Dec 19, 2013

Volume 57, Issue 4

Tr a n s g e n d e r l aw a l l o w s

December,19 2013

Castro Valley High School

Trojans lift teachers

www.cvhsolympian.com

Combined lunch: a possible change

students to

By Amelia Ortiz

choose

Lately there has been much discussion among the students and staff of CVHS about the possibility of changing the current lunch schedules. Some staff have suggested that all lunches should be combined every day, rather than just on block days.

As of right now, freshmen have their own lunch period on traditional schedule days, separate from the upperclassmen.

On block days, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, lunch is combined for all grades.

The new schedule, which would put freshmen in the same lunch period as upperclassmen every day of the week, was proposed in an attempt to unify the school more and make things easier for teachers. The other reason for this proposal was that freshmen would be able to participate in more clubs.

Principal Mary Ann Valles thinks that the new schedule would do a lot of good for both staff and students.

“We’ve been thinking about it for a long time now. We want teachers to have better access to students, and students to have better access to more clubs and tutoring,” said Valles.

Adding to these benefits, the new schedule would also allow all grades to participate in lunchtime activities every day, not just on block days.

Apart from lunchtime activities, implementing the new schedule would avoid the hassle of having special schedules on days when there are events such as drills and assemblies that currently confuse some students and inconvenience teachers.

The new schedule would give students and teachers the opportunity to meet more during the week to get extra help and/or make up any missing assignments.

Teachers then could have any necessary meetings during their lunch period because they would all have the same one.

Staff Writer

By Olivia Wallace Staff Writer

Starting in January, a new California transgender law is going to allow students to use the restrooms, locker facilities, and try out for sports teams of the gender they identify with.

Transgenders will now be able to fully express the gender they feel applies to them.

“We need to respect how people identify themselves,” said history teacher John Green.

Although there is backlash through petitioning in the state, the people of our school are being very supportive not just for the law, but for the students it will affect.

“It’s definitely better. More options and less mandates,” said Green.

“The option needs to be open,” said Assistant Principal Blaine Torpey.

The real problems with the bill seem to be the people whom is doesn’t apply to.

“I understand why it was passed, but I’m afraid some students may abuse it,” said science teacher Richard Schneck.

The same group that fought for Prop. 8 gay marriage ban, which was ultimately defeated in federal court, has been petitioning against the bill in hopes of a repeal. Opponents of the law needed to collect 505,000 voters’ signatures and recently bragged on their Facebook page, “Privacy for All Students,” that they had collected 620,000 signatures.

The state is reviewing the signatures. If enough are legitimate, voters will decide whether decide whether to repeal the law in November 2014.

Green believes transgenders deserve the right to use the facilities they identify with.

Anna Talajkowski/ Business Manager

To support Nicholas Whitaker and Ovida de Julia, staff and students held a party for the teachers after school on Dec. 6. Whitaker and de Julia both recently announced they are fighting cancer. The Olympian wishes them both great health.

Class credit given through online classes

By Anna Nguyen Staff Writer

In a push to integrate technology into the curriculum, CVHS has joined thousands of schools in offering credit recovery through online programs. For the past two years, students have been able to retake failed classes through Apex Learning, a series of digital based courses that mirror on-campus classes.

“It’s mainly focused on tenth graders who are earning credit recovery from freshman year, so that they can prevent themselves from going to Redwood or summer school,” said teacher Kelly Abbott.

Abbott and history teacher Ian Rodriquez run the high school’s

“Peas don’t mash the lunches together!”

Page 2: Don’t combine lunch periods

program, which currently offers Health, Freshman English, Algebra 1, and Geometry. The students meet two times a week for twohour sessions. The courses span over the time of a semester, but students are given the opportunity to work at home at their own pace.

Tests, however, must be taken at school.

“We run the program and then we go over how the students are going,” said Rodriquez. “It’s student-centered and it’s paced out.

We’re there to provide structure and grade their assignments.”

For the most part, Apex has proven to be beneficial to the students. It acts as a second chance for many, allowing them to make

See APEX: Page 8

Annie steals spotlight in the CFA Page 5: Musical leaves crowds breathless

Scheduling may become a little easier as well, due to the fact that all fourth and fifth period classes wouldn’t necessarily need to be all freshmen or all upperclassmen anymore.

In means of further unifying the school, lunch would no longer separate freshmen, allowing students to dive right into the high school experience. Some would argue that since they are just beginning high school, it is a good transition schedule for them to have while they are still adjusting.

“Personally, I know a lot of upperclassmen so I’m fine with combined lunches, but I think for the first year of high school the separate lunch is good because it makes the school seem smaller,” said freshman G’ana Losson.

“I think it would be a good idea to have half-half lunch periods but not all combined, that’s way too much. Lunch lines are too long, and there’s nowhere to sit; it would be a mess. Upperclassmen lunch is also just a part of high school.

I know as a freshman I always looked forward to having upperclassmen lunch. It’s just a thing everyone is so used to,” said junior Maya Para.

One of the main concerns about combining lunches is the long lunch lines.

“Our main concern is lunch.

If students are not going to be able to eat during their lunch period, I won’t even consider changing the schedule. Feeding the students is my priority,” said Valles who is currently in discussions with an architect to try to find a solution.

There was recently a survey on the CVHS website that students and parents could take which asked questions about this issue. Due to lack of participation in the survey, it will be linked in an email sent out to all parents sometime this month in hopes of more votes.

“We are really hoping to get a lot more parent input on this issue so we can better approach it,” said Valles.

Anthony family on the run Page 6: Sports runs in their blood

2

Daily Combined Lunch Will Create Chaos Editorial: Combining the freshman and upperclassmen lunch periods every day is an idea that has pros and cons. We at The Olympian ultimately disliked the suggestion of having a single period lunch for all classes.

Although having a combined lunch period is a hassle, there are some bright sides to having combined lunches. Many people involved in lunch, including teachers, clubs and Link Crew members. Combining the lunch periods would allow teachers to teach without bell interruptions from the separate lunch periods. Tutoring will also be more convenient.

Clubs will be able to meet more frequently. Lastly, a combined lunch would enable us to have an open campus for all students.

However, we at The Olympian believe that it is best to separate the two lunch periods. High school can be very daunting for freshmen and having combined lunches can make transition frustrating.

Also, when lunches are combined, there are issues with seating and

Grace Moon / Staff Writer

“I feel that combined lunch would be good because then I can go off campus.”

Shaka Jinks,

freshman

extremely long lines during block days. In fact, there is often no indoor seating on block days.

With the long lunch lines, crowded lunch rooms, and lim-

ited seating during the combined lunches we have now on block days, The Olympian believes that freshman and upperclassmen lunch should not be combined.

aren’t a part of. Even if you were once part of the club, its members, officers, and projects are constantly changing. Members of all clubs should be trained to respect and support other clubs and service organizations.

A reason we have these service organizations is to be able to support bigger projects.

Each organization has a different cause for which they focus

Online Editor

Don’t bash on what other people enjoy to do. Whether it is a club, a sport, or a form of art, people do what they do for a reason. One of the worst feelings in the world is hearing negative opinions about an activity you’re passionate about.

Something I’ve grown sensitive to over my high school career is the rivalry of service clubs. During Club Day and meetings, members from clubs like Interact and Key Club debate, almost to the point of screaming, about which club is better. Events like Club Day are meant to promote the purpose of clubs.

As Cady Heron says in Mean Girls: “Calling someone stupid doesn't make you any smarter.”

Bashing another club doesn’t make your club any better. In fact, it makes your club look bad. Besides, is there really a better club? What’s so bad about being into volunteering with a particular service club?

It’s unfair to judge a club based on its size, members, officers, or projects. It’s even more unfair to judge a club that you

By: Brittany Roberts

What do you think about having combined lunch every day?

Lunch should be an enjoyable and relaxing period, rather than a hectic ruckus with thousands of students trying to purchase and eat lunch.

End club rivalry and join clubs “Time to wake up that match your own interests and smell the coffee”

By Kelly Chan

PHOTOpinions pinions

“Members of all clubs should be trained to respect and support other clubs.

”

most of their time and resources on, all of which are making a difference. Otherwise, we are virtually all the same club. Additionally, every club can help students develop leadership skills. Every club can make an impact. Every club can be fun and memorable. It’s up to the individual member to take initiative, utilize opportunities, and make the most of the experience.

Join a club because you think it will be a good fit for you.

Define a “good fit” on your own terms: friends, the projects, spirit, events and so on. But most of all, spend your time with the club wisely. There’s an impact to be made.

By Leia Saelee A&E Editor

When should parents stop catering to their children and begin treating them like adults? After all, at this late stage of adolescence, teens start to look like adults, act more independently, and demand to be treated as an “adult.” This would mean charging them rent, introducing taxes, throwing them in the working world, no more funding their expenses and so on.

That’s rough.

It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. The adult world is not as pleasant as anyone would like it to be. I’m not saying parents should just throw their kids into the outside world and completely treat them as grown-ups, but that maybe our generation doesn’t have enough preparation for the real world. If nature doesn’t teach us how to survive the outside world, then nurturing might as well prep us for it.

Once, a friend had spent the night and offered to help with my chores, and as much as I appreciated her help, she did a terrible job.

I didn’t want to come off as rude, but my curiosity got the best of me, and I asked her what sorts of chores or work she did at home. I came to find that she’s led 18 years of leisure while her parents slaved

at work while catering to their children’s needs and whims.

Dishes were done and the trash was taken out by her parents as well. These are simple things, but her parents also cleaned her room, cleared her plates after dinner, and so many other small things that anyone should be expected to do. I’m still not sure whether I feel envy or pity. A small part of me wishes that those things were taken care of for me, but the rest of me feels that unless teenagers learn these important life skills, they won’t be prepared for adulthood in the least.

Chores are just a small taste of what responsibilities a successful life includes. In a way, I feel that parents should be held responsible for teaching any basic life skills to their children, but it is also up to the adolescent to decide for themselves. As young adults, we should be expected to act as independent as adults with an almostdeveloped sense of culpability that allows us to act responsibly. But who wouldn’t take advantage of the fact that we’d have something less to worry about if our parents just did it for us? The temptation is just too real.

Naturally parents feel the instinct to provide and care for their young, but in reality, they are not babies anymore. Parents need to dampen their instincts and show their offspring the circle of life, because the real world is a harsh environment populated by competition and threats. It is better to ensure your child is well suited to survive independently and put somewhere they can thrive instead of coddling and stripping them of basic survival skills. It isn’t instinct that allows us to live among others, but the proper nurturing that parents must provide.

“I actually wouldn’t mind combined lunch because then I’d get a chance to see all my friends every day... It also wouldn’t be too much of a difference...”

Jonina Balabis,

sophomore

“Combined lunch might be a good idea if we would get more time for lunch. Personally, I think a half-hour is way too short to eat.”

Alexis Pagán, junior

“I don’t think combined lunch will cause any problems because the majority of the students go off campus at lunch anyways.”

Lauren Wirdzek, senior

The Olympian Dec. 19, 2013

3

Breaking the “couple” stereotype of Winterball is okay

a cute scene when someone asks another at lunch in the most creative way to the formal, resulting in a harmonized “awwww” from the spectators. For those watching the scene, it’s a typical high school full of nervousness for the one asking and hope for the answer to be yes. I always find myself between those watching and smile at how cute it all is.

As I went on about my day

on Monday, I kept hearing girls around me talking about Winterball. They talked about the dresses they would wear and who they would like to get asked by.

I smiled at their excitement and began to realize that most high schoolers hope to be asked and want to feel special by being asked to Winterball.

In high school, there is an added pressure to have a date at these

dances and feel the “specialness” from getting asked to Winterball.

Many people see other couples asking each other and getting flowers or posters and wish that, even for a second, they could feel what the person getting asked is feeling. In high school and from the movies, we want to feel the romance and feel like going to a formal dance with a partner is “the thing to do.”

A couple days after the announcement, I saw a boy in my class ask a girl to Winterball with a poster and flowers. One of my friends turned to me and said, “That’s so cute! I wish someone would ask me that way to the dance!” I looked at her and smiled because from her voice and words, I heard what most high schoolers were feeling as others get asked to the dance.

I looked at my friend and said, “It’s not about how you get asked or who you get asked by, it’s about going to the dance and having fun! You don’t need a someone else to make you feel like you’re special by asking you to a dance.”

There is nothing wrong with going to Winterball with your friends and not having an official date. What’s important is having fun that night and enjoying the night with people you care about. While being asked romantic, not everything in high school is about romance. We’re in high school once and should live in the moment by doing things our own way and not expecting others to make us feel fulfilled because we can do that ourselves by learning to accept ourselves.

To all those stressing about getting asked, have confidence in yourself to go no matter what.

Have fun because it’s not about getting asked to a formal, it’s about attending and making it the best night ever.

security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

Now, let’s break down the Second Amendment. If I were to interpret the Second Amendment, nowhere does it say that citizens have the right to bear arms. I mean, the amendment does say “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms,” however, just interpreting the sentence, that statement is a modifier for “A well regulated Militia.”

When I analyze the Second Amendment, never does the amendment state that citizens not in the militia, or in other words the military, are allowed to have guns.

Instead, the amendment says that the right of the people in the militia have the right to own guns.

With our country’s history being so dependent on guns, it’s incredibly hard to imagine individuals agreeing to the idea of a complete ban on guns. But that doesn’t mean gun bans are impossible. Take a look at the United Kingdom. The U.K. enforces strict gun legislation that bans private gun ownership since 1997. In 2010, the U.K.’s

population was 61,791,956 and the amount of deaths caused by guns was 154 individuals. Compared to the U.K., the U.S. population was 312,780,968 in 2011, and the total amount of deaths caused by guns was 31,940 individuals.

Although the crime rate in the U.K. is higher than the U.S., the U.S.’s homicide rate is four times greater than that of the U.K. With the strict gun regulations in the U.K., it is difficult to obtain a gun.

Guns are used in one in 13 homicides in the U.K., two in three in the U.S. When I turn on the T.V. to watch the news broadcast or I read the news online, there is always an article about gun violence. Individuals, especially those who are living in inner cities, have to witness gun violence first-hand every day and nothing is being done about that issue. The amount of gun violence is increasing and we need stricter gun laws.

I don’t feel proud to live in a country where guns are handed out like lollipops. I don’t want to feel unsafe if I were to go to the movies, school, or the mall. I don’t

want to have to worry about my family and future children going to the movies or school with a slight chance that there may be a mass shooting.

Statistics show that more than 900 people died in mass shootings in the last seven years. We should not wait until another mass shooting, such as the one in Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, to occur again in order to officially impose strict gun laws. At gun shows, most states

do not require background checks for firearms purchased through private individuals. With more and more shootings taking place, Congress really needs to take action and agree to push for stricter gun legislation: there needs to be a ban on semi-automatic rifles and thorough background checks must be required to anyone who plans to purchase a gun. A gun’s main purpose is to kill and the privilege to own such a weapon should not be recklessly given to anybody.

ible, and really showed off the talents of the staff. I loved the amount of pictures that accompanied the stories. They really brought them to life, and the layout of feature page 5 blew me away. The fun fonts made me smile, as they added such personality to the articles.

I know firsthand how chal-

lenging it is to produce such an amazing publication, and you all are doing wonderful work and serving the legacy of the paper tremendously. Well done, Olympians, and keep it up!

Lily Carrell/ Editor-in-Chief

By Stephanie Huerta Feature Editor

On a Monday, just like all others, I listened to the announcements and slowly tuned in and out, cutting out things I don’t care to hear about. Before the speaker ends his line, the speaker added, “Now before we end we have some exciting news about this year’s Winterball! Get ready for ‘A Night Under the Stars’ at the Chabot Space and Science Center!” It was the first announcement about CVHS Winterball.

Every year, as the date for the famous formal approaches, girls get excited and plan what they’re going to wear, what group of friends they’re going with, and of course which guy they’re going to say yes to. From the day the announcement first happens to the day of the actual event, students are prepared for how others are going to ask each other to Winterball. It’s always

Important to impose stricter gun laws for a safer society

By Joyce Liang City Editor

Thinking back to our country’s history, I cannot recall a time when we did not depend on guns. If I were to ask several Americans whether or not they believe that citizens should have the right to own a gun, many will tell me that private ownership to a gun should always be allowed and the Second Amendment protects that right to citizens.

Looking at the Second Amendment, I read: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the

Let ter to the Editor

Editor, I just received the November issue of my beloved Olympian and almost shed a tear of pride.

Having worked on the paper for half of my high school career, I have a soft spot for The Olympian, and am so proud to see it in such capable hands. Every story I read was clear and professional, and hit as usual right at the heart of relevant issues in CVHS and the greater Castro Valley community at large.

The illustrations on the Opinion and A&E pages were incred-

Letters to the Editor

With much love and pride, Kate Pellegrini, former editorin-chief and Olympian at heart

The Olympian encourages letters from our readers. Please note that letters must be signed and no longer than 200 words. They can be e-mailed to cvhsolympian@gmail.com, delivered to Mr. Johanson’s box in the office, or dropped off at our Olympian office in room 113.

The Olympian is a publication of the journalism class at Castro Valley High School, 19400 Santa Maria Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546. © 2013

Editors-in-Chief.....................................................................Lily Carrell Reema Kakaday City Editor......................................................................Joyce Liang News Editor..............................................................Matt Talajkowski Opinion Editor............................................................Suzanna Chak Feature Editors.....................................................................Eva Chen Stephanie Huerta Sports Editor..................................................................Amanat Riar Arts and Entertainment Editor......................................Leia Saelee Photo Editor...................................................................Lauren Jelks Felicianna Marquez Business Manager......................................................Anna Talajkowski Online Editors........................................................................Kelly Chan Evan Kwong Staff Writers: Cameron Beresini, Robbie Brandt, Alison Dhont, Rachel Du, Jamie Logan, Sally Liang, Tyler Macias, Grace Moon, Anna Nguyen, Amelia Ortiz, Tyler Quan, Brittany Roberts, Callie Ross-Smith, Adrianna Vandiver, Olivia Wallace, Daniel Witte Advisor........................................................................Matt Johanson

4

Annie’s “Hardknock Life” comes to CVHS

By Adrianna Vandiver Staff Writer

Adrianna Vandiver / Staff Writer

The cast of Annie poses in character after a successful performance.

Miss Hannigan, played by junior Morgan Morris, is an evil caretaker who cruelly makes all her orphans’ lives unbearable. She overloads them with chores of cleaning, stressful hours of seams work, and feeds them a disgusting mush of food.

In a cold winter of 1933 during the Great Depression, one lucky orphan, a 12-year-old girl named Annie, played by Emily Ortzow, is given the opportunity to spend two weeks for Christmas living with the billionaire, Mr. Warbucks, played by Darien Slusher and Val Birznieks.

While Annie is living with Mr. Warbucks, he begins to care for her like a daughter and tries to adopt her. However, along the way, they had to search far and wide for Annie's parents, deal with crooks attempting to steal Warbucks' money and almost lost their happily ever after together.

"It was really funny," said Jaime Massey after watching the production, "and better than I was expecting."

“The toughest job you’ll ever love”

By Rachel Du Staff Writer

To say that Laurel Orduña is just a Spanish teacher would be a massive understatement. Right out of college, Orduña joined the Peace Corps, an organization run by the US government to promote world peace, as a business volunteer in Slovakia. When that ended, Orduña grew antsy and approached a local high school for a teaching position, and thus began her experience teaching in the Peace Corps program.

At an early age, Orduña already showed an interest for the Peace Corps.

“I really liked the advertisements when I was a little girl.

There were these TV commercials with a really heavy drumbeat and showed all these really interesting images and the tagline was, ‘The toughest job you’ll ever love,’” Orduña said.

Orduña had now officially transferred from the business to the teaching program. She taught in a remote village in the northwest corner of Slovakia, near Poland.

Having had prior experience teaching Spanish through a program called “Amigas de las Americas,” Orduña naturally taught English and Spanish.

At the school Orduña taught at, there were no textbooks or photocopiers. Despite having to copy everything down by hand, her students didn’t complain.

They were happy to do so and were “extraordinarily respectful.”

One event to raise money for textbooks was a bake sale that turned into a Halloween dance.

The whole town contributed and the school managed to get a DJ and even host the dance at

Rachel Du / Staff Writer

Spanish teacher Laurel Orduña smiles for The Olympian. the Town Hall. Kids from other villages would parade through in their costumes and attend the dance, where people paid for tickets and for cakes, contributing to the funds for the books.

Since they had no stores like Spirit to buy pre-made costumes, the students came up with their own creative outfits.

“One boy, he had a fantastic costume. At the time in Slovakia, the bathrooms were outside the house. It was a WC [water

closet], so it was sort of like a little wooden shack and the toilet was in there. He had a big box out of cardboard, and he made it look like a WC, and when the door would swing open, you would see him there and he had these pretend legs coming down as if he were sitting on the toilet, and it was extremely creative if sort of gross,” Orduña recalled with a smile.

In this small village in Slovakia, Americans were rare. When

Orduña first arrived, the entire town greeted her warmly.

“When they announced my name I felt like Michael Jackson.

All these people were cheering and clapping, but it was kind of difficult. Everything I did represented America to them,” Orduña said.

Often times, there were misunderstandings due to the language barrier. Orduña recalled walking into a store and daringly buying a red soda can marked with Slovak words and a big sunflower, only to discover once she got home that she had gotten herself some tomato paste.

When she finally returned home to America, Orduña settled down and raised her daughter.

Deciding that teaching would be a good career to have with a family, she worked on getting a degree and found that her two years of teaching in the Peace Corps earned her a lot of credits.

Orduña now teaches with the insight she gained in Slovakia.

Junior Andrea Chen enjoys Orduña’s interactive learning style.

“She has us learn a lot of songs and do a lot of verbal activities, which helps with learning to speak the language,” she said.

“Usually in a language class you only learn grammar and such, but here you learn to actually communicate,” said Chen.

“I think that any time you go and live in a culture, a culture that’s different from yours, there can be lots of trials and tribulations, but you have such a feeling of accomplishment and your confidence really grows after that experience. Even the negative things have something positive to offer and are fun or funny. Even the things that were bad end up good in retrospect,” Orduña concluded.

Winterball takes Trojans out of this world!

By Alison Dhont Staff Writer

Forget Christmas, Winterball is every CVHS students’ favorite time of year. Usually held in the school’s main gym, the dance is now being held in the Chabot Space and Science Center on Jan. 11.

Located in Oakland, the museum has interactive exhibits, a digital planetarium, a large screen theater, and three powerful telescopes. What better theme to name this years Winterball other than “A Night Under The Stars?”

“In the past, it kind of received complaints that a formal dance at the school is not really exciting or too fun,” stated Myles McMaster, advisor of CVHS Leadership. “So they wanted to look outward to see if they could find a place that could be more fun for people and semi-closeby.”

CVHS students are very excited about the sudden change. Junior leadership representatives Alejandro Gonzalez and Haley Pryde, commented on the subject.

“We changed the location to raise attendance, so people get excited and want to go,” said Pryde.

“I’m juiced for this year ’s Winterball!” said Gonzalez.

This new location is 20 minutes away from Castro Valley, which may impose some conflicts with students wanting to attend and cause an increase in ticket prices.

“While it’s farther away and less convenient to go to, people can always carpool with a date or a group,” said junior Kaitlyn Ohara, who plans on attending Winterball solely for the change of scenery.

“I think it’s cool having it at someplace different. It’s new for everyone!”

“I’m definitely more excited that winterball’s location is changing my senior year! It’s my last chance to have another great winterball,” said senior Emme Coupe. “Leadership does an awesome job with decorating the gym and the Annex for winterball, but it’s really nice to go somewhere special for the dance.”

5

Bad Blood pumped by fantastic hearts Catching Fire

Ablaze

By Evan Kwong Online Editor

Recently debuted Bastille makes audiences fall in love with every piece of the universe, and then shows no mercy in ripping that feeling out of their chests. In just 50 minutes, Bastille’s album, Bad Blood, will leave any listener feeling satisfied.

Released in America this past September, Bad Blood delivers a thrill that’s unlike any other alternative or indie band. The band’s lead singer Dan Smith presents the audience with 12 songs (and three bonus tracks) that are catchy while at the same time powerful, as seen in their singles “Pompeii” and “Things We Lost In The Fire.”

The lyrics are only a fraction of what makes Bastille unique.

Accompanied by men’s chorus and intricate strings, Smith’s voice bombards listeners with emotion that takes their breath away.

That said, a majority of the songs on Bad Blood are vaguely similar to one another, with them

By Felicianna Marquez

Leia Saelee / A&E Editor

all in a mourning tone. Bastille’s crestfallen ballads aren’t particularly special when every song on the album is a crestfallen ballad.

With lyrics such as “Look who’s digging their own grave/That is what they all say/You’ll drink yourself to death,” as heard in “Icarus,” or “How am I going to be an optimist about this?” from “Pompeii,” descending chords are a standard for Bastille.

Despite an excess of melancholy, the faster, more upbeat songs shine like jewels in the British band’s debut album, and give listeners something different and special to look forward to. The positive rhythm and

melody featured in “Weight Of Living, Pt. II,” for example, is a complete change from Bastille’s typical tone, and show another side of the band that the audience has to fall in love with.

To “show the extremes of where we’re heading on our next album,” as described by Smith, the band reissued Bad Blood as All This Bad Blood on Nov. 25. The newer album features 25 songs this time, capturing sides of Bastille that seek to experiment with both rock and electronic music.

As the group soars through the charts, Bastille is just beginning to leave its mark in the music industry.

Photo Editor Having read the The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins and going to the midnight premiere of the first movie, I had high hopes for the second movie, Catching Fire. Like any fan who read the books way before a movie was even thought about being made, I expected to movie to be as close to the book as possible.

As I sat down and waited for the movie to start, I was nervous to see if they were able to fulfill my hopes, or crush the book I loved. I’m glad to say that the movie was better than expected.

Director Gary Ross did an amazing job with animations, graphics, and keeping as true as possible to the book. The story played out just as I had imagined it in my mind while reading it.

Jennifer Lawrence, who plays main character Katniss

Everdeen, did another excellent job capturing Katniss’ spirit.

Her feisty, stubborn attitude paralleled her character in the book wonderfully. Her co-actor Josh Hutcherson also did an equally fantastic job playing the love struck Peeta Mellark.

Each actor and actress fit the roles perfectly and there were no disappointments from the performance. However, one critique that personally bothered me having read the books multiple times was the enhanced romance between Gale and Katniss. It proposed a bigger love triangle then shown in the book.

In the trilogy, it is known that Gale is in love with Katniss, but they only kiss once and it isn’t the focus of the story. However in the movie they kiss multiple times and it throws fans off. It’s almost as if Ross was trying to make a “Team Edward or Team Jacob” for The Hunger Games.

Besides that minor change, I felt that the movie did an exceptional job at representing the The Hunger Games books. I give the movie five stars and recommend it to anyone.

Kokyo Sushi Buffet: Swiss Delices deliciously delighful go there today!

By Sally Liang Staff Writer

Are you a quantity versus quality eater? Do you have a passion for sushi but don’t want to spend too much money? If both answers are yes, then Kokyo Sushi Buffet is the perfect place for you!

Located on the left of Century Theatres in Hayward and a few blocks away from the BART station, the buffet is easy to spot. Since it is on the second floor, an elevator is available.

At the cost of $14.95 for dinner, the food is very reasonably priced. Seniors over 60 are eligible to receive a discount of 15 percent off. In addition, customers who come on their birthday get a free meal at Kokyo if they bring along four or more friends.

Entering the buffet, the staff welcomes everyone warmly and quickly escorts to desired seats. Glancing inside,

the interior is clean and wellorganized. Window seats are also available, and they grant customers a fabulous secondstory view.

The customer service is excellent. Staff members are courteous in giving free refills and frequently picking up used plates, making sure the tables always look nice. In addition, staff workers constantly replenish food so it’s guaranteed that dishes are fresh. Despite how the buffet gets crowded sometimes, staff workers remain efficient and prompt, and customers do not wait long in line.

Kokyo offers a large selection of sushi rolls, Chinese food, cooked seafood, soups, and desserts. Known for its inexpensive sushi, the restaurant carries sashimi with a great variety of sushi rolls.

Like any Chinese restaurant, Kokyo also carries a selection of Chinese food including chow mein, wontons, and more. The size of oysters is impressively large compared to that at other restaurants.

The Kokyo buffet deserves four stars out of five stars for its service, cleanliness, and price.

By Reema Kakaday Editor-in-Chief

One of my favorite places to go to in Castro Valley is the bakery Swiss Delices. Many people think this charming little restaurant is brand new, but in fact, it has been around for several years now. The previous location was just across the street on Santa Maria Avenue, but it has now moved to

the new location on 3315 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA. It has since welcomed even more faces of Castro Valley.

What I love the most about Swiss Delices is the quality of baked goods it offers. There is a unique variety that customers can choose from: almond toffee bars, tiramisu, swiss velvet cake, almond mousse bars, smiley face cookies, croissants, and so much more! The extensive menu doesn’t stop there; it continues to include breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, soups, and breads.

So what’s the most rewarding part of all of those mouth-

watering treats? Not only are they made fresh daily, but they are created with all organic and local ingredients, and have no hydrogenated oils or corn syrup. Swiss Delices makes sure its customers eat highquality food that they can feel good about spending money on. Although the items are a bit pricy, it is worth buying because of the quality of the food and how delicious it is.

Swiss Delices is truly a place for people who appreciate wellcrafted delectables, a familyfriendly and comfortable nook to chat or read, and a menu for refined palettes.

Tempah “Demonstrates” true rap

By Amanat Riar Sports Editor

British rapper Tinie Tempah, best known for the single Written in the Stars, has recently released his new album Demonstration worldwide on Nov. 18.

Artists featured on this album include 2 Chainz, Labrinth, Dizzee Rascal, Big Sean, and Emeli Sandé.

The album starts of with a slower and mellow track, that is, until Tinie Tempah starts rapping. His name says it all as he spits out his rhymes making it the perfect opening track.

His next song is “Trampoline,” featuring 2 Chainz and is the highlight of the album, with the song filled with witty puns and jokes.

The next few songs, such as “Don’t Sell Out,” “It’s OK,” and “Mosh Pit,” aren’t as catchy or meaningful since the rapping sounds more like Tinie Tempah rambling on. “Mosh Pit” is

the better one out of the three because fellow British rapper, Dizzee Rascal is featured on the track.

The rest of the songs on the album are quite catchy including “A Heart Can Save the World,” “Lover Not a Fighter,” and “Lost Ones.”

Tinie Tempahs’ album seems to be a bit repetitive at times but is still magnificent nonetheless.

We can expect bigger and better albums from him in the future, as he says in “Mosh Pit,”: “They call me Tinie but I’m about to be gigantic.”

6 Sally Liang /Staff Writer

Chris Cervi, Carter Mackey, and Jeffrey Van prepare to charge.

Sally Liang/ Staff Writer

Emma Armstrong and Nicole Anthony (center) start their race.

Trojan cross country teams dash in North Coast meet

By Sally Liang Staff Writer

The Trojan varsity cross country teams finished their season at the NCS championship meet that took place on Nov. 23 at Hayward High. As soon as the races commenced with a bang, runners from all over the North Coast ran with determination, ready to show off their talent.

Breaking her previous personal record time by 45 seconds, senior Nicole Anthony qualified the state meet with a time of 18:02. Anthony led the way for the Trojans with fifth place when she crossed the finish line.

“It’s about my team. We

worked so hard, especially Emma. She totally killed it. I am so proud of her as well as my team and I couldn’t ask for more,” said Anthony.

Other runners included Emma Armstrong, who scored 23rd place with a time of 19:12.

Sophomore Arianna Alfaro placed 37th in the girls competition, posting a time of 19:49.

The girls team sprinted their way into sixth place with a team score of 152 points.

Longtime girls squad coach Raoul Perez said that daily practice has physically improved the runners’ endurance and it gave them more mental toughness. He was proud of

the effort everyone displayed at the race and said that the team’s hard work had definitely paid off.

“We did a tremendous job.

Nicole did extremely well in her race,” Perez said. “I was pleased with the outcome and I am looking forward to next year.”

Junior Carter Mackey also made it to the state meet. He walked away with second place in Division I boys race with a time of 15:28, two seconds ahead of De La Salle third place winner Luke Williams.

“I felt great and my conditions were good. I knew I was going to do well today!” said

Mackey.

Racing competitively among a small crowd of runners, Chris Cervi sprinted ahead of them at the end and finished the race in 41th place with a time of 16:39.

The varsity boys squad took 14th place overall in Division I. “I thought Nicole and Carter both ran well and they were competitive. They gave it all.

They really represented the school, the traditions, and the history in cross country team,” said head coach Dooney Jones.

Both individuals took the extra step to be in peak condition when they were about to race against the best of the best runners in the state meet. Although

neither of them was able to win the championship, both representatives did an excellent job at the meet. Anthony was ranked 45th out of 198 athletes with a time of 18:36, and Carter was placed 54th out of 194 athletes with a time of 16:02.

The season ended well for cross country stars Anthony and Mackey at the WACC championships, the NCS meet at Hayward High, and the CIF State Championships at Woodward Park in Fresno.

“Cross country has been my passion since I was little. Knowing that it is still my passion, I am happy to share it with everyone,” said Anthony.

Running talent runs in the Anthony family “

By Callie Ross-Smith Staff Writer

The Anthony family has had a long standing tradition for running track and field and cross country at CVHS. Donna Anthony, who was a varsity runner for the high school in the 80s, is mother of Jessica, Nicole, and John Anthony. This close-knit family not only runs to keep a tradition alive, but also for the thrill and enjoyment.

Donna ran cross country in high school all four years at CVHS, and earned all league honors and team league championships multiple times.

“The feeling of running can’t be described using simple words,” she said.

Donna, who graduated in 1987, continues to run and has participated in a variety of sports. In her life she has done a total of 17 triathlons, 3 centuries (100 mile bike rides), and eight half-marathons. Her most recent race was the Nikes Women’s Marathon, which took place in October.

Jessica, who graduated in 2013, competed on the track team. During her time on the team, she qualified for NCS her junior year in high jump. She

The feeling of running can’t be described using simple words.

Donna Anthony

”

Trojan mom

Sally Liang / Staff Writer

Donna, Nicole, and John Anthony show off their pride after the NCS cross country meet. currently attends Saint Mary’s College of California and competes on the rowing team.

Nicole, a senior, was on the varsity swim team and froshsoph basketball team in her freshman and sophomore years.

When she was considering what sport to stick with, she didn’t

have to think twice in order to pick the sports she’s been excelling in all her life: running.

Nicole led her team to state cross country championships in her sophomore year, and qualified individually again this year.

Nicole plans on continuing running throughout college, pos-

sibly at Cal State Chico, which her mom attended.

“Don’t go where the path may lead, go instead where there’s no path, and leave a trail,” said Nicole as she summed up her thoughts on running.

John, the youngest member of the Anthony family, has just

started his first year at CVHS and earned a varsity letter in cross country.

“You never really run because it’s running, you run because of the friends, the trails, and the competition,” he said. John plans to run all four years.

The Anthony kids’ grandmother did her part, too. Kathy Ferrell played softball for CVHS in the 1960s. This family, in total, has earned a total of 17 varsity letters in 19 seasons.

“I love seeing my children follow in the footsteps of the family to compete for CVHS, and it’s amazing to see them achieve their goals,” said Donna.

The Olympian Dec. 19, 2013

7

San Lorenzo Rebels uprising crushed by Trojan victory Girls varsity team defeats rival in first league game

“Effort, team-

work, and the communication we had helped us work together.

By Amanat Riar Sports Editor

This year’s girls varsity soccer team had a strong start to its season at the Trojans’ first home league game of the season as they outplayed San Lorenzo 8-0 on Dec. 10.

The game started out with CVHS maintaining good possession of the ball, dominating the first half with their quick passes, and playing mostly on San Lorenzo’s side of the field. They even had a few shots on goal and it was clear that they were eager to score first.

Priti Darke senior

Junior Carly Andrade makes a quick run down the field.

The Trojans were successful in doing so, and managed to score four goals by halftime by juniors Jasmine Edwards and Miranda Nild.

The Rebels attempted to fight back and score, but were unsuccessful getting the ball near the goal, as the Trojans’ skilled defense was able to easily clear the

Amanat Riar / Sports Editor

ball back to the opponents’ side.

The second half began with numerous successful runs up the field by the Trojans and a goal from Victoria Kiani. They had a

Trojan hoops team makes Pittsburg Pirates walk the plank

By Callie Ross-Smith Staff Writer

The girls varsity basketball team played against Pittsburg High School on Dec. 10. In a hard-fought game, the Trojans made the Pirates walk the plank, 63-52.

The Trojans had won two earlier games, but the last one slipped through the team’s hands by a few mere points in the final quarter.

Within the first five minutes of the Pittsburg game, it quickly got intense. The Pirates had already caused multiple fouls against the Trojans, which allowed CVHS to go ahead in the Callie Ross-Smith/ Staff Writer game, 6-1.

By the end of the second Sophomore Franchesca Sousa quarter, it was clear that the two teams had no intentions looks for an open teammate. of playing nice, and the Trojans

Super

started to play rougher and con- and jumps.

At one point of the game, two sequently received ten fouls, but still managed to stay in the players from the opposite team were even sprawled on the floor lead, 41-22. trying to rip the ball from each other’s hands. Throughout the entire game, viewers could just feel their emotions vibrate in the floor as they ran, bouncing the ball back and forth to each other.

“This game was extremely intense and nothing like I’ve ever seen before,” said CVHS coach Jim Lemmon.

Jim Lemmon In the last minute of the final head coach leg of the game, the Pirates tried The Trojans continued to rack tremendously to catch up, and up points, leaving the Pirates ended up swishing in ten more behind, despite all their hard points into the hoop with outwork and efforts. standing passes and teamwork.

Both teams strenuously Their efforts came up short pushed their limits, and mul- though, when the scoreboard tiple girls from both sides suf- buzzed, showing that CVHS fered various injuries from falls had won with the score 63-52.

“This game was

extremely intense and nothing like I’ve ever seen before.

Savvy

”

Sports

powerful goal off of a corner kick as a result of the Rebels’ defense easily getting flustered by the momentum of the game at that point.

With eight minutes left, the girls picked up another two goals from Nild and junior Victoria Kiani.

“Effort, teamwork, and the communication we had helped us work together,” said senior Priti Darke.

Boys wrestling team places in tournament

By Jamie Logan Staff Writer

The wrestling tournament hosted by CVHS turned out well for the boys wrestling team on the weekend of Dec. 7. Putting their best efforts in, they took fifth out of 15. Their hard work resulted in a record of 3-2, beating California, Freedom, and Clayton Valley.

“Our team did good, but we’re a young team. We’re definitely improving,” said senior Keanu Calderon.

The Trojans lost to Foothill and Oakridge High. Nevertheless, coach Josh Wheeler was proud of their efforts.

“It’s a team with a lot of potential. I think they’ve done a lot of work, and there’s room for growth. They’ll improve throughout the year and get better. They just need to keep working hard, like they do,” said Wheeler.

SLauren ta rs Jelks / Photo Editor

k

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Jaylin Dempsey, freshman Since fourth grade, Jaylin Dempsey has played basketball both recreationally and for school teams. His drive to play came from a need to exercise and stay healthy as a nine-year-old, but what started out as a healthy hobby soon became a passion.

“I started really liking basketball when I was about ten or 11, I was really energetic on the court and just liked running around,” said Dempsey.

Dempsey is a point guard on the freshman team, and a talker.

“My favorite part is probably defense or shooting the three pointer,” said Dempsey.

After playing for four years, Dempsey can’t wait to continue playing, hopefully on the college level.

Shayla Hills, sophomore

In eighth grade, Shayla Hills decided that wrestling looked like a challenge she wanted to take on. Three years later, Hills has participated in both middle and high school wrestling, spending her high school years on varsity, and her sophomore year as fourth on the team.

“In high school it seems like it will get harder and you will be in better shape for other sports. You can be the best and get medals,” Hills said.

While high school wrestling has been different than middle school wrestling, Hills loves wrestling and the team environment.

Along with wrestling, Hills runs track and plans to continue both sports into her two final high school years.

Fernanda Clarin, junior

As a family sport, soccer has always been a part of junior Fernanda Clarin’s life. She started playing when she was eight, and has been playing on regional and school teams ever since.

“It’s a sport where you keep moving, it’s just continuous running and it’s intense,” she said.

“I tried being defense for awhile and it didn’t work out because I’m very driven towards the goal and I only want the goal. I can’t ever really stay back,” she said.

Now, Clarin is playing on the junior varsity soccer team for school and plans to continue playing soccer.

Keano Calderon, senior

In his final year at CVHS and on the wrestling team, senior Keano Calderon knows what it takes to make it on the mat.

For the past seven years, Calderon has been wrestling on both regional and school teams.

“I liked to do fighting and wrestle with my cousins,” Calderon said.

Not only has Calderon been competing for seven years, but he’s been on varsity for four of those years and understands the amount of effort and dedication that goes into the sport.

“It disciplines you a lot, there’s a lot of motivation behind it. It’s definitely one of the hardest sports at CVHS,” Calderon said.

The Olympian Dec. 19, 2013

8

Trojans rock out at Battle of the Bands! Broken photocopiers

wreaking havoc

By Robbie Brandt Staff Writer

Eva Chen/ Feature Editor

Mae Muldez, one of the opening acts, sang Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus.

Portables now open and here to stay

By Tyler Quan Staff Writer

Although some unexpected factors caused their completion to be delayed, the new portables beside the library opened to teachers and students the week of Dec. 9.

Despite the disappointment that the portables had not been completed sooner, the new portables delivered technological innovations such as heating and air conditioning, and more space in the classroom.

"There were delays. First, the request came late. Second, the electrical bill was much more expensive than we thought. The law curtails the bid limit, and if it exceeds the limit, there is a need for a separate process which takes more time away," said Assistant Principal Matt Steinecke.

The gates were moved so that students would have "no problem" accessing the portables without extended bathroom breaks or passing period.

Maria Natale, one of the teachers who moved in, hoped the new work space would remove the additional challenges of moving from classroom to classroom.

"I am looking forward to having my own space and classroom that reflects who I am as a teacher. It also serves as a good learning

Lauren Jelks / Staff Writer

The newly installed portables are ready for students and teachers to use. environment for the students," said Natale.

Moving some teachers to the portables may benefit the teachers and students, who were affected by the sharing of some of the classrooms. Moreover, the portables

have rewarding innovations that some classrooms such as the 100 wing do not have.

"The portables are in perfect condition with improved technology, with heating and air condition as well," said Steinecke.

to both CVHS and Redwood High School. The adult school continues to support the program, keeping it cost-free to the students.

Yet, there are still issues in trying to accommodate every student who needs credit recovery. About 20 students are actively enrolled in the course, but many more have been placed onto a waiting list. The process to get into the program may take weeks, as they must submit an application and be approved before being placed on the waiting list, where they will further wait until

they are enrolled in a class.

The school plans to continue Apex Learning in the future, in hopes that participants will use the program to their advantage, bringing them closer to graduating.

“It’s interesting because I know a lot of these kids. I’ve seen a lot of kids between ninth and tenth grade mature a lot,” said Rodriquez.

“There’s a change between freshman year and sophomore year: they realize that it’s not that they couldn’t do the work, but that they chose not to do the work.”

Online classes now offered APEX: From Page 1

up for their mistakes from freshman year.

“I think the biggest thing with the students that in are there is that they realized that they screwed up last year,” said Abbot. “They’ve seen the material, and maybe did not do the work last year. They just had a little glitch, a little bump in the road.”

Apex Learning had previously been offered at Castro Valley Adult School. Due to its immense success, the district has branched it out

All teachers ask of a photocopier is to properly produce worksheets for their classes.

However in these past few months, the photocopiers have frequently been out of service, making the jobs of teachers even harder.

“The copy machine has been out of service several times because of overuse, and the copy machine in room 404 has about six million copies on it,” said Jennifer Tica, the principal’s secretary, who is also in charge of the repairs to the machine.

The copy machine in room 404 is not the only one that is acting up. In fact, all three of main copiers in the entire school have been like this for a while now.

It has been a real inconvenience for teachers who just want to make simple lesson plans for their classes.

“It disrupts my lessons. If I can’t have copies, I have to redo lessons. I think we should upgrade our copiers,” said Spanish teacher Rebecca Maciel.

“The machines break down several times a week and there’s nothing I can do about it. I send daily emails about which one of the machines, if any, are working,” said Tica.

When asked when and if the school can get new machines, Tica said, “It’s hard to say when we will get new machines. We are in the beginning stages of telling the district about the problem. I’m not sure when or if we will get new machines and it all depends on our school’s budget.”

It is upsetting and irritating that our school may not have enough money to get new copiers. Although students do not think of copiers as a huge part of education, copiers actually provide a staple ingredient to the classroom.