie Nordgren. The squad won first place medals, a banner, a trophy and USA backpacks.

“Most of the obstacles were getting the girls to work as a team, but most of the time they were right on,” commented Perry on this yearʼs squad. Both Varsity and JV

teams worked hard every school day this year, waking up early to attend practice at 7 a.m. “The dedication is awesome,” senior Kirsten Dutra said.

Both JV and Varsity teams combined to place in seven out of the eight routines they participated in, making their presence felt by some of the Southern California dance powerhouses.

Dutra and Nordgren were able to come away with third in the Championship Officers category. Dutra plans to major in dance next year, and Nordgren in musical theater.

Senior Kim Stiving was also among the dancers at this yearʼs competition.

“I was hoping weʼd get first place, but I just wanted to do my best and hope that everything went well,” Stiving said. “We had bonded so much as a team that we danced together well.”

“There were no social conflicts this year to slow us down,” commented Nordgren on the reason this yearʼs team has been so successful. Nordgren added. “This yearʼs squad is only full of serious dancers. In years past weʼve had dancers who've only danced on the high school dance team. Now many girls dance both for Castro

DANCE: Page 8

JSA students represent both sides in controversial gay marriage debate

By Matt Rice STAFF WRITER

March 30, passions flared as five CVHS students debated the controversial topic of gay marriage.

Alexandra Krasov, Amanda Gelender, Bennett Hall, Channing Cheng, and Javier Rodriguez-Martin participated in the lunchtime debate. The first two were on the “pro” side of the issue while the latter three represented the “con” side.

Both sides represented themselves well, citing logical points for their opinion. “[There are] 1,138 federal benefits you get as a married couple that the gay [couples] donʼt get,” argued Gelender.

“Marriage is a term for the church, not the government, a strong goal within our government is separation of church and state,” answered debator Hall from the con side.

Both sides voiced their opinions strongly, using piercing voices and dramatic comparisons to highlight their side of the issue. They also used comedy to break the tension in the audience and gain some extra support.

AMRITA SABHARWAL / STAFF WRITER

Amanda Gelender delivers opinions to opponents Bennett Hall, Channing Cheng, and Javier Rodriguez-Martin.

“Do you understand the words that are coming out of your mouth?

Because I donʼt,” said Krasov, alluding to the hit movie Rush Hour.

“Nice movie allusion, it works, gets your audience support,” responded Rodriguez-Martin in a sarcastic tone.

Both sides cited very serious issues as well. “[Legalizing gay marriage] would make a lot of people mad, and without unity we cannot

move forward as a country,” said Cheng.

However, Gelender was ready with a witty response, “Not everyone liked the civil rights movement in the ʻ60s, but it had to happen.”

In the end, the bell signaling a return to the normality of the classroom silenced both groups, but not before one last comment was shoehorned in.

“Nobody should get married, ever,” said Cheng.

2

OPINION

Friday, April 30, 2004

Hey team, we don't need your Brady Bunch theme!

Editorial:

A group of ASB candidates have formed the “ASB Bunch,” a faux-political party that taints the already arbitrary election process.

The groupʼs objective is so vague that it is wide open to interpretation.

It is possible that they have the noble intent of making high school elections more realistic, but it appears to be a blatant, immature attempt to put a group of friends in office.

They have no specific agenda or set of beliefs; their union is based simply on their claim that they “work well together.”

Obviously, if another candidate gets voted in over an ASB Bunch member, he or she will be ostracized, as will any School Board Representative candidates, who have conveniently been left out of the party.

By Helene Ridella EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Arr arr!

What is this hype with the pirate stereotype?

This negligence makes the ASB Bunchʼs selfish intent crystal-clear; it must not have occurred to any of the party members to include a candidate vying for what is arguably the most important position a student can hold, simply because they are

not friends with any of the nominees.

The welfare of the school should be more important to elected officers than hanging out with friends and padding college applications.

It is unrealistic to have political parties in high school.

Because of the community, alliances between friends are unavoidable.

Candidates should go back to winning votes based on their own charisma, talent, and abilities rather than lame songs and the endorsement of their friends.

are innate human values that serve as common ground for all people.

The most obvious moral corruption and also an act I observe most often is lying. Lying is often distorted into many euphemisms and today it is more commonly known as “stretching the truth.”

Of course, there has to be some truth to begin with for it to be stretched. However, there is an unspoken rule of the extent this truth can be stretched before it is considered simply and truthfully a flat-out lie.

An example that we have probably all heard of, but hopefully not committed, is a senior lying on a

college application to look better.

People with good integrity would honestly write down exactly what they had done over the course of their high school career. But sadly, there are many high school seniors, when looking at the application, who say to themselves, “Oh no!

I should have done community service!” and instead of actually going out and doing some, they just casually write down that they volunteered x amount of hours a week for the entire school year.

Morals, anyone?

Frankly, it's just pathetic to lie about anything on your college application— or any application for that matter. Maybe itʼs just me, but I couldnʼt live with myself knowing that I lied, especially about community service, to get something I didnʼt deserve.

Where have all the morals gone?

Are they just tossed out the window in the name of a prestigious college? Actually going out and committing yourself to a cause, do-

ing service for the community, and volunteering at a service event is the most worthwhile of all things, and I donʼt see how anyone could just lie about it and feel no guilt.

The kids you said you tutored actually needed it, the library you said you volunteered at could have used your help, and the community you said you served honestly needs the service.

Lying in order to get ahead is deceiving your parents, friends, teachers, peers, and most importantly yourself. Honesty is upsettingly not valued in this day and age of dog-eat-dog and cut-throat competition. But honestly, how can you live with yourself knowing you didnʼt deserve to get into your top college, you didnʼt deserve that first place medal, or the recognition in a local newspaper for a club you didnʼt really create?

Honestly achieving something is the best, most deserving feeling in the world. Trust me, and try it for yourself sometime.

Making up bull is not cool

By Athena Gianopoulos COPY EDITOR Countless times have I witnessed the moral corruption which, whether you realize it or not, happens every day here on our very own campus. It sickens me to think that the integrity of my peers has been set on the back burner for the sake of getting ahead.

Integrity is a tricky thing, dictionary.com defining it as “moral soundness; honesty; freedom from corrupting influence or motive.” Morals of course, differ from person to person, but there

Inaudible melodies

The Olympian is a publication of the Journalism class, Castro Valley High School, 19400 Santa Maria Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546.

Editor-In-Chief.........................................................Hallie Jaramillo Helene Ridella News Editor........................................................................Erin Gaab Opinion Editor..............................................................Rada Feldman Feature Editor..................................................................Susan Song Sports Editor...................................................................Ben Topkins Copy Editors.....................................................................Laura Choi Athena Gianopoulos Photo Editor.......................................................................Sean Ryan Systems Manager.....................................................Enrique Pedrosa Business Managers.........................................................Ruby Butler Rachel Huggins Susan Song Staff Writers: Jordan Bailey, Samantha Basto, Tyler Crabe, Stephanie De Groot, Randy Eisenberg, Divya Gopakumar, Harris Hennig, Marie Manuel, Matt Rice, Amrita Sabharwal, Jesse Sabharwal, Haseeb Sadat, Moryah Schindler, Yelena Teplitskaya Advisor........................................................................Matt Johanson

Pirates are trendy. Ever since Pirates of the Caribbean came out last summer, theyʼve been everywhere; Iʼve seen smelly corsairs gracing everything from bed sheets to underwear. Theyʼre not your typical pop culture icons, and itʼs baffling to think about their rise to fame. Next week Britney may be unveiling her new missing teeth and hairy armpits in her new video.

The only reasoning behind their newfound popularity is that Johnny Depp is OMG like so totally hawt! And yeah, Iʼll admit that he can be a pretty attractive fellow, but pirates arenʼt hawt, or hott.

They were smelly, toothless, and had several other basic personal hygiene issues, not to mention scurvy and various STDs. The character of Captain Jack Sparrow appeals to a young audience not just because heʼs got natural good looks, but also because heʼs a well-developed character with a pretty good style. Heʼs ease and his ability to worm his way out of problems makes him the perfect adventurous and heroic model. The teenage population has turned their admiration for a character into a fanatic idealization of an entire lifestyle, translating Sparrow into the very definition of piratical.

Pirates were not cool, admirable, or esteemed in anyway outside of their demographic in their time.

They were bloodthirsty, callous, and otherwise not a bunch youʼd care to tangle with. And although they have some unpleasant characteristics, pirates did have their admirable traits; for example, they are one of the first examples of the basic governmental system we follow. Each particular fleet or ship was its own little direct democracy.

Pop culture has yet again taken something that shouldnʼt be estimable and made it so. The accessibility of pirate memorabilia is ridiculous; the fact that I can walk down to Hot Topic and buy a “Kiss Me, Iʼm a Pirate” t-shirt is demeaning to the important historical value of piracy. The process takes something significant pumps it full of fluff and nonsense, obscuring the value behind it and creating stereotypes.

Johnny Depp is not a pirate, and neither is Captain Jack Sparrow.

As cool as the piratical ideal may be, idealizing a group like this only leads to stereotypes. And stereotypes are definitely not cool.

OPINION

Friday, April 30, 2004

3

Take care with Staf f needs to stop how you choose to molesting us with its wrath swear

By Harris Hennig STAFF WRITER

Is it just me, or is anyone else sick and tired about the lack of respect that teachers seem to give students? Iʼve been coming to school here for four years, and I thought that I might be eligible for just a little bit of respect, but no, Iʼm still regarded as a piss-ant by many people that work here, as if being an employee of CVHS gives them some unwritten right to treat me as less of an equal.

Just think of all the degrading and unfair regulations us students have to put up with day after day, semester after semester, year after dreary year with no say in anything that goes on.

Take the dress code, for example. Why canʼt girls show their shoulders? Why canʼt guys show their asses? This might be going to an extreme, but seriously, I am fed up with the administration dictating to me what my classmates and I can wear. I always get the ridiculous reason that sexually suggestive clothing is disruptive to a learning environment, but really, no one is that sex-starved. Itʼs time

that either the administration gives us a rational reason that actually makes some sort of sense, or allows us to wear whatever we want, without verbal molestation.

And what is up with the bookroom employees? Iʼm sure Iʼm not alone in saying that whoever sits behind that sliding glass panel (that infuriatingly gets shut every time something doesnʼt go their way) needs to put things in perspective and try to learn how to be a little bit sympathetic to the needs of students. Weʼre not trying to trick them, so it would be really nice if they would stop acting as if everything is a conspiracy against them. I know it sounds suspicious, but not everyone remembers their ID card, and I promise, weʼre not trying to swindle you out of your precious mint-condition books.

Canʼt you just type in our ID number, or do you really need a picture to go along with it? Are books alcohol now, or what?

And seriously, all classes, from now on, are going to allow soda during class time, I donʼt care what the teacher says. In fact, you can have gum too, and if they tell you to spit it out, tell them Harris said

it was okay. Gum and soda are in no way adverse to a learning environment, and itʼs stupid (just like the teachers who donʼt allow it) to proclaim they are. Gum and soda do not draw ants, because some teachers do in fact allow it, and their classes are just the same as everyone elseʼs. If the material we were studying was in the least bit interesting, then we wouldnʼt need gum and soda, would we?

Maybe Iʼm a bit over the top, and maybe Iʼm just a bit angry, but my complaints are valid. Itʼs a given that some students do act like little kids and need to be treated thus, but most of us do deserve to be treated as equals.

Most of us deserve a rational and fair answer when weʼre denied or disciplined, not being insultingly ignored. We need to start sticking up for ourselves, and telling the administration, plain and fair, that students are a force to be reckoned with. Administrators will treat us as normal, everyday people, not underlings or little kids.

And until I get a good reason why they canʼt change some of their unjust policies, then Iʼm not changing.

News. The talk about bombings, especially suicide bombings, has frequently reached my ears lately, and my friend and I are left feeling distraught over whether the world is gradually evolving into a ball of chaos and hostility or whether weʼre just being introduced to more of peopleʼs flaws. After the United Statesʼ experience with terrorists and attacks, who can say if weʼre actually safe in this country?

I certainly cannot.

On the other hand, I do believe President Bush deserves at least some props for pursuing his desire to reassure Americans that their country is under protection.

However, not everyone tends to believe him or tends only to believe him for a brief moment, then panic strikes again and they are back to cowering in fear.

I admit that I am not a U.S. citizen, but it is not like I immigrated here to the United States to find security. I went here to venture for new experiences, to start a new chapter in my life. Little did I know that such feelings of uncertainty would then be engraved into the pages of my chapter. The destruc-

tion that is spreading around the world these recent years exhibit to me the proof that true, the world is not perfect, but with imperfection presents conflicts and crises.

Every time there is a bombing in Iraq for example, I feel closer and closer to being in danger.

Granted, it was last Feb. 8 that Bush exclaimed that he “expected to find weapons” when his reports gave him no trace of such in Iraq.

Although, the mistaken reports do allow people to just take a deep breath of relief and pray that no U.S.-hating extremists are off somewhere producing weapons of mass destruction on their own.

But are misconstrued reports enough for people to suddenly jump out of the storm and presuppose that the sun will always be shining? People, overall, not only Americans, will still trust the fact that complete safety does not exist.

Weʼll always have trouble lurking somewhere near. For the United States, itʼs having the knowledge that other countries are able to besiege the country. Still, I canʼt help but flinch at the thought of more attacks that may come this way.

Curl up and chatter your teeth away, you live in America

By Marie Manuel STAFF WRITER

Safety is no longer a feeling I associate with living in the U.S. “The happiest place on Earth,” Disneyland, may be stationed in the United States, but no longer does this country nor Disneyland bring me the full extent of my happiness anymore.

More than two years have passed since the tragic Sept. 11 terrorist attack, yet the memories from this traumatic event still haunt people nationwide to this day. Sure, some may say that having captured Saddam Hussein a few months ago, there shouldnʼt be any major reasons why people should still act terribly frightened and feel precarious. Then again, that feeling of danger still doesnʼt leave most people.

Just the other day, my friend and I had a conversation on our thoughts about the recent bomb that exploded on the Moscow underground. Moscow experienced a series of bombings in recent years, but the attack from Feb. 6 was the “bloodiest,” according to BBC

By Erin Gaab NEWS EDITOR

In the 300 hall ladiesʼ restroom someone wrote in black sharpie “Lisa, youʼre a f---ing b---h. Stop hitting on my God-d--n man, you s--t!”

Other similar messages of various colors and sloppy penmanship decorate the turquoise stall door.

Tune your radio to any rap, pop, or modern rock station, read someoneʼs personal website, or walk through the halls of CVHS and you are likely to hear or read at least one swear word to every 30 proper words.

People swear for all sorts of reasons. When people feel lazy, they donʼt want to have to think of words to describe their emotions or perspectives, so they use swear words. Teenagers begin cussing to break the rules of their parents or teachers. After a while, it becomes a habit.

Cussing is the most versatile language in the world. Swear words can be used in so many ways that itʼs easier to think of a swear word than an appropriate one. By changing the part of speech, you can fit almost any swear word into the following sentences to achieve almost any desired result by changing the tone of voice: “What the (noun) is wrong with you? Iʼve been waiting all (adjective) day long! Get your (verb)ing (noun) over here now!

Most teens are unaware of how much their language affects those around them. Although cussing in regular conversations at school or home with friends does not bother

me, I rarely swear myself. Iʼm around children nearly seven days a week, so I donʼt want to get in the habit of cussing around them.

Children repeat what they hear. I was disturbed and surprised to hear a four-year-old shout “damn!” after losing a game of go-fish when I was babysitting the other day.

Cussing around kids may result in their abuse of the words. By swearing, children are unable to express their feelings and ideas.

The narrow vocabulary of cussing is not enough for kids. Nonetheless, if they hear it a lot, they will adopt it.

The distressed student quoted above could have written, “Lisa, Iʼve never felt angrier at a person than I do at you now. Stop flirting with my boyfriend or Iʼll think of you as an even lowlier person who abuses other girlsʼ boyfriends!”

The person would possibly have understood more. People increase their chances of achieving the desired result when they clarify their language.

Stopping bad language is like quitting smoking cigarettes. Both practices are usually picked up at the same age. People donʼt usually make the effort to quit unless they are forced to.

Cussing causes people to have bad influences on younger generations and suppress their level of communication. Although itʼs fine to cuss around certain people, students need to set limits. They should avoid cussing around young kids and easily-offended adults. Students need to learn that swear words are not effective ways of communicating.

PHOTOPINIONS COMPILED BY TYLER CRABE

Do you think ASB candidates creating a team is fair?

“I think it is cool as long as they work together.”

– Michael Garcia, freshman

“I think it was fair because there is no rule against it.”

– Chris Borzin,

junior

“I don’t think it’s fair because it singles out other candidates.” – David

Yager, senior

“I think it’s fair, because they are all qualified for their positions.” – Stacy

Donahue, sophomore

Castro Valley High School Election 2004

Michael Sene Grade: 11 Score: 10 Statement: “I am a good candidate. I have the motivation, dedication, and in the words of President George W. Bush, ʻcreativationʼ.”

Stephanie Tabor Grade: 11 Score: 6 Statement: “I had the experience in Leadership, and have participated in the class for the past two years, which I feel gives me the experience to fulfill the position.”

Treasurer

Chang Chi Grade: 10 Score: 8 Statement: “I believe that my mathematical abilities, and my willingness to work hard would fulfill my duties as treasurer.”

Board Member

Beatriz Castillo Grade: 11 Score: 8 Statement: “I believe I am qualified to be School Board Member, because I have been in Leadership for the past two years. I have been very involved in school, as well as academically and in clubs.”

Bring this with you when you cast your ballot Nikolista Paranomos Grade: 11 Score: 9 Statement: “I feel I have the drive and the heart to do the job, and I know that this position takes a lot of time and energy and focus, that I feel I have the willpower that will push me through this, and ultimately lead up to success.”

Ryan Holman Grade: 10 Score: 7 Statement: “I assure you through my thorough organization, that the funds of Castro Valley High will be spent properly.”

Jillian Williams Grade: 11 Score: 9 Statement: “When I see an opportunity or a gateway per se , to help my friends, my classmates, my teachers, or whoever, it may be, I seize that chance.”

Class Officer Candidates President V. President Secretary Michael De Groot

2007 Sophomore

Garrett Gerstenberger

“I can be a reliable and a good president for the sophomore class from the experience I had last year and Iʼve learned from my mistakes.”

Kendra Sears

“Iʼve been involved in office since fourth grade. Iʼm hardworking and dedicated. Iʼd be a good asset to the student council.”

“I want to run so I can motivate the class of 2007 to be the best it can be.”

Lindsay Forte

“Iʼm running for sophomore Vice President this year because I like to have fun and this is an opportunity to put in my ideas and get the job done!”

Ashley Lee

2006 Junior 2005 Senior

“I want to make a difference and be able to affect the school in a positive way.”

Kristen Meadows

“I want to be sophomore secretary because that would give me the power to make the class of 2007 the best as it can be!”

Ashley Hebert

“Iʼm running for sophomore secretary because I want to help sophomores have a great year.”

Moti Phillips

“The freshman class should vote for me because it is imperative that they have someone representing them who not only works hard, but is able to relate to students from all backgrounds and of all places.”

Robert Pagan Grade: 11 Score: 7 Statement: “I think itʼs time that we have a strong member on the School Board, someone whoʼs willing to speak your opinions very strongly, and be able to talk to the adults strong, and push forward with the studentʼs need.”

Treasurer Briana Kim

“I want to be sophomore treasurer because I want to support the class of 2007.”

Kaira Karnad

“Iʼm running for sophomore treasurer because I want to make a difference in the community. Iʼve always wanted to be in class office and it would be a good experience.”

Kaleen Pierson

Kelsey Hayes

“If we work together we can make next year one of our best. Go 2006!”

“I hope to help put on some good fundraisers for the sophomore class and help them get more involved.”

Courtny Valenzuela

“I think that Kaleen is a great person and candidate although I think that I stand out because Iʼm involved with the school and I make it my responsibility to make sure people are having fun here at CVHS.”

Alex Barbour

Shana Doucet

“As junior class secretary I am willing to devote my time and effort for the class of 2006.”

(Write–in candidate) “This past year I was sophomore class vice president,. In our junior year, lots of money will be brought into this position and I feel that it will require an organized, intelligent person which I am.”

Michelle Loss

Carolyn Chin

Dina Sigal

“I want the class of ʼ05 to have the best final year of their high school experience.”

Jill DelaRiva

“I have the experience and I want to make senior year the best.”

“My previous leadership experience has given me the confidence to help lead my class into our best year.”

Monica Jacquez

“Vote for me and together weʼll make homecoming and prom a memorable time for all of us.”

“Based on my past experience as junior class treasurer. I feel I have the energy and ideas to make our final year here as wonderful as it should be.”

Christina Robertson

“If you want your senior year to be memorable Iʼm the person to manage our senior class funds

Kyoko Utsumi

“I have the passion, charisma, and the heart to make senior year better than all the rest by managing the funds and making activities possible.”

ASB candidate quizzes

Treasurer Math Test

1. Of the following, which is greater than 1/2 ?

A. 2/5 B. 4/7 C. 4/9 D. 5/11 E. 6/13 2. If an object travels at five feet per second, how many feet does it travel in one hour?

A. 30 B. 300 C. 720 D. 1800 E. 18000 3. Sheila works 8 hours per day on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 6 hours per day on Tuesday and Thursday. She does not work on Saturday and Sunday. She earns $324 per week. How much does she earn in dollars per hour?

A. 11 B. 10 C. 9 D. 8 E. 7 4.

A. 1/5 B. 6/5 C. 1296 D. 64 / 5 E. 64 5. When y = 5x+15, what does x equal?

Secretary Spelling Test

Correct spelling errors by hand: Canidates for Castro Valley Highʼs ASB secretary should accomodate the skills neccessary for a secretary to succeed. The elected secretary definately needs to comprehend and record information efficiently.

Canidates should keep in mind, that writing proficiency, expecially typing, is a huge advantage when running for ASB secretary. Donʼt forget, ASB secretary requires alot of work. I hope all canidates take the Olympianʼs advice and excede beyond your own expectations.

Good Luck!

A. 5y-3 B. (y-15)/5 C. (y-3)/5 D. (y-5)/3 E. y-3 6. If a² = 12, then a4 = A. 144 B. 72 C. 36 D. 24 E. 16 7. 6 people meet for a business lunch. Each person shakes hands once with each other person present. How many handshakes take place?

A. 30 B. 21 C. 18 D. 15 E. 10 8. A certain animal in the zoo has consumed 39 pounds of food in six days. If it continues to eat at the same rate, in how many more days will its total consumption be 91 pounds?

A. 12 B. 11 C. 10 D. 9 E. 8 9. The average IQ of 4 people is 110. If three people each have an IQ of 105, what is the IQ of the fourth person ?

10. If 2 n + 1 = 8, what is the value of n ?

These tests were designed to challenge candidates in the general knowledge required for the position theyʼre running for. The scores posted under the names of the ASB candidates are out of a possible ten points.

Current Event test for Pres., VP and Board Mem .

1. What is the name of the former CVHS student recently arrested for felony weapons and drug charges?

2. What is the name of the club at CVHS that participates in debates?

3. What is the name of our current principal?

4. Name one of the assistant principals.

5. What was the homecoming theme this year?

6. What CVHS team recently achieved a state championship?

7. What is the name of the newspaper at CVHS? 8. What is the name of the leadership teacher at CVHS? 9. What was this yearʼs theme at the Sadie Hawkins dance?

10. What league do CVHS sports participate in?

Compiled by Marie Manuel, Moryah Schindler, Haseeb Sadat, Jordan Bailey and Samantha Basto STAFF WRITERS

Test Answers

Spelling Test Answers

Current Event Test Answers

Math Test Answers

1. B 2. E 3. C 4. E 5. B 6. E 7. D 8.E 9. 125 10. n = 2

Tim Cole Grade: 11 Score: 10 Statement: “If I become ASB President, Iʼm here to bring forth positive change. Not just change in leadership, not just change in student government, but change for the entire school.”

Secretary

Correct spelling errors by hand: Canidates for Castro Valley Highʼs ASB secretary should accomodate the skills neccessary for a secretary to succeed. The elected secretary definately needs to comprehend and record information efficiently.

Canidates should keep in mind, that writing proficiency, expecially typing, is a huge advantage when running for ASB secretary. Donʼt forget, ASB secretary requires alot of work. I hope all canidates take the Olympianʼs advice and excede beyond your own expectations.

Good Luck!

Vice President

current events test: 1. Winston Sanchez 2. JSA 3. Deborah Coco 4. Alverez, Garcia, Maxwell, Morrison 5. Los Vegas Hotels (Viva La Valle) 6. Girlsʼ Wrestling 7. Olympian 8. Little 9. Hollywood Couples 10. HAAL

Associated Student Body Candidates President

6

FEATURE

Friday, April 30, 2004

Hands-on learning appeals to Richard Schneck

By Ben Topkins SPORTS EDITOR

TYLER CRABE / STAFF WRITER

Blair Hansen plays her guitar in her home studio.

B l a i r H a n s e n ʼs b a n d approaches stardom

By Stephanie De Groot STAFF WRITER The Blair Hansen band was one of the 1,000 bands selected (out of 15,000) to perform for the South by Southwest Music and Media Conference at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas. The music portion of the conference started March 17 and ended March 21.

“Texas was amazing,” said senior Blair Hansen. “I made some new fans, I met a few producers who expressed interest in producing my CDs, and I was approached by a scout from Columbia Records.”

Other performers at the South

by Southwest Music and Media Conference (SXSW) included: Liz Phair, Los Lonely Boys, Little Richard, Garrison Starr, and The Vines.

“I gave away about 100 demo CDs and I gave away a lot of my first CD,” said Hansen. “Itʼs not about making the money. People

like free things, and hey, give away a free CD and theyʼre bound to show it to their friends and family if they like it.”

Hansen traveled 1,300 miles to Austin and back,with her father and manager Steve Hansen, mother Sabina Hansen, make-up artist and sister Lacey Hansen, producer and lead guitarist Clay Bigham, drummer and CVHS teacher Daren Wilkerson, and bassist Scott Robertson.

“I really missed school,” said Hansen. “I missed my friends, teachers and choir. It was really hard to be in an unfamiliar place and play a gig without seeing familiar faces in the audience.”

Although Hansen is a rising star, she has not lost her focus on things that mattered to her before stardom.

“I plan on staying close to home for college because my band lives here. I plan to attend a junior college and then I hope to transfer to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music to major in voice,” said

Hansen. “It usually takes a good six years to get recognized and make a name for yourself. So while Iʼm waiting for that I will continue to attend school. Itʼs important!”

Hansenʼs friends sing praise for Hansenʼs music, and Hansen as a friend.

“Blair is evil and maniacal.

Just kidding. Sheʼs a good kid, a very talented person. She will go far,” said sophomore Kelly Drinkward.

“Not many people have the ambition and drive Blair has,” said junior Lauren Santos. “Thatʼs why sheʼll succeed in music and life in general.”

Check out the Blair Hansen band website at www.blairhansen.com.

“For all you Olympian readers who are interested in listening to my music, check out my site for sound-clips, and for a link to get my CD. Also, if you do like my music and want to be on my street team, email me at Hnsen.blair@c omcast.net,” said Hansen.

the stuff in the magazine.”

One perk of being a part of the Milestone staff is having a lightweight first half of the year. The second half is when the real work begins.

“During the first part, we do officer elections, discuss what we want in the magazine, deadlines for submissions, basically plan the whole year,” Sigal stated. “The hard work comes towards the end of the year. Thatʼs when we put it all together.”

“I like that we get to read different types of writing,” Sigal said. “We sit down to review [the submissions], itʼs interesting to see how the students express themselves.”

Unfortunately, when asked about Milestone, some CVHS students simply responded with the two words— whatʼs that?

“People donʼt know about it, which kind of hurts us,” answered junior Anna Deshon, Assistant Editor of Milestone.

To submit oneʼs work, one had to come to 211 and ask for a submission form. This year the Milestone staff already received about 25-30 submissions, which are ready to be published.

Interested in being a Milestone staff member for next year? Then do not forget to leave Mondays open.

“Itʼs like a club, not a class,” Plummer said.

“People who worked in it this year will definitely come back next year,” said Sigal.

Those who submitted their work can claim their magazines for free, but those who did not can purchase their own copy for $4.

“The magazine comes out only once a year,” stated Plummer. “It comes out in May, the same time as the yearbook.”

The exact date of Milestoneʼs publication still remains unclear.

This upcoming May there is another issue worth retrieving, the Milestone magazine.

Milestone magazine unleashes studentsʼ expressions

By Marie Manuel STAFF WRITER Every personʼs creativity needs to be unleashed somehow. CVHS students express their creativity by submitting poems, short stories, photos, and drawings to their very own literary magazine, Milestone.

Although originated in 1960, last year was the actual birth of Milestone. The literary magazine, once called Logos, is “going well so far,” according to the advisor Sara Plummer.

Leaving the name Logos, students on the staff thought the name Milestone would be better suited to describe peopleʼs creations. “[The students in the staff] said peopleʼs art and writing was like a milestone,” Plummer stated.

“We wanted a word with many meanings, like peopleʼs work,” added junior Dina Sigal, Milestone editor-in-chief. “People can interpret it in different ways just like

Richard Schneckʼs freshmen science and chemistry students are in the middle of an assignment that is unlike any they have done before. Since March these students have been working on incredible science experiments ranging from making a hot air balloon to creating a way to scare away the seagulls.

Schneck says that this project “gives the kids that are not super academic a chance to excel in something hands on” and different.

“I had a D student who made the best electric motorcycle Iʼve ever seen,” Schneck said while he was describing how this project often lets students who learn differently shine.

In early March, Schneck presented his students with this assignment that will account for 10 percent of their second semester grade. The students were told that the project would take them anywhere from ten to thirty hours and were given three simple rules,

they “need to avoid explosives, illegal drugs, and vertebrate animal experiments.” In May, Schneckʼs classes will have what could be called a science fair where they will present their projects.

“Itʼs pretty interesting to find out how it works,” said sophomore Vadim Mialik, a sophomore in Schneckʼs chemistry class, who is working on building a cell phone jammer for his classroom.

During his final exam, Schneck had caught students using cell phones to cheat on the test, so for this project he asked a group of students to create a cell phone jammer that would stop signals from leaving the room.

Even though he assigned the same project to both his freshman science class and his chemistry class, Schneck points out that, “Some of the better projects come from my freshmen class.”

Although it seems this project mainly appeals to hands-on learners, Schneck also provides for the students who learn more classically by allowing them to do a thirty page written report on “anything in science.”

Ken Jacobsen travels to experience another culture

By Matt Rice STAFF WRITER

Economics teacher Ken Jacobsen is one of 12 American economics teachers to participate in a trip to Latvia and Lithuania.

The trip to visit the former Soviet satellites is funded by the United States Department of Education and organized by the National Council of Economic Education. “[I want to see] what itʼs like

The group is also traveling through the more rural areas of both Latvia and Lithuania, where they will be regarded as honored guests.

The American educators will also have a chance to meet with their Latvian and Lithuanian counterparts to compare and contrast the differences in their systems of education.

Timing also plays a big part in this economics trip, as both Latvia and Lithuania will be undergoing

for people a major ecomaking the nomic change transition while the from commuteachers are nism to capipresent. talism,” said Both counJacobsen. tries are to be The jouradmitted to ney started the European on April 22 Union on with a trip to May 1. This Washington means that D.C. and a rethe Euro will ception at the replace both Lithuanian of their curembassy. rent systems The group of currency. remained in Jacobsen the nationʼs realizes the capital for two implications days before of the conSEAN RYAN / PHOTO EDITOR continuing on version to into Eastern Ken Jacobsen points to where the Euro and Europe. induction into he went on this trip.

The first leg the European of the exciting international trip Union.

“This is a big deal for them,” will be in Latvia. After the group is finished touring Latvia, they will said Jacobsen, “itʼs like [Europe] saying youʼre ready.” cross the border into Lithuania.

Jacobsen also intends this trip The teachers will be privy to a wide variety of cultural experi- to widen his perspective on the ences. Visits to mysterious and modern world.

“I hope to learn more about exotic sites, such as the Museum of Horse and the Light of Happi- whatʼs happening in the rest of the world,” said Jacobsen. ness are planned.

SPORTS

Friday, April 30, 2004

Boysʼ and girlsʼ badminton gets a fresh start

By Jesse Sabharwal STAFF WRITER

CVHSʼs badminton team started this season off well, beating a team it had lost to last year and holding a record of 1-1 so far.

“I think we are starting this

“We have a lot of potential and everyone is working really hard in practice.

Cynthia Leung Sophomore

”

season off really well because we beat Tennyson who beat us last year and it is only our first game,” says sophomore Yenlan Li. “We have a lot of potential and everyone is working really hard in

practice,” said sophomore Cynthia Leung.

Team members say that a lot of the freshman are showing their enthusiasm during practice and are showing a lot of potential. Although the practices have become more rigorous, team members say that it really helps.

New faces are showing themselves high on the ladder. Freshman Tracy Wang is playing high in the ladder at number two girlsʼ Varsity singles.

Coach Mei Ng says that in practices they will be working a lot on their doubles team, since they are hoping to get at least one girls, boys, and mixed doubles into HAAL. “The team is working really hard, but we still have a lot to work on,” says Ng. With the teamʼs good start and their dedication in practice they are hoping to improve their game.

“I know most people think badminton is a backyard sport, but actually it has a lot more to it.

You should not insult badminton until you take a smash to the face from us,” said Leung.

Reporter goes undercover as male cheerleader wannabe

By Randy Eisenberg STAFF WRITER Alone among those in the courtyard, I refused to shake my butt for the entertainment of others. My presence was enough.

The attendance of a guy at cheerleading tryouts was weird for everyone, including me. I spent two days in unfamiliar territory before being saved by a lack of required paperwork.

“It was the funniest thing I ever saw,” said sophomore Jamie Tam, who enjoyed my ineptitude at being a cheerleader.

“You were so funny,” added sophomore Rose Eng. The debacle began on April 5, when I cringed into the mat room and persuaded Susan Elliott to allow me to participate in tryouts, despite my lack of real interest or required paperwork. The flat-out lying to aspiring cheerleaders commenced. The girls were quite enthusiastic.

“It would be great to have a guy in cheerleading,” said senior Ashley Manos.

“If you make it, you should stay.

You shouldnʼt just drop it,” said sophomore Lisa Rutishauser.

“It would be great if we could have some guys on the cheerlead-

ing team,” said Elliott.

That first day, everyone was as equally shocked as I was that a guy was going out for cheerleading.

By the next day, I had been accepted, and girls who would normally look at me like dog crap

“ The girls caught on pretty quick.

It took you a while.

Jamie Tam Sophomore

”

on their shoe were now recognizing my existence (considering that it was for being a wannabe male cheerleader, Iʼm not sure if thatʼs an improvement). Unfortunately, tryouts had now been moved to the courtyard, for all CVHS to admire my lack of talent.

“Itʼs harder than it looks,” said sophomore Jenny Duncan. By that point, I readily agreed, as my innate incompetence was in

Wannabe: Page 8

MORYAH SCHINDLER / STAFF WRITER

Sophomore Randy Eisenberg (center) puts it all on the line to make the squad.

Super Savvy Sports Stars Freshman Sophomore Junior Chris Mata Joanna Gistand James Rose Freshman Chris Mata, 15, cracked into the Varsity wrestling line up this winter and captured a second place finish in HAAL tournament.

“I have been wrestling since sixth grade,” said Mata. “I joined the wrestling team because itʼs fun and itʼs the best way to stay in shape.”

Mata wrestled in the 119-pound division and is currently exercising in an off-season weightlifting program for the wrestling team.

“My goals for next year are stay in the varsity lineup and place in NCS,” exclaimed Mata.

Mata also participated in freshman football and likes to skateboard and draw in his free time.

Joanna Gistand is currently a member on the girlsʼ Varsity track team. The 15-year old sophomore competes in the 100-meter high hurdles and 300-meter events.

“This is my second year on track,” said Gistand. “I like track because you get to meet new people and Iʼm a competitor.”

Gistand also boasts a 3.5 GPA and has set high goals for herself.

“I want to qualify for NCS,” said an enthusiastic Gistand.

Gistand also played on the girls JV basketball team. She loves to watch TV and talk on the phone with her spare time.

James Rose is a 17-year-old junior on the JV boys swimming team. Rose swims in the 100-meter backstroke and various other relays.

“I have been swimming since sixth grade,” said Rose. “I like being in the water and itʼs a really fun sport.”

Rose is content with a spot in the JV lineup but is working to make the Varsity squad.

“I want to work up to the Varsity level,” said Rose.

Rose also loves to paintball, surf, and snowboard whenever he gets a chance.

7

CVHS senior wins Miss Dance 2004

By Hallie Jaramillo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Hard work, dedication and a whole lot of talent are just a few things needed to win Northern Californiaʼs Miss Dance 2004. Earlier this year, senior Kirsten Dutra won the title, and she will be going to New York in July to compete for the national title. While excited, Dutra plans on just going along for the ride.

“Iʼm really excited to go to nationals,” said Dutra. “ Thereʼs a lot of talent on the east coast. Iʼm going more for the experience.”

In order to win Miss Dance, Dutra had to dedicate much of her time to practicing her routine.

Rehearsals were a month-long process. Not only that, but Dutra has been dancing since she was three and a half, so winning Miss Dance is the result of the accumulation of all her hard work.

“Itʼs something that you have to work for. Itʼs a lifetime of work.

She went to the [dance] studio at least two times a week,” said senior Cassie Nordgren, long-time friend and co-captain of the CVHS dance team.

The competition itself consisted of a five-minute interview, an indance class evaluation, and a dance performance, which is worth the most points. In Dutraʼs particular dance category there were ten other girls going for the Miss Dance title. Despite this being a competition, it was a friendly environment and the girls even became friends.

“It was really cool, we got to know each other. It wasnʼt cutthroat or anything,” said Dutra.

Dutra: Page 8

By Haseeb Sadat

Senior Rodney Aqua Senior Rodney Aqua, 18, competes in the shot put for the boys Varsity track team.

Aqua has been a member on the track team for a couple years and hopes his hard work pays off.

“This is my last year,” said Aqua. “So I want to qualify for NCS.” The fun loving Aqua is enjoying his senior year and likes to play basketball and hang out with friends in his off time.

“We get to meet new people, have a lot of competition, and watch girls in spandex,” said Aqua when asked about his favorite thing regarding track.

8

DISTRACTIONS

Friday, April 30, 2004

Da n c e t e a m h o p e s t o defend CVHS performs a search around the i r n a t i o n a l c h a m p i onship campus for illegal substances

DANCE: From page 1

Valley and outside of this team in studios. Every year the bar is raised,” commented Nordgren.

Although they did not place overall, the team hopes to defend their national championship at competition next year. Success, however, is not meant to come easily, as Perry stated.

“If they want to place higher overall, theyʼll have to bring it up a notch next year,” said Perry.

“My only fear is if the team doesnʼt get anything theyʼll be crushed,” said Dutra, on the outlook for the 2004-2005 season.

“I wish good luck to next yearʼs team.”

For the dance team, this has been a triumphant conclusion to a successful season, and for some, the beginning of a career. Nordgren summed it up by saying, “This has been by far the best year.”

“My only fear is if

the team doesn’t get anything they’ll be crushed.

KIRSTEN DUTRA Senior

”

Male student tries out for cheerleading

WANNABE: From page 7

full bloom.

“The girls caught on pretty quickly. It took you a while,” said

Tam, describing my complete lack of cheerleading ability.

“Is [being bad] a guy thing, or just a you thing?” Tam asked afterwards. Every cheerleader at CVHS must be hoping itʼs a “me” thing.

D u t r a ʼs h a r d w o r k finally pays off

DUTRA: From page 7

This is not the first time that Dutra has been rewarded for her dancing skills. In 2001 she won Teen Miss Dance.

She was unable to attend nationals that year, so she is looking forward to going this summer. Dutra is eager to attend the event, but feels that the contest is not what

it is all about.

“Iʼm not a very competitive person, itʼs not really about the competition for me,” said Dutra.

While nationals may be the next step for Dutra, her friends and fellow dancers are already proud of her and her accomplishments.

“Our whole entire studio was excited about it,” said Nordgren. “ Iʼm really proud of her. She had to work really hard to do this.”

SEARCH: From page 1

Neither Ford nor Maxwell would comment on how many lockers the dog had indicated during this inspection.

“We usually donʼt get very many hits here at CVHS,” Maxwell said.

However, Ford said that merely checking lockers and parking lots, as CVUSD hires the company to do, is not as effective as more thorough searches.

“We really canʼt compare this school to others because here we donʼt check classrooms,” she said. Ford and her dog “rarely” find drugs in lockers, she said, because students know the dogs

come, and just keep the illegal substances on their person.

Although the types of searches exercised at CVHS are legal, they do meet some opposition.

“Itʼs an interruption to [the studentsʼ] learning environment,” said junior Lizzy Dostal, co-president of the Students for Sensible Drug Policy club at CVHS. Dostal has her own personal experience with the questionable reliability of drug dogs. In sixth grade a dog indicated that her PE locker contained an illegal substance. Only after she was pulled out of class was her innocence revealed, she said.

In a recent American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) study in Northern California, “students

were actually found to be in possession of contraband in only 22 percent of the searches conducted based on an [detection dog] alert.”

When the dog indicates that a locker or car contains illegal substances, a school official brings the student to watch the search of the property.

If Ford and her dog were to find an illegal substance, she would have the school summon a deputy to arrest the student.

Past inspections have revealed “mainly marijuana” according to School Resource Officer Deputy Robert La Point.

The dogs Interquest uses go through a three-month training program, Ford said.