March 25, 2011

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Aeries comes to CVHS

Olympian condemns new system

VOLUME 54, ISSUE 8

Freshman arrested on gun charge

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Swimmers splash to victory

Cut through water like sharks

FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2011

Battle against De La Salle High

CASTRO VALLEY, CA 94546

Can I exit this exam?

WWW.CVHSOLYMPIAN.COM

Parents can see grades, attendance

By Trevor Kwong Staff Writer

By Anna Balassone Staff Writer

A freshman boy was arrested on suspicion of possession of an unloaded gun during sixth period on Thursday, March 10.

The boy was seen grabbing his waist suspiciously while playing basketball in teacher Marie Gray’s P.E. class, the administration reported. A fellow student reported the unusual behavior to Gray, who then alerted a campus patroller.

The administration responded to the radio call at 2:15 p.m. An administrator confiscated the pistol and a sheriff’s deputy arrested the boy within ten minutes. When staff members first responded, they did not know for certain the suspect was in possession of the gun, so they did not feel there was a need for a lock down, said Assistant Principal Matt Steinecke.

The student was immediately suspended and, because the incident involved the possession of a firearm, which is a felony, the administration was required to recommend his expulsion to the Castro Valley school board, said Steinecke. At a later date, the school board will hold a hearing for the student and determine an appropriate punishment.

CVHS families received an auto-dialer phone message from Principal Mary Ann Valles that night regarding the incident.

Up until then, many students were unaware of the occurrence because the school was not put under lock down.

“At no time were staff or students in danger,” Valles told the school through the loudspeaker.

“The student said he intended no harm to anyone at CVHS.” While debriefing the situation with the sheriff’s office on Friday morning, the administration identified several points of potential improvement in the event of a similar situation in the future.

“The way we handled it resulted well,” said Valles, who commended the student who reported the incident to Gray.

Valles hopes that every student will report future incidents to adults on campus.

“It’s a really safe campus overall, but it takes something like this to remind students how to report and why,” she said.

Trojans place first at NCS

Dan Galvan / Photo Editor

Sophomores focus on the California High School Exit Exam.

Pg. 7

Students and parents will now be able to check grades and attendance online. On March 9, CVHS implemented the online student information system, “Aeries,” which—in addition to grades and attendance—provides transcripts, emergency contacts, and student phone numbers. CVHS decided to use this new system in response to suggestions from WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) which evaluates and certifies the school.

“WASC recommended that something we needed to improve on was communication with parents and students,” asid Assistant Principal Jesse Woodward. “Aeries will provide that.”

Senior student Ryan Marquez supported this change.

“It’s about time,” Marquez said. “Teachers never show me my grades. Now I’ll be able to do it freely.”

Senior Harrison Lambert pointed out that although the system could have been implemented at a better time, it would be an “overall beneficial upgrade” for the school.

However, not all students

agree on the school’s decision to have a new system. Tracy Trope, another senior at CVHS, stated that while the improved technology benefits schools by letting students access their grades, Aeries will cause “unnecessary stress on students,” since parents will have access as well.

Trope also pointed out that it adds pressure on teachers, since students and their families will expect them to turn in grades more frequently than usual.

“This almost assures that teachers will be slow to post and teacher-parent relations will be much tenser than they were with the old system,” claims Trope.

This will have both positive and negative effects on teachers, says English teacher Daren Wilkerson. Wilkerson hopes that the system will be more informative and “take away from the weight of the progress report,” but fears that frequent conversations about grades with both parents and students will get in the way of teaching.

Wilkerson believes that once students and parents should treat the Aeries grades like progress reports: information that shows where students are, not where

AERIES: Page 8

President Obama greets Close Up students

By Kearny Combs Sports Editor

Students who joined the Close Up academy this school year journeyed to the nation’s capital, Washington DC, where they received hands-on experience with government and politics, and were in the presence of President Barack Obama.

At the conferences, the attendees were able to express their views on hot topics with other students nation-wide. They also had the chance to visit the Pentagon. Teacher Carmelina Frasca led the group from CVHS. “The trip was amazing. We had a great time exploring DC and learning about our government, close up and in action.

We also got to bond with other schools from other parts of the country,” junior Christina Montes said. Students waved at the president as he drove by. To their amazement, he smiled and waved back at them.

“Ms. Frasca was almost in tears as the president waved at them from his car. I liked having her around because she was so positive and enthusiastic about

events” said Montes.

“Seeing Obama was incredible, but the Secret Service made things scary,” said senior Tracy Aguilar. “I also liked the question and answer session with (Representative) Barbara Lee.”

Besides walking around DC, students who attended enjoyed meeting people from different states and getting hands on experience. All who attended were glad they were able to participate in such a informative event.

“I saw the trip as a great opportunity to travel to Washington DC. Everything that happened was cool, I was unsure about it at first but the trip was worth it,” said Darrell Choi.

CVHS Close Up students meet California Senator Barbara Boxer during their journey to Washington D.C.

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Aeries system adds to student stress

Editorial: As the 21st century ages, technology will inevitably only integrate itself further into our lives, but The Olympian staff opposes the most recent technological addition to this school, the Aeries system.

This new grading and attendance-keeping arrangement will allow teachers to update their students’ grades directly online, available 24/7 for students and parents alike to see. It may be a more efficient way of communication between students, teachers, and parents, but after our careful consideration, the psychological effects seem to outweigh the positives.

Besides the obvious reason of preventing students from lying about their grades (which no one does, anyway, right?), consider the pressure. With the constant accessibility of grades, parents will be able to check on their student’s progress at any time.

For some students, this means more opportunities for scolding or punishment at home, and increasing pressure to perform

as close to perfectly all the time.

Teachers will face pressure as well, to keep up with grading and inputting scores. Eventually, when parents grow accustomed to being kept up to date, that promptness will become the expectation for all teachers. A

PHOTOpinions BY: Jennifer Price

few teachers are notorious for passing back papers and tests late, which, given the heavy demands of the underpaid and overworked, is understandable.

More than once parents have been known to ask, “What did you get on your test today?” We

Kevin Alfaro, freshman

“I think that if anything, it’s a good thing because parents can see how their child is doing and where they are struggling so they can help them.”

Allison Mitobe, sophomore

“I think it’s good because some people hide their grades from their parents and I think it’s better for them to know. I like it.”

Melissa Fain, junior

“I think it’s good for certain aspects such as being able to check your grades from home, but I also think it puts too much pressure on students and teachers.”

Mario Rosales, senior

right a wrong, and, as we should have, we took it eagerly.

The rebels were struggling badly and needed a no-fly zone over all of Libya, but we provided them with much more. Instead of wondering and debating about what action to take, the U.S. government helped attack proGaddafi forces, and I applaud them for it. After all, it’s time to prove that our claim of being the defenders of democracy is not just a façade. We have done much more to perpetuate repressive regimes than we have to promote democracy. For example, we give financial aid Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, and,

until about a month ago, Egypt.

All of these countries are ruled by autocracies, but we support them because they help further our own interests.

I approve of the attack on Libya because it’s high time that we make our political and ideological goals consistent with each other. It’s time that we stop preaching the benefits of democracy while keeping Middle Eastern dictators in power. If we do, then we might even improve relations with other Middle Eastern nations and their people.

It’s time that we stop preaching empty words and show that we mean them.

Dana Lin / Copy Editor

“Stop preaching empty words”

What do you think about Aeries, the new online grading program?

“I don’t like it beause I don’t want my parents to see when I am doing bad in school.”

at The Olympian believe that that question will become more common with the installation of the Aeries system.

When they’re not asking about the results of a test that was taken only hours before, some parents may instead take the

time to scrutinize the smaller assignments, such as five-point warm-up questions.

We’ve all gone through rough days, made careless mistakes, or simply lost slips of paper that were meant to be turned in.

The little points usually don’t, in the long run, greatly affect a student’s grade, but parents may think otherwise.

This is just another hypothetical stress addition.

Also questionable result of Aeries is the possible development of dependency. If parents are given the means to oversee and direct their teenagers study behaviors, the students may actually come to rely on this guidance and prodding to do their work on time. When these students graduate and leave the nest for college, they might be at a disadvantage in regards to their ability to regulate their own study hours.

The benefits of Aeries are acknowledged by The Olympian staff, but overall are not enough to convince us that the system is an improvement for CVHS.

By Holden Parks Staff Writer

For the past few months, insurrections have been popping up across the Middle East. What began as a protest against government corruption and poor living conditions in Tunisia has spread to Egypt, Bahrain, Yemen, Algeria, and, to a lesser degree, Iran.

A few months ago, the protest spread to Libya, where Muammar Gaddafi has ruled as a dictator for over 41 years. Unlike Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak, Gaddafi apparently used force against the rebels, and repeatedly promised to stay in power despite the insurrection. As civil war threatened the country, the U.S. had a plethora of choices, ranging from no involvement in the conflict to a military invasion. As a nation that champions democracy, we had an innate desire to help the rebels overthrow Gaddafi. That is why I believe that we were correct in assisting the attack on pro-Gaddafi forces.

For too long, we have allowed Middle Easterners to suffer under dictators, many of whom we support financially and militarily. In our preoccupation with our own economic stability and fight against terrorism, we ignore the fact that the dictators we support repress their countrymen. With Libya, we had an opportunity to

The Olympian is a publication of the journalism class at Castro Valley High School, 19400 Santa Maria Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546. © 2010 Editor-In-Chief...............................................................Alicia Harger City Editors.......................................................................Simrit Kaur Sarah Gilchriese News Editor...........................................................Lawrence Ham Opinion Editor.............................................................Kate Kim Feature Editor............................................................Nic Barradas Sports Editor.............................................................Kearny Combs Arts and Entertainment Editor........................................Anna Balassone Copy Editor.........................................................Dana Lin Photo Editor..............................................................Bianca Arias Business Managers......................................................Hillman Zheng Staff Writers: Matt Barney, Natalie Chin, SangEun Choi, Daniel Chung, Abbie Clark, Rebecca Fong, Dan Galvan, Samantha Gamble, Reyna Garcia, Yesenia Gutierrez, Jason Hazari, Yoon Jung, Max Kahane, Trevor Kwong, Noelia Ley, Emily Lin-Jones, John London, Tim Pak, Holden Parks, Jennifer Price, Andie Smith Advisor........................................................................Matt Johanson

Olympian

Church protests in military funerals disgraceful

By Andie Smith

The March 25, 2011

3

Positive thinking makes us part of the solution

Staff Writer

Westboro Baptist Church, I am ashamed of you. Here you are, protesting at military funerals and calling yourselves good Christians. Have you not read the Bible? You’re supposed to “love thy neighbor,” not defile the ceremony to grieve their deaths.

The Westboro Baptist Church has been protesting against homosexuals since 1991. They actively continue to protest with malicious signs at military funerals under the guidance of Fred Phelps, whose family forms the largest portion of the group.

You are an embarrassment to me, and to all Christians who know that what you’re doing is wrong. You asked for the publicity, and you got it.

Many people like me would say that when you all die, we’d be glad to protest at your funerals, even though it would be stooping to your low level. I would be willing to bet that God disapproves of your behavior, as well as the majority of people who know about you.

While I agree that you have the

By Noelia Ley Staff Writer

AA ndie mith /S ndieSS mith /Staff taffW Writer riter

right to protest for a cause you believe in, and that you should always be allowed your freedom of speech, have you no class? No decency? You are terrible people and a disgrace to all mankind.

These soldiers whose funerals you have been protesting at— tormenting their families with your hurtful slogans that God hates them and you’re glad that they’re dead—these people gave up their lives for our country. The country you live in. The country you call your home.

Freedom of speech is very

important to all Americans, but the least you could do is protest away from the ceremonies that honor the bravery of the soldiers who died for the country. These funerals aren’t only for your intended targets either! Yet, you have no sense of dignity or courtesy for yourself or these people and their families.

What’s more, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of your obnoxious rallies! Upon hearing that, I was stunned. The case went through, eight to one.

To the sole dissenter of this

case, Samuel Alito, I applaud you. You realize that the soldiers have been fighting for the country you love, voluntarily giving up their lives for the purpose of making sure our country is better off. I congratulate you on your clear thinking; you see that these people should be treated as heroes, not as victims of vicious protests.

To the soldiers who courageously died for the United States, I hope you all rest in peace. Thank you for being there for us.

Squishing a bug is like squishing a human

By SangEun Choi Staff Writer

Are humans superior to animals? We raise chickens, milk cows, and feed our pets with store bought food. We have the advanced technology and greatly developed intelligence

to properly lead a strong social structure. But, what good have we done to the earth that didn’t benefit ourselves? Are humans not animals, too?

It shames me when people belittle the lives of animals because they’re “less significant” than humans. What good do you feel from killing a bug?

I have personally experienced a time when a classmate had encouraged burning an insect with a piece of glass. He had justified this awful act by stating that “it’s fine. Bugs are small and irrelevant to our daily lives. One less isn’t going to affect us.”

Who is “us?” Ignorant people who consider themselves greater

LETTERS

To the Editor “Nonviolent resistance” in Egypt In an article on Egypt in the last publication, I feel the protests and the Muslim Brotherhood were both portrayed unfairly and would like to clear up some misconceptions. First, the protests described as violent in the article were mostly nonviolent protests.

Protest organizers, like Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s, promoted nonviolent resistance; the majority of attacks in Egypt were against protesters by Mubarak supporters. It’s truly incredible how little fighting came about

when you consider how violent revolutions tend to be. The French Revolution and English Civil War (1640s) demonstrated that getting rid of a bad leader never guarantees that a better government will come, but as of Feb. 12, the military has promised to help establish a civilian government.

If successful, this revolution will change the Middle East by setting an example of successful reform through nonviolent resistance by the people. In contrast, the American military has been fighting in Iraq since 2003 and

than all other unimportant, good-for-nothing creatures? All organisms take part in maintaining the cycle of life. Without a group of certain creatures, a domino effect of lost resources could initiate, causing a collapse in the circle of life.

He also pointed out that “there are a million of these little bugs.

I’m only killing one.” Hello, genius, there are over 6 billion people in this world! Why not so easily squash a neighbor with your shoe? Why not burn him with a magnifying glass? Your neighbor is only one out of more than 6 billion people.

There are many animals that have abilities that humans lack

and are better than us in their own environments. For example, whilst a human can only stay underwater for a period of time with man-made utilities, a fish survives underwater and carries its existence and a life. On the other hand, a fish would have a difficult time walking on the sidewalks and doing calculus.

All species have some sort of importance in our daily lives. No class is better or more advanced in all aspects. It is wrong to degrade the value of any life form because of their differences to our developments as humans.

Anybody who does so should try living in the shoes (or hooves) of a said creature.

still has no permanent government set up.

Second, the article includes a quote predicting the Muslim Brotherhood will “destroy the country” and I’m afraid the Brotherhood is mistakenly associated with Al Qaeda. To be clear: Al Qaeda hates the Muslim Brotherhood because the Brotherhood renounces violence and supports participating in elections. The Brotherhood is the worlds’ largest and oldest Islamic movement, a grass-roots organization founded by a school teacher. Although it’s unfortunate that the Brotherhood is against Zionism, the sad truth is

that the majority of the Middle East hates Israel.

We don’t, however, need to worry about war because the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel has been promised to be upheld and we have supplied Israel with enough nukes to assure the destruction of any country attacking it.

I don’t know why the United States gave a tyrant $1.5 billion a year in aid to begin with, but this movement should remind us all that people can work together to take control of their own fate against oppressive power much like we did July 4, 1776.

Ben Eversole, senior

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 world is full of corruption and you cannot do anything about it,” a friend of mine said to me when I asked him what we could do to stop child trafficking in the world.

That idea of his really got me thinking, and I believed it. I thought I was never going to be able to help these kids. However, there were people who helped me change that belief.

My parents were the first people who helped me understand that everyone can do something better for the world. It might sound a little bit childish, but they were the ones that taught me how to think positively and to know that corruption, wars, etc. are going to end.

Anne Parris, my English teacher, was one of them too. She is always talking about how we can help people by just writing a letter, giving up some clothes that we might not use anymore, or just by performing a simple act of kindness to the people who surround us.

The simple things in life are the ones that count the most.

At this point, you might feel incapable of helping kids who have been mistreated, but by just thinking positively you are already helping them and other people in need.

If we are willing to change our mentality for the better, we stop being part of the problem. So, let’s not be part of the problem, but be part of the solution.

“Appalled” by pregnancy story I am appalled at what I recently read in The Olympian.

I was shocked to see an article glorifying teen pregnancy. I understand that as a journalist, and as an American for that matter, that you have the right to free speech, but I was disgusted to see that you chose to use that right to make teen pregnancy seem “cool.” It’s bad enough that they see this on MTV, but now their peers are glorifying it as well.

I believe that a better way to have used your free speech would have been to educate these young kids about condoms, birth control, and other forms of contraception.

Shame on you for glorifying this!

Maggie Burns, alumnus

Braaiiinnsss! Zombies invade the CFA

By Lawrence Ham News Editor

Flesh-eating zombies, hungry for human brains, haunted the Center for the Arts during the American Sign Language classes’ production of “Zombie High, A Night to Remember,” as shrieks and screams flooded the auditorium. American Sign Language students of all levels put their time and effort into the creation since December of last year. ASL teacher Ovida de Julia directed the play, along with senior and ASL Honors student, Shira Laux as student director.

“The cast is mostly made up of the older students but a lot of ASL 1 and 2 students have helped out a lot,” said ASL Honors student and senior Laura Munder. The performance consisted of students signing along with a voice over so everyone, whether deaf or hearing could enjoy.

“The main point of the performance was to show everyone that deaf people have their own culture and language and it’s something they can never forget.

Deaf people are perfectly happy with the life they live,” said de Julia.

One of the main characters played by senior Jason Phillips expressed, in one scene, the fact that although the zombies and him suddenly regained the ability to hear, he still continued to utilize sign language and reinstill the unique culture back into the lives of the zombies.

By Abbie Clark Staff Writer

Lawrence Ham / News Editor

Mini-zombie Lilyana-Rhayne Vastine gets help with her makeup from Jessica Jones.

The show was written by de Julia’s husband and was then tweaked by the students. The show premiered on Feb. 25 and was performed four times throughout the weekend.

“Opening night was a blast, very nerve racking but when we all got on stage, it was a blast,” said junior Janeiro Golson. This year, the show’s theme was “Zombie Prom,” so of course, zombies wearing shredded prom dresses and tuxedos were seen

dragging humans off the stage and being turned into zombies.

Although this was a show about zombies and their craving for human souls, the students also managed to include a comedy component and incorporate common prom-related high school dilemmas. However, “at the same time we all agree that we want our audience members to leave with a new perspective on deafness and sign language,” said Laux.

The production entertained its audience by signing and dancing to popular songs such as “Billionaire” by Travie McCoy and even older songs such as “Thriller” by Michael Jackson.

The show ended with the humans and zombies coming to a compromise and dancing to “One Tribe” by Black Eyed Peas.

“I loved the outcome of our show, I think it was better than our shows in the past,” said Golson.

Counselor Karena Doan embarks on trip to Nicaragua

By Noelia Ley Staff Writer

Senior house counselor Karena Doan has a great opportunity to go to Managua, Nicaragua next year.

Her purpose is not only to learn from a different culture but to grow as a human being.

Doan, for the first time, is going to be in an immigrant’s shoes.

This is going to give her a better understanding of what immigration is all about.

“I always wanted to go abroad, and to be fluent in Spanish,” Doan said.

“I know that my seniors are graduating and I thought it was the best time to go. I wanted to challenge myself and this opportunity felt like a great option to start from and see how far I can go.”

She will be volunteering at a high school in Nicaragua.

She feels like she is going to make a huge impact on the whole school because they have never had counselor before and they can all benefit from her help.

However, Doan with all her CVHS experiences is going to help students have a better future and show how important

Aisha Ramirez wins $2,500 grant

Every year the San Francisco Chapter of the California Council of the Blind issues a $2,500 grant to legally blind individuals.

This year they have issued it to Aisha Ramirez, a senior at CVHS. She is legally blind and will use the money to buy a computer and printer.

She will also buy a special computer software that will magnetize and verbalize what’s on the computer screen.

This will enable her computer to be easily accessible to her needs.

As a senior she is very interested in Anime and Japanese culture.

When asked the biggest problem of being half blind, she said, “There’s really no problem at all. The teachers do whatever they can to make things easier for me.”

Ramirez was contacted by

“They picked

me because I was really easy to talk to, friendly, and had good records.

Aisha Ramirez

”

CVHS Senior

Noelia Ley / Staff Writer

Karena Doan poses in front of a Latin-American mural before she launches her trip to Nicaragua. education is.

Also, she wants to help Nicaraguan students to immigrate here so they can be more successful.

Moreover, Doan will benefit CVHS when she comes back.

This high school is constantly

working with immigrant students. A teacher or a counselor are not always going to understand the way an immigrant student might feel simply for the reason of never having been in their shoes, but when Doan

returns, all that will change.

Doan will be better able to help immigrant students She is not only doing this trip for herself but for all of the students that came to the U.S.A. for the “American Dream.”

Charlie Dorris who is the cochair of the San Francisco Chapter of the California Council of the Blind.

He contacted her saying that her records really stood out and that’s why she was picked.

“He said they picked me because I was really easy to talk to, friendly, and had good records,” said Ramirez.

Ramirez is hoping to attend Chabot College to study to be a stenographer.

This computer will help her achieve her goals and become the stenographer she has always wanted to be. “I’m very excited!” she said.

All this goes to show that with a little help and recognition anyone can do anything.

Olympian

DECA variety show showcases CVHS talent

By Kate Kim Opinion Editor

America’s Got Talent may have several talented people, but CVHS is jam-packed with talented students. The annual DECA Variety Show was held on March 11, and this year, special talents ranging from dancing to martial arts filled the cafeteria, leaving the audience in awe.

The lights in the decorated cafeteria dimmed down as the MCs, Kyle Linayao and Holly Talmadge, started off the show.

They introduced the first performance, put on by Jasmine Mangabay, who kicked off the show by playing the piano and singing a song by Secondhand Serenade.

The emotional mood then transformed into an upbeat dance as the dance group Mozayicks took on the dance floor.

Upon seeing the talents of a current CVHS student and old faces of CVHS alumni, the audience reacted enthusiastically for the first two performances.

Next was a sweet song sung and played on the ukulele by Mae Muldez, while her friend Brandon Chu sat next to her holding the microphone in front of the ukulele. The audience continued to be in a state of admiration as Chiko Shimizu performed Rihanna’s “Take a Bow.” Taking the stage after Shimizu, was a comical, yet helpful lesson of martial arts taught by Trinity Bustria who also rapped a piratethemed song called “Hook ‘Em Down.” Following his act was a performance by Kate Kim, who played the piano while singing Alicia Key’s “If I Ain’t Got You.” Kyle Linayao and “the boys,” Alex Largusa and Nat Gilkerson, started the second act with their animated dancing.

The March 25, 2011

5

Alex Colbert beats out CVHS mathletes

By Dan Galvan Staff Writer

Kate Kim / Opinion Editor

Trevor Macabe and guitarist Tim Pak sway audiences at the DECA Variety Show.

They left the audience, as well as the judges, in laughter as Johnny Maxwell took the stage with his original rapping.

Following Maxwell’s rhymes, Isabel Chi, Nate Han, Tim Pak, Trevor Macabe, and Daniel Chung, also known as “Bass God and Her Posse,” performed an entertaining version of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” that included rapping, Macabe’s playing, and screamo.

Finally, Diana Salnik and Monica Barios captivated the audience with their beautiful dance that portrayed a tragic love story. At last, all the contestants were called on stage for the results. The MCs announced

Kate Kim as the winner of the show and gave her a $50 check.

The show ended with some performers dancing and having fun on stage while others greeted audience members and took pictures.

“I thought it was great to see some new talent during the show such as Trinity and his karate/ rapping and the dancing. I really enjoyed the Bass God, especially Nate Han’s singing or screaming because it was hilarious,” said Ryan Matsumura.

“The boy is a natural comedian,” said Joon Joung, referring to Trinity Bustria.

“My job throughout the planning process was to advertise,

decorate, sell tickets, and to make sure that during the show groups knew when there turn was in the lineup. We had to juggle preparing for our state competition as well as for the variety show but we really came together as a group and got it accomplished,” said junior Jessica Woo, who is a member of DECA. “The acts this year were very unique and filled with high energy.

I enjoyed seeing such a large diversity of talents from the intense performances from Bass God and Her Posse and Trinity, the Martial Arts Master, to the beautiful numbers from the various singers and dancers!”

Alex Colbert solidified his place among the best mathematicians at CVHS by winning the American Math Competition (AMC) on Feb. 23.

This is a great honor as the AMC is recognized nationally as a very reputable math competition.

While Colbert did win here at CVHS, the test was taken throughout the US and he unfortunately did not proceed to the next level.

This achievement isn’t to be overlooked however, as it takes mathematical prowess to beat the smartest mathematicians here at a great academic school.

“The test starts out pretty simply, but as you move on the questions get progressively harder,” explained Colbert.

The test was mainly focused on calculus and was taken by only a handful of mathematically gifted students at our school.

Colbert isn’t 100 percent sure about where he would like to go to college yet, but he is an aspiring doctor.

If his performance at this high school, or math specifically, is any indicator of future success then Colbert is well on his way to achieving whatever goals he has set for himself.

CVHS clubs: making a difference in the world

By Emily Lin-Jones

Model UN meets on Fridays at lunch in room 105.

Staff Writer

Amnesty International: Amnesty International is a global organization dedicated to raising awareness of the violation of human rights around the world.

The Amnesty club at CVHS contributes to the cause by writing letters of conscience to US politicians and other government figures.

These letters often campaign for the release of political prisoners in various countries, and press politicians to focus more attention on human rights abuses, both in other countries and our own.

The club also works locally, organizing walkathons, bake sales and other events in order to raise awareness and money for various causes.

“We do a lot of community service,” says President Sierra Gibson. The club meets Tuesdays at lunch in room 506.

Model U.N. Model United Nations allows students to step into the shoes of a diplomat, representing the interests of a specific nation in a simulation of the UN.

One World, Una Familia: One World, Una Familia (formerly known as ALHAJA) is dedicated to celebrating Latino cultural pride and the diversity within our community.

The club organizes events promoting the Latino population at CVHS, such as an upcoming dance for Days of Diversity featuring Latin music.

“We just want to remind people that we are here and we have a voice,” says club President Yesenia Guiterrez. The club meets on Tuesdays at lunch in room 913.

Emiliy Lin-Jones / Staff Writer

Model U.N. club shows their spirit at CVHS club day as they try to attract new members.

By deliberating on resolutions that affect the nations they represent, members are given the opportunity to improve their debating and speaking skills and

their understanding of current political issues.

The club travels to conventions that attract high school students from around the world.

“The whole purpose of the program is to learn about international politics while having a blast,” summarizes President Aily Zhang.

Eat Right Club: The Eat Right Club is dedicated to educating members of the CVHS community about healthy habits.

“The purpose of the club is to promote healthy lifestyles and to fight obesity,” explains club Vice President Caitlin Yee. During meetings members sample nutritious foods, learn tips for leading a healthier lifestyle, and participate in fun events like club workouts. The club meets Fridays at lunch in room 901.

Entertainment Calendar

Gnomeo shakes up Shakespeare

Music: March 29: Britney Spears – Femme Fatale March 29: Snoop Dogg – Doggumentary March 29: Florence and the Machine – Between Two Lungs March 29: The Sounds – Something To Die For Movies: April 1: Insidious April 1: Source Code April 1: Super April 8: Soul Surfer Video Games: March 29: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters (PS3, X360, WII), $59.95 April 5: Karaoke Revolution Glee: Volume 2 (WII), $39.99 April 5: Shadow Harvest: Phantom Ops (PC), $49.99

By Hillman Zheng Business Manager

Gnomeo and Juliet, an animated film based on the tragic story Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, is not tragic at all, but is filled with smart quips that induce chuckles throughout the movie.

The basic story of the film is similar to Shakespeare’s play, ex-

ther introduces her to as an attempt to set them up. Juliet is unimpressed with Paris as he serenades her with Elton John’s “Your Song.” Another hilarious character is Juliet’s enthusiastic best friend, a garden frog named Nanette. Her antics, from choking on water spouting from her mouth (she is part of a fountain when inanimate) to mooning over Paris, draws laughs from all ages. Mentionable corny oneliners that nonetheless earned chortles from the audience were: “Let’s go kick some grass!” and “Who’s your gnomey?”

Gnomeo and Juliet is truly a family movie that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is able to captivate the audiences of both children and adults. As for the question of whether the ending of the animated adaptation is the same as the classic play, the only way to find out is to watch the film!

takes numerous twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. This movie, rated PG-13, arrived in theaters Feb. 18, just in time for viewers to ponder its magnificent plot over the three day weekend.

Unknown keeps audiences guessing

By Simrit Kaur

numerous twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Unknown is an action-packed movie that has some aspects of the mind games that encompass Shutter Island and Inception. It lets your mind make many assumptions that will not be suitable to the storyline, as the plot

The drama and mystery/suspense film was directed by Jaume Collet-Serra.

Unknown begins as Dr. Martin Harris (Liam Neeson) gets involved in a fatal car accident in Berlin, Germany. As he searches

for his wife (January Jones), he finds that she fails to recognize him and that she is claiming another man to be her husband.

Harris has to overcome many hardships and obstacles with the aid of Gina (Diane Kruger) to prove his identity. He has to stay firm in proving his identity because everyone else around him is treating him as if he was mentally impacted by the accident.

Overall, the movie kept me guessing at what was going to happen next and kept developing into a deeper and deeper storyline. I was sitting on the edge of my seat throughout the whole movie and was constantly hit by intense car chases and fight scenes.

Unknown is a well-rounded movie that stimulates the brain and leads to a night of problemsolving and pondering. Everyone who admires action movies with just the right hint of drama should take a trip to the theaters to see this movie.

laws being torn apart by warring parties competing for complete command of this desert sanctuary. It’s a place where the right kind of person with the correct kind of artillery can surely create a name for themself, as well as make an antagonist or two along the way.

As you battle your way across the neon-lighted strip of Vegas, the colossal Hoover Dam, and the heat-blasted wastelands, you’ll be presented with a colorful cast of characters, exceptional weapons, mutated beings, and far more. The general independence that the game conveys in permitting players to roam the wasteland looking for side quests, or allowing them to march straight through the campaign, is definitely something to

be anticipated. There’s almost no shortage of things to do and ways to go about your time in New Vegas. That just-one-moremission feeling that leads to entire evenings and weekends lost exploring the last wasteland is more apparent than ever. The simple thrill of finding an abandoned shack in the middle of nowhere, packed with exciting new gear, is hard to match.

New Vegas itself is actually pretty interesting, colorful, and distinguishes itself in a blunt divergence to the rest of the game.

But, everything else looks pretty much the same as it did in Fallout 3. I’m used to there being a few glitches in several games, but, in New Vegas, I had to restart several times due to the game locking up in certain situations. Trying to

climb mountains where maybe I shouldn’t have, I have gotten glitches making me immobile to get out of the place I climbed. It doesn’t happen frequently, but it will most likely happen to others who play.

Fallout: New Vegas is a good game, but it seems to play second fiddle to Fallout 3. It takes nearly everything about its previous title, while only making minor adjustments to the game play; the graphics and structure of the game, which ultimately make New Vegas, feel like an old shoe. Perhaps it was the reduced amount of interest when it came to the story, or the graphics that feel a tad dated. Either way, Fallout: New Vegas can definitely get a gamer pumped, whether good or bad. I definitely recommend it.

Books: March 31: Karma – Kathy Ostlere, $18.99 April 1: She Said/ She Saw – Norah McClintock, $12.95 April 4: Rage – Jackie Morse Kessler, $8.99 April 5: Robbers – Daniel Kraus, $16.99 Concerts: March 31: My Chemical Romance, The Fox Theater, $35.00 April 5: Rose’s Pawn Shop, Moe’s Alley, $5.00 April 9: Cold War Kids, The Fox Theater, $25.00 April 10: Winstrong, Moe’s Alley, $10.00

cept the setting is completely different. Two neighboring elderly people who despise each other, Mrs. Montague and Mr. Capulet, have color themed gardens (blue and red, respectively) inhabited by gnomes who also loathe each other. The gnomes are inanimate around human presences, but come to life when they are not watched in their gardens. Think Toy Story, except with gnomes.

Gnomeo, the son of the leader of the Blues, encounters Juliet, the daughter of the leader of the Reds, as he attempts to seek revenge for a destroyed lawnmower caused by Tybalt, the antagonistic gnome of the Reds.

As expected, it is love at first sight between Gnomeo and Juliet and they find ways to continue seeing each other after realizing they have a forbidden love.

There are notable comical characters such as Paris, a geeky Red gnome whom Juliet’s fa-

“the plot takes

City Editor

”

“Dreamers and outlaws” roam in Fallout: New Vegas

By Samantha Gamble Staff Writer

Welcome to Vegas. New Vegas, that is. It’s the kind of town where you dig your own grave, prior to being shot in the head and left for dead, and that’s before things really get unpleasant.

It’s a town of dreamers and out-

Canon T3i captures approval of photographers

By Tim Pak Staff Writer

Canon expanded its sub-$1,000 dSLR lineup with the new EOS Rebel T3i. Rather than introduce new dSLR models at rock-bottom prices such as for Pentax and Sony, Canon brings out new cameras that contain more features for a good price. The Canon T3i (body only), sells for $799.99 and offers great new features.

The EOS Rebel XS, which the T3 will replace, has been around since the summer of 2008 and even Canon must think it’s a bit dowdy compared with competitors that, while old, aren’t quite as old as Canon’s. Especially since the more expensive Nikon D3100 has overtaken it in sales.

The T2i, however, is still quite competitive and selling well; Canon plans to keep that model in its line at a cheaper price.

The T3i has an 18 megapixel CMOS, (complementary metal oxide semiconductor), sensor (the same used in the EOS 60D), and will offer a full complement of HD video recording options including 1080p at 24, 30, or 25 FPS (frames per second). The T3i will also have an ISO range up to 6400. It’s noise performance is mediocre, but don’t let that hinder you. Burst shooting tops out at 3.7 FPS, with the ability to record 6 RAW images or 34 large JPEGs. In a lot of ways, the T3i is too little too late compared with its main competitor, Nikon. Burst speed performance is key for a lot of upgraders, generally for shooting sports and pets, and the camera still uses a years-old Autofocus system which does not appeal to many consumers.

The 18 megapixel resolution simply doesn’t matter in comparison to those. On the flip side, the T3i’s video capabilities look like it will be the entrylevel model of choice for shooting video; AVCHD (Advanced Video Coding High Definition) remains a major pain in the... well you know, to deal with for creative shooting because it only supports interlaced video at 1080 and the standard bit rate is capped at 21 megabits per second.

Overall, the new Canon T3i is easy to use and a reliable new dSLR. Although it is a bit pricey, buying a dSLR is a good investment, as long as you don’t drop it or throw it in a fire and in many cases, submerge it in water.

Superb swimmers steal the win

By Dana Lin Copy Editor

The CVHS varsity and JV boys and girls swim teams defeated Piedmont High at the second home meet of the season on March 4. CVHS swimmers performed well at another meet against Granada on March 11; all teams won except for varsity girls.

Although the varsity girls lost against Granada High, freshman Amanda Houston pulled off what junior Jason Yu described as “incredible.”

“She swam an incredible 500-freestyle, trailed a Granada swimmer for nearly three-fifths of the swim, then pulled it off in the last 200 [yards] for the win,” said Yu.

CVHS kicked off the swim season with tryouts on Feb. 3.

“We have a really strong team with a ton of freshman girls,” said coach Brian Berry. “The boys team is especially strong this year as well.”

“My schedule is swim, eat, then swim again,” said freshman Erin Ballar, who swims 100-fly and 100-back. “I feel ‘beast mode’ when I swim.”

“I enjoy swimming for myself, not just to beat others,” added freshman Cassidy Rubino, who swims 50-free and 100-breast.

When asked of the goals for this season, Berry responded, “To win our league again. This will be the fourth year in a row for the girls, and the sixth year for the boys.”

Dana Lin / Copy Editor

Swimmers dive off the starting blocks at the meet against Piedmont High.

Trojans create history in NCS destruction Varsity boys basketball team sizzles the scoreboard

By Reyna Garcia Staff Writer

Nick Jones had to buy a new shirt after the North Coast Section championship basketball game against the De La Salle Spartans. After the Trojans won, players Dawson Johnson and Juan Anderson rushed to pour Gatorade over their coach, who helped them to win the first NCS championship ever for CVHS. “That was a $40 shirt,” Jones said later, laughing.

Since Jones has been the coach, the boys varsity basketball program has taken off. This year, the Trojans won just their fourth HAAL championship with an undefeated league record in addition to their first-ever NCS crown.

The Trojan Den stood faithfully under the basket for the entire game. The final buzzer sent them off; they rushed the court screaming and laughing.

“It’s an awesome feeling. I can’t describe it. Seeing all the fans and the community here is special and when the crowd rushed the floor… it was awesome,” Jones said about the remarkable celebration.

Going into the game, Jones said, “It’s going to be a tough game, competitive. I’m looking forward to it and I hope we come out on top.”

The Trojans definitely came out

on top, beating De La Salle 60-42.

“I feel great!” said player War-

“

It’s an awesome feeling. I can’t describe it Nick Jones Coach

”

ren Wright, who scored two points, as he watched Anderson pour Gatorade over their coach for a third time.

Roderick Bobbitt, the starting point guard, scored a total of 20 points and Anderson put up 14.

The boys are very happy.

Wrestlers rejoice over state tournament results his wrestling performance. He is currently more focused academiStaff Writer cally. He is not enthusiastic when Our top Trojans wrestled their thinking about college wrestling. way to victory at the state level. After performing for seven years Senior Shashana Markus he has had enough of wrestling.

“When he first came out he ranked eighth in the state and senior Adam Busch ranked was a chubby little kid,” reflecttwelfth in the state. Freshman ed Coach Josh Wheeler. Wheeler Alyah Thomas also went to the went on to say how Busch’s state tournament but she did not older brother was the one who place. Still, the Trojans made a brought Busch into wrestling.

Markus started wrestling bemajor impact.

Busch won one of his three cause of her friends. Eventually matches at the state tournament. she was the only one who contin“Just stick with it,” said ued being a wrestler. She has also Markus when asked for her ad- decided not to pursue wrestling vice to other wrestlers who want past high school.

“It’s a tough sport. I’m not to be the best.

Busch has been wrestling sure about continuing it in colsince the fifth grade and is being lege because it requires a lot of recruited by colleges. He has not devotion if you want to be a top accepted any offers yet based on wrestler,” said Markus.

By Matt Barney

Breath-taking B eastly B allplayers

By Natalie Chin / Staff Writer

k

.

.

Kimberly Tang, Freshman

Having fun while playing tennis is the most important thing about tennis to freshman Kimberly Tang, who is on the girls tennis team.

“Our coaches always say that we never lose if we had a good time during out match” said Tang. “We may not win all the time, but we never lose. It’s also important to know how to smile because when you frown, you’re stiff and the balls will just keep going into the net.”

Tang has been playing since the spring of seventh grade, but became serious about tennis when she joined the CVHS team. Although she takes her sport seriously, that doesn’t stop her from enjoying the experience of being part of the tennis team.

“I love all the times when everyone on the team just chill after the matches, eating a lot of food and laughing and talking together,” said Tang.

Nick Lima, Sophomore

Sophomore Nick Lima is all about sports. This year he enjoyed being a forward on the boys varsity soccer team and next year he aspires to be on the varsity football team, feeling that his soccer skills will help make the transition to football easier.

According to Lima, the most important trait an athlete needs to have is dedicationthat means each athlete has to be committed their sport.

In addition to football and soccer, Lima has played hockey, baseball, basketball, and swimming outside of school.

“Sports are my life,” Lima said. “The best part about sports is getting to be with my friends.”

In two years, when Lima is senior, he hopes to earn a scholarship for college and continue on playing the sports he loves.

Erin Cathey, Junior

For the past ten years, junior Erin Cathey has been an avid softball player.

This year she is on the varsity girls softball team in school and an 18 Gold Travel ball team in Fairfield outside of school as catcher and third baseman.

“My favorite thing about softball is the competition, and how nothing else matters when you step on the field,” Cathey said.

“It keeps me busy, mentally and physically and there’s no better feeling in the world than accomplishing something you tried so hard for.”

To Cathey, meeting people such as teammates, parents, coaches, and umpires and being able to share the same goals and dreams is very rewarding.

She plans on getting a scholarship for college and to keep on playing softball after high school.

Derrick Wong, Senior

“I love tennis because I love to compete against hard opponents. I also love cheering on my teammates, and then when we accomplish things as a team, it gives a great feeling of satisfaction,” said senior Derrick Wong.

Since sixth grade, Wong has been playing tennis and is on the boys varsity tennis team this year. He is constantly improving his skill by giving 100 percent in whatever he is doing and working hard, like going to practice every day.

“Also, you have to play the sport during the off seasons and build your endurance. Tennis is a very physical sport, so you need to stay in shape” he added.

As Wong is planning on going to college next year, he plans to continue to play for fun.

“If I could join a team, I think it would be a lot of fun,” said Wong.

8

The Olympian March 25, 2011

CVHS students become counselors

By Jason Hazari Staff Writer

Many CVHS sophomores, juniors, and seniors have gotten the opportunity to serve as counselors at outdoor school at Camp Loma Mar in Pescadero for a week for Canyon’s and Creekside’s sixth graders. The first week of camp started Feb. 28 and will continue until April 8.

The CVHS students who went had to transform their mindsets from students to responsible counselors. The counselors each were in charge of eight to ten middle school kids from Monday to Friday of their specified week.

On the first day, the counselors are assigned to their sixth graders and have a night activity, either a mock town hall meeting, where the students get to work together, or a night hike, where the students get to explore the grounds.

The second, third, and fourth days consist of hiking with trail groups. The cabin kids learn about redwoods, oaks, or tide pool beaches for the day, with different groups rotating on different days.

The second night activity consists of either a night hike or mock town hall meeting. The night activity on the third night is a “boogie night” where the students, counselors, and naturalists have a night of fun with great music and friends.

The fourth night is skit night where groups of students work together and show off how well they do it by performing a skit based on outdoor school.

The last day consists of a clos-

ing hike and the sixth graders’ graduation from outdoor school.

Many of the counselors who have gone so far were overwhelmed at first, coming to outdoor school pumped and confident that they can handle eight to ten sixth grade boys or girls and look after them for five days.

Yet over the week, they adjusted and learned that taking care of such young kids, making sure they go to sleep, eat, stay hydrated, behave, and have fun at the same time is indeed harder than they thought, but they take it as a positive learning experience.

Senior Rachel Jacobsen who served in the first week as a counselor had her own positive experience as a counselor.

“I had to be in charge of boys, very loud boys.” said Jacobsen.

“But, even though they drove me crazy, I still did get something out of being a counselor as I got through the week and learned with the kids. They’re really amazing and I’m never going to forget the experience.”

The sixth graders did learn, explore, and create many new memories with friends and nature, but the CVHS students did as well, serving as counselors.

Sixteen, 17, and 18-year-olds in charge of 11- and 12-year-olds sounds easy and possibly boring, but the experiences of being a counselor are truly amazing.

Counselors get to learn alongside the growing middle schoolers.

Almost every counselor takes the experience as a positive one, learning so much about themselves.

Armed robber threatens CVHS students

By Max Kahane Staff Writer

Two CVHS students narrowly avoided an armed robbery just a block from campus on Feb. 3.

Christian Supriano was walking home after school. He was passing by Bonfaire when a suspicious boy approached him, pulled out a folding knife, and demanded Supriano to turn over everything that he had, he said.

Supriano stepped aside and told the robber no.

“I was just walk-

ing when a guy came up and tried taking my phone.

Chad Andrews CVHS Student

”

The robber then left Supriano and walked to another student, Chad Andrews, the boys said.

When it was obvious that Andrews wasn’t willing to give up his phone, the robber tried to stab Andrews with his folding knife but missed and ran across the street, the boys said.

“I was just walking when a guy came up and tried taking my phone,” said Andrews.

“I was really scared but I’m glad I made it out okay,” Supriano confessed.

As the robber confronted the other student, Supriano ran into the Bonfaire parking lot and called the police.

The robber was a boy about five feet eight inches tall and about seventeen or eighteen years old, the students said.

Nobody was injured and officers arrested a suspect on Heyer Street.

According to Supriano, the best thing to do in this kind of situation is to “stay calm and know that losing your stuff isn’t as bad as getting killed.”

Scholarships given through CVEF

By Nic Barradas Sports Editor

With rises in budget cuts and the recent recession, paying for college has become increasingly difficult. However, the Castro Valley Education Foundation (CVEF) is here to help.

Offering 22 scholarships ranging from $250 to $20,000, CVEF is offering seniors a lot of help.

The scholarships are also surprisingly easy to apply to. Students only need to fill out one form to apply to all the scholarships that they are eligible for. The scholarships are exclusively for CVHS seniors and cover nearly every demographic. Whether the student is a scout, interested in nursing, has good eating habits, or an interest or sports, CVEF is

here to help pay for college; all that is needed is to finish the application by April 1.

“Anyone who’s planning on going to college or trade school should apply for the CVEF scholarships,” explained CVEF Vice President Dr. Neal Fong. “We might even add some scholarships before the deadline. There’s something for almost anybody.

It’s definitely worth the 10-15 minutes to fill out the forms.”

The application can be found about halfway down the CVEF homepage: cvef.org. Click on the scholarships link and fill in the information for the various scholarships.

The most prestigious scholarship available is the Dr. Mary Jane Stamm Scholarship, worth

$20,000. This scholarship is for the best all around student.

Parents can also donate and help create a scholarship.

“We make it easy for anyone to give a scholarship,” added Fong.

“If you want to do something for the kids, just donate an amount and we can help you find candidates. You can support kids going into any career choice or of any background. You could also honor a loved one with the scholarship. We can create scholarships from even a few bucks.”

The CVEF foundation is dedicated to promoting excellence in Castro Valley and is always living out its mission statement.

Through these scholarships the CVEF hopes to help CVHS students succeed in the near future.

Sports budget still needs adjustments

By Yesenia Gutierrez Staff Writer

The winter sports season is over, but the sports budget remains short; this will cross over into the spring sports, where decisions will need to be made regarding cuts and other adjustments to the budget, Assistant Principal Jason Whiteman commented.

Winter sports include girls wrestling, girls basketball, girls soccer, boys wrestling, boys basketball, and boys soccer.

Continuing along with the fall sports, the winter sports players were also encouraged to pay for their sport, as the school no longer is receiving monetary help from the district to fund sports.

According to Sandy Stiving, CVHS financial coordinator, all the players on the sports teams contributed to help close the deficit. Eight out of the 35 girls on the basketball team paid the school’s requested contribution,

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they will end up. He also states that parents should make use of the easy access, but not contact teachers every time a student receives a low grade.

Instead of “micromanaging the grades,” Wilkerson says, “parents should wait until they see trends (in the student’s grade) that aren’t satisfying, before contacting the teacher.”

In response to these arguments against the sudden change, Woodward explained that the administration is not doing anything out of the ordinary.

“Most schools around the district already have this system,” said Woodward. “All we’re doing is following them.”

As a final statement, Woodward said, “The pros definitely outweigh cons. It’s going to provide much better communication at CVHS.”

as well as six of the 37 boys on the basketball team. As for girls soccer, 27 of 45 team members paid along with 24 of the 44 boys. Of the seven girls on the wrestling team, four paid; On the boys wrestling team 17 of 36 boys paid.

Girls and boys soccer, along with girls wrestling were the only sports to have received over 50 percent of the money that the players contributed. In boys, wrestling about 43 percent of players paid what they needed to.

“The numbers that we have so far do not reflect the families that are making payments,” said Stiving.

There could be a chance that the shortfall will decrease when the families making payments is added into the equation.

“This is new to this community, we are better off than last

year, but we’re still not there,” said Whiteman as he banged the table. Whiteman is correct to be concerned about the sports budget situation, as he mentioned that “we are over $100,000 short.”

The Castro Valley community has given donations from families, money from fundraisers, and some CVHS students, but it has not met the amount that is needed to cover the sports deficit.

“It is very easy to become distracted in day-to-day events, but if we don’t look forward, to the future then it will affect us,” said Whiteman.

As for spring sports, there have already been meetings among coaches, spring sport parents, and athletes. For now, these sports are still taking donations and will continue to be open to any help they can receive.