Spartan Scroll Volume XLI NO. 12

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Schurr High School, Montebello, CA

PARTAN SCROLL Join Aparicio as she changes her look before moving on to the next step in her life.

Visit Expo Park and enjoy a variety of music and food.

VOL. XLI NO.11 June 15, 2012

Reflect on the past year with the senior Scrollers.

REFLECTIONS insert ENTERTAINMENT 5 2 Seniors graduate to new beginnings OPINIONS

BY CONNIE CAI

Assistant News Editor Valedictorian Forrest Lin and salutatorians Rio Djiwandana, Helia Ng and Judy Wu will represent the Class of 2012 with speeches at the graduation ceremony June 21 at 6 p.m. on Ken Davis Field.

Graduation will continue to be held on Ken Davis Field as it provides more space for all the guests.

Djiwandana, Lin, Ng and Wu were chosen by a selection committee based on their merits and achievements in academics and school and community service. Criteria included semesters of Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors courses taken, grade point averages, AP exams scores, SAT scores, extracurricular activities and leadership positions. They were announced at the annual CSF banquet May 24.

“I feel that they [Djiwandana, Lin, Ng and Wu] were highly qualified. Although choosing who would be valedictorian and salutatorian was hard, it was fair,” said Beatriz De La Rosa, college counselor.

In addition to demonstrating academic excellence, Lin is currently first vice president of the National Honor Society (NHS), founder and president of the Rubik’s Cube Club, co-founder and vice president of Theoretical Physics Club, president of Roots and Shoots Club, the first Schurr recipient of the National Forensics League (NFL) Academic All-American Award and is a Speech and Debate national and state qualifier.

Lin, who will attend Yale University in the fall, said, “It is a great feeling to come from a first-generation Chinese immigrant family and to be successful in my endeavors.”

The salutatorians are also distinguished scholars.

Djiwandana is the president of NHS and Pi Club, first vice president of CSF, treasurer and flute section leader of Spartan Legion, as well as a two-year History Day state finalist and L.A. County winner.

“Being selected as one of the salutatorians makes me feel incredibly honored, and it is a really great ending to my high school career,” said Djiwandana.

Ng is the lead copy editor of the Spartan Scroll, second vice president of CSF, treasurer of NHS, flute section leader of Spartan Legion, a four-year member of Key Club and a three-year member of Interact. Wu is news editor of the Spartan Scroll, secretary of NHS, historian of Pi Club, a

TREVOR QUAN

TOP SCHOLARS: Salutatorians Judy Wu, Helia Ng and Rio Djwandana and valedictorian Forrest Lin will graduate with honors and move on to attend top universities. They will address graduates June 21. two-year History Day state finalist and L.A. County winner and a four-year member of CSF and Key Club.

“I’m happy that I was chosen as one of the three salutatorians. Aside from the typical feelings, I feel as if this is a reassurance that I’m going in the right direction; I will continue to do what I’ve been doing and try my best in everything I do,” said Ng. Vocal Ensemble and Spartan Legion will begin the graduation ceremony, followed by a welcome from USB President Alyssa Middo.

Senior Class President Daniela Flores will give a history of the class followed by speeches by the three salutatorians

and the valedictorian. Names of graduates will be read by Lorraine Langevin and Tony Ugalde. The CSF life members and NHS members will be seated in the front row of the graduating class and their names will be announced first, followed by the remainder of the senior class. The ceremony will conclude with the all of the graduates singing the school Alma Mater.

“Graduation is an exciting time for seniors. Not only does it mark the culmination of their time here at Schurr High School but also the beginning of the next chapter of their lives,” said Assistant Principal Francisco Arregui.

BRIEFLY

JESSICA HSU

• ROP classes ROP’s summer sessions will be held from June 25- July 20. All classes are free, but students must be at least 16 years old.

Students can sign up at the Career Center, Room B-7, at lunch, Monday through Thursday.

• NHS Inductees At the June 7 Honors assembly, seniors Steven Duong, Blanca Fernandez, Sidney Gonzalez, Jenny Hai, Daniel Lopez, Loreto Lopez, Phoebe Wei and Sylvia Wong were inducted into National Honors Society.

• Yearbook distribution Yearbooks are currently on sale in the Student Store for $80 with USB and $85 without. Covers and inserts are $3 each, and payments may only be made in cash.

• Middo travels to Japan Senior Alyssa Middo has been selected to visit Ashiya, Japan, from July 30 to Aug. 20 as student ambassador for the Montebello Sister City Program.

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O pinions

Spartan Scroll June 15, 2012

STAFF EDITORIAL New look leads to new beginning Many students view summer vacation as a time to relax without the worries of deadlines or tests.

Though it is important to rest and maintain regular intervals of adequate amounts of sleep, we should remember that summer also allows us the chance to use our time more productively.

School can be very strenuous at times, which is why summer vacation often compensates for the disparity between rest and relaxation. The break allows us to recap lessons learned and ready themselves to apply them next year. It is important to use the summer to reflect on what is important in order to set new goals for the upcoming school year.

Increasing amounts of sleep facilitates increased mental ability because it allows the brain to “recharge” itself. However, we should not sleep the summer away; it is a prime opportunity for us to learn new skills.

More rest and fewer worries regarding schoolwork and assignments create a great environment to focus on a new hobby or activity. For example, learning how to cook, getting more exercise, maintaining physical ability and reading more books are intrinsically valuable pastimes.

Fewer time constraints during the day provide us with the chance to spend more time doing community service or finding a job, something to give back to the community which provides the schools that allow us to become more educated. Also, spending more time with family and friends is vital. The summer should also be partially spent creating stronger bonds with loved ones. Schoolwork and jobs would be less meaningful if we could not share that joy with our loved ones.

Though lounging around and doing very little may play a significant role in rejuvenating our minds and bodies, these should not be the only things we plan on doing over the summer.

BY JESSICA APARICIO Editor-in-Chief

Just so you know I’m free.

When I was about 5, I was faced with the unfortunate situation of going bald. My mother had the job of taking care of two of my cousins who had a bad habit of being as unkempt and disorganized as possible. I remember that the two boys used to hate taking showers and as a result their untidiness rubbed off on me, literally. Both had gotten a bad case of lice and since I would play with them often, I had gotten it as well.

Not a single hair salon would take me in to treat my hair; so instead, my father took me to the backyard where he personally shaved my entire head. I had cried for hours as I watched my waist length hair fall to the floor and when he was done, I felt that I looked like my favorite animated character, Caillou.

When I went to school the next day, I was teased tremendously for having a short haircut. I was repeatedly called a boy, but my mother had stopped that when she decided to dress me in the most ridiculous frilly dresses she could find. Nevertheless, I could still feel the taunts from my peers and from that day, I never wanted to cut my hair past my shoulders.

However, for the past year, I have had sudden urges to chop it all off. The reason is simply because I have come to realize that my fear of cutting my hair is foolish. I always told my friends that I would do it, and many of them did not believe me, as they knew I really only trimmed my hair.

They were somewhat correct: I did say I wanted to cut it, but I never really meant it until I saw one of my favorite actresses do away with her luscious locks and turn to a pixie haircut. Listening to her

reasoning of why she had decided to take on such a drastic change had me ready to cut my hair as well.

I made a promise to myself that at the end of senior year, right after prom, I would cut my hair in the same radical manner.

And I did. Arriving at the hair salon had me shaking, not from fear but from anticipation. I sat in the chair and watched the hair stylist grip my hair into a low ponytail and with one swipe, chopped it all off. I wanted to scream but the hair stylist quickly made a joke that had me laughing instead. She reassured me that it would turn out fine and that everyone would love it.

That idea was a bit too far-fetched. When I went to school the next day with my new look, some people loved it, some people hated it and some people apparently thought that I was a complete idiot.

From this experience, I learned that all I can do is follow my instincts because I will never please everyone.

After all, this change was for me, not my peers, and I am pleased with my trimmed-down tresses. I will no longer be scared that people might associate my hair with being too boyish.

As I’ve gotten older, and I cut all my hair off, I feel a bit more liberated about trying different things. Maybe next week, I’ll build up the nerve to try my most dreaded food or maybe I will gain the confidence to finally jump into a deep pool. Who knows? Cutting my hair is the first step to a more adventurous side that I have never experienced.

As graduation nears, I realize that it is finally time for me to leave the confines of my comfort zone and brave the unknowns that make life worth living.

Jess’ So You Know

10 Second Opinion Rest and relax, so that you may be ready for what lies ahead.

EMIKA NISHI

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..................................Alex Kanegawa Assistant Opinions Editor....................Julie Shiozaki Features Editor.....................................Katie Nishida Assistant Features Editors.....................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...............................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 Nunez Photographers.........Brandon Chang & Cindy Vuong Cartoonists.....................Emika Nishi, Nathan Phan & Michele Wong Adviser..........................................Lorraine Langevin

Reporters................................Jonathan Bahk, Esmeralda Cervantes, Taylor Fong, Nicholas Hanashiro, Nicole Mesa, Theresa Nakamura, Desiree Puga, Karina Reynaga, Ilse Tse, Irene Wong & Julie Ye

Editor in Chief.......................................Jessica Aparicio Managing Editor.........................................Kayla Ichiba Visual Arts Editor.....................................Shannon Chu News Editors.................................Poy Woo & Judy Wu Assistant News Editor..................... ...............Billy Chu Opinions Editors......................Wendy Lam & Jenny Lu Features Editors...............Taylor Honda & Jeanette Liu Entertainment Editors...........................Alex Kanegawa & Katie Nishida Assistant Entertainment Editor...............Melissa Lopez Sports Editors............................Tristan Brossy de Dios & Joeson Chiang Assistant Sports Editor...........................Diana Morales Lead Copy Editor..............................................Helia Ng

Copy Editors............................Jimmy Chen, Eric Chung & Sarai Jaramillo Graphics Editor..................................................Cindy Yu Assistant Graphics Editor........................Alexis Jimenez Graphics Staff................................................Jessica Hsu Photo Editor.................................................Cherise Woo Assistant Photo Editor.................................Trevor Quan Business Manager.......................................Alyssa Middo Advertising Managers...................Vanessa Le & Ben Yao Circulation Manager................Dolachai Roongruangyot Cartoonists.............Gayane Kechechyan, Kenny Oshima & Michele Wong Staff Writer.......................................................Kevin Soto Adviser................................................Lorraine Langevin

Reporters......................................................... Genesis Diaz, Blanca Fernandez, Jordan Kwon, Arcelia Madrid, Jacqueline Manriquez & Monet Trujillo

Graphic by JESSICA HSU

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ews

Spartan Scroll June 15, 2012

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AVID hosts first on-campus Prom MUSD adopts new schedule to begin early

BY NICHOLAS HANASHIRO Reporter

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All photos by CHERISE WOO

A SPECIAL PROM: 1. Armando Martinez, Eric Lopez and Omar Caballero link together in a line dance. 2. Pauline Hauzo grooves to the beat on the dance floor.

3. Dawn Santos and Alma Flores waltz gracefully together to the music. 4. Armondo Martinez, Diana Salvador and Diana Chouet clap their hands to the rhythm of the songs. 5. Margaret Guzman, Jessica Garcia, Maricruz Garduno, Karla Flores and Christina Ruiz join in the festivities.

Schurr’s calendar will be changed this fall due to a mutual agreement between the MTA (Montebello Teacher’s Association) and the Board of Education to align the school schedules in the Montebello Unified School District (MUSD).

These changes will make the management of every school in MUSD significantly easier for the administration, as well as give students more time to prepare for their standardized and Advanced Placement (AP) tests during the upcoming school year.

These tests are distributed nationally, being taken on the same days every year, regardless of location.

Many East Coast schools begin the first week of August instead of the first week of September, which many are used to on the West Coast. As such, schools on the East Coast are given a substantial amount of additional preparation time.

The primary goal is to effectively regulate the district timetable and simplify things for families.

“The schedule change will be beneficial for everyone, not just the administration,” said Principal Stacey Honda. “Putting everyone on the same page will ultimately facilitate better communication, prevent misunderstandings and increase attendance.”

Because a school is required to be in session for a set number of days, a one-week shift does not actually change the period in which students must attend; it merely reallocates the time to where it can be more effectively utilized.

“Because it’s the same number of days, I do not believe the change would impact the student body negatively in any way,” said Honda.

The changes to students’ vacation is minimal; spring break will now take place in March, but no other break will be shifted from its usual time.

Thanksgiving Break will be from Nov. 19-23, Winter Break from Dec. 24-Jan. 11 and Spring Break from March 25-29.

“It works better because the year starts earlier and the stuhave a little bit more time to prepare for the APs. One day we will reach a point where summer starts after APs and CSTs. That’s the trend where we are heading,” said Baltazar Mejia, counselor.

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News

Spartan Scroll June 15, 2012

Students participate in Super Duper Bowl

BY JORDAN KWON Reporter

Champions of the 24th annual Super Duper Bowl Debate were announced June 11 in the auditorium.

Seniors Gayane Kechechyan, Elmast Kozloyan, Bertha Lopez, Jesse Melendez and Arlene Rodriguez of the Alpha team are this year’s Interstudent Super Duper Bowl XXIV champions.

Debate topics were varied and ranged from taxes to student internet usage. The Alpha team defended their position that government should not be allowed to regulate what citizens eat and drink. “[The Super Duper Bowl] is a good opportunity for kids to improve their communication skills and an exciting end of the semester activity that continues to provide yet another example of the good things we have at Schurr,’’ said Bret Barker, co-author of InterStudent Economics, who hosted the first contest in 1994.

Judging the defenders was Principal Stacey Honda, teachers Margarita Donato and Jacqueline Montanez-Ramirez.

Beatriz De La Rosa, college counselor, and assistant principal Francisco Arregui and teacher Jerry Oritz were the judges of the speeches that each team

presented. Barker and teacher Benjamin Negrete were the Arbiters, who judged the calls and decided on “cream” or “no cream.”

“The contest is a great experience to do something you would normally not do,” said Jackie Peng, senior.

After a week of preparation, students wrote speeches for or against their topic.

An interrogator of an opposing team was given the right to call out a “contradiction,” “stalling” or “balk” at any time during the interrogation. During these moments, judges paid extra attention and filled out their scoring sheets to determine a definite winner.

In the end, the Alpha team placed first, with a total of 170 points, the Kappa team placed second, with 155 points and the Gamma team placed third, with 153 points.

Teams received points for their speeches, defenses and number of creams.

The winning Alpha team that was awarded certificates, trophies, bragging rights and a picture of themselves on Barker’s classroom wall of past Super Duper Bowl champions.

“Everyone tried their hardest and there were times when we were all frustrated, but in the end, we all worked as a group,” said Kozloyan.

Coin Laundry

CHERISE WOO

‘SUPER DUPER’ WINNERS: Bertha Lopez, Elmast Kozloyan, Jesse Melendez, Gayane Kechechyan and Arlene Rodriguez win big at the student debate.

Q&A with Chris Aguilar

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Although no gridders qualified for the 605 game, two athletes, seniors Chris Aguilar and Eric Magos, were chosen to compete in the annual Hall of Fame game. This local all-star match will be played at 7 p.m., June 22 at West Covina High between selected players in the West and East San Gabriel Valley. Aguilar and Magos were chosen as defensive linebackers for West San Gabriel Valley. Schurr coaches were asked to nominate some players, and the coaches at San Gabriel Valley selected Aguilar and Magos based on their league recognition and recommendations.

1. How did you feel when you were chosen for the Hall of Fame Game?

“I felt honored because I get to play with the league’s best, and I will meet people that I never even met before. It’s exciting to participate with the best players that other schools have to offer.”

2. What do you hope to gain from participating?

“I want to get that feeling of being part of a team and just being out there with the game of football again.”

According to Coach Marco Ramirez, Senior Eric Magos was not available for the interview due to an injury and he is currently in home study.

Choir captures ‘60s era classics

Battles of the Bands canceled last minute

-According to drama teacher and sponsor Daniel Gonzalez -The annual Battle of the Bands has been canceled due to a lack of time slots available for the auditorium.

-The event showcases a variety of music genres performed by student bands.

-Students gain experience performing in front of an audience as well as the opportunity to be in the spotlight in previous Battle of the Bands.

-As with most end of year events, a shortage of facilities will continue to be a factor in deciding whether or not the events will be held.

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BRANDON CHANG

THAT ‘60S SHOW: (LEFT) Daniela Flores and Gabby Rodriguez cover the song Black Bird by the Beatles. (RIGHT) Desiry Alaniz and Melody Ortiz sing beside each other to deliver a taste of the ‘60s.

-To resolve the issue of conflicting schedules for facilities, Battle of the Bands will be held in October next year.

-Battle of the Bands is open for viewing to students, parents and the community, and funds raised go toward supporting drama for funding previous and future productions.

‘MARVEL’OUS REFLECTIONS Spartan Scroll Seniors 2011-2012

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Reflections

Spartan Scroll June 15, 2012

Living with difficult choices, expectations I think it’s safe for me to say that I don’t live the life of an average teenager.

My family consists of seven people: my parents—the owners of a shop that they started when they emigrated here from Vietnam; my four sisters—the oldest a Harvard graduate, second a fashion designer, third a doctor of psychology and fourth a UCLA honors graduate; and me.

I was born with high expectations already set for me.

Throughout my life, these expectations that I had to live up to only continued to grow as my sisters became more successful.

A little information about the Chinese culture: boys are expected to do better than the girls in the family. As the youngest child following four successful sisters, and the only boy in my family, the expectations just kept piling up.

To add to the pressure, when I began high school, my dad began to question me about whether I would take over his business in the future. Not wanting to disappoint him, I would always try to avoid the question; however, I always knew that I

did not want to get into the business.

Aside from setting high expectations, my family has also made it difficult for me to be able to make my own choices.

Having four sisters that have already gone through everything that I will has limited my own decision-making. Because they already had the experience, I was expected to listen to and do what they said.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my family; but I just want to be able to live my own life and have my own experiences. I still want their advice, but I just want to make my own choices instead of having them make my decisions for me. Although my family has made most of my decisions up to this point in my life, they just have to trust that their guidance has influenced me to make the right choices myself.

As graduation and college near, I know that I will have to start making my own decisions whether I want to or not; and although they might not always be the best ones, making them will allow me to learn from my own mistakes.

Progressing hand-in-hand with Time

BY GAYANE KECHECHYAN

Senior Cartoonist Favorite Superhero: Spiderman Favorite Villian: Venom If you were in a comic book what power would you have?: Superspeed

If I were to speak my thoughts using a cliché, I would say that this past year just flew by too fast; speaking realistically, I would still say that this year literally just flew by too fast.

I have always complained about this quick-paced fashion of the fourth dimension, which Einstein called time. After four years of high school, I have had enough experience to acknowledge that every year has moved faster than the prior one, when technically, they were all the same length.

Time doesn’t progress quickly without any incentive. There are always 24 hours in a day, and no one hour is longer or shorter than another. It is the context of my life that made me see time as a subjective entity.

When I organized a rough timeline of my high school years, I stumbled upon a suspicious correlation: the higher the grade level, the greater the workload and stress level and the more rapidly seemed to pass.

Next, the question of what created the heavy

BY ERIC CHUNG Senior Copy Editor

Favorite Superhero: Captain America Favorite Villian: Loki If you were in a comic book what power would you have?: Superspeed

workload must be answered. What did I do that deprived me of time that would’ve normally been use to “goof off” or watch television, yet at the same time, made me stronger and proud? It all goes back to when I first stepped into Room A-8 as a junior for the first day of Journalism 1-2. It has been well over a year now since those preliminary-course days, and I am proud to reflect on what appear to be accomplishments achieved in just one year as a cartoonist.

This is not to say that journalism brought me intolerable late-night stress. Journalism was one of my rays of hope in attaining high school success, and it was this extracurricular activity of which I am most proud.

The culmination of these past four years to this moment made me realize that time didn’t just fly when I was having fun. Ironically, it also flew when I was busiest and most stressed out, times when I felt I didn’t have enough time to complete my tasks but amazingly ended up doing so much more.

Overcoming abstract obstacles

BY JUDY WU

Senior News Editor Favorite Superhero: Iron Man Favorite Villian: Joker If you were in a comic book what power would you have?: Teleportation

My favorite stories are the ones in which the underdogs win, the stories where they face their fears and overcome obstacles; I love the feeling of victory against all odds.

Actually, that’s not exactly true; I’m in love with the idea of it, of triumph despite flaws and weaknesses. Nothing is handed to someone on a silver platter; he or she has to work for it. This idea is similar to a belief that my parents have instilled in me and part of why I love it so much.

However, as much as I loved these stories, I didn’t see myself as an underdog. My story isn’t the same as the ones I love.

Although I never had any game consoles, although I shared a bed with my sister until the end of my freshmen year, although we’ve always been considered lower class, none of that bothered me. It just didn’t seem like there was much to overcome.

I had no opponent to defeat to attain success in life—that is, until my junior year. All the responsibility and obligations started to pile up. After a long day of classes and working on the newspaper, I had homework and, in addition to that, I had to help complete forms, make calls to property managers and help

pay the bills online. I felt resigned that that was how the rest of my life was going to be, struggling to translate for my parents because they couldn’t learn English and my sister didn’t want to do it. In the end, I was my own opponent.

My fear of speaking to strangers was a roadblock when I tried to interview people. I begged friends to help me ask others for assistance because I was scared of looking foolish in front of others. I let laziness take over and didn’t bother to take homework out of my backpack.

However, I realized that I couldn’t continue like that.

In order to succeed, I had to change. I tried to complete my homework as soon as possible, motivating myself with a good night’s rest. I cast away my fears and ran from classroom to classroom, interviewing people for the newspaper. Slowly but surely, I was starting to overcome my opponent.

I’m writing my own story, and while it’s not exactly like the stories I love so much, it will contain the same elements: strength in the face of hardship and determination in order to attain one’s goals.

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eflections

Spartan Scroll June 15, 2012

Solace in introspection, friends, good books n i v Ke KEVIN SOTO Senior Staff Writer

Favorite Superhero: Batman Favorite Villain: Killer Croc If you were in a comic book what power would you have?: X-ray vision

With graduation approaching rapidly (less than a week, kiddos!), a flood of emotions takes hold of me.

Most obviously, I’m happy because never again in my life shall I wake up before 7 in the morning. Never. And I’m excited about leaving to New York in August because Bard College was ever so-generous as to grant me admission, but a deeper feeling haunts all of that.

Coming from a Mexican family, there’s an inordinate amount of pressure to succeed (even more so when you’re the first to attend college). Add in the fact that a lot of my peers have high expectations for what becomes of my life following high school and you’ve got yourself a recipe for a good ol’-fashioned nervous breakdown.

I myself have impossibly grand ambitions of writing books that outlive me and this probably leads to bout of depression when I feel like I can’t write anything worth reading and my mind spirals into a selfdestructive cycle that leaves me in bed, listening to Leonard Cohen.

Conversely, I find myself writing fragments of stories and poems that delight me and give me a sense of fulfillment as well as a chance to hone my abilities so I can one day actually write something coherent.

Apart from personal scruples, I worry about life on the East Coast: how well will I adapt to college life? Are there any taco trucks in upstate New York?

So amidst all this heavy-sounding stuff, where does this leave the last four years? I’m certainly less bratty than when I was a freshman. On my own and in the classroom, I’ve taken naps. But more importantly, I’ve pondered the complexities of life and literature and art and psychology and, to a lesser extent, girls, and I’ve come to profound insights about who I am and what defines me. I’ve definitely grown more comfortable with myself as a person and a writer. There are still things I need to work out , but I have the rest of my life to do that. Heck, I’ll probably never stop sorting myself out, because I like to overthink everything.

In spite of waking up at the ungodly hour of 6 in the morning every day and stressing out about things that seem important now but won’t matter a few years from now, I’m grateful to have attended a school in such a diverse environment. How else could I have discovered the magic of passing on my love of literature to friends, or attend shows of forward-thinking teens making abrasive sounds in the heart of downtown L.A. Certainly not in upstate New York.

So for the rest of you, I only have one message: ride horseback in pink linen and be happy! Take up a new name, and don’t give into the illusions that other people impose on you, because the only reality that matters is the one you construct. Take time to think about things because nothing is simple. I carry all of you inside my heart, and I only wish you the very best on your journeys.

Overcoming unfortunate bumps

BY KAYLA ICHIBA

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Senior Managing Editor This year, the school painted the electrical boxes, which are located randomly around school, a bright yellow to ensure that no students will injure themselves on the sharp edges. Those yellow boxes serve as a blatant reminder of my first day of high school.

During the first day of school of freshman year, I walked into school eager to indulge myself in all the different activities that high school had to offer. I was already cursed with the typical freshman characteristics: looking unmistably younger, being on the shorter side and being issued a bottom locker.

However, these setbacks did not hinder my spirit. I walked into my chemistry class with my friend. With confidence we took a seat toward the back of the class, intimidated by the taller and older students.

Wait, these students look really old. Is this…

The teacher began to take roll and once she passed the I’s, I began to wonder whether or not I was in the right class. I looked around the classroom in order to test my hypothesis.

Water cycle. Phylum classification. Animal cell. I don’t think this is chemistry.

I look toward my friend as she too came to the realization that we weren’t where we were supposed to be.

We awkwardly walked to the front of the class as the

students behind us giggled at our silly “freshman” mistake.

We scrambled at the top of C-building floor until we finally came across the correct classroom. The teacher excused us for our 20-minute tardy, taking into consideration our status.

For the rest of the day, I received syllabuses and exchanged schedules with friends, so I assumed my bad luck was over, at least for that day.

I walked out of journalism, the last class of the day, and conveniently met with a not-so-welcome object. My head united with the corner of the electrical box. The pain shot instantly, and I felt the tenderness of the scraped skin. For the next couple of days, I came to school with a visible mark on my forehead.

The signs of my terrible first day were there for everyone to see.

That same electrical box that I ran into is now painted a bright yellow to provide a warning to unwary walkers.

This incident seems so avoidable, now that I stare at the yellow box.

Road bumps are inevitable. These minor setbacks did not affect my attitude. There are times I reach these rough patches, when I want to stop, drop everything and have an I-don’t-care attitude, but I catch myself and push through.

I would not have wished to experience the last four years free of these occasional mishaps; the road bumps in high school are what make the high points more meaningful.

Defeating evil, becoming true Spartan

BY HELIA NG

Senior Lead Copy Editor My world consists of homework, homework and of course, some zombies, ghouls and the occasional evil mushrooms.

To those who don’t know me, I might just seem like another typical Asian “nerd” who has a backpack the size of a boulder; however, to those who know me well enough, I am a ruthless gladiator who slays evil monsters by the thousands, a strategic champion who leads the team to victory or a dexterous archer who hits the target without fail.

Although I am not ashamed to admit that I spend 90% of my free time playing online games, I am embarrassed to confess that for a while, the virtual world was my reality.

For most of my life, I’ve been afraid of human interaction; I was afraid of people’s judgments, of the possibility that they might hate me and of their reactions if I failed to meet their expectations.

This might seem absurd now, but these fears were what kept me from opening myself up to others.

To me, online games became a kind of refuge where I can be

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myself without worry. To say the least, I am quite different online—quirky, talkative and surprisingly, a social butterfly. I suppose that without eye contact and facial expressions—the outward manifestation of people’s thoughts and judgments— I felt that I could do what I dared not to do in the real world.

However, the more I played and the more people I met online, the more I came to realize that the virtual world is merely a small representation of the real world. Like in real life, I pass numerous people without even being conscious of their presence; there is only recognition of their physical existence, but no thoughts or connections. It is only through greeting and actually familiarizing myself with each other that they become part of my awareness and, by interacting regularly, that they become part of my life.

It took me 10 years, but I finally realized at the end of junior year that in either world, people are bound to judge; this, however, is of little significance because as Dr. Seuss once said, “those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

Now, as I near the end of my high school career, I can say with confidence that I am no longer that idle observer I once was, but a leader, a warrior—a Spartan.

Kayla Favorite Superhero: Blossom Favorite Villain: Harley Quinn If you were in a comic book what power would you have?: Shape shifting

Helia Favorite Superhero: Starfire Favorite Villain: Magneto If you were in a comic book what power would you have?: Teleport

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Reflections

Spartan Scroll June 15, 2012

Conquering high school throughout Four years What was your favorite year of high school?

Freshman-14% Sophomore-18% Junior-20% Senior-48%

FreshMan Year •New Lockers •New gym/bleachers and Floor •Stacey Honda becomes new principal •Budget cut demonstration •Power outages cause early departures •Tardy sweeps •“Every 15 Minutes” Program •Highest CAHSEE test scores

SophOMOre Year •Constantino Duarte becomes new Assistant Principal •Two bungalows added •Renaissance organizes “I Got a Feeling” flashmob •Contraband canines

JUniOR Year •Pool Construction begins •“Shirt off my back” clothing drive •Peter Murashige becomes new Activities Director •“Teen Truth Live” Assembly •Furlough Days •New Tardy policy enacted •College week/fair

What year did you work the hardest?

Freshman-22% Sophomore-16% Junior-41% Senior-21%

SenIOr Year •WASC 6 year accreditation •Pool construction ends •Schoolloop •Francisco Arregui becomes new assistant principal •Band invited to play in London

Source: 600 seniors were polled June 11.

SPARTAN SPEAK

Who has been your superhero in high school?

“Mr. Haro because he helped us all with life situations and if we had any problems.”

JONATHAN QUEZADA Senior

“Mrs. Kato because she is not only a teacher, but also a friend to me when I needed advice the most.”

KIMBERLY SERPAS Senior

“Ms. Langevin because she made me believe that everyone deserves a chance to go to college.”

DALINA DELFIN Senior

“Mr. Ortiz because he’s a good teacher and helped me pass government.”

NICHOLAS BICAD Senior

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eniors

Spartan Scroll June 15, 2012

THE ADVENTURES OF

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N A E V S , S E A T T & E A N L A Y E J

Giving ‘thumbs up’ to life

BY JEANETTE LIU

‘Le’aving with lots of love

BY VANESSA LE

Senior Features Editor

Senior Advertising Manager

“Stretch. Stretch! You’re not stretching far enough!”

I winced as I forced my little pinky to reach that eighth key to complete an octave.

I was learning how to play “Rondo alla Turca” by Mozart, and it sounded cacophonous. My fingers could not reach the octaves fast enough to play the song fluidly. Instead, I was hitting the seventh key

in the octave.

When I got home from my lesson that day, I got angry at myself. I glanced at my hands, too small to be able to play beautiful, elaborate songs on the piano. I glared down at my thumbs—my short, ugly, toe thumbs.

I have a confession: I have Brachydactyly type D, and I was ashamed of it.

It is not a life-or-death situation or even a disease at all. Rather, it is a genetic disorder resulting in the disfiguration of the thumbs; more commonly dubbed “clubbed thumbs” or “toe ¬thumbs.” Brachydactyly literally translates to “short finger.” The thumbs look large and short with a short wide nail, much like a toe.

Often, my little thumbs go unnoticed, but when someone brings them up in conversation, I hide them in my pockets or wrap my fingers around my thumbs, so people cannot look at them and make judgments.

These thumbs have been made well known by actress Megan Fox. People treat her thumbs like a mutilation—like she has become an ogre. With every criticizing, condescending comment on her thumbs, I internalize that as their opinions of my thumbs, too.

But, where there are spiteful people, there are also warmhearted people. In order for me to appreciate and embrace my flawed thumbs, I needed kind words and support from friends and family. It took a while, but I eventually started to believe their caring words that claim my thumbs are “cute.”

Slowly, my thumbs came out of their little caves, and now I can give a “thumbsup” without thinking twice about my “condition,” laugh along with anyone else who sees them and flash the biggest smile on my face to people who ask to see them.

With all the hateful remarks out on the Internet and the real world, it seems that I am not the one who has some “growing” to do, but friends accept a person for who they are, ugly thumbs or not.

Entering the kitchen and smelling the aroma of beef noodle soup with a touch of ginger and onion, Thai basil and fresh-cut lemon has been my typical Friday night for as long as I can remember.

But the horrendous truth was that all I did was smell the food that was simmering in the forsaken kitchen. Throughout my four years in high school, I slowly threw my family’s priorities into a corner without even noticing it. My Friday nights began to consist of eating barbequed baby back ribs, singing along to Max Schneider’s angelic voice and playing “Just Dance” with my closest and dearest friends.

Instead of sitting down and watching sports with my dad (the only quality time we spend together) and listening to him talk about players’ life stories and pretend as if I knew who he was talking about, I would find an excuse to leave the house and return at nighttime, when he was too tired to open his eyes.

Talking to my mom and sisters as we switched turns gossiping about our deepest, darkest secrets soon became a rare occasion. The sound of cackled laughter leaving my parents’ mouths as their eyes crinkled from smiling and senseless talk that could be heard from houses away that once warmed my heart slowly diminished from existence. My parents never said anything to me, but their disparaged faces as I would leave the house to hang out with my friends said it all.

Then, college acceptance letters came out. When I realized I will be spending my next four years 2,323 miles away from my family’s presence on the East Coast, my mind ran through a flurry of thoughts.

I promised myself that I will start eating dinner with my family more often.

I promised I will start watching sports with my dad again, and I will definitely contribute to the weekly phone calls my mom and sisters have.

It was a sad fact that I had been taking my family’s presence and endless care and support for granted. At the back of my mind, I always knew that they would be there for me whenever I needed them.

I regret pushing my family aside for selfish reasons, but as always, they are understanding of my poor behavior. As summer break approaches, I will dedicate my time to rebuilding my relationships with my family and give them as much care and support as they have given me.

Favorite superhero: Batman Favorite villain: Mojo-Jojo If you were in a comic book, what power would you have? Telekinesis

Favorite superhero: Spiderman Favorite villain: Joker If you were in a comic book, what power would you have? Invisibility

Shaping my person‘aly’ty

BY ALYSSA MIDDO

Senior Business Manager My arch nemesis had fin“aly” caught up with me; oh, that dreaded Senioritis.

Running, scratching and leaping was not enough to avert the thundering presence of Senioritis. In its grasp, my weak body practic“aly” gave in to the fatigue and power of the simple word, “No:” no to exercising every day, no to eating right and no to keeping my grades up to my standards for my provisional acceptance.

With all of my activities, I thought I was stronger than that; I thought maybe I was strong enough to keep busy with academics, share laughs with friends and bond with family. I was stuck in this position helplessly until…

Look up in the sky! Is it a bird or a plane?

Why, it is the future—the flash of hope that maybe everything will end up differently. Initi“aly,” the future appeared ominous, but with its help, I wiggled out of the position Senioritis had put me in. The future led me to an “aly” that helped me accept the pain of soreness that would come with outrunning it and working hard at sports I enjoy.

It gave me the discipline needed to handle the my love of food and focus on the task at hand, to avoid Senioritis’ tricks.

However, the best thing that the future brought me was the chance to fight back and change the hardest part that Senioritis affects: academics. It prepared me to tackle Senioritis by conquering its army of minions comprised of quizzes and tests and ultimat“aly,” pass with flying colors on my finals.

The final sprint to escape was achieved not only through self-preparation but the interdependence between my fellow heroes and me. The persistence of self-preparation would not be possible without the consistent pushing of teachers, peers and family. Super or not, these heroes, comprised of a union of over 20 teachers, a group of students and an endless love of blood, helped me attain my superpowers by providing fundamentals and character for 18 years.

Granted, we are in a league of our own; the teamwork used to defeat this disease has made all the difference. Despite the few surprise scratch attacks and “hiss”y fits, we eventu“aly” won, and once again, the day was saved.

Ironic“aly,” no one needs a hero to save them. Every person is his or her own hero, and with stimulation from others, we can save our own day. Even though I would not have been saved without the future, my heroes have taught me well. After all, cats always land on

Favorite superhero: Cat woman Favorite villain: Darth Vader If you were in a comic book, what power would you have? Cat-like reflexes

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Reflections

Spartan Scroll June 15, 2012

Appreciating the last moments

Joining last minute

I spent my days stuck in a mundane cycle and dreamt of the future to escape it.

When I wanted to collapse on my bed and let the limit of a power series find itself, I thought about the grade that

BY POY WOO I wanted to mainSenior News Editor tain in my calculus class. When I was tired of folding mountains of clothes at Hollister, I thought about having money to spend in a few days. When I was tired of high school, I thought about going to a respectable college.

Imagining the future kept me going.

But when my grandmother suddenly could no longer walk nor speak, I regretted all the lost moments. Instead of sitting down to talk to her about her day, I had stayed in my room doing homework. Instead of cooking dinner with her, I had ordered fast food to cut down preparation time. Instead of being a better granddaughter, I had lost myself in my dreams of the future. My mind was everywhere but where I actually was – here, living in the moment. I was using the future to escape the present.

Teenagers find ourselves asking, “What do I do next? What’s going to happen?” But this

Favorite Superhero: Iron Man Favorite Villain: Loki If you were in a comic book, what would you have?: Telekinesis

is it. When I was faced with my grandmother’s death this year, I realized what was most important in life: being present for every part of it, actually living and appreciating what I have now.

Yes, ambitions are important. But while we are on this perpetual chase of a fleeting dream, we miss out on life. I can always get another job. I can always make more money, but I can never get back time. I can never see my grandmother dancing

BY DIANA MORALES to Chinese folk music and I can never Senior Assistant paint her nails for her.

Sports Editor I think that’s what I took for granted all of high school: time. I forgot that I still find it hard to believe time is precious and irretrievable. Too that I joined band my senior late I realized how important time is, year but I will keep forever the lesson my Ever since I was little, I had grandmother’s death taught me. As a desire to make music and permy senior year is coming to a close, form, whether it was by learning I now realize that I should be enjoyhow to play an instrument or ing the time I have left, with the just singing along to my favorjournalism staff that has kept me ite TV shows. It was something company during the early hours I enjoyed doing despite lacking of the morning for the last two actual talent. I’ve always wanted years, with the club officers who to play the piano, but the closest I have given me continual support came to playing an instrument was and with the friends who always “Mary had a Little Lamb” on a blue accompany me on late-night recorder. boba runs.

In middle school, I joined the orNothing is as precious chestra, and my parents bought me as the time I have left with a violin. Unfortunately, after a year everyone here. and a half I realized that playing the violin was affecting my grades, so I decided to quit.

When I started high school, I considpower ered joining the orchestra, but I never took the initiative. Junior year came, and I found myself surrounded by friends who were all in band. At the end of junior year, I was assigned to interview two se-

niors who were going to take part in drum corps. I had no idea what it was until I did research, and although I hate to admit it sometimes, I found myself fascinated. I sat at home watching videos of field shows for countless hours.

That summer, I was peer-pressured into joining band. I was hesitant because I was already too busy with other activities.

Not only that, but I didn’t even know how to play an instrument.

One day, my best friend invited me to the band room to try to play the clarinet.

She taught me how to put it together, how to hold it and how to play it. I sat there trying to blow in order to produce sound, but all I did was squeak with some occasional good sounds. It was frustrating, but soon enough I learned how to play warm-ups and eventually I was able to play actual music.

When it came to marching season, it was magical. Stepping onto a football field to march a show was one of the best, most nerve-racking feelings, but I enjoyed every second of it. The pressure of marching in a straight line during parades while wearing very uncomfortable uniforms was like no other. The enjoyable bus rides to competitions where we would sing random songs are unforgettable.

Last but not least, the thing that I will cherish the most is the learning experience and the second family that I found with band members. Going from not knowing how to read music, to playing some very complex pieces and meeting some of the funniest and quirkiest people who I now call my best friends, joining band is one of the best decisions I have made, and I regret not making it my freshman year.

Favorite Superhero: The Hulk Favorite Villain: Green Goblin If you were in a comic book, what power would you have?: Invisibility

Favorite Superhero: The Hulk Favorite Villain: President Snow If you were in a comic book, what power would you have?: Space-Time Manipulation

Finding a family away from home

BY SHANNON CHU

Senior Visual Arts Editor Over the past four years, I’ve noticed how journalism was filled with a series of unexpected events.

We can’t foresee when there’s going to be a problem with the server, or when the printer will feel like playing a little trick to mess with our heart rates and suddenly malfunction during a late night. I know it’s been said quite a bit, but I never expected that the Spartan Scroll would be such a significant part of my life.

This year was the first time I’ve truly felt like I was part of the paper and that I had found something that I truly enjoyed. It has been the one year where I’ve truly experienced that “Scroll Family feeling.”

While journalism took away much of my leisure and academic time and time away from family and friends, I found a group of people who have grown to be my family away from home. I’ve grown closer to people I never thought I’d speak to who are now some of my closest friends, and kept close with friends whom I didn’t see outside of journalism.

It’s not instant gratification, but something that requires tons of effort and drive to get that feeling of fulfillment. It

takes days and nights to make the paper. Most of those nights sleepless, and those days tired and hungry. Every moment you’re in it, you’re going to want to close your eyes for sleep, but you want to keep your eyes open because you’ll cherish every moment you have with the people you meet through journalism.

The lessons learned and skills acquired are valuable and to be cherished, but it’s the people of journalism that make being part of the program truly worthwhile.

When someone or something is there for a significant part of your life, whether it’s a person, an animal, a favorite blanket, or even something like an extracurricular activity you are part of, you feel it when it leaves. When that thing is broken or gone, it’s hard to see it go.

It’ll be hard to see my life without journalism and all the people I’ve met. It may have really only been four years, but those four years being a part of the program has instilled in me so much more than just how to write a good lead.

It is because of this that I’m not sad to be leaving the Scroll. I say this with a heavy heart, but a heart heavy with triumph and gratitude. I know it sounds bad to say that I’m glad my years in the Spartan Scroll are coming to a close, but it’s only because as each year’s group of seniors leave, it leaves room to welcome a new group of people who get the chance to experience what I have: to learn, to grow, to laugh, to cry, to eat and eat and eat. Whether it’s expected or unexpected, they will be a part of something that will, in time, become a significant part of their own lives.

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Spartan Scroll June 15, 2012

Never saying goodbye to ‘Yu’

BY CINDY YU

Senior Graphics Editor Relationships are one of the most important and significant things that we as teenagers have, especially in high school when all we want to do is fit in.

Although friends, family and loved ones are a big part of our lives, we often neglect them and take them for granted, since they are always with us.

Distance is one of the greatest deciding factors in a relationship and friendship. During my high school career, friends were more important than companions, since they were less distracting and easier to ignore. However, the world enjoys playing tricks on people and dropping surprises that change the course of their lives.

My life is as plain as a grain of rice for dinner.

During a summer camp my freshman year, he fell into my life like a hurricane. He unexpectedly brought so much laughter and happiness to my dull, gray life that used to be filled with just textbooks and late nights of studying. As cliché as it might sound, he was like the breath of fresh air that I desperately needed.

It was like those cheesy dramas that make all the viewers say, “There is no way this could happen in real life.” Like everything in life, it had to come to

an end; after our three weeks together, we would return to our respective homes.

Separation and saying goodbye is the hardest part of every situation; the thought of maybe never seeing each other again was depressing. Although it was painful, it was our only option. However, there was a lesson in this split-up. Those that really care will stick around and be your support when you need them the most.

Maybe it was the fact that he was not part of our school that allowed me to confide in him during the drama and fights between my friends. Having a friend several states away makes it easier to talk about the issues, as they are more objective and able to see the whole problem.

Speeding through high school, I hardly remember much except for the meddling of my friends and staying up through the late night as we raced to finish last-minute homework. Although there are times when I wanted to strangle my friends for invading my privacy and prying into my matters, they are still the ones that helped me through these four years.

I have already learned to conquer the distance problem, so even if I separate from my friends as we go our different ways to college, I know I will still have their support and help when I need them and will help them as if we were still at Schurr.

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Favorite Superhero: Gambit Favorite Villain: Voldemort If you were in a comic book what power would you have?: Superhuman Intelligence

‘Ben’ding family expectations, leaving home

BY BEN YAO

Senior Advertising Manager Senior year brings about bittersweet emotions.

Not only are we opening a new chapter in our books, but our life-long friends, faithful companions and 12-year colleagues may be exiting our lives.

At the beginning of senior year, students are eager to end their high school careers and start their college experiences. We enter the school year expecting an easygoing lifestyle and only look forward to breaks and vacations.

I started this year hoping for winter break to come, then spring after that and finally summer. I just wanted to enjoy senior year but wanted no part of the workload.

Up until now, I had not realized that this outlook was naïve and childish. I was looking for the easy way out and anxious to start the summer, when I should have been appreciating each moment.

This epiphany stemmed from my decision to attend the University of Notre Dame.

A college 2,000 miles from home meant that I was never going to see my friends and family again. Well, that’s an over-dramatization, but coming home two times a year is very close to never.

This choice forced me to reevaluate my life and my approach to things—a paradigm shift. I would be the first “Yao boy” to go to an out of state college. This was interesting because my family had their hopes set on their children attending UC’s or anything pertaining to California, but once I decided to attend Notre Dame, it was like glass shattering and raining down on my family’s expectations.

It was not exactly disrespectful, or wrong for that matter, but it was simply the fact that I would be a four-hour plane ride from home for the next four years. After some deep talks with my relatives we were all able to cope with the fact that I was going to Indiana. It was not like I was breaking any rules, but in fact, I was broadening their perspectives. Instead of seeing only California as a breeding ground for education, we now saw the nation as a fountain of opportunity.

By opening up this window, I have given my younger cousins more choices and leeway.

I used to believe that choosing to go to a college out of state was selfish because I felt like I was leaving my mother after all these years of nurturing from her. But I now realize that she wants the best for me, and I know that she trusts in my decisions, so going to Notre Dame not only broadens my future but expands the horizons of my family as well.

Favorite Superhero: Flash Favorite Villain: Team Magma If you were in a comic book what power would you have?: Super speed

‘Thai’ing tardies to transportation

BY DOLACHAI ROONGRUANGYOT

Senior Circulation Manager

Favorite Superhero: Myself Favorite Villain: Myself If you were in a comic book what power would you have?: Don’t need it, I’m a ninja

My senior year felt rushed, but ironically, I’m going to miss the mornings of getting out of bed later than planned and trying to get ready in the least amount of time possible to avoid being late to school.

I can’t count how many times my motorcycle saved me from a tardy. It’s funny, because one of my first thoughts I had when I started riding a motorcycle was that it would help me get to school on time.

I went a few weeks in the beginning of the year without ever using it because I felt that it was not safe to bring a motorcycle to a high school. I was paranoid that other students might tamper with it. However, one day, it was 7:35 a.m., and I hadn’t yet left my house; so, I took a risk, grabbed my helmet, hopped on my motorcycle and took off. It was exhilarating. I felt the ease of sliding pass traffic on the freeway. The ability to save so much time by sacrificing two wheels was surprising. I felt I would never be late again, but of course, I was wrong.

Besides the motorcycle saving commuting time, I notice

now that I began to rush other things as well. From last minute assignments to meeting new people and hanging out with friends, I handled almost everything with a sense of forwardness. I couldn’t wait to be done with a homework assignment I anticipated the next party and would never refuse an outing with a friend. I was ready and willing to take on anything that came up.

My mindset was that it was senior year, the last year with some of my closest friends, and I had to do everything to spend as much time with them as possible; thus came the lack of sleep and dependence on my motorcycle to get me to school on time.

However, this lifestyle eventually eased for a period of time, and I found that I didn’t remember much of what I had done this past year. I just knew that I went out a lot and met quite a few people. I was living my life too fast, and this caused my past to become a mere blur. New acquaintances didn’t hold as much meaning, because meeting someone else and knowing them for about a week had become normal.

In retrospect, I lived my senior year too fast. If I could relive it, I would have slowed down immensely and actually reflected on what I was doing, building stronger connections with the people I met. I forgot to notice that sacrificing two wheels would also mean sacrificing extra passenger seats.

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Reflections

Spartan Scroll June 15, 2012

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Class of 2012 Editor in Chief Managing Editor Visual Arts Editor News Editors Features Editor Assistant Sports Editor Lead Copy Editor Copy Editor Graphics Editor Business Manager Advertising Managers Circulation Manager Cartoonist Staff Writer Adviser

Jessica Aparicio Kayla Ichiba Shannon Chu Poy Woo Judy Wu Jeanette Liu Diana Morales Helia Ng Eric Chung Cindy Yu Alyssa Middo Vanessa Le Benjamin Yao Dolachai Roongruangyot Gayane Kechechyan Kevin Soto Lorraine Langevin

Reporters: Genesis Diaz, Blanca Fernandez, Jordan Kwon, Arcelia Madrid, Jacqueline Manriquez, Monet Trujillo

It is natural to feel insecure when entering a new environment. People will often cling to what is familiar and reject what is new. I was a strange one. When I first entered high school, I took a bold move and departed from my friends to take in a new environment by myself. I joined Journalism 1-2.

I had merely joined the class to improve my writing, but after my middle school teachers said that the chance to join such a prestigious academic club at school was once in a lifetime, I decided that I didn’t need my friends to do something I really wanted to do.

The Journalism 1-2 class was intriguing. I was in an environment where I could learn how to write, design and listen to the “music of the day” in just one classroom. Even though I found the material invigorating, I never really spoke out in the class; I sat in the back corner where I would just diligently take notes.

I wanted to speak out, but I never had the courage to muster any words. I was obviously uncomfortable in my new environment and it was hard to make friends when many of them had their cliques from day one.

Through my quiet temperament I declared with strong motivation at the end of freshman year I wanted to be on staff. Maybe then, I would be able to join the cliques in journalism. Mostly though, I wanted to be an entertainment editor. It seemed simple enough; I already knew a few of the classic media aspects and, thanks to my guilty pleasure of watching TMZ, I knew my pop culture too.

However, I learned that I could not try out for a position because of unfortunate circumstances that had occurred.

I did not want to quit journalism at all, I knew if I quit I would be giving up more than just a class I took every Monday and Thursday. I would be wasting away my daring move to take the class by myself. So, I chose to be a reporter instead.

I wasn’t very appeased with my position as I thought I would be; I was actually slightly resentful, not toward journalism, but to myself throughout that entire year. I could have been that reporter that many page editors turned to when they needed an article, but instead I chose to take a step back, because again I was in a new environment where I did not know anyone.

Every day after school, I would walk to the journalism room by myself and sign in, unlike the other journalism students who walked in packs to obtain an article to write for the paper. I was quiet and only did my work where I did not interact with others. I only wanted to get the work over with so I could get that A. At the end of that year, fortunately, I was able to try out for the position I wanted without any complications.

I was ecstatic when I found out I received the position as entertainment editor, but when I found out who I would be working with, ecstatic is not necessarily the right word. I was a bit alarmed when I found out I would be working with Aaron Aceves and Kevin Soto. I could not have asked to work with more polar opposite people than they. Though, when we started working and the issues progressed, we became strangely in sync. It was the first time I felt like I had truly been a part of the Spartan Scroll. It was like gaining another pair of two older brothers.

The feeling was strange, but I knew I wanted more. I was still not comfortable in my junior year as the journalism cliques surrounded me. I wondered if the other new members on staff felt that way, or if it was just my imagination running rampant again.

At the end of that year, I tried out for the position that in my wildest dreams I thought would not be possible. Thank you, Kayla, for encouraging me to try out, but how was I supposed to lead, when I couldn’t even speak up the first two years of journalism or when I felt like I didn’t belong?

One thing kept me going through, to try to be the editor-in-chief who could not only lead but also help those journalism students like me.

When the year commenced, I was thrilled about the new staff, who I will forever call “my children.” I was so impressed with all of them, even during that first issue. Because while we never met deadline and I had to experience repeatedly those infamous late-lates until midnight (sometimes later) I knew that the cliques were diminishing to form what every past Scroller has called a family.

I got closely acquainted with this family my senior year when I went to nationals for the first time in Seattle, WA. This year at nationals, though, was when I truly felt like I was editor-in-chief. I was in charge of taking care of my peers in an unknown city and helping them with any questions they had.

What truly shined for me at nationals was when I went to my first journalism workshop called “Team Storytelling.” When the speaker informed us of certain techniques to take back to our staffs, I realized that much what he said I had already done. Maybe I was a good leader?

Yes and no. Most of the credit still falls on my wonderful staff who improved their skills with every issue; thank you so much for giving all you’re worth within the paper.

To my friends who are outside the journalism program: I know you were discouraged that I did not hang out often, but I am glad that you still stuck with me at all times. Every little thing you did really made a difference for my senior year, and I want you to know that I will always love you.

To my family: thank for the biggest support of all, even though you had no clue about what I did in journalism, even after I explained over a million times what my new position entailed. Still, I am so grateful and I love you so much.

To Ms. Honda and Ms. Langevin and the rest of the administration staff: thank you for your unwavering support throughout my high school life.

Everything you have given me means so much, and I will never be able to truly express by deepest gratitude.

To the readers of the ScrollI: I hope you have found a sense of belonging from reading the paper and found it insightful when faced with a new environment. Because I know that that whatever new environment I will encounter, I will not shy away like I did in the past. I will embrace it.

E

ntertainment

Spartan Scroll June 15, 2012

Street Food Cinema hits Expo Park

BY TRISTAN BROSSY DE DIOS Entertainment Editor

Combining quality outdoor cinema, live performances and fast food, Street Food Cinema, located in Exposition Park, makes for an exhilarating Saturday escape away from local Montebello.

Although Exposition Park, the area just south of the University of Southern California that surrounds the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and various museums, is relatively distant from Montebello, it can be reached in under an hour with a $5 all-day pass for the Metro light rail. One can board the Gold Line stop on Atlantic and transfer to the Red Line at Union Station, and finally take the newly opened Expo Line to the Expo Park/USC stop.

Having already served the Los Angeles area the previous summer in 2011, Street Food Cinema, produced by Steve Allison and Heather Hope-Allison, has perfected its routine, streamlining the event for maximum enjoyment.

Each Saturday brings a different movie, a different experience. As the “doors” open at 5:30 p.m., guests hurry to find a suitable spot for the night while the cinema staff sets up the entertainment. The field of Exposition Park fills slowly as more guests arrive, carrying tickets bought

online or waiting in line to buy them at the gates outside of the field.

After claiming seats, either on personal blankets lying on the main field or chairs set off to the side, guests proceed to the food trucks neatly lined up along the sidewalk adjacent to the field. Hot dogs, burgers, smoothies, coffee, desserts and more are available from the trucks, as their staffs eagerly take orders and churn out their fare on a rapid schedule. Every food truck was carefully selected by the staff and brings completeness to the already vibrant scene.

Along with its vast library of film titles ranging from James Cameron’s sci-fi hit “Avatar” to the teen romance “Twilight” and an array of classics such as “16 Candles” and “Weird Science,” Street Food Cinema, through the booking agency the Viper Room, brings out different live acts for each screening.

By 6:30 p.m., the time the band for the night is scheduled to play, the lawn has filled, and each party still has its own space, enough breathing and leg room to enjoy the night’s events.

These bands, local and talented, warm up the crowd for the highlight of the night, the movie, interacting with the audience from their entrenchment at the front of the field, the screen looming over the members like a giant curtain.

As the sun descends behind the horizon, the shadows of the trees stretch across the screen

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until the field is shrouded in the growing darkness. At 8:30 p.m., the movie begins. The speakers, spread across the field at even intervals, provide the entire crowd, composed of people from various backgrounds, with high-quality audio while the immense screen gives a clear picture visible from even the back of the area.

General admission tickets cost $10 while reserved seating costs $15, and LAPD patrols the event throughout its entirety to ensure safety. Because the length of each individual movie varies, the Expo Line may or may not be running by the time the event ends. The Red and Gold Lines however, continue to operate.

All photos by TREVOR QUAN

OPENING UP: (left) Milo Hernandez, lead singer of Dirty Minds, leads his band and the crowd prior to the June 9 movie showing. (right) The crowd enters Exposition Park for the upcoming film.

Make Music Pasadena 2012 Southern California’s largest free music festival, the fifth annual Make Music Pasadena, will be held tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The festival will mainly take place up and down Colorado Blvd. with free admission for all ages. However, the entire festival will span about 20 blocks.

At least 100 indie bands will perform 150 concerts throughout the day.

Ray Bradbury (1920-2012) Ray Bradbury, renowned sci-fi fantasy writer, died June 5 at age 91, after a long illness.

Bradbury is most widely known for his novels Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles and The Illustrated Man, as well as many short stories.

He was a recipient of an Emmy, winner of the 2000 National Book Foundation, the 2004 National Medal of Arts and the 2007 Pulitzer Prize Special Citation.

According to nytimes.com, Bradbury’s books have been translated into 36 languages and are responsible for introducing postwar Americans to mainstream science fiction.

As Bradbury once famously said, “If you enjoy living, it is not difficult to keep the sense of wonder.”

CHRISTINE TAING

MICHELE WONG

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Features

Spartan Scroll June 15, 2012

1. What is your favorite memory from your years at Schurr?

2. What will you do in your free time after you retire?

3. What advice would you give to new teachers?

Marvin Inouye 1. Going on photographic field trips to destinations like Death Valley, Yosemite, New York, Hawaii and Europe.

2. Traveling the world, dancing with wife, attending yoga, reading and gardening.

3. Have a good control of your classromm, be patient and do not lower your standards. Be flexible and come up with new strategies to challenge your students.

David Hokyo 1. My favorite memory here at Schurr would be all the basketball teams. The most memorable experiences came from coaching them.

2. Try to get back into shape, play golf, travel to Spain and Italy.

3. You can’t win them all. Just get to the ones you can get to. (students)

Clarissa Banda 1. When a girl screamed after finding an ancient banana in her desk. Another time when a mouse zipped into my class and Mr. Oka and his students came in with sticks trying to catch it.

2. [Increasing] yoga [sessions to] four times a week, challenges such as headstands, re-learning how to cook and re-learning [how to bake] chocolate soufflé, and my husband has planned our world travels.

3. Make a seating chart right away or you’ll never remember their [students] names, have structure for your class but don’t be afraid to change; the walls have ears so don’t gossip, and don’t forget to hydrate! Join all MTA activities- local and district-wide-it is an investment in your professionalism!

Linda Harris 1. One time there was a ninth grader who I think had a crush on me. He put a [cassette] tape in my teacher’s mailbox that played “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The [Rolling] Stones.

2. Major reconstruction of my house, having a reading group with friends, and traveling to England, Florence, Paris, and [maybe] Ireland- to start!

3. Come up with a quirky characteristic that kids will always remember, like liking sheep.

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Spartan Scroll June 15, 2012

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Alice Rodriguez 1. Being adviser for three different classes, and [seeing] my kids being at this school. I really don’t have bad memories; I think they’re all good.

2. I’ve been fixing up my house, taking zumba classes, reading and getting ready for future trips.

3. Patience; have loads of patience, not just with the students but also with your self. Sometimes things don’t happen as quickly as you want them to.

Vincent Negrete 1. Getting hired, meeting a lot of great young people and outstanding teachers, winning CIF Football Champions in 1980 (first CIF championship for the school), [witnessed] both my sons graduating from Schurr and earning a retirement.

2. A lot of snow skiing and just relaxing to begin with, until I decide to do something else. After the first year, I may feel like working part or full time, but I’m [still not sure]. I also will spend time traveling with my wife.

3. Lead by example, keep learning, be prepared for change and always do your best.

Ben Negrete 1. Getting to know all the great people at Schurr, especially the students, being part of the great athletic tradition at this school, being head football coach and having so much fun at Schurr that it never seemed like work!

2. Some traveling, relaxing, skiing, golfing, and spending time with my dad and my good friends.

3. Remember how much you influence your students! You have a difficult job but a very important one. Enjoy what you’re doing and share that with your students!

Leslie Ziff 1. I think hanging out in the choir room with all the choir kids.

2. I perform in a local jazz group. I’m going to be volunteering for the Historical Society and at Huntington Hospital. I’m going to be working on my harp and guitar playing, baby-sitting my grandkids, learning how to play the banjo and traveling!

3. First year teachers, be strict, but not mean. Stay focused and have fun. Enjoy your students.

Tom Thompson 1. Coaching and seeing my players go to college. That was pretty special.

2. Playing golf with my retired buddies, cycling and fishing.

3. Be as professional as you can be, enjoy your profession, and enjoy teaching.

NATHAN PHAM Photos by CHERISE WOO

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S ports

Spartan Scroll June 15, 2012

Spring sports acknowledge players Track and Field

Baseball

Girls Varsity

JV Silver Slugger: Adam Alfaro Gold Glove: Armando Rodriguez Coaches Award: Mauricio Enriquez Spartan Award: Bradley Acosta

Varsity Baseball

Track Athletes of the Year: Cindy Canales & Dalina Delfin Field Athlete of the Year: Lauren Coronado Coaches Award: Andrea Hernandez

MVP: Oscar Sarabia Rookie of the Year: Ryan Orozco Offensive Player of the Year: Oscar Sarabia Defensive Player of the Year: Diego Rubio Coach’s Award: Rudy Alvarez

Frosh/Soph Boys

MVP: Nick Capranica Track Athletes of the Year: Osmar Nieto & Javier Rosas Field Athlete of Year: Danny Ye Coaches Award: Ricardo Cano, John Chaides & Nick Martin

Freshmen Silver Slugger: Adam Amaro Gold Glove: Luis Barrigo Coach’s Award: Keith LeNoue Spartan Award: Abran Ramirez

Varsity Track and Field Boys

MVP: Chris Calaguing Track Athlete of the Year: Nolan Luevano Field Athletes of the Year: Trevor Kuresa & Jackie Peng Coaches Award: Mehmet Babaoglu & Osvaldo Cerda

Tennis JV Girls MVP: Phoebe Chiu Most Improved: Lianne Chau

Frosh/Soph Girls

MVP: Rebecca Viera Track Athletes of the Year: Celeste Juarez & Marissa Orozco Field Athletes of the Year: Gloria Amaya & Staci Quan Coaches Award: Saskia Sani

Varsity Tennis Boys

MVP: Matthew Lin Most Improved: Joshua Grau & Saul Tejeda

Golf

MVP: Ryan Kang Most Improved: Lexi Guerrero

Varsity Girls MVP: Jillian Sarao Most Improved: Anjela Picaso Cartoon by MICHELE WONG

Summer Camp Schedule Sports Baseball

Boys Basketball

Who Anyone interested

When June 25-July 27 Tuesday and Thursday 3-5:30p.m.

Session I: Boys age Session I: June 23, 27, July 2, 9, 11, 16, 18; 5-10 years old 6-7:30 p.m.

Sesssion II: Boys Session II: June 23, 27, July 2, 9, age 10-14 years old 11, 13, 16, 18, 20; 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Gear

Fee

Workout clothes

$50

Byers Gymnasium

Workout clothes

$75 for grades K-5th $90 for grades 6th8th

Where Varsity baseball field

Boys Soccer

Anyone interested

June 25-July 27 Wednesdays

Small gym (indoor soccer)

Workout clothes

Free

Cross Country

Anyone interested

June 25-July 27 Mondays, Wednesdays 6-7:30 p.m.

Track field

Shorts and running shoes

$30

Football

Anyone interested

June 25-July 27 Weekdays 2:45-5:30p.m.

Ken Davis Field

Girls Basketball

Girls in 3rd12th grade

Tuesdays and Thursdays June 26-July 26 6:00-7:20 p.m. for 3rd-8th graders; 7:40 p.m.-9:00 p.m. for 9th-12th graders

Girls Soccer

Anyone interested

Tennis

Anyone interested

Volleyball Wrestling

JV Boys MVP: Andy Lam Most Improved: Justin Lee

Returners, incoming freshmen

Returners, incoming 9th11th grades

June 25-July 27 Mondays & Wednesdays 5:30-7:30 p.m.

June 25-July 20 8a.m.-10 a.m.10 a.m-12p.m.

July 2-27 weekdays July 2-3 Freshmen tryouts June 25-July 27 Monday-Friday 3-5 p.m.

Athletic gear

$60

Byers Gymnasium

Workout clothes

$125 per player; $110 per additional family member; $100 for returners

Soccer field

Workout clothes, cleats

TBA

Tennis courts

Tennis shoes; Workout clothes

TBA

Workout

Byers gear; running Gymnasium shoes Small gym

Workout clothes

Meet 2012 Star seniors Athletes of the Year

David Avina

Aishia Ruiz

Scholar Athletes of the Year

Free Free

Ryan Kang

Amanda De Leon

Photos by CHERISE WOO & TREVOR QUAN