The Prospector Junior Issue 2 (May 27 2011)

Page 1

FEATURES: Chicken soup for the pet owner’s soul

SPORTS: Synchronized swimming star

PHOTO ESSAY: Healthy living

THE PROSPECTOR CUPERTINO HIGH SCHOOL’S

VOLUME 52 NO. 7

10100 FINCH AVENUE, CUPERTINO CA

MAY 27, 2011

Redesign of quad and cafeteria:

Students and staff collaborate with architects to develop plan for renovations

REGINA HONG news assistant

In addition to the ongoing track renovations, CHS plans to start rebuilding other parts of the campus, such as the front building and the quad, by the 2012-2013 school year. In the past, the district passed a construction bond that specifically stated that it could only be used for the construction of new buildings. Therefore, due to the increasing population, the current cafeteria at the front of the school will become a two-story building, which will house the library, cafeteria and guidance and administrative offices. By moving all of these areas into one building, the old library and office space will turn into new classrooms. This will create more flexibility with class space, larger conference areas for the staff and more bathrooms. The quad will also undergo several changes, such as the addition of a stage, new seating arrangements and a better sound system. In order to prepare for the renovation, CHS asked for input from those who are involved with the school, such as students, teachers and other staff members. On May 5, 2011, several members from the Quattrocchi Kwok Architects company came to CHS to ask selected students at a student committee meeting to ask for their

input regarding how the front building and quad should be rebuilt. “We hope for a more modernized, nicer and different campus, but at the same time, we also want to keep the familiarity of Tino,” said sophomore Julia Seaton. At the meeting, students asked for a big and open front building in which upperclassmen and lowerclassmen would not be separated. The structure of the building will resemble that of a student union on a college campus. According to Seaton, the architects respected all of the students’ opinions and tried their best to allow for everyone’s voices to be heard. According to assistant principal Andy Walczak, a student asked to showcase Dusty at the front of the school, so passers-by would be able to see the pride of CHS. The architects also met with the staff members. During this meeting, adults gave their opinions on how the school should be reconstructed. Said librarian Pat Accoriniti, “I’m just really excited about the process. We’ll [Teachers and students] be more accepting of the new building and quad because we were actu see QUAD AND CAFETERIA RESDESIGN, pg 3

SINDHU GNANASAMDANDAN

Students prepare for summer Latin American cultural immersion program HARINI JAGANATHAN editor-in-chief

This summer, juniors Delia Cannon, Noelle Foley and Allison Ness will be traveling to Latin America to work on community service projects through the AMIGOS program. AMIGOS is a nonprofit international organization that provides community service opportunities for young people in areas across Latin America. All three students have been training and preparing for their trip, practicing their Spanish conversational skills, learning about Latin American culture and raising funds to support their service projects. Cannon, Foley and Ness will be living with families in different Latin American communities, and completing projects with just one English speaking partner. They hope to immerse themselves in the culture as well as make a positive impact on the areas they will be traveling to. Foley will be going to Oaxaca, Mexico to build fuel efficient stoves and raise environmental awareness. She will be living in a community for eight weeks.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn more about myself and the world,” Foley said. “We’re sheltered in Cupertino.” Ness will spend six weeks in La Paz, Honduras and her project will focus on teaching the youth about the environment and how to sustain resources. “I was into it because I’m interested in language immersion and community service,” Ness said. “I also want to become more outgoing.” Cannon will be in Cotapaxi, Ecuador for seven weeks teaching youth about health and children’s rights. While Cannon admits that her initial motivations for embarking on this endeavor were college applications and travel opportunity, she found that the issues she will be focusing on in Cotapaxi matter to her. Her motivations for completing her trip have changed. In addition to improving her Spanish listening and speaking skills, Cannon is excited to help the children in the community she will be living in. “I want to make life better for these kids, even if that’s just teaching them how to brush their teeth and clean their hands,” Cannon said. Although all three are excited to immerse themselves in an-

other culture, some aspects of living in another country make them nervous. Cannon is concerned about communicating with the locals as well as living without the comforts of home. “I’m worried that it’ll take me too long to be understood,” Cannon said. “I’m also worried about the lack of American fast food.” Foley is slightly worried about answering difficult questions asked by the locals. “I will be asked about I think about immigration policies there,” she said. “I’m a little nervous about that.” All three find that there are other aspects of the cultural immersion process that excite them. “They eat guinea pig in Cotapaxi,” Cannon said. “When will I ever get to try guinea pig if I don’t try that there?” Cannon, Foley and Ness are excited and nervous about immersing themselves in another culture and isolating themselves from the comforts that Cupertino offers. They anticipate that their trip will bring them a greater understanding of Latin American culture and will be a personal growth experience. They hope to share interesting stories of their journey upon their return.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
The Prospector Junior Issue 2 (May 27 2011) by The Prospector - Issuu