April/May 2013

Boston Marathon Tragedy

Students worry about family and friends present during the marathon bombing.

Page 2 News

The Hungry Maverick

Soldiers Honored in Memorial Service

Service for family and comrades at Pendleton honors 86 fallen servicemen and women.

Pages 8-9 Feature

MavLife staffers participate in a taste test to find the most decadent pizza.

MavLife

Entertainment Page 16

Breaking the Silence April/May 2013

La Costa Canyon High School, One Maverick Way, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Volume 7 Issue 6

GSA club holds annual ‘Day of Silence’ with a more inclusive approach

Chase McAlliister

Above: Participants in the Day of Silence sit quietly on the stage in the student center at lunch on April 19 to raise awareness for students who are silent about their sexual orientation. Right: “Out of the Closet” radio host and community LGBT advocate Kristy Salazar urges students not to discriminate against their peers.

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he Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) club has been striving to make the nationally recognized Day of Silence (DOS) a more meaningful and less aggressive event on campus. On April 19, students expressed their support of their lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning peers by observing a day of silence.

Molly Mineiro Staff Writer According to www. dayofsilence.org, this event is “a student-led national event that brings attention to antiLGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools,” with the intention to “encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior by illustrating the silencing effect of bullying and harassment of LGBT students and those perceived to be LGBT.” However, this year’s students

were hesitant to observe the DOS. “We weren’t entirely sure that we were going to do the Day of Silence,” junior and GSA vice president Colin Kirkwood said. “People who were very supportive of the cause didn’t want to participate or didn’t like it because it was very aggressive.”

Junior and GSA president Laila Al-Shamma explains the effect of students forming a circle in the student center, a way of

participating in the DOS that has been used in the past.

“It’s supposed to send a message of love and compassion, but it really seemed very aggressive,” Al-Shamma said.

“It created a lot of tension and discomfort between people that are standing there and the people they are looking at.”

GSA leaders have been working diligently to alter the impression of the DOS and spread awareness of its purpose.

“We’re trying to change it so that it is less like an ‘us versus them’ atmosphere and people are more informed and it’s more about caring for one another,” AlShamma said.

In order to express the purpose of students’ deliberate silence, “Out of the Closet” radio host and community LGBT advocate Kristy Salazar spoke in the student center during lunch on April 19.

“I was communicating a sense of unity and using the Day of Silence to bring awareness to the LGBT youth on campus so that everyone can have a harassmentfree, discrimination-free place of education,” Salazar said.

The DOS has become

“

Chase McAllister

controversial due to the fact that it does involve frequently disputed political issues about sexual orientation. However, GSA advisor and Director of the Instrumental Music Department Carissa Mattison explains that this event is not so much about beliefs as it is about behavior.

Continued on Page 3

I was communicating a sense of unity so that everyone can have a harassment-free, discrimination-free place of education.

”

Kristy Salazar

Ian Baker Wins National Wrestling Championship

Junior becomes first wrestling champion in the district’s history Anthony Fregoso Sports Editor

J

unior Ian Baker became the first wrestler in the district’s history to be crowned National Champion on April 4 in Virginia Beach.

After winning the San Diego section at 182 pounds, Baker began to prepare for his journey to nationals.

“During the season I was doing a lot of hours per week but took a little break from that,” Baker said. “Then I was just doing specialized training sessions with me and my old wrestling partner,

Paul Head, who just placed at college nationals.”

Due to his extra time spent working out he defeated Malik McDonald from North Carolina to capture the championship.

“I was pretty psyched,” Baker said. “I won by eight or nine points. I went the whole match.”

Baker has already heard from several college wrestling programs.

“A lot of colleges have shown interest such as Princeton, Brown, Duke and Stanford,” Baker said. “I haven’t been near committing. I may in the summer, because I am going to some camps and some

other big tournaments.”

After winning the biggest event of his wrestling career so far, Baker looks forward and hopes to become even more accomplished next year.

“I would like to win the California state tournament next year and hopefully win Nationals,” Baker said.

This goal is one his coach, Dwayne Buth, believes he is capable of reaching.

“He has good composure, he rises to the occasion and he is very well balanced because he is a student athlete as well,” Buth said.

Photo courtesy of Shaun McIntyre.

Junior Ian Baker uses the “leg ride” move to pin his opponent on April 4 at the National Championship in Virginia Beach,VA. Baker is only the third individual in the district to place at the NHSCA National Championships, and he is the first National Champion in the history of the SDUHSD.

News

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April/May

Boston Bombings Rattle the Nation Students and alumni react to the event that shocked Boston

Photo courtesy of Aaron Tang via Wikimedia Commons.

A spectator comforts an injured woman shortly after two explosions rocked the finish line at the Boston Marathon on April 15.

Cassandra Cyphers Staff Writer

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anic. A bomb has just exploded, knocking nearby runners to the ground. People are screaming and running.

Blood stains the sidewalk from injured bystanders near the site of the blast. Then, another explosion farther down the street. Three are dead; over a hundred are injured.

One man is even missing both his legs.

While most of the nation watched the story unfold through social media on TV April 15, for several La Costa Canyon students the events of the 117th Boston Marathon hit much closer to home.

“My sister goes to Boston College,” senior Rebecca Hammock said. “She was volunteering kind of down there by where the bombs went off, but she had actually just left before that happened.”

Meg Shepro, an LCC alumna and Boston University freshman, had similar luck that day while volunteering less than a mile from the finish line having left just before the bombings.

“Everyone was pretty scared and freaked out,” Shepro said. “We attempted to call friends but cell phone service for making calls was shut off, adding to the stress. I didn’t go back to my dorm that night for fear of being outside.”

Fear and anxiety spread throughout the nation after learning about the blasts.

“It was really scary because whenever something like that happens in your area—like when the fires happened for us—it obviously freaks you out. It’s like ‘That kind of stuff doesn’t happen near me,’” Hammock said.

LCC runners who weren’t at the marathon were sympathetic to the shock felt by the marathoners.

“It really scared me; it almost felt like it was a lot closer than it was,” junior Alex Fromme said. “It’s on the opposite coast of here, but it really felt a lot closer because I am a runner.”

Even more stressful for the Boston area were the days following the bombings.

“The few days after the bombings everyone was just in a gloom, and it was taxing on a lot of people,” LCC alumna and freshman at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Julia Heyman said. “It was an emotional week for a lot of people.”

After a two days, two suspects were named on Wednesday. On Thursday night, the two suspects attacked an MIT police officer and stole a car, resulting in the death of the first suspect,Tamerlan Tsarnaev. It was a tense Friday as Boston police officers pursued the second suspect, until finally news came of the capture of the second suspect, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

“For hours people ran around the streets cheering, and everyone ran to the Boston Commons to celebrate,” Shepro said.

April 15 will be a day to remember, not only for the

Photo courtesy of Aaron Tang via Wikimedia Commons.

Thousands of spectators cheer by the finish line at 7:26 a.m., just hours before the explosions.

lives lost and the injuries suffered, but for the people who stepped up to help those in need.

“It’s going to have a big impact on the city of Boston, the way 9/11 affected New York,” Hammock said. “It’s horrible what happened, but it’s also kind of inspiring the way that people reacted and can come back from something like that.”

The Boston bombings certainly sparked fear across the nation, and most students agree that it is impossible to completely prevent future attacks.

“Twenty-six point two miles is a lot of area to protect, so there really is no way to predict this,” Fromme said.

A shining light in this moment of darkness in United States history is the corps of helpers who came to the aid of the injured after the explosions.

“We can’t live our whole lives just being on edge all the time, because that’s no way to live,” Hammock said.

“People are always going to do bad things and there will always be good people who help when that kind of thing happens.”

Despite the attack of that afternoon at the marathon, Boston is a city that can pick itself up again.

“It puts a lot into perspective about how we will get back up after this huge tragedy,” Heyman said. “How we put back the broken pieces and how we stay strong and resilient is much more important than the actual event that happened.”

New In-N-Out Coming to Encinitas

New location provides a closer option for fans of the popular burger chain

A

Meghan Lumsden Asst. Design Editor

new In-N-Out restaurant is set to open in Encinitas, replacing the Del Taco on 130 Calle Magdalena. This will be near popular spots such as Moonlight Beach and the 101 Highway.

Currently, the two closest In-N-Out locations are in Carlsbad and San Marcos. Both are approximately 15 minutes away from the La Costa area. The new location in Encinitas will not only be closer to south Carlsbad and Encinitas dwellers, but it is also not as out of the way as the other two standing locations.

“I think it will bring some business to Encinitas,” senior Cynthia Martinson said. “More people will be going to that area so it could be good even for other places in that area.”

However, some businesses surrounding the location for the new In-N-Out are worried that the restaurant could have potentially harmful effects.

“We simply wanted some assurances that projected traffic volumes for the In-N-Out would not create ingress

and egress challenges for the church,” Communications Coordinator of the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, Mindy Scher, said.

Yet the prospect of keeping more people in Encinitas could be both a negative and a positive factor towards building the restaurant in that area.

“With so many fast food places around, there could be more competition between the businesses,” Martinson said. “But it could keep customers more local instead of going to other places to get food.”

While local business is beneficial to the city, the already congested area could face an addition of just under 1,000 cars to the streets each day.

“I don’t really want more traffic,” junior Sam Liniger said. “But if it is for In-N-Out, I guess it’s worth it.”

Despite the setback of increased traffic, there are several benefits of a new location for the well-known burger joint, and the In-N-Out company has been looking to open an establishment in Encinitas for some time now.

“I think that it is great,” freshman Brandon Butler said.

“It’s good to have one closer than the one in Carlsbad.”

While the iconic gold arrow of the brand’s logo will surely draw more people to Encinitas, this increase

Meghan Lumsden

The In-N-Out in Carlsbad is located on Avenida Encinas and is currently 6.6 miles away from LCC.The new location will be 5.4 miles away, on Calle Magdalena in Encinitas.

in activity could also have a positive influence on the surrounding establishments.

“We think it’s good for visibility and creates a landmark next to the church that helps people find us easier,” Scher said.

This new location serves as a more accessible option for members of the community.

“It’ll save gas for me,” Martinson said. “Not being so far away and just in general [it will] be a lot easier to get to and hang out at with friends.”

News

April/May

3

Student Seeks to Crank up the Volume ASB provides grant to CoreyWalsh to build new campus sound system Hunter Klawans Staff Writer

S

Chase McAllister

Senior and future MIT freshman Corey Walsh stands alongside the sound system he built with support from ASB funds. It has taken Walsh over a year to build the system.

tudents are used to poor quality speakers at the football field. The speakers are supposed to be loud and clear to pump up the sports teams. Now we have a new addition for the football field with new speakers.

In order to kick off the upcoming 2014-2015 school year, senior Corey Walsh developed a sound system for the school. Walsh regularly builds sound systems and sells them to customers on his website, www. coreyhwalsh.com.

The sound system will help improve sports events, especially those located on the main field.

“We have been needing some other speakers especially down on the football field,” ASB

director Kaitlin Wood said.

Walsh has been working on the project for over a year now, using money that ASB granted him to purchase the materials needed to create the sound system.

“I wanted an interesting project for my last year and I had two free periods,” Walsh said. “I also noticed the sound system we use at school is pretty terrible. I talked to Ms.Wood last year right before spring break and she said that ASB was interested.”

Walsh then designed a plan to present to ASB. “I came up with a proposal over spring break 2012 and presented it to the ASB and right afterwards they gave me the O.K.,” Walsh said.

Believing that Walsh could put together a successful sound system, ASB invested approximately $5500 in the

project.

“The speakers for the subwoofers were $1200 total, the amplifiers and the electronics were about $2400, the wood was about another $800, the main speakers were about $1000 or so,” Walsh said.

The school not only saves money, but they also receive a brand new speaker system.

“It was a win-win using less of our money than the cost for new speakers to be built for us,” Wood said.

Walsh recently got accepted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. MIT is one of the top academic schools in the country, with a slim acceptance rate of 9.73 percent.

“This project was one of my main points on all of my college applications and I think this is part of what got me into MIT,” Walsh said.

Amateur Weatherman Brings Real Skills to LCC-TV Freshman Chad Crilley hopes someday to extend his skills into professional television Cassandra Cyphers Staff Writer

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reshman Chad Crilley doesn’t simply watch the weather report on the evening news: he predicts it himself.

As a young child, Crilley gave weather reports in front of the television in his kitchen. His interest in weather continued to grow, and he received the opportunity to give weather reports on news shows.

On a trip to Missouri he covered the tornadoes that rocked the Joplin, Missouri area in 2011. Recently, he joined the LCC-TV team as the first weatherman, presenting weather updates to students on a weekly basis.

Behind the short segments, though, lies a lot of preparation and research.

“You have to go onto countless different websites and look at different scientific models,” Crilley said. “Each

model depicts what the model thinks the weather will be like, and you kind of have to analyze it all together.”

Crilley, who hopes to earn a degree in meteorology, says he must be a predictor of the future, having to “look at the atmosphere and tell what it’s going to do up to seven days in advance.”

His role as weather forecaster is the fulfillment of a lifelong passion for weather, beginning

“He does a fantastic job. I’ve been in the TV business for 19 years, and I would have no problem putting him up on TV.”

Scott Jordon

from an early age.

“When I was three years old, I watched a show called Storm Stories on the Weather Channel,” Crilley said. “Ever since then I’ve been intrigued by weather, and I knew it was what I wanted to do.”

The addition of a weather segment to LCC TV was an idea Crilley developed himself, an idea that his TV production teacher, Scott Jordon, supported.

And Jordon doesn’t regret his decision.

“He does a fantastic job,” Jordon said. “I’ve been in the TV business for 19 years, and I would have no problem putting him up on TV.” The combination of information and entertainment in Crilley’s segments garner positive responses among students. “I love watching him,” sophomore Mary Karnazes said. “It’s the best part of the whole show.”

Chase McAllister

Freshman Chad Crilley practices performing his weather report for LCC-TV in front of a green screen.

Breaking the Silence (Continued from front page) “It’s not about changing anybody’s beliefs,” Mattison said. “It’s about focusing on the behavior that we should treat each other well.”

Even though behavior such as saying “That’s so gay” and “You’re so gay” may seem harmless to some, its impact is painful.

“Words are very hurtful,” Salazar said. “People are taking that back home with them and in the middle of the night when they’re kind of going through their day, those are the things that are echoing in their heads.”

Although most students may never witness harassment or assault on campus that results in bodily harm, harsh words can be as harmful as physical abuse.

“A lot of people would say, ‘Where’s the harm? No one is getting hurt,’” Salazar said. “But

words leave emotional wounds, individuals are not LGBT not just physical wounds.” themselves, but actively accept The purpose of the DOS is to and support their LGBT peers. demonstrate “ T h e how this majority of b e h a v i o r “A lot of people would say, our club are s i l e n c e s ‘Where’s the harm? No one allies - straight L G B T p e o p l e is getting hurt. But words students. that are “ [ D a y leave emotional wounds, not suppor tive,” of Silence] is j u n i o r meant as a day just physical wounds.” and GSA people are Secretary and Kristy Salazar silent to draw Tr e a s u r e r awareness G r a c e to the silencing effect of Halverson said. “We want discrimination but also to everyone else to see that we’re our culture that makes gay or someone that you can come to to questioning teens feel like they talk about anything.” can’t be themselves,” Al-Shamma After a day of silently said. empowering their LGBT Many GSA members and peers with their support, DOS participants in DOS consider participators broke the silence in themselves allies.

These a symbolic manner.

“I thought it was a big symbolism thing,” Prybysz said.

“It really mirrored the experience of people who are closeted and can’t talk. At the very end of the day it was almost like coming out - yelling and screaming.”

Having successfully communicated the DOS on campus with their less aggressive approach, GSA leaders look forward to its positive influence.

“The long term impact is when LGBT students on this campus see that they are supported, that there are students on this campus who want them to come out and be who they are and be expressive about it,” Kirkwood said. “This a campus where they can be safe and not have to worry about being bullied or harassed.”

4 MavLife 2012-2013 Staff Editor-In-Chief: Megan Mineiro

Opinion Closeted No More

Managing Editor: Rebecca Zilberman News Editors: Yasmeen Halim Rachel Hutchison Sports Editor: Anthony Fregoso Opinion Editor: McKenna Stonhaus Entertainment Editors: Jennie Barnes Alex Visser Photography Editor: Ellen Reidy Head Photographer: Chase McAllister Web Editor: Kaylee Daly Rodriguez Copy Editor: Molly Mineiro Assistant Editors: Ana Diaz & Claudia Mathews Assistant Design Editor: Meghan Lumsden Staff Writers: L.J. Bradford, Emily Brown, Cosy Burnett, Juliette Cardinale, Belen Castillejos, Jacob Castrejon, Andrew Chan, Jackson Cowart, Cassandra Cyphers, Natalie Engel, Sydney Francis, Jayson Gacad, Cooper Gee, Kara Gibson, Kiki Gibson, Rhett Goodson, Alex Hummel, Ingrid Kim, Hunter Klawans, Meghan Lumsden, Riley Medina, Molly Mineiro, Sandy Mueller, Kota Nishiguchi, Emily Schacht, Reilly Tiglio, Dani Tomassetti, Devon Whitlam, Jessica Woods, and Allison Zimmerman Business Managers: Kiki Gibson Riley Medina

M

Adviser: Suzi Van Steenbergen

avLife is the student newspaper of La Costa Canyon High School. LCCHS student media products are public forums for student expression. Students are responsible for their work in print publications, online content and video broadcasts, as well as in other products, none of which are subject to administrative approval. Students make all final content decisions.

Media programs follow Scholastic Press Association, Journalism Education Association, and Student Press Law Center standards. In addition, student media programs work to follow all copyright laws and avoid libel, slander, and infringing upon the rights of others.

Unsigned editorials represent the opinions of the editorial board, while opinion columns represent the writer’s perspective.

Advertisements do not necessarily represent the newspaper’s views.

E

Laila Al-Shamma Guest Writer

veryone knows what it means to “come out of the closet.” But nobody ever asks how people get into the closet in the first place, and what’s it like in there, anyway?

People locked me in the closet from the moment I was born. Along with all the other gender stereotypes, they presumed that one day I’d like boys, marry a man and be heterosexual, just like my parents. I was never asked, “Well, Laila, do you identify as heterosexual, or homosexual?” No one ever consulted me on that one. Everyone always assumed (and they still do) that I identified as heterosexual and they put me in a category and that category became a closet.

Once I realized that I wasn’t heterosexual the walls of the closet started suffocating me.

I admitted to myself that I was gay around seventh or eighth grade. I went through a lot of denial before I had the guts to write down on paper that I was gay. That was on paper. I still struggle simply saying the words out loud.

I was in middle school between 2008 and 2010; at that time studies showed that nine out of ten gay students experienced bullying or harassment in school. Stories

April/May One Maverick hopes to end the silence of LGBTQ students

in the news and at home popped up about gay people getting bullied, beaten up, losing the support of their family and friends, losing their jobs, even committing suicide. When I came out to my younger sister, she began to cry. She said she was scared that I would get beaten up at school.

Each day I heard “that’s so gay,” or “don’t be such a fag” many times.

I remember that a few of my close friends sometimes expressed disgust or disapproval of being gay. Homosexuality was paired with nothing but negativity and shame.

That kind of social pressure pushed in the walls of my closet and instilled deep fear in me. I was so afraid of anyone finding out that I was gay that I disguised parts of my personality. I lied to most of my close friends about who I had a crush on. I avoided any clothing that insinuated masculinity. At times I even tried to make my voice sound a little higher so that I could appear more feminine. In acting class I was cast as a leading male character and almost turned it down because I was so worried what people might think. I silenced myself and I silenced who I really was, all out of fear.

This fear continued into high school. Even after coming out to my immediate family and close friends, I never talked about my sexual identity in public. I had to filter everything I said. The simplest everyday conversations brought up internal struggles.

Imagine having people constantly ask

I silenced myself and I silenced who I really was, all out of fear.

you what boy you want to ask to formal.

Then you have this sinking feeling in your stomach because you can either tell the truth (“Actually, I’m gay and really want to ask this girl I met at a party”) and risk your entire friendship, or you can lie (“I don’t really have anyone in mind, so I’m just going stag”) and stay safe.You must deny that this part of you even exists. At all costs you must keep silent.

That’s the silence that the Day of Silence aims to end. When I see some of my peers wearing red or supporting the Day of Silence, I immediately trust them.

I know that they will accept me when they find out I’m gay; they will stand by me as allies without judgment. All of a sudden, the walls of my closet stop closing in and start easing up. I can feel a little safer prying open that closet door.

To end the silence faced by teens like me everywhere, I’ve written this piece. I can count the openly gay students at this school on my fingers. It’s not right that so many of our peers are silent. If you are closeted and need help, I support you.

Our Gay Straight Alliance meets every Tuesday and every member of that club supports you. A vast majority of our staff and administration support you. Stand up to the silence in your own life.

I’ll leave you with this: writing this piece was not easy.

I procrastinated for weeks, not because I didn’t want to write it, but because I had to build up the confidence to do so. I’m not sure how this will be received. I expect that some of my peers will stop talking to me, and I’m worried that some may even bully me. But I think more friends will be moved into action. Think about the voices you are not hearing each day. What will you do to end the silence?

If you are closeted and need help, I support you.

Editorial: End the Silence

MavLife urges students to improve the emotional environment for their peers

L

oneliness is a terrible burden to carry.

High school teenagers often feel the effects of this disheartening weight, despite the ever present voices of fellow classmates and teachers surrounding them. Too many people walk on this campus in the early hours of the morning and walk off again seven hours later having never felt cared for or valued.

One particular group of individuals that Mavlife desires to create a supportive environment for are the students who identify themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning (LGBTQ) When Laila Al-Shamma submitted an opinion piece to MavLife in which she identified herself as gay, the MavLife Editorial Board was moved deeply by the bravery and leadership she displayed. To put such a personal part of her identity in the MavLife newspaper took a great amount of bravery that deserves the respect of our entire community.

Al-Shamma’s purpose in revealing her sexual orientation was to speak to other gay students on campus who are silent about how they are, fearful of the judgement or abuse they might face. She wanted to communicate with them that

www.facebook.com/lccmavlife

they are not alone. With words that could easily stand alongside those of recognized political activists and literary masters, she eloquently called for the members of our campus and community to end the silence of LGBTQ teens by showing them the support and respect that every young adult deserves. The MavLife Editorial Board stands behind Al-Shamma in her support of teens who identify themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, or who are questioning their identities.

With the Day of Silence now passed, it is the duty of the students on this campus to take the lessons offered by the members of Gay Straight Alliance and improve the emotional and physical climate for our LGBTQ peers. Students who hear their friends or classmates using the word “gay” or “fag” as slurs should correct their peers and remind them of the pain that their language could be causing others. Teachers who choose to place the “Safe Space” stickers in their classrooms should remind their students that they support the GSA club and are willing speak to any student who needs someone with whom to discuss their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Furthermore, the counselors and school

www.mavlifenews.com

psychologists should voice that they also are supportive and available for any student who is silent about their sexual orientation and needs someone to listen to them and encourage them.

According to www.gsanetwork.org, the California Healthy Kids survey found that two out of every three students who identified themselves as LGBTQ reported being harassed because of actual or perceived sexual orientation.

Additionally, students who are harassed or bullied because of their sexual orientation are twice as likely to become depressed and three times more likely to consider suicide. These tragic statistics should not be reflected on our campus.

With the support of the students, staff and administrators coming together to support the gay students on our campus, our school can be the starting point for a change in our community. Such a change could bring about compassion and respect to the gay members of our community, so that more students can feel the courage that Laila Al-Shamma displayed and speak out about how they truly identify themselves.

@MavLife

April/May

On Marriage Equality

Opinion

Love shouldn’t be restricted between a man and a woman

Cooper Gee Staff Writer

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The perks and hardships of living in a military family

Jayson Gacad Staff Writer Jayson Gacad

W

e all know that it’s tough living with parents. Living with military parents can be even tougher.

Everyone thinks that it’s cool having one or both parents in the military, and it can be, but it in my experience, it has been both easy and difficult.

When they come home, I love hearing all the stories they tell me because they’re always interesting and they always makes me proud of my parents.

My mom is in the Navy and my dad was in the Army, but now he is in the Air Force. Once in awhile they get deployed to another country so I won’t get to see them for a month or two.

There was a time when my dad was in Korea and they had to run a mile on the mountains with all their gear and he was able to do the mile in a little over six minutes. I was happy when I heard this story because it made me feel proud of my dad for doing something amazing.

However, as much as I love hearing the stories they tell me, there is one major downside to having parents in the military that can affect your life.

So far we’ve moved about five times in the past five years because they

get transferred to a different area. I’ve changed schools four times in the past five years, which has been really hard on me.You make so many good friends in just a year and all of a sudden you are forced to move to a new house, change schools and make new friends.

The worst part of moving is if you know your parents get transferred each year then all the friendships you have made become strained since you don’t see them as much anymore. I’ve had a tough time staying in contact with many of my old friends because we just never see each other.

Yes, it’s hard having to move, but at one point you just get used to it and try not to be selfish because you have to think about your parents and how it’s just as hard or even harder for them to transfer to a different area and not know anyone at their job. They have a new boss, new co-workers and the way they do their job is different there than it was before they transferred.

I am definitely proud of my parents because of all the sacrifices they have made to move and get a new job. It makes me happier to know every day when they go to work they are doing something good for our country.

Prepare for the Leap to Senior Year Nervousness is a normal part of the transition

process , so you have to work twice as hard to achieve your goals.

I personally don’t like to talk about or even think about my senior year and things related to college. It’s just overwhelming to think that I’m almost done with high school and there’s so many things to do in a very little amount of time.

Belen Castillejos Applying to college is obviously a Staff Writer stressful moment in a student’s life— deciding whether or not to go to college, s high school winds to a close, it’s and where to go and what to study. easy to feel like each semester and College is where I think I’m going to every day goes by faster and faster. But learn a lot about myself. Granted, I won’t for juniors entering into their senior year, be completely on my own because I’ll the upcoming school year is important have many responsibilities and decisions. because it will be one that defines their Parents sometimes don’t understand future. this kind of pressure Senior year does Senior year is a time when that we put ourselves resemble a doubleunder because of duty function. It’s you have to work hard to homework that is due, a time when you tests that we have the should celebrate your prepare for your future. next day and extra accomplishments, but curricular activities it’s also a time when after school. Most of the time, we create you have to work hard to prepare for your this stress by procrastinating all our work. future.

Sometimes we don’t talk about school I’ve noticed lately how juniors are during weekends or our mood is not the really concerned about what kind of best. But it is all because we are worried classes they should take next year and and we want a break from all of that what colleges they want to apply to, as stress. well as the day to day duties of school, As we approach senior year, juniors sports and extracurricular activities. should remember that it is a year that Junior and senior year are supposed should be taken seriously. But it also to be the most important years during should be a year to be remembered as high school because colleges use those the most fun and memorable year of high transcripts and grades in the selection school.

A

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Living with Military Parents

This logo is a symbol that was released from the Human Rights Campaign, which advocates equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

or years, the term gay has been Whether it be a lovely wedding on misconstrued and twisted to become the beach, a traditional wedding in a some kind of illness among mankind. The beautiful church or a unique wedding American Psychiatric Association had somewhere in the mountains, gay couples even described homosexuality as a “menshould not have any restrictions as to tal illness” up until 1973. But this was just where they can get legally married, and the beginning. who they choose to be their partner. They Amongst the many attacks on gay deserve the same treatment any other people including religious views, common couple would and it’s as simple as that. age bullying and medical theories, the fact Even after the many rules and legal is that gay-orientation restrictions that go isn’t going anywhere When two people fall in love, against a gay couple’s and isn’t abnormal in rightful place in our the slightest. What we there should not be any rules world, there is the think as “normal” is ever so debilitating or restrictions placed upon all perception. One public eye. I often see person could see a gay couple walking their relationship with each normal as falling in down a street hand in other. love with the same hand while everyone gender, another falling else’s eyes immediately for the opposite. turn toward them. I’ve seen judgemental From what I’ve observed and looks, interested looks and even people grown to believe is that marriage is a not wanting to take a second glance. It’s commitment between two human beings crazy how different others will react. in love with each other. Notice I said When you see a couple like that be human beings, not just women and men. mindful and respectful of their presence When two people fall in love, there and don’t stare. should not be any rules or restrictions We are humans driven by instinct and placed upon their relationship with each emotion, and are all trying to find a way other. through the lives we live. What I see as I truly feel that a connection between most important is embracing the fact that two people is what allows them to grow normalcy is not just a man and a woman as human beings and find true happiness, together, but simply two individuals but the gender and location restrictions that have found another out of love and that have been placed upon the marriage connection, regardless of their genders. of gay couples is absurd.

5

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Feature

7

silent Sacrifice

The Military Offers Seniors One Post-School Path Recruiters shed light on the enlistment process

A

s the end of the school year nears and graduation approaches, anticipation is building for many seniors who are eager to head off to college or other career opportunities. While some students have a set future in mind, others are still left contemplating their post-academic options.

One career path that many seniors seek out is enlistment in the military.

Despite their relative youth and inexperience, high school seniors are often seen as primary targets for military recruitment.

“High school students actually get by far the best chance,” recruiter Army

Chase McAllister

Jackson Cowart Staff Writer

Staff Sergeant Mark Siverd said. “A typical morally. If they’re qualified, [the next step senior, depending on test scores, has a is] setting up an appointment and coming higher chance of enlistment. Seniors into the office and taking a free test.” definitely get the best of the best when it The free test referred to is the Armed comes to joining the military.”

Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery, more The military consists of five branches commonly known as the ASVAB. The (Army, Air Force, test is divided into Coast Guard, nine subtests and is Marine Corps and used to determine Navy), all of which mental capability and present their own aptitude for various unique challenges military positions. and experiences The ASVAB is to those students for free by Recruiter Army Staff Sergeant offered planning to enlist.

La Costa Canyon Mark Siverd every year.

“When it comes down to There are choosing the potential setbacks branch of service it’s a matter of what for high school students, however, that each individual person is looking for and would prevent them from military their wants and their needs, and how acceptance. Academics do play a role in that each individual branch of service can ensuring proper enlistment. best help get them to where they want to “As far as academics go, you do have be,” recruiter Navy Counselor First Class to be a high school graduate,” Siverd Weiner said. said. “Certain jobs do require certain Once a student enlistee has passed academics be passed with a C average.” basic training, he or she is treated no Also, behavioral demerits can be differently than any other soldier, sailor or detrimental to an enlistee’s chances, Marine. depending on the severity of the actions.

“It’s all about rank and where you’re “You can’t have an extreme at and the qualifications you have,” involvement with the law,” Weiner Weiner said. “The person who has more said. “Even if it was ever expunged or motivation, and will not just help others dismissed, it’s called adverse adjudication, but help the command, is going to and you’re still charged with that initial advance a lot quicker and be put in those charge.” managerial supervisory roles before the However, one factor that is not seen other. as a detracting one is gender. Despite For students interesting in females not being allowed to fill certain enlistment, the initial process is rather positions, their applications are treated as straightforward. equal to those of male counterparts.

“The first step for any branch of “As far as gender goes, there are service,” Weiner said, “is contacting the certain jobs that females do not qualify local recruiter from that high school for just because they are females,” Siverd and setting up an appointment, making said. “Combat jobs, per say [but] being sure they’re qualified both mentally and a female does not affect joining the

“High school students actually get by far the best chance.”

Military Families Sacrifice for the Country Military service affects not only soldiers, but also loved ones Sandy Mueller Staff Writer

S

oldiers put their lives on the line every Navy].” day, demonstrating true bravery as they The pride that comes with having serve to protect the United States. Howparents in the military is knowing that ever, it is not only the soldier who makes what they do affects the safety of the sacrifices.

United States.

According to a demographic survey “I think the service should be conducted by Military One Source in recognized as well as the sacrifice,” 2011, approximately 37 percent of English teacher Mark Embree said. military personnel serving in the active While some students whose parents duty and selected are in the military reserves are don’t realize how “As I got older, I realized that not married with much of a sacrifice children. many people have parents in the they are making, Behind the eventually military so I am really proud of [my they soldiers defending understand and feel dad].”

America there that sense of pride. are approximately up, I Helen McCarthy didn’t“Growing three million really think it spouses and was that different,” children who lose precious moments with junior Helen McCarthy, whose father was their family members who are serving. in the Marine Corps for 22 years, said.

However, many of these families respect “As I got older, I realized that not many and understand the importance of what people have parents in the military so I they are giving up. am really proud of [my dad].”

“It was tough not having [my dad] Furthermore, soldiers carry worries around for months on end, not being able are about how their family will do when to have those father-son moments,” senior they are gone. Even so, some families are Stephen Francis said. “But I don’t regret relatively undisrupted. any of it because it gives me great pride “I was pretty fortunate,” McCarthy in knowing what he was doing [in the said. “My home life was pretty steady. It

Family Status of Military Members

48.9% Never Married

42.8% Married

44% Married with Children Jennie Barnes

Information from MilitaryOneSource.com, 2012 demographic profile.

was like having a dad who traveled.”

However, for other families the separation is not quite as fortunate.

“It was really hard,” senior Kristie Marano said. “He was gone during the [Iraq] war all throughout elementary school but it brought us closer. At the end of the day, we had each other.”

Chase McAllister

military.”

Overall, enlistment into the military must be seen as a major decision and handled with the utmost responsibility.

“It goes back to each individual person finding out what’s best for them,” Weiner said. “If you’re not the most educated with a big decision like that, in a life decision, are you really making the best decision for yourself? Explore all your opportunities and see what each branch has to offer.”

A

Belen Castillejos Staff Writer

military academy or service academy is an educational institution which prepares candidates for service in the officer corps of the Army, the Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard.

There are some unique opportunities in the military and based on those, most students join a military school.

For the past several months, all of the active duty and reserve branches of the military have exceeded their recruiting goals. It’s getting harder and harder to join, but it’s not impossible.

“Students have to be very strong academically, and in their discipline record,” Counselor Randa FastMedley said.

The percent of students going to military or service academies from La Costa Canyon High School has decreased in the past couple of years.

“In my years of experience I would say maybe four to six students go into service [each year],” FastMedley said.

The lessons learned in the army can make an indelible impression on students’ lives.

“Making sure students know all the information about what it entails is important,” Fast-Medley said. “It’s a life commitment and students are ultimately putting their lives on the line.”

Names of some of the fallen heroes that were

Petty Officer 2nd Class Clayton R. Beauchamp, Lance Cpl. Alec R.Terwisk Steedley,Sgt. Michael J. Guillory Cpl. Roberto Cazar

s

Neighbor 1.

O

making the ultimate

ACRIFICE

n April 11, 2013, a memorial service at Camp Pendleton honored 86 fallen soldiers of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.

Comrades and loved ones attended the ceremony to pay their respects to soldiers from the United States,

2.

Britain, Georgia, Australia, Jordan and Denmark. MavLife reporter Jennie Barnes and photographer Chase McAllister were on hand to witness the grief that accompanies the loss of servicemen and women.

4.

Number of Servicemen and Women Killed in Afghanistan Since 2001 (Worldwide)

3.

Information from iCasualties.org.

1.

The color guard presents “the colors,” including the U.S. flag, at the beginning of the ceremony and “retires the colors” at the end.

2.

A gun salute is fired at the end of the ceremony to honor the senior officer present. A 21-gun salute is reserved for heads of state.

3.

Officers escort the family members of servicemen and women to the memorial so they can pay their respects to lost loved ones.

4.

Major General Charles Mark Gurganus, a British commanding officer, delivers an emotional speech commending the sacrifice of those honored.

5.

A three volley salute is rendered at funeral and memorial services, for a total of 21 shots, followed by a bugler who plays “Taps.”

6.

A member of the military places the dog tags of a fallen comrade on the memorial that honored fallen soldiers.

All photos by Chase McAllister

5.

Staff Sgt. Joseph H. Fankhauser, Master Sgt. Scott E. Pruitt, Sgt. John P. Hulin Cpl.Anthony R. Servin, Cpl.Taylor J. Baune, Pfc. Steven P. Steven

e honored at the memorial on April 11, 2013:

ke, Lt. Col. Christopher K. Raible, Sgt. BradleyW. Atwell, Sgt. Camella M. rez, Cpl. Alex Martinez, Lance Cpl. Ramon T. Kaipat

6.

United We

Stand

United We

Fall

Major General

Charles Mark Gurganus was once approached by the mother of a

fallen soldier.

She said to him, “Please, make sure my son is

not forgotten.”

He

promised

to never let that happen.

Pendleton memorial service honors the sacrifice of military servicemen and women Jennie Barnes Entertainment Editor

T

wo dog tags. That’s what Major General Charles Mark Gurganus wore during his deployment in Afghanistan. The first was his. The second was marked with the names of the seven servicemen who had perished under his command in Iraq in 2007.

“Every one of the leaders seated here will tell you that losing one of their men, or one of their young women, is personal,” Gurganus said. “And it stays with you.

It stays with you the rest of your life. It doesn’t matter if you are a corporal or whether you are a general.”

At Camp Pendleton on April 11, 2013, 86 fallen soldiers from five countries who had given their lives in service were honored. As each name was read aloud, a man walked forward to hang that veteran’s dog tags on the rifle placed atop the memorial. A bell tolled in a moment of solemn, silent honor for each lost life.

The monument itself was a battle cross featuring a pair of combat boots, a rifle and a helmet to symbolize the soldier who no longer exists to fill them.

This ceremony honored servicemen and women from all countries serving in the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Georgia, and Australia.

Army Brigadier Stuart Skeats, a British officer, spoke about the bond between the U.S. Marine Corps and the United Kingdom Military, as well as the other countries they served alongside. This bond had been forged in the sands of Helmand, one of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

“Even though we are sometimes separated by a common language, we have shared together the blood, sweat and tears or righteous endeavor in pursuit of a just cause,” Skeats said.

Those who view coverage on the wars on television, and in newspapers fail to grasp one thing.

Servicemen and women enlist for their own reasons, including patriotism or just the desire to live a life of service.

But what keeps them fighting is the people standing alongside them.

ng, Sgt.Wade D.Wilson, Cpl. Keaton G. Coffey, Lance Cpl. Joshua E.Witsman, ns II, Lance Cpl. NiallW. Coti-Sears, Lance Cpl. Curtis J. Duarte

“One of the things I like most about being a MiraCosta College student is the caring and

loving attitude

students receive, whether they’re locals or international students like me. The faculty and staff make me feel comfortable — almost as if I were home. ” Mel Andrade

International student from Brazil, majoring in child development

Cardiff / Oceanside / Online www.miracosta.edu

facebook.com/miracostacc

760.757.2121

Sports 11 Gymnastics Team Looks for Repeat Victory April/May

Greater team depth and talent adds to hopes for the CIF title Emily Schacht Staff Writer

potential.”

Varsity compulsory athletes perform modified level ymnastics, to the untrained eye, looks like girls six routines, adding more difficulty to each event. On in leotards tumbling around a floor, running at a floor, competitors do a series of leaps with perfectly stationary object, and doing stunts on a four-inch wide angled straight legs and end with a round-off back beam. Every day in the wrestling room, gymnasts go handspring. On beam, gymnast perform a back walkover through two hours of training to make those tricks, and and then execute a full 360 turn. On bars, contestants more, possible. must do a transition from the low bar to the high bar “Each team will rotate through each event,” senior with a series of circles around the bar, which ends with and varsity captain Lexi Paulson said. a back somersault dismount. For vault, after running “We do a lot of stretching and a lot of exercises that full speed, gymnasts must place their feet perfectly will make us stronger.” on the springboard in order to successfully do a front Gymnastics consists of four different events: floor, handspring over the vault. vault, beam and bars. Gymnasts have the option of Unlike the other levels, varsity optionals don’t have competing in any event they would like, or to compete in mandatory routines all four events.

The junior varsity “It’s something that lets me forget everything they have to follow.

Optionals have a list competes level four skills they need to routines. On floor, else and lets me try to reach my full potential.” ofinclude, but can create gymnasts perform a Christina Aliberti their own dance. series of jumps and After being in the leaps, ending with a running for the CIF round-off back handspring. On vault, gymnasts run full title for many years, last year the gymnastics team was speed and must launch themselves off the springboard able to snatch the CIF title from Mount Carmel, a rival into a perfect vertical jump, landing on the vault and for many years. jumping off onto a mat with a perfect stick. On beam, “We were able to develop depth,” coach Jessica gymnasts perform a series of back-to-back jumps. Finally, Garrett said. “We had a lot smaller team. But last year on bars, competitors must perform turns and flips in and this year we were able to rack up more gymnasts, order to get their feet onto the landing mat.

“In every event there are usually skills that are nerve which helped create a lot of depth, so now even if your star player’s out, you have more people to rely on.” racking,” junior and junior varsity gymnast Christina As for this year, gymnasts are confident in their Aliberti said. “I get most nervous for my handstand abilities to take the CIF title once again. on beam or my dismount. But I like doing gymnastics “Varsity looks really good,” junior and junior varsity because it keeps me fit and it’s something that lets me gymnast Michelle Tsang said. “We’re doing a lot better forget everything else and lets me try to reach my full than we have in the past.”

G

Ellen Reidy

Sophomore Michaela McNaught-Davis-Hess poses before her straddle jump on floor during a home meet vs. Del Norte and Our Lady of Peace on April 19.

Ellen Reidy

Senior Kristina Scheufler performs a split jump on beam during a home meet vs. Del Norte and Our Lady of Peace on April 19.

Ellen Reidy

Senior Natalie Jaynes does a giant on the high bar during a home meet vs. Del Norte and Our Lady of Peace on April 19.

Ellen Reidy

Senior Rachel Haiduck finishes her skill on floor during a home meet vs. Del Norte and Our Lady of Peace on April 19.

Students Reflect on the Rise of Women in Sports Title IX shepherded in a new era of participation in sports for women W

Claudia Mathews Assistant Editor

omen did not always have the opportunities that they currently enjoy in the athletics. With such a thriving and nationally recognized athletic program, it is hard to imagine it without the female athletes on campus.

“I think that sports have evolved over time quite drastically because women weren’t able to do as many sports as they do now and they’re not so limited in the choices that they have,” sophomore Kayla Sabbagh said.

A lot has changed over just one generation regarding access to sports for women. In 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments was passed. According to the Department of Education, it “protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or

activities which receive Federal financial assistance.” This includes athletics, as well as curriculum, admissions, and other areas of education. Because of Title IX, colleges and universities were required to provide equal access to sports for women for the first time.

“I know even when my mom was in high school, girls sports were pretty limited,” junior and varsity volleyball player Aly Feldman said. “Today women have so many more opportunities.”

In many cases, sports are a part of many teenagers’ daily routines and fill up the free time they have.

“I enjoy playing tennis and if someone took that away, I don’t think I’d be very happy,” Sabbagh said.

Although women agree with the equality in place now, many think that some restrictions are reasonable.

“I think women being limited to certain sports is unnecessary but at the same time it’s a good thing because we have to admit that in some cases, men are

stronger than women,” sophomore Jorgena Palomares said.

Athletic departments are much more tolerant than in the past when women couldn’t compete in certain activities, but there are still some areas that could use improvement.

“Men’s sports tend to draw much larger crowds compared to female sports,” Feldman said. “I know there probably shouldn’t be sports that are considered ‘gender specific’ but I think the more physical contact associated with a sport, leads it to be coined as a male sport.”

Most women feel that they have every right to play the sports that men do, and most campuses are in support of that stance.

“If women can’t follow their dreams and be themselves in athletics, how are we expected to be able to strive to be our best in an unrestricted environment in other areas of life?” Feldman said.

12

Sports

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13

A Dive Into LCC’s Unknown Water Sport The dive team hopes to expand the program in the coming years

Senior Trace Fisher preforms a dive at the Carlsbad municipal pool during practice on April 19.

S

Jacob Castrejon Staff Writer

wimming has usually stood on its own on campus, but recently, an addition has been made to water-based sports on campus. The dive team is a branch of the swim team, but mainly focuses on diving events. “[Dive] is part of swimming, but scored separately,” said Athletic Director Kari DiGiulio. “Swimming and diving go hand and hand. All that is needed are numbers, talent and coaching.”

The dive team only contains a few athletes, but the progression of the team this year has been nothing short of outstanding.

“Well, we’ve only had a couple meets, but I was surprised by the athletes qualifying early in the season,” said swim and dive coach Patti Mackle.

During a dive meet, each member of the team chooses the specific dives they want to perform.

After they are completed, judges score them on how their dives were conducted.

“You do six dives, and you can pick any dive you want,” said senior and diver Steven Gaughen. “But [the dive] depends on the degree of difficulty, so it can fluctuate.”

But similarly to the swim team, the dive team has to practice off campus and hold their competitions at other schools.

Ana Diaz

“We practice with an outside club, called Dive San Diego,” said Gaughen. “Most of it is based outside of the school.”

This off campus practice and competition arrangement can take a toll on athletes and coaches alike.

“It’s just hard because we don’t have a pool on campus, so they have to commit to a club team,” Mackle said, “There aren’t a lot of school pools in North County.”

But even though the dive team has to balance the line between school team and club team, their efforts have been met with success in past and present years.

Last year, the dive team won League Finals, with just two athletes. This year, the team seeks to continue their progress.

“This year we have four divers,” Mackle said.

It will definitely help us win league this year.”

With only four athletes participating on the dive team, the diversity of ages and gender is limited.

“Three are seniors and we have no girls,” Mackle said. “But we had a few [girls] last year.”

Overall, the dive team has been an efficient asset to the water sports program, despite not having a pool on campus.

“I think it is great that we offer a dive team at LCC,” said DiGiulio. “After watching the Olympics, anyone can appreciate the talent and athleticism of diving. It is a tremendous sport to watch.”

Ana Diaz

Senior Steven Gaughen prepares to enter the water after performing a dive during practice on April 19.

“Anyone can appreciate the talent and athleticism of diving, it is a tremendous sport to watch.”

Kari DiGiulio

Ana Diaz

Senior Steven Gaughen prepares to jump off of the spring diving board and perform a dive during practice on April 19.

Roller Hockey Team Looks to Make a Comeback Sophomore hopes to revive the club sport next year Andrew Chan Staff Writer

L

a Costa Canyon has gained the reputation for being one of the top athletic schools in the nation. The school provides a variety of different sports programs, but many students are not aware of the school’s roller hockey team. Although the roller hockey program is currently inactive, some believe that it can be revived.

“LCC is such an athletic school” sophomore Tyler Cohen said “I really think that it is a sport that we could be good at.”

The roller hockey team was made up of mostly ice hockey players and had a fairly successful season in 2009 with a league record of 5-5.

“The program ended because the majority of the players were seniors and graduated,” former club advisor and sponsor Mary Pancner said. “They changed the high

school season from winter to fall so it conflicted with their ice hockey season.”

One of the reasons why the program ended was because it was not associated with the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

“It was a club league that was not affiliated with CIF, similar to how the rugby team is this year,” Principal Kyle Ruggles said.

The program has been active on and off since the 2000 school year, with its last season in 2009. The team practiced once a week in the fall and played all of its games at Kit Carson Park in Escondido. Mary Pancner was one of the reasons why the program was successful in the 2009-2010 season.

“My sons played hockey and I really enjoy the sport so I was inspired to be part of the program,” Pancner said.

Senior Ryan Hitchings is the only student currently remaining that was a member of the roller hockey

program in 2009.

“I wish it would have lasted longer,” Hitchings said.

“I guess there isn’t a high demand for the sport. I really liked how everyone on the team got along and was included.”

Zak Kousens, a sophomore, tried to revive the roller hockey program earlier this school year.

“I played hockey before and I just thought it would be cool to represent LCC with a hockey team,” Kousens said. “I guess we didn’t have enough people but I am going to try again next year.”

Although the program does not currently exist, the sport could potentially add more merit to the already prestigious athletic program.

“I love the energy and passion of everyone involved in hockey,” Hitchings said. “Not just the players, but fans of the sport in general. It’s the kind of sport where you’re drawn in regardless of the teams playing or the skill level they’re playing at.”

14

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15

Hopelessly Devoted To Grease

A new member to the LCC stage shares her thoughts about putting on the Grease production

Chase McCallister

The cast of the musical “Grease” receives direction during rehearsal.

Dani Tomassetti Staff Writer

T

he theater. A place that takes you to another world. It get’s your mind off of things, even if it’s

just for a few hours.

Although the public gets to view the marvels of a musical in action, most

people don’t realize the countless hours of blood, sweat and tears, better known as singing, danc-

ing and auditions, that are part of this process.

Grease is technically the first show I’ve auditioned for at LCC. Spring of freshman year I went to audition for the musical. It was after school in the theater. I had a monologue and a song prepared, but I was beyond nervous. We went inside in groups of four. When it was my group’s turn, I couldn’t stop shaking. After everyone in my group had gone, it was my turn.

I chickened out and left crying. It was easily my most embarrassing and disappointing moment to date.

I’ve enjoyed doing plays for years outside of school, and hearing that the musical was going to be “Grease,” I had to buck up, and try again. I couldn’t be happier now that I did. All it took was a few deep breaths to get

me involved in an amazing production and have the opportunity to meet many great people.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the musical “Grease,” you should know that it’s a fun love story that takes place in the 50s. There are comical characters such as the Burger Palace Boys, played by Max Arquilla, Billal Gitesatani, Zach Lax and Chase McAllister, as well as the Pink Ladies played by Rachael Hodge, Kristie Marano, Daisy Ponsot, Madison Vice and yours truly. And no one could forget the lead summer lovers, Danny and Sandy, portrayed beautifully

by Johnny Visotcky and Aubree Bouche. Tons of other actors and amusing characters have gone into this production, and if I do say so myself, I feel like it’ll be one of the school’s best productions yet.

When it comes to the vocals involved in the show, we would have gone nowhere without our lovely music director, Leigh Sutherlin. Through the numerous hours of singing our lungs out, and struggling to find the right pitch (mostly me), the cast has found its harmony.

The dancing in the show is really a sight to see. Starting with two left feet, the cast has been completely transformed

by Mallory Arquilla. This fantastic choreographer has taught us well and kept her cool even in the most aggravating circumstances.

Last but not least is our admirable director, Sue Raley. She has guided the cast to be wonderful actors, making this production a true spectacle along with the outstanding work of the tech crew and costume designers.

‘Spring Breakers’ Perpetuates Harsh Stereotypes of Teens Movie leaves audiences wishing they never spent their money Jessica woods Staff Writer

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hen one thinks of spring break, thoughts of tanning,surfing and freedom typically come to mind. This spring break however, the hot topic was the movie, “Spring Breakers,” that was released in theaters on March 22.

Many girls (and, somewhat surprisingly, boys) went to see the film purely for popular actresses Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Benson, as well as the intense and chaotic partying scenes. Much to the audience’s dismay, this movie is not at all what it seems.

The trailer for the movie distorts the film’s actual content—it appears to be one giant party when, in reality, it’s wildly confusing and all too graphic. It is all “sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll.” There is absolutely no plot whatsoever and I can safely say I heard the redundant phrase, “spring break forever,” enough times to last a lifetime.

Though the few critics who enjoyed the movie said it was an outstanding representation of the teenagers of this generation, I have to disagree. Most teens—and I do mean most, seeing as obviously there’s a few rebellious college students that break this barrier—do not go on a spring break trip to Florida and wind up killing 15+ people, then leaving and acting like nothing even happened. The beginning of the movie is indeed relevant to some teens, with the scenes of drinking and dancing

Waiting for Aslan

18-year-old ends his unfulfilled journey to Narnia Kota Nishiguchi Staff Writer

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ight years after the release of the first Narnia movie, Derek Barnia finally exited his wardrobe.

After watching “The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” Barnia was convinced that entering his wardrobe would surely transport him to the mystical world he had just witnessed at the theaters.

“My wardrobe is big and brownish red and totally looks like the one in the movie,” the 18-year-old Barnia said.

on the beach, but after the first 20 minutes or so, it all goes downhill.

Not only is it a misrepresentation, but the film also places a disrespectful view on women. Director Harmony Korine portrays the four college girls as sleazy teens who enjoy robbing people and clinging to any guy that comes their way. These characters set a fictional and unfair stereotype on teenage girls. As far as the reality of the teenage generation goes, Korine’s perspective is false and offensive.

The movie in itself was extremely uncomfortable.

Throughout the film I was forced to look away from the screen, cringe, burst out laughing at the absurdity of it all and stare while thinking to myself, “what is actually going on right now?” When the movie finally ended (much to the audience’s relief), everyone walked out, turned to each other and said, “do you understand what just happened?”

By far, “Spring Breakers” is the weirdest movie I have ever seen. Both inappropriate and idiotic, it got way too much public attention from its trailer, setting up high expectations, only leave audiences tremendously let down. This movie is definitely rated R for a reason. So, if you do decide to go, don’t go see it with your parents.

Talk about an awkward situation.

Barnia was ten years old when he first saw the movie, which inspired him to search for Narnia.

Within the first hour of entering the wardrobe, Barnia’s parents found him silently sitting within their wardrobe. After trying to convince him to leave for dinner, Barnia’s parents gave up and decided to leave him there. They left plates of food and bottles of water near the wardrobe daily.

“At first we thought it was strange that he wouldn’t leave his wardrobe, but then, we realized that it was our fault for letting him watch Narnia,” father Jim Barnia said.

During Barnia’s hiatus, he missed seven and a half school years. That is 1,650 days of school. Barnia’s parents creatively told the school that their son was sick for most of the time. They also told the school 14 times that “Derek’s grandpa fell down the stairs and is in a coma.” However, Barnia’s parents failed to tell his friends the situation.

“What?” a friend of Barnia, Bo Clueless, said. “I had no idea Derek trapped himself in a wardrobe. I thought he was dead.”

However, there are organizations that help kids

Photo from “Spring Breakers” Official Movie Poster

Left to right: Rachel Korine, Selena Gomez, Ashley Benson, James Franco, and Vanessa Hudgens.

like Barnia.

“These things happen,” representative of the Narnia-Related Incidents Bureau, Jay Tummus, said.

“Mr. Barnia and his family will get the best treatment from our bureau.”

The Narnia Related Incidents Bureau (N-RIB) was created in order to help families with problems caused by the Narnia movies. Though some of the cases N-RIB takes on are similar to Barnia’s case, most issues deal with minors hitting their younger siblings with plastic swords.

“We advised Derek’s parents to prevent Derek from watching the two Narnia movies that were released since Derek entered his wardrobe,” Tummus said. “We especially advise that he doesn’t watch ‘The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.’ In that one, the kids are transported to Narnia while they’re in a train station, a very dangerous place for a person like Derek to be.”

Derek’s family hopes that “he’ll finally become normal.” When Derek was asked why he didn’t leave the wardrobe for so long he said, “I was waiting for Aslan to come.”

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The Hungry Maverick A

fter indulging and satisfying sweet tooth our last month, MavLife taste testers have transitioned to pizza to decide which local slice reigns supreme.

This month we are bringing back last year’s

April/May Jennie Barnes Entertainment Editor

Hungry Mav winner, East Coast Pizza, to face against two new pizzerias that weren’t open during the last competition. Let’s see if the champion can handle the heat or if it’s time to get out of the kitchen.

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4 3

votes

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Ellen Reidy

Say cheese to the winner from Stone Flats Flatbread Pizza.

Stone Flats Flatbread Pizza

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272 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas (760) 479-0167

he first bite was delicious,” junior Jackson Cowart said. “A soft explosion on the way into the body,” he added, as he exposed his poetic side.

This little Stone Flat pizza “looked especially appetizing and the spices looked appealing,” sophomore Claudia Mathews said. She also remarked that “the first bite was overwhelming with flavor and the sauce is full of spices.”

In the end, it looks like use of spice and a great sauce won the Hungry Maverick Award for Stone Flats.

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East Coast Pizza

2015 San Elijo Ave., Cardiff (760) 944-1599

ast Coast Pizza lived up to its name, branded “the most traditional pizza” by junior Devon Whitlam.

This pizza roused cries of “tastes like New York” and “reminds me of my trip,” so if anyone is looking for an authentic New York slice, this is the place to go.

However, last year’s champion did fall down to second place. The majority of tasters weren’t quite as pleased with it this year, with comments like “mediocre,” “way too greasy” and “gross” commonly expressed regarding this pizza.

Crust

3263 Camino De Los Coches, Carlsbad (760) 944-1111

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aving a location so close to campus has done Crust no favors in finding its way into the hearts of MavLife staffers. Getting only three votes, this pizza seemed to be universally disliked.

Although its crust was “sweet and fluffy” according to junior Megan Mineiro, the grease that drowned the pizza was a deal breaker.

The taste of the cheese was overpowered by basil and “fennel” which is the key ingredient in black licorice according to freshman Cooper Gee.

April Horoscopes

Sep 23-Oct 22

Music is going to dictate your mood this month. Make a playlist with upbeat and inspiring songs and you will notice that you take on the same attitude.You will pay closer attention to lyrics than usual and this could make all the difference.

Scorpio

The pressure of school has been driving you crazy lately, but you will be happy to know that your stress level will be greatly decreased in the near future. Talk to one of your teachers and you will be surprised at how much help they will be.Your teachers are more understanding than you think.

Leo

This month your favorite color should be green.You are going to have a generous family member or friend that will lend you a few extra bucks to do something you have been awaiting for a while now. Make sure to genuinely thank him or her and then enjoy, you deserve it!

Sagittarius

You have been feeling a little bit under the weather recently, or sick and tired.

But no matter what it was, get excited for recovery soon.

Nothing lasts forever, so be ready for a good change in your life.

Apr 20-May 20

Many people have noticed your bubbly personality and infectious smile. This month you will meet more new people than usual and become better friends than you expected.You will be surprised at how much you have in common, but don’t over think it: your friendship was meant to be.

Virgo

Your love life has been a little off track lately. The person you are interested in has been unusually distant and you’re not quite sure why. But don’t worry because by the middle of the month you may have even stronger feelings after you are both back on track.

Aug 23-Sept 22

Mar 21-Apr 19

Feb 19-Mar 20

Last month was a tad overwhelming for you. But you are in luck. This month you will be able to spend plenty of time with friends and family and have many exciting events to look forward to. This relaxed feeling is much needed as a reward for all your hard work!

Taurus

Capricorn You have been feeling a creative streak going recently. Maybe you have a new idea for a book, or you have decided to make a blog. No matter what your idea is, now is the time to embrace it and be creative.

Dec 22-Jan 19

Libra

Cancer

You have been reflecting a lot lately. Whether it is recalling old memories, or reliving your most embarrassing middle school moments, you have been constantly thinking of the past. As fun as this may be, make sure to live in the moment and take advantage of each opportunity that comes your way.

Jul 23-Aug 22

You have met someone very influential this month.

Whether you are aware of it or not, this person’s story may dictate an important life decision in the future.

Notice and respect the people around you because you never know how they will eventually play into your life.

Aries

Nov 22-Dec 21

May 21-Jun 20

Gemini

You have been doing an amazing balancing act recently.

You have been working so hard on everything you do, so now with finals coming up, it is the time for you to realize just how hard you have been working.

Take yourself out for a cupcake.

Jun 21-July 22

You have had to make decision after decision this month.You may be feeling a little stressed by the time the end of April comes around, but don’t fret! You are in for a sweet surprise soon that will keep your mind from racing in a million directions.

Pisces

Oct 23-Nov 21

Jan 20-Feb 18

Aquarius