2018-2019 Issue 3 (Oct. 26, 2018) by NPHS Panther Prowler

PANTHER

PROWLER Friday Oct. 26, 2018 • Issue !I| • Newbury Park High School 456 N. Reino Rd., Newbury Park, CA 91320 • pantherprowler.org

Extreme partisanship

8-9

4-5

Ballot designations/Amy Chen

Breast cancer awareness

Connor Leeds

Church and state

Little Shop of Horrors

Music reduces stress Clubs that are sports

editorial

2 Don’t allow political parties to divide America Panther Prowler • Oct. 26, 2018

There is no longer such a thing as bi-partisanship or even non-partisanship anymore in our society. Everything has a political agenda. This applies to local school boards, county offices and propositions. Washington D.C. is experiencing a time of extreme partisanship and polarization that trickles down to even the average citizen-- and student. The goals of both sides of the political spectrum have left behind the days of doing what is good for the country and the only focus now is prohibiting the other side from doing anything. Our country will remain deadlocked: no one will budge on any bill, proposition or idea. No one will risk disagreeing with their party-- politicians have become utter cowards. Our nation is shrouded by lenses on red and blue and it is preventing all of us from seeing anything clearly. Polarization also politicizes things that shouldn’t be; issues concerning basic human rights, environmental policy and identity do not belong solely to liberals or conservatives. To sustain a functioning system there needs to be more empathy for the vast, diverse landscape that exists in this country. If you are a Democrat, you can still talk to a Republican. And vice versa. It is important to listen to a person instead of allowing preconceived notions about their political party to cloud our judgment about their character. Disagreement leads to radicalism, which is perpetuated by our current administration, pitting one group against the other in the name of patriotism. Being patriotic doesn’t have to entail adherence to a single minded set of political guidelines drawn by the highest of the one percent. Being patriotic means respecting your country and the people within it.

Emily Augustine/Prowler

Front Cover Caption:

Pink in October- Students around campus show their support for breast cancer by wearing pink ribbons and other pink apparel. Breast cancer awareness month takes place throughout all of October, and there are many events that help with fundraising for cancer research and spreading awareness about breast cancer. Gianna Spiro/Ad Manager

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

DPS Editor Kessa Chavez

Sports Editor Emily Nagamoto Jaycen Sussman Aditya Vunnum

Online Manager// Daria Azizad Maya Chari Kessa Chavez Rahul D’Souza Emily Nagamoto

Opinion Editor Nidhi Satyagal News Editor Emily Augustine Marli Davis Ad Manager Gianna Spiro

Staff Writers Christiana Borisoff Brian Fang Hannah Gross Manas Khatore Hailey Washington Jessica Zhou

Graphic Artist Emily Augustine Marli Davis

Photographers Chief// Emily Nagamoto Maya Chari Rahul D’Souza Sarah Lu Clarissa Shin Aditya Vunnum Jessica Zhou

Adviser Michelle Saremi

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

BRIEFS

news Panther Prowler • Oct. 26, 2018

Students gather to learn canvassing Maya Chari Photographer There is a temporary addition to the Thousand Oaks Mall -hidden next to Arhaus is a single room pop-up campaign center where students interested in canvassing for the CVUSD school board election can be cordially shown the ropes. On Oct. 16, the Conejo Together coalition, which endorses board candidates Bill Gorback, Jenny Fitzgerald and Cindy Goldberg, taught a group of 18 students how to canvas for the upcoming election, which will be held on Nov 6. The event was free and open to everyone, and those in attendance were from schools within CVUSD, as well as Moorpark High School and college. “I wanted to learn more about canvassing and what I can do to be effective in local politics and elections,” Gus Gress, sophomore, said. Gress has been to and spoken at several school board meetings, and is planning on canvassing on the weekend. The meeting centralized around student importance in the election. “When you go around canvassing as a student you really know what you’re talking about because these are the types of things that affect you every single day,” Gress said. The students were briefed on canvassing strategy, downloading the “Mini Van” app, which provides more specifics on voter demographics. Canvassers can then use the app to locate and contact potential supporters. The organization has pinpointed exactly which streets and houses will be potential supporters. On one wall of the Conejo Together headquarters, there are plastered three maps of the Conejo Valley, each colored and keyed differently to represent regional support for different candidates.

“When you register to vote, part of what you are doing is you are giving the state and the county an amount of information… and so we can pull from that,” Jon Cummings, president of Indivisible Conejo, said. State Senator Henry Stern also attended the meeting. “This is your school, and this is your school board. I actually think you should be able to be elected to it, and I’m looking to change the constitution of California,” Stern said.

Youth outreach- State Senator Henry Stern addresses students at the Conejo Together canvassing meeting on Nov. 16. “Forge some relationships with people you might not have even known were there,” Stern said, emphasizing the idea of unity between political lines. In addition to discussing canvassing, Stern also discussed issues of bullying and student identity prevalent on campus. Clarissa Shin/Prowler

Ventura County Board of Education candidates discuss their platforms Daria Azizad Entertainment Editor Nidhi Satyagal Opinion Editor Why should constituents vote for you over other candidates? What do you bring to the table that no other candidate can? Paula Nathan: “I am the only candidate running and would be the only board member that has a special needs student. My daughter attends Foundation level Special Day Classes (SDC) at Thousand Oaks High School. When the majority of the cases coming through the VCBOE coming through deal with Special Education, it is imperative to have someone on that board that knows what that road is like first hand. Also the world of Special Education involves around the Individual Educational Plan (IEP). It is important to know the intricacies of that process. I know it inside and out. I would be an excellent voice for the families on the special needs road.” Mike Teasdale: “The diversity of experience I bring to board is unique and will enable me to address with confidence all the different responsibilities of a Trustee. I have been endorsed by those who know the job: Chuck Weis, former Superintendent of Ventura County Schools; the Unified Association of Conejo Teachers; Ellen Smith, former superintendent of Moorpark Unified School District; among many others. My connections to local business will help me create programs so our kids are trained for good jobs and have productive careers. I will bring fresh ideas to a role that have been occupied for 24 years by one person.” What do you see as the main problem the county is facing (as pertaining to education)? Paula Nathan: “Funding. Funding issues are a problem in every district in our state. At the county level, they are affected in some unique ways. Special Education is extremely expensive and was largely left out of Proposition 30 which paved the way for the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) and Local Control Funding

Formula (LCFF). Bills are just now being worked on at the state level to bring new funding streams for Special Education. Transportation of foster youth is extremely expensive. Students who have been placed with a foster family in another community have the right to keep attending their school of origin, which is a large cost both including time spent for logistics.” Mike Teasdale: “We have a gap in our educational system for children who do not go on to college. We need to help these children with more skills and training so they have better careers and our local work force attracts new companies and jobs. The incumbent from our district has been there for 24 years – we need new ideas and fresh energy.” What are your ideas to mediate/solve that problem? Paula Nathan: “Funding streams have to be increased at the state level. As the elected official for the VCBOE for Area 2, because of my first-hand experiences, I am uniquely qualified to advocate for our specialized needs at the state. I have advocated in Sacramento and the local level for years. Being an elected Trustee will give me a stronger voice to have our needs listened to and met. When we fund our specialized programs, this opens up funding streams for general education. Education is a puzzle, and I’m a problem solver.” Mike Teasdale: “I will increase apprenticeships not only for trade jobs such as construction workers, plumbers, and HVAC technicians but expand them to include machine operators and factory workers. Our children have opportunities for good jobs in the Biotech and precision manufacturing industries if we train them well. I will bring new energy to the role of Trustee from the Conejo Valley and advocate for excellence in every aspect of our children’s education.”

CVUSD attempts to repair three years worth of damage towards special education students Carter Castillo Journalism 1 writer Prasheetha Karthikeyan Journalism 1 writer CVUSD Board Trustees learned that district special education students have been socially and academically deprived for the past three years in comparison to their general education counterparts at the Oct. 16 board meeting. Leann Holland, founder of THRIVE Conejo, an organization dedicated to advancing inclusive education in CVUSD, stated, “students internalize the message that they do not belong.” Lisa Miller, assistant superintendent of Student Support Services, presented that CVUSD “missed the mark” in ensuring that special education students spend 80 percent or more of their time in general education. When questions from the board were allowed, Trustee Sandee Everett asked for clarification as to what FAPE is. “There is the Free Appropriate Professional Enhancement which is FAPE, that is, what the acronym is, how does that, maybe, explain that a little bit,” Everett said. Miller explained that FAPE is actually the Free Appropriate Public Education, the national foundation for special education. She then offered specific ways to fix the issue for each affected student, such as moving students into more content-based classes. Miller continued, highlighting that CVUSD failed in meeting this goal, which could render it “Significantly Disproportionate,” a legal term outlining a school unable to support its special education students for three or more years. Consequently, 15 percent of funding must go towards creating a plan to rectify the mistakes of previous years. Among the various speakers, Holland captured the urgency to change the situation. “It’s like trying to teach someone to swim in the parking lot of a swimming pool,” Holland said.

--ADVERTISEMENT-Calling all oily and blemish prone skin types: Countercontrol is going to be your new best friend. The five-piece collection mattifies and helps clear skin without irritation.

“Teens see big drop in chemical exposure with switch in cosmetics.”

http://news.berkeley.edu/2016/03/07/cosmetics-chemicals/

Consultant: Janie Ahlberg https://www.beautycounter.com/janieahlberg

news Panther Prowler • Oct. 26, 2018

Follow up: Amy Chen’s run for office Marli Davis News Editor Kavita Rai Features Editor

Figure 3

Figure 2

First Ave./nue CVUSD school board candidate Amy Chen listed her ballot designation as “Educational Nonprofit Director,” in reference to her role with the nonprofit organization Top Goal Education. Her alternative designation was listed as “Educational Organization CF,” in reference to her role in First Ave. Education (see Figure 4). Chen is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of First Ave. Education (see Figure 1), a for-profit organization in Arcadia, CA that aims to promote Chinese culture and language enrichment through after-school programs. First Avenue Education is a nonprofit branch of First Ave. Education. Chen is not listed as the CFO of First Avenue Education (see Figure 2), which has a separate Statement of Information form than First Ave. Education. First Ave. Education and First Avenue Education (First Ave./nue Education) work jointly to provide Chinese tutoring services. However, the creation of the nonprofit, First Avenue Education, and its affiliation with the for-profit, First Ave. Education, has been questioned by Conejo Valley constituents. Specifically, constituents question if the non-profit entity only exists to save money for its

for-profit entity. A flyer taken from the headquarters of First Ave./nue Education (see Figure 6), uses a non-profit postage stamp, allowing the flyer to be distributed free of mailing charge. However, as seen in the bottom right-hand corner of the flyer, it is directed to send registration (which includes registration fees) to First Ave. Education. Non-profit organizations receive special privileges that for-profit organizations do not receive. Nonprofits are tax exempt, have free postage and are given reduced rent fees. Ryan Foran, chief communications officer for the Arcadia Unified School District, recently told the Thousand Oaks Acorn that using a nonprofit status saves an organization roughly half off original rates on facility rentals. In addition to receiving nonprofit status reduced rates, First Ave./nue also rents space at First Avenue Middle School, using First Avenue Education and its nonprofit status (see Figure 3). This means that First Ave./nue Education saves 50% on rent and pays nothing for postage. However, they charge people for their services using First Ave. Education, the for-profit.

Figure 4

Figure 1

news Panther Prowler • Oct. 26, 2018

Chen speaks on Godspeak Calvary Church Recently at Godspeak Calvary Church in Thousand Oaks, Pastor Rob McCoy invited Chen to speak in front of the congregation. Chen took the stage, delivering her campaign speech to the crowd of people. According to the official Internal Revenue Service (IRS) nonprofit organizations are not permitted to engage in political activity (see Figure 5).

State of California Secretary of State

FX53759

Statement of Information (Domestic Nonprofit, Credit Union and General Cooperative Corporations)

FILED

Filing Fee: $20.00. If this is an amendment, see instructions. IMPORTANT – READ INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE COMPLETING THIS FORM 1. CORPORATE NAME

In the office of the Secretary of State of the State of California

TOP GOAL EDUCATION INC.

JUN-19 2018

Figure 5

Under the Internal Revenue Code, all section 501(c)(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office.

2. CALIFORNIA CORPORATE NUMBER This Space for Filing Use Only

C4134947 Complete Principal Office Address (Do not abbreviate the name of the city. Item 3 cannot be a P.O. Box.) 3.

STREET ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL OFFICE IN CALIFORNIA, IF ANY

CITY

STATE

ZIP CODE

CITY

STATE

ZIP CODE

57 A CALIFORNIA ST., ARCADIA, CA 91006 4.

MAILING ADDRESS OF THE CORPORATION

EMAIL ADDRESS FOR RECEIVING STATUTORY NOTIFICATIONS

Names and Complete Addresses of the Following Officers (The corporation must list these three officers. A comparable title for the specif officer may be added; however, the preprinted titles on this form must not be altered.) 5.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER/

CHIALIN LIN 6.

SECRETARY

MICHAEL LIN 7.

CITY

STATE

ZIP CODE

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP CODE

CITY

STATE

ZIP CODE

57 A CALIFORNIA ST., ARCADIA, CA 91006

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER/

CHIALIN LIN

ADDRESS

57 A CALIFORNIA ST., ARCADIA, CA 91006

ADDRESS

57 A CALIFORNIA ST., ARCADIA, CA 91006

Agent for Service of Process If the agent is an individual, the agent must reside in California and Item 9 must be completed with a California stree address, a P.O. Box address is not acceptable. If the agent is another corporation, the agent must have on file with the California Secretary of State certificate pursuant to California Corporations Code section 1505 and Item 9 must be left blank. 8.

NAME OF AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS [Note: The person designated as the corporation's agent MUST have agreed to act in that capacity prior to the designatio

LEGALZOOM.COM, INC. 9.

STREET ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS IN CALIFORNIA, IF AN INDIVIDUAL

CITY

STATE

ZIP CODE

Figure 7

Top Goal Despite the existing non-profit (First Avenue Education), Chen created a non-profit organization last March called Top Goal Education, which functions under First Avenue to provide more family access to existing programs. Although Top Goal Education is affirmed on state documents, it virtually has no online presence and the address listed on its official documents is the same as that of First Avenue Education. It remains unclear if the organization has any current initiatives or if it is

in operation. On Sept. 19 Shannon Diffner, voter constituent, visited 57 California Street, Arcadia, which is the listed address for both First Ave./ nue Education and Top Goal Education. “I just wanted to confirm that Top Goal Education really was there. I’d seen some questionable background information about First Avenue Education, the nonprofit, and First Ave. Education, the for-profit, which raised some questions in my mind. So I just wanted to go

and gets the facts for myself,” said Diffner on her reasoning for visiting the site. As mentioned in a previous Panther Prowler article, Chen’s ballot designation was challenged by Mary Van Zuyle, director of Conejo Together, due to questions over legitimacy. President of Top Goal Education (and of First Ave. Education) Jocelyn Lin sent an email to the Ventura County Registrar of Voters confirming Chen’s position. (See Figure 7 for state document.)

Figure 6

opinion Panther Prowler • Oct. 26, 2018

Marli Davis/ Prowler

Church and state don’t mix

Michelle Saremi/With Permission

Daria Azizad Entertainment Editor Maya Chari Photographer Here is how a nonprofit works: the public can donate to the organization, which in turn, works toward achieving a certain transparent goal or promoting a certain transparent cause. Here is what is unethical: the public donating to an organization which abuses their power to influence political views. And here is what is illegal: A 501c(4) nonprofit church indirectly endorsing a politician in a public election. By the First Amendment, church and state are required to be separate. Yet, Amy Chen delivering her CVUSD school board campaign speech at the podium of a chapel seems to send the community a different message. It is not okay to blindly accept these infringements on our democracy. Candidates that are willing to take any opportunity (legality pending!) to get a leg up on their opponents should not be given the opportunity to govern. The people we elect should value basic principles

of law; if they don’t, how can we expect them to have any integrity in office? We have seen how the religious agenda of a school board member has affected the dignity and legitimacy of board decisions in the past. Incumbent school board trustee Mike Dunn has long touted his religious ideology in his many years as a board member -- do we not remember how he stated that it was his prerogative to use his allegiance to Christianity when making board decisions? Or when he said that it is “far more important” where he “spends his eternity than being a school board trustee?” We need board members who understand and follow

Politicians need to act with principle

the First Amendment, not ones who blatantly disregard the separation of church and state. Some may argue that it could be a completely honest mistake: Amy Chen could have not known that promoting herself in a church is unconstitutional. Even so, someone we want to be an elected official should be well-versed in legal matters -- especially one as abundantly apparent as the First Amendment. There is nothing wrong with having religious values. However, the school board exists to help positively mold all students into independent, forward thinking and inclusive people. This process is disrupted when the adults in charge of education use curriculum and public board meetings to preach their personal ideology.

Manas Khatore Staff Writer Marli Davis/Prowler

Our country is founded on the basis that the American population will elect politicians to make governmental decisions. In theory, these politicians are people who represent the ideals of dignity, morality and tolerance for all people. However, in the last couple of years, it has become clear that many politicians are individuals who cannot act on these ideals, let alone represent thousands of people. Scandals are not a new aspect to America’s political sphere. They extend back to the 1800’s with President Grover Cleveland, who sexually assaulted and impregnated a woman. With the introduction of social media and the Internet, news of these scandals spreads like wildfire. Although this is true, people are often complacent, with their only concern being that politicians execute actions that align with their beliefs. As a result, politicians are not held to

the high standard needed to make decisions for the country. In order to illustrate this effect, let’s say I was working at McDonald’s. After serving my 20th Big Mac of the day, a customer of a different race walks in and starts ordering. However, as soon as they greet me, I yell a racial slur at them and deny service. Any reasonable manager would fire me immediately. Feeling particularly ambitious, I decide to run for office after losing my coveted job. During a campaign speech, I let the same racist comment slip out of my mouth. But this time, I am met with support from hundreds, thousands and eventually millions of people for “speaking my mind”. The moral of the story: I would have to act at a higher moral standard at a McDonald’s than as a government official. We have seen this unfold recently with the

confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who is a Republican. During the confirmation process, multiple women came forward with sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh, with one even testifying in front of the Senate. Despite this, Kavanaugh was confirmed, due to there being more Republicans in the Senate than Democrats. Voters make all sorts of feeble excuses for their favorite politicians, pulling out lines like “oh, he was just joking” and “she didn’t know that was wrong” and “it all happened five years ago”. What they lose sight of is human decency and conduct. Just because a politician supports abortion or gun rights does not mean that they are exempt from acting with morality.

Masculinity poisons men Carter Castillo Journalism 1 Writer In elementary school, I really liked the idea of dolls. I imagined playing with them and giving them all a story, but how would I have told my friends that I like dolls? I loved walking around the toy section in department stores and looking at all the toys, but the guns and adventure toys targeted to boys never appealed to me, I wanted a doll. When I asked my parents, their initial reaction was shock. Even though they would later apologize, the message was clear: boys don’t play with dolls. Even worse, were some of the reactions I would get from some of my friends. If I suggested playing something other than an adventure game, they would refuse because they viewed it as more “feminine.” They would laugh and constantly remind me of what I had said. Toxic masculinity is beaten into kids’ brains from the second they are able to watch television or read books. This belief is that men are strong and don’t show vulnerability or fear. As well, this entails that men should either keep their feelings locked up or not have them at all. Men who have been ingrained with this belief since birth begin to suppress their emotions, and as a result can become depressed or suicidal. Today women are able to more freely express themselves, which is great, but men are still confined by masculinity in our society. The notion that men should be tough is a hurtful one because it sticks for a lifetime. I remember as a kid, wishing that I could have tea parties with my stuffed animals, but I was unable to because I was afraid of what people would think of me. The idea has contributed to a disproportionate ratio of male to female suicide rates, and when there is a problem like that, we all have some work to do. Men should be able to cry, to participate in more relaxed and reserved activities, to embrace their more feminine side, and not feel any less of a man.

opinion Panther Prowler • Oct. 26, 2018 Emily Augustine/ Prowler

Music reduces student stress

Hannah Gross Staff Writer If music can help calm patients during surgery, imagine what it could do for the minds of high school students? Students constantly grapple with stress. A study from the American Psychological Association found that 27 percent of students reported experiencing extreme stress during the school year, 40 percent felt irritable and 36 percent reported feeling anxious. This issue is not an easy fix. However, there is a simple way to help. Several high schools and middle schools have implemented playing music during passing periods, and student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. There is no reason why our school should not do the same. The fact that music has a positive effect on people is far from revolutionary. Several studies have explored music’s potential to lower stress and improve mood. A study by the New York

Academy of Sciences found that listening to music can lower levels of cortisol, a hormone linked to stress. Another study found that patients who were allowed to listen to music through headphones during surgery had lower blood pressure than those who were not. Such studies seem to be a clear indicator that playing music would benefit students. The unfortunate reality is that too many students dread going to school. If they were able to hear their favorite songs echoing across campus, it may have a positive impact. Some argue that it is one’s own responsibility to find enjoyment in school, and there is some truth to that. However, if there is a way to make school just a little more pleasant, then doing so seems like common sense. Music has the potential to transform the campus environment from a place students feel they have to be, to one they actually enjoy being in. While focusing on academics is important, a high school campus should also be a place where students can feel comfortable and relaxed. Music can help facilitate that environment. Sound can also have a profound effect on mental health, something that many students struggle with.

Although students have breaks from their classes, it can be difficult to forget the stress of the day. Music can provide a distraction and help students unwind. Sometimes all it takes is the right song to gain a fresh perspective. Almost everyone has experienced the mental shift that comes from listening to the right music. Such a shift that, according to one 2016 study, is comparable to meditation. Enforcing a campus wide meditation initiative would be nearly impossible. However, playing music during passing periods is completely achievable. Playing music during passing periods is something that can be implemented with no costs to the administration and minimal effort. The only thing required on the administration’s part is speakers and a playlist, and one of those things is already covered. Will playing music during passing periods be able to completely diffuse the stress epidemic? Probably not. However, it would undoubtedly create a positive environment for students, which is more than enough reason to implement it. The bottom line is, if it can help, then we should be doing it.

Please do not catch them outside Emily Augustine News Editor Despite the “nice people high school” reputation we have, I know of a handful of students who have resorted to physical violence to settle a conflict. It makes me cringe whenever I hear someone say, “Wanna go? Borchard, after school.” Most of the time people are joking, but a fight broke out a couple weeks ago and videos spread throughout the school like a wildfire. It irritates me when people think that physical fighting is the best solution, but my sympathy tends to kick in sometimes. People who engage in physical fights most likely have problems outside of school, or they do not know any better because of the way they have been raised. It sounds like I am looking down upon them, but I am just trying to understand their side of the story. I have a theory that pop culture has an influence on the way young people think. For example, Danielle Bregoli became famous for the sophisticated, insightful phrase, “Catch me outside, how bout that?” (although the way she says it, it sounds like “Cash me ousside, how bow dah?”). Watching people get famous for a stupid reason like this inspire gullible people of our generation to be pugnacious. As the insecure, desperate humans we are, we all want to take

on some kind of persona to make us feel accepted by others. Some people excessively brag, some people raise their hand to answer every question the teacher asks, and others engage in fighting because they feel like if they do these things, they will gain the respect of those around them. To many people in this generation, the media portrays the ideal lifestyle. Fighting is also portrayed as a viable resolution in movies, and the way that it is shown makes the participants look tough and confident. Using bits and pieces of pop culture, people tend to put together their own little Frankenstein of what they think they should be, completely disregarding their true personality and interests. To many, this is what it takes to fill the seemingly endless void of desperation to fit in. The bottom line is that there are better ways to settle a conflict than physical fights. I sound like a Kindergarten teacher, but when it doubt, just use your words. Fighting is stupid. People fight to prove that they are tough, but it only proves how overwhelmingly discontent they are with themselves. It is easy to lose control of yourself in a world full of expectations and social pressure, but the best thing you can do is stay true to yourself and try not to get a black eye.

Emily Augustine/Prowler

Visiting colleges can be a hassle for students Hailey Washington Staff Writer

Gianna Spiro/ Prowler

Visiting colleges is a necessity for high school seniors to truly know where they belong. Though our school gives our seniors two excused days at any time of the school year to visit colleges, all the work that we need to makeup on the days we miss can be a large weight on our shoulders. Let’s say a senior needs to visit a college on the East Coast on Oct. 5, Petersen went to visit Princeton in New Jersey and had an excused absence. First, she had to go to the office and fill out a planned absence slip stating why she was going to be absent. She then had to get it signed by Assistant Principal Kelly Welch. Finally, she had to get every teacher she had on Oct. 5 to sign a slip excusing her from the day. At this point Amy’s job seemed done, but the massive amounts of work she needed to make up made the trip a little less enjoyable. As students at NPHS students, missing one day of school is like missing two. Our block class periods mean that when you miss class you are basically missing two lessons -- the equivalent to two days at a school with a regular schedule. Although

teachers try to accommodate and help with the workload when students take these trips, work still has to be done. Sometimes accommodations cannot be made because missing even a bit of the lesson can only hinder students. Having an extensive period of time off for seniors to visit colleges will make the process more relaxing. Many schools in the nation give a week or a couple of days for all seniors to visit colleges. This method is much more organized, structured and easier to deal with for students, teacher and parents. At Louisville High School, a private school in Woodland Hills, California, a week off is given to seniors to visit their prospective colleges. There is no work to make up and both students and teachers have no stress. If a student plans to visit colleges during said week off, they have dates preplanned when to go, there will be no work to do during the break since teachers will also have a week off and parents can plan ahead of time for the upcoming days. By having a planned set of days off for seniors to visit colleges, they can do it to the fullest.

breast cancer awareness

Panther Prowler • Oct. 26, 2018

Ventura County has the highest incidence of breast cancer in women in the entire state of California. - Conejo Free Clinic Manas Khatore Staff Writer Sarah Lu Photographer Jessica Zhou News Editor

Background With October being breast cancer awareness month, people are discussing how the disease affects millions around the world. However, for many, the actual meaning of breast cancer remains unclear. Dr. Lynn Jeffers, medical director of the Integrated Breast Center at St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, defines cancer as being a disease in which body cells grow unchecked. In the case of breast cancer, a genetic mutation causes these cells exhibit rapid growth in the breast area and can grow to form tumors. Cancer cells affect different parts of the breast, with most originating in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple. Breast cancers are typically categorized by the types of cells that have been affected, as well as whether they have certain tumor markers, which are receptors for cancer cells. Once they have developed in the breast, cancer cells can metastasize through blood or the lymph system and affect other parts of the body. “Sometimes (cancer cells) can go... to your liver and your brain and other places. And when it does that all those cells that are out of control will wreak havoc,” Jeffers said. Contrary to popular belief, men can also suffer from breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2018, an estimated 480 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Men with breast cancer experience many of the same symptoms as women, such as the growth of tumors in breast tissue and the metastasizing of cancer cells. However, men often do not seek treatment in a timely manner, as they are not prone to regularly check for breast cancer. BRCA genes, proteins that help repair DNA, have mutations that are notorious for their correlation with the appearance of breast cancer. “Certain kinds of BRCA give you an 80% chance in your lifetime to get breast cancer,” Jeffers said. BRCA mutations spread through genetics and can increase the risk for many other cancers, such as prostate and pancreatic cancers. There are several treatments for breast cancer today. From a surgical standpoint, lumpectomies and mastectomies are options, in which the breast is partially or completely removed. Additionally, chemotherapy, in which cytotoxic drugs are administered to patients, can work to fight cancer from inside the body. “(Treatments) really depend on the person. There’s not ‘one way is better than the other’: it depends on that patient’s situation and their cancer,” Jeffers said. Although treatments in breast cancer have advanced tremendously within the last decade, it continues to claim thousands of lives. It is estimated that 41,400 people will die of breast cancer in 2018 alone.

Survivors Breast cancer alters lives. Breast cancer alters self image. Breast cancer alters relationships. But breast cancer also makes survivors so much stronger. Christy Hodson, English teacher, was first diagnosed with breast cancer nine years ago, on February 27, 2009. She was diagnosed with both lobular and ductal carcinoma at stage 2B. Hodson’s initial reaction to the diagnosis was “absolute disbelief, absolute shock. I wasn’t necessarily shocked that this kind of fate would befall me, in terms of ‘this couldn’t happen to me,’ but breast cancer was the farthest thing from my mind.” After being diagnosed, Hodson decided to go through with treatment. “The fact that it was stage 2B meant that I had a significant chance for survivability, so I elected for surgery, for chemotherapy, for radiation, and I took medication for the breast cancer treatment.” Hodson took off March through June of 2009, returned that August for the beginning of the next school year and has been in the classroom ever since. At that time, Hodson could still feel the effects of the chemotherapy, even months after completing it. “It’s the chemotherapy side effects that make a person look so ill,” Hodson said. “It’s not the cancer itself, but it’s the chemotherapy that makes people look so so fragile.” For Hodson, having cancer gave her a different outlook on life. “It gives me an appreciation for living, and it gives me an appreciation for health, and probably sensitivity for the way people

Marli Davis/Prowler

regard each other,” Hodson said. “Breast cancer treatment, probably any cancer treatment, can profoundly alter your physical appearance and your physical well being, so I think there’s a sense of proportional and (proprietary) sensibility towards that in terms of what’s important in life.” The treatment that Hodson went through caused her to lose her hair. And while that was hard on her, she was determined to be there for her family, and was able to push through it and persevere. Just this past summer, almost 10 years after treatment for the initial diagnosis was over, Hodson was diagnosed with cancer again. This time, it is lobular carcinoma at the fourth and final stage of metastatic breast cancer, which has metastasized to her bones. The news of the second cancer diagnosis was “potentially more devastating news than the initial diagnosis,” Hodson said. “I had a very strong reaction recognizing that it’s a terminal diagnosis, and that I needed to get my affairs in order.” However, after hearing the news, Hodson’s doctor reassured her that while it is incurable, the cancer is “very treatable,” and he believes that she has many more good years ahead of her. Something that was really difficult for Hodson was that she was very close to being without any evidence of cancer for ten years when she was diagnosed again. “I had a year and a half left on the medication, and if scans and bloodwork came out to indicate no evidence of disease, (my oncologist) probably would have had me go many years without seeing him for a checkup, he would’ve discontinued taking the medication,” Hodson said. “I was very close to what I thought was the finish line.” Despite all of this, Hodson has kept a brave face, as “at this point in time, there’s not evidence that it has metastasized or invaded any major organs.”

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their life - Cancer.org

Through the cancer diagnosis, Hodson has found that while many people are supportive, there are some that have difficulty coping. “You find out truths about people in your life that you wouldn’t know if you hadn’t had the diagnosis,” Hodson said. “There’s people who step up to support in ways that you would have never imagined that they would have done, and there’s people that sometimes you have a built-in expectation will have a certain support, but I think your disease has an impact on other people and that it’s hard for other people to face, so sometimes you see that kind of reaction too.” With the second diagnosis, Hodson’s grandchild has really motivated her to get through it. “I can really focus on the blessing that he is and how lucky I am to be here,” Hodson said. In addition, “what is really helpful to me, is that if I’m healthy enough to teach in the classroom, that’s very affirming to me. My students give me a good reason to get up in the morning and be here.” Another source of motivation for Hodson to get through this ordeal is “as a Newbury Park High School Alum, I want to walk in graduation with the NPHS Class of 2019, my forty-year anniversary class.” Support from her peers has always been helpful, and Hodson is heartened by that. “Encouraging words from supportive people have formulated a mantra for me that includes the recognition that I developed the ‘muscles’ to cope with this diagnosis nine years earlier,” Hodson said. “Fellow breast cancer survivor, former NPHS Principal Athol Wong, hopes I ‘make history.’” Hodson emphasizes the importance of support when going through the process of treatment for cancer, and she has found a support group in Westlake that has really helped her through the difficult times. “I met people with multiple diagnoses, and I found that really helpful because it’s important not to go inside and isolate yourself and cut yourself off from other people when you get something that’s really shocking, like a cancer diagnosis,” Hodson said. “It would be easy to just kind of close up into your own world, (but) it’s so important to go outside and connect with other people.”

Marilyn Fuentes, another breast cancer survivor who went to the Fund-a-Mammogram event on Oct. 17, also went to this support group when she was going through treatment. “(It’s) a huge support for women, anyone in the community, but with more than just breast cancer,” Fuentes said. “They teach you about your diet, different things that you should do to adjust and a lot of it is emotional. They get you through that part of it as well.” Talking has been a major help to both Hodson and Fuentes with getting through the treatments. “I also made some really good decisions about my treatment, initially, when I was first diagnosed, by talking to other women who were breast cancer survivors,” Hodson said. “And they gave me advice that couldn’t have come any other way. It was from their own personal experience. So I think staying connected and staying in communication with other people and recognizing you’re not the only person who’s going through this is tremendously helpful.” A diagnosis for breast cancer always comes as a shock. “This is something that you read in the paper, it might be someone that knows someone. Then it gets closer, where it’s someone you know, then it’s a family member, then it was like, it’s me,” Fuentes said. “So it’s a trip to go through emotionally with that.” Fuentes advises women to “get their mammograms, do them regularly. Anytime you feel anything, no matter how small or little, address it. Don’t just slough it to the side. And seek support. Along with that, Hodson also advises people going through the experience to “do your best not to give up hope in the situation. When I got the first diagnosis, I thought to myself, “‘I’m so lucky that all this medical treatment is available to me’… it’s the biggest challenge not to give up hope, but if you have given up hope, then you’ve lost everything.” Hodson has been a strong advocate for spreading awareness about breast cancer. She is the adviser for American Cancer Society and has participated in Dance for Hope. “I was able to dance on stage as a cancer survivor with my Hula Halau, and that’s part of the fundraising and awareness for raising money for cancer research. I think it is one of the most important things we could possibly do.” Hodson is also trying to keep up a healthy lifestyle “with exercise and diet and activity that makes me feel like I’m living -- makes me feel like I’m living a good life.” One of the things that Hodson would advise people who know someone who is going through cancer treatment to do is to treat them as a person and not an illness. “I think I speak appropriately on behalf of anybody who is in the position of suffering from a disease that it really helps to be treated as normally as possible. Because you do see a shift sometimes in people’s comfort ability in dealing with you,” Hodson said. “When I came back after treatment from my first diagnosis, the people who treated me the most normally, even though you could look at me and see that I had been through some kind of treatment, were my students. And that’s probably some of the greatest medicine, to think, ‘ok I have this, but I’m still moving, and I’m still going to work and enjoying life,’ and that’s some of the best medicine you could possibly have.”

Cups of Courage- The Thousand Oaks Mall displays bras decorated by breast cancer survivors during the month of the October for breast cancer awareness. Each bra display came with a plaque with the name of the survivor who decorated the bra and their story. This display was up during the Paint the Town Pink event, a fundraiser for the Cancer Support Community. Tish Cabezas/With Permission

Panther Prowler • Oct. 26, 2018

A Guide to Self Examination Check the breast for any symptoms of swelling, change in color, dimpling of the skin or changes in the nipples. Use the pads of your fingers to press down with a medium, firm pressure and move in a circular motion from the outside of the breast towards the center to check for any lumps, thickening or hardened knot. Don’t forget to check the armpit areas too.

Countering cancer Throughout the years there have been an increase in resources and forms of support that the community provides for breast cancer victims. From clubs on campus to non-profit organizations in the community, people now have many ways to help and seek help. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers, which makes it one of the many people should always stay aware of. American Cancer Society (ACS) is a club that mainly fundraises money for cancerrelated research and organizations. This year ACS is planning more outreach events and presentations to help spread more information about cancer. “I think that with everything that we are doing with the American Cancer Society -fundraising and spreading awareness and participating in these outreach events -- we’re just trying to build a community that is standing up against cancer and trying to do everything they can to minimize its negative effects,” Kaira Samuel, club president, said. As ACS is continuing with their fundraisers and events, the Conejo Free Clinic is also putting in their efforts to spread awareness about breast cancer. The Conejo Free Clinic is a non-profit organization that, according to their website, helps people “without medical and legal access in the community.” All the doctors and staff are volunteers who donate their time to help patients in need. The clinic provides free mammograms for women in need with no questions asked. According to Cindi Cockrill, one of the volunteers at Conejo Free Clinic, the clinic provides around 800 to 900 free mammograms per year, and almost every year they find patients who have breast cancer that could have went undetected. “What the Conejo Free Clinic does is they walk (patients) through the process, so if they’re needing to get chemotherapy or a mastectomy, the clinic will help them through the whole process,” Cockrill said. Lisa Osborn is also a volunteer from the Conejo Free Clinic. She and Cockrill organize an annual breast cancer awareness fundraiser event, Fund-a-Mammogram, where people gather to enjoy a fun evening together and raise money for the cause. The money raised goes to the clinic to help provide free mammograms. Each mammogram costs $35, and this year, the Fund-a-Mammogram event raised $3994. By organizing this event, Osborn and Cockrill hope to spread the message about the importance of annual breast check-ups to the community, especially to high school students. “In young women, when they get breast cancer it’s more aggressive. If they have a history of breast cancer in their families they need to talk to their doctors and get on some kind of plan to be checking themselves on a regular basis. Coming up with a comprehensive plan that can save their lives when handled correctly,” Osborn said. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, “forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump.” It’s important for people to know the symptoms and how to check for diseases such as breast cancer. This information can play a critical role in saving their lives. Although screenings are an effective method of detecting breast cancers, it can still be subjected to errors. In addition to annual mammograms, routined self examination increases the chances of detecting breast cancer early. “I think we have an expectation for science that it should be absolutely definitive, that through a test it should be able to tell us, this is your situation, or this is your status. I don’t think it’s fair to expect science or medicine to be infallible,” Hodson said.

breast cancer awareness

Panther Prowler • Oct. 26, 2018

Ventura County has the highest incidence of breast cancer in women in the entire state of California. - Conejo Free Clinic Manas Khatore Staff Writer Sarah Lu Photographer Jessica Zhou News Editor

Marli Davis/Prowler

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their life - Cancer.org

Panther Prowler • Oct. 26, 2018

features

Panther Prowler • Oct. 26, 2018

Connor Leeds captures the moment Jaycen Sussman Sports Editor Driving along the coast, the sun barely peeking over the horizon, the ocean still grey as life enters the dawn. *click* A high school senior stands beaming with excitement as he wears a sweatshirt repping his college decision. *click* A shy friend, who isn’t used to being in front of the camera, poses, trying to create the best position possible. Looking through his camera, Connor Leeds, senior, can see the nervousness in their eyes. As he puts down the camera, he brings his soothing nature toward the model, assuring them be themself.’ *click* Leeds has been taking photos for six years, drawing interest as he experimented with a GoPro when he was 11 years old. An avid surfer, he made “cool little videos,” of his experiences in the ocean, catching the latest waves with his friends. Yet, as he grew into his GoPro, he developed a curiosity of the advanced photography he saw in magazines and online. Leeds knew he wanted to go all in and hone the craft of photography. “I saved up so much money for this New York trip I went on for my eighth-grade year and I got the camera two days before I went on the trip,” Leeds said. “It was so interesting learning how the camera works and taking a ton of photos while I was there… I realized how comforted I was behind a lens and how concentrated I can get.”

Wholly dedicating his free time to behind the camera, Leeds has a high appreciation for taking portrait photos, as he is attached to bringing out one’s personality one of his most popular clients being his girlfriend Taylor Cummings, senior. “He loves to crack jokes to make you laugh, and with his kind and sweet nature, you’re bound to feel comfortable (in front of the camera),” Cummings said. With the assistance from many of his companins, Leeds’ photography has only elevated over the years, even to the His progress This has been evident, especially to his close friend, Ethan Ronk, senior, who frequently goes on shoots with Leeds. “Every time I’ve gone it’s been such a great experience, he’s so talented and such a great guy. I know he will always has a great vision and he’s so creative and it’s such a great thing for everyone in his environment. Whenever we go on photo shoots, he is just a blast to be around and he always pulls through with the most professional work,” Ronk said.

Ring of Fire-A Fire friend poses for a long exposure while another spins fiery steel wool around nearby. Connor Leeds has been taking photos like this since he was 11 years old. “I first started taking photos back in 2012, I first got into it when I first had a GoPro and made cool little videos and stuff,” Leeds said. He spends his weekends taking pictures of his friends. Connor Leeds/With Permission

Open Mosque Day broadens perspectives Emily Nagamoto Chief Photographer

things

5 yo u d id not know ab out

Rahul D’Souza/Prowler

Ms. Basa Rahul D’Souza Staff Writer

She travels to the Philippines often with her family

She attended California State University Channel Islands for college

She used to sing and perform at fairs and other events

She loves to play video games

She enjoys watching Netflix in her free time

Opening their doors for the eighth time since 2010, the Islamic Center of Conejo Valley welcomed over 160 people into their religious buildings on Sunday, Oct. 14, with tours, activities and food, with intentions to clear any misinformation about their religion. “Ask any question, something you have been meaning to ask for a long time that you may not have the means or the courage to ask,” Jameel Besada, the Imam from the Islamic Center of Corona, said. As part of the schedule of events, Besada led a question and answer period, allowing attendees to ask any questions they wished. He explained the basics of Islam, discussing the five pillars of their faith, testimony, prayer, fasting, giving of income, and a pilgrimage to Mecca, as well as their six core beliefs, God, angels, messengers, holy books, judgement day and divine will. Besada drew similarities to each of the monotheistic religions, stressing that “there are a lot more things we have in common than we do the differences,” which became a theme for the whole event. Merriam Merchant, freshman, volunteered at this event because she wanted to correct misconceptions about her religion. One of the biggest stereotypes Merchant wanted to expose was link between Muslims and terrorism. “Islam is the religion of peace and even when we greet people we say ‘Peace be upon you’ in Arabic,” Merchant said. “Killing someone is an unforgivable sin… (our religion is) nothing like the way people view it.” As Besada fielded questions about the central traditions of Islam, he also offered his view on the feelings and safety of Muslims in America today, in a time of heated words and debates from the government. Tour guide Sera Mohammed, sophomore, offered her own opinion on what she has felt in America, and the way she is treated in Newbury Park specifically. “I’ve never, ever felt any seclusion or discrimination whatsoever,” Mohammed said. “I’ve heard from a lot of people that of stories that were they were discriminatory, but I feel like Newbury Park is a really safe place, and a lot of people are very understanding.” Another misconception that Besada addressed was the idea that women are considered less in Islam. “Islam observes a moderate to strict observance of gender

segregation. (Men and women) are expected to behave in the professional manner. They are instructed to keep a professional relationship at all times. There would be no Me Too movement in Islamic communities,” Besada said. Mohammed and Merchant also wanted to address common ideas about Muslim women, specifically about hijabs. Explaining that it is optional to wear one, they referenced their own experiences of when they first started to wear a hijab, saying that their mothers made research the significance, and understand the significance of the covering. Mohammed wanted to answer the many questions she has received about her hijab. “I’ve been asked if I wear my scarf to sleep or if I wear it to the shower. But I mean, if I did, would it be so dry? Wouldn’t it smell like drool,” Mohammed said. “I just change my scarf every day. I take it off at home. A lot of people ask like, when I wear it, when I don’t wear it. I keep it on in public, but I can take it off when there’s only girls and… people that are related to me.” Beyond clarifying Muslim apparel, Mohammed and Merchant saw a significance in the event, one that many attending community members commented on: the importance of learning about other religions and unfamiliar cultures. “There’s a lot of stereotypes about Islam and things that aren’t true,” Merchant said. “I really like to explain to people that we are a lot different than a lot of people see us.”

Open ArmsArms The Conejo Valley Islamic Center welcomed the whole community into their facility to learn more about Islam on Oct14. Emily Nagamoto/Prowler

features Panther Prowler • Oct. 26, 2018

Student Jace Aschbrenner/Junior

How many calories are in a tic tac?

Rahul D’Souza Staff Writer

Calaba: Just one Aschbrenner: Two A: Two C’mon, everybody has to know this one. Aschbrenner takes the lead. 1-0

Teacher Mr. Calaba/History

3-3 6

Calaba: 2004 Aschbrenner: Gotta be like the 80’s. Is it ’87? A: 2010 Obviously Aschbrenner forgot that Kobe was drafted in ’96. The score remains in favor of Aschbrenner. 1-0

What is the number one best selling album of all time? Calaba: Thriller, Michael Jackson Aschbrenner: The Beatles or something A: Eagles “Their Greatest Hits” “Oh that is a travesty!” -Mr. Calaba. Mr. Calaba came close, but the score remains a tie. 1-1

It is a tie!

When did the Los Angeles Lakers last win a championship?

When does lunch start on late start days? Calaba: 12:15 Aschbrenner: 12:15 A: 12:15 Looks like everyone is looking forward to lunch, not just students. Both get the point keeping the score at a tie. 2-2

is the jugular vein located? 7 Where Calaba: The neck

Who invented the air conditioner? Calaba: Ford Motor company Aschbrenner: I don’t know A: Willis Carrier Such an important invention, but its inventor was forgotten in the wind. 1-0.

Aschbrenner: The neck A: The neck That one was easy enough. 3-3.

8 How tall is Mt. Whitney?

Calaba: 14 thousand something. 14,300? Aschbrenner: 13,400 A: 14,500 14,505 to be exact, roughly half the height of Everest. Once again, Mr. Calaba falls just short of the answer. The final score is a tie! 3-3.

4 When were the first modern Olympics held?

Calaba: What’s a group of bears called? A pack? Aschbrenner: A herd. A: A bamboo, embarrassment, cupboard. They look cute but pandas are still bears and they will kill you. 1-0. Rahul D’Souza/Prowler

Caitlin Meaney brings a fresh perspective to poetry Kessa Chavez DPS Editor Around this time of year English students are wrapping up their mandatory poetry unit, groaning about the ambiguity sonnets and the poetry terms they have to memorize for their upcoming test, meanwhile, Caitlin Meaney is busy constructing metaphors and double entendres to share her thoughts with others in her free time. Meaney began writing poetry in her seventh grade English class at Sequoia Middle School. Her class started a project where the students wrote different poems for each month of the year and by the end, they had a calendar ready for the upcoming year. “It was cool getting to explore different poetry and then in English classes beyond that, we just kept writing poetry and I just thought it was fun to write freely,” Meaney said, “I don’t like to write structured essays, it is just nice to be able to write whatever you want to write.” Both prose and poetry often provide an outlet for those who write it. “(Teenagers) are so used to bottling things up, we don’t communicate as well, so we don’t talk. When something is hurting us we are not going to talk to our friends maybe where in poetry if you write about it you get all the emotions out,” Meaney said. “You pretty much go on a rant on paper and then if you feel so inclined to you can burn the paper and like burn those feelings

with it and you just feel a weight lifted off your shoulders.” Meaney finds that both her parents and teacher’s encouragement have motivated her to continue writing. When commenting on her teacher’s positive feedback on her assignments Meaney said, “That kind of kept the fire going, like I want to keep writing more poetry.” Lucia Lemieux, English and creative writing teacher, taught Meaney in her sophomore year English class. Lemieux first realized Meaney’s potential when she graded her 10th grade research project. “The research report she did was probably one of the best I have had, she got a very high score on it and she volunteered to give it to me, she said ‘You can have it if you want it and it will help someone else’ and that’s Caitlin, she didn’t care about keeping it to see her good grade if it could be of use to someone else,” Lemieux said. Lemieux has nothing but good things to say about her former student, “She is the kind of student that you love to have as a teacher because you can help them, they are already interested and willing to work hard and you can really help them grow even more…,” Lemieux said. Caitlin’s mom, Jessica Meaney, was initially unaware of her

daughter’s talent for writing until she won an essay writing contest last year. “It feels great seeing her get recognized for the things she has accomplished. She should be proud of herself. Her dad and I are extremely proud of her,” she said. Finding her rhythmCaitlin Meaney, junior, believes that students should take the time to appreciate their assignments as pieces of art. For someone to write something, those feelings and everything it had to come from somewhere. Sometimes it can feel like it is just written about a bland story, nothing is going on, no feelings or anything but a lot of times they are just trying to challenge you,” Meaney said. Caitlin Meaney/ With Permission

entertainment Panther Prowler • Oct. 26, 2018

Little Shop of Horrors debuts in PAC Jaycen Sussman Sports Editor Deep within one of the scariest areas of town, lay Skid Row; a street filled with gangs and looters. In the midst of the atrocious area, a small plant shop sits, waiting for a customer to come by. Struck by boredom, Seymour, one of the workers at the small plant store, has fallen in love with his co-worker, Audrey, and in attempt to win her over, he proceeds to experiment with some of the plants within the store and creates one unlike any other. For the first time in Newbury Park High School history, students are able to perform as Seymour and Audrey for the first showing of Little Shop of Horrors in the Performing Arts Center. The show, which begins Nov. 9th, was selected to be the Fall Musical this summer by Marilyn Strange, and the school’s theater department has been rehearsing intensely. Allison Martinez, senior, is casted to play Audrey in the upcoming musical, but is no stranger to the Little Shop cast. “About two years ago I did this show with Panic Productions. It was my first payed production and I was the only kid in the show,” Martinez said. “I really idolized the actress playing Audrey and this year I get to play the role myself. I’ve learned so much about myself as a performer and as a person in general since then and I’m really hoping that translates into the final product.” Playing Seymour in the show is Kobe Burton, senior, who is ecstatic to bring his humor and emotion to the stage as the lead role of the show. “It’s been really an incredible experience for me. After

Put on your dance shoes- The Little Shop cast perfectly combines dancing, singing and acting in this year’s musical Little Shop of Horrors. This is a broadway sci-fi fantasy musical based off of the 1960 black comedy film Little Shop of Horrors. “This show is super popular and is super fun and happy! I think all audiences will love it because of its versatile music styles,” Zager said. Students will be putting on the show in the PAC on November 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17. Jessica Zhou/Prowler

I played the part at callbacks I knew I wanted the role but wasn’t sure how it would actually go as this character is different from every other character I’ve played, and especially different than the Pirate King last year. I’m excited for everyone to see the show,” Burton said. With the Little Shop of Horrors being acclaimed for having some of the greatest props in musicals, Melody Hellard, senior, has been working to

Reign of Terror spooks beholders! Aditya Vunnum Sports Editor

Emily Augustine/Prowler

Autumn leaves scatter the ground and grim hallways filled with customers eager to be scared wind around Janss marketplace as the sound of screams pierce the air. With October in full swing, Reign of Terror is ready to frighten. The biggest indoor haunted house in California takes place on weekends during the end of September, all of October and the beginning of September. The event has been rated as one of the best haunted houses in the nation for the past 19 years in a row. Tickets range from $15-$25 dollars for regular admission and $25-$35 dollars for VIP. Prices may vary depending on the proximity to

Halloween and the day of the week. The haunted house is set up directly above Gold’s Gym and wraps around to put you out right next to the theatre. It currently occupies 105 rooms and 23,000 square feet (a number that grows every year). The Reign of Terror experience begins as soon as you enter the line. Eerie music sets the mood for the night and dressed up haunted house employees creep around in an attempt to scare customers. The line takes about an hour and a half for normal admission and about one-third of the time for VIP customers. There are currently 8 different themes that the event employs such as ‘Fun House’ and ‘Casa Blanca’ that are designed to “target- and maximize- a different part of your deepest fears.” The attraction introduced a new theme this year called “Inbred” which features a group of strange and creepy family members living in a ramshackle shack in a forgotten corner of the countryside. While the whole event does require a big commitment- with 105 rooms and a long line- it is definitely worth it. There is a surprise around every turn and the attention to detail is obvious. Overall, Reign of Terror is a great experience that everyone needs to attend at least once. Although tickets can be pricey, it is well worth the cost as all proceeds go towards Conejo Recreation and Parks District. The event will remain open until Nov. 3 so there is still time to witness the number one haunted house in Southern California firsthand before it is too late!

produce Audrey 2, a colossal Venus fly trap that sings and plays the antagonist of the show. “It has been such a great experience so far creating the Audrey 2 puppets. It has been something I always wanted to do and I was so excited to take on the project, I have been collaborating with Mrs. Strange, the tech theatre class, the wood shop class as well working on my own at home to create the design of the bigger puppets. It is a ton of work but it is so much fun to do and I am so thankful for the opportunity,” Hellard said. The props and costumes that stem from Hellard’s creativity is one of the many additions that brings together the schools first production of Little Shop of Horrors. The cast is eager to debut the show, bringing new expectations to the NP Theatre department with a hilarious yet emotional musical. “People should come see Little Shop of Horrors because we’ve worked really hard to make an entertaining and powerful show, you get to watch people you didn’t know could sing, dance, or act do all three!! It’s a fun thing to go to with friends to support other friends,” Martinez said. “People should come see Little Shop of Horrors because we’ve worked really hard to make an entertaining and powerful show, you get to watch people you didn’t know could sing, dance, or act do all three!! It’s a fun thing to go to with friends to support other friends,” Martinez said.

Prowler Caption Contest #3 MAKE A SUBMISSION

@npprowler on Instagram This cartoon needs a caption by you! You can submit a caption by visiting our social media pages or emailing prowler. newspaper@gmail.com with the subject “Issue III Caption Contest.” Remember to submit your name and keep your caption under 250 characters. Any person of any age is welcome to participate. Best of luck!

Issue II Caption Contest Winner “The boy’s alarm went off, interrupting his dream of dancing and playing air guitar.” Submitted by Taylor Grimes

entertainment Panther Prowler • Oct. 26, 2018

SHAKE SHACK: I am shook

Brian Fang Staff Writer

Doors Open- Shake Shack establishes a new location in the Westlake Promenade. Already a local hot spot, the service is great and the burger quality is top-notch. With a swanky vibe, everyone should give this franchise a try. Connor Keep/Prowler

A new Shake Shack opened its doors for the first time in Westlake on Tuesday, Oct. 23, after making their way from coast to coast in 2016. Starting as a small stand in Madison Square Park in 2001, this fast food giant has grown immensely. Now that a location was in my own back door, it seemed only reasonable to try out the renowned fast food chain myself. Approaching the franchise’s new location, all that can be said is that it isn’t ideal. In the far back of the Promenade in Westlake, most casual shoppers would miss it entirely, and pulling up myself, I had to check my phone to make sure I was in the right place. Despite this, however, the building itself was nice, with ample outdoor seating and large glass windows. This definitely does not look like your typical burger joint. Then again, Westlake is pretty darn boujee. The inside of the establishment is beyond nice too, with an open floor plan and booth seating. Along the right wall are selfordering stations on iPads, a defining factor of new high end franchises. There is a bit of a vintage vibe too with tables made of old New York wood, but still the place is a bit posh for my taste. To each their own style though, do not let my opinion stop you.

Especially because the food ended up being absolutely scrumptious! I Picked up my food after receiving a notification on my phone, and the aroma was enticing. My order was to-go, but I definitely couldn’t help but eat some of the squiggly fries in the car. The order: a shack burger for myself. Once I reached a place where I could sit down and eat, I dug into my burger. Unfortunately my first bite didn’t have any of the Shacksauce in it. This left me initially disappointed. But the second bite. Sauce. As Gucci Mane once said, “If a man does not have sauce, then he is lost. But the same man can get lost in the sauce.” I definitely got lost in the sauce. The explosion of flavor that met my tongue opened my third eye. I would give them a rating but they broke my scale. On a scale of 1/10 with 6 being the maximum I’d give it a fish. Overall, the food was delicious, but the distance is quite a problem. Driving to Westlake on a consistent basis is a bit much for me, but if you are ever in the area and want to stop for a bite to eat, the new Shake Shack is a great place to stop.

“A Star is Born” hits all the right notes Hannah Gross Staff Writer A Star is Born grabs audiences and doesn’t let go until the last note. Bradley Cooper directs and stars in the film alongside Lady Gaga, who makes her big screen debut. It’s a familiar story, following a young woman’s rise to fame. A Star is Born has been remade three times since its inception in 1937. There’s something resonant about a story that survives through so many differing periods of time. Today, the Esther of the 1930s, the farm girl and aspiring actress, has been replaced by the no nonsense struggling songwriter, Ally. The narrative fits perfectly in 2018, a time when everyone wants to be a star in one way or another. Much like the larger than life musical movies that have preceded it, such as LaLa Land and The Greatest Showman, A Star is Born examines fame, and the ways we reach for it/our yearning for it. But unlike its predecessors, A Star is Born shows the industry in an unflinchingly harsh light. Technicolor lights and applause can not always be equated with happiness and elation. Cooper doesn’t shy away from calling out the ugliness it can breed. One thing the film is great at is crafting intimate moments and drawing/inviting the audience into that sense of intimacy. We get dreamlike close up shots of Cooper and Gaga falling in love in the hazy neon glow of bars, deserted grocery store parking lots and quiet roadside diners. There is something magnetic and irresistible about the chemistry between the pair. The playful banter between the two felt natural and every exchange was pitch perfect. But between scenes crowded with flashing lights and guitar riffs, there are times when discomfort seeps in around the edges. The film is constantly undercut by gripping moments that deal with darker themes. Cooper’s portrayal of addiction loomed over the story like a dark shadow, nearly eclipsing Ally’s own rise to fame. A Star is Born is not always an easy film to watch, but it’s impossible not to listen to. The music elevates the film to a new level, making scenes more poignant and adding beautiful layers to each scene it appears in. It has an almost reflective quality that allows audiences to linger in a moment, drawing out the full potential for emotional impact. Each song feels as essential as the characters who sing

them. Some musical movies can fall into the pitfall of letting the songs do all the work. However, A Star is Born does not have this problem. The music is not merely background noise or a repetitive rehashing of the events of the film, but a breathing entity, almost an extension of the characters themselves. The soundtrack has topped charts and it’s no surprise. Several singers working in the industry, including Gaga herself and Lukas Nelson, a guitarist for Neil Young, had a hand in the songwriting process. A Star is Born guides viewers through a messy complicated

way. It is an experience that forces a person to feel, and leaves us reaching for something, but not necessarily for the thing we expected. Despite all its glamor and bright lights, A Star is Born reminds audiences that as much as we strive for fame and recognition, sometimes the most precious gift is normality, and genuine human connection that transcends the glow of the stage lights.

range of emotions. Cooper never tries to put a Band-Aid over reality, trusting the viewer to sort through what they’ve seen and come to terms with it in their own

Gianna Spiro/Prowler

sports

14 Panthers stay active through clubs Panther Prowler • Oct. 26, 2018

Sarah Lu Photographer Jessica Zhou Photographer Although fencing is considered a “niche” sport, students didn’t hesitate to establish the Fencing Club on campus. Meeting every Wednesday and Thursday after school in B23, the Fencing Club provides lessons and a place for students to get together and share their passion for fencing. “We have lessons given by me to practice basic maneuvers and technique. After that it’s free fencing time,” Jason Lin, club president, said. Relying on personal skill, Lin says it’s unique in the way that, “it all depends on you, it’s not a basic teamwork. You figure out what your opponent’s doing, you perform solutions

and you try to beat them.” Bryan Pocasangre, junior, heard about the club when he was interviewing the former club president for yearbook. His favorite part of the club is “the opportunity to talk to friends who have the same interests.” Lin and Pocasangre both have the same goal for this new school year: expand the club to teach more students on campus about their sport. “Fencing is a national sport, a very interesting sport, everybody can play. You don’t have to know how to play, we can teach you and mainly I want to make people play and enjoy it,” Pocasangre said.

Fencing

Mountain Biking

On GuardBryan Pocasangre, junior and Max Soury, junior, show off their fencing skills during practice. Jessica Zhou/ Prowler

Ultimate Frisbee

Ping Pong

Heads UpLuke Magnante, senior, looks to another player to pass the frisbee disc to as Jackson Wells, senior, runs to intercept it. Sarah Lu/ Prowler

A sport that involves strategy, agility and teamwork without the hassle of much commitment is often hard to come by, but many students have found this in the Ultimate Frisbee Club. Evan Milhaupt, senior and club president, originally joined the club his sophomore year as a way to make friends who share his love of sports. Now, Milhaupt encourages others to follow in his footsteps and try out ultimate frisbee. “You’ll meet new people and it’s not very difficult- you don’t have to be physically strong or anything,” Milhaupt said. “You just run around, pass the disc and make some friends.” Jackson Wells, senior, joined Ultimate Frisbee Club his freshman year and has continued to play throughout high school.

Mountain biking is a popular sport here in Newbury Park because of all the different trails in the area, and the Mountain Bike team attracts many members. The team practices on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for one and a half hour, and again on Saturday for three hours at Wendy Felton trail head. With high school and middle school programs, the Mountain Biking Team has 100 members and is one of the biggest clubs on campus as well as one of the biggest teams in SoCal. Amber Ramirez, senior and team president, joined the team six years ago in middle school because of her sister and says

“I had a lot of fun doing it, and I’ve been trying to get people out ever since,” Wells said. Milhaupt enjoys the club’s practices every Friday at Borchard Park, saying, “After a whole stressful week of doing homework, I get to go out to the park and play some sports with some friends.” The club plays in small practice tournaments throughout the year as well as a big tournament in the spring, which they hope to win for the third year in a row. Overall, Wells treasures the exercise and experiences he has gained from ultimate frisbee. “It’s just a really good feeling being there and it (has) served me as this exercise in the off season (of lacrosse) that I could do. It’s really fun, a good group,” Wells said.

Ping pong has been around since the late 1880’s, and several students have brought this to campus in hopes of making it popular here. The club meets every Thursday at lunch in Mr. Kim’s room, D-23. Rafael Gabra, senior and president of the Ping Pong club, restarted the club with Ankit Madhavan, senior and vice president, after the club had a five year hiatus. Gabra’s main hope before starting the club was that “everyone who enjoys ping pong could have somewhere to play it regularly, enjoy their time with friends, have some tournaments and get to the competitive aspect of it.” Madhavan also hopes that students who join the club will have fun. “I look forward to just seeing smiles on

she doesn’t “regret it at all.” “It’s a fun interaction and you get to enjoy yourself, ride and have fun,” Ramirez said. “It’s not all about competitions, it’s just about having fun and meeting new people, getting involved in biking, trying new things and exploring an adventure.” The team competes every other week from February to June and is currently ranked second in the state. “People are so excited to be a part of (the Mountain Bike Team), they have a lot of fun and share the same things that they love. Uphilling, downhilling, it’s just the vibe about it that’s pretty cool,” Ramirez said. Bike OnJeremy Mudgett, senior and Jack Gilliam, senior, take off on another ride at the Satwiwa trail. Jessica Zhou/Prowler

Serving it UpAnkit Madhavan, senior, serves the ping pong ball to his opponent during a meeting at the ping pong club. Sarah Lu/ Prowler

people’s faces when they play ping pong,” Madhavan said. “Ping pong is such a nice sport for everyone to build a really good community.” The club is planning on hosting a tournament once a month, where people “bracket play and see who is the best at ping pong.” Gabra says he hopes to lay a good foundation for the club, “so it carries on to the future of this school, so people can keep playing as much as they want.” Madhavan hopes that students who join can “play, compete and have fun.” “You don’t need any prior skill for this,” Madhavan said. “You can just come in and you can just play and hang out and have fun.

sports Panther Prowler • Oct. 26, 2018

Girls’ Golf swings into season

Clarissa Shin Staff Writer Girls golf kicked off their around with him in the golf carts and season with enthusiasm, and (I) made good memories,” Jewett said. finished their season at their She has also experienced moments on second league tournament. On the team she holds dear in her heart. Oct. 18, the Newbury Park girls “Freshman year, coming into high golf team finished up their last school, it was good to have girls from tournament of this school year, the team who I already knew. The amid other rival teams in the upperclassmen helped me out a lot and it was memorable because now I Marmonte League. get to help the underclassmen get used This season, the team to the team and high school, just like strived to focus on internal the upperclassmen did for me,” Jewett improvement and the said. encouragement of fellow The girls golf team also works on teammates. mental skills, such as concentration Lindsey Mueller, senior, and focus, despite the physical work has been playing for the golf being done while out walking the team her entire high school course. Giselle Magana, sophomore, career, and as an active member, strives to work on concentration at continues her personal growth practices and tournaments. this season. “I’m just trying to focus while I’m “I really like how it’s an playing because I get distracted with individual sport and it’s just the the people around me,” Magana said. player against the course, and it Many of the players enjoy learning really challenges me that way,” to golf because they are surrounded Mueller said. by a supportive group of like minded Golf has allowed players individuals. The team also works hard like Mueller to explore on building a solid foundation of different outlets, make friends, and get involved in school Hard work!- Jamie Jewett, junior, attempts to move her golf ball out of the sand and back onto the course. Girls on the team have encouraged teamwork, whether it’s cheering each extracurriculars. “My favorite and inspired each other to continue doing what they love, while still having fun. “My goal for this year is I’m trying to have the team and everyone other on, learning techniques and skills part of the golf team is all the improve and have fun while they’re improving,” Jewett said. The team has put in a lot of effort this season and continues to stay positive and from one another, or just interacting with teams from other schools at local girls who are on the team with motivated. Clarissa Shin/Prowler tournaments. me and all the good times we last scores. Th e girls golf team has transformed from being a group of have,” Mueller said. Each girl on the team has a different motive for doing what The girls on the team have to balance schoolwork and a they love. Jaime Jewett, junior, has been golfing for five years individuals into a community of support in the physical and rigorous practice schedules. Tournaments can last for up to six total, three of which were on the high school team. The memories academic realms. As the year goes on, the girls continue to hours, some beginning in the mid-morning and ending in the Jewett has made, while golfing with her dad, inspired her to join develop and improve their personal technique, while persevering to find their own style. late afternoon. Nori Parvin, head coach of the golf team, inspires the girls golf team. the girls to try their best and challenge themselves to beat their “My dad is a golfer and when I was young I could drive

Rock climbing allows students to unwind Brian Fang Staff Writer

Time to play Twister!Twister! Dylan Narkawicz tackles a tough boulder problem with a far right hand crimp and left heel hook. With tight body tension, Narkawicz tops the boulder. “Rock climbing is a totally different experience and I think it is something everyone should try at least once.” Narkawicz has been climbing for four years now, putting experience under his belt. Dylan Narkawicz/with permission

Rock climbing isn’t a sport for everyone. Whether it’s the heights or high risk for injury, some people simply don’t care for it. But for others, hanging 40 feet off the side of a cliff is just the thrill they need in their life. Dylan Narkawicz, senior, has enjoyed the outlet that the sport has provided him. “Rock climbing is a great way to get exercise and have fun. It also helps me to relax and take my mind off of other things. I definitely have gotten physically and mentally stronger because of rock climbing,” Narkawicz said. Furthermore, as an active member in the competitive world of climbing, Narkawicz also enjoys the culture surrounding the sport. “ “Almost all of the competitors are very supportive and helpful towards others and the crowd is always very cheerful,” Narkawicz said. “Rock climbing is also about the community and the people you meet along the way. I’ve met some of my closest friends through climbing.” Additionally, there is more to the sport than just competition. Other students rock climb recreationally, whether it be in a gym or outdoors. Angelina Powers, senior,finds that the sport still helps push her own limits. “Like anything, you can push yourself mentally and physically

while being in beautiful locations,” Powers said. Another aspect of the sport Powers enjoys is the fact that there is not an end. “No matter how skilled or fit you are, there are challenges easy enough to accomplish but hard enough for you to struggle enough to make the climb meaningful,” Powers said. “After you and your partner send a route, you get a huge sense of achievement.” Aaron Fang, senior, also climbs recreationally for a multitude of reasons. “Rock climbing is good for getting away from the distractions of everyday life and to just stop thinking. Of course, it’s also good exercise, but for me, that’s just something that comes with the mental aspect of focus and trying to get better. It’s something that’s unique and rewarding, but you need to have the mental and physical fortitude to succeed,” Fang said. Although this exercise may be seen as a by-product, it certainly isn’t anything to take lightly. In fact, the rock climbing physique is known to have a very low body fat percentage. That’s just another reason why these students believe that everyone should try rock climbing. “Who doesn’t wanna get absolutely shredded with freaky strong fingers?” Powers said.

sports Panther Prowler • Oct. 26, 2018

Sarah Lu Photographer

A+ - The IB dance crew celebrates after the judges give them their scores, which allowed the crew to make it to the top five. “Because all of us were so busy, we didn't really have a practice with all of us together, until today, until right before,” Amy Petersen, senior, said. “We all knew our part, so it was able to come together really nicely, but we were always missing at least three people.” After scoring a 29 out of 30, the IB dance crew got first place by winning the popular vote. After winning, the crew, along with many others that performed, converged in the middle of the floor and celebrated.

Shuffle don’t freak- Richard Bateman, digital photography teacher, leads the teachers and staff dance group in a body wave during the Best Dance Crew Event. “I love to see activities that involve multiple groups on our campus, it really creates that community feel and that we really are better together,” Carly Adams, assistant principal of activities, said. Despite difficulties with scheduling practices, the teachers and staff dance crew placed third after making it to the top five with a score of 27 out of 30.

Killing it- The volleyball dance crew splits into three groups and performs a stunt that wows the crowd. “I loved it. It was really fun. It was just different. It helped my whole team to see that dance is actually harder than it looks, and it’s really intense and we understand why people take it so seriously,” Simone Overbeck, senior, said. “It was super fun. It’s definitely something that I’ll enjoy the most about high school.” The volleyball crew placed third in the popular vote, but got a perfect score of 30 out of 30 from the judges, who said that they looked like professional dancers.