2018-2019 Issue 1 (Sept. 14, 2018) by NPHS Panther Prowler

PANTHER

PROWLER Friday Sept. 14, 2018 • Issue ! • Newbury Park High School 456 N. Reino Rd., Newbury Park, CA 91320 • pantherprowler.org

Reaching New Horizons

2 8-9

Ed Code 48907

Summer Experiences

Nike Campaign

New Teachers

Maintence Staff

YouTubers

Asian Representation

Tech Corner

Surfing

2 California Ed Code 48907 ensures student voices are heard staff editorial

Panther Prowler • Sept. 14, 2018

“Pupils of the public schools, including charter schools, shall have the right to exercise freedom of speech and of the press...and the right of expression in official publications... except that expression shall be prohibited which is obscene, libelous, or slanderous. There shall be no prior restraint of material prepared for official school publications except insofar as it violates this section.” Emily Augustine/Prowler

First Amendment rights do not stop at the schoolhouse gate. This was a common mantra among student protesters during the 1960s as the Vietnam War prompted conflicts between school publications and administration. Articles containing anti-war sentiments were censored, so teachers and advisers worked to find a way to allow students to express their opinions with journalistic integrity. In 1977, a solution was written into law in the form of California Education Code 48907, which guarantees student journalists the same rights as professional journalists: freedom of speech and of the press. Under the protection of this law, students were once again empowered with a voice. Just as the government cannot

Education Code 48907 (1977)

interfere with professional publications, no school-affiliated management can censor student publications, given that the content reflects the truth. Factual and unbiased reporting on controversial topics is vital for school publications since these subjects often pertain to students’ daily lives. The Panther Prowler is dedicated to publishing accurate content with respect to both the school and community. California Education Code 48907 stipulates that publications cannot contain “obscene, libelous, or slanderous” content. The Panther Prowler strives to reflect each opinion on campus in a thoughtful manner and does not tolerate false or unjustified information. In all cases of informed writing, California Education

Code 48907 does not allow for “prior restraint of material prepared for official school publications.” The Panther Prowler staff understands the responsibility to report authentically and will defend our right to publish and distribute accurate content to our audience. Under California Education Code 48907, we are able to exercise our First Amendment rights and represent the opinions of the student body.

PANTHER PROWLER

2018-2019 staff

Editors-in-Chief Connor Keep Clare Wang

Entertainment Editor Daria Azizad Copy Editors Emily Augustine Kessa Chavez Marli Davis Kavita Rai Nidhi Satyagal Cover Editor Rahul D’Souza

Features Editor Kavita Rai Sports Editor Emily Nagamoto Jaycen Sussman Aditya Vunnum Opinion Editor Nidhi Satyagal News Editor Emily Augustine Marli Davis Ad Manager Gianna Spiro

DPS Editor Kessa Chavez

Graphic Artist Emily Augustine

Online Photographers Manager// Daria Azizad Chief// Emily Nagamoto Maya Chari Maya Chari Kessa Chavez Rahul D’Souza Rahul D’Souza Sarah Lu Emily Nagamoto Aditya Vunnum Jessica Zhou Staff Writers Chrissy Borisof Adviser Brian Fang Michelle Saremi Hannah Gross Manas Khatore Hailey Washington Jessica Zhou

The Panther Prowler is the official publication of Newbury Park High School, and is created and produced by the Advanced Journalism students. The newspaper is funded by advertisements from local companies. The Panther Prowler staff makes all final decisions on information published in its newspaper, its website and its publishing in other social medias. While Mrs. Michelle Saremi advises the Advanced Journalism students, the staff is solely responsible for what is printed. The Panther Prowler is published every four weeks throughout the school year by American Foothill Publishing Co. For advertisement information, visit www.pantherprowler.org. The Panther Prowler is accepting letters to the editor. To submit your feedback, please provide your full name, email and a letter about 300 words in length. Letters are subject to discretion and editing for taste, length and libel. Letters can be submitted to the email posted below. Newbury Park High School 456 North Reino Road, Newbury Park, California 91320 (805) 498-3676 x 1110 prowler.newspaper@gmail.com

news

Panther Prowler • Sept. 14, 2018

News Briefs

Boundaries set for better supervision Jessica Zhou Staff Writer This year, school administrators are enforcing a lunch boundary policy, restricting students from eating lunch behind the B, C, D buildings and on the second floor. The staff wanted to keep the students in one area, due to the need of more supervisors. “The purpose of it is just so can we make sure to supervise all the students,” Bennett Wutkee, assistant principal, said. “We wanted to bring everybody out to a spot where we can see them.” The boundaries make it easier to manage students and at the same time still provide them with a shady place to sit. According to Steve Lepire, principal, the boundaries also help keep noises down as low as possible near

classrooms. “We have the learning centers at lunch; teachers and tutors are trying to help a kid and this keeps the distractions down as much as possible to those people that are looking to get help,” Lepire said. According to Wutkee, students have been very cooperative and understanding of this new policy. With combined efforts, supervising has been made easier for the staff, while students can still enjoy their lunch. “It’s trying to bring everybody in a better view,” said Lepire. “We can still give people the opportunities to sit in places and eat their lunch in peace and enjoy their time.”

Aiming To Be Five Star Student

Stop- A line drawn separating the front and the back of the buildings, one side filled with people, the

other empty during lunch time. This line is the lunch boundary that keeps students in an area that can be supervised. “To be able to prevent the problems, we need to be able to monitor the situation, so this helps to keep everybody safe,” Wutkee said, “It’s also to make it easier for teachers that are working with kids in their classroom without so many distractions.” According to Wutkee, the students have been very understanding and respectful of the lunch boundaries. Jessica Zhou/Prowler

Jessica Zhou Staff Writer The five-star student program encourages and rewards students for their involvement in school activities. By participating in school events, students can earn points and once they have accumulated a certain amount of points they will be able to redeem a prize. Points can be distributed by scanning ID cards or using an app that people can use to remotely check in when at an event. The program aims to be put into effect the week of homecoming. “Basically (the program) would set up our students to be rewarded for the connection they have on campus, and it also encourages students to participate more in student activities. It’s also to promote more school spirit in a variety of different ways,” Steve Lepire, principal, said.

Teachers are also able to earn points for their participation in school events. Students and teachers will be able to earn points individually, by class and even by grade level. According to Carly Adams, assistant principal of activities, this program lets administrative staff members understand more of what students are interested into and help them create a school environment that better fits with people’s interest, aiming to help students “academically, socially and emotionally.” “One of our goals in the school district is student engagement and we’ve felt that this will be a way to help increase student engagement and interest in activities and school spirit,” Lepire said.

Mass shootings mobilize student-led movements Kavita Rai Features Editor There was a mass shooting at a video game tournament in Jacksonville, Texas on Sunday Aug. 26. Three people, including the perpetrator, were found dead, and 11 were injured. The suspect, David Katz, opened fire after allegedly losing a round in the tournament. One of the fatalities included Elijah Clayton who formerly attended Chaminade College Preparatory and Calabasas High School. A shooting in Cincinnati, Ohio killed three people on Thursday September 6. As the victims were on their way to work at the Fifth Third

Center in Downtown Cincinnati, gunshots fired. These victims are the only fatalities from the shooting. These shootings occurred about four months after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas School shooting in Parkland Florida. The mass shooting spearheaded a national student movement to keep Congress accountable for gun violence incidents. Movements across the nation such as Students Demand Action and local movements such as Neveragainsocal organize events where students can express their concerns over gun violence and deliver change.

news Panther Prowler • Sept. 14, 2018

School start time to be pushed to 8:30 a.m. Hannah Gross Staff Writer Students slumped over their desks, struggling to stay awake is not an uncommon sight. Rolling out of bed before the sun rises is just a part of daily life for middle and high school students. Last year, Senator Anthony Portantino aimed to change that. Sen. Portantino’s bill, Senate Bill 328 or SB 328, proposes that California middle and high schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. It failed to pass last year after backlash from school boards and teachers. However, on Aug. 31 the bill received enough votes to pass and is heading to Governor Jerry Brown’s desk to receive a signature or a veto. If the bill goes into effect it would not include optional zero or first periods that commence prior to the mandatory school day, and schools in rural communities would be exempt from the changes. In addition to these changes, the Department of Education would be urged to publish

information about the importance of a healthy sleep schedule on their website. Many current NPHS students would not experience the effects of the bill as California schools have three years to implement the changes. The majority of the bill’s leverage comes from a statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics recommending the shift in school start times to 8:30 a.m. or later. Supporters also cite several studies linking sleep, or lack thereof, to academic success. The Center for Disease Control, the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association endorse the bill. These groups assert later start times lead to higher attendance, less traffic accidents and improved student performance overall. Cali Greenidge, senior, was enthusiastic about the possibility of school starting later. “I think that is the most amazing thing ever,” Greenidge said.

Like Portantino, Greenidge feels the change would have a positive impact on learning. “I’ve heard that your brain is not fully functioning before 9 o’clock. I think (students) would perform better in school and academics.” Organizations such as Start School Later, have rallied around the bill. Start School Later consists of parents, doctors and other concerned community members supporting SB 328. Terra Ziporyn Snider, the executive director and co-founder of Start School Later said, “Moving school start times is no guarantee that most teenagers will get the sleep they need. But not moving school start times is a guarantee that most won’t.” However, not everyone supports SB 328. Some claim the bill places an additional burden on working families who drive their children to school as well as district employees such as bus drivers. Connor Thorup, senior, expressed concerns about the implications of the bill. “I don’t (think

the bill should pass), because I am a morning person, and I enjoy having morning classes before 8 o’clock.” A later start time may also affect extracurriculars, such as sports. As a student athlete, Thorup expressed concerns about how later start times could negatively affect his schedule. “I personally would not like to have to leave earlier. I would like to miss less class if possible, and I don’t want to get home later.” Even if the bill did pass, it would not necessarily provide students with more time to sleep. Some are already up early for religious reasons. “I have morning seminary, so it might not affect me that much,” Thorup said. Others insist the bill poses a threat to school districts’ autonomy, which Brown has supported in the past. One of these opposing groups is the California Teachers Association (CTA). CTA’s spokesperson Claudia Briggs said, “It should be a conversation that should be had by school dis-

trict officials, parents, students and educators.” Opposers such as Briggs claim that for a state as vast as California a generalized start time is less than ideal. “We shouldn’t have a one-size fits all approach for all school start times based on how geographically diverse and large our state is,” Briggs said. Despite its past failures Sen. Portantino’s belief in the bill remains unwavering. Brown has until Sept. 30 to reach a final decision. “I’m hoping that people look at the science and put the best interest of kids first,” Portantino said. “We want healthy kids to do well and this is a three-decade peer reviewed research way that has results to back it up.” Greenidge has a similar point of view, “Early in the morning your brain is not fully awake. You can walk, and talk and breathe, but you’re not ready to learn.”

Nike launches new Students question school board candidates ad campaign Maya Chari Online Editor With the school board elections in the two board members will be in attendance; near future, several organizations are holding Jenny Fitzgerald, who has a prior family candidate forums to interview prospective engagement, and Amy Chen, who did not board members. Newbury Park, Westlake RSVP to the invitation. and Thousand Oaks High School journalism Each forum will begin with a brief programs recently co-hosted their own panel personal statement from candidates, followed interview, inviting all eight candidates to by generic questioning and time allocated for join. Sitting board member Mike Dunn, who public questions. Community members are is running for re-election this November, welcome and encouraged to attend. declined the invitation and all further attempts to interview him. T H R I V E Conejo will also be hosting a community-friendly forum on Sept. 27, which will be held at the Lundring Events Center within California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. Another will be held on September Questioning- Chiefs from the Westlake Arrow, Thousand Oaks Lancer and 15th, by the Conejo Newbury Park Panther Prowler newspaper staffs gather to interview board Council PTA. As candidates on Tuesday, Sept. 4. The panel convened over a period of three reported by the days, interviewing all candidates, aside from Mike Dunn, who declined the Acorn, all but invitation. Maya Chari/Prowler

Rahul D’Souza Front Cover Editor Protesting racial injustice and police brutality, Colin Kaepernick, former quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, knelt during the National Anthem on Aug. 14, 2016 at the beginning of the first game of the season. On Sept. 4, Nike released a commercial celebrating their 30th Anniversary of their Just Do It campaign, with Kaepernick as the face of it. “He has showed us all that police brutality and oppression exist to this very day,” said Ido Dukler, Junior. Dukler also believes that Nike made a great decision in Kaepernick and because many people use their products, their message will spread quickly. Since Kaepernick’s protest, players such as Marshawn Lynch, the entire Raiders’ offensive line and numerous other players have followed suit, kneeling with their arms enlocked with their teammates during the National Anthem or staying seated on the bench. This has prompted responses from fans, politicians and NFL officials alike. Kaepernick opted out of his 49ers contract that year, but found no other team willing to sign him. “They are just exercising their first amendment rights and I think that it is wonderful that they are using that platform,” said Willa Stonecipher, senior. Although students may be in support of Kaepernick’s decision, many do not share the

same sentiment. President Trump claimed that Nike made a terrible decision and they are “getting absolutely killed.” Nike did experience a 3.2% drop in sales that day, but also gained roughly $43 million worth of media exposure. Seven days later, their online sales have jumped over 31%. “I think a major corporation like Nike supporting social justice is great for the movement,” said Colin Cremault, senior. Cremault also supports players’ right to protest, even if that means kneeling during the national anthem. Nike’s release of their campaign sparked outrage but also widespread support. Many people were in favor of Nike and their rights as a private company, standing behind their message: “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.” Others, however, couldn’t accept that Kaepernick was the face of their campaign and began boycotting and burning their own Nike products. This is not the first time Nike has used its brand to advocate social change. The company has also run campaigns centered around AIDS stigma, gender equality, disability, religion, and many other controversial problems, drawing support and attention from consumers everywhere.

MarlijDavis/Prowler

news

Maintenance policy leads to new concern Nidhi Satyagal Opinion Designer

The CVUSD school board passed a new policy reorganizing the maintenance department at the meeting in June. The policy dissolved the on-campus maintenance staff positions at high schools districtwide. Instead, the district now has three teams of maintenance workers-- one covering Newbury Park, another Thousand Oaks and the third, Westlake. “(This system) works on the middle school and elementary schools already, so the proposal is (doing) a lot of the same things

they’re doing there to maximize the resources we can have,” Steve Lepire, principal, said last May, before the policy was passed. The first maintenance rotation began on Sept. 4. “We’ve just started, and so far, so good,” Lepire said. “During the school day, we have two custodians and our plant manager plus a maintenance person (assigned to the school),” Lepire said. For less urgent issues, staff members must submit a work request form via the district website. “We

Panther Prowler • Sept. 14, 2018 insure and execute preventative and general maintenance, repairs, and alterations to effectively sustain safe operations of over 2 million square feet of buildings, on over 500 acres of property throughout the Conejo Valley,” the website reads. The work requests are then processed by Lepire and other administrators. Lepire is able to personally sift through the requests and prioritize which ones need immediate reaction. “I know a lot of the people that are part of the group that’s working Newbury Park High School. So if there’s specific things that I’d like them to address, I just talked to them about it, and they take care of it,” he said. Kristian Atkins, woodshop teacher, has had some issues with the new system. “The website itself seems okay, you’re done in a timely manner,” he said. But out of the seven requests he has made, only one has

been addressed in any way. A recent leak in the woodshop classroom prompted Atkins to take his issues directly to Lepire, who took immediate action. “Somebody came out (the same) afternoon and turned the water off, and they’re trying to fix it,” Lepire said. “I think (the policy) is a way for the district to save money, but I feel like it takes the personal touch out of our little school community,” Tiffani Coull, history teacher, said. Coull feels this depersonalization is especially obvious in the lack of awareness for the school schedule. “They’ll clean the grounds and rake leaves while we’re in class,” she said. For both Coull and Atkins, the new system has not been very user friendly. “I would like it if the work could get done in a timely manner,” Atkins said.

Prowler Caption Contest #1 Help!- Seeing a bathroom stall taped with yellow caution tapes constantly reminds the student body the importance of maintenance staff. With the new policy, majority of the maintenance staff are centered at the district, leaving four maintenance staff still assigned to NPHS. “(The new policy) is trying to streamline the work as much as possible to try and increase the efficiency of everything we can do in the school district.” Lepire said. This policy has been put into effect for two weeks and is still in an adaptive phase. Jessica Zhou/Prowler.

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opinion Panther Prowler • Sept. 14, 2018

Students deserve voting rights

Sarah Lu/Prowler

Maya Chari Photographer CVUSD students are underestimated. At the school board meetings, community members and board representatives claim to be working for the best interests of the kids. Yet it is these same kids who have been publicly shamed and ridiculed when voicing their opinions at board meetings and who have been personally ostracized by trustees. Each meeting I am met with a member of the board or of the community claiming to know exactly what the majority of students are feeling, while I, an actual student, sit silenced in the audience. The irony is bitter. Last spring, during the time that the ethics of the opt-out policy were under discussion, students packed the tiny boardroom waiting hours for their two minutes at the podium. Kids voiced their opinions on the impending education policy, on student rights in the making of district policy, and on the vote 16 initiative. Interestingly enough none of their views aligned with what members of the board claimed was the “best thing” for students. Many of them were interrupted by the ding of the timer and scoffed off the stage.

I will not be able to vote in the November election, nor will the majority of my peers. I have personally spent the past year attending nearly every board meeting, following the evolution of policy diligently, reporting (with much board and community resistance), on the opt out controversy from all angles. I have been individually labeled by trustee Sandee Everett, in an email response to an interview request, as “a reporter (who) has shown that they do not check facts”, as “trust must be earned in the journalism world.” When I asked Mike Dunn, former board president, the question “As a member of the school board, do you believe that it is your prerogative to use religion as basis for your decisions?” he wrote back that he “would not deny (his) faith in Jesus Christ to appease the secular humanists who hate (his) Christian religion,” proceeding to compare secular humanism with “Hitler and Goebbels”, and ending his email by suggesting that I read the Secular Humanist manifesto. And yet, I am considered too young, and too immature to vote for future board candidates. CVUSD students are passionate.

You shouldn’t want to be a YouTuber Manas Khatore Staff Writer When asking a child what they want to be when they grow up, the expected answers include firefighters, nurses and actors. However, in 2018, when asked the same question, many kids reply with this: “I want to be a YouTuber.” YouTubers make a living posting videos onto YouTube, and they possess massive influence and fame in today’s culture. As a result, according to Influencer Marketing Hub, their annual incomes often rank in the millions. As reported by The Sun Magazine, over 50 percent of students surveyed listed “YouTuber” as their top career choice. Even though the life of a YouTuber seems appealing, the road to becoming successful on the platform isn’t worth the rewards. Because of this, the influence that YouTubers have on students ends up doing more harm than good. First of all, YouTubers don’t go far in their educational pursuits. Since most YouTubers are in their early twenties, many do not attend college or other forms of higher education. In fact, several YouTubers decide to drop out of traditional high school in order to focus on their newfound careers. Since these YouTubers are immensely successful, students who watch may develop the notion that dropping out of

school or not going to college can lead to great success. However, this is a classic case of “survival bias,” meaning that only those who are successful with their choices can advocate for why they chose right. We hear success stories from large YouTubers who didn’t pursue an education, but we don’t hear the many more people who are struggling in the real world with limited schooling. YouTube has changed drastically from what it started as 13 years ago. In 2005, there were very few creators on the website, making it easy to gather an audience and gain fame. Today, however, finding a specific niche in the YouTube community is next to impossible, as videos have been made on almost every subject imaginable. Consequently, attracting a substantial and loyal audience is very hard, and for many YouTubers, it never happens. So it begs the question: how do creators actually become successful? By looking at the content of many top YouTubers, it becomes clear that they offer very little in quality to their viewers. Successful videos often rely on shock factor to gain views, degrading the value of the videos

Contrary to the belief that some may hold, we are capable of making rational decisions when it comes to the integrity of our education. We are the group most impacted by many board decisions, and yet our voices are blatantly silenced. By the time we are able to vote for district candidates we are already out of high school, often on our way to college, and no longer possess the same proximal connectivity to district issues. CVUSD should implement a vote 16 policy, so that board members no longer have to assume the feelings of their constituents. I know, from experience, that there are hundreds of perfectly valid opinions that are being ignored under the guise of lack of experience and appreciation for responsibility. But this is the age where kids are most impacted; this is the age where kids should be urged to vote and stand up for what they believe in rather than be told to sit back and let the adults figure it out. It’s all fine and good to let parents parent, but it is the responsibility of the district to also let students speak.

Emily Augustine/ Prowler

themselves. Logan Paul uploaded a video titled “We Found a Dead Body in Japan” on Dec. 31, 2017 in which he and his friends traveled to the famous Aokigahara, or “suicide,” forest. When Paul found a corpse hanging from a tree, he decided to film his reaction to it, consisting of laughing and making jokes. His behavior clearly mocked the topic of suicide, but the video gained millions of views and was at the top of the trending page. More than anything, this video conveyed that success on the platform translates to posting controversial content that stirs drama within the community. Students who aspire to be YouTubers will pick up on this trend, leading them to post videos that intentionally spread negative ideas. Eventually, the students who upload such videos will start to believe the themes that they spread. There are many YouTubers that use their platform to spread constructive messages to their viewers. However, this positive content doesn’t bring the same money, audience or publicity. As seen in the case of Logan Paul, these videos aren’t promoted nearly as much as those who do the opposite. Clearly, the path to becoming successful on the platform isn’t worth the rewards it may provide.

Beware of bamboozlement! Daria Azizad Entertainment Editor When people talk about getting played, they are usually referring to a former significant other or Internet scammers from Nigeria. But there’s another equally horrendous player out there: college counseling services. College counseling services prey on vulnerable students hoping to achieve admittance to their dream school. “College acceptance rates drop every year,” says one of my peers. “UC schools discriminate against California students,” says another. “It’s really just a game of chance,” says a Newbury Park alumni. That’s where the college counselors come in: they promise an easy ride through the application process, support whenever you need it, and of course, a nice envelope with a college acceptance letter tucked inside by Springtime. Sounds too good to be true, right? I was determined to find out. I decided to look for a college counselor myself. With a quick Google search, I was bombarded by testimonial after testimonial raving about how Counselor No. 1 had 30 years of experience with admissions, or about how Counselor No. 2 attended 3 different Ivy Leagues and served on admissions boards for each. Overwhelming much? The list went on and on. Not knowing where to start, I clicked on one that sounded reasonable and gave them my contact information. I nervously awaited their call-- no, not just because I hate talking on the phone-- hoping that they would soon tell me they had, in fact, figured out the perfect algorithm to get me into college. A few days later, the call came. After introductions and a rundown of the counselor’s experience, he began explaining what the counseling process would be like: “We try to make you unique, different and perfectly positioned for what they want. We tell you what to write your essays about and then edit them to perfection.” So far so good-- although I was irked by lack of authenticity. “...For only $15,000!” he finished. I put the phone on mute while I reattached my dropped jaw. 15,000 dollars?! No thank you. “Uhhh, I think I’ll have to get back to you,” I replied and hung up the phone. Well, I was not even through the first page of search results -- there must be something out there more reasonably priced, I thought. As I researched, the prices grew steeper. A $40,000 here and a $20,000 there. Maybe I am just looking at this from the wrong angle, I thought. I changed my search to “College application help” and dozens of pages of guidance and support popped up -- for free-- with the same information the pricey counselors boasted about. It’s easy to be sucked in by the lure of someone who promises just what you want to hear-- especially when it feels like your future depends on it. College counselors make their living by preying upon the application process, offering some essay edits and supposed “insider information” which is easily available online. An English teacher could provide the same essay help just as well. Someone that has the best-interest of the student in mind should not be exercising in the practice of exploitation. Seniors, try to remember to avoid the trifecta of players out there.

opinion Panther Prowler • Sept. 14, 2018

Technology could take over the world Emily Augustine/ Prowler

Rahul D’souza Copy Editor Technology rules society. Almost everyone is walking around with either an iPhone or an Android in their pocket, many of whom also use a Google Home system, and even more of whom use Amazon for most of their orders. The four most valuable companies in the world are all technology based. Apple, number one on the list, recently passed the $1 trillion valuation mark. The next three most valuable companies -- Google, Amazon and Microsoft -- are worth $2.1 trillion combined. In comparison, there is about $1.67 trillion in circulation in the US. But these companies did not simply manifest this wealth from nowhere. Society depends on

New graphics card receiving hate Christina Borisoff Staff Writer During the 2018 GamesCon Germany, Jensen Huang, the CEO of NVIDIA, a highly-regarded gaming company, announced the next generation of GPU’s or graphics cards that will available to the public on Sept. 20. Ever since then, reactions from both gaming and tech communities have been mixed. Some tech users are experiencing the hype in full force, already pre-ordering the expensive new GPU, and some are completely disregarding the GPU all together. So, why all the hate? Well for starters, many people are calling out NVIDIA for acting shady and disingenuous during GamesCon. During the convention, Huang spent an hour of his time pumping the audience full of complicated terminology and “irrelevant information” which was more of him bolstering his company rather than actually talk about gaming. To many people, this didn’t seem right for an event titled “GamesCon.” Huang made a statement to hyped gamers, saying that RTX (the software that NVIDIA is using for it’s graphics card) yields twice the frame rate of 1080ti (the current best graphics card on

the market. Huang didn’t specify, however, which RTX he was referring to, which left a sour taste in people’s mouths. In addition he didn’t address frame rates of the percent of performance yield which further made players question the legitimacy of the company. During convention Jensen Huang showed footage demonstrating the strength of the card by toggling RTX on and RTX off. A notable improvement was the shadows, which certainly added a sense of immersion the previous gameplay didn’t give you. But for a price of $990, it doesn’t seem worth the apparent small boost in performance the GPU gives to gameplay. Overall, GamesCon indeed left many people disappointed, however it is important to remember that the graphics card hasn’t even come out yet, and opinions are subjected to change. The next generation of graphic cards is likely to be an improvement, but by what degree is uncertain. So before buying it, I would wait for other people to try it first just in case you waste your money, or sell your perfectly good graphics card.

them for almost all daily functions: planning schedules, communicating, navigating, ordering things to our homes and even running them electronically. According to TechCrunch, over 16 percent of Americans alone use a smart speaker in their homes (i.e Google Home/ Amazon Alexa). Looking deeper, it may be frightening how much of our lives is controlled by modern technology. Apple’s stock once sold for one dollar a share, and is now worth over $220 a share. Apple revolutionized the technology industry with the personal computer and continue to do so with each new iPhone, iOS update and Macbook. New features are constantly added,

making life easier and easier for us. At some point, convenience borders on control, creeping into every aspect of our lives. With their wealth alone, these companies hold significant influence in the world. With all their customers and users, they could quite possibly take over the world. According to Forbes, Android and iOS account for 99 percent of the worlds smartphone population, meaning over 2 billion people use their smartphones. The only obstacle they would have to overcome is their Terms and Policies contract, which nobody ever reads anyways so who knows, they might already have control.

Summer Experiences

Panther Prowler • Sept. 14, 2018

Sarah Lu Photographer Gianna Spiro Ad Manager Jaycen Sussman Back Cover Editor Jessica Zhou Photographer Alyssa Boedigheimer/Prowler

As the summer temperatures started to rise, many students ts lo looked oked to gain new experiences across the world. Whether it was biking across the narrow streets of Copenhagen, C venturing up Mt. Whitney to look across the rocky skyline or sitting in the back ck of o a lake house, students learned about the various experiences the world has to offer. Tiffani Coull, history teacher, brings a select number umb of students on an international trip each summer touring various sites while learning about the world through first hand interaction. Kenhe w nidy Taylor, senior, traveled on this year’s annual school ool trip t ip to t Scandinavia. “It really seemed like a great opportunity, and it looked way to travel with your d like it was a great reat w friends,” Taylor said. “Overall I’d say it looked cheaper and easier. It was moree org organized since we had an itinerary, tours of each day.” The trip began in late June and brought students to Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Norway was way w filled with tours within the countries, cruise rides, trying foreign food, but ultimately gaining a new perspective of the world and various experiences it has to offer. “There was one day in Copenhagen, it was so packed and it was so much fun because we went to an amusement park and we toured Copenhagen on bikes…it was absolutely gorgeous,” Taylor said. While one can travel the globe and learn about the world, some just look for a peaceful escape. Veronica Seixas, senior, found a relaxing getaway to celebrate the summer in Maine. “My family bought a small property by a little lake called Little Straggle Lake and we own a small cabin. So we went there and I got to bring some of my friends too, it’s kind of like our summer get away, and plus I wanted to bring my friends there,” Sexias said. Traveling to Maine each summer, a small, yet distant trip allows for Sexias to truly appreciate taking a break and escaping reality. “I feel like traveling and seeing the world can drastically change your views, going to Maine was really nice because it was a week with no responsibility and being removed from society, allowing me to relax and just enjoy what’s around me,” Sexias said. Traveling doesn’t always come in the form of relaxation. Josh Welcher, senior, spent a majority of his summer traveling, but some of his favorite memories came from the backpacking excursions he pursued with his scout troop at the Great Basin and Mt. Whitney. “(Accomplishing the trip) was really satisfying. Scouts really helped me expand my horizons and I used the opportunity this summer to get more fit and improve myself.” Welcher said. “It was a great way for me to take some awesome pictures, which is why I got into backpacking, and I had a great time working in my troop.”

Young artistsStudents in Taiwan proudly share their art work in class. On the first day students introduced themselves to the teachers and their classmates by drawing their favorite objects. Chen learned a lot about how to interact with young students during their learning process. Jill Chen/With Permission

Panther Prowler • Sept. 14, 2018

As summer came around, students looked for opportunities to travel the world, or volunteer. Some looked for both. Sally Lee, senior, went to Cambodia this summer through a program called Adventures Cross Country (ARCC) to participate in the Clean Water Project, making water filters and teaching children how to speak English. “We went to this rural area, Kampong Speu, and we actually installed (water filters) in individual houses,” Lee said. “We installed 15 total, and it was nice because we got to interact with the actual families and the kids.” The school she taught at is for kids that cannot afford to go to a traditional school. “We We taught them (English) and we brought them donations,” Lee said. “You could just ust tell te how happy they were when they got stuff.” Lee’s favorite part of the experience was the people. “Everybody is always smiling, and despite the fact that they don’t have a lot…they’re just so th much happier and more welcoming,” Lee said. Jill Chen, senior, went to Taiwan for four weeks also to teach children English. She went ngl g through Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA), a Taiwanese culture iwa organization that she volunteers for. There was a closing ceremony that was very gratifying for the teachers. “Our kids made us these message boards with really sweet notes on them. They also put on a performance sin singing English songs, which was nice to see some of our work paid off in their performance,” C Chen hen said. Kalia Sebastian, sophomore, did something similar to Chen and Lee. She went to Caicay, Peru for two weeks through a summer abroad program called Putney. While she was there, Sebastian helped with construction, taught English and played with the kids in the village. Sebastian Seb stian specifically helped build bathrooms for the village. “We dug out all of the pits for the plumbing mbin and we built bu out the foundation to the stalls.” After working, Sebastian would do activities with the kids. “When the school got out the ebas an w kids would come and help us a little ttle bit with construction,” Sebastian said. “They liked playing in the work site.” During her trip, Sebastian also learned a lot about the Peruvian culture partly by learning ear how to cook a traditional Peruvian mea meal. “I learned to cook Cuy (Guinea Pig),” Sebastian said. Dasha Manzhos, senior, went to Kampala, Uganda with her church missionary team. While she was there, she visited and helped out at orphan schools. “Two days we painted and helped paint hallways, and then one dday we helped farm and plant tomato seeds,” Manzhos said. “One day we also served lunch for them, but most of the time we just played with them and they really liked seeing us there.” The affection was mutual, as Manzhos also really enjoyed their company. “It was cool to see where they’re coming from and get to talk to people that I’m not usually used to talking to, from a different part of the world,” Manzhos said. All three students have realized something different on their trips. “You get a lot more grateful about what you have here. Being able to take a shower, and actually having clean water,” Lee said. Chen also noticed this. “(I learned of ) the lack of resources the countryside has,” Chen said. “It was really nice to be able to impact them positively so they do want to go out and learn English in the future.” Sebastian witnessed firsthand the lack of resources. “The experience made me more aware of everything I have. We were out of water because the plumbing just stopped working,” Sebastian said. “We had to go two days without water. It just made me more appreciative.” Manzhos had a more spiritual revelation. “Faith and love overcome any circumstances that you might be going through,” Manzhos said. “They endure a lot of hard times there -- poverty and famine -- but their love of family and their faith really helps them overcome these struggles, and it makes me want to do the same thing.” All three recommend traveling and volunteering to everybody. “It was an eye opening experience. I really recommend people do the same,” Manzhos said. Chen agrees. “It’s a really good learning experience and you get to see how hard teachers work because you never really realize that.” Lee also believes that “it’s definitely something that you should do in your lifetime. Just to go and expand your horizons.” However, not everybody has the resources to do what Lee, Chen, Sebastian and Manzhos did. “I don’t specifically mean you have to do it the way I did,” Lee said, “But I definitely think you should go out to a different area that’s not where you’re used to learn more about something else in a different place and how people live.” These trips were very memorable. Sebastian said, “The experience for us, it made us change more than it changed them.”

Summer camps provide students with the opportunity to focus on something they have an interest towards. This summer many NPHS students took advantage of their time going to a variety of summer camps to learn and gain experience. Sarah Wang, junior, went to an agriculture camp (AG Discovery) for three weeks at Maryland University College Park during summer break. AG Discovery provided Wang with an understanding of what a job in the agricultural field would look like. “I’ve always been interested in plant science and my dream job is to be a plant pathologist so I just wanted to make sure that I was really actually interested in it,” Wang said. During the course of three weeks, Wang was able to go on field trips and learn from the professors and graduate students from the University. Wang’s most unforgettable experience at the camp was when she le to fistulate a cow. was able Not only bringing back knowledge and memories, Wang also found her determination to become a plant pathologist. Dr. Payne is a plant pathologist who was from the US Department of Agriculture that liaised with the camp. “I had a nice conversation with him and I learned that I want to be a plant pathologist either for the government or a large agribusiness,” Wang said. Finishing her third summer camp, Wang wanted to do something meaningful during her summers. “Summer camps are a way to broaden my horizons and actually do something,” Wang said. Instead of being the student in summer camp, Luke Magnante, senior, decided to spend his summer being a junior camp counselor at Camp Summertime. Hearing about the amazing experiences his friends had, Magnante decided that he also wanted to try out the fun experience. Starting from the second week of summer all the way until the week before school started, Magnante worked six hours every Monday to Friday. uper Being a junior camp counselor, Magnante had the responsibility of supervising the kids and guiding them in activities. h with the kids. d This job j not only From soccer to archery to fishing, Magnante was alw always there pprovided Magnante with a memorable experience but ut also al gave him the opportunity to learn rn h how to get al along with kids. l agna “II learned to be more patient becausee it takess a ccouple times to get the kids to actually do stuff,” Magnante d. “I t. said. “It helped my patience a lot.” Goi umm aft fter the start of high school, Charlotte Weymer, sophomore, spent five Going into her first summer k in i Boston participating artici t ting in a ballet intensive program. Starting ballet from the age of four, summer is weeks erfe time tim for Weymer to focus on her passion for dance. always the perfect “During the school year I can’t dance from nine a.m. to five p.m. because I go to school, (so) I can only dance after school,” Weymer said. After auditioning during the school year, Weymer was accepted into the Boston Ballet Summer Intensive. “Boston Ballet has some of the best training in the country and so the volume of training is not quite as important as the instructors,” Weymer said. “The instruction you’re getting is really the most important part and so getting to train at Boston Ballet with all the faculty there was really an amazing experience.” Waking up every morning at 6:30 a.m., Weymer spent the majority of her day in the dance room. “You have your first class at maybe nine o’clock and then you usually dance until four (or) five p.m. with breaks in between, and then you head back and do it over again the next day,” Weymer said. Believing that in practice makes perfect, Weymer spent most of her summer in Boston training and doing extra practices. Her biggest challenge was to learn to find the balance between the amount of training she wants to do and the amount of training her body can manage. “Dancing this many hours a day, you learn almost what it means to have to put your needs in front of everything else...there were sometimes where you had to try and take a step back,” Weymer said. “You have to make sure you’re really taking care of your body cause ballet is really hard on your body.” Peace to all- Sally Lee, senior, shares a laugh with one of the All wanting to spend their summer in a children at Kampong Speu. Sally Lee/With Permission meaningful way, summer camps provided them with unique and beneficial experiences. “Summer programs are a really important way to advance in your sport without having to worry about academics simultaneously,” Weymer said, “It also helps that they are fun!”

Conventional classroom settings are not the only places where students gain knowledge and experiences that benefit their future. Michelle Rothman, senior, interned for a nonprofit called Mountains Restorations Trust in the Santa Monica Mountains. The organization focuses on, “habitat restoration and saving endangered species in the local habitats,” Rothman said. She became interested in Environmental Science after taking Mr. Martin’s IB Environmental Systems and Societies class. “Mr. Martin’s class definitely helped me gain an awareness of how important native species are to our environment, especially in California…. I would work at Potrero and focus on planting native species and plants...then on Wednesdays we removed crayfish which are an endangered species,” Rothman said. The summer experience truly impacted her, “it increased my appreciation for environmental science and just helped my passions grow. I was surrounded by people who share their passions with me and it was just a great opportunity,” Rothman said. Rothman believes that, “The environment is very important and should not be valued any less,” Rothman said. Most people stay inside the country and work or intern over the summer, or just tan at their local beach. Eesha Chattopadhyay, senior, went to Providence, Rhode Island to learn more at Brown University. “I stayed right by Brown’s campus for around a week and a half and I was shadowing a medical geneticist and her genetic counselors, so I was exposed to types of patients and genetic counseling, and the whole practice of medical genetics as a whole,” Chattopadhyay said. Medical geneticists are trained in basic medicine and diagnosing hereditary and medical disorders. Genetic counselors help people understand consequences and nature of their genetic disorder. “ The genetic counselor and the doctor work together to create a plan how to test them to figure out exactly which diagnosis they should get. One of the biggest things that they do is microrays and they do karyotypes and if they can’t really figure out from those two things, then they do the entire genome which is called exotesting,” Chattopadhyay said. There are not very many medical gene geneticists in practice, “ Mos Most physicians in general don’t wh is why genetic disorders ers are a so difficult to diagnose. I know very much about genetics,, which he ggenetics tics clinic would look like, it was a reall wanted to see just how the really insane experience,” aid. Chattopadhyay said. Gen dis l’ DNA. NA. They Genetic disorders are can be caused by an abnormality in an individual’s ily h l on are prim primarily hereditary, and it can be very difficult emotionally and sometimes physically families. “One of the times that I was in the room, the genetic counselor was suggesting to this entire family that they all do exotesting because there were just really bizarre medical illnesses in the entire family. All three of the daughters and mother had autoimmune diseases. One of the daughter’s vision was going away, this other one had recurring seizures and this other one had autoimmune, so it was just really crazy stuff that couldn’t really be found on a karyotype or really a microarray...I definitely think that going and working in a lab if that’s what you want to do then you should definitely try and see if you like that lifestyle,” Chattopadhyay said After their amazing internship over the summer, both Rothman and Chattopadhyay want to pursue their passions in college. There are many opportunities over the summer,and both women truly took advantage of that and benefited immensely.

The power of plants- Michelle Rothman, senior, worked in nature this summer to restore plants as a part of the Mountains Restoration Trust in Calabasas. Michelle Rothman/With Permission

Summer Experiences

Panther Prowler • Sept. 14, 2018

Sarah Lu Photographer Gianna Spiro Ad Manager Jaycen Sussman Back Cover Editor Jessica Zhou Photographer Alyssa Boedigheimer/Prowler

Panther Prowler • Sept. 14, 2018

The power of plants- Michelle Rothman, senior, worked in nature this summer to restore plants as a part of the Mountains Restoration Trust in Calabasas. Michelle Rothman/With Permission

features Panther Prowler • Sept. 14, 2018

New teachers join the panther family Marli Davis News Designer Sarah Lu Photographer

Mr. Coull:

Ms. Hwang:

Greg Coull has just started his 17th year working in the Conejo Valley. He is working as an English 9 and 11 teacher. He previously worked at Westlake High School as well as Redwood Middle School before coming to NPHS. Coull wanted to become a teacher because of his twelfth grade english teacher. “I admired what she did in the class and how she influenced young people to think deeper about life, and I wanted to try and have the same influence.” His goal is to help students become more well-rounded. “My number one goal is to help students become more critical thinkers, to help them learn how to formulate opinions in way where they can support them, and to look at life at various perspectives in order to develop who they are as people,” Coull said.

Sharon Hwang is a new Algebra 1 teacher, coming from La Puente High School. This will be her seventh year teaching math. Originally, Hwang entered into teaching math because “a lot of the students in general didn’t really appreciate math or didn’t see math (as) relevant. It’s tough, it’s challenging, but I came in to teaching math because I wanted students to see that math is applicable in the real world.” Now that she is at NPHS, Hwang wants “to get to know what Newbury Park High School is all about. I just want to get to know the culture here too, get to know the students.”

Mr. Valdez:

Manny Valdez is a seven-year retired Thousand Oaks High School teacher who has come back as a long-term substitute for Ms. Livesey. He will be teaching CP Algebra 1 and 2. Valdez began teaching in 1973 as both a history and a math teacher, though he prefers math because it is more straightforward and therefore easier to teach. “When I was in college I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be and then I looked back into my life and a lot of the people that helped me were teachers, so I wanted to be like them,” Valdez said on why he decided to come a teacher.

things

5 yo u d id not know ab out

Marissa Schaefer loves helping people understand and learn, and one day she had the light bulb moment that she should become a teacher. Schaefer is joining Newbury Park High School as a Spanish 1 and 2 teacher, instructing in Ohio before NPHS. This will be her sixth year teaching some form of Spanish as she has taught all the way from Introduction to Spanish to level five Spanish. In addition, she has taught English in Ecuador. “I studied abroad in high school in Costa Rica and it just changed my whole perspective on life and I fell in love with the language,” Schaefer said on her choice to teach Spanish.

Mrs. Rodriguez-Martinez:

Rahul D’Souza/Prowler

Elise Laina // Activities Rahul D’Souza Editorial Designer

Ms. Schaefer:

She entered UCSB as a psychology major but graduated with a degree in Italian after attending a year of college at the University of Padova in Italy.

She used to teach full-impact self-defense classes to men, women and children.

She loves sushi and could eat it every day.

She ran track all 4 years in high school and just ran her first half marathon last year and is running another one this coming spring.

In 5th grade, she lost a spelling bee on the word ‘laboratory.’

Ms. Basa: Jubyanne Basa is entering her first year as a chemistry teacher. Last year, she completed her student teaching with Ms. O’Neill, and now she is Mrs. Wright’s long term substitute. Basa has always loved chemistry, and she wanted to teach the course with hopes of inspiring others. “I’m a woman of color, and I really want to inspire women and people of color to be more into the sciences,” Basa said. Since she is a new teacher, Basa aspires to improve and become a better teacher. “I just want to be here to help guide students to love chemistry as much as I do,” Basa said.

Julieta Rodriguez Martinez has always been passionate about Spanish culture and language. She also enjoys helping others, so she decided to become a teacher. Before teaching at Newbury, Rodriguez-Martinez taught at Westlake High School for seven years. She came to NPHS so she could spend more time with her children. Her goal here is “to positively impact the foreign language department. I hope to be a good asset, not just to the department, but to the school.” To her, “just seeing students be able to enjoy learning a language is inspiring.”

Mr. Bateman: Richard Bateman knew from a young age that teaching would be in his future. He was born into a large family of educators and always had a passion for technology. He started his 23-year career in the district at Banyon Elementary School and spent his time there trying to implement as much technology into the classroom as possible. He later moved to Sycamore Canyon Middle School and then Thousand Oaks High School. He joins NPHS this year as the new Digital Photography and Graphic Arts teacher. “I’ve seen a lot and I think I have a lot to offer to the students and to the faculty here on campus,” Bateman said. He is excited for the upcoming school year and cannot wait to show his students all of the fun things that the graphic arts have to offer. Marli Davis/Prowler Sarah LuProwler

11 Teachers features

Teachers Mr. & Mrs. Coull

Which is the only Disney animated film with a main character that doesn’t speak? Mr. Coull: Your asking the guy who has never watched a Disney film. Ms.Coull: Let’s go with Bambi. Ellis Duo: Bambi Dumbo No one gets that one. Bambi says only one word in the whole film; “bird.” So, very close. 0-0

Where is a shrimp’s heart located?

Which US President appears on the $2 bill?

VS Hailey Washington Staff Writer

2-2

Panther Prowler • Sept. 14, 2018

Mr. & Mrs. Ellis

4 What is the name of one of Mr. Napora’s dogs? Ms. Coull: I really think it’s Argo. Mr. Ellis: Argo Leopard, Jesse, Odin and Potro We are still at a tie. Mr. Napora’s dogs are the cutest! 1-1

It’s a Tie! 5

What movie won best picture this year at the Oscars? Ms. Coull: It’s the fish love story one. The Shape of Water Ms. Ellis: Yeah, we didn’t see this movie. I think it’s The Shape of Water. The Shape of Water Wow! Both teams get this one. I guess teachers really “shaped up” on this one. 2-2

Mr. Ellis: You got this, you’re Australian. Ms. Ellis: Umm...Its head. Coull Couple: We’re going to say its head. Its head Now it’s tied. Strangely, the shrimp’s heart is located in its head. Looks like everyone knows their shrimp facts. 1-1

Ms. Coull: I got this...I think it’s Andrew Jackson. Mr. Ellis: I think it’s Jackson. Thomas Jefferson Mr. Ellis: Jefferson is my other answer! No one gets this one. Actually the two dollar bill is the squirrel of dollar bills. When you see one you get excited, but they’re worth so little. 1-1

In which state does the last Blockbuster exist?

Mr. Coull: It’s got to be somewhere where it was founded. Ms. Ellis: I think it’s somewhere weird like North Dakota. Ms. Coull: North Dakota Mr. Ellis: Texas? Oregon And it ends in a tie. Of course it’s Oregon. It’s the state of the hipsters. 2-2

New presidents aim to improve Key Club Sarah Lu Photographer

Filled with a sense of community, opportunities for community service, and a trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain, Key Club has attracted many students throughout the years it’s been on campus. Key Club has attracted around 100 members each year. However, in recent years some people have noticed that members seem to lose interest in the club as the year progresses. Kyle Yasui and Audrey Washington, seniors and Key Club co-presidents, are some of these people. Yasui and Washington both joined Key Club their freshman year. Both wanted to become more involved in the club, so they decided to run as copresidents. “I saw a lot of problems that I thought needed to be fixed within the club, and I thought that I could give the members a better experience,” Yasui said. Washington and Yasui agree that the biggest problem was that club members were not participating in events. Naya Lunney, junior and Key Club secretary, said, “We still had the big service projects and (we) still had the big community gatherings, but as far as community service opportunities went, (the club) wasn’t really heavy on that.” This year, Washington hopes that will change. “One of our main goals is to get the members to participate more and have them feel more involved with whatever is going on at school,” Washington said.

David Smith, junior, hopes that this year in Key Club “more people will be involved, more people will show up to the meetings, and we’ll have a more functional group.” To do this, the Key Club board is “planning a lot more events this year, big and small, just to get the members more involved and keep the club active on campus,” Yasui said. Lunney is “excited that this year we’re going to get a lot more opportunities to people and really encourage them to actually participate.” Some of these opportunities include restaurant nights, “making toys for the dog shelters (and) making mats for meals on wheels,” Yasui said. Key Club’s main goal is to serve the community. “This year we’re trying to do a lot more with the communities around, like AYSO — we’d help them during their games. Or more locally, like the park district.” Washington said. They also raise money for charities, namely UNICEF, Pediatric Trauma Program, March for Dimes and the Thirst Project. These new opportunities for community service have been the work of the board members of Key Club. “We all contribute little ideas here and there,” Lunney said. “So some of the service ideas may come from any one of us… it's definitely a group effort.” Yasui is excited for how this year will turn out. “I think that we’re going to figure out ways to keep members involved, and I think they’re gonna enjoy

the events that we’re doing.” Washington adds to Yasui’s hopes. “Hopefully it will continue to grow and be better.” The Key Club board has set a numerical goal for the club this year. “We want to raise $1000 for the pediatric trauma program and have 1000 service hours within all the members of the club.” Community service is big in Key Club. “That’s why we’re here,” Washington said. “To give something back to our community.”

I feel good- Kyle Yasui and Audrey Washington, co-presidents of Key Club, shout the club cheer during the first meeting of the year. Yasui and Washington plan to keep members involved through various activities and community service opportunities. Both presidents joined Key Club their freshman year, and hope to leave it better than it started. Sarah Lu/Prowler

entertainment

12 Film finally finds a new face Panther Prowler • Sept. 14, 2018

Emily Nagamoto Chief Photographer

Emily Augustine/Prowler

Around 60 percent of the global population lives in an Asian country, which accounts for approximately 4.4 billion people according to the United Nations. In the United States alone, the Census Bureau reported that in May of 2018 the Asian population totaled 21.4 million people. At Newbury Park High School, US News and World Report found that 12 percent of the student body was Asian. However, looking at the film industry, it seems like there are few Asians in the world at all. A study from the University of Southern California found that only 5 percent of 30,000 film characters from movies between 2007- 2014 were Asian. So few Asian characters cripples Asian equality and social development in Western society and on the world stage. When Asians first began integrating with the Western world, harmful stereotypes were assigned to them that persist to this day, including squinty eyes, silly names and abnormal food. If Asians had been properly integrated in film, perhaps these ignorant labels would finally be realized for what they are: rude

and derogatory. Instead the only time Asian actors used to see success in their careers was when they were casted to “increase diversity” with meager one-line roles, or even worse, when they have to act like the humiliating stereotypes mocking their culture. The list of characters born from such labels is long, Mr. Yunioshi in “Breakfast at Tiffani’s” and Long Duk Dong in “Sixteen Candles” being prolific examples. What is worse is that Hollywood found new labels to pin on Asians that primes new generations for discrimination: unattractive and non-masculine males and oversexualized and weak females. One Asian actor told the Washington Post that he receives humiliating comments on popular dating sites like, “Asians, ew gross.” Asian actors have been discriminated against by directors and casting agencies since they tried to enter the industry, resulting in the numerous cases of whitewashing, where white actors play characters of different races. Even when it is originally an Asian movie, American producers chose white characters; a noticeable example is the widely controversial white cast for the 2010 movie adaption of the Asian based cartoon “Avatar: the Last Airbender.” However, in the midst of America’s modern racial identity crisis, Asians are breaking through barriers never thought possible even by these actors themselves. The major movement for Asians in Hollywood all started with the production of “Joy Luck Club,” the first movie starring an all Asian cast, released 25 years ago. While this spurred the idea for more Asian characters to be casted, the dream never became a reality. In recent memory there has not been any movies featuring mostly Asian leads since the release, until now. Over the summer of 2018, “Crazy Rich Asians,” an Asian romcom based off of a book written by Kevin Kwan, was released, and it broke box office sales records. Featuring an all Asian cast, it brings humor, emotion and authentic Asian-American culture to the big screen, finally showcasing a side of Asians never seen before: the truth. No longer are Asians are just weird, weak or unattractive characters. They are shown as normal human beings, and

their unique culture is highlighted, not made fun of. Perhaps this film is not a cinematic masterpiece, but nonetheless it is groundbreaking, with a strong female Asian lead, attractive Asian characters and a story that makes Asian culture seem more relatable rather than foreign. Perhaps this will help change the way Westerners think of the Asians they so often mock. This film is already changing the course of the future. Before hitting the box office, the producers had turned down a huge deal with Netflix just to make sure that appeared on the big screen to a wider audience. In addition, more films and television shows are in the works starring Asian actors. There is another side to this story that should entice Hollywood to include more Asian actors, besides being culturally appropriate. Usually, Asians account for 6 percent of box office sales, but according to Market Watch, for “Crazy Rich Asians,” 38 percent of moviegoers in the US were Asian. An astronomical increase like this demonstrates the support Asian actors have, and how successful they may in the future. Of course, this extends beyond Asian representation as well, and the same USC study mentioned earlier reveals discouraging numbers for actors of color. They found that only 17 out of the 700 films they looked at had a non-white lead character, which is less than 3 percent. Hopefully with the debut of racially diverse films like “Crazy Rich Asians,” producers will realize the importance of casting a variety of characters, not just to appease audiences but also because of the genuine value and authenticity they add to films. 2018 is on the cusp of a new cinematic era, and the significance of race in film is still yet to be untapped. Asians,” producers will realize the importance of casting a variety of characters, not just to appease audiences but also because of the genuine value and authenticity they add to films. 2018 is on the cusp of a new cinematic era, and the significance of race in film is still yet to be untapped.

Beat Saber slices through the leaderboards

Marli Davis/Prowler

Christina Borisoff Staff Writer Hyperbolic Magnetism’s, a game studio, highly anticipated game Beat Saber sold fifty thousand copies within its first week of release. Now, it is currently on the top selling virtual reality games on Steam and has an overwhelmingly positive rating on virtual reality platforms, and it is easy to see why. Beat Saber’s concept is simple; as the player, you are given two different light sabers. During the game, a sequence of color-coded boxes are flying at you with a song (generally electro) playing in the background. The objective of the game is to hit the colored boxes with the corresponding saber. Its simplicity is what makes the game so popular among gamers, but its ultimate strength is its “game feel,” or in other words,

how the game feels to play. Slicing through the boxes triggers a sound effect as well as haptic feedback through the controllers, which makes the player feel like he is orchestrating the soundtrack. In addition, the lack of resistance players get from cutting the boxes in half gives the illusion of power and makes the player feel unstoppable. The light trail left behind when players move a saber adds to the “powerhouse feeling” that is a byproduct of playing the game. This gives Beat Saber that Star Wars vibe that players often praise it for. Players are given the option of playing three different modes: Standard, No Arrows and One Saber. Out of all the modes, One Saber is by far the most physically challenging because unlike the other modes, where your

swings have time in between them and give you momentum for the next swing. One Saber gives you neither of those luxuries, meaning the main obstacle for One Saber mode is speed. Because of how strenuous some modes and difficulties can be, people often view Beat Saber as an exercise game, even though that’s not how it’s marketed. Some fitness channels have even experimented with supplementing it for elements of their normal exercise routines. Some mods, or modifications, players add to the game actually allow them to see the average heart rate and calories that they can burn from a song. Mods in Beat Saber can add custom colors, custom sabers, custom avatars and multiplayer to the gameplay. But by far the most popular

mod is the custom songs. As the name suggests, this mod allows you to add virtually any song to your Beat Saber playlist. These songs are made by the beat saber community and are also choreographed to match the music. Want to play “Take on Me” by A-ha? You can do that, and in fact, it’s the most played custom song on Beat Saber. Do you want to play the entire audio of the Shrek movie? Probably not, but you can also do that if you’re feeling determined. Overall, Beat Saber is one of those games that would make you go out and buy a headset for. And if not play, then binge watch streamers play. A 10/10 game.

entertainment Panther Prowler • Sept. 14, 2018

PTV revamps broadcast program Aditya Vunnum Sports Editor Newbury Park’s very own Panther Television (PTV) that students have come to know and love is expanding this year. Alongside the normal program, the PTV staff is implementing a sports show. PTV is dedicating an entirely different staff to focus solely on PTV sports, which will air once a week separate from normal PTV. The new sports segment has opened up new possibilities to several students who can now join the program. One of the three anchors of PTV Sports, Catie Parker, senior, has been interested in broadcast since freshman year, but was not eligible to join the PTV staff because the class was only available after school. However, this year the sports segment of the show has its own class as a rotating fourth period. “They have wanted to do PTV Sports for three years now. This year they made it work as there are enough students to support the program,” Parker said. “On top of that, everyone is much more involved this year. Until now people were assigned a job the whole year but this year they will be rotating into different roles. Mr. Grimes played a big part in that.” Derek Grimes, Advanced Digital Production teacher, has been the PTV advisor since the

beginning of the program five years ago. “Mr. Grimes is the best and has helped us at every step. He is responsible for teaching us how to use the camera, how to talk, how to look into camera and teaching us a lot,” Parker said. Grimes has been involved in revamping the PTV studio along with teaching his students about the general guidelines of broadcast. “We are in the process of getting wiring grid installed so that we got room to move cameras on the floor. So mainly less equipment and more sets, lights and a much more professional environment... Eventually we would like to have live guests, live concerts… Really utilize the space and do what we have been wanting to do. A place for students to showcase their talents,” Grimes said. PTV hopes to take on new heights this year with a more flexible staff and a larger studio under Jaycen Sussman, senior, who has been a driving force in the startup of PTV sports. “It(PTV sports) actually started with an idea a couple of years ago when a sports person came about 3 years ago. Slowly the idea kept building up and Jason came aboard and really established himself as sports guy in Sussman Sports. There was enough interest, there was

enough popularity and it really took its shape,” Grimes said. The sports staff, most of whom are new, felt the same way about Sussman’s role in its development: “I am new to the world of PTV. Jaycen has been on the staff for the last few years and has been very helpful in bring us together. He made sure we

Emily Augustine/Prowler

understood everything and really brought us together,” Parker said. Tyler Zielinski, senior, is an anchor on PTV and a reporter on PTV Sports. The first year member has also been helped through the process by Sussman. “Jaycen has been amazing all around. He tries super hard to make it good to improve the quality of productions and still finds time to help all of us as well. He is like the leader and keeps us on track,” Zielinski said. Although the program is made up of primarily new members, Zielinski feels that he is in a closely-knit environment. “The majority of the staff are seniors, so we are all excited because this is our last year and want to leave a good note, so it’s always really uplifting. It is actually very comfortable to go there and to know people are not just hanging in there, but want to get some work done,” Zielinski said. “I’m really excited to see where this year takes PTV.”

Who Is AMERICA puts a new spin on political satire Daria Azizad Entertainment Editor Nidhi Satyagal Opinion Editor Marli Davis/Prowler

Have you recently been approached by AntiTerror Expert Erran Morad? Or perhaps former convict Rick Sherman? What about any other suspicious people that seemed too outrageous to be real? No? Then you are probably in the clear from Sacha Baron Cohen’s slew of pranks on his hit TV show “Who is America?” Cohen’s show, which aired July 15, 2018,

on Showtime, takes aim at various aspects of the social and political makeup of modern-day America. When you really look at it, Cohen’s comedy is not that comedic at all-- it is scary. His interviews with politicians like Roy Moore, Dick Cheney, Sarah Palin and Bernie Sanders, and other controversial Americans like OJ Simpson and reality star Corinne Olympios,

unveil some truth about prominent Americans. Political comedy takes on many forms from “Saturday Night Live” to other programs, like Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” and Trevor Noah’s “The Daily Show” to something more revelatory like “Who is America?” These other shows often use comedy to lighten the political situation, but Sacha Baron Cohen’s goal is different. His brand of comedy uses shock value to cause discomfort and humiliate his guests. Cohen is clear with his intention: he wants viewers to know that these people are America because we give them a platform, whether it is through representing their constituents or entertaining the masses through “The Bachelor.” However comedic the results may be, the show has had very real consequences. Georgia state representative Jason Spencer

was resigned in shame after using racial slurs in a mock terrorist protection video. Former Alabama senate candidate Roy Moore was tested for pedophilia using what Cohen’s character, Morad, presented as a new piece of “Israeli technology.” When the detector repeatedly went off when waved near Moore, Morad offered that it may be a malfunction. Moore is now suing Cohen and the show for $95 million for allegations of intentional infliction of emotional distress and fraud. Conservative commentator Joe Walsh, former senate majority leader Trent Lott and California congressman Dana Rohrabacher all voiced their support for arming kindergarteners, in a segment called “Kinderguardians.” Former vice president Dick Cheney signed a waterboard kit. Cohen disguised as an Italian photographer attempted to get OJ Simpson to admit to murder. The comedy juxtaposed with the outrageous reality reveal just how twisted our country’s social and political landscape really is. And whether you like the answer or not, it forces us to ask the question: “Who is America?”

sports Panther Prowler • Sept. 14, 2018

Boys’ Cross Country looks to improve Brian Fang Staff Writer Two years in the making, the Panthers have finally emerged from the shrouds, ready to take on the upcoming Boys Cross Country season with a new vigor and high prospects. The Panthers, now seeded fifth in the state and twentieth in the nation, have put a lot of focus into their preparations for this season. Sean Brosnan, head coach of the Cross Country team, attributes their new found success to both growth and hardwork. “Two of our top three are only juniors, so I just think that sophomore year to junior year makes a big difference on maturity,” Brosnan said, “our guys are probably running close to low 60 miles a week… they aren’t just dragging their feet everyday, they are out there owning their miles and I just think that it is an increase in miles and intensity.” Ethan Ronk, senior and team captain, commented on the potential the team has for this season. “Our top three are really, really solid this year, and that includes juniors Jace Aschbrenner and Nico Young, who are both incredible runners,” Ronk said. Incredible is just one way of putting it. According to Brosnan, “Those guys, on a fast three mile course can run a low 14 minutes which not many teams in the country can

do.” Since taking on the role of team captain, Ronk has contributed to these improvements by maintaining a solid work ethic and keeping spirits high. “My biggest role for this year is to make sure that I’m pushing everyone to be the best that they can be and that I make this year something that the team can truly remember,” Ronk said. Collectively, the team has been focused on the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic, the largest high school cross country meet in the nation. Jace Aschbrenner, junior and fastest three-miler in school history, hopes that this race will open opportunities for the national competition. “There are three races this season that can help us get to the Nike Cross Nationals. It’s Woodbridge, the Clovis Invitational, and the (California) State meet. Woodbridge is a huge first impression meet,” Aschbrenner said. The Panthers will be tested in their first major meet on Sept. 15 at the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic in Norco. Aschbrenner is hopeful that the team will perform well. “This could probably be the best year for cross country in school history.”

1st, 2nd, 3rd- Leading the pack, Nico Young junior, Ethan Ronk senior and Jace Aschbrenner junior run at the annual Peppertree meet. The Boys’ varsity team dominated the meet taking first, second and third place. “This could probably be the best year for cross country in school history,” Aschbrenner said. Young ran a course record 14:44 at the meet. Aditya Vunnum/Prowler

Bodybuilding proves beneficial for students Manas Khatore Staff Writer The word “bodybuilder” often brings up images of athletes with gigantic muscles, spending every living minute at the gym. However, unknown to many, there are students at NPHS who, in their free time, do the same. Kian Alamir, junior, sought out weightlifting in order to improve himself as an athlete. “I started weightlifting the summer after eighth grade to get better at water polo,” Alamir said. Two years later, Alamir continues to weight lift and has developed a strong routine, devoting his 45 minute sessions to individual muscles during the off-season and to his full body when playing water polo. Not all students tackle bodybuilding in the same fashion as Alamir. Adam Kamal, sophomore, is not involved in sports, but he decided to pick up weight lifting purely for selfmotivation and confidence. Although he does not have to worry about athletic performance, Kamal remains dedicated to his regimen. “I workout everyday except Sundays,” Kamal said. “I usually just go after school and I stay there for two hours.” He spends every day training a different muscle group, whether it be arm, core or leg muscles. Despite their different approaches to

the activity, student bodybuilders attribute weight lifting and consistent exercise to numerous benefits in their lives. Danisse Meritoni Gallinero, senior, started weight lifting four years ago a n d believes t h a t she has become m u c h more optimistic as a result. “(Bodybuilding) just makes me a positive person, and that’s just what I do everyday,” Gallinero said. Like Kamal, Gallinero does not play any sports and started bodybuilding purely for selfmotivation and confidence. Gallinero makes sure to reserve three to five hours out of each

day for bodybuilding. Along with this, Gallinero juggles school work and a job, finding a balance between all three. “I always make time for (bodybuilding). I go to school in the morning... and I go to work for 5 hours...and then after that I still have to go to the gym,” Gallinero said. For athletics, Alamir attributes an increased performance in water polo to bodybuilding.

“(Bodybuilding ) has made me a lot better at defence specifically and making sure that

I can just keep people away from the goal,” Alamir said. As with any physical activity, bodybuilding exists not without its fair share of obstacles. “Some obstacles I have faced throughout the years include muscle imbalances and dieting,” Kamal said. Nevertheless, the results that come with continued weightlifting give motivation to continue. “It’s definitely made me more confident, and it’s also just made me more encouraged to better myself in every way,” Alamir said. Bodybuilding is an activity that, while seemingly daunting, can be easily integrated into one’s daily routine. But lifting weights is not the only way to live an active lifestyle. Since becoming active, Alamir, Kamal and Gallinero believe that as a society, people need to be more physically fit. “I don’t think we necessarily need to be ‘buffer’, but I think we do need to be more active, in whatever way that people choose to do it,” Alamir said.

Flexin’ it- Danisse Gallinero,senior, shows off her muscles in the middle of a weight lifting session. Starting four years ago, Gallinero reserves three to five hours of each day for working out. “I just went to the gym and started (weight lifting), and it got me addicted,” Gallinero said. Aside from large muscles, Gallinero attributes bodybuilding to an increase in motivation, confidence and happiness. Danisse Gallinero/With Permission

sports Panther Prowler • Sept. 2018

New leadership fuels Panther Pit Jaycen Sussman Sports Editor There are two rules when walking into “There is something about just screaming the sea of spirit at NPHS: stand and be loud. your butt off and releasing everything and just The student section of sporting events, the that community sense really brings everyone Panther Pit, unites the most spirited students together and I think that is really cool,” for an atmosphere unlike any other. In order Petersen said. to coordinate all that occurs with the Pit, two The Pit, an independent organization on students are selected each year to head the campus, works each week with ASG and the masses of students. school administration. Prior to each home This year, the torch was passed to seniors event, with help from ASG, a tailgate is held Randy Wright and Sam Herbert. Both Wright in front of the Performing Arts Center to and Herbert have been involved with the get the student body ready to cheer for their Pit since freshman year, attending as many team. Wright and Herbert lead the cheers and sporting events as possible. all that happens in the student section, but “When I found out what the Pit was my in order to provide a fun and safe time, they freshman year, I just fell in love with it and make sure to inform Carly Adams, Assistant there hasn’t been a game where I haven’t had Principal of Activities, each week to keep her one of the most fun Fridays ever.” Wright said, informed of all future expectations. “I’ve never had a bad experience in the Pit and “So they function on their own with I told myself as a freshman I want to lead this assistance from ASG, so I’m just helping thing one day and get it as big as I can. It is even oversee it. (Wright and Herbert) come to better that I have one of my best friends doing check in with me making sure their plan is ok, it with me.” I just remind them of all the rules there are,” At the beginning of each week, Wright and Get Pitted- - NPHS students in the Panther Pit pose for a picture at the start of the game. This year, the new Pit leaders Adams said. Herbert first look to see whether games are are revamping the Panther Pit. “If I had one legacy, or something to be remembered by, I would like to be remembered Each week, Herbert and Wright are home or away. When the football team plays by getting the biggest panther pit ever in school history to one football game,” said Randy Wright. The Pit had a huge attempting to provide their fellow students a locally, the first thing on their minds is to make turnout at the first home football game. Rahul D’Souza/Prowler fun and memorable night cheering for their the upcoming Friday as fun as the last. Thus team, allowing any student the chance to do so the two minds collaborate on a theme for that week; themes can While Wright and Herbert were named the designated leaders if they wish to participate. range from white-out, wearing all white, to beach wear. Once of the Pit, that has not stopped other students from helping lead “We are really open to anyone being involved and if you have the designated theme is decided, Wright and Herbert storm to the masses. Amy Petersen, senior, has also been involved with a lot of spirit then we aren’t going to be like ‘oh we are the leaders social media to inform those who wish to join the Pit for the the Pit since her freshman year, making sure to go ‘all-out’ every back down.’ We want everyone to be involved because that is given game. what really makes the pit lit,” Herbert said. game she attends.

Students embrace Californian surf culture Brian Fang Staff Writer Seeking refuge from their heavy academic workloads, several Panthers look to California’s official state sport: surfing. The sport has helped these students both express themselves and relieve their stress. Katie Rose, senior, started surfing when she was 7 years old,

Catching WavesWaves Katie Rose, senior, drops in on a wave at Ventura Beach on Sept.10. Rose tries to get back into a good groove after adjusting to a new school year. “The hardest part about surfing is getting back into it after a long break,” said Rose. Rose takes several IB classes but makes the best of her busy schedule. Sarah Lu/Prowler

when her father began teaching her; however, she delved into the sport at the age of 13. As a teenager, the sport grew to have a place in her heart. “When surfing, I feel euphoric,” Rose said. “You feel like you have escaped from the outside world and there is nothing but you and the ocean and it is a really great connection with nature.” Daniel Fisher, senior, has found a similar outlet in the sport. An avid surfer since the age of 13, Fisher finds that when “you are there in the water, life is just so much more simple. (You are) able to process and think straight. Surfing and actually riding the wave is such a rush and so much fun.” Not only that, Fisher describes the sport as a way of selfexpression. Incorporating photography and film, surfing is more than just a sport to him. “There is an artistic side to (surfing). You can make a video or edit and put music to it. It is really cool to express your surfing that way,” Fisher said. Raagy Sompura, junior, has a passion for surfing himself and hopes that more students will get involved with the sport. “(Surfing) is something that everyone should be able to experience,” Sompura said. “Find a friend that knows how to surf and has multiple boards and ask them to take you out.” Additionally, with high school prone to raising student stress levels, these students believe that surfing is a great way to tackle this problem. According to Rose, the sport is a great

release valve. “Whenever I’m stressed out about something I can always go out to this other world where everything makes sense in a way.” Sompura feels that surfing is a great way to release stress and tension as well. “When I’m flustered that’s when I want to go most,” said Sompura. “I surf for fun because it is a way of freeing my mind.” Overall, these students have embraced the surf culture and have found comfort in the waves. “Whenever I’m stressed out about something I can always go out to this other world where everything makes sense,” Fisher said. Surfs Up- Daniel Fisher, senior, makes a swift left turn to follow the crashing blue water wave into the shore. Fisher finds comfort from academic endeavors when surfing. “If I don’t surf in a week, I feel off. It is such a release of my stress,” Fisher said. Following a rigorous IB course load, Fisher enjoys spending his free time actively. Daniel Fisher/ With Permission

sports Panther Prowler • Sept. 14, 2018

Ready to pounce- Before the referee blows the whistle, the Panther offense prepares to hike the ball, with Ventura High School staring them down. The next point, the Panthers scored a touchdown, which finalized their 17-7 win last Friday, something that Soren Brown, junior and cornerback, was happy about. “We're happy that we came home with the win, which is always good. A lot of players stepped up into roles with injuries... and a lot of young guys got to show what they can do,” Brown said. Brown says that the team this year features “young talent… so it’s an exciting season to watch.”

Emily Nagamoto Chief Photographer

Football kicks off their season with two wins in their first non-conference games since the start of school. On Friday, Aug. 24, the Panthers faced Thousand Oaks High School, winning 37-0. After scoring 20 points, they lost to Pacifica High School on Aug. 31, but last week, the “Black Cat Attack,” as they are sometimes called, came back with a victory over Ventura, 17-7. Fourth place in the Marmonte League, Panther Football will play two more non-conference matches, including the game tonight against Venice, before starting their league games on Sept. 28. For the game schedule, visit the NPHS Athletics website.

Perfect Spiral- Winding back his arm, Ben Gulbranson, junior and quarterback, throws the football to a teammate. While the Panthers won their first game of the school year 37-0 on Aug. 24 against Thousand Oaks High School, the next week at Pacifica High School, Gulbranson and several others were injured, making safety a priority for head Coach Jason Klein. “We just got to get healthy. We got a lot of guys banged up taking them out of play,” Klein said. Around six players are out of play with injuries.

Stare Down- Before the referee blows the whistle, the Panther offense prepares to hike the ball, with Ventura High School opposite of them. The next point, the Panthers scored a touchdown, which finalized their 17-7 win last Friday, something that Soren Brown, junior and cornerback, was happy about. “We're happy that we came home with the win, which is always good. A lot of players stepped up into roles with injuries... and a lot of young guys got to show what they can do,” Brown said. Brown says that the team this year features “young talent… so it’s an exciting season to watch.”

Touchdown- Dodging the opposition, Jacob Ziegler, senior, runs into the end zone to score a touchdown for the Panthers. This match against Thousand Oaks on Aug. 24 was the first non-conference game for Newbury Park, and Karim Jamaleddine, junior and lineman, expressed his excitement for the coming season. “I'm looking forward to playing our rivals because… (they) are really strong… talented teams. We want to be able to show ourselves and prove ourselves to everybody in the area,” Jamaleddine said. The home game tonight is against Venice, and Jamaleddine says he wants every to come watch and support.

2018-2019 Issue 1 (Sept. 14, 2018)

Articles inside

9

Asian Representation

Tech Corner

YouTubers

Nike Campaign