May 21, 2008

Joung wins ASB election

By Erin Mundy Staff Writer

This year ’s ASB elections brought out the natural born competitor in all the candidates.

Through all the posters, pins, and speeches, only one winner came out on top for each office.

“Ecstatic,” answered Julia Joung when asked how she felt about winning the election for ASB president. “I can’t wait for the year to end so Christina (Resendiz) can leave and I can start,” she said jokingly. Joung won the position with a two-to-one ratio of votes against her opposing candidate, Andrew Cathey.

The vote for vice president was much closer, according to Carmelina Frasca, who had to recount the ballots several times to be sure. Branden Meadows beat out opponent Leonard Bobbitt by just ten votes.

Candidates for the ASB secretary and ASB treasurer positions

ran unopposed, giving McKenzie Finn office as secretary and Joseph Ro taking treasurer.

Class of 2009 candidates fought hard for their positions as well.

Next year’s senior class officers will be President is Kristie Koo, Vice President Alicia Ceniceros, Secretary Katelin Labat, and Treasurer Cheryl Krake.

The class of 2010 will be led by President Melissa Luong, Vice President Samantha Wultanski, Secretary Justen Meadows, and Treasurer Brian Hayes.

While many upperclassmen ran for office, there was little competition between current freshmen. Eric Nikssarian won over Nicolas Barradas for class president, Elenita Nicholas for vice president, and Lawrence Domingo won for secretary.

Elections always bring a little more entertainment to campus with candidates campaigning for votes, and this year’s winners earned each and every vote.

Stephanie Lombardo / Photo Editor

Junior Jimmy Woodard soars in the triple jump at the HAALchampionships. Find more

track and field news on the sports page inside.

Science teachers to get brand new lab equipment

By Taylor Pepsin Staff Writer

Who says we don’t have enough lab equipment at our school? Let’s say goodbye to the old equipment and hello to our new equipment. Thanks to science teacher Melissa Kindelspire and her “wish list,” the science department was given around $78,000 worth of lab equipment for next year’s use.

In the beginning of the year, Kindelspire wrote a list of all the lab equipment she and all the other science teachers wished they had and presented it to Principal Pete Alvarez. He gave the

list to the school district, which agreed to supply the school with everything on the list.

Kindelspire explained that throughout the years the students were short on supplies and how important it is for all students to experience science with the proper lab equipment.

The updated equipment for the science classes will give students the chance to have more hands on experiments, thus promoting learning and excitement.

“I think we’re in need of new lab equipment because test tubes and glass wear have been breaking all this year, and we don’t have any replacements,” stated

sophomore Jessica Feeney.

A list of the lab equipment given to the science classes include: 128 brand new microscopes, 100 hotplates, 15 metric balances, new test tubes for Bunsen burners, five class sets of dissecting equipment, glass wear and scales.

There will be 16 microscopes for each of the eight biology classes.

The old microscopes will be set up for any students doing independent research, and for biotech and forensic science classes.

The science equipment was badly needed by CVHS. According to Kindelspire, “There will always be more toys we want, but this is at a standard level.”

Howard Whang / Staff Writer

Junior Ariel Navarro makes her voice heard in the ASB

election.

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The debate is on: Obama or McCain?

By Kevin Hanley Opinion Editor

The two Democratic candidates running for president in 2008 are Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Both candidates want to help restore America to its former glory after George W. Bush beat it like a redheaded step-child.

While they do have differing opinions on certain issues, both Clinton and Obama have overwhelmingly similar policies.

Both support a national health system, which will help the millions of people in this country who can’t afford care, letting Bush’s tax cuts on the rich expire and giving tax breaks to the middle class. They also promise a phased withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, which will keep more young soldiers from dying for a war the vast majority of Americans don’t want.

Both candidates are still technically in the running. However, Obama has recently emerged as the clear front-runner and presumptive nominee. Obama has campaigned from the beginning on the principals of hope and change, not just putting forth policy positions, but inspiring people to believe that we can turn the page in history and lead America in a new direction. This message has inspired millions, and has caused record numbers of people to come out and vote for him, including, for the first time in years, huge numbers of young people.

Obama is also noted for his landmark speech on race, which was brought about by certain insane statements made by his crazy former pastor, Jeremiah Wright, whom he has since disowned. In this speech, Obama spoke openly and honestly about race in America.

The speech has been hailed as one of the greatest he has ever made and has started a national conversation on race.

Clinton hasn’t dropped out yet and says she plans to campaign until the end, but it

would take something major happening for Clinton to win the nomination at this point, major like Obama revealing that he’s a crack-dealing serial killer who eats babies. Because of this, Obama is already mounting a general election campaign against McCain. While Obama is campaigning to change the way politics are done in Washington, John McCain is running with the same old failed policies of Bush.

“

Barack Obama has campaigned from the beginning on the principles of hope and change ” Although McCain has been labeled a maverick in the past, since he has become the presumptive nominee for the Republicans, the straight-talk-express has been jacked by a John McCain who has compromised his values to appeal to the far right. Whereas McCain once denounced the religious right as “agents of intolerance,” he now welcomes and in fact sought out the support of pastor John Hagee, who has been quoted as saying that God sent Hurricane Katrina to destroy New Orleans as punishment for “a level of sin that was offensive to God.” In addition, Hagee has called the Catholic Church, “the great whore.” He is not the change America needs.

Whichever candidate wins the nomination, I feel that both Clinton and Obama will be able to help restore America and make our country great again.

By Hayden Folks Feature Editor

The Republican candidate for 2008 is not a conservative, but a moderate. John McCain has many good ideas and policies.

He also takes a reasonable approach to some of the ideas of the other candidates.

McCain is planning on getting America back on track. First he plans to balance the budget so our debt stops growing. To do this he will eliminate government programs that are outdated or just do not work anymore and will get rid of subsidies that are no longer needed. He realizes that it is a bad thing to be running our country on borrowed money. McCain also plans to bring jobs back to the United States. Our economy is not going to get any better if there are no jobs.

Unlike his opponents, McCain is aware that when the country goes into hard times, it is not the time to start breaking the economy with social programs.

McCain plans to enact middle class tax cuts, encourage entrepreneurs, and most importantly, bring jobs to the people of our country. McCain understands that the public is struggling with the price of gas. McCain suggests that the 18-cents per gallon tax on gas should be removed as a temporary fix to give a little more time to actually solve the problem. McCain also plans on making it harder to raise taxes in the first place by increasing the required Congressional vote to three-fifths. To encourage technological growth and innovation, McCain will keep technology research tax-free.

Immigration is the only issue McCain is truly conservative on.

He promises to secure our borders to stop the flow of illegal aliens. “I have always believed that our border must be secure and that the federal government has utterly failed in its responsibility to ensure that it is secure,” he has said. He is, however, will-

“ In this time

of war, unstable economy, and political turmoil, we need a president like John McCain

”

ing to negotiate about those that are already here. His suggestion is that we at least make them take the naturalization test and have them prove they can speak English, make them go through what everybody else has to do to become a citizen. Securing our border and stopping the flow of illegal immigrants is more important now than ever because of the struggling economy. Reducing the competition for jobs is definitely a good thing.

John McCain is for programs that will prevent climate change as well. He plans to do this through treaties and talks

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with other nations as well as the development of new technologies. His plan is to reduce green house gases to their 1995 emissions without crippling the economy, as well as to bring other large developing nations (mainly China and India) into emission agreements.

One of the most important reasons to vote for McCain is his strict Constitutional interpretation, as opposed to several earlier presidents. McCain will appoint judges that will do their job and rule on the Constitution instead of their personal opinions. He believes matters of morals are up to the people and not the courts. And on the matter of the Constitution, McCain is dedicated to protecting the Second Amendment, the right to bear arms, saying, “I believe that every law abiding citizen has a right to bear arms.”

In this time of war, unstable economy, and political turmoil, we need a president like John McCain who, unlike his opponents, is actually experienced.

He is not only the only major candidate to have served in the military, but he was captured and tortured in Vietnam. He understands what war is like, so he is more likely to make good decisions as commander-in-chief.

It does not make sense to have somebody who has never been in the military to be the commanding officer of the nation’s armed forces. McCain’s political career has been longer than his opponents’ so he has had more time to gain experience. And if for no other reason, McCain is the best candidate simply because the other two candidates are just such bad choices.

Senior Ball is a privilege so stop skipping class, cutters Editorial: Imagine a boxing ring with two vicious enemies determined to fight to the death to get their way. Now picture one opponent wearing a shiny prom dress and the other as a school administrator. The fight is over the right to attend that pinnacle of excitement after four years of hard work and strife: Senior Ball.

This year, seniors discovered that the administration is showing mercy when it comes to stringent attendance requirements.

Students were not allowed to buy a ball bid if they had over ten tardies or five cuts. They could, however, redeem themselves by serving detentions or Saturday schools to make up for the time lost. More than 70 seniors took up the administration’s offer to avoid missing the dance.

The administration considers Senior Ball a privilege that must be earned. Most students view it as an essential part of their high school experience. Students should not be let off for succumbing to the tantalizing temptations of senioritis that affect every member of the graduating class.

It is unfair for students who cut class to go to concerts or sleep in to get the same privileges as the people who make it to school

every day on time.

However, even the most well behaved teen has fallen prey to breaking the rules every once in a while. Sometimes the circumstances surrounding a tardy or absence are simply uncontrollable. Students should not be penalized if they have personal issues that cause them to be late or miss a class.

Administrators are showing through the attendance regula-

tions that they are not going to be lax with enforcing school rules. At the same time, this policy allows students to atone for cuts and tardies. The administration seems to understand how much students value Senior Ball.

After four years of high school, everyone deserves that fabulous opportunity to dance, hang out, and celebrate the independence that awaits them in less than a month with graduation.

the fetus a human or not, and has been sort of vague on his opinions on the details.

Candidate Hillary Clinton is a lot more direct on the issue and says, “I personally would never abort, but I deeply value the choice.” Clinton thinks along the lines that abortions are fine, but should be kept rare.

I agree with Clinton - to me abortion is a last resort that should be avoided in the first place. Clinton supports adoption and foster care, two great alternatives. Clinton voted yes to spending $100 million on education and contraceptives to reduce teen pregnancy, which further supports her keep-abor-

tion-to-a-minimum idea in a positive way, whereas McCain voted no on this and yes on $75 million for abstinence education.

Sounds like a win for Clinton in the battle of abortion.

School is Decision ‘08: abortion unAmerican

By Lindsay Oda Staff Writer

By Howard Whang Staff Writer

If you have taken geometry, then you are familiar with proofs.

If you are familiar with proofs, then you know how to write ifthen statements in a logical order.

Here is one proof that proves that school is against the principles that founded our country: Given: 1: Ignorance Is Bliss, and 2: We are guaranteed the pursuit of happiness. Prove: School violates an unalienable right named in the Declaration of Independence.

If ignorance is bliss, then you must be ignorant to be happy. If you have to be ignorant to be happy, then you cannot know anything in order to be happy. If you cannot know anything, then you should avoid learning. If you avoid learning, then you should not go to school. If we are guaranteed our pursuit of happiness, then we should not be forced to learn. Therefore, being forced to learn violates the document that made America America.

The Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, and are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.”

However, some people are not happy in school. But there are laws that say that you have to stay in school until you are 16.

Therefore, school deprives many young people from pursuing happiness. Since pursuing happiness is an unalienable right for everybody, and school is a mandatory 13-year torture that makes people unhappy, school is against the first sentence that

founded our country.

Bottom line: If school makes people happy, then they can come to school. But if people don’t like school, they should not be forced to come, because it violates their pursuit of happiness.

Furthermore, the American education system is not only contradicting the most famous document in American history, but it is also bad for morale.

School hurts students’ selfesteem by attaching grades to everything they do. Everything has to be perfect, or else a bad letter comes back with the returned assignment.

Having everything connected to a teacher-biased evaluation sends the message that students are dumb and don’t know anything. A bad grade proves that you do not know enough to survive. Bad grades hurt students’ feelings, morale, and self-esteem.

Bad grades drive students crazy, occasionally to the point of suicide or school shootings. Bad grades are against the Declaration of Independence because they deprive students of happiness. And while you may have to know a lot to survive, ignorance is bliss. Knowing stuff deprives you of that bliss.

Most teachers find excuses and reasons why the students deserve the bad grade. The meaner and/or lazier teachers probably use a random grade program on the computer to randomly generate grades. Are you really getting what you deserve?

Yes, if you are talking educationally and logically. No, if you are talking like a true American patriot.

Which one are you, logical or American?

Find out where the presidental candidates stand on the issue of abortion

As you all know, presidential elections are coming up. I decided to do myself a favor this year and educate myself on all of the candidates’ platforms on national issues, not just because I was assigned this story, but because I felt such a need to enlighten myself and then enlighten you with an opinion article. On the issue of abortion, one candidate has the best stance on the issue.

Abortion, the sucking of a fetus out of a woman before she gives birth, is a hot topic in the political world. Most Republicans, such as John McCain, have chosen the traditional path and said, “Restrict abortions; no partial-birth; no public funding. Abortion is OK if the woman was raped.

No testing for rape incidents” according to ontheissues.org.

I have to disagree with candidate McCain. I feel that abortion should be available to all women, especially for those who have been raped. And if you are going to allow it for raped women, you should allow testing for rape incidents as well.

Barack Obama, on the other hand, is pro-choice, and has also voted yes on permitting out-of-state abortions without notification of parents. Obama also supports a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion or not. Obama has not made a decision on when he considers

The Olympian is a publication of the Journalism Class at Castro Valley High School, 19400 Santa Maria Avenue, Castro Valley, CA 94546. © 2008 Editor-in-Chief...............................................................Malena Bell City Editor................................................................Michelle Matsui News Editor.............................................................Sophiana Carrell Opinion Editor..............................................................Kevin Hanley Feature Editor...............................................................Hayden Folks Sports Editor....................................................................Joseph Wan Copy Editors...............................................................Kyle Friedrich Laura Mitchell Becky Chao Photo Editor......................................................Stephanie Lombardo Systems Manager.........................................................Andrew Quan Business Managers.....................................................Candace Wong Esther Lee Staff Writers: Frank Chao, Ryan Flores, Andrew Huber, Irene Liang, Brandon Lui, Erin Mundy, Lindsay Oda, Taylor Pepsin, Eva Poon, Howard Whang, Tim Wong Advisor........................................................................Matt Johanson

Noises Off isn’t communism but still funny

By Joseph Wan Sports Editor

Tripping and falling, misunderstandings, spilled wine, and several plates of misplaced sardines were just part of the chaos in the high school production Noises Off. The play within a play started showing on Friday, May 3.

Together, volunteers from the community and the students of CVHS brought an amazing play to life. The play had an amazing set which only made the breathtaking performance even more striking. Naturally, the comedy itself stole breaths as well.

In Noises Off, the play “Nothing On” is produced three times, each with its own unique twists and viewpoints.

The first act opens with the last rehearsal for the cast of “Nothing On” before opening night.

One of the more memorable characters of this scene is the director who sits with the audience.

Those sitting close enough to Lloyd (Robby Abney) hear him correct, groan about, debate with, and often even yell at his actors.

The first act also introduces the different characters, their relationships, and a standard for the script of “Nothing On,” a standard that comes in handy when viewing the next two scenes.

“Nothing On” is presented a second time in the second act, but the twist of this act is that it is seen from backstage. Personal problems erupt between the actors and actresses and stage crew,

creating the perfect setting for growing comedic mayhem and disaster.

Dotty (Charmaine Wilson), and Garry, (Robert Dooley), refuse to leave their dressing rooms because of their quarrel.

Fellow actor Frederick, (Kyle Shaw-Powell), remains completely ignorant of the fact that he is the reason for their quarrel. This conflict puts mounting pressure on the other members of the cast to find a solution. Time begins to run short, and then, the situation gets worse as actress Brooke (Jenna Harris) and assistant stage manager Poppy (Caitlin Lushington) start their own quarrel over Lloyd.

This second quarrel is fueled by the stage manager Tim (Dustin Katz), Lloyd’s completely unwilling accomplice. In it all, Belinda (Sophiana Carrell) can only look on in consternation as the set falls apart. That is, until she is dragged into the conflict as well.

But the show must go on, or in this case, start, so the characters perform their play. On-stage, however, the performance continually deteriorates and life backstage becomes

growingly violent and dramatically dangerous. Throughout all the mess and chaos, the throwing of stage props, and a constantly reappearing axe, elderly and nearly blind Selsdon, (Travis Northup), slinks around pursuing a bottle of wine.

Finally, in the last act, everything seems to have returned to normal, but it is soon apparent that order has completely gone to pieces and that this end-of-thetour performance is definitely the one to end them all.

Staff Writer

As I was firing my Uzi into the Liberty City police cruisers along the freeway, I looked to find a concrete barrier in front of me. I was quickly ejected through the windshield and thrown into the ocean. I could hear the police chopper growing closer so I prayed to the octopod gods to grant me their protection. Sadly, I was not worthy of their grace and was gunned down almost instantly. I awoke to find myself sitting in an arm chair with a lone Sixaxis controller in my hand. After months of pushing back the release date, Grand Theft Auto IV hit the streets for Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 systems last month.

Most of you are probably asking: why are they doing Liberty City again? Fans know that the GTA series was based in Liberty

almost dying with laughter by the end.

The cast of Noises Off did an incredible job. Despite the danger of suffocation, I watched Noises Off twice. For me, there was never a dull moment. I have nothing but admiration for the performance, no criticism at all. It was perfect. I sincerely thank the actors and the people behind the scenes for a well-enjoyed evening.

And thanks for the free ticket Ms. Daily.

Stephanie Lombardo / Photo Editor

Sophiana Carrell, Travis Northup, and Kyle Shaw-Powell starred in Noises Off.

Grand Theft Auto: enough said

By Ryan Flores

I watched Romeo and Juliet last year and I thought it was great.

I went around telling my friends, “Oh, you should have seen the play! It was so good!” Noises Off topped that by a mile.

It kept picking up pace. I thought the first act was pretty funny, but after the intermission, it became so hilarious that it was a struggle to keep breathing. With a hot water box full of miscues, mess-ups and improvisations, the audience was rocking in their chairs, stomachs clenched,

City twice for the Playstation 2 and once for the PSP. For those three times Liberty City did not change, but now it has a completely redesigned layout so it looks nothing like the other ones.

Speaking of the layout, let’s get into graphics. The game is beautiful.

The PS3 offers the game in 1080p while the Xbox 360 can only offer it in 1080i. For those of you who aren’t technical nerds, 1080p is better, which means PS3 is better.

At first play the game may be overwhelming. It took a huge leap from San Andreas. There is so much more to this game than any other. You can take taxi rides, drive huge tugboats and fly assault helicopters, though without missiles.

Everything about the cars is redesigned too. You remember when you really wanted that one car but couldn’t get it because it was locked? There will be no more of that. Simply press Triangle or Y and you bash the window in and hot wire the car.

Let’s say you somehow got into the car, flipped it on its back and now it’s in flames. That is no longer an issue either.

If the car doesn’t have a reason to blow up it won’t, although getting it right side up again is still a problem.

It took seven GTA games to put in rag doll physics. Seeing gun fire victims do a belly flop to the ground every time was cool but seeing them react to the bullets’ impacts is so much more satisfying.

If you want a car and you don’t feel like struggling with the driver just shoot the windshield and watch the blood stain the glass.

If you run over a pedestrian with your clean, new car, you can run him over again because he just stained the hood of your car with his filthy blood.

If there were only as many clothing stores and gun outlets as there were carwashes it would be ten times better.

GTA IV0 is a must have game.

Between the graphics and awesome game play GTA IV will give you hours of great carnage.

Auto shop revs into action

By Ryan Flores Staff Writer

Joseph Wan / Sports Editor

“Bus Stop 42” is an example of the great ceramic pieces that can be seen at Aran’s Art Studio in Castro Village.

Clay expressions at Aran’s

By Joseph Wan Sports Editor

The shop is almost like a café.

People sit around tables, talking, smiling. They’re not eating however; they’re making art.

Aran’s Art Studio has been in Castro Village for at least seven years now. The shop caters to almost every artistic whim possible, but its specialty is in ceramic painting and glass fusing. Most of the art, however, is done by customers because the projects are made by the customers. Parents and children come to the shop to paint plates, cups, or sculptures. Some decide instead to fuse glass, arranging the different colored pieces in a design that will eventually become a single piece after being melted together.

The most special part of this shop, however, is not in its art.

It’s in its people.

Aran is the owner of the store.

She started the place because she wanted to give an opportunity for people to discover their inner artists. In fact, “discover

your inner artist” is the tagline of her store.

“I think bringing someone’s inner artist to life is my expertise,” said Aran.

In addition to the normal business, Aran’s Art Studio holds many events. One such event, Teen Night, is usually on the first Friday of the month and goes all the way from eight to midnight. Teens are invited to try their hand at painting as well as to partake in snacks and karaoke.

There is also ten percent discount for those who go to Teen Night, but “only if they sing,” joked Kristi Rothbardt, Aran’s co-worker and manager.

“If they bring a friend,” Aran corrected.

Teen night is only one of several events. Another one is Family Fun Night, which is from six to nine on the first, second, and third Saturday night of each month.

“People sit here and enjoy it so much,” said Aran. “It’s a good time to spend with friends and family.”

There is a great sense of com-

munity around Aran’s Art Studio. Children can frequently be found at the shop and students from the high school go there as well.

“Aran’s reveals the artistic talent that you didn’t even know you had,” said sophomore Michael Chow, a regular customer of the shop. “I go there whenever my mom goes, which is often.”

Adults frequent the store as well and some help out because they love it so much. One such adult, Michelle Keehner, said, “This is where I run away from home to.” Her daughter even calls it her mother ’s “other home.”

Rothbardt also conveyed how much the shop meant to her.

“I love it. I love that I can be a mother, a wife, and still work at the same time. I love the flexibility. I love Aran,” she said.

Aside from events, Aran even does fundraisers. Something else that she wishes to do is to have people paint tiles to go in the new library.

“This is my dream. Outside of my children and husband, this place is the dream of my life.”

Next year is coming up and it’s already time to pick our new classes. If hiding behind computers is getting boring and you think it is time to get down and dirty, then you should man up and join the auto shop class.

First year classes assume that students will just be car consumers and teaches them the basic under-hood car inspection. From transmissions to electrical systems to even proper ways to wash your car, auto shop teaches you a variety of different subjects. If students bring in a small $5 shop fee, they get a pair of safety glasses, and if they pass a safety test, they are granted access to the garage.

If a student is thinking of going into the Advanced Auto class, then they probably are also thinking of going into a mechanical field. The class is two periods long so if you get a B then you get two Bs. Most of the class is hands on so this class is good for those students who are kinesthetic learners.

“I want students to know how to fix a car, not just pass a test,”

auto shop teacher Larry Weiss commented.

Auto shop is a great steppingstone to any auto mechanical field. Whether one’s passion is motorcycles, airplanes or cars, it works out.

Occasionally a teacher’s car is in need of repair, so they bring

Whether one’s passion is motorcycles, airplanes, or cars, it works out. their car into the auto shop. The class is technically not supposed to charge for their services, but nowhere does it say anything about payment received in cookies, nowhere. Staff members like Marie Grey and Glenn Mitchell have paid up.

The class may seem like a gender specific class but it’s really not. both genders attend the class. No matter what gender you are, you will get dirty.

Ryan Flores / Staff Writer

Teacher Larry Weiss helps his students work with car parts in the autoshop classroom.

Students create inspiring new library art

By Andrew Huber Staff Writer

Most people think of libraries as stuffy dark rooms with dusty books, but the new library is going neon. The new Alameda County Library will possess much more than books but also substantially original artwork.

Nancy Elliott, an exceptionally talented and imaginative instructor at City College of San Francisco, approached CVHS kids with the art concept of constellations for the library. Instead of the typical outlines of the Big Dipper and Iron, these artistic stars display pictures of Castro Valley youth.

Local artists competed for the

opportunity to put their imprint on the new library. There are five specific works for the library, the constellation part to be installed in the teen section.

“I think she’s going to get the art done before the building is,” said art teacher Jo Sutton.

As for the art students, Elliott hopes to gain a touch of youth cooperation and ideas through collaboration in the designs.

She appealed to the art students for symbolic representations to put in the constellations as well.

They readily provided ideas ranging from mystical animals to musical instruments and somehow found space for peace symbols.

“I mean, if they’re going to put

it into the kid [teen] section they should have the kids creating the idea,” said senior Megan Casella, whose drawings were picked as

“It spoke to both science and imagination Norman Moore Artist

”

candidates for the projects along with seniors Courtney Morrison, Holly Stewart, and ACA sophomores Anna Lam, Ashley Ison

and Brittany England.

The project started since one to two percent of the budget for the new library was reserved for art to decorate the new building.

Elliott and her art cohort, Norman Moore, succeeded in gaining permission to go ahead with their constellation theme which apparently formed just after reading the artist call. After the final touches have been put on the design, it will be formally approved sometime in May before the construction of the art begins.

“I liked the idea because it spoke to both science and imagination,” said Elliott.

The finished project will go on the windows as a thin,

glass layer infused with neon lighting. Moore works for The Crucible, a non-profit education facility focusing on the arts.

Thankfully for the new library, Moore’s specializes in this sort of work and installation, making him irreplaceable on this artistic squad.

If all goes well, the installation will begin in spring 2009 with the library opening shortly afterward in the summer and will last permanently for at least 50 years.

“That’ll be cool, seeing my stuff in the window. One day when I have kids I can say, ‘hey look, I made that,’” said Morrison.

Just remember to pack sunglasses before trips to the library.

Photos by: Malena Bell, Stephanie Lombardo, Lindsay Oda, Howard Whang

Presidential candidates on the issues Irene Liang Staff Writer

Leading Democratic candidate Senator Barack Obama of Illinois, 46, promises change in the future: helping the education system, taking our troops out of Iraq, and fixing the immigration system. Obama plans to improve the education system by reforming No Child Left Behind through improving assessments used to track student progress to measure students’ readiness for college and the workplace.

In addition, the Hawaii-born candidate wants to start funding No Child Left Behind and support, not punish, the schools that need improvement. Futhermore,

the senator plans to authorize his “Zero to Five” Plan by emphasizing early care and education for infants and also address the dropout crisis by providing funds for intervention strategies to middle schools.

As for the situation in Iraq, Obama plans to remove troops from Iraq in one to two brigades each month and eventually have all troops out within 16 months.

Lastly, Obama plans to fix the immigration system and to secure the borders with additional personal and more technological devices, while cracking down on employers who hire illegals to decrease the number of undocumented immigrants.

Democrat Hillary Clinton,

60, is the senator of the “Big Apple” state, and has big plans, which include improving the education system, bringing our troops home, and securing the borders as well. Clinton’s ideas to better the education system include creating smaller class sizes, doubling the number of after-school programs to decrease gang membership among teenagers, and ending No Child Left Behind. Similar to Obama, Clinton wants to emphasize the importance of early education and plans to make Pre-K available to four-year-olds. Moreover, Clinton wants to bring our troops home within the first 60 days of her administration.

On the topic of immigration,

PHOTOpinions pinions

the New York senator plans to secure the border and ensure employers are complying with the law against hiring illegal immigrants. She also supports the DREAM Act, which allows children whom were brought to the U.S. to gain citizenship through military service or getting a higher education.

At the age of 72, Republican John McCain is the oldest presidential candidate; he plans to reform the education system, retain troops in Iraq, and secure the borders. McCain plans to reform the education system by having schools compete for most effective teachers, hire, and then reward them. Furthermore, McCain believes that No Child Left Behind is a work in progress that is comparing students to a common

standard.

On the issue of the war in Iraq, McCain believes that more troops are necessary to clear areas occupied by insurgents, to train the Iraqi army, to halt the violence in Baghdad, and to disarm the Sunni and Shiite militias. The Arizona senator states that controlling the violence is the key step towards political stability, which will allow the Iraqi government to take steps towards rebuilding Iraq. Like Obama and Clinton, McCain wants to tighten border security and also have effective screening of cargo at our borders and other points of entry. McCain also plans to secure the borders through methods such as building walls, and having vehicle barriers and sensors.

COMPILED BY Frank Chao

Will the “dream ticket” (Obama and Clinton in office as president and vice president) work out if the Democratic party wins the election?

“Yes, because they’re both members of the same party and will have the same basic ideas.”

– Erica Kim, freshman

“No, because after two years of debating against each other, they will have difficulty agreeing in office.”

– Amy King, junior

“No, because one may be definitely better than the other and right now, what the U.S. needs is balance.”

– Sam Temming, sophomore

“No, because it’s obvious that they don’t like each other after debating for so long.”

– Anthony Manuel, senior

Top 5 ways to get involved politically 2) Learn more about the candidates and perCity Editor suade any undecided Options: voters you know to join 1) If you are under your side. Make sure to the age of 18, convince fully comprehend which adults to go out and vote candidates agree with for your favorite candi- you on the same political date. Host your own mini- issues so you’re positive campaign by having your you’re supporting the friends and family vote. right candidate.

Michelle Matsui

3) Wear shirts and place bumper stickers on your car to promote your candidate. You might even be able to convince others to vote for them or at least spark their interest towards that candidate. Plus, everyone loves free advertising!

4) Volunteer at your candidate’s local chapter or station and help them out a bit. This is also a great opportunity to participate in a work environment as sort of an internship-like job. Who knows? You could make a significant difference in the upcoming presidencial voting results!

5) Debate with people who might have opposing views with your own. In dealing with politics, it’s always a good idea to listen and appreciate the opinion’s of others. You might find that by the end of the conversation, your thoughts have influenced the other person’s.

Students open a dialogue with members of Congress Candace Wong

Business Manager In only his first year teaching, government and economics teacher David Roth-Rossi has already taken heaps of initiative to keep his students involved in the curriculum.

Beginning with his first government class last semester, Roth-Rossi gave an assignment that required students to research information about certain California politicians in the House of Representatives or in the Senate regarding decisions they made. The students were to write about their points of view in reference to the political verdicts the representatives or senators made. This assignment was given out when the government students were learning about Congress.

Roth-Rossi then instructed students to write letters to these representatives or senators regarding these issues in hopes of a response.

Many important names were contacted by these students such as Dianne Feinstein, Mary Bono, George Miller, and Nancy Pelosi.

And when asked about the students’ reactions when there was a word of response from these leaders, Roth-Rossi claimed that

the students were extremely intrigued with the letters.

When asked about which senator he liked most, RothRossi explained that he admires Feinstein due to her neutral stance politically.

Not only did the students write to members of Congress, but Roth-Rossi himself was able to contact Castro Valley’s Representative Barbara Lee. In Lee’s letter to Roth-Rossi, she wrote, “I have often said that I have the great privilege of representing the most enlightened Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. Your remarkable students certainly bolster my belief.”

Seeing that this assignment was a cosmic success, RothRossi plans to continue doing this for his incoming students year after year. His enthusiasm and buoyant attitude towards this assignment is definitely apparent.

“It’s a good way to get kids to stay in touch. On the wide end they can make a change and on the short end, they know that someone is listening. It is not a big step but it is a vital step for the children,” Roth-Rossi said.

CVHS graduate Hicken climbs Capitol Hill Andrew Huber Staff Writer

True, no one from CVHS has become leader of the world, but graduate Joe Hicken is certainly getting closer. Hicken now has a mouthful of a position for the government as a director of legislative operations for the House of Representatives on the Committee on Armed Services.

After graduating from CVHS in 2002, Hicken, who was both ASB president and editor-inchief of The Olympian, interned for a congresswoman and soon pursued the passion for government that started in his school years. Now he works as a sort of shepherd, collecting different bits of information for the people who eventually write the bills.

“I’ve always thought that the government is organic…and organized,” said Hicken.

Some think that there are tremendous perks for working for the government, but not anymore. According to Hicken, Capitol Hill has really cut down on the honest graft after passage of 110th Congress, which

includes ethics rules that limit those benefits. He cannot legally accept gifts from lobbyists; in fact, he cannot accept gifts of more than $50 from anyone.

Still, the government life failed to extinguish his joking abilities.

As The Olympian’s editor-inchief, he once put a “magic eye” in the paper, after purposely scrambling the picture beyond recognition.

I’ve always “thought that the government is organic.

JOE HICKEN

”

Now, he pulls jokes when he can, such as the time that he and some friends convinced someone of a missed deadline.

“I’m definitely still a prankster but it definitely has to be toned down,” said Hicken.

For nostalgic purposes, Hicken expressed his debt to his teachers such as Jennifer Sitkin, Clare LePell, Glenn Mitchell,

Carmelina Frasca, Matt Johanson, and Sean Fottrell. He feels that all of his teachers contributed not only to his school life, but also to his success in the world beyond the CVHS gates.

“I don’t think that high school teachers get enough credit for the impact that they have and the value that they bring to the classroom,” said Hicken.

As far as his political views go, Hicken adamantly supports Barack Obama for the next president. However, Hicken may be slightly biased as his employment concentrates around whichever party is in control of Congress, which is currently the Democrat Party.

“A lot of people are disenfranchised by the federal government but I think that Obama represents what the people are looking for in a president,” said Hicken.

Hicken also spoke some wise words as a message to CVHS students who aspire to great things.

“Pay attention to the things that your teachers are saying that aren’t necessarily in the lesson plan,” said Hicken.

Students make their voices heard in politics Timothy Wong Staff Writer

Some CVHS students are doing their part in the upcoming presidential elections by aiding presidential campaigns. After four years, it is time for another election to choose the leader of our nation and some students are lucky enough to be involved.

A few of these students include

sophomore Viktoriya Mukha and junior Alex Romanov. Both volunteered by taking surveys via telephone to aid Republican Rudy Giuliani’s campaign.

Both Mukha and Romanov got involved because of a family friend. They met once a week to make calls to registered Republican voters and to ask them survey questions regarding whom they would

like to vote for in the 2008 presidential election.

“I really enjoy it,” said Mukha, who is also the head chairman for the CVHS volunteers.

“I love talking to people... it’s a great experience,” Romanov said. “I love doing that kind of stuff.”

Although they enjoy it, the two still have to face some difficulties with their volunteer work.

“Well, it’s like any telemarketing,” replied Mukha, “there are [some] people who are interested and willing to answer questions.”

But Romanov admits that there are those who hang up on him.

When asked why he keeps at it,

he simply replied with a chuckle, “It looks good on college applications.”

Both Romanov and Mukha support the Republican Party because the GOP reflects their beliefs. When asked about this future presidential election though their replies differed only slightly: “I am more inclined to vote for McCain,” replied Romanov, but he was quick to add, “but I think that both parties have good candidates” One other student who has chosen to involve herself in many political issues and groups is senior Erika Solanki.

“I only participate in activi-

ties that I’m passionate about, and education and politics are two of my greatest passions,” she said. Solanki chose to join State Council last year after she became one of the three finalists to be the Student Member on the California State Board of Education. Although she was not chosen in the end, this event was only the start of Solanki’s many endeavors in politics.

Through the California Association of Student Councils, Solanki takes part in other organizations as well, such as Student Advisory Board on Legislation on Education and the Student Advisory Board on Education.

With the two organizations, Solanki has drafted bills that have been presented to both the Senate on Education and the California State Board of Education.

Solanki’s involvement in politics is not limited to just organizations. Aside from her other affiliations, Solanki also does some campaigning for Hillary Clinton online. Solanki’s philosophy behind her many activities is simple, yet extremely noble: “If I can better things for society, why would I choose not to get involved? Even if it is at a small scale, it’s still worth it.”

Junior Maurice Valentine hurdles past the competition.

Stephanie Lombardo / Photo Editor

Soaring over hurdles and high jumps

Valentine aims for the Junior Olympics

By Esther Lee

Business Manager With adrenaline pumping through his body, the crowd starts cheering as he nears the jump and they go wild as he clears it. That he is Maurice Valentine Jr., a junior on the CVHS track team, and that moment is his favorite in any given competition.

“All eyes are on you when you do a jump,” said Valentine.

Even though he is only a junior, he has already piled up a list of impressive accomplishments. He holds the Pacific Association high

jump record for intermediate boys and won second place in state for the high jump event last year.

He competes in two events, the high jump and the 110-meter high hurdles. Juggling two events comes easily to Valentine. He’s gotten skilled at these events by practicing and more practicing.

Since these are two very different events, they require two different programs of working out. When he’s practicing hurdles the focus is on each leg, while in the high jump it’s more holistic.

His personal record for the high jump is seven feet and a quarter inch. At the HAAL finals, he won the 110 meter hurdles with a time of 14.27 seconds.

“He’s working very hard and doing very well,” praised Peter

Brewer, the head coach of track and field.

His talent for high jumping is not unnoticed, especially by his dad who doubles as his coach.

“He knows me so he expects a lot,” said Valentine.

His dad aside, Valentine. has a lot of motivation for himself. This season, one of his main goals is to qualify for the Junior Olympics.

“I’m pretty close to the high jump qualification marks,” said Valentine.

Howard Whang / Staff writer

Kelsey Santisteban speeds to victory in the 3,200 meters.

Freshman distance runner sets a fast pace

By Brandon Lui Staff Writer

If you had attended the HAAL finals on May 7 then you would have seen the 1,600 meters race and Kelsey Santisteban, one of the fastest varsity runners you’ll see on the track team, and only a freshman at that.

Up against students from all over the Bay Area, Santisteban had her work cut out for her. Although an avid distance runner, Santisteban ran side by side with the HAAL’s best runners. In the last stretch, Santisteban was literally neck to neck with an opposing runner. Despite the challenge, she

won the 1,600 meters, finishing with 5:11:89, only a hundredth of a second ahead.

Santisteban plans to run track and cross country all the way up to graduation. Her favorite events are the 1,600 and the 3,200. Her least favorite run is the 800 meters, but she excels in this race as well, said her coach.

“Kelsey can pull a solid 2:32 on the 800,” says coach Raul Perez.

“She doesn’t like the 800, but she’s not bad at it.”

In the 3,200, Santisteban can run a good 11:17 but she’s still aiming for better. “What I’m going for is 5:05 on the mile and a solid 11:00 on the two mile,” she said.

S up e r S a v v y Sp o r ts St a rs Taylor Pepsin /Staff Writer

Mike Barakat, freshman

Mike Barakat enjoys playing in a competitive game, which is why he plays on the freshman baseball team.

Barakat plays second base and in the outfield.

He says, “I just love the game!”

During his spare time Barakat likes to hang out with his friends and family.

He takes the game seriously and tells his teammates that if they work hard and listen to people’s advice, they will make it.

Kelsi Mitchell, sophomore

Kelsi Mitchell is the catcher on the JV softball team and has been playing softball for about seven or eight years.

“What I really like about softball is that it is a team sport. You really depend on your teammates,” says Mitchell. When she’s not playing on the field, Mitchell spends her time dirt biking, quad racing, and sometimes shooting at the range.

Alicia Ceniceros, junior

Alicia Ceniceros is one of Castro Valley’s cheerleaders. She loves everything about it, including dancing and performing. Alicia has been cheerleading ever since the seventh grade and she considers cheerleading to be a sport.

“It’s not all about shaking your pom-poms and looking good in a skirt; we sweat and work just as hard as [people in] other sports,” she said.

Her favorite thing to do in cheerleading is stunting.

Ben Crosby, senior

Ben Crosby is not only a state-caliber wrestler and a 4.08 GPA student, but also a leading member of the CVHS track and field team. Crosby throws both shot put and discuss, but prefers the 12-pound shot put because it shows off his “manly prowess.” He enjoys being on the team because it keeps him in shape and he enjoys the kinship with the other throwers. Next year Crosby will attend Cal Poly and continue wrestling.

Trojans rout Lancers to move up in HAAL Calestini throws no-hitter vs.Tennyson

By Brandon Lui Staff Writer

The CVHS varsity boys baseball team banked five runs right off the bat in the first inning against Tennyson High School on May 6 The game proceeded just like the first inning of the game with the Trojans’ not letting Tennyson get a run. By the top of the seventh inning, the score was 14-0, with clearly no hope for the Lancers to make a comeback.

If you could hear the fans during the game when Castro Valley was pitching some simply said “One pitch, one out.” Tennyson must have been having a bad day or an off-season since last year, Castro Valley barely defeated the Lancers by a score of 4-3. Tennyson’s players also committed several blunders in the field. Averaging one error per inning, they missed

their chance to press Castro Valley by dropping the ball and missing outs against the Trojans. Tennyson also had the ball roll right past an outfielder’s fingertips, leaving a window for a double.

Five runs in one inning was pretty high for the team and it was even better when they did it twice in the first and fifth in-

“One pitch, one out. ” nings. Justyn Calestini, the junior pitching the whole game, was the third person in 15 years to pitch a no-hitter for CVHS. “I run three miles every day and in this game my stamina came to use,” said Calestini.

“This was a good game for ev-

Junior Justyn Calestini pitched a no-hitter game. eryone. Everyone hit well this game and it turned out really well.”

Mike Pepoon, Sam Cardemas, and Shawn Cardenas all hit triples in this game.

The Trojans finished the HAAL league with a 10-6 record.

Stephanie Lombardo / Photo Editor

Varsity golfers finish undefeated season; Kaneshiro advances

By Sophiana Carrell News Editor

With an undefeated season, a win at the league tournament, and a golfer continuing on to the Northern California qualifying competition, the CVHS golf team has had quite a successful run this year.

This season the Trojans de-

feated Bishop O’ Dowd twice by just a few strokes, and also beat Hayward High in a tie-breaking match.

“You’d think there would be dominating performances with all this success, but there weren’t,” says math teacher and coach Ed Blom. “We were better than they were, but not by much.”

The varsity team, which consists of six student golfers, qualified for the NCS tournament.

Sophomore Walter Kaneshiro is continuing on to the NorCal competition.

The varsity golfer started the playing sport when his dad first took him to the golfing range seven years ago.

His success in the previous qualifying section enabled him to participate in the NorCal tournament on May 19. If Kaneshiro succeeds at NorCal, he will then move on to the state tournament.

When asked about the upcoming competition, Kaneshiro said, “I’m excited. But not really too nervous.”

He is grateful for the overwhelming support he has received from his teammates and is “hoping to do well.”

“Golf makes you work hard,” said Kaneshiro. “It’s played an extremely large role in my life.”

After such a rewarding season, Blom is anxious for next year. None of the six varsity players are graduating this year and they will be given the chance to work together and improve even more.

“I think this is a very special team. And no one is graduating this year,” says Blom. “I hope we can move on as a team even more next year.”

HAAL Track and Field Championships:

Castro Valley hosted the HAAL track and field championships for the first time this year, and the Trojans put on quite a show. winning team titles in the boys varsity, boys frosh/soph and girls frosh/soph divisions.

The Olympian brings you these highlights of the meet.

Sophomore

Charles Bracy

By Frank Chao Staff Writer

The bar rose higher and higher, but Charles Bracy kept clearing it. The sophomore track athlete competed on May 7 in the HAAL frosh/soph championships.

Bracy placed third in the high jump with a height of five feet six and also competed in the high hurdles.

“My goal for next year is 6 feet and to make NCS,” said Bracy.

Sophomore Haley Bashaw

Senior Elliott Rice

By Lindsay Oda

By Candace Wong

Staff Writer

Sophomore Haley Bashaw was nervous when she lined up for her race, but heard her friends cheering her on in the background. She quickly regained her confidence and went for first.

Bashaw, frosh/soph runner, won first place in the 400-meter race with a time of 66 seconds.

She beat runners from San Leandro, Bishop O’Dowd and even her Castro Valley teammates.

“It was a great feeling winning, especially since I had so many people cheering me on,” comments Bashaw.

Sophomore Freshman Elise Wummer Kelsey Santisteban

By Irene Liang

By Michelle Matsui

Sophomore Elise Wummer placed third in the 1600 meters with a time of 5 minutes 12 seconds on Wednesday at the HAAL finals. She finished less than one second behind fellow teammate Kelsey Santisteban.

In addition, Wummer, who made varsity her first year on the team, placed second in the 3200-meter race with a time of 11:42. “I felt good because it was fun. I beat my personal best by ten seconds, so I’m happy!” said Wummer. Up next for Wummer: NCS.

In one of the many close, neckto-neck races in the HAAL finals, freshman Kelsey Santisteban placed first over a Bishop O’Dowd runner by only one hundredth of a second in the 1,600 meters.

Following in her older sister Kaitlin’s example, Santisteban is progressively becoming one of the best distance runners on the CVHS track team this year.

Santisteban also won the 3,200 meters and qualified to continue onto NCS. “I’m proud of myself that I have accomplished so much in my first year,” she said.

Staff Writer

Howard Whang / Staff Writer

Alex Huerta races through the course in the relay.

Sophomore Alana Knight

By Kevin Hanley Opinion Editor

A hushed, reverent calm fell over the field. The crowd watched with bated breath.

The air was electrified with anticipation. Then, it happened.

Alana Knight spun majestically and hurled the discus through the air. It scythed through the sky like a demon and landed gracefully onto

the worn brown grass.

After several moments of excruciating waiting while the throw was measured, the time was shouted out: “81 feet, 9.5 inches.”

This was Knight’s best throw of the meet. Knight won sixth place in the competition.

Junior Megan Lee

Junior

By Eva Poon Staff Writer

Returning to competition after an injury, junior Megan Lee placed fifth in the varsity girls 400-meter sprint with a time of 1:03.57. She faced fierce competition, including the winner who finished at 56.4 seconds. “It’s hard to see competition who I know I could be running with beating me,” commented Lee, who also said she felt like she could have done better. Nevertheless, Lee put in a respectable time considering her recent recovery from a pulled muscle. With her athletic career beginning in sixth grade, Lee has been running with the girls track team throughout high school.

City Editor

Business Manager

It was only his second time in the 400-meter dash when senior Elliott Rice ran the event at the HAAL championships.

But the first-year runner won a thrilling race with a time of 50.17 seconds. Rice also ran on the Trojans’ two first-place relay teams.

When asked if he had anything to say about his success, Rice said, “I owe it all to my coach, Maurice Valentine,” and he added, “I am very excited for NCS.”

Junior Ayla Granados

By Becky Chao Copy Editor

Varsity runner Ayla Granados was scheduled to run both the 400-meter dash and 800-meter race, but she decided to focus on the 800. The junior held second after the first lap, but dropped to fourth place in the end. Still, the results were better than she anticipated.

“I just paced off Haley [Batis, senior] and Chelsea [Schneider, sophomore], who are the two fastest girls … I did better than I expected since I dropped three seconds yesterday and I dropped ten seconds off my usual 800 time,” she said. Her time at the HAAL finals was a quick 2:23.47.

Maurice Valentine

By Hayden Folks Feature Editor

On May 7, junior Maurice Valentine made track history. Valentine dominated the boys high hurdles event at the HAAL track meet. Not only did he take first place on the event, but he broke the league record held for boys high hurdles as well. His time was an astonishing 14:27. “I felt good coming off the blocks and I cleared the first couple hurdles smoothly which are always the hardest,” said Valentine. High hurdles is not the only event that he does. He also won the high jump and hopes to return to the state meet in both events.

Stephanie Lombardo / Photo Editor

Sophomore Darnell Reed rips down the track towards the finish line.

Trojan athletes dominate the competition Junior Darren Tsang

By Timothy Wong Staff Writer

Senior James Fazzio leads his part of the pack.

Junior Jordan Mackey

Senior Irene Gilchriese

By Sophiana Carrell

By Andrew Huber

News Editor

Staff Writer

Despite a sprained ankle, a hyper-extended knee, and a torn ligament, junior Jordan Mackey leapt over the 300-meter hurdles event at the HAAL finals.

“I had really been looking forward to this race,” said Mackey.

“It’s one of my favorite events.”

Since thsi was his last chance to qualify for NCS, he decided to compete despite his injuries.

However, the race proved to be more difficult than he anticipated.

He managed to finish fifth, but missed the NCS qualification by a hundredth of a second. “It’s frustrating,” said Mackey. “Think about this. It takes an entire tenth of a second to blink your eye, which is 10 times slower than the amount I was beat by.”

In the field, senior Irene Gilchriese psyched herself up and performed a methodical stretch routine, preparing for her 400meter race. After just taking the AP Calculus exam, the girls varsity runner had to completely switch gears for the race of the season.

With her ponytail bobbing up and down, Irene ran like the wind but came up disappointingly in seventh place with a time of 1:04.15.

In truth, she doesn’t know quite why she likes track. Perhaps it is for the challenge.

“In some sense it’s harder than kicking a ball … you have to continually push yourself to get better,” said Gilchriese.

Stephanie Lombardo / Photo Editor

Darren Tsang competed in the shotput throw and the discuss throw in the HAAL finals. With a loud grunt and very powerful looking form, Tsang hurled the 10-pound shot put an amazing 34 feet four inches.

He was also able to throw the discus an amazing 103 feet, 4 and a half inches. Unfortunately, Tsang hurt his ankle while practicing for his other attempts at a better mark, making him unable to compete in his event.

Tsang’s two marks were short of his personal best in shot put and discus throw, 37 feet two inches and 105 feet four inches respectively.

Junior Dash Oliver sprints past the competition to victory.

Senior Kandice Douglas

By Ryan Flores Staff Writer

As they crouched down waiting for the signal, the tension was fierce. All hearts were pounding as the gun fired. The short action packed race seemed like an eternity but in reality it was under 12 seconds.

The 100-meter dash was an adventure for the runners as the Trojans’ Dash Oliver placed first with a time of 10.98 seconds. The junior beat the old school record with his time of 10.93 a couple of weeks ago.

After the race Oliver had one thing to say: “The competition was all right but nothing I couldn’t handle.” Oliver also anchored the Trojans’ 400-meter relay team to a thrilling victory.

Stephanie Lombardo / Photo Editoe

Senior Jack Leng

By Brandon Lui

By Esther Lee

Staff Writer

It took her just seconds to reach the finish line from the starting line. Senior Kandice Douglas made second place just by a hair. With a time of 13.05 seconds, she was lightning in a track uniform.

Douglas ran the 100-meter dash at the HAAL finals. She had actually been sick for some time and felt a little sick on the day of the race.

When asked about her race she said, “I guess you could say I’m happy with what I’ve gotten, but I could have done better.”

Junior Dash Oliver

Business Manager

Malena Bell / Editor-In-Chief

Senior Jack Leng sprinted towards the finish line with a driven look on his face. After second-place finishes in the 1,600 meters and the 800 meters, the distance runner finished first in the 3,200 meters in 9:49, followed by teammate Ben Eversole, who finished second in 9:53.

Leng qualified for NCS in all three of his events and has high hopes for the 3,200 meters, the race in which he joined the school all-time top ten performers this year.

Upcoming leadership events Liz Wallis retiring

By Esther Lee

The end of the year is approaching quickly, and we have many fun-filled weeks ahead of us!

ELECTIONS: Election results are available on the school activities webpage.

POLITICAL AWARENESS WEEK: MAY 19-23 Monday-Wednesday: Mock election voting & political cartoon contest on stage Monday: Party representatives will have tables set inside the annex Wednesday: JSA debate on the stage Thursday: Pin the tail on the donkey game, pin the trunk on the elephant game Friday: Politics quiz game, announcing the winners of the mock election and political cartoon contest ON THE STAGE Activity days are subject to change. For the most recent information, please look at the activities webpage! Are you interested in participating in the games? $20 Chipotle gift cards will be given to the winners!

SENIORS: E-mail pictures you have from freshman to senior year to cvseniors2008@hotm ail.com The pictures will be put into a slideshow that will play during Senior Ball. Senior Ball is May 31, 2008 from 9 PM to 1 AM. You can have no more than 10 tardies and/or 5 cuts. You were supposed to have turned in your attendance form no sooner than May 1st to the Senior House Office. The week of May 19 to May 23 bids will be $85 for couples and $43 for singles. The last two days, May 27 and May 28, bids will be $90 for couples and $45 for singles. Senior Awards Night is May 29th! The last day to purchase Sober Grad Cruise tickets is June 5, 2008. If you have yet to purchase a Senior cap and gown, you must do so in order to participate in the Graduation Ceremony. Mail orders directly to Jostens as soon as possible. If financial aid is needed, please contact your counselor or Ms. Frasca in room 607. Take a look at the finals schedule on the school website because it’s different for seniors.

JUNIORS: Pro Image will be coming to CVHS May 20-22 to take appointments for your Senior portraits in the courtyard! This is ONLY for making an appointment and the actual pictures will be taken at ProImage studios. Listen to PA announcements because Senior Picnic tickets will be available soon!

SOPHOMORES: We are considering getting tube socks or flip flops that have our graduation year 2010 written on them. We would love to get feedback on what the class of 2010 thinks, so let us know!

Please e-mail us as sophomorep rosent2010@G.mail If you have opinions and advice for the Leadership class regarding past events or upcoming events, stop by room 607 or talk to your class representative to relay your message during the House of Representatives meetings. To reach the Student Activities web page, go to CVHS’s website,www.cvhs.cv.k12.ca.us-, then click on “Students,” then click on “Activities.”

Business Manager Liz Wallis has served the Castro Valley Unified School District longer than high school students have been alive, 21 years. She came to CVHS six years ago and plans on retiring at the end of this year. Wallis is a computer technician and her job focuses on two main areas: fixing computers and running the computer lab.

She also moves computers and sets up new ones.

She decided to retire this year because her husband is retiring as well. “We wanted to go at the same time,” said Wallis.

After retiring together, they plan on vacationing in Washington and Canada in their motor home. While there, they will tour the sites and visit their friends as well. Even though they will be physically far away, Wallis says that she will miss the staff and

students at CVHS. “There are a lot of great people to work with,” said Wallis.

Unfortunately, Wallis is not being replaced with another computer technician due to the

state budget cuts. Instead of three computer technicians at CVHS, there will only be two.