Oct 7, 2011

Pg. 2

Rally rallies up CV gay pride

Summer event wins approval

VOLUME 55, ISSUE 1

Pg. 4

Robotics program launched

Physics of Robotics class arrives

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2011

Varsity volleyball victory

Trojans serve up a win

CASTRO VALLEY, CA 94546

Seniors are royalty for a day

WWW.CVHSOLYMPIAN.COM

Arrests, suspensions follow campus fights

By Reyna Garcia Sports Editor

Rebecca Fong / Photo Editor

CVHS seniors parade into the CVHS stadium during the Welcome Back Assembly.

Gathering of Castro Valley gay pride

By Dana Lin & Holden Parks

Castro Valley hosted its first annual gay pride rally in the CVHS senior parking lot on July 23. High school students Frankie Canto, Johnna Murch, and Holly Zeitz, along with local resident Billy Bradford, organized the event to show that Castro Valley is, as Bradford said, “a diverse and equality-minded community that truly welcomes and embraces everyone.”

Originally planned as a parade, the event attracted so many people that it was converted into a rally. It started off with speeches by Bradford and the three high school students.

“This event is

changing the face of Castro Valley for the better.

Zachary Peterson

”

CVHS Senior “We’re finally making an impact, and what better place to start than our own hometown?” said Zeitz. A variety of booths were present, allowing the approximately 350 rally-goers to

Pg. 5

At least two fights broke out at Trojan Stadium on Sept. 9 after a lightning storm forced an early end to the football game, said Deputy Tim Vales. One student struck Assistant Principal Erica Ehmann, officials said. Officers have arrested at least nine students so far from CVHS, Redwood High, Skyline High and Canyon Middle School.

While the Trojans played against Newark High School in the stadium, the Welcome Back Dance took place on the courtyard.

The referees called a 30-minute delay at the end of the third quarter of the football game due to the threat of the storm. Hearing the referees’ decision, administrators decided to prematurely end the dance, which was being held outside in the quad. News of the cancellation was met with boos and angry shouts. Leader-

ship students, administration, and campus patrollers ushered students out into the parking lot.

The suspension of the game caused widespread confusion among the spectators. At some point during the delay a fight broke out, and another followed within minutes.

Campus patrollers then called for support, and more law enforcement officers arrived at the school. It took about 30 minutes to clear the crowds from campus.

“There was no chance that that situation would be calmed down without having quite a few policemen there,” said history teacher Gerry Cox. “The administration and teachers could not have possibly controlled the situation.”

During this time, Ehmann spoke with a boy involved in the first fight. Other boys attacked him and in the melee, one of them hit Ehmann in the face

FIGHT: Page 8

Pamphlet passers violate CVHS policy

By Holden Parks Copy Editor

Dana Lin / City Editor

Frankie Canto, Johnna Murch, and Holly Zeitz organize the event. write down their definitions of “diversity” or to buy rainbow necklaces in support of the cause.

“I was shocked by how many LGBT people actually live here,” said Canto. “A lot of them came up and thanked me. It was a very moving experience.”

However, not everyone in attendance was supportive of gay rights. Several protestors stood on the sidewalk holding large signs with slogans such as “hatred of parents [is] the cause of homosexuality” and “’GAY’ = PERVERT.” “We’re protesting the shattering of morality in this nation, and [how] it’s taught in our schools that sodomy and homosexuality is okay,” said protester Don Grundmann.

For the most part, though, sup-

porters of the rally were unbothered by the presence of protestors like Grundmann.

“I never let them get to me,” commented Canto. “They are always to be expected at every LGBTQ function. I actually think it’s great that they are allowed to be there, using their freedom of speech, even if what they are saying is close enough to be considered hate speech.”

Despite the protestors, supporters of the rally still hope that equality will be achieved.

“This event is changing the face of Castro Valley for the better,” said CVHS senior Zachary Peterson.

“Prop. 8 is going to fail,” proclaimed Bradford about California’s gay marriage ban. “I guarantee it.”

Several men distributing pamphlets condemning same-sex marriage by referencing the Bible were present on the CVHS campus on the first day of the school year. The men distributing pamphlets entitled “What does the Bible REALLY say about Same-Sex Marriage?” were first reported to campus patrollers by a teacher.

After the teacher reported the men, who were distributing the pamphlets on the corner of Santa Maria Avenue and Mabel Avenue, campus patrollers asked them to leave, as they did not have visitors’ passes. They immediately complied with the request.

“Anytime someone comes onto campus, they need to obtain a visitor’s pass,” said CVHS Principal Mary Ann Valles. “If that isn’t done, we ask that person to leave campus. The reason for this is that we want to be informed of and approve of anything being distributed on our campus.”

Before the men were removed, however, they managed to give many of their pamphlets to passing students.

“In the Bible,” claims the pam-

phlet, “there is never any recognition of any type of same-sex union or marriage. Instead, the Bible only has a repeated condemnation of any other union outside of marriage between a man and a woman.” The pamphlet goes on to say that “laws should never seek to encourage same-sex behavior, but should rather discourage such unhealthy, sinful behavior.”

The harsh content of the pamphlet, according to Valles, “violated our anti-discrimination policy.”

“What the pamphlets are really doing is spreading dirty lies about LGBT people,” said Frankie Canto, one of the student organizers of Castro Valley’s first gay pride rally, which occurred over the summer. “[Those men are] really trying to turn people against[LGBT people] by making us seem like we have no standards, no morals, and no values.”

Canto, however, hopes that the pamphlet does not give readers any misconceptions about the LGBT community.

“Some Christians and Catholics believe [LGBT people] are demons amongst their community,” he said. “But in reality, we’re just normal people who live the same boring lives everyone else does.”

k

.

.

Olympian gives thumbs up for gay pride event

Editorial: For the first time, Castro Valley showed its gay pride by holding a rally in the CVHS parking lot.

The event drew a large amount of people flocking to support the cause.

Students got to voice their opinions on the topic, and businesses, local residents, and many others came to support them as they made speeches and sang to their audience.

The Olympian supports the efforts of the rally’s planners, and their bravery in openly supporting and planning an event for such a controversial issue.

It was good that the people were given the opportunity to show their openness to equality for LGBT residents, since restrictive laws still exist and they need voters on their side to help overcome them.

While the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” law against homosexuals being allowed to serve openly in the military was just very recently repealed, the Prop. 8 controversy concerning gay marriage has been going on for a long time and will continue. A state law that was just passed mandating education about gays and lesbians in history has a petition circulating for its repeal.

Locally, there were men handing out anti-homosexual fliers on

By Natalie Fazeli Staff Writer

Andie Smith / Opinion Editor

campus at the beginning of the school year. In the past, parents have sued the school district about the issue of gay speakers at Days of Diversity.

These issues show the need for events like the rally, which The Olympian found both good and bad. It was good because it showed that these issues don’t

only affect those in large cities like San Francisco, but even people in little Castro Valley.

Unfortunately they also brought people to protest the students’ demonstration.

The Olympian thinks that protesters coming to the rally was unnecessary because it was an event that stayed in the parking

lot, and no one was required to attend.

The protesters did not have to go to it. They could have stayed home and ignored what was going on. People don’t choose to be gay. It’s part of who they are, and protesting something that involves no conscious choice is offensive.

They’re not your little PHOTO pinions PHOTO pinions dress up dolls By: Natalie Chin

What do you think about the Castro Valley Pride event?

By Joyce Liang Staff Writer

Patrick Low, freshman “I think it’s good because it lets people know about homosexuals in a safe way.”

Reema Kakaday, sophomore “I like how we had an event because it really opens up people’s perspectives and it lets people know who CVHS students are.”

Senseless security strikes

Erin Kim, junior “I think it’s a really good thing for the community because there’s more awareness about gay pride.”

Misha Brandeberry-Kiel, senior “I think it’s good that people are able to express their opinions in Castro Valley, even when people disagree or agree with them.”

On a boring Saturday night, I decided to relax on my couch and flip through the television channels to find something that would make my day. As I was flipping, I came across TLC’s reality show, Toddlers and Tiaras. As I watched the show, I started to realize why it is so controversial among the general public.

For those who have not been aware of the craze, this show follows young boys and girls, and their parents, as they get ready to compete in beauty pageants.

The young children flaunt their false eyelashes, spray tans, and voluminous, fake hair while their personalities, beauty, talent, and costumes are judged. Each child is competing for titles, cash, and those big, sparkly crowns that barely fit these children’s heads.

Watching the show, viewers, including myself, see these children go through intense preparations to ensure their chances of winning the pageant. These preparations include beauty routines such as spray tanning, eyebrow waxing, manicures, pedicures, and personal coach-

ing. Makeup, clothing, and hair go flying all over the place as each parent wants to see their child win the title of “Ultimate Grand Supreme.”

Instead of doing something they love to do, some of the top competitors are forced to go through the painful process of getting their eyebrows waxed.

Many cry as their parents tell them to toughen up. But it is during these moments that I am astonished by the way parents make their children go through this all for a crown.

When the child gets on the stage, the pressure is on. Each showcases his or her costume, beauty and personality for the judges and for his or her parents. During the talent portion, the parents seem to enjoy the pageant more than the child by doing the child’s dance routine in the audience. If a child messes up, the parent generally takes it harder than the child does.

During the episode, I remember watching a parent criticize a child who messed up by yelling and telling the child to not talk to them.

I feel that it is unfair for a child to go through such an experience if he or she does not wish to do so. All children should do something they enjoy, not something that their parents force them to be a part of. When a child is doing something he or she enjoys, success will ultimately follow.

Last summer, my cousin Hamid decided to come visit all his relatives in America. He flew from Iran to New York and planned to take a flight from there to San Francisco, where my father would pick him up.

However when he got to New York, instead of being welcomed, he was taken into a private room and questioned by airport police for hours on end. He later told my dad that he was asked the same questions over and over again.

“Why are you here?”

“What are the names of all your relatives?”

“Where will you be staying?”

Terrorism has become a much scarier word for Americans since 9/11. We are so scared of another attack that our security system has become over the top.

Every time I go to the airport I am always searched more than others. I am always the one “random” person who has to go through the super high-tech Xray scanner. This always happens because of my last name, Fazeli, and because I am half Iranian.

I am not a terrorist and neither is my cousin. Hamid hadn’t done anything wrong; he was taken into custody because he was a single male traveling from Iran.

What could he have done without weapons? You can’t take over a whole plane of people with your bare hands.

Security in airports needs to be more about people who look suspicious, like wearing all black and hiding under a hood, rather than people who look ethnic.

If security weren’t so racist we wouldn’t have so many innocents being criminalized. A terrorist could just as easily come from France as from Iran.

Airport lines would become so much shorter if security was lessened just a little. But people are thinking of making it even more complex and harder to get through.

On the tenth anniversary of 9/11, people were thinking a lot about it and are again fearing more attacks. No one would have an excuse to use terrorism to scare Americans if we didn’t still have our troops in a bunch of countries, especially in the Middle East.

My cousin never got to come see us. Eventually, they finished questioning him and sent him back to Iran, and he was never refunded for his useless oneday trip.

Olympian

The October 7, 2011

Three strikes, you’re out for good

Analyze This

Tuition hikes could destroy UC system

By Anna Balassone Editor-in-Chief

By Victoria Liang Staff Writer

Ever broken a rule? I can’t say I haven’t. People say that rules are there to protect society, but are some rules really necessary?

For example, the California three strikes law states that if someone commits a third felony after committing two similar felonies they may be sentenced 25 years in prison.

So if you steal some candy and for the third time you end up getting caught, you can be sentenced to jail for 25 years. Do you deserve 25 years in prison just for some candy? I don’t think so.

People are put in jail for a reason. But many are put in for an unreasonable amount of time.

Dana Lin / City Editor

For instance, Scott Andrew Hove was caught stealing a spool of wire and work gloves, $20.94 worth of items, and was sentenced to a lifetime behind bars.

Before this crime, Hove had a long history of drugs and theft.

Records say that he managed to avoid the three strikes punishment at least four times.

He told the authorities that his addiction to drugs caused his crimes.

Even though some say that Hove deserves this punishment, many would say that Hove deserves a long time in an intense drug treatment program. But instead of the program, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Albert J. Wojcik rejected the idea and sentenced him to 45 years to life in prison.

The California three strikes law is unfair in many ways. First of all, it could lead to more violence. Criminals will kill to keep their crimes a secret, even if they were minor, because they will be sentenced for a lifetime if they get caught three times. This law

could cause more deaths instead of saving lives.

Secondly, the courts will all be busy. These cases will be dragged out because the criminals will ask for more costly and timeconsuming trials rather than pleading for a bargain. This will use the government’s money and clog the courts.

Some of the courts can even be too busy for the real cases, like those involving murder and kidnapping. These dragged out trials aren’t the only things that are going to use most of the government’s money. The need for more prisons is also going to use up the money.

Finally, the law gives life sentences to people whose crimes don’t deserve such harsh punishment. The simple way to solve this problem is to get rid of the three strikes law. You can just determine punishment be based on the crime that was committed.

The crimes will be punished as they should have been, and California will once again be a fair place.

these websites, revolving practically their whole lives around them.

Not only are their whole lives sprawled over the Internet, making privacy a huge problem, but we have developed into such an impersonal society. There are no more handwritten letters when you can text or email and get a response faster. Books and newspapers are becoming scarce because they all happen to be online now.

While social networking sites let you talk to your friends 24/7 and make it easier and quicker to get assignments you miss in class or catch up on the latest gossip, what happened to faceto-face talks?

Fifty years ago, you weren’t even able to break up with someone via text message or by changing your relationship status on Facebook from “in a relationship” to “single.” You had to do it in person. Now we’re slowly losing touch of that, thinking it’s so much easier not to face the person, but it just shows disrespect, insincerity, and more importantly, that you’re a coward who can’t even step up to say it’s over.

Internet addiction will lead to

less focus on education, which is a major stepback, and lack of interaction and communication in person. It is also important to not forget about cyber bullying, which has caused the deaths of innocent people who were too young to die, especially by way of suicide.

We are raising an online generation that glues their faces to their computers, Facebook stalks (don’t try to deny it), and hides under the covers at 2 a.m. texting or checking if anyone has commented on a status or tweeted back.

Was this the vision the creators had when they invented these social networking sites? Did they want to have people die because of anonymous hurtful words left on their wall, to have an impersonal society where no more love letters are being sent in the mail, or to have a world where nothing but the Internet is important?

We need to put down the phone and shut down the computer once in a while and see the people we talk to online face-toface. You can’t see smiles or hear laughter through the monitor of your laptops. You can’t live life through them either.

Addicted to the World Wide Web

By Christina Yee Staff Writer

When the Internet was created in the 1970s, it was intended to be a more efficient and convenient way to research. However, with the new additions of Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Tumblr, the social media world is starting to control the lives of millions, and not in a good way.

Launched back in 2004, Facebook has since grown to over 750 million members. YouTube follows closely behind with over 300 million subscribers, and Twitter draws over 200 million, with one of them being President Barack Obama.

It seemed like a smart idea at first: you were able to connect with people, friends, and strangers through video uploads, status updates, and 140 character messages. But now many people, mostly teenagers, are addicted to

3

The University of California public school system was once revered as an accessible, affordable option for California college-bound students.

However, with a new plan to increase tuition by up to 16 percent a year, such a reputation has become tarnished and outdated.

Growing up in California, I had always considered UCs to be institutions of high quality education with a cheaper price tag than private universities.

My parents agreed, encouraging me to apply to UCs with the hope that I could graduate from a reputable university with little or no debt. Unfortunately, this idea has become a fallacy.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle’s analysis of University of California data, tuition could be as high as $22,100 by the 2015-2016 school year. This would increase the total cost of a UC education, including tuition, fees, books, room and board, to $40,260 per year.

Even with government financial aid, many families cannot afford such a ridiculous cost for a public university.

Certainly few families in the middle class can, where many students are considered too

wealthy to receive aid but too poor to pay the full cost of the education.

Such an outrageous cost makes me question the feasibility of attending a UC over a private school. While most private schools cost an average of $50,000 per year, they have an endowment from which they often give generous amounts of merit-based aid to qualified applicants.

The same cannot be said for the public UCs. Additionally, assuming that a student will be able to afford the potentially absurd price of the UC education, in no way will he or she be guaranteed to get into all of the necessary classes. There are simply too many students. In effect, many students will be unable to graduate from their respective UCs within four years and will be forced to pay for additional semesters in order to complete requirements.

At many private schools, on the other hand, this is not an issue because the student-tofaculty ratio is relatively low.

This also allows for more oneon-one attention for each student and fewer classes being taught by teaching assistants.

Although UC officials argue that these tuition increases are an effort to prevent mediocrity from plaguing the system, they will do just the opposite.

How can a public school system avoid mediocrity when all of its best applicants are being accepted by more affordable private schools?

Let’s face it. No student would choose to pay more for a school in which they would be receiving a poorer education.

It is obvious that, within California, there is a financial crisis at hand. It is just a shame that this must be compensated for by cutting back funding from the public universities that so many look to for a reasonably priced education.

The Olympian is a publication of the journalism class at Castro Valley High School, 19400 Santa Maria Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546. © 2011 Editor-in-Chief.............................................................Anna Balassone Copy Editor.........................................................Holden Parks City Editor...................................................................Dana Lin News Editor...........................................................Natalie Chin Opinion Editor.............................................................Andie Smith Feature Editor............................................................Holden Parks Sports Editor.............................................................Reyna Garcia Arts and Entertainment Editor........................................SangEun Choi Photo Editors..............................................................Rebecca Fong Tim Pak Business Manager......................................................Matt Barney

Staff Writers: Lily Carrell, Michael Castillo, Suzanna Chak, Betty Chen, Eva Chen, Emily Courchaine, Rachel Crary, Cheyenne Donatello, Natalie Fazeli, Alex Gao, Ryan Gray, Jane Hong, Anya Keller, Joyce Liang, Victoria Liang, Melody Moteabbed, Kate Pellegrini, Camilo Riveros, Matt Talajkowski, Lillian Xie, Amber Yang, Christina Yee Advisor........................................................................Matt Johanson

Physics of Electronic Robotics added to CVHS machine

By Natalie Chin News Editor

Robots that can climb walls, robots that can sort out materials, and robots that can flip over are all being made by the new Physics of Electronic Robotics class at CVHS. In this new class, students are learning how to build and program robots that can do unimaginable actions.

What’s next, a robot that can do your homework?

CVHS welcomes the new Physics of Electronic Robotics to the variety of classes the school has to offer in the 2011-2012 school year. Dr. Bertram Pinsky, who previously taught Honors and Conceptual Physics, has assumed the Robotics teacher position. The Physics of Electronic Robotics students must have completed Algebra 1 and be a sophomore, junior or senior for the current school year.

Although Physics of Electronic Robotics currently uses the Conceptual Physics book, it differs greatly from Conceptual Physics.

The class builds robots to demonstrate different principles of physics, creating a more handson type of learning environment, while Conceptual Physics involves more problem solving.

Physics of Electronic Robotics plans to explore mechanics,

Natalie Chin / News Editor

Physics of Electronic Robotics students construct a robot with their newfound knowledge. motion, waves, electronics, electricity, computer programming, thermodynamics, energy and computer engineering in detail.

“This year’s Robotics class enables students to get the handson approach of what engineering really is and how it’s life chang-

ing,” said Lindsey Matheney, president of the Robotics Club.

A regular week in Robotics starts with academics on Monday. During block days, the students do labs that involve building robots and program designing. Thursday is dedi-

Valles reflects on first year, policies

By SangEun Choi A&E Editor

CVHS welcomed a particularly important staff member to its halls last year, who is fortunately returning for 2011-2012. Principal Mary Ann Valles entered the gates of our school with promising ideas for improvement.

Settling into a new school was not a difficult change for Valles. She accumulated much experience throughout the years at other districts, varying from San Leandro to Berkeley to San Francisco.

According to Valles, last year was truly an amazing year. From her first day, she had seen the pride and enthusiasm staff and students brought to school.

“I love the energy that the students bring to the school,” said Valles. “CVHS is a really positive school with great leadership organization.”

As a principal, it is her job to figure out arrangements into making the school a better, safer, and more productive area of learning. Changes are not easily made, but Valles and other committed members made a few possible last year.

“I think changes are kind of collective, in that we have to listen to community organization,” Valles stated. “My job is to listen to that and see how to support that change.”

One of the successful changes implemented last year was the

cated to learning a programming language, called “C-language,” used to program the robots. At the end of the week on Friday, the class recaps the homework, academics learned during the week, and takes any quizzes or tests that are scheduled.

CVHS travel group takes tropical trip

By Anna Balassone Editor-in-Chief

Reyna Garcia / Sports Editor

Principal Mary Ann Valles elaborates on the CVHS dress code. creation of a full and complete English Learners program.

“There were a couple of things I knew needed to be dealt with right away, one of which was our English Learners program,” Valles elaborated. “We didn’t have a full program before, but now we have a more complete program.”

Another change, recognized by everyone on campus, is the dress code. In Valles’ opinion, the dress code was difficult to enforce because of its lack of clarity.

There were various documents, handbooks, and published writing that stated similar yet different guidelines on proper school dress.

“Last year, there was a miscommunication in our printed document,” Valles explained.

“Until we get our message clear,

it’s hard to even enforce what and what is not allowed at school.”

When asked how the staff enforced the dress code, Valles replied that “90 percent of students respond before [the staff] even act.” Those who don’t respect the rules usually heed warnings given by staff and ultimately respond well. The rare amounts of students who figure it’s acceptable to ignore the dress code are given reasonable punishments, though Valles assures that it is a very small number of rule breakers.

Overall, Valles was impressed with the school year. She hopes that this year will be a flourishing echo of last year’s success.

“I love how committed everyone is to making CVHS better,” said Valles. “Our school is a vibrant place.”

“It works like a physics class in the notes, but there’s a big difference because we get to build robots and program,” said junior Robotics student Ace Spitzer.

Robotics is still in the process of being UC/CSU approved. A layout of the class has been submitted so this class can be considered a laboratory science class.

Pinsky expects the approval to happen by the end of the year.

“This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I think when Lindsey Matheney came, it helped it along,” said Pinsky.

The Robotics class has obtained a large selection of robot building sets to use for labs and demonstrations. They have 14 Lego kits, six communication kits, “Mindstorm” kits, and “Boe-bot” kits. Each kit consists of about 600 pieces, which makes up to more than 15,000 pieces of robot parts.

“I hope the students will take away an appreciation and build confidence that they can accomplish something on their own,” stated Pinsky. “This is a lot of individual work, less of me stand-up lecturing and more of [the students] following the instructions of building robots, programming robots, using their creative ideas to try to make the robots do stuff that they never thought they could do.”

Some teenagers can only dream of zip-lining through a tropical forest or hiking through the remnants of a volcano. Last summer, 15 CVHS students were able to make this dream a reality.

Following his annual summer tradition of taking CVHS students on a tour through a foreign country, history teacher Jason Marlis led a trip to Costa Rica for nine days at the end of June.

The tour group, consisting of Marlis, visual arts teacher Adrian Lopez, 15 students, and one parent chaperone, coordinated with Education First Educational Tours during the trip.

The tour began with a flight to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. From there, the tour group traveled west and then, in a figure-eight formation throughout the country, saw the port city of Tortuguero, looped into Arenal Volcano, visited lakes and hot springs, and ended up in the western coastline city of Guanacaste.

“The most memorable part was doing all the fun nature activities like hiking, swimming by a waterfall, zip-lining, kayaking, and whitewater rafting,” said senior Zanah Johnson.

Throughout the tour, the group traveled by charter bus and,

where there were no paved roads, used speedboats to traverse canals, lowlands, and swamps. They lodged in relatively nice hotels and ate plenty of rice and beans along the way.

“The running joke of the country is that everything you eat is rice and beans,” explained Marlis.

“ ...every-

thing you eat is rice and beans. ” Jason Marlis History teacher

To some adults, taking teenagers to a foreign country may seem to be more effort than it is worth. However, Marlis explains, “I’ve traveled the world a lot. I’m a little old of it and a little bored of it. So it’s fun to live vicariously through young people who haven’t traveled.”

Next summer, Marlis plans to take a tour group through major sites in France and Italy. For more information, see Marlis in Room 304 or teacher Kevin Batchelor in Room 310.

Varsity volleyballers celebrate victory

By Tim Pak Photo Editor

Natalie Chin / News Editor

Madison Lambert practices her tennis skills before a match at the CVHS tennis courts.

Trojan tennis team trounces Tennyson

By Anna Balassone Editor-in-Chief

The Trojan girls tennis team stole a 7-0 victory from Tennyson on Thursday, Sept. 22. In a bizarre turn of events, seven varsity girls showed up late, so most of the match was played by the junior varsity athletes. This high number is especially unusual considering that ten varsity players play at a given time.

Coach David Roth-Rossi ensured that the late players ran as a punishment for their tardiness.

Roth-Rossi ran with them, however, explaining, “I ran with them because, if that many girls were late, it was probably my fault too.”

In regular matches, players are ranked from one to ten, with one being the most competitive and ten being the least. Due to the absence of most of the varsity team, however, several players were forced to play in more competitive matches than those with which they are normally accustomed.

Nonetheless, the girls were not to be defeated. Junior Melissa Young, typically a number three player, was pushed to the number one spot and won the match.

Young was not the only player to face better competition. In an amazing match, number ten player Katherine Gaudinier won against the opposition when pushed to the number two spot.

“You had to be consistently in focus, but it was really exciting and I had a great time,” said the sophomore Gaudinier.

Overall, in spite of the lack of varsity players, the Trojans pulled through to maintain the team’s reputation of success.

Not even the plethora of male fans who came out to support could distract the tennis players.

“Young gentleman callers were of plentiful supply at the ladies tennis match on Thursday,” recalled Roth-Rossi. “The men were positively distraught when they found out that the ladies’ priorities were of schooling and sport rather than romance and chivalry.”

The CVHS varsity Trojans dominated in the volleyball game against the Tennyson Lancers on Thursday, Sept. 22, as they paved their way to victory.

As the game commenced, cheers could be heard from the stands for both teams. CVHS supporters filled the stands and had much spirit while the Tennyson side also cheered for their team as the Lancers tried their best to compete against the might and excellent teamwork of the Trojans. The Trojans easily won their first set with a score of 25 – 4.

Throughout the game, the Trojans always had a clear lead against the Lancers. Bumps, sets and spikes were superbly conducted by the Trojans, and the Lancers could not stop them. As points continued to add up for the Trojans, the home crowd, which included Principal

Tim Pak / Photo Editor

Leila Silva volleys the ball.

Mary Ann Valles and Assistant Principal Jason Whiteman, got louder as the girls performed in unison and without mistake. Aces from Jessica Magallanes and Angela Berndt added more points as their serves flew right past the Tennyson girls. As every ace was served, the Trojans gave a cheer to motivate themselves to continue to dominate the game.

“...we stayed

focused and treated each point like it was the last.”

Sarah Dimitratos Senior

By the third quarter, is was clear that the Trojans would win. With a final score of 25 -14, the ladies celebrated their victory by thanking the Lancers for a great game and hard work during the competition.

“We concentrated on each step of each play instead of the whole thing at once, and we stayed focused and treated each point like it was the last one,” explained senior Sarah Dimitratos.

The volleyball team hopes to continue to win with this mindset as they set their focus on going to NCS and bringing back home the title of champions.

Tr u l y Ta l e n t e d Te e n a g e r s

Matt Barney / Business Manager

Carter Mackey, Freshman

Carter Mackey is a freshman runner on the CVHS cross country team.

Mackey is already a valuable addition to the cross country team. He won first place in the freshman division at the Ed Sias Invitational with more than 100 runners racing against him. His goal is to break 11 minutes for a two mile race by the end of this season.

He started running in fourth grade when he moved from Texas to California and joined the Castro Valley Track Club. Later this year, he plans to move back to Texas.

After high school, Mackey hopes to join a legendary college’s running team, such as the University of Oregon, where runner Steve Prefontaine trained.

Katherine Pham, Sophomore Katherine Pham is a sophomore entering her first year as a cheerleader on the junior varsity team.

Pham is very excited to be on the cheerleading team and has always wanted to cheer. Friends Alyssa Kunesh and Nyeela Evans have been extremely helpful with lots of pointers and cheerleading wisdom.

Pham thinks cheerleading is not as hard as she thought it would be, but believes it is definitely a challenge.

“It’s been a really good experience so far,” Pham commented.

Next year she hopes to be accepted onto the varsity cheer squad.

Melissa Young, Junior

Melissa Young is a junior who is cocaptain of the CVHS girls tennis team.

She started playing tennis in sixth grade in order to have a fresh experience. As it turned out, she loved being on the tennis team because it provided her with fierce competition.

Young now leads practices and teaches less experienced players the tricks of the trade.

Young has high hopes for the tennis team in general with her “amazing” co-captain Janelle Breedlove. Both captains have grown up together and know what the team needs to work on in general.

“We’ll do pretty good,” Young said.

After high school, Young plans to continue to play tennis as a club sport.

Jesse Sellers, Senior Jesse Sellers is a senior running back on the varsity football team.

He started playing football when he was in seventh grade.

“My dad always played sports with me and made me the player I am today,” Sellers remarked with pride. His family has always been a source of his strength. Sellers has also played baseball since he was in the third grade as a center fielder.

When he was a freshman at CVHS, Sellers thought the football practices were a lot tougher than what he had experienced in middle school. Still, he has excelled and plans to play football in college.

David Guetta redefines boss with “Titanium”

By Amber Yang Staff Writer

Taylor Swift excites the crowd by playing some of her top hit songs.

Joyce Liang / Staff Writer

Taylor Swift creates fairytales for all

With over eight flawless costume changes, elaborate props that seemed to come off of Broadway stages, and a musical set list that turned notes magically into fairytale stories, the beautiful Taylor Swift did it again in San Jose, judging from the 13,500 people who arrived, most of who were teenage girls who never rested their voices as they screamed and sang the night away.

On Sept. 2, after two opening acts that left the audience anxious for more, the lights immediately fell and the sounds of high-pitched squeals echoed throughout the HP Pavilion, filling up the little emptiness left that the sold out seats couldn’t.

After a pre-recorded introduction that contained both heartfelt words as well as suspense, smoke surrounded the stage

as Swift, in a shimmering gold dress, was raised onto the stage.

The shrieks that most thought couldn’t get any louder got ten times as deafening at the sight of Swift, the girls’ idol.

“Sparks Fly” kicked off the over two hour long concert with a bang as sparks literally flew up during the song and strobe lights illuminated the arena, as if the thousands of glow sticks didn’t do that themselves.

It was like a big karaoke gathering as the fans sang along with Swift song after song. Back-up dancers jumped up through the false floors in colorful attire that perfectly blended in with the vintage dresses Swift wore.

The theatrics included antique frames hanging in the background that changed pictures periodically, bridges coming down from above and a fluorescent tree with a rotating seat attached. These kept even the less-enthusiastic chaperoning dads entertained.

The fairytale vibes were made clear throughout the surreal experience: running away with the groom in “Speak Now,” acrobats

flinging down from bells 20 feet in the air during “Haunted,” and confetti covering the fans in a white blanket during a piano mash-up of “Back to December,” “You’re Not Sorry,” and One Republic’s “Apologize.”

Feet began to grow tired from jumping constantly, voices were close to giving in, and ears were at the point of bleeding from the noise, but no one was complaining as Swift took attention away from all of that and put it towards the songs that spoke raw emotions about situations we’ve all gone through. The messages behind the lyrics were also expressed strongly and it’s because of this that Swift was able to capture the hearts of countless.

The finale ended as Swift soared over the crowd in a balcony as more confetti burst from either end of the stage. One last round of screams was heard before a red curtain dropped over the singer and her band.

The fairytale that Swift created began and ended in an instant, but the memories made and shared by her on such flawless night will last a lifetime.

By Cheyenne Donatello

the previous way of viewing the world is depleted.

“When she was just a girl/ She expected the world/ But it flew away from her reach.” This song tells a story of growing up

“Paradise” was released on Sept. 12, and is the second single released from Coldplay’s new album Mylo Xyloto, which will be released on Oct. 24.

“Paradise” is a song that has everyone playing it on repeat.

It has already become one of iTunes’s top ten songs of the week.

It is hard to resist not singing along to the moving lyrics. The piano and violin set the intriguing upbeat feeling of the song, only to be described as learning the journey of life. Each and every time you listen to this song you learn more about its message.

This is truly a song that everyone can relate to, as we all dream of our own paradise.

By Christina Yee Staff Writer

Coldplay invites you to a “Paradise” Staff Writer

Through a harmonious melody and truth-striking lyrics, Coldplay has created another work of art in their new song “Paradise.”

Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin’s beautiful piano and lead guitarist Jonny Buckland’s guitar solo add to the dramatic effect, engulfing the listener into “Paradise.”

The band captures the essence of seeing the world through the eyes of youth, but once the youth can see reality for what it truly is,

“...seeing the

world through the eyes of youth...

”

and finding strength in oneself.

Unlike most music that is played on the radio, “Paradise” sends a message to all of its listeners.

The song “Titanium,” by David Guetta and Sia Furler, is a beautiful work of sounds and solid singing that blends harmoniously, truly giving the genre of dance-pop music its meaning.

As a so-so fan of David Guetta, I wasn’t expecting much when I opened up the iTunes store, saw a new album released by the 43-year-old music producer and DJ, and clicked on it to check out the songs.

As I played each song, however, I began to grow fond of his music, especially “Titanium,” a song that he recorded with Sia, a pop and jazz singer.

The song starts off sweetly and gently, a nice complement to the delicate yet assured voice of Sia. The lyrics, which talk about being strong and resilient, are

inspiring and only add to the appeal of the song. This is no surprise for Sia, as she is known for writing and singing emotional and true lyrics.

For example, the chorus has the words, “I’m bulletproof/ Nothing to lose/fire away, fire away.” Sia then belts out triumphantly, while the beat increases more and more, “I am titanium/ you shoot me down, but I won’t fall/I am titanium.”

After she sings those words, the beat drops and there’s an impressive segment of synthesizers and crashing sounds. The only thing you can do is wave your hands up in the air and let your body be enveloped in the warmness of it all.

Finally, the song backs down into the sounds of sweet guitar strums, and you can’t help but utter that overused, modern slang: “Oh, my God, this song is so boss.”

Super 8, super great!

By Michael Castillo Staff Writer

Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abram’s collaboration on Super 8, the summer’s hottest action flick, has certainly lived up to its expectations. The film manages to deliver all the thrills of the action genre while still holding emotional depth and a cohesive plotline.

Set in a small Ohio town in 1979, the movie follows the adventures of a motley band of middle-school aged friends in their quest to film the perfect zombie movie. The action begins when the crew decides to film one of their scenes at a local train station. The friends finish their scene, but not before a train comes hurling towards them, right as a truck rolls onto the tracks. Although the kids manage to escape the derailed train and following explosion, as they escape they are warned by the truck driver to not tell anyone what they saw, or they will be put in serious danger.

In the following weeks, military personnel close off the wreck site and appear to be packing up strange white cubes that fell out in the trash. Meanwhile, a series of disappearances in the town has everyone on edge. Filming of the movie goes on, but not before a series of astonishing encounters occur between the kids, the local police, the military, and a strange creature that escaped from the crashed train.

Super 8 is a treat for sure. On the surface, it is an odd hybrid of Spielberg’s earlier Goonies and E.T.; its core parts are certainly not the most original.

However, superb acting and a surprising level of emotional depth transform this film into

something entirely different.

Although the conflict between the army and local police certainly plays a role, it is not the primary focus of the movie; the children are the stars here. They have an almost tangible chemistry onscreen, injecting humor, playfulness, and even a bit of romance into an otherwise serious plot. Their willingness to complete a homemade zombie movie at all costs would be cute if they weren’t literally risking their lives to do it. The zombie movie serves a critical role in the plot, tying together the main characters with a common goal, and providing a number of engaging subplots to hold the audience’s attention while the main conflict develops.

All told, Super 8 is a thriller from start to finish. Ignoring its mediocre ending, the movie has a gripping plot which is executed superbly by the cast.

The inventive score and dazzling special effects only add to the experience. Super 8 is a throwback to a cinematic era before “blockbuster” became synonymous with “franchise” and is recommended for sci-fi buffs and newcomers alike.

The Help leaves people helplessly in tears

By Lily Carrell Staff Writer

Incorporating issues that address discrimination and courage, The Help is the perfect movie to see if you don’t mind walking out of the theater with tear-stained cheeks.

Centered in the 1960s in the town of Jackson, Mississippi, the movie opens with Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan as she returns from college with the dream of becoming a writer. She immediately starts writing a cleaning column for the town newspaper and decides to interview “the help,” the African American women who carry out household jobs and raise the children of white families.

Skeeter soon begins to write a book revealing the help’s dayto-day experiences in the homes of their white employers, keeping their meetings private as to avoid facing punishment. With reluctance, the maids eventually agree to divulge their stories.

Two maids, Aibileen and Minny, are the first to confide in Skeeter. Together, the three revolutionaries contribute to a truthful novel that fully brings attention to the discrimination that had once been simply swept under the rug.

Based on the best-selling novel

by Kathryn Stockett, The Help shows the hardships of living in a racist society and the determination of a few women to change it. The racism throughout the film makes you want to leave the movie theater, but the hope expressed by the key characters glues you to your seat. Throughout the film, the dramatic plot is subdued by cunning humor and clever lines, accompanied by entertaining scenarios that intertwine the people of the town.

Overall, The Help explores the simple pride in finding the strength to stand up for what is right. This story will take you on an emotional journey through laughter and tears, leaving you with a renewed sense of hope.

Can you pass The Goddess Test? high school student, has only known one parent her whole life: her mother. When she was a freshman in high school, her mother was diagnosed with cancer, and Kate has been taking care of her ever since. To honor her mother’s last wish before she dies, Kate brings her mother back to her hometown: Eden, Michigan.

There she meets a man named Henry, who declares himself to be Hades, the Greek god of

“...who is try-

By Suzanna Chak Staff Writer

The Goddess Test by Aimée Carter is a captivating story of love, betrayal, and Greek mythology.

Katherine “Kate” Winters, a

ing to kill Kate, and why?

”

the Underworld. Although she is dubious at first, her opinion changes when she sees Henry bring a girl back to life. However, in order to save the girl, Kate was forced to agree to an unknown deal. When Kate doesn’t hold up

her part of the agreement, the girl dies. She goes to visit him at his mansion, and he offers her an opportunity to keep her mother alive until she is ready to say goodbye. In exchange, Kate must stay with Henry at his mansion six months a year, from September to March, for the rest of her life.

The story keeps you wondering if Kate will survive, what is happening with her mother, and how things that are seemingly impossible can happen. It keeps several questions in the reader’s mind: Is Henry really who he claims he is, who is trying to kill Kate, and why?

The story is relatively short.

It helps to have a little bit of background knowledge of the Greek gods to understand some of the references, (for example, in addition to being the sea and earthquakes, Poseidon is also god of horses) but not required to understand the story.

The Goddess Test is a magical book with twists and turns; the plot consists of moments that draw tears and heartwarming moments that bring happiness.

Foster the People pumps up music City of Fallen Angels:

summer. Each song has a breezy feel of summer, along with good, energetic vibes that will keep you vibrant and excitable during the dreary winter months coming our way.

The band definitely needs more recognition, because the rest of Torches is just as good, or even better than the current single. “Houdini,” my personal favorite, incorporates a strong drumbeat as an introduction,

and then rolls into an incredibly catchy beat of electric guitar and piano, continuing the percussion at an increasing rate.

Mark Foster, lead vocalist, sings in a swingy yet strong fashion, complimenting the sudden and unusual horns that accompany the chorus.

Another favorite of mine is “I Would Do Anything For You,” a sweet love song where Foster presses emotion into lyrics with a surprising and fresh falsetto, saying, “Ooh la la, I’m falling in love and it’s better this time, than ever before,” perfect for all of those who are in love but don’t want a song that’s too sappy.

Although all the songs are energetic and upbeat, they all are completely different, giving a strong impression to every listener that Foster The People is going to be a band that will stay and succeed.

or Annie. Their friendship also gets put to the test when Annie sees that Lillian is getting closer to her other bridesmaid, Helen.

When Annie finds out that Helen, the seemingly perfectstay-at-home housewife who has connections to everything and everyone, is giving Lillian the trip of a lifetime to Paris as a wedding present, Annie has a major meltdown.

Although the movie mainly shows interactions between women, John Hamm from Mad Men also stars in the movie.

Hamm adds just enough manliness and spark to the comedy mainly centered around women and plays a self-absorbed entrepreneur who is Annie’s friend

with benefits.

This movie will keep you laughing one scene after another but it also has some emotional scenes for which you might want to grab some tissues just in case.

It reveals the raw emotions and struggles two best friends go through in the midst of a wedding. When Lillian sees that her wedding is getting bigger than life and was not what she had imagined it to be, she realizes the person that knows and loves her the most is her best friend and maid of honor, Annie.

The smart and amusing script will leave you smiling at the end of the film. Bridesmaids is definitely a movie worth watching if you’re in for a laugh.

By Melody Moteabbed Staff Writer

You may have heard the band’s single “Pumped Up Kicks” on a few rock radio stations, but the song should definitely not become a one-hit wonder, for new band Foster the People will definitely be a teen favorite with the rest of the songs on its first album, Torches. The album is reminiscent of MGMT and other electro-pop bands, but it certainly stands out with its colorful, easy-to-dance-to tunes.

Formed two years ago, the band finally released its debut album this year in May, and I happened to just discover it a few weeks ago during the end of

Bridesmaids brings humor to weddings

By Betty Chen Staff Writer

Bridesmaids is a witty comedy about soon-to-be bride Lillian, played by Maya Rudolph, and her five bridesmaids. Kristin Wiig stars as Annie, the increasingly unhinged bridesmaid for her best friend Lillian. The other four bridesmaids are played by Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper.

The bride-to-be Lillian goes through all sorts of mishaps and arguments with her maid of hon-

a nearly flawless read

By Rachel Crary Staff Writer

Cassandra Clare sets readers’ hearts racing with the new addition to The Mortal Instruments series, City of Fallen Angels. This fourth book in the series continues the mystical love story of Clary and Jace with plot twists galore. City of Fallen Angels absorbs readers into the world of the shadowhunters, a group of humans with supernatural powers who were trained to hunt and kill demons.

Book four begins with the end of the Mortal war, a disastrous struggle between the shadowhunters and Valentine, the leader of a group of shadowhunters gone astray. Previously, Clary Fray, a teenage girl, had suddenly discovered that she was a shadowhunter, and now she is ready to begin her journey of training.

Clary’s mother, Jocelyn Fray, is getting married to the love of her life, and Clary can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

Just as everything begins to settle and become peaceful again, someone begins to kill all the shadowhunters that used to be in Valentine’s Circle. The relationship between the shadowhunters and the Downworlders, which include vampires, warlocks, and werewolves, becomes tense once more.

As if there isn’t enough going on with her life, Clary finds that Jace is avoiding her without telling her why. She gets thrown into a horrible chain of events that has her confused and hurt, and no one is able to help her— except herself.

City of Fallen Angels is a nearly flawless story with unexpected twists and turns guaranteed to keep readers turning page after page. This book is a must-read for those that love fantasies and unpredictable endings.

The author takes the old ideas of vampires and werewolves and turns them into a masterpiece of war and revenge. Each character is unique in his or her very own way, and interpreted so that readers will feel that they actually know them.

Clare spins an amazing tale sprinkled with magic that will leave her readers dying for her next book.

Olympian

The October 7, 2011

CVHS welcomes new teachers into new school year

By Reyna Garcia Sports Editor

Josh Linville

“CVHS is a fabulous educational institution and I am glad to continue my teaching career here. May the lives I impact be overshadowed only by the lives that impact me. Teaching takes a sense of idealism and I’ve always been an idealist.”

Bryan Chambers

“I decided to teach because I like to be able to empower people to become what they want to be. I am having a good time at the school. It has been enjoyable getting to know everyone.”

Thelma Mooney

Stacy Kania

“I love CVHS. My department is great, the administration is awesome and my students are precious.”

Jennifer Clyde

“It is a real delight to work with the many intelligent, motivated students at CVHS. I became a teacher so that I could have a more meaningful life. Working at CVHS gives my life both meaning and pleasure.”

Lynne Foy-Couche

Jessica Barnett

“CVHS is a great place to be. I was so impressed by all the students doing the wave at the rally! It is really nice to see so many students in one school. I enjoy working with youth and am so glad to support their efforts!”

Michelle Carmon

“It’s been great. So far, so good.

I started teaching because of the art teacher I had. She was my biggest cheerleader. She gave me confidence.”

“I used to teach astronauts in Houston. When I got married I moved here and I thought not just astronauts should have good teachers. I love my class: it’s great.”

Adam Fisher

“I have been an elementary school teacher and never imagined anything else. Sometimes, life will surprise you! Here I am at CVHS and finding high school students so much more fun and teaching them so much more interesting!”

Elizabeth Means

Jason Gozo

Marie Smith

“I love watching the light bulb go on above students heads when they understand something. I love it here.”

Corey Shultz

“I look forward to keeping the automotive program at CVHS moving forward and helping the students who want to pursue a career in the automotive industry.” accidentally, officials said. She was not seriously injured.

The boy was arrested, suspended and faces expulsion, Vales said, and other students were also suspended.

“

We are going to look at... what we need to change as a result of that evening.”

Mary Ann Valles CVHS principal

Some of the chaos spread as far as Al’s Market on Somerset Av-

“I went into teaching because, when I was in high school, I was never the brainiac, so I can relate to many students on that level. I want to show students that the learning process is never meant to be easy. The learning process challenges us to discover ideas in the world, and hopefully, to discover ourselves.”

Jeff Vendsel

“CVHS staff has been a wonderful support for me. I have worked with children all my life, and the support and the students are wonderful. Since I was 16, I knew I had a passion to work with children.”

FIGHT: from Page 1

8

“I’d always considered becoming a teacher; both of my parents teach. I’m looking forward to getting to know the staff and students. I am impressed with how welcoming everyone is. It is better than I expected.”

Michael Kentris

Tina Johansson

enue, where officers responded to another fight.

In all, the officers arrested six boys that night for fighting, resisting arrest and obstructing arrest, Vales said.

Three others were arrested in the following days, Vales said, and more arrests are possible.

The administration, district office, and Sheriff’s Department are working to identify everyone involved in the altercations. The school is reviewing its safety and security practices to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“We are going to look at what we did, what we didn’t do and look at what we need to change as a result of that evening,”

“CVHS staff and students have been so welcoming; I feel at home already.”

Principal Mary Ann Valles confirmed.

The football game was not resumed. None of the altercations at the stadium involved any fans from Newark, Valles said.

Despite persistent rumors and Facebook postings, there was no evidence of gangs or weapons at the stadium, and no injuries requiring medical attention were reported. Valles called parents at home and sent out an email to teachers clarifying the rumors.

The leadership class has scheduled a make-up dance on Feb. 2.

Those who paid for the Welcome Back Dance will get in for free, said leadership teacher Nick Whitaker.

“CVHS is a tremendous school to be a part of and I am excited to work with such a phenomenal staff.”

“Being new to Castro Valley and Castro Valley High, I’ve been very impressed by the warm welcome from students and staff. I’m looking forward to getting to know the students and watching as their visual talents reveal themselves during the coming year.”

Carol Rumsey

“Although I planned to be a nurse, an experience tutoring inner city students in Cleveland changed my life and my career direction. I went back to school in education and have since taught elementary, middle and high school students; however, my favorite is high school.”

Want to read more?

Visit us at www.cvhsolympian.com