March 6, 2015

Protesting for black rights Page 4: BSU hosts awareness event

Volume 58, Issue 7

Close Up in the Capital Page 5: Olympians take you to D.C

March 6, 2015

Dribbling towards victory Page 7: Girls basketball team wins WACC

We are born to seek the truth! www.cvhsolympian.com

Lake Chabot’s deadly algae kills three dogs

By Caitlin Forbes Staff Writer

Meiling Zhang / Staff Writer

Orchestra students practice in a crowded room of more than 70 musicians.

Overcrowded orchestra class splitting?

By Meiling Zhang Staff Writer

The music department at CVHS is expecting a significant increase in the number of students enrolled in its music programs. There could potentially be 30 to 40 additional students next year to the already crowded 76-member orchestra.

The district office is currently reviewing a proposal that is supported by many music students and the music director at CVHS, Steven Hendee, to offer more classes for students at the high school.

“There’s almost no room to play music,” said Hendee. “It’s difficult when the classes are so full to listen and teach individual students.”

Orchestra currently only occupies one period of the school day, zero period. Other music programs like band and choir, however, have multiple classes separated by the skill level of the students. The more advanced classes require students to audi-

tion in order to get in.

Many orchestra students would like to see a similar separation happen for them, but despite the uncertainty of whether or not classes would be added, people have a few preferences of what changes they would like to see.

“If the classes get too big, then we need to not take as many students in the music department or offer more classes to take,” Hendee claimed.

Some students, however, would be unwilling to give up a period during their day for orchestra.

“If there were to be two classes, they should be based purely on skill,” violin section leader Steven Duong suggested. “The more advanced classes can play more advanced music to help nurture their techniques. Other classes can also play music at their level, so they can advance at their own pace, just like AP and honors classes.”

Calvin Tang, junior oboist in Chamber Orchestra, agrees with having two classes, but he also believes “zero period should not be the advanced class. Freshmen

need to take a language and they have P.E., so they could benefit more with the extra period during the day.”

Finalized decisions about what to do with the overcrowded classes in the orchestra program have not yet been made, but Hendee and his students are anxious to see what they should expect for the next school year.

Depending on what types of classes the school board decides to add for orchestra, they may require auditions for students who want to be in those more advanced classes.

If students are told what kind of classes they should be expecting for the upcoming year, they’d be able to properly prepare themselves for all the steps they’d have to follow in order to be placed into more advanced music classes.

“I’m hoping the scheduling situation gets decided before students leave for the summer,” declared Hendee. “I want everything for the students that they could possibly need.”

about a gun on campus on Feb. 13. The administrators, campus patrollers and Alameda County Sheriff’s officers found and “apprehended a student” within ten minutes of the issue being reported, according to Principal Blaine Torpey.

The incident was resolved quickly with no injuries. There was only a delayed dismissal bell for two to four minutes.

Most teachers didn’t know about the incident until they checked their emails, and many students haven’t even heard about what happened.

An airsoft pistol is a “realistic looking toy gun,” Torpey said.

“It shoots projectiles; it’s a safety issue. Anything that can harm somebody is a big issue on campus and toy guns risk a police response and that’s al-

Three dogs have died due to a poisonous algae bloom that has been growing in Lake Chabot since around September of 2014.

The toxic algae is still in Lake Chabot, so be cautious with dogs and small children while near the lake.

Algae bloom is defined as a rapid increase or growth of algae in a water system and mostly occurs in freshwater and marine environments. Algae blooms can be caused by warm, slow-moving waters that are rich in nutrients.

Blooms can occur at any time, but are most common in late summer or early fall. The type of algae bloom found in the lake is cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae blooms, which in some cases can carry harmful toxins.

According to the East Bay Regional Park District, the toxins in the algae are most likely due to the drought.

“Because we haven’t had a lot of rain, the stagnant lake is perfect conditions for algae growth,” said Carolyn Jones, park district spokesperson.

There have been reports of the toxic algae in other lakes around the state as well. The park district strongly recommends that people and dogs should not make any contact with the water in Lake Chabot. Mild exposure can cause slight side effects, but high levels of exposure can lead to serious illness, or, in some cases, death.

“The solute to solvent ratio in most freshwater is high, but with the drought the amount of solvent

water decreases, leaving more of the solute in the water possibly increasing the toxins,” said AP Environmental Science teacher Nathan McCreary.

“

We are letting nature run its course.”

Carolyn Jones Park Spokesperson

McCreary also speculated about how poisonous the toxins could be in order to kill dogs.

“To kill a large dog would take a lot, maybe if the dogs drank the water, the type of toxin can’t be easily broken down by the stomach acids,” he said.

The algae in Lake Chabot could be here for a while.

“We are letting nature run its course. Because Lake Chabot is such a large lake and is a backup water supply for emergencies, we don’t want to chemically treat it,” said Jones.

When asked about what the park is doing to warn people, Jones replied, “We are trying to get it all over the Internet. We also posted a bunch of signs, and we have staff on site to verbally warn people. On busy weekends we will send extra staff in boats on the lake.”

Hopefully with more rain the algae will go away, and Lake Chabot will be restored to its former glory.

Student apprehended with airsoft pistol after gun scare Toy gun resembles real weapon

By Alexander McIntosh Staff Writer

A student was caught with an airsoft pistol after the administration received a tip

ways one of the big concerns.”

Bringing a weapon or even an airsoft gun to school is very serious and should not be taken lightly. It was lucky the situation was handled quickly and safely, as there are cases of teenagers and younger children getting killed by police because they had what looked like weapons in their possession.

The penalty for bringing a

weapon, even an airsoft gun, onto campus can be expulsion.

CVHS has not revealed what discipline the student with the airsoft pistol has received.

“The safety of all students is our number one priority,” Torpey said. “The student did not brandish the toy weapon.

At no time were students in any danger.”

One vaccination can save more than one child

Editoral: In the past few months, more than 100 measles cases have been reported in the United States, many of which stem from California. We at The Olympian believe that vaccines for the measles should be mandatory to keep everyone safe.

An outbreak started in Disneyland in January. The measles virus causes a high fever and a rash, but can take up to a week to start showing symptoms.

California requires children to get the measles vaccination, but parents can keep their kids from getting the vaccine by claiming “religious beliefs” or “personal beliefs.”

A new law has been proposed to eliminate the exemptions in order to reduce the number of people at risk of getting the measles.

We at The Olympian agree with

Alison Dhont /photo editor

this proposal, because exempting some from the vaccinations puts others at harm. The Supreme Court of the United States also both rule in favor of required vaccinations.

The vaccination does no seri-

ous harm, though some think it does, and is 95 percent effective. The proposal needs to pass because California’s vaccination rate is only 90.7%.

The measles is a highly contagious disease, so we also think

just hit me that in four months my life as I know it...just ends.

That’s right. My friends, my house and my daily schedule all disappear when I go to college. All that will be left are memories. All the people that I have been growing up with, the students who I’ve known since elementary school, and the people who helped make me the person I am today, I may never see again.

The future doesn’t have CVHS football games with “friday night lights,” or classes with my favorite teachers, homecoming with all my friends, or Winter Ball every year. No, in four months we, the class of 2015, get to make new memories, some of us far away from Castro Valley and our fellow classmates. We will make new friends, find a new place to call home, adapt a new schedule, and become adults.

In four months we will all go different directions and say goodbye.

But I’m not worried. I expect a lot from the class of 2015. I know that many of us will go on to become very successful. I expect doctors, and firefighters, members of the military, and policemen. I expect amazing

lawyers and business leaders. I see fantastic mothers and fathers, and even better, I see teachers too. I see a whole new generation that is eager to have their turn to have a say, and run our world. This class has so

An open letter to class of 2015

By Alison Dhont Photo Editor

Hey class of 2015, I am a graduating senior, just like you. Second semester has started, and it’s already going by fast. Lately I’ve been thinking ahead, worrying about the future, planning for college and the rest of my life.

It wasn’t until recently that I realized that while worrying about my future, I’ve been wasting my senior year.

I’ve waited my whole life to be a senior in high school, not to graduate, but to have the title of being the top of the school. I’ve spent four years of my life going to school every day, going to practice after school, hanging out with my friends on weekends, my days blending together, and it

The struggle with name brands

“ So my

advice, seniors, is to start living every moment like it’s your last.” much potential. We want to graduate, and we are more than ready.

This is our last time to be the top of the school, the one thing we've all been waiting for since freshman year, and here we are.

Don’t waste this opportunity seniors, and thank you for being a part of these past four years!

PHOTOpinions By: Lauren Jelks

“It should be up to the parents and the person getting the shot.”

Lily Miller, freshman

that children should not be allowed to attend school until they have been vaccinated. In schools, kids are in close proximity to each other so even minimal contact could lead to an outbreak.

“Yes, because it’s healthier than if you don’t get vaccinated.”

Jason Mays, sophomore

To encourage and help parents immunize their child, we think there should be health clinics available at schools to administer the vaccine.

Opponents to this proposed law believe that it is the parents’ choice and decision not to vaccinate their children, regardless of state requirements.

We still think, however, that if some children aren’t vaccinated, it could become many people’s problem. The measles can cause ear infections, pneumonia, or even death and since it is highly contagious, it is very important for as many children as possible to be vaccinated.

If the proposed law goes into effect, it will save many people from becoming extremely sick and possibly dying. It will also prevent the measles from spreading to thousands of others and will keep everyone safe.

By Sally Liang Opinion Editor

The scene was infrequent: two materialistic ladies exchange compliments in front of the mirror reflection of a Gucci store.

“Your necklace is simply stunning! I have seen it somewhere in the magazines, ” one said as she adjusted her diamond pendant and an avalanche of gold bangles tumbled toward her thin wrists.

“Wow, your engagement ring looks fabulous. Is it from Tiffany & Co?” The other lowered her oversize sunglasses, peering over the tops of the purple lenses. She places her freshly manicured hand embellished by an egg-size ring next to the hand of the other interlocutor.

As soon as they walk away, inevitably I ask myself, “Are name brands really important as

everyone claims?”

Throughout high school, the question, “Where did you get that?” permeates the realm of materialism; the question, however, needs to be approached more humanistically and wisely.

I am not rich, nor do I own a walk-in closet full of designer clothes, but I find this incident resonates in my own life. A friend of mine often points to my wardrobe and follows up with the question, “Where did you get it?” Sometimes it was simply an honest question, but the majority of the time it is an examination of whether or not she truly deems it “cute,” depending upon the brand. Sure, the little luxuries in life are certainly valuable, but when a name brand is attached, the value itself multiplies.

The hefty price tags belies the fact that the quality doesn’t live up to the hype. Undoubtedly quality items may cost more, but dismissing low-end brands and ignorantly supporting the names advertised in rap songs is presumptuous. Perhaps customers choose to purchase expensive name brand products because of its implication that great quality comes with the brand. High-end brands, however, have their share of poor products and a high price that doesn't guarantee much.

Should the law require vaccinations for all kids?

“I think it should be up to the parents and the person.”

Kelson Griffiths, junior

“They should be vaccinated unless they have a medical reason not to.”

Mara Sleeter, senior

The Olympian

Lights out, school’s not

March 6, 2015

“Do the bro-shake with everyone”

By Neo Diesta

Staff Writer On Friday, Feb. 6, a long awaited downpour of rain started all over the Bay Area along with high gusts of wind.

Here at CVHS, all the students and staff still came to school, just expecting a rainy Friday. All the teachers were teaching their classes when suddenly, the lights went out in a snap and the school went into a sudden blackout. The students started exiting their classrooms, thinking they could just leave campus and turn what was supposed to be a three-day weekend into a four-day weekend.

Jes smith / Photo editor

Photography students get creative during the blackout.

But to the students’ disappointment, members of the school staff blocked all the school exits, ordering the students to go back to their second period classes.

I personally believe that this was unfair to the students for many reasons.

Today, our school’s education is mostly based with technology.

Without having the ability to use technology, how were we supposed to continue to do things in our second period class and third period class? I was in a

choir class of 38 students, and it didn’t really stop us from singing, but my third period history class was affected the most. My teacher had to cut a lot of things planned for that day. This school has a few thousand students who were also affected.

I hope that many of the students that read this also agree with me and maybe the school and staff will have a change of heart before keeping the students in school after a blackout.

NOLS: an alternative experience ality Anderson Cooper, Netflix founder Marc Randolph, author of The Perfect Storm Sebastian Junger, nearly all NASA astronauts, and many CEOs of the top 500 companies. Famous or not, every single one of the 200,000 NOLS alumni have been positively affected by this outdoor leadership experience.

By Laura Macchiavello Staff Writer

“What’s that?” is a common response I get from most people when I mention NOLS as being part of my future. Many are unaware of what NOLS really is, instead they view it and refer to it as a “camp” or a “travel company,” but the few who actually know about NOLS are very supportive of my choice to attend a spring semester in the Rockies.

There is much more to NOLS than what I am able to explain in a two minute answer to a question such as, “Where are you planning on going to school next year?” or “What are you going to do during your gap year?”

What exactly is NOLS? NOLS is the National Outdoor Leadership School, the most prestigious wilderness school in the world. It was founded in 1965 by renowned mountaineer, Paul Petzoldt. Its headquarters are located in Lander, Wyoming. NOLS has attracted thousands of adventurous people of all ages from all over the world, and has shaped them into real leaders and problem solvers.

Among the many wellknown people who have attended NOLS are: TV person-

“

NOLS’ approach to education is different than the traditional college curriculum.”

Instead of studying the sciences or humanities in a four walled classroom, you learn wilderness techniques, create vital leadership skills, and build upon your knowledge of environmental ethics, while being exposed to more than white walls and wooden desks.

Your classroom is the outdoors. You are exposed to a different form of education, one that teaches through hands-on skills, experiences, and interactions. This type of learning will come in handy and can be surely applied to real world situations.

NOLS courses are located in six continents; some locations include Patagonia, India, New Zealand, and the Pacific North-

west. The location and time spent away, which can range from ten days to up to a whole academic year, is entirely your personal choice. Rock-climbing, mountaineering, and white water rafting are only a select few of the classes you can take.

Academic credit can also be earned, so attending NOLS doesn’t mean one will be extremely behind academically.

Credits are given for subjects such as biology, leadership techniques, environmental studies, and much more.

This isn’t even half of the information given about NOLS, so if I can’t even fit everything I want to express into a 500 word paper, how am I supposed to explain to someone what NOLS is in a brief conversation about my future?

NOLS is such an intriguing, unique, and distinctive alternative to schooling. I don’t know how my experience at NOLS will truly be until I’m there, living it, but what I am sure about is my overwhelming excitement to have such a grand opportunity ahead of me. Experiencing this dream I’ve had for over three years will be unforgettable.

There are so many more options after high school than we realize. I hope that in the near future more students will recognize that there are more choices than the ones we are educated about: along with four year, community, or private college, the Armed Forces, and the workforce, there is also NOLS. This is why when I am asked what I am going to do when I graduate high school, I proudly say: I’m going to attend the National Outdoor Leadership School.

3

By Lauren Jelks A&E Editor

There’s a lot of things I’ve gotten used to seeing when walking through CVHS: seagulls screeching overhead in the courtyard, couples latched to the hip during passing period, students slamming doors open into crowded hallways. Yet, there’s one thing I will never, for the life of me, understand: the “bro-shake.”

If you’re wondering what that is, sit down, and think for a second. What is the one thing any two boys of relative friendship will always do upon greeting one at school? That’s right, the mutant child of a thumb wrestling match and a handshake, with some variations of an awkward chest hug or shoulder slap to for real get across their macho boyhood point.

You may be saying to yourself, “What’s the big deal? It’s a hip way to greet a friend! Get with the times, Lauren.” To that I say NO. Okay, hear me out. I have never once seen a guy give a girl the bro-shake, ever, not in my 17 years on this planet. I have never seen two girls give each other the bro-shake either. Now, why is that?

Look, I’m not harshing the mellow of all the lovely guys at school who want to greet a guy friend like no tomorrow. I have a problem with what I feel the bro shake represents about the exclusion of girls. Let me back up a bit. a. According to the Women’s

Media Center (WMC), 28 percent of speaking roles in feature films go to women. b. According to the US Department of Commerce, women make up only 25 percent of all STEM jobs countrywide. c. Women make up 4.6 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs, and women hold only 84 congressional seats out of 435, just 19.3 percent.

Now why are these statistics relevant? If we’re talking big picture, it shows the “boys club” is prevalent throughout our society on a cultural, professional, and political level. While girls make up 51 percent of the planet, here we are with huge disparities in our amount of representation.

Let’s face it, the “boys club” is something girls grow up with from the time they’re babies.

It starts with the boys getting macho superhero costumes for Christmas, and the girls getting a baby doll. And while the bro shake may seem like a small, insignificant social thing guys do, I’m asking you to question why just guys do it. I’m asking you to question why when I, a short redhead girl, walk up to my guy friends and hold out one arm, they automatically believe I’m going in for a hug.

I’m asking you to consider the social implications of standing in a group of guys, where everyone does the bro shake, and you’re greeted with a simple “hi.”

Because ladies, this exclusion isn’t going to change. Double standards will always be perpetuated, you will always have to work twice as hard to be half as acknowledged, and you always will be professionally and socially left out. The only way to change this, to quote Drake, is to “start from the bottom.”

So guys and gals, I encourage you to do the bro-shake with everyone. Girls have to lean in, be engaged, and play the game.

Sometimes, the only way to do that is prove you’re an equal player.

The Olympian is a publication of the journalism class at Castro Valley High School, 19400 Santa Maria Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546. © 2015

Editors-in-Chief...........................................................Stephanie Huerta Anna Talajkowski City Editor.........................................................................Rachel Du News Editor..............................................................Anna Nguyen Opinion Editor............................................................Sally Liang Feature Editor.....................................................Callie Ross-Smith Sports Editor................................................................Laniah Lewis Arts and Entertainment Editor......................................Lauren Jelks Photo Editors........................................................Alison Dhont Jes Smith Business Manager......................................................Robbie Brandt Staff Writers: Martin Baez, Desiree Broome, Brittany Bracy, Neo Diesta, Caitlin Forbes, Halley Lin-Jones, Laura Macchiavello, Alexander McIntosh, Jessica Mi, America Morales, Danika Newlin, Maia Samboy, Isaiah Siordia, Meiling Zhang Advisor........................................................................Matt Johanson

#blacklivesmatter is finally trending at CVHS

By Desiree Broome Staff Writer

“Shame...Shame...” was heard by all as the Black Student Union (BSU) read out the names of black men and women whose lives were lost to violence during the first BSU Die In rally.

On Tuesday, Feb. 10, the BSU organized a rally in the courtyard to bring awareness to the topic of racial injustice and let students know that black lives do matter.

The steps of the outdoor stage were lined with students holding signs and posters that told the stories of some of the victims of police brutality. Students, teachers and administration gathered in the center of the courtyard holding up signs that said that black lives mattered to them. Prayers, poems and speeches were recited to show the unity of CVHS on the topic of racial injustice.

“If this rally touched just one person, then I feel like it was all worth it because spreading awareness was our goal,” said club president Averi Hutchins.

Senior Ross Collier delivered a moving poem that he wrote.

“One day I pray that all my brothers and sisters see the kings and queens in themselves, and strive to be more,” he said. Many stu-

Elective fair fares well with CVHS

By Jessica Mi Staff Writer

The first elective fair on Feb. 18 was organized in the quad with a big circle of tables, teachers, and students ready to give information about all the options that are available to students when they choose their classes for the next school year.

Elective classes participated by creating posters and flyers to give students insight into what their class can offer students.

There were many electives present from the language, science, music, history, English, and vocational departments.

Many AP electives were also present to inform students who are planning to take AP classes.

The fair was helpful for many students.

"You get to see what kind of classes count for what kind of credit," said sophomore Zoie Sanders.

"The fair allows students to understand the true possibilities that CVHS offers," said DECA student Ryan DeCarsky.

The Cisco class displayed objects made in a 3D printer, the auto class brought out a car engine, and the guitar class brought out guitars and allowed students to try them out.

For many students who were not sure what classes they wanted to take, the elective fair has helped them make decisions.

"It's a wonderful idea to help students see the variety of electives that are offered," said history teacher Elza Andres.

Brittany Bracy and Desiree Broome / Staff Writers

Black Student Union members, staff members and others rally together for #Blacklivesmatter. dents who were in attendance sat in silence listening to the words he spoke from a place of passion.

“I hope that next year the stu-

dents will be just as passionate or even more and have an even better turn out because this is a subject that everyone should be

concerned with,” said Assistant Principal J.C. Farr.

The Black Student Union plans to continue this movement by

creating more events to bring more attention to the cause, and hopefully become even more successful.

Purple Cobras duck, dodge, and dive

By Martin Baez Staff Writer

With the dodgeball tournament around the corner, a lot of students get their bandanas, tights, and shorts ready along with their players to build the best team in the school. Every grade level competes against each other. This event is so big, the school has to make room for a whole week worth of combined lunch, which some are okay with and some just detest because it messes with their eating schedule.

One thing we “could do differ-

ently would be that we should have played with more enthusiasm because we were nervous.

”

Edgar Ramirez senior

This year was a memorable year for the teacher team, which got its first win in many years and almost a second one. The teachers defeated the 902 Crew, and team leader, Edgar Ramirez said they did have a lot of criticism for the loss, but it’s mainly for the fun of it.

“One thing we could do differ-

Alison Dhont/ Photo Editor

Justin Cabral from the Purple Cobras prepares to strike Team 42 in the final match. ently would be that we should have played with more enthusiasm because we were nervous,” said Ramirez. For the 902 Crew team, composed of all seniors, just participating in it is enough.

You might think that dodgeball is just for guys, but there were two teams of girls out there competing in the mix and both felt like they had the same chances of winning as any of the other teams. One was the Cleat Chasers, who were defeated by the Purple Cobras, the eventual champions, in the first round, but they went out with a good

and positive spirit.

“We knew that it was a hard competition, but that was the fun part.We feel like we could have beat any team but it was mostly just about having fun though,” said junior Alana Gusman.

The championship round was a best of five, with Team 42 and team Purple Cobras competing for the medal. The championship round featured almost all baseball players. The whole gym was packed, with some people even standing, and all you could hear was the roar of the crowd whenever someone got pegged

with a dodgeball.

The Purple Cobras had a fantastic start with two wins in a row, and only needed one more to win the championship. But after the second game, Team 42 kicked it in and battled back hard to tie it up at 2-2 with the last round to decide.

Everyone thought that team Purple Cobras for sure was going to choke and blow their lead, but then they unleashed their inner beasts and got the win over Team 42 to end the annual dodgeball tournament with a dramatic and suspenseful flare.

The Olympian March 6, 2015

5

Washington D.C. welcomes students From across america Day 6: Visiting Arlington Cemetery and Farewell Dance

By Maia Samboy Staff Writer

Day 1: Early Flights and Memorable Monuments I headed towards the airport at about 5 a.m., tired beyond all belief. Once there, I met up with Jes Smith and other zombie-like teenagers and we boarded the plane towards the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. After the exhausting five-hour flight, we landed at about 4 p.m. D.C. time.

That night we headed out on a monuments tour. We saw the Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Roosevelt Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. We returned to our hotel at around midnight, and Carmelina Frasca, the teacher in charge of our trip, surprised us with delicious cupcakes. I hope the rest of our trip will be able to compare to our amazing first day.

Day 2: Holocaust Museum and the Newseum After witnessing the view from the Washington Monument, we walked to the Holocaust Museum. I knew the artifacts I would see there would be saddening, but I did not know how deeply I would be affected emotionally.

Afterwards, we headed to the Newseum, one of my favorites so far. The sections of the Berlin Wall were very cool to see, but the gallery of newspapers that held the top headlines in American history was my favorite. Jes and I both really enjoyed the gallery of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographers.

In the evening, we officially started on the Close Up program, and met many other students from all over the country.

Jes Smith and Maia Samboy visited the White House on the Close Up trip.

Day 3: Lincoln’s Hat and New Friends

My favorite part of the day was our visit to the National Museum of American History, which is part of the Smithsonian Museum. On exhibit this week is the actual top hat Abraham Lincoln was wearing when he was assassinated. It was absolutely amazing to get to see such an important part of our nation’s history.

We have made friends with students from Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, Texas, Florida, and several other states. We had the privilege of teaching them the words “hella” and “finna,” while the kids from Florida taught us how to properly use the word “literally.” Jes and I made friends with a boy from Minnesota who just laughed at us when we complained about the freezing temperatures.

In the evening, we chose workshops to attend. Jes attended one about bullying in schools, while I chose to learn about youth obesity.

By the end of the day we were completely exhausted, but I must admit our debate skills had improved already!

Jes Smith/ Photo Editor

Students visited the Lincoln Memorial on their first day of Close Up.

Day 4: War Memorials and Mock Congress We kicked off the day with with a visit to the WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War memorials. At the war memorials, we learned the history and significance of the wars the represented.

On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, there is an engraving commemorating the spot where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. This memorial within a memorial was put in place due to the efforts of six Close Up students from several years ago. They petitioned Congress, raised the funds, and were able to get a monument they felt was important put in place. I find it amazing that kids my age can achieve something so monumental (pun intended), and I love that Close Up en-

Day 5: Capitol Hill This is the day that everything we have done with Close Up has prepared us for: Capitol Hill Day. First was the meeting with Senator Barbara Boxer, who mentioned President Obama’s proposal for free community college and expressed disdain for high college prices. “It’s an absolute outrage. College should not be that expensive, but somehow it is,” she said.

She hopes to see a move towards free community college, and an increase in financial aid.

She was also asked about the legalization of marijuana. “I voted to legalize it for medical uses, but I am still undecided,” she said. “There a lot of pros and cons to legalization.”

We moved on to talk with Congressman Eric Swalwell, representative for our area of the East Bay. When asked about the price of college, he had a similar response to Boxer: “We need to make sure you guys can go into this new economy not burdened and saddled with all this new debt,” he said. His solution is to stop charging interest on student loans. “There is a little bit of a risk you take,” said

courages its students to become politically active.

I tried my best to listen to the lessons, but I found it almost impossible to focus on anything but how extremely freezing I was. The kids from Florida were worse off than us, they have even less experience with cold temperature than we do in the Bay Area. The kids from Minnesota just rolled their eyes and laughed.

Later that night, I was selected to participate in a Mock Congress to help us prepare for Capitol Hill day tomorrow.

Despite my nervousness, I was actually able to get through the debate without passing out, and as a bonus I actually performed decently.

Our Mock Congress session, along with all the other debates and workshops, have really prepared us for Capitol Hill tomorrow.

Swalwell, “but the reward is better jobs, and better access to education.” He also supported Obama’s free community college plan.

Swalwell was also asked about the impending Keystone Pipeline vote. “I voted against it,” he said. “I think that we do not want to be an accessory to allowing more carbon emissions from the dirtiest oil around….I think we should really work towards renewables like solar and wind.”

Swalwell said about gay marriage: “I think that love is love, and government should not be able to stand in the way of love...I think two people who love each other should be allowed to marry.”

Later we were able to get into a session of the House of Representatives. We heard them debate and vote on a proposed amendment to the Keystone Pipeline bill. This was my highlight of the trip, because we were actually able to see the government at work.

All in all, it was an amazing day. We were able to get an inside look at how our government is run, and met the people elected to represent us. This day opened many doors for me.

Today was our last day on the Close Up program, and our last day with our out-of-state friends. We attended a seminar on the national debt, visited outside of the White House to see Americans protesting, and visited Arlington Cemetery, which was my favorite. It amazed and saddened me to see to immense number of soldiers who bravely gave their lives for this country.

When we got back to the hotel, we had our last seminar on what we can do to make a difference in our government.

This week has inspired many to become involved in their own communities.

After we all changed into more formal clothes, we reported downstairs for our last dinner as a Close Up family of 300.

The food was delicious, of course, but the highlight of the evening was the dance afterwards. After fun times and sad goodbyes it was time to go to bed. It was the perfect way to end a program I’ll never forget.

Jes Smith/ Photo Editor

Day 7: From the White House back to our own house Although Close Up ended yesterday, the journey did not end for CVHS. Thanks to the wonderful teacher Carmelina Frasca, we stayed an extra day and toured the White House.

There was original furniture that dated back over 100 years!

There was also the portrait of George Washington saved from the original White House before it burned down in the War of 1812. We saw the State Dining Room which was used about a week ago by the president for a bill signing.

After the tour, we got our luggage and headed to the airport. Our adventure came to an end. I am so extremely grateful for the opportunity to take this trip, and I hope I will keep the friends I made there.

I learned so much from this amazing week in our nation’s capital, and I will never forget my time there.

The Giver gives a good story

By Rachel Du City Editor

Color, emotion, and imprecision of language lead to a disruptive society, claim the Elders in the movie, The Giver, based on the novel by Lois Lowry.

In this seemingly utopian society, a council of Elders – armed with vast knowledge and wisdom – has taken away memories, meaning people no longer remember suffering and war, nor do they remember joys like love and music. Jonas, the protagonist, readily accepts the conformity encouraged by the Elders, though he is the only one who sees strange flashes of red, something he isn’t familiar with because his world is devoid of color.

The Elders dictate every aspect of daily life in the community.

Each unit of residence contains cameras for the Chief Elder to observe the residents, and at each door is a machine to give people daily injections, which suppresses “stirrings,” or sexual desire. The Elders are also strict on the idea of sameness. If everybody is the same, there will be no differences, and therefore no conflicts. Stripping everyone of individual freedom is for the greater good.

Occupations are also dictated by the Elders when the youths grow old enough. Jonas, differ-

ent from the beginning, has been carefully watched and chosen for the difficult role of “Receiver of Memories,” which will prepare him to become an Elder. The “Giver of Memories” will transfer his memories to Jonas to carry the burden of wisdom.

Jonas quickly learns what the Elders have robbed him of: joy.

He starts to see every color, learns how to dance, and discovers the pleasure of sled rides – his favorite memory. Although forbidden, he enthusiastically tries to teach his friends and sister what they’re missing out on.

The Giver shares only pleasant memories at first. It is by accident that Jonas receives the startling memory of war and pain. After that, the Giver deems him ready for the more difficult memories and Jonas learns about death.

In his community, people are “released” into Elsewhere when they become old and sick. It is assumed that they are simply moving on to another community.

As Jonas learns more and more about life before the war and the memory wipe, he comes to understand that having joy is worth all the pain.

Although the movie doesn’t follow the plot of the original book closely, it stands fairly well on its own as a film about a dystopian society. It argues that we as humans have a right to pursue our own routes of happiness and freedom to decide on our own if we are willing to endure pain and suffering for brief moments of joy.

Rachel Du / City Editor

Boyhood film deserved an Oscar

By Anna Talajkowski Editor-In-Chief

With recent Academy Awards controversy, the movie on everybody’s radar is revolutionary indie film Boyhood, directed and written

by Richard Linklater. Linklater has had a long, varied career in film, from teen classic Dazed and Confused and romantic drama Before Sunset to crass comedy Bad News Bears. In this movie, however, he takes on an unprecedented idea: telling the story of a boy growing

up from six to 18, using the same cast. It took over 12 years to make, but it was worth the wait.

The story of the main character, Mason, uses only the honest and unfiltered truth to give it power. It creates a simple yet stunning narrative, driven by a quiet brilliance which will keep you intrigued for the entire three hours. Much of the screenplay was written as the actors themselves developed over the years, especially with Ellar Coltrane, who was casted as Mason at just six years old.

One of the things I most treasured from the movie was the fact that Mason’s story is very similar to the current teen generation’s, since he’s only twenty years old.

So many of the details, such as

the music and pop culture, are the same that I encountered when I grew up. As I watched Mason’s mother read the Harry Potter series out loud, and the family take road trips with Sheryl Crow blaring from the radio, I was taken back by how vividly it paralleled my childhood.

The ability to watch our generation grow up on screen in such an honest way was extraordinary, and it’s the type of film every teenager deserves to have from their time period. I can’t stress more how important it is for young people to see it, because this movie is us. Boyhood gives us the ability to see our reality in another person’s world. I cannot recommend it more.

Golden girls! Trojans win two WACC titles Basketball team tramples Monarchs and Pirates

Soccer squad scores a championship

By Laniah Lewis and Danika Newlin

The girls varsity soccer team had an undefeated regular season, captured the WACC championship and defeated Newark Memorial on Feb. 18 at CVHS in the first NCS game. This 2-0 win advanced the Trojans to the quarterfinals in NCS and had them ecstatic.

The game started out fairly well for the Trojans with Victoria Kiani getting a goal quick into the first half. By halftime the score was still the same, 1-0, with the Trojans in the lead and tensions rising.

In the second half, Jasmine Edwards got the Trojans another goal, making the score 2-0. The Trojans continued to play fiercely and defensively and ended up beating Newark Memorial with the same score attained towards the beginning of the second half, 2-0.

Despite the win against Newark and the Trojans’ undefeated record of 20 wins and three ties, the team remained humble and critical of itself.

“Today wasn’t our best game but we still got the win and we will definitely be working out those kinks,” stated sophomore Melissa Bellamacina.

“We really played a lot better the second half especially with passing the ball and getting in more dangerous positions to score goals,” stated head coach Paul McCallion.

Then on Feb. 21, the Trojans suffered a dramatic defeat in the

By Brittany Bracy Staff Writer

Jes Smith / Photo Editor

Melissa Bellamacina protects the ball from the opposing team.

NCS quarterfinal game against the Granada Matadors.

The Trojans kicked off the first half and started out with a lot of back and forth in the midfield.

With four minutes left in the first half, Castro Valley’s Miranda Nild crossed to forward Edwards who shot the ball in the upper left corner of Granada’s goal. The Trojans ended the first half in the lead, 1-0.

The second half started off with the Matadors kicking off the ball.

With only two minutes in, Nild once again crossed back to Edwards in the center who, with one touch, scored another goal for the Trojans in the upper right corner.

Five minutes in the second half, Granada scored on a corner kick from the left, putting the score at 2-1.

There were 23 minutes left of the game when it became tied. There was a through ball to Matador

Lauren Sandy who took down the field, the quick counterattack putting Castro Valley’s defense on its heels. Sandy was able to put the ball past the goalie on the left, tying the game.

Another corner kick with 15 minutes left in the game was taken

by Granada from the left. The Trojans were then behind, 3-2.

The final goal was then scored with eight minutes left of the game. Opposing players went for the ball when a Granada player fell. The referee gave the Matadors a penalty kick to the anger of Trojans fans.

It was a one on one kick against the CVHS goalie Jordan Burris, who dove to stop it, but to no avail.

Although the team was unable to make it to the semifinals of the NCS playoffs, the girls were undefeated every game before this one, making an impressive season.

The Trojans defeated Mt. Eden at WACC championships on Saturday Feb. 21 in Hayward, winning the girls varsity basketball league championship. The final score was 38-16.

Freshman Bailey Jones came out even stronger this game than the last, contributing an abundant 22 points of the team’s total 38.

“It was a championship game, so we started off slow, but we had to pick up the pace third quarter and come out and win,” said Jones.

Earlier the team defeated San Leandro High School in the WACC playoffs semifinals on Thursday Feb. 19, with a final score of 50-28.

“We’ve been playing hard and the good defense has been consistent, it has bailed us out of games like this,” said coach Jim Lemmon.

The winner was uncertain at the end of halftime, with a close 23-19 score.

After half time the Trojans quickly worked together and furthered their lead, making the score 35-23.

During the third quarter Jones and senior Ally Woo scored a combined ten points.

“I think that we played well and it was great that we came

Halley Lin-Jones /Staff Writer

Jenna Sparks aims and shoots at the hoop.

back and extended the lead,” said Jones.

Sophomore player Giana Wright also scored ten points in the game, with the help of several teammates.

“ The good

defense has been consistent.”

Jim Lemmon Coach

“Since it’s playoff season San Leandro came out hungrier for the win, so it was a more competitive game, but by the second half we were more aggressive and were able to pull out a strong win,” said Wright.

A m a z i n g A c h i e v i n g At h l e t e s

By Laniah Lewis/ Sports Editor

k

.

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Katherine Anderson, sophomore

Katherine Anderson is not startled or stunned when girls fall from the sky. It’s something that comes with her love for cheerleading. Anderson has been cheering for about a year and a half and is currently a back spot on the freshman and sophomore cheer team.

Anderson’s favorite part of the sport is stunting, as well as becoming stronger and sharper in dances, and the team bond the cheerleaders share.

One of Anderson’s highlights of her cheer career so far is when her team attended cheer camp.

“Even though it was so tiring, it was the best experience of my life. And it made me a better cheerleader and it was a great bonding experience for my team,” stated Anderson. The girls even received the “Top Banana” award for being the most spirited.

Clinton Law, sophomore

Clinton Law has always had a strong love for baseball and grew up immersed in it.

“I’ve loved baseball for as long as I can remember,” said Law. He’s has been playing baseball since he joined his first league when he was four years old. He currently plays for the CVHS junior varsity team. He mostly plays shortstop, but he can also pitch and play a couple of other positions. He’s very dedicated to the sport so he practices almost every day for about one to four hours each time.

Law’s favorite thing about the sport is that a player has to be good at tons of little things to succeed and be well rounded overall. His favorite memory from his baseball career so far was hitting his first grand slam when he was in Little League.

Mia Franco, junior

Wrestling pinned Mia Franco’s heart when she began the sport in middle school. She has wrestled for a total of five years.

She originally began wrestling because her father used to wrestle in high school and he encouraged her to pursue it herself. Her favorite pin is the half nelson, and she is in the 101 weight class.

She practices five days a week and occasionally goes running on the weekends.

Her wrestling idol is her coach, Summer Scott, who Franco described as funny, smart, and dedicated. Franco dedicates her success to her coach and her parents.

“I work very hard to become as strong as possible to be successful in my sport,” said Franco.

Franco’s favorite sports memory is when she won her first match during a tournament in middle school.

Carson Sand, senior

Carson Sand has always been a fan of the water.

“It was just something for me to do after school, and it was easy for my parents. But I remember always liking the water,” said Sand.

Sand began swimming when he was six years old and has been swimming for 12 years. His father is a swim coach and he grew up around the pool.

His favorite stroke is breaststroke because it comes naturally to him. At his club team, he practices five afternoons and three mornings a week. Sand’s favorite thing about the sport is that it gives him good work ethic.

Sand’s favorite swim memory is the Junior Nationals in Seattle, where he got to race against the best swimmers in the nation and got second place in the 200 yard breaststroke.

The Olympian March 6, 2015

8

Falcons shoot out the Trojans in NCS

By Laura Macchiavello Staff Writer

Isaiah Siordia / Staff Writer

Students with a GPA of 3.2 or higher receive their Renaissance shirts.

Renaissance rewards good grades

By Isaiah Siordia

Staff Writer Renaissance is back. Renaissance helps the school by providing a good incentive for students to work hard, it gives students recognition and it is a way to reward students for having good grades academically motivating them to continue working hard.

“I believe it is a good program and it is very rewarding for students who work hard,” said Leadership business manager Alejandro Gonzalez. “It really boosts morale for students and makes them more motivated.”

How much the school spends on it depends on the level of participation in the Re-

naissance. This year the school spent $2,000 on it, which went to getting t-shirts and other prizes. CVHS also gets sponsors that donate items towards Renaissance.

The Renaissance is great for recognizing students who work hard and makes them feel good about themselves if they are not in a sport or club.

CVHS students took the test in February.

The assessment tests on mathematics, reading, science, writing, arts, civics, economics, geography, U.S. history, technology, and engineering.

The test lets the country know how high school students are doing as a whole with comprehension and education. The tests are the same for everyone and only a few questions are changed each year. The results are recorded so the administrators know exactly what students get wrong and right as a nation. This is meant to help shape what students have to learn more in school and what they excel at.

“The NAEP is a test meant to compare the success of educational policies between states.

Lawmakers in Washington use

the result of the assessments to help make future laws, budget decisions, and policies about education,” said Assistant Principal Jesse Hansen.

The test has been making the move towards becoming an online test students can take with Chromebooks in school.

In the national only test, about 20,000 students participate, and this year CVHS was selected to be part of the sample.

The NAEP test provides a national system for the nation to see how students progress and check how they do in school. Students might blame administrators of our school for making them take this test, but in reality, they have no choice.

“Any school that takes federal money agrees that if chosen, they will administer the test,” said Hansen.

The CVHS boys varsity soccer team, which qualified for NCS, had an unfortunate loss against College Park on Wednesday, Feb. 18. The final score of the Trojans’ final game was 3-1.

The only goal scored by Castro Valley was made by junior Jack Prettyman, who stated that most of the players seemed to already be tired going into the game. He claims that the other team performed better due to the Falcon’s ability to work well as a unit.

Many of the boys play on different club teams and have different styles of playing, but when playing together they all share great, mutual communication during games and practices. Sadly, their loss to College Park resulted

in their elimination from NCS, where they had hoped to excel.

“Even though we didn’t play our best we’re still a team. We win together and we lose together,” stated Prettyman.

The boys varsity soccer team had an extremely strong season.

The boys finished off with 15 wins, five ties, and only four losses.

“I just want to show that I've made something of myself to all those who have doubted me in the past,” stated senior Josh Guzman, who had hoped to have memorable season, which the team ended up achieving.

“Overall the season went well, we connected as a team. This was also the first in six years that we qualified for NCS and that was a great accomplishment,” said Prettyman.

Trojans pin down five league titles

Students take NAEP instead of nap

National testing for educational progress comes to CVHS

By Martin Baez Staff Writer

Who in the world would want us to take another test on top of our finals? Well the United States government does, and so does the Commissioner of Education Statistics.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) test covers lots of subjects, and basically serves as a national report card. It doesn’t affect a student’s grade and the test takers will not be able to see what they scored. About 50

The Olympian: Enter the Dragon!

Laniah Lewis / Sports Editor

Aidan Milligan (left) and four teammates won WACC titles.

By Laniah Lewis Sports Editor

The Trojans took second in the WACC wrestling championships at Arroyo High School on Saturday Feb. 20. It was a devastatingly close loss to San Leandro, 216-210.5.

The Trojans, however, were victorious over the other participating schools: Arroyo, Mt. Eden, Albany, San Lorenzo, Berkeley, and Hayward

Story by Robbie brandt Illustrations by Neo Diesta

Many Trojans wrestled with determination and passion. Wrestlers Aidan Milligan, Robert Terhell, Christian Chacon, Dane Clemensen, and Ray Maxwell were all WACC champions, yet despite the successes, the team remained humble.

“We all wrestled very well and hard, while we still have a ways to go as long as we keep putting in work we can achieve a ton,” said Milligan, a junior.