February Issue

LA VISTA Mira Costa

High School’s

F ebruary 15, 2019 | I ssue 6, Volume 69

See Page 2 for the full story.

Opinion

5

Take a look into opinion’s staff editorial on why the BSU assembly should be mandatory.

@LaVistaMedia

LaVistaMCHS.com

Photo Courtesy of cloud9living.com; Compiled by Saul Droutman and Liam Barberi

In This Issue: The Highlights of La Vista Features

1401 Artesia Blvd.

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

7

Read about Costa senior Carmen Weiss’s new swimwear brand, Carms.

Sports

15

See La Vista’s recap of the girls soccer’s 3-2 overtime victory over Moorpark.

Arts

19

Read our reviews of recent documentaries on Netflix and Hulu about Fyre Festival.

2

La Vista

News

February 15, 2019

Students damage Winter Formal venue

NEWS FLASH

Continued from Page 1

By Kyra Williams Executive News Editor

Costa bands hold all-district band festival in auditorium Costa’s bands hosted an all-district festival yesterday in the Costa auditorium, where students in grades three through 12 performed and shared their latest pieces.

The band’s played various classical pieces; Symphonic band played “Rush” by Sam Hazo, Wind Ensemble performed “To a New Dawn” by Philip Sparke and the Jazz band played “The Rat Race”

by Richard Derosa. The bands will perform these songs again at their festival in March.

“It’s a neat experience to see both where the students are at, as well as where they’ve been to celebrate the making of great band music in Manhattan Beach,” Band teacher Joel Carlson said.

Kimi Danaei

ASB holds the second triannual UCLA blood drive Mira Costa’s Associated Student Body held their second of three University of California, Los Angeles blood drives for this year on Feb. 6 in the cafeteria.

The drive originally opened during first period, but due to the cold weather UCLA postponed it to A.M. Office Hours, as the nurses had to warm up the equipment. Over 135 students, staff and parents participated in the blood drive, which usually produces on average 200 to 350 pints of blood, ASB treasurer Mary Clare Powell said.

“I donated blood because I just felt like it was the right thing to do,” senior Kendall Lebbin said.

“Since we have the opportunity to do it here at school, then why not.”

Josie Collier

Boys win Boys vs. Girls ComedySportz match 26-15 Costa’s ComedySportz team held their annual Boys vs. Girls match on Feb. 8 in the Mira Costa small theater.

To get in the spirit for the match, the boy and girl teams crossdressed and competed for the win, with eight players on each side. They competed in a variety of improv games, and the boys ultimately won with 26 points to the girls team’s 15 points.

“This match was very well played by both teams,” freshman Comedy Sportz member Dylan Kircher said. “It was a great experience to play with and against my team members.”

Erin King

Black Scholars Union hosts Black History month assembly Costa’s Black Scholars Union held their annual Black History Month Assembly on Wednesday in the auditorium.

The theme of this year’s assembly was “Every Voice Matters” to commemorate the importance of unity and equality. Speakers included BSU Presidents seniors Taylor Martinez and Jayla Johnson and Vice Principal Dr. Deborah Hofreiter.

“I feel that the assembly promotes diversity and inclusion through raising awareness about historical events,” BSU member and senior Kennedy McIntosh said.

Greta Nerad

M

ira Costa’s Associated Student Body held the annual Winter Formal dance on Feb. 9 in the Marina del Rey Harbor on two yachts named “The Entertainer” and “The Dreamer.”

During the dance, students on “The Entertainer” (Boat A) broke tiles on the ceiling due to their “dancing exuberance,” Mira Costa Principal Dr. Ben Dale said in an email sent out to Costa families. The ceiling was seven feet tall and when the DJ realized what had occured, he paused the music and asked the students to stop. When he started the music again, students began to break more tiles.

“We didn’t have an incident on Boat B; the kids had a good time and did a great job,” Dale said. “On Boat A, once I talked to everybody, I really felt like everyone was respecting that, which I appreciated. We also haven’t received the bill yet [for the damages], so once we receive it, we will figure out how to pay for it.”

ASB Activities Director Lisa Claypoole and Dale stopped the dance in order for security and the boat crew to clean up the broken tiles on the dance floor. At the dance, Dale made an announcement telling students that they were representing Costa poorly and another broken tile would result in returning the boat to the dock early.

After some time, a student from Loyola High School jumped and broke a tile with his head. The DJ stopped the music, and the boat returned to the dock early.

“Obviously there was that one

clear setback, but apart from that it was a pretty special night, and I think everyone in attendance had a great time on both boats,” ASB President Max Haber said. “The majority of the night everyone on Boat A was super happy as well, but obviously they were a little bit bummed that they had to come back early because of the actions of a few people. For the majority of the people that did nothing wrong, they had an amazing night.”

RAISE THE ROOF: Students shatter multiple ceiling tiles on “The Entertainer” (Boat A) at the Winter Formal dance. The boat had to dock early so that the crew and chaperones could assess the damage. Photo by Garrett Allen.

In his email, Dale said the attendees on Boat B met all of the expectations held for Costa students. He also mentioned that there will be changes made for this year’s prom in order to prevent another situation like this one.

“Despite the problematic issue of not having enough room for everyone, [formal] turned out a lot better than I thought it would have,” senior Cecelia Braun said. “It had a great turnout, and I really enjoyed being on Boat B.” ASB originally began selling tickets on Jan. 17 and they sold out on Jan. 25. Due to the unexpected number of

people wanting to attend formal, Claypoole booked a second boat to accommodate more students. ASB then sold tickets to the remainder of students, and sold out for the second time. The first boat, Boat A had a capacity of 500 people and the second, Boat B held 300 people.

“I feel like since I’ve been the Activities Director at Mira Costa, I’ve wanted events at our school to be inclusive and for everyone to feel like they can be a part of them,” Claypoole said. “Prom is that way every year, over a thousand kids attend. If this is a turning point for us, where student government activities will be attended by 500 to 700 kids at every turn, then the pain and suffering endured over the week and a half will be worth it.”

After purchasing tickets, students went to Costa’s student store to sign up for their preferred boat. Students who bought tickets first had the opportunity to choose their boat before the other students. This year’s formal had a record turnout with 676 people attending. The event featured a live DJ, dance floor and catered food.

“We didn’t expect this and even though there were obstacles in our way, I was so thrilled everyone went,” ASB Commissioner of Entertainment and junior Ashley Naylor said.

Approximately 21 tiles broke and the school is negotiating the cost of replacement, Claypoole said. The estimate is between $1,800 and $2,200.

The plan for recouping the funds is to charge an additional $1 to $2 for each student’s prom ticket.

“There has to be a point where unacceptable behavior is unacceptable behavior,” Claypoole said. “I am hoping for prom there will be a clear zero tolerance policy for mischief.”

Drama Dept. puts on benefit to honor, fundraise for those fighting HIV/AIDS

By Greta Nerad News Editor

C

osta’s Drama and Tech Department held its annual benefit show on Feb. 5 in Costa’s small theater and raised approximately $500 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS to help those with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

Drama donated all proceeds from the $5 admission and concession sales to the organization, which provides free treatment and services for people with AIDS. Acts included songs, popular show tunes, original skits and a hip-hop dance.

“It’s truly a magical thing when we can help our little piece of the world by doing what we love and are passionate about,” Drama President Sophi Boylan said. “Not only is it an opportunity to perform in front of an audience, we are also helping such an important cause that is so close to our community.”

The show opened with junior Mary Clare Powell playing piano and singing

“The Chain” alongside ju- of “Dreams” by Fleetwood niors Olivia Stanley and Mac. “It was fun being the last Maggie Cubillos. Other songs included “I Don’t act of the AIDS benefit beNeed Anything But You” cause it’s memorable and from the broadway show leaves an impact,” PoffenAnnie, “Valerie” by the barger said.

The performers Zutons and “It’s stuck to a dress code So Hard to Say of red and black to Goodbye to acknowledge the Yesterday” by importance of the Boyz II Men. cause, Boylan “Opening said. The red the show and represents the capturing the ribbon for HIV/ audience’s atAIDS awareness tention is such and black symbolan honor,” Powizes mourning and ell said. “The remembrance of AIDS benefit those who have is a great suffered. oppor“Sticktunity to Illustrated ing to one perform,

By Greta Nerad cohesive and it’s color scheme for a great showed our unity in supportcause.”

Many acts had their own ing this cause and Broadway musical accompaniment, Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, including ukulele, bass gui- which has helped many peotar and piano, while others ple, especially in the theater sang over a recorded track. community,” junior Tucker Juniors Anjali Deepak, So- St. Ivany said.

Auditions took place a fia Fontaine, Emma Gray, Max Orroth and Leilani week prior to the perforPoffenbarger closed out mance, and in order to maxthe show with a rendition imize the number of par-

ticipants, students formed groups together. Although the show did not adhere to a strict theme, the benefit organizers asked the students to be mindful of the cause and ensured that the acts were appropriate during the audition process.

“When it comes to performances, it’s more limiting when there’s a theme, so we make AIDS benefit much more general,” Boylan said.

“We do allow comedy acts and dramatic acts as long as they are tasteful.”

The Drama and Tech Department’s spring musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” will open on April 26 and run through May 4 in Costa’s auditorium.

The one-act show welcomes the audience into the apartment of a theaterloving man, as he watches the record of his favorite 1920s satirical musical come to life.

“Everyone in the cast is so excited to open the spring show,” St. Ivany said. “This musical features everything an audience would want, and it’s such a fun show.”

News

February 15, 2019

Costa hosts all-district orchestra festival with MBMS, MBUSD elementary schools

By Clare Beezhold Staff Writer

3

NEWS FLASH Mira Costa MUN to attend annual Berkeley conference

T

he Manhattan Beach Unified School District's elementary, middle and high school orchestras performed on Feb. 7 at Costa in the annual All-District Orchestra Festival.

A total of nine orchestras performed in the concert, each playing one piece of music in styles ranging from classics such as “Concert Song” by Robert Frost to modern pieces including “Killing In The Name” by Rage Against The Machine, arranged by Robert Anderson. At the end of the concert, each group came together to play “Simple Square Dance.”

“This concert is important because it lets us be an example for the younger kids,” Costa Orchesta Vice President of Events and Activities senior Sydney Pell said. “They get to see if they keep practicing, how much they’ll improve and what it can ultimately culminate into.”

Over 140 students make up Costa’s orchestras, which are divided into the Philharmonic, Symphony and Chamber. Students practice during class every school day and have additional rehearsals during Office Hours and after school.

“We only get to rehearse our big finale with all of

La Vista

Mira Costa Model United Nations will attend the annual University of California, Berkeley MUN conference from March 1-3.

A group of 31 Costa advanced delegates will attend the conference, competing against 116 other high schools from five different countries. Students recieved their invite in the beginning of Jan. and began preparing soon after.

“I’m really excited to visit UC Berkeley because the competition will be different,” junior delegate Leigh Lyter said. “I’m also excited because many of the people I’m going with are some of my best friends.”

ALL TOGETHER NOW: Band members play the cello at the all-district orchestra festival. Elementary to high school students performed multiple classical pieces in Mira Costa's auditorium. Photo

by Julia Alley the elementary and middle schoolers one time before the concert,” Pell said.

“That is all the practice that we have as a huge unit.”

“

fifth grade strings players and the Honor Strings orchestra, which is made up of high achieving fourth and fifth grade musicians.

This

concert is important because it lets us be an example for the younger kids.

- Sydney Pell Orchestra Vice President of Events & Activities The MBMS Orchestras are comprised of four levels: Cadet Orchestra, String Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra and String Ensemble, which practice daily. The elementary orchestras include

“It was nice to hear the younger musicians play and listen to the talent throughout the whole district,” sophomore violist Julia Vazquez said. “It’s really inspiring for them

to see the different orchestras play and will hopefully persuade them to continue to practice in an orchestra.”

Tickets were free for students and $10 for adults.

The profits go toward the Costa orchestra program. Recordings of the performance were available for purchase for $15.

The Costa orchestras will be performing next in the SCSBOA orchestra Festival on March 19 at Long Beach Poly High School.

“For the rest of the year in orchestra I’m looking forward to exploring new music and improving as a musician,” freshman violinist Sophia Zhang said.

Costa MUN students attend 22nd annual Johns Hopkins conference in Baltimore 30 Mira Costa students participate in the conference and nine gavel.

said. Attendees wrote detailed position papers about policy and information on their respective topics, including subjects such as human rights infractions and the prohibition of chemical weapons.

By Sam Bell Staff Writer

S

tudents from the Mira Costa Model United Nations program attended the 22nd annual Johns Hopkins Model United Nations Conference from Feb. 7-9 in Baltimore, Maryland.

A total of 30 Costa students attended the conference. Approximately 86 different high schools from across the country attended the conference, including schools from Virginia, Texas, Florida, New York and Costa’s major rival schools Horace Mann and Heritage Plantation. Costa finished with nine gavels, the highest placing award, and received five outstanding awards in addition to six honorable mentions.

“We alternate our conferences every other year, and we haven’t been to Johns Hopkins in two years,” junior delegate Jonas Lee said. “It is a very competitive and exciting conference to be a part of.”

The students spent weeks preparing for the conference by doing research to further understand their topics, Lee

MUN IS FUN: Students in Model United Nations pose for a photo in Baltimore, Maryland, where students competed in a conference at Johns Hopkins University. Photo Courtesy of Ally Kennedy “Overall the debate went really well," junior delegate Sam Pearman said. "I researched extensively for JHUMUNC because I knew the level

of competition going into the debate."

The conference included General Assembly Committees containing 150 people, Economic and Social Council Committees capped at 65 people and Specialized committees with 21 people. The diverse groups of committees invoked critical debate and discussion throughout the conference. The delegates left with the experience necessary to become diplomats and international relations scholars, according to junior delegate Andrew Cormack.

“The committees provided a varied source of information that are pressing issues we face today,” Cormack said.

“Each delegate researched according to their committee and topic.”

In addition to the General Assembly Committees, there are 10 different committees to offer diversity within the conference. This includes committees such as the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee, the Legal Committee, the Human Rights Council and the Security Council. Participants acquired many new skills to help them become great debaters in international relations, Cormack said.

“This conference gave us the opportunity to debate against people our age from countries across the world about complex issues that will define our future,” Cormack said.

Kyra Williams

ASB to host annual Dodgeball tournament after break Mira Costa’s Associated Student Body will host its annual dodgeball tournament during the week of Feb. 25 during lunch.

In order to play in the tournament, Costa students will form teams of six players and one alternate. ASB also requires a $10 entry fee to be admitted into the tournament. Teams will compete daily on the tennis courts and finalists will compete in the quad.

"It's great to see students get involved in Costa activities, not only afterschool." ASB Commissioner of Athletics Connor Barnes said. "I'm looking forward to the students getting creative with their team names and outfits."

Sheridan McKnight

Ribbons for Cancer Club to host tennis tournament Mira Costa’s Ribbons for Cancer Club is hosting its first annual mixed doubles tournament fundraiser Feb. 23 on Costa’s tennis courts.

The price per player is $20 and 100% of the profits will go towards the National Foundation for Cancer Research. Players are also able to make a serving pledge, which donates $1 for every serve made in two minutes and forty seconds.

"It will be exciting to see how the event turns out because this is our first time hosting a tournament fundraiser," Club President Audrey Vo said.

"This will be a lot different than fundraisers in the past."

Sheridan McKnight

ASB to host annual Pride Day to beautify Costa’s campus Mira Costa’s Associated Student Body will host the 29th annual Pride Day on March 9 from 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in order to give students, parents and faculty the opportunity to help clean and beautify the Costa campus.

Volunteers will plant new trees, rake leaves, pull out old weeds and paint walls throughout campus. Participants will primarily focus on cleaning the quad because it is the area most used by Costa students, environmental sustainability coordinator Izzy Youngson said.

"Our hopes for this years event is to bring the community together for an amazing cause that helps our school," Youngson said.

Sheridan McKnight

4 La Vista

CALENDAR

February 15, 2019

In This Issue

February

Week of 17 - 23 MCHS Ski Week

Week of 24 - 2

25

Mira Costa Late Start Schedule

Mon. MCHS Dodgeball Tournament from 12:26 p.m. to 12:51 p.m. at the Tennis

26

Courts

OPINION: Students in Chinese 4 and Advanced

Tues. MCHS Dodgeball Tournament from 12:26 p.m. to 12:51 p.m. at the Tennis

Courts

27

Wed.

MCHS Dodgeball Tournament from 12:26 p.m. to 12:51 p.m. at the Tennis Courts Student Recognition from 11:22 a.m. to 11:52 a.m. in the Small Theater

Placement Chinese are now sharing a classroom due to the influx of students in beginning Chinese. See page 7 for the full story.

March Week of 3 - 9 5

MCHS Ed Council Meeting at 2:15 p.m. in the Conference Room

6

Coffee With The Principal at 7:30 a.m. (see MCHS website for sign up) MCHS Scholar Quiz

Tues.

Wed.

7

Thurs. MCHS PTSA Members Meeting from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

MCHS 11th Grade Parent Night at 6 p.m. in the Small Theater

8

FEATURES: Mira Costa junior Jessica Bruhns generously fosters various animals from pet adoption centers around the South Bay. See page 9 for the full story.

MCHS Class Competition from 12:21 p.m. to 12:51 p.m. in the Quad

Fri.

9

MCHS Pride Day from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Sat.

Week of 11 - 16 11

MBX Advisory Board Meeting at 7 p.m. in the MBUSD Board Room at the District Office

Mon.

12

MCHS Scholar Quiz Tues. SSC Meeting from 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Administration Office MCHS 10th Grade Parent Night at 6 p.m. in the Small Theater

13

MCHS Scholar Quiz

14

MCHS Scholar Quiz

15

MCHS Scholar Quiz

16

Sadie Hawkins Dance from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Location TBD)

Wed. Thurs.

Fri. Sat.

THEME: Members of Associated Student Body dress up in Valentine’s Day clothing yesterday as a part of Random Acts of Kindness Week.

See pages 10 and 11 for the full story.

Week 17 - 23 18

MCHS Scholar Quiz Semi-Finals in the Small Theater and Room 1

19

MCHS Ed Council at 2:15 p.m. in the Administration Conference Room MCHS 9th Grade Parent Night at 6 p.m. in the Small Theater

Mon. Tues.

20

Wed.

SPORTS: Sophomore Jans Croon brings her passion for competitive field hockey from the Netherlands to California. See page 14 for the full story.

MCHS Scholar Quiz Finals from 8:46 a.m. to 9:27 a.m. in the Auditorium

21

MCHS March Madness Spike Ball Tournament during lunch in the Quad Thurs. MCHS Dessert Theater at 7 p.m. in the Small Theater

22

Fri.

MCHS March Madness Spike Ball Tournament during lunch in the Quad MCHS Electric Ensemble from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Small Theater

Week 24 - 30 25

Mon.

MCHS March Madness Spike Ball Tournament during lunch in the Quad

26

MCHS March Madness Spike Ball Tournament during lunch in the Quad Tues. MCHS Cathedral Concert at American Martyrs

27

Wed.

MCHS Drill during fifth period

ARTS: La Vista takes a look at the new documentaries from Netflix and Hulu about the disastrous Fyre Festival that took place in 2017.

See page 19 for the full story.

OPINION

February 15, 2019

La Vista

Editors’ Note

5

Lead up to Academy Awards is disappointing for movie fans Mira Costa High School 1401 Artesia Boulevard Manhattan Beach, California (310) 318-7337 ext 5233 February 15, 2019 Volume LXIX, Issue VI www.lavistamchs.com Editors-in-Chief Claire DuMont Naomi Tsuang Managing Editors Michael Todd Alde Nguyen Copy Editors Kaelie Macaulay Madeleine Powell Brian Kaiserman News Editors Kyra Williams , Executive Greta Nerad Sheridan McKnight Opinion Editors Kareena Dhillon, Executive Garrett Allen Features Editors Josie Collier, Executive Bella Macleod Arts Editors Grace Dietz, Executive Skylar Jones Theme Editors Karli Wallace, Executive Emilee Ray Sports Editors Tess Whittet, Executive Cole Garvey Sammy Miller Jade Trejo, Online Photo Editors Sarah Toomey Photo Managers Julia Alley Drew Rohm Business Managers Tiffancy Feng, Executive Mailan Nguyen

By Claire Dumont Editor-in-Chief

T

he 91st Academy Awards ceremony will be held on Feb. 24. However, the event as a whole has been creating confusion for movie lovers and those in the film industry.

When the Academy announced nominations, I, along with other movie lovers, was disappointed by the amount of movies from the past year that went overlooked.

While it is no surprise that some movies will be snubbed, the nominations this year left many in disbelief.

The 2018 Oscars included a lineup of movies that became some of my favorites, such as “Lady Bird” and “I, Tonya.” I spent my weekends in January and February at

Arclight, trying to watch all of the Best Picture nominees, and it didn’t just entirely have to do with Timothée Chalamet.

I was equally excited for the new awards season to start, but I was quickly disheartened. Some of the most critically acclaimed movies from the past year, also happened to be my favorites, including Bo Burnham’s “Eighth Grade” and “Beautiful Boy.” These movies did not receive any nominations, leaving me disappointed and in disbelief.

It is becoming increasingly obvious that the Oscars are moving away from what makes the show great. The controversy surrounding Kevin Hart, who was chosen to host, left the ceremony without a host.

Additionally, the Academy announced that most of the songs nominated for Best Original Song will not be performed live, with the exception of “Shallow” from “A Star is

Born” and “All the Stars” from “Black Panther.” The Academy later reversed this decision, but it still shows that the viewers’ wants are not being taken into consideration. In an effort to make the ceremony shorter, four of the categories will be presented during the commercial break, including the awards for cinematography and editing. This choice led to anger and outrage in the film industry: these films would not exist without editing and cinematography, and those categories deserve recognition.

Hollywood’s biggest night has been met with understandable disappointment. Televised events like the Super Bowl don’t shorten the game or play through commercial breaks, but are unapologetically three hours long. It is a shame to see something devoted to celebrating the movies of the year shy away from what makes it great.

Staff Editorial

Cultural assemblies are necessary to promote diversity

T

he Mira Costa Black Scholars Union held the annual Black History Month assembly on Wednesday during second period. Speakers discussed the importance of Black History month and the Black Lives Matter Movement, emphasizing diversity and inclusion. Cultural assemblies such as the Black History Month and the Hispanic Heritage assemblies should be mandatory to give everyone on campus an opportunity to learn about these cultures.

The assembly’s theme was “Every Voice Matters” and it focused on the topic of social movements and protests. Approximately 31 classes attended the assembly.

Assembly speakers included Vice Principal Dr. Deborah Hofreiter, Costa Principal Dr. Ben Dale and English Department CoChair Nicole Wachell.

In order to attend the assembly, teachers had to sign up their classes in advance.

According to Dale, after the addition of office hours to the schedule, the adminis-

tration agreed that assemblies took up class time and the only assemblies that should be mandatory are the Homecoming pep rally and Hall of Fame.

However, cultural assemblies allow students to gain unique perspectives on others’ experiences that they may have had limited exposure to in the past. These assemblies allow students to share a part of their heritage with their peers, educate students about aspects of their culture and broaden students’ knowledge about cultures that are often marginalized and overlooked.

Additionally, BSU members spend a lot of time trying to make the assembly inclusive and entertaining for all Costa students, BSU Co-President Taylor Martinez said.

Martinez wishes all Costa students could attend the assembly, which BSU members started planning in November.

According to BSU Advisor Janet Allen, educating students about diversity in race, sexual orientation, gender identifica-

tion beliefs in addition to different cultures is a valuable learning experience. These types of assemblies prepare students for the world outside of Costa, where people have incredibly diverse backgrounds and life experiences, Allen said.

While it is understandable that assemblies take up class time, cultural assemblies teach students valuable lessons about diversity and the heritage of others that can make up for this lost time. Additionally, the class schedule is modified for the pep rally and the Hall of Fame assembly. For Hall of Fame, third period is held twice, with one half of the school attending the assembly and the other half in class, and vice versa.

This schedule could be applied to the days with both of the assemblies in question.

In order to promote diversity and educate the Costa community, the Black History Month assembly and the Hispanic Heritage assembly should be made mandatory for all staff and students.

Assistant Online Managing Editors Linnea Wee

Voices of Costa

Adviser Keely Sweeny Editorial Board Claire Dumont, Naomi Tsuang, Alde Nguyen, Michael Todd, Kaelie Macaulay, Madeleine Powell, Kyra Williams, Greta Nerad, Sheridan McKnight, Kareena Dhillon, Garrett Allen Staff Writers Clare Beezhold, Sam Bell, Faith Bolin, Jillian Cherry, Mia Cho, Kimya Danael, Saul Droutman, Megan Garringer, Andonia Goergen, Ben Hacohen, Tess Heagy, Zoe Howard, Cassandra Kellum, Erin King, Mikas Marinos, Penelope Misceo, Taylor Philips, Soren Schauer, Sofia Schnurer, Doug Speicher, McKenzie Sussman, Maddie Tello, Kendall Tonne, Sophia Vaughan 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.

For ad rates, contact lavistabusiness@gmail.com Mission Statement: LA VISTA is committed to providing only the highest quality reporting while maintaining a strict standard of journalistic integrity and providing its readers with relevant content.

Should the Black History and Hispanic Heritage assemblies be mandatory?

Jessica Edwards Freshman

“

Mia Vargas Sophomore

No, because people should have the choice to go or not go. It’s important that the people who go actually want to go, otherwise the assemblies aren’t effective.”

“

Yes. I believe that everyone should be informed on these topics. These assemblies are very necessary for the cultural enrichment of Mira Costa students.”

No

Yes

Have you ever attended the assembly?*

Cooper Roth

Nathan Toomey Junior

Do you think the Black History Month Assembly should be mandatory?*

“

Yes, I think that it’s important for Costa students to go to assemblies like these so our school can be more informed about new and different cultures.

Senior

“

I think that experiencing new cultures is important in the development of students, so I think that these assemblies should be mandatory for the whole school.”

Yes

Yes

No

*La Vista surveyed 200 Costa students in regards to the status of the assemblies at Mira Costa.

6

La Vista

OPINION

February 15, 2019

PRO/CON:

Addressing the importance and the downfall of school safety drills The Manhattan Beach Police Department and the El Segundo Police Department worked with a SWAT team, Mira Costa’s administration and Costa staff and students to conduct a full-scale active shooter drill on Mira Costa’s campus on Jan. 30. While some Costa staff members and students believed the drill was crucial to being prepared in the case of a real emergency, others criticized administration’s lack of communication with teachers and the drill’s inefficiency.

PRO: Provides safety, security

By Kareena Dhillon Executive Opinion Editor

J

anuary’s active shooter drill offered many new insights to Mira Costa’s safety and was integral in allowing staff and students to practice and retain important information in the case of a school shooting.

The administration notified all staff and students ahead of time to be prepared when the time came.

The drill was originally scheduled to be three hours long, however, with success and order it only took two hours, according to Costa principal Dr. Ben Dale.Within that time, officials were able to conduct a search of the entire campus. The staff, students, and outside agencies did an outstanding job Dale said.

It helped prepare for every scenario and contingency before an actual emergency ever happened, said Dale. The high number of school shootings that have shaped our reality force schools to learn to be prepared.

It would be a frivolous attempt to question the validity of drills when they are used all across America.

“

The seriousness of this

drill is something that has been lacking in most other drills...”

The purpose of the drill was not only to help police officials and SWAT team members, but it was to prepare in the face of actual emergency. There was excellent assistance from Chief Derrick Abell and Megan Locklear from MBPD to carry out the drill. Their role in the event helped to bring leadership and productivity. Drills are a necessary and important aspect of school protocols conducted at every level of education. There have been 37 school shootings just this year and students cannot help but feel threatened every time they go to school. These drills are what help students feel safe.

However, it is also important to have widespread and shared knowledge of what is actually happening during a drill. Students have become more prepared because of the efficiency of drills. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, public schools that practice drills involving a shooting have been up to 70% more ef-

ficient in real situations.

At Costa, there have been numerous drills that have helped prepare students for what an actual emergency would look like including lockdowns and the Great Shakeout drill.

Costa’s large campus has many exits and outlets onto major streets that could be used as evacuation options. During this drill, students were able to practice how they would behave during an actual emergency by hiding and covering themselves away from windows. Because students constitute the largest population at MCHS, and are the group most likely to not know what to do, it is vital to inform students of correct procedures in case of an actual emergency.

Costa’s administration effectively carried out the drill, which provided an opportunity for teachers to recognize how organized students were during evacuation. Police even practiced and attempted breaking through the doors to see if classrooms’ barricades were effective. This attention to detail simulated a real emergency.

Practicing drills can help reveal issues that cannot be seen on paper according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Practicing drills can develop greater consistency in action and more efficient use of resources. Just a year after the Parkland shooting, it is imperative that students be prepared to protect themselves in the case of an active shooter.

Moving forward, it is important to keep this awareness in mind and retain safety procedures. Staying well prepared for emergencies with drills such as these can help alleviate the worries staff and students have about what to do in an emergency situation.

While the fact that we have to teach students how to proceed in an emergency is sad, it is an integral part of our society today. In a perfect world, students wouldn’t have to worry about their safety at school, but we are forced to consider the threat and danger of a gun. It reflects well upon the district that Costa has taken the steps to improve the safety of students during school hours.

CON: Lack of Communication

By Sam Bell Staff Writer

S

chool emergency drills are held as precautionary measures in order to ensure the safety of the students and the staff on campus in real-time emergencies. However, the safety drill on Jan. 30 was anything but beneficial for the students that attended school that day. The students of Mira Costa were informed of the drill ahead of time, however, it was obvious that teachers were uninformed about the procedures, leading to an overall sense of confusion.

There was a lack of communication between administration and teachers according to several Costa teachers.

During the drill, many students were unaware of which building or what field to evacuate to, according to senior Vincent Galli.

The drill was not taken seriously by students, as seen by the poor attendence. During first period 468 students were absent. A body of students comprising of almost 17% of the entire student population, the drill did not have any benefit for any of the students who were not in attendance. The drill was meant to help both the teachers and law enforcement officials understand how to handle a lockdown situation in the event of a real-time emergency. However, with such a low attendance rate, not all students were able to gain the benefits of preparing for an emergency.

The drill began during first period at 8:30 am when classrooms were instructed to go into lockdown. The Police Department released each class one by one and led them down to Waller Stadium or the baseball field. Some classes were forced to wait in their classroom for the majority of the drill, according to junior Lauren Daniels. The classes which stayed inside sat around for over two hours in silence.This proved to be a waste of time as the students were learning nothing about the simulated situation or what was going on. It was difficult to understand the situation as the students were

deprived of any information regarding what was going on outside their classroom, or when they would be released, Daniels said.

The classes which were led to the field by police officials were directed to walk in single file lines with their hands on each other’s shoulders down to the field. There, they waited on the field in disorganized groups for over two hours, junior Brooke Ballantine said. It also should be noted that in the event of an actual school shooting, the field is not a covered environment and is on low ground, completely susceptible to threats.

There is no safety on the large space and students did not have access to any exits in the case of an actual emergency. It was impractical to think the field, although very large in size, would protect against a threat. When it was cleared, the field was left trashed with food and scant materials.

Most students were expecting a drill that was more educational in order to inform them of what to do in case of an active shooter. However, the school provided a drill that was more beneficial as training for the Police Department and rather pointless for the students. The timing of the drill was also very inconvenient. According to Dale, the drill was held during first period because in the afternoon students need to eat lunch and, depending on schedules, some are leaving campus after lunch. However, the principal’s timing did not account for the many tardy students, or even those without a first period such as students on the surf team. Students who arrived later were directed to walk off-campus to Pennekamp or Journey of Faith.

“

Most students were expect-

ing a drill that was more educational in order to inform them of what to do in case of an active shooter...”

The drill was both inconvenient and ineffective for the students who attended school that day, as the drill lacked an educational aspect that would have helped with the understanding of what was happening throughout the day. Instead, students were obligated to sit around without any real purpose or understanding to what they were doing. The whole process could have been planned out more effectively for better student efficiency and overall attendance.

Roving Reporter: Did you feel the lockdown drill was efficient?

Shylee Asivov, Freshman

Francesca Barilee, Sophomore

Mac Squire, Junior

Ryan Manick, Senior

too far. I thought some of it was unnecessary, as that situation is unlikely.”

too long, and if something were to actually happen, it wouldn’t work.”

much for the students. Overall, it was pretty helpful, though.”

gives people a better understanding of what to do in an emergency.”

“I guess so, I just think the police took it “I don’t think it was efficient at all. It took “For the staff, yes. But I don’t think so “Yes, I think it was effective because it

La Vista

OPINION

February 15, 2019

7

Combination of Chinese classes leaves students at a loss for learning

By Linnea Wee Assistant Online Manager

C

hinese 4 and Advanced Placement Chinese students are now forced to share a classroom even though they are taking separate courses.

In the past, each level of the Chinese Language offered at Costa had its own or multiple class periods. However, this year enrollment in Chinese 1, 2 and 3 classes grew while Chinese 4 and AP Chinese class sizes shrank. Therefore, AP Chinese and Chinese 4 were consolidated into one period to create more class periods for the lower levels.

Chinese students and Mira Costa’s only Chinese teacher Pauline Chang must work together to keep up with the workload while now having half the instructional time

for each course.

In my experience enrolled in Chinese, I have observed that more than half of Chinese students drop Chinese after the third level, usually leaving Chinese 4 and AP Chinese with around 10-15 students each. Since teachers teach five periods per day and Chinese 2 fills two periods, Chinese 4 and AP Chinese had to combine as they have the smallest number of enrolled students.

Although these two courses share the same period, they still must be taught separately to accomodate for the difference in knowledge of the two levels of the language. While Chinese 4 students are being taught a lesson, AP Chinese must quietly work, and vice versa. Students enrolled in these two courses are faced with the same workload and expectations they had in previous years,

CHARACTER CHAOS: A student completes her homework for the combined Chinese course. Students have been struggling to finish their class work within the time allocated in their class periods. Photo by Linnea Wee

CLASS COMBINATION: Students work during the combined Chinese period. Due to the influx of students in beginning Chinese, Advanced Placement Chinese and Chinese 4 had to combine into one class period. Photo by Saul Droutman but now with more limited instructional time.

This change greatly disadvantages students because the classes are no longer as interactive as they were before. The combination of the courses has stifled student’s opportunities to ask questions about lessons due to the class time being distributed between two classes.

Now, students have double the amount of independent work than they would have if they had separate periods, according to junior Chinese student Kyle Chen.

Chinese 4 and AP Chinese are extremely difficult courses, requiring an extensive amount of time to keep up with the lessons and make significant progress in learning enough of the language

needed for the AP Exam. Each course is slightly falling behind its normal schedule due to the interruptions of the other, putting stress on students to be prepared for the AP Exam. The AP Chinese exam requires expansive knowledge of the language; however, the time crunch caused by the merged classes may decrease the amount of material that students can learn prior to the test.

It is difficult to organize timing of activities for each course so that they get an equal amount of learning opportunities, time and instruction, Chang said.

As students of Chinese 4, my classmates and I occasionally build off the knowledge of AP students and do similar class activi-

ties. However, the difference in the course levels causes frustration for Chinese 4 students struggling to keep up, and AP Chinese students worried about falling behind.

The extra stress put on students due to this merge is unnecessary and inconvenient. The issue could be solved by hiring a second Chinese teacher or capping classes.

The poor scheduling decisions are extremely detrimental to students’ learning.

The merge of Chinese 4 and AP Chinese to one period is damaging to the students’ full learning potential and opportunities. Students in these demanding courses deserve a considerable amount of attention and are suffering the consequences of disorganized scheduling.

8 La Vista

FEATURES

February 15, 2019

Brownsberger learns how to save lives in EMT training

HOMETOWN HERO: Senior Ashley Brownsberger poses in her EMT attire. Brownsberger took the prerequisites to become an EMT at the SoCal Regional Occupational Center and earned her certificate on Jan. 22. Photo Courtesy of Ashley Brownsberger

By Taylor Phillips Staff Writer

D

uring the day, senior Ashley Brownsberger is a normal high school student, but once the bell rings she trains as an Emergency Medical Technician.

Brownsberger took an emergency medical response (EMR) class last year before she took the official EMT class at the SoCal Regional Occupational Center (SCROC). SCROC is a local occupational center located in Torrance with programs offered to South Bay students. SCROC

also provides career technical programs for students to receive job training in various professions. The EMR class that Brownsbereger took taught basic life-saving and cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills.

“I took an emergency medical response class when I was a junior from SCROC,” Brownsberger said. “If you are a high school student, you have to take the EMR class before you take the EMT class, [and] I took the EMR class because I was interested in the topic, and after taking the class, I was super interested in taking the EMT class.”

Brownsberger enrolled in the 18-week course and went to class at SCROC Mon-

days through Thursdays from 6-10 p.m. ambulance technicians with patients who In the EMT class, Brownsberger learned endured accident or trauma related injuries. to help trauma patients in cardiovas“We would get different calls [during the cular emergencies and car accidents. ride-along],” Brownsberger said. “I got a “It was tough having to manage tak- heart attack victim, one victim had their ing class and going to school,” Browns- head split open, and car crash [victims], berger said. “I was the only high [and] I would do the vitals on the patients schooler in my class and it took a lot or anything I could to help the situation.” of time and commitment. It was very Brownsberger received her EMT cerhands on and you had to pass every test tificate on Jan. 22 and is now a registo be able to move on in the course.” tered EMT. She can now work as eiBrownsberger has always wanted to ther an ambulance technician or train become either a firefighter or ambulance to become a firefighter. Her next step is personnel. In order to become an EMT, to graduate from Mira Costa and see a person must be 18 years old, earn their where her EMT training takes her next.

EMT certificate and pass the EMT class.

“Once I get my diploma from Costa, “I’ve always wanted to help people I can go straight into getting a job with in whatever career I chose,” Browns- an ambulance company or start my way berger said. “I thought that becom- into the fire department to become a ing an EMT would be the next step.” firefighter,” Brownsberger said. “I am In order, to pass the course, students planning on hopefully becoming an onmust complete at least 40 hours of ambu- campus EMT in college and eventulance ride-alongs with professional EMTs ally going into [the] fire [department].” and ambulance technicians. During the ride-alongs, Steps to becoming a student EMT: Brownsberger 1. Complete EMR course helped the

2. Pass EMT course, including 40 hours of ambulance ride alongs 3. Pass National or State Exam to become certified

February 15, 2019

La Vista 13 9

FEATURES

Manhattan Beach’s 2019 City Council candidates La Vista interviewed the candidates running for the two open City Council seats before the March 5 election.

Compiled By Josie Collier/ Executive Features Editor, Lauren Mittleman/Staff Writer, Zoe Howard/Staff Writer, Natalee Park/Illustrator, All Photos Courtesy of Candidates

Mark Burton

F

ormer Manhattan Beach Mayor and City Councilmember Mark Burton is running for City Council in the General Municipal Election on the platform of safety and fiscal prudence.

Burton is a retired city attorney with 25 years of public service experience

and is the former president of the Manhattan Beach Rotary Club. He attended Loyola Marymount University and Southwestern School of Law. Burton is an extremely involved citizen in the Manhattan Beach community as a Roundhouse Aquarium board member and member of the Parish Council for the American Martyrs Church.

“Public service is my passion,” Burton said.

“It’s what I love to do, and it’s what I’m good at. During my first term, I earned a reputation for listening to and fighting for our residents, grass roots community groups and small businesses.”

Wayne Powell

F

ormer City C o u n cilmember Wayne Powell is seeking re-election.

He served the Manhattan Beach Community as City Councilmember from 2009-2017 and served as Mayor from 20122014. Powell is a 23 year Manhattan Beach resident and graduated from Long Beach State University where he received a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Financing. Powell is a strong supporter of ensuring financial integrity and government transparency throughout the city. Powell is an advocate for school and public safety, as he cofounded the Manhattan Beach community emergency response team, assisting first responders during natural disasters.

Powell volunteers as the Neighborhood Watch Block Captain and is also a volunteer for the Manhattan Beach Older Adults Program and Manhattan Beach Coordinating (education) Council.

“I have always loved serving our community, [and dedicating] my life to our community” Powell said. “I was always known as the go-to person if anyone or any resident had a concern or a problem that needed to be resolved.”

Suzanne Hadley

Joe Franklin

J

oe Franklin has been a Manhattan Beach resident for 34 years and is running in the 2019 General Municipal Election in order to improve public safety and promote fiscal responsibilty.

Franklin graduated from the University of Arizona

Hildy Stern

H

ildy Stern, Manhattan Beach mother and active volunteer, is running for a spot as City Councilmember in the 2019 General Municipal Election.

Stern is a 24 year resident of Manhattan Beach. Stern attended Georgetown University Law Center, Wayne State University Law School, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. She has worked as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, a program director for Creating Conversations and was an accountant for Arthur Andersen. Stern has also been the Vice President of concerts and events for Mira Costa High School bands, a Scholar Quiz test writer at Manhattan Beach Middle School and the community outreach projects chair at Pacific Elementary School.

“I love living in Manhattan Beach and don’t take our cherished, unique, small town for granted,” Stern said. “I have been an active volunteer in the community, sitting on community wide boards and as a volunteer at Pacific School, MBMS, Mira Costa and many other local organizations like Richstone Family Center, Project Needs and the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair.”

with a bachelor’s degree in Science and Business Administration. He is also a parent of two Mira Costa High School graduates.

Franklin plans on ending the hiring of expensive and unnecessary consultants and expensive City Hall Executive Staff, he said. Franklin began volunteering after partnering with former mayor Joyce Fahey to create a “Dostop, Don’t-speed” campaign which is aimed to increases traffic safety in residential neighborhoods. “[Running] means a continuation of my service to the community, and that means a lot to me,” Franklin said. “It has made my life a lot fuller.”

S

uzanne Hadley’s campaign focuses on advocating for public safety, school safety, strong financial governance and supporting the homeless community.

Hadley has four children, all of which attended Mira Costa, and one who

Joseph Ungoco

J

oseph Ungoco is running to be a Manhattan Beach City Councilmember on a platform of sustainability and public safety.

Ungoco attended Boston University and received his masters in Medical Sciences and an MBA in Finance. Ungoco worked in government at the local, state and federal level, giving him a variety of experience when running for City Council. In Washington D.C., Ungoco worked for the Department of Defense, Health, Human Services and the Social Security Administration. He helped create health policy reform in Massachusetts and lobbied for workplace equality in New York for women and the LGBT community. As a City Councilmember, Ungoco plans to make safer routes to schools for pedestrians and students biking. Supporting community police, firefighters and first responders is crucial to maintaining security around Manhattan Beach schools, Ungoco said.

“Working with different groups of people with different opinions is an excellent experience and will help me to function on the city council if we are working towards a better future for [our] city,” Ungoco said.

is currently a senior. Hadley earned a Master’s of Business Education from Dartmouth College and is a strong supporter of local businesses. Hadley’s professional experience includes corporate financing, consulting and marketing. Hadley was also a small-business owner of a retail store in Wisconsin.

In her free time, she volunteers at the Manhattan Beach library and is the Block captain for Neighborhood Watch. Hadley is also the President of Mira Costa’s school site council.

“This role in the community is one that I will take as serious as I did with the responsibility of raising my family,” Hadley said.

Brian Withers

B

rian Withers is running in the city’s General Municipal Election and wants to enforce more traffic laws to increase safety.

Withers graduated from the University of the Pacific Dental School in San Francisco and now runs his own dental practice in Manhattan Beach. According to Withers, being in the medical field prepares a candidate for a City Council position because working with people and then helping them achieve their goals coincides with the responsibilities of a City Councilmember. Withers hopes that his legacy will be providing the police department with the equipment it needs to keep the community safe. Additionally, Withers wants to provide the Manhattan Beach Unified School District schools with the resources necessary for safety and believes that the active shooter drill on Jan. 30 at Mira Costa is an essential and important part of school safety. “[As a dentist, I] was helping people achieve their goals with their smile,” Withers said. “[As a City Councilmember, I will help] a whole lot more people achieve their vision for what they want Manhattan Beach to continue to be.”

10

THEME

La Vista

February 15, 2019

11

All we need is love Compiled By Karli Wallace/Executive theme editor, Emilee Ray/photographer, theme editor, Charlotte Samuels/ Illustrator,

ASB, H.E.A.R.T Club, Link Crew, Drama spread love around campus with UCLA Blood Drive, Random Acts of Kindness Week, AIDS Benefit show ASB hosts UCLA Blood Drive for students to donate blood

C

blood drive on Feb. 5 with the University of California,

ASB, but it’s also

in-

volved jobs on

one of the best,”

Bond said. “We

got

range of students

a

wide

and teachers to donate

this year. Some

were giving blood for

the first time, and

honestly, that’s what

the blood drive is all

about.”

All 56 members of ASB were asked to get six people to

sign up, which guaranteed that over 250 students donated blood. According to Bond, one pint of blood may save ap-

proximately three lives; in total, these donations have the potiental to save nearly 800 lives.

“The organization of the event was something that we can

definitely improve on in the future,” Bond said. “Prior to the blood drive, we had to set up in the cafeteria because of the construction happening in Fisher Gym. We had less

space and not enough beds, which was frustrating. We had

way Cares/Equity Fights AIDS on Feb. 5 in the small theatre.

Each day of the week was devoted to a different act of kind-

tions and senior Will Bond, the preparation for the blood

community

its annual AIDS benefit show in order to support Broad-

Monday and ended today.

According to ASB Commissioner of Community Rela-

most

he Mira Costa Drama and Tech Department hosted

T

participate in Random Acts of Kindness Week that started

nate blood to local patients in need.

“My job is one of the most important and one of the

ira Costa’s Helping Educate Acts of Respect

(H.E.A.R.T.) Club and Link Crew challenged students to

Los Angeles in the cafeteria for students and staff to do-

school year.

Drama Department donates funds from AIDS benefit show

M

osta’s Associated Student Body hosted its triannual

drive started in early August, prior to the start of the 2018

H.E.A.R.T Club, Link Crew promote kindness around campus

The benefit show was entirely student run and they raised

ness. Starting on Monday, students wrote letters to someone

Finn Condren ASB Community Relations and junior Q: How do you think donating blood reflects the character of students at Mira Costa? How was the turn out at the most recent blood

despite the fact that they have to miss class, sacrifice their learning, and possibly miss crucial information is inspiring. So many people sign up for the blood drive and I think that shows how caring and generous Costa students are.

We were suprised to see that there were more people at this blood drive than we anticipated.

It’s almost hard to believe that we can save so many lives with just a little bit of blood.”

wrote a

chil-

hospital, memhome, or

love. day,

letters

On

they to

d r e n ’s military

ber, nursing

a homeless

“I think that it is amazing that people are participating in

A: Seeing Costa students give back to others

would consider this blood drive to be fairly successful.

Tues-

person.

drive?

to work with what we had, but at the end of the day, I

that they

a total sum of over $500. The drama department dressed in

Kindness Week,” Link Crew leader and senior Liam Barberi

red and black outfits and costumes to represent the cause and

Liam Barberi Link Crew Leader and senior Q: Why do you think that it is important for student organizations like Link Crew and H.E.A.R.T club to collaborate to promote kindness on campus?

said. “Even if only one person’s day is made, it would still be

ness. On Wednesday, Link Crew and H.E.A.R.T club chal-

lenged students to send a positive text message or social media post. Students dressed up in Valentines Day- themed

clothing and brought treats to share with their friends yester-

day who they appreciate. Today, students are dressed up in

A: It is extremely important for students to be surrounded by kindness and positivity, especially on campus. By promoting Random Acts of Kindness Week, we are able to make sure

comfortable clothes and are writing letters to staff members.

people on the campus aware of the power of their actions, es-

makes it so students can come together and

pecially when they are positive towards their peers and other people,” H.E.A.R.T club co-president club and senior Jack

“It’s important for our students to learn how to use their

talents not just for personal gain but also to give back,” Drama Executive Director Jonathan Westerberg said. “It’s also a nice connection performance in front in a way that is also

wants everyone to feel included and this week share their love to their friends and family, but also people that they don’t know.

donation

Drama

connec-

Q: How does Drama’s connection to Broadway Cares show how Costa students contribute to supporting causes that they’re

Equity Fight AIDS is

A: Broadway Cares has a close relation to the

theater community’s

response to the

Sophi Boylan Drama Club President and senior

of a real audience, but

nization in New York

City and is the Costa’s

for our students to have a charitable.”

a nonprofit orga-

that people feel loved and cared for. Link Crew

“The goal of Random Acts of Kindness week is to get more

acting and dancing.

Broadway Cares/

worth all the work we put into it.”

Throughout the week, students continued to show kind-

advocacy. Drama students performed talents such as singing,

AIDS

epidemic.

Department has had

tions to the nonprofit for over

four years and plans to continue to support them, Drama student and junior Tucker St. Ivany said.

“AIDS is a health issue that has impacted the theatre com-

munity, which I think is always something that Drama stu-

passionate about?

Thespian Society; many Costa students are thespians and believe this is a great way to give back and help our community, especially since theatre is an art we’re all passionate about. It is important that we support professional actors and actresses if some of us may be a part of that lifestyle later on in life.

dents keep in mind during the benefit,” St. Ivany said. “And

in that case, it gives us a sense of duty. Not only are we raising money for people who have AIDS, but we’re raising money

A campus that cares Gebele said.

for a problem that could affect us in the future.”

La Vista takes an inside look at Link Crew and H.E.A.R.T. Club’s Random Acts of Kindness Week and how Costa students have spread kindness throughout the week.

XOXO, LINK CREW: Junior Casey Sestanovich posts a love letter on a stu-

dent’s locker on the first day of Random Acts of Kindness Week. Link Crew and H.E.A.R.T club wrote love letters to their friends, family and other students.

SINCERELY, SOMEONE WHO LOVES YOU: (From left to right) Juniors Ashley Naylor and Fran-

cesca Bennett write letters to Children’s Hospitals, military members, nursing homes and the homeless on Tuesday. After writing the letters, they were brought to the main office to be sent.

GOOD VIBES ONLY: Junior Kate Condren posts an encouraging message on her In-

stagram story on Wednesday of RAK week. Many members of Link Crew and H.E.A.R.T club posted positive messages on their social media accounts to promote kindness.

PRETTY IN PINK: (From left to right) Seniors Rochelle Scott, Ava Van’t Hof, Becky

Angiolini, Jojo Hoffman and London Foster dress in red and pink for Valentines Day. For the fourth day of RAK week, students shared sweet treats with their classmates.

12 La Vista

FEATURES

February 15, 2019

February 15, 2019

FEATURES

La Vista 13 9

Senior Weiss designs and creates her own swimwear brand, Carms ing photos on the beach with my I had a certain vision of how I wanted friends and always do [it] for fun,” everything branded and used props to Weiss said. “I decided to start my set up photo shoots to portray that careown bathing suit brand because I free, simplistic, yet glamorous look.” wanted to start taking pictures of Currently, Weiss has been using a manumy own stuff, not other brands.” facturer based in Brazil and has been comTo promote Carms, Weiss has municating with them via email. She sends created an instagram account in her designs with instructions and they called @carmskinis where she send back questions and fabrics that they shares the content from think should be used, her beach photo Weiss said. shoots. Weiss “I’m deplans to build ciding if I a website in want to stay the future, but with what I for now she am using or plans to sell her use a manufacswimwear on online turer based in marketplaces like [Los Angeles].”

Depop, Weiss said.

To learn more “Getting models and about the fashion friends together to have industry, Weiss has a photo shoot is one of been taking sewing my favorite parts of this classes through the process,” Weiss said.

Southern Califor“I think social menia Regional Ocdia is huge right now, cupational Center and I just want to get (SCROC) where she learns the one stitch at a time: Senior Carmen Weiss sews a garment and examines her design for her new up and the word out by havfundamentals of coming swimwear brand, Carms. Weiss has promoted her swimwear on social media with photos of her friends ing my friends wear [my bikini] and spreadpattern making, modeling the designs. Photo by Sarah Toomey ing the word locally.” sewing garments “Last year was when I really [started] Weiss has successfully protogether and

By Bella Macleod getting into building [Carms] when I duced one two-piece swimsuit Photo Courtesy of Carmen Weiss sketching designs.

Features Editor started a business plan and told my par- design which comes in four dif“SCROC has enior Carmen Weiss designs, cuts ents I really wanted to do this,” Weiss said. ferent colors, as well as a prototype helped me learn all the basics to what and sews her way to establishing Weiss’s decision to establish Carms for another design. The influence for it takes to create the clothing,” Weiss her very own swimwear brand, Carms. came about from her love of photography the designs come from her interest in said. “It has taught me about the fashWeiss has been thinking about start- since she spends a lot of time having beach vintage fashion from the 80s and 90s. ion industry as well as how to sew, and ing her own swimsuit brand since she photo shoots with friends. Before she cre“I am inspired by vintage designs how to turn a sketch into a tangible.” was in ninth grade, but did not really fo- ated her own brand, she would reach out like the 1994 spring Chanel collection “I am going to start selling localcus on it until the beginning of last year. to small or up-and-coming swimwear because of how girly, fun and timeless ly but in the future, I want to widen After sketching designs, taking sewing brands to take photos of their products to all the pieces are and the whole high [Carms],” Weiss said. “[I want] to start lessons and manufacturing her products, use for their websites or Instagram pages. waisted look, and pastel colors,” Weiss selling online and in stores, [and] I also Weiss was able to finally launch her brand.

“I’m very into photography and tak- said. “When creating my bikini designs, want to incorporate clothing one day.”

S

Bruhns fosters kittens and puppies from animal shelters in the South Bay

By Grace Dietz Executive Arts Editor

C

osta junior Jessica Bruhns fosters animals from local animal shelters to give them the best care possible before they find forever homes.

Bruhns has been fostering animals from the Hawthorne Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (spcLA) for the past eight years and has also interned with veterinarian Deborah Robertson and her at-home veterinary service called South Bay Mobile Vet. “We got the idea from my mom’s friend who started fostering before us,” Bruhns said. “We went to her house to see her puppies and realized that it was something that we really wanted to do. From there, my sister and I pestered our mom until she eventually gave in and let us foster.”

Over the years, Bruhns has fostered approximately 500 animals and found homes for each one. Bruhns works with the Hawthorne spcLA because the center is constantly in need of more foster parents. According to

Bruhns, more strays are found during the summer and fall, so she tries to foster as many as possible before they are euthanized. Bruhns typically fosters litters of kittens and occasionally puppies, but she has even cared for ducklings.

“My favorite animal that we fostered was a little kitten named Daisy,” Bruhns said. “She was a little black kitten with the most amazing personality. She would cuddle and snuggle with us, but she was also extremely playful.”

Bruhns is the primary care provider for the animals in her family and is in charge of feeding them, cleaning up after them and ensuring they stay healthy.

Being a foster parent for animals is a difficult job, as it constantly interferes with her busy schedule, Bruhns said.

“No matter how busy I am, I have to allot time to take care of the animals,” Bruhns said. “If that means sacrificing any plans I had made, so be it. I made a commitment and took the responsibility to care of these animals, and to not oblige to that would be unfair to them, as they deserve proper care and love.”

The shelter provides all the necessary items for the foster animals, but Bruhns frequently buys nicer materials or better quality food to make the animals more comfortable. The best part about fostering animals is the joy from knowing that she has done her best to help find homes for every single animal, Bruhns said.

“You really develop a bond with each

DOUBLE TROUBLE: Junior Jessica Bruhns smiles with two foster kittens. Bruhns has been fostering kittens and puppies from the Hawthorne spcLA shelter for the past eight years and works with different veterinarians to gain experience in the field. Photo Courtesy of Jessica Bruhns of the animals you foster,” Bruhns said.

“It is so rewarding to know that the animals that we raise are going to be the center of someone’s universe and provide them with happiness and joy.”

Bruhns has continued to learn more about how to properly care for foster animals through her internship with Robertson. Bruhns also learned how to draw animals’ blood, how to

monitor a patient under anesthesia and how to prepare and administer vaccines. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career as a veterinarian and continue to work with animals every day.

“Through the internship, I was able to see how much time and effort it takes to be a veterinarian,” Bruhns said. “I made some amazing connections and lasting relationships with the people I worked with.”

14 La Vista

SPORTS

February 15, 2019

Croon brings field hockey passion from the Netherlands to California Sophomore Jans Croon competes in competitive field hockey in Moorpark, California.

By Jillian Cherry Staff Writer

S

ophomore Jans Croon is making the field hockey court her field of dreams.

Croon started playing field hockey in the Netherlands at the age of six due to it being a very popular sport there.

She has been playing field hockey for almost 10 years since then.

“I got into [field hockey] because in the Netherlands [it’s] the sport that most girls play so I just joined my friends,” Croon said.

Croon moved from the Netherlands to California three years ago and has continued playing field hockey. She plays club field hockey because Costa does not have a school team, and she wants to continue to better her skills to possibly have a future in field hockey. Croon’s primary position is a defender, but she also plays midfield, which comes with a different skill set but also makes her an even more valuable player, she said.

“When I started hockey it was fun with my friends because they all did it as well, but it wasn’t as special as it is to me now,” Croon said.

Croon practices at the

Moorpark field hockey stadium and plays club field hockey for the Southern California Bulldogs. Her travel field hockey team, Los Angeles Field Hockey (LAFH), is an elite team that travels and competes around the country.

“Whenever I am at the field it feels like home,” Croon said.

Croon most recently played in the Christmas Classic in Moorpark, California. She and the Bulldogs played three games in total at the tournament and finished with a 2-1 record. “[We] ended up placing third in the U19 division,” Croon said.

Croon’s next tournament is in March with her travel team, LAFH. In this tournament, Croon and LAFH will play teams from both northern and southern California and compete against the best of the best which will push LAFH to their limits in order to win the tournament, Croon said.

“I am not nervous until right before the game starts, then some game nerves come in but really they only make me play better,” Croon said.

Photo courtesy of Jans Croon

FIELDING LOVE: Sophomore Jans Croon plays offense against the opposing team by taking the ball into the attacking zone to score a goal. Croon plays with her travel team, LAFH, or Los Angeles Field Hockey which is an elite team that travels and competes around the country and she also plays for the U17 and U19 Junior National Field Hockey Team. Photo Courtesy of Jans Croon Croon plans on playing field hockey throughout high school with the Bulldogs and LAFH. Her main goal is to play for a Division I Field Hockey program in college and possibly get a scholarship. According to Croon, the sport is very special to her because she has so many friends that she has made through field hockey over the past 10 years and gets to travel often, which creates great experiences for her and her team as well.

“I have a showcase this weekend, and the spring season also starts in two weeks,” Croon said.

In January, Croon was one of the 37

female field hockey players selected from around the United States to try out for the U17 and U19 Junior National Field Hockey Team. Even though she was selected to try out, she was unable to go because of an injury. However, Croons was still extremely honored to receive an invitation because of how elite the athletes are on the team.

“I love hockey because it has been something I’ve been able to do for almost ten years now, and whenever I am playing I am always with my friends who also share the same passion for [field] hockey as me,” Croon said.

Girls soccer prepares for CIF Semifinals

By Sophia Vaughan Staff Writer

T

he Mustangs managed to keep their playoff hopes alive with a 3-2 victory over the Moorpark Musketeers in the third round of the California Interscholastic Federation Playoffs.

The Mustangs went up against the Musketeers at Moorpark High School on Tuesday. Junior Ashley Stepczyk led the Mustangs, scoring two of their three goals. Costa’s control on offense contributed to the win, but the Mustangs also could have capitalized on more opportunities, sophomore center-midfielder Rachel Fox said.

“We could improve on finishing all of our chances,” Fox said.

The game started off strong for the Mustangs and despite a strong Moorpark defense, Stepczyk managed to push past the Musketeers for the first goal of the night. Another goal from Stepczyk allowed the Mustangs to close out the first half with a 2-0

lead. The Mustangs’ dynamic offense kept them in charge of the ball for most of the half, senior halfback Ava Van’t Hof said.

“I think we created a lot of chances and had possession in their half for a majority of the game,” Van’t Hof said.

The Musketeers came out fighting in the second half, managing to put their first goal on the board.

However, the Mustangs regained control when freshman Ellie Weissenberg propelled the ball into the goal, making the score 3-1.

Moorpark scored again,late but it was not enough to knock the Mustangs down and Costa clinched the 3-2 victory. Moorpark was not capable of defending the Mustangs’ strong offense.

“We did a good job of staying strong once letting in a goal and maintaining the lead,” Fox said.

Costa’s victory advances them to their first CIF semifinal appearance since the 2014 season. The game will be high stakes for Costa, who lost in 2014, and will be playing for the oppor-

StTeam a mRecords pe de S tats as of February 15 Sport

Win

Overall Loss

Boys Basketball

16

11

Girls Basketball Rugby

17

11

5

Boys Soccer

Tie

Streak

6

-

Lost 2

19

1

3

Lost 1

Girls Soccer

23

1

Won 8

Girls Water Polo

11

5 7

-

Won 4

Lost 2 Won 1

SAY CHEESE: The Mustangs smile after their huge win against Moorpark High Scool in the third round of CIF playoffs. The Mustangs won 3-2 against Moorpark and will be facing off against Vista Murrieta on Feb. 16. Photo Courtesy of Emilee Ray tunity to become Costa’s first CIF finalists since the 1999-2000 season.

“It’s really amazing to be going to the [semi-finals], Fox said. “We have worked really hard to get here.”

The Mustangs are now 3-0 in the post-season and advanced to the fourth round of the CIF Division 2 Playoffs. Costa will be facing the Vista Murrieta High School Broncos, who

are ranked 17th in California. The matchup will take place at Waller Stadium tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. The Mustangs hope to improve their connection on the field as they prepare to play Vista Murrieta, and also hope to execute their gameplans and plays, according to Van’t Hof. “We could always work on our communication in the game,” Van’t Hof said.

The Rundown Girls basketball fell to Arroyo Valley with a score of 66-40 on Feb. 7 in the first round of CIF playoffs.

Girls water polo beat Santiago High School 9-8 in the semi-finals of the CIF Playoffs in an away game.

Boys soccer is defeated in the second round of CIF

By Rachel Rosen Staff Writer

U

La Vista 15

SPORTS

Febuary 15, 2019

ndefeated no longer, the Mustangs fell to Long Beach Wilson.

The Mustangs were bested in penalty kicks by Long Beach Wilson in the second round of California Interscholastic Federation playoffs on Feb. 9.

“I think we played re-

ally well overall even though we lost,” senior Malcolm Kluth said. “We moved the ball extremely easily and dominated almost the entire game.”

As the first half began, the Mustangs came out full speed. However, Long Beach Wilson’s strong defensive players made it difficult for Costa to have any opportunities for a goal.

The first half ended 0-0.

TIP-TOES: Junior Macley Baim saves a ball before it goes out of bounds and passes to senior Ian Sinkowitz . The Mustangs lost to Long Beach Wilson in penalty kicks in CIF. Photo by Faith Bolin

“Wilson had a strong center back who was able to make it tough for us to score,” Kluth said.

“I think we would win that game nine times out of 10, but the ball just couldn’t go in that day.”

The Mustangs continued to dominate possession in the second half, but got shut down near their opponent’s goal. Wilson kept senior Josh Gaudiano in check as they knew he was an offensive threat. The score remained 0-0 after another 20 minutes of overtime.

“I was unable to score because I was double man-marked and could not get open to get a shot off,” Gaudiano said. “The chances I had were from tough angles and I could not place it around the keeper.”

Little happened in the last 20 minutes for both teams, according to junior Dillan Argue. The Mustangs prepared for penalty kicks.

Seniors Gaudiano, Kluth, and Ian Sinkowitz and juniors Argue and James Riker lined up to kick.

“Overall the team played pretty well,” Gaudiano said. “It’s unfortunate that we had to determine the winner in penalty kicks.”

The Mustangs were unlucky in the their penalty kicks, converting 3 out of 5. Unfortunately Long Beach Wilson sunk 4 and took home the victory.

“It was unfortunate that it came down to penalty kicks because Wilson’s goalie was very g o o d , ” Argue said.

Even though the boys only made it t o t h e s e c o n d r o u n d of CIF, they had an impressive season, going undefeated in Bay League for the first time. The team is hoping to improve next year.

“Even though our season ended in a low, we had a very successful season overall,” Argue said.

T O P P E R F O R M E R S

Senior Zach Cochran Boys Soccer Cochran made many saves in the CIF second round game against Long Beach Wilson.

Junior Grace Watkins Girls Soccer Watkins scored a penalty kick to give Costa the lead against Bishop Amat on Feb. 8.

Senior Carson Carey Boys Basketball Carson Carey scored numerous points on Jan. 31 against Redondo in their final game.

Junior Kim Waller Girls Basketball Waller had eight rebounds and defended well against Arroyo Valley on Feb. 7.

Junior Celeste Almendariz Girls Waterpolo Almendariz scored numerous goals on Wednesday in an away game against Santiago.

16

La Vista

SPORTS

February 15, 2019

Winter sports are coming to a close,

but Costa teams still fight in CIF Playoffs Girls Water Polo

By Brian Kaiserman Copy Editor

T

he Mustangs girls water polo team has been splashing their way through the rounds of California Interscholatic Federation playoffs.

The Mustangs played against Santiago High School on Wednesday and won their third CIF game this season, 9-8. Due to Costa’s strong defense, they were able to keep Santiago to eight goals and their offense scored 9.

By winning this game they advanced to the fourth round of CIF, which is one step closer to winning it all and getting their championship rings.Costa also re-

Lyte Work: Junior Leigh Lyter shoots the ball against Santiago High School on Wednesday.

Costa won the game, 9-8 and will advance to the fourth round of CIF. Photo by Sarah Toomey

Boys Wrestling

By Cole Garvey Sports Editor

M

ira Costa boys wrestling team competed in the CIF wrestling Championships on Feb. 9-10 at Citrus High School. The boys had an impressive performance, and because of this they will move on to the CIF Masters tournament tomorrow and Sunday to compete against other strong competition.

At the Championship last weekend, three Costa wrestlers placed in the top 10.

Junior Taro Iyadomi, who wrestled at 160 pounds, placed fourth, junior Greg Sevanston, who wrestled at 152 pounds, placed sixth, and senior Tyler Gordon, who wrestled at 145 pounds, placed fifth. Last year, the Mustangs qualified five wrestlers into the Masters tournament, which was the second time that this had been done in the history of Costa’s historic wrestling

cently defeated Claremont High School, 13-6 at home on Monday with juniors Celeste Almendariz and Leigh Lyter leading the team with numerous goals.

“My team and I enjoy CIF because the longer we stay in, the more time we have to spend with each other,” junior Leigh Lyter said. “Girls water polo has never won a CIF division title and we just want to make that happen.”

The girls have been putting in a lot of time in the pool and hope to get the results that they’re looking for. Franklin, the trainer, has helped with rehabilition for the team which is helping them get ready for their challenging games that are ahead of them. Their goal is to win CIF and they are trying their best to be prepared for the upcoming rounds.

They have spent lots of hours in the pool before and after school in order to get ready for later rounds of playoffs.

“We’ve been eating healthy, and doing lighter workouts to focus on rehabilitation,” senior Camille Lyter said.

program.

T h e s e five previous wrestlers were unable to get through the masters tournament last year, and individually no Costa wrestlers in 2018 wrestled in the State Championships.

Although Costa didn’t qualify as many wrestlers this year, the three boys that did qualify are ready to take gold in the competitive Masters tournament.

“We’re doing a lot of technical work,” Iyadomi said. “Especially since there are only three guys left and two girls. We have more one on one time with our coaches.”

In order to prepare for the Masters tournament this weekend, the Mustangs will concentrate on practicing hard as well as perfecting and sharpening their skills in order to place well in one of the biggest matches of their season, according to Iyadomi. After Masters, the boys will move on to the CIF State Championships where they will compete as a team to become the California State Champions. A win in the State Championship will cap off an impressive season for the Mustangs, who had three Bay League Champion wrestlers earlier in the year.

“We are perfecting all of the moves that we have learned throughout the season and focusing on making it as far as we can,” Iyadomi said.

Girls Soccer

By Brian Kaiserman Copy Editor

M

ira Costa girls soccer continues to kick their way through the rounds of California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and are keeping up their impressive season in the playoffs after a 3-2 win on the road against Moorpark on Tuesday.

The Mustangs were led to victory by junior Ashley Stepczyk who scored two huge goals to give Costa the lead. Their offense executed their plays well and defensively they played tough and held Moorpark to two goals to clintch the road win. They want to keep up their momentum and continue to execute their plays and gameplans going into

the next round of CIF. In the next round of CIF playoffs the Mutangs will take on another difficult challenge as they take on Vista Murrieta in a very important home game tomorrow.

“I think that we have the ability to win CIF because of our depth and team chemistry,” junior forward Chloe Hartley said.

“So far we have had a really great season, and we want to continue to win and make it all the way to the CIF Finals.”

The team has been practicing every day in order to prepare for the playoffs.

The practices have been pretty difficult, but effective, Hartley said. They have not only been working on their footwork, plays and skills but also have been conditioning so that they are completly prepared for what is coming their way in the upcoming rounds of CIF. “We have a really good group of girls this year that all play with a lot of heart which is a great quality,” senior defender Josie Wigodsky said.

Wat-kick: Junior Grace Watkins dribbles down the field in a previous game against El Toro High School on Feb. 6. The Mustangs won this game handily by a score of 3-1. Photo by Faith Bolin

Girls Wrestling

By Cole Garvey Sports Editor

M

ira Costa’s girls wrestling team competed in the CIF Qualifier on Feb. 2 at Downey High School. The Mustangs competed valiantly, with two girls placing in the top 10 of the individual ranks. After Costa’s strong performance in the Qualifiers, the Mustangs will compete in the CIF Southern Section Championships at Eleanor Roosevelt High School tomorrow and Sunday.

Costa was represented by two juniors in the top 10 of the CIF Qualifiers. Junior Cali Sheldon, who wrestled at 118 pounds, took second, and junior Fiona Thomas, who wrestled at 150 pounds, took fifth. These great placings helped to contribute to a higher ranking and better chances to move on and win. Costa girls wrestling has been dominant all season

with lady Mustangs placing first or second in every match they wrestled in this year.

“This week we are just practicing with the people who are going to CIF and are specifically focussing on the mistakes we made at the qualifiers,” Junior Fiona Thomas said.

In order to prepare for the CIF Southern Section Championships this weekend, the girls are focusing on practicing technique and perfecting their craft in order to place well in the match. They have been conditioing physically and mentally for the upcoming games to succeed. Last year, Costa finished 25th in state, their best performance to date, with Costa alumnus Sasha Medvidovic who placed third in state with an extremly impressive record of 29-1. Medvidovic’s only loss came courtesty of the fourth ranked wrestler in the nation. Costa’s wrestling team hopes that this year they will be even better so they can advance higher in the rankings and win a CIF Championship and possibly even the elusive State Chamionship in the next few weeks.

“For me specifically, I am working on keeping my head up when I take shots [in the upcoimg CIF games],” Thomas said.

SPORTS

February 15, 2018

La Vista

sports calendar Date

event

Location

Varsity Baseball vs Foothill at 11AM

Mira Costa

Track and Field vs South Torrance vs West Torrance at 9AM

West Torrance HS

Girls Varsity Soccer vs Vista Murrietta (CIF Div. II Semifinals) at 3PM

Mira Costa HS

Monday, February 18

Varsity Baseball vs St. John Bosco at 3PM

St. John Bosco

Wednesday, February 20

Varsity Baseball at Elks Tournament (Opponent TBD)

TBD

Friday, February 22

Varsity Baseball in Elks Tournament (Opponent TBD)

TBD

Saturday, February 23

Distance Track in Palos Verdes Invitational at 10:30 AM

Palos Verdes HS

JV Baseball vs Torrance HS at 11AM

Torrance HS

Varsity Softball vs North Torrance HS at 3:15PM

North Torrance HS

Varsity Baseball vs El Segundo HS at 6PM

Recreation Park

Tuesday, February 26

Girls Varsity Lacrosse vs Culver City at 7PM

Culver City

Wednesday, February 27

Boys V/JV Tennis vs Long Beach Poly at 3PM

Mira Costa

Varsity Baseball vs Gahr HS at 3PM

Gahr HS

Girls Varsity Lacrosse vs Palisades at 4:30 PM

Palisades

Saturday, February 16

Monday, February 25

Thursday, February 28

17

MCHS 2019 OSCAR BALLOT Name:

Grade:

4th Period Room:

Snap a photo of your completed ballot and DM it to @lavistamedia on Instagram no later than Friday, February 22nd for a chance to win a prize.

In the event of a tie, La Vista will hold a random drawing.

Lead Actress:

p Yalitza Aparicio (Roma) p Glenn Close (The Wife) p Olivia Colman (The Favourite) p Lady Gaga (A Star Is Born) p Melissa McCarthy (Can You Ever Forgive Me?)

Best Picture:

p Black Panther p BlacKkKlansman p Bohemian Rhapsody p The Favourite p Green Book p Roma p A Star Is Born p Vice

Supporting Actress: Original Song: p Amy Adams (Vice) p Marina de Tavira (Roma) p Regina King (If Beale Street Could Talk) p Emma Stone (The Favourite) p Rachel Weisz (The Favourite)

p “All The Stars” from Black Panther by Kendrick Lamar, SZA

p “I’ll Fight” from RBG by Diane Warren, Jennifer Hudson

p “The Place Where Lost Things Go”

from Mary Poppins Returns by Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman

Best Director:

p Spike Lee (BlacKkKlansman) p Pawel Pawlikowski (Cold War) p Yorgos Lanthimos (The Favourite) p Alfonso Cuarón (Roma) p Adam McKay (Vice)

p “Shallow”

from A Star Is Born by Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando, Andrew Wyatt and Benjamin Rice

p “When A Cowboy Trades His Spurs For Wings”

from The Ballad of Buster Scruggs by David Rawlings and Gillian Welch

Lead Actor:

p Christian Bale (Vice) p Bradley Cooper (A Star Is Born) p Willem Dafoe (At Eternity’s Gate) p Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody) p Viggo Mortensen (Green Book)

Supporting Actor:

p Mahershala Ali (Green Book) p Adam Driver (BlacKkKlansman) p Sam Elliott (A Star Is Born) p Richard E. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?)

p Sam Rockwell (Vice)

Original Screenplay:

p The Favourite, Deborah Davis, Tony McNamara p First Reformed, Paul Schrader p Green Book, Nick Vallelonga, Brian Currie, Peter Farrelly p Roma, Alfonso Cuarón p Vice, Adam McKay

18 La Vista

ARTS

Febuary 15, 2019

Ariana Grande’s album ‘thank u, next’ impresses loyal listeners

By Brian Kaiserman Copy Editor

T

he highly anticipated release of Ariana Grande’s new album “thank u, next,” was a grande success.

After months of turmoil which included major beef with her exfiancé Pete Davidson, an accidental barbecue grill tattoo and skipping the Grammys, Grande bounced back as her new album is an absolute banger.

Grande released the album on Feb. 8 with help from the production company Republic Records. Before the release, there were many skeptics, but Grande just kept “breathin” because she knew that “God is a woman,”

so now she has “no tears left to cry.” The album is based on Grande’s breakup with Davidson who stars in “Saturday Night Live.” She discusses why she ended the relationship in the first place and the outcome of that decision.

Listeners usually praise Grande for her flawless vocals, but in “thank u, next” she easily surpasses her past albums. Her beautiful vocals and perfect pitch will surely leave Davidson regretting all of his life decisions.

Despite all of her success and accomplishments, there are always people

“7 rings” depicts Grande’s newfound courage, but poses controversy due to a similar beat to other songs. Courtesy of iHeart.

Illustrated by Lucy Nickerson

who love to hate on Grande.

Some hate the way Grande sounds or the fact that all her songs sound the same. But aside from her questionable ponytail, there’s really no reason to hate her, especially after her recent album release.

Unfortunately, some of the songs do not match the quality of the rest of the album.

The song “7 rings” is practically a copy of “My Favorite Things” from the Sound of Music. The fact that the two beats are identical is suspicious and unoriginal, considering that Grande copied a song so well known and iconic.

Almost every song on the album is one of the best

“thank u, next” inspires fans to move on after sad heartbreaks, like her recent breakup with Davidson. Courtesy of Teen Vogue.

ever produced, but the highlight of “thank u, next” has to be the song “thank u, next.” In this masterpiece, Grande expresses her feelings towards her exes, but respectfully pays tribute to the late Mac Miller.

Overall, the songs are melodic and the lyrics are well thought out and personal. The songs are so heartfelt and emotional that they bring even the most cynical people to tears until they have none left to cry. The release of the album has not only silenced the haters, but also made a strong case that Grande is the best musician and entertainer since Beethoven. “thank u, next” can be purchased on iTunes and streamed on Spotify and YouTube.

“break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored” portrays Grande’s desire to love, even if it’s not a serious relationship. Courtesy of iHeart.

La Vista 19

ARTS

February 15, 2019

Netflix, Hulu explore disastrous Fyre Festival in new documentaries Fyre Festival explained with extreme detail in two new documentaries

By Penelope Misceo Staff Writer

T

he 2017 Fyre Festival, a music festival in the Bahamas, had dire and shocking results, and although it has slowly begun to circulate out of the news, its disorganization is described as totally disastrous.

Netflix and Hulu released two documentaries within the same week, both of which detail the factors that caused the much-anticipated festival in the Bahamas

to fall apart, as well as the aftermath. Those responsible for the festival’s failure include the founder, Billy McFarland, and rapper Ja Rule.

Each documentary on the Fyre Festival provides many of the same details, although the stylistic approaches of the films create contrasting opinions.

Jenner Furst and Julia Willoughby Nason wrote and produced Hulu’s documentary called “Fyre Fraud,” released on Jan. 14. The documentary focuses on the events leading up to the festival and discusses the lack of planning by the event’s leaders, which eventually led to its unfortunate downfall.

Released on Jan. 19, Elliot Tebele and his marketing company, Jerry Media, produced Netflix’s “FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened.”

Jerry Media is also the company responsible for advertising

YOU’RE FYRED: The sleep accommodations for the festival were nowhere near as high-quality as creators said they would be. Courtesy of YouTube.

the Fyre Festival. The documentary includes details about the horrible conditions attendees faced during the festival.

Each documentary approached the festival very differently.

“Fyre Fraud” comically discusses the unrealistic standards that the Fyre Festival’s creators set for the event. It does not show sympathy for the creators of the festival, including McFarland.

The satirical use of background music as well as references to pop culture in comparison to the event are used cleverly.

“FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened” takes a serious look at the event, and skillfully persuades the audience to feel pity and sadness for those who created or attended the event. The documentary includes emotional interviews with those negatively affected by the festival, whose stories make viewers feel empathetic for them. It also makes it clear that the creators of the documentary sympathize with those who attended the event.

The major contrasts between the releases is their final stance on the festival: “Fyre Fraud” criminalizes McFarland for his acts of fraud and uses interviews with him to suggest sociopathic tendencies. These varying approaches are effective and convincing, but the remainder of the documentary lacks the shock factor that Netflix’s documenta-

Quick Facts About the Fyre Festival -The festival happened in Exuma, The Bahamas.

-Media personalities such as Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid were paid to promote the event.

-Rapper Ja Rule was the face of the event.

-The leaders of the festival promised high-quality food and materials, but they did not deliver.

-The Fyre Festival promised attendees amazing lodging and accommodations, but the attendees had to stay in tents.

-Billy McFarland, the founder of Fyre Festival, was sentenced to six years in prison in Oct. 2018 and ordered to forfeit $26 million.

-The Fyre Festival was indefinitely canceled after attendees witnessed the terrible circumstances. ry contains.

“FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened” takes a serious look at the festival.

The documentary is stronger than Hulu’s film in its ability to grip viewer’s attention and humanize workers and attendees involved. However, it subconsciously takes the side of those who created the Fyre Festival, McFarland and his business partner, Ja Rule. It is questionable in its credibility as the producers of the movie were also the marketing company for the Fyre Festival itself. Additionally, the documentary’s opinions

and viewpoints lack substantial justification and explanation, which ultimately drives many viewers away.

Netflix and Hulu’s Fyre Festival documentaries take completely different stances on the Fyre Festival, and perplex viewers with their differing, yet captivating opinions. Both documentaries, although enticing in their own ways, give viewers the liberty to create their own opinions on the event.

“Fyre Fraud” is available on Hulu, and “FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened” is available on Netflix.

Netflix’s addition of ‘The Ted Bundy Tapes’ provides insight to the killer’s mind

By Skylar Jones Arts Editor

N

etflix recently released “Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes,” providing an inside look at America’s most notorious serial killer, Ted Bundy.

Disclaimer: the events described are highly disturbing and troubling.

“Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes” gives viewers chills, providing insight to Ted Bundy’s murders. The series provides viewers with an indepth description of these murders, as well as the psychological process of the infamous killer.

Due to the heavy content, the show is disturbing, yet intriguing to viewers, providing a deep look into Ted Bundy’s murders and his psychological disorder.

Journalists Stephen Michaud and Hugh Aynesworth interviewed Bundy in the early 1980’s in Florida State Prison as an attempt to discover as much as possible about the serial killer, including his motivations, his psychological influence and the killings themselves. Michaud and Aynesworth struggle to figure out Bundy and initially are left with minimal information. They finally break Bundy by getting him to talk about the homicides in third-person and his story begins there.

Ranking above serial killers such as Jeffrey Dahmer and

Convicted killer: “Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes” shocks viewers with actual interviews and realistic depictions of murders committed by the serial killer Ted Bundy from 1974 to 1978. Courtesy of Oxygen.

Charles Manson, Ted Bundy is referred to as America’s most notorious serial killer of all time. Described from an outside perspective, Bundy was said to be a well-mannered, intelligent, handsome individual, in addition to being a psychotic killer.

After several years of research from Michaud and Aynesworth, Bundy’s murders revealed him to be a serial killer, kidnapper, rapist, burglar, sadist and necrophiliac. Bundy’s life eventually ended by execution on Jan. 24, 1989 in Florida State Prison after receiving two death sentences for his crimes.

Michaud and Aynesworth administered several taped interviews with Bundy himself.

Although gruesome and disturbing, the tapes are intriguing, allowing viewers to attempt to

understand what went through this killer’s mind when raping and murdering young women.

“Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes” is brilliantly formatted, following Bundy’s entire life from adolescence to his death. The show begins in the 1960s and ends at the electric chair, providing a close up of the serial killer’s life up until the end. This allows viewers to follow his life approach and understand what led to his killing spree.

The documentary starts slowly due to Bundy’s resistance to open up to the interviewers.

He holds back most information about the murders and exclusively gives factual details without showing any emotion.

However, once asked to speak in third-person about the events,

the show quickly picks up its pace and gives in-depth information on his motives, tactics and psychological disorders.

For individuals interested in the field of criminology, “Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes” is the perfect show. Interviews are held with detectives, witnesses and the killer himself. The show also provides insight to Bundy’s psychoanalysis, which eventually is classified as manicdepression, a disorder usually characterized by episodes of mood swings, from depressive lows to manic highs.

Most importantly, the documentary provides extensive information about the murders themselves. On the record, Bundy killed approximately 30 women. Although the idea

of incorporating these facts is troubling to many viewers, it allows for greater knowledge of Bundy’s homicides and provides viewers with the details necessary to judge the killer.

“Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes” is not an easy watch, especially for younger viewers. Most viewers find the events described in the documentary very disturbing.

Overall, “Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes” provides viewers with enough information to understand Ted Bundy and the details of his murders, as well as the factors that led him to murder women as violently as he did.

Released on Jan. 24, “Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes” is available to stream on Netflix.

Illustration by Natalee Park

20 La Vista

ARTS

February 15, 2019

A LOOK AT THE 91st ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS...

La Vista staff members predict the 2019 Academy Award winners for some of the most popular categories.

Compiled by Grace Dietz/Executive Arts Editor, Skylar Jones/Arts Editor, All Photos Taken From IMDB.com

BEST ACTRESS

And the award goes to...

LADY GAGA “Even though she’s always been an icon in my eyes, I thought Lady Gaga was exceptionally good in ‘A Star is Born.’”

-Bella Macleod, Features Editor

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

BEST ORIGINAL PICTURE

And the award goes to...

“BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY”

“‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ was an extremely well-made movie with great cinematography and amazing acting. The story perfectly portrays Freddie Mercury’s rise to fame and gives all viewers a look into his hardships. Overall, it’s a spectacular movie and absolutely deserves the award for Best Movie in the Oscars this year.”

-Sarah Toomey, Photo Editor

LA VISTA’S

BEST ACTOR

And the award goes to...

RAMI MALEK “I’ve seen some of Malek’s past work, and I think he did a great job depicting Freddie Mercury in this movie. He absolutely deserves to win an Oscar.”

-Michael Todd, Managing Editor

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

OSCAR

And the award goes to...

And the award goes to...

ADAM DRIVER

EMMA STONE

“Driver’s acting capabilities are evident in ‘BlackKklansman.’ He is able to make his character come to life with vivid detail.”

“Stone is a jack of many trades. She perfectly executes everything in ‘The Favourite’, from her character development to her magnificent delivery.”

-Claire DuMont, Editor-in-Chief

BEST DIRECTOR

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SPIKE LEE “Lee perfectly depicts the lives of people of color, as they are often discriminated against today. ” -Sammy Miller, Sports Editor

TOP PICKS

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

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“VICE” “‘Vice’ is the ideal pick for Best Original Screenplay because it takes an accurate stance of Dick Cheney as a politician, and depicts how his decisions after 9/11 affect our generation today.”

-Garrett Allen, Opinion Editor

-Karli Wallace, Executive Theme Editor

BEST SONG

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“SHALLOW”

“‘Shallow’ is such a popular song at this time, so I believe that it will win at the Oscars, like it did at The Grammys and the Golden Globes.”

-Kyra Williams, Executive News Editor