May 14, 2010

Pg. 4

Witness the magic of Cinderella

A fun revisit to a childhood classic

Pg. 6-7

Pg. 10-11

Every 15 Minutes stuns and teaches

Trojans and boosters rally to save sports

The living dead and their experience

“This was all my fault”

Who paid their way and who didn’t, team by team

Meet the new elected officials for 2010-2011

By Simrit Kaur Staff Writer

Howard Whang / Photo Editor

Senior Igor Breyman is arrested by two policemen after the mock car crash for the Every 15 Minutes program. See stories and photos on Pages 6 and 7.

The results of the student body election for the 2010-11 school year were released on April 26. Junior Joon Joung, who ran unopposed, won the demanding position of ASB president.

“Due to recent budget cuts, many activities and sports are going to be slashed from this upcom- 2010-11 ASB President Joon Joung ing year. Therefore, it is my goal to save as many of these activities dential race, said that he will and sports as I can, so that I can help achieve a better learning share the opportunities that I got environment for the school.

“I will make the assemblies to enjoy at CVHS with everyone and announcements more exelse,” said Joung.

Joung said he has high hopes citing,” said Small.

Linayao, the ASB treasurer for the upcoming school year, I am planning to make said, “I am planning to make next year a lot more interactive next year a lot more while staying within the ASB interactive while staying budget.” within the ASB budget.

All of the ASB members were enthusiastic about hitting the ground running for the 2010-11 Kyle Linayao school year and were in high Sophomore spirits concerning working for making the 2010-11 school year their way around the tight “one of the most memorable years budget to make next year a CVHS has ever had” with the help memorable one.

Winners of the class of 2011 of two new faces to the leadership class, Secretary Kate Kim and Vice elections are Jasmine Fong President Michael Small, and two (president), Isabel Chi (vice sophomores, Treasurer Kyle Lin- president), Kevin Chea (secreayao and School Board Represen- tary), and Andrew Wong (treasurer). Those of the class of tative Samuel Ison.

Kim, secretary of American Red 2012 elections are Jessica Woo Cross and active participant, said (president), Hailey Jorgensen that she looks forward to the up- (vice president), Jane Hong coming challenge of serving both (secretary), and Sheba Sharifi (treasurer). And finally winthe school and student body.

“I am looking forward to work ners for the class of 2013 elecwith the other ASB officers to tions are Grace Cho (president), make next year a good and memo- Victor Hernandez-Vega (vice rable one for the whole student president), Lisa Bonsignor-Opp (secretary), and Kenji Pinzón body,” said Kim. Small, winner of the vice presi- (treasurer).

“ Pennies for Patients can help find the cure

By Jose Luna Staff Writer

For the first time, a fundraiser for leukemia and lymphoma patients was held at Castro Valley High School. Pennies for patients (The leukemia and lymphoma association), contacted the school’s leadership class so that they could discuss and plan out the fundraiser.

Not only did the leadership class decide to join this program because it was a good cause, but also because a local Castro Valley girl, Adriana Tucker, had leukemia, which made it more personal, according to leadership teacher Nick Whitaker.

Tucker, 13, attends Creekside Middle School. Adriana had to go through a really hard and scary experience. “It was hard because of all the surgeries I had. I was in constant pain. I was only two weeks away from dying. But the

side effects from the chemotherapy were worse,” said Adriana.

Adriana hopes she is cured, and she feels more mature than others because she has almost died, and she has seen people die.

At CVHS, the program was introduced to the school by Austin Bruckner. “We just heard about the program and decided to join,” said Bruckner. This program is for a good cause, supporting efforts to someday allow cancer to be cured. You don’t have to donate hundreds of dollars, any type of change would do. “This is for a very good cause. The money won’t end leukemia, but it will help the program find cures,” said Bruckner.

Although this is the first year that CVHS has been part of the Pennies for Patients program, it is sure to collect a lot of money

that will help out the people that have blood cancer diseases, and help out people like our own local Castro Valley resident in the struggle against leukemia.

Adriana herself is doing the best she can to help people like her. “I do everything I can to help people like myself, just giving back to the community,” said Adriana.

You may not know this person, so you wouldn’t want to donate, but you should grow a heart and help out those in need. There is no doubt that Adriana, and other people that receive donations through this founding program will highly appreciate the help people give them. And although there is no cure for this type of diseases yet, we all hope that one day we will be able to cure these diseases, and even prevent them.

”

UC admission rates fall thanks to budget woes

By Alexandra Gomes News Editor

University of California (UC) campuses have reached an all time low this year in admission rates of incoming freshman due to the devastating cuts to education.

Only two universities, those of Merced and Riverside, avoided these measures.

In the past year, schools all over the state have been deeply cut by the state’s budget deficit, especially high schools and colleges, but this year is the worst thus far.

Out of all high school seniors who applied to UCs this past

“ It’sthatunfortunate this is

happening to our generation and no one else’s so far.

Desmond Castain Senior

”

year, only 71.6 percent of them were admitted for the fall of 2010

whereas 72.5 percent seniors were admitted last year. Even more startling, 75.4 percent were granted admittance in the previous year.

“I think that the UC system lowering their freshman admissions is incredibly unfair. It’s unfortunate that this is happening to our generation and no one else’s so far,” stated senior Desmond Castain in response to the cut. “It just sucks.”

The two most selective of the UC campuses, those in Los Angeles and Berkeley, admit-

ted only 21 and 24.5 percent of all freshman applicants.

Surprisingly enough, however, the UC campuses increased their percent of nonresidential freshman admission offers, inquiring out-of-state or international students, significantly from 12 percent last year to 14 percent this year and in some colleges, Berkeley in particular, nonresidential freshman admissions skyrocketed from 14 to 27 percent.

System-wide, nonresidential students pay approximately four times as much in tuition, about

$31,100, as residential students do, about $8,400. This explains why the UC campuses have increased their number of nonresidential student admissions: to earn more money.

“Just because the schools need more money, they’re going for students who are outof-state which makes chances of anyone who lives in the actual state of the school lower,” said senior Negin Tootian, in regard to the increased number of accepted nonresidential students.”

Dont judge Latinos by SAT scores alone

Igor Breyman

Kids will always find a way

Editorial: We at The Olympian find that the California law banning the sale or rental of “excessively violent video games” to minors violates the First Amendment, which states that no law shall abridge freedom of speech.

Not only is this law unconstitutional, but we also believe that this law will be hard or impossible to enforce because kids will always find a way to get that new hit video game, whether it’s getting it as a gift or begging an older sibling to buy it for them. No matter what, kids are creative in getting what they want.

Similar ideas like this one have been considered in the past, such as the issue of movie ratings. Movies rated R are for those age 17 or above, yet teenagers under the age of 17 find a way to get tickets. If

that rule does not work or is not enforced the way its supposed to be, how do they expect the video game law to work?

This law states that anyone under the age of 18 cannot purchase or rent video games rated “Mature” or “Adult Only.”

Anyone who is caught selling these video games to underage buyers will be fined $1,000.

Violent video games must have a large “18” label to distinguish that only those 18 or older can purchase them.

The Supreme Court agreed to rule on the constitutionality of this law that had been ruled unconstitutional by the lower courts, which cited it as a restriction on free expression. Titles such as Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty, and Left 4 Dead are some video games that are perceived

as violent that will probably be some of the games that minors cannot buy if the law goes into effect.

Proponents of this measure associate violent tendencies in youth with violent video games.

It’s a very controversial idea.

No study yet has proven that children who play violent video games every day become more aggressive than their peers who do not play or do not play as many video games.

Even if the Supreme Court upholds this bad law, children will still be subjected to violence from television shows, movies, and other kinds of media.

Violence has become a part of our society today, but playing a violent video game won’t hurt anyone.

to reword the bill so as to change the very apparent intent of the law, restrictions include that investigations not be made on “complaints that are based solely on race, color, or national origin.” In what other ways, exactly, do authorities plan to find grounds for reasonable suspicion, other than the color of a suspect’s skin? A second amendment to SB1070 clarifying that an officer may only inquire into the status of persons detained, arrested, or stopped, not simply in “lawful contact” like walking down the street, is both agreeable and reasonable.

I still find it difficult to speak intelligibly about the issue at hand, however, because my mind is so boggled and my blood is boiling at the thought of what these state officials are trying to get away with. It is undoubtedly clear that this law is, essentially, both condoning and encouraging racial profiling. Any argument protesting otherwise is backless and a crock of you-know-what. In what other manner is the law stating authorities should determine immigration status?

This law gives power-tripping police officers a free pass to run around the state hand-picking people to harass and discriminate against, based solely on

appearance. There are no mannerisms that pertain only to illegal aliens; they don’t stick out in a crowd like a car thief being of “reasonable suspicion” because he is driving the stolen vehicle. A legal immigrant looks no different than an illegal immigrant. This leaves the authorities to base criteria for “suspicion” according to brown skin. And that leaves millions across Arizona fearful of what they may face in the streets of their own neighborhoods every single day.

What’s even more unsettling is that if a certain precinct chose not to enforce this law to its fullest extent, any citizen in Arizona is welcome to sue the authorities, and because this is a stipulation of the law it seems almost encouraged. SB1070 is a get-out-of-jail-free card to discriminate against anyone and everyone, simply because of their skin color, and I just cannot wrap my mind around how it even became law.

Immigration is a matter far beyond the capability of state government to handle, obviously, so why hasn’t the federal government done anything about it? With health care nearly sorted out, immigration needs to be added to the president’s list of priorities.

How does one look illegal?

By Erin Mundy City Editor

“Do I look illegal?” Millions of Americans are asking themselves this question, and for citizens in the state of Arizona, many are afraid to find out the answer. With the passing of Arizona’s newest and toughest immigration law, SB1070, a cloud of confusion and outrage is hanging above America.

The “Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act” dictates that any state official maintains the right to inquire into the legal status of any one person under “reasonable suspicion.”

What does that even mean? It is unfathomable to me where legislators would even begin to draft a list of what constitutes “reasonable suspicion.” Basically, you must either act as an illegal immigrant does (whatever that means), or you must look like an illegal immigrant. What about this law makes sense, and moreover, is constitutional?

In what seems to be an attempt

By Moises Fonseca Sports Editor

Are you Latino? Have you ever gotten a 1,500 or below on your SAT? Don’t you feel discouraged when a university will not accept you, because you have a low SAT score?

Many colleges nowadays require you to have a good GPA and a good SAT score. SAT scores “reflects” the intelligence of an individual. What if you can speak English, but not at the level of the SAT? Well this is the case for many Latinos.

When I was 13 years old I moved to the United States because my parents want me to have a better future. Since I didn’t speak any English, the district made me take ESL classes. While I was in those classes, I learned so much about the language, the culture, and I got to meet a lot of awesome people from all over the country.

It’s been five years since I moved to the United States and I’ve learned a lot of English. Yet, I found myself struggling on the SAT. Many of my other friends, who are in a similar situation, find the SAT very challenging.

So why do many Latinos do poorly on their SATs? There are

millions of reason why they do poorly on their SATs. In my point of view, I think that the major reason for this problem is the fact that the SAT uses many words that are never taught in ESL classes.

Enfranchise, kindle, hamper, noxious, and many other words are never taught in ESL classes.

I’m not trying to say that ESL classes are horrible. They are helpful because the small class size creates a helpful learning environment for students learning English as a second language.

Comma, period, semi-colon, and all those grammatical symbols are another grammatical challenge I found common with most Latinos. In high school, most teachers assume the fact that you comprehend basic English grammar. So they don’t bother to tell their students about those grammatical errors, they will just mark it wrong.

Why don’t Latinos know “simple” grammar symbols?

I think that answer can vary from person to person. It all comes down to whether or not those Latinos were well taught grammar in elementary school.

I remember that when I was in second grade, my teacher never really cared about us; she just gave us 100 percent if she liked you, 85 percent if she sort of liked you, and 50 percent if she didn’t like you.

I can go on and on about why Latinos do poorly on their SATs. However, our SAT scores (mine is 1,240 if you want to know) don’t reflect our intelligence.

The Olympian is a publication of the journalism class at Castro Valley High School, 19400 Santa Maria Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546. © 2010 Editors-In-Chief...............................................................Irene Liang Joseph Wan City Editors.......................................................................Erin Mundy Alicia Harger News Editor...........................................................Alexandra Gomes Opinion Editor............................................................. Trevin Smith Feature Editor............................................................Lawrence Ham Sports Editor.............................................................Moises Fonseca Arts and Entertainment Editor........................................Sarah Gilchriese Copy Editor.........................................................Brandon Lui Photo Editor..............................................................Howard Whang Business Managers......................................................Lindsay Oda Hillman Zheng Staff Writers: Bianca Arias, Wessam Aziz, Nic Barradas, Aditi Bhatia, Igor Breyman, Tiffany Choi, Amanda Chouinard, Kearny Combs, Joe DiRosa, Yoon Jung, Max Kahane, Simrit Kaur, Kate Kim, Melissa Lau, Nick Leonardo, Dana Lin, Jose Luna, Georgina Sousa Advisor........................................................................Matt Johanson

Littlest things make the biggest difference

By Dana Lin Staff Writer

High school might as well be called high stress school. Especially with such high expectations these days, I don’t really get congratulated when I get an A on a test. Instead, I’m expected to get an A and if I don’t, I’m below average.

I miss those times when A stood for “awesome” and not just “average.” What better way to show hardworking students that they’re awesome than with a sticker?

I remember last year teacher Diane Fletcher stuck stickers on the tests that got a high A. I finally got a sticker on one of my tests. It felt like a million dollars just landed in front of me as rainbow fireworks were set off. I could see the jealousy in the eyes of the girl next to me as the tests were passed back. She got an A too, just not high enough for a sticker. I decided to do a good deed and give her the sticker on

my test. She was happy.

The other day, a friend of mine was studying for the APUSH entrance exam and was still up at midnight. She was tired and went on a huge, long rant.

I told her it was okay, and that I’d bring stickers the next day to make her feel better. It just so happened that someone else brought tattoos that same day.

We ended up having a tattoo and sticker party in chemistry.

It was, with lack of better words to describe it, awesome.

Teachers don’t necessarily have to use stickers, though, since stickers aren’t that cheap.

It’s also nice when they spend an extra three seconds to draw a smiley on our tests.

Deborah Yager draws a picture of a teacher on her tests and Glenn Mitchell writes an exclamation point, and I really appreciate that.

Usually, my friends and I don’t compare grades, but rather who has the better sticker, picture, or exclamation point. Whoever has the best is infinitely cooler than the others.

I think it would be great if all teachers did something like that, each with their signature sticker or picture. Little things like stickers and pictures can really make someone’s day.

PHOTOpinions BY: Aditi Bhatia

What do you think about violent video games?

Oakland A’s do baseball better

By Nick Leonardo Staff Writer

What is the main goal for a professional sports team? What do athletes all strive for and dream about? Championships, and in terms of championships: Oakland Athletics four, San Francisco Giants 0, case and point. However, this isn’t the only reason why I say that A’s are a better-run organization and a better franchise than the Giants.

I know Giants fans are quick to set aside the fact that their trophy case is empty and ours is sagging with weight. They’d love to point out how many splash hits their players have sent into McCovey Cove.

Most of those were hit by the once beloved home run king.

I say “once beloved” because Giants fans seem to have forgotten him as he awaits his trial in court for allegedly taking performance enhancing drugs and then lying about it to federal investigators.

How quickly you’ve forgotten about whom you built your stadium around, and that he is technically the home run king. Only a tiny sign in right center field commemorates Barry Bonds. However, while in his playing days, his face was largely plastered on the left field wall behind his position. I’m sure the Braves and Yankees

pay much more respect to their former home run record holders in Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth. Oh wait, those two were never up for jail time were they?

I’ll be fair and not only measure success with world championships. Let’s talk about playoff appearances. A’s win again. Since their move to Oakland in 1968 the A’s have appeared in 15 postseasons and five since 2000.

The Giants moved from New York in 1958 and haven’t fared as well with only eight appearances and only three since 2000. Their last was in 2003. It’s a good thing Giants fans seem not to care, as long as they have the Panda (third baseman Pablo Sandoval). But Pablo’s got problems too. He was put on a huge weight loss program this off-season by the Giants, which was widely publicized.

It now seems to be a major organizational failure as he looks to have lost no weight. They still seem to be happy though, because, hey, they’ve also got two time Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum. Too bad Cy Young awards don’t automatically get you into the playoffs. Also, the Giants better hope marijuana becomes legalized soon so Timmy doesn’t get caught again.

The biggest knock on the A’s has been that they always trade away their good, star players. While I can’t deny this I can say that the A’s simply have to, and it’s actually pretty smart. We can’t afford to keep our good players in green and gold when free agency rolls around. The players will simply leave for more money and we will be left with nothing.

So General Manager Billy Beane trades them for prospects before they can leave on their own. Then these prospects become the nucleus of our young teams. We are currently in the second cycle of this.

In 2010 the A’s payroll is just over $51 million ranking them third to last in Major League Baseball over only the dismal Pirates and lowly Padres.

The Giants however have a payroll of over $97 million ranking them tenth in baseball.

It’s this difference that allows the Giants to make huge mistakes with free agent signings and rosters moves (see Barry Zito’s $126 million contract and performance).

The A’s have no room for this kind of error and must handle their players smartly. If you compare position by position, the breakdown of salaries between the two teams over the years it’s ridiculous. The Giants for the amount of money they spend should be leaps and bounds better this year as well as the past few. For example, Giants shortstop Edgar Renteria makes $10 million this year after a terrible season last year, and our young shortstop Cliff Pennington makes $405,000 while he shows flashes of brilliance.

Giants closer Brian Wilson will make $4 million this year, while A’ s closer Andrew Bailey will only make $435,000, even after winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award. How can teams with so much of a money disparity compete at the same level?

I’d say that one team must be much smarter and better run than the other.

All that is why the Oakland Athletics are better. We have a smarter front office, a history with much more success, and no dumb nicknames for our players.

Plus, doesn’t green and gold look so much better than orange and black?

The cruel things people do “I think that they can be fun, but they can have an impact on people. They end up thinking it’s okay to do violent things outside of a video game.”

Teniyah Rose Jones, freshman

“Video games shouldn’t be regulated, at least not by the makers. Age restrictions and parents should be enough.”

Julie Phakoom, sophomore

By Max Kahane Staff Writer

“It is terrible, but inevitable because kids will be exposed to it anyways. I think people should take a chill pill.”

Jason Hazari, junior

Letters to the Editor

“I think violent games should be easily available and if parents care enough they can regulate video game purchases on a family level.”

Prabhjot Singh, senior

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.

Do you know the purpose of having pets, or why there are animals on this earth?

I can tell you that the purpose of having pets is to make a person feel happy and joyful. The reason there are animals on our planet is to make our planet a complete, diverse place that is thriving with life. Some people may have a different view on why we have pets or why there are animals living on this earth,

but one thing that is for certain is that animals are not here to be treated cruelly. I would hope that most people would agree with me.

Unfortunately not all people will.

Some people enjoy making videos and other descriptions of animal cruelty and sell them.

Obviously they are selling these sick and disturbing videos to sick twisted people who enjoy watching them.

To me this is wrong and should not be allowed. I think most people would agree.

But the Supreme Court killed the animal cruelty law, which made it legal to sell animal cruelty videos and other animal cruelty related conduct. They struck it down with an 8-1 vote.

How can this be? How can it be okay to make animal cruelty videos and sell them, or show them?

How does anybody have the right to abuse an animal? According to

the Supreme Court, it is okay because if it wasn’t allowed, it would be taking away the First Amendment right of free speech.

Well in my opinion, I think they are wrong and I don’t understand why something like that is allowed.

First of all, I think animal cruelty is morally wrong. Secondly, why is child pornography illegal? Shouldn’t that be considered freedom of speech also? I mean if it is considered freedom of speech to abuse an animal and make a video out of it, why is it then considered illegal to make child pornography? What is the difference?

There isn’t one, so why would the court kill this law?

It makes no sense to me, and the people who make animal cruelty videos or child pornography are sick people.

The sweetest sound of Cinderella plays in the CFA

By Melissa Lau Staff Writer

Everyone knows the magical folk tale of Cinderella, about the young lady who lives an unlucky life with her evil stepfamily, but one day, her unfortunate life turns into one with remarkable prosperity. Though there are thousands of thousands of versions of this model romance, the drama and music department of Castro Valley High’s version of Cinderella is definitely one of the most impressive and memorable versions out there. The play was performed in the Center of the Arts, on the weekends of April 30 and May 7, with a new cast for Cinderella, the prince, and the fairy godmother every other day.

The classic story of Cinderella revolves around the beautiful young lady named Cinderella, played by Rachel Wagner and Gabby Wood, who is treated horribly by her ugly stepsisters and stepmother, and a prince, played by Brenon Adams and Zaiah Jones, who has no intention of getting married. When a ball is arranged for the prince’s birthday and for him to find his true love, every maiden in the land is to attend. Cinderella finds a way to sneak to the ball, though she has to go through many trials: meeting her unique fairy godmother,

Kate Kim / Staff Writer

Cinderella (Rachel Wagner) and Prince Christopher (Brenon Adams) greet children after the show. played by Kate Kim and Ashley Ison, making a stunning dress, doing all the chores her stepfamily assigns her, and knowing her fun at the ball will end at

Relay for Life continues to celebrate cancer survivors

By Hillman Zheng Business Manager

Would you walk nonstop for 24 hours? Better yet, would you take turns walking with a group of friends for 24 hours while raising money to fight cancer, all at the same time?

Every summer, the American Cancer Society (ACS) Club participates in Relay for Life at the Canyon Middle School track. Relay for Life is a fundraising event in which communities all over the world unite to raise funds to fight cancer, celebrate cancer survivors, and remember those who have lost their lives to cancer.

Castro Valley’s annual Relay for Life begins with the Opening Ceremony. After the Opening Ceremony, there is the Survivors Lap, a powerful and inspirational display of cancer survivors who walk a lap as everyone else cheers them on. Participants then begin to circle around the track in teams for 24 hours, with one member from each team on the track at all times at night, to symbolize the ongoing struggle against cancer.

During the day, there are many fundraising events such as bake sales, raffle baskets, and notably the Ms. Relay Pageant, where a boy from each team dresses up as a girl and competes in the beauty pageant with talent performances such as singing or dancing. The pageant winner’s team wins money donated under their team’s name. Each team also participates in a Fight Back activity, in which each team teaches others about a topic related to a certain type of cancer, research, advocacy, education, or health, fitness, and nutrition through a game or an activity.

Later, the Luminaria Ceremony takes place to remember those who

have lost their lives to cancer and those who are currently fighting cancer. Afterwards, participants walk the track in the dark with only candles in bags of sand, each bag bearing the name of someone whose life has been affected by cancer. Finally, the Closing Ceremony is held the next morning to signify the end of Relay for Life.

But of course, the struggle for a cure is never-ending.

The majority of fundraising for Relay for Life occurs before the event. Anyone can start a team, and teams who wish to stay overnight on the track in tents have to raise $100 per person. But everybody is welcome to participate during the day.

Competition is encouraged between teams to boost fundraising efforts and awards are given out to teams who contribute the most.

In addition, each year’s Relay for Life has a theme which teams follow. This year’s theme is movies.

As many as 200 people participate in Castro Valley’s Relay for Life every year, and many clubs from CVHS such as Key Club, American Red Cross, Interact, and Leo Club have participated in past relays.

“I would like to encourage everybody to participate in Relay for Life by joining the ACS Club team or forming their own team. Every single person can make a difference in the fight against cancer,” said Angela Wei, member and next year’s president of the ACS club. “In addition, it’s a great way to spend time and have fun with family and friends while supporting an important cause.”

midnight, when all the magic from her fairy godmother wears off. With all these events happening around her, she arrives late to the ball, and draws the

affection of the prince. They fall quickly in love, but are torn apart by the clock striking midnight. As she runs away, she accidentally drops her glass slipper, which the

smitten prince uses to find his lover. They reunite at the end, and live happily ever after.

Though the story of Cinderella has been told so many times that one thinks of it as a cliché, the musical went by quickly, and at the end, I personally was disappointed that it had ended.

The choir students and orchestra that were involved made the story seem almost real with their passion and enthusiasm.

“The band and orchestra are really good and it makes it seem like more of a professional play with them there,” said sophomore Ma’lia Leines, actor. The costumes were very appealing and the backgrounds were all very well made. You could tell that the cast and the orchestra put a lot of time and effort into the musical, and were very pleasing, not only to the eye, but to the ears as well.

“It’s so different from Pops.

And you have to be dedicated to it too because you have to stay up until 10 at the CFA,” said freshman Amber Yang, actor. This play was very unforgettable, and people who watch it will all feel at ease and will leave with hope that they will also find their happy ever afters.

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Every 15 Minutes sends a message

By Amanda Chouinard Staff Writer

CVHS recently put on a twoday Every 15 Minutes program.

The program’s purpose was to bring awareness to drunk driving.

Texting while driving and reckless driving were also addressed.

The two-day affair began on Thursday April 15. Throughout first and second period, students from the leadership class announced over the loudspeakers the names of CVHS students who were “dead.” A rose and a eulogy were left on the desk of the “dead” in their classes to create a deeper emotional effect, reminding students that this event could be a reality.

During third period, the juniors and seniors were herded into the senior parking lot and seated in removable bleachers. While the students entered the crash sight, the “ living dead,” who were made up with black and white face paint,

were covering the actual wrecked car with a tarp.

The actual crash began as the “living dead” uncovered the wrecked car. As soon as it was uncovered, a couple of students stumbled upon the crash and called 911. Senior Igor Breyman, who was the supposed drunk driver of one of the cars, stumbled out of the wreck and began to realize what he’d done.

“At that point it felt real, like there were no students actually watching,” said Breyman.

The whole incident was very realistic; firemen, police officers, EMT, and a helicopter were all in the senior parking lot, and unfortunately the coroners as well.

The crash was very emotional for everyone, the students involved and the spectators. Students who saw their classmates and friends sprawled on the concrete couldn’t help but think about their own friends.

“I kept picturing my own friends

lying out there and it disturbed me,” said senior Kelsey Sanchez.

The following day was the funeral, for all the “dead” involved in the crash. It was held in the Center for the Arts, and was packed full of students. Parents spoke to the audience as if their children were killed in a drunk driving accident. Hearing the students speak as if it was the last time they could speak to their loved ones was a very emotional experience for everyone who attended. Kleenex was passed throughout the rows of seats by expecting ushers.

The movie that was made to fill in the blanks about what happened before and after the crash was daunting, and made the presentation that much more realistic.

The Every 15 Minutes left a large impact on all CVHS students. Hopefully everyone will remember the message when it really matters.

How the crash changed a “drunk driver”

By Igor Breyman Staff Writer

I am not a murderer. I’m not capable of it. I promise, I’m innocent. That’s what I kept repeating through my head to keep my sanity.

I know what a bad feeling feels like, but it never felt this gruesome. I can’t even get the image out of my head— the image of my friends, mutilated, covered with blood, slaughtered, all because of my doings.

I am Igor Breyman, the Every Fifteen Minutes drunk driver, and this was all my fault.

Unique in its design and powerful in its impact, Every Fifteen Minutes is an educational experience that reminds us all of the dangers associated with driving while intoxicated and texting.

About 25 students were nominated to participate. Then five or six students were chosen to be a part of the crash scene and in the

film. Students are filmed based on a script in jail, court, hospitals, school, and morgues. Though everything is predetermined, the emotions and feelings are all real.

The day of the crash scene, I have never felt so nervous in my life. Even with my various experiences performing on stage, these five minutes of waiting seemed like five days. The illuminated orange world quickly disappeared as the living dead pulled off the tarp. My heart exploded in my chest; I could feel it beating, coursing blood through every inch of my body. Showtime. From there, everything got real and hectic.

The 911-call set off the adrenaline, while the glass, blood, cries, and the fear carried me along. Junior Juan Anderson—paralyzed and stuck—yelled for help in the backseat of my car, while juniors Nate Han and Jasmine Fong were subjects of their own chaotic and painful world stuck in their car.

Senior Rachel Wagner and junior Jason Phillips raced on in distress after making the 911 call. Upon seeing the dead bodies of seniors Erin Hawkins and Gabe McDermott, I could feel the emotions rush inside me.

The scenario began when Erin and I decided to pre-game and drink at my house with some friends. Shots of Captain Morgan, swigs of Skyy vodka, and a few games of beer pong were weapons of choice, while Juan and Gabe decided to stay sober.

“Don’t worry dude, I’m fine.

I’m Russian, Ukranian, you know I can hold my liquor,” I gently asserted, reassuring Gabe that I was okay to drive.

It wasn’t until we started driving that the intoxication hit us.

Add in all the distractions and a car as a lethal weapon, and you have a recipe for disaster.

In the moment of impact, Erin and Gabe—both not wear-

ing their seatbelts—were ejected from the car and died on impact.

Jasmine, after being rushed to the hospital, never made it out, while Juan was paralyzed from the waist down for life.The whole duration of this program, I felt as if I was really in the shoes of the drunk driver. The seething hatred I received from various parents, as well as members of the executive and judicial branch, felt real, and it changed my life.

This program has impacted many of us and brought a school together. Hearing sobs throughout the entire theater reassures me we did something meaningful. Every Fifteen Minutes was not just about drunk driving, but about making good decisions, and I feel that countless individuals will now think twice before making a bad one. This program could not have happened without everyone’s support, so thanks to all those at CVHS and elsewhere who made this happen.

“How precious life is”

By Alicia Harger City Editor

I’m not sure what I expected going into it. I assumed it would be just another program, just another set of lectures against drunk driving. I’d heard things about it though. I’d heard it was very intense. I guess I thought it would be an emotional experience.

I’m not sure what I expected going into it, but I definitely didn’t expect it to be life changing. Regardless of my expectations, that’s what it was; Every 15 Minutes changed my life.

I suppose dying does that to you, it changes your life. But when my name was called over the loud speaker, when a rose was placed on my desk and my self written obituary was read out loud to my class, I didn’t feel any different. I stood and watched as paramedics rushed my gorily made-up peers to hospitals and morgues. I still didn’t feel any different.

“I’m a good girl,” I thought, “I don’t drink and drive, what does this all really have to do with me?”

Even after my phone was confiscated and I arrived at the big house in Alamo where the group was spending the night I didn’t feel any different.

The next part was relatively uninspired, a rush to pick rooms and several traditional get-toknow-you games before dinner.

After dinner though, we got down to it. Everyone there, the twenty some kids and several adults, knew why we were there. A policeman came, rattled off some statistics,

and showed a bloody video, but it was nothing I hadn’t seen before, nothing new. The speakers kept coming though, and it got more personal. One of the Every 15 Minutes coordinators told us his story: his brother died while driving drunk. I teared up, I was touched. The stories got sadder.

The speaker was only 20; she graduated from high school the year before. As she walked to the front of the room, I noticed a slight limp, but didn’t think much of it.

As she began to tell us her story, I noticed a slight lisp, but again, didn’t think much of it. That is, until she got into her story. Then I understood. This girl, not too much older than me, had been in a car crash. She and her family had been driving home from a Disneyland vacation. They were just fifteen minutes from home when a drunk driver hit their car; the speaker’s parents were killed instantly. She, her twin sister, and her older brother waited in the car for ambulances to come. The girl had complete amnesia, had to relearn to talk and walk, had to remeet her twin sister.

During this story, I broke down.

In a room full of faces I vaguely recognized and names I barely remembered, I cried. Tears streamed down my face, they fell for the pain of life.

I cried for the cruelty of a fate that would tear a family apart. I cried, because of the inevitability of destiny. It wasn’t her fault. It was the terrible decision of someone else that ruined her life, his bad choice that caused this girl so

much like me pain.

At this point, I didn’t think Every 15 Minutes could get any worse. I didn’t think that I could be anymore emotionally invested in the program. I was wrong.

The lights turned down and all the students were asked to close their eyes. One of the leaders then began talking. She led us through a visualization where we were the victims. We imagined our own crashes, our own funerals, and our own mothers crying over our coffins. There was not a dry eye in the room. Everyone, from the softest girl to the toughest football player had tears streaming down his or her face. Then we had to write letters to someone we cared about, as if it was the last thing we could say to them.

In that letter, my heart poured out as fast as the tears from my eyes. I told my little sister everything I had realized that night.

Finally, I felt different. I felt like I had lost something, but in losing that, in dying, I got a second chance at life.

I got a second chance at life because I realized how precious life is. I realized that each day is a gift, and I need to be grateful for it. I saw how important it is to say “I love you” every chance you get, because it might be the last chance you get. You never know when your time is coming; in two seconds, your life could end. So seize the day, appreciate everything you have. Even when you’re sad, be happy that you’re feeling something. Live, laugh, and love as much as you can.

Entertainment Calendar

MusicJune 1: Clay Aiken: Tried & True June 1: Hawthorne Heights: Skeletons June 1: Jack Johnson: To The Sea

Faith No More rocked Classic rockers play electrifying show city once again

By Trevin Smith Opinion Editor

MoviesMay 27: Sex and the City 2 June 4: Get Him to the Greek June 4: Killers Video GamesMay 18: Red Dead Redemption, (PS3,Xbox), $59.99 May 23: Super Mario Galaxy 2, (Wii), $49.99 June 4: The Sims 3: Ambitions, (Mac, PC), $39.99 BooksMay 18: Angel Star – Jennifer Murgia, $10.99 May 18: Keeper – Kathi Appelt, $16.99 May 25: Frozen in Time– Ali Sparkes, $15.99 ConcertsMay 16: Bullet For My Valentine, Grand Ballroom, $23 May 20: Carrie Underwood, Arco Arena, $32.50-$52.50 May 28: Cobra Starship & 3OH!3, The Warfield, $22.25 May 29: Tim Mcgraw, Shoreline, $28.50-$76.50

On April 12, at the Warfield in San Francisco, I had the exclusive privilege of being one of the 300 people to see the return of the Bay Area’s own Faith No More. After a ten-year break-up of the band, their first show of six in the U.S was nothing short of amazing for me.

Before they took the stage there was a brief fraction of a second of silence, quickly followed by a sudden boom of cheer from everyone as they began their signature opener, “Reunited and it Feels so Good.”

Their singer, Mike Patton, behaved as if they were all still 19 and playing in their early days, as he leaped off the stage and into the crowd, about a foot away from me, screaming as high as he could.

“You can touch, smell it, taste it so sweet, but it makes no difference ‘cause it knocks you off

your feet,” cried Patton as he danced and rolled around on the stage in his banana yellow suit.

He is known in the music world to have one of the most talented and adjustable voices in rock, and he flaunts it in any live show you may see him in.

While also playing their earlier songs to perfection, they gave the audience that night four encores from some of their newer and classic material, leaving all of us wondering if it was really the end as we began to walk out the door with our heads still cocked back waiting for more.

To me, if you are a fan of early 90’s Alternative Rock and you love blistering guitar chords over a screaming synth with someone singing/screaming/ breathing/crying in the background, then Faith No More would be a great band for you to check out and to see.

Although they are only playing six shows in the U.S before heading back to Europe for probably a year, it will be more than well worth the wait for their next homecoming to the Bay Area.

COAAACHELLAAAAAAAAA!

By Erin Mundy City Editor

It’s amazing what four days in the desert surrounded by palm trees, mountains, music, and beautiful people will do to you. It’s something that is almost inexplicable; words would never do Coachella justice, but if I had to define it in one word, it would be sublime.

My friends and I chose to camp on-site, as the convenience of the 10 minute walk to our campsite was unbeatable.

After taking in all of the amazing artwork, installations, and just the entirety of our surroundings, I managed to catch The Specials at the start of my day, who were incredibly impressive and lively, making the crowd dance and jump around with the 30-year-old band.

Gil Scott-Heron blew my mind before we headed to the main stage where my face melted off, thanks to one of the best performances of the weekend by Them Crooked Vultures. We stayed for LCD Soundsystem, and although I had a hard time leaving the funkiness of the set, I was swept off my feet by my favorite English singer Imogen Heap. We ended the night dancing in the Sahara tent to British DJ Erol Alkan.

Saturday began with a mediocre performance from The Temper Trap, but hearing their popular song “Sweet Disposition” live was a good start to day two. Beach House tickled our ears with their celestialsounding dream-pop and were surprisingly impressive live.

After staying for The XX, we wandered over to catch Bassnectar where the drops by the San Francisco based DJ were so grimy I needed a shower afterwards. We lazed around, admired an amazing installation of a bright color-changing light box, then returned to Sahara to end the night with an outright amazing performance from the DJ duo 2ManyDJs. Featuring remixes of bands like The Clash, Joy Division, and a grand finale confetti explosion, 2ManyDJS were a favorite.

By day three we had all finally found our dynamic, and the day started off right with a face-melting set by dubstep DJ Rusko, followed by the hairraising vocals of Florence and the Machine. Club 75, a DJ super-group from Paris, killed the crowd with bangers and their party animal energy. Then at what had become my favorite stage, Phoenix, one of my current favorite groups, got me singing every word. Despite my love for the Parisian band, I felt the group didn’t put their all into the performance.

Any feelings of discontent

melted away as Thom Yorke, my sole reason for being in Indio, blew my mind and exceeded every single one of my expectations. The intensity of Thom Yorke as he poured his soul into the microphone, and the incredible skill of bassist Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, flooded me with emotions that I still cannot wrap my mind around. The band played all 14 tracks off their album The Eraser, but what stuck with me and always will, was when Thom Yorke performed his band Radiohead’s song “Everything in its Right Place.” I felt as if he read my mind, because he could not have chosen a better song to play in that moment. I was so surprised and happy that I nearly cried.

After Thom Yorke’s incredibly moving performance, we danced, sang, and were astounded by Gorillaz, another of my reasons for being there.

Damon Albarn’s range of funky beats to hair-raising tracks like my personal favorite off of their newest album Plastic Beach, “Empire Ants,” made for an awe-inspiring set. Gorillaz brought on stage all artists featured on the album, including Mos Def, Snoop Dogg, fellow Coachella performers De La Sol and Little Dragon, and Bobby Womack. It was an incredible end to an inexplicably incredible weekend, a weekend I wish would never have ended.

By Sarah Gilchriese A&E Editor

Whoever said that “an oldie is a goodie” was correct. The Eagles, no matter their current age, put on one of the best shows I’ve seen in awhile. On April 30, The Eagles brought back many memories from the 70’s and 80’s, completely selling out at the HP Pavilion to put on a spectacular show.

In my years of concert-going, I’ve been to many different shows.

Some have been metal shows, some were rock, some were indie or pop, and some were festivals with many types of music. All of these concerts or festivals have had different atmospheres and levels of energy and excitement, since different genres seem to have different kinds of atmospheres

and crowds. The Eagles had all of the atmospheres of the all the shows I’ve ever been to combined, except the metal mentality. They made the crowd fall completely in love with the music and the concert, creating an entire auditorium of pleased fans.

My advice is to go to at least one concert where the band or singer has been playing their music for over 15 years. They have experience and know what they are doing, in order to create the best experiences. The Eagles obviously have lots of experience, and that’s why I think that they put on the great show that they did.

I’ve been to a lot of shows; I’ve seen a lot of bands. Never have I seen any band play as strong or as well as The Eagles. No words can explain how amazing that concert was; you just had to experience it for yourself. If I could, I’d give their show 6 out of 5 stars; it was really that good.

Muse: not a concert, but an experience

By Igor Breyman Staff Writer

On April 14, 2010, I laughed, I cried, I fell in love and had my heart broken, and I ended up smelling like a sweaty mass of human covered in vomit. No I didn’t run a marathon, witness my own birth, or go club hopping; I spent the best four hours of my life seeing Muse end their world tour at the Oracle Arena in Oakland.

Never have I witnessed the things that presented themselves that day: laser vortex guns, reflective pants, mirrored guitars, bright flashing lights in every color of the rainbow, and music so great that it courses through your veins.

The night began when Silversun Pickups opened for Muse. Lead vocalist Brian Aubert, created a circus of flashing lights as he sung his heart out, later explaining how privileged the band felt, given the opportunity to tour with and open for Muse. Bassist Nikki Monninger shed a tear, celebrating their final night.

Then came Muse, and everything got even more chaotic. Three giant towers, set up to resemble the intimidating buildings in George Orwell’s book 1984, began to sway, as the ambience grew hectic. In a rage, the buildings exteriors are torn down, leaving the three members of Muse suspended in the heart of each building as kings of their own mountains. Lead vocalist Matthew Bellamy commanded lasers in

various directions as his pants and guitar shot crisp beams of light in every corner of the room. Opening with their hit song “Uprising,” Muse quickly set the mood for the rest of the experience.

The rest of the night followed with breathtaking laser light shows, and a perfect crowd churning left and right, fighting for their lives. Songs such as “Plug in Baby,” “Exogenesis Part 1,” “Knights of Cydonia,” “Newborn,” “United States of Eurasia,” and “Resistance” were all featured. When “Unnatural Selection” began, the crowd epitomized survival of the fittest. Junior Miranda Britton and I were pushed to the very front as we fought to stay alive. The pit leaned to the left so far that a large portion of crowd fell over, including me, throwing me into a dark abyss of muffled noises, body heat, and rancid stank. Upon rising from the ground, a man in baby blue emptied his day’s digestion down my entire body, but being that I was at a Muse concert, I didn’t care, and continued dancing.

Never have I had such fun or imagined colored smoke, but Muse makes it all possible. Seeing Muse differs from a concert, for Muse puts on a show, or a performance. The passion and happiness that drifted through the air along with fumes of all the dancing people demonstrated the sheer genius of this band. Muse is going to be the next big thing, scratch that, Muse IS the next big thing, perfect for all generations.

Kick-Ass really does kick you-know-what

By Brandon Lui Copy Editor

With a name like Kick-Ass, most people have already decided whether or not they want to see this movie. Just like books and their covers, don’t judge a movie by its title. The movie is based on a 2008 comic book, written by Mark Miller and illustrated by John Romita, Jr., but only in part as the movie does change the story and themes. The changes are welcome for the comic’s silver screen transition as the plot becomes more straightforward and optimistic.

The story follows Dave Lizewski, played by Aaron Johnson, and his attempt at becoming a super hero in a modern world.

From the narrative of Lizewski, the audience gets to watch a stereotypical nerd make an attempt at saving lives, so both action and hilarity ensues. Lizewski will manage to get himself caught up with other real super heroes in his crime

fighting endeavors. From the moment Chloë Moretz shows up on scene as Hit Girl along side Nicolas Cage as Big Daddy, it’s obvious the scene will become an action sequence. The real conflict surfaces when crime lord Frank D’Amico, played by Mark Strong, mistakes Kick-Ass as the hero damaging his operation.

Lizewski’s performance really shines with his narrative of the world and his personal thoughts on people’s blind eye to their fellow humans.

Those who enjoyed the comic work of Miller and Romita will find a little disappointment with the divergence the movie takes from the comic, but won’t feel cheated with the story, as it still revolves around many similar themes like the dynamic change in atmosphere when Lizewski’s in and out of his Kick-Ass costume. While the gorgeous action sequences may portray the movie as unintelligent violence, the story plays out to both entertain the audience without sacrificing its message or narrative for cheap gags like most action movies that crawl out of Hollywood.

Many critics have given this

movie a bad review citing its violence and harsh language.

What they’re really getting at though is 11-year-old Chloë Moretz’s role as Hit Girl, a gun slinging, katana wielding, killing machine. Having an 11-year-old play the role with easily the most violence doesn’t help lower the movie’s R rating. Contrary to popular belief, however, the violence isn’t the only factor that made it rated R. Kick-Ass is an independent production because many studios were far too afraid of it’s image to touch the film, so it set out on its own. The result was violence, harsh language, and yes, maybe three seconds of nudity, but all was given in appropriate amounts for the tone of movie.

Contrary to time flying when fun is being had, this movie will be both fun and feel longer. The appropriate pacing will feel so natural that the audience won’t need to stop and contrast action and dialog scenes which seamlessly push and pull one another into the spotlight. KickAss is essentially fun, and well worth the trip to the theater, twice, maybe even thrice.

Suggestions for pre-class symphony

By Igor Breyman Staff Writer

If I had to pick only one thing that everybody in the world can relate to regardless of culture, I would pick music. Music is more than just a compilation of cacophonous sounds; it’s a feeling, a movement, an emotion, and a stress reducer.

For some, music is a getaway, and for me, music is an invitation to dance. That’s why you are guaranteed to find me smiling between 10:30 and 10:36, when music echoes through the hallways guiding us to class.

I wish we played better music though, the kind of music that us teenagers like to listen to, but we must follow the rules already set. What rules you ask? Let me rewind.

Assistant Principal Sue Goldman plays the music for us every day. She collects suggestions of songs from teachers, students, the popular songs on her iPod, the top songs on iTunes, and her alwaysupdating XM radio. After finding a song, Goldman researches the lyrics and themes of the song. The song cannot mention anything regarding sex, drugs, alcohol, swearing, or any other explicit content.

Then Goldman plays the song on the loudspeakers and echoes it through the school.

I think that music above all,

especially in the year 2010, should not and cannot be censored. Lots of the good music features some sort of explicit content. That’s what undoubtedly exists in the real world outside of CVHS. Though there’s a plethora of “safe” music out there, our list is running short of music that we high schoolers also like.

“It’s all right, but it could be better. I would like to hear more new ‘teenage’ music, or classic favorites like the Beatles or the Spice Girls,” said senior Jenn Warren.

I want to hear more modern music like songs from Super Mash Bros, Massive Attack, Portishead, MSTRKRFT, Justice, Skream, and upbeat remixes. If I hear it on Wild 94.9, Movin 99.7, Energy 92.7, Live 105, or Live 105’s Subsonic on Saturday nights, I would love to hear it at school.

“Steve Aoki, MGMT, Rihanna, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, and more are what I want to hear,” said senior Beatriz Guiterrez.

Goldman plans to change the system and have the school elect a student of the week every week to choose the music to be played for every passing period. That sounds like a great idea to me. So far, having music guide me to class is a magnificent idea, but the complaints keep piling up so some changes need to be made. I’m content, but crave more. I would give the break music three out of five stars.

Laugh along to hit Hot Tub Time Machine

By Brandon Lui Copy Editor

Deloreans are yesterday’s time machine. Make room for the Hot Tub Time Machine.

Hot Tub Time Machine follows four friends, Adam (John Cusack), Jacob (Clark Duke), Nick (Craig Robinson), and Lou (Rob Corddry), in 2010 with their problems regarding both relationships and life in general. When Lou tries to kill himself they decide to visit an old ski resort where one of their most memorable parties took place in their youth. With a little too many drinks, the four end up getting transported to 1986 through the resort’s hot tub.

While in the year 1986 they appear to everyone as their 1986 selves, except Jacob, who hasn’t been born yet, so his appearance remains the same. Their trip starts off fun and then really gets into the roots of how their lives turned out and the prospect of changing it.

Hot Tube Time Machine is a comedy, and even more of a comedy

for those who know 1980’s pop culture. While the movie does make references to many modern pop culture references, it is far funnier to those who were there to witness the 1980’s.

The storyline in lowbrow comedies are often forgettable and unimportant to many of the jokes and gags throughout the film. In this case, however, it actually helps to pay attention to what’s going on rather then just laughing at the jokes.

Unlike most of Hollywood’s last few comedies, the story might actually be enjoyable and worth the extra attention.

Sadly, the story is forgettable, although still fun.

Overall, viewers will see a lot of nice running gags that are good enough not to spoil.

All I can say is, “You’ll laugh,” and that there are enough jokes to keep those unfamiliar with pop culture happy. Hot Tub Time Machine is not something worth rushing to get on DVD, but it’s worth a trip down to a theater for some nice laughs.

Trojans, boosters racing clock to save sports

By Sarah Gilchriese A&E Editor

Castro Valley Unified School District cut 100 percent of sports funding for 2010-2011 because of state budget cuts. Board members, parents, businesses, and athletes are doing everything they can to raise enough money to keep sports alive.

Athletic Boosters held an informational meeting to broadcast their race towards the financial finish line to raise $265,000 by June 30, 2010 in order keep funding all sports for the 2010-2011 seasons. So far, the boosters and their supporters have raised $95,000 towards that goal.

“The goal is ‘all for one and one for all,’ for all Castro Valley teams to stay alive,” said Assistant Principal Jason Whiteman. The $265,000 includes things like coach stipends, referees, and overall funding of the sports program.

None of the money will go to new uniforms, new bats or balls, or any equipment.

At the beginning of the 20092010 school year, each athlete was asked to participate in “pay-toplay.” “Pay-to-play” is the asked donation from each athlete, for each sport that they play. The first sport was an asked donation of $150 per athlete, the second sport $100, and the third sport $75. For legal reasons, the district cannot mandate “pay-to-play,” because athletes can’t be charged fees in public schools, according to Superintendent Jim Negri.

For the 2009-2010 school year, athletic contributions of “pay-toplay” were only about 50 percent instead of anticipated 100 percent.

This leaves the school $61,519 short for the 2009-2010 season.

Fall sports paid 70 percent of their asked donation, while spring sports and winter seasons only had 42 percent of their athletes pay. Girls golf and girls wrestling had 100 percent of the team “payto-play” with girls volleyball close behind with 92 percent of the team “paying-to-play.” The lowest participation came from badminton with an astonishingly

low 2 percent contribution. One member out of the 49-athlete team “paid-to-play.”

Besides “pay-to-play” fees, athletes are asked to fundraise as a team effort for Athletic Boosters. The football teams held minor football league games in the Trojan Stadium during the past year, and the baseball team hosted a poker tournament. The team players were required to sell two buy-ins as well as raffle tickets. Track also hosted an annual invitational. Many other teams including tennis are selling newspaper subscriptions.

Some other sources of money eScrip, business and family sponsorships, FC Pride women’s soccer playing in the stadium, the future 5K/10K run on June 13, and a “yogathon” on May 15.

“I will not accept any sports to be cut,” said Athletic Boosters Vice President James Crosby.

Crosby and the entire Athletic Boosters board have been working around the clock to raise enough money. As they all said at the meeting, they don’t want to see any of the sports cut.

Lindsay Oda and Trevin Smith contributed to this report.

The Money Meter

Boosters have raised about $95,000 for 201011 sports so far, but a full program will cost $265,000.

These pie graphs represent each sports program at CVHS. Each pie graph shows the percentage of how many student athletes on their respective sports team paid the suggested $150 donation.

We at The Olympian believe each financially-able student athlete should donate $150 to help fund the CVHS sports program. Thanks to those who have helped support our athletic teams.

Baseball

Boys Soccer

Girls Soccer

Softball Swimming Girls Wrestling Boys Volleyball

Boys Wrestling Girls Volleyball

Football

Boys Golf

Track

“Sports are my life.”

Cody Bacho, junior

Cross Country “They’re positive experiences.”

Jordan Chung, senior

Girls Golf

Badminton “Sports are good for college.”

Justin Gong, sophomore

Lau and Melissa

By Dana Lin rs Staff Write

Girls Basketball

“I play badminton, because I like meeting new people, and I think it’s fun” Cynthia Liu, junior

“Sports, to me, means having a great time with friends.”

Karen Chaw , freshman

Boys Basketball

“Sports are fun and help meet cool people.”

Kaitlin Endo, senior

Boys Tennis

“Sports are fun and help me meet cool people.”

John Kim, freshman

Girls Tennis “It makes me look forward to school and have good grades so I can be on the team.”

Daniella Fonseca, sophomore

Trojans proud to host Pride at Trojan Stadium

By Nic Barradas Staff Writer

FC Gold Pride is finally in Castro Valley. Boasting ten national team players, eight world cup participants, four Olympic gold medalists, four Women’s Pro Soccer all-stars, three Mac Herman trophy winners, and one world cup champion, they bring excitement and enthusiasm to the whole crowd.

So far, Trojan Stadium has been good luck for this impressive team, which beat last year’s WPS champions, Sky Blue FC, 3-1. It was a huge victory for the team.

Coach Albertin Montoya explained that although last year they did not rank very high, this year they have traded for some of the best players in the league.

“Last year we needed firepower. Now we have the three leading goal-scorers in the league.

We’ve also gained speed in the mid-field and in the defense.

Nothing can stop us this year,” said Montoya. So far every game they play has been more exciting than the last.

Marta Vieira da Silva has unquestionably played a big part in helping FC Pride gather their huge following. She has a golden boot award, the Michelle Akers Award, is a four-time Fifa world player of the year, and even won the golden ball when she played in the China World Cup. Her impressive resume translates to the field.

“She’s extremely competitive,

and it rubs off on everyone.

She has a great attitude and deserves everything she’s got,” said Montoya.

“I like being a role model, I want everyone who wants to play professional soccer to know that you only have to try hard; how hard you work is how much you get,” said da Silva.

So far FC Pride has filled CVHS stands each time they play. This consistently high turnout is good news for the Trojans’ athletic boosters. At each game the boosters are at the field selling snacks and concessions.

With so many people in the stadium, this will surely help CVHS in the fight to save sports for the next school year. Assistant Principal Jason Whiteman worked long hours to bring the Pride to CVHS. Unfortunately FC Pride will only play one more game in Trojan Stadium before they move to their more permanent home at Pioneer Stadium at Cal State East Bay. According to one of the star forwards, Tiffeny Milbrett, “Our only goal this year is to win a championship, and we won’t stop till we get it.”

The last Pride game in Trojan Stadium is on June 5. Tickets are availabe at www.FCGoldPride.com or www.CastroValleySoccer.com. Castro Valley will be the place to be.

Trojans defeat Dragons with swords

By Yoon Jung Staff Writer

CVHS junior varsity and varsity badminton teams beat the Moreau Mariners on April 23.

Junior varsity won with the score of 3-2, and varsity won 7-2.

“I think it was fun. The game was pretty successful. I think so far, our team is strong, but we have room for improvement.

They are doing well,” said senior Chanele DaRosa during the tournament.

Each single player and doubles team played one match for an overall school score.

The schools cheered for their teams to make the competition more spirited and exciting. Both

the Trojans junior varsity and varsity players showed great teamwork and skills to lead them to victory at the end.

“It was good. I did well. My drops were really good today,” said senior Mathew Lozano.

“My game was okay. We tied two sets and we won the last one at the end,” said junior Crystal Liang, who reported her score right after her match with her sister Victoria Liang.

After the games, CVHS and Moreau players finished off by cheering each other.

“We did really well today.

We did conditioning everyday, stretching for flexibility, and lots of practice games. Our teams are hard working and we have good players. They are fun,” said coach Laurie Latronica.

She also talked about the concern for the budget cut next year. “We are worried about the cuts. We are doing the best we can by fundraising. For any of the sports programs, everyone should be supportive.”

Nic Barradas/ Staff Writer

Midfielder Kristen Graczyk lines up a shot off the sidelines. The professional women’s team FC Pride won its first three games at Trojan Stadium.