Issue 7

The Student Voice opinion: schedule proposal

FRIDAY, MAY , 

ISSUE , VOLUME XXVII | THE BUCKLEY SCHOOL |  STANSBURY AVENUE, SHERMAN OAKS, CA 

pages 14-15

Election Coverage 2012 Ben Beatty

President “I believe the President should be first and foremost the student body’s strongest advocate on this campus.”

Vote totals Beatty: 155 Higgins: 131 Abstain: 26

Michaela Murphy Vice President

“I like turning ideas into realities. I will bring energy and a smile to BSC, which I think everyone could use.”

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Senior English classes to feature iPads in fall 2012

Madeline Baldi Images

STATELY: Presidential candidates, juniors Ben Beatty and Tucker Higgins, presented their platforms to the Upper School at the election.

Seeking to be students’ “strongest advocate,” Beatty elected as the presidency of council MeherSingh ‘14 assistant features editor “To solve this campus, the student body must have a part in some important conversations at Buckley. We have many questions: What exactly is the Diversity Initiative and what is our part in it? Why is a new schedule being implemented? Why are we not consulted on any of these issues?

Buckley needs a president who will make addressing these questions his first priority, and that’s exactly what I’ll do,” said newly elected BSC president junior Ben Beatty.

In both his speech and platform, Beatty emphasized being the student body’s strongest advocate for issues such as diversity between the administration and students.

“I believe that far too often [the school’s] administration doesn’t seek nearly enough student input in making critical decisions on campus,” he said.

The first issue Beatty plans to tackle is the new schedule.“Unfortunately that’s something that we will have to do this year because if the [new] schedule is the way it is on the first day of school they are not going to change it. Right now and this summer is when we have to try to solve it,” said Beatty.

Beatty has begun to fulfill his promise by planning to engage in talks with the administration and current president senior Jonathan Friedman to discuss the students’ concerns with the new schedule.

Junior Michaela Murphy, who ran unopposed, will serve as vice president, sophomore Carissa Brones as secretary, and

sophomore Michael Sliskovich as treasurer, as decided by BSC executive board elections held on April 27.

In her platform, Murphy highlighted her enthusiasm and passion for bringing more life into BSC. “Next year my goal is to help make school as enjoyable and easygoing as possible. A few things that seem to be popular wishes from many students include more time, less stress, and less work,” said Murphy. “I feel I bring more energy and some excitement to the board considering I’m a little more enthusiastic than the average student.”

Murphy, served as a rep in eighth grade as well as her sophomore year.

At the elections assembly, Brones said her best quality is follow-through.

“That’s what makes a candidate different. If they do what they say they will then they truly care about making a difference,” said Brones Brones’s platform presents plans for a student store that would sell supplies, food, and a microwave for use as well as offering community service hours for those who work there.

“I’m most excited to work on the student store. I want to start the student store and organize everything this year and over the summer so by the time everyone gets tot school it well already be established.

That’s my project that I have started by communicating with the administration,” said Brones.

Brones also plans to replace cash on campus with G-Cards and to create BSC

website to involve students in discussions.

The new position to the BSC executive board, treasurer, entails keeping records of all class and BSC fundraising, advertising all events, creating and maintaining a chronological scrapbook representing BSC activities and accomplishments, and being the liaison to club fundraising.

The position was added to create another leadership opportunity in the Upper School. Sliskovich, who served his first year in student government as a sophomore representative, hopes to improve communication between students and the administration, and reevaluate the current homework and cell-phone policies.

“I believe that our student government can benefit tremendously from their input on school policies that affect us every day.

Most school policies are put in place for clear reasons, and I respect all decisions that the faculty and administration make.

However, I also believe that additional contributions from the student body could improve the flow of everyday school life,” said Sliskovich. Sliskovich is most excited to be more involved with the student body next year as treasurer.

“I’m most looking forward to representing the student body. Because that’s what its about in BSC. While campaigning, I got to meet so many people and so many smart people that I really like and didn’t even know before. I look forward to talking to them more,” said Sliskovich.

Elections for grade representatives will be held on May 18.

insidenews UNIFORM | page4 Administration adds variety of new items to uniform: cardigan, skorts with pocket and Griffin logo, and PE sweats.

ROBOTICS | page 4 The robotics team placed second in both the San Diego and Las Vegas competitions, receiving special recognition from Steve Wozniak, cofounder of Apple.

UNIFORM | page 4

ROBOTICS | page 4

Dr. James Forman’s, English department chair, courses next year will require an iPad as opposed to a textbook.

According to Martinez, the benefits of having an iPad as a learning tool is its light weight and interactivity. Speficially, iPad textbooks often include audio and video clips, improving student utility while going green and wasting less paper.

As of right now, the school is testing out a “Pilot Program” to see if the junior and senior classes approve of the new ways of advanced technology. If students like the iPad, textbook duo, then lower classmen will use iPad technology as well.

“At some schools, it is required to use the iPad for at least 50 percent of the class, but at Buckley we won’t require that, it is ultimately up to the teacher,” said Martinez.

GraceMcKagan ‘15

Graffiti, street signs announce NYC-themed fair Graffiti, skyscrapers, and Griffins can only mean one thing: Big Lights Big City is making its debut at the annual fair, May 12.

This year students were invited to help design and implement ideas for the fair.

Students suggested attractions to bring back, which food trucks to have, and offered ideas that would create a New York vibe.

The In N Out truck will return while the Carney’s truck will make its debut.

“We hope that by including students in the planning of the fair that it will increase fair attendance amongst the Middle and Upper School student bodies,” said fair committee chair Holly Blanks.

Students earned community service hours by helping to create fair props at parents’ homes.

This year’s attractions, which received a 51 percent or greater approval rating, are the same as last year’s, and include the Ferris Wheel, Rocoplane, Giant Slide, Rat Race, Royal Flush, and High Striker.

On April 18, parents who were involved in the fair placed plastic wrap in front of the foyer giving all students in the Middle and Upper School the opportunity to help design graffiti walls that will be placed throughout the fair.

SalimChamoun ‘14

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Concerns over electives, athletic conflicts, prompt controversial new proposal ElleWisnicki ‘13 assistant editor “There is no perfect schedule,” said James Busby, assistant head of school.

At the beginning of the school year, the administrators and department chairs decided to break off into committees for each part of the Strategic Plan.

The committee for the new schedule consisted of Busby, Neal Roden, lower school principal, Dina Figueora, assistant to the upper school principals, middle school athletic director, Frasier Allan, Byrd Newman-Milic, athletic director, Tom Edelberg, director of transportation, Adrienne Parsons, lower school principal, Carolyn Mogen, lower school assistant principal, Ellen Mahoney, visual arts director

related Page 10: In “The Gates,” columnist Tucker Higgins provides one student’s perspective on the new schedule.

Page 12: Check feature for a more on the response from teachers and students on the new schedule proposal. and athletic coordinator Kerry Kulisek.

“We needed a certain amount of people on the committee who would remember all the various concerns,” said Busby.

After looking at the schedules of Campbell Hall, Marlborough, Pasadena Polytechnic, Viewpoint, Windward, Brentwood, and Hawkins in Ohio, the committee assembled a tentative schedule.

“We are making minimal changes for next year. In the future we want to look at adopting a partial block schedule, not for next year but for future,” said Monroe. “We need to have more input from teachers and students, but we think a block schedule will help to alleviate stress.”

The main concerns for the schedule are academics being interrupted by athletics, H period being not only an athletic period, and allocating more time for electives.

“I don’t believe students have enough elective choices to connect with a passion,” said Busby.

Busby’s concern for H period stems from parent concerns and teacher concerns.

He also experiences H period first hand teaching his theatre class. He has never had the whole class present because of athletics.

“We have a four-fold plan, and I’m not able to teach a real classic theatre class,” said Busby. “We wanted to expand the schedule so students could have more options.”

After sharing the new schedule with the faculty, the committee is working towards working out concerns.

A main concern was for the shortened passing periods.

“This is a temporary schedule, we know there will be challenges getting to class on time and we are going to have to be more flexible where necessary next year,” said Monroe.

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Just Like You raises $2,300 for autism walk

Kim Kersher The Buckley School

NEW CAMPUS LAYOUT: Drastic changes for next year’s school layout will play a role in students’ routes from class to class throughout the 2012-2013 school year.

90% of students said that they do not approve of the proposed schedule 34% of students said that they most dislike the shortened lunch 108 responses collected May 7

“This is a temporary schedule; we know there will be challenges getting to class on time and we are going to have to be more flexible.”

DEBORAH MONROE Upper School Principal

Administration addresses students on diversity Led by James Busby and featuring Diversity Club speakers, the assembly on May 4 was held in order to increase student understanding of the Diversity, Multiculturalism, and Inclusion initiative.

“The goal was to get everyone at a starting point, sharing the same general undestanding of what DMI is.”

-James Busby Assistant head of school

JackRose ‘13 sports editor On May 4 the school held an Upper School assembly to explain to students the reasons for and goals of the Diversity Initiative and to begin preparing the students for conversations about Diversity, Multiculturalism, and Inclusion (DMI).

“The goal was to get everyone at a starting point, sharing the same general understanding of what DMI is,” said assistant head of school James Busby. “Questions that we [the administration] were getting from students suggested a lack of general under-

standing of DMI.” Straying from the normal Friday assembly format, students sat on the gym floor in a circle surrounding Busby as he spoke about DMI at Buckley, DMI worldwide and in the business world, and the school’s strategic plan.

Diversity Club members senior Julia Zukin, president, and senior Olivia Esse also delivered prepared speeches about DMI at the assembly.

Busby considers the assembly the beginning of preparation for students so they can have educated and appropriate conver-

sations in the future.

Student training will continue after AP exams conclude next week when the students will spend time with Dr. Steven Jones, who has trained teachers, staff, parents, and other members of the school’s community in past professional days. “[The students] have to be trained next,” said Busby, while responding to a question about future conversations within the community. He explained that once students are trained, the Initiative will be better understood and educated discourse that is not offensive can occur.

Rooms 101-106 to be renovated for 2012-2013 school year KathrineHerzer-Hansel ‘15 staff reporter The construction that began over spring break will include a pathway, new lockers, and renovated classrooms to the “Hillside Building,” which includes 101-106.

The pathway being constructed by room 101 is scheduled to finish by the start of school.

“What we’re doing is building a platform that’s the same width as the sidewalks around all of the buildings,” said Neal Roden.

The new math and science building, that is scheduled to start construction in early June, will leave the middle of the campus with a shortage of lockers and the block of classrooms starting at 101, named the Hillside Building, without air conditioning and heating.

Renovations to the building will include new carpet, new windows, new doors, new air conditioning and heating.

Additionally rooms 104-105 will be conjoined to create this new applied science room.

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NHS and NJHS inductees Students who are selected to become members of NHS or NJHS must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and receive 3 teacher nomninations.

National Honor Society Macaulay Aston-Nielsen, James Bernstein, Tara Bitran, Jack Breen, Carissa Brones, Daniel Dominguez, Ali Eicher, Gabriel Esmailian, Madison Grubb, Marlen Grussi, Zachary Heffner, Christine Hovanessian, Adiya King, Tyler Morad, German Rojas, Anthony Romm, Jack Rose, Samantha Siciliano, Michael Sliskovich, Gregory Taylor, Jess Walia

National Junior Honor Society Kemi Akenzua, Victoria Amaral, Harrison Aronoff, Rachel Beinus, Claire Cashden, Joyce Chamoun, Adam Madievsky, Amy Malacalza, Duncan Miller, Ibby, O’Carroll, Hanna Rosenberg, Josh Super, Adam Taslitz, Sofie Vanhal

Administration adds cardigan, sweats, skort with pocket and logo The new skorts will include shorts with a stretchier fabric and return of pockets following ongoing complaints from girls.

GraceMcKagan ‘15 staff reporter According to Deborah Monroe, Upper School principal, the administration has decided on uniform changes that should add to students’ comfort levels.

Changes include skorts made of a stretch material, a new style with a flat front and a narrower waist band, the addition of a large pocket, and the addition of a Griffin at the bottom.

The flat fronted skort will be available in the senior plaid as well as charcoal grey.

A black, hooded, zip-front unisex cardigan is also being added for boys and girls.

Monroe said the administration worked with Dennis uniforms to design a more comfortable uniform for girls.

Girls have complained about the skorts in this year’s uniform being uncomfortable and have cut out the skorts or continued to wear the previous uniform skirt.

“For girls, the most significant changes that the skorts will have will have spandex shorts; it’s very comfortable,” said Monroe.

In addition, sweatpants and matching sweatshirts for P.E. classes will be available in red, grey and black.

“The private schools which embrace uniforms do it because of philosophical reasons. You tend to focus less on physical appearance and more on people’s intellectual side,” said Monroe.

The Student Voice has earned a First Place with Special Merit award and recognition for Outstanding Sports Coverage from the American Scholastic Press Association for its 2011-2012 edition.

Senior and editor-inchief Andrew Davis said this award bodes well for others the newspaper will be entered in at the end of the academic year.

“It feels great to win this award. I knew we were going to be successful in competitions because we have all worked so hard on such a powerful newspaper. I’m particularly proud of all the extra work each section editor has done to make every section the best it can be,” said Davis.

ClaireSelvin ‘13

Lauren Halperin Images

STYLE: Senior Julia Zukin models a new version of the skort and new cardigan.

The robotics team earns an Engineering Excellence Award and compliments from Steve Wozniak.

Between competitions, captains, senior Ethan Hobel and junior Jack Breen focused on adding a second shooter on the robot between the San Diego and Las Vegas regional competitions in order to score more points.

“We decided to swap out the current shooter for the alternate since our current one was not reliable at all,” said DeCorso.

“One of the major reasons we lost our San Diego regional was because our shooter could not score many points. This new shooter is more stable and significantly more accurate.”

Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, was so pleased with the team’s robot that he said the Griffitrons should have won five awards.

While DeCorso believes the keys to winning in Las Vegas were defense and balance, Smith felt that scoring and statistics allowed them to place so well again.

“I was surprised with how valuable that

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Voice awarded first place by ASPA

Robotics places second in Las Vegas TylerMorad ‘14 assistant sports editor The Griffitrons were at it again, receiving the second place title and the Engineering Excellence Award sponsored by Delphi at the Rebound Rumble in the First Las Vegas regional robotics competition.

“I think we were excited and a little disappointed at the same time, but mostly excited from the beginning of the season,” said mentor Dr. Bryan Smith. “We never thought we were going to do as well as we did and we surprised ourselves.”

Captain, junior Kevin DeCorso explained how different the competition was between San Diego and Las Vegas.

“Our Las Vegas seeding was much closer than our seeding in the San Diego regional,” said DeCorso. “In Vegas, we just barely came in second; we were actually trying to avoid third place. First place was pretty far from our reach. In San Diego, we were fighting for first place rather than second like in Vegas.”

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[scoring and statistics] was; it really made a difference in many of the matches,” said Smith.

Smith also noted that the competition was much stiffer in Las Vegas than in San Diego.

“There were much better robots and much more collaboration going on in Las Vegas. Despite all that going against us, we placed the same, which I view as doing better,” said Smith. “I think it had a lot to do with the work the students did.”

Looking back, DeCorso is happy with the work the team did this year.

“We had about that same amount of success in Vegas as we did in San Diego. We had an improved shooter in Vegas. We won awesome awards in both,” said DeCorso.

In the future, Smith would like to see the same precision that was put into the robot this year. With three seniors leaving, the sophomores will provide the backbone for the team.

Just Like You club raises $2,300 for autism Under the direction of club president, Tara Bitran, Just Like You helped raise $2,300 for Walk Now for Autism on April 21.

Bitran organized a team in association with her club, Just Like You. Seven out of the 17 of the members in her group were Buckley students. While two of the walkers were faculty membersDrohan and Dr. Ruberg, who is also the advisor of Just Like You. The team raised the money by soliciting donations prior to the event.

Bitran started the club in honor of her sister, who has autism.

BrandonEdmonds ‘15

Magazine receives tentative approval pending funding Junior Tucker Higgins, conews editor of The Student Voice, has received approval for a triannual magazine to be created by the staffs of The Student Voice and Images.

“The mission of the magazine is to entertain the Buckley community,” by providing a venue for creative writing as well as artistic and feature content, wrote Higgins in his proposal.

Higgins will serve as editorin-chief of the publication, and Voice and Image staff members will design and produce the magazine during their off-production times.

All Upper School students will be invited to submit original writing, photography, and art.

Monroe said the approval is tentative pending funding.

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30 percent

Students pad community service hour records

of students said that they have have lied about or exaggerated the number of hours they have completed.

“Community service isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, just like sports isn’t and just like math isn’t. But I think requiring students to complete service ultimately has tremendous value.”

Have lied

Christine Braunschweiger

108 responses collected May 7

Director of Community Service

ShilpaMantri ‘13 focus editor “I forged 15 hours of community service,” said a freshman.

Instead of genuinely fulfilling the required minimum of 25 community service hours, some students take credit for hours that they never actually completed.

“I was lazy. When I was a freshman, it was hard to go out somewhere and do community service because I couldn’t drive. Also, because freshmen have to transition into high school, it was hard to find time to do community service,” said a junior.

Students who fail to meet the minimum required service hours are pulled from all extracurricular activities, including sports, drama, and clubs.

But, they can easily get away with community service by signing off their own hours or having someone else do it for them.

“I was going to get kicked out of after school activities, and I needed hours fast. I made my community service form look official. My friend signed the hours for me. I don’t feel guilty because it is not fair that if you don’t do community service, you can’t do extracurricular activities.

My extracurriculars are important to me,” said a junior.

Students who truthfully complete their hours resent those who do not.

“For the people who actually do the work, it’s really frustrating to see people get the same reward without having done the work,” said junior Samara Roman-Holba.

Christine Braunschweiger, director of community service, encourages students to do community service as a way for them to step out of their comfort zone and help people in a larger social circle.

Although she believes the majority of students complete their community service hours, Braunschweiger is concerned about those who cheat on their hours.

“I think anytime someone is cheating, it’s a problem.

Have not lied

They’re cheating themselves and the larger community.

The policy is that someone who is caught turning in false hours for community service will be suspended,” said Braunschweiger.

“Can somebody cheat on a few hours here or there? I would imagine they probably could if they really wanted to cheat and to forge a signature,” she continued.

After instating the community service awards, she believes that students stress over the number of hours of community service.

Total service hours per year

2009:

15,475

2010:

18,131

2011:

20,500

“There were no awards before I came on and took this job. Did that change people’s perception about the amount of hours? Yes. I don’t think anyone is out there doing a100 hours because they want a presidential award. That’s a huge commitment,” she said. “I think people put in an extra 15 hours to reach the award level. If someone cheats by recording all those extra awards, that would be kind of

desperate in my opinion. They have so much to lose and not nearly as much to gain.”

Roman-Holba agrees that more emphasis is placed on the number of hours than on actual community service.

“Most people do the work because they have to, not because they want to, which defeats the purpose. But, there are a lot of people who are really passionate about their service work so it really just depends on the person,” said Roman-Holba.

Anytime Braunschweiger doubts the authenticity of a student’s community service hours, she verifies them by calling the agency and checking its website to make sure student forms are accurate.

“I’ve had suspicions on some students and I’m certain they cheated, but when I call, they verify the hours. I still think that kid cheated on hours. In my heart, I know they did,” said Braunschweiger.

In order to prevent students from forging their community service hours in the future, Braunschweiger has been thinking about having staggered deadlines, which would allow her more time to verify service hours, and changing the forms, where students would need to provide more specific contact information.

“Community service isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, just like sports isn’t and just like math isn’t. But I think requiring students to complete service ultimately has tremendous value. In modern day American society, being a teenager is an undefined period where you go to school and largely focus on yourself. It is a time where teens are to a large extent, ‘role-less’. During this time, it is so easy to get lost in things that don’t matter and are sometimes dangerous distractions,” she said. “Offering service to others is a powerful vehicle for sharing gifts and talents that you have with the world. It builds self-esteem and self-respect as well as making a positive difference in the lives of others. I truly believe that is one of the most powerful things we can do with our lives at any age.”

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Griffis resigns Drohan assumes interim social science chair position as science department Social science teacher Karen Drohan plans on exploring professional development opportunities for the department faculty chair next year.

TuckerHiggins ‘13 staff reporter Hours before she was set to be interviewed for a promotion, history teacher Karen Drohan had more to worry about than the just the impending meeting. She was giving an extemporaneous presentation to the Parent’s Association, and her boss, the interviewer, was in the audience.

The speech went well, as did the interview, and on March 23 Drohan was tapped to lead the Social Sciences department as interim department chair for the 2012 school year. She had been working at the school for a year and a half.

“As head of the department, [Drohan] will not just work in the department but will also be the face of Buckley to parents and students,” said Debra Monroe, Upper School principal.

According to Monroe, Drohan was chosen because of her ability to clearly articulate the goals of the Social Sciences department, and for her strong vision extending into the next decade.

“I am a believer in content based professional development, [so] I will be exploring more opportunities for our faculty to take classes and workshops on the subjects that excite them,” said Drohan.

Drohan, a self-proclaimed “history geek,” also shared ideas about how to connect the Social Sciences curriculum with the curricula of other departments.

“She was able to give us examples on the spot of how she would combine history with disciplines like science, which is rare,” said Monroe.

Drohan hopes to speak with the current chair, Robert Wright, before establishing any firm plans, though she has said that she is excited for the opportunity the new role provides.

“As a department chair, I will get to work with the college counselors, student services director, and other department chairs to really support the personal and educational development of the whole student. What an honor to be able to do that,” she said.

The position, which Drohan vied for with three other candidates, is interim, but the school has not yet decided whether there will be another search in a year.

“Once we get fall under our belt we’ll see if things are going well and if goals are being met, but we may also open it up to a national search.” said Monroe. “We’ll see where we are.”

In the short time since, Drohan has made a concerted effort to connect with the community at Buckley, earning a reputation for attending multiple school events each week.

In addition to teaching history, Drohan manages a tenth grade advisory and serves as the faculty-supervisor for Mock Trial Club.

Head of the department for 16 years, Griffis will return to full time teaching. This year, she taught Biology, AP Biology, and AP Environmental Science.

TylerMorad ‘14 assistant sports editor As the 2012-13 school year begins in September, anticipated changes such as the completion of the Academic and Performing Arts Building and the construction of the Science Building will be part of campus life. Unanticipated changes that will also go into effect are the resignation of Dr. Kathy Griffis as science department chair, and the resignation of Robert Wright as the social science department chair.

Griffis, who was chair for 16 years and science department faculty member for 18 years, resigned at the end of April.

The Voice reported the resignation of Wright in its March 22 issue.

“You never like losing leadership that has been so consistent for 16 years. This is her decision and when someone asks to step down, you want to take it seriously,” said James Busby, assistant head of school.

Griffis’ decision to resign surprised students and faculty.

“Dr. Griffis is one of the best science teachers I’ve ever had and anyone else leading the science department will be a waste,” said sophomore Greg Taylor.

For science, the change comes when a

friday, may 11, 2012 6 new robotics room is being added and as the construction of the new science building is about to begin.

“Even though both of them [Griffis and Wright] will continue to be on the faculty and keep doing what they’re doing, you must listen to them when they say that they want a change because that will impact the job,” said Busby.

Busby stressed that both Griffis and Wright will be involved in department decisions during the transition periods.

“In both cases [Griffis and Wright] the former department chair will be there [to choose the new department chair], so it’s not like they are being abducted by aliens and took all the secrets and we don’t know. There are many of us that have been department chairs and know what it takes,” he said.

Busby added that when the administration interviews the applicants for the department chair, all the science teachers will be present.

Given the late time in the school year, the administration is considering looking for an interim science chair.

“We’re considering everything. Nothing is out of the question. The administration thinks outside of the box: a plan A, a plan B, and a plan C. Off the top of my head, Plan A will be a replacement from the outside.

Plan B will be an interim. Plan C will be establishing some kind of transition year, where we will decide the exact details later,” said Busby.

According to Busby, the change seems big because Buckley rarely changes chairs, but this is common at other schools. Busby added some schools even rotate department chairs.

Busby explained that it is important to look at the positive side of everything.

“Although we will tremendously miss the depth of expertise that Dr. Griffis brought to the job, you always have to look at it as an opportunity to bring in new ideas,” said Busby.

Griffis made no comment regarding stepping down.

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Robert Young Library woes persist: students refuse to comply with E period silence rule

library rules 2011-12

The library, which is supposed to be silent during E period lunch due to poor student behavior and high noise levels, is now often closed during E period and sometimes for days at a time.

DECEMBER

Dean Sherman announces that the library must remain silent due to student disrespect of library facilities.

JANUARY

Continuous student noise and poor behavior prompts “silent during E lunch” rule.

Although the noise level in the library is louder than the “norm,” Vaquilar still enjoys working in the library and understands that student need to be somewhat social during the learning process.

“I’m totally along for the ride. Something that is true is that I try not to have too many expectations; I just try and observe. But I wasn’t expecting you guys to be 30 years old, so it’s fine,” said Vaquilar.

As the level of chatter and mess in the library decreases, student-inconveniency as well as the library’s inaccessibility are on the rise. Indeed, closing the library during lunch and enforcing stricter policies are helping to keep the library under control, but are these new rules beckoning the end of the library all together?

“The librarians have called for a meeting that we’re going to have shortly to discuss and brainstorm some ideas and solution to the library’s various problems. I think they’ve reached a level of frustration because it has been an ongoing pattern that they’re looking for new solutions rather than closing the library which is very inconvenient for many students. It kind of forces an overflow of students into other areas that may be an annoyance to other students as well,” said Upper School principal Deborah Monroe.

While the condition of the library is not currently ideal, new possible solutions are in the future.

According to Monroe, the new technology center that will open next year will also help the library stay quiet and controllable.

“We’re hopeful that next year with the additional technology center space, we can maybe establish more of a study zone in the library for those that want quiet study because the students have requested that and those that want more of a social experience can have that in the new space,” said Monroe.

3 teachers, 3 continents PA funds world-wide learning opportunities ClaireSelvin ‘13 assistant editor First grade teacher Christina Cosolito, English department chair Dr. James Forman, and performing arts department chair Vincent Houser, received Parents’ Association Fellowship grants to travel to different locations for enrichment opportunities this summer.

French teacher Dr. Susan Selvin also received a fellowship to study in France but has deferred for a year.

Cosolito will travel to Byron Bay, Australia and participate in 12 day yoga training course.

“The program’s aim is to cover a broad range of subjects with the goal of deepening the understanding of postures, breathing practices, meditation, and yoga philosophy and lifestyle. I also plan to spend additional time exploring the majestic lands of Australia,” said Cosolito.

Byron Bay is one of the oldest yoga schools in Australia and “maintains a strong holistic philosophy to yoga.”

She said that she wants to incorporate yoga into her classes as it has both physical and emotional benefits, as well as “the potential to support all four elements of [the school’s] philosophy.”

Houser plans on studying Roma music,

APRIL

DanielGabbay ‘12 staff reporter With students refusing to lower the noise level and continuing to disrespect the facility–as well as the librarians– further measures have been taken by the librarians in hopes of restoring the library to its former quiet, manageable nature.

Librarian Matthew Wittmer placed more restrictions on the library in an attempt to gain student respect. The library is now closed during E-period lunch in response to student behavior that takes place during the afternoons.

“The primary issue in the library during lunch is volume. Everyone needs to really respect the fact that we need it quiet. The amount of student traffic during E period requires that we need a change. It’s like a playground in here during the last fifteen minutes of E lunch, and it shouldn’t be” said Wittmer.

This closure ensures less noise and mess, but it has also ignited frustration and bitterness in students.

“The library should be open during lunch because I like to work during my free-time to catch up on assignments.

I also need to often print things for class and the fact that the library is now closed during lunch makes that very inconvenient. Where else am I supposed to use a computer and print things?” said an anonymous junior.

The librarians have made their plea for silence more forcefully by imposing stricter rules, but a new challenge has arisen: finding a balance between keeping the library quiet and controllable and keeping it accessible enough for students to utilize to their advantage.

“Students do need to have active discussions; that’s a part of learning. We get that that you guys are adapting and that the library is adapting in its space itself,” said librarian Serena Vaquilar.

Library closed during E lunch for days at a time following student inability to comply with rule.

After submitting proposals to the administration and receiving approval, three teachers will travel to Australia, Asia, and Europe to study their various disciplines during the summer.

Forman, who first traveled to Nepal as a member of the Peace Corps in the 1970’s, will return this summer.

He will be ‘Coming Full Circle as a Teacher,’ the title of his fellowship, as he comes back to the place where he first started teaching.

He will be meeting teachers, observing classes, and interviewing students at schools in different areas of Nepal in order to gain a comparative understanding of varied kinds of education. “[As a school] we’re in this initiative where we’re thinking about global awareness.

In Katmandu, I’ll visit an American school and a private school for orphaned girls. Then I’ll go back to the village where I first taught, which doesn’t even appear on Google Maps,” said Forman.

He said that he hopes to “bring back a global awareness that Buckley students could use.”

Once fluent in Nepalese, he hopes to “brush up” on the language before leaving. of the gypsies of Europe, in Berlin, Dresden, Krakow, and Budapest.

“Gypsy music is a great influence in string music and I’ve always been interested in it,” he said.

He will also go to the city of Mittenwald,

a violin-making city, in the Alps.

“I’m very excited about it and excited about what I can bring back to [the school] from it. It will be a learning experience for me,” said Houser. “One should always aspire to learn more.”

on the web Follow Dr. James Forman’s travels in Nepal from his blog: peacecorpsnepal.blogspot.com

opinion 8 friday, may 11, 2012 |

Staff EdiTOrial

A first step The Voice thanks the administration for organizing the May 4 assembly about diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion.

The assembly gave students the school’s perspective on diversity, said how we are not yet where we want to be, and explained how—like other educational institutions and businesses—we should also be focusing on inclusion.

What the assembly claimed to provide, and what students have long been asking for, was a conversation about diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion.

Unfortunately, the assembly was not a conversation, but a lecture.

Mr. Busby assures our reporters that this assembly was only the first step towards conversations. But what’s the next step?

The Voice looks forward to these conversations and reiterates its call for the administration to open the floor to questions from the students, teachers, and administrators and initiate reasonable discourse for all members of the community.

If students’ most pressing questions about diversity could be openly addressed (e.g., why are there so few Hispanics in the student body? Why were the students of the infamous “Panda Bear Incident” reprimanded?

the student newspaper of The Buckley School

Why are students upset that they cannot attend affinity club meetings of another race?), students would be satisfied.

Not only would a two-way conversation facilitate an appropriate dialogue between both administrators and students, but a dialogue would also prove to students that they can feel comfortable discussing diversity without the fear of offense or criticism.

So, we urge the administration to allow us to be heard. We urge that the next meeting welcome reasonable and respectful questions, and that it be an open exchange between our administration and our student body.

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. editor-in-chief Andrew Davis ‘12 assistant editors Elle Wisnicki ‘13 Claire Selvin ‘13 design and production editor Jonathan Friedman ‘12 news editor Claire Selvin ‘13 assistant news editor Salim Chamoun ‘14 opinion editor Andrew Davis ‘12

Growing up on Gilley: A lifer remembers the fair When I was a bit smaller, the prize-booth at the Buckley Fair made me feel like a mafia boss. Our small red tickets—the loot we dealt in—earned a friend and me the opportunity to squirt water at little race boats and collapse bottle-stacks with projectile bean bags.

The tickets also brought us prizes: sometimes a Wii, sometimes a motor scooter, always glory. When we realized we could win more prizes by expanding, we established a small cadre of enthusiasts willing to squirt and throw for us. Apparently, for them, that was the fun part. Through Middle School we continued the gig, adding raffle tickets to increase our haul, splitting the prizes down the middle, and posting our bounty for sale on the internet when we got home. We were runnin’ a business here!

And though the business side of the fair grew old pretty quickly—my friend moved on to another school—I soon realized

D

ear Editor, I wanted to respond to Jonathan Friedman’s opinion piece in the March 22 edition of “The Student Voice” in which he wrote that he feels that conversations about the Diversity Initiative are not taking place on campus and that “The JSA discussions about diversity were the only open, promoted and thoughtful discussions that have occurred since the Diversity Initiative’s inception five years ago.” The interest of the JSA and “The Student Voice” is an incredible contribution to Buckley’s conversation on diversity, multiculturalism and inclusion.

But as a long-time member of the Diversity Committee and a member of the Buckley community who is deeply interested in the issues of diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion, I have to raise my hand to say that I have been part of, and know of, many important discussions that happened at Buckley.

They happen at: general faculty meetings and faculty diversity committee

that the glory of the prizes wasn’t as substantial as another glory the fair afforded: independence. Little mobster-me notwithstanding, until the fair, I’d never been allowed to stray from Mom and Dad at all. At the fair, I had my own hundred-acre-woods (Gilley is much bigger when you’re three feet tall), and it came with an In ‘n Out! As it happens, the results of my newfound autonomy weren’t all that pretty: eating burgers in between Gravitron rides was dumb (and, let’s say, “messy”). But the freedom to make messy mistakes from the safety of Gilley Field was enormously empowering. I grew up at that fair. Or, at least, it felt like it at the time.

I’m encouraged that my experience wasn’t solely mine, but that it was communal. We all grew up on Gilley. So as the fair approaches, signaling the end of our year (and our seniors’ time in high school), let it also signify a rite of passage for the Lower and Middle School students who will grow up there too. And let it remind us of where we came from. Because if the beauty of the fair lies in any one thing (and that thing isn’t raising money), it’s in bringing us together so that we can celebrate where we’ve been in the past year, and over the past 10.

We also have a fair to celebrate our fantastic mothers, who’ve allowed us to look back in the first place, and have made it such a pleasure to do so. Not just the moms in the Parents’ Association (originally “Mothers’ Club”) who plan the fair and make it a reality, but the many more whose special day is coming up. Those who raised us and kept us by their sides. And those who, when the time was right, let us go exploring.

So happy Mother’s Day, everyone. I’ll see you at the fair.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR meetings; the Lower School Culture Club; Middle and Upper School Diversity Club meetings; student and parent affinity group meetings; faculty diversity training sessions (there have been nine this year alone); parent diversity training sessions; PA meetings; the People of Color Conference; meetings of the Diversity Committee of the Board of Trustees; Lower School cultural assemblies; MUS assemblies (Kip Fulbeck, Reveta Bowers and the recent MS Encompass assemblies come to mind quickly).

Perhaps the most important conversations of all are happening, I believe, in large part due to the emphatic stake in the ground our school has made with the Diversity Initiative. These are conversations between students who feel misunderstood or isolated, and adults on campus who students now feel comfortable turning to for support.

We’re in this for the long-term and it is disheartening that you believe many in our community do not yet know what the

Diversity Initiative is about. However, that doesn’t surprise me totally because this topic is as multi-dimensional and complex as any I’ve encountered. Maybe it would be good for the administration to take up your offer for a conversation and schedule a meeting with the Student Council leadership to help clarify things for you. I think that would go a long way to helping inform other students as well. In the meantime, I hope my letter gives you a better understanding of just how much is happening with the Diversity Initiative today (and I’ve just scratched the surface in my list above.)

The Initiative got off to a slower start than we had hoped but incredible progress has been made. And while we might not have frequent conversations about the Diversity Initiative, important conversations that are a part of the Diversity Initiative are taking place every day.

Sincerely, Kim Kerscher Director of Communications

features editor James Bernstein ‘14 assistant features editor Meher Singh ‘14 focus editor Shilpa Mantri ‘13 assistant focus editor Nika Shahery ‘13 arts and entertainment editors Alice Breidenbach ‘12 Mark Cook ‘12 assistant arts and entertainment editor Tara Bitran ‘14 sports editors Jack Rose ‘13 Elle Wisnicki ‘13 assistant sports editor Tyler Morad ‘14 chief photographer Olivia Perez ‘12 staff reporters Tucker Higgins, Daniel Gabbay, Michael Len, Billy Wilson, Brandon Edmonds, Grace McKagen, Natalya Sands, Katherine Herzer-Hansel

EDITORIALS Unsigned editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Board of Editors of The Student Voice and not necessarily the student body’s.

Signed editorials and columns reflect only the writer’s opinion.

GRAPHICS Illustrations, graphics and artistic renderings may or may not represent the opinions of the artist.

ADVERTISING Publication of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product or service by the newspaper or by the school. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

READER INPUT The Voice values reader input via letters, guest columns and story ideas.

The Online Voice Visit The Online Voice at voice.buckley.org for more up-to-date content, and archives of print issues.

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9 friday, may 11, 2012

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

Barbie: fabrication of reality If Barbie were blown up to life size, her 5’9 stature and 38 inch chest would be, for most girls, simply unnattainable. This is a conundrum for young girls who see Mattel’s star doll as an idol.

Be who you want to be. You do not have to be“B-A-R-B-I-E.” NikaShahery ‘13 assistant focus editor In 19th and 20th century art, women were painted with full figures and light skin.

Back then, voluptuous curves and skin as pale as snow were considered beautiful.

Today, being thin and bronze makes you beautiful.

Look at the Megan Foxes and Adriana Limas of the world. They are the body example for girls, not Tyra Banks’ “fiercely real,” plus size women.

Vogue Magazine prints one plus size issue a year. Whitney Thompson, cycle 10 winner, remains the only plus size model who won America’s Next Top Model. There have been 17 completed cycles thus far.

While some say that the media is to blame for creating unfathomable images

of individuals, another source is not traditionally recognized, Barbie.

One out of 100,000.

That’s the chances of having a body as perfect of that of Barbie’s.

And while “Be who you want to be” is Mattel’s Barbie motto, every Barbie that Mattel produces resembles the unreachable images plastered in magazines.

Is it possible to look like Barbie? The answer is “no”. If a Barbie were blown up to a life size scale, Barbie would stand at about 5’9”, weigh approximately 120 pounds, and measure 18 inches at her waist, 34 at her hips, 38 inches at her chest. Incidentally, based on her body fat percentage, she would be so thin that she would not be able to menstruate or carry children.

From a very young age, the image of the

French should not have the only field trip freedom

TaraBitran‘14 assistant a&e editor I have always been fond of learning foreign languages. I admire the fact that we all live in one world, yet there are so many different ways that we can communicate with one another.

Currently, I am taking Spanish and am loving every minute of it, but I’d eventually like to learn a multitude of languages including Italian and maybe even Portuguese or French.

I have been enrolled in a Spanish class since seventh grade, but I have never gone on a field trip to the LACMA to check out famous Latin artists or to walk down historic Olvera Street to experience the vibrant Mexican culture we have right here in Los Angeles. So, every year when I hear the students taking French begin to talk about the exciting foreign film they’re going to see off campus, I get jealous because I’d love to see a Spanish film with my class too. And I am not saying that the French classes shouldn’t get to go, but seeing as our city is filled with Latino and Hispanic culture, I think we should embrace the abundance of opportunities to actively learn Spanish.

We could go to a restaurant

so called perfect body is literally handed to many little girls. These girls grow up seeing the future as living in a pink and purple ‘Barbie Dream House,’ driving a sparkly red convertible, and vacationing at the fabulous ‘Barbie Resort’.

The worst part is that young girls see these dolls and think that they should look like Barbie at a young age. So in the future, when they see photos in a magazine, the perfect body is already imparted in their subconscious. Consequently, these girls believe all the scams that are supposedly going to help them achieve what they have seen before and what they see now.

I’m not saying that Barbies should be burned by the bundle, or that parents should not buy them for their children. Barbies can be great as they encourage children to dream big as there are Barbie doctors, lawyers, teachers, and more. But Barbie should not be held as a model for what a girl should look like in the future.

Children should be educated continually about nutrition and exercise to stay healthy.

Figure is not everything, but health sure is.

So whether you are pear, apple, hourglass, or banana shaped, at the end of the day as long as you are healthy, you are beautiful.

and learn how to make empanadas or experience El Día De Los Muertos firsthand at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in October.

World languages department chair Patrick Gòmez explained that the French classes go to see a film as part of an annual festival, ColCoa (City of Lights/City of Angels), and then they talk with an actor or the director of the film.

So essentially, seeing the movie fits in with their curriculum. This trip is planned months in advance so that it fits into the hectic school schedule.

Even more so, arranging a field trip for Spanish is quite difficult, as more than half of the students in a foreign language class are taking Spanish. The last Spanish field trip actually taken was a few years ago, where students went to see “Pan’s Labyrinth” in theatres, and before that, to see “La Casa de Bernada Alba” at the Bilingual Foundation for the Arts.

The department wants its classes to take learning outside the walls of the classroom, but coinciding a trip with the various classes and schedule conflicts has proved to be challenging.

While I may be advocating for a Spanish field trip, by no means am I negating the possibility for either a Chinese or Latin one, as the Chinese New Year would be a great time to celebrate the culture and there are many Chinese speakers in L.A. Additionally, Latin students used to go see ancient Greek and Roman plays at the Getty Villa four to five years ago, but lately the subject matter hasn’t been appropriate for students.

Although no Spanish field trips are scheduled this year, Gòmez assured me that even though there’s never really a good time to go, that’s definitely not a good reason not to. So hopefully, by this time next year, I’ll be the one talking about my upcoming trip for my Spanish class, but podemos esperar solamente.

ONTHEspot...

What are your thoughts on the proposed schedule for next year?

“I was amped up three weeks ago when I found out. I have a lot of clubs and next year it seems it will be harder to have club meetings. I have a sport all year and eight classes. With a shorter lunch time, I don’t know when I can have meetings.”

Macaulay Aston-Nielsen, Sophomore

“I don’t think it’s good to start school at 7:45 because kids will be really tired and especially for music classes we won’t sound as good since most people will be tired. I’d rather stay later after school for sports than come earlier.”

Alexa Lee, Sophomore “I think it’s interesting and before I criticize it, I would honestly like to see how I like it. But I am frustrated that we still have not officially been informed about the schedule and asked our opinions because it is flawed and certain aspects won’t work.”

Adiya King, Sophomore “Though I do understand they want to switch around afternoon classes so athletes don’t miss as much class, it’s really unnecessary to cut lunch time because it eliminates the class of 2013’s privilege to go off campus for lunch.”

Sammy Breen, Junior

REALIZATION

“Time” is a man made concept that tries to make sense of the reality that life does not move in a backwards direction.

And, when the time comes to graduate at Walt Disney Concert Hall in the middle of June, life will steer us in another direction.

A direction headed towards college, internships, and whatever independent activities some of us will engage in away from home.

This past senior year, I was so focused on getting to that next step – crossing the threshold – that I willfully cast aside crucial family time to hangout with friends, complete some pointless project, or try to do “everything” before senior year finished.

I can’t tell you how many times I excused myself from my family because I wanted to socialize with friends on the computer and then finish my work before 1 a.m. To be honest, I tried to balance family and everything else and it became difficult to balance it all evenly.

I guess "I was stupid the person I was 30 to think that I days ago, could always and the another majority of have my senior c o n v e r s at i o n , year, forgot have another to realize that every dinner, and have m o m e n t time to just you spend s p o n ta n e o u s ly with your another family is spark a n o t h e r conversation." moment closer to the last one; indeed, that concept of time is always creeping behind your back.

No human is immortal. We can’t overcome the test of time and we become old just like every other living thing on this earth.

I was stupid to think that I could always have another conversation, have another dinner, and have time to just spontaneously spark another conversation.

Of course, it’d be comforting to know that such interactions lasted, but the reality is that each heartbeat we take is another heartbeat closer to death.

I was lucky enough to have no awareness of the permanence of death from November 17, 1993 all the way to April 16, 2012 when I spoke to my father for the last time in my kitchen. I asked him how he was; of course, he said he was “good” because he always was. And for about 10 minutes, we conversed about basic things.

Thank God I had that last conversation.

I told him I was tired and he told me to take a nap. I listened. That was the last time I saw him alive.

In the blink of an eye, it’s the afternoon of April 17. I receive a phone call in the front of the school notifying me that my father had just passed away.

Life appropriately froze in that moment.

Our fixation with what schools we attend or what items we receive is not as important as the human connections and relationships we develop over time.

Since that awful afternoon, I’ve been hoping to see my father walk through that kitchen door one last time – not in real life - but in my dreams. It hasn’t happened yet, but for some appropriate reason, when I feel stressed, agitated, upset, or just lonely, if I close my eyes and breathe for a second, I can feel his presence in my heart.

Hopefully, that presence will last forever.

“It seems one thing has been true all along / You don’t really know what you got ‘til it’s gone,” – Fort Minor.

friday, may 11, 2012 10

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

An argument against the new schedule (and the administrative philosophy that bore it) A poll collected by The Voice on May 7 revealed that, of 108 responses, 90% of students disapprove of the proposed new schedule.

Here, one student makes his case.

“If only the students would tell us what they want!”

TuckerHiggins ‘13 staff reporter For many of us who eagerly anticipated a schedule change, the administration’s new proposal feels as though it was launched at us from another world. And, in many ways, it was.

Six people comprised the design team: principals, the assistant head of school, a coach, and the director of multiculturalism and inclusion. They worked hard to build a schedule that fit the constraints of the Conditional Use Policy and the teachers union.

What the administration didn’t do though, till faitaccompli, was talk to students or teachers (excepting those administrators on the committee who also teach). There was no feedback from anyone who has to deal with changing classes, operating or attending club meetings, scheduling extra-curricula, or waking up to get on a bus. In other words, those affected most by the new schedule have been involved least in its creation.

What could possibly go wrong?

Let’s start with the issue responsible most for instigating this brouhaha: students missing class to attend athletics.

Whether this was an issue worth redoing the schedule is open to debate (I say, earning the ire of many a G- and H-period teacher); in total, six parents complained. For the vast majority of students who managed to get along, spending time catching up on their G-period class was a price they were willing to pay in order to play sports. For many others who planned in advance, simply getting a free G-period was the solution.

With the new schedule, that free period will no longer fix the problem of missing class. Instead, with a rotating afternoon, these students will simply miss many different classes. I can see why we might pick missing many classes over missing much of the same class—but is this solution worth eliminating our erstwhile option to miss no class?

That’s a tough call. Must’ve been a good discussion, though, between the administration, athletes, and G-period teachers. Remember that meeting? No? Me neither.

The second issue is the shortened passing period.

Next year we will be losing the most central building on our campus as well as the main thoroughfare that accompanies it. What we should be doing is extending the passing period, but the new schedule reduces the alreadylimited five minutes to a scant three.

Classes won’t end any earlier, so with three minutes (at

most) to traverse the construction zone we’ll call home, the school will be a bit like an obstacle course—except, for us, the consolation prize is detention. The problem could be fixed for students if, as at other schools with three-minute passing periods, the administration also does away with tardies next year.

But that won’t happen, and even if it did, the obstacle course still wouldn’t be any more convenient for teachers.

Kitty Humphrey, president of the teachers union, said that most teachers disagree with this idea because it’ll make their jobs harder and cut into class time. (After all, do you start class when the bell rings? When the first student arrives?

The first 50 percent?) Don’t ask the union for help though: it can’t guarantee anything more than an eight-hour work day.

Maybe we should line up six parents.

The final problem I’ll address here affects club members (so, everybody) and is the greatest single oversight of the new proposal. The series of uncomfortable choices thrust on club-goers would change how—and if—clubs operate on campus.

“...Granted, administrators have asked me how they should solicit input.

Well, to start, you ask for it. From the beginning. And you provide a vehicle for the community to respond...”

First, club presidents (like me) will have to decide whether 36 minutes is enough time for a lunch meeting.

Factoring in the lunch line (10 minutes) and the eliminated passing period (five minutes), that decision is as clear as the consequence: clubs will no longer be able to meet at lunch.

Heck, we’ll hardly be able to eat at lunch.

The second dilemma then falls to club members, who will make the tough choice between attending a club meeting at 7:45 on a Friday morning and sleeping in.

(This is a “tough choice” now, while we’re fully conscious.

While semi-sentient on a Friday morning—decision time—I’m less hopeful.) Even for die-hards and earlybirds, club options will be reduced to one each week. This, in addition to limiting the potential for exploration, will kneecap new clubs and cause stronger ones to shrink and

Courtesy of Paris Baillie

distill. For members of National Honors Society or student council—our overachievers—the choice of which club to do is forgone. And members of both programs—our overest achievers—face a different problem altogether. (Though who cares about them?)

The irony is that with all of these tough choices come fewer options: for which clubs we can join, when we can participate, and how much we can accomplish. After years of commitment, many of us will have to pare down the clubs in which we’ve invested dozens, sometimes hundreds of hours.

Don’t worry though, I’m sure colleges will understand.

I could go on about different ways the new proposal snubs the needs of students and teachers, but the underlying and obvious theme is the embarrassing lack of community involvement in the first place.

Granted, in one-on-one meetings I’ve had concerning the schedule, administrators have asked me how they should solicit input. Well, to start, you ask for it. From the beginning. And you provide a vehicle for the community to respond. Otherwise, designing policy becomes a game of battleship: students and teachers wait across the divider for the administration to make what seem like random decisions, and then are forced to react, not-too-helpfully, only after policy proposals are launched across. (“B7! B8!

Rotating G-Period!”)

These conversations have led me to believe that the new proposal, with all its mishaps, is really just the symptom of a larger problem: the administration’s deafness to the concerns of our community. And though they’re wellintentioned—there is no conspiracy here—they’ve told us again and again that intent matters less than impact.

To gauge the impact of an administrative style that says: “schedule first, ask questions later,” we need look no further than the recent student government elections, in which one candidate asked in his speech: “why do we not know about anything going on on this campus?” Another asked, to applause, “if this school was designed for students, why doesn’t it feel that way?” Both of these speakers won.

Or you could look to the pages of this paper, where in our last issue we had three editorials asking for improved communication.

So the question is not, and has never been, “how do we solicit input?” The input is out there. Students and teachers want to be involved in decision-making processes. And if this new proposal shows us anything, it’s what happens when we’re not.

features 11 friday, may 11, 2012 |

y M

T

hey know your good habits and bad habits; they drive you around, know your friends, and sometimes even live with you. Some of them have known you since before you could speak. They are the nannies of Buckley.

A nanny’s daily tasks may include driving, cooking, and talking to their employers’ kids. Students also gossip with their nannies, and talk to them about their daily issues.

Despite having immigrated to America from foreign countries such as Chile, Armenia, and El Salvador, many nannies have come to know the students they work for better than anyone else.

Senior Daniel Gabbay and his siblings have known their nanny for over seven years. An Armenian native, Vartush has grown to feel like family to them.

“Although she has lived with us and we have developed a mutual friendship, there is still a boundary of respect on both sides of the relationship,” said Gabbay.

Vartush accommodates her task list to the needs of Gabbay and his siblings, which can vary between talking to them about school or cooking dinner for them.

“When we ask her to do something, she does it with so much love and she does it so willingly. So whenever she needs a favor from us, we never hesitate either,” said Gabbay.

Not only does Vartush feel like family at home with Gabbay, she also knows and cooks for his friends.

According to Gabbay, when food is brought up in discussion, his friends often mention Vartush’s cooking, especially her salads.

“Vartush is a fun person to be around, I love the smoothies she makes,” said senior Ethan Hobel.

Vartush works hard to make Gabbay’s life easier, he said. She cannot drive, but according to Gabbay, “It’s really cute because she says if she could drive, she would take us around everywhere.”

&

Nanny While some nannies like Vartush live with the family, some nannies a r e more Sayounger, like sophomantha Fett’s, and only hold the job for a while as a stepping-stone to a new career.

By Salim Chamoun

Chelsea Dobins, a UCLA student.

“Chelsea is really close to my younger sister; they play board games together all the time,” said Fett. “Whenever we come home to study and work in our rooms, she pulls out the books and studies as well.”

And then there are the nannies that have been a part of the family even longer than we have.

Daniel & Vartush

Olivia & Marcela Fett’s former nanny Jessica Manning, who worked with her family for six years, left to pursue a career in teaching.

“She felt like an older sister to me, and the funny part is she shares the same name as my older sister,” said Fett.

Now Fett’s family has a new nanny,

Me

Alan & Isabelle Senior Olivia Perez’s nanny, Marcel Esgeb from Chile, has been working for the family for 23 years.

“I’ve called her Lala since I was born because I couldn’t pronounce Marcela and it just caught on,” said Perez.

According to Perez, Esgeb has gone

above and beyond to make her families’ lives easier. Now, she is not only a nanny, but a best friend.

“Whether it was my dancing, my sister’s acting, karate, different schools, or different appointments, Lala was always there waiting in our 8-seater GMC,” said Perez.

She works Monday to Friday every week, but does not live with the family.

She cooks and cleans the house, and even surprises Perez by bringing her “boba”, a smoothie with tapioca pieces in it, after school.

“I’m determined to bring her with me to college. She’s just concerned that I won’t be able to keep my room clean,” said Perez.

Perez said that Esgeb is also known for her humor, making her friends crack up when they visit her house. But Esgeb isn’t the only comedian in the nanny world.

Maria Isabelle Lopez, (a.k.a “Iz”), an El Salvadorian native, has been working for senior Alan Osinoff ’s family for about 19 years, since before he was born.

“She feels like a second mom to me.

She knows everything about me, I love her so much,” said Osinoff.

Osinoff ’s nanny is infamous for her sass, as she often yells at his friends and him.

“Iz [Isabelle] is the funniest, sassiest woman I have met in my life. She is famous for her crazy sass,” said senior Ella Marciano.

Although the nannies are constantly working to help the families they work for, they also have their own families.

Lopez raises two of her own boys on top of Osinoff ’s family, which is why she cannot live with the family.

Vartush, Gabbay’s nanny, has not seen her son in over 10 years because he has not been able to come from Armenia to the United States due to green card conflicts.

“It’s sad that they haven’t seen each other in a long time. It makes me happy that I’m filling that void a little bit. My brother, my sister, and I try to make her feel like a mother again,” said Gabbay.

insidefeatures WOES| page 12 With pressure from teachers, advisors, coaches, and a variety of scheduling conflicts, students and teachers struggle to find the answer.

WOES | page 12

CARDENAS | page 13

CARDENAS| page 13 Iraq. Kuwait. Turkey. Guantanimo Bay. Spanish teacher Jennifer Cardenas has performed for our troops all over the world with the USO.

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

T

uesday afternoon.

Two activities. Two AP classes. Four angry taskmasters. One student.

The current schedule that’s been in place for over 20 years has forced students with afternoon classes to leave class early in order to attend a variety of extracurricular activities, including almost every sport.

Next year, the school will be introducing a new schedule with a separate athletic period after school and rotating afternoon classes, which will make it less of a problem for students who have to miss class in the afternoon to play a sport or participate in other activities.

But, the new schedule change also cuts the lunch period, a key free time during the day for students, down from 50 to 36 minutes (including passing periods).

Currently, students who want to be involved in activities and clubs that meet during lunch must negotiate with their extra-curricular advisors as they cannot be in two places at once. Junior Zach Heffner knows what it’s like trying to balance all of his responsibilities during his 50-minute lunch period.

“Today during lunch, I have a meeting with Ms. Rike for colleges, I have to be in the gym to help fix one of the systems, I’m working on the middle school play doing the lighting and stuff, and I have to meet with Ms. Fleury for an interview, and it’s just too much sometimes to handle,” said Heffner.

Students who also want to play a sport and participate in another activity that meets after school, such as play rehearsal, face a similar dilemma.

Director of theater Neil Nash generally prohibits students from participating in a theater production if they are playing a sport in the same season. However, he will sometimes make exceptions for students who play “individual sports,” such as crosscountry or swimming, if those students can strike a deal between their coaches and Nash to balance practice and rehearsal time.

“In those cases, I have found the coaches extremely accommodating and easy to work with. I have always felt that the main priority and consideration for all of us

is the well being of the student,” said Nash. “I mean, we’re all on the same team here.”

Dr. Ellen Salas, director of publications, would prefer that her yearbook and newspaper editors choose between journalism and other activities and sports that they want to have a leadership position in. That way, by making journalism a priority, they can be present at crucial production times.

“When people are disappearing day after day and we’re in production, and those people are in leadership positions, it’s very frustrating because they give up so much of the time that we need to finish the publications. I do sometimes think that if you’re taking on a major role in an activity, you should choose because you can’t be in two places at once,” said Salas.

Trying to balance a cornucopia of club meetings, activities, and other

responsibilities during a lunch period or after school is only the beginning of students’ worries however. They also have to find the time to make up their missed classwork.

Vincent Houser, performing arts department chair and orchestra teacher, finds it disruptive when students leave his class early for other activities because it interrupts class and forces students to miss practice time.

“We [faculty members] all are the biggest cheerleaders for our own particular area because that’s what we do. But, if we check the four-fold plan of the school, the arts are just as important as academics.” said Houser.

Missing class for sports and other activities also causes a variety of problems for academic teachers. A missed quiz or test can cause a labyrinth of scheduling conflicts afterward as students occasionally have to make up work in other classes as well, sometimes having only their free lunch period with which to work. On top of that, missing the nuances of a lecture, as

ON THE NEW SCHEDULE “I think the new schedule will do almost nothing, if not make it worse. We will have less time at lunch to get everything done.”

Zach Heffner junior

“We have got to make it so that if you are an athlete, you don’t get penalized during your season.”

Susan Sherman dean of students “The new schedule [will be] easier on the students.

The current H period is terrible because it puts too much pressure on the kids.”

Vincent Houser performing arts department chair “I am very excited about the change. Not having difficult classes at the end of the day, every day, should alone be helpful.“ Daniel Kelleher chemistry teacher

friday, may 11, 2012 12

compared to getting the notes afterward, can cause a student to never fully comprehend the material.

English teacher Andrew Nelson referred to the process of catching students up as “hellish.”

“I can only imagine how much stress it adds to the serious student’s life, too. But, from my point of view, I should think that making up a missed in-class essay or quiz would be easy enough to arrange,” said Nelson. “Still, the range of the excuses I hear—and trust me, their splendid creativity convinces me that some of my students would make excellent writers of fiction—is certainly entertaining and usually beyond frustrating.”

English teacher James Evans, who teaches regular, honors, and AP English courses, believes that because Buckley is a college preparatory school, and college students need to be academically eligible to participate in sports or other activities, our policies and attitudes should follow suit.

“With the four-fold plan, which in theory is actually a wonderful concept, we can say we can do it all. But realistically, if we are trying to prepare students for the colleges they want to get into, there comes a point where a GPA might not be high enough even when other activities speak volumes about a student,” said Evans.

Evans also noted that participating in an extra-curricular activity, in addition to having to make up missed work by participating in that activity, forces students to stay up late studying, keeping them from having the necessary vigor to get through the next school day. The effects of this pattern are most exacerbated in his AP Literature class, Evans said.

Playing on a varsity sports team, with the current schedule, can mean missing three classes of the same subject per week multiple times in a trimester. For sports that require lengthy travel or have early matches, it can mean missing G period, H period, and sometimes part of F period on a regular basis.

Susan Sherman, who has been coaching boys tennis for 26 years and girls tennis for six years, has been one of the primary recipients of complaints about students who miss class for sports because tennis players leave earlier more often than other athletes due to the fact that they must play off campus every match.

This issue only gets worse as the season continues and playoffs begin, forcing the team to miss hours of the school day in order to travel long distances.

Sherman, however as the dean of students, also acts as a disciplinary figure for her tennis players. If they aren’t getting their work done, they get pulled from the lineup.

“It hurts them and it hurts us big time,” she said.

13 friday, may 11, 2012

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

g.i. jen

Photos Couresy of Jennifer Cardenas

SERVE: (Left) Jennifer Cardienas holds the flag as she disembarks in Kuwait.(Top Right) Cardenas meets troops after a performance in Kuwait. (Above) Cardenas sits strapped in a Blackhawk helicopter en route to a base in Iraq. (Bottom Right) Cardenas gives two thumbs up while on a plane to Balad, Iraq.

NatalyaSands ‘14 staff reporter Most Spanish students at Buckley only know world languages teacher Jennifer Cardenas as their teacher and mentor. What they don’t know is that prior to teaching, Cardenas toured the world as a singer and entertainer with the United Service Organization (USO).

She began her training at the age of 3, studied music in her high-school choir and theatre arts at the University of North Texas and La Universitat de Valencia. At 18, she transitioned into singing professionally and began touring around the world.

Cardenas sang with two Olivia Perez The Student Voice bands and volunteered with several USO tours to entertain US troops serving overseas. As a private non-profit organization, the USO relies heavily on volunteers of all backgrounds. Before being accepted into the organization, one can submit a Volunteer Interest Form. There is a background check, criminal record check, and a mental health evaluation.

After graduating, Cardenas was approached by several

USO agents and her band mates to join the tour. They eagerly seized the opportunity.

“I love my country, and I am proud to be from the United States. I respect those willing to fight for our freedom and integrity. It was the least I could do to give back to those individuals and serve how I could.

We wanted to go to show our support and do whatever we could to bring a little bit of home to them,” said Cardenas.

Cardenas’ first trip was in 2003 and over the next two years she served four more times. Her travels took her to locations such as Honduras, Puerto Rico, Egypt, Turkey, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Bosnia, Sarajevo, Kuwait and Iraq.

Although the bands were often booked for only one night because they stayed on the military bases, Cardenas met many soldiers of all ages and backgrounds.

“We had a lot of interactions with the troops.

Depending on the size of the base, I stayed in the women’s barracks or in private trailers they had for visitors. We always ate in the mess halls with the soldiers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Typically there was a team of troops assigned to us as guides and protection detail. In Iraq, we were not allowed off

the bases for obvious reasons, but in other locations, they gave us tours of the cities and countryside,” said Cardenas.

Although these military bases look like typical suburbs in the United States with families, schools, houses, and even McDonald’s, remarkably they also function as maximum-security prisons. According to Cardenas, although the heightened security near the facility gave the atmosphere a dark and unsettling feel, she remained unfazed as, she says, “my job there was to perform for the troops.”

Cardenas has not been on a tour for the troops since 2005, one year before she started teaching at Buckley. She still recalls the experience as one of the most important things she has ever done.

“I felt proud. They were all so grateful and surprised that we would come perform for them. They forgot where they were for a little while and wanted to talk to all of us about home, about anything really,” said Cardenas.

Today the USO entertains and boosts morale in over 146 locations around the world. The program remains one of the premiere opportunities for artists of all backgrounds to contribute to and support the US troops.

14

The Stud

May 11

body image und

W

boys, girls, and image

weight and body shape, while girls judge boys more on their faces. The junior added that she has heard boys in her grade talk about the appearance of girls, some of whom she knows personally, as “disgusting.” image.

“Girls judge just as much as boys do, but As students become more aware of their bodies, they become aware of their peers’ they talk about it less intensely. Boys are— bodies, then aware of the fact that their peers’ how to put it nicely—more outspoken,” she said. “When I hang out with some of the boys are constantly judging their bodies.

“It’s a vicious cycle with no end in sight,” in my grade, they talk about [girls’ bodies], said senior Chris Simmons. “As much as but they say they do it in a ‘joking’ way. everyone judges everyone else’s body, it’s Sometimes, they say it about my friends and worse the way some people worry about their I’m like ‘I’m right here. At least wait until I’m not around’.’ own bodies.”

Although some boys will admit to this When it comes to judging the opposite sex based on body image, boys and girls disagree behavior, most boys believe that they also take personality and other factors into account. about how this judgment occurs.

Junior Ben Beatty said that most boys One junior girl said she believes boys sometimes tend to judge girls based on their who speak blatantly about girls’ appearances hether it’s boys or girls, seniors or freshmen, runners or couch potatoes, all teens are conscious of their own body

“ “

are actually “joking,” and does not believe it is an issue. He did say, however, that students can earn reputations based on their level of affluence.

“The biggest divider in the student body is money. If you’re poor, people notice you and people judge you. It’s just true,” said Beatty.

In addition to affluence, many students agree that the Buckley environment, where the student body is more physically fit on the whole than most teens across the nation, puts pressure on students to spend time enhancing their body image.

“Public schools don’t really enforce the P.E. requirement as much as Buckley does.

And now with all this focus on sports teams and competitive athletics, there’s a lot of pressure on students to be fit,” said sophomore Sam Bierman.

It’s hard to be a young girl because you’re always comparing yourself and always feeling like others are Madeline Baldi ‘13 comparing.

“ “

I could work out every day, but I just don’t really care.

Ashton Nahai ‘13

}

1/3

of girls have a distorted idea about their weight

}

dent Voice

1, 2012

dressed

}

By James Bernstein ‘14 Shilpa Mantri ‘13 & Meher Singh ‘14

78%

of girls are unhappy with their bodies by age 17

22%

of female college students diet often

% girls who dislike their bodies % girls who diet often

disorders and diets

W

hile some liquid diets have nutritional value, many are devoid of the daily recommended nutrients. A liquid diet may not provide the needed nutrients to maintain adequate energy levels in most individuals. Short-term weight loss can be achieved, but when liquids such as protein shakes are eventually eliminated from the diet, pounds tend to be regained.

Body image can easily become an obsession for young people. Exercising can become compulsive, particularly for teens. Many teens have unrealistic expectations, which can lead to stress, pressure and eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. In addition, over-exercising can lead to injuries such as fractures and muscle strains.

Anorexia nervosa is a teen eating disorder in which the victim is afraid that she or he is too fat. There is a seri-

91%

of college-age women have attempted to control their weight with dieting

}

ous body image issue associated with anorexia nervosa, in that the person really believes that there is a need to lose weight.

Bulimia nervosa is another teen eating disorder in which teens may binge and then purge. This is a process in which they eat a great deal, and then later use laxatives or vomiting to void the body of the caloric intake.

Sometimes out of control exercising is used to make up for the overeating.

5’11”

and 117 pounds is the average height and weight of American models

5’4”

and 140 pounds is the average height and weight of American women

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15

arts & entertainment 16 friday, may 11, 2012 |

insidearts&entertainment

houser Alice Breidenbach The Student Voice

dance Natasha Super The Buckley School

boy crazy

Creative Commons

dance | page 20 High school dancers perform in the annual Spring Dance Festival themed “Renovation & Innovation.” houser| page 21 Editor-in-chief Andrew Davis profiles performing arts department chair Vincent Houser, an integral part of our community for 32 years.

boy crazy | page 19 A&E editor Alice Breidenbach reports on the recent resurgance of boy band popularity. lightspeed

diego Courtesy of Diego Claire

Elle Wisnicki The Student Voice

lightspeed | page 17 Five students recently assembled a new alternative rock band: Lightspeed.

Diego| page 17 Diego Clare ‘09 released his sophomore album, continuing a music career he began at Buckley. heritage| page 18 Members of the choir, band and orchestra prepare for the upcoming Heritage Music Festival in San Francisco.

heritage

hillstone Alice Breidenbach The Student Voice

Courtesy of Hillstone Restaraunt

hillstone| page 22 Staff reporter Daniel Gabbay reviews the new Santa Monica restaurant, Hillstone.

a&eevents

MOVIE: Dark Shadows May 11

MOVIE: What to Expect When You’re Expecting May 18

MOVIE: The Dictator May 16

CONCERT: KIIS FM’s Wango Tango Pop Festival 2012 At: Home Depot Center May 12

CONCERT: Lana Del Rey At: El Rey Theatre June 3, 4, 5

MUSEUM EXHIBIT: Rebel At: MOCA Through: June 23

17 friday, may 11, 2012

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

Lightspeed chases their their “dream” MarkCook‘12 a&e editor hat is the dream.

“To play on the outdoor stage at Coachella,” said senior Andrew Saltman.

“Hopefully we can make that a reality in the long term, but in the near future our short term goal is to get the EP out and hopefully get some sort of a following,” said Saltman.

Lightspeed is an indie alternative band with Saltman on vocals, piano, and synthesizer, senior Alexander Silverman on the drums, senior Frankie Clarke and freshman Calum Watson on guitar, and senior Brandon Wong on bass.

“After Port Estella[their previous group] disbanded, Andrew and I discussed creating a band together. For a while it was just the two of us,” said Silverman. “We eventually contacted Calum and we had a first official

T

Lightspeed concert as a trio.”

Saltman and Silverman also saw the need for a bassist and another guitarist.

That is where Clarke and Wong came into the picture.

“After some time, we convinced Brandon to take up the bass and after that we asked Frankie to come and be our second guitarist.

Once they became a part of the group our sound became that much more rich and full,” said Silverman.

From the perspective of the only freshman, and nonsenior in the group, Watson did not find the lack of experience intimidating, but rather found new friendships in his band mates.

“It has been a really exciting experience being the only freshman in the band.

It hasn’t been intimidating or anything whatsoever,” said Watson. “If anything, it has been really nice getting to know a lot of the older

Jonathan Friedman The Student Voice

LIGHTSPEED: (Above) Lightspeed rehearses some new songs; (left) co-founder and lead vocalist, senior Andrew Saltman belts one of Lightspeed’s tunes at a recent fundraising gig.

Elle Wisnicki The Student Voice

Upper School students, going to shows, and being a part of it. [Being in Lightspeed] let me make some re-

ally good ties with some of the older kids. They are all great musicians, and I love playing with them. It has

been a great experience.”

Band practice occurs in Silverman’s grandparents’ home studio, which used to be Pat Benatars old studio, and also in Clarke’s home studio.

The group has played at parties, but Lightspeed is looking to play at major venues in Hollywood this summer.

“We have a bunch of originals that I have written but we only do four of them in concert so far.

We have loads of covers we know and learn new ones for shows depending on what kind of show it is,” said Saltman.

The future of Lightspeed seems to be growing dimmer as four of the five members leave for college this fall.

But, despite their upcomming departures, both Saltman and Silverman believe that Lightspeed will stay alive.

“Since most of us are going off to college we are going to try to collaborate and play shows when we are all back in LA,” said Saltman.

“Since Alexander and I will only be 250 miles apart we are planning to meet once a month to play together with kids we meet in college and hopefully play shows in New York City and Syracuse,” Saltman explained.

But focusing on the immediate future, the band is working to release their newest EP Made in the Valley, which should be finished by the end of May. “The future looks very promising for the band.

Lightspeed will continue through college and we are currently recording an EP that will change the face of modern music,” said Silverman. “We are really excited about it and hope that everyone will take a listen.”

Diego Clare ‘09 releases sophomore album MarkCook‘12 a&e editor You have heard his voice blasting from the Pavilion stage, electrifying the audience of the Roxy, and warming the hearts of fans through the radio.

Diego Clare ’09 has been hitting the recording studio as an independent artist.

Clare’s first album Even Now (Part One), came out in December of 2010.

His second album, Even Now (Part Two), was officially released in January. Both albums were released under his own name, Diego Clare.

“Both albums were inspired by a John Steinbeck book I read in Mrs. Booth’s class, called Cannery Row. ‘Even Now’ is actually the first line to each stanza of a poem called ‘Black Marigolds,’ which Steinbeck quotes at the end of his book,” said Clare.

Clare released the album virally using online distribution company, Topspin. All the music is available through his website, where he hosts free direct to fan streaming and downloading, thus providing a way to aggregate fan emails and create a home base online.

“Releasing both this album and the last has been really amazing,” said Clare. “Just to have the opportunity to record professionally and to put out my own work is all I can ask for.”

With the release of a few music videos to accompany his new album, Clare has received feedback regarding individualized songs and the album as a whole.

“I’ve heard good reviews from friends and family, but this release is sort of a pre-emotive move,” said Clare. “As soon as the album was finished we put it up for our audience, but we’re also in the process of trying to expand that audience right now. I think we have a few more things to do before we see that start to happen.”

Clare is not signed to a label, but is represented by Arlook Group Music, an artist management company started by Buckley parent, Richard Arlook. He and Clare’s producer, Gary Gold, co-manage Clare, and oversee a small team of people who help them with everything from production to creating an online infrastructure.

Looking back on his Buckley career, Clare said he

“Both albums were inspired by a John Steinbeck book I read in Mrs. Booth’s class, called Cannery Row. ‘Even Now’ is actually the first line to each stanza of a poem called ‘Black Marigolds,’ which Steinbeck quotes at the end of his book” DIEGO CLARE appreciates the experience his high school band, The Limetree Warehouse provided him.

“Limetree was a huge stepping stone for me. This project stemmed entirely out of that experience,” said Clare.

He reminisced of fellow music-lover Ethan Arlook ’10, the two of which had been playing together since Clare was 14, and decided to start Limetree Warehouse only a year or so later.

“By my senior year, we had nine band members, Richard had become my manager and brought along Gary, who produced our EP “Welcome,” which featured five of our songs,” said Clare. “I remember that was also the first time I was ever in a studio setting, and I had been playing and writing more frequently than I ever had before.”

Clare is attending the New School for Liberal Arts in New York and does not have a band to support him but he has been playing some acoustic events, and is hoping he will be able to perform shows with the full band come summer.

PERFORMER : (Clockwise from top) Clare performs with his high school band Limetree Warehouse at the ROXY; Clare takes the stage as a senior in a one act scene presented by the International Thespian Society club; Clare, more recently, at his piano; Clare performs a monologue as a cast member in The Laramie Project; Clare belts a song behind the keyboards while performing at the ROXY.

Photos courtesy of The Student Voice

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

High School students join Middle School in The Beatles Slept Here

Lauren Halperin The Student Voice

THE BEATLES: (From left to right) Junior Ben Beatty and seniors Michael Cook, Michael Vanhal and Mark Cook perform in the May 4 Middle School production.

DanielGabbay‘12 the two assistant directors, copy editor sophomore Katrina Cymerman here are no small and sophomore Sibella Dowad, parts, only small also performed in the play. actors…and a few “We didn’t have enough high school students guys audition for the play. We as well. cast everyone that auditioned This year’s Middle School and because of the conflicts of play, The Beatles Slept Here, hit the rehearsal and after school athletics stage May 3 and 4, and consisted for the middle schoolers, we just of a cast of Middle School students didn’t have enough guys. At that as well as six Upper School student point we were so far in that we actors. ultimately decided that it would be In addition to high school best to have the high schoolers join performers junior Ben Beatty the cast,” said theater director Neil and seniors Michael Cook, Mark Nash.

Not only did the younger Cook, and Michael Vanhal,

T

performers enjoy the older boys’ presence in the show, but the high school students were happy to be back on stage after having participated in the fall musical South Pacific.

“It was so great being back on stage. We all had so much fun and I really felt that the middle schoolers were excited to put on this show and to make it great. It was a blast,” said Vanhal.

Initially, Nash was concerned with mixing extremes; seniors and sixth graders performing together, in addition to schedule conflicts, but the relationship proved to be amicable, and scheduling worked out well.

“When Mr. Nash asked me to join the play, I of course was excited to join the cast and to help him out.

I was worried it might overload my schedule with monotones and school work, but luckily we worked out the scheduling in a way that I could go to monotones and to play rehearsal. All together the whole experience was really fun,” said Michael Cook.

Nash was delighted with the end result and appreciated the high school boys for stepping up and positively influencing the middle schoolers.

“It challenged [the middle schoolers], it motivated them, it excited them, and it made them feel worthy,” said Nash.

friday, may 11, 2012 18

Musicians prep for Heritage Festival ClaireSelvin‘13 assistant editor All 115 members of the concert choir, orchestra, and band, will travel by bus to San Francisco from May 25 to 28 for the annual Heritage Festival to perform before judges and compete against 35 other schools.

The festival extends an extra day than in previous years, ending on May 28. As a result, the price for students to attend is slightly higher, at $720.

“The price fluctuates because of the location. It is more than the San Diego trip but certainly less than when we went to Chicago,” said performing arts department chair Vincent Houser.

Houser said the price includes several tourism excursions,

lodging, and transportation for students.

After performances at Heritage, students will participate in clinics in which the judges critique and advise different aspects of the students’ performance.

“What I really like about this is that the students get to work with a conductor other than me and get some constructive feedback,” said director of choral activities John Hendricks.

Hendricks said Heritage brings focus to and raises the “artistry” of the performers.

“The most helpful part of the festival is when one of the judges comes on stage and gives us advice on the music we just played, ultimately helping us improve each and every year,” he said.

Alice Breidenbach The Student Voice

PRACTICE: The Upper School Concert Choir rehearses for the upcoming Heritage Festival.

19 friday, may 11, 2012

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

The boys are back They have captured the hearts of teenage fans everywhere, just as their photos and posters have consumed teens’ bedroom walls and lockers. They are played constantly on the radio and appear ubiquitously on TV. They’re prone to drawing joyous tears and screams of desperation from their admirers.

A new wave of boy bands has arrived.

And beware...They sing, they dance, and they’re completely charming.

Creative Commons

AliceBreidenbach‘12 a&e editor In less than a minute the all male U.K. pop sensation One Direction sold out Madison Square Garden (the third busiest music venue in the world) for their upcoming tour, setting a record for the fastest sellout in Garden history.

And in doing so, One Direction solidified another fact: boy bands are back, baby.

Joining One Direction in the recent boy band fad are the U.K. men of The Wanted and the American foursome Big Time Rush.

However, One Direction is a clear favorite among most students. With their wholesome image, British accents, and sweetly romantic lyrics the five members of One Direction seem to have captured many fans around campus.

“I love One Direction,” said seventh grader Kimia Parvaresh. “They pick really good stuff to write about and it can really connect to young teens. I think that’s why a lot of us really enjoy their music. It’s really relatable and who wouldn’t want a guy to sing about you.”

Other students, like freshman Makhye Cannon, may not be avid fans but enjoy Direction’s upbeat melodies. “[One Direction’s] music is really catchy. They sound pretty good,” said Cannon. “But I don’t have any posters or bracelets or anything like that.”

But not all students are members of the Direction fan club. One anonymous senior boy questions their “music.”

“I don’t care for [One Direction’s music],” said the student. “It’s not real music.

It’s just bits of other people ideas glued together to form

a catchy choruses that people can hum to.”

Junior and One Direction fan Maddie Meltzer admits that Direction’s music is not particularly inspired, but that it is not the reason that she is a fan of the group. “[One Direction isn’t] that good. They’re cute. My favorites are Harry, Louis and Liam,” admitted Meltzer. “The songs are really catchy and get stuck in my head a lot.”

One Direction’s appeal does not necessitate innovative, outstanding music.

As Youthbeat, an “encyclopedic view of youth marketing,” asserts, the popularity of pop boy bands in fact relies on a sugary sweet image and lyrics. Thusly, bands appear unintimidating and endearing to young fans, who see in the band’s members an offer for tempting romance on an approachable, harmless level (that parents can be a fan of as well).

And good looks and British accents certainly don’t hurt.

But the road to boy band fame is littered with familiar names, the likes of: The Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, New Kids on the Block, 98 Degrees, and, more recently, The Jonas Brothers.

“Thinking about all the boy bands out there or other bands. You know, Justin Bieber. Is he as famous as he was three years ago?

Or the Jonas Brothers from a couple years back. Do we really think about them now?” asked Parvaresh. “I think [One Direction] will be really famous for a couple more years because girls my age really, really like their music right now. But I think in a couple more years, they won’t be as popular as they are now because every year Simon Cowell or whoever

Record breakers:

1 2 3

One Direction is the first U.K.

group to have its first album debut at #1 in the U.S.

The Wanted have become the

highest charting UK boy band ever in the U.S. (as of March 2nd, 2012).

Creative Commons

One Direction broke a world

record for having their debut single “What Makes You Beautiful” debut at #2 – on pre-orders only. The former highest British debut was the Spice Girls’ Spice, who started at #6, in 1997.

Creative Commons

4

One Direction grossed the

highest amount of pre-order sales for Sony Music in the company’s history history.

5

The Wanted’s Glad You Came”

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became the first debut single to top the U.S. airplay chart since Hanson’s “MMMBop” in 1997.

6

One Direction’s recent ap-

pereance on The Today Show drew more fans than any celebrity appearance has ever attracted to the show.

Creative Commons

BOY CRAZY: (Top to bottom) One Direction greets their fans during a rendition of their hit, “What Makes You Beautiful,” at the 2012 Kids Choice Awards; The Wanted pose for a group photo in New York City; One Direction during a concert in Sydney, Australia; Big Time Rush on the red carpet. will sign someone else.”

Meltzer, once a big fan of the Jonas Brothers, shared a similarly balanced perspective.

“Yeah, I was a huge fan of the Jonas Brothers. I’m a bigger fan of One Direction, but I used to be obsessed

with the Jonas Brothers,” said Meltzer. “No, [One Direction] probably won’t last that long.”

Well, we’ll see how long they last.

But, until then, good luck getting a ticket to their upcoming sold-out tour.

7

Big Time Rush set the record

for Nickelodeon’s highest-rated liveaction debut with the pilot of their TV show in 2010.

8

One Direction released their album a week early, after receiving such an impassioned outcry from impatient fans.

friday, may 11, 2012 20

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

Renovation&Innovation The Spring Dance Festival

opening TaraBitran‘14 assistant a&e editor Playing on the construction on campus, the dance concert showcased the theme of “Renovation & Innovation” performances on April 20 and 21.

“We have been undergoing major renovations on campus for some time now, and that has affected us all. Dance is all about renovating and innovating around concepts, movement genres, music artists, and other inspiration – so the theme just seemed perfect for this year,” said dance teacher Laura Bamford.

Of the 21 dances, half were choreographed by students ranging from sophomores to seniors, a feat applauded by Bamford and dance teacher, Ralinda Watts.

“I have always wanted to choreograph a dance about

growing up from one stage of life to the next to, ‘Cosmic Love’ by Florence + the Machine, and this year’s theme of ‘Renovation & Innovation’ seemed to fit so well,” said junior Michaela Murphy, whose dance, “The Age of Innocence” featured the Dance 4 class.

Though the finale was planned to honor the music of Whitney Houston, Bamford and Watts decided to go with “Turn Up the Music” by Chris Brown, an upbeat piece that allowed the dancers to “let loose.”

All who were involved with the show, from dancers to crewmembers, seemed to enjoy the experience of working on the concert.

“Being a part of the dance show was so much fun. It’s one of the more exciting productions to work on at Buckley and it is a lot of fun to be up in the booth watching the show.

It’s a nice feeling to know that you are somewhat controlling the show as a crew member,” said junior and sound board operator Emily Irani.

Looking ahead to next year’s production, the department anticipates that the larger performance space in the Academic and Performing Arts Building will enhance their practices.

“Having a large, state-of-the-art space in which to teach dance will allow us to grow the curriculum in new ways.

Also, having a space that is as large as our stage in which to dance and rehearse will have a huge impact on how we prepare for the concerts. We will be able to stage things more effectively and prepare our show more efficiently. We cannot wait to start dancing in the new dance room,” said Bamford.

opening: Members of Dance 3 perform junior Paris Baillie’s I Stand Alone as the opening number of the dance festival. suspended: Junior Michaela Murphy hangs, suspended above the stage during Dance 4’s performance of Off the Wall.

suspended

heartthrob: Freshman Maurice Roberson breaks it down in Dance 1’s, Wild Heart. fade out: Dance 5 members strike a pose to end senior Julia Zukin’s dance, Habanera. spotlight: Members of Dance 3 performUnbound, a number choreographed by juniors Carly AchermanCanning and Jordan Neely.

reach

garden: The 8th grade advanced dance class performs the singular middle school number in the Festival: The Garden.

heartthrob

pose: Sophomore Liliana Wilcockson strikes an arabesque behind fellow sophomore Rebecca Freed in Dance 5’s Dreams. angle: (From left to right) Seniors Jesse Light, Grace Cartwright and Julia Zukin in Light’s dance Echoes of Silence.

angle

reach: (From left to right) Freshman Sukhmani Kaur, freshman Katherine Herzer-Hansel, and sophomore Katrina Cymerman extend upward in Dance 2’s Angels and Demons.

Photos courtesy of Natsha Super The Buckley School

pose

fade out

spotlight

garden

21 friday, may 11, 2012

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

AnDREWDAvIS '12

The Music Man A teacher, musician, member of the school community since 1980, and a true gentleman, performing arts department chair Vincent Houser is more to us all than just an orchestra teacher.

I

“

have loved his class ever since I joined orchestra in the fourth grade. You know he’s an excellent orchestra teacher when you can love his class for nine consecutive years. I have grown so much as a violinist in those nine years and it’s all because of one enthusiastic and dedicated man” said violinist, senior Cyrus Nury.

When cellist, senior Michael Vanhal was asked what he thinks about performing arts department chair Vincent Houser, a smile came across his face.

“He’s the best. I wouldn’t call myself the most ‘serious’ person in any class and I definitely think his sense of humor engages myself and the class. Houser makes me look forward to Monday mornings. Not because I have an A.P. Government and Politics test the next period, but because I get to play some amazing music on my cello,” said Vanhal.

As an orchestra teacher for 32 consecutive years, Houser has been a part of this community longer than all but two faculty members. Houser has carried the performing arts department to new heights as department chair for 28 years.

And while only a few teachers have had the privilege of teaching the same students throughout high school, Houser has had the privilege extend from fourth grade cuteness all the way to mature high school seniors.

“It’s fantastic [watching the growth of students]. I get to see people grow up and in some instances [students become] friends for life. Not everyone has to become a friend of Vince Houser, but it’s a natural thing to get to know a person that way because you’ve known them since the fourth grade,” said Houser.

Houser said that new music and a variation of concert styles are two educational techniques he uses to keep students engaged with chamber orchestra.

And although music groups did not attend Heritage Festivals from 19942005, Houser believes the annual Heritage trip (from 2005 to present) provides students an opportunity to take their talents outside of Sherman Oaks.

While much of the “new” has been implemented through Houser’s involvement in the performing arts areas of the Academic and Performing Arts building

opening this fall, Houser feels fortunate to have known Dr. Isabelle Buckley on a personal level.

“I like what she stood for, I like the school, I like what the school stands for – it’s very comfortable here and I like some of the new hirings as far as administrators. It keeps becoming a better school and I genuinely like my job,” said Houser.

When violinist, senior Brandon Wong, was asked to compare Houser’s enthusiasm to other teachers in the classroom, his response was very simple.

“If you can teach orchestra for 32 years and manage to be on time to class each and every morning, then you’re doing something right. I wish I knew what Houser was putting in his coffee because he brings the same passion and energy to the classroom, to Heritage Festivals, and even to Advanced String rehearsals after school,” said Wong.

And while Houser’s impact on orchestra is clear and present, as performing arts chair, Houser has responsibilities that resonate far beyond the strings.

“I overlook performing arts meetings for the school, agendas, game plans – it’s pretty tough. It’s a long day, seven [a.m.] to seven [p.m.],” said Houser.

While Houser’s involvement is extensive, he gives much credit and appreciation to his performing arts department staff.

“I hired them [staff, teachers] to do the job and they have finished the job by building the programs they have. Bamford is great. Hendricks has built the choral program, Nash has really built the theatre program, and Rollman has been terrific as well,” said Houser.

Houser credits his staff with the extensive development of the theatre, choir, and dance departments. Additionally, Houser believes that his latest appointment, band teacher Thomas Marino, is the man to lead “the program to grow.”

“He’s [Marino] a hot ticket. He plays in my band outside of school and really loves kids too,” said Houser.

While Houser is proud of most areas of the performing arts department, he believes that the school needs a theater to benefit both the performing arts and athletic department.

When Houser has free time on weekends, he leads and plays with his

“It’s fantastic [watching the growth of students]. I get to see people grow up and in some instances [students become] friends for life. Not everyone has to become a friend of Vince Houser, but it’s a natural thing to get to know a person that way because you’ve known them since the fourth grade.”

VINCENT HOUSER

Performing Arts Department Chair

band, Art Deco Society Orchestra, a “big band” in the tradition of those of the 1930s and 40s.

“We perform everywhere. The Huntington Museum in Pasadena, LACMA, weddings, and parties – we do all sorts of great events in different cities in the country as well. We play 30’s and 40’s but mostly rock because that’s what people want [to hear]. We even played at the Governor’s Party for the Oscars [a few years back],” said Houser.

This summer, Houser will be taking his musical passion overseas to study the music of the Roma (Gypsies) in the cities of Berlin, Cacao, and Budapest. He added that he looks forward to learning an additional foreign music style.

“I’m going for about five to six weeks – the whole purpose is bringing it [music, culture] back to Buckley. I’m going to do a culture concert about [the Gypsies], introduce their music in my classes,” Houser.

friday, may 11, 2012 22

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

reviews

tastetest DANIELGABBAY‘12

Hillstone offers tasty food with beach setting

AMBIANCE: (Above) A view of Hillstone Restaurant’s exterior from Wilshire Boulevard. (Left) An interior view of the restaurant .

soundoff ClaireSelvin '13 Looking for a varied summer playlist that fits the carefree mood of warm late nights, and sleeping in every morning? Look no further.

This playlist combines the best of alternative and pop songs that exemplify the breezy summer mood. From the bouncy beats of “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall,” “So Good” to the mellow strums of “Carolina,” each song on the playlist represents the light-hearted fun that fills summer days.

“Lost in My Mind,” by The Head and the Heart, is a new favorite of mine; it’s also perfect

1

for summer traveling with its almost epic instrumentals that build upon themselves. If you want a more upbeat tune, “Hello” by Martin Solveig & Dragonette offers a foot-tapping beat that will lift your spirits. Similarly, “Good Life” describes the life of a jetsetter, perfect for long plane rides or even car trips. Finally, if you’re staying at home, “The Summer” by Coconut Records, an unknown treasure, is a great fit for your personal playlist. The song’s soft melody epitomizes the lazy days of sleeping in and relaxing.

2 aint no rest for the wicked cage the elephant

Changing Airborne Toxic Event Attention beach lovers who crave good food with a trendy, sophisticated atmosphere: you have found your place. Hillstone Restaurant located in Santa Monica, one block from the Pacific Ocean, is the perfect summer destination to enjoy contemporary American dishes.

“I always enjoy going to Hillstone because, not only is the food great, but the fact that it’s so close to the beach makes the setting even more enjoyable,” said senior Brian Ghassemieh.

Not only is Hillstone walking distance from the beach and the Santa Monica Pier, but its corner location makes guests feel immersed in the city and its liveliness. Its outdoor-seating patio, which rests under strings of lights and heaters, is perfect for people who seek a chic summer dining experience.

As you walk into the restaurant, you feel instantly welcomed by the Hillstone’s staff. For tourists and locals alike, the high-energy environment begins at the entrance with the bar, host station, and fireplace intricately detailed— as is the entire 180-seat restaurant—with rich materials, such a brick, wood, leather, cork, glass, and steel. Hillstone’s hospitality is only a side-dish compared to the restaurant’s beautiful architec-

ture and appearance. The robust steel-framed structure is exposed throughout the entire restaurant while the glass skin provides street and ocean views, as well as a beautiful inner glow at night. Day or night, Hillstone would be an ideal spot for larger groups.

Of course, the indoor and outdoor seating contribute to Hillstone’s appeal, but the food makes the restaurant a fine dining destination: it’s variety of dishes range from the Spicy Tuna Roll to the California Hamburger. The true standout dish that will surely leave your taste buds buzzing is the Spinach Artichoke Dip. Its savory mix of cheese, spinach, artichoke, and seasoning serves as the ideal appetizer that embodies California’s casual-sophistication in one plate.

“I love Hillstone because they have so many dishes to choose from. I never get tired of the food.

But the spinach dip is a reason alone to go back,” said freshman Kayla Levy.

With its classy appearance, entertaining location, and delectable dishes, Hillstone successfully “serves” as the ultimate summer dining destination.

Reservations are recommended considering how busy and popular Hillstone gets.

Hillstone Restaurant

3 every teardrop is a waterfall coldplay

5

(none)

just plain bad edible good quite good excellent

Ratings reflect the reviewer’s reaction to food, ambiance and service, with price taken into consideration. Menu listings and prices are subject to change.

the summer coconut records

6 sloom of monsters and men

7

202 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401

atmosphere: trendy, comfotable, easygoing but hip recommended dishes: spinach artichoke dip & california burger service: top-notch price range: pizzas start at $5, but $9 is the average price hours: 7 days a week till 2 a.m.

4

so good b.o.b.

8 Carolina Benjamin Gibbard

Lovely cup grouplove

10

9 lost in my mind the head and the heart

hello Martin Solveig & dragonette

sports 23 friday, may 11, 2012 |

Squad faces 10th seeded Paramount today in second round of CIF playoffs After defeating Alhambra 14-4 on May 9, team looks carries momentum into matchup against Pirates.

ElleWisnicki‘13 assistant editor After beating Alhambra 14-4 in the first round of CIF-play May 9, the Griffins travel to Paramount today for the second round of playoffs.

“Our goal like every year in CIF is to go all the way, and we have been preparing for CIF since day one,” said captain, junior Blake Resnikoff. “Coach Sherman scheduled tough matches against big schools in order to get us ready, and even if we lost, we came out knowing what we need to work to compete with the top teams in CIF.” The team finished second in Liberty League, with a record of 6-2 (10-4 overall).

“We need to keep working on our fitness in order to outlast our opponents, as playing long and tough matches can be hard in the heat,” said Resnikoff.

The first round of CIF-play was May 8, but the team played May 9 because they were in second place in league giving them a pass for round one. The Griffins will have the chance to compete in five rounds after that.

“Playing tennis is a great way to relieve the stress of [Advanced Placement Exams],” said head coach Sue Sherman.

In Liberty League, the Griffins were undefeated except to rival Viewpoint who is number one in Division IV. “We are changing things up for CIF, and we do not want to reveal our strategies,” said Sherman.

The team tied Pasadena Poly May 4 in a non-league match to get ready for CIF. “We win and lose as a team and that really helps us play better together, not only in doubles but in singles as well,” said Resnikoff.

The Griffins lost to Viewpoint, 7-11 April 25. They lost every singles match, but were strong in doubles.

“In doubles, our entire team has worked on playing together, and finishing points off at the net.

We need to continue working on finishing the points in both doubles and singles, and be confident with all of our shots,” said Resnikoff.

The team strategy was to stack in doubles because all of Viewpoint’s singles players are ranked in the state. The doubles

players won seven out of nine games.

“It was the right move to stack in doubles. When we are playing against teams that have ranked players we have to strategize through the avenue of winning in doubles. When the other team is so top heavy, we just have to adjust,” said Sherman.

Missing freshman singles player Spencer Schifino and senior doubles player Thomas Cho on April 20, the team also lost 5-13 to Viewpoint April 20.

“The doubles teams played better in our rematch against Viewpoint, said Sherman. “The singles didn’t step up, although it is kind of hard to tell because of how high the Viewpoint players are ranked. We are limited as to what we can do.”

The team beat New Community Jewish High School April 24, 16-2.

“We are finally understanding what it is to be a tennis team,” said captain, senior Daniel Azadegan.

“What happens on one court affects what happens on the next court.”

Against New Community Jewish, in doubles, in seven out of nine sets the pairs shutout their opponents 6-0. In singles, both sophomore Billy Wilson and Schifino beat their opponents by at least five games.

The Griffins had back-to-back wins, defeating Yeshiva 17-1 April 18, and Oakwood won 16-2 April 17. They also beat Oakwood April 10.

“We have a really great team this year and have been playing really well this season, so we know that we have what it takes to make it far in CIF,” said Resnikoff.

Courtesy of Sue Sherman

FOLLOW YOUR SHOT: Senior Brandon Afari follows through during a match against Viewpoint. The Griffins lost, 5-13.

Resnikoff attributes the team’s winning attitude to their close-knit group.

“We came together more than ever after losing one of our teammates, and brothers, Steven Yampolsky. We got through the hard times together and continued to play hard for him every single match,” said Resnikoff, a friend and classmate of Yampolsky.

The team not only looks to each other but also to Sherman for

SCOREBOARD BOys VARSITY TENNIS

11-4-1

Courtesy of Sue Sherman

FOREHAND: Sophomore Billy Wilson readies his forehand and swings towards the ball against Viewpoint April 20.

team record

alhambra pasadena poly viewpoint new community jewish viewpoint yeshiva

win tie loss win loss win

leadership.

“Coach Sherman is all you can ask for as a coach. She gives you the fundamentals of tennis, is always there for you if you need help, and is very encouraging,” said Schifino.

The Paramount Pirates finished second in the San Gabriel Valley League. The winner of the Griffin-Pirate matchup will play the winner of Cate-Silverado meeting May 15.

6-2

league record

14-4 9-9; 74-74 7-11; 61-85 16-2; 101-18 5-13; 51-86 17-1; 104-19

insidesports Golf | page 26 Squad sends two players to CIF, disappointed with second place finish in Liberty League.

Swimming | page 25

baseball | page 24 Team plays Viewpoint today in preparation for first CIF playoff game May 15.

Swimming | page 25 Boys medley relay looks to continue success today at CIF Finals after finishing first at Prelims.

GOLF | page 26

Baseball | page 24

softball | page 26

softball | page 26 Young team and rookie coach finish exciting season with five wins.

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

friday, may 11, 2012 24

Second in league, baseball begins playoffs Tuesday JackRose ‘13 sports editor With a record of 3-2 (7-12 overall), the baseball team plays away against league champion Viewpoint today.

Since the team already clinched second place in league and a playoff spot, junior starting pitcher Jarret Weiss said the today’s game counts only for playoff seeding. He also sees the game as preparation for playoffs and is confident going into their first matchup.

“In our last few games we’ve had less than one error per game average,” he said.

“We have been doing very well fielding and

our hitting is slowly improving.”

Going into their league game against New Community Jewish High School May 1, the Griffins retained a chance to win Liberty League. Despite beating the Jaguars 8-1 in their first meeting, the Griffins lost 5-0. Junior number one starting pitcher Jarret Weiss called it “one of the worst games we played.”

Junior Reid Womack started the game and Weiss said Womack’s downfall in the game was walks.

“We came out really flat,” said Weiss.

“We played Yeshiva the game afterwards and

Andrew Davis The Student Voice

REACHING OUT: Sophomore second baseman Ben Shahar reaches out for a bunt while preparing for his team’s final league game against Viewpoint.

we played much better.”

Weiss started for the Griffins against Yeshiva and held the Panthers to two runs through six innings. In the seventh, however, Yeshiva battled back to score two more before Weiss shut them down for a 6-4 victory.

“I didn’t have my best stuff but it was good enough to keep Yeshiva from scoring,” said Weiss.

Down 2-1 with two outs in the fourth inning against Viewpoint in their first matchup, Weiss issued a seemingly innocent walk to a Patriot player. However, the walk led to a string of multiple fielding errors and a hit that culminated in a four run inning, leaving the Griffins down five to their toughest league opponent.

“We just fell apart that inning,” said Weiss.

The Griffins continued to fight to the end, scoring three runs in the final three innings, but nonetheless gave up two more, leading to the four-run loss. Both junior catcher Ian Bernstein and Weiss put much of the blame for that loss on bad fielding.

However, Weiss said the team’s fielding improved after that game.

“At this point we’ve addressed fielding issues to a maximum. The last two games (against New Community Jewish, 8-1 win, and New Roads, 5-1 loss) errors have been very minimal,” he said, continuing to say that he no longer thought fielding was that big of an issue, but that hitting was.

“I think our team batting average is less than .250 so we need to put in more work there,” he explained. “A large portion of practice time is being dedicated to batting practice.”

On the mound, the Griffins believe that, for the most part, they have been solid.

“Our pitching from Reid and Jarret has been great,” said Bernstein.

“Pitching has also been solid throughout

Andrew Davis The Student Voice

WINDUP: Junior starting pitcher Jarret Weiss loads up for a pitch.

the entire staff,” added Weiss.

Weiss has put up a 1.32 ERA in 11 appearances while Womack has 1.67 ERA and a .232 batting average against in 21 innings. Weiss has also struck out 65 batters in 47 and two-thirds innings. Overall, the Griffins have a 2.79 team ERA. Womack also leads the team in hitting with a .460 batting average and 12 RBI, also a team high. Junior shortstop Ross Esse is next in both categories, with a .375 average and 11 RBI. Going into today’s game, Viewpoint is undefeated in league and 12-9 overall.

25 friday, may 11, 2012

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

SWIMMING

Nika Shahery The Student Voice

FLY: Junior Daniel Primachenko propels himself forwards during his record-breaking 100-yard butterfly race at league finals May 3. Primachenko swam an even faster time at CIF Prelims.

After strong Prelims showing, boys set for CIF Finals today Team has four individual first place finishes and one team relay first place.

TylerMorad ‘14 assistant sports editor Starting out the season winning only one meet out of six, the boys swim team refocused their efforts and finished third place in league finals, advancing to the CIF meet.

In CIF prelims, the relay team dropped time and finished second place behind Temescal Canyon by 1.63 seconds. Sophomore Austin Wilson dropped a second in both his 200 yard individual medley and

his 200 yard backstroke, finishing first in both events.

Junior Daniel Primachenko dropped a second in his 100 yard breaststroke and his 100 yard butterfly and is now first in both races going into finals.

Captain, junior Jess Walia dropped two seconds off his previous 100 yard backstroke time and finished sixth in that race.

The team missed second place in league finals by seven points, and Wilson broke the league and school record for 200 yard fly. Wilson also broke the school record for 100 yard backstroke.

“Third place [in league] is a really good place to be for where we started. But, with three league records, I was a bit disappointed that we got third by only seven points. Overall, we did great,” said Wilson.

Primachenko broke the league and school record in the 100 yard

fly and the league record 100 yard breaststroke.

Wilson explained the early season frustration was due to the small size of their team.

“We lost most of our earlier meets because we were outnumbered, but the quality of a lot of the events we swim can help us at league finals and CIF because

the numbers that the other teams bring will be lessened, due to the fact that only 16 people make it back to finals, and in reality, only eight people are in the actual final,” said Wilson.

He also stressed the fact that swimming is all about preparation.

“Swimming is a long-term sport; it takes a lot of preparation

early in the season and you train so much to the point where you have an opportunity to swim as fast as you can,” said Wilson. “When you get that one opportunity, you must rest for one to two weeks so that your body is able to perform to its maximum ability.”

CIF finals are today at Riverside City College.

topswimmers CIF RESULTS boys swimming Austin Wilson

Daniel Primachenko

200 Yard Individual Medley

1st

100 Yard Backstroke

1st

Jess Walia

100 Yard 1st Breaststroke 100 Yard Butterfly

1st

100 Yard 6th Backstroke Time

58.2 s

The boys 200-yard medley relay finished second, less than 2 seconds behind first place Temescal Canyon

Girls’ two relay teams finish top 20 at CIF Freshman Wilson finished third in 500 yard freestyle, fourth in 200 yard freestyle.

ElleWisnicki ‘13 assistant editor Placing 16th in the 200-yard medley, 21st in the 200-yard freestyle relay, and qualifying individually, the girls swim team races today at Riverside City College in CIF Finals.

Leading the way was freshman Sara Wilson who finished third in the 500 yard freestyle in five minutes 19 seconds and fourth in the 200 yard freestyle race in two minutes one second.

“If I want to win my events I am going to have to race extremely hard, putting everything I have in the pool. Just from looking at the results last year I know that there are some quick people that I have to compete with,” said Wilson.

“In order to prepare for my races, I have to eat healthier, sleep more, and do some race visualizations to prepare for the race mentally.”

After placing sixth out of 12 schools at league finals May 3, the girls swim team heads to CIF competition May 9.

“The meets have been so much fun. I love racing with the other girls and I feel like we have become really close as a team. I think we have only won one meet, it’s not because we go slow, it’s because the other teams have so many more swimmers than we do,” said Wilson.

At league championships the Griffins broke the school record in the 200 Medley Relay, qualifying for CIF. Senior Nelly Schmuel, juniors Emma Jacobs and Dianne Jahangani, and Wilson will be competing in CIF. At finals, Jahangani placed eighth in 50 yard freestyle and 10th in 100-yard freestyle. Jacobs placed 12th in the 200 yard freestyle and 10th in the 100 yard breaststroke. Schmuel placed seventh in 200 yard IM and fifth in the 100 yard backstroke. Wilson placed second in 200-yard freestyle and third in the 500 yard freestyle. Alexia Saleh placed 16th in

DIVING IN: Sophomore Gina Ahmar launches herself into the water during a league meet. both the 50-yard freestyle and 100 yard freestyle.

Before finals, Wilson had already qualified for 200 yard IM, 100-yard breaststroke, 500 yard freestyle, and 200 yard freestyle, and must pick, which events she will swim in CIF. According to Wilson she will most likely be swimming the 500 yard freestyle and 200 yard IM. The team lost their last two league meets; one against Brentwood April 12 and the other in a tri-meet against Calvary Chapel and Sierra Canyon on April 17.

Brentwood, a bigger school, wins more points by racing more swimmers.

“Swimming is a numbers game. It is difficult to win meets when you’re outnumbered four to one,” said head coach Michael Pourciau.

Wilson was unable to swim in the Calvalry Chapel meet because she tore a tendon on the side of her foot, and other girls missed the meet because of a French field trip.

Andrew Davis The Student Voice

Wilson has taken time off of for her foot injury and now trains by pulling with her arms in the water.

“I have been able to keep my aerobic base, which means my 500-yard freestyle should be fine, but I am worried that my sprinting may be affected, which could pose an issue for the 200-yard individual medley and the relays,” said Wilson.

According to Wilson, head coach Keri Hehn emphasizes that in order to swim faster, the girls have to work together and trust their training to see results.

“Overall, there is always room for improvement in technique; however, each person’s strengths and weaknesses vary. Good dives and flip turns definitely are an advantage in every race,” said Schmuel.

Rookie, sophomore Gina Ahmar credits Hehn with helping her reach her goals for the season “It was great how Hehn was more than willing to put the extra effort into helping me improve,” said Ahmar.

news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

Two golfers shoot into CIF Individuals, team unhappy with second place finish

Courtesy of Leonie de Picciotto

NOT ON PAR: Junior Jack Rose drops his club in disgust after a poor tee shot on hole 6 at Balboa Golf Course April 12 as sophomore James Bernstein looks on from the back of the teebox. The Griffins would go on to defeat league rival Rolling Hills Prep.

TylerMorad ‘14 assistant sports editor Finishing the season with a 7-3 league record and a 2-3 nonleague record, the boys golf team will not compete in CIF playoffs.

“It’s disappointing because we were certainly the most talented team in league. In the first round of league finals, I added up our scores and [league champion] Hillcrest Christian’s scores over 18 holes and we would have beaten them by at least 12 strokes,” said captain, junior Jack Rose.

On a brighter note, after the first day of individual league finals at Woodley Lakes Golf Course, Rose, captain, sophomore Sam Aronoff, and junior Adrian Freyermuth advanced to play in the second round on May 2.

Aronoff and New Community Jewish senior Jonathan Sanders, ranked 19 in the county among junior golfers, both shot oneunder par in round one tie for the lead. Freyermuth was in third at two-over and sophomore James Bernstein missed the cut by four strokes.

“Adrian really impressed me on the first day with his ability to play consistently well throughout the whole round,” said Rose, who finished 11.

The second round took place at Calabasas Country Club, Sanders’ home course.

“He knew the course well and used it to his advantage,” said

Aronoff. “He knew exactly where to place shots and he knew where he coudln’t miss them.”

Sanders used his advantage to shoot a two-over 74, beating Aronoff by seven strokes.

Freyermuth shot a 79 and finished tied for third overall.

The top five aggregate scores from both days advance to CIF Individual Regionals. Aronoff and Freyermuth will compete in Regionals in Oxnard Monday May 21. Rose finished 11 overall after two days.

“I am so proud of them [Aronoff and Freyermuth] and the solid effort they have given so far,” said head coach Jon Klay. “I feel very strongly that if they continue their consistent play they can go far in playoffs.”

In the squad’s last league match on April 26, they played at New Community Jewish High School’s home course, where they only lost by four strokes.

“I was really sick and I played the worst round I have all year. I alone was eight shots above my lowest score this year and twelve above my average score,” said Rose.

“Everyone else played just average, and we lost..”

In order to have advanced to CIF playoffs, the team must have won this match and Hillcrest Christian had to lose their match in order to tie them for the number one seed. Unfortunately, neither of these events happened.

On March 18, the team played at Hillcrest Christian’s home course in a faceoff where the Griffins lost 222-207. Hillcrest Christian won both of the two team’s head to head

friday, may 11, 2012 26 matches.

“Every player on their team probably had their best matches yet, while we only played average.

I think we’re a better and more talented team than them, but unfortunately, no one on our team shot low,” said Rose.

When evaluating their season, players on the team agree that their success was underwhelming.

“Our expectations far exceeded our results,” said Rose.

“And that is something that could have been avoided.”

Rose and Klay said that putting remained the team’s biggest issue throughout the season.

“Every match we had far too many three putts, leading to bogeys and double bogeys that kill rounds,” said Bernstein, one of the squad’s better putters statistically.

Looking towards next year, Rose believes that incoming freshmen will allow the team to win more matches.

“We are getting at least one good freshman [next year], and we had a very solid top three this year, and our fourth player was consistent as well, but the bottom half of our roster was not as good.

Next year, at least one freshman will solidify the bottom half of our roster,” said Rose.

Rose also stresses that each player must practice all summer in order to start the season experienced and ready to play.

“Competition next year will be tough,” said Rose. “But with so many returning players we have a chance to succeed in league and CIF, both as a team and individually.”

After fast start, softball struggles at end of season Girls continue to show improvement, almost beating Providence, but ultimately losing in extra innings.

MichaelLen ‘13 staff reporter The girls softball team continues to fight through the best season that any senior can remember, with an overall record of 5-4 and a less solid league record of 1-4.

On April 17, the girls made Oakwood mercy, meaning that they were ahead by more than 10 runs in the last five innings. The team agreed that this was one of the highlights of their season.

“Oakwood was our first league match, so it was a great win. Our score kept going up, while their score stayed the same.

We eventually got the mercy,” said junior Emily Irani.

What was once a team of relatively new players has grown into a much more efficient team.

The girls played Providence twice, and lost both times. The second game had to go into extra innings, because the team kept up with Providence, even earning a five point lead in the early innings.

Even though they came close against Providence, the girls still had a very difficult time facing off with Viewpoint, losing 11-0 and 10-0 “Most of our players that came last year had no experience. We have mostly the same players. Now that we’ve been playing for a year together, we are like a different team altogether,” said Irani.

Other players came onto the team with no experience, and surprised everyone.

“Brenda [Boudaie] has really stood out. This was her first year, and came into the season late. She overcame these two things, and is now a big hitter, and play second base,” said captain senior Lauren Halperin.

The girls softball coach, Katy Arroyo had similar sentiments.

Even though it is her first year coaching the team, she sees the team truly come together. The team has been working on fielding through situational drills.

“We have a young team with only three seniors. We were unsure whether we would be able to field a team at the beginning of the season but we were able to do so with some late walk-ons, so having this record is exciting just because we have such a small team,” said Arroyo.

Working with new coaches is always difficult. The girls enjoy the new coaching style.

“The coaching is really different. After every game, we meet and talk about the game. We don’t only talk about what we can do better, but what we can do right.

The coaches are good at raising morale and keeping us focused,” said Halperin.

The girls have also grown as individual players, displaying their own personalities and talents on

Andrew Davis The Student Voice

EYE ON THE BALL: Sophomore Alexa Lee loads up to swing at a pitch agaisnt Providence May 4. The Griffins would lose, 18-17. the field. Both Arroyo and Irani agreed that sophomore Sammy Siciliano is a huge asset to the team. Arroyo went as far as calling Siciliano “a rock as a pitcher.”

“Sammy is our pitcher. She is always there for the team, and backs us up. We may not be where

we are today without her,” said Irani.

Along with Siciliano, sophomores Nia Cooper and Ibijola Lagundoye have stepped up their game.

“I have seen an improvement in all the girls but it has been

really exciting to see Nia Cooper make some outstanding plays in outfield. Newcomer Ibi has made some clutch catches as a second baseman,” said Arroyo.

Halperin noted that one of the Providence girls noticed their improvement.

27 friday, may 11, 2012

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KEEPING HIS EYE ON

“E

veryone would watch me,” he said.

At age 5, sophomore Sam Aronoff ’s father often took him to play tennis at Riviera Country Club, where he would go over to the practice putting green after playing tennis to “get a feel for the game.” It didn’t take long for people to notice a talented golfer when they saw one.

From first picking up a golf club, Aronoff began practicing regularly and playing tournaments by the age of 12, at which point he became the #3 ranked golfer for his age group in the state of California.

In his first school match this year, Aronoff set the tone for the season by hitting a tee shot over 300 yards and landing on the green of a par four hole at Woodley Lakes Golf Course, shocking the team including captain, junior Jack Rose.

“Sam is an immensely talented player who certainly puts in the work to be great. He has proved throughout the past two years his ability to hit big shots and play under pressure.

Playing with and against other talented players does not affect Sam, something he should be commended for” said Rose.

“Also, Sam can hit all the shots. He’s an all-around player.”

He can blow people away with his game now; but, the seven-year period between picking up a club and winning tournaments was no “gimme” for Aronoff.

“I remember playing my first tournament when I was about 9 and I was really cocky and thought I was going to do well. Turns out, I didn’t. Yup. Bottom half of the leader board. I was just amazed by how good all those kids were,” said Aronoff.

“From that point on, when I was about 11 and 12, I started practicing and playing a lot, and before I knew it, started winning.”

At 14, Aronoff began to finish among the tournament leaders on a regular basis. He attributes much of his success to the improvement he has made in his short game.

“I’ve made a lot of accomplishments in the last four years.

My game has improved tremendously. I used to shoot rounds in the 80s and now I can get under par. The part of the game that I think is most improved is probably my short game around the greens, like chipping and putting. When it’s good, it could make a round look really good,” he said.

And it did indeed.

At the Future Collegians World Tour (FCWT) event at Sandpiper Golf Course in February, Aronoff ’s short game came up clutch. Unable to get a good feel for the course the Friday before the tournament, he was nervous going in to the weekend.

“But when I started playing, it kind of just came together,” he said.

Although he wasn’t hitting the ball well, reaching just a few greens in regulation, Aronoff collected “up-and-downs” on almost every hole with just a chip and a putt to save par. He shot two rounds in the low 70s and came in fourth.

But chipping and putting well can only take him so far.

For Aronoff, it’s the mental aspect of the game that bites him out on the course. He said that after strong starts, the idea of winning the tournament gets to his head, and causes his mind to wander.

“It’s when I’m cruising along and playing well, one or a couple under par, that I start to think about winning. That’s really what gets me off because when I start thinking about that my mind wanders and then I start screwing up. I can really get into a lot of trouble when I think about my score. I’ve got to just play my best and stay focused,” he said.

In what he said was his most successful tournament, the 2011 LA City Golf Championship, Aronoff didn’t come in first.

But, a tie for second propelled him into the top 800 junior golfers in the country. Little did he know at the time, he was going down in history with another golfing giant.

“What makes it so special is that Tiger Woods won this junior tournament, and we know where he is now. I’m talking about his golf statistics of course. And I just finished in second.

Look at that,” said Aronoff.

Currently at 16, Aronoff works with a golf trainer at Riviera Country Club as well as professional bodybuilder and actor Lou Ferrigno (who played the “Incredible Hulk” on television in the 1970s), with whom he has been working on his core power and other technical strength for two years.

“Sam has improved his strength all-around dramatically.

We started at 140 pounds and now he weighs upwards of 180 pounds with relatively little or no fat gain. He’s been remarkable for a growing boy, but he really has the strength of a man now,” said Ferrigno. “He’s a really hard worker; one of the hardest workers I have had the pleasure to be around. Sam is a remarkable athlete and he is definitely going to be one of the best golfers out there.”

Varsity golf coach Jon Klay is also proud of Aronoff ’s achievements, calling him “the hardest worker that the golf team has ever had.”

Aronoff has won six tournaments, an incredible feat,

he said, because there are typically between 40 and 100 other golfers competing to win each tournament.

Already, he has begun to capture the attention of college golf coaches and hopes to play Division I golf. This year, he will be traveling across the country and competing at the highest level in American Junior Golf Association [AGJA] tournaments.

“I hope to someday get a college scholarship to a Division I school. I certainly have the ranking right now, and my ranking will certainly improve in the next two years. To get a Division I scholarship, I would probably need to get at least in the top five hundred with an average score of about 74 or 75. Currently my average is a 76 so I’m not too far away,” he said.

Recently, one of the owners of a golf shoe making company called True Golf invited Aronoff to play golf with him at a course called Whisper Rock in Arizona.

The owner was so impressed with his game and the way he handled himself on the course that he offered

SUCCESS

by JAMESBERNSTEIN ‘14

Aronoff a sponsorship, including free golf shoes.

A high ranking and sponsorship have led Aronoff to consider the possibility of continuing his golf career beyond high school and college.

“I have about six years left before I graduate from college and anything can happen from now to then so I keep my hopes up. To play professionally, that would be nice. But anything could happen six to 10 years down the road,” he said.

Backed with his new sponsorship and pleased with his current position in the American junior golf world, Aronoff is confident about his future in the sport.

“The only thing that separates me from where I am now, and say the number one ranking in the United States, is probably nerves, 100 percent nerves. I certainly show the potential. I have no trouble getting off to a fast start. I just need to keep it going, wherever I am. I just need to keep going, keep chipping away, keep moving forward,” said Aronoff.

arts & entertainment 28 friday, may 11, 2012 |

piecing together the perfect summer

Summers are a great time to relax and unwind from a hectic year. But rather than sitting around the house for months, why not relax while taking advantage of the cultural resources that LA offers during the summer months?

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THE BEACH

may seem like an obvious choice, but few Angelinos have truly seen what California’s incredible beaches have to offer. This summer, take a trip up to Malibu, past Paradise Cove, to the natural wonders of Pescador and Matador beaches. Have some fun in the sun and enjoy the amazing landscape that California has to offer.

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LA offers one of the world’s best comedy scenes. If you’re looking for a good show you may want to consider some of the following locations:

Summer sees the release of the biggest and best blockbusters of the year. So grab your popcorn and 3D glasses and settle in for the show:

1 2 3

1 2 3

Second City, LA The Upright Citizens Brigade, Hollywood The Laugh Factory, LA

Prometheus, June 8 The Amazing Spider Man, July 3 The Dark Knight Rises, July 20

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Musicians are most active during the summer season, always making sure to stop in LA. Keep an eye out for your favorites as they take the stage:

1 2 3

Young the Giant, July

22, Pacific Amphitheatre

The Beach Boys, June 2, Hollywood Bowl

The Fray,

July 30, Hollywood Bowl