High Tide April 19, 2013 Edition

HIGH

TIDE Redondo Beach, CA // Redondo Union High School

April 19, 2013 // Vol. XCIII // Edition 13

TATTOOS: TRENDS OR MUCH MORE?

“

My tattoo is two soldiers holding up the Korean flag. It signifies my pride in and hope of being Korean, and it also pays my respects to the soldiers who fight for us today; my grandfather fought in the Korean war, my father also served, and a friend of mine, who’s pretty much my brother, serves today.

”

PHOTO HAILEY NEWMAN

p2-3

Check out the photos of the week to see what you’ve missed.

p10-11

Nageena Hamraz reviews new burger place Smashburger.

p20-21

Track girls become Bay League champs.

1.

2.

International food fair.

Photos of the week

Making bank. 1. Chris Escalante, member of the Rubik’s Cube Club, sells food to teacher Geoffrey Watts. Photo by Justin Lee. 2. Sarah Klahr, president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Nicholas Johnson sell tacos to a student.

Photo by Jenny Oetzell. 3. Kaley Krause and JesBY MITCHELL YONEMURA sica Horoschak, membersPHOTO of ASB sell tickets to students. ASB required students to buy tickets this year in order to ward off liability issues. Photo

by Jenny Oetzell.

ASB introduces system for students to pay for the International Food Fair

by Edwin Chavez

For this year’s International Food Fair, ASB implemented a new system to buy food where tickets must be bought from the ASB Finance Office to pay for the food instead of directly paying money to the club.

“The [new system] makes the event more organized because we’re keeping the money in just one spot, so we can keep track of the money easier,” ASB member Keegan Linnett said.

After the event, each club presents the amount of tickets they received from the food fair to Linnett who is ASB’s inter-club commissioner. After counting all the tickets, Linnett is then able to determine how much money each club will receive from the food fair.

“The new process isn't necessary, nor are we really expecting there to be positive responses [from the students and clubs presidents], but it’s a new good way for the organization of money that avoids liability issues [like money missing from accounts],” Linnett said.

According to Linnett, many club presidents are unenthusiastic about the new ticket process because it makes the International Food Fair, an easy way to fulfill ASB’s fundraising requirements, more

difficult.

“People are concerned it’ll discourage students from buying,” Linnett said. “I think that people don’t want to wait in one line to wait in another.”

Art Club vice president Valerie Choi agrees with Linnett and believes that the ticketing process creates more work than necessary and is a deterrent to students and sales.

“It just makes things a lot more complicated than they need to be as far as the clubs retrieving their reimbursement,” Choi said. “It is our money in the first place for our club, and I do not see the reason as to why they feel there is corruption.”

Semper Club president Naomi Mitchell was, however, content with the new process.

“With money, [students] are fumbling around with it and trying to count it right all the time, but with tickets its easier and besides that they’re cleaner to work with,” Mitchell said.

Though opinions varied among the clubs, students such as senior Adam Shofani were seemingly not bothered by the ticketing process.

“The tickets weren’t really necessary, but I respect ASB’s authority and their desire to do a better job organizing their profits,” Shofani said.

Green Week promotes environmental awareness

by Andrew Czuzak

3.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN LEE

Sometimes students at RUHS forget about their surroundings and their environment. They litter the ground with trash, regardless of the environmental consequences. Next week is Earth Week, an annual event that coincides with Earth Day, designed by ASB to help fight this carelessness.

“We want to raise awareness about environmental issues and help people form eco-friendly habits. We help remind people the Earth is still here by holding this event every year,” ASB awareness comissioner Noelle Graham

With every day having a particular event like turning off lights during silent reading or encouraging carpooling, Graham hopes that this year will have a long lasting impact. “[Last year] there was not a long lasting effect, but we hope there will be this year.

We want people to take the extra 10 steps to throw something away,” Graham said.

Graham also believes that this year ASB will do a better job of “being green.”

“This year we aren’t buying anything to hand out because there’s pollution on shipping and more trash will be produced with boxes,” Graham said. “Also, last year a lot of kids threw there bracelets on the ground and it did more harm than good.”

Gandhi one of ten teens to watch in the South Bay Prom Expo.

PHOTO BY MATT MARDESICH

King me. Members of Prom Court Tatiana Celentano, RJ Mushaney, and Jenny Oetzell all participated in last week’s Prom Expo. “I wasn’t as excited before the Prom Expo because the idea of being on Prom Court is now more concrete, and I also got to meet and bond with my fellow court members,” Mushaney said.

2 HIGH TIDE . NEWS

After volunteering over 1000 hours and earning a 4.5 GPA, senior Shivaani Gandhi has been recognized by Our South Bay magazine as one of the top ten teens to watch in the South Bay. To read more about Gandhi’s achievements, scan the QR code or visit oursouthbay.com PHOTO COURTESY OF OUR SOUTH BAY/MICHAEL NEVEUX

Administration repaints murals to reflect RUHS’s history and progress

by Shawn Mallen

1.

2.

Giving reverence. 1. The old murals painted by Ron Cooper, a longtime teacher at RUHS, in 1991 were beginning to show signs of wear and some believed them to be outdated. 2. The new murals painted this school year are supposed to represent RUHS’s anniversaries.

The bright red and white on Alumni Walk shines in the sunlight as it reflects the long history of the school. The bright colors that showcase the history of RUHS are just what assistant principal Jens Brandt had in mind when he headed the project.

“The old murals were falling apart and looked dated and worn down,” Brandt said.

“Students didn’t relate to the old murals from a different time period and were no longer attached to them. That’s when we decided it was time for a change.”

According to Brandt, the new murals showcase the change in RUHS’s logo over the years. More importantly, they reflect the school’s history and how far it has come.

“Since the murals were to be made on the Alumni Walk, we wanted to have a story to show the evolution [of RUHS by showing how] the mascots changed,” Brandt said.

After completing the murals, Brandt surveyed the staff, some students, and alumni to get their opinions on the completed project. According to Brandt, the new murals received praise from all three groups.

“I think the students are really happy with the new murals because it shows school spirit, which is something that the students can relate to. We wanted to play on school spirit and really highlight that,” Brandt said.

Emily Krueger, a teacher who has been in a classroom next to the murals for six years, believes the new murals are a big improvement over the old ones. In fact, Krueger admits she can’t even remember what the old murals looked like despite having walked past them nearly every day.

“The design looks clean and modern, while at the same time acknowledging the long history of the school,” Krueger said.

The idea for the “clean” and “modern” design for the murals was a process that began last December. Brandt set out to create a design that was powerful while encompassing histtory “I have always been proud to work at a school with so much history, and I think one of the best things about RUHS is that we respect the past, but also strive towards the future. I personally enjoy looking out of my classroom window and seeing these murals which reflect that history,” Krueger said.

Publications win Gold and Silver Crowns

by Yasmeen El-Hasan and Haris Khan

A year’s worth of writing articles, designing pages, and stressful deadline nights is being well rewarded. The 20112012 print edition and current online edition of the High Tide has won the Hybrid Gold Crown Award.

The award is presented by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) to high school publications whose print and online editions of their newspaper are exceptional.

“Winning the Gold Crown is absolutely priceless. It is really awesome to see something that we’ve invested so much time and energy in to win such a prestigious award,” 2011-2012 editor-in-chief Alison Peet-Lukes said.

Even with all the time they spent working on the newspaper, winning the Gold Crown was never on the staff’s mind.

“Going into an issue, we didn’t try to improve it so that it would be awardwinning. We just wanted it to be the best it could be every issue because we loved what we were doing. We started off pretty inexperienced, but grew so much. I am more proud of how much we improved over the course of the year than of many awards we won,” Peet-Lukes said.

Peet-Lukes credits her staff for putting in “hard work and effort” to make the paper what it is. She believes that their “unique” writing and editing styles differentiated the High Tide from other high school

newspapers.

“I think our willingness to accept mistakes, internalize them, and then learn from those mistakes really made the newspaper better. It took a lot of practice and patience and eventually we figured out how to make our paper really work,” PeetLukes said.

The 2011-2012 online editor Brianna Egan, who created the High Tide website (hightideonline.org) in 2009, is also proud of the joint effort by last year’s and this year’s staff to have produced “such a steady, high quality” print and online newspaper.

“To have won the Gold Crown for a Hybrid Publication in the first year the CSPA has implemented the award is an incredible honor, and one that is really a testament to the dedication of each staff member on our publication,” Egan said.

Even after winning the award, the staff believes that there is much room for improvement.

“I still consider High Tide Online to be a work in progress, as the options with online media are literally boundless--there is always room for innovation. I’ve enjoyed seeing the direction the current online editors have been taking the website in terms of providing breaking news, entertainment reviews, photo slideshows, and greater sports coverage,” Egan said.

Current online editors Vivian Lam, Kayla Maanum, and Leann Maanum have been working on improving the website.

“Last year, no one had really heard of our website. We worked a lot on expanding our viewership, which I think was a major factor in winning this award,” Kayla said.

Egan believes that the High Tide will continue to improve.

“It’s amazing to think that High Tide has set a precedent for the future of student journalism, which I see will be moving in a direction toward bold design in print complemented by relevant, media-driven websites,” Egan said.

Yearbook wins Silver Crown This year, the RUHS yearbook, The Pilot, was awarded a Silver Crown award.

Former Editor-In-Chief Lisa Inoue remembers both the frustrations and highlights of her senior year on the yearbook staff.

“I was in yearbook from my sophomore year to my senior year so I’ve been lucky with becoming friends with people of different grade levels, I feel very connected to the program,” Inoue said.

Inoue feels a huge sense of pride in everything she’s done as well as for the current editors-in-chief.

“I’ve loved watching Channing, RJ, Daniella and photo editor Jenny form their own sense of style in yearbook, and I am so excited to see what they’ll produce,” Inoue said.

Other former co-editor-in-chief Kamryn Claridge recalls bonding with the yearbook

class.

“I never expected to become as close as I did with each and every member, and I can say I created beautiful memories I will never forget,” Claridge said.

In addition, Claridge feels accomplished by not only keeping the yearbook up to the standards of the previous yearbook, but also bringing designs to a new level.

“Our greatest accomplishment was finding a design and thematic concept that set our book apart,” Claridge said.

Current co-editor-in-chief Daniella Yousof feels a similar sense of pride working on the yearbook.

“Last year, the editors were so talented and had abstract designs so it was a challenge to design spreads in their liking,” Yousof said.

Yousof recalls the time commitment as a challenge, but also her interest in learning stories about the student body, which is one of the reasons she continues to work hard on the yearbook this year.

“I love being able to express my interest in design and leadership in yearbook. There were a lot of bumps in the road before, but we got through them,” Yousof said.

Other co-editor-in-chief, RJ Mushaney attributes to the yearbook’s success in the reward to the editors of the yearbook two years ago.

“It was hard living up to the hype , but last year’s editorial staff did amazing at keeping the RUHS legacy [alive],” Mushaney said.

3 HIGH TIDE . NEWS

PRO: Shelby Salerno

SAT scores are a good judge of intelligence and schools should consider scores in admission.

High school students already have to worry about their GPA, extracurricular activities, service hours, essays, and captivating leading traits. However, when colleges look at all of those contributing factors, using the SAT as another source can benefit students by standardizing college requirements and fully assessing a student’s intelligence.

A high school student’s GPA is thoroughly evaluated among college admissions counselors and can be a deciding factor as to whether or not a student will be admitted or not. No two high school districts, however, share the same teachers, lessons, and environments. Therefore, GPA’s around the world vary and colleges cannot fairly compare one applicant to another.

54%

feel that the SAT should be used in college admissions.

37%

took an SAT prep class before taking the test

CON: Chance King

SAT scores are not a good judge of an applicant’s potential and should not be used.

As the school year comes to a close, every student’s worst terror, known simply as the SAT, looms overhead. Stressed and exhausted, juniors are lining up early in the morning to take the dreaded five-hour onslaught while anxious seniors wait to see if their score was good enough for the universities.

The test claims to highlight the academic merit and potential of students, when in reality, it ineffectually attempts to generalize the intelligence of a student. In turn, universities should not put much weight, if any, on a student’s SAT score in the application process.

According to the College Board, the SAT is designed to test students on what they have learned in the classroom. The SAT, like the ACT and CST, is standardized, which

4 HIGH TIDE . OPINION

GPA’s also provide an assessment on work ethic and not so much on intelligence, which is a factor that colleges highly value and can, for now, only be determined by an applicant’s SAT scores.

Work ethic is important and highly valued but a student’s SAT scores can and should be the deciding factor between two students who both have 4.0 GPA’s because while one could have a 4.0 in an underpriveledged school with bad teachers and easy classes the other student achieved the 4.0 in a notoriously difficult and competetive high school. GPA cannot be standardized, but the SAT can.

The exam provides a more thorough assessment of a student’s intelligence by distributing identical exams to all applicants and testing a student’s critical thinking. No other contributing factors — like GPA or extracurricular activities — provide such an assessment of a student.

Additionally, grades and extracurriculars only tell colleges what a student has been doing, not what they are capable of doing.

The SAT goes further than judging study

The A

B

C

’s

of the

SAT

Out of the 70 seniors polled means the questions and material found on the test is tailored to fit the general student population and not the individual. A score on a test that is created for the general population should not reflect poorly on any individual in the eyes of a university.

This applies especially to minorities, as statistics have shown that White students generally tend to perform better on the SAT than Blacks and Hispanics. This discrepancy creates an unfair advantage for many students, and a disadvantage for others.

Work ethic and intelligence of an applicant should be solely based upon their grades, rigor of course work and dedication to both school and extracurricular activities.

A test like the SAT does not measure potential, nor does it reveal the identity of a student. It simply offers a number indicating their test taking aptitude and the amount of hours spent taking practice tests and SAT preparatory courses.

These preparatory courses, such as the Princeton Review, have become a business of their own, with some students spending thousands of dollars to ensure a higher score. With courses like these available to

habits and work ethic, it judges a student’s academic potential, rather than academic preformance. This is a useful tool for colleges, considering they want intelligent students. Good student isn’t necessarily synonymous with intelligent student and the SAT can help colleges see that just because a student is lazy, it doesn’t mean they aren’t smart.

The SAT would be a problem if it were the only way students were compared in the admissions process but the reality is that it’ is just another tool. Just as much weight is given to grades and extracurriculars.

Of course, in order to take the SAT, students must spend a Saturday at school instead of the beach. Preparing for the SAT and paying for the exam itself can add up to an unnerving amount of money.

However, by allowing colleges to evaluate students’ critical reading, writing and math skills, the college can get a firmer grip on whether or not the applying students should attend their school. So in the end, taking the SAT is a benefit to students eager to extend their education to college.

77% of Redondo students chose to take the SAT.

70% sent their scores to colleges. students, SAT scores end up reflecting how much money a student has spent rather than how much they know.

In addition, with the universities placing so much weight on the SAT, stress is being placed upon students who already are under a considerable amount of pressure. With AP courses and extracurricular activities, the SAT makes an already difficult course load unbearable for many students. This added stress can cause many students to underperform in their classes and is detrimental to their health and to the overall quality of their education. Students are frantically studying and preparing for a test that does not even reflect their merit.

For a university to hold the SAT as a deciding factor in college admission is an ineffective and archaic method. With the many other ways in which an applicant can show their best qualities, the SAT hangs like a dark cloud, sometimes preventing a deserving student from gaining acceptance. With Universities claiming only to accept worthy individuals, it is wrong to hold in such high regard a test that attempts to standardize them.

Letters to the

Editor If you have an opinion about one of the articles, we welcome letters to the editor at hightideonline@gmail.com.

We reserve the right to edit them for content, grammar, and space constraints. Letters must be signed and are not guaranteed to be printed.

HIGH TIDE

STAFF

Editor-in-Chief: Julia Tran Managing Editor: Emma Uriarte Writing Director: Tricia Light Design Director: Taylor Ballard Sports Director: Tatiana Celentano News Editor: Andrew Czuzak Opinion Editor: Mannal Haddad Health Editor: Cedric Hyon Features Editors: Taylor Brightwell; Shivaani Gandhi; Kylie Martin; Haley Meyers Sports Editors: Allegra Peelor, Alejandro Quevedo Entertainment Editor: Haley Meyers Photo Editors: Vitoria Magno-Baptista; Diana Luna Copy Editors: Hana Ghanim; Ilana LaGraff; Navikka Dasz Cartoonist: Cooper Lovano Online Editors: Vivian Lam; Kayla Maanum; LeAnn Maanum Staff Writers: Victoria Artaza; Alina Bieschke; Joseph Bieschke; Jewell Black; Kira Bowen; Kolbie Brightwell; Ted Cavus; Deborah Chang; Edwin Chavez; Caitlin Cochran; Yasmeen El-Hasan; Micah Ezzes; Zoe Ezzes; Anna Fauver; Stella Gianoukakis; Nageena Hamraz; Natalie Hardiman; Katie Hill; Haris Khan; Chance King; Angela Kim; Justin Lee; Daniel Loveland; Shawn Mallen; Nicholas McCarthy; Romy Moreno; Alida Newson; Kayla Nicholls; Susan Nieves; Rachael Orford; Lindsey Pannor; Cameron Paulson; Jene Price; Jason Rochlin; Shelby Salerno; Beth Shallon; Laura Smith; Cole Stecyk; Savannah Stern; Karissa Taylor; Claire Tisius; Grace Zoerner Adviser: Mitch Ziegler The High Tide dedicates itself to producing a high-quality publication that both informs and entertains the entire student body.

This is a wholly student managed, designed, and written newspaper that focuses on school and community events.

The High Tide is published by the journalism class at Redondo Union High School, One Sea Hawk Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

Signed commentaries and editorial cartoons represent the opinions of the staff writer or cartoonist and in no way reflect the opinions of the High Tide staff.

Shiva’s

AROUND REDONDO

Sass

“Using the ‘R’ word as a synonym for stupid is offensive.”

by Zoe Ezzes

by Shivaani Gandhi

Words: the English language has 250,000, and the average adult knows 40,000. That’s thousands of colorful adjectives at the tips of our tongues. Tedious homework assignments, stupid decisions, brainless ideas... so why do so many of us automatically reach for “retarded” as the most suitable option without a second thought? What does “retarded” even mean?

Let’s rewind to 1489. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, that’s the first record of the usage of the word “retard.”

Back then, it meant to hold back or hinder.

Somewhere along the way, it became a term to describe people with mental disabilities — people “hindered” in some way by a disability — and was used in both medical and legal records.

In today’s society, the R word is used interchangeably with stupid, annoying, and even worthless. However, it is also still used in medical and legal documents today. So what kind of message does that send to the millions of people around the world whose medical records have the R word printed all over them?

The R word is everywhere, from our schools to our favorite television shows. The worst part is that people don’t even realize its significance or its impact on the special needs community.

In the words of Special Olympian John Franklin Stevens, the R word sends the message that people with special needs “are something that is not like you and something that none of you would ever want to be.”

I have volunteered at the Friendship Circle since seventh grade. It’s an organization that gives students with special needs a safe and accepting environment to interact with their peers. I’ll admit that before I started volunteering, I used the R word too. But the Friendship Circle has made me realize that people with special needs are just like us; we all have our flaws and we all want to be accepted despite them. The R word ostracizes them, makes them feel different and unaccepted.

Honestly, the R word is infinitely worse than any four-letter word you could use. It is not simply offensive; when misused the way it so often is, the word has the power to cause emotional distress to people who already fight hard enough battles without pop culture informing them that their condition is comedic.

There are 250,000 words in the English language and 40,000 in our everyday vocabulary, so why choose one that offends people?

How do you feel about the old murals being painted over? think they’re “ Igreat, it shows school spirit.

— BRETT ISHIHARA, 10

”

first I thought “ Atit was disrespect-

Not on

the list EDITORIAL WHAT WE THINK Students on the no-go list are on there of their own account and deserve the consquence of not being able to attend senior activities since they chose not to rake resposibility for themselves and their grades in their third quarter.

Looking ahead to upcoming senior events, one cannot help but be excited.

Seniors have waited four years to celebrate graduation from high school. They have worked hard for three years, so slacking off now and risking the opportunity to attend end of the year events is ludicrous.

When school started, seniors knew what they had to look forward to at the end of the year. The first semester was critical for some students to get into desired colleges, and after many seniors began to circum to the fictitious illness we all know as ‘senioritis.’ Putting effort into school for only two quarters is irresponsible and ridiculous. Why only put in a minimal effort when senior events require success during third quarter?

The no-go list is composed of students

ILLUSTRATION BY COOPER LOVANO

that have 2 F’s or 2 U’s in citizenship. In order to attend senior excursion at Disneyland and prom, seniors may not have these on their third quarter report card. All seniors attended a senior meeting at the beginning of the year where government teacher Greg Fucci explicitly stated how the no-go list would be enforced and the importance of keeping track of grades and citizenship. So, any student now ineligible to attend these events, claiming to not know the rules, must suffer the consequences.

The faculty is not responsible for poor decisions made during third quarter. Complaining about not being able to attend senior events falls entirely on the student. If they had decided that prom and Disneyland were important to them, then they should’ve made more of an effort in class.

Maybe teachers would be more sympathetic to student complaints if they address issues they were having earlier in the quarter. In a teacher’s eyes, it is unacceptable for a student to neglect their poor performance until the last minute and expect them to be on their side.

Senior events are a right of passage, but they come as a reward for hard work and dedication throughout high school, not just at the beginning. Right now, teachers are stressing that seniors should not jeopardize the most important event of all, graduation.

To those seniors on the no-go list, finish the year strong so you can graduate with your class on June 14. To those not on the no-go list, congratulations on resisting senioritis enough to stay on top of your work. Enjoy Disneyland and prom.

ful to the previous artist, but now I’m used to them.

— CHRIS NGUYEN, 12

” e old ones “ Th were fading.The

new ones look nice and show the morale of our students.

— MOLLY ROOD, 11

like losing his“ It’s tory, but I think the

”

school might have more pride with Sammy around.

— KASEY MANDELBAUM, 12

”

think the newer “ Imurals are nice and the old ones were outdated.

— ERIQ DENG, 11

”

I don’t “ Personally, like it. I liked having something from when the school was built.

— LES GAMSON, 12

” PHOTOS BY ViICKY ARTAZA

5 HIGH TIDE . OPINION

Balancing and opening the chakras compiled by Grace Zoerner

Indian meditation states that the seven chakras to be great hubs of energy centered along the spine of the body. Ideally, these chakras should be “unblocked” and permit the flow of energy; left blocked, they are believed to cause problems with the areas with which they are associated.

Open chakras are synonymous with enlightenment. The energy that flows between them is said to keep the body in balance and enhance a person’s well-being. Opening and maintaining a chakra, however, is difficult, and few people have attained this position.

Meditation is the key to opening the chakras. To do so, picture each chakra as a spinning ball of energy, and imagine the energy flowing between them. Difficulty to visualize the energy flow through a particular chakra often indicates that is it blocked.

Though exercises such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help to stimulate the flow of energy through the chakras, a blocked chakra should only be handled by a trained therapist. Do not try to unblock them without the proper qualifications.

The seventh and final chakra is labeled as the crown chakra, located at the top of the head. It concerns spiritual connections and overall bliss.

The sixth chakra, centered between the eyes, is also called the third eye, or brow, chakra. It represents the ability to focus on the bigger picture of life, as well as clearness in thought and intuition.

The fifth chakra is positioned at the throat and called the throat chakra. It is linked with creative impulses, communication, and the truth.

The fourth chakra, the heart chakra, is associated with the ability to love and show compassion. It is located at level with the heart.

Info from liberatedthinking.com

The third chakra, often called the solar plexus chakra, is in the solar plexus area – the upper abdomen. It relates to selfconfidence, inner power, and self-esteem.

Strong chi energy in the body is said to come with many health benefits. Frequent meditation and open chakras are often associated with strengthened chi.

Chinese culture refers to this energy as chi. Chi is a natural energy thought to exist in everything in the universe, the energy that gives life. Some are able to feel this energy flowing through their body, and in time, are able to direct it in their bodies through visualization exercises.

Illustrations by Joseph Bieschke

6 HIGH TIDE . HEALTH

The second chakra, or sacral chakra, resides in the lower abdomen about two inches below the naval. It is associated with interactions with others and new experiences, as well as sexuality and reproduction.

The first chakra, situated at the base of the spine, is also referred to as the base or root chakra. It correlates to things of a material natural vital to survival, such as food and money.

Unleashing the beast while receiving wings

by Zoe Ezzes

Sleep deprivation is common amongst students, but everyone has a different way of dealing with the resulting low energy levels. For senior Heather Czech, energy drinks were the answer, but even after they stopped working, the taste kept dragging her back.

While Czech did not like Monster the first time she tried it in fifth grade, she began to develop a taste for it in seventh grade.

It was not until her freshman year, however, that Czech started drinking energy drinks on a regular basis, seeking a way to deal with her busy schedule.

“I was getting less sleep since I had more homework than I had in middle school and had lacrosse every day instead of just twice a week,” Czech said.

Czech’s mother began to express concern for her daughter as Czech began to consume at least two energy drinks per day and stopped allowing her to drink them.

Czech did not began drinking them reg-

ularly again until her junior year.

“I really only drink Monster,” Czech said.

“I just love the taste of them, especially the Absolutely Zero and Zero Ultra ones. The Absolutely Zero is really sweet and the Zero Ultra tastes like citrus.”

According to Czech, while the drink worked really well at first, as Czech began to consume them more often, they stopped being as effective.

“I actually don’t think they give me energy anymore,” Czech said. “As I started drinking them every day, they just stopped waking me up.”

There are other disadvantages to drinking Monster regularly, according to Czech.

“They are about $2 and I usually have at least one or two every day,” Czech said.

“That adds up, and since my mom does not support me drinking them, I’m on my own paying that expense.”

In addition to the high cost, Czech experiences caffeine addiction and now needs the drinks to maintain a normal level of energy.

“Once I ran out of money to buy them and had to go without Monsters for a week,” Czech said. “I had the worst headaches I’ve ever had and I was really tired.”

Occasionally, Czech also experiences energy rushes from drinking too many at once.

“I had two cans in about an hour while I usually finish just one can in about an hour, so my heart was beating really fast and felt like it was jumping out of my chest,” Czech said. “That’s happened to me a couple of times, but not very often.”

Despite these concerns, Czech feels that her consumption of the drinks will not have negative repercussions.

“Most of the time, I don’t drink more than the limit expressed on the can,” Czech said. “I don’t worry about it because I don’t think they are as dangerous as everyone makes them out to be.”

Despite the disadvantages of regularly drinking Monster and its decreased effectiveness as an energy drink over time, Czech continues to drink them for the taste.

“They don’t really wake me up anymore, they just keep away the headaches,” Czech said. “For me it’s just like someone who really likes soda and drinks that a lot. There are no benefits, just a taste I love.”

Unleash the study. Senior Heather Czech’s mother expressed concern for Czech’s health.

“A lot of people have tried to warn me about Monsters; even Mr. Henges printed out an article about a girl who died from drinking them,” Czech said.

Power thirst compiled by Zoe Ezzes Info from drinks’ official websites Illustrations by Joseph Bieschke

Red Bull:

· Introduced in Austria in 1987 · Said to help improve concentration, increase alertness, contribute to normal mental performance, and reduce tiredness and fatigue (has been proven to reduce driver sleepiness and enhance driving performance during prolonged highway driving as well) · In terms of market share, it is the most popular energy drink in the world (4.6 billion cans sold in 2011) · Nutritional info (per 100ml): energy – 45kcal, protein – 0g, carbohydrates – 11g (of which are sugars: 11g), sodium – 0.04g (and 0g fiber and fat) · Contains caffeine, taurine, glucuronolactone, B-group vitamins, sucrose, and glucose (also there is a Red Bull Sugarfree option) · Caffeine content is 80mg/250ml (the size of a can is 250ml so 80mg per can), and this level is about the same as a normal coffee (slightly less depending on brewing method) · Energy drinks are not the same as sports drinks and do not deliver rehydration

Monster: Coffee:

· In a 2012 study, people who drink coffee actually live longer than people who do not · Some studies even suggest coffee consumption (moderate etc as explained before) reduces the risk of prostate cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, etc (also, decaf coffee exhibits same preventative effects); also an acute antidepressant · It may, however, increase the risk of acid reflux and associated diseases · The health risks come from excessive caffeine consumption; for example, while caffeine acutely alleviates headaches, if used chronically withdrawal can cause headaches · Caffeine content varies widely depending on the brewing method and seed used: when brewed, between 80 and 135mg per 207ml; when espresso, 100mg per 45 to 60ml

· “When used sparingly” they are said to provide a brief energy boost to the body, helping people to stay alert and awake when tired, and providing a short-term improvement in stamina · Caffeine content is approximately 10 mg/oz, or 160 mg for a 16 oz can · Not recommended for children, pregnant women, or people sensitive to caffeine · Contains 100% DV for Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Riboflavin, and Niacin · Some ingredients: B Vitamins help the body convert food to energy, Taurine is an amino acid and a synthetic form is found in most energy drinks, and combinations of stimulants (such as caffeine and panax ginseng root extract ) work to enhance wakefulness and alertness · A girl died from “cardiac arrhythmia due to caffeine toxicity” after drinking two 710ml cans (she had a pre-existing heart condition) so Monster is only reccommended for healthy individuals.

Coca-Cola:

· Caffeine content for Coca-Cola is 34mg of caffeine per 12 fluid ounces (9.8mg per 100ml) · A can of Coke (12 fl ounces, or 355ml) has 39g of carbohydrates (all from sugar – approximately 10 teaspoons), 50mg of sodium, 0g fat, 0g potassium, and 140 calories · Has been advertised as a breakfast beverage to replace coffee or tea for morning caffeine · Criticized for alleged adverse health effects, high levels of pesticides in its products, alleged excessive water usage in India, and some other complaints about its work force being exploitative and monopolistic and destroying the environment etc (typical big corporation complaints) · According to Interbrand’s best global brand 2011, Coca-Cola was the world’s most valuable brand · When launched, two key ingredients were cocaine and caffeine (cocaine from coca leaf and caffeine from kola nut, hence Coca-Cola)

7

HIGH TIDE . HEALTH

>> Food Review

Rita’s shares East Coast custard culture

by Cedric Hyon

A continuous influx of shaved ice shops are growing in the South Bay. Rita’s Custard and Italian ice is a newcomer to the South Bay and adds a twist to traditional shaved ice.

The majority of the menu consists of either Italian ice or custard combinations. All the ingredients are kept fresh, and the taste and quality of the ice is apparent.

“The best part of our products is that we spin [the ingredients] together

several thousand times and then freeze it. That’s why we make it fresh, because the consistency of the products only lasts for about 18 hours, and anything fruit related is fresh from WholeFoods. We try our best to make a health conscious but sweet treat,” co-owner Jake Cosme said.

I personally tried the Alex’s Lemonade and Vanilla Custard Misto, which is basically just the two products blended together. The smooth, creamy texture and flavor of the custard and the

Italian ice blended surprisingly well together.

The service was impressive despite the large crowds.

Rita’s is still new, however, and some of the workers can’t explain much about their products, so newcomers might be lost when they first enter.

Rita’s is a well known business on the east coast, comparable to a household name like In N’ Out is to the west coast. Jake and Josh’s goal is to have Rita’s become a household name in the west coast.

POPULAR PICKS Chocolate Chip and Mint Misto

The mint flavor complemented by the chocolate chips was a taste that I could never forget. The flavors were perfect and it was not like the disgusting, artificial mint flavored chocolate chip blend that gets old quickly. This mint, however, becomes a bit strong after a while. The misto is similar to a milkshake and a “slushie” blended together. It wasn’t too milky or too icy. The mint was very good and the chocolate chips topped it off nicely.

RITA’S TIP: Show your student ID to recieve 20% off an item.

Oreo Blendini

The orange cream custard was very good and the cream mutes the citrus bite of orange. The orange cream custard is akin to a creamsicle or like the popular soda flavor that many other ice cream parlors have tried to recreate. It was definitely a great selection and worth the purchase. This was my favorite because it had a smooth taste.

The Blendini was amazing with all the mixed toppings that were added.The chocolate and vanilla custard complemented each other nicely. Of course anyone can go buy a pack of oreos, but they will never be as good as having them in a blendini. The Oreos and flavored ice blend together in a creation that surpasses any other dessert. The flavored ice and frozen custart blendini offers various mix-in options including Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Heath English Toffee, OREO Cookie Pieces, Nilla Wafers, M&M’s Minis, Snickers, and Wonka Nerds.

340-470 calories $4.00

PHOTOS BY TYLER EISENHART

Make your way over to Ice, Custard, & Happiness.

Rita’s is conviently located at 403 N Pacific Coast Hwy #101, Redondo Beach. They are open 11:00am-9:00pm daily.

>> We’ve explored these new frozen treats for ourselves. Despite the previous businesses that have failed here, Rita’s business seems to be booming as students enjoy the variety of unique options. Of all the “Blendinis,” custards, and “Mistos,” Ted Cavus samples the most favored dishes chosen by Rita’s staff.

Orange Cream Blendini

420-650 calories $3.49

AROUND REDONDO

With all the available possibilities, coupled with the flavor and the quality of the products, I will definitely be returning. Rita’s Italian Ice and Custard offers an interesting, almost foreign blend to its products.

Chocolate-Vanilla Custard Twist

Frozen Plain Custard

The twist was a perfect blend. Two classics were brought together in a symphony of flavors. The flavors complement each other perfectly and the custard truly adds its own creamy flavor, surpasing the typical flavor of this classic. Rita’s has mastered this classic, and there are truly no flaws in it. Everything came together in a sweet, light, and creamy taste.

When people think of plain, they typically think of boring, but this frozen plain custard was far from it. I’ve never been a fan of plain flavors, but, this custard changed my mind. It was outstanding and it wasn’t a bland flavor at all. The additional satisfaction comes from its modest calorie count. The key to this custard is enjoying it in small amounts, as too much of the same flavor can get a bit boring.

320-340 calories $3.25

230-240 calories $3.25

700-720 calories $4.00

What do you think of the new Redondo Beach Rita’s?

was a great ex“Itperience, but I just don’t think that it can compare to ice cream.

—FARIS ADVIC, 9

8 HIGH TIDE . ENTERTAINMENT

”

Thought it was “Ifantastic.

I’m proud

to be supporting a local business.

— KASEY MANDELBAUM , 12

”

down, Rita’s “Hands has one of the best

shakes I have ever tasted. I will be returning very soon.

— JUSTIN PIZZATI, 9

”

photos by Tyler Eisenhart compiled by Ted Cavus

>> Movie Review

Jackie Robinson movie ‘42’ hits home run with audiences emotional climaxes that are congruous to all great movies: the moment where Jackie is filled with joy after his girlfriend Rachel agrees to marry him; the time when he loses his resolve after being humiliated by the Pittsburgh Team Manager and breaks a baseball bat; and being “beaned” in the face by a racist pitcher. All these instances hit the audience emotions hard, earning sweet compassion, uncomfortable disgust, and sharp cringes.

Ford’s commendable performance as Branch Rickey made the actor almost unrecognizable and created a unique, realistic individual.

Rickey is always one step ahead of everyone as a result of his understanding of the way people work in their actions, and he predicts their reactions.

Everything from his large figure and graying hair to his gravelly cigar smoker voice that punctures your ear with every word and acute staggering limp engross the viewer with an indescribable sense of familiarity.

Unfortunately, some dedicated fans might be disappointed about the absence of the in depth details of Jackie’s personal life such as his upbringing and life before and after baseball, but in its essence the purpose of the movie is to show the effect Jackie had on the the people around him and ultimately the country, not the effect on Jackie himself.

The re-creation of notable landmarks like Ebbets Field and many other stadiums and pristine baseball uniforms make this a truly realistic story of a time in history that will never be forgotten.

This movie is for anyone who believes in the American Dream. The reason Jackie Robinson is still honored and commemorated today, is not because of his extraordinary baseball skills; On the contrary, it is because he was a simple man with “the guts not to fight back” against the oppression and ridicule he experiences. “God built me to last,” Jackie said, echoing Rickey’s later sentiment.

Ragusa’s play reflects on the absurdity of high school relationships

>> Upcoming Event

by Jewell Black

A perpetual conflict in human history is the limit to prejudice, personal and societal. What is acceptable and how does one distinguish the line between right and wrong when the lines are obscured by racial differences, social conformity, and widespread stereotypes?

There is a single truth that blazes the path of justice, equality and human rights, also being the central theme of 42’s story.

The new dramatic baseball film “42” chronicles Jackie Roosevelt Robinson tumultuous journey of triumphs and tragedies when he broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947.

This biopic of a true American hero portrays a post World War II America striving to return to normalcy. With normalcy, however, come time old traditions of segregation, racism, and the loss of freedoms that our country fought so hard to maintain.

Written and directed by

‘42’ >> BY THE NUMBERS -Release Date: April 13, 2013 -1st place at the Box Office’s opening weekend with $27.49 million -Production Budget: estimated $40 Million Brian Helgeland and starring a remarkable cast of Nicole Beharie as Rachel Robinson, Harrison Ford as Rickey, Chadwick Boseman as Mr. Robinson himself, and compiled into a superb motion picture that is worthy of its name and the meaning behind it.

Helgeland wrote a film that satisfies the potent

-Rotten Tomatoes: -Actor Chadwick Certified Fresh Rating Bosman trained 76%, Audience Rating 89% for 5 days a week for 4 Data collected from boxoffice. com, latimes.com, yahoo.com, months to prehuffingtonpost.com, and imdb. com pare for his role photos courtesy of loc.gov as Jackie Robinson.

illustration by Cooper Lovano

by Deborah Chang

Sleepless nights of brainstorming, writing the perfect lines, printing several thick playscripts, and hours of picking the cast and setting up rehearsals keep junior Paolo Ragusa energized about the rare opportunity for him to write and direct

his own play at school and take a big step in his acting and directing path.

“I’ve definitely considered acting in the future and this experience is will really give me more insight,” he said. “I’ve been in drama since my freshman year and I want to improve my leadership by directing my own

play.”

Ragusa’s play, “Three Dates,” revolves around three couples at a restaurant.

The first couple is a boy and girl that have been together for months, the second couple is gay, and the third couple is a boy and girl on a blind date.

“I wanted my play to

take place in a restaurant because I’ve never seen a play that has taken place inside of a restaurant,” he said.

“The movie “Pulp Fiction” also inspired me to do a restaurant scene.”

The play implements both comedy and drama, wuth dramatic moments that have trust issues and unresolved conflicts.

“At first the couples try to work out their problems and everything gets out of control, but in the end everything resolves itself and you see why the conflict happened.,” he said. “The real meaning is that modern relationships are ridiculous and that not everyone is really who they seem.”

Ragusa enjoys creating the storyline and the secrets that will be revealed for the audience’s enjoyment.

“People have tons of se-

crets and I wanted to write a play that basically spills them all for each character,” he said.

Around December Ragusa decided to write his own play. Ragusa started the play in January and, after several edits and drafts, finished it in February.

“Every since I started drama as a freshman I always thought it was a really cool idea to write a play,” he said. “Once I learned directing skills I pushed myself to direct a play myself.”

Dramas and plays are Ragusa’s passions and they have been important to him ever since he experienced the thrill on stage for the first time.

“It feels incredible to just be someone else and explore human nature,” he said. “It’s the best thing in the world to me.”

Los Angeles Times’s Festival of Books When: April 20-21 Where: University of Southern California What: Attend for the unique opportunity to meet with famous authors and celebrities, watch master chefs demonstrate their latest creations, enjouy live music and much more entertainment.

Information courtesy of latimes. org

9 HIGH TIDE . ENTERTAINMENT

Coffee comparison COFFEE CARTEL

by Chance King

Tucked away in the Riviera Village, the Coffee Cartel has been a local destination for coffee lovers and students for over two decades. With a wide variety of gourmet beverages and an inviting atmosphere, the Coffee Cartel is a unique coffee shop experience.

The menu consists mainly of delicious tea and coffee beverages prepared with fresh ingredients. The average coffee drinker might be intimidated by beverages such as “ginseng coffee”, but the large menu provides for the conservative as well as the adventurous. In addition to coffee and tea, the shop also serves pastries, sandwiches, boba, and smoothies in many different varieties.

The varied menu is complemented by the shop’s comfortable and intimate

>> We’ve taken a closer look into two of Redondo’s hole-in-the-wall coffee shops and discovered not only that the lines are shorter than they are at Starbucks and Coffee Bean, but also that the ambiance of both shops provide for a great place to relax, and study.

CATALINA COFFEE HOUSE seating area. The large sofas and vintage decorations on the walls give the room a relaxed and home-like feel, perfect for conversing with friends or studying without being disturbed. Customers can also enjoy the shop’s small library, which offers new bestsellers and classics.

The Coffee Cartel is considerably smaller than the Catalina Coffee House, and lacks the large menu size that its boasts. The Catalina Coffee House also has a larger variety of food items to choose from, and a larger selection of pastries.

Although the two shops have similar aesthetics, the Coffee Cartel’s atmosphere is friendlier and more relaxed. The Cartel hosts an open mic poetry night on Tuesdays and is an important hub for information on local events, connecting the shop more with the community.

For years, Redondo students and locals have been guzzling down the caffeinated creations of the Catalina Coffee House.

Its ideal location, comfortable atmosphere, and wide assortment of beverages make it a must for Redondo residents.

The large menu offers everything from smoothies to deluxe lattes. Coffee favorites are matched by creatively delicious beverages such as their “jasmine blossom tea”.

Additionally, the shop offers paninis, sandwiches and breakfast items such as muffins and croissants.

The seating area is large and comfortable with sofas and armchairs dispersed around the shop. With a small library and multiple ports for computer use, the shop is perfect for studying or relaxing.

The atmosphere is peaceful, the service is friendly, and the shop has very laid back

There’s a new burger joint in town Smashfries

These fries cannot be found anywhere else. What makes these fries so unique is the thinness of the fries as well as their exquisite toppings that altogether make the fries very tasty. Unlike other normal french fries, these smashfries are topped with rosemary, olive oil, and garlic.

520 calories $2.29

Avocado Club Grilled Chicken

feel. The old wooden bookcases and interesting decorations harken back to the coffee shops of yesteryear, and give the shop a warm and inviting aesthetic. The shop’s location gives it the scenic backdrop of the ocean, adding to the tranquility.

The Catalina Coffee House has great coffee beverages, however it lacks the selection of a coffee shop such as the Coffee Cartel. Being a chain shop, the Catalina Coffee House is also less intimate of an experience, and lacks the sense of community that the Coffee Cartel has. The large selection of beverages and the peaceful atmosphere make the Catalina Coffee house a must-visit location for students and locals of Redondo. Catering to all kinds of coffee drinkers, the shop offers the comfortability of a larger chain coffee shop with the uniqueness of a local cafe.

>> A SMASHBURGER REVIEW by Nageena Hamraz

Chocolate Malt

Classic Smash

The thinness of the chicken is the best part about the the Avocado Club Grilled Chicken. Normally customers order a chicken sandwich that is one part bread and four part chicken, but this club allows for the multi-grain bun to have a presence as well. Topped with fresh avocado, applewoodsmoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, ranch dressing, and mayo, the combination of items made this club very flavorful.

A specialty drink served at Smashburger is the malt. The malts come in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Customers might order a malt at other places, but all they will get is an ordinary milkshake with a fancy title. However, Smashburger provides its customers with a rare drink that cannot be found everywhere because it actually tastes like a malt, not just a plain milkshake. These malts are put together with half a cup of milk, malt powder, and 9 oz. of Häagen-Dazs ice cream.

610 calories $5.99

Served on an egg bun, the Classic Smash comes with Smashburger’s very own smash sauce. This special sauce gives the Classic Smash a rather different taste than the other burgers. Unfortunately, the American cheese, smash sauce, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion are not enough for a completely satisfying burger.

The patty was not thick enough and even though there are many different toppings, there is a low quantity of each. This Classic Smash needs improvement.

840 calories $4.49

731 calories $5.29

10 HIGH TIDE . ENTERTAINMENT

Fresh Mex Veggie Black Bean

This black bean patty comes well stuffed with fresh avocado, cilantro, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, sour cream, and chipotle mayo on a telera roll with a touch of lime. The cilantro is very appealing because it is an unusual topping not normally put on a veggie burger. Although there is no meat to provide protein, the black bean patty sure does make a fine substitute.

640 calories $5.99 PHOTOS COURTESY OF SMASHBURGER

Resiliance

>> Sophomore Cindy Quimbayo battled Leukemia along with the struggles of living in a foster home and watching her biological parents go through a divorce.

by Stella Gianoukakis

When she opens her eyes, she finds herself surrounded by the four white walls of a hospital room. Her surroundings, however, are quite familiar. She has spent countless hours inside this hospital room fighting for her life.

Junior Cindy Quimbayo was diagnosed with Leukemia, at the age of 11 and again at the age of 14 .

“That day they first told me I had cancer, I was really shocked. I couldn’t really think because my mind went blank. I couldn’t say anything. I didn’t know what the disease was exactly, but I knew it was bad,” Quimbayo said.

Quimbayo’s parents first took her to the hospital because she was had severe back pains, drowsiness for the majority of the day, and loss of appetite.

When Quimbayo was first diagnosed, she received treatment immediately because she was a week away from dying, according to her doctors.

She spent a year in the hospital and due to the length of her illness and recovery time, Quimbayo was homeschooled for two years.

“I felt really angry about not going to school. It was really different and I had nothing to do. I didn’t make as many friends,” Quimbayo said.

While fighting cancer, she was being treated with chemotherapy and a medication called Prednisone, a steroid used to decrease some symptoms of cancer.

According to Quimbayo, the chemotherapy and the medicine would destroy everything in the body, both good and bad. It attacked her hip bones the most, destroying all of the ball and sockets in her hips.

“The doctors say it is a miracle I am still walking. It makes me sad because I cannot participate in sports because of my hips,” Quimbayo said, “I cannot separate my legs too much either so I can really only walk.”

life line Started chemotherapy

December 2007 Diagnosed with Leukimia at the age of 11

February 2008 Started home school for two years

and family, she was not happy living in the foster home.

A month later after her mom agreed to court rulings, she returned to her home.

Quimbayo continued to receive treatment and months later, a year after being diagnosed for the second time, she went into remission.

In order to strengthen her immune system and continue undergoing remission treatments, she was homeschooled for another year before returning to school.

Quimbayo is currently in remission and even though she is no longer battling cancer, she will have to undergo surgery for two hip replacements.

“I don’t feel normal. I wish that this had never happened to me,” Quimbayo said. “Seeing other people [being able to walk around and play sports] makes me want to cry.”

According to Quimbayo, most of her worries about the difficulties of overcoming cancer are over.

“I feel good that I don’t have to deal with being sick anymore and get poked [with needles] anymore,” Quimbayo said.

According to her older sister Catalina Cassity, Quimbayo has become an inspiration to others around her.

“Cindy has been very strong emotionally and physically.

Everything that happened was not easy and many kids her age would have not coped so well. She hasn’t had a normal childhood. But through it all she still manages to get back on her feet and move on with life,” Cassity said.

According to Quimbayo, she does her best to remain positive despite hardship.

“What kept me going is just saying to myself that people have it worse than me and that this is just a test in life.

It could have been worse for me, but thankfully it wasn’t,” Quimbayo said.

>> A timeline of the events in sophomore Cindy Quimbayo’s life after the day she first learned of her diagnosis.

April 2008 Dad moved to Colombia

January 2008

After completely recovering in the eighth grade, she was able to attend school again. The happiness, however, ended abruptly when her parents got a divorce and she was, again that summer, diagnosed with Leukemia for the second time.

“I noticed weird bruises on my body and I knew something was wrong. I felt really sad when I was diagnosed.

The second time around, I knew exactly what was going to happen and I didn’t want it to happen. I was almost starting high school and I didn’t want to miss out on anything,” Quimbayo said.

The second cycle of her cancer lasted a year, during which she was treated with a stronger type of chemotherapy and home schooled once again.

Despite still struggling with cancer at the time, she was taken to a foster home for a month. According to Quimbayo, the doctors had discussed that since her mom was working many hours and her dad was living in Colombia, she needed parents that were more apt to her needs.

“I wanted to get away from the family drama so I agreed.

I was kind of scared though because I didn’t know the people and I had heard stories about kids running away. It was better than I expected, but I still did not like it,” Quimbayo said.

Quimbayo’s best friend, Donna Ramirez, a senior at Mary Star of the Sea, tried to stay in contact with her while she was living in the foster home and throughout her experience with cancer.

“I’ve always tried to be there for her and be the best support system I could be. Whenever she told me how she was feeling about what she was going through, I’d feel helpless because I couldn’t change it for her even though really wanted to,” Ramirez said.

Even though Quimbayo stayed in touch with friends

July 2010 Second diagnosis Summer 2009 Remission

March 2008 Parents filed for divorce

September 2010 Attended PVIS for 8th grade

Dec 2010 Ended Chemotherapy

Dec 1st, 2010 Brother donated bone marrow

August 2012 Moved in with her brother

February 2011 Taken to a foster home for a month

January 2011 Remission

March 2011 Moved back in with her mother

September 2012 Started attending RUHS

11 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

A BALANCING ACT

by Angela Kim

B

y sixth period, the effects of sleep deprivation are obvious. Difficulty keeping awake and paying attention, she is representative of many students in the junior class, having spent yet another night staying up until three doing homework and studying. In addition to AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP US History, AP Spanish, and AP Language and Composition, soccer and tennis have become junior Czarina Goingco’s burden to bear this year.

“Taking five AP classes plus [participating in] a demanding sport is very tiring. It’s hard because it’s really difficult to manage all the work while going to practice,” Goingco said.

According to Goingco, who has been on the girls’ soccer team since freshman year and is on the girls’ tennis team this year, her schedule is more than just demanding; it negatively impacts her sleeping patterns.

“The worst part is just not getting any sleep. I get about three hours of sleep; sometimes I just fall asleep doing my homework,” Goingco said.

Goingco feels the effects of sleep deprivation on her body.

“I feel like because I’m lacking sleep, I’m not thinking well.

Body-wise, I sometimes can’t move my body as easily. I also get hurt way more than I usually do in soccer because I just don’t have the right amount of sleep and energy,” Goingco said.

According to Goingco, in addition to the lack of sleep, the stress that accompanies her course load has often made her emotional.

“Everything is more of a mental thing. Because of the stress, I get mental breakdowns and I start crying and all that,” Goingco said.

AROUND REDONDO PHOTOS BY CLAIRE TISIUS Quotes compiled by Ilana LaGraff

“

I. ORIGINAL LEARNING must take place. You have to learn the material before you can review it.

II. EARLY REVIEW is most efficient, most productive. Relearning is easier if it is done quickly. Don’t wait until it’s all gone.

III. Space initial early reviews to support original learning. Several brief periods spread over 5 or 10 days is usually enough to ensure good recall for intermediate review.

V. Final review is a REVIEW, not “cramming” of unlearned material. No new learning takes place except to draw together the final main currents of thought.

Be brief. Review entire semester’s work in 2-4 hours.

Outline and organize from memory. Don’t bother copying.

VI. Use SPACED REVIEW rather than MASSED PRACTICE. 60 minutes used in 3 groups of 20 minutes each is more effective than 60 minutes used all at the same time.

Break up learning period for any one subject

Review and strengthen previous learning

Increased motivation, better concentration

This work load keeps me aware; it keeps me on my toes. The amount of work tells me, ‘You need to be able to handle this kind of load if you want to become what you want to be.

— CZARINA GOINGCO, 11

”

Yet she is among the expanding myriad of students challenging themselves by enrolling into multiple advanced placement classes. According to Shannon Rodriguez from The Nest, with the growing emphasis on attending the most “elite” colleges, this seems to be the norm.

“Many of our AP students aspire to attend the very elite schools in this country and they know that they must demonstrate that they are capable of succeeding in the ‘most rigorous coursework available,’” Rodriguez said.

Because Goingco has experienced the negative side of taking five demanding courses in combination with a sport, she advises lowerclassmen to be careful in choosing their classes.

“It depends on who the person is, and everyone is different.

If you’re like me, someone who likes to participate in other nonacademic activities like sports, I think it’s best to keep your classes balanced. Don’t overload on AP

Is the stress of AP and honors courses in addition to playing a sport worth it?

12 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

HOW TO AVOID CRAMMING >> BASIC PRINCIPLES OF REVIEW

©Academic Skills Center, Dartmouth College 2001

FAVORITE PLACES TO STUDY >> PREFERENCES OF 150 STUDENTS POLLED

Home Desk

Library

ILLUSTRATION BY JOSEPH BIESCHKE

classes,” Goingco said.

Rodriguez agrees the student’s course load reflects the student’s individual abilities.

“Some students work themselves into exhaustion! Others, on the other hand, are quite capable of balancing an incredibly

difficult course load. It depends on the student, “ Rodriguez said.

Despite the hardships that come with taking these classes in tandem with competitively playing sports, Goingco does not regret it. According to Goingco, whose dream job is to be a pedia-

they are worth all the trouble because “IAPthink classes save a lot of money in the long run.

I’ve saved 21 credits. That’s half a year of college.

— JONATHAN AZALI, 12

”

trician, the course load is something she must adapt to.

“I have to say that going through this year and taking all these classes prepared me and made me aware of how it’s going to be when I do study [medicine] and try to be a pe-

diatrician. I’ve always been told I’d have to study a lot and take many exams to be a doctor,” Goingco said.

According to Goingco, who admits her course load was too overwhelming and even led to lower grades, she will continue

because you need your eight hours of sleep “ No, so that you don’t struggle during school, and you wouldn’t be able to do that with all these extra things going on.

— HAYLEY CASTRILLON, 10

”

pursuing her dreams.

This work load keeps me aware; it keeps me on my toes.

The amount of work tells me, ‘You need to be able to handle this kind of load if you want to become what you want to be,” she said.

to be a dancer in the future, and so “ Imywant extracurricular dance clubs are totally worth it and very important to me.

— WARREN LOPEZ, 9

”

48%

8%

Coffee Shop

Bed

10%

34%

Photos by Vitoria Magno

and sports are totally worth it. Now, I “ APs don’t have to take certain classes in college, and I love to play volleyball and stay in shape.

— ARRION VIVAS, 12

” 13 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

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Creative clothing. 1. Juniors Emma Dimaggio and Bennett Perrault support each other’s unique taste in fashion. 2. Dimaggio wears polka-dot overalls and lace-up high top shoes. 3. Dimaggio embraces the East by wearing a Hindu-influenced shirt and a bindi, the Hindu dot worn on her forehead.

4. Dimaggio expresses herself with her yin-yang leggings and simple necklace. 5. Dimaggio wears a headband of flowers and polka-dot shorts, along with black platform shoes.

1.

3.

by Karissa Taylor

Heads glance towards her as she walks down main hall and then quickly turn away, trying to go unnoticed. She continues to walk through the crowd. This is just an everyday reaction to her unique style.

Sophomore Emma Dimaggio struggles to express herself freely through her eccentric clothing style and her nontraditional interests while continuously facing judgement from family and friends.

“It’s not uncommon for people to come up and ask me what I’m wearing or why I’m wearing it,” Dimaggio said.

Dimaggio’s clothing ranges from skater style to platform shoes to a traditional Indian bindi, a type of jewel, on her forehead.

14 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

“I feel like I have a lot more freedom to dress as I like without having to worry about certain limitations. It really widens my range of options in the morning,” Dimaggio said.

Dimaggio started to change her appearance when she began her freshman year, but as time went on, fashion became a part of her personality.

“I always had the idea that I would change into this totally different person during high school, so I sort of stressed change on myself,” Dimaggio said. “At first I was just straining to be different, but it came to the point where I didn’t care anymore, and I just really started to enjoy the fun of it.”

Dimaggio’s biggest supporter is her boyfriend, junior Bennett Perrault. According

to Dimaggio, he enjoys having a girlfriend that dresses differently, and he believes she is a “real girl” and not just a cut out copy of anyone else.

“I think her style is super groovy and it’s way better than shopping at the mall like most other girls,” Perrault said.

Despite Perrault’s support, many times Dimaggio feels judged for her unique look by her friends and family.

One such occasion Dimaggio recalls was last summer when her grandparents blamed Dimaggio’s mother for raising her as a “hooligan” because she dyed her hair pink.

On many occasions, her father and her sister try to convince her to dress less eccentrically.

“It really puts down my self confidence and it comes to the point where [some clothes] now just sit in my closet collecting dust,” Dimaggio said.

Despite her family’s attempt to change her style and the constant looks of judgment she encounters at school, Dimaggio continues to express herself through her clothing and interests.

“How I dress is one of the first things a stranger will notice when they first meet me, and I don’t want anyone’s first impression of me to be ‘predictable’ or ‘stereotypical,” Dimaggio said. “I continue to have a unique style because it has become a part of who I’m perceived as and, overall, I just really enjoy it.

Lynch, Nazif learn from special needs family members

by Yasmeen El-Hasan & Stella Gianoukakis

“

[Majeed has] impacted my life immensely. Something about being around him and working with him has helped me to become a better and more understanding person. Without him, I’d probably be a completely different person.

“

– KHATIRAH NAZIF, 12

1.

PHOTO BY VITORIA MAGNO

Lessons they Learned

Friendship circle members reflect on helping kids with special needs.

“ Labor of love. 1. Khatirah helps her cousin after school. 2.

Lynch and her brother spend time together at the beach.

Being around special needs kids so often has changed Khatirah’s outlook on life.

“They’ve made me a nicer person, and I don’t discriminate. I’m not judgemental, and I’m open to everyone. It’s turned me into a friendlier and better person overall,” Khatirah said.

Khatirah has been so inspired by the kids she has been around that she is considering going into fields where she can help and explore the minds of special needs children as a psychologist or teacher.

“Since I’m around special needs kids all the time, I’m curious of what goes on in their mind. I love to help and work with kids,” Khatirah said.

Because of her brother’s condition, Lynch has learned not to judge people.

“It has changed me tremendously that Sean has FXS because it taught me at an early age to not judge anybody until you know them,” Lynch said.

Majeed’s unique personality has shaped and influenced Perwana’s outlook on life.

“Once, I asked him what he would do if he were king of the world. He told me that he would make everyone happy.

It showed me how simple life can be, yet how complicated we make it,” Perwana said.

“

Working with special needs kids is amazing. I never thought that it would be so rewarding. It’s so cool and you never know how amazing they are until you work with them. I love working with them and they are good friends.

– KAITLIN JOHNSON, 11

“

Working with special needs kids has changed my life. I realize how lucky I am and am more appreciative of the simple things that come easier to me than to the kids.

– NAVEA DASZ, 12

“

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY LYNCH

“

2.

Working with special needs kids has taught me so much. They teach me the values of life and morals. Special needs kids are amazing, but no one knows how awesome they are until they have worked with them.

– DANIEL MCKEOWN, 9

“

Both girls watch their loved ones struggle time after time.

It breaks their heart that they do not know how to help.

Even though they come from different families, they experience similar difficulties.

Senior Emily Lynch’s brother, 19-year old Sean Lynch, has Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common form of inherited mental retardation in males.

Because of FXS, Sean has difficulty with learning, speaking, reading and writing.

“It has always been a struggle for Sean in school so I’ve always helped him with homework and stuff,” Emily said.

Despite his disorder, however, he has a fun-loving personality and acts just like any other 19-year old.

“Sean is a constant chatter box and is always cracking jokes. He loves to make people laugh. He is a happy person and has always been so he always acts happy and joyful around others,” Lynch said. “Living with Sean is just like living with any brother or sister: annoying at times, but he’s still family and he always makes us laugh.”

Senior Khatirah Nazif ’s thirteen-year-old cousin Majeeed Nazif has autism, a disorder that affects the brain’s development of social and communication skills.

Majeed, like other autistic children, behaves differently from a typical child his age.

“He doesn’t communicate well. He’s very sensitive of small things and loud noises, and doesn’t play with other kids,” Khatirah said.

Despite being antisocial, Majeed is able to carry a full conversation but chooses not to. Majeed is also “very independent.”

“He has a harder time than most people establishing social relationships and doing daily tasks and to see him succeed or simply try doing these things is just so–for lack of a better term–inspiring,” Majeed’s older sister, Perwana Nazif, said.

Watching Majeed deal with the challenges of autism has influenced both Khatirah and Perwana to help special needs kids.

Khatirah joined Friendship Circle last year and volunteers most of her summers as a counselor at Camp Escapades, a three-week camp where she is assigned a special needs child to spend time with.

“I play with them, and we grow a really close bond. I absolutely love helping them,” Khatirah said.

compiled by Tricia Light

15 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

the

Between hosting birthday parties, assisting children in labs, and helping faculty conduct experiments, Experium Science Academy gives juniors Sabrina Chin and Jessica Horoschak an opportunity they can’t pass up.

As interns, Chin and Horoschak are able to explore a future career in science while they work.

“Experium has given me this huge opportunity to work in a real lab, but also teach and learn at the same time,” Chin said. “Working

by Laura Smith here has made me more confident in wanting to pursue science as a future career.”

Experium Science Academy, located in Torrance, offers a variety of science courses for students ranging from kindergarten through 10th grade. Chin works as a Lab Technician Supervisor and Horoschak works as a Marketing Supervisor. They assist in teaching labs to students, promoting Experium to many families, planning field trips for schools, and hosting birthdays on the weekends.

“I enjoy hosting birthday parties because you’re helping a child celebrate their big day with a day full of science,” Chin said. “I love working there and I enjoy every single part of my job.”

At Experium, the girls are able to conduct their own research and instill a stronger passion for science.

“It lets me further pursue my interest in medical science and allows me to instruct children and work better with others,” Horoschak said. “I love working with little kids and helping them find that science is so interesting.”

Chin feels that Experium is the right place for her to start her journey in science.

“I’m very dedicated and passionate about science, and working at the Experium allows me to explore a future career and solve any uncertainties I have in the area. ” she said.

Chin finds the job helpful in her AP Chem class as well, especially because of the hands-on labs.

“If I don’t understand something at school, I can always ask one of the teachers at Experium,” Chin said. “I enjoy AP Chem at school because I get to learn science more in depth, but at work I am able to do my own independent research and learn visually.”

To Chin, Experium has much more to offer her than the science classes offered at RUHS. “School is for learning from a book and taking notes, but Experium is for doing lab work and science with a hands-on approach,” she said.

Working at the science academy has become less of a job and more of a hobby for the two.

“My favorite part is the great atmosphere,” Horoschak said. “The staff and other Lab Techs are great and we all work together in a warm, friendly environment that makes my job really fun.”

Horoschak also feels that this science academy is filled with experiences that can’t be found in a basic school classroom.

“Working at Experium provides me with new science techniques and as a facility where I can conduct my own research while working well with others,” she said.

The overall atmosphere and faculty have created an enjoyable experience for Chin and Horoschak with their support and knowledge.

“The teachers are so supportive and are excited for me to go to college to pursue what I love because I’m so dedicated in the lab.” Chin said.

For both Chin and Horoschak, Experium Science Academy has become a second home.

“I spend a lot of my time on the track and in school, but when I’m not at Redondo, I’m at Experium,” Chin said. “Experium is a big part of my life now.”

EXPERIUM experience

>> Juniors Jessica Horoschak and Sabrina Chin pursue their passions for science through lab internships.

2.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SABRINA CHIN AND JESSICA HOROSCHAK

1.

16 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

Shark bait. 1&3. Juniors Jessica Horoschak and Sabrina Chin hold up sharks that they dissected during a lab at Experium. 2. Among other things, the girls are working on their lab techniques and precision while performing experiments.

3.

Game on

>>Sophomore Mitchell Winn is currently programming his own Role Play Game.

by Jason Rochlin

A 2008 Pew survey says 97 percent of children play video games. Sophomore Mitchell Winn, however, has taken this interest to a whole new level by designing and programming his own.

Winn’s Role Play Game, or RPG, is called Familiar Story.

“I drew a lot of inspiration from old Japanese RPG’s like Final Fantasy,” Winn said.

His game revolves around “Familiars,” an animalistic race that intellectually matches humans.

“Familiars are primarily the antagonists, as they threaten human society,” Winn said. “The point of the game will essentially be to slay x-number of generals, halting the familiar threat.”

Familiar Story is being programmed for the PC, but Winn feels his repertoire of platforms to design for could expand in the future.

“I would really like to make a full career out of this,” Winn said. “But for now I’ll probably be starting with PC games.”

His mother Diana Winn has watched her son’s love of video games grow from a young age.

“Mitchell was interested in computers and games when he was as young as three or four,” Mrs. Winn said. “I could see him doing something in computer programming as a job.”

To design his game, Winn is using a variety of programs, such as RPG Maker VX and RGSS2 for the scripting.

“I’ve used the program series since sixth grade, so I have a lot of experience with it,” he said. “Most users would find it confusing at first, and it does actually take more skill than one might think to make an acceptable game.”

According to Winn, knowing one’s audience and genre before starting is critical to selecting the tools necessary to design the game.

“There are specific genre programs out there depending on what genre you are hoping to program for on the internet,” he said.

Mrs. Winn doesn’t know much about video game programming, but she admires her son’s passion for the craft.

“I don’t offer advice because I know nothing about it, but I like seeing what he creates,” she said.

With five years of experience under his belt, Winn has the following advice for anyone interested in programming.

“Make sure your game is as professional as possible, [uses] correct grammar, and has a well-developed plot. It

>> CLUB PROFILE

unicef

by Shawn Mallen

Everybody in RUHS’s UNICEF works together in unison to support a cause that they believe in.

“We all are willing to participate in any opportunity to give back. Everyone jump[s] on every opportunity they can to raise money for charity, “co-president Erin Czulewicz said.

UNICEF works in conjunction with other charitable clubs to try to make a difference in the world.

“The members are really into helping others. We work with different clubs to help out in any way we can. UNICEF just gives us the chance to aid other people in a way

IMAGE COURTESY OF MITCHELL WINN

Adventure time. Winn’s game incorporates aspects of traditional RPGs with fighting. The characters must defeat mobs of enemies in order to complete the game.

is very important to develop an aesthetic when making a game, meaning all the graphics fit well with each other and are pleasing to the eye,” he said.

Winn’s passion has helped him continue to have fun

while creating his own world.

“It’s fun to do, but it can become tiring especially when you are the person who is working on almost every aspect of the game,” he said.

we couldn’t before,” Czulewicz said. “It feels good to know that I have tried to help out and other people have come on board with me.”

Although the club’s cause is fairly new to them, they have been able to aid in organizing two events to aid people in need so far. They worked with the People to People club to organize a canned food and toy drive for people in need. In addition, they have worked with three other clubs to hold a talent show supporting their respective charities.

Co-president Jaelin Kelly initially joined UNICEF because her sister was the previous president. The club has changed a lot since her sister left it behind.

“I originally wanted to help starving kids in America, but most of our members wanted to make an impact on a global scale,” Kelly said. “However, most of our members decided that they wanted to make it broader to help kids around the

world. We’ve went with that ever since.”

The club’s time together has brought them closer, according to Kelly. Their work together unites them while supporting a positive cause.

“Everybody in UNICEF club is really helpful and nice. When they are all willing to help out, it feels pretty swell,” Kelly said. “We’re like a family.”

The club hopes to accomplish bigger and better things as it grows. Kelly and Czulewicz feel that their experiences so far have allowed them to grow as people; that is what they hope to provide to their members that join.

“In UNICEF club, you make a lot of new friends. We plan events and have a good time after we accomplish something,” Kelly said. “The club is a great way to help people and improve the lives of the unfortunate while having a fun experience.”

17 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

A change for the better >> Senior Alec Gilespe raised his GPA from 0.1 to 3.25

by Rachel Orford

PHOTO BY CLAIRE TISIUS

Future scientist. Senior Aaron Farekian helps his Physics teacher Mr. Keye come up with expiraments. Mr. Keye and Aaron test out a paper roller coaster.

Defying senioritis

by Kolbie Brightwell

For senior Aaron Farekian physics has become one of his favorite classes and has kept him motivated and awak from senioritis. He is intrigued by opportunity to discover the unknown aspects of the world.

Farekian’s interest in physics started during his sophomore year while taking Chemistry.

“I wanted to learn more about physics and on the internet I stumbled upon articles on subatomic particles then some on chemical reactions.These particles that made up everything in our universe was entirely fascinating to me,” Farekian said.

One of Farekian’s favorite aspects of physics is physics at the quantum level.

“The laws that govern the particles and how they are constant throughout our known universe is amazing and I would love to know more, but to get there I have to take elementary physics,” Farekian said.

As most seniors seem to be suffering from

>> Senior Aaron Farekian continues to work hard in physics.

‘Senioritis,’ Farekian is fighting it. He also has been helping his Physics teacher, Mr. Keye, with various experiments that he can use in class.

“I wouldn’t say that I have the opposite of senioritis, but I also wouldn’t say that I’m completely free of it either. There are definitely times when I don’t want to do my work,” Farekian said, “At this point in my life I’ve come to the conclusion that sometimes there is work that isn’t necessary and others that are. If the work isn’t worth my time, I’m not going to do it and I could see how some might mistake this for being lazy or senioritis.”

Farekian regrets not taking AP Physics this year, but is planning to go to college as a chemistry transfer from El Camino for Forensic Science, then transfer to Oregon State for their highly rated Forensic Science department.

“I have known for a while that I like physics, but I’d never had any direct experience with it before this year,” Farekian said, “and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.”

Back to School Rally

Almost there 3

f o s

1 20

A look back on senior year thus far, from the first day of school to last week’s Prom Expo. There are only 57 days until graduation.

s

Cla

18 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

Coming from a 0.1 GPA freshman year to a 3.25 GPA senior year, Alec Gilespe has changed his life around for the better. Gilespe was going down the wrong path and was able to catch himself and turn his life around.

Gilespe’s troubles came from a difficult family life and he got stuck in a rut.

“It was like I was in cruise-control,” Gilespe said.

Freshman year Gilespe found himself ditching and going down the wrong road. Since Gilespe went to a private school, he was overwhelmed when he came to Redondo Union his freshman year.

“I could not handle coming from private school to public school,” Gilespe said.

Gilespe had a lot of catching up to do by sophomore year. He had to make up all of his credits from freshman year, while simultaneously taking the courses necessary to pass sophomore year.

“I had to stay at shores by junior year because I still did not have enough credits,” he said.

Even in Gilespe’s junior year, he found it difficult to avoid the drugs and alcohol that surrounded him on a daily basis. However Gilespe saw “people destroying themselves” and he realized that’s not the person he wanted to be.

Nowadays Gilespe finds himself staying active to keep him on the strait and narrow.

“I go to the beach and body-board and I really love to create my own mu-

Senior BBQ

sic,” Gilespe said.

When Gilespe reflects on his high school experience he realizes how overrated partying is.

“I realized that I have the rest of my life to party,” Gilespe said, “Kids think that they have to live for the moment but they forget that they have a future.”

Gilespe did not care about the consequences of his actions freshman and sophomore year. He was content with ditching, partying, and failing school.

“I put my academics on the backburner in order to have a social-life,” Gilespe said.

Gilespe still deals with being surrounded by drugs and alcohol but tries to take the high road by staying away from it.

“I look at my old friends who are still doing the same thing and I realized I am better off without that stuff,” he said.

It was one day when Gilespe was sitting in class that he had his revelation that this was not his character. He knew he was capable of more than he was putting out.

“I want to succeed in ways people thought I could not,” said Gilespe.

Gilespe wants to utilize his artistic side by one day possibly going to an art or music school. He already has ambitions of starting a clothing line with a couple of his close friends.

Gilespe advises people that are in the same place as he was to take a look at the road they’re going down and open their eyes, otherwise they’ll end up going down the wrong road.

College life

by Kira Bowen

Most Seniors with senioritis dream of graduating as soon as possible. For early graduate Leanna Lincoln, this dream turned into reality.

After graduating ahead of her class, Leanna Lincoln decided to attend Cottey College, an all-women’s college in Missouri, because of her desire to escape high school and live college life.

“I realized last year that I was only going to school some days because I had rehearsal afterwards,” Lincoln said. “I just got bored.”

Lincoln wanted to spend as little time in high school as possible so she took classes at Redondo Shores in order to get her high school diploma in January.

“High school is very limited,” Lincoln said “I was required to be at school for more time than I needed to be, cutting out of time I could have used to do something more useful. “ Lincoln can better use her time both in and out of class as a college student. She is more

>> Senior Leanna Lincoln graduated early to attend Cottey College, an all-girls school in Missouri.

productive because of the smaller class sizes, some being as small as seven students.

Along with the better quality of education, Lincoln also enjoys the freedom and independence that come with college life.

“The freedom’s nice. Adults aren’t following me around telling me to get to class and the only bell here is the one in the chapel that chimes every half hour,” Lincoln said. “I have more time during the day to go read in the library or work with the soundboard in the theater.”

After being an active member of RUHS drama program, Lincoln misses the theatrical opportunities she once had. “ T h e theater program here [does not have] what I need to i m p r ove ,” Lincoln said. “Here, the professors are old-

2.

1.

Man, I love college. 1. Lincoln sits on the Cottey College sign in front of the administration building. She left RUHS in January to begin school immediatly. 2.Peo Hall a dorm across the street from LIncoln’s. 3.The front of LIncoln’s hall.

er and have more problems getting out and doing things.

The students here aren’t held to the same standards as they are at RUHS and so the program can’t really attract the caliber of students that the program needs to improve.”

Though its theater program might not be the best, Lincoln chose to attend Cottey College because it is owned by a women’s philanthropic organization that her mother is part of and she received a $14,000 scholarship.

Cottey is a private two year college, but because it is an all women’s college Lincoln believes has its setbacks and benefits.

“I don’t think I could do a four-year program at a women’s college because guys are a rather important part of theater,” said Lincoln “An only women [college] is fine. It can actually be rather fun because we can do silly things and there aren’t any guys around that we can imagine are judging us.”

Lincoln was able to graduate early by getting all of her A-G requirements by January and had the full support from her parents.

“My parents were perfectly fine with it; they even helped me. My mom was a dancer when she was younger and she graduated early,” she said.

So far, Lincoln enjoys her new path of education and would not have had it any other way.

“I definitely don’t regret graduating early,” Lincoln said “Now I am free to do what I want on my own time.”

3.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEANNA LINCOLN

Homecoming Parade

Battle of the Sexes Rally

Prom Expo

19 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

Baseball beats Palos Verdes 2-1

by Jené Price

With an RBI in the fifth inning, the boys’ baseball team got the win against Palos Verdes with a score of 2-1.

“When we won I felt relieved and accomplished. We swept them last year and it made me excited for our next game know-

>> In a close seven-inning game, the baseball team managed to pull out a win by scoring on an RBI, or run base in, which is a point earned by a player who was already on base.

ing we beat them at their house and now they are coming to our house,” senior Josh Rottweiler said.

Going into the game the team had high expectations for themselves and wanted to come out with a win.

“My expectations were to go out and

PHOTO BYJENNY OETZELL

Whip it. Junior Harrison Faecher passes the ball in order to start the offense in a game against Culver City.

LAX beats Beverly Hills

by Micah Ezzes

The boys’ lacrosse team beat Beverly Hills 8-5 on Wednesday.

Junior Will Moses is proud of the way that the team was able to shake off the previous two losses and get the win.

“It felt great to finally get a clean win,” he said.

According to sophomore Josh Williamson, there are a few people to credit for the win.

“The best part of our game was our offense,” Williamson said. “Harrison Faecher had six goals, and played great defense to help keep the team together.”

After this game, RUHS clinched a CIF playoff spot but is still in the race for Bay League. With two games remaining, the team is both “motivated” and “capable of winning their last few games.”

“If we play our [last games] well and come out with a win, we should go farther than we ever have before,” he said.

PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

Pitcher power. Senior Josh Rottweiler pitches in the game at Palos Verdes on Wednesday.

Boys’ tennis beats West 13-5

Spring Records Boys’ Volleyball

by Lindsey Pannor

15-7 7-5 8-9

Boys’ Lacrosse Softball 10-10-1 Baseball 5-5 Boys’ Golf Girls’ Lacrosse 14-2-1 PHOTO BY PETER TRAN

Boys’ Tennis 20 HIGH TIDE . SPORTS

14-3

compete. I felt if we brought a competitive attitude we would get the result we were looking for,” coach Jeff Baumback said.

The game was tied 1-1 until the fifth inning when Redondo got an RBI and the team finished the game off. The boys were able to play good defense and, according to Rottweiler, keep PV from scoring.

“Our pitching did really good and we threw a lot of strikes and got productive ground ball and fly ball outs,” senior Jacob Waggoner said.

The team started off with low energy but was able to pick it up towards the end of the game.

“Our energy was a little down at the start but once we took the lead we were in it and pumped up,” Waggoner said.

According to coach Baumback, the team has been working hard at practice, getting better and better throughout the season.

The team goes to games to compete and doesn’t worry about who they are playing.

“In baseball it really doesn’t matter who is in the other dugout,” Baumback said. “We believe if we go out and execute what we are trying to do, we will have success.”

Going into the next game the team is confident after beating PV already and sweeping Leuzinger twice.

“I anticipate a very hard-fought game tomorrow. Palos Verdes is a very proud program and their players will come over here with a chip on their shoulder and a burning desire to beat us,” Baumback said. “I expect our guys compete and compete to win.”

The boys have been playing hard all season and they are now one step closer to accomplishing their goal.

“We want to win Bay League and having swept Leuzinger and beat PV once, winning will be one step closer to our goal.”

Fresh forehand. Freshman Pablo Trevino hits a forehand in the match at West.

“We had to get used to the wind, but we managed to fight through,” Trevino said.

Despite “wind like a hurricane”, the boys’ tennis team best West Torrance 13-5 this Tuesday.

Even though the team was able to, according to coach Jessica Seibert, “pull off a good win,” the boys were faced with many challenges this match including the “horrendous” wind and the absence of a top player, junior Kyle Rosenberg, for the first two rounds.

“Everyone was affected by the wind today,” senior Derek Levchenko said. “I’ve learned how to withstand it much better since I was a freshman.”

Although both teams were affected, according to freshman Pablo Trevino, the RUHS boys had the overall advantage.

“Even though it was hard for both

teams to play [well] due to the wind, some of our players are also tournament players, so we’re used to it,” Trevino said.

West, according to Levchenko, was easier to defeat this year than last due to a few various factors.

“They were a much better team last year than this year, and since our team became stronger, we did not have too much trouble with them,” Levchenko said.

Seibert agrees that West’s team is a bit weaker due to their inexperience, and that Redondo has some significant advantages over the team.

“West, overall, is less experienced. Our guys have more tournament experience and have taken more lessons,” Seibert said. “Our volleys are stronger as well and our serves more consistent; that combination really helps us.”

Catch of the day >> Athlete of the issue senior Samantha Ruiz brings not only strong leadership skills and quick reflexes but also a sense of humor and fun to the softball team.

by Haris Khan

As she steps onto the field, senior Samantha Ruiz mentally prepares herself for the task at hand: catching softballs moving at up to 65 miles per hour.

According to Ruiz, softball has taught her many life skills that have helped her grow as a team player.

“Softball has made me more confident by teaching me to just do it,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz’s biggest inspiration was her old coach, Holly Jackson, who helped her to gain more confidence.

“She could see I wasn’t achieving my full potential.

She would tell me stories or be really hard on me or pull me out of a game for error,” Ruiz said.

One of the biggest lessons Ruiz learned from her coach, however, was to be confident and push for goals.

“I feel she made me a better person [in that] I can talk to a lot of different people and not be shy,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz’s current coach, Jennifer Dessert, also noticed her growth and maturity.

“Samantha has an excellent knowledge of the game.

She is great at giving her teammates tips after a tough play in a positive way,” Dessert said.

Dessert also loves Ruiz’s “great sense of humor” and “fun side.”

“As a senior, she has really helped the freshmen feel welcome and her demeanor has made a positive im-

pact on the team,” Dessert said.

To Ruiz, softball has proved more of a mental game than anything else.

“It’s somewhat of a mind game; you’ll mess up if you psych yourself out,” Ruiz said.

Junior Katrina Cohen has known Ruiz for a while now and has witnessed her skills and confidence grow.

“She’s grown into a great catcher; her arm has gotten so strong and would get those outs on a steal,” Cohen said.

In addition, Cohen likes how Ruiz presents herself to her teammates.

“I feel like we look up to her to speak for us,” Cohen said. “She’s really good at that and seems to know what to say. She’s always up PHOTO BY DIANA

Track earns Bay League title

by Natalie Hardiman

The girls’ track team beat Mira Costa last Tuesday 91-45 and became Bay League Champions, while the boys’ team lost 99-37.

“I think everyone stepped up since we have a strong rivalry against Mira Costa,” captain Cara Ulizio said.

Ulizio won the mile and came in third for both the 800 and 3200, helping the girls’ team win the Bay League title for the fourth year in a row.

“I think that winning for the past four years was really special and exciting to be able to accomplish,” Ulizio said.

Coach Bob Leetch thinks the girls performed well, as he expected.

“We knew the race would be one-sided but it was still huge for us to win by that wide of a margin. To be able to put 91 points on Costa, that is a pretty overwhelming win,” he said.

In addition to winning the mile, the girls’ team won the 4x100, the 200, the 100, the 3200, the 4x400, and the 800.

“This is an amazing girls’ varsity team. Some of these girls are just in a whole different caliber than this league is used to,” Leetch said. “They’re really running at a national caliber right now. The only hard part is to try to get them really motivated to come out to dual meets and compete at that level, since they’re used to more

heightened environments.”

Leetch also believes that the boys’ team performed well, considering the competition.

“I think the varsity boys did fine. We knew that Mira Costa was going to be pretty tough to beat and they were just stronger than us in the field events,” he said, “We were hoping for a little bit better, but that is alright, since at this point in this season, we are looking for the individual performances.”

Although the boys lost, Leetch thinks that the top varsity boys are peaking at the right time and will perform well individually at CIF, along with the girls.

“I expect Cara Ulizio, Kayla Ferron, Amber Gore, Anevay Heihle, and the girls’ 4x4 have a shot to be CIF champions and go all the way to state,” he said. “On the boys’ side, we should have a nice group get into state, but I suspect Evan Malone-White and Dustin Herold will be the ones to make the run to state.”

Ulizio believes that a lot of the girls and boys will advance to CIF this year.

“I think CIF will be exciting. We should get a lot of Redondo representation and a lot of people are planning to go far and make it to the state meet,” she said.

“Also, the girls and possibly the boys want to go to the New Balance Nationals for some of our relays.”

Varsity will running both today and tomorrow at the Mount Sac Relays and tomorrow at the South Bay Championships.

PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

Dynamic duo. Sophomore Amber Gore and senior Kayla Ferron run against Mira Costa in the track meet on Tuesday.

21 HIGH TIDE . SPORTS

Stretched to the

wire

After continuing into overtime during their game yesterday, boys’ volleyball lost to Palos Verdes. lacked the connection when things weren’t going our way,” Williamson said. “Now, we have great ‘next play focus’ and do a great job to pick up our brothers when they aren’t playing their best.”

Junior Vincent Pizzuti believes everything they did at practice showed during the match; they just need to work on some things.

“We definitely brought the fire for today’s match, everything we worked on in practice turned out to benefit us in today’s game,” Pizzuti said. “To prepare for Costa, we’re going to need to work hard every day in practice leading to the match on Thursday. Our blocking, defense, and attacking are solid, but we need to work on ball control and out of system plays.”

Pizzuti also believes that the team has greatly improved their overall camaraderie and chemistry with each other.

“Our defense has improved so much from the start and our tempo with our sets has gotten so much better,” Pizzuti said.

Williamson believes the team will do very well against Mira Costa next Thursday.

“We are really pumped for Costa,” Williamson said.

“We have been playing great volleyball lately and improving a lot. I think our chances are very good right now.”

by Cole Stecyk

Photo by mitchell yonemura

Smack down. Junior Lewis Richards spikes the ball against Palos Verdes during their match yesterday. After being pushed into a fifth game, the team lost21-25, 25-20, 24-26, 24-26, 9-15.

As the match for the boys’ volleyball team went into the fifth match, the crowd rose and cheered as the game came down to the wire against Palos Verdes yesterday.

Eventually, they were overcome, losing to PV 21-25, 25-20, 24-26, 24-26, 9-15.

Senior Nick Williamson believes that the boys needed more effort, team, awareness (ETA) in order to pull through in the final match.

“I think that we played very well today. Each game we sort of started flat and we were trying to catch up most of the game and that came back to hurt us later on. Had we started with more fire and ETA from the start of every game, who knows what could have happened,” Williamson said. “To beat really any team in general, we need to maintain fire and energy throughout the entire match. The most important thing while playing as a team is to have great effort, team, awareness throughout the entire match. When your teammate misses a pass, it is your job to let them know that they will get the next ball.”

Williamson also believes the team has improved very strongly from day one.

“I think our chemistry has improved all season. We always had the pieces to a great team, but sometimes we

Girls’ lacrosse levels Beverly Hills

by Anna Fauver

The girls’ lacrosse team continued their winning streak with a 15-9 win against Beverly Hills in Wednesday’s home game.

According to senior Allie Kobel, the team did well and worked as a team.

“I feel we played very well,” she said. “We were able to run all of our plays and really work on working the ball around as well as racking up assists.”

Kobel thinks that the team went into the game believing that they could play their best.

“We were pretty confident in our playing capability but anything can happen, so we definitely did not go [into the game] expecting to win, but hoping to go out and show Beverly how we play our game,” she said.

However, the girls played better and won by more than senior Heather Czech expected.

“I think a lot of people were thinking we would win by more, but personally we did better than I expected,” she said. “Beverly only lost by two points to both Mira Costa and Peninsula, so I expected it to be closer than it was.”

This win got the team one step closer to CIF. In order to

22 HIGH TIDE . SPORTS

move on, the girls have to beat Mira Costa, Palos Verdes, and Downey.

“We should win our game against Downy,” Czech said.

“Then we have Mira Costa and PV and those will be two really tough games that we have to take one at a time.”

According to Czech, the girls need to work hard and play just as well as they did today in order to win those games.

“I think our attack should just play the way they did tonight, and keep an eye on [the other team’s] best players and work on communication,” she said. “I’m hoping we all practice really hard tomorrow because that’s our only practice before we play the next games.”

The girls’ next game is on Friday, March 19 against Downey at home.

2.

Photos by Jenny oetzell

1.

Face dodge. 1. Sophomore Maddie Farmer dodges past Downey players during their game last month. They won 14-0.

2. Sophomore Kayla Maanum dodges to the goal.

Softball shuts out Leuzinger

by Caitlin Cochran

The softball team beat Leuzinger 22-0 on Wednesday.

Because RUHS had a 2-0 record in League and Leuzinger had an 0-2 record, the girls were prepared to win.

“We felt really confident in playing Leuzinger and we were sure it would be a great game,” sophomore Morgan Moczygemba said.

The girls are very satisfied with the game and the way they performed, according to sophomore Brigid Antonelli.

“We felt very confident going into the game,” Antonelli said. “We hit well and our pitching was great, so we were very happy about how the game went.”

Although the players are happy about this win, they

understand that they need to stay focused for their game against Mira Costa tonight, as they are tied for first in Bay League.

“I’m very satisfied with the result of the game but I know we need to step our game up if we want to beat Mira Costa tonight,” Moczygemba said.

Mira Costa’s record is 3-0, which means they are tied with RUHS and that this game will determine which team is first in Bay League.

“This will be our toughest game because we are tied for first so this will be a good test for us,” sophomore Bre Miski-

men said.

In order to get this win, the team will have to come out strong, according to Miskimen.

“I know we will win if we come out with our tough defense and our big bats,” Miskimen said.

Although they are aware of how tough the game tonight will be, the team is ready to win.

“We are really excited going into the game against Mira Costa. We feel like it is going to be a good match and believe we will have good results, if we go in and play our game that we know how to play,” Moczygemba said.

Photos By tyler eisenhart

1.

Curve ball. 1. Sophomore Haley Reed pitches during the Softball team’s game against Leuzinger on Wednesday. They won the game 22-0. 2. Junior Gabrielle DeLaVega bats during the game.

2.

Swim evenly matched

by Romy Moreno

Boys’ swim fulfilled their goal of beating Mira Costa with a final score of 81-70, but the girls were unable to come out on top, finishing with a score of 116-52.

“We wanted to work our hearts out and play the best we possibly could since this meet was against our rivals and went into the meet just wanting to have fun,” senior Nick Johnson said.

Junior Bridgette Schneider also had high expectations for yesterday’s meet.

“It’s always fun to race against our rivals, but it just makes us want to win that much more,” Schneider said.

Even though the swimmers try to only focus on their own personal times, the girls still felt that this loss against Mira Costa was tough to handle.

“We always try to mainly focus on our own times and set a P.R. (personal record), but the worst team to lose to is always Costa and, unfortunately, that happened today,” Sabrina Endicott said. “But we are still extremely proud and excited for the boys for getting the win against our rivals.”

Sophomore Elle Inscore also had similar thoughts.

“The girls tried the best they could but we were still unable to defeat our rivals, but the boys did ‘swimmingly,’” Inscore said.

Johnson was also highly ecstatic about the win.

“Going into the meet we did not necessarily expect the win, but we ended up winning and that makes us all

extremely excited and happy,” Johnson said.

According to the swimmers, they do not want this meet to determine how they do in their meet next Thursday against Torrance, but they are hoping to get good results.

“We are not too concerned about our upcoming meet against Torrance since they are not in our league, but we still want to try and do our best, especially with CIF coming up,” Johnson said.

Photo by matt mardesich

Rejected. Freshman Sabrina Endicott swims during the meet yesterday against Costa. While the boys won 81-70, the girls lost 116-52.

Boys’ Golf wins due to forfeit from Compton

by Alina Bieschke

Boys golf won through forfeit against Compton High School on Tuesday because Compton only had four of the five players required to compete.

Despite the forfeit, both teams commenced playing, and Redondo finished with a score of 201.

“We played so Compton’s scores could count for their [Bay League] averages,” Coach John Burke said.

The best players of the game included senior Ray Malazo, who shot a 35, and senior Matthew Ferradas, who shot a 37.

“Right now, Ray Malazo is in third place in the entire league [with] the third lowest scoring average,” Burke said.

“It’s really good. It’s the best he’s ever played.”

Burke used the players’ performance in last month’s Knabe Cup as a model for CIF because compared to a normal 9-hole Bay League match, both the Knabe Cup and CIF are 18-hole tournaments.

Looking back at the season as a whole, Burke is disappointed in the team’s performance.

“I really think we should have played better,” Burke said.

“Basically we have three really good players, and the next four [players] have had their moments but haven’t played as well as I hoped they would.”

Burke worries about next year’s lineup because his best players will graduate from Redondo this year.

“Unless we get some good players, or these [current] players step it up, I’m a little concerned about next year,” Burke said.

23 HIGH TIDE . SPORTS

A BOND BEYOND THE SKIN “I got the design from the Korean movie Taegukgi which is the name of the South Korean flag.

I think of my body as a canvas to express what I represent. I’m not afraid of expressing myself and, because it means a lot to me, I wouldn’t get a meaningless tattoo because it’s on your body forever.”

PHOTO BY HAILEY NEWMAN

Josh Hong,12

“It’s a hibiscus flower but the petals are hearts instead of actual petals. The hearts represent the five other people in my family, not including me; I’m the sixth person. It’s a hibiscus because that’s the flower of Hawaii, which is where my younger brother and I were born. That’s also the last place we were a complete family [before my parents’ divorce].”

Kalei Soufl, 12 PHOTOS BY VITORIA MAGNO

PHOTO VITORIA MAGNO

“My tattoo is a swallow holding a ribbon in his mouth with the year of my sister’s birth and death, as well as her first and middle name.

The swallow represents love for friends and family and loyalty. It’s also a well known sailor tattoo in the sense that they believed the swallow would guarentee the sailor would return safely, and carry lost souls to heaven.”

Mason Reed, 12

A NEW SPOT FOR YER CHEAT’N HEART

by Cameron Paulson

Yer Cheat’n Heart Tattoo’s newest location in Hermosa Beach has been open for a little over two years now, and according to shop mannager Julia Abraham, they’re not worried about the competition at all.

“We’d eventually like to expand, but we’re

24 . HIGH TIDE

very happy to be here,” Abraham said.

The shop reflects the unique styles of the artists within.

“We’re primarily a custom shop, we like to draw up things for each person,” Abraham said.

While the shop welcomes new busi-

“I would recommend everyone get tattooed here, but don’t ever get someone’s name. I would always recommend putting thought into your tattoos. I have a lot of tattoos, and I actually do regret a couple of them. You don’t want that,” Abraham said.

Hours: Mon-Sun 12pm-10pm Where: 49 Pier Ave Hermosa Beach By appointment: Available, but not required Payment: Cash or credit card

“The moral and personal values within the symbol reflect the kind of person I am. The past, the present, and the future are all wrapped within this one symbol. Ohm expands the mind beyond what is abstract and inexpressible in life.

It encloses all the possibilities in the world. It keeps my mindset positive with an optimistic view on how to always look at life as a blessing.”

Sylvette Mascioni, 12

“It’s a Matryoshka doll, which is a Russian child’s toy or decoration.

My entire family is Russian, and when my grandma died I wanted to get something in remembrance of her. We were extremely close.

That’s why I added the cherry blossom branch. My cousin Kira has a similar doll on her ankle; we got them together.”

Samantha Howell, 12 Compiled by Savannah Stern