June 6, 2014

June 6, 2014

Volume 57, Issue 11

Castro Valley High School www.cvhsolympian.com

“ Armed Assassins” ” run wild in toy gun game

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By Rachel Du Staff Writer

Hundreds of students at CVHS have recently become involved in a game of “Assassins,” spreading concern throughout the community. Although the game’s rules mandate that students cannot “kill,” or get others out, during school hours, administrators fear that the police will mistake kids’ toy weapons for real ones.

The objective of the game is to eliminate your given targets until you are the last one standing, thus earning you a cash prize. Players may “kill” targets by shooting them with toy weapons.

The game is moderated by a group called the “Mafia,” who comes up with specific rules, assigns targets, and kills random players when no kills have been made. The Mafia has set up the rules so that players cannot bring guns on campus nor can they kill their targets at after-school activities, sports events, church, or in people’s houses unless they are invited in. Players pay an initiation fee of $5 and give their names and addresses.

“I think the game is very fun and is about as safe as it can get, but I do admit some people take the game too far,” said junior Ruben Cabrera, one

This game should continue to be played for years to come.

Not only is it fun but it’s also a great way for us all to truly enjoy ourselves.

“

Ruben Cabrera Junior

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of the Mafia bosses.

Parents have allegedly called the police on suspicious kids hanging around their neighborhoods, waiting for their targets to come outside. Some students are having a hard time leaving their houses to go to school due to other players lurking outside their homes.

Others have even gone as far as riding atop moving cars.

A major concern with the game is the use of airsoft rifles and other play

Matt Talajkowski/ News Editor

An “assassin” shows off the attire and toy guns he uses to “eliminate” his targets.

guns that look like real ones. Although plastic knives are used, toy guns seem to be the most popular weapon.

The rules prohibit guns on campus or even within 250 feet the school, but there’s no stopping players from roaming the streets with air soft rifles, and there’s no telling if the police will stop long enough to notice the difference.

“It’s stupid the cops are on us – it’s just a game. If they see an orange tip on a gun, they should know,” said one player.

Recently the game changed from having one seven-day round to several rounds lasting seven days. Players must kill their targets within that time period or they will be killed by the Mafia. Once a player has killed a target, he or she must contact the Mafia immediately after for a new target.

“I think this game should continue to be played for years to come. Not only is it fun but it’s also a great way for us all to truly enjoy ourselves,” Cabrera said.

According to Assistant Principal Matt Steinecke, the game is not schoolsanctioned. He strongly advises against using airsoft guns.

“If someone’s walking around with a rifle, the cops will draw their weapons,” he said.

AP Spanish exam: un problema grande Olympian staff wins

multiple awards

By Tyler Quan Staff Writer

There are many hard working students who strive hard to take AP classes and the AP test to get ahead in their academic careers.

However, there were difficulties in the AP Spanish test and some people went back for late testing.

According to Assistant Principal Matt Steinecke, there were problems with coordination, technology and supply orders arriving on time.

The AP Spanish test measures the students’ abilities to speak, read, and write in Spanish. The most problematic part of the exam is the speaking portion.

In order to do this, there must be functional computers or recorders, and, more importantly, enough computers or recorders for the number of students taking the test.

"There are two methods of recording the speech of the students," said Steinecke. "One is cassette players and the other is a computer."

There were only 19 recorders available, and Steinecke needed to order 35 additional cassettes

By Daniel Witte Staff Writer

because of the increasing number of students in AP Spanish. However, the orders did not arrive until after the test. To add to the problems, ten cassettes broke. The other problem is that if there are more computers needed for next year’s test, they will need more computer labs, making it harder to coordinate and place more proctors to administer the exam.

"Just because there is AP testing, it doesn't mean that life in the school doesn't go on," said Steinecke. "Taking computer labs from teachers will be hard and will pose a problem."

Thirty-five students took the

Pinsky hangs up his goggles Page 4: Science teacher retires, reminisces

test on Wednesday, May 21. If CVHS moves AP German and French tests to computer labs next year, it will be a challenge. The increase of students taking the tests will create more problems in proctoring the tests. Compared to last year, there has been a 150 student increase in taking the AP exams. There were 920 students taking AP tests this year.

"There are over 900 exams given this season," said test administrator Suzanne Kentris.

"That tells me students are working so hard to get ahead. AP tests aren't cheap, and because it cost so much, it puts a lot of pressure on the students."

As the school year came to an end, people in all sorts of positions at The Olympian won ten awards.

Four of those were national Quill and Scroll awards.

One of those went to staff writer and artist Grace Moon, who was honored for a graphic about the government shutdown that took place in the fall.

"It was of a computer and it had a little pop up that said ‘The government has not shut down properly, would you like to reset it in safe mode?’" said Moon. "I was really surprised but it was nice," she said.

Another winner is Alison Dhont, also a staff writer, who won an award for her opinion article.

"I was surprised. I didn't know they put my story in,” said Dhont.

"I always try to keep on top of my stories.”

Amanat Riar, sports editor, won an award for a review of Miley Cyrus’ controversial MTV

Get tough, get rough, and play Page 7: Powder Puff shows skill on field

performance.

"I was happy. I was surprised because I didn't know that they had submitted that article," said Riar. "When I first wrote it, it was supposed to be criticizing Miley Cyrus, but then towards the end I started to appreciate her."

Reema Kakaday, editor-in-chief, was also honored for an opinion article about her trip to Nicaragua.

"I feel very honored," said Kakaday. "I am excited that my hard work paid off."

The Olympian also claimed six honors in an annual competition by the Journalism Education Association of Northern California.

Moon won a first-place award for a beautiful Valentine’s Day graphic. Joyce Liang, Lily Carrell, Suzanna Chak and Callie RossSmith also won for a video news story, which featured interviews of state politicians including Attorney General Kamala Harris.

Other winners included Rachel Du for news reporting, Dhont for feature writing, and Felicianna Marquez and Luke Busby for photography.

Swalwell shares his goals for next year Page 8: Olympian interviews congressman

“Assassins” game: fun for students, but be careful

disrupting the peace in local neighborhoods.

Some call for the school to become involved in regulating the games, while others demand for the game to end all together.

However, we at The Olympian believe that the game should be allowed to continue, given that students take extra measures to stay safe.

While current rules place some restrictions, there are more that can be implemented in order to ensure that students are able to enjoy themselves without getting hurt or disrupting bystanders.

The school should be made a permanent safe zone, where students can avoid being killed.

Students should be able to arrive and depart from school without having to deal with the fear of being eliminated. They shouldn’t be scared to come to school for any reason.

Additionally, there should be a restriction placed on the weapons used to kill players. Airsoft and BB guns pose actual danger, and should not be allowed for the purposes of this game.

Nerf guns are a much safer option, and do little damage to a player’s health and property.

As the games of Assassins come to a close, The Olympian encourages students to enjoy themselves, but to stay safe.

students are scrambling to get their college essays, teacher recommendations, and supplementary materials all turned in to the Common App or the UC Application, working diligently until they confidently press the click of the button, “submit,” and try to forget the tough and stressful past couple of weeks.

Most students continue with their senior year, studying for tests, participating in school events, going on with their daily high school lives without much thought or change in their schedule, habits, or actions.

However, there are those who regress into a state of procrastination and laziness, and catch a condition infamously known as “Senioritis.” They don’t complete homework nor do they study for tests, dropping in attendance and getting tardies.

As their grades drop, colleges drop their application as well.

And, expectedly, students are devastated.

Melanie Small in the Career Center, who’s always available for help and information on colleges and scholarships and other school needs, offers a word of advice to those students who are now scrambling to get their college apps finished. She discussed that slacking off during your second semester could cost

you your future at your dream school. Apparently, 35 percent of all colleges report that they revoke admission offers, being an average of ten percent of the incoming freshman class per college. This is not due to the many waitlisted students, or the regret of a certain student that had been accepted over another, but rather because of final grades, followed by disciplinary issues and then falsifying an application.

“Public colleges are more likely to rescind acceptance applications than private schools,” Small said. “If a college is going to revoke an application, it’s usually in July or August, right when you’re preparing to go off to college.”

She also continues to remind students of how an acceptance letter received in the spring is all conditional. Admissions are contingent upon maintaining a C or better on your senior year classes.

Obviously, after college apps, seniors will want to kick back and relax, as they believe that they deserve a break from the past three long years of their high school career. But a rest that causes detriment rather than benefit isn’t worth losing a chance for the college of your dreams.

CVHS worries about safety around school and the community Editorial: The game “Assassins” has become a popular pastime on high school and college campuses in the past year. In recent weeks, CVHS has seen the start of its own games, with hundreds of juniors and seniors participating in hopes of winning a cash prize.

The game is based on the premise of “killing” an assigned victim, all while avoiding your own death. Players can use many means to kill, and have turned to various “weapons” and other extreme measures to improve their chances of victory.

While the game may be fun, and students are able to relieve their end-of-the-year stress,

Grace Moon / Staff Writer

questions of safety have risen throughout the community.

Participants of the games face constant paranoia, with the looming threat of being killed.

Killers follow their victims

PHOTOpinions

By: Lauren Jelks

home, and the game has even escalated to car chases around town. Police have been called for suspicious behavior rooting from the game, with residents reporting incidents of students

Seniors, beware admission rescinds

What do you think about the “Assassins”game at CVHS?

“I think the game Assassins is completely fine. It looks pretty fun too.”

Jake Keenan, freshman

“The school shouldn’t intervene because we’re all teens who wanna have fun.

The staff at school were once our age so they should be able to sympathize with us!”

Maya Shumpert, sophomore

“I think Assassins isn’t necessarily a bad game and isn’t dangerous, as long as people are smart about the ‘weapons they choose to use. Nerf guns are fine, but air soft guns are taking it a little bit too far.”

Nick Zafrinos, junior “I don’t think Assassins is a bad idea but some people are taking it too far. Students shouldn’t be injured or have their property damaged from a game.”

Elli Negrin, senior

By Grace Moon Staff Writer

Imagine going to the mailbox and opening the latch to find a thick, full envelope from the admissions office of your dream college. Sense the excitement and happiness you would feel, realizing that you don’t have to worry about being rejected as you hold that letter of acceptance.

Now envision, three months later, that same college sending you a letter stating that your application has been rescinded, withdrawn, and you are now no longer enrolled in the incoming freshman class. The shock and disappointment and shame you feel must be unbearable, and you then go back to worrying about which choices, if any, you have left.

Surprisingly, Castro Valley High School has had a handful of these cases among the senior class during the last half of the year. During the first semester,

Letters to the Editor

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 June 6, 2014

Understand meaning of adolescence

By Anna Talajkowski Business Manager

How many times have you been told to act more like an adult? How many times have you been treated a certain way because “you’re only a kid?”

When people talk about getting older, they always go to the difference between child and adult; we’ve completely forgotten the significance of the period in between that: the teenage chapter. Most people don’t see this time as important, and instead a nuisance.

Teenagers are considered to be society’s menace. We can’t be trusted to come home at a reasonable hour, drive at the speed limit, or add a tip.

In school, we watch videos and are given charts on how our undeveloped prefrontal cortexes and raging hormones stop us from making rational and mature decisions.

At this same exact time that we are criticized for being inconsiderate, adults seem to both dismiss us and depend on us. We are brushed off as

ignorant and egotistical, yet we are trusted and invested in as the future adult generation. We don’t have enough to gamble, but we have too much to lose.

We’re caught in some sick paradox, rejected as real grown-ups by those older than us while simultaneously being shoved through a pre-determined path to adulthood that started the minute we entered high school.

The time we spend as teens is one of the most influential periods in our life. It’s a crucial time of self-determination and discovery. It’s when we’re adolescents that we develop our own opinions, find new ideologies, and develop lifelong interests. It’s the most pivotal point of creating our character. So why do we act as if it’s an undesirable, nonessential transition in life to get from one important time to another? Why do we not value this stage for the impact it has on our minds and our individuality? This is when we should be encouraging expression, not trying to stifle it.

Perhaps one of my favorite quotes is from the author John Green, in his book Looking for Alaska. “When adults say, ‘Teenagers think they are invincible’ ...they don't know how right they are. We need never be hopeless, because we can never be irreparably broken.

We think that we are invincible because we are...They forget that when they get old. They get scared of losing and failing.

But that part of us greater than the sum of our parts cannot begin and cannot end, and so it cannot fail.”

Anna Talajkowski / Business Manager

Evolution of music defines generations

By Cameron Beresini Staff Writer

Electronic beats and lyrics describing things like gold diggers are common in new kinds of music. Often times the older generations are appalled by the musical tastes of our generation.

It’s understandable that older individuals who grew up on

One year can be a lifetime of change

By Lauren Jelks Staff Writer

Aug. 27, 2013: First day of junior year. “Will they like me will they like me will they like me?” races through my head continuously.

Walk to class after class, NBD, I’m an upperclassmen now. Sure, some of the freshmen are taller and get more likes on Instagram than me, but no matter. When they were born, I had already learned my ABCs. I’ve got this. Seven class periods later, things are going well. I know at least one person in each class. My teachers seem sassy and hip. There are cute boys in my classes. I’m content.

Let’s flash forward through the

last nine months.

You’ve got homecoming, where juniors tied for first place with seniors for float supremacy, and won first for our fantastic class dance.

Don’t forget fall sports (shout out to the Lady Trojans on the tennis team for being some of the most amazing people that have I’ve ever had the pleasure to change in a bathroom stall with), and all the people with the gumption to get out there and kick butt for CVHS bragging rights. Honorable mentions to the fun times in Link Crew, from the first orientation day to the freshman dance. Things were always fun, crazy, positive, and memorable.

Speaking of dances, major throwback to Winterball (#NICKDANG). Not only was the dance not in the school gym, but it was placed in the completely original Chabot Space and Science Center, where you could spend just as much time learning about the Apollo One mission as you could grinding on the dance floor. If possible, Junior Prom was even more fantastic. The venue on Treasure Island was unique, and, more importantly, perfect for photo ops.

The chocolate fountain was end-

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less, the DJ was on metaphorical fire, and everyone in attendance looked spectacular. While not mentioned, a plethora of other activities have helped defined this school year as the best yet, at least for me.

At the beginning of junior year, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I had a crush on a boy who was way out of my league. I was only getting 40 likes on Instagram. I felt like a major Lame-O, and I would walk through the halls, feeling like I was invisible (part of that I blame on my lack of height). Through all the memories I’ve made, the people I’ve met, the classes I’ve worked hard in, I can’t imagine ever being as young and dorky as pre-junior Lauren was. I mean, I’m uncomfortably dorky still, but it’s okay now because at least I have ten months more high school experience under my belt.

In life, a lot of things define who we are and how we look back on the past. Because of all the factors that played in this year, I’m confident I’m going to look back on it positively.

By the way, now I get 140 likes on my Instagram photos.

classic rock bands like Queen do not hear what we hear when they listen to our music. Compared to the older people who consider music from groups like Daft Punk and Gorillaz as ear-splitting noise, we actually hear relaxing beats and lyrics from them. The evolution of music from one generation to the next is very strange.

I feel that the evolution of music is what helps to discern one generation from the next.

By listening to music from a certain time period, you can get a sense of what was going on during that generation.

For instance, by listening to a piece by Bach or Brahms, who were both classical composers, you can get a sense of living in simpler times.

One thing that sets our generation apart from older generations is our very diverse musical taste. I have friends

who prefer groups like The Rolling Stones over Imagine Dragons, and others who prefer punk rock to dubstep. I feel that this diversity also helps older generations connect with us.

I grew up listening to many different musical groups, ranging from Vertical Horizon to Queen. My dad always tries his best to introduce as many different genres of music to me and my brother as possible. As a result, I am currently rediscovering classic rock, which I realize now is not too different from some of the music I listen to now.

The next time your grandfather tells you to turn down the bass on your stereo, perhaps ask him what his favorite artist or group was when he was younger. You may find that you both share very similar musical taste.

The Olympian is a publication of the journalism class at Castro Valley High School, 19400 Santa Maria Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546. © 2014

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, Luke Busby, Alison Dhont, Rachel Du, Sally Liang, Tyler Macias, Grace Moon, Anna Nguyen, Amelia Ortiz, Karla Paredes, Tyler Quan, Brittany Roberts, Callie Ross-Smith, Adrianna Vandiver, Daniel Witte Advisor........................................................................Matt Johanson

Pinsky says goodbye to CVHS students

By Grace Moon Staff Writer

Among the other retiring teachers, science teacher Dr. Pinsky has also decided to say farewell as he bids his leave at Castro Valley High. After seven long years of teaching, he has decided to take some personal time into his hands.

Pinsky obtained a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering at the University of Florida and his master’s in applied physics and a doctorate in biophysics at UC Davis. Pinsky started off as an intern at Dallas Ranch in Antioch for two years, and taught another two years at San Ramon Valley High before coming to CVHS. Throughout his career, he taught a large range of subjects ranging from regular and Honors Chemistry, Physics, Robotics, to even Auto Science. After school, he supervised and helped with the Lifebeam Technology Club that built the cool Flight Simulator.

“Not a day goes by, when a kid doesn’t say something positive about what you teach and do,” Pinsky says fondly. “In another job, you may never hear something like this, but in teaching, you do.”

When asked on what the hardest thing about teaching was, Pinsky

Grace Moon/Staff Writer

Dr. Pinsky smiles as he prepares for retirement. replied, “Being tough,” with a laugh. “But I’ll really miss the kids,” Pinsky says. “Getting to know them was the fun part.”

During his retirement, he plans to seek employment opportunities and do a lot of bike riding and volunteering. He’s also helping with the robotics program at Marshall Elementary.

To this year’s graduating senior class, Pinsky has a few words of wisdom. “There are a lot of smart people in this world, a lot of smart people who are willing to work.

Study and work hard throughout college, and don’t ever make excuses for yourself.”

Clubs gather to leave a “Legacy”

By Sally Liang Staff Writer

A recent student effort called the Legacy Project has helped many teachers get essential school supplies.

Senior Stephen Woodbury, who led the project, felt compelled to do something for the school departments.

“School supplies are always in short demand and ever since I was in middle school, I remember teachers forking out of their own pocket to buy tissues, printer ink, colored pencils and even paper sometimes,” said Woodbury. “I mean, these are all just little things that played into the creation of this drive.

This is indeed one of my longterm goals in high school, to be able to run an organized multi-club fundraiser and do something that would benefit our school more directly.”

For the two consecutive weeks of May 12-23, the multiclub drive was held across the school. The project collected items ranging from pencils, sanitizers, and thumbtacks to monetary donations. Through members’ hard work and dedication, the students involved were able to accumulate several boxes and envelopes full of donations. The supplies and donations were sent to teacher

Deborah Yager’s room, later to be distributed to classrooms with the corresponding supply requests.

"This drive is meant to make up for the lack of supplies provided through the school's budget, not as its replacement," said Woodbury.

Club donations in aid of the fundraiser effort have reached $620, according to Woodbury.

Payments made by clubs were dominating, with heads of the Legacy Project reporting a huge strike in the amount that clubs have pledged money to the cause.

Among them was Smart Energy Club, who donated $175, and Interact, who donated $150. Smaller, but still very considerable sums, were contributed by other nonprofit organizations and teachers.

Yager, who was in charge of the paperwork, assured the public that the funds would be used appropriately. “All contribution money will be distributed evenly among the teachers in a proper manner.

Hopefully this project will continue to be a legacy! It is also very student-generated, meaning that kids want to get back to teachers. I think I can speak on behalf of the teachers that it means a lot to be appreciated that way.”

Choir sings to victory in Seattle

By Amelia Ortiz

Staff Writer CVHS choir has been up to a lot of exciting things this year. The singers have gone to Seattle to compete and get tips from top notch adjudicators, competed in a few other competitions, and closed out the year with the annual Pops concert with shows on May 30 and 31.

The program consists of four choirs including first year Vocal Ensemble, the all women's Les Chanteuses,

the advanced A Capella choir, and the Madrigals chamber choir. All of the choirs are led by conductor Laryssa Sadoway.

This is her second year working at CVHS. Over spring break, the A Capella and Madrigal choirs traveled to Seattle and competed in a competition. A Capella received second place gold in the large choir division, and Madrigals got first place gold in the small choir division.

On top of that, CVHS was awarded the sweepstakes

award, which is given to the school with the highest point earnings altogether, along with the spirit award for school spirit and outstanding sportsmanship.

These choirs also sang in the Golden State Choral Competition in Angwin, California on May 20, where the top choirs from the state are invited to compete. After a day of hard work and tough competition, Madrigals earned fourth place in the chamber choir division.

Spirit Boys shine from the sideline

By Tyler Macias Staff Writer

Many people think cheerleaders are usually girls putting up an excellent performance. However, the Spirit Boys showed that they are just as fun and talented as girls at the Powderpuff game on May 19. With people excited to see what they were made of, they knew that it would be an interesting night as the girls played football and guys were cheerleaders.

As each quarter ended, the Spirit Boys put on a little show to keep the audience entertained, but when it hit halftime, they had to put in their all.

“I did it because it sounded fun and I had a lot of time on my hands. We did horrible for the quarter cheer because we learned it in five minutes but the halftime

was smacking,” spirit boy Esiason Rodriguez excitedly claimed.

With the two football teams taking a break from their hard work, it was time for the Spirit Boys to pump up the crowd and show off their entertaining dance moves.

Playing popular music and songs all teenagers were into, the crowd was pumped and dancing along, giving the boy cheerleaders the

Tyler Macias/Staff Writer

satisfaction of a good time. At the end of their performance, the crowd cheered them on for putting up such a great performance and letting everyone have a good time.

“It was a great opportunity to have fun and switch roles of being a cheerleader instead of a player,” said spirit boy Nasir-Eshay Hunt.

Odyssey of the Mind, more than just brain teasers

By Rachel Du Staff Writer

Castro Valley’s Odyssey of the Mind team recently won the state title for creating a stackable structure made of balsa wood and glue.

The team had only eight minutes to build and glue at least three separate components that were then stacked on top of one another during the weight-holding test. Altogether, the final product weighed less than 18 grams and held 600 pounds of weight.

Students from kindergarten through college participate in Odyssey of the Mind and are given five problems each year to figure

out creative solutions for. These problems can be solved through scientific methods or through artistic approaches. Other possible projects this year were performances of a traveler trying to communicate back home, a driver’s test, a haunted house, a royal court, and an art festival.

Structures earned points based on the number of additional components, the creativity of component placement, how much weight was held before they broke, and how well they were integrated into an artistic representation of earth.

Members of the team from CVHS include junior Priscilla Wong and freshmen Emily Hoang

and Zachary Deigert.

As part of the overall presentation, which included the building of the structure, the team had to come up with a skit and even had to prepare a song to go with it. According to Deigert, they “did a lot of spontaneous problems, which are problems that are on the spot and have a certain amount of time to solve.”

“It was a lot more work coming up with all this from scratch than it sounds,” Hoang said.

“The competition encourages being original and coming up with unconventional ideas,” Wong said.

“My favorite thing about the competition would be seeing other performances because they’re all so entertaining and out-of-the-box.”

The team previously competed as an elementary school team at Jensen Ranch and also as a middle school team at Canyon. They are now competing as a Sycamore 129 Odd Fellows team.

They participated at the World Finals at Iowa State University on May 28-31 and placed 13th out of 40 teams.

“My team and I are ecstatic about going to Worlds this year.

We’ve worked so hard and, after last year, when we were three points from qualifying for Worlds, we couldn’t be happier,” Wong said.

Coach Russell Choy hopes to recruit more coaches from Castro Valley to produce more teams.

“I know we have world class students attending the Castro Valley schools. They just need a real opportunity to shine,” Choy said.

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Super heroes spring into action in summer movies Spider-Man amazes audiences again

Godzilla leaves world roaring for more

By Robbie Brandt

By Tyler Quan

Staff Writer

How far would you go to save your best friend’s life? Peter Parker, played by Andrew Garfield, ponders this question throughout The Amazing SpiderMan 2.

Peter’s best friend Harry Osborn, played by Dane Dehaan, asks him for Spider-Man’s blood, which could save his life. The only problem is that our hero does not know if his blood will help. Meanwhile Spidey must fend off the evil new villain Electro. All the while he is dealing with girl problems, uncovered family secrets, and just being a teenager in general. Sounds like a lot on the web shooter’s plate, am I right? Well you won’t know the half of it until you see this film for yourself.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was the best Spider-Man film I’ve ever seen. It had enough action, drama, and one-liners to keep you entertained. Not only is there one villain in this movie, there are three. You have Electro, played by Jamie Foxx, who’s

Staff Writer

Alison Dhont / Staff Writer

made an appearance in every trailer. Then you have the Rhino, played by Paul Giamatti, who smashes his way into the beginning and end of the film. Finally you have the one and only Green Goblin, played by Dane Dehaan, Spider-Man’s worst enemy and closest friend. Like their comic counterparts, the characters are bent on killing Spider-Man and taking over the world.

All and all, I would give this film five out of five stars. The non-stop action, the romance, and Spider-Man’s great sense of humor made this highly enjoyable. If you’re a comic fan, then you will love this film, and if you are not, you will still love this film. Plus, after the ending, I sense a sequel. I said it once and I’ll say it again, do not miss this film, and enjoy another chance to visit your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man!

Neighbors welcomes you to the fraternity!

By Brittany Roberts Staff Writer

Seeing the comic movie Neighbors is something I think all of CVHS students should do.

Neighbors is about about a young couple hoping to start a suburban life with a new baby and a new home. Then, a fraternity moves in next door.

The couple, Mac and Kelly Radner, played by Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, want to have a good upbringing for their child, and it’s hard for them to adjust to parenting while living next to a fraternity.

They also want to show the fraternity boys, Teddy and

Pete, played by Zac Efron and Dave Franco, that even though they are married, they could still have fun, and be cool parents while still remaining responsible. The two go back and forth playing tricks on each other and eventually chaos begins to happen.

The movie is entertaining, but it could have used more laughs. At times it seems like the film directors were trying so hard to make it funny it ended up not being that way. However, the movie is definitely something I think CVHS students will find amusing. Some of the well known actors that the students might know are in the film, and I think that is one of the best things about it. Students should go by and check it out!

X-Men blast from future into past

Mutant heroes fight evil Sentinels in new movie

By Robbie Brandt Staff Writer

Have you ever wondered how one little event could affect your entire future? The X-Men risk it all in order to save the lives of the mutant species.

In X-Men: Days of Future Past, the original members of the X-Men team must work with their past selves in order to stop the Sentinels who are trained to kill them. However, in order to destroy the Sentinels, Professor X, played

by Patrick Stewart, and Magneto, played by Ian McKellen, must work together to send Wolverine, played by Hugh Jackman, back in time to stop the evil yet stunning Mystique, played by Jennifer Lawrence, from doing one evil act (which I will not reveal) to save the future.

Back in the 1970s, Wolverine finds the young and powerless Professor X, played

by James McAvoy, living with Hank Mcoy also known as the Beast, played by Nicholas Holt. as it would mean

that he would have to work with his former best friend turned foe Magneto, Wolverine practically begs the Professor to help him find Mystique, but the Professor refuses played by Michael Fassbender. However, X changes his mind only to save his sister Raven also known as Mystique. Along the way the group meets Quicksilver, played by Evan Peters (the character is also set to star in The Avengers sequel), who agrees to help them on their mission. Back in the future Storm, played

by Halle Berry, co-leads the X-Men in defending them-

“If you loved

X-Men: First Class, you will love this film ”

selves from the Sentinels.

All in all I would give this film four out of five stars.

Don’t get me wrong, the film itself was a masterpiece; however, some questions were left unanswered, such as how is Professor X alive after he died in X3? Some smaller questions will arise as well but cannot be said as they would spoil the film. All of the action, adventure, and time travel make up for the lack of answers and if you loved X-Men: First Class, you will definitely love its sequel.

Plus, spoiler alert: there’s going to be a sequel to this film.

Roooooaaaarr!!! The king of monsters is back in theaters, opening with an astounding total of $196.2 million globally. The new and reformed Godzilla, directed

by Gareth Edwards and partnered with Legendary and Warner Bros Pictures, portrayed Godzilla in the right way, and is on the right track with the large monster and nuclear breath. Although the image of Godzilla, from the last film 16 years ago, is still clear in our minds, we must admit the new American take on of Godzilla is a huge improvement.

Godzilla is awakened around the 1950s during a Russian military accident. During that period, the Russians and the United States disguised their intent to kill Godzilla with atomic testing. Godzilla was fueled by the nuclear energy and survived their attacks.

The film starts with Bryan Cranston starring as Joe Brody working at a nuclear power plant in Japan.

He sends his wife, Juliette Binoche as Sandra Brody, with a team to perform an inspection. Suddenly there is a breach caused by a strange explosion and radiation leak that seemingly kills Sandra and her team. The film jumps 15 years later to Aaron Taylor Johnson as Ford Brody, an explosive disposal officer who lives with his wife Elle Brody, played

by Elizabeth Olson, with their son Sam. Joe and Ford travel to Janjira, Japan to find a laboratory in the power plant, where a pupa will soon hatch into the terrifying M.U.T.O. (Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organism). When hatched, Godzilla is reported to be "hunting" down the M.U.T.O which was trying to create a nest with a female M.U.T.O. in San Francisco. With the imminent threat to the world, Godzilla is our only chance.

I was excited to see the new remake of Godzilla, but I was disappointed by the looks of Godzilla, although he had the roar and nuclear breath. He was not as buff as the original Japanese Godzilla. I was also disappointed that Godzilla rarely used his nuclear breath during the battle, unlike the original films. He was portrayed as a hero instead of a villain to the human race, which was also different.

Despite the disappointments, Godzilla was a success.

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CVHS just keeps swimming to first place in championships

By Callie Ross-Smith Staff Writer

The CVHS swim teams had a massive victory at the West Alameda County Conference Championships on May 10.

Many Trojans qualified to compete at the NCS championships on May 16-17 in Concord.

The boys and girls varsity and junior varsity teams placed first in the total points. Junior varsity and varsity girls had a point total of 557 and 504, while the junior varsity and varsity boys teams had 449 and 526. This is the second year in a row that the teams have absolutely dominated in the WACC championships.

"The team performed very well," said coach Brian Berry.

"Our swimmers train harder than any other team; the key to their success is the dedication

that is put in every day."

Victor Deng, Donovan Watts, Miles Teague, and Carson Sand took first in the 200 and 400-yard relay. They beat their original record of 1:29.14 from last year

“The key to their

success is the dedication that is put in every day.

Brian Berry Swim coach

”

with the time 1:25.30.

"Our team definitely did not disappoint this year, and I'm sincerely proud of everyone on the team," said swimmer Brian Corbett.

It was still a tough competition, with schools competing neck to neck. The 200-yard medley relay was tied for second place between CVHS and Alameda High School. Both CVHS and Alameda High School had a time of 1:44.54. This time, however, the team was a few seconds short of beating the record from last year.

Watts, Deng and Teague once again crushed the opposing schools in the 100-yard freestyle.

They took the first, second, and third place spots.

The girls varsity team also did a spectacular job in the 200-yard relay freestyle. Lucianna Balica, Kate Miller, and Jaya Garcia barely missed beating the previous record by one tenth of a second.

The varsity girls also did well in other relays and individual events. In the 100-yard freestyle,

Trojans’ one-point disappointment

By Adrianna Vandiver Staff Writer

Cameron Edwards raced off as first leg in his 4x100 team, handing the baton to Nate Moore who sprinted to get a lead as he gave the baton to Val Birznieks, who tried to hold the lead but couldn’t quite keep it. It was then handed off to Aaron Jones who pushed himself to his limits to pass a runner and almost caught up to the San Leandro runner, ending up in second place.

This was the start of the day for the boys varsity track and field team during the WACC championships at Burrell Field on May 17. The CVHS track team came in second overall, only one point behind the O'Dowd Dragons.

Carter Mackey ran the open 1600 meter race with a time of 4:29.8, leading the entire race until the last lap when an O'Dowd rival pulled ahead leaving Mackey in second place.

Carson Sand, Donovan Watts, Miles Teague, and Victor Deng (from left to right) gather after their NCS relay.

Lauren Wirdzek took home first place. The junior varsity girls did very well in the various single swimmer races by placing first in

nearly all of their events.

In total the teams competed in 21 relays and events in the NCS championship.

By Adrianna Vandiver

hurdle events. Kennedy Jones and Hill later raced in the girls 100 meter hurdles, fighting all the way to the end with Jones winning second and Hill earning fourth. Jones, Barrow, and Hill also participated in the 300 meter hurdles winning first, second, and fourth, respectively.

Fields won second in the high jump as well as competing in long jump with Hill, Jones, and Landrum. Jones and Landrum achieved first and second in that event together for the field events.

Jessica Ko placed third in the 400 meter dash with an official time of 1:02.19. In the last event of the day, the Trojans raced hard in the 4x400 relay and placed third against the other schools.

Girls run and jump to second place Staff Writer

Adrianna Vandiver/ Staff Writer

Dane Clemensen high jumping to success at WACC track and field championships.

Castro Valley overwhelmed the opposing schools in the long jump with Dane Clemensen, Sean Luster, Birznieks, Edwards, and Moore, with Moore taking first place and Edwards taking second place.

In the 100 meters, Jones got second place, while Moore ended

up fourth place, and left Edwards in fifth place. Clemensen jumped 5 feet, 10 inches in the high jump earning himself third place for that event. He then won third in his 4x400 team with Ben Nakaya, Antoine Coates, and Jones in the last event of the meet.

Many athletes from the girls track and field team competed and triumphed during the WACC championships on May 17. The Trojans finished second in the WACC to Bishop O’Dowd.

The finals started off with a flash. In the first event of the day, Trojan Stephanie Hill raced off as the first leg. She gained second place as she handed the baton off to Tania Landrum who raced off to first with incredible speed. Taylor Fields grabbed the baton and fell to third before giving the baton to Stephanie Coates, who fought and kept third until the finish.

Many girls also placed in

B o u n d i n g B r i l l i a n t Ba l l e r s

Alison Dhont / Staff Writer

Jenna Lowe, freshman

Tennis-playing freshman Jenna Lowe had a blast playing her first year on the CVHS tennis team.

Making junior varsity, Lowe met all her goals for the year, and even met a few friend along the way.

“It was really fun meeting new people!” said Lowe. Lowe loves tennis because even though it is an individual sport, but you are always part of a team.

Spencer Shaw, sophomore

Sophomore Spencer Shaw is a track and cross country star. Shaw used to be a tennis player, but he decided to change sports because he wanted a change. Now running for three years, Shaw is glad he decided to make the switch. He very much enjoyed the year and running with his girlfriend who is also on the team. “She runs faster than me even!” Shaw jokes.

Michaela Wood, junior

Junior Michaela Wood recently came back from nationals in Disneyland with her cheer squad. This was her second time going and she cannot wait for next year. Wood loves going to competitions and stunting “My favorite thing would have to be stunting,” stated Wood.

“It is so unique to cheer, and it is the best feeling in the world to hit a stunt!”

James Snyder, senior

Playing in his first and last season of baseball, senior James Snyder loved playing baseball for the CVHS varsity team. From the new coaches to his teammates, he had a great year. Completely dedicated, Snyder knows every position and every throw. “I play for my mom,” says Snyder. “She recently passed away so I have a lot of passion for the sport.”

Girls look tough at Powder Puff football game Freshmen, juniors team up for victory in annual contest

By Tyler Macias Staff Writer

The Trojans held their own girls football game, having the freshmen and juniors go against sophomores and seniors, on Friday, May 16. With tension already starting before the game, each team needed to prove to themselves that they were the real champions. As the game slowly came to a start with bleachers filling up, both the Black Team (sophomore and seniors) and the White Team (freshmen and juniors) were ready for kickoff.

As the Black Team kicked off, the girls needed to put a stop to their rival’s offense. With striking defensive plays, the defense was able to stop the White Team and get the ball.

With momentum on their side, the Black Team was able to get a touchdown, but unfortunately couldn’t get the twopoint conversion. The White Team was able to put down points on the board before ending the half 12-6, the Black Team in the lead.

The Spirit Boys put up a fantastic and goofy performance, reminded everyone to have some fun.

As the second half was ready to start, both teams had to put in their all to show the very alert and nervous crowd that they would pull through and get the victory. With plays stopped by both defensive teams, getting points on the board was very difficult and intense.

With a beautiful run by Jasmine Edwards, all you could hear from the announcer was “From the 30, the 20, the ten, TOUCHDOWN!!” Now the lead was taken with a successful two point conversion, giving the White Team the lead, 14-12.

“ I did amaz-

ing! I felt good today because I tackled a senior ” girl.

Anjali Prasad

Freshman

“I did all right playing running back and safety, but we needed more time for practice.

I also play soccer and track so that helped today,” claimed junior Jasmine Edwards.

The Black Team was now in a troubling situation and knew it had little time to fix it, so it was all up to the teamwork they put together. With the clock running down to the final seconds and the Black Team closing down to their destination, the girls put in their all with their final and last play.

Still, the clock round down to zero, and the White Team ran out on field in victory!

“I did amazing! I felt good today because I tackled a senior girl,” freshman Anjali Prasad happily claimed.

Boys tennis smashes through the season

By Robbie Brandt Staff Writer

This tennis season the CVHS varsity boys team did really well. With positive attitude and great sportsmanship, the Trojans placed third in the WACC. Along with the third place finish, three of the team’s players were awarded the all league honors. One was cocaptain Spencer Dong, who earned a record of 10-4 as a single player.

Dong and his partner San-

Tyler Macias / Staff Writer

jeev Sinha received third place at the WACC tournament.

“My season was overall really fun; I placed first in singles, which is when you play the best player on the team.

This year’s team showed me what true sportsmanship is,” said Dong.

“This season was decent and went way better than I thought it would,” said Sinha.

Co-captain Jesse Pawid and partner Jason Cheung received all league honors for doubles.

Tyler Macias / Staff Writer

Jasmine Edwards (top) and Jessica Ko (bottom) race past their opponents on the field.

Please recycle this newspaper!

Have a great summer!

The Olympian June 6, 2014

Two Democratic candidates face off in run for Congress

8

Corbett aims to join national politics

By Callie Ross-Smith Staff Writer

State Senator Ellen Corbett, who’s leaving the California Legislature after this year, has challenged Eric Swalwell for the East Bay’s seat in the House of Representatives. She met The Olympian on May 22.

Reema Kakaday / Editor-in-Chief

Lily Carrell / Editor-in-Chief

Congressman Eric Swalwell (left) and State Senator Ellen Corbett (right) discuss their political stances with The Olympian.

Swalwell races for re-election

Incumbent works for immigration and schools

By Joyce Liang and Sally Liang

Congressman Eric Swalwell, the current U. S. Representative for Northern California's 15th District, is running as incumbent for a second term.

The Olympian sat down with Swalwell to talk about his experience in Congress.

Olympian: How was your first term in office and what were some of your biggest accomplishments?

Swalwell: It was exciting. It was also an opportunity for me to go back to Washington after having been away for 13 years; I was grabbed and moved by public service when I was an intern there. It has also inspired me to attend law school and work as a prosecutor for seven years in the Bay Area. I took what I learned as a prosecutor, the desire to assist people with victims of crime, and now we are able to help constituents who have their own issues with the federal government. For example, we have been able to help hundreds of people from different backgrounds who have immigration issues. So many people come to our country, wanting to realize the opportunity to make their own steps toward the American dream, but there are so many barriers and government secrecy that is in the way. Fortunately, our office was able to help a number of people in achieving citizenship.

The work we have done for the

aspiring Americans has been very rewarding.

Olympian: How well do you think the Democrats and Republicans are cooperating in Congress?

Swalwell: I would say within the institution, we get along very well. But the problem that I see is we have so many outside groups that spend so much money in our elections that it is pulling the parties farther and farther to the extremes. So, there was a Supreme Court case two years ago called Citizens United which stated that any corporations could spend an unlimited amount of money on elections. What we saw on 2012 was $6 billion spent on the election. When these outside groups spent all this money, members of Congress were susceptibly pulled farther because they are being challenged within their own party, not even by members of the opponent party. In this case, the greater threat emerges when someone from your party will come in and say, “You are not liberal enough.”

And what that forces the members to do is to move farther and farther to the right, and that great big center where I think most of us live in, there aren’t any members who represent that center. I think that is a little disappointing but getting rid of outside corporations’ money could reverse the situation.

Olympian: If you were reelected again, what would you like to accomplish?

Swalwell: My top goal in this area is to continue witnessing economic development that could create well-paid jobs for people right out of college or mid-career folks who lose their jobs. Our area is really an area that I think represents the future economy. We have such great, educated minds in our area, people who I think will benefit the future. For example, right now as we try to address climate change, so many individuals are working on technology that allows better use of the sun, the solar, and biofuel to produce

energy rather than the harmful carbon emissions that we get from fossil fuels. In addition, an increasing number of people are working in computer science and engineering to improve our lives more efficiently. So many people are working in the health care industry to utilize biotechnology to make our lives healthier and to allow us live longer lives. So much is happening now that Congress members that support the innovation make sure students are prepared to go into these fields and opportunities are here for those businesses to grow in order to create jobs. I think those are jobs that will empower the 21st century to flourish.

Olympian: I know many students today are not receiving as many opportunities because of budget cuts. For many graduating college students, it is very difficult to find jobs in the market. What kind of improvements should we expect in the next few years?

Swalwell: What I think we have to strive to do is make sure that all children starting at kindergarten are up to speed with the science technology, engineering, and critical math skills.

I think when you are looking at where the U.S. economy is heading, without questioning, you have to be trained in the science field. You don't necessarily have to become an engineer or a technologist, but having a basic level of training in that specific area will allow you to work in this innovation knowledge economy, even if it is a support capacity of some sort. There’s only one school district in my professional district that has a full K-12 STEM program. So this is why I hope that we can support from a federal level whatever these school districts need so that every school has a program that is preparing our students.

Olympian: Why are you running for Congress?

Corbett: I have been asked by the community because they believe that my experience makes a difference. I have seen this community at very different levels. I have been a local elected official, a council member, a mayor, a state assembly member, and a senator. I have 20 years of political experience on my side, and I know what needs to be done.

I think people want to vote for me because they see that experience as being extremely important. Experience means that I have the knowledge of the district, and a record to run on, a record that shows that I have always paid attention to my community, and that I have always represented the issues that the voters are interested in, and concerned about. You see, experience means many different things; over time I have developed skills to be a very effective legislature. I have shown that I will stand and fight for my district every time. If there is something my district needs, I will fight for it. I just won’t sit back and say, “I’m new here, it’s not my fault, they won’t let me talk, and I don’t know what I’m doing.” I won’t have to do that; I won’t have to learn on the job. I have come to my district and shown that I will work very hard for the people. That’s just some of the reasons, but there are many more.

Olympian: Why should voters vote for you instead of your opponent Eric Swalwell?

Corbett: Well, first of all, one of the most important things that should be said is this is an election, and what an election means is people have a choice.

There’s always a choice. I think it’s important in these elections that we have a choice, so I’m offering a choice. I think people should support me over Eric Swalwell because I know the district very well; I have developed relationships with people. I have forged partnerships; I have proven time after time that I really do care about the district. Let me give you a few examples. One is when there was a threat to close one our local hospitals.

I stepped in, as the elected

officials, helped organize the community, and fought hard to push back the interest that threatened to close the hospital; San Leandro Hospital is still opened today because of the efforts that were made. St. Rose Hospital in Hayward has had some financial struggles, so when they approached me, I worked as hard as I could within the state to try to help with the resources that they needed to stay open, and I continue to do that. The reason that I tell these stories is because that I think people will like to vote for me because I have shown that whatever the issue is, I will throw my heart and soul on their behalf, to fix the situation, or help the situation. I have been successful with these problems. I have the qualities needed to be successful. Those are the many reasons; I mean I have loyally and tersely supported the community, and I really care because I will always put the community first over any special interest. Also, I want to give you an example of that too. First though, I must say that I am not here to say negative things, because that’s not my style. However, I am very concerned about a vote that was taken this last year that impacts people’s privacy.

Last year there was a bill in the House of Representatives.

It was called the Cyber Intelligence Security Protection Act bill. This bill would have allowed Internet companies to turn over people’s private Internet usage to any government agency without a warrant. Let’s be frank here, that’s wrong, especially everything that we know that’s going on with the NSA. Republicans for the most part voted for the bill, a few Democrats did; Eric Swalwell voted for the bill. Every time that I say it, it makes me shake my head because I still don’t understand why he would do that, why he would sell out his community, and this goes back to the experience that I have.

I know my community does not want me voting for a bill that’s going to turn over their private internet information; I know that for a fact, I’ve heard that from many of them. I have worked on privacy bills because the community has asked for them. I am here to step up for them and be their advocate.

That’s another reason: being in touch with the district is very important to me, and understanding people’s concerns is very important to me. I’m not going to need to learn that on the job, I already have that validity because of my years of public service. I will fight for people’s privacy.