La Vista Issue 2, Vol. LXIII Section A by La Vista

OCTOBER 12, 2012 1401 ARTESIA BLVD. MANHATTAN BEACH, CA 90266 WWW. LAVISTAMCHS.COM

VOL. LXIII

ISSUE 2

Associated Student Body announces 2012 Costa Homecoming Court BY TAYLOR ST. GERMAIN NEWS EDITOR TAMARA KNELL STAFF WRITER $VVRFLDWHG 6WXGHQW %RG\ UHvealed the 2012 Homecoming Court princes and princesses on Oct. 5 during nutrition. Juniors and seniors elected 12 seniors to the court: Meghan Burns, Lauren Fournell, Marcus Francis, $GDP *HUDUG 6KD\DQ Ghafouri, Jack Hadley, Rachel Humphrey, Rachel Oster, Natalie Pratt, Nicole Rosen, 'LOORQ 6KDPEDXJK DQG -HUHP\ 6LOYD â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am looking forward to having fun with the couples and making it an exciting week for the school to enjoy,â&#x20AC;? Humphrey said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was extremely honored to be chosen for Homecoming Court, as there are so many deserving individuals at Costa .â&#x20AC;? The court will dress up in costumes every day of the week leading up to the Oct. 19 football game against Palos Verdes PeninVXOD +LJK 6FKRRO Along with dressing up, all members of the court will par-

MIRA LAING/ LA VISTA

COME HOME WITH ME: ASB honored the 2012 Homecoming court on Oct. 5 with Homecoming sashes. The court includes (from left) seniors Rachel Humphrey, Meghan Burns, Marcus Francis, Nicole Rosen, Adam Gerard, Lauren )RXUQHOO -DFN +DGOH\ 1DWDOLH 3UDWW 6KD\DQ *KDIRXUL -HUHP\ 6LOYD 5DFKHO 2VWHU DQG 'LOORQ 6KDPEDXJK ticipate in different games and activities beginning on Monday and continuing throughout Homecoming week. Participants will also perform a dance in a pep rally on the day of the Homecom-

ing football game, choreographed by the members of the court. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My partner, Natalie, and I areexcited for the opportunity to experience being on Homecoming Court and are ready to give Mira

Costa students and staff a great show,â&#x20AC;? Ghafouri said. 7KH Âł6ZHHW (VFDSHÂ´ +RPHcoming dance will be held in Fisher Gym on Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets went on sale this

Band, Colorguard win competition

0%86' DSSURYHV new teacher contracts BY SHAYLYN AUSTIN NEWS EDITOR

BY SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER Costa Marching Band and Colorguard ZRQ ÂżYH DZDUGV IRU WKHLU SHUIRUPDQFH of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Electropolis,â&#x20AC;? at the 6RXWK %D\ ,QYLWDWLRQDO )LHOG 7RXUQDPHQW RQ 6HSW DW :HVW 7RUUDQFH +LJK 6FKRRO 7KH 0DUFKLQJ %DQG ZRQ ÂżUVW SODFH RYHUDOO LQ WKH 0XVLF 6ZHHSVWDNHV *HQHUDO (IIHFW 6ZHHSVWDNHV DQG 7RXUQDPHQW 6ZHHSstakes and second place in Percussion. The Mira Costa Colorguard received LWV ÂżUVW 6ZHHSVWDNHV DZDUG IRU $X[LOLDU\ meaning Costa was the best of all Colorguard performances at the competition. Âł7KH &RORUJXDUG WHDP KDV JRWWHQ ÂżUVW place before but never has received an overall award,â&#x20AC;? Colorguard captain senior Rachel Azafrani said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really honored WR EH FDSWDLQ RI WKH ÂżUVW 0LUD &RVWD JXDUG to do this, and I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see what happens next if weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re this successful so early in the Colorguard season.â&#x20AC;? Azafrani feels that both the band and Colorguard worked hard to prepare for their competitions, and both came away from it successfully. The band and Colorguard practice their routines for over 20 hours a week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think people recognize how physically demanding and time-consuming Colorguard really is,â&#x20AC;? Azafrani said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every band worked hard to win this In-

ZHHN DQG WKH ÂżUVW VWXdents that purchased tickets received movie tickets to a Costa-only screening of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fun 6L]H Â´ D ÂżOP WKDW LV VSRQVRULQJ this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Homecoming. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for the dance, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be on that dance Ă&#x20AC;RRU DOO QLJKW Â´ $6% FRPmissioner of video and performing arts sophomore Ryan Ramey said. With this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme, $6% ZLOO GHFRUDWH ZLWK FDQG\ UHODWHG LWHPV $6% members cannot reveal any PRUH VSHFLÂżF GHWDLOV EXW they believe Homecoming will be a night to remember. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Homecoming this year LV JRLQJ WR EH XQLTXH Â´ $6% commissioner of entertainPHQW VHQLRU 'DQLHOOH .D\ said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have surprises up our sleeve, and we are really excited to show the school a dance they have never seen before.â&#x20AC;? The Homecoming court members look forward to the activities coming next week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is something I looked forward to but never thought I had the chance of getting,â&#x20AC;? Francis said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My partner Lauren and I have some crazy ideas and are really hoping to get that crown.â&#x20AC;?

EMMA SALZMAN/ LA VISTA

MARCHING MADNESS: Mira Costa Marching Band members practice for their competition, which WRRN SODFH RQ 6HSW $W WKH FRPSHWLWLRQ 0LUD &RVWD 0DUFKLQJ %DQG SODFHG Ă&#x20AC;UVW LQ Ă&#x20AC;YH DZDUGV vitational Field Tournament and laid their talents out there, but our band managed to come out on top of all the others.â&#x20AC;? The band has been practicing for the 2012 season since July 2012. They trained at band camp over the summer, in addition to Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday practices that are being held until the end of November. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We ran the show a lot of times before the actual performance, and the runthrough of the show at the end of this practice was the best show we have ever had,â&#x20AC;? 'UXP PDMRU ,VDDF 6LHJHPXQG %URND VDLG

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was an excellent show, and most things that we had practiced really came though in the end.â&#x20AC;? Mira Costa Band director Joel Carlson believes that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Electropolisâ&#x20AC;? will be a highly rewarding project for the Marching Band and that the show has already given them a lot of admiration throughout the entire music community. Âł'HVSLWH WKH GLIÂżFXOW\ RI WKH FRPSHWLtion, I am really proud of the Mira Costa Band members and proud of all that they have been able to accomplish so far this year,â&#x20AC;? Carlson said.

0DQKDWWDQ %HDFK 8QLÂżHG 6FKRRO 'LVWULFW %RDUG RI 7UXVWHHV UDWLÂżHG LWV FRQWUDFW with the district teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; union on Oct. 3. Âł7KH 0%87$ UHSUHVHQWDWLYH RIÂżFLDOO\ accepted the negotiations, and the Board YRWHG RQ WKHP Â´ 0%86' %RDUG RI 7UXVWees president Ellen Rosenberg said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now we are in a 10 day waiting period.â&#x20AC;? The agreement provides a 3% raise for next year, with future raises pending the results of Propositions 30 and 38 on Nov. 6. 6HH ODYLVWDPFKV FRP IRU WKH IXOO VWRU\ Âł:H DOO ZRUNHG WR ÂżQG WKH EHVW VROXWLRQ XQGHU WKH FLUFXPVWDQFHV Â´ 0%86' 'HSXW\ 6XSHULQWHQGHQW 5LFN %DJOH\ VDLG

2SLQLRQ 6WDII (G Wi-Fi needs clarity Recently, students and teachers have expressed confusion over the state of Wi-Fi internet access on the Costa campus. While WKH 0DQKDWWDQ %HDFK 8QLÂżHG 6FKRRO 'LVtrictâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan for complete Wi-Fi coverage at Costa is necessary, the large disconnect between the administration, teachers and students will make the transition of incorpoUDWLQJ WHFKQRORJ\ XQQHFHVVDULO\ GLIÂżFXOW See â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wi-Fiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on page A8

NEWS

La Vista

October 12, 2012

0DQKDWWDQ %HDFK 8QL¿HG 6FKRRO 'LVWULFW SUHVHQWV EXGJHW XSGDWHV BY KATE ROBAK CALENDAR EDITOR

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MIRA LAING / LA VISTA

A NOTE ABOVE: Mira Costa Advanced Women’s Choral members practice in the choir room for upcoming performances including their concert with Vox Femina and the Redlands Women’s Festival in November.

&RVWD YRFDO JURXSV SUHSDUH IRU ZLQWHU FRQFHUW BY GASSIA ASHIKIAN STAFF WRITER 7KH 0LUD &RVWD $GYDQFHG :RPHQ¶V &KRUDO 0XOWLFXOWXUDO &KRLU &RQFHUW &KRLU DQG 9RFDO (QVHPEOH DUH FRQWLQXLQJ WR SHUIRUP DW ORFDO HYHQWV WKURXJKRXW WKH 6RXWK %D\ DQG DUH SUHSDULQJ IRU WKHLU XSFRPLQJ SHUIRUPDQFHV LQFOXGLQJ WKHLU 'HFHPEHU FRQFHUW DW 0LUD &RVWD FDOOHG ³7KLV 6KLQLQJ 1LJKW ´ )ROORZLQJ DQQXDO WUDGLWLRQ 9RFDO (QVHPEOH VDQJ WKH 1DWLRQDO $QWKHP ODVW 6DWXUGD\ DW WKH 0DQKDWWDQ %HDFK +RPHWRZQ )DLU ³7KLV ZDV P\ ¿UVW WLPH VLQJLQJ IRU DQ HYHQW RXWVLGH RI VFKRRO ´ MXQLRU $YHU\ -HWW VDLG ³,W ZDV D ORW RI IXQ DQG D JUHDW H[SHULHQFH , KRSH WR VLQJ DJDLQ QH[W \HDU ´ &RVWD FKRLUV SURYLGHG RYHU YROXQWHHUV IRU WKH 0DQKDWWDQ %HDFK . 7KH\ DOVR SURYLGHG VXSSRUW DW WKH ZDWHU VWRSV DQG DW W VKLUW GLVWULEXWLRQ ³:H MXVW ZDQWHG WR KDYH D JUHDW WLPH ´ FKRLU LQVWUXFWRU 0LFKDHO +D\GHQ VDLG ³:H KRSH WKDW HYHU\RQH HQMR\HG WKH EHDXWLIXOO\

Peace, Love and Flower Power

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Young Democrats and Young Republicans clubs host first debate BY BUSTER BAER STAFF WRITER

EMMA SALZMAN / LA VISTA

Associated Student Body members (from left) juniors Talia Fragner and Philip Abdoo and sophomore Lauren Berty take a break from dancing at the Flower Power dance on Sept. 28 in the cafeteria after the varsity football game against Newport Harbor High.

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NEWS

October 12, 2012

La Vista

MUN competes at Santa Margarita BY MORGAN THALER STAFF WRITER

MUNAM WASI/ LA VISTA

LAUGHING OUT LOUD: Comedy Sportz team manager Buster Baer (right) practices with team members in room one during Improv Club for their convention at Gamecon, which took place on Oct. 6 at San Marino High School.

Comedy Sportz team participates in Gamecon BY QUINN KROPSCHOT STAFF WRITER The Mira Costa Comedy Sportz team attended the annual Gamecon conference along with various Southern California Comedy Sportz teams on Oct. 6 to learn new improvisational games and skills at San Marino High School. Gamecon is an annual convention where various local Comedy Sportz teams get together to meet, share ideas and learn new skills for their Comedy Sportz teams. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gamecon showed me how Comedy Sportz gatherings work,â&#x20AC;? new team member sophomore Elizabeth Hartman said. All Costa Comedy Sportz team

members were required to attend Gamecon. The teams split up into groups ranging from beginning to advanced experience levels. From there, the groups went into different rooms around the school and were taught new improv techniques and games. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is tough to improvise with VWUDQJHUV DW ÂżUVW Â´ WHDP PHPEHU junior Gabby Wolf said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But once I got more comfortable I was able to learn a lot.â&#x20AC;? From the 70 people that auditioned for Costa Comedy Sportz this year, 16 new members were added to the team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Comedy Sportz team this year seems to have a great grasp on improv, and I am sure that captains Molly [Curtis] and Bust-

Both novice and advanced students in Mira Costaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Model United Nations program traveled to Santa Margarita Catholic High School on Sept. 29 to compete with other local schools at the annual South Orange County Model UN Conference. A majority of the participants in SOCOMUN were freshmen and beginning Model UN students. SOCOMUN is categorized as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;learning conferenceâ&#x20AC;? on its website. It is a one day debate that serves to introduce students interested in Model UN to the logistics and format of debates. â&#x20AC;&#x153;SOCOMUN was a great practice for our delegates and Costa performed very well,â&#x20AC;? Secretary General senior Taylor Lewis said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We looked forward to another season of excellence.â&#x20AC;?

Though SOCOMUN is primarily for freshmen, it is not solely limited to them. Sophomores, juniors and seniors all attended the debate to compete in advanced and intermediate committees. Âł$W ÂżUVW , ZDV QHUYRXV EXW WKH students from Mira Costa were very well prepared, so I ended up doing pretty well,â&#x20AC;? Costa freshman Nash Hale said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;SOCOMUN prepared me for several things, but it especially helped me learn how to interact with students from different schools.â&#x20AC;? Both Hale and freshman Reid Bryan received Best Delegate awards in each of their novice committees. Bryan debated Capital Punishment and Hale discussed WKH 3DOHVWLQH ,VUDHO FRQĂ&#x20AC;LFW â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr. Timberlake and all of the teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; assistants did a great job preparing us, and all of the students running SOCOMUN did a good job guiding us,â&#x20AC;? Bryan said.

er [Baer] will teach them new skills,â&#x20AC;? Comedy Sportz advisor Carol Mathews said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am really excited to see how they improve throughout the year.â&#x20AC;? Comedy Sportz has had eight practices so far this year to prepare for Gamecon and its upcoming matches. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great kind of energy about this team,â&#x20AC;? Curtis said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everybody is really enthusiastic and committed to the group. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty much all I could ask for in a team.â&#x20AC;? 7KH WHDPÂśV ÂżUVW PDWFK LV planned for November. Their opponent is not yet known. MUNAM WASI/ LA VISTA â&#x20AC;&#x153;We continue to get better each week,â&#x20AC;? Wolf said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking MUN ON A RUN: Mira Costa Model UN students prepare for upcoming compeforward to this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s season.â&#x20AC;? titions by taking part in practice in-class debates.

Manhattan Beach chooses to abide by Brown Act despite suspension BY DANA STERNTHAL STAFF WRITER

are saving.â&#x20AC;? The state of California expects to save $96 million by suspending these parts of Although the California State legislators the Brown Act. voted to suspend aspects of the Brown Act Although the state has suspended the rein June, a piece of legislation that ensures quirement to abide by certain aspects of the the actions of local government are con- Brown Act, Manhattan Beach is one of the GXFWHG RSHQO\ IRU WKH ÂżVFDO \HDUV RI many California cities that plans to conthrough 2015, Manhattan Beach has decid- tinue to acknowledge the whole legislation ed to follow through with the act. without state reimbursement. The Brown Act is a multi-faceted piece â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is one of those things where the state of legislation, passed in 1953 by California is trying to save money, but being commitlegislation, which is dedicated to guaran- ted to the Brown Act is more than budgetteeing the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right to attend and par- ary,â&#x20AC;? Councilwoman Amy Howorth said. ticipate in meetings â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not worth it, sacof local legislative â&#x20AC;&#x153;The state is trying to save money, ULÂżFLQJ RSHQ JRYHUQbodies, as well as but being committed to the Brown ment just to save a few other facets that en- Act is more than budgetary. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not pennies.â&#x20AC;? sure an open, trans- worth it to sacrifice open governManhattan Beach has parent government. shown its dedication ment just to save a few pennies .â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We truly believe to open government it is imperative to do in other ways as well. Amy Howorth all of the things the Howorth and Mayor Brown Act entails,â&#x20AC;? Pro Tempore David Manhattan Beach City Manhattan Beach Lesser established an Councilwoman Mayor Wayne Powad hoc subcommittee ell said. on June 3, 2011 to ensure further transparMandates of the act that are suspended ency in government. include the requirement of posting city â&#x20AC;&#x153;Manhattan Beach has committed itself council agendas, providing descriptions of to being open and transparent in its acitems to be discussed at regular city coun- tions,â&#x20AC;? Lesser said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ad hoc subcomcil meetings and posting descriptions of mittee develops recommendations with items discussed in closed sessions. By not respect to open government.â&#x20AC;? requiring these actions, the state no longer The Manhattan Beach City Council met has to reimburse cities that abide by the RQ 2FW WR UHDIÂżUP WKH FLW\ÂśV FRPPLWPHQW Brown Act. to the Brown Act. Unless a city council â&#x20AC;&#x153;They suspended the Brown Act because member, staff member or citizen pulls the they were trying to balance a $16 billion issue for discussion, it will automatically budget,â&#x20AC;? Powell said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The state previously be approved. funded mandate powers. Now they are susâ&#x20AC;&#x153;The Brown Act is critical to good govpending the requirement so they will not ernment,â&#x20AC;? Powell said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We agreed to folhave to pay, but it is chump change they ORZ LW DQG DUH FRQWLQXLQJ WR UHDIÂżUP LW Â´

NEWS A4 La Vista Nine Mustangs move on to final round of National Merit Scholarship competition BY SABRINA PICKETT STAFF WRITER Nine Mira Costa seniors were QDPHG RQ 6HSW DV VHPL¿QDOLVWV RI WKH WK 1DWLRQDO 0HULW 6FKRODUVKLS FRPSHWLWLRQ 7KH ¿QDOLVWV IURP &RVWD DUH %UHWW %XFNVWDII $OHF /DXWDQHQ 'LDQH /HH $QQH 0RQLTXH 3DFH 3UHUDQD 3RGGDU -DFN 5RVHQEHUJ %ULDQ 6\GRZ -DQH 7LDQ DQG %ULan Zukotynski. Four more stuGHQWV DUH EHLQJ UHFRJQL]HG WKDQ in 2011. ³,W¶V DQ KRQRU WR EH DEOH WR UHSUHVHQW RXU VFKRRO DQG EH UHFRJ-

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COURTESY MIRACOSTAHIGH.ORG

HONORABLE MENTIONS: (from left starting with top row) Seniors Brian Sydow, Brett Buckstaff, Alec Lautanen, Brian Zukotynski, Jack Rosenberg, Prerana Poddar, Jane Tian, Diane Lee, and Anne Monique Pace are celebrated as 1DWLRQDO 0HULW 6FKRODU VHPLÀQDOLVWV

FRPSHWLWLRQ WR EH IXOO\ UHFRJQL]HG DV 0HULW 6FKRODUV ´ 7KRXJK WKH &RVWD DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ NQHZ WKH UHVXOWV RI WKH 1DWLRQDO 0HULW &RPSHWLWLRQ WKH VWXGHQWV ZHUHQ¶W DOHUWHG XQWLO 6HSWHPEHU ZKHQ WKH\ ZHUH KRQRUHG ZLWK D EUHDNIDVW LQ WKH DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ EXLOGLQJ 9DULRXV VFKRODUVKLSV DUH EHLQJ DZDUGHG LQ WKH 1DWLRQDO 0HULW 6FKRODUVKLS FRPSHWLWLRQ 2QH RI WKH VFKRODUVKLSV LV D 1DWLRQDO 0HULW 6FKRODUVKLS IRU WKH ¿UVW \HDU RI FROOHJH ³7R UHFHLYH DQ\ RI WKH ¿QDO awards is an achievement, and I ZRXOG EH KRQRUHG LI , ZDV UHFRJQL]HG DV D ¿QDOLVW ´ /HH VDLG It may seem that Costa’s numEHU RI VHPL¿QDOLVWV LV UHODWLYHO\ ORZ FRPSDUHG WR VXUURXQGLQJ VFKRROV EXW &RVWD 3ULQFLSDO 'U %HQ 'DOH WKLQNV WKLV LV EHFDXVH LW LV QRW QHFHVVDU\ IRU DOO VWXGHQWV DW &RVWD WR WDNH WKH 36$7 “I’m happy Costa has nine VHPL¿QDOLVWV WKLV \HDU EXW , ZLVK ZH KDG PRUH ´ 'DOH VDLG ³:H KDYH OHVV WKDQ RXU FRPSHWLWRU VFKRROV EHFDXVH ZH GR QRW UHTXLUH VWXGHQWV WR WDNH WKH 36$7 ´ $SSUR[LPDWHO\ ¿QDOLVWV ZLOO EH QDPHG LQ )HEUXDU\ ³, DP SURXG RI RXU VHPL¿QDOists, and they’ve worked hard acaGHPLFDOO\ WR DFKLHYH WKLV KRQRU ´ 0DWWKHZV VDLG ³7KH\ DOO GHVHUYH WR JR RQ LQ WKH FRPSHWLWLRQ ´

Costa administration plans five freshman four-year plan workshops BY DANA STERNTHAL STAFF WRITER

'DOH VDLG ³6WDII ZLOO EH WKHUH JXLGDQFH FRXQVHORUV DQG DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ DUH JRLQJ WR JLYH LQIRUPDWLRQ DQG DOO IUHVKPHQ DUH &RVWD DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ KDV GHFLGHG WR KROG PHHWLQJ ZLWK WKHLU JXLGDQFH FRXQVHORUV IRU IRXU \HDU SODQQLQJ ZRUNVKRSV WKURXJKRXW WKHLU IRXU \HDU SODQ LQ WKH VSULQJ ´ 2FWREHU IRU SDUHQWV ZKR ZDQW WR NQRZ 6WXGHQWV DUH QRW VWULFWO\ KHOG WR WKHLU PRUH DERXW WKH IRXU \HDU SODQ SURFHVV SODQV WKH\ FUHDWH LQ IUHVKPDQ \HDU )RXU \HDU SODQV DUH VNHWFKHV RI WKH ³,W DOORZV IUHVKPHQ WR ORRN DW WKH QH[W FRXUVHV VWXGHQWV SODQV WR WDNH GXULQJ WKHLU WKUHH DQG D KDOI \HDUV DQG PDNH GHFLVLRQV years at Costa. The DERXW WKHLU SDVVLRQV ´ SODQ DOORZV FRXQVHORUV “We’ve done four-year plans with 'DOH VDLG ³+RZHYHU to meet freshmen one- freshmen every year after first sometimes four-year RQ RQH DQG ZLOO PDNH SODQV FDQ EH QHJDsemester grades, but not work- WLYH EHFDXVH VWXGHQWV VXUH WKDW DOO ³D J´ UHTXLUHPHQWV ZLOO EH shops. The students get to go over PLJKW ZDQW WR FKDQJH their plan for high school.” PHW E\ VWXGHQWV SDWKV LQ KLJK VFKRRO ´ ³:H¶YH GRQH IRXU Many freshmen \HDU SODQV ZLWK IUHVKDJUHH WKDW D EHWWHU XQJennifer Woodie men every year after GHUVWDQGLQJ RI WKH SURGuidance Counselor ¿UVW VHPHVWHU JUDGHV FHVV FRXOG OHDG WR D EXW QRW ZRUNVKRSV ´ PRUH HI¿FLHQW V\VWHP &RVWD JXLGDQFH FRXQVHORU -HQQLIHU :RRGLH ³, WKLQN LW¶V EHQH¿FLDO IRU SDUHQWV WR KDYH VDLG ³7KH VWXGHQWV JHW WR VHH WKHLU WUDQ- WKLV LQIRUPDWLRQDO ZRUNVKRS HVSHFLDOO\ VFULSW JR RYHU LW DQG ZH JR RYHU WKHLU SODQ LI WKHLU ROGHVW NLG LV D IUHVKPDQ DQG WKH\ IRU WKHLU KLJK VFKRRO FDUHHU ZLWK WKHP ´ KDYHQ¶W JRQH WKURXJK WKH SURFHVV EHIRUH ´ :RRGLH KRSHV WKDW IRXU \HDU SODQ ZRUN- freshman Gianna Genova said. VKRSV ZLOO HQFRXUDJH VWXGHQWV WR WKLQN $GPLQLVWUDWLRQ DQG JXLGDQFH FRXQVHORUV DERXW FROOHJH DQG WKH KLJK VFKRRO FRXUVHV PHW WR VROLGLI\ WKH ZRUNVKRS DJHQGD RQ QHHGHG WR JHW WKHUH Oct. 8. ³:H ZDQW WR JHW WKHP WKLQNLQJ DERXW FRO³:H PHW EHFDXVH ZH QHHGHG WR ZRUN RXW OHJH ´ :RRGLH VDLG ³7KLQJV FKDQJH DOO WKH WKH GHWDLOV ´ 9LFH 3ULQFLSDO -DLPH 0DQFLOOD WLPH DQG VWXGHQWV ZRQ¶W QHFHVVDULO\ IRO- VDLG ³6HYHUDO DGPLQLVWUDWRUV DQG JXLGORZ WKHLU SODQV EXW WKH SODQV DUH PHDQW WR DQFH FRXQVHORUV DUH ZRUNLQJ RQ LW ,¶OO EH LQ JHW IUHVKPHQ WKLQNLQJ DERXW WKHLU GHFLGHG FKDUJH RI WKH PDVWHU VFKHGXOH EXW WKH PDLQ JRDOV DQG IXWXUH SURVSHFWV ´ IRFXV ZLOO EH KRZ SDUHQWV FDQ PDQDJH WKH Costa decided to offer these workshops IRXU \HDU SODQ ZLWK WKHLU FKLOGUHQ ´ ZKHQ SDUHQWV EHJDQ DVNLQJ IRU PRUH LQ:LWK WKH LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ RI WKHVH ZRUNIRUPDWLRQ DERXW WKH SURFHVV RI IRXU \HDU VKRSV &RVWD KRSHV WR FODULI\ WKH SURFHVV SODQV )LYH ZRUNVKRSV DUH VFKHGXOHG IURP DQG LPSRUWDQFH RI IRXU \HDU SODQV WR D VWX2FW DQG RQH FDQ VLJQ XS WKURXJK GHQW¶V KLJK VFKRRO FDUHHU WKH VFKRRO ZHEVLWH ³:KHQHYHU ZH WDNH WLPH WR FRPPXQL“The workshops are for parents who cate information to students and parents it ZDQW PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ ´ 3ULQFLSDO 'U %HQ LV WLPH ZHOO VSHQW ´ 'DOH VDLG

October 12, 2012

LISA VALICENTE/ LA VISTA

MUSIC TO THEIR EARS: Presidents of the new Music for Life Club, (from left) MXQLRUV 0LFKHOOH 7UDQ DQG $QQLH 0XQVRQ KRVW WKH ÀUVW FOXE PHHWLQJ

Music for Life club begins at Costa BY SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER -XQLRUV 0LFKHOOH 7UDQ DQG $Qnie Munson created one of the ¿UVW QHZ FOXEV RI WKH VFKRRO \HDU 0XVLF IRU /LIH LQ RUGHU WR GHGLFDWH WLPH WR SURPRWLQJ WKH LPSRUtance of music. 7KH SXUSRVH RI WKH FOXE LV WR HQFRXUDJH HOHPHQWDU\ DQG PLGGOH VFKRRO VWXGHQWV ZKR DUH LQWHUHVWed in music to continue their inWHUHVWV LQ 0LUD &RVWD¶V PDUFKLQJ EDQG DQG RUFKHVWUD SURJUDPV ³:H ZDQW WR RUJDQL]H IXQ ERQGLQJ HYHQWV EHWZHHQ 0LUD &RVWD RUFKHVWUD DQG EDQG PHPEHUV DQG WKH HOHPHQWDU\ VFKRRO PXVLF VWXGHQWV ´ 7UDQ VDLG 7KH FOXE ZLOO DOVR KROG LQIRUPDWLRQDO PHHWLQJV ODWHU LQ WKH \HDU WR SURYLGH DQVZHUV WR DQ\ TXHVWLRQV WKH HOHPHQWDU\ RU PLGGOH VFKRRO VWXGHQWV DQG SDUHQWV PLJKW KDYH UHJDUGLQJ WKH FOXE DQG WKH &RVWD PXVLF SURJUDPV

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OPINION

October 12, 2012

La Vista

Romney-Ryan campaign needs new focus to have a chance in election BY ALEC LAUTANEN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

It is blunders such as this one that have been setting the Romney campaign back, but other isWith less than a month left until sues plague it as well. Namely, a the presidential election, the Rom- lack of real campaign promises ney campaign has much ground outside of vague â&#x20AC;&#x153;job creationâ&#x20AC;? to make up. So far, the Romney- speeches and a huge lack Ryan campaign has been a lack- of support compared to luster one, and the ticket must Obama in key contested step up efforts in key swing states swing states. if it wants any chance of victory Another key weakness in November. for Romneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaign is A recent ABC poll found a large the nature of political solumajority, 61%, of registered vot- tions discussed. While Romers rated Romneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaign as ney rallies for fairer marginal â&#x20AC;&#x153;negative.â&#x20AC;? The two main faults tax rates and other nebulous of the campaign so far have been ÂżQDQFLDO PDWWHUV 2EDPDÂśV VNLOO an obvious failure to relate to the lies in his ability to communicate middle class and a lack of cam- social solutions that are relatable paign substance. to the average America. One recent gaffe for the RomRomneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strongest campaign ney campaign came when a video SRLQWV PD\ OLH LQ WKH GUDE ÂżHOG was released that quoted Romney of economics and job creation, as saying 47% of Americans de- but he could still do a better job SHQGHG RQ JRYHUQPHQW EHQHÂżWV selling them to voters. Romneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay any taxes at all, a SRVLWLRQ LV GLIÂżFXOW GXH WR KLV SUH47% he said it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t his job to viously strong opposition to the worry about. bailout of the automobile indus-

try, but convincing voters how his potential presidency would benHÂżW GRPHVWLF MREV ZRXOG EH SUHIerable to his current method of simply criticizing the Obama administration. A l though critics decry Barack Obama for an overuse of rhetoric and idealistic campaign promises, his strategies seem to be working. The m o s t JACKSON CASADY/ LA VISTA recent Gallup poll f o u n d Obama leading Romney by 6%. Romney has done an excellent job catering to the wealthy class

of Americans, but heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s losing valuable support from the middle class. According to the Federal Election Commission, the Obama campaign has both raised and spent more than the Romney campaign. However, the majority of Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individual campaign donations are in the $200 or less range, while Romneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest segment of donors gives the maximum $2,500. As far as Romneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lackluster performance in swing states like Ohio goes, the GOP candidate must align himself more closely with working class, blue collar Republicans in the state if he wishes to succeed. Just recently, a huge disconnect was witnessed in the policy and opinions of Romney and Ohio Governor, Republican John Kasich. Kasich recently spoke out praising Ohioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s low employment rate, and rightly so â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the largest metropolitan area in the state, Columbus, has a jobless rate almost

2.5% below the national average. However, this was a sharp contrast with the Romney campaignâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attitude of scorn toward seemingly high national unemployment. Instead of bashing the national rate under a Democratic president, Romney should promote low state rates such as Ohioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s under the current Republican leadership. Despite his strong showing in WKH ÂżUVW GHEDWH DQG KLV UHFHQW spike in national polls, the fundamental problems in his campaign still exist. If Romney doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t address these pertienent issues, his debate bump will soon be a thing of the past. Depending on how the remaining debates go, the Romney campaign could see a jump in polling QXPEHUV RU VHH WKHLU ÂżJXUHV IDOO The campaign could lessen a likely negative blow by focusing on more relatable, social matters and promoting Republican success instead of Democratic failure.

Gap year provides little benefit to graduates college rigor much too great and drop out. Many still choose to take gap years despite the risk because The typical path of a high they hope to gain worldly knowlachieving student is customarily a edge or are unsure of which acaK-12 education, followed immedemic paths they want to follow diately by four years of college. and are, therefore, hesitant to start However, some students have their college experience. found that a gap year is a potenWith colleges now offering tial way to break up their 17 years many study abroad opof consistent K-12 education. In reality, gap years are a danger- tions and beginning to In reality, gap years are a dangerous option, despite their ous option, despite their surface ap- embrace an open-curriculum approach, where surface appeal. peal. students can explore difThough gap years can offer new experiences and provide WR EH DQ LQVLJQLÂżFDQW DPRXQW IHUHQW DFDGHPLF ÂżHOGV VWXGHQWV a break after an exhausting se- in comparison to the absolutely get the best of both worlds: the nior year, the costs outweigh the huge $250,000 four-year tuition outside experience that they are EHQHÂżWV 7KH 8 6 'HSDUWPHQW RI of most private colleges many looking for, as well as the educaEducation found in a recent 2005 students attend, these are still sig- tion they need. Despite the attractive possibilisurvey that those who took gap QLÂżFDQW DGGLWLRQDO H[SHQVHV years were less likely than their Much of a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high ties a gap year offers, in the long college counterparts to pursue a school experience is building up run, gap years will only put more postsecondary degree. the work habits necessary for col- stress on a student. Though most Although some students choose lege. With a gap year, these habits students would love the opportuto take a year off in order to work can be compromised. Unlike the nity to skip school for a year, it is to pay for college, many instead two months without schoolwork important for them to continue on choose to participate in popular during summer, 14 months free to their freshman year in college but expensive gap year programs of academic responsibilities will in order to effectively gain the edthat can drain familiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; funds even inevitably lead to a loss of crucial ucation they need in an economibefore they have to pay college work habits that students need cally sound and academically eftuition. For example, a popular when entering college. Without ÂżFLHQW PDQQHU WKDW ZLOO VHUYH DV gap year program, Gap 360, of- WKHVH VNLOOV D VWXGHQW PLJKW ÂżQG an investment in their future.

BY NIKKI BORDOKAS STAFF WRITER

fers trips around the world, but at D VLJQLÂżFDQW SULFH $ WULS WR 6RXWK America for four months would cost upwards of $5,000, not including travel or food prices. That $5,000 only lasts four months; one must consider the frivolous spending that would occur for leisure activities during the other eight months. Though this seems

Top 10 potentially scariest costumes students could wear on Halloween: 10. Someone could be a chick magnet. Just kidding thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actually the worst costume of all time. 9. Students could be the early application deadline - Nov. 1 is coming, and coming fast. 8. Could there be anything more terrifying than Adam Gerard, Homecoming King? 7. They could be the NFL replacement referees. Those calls were honestly scary-awful. 6. Someone could be Campus Security Lead Ray Lee. 5. Or you could also just be something slutty we guess. 4. Someone could be a student without a letter of recommendation. Oh, the horror! 3. Maybe like, Fauver with fangs and a cape, or something. 2. Despite lacking in believability, a straight-edge PACE kid wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be bad. 1. A â&#x20AC;&#x153;President Romneyâ&#x20AC;? costume. Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get scarier than that. JACK ALLEN, ADAM GERARD, ALEX WHITE/ OPINION EDITORS DANNY KELLEHER/ EDITOR IN CHIEF

Costaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s middle student deserves specific attention BY JACK ALLEN OPINION EDITOR As Mira Costa grows as a strong academically performing high school, it needs to develop a system in which average students, or middle children, can thrive and get the education they deserve. Students that shine or excel in class are easily noticed by their teachers, as well as those who are clearly struggling and on the verge of failing, whereas the middle students at Costa are overlooked because they do not seem to need immediate attention. Costa needs to provide this type of student with engaging academics that focus on student participation

and motivate more teachers to fo- areas on STAR tests. According to Manhattan Beach cus on them. For students that excel, Costa 8QLÂżHG 6FKRRO 'LVWULFW 6XSHULQoffers Advanced Placement, ac- tendent Dr. Michael Matthews, students c e l e rated and The middle student at Costa is w h o take an honors overlooked because they do not seem AP class courses, are more while stu- to need immediate attention. likely to dents who struggle can receive extra help succeed in college. Taking just from the learning center and stu- one AP class can supply a middle dent academic support. There is student with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;sense of rigorâ&#x20AC;? no specialized option for all the without giving him or her more than he or she can handle. Last students that fall in the middle. 7KH ÂżUVW VWHS LQ DGGUHVVLQJ WKH year, 53% of Costaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seniors who SUREOHP LV GHÂżQLQJ WKH PLGGOH graduated had earned a three on child. These are students who re- at least one AP exam, but 69% of ceive Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on their report Costaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seniors went to four-year cards and score basic in multiple institutions. Costaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objective for

the future should be too encourage middle students to take a single AP course in an area of greatest strength, instead of pressuring them too either take far too many and inevitably fail them or avoid them altogether. According to MBUSD Executive Director of Educational Services Carolyn Seaton, students need to have a â&#x20AC;&#x153;true level of understandingâ&#x20AC;? in and out of the classroom. Students can thrive more easily when the objective is clear and students receive feedback as well as an interactive learning environment. With students being left unnoticed in the current educational system at Costa, the district needs

to explore the idea of an inverted learning environment. Online programs like Khan Academy would provide a student with a lecture to learn at home, and class time would then be used to explore the ideas taught in the lecture as well as time for students to ask questions based on individual needs. $OWKRXJK LW LV GLIÂżFXOW WR UHshape an entire education system, Costa could easily create more block periods that combine multiple related subjects like science and math and would utilize the Ă&#x20AC;LSSHG OHDUQLQJ HQYLURQPHQW The facultyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to adapt to the middle child will help prepare them to attend a four-year univerVLW\ DQG ÂżQG VXFFHVV

HOMECOMING COURT 2012 COMPILED BY AMANDA NEWELL, ARIANA GEVOV AND RISHA ROHERA/ THEME EDITORS AND MIRA LANG/ PHOTOGRAPHER ILLUSTRATIONS BY AMANDA NEWELL

Adam Gerard & Meghan Burns

Jeremy Silva & Rachel Oster

Dillon Shambaugh & Nicole Rosen

Jack Hadley & Rachel Humphrey

Marcus Francis & Lauren Fournell

Shayan Ghafouri & Natalie Pratt

Couple Nickname: Dr. Daleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dream Team

Couple Nickname: Mr. & Mrs. Pecs

Couple Nickname: Lemonheads

Couple Nickname: Hump & Hads

Couple Nickname: Salt & Peppa

Couple Nickname: Shnatalie

Couple Motto: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Call us Maybe?â&#x20AC;?

Couple Motto: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Save the whales!â&#x20AC;?

Couple Motto: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teamwork makes the dream workâ&#x20AC;?

Couple Motto: â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no substitute...â&#x20AC;?

Couple Motto: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Work hard, play harderâ&#x20AC;?

Couple Motto: â&#x20AC;&#x153;#YOLOâ&#x20AC;?

Nominated by: Adam - Food Critics Club Meghan - Interact Club

Nominated by: Jeremy - Lend-A-Hand Club Rachel - Blood Club

Nominated by: Jack - New Life Club Rachel - ASB

Nominated by: Marcus- Heart of Art Lauren- Yearbook

Nominated by: Shayan - Growing Great Natalie - Growing Great

Extracurriculars: Adam - President of National Honor Society, La Vista Opinion Editor, Model UN Under-Secretary-General Meghan - Co-President of Interact Club and Yearbook Editor

Extracurriculars: Jeremy - Captain of Varsity Lacrosse Team Rachel - ASB Co-commissioner of Campus Morale

Extracurriculars: Jack- Varsity Baseball and Football Player, New Life Club Rachel- Varsity Basketball and Vice President of ASB

Extracurriculars: Marcus - Varsity Lacrosse Lauren - Yearbook Photo Editor

Extrcurriculars: Shayan - Varsity Lacrosse Natalie - ASB Senior Class Vice President

Nominated by: Dillon - ASB Nicole - Friendship Circle Extracurriculars: Dillon- ASB President and Cross Country athlete Nicole- Co-President of Friendship Circle

Homecoming is more than Fun-Sized Homecoming has more aspects to it at Mira Costa than just the widely known football game. ,Q WKH ÂżYH GD\V SUHFHGLQJ WKH +RPHFRPLQJ JDPH NQRZQ DV 6SLULW Week, the school supports the nominees by dressing up according to dynamic themes that Associated Student Body presents. Beginning on Oct. 15, the spirit days for the week will be â&#x20AC;&#x153;Flannel FunDay Monday,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;LA Team Tuesday,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;USA Wednesday,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;PJ Thursdayâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stampede Friday.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had a blast with [Rachel] this weekend when we went to City Walk to pick out costumes and props [for Spirit Week],â&#x20AC;? Homecoming Court nominee Jack Hadley said. On Oct. 19, the day of the Homecoming football game against Peninsula High school, the Homecoming Pep Rally occurs before lunch. Court members perform their dances, students of all grades participate in relays and the spirit squads perform as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a little nervous to be performing in front of the whole school,â&#x20AC;? Homecoming Court nominee Adam Gerard said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But Meghan has promised to accommodate my lack of dancing ability at the pep rally.â&#x20AC;? Later that day, before the Homecoming game at night, the nominees and their families are invited to a formal dinner. After the dinner, the nominees and their families will arrive at Waller Stadium for the Homecoming footEDOO JDPH DQG KDOIWLPH VKRZ $ KXJH VFUHHQ ZLOO EH ODLG RXW RQ WKH ÂżHOG and a themed video produced by the Mustang Morning News starring the

Homecoming court will be played. The King and Queen will be revealed at the end of the video. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really looking forward to the video we all put together,â&#x20AC;? Court nominee Rachel Humphrey said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great way to show everyone our personalities on screen and gives us a chance to be a little funny.â&#x20AC;? Every year, ASB holds the Homecoming Dance in the Fisher Gym. The event includes music from a live DJ, lots of dancing, food and performances from the Homecoming Court. The theme of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dance is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sweet Escape.â&#x20AC;? It is promoted by Paramount Picturesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; new movie, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fun Size,â&#x20AC;? which is about a girl named Wren whose plan to attend a Halloween party gets disrupted when she loses her brother on the same night of the party. Âł7KH ÂżUVW VWXGHQWV WR EX\ WKHLU KRPHFRPLQJ WLFNHWV JHW WR JR WR WKH preview â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Fun Sizeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that will be shown at Beach Cities Arclight,â&#x20AC;? Claypoole said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are also giving us posters, character cut-outs, iPhone skins, candy and towels to shoot out of the t-shirt machine.â&#x20AC;? This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 12 members of the Homecoming Court are very thrilled to be part of the process and are excited to share this special experience in years to come. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a dream come true [to be on the Court],â&#x20AC;? nominee Marcus Francis VDLG Âł,ÂśP KRQRUHG WR EH FKRVHQ IRU VRPHWKLQJ VR JUHDW ,WÂśV GHÂżQLWHO\ something to look back on years from now and a great story for your kids.â&#x20AC;?

Staff Editorial

Homecoming brings the school together, but the selection process needs to be reviewed With Homecoming just around the corner and the 2012 Court set, it more of a factor in most of the voting decisions than the actual work the is important that the selection process for court nominees be reviewed. candidates have done for the school. $OWKRXJK WKH FXUUHQW PHWKRG KDV SURGXFHG TXDOLÂżHG ZLQQHUV LQ WKH SDVW 7KH FXUUHQW WHFKQLTXH RI DOORZLQJ FOXEV ZLWK OLWWOH TXDOLÂżFDWLRQV WR some changes need to be made to ensure that all nominees to be on the select nominees needs to be amended. In order to prove that a club is leCourt represent Mira Costa as well. gitimate and dedicated to its cause, it should be required to have been an Homecomingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purpose is to bring the school together to vote for two established club for at least two years at Costa, as well as have the current students who it thinks has contributed the most to Costa throughout their requirements of participation in Club Day. high school careers. It is one of the most respected and highly anticiIn addition, whether or not clubs consistently meet and are active conpated events on campus annually, and it continues tributors to the community is loosely to live up to expectations. Although the event itself Homecomingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purpose is to bring supervised. With so many clubs, it is is acclaimed, the procedure used to determine the XQGHUVWRRG WKDW LW LV GLIÂżFXOW WR FRQÂżUP initial nominees is inadequate in determining those the school together to vote for two if clubs are regularly meeting and parPRVW TXDOLÂżHG students who it thinks has contrib- ticipating in community services. Under the current selection process, the quali- uted the most to Costa throughout However, one way to successfully ÂżFDWLRQV UHTXLUHG E\ FOXEV LQ RUGHU WR QRPLQDWH monitor this would be to require the their high school career. seniors for the Homecoming Court are lenient clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teacher advisor to sign off every and substandard. According to Associated Student day that the club meets and also sign Body Advisor Lisa Claypoole, a club must have been established for at off on its number of community service hours each quarter. This way there least one previous year and have met all â&#x20AC;&#x153;quarterly club requirements.â&#x20AC;? is no discrepancy and documenting so every clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record can become The lack of further requirements allows for manipulations and bypass- part of the club council meeting process. The community service aspect is ings of the process, resulting in a lengthy ballot with a number of under- PRVW LPSRUWDQW KDYLQJ VSHFLÂżF QXPEHUV RQ KRZ PXFK HDFK QRPLQHH GLG TXDOLÂżHG VWXGHQWV for his or her club is vital. This year, the initial Homecoming ballot included just under 100 nomiLastly, the school must ensure that the court is made up of student role nees with only the club that nominated each student listed next to his or models who value the importance of academics and ethics. All nominees her name. Due to this current selection process, name recognition plays should display academic rigor and have an overall weighted 3.0 GPA. In

addition, nominees should be required to have no demerits under the Mira Costa Discipline Matrix. With this implemented, strong academics and FKDUDFWHU FDQ EH TXDQWLÂżHG DQG &RVWD FDQ ZHHG RXW WKRVH ZKR GHVHUYH the nomination less. Contrary to the initial nomination process, the rest of the selection for Homecoming King and Queen complies with the ultimate goal of producing accomplished winners. The resume of each court member that is DWWDFKHG WR WKH ÂżQDO EDOORW JLYHV YRWHUV D PRUH LQIRUPHG LGHD RI ZKR KDV contributed the most to Costa, which is what Homecoming ultimately should reward. In addition, the way that the nominees evoke school spirit increases school pride. Likewise, Spirit Week enables students to participate in spirit events and show off their Costa apparel. Along with this, the presentation of the announcement of King and Queen during the Homecoming football game has proven consistently impressive. With the majority of Homecoming held under a standard of high quality, the nomination process simply needs to be changed so the right candidates are selected in order to live up to the standards of the rest of the anticipated event. The large number of students on the initial ballot, which comes from a lack of necessary requirements for clubs to nominate, directly opposes Homecomingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary purpose of recognizing select individuals that PDNH &RVWD SURXG 6WUHQJWKHQLQJ WKH TXDOLÂżFDWLRQV IRU FOXEV DQG QRPLQHHV ZRXOG UHÂżQH WKH EDOORW WR D JURXS RI VWXGHQWV WKDW SRVLWLYHO\ UHSUHVHQW the great school of Mira Costa.

HOMECOMING COURT 2012 COMPILED BY AMANDA NEWELL, ARIANA GEVOV AND RISHA ROHERA/ THEME EDITORS AND MIRA LANG/ PHOTOGRAPHER ILLUSTRATIONS BY AMANDA NEWELL

Adam Gerard & Meghan Burns

Jeremy Silva & Rachel Oster

Dillon Shambaugh & Nicole Rosen

Jack Hadley & Rachel Humphrey

Marcus Francis & Lauren Fournell

Shayan Ghafouri & Natalie Pratt

Couple Nickname: Dr. Daleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dream Team

Couple Nickname: Mr. & Mrs. Pecs

Couple Nickname: Lemonheads

Couple Nickname: Hump & Hads

Couple Nickname: Salt & Peppa

Couple Nickname: Shnatalie

Couple Motto: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Call us Maybe?â&#x20AC;?

Couple Motto: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Save the whales!â&#x20AC;?

Couple Motto: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teamwork makes the dream workâ&#x20AC;?

Couple Motto: â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no substitute...â&#x20AC;?

Couple Motto: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Work hard, play harderâ&#x20AC;?

Couple Motto: â&#x20AC;&#x153;#YOLOâ&#x20AC;?

Nominated by: Adam - Food Critics Club Meghan - Interact Club

Nominated by: Jeremy - Lend-A-Hand Club Rachel - Blood Club

Nominated by: Jack - New Life Club Rachel - ASB

Nominated by: Marcus- Heart of Art Lauren- Yearbook

Nominated by: Shayan - Growing Great Natalie - Growing Great

Extracurriculars: Adam - President of National Honor Society, La Vista Opinion Editor, Model UN Under-Secretary-General Meghan - Co-President of Interact Club and Yearbook Editor

Extracurriculars: Jeremy - Captain of Varsity Lacrosse Team Rachel - ASB Co-commissioner of Campus Morale

Extracurriculars: Jack- Varsity Baseball and Football Player, New Life Club Rachel- Varsity Basketball and Vice President of ASB

Extracurriculars: Marcus - Varsity Lacrosse Lauren - Yearbook Photo Editor

Extrcurriculars: Shayan - Varsity Lacrosse Natalie - ASB Senior Class Vice President

Nominated by: Dillon - ASB Nicole - Friendship Circle Extracurriculars: Dillon- ASB President and Cross Country athlete Nicole- Co-President of Friendship Circle

Staff Editorial

A8 La Vista

OPINION

October 12, 2012

EDITORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTE

Senior class filled with bright minds, strong bonds BY ALEC LAUTANEN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

of high school with. As most are already aware of, La Vista always rounds out the year with a page As I was casting my votes for Homecom- mapping out where the graduating class is LQJ &RXUW ODVW 7KXUVGD\ LW ÂżQDOO\ VWUXFN attending college. I never thought Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be me how dynamic and involved my senior looking at my friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; names on that page, class is. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always been somewhat aware but once I realized how palpably close that of the strength of the Class of 2013, but There is no other group of stuafter starting the process of college appliGHQWV ,ÂśG UDWKHU VSHQG P\ ÂżQDO cations and seeing where my friends are DSSO\LQJ LW ÂżQDOO\ KLW \HDU RI KLJK VFKRRO ZLWK 6LQFH +RPHFRPLQJ LV DOVR WKH ÂżUVW event of the year thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strictly a senior af- was, I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but smile. fair, it also made me aware of how right If this class keeps up with its same stannow is truly â&#x20AC;&#x153;the beginning of the end.â&#x20AC;? dards, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll end up with 39 valedictorians So far, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spent over 10 years getting to in June. Ever since I started going to school know this group of individuals, and a sud- in Manhattan Beach my kindergarten year, den departure is a scary thought. But to be Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been consistently impressed by my completely honest, there is no other group peers. It wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a stretch to say Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m RI VWXGHQWV ,ÂśG UDWKHU VSHQG P\ ÂżQDO \HDU MXVW DV H[FLWHG WR ÂżQG RXW ZKHUH HYHU\RQH

MIRA COSTA HIGH SCHOOL 1401 ARTESIA BOULEVARD MANHATTAN BEACH, CALIFORNIA (310) 318-7330 OCTOBER 12, 2012 VOLUME LXIII, ISSUE 2 WWW.LAVISTAMCHS.COM EDITORS-IN-CHIEF DANNY KELLEHER ALEC LAUTANEN MANAGING EDITOR HANNA MCGUIRE COPY EDITORS ZACK GILL MAGGIE ROBAK NEWS EDITORS JOANI GILLAM, EXECUTIVE SHAYLYN AUSTIN TAYLOR ST. GERMAIN

STAFF EDITORIAL

OPINION EDITORS ALEX WHITE, EXECUTIVE JACK ALLEN ADAM GERARD

Alumni Hall of Fame brings honor, tradition to Costa Mira Costa recently inducted 17 distinguished graduates into its Alumni Hall of Fame. The individuals inducted, along with the assembly honoring them, promoted school spirit, gave Costa students pride in their school and was a success for all those involved. During the two assemblies held on Sept. 28, students were given an excellent opportunity to see the impact that previous Costa graduates have had on the Costa community and on the world, which gave students inspiration for the future. The greatest impact the assembly made to the students was that their future accomplishments would be rooted at Costa. This idea was most notably expressed when Grammy-nominated composer David Benoit told Costa that his interaction with faculty on campus â&#x20AC;&#x153;changed his lifeâ&#x20AC;? and set him on the path toward success with something he loved. The assembly excited the student body about Mira Costa and energized school spirit. Inductee John Featherstone, one of the most accomplished college football coaches in the area, inserted new energy into the assembly by getting all attendees

ARTS EDITORS DYLAN FAIR, EXECUTIVE ARI HOWORTH JAKE MAHR LIFE EDITORS AVA KLEIN, EXECUTIVE ELIZABETH KNEISLEY EMILY LOCKWOOD THEME EDITORS AMANDA NEWELL, EXECUTIVE ARI GEVOV RISHA ROHERA SPORTS EDITORS REGAN ESTES, EXECUTIVE HANNAH PROCTOR CASEY SUBLETTE CALENDAR EDITOR KATE ROBAK PHOTO EDITORS NICOLE FISCHER EMMA SALZMAN CIRCULATION EDITORS ANGELINA VOLLUCCI JESSICA BEELI, ASSISTANT ARTIST JACKSON CASADY ADVISER MICHAEL MCAVIN STAFF WRITERS GASSIA ASHIKIAN, BUSTER BAER, NIKKI BORDOKAS, MADDIE COATE, NIKKI FOURNELL, REBECCA HEXT, COURTNEY HUGHEY, CAMILLE JUTON, TAMARA KNELL, QUINN KROPSCHOT, MADDY NERAD, CHRISTOPH NEUMANN KARA PATMAN, EMILY PETILLON, SABRINA PICKETT, IAN RAPOPORT, MEGAN RIORDAN, PIPER RODOLF CATE SCHIFF, ISAAC SIEGEMUND-BROKA, DANA STERNTHAL, MORGAN THALER, KATIE VON BEHREN, SIERRA WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHERS HANNAH DAGIAU, MADDEN LAING, MIRA LAING, JACK LEE, NICK MATSON, VAUGHN MICHAUD, GEOFFREY ST. JOHN, LISA VALICENTE, MUNAM WASI EDITORIAL BOARD JACK ALLEN, SHAYLYN AUSTIN, ADAM GERARD, TAYLOR ST. GERMAIN, ZACK GILL, JOANI GILLAM, DANNY KELLEHER, ALEC LAUTANEN, HANNA MCGUIRE, MAGGIE ROBAK, ALEX WHITE DISCLAIMER: LA VISTA IS THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MIRA COSTA HIGH SCHOOL, SERVING 2,700 STUDENTS IN GRADES 9-12. CONTENT, WHICH IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LA VISTA STAFF, IS NOT SUBJECT TO ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL. UNSIGNED EDITORIALS REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE NEWSPAPER, WHILE OPINION COLUMNS REPRESENT ONLY THE WRITERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S VIEWS. ADVERTISEMENTS DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF LA VISTA. LA VISTA PUBLISHES 10 ISSUES THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR ON A TRI-WEEKLY BASIS AND DISTRIBUTES 3,000 COPIES TO BOTH MIRA COSTA CLASSROOMS AND SUBSCRIBERS. LA VISTA IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COLUMBIA SCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION AND WELCOMES SIGNED LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ON TOPICAL ISSUES FROM THE MCHS COMMUNITY. THEY MAY BE MAILED TO MICHAEL MCAVIN IN THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING MAILBOX OR SENT TO LAVISTAOPINION@GMAIL.COM. LETTERS MAY BE EDITED FOR LENGTH AND CLARITY. PLEASE CONTACT LAVISTAMEDIA@GMAIL.COM FOR ANY ISSUES REGARDING CORRECTIONS. FOR AD RATES, CONTACT LAVISTABUSINESS@GMAIL.COM MISSION STATEMENT: LA VISTA PROVIDING

ONLY

THE

HIGHEST

QUALITY

else will go to college as I am to know my future school. Taking that a step further, the prospect of seeing my friends and classmates in future Mira Costa Alumni Hall of Fame ceremonies was also a scarily realistic thought. The idea that those 17 initial inductees accomplished so much using Mira Costa as a springboard gave me hopeful thoughts about current students and where weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be in the coming years. I wish to see my classmates on that stage in the years to come and witness the success that had. The clichĂŠ question of â&#x20AC;&#x153;what do you want to be when you grow up?â&#x20AC;? has always seemed like a nebulous and irrelevant inquiry, but now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more real than ever. In any case, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m positive both the immediate and distant future will be successful for the class of 2013.

COMMITTED

REPORTING

WHILE

MAINTAINING A STRICT STANDARD OF JOURNALISTIC INTEGRITY AND PROVIDING ITS READERS WITH RELEVANT CONTENT.

on their feet for their pride in their school. Another aspect of the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success was that it demonstrated to students the impact they could have on history as Mira Costa graduates. Economist and current Harvard University Kennedy School

JACKSON CASADY/ LA VISTA

Professor Richard Parker told students that often, history is made at Costa. His brush with history while a Costa student came when he debated Richard M. Nixon on the very stage he stood during the assembly. His speech and the stories told by others

left students incredibly inspired and proud to be Mustangs. The short length and conciseness played a large role in the assemblyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success because it was able to keep the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attention and provided Costa with a short break, but allowed it to happen in coordination with a regular school day. According to Master of Ceremonies Larry Humphrey students who attended the assembly were â&#x20AC;&#x153;attentiveâ&#x20AC;? and remained respectful throughout the ceremonies. Along with inspiration, students received tips and life lessons from the inductees as they talked about their involvements in the world. Inductee Mark Sundeen is a notable author who told the students to question authority and try to develop their own opinions. This important element of the assembly educationally provided students with guidance for their upcoming academic future. According to ASB Vice President Rachel Humphrey, the assembly connected past Costa students to present students. This bridge between them left both the alumni and the students hopeful about the future of Mira Costa and their pride in it.

STAFF EDITORIAL

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wi-Fiâ&#x20AC;? continued from page A1 Efforts began over the summer to make wireless internet available around campus, and the district is now in the third phase of installation. According to Principal Dr. Ben Dale, about a third of all Costa classrooms currently have Wi-Fi, with priority given to the classrooms that utilize iPads. The current divide of information between students, teachers and administrators is imPHQVH 6WXGHQWV ÂżQG WKHPVHOYHV XQDEOH WR access any Wi-Fi on campus, despite being told that they should be able to. Currently, the only student-approved Wi-Fi use, other than in classes on iPad pilot programs, is with the libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wireless hotspot. According to Dale, the district is waiting until January 2013 to enable complete Wi-Fi for high school students. As iPad usage continues to increase at Mira Costa, the district will be forced to increase the

schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bandwith to prevent crashes due to the high volume of devices. Technology Service Coordinator Eric Sangalang believes that 300 megabits will be enough bandwidth to complete phase three of the installation, although he is willing to â&#x20AC;&#x153;monitor the usage on the bandwidth and increase the speed as necessaryâ&#x20AC;? as more students use Wi-Fi enabled devices. Sangalang says the total estimated cost for complete Wi-Fi coverage is $115,000. While it is understandable that the district has been focusing on the middle school wireless connection because of the newly implemented one-to-one iPad program, access for the high school needs to be made a priority as a majority of incoming freshmen are to have iPads next year. According to Dale, the administration is encouraging teachers to allow all wireless

Letters to the Editor: I think that the computers around the school should be upgraded. The computers now breakdown and are outdated. I know the library is getting iMacs, and I think that the rest of the school should receive them too. Alex Burr, Freshman

There needs to be A/C in the classrooms. Some classrooms are getting so hot that it is actually disrupting the learning environment, and it is getting out of hand very quickly. Tanner Warner, Junior

devices. This is a necessary step for Mira &RVWD WR DOORZ VWXGHQWV WR EHQHÂżW PRVW from wireless internet. But because it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t available, many think it never will be, furthering the communication gap. Many teachers push for distraction-free environments, and some maintain the philosophy that technology will give student opportunities for distraction. As proof of a disconnect between students, staff and administration, many teachers arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even on the same page with the goals of the iPad program and Wi-Fi that they implement. +RZHYHU WKH EHQHÂżWV RXWZHLJK WKH QHJDtives with Wi-Fi. There will be distractions, but there will also be more information for students to use and learn from. Our world is rapidly digitizing, and Costa students and staff need to be on the same page for this program to succeed.

I feel that school should start a little later. Most students have to stay up late because of homework and after-school activities and having to be at school at seven or eight in the morning is hard work. Just 15 or 30 minutes would make a huge difference. Annie Gense, Freshman

OPINION

October 12, 2012

La Vista

PRO/CON

Are iPads at Costa worth the large investment? PRO:

iPads are beneficial now, in future

CON:

iPads do not address Costaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs well

BY ALEX WHITE EXECUTIVE OPINION EDITOR

and that starts with the teachers. There are BY DANNY KELLEHER L3DG SLORW DQG WKH GLVWULFW WHFKQRORJ\ SXVK KLJKHU L3DG DSSURYDO UDWHV DW 0%06 DV EDITOR-IN-CHIEF in general, lies in the ambiguity regarding RSSRVHG WR &RVWD EHFDXVH RI WKH ZD\ WKH how or why these technological advances 7KH L3DG SLORW SURJUDP LV D EHQHÂż- devices were implemented at the middle Although technological advancements DUH EHLQJ XVHG &RVWD QHHGV WR GHYHORS D FLDO DVVHW IRU WKH GLVWULFW DQG 0LUD &RVWD VFKRRO 7KHUH VWXGHQWV XVHG WKH L3DGV LQ will clearly be a main component in deter- productive student and staff purpose for Technological changes taking place in the smaller groups and were given more time mining the success of schools and school the introduction of this new technology, 0DQKDWWDQ %HDFK 8QLÂżHG 6FKRRO 'LVWULFW to use them, often making projects from districts in the future, the Manhattan Beach rather than just continue to push to upgrade will enable a more productive learning en- VWDUW WR ÂżQLVK RQ WKH GHYLFHV 8QLÂżHG 6FKRRO 'LVWULFWÂśV L3DG SLORW SUR- WKH VFKRROÂśV HOHFWURQLFV vironment for students and faculty. 7KH NH\ WR WKH VXFFHVV RI WKH L3DG SLORW gram is poorly planned and executed. 6FKRROV LQ 1RUWKHUQ &DOLIRUQLD WKDW KDYH $W D KLJK DFKLHYLQJ VFKRRO OLNH &RVWD LW program lies with their accessibility and The pilot program, which began in June begun to utilize new technology have adis important to stay ahead of the curve in usefulness, both of which will be reliant DV D PDLQ SLHFH RI WKH GLVWULFWÂśV ORQJ RSWHG D SURJUDP ZKHUH WKH\ ÂłĂ&#x20AC;LSÂ´ WKH OHDUQDQ\ ZD\ SRVVLEOH DQG WKH L3DG 3LORW 3UR- on teachers. Various training sessions and term technology plan, lacks clear strategic ing environment, having students watch gram, introduced last year to the district, experts have already been made available objectives for the implementation and use lectures on subjects at home then use class GRHV MXVW WKDW ,W JLYHV WHDFKHUV D FKDQFH WR WR WKH &RVWD WHDFKLQJ VWDII DQG 'DOH EHRI WKH L3DGV ,W LV IXQGHG E\ D FRPELQD- time to practice with what would normally integrate technology in a way that the vast lieves that the versatility and adaptability tion of grants, general district funding and EH FRQVLGHUHG ÂłKRPHZRUN Â´ 5HYLHZLQJ WKH PDMRULW\ RI RWKHU VFKRROV GRQÂśW DQG LI XVHG RI WKH &RVWD WHDFKHUV ZLOO DOORZ WKH L3private purchases. Although it is an excel- subject material from the previous night correctly, the ads to be used to full lent sign for the future that various parts and receiving one-on-one instruction from The intangible benefits for stu- IUXLWLRQ 'DOHÂśV program will of our community are contributing WHDFKHUV LQ FODVV ZRXOG PDNH WKH L3DGV allow students dents and teachers alike are surely goal is to toward the prospect of purchase more effective. to learn ef- well worth the investment. have progressive education, 'DOH VD\V KH LV LQ IDYRU RI LPSOHPHQWLQJ fectively and every their efforts are in vain a program similar to this at the school in become more technologically adept. &RVWD VWXGHQW XVLQJ DQ due to the ineffective the future, but the general lack of commit$ PDMRU SURSRQHQW RI WKH L3DG SLORW L3DG LQ FODVV LQ WKH QH[W implementation of the PHQW IURP DOO &RVWD WHDFKHUV WR DWWHPSW WR SURJUDP LV 0LUD &RVWD 3ULQFLSDO 'U %HQ few years, taking notes current program. LQWHJUDWH WKH L3DGV LQ WKH IXWXUH RQO\ DFFHQ'DOH ZKR MRLQHG WKH VFKRRO DGPLQLVWUD- and using the inter,W ZDV PLV- tuates the large possibility that the district WLRQ D \HDU EHIRUH L3DGV ZHUH LQWURGXFHG active textbooks. guided and and its parents could, with time, come to to the district and has been an ardent supThe future only impulsive to look with regret upon the gigantic monporter of updated technology since the be- holds more with the spend money on etary investment. 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L3DGV DUH HQKDWWDQ %HDFK 0LGGOH 6FKRRO KDYH DOO UH- best choices for the school learning envithe district could have gaging is true, but FHLYHG L3DGV RQ D RQH WR RQH EDVLV DQG DUH URQPHQW 1HDUO\ DOO VWXGHQWV KDYH DFFHVV SXUFKDVHG IXOO\ IXQFWLRQLQJ 3& ODSWRS FRP- sometimes for the worse. 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The main issue with the new under-utilized and poorly managed.

ROVING REPORTER

Does using iPads at Costa enhance the learning environment?

MIRA LAING/ LA VISTA

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, because you get to use PRUH UHVRXUFHV DQG WRROV Â´

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, because that way you can accomplish more things at school and have more free time DW KRPH Â´

Âł,WÂśV DQ H[FLWLQJ WKLQJ ZKLFK has value, and for certain curriculums and certain age groups PRUH YDOXH Â´

Âł1R EHFDXVH WHDFKHUV DOUHDG\ have the resources they need to WHDFK Â´

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, because students can look up answers quickly, and if WKH\ÂśUH QRW VXUH DERXW VRPHWKLQJ WKH DQVZHU LV ULJKW WKHUH Â´

Haley Brooks Freshman

Taylor Klein Sophomore

Glenn Marx Social Science Teacher

Bryce Holmes Junior

Riley Dodson Senior

October 12, 2012 SPORTS A10 La Vista Freshman Andrea Lee brings nation- 6SRUWV %ULHIV *LUOV JROI WDNHV Ă&#x20AC;UVW LQ .QDYH 7RXUQDPHQW ally-ranked talent to Costa golf team 2Q :HGQHVGD\ WKH WRS IRXU 0LUD &RVWD JLUOV JROIHUV ZRQ WKH .QDYH 7RXUQDPHQW DW WKH BY IAN RAPOPORT STAFF WRITER

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think of it as a bad thing, though, EHFDXVH , UHDOO\ HQMR\ LW DQG ZLOO GR LW IRU WKH UHVW RI P\ OLIH Â´ *ROÂżQJ KDV WDNHQ /HH WR PDQ\ H[FLWLQJ SODFHV DQG KDV JLYHQ KHU WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR compete against people from around the ZRUOG ,W KDV QRW RQO\ WDNHQ KHU DFURVV WKH country, but also to foreign countries, such as the United Kingdom. Âł,W LV WLULQJ EXW LWÂśV D ORW RI IXQ WR PRYH DURXQG Â´ /HH VDLG Âł,ÂśYH PHW D ORW RI LQWHUHVWLQJ SHRSOH DURXQG WKH FRXQWU\ DQG ,ÂśYH EHFRPH UHDOO\ FORVH IULHQGV ZLWK WKHP Â´ Competing as a Mustang has helped Lee LPSURYH KHU JDPH DQG KDV EHQHÂżWWHG WKH WHDP DV ZHOO Âł6KH LV D UHDOO\ JUHDW WHDPPDWH Â´ MXQLRU JROIHU -HQQ\ -RKQVRQ VDLG Âł6KH ZRUNV UHally hard and helps her teammates to do the EHVW WKH\ FDQ DOO WKH WLPH Â´ Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ambitions extend from college to the professional league. She hopes that one GD\ VKH ZLOO EH DEOH WR SOD\ LQ WKH 1&$$ DQG ODWHU RQ WR KDYH D FDUHHU DV D SURIHVsional golfer. Âł, WKLQN , ZDQW WR VWD\ LQ &DOLIRUQLD Â´ Lee said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maybe go to Stanford, UCLA RU 86& Â´

It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t often that a high school team gets the opportunity to play alongside a nationally-ranked player. Freshman Andrea Lee brought her many years of talent and experience to the Costaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s girls golf team. Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outstanding performances are a result of years of training. She started playLQJ JROI DW DJH ÂżYH ZLWK WKH VXSSRUW RI KHU father, and by age eight, she had already begun competing in tournaments. Âł0\ GDG ZDQWHG PH WR WU\ JROI VR WKDW , FRXOG GR VRPHWKLQJ ZLWK KLP GXULQJ WKH ZHHNHQGV Â´ /HH VDLG Âł,W ZDV IXQ EXW , VWDUWHG EHDWLQJ KLP ZKHQ , ZDV HLJKW \HDUV ROG VR KH TXLW Â´ 7KH 0XVWDQJV KDYH SHUIRUPHG ZHOO LQ %D\ /HDJXH WKLV \HDU ZKLFK LV D UHVXOW RI VNLOOHG LQGLYLGXDOV VXFK DV /HH 6KH LV FXUUHQWO\ UDQNHG VHFRQG LQ &DOLIRUQLD DQG VHYenth nationally. Âł.QRZLQJ KRZ ZHOO IHOORZ WHDPPDWHV SHUIRUP KHOSV SOD\HUV WR DFKLHYH WKH EHVW WKDW WKH\ FDQ Â´ FRDFK 7LP .HOOH\ VDLG Âł3OD\HUV SXVK HDFK RWKHU DQG HYHU\WKLQJ LV PDGH WR EH WKDW PXFK PRUH VXSSRUWLYH Â´ Like many young athletes, Lee admires VHYHUDO SURIHVVLRQDOV DV KHU RZQ SHUVRQDO LQĂ&#x20AC;XHQFHV 2QH RI KHU IDYRULWH JROIHUV LV Tiger Woods because of his immense talHQW +RZHYHU /HHÂśV JUHDWHVW LQVSLUDWLRQV are her parents because of the constant moWLYDWLRQ DQG VXSSRUW WKH\ SURYLGH Âł0\ SDUHQWV DUH DOZD\V VXSSRUWLQJ PH DURXQG HYHU\ WXUQ Â´ /HH VDLG Âł7KH\ ZDQW PH WR GR UHDOO\ ZHOO DQG WKH\ÂśYH DOZD\V EHHQ WKHUH IRU PH Â´ /HH KDV EHHQ ZRUNLQJ GLOLJHQWO\ WR LPSURYH KHU VNLOOV E\ FRPSHWLQJ LQ DQ DYHUage of 10 tournaments a year. She has had EMMA SALZMAN/ LA VISTA WR VDFULÂżFH PXFK IRU JROI EXW EHOLHYHV LW LV LEEDING THE WAY: Freshman Andrea Lee helps PRUH WKDQ ZRUWK LW Âł*ROÂżQJ LV EDVLFDOO\ P\ OLIH Â´ /HH VDLG lead the Mira Costa girls varsity golf team to an Âł, GRQÂśW UHDOO\ KDYH WLPH IRU DQ\WKLQJ HOVH undefeated season.

Senior Cleland skates around the world BY CAMILLE JUTON STAFF WRITER 2YHU WKH FRXUVH RI WKH ODVW HLJKW \HDUV skateboarding has gone from a hobby to a lifestyle for senior Jared Cleland. &OHODQG ÂżUVW WRRN DQ LQWHUHVW LQ VNDWLQJ DW WKH +RSH &KDSHO VNDWH SDUN ,W ZDV WKHUH WKDW KH ÂżUVW PHW MXQLRU $QGUHZ )UHHPDQ ZKR KDV EHHQ &OHODQGÂśV RIÂżFLDO YLGHRJUDpher since 2006. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What I enjoy most about skating is the IUHHGRP \RX KDYH Â´ &OHODQG VDLG Âł<RX FDQ MXVW JR VNDWH ZKHQHYHU \RX IHHO OLNH LW RU QRW VNDWH IRU D IHZ GD\V LI \RX DUH WLUHG Â´ Since the age of 13, Cleland has been FRPSHWLQJ LQ FRQWHVWV DOO RYHU WKH FRXQWU\ This past summer, he had the opportuniW\ WR WUDYHO WKURXJKRXW (XURSH WR YDULRXV skate competitions. Âł$OO WKH FRQWHVWV LQ (XURSH ZHUH WKH PRVW IXQ Â´ &OHODQG VDLG Âł,ÂśP JODG , KDG WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR JR RXW DQG VHH QHZ FRXQWULHV DV ZHOO DV GR ZHOO LQ WKH FRQWHVWV DQG LPSURYH P\ VNLOOV Â´ 2QH RI &OHODQGÂśV PRVW SUHVWLJLRXV DFFRPSOLVKPHQWV ZDV ZLQQLQJ ÂżIWK SODFH DW the Copenhagen AM, an amateur skateboarding competition in Denmark. Cleland KDV DOVR ZRQ ÂżUVW SODFH LQ ORFDO FRPSHWLtions, such as the Volcom Contest and Wild in the Parks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My dream in skating is to, of course, EHFRPH SURIHVVLRQDO DQG EH DEOH WR WUDYHO WKH ZRUOG Â´ &OHODQG VDLG Âł, KDYH PHW VR many people through skating across the ZRUOG DQG , ZDQW WR FRQWLQXH EHLQJ DEOH WR GR WKDW Â´

/DNHZRRG JROI FRXUVH ZLWK VKRWV 7KH 0XVWDQJV DUH XQGHIHDWHG Freshman Andrea Lee VKRW VHQLRUV Kari and Raquel Gordon VKRW DQG DQG junior Megan Kim VKRW Âł7KLV ZLQ JLYHV XV D WRQ RI FRQÂżGHQFH Â´ .LP VDLG 7KH 0XVWDQJV KRVWHG 3HQLQVXOD +LJK 6FKRRO RQ 7KXUVGD\ EXW UHVXOWV ZHUH XQDYDLODEOH GXH WR WLPH RI SXEOLFDWLRQ

*LUOV FURVV FRXQWU\ SODFHV WK LQ 6WDQIRUG ,QYLWDWLRQDO 2Q 6HSW WKH ER\V DQG JLUOV YDUVLW\ WHDP FRPSHWHG LQ WKH 6WDQIRUG ,QYLWDWLRQDO DW 6WDQIRUG 8QLYHUVLW\ 7KH JLUOV YDUVLW\ SODFHG WK RXW RI WHDPV DQG WKH ER\V WHDP ZDV GLVTXDOLÂżHG The boys and girls competed against Palos Verdes High School yesterday, but due to WKH WLPH RI SXEOLFDWLRQ UHVXOWV ZHUH QRW DYDLODEOH

%R\V ZDWHU SROR GHIHDWV :HVW 7RUUDQFH 7KH 0LUD &RVWD ER\V ZDWHU SROR WHDP GHIHDWHG :HVW 7RUUDQFH RQ :HGQHVGD\ 7KH WHDPÂśV UHFRUG LV RYHUDOO DQG LQ %D\ /HDJXH -XQLRU $XVWLQ 1RUULV KDG ÂżYH JRDOV RQ WKH GD\ 6HQLRU &RG\ .HOOH\ KDG WZR JRDOV DQG WZR DVVLVWV 6HQLRU -LPP\ %LVVHO KDG WZR JRDOV DQG WZR DVVLVWV The Mustangs play Los Alamitos on Monday at home at 3 p.m. BY REBECCA HEXT AND IAN RAPOPORT/STAFF WRITERS

Seniors McClain, Lawson-Gayle are dynamic duo on Costaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offense BY ALYSSA ZUCKER STAFF WRITER As the Mira Costa football season hits LWV PLGVHDVRQ WZR QDPHV KDYH VWRRG RXW DERYH WKH UHVW 6HQLRU UXQQLQJ EDFN 5DSKDHO /DZVRQ *D\OH DQG VHQLRU TXDUWHUEDFN .KDOLO 0F&ODLQ KDYH HPHUJHG DV WKH SURPLQHQW RIIHQVLYH SOD\HUV 0F&ODLQ DQG /DZVRQ *D\OH KDYH KDG H[SORVLYH VHQLRU VHDVRQV 7KH WZR UHO\ RQ each other. Âł5DSK\ DQG .KDOLO KDYH D VWURQJ ERQG Â´ Athletic Director and football coach Don 0RUURZ VDLG Âł7KH TXDUWHUEDFN FDQ HLWKHU UXQ WKH EDOO RU WUXVW WKDW KLV WHDPPDWH ZLOO EH WKHUH WR FDWFK LW 5DSK\ DQG .KDOLO ZRUN YHU\ ZHOO WRJHWKHU DQG WUXVW RQH DQRWKHU Â´ McClain started the season as a safety EXW WRRN RYHU WKH TXDUWHUEDFN SRVLWLRQ DIWHU VWDUWHU VHQLRU 5\DQ 6ZHLJDUW ZDV LQMXUHG Âł, IHHO YHU\ SULYLOHJHG WR EH WKH QHZ TXDUWHUEDFN Â´ 0F&ODLQ VDLG Âł,W ZDV KDUG accepting the responsibility, but I already NQHZ PRVW RI WKH SOD\V VR LW ZDV QRW WRR GLIÂżFXOW WR WDNH RQ WKH UROH Â´ 0F&ODLQ GLG QRW KDYH DQ LQWHUHVW LQ joining the Costa football team until his VRSKRPRUH \HDU 7RZDUG WKH HQG RI KLV

sophomore season, he suffered from a concussion, causing him to miss summer practices going into his junior year season. Because of his absence, he spent his junior year on JV as a safety. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Missing the summer going into junior \HDU ZDV D PDMRU VHWEDFN Â´ 0F&ODLQ VDLG Âł7KHUH ZHUH VRPH SRVLWLYHV WKRXJK , ZDV DEOH WR ZRUN RQ WKH IXQGDPHQWDOV DQG HDVH P\ ZD\ RQWR YDUVLW\ Â´ 0F&ODLQ KDV WKURZQ IRXU WRXFKGRZQV WKLV VHDVRQ ZKLOH /DZVRQ *D\OH KDG UXVKLQJ \DUGV DJDLQVW 1HZSRUW +DUERU +H DOVR VFRUHG IRXU WRXFKGRZQV DJDLQVW :HVW Âł, DP VR KDSS\ IRU WKH ZD\ , KDYH EHHQ SOD\LQJ Â´ /DZVRQ *D\OH VDLG Âł, WKDQN *RG HYHU\GD\ IRU DOO KH KDV JLYHQ PH Â´ 7KH WZR LQVSLUH WKH UHVW RI WKH WHDP ZLWK their talent and dedication. Âł7KH\ DUH ERWK JRRG DWKOHWHV Â´ MXQLRU running back Brandon Mills said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They FKDOOHQJH HDFK RWKHU DV ZHOO DV VXSSRUW HDFK RWKHU Â´ )RU ERWK RI WKHP WKHLU KDUG ZRUN LV UHZDUGHG HYHU\ WLPH WKH\ WDNH WKH ÂżHOG IRU a game. Âł7KH )ULGD\ QLJKW OLJKWV EHDWLQJ GRZQ RQ PH NQRZLQJ DOO P\ KDUG ZRUN SDLG RII LV WKH EHVW IHHOLQJ Â´ /DZVRQ *D\OH VDLG

COURTESY ANDREW FREEMAN

LATER SKATER: Senior Jared Cleland competes internationaly in hopes of becoming a pro. %HWZHHQ WUDYHOLQJ DQG SUDFWLFLQJ KLV WULFNV &OHODQG MXJJOHV VFKRROZRUN DQG JACK LEE / LA VISTA skating by doing independent study WKURXJK 0LUD &RVWD 7KH SURJUDP DOORZV THE TERRIFIC TWO : Seniors Khalil McClain (left) and Raphael Lawson-Gayle have rejuvenated KLP WR KDYH WLPH WR JR RXW DQG VNDWH DV Costaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offense this season as a quarterback and running back duo. ZHOO DV VWXG\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am planning on going to college next \HDU DW (O &DPLQR Â´ &OHODQG VDLG Âł7KDW ZD\ , ZLOO VWLOO KDYH WKH PDMRULW\ RI P\ WLPH WR SXUVXH P\ VNDWLQJ FDUHHU Â´ &OHODQG DQG )UHHPDQ ZDQW WR FRQWLQXH WR KDYH FDUHHUV LQ WKH VNDWHERDUGLQJ LQGXVWU\ for many years to come. Âł, HVSHFLDOO\ ORYH ÂżOPLQJ -DUHG EHFDXVH KH LV RQH RI WKH PRVW KDUG ZRUNLQJ VNDWHUV ,ÂśYH HYHU ÂżOPHG Â´ )UHHPDQ VDLG Âł+H QHYHU JLYHV XS EHFDXVH KH NQRZV RQH GD\ WKLV LV JRLQJ WR EH KLV MRE Â´

SPORTS

October 12, 2012

TEAM RECORDS Sport Overall Football Boys Water Polo Girls Tennis Cross Country Girls Golf Girls Volleyball

Bay League

Win Loss Tie Win Loss Tie Rank

TOP PERFORMERS

Dillon Shambaugh (Senior) Boys Cross Country

Megan Kim (Junior) Girls Golf

Shambaugh allowed himself to Kim shot a 36 in Costaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s win EH GLVTXDOLÂżHG VR KH FRXOG KHOS against Chadwick High School on Oct. 2. DQ LQMXUHG UXQQHU ÂżQLVK

Carley Muller (Senior) Girls Volleyball

Cody Kelley (Senior) Boys Water Polo

Muller had 32 digs and 2 assists in Costaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victory against Peninsula High School Tuesday.

Kelley had two assists and two goals in the win against Palos Verdes High School on Oct. 2

Carly McGuire (Senior) Girls Tennis

5DSKDHO /DZVRQ *D\OH 6HQLRU

Football

McGuire won two of her three matches in the win against Redondo Union on Oct. 4.

/DZVRQ *D\OH KDG \DUGV LQ the win against West on Oct. 5. He ran for four touchdowns.

Digits

12 69 105

number of games it took girls volleyball to sweep in a Bay League match against West Torrance on Oct. 4. The score of WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW JDPH ZDV WKH VHFRQG ZDV DQG WKH WKLUG DQG Ă&#x20AC;QDO JDPH VFRUH ZDV number of matches the girls tennis has won out of a total of 13 matches for the 2012 season. The team has won matches against Palos Verdes and Santa Monica, both teams it had struggled against in previous years. the number of yards of one of senior running back Raphael Lawson-Gayleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s touchdowns in the game against West Torrance. The team won against West, 62-42, and Lawson-Gayle had four touchdowns. QXPEHU RI FRPELQHG PLQXWHV LW WRRN JLUOV FURVV FRXQWU\ WR Ă&#x20AC;Qish in the Stanford Invitational on Sept. 29. They placed 10th out of a total of 32 teams in the invitational, with sophomore Kara Jeong coming in second overall with a time of 20:05.

COMPILED BY REGAN ESTES, HANNAH PROCTOR, AND CASEY SUBLETTE/SPORTS EDITORS PHOTOS BY EMMA SALZMAN AND JACK LEE/LA VISTA

La Vista

A11

Senior Nikki Gialketsis and sophomore Ulufa Leilua prepare to play college softball BY COURTNEY HUGHEY STAFF WRITER When Mira Costa softball SOD\HUV 8OXID /HLOXD DQG 1LNNL *LDONHWVLV ÂżUVW VWDUWHG SOD\LQJ softball, they never imagined that WKH\ ZRXOG RQH GD\ EH SOD\LQJ DW the college level. /HLOXD KDV VWD\HG LQ FRQWDFW ZLWK PDQ\ FRDFKHV RI WKH WRS 1&$$ 'LYLVLRQ , VRIWEDOO SURgrams, such as the University of Florida, University of California Berkeley and the University of 2UHJRQ 'HVSLWH DWWHQWLRQ IURP WKHVH VFKRROV /HLOXD DFFHSWHG D ÂżYH \HDU VFKRODUVKLS WR WKH 8QLversity of Washington. Âł7KH UHFUXLWPHQW SURFHVV ZDV UHDOO\ QHUYH ZUDFNLQJ Â´ /HLOXD VDLG Âł:KHQ , JRW P\ ÂżUVW OHWWHU IURP &DO , IHOW , ZDV ÂżWWLQJ LQ ZLWK my teammates, since only three SHRSOH RQ P\ FOXE WHDP DUHQÂśW committed to colleges yet.â&#x20AC;? &RDFKHV VDZ WKDW /HLOXD KDG WKH SRWHQWLDO WR EH D FROOHJH DWKlete and began recruiting her in the beginning of her freshman year. Her defensive skills are conVWDQWO\ LPSURYLQJ DV D ÂżUVW EDVHman, and her inherent ability as a hitter equals that of most collegiate softball athletes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ulufa has a natural skill to hit a ball,â&#x20AC;? Mira Costa coach Richard $PEHULN VDLG Âł:H SOD\ IURP WR IRRW IHQFHV DQG 8OXID FDQ KLW WKH EDOO IHHW WKDWÂśV ZK\ HYHU\RQHÂśV LPSUHVVHG Â´ /HLOXD ZDV VHW DSDUW IURP RWKHU VRIWEDOO SOD\HUV EHFDXVH RI KHU strength and ability to hit the ball. She exhibited a high slugging SHUFHQWDJH RI DQG PDGH LW RQ EDVH WLPHV DV D IUHVKPDQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Washington is betting on the future, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re betting on her SRWHQWLDO WR EH VRPHWKLQJ Â´ $Pberik said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She still has a lot to

LISA VALICENTE/ LA VISTA

UNDERHAND HEROES: Sophomore Ulufa Leilua (left) and senior Nikki Gialketsis earned scholarships to play softball at the University of Washington and Sacramento State University, respectively. OHDUQ VKH NQRZV WKDW EXW ZKHQ she hits a ball it never seems to come down.â&#x20AC;? $FFRUGLQJ WR /HLOXD VKH RZHV her success to her father. Âł+HÂśV WKH RQH WKDW SXVKHG PH DQG KHOSHG PH H[FHHG WR WKDW QH[W OHYHO Â´ /HLOXD VDLG *LDONHWVLV EULQJV D OHDGHUVKLS role to the softball team. Gialketsis has been contacting coaches VLQFH KHU IUHVKPDQ \HDU LQ SXUVXLW RI KHU GUHDP RI SOD\LQJ VRIWEDOO in college. Âł, KDYH D ORW RI PRWLYDWLRQ Â´ *LDONHWVLV VDLG Âł, KDYH WR ZRUN hard everyday.â&#x20AC;? *LDONHWVLV KDV EHHQ SOD\LQJ softball since she was six and VWDUWHG SOD\LQJ WUDYHO EDOO LQ VHYHQWK JUDGH 'XULQJ KHU ÂżUVW \HDUV RI SOD\LQJ FOXE *LDONHWVLV EHJDQ thinking seriously of her future as a collegiate athlete. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This has been my dream ever VLQFH , ZDV \RXQJ Â´ *LDONHWVLV VDLG Âł, ZRXOG DOZD\V JR WR 8&/$ RU /08 JDPHV DQG , ZRXOG VD\ WKDW , ZDQWHG WR EH OLNH WKRVH FROOHJH SOD\HUV Â´

*LDONHWVLV WRRN D SURDFWLYH VWHS during her freshman year by contacting various schools, which ZHUH PRVWO\ 'LYLVLRQ , DQG RQ WKH East Coast. Gialketsis decided to JR WR WKH ÂżUVW FROOHJH WKDW JDYH her an offer at the start of her junior year, Sacramento State University. She will join the team in the fall as a catcher. Âł:KHQ , ZHQW WR JR YLVLW 6DFUDPHQWR , IHOO LQ ORYH ZLWK WKH FDPSXV WKH FRDFKHV DQG >WKH@ team,â&#x20AC;? Gialketsis said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They have a really good chance at winning their division next year, and , DOVR UHDOO\ ORYHG LW ZDV RQ WKH West Coast.â&#x20AC;? Even though Gialketsis didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get recruited as early as some of KHU WHDPPDWHV KHU SHUVLVWHQFH with coaches, her continued dediFDWLRQ DQG KHU KDUG ZRUN KDV ÂżQDOO\ SDLG RII LQ KHU JRDO WR SOD\ college softball. Âł, PD\ QRW EH WKH VWURQJHVW VRIWEDOO SOD\HU EXW , ZRUN UHDOO\ KDUG HYHU\ WLPH , VWHS RQ WKH ÂżHOG Â´ *LDONHWVLV VDLG Âł(YHU\GD\ , KDYH WR WU\ WR NHHS JHWWLQJ EHWWHU Â´

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making every single thing you can think of a League Being a bunch of disgruntled, failed athletes, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really into OHDJXHV $QG WKHUHÂśV D ORW RI VWXII going on in a bunch of different leagues that makes us excited. 7KH 1)/ÂśV UHSODFHPHQW UHIHUHHV DUH ÂżQDOO\ JRQH 7KDQN *RG They were making calls worse WKDQ GHFLGLQJ WR WDNH $3 SK\Vics. Seriously, they were making the art of giant sweaty men running into each other a mere game. :LWK WKH WHDFKHU FRQWUDFW GLVSXWH now resolved, Costa is thankfully no longer at risk of having a simiODU VLWXDWLRQ WR WKH 1)/ÂśV ,W LV D miracle we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to have any UHSODFHPHQW WHDFKHUV LWÂśV KDUG WR imagine a class where every academic call is as sketchy as a Kurz PXOWLSOH FKRLFH WHVW %XW WKH 1)/ LVQÂśW WKH RQO\ league weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re stoked about. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talkinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; about WKH /DNHUV <HZ 7HDP / $ 3ULGH

With such an insanely stacked roster for this coming season, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost going to be more chauvinLVWLF EDQG ZDJRQ /DNHU MLQJRV WKDQ HYHQ %XUQ $IWHU 5HDGLQJ FDQ KDQGOH $QG DOO WKDW VWXII LV OLNH our thing. Seriously, though, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve alUHDG\ VWDUWHG SUDFWLFLQJ RXU HPSKDWLF GXQN RI WUDVK LQWR WKH trash can that comes with a lowvoiced, enthusiastic â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dwight!â&#x20AC;? to FRPSOHPHQW RXU ORQJHU GLVWDQFH â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kobe!â&#x20AC;? shots. There might even be a new form of trash-throwLQJ DZD\ ZKHUH ZH FDQ SDVV to someone else, who will then throw the trash away as we both VKRXW Âł1DVK Â´ :HÂśOO GHÂżQLWHO\ EH GLVSOD\LQJ VRPH RI WKRVH PRYHV RQFH WKH 0%<% VHDVRQ FRPHV around, too. $QG ZKHQ \RX WKLQN DERXW LW Homecoming is more or less a OHDJXH DV ZHOO 3HRSOH DUH UXQ-

ning around and dancing, wearing uniforms, and trying to win the crown. Sure does sound like a league, which means there needs to be some chauvinism emerging LQ WKH ZHHN SUHFHGLQJ +RPHFRPing. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be shouting â&#x20AC;&#x153;ShamZRZ Â´ ZKHQ ZH KHOS SHRSOH UXQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gerard!â&#x20AC;? when we awkwardly bob our heads out of sync with our bodies, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meghan!â&#x20AC;? every WLPH ZHÂśUH QLFH WR SHRSOH Fantasy Mira Costa (see last issue) is already under way, and soon, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have every single one RI \RX VZHSW XQGHU VRPH IRUP RI FRPSHWLWLRQ *HW UHDG\ 0XVWDQJV 6RRQ %XUQ $IWHU 5HDGLQJ will have made every interaction a league. Oh, and we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really care DERXW WKH SRWHQWLDO 1+/ ORFNRXW ,I WKH .LQJV JHW WR WKH FKDPSLRQVKLS RU ZKDWHYHU DJDLQ WKRXJK SOHDVH GR OHW XV NQRZ

October 12, 2012 A12 La Vista SPORTS Football scores 42 unanswered points in comeback against West Torrance BY ALYSSA ZUCKER STAFF WRITER ,Q D KLJK VFRULQJ WUHQFK ÂżJKW WKH 0LUD Costa football team started Bay League competition off well on Oct. 5 with a 62-42 win over West Torrance High School. 7KH 0XVWDQJV VFRUHG XQDQVZHUHG points to come back from an early West OHDG RI ZLWK VHQLRU UXQQLQJ EDFN Raphael Lawson-Gayle scoring four touchGRZQV 7KH 0XVWDQJVÂś UHFRUG LV QRZ overall and 1-0 in Bay League. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was a lot of pressure to keep up ZLWK WKH KLJK VFRUH RI WKH JDPH Â´ VHQLRU quarterback Khalil McClain said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The coaches kept telling me to stay calm and UXQ WKH RIIHQVH DQG , GLG MXVW WKDW Â´ 'HVSLWH D IRRW LQMXU\ IURP WKH SULRU JDPH /DZVRQ *D\OH VWLOO PDQDJHG WR UXVK for four touchdowns. He had 114 yards on FDUULHV LQFOXGLQJ D \DUG FDUU\ LQ WKH VHFRQG TXDUWHU /DZVRQ *D\OH DOVR KDG D SLYRWDO VFRUH LQ WKH IRXUWK TXDUWHU FDUU\LQJ the ball across the plane on a fourth and JRDO :LWK MXVW XQGHU PLQXWHV OHIW LQ WKH JDPH &RVWD KDG D OHDG RYHU :HVW Âł7KH LQMXU\ PDGH LW UHDOO\ KDUG WR MXNH RXW WKH GHIHQVH Â´ /DZVRQ *D\OH VDLG Âł+RZHYHU , NQHZ ZH KDG JUHDW UXQQLQJ backs who were able to pick me up when I

ZDVQÂśW DW P\ EHVW Â´ West had a powerful offense that scored D WRWDO RI SRLQWV :HVW OHG IRU WKH PDMRULW\ RI WKH ÂżUVW KDOI EXW WKH KDOIWLPH VFRUH was 21-21. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I did not expect West to score two touchGRZQV VR TXLFNO\ Â´ MXQLRU UXQQLQJ EDFN Brandon Mills VDLG Âł2Q WKH RWKHU KDQG , did not expect our offense to turn over the EDOO VR GHHSO\ LQ RXU RZQ WHUULWRU\ Â´ &RVWDÂśV RIIHQVH SLFNHG XS LWV JDPH GXH WR /DZVRQ *D\OHÂśV FRQGLWLRQ 0LOOV KDG D WRWDO RI \DUGV ZLWK HLJKW FDUULHV WZR RI ZKLFK UHVXOWHG LQ \DUG DQG \DUG WRXFKGRZQV UHVSHFWLYHO\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;You cannot win any game without putWLQJ XS SRLQWV RQ WKH ERDUG Â´ 0LOOV VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best part about our team is that we KDYH VR PDQ\ SHRSOH ZKR FDQ SHUIRUP DQG HYHU\RQHÂśV RXWVWDQGLQJ SOD\V DOORZ PH WR PDNH PLQH Â´ &RVWDÂśV GHIHQVH PDGH NH\ SOD\V ZKHQ WKH WHDP QHHGHG LW PRVW 7KH 0XVWDQJ GHIHQVH KDG WKUHH LQWHUFHSWLRQV WZR IURP VHnior safety Dylan Chen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The two interceptions were big in the ÂżUVW KDOI Â´ &KHQ VDLG Âł7KH\ JDYH RXU WHDP PRPHQWXP ZKLFK XOWLPDWHO\ OHDG WR a score by our offense. With such a fastSDFHG VFRULQJ JDPH PRPHQWXP ZDV NH\ RQ ERWK VLGHV RI WKH EDOO Â´

Senior wide receiver Zach Primm was VXFFHVVIXO IRU WKH 0XVWDQJV ZLWK RYHU yards receiving and an athletic touchdown catch. Junior running back Sebastian Frank-Love also came up big with a rushing touchdown to help add to the score. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am very proud of how the team SOD\HG Â´ FRDFK 'RQ 0RUURZ VDLG Âł:H ZHUH GRZQ HDUO\ LQ WKH JDPH EXW KXQJ LQ there for the win. We were kind of skittish

LQ WKH EHJLQQLQJ EXW DV WKH JDPH ZHQW RQ RXU H[HFXWLRQ LPSURYHG Â´ Costa plays Palos Verdes High School today away for its second Bay League game. Both teams are coming off of a win. Âł39 LV JRLQJ WR EH D WRXJK EDWWOH Â´ VHQLRU captain linebacker Josh Qerbash said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not going to be an easy game. They DUH JRLQJ WR EH JRRG SK\VLFDO DQG ZHOO FRDFKHG :HÂśUH KRSHIXO WKDW ZH FDQ ZLQ Â´

EMMA SALZMAN/ LA VISTA

SNAP BACK: Junior quarterback Greg Briskin lines up for the play on Sept. 28 in the Mustangsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 2614 win over Newport Harbor High School. The varsity football team beat West Torrance on Oct. 5 by a score of 62-42 and is looking to continue its win streak today against Palos Verdes at PV.

Girls tennis defeats Palisades, 10-8, in close match, maintains win-streak BY CASEY SUBLETTE SPORTS EDITOR

MIRA LAING/ LA VISTA

CLIFF JUMPER: Seniors (from left) Grayce Campbell, Kylie Taylor and Corie Bain spike and block shots in their Tuesday win against Peninsula High School at home.

Girls volleyball wins four-game battle against Peninsula High School BY COURTNEY HUGHEY STAFF WRITER In a match that was much more intense WKDQ WKH VFRUH VXJJHVWV 0LUD &RVWD JLUOV volleyball took down Peninsula High 6FKRRO 7XHVGD\ E\ D VFRUH RI Costa maintained a lead over Peninsula GXULQJ WKH ÂżUVW JDPH GHVSLWH ORQJ UDOOLHV DQG GHIHQVLYH VWUXJJOHV 7KH 0XVWDQJV won with the help of senior outside hitter Grayce Campbell ZKR KDG WKUHH NLOOV and senior setter Corie Bain ZKR KDG D WRWDO RI DVVLVWV LQ WKH ÂżUVW JDPH â&#x20AC;&#x153;We slipped back a little bit in the beginQLQJ RI WKH PDWFK ZLWK WKRVH ORQJ UDOOLHV Â´ &RVWD FRDFK /LVD $UFH =LPPHUPDQ VDLG Âł+RZHYHU ZH WRRN WKDW ÂżUVW JDPH ZLWK great kills that helped us turn the tide of WKH JDPH Â´ 7KH 0XVWDQJV IHOO EHKLQG HDUO\ LQ WKH second game with defensive mistakes that gave away easy points. Costa tried to hold RQWR WKH JDPH ZLWK LPSRUWDQW EORFNV PDGH by senior middle blocker Kylie Taylor and senior outside hitter Lexi Millington. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peninsula was rallying more and making key kills that hurt us in the beginning of WKH PDWFK Â´ $UFH =LPPHUPDQ VDLG Costa battled back as the second game UHDFKHG D FORVH ZLWK VHQLRU PLGGOH EORFNer Kelsey McIntire recording multiple EORFNV EXW LQ WKH HQG 3HQLQVXOD ZDV DEOH WR WDNH DGYDQWDJH RI &RVWDÂśV VWUXJJOLQJ GHIHQVH ZLQQLQJ WKH VHFRQG JDPH DW â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think at the beginning of the second JDPH ZH XQGHUHVWLPDWHG 3HQLQVXOD Â´ VHnior libero Carly Muller said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a

&RPLQJ RII D UHFHQW ORVV LQ WKH SDVW ZHHN WKH 0XVWDQJV VWUXFN EDFN ZLWK YHQJHDQFH Costa girls tennis defeated Palisades +LJK 6FKRRO RQ :HGQHVGD\ ,Q WKH ÂżUVW URXQG SDUWQHUV VRSKRmore Brooke Swallow and senior Carly McGuire ORVW WR WKH 3DOLVDGHVÂś QXPEHU RQH GRXEOHV WHDP +RZHYHU WKH WHDP PDQDJHG WR ZLQ WKH RWKHU ÂżYH PDWFKHV RI the round. Junior Paula Cenusa defeated WKH QXPEHU WKUHH 3DOLVDGHV VLQJOHV SOD\HU 6-0. Sophomores Taylor Klein and Mai Nojima GHIHDWHG WKH 3DOLVDGHVÂś QXPEHU WZR DQG QXPEHU RQH VLQJOHV SOD\HUV DQG UHVSHFWLYHO\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;This was a really exciting win for our team because last year when we played the 3DOLVDGHV ZH WLHG VR WKLV PDWFK VKRZV KRZ PXFK ZH UHDOO\ KDYH LPSURYHG Â´ 1RMLPD VDLG Âł+RSHIXOO\ ZH ZLOO NHHS XS WKH KDUG ZRUN IRU WKH UHVW RI WKH VHDVRQ Â´ The second round fared well for the team. Senior doubles pair Alex Waller and Juliana Hoft defeated the number-two GRXEOHV WHDP 0F*XLUH DQG 6ZDOORZ EHDW 3DOLVDGHVÂś WKLUG GRXEOHV WHDP Junior Sidney Ascher and senior Sullibeth Ortiz-Torres ORVW DIWHU JLYLQJ XS ÂżYH straight games to the number-one Palisades

GRXEOHV WHDP Âł7KHUH ZHUH VRPH WRXJK FRPSHWLWRUV but we remained focused and played really ZHOO Â´ +RIW VDLG Âł$OH[ DQG , DUH FRQVWDQWO\ improving in every match. We have learned that being relaxed makes a big difference LQ KRZ ZH SOD\ Â´ 7KH ÂżQDO URXQG ZDV QRW VR VXFFHVVIXO IRU WKH 0XVWDQJV 6HQLRU Kayla Tarlton replaced Cenusa and lost to the number-one VLQJOHV SOD\HU 6HQLRU Hannah Proctor DQG MXQLRU Claudia Fellows beat the QXPEHU WZR GRXEOHV WHDP :DOOHU DQG +RIW ORVW WR WKH QXPEHU RQH GRXEOHV WHDP 6-1. Senior Ava Klein lost to the numberWZR VLQJOHV SOD\HU Âł7KH JLUOV GLGQÂśW KDYH WKH EHVW PDWFK EXW they played hard and did enough to win the PDWFK , DP SOHDVHG ZLWK WKH HQG UHVXOW Â´ coach Joe Ciasulli said. The team currently has a record of 12-1 overall and 5-1 in Bay League. The team will play its next game at home on Tuesday DJDLQVW :HVW 7RUUDQFH +LJK 6FKRRO ZKLFK will be its second match against West Torrance this season. Âł, WKLQN RXU WHDP FDQ GHÂżQLWHO\ EHDW :HVW if we keep up how we have been playing ODWHO\ DQG JR LQ ZLWK WKH ULJKW DWWLWXGH Â´ Waller said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We all need to focus on each match one at a time and not tense up in any JLYHQ VHW 7KLV ZLOO KHOS XV ZLQ Â´

ORW RI VPDOO HUURUV WKDW KXUW XV Â´ 7KH 0XVWDQJV MXPSHG DKHDG HDUO\ LQ WKH WKLUG JDPH VHWWLQJ WKH WHPSR ZLWK DQ LQcreased offensive intensity. Peninsula hung RQ ZLQQLQJ VHYHUDO ORQJ UDOOLHV EXW LQ WKH HQG 0LUD &RVWD ZDV DEOH WR QDUURZO\ WDNH WKH WKLUG JDPH DW 0XOOHU OHG WKH GHIHQVH ZLWK GLJV WKURXJKRXW WKH PDWFK â&#x20AC;&#x153;We realized during the middle of the match that it was not okay to lose that [secRQG@ JDPH Â´ 0XOOHU VDLG Âł$ FRXSOH RI EDG FDOOV ZDV HQRXJK WR VSDUN D ÂżUH LQ RXU WHDP DQG OLIW WKH HQHUJ\ XS Â´ ,Q WKH ÂżQDO JDPH RI WKH PDWFK &RVWD established an offensive dominance that KDGQÂśW EHHQ SUHVHQW HDUOLHU LQ WKH PDWFK Effective blocks and multiple point-scoring assists from Bain helped Costa pull away. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[The girls] made a lot of great kills that helped us come back during the last JDPH Â´ $UFH =LPPHUPDQ VDLG Âł2XU GHIHQVH VWHSSHG XS EXW RXU RIIHQVH ZRQ XV WKH JDPH Â´ 0LOOLQJWRQÂśV IRXU NLOOV KHOSHG WKH 0XVWDQJV H[SDQG WKHLU OHDG DQG D KRW VWUHDN led by Campbell and Bain propelled the JLUOV WR D VWURQJ ÂżQLVK &RVWD JDLQHG D QLQH SRLQW OHDG DQG WKH PDWFK HQGHG ZKHQ a Peninsula outside hitter hit the ball into the net. Costa took the fourth game with a ÂżQDO VFRUH RI &RVWDÂśV QH[W JDPHV ZLOO EH DW WKH 7RUUH\ Pines Varsity tournament today and tomorURZ 7KH JLUOVÂś RYHUDOO UHFRUG LV QRZ LISA VALICENTE/ LA VISTA â&#x20AC;&#x153;This game showed us what we really have to work on and which lineups will MAI OH MAI: Sophomore Mai Nojima returns a serve in the Mustangsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 10-8 victory over Palisades work best to help us be successful in our High School on Wednesday at home. Nojima won both of the matches she played against PaliXSFRPLQJ WRXUQDPHQW Â´ 0XOOHU VDLG sadesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; number-one and number-three singles players to help contribute to the Costa win.