February 2014 MavLife, La Costa Canyon High School by MavLife

La Costa Canyon High School

February 2014

MavLife One Maverick Way, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Alga Norte

Volume 8 Issue 3

Molly Naudi

Members of the North Coast Aquatics club swim team practice the breaststroke during an afternoon practice at the new Alga Norte Aquatic Center on February 10.

Park Hours

8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

Pool Prices

Youth/Teen (17 and under): $3.00 Adult: $5.00 Spectator Fee: $2.00

$40 million project brings eco-friendly park to community families

he construction of the Alga Norte Community Park and Aquatic Center, a forty million dollar project, was completed with the grand opening on January 11. Community members got the first look at all the park has to offer, from skate lessons, to fitness programs, to doggie

birthday parties. One of the most notable features of the new park is the aquatic center, which includes a 56 meter competition pool with 23 lap lanes and a 25 yard instructional pool with 12 lanes, as well as an adults only warm water spa and a splash pad for children. “Now we have the availability to not only have swim lessons and water aerobics in the warmer water, we can also have cooler water for our masters swim program, lap swimmers and people who just

want to get a workout in,” recreation supervisor of aquatics Jeanette Gante said. There was talk of the Alga Norte Community Park Aquatics Center serving as a new location for the LCC swim team to train. But head swim coach Patty Mackle decided against it due to the high costs of renting the pool. “I went to the meeting to bid on lanes but it would be almost twice as much as what we pay at the YMCA,” Mackle said. “We couldn’t do that. The pool closes at 7:30 so we would

have to rent it after hours so that means that you’re paying more. It’s just better to stay at the Y.” While the swim team will continue to train at the YMCA pool, students hope to see practices being held at the Alga Norte Community Park Aquatics Center sometime in the future. “Usually the club swimmers, like me, we aren’t really supposed to swim with the rest of the high school team because there’s not enough room,” junior Michelle Jacob said. “So it would be easier if we had the

extra pool space.” In the construction of the park, special effort was given to ensure that many elements were energy efficient and environmentally friendly. “We have solar heaters that help heat our pool water so everything is very energy efficient,” Gante said. “Our lights are sensitive to the light within the buildings and will not switch on until it’s dark enough within the buildings. Our turf fields don’t require any water.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Hannah Flowers

La Costa Canyon Foundation Seeks Community’s Financial Support

“

We want to be able to provide resources that are above and beyond what would be considered standard education.” David Steigerwald

ith declining state funding and enlarged class sizes, teachers need assistance beyond what the school offers. That’s where the La Costa Canyon High School Foundation steps in, filling in funding gaps that leave classrooms and extracurricular programs without supplies, technology and additional tools for advanced learning.

IN THIS ISSUE Future Mavericks

Representatives of elective classes visit Diegueño and Oak Crest to educate middle schoolers on their choices.

PAGE 2

Established in 1996 and made up of parent volunteers, the Foundation oversees athletic, academic and visual and performing arts booster programs. “We want to be able to provide resources that are above and beyond what would be considered standard education,” Foundation President David Steigerwald said. The Foundation provides students with more interactive and hands-on activities in the classroom. “We would be doing everything on

NEWS 2 2 NEWS

$100,000 $90,000 $80,000 $70,000 $60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 Funds Needed to Meet Teacher Requests in 2013-14 School Year

OPINION 4

paper,” science department cochair Cindi Schildhouse said. “We would be watching videos instead of doing it ourselves. The Foundation’s the reason LCC is great.” Unfortunately, this year has seen a substantially lower amount of donations. “This year we’ve funded $40,000 worth of requests,” Steigerwald said. “We had over $100,000 worth of requests from teachers. Parent participation has been low and we are reaching out to the parents now to try and raise it. We can only be successful if the parents participate in the foundation.”

FEATURE 7

Athlete Profile

WORLD 11

Learn more about champion wrestler, Ian Baker, and his plans for college.

PAGE 13

Without parents donations and participation, the Foundation cannot provide classrooms with the extra supplies and tools they need. Parents are urged to get involved. “They should attend booster meetings, visit our foundation website and donate to the school program,” Principal Kyle Ruggles said. One of the main campaigns that funds the Foundation is “Become a Maverick Supporter.” “‘It’s about parent participation and donations so that we can have money to fulfill most of the requests from the teachers and make the best impact on our student population,” Steigerwald said. Emily Brown Senior Staff Writer

SPORTS 12

Check out this month’s

FEATURE

Explore what classes are right for you! Are free periods okay? How is the master schedule created? Get advice from this year’s seniors! Journalism

AP Art History Spanish IV Physics C

Engineering

Video Film

AP Psychology

AP Spanish Language

PAGES 7-9

ENTERTAINMENT 14

The Hungry Maverick The MavLife editorial board searches for the most delicious açaí bowl.

PAGE 15

News

FEBRUARY 2014

Middle School Visits Educate Future

Mavericks Photos by Meghan Lumsden and Megan Mineiro

1. Principal Kyle Ruggles greets Diegueño Middle School students during the lunchtime elective fair. Dr. Ruggles accompanied Mavericks who visited Oak Crest and Diegueño Middle Schools to introduce students to various LCC programs on February 3 and 4. 2. Junior Shane Willingham demonstrates the use of a pottery wheel as part of the Sculpture class.

4 3

3. From right to left:Thespians Emily Andrews, Christie Cochran and Danielle Santangelo pass out flyers for the drama department. 4. Comedy Sportz captain Zach Lax leads the Oreo cookie game in which students maneuver an Oreo cookie from their foreheads to their mouths without using their hands. 5. ASB Representative Noel Kildiszew tosses candy into eager middle schoolers’ hands.

WASC Committee to Evaluate School Progress on Action Plan

Aca d

an C Pl AS

“CommUnity Days came called English 3D, which is out of the idea that we need to do developed by a professor who is more in terms of trying to get our very much involved with English students to be more connected to language learners,” Academic the community as a whole,” Van Language Development teacher Over said. Erika Wanczuk said. “It’s very good CommUnity Day, created as curriculum that develops part of the WASC goal vocabulary, e h t L CCH people’s m of striving for school their speaking o fr S W skills and connectedness, their n o received positive reading and feedback from writing participants. skills.” growt c i h em “ I t T h e allowed kids m a t h CST/API score who don’t department growth have many has worked outlets to express to implement themselves and WASC-based to associate with changes as well different kids who are and has improved going through similar as a result. things,” sophomore and “It used to be CommUnity Day participant that teachers would do Kyla Robinson said. different things and now there’s Other changes have been trying to be consistent throughout instituted, such as improvements the department,” math department to the English language learners co-chair Michelle Anderson programs. said. “When we give a formative “We’re piloting this curriculum assessment, we can meet and talk for

he Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the organization that accredits 4,398 post-secondary institutions in the western United States, will send a committee in mid-March to visit LCC and complete the three-year checkup to ensure that the Action Plan created in 2011 by the LCC staff is being implemented. “Basically it is a pair of outside eyes that looks at schools to see if their programs are valid, if it’s a quality education program that’s doing what it’s supposed to do for the students that attend the school,” Assistant Principal Mark Van Over said. The WASC Action Plan includes four main goals, each with several subgoals. The four goals consist of increasing proficiency in math and science, developing English and English literacy programs, enhancing students’ non-academic skills, and fostering school connectedness. The implementation of the CommUnity Day program reflects the WASC goal of improving student integration on campus.

Inform ati

“

Basically it is a pair of outside eyes that looks at schools to see if their programs are valid, if it’s a quality education program that’s doing what it’s supposed to do for the students.” MarkVan Over

about it and really get together to get strategies to teach the content better so the students understand it better.” Since the last WASC visit, there has been a significant increase in the Academic Performance Index (API) score. The API score is a numerical representation of students’ overall performance on standardized testing. “I would say that if you want to go to pure numbers, we’ve had a nice jump since that visit,” Van Over said. “Our API, which used to be hovering somewhere around 819, jumped up to 860.” WASC goals and action plans affect not only the improvement of the “pure numbers” of the school but also the intangible characteristics. However, there are still several goals that have yet to be met. “I’d say at least on paper, yes, it’s been successful,” Van Over said. “It’s not done. We’re three years into a six-year plan. I don’t think there’s a way you can check it off.”

Aneleise Frandsen Staff Writer

News

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Administration Holds Meeting to Address Common Core Implementation

“

We’re just trying to reassure people that they’re not going to walk into school next year and the whole world has changed.”

Mike Grove

istrict Superintendent Rick Schmitt and Associate Superintendent Mike Grove joined La Costa Canyon’s administrators on January 23 to host the second of nine Common Core parent information nights being held at schools in the San Dieguito Union High School District during January and February. Approximately 60 parents gathered in the media center to gain a better understanding of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) that will be implemented beginning in the 2014-2015 school year. As parents began to share their inquiries and concerns, it became clear that members of the community are anxious about the new state standards. “There were clearly people who were suspicious of the whole thing,” Grove said. “For whatever reason a lot of the anxiety is on math.” One of the more significant changes being made to district curriculum in order to align with the CCSS is the new Integrated Math Sequence, under which students will no longer take math classes specific to one topic, such as Geometry, Algebra II, or Trigonometry. Instead,

students will take Integrated Math I, II and III. For senior year, students will choose which class best suits their future math course, from options like Statistics, Pre-Calculus Honors or Calculus AB. “The employers’ common complaint is that people can’t figure out how to do something on their own,” Assistant Principal Mark Van Over said. “No one’s going to say, ‘Remember everything in Integrated Math I for the rest of your life.’ We want you to learn how to think; that’s the value of it.” Current students will have the choice whether or not to begin on the new sequence, depending on what math class they are currently in. “For any student at our school that is currently in Algebra Readiness, they’re going to go into Integrated Math,” math department co-chair Michelle Anderson said. “And then incoming students and our current students that are in Algebra I right now are going to have a choice [between] Integrated Math I, Integrated Math I Honors, Geometry or Geometry Honors.” Some parents, while still concerned about the switch, look forward to Integrated Math providing more applicable skills for their student’s future. “I’m wondering how [Integrated Math] is going to work with college applications,” parent Theresa Nacarao said. “But if it prepares them for the real world and if they get more generalized math, like some statistics and some other things that are more real-life, then possibly that could help.”

While parent Michelle Burzo believes that the CCSS will help students “have a better understanding of why they’re doing what they’re doing,” she worries how her student will adapt after years of “memorizing [material] and regurgitating it.” “They’re going to have more well-rounded education that’s going to help them in a global economy,” Burzo said. “But the drawbacks for the students like my son is they have not been raised on Common Core, so the transition is going to be more difficult.” Parent Linda Lyles fears that, while her student is “very bright,” the switch from a test-focused education to broader methods of teaching will not benefit her son, because “his mind doesn’t work that way.” Even after the parent information night, she still does not feel she has a true understanding of how the CCSS will transfer into real classroom changes. “I really don’t know at this point how it’s going to work,” Linda Lyles said. “It’s these key words that make people go, ‘Sure, I want my kid to be collaborative and critical thinkers.’ But these sound like selling points to me; they don’t really tell me how this is going to work.” But Grove stated several times throughout the night to parents the transition to CCSS will be gradual. “[We’re] just trying to reassure people that they’re not going to walk into school next year and the whole world has changed,” Grove said.

Megan Mineiro

Editor-in-Chief with reporting by Anthony Fregoso

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Alga Norte Park Opens to Public T wo other areas of the park, the “Tot Lot” and skate park, offer new amenities that the community has never seen before. “The playground area for toddlers is accessible for all children, regardless of disability, so it definitely has some unique features,” Gante said. “And the skatepark here is really state-of-the-art, cutting edge. It the second largest skatepark in Southern California, with 40,000 square feet and a street course in addition to two bowls. For the members of the community who prefer to bring their furry friends along to participate in the fun, the new dog park has both some traditional, and not so traditional, amenities. “If you wanted to work with your dog or even have a trainer that you reserved previously work with your dog on some agility tests and obstacles, they have it all there,” Gante said. “You can actually have a dog birthday party where a trainer will come out and do different training activities with your dog and

your dogs friends.We would provide doggie treats or a doggie cake.” The park will also offer camp programs for younger community members. “We will have Friday Night Lights, which is the youth flag football program,” Gante said. “Also soccer camps and a Junior Lifeguarding Prep class for those who are interested in taking the Junior Lifeguard program down at the beach. We just get them ready to pass the test.” With all the park has to offer and the feedback it has received from the community in just the first month, it appears as though the park will be a significant addition to the city of Carlsbad. “The public has responded very, very positively,” Gante said. “A lot of people have been waiting for it for a very long time and are very appreciative and excited. We have been busy every single day since we opened.” Hannah Flowers Staff Writer

Opinion

4 MavLife 2013-2014 Staff Editor-In-Chief: Megan Mineiro Managing Editor: Anthony Fregoso Design Editor: Meghan Lumsden Feature Editor: Molly Mineiro News Editor: Cassandra Cyphers Sports Editor: Jackson Cowart Opinion Editor: Claudia Mathews Entertainment Editor: Jessica Woods Photographers: Emily Schacht, Natalie Engel, Molly Naudi Web Manager: Keith Demolder Copy Editor: Molly Mineiro Editor-at-Large Jennie Barnes Senior Staff Writers: Emily Brown, Jacob Castrejon, Jayson Gacad, Cooper Gee, Kara Gibson, Reilly Tiglio Staff Writers: Devin Berry, Clayton Brown, Lucy Bruemmer, Michael Casinelli, Stihl Coleman, Hannah Flowers, Ryan Fox, Aneleise Frandsen, Anna Gardiner-Feldman, Soren Gregory, Jade Harabedian, Sophia Ilas, Danielle Lee, Sierra Lyle, Dana McConnell, Molly Naudi, Kasandra Rezler, Michael Rice, David Shuman, Quinn Smith, Daniel Stuart, Alexa Szabo, Cameron VanBrabant, Kheresa Yeno

Editorial: Don’t Just Go For the Easy A Students should choose classes that interest and challenge them to learn and grow

e all know them. The easy A classes that will require very little effort but “look great on college apps.” But there are 195 days in a school year. Calculate it out and you’ll find that students spend approximately 200 hours in each class. What puzzles the MavLife editorial board is why anyone would want to spend 200 hours doing anything that you are not truly interested in, or potentially even passionate about. With registration coming up fast in the first few weeks of March, the MavLife editorial board asks that our peers look outside the typical criteria for how to pick their elective classes for the 20142015 school year. Throw away that routine checklist (easy A, good on college apps, friends in the class) and be willing to challenge yourself in one of the many electives on campus that can provide life skills for the future. There are a variety of options from which to choose. However, a few classes in particular stand out to the editorial staff as especially valuable courses that help prepare students for life beyond high school. If improving your oratory skills and competing in tournaments across California interests you, then Speech and Debate is an excellent elective choice for you. Students can study and compete in either Speech or Debate. Speech focuses primarily on writing and delivering speeches, while

electives on campus that can provide life skills for the future.”

This class is dedicated to enhance personal interest in an occupation and it is committed to help students settle down and focus on what they’re truly interested in. If the idea of getting your voice heard on campus excites you, then journalism is the program for you. Within an environment that encourages friendship between all grades, students learn to write stories for the student newspaper and website while also learning about photojournalism, communication skills, team management, and layout design. Students educate their readers, as well as themselves, about programs, events, individuals and issues within the community. Students can also travel to one of two semi-annual journalism conferences, where they interact with students from across the country and learn from professionals in a variety of workshops. With four national awards and two Best in Class awards from the San Diego Fair, students joining journalism will be entering a program that prepares students with skills for any career and empowers them to make an impact on a local and national level. These are a few of the many inspiring electives available to students. Please check out this month’s feature section for more ideas. Picking classes that are interesting and applicable to your future is crucial to a successful high school career. Students who venture out of their comfort zones and commit themselves to improving the campus, the community and their own futures will end the year with more than just an easy A. They will have spent their approximately 200 hours in a manner that has strengthened their minds and sparked their interests.

Age Is Just a Number Not all teenagers are associated with recklessness, irresponsibility and trouble

Adviser: Suzi Van Steenbergen

Danielle Lee

I 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.

also participating in impromptu speeches, interpretation of movies or novels, and a mock Congress in which students argue in favor or against proposed legislation. Students who participate in Debate must choose between four different types of debate, including Lincoln Douglas Debate, which focuses primarily on philosophical debate, or Policy Debate, which focuses on various political policies the government could put in place. Whether you choose Speech or Debate, the program will provide an environment that fosters new ideas and forms of thinking, challenging students to move outside their comfort zone and speak up for topics that they are passionate about. The Internship program is another opportunity to test the waters of a future line of work without the risk of drowning. As students prepare to go off to college and then soon enter the workforce, networking in a professional environment is key. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the areas of a specific profession and better your knowledge relating to a future occupation. Not to be taken as merely a free period, the class requires an average of 5 hours of work a week and can be applied to almost any area of work. Occupational awareness is important in educating and empowering students to excel in their desired profession.

yourself “ Challenge in one of the many

Business Manager: Devon Whitlam

FEBRUARY 2014

Staff Writer

nvincible is an adjective describing a person who cannot be overcome or defeated. For some teens, it is more than just a word out of the dictionary-it is a state of mind. Some believe that they can withstand anything and have no consequences for their actions. However, the majority of students act responsibly. Most teens know the consequences for their actions, and will be cautious when needed. Often when an incident occurs involving a teenager, people, usually adults, say that teens “think they’re invincible” and are “irresponsible.” Adults often claim teenagers act irresponsible because they think they’re invincible. But in a recent article, The New York Times reported that teenagers actually overestimate the danger of certain high risk activities. Additionally, an adult could just as easily be driving while texting or under the

influence, and be the cause of an accident or even death. A teenager’s age cannot be blamed as the main reason behind an accidents occurrence. While some teens are irresponsible, society generalizes that all teenagers are reckless. Why adults choose to assume that teenagers often cause trouble, or don’t work hard enough in school, is something I will never understand. When I look around, I see the majority of my peers hard at work and not causing problems. There will always be a small number of teenagers who don’t take anything seriously and like to cause trouble, but the majority of teenagers are hard-workers and take responsibility for their actions. I think that adults should stop making assumptions about teenagers and realize that we are trying to do our best in everything we do. Teenagers usually want to make their teachers and parents proud, and will want to work hard. Being a teenager does not mean you automatically have the label of being reckless and careless. Adults should stop associating teenagers with trouble. We are just trying to find ourselves and who we are as individuals. The majority of us are working hard in school, sports, and jobs. We deserve to be recognized for more than just being reckless.

Students Speak Up:

Making Smart Choices “Students are sometimes stupid and haven’t seen enough bad stuff to realize that it can happen to them.” -Sabrina Pattison, 12

“I think every accident has a consequence. I think every student should really think about decisions they’re going to make.” -Tyler Ingel, 12

“People are in a rush and don’t think about the situations.They don’t care and don’t think anything bad is going to happen to them.” -Samantha Jensen, 12

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Opinion

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Make the Most of February 14

The Lost Art of Reading

ro nei Mi n ga Me

Devin Berry

Staff Writer very year, millions of people take part in a day of love. A day where you go out and spend tons of money on flowers and chocolates and jewelry to give to your special someone. A day where restaurants and movie theaters are bombarded with couples. A day where you finally get up the courage to tell someone you love them. A day where the single and lonely feel even more single and lonely. And honestly, it’s a bunch of bull. Everyone knows how Valentine’s Day started; some guy named Saint Valentine went around spreading love to the lonely and the rest is history. Literally. What I wanna know is, why is this tradition still around? With society constantly changing and evolving, why not change Valentine’s Day? I’m kind of happy that all the single people out there have come up with a day to celebrate their singleness. Single Awareness Day is ironically celebrated on Valentine’s Day and it is, quite simply, genius. Thousands of people, coming together, to celebrate the fact that they can’t find love...that’s pretty darn cool. With all that being said, I still do believe in love. I just feel like love and showing your love shouldn’t be restricted to just one day a year. It should happen every single day. I’m a huge romantic, and being a romantic, I feel Valentine’s Day is a cheat-cheat for lazy people. There shouldn’t be one day that you go out of your way to do something special for your other half. That should happen every week, if not every day. Whatever it is that you come up with, whether it is

bringing them flowers to school one day, or buying them something they’ve had their eye on for a while, do it solely for the philanthropic purpose to make them happy beyond belief. If you’re single this Valentine’s Day, you’re single every other day of the year. So Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be any different. Since it’s a Friday, you have the whole weekend to go out with your friends and have fun. Go to the movies and laugh at all the cliché couples. Or just spend the entire time watching movies on Netflix, while eating as many Mega Stuffed Oreos as your heart desires. No one is judging. Also, love isn’t just restricted to relationships. Love is helping others and putting others before yourself. So go out and volunteer, help your family, do something nice for someone, whatever it is, just show someone what love is. But like I said, this stuff should happen every day of the year. Valentine’s Day should just be another day in your relationship, full of love and appreciation. And if you’re a lone wolf on this glorious day, treat yourself to something nice and appreciate being in a relationship with food and Netflix, and always remember: there’s nothing wrong with that. *If you are looking for a movie to watch on this year’s Single Awareness Day, go rent Valentine’s Day. It’s a movie about all the different types of love seen on February 14, and it’s perfect for the occasion, no matter what your relationship status is.

Tablets: Byting Off More Than You Can Chew

Kasandra Rezler Staff Writer

n the past few years, technology has been incorporated into the classroom. Specifically, tablets and computers are being used more frequently by teachers. But computers, not tablets, should be the go-to device in classrooms, because they are less distracting, serve more purposes, and are easier to use. One factor that schools have to keep in mind is that technology can distract anyone at any age. Computers don’t have mobile apps which tend to be more distracting and tempting. Furthermore, since tablets are recently new to society, not everyone knows how to use them properly. Teachers will have to restructure their lessons to incorporate the tablets into the learning process. But students already know how to use computers, which have many more programs. When typing, a physical keyboard is a lot easier to use. Tablets have virtual keyboards that are too small and hard to use. Only one finger is allowed on the keyboard at a time, and the keyboard takes away screen space, making the screen even smaller. Tablets often have attachable physical keyboards that are available to buy separately, but these tend to be expensive, complicated, and easy to misplace. AP English Lit & Lang AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Physics B/C

Computers tend to have better durability, an important factor in the learning setting because kids are prone to accidents. When closed, a laptop’s screen is immediately protected. But tablets have sensitive screens that tend to shatter, and are costly to repair. The laptop’s price range is also in around the same price range as the tablet’s price. Laptops also have easier accessibility to Google Docs, Microsoft Word and Apple’s Pages, all programs that many students use on a daily basis. Also, when working on a project, some students prefer to save it on a USB drive. Many tablets don’t have a USB port, but laptops do have this useful feature. Computers also have more weight range. There are computers that are three pounds and some that are ten, but tablets tend to have nearly the same measurements. Some computers are lighter for easier transportation, then some are bigger because they are desktops. While laptops and tablets are used to complete the same jobs, laptops complete the jobs more efficiently than tablets in a learning environment. Each moment in the classroom is a time to learn and laptops make that learning time more effective.

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’ve fallen into the trap too, trust me. A month before the first Hobbit movie was released in theaters, I picked up a copy of the book and began to read it with a passion I’d never realized I possessed. But as soon as that movie came out, you can guess what I did. I set the book on my shelf where it gathered dust, and I went to see the movie, guilt etching at me the entire time. Shameful, right? This is an obvious problem plaguing our generation of binge watching and movie-going teenagers. Watching an entire season of a favorite show in one sitting or going to the movies on a regular basis has become much more popular than reading a good book in the comfort of one’s home. With so many books being adapted into shows and movies, reading has become a lost art in today’s world. Books like “The Hobbit,” “Game of Thrones,” “The Hunger Games” and “Divergent” have all been transformed from beautiful words on a page, into simple images on a screen. While there are still dedicated readers who both read the books and watch the movies, the art of reading has become outdated in today’s visually-centered society. Now I’m not going on strike to get rid of all movie adaptations. In fact, I’m all for them. Don’t get me wrong, they provide helpful images and faces when reading a book. But reading a book before seeing the show or movie adaptation provides you with a much more in-depth experience. Reading the book allows you to move past the general plot and catch more subtle details. For example, how characters develops and how the world they live in is perceived through your eyes, not the eyes of a director. Characters, locations, relationships, everything in a book can be formed from your imagination, and you can create it how you would like to see it. One of my favorite books of all time is “A Game of Thrones” by George R. R. Martin, and I was ecstatic when it was made into a famous HBO series by the same title. But Martin must’ve anticipated that his book series would become a world famous television series, because inside his book he left a subtle piece of advice for all readers and watchers alike. “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” Jacob Castrejon

AP Enviro Sc AP Calculus

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Claudia Mathews

FEBRUARY 2014

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Journalism

AP Art History

Spanish IV Physics C

“

Engineering

It becomes like a giant Rubik’s Cube. Speed Farris

Molly Mineiro

Video Film

THE MASTER C

AP Psychology

AP Spanish Language

SCHEDULE

ome August 26, roughly 2000 students will crowd the green gates of La Costa Canyon to get a four-by-five inch piece of paper that will determine their daily routines for the next nine months. But behind this seemingly simple piece of paper lie months of work, as teachers, counselors and administrators create a “master schedule” that best fits students’ wants and needs.

Like Schildhouse, Farris also expressed his department’s frustration that such decisions are not in their control. “There is a certain amount of frustration in the Once the final school enrollment period ends in which middle school students have chosen their preferred high school, departments about those kinds of decisions because we don’t really get to see why this one gets to run and another doesn’t,” the district examines the total enrollment for each school Farris said. “That’s out of our hands.” and allots “sections” based on those numbers; each “section” Farris acknowledges that the administration is also “trying equals one period of one class. The site administration then to solve a large, complex math problem” in creating the master divides sections among the departments, and then teachers schedule, but adds that “sometimes they don’t know all of the in each department work together to craft a schedule for variables.” that department, which then gets submitted back to the The term “master schedule” includes the entire collection administration for review and integration into the schoolwide “Often times they make these decisions based on of classes offered on campus. Decisions such as which teacher information that sometimes the administration doesn’t know master schedule. will teach each class, during which periods a class will be about,” Farris said. “Sometimes changes are made without our “The administration takes a completed, departmental offered, in which room it will be held, and how large the class potential master schedule and attempts to merge it with all the knowledge. They need to make sure that we’re involved in that will be all factor in to the final master schedule. The process other department master schedule for something that’s actually as well.” begins in February and continues through the summer and into feasible,” Farris said. “Sometimes there are conflicts.” the first few weeks of school. One conflict is that not every class ends up having “It becomes like a giant Rubik’s cube,” English department “enough” students in order for it to run. Questions of low chair Speed Farris said. “We have all the different courses that Last year, unlike in previous years, some teachers were enrollment are complicated because there is no set number at are offered, we have teachers’ schedules, we also have teachers’ which a class will make the cut. What does it really mean if a not notified that courses were in danger of being cut before wishes and preferences, we have teachers’ prep periods. We the final decision had been made, allowing teachers to have class does not have “enough” enrollment? have to put it all together in a way that is even and equal and For example, the calculus-based AP Physics C course was the opportunity to recruit before the classes were eliminated. fair across the board.” In addition to Physics C, other classes that were cut included cut last spring due to low enrollment. Senior Joe Jiang, one of Teachers’ needs must be balanced against the courses that the students who had originally enrolled in Physics C last year, journalism and Spanish IV. students sign up for. Assembling the final schedule can be a “We were in the same position last year [with Spanish believes that the decision was a mistake. complex process. “The school should have provided the class,” Jiang said. “A IV] as with journalism,” Giusta said. “They said, ‘No, it’s over.’ “We have to plug in what every student’s schedule is and lot of students were highly motivated to learn this subject and I Usually in the past they’ve given us ,‘You have a week to recruit make sure that they have the ability to go to all those classes so feel like there were enough students that the school should have and try to get more students in there.’ We weren’t able to do they’re balanced and they hopefully can get all that they want,” funded this kind of class.” that.” Assistant Principal Bjorn Paige said. Paige is the administrator As of January, several classes were below 40 students. According to Schildhouse, this situation was not under the who oversees the master schedule. French III and IV as a combined class has 31 students. AP Music science department’s control. Theory and Guitar as a combined class has 32. Intro to Design “Physics I would say was really out of our hands,” has 31. ASB has 35. AP Computer Science has 29 in Period 2 Schildhouse said. “I would love it to be an ideal world that I and 26 in Period 4. could say this is a class that is good for students and we should A common phrase that counselors and administrators In some cases, as with last year’s combined Japanese III and run it and the school should find a way to make it happen.” use when explaining how the master schedule is built is that IV class of 18 students, teacher contracts affect whether or not Counselor Randa Fast-Medley explained that students students “vote with their feet,” meaning that classes will run if a class will run. “wanted AP Physics. . .and they just couldn’t get enough enough students sign up for them. “We had an employee who had a period of Japanese that students to have the section.” “Across the board as we build [the] master schedule, it is was contractually obligated,” Paige said. Paige acknowledges that there’s no “magic number” of based on student interest,” Paige said. “It really is just the ether enrolled students that courses need in order to run, but Farris, When decisions are made about the master schedule at the in which we work.” administration level, it can leave some departments wondering Schildhouse, Fast-Medley and counselor Danielle Martinez all While accounting for student interest is important, basing mentioned the number 40 as a rough target. about how those decisions are made. the schedule on what students sign up for only makes sense “We don’t really get to see why this one gets to run and “The administration has told us that in order to run a when students have guidance when making their choices, another doesn’t, especially if the numbers are relatively even,” course we need to have a minimum enrollment,” Farris said “I according to science department co-chair Cindi Schildhouse. believe that number was 40.” This does not include AVID, ELD, Farris said. “I appreciate the idea of having students ‘vote with their or any sheltered or special education support courses. feet’ and it’s grounded in something that makes a lot of sense,” The primary concern with running a relatively smaller Schildhouse said. “I also think that we should be giving you class is that when a class has relatively low enrollment, other some guidance for what will make you successful and what will classes within that department, or even in other departments, In the end, all decisions regarding whether or not a class give you the best opportunities.” will run are made by the administration. could be affected. When students don’t have all the information, a “vote “There is some departmental input,” Paige said. “If we want a class to run, it either has to run at the with your feet” policy for building a master schedule can cause expense of something else or even if we want it to run, “Ultimately it comes down to principal and designee—which is students to ignore some options, and instead choose classes that somebody else might influence that decision and make it not me—usually the person who makes the master schedule.” are popular and/or that are considered to have light workloads. run,” Schildhouse said. Administrators stress that students’ best opportunity to For this reason, world language department chair Ryan Giusta influence which courses are offered is to sign up for the classes recognizes that “vote with your feet” has pros and cons. they hope to take. “Our district is all led by student choice, which is good “Students will talk with counselors and each other and and bad,” Giusta said. “As some teachers say, water runs down their parents and figure out what they want to do,” Paige said. If numbers are borderline, decisions are made by the hill. Students will always take the easier classes over hard “Once they submit their registration, that is the time when you administration regarding whether a course will be included in academic classes or an elective like a language.” can say for sure your voice is being heard.” the master schedule or not. Some students may not be aware of the variety of courses In the past, there hasn’t always been clear communication open to them. between departments and administrators about why certain Molly Mineiro “I feel like if people knew more about the other options classes were cut or about what factors were considered when Feature Editor and Copy Editor that we have, not everyone would run to AP Psych or cooking,” cutting a course. senior Jazzie Jackson said. “There’s an engineering class, a “I don’t know the criteria,” Farris said. “I don’t know how computer science class, journalism, sociology—all these classes those decisions are made. Sometimes we’re told about them. that if my friends weren’t in them I would have no clue about.” Sometimes we’re not.”

How many students are enough?

What is the master schedule?

At what point does a class get cut?

What role does student interest play?

What is the bottom line?

How important is communication?

Feature

FEBRUARY 2014

Learn more about some of the electives that are offered! Child Development

“Students get to know the teacher in the classroom, observing, helping, doing whatever they want. It’s a great time to find out if they want to be a teacher .” Chelsea Griffin, Child Development Teacher

AP Art History

“Our focus will be more on art appreciation, this can be a place where art and history cross over and it’s an AP so it’s a way for students to choose to get a little more rigor into their electives.” Lucia Franke, US and Art History Teacher

Journalism

“Journalism is the ideal class to make an impact on campus. MavLife is a student-run program so we make decisions on everything from stories we cover to photography and design. Want to get your voice heard? Join Journalism!” Megan Mineiro,

Editor-in-Chief of MavLife

Engineering “In the beginning class the students are learning about the design process and how engineers and scientists solve problems. They also learn how to use software that the engineering community uses.” Deborah Elliott, Engineering Teacher



BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS What classes should I register for? START HERE

World Language

Physical Education

Are you on a school sports team? YES

There are many Other physical education school sports that have classes are offered corresponding PE classes. outside of school sports. Basketball Wrestling Baseball Girl’s Team Sports Football Soccer

WHAT ARE YOU INTERESTED IN?

Surf PE Weight Training Yoga/Aerobics

What language interests you most? SPANISH

ASL

Additional Electives COLLEGE

AVID I, II AVID Senior Seminar* Senior College Seminar

Looking for a head start down a cetain career path? These classes have specific career-based curriculum. Business Math Child Development* Marketing Principles* Culinary Arts*

SCHOOL Get involved with a program on campus! Many important programs are run through elective classes. ASB Leadership Speech and Debate Advanced Journalism* Journalism Yearbook*

TECH Want to learn more about computers and technology? Gain hands-on experience in technological studies.

Do you like... DANCE

MUSIC

FINE ARTS

THEATER

Acting I Intermediate Acting Advanced Acting Advanced Drama Honors Drama Production Musical Theater Improv

Beginning Dance Intermediate Dance Advanced Dance Did you know? Dance can be used either as VPA or PE credit.

Painting Photography Drawing and Design AP Art History Video Film Sculpture

ROP Engineering* AP Computer Science* ROP Photo Imaging* ROP TV Production* Web Design*

Social Science Are you interested in social issues?

WORK Get credit for your work off campus or explore career options. Work Experience* Internship*

These World Language classes are available for multiple levels.

Visual and Performing Art

Want help preparing for college? These classes help students focus on their goals.

CAREER

JAPANESE

Along with Spanish I, II, III and IV there are other Spanish courses offered. Spanish for Professional Communications AP Spanish Literature AP Spanish Language

Your sport not offered? Consider Athletic PE or ISPE

FRENCH

YES

Concert Band Symphonic Band Guitar (Rock Band) Want a challenge? Try AP Music

Practical Art

Theory

Sociology Sociology is the study of society as a whole and social behavior.

Elective classes listed above under the Additional Electives marked by an asterisk (*) are given Practical Art credit to fulfill LCC graduation requirements.

Psychology AP Psychology

Unlike Sociology, Psychology focuses more on individual biological and physical behavior.

Does not include all courses offered. See LCCHS counseling website for more information on individual electives.

Meghan Lumsden

If I could go back in time. . .

Seniors reflect back on their four years at LCC and offer advice for underclassmen “You should start doing activities, any kind of activities early on and you should build some kind of passion for maybe a sport or journalism, or community service. You definitely want to pursue something that you could do in your free time.”

“Challenge yourself and take advantage of all the opportunities you can. Embrace change and be ready for the next step in your life because high school changes a lot and it’s a bunch of different steps at one time.

-Joseph Jiang

-Jared Maffucci

“Broaden your horizons, be well rounded. Have a little bit of everything. Ask older people, seniors and juniors what you should do instead of just coming and not knowing anything. Everyone here is really friendly.”

-Haya Barakat

“I would say get all your hard stuff out of the way first and then have fun. Do stuff you’re interested in. Enjoy it while you can. Don’t be stressed about the future because the future will take care of itself.

-Dani Armstrong Molly Naudi Staff Writer

Feature

MAVLIFENEWS.COM

Free Periods May Come with a Cost

lass selection. English—check. Math—check. Social science, PE—check, check. Now comes the hard part—your “Remaining Courses.” You could take a visual and performing art or a world language, maybe Spanish or French, or . . . an unscheduled period. There were 281 unscheduled periods for first semester. While gaining an extra two hours every other day appeals to many students, counselors advise students to be careful when weighing the pros and cons of opting out of an academic class. “As counselors we always push for students to have six classes for four years,” counselor Danielle Martinez said. “Sometimes we put all these kids in one category. We have to look at every single student as an individual and we have to look at them differently based on the rigor of their schedule.” College admissions counselor Catherine McCarthy tends to discourage free periods. McCarthy has read applications for UC San Diego and was an interviewer for a private university. Her concern is that a free period might make a student’s schedule less appealing to college admissions counselors. “If you have opted out of A-G courses for a free period, you’re kind of taking a hit on that scale that they use to compare you to other students in your high school,” McCarthy said. A-G courses are those that meet California State University and University of California entrance requirements (see pull out section below). In some cases, students may not need to drop any A-G courses to take a free period. Sophomore Colin Kruger finished a complete online world history course in one semester, for example. “I did online world history for the first semester for my free period and then the second semester I’m going to have more time to study for the AP test,” Kruger said. However, McCarthy explains that except in rare cases, a free period is not a wise choice for most college-bound students. “The one exception would be if there was something going on that you could say you have a full load,” McCarthy said. “‘I was working to support my family’ or ‘I have this internship opportunity that was really amazing’ or ‘I had a commitment to athletics or extracurriculars that are extraordinary and couldn’t carry a full load.’” One student, junior Caroline Cherry, is an equestrian.

WHAT’S YOUR

She takes a free period so that she can ride horses and still have time to get work done for school. “I show horses competitively, which is why I have a free period—so I can take the time to go to the barn every day and ride,” Cherry said. “I finished my ISPE [independent PE] credits freshman and sophomore years and then this year I took the unscheduled class.” McCarthy offers some insight into how colleges view that “unscheduled period” on a student’s transcript. “I wouldn’t be particularly swayed by, ‘I was taking a lot of AP’s and I needed time to do my homework (or watch ESPN or “Vampire Diaries”),’” McCarthy said. If students worry how a free period could affect their futures, McCarthy advises they consider their motivations, and to make sure that the choice to have a free period is logical and grounded in an effort to succeed. “It’s very hard to market yourself to a college as a student who is going to make a contribution in the classroom if you were bored or ran out of stuff to do in high school,” McCarthy said. There may be other reasons to consider taking a full load, especially in the senior year. In previous years, some teachers have expressed that they might be hesitant to write letters of recommendation to students who have free periods in their schedules. “I felt that La Costa Canyon High School had a lot of great courses that we wanted to offer but that there was competition for those classes from free periods,” history teacher Lucia Franke said. “The appeal of a free period had drawn enough [students] away that often those classes didn’t get the sign-ups that they needed to run. Public school is free, so why not take as much as it has to offer?” Having a more rigorous schedule can also make students more productive, according to Franke. “I can understand the attraction of having a free period, but I will say that I think people are more efficient the more they have to do,” Franke said. “I think sometimes a free period can be counter-productive because when a person has two free hours in the day when they usually wouldn’t have free time they may waste it instead of using it wisely.”

A P

lacement

dvanced

by the numbers

1509 students 715participants AP courses 22 covered overall 73% passing rate

Kheresa Yeno

exams taken

Data complied by SDUHSD from 2013 AP exams administered at LCC



AGENDA? Staff Writer

Dates to Know Learn What’s Required Subject

California State University CSU and UC Requirements

La Costa Canyon Requirements

English

4 years

March 31-April 25

Mathematics

3 years, 4 years recommended

3 years

Campus Tours

Social Science

2 years

1 yr. World History, 1 yr. US History, 1 yr. Gov’t/Econ.

Science

2 years lab, 3 years recommended

1 year biological 1 year physical

Language other than English

2 years of the same language, 3 years not required recommended

Visual and Performing Art

1 year Visual or Performing Arts

1 year

Electives

1 year

70 credits

High School Selection February 3 - March 3

Course Enrollment March 7 April 4 May 2 Still deciding which high school to choose? Get a feel for the campus! Check in at 10 a.m. in the front lobby area of the Administration building.

Questions?

Wondering what courses meet which requirements? Want to make a four-year plan? Trying to figure out which classes are good for you? Talk to your counselor today!

Physical Education not required Practical Art

not required

2 years, must include Year One PE (w/health)

1 year Meghan Lumsden

FEBRUARY 2014

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MAVLIFENEWS.COM

Recreational Marijuana is Legalized in Colorado 58% 38% Since legalization on January 1...

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Sports

FEBRUARY 2014

Concussions Lead to Increased Emphasis on Player Safety

he topic of concussions has come to the forefront in the world of sports, becoming an issue commonly debated about. As much enjoyment and satisfaction as sports brings to those who play, there is undoubtedly a more harmful side to the athletics they cherish. “The game is moving faster and [is] more dynamic, so concussions are becoming more common,” former head volleyball coach Pat McDougall said. “The game is escalating and [concussions] are being identified better now. Before what would have been written off as just a headache is now being identified as a concussion.” While some injuries are simply unavoidable, experience and awareness can increase safety. “If you don’t want to get a concussion, don’t play the game,” rugby captain Ben Price said. “[Safety] just comes with experience and being smart. The more you watch, the more you know.” Athletes with prior concussions, such as volleyball player Jessica Aiken, often need to take further precautions to avoid additional concussions. “I am more careful when I’m on the court, and I am a lot more cautious,” Aiken said. “It’s your brain and it’s really serious. It can really affect somebody greatly.” The protocol for evaluating a potential concussion is strict, and vital for preventing future injuries.

“The most important thing is recognition, complete removal of play, formal evaluation from your athletic trainer and physician, and then your progressive return to play,” athletic trainer Sam Villa said. “If you are hiding your symptoms and going out and still having severe headaches, you can really permanently damage your brain.” Some believe that it isn’t the number of concussions that has increased, but rather the awareness of those that occur. “There are more concussions reported,” head football coach Sean Sovacool said. “I think some of them might not always be a concussion. With all the media attention that it is getting some players are getting spooked and some of [the reported concussions] may or may not be real. But they are erring on the side of safety.” Evaluating concussions may pose a problem because of the inability to visually identify the injury. “You can see a cast on someone’s arm, you can see swelling in an ankle, but you can’t see a concussion,” Villa said. “A lot of kids have a hard time being honest because they just want to get back into the game, and there’s a lot of pressure by coaches and other kids and parents, who don’t see anything wrong.” Though some athletes may be resistant to being removed from a

Sophia Ilas

La Costa Canyon’s rugby team, captained by senior Ben Price, plays its first ever home match against San Pasqual on January 18. The Maverick Rugby team won the match, by a final score of 33 to 26.

game situation, erring on the side of caution is crucial to protecting the athlete’s health. “I think the most important thing is getting the information out there and educating kids on why we are not just holding them out for no reason,” Villa said. “The time to recover is much longer in teenagers than it is in adults because your brain is still developing, so we are always going to take a more conservative approach.”

Effective equipment is also important to ensure safe play. “Make sure that you are wearing well-fitting and wellconditioned equipment,” Villa said. Proper technique can often protect against harmful collisions that lead to head injuries. “We never teach kids to lead with their heads,” head football coach Sean Sovacool said. “We spend a lot of time teaching tackling technique to make sure

kids understand how to do it appropriately.” With such an importance in protecting the brain, the emphasis placed on safety cannot be underestimated. “Our athletes’ well-being is the most important thing,” Sovacool said. “You only get one brain, so you want to protect it.”

Sophia Ilas Staff Writer

Offseason Training Prepares Coaches and Athletes for Upcoming Season

Claudia Mathews

Three lacrosse players engage in an offseason training session after school on February 4.

efore any athletes step on the field, the court or the track, they begin putting in effort to work towards success. Many athletes find the offseason critical to improving physically for the upcoming season. “[The offseason] definitely helps our team get a lot faster, because it takes a lot of time to train up to where we want to be and to condition,” junior cross country and distance track runner Eric Lawver

said. “With the offseason we have more time to peak up and get a lot stronger.” The offseason is a time for growth, not just physically, but also mentally. “We don’t just train physically, we train emotionally and morally,” head football coach Sean Sovacool said. “We try to build teamwork and see who’s really invested and find out who’s really committed.”

Scholar Athletes on the Go Early release passes for

sports create tension between athletes and teachers

ith strong student involvement in athletics on campus, a large population of students participate in athletic events during the school week. However, one disadvantage of weekday athletic events is the requirement for athletes to leave their classes early to participate. Not every teacher appreciates the interruptions posed by athletes leaving class early. “I hate them with a passion,” physics teacher David Evers said. “I don’t understand why they plan certain sporting events to take place every Tuesday [and] Thursday afternoon. It just seems like it could be planned better so they don’t miss class all of the time.” Other teachers don’t see any alternatives to early releases. “I don’t know how else to do it because there are games, as athletes

We don’t just “train physically;

Offseason training can often be necessary just to keep up with the competition. “The further ahead you can get to prepare and feel confident then the better off you will be during the year,” senior sprinter Chase Hansen said. “[If] you’re barely getting started or barely have any experience, you’re going to be a step behind.” Coaches use the offseason to determine which athletes are willing to put in the effort it takes to be successful. “[Coaches] will be able to determine who has the work ethic and who is already in good shape during the offseason,” junior and varsity lacrosse player Colin Harvey said. Effort put into the offseason can have a major impact on who will lead the team during the regular season. “The coach starts to narrow down our main runners during the offseason by seeing who will take the time to actually go to the practices and be more a part of the

team,” Hansen said. Coaches can use the offseason to prepare their athletes for competitive situations. “We will watch some of last year’s game film to work on installation, go back to reteaching the schemes, and then we will spend time training character, training teamwork, training the intangibles,” Sovacool said. “It is mostly about getting bigger, faster, stronger, but we also need to be a better competitor.” The offseason serves as an opportunity for coaches to see which athletes show commitment and aren’t be afraid to show their true potential. “You have to be willing to put in the work and effort, because you have a choice when the coach tells you to do something,” Harvey said. “[The coach] just wants to see what athletes can prove themselves throughout the offseason.” Though it may not be during the season, offseason training can have a big impact on the success of an athlete.

and coaches, that we have to go to,” history teacher and head cross country coach Bill Vice said. “We can’t schedule them later because for some sports it will get too dark, so I just don’t know any other way around it.” Some teachers feel that athletes that leave early feel privileged and don’t take it upon themselves to make up work. “Psychologically, athletes think that nothing really happens when they are gone, so I think it can damage them in that way,” psychology teacher James Etheridge said. “For kids who have an academic class fifth or sixth period, it can really start adding up the time, and without being incredible self starters and dealing with it, they are going to miss a lot of material.” However, some athletes

disagree with the sentiment that athletes refuse to stay caught up on their studies. “I feel like my academics aren’t really affected at all, when I leave early,” junior wrestler Josh Birchall said. “If you are going to leave early, you are going to need to make up the work. If you don’t make up the work, you don’t get the points; it depends on how much you are willing to do.” Ultimately, leaving class early is a privilege, not a right. “It is an athlete’s choice and privilege to leave school early to participate in athletics and to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA,” it states in the school’s Athletic Code of Conduct. “It is a teacher’s choice to release a student.” “This year there was an English teacher who refused to let

we train emotionally and morally.”

Sean Sovacool

“I don’t like to call it offseason—it’s not ‘off,’ this isn’t off,” Sovacool said. “I feel like the word ‘off’ paints the picture that this time isn’t important, which it is. This is a time where you can perfect plays, prevent injuries, build team morale, team chemistry and you really find out who’s prepared for the season.”

Michael Casinelli Staff Writer

one of my kids go to a meet and they missed the bus,” Vice said. “I wouldn’t have a problem as a coach if somebody said no, but it needs to be done ahead of time.” Despite the difficulties it may cause, many teachers understand the necessity of athletes being released early for play. “Even though it may be detrimental to their grade, I understand the benefits of playing for organized sports at school,” Etheridge said. Some athletes have a strong sense of school pride, feeling that they have the right to represent their school athletically. “We represent LCC,” junior volleyball player Torrey Tinney said, “and should be able to go out and do that.” Sierra Lyle Staff Writer

Sports

MAVLIFENEWS.COM

The Fresh Prince of New Jersey

Senior wrestler Ian Baker commits to Princeton University

ei Sub NumineViget. Under the Protection of God She over the summer. Spending Flourishes. This will be the motto for over 5,000 students an hour or two just talking to attending Princeton University this fall, including La Costa someone, trying to find out Canyon’s own senior wrestler Ian Baker. where to go, find out what Some students endure a rigorous recruiting process, to do.” constantly under the microscope of college scouts from Many top wrestling schools around the nation in hopes of being recruited. colleges contacted Baker with In the case of senior Ian Baker, the varsity wrestler scholarship opportunities, was put in a position that most student athletes will never which is unusual for a high experience. He earned the opportunity to choose from a school wrestler. For wrestlers, handful of premier colleges and universities known not only recruitment can be more for their athletics, but also for their academics. difficult than for athletes in “I toured Stanford, Columbia, Northwestern, Brown, other sports. Princeton,” Baker said. “A bunch of others I shook off.” “It’s rare to get In the end, Baker determined that Princeton gave him the recruited,” junior wrestler best opportunity to succeed. Todd Chappuis said. “In “[Princeton is] just all around a good fit,” Baker said. “The recruiting, they don’t always campus was amazing, I love the people there, the academics look at just wrestling. They were off the charts, [and] I love the coaches. It’s going to be look at more than just hard, so it should be good for me.” academics.You’ve gotta be the Throughout his wrestling career, Baker has influenced his total package.” teammates beyond his feats on the mat. The recruiting process “Ian’s a great guy—he’s got a lot of great human traits,” for many student-athletes senior wrestler Griffin Adler said. “He’s very kind, he’s a can be a long and difficult really respectful person, really a role model for a lot of the experience. wrestlers.” “What [Ian, his parents Molly Naudi Baker competed in the 2013 National High School and I] did was narrow it down Senior Ian Baker will be attending Princeton University in the fall. Coaches Association (NHSCA) Junior Nationals in Virginia to 10 or 15 colleges, because Beach and ended up winning the National Championship for there’s 50 or 60 calling,” Buth his 182 pound weight class. said. “It’s like a hurricane. If “It was a pretty you’re not in front of that, awesome and exciting there’s a lot of stress.” time,” head wrestling Despite the Ultimately [his goal] is to get that Princeton Wrestling Achievements coach Dwayne Buth said. overwhelming interest in “It was really neat to see education, and go on to whatever other goals he Baker, the decision ultimately all of the teammates and came down to academics. Sophomore Year has in life and use wrestling as a bridge to reach parents there. When he “What was awesome was 2nd Place in the San Diego Division II CIF Tournament did it, it was like everyone that [Ian’s parents] put the 1st Place at Frosh/Soph State those goals.” won the National academics first and foremost,” Dwayne Buth Buth said. “That’s where the Championship.” Junior Year After his parents did a remarkable job. Junior National Championship title championship win at It’s a tough process, it can be Nationals last season, Baker’s collegiate opportunities opened fun doing recruiting trips but it’s kind of rigorous. There were Senior Year up. a lot of top wrestling colleges that were calling him. They went Most Valuable Heavyweight Award at the “[The National Championship] was kind of the thing that and did their homework on what academic schools fit him the Tournament of Champions at Cerritos College got the whole thing rolling,” Baker said. “There was a lot more most.” 1st Place Temecula Tournament interest. That’s how all of the east coast schools got to know Attending Princeton not only allows Baker to pursue his about me.” athletic goals in college, but it will prepare him for a life after Advanced Placement Classes In addition to the hundreds of emails and letters that wrestling. United States History Biology most prospective college students receive, Baker was forced to “ I think his goal is to of course graduate from Princeton, answer numerous phone calls from college coaches during the I think he would love to be a college All-American and be a StudArt3D World History recruiting process. college national champ,” Buth said. “Ultimately [his goal] is to English Literature Physics “Over the summer I would try to [check my mail] get that Princeton education and go on to whatever other goals Government/ Economics English Language & every three days,” Baker said. “It was obnoxious. It could be he has in life and use wrestling as a bridge to reach those goals.” Calculus BC Composition anywhere from three to 11 calls I would have to make at a Keith Demolder time. It was a lot of calls to make and a lot of people to talk to Staff Writer

Ian Baker, Student-Athlete

“

Spring Athlete Q&A

Nataile Engel

Rachel Kulik (11) Swimming

Matt Walsh (11) Boys Golf

Racquel Rackley (12) Track and Field

Pierce Maczko (10) Boys Lacrosse

Madison Lambert (10) Field Hockey

My biggest fear is...

Spiders

Failing

Heights

Being kidnapped

My celebrity crush is...

Zac Efron

Mila Kunis

Zac Efron

Jennifer Lawrence

Zac Efron

The last movie I saw was...

“Confessions of a Shopaholic”

“Batman: The Dark Knight Rises”

“Pride and Prejudice”

“The Wolf of Wall Street”

“High School Musical 3”

My favorite song is...

“Ho Hey” The Lumineers

“Sweater Weather” - NBHD

“College Kids” Relient K

“Latch” Disclosure

“Let Her Go” Passenger

My biggest pet peeve is...

When people leave their trash out

When people pick their nails

Shopping carts in parking lots

Sharks

When people whistle

Jade Harabedian Staff Writer

Entertainment

Teacher vs. Student

Dan Moran

Jayson Gacad

Question

Moran

Fletes

the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” come out?

2004

2009

2 What state has the

California

New York

1 What year did “Pirates of

highest population?

3 What is the Sea of

A calm sea

Breathing

4 What football team has

New England Patriots

San Francisco 49ers

5 Who is the director of

Peter Jackson

Martin Scorsese

Tranquility?

won the most Super Bowl wins?

the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy?

Vintage Fashions Spring to Life

Leo Fletes

FEBRUARY 2014

Answer 2003

Both competitors must be cursed too. The score begins with zero points each. M: 0, F: 0

California

Moran seems to know his populations. Fletes should start studying the census. Moran takes the lead with one point. M: 1, F: 0

Apollo ‘11 Landing Site It is impossible to swim or breathe on the moon. Moran is still winning by one. M: 1, F: 0

Pittsburgh Steelers

It looks like Fletes and Moran will not be named MVP. Fletes has one more shot to even the score. M: 1, F: 0

Peter Jackson

ith the spring season fast approaching, the world of fashion offers many new trends to help you look your absolute best. The upcoming season is taking an interesting turn, as many trends from the deep cracks of fashion history make their way back up and into the spotlight. First and foremost, floral prints have always been a timeless way to weave a level of class and color to any outfit, male or female, so bust out the floral print. The second print of the season is the vintage print we have all encountered before: polka dots. The ideology behind this print is to add a level of contrast to the outfit you’re wearing while not overwhelming it. Finally, metallic or leather texture adds a bold statement to any look you are trying to achieve. A floral button up will do wonders for your outfit. According to the temperature, pair it with pastel-shaded shorts or tight fitting chinos on colder days to give the outfit a nice flow. Don a pair of platform oxfords or a pair of creepers to complete your look with comfort. If you’re feeling a little bit more casual, a nice pair of fitted jeans (preferably cuffed) with a well-made pair of chukka boots, or a lively pair of Doc Martens will work beautifully. To finish off the look, try a nicely printed v-neck paired with a cable knit sweater, bomber jacket, or denim jacket to add versatility to the outfit. Clothing pieces with fringe detail are a huge trend in the upcoming season, and incorporating this into your outfit can give it a vintage twist. Pair a tank top with a pair of acid wash jeggings to add an urban touch to your look. Or, throw on your cutest long fringed cardigan, and dazzle with a pair of ankle boots to finish off your outfit. If you’re feeling a bit more formal or if you’re simply in the mood to wear a dress, this next look will save the day. Pair a floral printed mock fit flare dress with a pair of platform Mary Janes to create a quirky yet completely elegant look. Cooper Gee Senior Staff Writer

One does not simply walk into Mordor unless you are Peter Jackson. With that, Moran wins with two and Fletes at zero.

FINAL SCORE = MORAN: 2, FLETES: 0

Jayson Gacad

Senior Staff Writer

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Entertainment

MAVLIFENEWS.COM

The Hungry Maverick As spring slowly starts to surface, flowers are blooming and fruit is sweeter than ever. The upcoming warm weather feels refreshing and a yummy açaí bowl tastes like heaven. This month, the editorial board transformed into the judging panel for three different açaí bowls. Who will conquer all and who will fall despairingly? Read on to find out.

Jessica Woods

Entertainment Editor

Sambazon Açaí Café

Juice Stop

Swami’s Cafe

2031 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007 (760) 230-2380

1042-C N. El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 436-4708

iving up to its well-deserved and prestigious name, Sambazon proudly beat out the competition and pulled through with ease. Often characterized as the model for all other açaí bowls, Sambazon’s açaí is considered to be the “original açaí,” as mentioned frequently by the editorial board. “It’s the most authentic,” junior Molly Mineiro said. Packed full with fruit and granola to the brim, the bowl was a tasteful explosion, so to speak. “It has the most flavor,” senior Devon Whitlam said. Although there were firm advocates of Sambazon on the judging panel, not everyone shared the same enthusiasm. “It tastes like pistachios and the granola is lumpy,” junior Cassandra Cyphers said. With a pocket full of puns, senior Jackson Cowart said, “This is açaíawful.” However, the negatives did not weigh Sambazon down. In the end, Sambazon was joyfully crowned the winner with a total of five votes.

hough Juice Stop is more well-known for providing delicious and nutritious smoothies, açaí bowls are also featured on the menu and are considered average. The texture was often described as “light” and “creamy,” and the bowl also possessed a strong hint of a “banana flavor.” According to senior Jackson Cowart, the açaí was “tasty and delectable, and the granola blends exquisitely with the açaí” and senior Devon Whitlam added that “the granola is like Rice Krispies.” Unfortunately, the fact that the açaí bowl tasted like something out of a cereal box definitely brought Juice Stop down in the rankings. Juice Stop most certainly had both its pros and cons. In senior Meghan Lumsden’s opinion, “Juice Stop is the best ever.” But junior Anthony Fregoso argued that Juice Stop “copied Sambazon.” Unfortunately for Juice Stop, Sambazon did indeed win in this competition. But it was a close run, with Juice Stop acquiring three votes.

1163 S Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 944-0612 ven though it is located conveniently on the Encinitas Coast Highway 101 and can satisfy a spontaneous beach day’s craving for açaí, Swami’s Cafe did not rise to the challenge. The açaí bowl appeared to be the “most appetizing,” but did not prove to be worthy of its appearance. The granola was regularly identified with a “funny taste” and senior Megan Mineiro said, “the granola is roasted so it does not taste as fresh.” While it was said that Swami’s had the “best fruit,” the bowl as an entirety did not blend together as desired. Compared to its competitors, the local beach cafe did not make any remarkable impression on the judges at hand. Swami’s has fantastic breakfast and lunch items on the menu, but it should perhaps stick solely to these meals and stray from açaí bowls. With only one vote under its belt, Swami’s Cafe sunk to the bottom.

Anthony Fregoso

Notable

Necessities

You will not want to miss these top trending shows on Netflix.

The Carrie Diaries

efore there was sex, and before there was the city, there was Carrie Bradshaw (AnnaSophia Robb). This prequel to the well-known show, “Sex and the City,” takes place in 1985, one of the most iconic eras of vibrant fashion. Living in a small town in Castlebury, Connecticut, the 17-year-old embraces big dreams as an intern at Interview Magazine in the extravagant city of New York. Both secretive and scheming, Carrie weaves her way into trouble. With her dad thinking she is working at a law firm and her new boss believing she is in her twenties, her antics start to catch up with her. But if there is one thing that Carrie Bradshaw knows how to do, it is how to chase her dreams. It is the glitz and glamour of the city that sets the stage for the over-the-top photo shoots and club scenes that come with working in the city. If you are looking for a fun and flirty new show, check out the first season of “The Carrie Diaries” on Netflix and catch up for season two.

American Horror Story

n this spooky television series, each season takes place in a separate terrifying setting with the same actors portraying new characters: “Murder House,” “Asylum” and “Coven.” Two of the three haunting seasons are available to watch on Netflix. In season one, “Murder House,” the viewers follow the Harmon family into a mansion where they encounter the ghosts of individuals that died on the property. Season two, “Asylum,” features the patients, doctors and nuns of the Briarcliff Mental Institution who are frequently exposed to supernatural and extraterrestrial life. Season three, “Coven,” which just concluded on January 29 and is not yet on Netflix, focuses on the oppression due to the return of witches and voodoo that once haunted the grounds during the Salem Witch Trials. A show that will give you shivers up your spine and goosebumps down your arms, this series is on the rise and people are dying to watch it.

Gossip Girl

he omniscient blogger, Gossip Girl, covers the lives of the wealthy residents of New York’s Upper East Side. The series begins with Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) returning to Manhattan where her best friend, Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) currently goes to school. They find the latest buzz and hottest trends through the secretive blogger, but it is their own reality that creates the most dramatic scandals of all. Nate Archibald (Chase Crawford) is known as the good boy, and definite tease for the ladies, while Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick) is the infamous party boy, as well as a major heart-breaker. The jealousies unfold as the rich residents of Manhattan are challenged with the struggles of living an extravagant lifestyle. Rocky romance and expensive fashion make the show one of the most elaborate series of all time, as well as one of the most popular shows on Netflix. XOXO, Gossip Girl. Alexa Szabo Staff Writer

FEBRUARY 2014

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