May Issue

LA VISTA Mira Costa

High School’s

M ay 25, 2018 | I ssue 9, Volume 68

1401 Artesia Blvd.

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

@LaVistaMedia

LaVistaMCHS.com

FOLLOWING THE THE MONEY MONEY FOLLOWING

By Bari Cohn News Editor Claire Gunning and Wyatt Robb Editors-in-Chief In an email obtained by La Vista, Mira Costa senior and news director of the Mustang Morning News Katharine Rogerson addressed the Manhattan Beach Unified School District Board of Trustees President Karen Komatinsky, Vice President Bill Fournell and Board Members Jennifer Cochran and Christine Cronin-Hurst on Jan. 25, detailing her confusion with the financial situation of the Mustang Morning News program.

See “Following The Money” on page A6

MIND ON THE MONEY: Two Mustang Morning News anchors sit at the news desk that is used for their biweekly morning shows. Mustang Morning News is a broadcast journalism program and will have a parent-run booster club for the 2018-19 school year after collecting donations directly from students in the past. Photo by Claire Gunning

College Board investigates Environmental Science AP Exam

By Kyra Williams News Editor

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dvanced Placement Exam Test Proctors dealt with an incident on May 10 in the Mira Costa small gym in which a student compromised an individual set of testing materials during the AP Environmental Science Exam.

The AP administration immediately secured the testing area and reported the incident to College Board. Mira Costa Principal Dr. Ben Dale sent an email on May 20 stating that the situation did not impact other students and members of the administration have been working closely with College Board to ensure no other APES exams were compromised.

“We’ve done everything that

Opinion

College Board has asked us to do and we see no reason for red flags to be raised,” Dale said.

Between the end of section one and the beginning of section two of the APES exam, a booklet went missing and has still not been found, AP Exam Coordinator Joe Ciasulli said. The administration is currently waiting for a response from College Board entailing whether or not Costa students will be granted credit on the APES exam.

“Students were aware of the rules of College Board and I believe they are doing the best they can regarding our situation,” APES student and junior Alex Fry said. “However it is unfortunate that Costa and all the other APES students are having to deal with the consequences of one student.”

A8

Explore La Vista’s opinion regarding inclusion on College Commitment Day.

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Ciasulli submitted an argubody in that room could have seen ment to College the answers,” Board in which Ciasulli said. he explained the am very hopeful “Since nobody details of the sit- and highly confident that in that room uation and why got an advanthere should be no conse- tage, then their he believes that Costa students quences to anybody in that scores should did not get an room...” count.” unfair advantage According on the exam. to the policy -Joe Ciasulli During the time on the ColAP Exam Coordinator lege Board the booklet went missing, there website, in the was only a brief case of a secuminute or two where students rity breach, consequences could were outside of the control of result in the invalidation of exam proctors and once the incident be- scores for the individual student came apparent, students were im- or for all the students taking that mediately called inside, Ciasulli specific exam at the school adsaid. ministration site.

“Nobody in that room could “College Board considers this have gotten an advantage and no- a terrible thing because someone

I

In This Issue: The Highlights of La Vista Features

B2

Read about junior Ryland Hart’s sponsorship and new commercial for Toyota.

Arts

B12

La Vista visits and reviews films at the South Bay Student Video Festival.

could have gotten their hands on that booklet and sent pictures to American Samoa,” Ciasulli said.

“We immediately had to report to College Board that it was missing because that is what College Board’s rules say.”

APES students took a survey on Monday morning in the small gym, where they answered questions including whether or not they were aware of the supposed cheating at the time, or if they had heard anything regarding answers to test questions. The administration is waiting to hear College Board’s decision and the outcome of the situation.

“I am very hopeful and highly confident that there should be no consequences to anybody in that room, but I can’t guarantee that,” Ciasulli said.

Sports

A11

Read about the Costa girls volleyball teams’ 2-1 win over Laguna Hills on May 12.

A2

La Vista

News

May 25, 2018

Author Knowles gives talk on Second Amendment rights, his book on politics

NEWS FLASH El Camino College holds prospective student fair El Camino College held a Career Fair in the CCC on May 9 to give local students the opportunity to meet with professionals in specific fields to learn about possible careers.

El Camino College organized the fair to give students the opportunity to explore possible career ladders, further career research and discover career options.

“I saw this event as a chance for me to discover a possible career, and the teachers offered really helpful information about how I could proceed to do that,” El Camino College student Ainsley McCarles said.

Canyon Kotani-Crespo

Students, alumni sell artwork during Art Depts.’ Art Night Mira Costa students and alumni sold their artwork on May 18 at Costa as a part of the Art Department’s Art Night.

Community members attended the event in order to purchase artwork and participate in arts and crafts. The event took place in room 109, the art room, as well as in the quad outside the room.

“This event was a great way to see what my peers and graduated students have created,” junior Lucy Rigler said. “I enjoyed walking around and seeing all of the unique pieces of art as well as the interactive crafts.”

Bari Cohn

Grand View Elementary hosts annual 5k run event Grand View Elementary held their 23nd annual 5k Gator Run on May 5 and Exer Urgent Care sponsored the event to raise money for the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation.

The run was open to the entire community, including children of any ages and adults. Families were also able to register for a Family Team so that parents could run with their children.

“It was a very fun experience to be able to run alongside fellow Manhattan Beach residents of such a wide variety of ages,” junior Jim Reynolds said.

Michael Todd

Comedy Sportz members play against senior citizens Costa’s Comedy Sportz team played on May 20 at 1 p.m. against the senior citizen team, the Joslyn Jokers, at the Joslyn Community Center.

The match was free of admission, so all students and citizens were able to attend and spectate. The event was hosted by the two Senior Improv Comedy teachers Sandy Marchese and Doris Usui. The event was played just for fun and no score was kept.

“It was such a great environment to be able to be in. Everyone there was so easy going and friendly which made everything so much more fun,” Comedy Sportz member and sophmore Clare Arnold said.

Canyon Kotani-Crespo

Republican party speaker Michael Knowles speaks out against gun control and the Democratic Party.

By Kayla Samimi Copy Editor

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uthor and Republican speaker Michael Knowles spoke in the Mira Costa small theatre during AM Office Hours on May 16 about his beliefs regarding gun control and his new book titled “Reasons to Vote for Democrats: A Comprehensive Guide.”

Costa’s Young Republicans Club and Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) Organization coordinated the event and invited all students, teachers and staff members to attend.

“I think the event was a great success because it allowed the students of our school to express different opinions, regardless of whether they agree with them or not,” senior and Young Republicans Club member Joe Hawkins said.

Young Republicans Club President and senior Ryan O’Hanesian first introduced Knowles as the speaker

to the audience members.

O’Hanesian planned the event several months in advance after listening to many of Knowles’s podcasts, he said.

“I thought that the talk went very well,” O’Hanesian said. “People on both sides asked really good questions. It was a very fruitful event that es-

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no indication of a more sophisticated argument than that presented by searching ‘anti-gun control’ on Google,” senior Jayin Patel said. “The summation of the new ideas and solutions that he brings to the table can be found in his book, and I highly encourage anyone that is seriously interested in this issue to

I

think the event was a great success because it allowed students of our school to express different opinions, regardless of whether they agree with them or not.”

- Joe Hawkins Young Republicans Club member

tablished discussion on campus. Whether or not you agreed with the speaker, there was definitely something to take out of it and it was good for those being exposed to new ideas.”

Knowles then discussed his book and why he believes there are no reasons for Americans to vote for the Democratic party.

Knowles then spoke about his belief on the right to bear arms, as stated in the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution.

“Mr. Knowles gave me

do their own research separate from his arguments.”

Knowles specifically expressed his opinion that the right to bear arms is an essential right that helps protect people from a tyrannical government, as believed by the Framers when constructing the Constitution.

Knowles dedicated a majority of his time to answering student questions.

According to Young Democrats Vice President Sam Walley, many members of the Young Democrats club attended the speech

to hear Knowles’s talk and ask him questions.

“Young Democrats attended this in order to show respect for Young Americans for Freedom while also representing our views on gun control and reform,” Walley said.

“Personally, I felt that his arguments were flawed in describing the nature of the formation of gun reform, insinuating that our founding fathers had such insight that they could predict the mass weaponry prevalence in our nation and would still be okay with it because it protects our nation from tyranny. I believe that the most important parts of gun control reform is the loopholes in gun shows and the lack of proper common sense regulation such as failure for proper background checks.”

Scan the QR code to watch Republican speaker Michael Knowles give his opinion on the Second Amendment right to bear arms.

Mahan takes over as new MBEF Executive Director after Flechner resigns from position

By Karli Wallace Staff Writer

T

he Manhattan Beach Education Foundation announced on May 16 during a school board meeting that Hilary Mahan, the former Director of Annual Appeal for the foundation, will serve as the new Executive Director of MBEF due to the resignation of the former Director Farnaz Flechner.

Flechner announced her resignation in March, and MBEF’s Board of Directors chose Mahan from over 100 applicants.

“Farnaz and I have partnered on MBEF’s efforts for over three years now,” Mahan said. “I admire her greatly, particularly for her ability to bring people together, even on uncommon ground. There will be challenges and competing priorities to work through, but strengthening our schools is always the common goal.

That will not change.”

As Executive Director, Flechner worked to improve grantmaking processes, increasing advocacy efforts at the state level, bringing the MBEF and Endowment Boards together and moving MBEF from a working board to a governance board, Flechner said. Flechner will be the new Chief Operating Officer

at Environmental Charter Schools in South Los Angeles.

“Our district, MBEF and the Endowment are stronger, more effectively governed, better integrated and more strategic and innovative,” Flechner said. “Mahan is a strong advocate and an excellent communicator, and she will do a wonderful job of advocating for student and parent

A NEW MBEF: Former MBEF Director of Annual Appeal Hilary Mahan will serve as the new Executive Director of MBEF due to former Executive Director Farnaz Flechner’s resignation. Courtesy of MBEF priorities. I truly believe that MBEF could not be in better hands, and I am certain that this shared commitment will carry MBEF forward, from good to great in the years to come.”

MBEF primarily fundraises money to improve the public schools of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District and pays for teachers and other educators whose positions are not funded by the state of California.

As MBEF’s newest Executive Director, Mahan is responsible for overseeing funding, the planning of events and the actions of MBEF’s Board of Directors.

“Our Manhattan Beach schools are the heart of our community” Mahan said. “I believe that no other institution has a more powerful impact on the quality and breadth of the educational opportunities available in our schools.”

Mahan will begin her role as Executive Director by supporting the Measure MB parcel tax that will be up for vote on June 5, she said.

With an additional source of funding, MBEF will be able to continue to focus on funding programs that align with parent and teacher priorities, Mahan said.

“Advocating for an additional sustainable source of funding for our schools is our top priority,” Mahan said. “Without Measure MB, we may have to begin to prioritize which programs have the largest impact on our students and make cuts to our grants. That’s a challenge I hope we won’t have to face.”

News

May 25, 2018

ASB hosts annual Pride Day for students, parents, faculty to clean, beautify campus

By Sheridan McKnight Staff Writer

Mira Costa’s Comedy Sportz team will host its annual “Girls vs. Boys” themed match tonight in the small theater.

Volunteers will sell tickets at the door for $5.

The teams’ final match of the year will take place on June 8, and the theme is “Seniors vs. Alumni,” where former Costa Comedy Sportz members will play against this years’ seniors.

“I’m really looking forward to the match tonight because the theme is ‘Girls vs Boys,’ which is different from our normal matches and the Comedy Sportz members always have a great time,” Comedy Sportz member and senior Toby Kamish said.

COSTA PRIDE: (From left) Associated Student Body members Kara Milewski and Kenzie Packer spread woodchips and mulch next to the library as part of Costa Pride Day on May 19. Students, parents and faculty cleaned the campus, planted new trees and painted walls. Photo by Linnea Wee ager Lisa Ryder said.

Volunteers planted new trees, raked leaves, pulled

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but focused on cleaning the quad because it is the area most used by Costa

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ur goal is to bring together the South Bay community and Costa students together for a good cause. Pride Day was a great success and we definitely accomplished all that we had hoped we could.”

- Kenzie Packer ASB Event Coordinator

out old weeds and painted walls. Volunteers cleaned most of Costa’s campus,

students, Packer said.

“The quad is where most of Costa students spend

their time outdoors which is why we want to focus on beautifying this area,” ASB Event Coordinator Izzy Youngson said.

ASB members welcomed parent and student volunteers to come any time during the two-anda-half-hour event. Students and parents also donated supplies, including gardening tools and paint to show their support for the volunteers and event.

“Pride Day was a great success and we definitely accomplished all that we had hoped we would,” Packer said.

PTSA awards students for accomplishments during annual Student Recognition ceremony Costa teachers award students who demonstrate leadership at annual Student Recognition ceremony.

ed certificates of achievement to each of the winners.

“Students have great stories, so we try to recognize as many as many as we can,” Dale said. “[The students we select] have interesting and inspiring stories and have achieved and accomplished a lot.”

In addition to a certificate of achievement, the PTSA awarded the students with Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf gift

By Greta Nerad cards. The awards were fully funded by the PTSA, within Staff Writer a $1000 budget.

“It was really surprising [that I was selected], but then, he Mira Costa Parent Teacher Student Association I realized that the award is actually not just based on held its triannual Student Recognition award cere- grades, but on who you are as a student,” award recipient mony on May 16 during PM Ofand sophomore Tucker fice Hours in the small theater.

St. Ivany said. “It’s nice The PTSA sponsored the he exemplary work can come in to know that the school event, which gave teachers and isn’t just looking at us on staff the opportunity to award the form of overcoming an obstacle, helppaper, but they are also students who demonstrated out- ing others in the classroom or going above recognizing us as unique standing effort and challenged and beyond the everyday curriculum. The people as well.” themselves in and out of the The PTSA invited the PTSA is proud to recognize these amazing classroom, PTSA President student-winners’ family Robyn St. Germain said. Mira students.” members and friends to Costa teachers recognized two attend the ceremony so seniors, 11 juniors, six sopho- Robyn St. Germain they could support their mores and 13 freshmen at the PTSA President loved ones. It is imporceremony. tant to the PTSA that the “The exemplary work can parents are part of the reccome in the form overcoming an obstacle, helping others ognition of their child along with other students, St. Gerin the classroom or going above and beyond the everyday main said. curriculum,” St. Germain said. “The PTSA is proud to rec“It’s amazing to see that my teachers truly recognize the ognize these amazing students.” hard work and effort I am putting into my junior year,” Mira Costa Principal Dr. Ben Dale gave a brief commem- junior Dylan Swerdlow said. “I love knowing that my deoration of each student selected during the ceremony, which termination to strive in a classroom setting is not going their teachers wrote prior to the ceremony. He then present- unnoticed by my teachers.”

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NEWS FLASH Comedy Sportz to organize annual boys vs. girls match

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ira Costa’s Associated Student Body hosted 28th annual Pride Day on May 19 in order to give students, parents and faculty the opportunity to clean and beautify Costa’s campus.

ASB and Waste Management hosted the event to encourage South Bay residents to give back to their community by cleaning Costa’s campus, ASB Event Coordinator Kenzie Packer said. The event was open to all ages and no sign-up was required to participate “Our goal was to bring together the South Bay community and Costa students for a good cause,” Packer said. “With so many students walking around Costa for an entire year the campus gets very dirty so it is very rewarding after our work is done.”

Waste Management sponsors the event each year. The company is responsible for hauling Manhattan Beach’s trash and recycling throughout the year.

“We provide green carts so all the green waste collected by the students can be recycled rather than landfilled,” Waste Management Recycling Man-

La Vista A3

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Bari Cohn

Band Dept. holds annual Pops Concert in auditorium The Mira Costa Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony and Jazz 1 will hold their annual Pops Concert on May 31 in the auditorium.

Band students have been practicing their pieces for about a month and researching the melody and rhythm of the songs. They will be performing a total of 10 songs, including music from the movies “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Jurassic Park,” The Incredibles, My Neighbor Totoro and Godzilla Eats Las Vegas.

“We had sectionals with professional musicians in the area. They gave us advice on how to improve and enhance our techniques,” Band President and senior Emily Angstreich said.

Emily Dubinsky

Drama, Tech Dept. seniors to put on annual Senior Scenes Mira Costa Drama and Tech Department seniors directed and produced 11 Senior scenes, which other members of the department will perform on Wednesday in the small theater.

Each senior is not required to direct a scene, but all members of the Advanced Drama class must participate in a scene from a musical or play.

“I’m excited for [the Senior Scenes] because I’m excited for people to see what we have been working on,” senior Brinn Borowsky said. “We want to encourage future Mustangs to be more involved and comfortable on campus.”

Bari Cohn

Annual All Awards Assembly honors members of senior class Mira Costa administration will hold the annual All Awards Assembly in the auditorium on May 30 in order to honor students with academic, extracurricular and athletic awards.

Seniors Noah Geller, Max Ackerman, Izzy Lau, Jillian Reed and Riley Civerolo-Douglas are this year’s nominees for the Student of the Year award.

Costa administration and staff will give out awards such as the Associated Student Body Service Award and various others from each department.

“I’m still in shock that I am one of the nominees,” senior Max Ackerman said. “Costa is full of extremely talented students who are all unique and bring something amazing to the table.”

Emily Dubinsky

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La Vista

News

May 25, 2018

PTSA, ASB organize annual Teacher Appreciation Week

Campus organizations host activities, lunches for teachers and staff to show student appreciation.

one less thing to worry about like breakfast,” English teacher Lindsey Valbuena said. “We are always so appreciative for what is provided.”

The goal of the teacher appreciation lunch was to show appreciation for not only teachers, but staff as well, Claypoole said. Staff members had a variety of food items to choose from and ate as a group

By Kyra Williams outside of the cafeteria. In order to pay News Editor for the Teacher Appreciation Week activiand Bella Macleod ties, ASB used money from its fundraisers Staff Writer throughout the school year. he Mira Costa Parent Teacher Stu“I think sometimes students do not dent Association and Associated realize how hard teachers work on their Student Body held several activities from behalf,” Valbuena said. “It is not just the May 7-11 to celebrate Costa’s annual gifts, it’s mainly the notes and letters that Teacher Appreciation Week. are the most impactful and special to me Throughout the week, ASB members that make me feel like this is why I do gave staff members candy, cookies and ca- what I do.” tered lunches.

The PTSA also “One of the organized a cofmain goals of fee cart in front Teacher Appreciation Week Teacher Apof the administrapreciation tion building for Week is to Day Sponsor teachers and staff Activity show apprethat morning. ciation for the PTSA volunteers All Week Candy, cookies ASB approximatewere able to hold ly 300 adults these activities on this camas a part of their Thursday PTSA Bagels, thank you pus who come Parent Teacher cards here everyday Student Associato make the tion budget made world a better Friday ASB Staff lunch, coffee cart up of donations place for our from parents and kids,” ASB others that joined Activities Director Lisa Claypoole said. the PTSA. The PTSA decided to move “Usually, when there are events for their Teacher Appreciation lunch that they teachers, I get excited for food or coffee organize for teachers until the end of the since it’s nice to come to school and have school year due to ASB’s lunch for Costa’s

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MUNCH ON LUNCH: English teacher Quincy Howerton, Special Education teacher Lareina Rodriguiez and science teacher James Locke enjoy the staff luncheon on May 11 during Teacher Appreciation Week. Costa’s Associated Student Body and the Parent Teacher Student Association coordinated Teacher Appreciation Week from May 7-11 and provided teachers with lunches, thank you cards and cookies. Photo by Kali Mashayeki staff during Teacher Appreciation Week, PTSA President Dolly Boden said.

“The teachers are building the students of tomorrow; they are making them grow up to be responsible adults,” Boden said.

“It is always nice to appreciate your teachers for all of the hard work they are doing to help you become the best you can be.”

ASB handed out notes each day of Teacher Appreciation Week to all of Cos-

ta’s staff. ASB gave out Cracker Jacks and Extra gum to teachers and staff members and the cafeteria made approximately 800 cookies to give to teachers and staff, Claypoole said.

“I enjoyed handing [the treats] out since some of the staff members aren’t as appreciated as they should be and making them happy felt good,” ASB member Kate Condren said.

OPINION

May 25, 2018

La Vista

Editors’ Note Mira Costa High School 1401 Artesia Boulevard Manhattan Beach, California (310) 318-7337 ext 5233 May 25, 2018 Volume LXVIII, Issue IX www.lavistamchs.com Editors-in-Chief Claire Gunning Wyatt Robb Managing Editors Ian Lockwood Danielle Smith Copy Editors Nick Lee Parnia Mazhar Kayla Samimi News Editors Bari Cohn, Exec Naomi Tsuang Kyra Williams Michael Todd , Online Opinion Editors Catelyn DiLeva, Exec Claire DuMont Maysen Marolda Elora Brow, Online Features Editors Elena Coe McNamara, Exec Julia Oudiz India Pearman Kareena Dhillon, Online Arts Editors Megan Sullivan, Exec Kaelie Macaulay Madeleine Powell Grace Dietz, Online Theme Editors Lauren Farberman, Exec Noah Bell Sophie Hefter Max Rosenberg Sports Editors Isabelle Chiu, Exec Ben Gibbons Brian Kaiserman Tess Whittet Alde Nguyen, Online Photo Editors Alexandra Kelly Patrick Lucas Photo Managers Ashley Cole Ryan Demarest Video Editors Ryan Birdoes Cole Sprouse Calendar Editor Cara Martinez Circulation and Distribution Harrison Mayesh, Exec Sarah Toomey Ryan Ulrich Business Managers Roberto Kampfner, Exec Mailan Nguyen Tiffany Feng Assistant Managing Editors Hannah Parker Adviser Keely Sweeny

Editors-in-Chief say farewell and good luck to future staff

By Wyatt Robb and Claire Gunning Editors-In-Chief

W

e have finally reached the ceremonial passing of the torch. It is time to relinquish our duties to the new editorsin-chief, Naomi Tsuang and Claire DuMont. But before we do, we want to take a moment to thank all those who have been a part of La Vista for making our time in the program so special.

First off, we would like to thank our advisor Ms. Sweeny (formerly Gabbert).

It was not an easy task to take over such a complex and multifaceted organization.

Thankfully, Ms. Sweeny brought with her a new perspective on many issues that

M

ira Costa Principal Dr. Ben Dale sent out a disconcerting e-mail on Sunday, May 20 stating there was an incident during the Advanced Placement Environmental Science exam which compromised an individual set of testing materials, but that the incident was quickly resolved, the testing room was immediately secured and the students finished the exam. Costa immediately reported the incident to the College Board and reported that it did not impact any other students taking the exam, and that Costa worked to ensure no other APES exams were compromised.

If a student cheats on an AP exam, a strict punishment for that student is justified due to the fact that the student has clearly violated College Board policies.

Furthermore, the student risked other students’ scores on that AP exam, as well as the scores of other tests at Costa or even in the state of California. However, those students who did not violate the College Board policies should not have to face any repercussions as a result of the negligent

of journalistic integrity and providing its readers with relevant content.

We would also like to thank every single editor, writer and photographer that contributed their hard work and creativity to La Vista this year. We believe that without all of their help we would not have been able to print 10 fantastic issues and uphold the quality of journalism.

We are so proud of every new member of La Vista. This organization is only pos-

actions of one individual.

Students took the APES exam in the afternoon on Thursday, May 10 in the small gym. Despite the fact that adult proctors strictly patrolled the AP Exams, a proctor caught a student potentially cheating, AP Coordinator Joe Ciasulli said.

According to a policy on the College Board website, students must agree, prior to taking the test, that they will not take exam materials from the testing room.

Violating these rules found in the Bulletin for Students and Parents could potentially cause student’s scores to be cancelled. The uncertainty as to whether all MCHS students’ scores may be cancelled due to this incident led to unnecessary stress among APES students.

Since a student violated College Board’s policy, Costa administration instructed all APES students to go to the small gym on Monday, May 21 in order to complete a survey regarding the APES exam. Questions asked whether or not students saw anyone take the test out before the test began or

How do you feel about the Advanced Placement exam cheating incident?

I would be annoyed because of someone else’s mistake and that I would possibly have to retake the exam.”

the highest quality reporting while maintaining a strict standard

We are so proud of every new member of La Vista. This organization is only possible with your dedication and creativity.”

Voices of Costa

Staff Writers Garrett Allen, Julia Alley, Luc Anderson, Julianna Coe-McNamara, Josie Collier, Grace Dietz, Cole Garvey, Jayla Johnson, Skylar Jones, Noah Jamani, Canyon Kotani-Crespo, Lina Kwon, Blake Laurita, Isabella Macleod, Cara Martinez, Kali Mashayekhi, Sheridan McKnight, Sammy Miller, Greta Nerad, Emilee Ray, Drew Rohm, Rachel Rosen, Zachary Rosenberg, Brooke Smith, McKenzie Sussman, Karli Wallace

Mission Statement: LA VISTA is committed to providing only

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sible with your dedication and creativity.

But above all, welcome to the La Vista family.

Lastly, we want to thank everyone who paved the way to our position as editorsin-chief. Thank you to all of the editors along the way who challenged us to write better, edit better and lead better. You have helped us grow to be the people we are today. We can not express how lucky we are to have had such great mentors and advisors over our years in La Vista. A special thanks also goes out to Mr. McAvin: Your dedication to the paper for our first three years is the reason we still thrive.

We are leaving La Vista in excellent hands with Claire and Naomi. We hope to continue to watch La Vista grow.

AP incident repercussions should not affect all students involved

Maya Hernandez Freshman

For ad rates, contact lavistabusiness@gmail.com

have plagued our organization for years.

Staff Editorial

Editorial Board Claire Gunning, Wyatt Robb, Ian Lockwood, Danielle Smith, Nick Lee, Parnia Mazhar, Kayla Samimi, Bari Cohn, Naomi Tsuang, Kyra Williams, Catelyn DiLeva, Claire DuMont, Maysen Marolda, and Isabelle Chiu

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 writers’ 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 Keely Gabbert in the administration building mailbox or sent to lavistamedia@gmail.com. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Please contact lavistamedia@gmail.com for any issues regarding corrections.

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with any testing material outside of the small gym. Although the Costa administration tried to ensure that no other students were involved in or witnessed the incident, the survey was an ineffective measure. A majority of APES exam students already knew what had happened inside the testing room and many rumors were spread causing stress.

Although some people may believe that the scores of all APES students should be invalidated because it is impossible to know whether or not other students took part in or were witnesses to the incident, those students who abided by College Board’s policies should not be punished. Only one student removed exam materials from the testing room, so the consequences brought onto that one individual and should not apply to all APES students.

Students should remain hopeful that they will not face any repercussions from the incident due to the fact that. For all students to be punished for the actions of one individual is unreasonable.

How do you feel about the Advanced Placement exam cheating incident consequences?*

Cash Cherry Sophomore

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If I were in that situation I would be angry because it would not be nice to have to retake the exam because it is a lot of money and work.”

I do not care

They are unfair They should be stronger

N/A

Do you think the other students should have the consequences?*

Kamryn Callwood Junior

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I really hope this incident goes in the student’s favor because it would be upsetting if we had to retake the test in July because some people will forget the material.”

Bailey Delgado Senior

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The cheating incident was stressful because I do not want to retake it during summer because it ends up being a waste of money and ruins it for every other student. ”

Yes

No N/A

*La Vista surveyed 200 Costa students in regards to the AP exam cheating incident.

A6 La Vista

THEME

May 27, 2018

FOLLOWING THE MONEY (cont.) continued from page A1

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he Mustang Morning News’ advisor and broadcast journalism teacher Michael Hernandez has handled donations from students and parents by collecting donations directly from students, Rogerson stated in her email.

“We have no booster club, and we are also not aware of any account that operates under ASB, according to Donna Sesser [sic] in the accounting office on campus,” Rogerson said in her email.

“Checks are handed to Mr. Hernandez himself and he has records of every student that did or did not donate, and the amount donated to the program.”

Hernandez has taught at Mira Costa for 19 years and serves as the advisor to Mustang Morning News, Costa’s biweekly student-run televised news source. For the 2018-19 school year, MMN will be implementing a booster club run by parent volunteers through MBX to handle donations and funds.

“I got a letter from the superintendent saying ‘you can’t [use the current system] anymore’ and I am like ‘ok,’ so now I have to start a booster club,” Hernandez said. “[Matthews] wanted me to be consistent with everyone else. I was like the last program I guess, that I know of anyway.”

Komatinsky responded to Rogerson’s email on Jan. 25 and she included principal Dr. Ben Dale and superintendent Dr. Mike Matthews on the email. According to Rogerson, this email was her last interaction with any Board members regarding the topic.

“While [Hernandez’s] program does call for a very large amount of equipment that needs to be carefully accounted for, stored properly and safe guarded for future use, the exchange of monies in any facet needs to be carefully monitored,” Komatinsky said in her response. “This is important for everyone ... students, teachers, administrators, etc. MBX has worked hard for years on setting up infrastructure, so that all of the worries that you are mentioning, are managed by the booster.”

Dale set up a meeting with Rogerson approximately five days after she sent the email. Acording to Rogerson, her meeting with Dale was the only time she was directly contacted by a administrator or teacher following her correspondence with Komatinsky.

“I went down to the office and

[Carol Meeks] said ‘Dr. Dale wants to set up a meeting with you,’” Rogerson said. “[Dale] said he did not suspect anything sketchy going on and [that] he respects Mr. Hernandez as a teacher and a person so it is hard for him to believe something is going on that should not be.”

According to Rogerson’s email, some recent purchases made by Hernandez over the course of the calendar year include Macbook Pro laptops and an iPad Pro; however, none of these products can be used by the students, because they all belong to Hernandez.

“There is no transparency for Mr. Hernandez’s spending, and a lot of our gear is not working,” Rogerson said in her email. “There are seven working cameras across five classes, approximately 150 students, and sometimes many people need a camera at the same time. Despite a dysfunctional system for gear, Mr. Hernandez has not purchased a new camera for the class since I’ve been on staff for three years.”

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here is no transparency for Mr. Hernandez’s spending, and a lot of our gear is not working. There are seven working cameras across five classes, approximately 150 students, and sometimes many people need a camera at the same time.

-Katharine Rogerson Senior Mustang Morning News Director

According to section 80334 of the CA Code of Regulations, “a certificate[d] person,” meaning a credentialed staff member, “shall not use for his/her own private gain or advantage the time, facilities, equipment, or supplies which is the property of his/her employer without the express or clearly implied permission of his/her employer.” This statute means that without clear transparency when purchasing materials from an employer, these materials could potentially be used for “private gain” by the credentialed staff member, which violates this section of Code.

Although possibly not used for “private gain,” Rogerson’s desire for transparency and the lack thereof in the use of donation money collected directly by a teacher has the potential of being unlawful due to Education Code 44345, which is referenced in the Code of Regulations section 80334. Category E of the statute it states that any credentialed teacher who “has committed any act involving moral turpitude” may be subject to investigation.

“Money is like an issue everywhere, but especially here but I think

the more I dig the more complex it gets. Like I said, I understand the reasons why we have to ask [parents for donations], because otherwise we wouldn’t have anything at this school. We wouldn’t have great sports, we wouldn’t have athletic fields, we wouldn’t have programs like this. I totally get it, I have always been an up and up person and all the money goes into the district,” Hernandez said.

MBX, which handles the funds for Costa sports teams and many organizations on campus, was formed as an Internal Revenue Service, a United States government agency, 501c3 organization in May 2003. Its original purpose was to provide an opportunity for individuals to make directed grants to sports, athletic and academic programs of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District.

According to the IRS, to be tax-exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operate exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. The exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3) include organizations whose purposes are: charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition, and preventing cruelty to children or animals.

“All of my parent donations have always gone straight to the district account. When we had a booster club years ago, they raised a little bit of money, 501(c)(3) nonprofit: All handled by the federal and state government, the oversight that happens.”

La Vista reached out to a member of the booster club for the 2018-19 school year, who denied comment. According to a Mustang Morning News student who wishes to remain anonymous, in the MMN second period on Wednesday, Hernandez recommended his students to not speak to members of other student publications regarding this topic.

“Forty-percent seems pretty accurate [on donating participation] across the board because it is made up of sophomores, juniors, and seniors,” Rogerson said. “I’d say there’s a hundred percent participation from sophomores, maybe sixty [percent] from juniors and then it reduces. There are only five [seniors] so over time I think people caught on that this money does not equal a new camera. This money equals something you don’t see.”

A7

May 25, 2018 OPINION A8 La Vista College Commitment Day should promote inclusion for all college options

By Kareena Dhillon Online Features Editor

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i r a Costa held the annual Commitment Day and Senior College Logo Day on May 1 in honor of National College Commitment Day. Seniors at Costa wore the colors and logos of the colleges they will be attending. The student body at Costa is extremely diverse, meaning college is not in each senior’s immediate or long term future, and therefore no student should feel insecure about which path they on which they will embark in the future.

Commitment and Senior College Logo Day coincides with the National College Decision Day. Costa students also report their chosen college at the College and Career Center by placing a sticker with their name and chosen school on a map of the United States to display which school they have decided to attend next year.

While many Costa seniors choose to enroll at a four-year university, junior college is a great option for many students because community colleges have impressive transfer rates and high levels of student success. For example, El Camino

Community College is currently ranked seventh out of 115 community colleges in transfers to University of California schools and California State Universities.

Santa Monica Community College also has been ranked number one transfer to UC schools and out of state schools for the past decade, according to SMC’s website. Based on this, it is clear that there are great resources here in the South Bay, as well as nearby, for students who do not commit to a fouryear university and opt for an alternative that might be better for them.

The CCC provides support and resources for students to achieve their goals, not just a goal of attending a four year college, CCC Counselor Shalyn Tharayil said.

Students who choose a local junior or community college should not feel inadequate because of those school’s great resources and options those schools offer and the vast opportunities,

like four year colleges do.

According to a survey from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, 60 percent of those who transfer to a four-year institution from a junior college

Danielle Smith/La Vista

earn a bachelor’s degree within four years. A four year college degree can still be the result of these two alternatives. Thus, students who choose a junior college

Reflecting on the importance of voting in primary elections

By Claire Dumont Opinion Editor

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he California Primary Elections will be held on June 5, and voters will vote for offices in California’s state executive offices. With important measures and offices on the ballot, both statewide and locally, a large voter turnout, especially young voters is imperative for a representative election.

On the ballot there will be all 80 seats in the California State Assembly, 20 of the 40 state senate seats and 53 seats in the House of Representatives, as well as a gubernatorial race, according to Ballotpedia.

Those elected in the primary election will move on to the midterm elections ballot on Nov. 6.

Voters that wish to have influence on the midterm elections should utilize their power in the democratic system in order to have a say in the candidates that will be elected during the midterms.

Without a large voter turnout in the primary election, California voters run the risk of not being able to decide between the best candidates when the election occurs in Nov. In the case of the Senate and Governor races, there are many candidates that are not qualified or serious about the race, according to the official ballot on the California Secretary of State website. If those registered to vote for the primary show up to exercise their right to vote, it can be ensured that those running in the midterm election are serious

and qualified candidates. Without this, the midterm elections could fall to a candidate that is not seriously running in the election, regardless of party affiliation and could cause problems.

The primary election is ensuring accessibility to all that are willing to voting but do not have the access to a polling place or a ballot. The deadline to request a vote by mail is May 29, and voters can make the request online, according to Southern California

Courtesy of WordPress

Public Radio. Voters who were not registered that wished to vote in the primary election had to register by May 21, but those that missed the deadline can still request a conditional voter registration. The voter laws in California are some of the most voter-friendly in the country, and as part of the system, every eligible ballot is counted, according to Southern California Public Radio. The state of California ensures accessibility for all eligible voters and ensures that all those that are willing to vote are able.

Voter turnout for all political parties is imperative to the nature of the democratic system and the future of California’s offices, especially for those within the

Democratic party. Because of the large amount of candidates running in the Democratic party for the same office, there is a chance of splitting the vote and cancelling out both candidates in the midterm election. Regardless of party, however, a strong voter turnout for the primary election is important for both sides in order to ensure viable candidates in the midterm election in Nov. as well as promote the importance of utilizing a citizen’s right to vote.

While many elections seem to only affect a state or a country as a whole, there are certain measures on the primary election ballot that directly affect the citizens of Manhattan Beach.

Measure Manhattan Beach, or the parcel tax for the city of Manhattan Beach, will be on the ballot, proving that a large voter turnout in the South Bay will enact real change within the community, as well as the state of California. This is an important action to ensure that citizens are exercising their right.

It is crucial to the democratic system of the country, of the state and of the community as a whole that there is a large voter turnout in the June 5 primary election. In order to ensure a serious selection of candidates for the midterm elections in November, Californians need to remember that if they are eligible to vote, they have the ability to create change within their communities and eventually across the country.

should not feel embarrassed or lesser than students who choose four year schools, because most students who attend junior colleges receive similar, even the same, opportunities accessed by students at four year colleges and universities.

It is a Costa tradition to display a map of the United States on Commitment Day so that students can mark their college on a collaborative map. At this point, some students have chosen different career paths including joining the military, studying internationally or taking a gap year. Some of these students may still feel embarrassed about their decision for next year. However, no matter which path or future a student decides to take, it is equally respectable because they are choosing the best option for themselves and should not feel any judgment for choosing what will give them the most utility and benefit

for their future.

Some students choose community college because they are not sure what to study, while others are looking for a more affordable education, according to Brookings.edu and Terry College of Business. For these reasons, according to College Board, more than 40 percent of US undergraduate students attend community colleges. Community college is a respected and popular option for higher education outside of the Costa, so Costa students should not feel embarrassed about their choices for the next year if it may be to attend a community college.

Students absolutely should not be looked down upon for not attending a four year college because it is by no means an indication of their future success, Tharayil said. Whether seniors decide to go to a four-year college the day is still exciting knowing that every student will graduate in solidarity in June. Students commit to a wide range of schools and celebrate each other and their achievements on Commitment Day. There is no prejudice against schools which reveals that Commitment Day fosters a positive and supportive environment for all Costa seniors.

The Costa-tution Top Ten ways to cherish the last few weeks of school before summer 10. Start practicing your answer to the inevitable “what did you do this summer” question.

9. If you are a senior, skip Grad Nite in favor of seeing the midnight premiere of “Incredibles 2” for the #throwback.

8. For all you juniors, promise yourself and your parents that you will spend the summer working on your college apps, knowing full well that it won’t happen.

7. Start begging your parents for a last minute *exotic* vacation. Just because summer started doesn’t mean your Instagram has to suffer.

6. Start rehearsing your speech to all of your teachers so you can sound sympathetic when you beg for them to round your 65% to a 94% the day before the final.

5. If you aren’t a senior, see if there are any other third-world countries that haven’t been saved yet for the perfect college essay topic.

4. Try to lock in a summer job where everyone from school will inevitably swing by.

3. When the real stress of finals starts creeping in, mute your sorrows with the lovely and talented music from all of the upcoming Orchestra, Band and Choir concerts.

2. While you’re at it, try to cut down on DoorDash deliveries to school to only 4 times a week.

1. Walk up and down the math and science building stairs in a lastditch attempt to get that #summerbod before its too late.

By La Vista Staff

Maysen Marolda/La Vista

La Vista A9

SPORTS

May 25, 2018

Spring season wraps up with Mustangs competing in CIF Playoffs Compiled by editors: Cole Garvey, Tess Whittet, Ben Gibbons, Brian Kaiserman, and Alde Nguyen, and staff writers: Lina Kwon, Jade Trejo, and Brooke Smith

BOYS BASEBALL

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he Mustangs season came to an abrupt conclusion on Tuesday after suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Gahr High School Gladiators in the second round of the CIF playoffs.

The Mustangs led for much of the game with strong pitching from senior Joey Acosta and excellent fielding from junior shortstop Chase Meidroth. Unfortunately for Costa, Gahr managed to score two runs after a critical Mustangs error in the sixth inning, allowing the Gladiators to gain a 2-1 lead which they would not relinquish.

“Joey pitched great for us, but the [game] just didn’t fall our way,” Meidroth said. “Anything can happen on any given day.”

BOYS LACROSSE

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he team wrapped up their season after losing to the Agoura Chargers, 13-4, in the first round of the California Interscholastic Federation playoffs in an away game on May 1. Despite the loss, senior defenseman Blue Ryan led the team with his lockdown defense.

The Chargers outplayed Mira Costa the entire game and scored continuously on the Mustangs.

The Musangs were unable to maintain solid defense and put up points on the board, losing in the end by nine goals.

“We started off good, but we slowly just lost our momentum,” sophomore Dane Weber said.

BADMINTON

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osta Badminton routed San Marino High School, 19-2, in the second round of California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Team Championships on May 10 at the Manhattan Beach Badminton Club.

Mixed doubles players gave Costa a solid start by defeating the Titans in all of their events.

Girls singles players junior Lulu Yu and senior Jiale Luo also contributed by winning three out of their four games. In boys doubles, senior duo Henry Yu and Tiger Hao won their matches 2119 and 21-13.

“We really got to showcase our skills, and each one of us played at our best,” senior Scarlett Luo said.

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GIRLS LACROSSE

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ira Costa’s girls lacrosse team fell, 13-8, in their first California Interscholastic Federation game on May 1 against Cate Boarding School in an away game.

The Mustangs started the game off strong with two goals

by Hall, but Cate still held its lead throughout the first half. In the second half, Costa began to lose momentum and fell behind.

Costa’s decline was in part due to the rainy weather during in the game.

“We started off strong but between the pouring rain and lack of communication, the game became too close and we began to not play well.” sophomore attacker Cami Taub said.

BOYS GOLF

he Mira Costa boys golf team competed in the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section (CIF-SS) Team Championship Tournament but fell short, losing in the first round.

The Mustangs competed in the tournament on May 14 at the Mile Square Classic Golf Course. The team was composed of six members, including the game’s top performer junior Max Huggins, who shot a 70 in the tournament.

“I felt it was a good season for a rebuilding type of year,” Higgins said. “The team is looking really good for next year.”

HEADS UP: Junior Chase Meidroth dives for home during a home game against West Ranch on May 18 in CIF playoffs. Photo by Drew Rohm

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HEAD OF THE PACK: Senior Xavier Court races to the finish line in the CIF Finals on Saturday. Courtesy of Miracostatrack.org

TRACK

enior Xavier Court was the only Mira Costa runner to advance to the California Interscholastic Federation Track Finals. Court placed first in the boys 3200m, winning the Division One championship with a time of 9:09.49.

The race took place at El Camino College on Saturday night. Court pulled out the win in a nine man field with less than a second to spare, finishing just ahead of Ayala High School senior Zach Arias.

“I felt comfortable and in control,” Court said. “I stayed with the front pack until the last lap and then outkicked them.”

GIRLS SOFTBALL

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ira Costa’s softball team fell to Shurr High School, ending their season with a 11-6 record.

The Mustangs fell to the Titans 6-2 in a home game on May 17 in the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Softball Championship. Sophomore center fielder Piper Neri led the Mira Costa team by scoring one of two Costa runs made in the game.

“I think the team did pretty well today and we put up a great fight,” Neri said. “We just couldn’t get the bats going throughout the entirety of the game, which was bad.”

A10 La Vista

SPORTS

May 25, 2018

Top Performers

Junior Max Huggins Boys Golf Huggins shot a 70 on May 10 in the CIF Southern Section Team Championships.

Junior Chase Meidroth Baseball Meidroth made multiple plays at shortstop on May 22 in the second round of CIF playoffs.

The Rundown Boys Golf fell short in the first round of the CIF Championship tournament on May 14 at Mile Square Classic golf course.

Boys lacrosse fell to Agoura High School on May 1 in the first round of CIF playoffs , ending their season with a record of 10-6 overall.

Softball ended their season in the CIF Championships on May 17 at home against Shurr High School, losing 11-6.

St aTeammpe de S tats Records as of May 25

Sport

Win Boys Baseball 28 5 Swim 4 Badminton 10 Girls Lacrosse 9 Boys Lacrosse Boys Golf 13 Hockey 0 Boys Tennis 22 Track and Field 5 Boys volleyball 11 Girls Beach Volleyball 11 Girls Softball 18

Overall Loss 4 0 2 9 8 1 9 2 0 4 0 12

Tie 1 1 1

Streak Lost 1 Won 5 Won 2 Lost 1 Lost 3 Lost 1 Lost 2 Lost 1 Won 5 Lost 1 Won 11 Lost 2

Senior Xavier Court Track Court placed first on Saturday in the CIF Finals at El Camino College, running a 9:09.49.

Lulu Yu Badminton Yu was the top scorer in the CIF Team Championships on May 10 against San Marino.

Senior Blue Ryan Boys Lacrosse Ryan provided strong defense in the CIF playoff loss on May 1 against Aguoura.

Mustangs fall short in five set thriller

By Sammy Miller Staff Writer

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he Mustangs were unable to pull out a win against South Torrance in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) boys volleyball quarterfinals.

Costa lost to the Spartans 3-2 on May 12 in an away game. Senior opposite Bobby Barkley led the team with a high hitting percentage and aggressive serving.

“It felt great to be in CIF and it was a great season with our boys,” sophomore middle blocker Dain Johnson said. “Even though it sucks to lose, we all put 100% in it and played a great game.”

Costa started the first set with consistent passing and successful hits from sophomore opposite Sam Collins, but the Mustangs were unable to penetrate South’s defense, falling short, 25-20.

“South Torrance had a few long runs which gave them a lot of momentum they needed to get back in the set,” junior middle blocker Adam Sevier said.

Sophomore setter Jack Walmer ran Costa’s offense very effectively, causing Costa to win the second set, 25-21. Sevier also had a strong performance with multiple crosscourt kills and stuff blocks from the middle.

ALL HANDS ON DECK: Senior Dane Johnson (left) and sophomore Dain Johnson (right) block their opponent’s ball in the CIF quarterfinals on May 12 against South Torrance High School. Courtesy of Ralf Stier “We were able to shut down their big hitters early and put them in a hole where they couldn’t get out of,” Walmer said.

The Mustangs were extremely dominant in the third set, winning 25-15. Junior libero Lauch Farris not only had skillful digs, he also showed off his setting skills and set up senior outsides Max Cajuste and Dane Johnson for numerous kills.

“In sets two and three, we were blocking really well and our passing was really good which helped us a lot,” junior outside Thomas Kretschmer said.

In the fourth set, the Mustangs had a strong lead in the begin-

ning, but the Spartans began to shut down Costa’s hitters with their blocks and won 25-20. Both teams captured two wins, so it came down to the final set and ended in a South Torrance victory of 16-14.

“We missed too many serves and we were playing too timid,” Kretschmer said. “They had a big crowd and I think it got to us but in the end it was a fun battle.”

The Mustangs are 11-4 overall and the game marked the end of Costa’s season.

“Both teams played really well and it was a tight battle until the very end of the match,” Sevier said.

The Peanut Gallery: A rowdy crew gives the inside scoop on Mira Costa athletics

By Nick Lee Copy Editor and Ben Gibbons Sports Editor

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ell friends, the day has come. This is the final installment of The Peanut Gallery.

It has been a mighty pleasure writing about the ins and outs of this great establishment.

Starting off on sports, we applaud all seniors in spring sports.

We do not know how you still possess the motivation or energy to keep going. We also applaud the XX chromosome beach volleyball team for an amazing season.

We heard those ladies went 82-0 these past years. We also cannot forget about baseball who had a playoff run and glorified this fact all over their Instagrams. Another

honorable mention is the XY the horrid five house songs heard Chobani Yogurt in a peaceful and chromosome tennis team who everyday at nutrition: Keep the less disturbing setting, and you made it to the semis of CIF. And home music buried, and to those probably do too. we are sure there are other sports incoming seniors, please make Also, another message to those who did well; we just don’t know sure to at least mix it up a little. incoming seniors: Yes, the claims enough to write more.

Nick likes to eat his Black Cherry about second semester of senior On a different matyear being legendary ter, we would like are true. It is the time to say: Please rewhen you have finally frain from cheating, turned 18 and can sign specifically on AP yourself out with ease tests. Forget about to go see your dentist, the College Board doctor, dermatologist, and their idle threats optometrist, uroloif you get caught. gist, meteorologist, Think about the 150 you name it. Nothing other students in the better than getting a same test. We high quick coffee or Rabaschoolers are salty no bowl on the way to and petty creatures. that appointment that Moving on, next happens to be located year not only will the IN A NUTSHELL: A couple of nutty boys make up the Peanut Gal- at home. school lack the Pea- lery, a quintet that cracks down on Costa issues and athletics.

During this semesnut Gallery, but also Please take all criticism with a grain of salt; it is just for fun. ter you will also have

ample free time. Believe it or not, Fortnite can get boring when nobody’s on at 2:00 p.m and you have been playing solos for hours.

We highly recommend you pick up a hobby to take up that free time, whether by getting a job or working on that perfect cut body which will inevitably disappear first semester of college. Nick has found serenity in the hot yoga that fills his spare time. On a side note, shoutout to all the moms who absolutely slay those workouts.

Lastly, we hope that our replacements can carry on the torch that was once passed to a young Asian lad named Nick three years ago. To you gentlemen or maybe ladies, as Eugene Krab once said in his frozen state to Plankton in the Krusty Krab in the Spongebob Movie, “DON’T LET THE FLAME DIE OUT.”

SPORTS

May 25, 2018

La Vista

A11

Mustangs triumph over Laguna Hills with 2-1 victory

By Alde Nguyen Online Sports Editor

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LIFT OFF: Senior Lily Snyder spikes the ball in the Interscholastic Beach Volleyball League Southern Pacific Section Division One Championship on May 12 at North Beach in Santa Monica. Photo by Linnea Wee

Swim crushes Costa records at CIF finals

By Tess Whittet Sports Editor

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ira Costa’s swim team dove past the competition, breaking several records along the way.

The team competed in the California Interscholastic Federation-Southern Section Division Two Finals over the weekend on May 12 and 13, with nearly everybody placing high.

“All across the board, Costa swam amazingly and every-

one was focused and competitive,” Junior Colin Le said.

Junior Kai Bathurst placed second in the 200m freestyle with a time of 1:38.83, and sixth in the 100 freestyle with a time of 46.38. Both times are new Costa records.

“I think that the coaching and my teammates helped me place so high through their support and guidance,” Bathurst said.

In the 100m freestyle, senior Andrew White placed fourth with a time of 50.71.

White also participated in the 100m backstroke where he placed sixth with a time of 50.92, setting another Costa record.

“What helped me is really just the work that I put into the sport, as well as my coaches and teammates pushing me to do my best,” White said.

Le broke his own school record with a time of 21.15 in the 50m freestyle, where he placed second.

“It was such an exhilarating race, and I’m really happy with how I did,” Le said.

In relays, senior Jack Kittay, Le, White and Bathurst competed in the 200m freestyle and placed first with a time of 1:24.77.

“It was so fun seeing our team work together so well and being able to properly execute,” Le said.

Junior Alex Crisera led Costa’s girls team

by breaking the CIF record in the 100m backstroke with a time of 52.87, and the 50m freestyle record with a time of 22.59. Crisera placed first in 100 free and second in the 100 backstroke.

“I was really happy with how I did,” Crisera. “Coming out of the meet with a new record is always a great feeling.”

Sophomore Leigh Lyter, senior Mona Stone, junior Riley Farrel and Crisera made up the girls relay team which placed second with a 1:36.55 time in the 200m free. In the 200m medley relay, Junior Grace Barnhill, Farrel, Stone and Crisera placed 8th. Both teams qualified for State Championship.

“We all really raced the best we could and gave it our all for our last high school event of the season,” Crisera said.

LOOK OUT BELOW: Sophomore Jacob Haim (left) dives into the pool below during the California Interscholastic Federation Division two meet on May 7, where he placed third and advanced to the finals. Junior Kai Bathurst (right) swim in a relay during the CIF Southern Section Division two finals on May 11. Courtesy of John Bathurst

ira Costa’s girls beach volleyball team defeated Laguna Hills High School in the Interscholastic Beach Volleyball League Southern Pacific Section Division One Finals.

The Mustangs defeated the Hawks, 2-1, at North Beach in Santa Monica on May 12. Costa proved to be a stronger force on both sides of the net which led to their victory, sophomore Kate Reilly said.

“I thought we all competed very well and it showed,” Reilly said. “We now have experience against them which will help us win if we play them in State.”

In the first match against the Hawks, seniors Lily Snyder and Lea Ungar had a solid performance, defeating their opponents 21-10 and 21-7.

“It was an amazing experience to win CIF with all my closest friends and to represent Mira Costa,” Snyder said.

Sophomores Reilly and Olivia Bakos came out aggressive in

their match, winning 21-18 and 21-16. The duo succeeded at attacking the outer edges of the court and communicating, which helped capture the win. Reilly and Bakos played strong defensively while covering the court based off Laguna’s tendencies, Reilly said. “[By] coming out really strong and keeping our intensity high, we were able to win our match,” Reilly said.

In the third match, senior Piper Monk and sophomore Maya Harvey were defeated 21-18 and 2220.

“In the second game we made a five point comeback but could not finish it out,” Monk said. “[We] communicated well throughout the whole match which made it easier to keep the game close.”

The Mustangs now stand at 82-0 this season. The Mustangs will compete in the IBVL State Finals at Dockweiler Beach tomorrow.

“I’m proud of the team for working hard all season and I think we can carry it over into state next weekend,” Monk said.

“Hopefully we can win for the second year in a row.”

SLICE AND DICE: Senior Ben Choromanski serves the ball on May 16 in the CIF Semifinals against Harvard-Westlake. Photo by Kali Mashayekhi

Boys tennis falls in CIF semifinals

By Josie Collier Staff Writer

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he boys tennis team cut its California Interscholastic Federation playoffs short in the semifinals on May 16, falling to Harvard-Westlake.

The Mustangs lost to Harvard-Westlake 12-6 at the Manhattan Beach Country Club.

They were Costa’s first boys tennis team to ever reach the CIF semifinals.

“I think the biggest improvement in the tennis program has just been each guy being super motivated to improve their games, which helps us win matches,” senior Evan Fortier said.

Fortier won two matches, 6-4 and 6-2, but lost the third 5-7.

Despite some controversial line calls on critical points, Fortier was able to persevere.

“I think advancing in CIF and progressing through the season in stride really showed us our team potential, bringing us closer in all the battles we have endured,” Fortier said.

Costa found themselves trailing closely behind at 5-6 during the end of the second round and fell short in a crucial tiebreaker.

Junior singles player, Kyle Sillman, defeated one opponent 6-3, but couldn’t succeed in his other two sets.

“Against a team like Harvard-Westlake, every point counts, which made today frustrating given the circumstances,” Fortier said.

In Doubles, senior Shant Samuelian and his partner, sophomore Tim Dzhurinskiy, won two of their sets 6-1 and 6-4. The duo was able to put points on the scoreboard, but it was not enough to give Costa the edge over

Harvard-Westlake.

“I am proud to be on a team that was able to make history,” Samuelian said. “My partner and the team played very well.”

Doubles pair senior Ben Choromanski and junior Ethan Han won one set 6-4. The duos were unable to gain wins in their other sets resulting in minimal points being contributed to the overall score.

“Everyone is working hard and contributing as much as they can to help the team succeed,” Fortier said.

The Mustangs are 22-2 overall. The team will play today against Torrey Pines in the Southern California Regional playoffs at the Claremont Club.

“Looking back on the season, I think we all have a lot to be proud of,” Fortier said. “I am excited to see what we can accomplish at state.”

A12

La Vista

FEATURES

April 27, 2018

Life

May 25 2018 1401 Artesia Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 Vol. 68, Issue 9

Photo by Mason McEwen Grade 9

B2 La Vista

FEATURES

May 25, 2018

Junior Hart sponsored by Toyota; stars in commercial

By Emilee Ray Staff Writer

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oyota recently created a commerical for the Rav4 car featuring junior Ryland Hart stand-up paddling.

The commercial shows Hart packing up the car with paddle boards, paddling and having a good time with his coach, Danny Ching. The video is approxi-

mately 22 seconds long and can currently be found online. Ching was a huge inspiration for him to start paddling, Hart said. Hart is currently sponsored by Toyota, so they decided to make a candid commercial of them using the Rav4 car to take a paddling trip, Hart said.

“Toyota is one of my sponsors and they admire my relationship with me and Danny and our daily

lives, so they just wanted to try and capture that and relate it to Toyota as a brand,” Hart said.

Creating this commercial with Toyota was one of Hart’s of most memorable experiences of his life, he said. There was no script or instruction for the commercial.

This really showed Hart how special his relationship is with Ching, he said.

“We got to go surf and drive a

super nice car around for the day,” Hart said. “I was able to do what I love with someone very close to me while also helping my sponsors out.”

The commercial consists of a variety of shots of the two driving to different surf spots in Los Angeles. The commercial only took one day to shoot, Hart said “I love paddling outrigger the most,” Hart said. “It is where I

paddling to success: Junior Ryland Hart (left) poses with coach Danny Ching in a commercial for the Toyota Rav4 car. Toyota filmed the two stand-up paddling in the commercial and using the Rav4 car to take a trip to various surf locations in Los Angeles. Courtesy of Ryland Hart

started, so there is a bit of sentimental value each time I get in a canoe. Also, I love the glide you get in an outrigger canoe, I still enjoy SUP, but outrigger is my home.”

Hart’s passion for paddling also comes from his parents, he said. His parents used to take him down to the marina when he was younger, where he would paddle, and eventually develop his strong passion for the sport. Ching was also a huge inspiration for him.

“I have been training with Danny since I was nine years old and we did the state championships together,” Hart said. “He has mentored me, been like a second dad to me and has shaped me into who I am today.”

Hart posts on social media as an influencer for Toyota. He also works events with Toyota including Fiesta Hermosa, which will take place this Memorial Day. Hart currently works at a paddling store in Redondo Beach called Tarzan, so he is surrounding himself with the beach environment.

“Ryland’s lively personality and strong work ethic bring a vibrant atmosphere to the store,” sophomore Brooke Smith, daughter of the owners of Tarzan, said.

“Whenever I am at the store, it is very easy for me to see his passion for paddling.”

B3 Junior Emma Doyle creates YouTube account to share personal experiences La Vista

FEATURES

May 25, 2018

By Rachel Rosen Staff Writer

J

unior and YouTuber Emma Doyle’s extracurricular activities include sharing her experiences with the world and inspiring others on her YouTube channel.

Emma Doyle created her channel, titled “McKenna and Emma,” with her older sister and MCHS alumnus Mckenna Doyle. Their videos include a wide range of themes including lifestyle and travel. Their channel consists of videos uploaded monthly, with the goal of sharing their experiences and teaching important life lessons, they said.

“Emma’s videos are really special because they touch up on situations that shouldn’t be ignored when they occur.” Emma’s friend and Costa junior Yasmeen Norman said. “I think everyone can take something away from them.”

Emma’s most recent video, “Facing Regret” shares her experience running for Associated Student Body President and the ups and downs she faced throughout the process. Throughout her journey, she hopes to inspire other people to take risks and to keep on fighting after experiencing failure, Emma Doyle said.

“The video was just my way of coping with my emotions,” Emma said. “At the end of the day it is hard to lose but even worse when people don’t know the full story,

CAMPAIGN REFLECTION: Mira Costa junior Emma Doyle uses YouTube to share her personal life stories and give her viewers advice. She recently posted a video to reflect on her experience during her campaign for next year’s ASB positions. Photo by Emma Doyle so I wanted to share my experience.”

In the video, Emma shares the mistreatment she was shown dur-

ing the ASB election. Students wrote inappropriate phrases and images on her property, including defacing her car, she said. Instead

of feeling sorry for herself, she decided to do something about it and post her story on YouTube.

“I was honestly shocked at the

way people could treat her for being her,” Norman said. “She went all out and was brave enough to run, and got made fun of it for no reason. I think she truly showed so much courage for posting it and expressing her situation.”

In addition to sharing her personal story, Emma gave the viewers advice on taking risks and regret. She uses her experiences and turns them into important life lessons for others “I want to tell anyone who has felt affected by this issue that they are not alone and should not be ashamed,” Emma said.

“There are good people in this world, you just have to look for them.”

Emma films her videos in her house, and they consist of both lighthearted and serious moments with her talking to the camera, making her videos simple and informative, she said.

“After [my experience running for ASB and getting bullied,] I had this burning desire to speak out about it,” Emma said.

“I just sat down in front of my camera and just spoke the racing thoughts on my mind.”

Emma continues to upload monthly videos onto her channel.

She hopes that the videos make a positive impact on people.

“There’s no doubt people are going to bring you down wherever you are so you shouldn’t let that define you and change the way you approach life.” Emma said.

B4

La Vista

Senior Farewell

May 25, 2018

Isabelle contemplates her La Vista years with advice, love

By Isabelle Chiu Executive Sports Editor

F

reshman year in La Vista, I wrote an article titled, “Finals for seniors should be optional.” Back then, I did not really understand what and why I was writing, but I have never related more to it than now.

Overall, La Vista was a great experience with many memories.

From long nights at production caused by Mac (who made Sports change our backpage at 9 p.m. on a Wednesday night) to decorating the wall in the backroom, to hopping the fence at 12:30 am.

Through La Vista, I was able to learn how to stay calm despite looming deadlines and fears of MacAttacks, discover a potential career path and meet friends I likely never would have met if I hadn’t joined La Vista.

As I leave high school and move onto bigger and better things, I have three points of advice from lessons I’ve learned in La Vista: one, go for it, two, be adaptable, and three, take advantage of opportunities coming your way.

Freshman year I was afraid to join new things that my friends weren’t interested in, like water polo. My advice is to just go for

it and see if you enjoy it; you’ll make friends in your new activity.

On another note, be adaptable and take advantages; sometimes life isn’t what you envisioned it to be.

My freshman year I never would have thought that I would join or even write for the Sports Section (the best section) because I was set on becoming an editor for another section, but hey, when opportunities pop up, you take them.

To next year’s staff: you guys are going to do great. Take care of LV and keep delivering the news.

Thanks Costa for the opportunities you have given me and all of the fun that I had.

‘Sabelle out.

SPORTS SUPERIOR: Executive Sports Editor Isabelle Chiu sits on the sports desk one final time to exert her dominance over the inferior section editors, especially Brian Kaiserman. Photo by Sarah Toomey

Roberto reflects on his four years in Mira Costa’s best elective

By Roberto Kampfner Executive Business Manager

W

IT’S BUSINESS BABY: Executive Business Manager Roberto Kampfner completes the final ad sale of his La Vista career. Photo by Linnea Wee

hen I first walked into La Vista, I had no idea the word “sports” would make me quiver so much. My freshman year, Nick Lee and I covered the football team. We (mostly me) made some mistakes. Those mistakes were often rewarded by ten minutes of pure demolition – often warranted – from Mac. Since those frightful days, my experience in La Vista has been quite mellow. As a business manager I fill the spots

that need to be filled and move on. I’ve moved around from the back closet “office” to the shared room with Sweeny, but the people involved in the process have stayed relatively constant. I’m still not sure how business got the bigger office, but it’s not half bad. There’s still a way to yell through the airvents so the EIC’s can get our attention.

Allie King, everyone’s favorite business manager, now a resident of Eugene, Oregon, may have left me but the memories never will. The one time she hit a double water bottle flip on the first try and the time she sold an ad

0.2 seconds after it was assigned each helped me perfect my water bottle flipping and selling skills, respectfully.

This year’s business staff is also incredible and everything I could have hoped for. Mailan and Tiffany basically decorated the office for me while I suggested terrible themes and ideas for the wall, and Tiffany carried the team through the second semester while my senioritis ran high. I will never forget my four years here at La Vista and the impact they will have on my life as I move onto the next chapter in college.

Senior Goodbyes

May 25, 2018

La Vista

B5

Three things I wish I would have known

By Wyatt Robb Editor-in-Chief

A TWO PEAS IN A POD: Elena and Megan have grown closer and matured, thanks to La Vista.

Elena and Megan reflect on their friendship and frequent absences

By Elena Coe-McNamara Executive Features Editor and Megan Sullivan Executive Arts Editor

W

e know the idea of us writing an article about our friendship immediately makes some of you nauseous and a few of you proud (Hi Moms), but you read the Peanut Gallery, so your expectations are already low.

Megan: I never thought I would ever be thankful for the time I cried in front of Elena and the whole class after Mac yelled at me for not stapling my paper. That incident not only prepared me for the pressure of the journalism world, but also gave me the confidence needed to survive high school.

Elena: Due to my years on La Vista, I have become skilled at working with others, meeting deadlines and understanding my responsibility to do my part. The most important thing I have gained from this paper though, are the memories from inside that room that no one else could ever understand.

Our success would not have been possible without Mac, Zeoli, Ms. Sweeny and of course the legend, Hogan Webb, who is responsible for teaching us how to write “creative” leads, discipline our fellow editors and how to schedule a doctor’s appointment every day during 4th period.

Although Ms. Sweeny would say otherwise, so much of our high school experience took place sitting next to each other at the front corner table in room 101. La Vista has shaped us into the people we are today, so if you’re ever annoyed by our desire to be in-the-know or our exceptional ability to miss school, you know what to blame.

rticles like this are notoriously difficult to write. How am I supposed to sum up my experience in La Vista with less than 500 words? Instead of trying to recall every experience that I had, I thought that a better exercise would be to recount all the things I wish I would’ve known before I entered La Vista my sophomore year.

First off, I wish I would have known how much social growth I would make as a La Vista student. Being forced to interview peers and adults I had never met before forced me (whether I liked it or not) to be okay with being in a position of vulnerability. Awkwardness became a little bit more tolerable because of these encounters. On a more extrinsic level though, the friends that I made in La Vista always managed to hang around longer than the ones I made in my other core classes. Maybe it was because we had a common interest, or maybe it was because the best bonding mechanism is group suffering. If you put enough sleepdeprived teenagers in a room with a task to do and not enough coffee to go around, you’re going to end up with some alliances by the end of it all. Whatever it may have been, I wish I would’ve known that before

not. I missed deadlines, I misspelled words, I decided to sign up.

Secondly, I wish I would’ve known I wrote some bad stories too. But these failhow much better La Vista would make ures paved the road of success to my posimy writing. My whole life I had scores of tion as editor-in-chief. I wish I would’ve ideas bouncing around in my head, but it known then that my small failures weren’t wasn’t before I learned to properly artic- that important. I wish I could’ve told myulate them on a page that I realized how self not to sweat the small stuff. I wish I important self-expression is. To be able could’ve told myself all of these things. to take your thoughts and turn them into There was one thing I didn’t have to tell something concrete like an article, song myself though: Join La Vista, you won’t or painting is magical and something that regret it.

I probably would’ve never had the chance to do if I did not join La Vista. I can’t paint, I can’t play any instruments, but because of my tenure in La Vista, I can write. This too, I wish I would’ve known.

And finally, I wish I would’ve known how important failure was to success. I recall several instances in which it was nearing 11 p.m., my page was not done and my fellow editors and I had 30 minutes to build a page from the ground up. I wish I could say that all of these SAB STORY: Wyatt’s experience in La Vista allowed him to make attempts were triumphant, new friends, including senior Isabelle Chiu (left). Isabelle and Wyatt but many times they were met as sports editors their junior year, and have stayed friends.

Claire reflects on four years filled with changes

By Claire Gunning Editor-in-Chief

W

hat used to be a storage closet has become the Editors-in-Chief’s main office, but for what it’s worth, that dusty old corner has grown to mean so much to me.

I knew that my experience as EIC would be special the minute we opened the white door and the handle fell off, and the minute

CLAIRE-IFYING: Claire works hard on her edits while senior Bari Cohn snaps a pic documenting her latest fashion faux-pa.

we saw four spiders quickly advancing toward us.

Starting my freshman year cowering behind Alexandra Kelly, who has always been able to stand up against the seniors, I had to find my footing, no matter how many C’s Jessie Rosenfeld threw my way.

At the end of the year, my confidence had grown exponentially, as I gained my first “A-” and a smile from the feared Dictator and future EIC. Although I am now not a section editor, my love for La Vista continued to grow.

Sophomore year was my first year as an editor on our faithful Theme Section, now run by two imbeciles and two fearless women. My experience was one of hard work and unmet deadlines. Kayla Knowles had her #rolltide mentality far before she even committed, and Claire Regenstreif was close behind. My best friend and co-editor, Bergan O’Connell, stood beside me through the onslaught of Jessie rants and Mac Attacks. But despite the late nights I spent editing until almost 1 a.m., I wouldn’t have given up that year for the world. I met some of my closest

friends and gained memories that will last a lifetime.

Junior year was the first year that I had to buckle down and prove that, as a last-minute pick for Opinion Editor, I could hold my own. Through being called sassy by Mr. Zeoli (thanks for writing my Letter of Rec!) and surviving endless Mac Attacks with Parnia and Catelyn, I was able to refine my writing and my leadership. Writing endless articles on the new Media Arts Department and dropping it low with Bari and Seany were the epitome of my junior year at Costa. La Vista has molded me into the person I am today, and I have never been more grateful for all the memories that still make my sides hurt from laughing.

Although change has certainly been the word of our senior year, I am excited to see where La Vista will end up. Working with Wyatt Robb has been incredible and I’d like to thank him and Ms. Sweeny for making this year of changes so empowering.

Saying goodbye is bittersweet, and I wish I could express how lucky I am to have been put into such a great elective. See ya Room 101, you’ll be missed.

An enduring friendship fueled by snacks and sparkling water

By Bari Cohn Executive News Editor and Hannah Parker Assistant Managing Editor

I

MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN: Hannah and Bari’s friendship has persevered through four years at Costa with the help of pamplemousse La Croix.

Take note of the polka-dot sweats and Sandpipers sweatshirt, stolen from each other of course.

t was eighth grade when we bumped into each other in the middle of twenty-eighth street, not yet aware that on this day, a friendship like no other was born. That friendship came to full fruition the first time we realized our common interests including, but not limited to, Taco Tuesday, El Gringo and Susie Cakes birthday cake.

As one of our moms dropped us off at Mira Costa for the first time, we were positive that our inseparable bond would last throughout high school and beyond, and reporting four years later— we can confirm this to be true. It’s a best friend match made in heaven: We push each other’s buttons, crash family dinners and perfectly understand each other’s sense of humor even if it means just the two of us are laughing.

Some days it feels as if we know each other better than we know ourselves. With that being said, we’re also sure you’ve seen us bickering in the halls of Costa, because having one sister each to deal with at home isn’t enough. We have almost every

single class together, the best way to end our time at Costa (major shoutout to Ms. Sieker’s second period class for dealing with our full lunch spread at nine in the morning).

During junior year, we served as editors on the same section of La Vista, no surprise there. However, this school year, Bari continued an upward trend in the section while Hannah… is able to use the period as free time (xoxo Wyatt and Claire). But don’t fret, the dance parties and runs to Two Guns have simply moved from inside of room 101 to the beloved Tiguan, Libby.

We’ve had our fair share of fights over who bought what shirt first, and experienced the difficulties of navigating the qualms that are a quintessential part the high school social scene. Looking back, high school has taught us that real friends are the ones that break into your house, write your essays, steal your new jeans and still love you despite your imperfections. We are the furthest from perfect, but we love each other unconditionally.

No, Bari will never get her Sandpipers sweatshirt back and no, Hannah will never again lay her eyes on her polka dot sweatpants. And while living 503 miles as opposed to 12 feet apart will serve as a physical challenge for our friendship, the memories and laughs we’ve shared will last forever. We love each other, you plebeians and pamplemousse-flavored La Croix. But mostly pamplemousse-flavored La Croix.

B6

U of Washington

New York

Malia Rusher Kavita Sarathy Boston College Audrey Mei Ally Krinsky Natalia Givot NYU Mikayla Brandford Evalise Hall Andrew Mittleman Cornell U Due to space constraints on the Sophie Greenhouse Berklee College of Chris Shirazi Boston U Washington State Ben Gibbons Lillian Raffety Smith College Mareda Michael St. John’s U Music Andrew White map, accuracy of college location Bridgette Chalmers Evan Martinez Miles Choromanski Pleia Hall Serena Ponciano Vincent Malcolm Caroline Dugan Bianca Dulong is not guaranteed.

Dylan Hankamer Wade Hendrickson Marist College Bentley U Syracuse U U of Albany, SUNY Grace Lauson Worcester PolySeattle U Karen Pan Alicia Chute Bora Fanuscu Bari Cohn India Pearman Josh Rudow technic Institute Sebelle Rojas Katie Jackson Catelyn Di Leva Joseph Hawkins Hannah Zaslansky Sarah Camel Jamie Krigsman Tanner Hong Ryan Dulong Emma Kittay Suffolk U Harrison Mayesh Northeastern U U of Montana, Western Ryutaro Mizutani Allison Hanna U of Michigan Michigan State Morgan Girard Sophia Laden New England Conservatory Cami Benson Alyse Benjamin Montana State U Vashon Hill-Coleman Reed College Muhlenberg Steven Tse Danielle Smith Natalie Van Norman Kenneth Noddings U of Oregon Yasmeen Barrera U of Wisconsin Connor Kropschot College Holy Cross College Grace DeMartini Daryn Rubenstein Thomas Kelleher Ellie Shalvarjian Ben Sheres Kyra Dates Elena Olsen Hannah Parker Gabby Baker Josh Gregson-Williams Corban U Caleigh McCauley Bowdoin U Augsburg U Lehigh U Joseph Caplin Kailey Taugner Julian D’Ambra Connor Carman Chirawan Murphy Aaron Kissel Kelly Shono Max Rosenberg Dave Jha Max Severo Rutgers U Lauren Farberman U of Portland Jeremy Jackson Evan Fortier U of Minnesota Penn State Boise State Parnia Mazhar Patrick Lucas Ariana Derambakhsh Luke Sussman Daniel Wrigley Kelli Saunders U of Colorado at Emma Hatton Kyle Johnson Anthony Scaife Philip Wah Sofia Vialpando Princeton U Noah Bell Kate Lovekin Maysen Marolda Boulder Ty Dillman Samantha Jordan Alexandra Park Shane Collins Compiled by Lauren Farberman/ Executive Theme Editor, Noah Max Lizarde Trinity College Parker MacDonald Alexandra Carreon UPenn Sarah Childs Indiana U Bell, Sophie Hefter, Max Rosenberg/ Theme Editors Stella Speciale Alexandra Kelly Oregon State U Blake Curtain Grace Martens Brinn Borowsky DePaul U Toby Kamish Ryan Kumpis Ohio State U UConn Bradley Hofmeister Jasmine Wu Chasen Ozawa Jolie Hackney Lewis & Clark College Jamie Ungar Henry Alberts Charley McColgan Liam Cook U of Nevada Utah State U Cooper Arak Peter Walsh Ethan Yap Brown U Nicole Porier Yale U Jennifer Stout Naomi Collicutt Grace Kendall U of Pittsburgh Georgia Hart U Chicago CSU Chico Jon Scalabrini Remy Sloves Jenny Miao Jake Johnson Tiffany Smith Nathan Brandford Nick Lee Dylan Magleby Mason Ibrahim Miami U Scarlett Elias Connecticut College Notre Dame Kade Barr Alex Levin Lindenwood U Northwestern U Colorado State U Shelby Seivert Jack Kittay Connor Bergin Alex Gist Luc Potdevin Aiden Weir Christina Lilligren Tessa Chan Malcolm Bohan U of Kansas Genevieve Watkins Virginia Commonwealth U Sebastian Cisneros Crystal Boyer Cassandra Crakes American U Faye Amato Ryan Ulrich Humboldt State U of Missouri Eli Champagne Jack Murad College of William & Mary Purdue U Sage Gill Nicole Westbrook Reyna Workman Lauren Marinelli Alyssa Castronuovo Claire Gunning Thomas Nelson Washington U St. Louis High Point U George Washington U Duke U Roberto Kampfner U of the Pacific U of Arizona Emily Angstreich Cade Boden Amalia Lohuis 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Alexander Jones Natalie Navarro Ryan Dougher Cal Tech Alexander Le Grace Herron Sabrina Harris Jillian Reed Ashley Cole Azusa Pacific U Cal Baptist U Haley Herdman Sean Goodbody Bobby Barkley Joey Acosta Sean Blandino Henry Johnson Zachary Kirchwehm Cameron Campman Jackson Spillsbury Michael Antich Rodriguez Faith Dietz Carisma Leyva Flight School Adishakti Lukic U of St. Andrews Skyler Barboza Ryan Bacon Jessica Johnson Junior Colleges Sehn-Ra Chestnut-Brooks Henry Anthony U of Redlands SDSU UCSB Chandler Coate Hanul Kim Jake Nicosia Kathleen Krull Spencer Pessis Kaitlyn Kennedy Cerritos Community Tanner Redding Henry Yu Camden Padilla Alex de Sousa Hunter Cross USC AJ Silverman Michael Elias College Tyler Baliton Jaden Horibe Hannah Griffiths Bella Bice Conor Beezhold Isabelle Chiu Alexis Attalla Santa Monica City ColRyerson U Southern Union State Natalie Robinson Construction Cesylea Johnson-Davis Vivian Shetland Jared McNeal Biola U Kallie Collett Devon Hagstrom Isabelle Marsh Caleigh Canales Brielle Hilgers Jesse Padveen lege Jarod Worsley Owen Pugnale Dean Lux Warren Binder Jennifer Swartz Bryson Fairchild Emily Dubinksy Jiale Luo Camilia Rowshan Ethan Chalk Aidan Dunne Whittier College Georgia Wedbush Cuesta Community William Curtis Jesse Storey Joyce Saenz Kara Milewski Jordan Fatemi Cole Lewis Aidan Leslein U of British Columbia FIDM Alena Lakha Alaska Yorgely Vital-Jimenez College Music Joseph Pech Katherine Elias Joseph Cohn Dajah Pickering Hayden Armstrong Aiyana Romero Catherine Boudreau Pepperdine U Arianna Lin Jacob Treyvaud Zakirah Dixon Alaska State U Blue Ryan Julian Pastor Keeli Hartley Julia Nuttall-Smith Delilah Gunn Jennifer Brooks Management Alec Goodwin Blake Laurita Jade McBride Robert Diehl Justin Bowser Kamila Wickramarachchi Lyndsey Garrett Emma Goad Keyan Torabi Katherine Rogerson Arielle Daye Richmond, The AmeriCSU Long Beach Harrison Murphy UC Irvine Lucas Prenter Mackensie Banchik UCLA Katherine Hoffmann Long Beach Community El Camino College Kiera Richard Caroline Noble Madenn Le Sommier can Internat’l U in Maya Guachino Max Cajuste Lina Kwon Addison Evans Isabelle Lau Jasmine Baba Kieran Smith College Ben Choromanski Seia Watanabe Military Cobi Cornejo Trojan Transfer London Miles Douglas Mazzy MacGregor Jake Gordon Luke Swallow Alex Nahabed Jack Argue Justine Woo Lauren Friedrich Glen Sakahara Daniel Beniflah Marine Corps Breegan Knudson Ariana Kalamaros Mitchell Halvorsen Michelle Chambers Jasmine Noh Maeve Tomalty Angel Rowland Jack Major Katelyn Levitt Luc Anderson Melissa Carcano Dylan Ramirez Seth Stern UCSD Chase Tanner Montila WinyaRobert Cook Max Ackerman Angella Sipaque Karina Myszkowski Maci Vosberg Maren Appert Josephine Qi Isabella Helvaci-Lopez Andrew Fasano Colin Schaffer Queen’s University worapon Ryan Mann Nicholas Solan Bailey Delgado Kayla Samimi Matthew Nelson Rachel Peter Las Positas College Maya Serota Jack Drinker Dane Johnson Ethan Sang International Fiona Riverin Morgan Clark Zachary Goldstein Piper MonkPJ Sundeen Bash Alexiades Kristin Wong Merrick Wong Savannah Forrest Jordyn Guerra Johnathan Escobedo Shant Samuelian Nathan Nykaza Parker Salomon Brendan Miller Lauren Beam Rachel Levitt Sierra Forrest USD Universities Heidrich Kaitlyn Sodl Shelby Friedman Nathaniel Andrade Ray Kim Brianna Manyweather Lily Snyder Raphael Aguas Sophie Nelson Kelli Barry Gap Year Tommy Waller Mt. San Antonio College American U of Paris Kyle Hagerman Pluria Marshall Renee Fournell Carlos Lopez-Rodriguez Macallan Laver Sawyer Jeppson TK Maier Artis Lejejs (Latvia) Yu-Wei Yeh Calvin Oury Charlotte Manley Kyle Hammer Rhazia Ramirez Ryan Fiorito Christian Cavallo Micaela Tomaro Tony Shar Caith Bazoian Niki Weaver Leah Fusco Robert Fiene Samantha Frias Colton Sizemore Paul Matt Isabelle Connor Llalanda Stephenson Orange Coast College Roman Pech Sophia Kuehler Dominic Pellegrino Phoebe Gunn Katherine Harfouch Lulu Tojo Alfonso Cano IV Edinbugh U Samantha Ealy Taylor Fatemi Easton Gale Ryan Boada Natalie Dreger Matthew Gutierrez Elizabeth Krull Sammy Wergeles Varun Murthy Evan Feliciano Sasha Medvidovic Molly Desimone Santa Barbara U of Amsterdam Savannah McCree Xavier Court Evanson Frank-Love Sophia Arnao Mona Stone Rae Collier City College Sebastian TejedaZachary Wu Uyen Nguyen

Mira Costa

class of

*

2018

Mass. Schools

“And will you succeed?

Yes you will indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)”

- Dr. Seuss

*

Alaska, International, Junior Colleges, Gap Years, Military & More

B7

B8 La Vista

SENIOR FAREWELLS

May 25, 2018

Senior Ditch Day is Everyday

importance of responsibilBy Maysen Marolda and ity and meeting deadlines.

India Pearman Maysen: When I joined Opinion and Features Editors La Vista my sophomore year and got kicked off of lthough (being in 5th an issue with Catelyn by period) we are iso- the Editors-in-Chief Julia lated from our fellow 4th Sheth and the infamous Jesperiod editors, La Vista sie Rosenfeld. I sincerely undoubtedly has its perks. questioned whether or not I Nothing beats leaving class had made the right decision early and maneuvering to join the staff. However, around the security guards the past four years in room to go get Pressed Freeze. 101 have given me some of Ms. Sweeny, if you want, the best memories with my we can write two stories best friends. next issue to compensate India: I was a little late for our missed class time. to the game and joined La Although La Vista comes Vista junior year, but I am Lizzy Tsuang/ LaVista with great freedom, the glad that I did because I Something to take the edge off: Opinion and Features editors Maysen Marolda and India countless hours writing and was not only able to learn Pearman enjoy their Pressed Freeze. Marolda and Pearman frequently enjoy the icy treat after editing stories, and scram- so much, but also meet one bling to find Dr. Dale for an of my closest friends. Prior putting in a hard days work at La Vista. Photo by Kareena Dhillon interview, has taught us the to La Vista, Maysen and I

A

Martinez discovers lifelong passion

had the “Marching Band” beat and the “Girls Beach Volleyball” beat. It was intense to keep up along with rom walking past La the junior workload, but it Vista’s grilled cheese was so rewarding. Unfortubooth at the hometown fair, nately, I didn’t get the posito seeing the monthly issues tion I was striving for, but I delivered to my class, I didn’t let it set me back. have always known that Even though I felt defeatLa Vista was someed about not getting thing I wanted to have always known that the position, I still debe part of. After be- La Vista was something I wanted to be part cided to pursue jouring a designer for of.” nalism by partaking the yearbook staff in an internship for - Cara Martinez the “Easy Reader.” freshman year, I Calendar Editor It was an amazing realized I wanted to further my interexperience and I felt est in journalism so proud to get two through something articles published in new, so I decided to to try of stories. This taught me a real newspaper. being a writer for La Vista. how to be more organized I would love to thank evThrough learning and and efficient. I will never eryone who has supported practicing the process of forget all the great memo- me, disciplined me and interviewing, writing and ries I have from when Mr. given me their time to interediting stories, La Vista McAvin would take us to view them throughout these has taught me many valu- Amigos Tacos every Fri- three years. I am blessed to able life skills along with day for some delicious continue my journalism cahelping me to discover my breakfast burritos. reer at the Walter Cronkite intrigue and love for jourOnce my passion for jour- School of Journalism and nalism. I have become a nalism kicked in during my Mass Communications at strong writer throughout junior year, I decided to try Arizona State University. these past three years, but I out for an editor position. I Go Sun Devils!

By Cara Martinez Calender Editor

F

only knew of each other through club soccer and the fact that our teams were rivals. However, when we sat down at the same table junior year, our rivalry quickly dissipated as we helped each other perfect our completely necessary multimedia packets for Mac. The skills that we have learned from Mac and Sweeny will undoubtedly help us succeed next year as communications majors. Well, maybe not how to stealthily ditch class, but we promise we have learned more than that. La Vista has impacted us in so many ways but we are most grateful for our lifelong friendship.

also have greatly improved my communication skills in conducting interviews and my ability to follow demanding deadlines.

My first year on staff was rough being assigned the “Drama Beat” which covered an insane amount

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Forks Up: Calendar Editor Cara Martinez takes a photo outside of her future school, The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. Martinez cannot wait to be a sun devil and pursue her passion for journalism. Photo Courtesy of Shae Martinez

The “core four” of the photo section makes it out of La Vista (finally)

By Ashley Cole, Ryan Demarest, Alexandra Kelly and Patrick Lucas Photo Editors

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hen we were assigned to write our Senior Goodbye, we all had the same question, “So, who’s gonna write it?”

This question bounced from person to person the night before our Senior Goodbye was due to our fearless EIC’s. Alexandra was posting a picture of pressed freeze on her story, Ryan was snapping random sophomores and Ashley was figuring out which new checkered shoes to purchase at the nearest Goodwill.

Welcome to the photography section.

At the beginning of our La Vista experience, we had no idea where our lives were headed (we still don’t), and we’re pretty sure our lovely advisor, Ms. Sweeny, is shocked we are graduating.

However, despite all of the ups and downs throughout high school, La Vista and our “core four” have stayed pretty much intact, no matter how many staff photographers have flowed in and out of our section.

Our senior year on La Vista has meant a lot to us, and our back row squadron bonded over our mutual frustration of blurry photos, no instructional direction and constant berating from the Sports Section. As the issues passed, and more Homeland was watched, we

began to realize just how great we had it –– this bond will last a lifetime.

A mutual understanding came over us when we realized we were plagued by senioritis, Alexandra shows up one day, then my turn, then Ashley’s and last Ryan. This system was the only system needed to survive, and we executed it perfectly.

No matter how much we complain or miss class, we would sincerely like to thank all of the editors, staff photographers and writers for putting up with us. We wouldn’t be here without your constant nagging.

Sorry this is terrible, there’s a reason us Photo Editors don’t write stories.

Domo Arigato, photo editors.

Are you really suprised?: Photo Editors Alexandra Kelly and Ryan Demarest are the only two to show up for their enior goodbye photo. In classic “core four” fashion, Ashley Cole and Patrick Lucas decided to take the day off from La Vista for some much needed rest. Photo by Sarah Toomey

La Vista B9

SENIOR FAREWELL

April 27, 2018

Goodbye LV, hello NY

By Harrison Mayesh Circulation Editor

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efore I finally strut down the runway to shake Dale’s hand at graduation, I just want to say a few words.

Before I became a senior, aka the top of the food chain, I was a naive little freshman wondering what my place in the world was.

I was crazy, wild and confused. Freshman year was a crazy time spent enduring constant Mac Attacks on the daily. Finally, my first day of sophomore year, I walked into La Vista and knew that it was totally my vibe. I had a ton of friends

in the class and knew I’d have fun.

Not only have the students changed, but the organization as a whole has completely transformed.

Starting off working on the paper with Mac and ending my Lo Visto career has been extremely interesting, but I am extremely fortunate to have experienced it.

My weekends spent exploring Los Angeles and eating the best and most expensive food allowed me to combine my two passions: Trying new foods and writing for La Vista. I wrote many stories during my long career in Lo Visto, and many of them were challenging, but my allies in

TRASH CAN NOT TRASH CANNOT: Harrison Mayesh looks fly as he poses next to a Gucci trash can. Photo by Harrison Mayesh

the class made the work so much more bearable. Meggers, Elenababe, Zanis and Nicktheree sat at a table with me everyday this year.

We gossiped about everything from Homecoming, to Coachella, to prom, and Ms. Sweeny would always join in on our juicy convos adding her own input.

I am so grateful that I stuck with this organization throughout all of high school, but I am also glad that I was a apart of ASB. For the past two years, I’ve been circulation editor. In reality, I don’t really do anything more than a regular staff writer, but everything gets done and the paper always gets out to the student body and to our 300+ subscribers. Special shoutout to Sarah Toomey and Ryan Ulrich for actually doing most of the work while I just snap chatted the whole period.

I’ve grown in so many ways over the past 4 years, not just through Instagram followers but also in my writing style, personality and interests.

Next year, you can catch me at Syracuse. I will be studying Communications and Rhetorical Studies within the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Follow me on Instagram @hmayesh to keep tabs on my extravagant life.

LOGGING OFF: Online managing editor Ian Lockwood muses upon what he has learned in La Vista over the last three years and all the useful skills he is leaving with. Photo by Sarah Toomey

Ian looks back three years later

By Ian Lockwood Online Managing Editor

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ive years ago at Hermosa Valley, I remember my sister pushing me to take Beginning Journalism with Mr. Mac. I wanted nothing to do with the class as I hated writing essays and having others rely on me. But as I reach the end of my senior year and start to look back on my high school career, the thing I am most proud of is signing up to take Beginning Journalism.

I remember joining the paper my sophomore year with the plan of reviewing an album, movie or TV show every issue and get-

ting an easy “A.” As the year progressed, and the nickname, “Mini Corey,” started catch on, I started to love the paper and wished to dedicate more time to it.

Toward the end of the year, there was nothing I loved more than coming in to do some edits or working on the pages with Corey and Eddie.

I remember when Danielle, Raushan and I worked on the Cub issue at the end of sophomore year, and thinking Raushan likes to do nothing and Danielle likes to do everything. We were all pretty different.

We were a solid group of editors that always did a superb job and always could leave production early. To

Mac we were, his “ Seabiscuit,” which was a name for a glorified race horse. That trio junior year was arguably one of the finest Arts staffs La Vista has ever seen, and I am proud to have been a part of it.

Although by now my involvement in La Vista may not be what it once was, I still care about this class and organization more than anything else on this campus. I don’t believe any other elective on campus can prepare someone for college and the real world as well as La Vista does.

For me especially, I don’t think I could move on from high school without the experiences I’ve had in La Vista.

B10 La Vista

Senior Goodbyes

May 25, 2018

The best of times, the worst of times

By Parnia Mazhar Copy Editor Kayla Samimi Copy Editor

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here to even begin. La Vista really was the best of times and the worst of times.

We can’t think of another class that has made us so sleep-deprived, so distraught, and best of all, so hated by not just one, but TWO advisors. :) Starting out as aspiring Editors in Chief and ending as the two most glorious Copy Editors Lo Visto has ever seen, our journey has been eventful... to say the least.

Many have claimed La Vista to be their second home, but we are the only ones who can make that claim literally. At 1:30 AM, sophomore year-us found ourselves locked on campus, ready to have the first ever sleepover on Mira Costa’s grassy knoll. Luckily, we used our investigative skills and found a fence to hop instead. But, whether it was nearly getting locked on campus, basking in the glory of Mac attacks or getting personally violated by Jessie Rosenfeld, all the moments we went through in La Vista have shaped us for the better.

It is true that La Vista threw more curve balls at us than we could have ever hoped for, yet it

has prepared us for college and the unpredictable ways of the real world. We have learned the importance of proper communication and journalistic integrity. And, especially from our staff from junior year, we have understood the power that being around the most passionate, driven, and enjoyable staff can bring. Not only would we come together to produce an amazing newspaper, but we formed a bond that helped us forget the difficult circumstances we were going through.

Thank you, La Vista, for everything. We don’t know where we would be without you. (probably with higher GPA’s and less anxiety issues).

Farewell to La Vista: Copy Editor Parnia Mazhar (left) and Copy Editor Kayla Samimi (right) share their highs and lows throughout their experience on La Vista. Overall, they both appreciated the time that they were on the paper and how it has helped their high school journey.

Best friends; Peace out La Vista

By Lauren Farberman Executive Theme Editor Catelyn Di Leva Executive Opinion Editor

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BFFs Forever: Executive Theme Editor Lauren Farberman (left) and Executive Opinion Editor Catelyn Di Leva (right) say goodbye to La Vista but promise to keep their friendship forever. The seniors reflect on how La Vista will impact their life and their amazing experiences.

lthough we have basically known each other since middle school, we became close friends during our sophomore year when we were in Block and La Vista together. Throughout these past three years we have had the same, dysfunctional yet memorable experience of La Vista. We persevered through Mac’s intro to journalism class, wrote for similar sections, and vied for the desired yet demanding editor positions. Throughout our quick

yet painfully slow high school experience, we are grateful to have endured everything together with each other’s best friend by our side, especially the laughs and lessons we have shared in La Vista, a class that will forever remembered as what brought us together.

Catelyn: My first year as an opinion editor taught me discipline and technique, especially because the opinion section was constantly under the scrutiny of Mac and Zeoli. Although I learned valuable lessons throughout that year, I would say that my true growth happened throughout my senior year, when I began my role as executive opinion editor.

While I was still absolutely awful at using InDesign and photoshop at the start of this year, I eventually figured it out as best as I could.

Lauren: After signing up for journalism as a freshman who had no idea what she wanted to do in high school , joining La Vista seemed like the next natural thing to do. Joining La Vista was one of the best decisions I made in high school. I think the biggest change was the way I conducted and carried myself as I gained a lot of confidence through interviewing, sharing other peoples stories through my writing, and realizing the impact my voice can have.

Reflecting on the wonderful memories Connor Kropschot Staff Writer Cole Sprouse Video Editor

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onnor: From seeing Mac with red eyes “forcing kids to the dungeon” to having a vice principal see me naked, La Vista has given me hundreds of great memories.

Everyday in La Vista was a new and exciting experience, and the unpredictability is what made it such a fun class. You never knew if you were going to be yelled

at to the break of tears by Mac, spend the whole class laughing, or looking for a way to leave during the dreadful days.

One of the main things I learned in La Vista was to question authority. Mr. MacAvin preached exposing the wrong at Costa in our community and not letting things fly. La Vista gave me an opportunity to analyze and question what is going on around me.

Thank you La Vista and our administrator Mac, I will forever cherish the friendships, smiles, laughter, and knowledge you gave me.

Cole: Throughout the years of being a part of Video in La Vista, I have gained the idea that hard work really pays off. If you do not put effort in your work, Mac will take notice and tell you everything you did wrong. I have applied this skill in every aspect of my life and try to put 100% effort in everything I do.

The staff in La Vista does their best each and everyday to make the paper the best it could possibly be.

Everyone has their own job and each job requires maximum effort to make the paper great.

A Sad Goodbye: Staff Writer Connor Kropschot (left) and Video Editor Cole Sprouse (right) share the life lessons that they have learned from being on La Vista. They both reflect on the valuable memories they have shared together with Mr. Mac, the previous La Vista advisor.

Hasta la vista, La Vista baby

By Max Rosenberg Theme Editor Ben Gibbons Sports Editor

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BYE FOR NOW: Max Rosenberg (left) and Ben Gibbons (right) reflect on their time together in La Vista, including writing their column, The Peanut Gallery.

here to begin. Where to begin. We think that the best way to tell this story is to begin at the end and work back to the beginning, returning periodically back to the end to enhance the plot.

Here we are at the end of senior year and we must sadly say goodbye. Goodbye to the good times we’ve had hanging in the editor room putting in work for the sake of our readers, and goodbye to the people who have made this program as enjoyable as it is. We

slave away in a cardboard box of an office with the sole intention of putting a smile on your faces.

As your senior editors of the infamous Peanut Gallery, we understand our reader’s hardship when hearing that we will be graduating.We’re not crying, you’re crying. But our eyes are indeed a little moist.

We can’t forget the high-level Costa athletics; a place where boys become men. Both of us learned true discipline and leadership, but above all, how to properly lift 15 pound dumbbells.

While our sports were different, our experiences were the same; complete and utter athletic domination over all competitors. Keep up the legacy, future athletes.

We have had a great time within the La Vista program and Mira Costa as a whole. When we first stepped foot on campus, our hearts were filled with optimism.

Model UN was a fun couple of months for the both of us, but it didn’t quite fill our gaping holes of purpose like La Vista did. La Vista gave us an opportunity to be kings in the castle that is room 101. No other students could operate Indesign with our precision and passion that rivals that of an olympic athlete. We enjoyed our time as editors and students of Mira Costa, and cherish the memories and friendships made.

We wish all of you good luck in your future endeavors, and we’ll see you out there mustangs.