Schurr High School | Volume XLII | Issue 5 | Dec. 21, 2012
FEATURES
Join senior Oscar Dominguez as he leads Salvadorian youth.
SPORTS
ENTERTAINMENT
Dine with the fish at Bahooka Family Restaurant in Rosemead.
Catch up with the grapplers as they wrestle against preseason opponents.
Drama performs ‘Hamlet’ parody BY JONATHAN BAHK
present Shakespeare so it attracts teenagers?’” Gonzalez said. The production has been in
present “The Tragedy of Hamlet Gambino: Zombie Slayer of New
of the school year and has been
Reporter
with the story taking place within
DRAMATIC EXPRESSIONS: Members of
entire semester. The cast comes from a mixture of Gonzalez’s
The play will begin at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 and 18. General admission will be $7 presale and $8 at the door. Tickets for children, ages 4-12, will cost $5 presale and $6 at the door. Children under 4 years of age will not be admitted. The play was written by Daniel Gonzalez, head of the Theatre Arts department, and presents Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” in a new light, with zombies and the Italian
Drama students, with 40 speaking roles and a total of 100 characters. In addition, 30 students from Gonzalez’s drama class will handle the technical aspects, adding up to a
classic story, which will be set in the 1940’s. “Stylistically, the idea came
after school rehearsal for the play and will hold two additional rehearsals during winter break to prepare for opening night Jan. 17.
drama gather to rehearse for their ‘Hamlet’ performance on Jan. 17-18 at 7:30 p.m.
in bringing this production to life. what the play’s going to look like, but it until you put the production together,” said Gonzalez.
BRANDON CHANG
Spartans participate in Rose Parade BY IRENE WONG Reporter
Seniors Kristabel Aguilar, Sarah Chaides and Yashira Zazueta will participate in the Rose Parade Jan. 1. Aguilar and Zazueta will march with the Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band, along with other
from Green Street to Orange
CINDY VUONG
MARCHING FORWARD: Seniors Kristabel Aguilar, Sarah Chaides and
Paloma Street. “I’m really excited to be marching with an amazing group. I’m looking forward to all the new friends I will be able to make. I can’t wait; I’m excited,” said Aguilar.
part of the tournament troop, at the tournament house before the parade starts. She will also help carry banners in the parade that name the awards a With the parade a week away, all three participants
winter break. To participate, Aguilar and Zazueta had to audition for the PCC Tournament of Roses Honor Band. They were among the 145 people chosen from approximately 500 candidates. Zazueta has participated before, while Aguilar was inspired to audition by her aunt, who has also performed in the Rose Parade.
Yashira Zazueta are practicing for the upcoming Rose Parade Jan. 1.
ways to expand my knowledge of music and performance,” said Zazueta. “I am glad that just that.” Like Aguilar and Zazueta, Chaides had to work hard to earn her position. In order to must either be Gold Award recipients as Girl Scouts or Eagle Scout recipients as Boy Scouts, both of which are the highest attainable rank. Applications for the parade were due in August, followed
from our troop leaders as well there is nothing like the feeling you get when you turn the Colorado. I can’t wait for that moment,” said Chaides.
BRIEFLY Winter Homecoming
Winter Homecoming nominations for King, Queen, Prince and Princess will be held Jan. 14 -18 at the student store. Winter Homecoming will be Feb. 8.
Finals Schedule
Finals will be given Jan. 25 - 27. Two two-hour periods of finals will be held each day.
Winter Vacation
School will not be in session from Dec. 24 - Jan. 11. Classes will resume Jan. 14.
Winter Break Tutoring
CSF members will offer tutoring Jan. 8 -10 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the library.
2
STAFF
SPARTAN
OPINIONS
EDITORIAL
SCROLL Dec. 21, 2012
‘Jen’erally Speaking BY JENNY LU Editor in Chief
Snack Food Heartbreak
th
G U ES T
NATHAN PHAN
PERSPECTIVE KEVIN AKIYAMA Class of ‘15 Adviser, Dollars for Scholars Organizer
820 N. Wilcox Ave., Montebello, California, 90640
There will be no censorship of the Spartan Scroll. Decisions as to what will be printed will be left to the authority of the adviser, editors and staff members. Editorials without bylines are the opinions of the Spartan Scroll Editorial Board. Opinions, commentaries and features with bylines are the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily express the opinions of the Spartan Scroll staff, the school faculty or other students. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters must be signed and verifiable in order to be published, but names will be withheld upon request. Pseudonyms or initials will not be accepted. All letters are subject to condensation. Letters that demand a reply will be answered by Spartan Scroll representatives or by the proper authorities. However, the Spartan Scroll cannot publish any materials which violate laws governing students publications. Letters should be sent to Room A-8 or placed in the adviser’s mailbox no later than one week after the previous issue. The Spartan Scroll is published tri-weekly, except during vacations, by the Journalism 3-8 students of Schurr High School, 820 N. Wilcox Ave., Montebello, California, 90640. The telephone number is (323) 887-3090 ext. 6631. It is printed by the News Publisher’s Press.
Editor in Chief................................................................................................................................................................. Jenny Lu Managing Editors.............................................................................................................................Taylor Honda & Wendy Lam News Editors........................................................................................................................................Billy Chu & Melissa Lopez Assistant News Editor....................................................................................................................................................Connie Cai Opinions Editor & Columnist................................................................................................................................ Alex Kanegawa Assistant Opinions Editor.........................................................................................................................................Julie Shiozaki Features Editor..........................................................................................................................................................Katie Nishida Assistant Features Editor............................................................................................................Derrick Lieu & Mariea Sekijima Entertainment Editors .................................................................................................Tristan Brossy de Dios & Lalaine Dungca Sports Editors.................................................................................................................................Jimmy Chen & Joeson Chiang Assistant Sports Editor.................................................................................................................................................Mariah Lin Lead Copy Editor & Columnist...............................................................................................................................Sarai Jaramillo Copy Editors........................................................................................................................................Edmund Liu & Sandy Tang Graphics Editor.......................................................................................................................................................Alexis Jimenez Graphics Staff................................................................................................................................. Jessica Hsu & Christine Taing Photo Editors... .................................................................................................................................Trevor Quan & Cherise Woo Business Manager................................................................................................................................................ Brandon Serpas Advertising Manager................................................................................................................. Elmer Guardado & Mitchell Tran Circulation Manager............................................................................................................................................... Melissa Nuñez Photographer............................................................................................................................... Brandon Chang & Cindy Vuong Cartoonists...............................................................................................................Emika Nishi, Nathan Phan & Michele Wong Adviser...............................................................................................................................................................Lorraine Langevin Reporters...............................................Erik Alatorre, Jonathan Bahk, Jason Basulto, Esmeralda Cervantes, Taylor Fong, Juliana Guardado, Nicholas Hanashiro, Michelle Hernandez, Michael Le, Justin Lee, Kimberly Manriquez, Nicole Mesa, Kenichiro Oshima, Desiree Puga, Ammy Quinones, Karina Reynaga, Saskia Sani, Erica Suh, Ilse Tse, Irene Wong, Julie Ye, Wesley Yuen
SPARTAN
D
3
OPINIONS
SCROLL Dec. 21, 2012
E
C
O
N
S
T
R
U
C
T
I
N
G
APOCALYPSE : 2012 An elaborate hoax, popularized by the exaggerations of conspiracy theorists and mass media, disproven by fact. Stay calm; everyone will survive. BY ALEX KANEGAWA Opinions Editor
From the Millerites of the 19th century to the Y2K adherents of past decade, humanity has been obsessed with the prognostication of total global collapse, blindly convinced that the end of the world will happen sooner, rather than later. Recently, a new apocalyptic prophecy emerged; its supporters are fully convinced that planetary destruction will visit us in some way, shape or form today, Dec. 21, 2012. This information was gleaned from the eerily accurate Mayan calendar, which, despite being thousands of years old, has managed to accurately foretell events in our present via a combination of ancient mathematics and astrology. In layman’s terms, the calendar, known as the Long Count, lasts the equivalent of 5,125 years, ending its cycle on the previously mentioned today. Some have interpreted the end of the calendar as an indication that the Mayans were predicting a cataclysmic event of some sort, having stopped counting beyond that point for a reason. This belief, coupled with the calendar’s arcane ethos, has led superstitious academics and half-baked conspiracy theorists to give it even further credibility, helping the legend break into the consciousness of mainstream media and causing its popularity to soar. However, the vast majority of
scientists, astronomers, archaeologists and experts in Mesoamerican history agree that Dec. 21 will simply be another day in the year. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the related to the cosmos, the world is guaranteed not to fact; they have even gone so far as to publish on their website an FAQ on the topic that debunks every supporting their belief that the world will persist beyond this point. For example, one of the more popular beliefs is that a rogue planet named Nibiru (also known as Planet X) will enter Earth’s orbit and shatter the globe, bringing life as we know it to an end. The problem with this, “There’s no evidence whatsoever that Nibiru exists,” said Don Yeomans, manager of NASA’s NearLaboratory in Pasadena during a public press conference regarding the 2012 myth. “… [if it did,] We would have seen it years ago.”
Others have proposed that “Nibiru” is in actuality the real-life moon known as Eris, whose orbit does happen to enter our solar system every 556 years, and will do so again today. While this may be true, the farthest Eris will ever travel towards us will be the outer reaches of Pluto, which, to put it in perspective, is approximately 10 billion miles away. Another Armageddon theory speculates that Dec. both the Winter Solstice and the Galactic Equinox (when the Earth makes a full rotation around its axis on the celestial equator) occur on this date. However, this indicates little, being that the solstice has occurred before without incident and the equinox takes 36 years to fully reach completion. And it will some have suggested, due to the fact that this is a physical impossibility. Magnetic pole shifts occur at a staggeringly slow rate, somewhere in the ballpark of one degree per million years, with the last one having occurred 780,000 years ago. While there is a large amount of popular buzz surrounding the possibility of a global cataclysm, If there is anything to truly fear, it is that people will invest too much faith in the hype, and react in a manner that could possibly harm others. Make sure to stay calm and be safe; enjoy the last day of school, because it surely will not be the last.
ALEXIS JIMENEZ
FAST FACTS
APOCalypse - Now? Have you heard any theories about the world ending on Dec. 21, 2012?
If so, do you believe that it will happen?
93% Yes
4% No 3% Unsure
12% Yes
73% No
t Out of 15,000 confirmed Mayan readings, only two specifically refer to December 21, 2012. t December 21, 2012 is not the end of the Mayan calendar, but rather the end of a period and the beginning of a new cycle. t There have been dozens of predictions of an apocalypse for many years, yet they have been proven wrong every time.
15% Unsure
t Galactic alignment already occurred back in 1998, and in a much more precise manner.
Did you hear about the myth from any of the following sources? (Check all that apply)
39% From the internet
t A sudden and disastrous shift in Earth’s axis is scientifically impossible.
38% From a friend 39% From the TV or news 38% I haven’t heard anything about it
SOURCE: nasa.gov, livescience.com, skeptoid.com Some figures may not add up to 100% due to incorrectly completed polls. SOURCE: 292 students in grades 9-12 were polled Dec. 13-14.
JESSICA HSU
4
SPARTAN
NEWS
SCROLL Dec. 21, 2012
Cheer, song teams practice for upcoming competitions BY MELISSA LOPEZ
On Mondays and Wednesdays, teams practice
News Editor
Cheer and Song teams will compete at Lake school year. “This year I want to get closer to my girls and bond with them. I really want to encourage every
SOARING HIGH: Varsity cheer practices their routines for their first
about 45 minutes, along with practicing stunts and reviewing competition routines. Song routines include more dancing, spinning and kicking,
I honestly love doing it. My team has so much talent,” said junior Jasmine Ruiz, varsity cheer co-captain.
varsity cheer and song teams compete together as a group, creating the Game Time team. This team
and JV cheer, varsity and JV song and the Game Time team.
“As usual, our goal is to make nationals and place in the top three,” said Tanya Borba, JV cheer coach. “We are all learning our routines and we sthould do well.”
weekdays and sometimes on weekends, depending on their coach’s schedule. “My role as a captain is to be a good role model , BRANDON CHANG
“The more we practice, the more we get better, because our coaches are encouraging,” said Ruiz.
on the team,” said senior Vanessa Ramirez, varsity cheer captain. Varsity and JV cheer and song teams practice
Convention Center. “I enjoy the competition season and being able
competion Jan. 13 in Lake Elsinore along with several other schools.
Clubs take part in holiday events
3
2
Photo courtesy of CARMEN PATLAN
TREVOR QUAN
SEASON OF SERVICE: 1. Freshman Isabella
1 CONNIE CAI
Benavides makes a card for Key Club to give to the Children’s Hospital. 2. Members of Leo Club donate toys for children attending Christmas at the Cannon on Dec. 24. 3. Freshman Nathan Paez, sophomore Miguel Rios and junior Gaby Reveles donate cans with Marathon Club. 4. Interact members sing Christmas carols at Vista Cove, a convalescent center in San Gabriel.
BIG
4
CHERISE WOO
Upcoming college-related events
PICTURE
Choir holds holiday performance
Montebello High School will host a Cash For College Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Parent Meeting Jan. 31 from 6 - 8 p.m. Schurr will host a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) workshop Feb. 2 from 9 a.m. 12 p.m. The FAFSA application is due by March 2. Multiple scholarship opportunities are available. Check the College Office for additional information and hard copy applications.
2013 S.A.T. Calendar (Juniors) - Jan. 26 - Register by Dec. 28; late registration by Jan. 11. - March 9 - Register by Feb. 8; late registration by Feb. 22.
2013 A.C.T. Calendar (Juniors) - Feb 9 - Register by Jan. 11; late registration by Jan. 18.
TREVOR QUAN
SOUNDS OF JOY: Director Angela Chong conducts senior Analyse Rindone, sophomore Mia Cruz,
freshman Danielle Brooks, freshman Samantha King and junior Lucia Stanbrook-Bukshpan as they perform in the annual holiday performance, which was held in the auditorium Dec. 6.
Discounts available for students
SPARTAN
5
NEWS
SCROLL Dec. 21, 2012
Legion goes to London during winter vacation BY ESMERALDA CERVANTES Reporter
With their uniforms and instruments sent out to London, the Spartan Legion is preparing for their departure Dec. 26 to march in London’s New Year’s Day Parade and return Jan. 2. “I’m pretty excited and can’t wait,” said senior Amy Cervantes. A total of 55 students and 28 chaperones are going. They will be staying at the Cumberland Hotel. It will be the 27th anniversary of the parade and it is estimated that more than half a million people will pack London’s streets. Over 10,000 performers representing 20 countries worldwide are expected to attend. Songs to be performed while abroad include “Shenandoah,” “Santa Cycle,” “London 2012 Band/Beatles,” “Armed Forces Salute,” “Rule Britannia” and the march entitled “Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.” Not all selections will be played on the parade route.
Some selections will be played at the Cadogan Hall for the “Music for London” Gala Concert. Students will take tours around the city to see some of London’s most famous landmarks. They will be taken to the destinations in motor coaches. “You are representing the country, not just the school,” said Band Director Antonio Castro. A news crew from NBC’s Channel 4 came to interview the band about their upcoming performance, led by Coleen Williams. A holiday special featuring the interview is set to air sometime around New Year’s Day. Each band member who wished to travel to London had to pay $2,925. Many of the students fundraised some of their money by showing up to recycling drives, participating in the Taco Mambo 5k Run and selling trees and wreaths. Meetings were held at the beginning of each month to keep parents up to date with what was going on with the trip and to remind them to make their payments on time.
CHERISE WOO
REPORTING TO LONDON: Senior Joseph Garcia is interviewed Dec. 14 by NBC Channel 4’s Coleen Williams regarding the Mighty Spartan Legion’s upcoming London trip.
Students compete in poetry Student body, faculty collect donations, provide for Spartans in need BY JUSTIN LEE Reporter
BRANDON CHANG
SPEAKING FROM MEMORY: Junior Jessie Amaya recites “Fortuna” by Thomas Carlyle Dec. 19 at Eastmont Intermediate School for the district competition.
By BILLY CHU News Editor
Loud competition Dec. 19 at Eastmont Intermediate School to determine who would compete at the upcoming Los Angeles county competition. Junior Jessie Amaya and sophomore Raquel Diaz, with Nathan Phan serving as a and qualifying to compete in the county competition. Amaya recited poems “Fortuna” by Thomas Carlyle and “Analysis of Baseball” by May Swenson while Diaz recited poems Bridges. “[Poetry Out Loud] has been a joyous experience, and has been wonderful overall. I have been practicing for over a month, reciting and practicing whenever I have free time, and it has been very rewarding, especially with the gift card prize,” said Amaya. The champions from each school in MUSD competed at the district level, with six participants in total. Each participant received a $25 gift card, courtesy of the Camino Federal Credit Union. and what rhythm to use while reciting the poems,” said Diaz. Poetry Out Loud is a nationwide contest that encourages adolescents to learn about poetry through memorization and recitation. It allows participants to master public
Instead of sponsoring a canned food drive, the USB Class of ’15 collected donations of $2,650 for the project “Dollars from Scholars” Dec. 4–14 to provide holiday meals for less fortunate families of Schurr students in need. Teachers collected the donations for “Dollars from Scholars.” About 1,600 students and staff, including 80 percent of faculty, participated in the project, donating $1 per person. The teacher who collected the most money will keep a plaque with the name engraved until the following year. This year, Sandra Gutierrez collected the most with $170.75 and Vanessa Chacon-Favela had the most people participating, with 143 students. Seven teachers collected over $100, and Antonio Castro donated 15 Christmas trees. “‘Dollars from Scholars’ was a success because of all the teachers that helped by promoting it in their classes,” said Madeline Quan, cabinet member. “Also, Schurr simulates a big family, and it is the season of giving, so people are willing to help out others.” Unlike a canned food drive where the cans are sent to outside organizations, the proceeds from this project will go towards providing holiday meals for families of Schurr students. “Unlike helping an organization and not being clear on the results, we [the student body] are aware of the outcome, and
know that we are helping students from our school,” said Cecilia Campos, Class of ’15 president. “Plus, we are providing food that the families would enjoy as their holiday dinner, not just cans of food that may be expired or are unwanted.” After all the donations have been collected and calculated, receiving families will be chosen by counselors, based on “What makes this project special from different clubs’ projects is the fact that we are all putting in to help students at our school, not a separate organization,” Campos said. “Dollars from Scholars” was started two years ago. This year’s $2,650 total is double the donations of last year. “Our main goal for the future is to get 100 percent participation from students and faculty,” said Kevin Akiyama, adviser of the Class of ’15.
BY THE
NUMBERS $2,650 was collected. students and staff 1,600 participated. was collect by
Gutierrez’s $170.75 Sandra class.
143
people participated from Vanessa Chacon-Favela’s class.
All students in grade 9-12 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a valid Competitors must choose poems from the Poetry Out Loud print or online anthology, which is updated every summer. The contest starts at the classroom level and progresses to larger competitions. Winners advance and continue to the school-wide, regional, state and eventually national levels of competition. The Poetry Out Loud National Champion receives a $20,000 reward. A total of $50,000 is awarded in cash and provisions for schools at the national competition. Every winner at the state level receives $200, a $500 provision for his or her school to buy poetry books and an all-expense-paid trip with an adult chaperone to Washington, and $200 for his or her school library. “I’m most proud of the students’ dedication to their art and artistry of their poets,” said Betty Harbison, Poetry Club adviser.
Photo courtesy of KEVIN AKIYAMA
SPARTAN DOLLAR: USB Class of’15 held a school-wide fundraiser in order to collect donations for Spartans in need around the holidays.
6
SPARTAN
FEATURES
SCROLL
Dec 21, 2012
In ‘Harmony’ with abandoned pets, student volunteers to save animals BY KATIE NISHIDA Features Editor
cats and dogs. Along with Found Animals, Vizcarra works with a private rescue that saves animals directly from the street, placing them
a passion through saving the lives of animals. With her mom’s occupation as a veterinary technician along with her involvement within the pet rescue community, Vizcarra has always possessed a love for animals. But it was not until she became more aware of the treatment and euthanization of animals within animal shelters that she began to take more active role in pet rescue organizations. “Whenever I would see an animal on the street, I would feel the impulse to take it home and care for it so it wouldn’t get hit by a car or sent to a shelter. I decided I needed to do something Vizcarra volunteers at an organization called Found Animals, which focuses primarily on decreasing the euthanasia rate in shelters. Out of the millions of animals that are taken to shelters each year, only 25 percent of dogs and 24 percent of cats are
TO THE RESCUE: Senior
Harmony Vizcarra poses proudly with her cat Minnie and foster dog Pluto. TREVOR QUAN
not adopted. In just one Los Angeles shelter, there are about 100 animals euthanized daily. Because of these high rates, Vizcarra got more involved with pet rescuing by
the rescued animals so that they will not be forced into a shelter, where they will have a time limit to live. In order to shed light on the group and the high animal euthanasia rates within animal shelters, a YouTube video was summarizes the work Vizcarra, her mom and sister do, showing the trio in their natural environment, rescuing animals off the interested in her work should leave a comment on the video. They plan to continue with the short videos with the intention of enlightening others about the overpopulation of animals within the shelters, causing a higher rate of euthanasia; they hope that these short videos will inspire more people to adopt animals rather than buying them from a breeder and create more awareness to the high euthanasia rates and overpopulation in shelters. “It’s hard to explain, but the whole point (to my volunteer work) is that even though it takes up a lot of time and it may not make a huge difference, according to the numbers, the amount of always hold a special place in my heart and I hope to always be a She hopes to continue rescuing animals by going to college with the intentions of someday becoming a veterinarian, while also progressing within the pet rescue organizations. Tirelessly working within the pet rescue community, Vizcarra has found helping and saving the lives of stray animals to be her passion.
Dominguez helps community BY MARIEA SEKIJIMA Assistant Features Editor
With the vision of establishing an area to represent the Salvadorian community in Los Angeles, senior Oscar Dominguez, along with fellow board members of the El Salvador Community Corridor, strives to continue to boost the local economy, social unity and Salvadorian pride. Dominguez is the director of the Youth Committee of El Savador Community Corridor and is leading the effort to help and educate Salvadorian youth. The corridor, located on Vermont Boulevard, is a noncity as a designated area to represent the SalvadorianAmerican community. In August, Los Angeles City Hall and the State of the corridor. “We are improving the socio-economic status of the community while promoting our culture and supporting not only the Salvadorian community, but the Hispanic community in general. We show the beauty and uniqueness of Salvadorian culture while diminishing stereotypes and negative images, and rescuing our identity and culture in a According to everyculture.com, Salvadorian guerrillas sparked a civil war against the government from 1972 to 1992 for the rebels’ social rights and representation, with approximately 75,000 Salvadorian deaths. bloody war. Many people died, including innocent women
“[The war] is a past many Salvadorian immigrants are scarred with, but as a result, are looking for a better life within the United States. Thus, awareness allows other individuals to understand why many Salvadorians immigrated, and their Dominguez, whose mother is Mexican and father is Salvadorian, has grown up with American values and culture. Through his parents, he has continued to learn about Hispanic culture, history, values and beliefs. “I have learned to appreciate the culture and recognize it as an essential part of who I am. Many Hispanic youths nowadays grow up with the mentality that they are Americans and forget about
Photo courtesy by OSCAR DOMINGUEZ
PAYING IT FORWARD: Senior Oscar Dominguez gives back to the community as he helps feed the less fortunate on Thanksgiving.
“One should be able to appreciate the American culture while at the same time appreciate the true essence of one’s Through various events, such as eating traditional dishes, dancing cumbia, visiting El Salvador, listening to stories of his father and his immigrant friends, and being a part of festivals and parades, Dominguez has seen the importance and richness of Salvadorian culture. “Preserving one’s culture can be a source of motivation,
he remembered hearing bombs at night and waking up the
said Dominguez. With the mission of educating, motivating and supporting the youth within the community, the El Salvador
After the war killed 20-30 percent of the population, some 500,000 to one million refugees immigrated to other parts of the world, mainly America.
organizations, cleans the streets around the neighborhood, participates in cultural events, volunteers in Hispanic
political campaigns and feeds those in need at MacArthur Park and immigrants at Home Depot. “As a committee, we want to provide as many resources as possible to the youth in a low-income community in order for them to become better individuals, build their character, help them attain new skills and prepare for the The committee will have a toy giveaway event and a fundraiser Dec. 23 for a Salvadorian band, who will perform in the Rose Parade with special guest Ronnie Aguilar, the The work and effort of the El Salvador Community Corridor have inspired the Oaxacan and Peruvian communities in Los Angeles to follow in their footsteps and create their own designated area, thus spreading the movement for other diverse ethnic groups to begin their own journey in raising cultural awareness.
EMIKA NISHI
SPARTAN
FEATURES
SCROLL Dec. 21, 2012
Holiday foods
7
showcase cultural
uniqueness, diversity BY DERRICK LIEU
Assistant Features Editor With the winter holidays approaching, eager families carefully prepare a wide variety of foods and dishes to celebrate their annual traditions. The three most popular holidays of the winter are Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Of the three, Christmas is the most celebrated holiday in the U.S.: it celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Hanukkah, a celebration of lights, honors the Jew’s victory over the Greek Syrians. Kwanzaa is an African holiday created for African peoples to celebrate their communal beliefs and values, as a part of an African culture in America. During Christmas, cultures from around the world celebrate in different ways and eat various traditional foods. In Mexico, for example, Christmas is celebrated with dishes such as tamales, turkey, romeritos and ponches. In the U.S and Canada, people enjoy turkey, cranberry sauce, gingerbread and pumpkin pie. In Europe, countries such as Denmark, Norway and the British Isles also have traditional dishes to celebrate Christmas. In Norway, people celebrate with mulled wine, pork sausage, meatballs and St. Lucia breads. In the British Isles, roast turkey, chocolate Yule logs, roast beef, duck and pheasants are popular choices for Christmas dinner. Christmas is also gradually gaining popularity in the Asian countries. In the recent years, it has become increasingly popular in large cities, such as Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Chinese food traditions around Christmas involve dumplings, Peking duck, cookies and bowls of fruits which symbolize wealth and good fortune. In the Philippines, families prepare special dishes for their loved ones such as Edam cheese, sweet rice cooked in hollow bamboo tubes, butter and coconut milks, salads and Filipino spaghetti. Hanukkah is a holiday that the Jewish community celebrates with many cultural foods and traditions. It consists of an eight-day holiday where families spend time together and send gifts to one another. But one unique aspect of Hanukkah is the use of fried foods in almost every meal served, to commemorate the miracle of the oil that kept the lamp burning for eight days. The major fried foods are latkes, sufganiyots and loukomades. Latke, the principal food, is a potato pancake cooked by deep-frying grated potatoes, eggs, onions and vegetable oil together to create a hot, crispy potato pancake. Sufganiyots are jelly doughnuts made without the hole and have no particular shape. They are covered in powdered sugar or cinnamon. Loukomades are deep-fried puffs dipped in sugar or honey. Unlike other winter holidays, Kwanzaa is not a religious celebration, but a commemoration of African families, communities and culture. It is observed from Dec. 26-Jan. 1. According to slashfoods.com, popular Kwanzaa dishes include koki, an appetizer made of black-eyed peas; peanut soup; jollof rice; and chinua achebe, a side dish made with sweet potatoes. To supplement the dinner off with desserts such as fruit salads or coconut pie. With the winter holidays closing in, cultures from around the world readily cook and serve popular dishes for their families.
A ‘Taylor’ed Perspective BY TAYLOR HONDA Managing Editor
Finding a ‘you’niversity It’s senior year, and we are constantly asked, “Where do you want to go to school?” Until very recently, I wasn’t so sure. My dream school has been Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Cal Tech, UC Berkeley My dreams for CMC began when I visited in November and December. “Hi, I’m here for my interview,” I said. “Okay, go ahead and wait on the couches, and feel free to help yourself to any refreshments,” the receptionist said. As I stared at “The Cube” at CMC, my dreams were reinforced; I love this school. session and tour. At the session, I learned about the history
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Dishes and desserts such as gingerbread cookies (top), roast turkey (middle left), potato latkes (middle right), pumpkin pie (bottom left) and butter and coconut milk shrimp (bottom right) are made around holidays to celebrate the season. Families from different cultures eat a variety of special foods this time of year.
application process. Established in 1946. Part of the Claremont Consortium.
Photos courtesy by ivillage.com
did. At some point, I wanted to graduate with everyone knowing that I was accepted to an amazing school. But I my friends have already gotten accepted into Ivy League
No. 1 in “Their students love these colleges.” Everything I learned just added to what I loved about the school, but that’s not where it ended. I went on the tour, where one of the students took us around the school. “The Cube” is literally a giant cube made of glass, surrounded by water, where students can study. The Athenaeum is a dining hall, where world leaders speak to CMC students. And to top it off, the school is simply gorgeous. The second time I visited, I was under a lot more pressure. though I had prepared for hours the night before, I could not calm myself. I was shaky all day at school, and as the hours passed, my nerves became more intense. I wanted to As I waited, a man in semi-formal attire introduced himself as my interviewer. He led me into a room and we began to talk about my major, economics, and my goals for the future. The interview was much more casual than I expected, and I felt prepared for all the questions. Talking to my interviewer made me love CMC even more. He had actually transferred to CMC as a sophomore, and chose it over Columbia University. The fact that he choose CMC, a not-so-well-known college, over Columbia, inspired me to think more like he
thought of me, rather than what I wanted for myself. Claremont McKenna is the best school—for me. There really is no universal “best” school, even with U.S. rankings, school is different for every person. A small liberal arts college, CMC has a great economics program, fun yet brilliant people and programs that suit me best. In fact, at CMC, there is a combined bachelor’s and master’s program, where I can get both degrees in four years, as well as study abroad programs in London. I’m not trying to say that the Ivy League schools are students, but the fact that they are so far from home and that the weather happens to be terrible on the East Coast just doesn’t appeal to me. As of now, I am applying to CMC early decision, and I have no doubts that it is my top school. Even if I graduate going to a school that most of the kids at my high school don’t know about, I know I will love my college. I originally did not want to interview, shy as I am, but I am glad that I did. Even with the awkward moments and my nerves basically shaking the life out of me, my interview taught me to shoot for what I want, and not be swayed by what I want others to think about me.
8
SPARTAN
FOCUS
SCROLL Dec. 21, 2012
u l o s e r s r a e Y w e N My
On Dec. 10, 380 Schurr students were polled. We found that 83 percent hav
1 2 3 or lack of knowledge about accomplishing these resolutions. Following the
Get in shape
Get organized
BY JONATHAN PALOMINO
BY MICHELE WONG
Graduate in Exercise Science
Cartoonist
New Year’s Day is right around the corner, and with the arrival of 2013, there also comes New Year’s resolutions. Resolutions vary greatly from person to person, but one of the most popular includes getting into better shape. Although this may sound
Coming home from school with books to read and worksheets to complete may be daunting, so being organized will help us stay on task. According to essortment.com, there are many methods of organization, such as using an agenda, dry-erase board and a computer’s spreadsheet program. We can select any method we prefer, as long as we refer to it every day and establish a habit of writing out and checking our tasks. Soon enough, we may begin to see and expect a pattern of when assignments are handed out, when tests are given and when family trips occur, according to theorderexpert.com. My preferred method is to use the school agenda because it provides space to write down all assignments, jot down to-do lists and plan out events that take place after school and on weekends. In addition, there is still enough room to take notes on how to complete certain projects. Because I plan out the majority of my tasks in this agenda, I have developed a habit of checking it daily. Although writing down every assignment is a step towards being organized, seeing all of our incomplete work may be overwhelming. The next step is to establish priority of tasks over others and accomplish what is most important to us, especially when unexpected events come up. Having a set idea of when to complete tasks is better than not knowing where to begin. Working with a planned schedule will minimize stress and maximize
This can be generally attributed to three main factors: loss of motivation, One of the most important elements of getting into better shape is one’s eat at fast food restaurants, which typically offer unhealthy food choices. Limiting the intake of foods that are high in fat content and sugar, such as Monitoring the number of calories one consumes daily is also imperative when attempting to lose weight. Calorie intake varies based on size, gender and activity. For example, a small, inactive female may need as little as 1,400 calories a day, while a large male may need as many as 2,200 calories daily. As mentioned earlier, loss of motivation is a reason why people fail to A workout partner will help to maintain motivation and make “slacking off” less likely. One must also remember to not get discouraged about immediate results, as getting into better shape does not happen overnight.
assignments and reward ourselves with a short break or snack. Although we may still receive piles of assignments that tend to overwhelm us, we can complete each by planning and prioritizing which
New Year’s resolution.
‘App’lying technology to goals 1
NE A
NIKE TRAINING CLUB
Provides instructions and videos for 30-minute workouts. 2
ASTRID
Create and share lists, get reminders, and speak your tasks. 3
FOODUCATE
SPAIN As the c
Compare snacks with similar products to see which options are the healthiest substitutes. 4
STRESS TRACKER
Allows individuals to monitor stress levels. 5
UNITED The kiss
REDLASER
Compare prices between thousand of retailers. 6
MY FITNESS PAL
Keep track of weight with a food and exercise diary. 7
MOODY ME
8
EVERNOTE
ENGLA
Keep a photo diary to record things that make one happy. Organizes lists of favorite webpages, photos, documents and itineraries and syncs them to a computer.
9
THE CARROT
Tracks everything health-related, such as blood pressure, medication and exercise. CHRISTINE TAING
KOREA
ALEXIS JIMENEZ
SPARTAN
9
FOCUS
SCROLL Dec. 21, 2012
. . . s i n o i t u
ve New Year’s resolutions. Of those, the top three New Year’s
3
right steps can help students achieve these goals.
Spend less money BY NAOMI CEJA
R.O.P. Financial Services Teacher As a new year is approaching, many of you may want to know about budgeting and how to do it. Maybe you might want to make budgeting a New Year’s resolution. If you are lucky enough to have a job, the secret is the bank put at least 40 percent of your paycheck in that account. Use the remaining money to pay for any expenses you might have per week or per month. Believe it or not, you don’t have any idea what you spend your money on so start keeping track. At the beginning of the month get a journal and start writing down every penny you spend. You can also do this on your smart phone. For those students that don’t have a job, you will also be surprised how much money you spend weekly, and on what, as well. You need to keep a journal too. Save $5 a week by limiting your vending machine purchases. Save $10 a week by bringing your lunch to school one or two days per week instead of eating out. Save $25 a month by borrowing movies from a friend or checking out books and magazines from the library instead of buying them. Save $50 a month by swapping clothes with your friends instead of hitting the mall. Look for free events (concerts, museums and art galleries) in your neighborhood; L.A. and Orange County offer a lot of free events. If you’re lucky enough to get money for your birthday, or as a holiday gift, save it instead of spending it. Open up a student savings account, they don’t require you to maintain a certain balance, and best of all, there are no monthly service charges. I’m not asking to deprive yourself from having any enjoyment in your life, but the more money you save and the earlier you begin saving, the more your money will grow. And before you know it, you will have a are building a nice “nest egg.”
EW YEARS TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD
AND PORTUGAL: clock strikes midnight, revelers eat 12 grapes (one with each bell toll) to bring
D STATES: s shared at the stroke of midnight in the United States is derived from masked
AND:
16% Get in shape 14% Get organized 13% Spend less money
12% Learn something new 12% Reduce stress 10% Eat healthier 9% Spend more time with family 7% Help others more 5% Other
A:
SOURCE: factmonster.com
MICHELE WONG Photos by BRANDON CHANG & CHERISE WOO Modeled by SPARTAN SCROLL STAFF
10
FEATURES
SPARTAN
SCROLL Dec. 21, 2012
Con‘duct’ing fresh projects A ’mending’ everyday problems
DO IT YOURSELF: Wallet
BY CHRISTINE TAING Graphics Staff
1.
Invented in 1942, duct tape, with its
duckbrand.com, duct
2.
3.
com Ducttapefashion. com
4.
5.
Keeping up with
the Spartans
SPARTAN SPEAK
Have you ever made a gift for someone on Christmas?
“
Gabriel Alcala
For this Christmas, I am making my boyfriend a personally made gift.
Class of 2010 What did you major in at Cal State Fullerton? I majored in Art, specifically Studio Art. What is your current occupation? I am currently working as a staff worker at Fantasyland Attractions in Disneyland.
”
SUMMER ROJAS Freshman
“
I made my dad a nicely decorated Christmas ornament.
“
What are your future career goals? With Disney, I would like to become a trainer for the attractions I’m hired into. Overall, I would like to go into art education. What is your most memorable experience working at Disneyland? Being recognized by a guest during my second month working for Disney for being ‘one of the kindest cast members they had met.’ They wrote a compliment to Disney about me stating I exemplified the personality that represents the Disneyland resort and I was recognized for it by my management team and the Disneyland Resort.
CHERISE WOO SOURCE: craftsbyamanda.com
”
NICOLE SERRANO Sophomore
When I was younger back in kindergarten, I made my mom a little Christmas tree ornament.
JONATHAN TSO Junior
“
”
During Christmas a couple years back, I made my grandpa a Christmas tree by metal fabrication.
”
JOSEPH MARTINEZ Senior Photos by CINDY VUONG
SPARTAN
ENTERTAINMENT
SCROLL Dec. 21, 2012
Bahooka Family Restaurant provides seafaring adventure BY CHERISE WOO & BRANDON CHANG
Photo Editor & Photographer Just a few miles up Rosemead Boulevard, Bahooka Family Restaurant allows customers to experience a shipwreck on a deserted island without leaving the familiarity of Los Angeles. “[We want] to give people a place to come and feel like they’re in the islands while they’re having dinner,” said Manager Darlene Sliegel. Bahooka, which directly translates to “shack” in Hawaiian, began serving families in 1967. Though it primarily serves American food, the restaurant’s interior décor has origins in various locations. The bamboo structures were imported from the Philippines. Cast-offs, portholes and ship parts were handcrafted into lamps, some of which hang from Japanese fishnets. South Pacific tortoise shells are scattered on the ceiling. tanks surround the area. “Customers enjoy the
11
With its unique venue and several different dishes that incorporate American food, Bahooka has attracted some celebrities, including punkrock band Green Day and actor Johnny Depp. Though there is celebrity taste, the food itself is nothing out of the ordinary. They have anything from Polynesian appetizers to child and regular dinners. Some of their dishes include the New York Steak, nine ounces charbroiled to one’s liking for $18.50, and Pile of Ribs in BBQ sauce for $19.50. But while the dishes do not reflect culinary genius, their prices certainly do. Some dishes can exceed $20 and many others are similarly priced. Bahooka is open Monday–
something to look at,” said Sliegel. “[Fishes] keep everyone company while they’re dining.” One of
Bahooka serves both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. According to Sliegel, Captain Cooke’s Goat is a crowd favorite. A fruit kebob floats in a sweet pineapple and coconut punch, along with “two long straws and a flame in the center.” A popular dish is the Ribs and Teriyaki Chicken, chicken marinated in teriyaki sauce and then baked. Also popular are the BBQ ribs.
p.m. and Sundays from noon to 9 p.m. They cater for parties of 10-80. Located in the “Menu” section of their website is a $5 coupon at the bottom of the screen which can be printed and redeemed at the restaurant. Overall, Bahooka is an intriguing establishment that, although lacking in dish creativity and quality, serves as an escape from everyday routines.
FOR THE
RECORD In the Nov. 16 issue, the last two lines of “Que Sera, Sarai” were cut off. Here is the conclusion: Of all the people I encountered that day, this woman was the one that embodied the true meaning of what it is to be American and made me realize that patriotism can come from the most unexpected source.
Que Sera, Sarai BY SARAI JARAMILLO
Lead Copy Editor
Real winners Like all siblings, my niece and nephew like to compete with each other. Unfortunately for me, their sibling rivalry usually manifests itself in what I like to call “screaming
screaming, the other begins. The goal is to be louder than the other. Ironically, this competition is very polite; neither my niece nor nephew will interrupt the other; they wait patiently until it is their turn to yell. It is hard to determine the winner of these competitions. I have been the audience for these events multiple times, and I’m still not sure who is the scream champion. My nephew is 4 years old and knows how to control his voice
‘HOOK’ED ON SEAFOOD: Bahooka Family Restaurant offers an enticing environment filled with fishtanks and furniture from various islands. Pictured right (top) is salmon, shrimp (middle), and Bahooka Ade (bottom).
better than my 1-year-old niece; he is usually the loudest. However, my niece has the ability to pitch her voice so high that her shrieks cut through my nephew’s loud drone, leaving me, and everybody else within a mile, wincing. Besides this noisy celebration of healthy lung function, my niece and nephew also compete in foot races around
tree. In retrospect, this is probably where the rift between us began. As soon as I stopped trying to please her, all interaction between us virtually ceased.
nephew is undeniably faster than my toddling niece, but she doesn’t play fair. She’ll wait in ambush, trip him and run away, screeching merrily. Their antics, though distracting and sometimes annoying, are, for lack of a better phrase, incredibly cute. My nephew instinctively knows to be gentle around his younger sister, and she instinctively knows to take full advantage of his kindness. She pushes and kicks him with her tiny hands and feet, and he’ll just let her, except for the occasional, playful hair-yank. Watching them makes me wish my sister and I could have played like that. I do not get nostalgic; that would imply that I remembered the days when we were that close. On the contrary, I have no real memories of us ever interacting like that. As far back as I can remember, she always pushed me away, too embarrassed to be caught interacting with her younger, dorkier sister. At the time, I could not understand why she didn’t desire my company; we were sisters, weren’t we supposed to spend time together? When I got old enough to be acceptable company, I no longer wanted to spend time with her, too accustomed to having my own friends to bother barking up a reluctant
anybody’s help, let alone mine. But when she got too exhausted to get out of bed, she swallowed her pride. Her
relationship grew closer. She would often rely on me to watch him while she got a few extra hours of sleep. It was
respect. I appreciated being treated like an adult, and we established a shaky, but genuine, bond. This bond was reinforced when my sister had her while she dealt with the newborn, I kept my nephew from being a nuisance. She sometimes relied on me to watch the baby, but by this time my sister felt experienced enough to handle her newborn mostly on her own. Over time, my relationship with my sister expanded from experiences dealing with young children to being involved in each other’s personal lives. It started with tentative questions, but eventually grew to long, easy conversations. I’m proud to say that I now share a relatively “normal” relationship with my sister. Of course, there are still encounter that dreaded awkward silence, but we’ve come a long way from the distant roommates we once were. We really are sisters now, and with the upcoming holidays, I am looking forward to spending time with her again.
12
SPARTAN
ENTERTAINMENT
SCROLL Dec. 21, 2012
‘The Hobbit’ movie serves adequately as ‘rings’ prequel
BY TRISTAN BROSSY DE DIOS
them by the dragon, Smaug. Accompanied by Gandalf, they venture eastward, encountering
Entertainment Editor
Faced with high expectations from Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “The Hobbit: An falls as short as a dwarf (though not as short as a hobbit). tales deserve embellishing, and while The Hobbit certainly is a great tale for all audiences, Jackson’s interpretation of the story seemed to overshadow the greatness of J.R.R. Tolkien’s original work, replacing the simple yet adventurous children’s intended, a mix that does not always work for the best.
Freeman and Serkis, though on screen together for only a few minutes, transcend their roles as actors in the movie’s pivotal scene, based here that Bilbo must act independently and make the choices that ultimately will not only determine whether or not he lives but whether or not his world will survive as well. Not counting the minor characters, “The Hobbit” leaves little room for character development, other than that between Bilbo and Thorin; while Jackson and his writers attempt to give as much depth to the 12 remaining dwarves of Thorin & Co., the task is impossible, even given Another disappointment comes in the form of the technology
(Manu Bennett), only played a minimal role in the novel as a background character. Along with other minor details, like a battle between stone giants reminiscent of a Rock ‘em
Hobbit” is merely more prevalent, and not necessarily much better, than that of “The Return of the King,” Jackson’s last “Rings” movie.
throughout, but most of these alterations are Aside from the disparities between the book the power to engage its audiences with gripping battles between orcs and dwarves, riveting riddle where it otherwise fails. Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), a complacent hobbit of the Shire, joins Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and his company of dwarves to reclaim their lost kingdom, Erebor, in The Lonely Mountain, taken from
Chapter 2: Roast Mutton Chapter 1: An Unexpected Party
Disregarding the changes to story or the visual letdowns, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” proves to be an adventure worth undertaking, especially a dragon.
Chapter 3: A Short Rest
Chapter 5: Riddles in the Dark
Chapter 6: Out of the Frying Pan - into the fire
FOURTEEN’S COMPANY: Thorin Oakenshield (Armitage) leads a band of 13 dwarves (left) to reclaim their lost kingdom Erebor in the Lonely Mountain; they must first enlist the aid of “burglar” Bilbo Baggins (Freeman, right).
Performer Jenni Rivera remembered BY NICHOLAS HANASHIRO Reporter
Singing her way into the hearts of millions with songs such as “Simplemente La Mejor” or “Dejate Amar,” Jenni Rivera will be sorely missed. Born in Long Beach to Mexican immigrants, Rivera felt the calling of regional Mexican music at an early age. Her parents and her family spent countless hours in recording studios. In 1999, she released her debut album, Que Me
2002, Rivera earned a Grammy nomination as Best Banda Album for her album Se Las Voy A Dar A Otro (“I’m going to give it to another”). Her latest album, released Nov. 22, is Joyas Prestadas (“borrowed jewels”). Her unmistakable style earned her No. 1 ratings in pop banda record sales. In a statement made a few years ago, Rivera said that her early music career included being awakened by her parents every morning at 5 a.m. to set up music stalls where she would sell mix tapes. Though lawsuits ensued, none were ever many artists whom she would listen to on the radio,
she developed the iconic style she is known for. She thanked her parents for instilling in her values of hard work and perseverance at an early age.
double platinum records since her debut in 1999 with her album Si Quieres Verme Llorar. Rivera wrote every song and lyric. Listening to her songs can understand the transformation a singer goes mention turmoil, in her life. A single mom at the age of 15, Rivera did not have an easy life; however, she never stopped pursuing her dream of becoming a singer. This working hard and never giving up, even through a language barrier. Not only does she advocate hard work in her songs, but she was also a major donor for immigrants. One of her many charities is the Jenni Rivera Love Foundation, which helps children growing up with mental disabilities whose parents do not have the funds for treatment. will surely be missed by all who were touched by her music.
Behind the
Scenes ‘Les Miserables’ After numerous film and play adaptations, the original Claude-Michel Schonberg novel Les Miserables is brought to life in a new musical drama spearheaded by its star actor, Hugh Jackman (Jean Valjean) as well as Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway in featured roles. Photos courtesy of UGO Entertainment
SPARTAN
13
ENTERTAINMENT
SCROLL Dec. 21, 2012
Read, watch, buy: What to pick up this holiday season Macbeth shoes:
Try out shoes from Macbeth, the footwear line created by Blink182’s Tom Delonge and Mark Hoppus. Approximately $55 on zappos.com.
“Monsters Inc. 3D”:
Reunite with old friends Sully, Mike and Boo as they return to the big screen in 3-D.
Life of Pi:
As 16-year-old Pi Patel and hs family try to escape from India to North America, their boat sinks and only he and a massive tiger survive. As they fight for survival, Pi takes us on a path of faith and adventure that will fit right in with the holidays.
“Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away”: Travel through the worlds of Cirque du Soleil as two young people find each other on an adventure.
Voodoo Friends:
These adorable handmade dolls can be used on a key ring or for pure decoration, and will serve as great gifts for close friends or family members who could use a fun, lucky charm. Approximately $7 on ebay.com. Graphic by JESSICA HSU Photos by BRANDON CHANG and TREVOR QUAN and courtesy of UGO Entertainment
Rambling Rhetoric BY ALEX KANEGAWA
Opinions Editor
Developing a taste for life Ever since he lost the majority of his sight, my grandpa hasn’t been the same. It all began three years ago, following a car crash that resulted from his stubbornness and a refusal to acknowledge his deteriorating vision. We had previously urged him to give up his keys, so as to prevent something like this from happening, but he wouldn’t have any of it. A subsequent doctor’s visit required immediate cataract surgery in order to preserve what little sight he had left. Unfortunately, the operation resulted in his retina detaching, followed by severe glaucoma, and now the best he can do is perceive vague shapes and light. Since then, our family has had to take a more active role
when it comes to taking care of him, and he absolutely resents it. One thing has to be understood about my grandpa: he mom’s family reports to having rarely, if ever, witnessed him taking a nap or lounging around complacently during their childhood. However, the unfortunate irony is that that seems to be about all he can do nowadays. Earlier last year, I kept him company at his rundown East Los Angeles home, following the celebration of his 87th birthday, which he bitterly referred to as a harbinger of his own imminent demise. Grandpa wasn’t willing to talk to me all that much that day, preferring to sit in silence and listen to the miniature radio we bought him a few weeks back. I’m sure his aloofness wasn’t personal, but it created an uncomfortable tension for the remainder of our visit. As my mom and I began to leave, one of the various family portraits lining the wall caught my eye; it was from 1998, when I was about three. I wasn’t in it, and neither were any of my cousins. It depicted my late grandmother, my grandpa, my mom and the rest of her siblings (my aunts and uncles), sitting together on a couch in a modestly elegant lounge. According to my mom, it was taken to celebrate my grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary. Noticing our interest in the photo, my grandpa asked, “How long ago did my wife die?” The question was devoid of emotion, coldly mechanical, as though he were asking what day of the week it was. “Eight years next month,” replied my mom. He leaned back into his armchair and exhaled softly. I knew
Cloud Atlas:
A tale spanning thousands of years, the story reveals the interconnectedness of all through six stories, each influencing one another. Approximately $13 at Barnes & Noble. that he didn’t ask the question because he needed reminding;
gesture that indicated for us to let ourselves out. I attempted to give him a farewell hug, but I received nothing back. I can’t convey what it feels like to have to see a grandparent like this, so helpless, so broken, so weary of life, but I suppose the melancholy I feel is universal. Their decline bodes ill for our futures, as it creates a fear that we may follow in their footsteps, that we may be predisposed towards experiencing
in life that anyone can, or should, be able to rely upon. The bond between kin is a primal one, transcending social convention and the largely conditional nature of compassion, forged by the indomitable ferocity of the human spirit. And as my grandpa’s health continues to worsen, it becomes increasingly clear to me how precious and ephemeral life is, and how important it is to cherish the moments I have left with him. need for companionship, the innate knowledge that we yearn grandpa seems to have forgotten this basic tenet of life in recent rendered him blind in more ways than one. I don’t know how much time he has left in this world, but I hope that when he leaves, he’ll have been able to come to terms with himself and his own mortality. He, more than anyone else I know in this world, deserves to leave happy; he’s earned it.
14
SPARTAN
SPORTS
SCROLL Dec. 21, 2012
Softball athletes score run to college
Sanchez, Zacarias and Martinez signed letters of intent to play college softball during the Nov. 16 Renaissance Rally.
1. What is your favorite quote? 2. Who inspired you to play softball? 3. How did you feel about being scouted? 4. What are you future plans? How will this scholarship help you in the future?
Emily Sanchez Attending University of Delaware
1. “Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing.” -Henry Sanders
Position: Shortstop
Last season’s statistics: .471 Batting Average 24 Runs Batted In (RBI)
2. My dad, because there were times that I wanted to quit, but my dad told me that it would be worth it at the end and that I have worked too hard to give up.
Background: Sanchez played for the 18U Gold US Athletics for three years. She has played softball since age eight, the year she started travel ball.
3. I felt like it was just another day.
Photo courtesy of EMILY SANCHEZ
Jacklyn Zacarias
4. Helping for my college tuition. Just playing for the scholarship, but I look forward to all the workouts, bonding with my teammates, living the college life and dorming. I’m still undecided whether I will continue softball after college.
1. “Play like you’re in first; train like you’re in second.” -H. Odell “Fuzzy” Minnix 2. My mom inspired me, because at times I wasn’t always in the mood to play, but she pushed me to practice more.
Attending La Sierra University Position: Right-handed Pitcher, Outfield on Defense Last season’s statistics: .390 Batting Average, 12 RBI, 1.32 Earned Run Average (ERA)
3. I felt really proud of myself and relieved because finally all this hard work I’ve been putting in has paid off. 4. Well, besides it being my key to college, I don’t plan to play on the professional level, but I want to play in college to finish off the four years. I’ll play it as a hobby after college.
Background: She played for travel ball 18U Gold San Diego Renegades for a year. She started playing softball at age 4.
Photo courtesy of JACKLYN ZACARIAS
1. “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.” -Vince Lombardi
Cynthia Martinez
2. When I was a little girl, I didn’t like to play. When I got older, my parents would always push me to the limit by taking me to practice. I am very thankful for them because it has helped me a lot. They’re my biggest inspiration to play softball.
Attending La Sierra University Position: Catcher Last Season’s statistics: .346 Batting Average, 23 RBI
3. My friend told me to call the Mr. Neal, the coach of La Sierra. He asked me how I would feel about being part of the softball family at La Sierra. I was very excited and blessed to get play college softball, and I cried with tears of joy because I was super happy to get the chance.
Background: She played for the San Diego Renegades for one year. Overall, she has been playing since age 4. Photo courtesy of CYNTHIA MARTINEZ
4. I hope to get my degree, play softball and meet tons of new people. My future goals are to become a successful person in life and be a coach for a college softball team.
H2O polo dives into season, aims to improve BY THERESA NAKAMURA Reporter
Girls water polo will face the Bell Gardens Lancers Jan. 9 away. “We’re going to improve with experience as we play every
CINDY VUONG
BALL IN MOTION: Freshman April Alvarez sets up her next move against Lakewood Dec. 18.
FOR THE
RECORD In the Nov. 16 issue, photo credits for Brandon Chang and Trevor Quan were omitted from Captains’ Wrap-Up.
tournament, and now we’re 6-3. We are a young team, and I think we’re going to do a lot better than most freshman and sophomore teams,” said Coach David Argumosa. The Spartans played Pasadena High Dec. 20 but scores were unavailable at press time. They played Lakewood High at home Dec. 18, winning both varsity and JV games . “We are still in the learning process, and we have a lot to learn. We can all learn from each others’ strengths and weaknesses and grow from the lessons we learn in practice and games,” said Evelyn Ortega, varsity wing. On Dec. 11, varsity, JV and frosh-soph lost to Eleanor the season. “The morning workouts have given us the chance to practice more and grow as a team,” said Brandee Perez, varsity set. The varsity team played in the Los Altos Tournament Dec. 7-8, where they won against Summit High, Escondido High and Chino High and lost to Santiago High and Culver City High. “I feel like the season is going well. We have improved a lot since last year. With the help of our coaches and Olympian
Brenda Villa, I think we could win CIF. We have grown a lot closer as a team, thanks to our coaches,” said Shoshanna Mier, JV set. The Spartans defeated Pioneer High Dec. 6 at home and San Marino Nov. 28.
Before the
Game Lauren Coronado Senior Basketball
“I say a prayer when I wake up in the morning, and I stay focused throughout the whole day. Once it’s a couple of hours before gametime, I say another prayer. I braid some of the girls’ hair, but I have to make sure mine is done right, too.”
15
SPORTS
SPARTAN
SCROLL Dec. 21, 2012
Grapplers off to good start BY JOESON CHIANG Sports Editor
Starting the season strong, the varsity grapplers will participate in the Bishop Amat Brute Tournament today 10:30 am. They competed in the Downey Tournament Dec. 14 and Dec 15, where Ruben Guzman (113) took third in his weight class, Alex Chavez (145) fourth, Adam Duarte (126) Velez (138) eighth. The Spartans faced the Whittier Cardinals and defeated them, 60-12, Dec. 11. During the game against the Bell High School Eagles, the grapplers tied the game with a score of 34-34. However, the varsity team won based on the each match. During the Santa Fe Tournament, Huh (106) placed Jacob Prohroff (171) seventh. “The varsity team is making progress. The biggest issue is that half of the wrestlers on the varsity line were on JV last year, so they are still adapting to the varsity intensity,”
CHERISE WOO
TAKE DOWN: Grabbing his opponent by the neck, senior Alex Arias holds him to the mat. The Spartans defeated the Whitter Cardinals, 60-12, at home in their second meet of the preseason Dec. 11. said Head Coach Jay Valencia. “We’re strong in our takedown’s and good on our feet, but we need to work on wrestling on bottom and getting better at escapes. Tournament Dec. 17. Individually, Ryan Huh (113), Javier Corrales (126), Josue Perez (138), Pedro Munoz (145), Richard Torres (160), Heacock (195) and Brian Rangel (132), Alex Arias (152), Josue Quintero (170) and Efrain Velez (182) placed second. The Spartans also defeated the
Whittier Cardinals 70-9 and Bell High School Eagles 57-6. “We are slowly but surely making improvement week by week. Our strengths are that we have many returning wrestlers who have been in the program all year long, but we just need to work on the new kids learning how to wrestle,” said Coach Manuel Quintero. The frosh/soph grapplers participated in the Whittier Tournament, placing second.
Strikers seek to improve Lady Strikers kick for early success BY TREVOR QUAN Photo Editor
Improving their game play, the lady varsity strikers prepare for the Buena Park Tournament Dec. 27-30. The team faced the Temple City Rams Dec. 20, but scores were not available at press time. They lost to the Northview Vikings Dec. 18, 3-2.
Vanessa Castro, with the assistance of Jenny Jorge, scored and tied the game 1-1. The Knights started off the second half scoring a goal against Spartans. Later, the strikers scored a penalty shot to tie the game, 2-2. However the Knights came back strong and scored another goal, ending the game. The Spartans beat the Whittier Cardinals Dec. 4, 1-0. In the second half of the game, Castro made a penalty shot that won the game. Beginning preseason, the strikers faced the Gabrielino Eagles Nov. 27 and lost 4-3. So far undefeated, the JV strikers will face the El Rancho Dons Jan. 2. They faced the Rams Dec. 20, but scores were not available at press time. The JV strikers defeated the Vikings and the Knights on Dec. 18 and Dec. 11, 3-2 and 4-0, respectively. They beat the Cardinals Dec. 4, 2-0. At the start of preseason, they beat the Eagles Nov. 27, 2-1.
the game with the same intensity that we start off with,” said Coach Elizabeth Oyarzabal. “They need to build team cohesion. Once it CINDY VUONG is there we will get the success BREAKING THE DEFENSE: Estevan Tonche, senior, attempts to steal the ball we deserve.” from his El Rancho opponent, Dec.13. The Spartans lost, 5-1. They lost to the Lynwood Lancers Dec. 4, the Spartans lost, 3-0. Knights Dec. 11, 3-2. The game BY MARIAH LIN “In our games so far, we have had started off well; before halftime, Assistant Sports Editor good communication as a team, and Aiming to improve their current preseason our strength right now is defense,” record of 1-5-1, the varsity strikers will compete in said senior Estevan Tonche, center and the Sunny Hills Tournament beginning Dec. 27. The varsity and JV teams played against the With a current preseason record of Temple City Rams yesterday, but scores were 3-3-1, the JV strikers will take on the unavailable at press time. Alhambra Moors Jan. 8. “We have a young team this season, but “As a team, we have wonderful chemistry we’re progressing positively and improving in and a strong work ethic,” said David Garcia, areas of weakness,” said Varsity Head Coach JV coach. “We need to make sure to keep Jonathan Palomino. “We have many challenges up up our positive momentum and not slack off ahead, but if we keep up the hard work, we will be during both games and practices.” ready by the time league starts.” The JV strikers played against the Beverly In a close game against the Beverly Hills Hills Normans, Dec. 19, but suffered a 3-1 loss. Normans, the strikers were defeated, 2-1, Dec. 19. Against the El Rancho Dons, the JV team was TREVOR QUAN Playing against the El Rancho Dons, the strikers defeated 3-0, Dec. 13. On Dec. 6, the Spartans SWIFT LUNGE: Senior Vanessa Castro slides after the ball against suffered a 5-1 loss Dec. 13. The team tied, 1-1 against defeated the California High Condors. The team the Whittier Cardinals. The Spartans won, 1-0, Dec 4. the California Condors Dec. 6. Against the La Serna tied with the La Serna Lancers, 1-1, Dec. 4.
It’s a ‘Wendy’ful Life BY WENDY LAM Managing Editor
My Christmas Carol When you have an excuse to eat excessively, have presents lined up with your name on them, and a whitebearded man in a red suit breaking into your house with free gifts, you know that “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” I spent most of my childhood dreaming of a “White Christmas” before accepting that Los Angeles would never be the majestic “Winter Wonderland” portrayed so beautifully by Christmas specials on TV. It was heartbreaking, knowing I would never get to make my
own “Frosty the Snowman,” or sing out “Let it Snow,” but my mom still bundled me in layers because “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” Inside, my sisters and I would have a “Holly Jolly Christmas” while “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Even though I was too young to help assemble our plastic tree, it was just as fun to watch, and my heart lit up with the lights on the tree. It didn’t matter that the tree was tattered from age or that there were only a few decorations or that there weren’t any presents under it; the tree itself was enough Christmas for my simple 5-year-old mind. When my parents threw away that 7-foot tree, the years after felt like a “Blue Christmas,” and the Christmas spirit was gone. Each night was a “Silent Night” and the only time that holiday spirit resurfaced was when I drove down a heavily decorated street. All I could think was, “‘It’s Christmas Everywhere’ except my house,” while all my parents could think was “‘All I Want for Christmas’ is for you to get good grades.” With my parents always at work, my family was never particularly close. Aside from the hour we spent eating dinner every day, we were never all together in one place. Decorating the tree and celebrating the holiday gave us a reason to get together. My family isn’t religious, so our holiday celebration is the adopted American version, but
we forgot it wasn’t about the presents or the “O Christmas Tree” and for 10 years we spent Dec. 25 like any other day of the year. Three years ago my sisters decided it was time to bring the holiday spirit back to our home by getting each us of a gift. They weren’t sitting under a tree, and we each only got one, but that was enough. It felt like Christmas again. We were all together, doing more than just eating. Then wrapped lights around a plant in our house. There were no ornaments, but we each had our present sitting beside the blue pot of our little tree and before I knew it, I realized “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” And this year, standing 4-feet tall in the corner of our living room, is our very own actual Christmas tree, already decorated with lights. It’s strange how that little tree completely changed the atmosphere in my house. I was bouncing around on the couch while my sister and parents argued about which corner it would look the best in, and combined with our same makeshift plant wrapped in lights from the previous year, we had two “Christmas trees.” I love our two little trees, but when I think of “What Christmas Means to Me” now, it goes beyond our trees and the presents. I can now fully appreciate the extra time my family bonds because of the holiday.
16
SPARTAN
SPORTS
Cagers find early success BY JIMMY CHEN Sports Editor
Concluding their play in the Grizzly Classic Tournament, the varsity cagers will compete at Cavalry Chapel High tonight. “Our long-term goal is to win the league championship,” said Head Coach Rene Herrera. “Our short-term goal is to compete and get better. We’ll take it day by day, and it starts with practice. Every tournament prepares us for competition in league.” The team will begin regular season league play Jan. 8 at Montebello at 7 p.m. In games Dec. 17-20, the Spartans played in the Grizzly Classic. They lost to the El Rancho Dons Dec. 17, 57-47. On Dec. 18, they defeated Port of L.A. High., 52-45. They played the Ganesha Giants yesterday, but scores were unavailable at press time. Depending on the result of the game against the Giants, the Spartans will play tonight for a CHERISE WOO
HARD TO THE HOOP: Senior Adrian Galvan powers up for a layup Dec. 15. The varsity Spartans beat the alumni, 56-53.
In order to raise funds for the basketball teams, the varsity cagers faced the Schurr alumni Dec. 15 in an exhibition game. The Spartans managed to overpower the alumni and win in a close overtime game, 56-53.
SCROLL Dec. 21, 2012 On Dec. 5, the cagers lost against the Whittier Cardinals at home, 72-59. “We need to be more consistent as a team,” said senior Efrain Valentin. “Communicating on the court is also a vital part in basketball, and we need to have that more often.” The cagers won the Don Bosco Cage Classic Tournament Dec. 4 at Don Bosco High. The tournament lasted from Nov. 27-Dec. 4. On Nov. 27, the Spartans defeated South East High, 48-39. Their next game in the tournament was against Mountain View High Nov. 28, which the Spartans lost, 41-34. On Nov. 29, the cagers played Don Bosco, winning 67-39 and advancing to the championship game against the Gabrielino Eagles. Although the Spartans lost to Mountain View, they tied in qualifying for the championship game. To break the tie, it was determined that the Spartans had allowed the fewest number of points in a single game throughout the tournament. The Spartans defeated the Eagles, 49-47, in a close trailing the Eagles, 43-35. Junior Michael Ortega two free throws in the subsequent offensive possession quarter, Ortega hit another three-pointer to tie the game, followed by a three-pointer by junior Reed Ito.
they gained from the comeback, winning the game, 49-47. Ortega received MVP of the tournament for his play, and Ito and Valentin were awarded all-tournament honors. “We are doing okay,” said Ortega. “We have improved on playing with energy and on our defense.”
Cagerettes fight through preseason BY TAYLOR FONG
more when we got through a rough patch because we have to
Reporter
Looking forward to playing in the Glendora Tournament Dec. 26, the varsity cagerettes seek to add another win to their preseason record. The cagerettes played against California High School yesterday, but scores were unavailable at press time. The team suffered a loss against the La Canada Spartans Dec. 18, 38-34. Continuing their preseason games, the varsity cagerettes quarter, the cagerettes trailed 20-4 and by half time they continued to trail 25-16. The cagerettes were unable to catch up and lost 53-44. In the previous game, the cagerettes lost to La Salle Dec. leading, 17-13, but they fell short of a win. “After a loss, we talk about mistakes we made and how McDermott. “We also try to have good practices following a loss to help us get ready to win our next game. I guess we bond
as individuals.” The cagerettes played a preseason game against El Toro Dec. 6, winning with a score of 40-31. Playing in the Fountain Valley Tournament, the cagerettes played Esperanza High School Dec. 4 and won, 54-38. During the tournament Dec. 3, the cagerettes faced Huntington Beach but lost 55-40. “As a kid, both watching and going to all my mom’s games inspired me to play because I wanted to be just like her,” said junior Emiko Powell. “My school team is my second family. Everyday, through our ups and downs, we always manage to make it through any course. We’re all so close and supportive of each other that it raises the intensity of the game. Beginning their preseason games, the cagerettes faced Baldwin Park Nov. 27. At halftime, the score was at a very close 10-9. At the end of the third quarter, the Spartans led by three points. They defeated Baldwin Park with a score of 45-39.
BRANDON CHANG
HEADS UP: Senior Karli Kato looks to pass the ball against the La Canada Spartans Dec. 18.
JV cagers seek better record JV cagerettes prepare for league BY JASON BASULTO Reporter
Seeking to improve before league starts, the JV cagers will face the Warren Bears Jan. 2 at home. On Dec. 17, the JV cagers lost to the La Serna Lancers, 65-32. They also played against Schurr High School’s teaching staff Dec. 15, losing 65-59.
TREVOR QUAN
TRANSITION OFFENSE: Sophomore
Robert Valdivia drives to the hoop Dec. 5.
The JV cagers also competed at the Warren Tournament, defeating the South Pasadena Tigers, 59-54, and the Santa Fe Chiefs, 48-38. However, they lose to the Downey Vikings, 46-30, and the Sunny Hills Lancers, 60-54. Their overall record was 2-2. “The transition from the freshman team to the JV team has been a little rough, but that is expected as the level of competition is a lot different on the two levels, but I am adapting,” said sophomore Tan Lu. “All I have to do is keep working diligently and the improvements will come.” The JV Spartans suffered a loss to the Whittier Cardinals Dec. 5, 79-66. The freshman cagers faced the girls’ varsity softball team Dec. 15, in a handicapped match that gave the softball girls an advantage and resulted in a 28-27 loss. “Playing on a high school team is a big change, compared to middle school, where we don’t know what we are doing. We just shoot around each time we get the ball. I never expected high school basketball to be like this, where we have to learn a lot of plays and memorize them,” said freshmen Kevin Taing. The freshmen cagers also competed in the Los Altos Tournament, Nov. 29 – Dec. 1, and earned a 1-3 record. The Spartans beat the Charter Chargers, 43-14, but lost to the Diamond Bar Brahmas, 43-34, the Los Altos Eagles, 36-34, and the El Rancho Dons, 48-40.
BY ERICA SUH Reporter
With a preseason record of 5-1, the JV cagerettes will participate in a tournament in Glendora Dec. 26-29. They played the California High School Condors yesterday, but scores were unavailable at press time. The cagerettes defeated the La Canada Spartans, 38-31, in an away game Dec. 18. They defeated the Santa Fe Chiefs, 56-43, Dec. 13. In the third quarter, the JV cagerettes were up 44-30. They kept the lead throughout the fourth quarter, winning the game. The team placed third in the Fountain Valley Tournament Dec. 5-8. They won their last game Dec. 8 against the El Rancho Dons, 61-30. The Spartans dominated every quarter with a lead of 14 or more points. Junior Kelly Aguilar led the scoreboard with a total of 12 points, followed by junior Valerie Colon with a total of 11 points. tournament together, but there’s always room for improvement,” said Captain Kristi Kayoda. The Spartans played the J. Serra Lions Dec. 7 and lost, 34-50, but they defeated the West Covina Bulldogs Dec. 4, 61-29. They won against the Ayala Bulldogs,48-37, Dec. 3, and the Baldwin Park Braves in
BRANDON CHANG
SHOT ELEVATION: Vanessa Espinosa shoots against La Canada Dec. 18.
With a preseason record of 4-1, the frosh/soph cagerettes dominated the Santa Fe Chiefs Dec. 13, 37-20. The Spartans competed in the Katella Tournament Dec. 5-8 and took third overall. The cagerettes won against Katella
the tournament to La Serna Dec. 5, 34-27. The frosh/soph team dominated the Baldwin Park Braves Nov. 27, 40-8.