Issue 1

“I am obsessed with Dance Dance Revolution” p. 5

The Student Voice HOW A 200 POUND

COFFEE MAKER (and other little extras)

CONTRIBUTED TO THE BIGGEST CAMPUS OVERHAUL SINCE WE OPENED THE GATES

P. 12

news 2

tuesday, october 2, 2012 |

NetClassroom boasts efficiency, organization for student resources Site serves as single source of academic reference for students and parents, says technology department.

TaraBitran’14 a&e editor Starting this school year, NetClassroom, a website provided by Blackbaud, has replaced ‘Inside Buckley’ and the complimentary and referral system as the main online, academic resource for students and parents, displaying assignments, class announcements, and full grade books.

The site allows parents to monitor their child’s grades, (including homework assignments, tests, quizzes, and midquarterly updates) throughout the year.

“Allowing families to see a student’s grades will give them more accurate information about where he or she is in a class; there will be no doubts,” said Deborah Monroe, Upper School principal.

In correlation with the school’s current homepage, each NetClassroom account is customized with a student’s schedule of classes, relieving him or her from searching for their classes themselves. They can also use the website for various registration purposes such as purchasing tickets for school productions.

According to Sudha Joga, application support and developer, students, upon logging into their NetClassroom account, will see a comprehensive overview of their assignments and will see their classes in a schedule format, as well as school announcements. The website also allows students to customize their notification settings, so that, for example, they can view their assignments for a specific day, week, or month.

The site will also allow students to view their mid-quarter grades for every class for one week after they are posted, and then again for one week after the end of the quarter, and so on.

“The whole process will be much more equitable and everyone will be able to get feedback, whether [he or she] is an A student or a C student,” said Monroe. “This will be especially nice for a student with just one low grade so parents can see it in the whole context of their son or daughter’s progress at school. Noticing a problem area will be much easier and faster to locate, which I think will be very positive and proactive in the long-run.”

How many clicks does it take to access your assignments

Inside Buckley

32

NetClassroom

3

29

How many minutes

Per student

261

Still, the progress report policy will remain: families will receive a progress report, which includes the student’s grade in that class with additional information about their performance, via email as well as on the NetClassroom site only if a student has a C- or below in that given class at the midquarter point.

As stated in a letter that Monroe and Dina Figueroa, Upper School assistant principal, sent out in the beginning of August, NetClassroom will provide families with access to a student’s attendance record and faculty contact information.

In addition, parents, alone, can view their billing statements on the website.

NetClassroom will at some point in the future also allow students to submit assignments for their classes via a “dropbox” function on the site.

“Using digital documentation and less paper definitely meets with the school’s goal to move forward in a greener, more-earth friendly way,” said Monroe.

The administration hopes to have the system fully operational by October, while in the first month of school recommending that teachers distribute paper documents to their classes, allowing them and students a grace period to become familiar with the software.

Yet some teachers are at this point comfortable with the features of NetClassroom, owing to the fact that about 15 to 20 of them have attended a technology summer institute or have received formal introductions to the site during meetings on August 30 and 31 for new faculty members and September 4 and 5 for those returning.

“NetClassroom is a little more work in terms of laying things out in advance instead of seeing what happens in class and then updating your assignments. But I think

83,781 having a snapshot of all of their work will be very helpful for students,” said science teacher David Román. “Plus, it is not hard to adjust the website. I just hope students will remember to check the site repeatedly and not just once a week, as an assignment posted on Monday might be changed according to what happens in class.”

In February, some teachers and administrators such as Javy Martinez, director of educational technology, spoke with other schools in the area such as Milken Community High School, HarvardWestlake School, and Marymount High School about introducing a more enhanced method for online course selection in the near future.

According to the technology department, the switch to NetClassroom was simple.

“Upgrading to NetClassroom just made sense. It was a seamless integration, as it was already a part of the Blackbaud system.

There was no need to re-enter any data; all of the information was already there,” said Joga.

Monroe looks forward to a potential upgrade to the NetClassroom site in January or February this year, which would allow for online advising.

“I am definitely anticipating opening up the system for course scheduling, but overall, this is where education is going towards— more accuracy and more student and parent accessibility. I really believe students should know where they stand in a class and [how] to improve,” said Monroe.

Once NetClassroom commences full operation in October, the administration hopes to hear feedback from students and parents about the site and determine whether it is feasible enough to remain separate from the school webpage.

UPCOMING IN OCTOBER

2 13 21

Back to School Night

Admissions Open House

Sherman Oaks Street Fair

5

Founder’s Day

17

PSAT

26

Professional Day

12 20

Latino Heritage Assembly

31

Senior Dance

Halloween

newsin

brief School holds dedication for APA building

The Academic and Performing Arts Building Dedication on September 9 didn’t just draw student and parent crowds, but also welcomed alumni and government officials.

The ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the Roy Disney Family Pavilion, when Congressman Brad Sherman presented a congressional flag to Dr. Larry Dougherty, head of school. Suzanne Miller, field deputy from the office of council member Tom Labonge, gave a city commendation to Dougherty and Robyn Field, chair of the Board of Trustees.

After performances of “The Star Spangled Banner” by Alex Wagner-Trugman ’07 and “Over the Rainbow” by vocalist Jill Whelan ‘84, Field greeted the audience and alumni Matt Cook ’09, Mark Cook ’12, and Michael Cook ’12 sang a rendition of “Up Where We Belong.”

At 11:00 a.m. the Academic and Performing Arts Building was open for tours and classroom demonstrations.

“Go into the new building and count the number of ‘wows’ you say, and then come back and tell me about it. I was up to over 300 ‘wows’ by the end of the day,” said Dougherty.

SalimChamoun ‘14

Voice earns All American award from NSPA Scoring 296 of the total 300 points, the 2011-12 Student Voice earned an All-American award from NSPA and broke a staff record: five out of five Marks of Distinction (coverage, writing, graphics, layout and leadership).

“My favorite remark is that our grammar and punctuation are ‘nearly’ flawless. But that’s not good enough. I want ‘flawless’,” said Dr. Ellen Salas, director of student publications.

For the sixth year in a row, The Voice also received a Gold Medal from CSPA for the 2011-2012 school year.

The CSPAA Committee commented that the Voice had “good, solid story ideas for [it’s] student population” and published “several exceptional covers,” but that the staff needed to work on crediting graphics and photos, improving the quality of their photos, and refraining from using quotes in lead paragraphs.

“I am so honored to have led such a talented and driven staff. I know the 2012-13 staff will do just the same if not more,” said 2011-12 editor-in-chief Andrew Davis ‘12.

JamesBernstein ‘14

3 tuesday, october 2, 2012

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

iPad replaces textbooks in select classes Of the students who use iPads... for the requirement

79 responses collected from September 25 to September 27 with a margin of error of 10%

44%

%

13

43%

Twenty-first century curriculum requires all seniors and some juniors to purchase devices.

ShilpaMantri ‘13 news editor In order to keep the school on the forefront of cutting-edge technology, director of educational technology Javy Martinez effected a new iPad program into the curriculum for some senior and junior classes, requiring students in those classes to supply their own iPads.

For the 2012–2013 school year, Pre-Calculus honors, AP Calculus BC, Advanced Calculus, Latin IV and IV Honors, Video Game Creation, and Social and Political Philosophy require iPads, while senior English classes, AP Art History,

Economics, International Relations, AP U.S. History, AP Biology, and AP Environmental Science have the option of using them or hardcopy textbooks.

Kno, an application on the iPad, provides all of the textbooks. According to Martinez, Kno has the largest variety of interactive books and has signed deals with every major publisher.

“I went through many different apps to see which one would be the best for us and which one had the best titles, and after plenty of research, hands-down this was the best one,” he said.

The greatest advantages of the iPad program, according to students, are that having it as opposed to textbooks lightens their backpack load and keeps their notes organized.

“I like having the opportunity to use the iPad because it helps me annotate more and keeps my notes all together because of it,” said junior Gian Ignacio.

Martinez said that the program has mostly received positive feedback so far.

“Five Economics students came to me on the first day of school. They were complaining about the iPad, complaining they didn’t like the Economics book. I showed them the features of the book, and I showed them how to use it, and I showed them the sharing notes feature and they all went to [Mr.] Petrella and gave the textbook back,” said Martinez.

While some students appreciate the iPad’s convenience, others still prefer to use hard-copy books for classes.

“I like that I could carry around all of my books on one device. However, it is more difficult to jot down notes, and I really like the feel of the book over repeated attempts at trying to turn the page on the iPad. I understand and appreciate the try for a more eco-friendly book system, but for most of my textbooks, I prefer hardcopies,” said senior Michaela Murphy.

Social science teacher Robert Wright considers the educational risks involved with the student use of iPads.

“If a student chooses to email during class instead of taking notes, then the iPad is a big distraction that actually retards learning,” said Wright.

For the future, Martinez envisions a school where students no longer need a backpack, but instead carry a multi-purpose binder and a tablet to class.

“The fact that I’ve had teachers who were hesitant before the summer now want to use it definitely tells me its going to get larger. We’re also considering the possibility of giving the students iPads,” said Martinez.

EUP adds cell phone clause Policy change gives limited cell phone privileges to students on campus.

AndrewFriedman ‘16 staff reporter After years of dispute between the student body and administrators, the students have triumphed, and the school reformed the Electronic Use Policy (EUP) for the 20122013 school year, allowing students limited, personal cellular phone use during school hours.

The EUP states that cellular devices, tablets, and computers may be used in class for educational purposes if approved by the teacher.

Additionally, personal electronics may be used during school hours, outside of class, in a restricted magnitude, which includes listening to music, checking e-mail, and text messaging.

“We realized how many people want to use their devices on campus and it is not our goal to be ‘Big Brother’ or ‘Big Sister’,” said Dr. Larry Dougherty, head of school.

Although the administration has shown caution with granting students privileges to use their cell phones at school, some administrators believe that the school’s desire to be on the forefront of educational technology came into conflict with this concern.

“We reached a point where we wanted to be a school with stateof-the-art technology, but that contradicts with a zero tolerance cell phone policy. Those two themes don’t coincide and we knew that we

Andrew Friedman The Student Voice

EYES GLUED: Sophomores Calum CampbellWatson and Sam Klebanow take advantage of the new phone policy in the library.

needed to strike a balance,” said Dina Figueroa, Upper School assistant principal.

Although teachers have confiscated many phones over the past couple of years, some view the change positively.

“In years past, I have had to deal with students trying to use electronics in class. Now kids know they can use them in their free time they are not tempted to use them in class,” said math teacher Matthew Cano.

The EUP also restricts students from making phone calls, taking pictures, and visiting social media sites, such as Facebook and Instagram, with their devices. Also, if they are used improperly in class, on campus, or at a school event, electronic devices are subject to confiscation.

“While we are giving students new privileges, we are taking a very hard line on harassment and disruption. We want to make sure that the learning process is not unnecessarily interrupted,” said Dougherty. “On one hand, the ‘nophoto’ rule protects the person taking the photo and, on the other hand, the rule protects those who are willing in the photo or not.”

Dougherty added that the updated EUP is a great example of the school’s effort to leap into the twentyfirst century.

Commons Café debuts for lunch service Cafeteria features salad bar, yogurt machine, and outdoor patio.

James Bernstein The Student Voice

JamesBernstein ‘14 news editor The Commons Café, located near the Academic and Performing Arts Building and at the edge of the Lower School, made its debut on September 10, featuring an indoor cafeteria equipped with a salad bar, hot food service capability, a refrigerator for cold drinks, and a frozen yogurt machine.

The café also boasts an outdoor eating patio for students, and an outdoor plaza with tables will be created behind the café once construction finishes.

Additionally, administrators say that because it is located on the edge of campus, the café causes minimal disruption to the flow of student traffic.

“We knew that we needed to update our food service facilities

and we thought that it would be really important in our first round of construction to create a better food program,” said Dr. Larry Dougherty, head of school.

The Parents’ Association has also reserved a spot in the area for a miniature student store, with school apparel and other student items for sale. Students will be able to use their prepaid “G” cards to purchase goods from the store.

The school also hopes to also add a breakfast service for students who missed the morning meal at home.

“Our goal here was—call it a Campus Enhancement Plan, I would have called it an ‘Educational Transformation Plan’—to improve our educational program, and part of that program is obviously, you know, food,” said

Dougherty. “We are trying to make our campus more food friendly for students.”

The goal of creating a more healthy lunch service for students, with better facilities for food preparation, seems to be working according to administrators.

“One of my favorite comments came from, surprisingly, a Middle School boy who said: ‘I love the salad bar.’ Here’s a young man going out with salad and fruit; that’s great,” said Dougherty.

Due to limited lunch-eating area caused by construction encroachment and the closure of the Oak Courtyard, the school has designated the Commons Café, as well as the indoor foyer located adjacent to the pavilion, to join the senior courtyard as lunch areas for students.

James Bernstein The Student Voice

ABOVE: Junior bar.

LEFT:

James Bernstein The Student Voice

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

tuesday, october 2, 2012 4

Martinez opens haven for students

BUCKLEYBYTES Bleachers are American with Disabilities Act (ADA) approved.

Wall pads replaced behind baskets and installed in front of stage.

“The pads are much safer for our athletes. The bleachers where simply outdated,” said Byrd-Newman Milic.

Shilpa Mantri The Student Voice

MINDBLOWING: Javy Martinez, director of educational technology, morphs images and shapes in a collage software on the interactive, 100” screen located in the student techonology center. Several days after its opening, Martinez displayed the software capabilities of the 3D display to curious students. “I can’t think of one school that has anything close to what we have here. Some schools may have a lounge with a T.V., but our center just blows it away,” he said.

Technology center features 100” screen, xbox consoles, iPads for use.

ShilpaMantri ‘13 news editor Equipped with two Kinect Xbox systems, two Wiis, two 3-D televisions, and three 46-inch screen cyber touch televisions, the new student technology center allows Middle and Upper School students to kick back and enjoy the latest, state-of-the-art technology during their free time.

An iPad controls all the features in the room, including the sound system and television controls.

“The place is for students to just come, hangout, and use technology. The goal is to have a place that’s an antithesis to the library. In the library, you have to be more quiet and focus on studying, whereas, in the new tech center you can play games, hangout with your friends, talk at a moderate level, and take advantage of the new features in the room,” said director of educational technology Javy Martinez.

Most students appreciate the comforts and the relaxing ambiance of the new center.

“I like being able to take a break from all my classes, and from school, and play xbox with friends,” said senior Nausher Walia.

Although some students would like to use the features of the space, they say that it’s too crowded.

“I don’t like that it’s always crammed with people, and that everyone can get inside. There should be a limit as to how many people they let inside,” said senior Danny Dominguez.

Tom Edelberg, technology database manager, finds flaws in the center. According to him, boys tend to dominate the area and exclude girls from the activities.

“Mr. Martinez had mentioned that it would be helpful if the girls stood up to the boys, but I think that might be hard for some of the girls to do because boys are so much bigger physically and hulking,” said Edelberg. “We’d like to create an environment where everyone, from sixth graders to seniors, from girls to boys, are able to say ‘Hey, I would like to have equal time’ and can be free from any kind of retribution. This place is for everyone to use.”

Because Martinez said he has received mostly positive reviews of the center, he would like to keep the space open to students throughout the year.

“It almost seems like I’m getting an average of half the school in here per day. I heard that the old student lounge was completely trashed in a week. That’s not happening here. Not on my watch,” he said.

Eighteen Dell Latitude 13” laptops Five new coaches and an ottoman “Librarians are working on a way students can soon use their phones to check out books and laptops,” said Matthew Wittmer, Upper School librarian.

STUDENT

Couches/

54 33 10

134 responses collected from September 25 to September 27 with a margin of error of 6%

3

Adds: bumper plates, power racks, cable cross machine, and dip bars Also: mirrors and water fountain “We are finally getting the weight room set up in a way that maximizes what we can do with athletes,” said strength and conditioning coach Rob Wright.

newclubs

Italian Club Econ Debate Club

related Follow the staff ’s take on the iPad requirement in the opinion section: “Let them have iPads.”

Lend a Paw

BELOW LEFT: BELOW RIGHT: in a FIFA XBOX game.

Russian Culture Club Red Cross

Min Woo Song

Shilpa Mantri The Student Voice

Shilpa Mantri The Student Voice

5 tuesday, october 2, 2012

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

BRANDONHOGAN BRANDON Science Department Chair AP Physics Teacher AP Statistics Teacher Robotics Advisor

Voice: Where are you from?

Hogan: Indianapolis, Indiana, and I received an undergraduate education at Purdue University.

Voice: When did you become interested in science?

Hogan: I was the oddball among my brothers.

My father is a businessman and my two brothers followed in his footsteps. I was the complete opposite and completely went into science. I love being able to know why things happen and I believe science gives me the ability to understand.

Voice: What is your Ph.D. in?

Hogan: Super massive black holes and Blazer Quazer (Blazer – plasma jets pointed at earth. Quazer – plasma jets not pointed at earth) Voice: When did you realize you wanted a further education in science?

Hogan: After receiving my undergraduate degree in biophysics, I did graduate work funded by NASA who asked me to go into astrophysics.

Voice: Why did you move to Los Angeles?

Hogan: My wife was hired as a top-secret aerospace engineer five years ago, and after commuting for several years I finally made the full move.

Voice: Why did you want to be the science department chair?

Hogan: I was originally hired as a physics and robotics instructor, and then, after the fact, after I initially applied for the job, they expanded and said that there was a science department chair opening and that the person they hired for the physics robotics position would also be the science department chair.

Hogan: I have previously taught at colleges in the south bay area, and just realized that teaching is my passion and that I wanted to continue doing that. I had also participated in the first robotics program with high schools in the south bay area and that is what drew me to Buckley: the fact that I could do robotics and teach other courses.

Voice: What kind of administrative skills do you have?

Hogan: I crave structure, and I think that you have to have very good organizational skills to even attempt to look at a position like that. On top of that I feel like I am a people person, which in today’s society you have to be able to use charisma and be able to deal with people. You have to be able to present them with a structure that they are willing to accept, and I think that those two traits make for a well-rounded department chair.

Voice: Why do you enjoy working in a high school setting?

Hogan: Personally, since I teach the AP courses, the students want to be there. You have to have that drive to be there. I get to teach high school courses where the high school students want to be there, which is very rewarding.

Voice: What is the most exciting part of teaching?

Hogan: The most exciting part of teaching is when you’re teaching something new and you see the light bulb go off in their head. You can see their eyes light up. When students get that excited about something that they want to jump up and down, that is probably the most rewarding thing about teaching.

department that you enjoy and hope to expand upon?

Hogan: I think that all of the instructors in the science department are very passionate about what they do. It was very refreshing to come into a department where I didn’t have to push anyone to teach. They want to be there. They enjoy being there.

I can see this by just talking to them and interacting with them. We have very intelligent people teaching here. Mostly all the science teachers have very advanced degrees, which you don’t usually see at the high school level.

Voice: How do you think technology at our school prepares students for their future?

Hogan: I like the fact that we are incorporating technology into our lessons. Technology is the future and students need to be acquainted with that, otherwise they are at a disadvantage when they move onto college. As far as my personal association with that, I really want students to understand the inner workings of technology. Most people have misconceptions about who created what as far as science goes. There are a whole lot of mysteries associated with science, but I don’t want my students to think that science is magic.

Voice: How do you feel the new science and technology building represents our community’s growth? Are you excited for the new building?

Hogan: I have worked with the school as far as the development of the new building, and it looks absolutely phenomenal. Everything is being put in there for a reason and the space is optimized so that the teachers can teach to the best of their ability and the students can be comfortable enough to learn.

Voice: What do you believe makes you qualified for this position?

Hogan: I have a Ph.D. in high-energy astrophysics. I got the Ph.D. because I wanted to teach, not to say I don’t enjoy research because I still do research on the science, currently working with Florida Institute of Technology and Rochester Institute of Technology on x-ray observations of relativistic jets.

Voice: What is your goal as a teacher?

Hogan: I don’t think anyone is ever a perfect teacher.

Every day that I teach I try to find something I did that I can do better the next time. I really want to push the courses that I teach to the next level. I like teaching on a tangible level. I like teaching in a tangible manner. I want students to want to prove something, but I want them to go back and see and touch that. If you can do something mathematically and then see it in the real world then it reinforces the subject matter taught.

Voice: What is the best part of your job as department chair?

Hogan: I get to teach. I get paid to have fun. I think that’s the greatest part.

Voice: Do you have any past teaching experience?

Voice: What are some strengths of the science

Voice: Thank you so much.

Voice: Do you have any hobbies or quirks we should know about you?

Hogan: I am obsessed with Dance Dance Revolution.

I was introduced to it my freshman year of college.

Also, I will play any sport, but I absolutely love tennis and golf.

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

tuesday, october 2, 2012 6

A new and improved cast NEWFACULTY

NEWSTAFF

NEW

Science Department Chair

Director of Diversity, Multiculturalism and Inclusion

Associate Director of Admission

Middle School Journalism Teacher

Director of College Counseling

Director of Educational Technology/Girls Volleyball Coach

Latin/Spanish Teacher

Educational Support Specialist

Director of Diversity, Multiculturalism and Inclusion

Brooke Yoshino English Teacher

Assistant Director of Admissions

Associate Director of College Counseling

Sixth Grade Teacher

Systems Administrator

Social Science Department Chair

Spanish Teacher

Communications Associate

AP Art History Teacher

How was your Outdoor Education a unique experience?

Angeles Crest

Courtesy of Richard Edelen

MAKING FACES: Science teacher Richard Edelen’s freshman trail group engages in a nighttime activity on the outskirts of camp. Added to the Class of 2016’s adventure, the bus company that was supposed to drive the class home filed for bankruptcy and did not pick them up.

“One of the [two] buses did not come to get us on time. Russo

Shilpa Mantri The Student Voice

CLIMB: Seniors Adam Moreton and Jack Breen guide senior Evan Drapeau over a 12-foot wall at Angeles Crest Christian Camp. The Class of 2013 would go on to break the school record for the fastest time to have every senior climb over the wall: 28 minutes and 46 seconds.

“I thought it was a special experience because one, we weren’t just the fastest grade to climb it, but it was also a bonding experience. It made me feel more connected to my

7 tuesday, october 2, 2012

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

Revamped initiative inspires student participation Diversity, Multiculturalism and Inclusion (DMI) initiative adds two coordinators, promotes student involvement in discussions, and pursues student club.

MeherSingh ‘14 features editor Claiming wider participation and increased zeal, the proponents of the DMI initiative have turned talk into action.

“Our goal is to be with the students.

Our main priority is engaging students in the conversations about diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion. We understand that is our first priority,” said Ralinda Watts, Director of DMI. “We are really actively pursuing students to be involved. Be it the planning of assemblies, be it the planning of the upcoming diversity day, the students’ voice is very important.”

According to the coordinators, the main purpose of the DMI initiative is to

Junior

emphasize the idea of developing students as global thinkers, not only during their career at the school but also in their lives ahead.

“I think having a DMI initiative at Buckley is critical for the students because we are in a global community and in a society that is always changing, and for [students] to be in one of the biggest cities in the world, Los Angeles, and in such a diverse setting it is important to help [students] to get the skills and tools to be able to feel comfortable and to be a present global citizen,” said Yocelin Gonzalez, Director of DMI. Watts and Gonzalez believe that creating a community were students and faculty alike can feel comfortable on campus is essential in order to maximize each person’s potential

Junior Photos courtesy of Nick Boswell

in and outside of the classroom.

The first step toward student involvement took place on August 31, when student leaders were invited to hear Dr. Steven Jones of Jones & Associates speak on diversity and how to approach the topic in high school. The school’s first ever diversity day will be held on October 17.

“We thought that Dr. Jones was great; he was very well-received,” said Watts. “I’m sure some people were a little shy but as the day went on, more and more hands were coming up so there really was this great dialogue [between] students.”

By creating a Student Diversity Committee, advising Diversity Club, and encouraging affinity groups on campus, Watts and Gonzalez hope to create a more multicultural curriculum and experience and to effect a better understanding of what DMI is and how it is essential in today’s global and digital world.

“Our goal is to move beyond a tolerant community and become one that is more embracive and inclusive of all,” said Watts.

According to Watts, this initiative will make a Buckley experience “better than what it already is” by being more inclusive.

“This is what inclusivity is: bridging the gap where everyone is a part of the conversation, everybody is involved in the conversation and we are all moving forward towards a common goal where every student and faculty member feels that they are in an environment where they are empowered, but also that they feel safe. That’s what’s important,” said Watts.

STUDENT DMI categories do you

Race/ Ethnicity

27% Gender

2% Sexual Orientation

26% Socioeconomic Status

45% 138 responses collected from September 25 to September 27 with a margin of error of 6%

opinion 8 tuesday, october 2, 2012 |

STAFF EDITORIAL

Let them have iPads Back to School Remember back to September 6: it’s dark. You can barely get out of bed, you are uncomfortable and perhaps you didn’t finish your summer reading. It’s time for school: waking up every day before the sun rises and going to bed at ungodly hours of the night.

It’s only been two weeks since that morning. We’ve adjusted from outdoor education and now it’s a race until winter break. Test upon test, homework assignments, reading 10 chapters a night.

That’s what we do as students.

The truth is, a good majority of people don’t enjoy being at school for the pure sake of learning.

On the first day a new teacher asked our class to tell him a bit about himself and about 50 percent of the class responded that they don’t particularly enjoy school.

We all know that being at 3900 Stansbury Avenue for often seven or eight hours a day is mandatory to graduate.

We don’t have a choice, and while only 70 percent of California students graduate, we are part of the minority: private school students. We are privileged to have a 100 percent graduation rate at a college preparatory institution.

Let’s take advantage of this. I understand the stress that comes with being a high school student. Coming home from sports practice or other extracurricular activities, we find ourselves up late worried about the overwhelming workload. You know the feeling; it’s 11:30 p.m., and you have yet to finish your essay that is due tomorrow.

Somehow you will yourself to get up the next morning and go through the day again.

Trust me, I often would rather be fast asleep at 7:50 a.m., but that isn’t the case.

I believe since we’re already here on our glorious campus, I might as well make the best of it. We spend 13 years of our life in school, and now as a senior looking back I am so proud of myself for each moment I seized.

We are at a place where we have countless opportunities to succeed. From the dance floor to the basketball court we sweat hard and stress ourselves out mentally and physically all because deep down we are a driven community of students.

During times of strife, look out beyond the construction and into the hills of the valley that surrounds us. Breathe in the freshness of nature and stop to take a chance to reflect on the positives of your past and the excitement in your future.

Focus in on what you love to do, whether it be basketball or performing arts and challenge yourself toward excellence every chance you get. At graduation, looking back you’ll be proud of yourself and truly grateful for the moments you pushed through every obstacle put in front of you.

I challenge you all to take each day in stride. It is inevitable that we will all have bad days, but for the days where you woke up on time, there wasn’t traffic and you didn’t forget your lunch –enjoy your day and before you know you’ll be sitting at Disney Hall, Buckley School diploma in hand.

From one anonymous senior: “My dad and I were having dinner in Century City, and afterward we walked past the Apple store. He asked me if I needed an iPad for school, and I said ‘yes’. Ten minutes later, we walked out of the Apple store, $700 device in hand.”

From another anonymous senior: “Even though my family pays my tuition in full, we cannot afford any excess purchases after that.”

These two quotes depict a strong contradiction within our student population: some of us can afford the extra costs, some can’t. Whether the issue is about iPads, uniforms, jerseys, sweatshirts or school trips, we all can have these things with varying degrees, something that The Student Voice staff believes is not fully recognized by the school.

Throughout the school’s history, the administration worked to include all mandatory trips and expenses in tuition, whereas items and trips such as club sweatshirts and Heritage Festival have not been included, as families are not required to purchase these extras.

Of all the changes on campus entering the new school year, the Voice recognizes the iPad requirement to be contradictory to former school doctrine.

Although iPads have many positive traits, the assumption that every student paying tuition can afford an iPad poses a question: are we truly recognizing the full extent of our school’s diversity?

The school strives to “create a community at Buckley where everyone, regardless of their ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or socio-economic

status, feels welcome and all students can thrive.” At the same time, the student body received an email over the summer requiring all seniors and some juniors to purchase iPads for the upcoming school year, without even asking them and parents whether or not they thought it was a viable financial option.

While many students who pay all of the almost $35,000 school tuition can afford to buy an iPad, some families cannot afford any extra costs. And what message does requiring these iPads send to students of a lower socio-economic status, who cannot afford the device on their own?

Diversifying the school’s population is certainly a good thing, as is advancing in educational technology, but we are receiving mixed messages.

While we recognize the $150 credit given to each family, the Voice suggests that the school use the same approach for iPad requirement as they do with textbooks: include the price of an iPad in the total cost of tuition, and provide an iPad of the same model for every student, promoting equality and efficiency.

There shouldn’t be any students who have competitive advantages over others because they can afford extra equipment with ease. By ordering iPads for every student, the school would receive a $40 discount per device; but, the price is irrelevant of the principle: no matter the student, no matter his or her socioeconomic status, all students should be provided with iPads, or else none.

The editorial board voted unanimously in favor of this editorial.

the student newspaper of The Buckley School Contact The Voice at: 3900 Stansbury Avenue, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 818.783.1610 ext. 461 studentvoice@buckley.org voice.buckley.org faculty advisor Ellen Samsell Salas, Ph.D. editors-in-chief Jack Rose ‘13 Elle Wisnicki ‘13 design and production manager Tucker Higgins ‘13 news editors James Bernstein ‘14 Shilpa Mantri ‘13 assistant news editor Salim Chamoun ‘14 opinion editor Elle Wisnicki ‘13 features editors Claire Selvin ’13 Meher Singh ‘14 focus editors Tucker Higgins ‘13 Michael Len ‘14 arts and entertainment editors Tara Bitran ‘14 Nika Shahery ‘13 sports editor Jack Rose ‘13 copy editor Alex Fatykhov ‘13 business manager Andrew Friedmam ‘16 Joyce Chamoun, Mara Huberman, Georgia Leva, Joshua Miller, Jeremy Popowitz, Natalya Sands, Philip Singh, Jared Stone, Samantha Weiser, Meredith Wells, Liam Winston, Billy Wilson

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The vending machine question junkfood healthfood

The Student Voice

ElleWisnicki’13 editor-in-chief “Adolescents in states with strict laws regulating the sale of snacks and sugary drinks in public schools gained less weight over a three-year period than those living in states with no such laws,” The New York Times.

It’s not that we have an obesity problem, rather a nutrition problem. Almost all of us are guilty of consuming too much junk food from time to time. While in moderation junk food is not a concern, the longterm effects of consuming unhealthy calories are not pretty.

While parents are in the first place of responsibility, students spend a majority of their lives at school giving academic institutions accountability for teaching students in all facets of life.

Nutrition plays a part in every human’s longevity.

Students should have more healthful options during the school day.

If you look in our vending machine on campus you will find Cheetos, Fritos, Cheez-Itz, Pirates Booty (what even is that?), along with other junk food items riddled with unhealthy ingredients such as sodiumbased chemicals.

These items are low in nutritional value but quite tempting for us to eat in between classes. T These snacks could potentially have negative effects on mental and physical health both short-term and long-term.

The main question is whether the school is responsible in promoting healthy ideals or if the decision should be left up to the preteens and teens on campus.

The four-fold plan includes physical development as one of its pillars.

As a school that promotes physical well-being through health and fitness, it is logical that nutrition be included as a part of that doctrine.

Nutritious snacks will take our student body much farther through the day. Vitamins are essential to brain efficiency; therefore by providing healthy snacks for students we will be providing better academic results.

We shouldn’t completely outlaw junk food, rather minimize the amount available by providing a better balance between healthy snacks and junk food.

It is commendable that we currently have Fiber One bars in the vending machine.

We should add more snacks of that sort. There are plenty of quick snack options that offer beneficial nutrition.

Nutrigrain bars, trail mix, and nuts are all examples of vending machine worthy health snacks.

Low-calorie healthy snack options include Apple Nature Valley Fruit Crisps, Baked Chip options from Lays and Cheetos, Annie’s Chocolate Chip Bunny Graham cookies, dried fruits and vegetables, pita chips, fruit leathers, yogurt raisins, etc.

Regarding beverages, we should offer fewer soda choices and more 100 percent juice options, such as orange juice,

apple juice, etc.

Coca-Cola, for example, in addition to being one of the most prevalent beverages on school campuses, is one of the most toxic to consume.

University of Washington professor, Dr. Erik Chudler’s writes, “while many people rely on caffeine to keep them alert, caffeine can be dangerous as it constricts arteries and veins and boosts heart rates.”

The high sugar content of Coca-Cola generally leads to a “crash,” or decline in stamina, as the body absorbs the sugars and burns them for energy.

Our students need to be alert for optimum learning and cannot afford to experience a crash.

The school has a responsibility to teach students healthy life choices.

Nutrition should inevitably be a top priority on campus.

While Fresh Lunches does a great job at providing healthy options during lunchtime, students should have more healthy options to choose from to keep them energized throughout the day.

I understand vending machines provide an unhealthy solution to hunger between periods, but that does not necessarily mean a student must opt to have the Big Texas to tame his ravenous hunger.

Instead, consider packing a tangerine, pistachios, or multigrain crackers to munch The Student Voice on between periods. The junk NikaShahery ‘13 food option may be there a&e editor Sweet or salty goodness. but it does not have to be the The choice is yours. Having the daily solution. Also, if health option of eating the presumably machines, like fruit vending “evil” junk food can be quite machines, were to replace our existing ones, imagine seeing consoling at times.

Whether you are a a silver machine filled with health nut or junk enthusiast, bananas and strawberry boxes everyone takes a break at some where your Pop-Tarts were point—those clever people initially. It’s rather unpleasant to at Kit-Kat know this with picture a green apple sitting in a their clever “need a break” vending machine, tumbling out commercials. You probably when purchased, and receiving blemishes on the way to the slot. Personally, as a perfectionist, I like to see my apples unscathed as opposed to holding an apple that exited a warzone.

I agree with my opponent, the school should be responsible to teach nutrition in classes.

A healthy lifestyle in my opinion not only includes maintaining healthy eating habits and life-style choices, which are taught in seventh grade and high school health classes, but also in living life by the Buckley Commitment.

The Buckley Commitment teaches self-reliance, respect, kindness, selfdiscipline, and honesty.

While all of these apply to how you treat others, Courtesy of Paris Baillie these truths also apply to how to treat your have your own certain junk body, mind, and soul. Being food that you can’t resist— able to make the decision coincidentally mine is Kit-Kat. between a bag of sour gummy And why not indulge yourself worms and a bag of raspberries once in a while? Especially is a step towards being kind, self-disciplined, after battling the stresses that respectful, come with school. Last time I self-reliant, and honest to your checked a small bag of Cheez- body, mind, and soul. At the end of the day, you are your Itz are not lethal.

Healthy eating should own worst enemy.

With that in mind, the be a lifestyle choice. Through eliminating the choice, the choice is yours to how you treat assumption is that everyone your body. When you leave will eat healthy foods Buckley’s gates how will you automatically. However, the expect to be able to have selfproblem is the easy availability control if you never had the of accommodating your “fix.” choice?

How could you walk in Even a block away from our a market and expect to say school’s safe haven: Taco Bell.

The best way to encourage, no to Tony the Tiger, the Trix and not force, healthy eating is Rabbit, Snap Carckle & Pop, through education. But what is or the honeybee if the option considered to be healthy eating suddenly appears?

If high school truly is the anyways? A good answer is eating a balanced diet. source of preparation for the Moderation should be your real world then one of the most crucial lessons to be learned is best friend, not elimination.

Keep in mind as well the being a decision maker. What rebellious nature of teenagers: could be a better example of if something is taken away, how decisions can make or teens are more likely to crave it. break you, literally?

Sweet or salty goodness.

The accessibility of junk food is quite beneficial; it is there after The choice should be yours. a long day when you need a What’s life without a little sugar? pick-me-up.

with Jack Rose

Student Apathy A new year has begun at Buckley. New students, new buildings, new iPads, and ugh, new classes.

There are many different students in the world and at our school, ranging from the overachievers to the super involved to the typical student, and everywhere in between.

But those I would like to address are the apathetic students, those students who could have Stephen Hawking as a physics teacher and not be intrigued, and those students who go into every new class prepared not to try and sure they will not be inspired. To those students, I ask you to let yourselves be inspired this school year.

Many of us—I included—have entered previous years expecting to be bored, unhappy, and overloaded. But I have come to find that that is mostly a mindset we students have: if you do not expect to have fun and you are sure that you will not, you will not ease your boredom.

Many people think that school is inherently boring, but I disagree. Knowledge and education is underrated to most teenagers. What we want is fun and success in our life and career. Many students fail to realize that knowledge and education and fun and success later in life go hand in hand.

The more interesting and learned you are, the more like you are to succeed, and when you succeed, you have more free time and resources with which to have fun.

Due to this misperception, we go into the school year already disappointed and apathetic.

But when you go in with that right mindset, that positive outlook, experiences turn out much better.

Enter this school year knowing that you can be interested.

When you have the option, take a class that intrigues you, or is taught by a teacher you love. The add/ drop date for classes is not until October.

And when you don’t have that option, have a good attitude.

Your attitude is your decision. We all have the incredible opportunity for education that we take for granted on a daily basis. Welcome knew knowledge, don’t push it away.

You know how the attitude you take into an event can totally change your perception of that event? Like, when you go to a party with your parents already depressed, the food tastes bad and you hate it. But, while there you find a friend and all of a sudden you are having a great time and the dessert tastes great. It’s all about perception.

I know everyone wants to have a good, enjoyable school year. If you take the right attitude into it, you might just have some fun. Be inspired. Take as many classes you want to take and do not be surprised when your teachers are mad when you do not do your work. We are at school. We are expected to learn.

Our school employs a lot of incredible teachers, all very knowledgeable in their respective subjects. Give them the respect they deserve, and try to have fun in their classes.

We will all have a great school year if we allow ourselves to. We have new classrooms, new technology, and new teachers. All of our brand new advances create the opportunity for a wonderful school year.

Let’s try to enjoy it.

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

tuesday, october 2, 2012 10

Sikh teen reflects on Wisconsin massacre The Student Voice

MeherSingh’14 features editor There were 25 of us in one room, huddled around the bigscreen TV. Gathered for a religious music class; this was an extremely rare interruption. As I made my way up to the front, I read the CNN Breaking News Headline: 6 Dead at Shooting at Sikh Temple in Wisconsin.

So many times I had wished and hoped that my faith would get more media coverage, especially on such a mainstream network on CNN, and I knew that one day it would happen. But never in my dreams did I think it would happen this way.

As the day passed, we found out more information including that this was a hate crime carried out by a white supremacist.

I didn’t know how to react.

I was angry. I was sad. I was shocked. I still couldn’t fathom that someone had killed six people in a place of worship, at a gurdwara (a Sikh temple). I go to gurdwara every Sunday, can I even feel safe anymore? Even though I am born and brought up here, do I still count as an outsider because of my faith? Does that make me more at risk? How many people are there that think like the gunman?

I pondered these questions for

Open fire on a Sikh temple in Wisconsin August 5, 2012 resulted in seven deaths and three critical injuries. The shooting caused widespread angst for the Sikh community. many days while Sikhism started to blow up in the mainstream media.

CNN, Fox News, NPR, were all on top of the story and brought to light some of the aspects of Sikhism.

It was unreal to see Anderson Cooper and Wolf Blitzer talk about my faith. I realized how sad it was that the name of the fifth largest religion in the world hadn’t been heard to so many people in the United States.

However, I have been fortunate e n o u g h to travel extensively since I was younger, and one realization that I have come to is that the United States is second to none when it comes to accepting other faiths and cultures. Some people still have a very long way to go, as shown by this tragedy, but the country is a model for other nations in terms of being openminded. My father admits himself that he would not be able to rise in society as a CPA with a beard and a turban anywhere else in the world.

And one man’s horrific and terrifying actions definitely does

not change that fact for the Sikhs in America. As a community our goal is to educate others on the tenets of our faith to lessen ignorance and misconceptions while also practicing our religious traditions fearlessly in this country- a country that while not perfect, has still given us so much.

Junior As this is not the first hatecrime against Sikhs in America, I know that Sikhs are not the only people that suffer the pain from stereotypes and misconceptions. I can only imagine what a Muslim American goes through; after all, most hate-crimes against Sikhs occur because they are mistaken for Muslims. Just a day after the shooting, a mosque in Joplin, Missouri was burnt to the ground for the second time and that incident hardly got any media

coverage.

After attending a vigil in Fremont, California, which is home to many Sikhs, I was amazed to see an array of different races and religions come together to mourn with the Sikh community.

I saw Christians, Jewish people, Muslims, and Hindus along with Sikhs of course take part in the candle vigil service.

The outpour of support from friends and neighbors was certainly spectacular and comforting.

The whole Sikh community is also forever grateful and indebted to the brave and heroic police officer, Brian Murphy who saved so many lives.

President Obama’s and Mitt Romney’s statements and condolences to the Sikh community, as well as Obama’s touching order to put all flags at half-mast further proved that the Sikh community was not mourning alone, but mourning with the nation.

The First Lady, Michelle Obama, also plans to visit the Oak

Creek Gurdwara later this month to provide more support. In fact, it seemed as though the United States was showing much more support for Sikhs during this tragic time than the Indian government did in 1984 when the government orchestrated a genocide of the Sikh people leading to the deaths of thousands of Sikh civilians.

Those Indian government officials who performed the genocide are still in power and India has yet to really apologize and recognize the genocide that killed so many Sikhs.

Hate, false stereotypes, and ignorance will always be present and will always be a hurdle that the Sikh community as well as other minorities must overcome.

Some people, like the gunman may hate us for the color of our skin, our faith, or perhaps our appearance but others might hate us merely because we are Americans.

I was so proud to see young Sikh Americans spring into action by educating the public, comforting the victims, and raising money and responding with love instead of revenge and hate.

However, what I was more proud to see were the Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, and Jewish groups that not only offered their condolences after the tragedy and joined forces with the Sikh community and spoke vehemently against hate and ignorance for all cultures and faiths.

It was refreshing to see faiths come together to actually practice what all of them preach; compassion, love, and support of people in need.

And as a result, now more than ever, I am proud to call myself a Sikh American.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

D

ear Editor, I wake up every morning and check my texts, emails, Twitter, and Instagram, but a certain morning was different. I woke up and thought to myself, “Wow.” It all came back to me.

At 7-years-old I watched with my innocent eyes, trying to make sense of the burning buildings descending on TV. What was that supposed to mean to me? Should I keep watching or hide under the covers? It was hard to hide from. The footage replayed for weeks.

I stayed home from schoo0l that day, but every year after on September 11th I was at school. We talked about it in classes and as I got older we began to talk about it in further detail. Discussions allowed me to

learn things I hadn’t know before and feel the impact of this tragedy. Last year’s ten year anniversary assembly allowed me to hear how the day impacted others. I learned what classmates of mine remembered and how Mr. Busby, who was in Manhattan, reacted.

This year I barely got anything.

A day like 9/11 marks the anniversary of the most tragic and devastating event our country has seen during my lifetime.

I went through the day of the anniversary waiting and waiting for a moment of silence at school or an assembly like last year but I got nothing.

I understand that people want to move on or leave tragedy in the past. Fine, leave the tragedy in the past but while doing so don’t forget the innocent people that lost

their lives. Don’t forget the innocent men and women who died working, traveling or being a stranger’s hero. Don’t forget the men and women who are faced with an unknown tomorrow because they are fighting to keep you and your family safe.

I am not done understanding all that happened that day so I don’t understand how there was not more conversation that day.

I was glad to see when I got to my AP Government class at the end of the day that day Mr. Beam understood.

He showed us a video that I will never forget. Although it wasn’t long it had the greatest impact that any 9/11 footage has had on me yet. He acknowledged the pain that 9/11 inflicted on people. He truly understood.

I drove home thinking about the video. I drove home thinking about how nonchalant everyone was. Did some students even know or realize that there was something different about the day?

Buckley is a community. In times of need and tragedy communities come together. I would have liked to have felt a sense of community on the anniversary of 9/11.

I will always recognize and respect the men and women who lost their lives eleven years ago. I will remember it forever.

September 11th, 2001, Never Forget.

Sincerely, Madeline Baldi ‘13

submit your letter The Student Voice invites all readers to submit letters to the editor.

Letters are typically in response to an article

in a previous issue of The Voice or to an event on campus

Please e-mail all letters to: studentvoice@buckley.org

features 11 tuesday, october 2, 2012|

ALEXANDERFATYKHOV ’13

Home

Alone

Courtesy of Leonie de Picciotto

The look of surprise. That is what I usually get when people find out that I lived alone in an apartment and worked at the pier this past summer, probably withholding their thoughts about how bad of an idea that is.

Well I am here to contest that response and offer my view on why it’s actually important to live alone when you’re young.

It took a bit of arguing to get my parents to agree to my living alone, but they eventually gave in because I had a job and I am a pretty independent child. I knew that if I stayed at home, my constant presence would drive my parents insane and in turn ruin my summer vacation.

Now other parents found it necessary to offer their opinion and try to scare my parents from letting me live alone.

Thus I had to counter their arguments and show them why they were wrong.

“If you don’t make food for him, he will opt to eat only junk food.” I wouldn’t lie and say that I only ate salads while I was alone, but In-N-Out every day, no matter how good it tastes, is simply going to get tiring. On a serious note, I learned to cook.

For the first week, I was eating only scrambled eggs. The second week, I moved on to a ham and cheese omelet; however, by August I was able to make steak and mashed potatoes so I think I did pretty well on that. When you are buying your own food, you find out it’s cheaper to eat at home; plus, I heard that girls like a good cook. But learning to cook meant learning to market.

Unfortunately, my strong-held beliefs of not eating vegetables would not hold up for long and I couldn’t just stockpile the pantry with Cup Noodles, so I had to go out and do some shopping. This involved venturing into the wild, unknown land of the vegetable section. After perusing the aisle for several minutes, I got very confused because in front of me were 10 varieties of spinach. I’m not claiming to be a professional in spinach, but how Spinach A was different from Spinach B, I have no clue.

This caused me to start learning about food and soon I discovered the food pyramid. It turns out what you put in your body ultimately affects your well-being. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and all the other organic foods made me a much happier person in the end. However, the beginning was not really that pleasant because it turns out that Cool Ranch Doritos are not organic. I had to redo my whole meal system; and fresh food tastes good if you make it the right way. It just takes a long time to learn how to do that. Eventually all good meals must come to an end and be replaced with a mountain of dirty dishes.

“Who is going to clean the apartment; if you leave him alone, the carpets will turn black.” I am pleased to say that the carpet is still white, and the apartment does not smell like a garbage dump. I had to learn how to use the dishwasher, vacuum, and washing machine, but those are necessary life skills because in college, you are not going to have a maid.

However, this is Buckley, so you never know. It turns out that vacuum cleaners really love to mess with the curtain, so be careful near the windows. Febreze made my apartment smell amazing because I wanted the apartment to be nice if I brought people over. Which brings me to my next point: “He is a male teenager, living in an apartment with no supervision...” That is probably the scariest idea that originated in the heads of those parents, but don’t worry there was no Project X at my little bachelor pad. Neither did I have any policemen nor any neighbor complaints while I was residing in my apartment. And there are no problems with the pool as far as I know.

Now you’re probably wondering why I haven’t talked about my job yet, well the answer is simple: it was horrible.

Waking up early in the morning was not the bad part; it was dealing with the less-than-understanding customers. Just because I am working my shift does not mean I have to listen to their self-righteous ramblings about how to do my job correctly. There is a reason why I am working at the Ferris wheel, and it’s not because I don’t know how to operate the ride.

Don’t get me started on the kids either. Those noisy, crazy little munchkins need to learn some patience because no matter how many times they jump up and down, the line won’t move faster. Patience is a virtue, especially when entrusting the worker with safety.

Clearly the minimum wage service industry is not for me, but it’s a job I am glad I did. It taught me that respecting and just being plain nice to the people that are servicing you will yield better service.

That seems like common sense, but some people just don’t seem to understand basic common sense. Seriously don’t try to touch fast moving objects.

However, it wasn’t all that bad. The people that I met while working there made the time fly by and the work manageable. In the end it matters not where you work, but who you work with.

So why did I quit? Well the school year was starting, plus I really started to miss my mom’s cooking, because it turns out that you don’t know how important something is until you lose it. And yeah, I am really starting to miss that paycheck.

Alex’s survival tips 1.

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12

IT’S

October

IN THE

E L T T LI THINGS

The paint has hardly dried on the new building, and at almost 20,000 square feet, all the new spa intimidating. The teachers agree their new spaces enhance their teaching. Now let’s take a mome down and appreciate the details. From colorfully modern new desks to classic ivory keys on the 1 Steinway piano, the little extras give the building its personality.

The Arts Blackbox-Sized Theater: Allows One Acts and the Middle School play to be staged on site; measures 3X size of previous room.

Journalism & Publications Jigsaw table: Made for easy group work and manipulation of desk space.

Orchestra Room: Boasts stunning acoustics, incredible sound, the capacity to record .

Cable: This multifunctional tv is one of the only cable televisions on campus. Also works as a computer moniter.

Dance Room: Height allows lifts, and size allows multiple leaps.

Balcony: Overlooks the newly planted oak trees and Pavilion.

Portable recording studio: Includes headphones, camera, and mike stand.

2, 2012

13 location: Faculty Lounge, First Floor This 175 pound, $14,950 contraption can its own beans and shields them from “light pollution.” coolfact: The Integra 4 in the lounge is not

It’s amazing, a huge success, and nice little pick-me-up for many of the teachers.

David Roman

Fun to roll around in, but they are a little awkward.

ace can be ent to slow 1920’s era

Jordan Neely ‘13

Pod Chairs location: Room A205, Second Floor These chairs, an experiment in collaborative learning, are designed to improve is a single classroom. coolfact: The larger goal of these chairs is to support collaborative learning.

1920’s Steinway piano location: Choir Room, First Floor For over a century, Steinway’s have made their mark at the peak of performance. Their allure lies in their acoustic authenticity, and the name that’s stood the test of time. This one’s on loan from Mr. James Busby. coolfact: This piano’s ivory keys would no longer be legal to manufacture today.

Steinway sounds so deep and robust. It is a powerful instrument.

John Hendricks

It’s very eco friendly. It also brings a sense of new technology.

Duane Ervin ‘15

HydroBoost Bottle Filling Station

location: 2nd Floor

Contributing to the Academic and Performcapability to the current water fountain system coolfact: This dispenser records the number of water bottles that it has saved.

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

tuesday, october 2, 2012 14

From Roma with love Performing arts depratment chair Vincent Houser’s summer fellowship in Europe inspired him to integrate “soulful” Roma music into his classes.

ElleWisnicki ‘13 editor-in-chief “I’ve always been interested in other kinds of music, but this trip forced me to really get into it,” said Vincent Houser, performing arts department chair. “It helped me loosen up and be more open-minded and interested in other music rather than European.”

After traveling to Europe this summer to study the Roma people, Houser has decided to implement improvisation into his fourth through twelfth grade orchestra curriculum.

“I would like to integrate some of their music into our K-12 curriculum through a culture concert, improvisation, and comprehensive units of study appropriate to each grade level,” said Houser.

Traditional Roma music is passed down from generation to generation without any music written down.

The Upper School Chamber Orchestra is currently working on memorizing “Hail Hail Buckley” (The Buckley Fight Song).

According to Houser: “improvisation is all encompassing.”

“This trip showed me why we need to memorize certain songs like the fight song so we can really dig into improvisation,” said Houser. “We will have some guest artists for

our classes. Also, we will be incorporating traditional Roma tunes that have been passed down from generation to generation.”

Houser visited Berlin, Dresden, Krakow, where there is a Roma museum outside of the city, Bratislava, a large Slovak settlement of Roma, and Budapest to study traditional classical Roma music.

While in Berlin and Krakow, Houser heard the Roma perform in the streets, in their neighborhoods, and at parks.

However, while in Hungary the Roma played more common songs at concerts.

“Their music is soulful, creative, and improvisatory. It is truly a music of all people regardless of color, religion, or ethnic origin,” said Houser.

The Roma are typically nomadic entertainers; The wide distances travelled have introduced a multitude of influences, starting with Indian roots and adding elements of Greek, Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Czech, Slavic, Romanian, German, French and Spanish musical forms.

“It was really like taking several college courses, but instead of talking about it you actually experience it,” said Houser. “You can only read about Roma music to a certain extent, but the experience of actually being

there creates the real experience.”

Houser visited The Gypsy Museum in Tarnow right outside of Poland. He experienced live music and wild, expressive art.

Roma music is characteristically soulful and declamatory and consists of vocals.

The people have used various instruments depending on their region.

“Historians agree that the Roma’s origins lie in north-west India and that their journey towards Europe started between the 3rd and 7th Centuries AD - a massive migration prompted by timeless reasons: conflicts,

instability and the seeking of a better life in big cities such as Tehran, Baghdad and, later on, Constantinople,” said BBC news.

The Roma have suffered a great deal since their migration, specifically during post-war Europe as holocaust victims.

The oppression the Roma have faced throughout history is key to the passionate nature of their music.

“As part of the Diversity Initiative I feel it’s appropriate and timely, that we examine this often misunderstood and maligned culture and important artistic influence,” said Houser.

Smith’s son blocks the competition at Olympic games Computer science teacher and volleyball coach Rick Smith’s son, David, was a member of the men’s Olympic volleyball team in London.

MichaelLen ‘14 focus editor If you approach computer science teacher and coach Rick Smith and ask him where he went this summer, he might casually answer “England” or “London.”

What he won’t be telling you is the connection between him and his son while the latter represented our country.

His son David Smith qualified and played for the U.S. volleyball team in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

“My son has handled the process and his presence on the team very well. I love my children very much and there hasn’t been a time when I haven’t been proud of him. One thing I can say about David is that he never doubted his ability to play at this level and he never wavered in his commitment to make the team,” said Rick Smith.

Only a handful of the most skilled players get chosen to play in the Olympics from the world league team. Smith found out his son made the cut only a few weeks before the games started.

“The World League Team [the team from which the volleyball team is chosen] is made up of 25 players. That team had to be cut down to 12 for the Olympics. We did not know for sure that he made the team until two weeks before Opening Day ceremonies,” said Rick Smith.

Rick Smith coaches a middle school volleyball team so he is no stranger to the sport. He has watched his son grow as an athlete from high school to club teams.

“As a professional player he had to go to Europe to play and we have not been so lucky as to see many of his games. During

the summers when he is home playing with the National team they travel internationally almost exclusively,” said Rick Smith.

It’s that enthusiasm and support from his father that David Smith is grateful for in his journey to becoming a professional athlete.

“The biggest thing for me was just knowing that he was going to be there to support me, like he has for everything I’ve done in life, not just sports. I never felt that

I had to prove myself, but it’s really cool to think way back to when he used to drive me to practices that were sometimes hours away to allow me to train, and how those sacrifices that he’s made helped me get to Olympics,” said David Smith.

Besides the rigorous training that all professional athletes have to go through, David Smith also has to overcome the effects of playing with a severe hearing disability.

“I’ve been blessed with a natural love

Named “Most Valuable Player” at Saugus High School

UC Irvine men’s volleyball team wins NCAA championship

Member of United States team at Olympic games in London

2003

2008

2012

2007

2009

MVP in Team USA Adult Open and best hitting percentage in nation

Joined Senior National Team and participates in

for sports growing up so I knew that in order to participate in the sports I loved, I would have to overcome the obstacles that came with being hearing impaired,” said David Smith.

UC Irvine coach, John Speraw has coined a term called the “David Smith Rule.”

It is quite a simple rule. If David wants the ball, he gets the ball. Nobody can call him off. Since David is almost deaf, he can’t hear the callouts.

“Having a hearing loss really just means you are going miss some stuff that others hear. In an athletic environment, that could be beneficial in that I can’t hear the crowds that heckle me, but on the other hand, I sometimes miss my teammates trying to communicate with me,” said David Smith.

His senior year in NCAA division 1, he led the nation in hitting percentage, and was third in blocking. His disability has never really hindered him from excelling.

“What has happened in his career, is that people realize that he can’t hear all their calls, so they just adjust accordingly. He is a very mobile and agile guy. So he makes up for hearing by doing things that most middles don’t usually do like bumping and setting,” said Rick Smith.

But for David Smith it all comes down to pure love for the game.

“Anything that gets me moving and competitive is fun for me. As I’ve continued to play, I’ve begun to see how the reaches of the game go so much farther than I could have ever imagined and how volleyball continues to bring new people, places and experiences to my life. It’s a never-ending adventure,” said David Smith.

15 tuseday, october 2, 2012

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

It’s all in the family Family connections lead students to summer internships and jobs all around the world.

Do you think it’s fair to use connections to get a job or internship?

78% yes 22% no

Have you ever used connections to get a job or internship?

97 responses collected on September 27

49% yes 51% no

SalimChamoun ‘14 assistant news editor onnections: it’s a matter of how we use them, and this summer they served as a way for students to ignite their “real world” work experience.

Juniors Camilla Revah, Jason Freedman and Natalya Sands seniors Samara Roman-Holba and Madeline Baldi, among others, earned opportunities to work with a little help from their parents’ connections. Their opportunities took place at locations across the globe, with Revah working in her father’s company in Hong Kong, Freedman assisting lab professionals at the University of California San Francisco, Sands interning at the Mail On Sunday in London, Baldi interning at WME Entertainment in Los Angeles and Roman-Holba trying the entertainment business in Los Angeles.

Freedman landed the job with the help of his father, Robert Freedman, who worked along side the chief scientist of the lab, Les Benet. Freedman’s father is currently the CEO of a start-up Bio-Tech company, HuRel, which is short for Human Relevant. The company focuses on providing data that would be closer to what goes on inside the human body,

as apposed to testing on (and killing), rats, rabbits, and other small animals, for potential drug research and development.

Revah’s father, Milo Revah, CEO of fashion design company J&Company gave his daughter the opportunity to work in his company, not just because she is his daughter.

“I was capable and responsible through demonstrating a strong work ethic,. When it comes to business, my dad doesn’t compromise, for anyone” said Revah.

Roman Holba also acquired her job through her father’s connections. She worked at a casting company, and worked her to the top, starting with answering phone calls to being able to assist the directors and help run auditions.

Baldi received her internship via her father’s friend who offered her the job after she sent in her resume.

Sands’ mother is friends with the editor-in-chief of the newspaper she worked at, so she was able to get the job through that connection.

None of them worked directly under their fathers, so that no special treatment was given in the work place.

Revah was able to fully immerse herself in the company’s daily functions by attending daily meetings, and grasping a better understanding of the company’s financial aspects.

Revah and Roman-Holba, they underwent interviews to

C

earn their jobs.

However, Freedman did not and that is something he willingly acknowledges.

“I’m not afraid to admit it. No 16-year-old could have ‘earned’ the week I spent in that lab. Don’t tell me I should feel guilty because I took advantage of something that not everyone is exposed to,” said Freedman.

Baldi worked on WME Entertainment’s development of an online booking center.

She took headshots of actors and photoshopped them using a template, and linked their twitters and facebook pages to the booking site.

She also made a cover for Fast and Furious: Need for Speed that was used during a meeting about the movie.

“At first I was really intimidated by everyone around me because I was the youngest and they were all so talented and had so much experience. Everyone there really helped me learn everything about design from InDesign to current design trends. After working there for six weeks, I learned that design was what I wanted to do with my life and I’m so grateful for getting to work with such talented people,” said Baldi.

Sands took the train to her job at the features department of the Mail On Sunday. She proof read articles, gathered information, provided article ideas, and organized archives.

Her editors were surpised that she had journalistic experience because it is not offered in English high schools, only in universities.

“It was really exciting going to work everyday and being independent. Just being around all these adults, some who have been working there for 20 plus years, was really eye opening. It was interesting to know what it is like to be in a publications office in England,” said Sands.

Freedman and Roman-Holba are both looking to work in the medical field, but Roman-Holba also worked in a casting company to make sure she wants to pursue medicine.

Freedman interned at UCSF for one week working from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Roman-Holba admits that at some points she wanted to stop working and just enjoy her summer.

Not only did these students gain work experience, but also they said they were able to establish connections of their own.

Freedman reached out to medical graduate students and professors, Revah to designers and people in the fashion industry, and Roman-Holba to actors and directors in the industry.

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

tuesday, october 2, 2012 16

MEHERSINGH ‘14

SIKH In America “My turban means so much to me because

Angad Singh ‘08

I

magine walking into a buzzing restaurant and suddenly all eyes are on you. People steal quick glances to avoid obvious staring while others whisper and point at you. No, it isn’t because you’re a supermodel or because of a ridiculous outfit.

It’s because you’re a Sikh man with a turban on your head.

“Because I have been wearing a turban since I was little I have gotten used to the idea of people staring at me at public places,” said Angad Singh ’08.

“Random strangers will stare at me like ‘Who is this guy? What is he wearing? Why is he so different from us?’ It’s tough to go through that because every teenager wants to fit in. Being unique is hard because you have to go through that. But we have to be proud of who we are and what values we have,” said senior Nausher Walia, who has been wearing a turban since he was three years old.

These experiences are a daily struggle for Sikh men who wear a turban. The staring, the whispering, the pointing is nothing new for these men who tie their turbans on their heads in a country where most do not know who they are, why they wear their turban and what it means.

So what does it mean? After all its just four of meters colored cotton cloth that is tied in layers on one’s head. But the turban’s significance goes much beyond physical appearance. During the 1700s, the right to wear a turban was reserved for kings of the reigning Muslim Mughal empire who relentlessly persecuted Sikhs. For Sikh males, their turbans represent sovereignty, leadership, and defiance to injustice. Furthermore, the tenth prophet of the religion declared the turban as an article of faith to keep the long, unshorn hair clean and protected, while also symbolizing an allegiance and surrender to God. It was made to stand out as a uniform so people knew whenever they needed help, they could find a Sikh to do so.

“It’s [turban] part of my identity. A lot of people say what you wear is not part of who you are, but this is very different because no one other than Sikhs wears turbans. It’s part of my personality. It’s made me more outgoing; it’s made me different. It’s made me remember my culture, my heritage, where I come from. It’s done so much for who I am as a person. Every part of my being has been affected by it,” said Sartaaj Walia ’10, older brother of Nausher Walia.

Yet because this article of faith that holds

much spiritual and cultural significance is misunderstood, it has been the root of many hardships.

“I think the biggest hardship of wearing a turban is the bullying, having people who disrespect you just because your different.

Being unique can be good at times but also it can be hard to be like the outsider.

None of my friends at school wear turbans so its definitely hard going through the trash talking you get from other people just because you’re different and you haven’t done anything wrong,” said Nausher Walia.

Walia said that middle school was the toughest for him with people having no idea who he was, and in that respect high school has been easier, though he still faces many obstacles.

“A lot of people do ask respectful questions, and those are the ones that I like to answer. But then there is also a lot of mocking when people make fun of my long hair and make fun of my facial hair. And that’s really rough; it’s hard to get through that,” said Nausher Walia.

“Being unique, you have to explain to everyone else who you are, but hopefully later on in life people will be less ignorant,” said Nausher Walia. “I’ve talked to people in college and they said it gets better because people understand who you are and are more mature. So I guess getting through that will be better.”

And experience has proved Walia right. Both Sartaaj Walia and Singh agree that college life is much better for turban wearing Sikh men though both of them said that, unlike Walia, they were never bullied because of their facial hair and turban.

“At universities, at least the ones that I have attended [USC, UCLA Law] and the ones that my friends go to, which are pretty diverse campuses, there is generally no sense of discrimination, no one stares because the environment is such that everything is accepted: all different cultures and faiths,” said Singh.

According to Singh, he has not only felt a difference in treatment in university, but overall as a whole nation as well.

“Luckily over the past 10 years in big cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Washington less people look at you, though there always some who do. It’s when I go to places that are less diverse do I feel that people look at me more. Or even when I go to parts of cities that may not be exposed to Sikhs, I feel the same way,” said Singh.

But those are the times when Singh, along with both Walias feel that people should not feel shy to come up and ask them questions.

“I always love it when people ask me questions. I really do,” said Singh. “I would rather that someone ask me a question than belive something false and remain ignorant.

I don’t to take any offense to them [the questions], I love answering them. Even questions as straightforward as what ‘What religion do you practice?’ are effective and can clear any misconceptions,” said Singh.

All three men agree that in many situations, one has to prove themselves more to other people; whether its proving that one is “just like you” or that you are just as capable of a certain activity.

“When I play in basketball games and people see a sardar (turban-wearing Sikh man) playing basketball they [other players] are like ‘who is this kid?’. You shouldn’t be treated differently because of the way you look. There are always people staring at me but you have to prove to them who you are and that no matter what you wear we are all equal. When people don’t know who I am I try to explain it to them so they can be less ignorant, but its still a challenge,” said Nausher Walia.

Sometimes, even a simple activity such as group work can present a challenge, because they might not be approached the same way as other group members because of their turban. “For Sikhs that wear turbans there is an extra pressure added to almost prove themselves to their peers that they are just like them. That’s something that unfortunately people like myself will have to go through the rest of our lives. But its gotten to the point now where you are used to it and accept it.”

The most important responsibility of all is protecting the reputation of the community.

“It [wearing a turban] makes me think twice about how I represent myself, so when I do go out and meet new people, I know they way I dress and present myself because since I know people look at me, I am representing my community and I don’t want to give a bad impression. It’s human to generalize after one instance, and people do generalize so I am very conscious about what I say and how I present myself. Sometimes it does make me more shy, but its something that I have learned to get over,” said Sartaaj Walia.

“Something as simple as opening a door for someone can make an impression on

bythenumbers

Sikhism 1

god

5

articles of faith

10

prophets

1469

founded

23 m

followers

who Sikhs are especially if they have never seen one before,” added Singh.

Throughout all the hurdles that wearing a turban presents, all three men agree that America is a very accepting nation compared to others and has provided opportunities like no other. What all of them do call for, however, is more education about Sikhs, especially in the light of the August 5 Milwaukee Sikh temple shooting.

“I think schools should educate people more on Sikhism so that people are less ignorant and know who we are, since we are the fifth largest religion in the world,” said Nausher Walia.

Their desires are being put into fruition as a new bill has been signed by governor Jerry Brown to make Sikhism a mandatory part of social science education.

“My turban means so much to me because of the religious significance, that no matter what the hurdles are, or what obstacles we have to face, it’s all worth it in the end. Nothing can ever deter me from wearing my turban or being ashamed of it,” said Singh.

17

arts & entertainment tuesday, october 2, 2012 |

insidearts&entertainment

THE FALL MUSICAL | page 18 Shilpa Mantri The Student Voice

CONCERTS PREVIEW| page 19 Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

THE FALL MUSICAL | page 18 Bye Bye Birdie rehearsals get into full swing as November performances approach. Cast takes advantage of expanded performance spaces in the Academics and Performing Arts building.

CONCERT PREVIEWS | page 19 Find out when and where your favorite artists perform their biggest hits. From alternative popular artist Florence and the Machine to American Idol winner, country star Carrie Underwood.

MORTALITY | page 19

MORTALITY | page 19 Reporter Tucker Higgins’ inaugural book review, “Booking It,” takes a closer look at recently published memoir featuring Mortality by Christopher Hitchens.

STELLA ROSSA | page 20

Courtesy of Allen & Unwin

Courtesy of Stella Rossa Pizza Bar

STELLA ROSSA | page 20 The Voice reviews the Santa Monica pizza spot.

From artisan style pizzas to a variety of salads this spot has all one needs for any kind of meal open until midnight and one a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

SOUNDOFF | page 20 A review of alternative band Mumford and Sons’ newest single “I Will Wait” released August 7.

The column also reviews The Lumineers’ newest album.

SOUNDOFF | page 20 Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Coming this October...

5 12 20

Monotones announced

Choral director John Hendricks to reveal the 2012-13 members.

Mexican heritage culture presentation Assembly, Roy Disney Family Pavilion

Senior Dance 7 PM, Roy Disney Family Pavilion Theme to be announced at promo M period assembly on the 17th

4 5 21

‘Give a Lot Back’ charity shopping event 7 PM, Century City Mall Leukemia/Lymphoma Society hosts a private shopping event for candy and other “sweets and treats” as well as a “braid bar”

Opening Night of You’re in Urine Town The Lounge Theater, Santa Monica Blvd.

Alumna Jessica Cymerman ‘07 directs musical to debut from the 5th until the 28th

Performances at Sherman Oaks Street Fair Time TBA , At Fair on Ventura Blvd Monotones, Advanced Strings, Jazz Band, and a few selections from the fall musical, Bye Bye Birdie

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

tuesday, october 2, 2012 18

WE LOVE YOU CONRAD! Actors find new rehearsal space enhances quality of pre-production work making stage directions more accurate and true to what cast and crew will experience in final performances.

TaraBitran’14 a&e editor “Put on a Happy Face” this fall, as the performing arts department invites you to bid farewell to musical sensation, Conrad Birdie, in its production of Bye Bye Birdie.

The musical tells the story of a rock star, reminiscent of Elvis Presley, who gets drafted into the army. As one last publicity stunt, he must travel to Middle America to give one lucky teenager a good-bye kiss before his departure, with his manager Albert and Albert’s girlfriend Rosie in tow.

“Bye Bye Birdie is a great musical for high schools and such a crowd-pleaser. It’s genuinely funny, many of the characters are high schoolers themselves, and the musical thrives on a kind of energy that is uniquely adolescent. On a subtler level, there is the theme of adolescent rebellion versus parental paranoia that is applicable to any decade,” said Neil Nash, director of the musical.

The last production to focus on adolescents was Sounds of Plaid in 2002.

While the school year may have gotten

a later start than usual, auditions were held even before school began in order to accommodate for the shortened rehearsal time of 15 hours. They ran from September 4 – 6, with callbacks on September 7.

Nash feared fewer people would try out during their last days of summer vacation, but could not risk being 30 hours behind schedule.

“My hope is that the students that are dedicated to the theater and music programs will show up regardless of when the auditions are. I’m more concerned about being unable to do the kind of person-toperson recruiting that we usually do during the first few days of school,” said Nash.

Answering Nash’s call, many students came out to audition albeit before school commenced.

“I actually didn’t mind coming to school a few days early; it’s such a fun show to do and doing something you love with your friends is just awesome. I wouldn’t think there would be less of a turnout since kids are usually home from vacation by late August or early September. Plus, the show

is so great that I think a lot of kids were interested anyway,” said Banner.

The musical’s production team comprised of Nash, dance teacher Laura Bamford, and choir director John Hendricks sent out a letter in the beginning of August to provide students in the Upper School as well as the seventh and eighth grades with information about the auditions. Similar to last year’s musical, South Pacific, they beseeched the male portion of the student body to try out en masse for the production to help represent the large ensemble cast the show requires.

While preparation time for Bye Bye Birdie is shorter than in previous years, the production team are enjoying their rehearsals in the new Academic and Performing Arts Building. Nash said the true-to-life dimensions of the building’s theater lab save hours in scheduling and allow blocking and choreographing in a space that approximates the size of the stage.

Performances start November 7 in a preview for faculty and alumni and will run from November 8 –10 for public audiences.

CastList albert: BEN BEATTY rosie: ALEXA BENUDIZ kim: MICHAELA MURPHY conrad birdie: RYAN O’DONNELL mr. macafee: RYAN KOPELOWICZ mrs. macafee: GABRIELLA SELOVER randolph macafee;TBA mrs. peterson: SIBELLA DOWAD hugo: DUANE ERVIN ursula: ALISA SPECTOR gloria rasputin: PARIS BAILLIE harvey johnson: JACOB NEELY mr. johnson/men’s quartet/ featured vocalist: SAM BIERMAN mayor: ALEX FATYKHOV mayor’s wife: MACAULAY ASTON-NIELSON mrs. merkle: TYRA GRAY maude: JACKSON LEWIS “one boy” vocalists: CAMILLA REVAH, TARA BITRAN, RIO THOROGOOD, SYDNEY BANNER “sad girls”: AMY MALACALZA, OLIVIA NASH ensemble: JORDAN NEELY, KATRINA CYMERMAN, EDEN LYNCH, GABY BOUZAGLOU, GEORGIA LEVA, KATHERINE HERZER HANSEL, LIZZIE PRITZKER, NIA COOPER MADISON RUTHERFORD, MARA HUBERMAN, JESS WALIA, CAMILLE MORADIAN, ZOE CONSTANTINIDES, DESTINY ERVIN, ANTHONY GARCIA, ALEX RAY, TRISTAN HARRIS, MILO SEERY, JOSH SUPER, KELLY MORAN

19 tuesday, october 2, 2012

Concerts

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

02 October

Mac Miller NOKIA THEATER

Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

03 October

Justin Bieber STAPLES CENTER

Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

05 October

The Black Keys STAPLES CENTER

Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

07 October

Florence + The Machine

HOLLYWOOD BOWL Courtesy of Paige K. Parsons Photography

09 October

Metric

GREEK THEATER Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

10 October

Dying with his eyes open Before you even pick it up, you know how Christopher Hitchens’s posthumously published new work, Mortality, is going to end. In fact, coming from “Hitch”--the radical antitheist who made a name for himself publishing a diatribe against (yes) Mother Theresa--this series of essays about eighteen months spent “living dyingly” is just about the only predictable thing he ever sent to print. And even though he never really did get the chance to send this one to the print shop; even though the final chapter, as we are told in a somber publisher’s note, consists only of “fragmentary jottings” (“Banality of Cancer”;“Paperwork the curse of Tumortown”), Mortality contains the most truthful summing up of everything that Chris Hitchens was as a writer, a public intellectual, and, to use a word he occasionally shied away from, a contrarian.

To describe him in another fashion: “Who else,” wrote an unidentified blogger, “feels Christopher Hitchens getting terminal throat cancer [sic] was God’s revenge for him using his voice to blaspheme him?

Atheists like to ignore FACTS. They like to act like everything is a ‘coincidence.’

Really? It’s just a ‘coincidence’ [that] out of any part of his body, Christopher Hitchens got cancer in the one part of his body he used for blasphemy? Yeah, keep believing that. He’s going to writhe in agony and pain and wither away to nothing and then die a horrible agonizing death, and THEN comes the real fun, when he’s sent to HELLFIRE forever to be tortured and set afire.”

People are so sensitive. Hitch, however, was not; his stoicism in response to critiques like this one was both refreshing, in that casually brilliant way that always marked his writing, and authentic as only books by the dead can be. He also managed in the face of death to be persistently hilarious.

“Why not a thunderbolt for yours truly, or something similarly awe-inspiring?” he responds. Then he pushes one step further: “My so far uncancerous throat, let me rush to assure my Christian correspondent above, is not at all the only organ with which I have blasphemed. And even if my voice

goes before I do, I shall continue to write polemics against religious delusions, at least until it’s hello darkness my old friend.”

Hitchens is not always as tough as he makes himself appear, though. Or, more accurately, in Mortality Hitchens lifts the curtain a bit and allows us to see that underneath he, too, is a mortal. He discusses his love for “struggle,” but also the dour realization that in spite of its rhetoric cancer does not feel like a battle to be won, or even fought. “You feel swamped with passivity and impotence: dissolving in powerlessness like a sugar lump in water,” he writes.

Yet amid all the chaos that is, well, dying, Hitchens still makes a point of launching a few new arguments, offering an assortment of writing tips, and even trotting out a new book idea: an etiquette guide for interactions with cancer patients.

This is not to say that at any point he belies unreasonable optimism. “[T]he thing about Stage Four is that there is no such thing as Stage Five,” he writes. Besides, he wanted to “do” death, as he put it, in the active sense, fully conscious and awake. “Whatever view one takes of the outcome being affected by morale, it seems certain that the realm of illusion must be escaped before anything else.” The only thing he feared more than organized religion was that he might, “[a]s a terrified, half-aware imbecile,” find religion himself.

All this, and particularly the “fragmentary jottings” he leaves us with, bring to mind the final, heart-wrenching pages of Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. At the end of the novel, due to an experimental mishap, the formerly brilliant (IQ of 185) protagonist is hardly literate and barely coherent. However, his final request leaves us with hope. He asks, in his own fragments and jottings, that flowers be brought to the burial site of his singular enduring friend, his rat Algernon. “Nothing in our minds is ever really gone,” explains Keyes. In his own less-than-fluent ending, Hitch proves this to be true. Mortality reminds us that all men die, but only a few have the strength to go with their eyes open.

Madonna

STAPLES CENTER Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Mortality

11

Author: Christopher Hitchens

October

Pages: 128

Imagine Dragons

Publisher: McClelland & Stewart

CLUB NOKIA LIVE Courtesy of Wayne Posner Photography

Publication Date: September 4, 2012

16 October

Courtesy of Allen & Unwin

Carrie Underwood STAPLES CENTER

Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

tuesday, october 2, 2012 20

reviews

tastetest

soundoff

JACKROSE'13

CLAIRESELVIN '13

In folk revival, The Lumineers put new spin on old genre Stella Rossa Pizza Bar brings a taste of Italy to Santa Monica

Courtesy of Mark Sink, Dualtone Music Group

THE LUMINEERS THE LUMINEERS

The Lumineers’ self-titled album fuses folk and alternative elements beautifully. I was pleasantly surprised that their mellow sound gained popularity this summer.

The sound of the album is entirely acoustic, incorporating guitar, violin, and drums. Each song builds upon itself instrumentally in a Mumford and Sonsesque manner that is both folksy and indie.

The band’s most popular song “Ho Hey,” is sweet and melodic. The background

singers singing “Ho, Hey! Ho, Hey!” through the entire song keep the beat steady and constant, interacting with the drums. The catchiness of this aspect of the song can account for its vast popularity. However, “Ho Hey’s” lyrics lack the profundity of other Lumineers’ pieces.

“Slow It Down,” for example, reveals a more melancholy, dark side of the band. The music is soft but eerily disjointed while the lead vocalists’ voice is low and disturbed. He sings, “I feel a filth in my bones, wash off my hands till’ it’s gone. The walls they’re closing with velvet curtains…” This use of unsettling images illustrates the band’s ability to break through popular music tactics and effortlessly infuse their songs with poetry.

Finally, “Flowers in Your Hair” is a short but quintessentially folksy tune. It begins very softly, but builds into a instrumentally abundant experience. The song is only one minute and 40 seconds, but it is undeniably harmonious and simply pleasant. Again, it lacks the complex content of “Slow It Down,” but if you’re looking for a catchy, jaunty acoustic song, “Flowers in Your Hair” will suit your taste.

The music of The Lumineers is undoubtedly enjoyable and a great representation of modern folk music. I’m happy to hear a more relaxed version of the alternative folk revival style that has become so popular in the past two years. I look forward to their future work and hope that they can elevate their lyrics’ meanings in later albums.

We have waited...

Finally, they’re back.

The much anticipated Mumford and Sons single was released on August 7; the full album, Babel, debuted September 24.

Fans have waited for new work from the band since the first album’s release in 2010; following widespread acclaim, including a Grammy nomination, Mumford and Sons toured worldwide, both solo and with the likes of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and Old Crow Medicine Show.

“I Will Wait” is a vibrant, instrumentally complex piece. The banjo, acoustic guitar, drums, and electric piano are just some of the instruments at play.

The band’s signature banjo stands out above all other sounds as it creates a folksy, bluegrass style. The feverish strums and beats only settle for the short segment of the chorus, “I will wait, I will wait for you,” in which singer Marcus Mumford’s voice, too, softens.

The song itself tells a story overcoming struggle and hardship. Marcus’ comforting, simultaneously raw voice calls, “These days of dust which we’ve known will blow away with this new sun.”

The symbolic contrast of dust and sun, death and life, reveals the band’s poetic prowess. The song as a whole lacks enough lyrical variety to be considered a favorite of mine, though the instrumentals redeem this disappointment somewhat.

Though “I Will Wait” cannot compare with the creative genius of “The Cave,” I am confident that the entirety of Mumford and Sons’ new album will impress listeners with innovative sound and writing.

Courtesy of Glassnote Records

MUMFORD & SONS I WILL WAIT

Babel Track List 1. Babel 2. Whispers in the Dark 3. I Will Wait 4. Holland Road 5. Ghosts That We Knew 6. Lover of the Light 7. Lovers’ Eyes 8. Reminder 9. Hopeless Wanderer 10. Broken Crown 11. Below My Feet 12. Not With Haste

Courtesy of Stella Rossa Pizza Bar

Courtesy of Stella Rossa Pizza Bar

alking into Santa Monica’s Stella Rossa Pizza Bar on a Monday night, I experienced an almost perfect blend of atmosphere, service, and food. Surrounded by weathered brick walls, shelves filled with wine bottles and Monday night football, I entered on a high note.

Tables both inside and outside serve as the main dining option while two food bars, one overlooking the pizza ovens and the other the bartenders working the center of the room, complete a relaxed yet trendy atmosphere. Dimmed lighting and an appropriate volume of music make for good dinnertime conversation and background.

A quick glance around the restaurant finds hipsters galore used to the healthy-yetdelicious Santa Monica cuisine. And that’s exactly what I tasted.

My party of two sat at the main bar and we ordered a chopped salad and burrata cheese appetizer to start. The salad proved its name, coming with an interesting combination of meat, cheese, and various lettuces. Topped with a flavorful Italian vinaigrette, the salad was very good. The burrata, however, stole the early evening show.

All ingredients locally grown, creamy cheese comes on a wooden board accompanied by homemade bread and juicy grapes. Take a piece of bread, top it with some cheese, and finish it with grapes. The result? A delicious explosion of flavor. This clever combination disappeared of the plate in moments.

The bread was still warm from the oven in the kitchen, where cooks handcraft pizza dough daily. The burrata bread, with a crust, comes from that same recipe, and the menu “ensure[s] a crisp golden crust, chewy center and unique artisan flavor.”

Our two pizzas came next. Along with ten menu pizzas, Stella Rossa offers ten additional “add-ons” to the pie, allowing me to fashion my own based on their traditional

margherita base. I added a duo of sweet corn and organic Italian sausage, which proved very tasty. The corn was both sweet and juicy, and not too dried out by the oven.

The sausage proved a much-needed meat but lacked slightly in flavor. Overall, my masterpiece turned out tasting like a very good cheese pizza with corn.

Our second pizza was included on the menu with my dinner companion’s own twist: a white pizza (no sauce) called the “bloomsdale spinach,” with spinach, purple kale, pecorino cheese, cracked black peppercorn, and olive oil, sweet corn added (again). A little apprehensive of the kale, I hesitated into my first bite. My second bite, however, was expectant and excited because that combination was delicious. Normally stringy kale and spinach turn crispy while the pecorino and corn provided incredible flavor.

Although dessert does not appear on the menu, a to-go counter and dessert case are present at the entrance of the establishment.

Cookies are the main attraction on the upper shelves; brownies and bars are also offered.

My desserts of choice were the chocolate chip cookie with fleur du sel and the salted caramel brownie. The brownie was very good, but too chocolate-y with not enough caramel. The salt on the cookie added a great extra zest to the typical chocolate chip cookie taste.

I recommend Stella Rossa for many occasions, from take-out pizza to date night. The atmosphere invites a variety of people. A 12-inch pizza averages $14, so taking a special someone on your first date to the Santa Monica spot will not break the bank, but will look classy enough for even those of us who are very high maintenance.

And the music is just loud enough to avoid serious conversation on a night out with your parents. However, my dad and I had a very nice dinnertime conversation, although it was mostly about the delectable food we were enjoying.

W

Stella Rossa Pizza Bar 2000 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405

atmosphere: Trendy, fresh, and old-fashioned recommended dishes: Fresh local burrata and bloomsdale spinach white pizza service: Very good price range: Pizzas start at $13, but $14 is the average price hours: Mon.-Thu. utill midnight, weekends till 1 am, Sun. till 11 pm. (none) just plain bad edible good quite good excellent

sports 21

tuesday, october 2 , 2012 |

Division III girls aim for third CIF championship BillyWilson ’14 staff reporter Can they three-peat? The question is something head coach Sue Sherman has challenged her varsity girls tennis players to do. Almost anything else would be a disappointment, given the team’s four consecutive CIF finals appearances and two consecutive CIF championships.

After last season’s title, the team moved up a division to Division III, where bigger schools and better competition lies in playoffs. However, the team still plays in the liberty League, because the entire league moved to this division.

“I am extremely excited that our team was able to move up a division due to our ranking in CIF and our success in the finals in the last two years. I know as a team we have the strength and the players are committed to being just as successful even though we will face more competition,” said senior captain Rita Farb.

The team lost four seniors: number one singles player and former captain Hadleigh Glist, number one doubles player Kiara Gitlin, co-captain Natasha Super, and Spicy Garrick. Farb and junior co-captain Lindsay Wilson now lead the team.

the grind of playoffs start. This is important because the more skilled junior varsity players move up to varsity for playoffs.

“The biggest challenges for the team this year will be filling in the gaps in our lineup that last season’s seniors left and being able to incorporate the new players smoothly into it,” said Wilson.

Hoping to gain tournament experience, the girls traveled to Fresno, California on September 16 to play in the California High School Tennis Classic. One hundred and forty other girls including Viewpoint and Oakwood competed in the tournament.

“The Fresno tournament was important for us to perfect our lineup and disperse the strength of our players throughout the team in order to have the most successful season possible. Also, it was an opportunity for the girls to bond as a team and to learn to count on one another,” said Farb.

Prior to this tournament, they played a home match against Archer, winning12-6.

“There is so much exposure at this tournament, but also it is an education. We got to learn about ourselves as a team and we learned about other schools and their strategies,” said Sherman.

After this tournament, in which some of the players played a total of 10 sets, the girls played a home match versus Oakwood, winning 11-7.

With first win, girls golf team confident heading into second half of season

Courtesy of Sue Sherman

SERVICE: Sophomore Carina Mehri jumps for a serve during practice. The Griffins’ number three singles player is 10-5 in five matches so far this season.

BillyWilson ‘14 staff reporter The girls golf team made school history last year by forming the first team.

Now the team has made history again by adding a W to their record, besting Azusa on September 27 .

While the team started this season with four losses, those losses were to two-time league champions South Pasadena, once to Westridge, and once to Azusa, the team is looking to build off the momentum from their first victory.

“Last year was a lot of fun and there were a lot of firsts. Now we need to settle into the routine of being golfers. The expectations for this year are to improve. We are playing in a league for the first time and have doubled the amount of our matches.

We are still a relatively young team and just need to keep improving,” said head coach Andrew Lotts.

“We are playing in a and have doubled the

Captain “Since my freshman year, I have watched so many great captains lead our team to victory with dedication and enthusiasm, and I believe that Rita and I will be able to do the same,” said Wilson.

Sherman has been impressed with how dedicated the captains have been and at all the work they put into trying to prepare the team for the season.

“I am excited that the team is under two great leaders and I am very proud,” said Sherman.

New players to the varsity team are freshman Emma Marciano, who will slide right into the starting lineup, and junior transfer Remi Afallah, who cannot play in matches until October because she is a transfer student. Other players to keep an eye on during the season are sophomore Naomie Rosenberg after an outstanding freshman season, and junior Gina Ahmar.

For the first time, there will be a junior varsity girls tennis team, allowing more playing time and seasoning for players before

CROSS COUNTRY Liberty League standings:

11 league meet

@ woodley park

Head Coach

Courtesy of Sue Sherman

BACKHAND: Senior, captain Rita Fard hits a backhand winner in a practice match. Farb and freshman Emma Marciano make up the girls’ number two doubles team.

VOLLEYBALL 2 win 2 losses

2 @ holy martyrs 5 vs. providence 9 vs. oakwood 11 vs. yeshiva 16 vs. glendale adventist 19 vs. holy martyrs

The team is under the leadership of junior and second year captain Ali Eicher, and all team members are looking forward to competing in the Montview League matches.

“Ali is a great captain. Leads by example and is self motivated to improve. She cares deeply about this program”, said Lotts.

While the team does depend on Eicher’s leadership and experience, she is also the team’s most talented player and number one golfer.

The team includes four veterans and freshman Joyce Chamoun.

Number two-golfer sophomore, Cecile Lee is expected to make further contributions to the team. Along with the rest of the team, the girls success will lie on the shoulders of their two most talented golfers.

GIRLS TENNIS

GIRLS GOLF 1 wins 4 losses

5 wins 0 losses

4 @ new community jewish high school 5 @ orcutt academy 8 vs. viewpoint 11 vs. oakwood 13 vs. yeshiva 11 vs. marlborough

2 vs gabrielino 4 @ gabrielino 8 vs. westridge 9 11 15

OCTOBER

19 @ mt. sac invitational 24 league meet

@ north hollywood park

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

Led by another new coach, volleyball team starts league schedule tonight

tuesday, october 2, 2012 22

newcoach JAVY MARTINEZ

train hard and how hard they The Student Voice

quick facts: Elle Wisnicki The Student Voice

BUMP, SET, SPIKE: Left: Junior Adiya King practices hitting in the gym on September 26. Right: Senior, captain Marlen Grussi waits for the ball to descend for a spike during a team practice.

ElleWisnicki’13 editor-in-chief With a record of 2-2, the girls volleyball team under new head coach Javy Martinez pushes through non-league games with the end goal being playoffs.

The team beat Ribet Academy 3-0 September 27.

“These pre-season games are really good for us because we are learning to work as a team. The teams we have been playing are in higher divisions than us, and we probably could have beaten all of them if we’d had just a few more weeks of practice,” said junior outside hitter Adiya King.

The team shut out New Roads, but went on to lose against Heritage Christian and Mary Star of the Sea. “We’ve been doing super well as a team, but there’s so many new players and we have a new

coach that its all just been a major adjustment,” said junior Nikki Nahai. “Once we get used to it and make those adjustments, we’re going to be a force to be reckoned with.”

Captain, senior Marlen Grussi understands that having a new coach is not new to their team.

The team has had a new coach for the past four years. According to Grussi, the team is adjusting well to the changes and both she and Martinez agree that the team has the potential to make it to playoffs.

“I was intrigued by this team last year. I was approached about possibly coaching and I looked at the talent coming back. It was hard not to say no,” said Martinez.

The team has five returning players including Grussi, senior Maddie Meltzer, Nahai, junior Samantha Siciliano, and King.

“The leadership and experience that our returning players have will be vital in providing motivation, aggression, and excitement for the new players,” said Grussi. “Our returning players know that the varsity level of volleyball is much more serious than that of junior so they will help in directing the younger girls in the direction of determination and maturity on the court.”

As starting setter, Grussi has worked on her power jump serve.

King will be transitioning to a new role as an outside hitter: “with her height and power, she will be a tough person to block,” said Martinez.

The new players are sophomore middles Stephanie Irani, Suhkmani Kaur, and Makhye Cannon, sophomore hitter Alexis

Last year’s stars shine over summer

Sam Aronoff

Tyler Coppin-Carter

Naomie Rosenberg

This past summer was not a restful one for golf captain, junior Sam Aronoff.

He competed in five top-level American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) tournaments with fields of up to 100 of the highestlevel junior golfers in the world, including the Matt Snodgrass, Las Vegas Junior, where he finished in fourth place. As an amateur, Aranoff also qualified for the Long Beach Open, a professional event, where he made the cut and stuck with the top third of the field for all four days.

In four of his five AJGA tournaments, Aronoff finished in the top 20, and was recognized in early July by Bridgestone, a golf company that sponsored him in his tournaments. In only one tournament that he played did Aronoff not make the cut.

“All of my practicing has started to pay off,” he said.

Embarking on multiple training routines over the summer, senior Tyler Coppin-Carter maintained his physical ability and gained experience that he said will help prepare him for his role as captain of the varsity boys basketball team.

“Playing so many games over the summer, I gained a lot of endurance and experience playing such good competition, and it helped me learn a lot about the game,” said Carter.

In June, he maintained a training regimen that included practicing basketball three days a week.

July brought the beginning of club basketball, where Carter participated in Stanford’s “elite camp,” Scouts’ Focus Showcase, and four other tournaments.

Carter also joined the varsity basketball team in the gym, where the team held its own summer league for various independent schools.

Sophomore and number one singles tennis player Naomie Rosenberg hasn’t lost a match yet this season. In fact, she hasn’t played a set where she didn’t win 6-0.

She owes this success to work she put in over the summer, when she practiced weekly from 10:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

“I have been training differently, and I changed coaches. Also my ranking has gotten better since last year,” she said.

Rosenberg spent most of her summer weekends practicing or playing in USTA tournaments, where she often reached the semifinals or finals.

With Rosenberg in the top singles spot, the varsity girls tennis team moved to Division III this year, and hasn’t lost a match yet.

-JamesBernstein ‘14

photos courtesy of Nick Boswell

Eka, and sophomore setter Paulina Vokulich. Sophomores Paula Grussi and Leah Purvis are also active team members.

The team agrees that communication will be key in taking the team to victory.

“As a team we just need to communicate better and exude more confidence on the court. I am really confident that we’ll go really far this year especially with Marlen leading us on the court and Maddie controlling the back row,” said King.

The team acts like a family on and off the court.

“Whether it be academically, socially, volleyball related or personal, I think its a captain’s

responsibility to watch out for their teammates and really care for them. Many of these girls are like little sisters to me when it comes to volleyball and I don’t find it a chore to do those things; I see it as doing my job as a sister and friend,” said Grussi According to Nahai, Grussi exhibits strong leadership qualities: “Marlen somehow manages to never give up her energy during any game, she’s doing great.”

The team’s first league game is today against Holy Martyrs.

“Watching the girls reach their potential. In practice, this team has spurts of brilliance. They need to find consistant brilliance,” said Martinez.

23 tuesday, october 2, 2012

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

CROSS COUNTRY

Despite three in the top ten, girls finish fourth in first League Meet

Jack Rose The Student Voice

OUT IN FRONT: Seniors Nick Martin and Tucker Higgins start their first league meet of the year in the front of the pack, while junior Sam Bierman runs not far behind. Martin would go on to win the race.

Boys fail to field full team by first league meet, finish last by default Martin continues streak of four first-place Liberty League finishes, Higgins finishes third

JackRose ‘13 editor-in-chief Despite a last place finish in their first league meet, members of the boys cross country team continue to turn in successful individual races, including senior, captain Nick Martin’s first place finish at Carson Park.

“I was taking the race as more of a hard practice run,” said Martin of the Carson Park league meet.

Senior, captain Tucker Higgins finished third and junior Sam Bierman rounded out the veteran top three in ninth place.

Despite the top three in the top ten, the Griffins failed to qualify for the race as a team because they ran only four runners. The fourth, freshman Liam Winston, finished 29th.

“It will be tough to win league regardless of the new additions of [freshmen] Adam Semprevivo, and Adam David because we don’t have a solid five,” said Martin.

The team won Liberty League last year with one of the biggest teams on campus, as they fielded not only a full seven-man varsity team but also a double-digit junior varsity team.

“The school is so small so you don’t get much participation. You can’t do much with seven boys; you have no reserves,” said secondyear coach Chris Mack before the season. The team now has six runners.

“It has been difficult to recruit upcoming freshmen and new runners because we have had a rotation of four coaches in the past six years,” said Martin.

The smaller team affects the boys and the girls, as the environment around the program differs from most of the runners’ previous experiences.

Martin took his summer training much more seriously this year than he had in years past, and it has paid off early. Aside from winning his first league meet, Martin took a minute off his junior year time at the Seaside Invitational in Ventura, before finishing second at the Bell-Jeff Invitational in Griffith Park, finishing the hilly course in under 16 minutes.

“I feel like I have wasted potential in the past; so I wanted to fully dedicate myself to running this year. I’m not worrying about state at the moment because I want to go one race at a time,” said Martin.

As a team and individually the Griffins and Martin have fallen short of state finals each of the last three seasons, making Southern

Section Finals each time. Although the team would need a lot of help to win Liberty League, finishing second and making CIF Prelims as a team is attainable.

A good barometer of where the runners stand as a team and individually will come October 19 at the Mt. Sac Invitational, where they will run the same course as CIF Prelims and Finals.

“The team has been doing a lot more hill training, mostly on Dixie Canyon, which should help for Mt. Sac. However, we still have a long way to go in order to be prepared for Mt. Sac,” said Martin.

After their strong finishes at Carson Park and in invitationals, Higgins and Bierman have high individual hopes as well.

“Tucker also trained hard over the summer and it has shown in his previous races (17:00 at Woodbridge Invitational),” said Martin. “I believe Sam will come through in the end; however, he is very dedicated to theatre, so it is taking away from his training a bit.”

The Griffins remain in an uphill battle to catch up with a lack of full-scale training over the summer, said Mack. ““It’s hard to get the team together [over the summer],” he said. “The only [boy] who had been coming to practice regularly was Sam.”

JackRose ‘13 editor-in-chief The girls cross country team started their season with a fourth-place finish at the Carson Park league meet. Three Griffins finished in the top ten, but captain, senior Elle Wisnicki said that conflicting commitments held her team back in their first race.

“We started school September 6 and our first race was September 11,” she said. “It was tough on all of us especially since a handful of us were unable to practice over the summer.”

Despite the school year starting, all the girls are still not able to make every practice. “[Senior] Michaela Murphy is in the school play and thus cannot always run with the team, she tries to find other time to run, which can be a challenge with her busy schedule,” said Wisnicki, Also, junior Chloe Boasberg, one of the team’s top returning runners and their first finisher at Carson Park, plays club soccer during cross country season which, a commitment which prohibits her from attending all practices.

Senior, captain Samara Roman-Holba, who finished seventh overall at Carson Park, is recovered from the shin splints she suffered last season and now runs at full strength for the first time since sophomore year.

“She trained all summer, often the only one at practice. She has been truly dedicated to improving and to the team,” said Wisnicki.

Wisnicki, who finished tenth at Carson Park, suffered a stress fracture in her right ankle as a freshman and has been running on it ever since. From years of stressing the ankle and surrounding ligaments, she is in constant pain when she runs.

“The only way to fix it would be surgery, but the healing time is around three months, which does not seem worth it to me,” she said.

Her ability to run on the ankle will be a key factor in the team’s success this year. The pain slowsWisnicki, who was once the team’s top runner.

“I took off most of summer which has gotten me to a point where my ankle does not swell up like it did last year,” she said. “But because I took off for months I am quite out of shape and pushing myself harder just causes a lot of pain in my ankle and knees.”

Wisnicki said she runs at “70 percent” and that she has no problem with stamina, but when she runs beyond 70 percent, she begins to feel pain.

As in past years, the team hopes to extend their season and make CIF Finals. Wisnicki, Roman-Holba, Boasberg, and Murphy aim to finish in the top ten at league finals. Wisnicki said these goals are attainable if the runners stay healthy and continue to push.

“We have to continue to eat well, practice as much as we can and push ourselves outside of our comfort zone,” she said. “We have to run harder than we think we can each and every practice.”

Jack Rose The Student Voice

PUSH IT: Seniors Elle Wisnicki and Samara Roman-Holba push ahead of rival runners at Carson Park September 11.

newcoaches ABIGAIL KING

quick facts:

Jack Rose The Student Voice

MAKE A PASS: Roman-Holba passes Providence junior Drew Tacchino for seventh place at Carson Park.

Jack Rose The Student Voice

IN FIRST: Already over a minute ahead, Martin builds his lead.

The Student Voice

24 arts & entertainment tuesday, october 2, 2012 |

THE Suck it!

Sweets & Treats nshahery13

SCOOP Whipp’d LA

user rating:

mlen14

atmosphere: good for: address:

Craving a sweet treat to beat the heat? Pick up a “sucksicle” after school, located in Studio City. These gluten-free and all natural popsicles, known as “sucksicles,” are made from fresh ingredients and natural sweeteners.

Some flavors include: hachacha which is comprised of Mexican chocolate, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and toasted almonds, oui oui made from French lavender and fresh lemonade, as well as minted lemonade, cookie dough, and peach cobbler. Step aside Froyo, flavored popsicles are in town.

Senior Sammy Breen called her sucksicle experience “delightful. The peach cobbler tasted so fresh and it felt like the rays of sunshine in summer.”

user rating:

atmosphere: Hungry between classes

good for: address:

good for: address:

Dole Whip, a pineapple soft serve confection has been locked into exclusivity and obscurity for years; the only place that served it near Los Angeles was Disneyland. This no longer holds true due to Whipp’d LA’s entrance into the California food scene.

Dole Whip is almost a secret club. Those who are in the “in” share a mutual love and craving for the dessert.

While Dole Whip is good on its own, the float is heaven for all who love pineapple. It consists of Dole Whip, pineapple juice, chunks of pineapple, and a cherry on top.

Those that do not like the tropical fruit should stay away.

It’s here. Now you can get soft-serve with a swipe of a G-Card from the Commons Café here at school. The machine forces the swirl-er to answer the old question: Chocolate, vanilla, or swirl?

While both flavors are smooth and hold their form, the vanilla is sweet and tastes true while the chocolate gives a rich cocoa experience, especially when combined with the semi-sweet chocolate chips.

The one drawback is that only two are toppings offered to accompany the creamy experience, with only granola and chocolate chips. We suggest that the Commons add fresh fruit, nuts, or Oreos into the mix. Or possibly toasted coconut?

2 6

Milk atmosphere:

Vanilla or chocolate

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1. Suck it!

2. Whipp’d LA 3. Commons Cafe 4. Milk 5. Studio Yogurt 6. Bennetts

user rating:

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nshahery13

atmosphere: Cheesy Hawaiaan tiki hut

3 5

nshahery13

The Commons Cafe Froyo

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Bennetts Ice Cream

Studio Yogurt tbitran14

user rating:

Courtesy of Google Maps © 2011

nshahery13

user rating:

atmosphere:

good for: Dessert unlike anywhere else address:

atmosphere: Frozen yogurt bar Fat free Vanilla or Chocolate good for: address:

Milk redefines the ice cream experience. With everything from cupcake cones to blue velvet cake to ice creams made fresh in the back of the shop.

Nutella gives an ice cream experience like no other: it appears like an ice cream but it barely melts, remains extremely creamy and chilled. Be sure to check out Milk’s famous specialty, ice cream sandwiches: fresh ice cream in between two French macaroon cookies.

First coming on the scene in 1997, Studio Yogurt has become a frequent hangout for all things “fro-yo” to Valley locals.

The sweet shop has been praised for its healthconscious flavor options including low calorie carbolite, no sugar added, and lactose-free. Most of their yogurt is also kosher certified.

Studio Yogurt houses an array of 24 flavors and over 35 toppings.

It’s out with the new and in with the old. Bennetts, located in the Farmers Market at the Grove, makes favorite homemade flavors with a twist. Cones, chocolate hard-shells, soft-serve, floats, you name it, they have it. Favorite flavors include choffee (coffee ice cream with chocolate chips and a chocolate swirl), white chocolate raspberry, pistachio, fancy Nancy (coffee, banana, and chocolate mix), mocha chip, and salted carmel.

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