PALO ALTO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT PALO ALTO HIGH SCHOOL 50 EMBARCADERO RD. PALO ALTO, CA 94301 NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE
PAI D PALO ALTO PERMIT #44
The Campanile
Vol. XCVI, No. 1
Palo Alto High School • 50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301 • www.palycampanile.org
Monday, September 23, 2013
Viking Stadium opens with a bang Fireworks, guest appearance highlight grand opening ceremony By Maya Kitayama Editor-in-Chief
H Conner harden/the campanile
Top: Students unfurl an 100-foot-wide American flag during the playing of the national anthem on Sept. 13. Bottom: Paly alum and San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh makes a guest appearance at Paly’s home opener versus San Benito.
Palo Alto parent sues city, others for $17 million
12-year-old Hoover student looks for compensation for near-lethal injuries following car accident By Esther Doerr
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Staff Writer
he father of a 12-year-old boy who was hit by a car while biking to school last November has filed a lawsuit against the City of Palo Alto, as well as other parties involved, after a $17 million claim was rejected by the court. The boy, Sebastian Lerrick, was riding his bike to Hoover Elementary School on Nov. 5, 2012, when he was struck by a Nissan Quest on Park Boulevard. The driver of the car was Luis Felipe Hau, an employee at Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels, a popular bagel shop on California Avenue in Palo Alto. Lerrick sustained traumatic head and jaw injuries, which left him in critical condition and unable to attend school for the remainder of the year. The lawsuit reports that Lerrick will suffer from mental, physical and nervous pain in the future. “The most important thing is the health of the boy, and it’s unfortunate that he has to go through these things for the rest of his life,” said Anne Brown, the manager of Izzy’s, whose name has been changed to protect her identity. “That is the main concern that we have.” Upon investigation, the police found that Hau lacked a valid driver’s
license and had traces of methamphetamine in his system. However, Hau reportedly showed no signs of being under the influence at the time of the accident. “Izzy’s policy doesn’t allow anyone to consume drugs, so unfortunately we had to let [Hau] go because of the drugs, not because of the accident,” Brown said.
The most important thing is the health of the boy, and it’s unfortunate that he has to go through these things the rest of his life. “Anne Brown” Anonymous manager of Izzy’s Bagels
The police reported that Hau said he could not see due to the sun in his eyes, which caused him to collide with the bicyclist. Hau also told the police that he was driving between 25 and 35 mph, within the speed limit, and stopped once he heard a crash. According to the Manager of Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels, the police report may contain errors, as Hau is not a native English speaker, and his former manager has had trouble understanding him in the past. In March, prosecutors working on the case determined that Hau could
See LAWSUIT, page A3
undreds of Palo Alto High School students, parents, teachers and football fans flooded Paly’s campus on Sept. 13 to inaugurate the newly-constructed Viking stadium. An exciting set of festivities planned through the combined efforts of the PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association), ASB (Associated Student Body) and e2k Events entertained the masses for the official opening ceremonies of the new stadium. “The PTSA has been working really hard to make this cool, and I’m really excited to see how this turns out,” senior class president Audrey DeBruine said. ASB was also working to promote the event, ensuring that the school community received regular updates on the opening ceremonies.
“[ASB is] kind of on the student end, making sure that the students know what’s going to be happening,” DeBruine said. “We bought pompoms for the first thousand fans, an interactive gift so the players can see the support of all the fans.”
Coach Earl Hansen asked me to [come], and when your high school football coach asks you to do something, you do it. Jim Harbaugh
Head coach of the San Francisco 49ers
The evening started off with a performance by the Paly pep band, and then proceeded on to an honorary ribbon cutting ceremony. A group of parents, students, cheerleaders and dancers held a banner inscribed with “Viking Stadium Opening 2013,” as coach Earl Hansen and Principal Kim Diorio took the honor of cutting
PAUSD Ranked sixth in State
SPOTLiGHT Kim Diorio
The new principal talks about her new policies and goals for Paly. B4-B5
See STADIUM, page A3
See Page A3
Kelley, Nagar win freshman elections Freshman officers look to implement leadership skills to benefit, lead class By Claire Liu
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Staff Writer
reshmen Izzy Kelley and Anmol Nagar are set to take on the roles of freshman class president and vice president, respectively, after winning Associated Student Body (ASB) elections. The two officers won an online election that took place during the last week of August.
Kelley was inspired to run after an eye-opening leadership experience during the summer. “I had thought about [running for office] at the end of last year, mainly as a way to try something new,” Kelley said. “This summer, however, I was team captain of my water polo team and I really liked it. I realized that I enjoyed having a leadership role.” Nagar, who served as treasurer of Jordan Middle School’s Student
Jensen Hsiao/The Campanille
From left: Freshman class vice president Anmol Nagar and president Izzy Kelley are ready to represent their class this year in ASB after being elected bt their peers.
INSIDE N e w s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A 1- A 5 Opinion............................A6-A8 Lifestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1, B8 Alumni................................B2 C o m m u n i t y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B 3 Spotlight...............................B4-B5 StudentLife............................B6-B7 S p o r t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C 1- C 8
the ribbon, welcoming the new stadium to the Paly community. After the ribbon was cut, an American flag of massive proportions, which was carried out by nearly 125 volunteer students, made its way onto the football field. David Sanchez, a producer at e2k Events and organizer of the flag presentation, found all of the volunteer Paly students wonderful to work with, despite the obvious challenge of handling such a large flag. “It’s been great, all the students have been very cooperative, fun to work with and enthusiastic about the whole thing,” Sanchez said. Furthermore, students took time out of their school day in order to help prepare for the flag presentation. “We rehearsed on Thursday for about an hour,” Sanchez said. “Students came on their own time at lunch and volunteered to do it.”
LiFesTYLe Legal Rights at Parties Know what to do what to do when the cops come knocking. B1
sPOrTs Fantasy Football
Itís a game for some, a way of life for others. C4-C5
Council for three consecutive years, read about ASB online and decided to run for freshman vice president. “I’ve had a lot of fun and I’ve also acquired many memorable experiences through [student government] in the past,” Nagar said. “I wanted to be a part of [student government] here at Paly.” With a platform that revolves around the inclusion and welcoming of freshmen on campus, both Kelley and Nagar hope to use their roles in ASB to ease the ninth grade transition into high school. “I want freshmen to really feel like this is their school and that they’re a part of Paly,” Kelley said. “I’d like to help my class speak up and have a voice on campus.” Nagar hopes to get the class of 2017 very involved with Spirit Week—something she sees as a possible opportunity for team building and collaboration amongst the freshmen. “I’d really like for the grade to come together as a whole during
See ELECTIONS, page A3
Monday, September 23, 2013
NEWS
A2
NEWS TO KNOW
The Campanile
Local student journalists defend rights ASB Update Saratoga High School students subpoenaed for sources By Maya Kitayama Editor-in-Chief
KIAN MCHUGH/THE CAMPANILE
@rockthebells THANK YOU SAN FRANCISCO, UNTIL NEXT YEAR! @WSJ Deceased in #NavyYardShooting are ages 46-73; 8 people are injured, of which 3 were shooting victims. @nycjim With Larry Summers out, Janet Yellen seen as frontruner for Fed chair. She’d be 1st woman in job. @Reuters Britian’s UN envoy says chemical arms report leaves ‘no remaining doubt that it was the regime’ behind Aug. 21 attack in Syria
Courtesy of flickr
@White House “We cannot risk poison gas becoming the new weapon of choice for terrorists & tyrants the world over” - Obama @washingtonpost UPDATE: No shooting at White House. Bystanders say a man threw a lit firecracker over the fence was tackled @MileyOfficial Wrecking Ball on @vevo just beat the record for the fastest to 100 Million views in 6 days, previously broken by We Can’t Stop for 37 days @HuffPostStyle Miss America crowns its first-ever winner of Indian decent
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hree Saratoga High School students successfully utilized their rights as student journalists in late August, after they each received subpoenas requesting the identities of several anonymous sources pertaining to the sexual assault and suicide case of Audrie Pott from last September. The subpoenas originated from the lawsuit filed by the Pott family, after their 15-year old daughter was sexually assaulted by three boys at a party. Pictures of the incident were posted on various social networking platforms, and eight days later, Pott chose to take her own life. Robert Allard, who represents the Pott family, claims that Pott’s suicide was primarily provoked by the rapid spread of the photographs, also declaring that large numbers of Saratoga students viewed the incriminating photos online. As a response to the affluence of media attention Saratoga High School began to experience, three student journalists — Samuel Liu, Cristina Curcelli and Sabrina Chen — started investigating within their own school to see if the media accusations, and Allard’s, were legitimate. Dozens of students were interviewed on the basis of anonymity, and Liu, Curcelli and Chen later published an article on April 14 citing evidence that countered the claims made by Allard. “The Falcon spoke to more than four dozen students, and none of them had seen the photos,” the three journalists said in their April article. The sources they spoke to were all students somehow connected or even acquainted with people who were present the night of the sexual assault.
“Our main reporting hinged on not a random poll, but on a few key sources well acquainted with the situation,” Lio said. “These were people who were part of the circle of friends, some who had seen the photos.” Allard requested the personal information and identities of the various sources that the journalists had spoken to, but the students refused to reveal their sources. “Part of me wanted to help the family bring justice to these boys, [but] I also knew that I had promised confidentiality to my sources,” Liu said. Allard refuted the journalists’ unwillingness to comply in a statement that questioned the legitimacy of student publications, stating that the purpose of a high school newspaper is purely educational, rather than a recognized platform for delivering information. He went on to claim that the student journalists’ refusal to reveal their sources contributed to the alleged cover up by Saratoga High School and promoted the supposed cyberbullying that took place.
In some strange, twisted way, it was a badge to wear with pride. Samuel Liu Saratoga Student
“[The three journalists] know the identities of at least 10 students who received those photographs,” Allard said, according to BuzzFeed. “If they are not part of the solution, they are part of the problem. We have also alleged a conspiracy to conceal critical information, and we would like to believe that [the journalists] were aiding our cause in unveiling cyberbullying for the protection of all other students in schools across the state. Continued
resistance to this subpoena fosters cyberbullying.” The three students sought help after receiving the subpoenas by contacting the Student Press Law Center, with many questions regarding their rights as student journalists and the possible discrepancy between a student and a professional journalist. “It turned out my questions were good questions because they had never been answered before, at least on the high school level,” Liu said. Liu and his fellow journalists received pro bono representation from Guylyn Cummins, who proceeded to contact Allard and cited the California Shield Laws, which protect both the journalists and their sources. “California’s news shield affords journalists a constitutional immunity against contempt that cannot be pierced in a civil lawsuit,” Cummins said, according to Student Press Law Center. Cummins also refuted Allard’s earlier statement regarding the legitimacy of student-produced publications. “Your emphasis on the educational function of the school or its newspaper is further misplaced given California’s strong student press rights statutes that make clear that student media is a vehicle for expression,” Cummins wrote in an email to Allard, according to BuzzFeed. The subpoenas were finally withdrawn after their issuing was met with a significant amount of pushback. The student journalists walked away from the ordeal better informed about their rights as journalists. “The subpoena was a sign that we had been doing something right,” Liu said. “We had gotten crucial information — we had done good journalism. In some strange, twisted way, it was a badge to wear with pride.”
Comedy Literature gains UC English credit UC system approves new English course after initial rejection By Sarah Tayeri Staff Writer
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omedy Literature, a new class created and taught by English teacher Lucy Filppu, has been approved for English credit by the UC system. While it may sound simple, getting a class approved by the UC system is not an easy process. According to the University of California website, in order for a class to be eligible for UC credit, a teacher must send in a request with the course curriculum and other supplemental materials for the UC system. “Getting UC approval is like writing a book,” Filppu said. “I wrote five
in depth units [of curriculum]. My entire submission was 30 pages long. It was like writing a dissertation.” In fact, Comedy Literature was not approved the first time Filppu submitted her course for UC evaluation. Filppu had to edit her curriculum before finally getting it approved after a second attempt. “I was completely relieved,” Filppu said. “It was a long journey getting there, so I had a very busy, crazy summer.” Students were already enrolled in the class before it was assured UC credit, which placed a level of anxiety on Filppu. “I was worried because I thought students would drop if they found it
wasn’t UC approved,” Filppu said. “I thought we would have a public relations fiasco on our hands. I was very worried about that, and it was very frustrating because I’d worked really hard.” Without having to worry about the possibility of UC credit denial, Filppu now devotes her energy toward teaching her new class. “[UC system approval is] like a dream come true,” Filppu said. “I get to create something. I love the students because there’s tremendous buy-in. I also think [the course’s] content is wonderful and exciting; I think it’s so worthy of our time. We’ve never spent time teaching comedic content [at Paly] so it’s very exciting for me.”
NEWS BRIEF
Update on new building construction Three new school buildings are nearing completion
By Andrew Sternfield
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Senior Staff Writer
alo Alto High School’s Associated Student Body is beginning to vamp up for the new school year with many events and activities that will draw in more student attention. With Club Day and the first football game of the season having been the two biggest, ASB is looking for ways to bring more attendance to the events. “ASB is trying to involve students more in student activities,” ASB President Parker Devine said. “This involves increasing student activities-not only dances, but music son the quad and other things such as that. One of our bigger goals is to make prom better; we want to increase attendance and approval rating from the student body and decrease prices.” According to Devine, Paly has about 75 clubs this year and ASB’s contribution to all of the clubs is becoming a lot more hands on, including the whole student body in all activities and creating fun, competitive event in which different classes can compete in. “Instead of just shutting the clubs down when its contract did not fit the requirements we held, we asked the club to revise and fix things, Devine said.” Moving forward, ASB’s plan for the year is to include as many students in the school activities and events as possible and to make this school year the most eventful yet.
School Board Update By Olivia Vort Staff Writer
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uring its first meeting of the new school year on Aug. 27, the Palo Alto Board of Education discussed issues that will have serious impacts on budgets in the future. Among the important issues facing the board are a contract for a new site walkway at Henry M. Gunn High School, the ongoing construction activity throughout the district and the Annual Focused Goals for this school year. During the meeting, board members dscussed a $121,500 contract that would create a walkway area between Gunn’s art building and Spangenberg Theatre. This work is being done to improve campus student circulation leading to the large math and science classroom building. Board members also touched on the district’s strategic focus for the year, which covers everything from core goals of the School Board to budgeting and long term goals for students. The Annual Focused Goals will be voted on at the next full meeting on Sept. 10. A full draft of the goals can be found on the district’s website at www.pausd.org.
UPCOMING EVENTs SEPT
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL WALKABOUT
SEPT
NEW TO PAUSD LUNCH FOR FRESHMEN
OCT
PALY CHOIR CONCERT AT MEMORIAL CHAPEL
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Exclusively for disoriented freshmen.
By William Shin Staff Writer
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he construction sites at Palo Alto High School are progressing as expected, running on course for its goal of breaking ground in mid-December and having a few classrooms move in during January and February. “In our last steering meeting on Aug. 20, we received a construction update that the media arts classrooms are still scheduled for December completion,” Principal Kim Diorio said. Diorio also stated that the completion rate of the math and social science building varies from that of the media arts building. “I know that the classroom buildings where the math and social science [classrooms are going to be] is a little bit more ahead of schedule,” Diorio said. “They’ve just had more men working on it.” Diorio hopes that the buildings will be furnished into classrooms by January or February at the latest. She also hopes to receive suggestions from various teachers and commu-
25 6
OCT
Grace kim/the campanile
The constuction of the new media arts building is scheduled to be done January or February 2014. This building will have rooms personalized for each publication. nity members of which materials to furnish the classrooms with. “We will be working with teachers and staff on what that looks like for us, and how quickly we move to make it into a classroom environment.” Diorio said. The buildings were projected to be finished by December 2012 but
was delayed to January 2014. And as completion nears, Paly students are excited for the move in. The new media arts building will feature a headline ticker running across the outside of the building. In addition, the building will also feature studios for InFocus and personalized rooms for each of the publications.
11 OCT
11
Those previously mentioned are not invited: it’s exclusive.
Songs will be sung, wars will be won. END OF FIRST QUARTER
One quarter down, three more quarters to go. FOOTBALL GAME PALY VS. WILCOX
Get the quarterback, get the quarterback! Seriously, it fell out of my wallet.
The Campanile
Monday, September 23, 2013
NEWS
A3
Viking Stadium opening celebrated
PAUSD ranked sixth in state By Josefin Kenrick News Editor
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Jesnen HSaio/The Campanile
Paly football Coach Earl Hansen and new Principal Kim Diorio cut the ribbon together at the new Viking Stadium to open the football season.
STADIUM, Continued from A1 The flag itself has been seen during many football games, according to Sanchez, since e2k works on the production and entertainment of 49ers games. “This flag has actually been used on the field, at Candlestick [Park], many times,” Sanchez said. To top off the opening festivities, former Paly football player and current 49ers’ head coach Jim Harbaugh travelled to Paly to perform the coin toss of the very first game of the season. When asked why he decided to come help the Vikings celebrate the new stadium, Harbaugh cited his vol-
untary obligation to his alma mater, and his old football coach. “Coach Earl Hansen asked me to [come],” Harbaugh said. “And when your high school football coach asks you to do something, you do it.”
I got a little inside knowledge, I know the quarterback, Keller Chryst. Prospects are looking good, expectations are high. Jim Harbaugh All kinds of fans came out to support the Vikings, including alumni Viking quarterback Christoph Bono (‘11).
“I didn’t expect all this [in reference to the opening ceremonies]; I heard they were doing a few different things with the new stadium, but [it] was pretty neat,” Bono said. Overall, the excitement in the stadium provided by the masses of fans coupled with the unique opening entertainment made for an excellent kick-off game for the Viking football season. “I’m really excited for the opening of Viking Stadium, I think this is setting a really good precedent for the rest of the year,” ASB vice president Kate Marinkovich said. And how did the celebration and appearance of coach Harbuagh affect
the players who took the field afterward? “It was the best possible way to start off the season,” senior football player Jack Anderson said. “It was quite a spectacle.” The Vikings pulled off an impressive win to top off the night, with a final score of 28-0 against San Benito. Harbaugh seems very expectant in terms of the team, believing that the they will be lead to success this season. “I got a little inside knowledge,” Harbaugh said with a chuckle. “I know the quarterback, Keller Chryst. Prospects are looking good, expectations are high.”
alo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) ranked sixth in the state among K-12 schools in California, according to standardized test results released on Thursday, Aug. 29. According to the Growth Academic Performance Index (API), Palo Alto schools earned a score of 932, which is one point lower than last year. “I think we are really privileged to live in an area that has such an educational environment,” senior Emily Willick said. There was improvement in the API scores of African Americans, Hispanics, socioeconomically disadvantaged students and students with disabilities. The highest growth was with students with disabilities, of which 988 students were tested and there was an API growth of 31, bringing the 2013 API to 734. “I think the closing of the gaps between the more privileged students and other students is fantastic and it is of huge importance for us to close that gap,” senior Paige Esterly said. Other significant improvements were from the 225 African Americans tested and the 875 socioeconomically disadvantaged, which had scores of 761 and 768, respectively. Whites, 4,211 of which were tested, stayed at an API score of 941, which is considered numerically important, higher than other districts’ scores, by the Department of Education of California. Paly and Henry M. Gunn High School, with scores of 905 and 917, respectively, remained in the list of the top 50 high schools in California. Terman Middle School and Jane Leland Stanford Middle School also made it into a top 50 list of middle schools statewide.
Parent sues after child Homecoming Dance to have formal is involved in accident theme in attempt to bolster attendance LAWSUIT, Continued from A1 only be charged with driving without a valid license. If convicted, Hau could be imprisoned for one year in a county jail. “If you run into someone, you need to face your consequences,” an anonymous Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels employee said. The Lerrick family is also suing the City of Palo Alto’s contractor, as there was construction at the site of
the accident on Park Boulevard, and the registered owner of the Nissan Quest. The lawsuit claims that the contractor, O’Grady Pavings, Inc., did not provide a safe path for bikers around the construction site and that Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels should have been aware that Hau did not have a valid driver’s license. The suit, which was filed on Aug. 28 in Santa Clara County Superior Court, has not yet been served to the defendants.
ASB tries to reverse the trend of low turnout at dances
Courtesy of Google maps
The intersection of Park Ave. and Sherman Ave. where Lerrick was hit by a car. C
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New freshman class officers elected ELECTIONS, Continued from A1 Spirit Week,” Nagar said. “We all come from a variety of different schools and I want everyone to be able to get to know each other.” In terms of improvements here at Paly, Nagar sees room for growth in the promotion and attendance of Paly dances. Nagar also emphasized her approachability and willingness to communicate with her freshmen peers. “I’m always here for anyone,” Nagar said. “I want to make Paly a place where everyone feels as if they
have a say and they are welcome here everyday.” Candidates began campaigning mid-August. Each student running for office filmed a speech for their peers to view, which was posted on the ASB YouTube page. Voting was conducted on TallySpace, a website that provides online ballots. Students could cast their vote either on their own at home or at the voting stations set up by ASB on the Quad during lunch. Students in the Class of 2017 had from Aug. 26 to Aug. 30 to vote for the candidates of their choice.
Courtesy of Paly ASB
Homecoming last year was themed BED for Big Electronic Dance which, although innovative, still had a low turnout.
By Lauren Gargiulo Staff Writer
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he Palo Alto High School Homecoming Dance will take place on Oct. 26, the Saturday following Spirit Week. For the last few years, Paly’s homecoming dance has not been a formal event like it is at many other high schools, including Gunn High School; but this year that might change. “We are going with a formal theme,” Student Activities Director Matt Hall said. “Dress up fancy.” Attendance at their annual dance has been poor, so Paly’s ASB is looking to turn things around.
Though nothing has been confirmed, there have been discussions in ASB meetings about making homecoming more elaborate than it has been in the past, including holding the dance at an outside location. “We are still looking at off-site venues,” Hall said. “It may be on campus, it may be off campus.” “I think that would be really fun,” junior Courtney Hull said, in reference to the chance of an off-campus venue. Last year, in an attempt to bring in more people, ASB themed homecoming as a “B.E.D.”(Big Electronic Dance), but attendance did not increase significantly. The low turn out greatly disappointed ASB and school officials.
“We are really excited to change it up this year,” sophomore class president Reid Walters said. “It is going to be better than the last couple years.” Encouraging high attendance will still be a challenge because of the reputation of Paly dances. When asked why she has not attended homecoming in the past, Hull reiterated that the reputation of Paly dances played a large factor. “It is a Paly dance,” Hull said. “They usually aren’t that great.” News of the change in theme has brought some excitement to Paly students, but some are still skeptical if the dance will draw a big enough group of their peers. “I’ll go if people I know are going,” Hull said.
Monday, September 23, 2013
The Campanile
NEWS
A4
Burger joint to open at Town & Country
Hannah Nguyen/The Campanile
Gott’s Roadside newest location is in the southwest corner of Town & Country Village, in the space that had been previously occupied by Jamba Juice, Hobee’s and Halo. The popular burger joint will open on Sept. 23.
By Bowen Gerould
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Senior Staff Writer
apa Valley-based gourmet burger joint Gott’s Roadside is making progress in constructing its new location at Town & Country Village, which is set to open on Sept. 23. The restaurant, which was originally slated to open in June 2013, has taken over the southwest corner of the mall in the space which had previously been occupied by Hobee’s, Halo and Jamba Juice. There will be seating for 90 inside and 90 outside under portable heaters. Jamba Juice has already moved to the rear of the complex. However, Hobee’s will not return to Town and Country as part of the reconfiguration, but is staying in Palo Alto at its El Camino Real location. Owner Joel Gott has three other locations in St. Helena, Napa and the Ferry Building in San Francisco, and feels the new addition is in “about as good a location as you can get because we need a lot of customers willing to spend money on good food,” according to restaurant news site Inside Scoop SF. “Unlike the Ferry Building and Oxbow [in Napa], where we were the
first tenants, here [at Town & Country] we’re the last tenants, so it’s nice to go where there are already people.” Gott said, according to SFGate. Gott’s serves burgers made of allnatural Niman Ranch beef or ahi tuna, with optional sides of sweet potato or garlic fries. They also offer organic “Let’s Be Frank” organic hot dogs, a variety of chicken sandwiches and salads, a choice of fourteen draft and bottled beers and an extensive selection of Napa Valley wines.
This latest improvement allows us to stay fresh, exciting, and relevant.
new neighbor that will soon be leaving Town & Country. However, Gott’s may attract a broader clientele with its all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner menus and reputation for high quality, local organic ingredients. Shakes are $6 and the kid’s menu offers a main dish, side and drink for one fixed price of $8.49. “Gott’s is great, humanely raised food that is good for you and good for the environment,” Raymond said. Online customer reviews from Gott’s current locations on Yelp are
positive in regards to its food quality, fast service and family-friendly atmosphere. However, some customers feel the prices are too high for a fare as small as a simple burger and shake. Ellis Partners, the owners of Town and Country, moved to add Gott’s in order to “evolve to meet the needs of modern clients” Caroline Morris, Vice President of Asset Management at Ellis Partners said, in an interview with The Registry. “This latest improvement allows us to stay fresh and relevant,” Morris said.
Raymond believes the move to Palo Alto is a perfect fit for the chain. “Palo Alto is a great community and we feel like it represents our target demographic.” Raymond said. Some students are sad to see Kirk’s, a longtime Town & Country resident, leave and think that Town and Country should stop eliminating old restaurants. “Kirk’s has such a big connection to Paly,” senior Blake Smith said. “I can’t imagine seeing it go because it fits so well with Town and Country.”
Caroline Morris
Vice President of Asset Management at Ellis Partners
“The Ahi Burger is the one thing that we have gotten the most press on,” said Staci Raymond, Gott’s Director of Operations. We have people who come from overseas to seek it out to try.” The menu includes the price of a cheeseburger ($7.99), fries ($2.89) and a fountain soda ($2.69) to total over $13 without tax or tip. This is approximately $2.50 more than the comparable meal at Kirk’s Steakburgers, Gott’s
Hannah Nguyen/The Campanile
Gott’s hopes to attract a wide range of patrons with its all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner menu and reputable high-quality ingredients. Popular items include cheeseburgers made with Niman Ranch beef or ahi tuna, as well as organic hot dogs and fries.
Bay Area goes green with new bike sharing program By Seth Alston Staff Writer
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Jeffrey Ho/The Campanile
Bay Area Bike Share gives members the opportunity to borrow bikes from kiosks such as this one, located on California Avenue.
eventy-five bicycles are now available at five stations located throughout Palo Alto as part of the Bay Area Bike Share program being implemented across the Bay Area. Started on Aug. 29, the program aims to give commuters and shoppers a green alternative to the short car rides that would otherwise be necessary to get to and from public transit hubs. “Having a bike available at the end of a transit commute could make the difference to individuals who normally drive solo in their cars,” Palo Alto Mayor Greg Scharff said in an interview with the Palo Alto Weekly. “Our bike-share kiosks will support those last-mile trips.” Members of the bike share program are allowed to ride bikes from any of the kiosks to another station located nearby and return them throughout the day. By purchasing one-day, threeday or yearlong memberships, participants can check out a bicycle in thirty minute increments as often as they need, with extra charges added for going over the time limit. Through a joint effort led by the San Francisco Municipal Transpor-
tation Agency, Sam-Trans, Caltrain and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, Bay Area Bike Share will operate 70 stations along the Caltrain route from San Francisco to San Jose outfitted with a total of 700 bikes. The company operating the program, Alta Bicycle Share, is responsible for other recent metropolitan bike-share systems such as the CitiBike program in New York and Capital Bikeshare in Washington, D.C. According to the Bay Area Bike Share website, the program is aimed at reducing “last mile trips” from train stations, giving commuters an environmentally friendly alternative for traveling to work from public transit stops. Furthermore, the program is available to members 24/7, making it accessible to shoppers or visitors who would also benefit from local bike share. Stations in Palo Alto are located at the intersection of Emerson Avenue and University Avenue, the Caltrain station on University Avenue, the intersection of University Avenue and Cowper Street, the California Avenue Caltrain station and on Park Boulevard.
The Campanile
Monday, September 23, 2013
NEWS
A5
Overcrowded classes plague New science teacher embraces creative learning environment teaching methods By Zach Levitan
L michelle yin/the campanile
Overcrowded classes, such as AP Physics C, make it more difficult for students to learn. By Lauren Giurata Senior Staff Writer
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ith the new school year underway, Palo Alto High School, like many other public schools throughout the United States, is suffering from an increase in class sizes due to budget cuts and teacher layoffs. Some classes have a plethora of students, ranging anywhere from high thirties to low forties, despite the many attempts by parents, teachers and administrators in recent years to keep classes small. As classes increase in size, it becomes increasingly more difficult for a teacher to focus a sufficient amount of time and attention on each student. Because of this, students benefit less from the time they spend in class. “I feel that my voice is lost in a big class and I often don’t retain as much information,” senior Sarah Ohlson said. However, large class sizes do not only negatively affect students, but also teachers. With 35-40 students in a classroom, they appear to feel over-
whelmed and as though they are losing control of their classes. “There is always a lot of talking and sometimes [the teacher] just stands there and says ‘please be quiet,’” senior Shiri Arnon said. Arnon is taking Advanced Placement Physics C. This year’s class has 40 students. Other teachers seize the opportunities presented to them to discourage some students who might not be well prepared for the class from taking it in order to lower the amount of students. “[Michael] Najar encouraged juniors and people who were not invested in the class to drop it so that we could have a smaller class size,” senior Chloe Zilliac, a student in Advanced Placement Music Theory, said. The class began with 48 students, but now has only 35 after 13 students dropped it. According to Zilliac, the decrease has made the class much more reasonable; however, 35 students is still above the reasonable size. Paly generally does not run a class if it has under 25 students, which means that even if a class has a large
amount of people, they will not split it into two unless it reaches 50 students. As a result, there is no way to decrease class sizes unless students themselves choose to drop it. Many students choose to take the large classes even if they know before the year begins that it will be a very large class. Some are required classes, others are simply ones that they want to take and cannot take anywhere else or during a period that has less people in it. Students have had to find ways to adjust to a learning environment that must accommodate more students in a classroom. They are adapting to large amounts of group work, lectures and worksheets, as well as the need to seek help outside of class if they have any questions that are left unanswered. “I’ve learned to learn by myself,” Arnon said. “I go home and study the textbook and have specific questions to ask in the next class period, because we don’t get as much done as we usually could because everyone is talking all the time, so you kind of have to teach yourself.”
Staff Writer
ynda Mason, a new addition to the Palo Alto High School staff, has uniqe experiences with teaching styles and their effects on learning. With over 10 years of experience teaching several different science courses, Mason said that Paly’s curriculum is different than that of her old school’s in Florida. “[Paly’s curriculum is] different in a way that allows more creative teaching,” Mason said. “[Teachers are] able to use more involved instruction, where the students are actually developing projects.” Her previous experience in teaching included a multitude of courses such as Biology, AP Biology, Forensic Science and Zoology, which give her a unique viewpoint on different curriculums. “Before it was much more structured and just a lot of teaching to the test,” Mason said. “[Paly] seems to be
an environment where [the teachers and administration] are really promoting =more creative and projectbased learning,” Mason said. At her previous school there was a lot more lecturing and montonous note-taking. While some teachers in Mason’s previous school used this interactive style of teaching, most did not. However at Paly, most teachers do use this style of interactive teaching “The students are actually engaged in what they’re doing,” Mason said. “Here it seems like a lot of teachers are involved in performing laboratory investigations and having the students do their own research projects and independent learning.” Mason prefers this style of teaching over the traditional style and she believes that it is more beneficial for the students. “It [gives] the students ownership of their education,” Mason said. “I think that’s really important. That’s one huge difference.”
ahmed awadallah/ the campanile
Lynda Mason, the newest addition to the Science Department, enjoys the new freedom and creativity of teaching AP Biology at Paly.
Monday, September 23, 2013
A6
The Campanile
OPINION
Students rely too much on help outside of class
By Haley Fang
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Staff Writer
ith grades always in the back of student’s minds, Palo Alto High School students are relying too much on tutors to get their desired grade. Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) has been ranked sixth in the state, according to the 2013 Growth Academic Performance Index (API), which is not surprising considering all the competition and high expectations students must fulfill. Paly is known for its rigorous course curriculum, and many students are already accustomed to working hard and receiving undesired grades. However, those students who refuse to accept displeasing grades often choose to seek outside help. More and more tutoring centers are popping up in response to a higher demand among families with students enrolled within PAUSD. Junior Max Krawczyk has noticed the increase of these centers and has, though he admits that students should not depend on tutors, resorted to tutoring as well. “These days everybody is getting tutored outside of school; I know a bunch of my friends take SAT classes at these private places,” Krawczyk said. “And so to stay competitive, you need your own source of outside
Ahmed Awadallah/The Campanile
Senior William Yang, a volunteer student tutor, helps junior Rudra Aiyar study in the Academic Resource Center for an upcoming Advanced Placement Biology test. tutoring otherwise you will get left behind in Palo Alto’s competitive academic environment.” With developments in technology, tutoring no longer consists of driving to a center and sitting faceto-face with a tutor. Now, Skype allows students to get tutored in the comfort of their home, which makes help accessible to any students seeking additional academic support. Khan Academy, a non-profit organization, is a perfect example of tutoring made easier. The faculty at Khan Academy have created a free library of videos posted on YouTube and on their website. These lectures cover a range of topics including math, chemistry, physics and more. With this format, students are able to watch course videos at any time of the
day and repeat them as often as needed. This accessibility leads students to rely on outside help and allows them to slack off in class. By knowing that they will eventually need to allocate time outside of class to relearn the material with a tutor, students will get the idea that learning in school is no longer of importance, possibly leading to an increase in cuts, tardies and unfocused students in the classroom. Palo Alto students are mainly considered in the upper class or upper middle class, so families are able to set aside parts of their income for tutoring and other outside help. The problem is not that students are getting the outside help they need, rather that lower-income students get an unfair disadvantage. Students with families that do not have thousands
of dollars to annually spend on tutoring not only must work harder in class, but also must settle for less convenience. The time it takes a student to look up solutions and verify facts is significantly more time-consuming than others who just get the information told to them, leading to a huge time disadvantage for those who cannot afford tutors. It is almost like students can now pay for their good grades if they are unmotivated or lazy. Just because many families who live in Palo Alto can afford to pay tutors does not mean that students should take the service for granted and use it excessively. “I think tutoring is great because it allows students to get the academic help they need and as it expands to more people it becomes more true,”
senior Jared Filseth said. “Often times explaining to a class isn’t really working for them and they need more individual attention.” Junior Gary Chen agrees with Filseth. “Tutoring is a good option because usually students don’t ask their teachers for help unless they’re really bold,” Chen said. “So with tutoring you can ask someone else who has been through everything, and the tutor will probably know more.” If what Filseth and Chen say are true, either our teachers are not captivating their students in the classroom, or students are just not paying enough attention in class. Students should not need to always resort to the help of outside tutors to get the grades they desire.
College sport players should be paid for money generated for schools
By Arjun Parikh
T
Senior Staff Writer
exas A&M’s superstar quarterback Johnny Manziel did not receive any money for an autograph, yet he was punished by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Although Manziel did not receive any compensation for his autographs, his actions were still in violation of NCAA bylaw 12.5.2.1. The rule states that a college athlete will be suspended if he or she “accepts any remuneration for or permits the use of his or her name or picture to advertise, recommend or promote directly the sale or use of a commercial product or service of any kind.” The key word here is “permits.” Around the time of the suspension, Texas A&M and the NCAA released a joint statement explaining that Manziel was suspended for an “inadvertent violation.” Despite the fact that the punishment doled out by the NCAA was akin to a slap on the wrist — Manziel was suspended for a mere 30 minutes against a lowly Rice team — no player should ever be punished at all for this sort of “transgression.” This fiasco brings a certain controversial question to national attention: Why don’t college athletes get paid? College and professional sports, especially football, are dangerous, — no one can dispute that. College athletes put their bodies on the line
every time they step onto the field, yet they do not receive any compensation. And no, the money college athletes receive for scholarships is not enough. If a college football player plays for four years on a full scholarship at a university with a tuition of $50,000 per year, he saves $200,000 — the minimum salary for a National Football League (NFL) rookie stands at $405,000. The minimum salaries for the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Major League Baseball (MLB) are $490,180 and $490,000, respectively. There is a reason 35 high school baseball players were chosen in the first two rounds of the MLB FirstYear Player Draft: for elite athletes, getting an education is not worth the four years of six-figure salary they forgo by going to school. According to ESPN, last year, the University of Texas’ football program generated the school $104.5 million. Duke University’s basketball program generated the school $26.6 million. In fact, Arkansas State’s football team, last in NCAA Division 1 football in terms of total revenue, still managed to generate $8.4 million. At Texas A&M, Manziel alone generated the university $37.1 million. The time and effort college athletes put in are indispensable to the schools they play for. Only an ill-informed fan would propose that the NCAA pay all of its athletes. If the NCAA were to pay all of its football and basketball players, players in other college sports, such as soccer, would surely demand compensation for their efforts. College soccer players simply do not generate enough revenue to justify receiving compensation. According to Sports Illustrated, in 2011, men’s soccer programs lost $25,000 on average, while women’s soccer programs lost $50,000. It is rare for a program
other than men’s football or basketball program to profit. In fact, men’s football and basketball programs usually cover more than the losses of the other sports. The solution is simple: ensure all players receive an equal cut of the total revenue their program generates, and allow all players to seek their own endorsement deals. For example, if a women’s rowing team manages to
generate $2 million in a season, each member of the team receives a certain percentage of the money the program profited. Allowing college athletes to seek their own endorsements would ensure that the most valuable players to the team in terms of money, can receive fair compensation — a kicker at the University of Akron generates less than a starting quarterback at Alabama, therefore the fairest method is
allowing college athletes to seek out their own endorsement deals. There is absolutely no reason that Manziel shouldn’t be able to capitalize on his fame by signing a deal with Nike, or that a big-time men’s college basketball player should not be able to sign an endorsement deal with Adidas. It’s time for the NCAA to start fairly compensating their athletes.
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The Campanile
Monday, September 23, 2013
A7
OPINION
Do Paly’s stigmatized dances have a future?
By Claire Liu Staff Writer
YES O
ne false, but very popular misconception is that Palo Alto High School dances “suck.” The most commonly heard complaint goes along the lines of “dances are just really bad, so no one goes.” However we should begin to realize that what actually sucks is the student body’s attitude toward dances — not really the dances themselves. It is not the dances that are poor quality. The DJs that are hired work for upscale entertainment companies. They may not be the best, but they are top-notch as far as high school dance DJs go. These DJs bring with them sophisticated lighting systems. The decorations are freshly purchased, plentiful and match the themes of the dances. Paly’s Associated Student Body (ASB) provides additional activity choices such as a television and Wii games for non-dancers. Candy, bottled water and chips are generously available to dance-goers at no cost. Most dances have around a five dollar entrance fee. Some are even free, like last year’s homecoming and this year’s back-to-school Hawaiian theme dance — something virtually unheard of at other schools. Overall, the music, equipment, decorations, activities and cost of Paly dances are in no way worse than other schools. Something many fail to realize is that dance rules are reasonable, if not lenient. They are certainly not as ridiculously strict as some students attempt to make them out to be. There is a very loose dress code and minimal to zero restrictions on how students may or may not dance. I have never seen a Paly chaperone insert themselves between the bodies of two dancing teenagers, or tell a student her shirt is too small or demonstrate any sort of annoyingly intrusive behavior during a dance. Overall, the rules are no different from those of nearby schools. Some also blame low dance attendance on breathalyzers. “A huge amount of the student population drinks,” an anonymous junior said. “By breathalyzing at dances, it keeps these kids away. Also, why does the school care [about student drinking]?” There are many aspects of this statement that are false, irrelevant and easy to respond to. First, “why does the school care”? The school cares because it is an educational institution that needs to look out for the safety of its students. Breathalyzing is a standard pre-dance procedure that many other schools administer as well. School dance rules
are not, and should not, be compared to those of a house party. We should not expect our school to “loosen up” in this aspect, and take on possible legal responsibilities for teenage alcohol consumption. It would be unreasonable to expect Paly administration to condone illegal activity and welcome the arrival of stumbling intoxicated minors to a school event. Additionally, very unfortunate and severe situations could occur — vomiting, passing out and possible death. Next, the concept that a “huge” amount of the student population drinks is false. According to the California Healthy Kids Survey taken by Paly students last year in 2012, less than five percent of the freshman class and less than 25 percent of upperclassmen drink regularly or excessively — regularly or excessively meaning anywhere from three to 20 times in a month. Even if this were to be true in an alternate world, it would be a weak argument against breathalyzing. There are countless weekends in a school year for students to misbehave as they so desire, off campus. The concept of spending two or three hours dancing sober with your best friends at your high school, on one Friday of the year really should not be considered so horrendously impossible. Over at Henry M. Gunn High School, senior Stephanie Do provides an inside observation on the effects of breathalyzing at their dances. “Every single dance is breathalyzed,” Do said. “But it has never seemed to be a problem for me or my peers.” Do explains that school spirit ultimately trumps the no-alcohol policy at dances amongst Gunn students.
Just lighten up! It’s possible to have a good time without being drunk. Kabria Dame Junior
“Dances have always been something that the student body has been excited about,” Do said. “[Being breathalyzed] doesn’t really matter. Dances are still fun because everyone is there.” Gunn students’ perspectives on dances should be emphasized and praised. When referencing the same California Healthy Kids Survey taken at Gunn, results show that around five percent of underclassmen and 10 percent of upperclassmen engaged in regular or excessive drinking habits. In terms of teen drinking culture, Gunn’s is not too different from our own. Nonetheless, a huge mass of students make time in their lives to attend dances — regardless of their typical weekend night activities, which may or may not involve alcohol. Something that should motivate Paly students to work together in improving dance attendance is the fact that many students actually truly want to experience a great school dance. Senior Omri Newman references Gunn’s homecoming as an example
of an important high school dance, and cites his desire for better school dances. “I do wish Paly dances were more successful,” Omri Newman said. “Not only would it be a way for Paly kids to come together and be a part of something engaging and fun, but it would also create new traditions and be a big part of our lives just as homecoming is for Gunn.” Paly students look to Gunn and other schools and wonder why dances on their own campus are not the same. But they don’t think further than that. Students point fingers at those who they feel are most easy to blame — ASB, the administration and DJs. Students settle with the conclusion that Paly dances are just “bad”, failing to realize that the effort Gunn and other high schools puts into dances does not so greatly surpass our own efforts. The most influential difference is simply that Gunn students are more enthusiastic about the concept of school dances and are thus willing to attend the social get-togethers and other events. If Paly students would give their school dances a chance, and get over their “too cool” persona, attend the events in mass numbers and stay the evening, the success of our dances would explode. To students who claim to be incapable of having fun at dances due to the “awkward” atmosphere or being sober, junior Kabria Dame offers a piece of advice. Dame attended the back-toschool Hawaiian theme dance on the second Friday of the 2013-2014 school year. She noted that “everyone was vibing to the music.” When the Paly student body realize they have complete control over the success, attendance and overall enjoyability of Paly dances, these events will begin to improve exponentially. In addition to an enjoyable time, dances could grant students yet another platform to establish special traditions that would last and be remembered for years to come. Given our enthusiastic school spirit, non-intrusive chaperones, and substantial funds for DJs, decorations and free food, our high school has immense potential to throw some of the most memorable dances out there. Dances that could easily top those of our crosstown rival.
By Will Mendenhall Senior Staff Writer
F
NO
ilthy songs, crazy light shows, epic break dancers and every cool kid in school. Sounds like a good time, right? Well, not if you are a student at Palo Alto High School. For all of you out there who have been to one of our few school dances, you know just what I am talking about. So let me paint you a new picture. Pretend you are a freshman, (because who else would be näive enough to attend such an event), you show up to the dance with your crew ready to have a good night. It’s your first high school dance and you are feeling a bit nervous about dancing among all the upperclassman and older students. Well good news for you, all those older intimating kids learned long ago not to waste their time and money. After passing the breathalyzer test you head out to the dance floor only to be met by thirty other kids all with the same bored face as you. Well at least all your friends showed up, right? Wrong. They all heard about the horrors of Paly school dances and went to get ice cream instead. I wonder who got more for their money. Now the only people to dance with are the elected officials of Associated Student Body (ASB), and they are only there because they are forced to. Like a smart person, you head on home hanging your head in shame. Let’s be honest, this has happened to us all at some point. We have all been through the embarrassment of attending such an event. So why do we continually let the new freshman go through the same pain we did? It is time to stop the madness. There are two courses of action we can take to do so. First, and my personal favorite, is to stop wasting the money and put it elsewhere. Second, and more challenging, we
need to change the whole way our dances are created, attended, and publicized. The choice is yours, Paly. If we were to cut the dances out all together, save Prom and homecoming, we would be able to take the money ASB spends and put it elsewhere. Why not buy a cabana for the senior deck, lower the prices for parking tickets or give everyone that free ice cream we were robbed of by attending the dance. But ASB will argue that dances are fun and the attendance rates are not that low. Well ASB, it’s time to give it up. Paly dances are never fun for more than thirty minutes. I will, however, admit that having over three hundred tickets sold at the back-to-school dance on Aug. 23 is quite an impressive feat, but how many of those three hundred stayed for more than thirty minutes?
It’s sad when you realize it’s more fun to go to Gunn. They put way more effort into making the dances enjoyable. I say we just cut the school dances and buy a herd of horses. They are much more useful than Paly dances. Austin Hake Senior
The more moderate of the two actions, making the dances better, seems to be the more favored option by Paly students. But so far this has failed to happen. And if you are wondering why, just ask your fellow student, because that is exactly what I did. “The only girl to dance with at a Paly dance is Manti Te’o’s girlfriend,” senior Josh Stern said. For those unfamiliar with Manti Te’o, he is a football player who allegedly made up having a girlfriend, or in other words, dating an invisible woman. Therefore, the best way to fix the school dances is to get people to come. To do this we need to step up our advertising for the dances and really get these things hyped up. The main thing that needs to change, however, is that upperclassmen need to be enticed into going. If the juniors and seniors go, and in large numbers, then going to a dance will become “the cool thing to do”. With more kids at the dance less kids would be out on the street going to parties and getting in trouble. Students of Paly, the choice is yours.
Paly ASB officers kick off last year’s back-to-school , Hawaiian themed dance with enthusiasm.
Courtesy of Paly ASB
Yearbook editors undeserving of criticism
By Emily Lee
T
Senior Staff Writer
he class of 2014 saw a number of changes in their senior poll packets this year. Ten categories were removed, one new category was added and three were brought back from years prior. Many seniors were left confused and with several questions such as, what happened to “best eyes”? What does “best hugs” even mean? Where is “biggest mooch”? Why were so many categories cut? Changes made by the yearbook staff regarding senior polls this year caused
widespread feelings of discontent and even belligerence in some. It is not an uncommon practice to have seniors vote on their classmates, though it is less common for a high school yearbook to have as many categories as Palo Alto High School’s yearbook, Madrono. However, before protesting change, seniors should first consider the amount of work put into making a yearbook and question the process of selecting categories itself. Part of the reason that seniors feel frustrated about the changes in polls is due to the record number of poll categories offered in the 2013 edition of Madrono. Due to a larger staff and larger yearbook overall, more categories were offered. Unfortunately, many seniors were not aware that there was ample opportunity to help select class poll categories. Instead, most of the work was left up to Madrono’s senior section editors, who operate relatively
independently from the rest of yearbook staff. Due to the short-staffed senior section, the task of deciding senior poll categories was left to only five people. Do seniors have the right to be angry about changes in the senior polls since last year? Absolutely. But, if a student paid no mind to the yearbook until the first round of voting in senior polls, does he or she still have the same right to be upset? If another student complains about categories that have been cut, yet half of the spaces in their poll packet are empty, wouldn’t that also suggest that even still, 44 categories are too many to reasonably handle? Undemocratic the process of choosing poll categories may be, the apathetic-then-reactive attitude that seniors hold suggests that having others make decisions on behalf of the masses is something unknowingly desired. One must also acknowledge the efforts made by se-
nior section editors Alex Grandy and Karina Dutra. Representing 471 seniors in five pages is a formidable task at the very least. Coupled with early deadlines (the first of all grade sections), minimal staffing and reduced number of pages allocated, the task is more difficult than what some realize. In no way is it appropriate for seniors to treat their peers with the same senseless negativity that greeted Grandy and Dutra following the release of the new poll packets. “People were literally yelling, ‘you suck’ to us from across the quad,” Grandy said. “That’s not even close to the worst,” Dutra said. “People were swearing at us and yelling.” Do a few removed categories really merit this kind of behavior? Categories such as “biggest klutz” were removed for other reasons. Each category is first discussed by the senior staff and later sent to yearbook
advisor Margo Wixsom for approval. Wixsom believed the category “biggest klutz” to be offensive to those with physical disabilities. Other categories were dismissed because of indifference in the senior class. The categories of “social media addict” and “directionally challenged” are among those that were cut. Efforts were made among seniors in yearbook to reach out to their friends for input, though it is dubious how much of the senior class was aware of any such attempts. Yes, the students assigned to the senior section of the yearbook could have better encouraged participation from their classmates, and yes, popular categories were not continued in Madrono. Yet now, when there is nothing to be done, why dwell? Continue on with college applications and save the frustration for something more meaningful.
Monday, September 23, 2013
A8
The Campanile
EDITORIALS
School should adopt uniform anonymous grading system to remove bias
R
egardless of the subject, there will always be a level of subjectivity added into the grading process of any submitted assignment. Often, this difference of opinion causes controversy between teacher and student, and students often claim favoritism inequity by the teacher if they receive a grade they don’t agree with. This problem is easily eliminated through a system of anonymous grading. In the Advanced Placement Psychology course, students are asked to write their student identification number in place of their actual name on free response test questions. Once test responses are submitted, the papers are peer graded and returned to them, entirely void of subjectivity or favoritism. The Campanile believes that this system of anonymity should be implemented in all classrooms within Palo Alto High School. By adopting this system, students will no longer have the opportunity to complain about unfair grading by teachers. Across town, Henry M. Gunn High School already utilizes anony-
mous grading within several different English courses, eliminating a level of possible teacher bias. In order to ensure that the students of Paly and the teachers who grade their assignments avoid possible altercations due to a claimed bias, student identification numbers should be used throughout all classes that require free response, or anything that does not have a direct solution. In the past year, the Paly English department has received pushback for not only its plagiarism policy, but also its ambiguous grading guidelines. Many students believe that the process of grading English papers is severely hindered by the subconscious bias that a teacher may have toward a student as a result of their performance and attitude within the classroom. This may also be the case in other academic departments. While it is impossible to prove teacher bias, it is just as impossible to disprove this theory of the known identity of a student affecting a teacher’s grading. Anonymity removes all preconceived notions a teacher has of a student and allows for teachers to
grade each paper individually, with a student’s past grades having no influence on the outcome of their subsequent assignments. The Campanile staff has expressed interest in adopting this policy in an attempt to unify Paly’s grading process, and urges Principal Diorio and the administration to consider implementing anonymous grading. Although every teacher will continue to maintain their own grading standards, this policy will ease students’ fears that a teachers unfavorable opinion of them will negatively impact their grade. A teacher’s positive or negative relationship with a student should have no impact on the grading process, a scenario which is avoided through anonymous grading. It is in The Campanile’s opinion that the policy of anonymous grading, which has been executed in AP Psychology and at Gunn and has received positive reviews, should be integrated in all classrooms. Innate biases exist in both students and teachers alike, and removing as much bias as possible ensures complete academic equity and equality.
ASB should fund project to improve Senior Deck
F
or years, occupying the Senior Deck has been a staple of being a senior. For three years, each class toils on the Quad, until the time comes for them to mount the Senior Deck at the start of their fourth year at Palo Alto High School. However, some seniors find themselves thoroughly underwhelmed by the realities of the deck. In truth, the Senior Deck is hot, crowded and uncomfortable. The brown paint absorbs plenty of heat, making the Senior Deck noticeably hotter than the rest of the Quad. This can be especially uncomfortable during the numerous hot days during the school year. The heat problem is only compounded by the fact that there is little to no shade on the Senior Deck. Furthermore, going on the deck during brunch and lunch is something a majority of each rising senior class looks forward to. However, the Senior Deck is nowhere near big enough to allow every senior space on the deck. While space in general on the Senior Deck is limited, space for seating is even more scarce. With just two tables and a few wooden steps available for students to sit on, only a few lucky seniors are able to grab space on the deck. The rest have to stand for the duration of their stay on the Senior Deck. Admittedly, the space problem is a rather difficult problem to solve
L
ast June, Principal Phil Winston sent out an e-mail to the Palo Alto High School community announcing his resignation. After having a life-threatening illness, Winston decided to pursue a classroom position in Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) in order to find a better work-life balance. In his three years as principal, Winston brought innovative and creative ideas not only to the learning in the classroom, but also to the communication and collaboration between the students and the administration. Winston moved the classroom forward with regards to technology, bringing Paly to the forefront of educational development. He embraced technology in the classroom, not just in the form of PowerPoints, but also using technology to help students learn, such as online learning instruction and online tutorials. He was a pioneer in the blended learning classroom, which focuses on online instruction in addition to teacher guided practice. A new blended learning class — Advanced Placement Music Theory — was just implemented in the last year of his administration. One of the greatest legacies that Winston left behind was greatly improved visibility and approachability of the administration. He had ad-
ministrators out on the Quad during brunch and lunch as well as in and out of classrooms, even if they were just five to ten minute walkthroughs. He built a stronger connection between the adults and the students on campus, so that students feel as if they can talk to administrators. Winston dedicated time to visit classrooms, more so than any recent principal, to have more of a presence in classrooms and be aware of what students were learning. Winston was involved not just in the classroom and around campus, but also during school events. He showed great school spirit as the principal: attending football games, robotics regionals and participating in Spirit Week. His administration was approachable, innovative and overall, well-liked. In the midst of all the current activity within the administration — the welcoming of a new principal and assistant principal — The Campanile would like to wish Winston farewell and thank him for the seven years of office and dedication as a PAUSD administrator, three of which he was principal here at Paly, and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. Additionally, we would like to congratulate Kim Diorio on her promotion to principal and we wish her good luck in her new position.
Tips for Freshman 10) Ask seniors for advice. They’re very helpful. 9) If you don’t make varsity, it’s the coach’s fault. 8) It’s okay you’re short because size doesn’t matter. 7) You are the S%$@. Don’t let anyone tell you different. 6) Complain about homework, you have way more than upperclassmen. 5) Make your presence heard when you come to class late. 4) Cut everyone at Town & Country — freshman have priority. 3) Don’t dress up for Spirit Week, no one does. 2) All the cool kids use rollie backpacks. 1) Make sure to walk across the Senior Deck at least twice. -JACK PALADIN
LETTERS TO THE EDITORS Got something on your mind?
Submit a letter to the editor at theeds2014@googlegroups.com
COMIC OF THE MONTH
as the deck is not located in a place where it could be easily expanded. However, the issues of limited seating and shade on the other hand, could be relatively cheap and easy to fix. For starters, adding a few benches or picnic tables would significantly increase the amount of seating space that there currently is. From a practicality standpoint, adding more seating space would not be much of a financial burden. One can easily find a variety of tables and benches, a vast majority of which are under $300. Buying a few of even the most expensive tables and benches would barely make a dent in the tens of thousands of dollars ASB has in their operating budget. The lack of shade problem can be solved in much a similar way. A large tailgate style tent or awning could keep the sun off the Senior Deck and supply the tradition-filled slab of wood with some much needed shade. Just like the benches or picnic tables, a tent-like covering would not significantly burden ASB financially in the least. So the next time ASB decides to go on a spending spree, instead of spending thousands of dollars on things like dances that are expensive and sparsely attended, sink a little money into the Senior Deck, something every Paly student will enjoy at some point in their Paly career.
Thank you Phil Winston for making your mark
SEPTEMBER’S TOP TEN LIST
Courtesy of Jacques Manjarrez
The truth about journalism.
The Campanile Editors-in-Chief Rachel Cui • Jensen Hsiao • Maya Kitayama Daniel Tachna-Fram • Hillel Zand • Stephenie Zhang News Editor Josefin Kenrick
Opinion Editor Jack Paladin
Lifestyle Editors Kian McHugh Michelle Yin
Sports Editors Julia Kwasnick Ziv Schwartz
Online Editor Jonathan Ziegler
Lifestyle Design Editor Irene Ezran
Spotlight Editor Emily Semba
Photography Editors Ahmed Awadallah Andrew Choi
Cartoonist Jacques Manjarrez
Business Managers Shivonne Logan Alvina Zou
Seth Alston Galen Byrd Esther Doerr Haley Fang Lauren Gargiulo Bowen Gerould Lauren Giurata Conner Harden
Staff Writers
Jeffrey Ho Grace Kim Zachary Levitan Claire Liu William Mendenhall Paul Mewes Kevin Mullin Hannah Nguyen
Ahmed Awadallah Andrew Choi
Arjun Parikh Coby Parker William Shin William Snodgrass Angela Stern Andrew Sternfield Heather Strathearn Alec Sullivan
Photographers Conner Harden Jeffrey Ho
Nicholas Sullivan Sarah Tayeri Oliver Tucher Jacob van Zyll Olivia Vort Leslie Wan Lily Zhang Maggie Zheng
Grace Kim Andrew Sternfield
Advisor Esther Wojcicki
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The Campanile
Monday, September 23, 2013
L I FESTYLE
by Paul Mewes
Functioning with the Fourth Amendment l rights and
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t’s a Friday night, and you are finally de-stressing after a long week, pretending for a few blissful hours that your English essay is not, in fact, due next Monday. You have a few friends over and are just getting into the beat of the music, when suddenly the life of the party knocks on your door: the police. Unless the officer actually turns out to be Magic Mike (or any other fictional male stripper), this is likely not an encounter most would know how to handle. But whether or not the visit is justified, it is important to know what to expect and to know the legal rights and limitations of both you and police. According to the Fourth Amendment, citizens are generally protected from “unreasonable searches and seizures” from police without a warrant. However, there are four main exceptions that allow officers to legally search property without a warrant: exigent circumstances, consent, the plain view doctrine and search incident to arrest.
Exigent Circumstances
Exigent circumstances are “circumstances that require an immediate response [that occurs] when police officers believe they have probable cause, and there is not enough time to obtain a warrant,” as defined by the Cornell University Law School website. According to a police officer from the Mountain View Police Department, who chose to remain anonymous under the name “Officer Smith,” exigent circumstances most often occur when a complaint is received notifying officers of illegal activity. “We can go inside a house if we suspect there is danger,” Smith said. “[Say] we get a report that there’s a girl being raped inside a house [and] she’s in there now. We go to the house and [if ] we suspect it may be true, we can break down the door and see what’s going on inside.”
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n Lega e h w s on i t a t i m i l s t u h s o p “the po n” w o d u o y
Consent
Police can search private property without a warrant if the homeowner freely gives consent. “It’s a little blurred at times, but there are several forms of consent: there’s expressed consent and implied consent — if I asked you, ‘Hey can I come in?’ and you nod [or] you motion to us with your hand, that’s consent,” Smith said. If none of the three other exemptions exist, citizens have the right to refuse consent to a search, though police are not required to inform individuals of this right. When homeowners refuse a search and officers do not have enough evidence to enter under exigent circumstance, the plain view doctrine, or search incident to arrest, there is often little else police can do. “We’re going to try to knock on the door and try to get compliance,” Smith said. “Otherwise, sometimes we’ll wait for people to come out and kids will scatter; they’ll jump fences [and] get caught that way.”
The Plain View Doctrine
Search Incident to Arrest
If evidence of an illegal activity is visible in an area that police already have legal access to, police have the right to legally search a site and seize evidence. “The officer [must] be lawfully located in a place from which the object can be plainly seen, but he or she must also have a lawful right of access to the object itself,” according to Supreme Court decision Horton vs. California. If an officer were to see a marijuana plant in the window of a privately-owned home as he is walking down the street, he would be required to obtain a warrant first before seizing the evidence. However, if he is already inside the house investigating an unrelated report and sees the marijuana while there, he can legally seize the evidence without a warrant.
Under this exemption, police have the right to search areas connected to an arrest. This is mainly to protect officers from any dangerous accomplices or weapons existing in the vicinity of the arrest. “The purpose of this exception is to protect the officer by locating and seizing any weapons the person has and to prevent the destruction of any evidence on the person,” the Surveillance Self-Defense website states. “If an arrest is valid, officers may conduct a warrantless search of the arrestee and the area and objects in close proximity — the ‘grab area’ — at about the same time as the arrest.”
Text by Emily Semba Spotlight Editor Design by Irene Ezran Lifestyle Design Editor
If the police enter your house... Entering the property
“Once we go inside, we’re not going to go in drawers or anything,” Smith said. “We can go inside closets if people are hiding in there. We’re looking for people, we’re not looking for drugs, contraband [or] anything illegal.” [If we find underage drinkers inside], sometimes we’ll just say ‘alright, everybody go home.’ But the extreme is arresting people, and we don’t want to do that.”
Detaining citizens
Officers can legally detain an individual at their current location if they suspect illegal activity is occurring, but do not yet have enough evidence for arrest. For example, if police suspect a citizen of underage drinking, officers can require the person to stay at the scene. “Officers have legal rights to say ‘you can’t go, you need to stay until we figure out what’s really going on,’” Smith said.
An Apple fanatic’s take on the new iPhones by Jonathan Ziegler
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Breathalyzers
Many civilians are unaware they have the right to refuse a breathalyzer test. However, police can ask to breathalyze individuals at any time, with or without a warrant or probable cause. “You don’t have to blow into the machine,” Smith said. “We can’t forcefully put the machine in somebody’s mouth and make them blow. The breathalyzer is just one tool, but they can decline it.”
Obstructing an Officer
If a homeowner refuses entry into a property after police have already established it is their legal right to do so, police can legally make an arrest. “You can go to jail for delaying or obstructing a police officer,” Smith said. “If we’re trying to investigate and do a welfare check inside the house, and you’re like ‘no, you can’t go in,’ you can possibly be arrested for a misdemeanor offense.”
INSIDE New Clubs
Discover the various clubs that students created this year.
by Irene Ezran
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Champ Pederson
Paly alumnus changes view of Down Syndrome through motivational speeches.
by Jack Paladin
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Monday, September 23, 2013
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The Campanile
ALUMNI
Paly alumnus Jeremy Lin opens up about rediscovering faith, love for basketball at Identity Unleashed
courtesy of scott mecum and david shankbone
Jeremy Lin gained fame after leading the New York Knicks to an unexpected winning streak, inspiring the phrase “Linsanity” to describe his sudden rise to fame. By Michelle Yin Lifestyle Editor
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n Identity Unleashed, a Christian Evangelistic conference, which occurred on Sept. 7 at the Cow Palace, Jeremy Lin was joined by the YouTube music sensation Tyler Ward as well as Pastor Francis Chan as he addressed the Linsanity Phenomenon to a stadium filled with around 10,000 fans. Lin shared his perspective on how those pressures affected his relationship with God. In an unforeseen seven game winning streak last winter, Palo Alto High School alumni Jeremy Lin took the world by storm. Originally fighting to keep a backup spot on the New York Knicks, Lin had his fate completely altered when he received some playing time due to the elbow injury of the then recently signed point guard Baron Davis.
Lin then managed to lead the Knicks to consecutive unexpected wins even without team star Carmelo Anthony, who missed time with an injury. The Knicks even dominated the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant, who had famously casted off Lin’s success with arrogance prior to the game. This story of a rising underdog captured the attention of the entire world, which came with immediate fame, success and pressure for Lin. At Identity Unleashed, Lin focused on his loss of identity as he attempted to fulfill the role that the rest of the world created for him. After his big break with the Knicks, he signed with the Houston Rockets, where he was welcomed with grandeur with his image celebrated all over billboards. Lin was expected to carry on where he left off in New York and lead the Rockets to success as well. According to Lin, while un-
successfully trying to prove himself to critics and remaining in the leadership position that his fans expected in Houston, he lost his love for basketball, the reason he had entered this career field. “With all the media attention, all the love from fans, I felt I needed to prove myself,” Lin said, according to the Identity Unleashed website. “But I’ve surrendered that to God. I’m not in a battle with what everybody else thinks anymore.” When Lin began to perform less than stellar and began to receive even less playing time than that of the backup Houston point guards, he felt like he lost his joy for the game and even started to wish for the games to end. Amidst all of the fame and expectations, Lin also felt that he lost his religious identity as one of God’s children. Only until he reconnected with his Lord and found his way back as
a faithful Christian did he gain back sight of his true identity. According to Lin, he will embrace the upcoming season playing not for others, but for God and his own joy. For more depth on Lin’s faith and how it plays in his basketball career, the Linsanity documentary is coming out on October. At Identity Unleashed, participants of the event received the opportunity to watch an abridged version of the documentary. The film strongly emphasizes Lin’s humble roots and basketball success at Paly and Harvard, setting the story off by characterizing Jeremy as a young boy with genuine charisma and an unstoppable penchant for basketball. “I thought the movie was an extremely accurate portrayal of [Lin],” senior Frankie Comey, who saw the film advance, said. “You can just see his genuine passion and his energetic personality.”
Not only does the inspiring film shine light on the glory and success that accompanies the Linsanity phase, but also on the countless feats and dispiriting events Lin faced during his career, through his struggle to get recruited by colleges despite his success in the state championships, to the gloom he experienced when he received minimal playing time when he was playing for the Golden State Warriors. Most importantly though, the film centered in on Lin’s faith in God as well as God’s plan for Lin that led him through the odds, the denial of opportunities to unimaginable success with his stellar performance in the NBA. The entire documentary will premiere in the Bluelight Cinema in Cupertino and the Sundance Kabuki Cinema in San Francisco on Oct. 4.
Former student shares message through motivational speaking Champ Pederson helps change perception of Down Syndrome through speaking for Best Buddies club By Jack Paladin Opinion Editor
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own Syndrome, which is caused by having a third copy of the twenty-first chromosome, affects one in every 830 people and over 200,000 people in the United States today. While some people diagnosed with this genetic disorder may wish to give up, Champ Pederson (‘06), who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, has been working hard and making the best out of his situation. At Paly, Pederson was part of the Best Buddies club, a national organization that pairs students with special needs with able-bodied participants. The pairs of buddies get to know each other through chapter meetings and events, as well as spending time together one-on-one. After Pederson’s time at Paly, he was asked to work for the San Francisco chapter of Best Buddies. There, Pederson speaks at club events. “I have [spoken] at the bike ride that Best Buddies had [and] the training that we do almost every year,” Pederson said. “We also go out in the community and speak for people who give us assignments.” Officially part of the ambassador program of the organization, Pederson is a representative for the San Francisco chapter, which entails public speaking as well as attending other Best Buddies events throughout the year. One of the main reasons Pederson was chosen as an ambassador for Best Buddies is his outgoing personality. He loves to speak and meet new people, which his job allows him to do.
“I am a good person; I like to socialize and I like to help people,” Pederson said. “I have a very good sense of what I am doing for others.” At first, writing and presenting speeches was hard for Pederson, but through practice he has been able to settle down and overcome his nervousness. “I get nervous at first, talking in front of everyone,” Pederson said. “After that I go with the flow. I kind of get nervous but it depends on my situation, my personality and my attitude, [which all] help me stay calm.” Pederson plans to continue working with the organization and giving speeches at more events in the future. Along with being an ambassador for Best Buddies, Pederson also wrote motivational speeches for his older brother’s baseball team at the University of the Pacific. Each of Pederson’s speeches is different and sends a specific message to the team; however, the main point of many of the speeches is for the team to stay positive. “[I have a] pretty strong relationship with [my] brother; it’s a positive thing,” Pederson said. “I’m trying to help him along and make sure he enjoys baseball. I write the speeches on my own. I like being an inspirational guy and I am a very positive person. I do not like being negative all the time.” Pederson was asked by his brother and the coach of the baseball team to come and help motivate the team’s players through positive speaking. Due to his disability, the other players are able to see someone working in-
Courtesy of steve jennings
From left, Champ Pederson and Leon Panetta, a former CIA director, attend a Best Buddies event. credibly hard and are then motivated to do the same. Both of Pederson’s brothers are now playing in Major League Baseball in the farm system for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He constantly looks up to them and always cheers them on with his positive energy. Today some of Pederson’s speeches for both Best Buddies and his brothers’ baseball team are on YouTube. He hopes that everyone will be able to see him and see the mes-
sages that he is spreading. Through Pederson’s experience at Paly and his work after graduating, his personality and mindset have grown and matured. “When I was at Paly I tried to become my own person and I tried to adapt to the high school setting,” Pederson said. “It was really hard for me at Paly, but the changes I made after I graduated college have helped shape me as a person.”
One of Pederson’s main goals is to raise awareness about Down Syndrome and the way that people view others who have special needs. “My message with my speeches is to change Down Syndrome and change my disability,” Pederson said. “I have a disability, I have Down Syndrome, and that’s with me all my life. I want people to know that I am not retarded. I want people to know me as who I am.”
The Campanile
Monday, September 23, 2013
MUSIC
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Student band “Palpitare” to play in Oakland
Courtesy of Mostyn Griffith
TOP: Mostyn Griffith, singer and guitarist for Palpitare, practices for his upcoming performance at Battle of the Bands. LEFT: Shyon Lewis, bass player, singer and keyboard playerfor Palpitare, performs.
Courtesy of Shyon Lewis
By Paul Mewes
A
Staff Writer
dream does not become reality through magic. It takes sweat, determination and hard work, according to former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Palpitare, a band run primarily by Paly students, has taken this philosophy to heart. Instead of sitting around, waiting for an agency to find them, they plan on doing all they can to get themselves discovered starting with participating in the Battle of the Bands on Oct. 13 at The Metro in Oakland. According to senior Shyon Lewis, a singer, bass player and keyboard player for Palpitare, the band has been practicing two or three times per week in order to prepare for the upcoming competition. The winner of the competition will receive
a headline show, studio time or cash prize. For a band hoping to make it big, the Battle of the Bands is one of the best ways to do so. Hosted by Gorilla Bands in 65 cities across the country, bands are selected from the contestants to perform at other venues. Winning the Battle of the Bands is a great way for bands to be seen by record companies. However, winning is not the main concern for Palpitare. “There are prizes, but really the main deal is we get to play a real venue,” Lewis said. Palpitare will be competing against five other bands, each of which were founded at least two years before Palpitare and have more experience as a result. The competition will be fierce, but Palpitare feels that they can win the competition. “I think we have a decent chance, even though we are coming up
against veteran bands with adults in them,” singer and guitarist Mostyn Griffith said. Palpitare began in 2012 when seniors Mostyn Griffith and Shyon Lewis, as well as Julien Morgan, a senior from Woodside Priory, met regularly to play Weezer covers for fun. Eventually they decided to add their friend, senior Jack Krasnow to the group as a second guitarist and form a band. Griffith reported that the band initially started because of the common interest he and his bandmates shared. “My friends and I were all musicians and we all liked similar music, so we decided it made sense [to form a band],” Griffith said. Griffith got into music when he was young. “It was really just a few simple bands like Weezer and Nirvana that started it,” Griffith said. “I guess I just really got interested in the actual instruments and people behind them.” Lewis’s motivations for starting the band were similar to those of Griffith’s. “I really love playing music and I want to make music with my best friends,” Lewis said. “I don’t really
remember why I got into it [music] but I know I’m in it now because it’s just an extension of who I am. I can’t imagine not playing an instrument. That’s crazy to me.”
I really love playing music and I want to make music with my best friends. I don’t really remember why I got into [music] but I know I’m in it now because it’s just an extension of who I am. I can’t imagine not playing an instrument. That’s crazy to me. Shyon Lewis Senior
Krasnow shows a similar passion for music. “It’s been around my whole life,” Krasnow said. “My parents took me to concerts when I was young and I’ve been playing instruments since kindergarten.” The reason Morgan and his friends decided to create the band was that they already knew each other and shared a similar passion for the same kinds of music.
“We all were friends beforehand and all played instruments so why not?” Morgan said. One of the main reasons the band wanted to compete in the Battle of the Bands was to get their music out to the public. “It will give us a chance to show off how much we practiced,” Griffith said. “It is also good progress for the band. I think we all hope to get a real album together before the year ends and just to play bigger shows.” The competition is a good platform to increase the band’s exposure. “It’s our first real venue,” Lewis said. “The really big thing for me is getting to play. I’m not so concerned with winning.” The reasons Griffith wanted to compete in the Battle of the Bands was to gain experience and publicity. “Just getting our music out there, as well as the experience of playing live in front of many people,” Griffith said. “Competition has always been a driving force for me to improve.” The band is now eagerly anticipating the competition to showcase their hard work and passion for music. “I’m really nervous, but really excited,” Krasnow said.
Performance opportunities at Open Mic Night Teen Arts Council event provides an outlet for students to showcase talents
Courtesy of Remi Wolf
Remi and Chloe sing together in a performance at the Riekes Center For Human Enhancement located in Menlo Park.
By Oliver Tucher
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Staff Writer
emember those talent shows back in elementary school? Although those do not exist for high school students, that does not mean there is no longer a way to perform in front of fellow peers. Thanks to the Teen Arts Council, there is still a way for Palo Alto students to express their talents.
On Friday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m., Palo Alto students will be able to participate in an Open Mic event at the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre. “I love going and performing because it’s fun to show people what I can do, as well as get feedback” senior Eli Weitzman said. “It’s a great chance to perform with new people.” Weitzman is one of many Open Mic veterans, and plans on performing again.
“This year I’m planning on playing some songs I’ve written with my friends,” Weitzman said. “Everyone should get ready for some dope jazz fusion.” Students without a performing background, like Weitzman, can still enjoy Open Mic Night. Some students are too busy to be involved in school plays or the band and therefore Open Mic Night is a suitable alternative that does not require an
extensive amount of time and still gives students the satisfaction of performing. Senior Remi Wolf, a singer who performs with her band Remi and Chloe, enjoys Open Mic for its friendly environment. “It’s a really fun and relaxed way to perform in front of people and to hear other people’s talents,” Wolf said. “The whole scene is really friendly and welcoming.” However, there is more to Open Mic than just singers. There have been a wide variety of performances throughout the Open Mics. “We’ve had everything from whole bands performing to stand-up comedy acts and some crazy awesome juggling,” Baker said. “We’re hoping to get even more variation this year too.” Students worried about singing out of tune, can try their hands at comedy. All kinds of performances are welcome. Open Mic exist because students love to share their talents. Teen Arts was created to allow students who otherwise would not to showcase their talents. The environment is laid back, the performances are vary in type and skill and fellow performers are incredibly supportive. “What inspired me to create this event specifically was that it allowed teens to perform something they never had before in a supportive and enthusiastic environment,” founder
and recent Paly graduate Leah Bleich said. “There have been a total of 10 of these Open Mics so far.” Open Mic is also a great place to meet fellow performers. “Open Mic is a great way to meet new people and see awesome performances,” sophomore Sophie Swezey said. “I’m looking forward to everything. I’m really excited for all the new actors that have never performed at an Open Mic before.”
What inspired me to create this event specifically was that it allowed teens to perform something they never had before in a supportive and enthusiastic environment. There have been a total of 10 of these Open Mics so far. Leah Bleich
Paly Class of 2013
If you can’t make the Open Mic on Oct. 4, there will be five others this year, on Dec. 20, Jan. 17, Feb. 14 and April 25. There will be free food and drinks. Those interested in performing should Facebook message either Swezey or sophomore Clara Baker with details about the performance. More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page: “OPEN MIC I (2013-2014).”
Monday, September 23, 2013
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The Campanile
SPOTLIGHT
THE START OF A NEW ERA AT PALY DESIGN BY EMILY SEMBA, SPOTLIGHT EDITOR AND RACHEL CUI, EDITOR-IN-CHEIF
Monday, September 23, 2013
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SPOTLIGHT
principal kim diorio:
WRITTEN BY MAYA KITAYAMA, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The Campanile
step-by-step: becoming principal
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GO THROUGH 2 SETS OF INTERVIEWS
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n order for Diorio to officially become principal of Palo Alto High School, she underwent through an extensive recommendation and
P
life before paly
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rior to reaching her ultimate career goal, Diorio worked for many year within PAUSD as a school psychologist. However, her passion for education went through an interesting developmental process, which can be traced back to her earlier years. Diorio grew up in Fairfield County, Conn., where she attended New Fairfield High School. As a high school student, she was very much involved in her school community. She captained the field hockey team and softball team. She also held the position as president of student council, and occasionally participated in theater performances. Diorio attended Villanova University near Philadelphia, and graduated with a degree in psychology with a sociology minor. However, as she neared her graduation, she became more
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alo Alto High School Principal Kim Diorio had been hoping to make the next step in her career for a long time by seeking an opportunity to one day lead a school as a principal. “I’ve wanted to be a high school principal for several years, and I have been looking at other openings outside of the district,” Diorio said. “I [was] hungry to take that next step in my career, but this is a hard place to leave.” As she considered leaving Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) in order to reach her professional goals, the news of Winston’s resignation took her by surprise. “When Mr. [Phil] Winston announced that he was stepping down, I saw it as an opportunity to put my hat in the ring and see how it would go,” Diorio said.
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COMPLETE A WRITING PIECE TO BE JUDGED
application process carried out by the Palo Alto Unified School district. After Winston abdicated, she immediately applied for the position. She then
completed two sets of interviews and a judged writing element. After being named a finalist for the position, superintendent Kevin
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BECOME A FINALIST FOR THE POSITION
RECEIVE A CALL FROM SUPERINTENDENT KEVIN SKELLY CONGRATULATING YOU ON THE WIN
Skelly called Diorio the following day, informing her that she received the job. “There was certainly a lot of people involved in
diorio’s journey: from high schooler to high school principal
the selection, so I would assume I earned their trust and faith in getting the job done and being the best person for the position,” Diorio said.
diorio’s philosophy
H RECEIVED PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE FROM VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY
CAPTAIN OF HIGH SCHOOL FIELD HOCKEY AND SOFTBALL TEAM
BORN IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT
JLS WORKED AND RECEIVED MASTER’S DEGREE AT UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
MOVED BACK TO CALIFORNIA FOR HER HUSBAND’S JOB AT GOOGLE
WORKED AS COUNSELOR AT JLS
paly SELECTED AS PRINCIPAL AT PALY
and more inclined to the idea of education, hoping to combine it with her new degree. “As I was a senior in college, I was feeling this pull towards education as either a school counselor or school psychologist,” Diorio said. “I decided to get my masters in school counseling and go down that route.” She decided to work at the University of Pennsylvania during the day and completed her coursework to receive her masters degree at night. Upon completion, Diorio travelled to Connecticut, where she worked for seven years. In 2005, Diorio moved back out to California, after her fianceé and now husband acquired a job at Google. After a somewhat sudden move to the west coast, Diorio found herself applying at a number of schools, hoping to find an opening. “I had a number of phone interviews, and one of the phone inter-
BECAME ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AT PALY AFTER SUGGESTION OF PHIL WINSTON
views was for a counseling position at JLS [Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School],” Diorio said. The position was parttime, and Diorio had to explain to her husband and peers why she had decided on the job over other offers of full-time employment. “It was a part-time position, and I had gotten a couple other full time offers in other school districts, but Palo Alto Unified School District was kind of the best school district,” Diorio said. She spent a year as a counselor at JLS, enjoying the overall environment. However, she continued to seek a fulltime job within PAUSD, and when an opening at Henry M. Gunn High School appeared, she decided to apply and spent a year working there. Diorio coincidentally came to Paly via Winston, who suggested she apply for a job opening at Paly. “It was actually Mr. Winston who encouraged me to apply for the
ADMINISTRATOR FOR ONE YEAR AT GUNN HIGH SCHOOL
assistant principal position here, because it was the assistant principal of guidance that was open,” Diorio said. “I applied, and low and behold I got the job...I’ve been here since July of 2007.”
goals for the school
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or the upcoming years, Diorio has several larger projects currently underway. These include both the development of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) for the next six years, and preparation for implementing the Common Core State Standards Institute, which takes effect in the 2014-2015 school year. Considering the major goals to be implemented at Paly this upcoming year, Diorio recognizes that as principal, it is necessary for her to
spread out the work and depend on her larger support system to effectively achieve her goals. “There are a lot of little things that come at you when you’re principal, and you really have to remember to stay focused on the big picture and then delegate to other people around you on smaller items,” Diorio said. “You have to think a little more globally and how you can impact the entire organization.” Aside from these educational goals, Diorio also wants to focus on improving Paly’s school environment, by placing an emphasis on student voice and their connections to all aspects of Paly. “A long term goal I have is improving the school climate on our campus, so there’s a greater focus and emphasis on creating a caring community of learners, where students feel connected to our school, to each other, to teachers, and to the adults on our campus,” Diorio said.
er philosophy is what she calls the “three C’s,” something she hopes to continue striving for. “I’ve talked a lot about the ‘three C’s’: people feel connected, they feel capable and they feel like they count,” Diorio said, explaining her new philosophy. Diorio also wants to take this philosophy and apply it to not just the student population, but other staff and community members as well. She believes that involving a larger group of people will create bigger payoff when it comes to attempting to improve or create change within the school. “There’s an expression: silence doesn’t always mean agreement,” Diorio said. “One of my concerns right now on campus is how many people are silent, and how can I give them a voice, and how can I help them feel comfortable...coming forward if they do not agree with something or if they have an opinion or an idea or if they are upset about something or are concerned about a friend or a coworker.”
a message from diorio
“I
would encourage students to come talk to me if they’re concerned or if they have a question; I have an open door. I’m going to need a lot of help and some forgiveness, but I just want Paly students to know I really care about them and I just want them to have an amazing experience at this high school. I need to know that they are feeling like we’re doing a good job preparing them for their futures, because that is what we’re trying to accomplish.”
Monday, September 23, 2013
The Campanile
B6 STUDENT LIFE Student passions inspire new clubs By Irene Ezran
Lifestyle Design Editor
Media Arts Center Interior Design Club
Many students at Palo Alto High School are impatiently waiting for the opening of the Media Arts Center, which was originally scheduled to open at the beginning of this year, but is now planned to be completed in Jan. 2014. Juniors Claire Priestley and Eliza Ackroyd were encouraged by journalism teacher Paul Kandell to create a club to design the interior of the new building. Throughout the year, the Media Arts Center Interior Design Club will meet to fundraise and plan how art will be displayed in the building. Priestley and Ackroyd are looking for different forms of art, including photos, paintings, sculptures and glass art. “We really want people to express themselves,” Priestly said. “I think that’s what the building is for.” In order to decide which art to put in the building, the Media Arts Center Interior Design Club will organize a contest where students will submit various pieces of art. Priestly will ask a member of the community to judge the art and prizes will be awarded to the winners. This is a friendly contest that will encourage students to get involved in the design of the building in order to create an environment in which students will feel comfortable expressing themselves.
Poetry Slam Club
Although students may have studied poetry in class, not many have had a chance to explore many types of poetry and recite it in front of their peers. Freshman Yasmine Kamgar, who is passionate about poetry, decided to create the Poetry Slam Club in order for students to have the opportunity to perform and be critiqued by their peers. In addition, students in the Poetry Slam Club will also present the work of famous poets. “I love poetry and I think that it’s a great way of expressing yourself through an artistic outlet,” Kamgar said. Kamgar hopes that through her club, inexperienced as well as advanced poets will find a warm and encouraging environment to share their talents.
ADam Mansour/the campanile
An overwhelming amount of students came out on club day, in search of new opportunities and extracurricular activities. Acts of Random Kindness Club
The Acts of Random Kindness (ARK) Club originated from an idea that the Christian Club had last year to devote a week to treating others with kindness. Senior Bryant Vergara, president of the ARK club, was inspired by this idea and decided to create a club focused on performing kind deeds for other students. “At Paly, we have kids who struggle with depression, inadequacy and just simple stress because of the competitive environment,” Vergara said. “ARK wants to help lift up these people, remind them they’re important and wonderful human beings that deserve to smile.” By organizing activities, Vergara and other club members will help students balance the competitive and stressful aspects of school with enjoyment in order to make Paly a “more loving place,” according to Vergara.
TEDx Club
Junior Andrew Lu, president of the TEDx club, decided to create a club to organize TEDx talks at Paly
that will take place on Feb. 24, 2014. Throughout the day, there will be several speakers during class periods, as well as at lunch and after school. Planning TEDx talks is an overwhelming amount of work, so Lu and his peers began working last year and over the summer. The club will meet regularly during the year to find speakers, plan the event and publicize the TEDx talks. According to Lu, he is looking for Paly students and graduates, Stanford students and faculty as well as many more speakers who will talk about the future of their specialty. “We are aiming for some pretty famous people as well some people who should be brought out into the spotlight,” Lu said. Although he has not found speakers yet, Lu is confident that the event will be a success. “We’re pretty hopeful that we’re going to get some good speakers this year,” Lu said. One of Lu’s goals is that the TEDx talks will inspire students to look into new career paths and op-
portunities. Furthermore, if the event is successful, Lu hopes it will become a Paly tradition.
Yoga and Buddhism Club
Much like the Acts of Random Kindness Club, the purpose of the Yoga and Buddhism Club is to make Paly a more relaxed and stress-free environment. The club will meet twice a month: the first meeting will be a discussion that will address issues that students face at Paly and teach people how they can apply Buddhist principles to their everyday lives, and the second meeting will hold yoga classes in the dance studio. Junior Emma Chiu, president of the Yoga and Buddhism Club, initiated the club because she saw an unhealthy amount of stress in the Paly environment and wanted to take action to help students directly. “Paly has a great deal of academic pressure and social expectations, and I feel that many of us can relate to a lot of the things people are going through,” Chiu said. “Coming together once a month can help us ad-
dress these issues and learn how to succeed in our environment while maintaining our health and wellness.” Chiu hopes that by leading discussions and organizing a yoga class, she will improve “the general wellness and happiness of students.”
Gender Equality Club
Seniors Lande Watson and Kelly Patterson created the Gender Equality Club in order to discuss issues regarding sexual inequality in the Palo Alto community. The club will meet every week to raise awareness about gender discrimination. “Inequality, especially based on sex, is an issue that affects all of us, and it’s important that we start talking about what we can do to end it,” Watson said. Watson’s primary goal is to expand the club and reach out to students to inform them on what they can do to help make Paly a more equal environment. Watson believes that everyone should take part in the club because gender inequality is an important issue in our community.
A Tale of Two Schools: a comparison between Paly and Gunn By Arjun Parikh
P
Senior Staff Writer
alo Alto High School and Henry M. Gunn High School are located just four miles apart from each other, offer mostly the same classes and are part of the same school district. As of 2012, the two schools have similarly strong SAT averages with Paly averaging 1951 and Gunn averaging 1943. Both schools send nearly 100 percent of their students to college. Logically, the schools should have similar atmospheres and the students should have similar workloads and attitudes. However, the schools differ substantially in both workload and student culture. “The workload is pretty heavy here at Gunn, but by senior year you should know how to handle it,” Gunn senior David Alcazar said. “I have on average around three hours of homework per night,” Gunn senior Quincy Delp said. “On a bad night it can reach six hours.” The heavier workload students experience at Gunn can be attributed to having class more times per week than Paly students do — Gunn students have each class four times per week for an hour at a time, while Paly has a block schedule, in which each class meets three times weekly. At Paly, the block schedule makes it rare for students to have large assignments due the next day. “I have around two hours of homework a night,” Paly senior Olivia Peeps said. “I usually spend anywhere from two to four hours on homework, and on rare occasions even up to six. My homework load varies from night to night.” In addition to the homework load, the overall environment at the two schools have distinct differences.
Gunn is known to have an extremely competitive atmosphere, while Paly seems to have a lighter feel to the campus. “It bothers me how my classmates constantly nag by asking about my score on every assignment or test,” Delp said. Although both high schools are competitive, Gunn is known to be a little more cutthroat than Paly. “I dislike how focused everyone is on getting into their dream school and keeping tally of everyone’s grades and SAT scores,” Alcazar said. “Everyone here is going through high school as a college applicant, which is not what high school should be about.” Some students, however, find this competition to be a very motivating force. “The competitiveness can be degrading and demoralizing at times,” Delp said. “That being said, it is helpful to be with peers who are dedicated to school.”
Everyone here is going through high school as a college applicant, which is not what high school should be about. David Alcazar Gunn Senior
At the same time, it is only natural for an academically strong high school such as Paly to have some competition as well. “Like any other high school, Paly has some competitive aspects,” Paly senior Karina Goot said. “But I do feel like the students are all [supportive of ] each other.” Despite all of the academic differences between Gunn and Paly, the schools are quite similar socially.
Although both schools definitely have some tight cliques, nothing is set in stone and friend groups are subject to change. “There is no one group that reigns over all the others,” Alcazar said. “It is easy to find a good group of friends due to our diversity.” Paly has clear groups, but, like Gunn, most students are open to meeting new people. “I mean, there are definite friend groups that people tend to stick with, but they aren’t rigid,” Paly senior Hailey Hiss said. “People can kind of meander from group to group and not feel excluded.” Furthermore, Spirit Week at both high schools makes for one of the most exciting weeks of the year. Nearly all students dress up and compete to win supremacy over the other classes. Each of the four classes compete to try and defeat the other in an attempt to be crowned Spirit Week champions. “Spirit Week is incredible,” Hiss said. “I look forward to it from the first week of school.” Despite having equally strong school spirit, Paly seriously lags behind Gunn in school dances. Gunn dances routinely sell-out while it is not uncommon to find less than 100 students at a Paly dance. Another area in which Gunn excels is developing strong teacher-student relationships. Teachers at Gunn make sure students understand that the teachers really care about how well each person does. “I like that we have teachers who genuinely care about what they teach and who like their jobs,” Gunn senior Jennifer Ekholm said. “It makes a huge difference when you have teachers who care about their subjects and their students.”
On the other hand, it seems that Paly faculty could do a better job of attempting to forge stronger relationships with more of their students. “I have fantastic relationships with [only] a couple of my teachers,” Peeps said. “It doesn’t help that so many students suck up to teachers.”
It is clear that Paly and Gunn both have their positive and negatives aspects. However, students can have a positive high school experience socially and academically with hard work and determination no matter which of the two high schools they attend.
The Campanile
STUDENT LIFE
Monday, September 23, 2013
B7
New teachers optimistic for future at Paly
Ahmed Awadallah/The Campanile
From left: Sharla Orr, Cynthia Chen, Robert Rojas and Michael Stern are excited about new careers at Paly, ready to learn and teach and immerse themselves in Paly culture.
By Grace Kim Staff Writer
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his year, Palo Alto High School welcomed several new teachers, including math teachers Sharla Orr and Cynthia Chen, English teacher Robert Rojas and science teacher Michael Stern. Orr previously taught math for seven years at Antioch High School and then eight years of high school math in Texas. Orr is excited to be apart of the Paly community and its calm, open, respectful lifestyle. “Everyone’s been welcoming since I first arrived here,” Orr said. “This school is really laid back. The school I came from in Texas just seemed very oppressive in comparison. [Paly has] a really relaxing and nice atmosphere and it a very nice place to work. The students here are so wonderful and so polite.” Orr added, “It’s refreshing being able to hear students say ‘thank
you’ at the end of class. I’ve never have that happen before.” Orr aims to aid her students though her teaching, as many of her teachers did for her. “I think I just had so many people help me along the way in school and college,” Orr said. “I had so much of a support system. I just wanted to give back in a way.” Overall, Orr is excited to be at Paly and intends to stay. “I could see myself retiring here,” Orr said. “The environment makes a big difference, I don’t think people realize how much of a difference it makes, and I’ve been to two other places and now in comparison this is where I want to stay.” Chen graduated from Gunn High School, and since then, she has taught two years of math at Leland High School in San Jose as well as English in Japan. Chen is also happy to be joining the faculty of Paly. She is especially
excited to work with and be apart of Paly’s accepting, opportunistic lifestyle. “I think it’s really cool that there are so many opportunities for students to get involved; that everyone has a spot, or something that they can do and contribute,” Chen said. Chen also looks forward to learning more about the many social aspects to Paly life. “Because I’m new to the school, I want to get to know more students, get to know the activities that are here on campus,” Chen said. “I want to go to some sports events, I want to go to the plays and the concerts as well. I just want to get exposed to everything, get to know what’s out there.” This is Stern’s second year of teaching. Last year he taught at Woodside High School, where he taught physics and earth science. In contrast to the other schools he has taught at he is most dazzled by
Paly’s financial abilities and by Paly’s student body. “I’ve been really impressed with the level of care in the facilities. I’ve also been really impressed with the assumed level of the students, they always seem willing to put in the extra effort to succeed in the class, which is unusual and impressive,” Stern said. Similar to many other teachers, Stern became a teacher in order to help students become more engaged with the learning process. “I’ve always been interested in teaching, in some degree or another,” Stern said. “It’s really fun to get to know students and get to know what they’re interested in and to help them learn more about that. To get them excited about the learning process.” Rojas taught English at his previous school, in addition to being a department chair and teaching AP English Language, journalism and AVID. “I was initially intimidated by
what people told me about [Paly’s students’] academic level or where they perform at, that this is a high achieving school,” Rojas said. “I’m very grateful and thankful to be here.” Like many new students, the new teachers at Paly are always learning new aspects of the school. “Everyday something surprises me, in a good way,” said Rojas. “Everyday I learn something new and different about the school, about the kids, the teachers, the administrators. Just overall being here as a new teacher there is always something new to learn.” Overall, Rojas and the other new teachers at Paly simply look forwards to completing their first year at Paly. “What I’m looking forward to most is surviving my first year here, so that in May or June, I can actually say I’ve spent a year at this school,” Rojas said. “I mean I think that’s an accomplishment for me and all the new teachers here.”
Two seniors reflect on year studying abroad By Hannah Nguyen
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Staff Writer
earning a foreign language can be an arduous but rewarding process. Senior Isabelle Amon, who has studied French since seventh grade, decided to spend a year at the school Lycée Montgrand school in Marseilles, France to immerse herself in the language and culture. According to Amon, her choice to study abroad wasn’t the result of any particular event or sudden decision. “I think it just [came] from me being really, really curious about the world,” Amon said. When recalling her initial reaction upon arriving in France, Amon describes a shift in feelings. “[At first I was] on such a big high,” Amon said. “Then after two weeks [I thought], ‘What did I do. I don’t have friends and I don’t know this language.’ But then after a while [I got] into the swing of things.” Amon was one of many participants in an international exchange program by the American Field Service (AFS) Intercultural Programs. During her stay, Amon lived with a host family, assigned to her by AFS. “I had my older host brother who was 19 and had already finished school, and then my little brother who was eight,” Amon said. “He was my favorite person in the whole world.” Furthermore, Amon’s expectations completely differed than reality. “[I had] this impression that everything was going to be really different, but everything [I expected] to be different [was] the same and everything [I expected] to be the same [was] different,” Amon said. According to Amon, French schools, are significantly less interactive and kinesthetically centered than Paly. “Schools there are really oldfashioned,” Amon said. “When you go into class, the ideal is that you sit there and you take notes and you don’t really do anything.” However, keeping up with the language was easy to do in a school setting. “The teachers use the kind of language you learn in school, because they use proper grammar and big words that translate easily between French and English,” Amon said. “It’s outside of class where it’s harder to understand.” Enhancing a language that one already knows is not the only reason that Paly students study internationally. Senior Krista Flagg studied at a school called Max-Planck Gymnasium in Delmenhorst, Germany for
a year without knowing any German, having been inspired from living in Spain in seventh grade. Last spring, Flagg’s family hosted Austrian exchange student. After learning about her Austrian exchange student’s experiences abroad, Flagg decided to participate in an exchange program. “I thought if [my Austrian student] could do it in high school then maybe I could as well,” Flagg said. Flagg’s international studies were also a part of AFS, and she too was assigned to a random host family. “I had two host brothers, which was different because I had never had brothers before,” Flagg said. “One of my brothers was in the grade below me, so we went to the same school.” Like Amon, Flagg recalls the difficulty in adjusting to a new culture that slowly disappeared over time.
Being in a situation where you feel totally out of your element just teaches you so much about yourself and it makes you more confident. Isabelle Amon “It was hard to get used to a new family,” Flagg said. “Everyone would be in their room doing their own thing with the door closed, so I got concerned about being rude and I [thought], ‘Oh no, do they not like me?’ [I learned later that] that’s just how Germans are. By the end I was used to it.” In preparation for her trip, Flagg studied German for a week, in attempt to keep up with the fast-paced language, which was difficult to learn at first, according to Flagg. Flagg also noticed the absence of school-oriented routines in Germany “[In Palo Alto] everything is focused on school — sports are school, outside activities are school,” Flagg said. “[In Germany] everything is separate. You go to school and then you hang out with friends more and they don’t really have as much stress as we do. ” Flagg was also introduced to other culture from international exchange students from places like Latin America, South Africa and Malaysia. These experience inspired both Flagg and Amon to see value in exploring and learning about foreign countries and culture “Being in a situation where you feel totally out of your element just teaches you so much about yourself and it makes you more confident,” Amon said.
Courtesy of Henry Tucher
Henry Tucher’s view from his balcony in Medellín, Colombia (left) and his view while paragliding in Colombia (right)
Recent grads opt for gap year Students take a year of to do community service, gain work experience By Lauren Giurata Senior Staff Writer
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he fall after high school graduation a majority of students find themselves stepping onto a college campus, surrounded by thousands of other kids in the exact same situation as them. However, there has been an increase in the number of students who have chosen to take gap years, choosing to enter places such as offices or foreign countries rather than dorm rooms and lecture halls. “Although I felt [Palo Alto High School] had prepared me for college, I wanted to travel, have incredible experiences and discover a little more about myself before I started another four years of school,” Paly graduate Jake Stern (‘11) said. “I thought after high school it would be the only completely ‘free’ time to do it, and so it was a natural choice for me.” Taking a gap year after graduating from high school and before entering college allows students to gain new, exciting experiences that they would not be able to find on a college campus. It also allows them more time to think about what they might want to study in college, or whether or not they even want to attend college at all. Keeping that in mind, the choice of where a student decides to spend a gap year is difficult and depends on what the student hopes to gain from the year. Students have an abundance of place and to choose from. “I chose Colombia because I had an internship offer [there], and I wanted to perfect my Spanish accent, learn to dance salsa and get to know a country,” Paly graduate Henry Tucher (‘13) said. Some students choose to do their gap year independently, without participating in a program. “I didn’t want my hand held,” Tucher said. “I was ready to step out
into the working world and try to figure it out.” Tucher took matters into his own hands by contacting a friend of his and applying for a job in Medellín, Colombia. Over the next six to nine months, he will work at Polymath Ventures, a company that builds companies aimed to serve the middle class’s needs in up-and-coming markets. “Unlike Silicon Valley startups, these startups are human-centered and focus on fixing real problems like providing safer transportation or a lending service for the lower classes,” Tucher said. Although students who choose to do a gap year do not have homework and papers to worry about, they still are required to work hard and show dedication. “Taking a gap year, for me at least, is by no means a cakewalk,” Tucher said. “I work 50 hours a week, and I’m eight years younger than my youngest coworker.” Many other students choose to participate in an organized program, either alone or with other students, for part or all of their gap year. Attending a program gives students the opportunity to have more guidance and support rather than embarking on a journey completely alone. There are many different types of programs, all focusing on different things, such as traveling or doing community service. Recent Paly graduate Isabel Benatar (‘13) left on Sept. 16 to spend two months in Southeast Asia with a program called Pacific Discovery. Her program consists of roughly 14 other students, all aged 18-24. Over the course of the two months, they will be traveling and doing community service. “I decided that I wanted to start out with a structured program like Pacific Discovery because I knew I wanted to spend a significant amount
of my year traveling,” Benatar said. “So this would give me some experience traveling independently while I also get to meet people my age and have some support.” After that, Benatar will teach in a rural village in the Dominican Republic with a program called Outreach 360. “I was in the Spanish immersion program at [Escondido Elementary School], so I wanted to use my Spanish at some point during the [gap] year,” Benatar said. “I’ll also get the experience of living in another country, instead of just visiting.” However, with the exciting and stimulating experiences will also come difficulties and obstacles, just as there would be for any new college student. Aside from simple difficulties, such as being home while her other friends are away at college, at some points throughout the upcoming year, Benatar also expects some deeper challenges. “I think it will be hard to start college after a year off of school, because most people I meet won’t have had the same experiences that I’ve just had, so we might be on kind of different pages,” Benatar said. All in all, the positive aspects of gap years have far outweighed the difficulties that Paly graduates have experienced. “My close friends, the school I transferred to, my classes, my passions, my career interests, all of these things I can trace back to my gap year,” Stern said. Every student learns much about themselves over the course of their gap year. Although the specific lessons may vary depending upon their specific experiences, they all greatly affect the students. Almost all leave inspired as they move forward in their lives. As Stern says, “happiness isn’t found in a place, it’s made under your own two feet.”
Monday, September 23, 2013
B8
LIFESTYLE The New iPhones
By Jonathan Ziegler
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Online Editor
t has finally arrived. After much anticipation, Apple unveiled its new iPhone line with the innovative 5C and 5S. The iPhone 5C is a lower-cost iPhone that is made from plastic and comes in a variety of colors such as blue, green, yellow, pink and white. The phone comes in a 16 gigabyte ($99) version and a 32 gigabyte version ($199). Although the prices reflect the cost of the phone with a contract from either AT&T, Sprint or Verizon, consumers may also elect to buy the phone without a contract for $549 for the 16 gigabyte version or $649 for the 32 gigabyte version. The new iPhone 5C itself includes an A6 chip, the same as the iPhone
5, an eight megapixel camera and Apple’s unique retina display. On the other hand, Apple utilized state-of-the-art technology in the iPhone 5S. The most notable feature of the phone is that the home button now acts as a personal fingerprint scanner, what Apple calls “Touch ID.” Users no longer need to type in passcodes to unlock their phone; rather, just pressing the home button will allow users to open their phones. The iPhone 5S also has new hardware that is sure to increase technical users workflow. The new A7 and M7 chips are marketed that they can deliver “up to 2x faster CPU and graphics performance.” Furthermore, the iPhone 5S features a “True Tone” flash that gives users the ability to take better photos at low-light conditions. The price of the iPhone 5S reflects that of the new-defunct iPhone 5:
$199 for the 16 gigabyte, $299 for the 32 gigabyte version and $399 for the 64 gigabyte. Apple has also scratched the black option of the phone and now has Space Grey, Champagne and Silver iPhones. Both the iPhone 5C and 5S will come with Apple’s latest version of their new iOS 7. New software managing the phone is minimalistic and layered. Users may be surprised to find themselves wondering how to navigate their phones the first time they download iOS 7 . Nevertheless, after a few days, user productivity will definitely increase. Some key features of iOS 7 include Control Center: a place where users can easily toggle aspects of the phone such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, brightness and music. Furthermore, the new notification center has been formed to act smarter, giving
users an estimated time of arrivals to their homes and the weather at your current location. Finally, the all-new redesign of icons and lock screens gives the phone a futuristic look. There is no doubt that Apple has done it again. It keeps on releasing interesting products that are changing the way we look at things in the world. The new iOS 7 operating system is sure to stun everyone who has or will have an iPhone. Also, the new Touch ID allows users feel safer about their phone. Lastly, the camera option will allow users to become better filmmakers and share moments with the people around them better and clearer. Both phones were released on Friday, Sept. 20, 2013, and are now available at local Apple retailers and third party electronic stores.
Photos by
Andrew Sternfield Bella Graves Riya Varma
The Campanile
1
in
2000
Jensen Hsiao/The Campanile
This edition featuring
Izzy Kelley
with The Campanile’s own Hillel Zand and Ziv Schwartz
The Campanile: Do you want to introduce yourself first? Izzy Kelley: I’m Izzy, I’m a freshman. TC: Tell us about your presidency and what made you decide to run. IK: I thought about it last year and I just thought it’d be a cool new thing to do and over the summer I was put in a leadership position with my water polo team and I really liked it so then I did even more. TC: Who’s the coolest person on ASB so far? IK: I have to pick? TC: Yeah, top two. IK: I don’t know. Well [senior] Audrey [DeBruine] and [sophomore] Owen [Dulik] are really nice to me. TC: Shout out to Audrey and Owen! IK: They also know my brother [senior Sam Kelley]. TC: That’s true. So what’s the best thing about Paly so far? IK: Um, I really like my friends. TC: Tell us about your freakish water polo abilities. IK: I’ve worked really hard at water polo, and being able to go up to varsity as a freshman is really cool. TC: Did your brother playing water polo have an influence on you? IK: Well actually I started playing before him. TC: Oh so you’re the trendsetter? IK: Yeah. TC: Who’s better: you or him? IK: He happens to be a senior so, there’s that. But I could do better than him when I’m a senior. I’m better than he was when he was a freshman. TC: What’s it like being Sam’s little sister? IK: It’s really cool because some of his friends know me so I have some senior friends. TC: Is Sam as crazy as he his at school as he is at home? IK: I guess not. I didn’t know he had the nickname “Crazy Sam” until like a month ago. TC: Have you heard of any other wild stories about him? IK: I don’t know if I want to. TC: Ok, we’re going to play a game of “would you rather”. Would you rather fart popcorn or have your past and future web browsing history available to everyone? IK: Web browsing I guess...? TC: Would you rather have accordions for legs or have a huge belly button 10 inches long that swayed to the beat of music? IK: Ummm, accordions for legs. TC: I think a belly button would be better but... Alright, so last one: Would you rather live in a world with huge gummy bears walking around or live in a world where hover boards exist? IK: Hover boards. TC: What’s the worst thing about Paly? IK: The tests. TC: Do you have any favorite teachers? IK: Mr. Farrell is really cool. I like him. And I also have Ms. Orr; she’s also really cool. TC: What are some of your goals for high school? IK: I had plans coming into school, which have already come true. TC: Water polo and class president? IK: Yeah. TC: Can you go any higher? IK: Yeah.
Monday, September 23, 2013
The Campanile
SPORTS
Fantasy Football
Athletes in Danger
Learn about what
There is a rising number
makes fantasy
of football related injuries
football so popular,
among youth athletes. It’s
and gain insight on
only a matter of time before
top picks for each
a serious one occurs at Paly.
position.
See C4-C5
See C8
Courtesy of Anna Mcgarrigle
Last summer, senior Viking quarterback Keller Chryst committed to join Stanford University’s class of 2018 to play football as a Cardinal starting next fall.
Division I sports teams welcome Paly athletes By Lily Zhang
I
Senior Staff Writer
t is that dreaded time of the year again. The stress can be intense for seniors applying to college, taking the SATs or ACTs, and on top of that, maintaining good grades for the semester. But for a select group of seniors, stressing about which school to go to is not on their list of worries. Senior soccer player Josh Totte, football quarterback Keller Chryst and volleyball player Keri Gee have all already committed to various Division I schools. The process of recruitment began fairly early for Totte, during the summer between his sophomore and junior year. “[Yale University] saw me play in an Academy showcase which started their interest in me,” Totte said. “From there, they flew out and watched one of my games in California, and that really furthered their interest. I went on an unofficial visit during the second half of junior year, and a few weeks after that visit, I committed to Yale.” Totte also says finding out about the recruitment from Yale was not much of a surprise. “Because I had been communicating with the school for a long time, the commitment wasn’t a shock,” Totte said. “Rather it was a really exciting moment.” While Totte appreciates the relief of already being locked in a solid commitment so
early on in the year, he continues to recognize the importance of academics. “It definitely relieves the stress of applying to multiple colleges, as I only have one application to fill out,” Totte said. “As for school itself, I wouldn’t say it relieves stress there. Yale is great academically–I have to perform well in classes to make sure my acceptance will not be revoked.”
It makes me proud that I will be involved in the athletic life at Yale. I am excited and honored to be a part of such a historic school and a great athletic program. Josh Totte Senior
Similarly, Chryst’s early recruitment to Stanford allows him a little leeway to focus more on football and worry a little less about college applications. “[Being committed] relieves some stress of senior apps, but I am still in rigorous courses that continue to challenge me,” Chryst said. Chryst believes the recruitment process is long and definitely not easy, but well worth the final result. “It is Stanford University; many kids dream about going to such an academic institution and adding on a great football
Senior libero Keri Gee has committed to play collegiate volleyball at the University of the Pacific next fall.
team was hard to pass up,” Chryst said. “[The recruiting process] was pretty hectic. Coaches would always try to get you to call them or visit them. I wasn’t a big fan of the whole process.” For Gee, a crucial member of Paly’s volleyball team, her interest in the University of the Pacific (UoP) sparked partly because of her mother’s attendance there as a student. “My mom went to UoP and I made a visit when I was a sophomore, and ever since then it has been one of my top choices as a school,” Gee said. In contrast to Totte, Chryst and Gee were not as certain about recruitment offers from their final universities of choice. “I wasn’t really expecting to get an offer,” Gee said. “I didn’t even know if I could play D1 or not.” Chryst agrees. “I definitely did not expect being offered by Stanford or any D1 school for that matter.” In fact, the offer from UoP was a surprise for Gee. “I was talking to a lot of other schools who were expressing more interest in me,” Gee said. “But when we came back from the Junior Olympics, UoP sent me an email saying they were very interested.” Gee concurs with both Totte and Chryst on the level of stress being lowered after her commitment. “[Getting recruited] makes first semester a lot more relaxed,” Gee said. “I have time to
Courtesy of Keri Gee
focus other things such as homework, volleyball and spirit week.” Though the process for each athlete is different, all three look forward to attending their schools in the fall of next year. “It makes me proud that I will be involved in the athletic life at Yale,” Totte said. “I am excited and honored to be a part of such a historic school and a great athletic program.” What makes his commitment even more exciting is the fact that Totte believes there are an endless number of opportunities waiting at Yale. “In addition to everything a kid is stoked for when going to college, I am especially looking forward to winning games on the pitch and learning as much as possible from such a great university,” Totte said. Gee’s enthusiasm for her school is apparent as well. She looks forward to playing alongside familiar faces–a former teammate and a friend from her club team. “I already know [Paly alum] Kimmy Whitson who also plays volleyball there and I am also going with one of my best friends from my club team, so it will be so fun to go with her,” Gee said. “Also [UoP’s] campus is a hidden beauty in my opinion.” Likewise, Chryst’s outlook on his future at Stanford is of optimism and excitement. “It’s awesome knowing that I can one day in the near future make an impact on a nationally top rated football team,” Chryst said.
Senior Josh Totte committed to play soccer at Yale University.
courtesy of Josh Totte
Monday, September 23, 2013
C2
The Campanile
SPORTS
Vikings win football season opener
Decisive victory over San Benito Haybailers inspires hope for successful season By Julia Kwasnick Sports Editor
By Conner Harden
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Staff Writer
he Palo Alto High School boys’ football team won their first game of the season against the San Benito Haybailers by a score of 28 to 7. The decisive victory was a thrilling start to the Vikings’ 2013 season, and gives both the players and fans high hopes for the team’s prospects this year. In addition to the last Friday’s game against San Benito being the first game of the 2013 season, it was also the ceremonial opening of Paly’s new Viking Stadium, which has been in the process of being constructed for the past year. A flag-bearing ceremony marked the stadium’s opening, and the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, Jim Harbaugh, contributed to the ceremony by performing the pregame coin-flip. Harbaugh also watched the first half of the football game, an exciting occurrence for the Palo Alto locals. “Jim Harbaugh is a guy that I respect a lot and look up to and see-
Conner Harden/The Campanile
Senior fullback Andrew Frick rushes for a first down against the San Benito Haybailers. The Vikings won the game 28-7. ing him was really cool,” senior Jared Schwartz said. The community’s gratitude for having a brand new, renovated stadium was clear from the sheer number of fans who attended the game.
“I thought the game went great and the fan support was amazing,” senior lineman Jack Anderson said. “Coach [Earl] Hansen told me that it was the most fans that he has seen at a Paly game in 30 years.”
The Vikings dominated the entire game. However, this win does not necessarily mean that the season will be especially easy to perform well in. “We did a pretty solid job overall being our first game, but we definitely
have a lot to clean up,” senior quarterback Keller Chryst said. The team has a tough schedule but they expect to have a fantastic season, they are a team full of talent. “I feel like we have the potential to take this team as far as we want,” Chryst said. “If we put in the work we can be something special.” The Vikings’ win against San Benito is just the first step in the team’s 2013 season. The Paly Vikes hope to continue the momentum they gained from their first win in order to perform especially well the rest of the season. “We have a big game against Archbishop Mitty this week, but I believe that if we can beat them this team could potentially go all the way to state,” Anderson said. The team has a lot of talent this year, and with a lot of focus, they could potentially repeat the result of the 2010 season and win a California Division I State Championship. “[A California State Championship] is our eventual goal and we have a bunch of guys who are driven to achieve [the goal],” Anderson said. “[This goal] should make for a fun season.”
Alumni make splash at the next level By Daniel Tachna-Fram
BJ Boyd (‘12)
Editor-in-Chief
Joc Pederson (‘10) Pederson had an impressive showing in his fourth professional season as he led the Chattanooga Lookouts, an affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, in all offensive categories. Even more impressive, Pederson’s 22 home
The Oakland Atheletic’s prospect finished out his first season with the Vermont Lake Monsters of the New York-Penn League (low A) with a .285 batting average and eight home runs. Boyd led the Lake Monsters in home runs, RBIs (32) and batting average (.285). Boyd’s eight stolen bases were good enough for second on the team.
runs were good enough for second in his league and his .381 on-base-percentage was good enough for third. In the 140-game-season Pederson hit .278 with 22 home runs and 31 stolen bases. Photo Courtesy of Tim Evearitt
Photo Courtesy of Bill Mitchell
Davante Adams (‘11) Coming off an incredible first season as a starter for the Fresno State Bulldogs in which he was nominated for the prestigious Biletnikoff award, which is awarded to college football’s top wide receiver each year, Paly graduate Davante Adams has picked up right where he left off. Adams, who was an integral part of Paly’s 2011 impressive state champion team, is leading the 2-0 Bulldogs in recep-
tions (19), receiving yards (179) and touchdowns (3). His longest catch of 27 yards is also currently the longest reception the Bulldog’s have tallied so far this season. Adams’ receiving stats have placed him seventh amongst all Mountain West Conference receivers in the young 2013 season. His three touchdowns are also good enough for third in the Mountain West Conference.
Photo Courtesy of Don Davis
Long-time Paly-Gunn rivalry should be reinstated
By Jeffery Ho Staff Writer
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or the last 48 years, Palo Alto High School and rival Henry M. Gunn High School have competed in the “Little Big Game,” Palo Alto’s storied high school football game. But after last year’s game led to a 48-0 blowout in Paly’s favor, the rivalry game was cancelled for at least one year. Since the beginning of the rivalry, Paly has won 35 of the 48 games, including the last 10. According to Athletic Director and head football coach Earl Hansen, the “Little Big Game” did not end as a result of Paly’s wishes, and there is no true timetable for its restoration. “I’m not sure how it ended, [but] it sure wasn’t from [Paly’s coaching staff ],” Hansen said. “[I do not know of ] an agreement [regarding] how long [the rivalry will be postponed].”
The “Little Big Game” may not offer the most intense competition on the field, but many believe the “Little Big Game” displays a rivalry greater than any other Paly sport because of the years of tradition and large crowds that define the exciting atmosphere of the game. “It’s a great historic projection of [the schools],” sophomore Griffin Carlson said. “I believe that it keeps both [teams] and the high schools very spirited.” The game also brings school pride and competition together into a packed Friday night of football that sparks excitement for many members of the Palo Alto community. However, much of the excitement of the game comes from not only the game itself, but the environment in the bleachers. For years, students and the Palo Alto community have participated in the rivalry through both pregame and postgame celebrations. After two years of attending the “Little Big Game,” junior Anish Haris believes that his personal experience at the games was a fun experience overall. “I’m pretty disappointed that Paly and Gunn will not play each other this year, because the game is always really fun,” Haris said. “I went to the [“Little Big Game”] last [in 2012 with my friends], and it was quite enjoyable.”
Courtesy of Paly Asb
At the 2012 “Little Big Game,” Paly and Gunn mascots showed school camaraderie by being photographed together. Due to this year’s absence of the “Little Big Game,” Paly’s football team has opted to substitute the annual game against Gunn with a matchup against Palma High School of Salinas. In this year’s current football schedule, the team plays three of its 10 games against non-league opponents. All three of Paly’s current nonleague opponents perform better than Gunn’s football team, but statistically speaking, the effects of a blowout victory does not change the overall record of the team. Sure, others may view Paly’s football schedule as inferior compared to
other teams if they beat Gunn in a blowout victory. But even if Paly beats Gunn by 48 points, the win-loss column will appear the same as if Paly squeaks by another team by just one. In reality, a win by any margin still counts as a win in the record book. Thus, Haris believes that there is no valid justification in removing the annual “Little Big Game.” “Just because Paly always wins is no reason to eliminate a classic crosstown rivalry,” Haris said. From a larger perspective, the “Little Big Game” has brought much more than just football into Paly’s and Gunn’s football stadiums. The unintended consequences of the game’s
postponement include the lack of city rivalry in the schools’ biggest regular season game of the year, and the loss of a significant amount of fans who only attend the “Little Big Game”. All hope should not be lost, as there remains a chance that the two schools compete next season. “When [SCVAL] brings back seven [teams in each division], we’ll each have an extra game,” Hansen said. “Usually what [schools] do in the league is to try to match up rivalries, chances are [Paly and Gunn] will play again next year.” So, for the love of the Paly-Gunn rivalry, please restore the “Little Big Game” in the years to come.
The Campanile
Monday, September 23, 2013
SPORTS
C3
Girls’ water polo drops first game to rival Gunn
Connor Harden/The Campanile
From left: junior Sheila Subramanian and sophomore Gigi Rojan shoot the ball during their 13-1 loss against Gunn High School on Sept. 17. They look to rebound against Saratoga High School next Thursday.
By Coby Parker Staff Writer
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ith its season set to begin, the Palo Alto High School girls’ water polo team was primed and ready for their first game. However, the Lady Vikes lost their first game to Henry M. Gunn High School by a score 13-1. The Titans scored every period, and had many saves by their goalie, Sam Acker. “I’m really frustrated, to be honest,” senior captain Hannah Bundy said. “I feel like we had a lot of negative vibes during this game after the first couple goals. Everything is really new; we are all trying to get used to it. We need to keep up the positiveness.”
Bundy had a couple of key saves during the game while playing goalie. The practice season officially starts during “Hell Week,” a daily, brutallyintense training session for the first week of the water polo season.
I’m really frustrated, to be honest. Hannah Bundy Senior
“Hell Week is a lot of swimming, a lot of conditioning,” Subramanian said. “We are getting into shape for the season. It has helped us get back into shape and into the water polo state of mind.”
The varsity team has two new freshmen members, Haley Chalmers and Izzy Kelley, both of whom are set to be strong additions to the team. Chalmers is one of the fastest swimmers on the team, according to Subramanian. Kelley scored the only goal on Tuesday during the third period. “I think we can put this game in the past,” Bundy said. “We will improve throughout the season. The first half of the season we are working on the skills, so the second half we can come out strong.” The team recently got a new head coach, Danny Dye, who is also the coach for the varsity swimming and diving teams. He remains confident in the teams ability to compete.
Baseball players play water polo for conditioning
“I don’t feel bad about the team’s performance,” Dye said. “There were a lot of things that we were trying to execute that we did really well. We have good athletes on this team, and as the season progresses we will get better. It is just a patience game.”
There were a lot of things that we were trying to execute that we did really well. Danny Dye Girls’ water polo coach
Dye is well-known amongst the team, given that he has worked at Paly for 10 years. Last year he was
Boys water polo prepared for upcoming season By Zach Levitan Staff Writer
By William Shin
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Connor Harden/The Campanile
Senior baseball player Chris Smith struggles through a water polo practice in his first year playing the sport.
By Ziv Schwartz
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Sports Editor
hen people think of baseball players, they expect to find them out on the diamond, practicing pitching and fielding. However, in the case of Paly senior varsity baseball pitchers Chris Smith, Brian Kannappan and Danny Erlich this fall, instead of doing bullpen sessions out on the diamond, they are in the pool training with varsity water polo team. “Water polo is a really great workout,” senior pitcher Chris Smith said. “It gets you really strong and it’s probably the hardest sport I’ve ever done. After a workout, I feel a lot stronger both in my core and arm.” While water polo and baseball seem to have little connection, the resistance of the water when shooting in water polo uses and strengthens many of the same muscles that are used for pitching.
When Paly boy’s varsity baseball head coach Erick Raich heard this, he made sure that the team’s pitchers would be out in the pool during fall, strengthening and improving their arms.
Water polo is a really great workout, it gets you really strong and it’s probably the hardest sport I’ve ever done. After a workout, I feel a lot stronger both in my core and arm. Chris Smith Senior
“[The workouts] are a way to get stronger and better,” Smith said. “I can already tell the difference: my muscles are stronger. Since pitching is mostly legs, the treading has really improved my quads and core, making me an overall better pitcher.”
Although these baseball players have never played water polo before, and are not strong swimmers, the varsity water polo coaches do not seem to mind their presence. At times, even encouraging them to participate in game simulations. “Head coach Brandon Johnson is really laid back about it all,” Smith said. “He lets me come to practice whenever I can make it. From the start he has been open to it, helping me [with] my swimming and even letting me use flippers and kickboards.” So if someone were to come across water polo practice and see some people who look a bit out of their element, just remember that they’re baseball players trying to improve their pitching. Do not think that the water polo is bad just because of these few players; at the end of the day, they won’t be competing in tournaments and games — that’s left for the actual water polo players.
the coach for junior varsity girls water polo, and took over for Spencer Doren at the varsity level at the beginning of this year. “I am well aware of his coaching abilities and I definitely think that he can bring a lot to the team this year,” Subramanian said. There are two captains of the team, seniors Emma Wolfe and Hannah Bundy, who are responsible for leading the team, setting good examples and answering all questions their younger teammates may have. The captains are chosen by popular vote at the beginning of the season. “There’s always changes, that’s the nature of sports,” Dye said. “It’s just playing more in games and getting that experience.”
Staff Writer
he boys’ water polo team has high expectations for this year, with a large experienced team and maturing underclassmen they are looking to go deep into the post-season. “We lost seven seniors [last year], but this year we have fourteen, so we have a pretty experienced bunch,” head coach Brandon Johnson said. The team’s key losses include Bret Pinsker to Johns Hopkins University, Brent Schroeder to Purdue University, Brian Berry to Wake Forest University and Nolan Perla-Ward to UC Santa Cruz. Johnson said that leadership and growth are going to be key for this year’s team. “As captains, we understand the responsibility of leadership on the team, we all have our strengths and weaknesses, so it is necessary that we all push each other and set examples in and out of the pool,” senior captain Ethan Look said. “Of course [captains] Omri [Newman], Sam [Kelley] and I hold ourselves to the highest of standards, but we know that the success of our team is rooted in the success of all of our seniors, not just the three of us.” Johnson and Kelley are excited about the prospects for the 2013 fall season and are confident they will be participating in the postseason competition. “I think we have a serious chance at winning leagues this year,” Kelley said. Johnson reiterated a similar sentiment regarding the team’s chances. “We want to get a top four place [at leagues] and get a CCS bid,” Johnson said.
Look offered an inspiring take for the upcoming season. “Losing seven seniors is always going to be tough, especially with the number of goals they contributed, but we are coming back with 14 seniors [who] are motivated and working their tails off,” Look said. Both players and coaches are hoping the underclassmen can step up to help for an improved performance in the playoffs. “We lost our second game in CCS, so we’re going to try to go further this year, and I believe that [we’ll] be good since we have a lot of guys in new roles,” Johnson said. “We’ve lost a lot of our starters from last year.” Kelley is confident the coaching staff will prepare them to have a successful season “We have a new JV coach Aaron Johnson who is teaching us a strong foundation for varisty [water] polo that will certainly help us this year,” Kelley said. This year, the team expects to use its speed and conditioning to outscore opponents this year. “Our defense and counterattack [are our strengths],” Johnson said. “We are a fast team and a smart team so if we play to our strengths, we will be alright.” However, Kelley believes that the team need to work on its chemistry and reaction to turnovers. “We really need to use our speed, react to turnovers quicker and get into transition,” Kelley said. They kicked off season on Sept. 13 against Granite Bay High School in the Smiths Tournament. The team lost to Bellarmine but ended up getting fifth in the tournament. Tuesday, at Palo Alto, the team started off with a loss to Gunn and will look to bounce back in their next game against Lynbrook High School.
Monday, September 23, 2013
C4
The Campanile
SPORTS
The Campanile
Monday, September 23, 2013
SPORTS
C5
FANTASY FOOTBALL - AMERICA’S OBSESSION Article by Kevin Mullin, William Shin and Alec Sullivan Design by William Shin and Kevin Mullin
WHAT IS BUY OR SELL?
Buy or Sell: Running Backs
FANTASY CULTURE
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Students delve into their love for the expanding hobby of Fantasy Football
antasy Football is an epidemic that sweeps through the nation every fall: symptoms range from the constant checking of ESPN to endless trade proposals. Why is Fantasy Football so popular and what makes it the most-played fantasy game? Many people have opinions on the popular online sport, and although not all are positive, one thing is certain: Fantasy Football is expanding at a rapid rate and shows no signs of slowing down.
Buy or sell in Fantasy Football assists Fantasy owners in deciding which players to trade or trade for. It is intended to predict future value and performance for players who were hot or cold in the previous week. However, buying or selling means for the right price tag. For example, do not trade Demaryius Thomas for Antonio Brown. But, if there is an owner offering you Julio Jones for Demaryius Thomas after his monster Week One, then we would advise you to pull the trigger on the trade. Be smart and play smart. Fantasy is life.
There are many reasons why Fantasy Football is a game on the rise, not least of which is the social aspect. The trash talk, trade proposals and nonstop discussion are all parts of the Fantasy Football culture. “My favorite part of winning [in Fantasy Football] is being able to make fun of the guy I beat the next day at school,” said junior Alex Dees, a two year veteran in Fantasy Football culture. However, this works both ways. “When I lose, which is most of the time, people always tell me how bad I am,” Dees said. The ups and downs and the unexpected turns of Fantasy Football are a huge part of what make it so exciting. In Week One, Adrian Peterson broke off a 78 yard touchdown run on his first carry, gaining 13 fantasy points in the process. The next 17 times Peterson carried the football, he managed to gain only 15 yards. Situations like this are what keep Fantasy Football players on the edge of their seats and glued to the television screen. “It definitely makes Sundays way better,” Dees said. In the past, Fantasy Football has generally been played by males, but recently, Fantasy Football has become more popular among girls. According to footballgirl.com, 20 percent of all Fantasy Football players are women. Even at Palo Alto High School, there is an all-female league that started this year. The girls each pair up with a guy, the girls put in money and the seven losing guys have to bake for the three winning teams. “So far, I like that it gets me to watch
games that I usually wouldn’t watch,” said senior Olivia Peeps, a firstyear player. Peeps is part of the all-female league that started this year. “I think it’s more fun with [fantasy players] because I care more about the games,” Peeps said. Although it was Peeps’ first time playing Fantasy Football, she found it easy to understand. “It was easy for me to figure out myself,” Peeps said. Fantasy Football is a great option for people who find normal football boring or uninteresting. “I did not think originally that I’d be into actually watching the games, but after Week One of my first year, I was hooked,” Dees said. “Watching the games and rooting for the players is part of the Fantasy Football culture. I know I don’t actually have any input on the games, but when I scream at the TV I feel like I’m making a difference.” People who look at Fantasy Football as a waste of time have most likely not played. “I thought I’d hate it, but now I’m obsessed,” junior Theo Zaharias said. It may be easy to look down upon Fantasy Football participants, who care so much about games that they have no influence over, but we suggest that you try joining a league. If after drafting a team, making trades and watching your team play in Week One of the National Football League season, you still hate Fantasy Football, then you’ve earned the right to look down on the game. More likely than not, you’ll become one of the 32 million participants in the United States last year. “[ Joining Fantasy Football] was probably one of the best decisions of my life,” Dees said.
2. Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots: Ridley was considered a number one running back going into the 2013 season, but two rough outings have him on the trade block for fantasy owners. With Shane Vereen out until Week Eight at the earliest, look for Ridley to bounce back and return to being a touchdown machine. OPINION: BUY 3. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders: McFadden has never been questioned for his talent, but his injuries have derailed his career thus far. He’s had two solid outings against two weak defenses, so now is the time to sell “DMAC” high for a more sturdier running back. The question isn’t whether he’ll get hurt: it’s when. OPINION: SELL
Fantasy Football is growing more popular year after ever year, with an ever-growing population of participants. Why not give it a try?
courtesy of John mcdonnel
Courtesy of Garry Cobb
Buy or Sell: Quarterbacks 1. Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins: Most of his stats have been padded by garbage time in crushing losses. His legs have not provided the same amount of points as last year after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament during the playoffs, but the franchise is also looking to keep him in the pocket for future investment. OPINION: SELL
1. David Wilson, New York Giants: After his two fumble performance in Week One, Wilson has dropped to a low-end flex option. He’s still listed as the number one back on the depth chart, and Tom Coughlin knows that Wilson is too talented to split carries with Da’Rel Scott. Brandon Jacobs will get goal line carries, but Andre Brown had that job before he got hurt and Wilson was still considered a high-end number two. OPINION: BUY
Buy or Sell: Receivers TOP 10 TEAM NAMES
2. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions: Stafford has thrown 5,000 yards in consecutive seasons, and if it were not for receivers falling down at the one yard line last year, his touchdown totals would have been higher. With Reggie Bush and Calvin Johnson at his disposal, look for Stafford to pile on the yards and find a nice median between the 41 touchdowns he threw in 2011 and the paltry 20 touchdowns he threw in 2012. OPINION: SELL
10. Shonneshank Redemption
3. Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles: Vick has an array of options with a new offensive minded coach in Chip Kelly. He has the ability to dazzle with his skills and explosive performances. The one key worry is health. However, if he gets hurt, there are plenty of fill in quarterbacks on the waiver wire or available via trade. OPINION: BUY
5. I’m Sorry Fred Jackson
9. Hakuna Ma-Ngata 8. Who Lechler Dogs Out? 7.What’s Eating Gabbert Grape 6. Is That Your Final Ansah? 4. Red Hot Julius Peppers
3. Henne Given Sunday 2. Forgetting Brandon Marshall 1. Belicheck Yourself Before You Rex Yourself
The top ten funniest Fantasy Football team names for 2013, according to FanDuel Insider.
1. Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers: Nelson was the number one Fantasy wide receiver in 2010 and he has 199 yards and three touchdowns after Week Two. With a star quarterback throwing him the ball each week and two other star wide receivers to take coverage away from him, look for Nelson to have a stellar season. OPINION: BUY 2. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles: With Chip Kelly’s high tempo offense in place, Jackson is destroying the stat sheets through Week Two. With a healthy Michael Vick, look for Jackson to continue his success this year and return to Fantasy prominence. OPINION: BUY 3. Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos: Thomas is listed in the ranks of Calvin Johnson, AJ Green, Dez Bryant, Brandon Marshall and Julio Jones. Thomas has too many other options around him to be compared to these other studs. Trade him for one of those top tier wide receivers and don’t think twice. OPINION: SELL
Monday, September 23, 2013
The Campanile
SPORTS
C6
Cross country teams look for redemption with young talent from previous season By Will Snodgrass
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Staff Writer
he boys’ and girls’ cross country teams have high hopes for the 2013 season after a disappointing finish
last year. After the boys’ team finished in sixth place at the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League (SCVAL) cross country championships last year, senior team captain Jack Hansen hopes to improve the teams standing this season. “[The team’s] goals are mostly to improve as a team, work on team dynamic and hopefully get our guys to CCS [Central Coast Section]” Hansen said. “The biggest challenge is going to be getting as much participation as possible. I think a lot of people take the program for granted and don’t put all their effort into it.” The loss of recent graduates Justin Zhang, Ben Hawthorne and Kevin Lavelle certainly hurt the team, but Hansen hopes that underclassmen will contribute throughout the season. “We have some underclassmen who have a lot of motivation for the season this year,” Hansen said.
The biggest challenge is going to be getting as much participation as possible. I think a lot of people take the program for granted and don’t put all their effort into it. Jack Hansen Senior
The girls’ cross country team will be coached by Paul Jones and will be led by new team captains senior Audrey DeBruine and junior Katie Foug. Like the boys’ cross country tream, the girls’ cross country team also has high hopes for the upcoming sea-
Jensen Hsiao/The Campanile
From left: Juniors Aaron Chandler, Andrew Wilson, Jake Gurle and Emil Ernstom believe they have the potential to defeat their rivals at the Crystal Springs meet. son. The girls’ team came within five points of making the state championship last year. “We hope to win the league championship and be one of the top two teams from CCS Division I,” Jones said. “Last year we didn’t quite make the top two.” The girls also have several underclassmen that they hope to have contributions from, including sophomores Bryn Carlson, Portia Barrien-
tos, Sarah Wang and Emma Raney. The cross country teams had their first league meet on Sept. 10 at Crystal Springs. The boys placed fourth overall, with freshman Kent Slaney leading the way. Slaney was the top freshman at the meet, placing 14th overall. Junior Aaron Chandler followed afterwards as the second Paly runner to finish, placing 19th overall.
The girls’ team did not fare as well, placing tenth overall. Junior Kylie Wilson finished 43rd overall and she was followed by junior Arianna Tindall, who placed 44th overall. “We had a lot of new runners there and that’s a tough course so some of them struggled with it,” Jones said. The cross country teams followed up the Crystal Springs meet with the Lowell Invitational at Golden Gate Park on Sept. 14. The boys’ team
placed ninth in the boys’ varsity second division. Junior Lucas Matison finished first for Paly with a fourth overall finish. He was followed by Slaney, who was impressive in his second straight meet. The girls’ team finished eighth overall in the girls’ varsity second division. They were led by Bryn Carlson, who placed sixth overall and Katie Foug, who placed 28th overall.
Strong wins for girls’ Volleyball team starts off tennis team sets with a superb 8-1 record positive goals for the coming season By Haley Fang Staff Writer
By Nick Sullivan
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Senior Staff Writer
tarting a new season, Paly’s girls’ tennis team is confident in its ability to win games this year and hopes to improve from last year. Senior co-captains Aashli Budhiraja and Felicia Wang are hoping that this year’s team will make it into the Central Coast Section (CCS) playoffs once again this season, even with the loss of several indispensable senior players. “I think this season is going to be one of the best we’ve ever had,” Budhiraja said. “I was nervous about losing three key seniors last year, but we got some great new players that really work hard, so I know we’ll be able to recover quickly.” The team consists of many returning varsity members as well as a new freshmen and a few members who were previously on the junior varsity team. The girls started off their season by attending the Santa Catalina Invitational tournament Sept. 6 through Sept. 8. At the invitational, the team played against several private schools, including Mercy High School, Stevenson High School, Castilleja School, Santa Catalina High School, University High School and Crystal Springs Uplands. Paly won 15 out of the 21 games played and the entire tournament as a team. The team defeated secondseeded Stevenson High School with a score of 27-21. With that victory, sophomore Kelsey Wang is confident
that this season will continue to go well. “I think that the preseason win is proof that we are ready for the season,” Kelsey Wang said. “We are eager to play our best.” The week after a successful tournament, Paly played against Aragon High School and won 6-1. Even with the encouraging victory, the captains are still pushing the team to train hard and look forward to improvements this year. They expect more effort and are implementing more intense practices and workouts. “This year we are making practice more serious,” Felicia Wang said. “We want everyone to focus more and we’re also working out more. We have eight minute abdominal workouts and we didn’t have that last year.”
Conner harden/ the campanile
From left: senior Lauren Kerr and juniors Courtney Hartwell and Jade Schoenberger cheer for their teammates as Paly scores a point against the King’s Academy.
I think this season is going to be one of the best we’ve ever had. Aashli Budhiraja Senior
With these additions, the girls expect to make it into CCS playoffs again this year as well as win many more games throughout the season and improve their record from last year. “One of our goals this year as a team is to defeat some strong schools that we were close to beating last year, like Monta Vista [High School] and Lynbrook [High School],” Kelsey Wang said. “Even though our league is extremely strong, we have confidence that we can make it to CCS again this year with a better record.”
By Jake van Zyll
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Staff Writer
n recent years, Palo Alto High School has had a strong girls’ volleyball team, boasting seven consecutive league titles heading into this season. This year’s team has seven new players, including two freshmen, but that is not slowing them down. The team, led by senior co-captains Becca Raffel and Keri Gee, started the season by thumping their non-league opponent Castilleja High School at home on Sept. 5 and staying strong with an 8-1 overall record. “I thought we looked really good considering that we’ve only been playing together for a little bit,” Gee said. “Castilleja put up a good fight and kind of scared us a little, but as
a team we fought back and came out with a win.” Raffel is also optimistic about the team this year. “One of our goals this year is to win the league,” Raffel said. “If we win this season it’ll be our eighth consecutive year.”
One of our goals this year is to win the league. If we win this season it’ll be our eighth consecutive year. Becca Raffel Senior
Although the team is off to a good start this season, it has not yet encountered Homestead High School,
which the team believes will be a different challenge this season. “Homestead will definitely be our biggest competition,” Gee said. “They’ve got two big outside hitters that will give us trouble, but as long as we put up a good block and work on our serve receive, I think we’ll have a good chance of beating them.” On Sept. 7, the Lady Vikes finished tied for third out of 28 teams at the Deer Valley Tournament. They also defeated Presentation High School in five sets on Sept. 10 as well as Sacred Heart Prep High School on Sept. 12. This season certainly looks promising for the girls’ volleyball team, which will face off against the Los Gatos High School volleyball team tomorrow, Sept. 24.
The Campanile
Monday, September 23, 2013
SPORTS
C7
Oakland Athletics deserve more recognition from students
By Oliver Tucher
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Staff Writer
he Oakland Athletics are currently leading the American League West Division, have the second best record in the American League, and have the third best record in Major League Baseball. But how many people knew that? Almost no one. Palo Alto High School and Palo Alto in general is known for its fairweather fans but this is inexcusable. If the San Francisco Giants were performing this well, you’d see sweatshirts and snapbacks all over campus but when the A’s do well, it seems no one knows it. Why do Paly students prefer the Giants over the A’s? It’s certainly not because the team is more local. Oakland’s stadium is in fact three miles closer. It’s also not because the Giants are doing better. The Giants are last in the National League West Division and 24th in the MLB. Another reason for the apparent lack of support is that a lot of people that come out as Giants fan are new to baseball. As new fans, the Giants are an easy team to like because they have won the World Series twice in the last three years.
This edition featuring
Kent Slaney
with The Campanile’s own Jensen Hsiao and Connor Harden
courtesy of creative commons
O.co Coliseum, the home of the Oakland Athletics, is a site not often visited by Palo Alto sports fans, despite the team’s success. “They aren’t a team people new to baseball come out and say ‘OK, I’m going to be an A’s fan,’” senior Justin Rittman said. “Oakland fans like myself take what we can afford and go out there and play the game, and lately the formula has worked.” The A’s are not only the number three team in the MLB but they achieved this with only a 60.37 million dollar payroll in comparison to the Giants’ 136.04 million. With more than twice the money, the Giants are not half as good. Although the A’s were last years AL West champions with a very low salary cap, they still haven’t earned the recognition from Paly fans that they deserve. “Before 2010, you would be hardpressed to find many people who even cared about baseball in general,
much less the Giants,” junior Isaac Kasevich said. “But when they went on that 2010 run and then when they won it all again in 2012, they truly converted the non-baseball fans into Giants fans.” Although the Giants showed their potential to win in 2009 when they just missed the playoffs, the Paly fanbase completely ignored them. And it wasn’t their first World Series victory, but their second that won Paly over. It’s much harder to win the World Series than it is to win over Paly fans, and because of this, students should be more willing to root for either local team. It shouldn’t take winning two of the last three World Series. Paly rooted for the Giants for the last three years when they won the world series in 2010 and 2012. However, the time to root for the Giants
is over. Paly owes it’s fanship to the A’s now. Give Oakland’s players the support they haven’t had since 1989 when they won their last World Series. In the past two weeks the Oakland A’s have climbed from fifth in the MLB to third. To keep this improvement, the Oakland A’s need Paly fan support. The fact that a local team goes so ignored is sad. The A’s are just as much a part of the Bay Area as the Giants are. Show some support for our Oakland A’s by watching the game on TV or buying a shirt. Whatever you do, let the Athletics know that their success doesn’t go ignored. Palo Alto fans, do what you do best, only cheer for the teams that win.
Various sports apps offer increased access to wide range of sports By Galen Byrd
A
Staff Writer
s a result of the extended assortment of sports applications that provide up-to-date information, choosing the most practical app can be difficult, overwhelming and time-consuming. Although paid apps have more content and no advertisements, free apps also provide all the information needed for staying updated on the latest sports news for favorite teams and leagues locally, around the nation and the world. ESPN’s ScoreCenter is arguably the most popular sports app not only because it is free, but also because users can customize which sports and teams they want to follow. Unlike most other apps, ScoreCenter shows play-by-play game updates for free, allowing users to follow teams on their phones if they cannot access TVs. Another helpful aspect of ScoreCenter is its easy navigation; when users add their favorite teams, the app’s home screen will conveniently show all of their favorite teams’ recent and future games. A similar app, Bleacher Report, has many of the same features, but a layout that is easier to navigate. The home screen of the app shows all the users favorite teams and updates, not only about scores, but with important news for all of them. An alternative to the ScoreCenter app is the WatchESPN app. With a subscription to any major television provider, this app enables users to watch the various ESPN channels live on their phone. One downside to this app is that it only shows ESPN
Athlete of the month
networks, so if a game is broadcasted on a local network or a different national provider, this app won’t help users follow their teams. Thuuz tracks all games from requested leagues and sends updates when there is an exciting game. Each game gets a rating from one to 100 based on how interesting it is at a specific moment, allowing the rating to fluctuate throughout the game. When a game is ranked 95 or higher, it will notify users so they will never miss a big game again. Thuuz also predicts how interesting a game will be, so users can plan ahead and watch it later. Another option for sports apps are the apps of the four major sports leagues. Each league has its own free app — MLB.com At Bat, NBA Game Time, NFL ‘13 and NHL Game Center — that is easy to use and updates users on events around the respective league. These apps are helpful for those looking for something pertaining to a particular sport, like playoff information or standings. However, if searching for updates from favorite teams from all sports, it can be a hassle to open and close five different apps
when a single app can easily provide all information An app that is especially handy is the StubHub app. For big games, tickets can be expensive until sellers get worried, dropping prices at the last second. The StubHub app allows users to buy tickets on their phone at the last second so they receive the best seat available for as little cost as possible. One more app that is specific to MLB is AtTheBallpark. This app provides basic blueprints to each MLB ballpark, so users can check their seats. If users do not want to leave the game in order to grab food, this app can locate places to eat at inside the
park. The app also allows users to buy tickets on their phones, which can be scanned straight from their phones upon arrival at the ballpark.
Kent ran in the 3000 meter race at the 2013 Junior Olympics this past summer and came in seventh place. Kent told The Campanile about what it is like being so fast and obsessed with speed. The Campanile: Why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself. Kent Slaney: Hi, I’m Kent Slaney, I’m on the Paly cross country team and I really enjoy running. TC: What’s your favorite food? KS: Ice cream. TC: OK, lets get back to running. When did you first become interested in running and cross country? KS: I first started running in kindergarten when my elementary school had this lunch jogging club, which I really enjoyed. So then I did my first race, which was a 5k in kindergarten. TC: And that was the moment that you decided running was the thing for you? KS: Yeah that was definitely the start. TC: When did you start pursuing cross country further? KS: Probably a little bit after second grade. TC: How did you pursue your obsession of running? KS: I joined a club team and I started practicing five days a week, and I really enjoyed those and kept practicing and practicing with my club team. TC: What club team was this? KS: Palo Alto lightning, and then I moved to Pleasanton Heat, which merged to be Oak Hill, and now I run for Paly of course. TC: Do you have some type of inspirational figure that helped you along the way? KS: I’d say my coach, he really reminded me that I should do it because it’s fun, as well as it making me faster. TC: Have you competed in any cross country events recently or had any large accomplishments recently? KS: Well, I’ve done the high school events, and over the summer I went to the Junior Olympics for the 3000 meters and got seventh. It took a lot of work, but was extremely gratifying. TC: Wow, that’s pretty amazing, KS: Yeah, and the last two high school races were the Gunn Alumni meet, and the meet at Crystal Springs. TC: What was your feeling after the race? KS: I was very exhausted, and then was filled with exhilaration. It was a personal goal of mine, but never really thought that it would work out as well as it did. It was so cool though realize that I was the seventh fastest in the nation for my age group of freshman. TC: Is there anything else about running and cross country that you find makes it interesting and enjoyable to you besides good exercise and just that you like running in general? KS: I really like it as a break from homework and kind of a break from school and it’s how I deal with a lot of homework and relax. I also like Paly for the teammates don’t worry as much as I do when I run for Paly because the team is really accepting and there to have a good time as well as training to get faster and better. TC: Do you have any phrase that you like to live by? KS: Don’t get second.
Monday, September 23, 2013
C8
SPORTS
ARE OUR FOOTBALL PLAYERS SAFE ENOUGH?
By Arjun Parikh
T
Staff Writer
wo weeks ago, the National Football League (NFL) reached an agreement to pay $765 million to 18,000 retired players, according to Sports Illustrated. The compensation is for concussion-related injuries sustained during NFL games and practices. The NFL has recently come under fire for not disclosing all known information regarding the dangers of football. Only recently have studies begun to show correlations between sustaining multiple concussions and brain damage. The NFL, however, is a multibillion dollar industry and will be just fine in
siana have died from football-related head injuries in the past few months, and all three families are looking into taking action against their respective schools and helmet suppliers, according to ESPN. All athletic activity carries some known risk — the issue is that in football, it is easy to blame and sue third parties. A school can be sued for not protecting their players properly and helmet companies can be sued for not producing proper helmets. Furthermore, a coach can be sued for allowing a player that may have a head injury back in the game. According to Sports MD, a sports medicine website, Second Impact Syndrome (SIS) is when someone sustains
play youth football, high school teams will start to struggle to fill their rosters. College football teams will have less players to choose from and eventually the NFL will begin to feel the effects. According to the Washington Post, participation in youth football over the last three years in the United States has decreased by 11%. Influential figures like President Barack Obama and retired football players such as former Pittsburgh Steeler and Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw have admitted that they would not allow their children to play football because of the risk that comes with playing the sport. “I’ve fought with my son about playing football for seven years,” one Palo Alto High School parent said. “I
Paly’s football program could experience a slow decline due to the increased amount of awareness regarding serious injuries, or it could fall apart due to a lawsuit — all it takes is one bad injury. the coming years — as shown by their $765 million settlement with retired players. Any future lawsuits can and will be quashed by their elite lawyers and vast amounts of money — just as they have done in the past. The real trouble lies at the youth level — high school football and younger. A partially-paralyzed high school player from Colorado named Rhett Ridolfi sustained major brain injuries during a practice in April. According to USA Today, Ridolfi recently won $11.5 million against his school district and the helmet company that supplies gear to his team. Cases like Ridolfi’s have been slowly piling up around the country. Three 16-year-old high school football players in California, Georgia and Loui-
Conner Harden/The Campanile
a second concussion before the effects of the first concussion have subsided. SIS often results in death. Only recently have all football leagues around the country instituted strict concussion rules that protect against SIS. On the other hand, Major League Baseball, a league that does not reguarly deal with concussions, has instituted a special disabled list specifically for concussions. The effects of a concussion can last for years, and just because someone does not seem disoriented does not mean the brain is not still feeling the effects of a concussion. Most high schools and youth football leagues simply do not have the resources to defend against multimillion dollar lawsuits. As fewer children
haven’t been to one of his games in six years.” Paly has a fantastic football culture. However, as Palo Alto is not located in a concussion-free bubble, the community will need to find ways to better protect their youth. Paly’s football program could experience a slow decline due to the increased amount of awareness regarding serious injuries, or it could fall apart due to a lawsuit — all it takes is one bad injury. “If my son were somehow paralyzed due to a hit to the head, then, yeah, I’d look into taking legal action,” said Mike, whose name has been changed to protect his identity. “I’m certain that I am not the only parent in Palo Alto that would say this.”
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