Oct 11, 2013

Volume 57, Issue 1

Castro Valley High School

October 11, 2013

Kings for a day

www.cvhsolympian.com

America takes one step closer toward equality

By Lily Carrell

Felicianna Marquez/ Photo Editor

Demareyeh Lane, Namane Modise, Mack Woodfox, and Darius Ellis smile at the camera as senior royalty at the Welcome Back Assembly.

Students march to the beat in new band camp

By Cameron Beresini Staff Writer

“Band! Atten-tion!” the command calling the marching band to attention rings throughout the air, followed by the shouting of “One!” The CVHS bands are rearing and ready for their first sets of field shows, and a more “colorful” marching season.

The music students held band camp through the week of the Aug. 19-23 and did many things, ranging from reviewing the basics of marching, and learning the steps of the field show. A select few students came to school on Aug. 14-16 to learn their places as the leaders of the band. The marching

band continues to have scheduled practice on Thursdays after school from 3:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. into the month of December.

“I’m really happy with the progress that the students have made over the past couple of weeks on their performance, and their playing,” said band director Steven Hendee.

This is the first time in CVHS marching band history that the students in band will be taking part in an organized field show, and the first time they have taken part in an organized band camp to help hone their marching skills before school begins.

“Band camp has helped us a lot, and it was a ton of fun. I

feel really prepared with our set for our marching season,” said senior Cameron Richey.

The week that the students took before school started, the group of leaders in the band set up a day of “the first annual band Olympics,” including games like “Mr. Hendee Jeopardy,” and “Chubby Bunny.”

“The games were my favorite part of our first week of band camp,” said junior Grey Janowski. “They helped us get to know our classmates, and have fun after a week of hard work.”

The marching band is performing the field show at a total of four football games, and look forward to an exciting marching season.

Common core applies to all subjects and is all about skill.

The new standards are designed to ensure that students will leave high school more prepared for college in a sense that their reading and critical thinking skills are at their sharpest.

The standards want to make sure that students are reading material that promotes creativity and critical thinking skills that can not only be applied in high school but in further education.

Teachers, researchers, and education experts from across

the country have worked on Common Core for several years. The old standards were changed because some in the country wanted new standards that would help close the gap between the performance level of American students and other students from around the world. The people who created the standards designed them with the students in mind and hoping that what they have now is relatable to all the students and helps them keep up with other intellectually exceptional students around

Editor-In-Chief Elated gay couples and supporters gathered outside the Supreme Court on June 26, reveling in the historic decision that would transform their lives as citizens. That same day, the court had examined Windsor v. U.S. and Hollingsworth v.

Perry, two pivotal gay marriage cases which addressed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California’s Proposition 8, respectively. The court deemed DOMA unconstitutional by a vote of 5-4 and dismissed Prop.

8, legalizing same-sex marriage in the state of California.

“There are some 40,000 children in California…that live with same-sex parents, and they want their parents to have full recognition and full status.

The voice of those children is important in this case, don't you think?” said Justice Anthony Kennedy on the constitutionality of banning same-sex marriage.

As a result of DOMA’s defeat, gay couples married in states that permit same-sex marriage now have the right to receive the same federal health, Social Security, tax, and other benefits that were previously granted to only heterosexual couples. In dismissing Prop. 8, the court

maintained a lower court’s decision that California’s ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional.

“I’m very happy Prop. 8 was struck down. I’ve always been a supporter of LGBT rights,” said senior Claire Fusich-Falzone. “People should be able to marry who they want to marry and have the same rights. As long as it’s consensual, love should not be controlled by the government.”

Others, however, feel differently about the defeat of Prop. 8 and DOMA. “I think that marriage should be kept the way it always has for thousands of years. Why should gay marriage be allowed if they can’t physically have a baby?” said senior Daniel Robertson.

Because of the court’s ruling, same-sex marriage is now authorized in 13 states as well as in the District of Columbia, covering more than a third of the U.S. population. California Governor Jerry Brown ordered the resumption of gay marriages in July.

“I’m just proud that America can show our best side,” said CVHS parent Suzanne Quijano in response to the defeat of Prop. 8. “I love how the young kids today will assume it’s always been equal and fair.”

California getting to the “Core” of education

By Stephanie Huerta Feature Editor

California’s school districts have begun using new standards: the Common Core.

California had adopted the standards on Aug. 2, 2010, although they were not to be implemented until the 2013-14 school year. Teachers at CVHS have attended workshops to learn more about the new standards and get right to the core of them!

Although you maybe asking yourself, what is common core?

Editorial: DOMA meets its doom Page 2: Supreme Court favors gay marriage

the world.

The government does not force Common Core Standards; instead, each individual state Department of Education decides. As of now, 45 states in the US have implemented Common Core. Not only are schools now implementing Common Core, but they’re introducing a new test to replace CST testing which is called the SBAC that will be taken by 11th graders of the 2014-15 school year.

“The main issue is people don’t know much about it and we are still trying to figure out

Warped Tour concert featured over 90 bands last summer Page 4: Warped Tour pumps up audience

how to implement it in the classroom,” stated social studies teacher Gerry Cox. “The goal is to get kids more ready for college and it’s less drill and kill. The goal is noble and it’s a good cause! This year will be all about learning about it and having it in full effect next year,” stated English teacher Tina Johansson.

Overall, the standards want teachers to be consistent with the curriculum they teach and hope that they will use these standards to advance students into intellectual excellence.

Liberty w“rings” out Trojans, 28-21 Page 7: Football team meets a tough loss

Supreme Court decisions on Prop. 8, DOMA are steps in right direction Editorial: We at The Olympian applaud the United States Supreme Court and the justices for their decisions regarding same-sex marriage.

On June 26, the Supreme Court declared Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional, thus changing how the government recognizes same-sex marriages.

DOMA was a law signed by former president Bill Clinton in 1996 that did not require states to recognize or grant the same benefits that heterosexual couples receive to gay couples. It was to “define and protect the institution of marriage.”

In the Supreme Court case United States v. Windsor, Edith Windsor wanted a refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) after having to pay $363,053 in taxes for inheriting her late wife’s estate.

She would not have had to pay that tax if she was in a heterosexual marriage. The decision to declare Section 3 of DOMA unconstitutional due to the Fifth Amendment resulted from a 5-4 vote.

In 2008, Proposition 8 was passed in California. Through this, California joined the majority of the states in not recognizing marriage between same-sex spouses.

Lily Carrell / Editor-in-Chief

This was overturned as a result of the Supreme Court’s decision, and same-sex marriage in California is once again legal.

We at The Olympian support gay marriage and the Supreme Court’s decisions. The Fourteenth Amendment states that everyone should have equal protection under the law. By making it illegal for homosexual couples to marry, it is a violation of rights. It is unfair for

same-sex couples to not receive the same benefits as heterosexual couples.

Sexual orientation is not a decision; people do not wake up one day and “decide” that they want to be gay. There is no “cure,” no “treatment,” no amount of therapy that would make them heterosexual. Why should the law be able to force a person to live a life that is not his or her own?

Boys and girls really can be just friends

By Grace Moon

Staff Writer It’s a gorgeous blue day. I’m walking with him across the quad at the center of the school, talking and laughing uproariously at a joke that he just told me, and I link arms with him out of pure affection. Walking arm in arm, we constantly receive the public eye of curious looks and quick glances, expressions that are wholly infused with surprise, mockery, and supposed realization. I look at these people, roll my eyes, and continue to walk on with no embarrassment, no shame.

Why? Because, well, we’re just friends.

But girls and guys can’t be friends, right? Do you ever notice the jealousy that appears when your opposite-sex friend forms a new friendship? That can be blamed on the sexual tension that

inevitably causes the two people to become attracted to one another, hear stories and watch the movies of the beloved tale of how two best friends end up falling desperately in love with one another at the end of the day, or even listen to the songs where a poor soul unwillingly and inescapably falls in love with their friend. Society and social media have instilled in us this conservative mindset that the only relationship that can occur between girls and boys is the quixotic outlook that they’ll end up falling in love. Think about Chandler and Monica from “Friends,” or Kutcher and Portman in the movie, “Valentine’s Day.” Every female-male relationship takes on the classic Harry-met-Sally approach.

Nevertheless, I believe that this concept doesn’t necessarily apply to everyone. If you look past all the barriers that stem from media and social belief, honestly, girls and guys can really just be friends.

Why is it, though, that whenever I walk around with one of my close guy friends, I am barraged with nudging, winking, and curious looks? The public eye seems to carry many doubts about the possibility of opposite-sex friendships, and instead of looking into the details of the relationship, society simply settles for taking comfort

How do you feel about the defeat of Prop. 8 and DOMA? “Gay couples should be able to get married, but not under the Bible and Christian principles because God says marriage is between a man and woman.”

Sabrina Tonkin, freshman

“Now that people have the right to marry whomever they wan t , t h e na tion is moving towards a better place.”

Louie Tran, sophomore

in the general and stereotypical picture.

Personally, I revel in the close, heart to heart relationship with my close guy friends. There, most definitely, are distinct differences between my mind and their minds, but we all benefit from each other, learning different aspects and seeing things in various viewpoints. I constantly gain insight on why guys really think, garnering the male perspective, and allow my friends to confide in me with some of their own problems or thoughts. We have the same tastes, interests, and sensitivities, and I appreciate and love them as much as I do for any female friend of mine because, honestly, I see no difference.

Gender is not a deciding factor in a friendship. Sometimes physical or even emotional attraction can get in the way and stifle a friendship, or even destroy an existing one. This doesn’t mean that girls and guys can’t be friends at all. Just like any other relationship, an opposite gender friendship will always involve trust, honesty and unconditional love.

There is, of course, that opportunity for romance between two friends; however, whether or not you’re willing to take that chance is a whole different ball game.

If gay marriage is illegal, it makes it harder for society to accept gay marriage because it implies that gay marriage is wrong.

The law has a huge influence on people’s opinions. This isn’t very much different than the women’s suffrage movement and the civil rights movement. Women have gradually become treated more like equals after receiving the right to vote.

Society’s harsh opinion regarding gay marriage also makes it more difficult for people to accept themselves. People are afraid to “come out of the closet” in fear of how their parents, their friends, and the others they know will react. Some parents are understanding, but some kick their children out of the house for being gay.

People are bullied for being gay, and words like “gay” are used as insults.

Some people may argue that allowing gay people to marry will make the institution of marriage less sacred. The truth is that marriage has changed. Marriage used to be for economic reasons; people didn’t marry for love. Women used to be considered property.

The idea of marriage has evolved over time, however, change doesn’t weaken it; if anything, permitting gay marriage would strengthen it.

People will be allowed to marry who they truly love and not marry the opposite gender simply to meet society’s expectations.

Love should be the most important thing. If two people are in love, there is no reason why they should not be allowed to marry. Although this isn’t the end of the fight, these Supreme Court decisions are a step in the right direction.

Stand up to ignorance

By Audrey Vandiver

Staff Writer Homosexuality was considered a psychiatric diagnosis by the American Psychiatric Association until the year 1973. Many heterosexuals, especially in the past, have harbored negative feelings towards homosexuals or "gays," having a sort of homophobia.

We still have extreme prejudice towards gays in America, while most would think we would have realized that being homophobic is the same as being racist. While it's a terrible thing to be racist, some feel it’s just fine to harm gays with prejudice.

Almost all people in the U.S. think it is terribly wrong to use degrading and offensive terms such as some racial slurs. However not many of those people stop to think how offensive the word "faggot" is or the expression "that's so gay."

Just recently, gay marriage was legalized in California, which is

supposed to be one of the most diverse and culturally accepting states in America. Some people are so ignorant that they believe that you can "cure" homosexuality through a forcing of religion or that being gay is a choice people make and not something written into their DNA. But when thinking logically, how would being forced to become more religious suddenly change one’s sexuality?

Also if gays can choose to become heterosexuals, then straight people can obviously choose to become homosexuals because it would work the same way. Neither of these statements are anywhere close to the truth so all they do is insult, upset and discourage gays.

People choose to be gay just as much as they choose gender, the color of their skin, the color of their eyes, who their parents are, where they live and how wealthy their families are.

The truth is, their voice is being suffocated, but it’s up to everyone to help them be heard. That choice is whether you're going to stand by and let innocent human beings get tortured for who they are or whether you're going to stand up for those without a voice and protect them from the other weak minded, ignorant individuals of this world.

PHOTOpinions pinions By: Reema Kakaday / Editor-in-Chief

“It’s definitely a good direction towards more equality because whether or not we are LGBTQ, we cannot keep others from having freedoms we have.”

Katie King, junior

“I believe it’s a good step towards equality and shows our nation is changing.”

Simon Haralambiew, senior

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3 Tone down the PDA The Olympian Oct. 11, 2013

A Moment with Marty

By Lauren Jelks

By Matt Talajkowski

Staff Writer

News Editor

I met Marty Schmidt outside of Castro Valley High School last spring. I sat in front of the theater with a pen and a notebook, looking for a fiftyish man through the crowds of people trying to move out of the high school. I had no idea what he looked like, and after about 15 minutes, I began to worry that I had missed him. But when I saw him, I knew it had to be Marty. With dark, sun battered skin, rough looking hands and Teva sandals that had seen far too many hikes, he looked like a mountain climber. I stood up, shook his hand, and introduced myself.

I liked Marty from the first words he spoke to me. He treated me with respect; something that is rarely received by teens. He still seemed to be very friendly to me, as if we had met each other before.

He described his experience when he attended CVHS as we entered the theater, and briefly told me about his son, Denali, who was out of high school, and was finding his own mountain climbing life. I was able to see the caring side of Marty, as he proudly talked about Denali, and how he couldn’t wait until they would climb together later in the year.

He started the interview with a statement that stayed with me for the rest of the interview: “I try to live my life in the horizontal world like I live in the vertical world.”

At first I didn’t understand, I couldn’t comprehend why you would want to live like you were at 20,000 feet with sub zero temperatures. But I had more questions to ask so I moved on.

I was curious about his past, what had made him a mountain

Marty Schmidt met The Olympian’s Matt Talajkowski at the Center for the Arts. climber. No one comes out of high school planning to become a professional mountain climber. Marty responded with a statement that almost made him sound overqualified. Marty had started climbing early in his life and by high school he was already climbing local mountains. He lived in Yosemite for several years, then joined an elite team of rescuers and lived in Alaska doing high risk search and rescue operations. But with all his experience and knowledge, he made one thing very clear: “It doesn’t matter who you are, anything can happen. I live my life to the fullest, because I don’t know if I am coming back.”

As the interview went on I began to understand his first statement.

He said, “It’s the nature, the mountains, you have to understand them and respect them, before you climb.”

Marty lived his life with respect, and responsibility, on the mountains and on the streets. He did not disrespect me as a high school

journalist just as he wouldn’t underrate a high peak. His life was not training to go up the tallest peaks of the world, but training for every day of his life. He saw that life really wasn’t that different on Everest than it was in Castro Valley, because the morals he learned from the mountains were principled in every aspect of his life. And when I met Marty, those morals became part of my life, too.

He kept his mind open, and lived his life to its fullest extent, because Marty knew the risks, and knew that one day, he might never leave the mountains.

Marty and his son Denali died on Pakistan’s K2 in July when an avalanche fell on their camp.

Marty’s soul will forever be at the highest peaks, with the person he loved. And may we learn from Marty, and not let what he believed in so dearly die, that everything should be treated with respect, and that we are only a small part of this world; we are only men amongst mountains.

but I also need to visit my locker to pick up the book for my next class. What should I do? I need to do both since one of my organs is under pressure, and I need the book to follow up in class. I go to the bathroom as well as my locker and before I know it, the second bell rings telling me that I’m tardy.

Some people may say that it’s not a problem; six minutes is sufficient time to get to class since their classes are close to their locker and they rarely go to the bathroom. Despite this fact, I feel that six minutes is not enough for people to get to class on time since some people have lockers that are far from their classes and are even more unfortunate to have bladder problems as I do.

In addition to going to classes across the campus, there are crowds of people who usually take their time in the halls to chat with people they know. These factors tend to slow us down and eat up our six minutes to get to class on time. Sometimes teachers let you

out a minute or two late resulting in the difference in the time you have to get to the other class. If you don’t want to pile up tardies, making sacrifices is needed in order to preserve your attendance record. For the people who believe they don’t have time to go to their lockers, they end up carrying all their books with them which results in future backaches.

The most reasonable solution to this mess and threat to our attendance records are to expand the time in between passing period.

An additional food of thought would be how many more minutes should be added so that there is time for locker visits, bathrooms, and squeezing your way through the crowd. In my opinion, about three to four minutes should be added even if it means that it will extend the school day 30 minutes longer since I am used to staying at school late. Although the school day would be longer, I believe it will help reduce tardiness and improve attendance records.​

Time flies during passing period

By Tyler Quan Staff Writer

When the first bell rings, you can see crowds of ant-like figures walking towards the buildings vacating the courtyard. Some people take their time and while others try to push each other to get to class early.

Well I’m one of the people trying to push to get to class early.

Time isn’t sufficient enough, at least for me, to get to class on time. Sometimes my bladder is going to burst and I need to go to the bathroom in between classes,

Everyone sees couples holding hands in the halls, kissing in corners, and sitting in each other’s laps. At CVHS, it seems like couples’ PDA, or public displays of their affection, goes to the max.

And I can’t blame them (unfortunately). It’s not like I haven’t spent lunch periods gazing into a loved one’s eyes either. It happens.

Teenagers have hormones, and when 3,000 kids are dropped off at school for eight hours a day, those hormones are bound to show.

However, there is a fine line between being a cute couple and blinding everyone with your physical contact. No, I don’t need to see you stick your tongues in each other’s mouths, thanks for the offer though. And does your hand really need to hold theirs in the chaotic minutes after school in 300 hall?

Could we tone it down a little, CVHS? It’s not even Halloween and my heart already seethes with anger when I see two people glued by the hand lumbering through a crowded hallway. Now, I’m not a cynic. I like seeing two people who are genuinely happy with each other’s company, and I think all the over-the-top Winter Ball proposals are super charming. However, I think there are many ways to express your love for one other, and some are better done in private.

For example, when I went to the Fall Festival on Sunday, something I saw there enraged me. Among the olive oil and vinegar stands, the multiple food trucks, and the small jewelry stands, there was a couple sleeping on the grass. Who goes to a community festival and sleeps on the grass in the middle of the walkway? I understand that most high schoolers want to have that “star crossed love.” They want cute moments they can romanticize on Tumblr and cute photos they can post on Instagram. But couples, especially couples who feel the need to constantly touch, first need to realize that other people are around them and there is a time and place for being “Instagram cute.”

In conclusion, keep your hands to yourself, express your love in other ways, and realize that being in love does not justify making others uncomfortable when you have your hand in the back of their pant pockets.

Leia Saelee /A&E Editor

The Olympian is a publication of the journalism class at Castro Valley High School, 19400 Santa Maria Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546. © 2013

Editors-in-Chief..................................................................Lily Carrell Reema Kakaday City Editor.......................................................................Joyce Liang News Editor...............................................................Matt Talajkowski Opinion Editor............................................................Suzanna Chak Feature Editors.....................................................................Eva Chen Stephanie Huerta Sports Editor..................................................................Amanat Riar Arts and Entertainment Editor......................................Leia Saelee Photo Editor.......................................................Felicianna Marquez Business Manager......................................................Anna Talajkowski Online Editors......................................................................Kelly Chan Evan Kwong Staff Writers: Cameron Beresini, Robbie Brandt, Alison Dhont, Rachel Du, Lauren Jelks, Jamie Logan, Sally Liang, Tyler Macias, Grace Moon, Anna Nguyen, Amelia Ortiz, Tyler Quan, Brittany Roberts, Callie Ross-Smith, Audrey Vandiver, Olivia Wallace, Daniel Witte Advisor........................................................................Matt Johanson

Annual Fall Festival entertains locals

By Eva Chen

Feature Editor

Anna Talajkowski/ Business Manager

The crowd eagerly awaits upcoming set by The Wonder Years.

Warped Tour Rocks The Music World

By Anna Talajkowski Business Manager

People packed so tightly you can’t move. Yells and screams. A cloud of smoke above the crowd.

Noise so loud nothing else can be heard. Bodies flying in the air. Is it a zombie apocalypse? No, it’s better. It’s the middle of Warped Tour.

Warped Tour, an annual summer music festival that tours around the U.S. and various other countries, is infamous for being one of the most insane and well known live shows in the country.

Featuring over 90 bands, Warped Tour pulls together multiple diverse music genres from pop punk to EDM to hardcore. At the Mountain View show in June, popular bands such as Sleeping with Sirens, August Burns Red, and Never Shout Never burned through sets that got crowds off their feet and screaming for more.

The exclusively outdoors festival had not only nine stages featuring back-to-back performances, but also included dozens

of booths for bands, food, and other merchandise. There were also free water stations to fill reusable water bottles, a new feature of the tour that was added to help fans combat the summer heat.

The concert lasted over ten hours, starting on a Saturday morning and stretching through the heat of the afternoon into nightfall, but Warped followers were not deterred. The Bay Area stop of the tour drew thousands of diehard fans who waited in a line that backed up into the parking lot at the Shoreline Amphitheatre.

Possibly the most distinct and entertaining part of the concert was the crowd. Throughout the entire day, hyped up fans created some of the craziest mosh pits known to Northern California.

Another highlight of the day came from Stephen Harrison, guitarist for band The Chariot, who jumped into the middle of a mosh pit to play a searing guitar solo.

The fans also warmly welcomed some Bay Area natives on tour, such as teen pop punk band Emily’s Army, and frontman Ricky

Reed from electronic dance group Wallpaper.

Not all of Warped Tour was fun and games, however. Although the day was not particularly hot, the length of the concert and the low availability of shade in the venue made standing in the sun all day more intolerable. However, that was not the major problem. With all concerts come drunk people. And with drunk people, in Warped especially, come drunk crowd surfers. Now this wouldn’t be an issue, if not the blaring fact that 90 percent of sober crowd surfers only make it about ten feet above everybody’s heads before crashing onto the ground, or another person. The results for those over the legal limit are stupendous, and for the people who have to deal with their unique form of exiting the top of the crowd, rather unneeded.

Even with its flaws, the tour provides some of the most adrenaline rushing moments of the summer. Fans can all agree that Warped Tour is like no concert you have ever seen before.

The annual Castro Valley Fall Festival lined up along Norbridge Avenue. Several booths that ranged from self-defense merchandise to our very own CVHS German class raising money for a trip to Germany brought the eccentric crowd to downtown Castro Valley on Sept. 14 and 15.

One of the first things visitors heard as they walked in from the end of the festival was a live band jamming out some melodious music. A couple of steps away, the chocolate-covered tacos from the taco stand drew attention with billowing smoke rising from a metal container used to harden the chocolate.

Aside from the heavy traffic and the limited parking spaces, the festival brought back fond memories of the summer. People were milling around booths of the Castro Valley Education Foundation, Relay for Life, CV Sanitary, Masks, Sweet & Sour USA, Hayward Recreational Parks and the Golden State

Warriors, hoping to score some free stuff or just enjoying the fun games offered.

The Fall Festival has changed since its opening in 1972. Compared to previous years when the festival was held on Castro Valley Boulevard, this year’s festival stretched along Norbridge Avenue and part of the library’s parking lot. “ I found that this year’s festival was not as organized and there were fewer food booths and food truck mafia which attracts a lot of people here.

There were fewer people who stopped to see us compared to last year,” said Debbie Beyelia, a Castro Valley citizen who was promoting her Relay for Life booth.

Though for those who have attended the fall festival for a couple of years have noticed the difference in attendance, firsttime festival attendees were enjoying the atmosphere and booths at the festival.

“I love the free bags and toys that I got today, I had a blast!” said Amanda Wong, a Castro Valley resident.

Eva Chen/ Feature Editor

A festival-goer holds up a mask, showcasing the spirit of the Castro Valley Fall Festival.

Music teacher Hendee now conducts bands and orchestras

By Kelly Chan Online Editor

Steven Hendee is not only the director of CVHS bands, but now the director of orchestras as well this year. He has been teaching music for more than 18 years, most notably at the School of the Arts in San Francisco, and with the Hayward High School Marching Band.

Hendee has served as the Bay Section President of the California Music Education Association. As a self-proclaimed “geek,” Hendee hosts a self-named online live show every Monday, which has guest featured a CVHS student before. This is Hendee’s second year with the CVHS instrumental program.

“It’s great to be here more, full

time, and what’s most interesting is the different kind of students that come out for orchestra, versus band,” said Hendee.

The band and orchestra programs at CVHS attract lots of talented and interesting musicians every year, and are very dedicated to the various groups outside of their primary classes.

“It’s a challenging workload,” said Hendee. Some days, Hendee is teaching from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. In addition to the CVHS Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Symphonic Orchestra, Hendee now also teaches the Honors Chamber Orchestra, Allstars Jazz Band, and Musical Pit Orchestra.

On top of those classes, Hendee also travels to Creekside Middle School every day to teach sixth grade orchestra.

“I think he’s doing well, taking on the challenge of teaching both classes,” said junior James Anderson, a clarinetist in the CVHS band.

Hendee hopes that the music environment he provides is one “where band and orchestra students frequently do things together to raise their level of performance.”

“I feel that it’s definitely a change, especially for orchestra.

I am excited to be working with Mr. Hendee this year,” said senior Darence Lim, a violinist in the CVHS orchestra.

Band and orchestra students can look forward to performance trips throughout the school year, as Hendee is planning for tours around Bay Area schools, and possibly Disneyland. The trips

will help bring the groups closer together, and share music with each other. Hendee also hopes to conduct a joint band and orchestra

concert in the future.

“A unifying musical voice will help the students achieve more,” said Hendee.

The Olympian Oct. 11, 2013

5

CVHS welcomes new APs Baltazar and Torpey

Baltazar likes cooking, shopping and her car radio

Torpey aspired to be Bruce Lee as a child

By Suzanna Chak

By Suzanna Chak

Meet Sharon Baltazar: athlete, chef, and most importantly, assistant principal.

Baltazar is an assistant principal for students whose last names are D-K. Her other duties include working with the special education department, working with sophomores, and making the master schedule.

B a l t a z a r p re v i o u s l y h a d worked at El Cerrito High School.

She decided to work at CVHS because there is a “fantastic team of teachers, administrators, and students,” she said. She had visited the campus before knowing about job opening.

She likes it here at CVHS, but the hardest part for her to adjust to is the size of the school. She wants to know everyone, which is what she is looking most forward to this year.

“The staff has been very supportive,” she said. They have checked on her, are welcoming, and have answered her questions. Students have gone up and introduced themselves to her as well.

Her goal for CVHS is to make it a place for everyone, no mat-

Here comes Mr. President... well, not of the United States, but of “Utorpia.”

Blaine Torpey is a House 4 assistant principal (AP). His students are those with last names S-Z. He is also in charge of site safety, patrolling, earthquake and fire drills, and positive interventions, but working with students is his favorite part of the job.

To r p e y s u p e r v i s e d b a l l games, dances, and the Pops concert last year. “I was impressed by spirit and dedication of the staff and students,” he said.

The new AP previously worked at Redwood Continuation High School, where he taught music, social studies, and foods. He was dubbed president for life of “Utorpia”— also known as his classroom— by his students.

“CVHS is a lot bigger than Redwood. There are more staff members at CVHS than there are students at Redwood,” said Torpey.

Despite the size difference, Torpey is adjusting without difficulty. The staff members have been “absolutely supportive,” he said.

Torpey describes being an assistant principal as similar being a waiter--there are always people who are happy, others who are unhappy, and someone always wants something; he’s expected to do everything at the same time.

He plans to help CVHS keep going on the right path and prepare for future activities. He looks forward to being in classrooms and being able to watch teachers and students interact.

Torpey did not always know he was going to be a principal; he did not have a particularly positive experience in school.

When he was a child, he wanted to be like Bruce Lee when he grew up. Later, he discovered that he was good at writing and dealing with unhappy people, two essential skills for being an assistant principal.

In his free time, Torpey enjoys spending time with his kids.

One of his pet peeves is when people promise to do something but don’t fully go through with it.

His favorite ice cream flavor is vanilla.

“I used to eat it every night,” he said.

Opinion Editor

Opinion Editor

Suzanna Chak/ Opinion Editor

Blaine Torpey and Sharon Baltazar show off their best “AP” looks. ter what their interests, backgrounds, or experiences are.

She did not always know that she was going to be a principal.

She used to be an English teacher; however, when she realized that she also enjoyed working with all students, not only those in her classes, she went into administration.

“I liked to see what was going on in other classrooms and collaborate with the teachers,” she said.

Baltazar has two masters degrees, one from the University of

the Pacific and one from the University of California, Berkeley.

She wants the students of CVHS to know that they can go and talk to her about anything.

“I am here to support the students,” she said.

Her own experience in school influences her as an administrator. During high school, she did not know a lot of people, and in school, her sister pretended that they weren’t related. However, she began to enjoy high school more when she got more involved in student government,

clubs, tennis, volleyball, and basketball.

“It was the best three and a half years,” she said. “I have no regrets.”

In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, driving with her satellite radio, shopping, reading, and eating.

Her pet peeves is when people change lanes without turning on their signal and having crumbs on the table.

Her favorite ice cream flavor is earl gray from Ici on College Avenue in Berkeley.

Relay for Life honors cancer survivors

By Joyce Liang City Editor

Celebrate. Remember. Fight back. These three words make up the famous tagline for American Cancer Society’s 24-hour signature walk-a-thon event, Relay for Life.

Relay for Life is an annual community fundraising event where participants commemorate those who have lost their lives, currently battling against, or who have won the battle against cancer. All proceeds go directly towards cancer research, education, awareness, and free patient services.

Held at Canyon Middle School, Castro Valley’s Relay for Life has raised over $100,000 over these past three years, with hundreds of participants and several teams enrolled.

Several on campus clubs and organizations have been involved with Relay for Life, such as Key Club, Unicef, CVHS American Red Cross, CVHS American Cancer Society, and Urbanize.

“I participated in RFL because I was fond of the cause.

I’ve had family members affected by cancer and I thought what would be better than to give back to the community,”

Joyce Liang / City Editor

Relay for Life survivors line up for their opening lap. said senior Ashna Deo. Many activities are held at Relay for Life. Every year, the event begins with its opening ceremony and survivor lap. Afterwards, participants are able to

walk on the track, playing different games and activities that each relay team has produced.

Activities such as zumba dancing are also part of the event for those who enjoy getting that

early workout in.

In the afternoon, the popular and much anticipated Miss Relay competition is held. Miss Relay is a beauty pageant in which men dress up as women.

The fierce competition does get heated on stage, which makes this pageant entertaining and fun to watch.

At night, the luminaria ceremony is held, in which a video honoring the cancer survivors and those who have lost their lives to cancer is presented. This emotional ceremony reminds every participant the reason why we should always remember, celebrate, and fight back.

Relay for Life is truly an a fun, worthwhile, and inspiring event. Participants always leave the event feeling that they have made an impact in the community.

“Relay has showed me that so many other people are victims of cancer and that we all fight for the same cause by fundraising, celebrating, and honoring cancer patients,” said junior Joanna Lam. For those who are interested in participating in next year’s Relay for Life, the date has already been set to be on July 19, 2014. Mark those calendars if interested in participating in next year’s relay.

It’s just not “twerking” for Miley

Everybody’s falling fo r F a l l O u t B oy

By Amanat Riar Sports Editor

Over the past month, “twerking” has been one of the most talked about subjects, thanks to Miley Cyrus’ raunchy performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards. Articles headlined “Miley Cyrus Twerking More Embarrassing Than Dad’s Mullet” and tweets like “After watching Miley Cyrus’ performance, I think I need to go to church” have been blasted all over the Internet. In fact, the term has been defined in Urban Dictionary as “Something Miley Cyrus should never ever do.”

Cyrus started off as a naive pre-teen on Disney Channel, but has since evolved, attempting to change her “modest image” by making headlines that involved provocative photoshoots leading up to her recent music video release of “We Can’t Stop.” When she was given the opportunity to perform at the VMA, it was her chance to shine and let the world know that her sweet, innocent days were long over, and her wildside image was here to stay.

We should have seen it coming

By Felicianna Marquez Photo Editor

Leia Saelee / A&E Editor

Miley Cyrus at the VMA’s twerking on singer Robin Thicke while performing the song “Blurred Lines.” though. She had songs like “The Other Side of Me” and “I Used to be a Nice Girl” back in her Hannah Montana days.

I mean if you think about it, all she did was dance vulgarly in front of millions of people and grind on a married man. It didn’t matter that all her young Hannah Montana fans were watching; she was just out to make history. She was aiming to fit in with Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, and Madonna who, in previous years, also let loose at the VMA. The thing is, if Miley didn’t twerk, we wouldn’t have much to talk about in the entertainment world, except for the redundant

Instructions Not Included, an incredible life lesson

By Eva Chen

Feature Editor On a slow weekend during the hot summer, I decided to choose a random movie to watch in theaters in order to enjoy the air conditioned rooms.

Though Instructions Not Included was an unexpected Spanish film, it brought me on a roller coaster ride of emotions from full belly laughs to impending anger and bauling cries.

The film is set in Acapulco, Mexico, where Valentin (actor and director of Instructions Not Included, Eugenio Derbez), a resident playboy, meets his blued eyed daughter, Maggie (Loreta Peralta), for the first time. After a quick hello and a goodbye, the baby’s mother, Julie (Jessica Lindsey), disappeared in a cab. Valentin quickly realizes that the mother was never coming back and sets out on a journey to Los Angeles in hopes of finding her.

Derbez’s depiction of each character is what brought the movie to life. Peralta plays a

mischievous daughter who is brought up in the fantasy world Valentin created. She follows her father to his stuntman job and watches naively. Each fatal act that her father performs covers the cost of their high standard of living. When the Julie returns to the picture, Maggie’s fantasy world is shattered by the harsh reality of the lies her father created.

This movie was truly an unexpected treat. Though it was pure laughter just watching Valentin’s struggle to become a father, the heart touching father-daughter moments, surprising twists in the plot, and a selfish mother, leaves the audience breathless in anticipation for the next unpredictable scene.

Instructions Not Included captures the beauty and endeavor of a father who teaches the audience a lesson in living each moment to the fullest, and showcases the self-sacrifice that a father makes in order to give his daughter the greatest gift: happiness.

Even the transitions from Spanish to English did not ruin the flow and breath-taking scenes in the movie. This movie is truly one to watch.

news about the Kardashians.

Think about it: one of the things we as Americans love to talk about is celebrity scandals. Take Lindsay Lohan or Amanda Bynes, for example.

As much as society criticizes them, we love to hear about the next crazy stunt they’ve pulled.

At the end of the day, Cyrus knew her twerking video would go viral. She took that chance at the VMA to give a provocative performance like others have done in the past, and will be remembered for years to come. Now, all she wants to do is move on, so perhaps we should as well.

After a gloomy morning on Sept. 21, the sun came out just in time for the Fall Out Boy concert at the America’s Cup Pavilion in San Francisco.

People started lining up at 11 a.m. to get the best possible seats for the show. You could hear the crowd’s excitement with expressions of “This is my favorite band!” and “Pete Wentz is the drum god.”

The show began at 7 p.m. opening with Twenty One Pilots, an upcoming band from Ohio.

Panic! At the Disco, my personal favorite band, came next and sang all their most popular songs, from “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” to a few of their new songs like “Miss Jackson.” Both bands exceeded my expectations when Twenty One Pilot’s lead singer Tyler Joseph walked across the crowd and Panic! At the Disco’s lead singer Brendon Urie did a backflip off the drummer stage.

Everyone in crowd was going wild for the two bands but people boomed with energy

when the long waited Fall Out Boy came on stage. Screaming, cheering and clapping filled everyone’s ears. They started with their new song “Phoenix” getting the crowd pumped for the rest of show.

As it went on the crowd grew restless with energy and started to push closer to the front. People were pushed to the floor and one girl even passed out. Fall Out Boy’s lead singer Patrick Stump stopped the concert to get those who had been pushed down help. He ordered everyone to take three steps back to give those in the front some space.

Security guards and fans helped the people off the floor, some even getting to crowd surf. Besides the amazing music this moment was truly an experience because it showed how much Fall Out Boy cares about their fans and focuses on the crowd.

“By far has to be the best concert I have ever been too. The energy was so positive and the crowd was really enthusiastic.

Thanks for the memories Fall Out Boy,” said senior Taylor Marlais.

The Fall Out Boy 2013 concert was one of the best experiences I have ever had with the people, atmosphere and musicians who are truly artists.

Despicable Me 2, despicably cute funny and absolutely charming to watch. The producers of the movie certainly did a good job making the relationship

By Joyce Liang City Editor

Before watching Despicable Me 2 in theaters, I honestly didn’t know what to expect.

I enjoyed the first movie a lot, mainly due to the fact the Agnes is too adorable to make anyone dislike the movie.

The trailer for Despicable Me 2 did not give the plot away.

However, once the movie began, I realized fairly quickly how the plot was going to play out and end.

Despicable Me 2 continues the story about the lives of Gru and his three daughters.

After retiring from being a villain from the first movie, Gru and his minions become bored of the new jelly industry that they have created. Therefore, Gru becomes a spy to track down a new villain, who produced a formula that turns Gru’s minions into indestructible and evil monsters.

Gru meets his new partner and crime, Lucy. Both characters become a love interest for one another, sharing an impeccable chemistry that is

“

A great film to watch with family, younger siblings, and even a significant other.

”

between Gru and Lucy “very cheesy.”

With a new love interest and a villain to track down, Gru

also becomes a concerned father when he finds out that his oldest daughter, Margo, is beginning to date boys.

Overall, Despicable Me 2 is a fun-filled, PG movie to watch.

It is a great film to watch with family, younger siblings, and even a significant other. From watching this movie in theaters, I heard several laughters and giggles dispersed evenly throughout the film. The movie is adorable, funny, and it definitely got me “awe-ing” at the end when Agnes made her speech.

Although Despicable Me 2 is not in theaters anymore, the film’s DVD release date has been set to be on Dec. 10.

For those who adore “cheesiness” or absolutely enjoys Dreamworks films and the first movie, I would definitely recommend to watch this film.

Girls Cross Country Team Runs to Success

By Tyler Macias Staff Writer

The Castro Valley girls cross country team raced to three wins in the race on Sept. 19 at Canyon Middle School, beating Berkeley 17-40, defeating Tennyson with a perfect score of 15 points, and winning against Piedmont 22-33, revealing their dedication and perseverance.

As the Trojans warmed up to get ready to run three miles, they were really focused and had their game faces on. The team knew that it wasn’t going to be easy, but as long as they had each other nothing was going to get in the way of them winning.

“As we began to run, my objective was to lead the race throughout, until I knew that nobody was behind me, so I just rushed through to try to win,” said var-

sity runner Nicole Anthony, who finished the race first.

Another varsity runner Emma Armstrong, who wasn’t that far behind Anthony, said that they were basically each other’s inspiration ever since the second grade.

“We both have been doing cross country since the second grade and been following each other’s footsteps since then,” Armstrong said. “I was excited for the race but it’s always good when you have your friends by your side.”

After the cross country race was over, it wasn’t really about finishing first that made the girls happy, but that when they were running, they always knew that they had each other’s back and were there to support each other.

The team truly proved that the key to winning is having genuine sportsmanship.

Tough Trojan football loss to Liberty Team struggles in early games of season

The Trojans’ fight was courageous, but Liberty scored with six minutes left in the fourth quarter to clinch a 28-21 win.

By Jamie Logan

I think we played hard, but I don’t think we executed as much...

Staff Writer

The varsity football game against Liberty High School on Sept. 20 was an exciting but ultimately tough loss.

After fighting their way through the first quarter, the Trojans came back and tied it.

With a touchdown by Damon Mitchell at the end of the second quarter, the Trojans were fighting back against the solid Liberty defense. Nick Alfaro’s touchdown with six minutes left in the third quarter got the crowd back on its feet with a potential comeback win, the score tied 21-21.

When asked how his team did, senior Gabe Tramble said, “I think we played hard, but I don’t think we executed as much as we should have in conversions.”

The Trojans had an opportunity to tie the game with a scoring drive down the field, but were unable to convert a first down with Liberty’s defense shutting them down.

“They played a long, hard game,” said Liberty coach Jeff Walters of his team. “There were a few mistakes in the third quarter, but they bounced back from it and played how they’re supposed to.”

The Trojans (1-4) had a rough start to their season, only winning once before playing against Liberty. Their courageous efforts were unable to give them more than one win, but the game against Liberty showed that they can come back from a deficit and battle hard. Despite the results of the game, their comeback in the third quarter showed how much effort the Trojans put into their play.

and 6-3, but Lambert had to come back from an early Alameda lead, scoring 5-7, 6-4, and 6-0 in her sets.

Seniors Kristen Shak and Angela Low played in the other singles matches, but were not as successful as Agulay and Lambert. Each girl lost two out of three of their sets in intense games, with Shak scoring 7-6, 4-6 and 1-6, and Low ending 6-3, 4-6 and 1-6.

Doubles teams Juliet Fong/ Katherine Gaudinier, Rachel Kong/Caroline Yu, and Alexa Bucciarelli/Nicole Bucciarelli also faced losses in their matches.

Despite the defeat, co-head coach Steve Argyres remains optimistic of the coming season.

“Tennis is about having a good time and trying to improve day to

day,” he said. Tennis has become an increasingly popular sport in the past years, attracting new athletes to the team.

“This year we have the largest team that I’ve seen,” Argyres says.

“We have 43 girls, with 12 seniors, the biggest senior class we’ve ever had. It’s a really good group of people.”

The game marked the team’s second loss of the year. Its first defeat was in the Western Alameda County Conference league, bringing their record to five wins and two losses.

However, the hardworking tennis players won’t give up yet. This match may have been rocky, but by the end of the season, these Trojans want to dominate the courts.

“

Gabe Tramble,

”

senior

Trojans battle it out in a close match against the Hornets

By Anna Nguyen Staff Writer

Anna Nguyen / Staff Writer

Junior Hailey Agulay prepares to serve in the tennis match against Alameda.

The girls varsity tennis team faced the Alameda Hornets in its seventh match of the season on Sept. 19. Playing in nearly 90 degree weather, individual matches came extremely close, but the Trojans ended in defeat with an overall score of 5-2.

“It was a great game,” said sophomore Jenny Mo. “The results could have been better, but it definitely demonstrated the determination our team has.”

Four singles and three doubles matches were played, with victories from junior Hailey Agulay and senior Madison Lambert.

Agulay easily won her sets 6-1

S u p e r S a V v y S p o rt s sta r s

Amelia Ortiz/ Staff Writer

Angela Ho, freshman

Freshman Angela Ho comes from a sporty family, especially when it comes to tennis. Ho has been playing tennis for a long time, but got serious in eighth grade.

Now she plays for CVHS on the frosh tennis team.

Besides being a beast on the courts, Ho is just another normal teen who spends her time swimming, running, hanging with friends, and of course, shopping.

She plans to continue to play tennis throughout high school competitively, and beyond, recreationally.

Ho’s favorite memory from tennis was in eighth grade when she played second singles and beat an opponent twice her size, winning the championship for her whole team.

Ami Berndt, sophomore

Ami Berndt shares her love of volleyball with her sister, who is the person that has inspired her to pursue it. Berndt has been playing volleyball for seven years.

Berndt is a sophomore and one of the frosh/soph team captains at CVHS. She enjoys playing volleyball and plans to keep playing for the rest of high school and hopes to stay with it when she goes to college too.

Berndt loves the bond that her and teammates have and how they are all just one big family.

She also loves to spend time with some of her best friends through volleyball.

“I really enjoy volleyball because I like working with other people, and volleyball requires a lot of teamwork,” said Berndt.

Nicholas Dang, junior

Nicholas Dang turned his hobby into a passion when he started playing football four years ago. Dang, a junior, plays center and defensive end on the varsity football team.

When he’s not playing under the Friday night lights, Dang enjoys sleeping and playing video games, all while keeping above a 4.0 GPA. One of Dang’s best memories from football was from freshman year when the team scored on a last-second drive to beat Bishop O’Dowd on its own home turf. Moments like this are what Dang loves most about the sport.

“I like the team bonding and sense of accomplishment. In football, you need everyone to work together as a team to be successful,” said Dang.

Jacob Boisse, senior Jacob Boisse loves to run long distances, so naturally he’s a cross country runner. Boisse has been running for two and a half years, and his best time for two miles is 11:26, and he has won “Most Inspirational” as a sophomore.

When he’s not panting his way through trails or racing around the track, Boisse spends most of his time studying history, playing with his dogs, and building trucks.

He loves the vibe of the team as well, “My favorite thing about the team is that there is so much respect for everyone regardless of how good of a runner you are or not,” said Boisse.

The Olympian Oct. 11, 2013

8

CVHS WELCOMES NEW STAFF MEMBERS!

Claire Douglas

Claire Douglas, a new special needs teacher, is in her second year of teaching and is passionate about teaching kids. “I really enjoy figuring out how each of my students learn, and I really like helping them find their strengths,” said Douglas.

This year she wants to figure out ways to integrate special education students with the whole school population as much as possible.

Matthew Kertesz

English and ELT teacher Matthew Kertesz began his 14th year teaching, and is excited by the idea that he’s working with the future leaders and change-makers of the world.

“I want to continually improve my teaching,” Kertesz said.

Above all, Kertesz wants to motivate his students to keep learning as much as possible, quoting Mahatma Gandhi: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

Cherisse Payne

Previously teaching at many schools such as Skyline High School, Emery Secondary School, and CSU East Bay, Cherisse Payne found herself at CVHS for her 18th year of teaching math.

“I love all of the math subjects I teach, especially Precalculus,” Payne said. “The kids and the math are what keep me going.

I just really want to be a good teacher, and infuse Common Core in my lessons.”

Shad Emam

Whitewater rafting enthusiast and Drake look-alike Shad Emam has already had three years of teaching experience and previously student-taught at Castro Valley High.

Currently, he teaches an Algebra 2 class and a Probability and Statistics class and also taught Geometry and Algebra 1 at Oakland High School, which he attended.

His goal is “to increase the likelihood of student success,” he said.

Alan Kraut

Alan Kraut started his second year of teaching at CVHS, last year being a long-term substitute for Dr. Bertram Pinsky.

Kraut has previously taught physical sciences at San Leandro High School, among them Physics, Physics of Robotics, and Forensic Science.

“I love seeing people start to understand things, and I really want to be an awesome teacher and know my courses well,” Kraut said.

Jonathan Rice

After two years as a middle school English teacher in Salinas, Jonathan Rice started his third year of teaching, now at CVHS. “I’ve grown up taking, and I finally want to give back,” Rice said.

Rice endeavors to get his students to think creatively and outside the box.

Ben Frazier

Science teacher Ben Frazier entered his third year of teaching overall and first year at CVHS, moving away from his part-time teaching experience at Berkeley High School.

“I like how teaching’s constantly interesting, and I’m never bored doing the same things every day,” Frazier said.

Frazier is especially excited for lab days during his classes, and can’t wait to make sure all students learn and excel in their studies.

Tommy Maloney

Currently teaching Algebra 1 and Algebra 2, Tommy Maloney believes in raising the next generation of future leaders.

“My favorite thing about teaching is that I like to make a difference in your lives,” Maloney said.

His goals this year are working on getting all kids to pass his class and also getting his master’s degree in education.

Kelli Schiller

Teaching since 1997, Kelli Schiller started her career at a student correctional facility, moving to Fontana Unified, Orogrande, San Francisco, and finally Castro Valley Unified School District.

Schiller had taught Spanish Heritage and Spanish AP Literature and Culture and now teaches Spanish 1.

“I like getting to interact with youth and my community, and I hope to leave a positive impact,” said Schiller.

Yvonne Garcia

Originally from Fairfield, Yvonne Garcia had lived and taught there before coming to CVHS. Having taught several subjects previously, she now teaches four history classes and a psychology class.

“Teaching allows you to improvise. It also allows you to stay a bit juvenile and immature,” said Garcia.

Her plans this year are to get to know as many students as possible, hoping to expand her social base and connect with students.

Basudha Mukherjee

Basudha Mukherjee began her sixth year of full-time teaching, moving from San Ramon to Tennyson High School and now teaching Biology at CVHS. “I love the relationship between teacher and student,” Mukherjee said. “I love it when we share our problems and take down the invisible barrier between us.”

John Williams

Coming from his experiences teaching in Los Angeles and Alameda County Juvenile Hall, P.E. teacher John Williams enters his sixth year teaching as he joins the CVHS staff.

“I want to increase participation in my class, and raise the bar,” Williams said. “If 90 percent of my class participates, how can I get it to 95, and then how can I get to 100?”

This year he aims to help students with the challenges ahead of them.

Sara Hamilton

From Philadelphia and New York City to Fremont and Castro Valley, Sara Hamilton has now taught for five years. She currently teaches Academic Support and English.

“I love when a student finally gets it, and that light bulb suddenly goes off in their head, like, ‘Oh!’ and they understand,” said Hamilton.

Yahaira Oceguera

Having taught previously at Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa, Yahaira Oceguera is currently in her third year of teaching and looking forward to the years and memories ahead at Castro Valley High. Her love of Spanish led her to teach Spanish Heritage as well as a Spanish 2 class this year.

“I like helping students the most, and my goal is to make sure they learn as much as they can,” said Oceguera.

Teddy Yau

Having four years of previous teaching experience at Oakland Technical High School, Teddy Yau offers new ways of teaching at CVHS. This year he teaches a Geometry and Precalculus class, and plans to give multiple projects in hopes of engaging students and getting them interested in learning more.

“What I like the most is the students and their creativity,” said Yau.

Check our next issue for more new staff members!