High Tide: Feb. 10, 2012 Edition by High Tide

HIGH

TIDE

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Redondo Beach, CA // Redondo Union High School Feb. 10, 2011 // Vol. XCIII // Edition 8

hightideonline.org

BREAK TIME

by Shivaani Gandhi

Pounding music fills the air as students practice a sequence of flips and spins.The group attracts a crowd as they stand on their head and use their surroundings as props in their performance. Passersby look on in awe as members of Bboy Club become immersed in the dance. [continued on pg. 10-11]

p2-3 //

Students mourn the death of Priscilla Ruiz, who graduated last year.

p14-15 //

Junior Erin Southâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents opened a soup kitchen.

p18-19 //

Underclassman look to improve next year as the season ends.

NEWS // FEB. 10, 2012

Academic Decathalon places 2nd, goes to state competition

The week in photos.

by LeAnn Maanum

Club Sign Up Day. PHOTO BY ANDREW HAZELTINE

Clubbin’. Fellowship of Christian Athletes presidents seniors Chris Lew, Chris Farmer, and Brianna Egan promote their club at club sign up day last Thursday.

ROTC Awards. PHOTO BY ANDREW HAZELTINE

Recognition. Representatives from Congresswoman Janice Hahn’s office give Cadet Major Edwin Myers a congressional nomination for the US Naval Academy.

Academic Decathalon.

Senior Chris Lew’s gut wrenched as he stepped into USC’s Galen Center to compete in the Los Angeles County Academic Decathlon, realizing that it might have been his last competiton ever. “As a senior, the realization struck me that [Saturday] could have been my last day competing for our team. So the pressure to perform was really intense,” Lew said. The academic decathlon team placed 2nd out of 45 teams in the Los Angeles County Academic Decathlon on Feb. 4, qualifying for the state competition in Sacramento, which takes place on Mar. 15-18. According to Lew, the road was not an easy one. The team has been studying for the competition since last April. “Our preparation included anything from just in-class reading and studying and learning the material to hang-outs where the whole entire team went to each other’s houses [to study],” he said. Studying with each other, according to Lew, made the material “fun to learn” and “actually enjoyable”. Two weeks before the regional competition, the academic decathlon team started after-school practice. On top of 5 hours of class time each week, on Wednesdays and Fridays the team studied from 1 to 7 p.m. at school. Then, they continued to study until 10 p.m. at a team member’s house. For Senior Alex Guzman, preparing for this competition meant giving it his all. “Like any competition, when you work

for something really hard and it’s the last chance that you have to succeed in it, you just have a certain amount of extra determination to give it your best shot,” he said. Lew agrees and said that preparation for Saturday’s competition was different than studying in past years. “It was certainly the concept that the four returning seniors are all really good friends and we’ve all been in this program for multiple years,” he said, “So, the realization that this was our last chance to compete as a team, and the fact that we all just have a genuine passion for learning, made us realize that we need to perform well if we want to keep competing as a team.” According to Senior Alex Niebergall, the team was “a lot more serious” about the competition this year. “I don’t know necessarily if it was the fact that I’m a senior, or if it was just because our team was a lot more intense. We have a definite goal that we are trying to get to, and I think that just this year we had a lot more motivation to keep going and to push ourselves to achieve,” she said. A month of “intense” studying lies ahead to prepare for the state finals in March. Each team member, said Niebergall, will study the different subjects they need help with. “We will definitely be working more indepth on the subjects that we have weaknesses in. We’re gonna have to put in as much work as we have been all year, so it’ll be similarly intense as it was last week and the whole of January,” she said.

Out of 3 classes polled,

98% of the students believe that PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

Success. Seniors Patrick Borgerding and Aamil Shaik and junior Amanda Carceres take part in the Super Quiz portion of the LA County Acadec competition on Feb. 4.

the discipline matrix is too strict

If caught with gum twice, your parents will be called and you will be forced to clean up trash.

% 5 2

of students said that they are more likely to go now that the dance is now an informal Sadie Hawkins instead of a Winter Formal.

Sadie Hawkins Dance

17%

of students polled say that they will attend Saturday’s dance.

If caught engaging in public display of affection, both parties will be forced to have a conference with a counselor. Cell phones are to be turned off during the school day, even during snack, lunch, and passing periods. If caught with your phone, it will be confiscated.

NEWS // FEB. 10,

Community mourns sudden death of former student by Vivian Lam

Former student Priscilla Ruiz died from injuries sustained in a car accident on the morning of Jan. 21. According to Ruiz’s sister, Elena Hernandez, she was texting while driving back from a club and drifted into oncoming traffic, hitting a taxi head-on on the corner of Grant and Rindge in Redondo Beach. According to senior Breanna Martinez, Ruiz had just turned 19. “I know horrible things like these happen all the time, but having it be someone I knew so well just made it so much more real,” alumna Kaitlyn Rottweiler said. “It’s shown me that life is precious and taught me not to take a single second of it for granted.” Ruiz’s accident made Martinez more aware and appreciatve of her life and the people in it. “I used to complain about the little things and now I’m so grateful just to wake up,” she said. “Every breath I take is a miracle.” According to Hernandez, she was in total disbelief when she found out about Ruiz’s death. Martinez found out on Facebook and recalls immediately feeling like someone had taken her heart out. “At first when I got the phone call about it, I didn’t believe it. I’ve grown up with her since elementary school all the way through

graduation. It took a while for it to set in that she was actually gone and that I’d never get to see her again,” Rottweiler said. “It’s just truly a horrible, tragic thing that should never had happened.” Martinez finds that coping with her death is difficult. “I find myself staring at walls and and just repeating [to] myself over and over ‘why her?’” she said. Rottweiler is constantly reminded about the accident because the it took place two blocks away from her house and she passes by the corner regularly; however, she prefers to remember the happier days with Ruiz. “I remember her smile and her laugh,” she said. “I remember swinging in her backyard, eating popsicles almost every day after school, and finger-painting on the walls of my room.” According to Hernandez, Ruiz was a good natured person that was kind to all. “I never once saw her ever being mean,” Hernandez said. “She always said hi. [It] never made anyone feel out of place.” Martinez wants people to know that Hernandez was “well-loved.” Rottweiler feels grateful to have known her. “I consider myself so incredibly lucky to have gotten the chance to get to know her and to have had her in my life,” Rottweiler said.

PHOTO BY CHRIS PAULINGAS

A life lost. A poster hanging on the telephone pole at the corner of Rindge and Grant depicts happier times for Priscilla Ruiz and her friends and family. A makeshift memorial has been erected at the conrer. According to friend and alumna Kaitlyn Rottweiler, Ruiz was full of life and loved by all.

Bridi brings passion for education to a new level at Redondo by Isaiah Madison

Anthony Bridi is the newest addition to the Seahawk administration. “I am looking forward to working here with the high caliber staff and students.” Bridi said. He may be new to the high school community but he has long been a Redondo educator. “I came to Redondo unified from San Diego knowing few people and so far its been great.” Bridi said. Previously he served as asst. principal at Parras Middle school for three years and has been teaching history for four years.

An alumnus of SDSU, Chapman, and Pepperdine, Bridi pursued a career in education because he felt it as a great way to share the knowledge that he has accumulated among others. He also hails from a family of educators, his grandparents and siblings are also teachers and he felt the need to carry on the family career. The position at Redondo provides Bridi with a great opportunity and a challenge to work in a larger, fast pace environment. “I felt the best way to grow was to go to the high school where there is always a bigger challenge.” Bridi said. “I wanted to bring what I learned at Parras here and was excited to work with the great team of employees.”

Attendance & Tardy Policy Changes

•

Now, 5 unexcused absences will automatically give a student 2 hours of Saturday School and a meeting with the student, parent, counselor and administrator, which will be known as SART. If a student has more than 10 unexcused tardies, he or she will have 2 hours of Saturday School, parent contact, and SART.

He also admires the well facilitated campus Redondo has and feels he has a good relationship with many of the students he dealt with at the middle school level. Bridi is Redondo’s third new assistant principal this year and completes our new administration. He takes the place of John Newman who left in November. Bridi will be involved in attendance, standardized testing, emergency plans, and the PTSA. “We really want to be a college going campus, I want to make sure students are aware of the a-g requirements and can use them toward their benefit,” Bridi said. “I

All the

want each student to know they have opportunities here.” To Bridi it is not just important for our school to be sending students to college directly, but to have students know what they must do to pursue a college degree in their future. Bridi also approves of the new attendance policies; he feels tardiness and absences tarnish the success of students “Poor attendance is unacceptable whether you are late or not even here,” he said. As for activities outside of school Bridi enjoys collecting and restoring antique bicycles and cars. “I’m restoring my 1950 Chevrolet pickup truck; I hope I’ll be driving it to school soon.”

bells

& whistles

“We wanted a fun way to let students know ahead of time when the bell will ring. So we decided that music would be a good idea because what is more fun than music? Having the music play one minute before the bell helps students get to class on time. We have already seen a decrease in tardies. We are now hoping to see improved grades and performance.”

—Dr. Nicole Wesley [for more information on the attendance policy and the bell schedule check out redondounion.org]

OPINION // FEB. 10, 2012

Growing Up

Around

Redondo

Gov. Jerry Brown raises requirements for Cal Grants.

by Hana Ghanim

Due to California’s growing deficit, Governor Jerry Brown has raised the minimum GPA requirements for merit- and need-based Cal Grants. Cal Grant A would increase from a 3.0 to a 3.25 and Cal Grant B from 2.0 to 2.75. The proposal will reward the diligent students that earned the grant requirement by working hard through their high school years, the students who were concerned with their education and their future and tried hard to make sure they had one. If students choose not to care about school, then why should they receive money from the government when the money could be used for a better cause? Financial aid should go students most likely to complete their degrees.

Countless hours spent studying, innumerable nights spent completing assignments, and infinite social opportunities blown off to focus on school—that’s the life of the student who deserves the grant, not the student that spends their nights partying. If students cannot secure their grades in high school, how will they secure them in college? Additionally, rather than discouraging the students with low GPAs, the proposal has the potential to encourage them to work harder and earn better grades so that they will receive aid from the government. Earning higher grades will also help the students get into more competitive schools. With the money saved, estimated to be around $131 million, the government could use it for more pressing is-

sues. California is under a large financial deficit. Growing up in a low- or middle-income family should not be a scapegoat for not putting in enough effort to earn a decent GPA. So you don’t get Cal Grant financial aid to attend the school of your dreams. That does not mean you don’t apply. It means getting a job and supporting yourself while getting an education. It means working harder and receiving higher grades. It means applying for scholarships and student loans. It means getting a job and supporting yourself through your education. It means taking responsibility for being careless by becoming a responsible person. Worst case scenario: attend a community college for two years and bring up that GPA so that you do meet the minimum requirement.

Our generation is not passive in pursuit of education but works harder and achieves more than previous

Editorial Some believe that our generation is becoming more passive toward education previous ones. However statistics have shown that this is not the case. In fact the number of students attending school has actually increased through the years. In 2009, there were 66 percent of males and 74 percent females enrolled in college after highschool, compared to the 47 percent males and 52 percent females in 1980. The rise in school attendance over the years shows that students are not actually submissive towards education. Since parents stress the importance of going to school, and counselors and teachers try to educate students about college and the future, we are more informed about the importance of education. Educators have greatly influenced the path of many students: about 90 percent of high school students want or plan to go to college.

School attendance, however, is not the only evidence of students becoming more interested in education. The competitive and challengingmarket of today plays an important student willingness to try harder in school and get better grades. In each passing year, the qualifications and competition to get into the best schools keep increasing. Students are pressured and more determined to get into the best schools, taking on a rigorous schedule with hard classes and many extracurricular activities. In the past colleges weren’t as hard to be accepted in, and most students did not over-work themselves in high school. School used to be more laid back and less stressful. One way students join in the competitive race is by taking on advanced classes in many subjects. Students are now taking more advanced, progressive, challenging courses in high school than students before. Statistically, about 32 percent of all high school graduates in 1982 had taken

“What do you think about the music played before the tardy bell?” “I really like it. [With the music] I know how much time I have left.”

10th

—Tanner Childes

“I like seeing the freshmen run but other than that it’s stupid.” —Alex

12th

Farr

“I think it’s pretty annoying, [especially] really early in the morning.”

chemistry, and 70 percent had taken chemistry in 2009. Instead of taking easy electives, more students are opening themselves to the more challeng- —Arthur Fontana ing, educational classes. AP classes have also become more popular throughout the years, increas“It’s kind of ing with the number of students each annoying I year. The college-level courses are givguess. I would en to high school kids and are anothprefer [not er way for us to compete for college. having it].” More students sit for the AP testing now compared to students back in the —Kaily 90s. In 1996-97, only 0.6 percent of Krause high school students sat for at least one AP test, but in the 2009-10 year, 1.8 percent of students sat for it. “It’s annoying. That only includes students who I don’t really have sat for at least one AP test. Now like [the mustudents are taking more than one AP sic].” classes, and some even take four or five in a year. With these increasing num—Jon bers of students in AP classes, advance Gelotin courses, and enrollment in school and college, one can not argue that we are becoming more passive toward educaCompiled by Ilana LaGraff Photos by Andrew Hazeltine tion.

11th

10th

9th

OPINION // FEB. 10, 2012

Tardy bell music is a wake-up call The bell system has been more or less the same ever since elementary school. Its tone has changed a bit but the change has never been so dramatic. by Anthony Leong Now admittedly I literally felt excited when I heard “Linus and Lucy” before third period last Monday, but it has taken some getting used to hearing music playing in the morning before the new and bizarre stuttering bell. Whatever the consensus is, the new “late music” system–and its accompanying stutterer–have received their share of attention. “Why do they do it?” is the most repeated question. The reason why is of less interest to me than the result. Answering the “why” is simpler. The new system was introduced with the same goal as every other new policy: to improve education. On the surface lateness seems like it should be a trivial issue for the school, and in many ways it is, but the real issue in being late is not the harm you do to the school or the teacher but to yourself in making a habit of being late. If you see high school as trivial and you know you can get yourself together when it really counts then more power to you–but trust me when I say that old habits die hard. Trust me when I say that I am not someone obsessed with the rules, but I do believe that being on time is of the most elementary and universally necessary skills available. The result of this is something interesting provided that the music is at least partially subject to an open forum. Though at times the school’s new efforts to improve education don’t smell so good–as with the fortified dress code policy–this music is a rather quaint and useful solution to a simple problem. It’s convenient to know you’ve got 60 seconds to get to class, but from what I’ve seen so far the new system also exerts an effect on students who are already in class. The music is a curious way to stimulate 2500 students who have more or less just gotten out of bed (minus those of us in zero period). Personally, I do my best in the morning to avoid the stimulation of any of my senses. I don’t turn my light on and I do my best to find everything in the dark. Because my parents regularly have most of the lights on I sometimes elect to wear sunglasses–at 6:30. I don’t drive a car but if I did I would not play music. And if the music before the bell is the always same I might get used to it, but provided that it changes I would think it an effective way to wake me up; to make me laugh or feel excited or think a bit–all the things music can do.

STAR testing valuable benchmark but should not be used in grading These days, as soon as I’m done with one test I immediately have to start thinking about the next. Preparing for the next test involves a lot of by Craig Ives studying, a fair amount of memorizing, and sometimes a little stressing, all in pursuit of a good grade. I see no reason why that needs to be compounded with another test: Standardized Testing And Reporting, better know as STAR testing. Currently at some high schools STAR results are integrated into students’ grades no doubt in an effort to somehow force better STAR results out of them. Fortunately, this isn’t the case at Redondo where it is only used to evaluate the progress of students and the effectiveness of teachers. I believe this is the best way to use STAR testing because it doesn’t actually affect anyone’s grade – just students’ self-esteem and the school’s reputation. The most important reason STAR scores should not affect grades is that STAR tests are not finals and should not be treated as such. For example, one important aspect of a final is that it demands a thorough knowledge of that class’s material for a good grade. The unknown score looms ominously and encourages studying but only up until the day of the test. After the final is over, students don’t need to frantically study for hours on end. STAR testing, however,

doesn’t involve studying at all. STAR testing is used to see what students have learned without studying. Let’s face it: the best way to test someone’s knowledge is to take him or her by surprise. No time for preparation, no time for review. Even though STAR testing doesn’t exactly take anyone by surprise, teachers don’t spend any time in class reviewing material for STAR testing. Students take the test without any preparation and can only use what they can remember to succeed. That is testing ingrained knowledge, not material that was crammed the night before. Personally, I think STAR testing is a fine benchmark as it is. Having the results affect students’ grades would probably not do much, other than induce worrying up until the day of the test and panic when answers are guessed at. It’s much better to have students approach the test knowing that their grades are not going to be affected. They can then answer the questions they know with confidence, and move past the ones they don’t know without worrying about the final score. I would argue that as it stands, STAR testing brings about the clearest thinking from students, and therefore a more accurate benchmark. Are students going to not try, and get worse grades than they could have if the score doesn’t affect their grades? Possibly. But parents see the final scores, the school faculty sees the averages, and students know what they received. I believe that’s more than enough to get students to try – there’s no need to attempt to force good grades from them.

HIGH TIDE STAFF

Editor-in-Chief: Alison Peet-Lukes Managing Editors: Madeline Perrault; Meglyn Huber News Editors: Daniel Garzon Opinion Editor: Shannon Bowman Features Editors: Taylor Ballard; Kimberly Chapman; Anacristina Gonzalez; Bethany Kawa; Tricia Light; Jeremy Porr; Emma Uriarte Sports Editors: Tatiana Celentano; Julie Tran; Zach Zent Photo Editors: Erinn Middo; Jenny Oetzell Copy Editor: Camille Duong Cartoonist: Cooper Lovano Online Editor: Brianna Egan Staff Writers: Matthew Brancolini; Dylan Biggs; Taylor Brightwell; Torrey Bruger; Claire Chiara, Logan Collingwood; Navea Dasz; Mckenna Duffy; Camille Duong; Brandon Folkman; Dan Furmansky; Shivaani Gandhi; Hana Ghanim; Andrew Hazeltine; Cedric Hyon; Craig Ives; Ilana LaGraff; Vivian Lam; Anthony Leong; Cooper Lovano; Kayla Maanum; LeAnn Maanum; Isaiah Madison; Kylie Martin; Benjamin McLaughlin; Hayley Meyers; Madison Mitchell; Rachael Orford; Cameron Paulson; Alegra Peelor; Alejandro Quevedo; Jason Rochlin; Nancy Silva; Jessica Shipley; Taylor Sorensen; Savannah Stern; Hannah Son; Cody Williams Adviser: Mitch Ziegler The High Tide dedicates itself to producing a high-quality publication that both informs and entertains the entire student body. This newspaper is 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. Advertising is $7.50 per column inch, $6.00 if paid in advance. Call (310)798-8665 ext. 2210. Signed commentaries and editorial cartoons represent the opinions of the staff writer of cartoonist and in no way reflect the opinions of the High Tide staff.

FEATURES // FEB. 10, 2011

Blogger Boy Cockburn creates an outlet for others by creating a blog by Justin Lee

As he sits down in front of the computer screen, checking his web site for the latest statistics, one thought comes to mind: the need to get the word out. Focused, Sophomore Ryan Cockburn vigorously types away, determined to finish his post about a new PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL shoe line that has Updating. Cockburn updates his blog at least four times a week. just come out. Cockburn runs which is why I started writing for it,” Aqa blog called MONSTR.me in which the uilina said. “There is nothing better than daily updated blog reviews movies, fashion, to see something that I wrote be on a webmusic, and more. He enjoys the new expesite.” rience of running something that is pubAquilina hopes to expand beyond writlicly read all over the United States. ing movie reviews and wants to stay with “I was really into technology and espeMONSTR for a while. cially in the age of information. I just felt “It is exciting to see when you write for the need to put out what I thought was a blog and few days later it becomes the cool,” Cockburn said. most read article. That is why I like it so With about 100 people visiting the blog much,” Aquilina said. per day, Cockburn thinks he will reach a But with much freedom comes great remuch higher threshold of visitors over the sponsibility. However, Cockburn’s mothnext few months. er, Tammye Cockburn, does not have any “I try to reach out through social netproblems with him writing opinions about works like Facebook to get more visitors to a product or piece of music. see my website,” Cockburn said. “He is not an offensive blogger and I do MONSTR.me staff writer, sophomore not think that there would be an issue with Elijah Aquilina, writes movie reviews for [his opinions]. I have not had to stop him the blog and considers himself a small role because he is extremely responsible,” Tamin a big project. mye said. “I really liked the design of MONSTR

stats

Days Cockburn has had his blog

100 Hits a day

Posts a week

To read the full story visit hightideonline.org

Costa sings on the pier to raise money for Honduras trip by Dylan Biggs

Waves crashing on the beach, people walking on wooden planks, and the view of the open ocean are accompanied by the singing of sophomore Michaella Costa. Costa sings on the Hermosa and Redondo Beach piers on Fridays to raise money for a church group trip to Honduras where they will be helping burdened Honduran parents look after their children. “We will entertain the kids and put smiles on their faces,” she said. The trip is organized through a group at the Los Angeles Church of Christ called Hope Worldwide. Costa says she really wants to go on the mission trip but she still needs to raise $3,000 for food, accommodations, and travel. Costa has discovered that singing on the pier is not only a great opportunity but something

she has come to enjoy. “Getting to do what I love while making money is a pretty sweet deal,” Costa said. She has been singing on the pier since last summer and has been writing her own music for her performances. “I was kind of a deprived child, and I didn’t have an mp3 player, so I had to write my own music,” she said. In her opinion, the music she writes is close to Bruno Mars in style but is all her own. Costa says she lost her fear of singing in front of people and now gets compliments on the way she performs. “Most of the comments I get are from musicians who say, ‘I really like what you’re doing, keep writing’,” Costa said. She takes these comments as a sign that she

will succeed in her pursuit of her future career as a singer. “I love getting compliments on my singing because it makes me feel like I can do something with it,” she said. Her friends help her sing so she can go to Honduras. “Usually it’s just me and my friend but sometimes we’ll have an extra guitar player or someone there for moral support,” Costa said. Her music also makes Costa a decent amount of money. “One time I sang for five hours and made about $200,” she said. Her average tip is between $5 and $10, depending on the person. Costa now plans to sing more often so she can raise more money. Costa believes the trip will be worth all

of the effort because she will be able to help people who need it. Costa needs to continue to raise money for her trip and will be doing so until her trip in the summer. “I love singing on the pier,” Costa said.

PHOTO BY LISA INOUE

Strumming to get away. On Fridays, Costa sings on the pier to get donations for a mission trip.

FEATURES // FEB. 10, 2012

The coast she loves the most Duong leaves

Similar to many freshmen entering High School for the first time, the question repeating itself in her mind remains the same, “Am by Haley Meyers I going to fit in?” But freshman Hailey Smith, stepping 2,654 miles out of her comfort zone— her “humble” town of Greenville, North Carolina. It was embarking not only to a new school, but a new coast, a new city, and an entirely new sea of unfamiliar California faces. Smith was more concerned with facing “culture shock” than anything else. “Greenville, North Carolina is a whole other world,” Smith said. Smith reveals how the culture, environment and people are entirely different from what we are accustomed to at Redondo. The differences are likely to shock you. “At my old school the boys were expected to be very respectful. They were to politely open doors for the girls and treat our teachers with the outmost respect. The school environment was also very controlling. For example, at St. Peter’s we had assigned seats in the cafeteria, and all the public schools in Greenville required uniforms,” Smith said. Smith’s old community focused on strict morals and family values. According to Smith, families in Greenville are extremely “tight-knit”. “I spend a lot of time with my family. In Greenville, most kids designate the majority of their time after school to their family, which is why I was surprised when Redondo students asked me to hang out after school,” Smith said. In Greenville, Smith was used to a likeminded concentrated population of mostly white Christian students who typically wore “preppy clothes” and followed very stereotypical High School fads.

her mothers views in the past by Camille Duong

To read the full story visit hightideonline.org

PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

Wilson loses herself among the stars by Hannah Son

While many people rely on first impressions to determine personality, Senior Anneliese Wilson uses her knowledge of astrology. Two years ago, Wilson decided to read through her mother’s collection of astrology books. “I always gazed at horoscopes, but I knew there had to be more to astrology than a random prediction to my day or week. So, I started skimming my mom’s collection of books,” Wilson said. “I was interested in what astrology really meant and the history behind it.” Spawned from her interest in her mother’s books, Wilson has started her own collection. “From there, I began collecting more books that were specific, like those based on people’s exact birth dates,” Wilson said. Through astrology, Wilson has come to better understand her peers. “I get a better understanding of the people that surround me and I just have fun with it,” Wilson said. “I am fascinated by how the pro-

files I figure out fit the people I know.” Astrology has also influenced Wilson’s view on her own life. “I’ve learned a lot about myself and have learned not to resort to my typical habits when facing situations,” Wilson said. “I would say astrology has made me more aware.” By knowing people’s exact birth dates and astrological signs, Wilson can find out their personality, compatibility and reactions to situations. For Wilson, daily horoscopes are inaccurate and useless compared to natal charts. “I’m not one for daily horoscopes because I don’t think that they are accurate at all,” Wilson said. “Natal charts give more extensive detail, which I think is interesting.” According to Wilson, a natal chart is a stylized map of the universe with the individual to be studied at the center. It is calculated for the exact time and location of the native’s birth to learn their personality and potential.

PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

Predictions. Wilson is fascinated by astrology but doesn’t believe in the daily horoscopes.

For some people like my mom, there is nothing more terrifying than an unlucky superstition. In my moms’ eyes you never go against “fate”. Like most teenagers I have my driver’s license. It’s pretty exciting getting your first car and having the freedom to drive wherever you want whenever you want. But when you have my mom, it isn’t so fun. I currently drive a ‘92 Civic and my parents want to buy me a newer car for college. According to my mother I am only allowed to drive a car that is either red or green. If I were to drive a car of any other color I would surely get into a car accident, perish and die. When I was two years old my parents contemplated having another child. She refused because she went to a palm reader and he told her not to. The palm reader essentially said the child would be too much and bad things would happen. So she and my dad opted to stick with the two they already had. Who basis a decision to have children because of what a palm reader says? Well apparently my parents do. My mom is full of superstitions. When my parents were first buying a house in Redondo my mom needed a house with stairs that didn’t lead to the front door. According to her, stairs leading to the door let luck roll right out. She didn’t find that house. So what did my mom do with the stairs? She put up a Japanese changing screen. And my desk in my room right now? It faces my window so that I could see out into the world to help with my studying. Even though my mom is full of weird superstitions there have been a few times when she has been eerily correct about things. My cousin Claudine used to drive a silver bug. Mom says Claudine is like me and can only drive red and green. Three years after she bought her car she got into an accident and it was totaled. Claudine then bought a red Camry and hasn’t been in an accident since. My other cousin Valerie is expecting her first baby in May. A few months ago , before we knew the gender, my mom said she had a dream in which she was baby sitting two boys. A little while later we find out that Valerie’s having a boy. My mom might believe in some crazy things but I’ll always love her for it. And who knows maybe listening to her will bring me some good luck.

FEATURES // FEB. 10, 2012

Tang balances rigorous schedule by Benni McLaughlin

It is not uncommon for high school students to feel overwhelmed. Whether it be their upcoming finals, a big game against Costa, lack of sleep, or anxiety about college, stress and feeling overwhelmed are as much a part of high school as football and lockers. Junior Julia Tang knows this all too well. This semester, Tang is enrolled in six- AP classes, is the President of Key Club, plays Varsity Tennis, and plays several instruments. Yet despite her intense schedule, Tang finds a way to remain optimistic. “I have learned to balance between work, volunteering, and sleep,” Tang said. “if I have to sacrifice something, it’s usually sleep.” A schedule as rigorous as Tang’s is often the result of intense pressure by parents, but not in Tang’s case. “My parents offer tremendous support, but they don’t really know much of what I do,”

Tang said. “I push myself.” Senior Theodore Nguyen, Tang’s friend and classmate, attributes her drive to her intense competitive spirit. “She is definitely the most competitive of her kind,” Nguyen said. “She hates being second best.” Despite her rigorous schedule and intense motivation, Tang’s friends find she is calm, even when faced with tough decisions. “She may not be a perfectionist,” Nguyen said, “but she always gets the job done when it comes down to

it and she always does great work.” Tang’s schedule is also the result of unique circumstances. She is taking AP Macroeconomics, a class usually reserved for Seniors, as a Junior because she may be absent for much of next year. “My parents are considering sending me abroad to study next year,” Tang said, “So I was faced with the decision of taking fewer classes next year or increasing my workload this year.” Although Tang admits she often feels stressed out by her

intense schedule, her friends provide “emotional support” that helps her overcome it. “When I’m with my friends, the stress just melts away,” Tang said. Tang is still unsure of what she wants to do in the future. She is considering majoring in economics and literature among other things. “My dream job would be to be a food critic because i love eating and writing,” Tang said, “but I’m open to almost anything at this point. Hopefully all my options will be good because of my hard work.”

Changes.

PHOTOS BY JENNY OETZELL

Balancing act. Julia Tang manages to maintain a positive attitude and a n upbeat attitude despite her demanding schedule.

Moving up to honors by Madison Mitchell

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN GOULD

Dejesus-Gould welcomes new baby girl by Cedric Hyon

She walks into her familiar classroom to meet 25 unfamiliar faces. Five months after the first semester, English teacher Megan DeJesus-Gould is back from maternity leave after having her first baby, a girl named Cheyenne. “This is my first baby and it’s been amazing. I can’t remember what [life] has been like without her,” Gould said. Cheyenne has brought much change to Gould’s life. Despite the responsibility of taking care of a baby Gould does not complain of exhaustion. “It’s just enhanced my life and I don’t feel any burden. People always say that babies are so hard and granted it has changed my life but I’ve only had so much fun.

She’s been a very easy baby and she’s made our life just so much more entertaining. ,” Gould said. Her students last year were very excited to hear that Gould was pregnant and occasionally visit to see how she and Cheyenne have been. “Everyone was really excited, especially last year when they found out I was pregnant. A lot of old students have come by to see pictures and have been really sweet about it and it’s been really great,” Gould said. This year however, Gould met all of her students on the first day of second semester second semester making Monday feel like the first day of school. “It’s kinda like the first week of school for me but for everyone else, all the teachers and students, it’s just

another Monday for them so it is a little weird to come back and start teaching right away,” Gould said. Taking care of a baby while coming back to teaching has been a challenge to Gould. Gould’s first week was especially difficult since she was on maternity leave for the semester. “[Having a baby] doesn’t get in the way but I think my priorities have redistributed themselves a little bit. It’s only been my first week back and so it has been a juggling act of making sure I’m getting stuff done [at school] and then that I can be home unplugged and present with the baby, but that’ll get easier as time goes on,” Gould said. Gould knows that she will get progressively better with her time management.

Twenty-nine new students, one new teacher, one empty desk, and a whole new classroom was the scene for sophomore Eriq Deng on the first day of the second semester. Deng is adjusting to his new class after switching from CP English to Honors English at the semester. “I changed [classes] because I wanted to challenge myself, and also because CP English was pretty easy for me,” Deng said. After being in CP English for one semester, Deng is currently adjusting to the rigor of his new honors class. He has to learn new phrases, rules, and vocabulary which is different from his CP English class. His old CP English class was easy for him, but now that he has switched, he has to learn new and more complicated material. “[In Honors English, students] read more books and focus on writing,” Honors English teacher, Sherie Gross said. Deng decided to start off sophomore year in CP English because English has never been one of his strong subjects. It was ultimately his decision to change into the honors class, but

his parents fully supported him. “I decided to take CP [English at first] because I thought I would not be able to handle honors, but at the semester, I wanted to switch,” Deng said. In addition to honors English, Deng is currently in honors chemistry, AP European history, and pre-calculus/ trigonometry. Last year he participated in sports, but this year, he is taking a break. He does not think he will continue in sports again, but he hopes to do something extra next year while he continues on the rigorous English path in AP English. Although he has a challenging schedule, he does not have a difficult time fitting in both school and friends. “Most of my friends are in the same classes so we have the same amount of work,” Deng said. Before switching classes, most of Deng’s friends were not in his class, but when he switched many of his friends were in his new class. However, he still misses parts of his old class. “I miss my old class a little bit because it was a pretty fun class,” Deng said. “Other than that, the environment is about the same.”

Gonzalez suffers heart attack at 18 by Joy Ohiomoba

He woke up in pain with an abnormal chest ache that he had never felt before. Clutching his chest, he calls for his mother who immediately drives him to the emergency hospital. On the way there, his vision starts to blur and he feels his body shutting down. Upon receiving treatment at the hospital, doctors informed senior Oscar Gonzalez that he had suffered from a heart attack. “I felt death creeping up on me,” Gonzalez said, “At the hospital, doctors gave me morphine to ease the pain and told me that I had a high quantity of enzymes in my system.” A follow up visit with a cardiologist informed Gonzalez that he suffers from a heart condition called Angina. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Angina is chest pain that happens if an area of the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. It may feel like intense pressure or squeezing in the chest but can also occur in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/ health-topics/topics/angina/). Doctors told Gonzalez that his heart condition was likely due to his abuse of illegal drugs “I have been addicted to cannabis since my sophomore year. I also started taking synthetic weed and a product that had a high concentration of caffeine and the mixture mimicked cocaine,” Gonzalez said, “I felt like I had no control over my life and did things I would not ordinarily do such as robbing

liquor stores, assaulting people for money, getting into fights, and even disrespecting my family.” According to Gonzalez, he also dropped out of school towards the end of the first semester after realizing that he could not succeed in his Advanced Placement classes with his drug abuse. “I hoped to get into the military academy located in Los Alamitos military base so I could receive physical and mental stability, Gonzalez said, “But, the day before I was supposed to go to see the recruiter was when my heart attack occurred.” He decided to change his lifestyle after his “close encounter with death” and a talk from one of the nurses in the hospital after his heart attack. “At the hospital, I met nurse, Jennifer, who told me that I was too young to be having these problems [drug abuse and heart condition]. She was really honest and straight forward with me,” Gonzalez said, “Coming from an unknown person showed me that there are really good people out there who care. She basically made me realize that I had to change my life.” Gonzalez has since re-enrolled back in school and has changed his lifestyle for the better. “Right now, I want to get a job to help my family pay off our rising debt and house payments. After high school, I want to get to El Camino and transfer to a 4 year university and major in maybe agricultural studies,” Gonzalez said.

FEATURES// FEB. 10, 2012

Sobering

Overcoming years of alcoholism by Savannah Stern

She blacked out after taking Xanax and drinking 4lokos. She messed up her knuckles punching walls. She threw the neighborhood’s trashcans in the street out of anger and even had her friend beat up an innocent homeless man sleeping on the street. For student Annie Johnson*, this was the wake up call to get sober. Johnson has been battling alcoholism for six years, losing friends and her mother’s trust in the process. Her relationship with her mom fell apart due to her constant absence from home. “I would go to school at 6:55 and come home at my curfew which is 10:00 and my parents would already be asleep. I would literally see my mom for a minute a day,” Johnson said. Although she has lost some friends, Johnson has learned that many are gone for the better. She has realized that her parents and a new group of friends are what she really needs now. “I can’t hang out with my old friends. Getting sober made me realize how fake they were because they would only hit me up to get drunk or high. I hang out more with my parents now and my sober friends,” she said.

Besides the negative aspects of getting clean, Johnson has found the good out weighs the bad by far. She has gotten back into painting and doing her school work as well as working on the weekends. “Now I’m really just focusing on my life, school, work, and sober friends who really understand,” she said. According to Johnson, sticking to meetings and making sober friends are the key aspects to keeping clean. She found her motivation to stick with it in her AA meetings. “At AA a few older girls kind of took me under their wing and lectured me about not hanging out with my old friends. They really kept me in the program. It was either I keep going to the meetings or I go get messed up again,” Johnson said. Along with her new focus and friends, her relationship with her mother is another one of Johnson’s tasks. She feels forming a healthier relationship with her mom is important to her recovery. “My mom has gone through so much because of me being a bad kid; doing drugs, drinking, yelling at her, and coming home late. Now she trusts me more and doesn’t call me every half

* This person’s name has been changed to remain anonymous.

hour like she used to,” she said. Even though Johnson’s life is improving, she admits the journey to sobriety was a tough one. Sobriety affected her emotionally and mentally. “After being messed up for six years and having a constant numbness of my mind, it was weird to be in my own head. I haven’t really had emotions for six years and I didn’t really understand where they were coming from.” she said. Moreover, Johnson had to learn how to deal with life problems on her own. “I’m growing up in a way. I’m learning to cope with life’s problems without smoking weed in between classes or snorting something in the bathroom,” Johnson said. With her life improving and on the right track, Johnson is glad to be sober and is thankful for her new friends and AA meetings. She finds them empowering and uplifting. “I’ve had some pretty bad days these last two weeks and going to a meeting to listen to people tell their stories is incredible and it’s great because we can all just laugh at ourselves and realize were growing from it. I leave in the best mood possible,” she said.

Cover Story

FEB. 10, 2012

Salsa bonds through practice by Mannal Haddad

Room 314 was utterly silent as everyone waited in the dark. The air was filled with impatient whispers of “Where is she?” and “Shh! She’s coming!” Pizzas and a chocolate cake sat on a desk as everyone crouched, hiding and anxiously waiting for the door to open. As the door opens, shouts of “Happy Birthday!” surprise senior Leilani Davis as she steps into the party Salsa Club threw for her. “I was speechless. I really wasn’t expecting that,” Davis said. “I’m thankful that they’d do that for me.” Salsa club does more than just perform together; they’re good friends and a “really close knit group”. “We all get really close and hang out all the time. It’s like a family,” vice president junior Malik Ensley said. The friendships don’t end after school. They spend time together outside of school too, grabbing lunch at McDonald’s after practice or hanging out at the park. “There’s a sense of being a part of a family. We all end up being really good friends, friends for a lifetime,” president senior Alex Almaraz said. The group’s shared passion for dancing originally brought them together, but they have become close due their frequent and long practices, some of which are over eight hours long. “After [a performance] everything just comes together. It makes you feel good because you put a lot of hard work into it,” Almaraz said. The hard work may pay off, but to the dancers, especially the newcomers, the moments leading up the performance are

terrifying. “It’s nerve racking, but once you get up there and the music starts you get this adrenaline rush. Once you actually start dancing it’s the best feeling in the world,” junior and club member Bill Raj said. Raj feels that the audience reaction is the best part about performing. “Our hearts were pounding, and there was so much cheer, applause, [and] enthusiasm. They were clapping and screaming. It made us feel amazing,” he said. Ensley agrees, saying that he loves being able to share his passion for salsa with a responsive audience. “I get to act totally crazy and people actually applaud,” he said. “I like the attention. I like the energy they send and the feedback they give.” The club hopes to bring their positive attitude wherever they go. “All of us started out new, but we came out good. It makes people feel [that] they can do whatever and still be successful,” Amaraz said. “It’s a place where I can just let everything go.” Linked by their love for dancing and the countless hours they spend together to perfect their routines, the members of the salsa club have made their own little family in room 314. “Everyone’s always there for you. When you come to salsa you feel like you want to pick yourself back up. You feel like you can surpass anything because no one’s by themselves,” Almaraz said.

2. PHOTO BY LISA INOUE

B-Boy Club hopes to expand [Continued from front page]

PHOTO BY JENNY OETZEL

Keeping the beat. Junior Steven Seng demonstrates his moves. This is his second year in the club.

READY... SET...

BREAK

From dancing in classrooms to passing hackeysacks in the hallways, students do much more than simply eat during lunchtime.

Stone explores the djembe, percussion by Claire Tisius

1. PHOTO BY VITORIA MAGNO

4. PHOTO BY VITORIA MAGNO

PHOTO BY LISA INOUE

Dancing up a storm. 1. Salsa club practices during lunch, after school, and on weekends, with some practices lasting from 9 am to 6 pm. 2. Junior Malik Ensley is vice president of the club. 3. The club practices for performances at rallies and competitions outside of school. 4. The club members feel that their large time commitment has made them especially close.

As students rush through English Hall many sounds are expected: metal scraping as lockers slam shut, low shuffling as boys drag their over-sized shoes across the hard cement floor, and high-pitched yelling as conversations are carried on through the crowd. However, this mundane sound track is frequently supplemented by the rhythmic beating of senior Walter Stone’s drum. Stone often plays the djembe, a hollow West African drum made out of a skin, during lunch. “I bring my drum whenever it is convenient for me to play,” Stone said. Members of a Hermosa Beach drum circle introduced Stone to the djembe when he was 14. As his interest in the instrument grew, he began regularly attending the monthly drum circle and practicing other types of percussion. “No one personally got me into the [djembe]. When I started playing I loved it, so I kept at it,” Stone said. He has also learned how to play snare drum and drum line, and hopes to soon learn how to play on a drum set,

which he feels is more difficult. “Drum set is harder for me. It is a totally different style as far as technique because there many different types of drums,” Stone said. Stone is inspired by jazz, blues, and reggae. He is also in two bands, Idren and Dub Out A, and is able to practice and record at his band mate’s home studio. According to Stone, he is with his band members almost every day. “I jam with my friends, the people I’ve met through the drum circle, a lot of other drummers, [and] musicians,” Stone said. His friends admire Stone’s skill and dedication. “I treat him like a god. He’s the reason I got into drumming,” senior Sahm Hattad said. Stone has played at Patrick Molloy’s, Bogaloos, and other local bars and restaurants. He is considering drumming as a future career, and has decided to take percussion as a minor when he attends college. “I want to continue on playing [the djembe and other drums]. It’s not like I am trying to set out to be famous or anything. I am just having fun,” Stone said.

“There’s loud music playing and people laughing and helping each other hit beats and achieve what they never thought they could do,” president and senior Victor Yuen said. According to Yuen, B-boy club is a place where people can come to make friends in a fun environment while learning to break dance. “Anyone can join, even if you don’t dance,” Yuen said. “I just hope more people do it because it’s really fun.” Vice president junior Steven Seng agrees that B-boy club has an energetic, welcoming atmosphere. “There are always lots of people here. There’s no hate. Everyone just helps each other,” Seng said. Even the only girl in the club, junior Charlene Vo, feels like she is an equally valued member. “Everyone does their own thing, but if you ask for help anyone will show you the moves,” she said. “You mess up sometimes, but everyone’s really encouraging.” Even though break dancers do many freezes and flips, Vo does not believe breaking is a dangerous hobby. “I get bruises sometimes, but nothing worse,” Vo said. “It’s really fun and not as scary as it seems.” Seng also feels that breaking seems more dangerous than it actually is, and that making mistakes is necessary for improvement.

“[B-boy] is perfect if you want to learn, but you need to get hurt to get better,” he said. Although the members help each other learn new moves, they also compete within the group for fun. “We let the crowd choose the winner, so the dancers can get more experience,” Yuen said. “We will compete locally once we get good enough.” Despite the competition within the group, Yuen and Seng believe the members are extremely close. “We don’t just hang out in school. We also have B-boy sessions on the weekends and after school,” Seng said. As a member of the club, Yuen wishes to learn new moves while spreading the word about the dance style. “I started the club because I would just never see people doing it, so I wanted to help spread it,” Yuen said. Seng also feels that it is his duty as a member of the club to spread the word. “I’ve gotten to spread B-boying in the school more, because most people don’t know the history of it or the foundations,” he said. “It’s really cool to see more breakers in Redondo.”

For more pictures and interviews, watch the soundslide at

hightideonline.org

Hackey-sacks provide entertainment by Alejandro Quevedo

With a toss, kick, and a bounce, hacky-sacking is becoming a popular lunchtime activity. It is a game in which two or more players kick a “hackysack” to each other and try to keep it from touching the ground. It is a popular recreational activity that builds stability, reflexes, and teamwork. “We just do it for fun,” senior Albert Moralis said. “It’s really cool.” He plays hacky-sack with the group behind English Hall every day. “We started last year, playing it with a water bottle,” Senior Eli McArthur said. “One day Emmet said that he had a hacky-sack at home and brought it, so now we just walk down from our classes, grab a snack, and sack it up.” There are many variations on the game, and the possibilities are “endless”.

“We do elimination at lunch,” Senior Emmet Werner-longo said. “When someone messes up, they get eliminated. We play until there is only one person left.” The group even gets into trouble with faculty while playing their favorite game. “Sometimes we lose our sack on the roof and the teachers get mad at us. Dante got a detention once for climbing up there to get it,” Moralis said. Students who are passing by also take note of the group’s unusual past time. “On my way to class I see them hacky-sacking, and I think it looks pretty fun,” freshman Steven Bell Nixon said. “It looks like a good way to pass time with your friends.” Though it can be “difficult” at first, hacky-sacks can provide a simple, fun game for a boring afternoon. “It’s like going to your friend’s house,” Moralis said. “You just kick it.”

Photos by Andrew Hazeltine

Hackey-sack heaven. 1. Kevin Lafgrin passes a hackey-sack with his friends during lunch. 2. The group has played together almost every day for over year.

FEATURES // FEB. 10, 2012

UCLA vs. USC

Junior Angie Veguez and Sebastian Lindner resolve different team preferences to be in a relationship. by Allegra Peelor

Juniors Angie Veguez and Sebastian Lindner have found love in a hopeless place: the rivalry between their favorite colleges, USC and UCLA. According to Veguez, her love for USC originated from her hatred for UCLA. “I was a USC fan and I didn’t like UCLA because it

was just too boring for me. I went to the campus and I really did not like it,” she said. “I fell in love with USC’s campus and my sister goes there, so I’m kind of obligated to be a fan.” Although Veguez does not like UCLA at all, Lindner admits that he does not hate USC as much as he did before they started dating. “I like them a little bit more now that I’m getting used to them,” he said. According to Veguez, although the rivalry of their favorite teams does not get in the way of their relationship, they do argue once in a while. “He doesn’t shut up about UCLA,” she said. “Sometimes I’ll get mad because he’ll say bad things about USC that aren’t true.” They went to a USC vs. Stanford football game together and plan on going to the UCLA vs. USC basketball game this season. “[At the game] he was getting really into it; I could tell,” Veguez said. Despite chance arguments, Lindner agrees that that the rivalry has made their relationship unique. “It’s just more competitive,” he said. “It excites it.”

Rivalry. 1. Veguez and Lindner support rival teams, wearing team sweatshirts to defentd UCLA or USC pride. 2. Veguez and Lidner make exceptions in their rivalry, supporting the other team at time.

TEACHER FAVORITES:

Mr. Comito

Mrs. Morton

Mr. Baumgartner

Mrs. Robinson

Mr. Friedrich

Mrs. Forster

Team: Jets

Team: Lakers

Team: Dodgers

Team: Trojans

Team: Lakers

Team: Red Sox

“I think they’ve got a pretty cool history winning superbowl number three as underdogs.”

“I like them because I’m a native Southern Californian and that’s my home team.”

“Baseball is the sport I played the most as I was growing up. It’s a long history of loving the dodgers .”

“ I grew up cheering for USC because my dad went there and I went there for college.”

“What makes them the best would be their long tradition and great players over the years.”

“Fans from Boston are die-hard fans, they never give up, so I consider myself a diehard fan.”

FEATURES // FEB. 10, 2012

Haidarian supports Celtics

Hoping for the best

by Taylor Brightwell

first person by Chad Simoneck

As a returning Varsity player, and an upcoming senior, I thought my last season at Redondo would be built off our previous season, with the same coaches I had been working with for the last three seasons. That is, until Coach Simon told us that he would no longer be our Coach. This shocked and saddened me. He and the rest of the coaching staff, Coach Ammentorp, Coach Sanchez, Coach Cracknell, Coach Jasper, and Coach Butler lead our team to a 5-6 overall record, and a 4-1 record in league. Our last league game against Mira Costa, which we won 21-7, was not only a great night in which we beat our rivals, but as we later found out, our emotional victory was Coach Simon’s 100th win. Under Coach Simon, our program developed many traditions like Rookie Entertainment, Beach Day, Breakfast at Joe’s, Wednesday night pasta meals, and team meals on Friday’s before the games. We also enjoyed team awards and “TShirt Time” on Thursdays, serving the community, and many other things too numerous to mention. With a new coach entering the program, I fear there is a chance that many or all of these traditions may be lost. With a new head coach, a brand new program will be installed, and with only six months left before football season and two months before spring football starts, I am uncertain of how my senior season will turn out. However, I will not let this effect my motivation to be a better player and leader next year. As an upcoming senior, I would love to win Bay League, which has not happened in my time at Redondo. Whoever the new coach is, I will come into the season hopeful, openminded, and with the work ethic to win.

To many watching sports is a hobby, but for junior Afsheen Haidarian sports are more than entertainment: they are a way of life. Haidarian is a fan of many sports teams—Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49er’s, Boston Bruins, LA Galaxy, FC Barcelona—but his favorite is the Boston Celtics. “The Boston Celtics have a special place in my heart. They mean a lot. When they win I’m happy, when they lose I’m sad,” Haidarian said. “They are more than a team to me, they’re a dynasty.”

Celtics pride. Haidarian shows his true colors in celtics attire. He bonds with his family by watching Celtics games.

Haidarian grew up around Celtic basketball and still never misses a game. “When ever I would visit my grandma, the Celtics game would be on. I was always surrounded by it; everybody likes basketball in my family. My mom’s side likes the Celtics and my Dad’s side likes the Lakers,” Haidarian said. Despite the Lakers-Celtic rivalry in his family he still enjoys watching the game with his dad. “It gets tuff [to watch the game together] and sometimes it gets heated, but we like to watch the games together because it’s a lot of fun,” Haidarian said. Sheri Haidarian, Afsheen’s mother, was happy to pass on her love for the

Celtics to her son. “I’m glad to pass on the love for the Celtics with my son. We enjoy watching every game as a family,” she said. Haidarian admires every player on the team and he cheers them on win or lose. “I don’t have a favorite [player], they are all s.pecial. Rondo is the best passer in the league, Allen is the best shooter of all time, Garnett brings the energy and intensity, and Peirce will hit the big shot when you need it,” Haidarian said. When he watches a game Haidarian shows his support by wearing. Celtics attire. “When I watch the game, I’m glued to the TV. I wear some sort of Celtics gear, weather it’s my Celtics

underwear, hat, shirt, or jersey,” Haidarian said. His Bedroom provides a place to enjoy a game with a mini fridge, flat screen, couch, sports memorabilia, and a hat wall. “My room is a spots sanctuary, it is the ideal place to watch a game and cheer of your favorite team,” he said. “It’s one of my favorite places to be.” His favorite moment was game 6 of the NBA finals when the Celtics beat the Lakers 131-92. “I’m a die hard sports fan, I watch some sort of sport everyday. I really get into it,” Haidarian said. “A big chunk of my time is dedicated to either watching sports, attending the games, or playing them.”

Sports Fans

Kassel goes green for the Packers by Andrew Czuzak

Go green. Kassel stands in Packers attire, football ready.

Junior Brett Kassel supports his favorite team, the Packers, through thick and thin. Since age five, Kassel has rooted for the Packers with his father. Now every weekend, he makes sure to watch the Packers play. “I love watching Packer’s games. I’ll watch other teams play if there is a marquee match-up, but I almost never miss a Packer’s game,” Kassel said. Mike Kassel, Brett’s father, believes that his past experiences in football helped steer Brett towards football and shaped his passion for the Packers. “I’ve been coaching high school football for forty years now, and I think some of my enthusiasm for the greatest sport on Earth carried over to Brett,” Mr. Kassel said.

A lifelong Green Bay fan, Mr. Kassel, who was drafted in ‘69 to the Chicago Bears, remembers playing against some of the people he looked up to as a child. “I really wanted to be drafted to the Packers, that was my first choice in teams, but I was really honored to play for any team with the knowledge that I was good enough that somebody wanted me,” Mr. Kassel said. The Packers however, have not always been as successful as this season. Kassel remembers losing seasons where the Packer’s were one of the worst teams in football. “Even when they are playing bad I still support them. After all the Packers are my team and I know they will do their best to improve,” Kassel said. After the Packer’s second round playoff exit this year

to the Giants, Kassel and his father are ready for the next season. They both believe that it will better year for the Giants. “I think they will mature further, and they will be a very exciting team to watch,” Mr. Kassel said. Despite his dedication to the team, Kassel has never been able to watch a Packers game in person. “Obviously, it would be really difficult to attend a home game, but I hope to see them one day; Maybe I can watch them when they play the Chargers in San Diego,” Kassel said. Kassel’s biggest dream is follow in his father’s footsteps with one difference. “Just like my dad, if I have an opportunity to play in the NFL I really want to be drafted to the Packers. It would be a dream come true.”

FEATURES// FEB. 10, 2012

to Willing

wait

Sarah Finch and Brian Frew have made a mutual decision to wait to have sex until marriage for various reasons. by Chris Nguyen

Abstinence until marriage is the commitment to not have sex until the day you actually say the words “I Do”. Junior Sarah Finch and senior Brian Frew have both made this promise which they believe promotes a healthier and safer lifestyle. Frew believes that having sex at such a young age is not worth it and in the long run it is better to wait. “I don’t feel like I need to [have sex] and I don’t think it’s worth it especially because of the small chance that I would regret it looking back,” Frew said. Finch added how your virginity is not something teenagers should give up before they are actually ready and know all the possible risks that can come from it. “I believe [my virginity] isn’t something I should give up before I am mature enough to be prepared for the possible outcomes,” Finch said.

When asked if their parents were involved in the decision, Brian Frew explained how his parents gave him the decision but reminded him that you cannot erase the past. “My parents told me to always make smart decisions and to think about my actions before I do it and think of the consequences and if it’s really worth it,” Frew said. In Finch’s case, she used her parents’ struggles to care for her when she was young to make her decision. In that way, Sarah’s parents were involved in her decision indirectly. “My mom and dad weren’t married to each other when I was conceived. Growing up, I watched them struggle to parent me and provide for me at their fullest. They have always given me the freedom to choose my own beliefs but I’ve used their experience as an example as to why young

people should wait [to have sex],” Finch said. Both believe that their Catholic religion is part of the reason that they want to remain celibate. Religion inspired both of them to be brave and noble to hold on to something as precious as their virginity until marriage. Finch and Frew both agree that with their decision, it will give them a chance to have a stronger and healthier relationship. “I don’t feel that sex is necessary to have a close and personal relationship with someone that you care about,” Frew said. Finch and Frew’s decision to be abstinent until marriage has strengthened their relationship because they both share the same values. “My decision will make me a stronger and more determined to stay on my own life’s path. I will decrease my chances of disease and unwanted pregnancies. And [remaining celibate] gives me a chance to have a deeper relationship with someone that isn’t based on lust,” Finch said. They feel safe around one another knowing they will never feel the pressure or need to participate in these activities. “Being abstinent until marriage makes us feel more comfortable around each other knowing that there is more to our relationship than sex,” Frew said.

PHOTO BY CHRIS NGUYEN

Happy couple. Finch and Frew are happy about their decision to stay virgins until marriage. Finch does not want to regret any desicions she makes and she believes that this desicion will benefit her in the future.

South shares bread by Katie Hill

When a homeless man was found dead on the steps of the First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach, junior Erin South’s parents Nina Dooley and Craig South decided to start a soup kitchen called “Shared Bread”. The kitchen has been open every Wednesday for the past 19 years. “We’ve served more than 100,000 meals to people who really need care and built wonderful friendships along the way.” Dooley said. The dedication of the South family and the other volunteers at their soup kitchen have is what makes it a safe haven for the homeless. The South family makes sure everyone who comes in for a meal feels comfortable and accepted. “If you’re down on your luck, the soup kitchen is open to you. It’s not our place to judge why you’re here.” South said. Even though the soup kitchen is held in a church, there is no pressure on the visitors or volunteers to follow a certain religion. All different people are welcome, no matter what their beliefs are. Erin feels the soup kitchen is more about believing in morals and caring for others than believing in a specific religion. “There is a really cool sense of community,” South said. “Both older and younger people like to stop by and help.”

When helping out at the soup kitchen, South cooks and serves the visitors food. “You can tell how grateful they are for it,” South said. “It’s such a blessing to be able to give that to them.” Perhaps one of her most grateful visitors, Nicholas, always shares his appreciation of Erin’s help. The sweet natured Italian immigrant refers to Erin as “his love” and jokingly tries to convince Erin to runaway with him

“

If you’re down on your luck, the soup kitchen is open to you. It’s not our place to judge why you’re here. -Erin South,11

”

so they can “get married in Maui” every time she serves him. “It’s so funny,” South said. “It’s been going on for years” South sees Nicholas almost every Wednesday, as she does with most of the homeless people that frequent the soup kitchen. But the days he doesn’t show up, South gets very worried. “You don’t know where [the visitors] are or if they’re ok,” South said. “I’ve gotten to

know these people and the thought that something bad could’ve happened to them is a very scary thing.” Just the thought alone of these homeless people being in danger brings a look of devastation and heartbreak to South’s face. South says it is hard for her to even see homeless people on the street because of the pain she feels for them. The soup kitchen also provides necessities to keep the homeless people in our community safe from many of the dangers they face. All visitors have access to a professional, paid psychologist. The soup kitchen also provides hygiene kits with soup and shampoo and perform a service called Laundry of Love, in which a launder mat washes the homeless people’s clothing for free. It is very easy to volunteer at the soup kitchen, as many students, such as freshman Kirstin Hanson, junior Aric Hanson, junior Larry Guevara, and senior Mele Tuuholoaki,

2. PHOTOS BY JENNY OETZELL

Food for thought. 1. Junior Erin South is responsible for taking the trays of food to the tables of people instead of having them go through a line. 2. South truly enjoys preparing plates of food for people in need.

already do. All one has to do is walk into the soup kitchen, volunteer, and believe in human compassion. There will always be room for that. “There will always be people in need,” South said. “So love and care will always be needed.”

HEALTH // FEB. 10, 2012

Planned Parenthood protects women As the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading sexual and reproductive health care provider and advocate, Planned Parenthood serves by Dan Furmansky about five million men, women, and adolescents every year. With nearly 800 health centers and 79 independent local affiliates, Planned Parenthood is a healthcare powerhouse that works to improve the sexual health and well being of families everywhere. Despite its statistical data and mission statement, Planned Parenthood has a tarnished reputation and is often looked down upon. False â&#x20AC;&#x153;factsâ&#x20AC;? have been carelessly thrown around, making Planned Parenthood look more like a babykilling factory and a last resort for the sexually promiscuous than what it actually is, a service to people worldwide. The healthcare provider is often under fire for its supposedly â&#x20AC;&#x153;recklessâ&#x20AC;? abortion practices. The truth is 3 percent of

all Planned Parenthood health services are used for abortion. The focus is on prevention and always has been. Very little attention is given to the positive aspects of Planned Parenthood, such as their tests and treatments for sexually transmitted diseases to breast cancer. The healthcare provider performs four million tests and treatments for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. In addition, 770,000 pap smears and 750,000 breast exams are conducted ev-

e r y year. Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health and safety is a very important aspect of what Planned Parenthood stands for as well as the rights of individuals, families, and communities. Their mission also includes educating people to enhance their understanding of the societal and individual implications of sex. The educational programs inform 1.1 million

Paying for

Protection President Obama has extended his health care mandate to cover birth control and other contraceptives and insurance companies will be required to cover preventative care for women with no co-pays. This legislation is not new, only enforcing a previous decision that companies must cover birth control to comply with Title IX. Breast pumps, an annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;well-womanâ&#x20AC;? physical, screening for the virus that can cause cervical cancer, diabetes during pregnancy, counseling on domestic violence, and other services will all be covered with the plan.

teens and adults every year. Planned Parenthood centers vary from location to location but they practically serve the same purpose wherever they are. Whether you visit a location in Hawthorne or Santa Monica, the same services are p r o - vided for free or a very low price. Condoms are usually offered for free and when a woman goes in for birth control it is done discreetly, with the privacy of the patient in mind, and also free of charge. Planned Parenthood is essentially a safeguard. It is there to guide you and provide support for a teen making the choice to become sexually active. Planned Parenthood services are there to help the public not hinder it in any way. It does not support sexual promiscuity or endorse irresponsible sexual activity among teens or adults. A person against Planned Parenthood is a person against womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health, rights, and equality. Planned Parenthood emphasizes family planning and a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right to control her fertility.

70%

of teens have had intercourse by the age of 19

on average, young people have sex for the first time at about age

70%

of females and 56% of males report that their first sexual experience was with a steady partner

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SPORTS // FEB. 10, 2012

ALPHA DOG

ATHLETE OF THE ISSUE

Senior Annie Park, while not vocal, exemplifies all of the qualities of a true leader through her actions.

by Kayla Manuum

She pivots, shielding the ball from her opponent, and tosses it in one swift motion. Everyone stops, knowing that the ball, in seconds, will end its journey through the net. Senior Annie Park scores, again. For Park, action came easy; leadership did not. “It was really something I could work on, being a leader. I just had to experience the things that I learned. It’s not something you can just practice,” Park said. “I learned a few things [about being a leader], but each leader is different. Some people are good at speaking, but I’m not very good at talking so I just try to lead by example.” Co-captain senior Brittany Stafford can attest to that. Park’s leadership attributes are indeed more physical, rather than verbal. “She shows her leadership through her actions,” Stafford said. Giving it her all every time she steps onto the court is one way Park shows just that. “[I lead by] just going hard in practice. Sometimes I know that I don’t feel like practicing but I still try to work hard for my teammates. As a leader I should be the hardest worker out there,” Park said. Teammate Kourtney Noa believes Park is more than just hard-working. “She’s reliable and motivating. When we’re down [in a game], she won’t take the timeout to yell at us. She just leads by example,” Noa said. According to Noa, Park has helped her

PHOTO BY CHRIS PAULINGAS

with communication and making smarter decisions on the court. “[Park has helped me to decide] when to take my shots, whether or not to move the ball, and talking on the court,” Noa said. Stafford believes that Park has also helped improve the team’s involvement. “She has helped the team tremendously by getting the team involved. During practice, if the team is not focused she’ll call a timeout,” Stafford said. “She’s hard on the team but she’s hard on herself.” Stafford also recognizes Park’s dedication to the game. “Before practice, Annie’s in the gym. After practice, Annie’s in the gym. On Sunday, Annie’s in the gym. She is a really hard worker in the classroom and on the court,” Stafford said. Her hard work began when she started playing basketball in 5th grade. However, it wasn’t until years later she discovered her passion. “In eighth grade I started playing club basketball and I really liked competition. I think it’s fun playing against tough opponents because it’s a challenge,” Park said. Through the challenges of playing against tougher players, Park has learned many life lessons. “[I learned] to find my weaknesses.[I enjoy playing against tough opponents] not just to learn my weaknesses but I just think it’s fun. It’s fun going against people that are good,” Park said. One of the most important lessons Park has learned through the game is team unity. “As a leader, people are telling me that I need to score more, but I learned that it’s a team sport, and it’s not just about a single player,” Park said. “Whether one player plays only a minute while another player plays thirty, it doesn’t matter because we’re a team. Everyone contributes.” Overall, Park learned that playing as a team helps them be successful. An example of this lesson becoming reality was last year’s team, according to Park. “The team last year was a huge example of team basketball and it was just really cool because we won Bay League [Championship] last year. We were undefeated and played as a team. We didn’t depend on a single player,” Park said. Though she admits this year’s team is different, Park believes the team has improved. “The younger players’ inexperience with team basketball is probably one of the reasons why we don’t play like we did last year, but it’s not their fault. They’re learning and we’re actually getting better,” Park said. The four-year varsity player received a basketball scholarship to Cal State Fullerton. However, the experiences Park has gained will never be forgotten. “We weren’t selfish at all last year and it was just a really special feeling and a special experience, and I’m never going to forget that,” Park said.

SPORTS // FEB. 10, 2012

Fighting to the finish by Matt Brancolini

BY JENNY OETZELL

Back against the wall. Too close to the two-meter line, junior Sarah Khlare is forced to pass the ball to a teammate during a match against West.

Taking a change of pace by Kylie Martin

Girls’ water polo will not make a tradition of last season’s advancing into CIF after losing the majority of their matches. Last night the girls water polo ended their season after losing to Penninsula 8-7. According to assistant coach Chris Stolba the team never gave up and started to look for shots everywhere they could. “[The shots] were not always the best opportunities but the opportunities were there,” he said. The outside shooting was what decided the game in the sense both teams had a huge number of attempted shots and if either team had shot slightly better the team would have taken the game hands down according to Stolba. “It was a tight game the whole way,” Stolba said. The team lost because of small mistakes according to junior Sarah Logan. “We weren’t being totally aware,” Logan said. “We were just watching instead of attacking.” Junior Hannah Mansour agrees.

Lost chances

“We weren’t aware of where our players were,” Mansour said. “We were stopping before we had complete control of the ball.” Mansour also believes that the team was not playing as seriously as they could have. “We could have made smarter passes and been more aggressive,” she said. Logan believes that Penn was the teams biggest challenge this season. “It was a close game and we had a disadvantage because [Penn’s] pool is harder to play in,” she said. According Logan is bittersweet about the end of the season. “I’m sad that I won’t see my teammates everyday and that there’s no more games,” Logan said. “But it’s also a relief to not have to worry about practice and when I’m going to get home.” Mansour is sad to see the season over. “We’ve been together so long and it’s going to be hard not seeing each other 24/7 and not playing together,” she said. Overall this season went well beyond coach Mitch Yamamoto’s expectations and the team’s overall record was no indication of their success. “We played very well within the Bay League, with close games against the usual powerhouses Costa and Palos Verdes, teams that we had more than struggled with in the past,” Yamamoto said.

by Kylie Martin

PHOTO BY ALISA IDE

Added momentum. Sophomore Dustin Harold kicks the ball toward the goal with a midfoot strike.

The boys’ soccer team will not advance to CIF, ending their season last night with lower scores than expected after losing to Leuzinger 0-3.

Mansour also believes that the team exceeded her expectations. “We could always do better but we had a pretty good season,” she said. According to Mansour the team made big improvements this season. “I think we improved a lot on defense and being more vocal,” she said. According to Yamamoto a tougher defense made for a stronger offense. “Keeping opponent goal totals to within more tolerable limits helped our team confidence, that we could stay close or win games outright,” he said. Yamamoto thinks that senior Tiffany Morales and Logan were the one-two punch that helped the team grow. “Their leadership, game insight, and amazing play has propelled us to a whole new level as a competitive Water Polo Program. Morales was a “spark plug” as one of the leading scorers and Logan had a great season according to Yamamoto. “[Morales] was a great team leader taking up a defensive stopper role,” he said. “[Logan] had a spectacular season in goal.” Logan hopes that the team will train and focus harder for next year. “We tried our hardest and we’ll try harder next year,” Logan said.

on yesterday’s game vs. Leuzinger

“We needed to be more

aggressive against the other team so we could take pressure off of our defense. -Alex Matei

”

A season full of hard work has finally paid off for the wrestling team after five wrestlers have qualified for the CIF Southern Section tournament this Saturday with an overall record of 12-3. “We just found out that we qualified as a team this week and I couldn’t be happier,” senior Alexanthony Maldonado said. “This has been one of our best seasons in years. Teams were afraid of us” A strong work ethic has carried the team throughout the entire season, according to senior Jake Harris. “We’ve been working hard and improving all year. Individuals have been stepping up and making us a stronger team all year,” Harris said. Sophomores Elijah Jimenez and Kevin James, junior Xavier Muzik, and seniors Jake Harris and Maldonado all qualified. Despite this being Muzik’s and James’ first time in a CIF tournament, neither wrestler is nervous about the big event. “I just want to work my hardest and do my best,” Muzik said. “For this being my first year and qualifying for CIF, I’m actually not nervous at all, which is surprising.” Rather than being nervous about who his opponent is, James is more focused on being healthy enough to compete. “I’m more anxious to know if I’ll even be healthy enough to wrestle than I am about actually wrestling,” James said. “I pulled my hamstring during Bay League Finals and I haven’t been able to practice. I’ve been resting it and I should be good to go by next week.” For seniors Harris and Maldonado, these two weekends are their last chances to ever compete on the high school level. “This season has been great. I’m doing better than I ever have before and I can’t wait to see how much I’ve improved against some of the best wrestlers in the state,” Harris said. “This is my last chance to wrestler in highs school and I want to make the most of it.” Maldonado is just excited to face the top wrestlers in the state one final time. “I’ve beaten some of the best wrestlers in the state this season and I’m excited to face them one more time in CIF,” Maldonado said. “It’s my last time being able to wrestle, and I want to go out with all of my heart. That’s all Coach Schoenberg wants from us. Whatever happens happens. I’m excited to see how it all ends.”

on the season overall

“If we were down we would sometimes get discouraged and we would let that get the best of us. We are a better team than our standings [show]. -MichaelRuiz

”

SPORTS // FEB. 10, 2012

Bittersweet by Diana Luna

Ready. Set. Done. The senior’s last high school surf season has finally come to an end. The team is very proud of the their preformance in placing third in league this year. Palos Verdes and Mira Costa are considered the highest ranked surf teams in the South Bay, trying to top them would have been a long shot, according to senior Conor Beatty. “I wasn’t expecting to beat PV or Mira Costa,” said Beatty. “ I was hoping to stay in third place which we did so I thought that was pretty realistic.” Beatty feels that last year’s team had more of an advantage which might have

been the reason of the slight downfall from last year to this year. “Last year we had the upper hand because we had a lot of more experienced surfers who were unfortunately seniors,” said Beatty. “The brighter side of things is that this year we have a lot of younger kids who are more energetic and they have really helped into contributing to the team.” As seniors make their way out of competition, lower classmen rise up to take those spots of their old companions in the open water. Sophomore Kenny Okuda feels that next year will be a tough season knowing that

Riding for the long run. Junior Ailidh Shelden rides a wave during practice to work on riding waves longer. “I usually go for a snap or carve once or twice on a wave and then end it so I get docked points,” said Shelden. “Other girls will just ride straight and get more points than me just because they ride longer. Shelden hopes to improve on her technique for next year’s competitions. PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

Surf faces reoccuring problem of loosing talented seniors, but continues to look to underclassmen to carry out the team.

some of the team’s best surfers will be gone. “Now that the seniors are leaving, it puts the pressure on all of us to do better and work harder. We want to keep the sense of commitment and spirit our seniors are leaving behind to pursue and achieve the same idealistic goals, “said Okuda. Senior Chris Webb will miss having to get up early to catch some waves with his surf team. “Having the ability to surf before school is the coolest thing, It really puts you in a good mood for the rest of your day,” said Webb. “ It’s not like any other typical sport; here you get to be in nature

and having your friends around to experience it with you makes this sport a great one.” Although it’s the end of the season, it’s not the end for all surfers. This upcoming weekend will be the Hennessy Cup where Conor Beatty and a few others will be competing. Beatty has advanced to the prelim finals where he will be competing for the long board, short board, and body board division. “I don’t have any aspirations to become a professional surfer and travel the world, but I’d love to take it as far as I could,” said Beatty. “ This is a life style that I’ll pursue for the rest of my life.”

New kids on the court by Mya Gelber

PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

Looking forard. Junior Bella Hall fights for the ball in game against PV. The team had trouble trusting in their strengths this season. “The only thing that held the team back was our doubts in ourselves, I think given enough time to find that belief in ourselves and eachother as a team we would have succeeded more,” said Hall.

Last night’s victory of 71-48 against Leuzinger, will propel the girls into the offseason on a high note. This season wasn’t as expected for the team but there’s plenty of excitement for next winter. According to sophomore Sia Fifita, the last game of the season was a success and the team was able to pull together for a final victory. “We truly played as a team, whether you were on the bench or on the court, everyone played a role in our success. If Someone messed up, you could hear your team mates cheering you on, but most importantly, the fact that this was the last game of the season, we all just wanted to cherish those 32 minutes together,” said Fifita. According to senior Brittney Stafford,

this season was rough but a lot of progress was made and the team is prepared to do a lot better next year. The issue of maturity and experience is what is holding them back from making it to CIF this year, according to Stafford. “It’s just an issue of having such a young team, it’s hard to stay focused. Just as team we weren’t really all on the same page, but were growing,” said Stafford. According to junior Bella Hall, the team’s main issue was staying focused and being united. With such an inexperienced team playing varsity basketball is tough and was more challenging then they expected. “I think we went through a growth process we grew together as a whole and even though our record is not as impres-

sive as we were hoping it would be I still feel as though we accomplished something, a majority of our losses were lost in a 3-4 point proximity,” said Hall. According to Hall, the team will be a lot different next year, and with more experience it will allow them to focus on their weaknesses. However, even though the season didn’t go as well as planned the team learned important things that are vital to performing well together as a team. “We grew as a team and we learned from each other. We accomplished many things that are important off the court more so then on the court such as honor, integrity, perseverance, loyalty, and work ethic. We learned how to be a team together and I think that in itself is an accomplishment,” said Hall.

SPORTS // FEB. 10, 2012

A turn for the worst Basketball faces the reality of their failures this season. by Brandon Folkman

PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

Shooting for success. Junior Derek Biale shoots in game against PV. “I think overall the team put in a good effort this season and I just hope to have a successful season with next year’s team,” said Biale.

While the beginning of the team’s season had a promising start after a success in many of the team’s preseason tournaments, the season eventually took a turn for the worst as the team continued barely lose some very close games. Redondo lost to Leuzinger 67-31 last night and according to junior Chris Henderson, the team has to petition to be in CIF. Seniors especially were dissapointed in the loss, assuming it could be the last game they play for Redondo. “It was a dissapointing way to end the season we came out flat and couldn’t execute any of our gameplans and Leuzinger came out ready to play. It was a tough loss,” Henderson said. Senior Brian Frew was disappointed with the teams result but felt the team played well in every game. “We did well this year in competing with every team we played against we never got blown out and even against good teams we took them all the way to the end of the game we never gave up,” said Frew. Junior Derek Biale agrees with Frew that the team worked hard in every game. “I felt this year we competed with almost every team and were even able to beat some really good teams,” said Biale. “We started off the season strong, but lately have been struggling.” The team finished with a 10-16 record, and hopes to make the playoffs but will not know for sure until Sunday.

ROTC shines their boots ROTC cadets head to an honorary leadership camp. by Lia Quilty

It’s all well and good to receive a congressional recognition from Janice Han, but what is even more impressive are the cadets who are attending the leadership camp at Romona High School Feb. 18. “We choose who we want to go to the camp according to their GPA, military excellence, physical fitness, and parent authorization,” 1st Sgt. Mick said. He picks around six students out of about 45 who are eligible to attend in ROTC. The spring training that these cadets are attending is a preparation for the camp in summer, which is a week long. Sophomore Vera Gold is one of the 6 cadets who were chosen. This is her first year attending this camp. “I’m so excited that I’m able to go this year,” Gold said. “I want to go to develop leadership qualities and further my experience.” She is not the first person in her family to pursue

a military path. “Both of my grandfathers had military experience. One of them was a pilot and the other was a lawyer for the Air Force,” Gold said. “My grandfather came to the ROTC banquet and was really proud of me.” She is looking forward to attending the naval academy and pursuing a military career. “My goal right now is to go to Annapolis and go to medical school there,” she said. She looks forward to representing not only herself through this program, but her family and community as well. The uniform instills a sense of pride in her because it is the same one that real marines wear. “I joined because of the discipline and leadership skills that I can learn. I think it’s a great opportunity and very beneficial for building character,” Gold said. “I definitely enjoy wearing the uniform, with the honor and respect that it entails.”

“We have a chance to make the playoffs as an at large bid,” said Frew. “I really hope we get in because I feel our season went really well, and would like to continue it further.” The players agree that if the team makes the playoffs, they will need to improve in many ways in order to advance. Senior David Passmore feels that the team’s offense is their main downfall. “I think our team this year played defense very well. We kept teams to low scores almost every game,” said Passmore, “But I do feel that we will need to work on our offensive execution to score more often.” Frew agrees with Passmore but feels that the team’s improvements need to go further than just their offense. “We will [also] need to work on staying mentally tough and not making mistakes,” said Frew. However Biale feels that the team’s biggest area of improvement should be how they handle the last few minutes of the game. “We need to work on handling pressure at the end of the game. If we can do that we will be a lot better,” said Biale. Over all, according to Passmore, the team feels they worked hard in every game, and while disappointed in their final record they look to make up for it by hopefully making the playoffs. “I think we had a good season overall. We competed hard in all our games this year but the ball just hasn’t bounced in our favor very much,” said Passmore.

The end game by Colin Welch

Girls soccer’s admission into CIF was dependent on win against Leuzinger, a game that Redondo was sure to win. The expected 9-0 blowout to Leuzinger yesterday clinched the team’s spot in CIF. Finishing the season strong, girls’ soccer has high hopes for CIF. After a quick 2-0 lead in the first five minutes the team relaxed and played their game according to junior Brittany Oldham. “We knew coming into this game that we were going to dominate,” Oldham said, “but we needed to secure a lead early and continue pushing throughout the game.” This victory locked in a CIF spot for the team and the momentum of the Leuzinger game must continue into CIF, according to senior Michelle Epp. “As long as we control the pace and play our game we should go far,” Epp said. The team is going to focus on each game individually and play the best soccer they’ve ever played according to coach Shelly Marsden. “We don’t have a specific goal we want to achieve in CIF but we want to play our best soccer each game,” Marsden said. Preparation for CIF is going to take hard work and a lot of heart according to senior Samantha Witteman. “We need to stay focused on our weaknesses, condition more, and play our hearts out,” Witteman said. The team is inexperienced in CIF play but that isn’t going to deter them from working there hardest, according to Epp. “We didn’t make CIF last year,” Epp said, “but that doesn’t change our desire to win.”

SPORTS // Feb. 10, 2011

SAIL

SINK OR by Logan Collingwood

As the waves crash against the hull of their boat, senior Brandon Folkman rapidly gets to work tying a multitude of knots. He cautiously moves the sail into the correct position. One wrong move could tip the team’s boat. Despite all of this pressure, he calculates correctly and the boat propels forward. Folkman picked up sailing when he was 7 because of his strong connection to the King Harbor Yacht Club which caused him to be surrounded by boats at an early age. “My grandfather was one of the early members of the King Harbor Yacht Club and then my father went on to win five national sailing championships,” he said. The sport has opened up many opportunities for Folkman. Two years ago he and his team qualified for a race in New Zealand. “I met a sailor from New Zealand who is ranked in the top 15 in the world and he came out to long beach for some races and asked me to sail with him, and we won,” he said. In March, Folkman is going to be racing in the Congressional Cup, which is considered a grade 1 professional regatta. The first place prize is over $20,000. “I’m excited to be invited to such a prestigious race. It has been a dream of mine to sail in this race since I saw it when I was 12. Sailing with Will Tiller, who is ranked 15th in the world, will be an enlightening experience, and an excellent opportunity to learn more,” Folkman said. Tony Collins, Folkman’s friend

from Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club, has been competing against him since 2008. “Brandon is a really hard worker and sets a good example for people on his team, which motivates them to learn and improve,” Collins said. Because of his immense sailing knowledge, Folkman teaches sailing classes to kids from the ages of 7 to 15 at the Yacht Club during the summer. “It’s really rewarding to see the kids that take to it and embrace it. It’s great to see kids continue to sail even as they get older,” he said. Folkman has faced many challenges in his sailing career, but has always continued to practice and improve. “I wanted to quit one time when I was sailing at my first na-

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PHOTO COURTESEY OF BRANDON FOLKMAN

All aboard. Folkman in Newport Harbor for the Anteater Regadda last December.

tionals and kept getting last place, but I remembered just to shake it off and take it one race at a time,” he said. Because of his dedication, persistence, and skill, the College of Charleston has offered him admission and a spot on their sailing team. “I don’t think I’ll make a career of it just because it’s tough to make money in sailing, but if I found a way to make a living off of it I definitely would,” he said. Even though he doesn’t intend on pursuing it as a profession, Folkman has no intentions to stop sailing. “It’s definitely something I’ll continue to do and be passionate about for the rest of my life,” he said.

FAST FACTS 1 2 3 4

Some interesting facts about Folkman.

The largest boat he’s sailed was 90 ft. He knows how to tie 12 knots.

The longest he’s ever sailed was 180 mi. from Newport to Ensanada, Mexico. He owns 3 boats.

GORE DOES WELL IN TRACK by Navikka Dasz and Ilana LaGraff

PHOTO BY ERINN MIDDO

Roadrunner. Gore trained hard for a year to win Junior Olympics after participating four times.

Crowd roaring, muscles burning, freshman Amber Gore runs past the finish line in first place at the Junior Olympics in Wichita, Kansas. “[Winning] was really exciting. The previous year I got second place. I was so close to winning, but I wasn’t there yet, so I devoted my whole season to winning the race this year,” Gore said. For eight months she practiced four days a week, not including the track meets on both Saturdays and Sundays, for two and a half hours of intense training. “You definitely need a lot of de-

termination, and you have to be serious about it. Even when I felt like I wanted to quit, I kept going because of my dream of being on the podium and hearing them announce my name,” she said. Someone who helped influence that dream was Gore’s father, who also ran track when he was in high school. “I used to watch him run, and he’d take me to kid races at his office. Now, he takes me to all my meets and practices and is super supportive of it,” Gore said. Gore has been in four Junior Olympics now. This last year, she

won first place, and placed 5th in the country, ages 13 to 14, for the 800 meter race. “I was on the last lap and I could hear the girl in front of me breathing really hard, so I sprinted as fast as I could with the cheering crowd giving me that last push I needed, but the most distinct voices were my family, friends, and coaches,” Gore said. Gore is proud of herself for achieving her goal and hopes to continue living her dreams for a long time. “Running is in my blood. It’s my second nature. Since I could walk it’s what I’ve loved doing,” she said.