The Talon | Issue 8 | May 27, 2015 by The Talon

Los Altos High School, Los Altos, CA ■ May 27, 2015 ■ Volume XXX, Issue 8

IN-DEPTH

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

DISTRICT

MVLA announces Groves scholarship

Summer, unpacked

JESSICA KING Staff Writer

SWIMMERS MEET SUCCESS AT CCS

COURTESY

Both the varsity boys and girls swimming and diving teams ended their seasons with top 15 finishes in the CCS final meet. Sports, 11

COURTESY MEMBERS OF THE REGAZZI BOYS CHORUS

Junior Evan Spanner and freshman Quinn Wilson spend their summers performing with Regazzi, a boys chorus that performed in Carnegie Hall last summer. This summer, the group is traveling to South Africa.

Summer Travel

bubble of home, people are able to s summer approaches for see the world through new perspecthe students of Los Altos, so tives and appreciations. Junior Evan Spanner do thoughts and freshman Quinn of plans for the longWilson, are both travelawaited break. For ing to South Africa to some, the warm We call it a perform with their choir, weather breeds ex- brotherhood. Regazzi. Quinn believes citement to pack up It kind of is, the choir is unique in and explore a differ- because travelthat it introduces them ent part of the world ing and singing to both the general culthrough travel. ture of another place Traveling is a valu- together makes but also allows them to able and sometimes us closer. experience the music of rare experience that — junior that culture. provides people with Evan Spanner “When [the choir] the opportunity to takes us to places like discover another culture while (if they are trav- South Africa, or Korea or Cuba, a lot eling alone) gaining indepen- of the time we’ll sing with other choirs dence. Through breaking the from those places and it helps us see

Haiti Solidarity Club joins forces with SOPUDEP for summer program Members of the Haiti Solidarity Club fundraise for summer camp to provide SOPUDEP students with hot meals and summertime activities. News, 3

Los Altos Hills native Jon Chu succeeds in Hollywood After leaving the Bay Area, Pinewood graduate Jon Chu studied at USC’s School of Cinema-Television and is credited with directing a multitude of successful films, such as the upcoming sequel of “Now You See Me.” Entertainment, 9

WiSTEM plans summer science camp

all the different types of music and culture that they have there” Quinn said. “We can see what their music is based off of and what themes it has, and it’s really interesting.” Aside from that, the two boys believe that traveling with Regazzi has brought the choir closer together through the memories and experiences they share. “At the end of tour we always sing our ‘swan song’ per say and it’s really meaningful because you go with the same people to camp and tour and rehearse with these people at least once a week,” Evan said. “We call it a brotherhood. It kind of is, because traveling and singing together makes us closer.”

“Summer” continues on page 6

STUDENT PROFILE

Junior overcomes childhood adversity

WiSTEM’s summer camp will be open to third, fourth, and fifth grade students on a weekly basis in the Los Altos library. News, 2

Soft power projects America as a force for good

Read one writer’s opinion on soft power’s ability to promote compassion amongst the next generation to create a spirit of peace. Opinions, 5

Young adult genre lacks diversity This leads to underrepresentation of racial and sexual minorities. Entertainment, 10

UPCOMING EVENTS

GINA KERMODE Photographer

May 27, 7 p.m.

Senior Awards Night in the Eagle Theater May 28, 3:30 p.m.

Senior Dessert in the lower quad May 28, 7 p.m.

Film Festival in the Eagle Theater June 1-2

Senior Finals June 3-5

Underclassmen Finals June 5

Graduation/Last day of School

News Editorial Opinions

2 4 5

In-Depth Features Entertainment Sports

GINA KERMODE

Junior Francis Hacket reclines on the bleachers overlooking the track and field. Francis started running track in sixth grade, and the sport has been a vital part of his life ever since.

6 8 9 11

“I couldn’t talk until I was five or six,” junior Francis Hacket said, leaning back as far as the library chair would allow. He let it linger in the air for a bit before he elaborated. Francis was born with an auditory processing disorder that made it feel like “the words are hitting a wall, and not really being absorbed into my brain.” Because school is often based on auditory inputs like during lectures, Francis had a hard

time learning the way other kids did. Because of this, Francis spent an extra year in preschool and worked with a speech therapist for the next five years. “The rate at which I learned was much slower,” Francis said. “The teachers based the class off of the rate everyone else was learning at, but that was too fast for me. I couldn’t learn like that. I never understood the material in the format it was given.” In addition to struggling with schoolwork, Francis also experienced difficulty making friends because of his speech

impairment. “I wanted people to come to me, because I was so scared to talk to others,” Francis said. “I never made any close friends like that, expecting people to come to me.” Things started to change when in sixth grade, Francis ran a timed trial for his P.E. teacher and made the fastest 4x100-meter relay team for Junior Olympics. The relay team worked so well together that Francis’ teammates encouraged him to join track in middle school.

On Thursday, April 30, the Mountain View Los Altos (MVLA) School District announced that the MVLA Scholars program would create an annual college scholarship fund for outstanding students in honor of MVLA Superintendent Barry Groves. Groves has been in the MVLA district and been involved with the Scholars program for nine years; in honor of his work and retirement this year, the program hopes to raise a total of $250,000 for the Barry Groves Scholarship. “I cannot imagine a better retirement gift than helping more district students realize their college dreams,” Groves said in the press release. Founded in 2000, MVLA Scholars has provided college scholarships to over 250 students in the district, mostly to students who are the first in their families to attend college. According to their website, the Scholars program includes coordinating volunteer mentors to support the students on their track to college. The program receives donations from local foundations and private donors, and each MVLA scholar is awarded between approximately $1,000 to $6,000 each year to pay for college. Currently, the program is funding 80 former MVLA students who are studying in college. “We hope to raise more funds so that even more of our graduates can afford and thrive in college,” Groves said. Groves, who announced his retirement in December 2014, has been superintendent of the MVLA district for nine years. He remembers his initial visit to Los Altos High School (LAHS) as his introduction to the district. “My first-ever visit [to MVLA] was around [spring], nine years ago, and they took me to dodgeball,” Groves said. “The first thing I saw was the gym filled with kids throwing balls at each others’ heads, but it was fun because I love kids and they were enjoying themselves.” When Groves first visited, he already had 14 years of experience as Superintendent of the Cambrian School District in San Jose. Though he enjoyed his time in San Jose, he decided to look for a change of scenery.

“Groves” continues on page 2

“Francis” continues on page 8

T h e R o a d L e s s Tr a v e l e d

More students are considering gap years.

This story shows us why. F E AT U R E S PA G E 8

The Talon May 27, 2015

Get daily LAHS updates and read the news archives at lahstalon.org/news

WiSTEM plans summer science program MAYA VARGHESE Copy/Content Editor

The Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (WiSTEM) club is planning to host a free camp this summer for younger students interested in science. The camp is open to both female and male students entering third, fourth or fifth grade and will meet once or twice each week at the Los Altos Library on a drop-in basis. The camp will be supervised by a librarian, and the club’s volunteers will lead hour-long workshops that allow campers to conduct educational hands-on experiments. WiSTEM co-president junior Alicia Leong says that the idea for the camp first came up when a speaker from TekSpark, an organization which encourages diversity in STEM fields, spoke to the club. The speaker encouraged WiSTEM members to work on a local community project. “We all got into groups and brainstormed a couple of ideas, and we found that passion for science really starts from childhood,” Alicia said. After discussion, the club members decided that they wanted the summer camp to be their community project. “We want to start a fun project and encourage youth to go into STEM-related fields,” WiSTEM copresident Paula Navarro Ulriksen

COURTESY MEGHAN STRAZ

WiSTEM poses for a group photo after a meeting. Over the summer, the club plans to host a free summer camp for elementary school students at the Los Altos Library. The camp will run on a drop-in basis and meet once or twice a week for an hour, with club members running hands-on experiments with campers. said. “It’s a really hands-on experience that we’re going to do.” Paula and Alicia are working with librarians at the Los Altos Library and members of the WiSTEM club to plan the details of the camp. The presidents say that members of WiSTEM have shown a lot of interest in the camp, with approximately 15 members offering to volunteer over the summer. Six volunteers

will teach each of the workshops, and members plan to give each workshop a different theme. “One [possible theme for a workshop] would be food science, and we’d test the acidity of different foods using the pH scale strips, and another one would be magnetism, since magnets are pretty easy to get your hands on and there’s a lot of things we can

do with them,” Paula said. The camp will also include some classic kids’ science experiments, such as mixing Mentos in soda or making volcanoes with baking soda and vinegar. “What we’re aiming for by starting this project, [is] to foster that passion [for science] early on,” Alicia said. The presidents are hoping to

have the camp focus on experiments that are educational and fairly low-cost, since the members will be providing most of the funding for experiment materials. However, the library has offered to help cover expenses if necessary. Paula and Alicia have been working with the rest of WiSTEM to brainstorm a list of ideas for feasible and enjoyable experiments. Since they are not sure about the level of the campers’ capabilities, the club has prepared both basic and complicated experiments. Once they meet the students, the club members will be able to adjust their lesson plans to fit the experience of the campers. Currently, Alicia and Paula are planning for only a summer camp. However, if there is continuing interest from the camp participants after the summer, the club is open to extending it throughout the school year. “We hope to make [the camp] not just a one-year thing,” Alicia said. “Hopefully it’ll last longer, and maybe even after we’re gone it can continue with the rest of WiSTEM.” Most of all, she and Paula hope that students and volunteers alike have fun experimenting with science. “I think people of any age can appreciate making a volcano out of baking sugar and vinegar,” Paula said. “It’s fun for all ages.”

Groves

high school. “I’ve always wanted to help other people,” Groves said. “I didn’t want to do something that wasn’t meaningful to me. I’ve alCONTINUED FROM ways been interested in students THE FRONT PAGE who need extra help. I wanted to find ways to assist them.” Looking back, Groves recalls “My kids had just graduated from events from his time as MVLA high school, so I was looking for Superintendent which stand a different opportunity and a dif- out to him, mainly those involvferent challenge,” Groves said. “I ing community service. One in applied for the job here, was inter- the forefront of Groves’ mind is his interaction with the Green viewed and accepted.” Prior to working at Cambrian Team. When he first began his school district, Groves was awarded a job as MVLA Superintendent, a track scholarship to the University of group of students in the club apHouston in Texas. From there, Groves proached him proposing ideas for attended the University of Califor- a more sustainable school. With a few years of collabornia, Santa Barbara for ative effort between graduate school and the school, club and coached various sports students, MVLA was in northern Califor- I will miss the nominated and won nia, from cross coun- students the the Greenest School try to track. most. [MVLA’s] District in the Bay Following his un- students are Area title in 2011. dergraduate studies, fun, inquisitive, “[The Green Team] Groves entered Stanencouraged [MVLA] to ford University to earn creative, and purchase things such a Master’s and a Doc- uninhibited. torate degree (Ed. D.) — MVLA Superintendent as the solar canopies in our parking lot and this in Administration and Barry Groves year we’re going to inPolicy Analysis. After stall charging stations working as an Assistant Superintendent for the Lucia for cars,” Groves said. “I’m an enviMar Unified School district from ronmentalist myself, so being part of 1989 to 1992, Groves took up the role that was pretty exciting.” Once he retires, Groves plans to of Superintendent of the Cambrian School District. In 2006, Groves was pursue several interests. Aside from selected to replace his predecessor continuing to personally coach othRich Fisher who retired the same er superintendents, which he has done for four years, Groves plans year, and Groves moved to MVLA. Inspired by his mother and two to work on a research project for uncles who worked in the educa- a non-profit organization called tion field, Groves showed inter- Jobs for the Future; the organizaest in teaching and coaching since tion develops training models to

PHOTOS COURTESY BARRY GROVES

Above: MVLA Scholars program scholarship award recipients pose with the program’s volunteers at a celebration in early May. Below left: Groves, who has been involved with the program since he joined the district, meets with his mentees seniors Edgar Tapia and Rita Villanueva. Below right: Groves smiles with his son Dylan, who he plans to visit often along with his other son Holden after Groves retires in June.

help underserved students and young adults succeed in high school and their career. In addition, Groves plans to visit his two sons, Dylan and Holden, when he can. Dylan works for Innovations for Poverty Action in Africa, while Holden is completing his medical residency at Columbia Hospital in New York. Aside from traveling to visit family, Groves would like to con-

tinue his passion for writing; he plans to share his experiences in education through further written works. “I want to write,” Groves said. “I’ve written articles and co-authored a book before, [but] there are some things I [still] want to write about, like my experience in education and how we can improve education.” Though Groves has full plans for the future, he will periodi-

cally return to help the new superintendent and contribute to the district for the next three years. Overall, Groves remembers MVLA as a place that inspired academic excellence, determination and imagination. “I will miss the students the most,” Groves said. “[MVLA’s] students are fun, inquisitive, creative and uninhibited.”

The Talon May 27, 2015

Haiti Solidarity raises funds for summer camp TEDDY CHMYZ Staff Writer

Over the summer, the school’s Students for Haiti Solidarity club plans to sponsor a summer camp for students at its sister school, Society of Providence United for the Economic Development of Petion-Ville (SOPUDEP) in Haiti. Using funds that they plan to raise through a babysitting event and other fundraisers, the club hopes that the camp will provide SOPUDEP students with regular hot meals and a variety of activities over PHOTOS COURTESY YA’EL WEINER their summer break, services Above left: Club members smile in front of the new SOPUDEP school site on their most recent trip in April. Above right: On the same trip, that the SOPUDEP students will students paint a water cistern in Canara, which provides 15,000 gallons of potable water for residents. Below right: Club members sing with not be able to access otherwise. SOPUDEP students. Over the summer, the club plans to sponsor a camp at SOPUDEP to provide students with regular meals and activities. “The camp will include daily sports, arts and crafts and a for children. The Haiti Solidarswimming pool,” Haiti Solidar- ity Club has worked closely with ity club member junior Avery SOPUDEP for five years and Paulick said. “While at home all has been very involved with the day, many children school through funwill not have any draising and visits food. At the sumby students to the mer camp they will It costs about schools. be provided with $30 to provide Club members one or two hot meals one month of plan to fundraise the per day and snacks childcare at SOmoney needed to run throughout the day.” this summer camp by PUDEP, which SOPUDEP is an holding a babysitting organization found- is less than one night. The event was ed and run by Hai- night of childoriginally scheduled in tian citizens work- care here. early May in the cafeteing to help ensure ria but has been post—Haiti Solidarity coeducation is proponed due to schedul- ie night for kids, [and] the money will cost a total of $9,000 to run. plans to visit Haiti in the near president Ya’el Weiner “When you break it down, it future to continue building SOvided for both chiling conflict. The event parents pay/donate for us to host dren and adults, and is now set on Saturday, their child for one night will trans- costs about $30 to provide one PUDEP’s new site and working campaigning for women’s and May 30, from 6 to 11 p.m. Parents late into SOPUDEP being able month of childcare at SOPUDEP, on community projects. Twenty children’s rights. They have two must register their children ahead to host a Haitian child for four which is less than even one night students from the club visited the school over the last spring schools, a K-6 school for adults of time online on the Eventbrite weeks,” Haiti Solidarity club co- of childcare here,” Ya’el said. president senior Ya’el Weiner said. Although official dates have break and helped continue and a K-12 school for children website. The club predicts the camp not been finalized, the club building on the new site. that also provides free hot meals “Basically, we are hosting a mov-

School to offer second-level class of engineering program SPENCER DEMBNER Staff Writer

Next year, the school will offer the second level of the Principles of Engineering (POE) course, Introduction to Engineering Design (IED). The course will be open to students who have completed POE and will cover engineering through a project-based format. IED will be taught by either math teachers Teresa Dunlap or Jeanne Yu depending on scheduling, both of whom are taking requisite training over the summer. The course focuses on applied learning and will use several main projects to teach essential engineering skills and apply the skills they learned in POE. “The second-year course is more hands-on, [such as] building stuff and tearing stuff apart, testing how strong materials are and testing them to see how much it takes to break them,” Dunlap said. “There are four major units for the course. Each one has a big problem to solve, and then [students] learn the engineering tools along the way to solve those problems.” POE focuses on the fundamental skills of the design process. This includes the process of technical drawing, or creating detailed specifications for a part to be manufactured, learning the steps involved in designing a product and design challenges using random materials. POE is mainly intended for freshmen, but since this past year was the

COURTESY ALICIA LEONG

Math teacher Teresa Dunlap lectures to students in the first level engineering course. The second level course will be more hands-on and include four major problems for students to solve. first year it was offered at the school, the school allowed all grades to enroll, and the majority of students who enrolled in the two periods offered this year were sophomores and juniors. “[POE] is a lot of the design process, technical drawing, computeraided design and 3D modeling skills,” math teacher Teresa Dunlap said. “[The first year teaches] really foundational [concepts] that will apply to whatever engineering discipline [students] might decide to go into.” The engineering courses are the result of a partnership with organization Project Lead the Way (PLTW). PLTW is a nationwide program of engineers and engineering professors designed to acquaint students with engineering before they enter an engineering program in college. It offers summer training for interested teachers. “PLTW says, ‘If you are at a school

that wants to offer this program, you can send your teachers to this training,’” Dunlap said. “Instead of having to go to four years of school to get an engineering degree, you can get... enough to teach the class in a summer training or series of trainings.” The school offered POE for the first time this school year after Dunlap suggested the course to principal Wynne Satterwhite and took training for the first level. Dunlap says that PLTW can prepare students for college engineering programs through early exposure to engineering concepts. “The high school level course is intended to prepare students for what they are going to do in college,” Dunlap said. “When the kids do get to engineering programs in college they have a much higher success rate, because they know a lot of the [material] already, and they can take it to the next level.”

The Talon May 27, 2014

Please send letters to the editor to lahstalon.eic@gmail.com Los Altos High School

National attention for Bay Area school environment is beneficial for students and community O

Solutions can be achieved with acknowledgment and cooperation

n Friday, April 24, The New York Times published an article titled “Push, Don’t Crush, the Students,” which discusses the high-stress environment of Bay Area high schools. By discussing the nuanced cases of suicide clusters and the lasting pressures this area produces, the article brings this issue to a national scale. The national attention is highly beneficial for all districts in the area because it recognizes that a problem exists and makes the problem known to people within and outside of the community. We must use the national attention to further recognize the depth of the problem in order to work towards a solution. The New York Times is not the only national news source to have covered this issue. NPR and several local papers, such as The San Jose Mercury News, have discussed it as well. The coverage focuses on the “hyper-achievement” of Bay Area students and the impact of living in the Silicon Valley, an area filled with extremely ac-

complished people. It is this coverage that will eliminate excuses for ignoring the situation and force an open dialogue between students and the community. As outside sources, these publications are able to shine light on the stressful and, at times, unhealthy environment we need to address as a community. Some, like The Paly Voice in response to The New York Times article, have argued that the pressure to succeed in the Silicon Valley isn’t problematic because many students are self-motivated. The Paly Voice and other community members have also claimed that the stereotype of a highly-pressured Silicon Valley student is not representative of the entire student body, and that The New York Times oversimplified the issue. However, it is important to remember that this is an issue born out of the Silicon Valley culture and not a problem that should be overlooked because it may only pertain to individual students. It is understandable to argue that this problem is not appli-

Steven Cui

In-Depth Editor Amelia Baum

Media Editor Noy Anisman Copy/Content Editors William Jow, James Sun, Maya Varghese, Kevin Yen

cable to all individuals and therefore those unaffected shouldn’t be scrutinized, but the truth is that this problem is one that needs to be recognized rather than minimized. This coverage does not act as a critique but rather an acknowledgment. We, as a community, need to be receptive to the attention our community is receiving. With national support, we can push against the ‘us versus them’ mentality and fight for the unity we need to combat this problem. While Los Altos is separate from our neighboring district, we are all part of one Silicon Valley community. As our high-achieving culture produces unintended

Business Managers Johnny Scher, Leonardo Wai Senior Writers Robert Chin, Perla Luna, Sitara Sriram Staff Writers Emily Aoki, Claire Bai, Teddy Chmyz, Hannah Craford, Spencer Dembner, Annie Gaffney, Anneliese Gallagher, Cole Hanson, Olivia Jerram, Hanna Khosravi, Jessica King, Josh Kirshenbaum, Eric Kopps, Elaine Lee, David Lisbonne, Alexandra Milkey, Emily Terada, Eric Thiem

consequences, it is vital that we accept national recognition of the problem and band together as a community to create solutions that will foster a healthy academic environment.

Use of Google Drive with Google Classroom

MVLA

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Photographers Ian Mackey, Brandon Hong, Allegra Maeso, Noah Tsao, Elvis Li, Menson Li, Gina Kermode Graphic Artists Amanda Mell, Vanessa Mark Videographers Bonaventure Duprat, Carl Faust, Brandon Hong, Ian Mackey, Riley Moulds Adviser Michael Moul

POLICIES Los Altos High School’s Compositional Journalism class is solely responsible for The Talon, which is published eight times a year. The Talon also updates its website, www.lahstalon.org, with fulltime coverage. The Editorial Board sets the policies of The Talon and crafts its editorials and thumbs. Its members are Maya Acharya, Noy Anisman, Amelia Baum, Zach Cohen, Spencer Dembner and Perla Luna.

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ext year, the school will be implementing a new program known as Google Apps for Education (GAFE), involving centralized hosting of school-related materials on Google servers. Students will receive a school email address through which they will turn in assignments and communicate with teachers and peers. With this new system in place, the school must create policy protecting student privacy. Students should be aware that the Google accounts are housed on a Google server and managed by the MVLA district. Students hold ownership of all of their work regardless of where it is stored, but the district

News Editor Sofia Guo

Entertainment Editor Alice Dai

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Editor-In-Chief Carly Cohen Managing Editors Maya Acharya (Print) Zach Cohen (Print) David Wu (Web)

Features Editor Katherine Yen

School must address privacy policy for new use of Google Applications Dear Students and Staff of Los Altos High School, The only way to make ourselves bigger people is by helping others. And the only way to make a better world is by making ourselves bigger people. Thank you for doing both by helping the people of Nepal. Nepal was already one of the poorest countries on earth. The recent earthquakes destroyed 40% of all the buildings in the country. Rebuilding will take decades. With the funds you donated we will be able to rebuild birthing centers that are saving mothers from dying in childbirth. But beyond rebuilding structures, I want to honor your bigness of heart. It is so easy in our world to ignore what is going on and fixate on trivia. But if we will all do what you have done—each giving a little bit—there is almost nothing in the world we cannot accomplish. You are a model to every high school and every high school student in the country. Thank you again, Yours in a Better World, Mr. Freeman

201 Almond Ave., Los Altos, CA April 28, 2015 Volume XXX, Issue 7

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Talon Supporters has access to all accounts. This access must come with the restriction of reasonable suspicion. If a student is under reasonable suspicion, it means the school has evidence to support the belief that the student is doing something or possessing something that is illegal or harmful to others. In order for the school to look through a student’s backpack, for example, the school must have reasonable suspicion. On the other hand, the school needs no reason to search through a school-owned locker. A student’s district email address contains their intellectual property and should be treated the same way a backpack would be.

Although privacy issues can arise within any Google account, the added management from the district creates a need for additional policies to regulate access. Some might argue that the school should not have access to student accounts, but the district will inevitably have some level of control because the district will manage GAFE. However, there should still be policies in place to regulate when the district can access the accounts. It is the student’s responsibility to be accountable for the use of the account and it is the district’s responsibility to create a privacy policy that protects student rights.

Honorary Pulitzers Kamal and Sharmila Acharya, Hadas and David Anisman, Holly and Andy Cohen, Henry Dai and Dan Shen, Chuyen Do and Quyen Nguyen, Anne Marie Gallagher, Lisa Gordon, SuJane Hsieh, Jerry Scher and Susan Stark, Lillian Terada, The Varghese Family, Talon Volume 26 editors, Tracy Weatherby, Wendy Yang, Yongmei Zhou

Silver Supporters Sam and Ann Baum, Bruce Cohen, Amy and John Gaffney, Bob and Janis Harrison, Samrand Hesami, Rick and Corrie Jow, Jade Kandel, Hanna Khosravi, Vivian Mao, The McColl Family, Angie and Steve McDonald

The Talon May 27, 2015

Read more opinions articles at lahstalon.org/opinions

Soft power promotes compassion amongst youth worldwide HANNA KHOSRAVI Staff Writer

The political idea of soft power has quickly developed into a central concept in the United States’ worldwide influence. All too often war and violence paint the strategic landscape of our world, military conflicts and alliances. Soft power is an important but currently underutilized lever of U.S. influence. In essence, it is the idea that the American people, culture and sense of service can be a force for good around the world. The ability of America to extend its presence of kindness and compassion in addition to its economic strength and military power can be a critical element of an approach that promotes a spirit of peace, prosperity and humanitarian values around the world, and should therefore be implemented more frequently. In the U.S., the youth has always played an important role in building soft power, going as far back as 1961 when the Peace Corps Act was implemented. This act was geared toward young Americans and declared a mission to “promote world peace and friendship” by providing service and aid abroad. Many organizations have been increasing the soft power of the U.S. by connecting young Americans to other young people around the

world. Young people are the ultimate conduits of soft power in the sense that they have a passion for patriotic service. For example, young men and women enlist in the U.S. volunteer army to help protect the honor of the U.S. The youth have always represented an eagerness and a sense of duty, but the beauty of soft power is that it gives the next generation the opportunity to apply their passion in a peaceful way. American soft power also comes in other forms. America’s most potent cultural magnetism stems from Hollywood, rock, pop and clothing styles that all embody youth culture worldwide. These types of cultural influences connect youth in ways that transcend geographic boundaries. Governments may struggle with one another, but that does not mean that more open-minded youth cannot connect through the forces of pop culture. What matters most is that the

youth, who are often the ones with the most artistic and popular influence, can connect through culture to break the barriers of adversity. With the additions of internet and social media, American music and movies have become increasingly accessible and their dominance around the world can forge bonds between new generations and lead to a lasting sense of peace. Many different charitable organizations, such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCares and USAID have based their ultimate goal of helping those in need around the world on the idea of soft power. One such organization, Spirit of America, has given specific attention to the idea of keeping the youth involved in the future of our country and maintaining their attention to world order. Spirit of America, founded by Los Angeles-based entrepreneur Jim Hake, lends aid to those whose lives have been ravaged by poverty and

violence in war-torn regions of Africa, the Middle East and Central and South America. When Hake founded the organization after the 9/11 attacks, he sought to expose the world to America’s goodness and downplay its tendency to “intimidate rather than inspire.” As of 2015, they have provided aid in 35 countries. A prominent project of Spirit of America was one which aimed to enlighten Afghan and Los Angelan students about their respective cultures through a video conference, after the organization learned that the Taliban had been spreading lies about American culture. Not only did this affect kids in Afghanistan, but it increased the knowledge and insight of the students in Los Angeles. This project embraces the idea of preparing the next generation with a spirit of peace and communication rather than one of turbulence. “We thought [the video conference] would provide the Afghan

AMANDA MELL

students a much more complete picture of who the American people really are and what our intentions are,” Hake said. “It was the first time that the Afghan students had ever interacted with American teenagers.” The youth are the future, and often times in our country, students lack exposure to global news and fail to comprehend what is happening in the world around them. However, as shown through Hake’s project, they are immensely excited to connect once given the opportunity to do so. With the U.S. holding so much internal strength, advocating for systems that lean more toward the side of cooperation rather than coercion could be transformative. Emphasizing soft power could show the world the compassion within the American culture and that starts first with the American people. “Government to government interactions are one thing but… it’s the people who make all of this work,” Hake said. “The American people can provide that experience of who we are to others around the world that inspires and builds the kind of bridges that are the basis for longerlasting understanding and peace.” Soft power manifests itself in the eminence of a country’s compassion and kindness, and its main goal is to change the world’s perception of the U.S. It is a goal that requires compromise, but with organizations like Spirit of America leading the way, we could be one step closer to creating an enduring spirit of peace.

Why humanitarian aid is a bigger problem than you think ELAINE LEE Staff Writer

On Saturday, April 25, a magnitude-7.8 earthquake hit Nepal, killing thousands and destroying hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of ancient temples and governmentfunded infrastructure like roads and power lines. The international community responded quickly to send economic and humanitarian relief: UNICEF, Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and the European Union along with many independent nations like China and Norway have contributed millions of dollars, as well as surgical kits, makeshift camps and medical supplies. This matters to pre-college teenagers living in the fast-paced world of the Silicon Valley, even considering that it’s hard enough learning about standardized testing and balancing social life with sports or music. Many students are deeply involved in philanthropic clubs like One Dollar for Life, Key Club, Interact and Students for Haiti Solidarity, student-run groups committed to humanitarian work in the developing world. As young adults trying to help these areas, we need to understand that there are larger systemic problems that our aid cannot resolve, such as lack of infrastructure. Despite all the relief efforts to Nepal, the aid is both lacking in quantity and is not reaching the victims fast enough. Valerie Amos, the UN UnderSecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coor-

dinator, expressed extreme concern about the slow delivery of quake aid. Lack of coordination between nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and aid recipients is a big problem, one of many challenges that makes humanitarian aid a much more complex issue than simply joining forces with a non-profit and sending money to the affected country’s government. “One of the biggest problems with relief work is that it is a free-for-all,” Guardian writer Claire Bennett wrote in her article “Don’t rush to Nepal to help. Read this first.” Describing the problems surrounding delivery of humanitarian aid, she explained that often, victims of a natural disaster don’t need unskilled volunteers or aid they can’t use, like donated secondhand goods. She suggested that rather than send volunteer mission trips, a much better solution would be to donate to

reputable relief organizations and educate the victims on survival tips. “Nepal has one international airport for the entire country, which has itself sustained damage,” Claire said. “That airport needs to be used for emergency supplies, immediate aid for the victims, and qualified, professional relief workers.” In the aftermath of each natural disaster, one of the biggest problems for humanitarian groups like World Vision is the difficulty of getting supplies to the most vulnerable areas due to lack of infrastructure. “It’s a real challenge with the lack of power and information right now; we’re just trying to do assessment, we have distributed a few items,” World Vision Operation Director Phil Ewert said in an interview with CNN. “But it’s getting out to those most vulnerable areas, especially children, is where our vision’s focus is.”

“You can’t put a band-aid on a broken leg!” AMANDA MELL

Making the delivery of humanitarian aid impactful is a challenge not only because it’s difficult to reach out to the most at-risk victims, but also because of struggles with government administration and lack of coordination. It’s partly an issue of economics, of rich versus poor. While rich countries have the money to implement preventative measures such as earthquake-proofing projects, poorer ones don’t have the resources to spend the millions or billions required for natural disaster proofing. And in some war-ravaged countries with poor infrastructure and weak law enforcement, warlords can con-

trol and exploit humanitarian aid to keep their followers loyal. We cannot ignore the positive effects of NGOs such as Doctors with Borders or even school clubs like ODFL and Haiti Solidarity. If it weren’t for them, there would be many more civilian casualties and even weaker relief camps. But as we participate in local donation drives and raise awareness about the many humanitarian and social issues in our global community, we should also keep in mind that while we can offer our aid in the form of monetary support and volunteer mission trips, we must also be aware of the larger systemic problems limiting our aid.

The Talon May 27, 2015

SUN, FUN AND TEST PREP BOOKS? Some students choose to spend part of their summer studying to get a head start on preparing for standardized tests, while others can’t imagine using their free time in this way. The Talon explores the pros and cons of studying over the summer and offers suggestions on how to make the most of your summer studying time.

PROS: STUDY, STUDY, STUDY!

61% are concerned about being able to maintain their study plan

Summer studying lets you pace your studying. This is much more effective than if you were to leave it all to cramming during the week leading up to the test, when there would also be the stress of completing your typical homework load. It’s important to take into account that junior year is especially busy and labor-intensive, so managing test prep on top of the stresses of the school year is no easy feat.

Studying

Not Studying

Studying in the summer prepares you earlier so you can take the tests, primarily the SAT, SAT Subject Tests or ACT, in the fall before getting busy with other tests, such as AP tests and the SBAC in the spring.

Not Sure

CONS: SUMMER IS FOR FUN Over the summer, students may have other activities to juggle like volunteering, counseling or working a job that already take up a good portion of their time. Similarly, students may simply want to let their mind relax over the summer and break free from the stress of school. It is just as effective to study during the year as it is to study during the summer as long as students effectively manage their time and ensure that they feel prepared by the time the test rolls around. Beware of studying in the summer and waiting until the spring to take the test. It’s not safe to assume you don’t need to study more as the test approaches.

Of those choosing to study over the summer...

Who is Studying for Standardized Tests This Summer? 196 Students Polled

READY TO TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE? SOME ADVICE FOR USING YOUR SUMMER STUDY TIME WISELY

for you to study so you don’t get distracted while reviewing material. 2. Focus on the areas of the exam where you feel you have the most room for improvement by practicing the questions you miss most often. 3. Practice taking full-length mock tests in a mock test setting to get used to the pacing students and endurance required by the test. to study 4. Focus on the presummer dictable content of the exam so it is guaranteed plan to do so at least what you are studying FOR STUDENTS will be on the test. twice a week USING A TEST PREP 5. This is your studying, COMPANY 69 students polled and you know yourself 1. Complete a combest, so find the strategy prehensive preparation or technique that works course over the summer best for you and do it. and then meet up again during the year with your test prep expert or tutor for some extra FOR ALL STUDENTS refresher sessions. 1. Buy or borrow textbooks or prep books 2. Expect to practice the test-taking (used ones are typically cheaper and are just techniques and strategies taught to you as effective for studying). by your tutor at home on your own time. 2. Organize a study plan that you can You can spend the actual sessions going stick to. over the practice you’ve done and review 3. Play puzzle games like Sudoku or crossthe effectiveness of different strategies word puzzles to improve your memory and and techniques together. Your tutor can keep your mind sharp. then advise you on how to implement 4. Read to increase your vocabulary and changes to the techniques so you can see reading skills instead of just studying off of more improvement in your scores. vocabulary sheets and trying to memorize lists of words. FOR SELF-STUDYING STUDENTS 5. Have fun with it. Try using online vocab1. Before doing any actual studying, set ulary apps or educational games to study. aside a scheduled time and find a quiet place hile employing a professional tutor or taking a class can help improve students’ scores, not everyone has access to such help or is willing to put up with the potential inconvenience of scheduling or cost. Regardless of which study method you choose, here’s some advice from test-prep professionals, counselors and students on what to do and what not to do of in order to ensure your study time is the most ef- who plan fective possible. over the

40%

Self-Studying

Test Prep Company

Undecided

Both 73 Students Polled

The Talon May 27, 2015

JUNIOR SKATES TO ENTREPRENURIAL SUCCESS

any students have a job over the summer, but not many are self-employed. Junior Kylie Huch has her own skateboard company, Lucid Boards, that she runs yearround through Skate Works in downtown Los Altos. Because of the success she has had with the boards, over the summer, she hopes to be able to put more time into it as well as design t-shirts and stickers. “I started longboarding with my dad when I was eight and the insane, trippy skateboard graphics had always been my favorite kind of art,” Kylie said. “All you need to design skateboard decks are some blank boards, spray paint and paint pens.” Kylie began drawing her own versions of the wild graphics on the bottom of skateboards. Unofficially, she started the company when she was 11, selling boards to the few who knew about them. She would purchase used skateboards at garage sales, decorate them and sell them to friends and family. In 2009, Huch named the company Lucid Boards and began selling her handdrawn skateboards through Skate Works in downtown Los Altos. “I decided to start a skateboard company because I didn’t need a lot of money to get it going, and skateboard graphics are some of the coolest, craziest designs out there,” Kylie said. “I wanted to be able to create graphics that are 100 percent creatively unrestricted.” The process of each graphic is incredibly detailed. Kylie usually starts with a paper draft, going through about four or five sketches before she is satisfied. From there, she scans it to her computer and uses the Adobe Illustrator program to smooth out lines and experiment with color schemes. Then she blows up the graphic to the right size, prints it out and draws it onto the board by hand. “My creative process is pretty random and sporadic,” Kylie said. “I’ll be going about my day, and I’ll see a shadow, or a cloud, or a bush, or a scribble and all of a sudden something crazy jumps out at me. The random shape turns into squid with wings or a monkey-bat with five eyes or an astronaut jellyfish. All I

have to do is put what I see down on paper.” Though Kylie started the company to make some money and have some fun, through the money management and communication experiences, she has found that the company has given her far more than that. “It has become a great learning experience in terms of both developing the actual graphics and running a business,” Kylie said. “I’ve learned how to take my designs digital, turn a doodle on my history notes into a rasterized graphic, make a website, partner with local store owners, market through social media and possibly most importantly, effectively manage my time.”

COURTESY KYLIE HUCH

SENIORS EMBARK ON EUROPEAN ADVENTURE

“I was lucky enough to go abroad to… his summer, seniors Ben Gardner-Gill, Kevin Li, Sean Odnert and Steven Cui plan to tour the India when I was in second grade,” Ben major capital cities of Europe for a relaxing post- said. “I saw poverty that I never even graduation trip. They will be traveling for 17 days, imagined or dreamt of at age seven, and that stayed with me. Even though I independently of their pardon’t remember much ents. Because this is a new experience, Ben is enthusi- Part of the allure of trav- specifically from that astic about exploring freely eling independently is... trip, the feeling and the memory of what it was and having some fun. “I think there are just being free from the reins like to be there does some greater experiences of your parents, [which] stick with me. That’s what’s really valuable.” you can remember when gives you the opportuDespite all of these you’re older and not tied to your parents,” Ben said. nity to not go by their more significant benefits of traveling, in “Part of the allure of trav- word. the end, most just eling independently is... want to go and enjoy being free from the reins themselves. of your parents, [which] -senior Ben Gardner-Gill “I’m not going into gives you the opportunity this with a goal of to not go by their word. ‘learning more about You’re in charge, you can myself through the do what you want to do as experience of traveling.’ No. That’s absolong as you’re not harming other people.” The value of travel lies not in the price of the lutely not what we’re looking to do,” Ben plane ticket nor the cost of staying in hotels, said. “What I hope we’re getting out of it is but rather in the opening of the mind and the just to do what’s fun, see what we’re intereyes. Ben believes that in traveling, people ested in. So if that goal is met, then that’s gain a greater understanding of not only their what I’m looking for… There’s not really a higher philosophical thing I’m looking for.” lives, but also of the world.

Go to www.lahstalon.org/in-depth to read more about the interesting activties students are doing this summer! CALENDAR GRAPHIC BY NOY ANISMAN

The Talon May 27, 2015

Read more features articles at lahstalon.org/features

A unique education...

Alumnus ‘14 embarked on an adventurous gap year SITARA SRIRAM Senior Writer

What is a gap year?

he American Gap Association (AGA) cites that of 300,000 freshman students recently surveyed at four year colleges and universities, 1.2 percent waited a year before starting college. The two biggest reasons for this decision were cited as being burnout from the stressful environment in high school, and a desire to “find out more about themselves.” As the academic pressure students face in high school reaches an all time high, many more students are now electing to take a gap year between high school

and college. According to the AGA, “A gap year is a structured period of time when students take a break from formal education to increase self-awareness, challenge comfort zones, and experiment with possible careers. Typically these are achieved by a combination of traveling, volunteering, interning, or working.” At our school, there are almost always a few students each year who choose to take a gap year after high school. Here is one former LAHS student’s story of a year spent traveling, working and finding herself.

PHOTOS COURTESY ALEXANDRA NGUYEN

Above: Alumnus Alexandra Nguyen ‘14 ziplines in Puerto Vallerta, Mexico. Above right: Alexandra poses in a wetsuit in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. During her gap year, Alexandra traveled to numerous cities and held a variety of jobs that helped her determine her interests.

Francis

CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE “We killed it in the sixth grade Junior Olympics,” Francis recalled fondly. “[My teammates told me], ‘Come do the relay with us, and you’ll be our first leg again.’” So Francis did. He joined the track and field team at Blach Middle School and ran for two seasons. At the time, Francis viewed running as something he simply did for fun, something his other friends did as well. But by his sophomore year of high school, he started to come out of his shell, in large part due to the support his club track team provided. Looking back today, he credits track with helping him build self-confidence, becoming more involved in school and improving his social skills. “It wasn’t until sophomore year that I felt passionate about my team, and I wanted to help others do better in the sport,” Francis said. “[Track and field] let me share the same strengths as people. I was around people I had more in common with, [with whom]

I felt I could be more open.” Track was not the only catalyst for Francis’s transformation in sophomore year. He also found himself with a lighter workload, which allowed him to take a few more breaths than in his freshman year. “If you’re so pounded with work, you can’t really enjoy [school],” Francis said. “With less stress, you get more time to just relax and do more stuff and try to reach out more [to friends]. I had a lot more time to focus on myself [and] who I wanted to be.” Even today, despite having more confidence and a solid network of friends, he still wouldn’t consider himself popular, but neither would he want to. “I felt like I had an easier time making friends in high school,” Francis said. “[In] elementary school, it was, ‘We like to play the same sport, let’s hang out.’ In high school, it’s a lot more complex. It’s more based on interests and life experiences.” Throughout his journey, Francis has found inspiration through several role models including sophomore and junior year English teachers Michael Moul and Arantxa Arriada. Both teachers noticed that

A year of reflection Alumnus Alexandra Nguyen ‘14 spent her last year working and travelling around the world as part of a journey to find herself both personally and professionally. “In my junior year, when stress and lack of sleep were at their worst, I unsuccessfully attempted to take my own life, which meant that I had to spend a few weeks in the hospital and then another month and a half in recovery,” Alexandra said. “That set me back in school a huge amount and this gap year would have given me the time to recover from my demons before entering college.” Not only did the gap year provide Alexandra with a chance to recover mentally and physically, but it also allowed her to discover where her academic interests lie by participating in a wide variety of jobs. “I am lucky enough to be a pentalingual computer science nerd,” Alexandra said. “I speak English, French, Spanish, Vietnamese and Mandarin in the heart of the Silicon Valley, which helps immensely with jobs, both for my resume and for travel expenses.” Of all the jobs she’s had this past year, Alexandra’s internship at the big data startup, Adatao, had the most influence in helping her decide on a career path. Big data refers to any voluminous amount of data that has the potential to be mined for information. Alexandra first joined Adatao back in August because she felt working in big data was a good way to combine her passion for computer science with her interest and skills in statistics. “[Adatao] actually brought me on because they had to go to to

the CIA headquarters for a conference, and you can only be a U.S. citizen to enter,” Alexandra said. “None of the people except the CEO were American citizens, so I was brought on to do that. I was actually expecting [the headquarters] to be ninjas flying around, super sleek. It was not that at all. It would be boring if I wasn’t interested in the material.” During her jobs, Alexandra has had the opportunity to travel widely. Her internship at Adatao frequently requires her to travel across the U.S., and she’s been able to explore even while on these business trips. “I’ve been to some places multiple times—Boston for the cannolis, running along the Potomac in D.C., open mics in Nashville, rose gardens in Portland and sightseeing in New York,” Alexandra said. “I also went ziplining in Puerto Vallarta, snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas and [visited] the IC Tech Conference at the CIA headquarters in Langley... [I also] just finished an international shopping spree through Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Thailand. It was so much fun, I mean obviously you have to keep track of the currency exchange rate, but it [felt] like Monopoly money: it’s not dollars [so] you just buy everything!” One of Alexandra’s favorite places to visit internationally was Macau, China. “It’s a gambling city, and it’s so over the top affluent,” Alexandra said. “There are gold statues [there] just because they can, pure gold. Gold plated toilet seats probably [and] really intricate food. I don’t know why you would spend so much time on food but it was beautiful. I saw things like a pork bun shaped like a porcupine

Francis had difficulty understanding the books they were reading and both took the time to work with Francis outside of class. “English [in general] felt more doable now that I didn’t have to do it alone,” Francis said. “It’s still just as hard, but now I have support.” Having come such a long way from his childhood adversities, Francis is now determined to use what he’s learned to help others in their personal struggles. “I want to lift someone else up,” Francis said. “I can really step into their shoes. I’ve had the idea I want to become a high school teacher. I want to make a difference for kids the way [my teachers] have made a difference for me... but I don’t know if I could rock a goatee as well as [Mr. Moul] does.” Growing up to become a strong, six-foot tall track athlete, Francis has learned that being different isn’t a weakness but a strength. He advises those around him to embrace the same idea. “Don’t be scared to be different, it only makes you unique,” Francis said. “No matter what adversity you face, getting over it is never impossible, so never give up.”

Top: Junior Francis Hacket hangs out on the track. Bottom: Francis makes a face while talking to junior Karna Chelluri, a gesture emblematic of their friendship. Francis spent much of his childhood overcoming a speech impairment and is now determined to help others facing similar struggles.

which was amazing.” All of her experiences this past year have culminated in Alexandra deciding to attend the University of California at Santa Barbara this fall to double major in Data Science and Romantic & Classical Science, both self-designed interdisciplinary majors. For Alexandra, the decision to take an untraditional path after high school helped her find her passions and she recommends it to anyone interested. “Last year there were like two people [taking a gap year] and everyone was asking me, ‘What’s a gap year?’” Alexandra said. “‘Why would you take it? What are you gonna do?’ So annoying. I am so glad more people are taking one, honestly. My advice would be to have a rough plan of what you’re going to do: have a list of places to visit, what kind of jobs you want to have and things to learn in your spare time.” To read another student’s gap year story, visit lahstalon.org/features

PHOTOS BY GINA KERMODE

The Talon May 27, 2015

Catch reviews of new movies, music and more, plus read the entertainment archives at lahstalon.org/entertainment

SPECIAL FEATURE

From directing Morgan Freeman in “Now You See Me 2” to Justin Bieber’s documentaries, the son of “Chef Chu” and former Los Altos Hills resident is making it big in Hollywood.

PHOTOS COURTESY JON M. CHU

long past that vacation was over. Even though his parents alien movie, a robot movie and a dinosaur movie, he has are in the restaurant business, watching them excel at had the fortune to live out some of his other childhood Senior Writers their craft motivated Chu to excel in whatever he did. dreams, like working on “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” and his up“Chefs are artists,” Chu said. “My dad draws his dishes coming film “Jem and the Holograms.” before he makes them. Both “As I kid I loved G.I. [my dad] and my mom [used Joe. I loved playing with to say], ‘You know we didn’t the toys and I got to make even know English when we those things come to real came here and we started a life and blow up things,” business and we are able to Chu said. “Working with support a family. As long as these amazing actors you love what you do and outwas something I thought work everyone else then your would never happen in hen people in this community hear the name “Chu,” they dreams can come true.’ Being my life.” immediately think of Chef Chu’s, the popular Chinese around someone who loved Working on all of restaurant located just down the road from the school. what he did and who worked these movies has alChef Chu has become a community icon but little do really really hard had a big inlowed Chu to meet a people know that fluence on me growing up.” variety of celebrities— miles away, his son Chu’s parents’ influence everyone from Justin Jon M. Chu, an and his love for entertainBieber and Daniel Radalumnae of Pine- ment culminated in his decliffe to Michael Caine wood School, is cision to move from Palo and Morgan Freeman. succeeding in his Alto to Los Angeles to attend “Working with Morgan own right as a Hol- the University of Southern Freeman and Michael lywood director. California School of Cinema- Chu (left) takes a hands-on approach to Caine was amazing,” Chu Chu has man- Television after graduating his directing. Pictured is Chu on the set of said. “Morgan Freeman is aged to fuse the from Pinewood School. He action movie “G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” the 2013 god so that was really fun. installment of the G.I. Joe franchise. passion and won several awards there as He was so cool, and he is rhythm of dance a student director, including a total professional. Miwith the artistry the Jack Nicholson Scholarship-Directing award. His in- chael Caine, he had so many stories about working on involved in di- volvement with dance growing up has come to influence his old movies and what Hollywood used to be like, so [it recting to create many of his films and has become his signature mark. was a] big dream to be working with [these actors].” a variety of films “I wasn’t very good at dancing and I’m still not very Currently, Chu is working on the film “Now You See including “Step good [but] I like dancers,” Chu said. “I think they’re such Me: The Second Act,” the sequel to “Now You See Me.” Up 2: The Streets,” great artists and so carefree. And they’re more fun than I Daniel Radcliffe is one of the film’s main actors, and the “Step Up 3D,” “Jus- am, so I like being around them.” plot centers around an FBI agent and a detective tracking Chu poses on the set of the street-dancing tin Bieber: Never Although not a choreographer himself, Chu has a team of madrama “Step Up 2: The Streets,” which was his 2008 directorial debut. Chu infuses his Say Never,” “G.I. learned to understand the movement and intention of gicians who passion for dance with the artistry of directing. Joe: Retaliation” dancers in order to translate it onto film. rob banks durand the upcoming “I’m fortunate that so many great people I looked up ing their persequel to “Now You See Me.” to when I was young, I’ve gotten to work with,” Chu said. formances and However, before he received “It’s been such a fun collabo- reward the any of these big breaks, his ration to work with someone audience with interest in filmmaking began who understands movement. the money. with his parents, who took You get to say ‘The camera is Additionally, him to see a variety of different here, it’s low and I’m going his live action A SAMPLE OF CHU’S WORK weekly shows: operas, musito rush towards you so what a d a p t a t i o n cals and ballets. Even though do we want to communicate of the 1980s Step Up 2: The Streets going to see such events wasn’t when I rush towards you?’ In animated carthe most thrilling way for Chu a way, we’re both telling a story toon, “Jem Justin Bieber: Never Say Never to spend a day as a boy, when in unison.” and the HoloChu directs on the set of “G.I. Joe: G.I. Joe: Retaliation he grew older, he found himChu’s love for combining grams,” is hitRetaliation.” Chu was familiar with the self enjoying the shows more dance and film has led him ting theaters franchise already, as he played with G.I. Joe Jem and the Holograms and more. to create a wide variety of this fall. But toys as a kid. He never imagined that years Chu’s passion for filmmakmovies that he is proud of, no matter how later he would be directing its movies. (Coming Oct. 23, 2015) ing awakened when he was making it difficult for him to many movies put in charge of recording his pick a favorite film. Chu makes, he never wants to forget what his true purfamily’s vacation. Using edit“I was in different stages of pose in filmmaking is. ing software his dad got him my life [when I made each one “I just want to keep making things,” Chu said. “As from Sharper Image, Chu put together a video that had of those movies],” Chu said. “‘Step Up 2: The Streets’ was a creative person I try not to be goal-oriented in my unintended consequences when his family watched the fun, because it was my first movie and my best friend was art, but I try to just go to the next adventure and to memories he had captured. there with me; he came out to assist me. All these danc- always move forward. [I want my movies] to reflect “I made a little video and I showed them and they start- ers that I [still] work with now I met for the first time on what human beings are going through to sort of ed to cry when they watched it,” Chu said. “I don’t know that movie... Every single adventure is so different and I communicate that we are not alone in our struggle. why [they started crying but] from then on I knew that I love that I get to jump around and learn something that Everyone has baggage and things we’re all trying to wanted to do this for the rest of my life.” I never knew before.” figure out and that’s okay because we are all learnChu’s parents’ influence on his filmmaking continued Though he has yet to live out his dreams of directing an ing and trying to get through it together.”

SITARA SRIRAM PERLA LUNA

Director: Jon M. Chu

JON M. CHU

The Talon May 27, 2015

MOVIES

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” a thrilling addition to Marvel Cinematic Universe ERIC THIEM Staff Writer

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” May 1, 2015 (PG-13)

Directed by Joss Whedon Starring Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth

★★★★☆ After “The Avengers” smashed box office records in 2012 and became the third highest-grossing movie of all time, Marvel is back for a sequel. On Friday, May 1, “Avengers: Age of Ultron” was released in theaters. This is the 11th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), an expanding continuum of independent movies made by Marvel that all take place in the same universe. Every year, Marvel adds more and more movies to this super-powered world. Viewers now need no introduction to understand when a movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe opens with Iron Man infiltrating a secret terrorist

base while Captain America and Thor lead a charge on the front lines of battle. With no time wasted on redundant character development, director Joss Whedon can focus on what’s important for the movie: making “Avengers: Age of Ultron” a culmination of every super hero television show, movie and comic book in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to date. The film runs for a lengthy 2 hours and 20 minutes, but the constant action sequences are guaranteed to keep even casual Marvel fans entertained. However, even though there are some minor changes to the overall plot of the movie, “Avengers: Age of Ultron” follows the same formula as its predecessor: a superpowered being bent on world domination hatches a plan that would lead to the end of humanity. The team initially fights amongst itself and once again bands together in the final battle, the climax of the story. The difference, however, is that the initial excitement and charm of seeing all the Avengers on screen together for the first time

FLICKR USER BAGOGAMES

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” was released in theaters on Friday, May 1. Top: A logo of the movie. Bottom: A graphic illustration of some of the most popular superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. is gone, leaving a repetitive storyline that at times feels bland compared to the original. While seeing superheroes smash bad guys is entertaining for a while, without much substance behind the action, the fight scenes can feel monotonous. This time around, however, a new cast of characters is thrown into the mix who help relieve the monotony of the storyline. Most prominent are the two completely new Aveng-

FLICKR USER BAGOGAMES

ers, Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. Originally mutants in the Marvel comics, these twins have now been “enhanced” by a Russian experiment, and their powers include telekinesis, energy manipulation abilities and superhuman speed. Seeking revenge against Tony Stark for their parents’ murder, the two are initially enemies of the Avengers, but eventually join the team after discovering the true intentions of Ultron, a homicidal artificial intelligence accidentally created by Tony Stark and Bruce Banner. In contrast to many of the Avengers, especially the always righteous Captain America, these two seem more human and are a welcome addition to the Avengers. In addition to the brand-new superheroes, a few older ones make their return to the big screen. Tony Stark’s best friend, James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes, last seen in Iron Man 3, once again dons the grey War Machine suit to stop Ultron’s retreating army. Similarly, Sam Wilson, the man known as Falcon in the comics, and Peggy Carter, a secret agent fighting for S.H.I.E.L.D., briefly return but unfortunately do not partake in any of the integral fight scenes. Following the success of last year’s

humorous superhero flick “Guardians of the Galaxy,” Whedon threw in many memorable and comedic moments and one-liners. From Hawkeye cracking a joke in the midst of battle to a running gag about Captain America’s displeasure with using obscene language, “Avengers: Age of Ultron” will keep audiences chuckling in their seats from beginning to end. While these opportunistic jokes ultimately make Age of Ultron more entertaining, some of these light-hearted moments ruin the sense of urgency established by the team’s predicament and at times make the fight scenes feel trivial. Overall, “Avengers: Age of Ultron” does what it set out to do. Although the plot leaves something to be desired, with breathtaking CGI, largerthan-life battles and a new ensemble of characters, “Age of Ultron” is sure to entertain everyone from the die-hard comic book enthusiast to any lover of a light-hearted action movie. And as superheroes movies continue to rise in popularity, Marvel fans can expect movies on an even grander scale in the future. The Avengers will all be seen together once again in “Captain America: Civil War” in 2016.

BOOKS

Young adult literature fails to explore diversity ALEXANDRA MILKEY Staff Writer

The types of books that can be found in young adult (YA) literature are wide and varied, but many of them lack a common factor: diversity. It’s a phenomenon that is present in many mainstream novels, especially the biggest bestsellers. Take John Green. When he publicly supported “We Need Diverse Books,” an internet campaign designed to bring attention to the lack of diversity in YA literature, he was lauded by the internet. Green’s support might have been well-intentioned, but his com-

ments about the importance of diversity fall flat when his own books are considered. Green’s protagonists have all been white, straight and for the most part, male. And Green is not alone. Though he might be liked for his support of “We Need Diverse Books,” the lack of diversity in Green’s novels are a part of the problem that’s plaguing much of popular culture. There’s nothing inherently wrong with characters who are white, straight or any other majority. The problem comes when the majority of fictional characters are both, even if this doesn’t accurately reflect modern American demographics. Accurately representing a population is important, but diversity has more significance than just that. Diversity’s importance can’t be

understated. An alarmingly few popular novels contain it, though it’s something that every novel should have. Literature is often a way to experience different perspectives on the world. And often the books that stand out to us are the ones that show perspectives that are different from our own, and diversity causes this. Diversity gives people a chance to think differently about others and the world in which they live. It’s not that representation doesn’t exist; it does, albeit in small numbers. But the glaring problem with the lack of diversity in YA fiction can be seen with a quick glance at the New York Times bestseller list. The only book consistently listed there with a diverse protagonist is Sherman Alexie’s “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,” the story of a Native American boy who moves from a Spokane Indian reservation to an all-white public high school. There are books that get it right, and when they do, they’re all the more powerful because of it. “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Saenz is a 2012 novel. It’s won numerous awards and is very highly acclaimed among critics and readers alike, in part because both main characters are Mexican-American and gay, and this sets the book apart from

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY GINA KERMODE

The recent surge in popularity in young adult literature has called attention to the lack of diversity in the genre. Many novels like those pictured feature characters that fail to represent a spectrum of nationalities and sexual identities. other YA novels. But where is “The Fault in Our Stars” that features a nonwhite character? Where is “Paper Towns” featuring a couple that’s something other than straight? It’s not enough for authors to talk about the importance of diversity if they’re a part of the problem; mere talk won’t solve anything on its own. And that’s something John Green and many of his fel-

low authors should think about the next time they decide to talk about the need for diversity in YA literature, however well-intentioned they might be. Reading and other forms of fiction are more than just about escaping into a world different from this one. They’re also about finding characters that reflect both the reader and the world in which they live.

The Talon May 27, 2015

Get daily updates on Eagle athletics and read the sports archives at lahstalon.org/sports

Swiming and diving teams end season JOSH KIRSHENBAUM Staff Writer

Both the boys and girls teams endured the harsh De Anza League, coming out with high spirits and strong individual performances, despite losing records. “We just root for our teammates no matter if they’re last or first,” senior Bryan Kim said. “It’s really all about keeping morale up.”

Girls

A girls team small in numbers and high school experience had to be flexible in order to compete in the De Anza League, coming out with a 1-5 record. “I think that we did really well, especially for having one of the smallest and youngest teams in the league,” freshman Annalisa Pao said. “Every girl had to step up and swim a lot of events that they were not used to swimming, and in the end, I think it really paid off.” The girls team enjoyed the

greatest testament to hard work brielle, Hana and juniors Analisa and perseverance, earning its first Milkey and Samantha Waln came league win in over a season in a in 15th. In the end, the girls finmeet against Saratoga on April 30. ished 13th out of 39 teams. “Although it came late in the season, it was nice to head into league finals with a win,” Annalisa On the boys’ side, a strong core of said. “All the girls had to work reindividual talent put the team in a ally hard.” The girls also saw success at the good place to succeed. However, the CCS championship meet. Sopho- team lacked great overall results and went 0-6 in league. more Hana Brett had “The team was able the greatest indito pack together and vidual achievement, score as many points coming fifth in the We just root for possible wherever 100-yard butterfly and our teammates we could,” junior Alninth in the 100-yard no matter if bert Gwo said. “Even breaststroke. Fresh- they’re last or though almost all of man Gabrielle Anthe other teams had at derson added a ninth first. least one or two swim— senior Bryan Kim place finish in the 100mers in each final, we yard backstroke and were able to squeeze eighth in the 100-yard butterfly, and junior Riley Fujioka one person into a couple events to came sixth in the 1-meter dive. score some more points.” This spread of talent made each In the relays, the 200-yard medley team of Gabrielle, Hana and meet a little more comfortable for sophomores Kayleigh Peterson the team as it didn’t always need and Anne Piercy came in 12th, and huge performances from each the 400-yard freestyle team of Ga- individual athlete to maintain a

Boys

Lacrosse team finishes fourth place in El Camino before early playoff exit ANNIE GAFFNEY Staff Writer

Varsity boys lacrosse closed out its season on Wednesday, May 13 playing Los Gatos in the first round of league playoffs. The boys, entering playoffs as the fourth seed, lost 10-4 to first seed Los Gatos. The team finished the De Anza league in fourth place with a record of 7-5. “This was the third time we played [Los Gatos] and it was the best we played them,” junior Liam Mahoney said. “Our team had a good three and half quarters and then fell apart at the end of the fourth.” The team lost steam in the final ELVIS LI period of the game, letting in five Seniors Peter Dyer and Makinnon Baugh compete during practice. goals in the fourth quarter. Their season ended when they lost to number one seed Los Gatos by “The defense specifically was a score of 10-4 in the first round of the playoffs. pretty fit because we started every game this season and rarely As the season progressed, the ever subbed out so we were ready “I think we improved a lot for the game fitness wise,” junior [since we last played Mountain team built its chemistry and Cole Botsford said. “But with Los View],” senior Riley Kahan said. helped developed its younger Gatos having a lot “We capitalized players to prepare for years to of fast players and on our scoring come. “I think over the season we startthem holding the chances. One of ball so much, we Over the season the big contribu- ed having more fun and working got tired because tors to our win was as a team more and that actually we started havof playing defense our goalie, Liam helped us start playing better,” Riing more fun and a lot of the time.” Mahoney. He had ley said. “We also got a lot of our The boys, despite working as a team a lot of saves that inexperienced players more playtheir seasonal aver- more and that game [and] our ing time, which is good for our fuage of 10 goals per actually helped us defense played ture lacrosse teams because they’ll progress and then will have somegame, also strugwell also.” gled with capitaliz- start playing betThe boys saw where to start from.” The team’s growth throughout ing on their offen- ter. improvement all sive chances, and over the field from the season has set high hopes for — senior Riley Kahan scored an uncharthe beginning of next year’s program. The boys acteristically low the season, which hope to advance past the first amount. made the victory round of CCS for the first time Though they against Mountain in school history. “Next year our goals should fell short in playoffs, the team View possible. completed the season with an “Throughout the year our de- be to make the playoffs and unprecedented victory. For the fense got better each game,” Liam win league,” Liam said. “It first time in school history, the said. “Our offense really started would be great to win a playoff boys beat Mountain View 6-5 on to move the ball well and put up game since we have never done that as a team.” April 29. some more goals.”

ELVIS LI

Senior Bryan Kim dives into the pool. Although they are struggling in league play, the boys team has seen success in the playoffs. good showing. Trevor Labuda came in fifth in the “It wasn’t as scary being in the 1-meter dive. Two relay teams also upper leagues this year because we had success: The 400-yard freestyle were stronger in numbers at all the team of Albert, seniors Sean Nguyen meets,” Albert said. and Oliver Dong, and sophomore Albert saw the greatest individual Steven Wong came in 14th, and the success at the CCS championship same four boys came in eighth in meet on May 16, coming in first in the 200-yard freestyle. This all addthe 50-yard freestyle and second in ed up to give the team 10th place out the 100-yard freestyle. Freshman of 41 schools at the meet.

Gymnastics takes fifth in CCS HANNAH CRAFORD Staff Writer

This season, the varsity gymnastics team prevailed despite early concerns. Following the loss of six seniors and all coaches, the team was not expecting the same level of success as they had last season, which ended in a second place CCS finish. The team ended up getting fifth place out of 7 teams at CCS this year. “This year there aren’t as many girls on varsity that compete all-around on all four events, so we struggle[d] with that,” junior Jessica Houdek said. “But overall we did pretty well for a new team with brand new coaches.” The addition of the new coaches has improved the overall spirit and performance of the team. “Last year we had some issues with our three coaches,” Jessica said. “This year we’ve got two new ones, Youlee [Lee] and Veronica [Porte], and they are amazing.” Members are pleased with Lee and Porte’s enthusiasm and can-do attitude. “From the last four years of gymnastics, [these are] some of the most

active coaches,” senior Amber Kim said. “They are always conditioning and tumbling with us while coaching at the same time, so it gets us motivated, inspired and pumped.” Despite initial roadblocks, the girls were able to work their way up to CCS again this year. “[Although] we struggled compared to last year because we had such a strong team on varsity, we have done pretty well in the season,” Jessica said. The team kept its spirits as they went into CCS, but due to its small team size it is unable to participate in all events, making it is more difficult for them to get more competitive scores.

COURTESY LAHS GYMNASTICS TEAM

Junior Jessica Houdek performs a scale on the beam. The team finished fifth in CCS.

The Talon May 27, 2015

Spring sports take on CCS Softball

Track and Field

ANNELIESE GALLAGHER

JOSH KIRSHENBAUM Staff Writer

ollowing a tough season last year, the girls track and field team knew that success would have to be earned, and it wouldn’t be easy. Despite all of these challenges, the team exceeded expectations, going 2-4, beating Mountain View, and finishing the third in the De Anza League Championship meet. “[The season went] better than expected,” junior Kalie Oku said. “We put up a very good fight against the other schools...with teams like Gunn, Paly and Los Gatos [that] have consistent athletes [who]hold the top marks in CCS, we knew it was going to be a tough season but we pulled through.” Aside from the team’s overall record, many athletes have found success individually, which was reflected in the team’s high turnout at the SCVAL championship meet. The team sent representatives to ten different events, including sprints, relays, long distance and jumping. Highlights included personal records by junior Lauren Jacob in the 1600 meter run and senior Maddie Klein in the 400 meter sprint. The 4x400 meter relay team made up of Maddie, Lauren, senior Anneliese Gallagher and freshman Natalie Atkins came in third. Lauren, Maddie, Anneliese and junior Amanda Mell as a relay team qualified for the CCS semifinal meet, which took place last Saturday, after press deadline. A top eight result in the semifinals will qualify them for the CCS finals, on May 29, and a top three finish in that meet qualifies an athlete for CIF State Finals on June 5 and 6 in Clovis.

Boys

Girls

he boys track and field team finished a very successful league season, continuing the success they have found in past years. A combination of individual talent, team spirit and strong leadership has once again given the team an opportunity to show very well at CCS. The team’s latest success was at the SCVAL

NOAH TSAO

Freshman Rebecca Lim participates in the long jump event. Both track and field teams put athletes into the CCS Semifinal meet. championship meet on May 15. Senior Brian Yeager led the team, coming in first in the long jump, high jump, triple jump and 110 meter hurdle events. Junior Kevin Anawalt won the 400 meter sprint and added a third place finish in the 200 meter sprint. Junior Sebastian Cabrol beat his previous personal record (PR) in the discus by almost thirteen feet, getting him second at the meet and into the CCS semifinals with a throw of 142 feet and 2 inches. “It was a big improvement over my previous PR, so that was really great,” Sebastian said. “I’m just excited to go to CCS and hope I do as well there as I did [at the SCVAL championships].” Brian, Kevin, senior Sami Fakalolo, junior Kenny Hammel and sophomore Tommy Andrews joined Sebastian at the CCS semifinals meet last Saturday at San Jose City College, along with 4x100 and 4x400 meter relay teams. The Eagles were represented in ten different events. Top three finishers at the CCS finals on May 29 qualify for the state championship meet in Clovis on June 5 and 6.

Staff Writer

fter placing second in De Anza league with a record of 9-3, varsity softball is currently ranked 4th in CCS and earned a position in the CCS playoffs. With a 9-0 win over Watsonville on May 19, the team advanced to the CCS quarterfinals against North Salinas on Saturday, which occurred after the press deadline. “Everybody contributed on offense,” cocaptain senior Kaitlyn Schiffhauer said, “but we need to clean up some of our mental mistakes, especially base-running, if we plan on advancing to the semifinals.” Already the team’s advancement to quarter finals marks a significant accomplishment, but they hope to advance even further into the CCS semifinals or finals. “In years past, we have made it to the quarterfinals, but never the semifinals,” co-captain junior Lizzy Beutter said. “It would be awesome if we could go all the way this year.” In preparation for CCS, the team is spending time in practice fine-tuning basic skills such as hitting. “We are working on our offense a ton right now,” junior Adera Ahern said. “Hitting has always been a big focus for us, and we want to make sure our hitting is up to par by the time we enter CCS.” Another team goal is to stay relaxed and focused in the midst of a competitive post-sea-

NOAH TSAO

Senior Kaitlyn Schiffhauer takes a swing. She is the lone senior on the team which finished league in second place and is now looking to make strides in CCS. son, and therefore hard work and relaxation are allocated equally. “We are trying to relax this week, but as soon as the postseason starts, we have to get down to business and practice the way we want to play,” Kaitlyn said. “We have had a lot of mustwin games this year so the pressure will not be something unique to us.” After a successful season, softball is looking to dominate the postseason and win a CCS title. “We know that on any given day, we can beat any team,” Kaitlyn said. “We just have to execute.”

Game of the Month Baseball beats Mt. View 5-4 in extra innings Going into the bottom of the seventh inning, the team trailed 3-0 to rival Mountain View, with relegation to the El Camino League on the line, Los Altos rallied with a three-run inning, punctuated by an RBI single by freshman Alex Reelfs that forced extra innings. In the top of the eighth, Mountain View retook the lead, 4-3. With two runners on and down to the final strike, junior Adam Spielman (pictured left) launched a ball over the left field fence to win the game 6-4, keeping the Eagles in the De Anza League and sending the Spartans down. COURTESY MIKE BAKER

NOY ANISMAN