The Eleight June 2012 edition

Senior Map, page 10

Camp Everytown, page 2

To post or not to post, page 12

Senior summer, page 8

The Avengers, page 15

An Independent Publication of Leigh High School

Volume 50 Issue No. 7 May 31, 2012

Pictured in Longhorn: Junior Lauren Mitchell performing a clarinet solo at Literaleigh’s Open Mic Night on May 17.

Congratulations on finishing one of the easiest parts of your life, seniors.

High school, in a word, is tumultuous. It’s a roller-coaster ride of emotional exhaustion, for better or for worse. You can educate yourself on the unspoken laws of high school and try to prepare yourself for the stereotypical high school experiences through watching campy straight-to-TV Disney movies, but nothing can really arm you for those four years.

Each and every one of us, like hundreds of pubescent, demanding snowflakes, has a different high school story unique to ourselves. Some of us claimed the Homecoming crown, others of us quietly cruised through our four years. Regardless of whether you leave with the legacy of being the life of the party, always having a book in your hands, or for playing Warhammer 40K in your dungeon with your fellow warlocks and dwarf priests until the wee hours of the dawn, everyone is embarrassed of their freshman self and wishes they had been wiser.

No matter how committed you are to denying high school’s affect on your life, everyone is molded into who they are by the things they experience and the people they meet during high school. Nobody ever comes out of high school the same way they went in. After all, four years is a relatively long time in human years, and 15 times longer in turtle years. A lot of factors can change a person’s entire world view over the course of four years (or 60 turtle years).

So The Eleight asked the seniors of 2012-- since nobody can really give better advice to your freshman self than your senior self,

-Marissa Rodriguez and Kylie Brown

news

page 02

Golden Anniversary:

Leigh High School celebrates its 50th year and bids farewell to its 49th graduating class Amanda Cendejas Features Editor

As the 2011-2012 school year comes to an end, the Leigh community is still buzzing about the upcoming 50th year celebration.

The celebration will be on Friday, Nov. 9 at Leigh’s homecoming football game. Everyone is invited to the celebration. The only thing you have to do to get in is get your ticket for the game. Students only need their ASB card for admission. The football game will be filled with festivities, students, and community members.

“The ‘festivities’ will be held at halftime during the homecoming game, although we don’t know ex-

Photo

by

Mikayla

5.31.12

actly what those festivities are yet,” said activities director Gina Nicoletta. “Those are being decided on by a group of community members who are planning the 50th year celebration.”

Some students have also helped to plan the event over the past few years.

Senior Nyssa Wickemeyer said, “I remember sophomore year in leadership, we were looking through yearbooks finding homecoming queens and kings, the kids who were the most photographed, the ‘most likely to’s,’ star athletes, and etc. We wrote down all of the names on a piece of paper. Mrs. Nicoletta said they would use those names to contact people to invite to the celebration.”

Traditionally during homecom-

ing football games, attendees have sat through a halftime filled with cheerleading performances, marching band songs, and the crowning of Homecoming queen and king.

However, with the festivities for the 50th year celebration taking place during halftime of the football game, these traditional performances and even a Powder Puff game will be held during a night rally on Thursday, Nov. 9.

The class of 2013 has the honor of being Leigh’s 50th graduating class, but when Nicoletta was asked to address the rumor that they will be receiving different colored robes for graduation, she said, “No, there are no plans for that.”

Left: Commemorative plaques line the entrance to the school, and this year, the class of 2012, the 50th graduating class, will be joining them.

Druhan

A stranger is simply a friend you haven’t met Leigh students attend Camp Everytown to break down social and racial barriers Emily Ransom Staff Writer Chloe Tamaro Staff Writer

On Thursday, May 10, 35 specially selected Leigh students and seven Leigh staff members got on a bus, eager to attend a camp which they had very little knowledge about. These selected students were chosen by their teachers, who were told to choose charismatic, influential teenagers whom they believed had the ability to make a difference at Leigh after returning from the camp. To represent Leigh as a whole, juniors, sophomores, and one freshman were taken from different social circles in order to have the most profound affect on the culture of Leigh.

The bus ride consisted of friendly chatter, the gentle melodies of a ukulele, and a symphony of teenage voices humming along to “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz.

Many students didn’t know what to expect when they arrived at the camp and the anticipation was palpable.

The students soon after arrived at Camp May Mac, located in Felton, California, to participate in a program sponsored by Silicon Valley Faces, known simply as “Camp Everytown.”

Although now they at least had knowledge of the location of the camp, they still had no idea what was in store for them. They had no clue this experience would change their lives forever.

During the Camp Everytown program, Leigh students underwent an intensive four-day sensitivity program during which they addressed the big-

Photo courtesy

Campers showing off their pearly whites while repping their Camp Everytown attire. gest social divides in modern society: race, religion, gender, ethnicity, culture, income, ability, and age. Although these topics had always lingered on the surface and lived as the white elephant in the room, students were now given the opportunity to dig deeper, and get down to the heart of the matter.

The students arrived at Camp Everytown as strangers for the most part, many having had little to no interaction with one another prior to

camp. They were strategically placed in cabins where racial, social, and cultural groups were mixed.

By the end of the weekend, campers felt closer to one another than they felt with many of their close friends.

The catalyst of this bond was the exercises and simulations which worked to address key issues at Leigh such as racism and sexism. Many people witnessed that tears bring people closer.

“The generalizations most people

scrutinize other people for were a common trend in the simulations we did, but through each one came insight into other peoples lives, struggles, and what makes them who they are in order for us to feel empathetic toward their situations,” said junior Kyle Brinkman.

In the beginning, students were forced to sit next to people they didn’t know so that cliques would be eliminated and new friendships would develop. By Sunday afternoon, there was

no one that campers hadn’t been acquainted with.

After returning, the students unanimously agreed that the Everytown program had had a profound effect on their lives. “[Camp Everytown] has made me appreciate what I have in life and who I have in life there for me when I’m down, and for that I am grateful,” said junior Gabe Manley.

Although faced with criticism from their somewhat dubious peers, the Camp Everytown attendees plan on creating a peer support and awareness club open for any Leigh student to join next of Camp Everytown fall.

“I’ve had more negative feedback than positive, but I do feel over time some people, the ones willing to make a difference, will join us in making one,” said sophomore Courtney Reno.

The club will likely be called LoveLeigh and will have similar intentions as the current club at Leigh: TOPS.

The Camp Everytown program will now be attended by a new batch of students each school year.

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5.31.12

Double Trouble: Jinny Jung Staff Writer

In one of the hottest issues in Congress, both Republicans and Democrats agree that it would be a mistake to let interest rates on Stafford student loans double from 3.4 to 6.8 percent effective July, especially during an election year.

Stafford loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans alleviate the cost of borrowing for low-income students because the government pays the interest on the loan while the student is enrolled; eligibility is based on financial need. With unsubsidized loans, however, interest accrues effective immediately so the loan balance grows while the student is in school. The current debate revolves only around subsidized Stafford loans; the Education Department estimates that about 30 percent of undergraduates take out this kind of loan.

The issue is that Republicans and Democrats in Congress cannot agree on how to fund a one-year freeze on the current interest rate on Stafford loans, which would cost an estimated $6 billion. Despite their not being able to compromise, both are steadfast on not allowing interest rates to double from 3.4 to 6.8 percent in July.

The Republican solution would be to slice into Obama’s health care

page 03

Interest rates on student loans are to be doubled

reform program. By abolishing the preventative health program created

by Obama’s 2010 health care reform, the move would save the necessary $6 billion. During a press conference on Capitol Hill, Speaker of the House John Boehner said that by cutting

will find a compromise as they would be hurt politically by an increase in the interest rate, neither party appears to be budging on how they think the $6 billion should be raised.

On May 8, Republican senators blocked a Democratic bill because they

of some privately owned corporations in order to increase cash flow.

The more controversial aspect of the debate stems from the fact that it shines the light on the increasing problem of college tuition and ever-growing student debt. According to College

Stafford loans, which are need-based loans targeted at low-to-moderate income students and families. However, if interest rates double this summer, the change will cost the average undergraduate about $1,000 more per year of school. At the current interest rate, 3.4 percent, it takes graduated students an estimated decade in order to pay off their loan. Tacking on another $1,000 would further increase that time period.

This increases the financial burden on both parents and student as tuition is already rising at about 8 percent per year at four-year public school. Factor in the extra cost in interest, and the overall cost of college will jump about 20 percent next year for the typical student relying on the Stafford loan.

When asked about how the potential hike in interest would affect her, an anonymous senior said “My parents are paying for my loans while I’m in college, but if Congress is going to increase the interest rate, they’ll probably be upset. I’m not getting any other aids or grants - just loans.”

If the rate does end up being doubled, the higher rate would not apply to existing loans; only students who take out subsidized federal loans after July 1 would be subject to the new rate.

Visual by Rajashree Bhattacharya

Subsidized loans, or loans supported by the government for some time, are the subject of a heated debate. “one of the slush funds” in the health program, money could be put to better use by aiding struggling students.

Although political strategists say they are confident both parties

opposed how the Democrats would subsidize the freeze on interest rates.

If the bill had passed, Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes would increase on high-earning stockholders

Board, the average in-state tuition and fees at a four-year public college rose about 8 percent from a year ago.

Currently, 7.4 million undergraduate students rely on subsidized

The great duckling rescue

Leigh senior heroically rescues ducklings from sewer Kylie Brown Editor-in-Chief

school when she noticed a mama duck wildly quacking on the side of the road. Concerned, Collins pulled over to investigate.

“I could hear the babies, and I thought the mom was trying to cross

Most high school students conjure up platitudes to explain why they arrived late to school, s u c h as having car trouble or hitting traffic. But senior Lacey Collins had a curious and entirely truthful excuse for being late to her sixth period on Collins with the grateful rescued ducklings.

Wednesday, May 9-- she was busy rescuing a the street so I wanted to help them brood of ducklings from being swept out,” recalled Collins. “I couldn’t down a manhole to their doom. see the babies anywhere. I looked

Collins was riding her bike to down the sewer drain where the

mom was standing and there they were, chirping and freaking out!”

Collins desperately began calling authorities, being transferred between 911, the San Jose Police De p a r t ment, The Humane Society, and eventually Santa Clara Animal C o n trol. In t h e meantime, Collins flagged down a passing Cal Train e m ployee to help her take the grating off of the sewer opening. At last, Animal Control arrived, but the crew encountered a problem.

“They didn’t have a net long enough to get [the ducklings], so we fashioned one by duct taping the net to

Collins. “We got [the ducklings] out of the hole and put them all in a cage. The mama wouldn’t budge from their side!”

T h e mother d u c k and her duckl i n g s w e r e released into a nearby creek, where t h e y are all safe and sound and far a w a y f r o m m a n holes and other perilous sewer openings.

Photos

some dog-catching things,” explained

courtesy

of

Lacey

Collins

news

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5.31.12

And the teacher of the year is...

Ms. Wheeler is chosen as Leigh’s best Sadie Williams Visuals Editor

After 38 years of being a wellloved foods teacher and recently receiving the Teacher of the Year Award, Pam Wheeler has decided it is time to retire.

While here, Wheeler fulfilled her dream of being a teacher that she has had ever since she was a little girl.

“I’ve loved coming here every single day,” she said, “There is not one day in the last 38 years that I’ve wished I did not have this job. If I could give all my students one gift, it would be that they’ll enjoy their careers as much as I do.”

Wheeler’s love for her job certainly reflects in her teaching in such a way that even students who don’t have her as a teacher take good note of it.

“I’ve never had Ms. Wheeler before,” says senior Alex Ngo, “but my locker is right next to her classroom. Every day she still says hello to me and wishes me a good morning.”

Wheeler’s noted friendliness to students goes further than just her classroom doorstep.

Wheeler is the head of Leigh High School’s “Save Our Students” a.k.a “S.O.S” program that offer counseling to students.

It’s a place where kids can feel safe to share their feelings and receive

guidance.

P r i n cipal Donna Hope says that something that makes Wheeler stand out is “her heart; her loving, caring attitude.” Because of its quality, Leigh’s counseling program has been offered additional funds.

In her years of teaching, Wheeler has seen hundreds of students come through her doors, often followed by younger siblings, and even their own children.

She has seen many changes over the course of time, but one thing stands out to her.

“The technology is amazing! Back then,

Photo by Sadie Williams

Ms. Wheeler who has taught foods for 38 years is finally and justly honored with Teacher of the Year. This summer she will begin to enjoy a long and eventful retirement.

we didn’t even dream of what we have now,” she said.

S h e voiced particular thankfulness for the microwave oven, the ice maker, and computers.

“Ms. Wheeler is one of the kindest, most caring teachers I’ve ever had. In her classroom you never had to worry about being judged; you knew it was a safe place.

She is the rare type of teacher who treated each and every one of her students like they are one of her very own children,” says senior, Tom Viola, who

had Wheeler this year for Foods 1.

Wheeler completed her student teaching in a semester of Palo Alto High School, and then quickly began teaching at Leigh. She hasn’t taught at any other school since.

Even so, she never saw the Teacher of the Year Award coming her way.

“Students were congratulating me and I didn’t know what for,” said Wheeler who was completely taken by surprise in receiving the award, “Then I finally read about [the award]! When they made the announcement, I lost it”. She described her reaction as “ugly tears”.

Wheeler has a true love for this high school. She said, “Students and teachers alike are all trying to find their way and this is just a nice place to find it. […] It’s all about the people in this community.

The students and faculty are all very decent human beings. That makes it a pleasure to come to school everyday.” As she looks forward to a transition into retirement, her words to her beloved students and school are “Continue to be the wonderful place for people that it always has been.”

The nurturing friend to many will be missed on our campus, but her theme of open-heartedness will be upheld and remembered by any student who has had the pleasure of being taught by her (or been waved to from her doorway for that matter).

Battle of the Bands Leigh students show off their musicality Luke Weinberg Junior Editor

Friday, May 4 was a thrilling experience for those who came to watch Leigh students perform in the one and only Battle of the Bands. With that evening of drum rolls, guitar riffs and vocal harmonies the audience cheered on and enjoyed the music. Each band was so diverse with different band members and music genres. Vocalists expressed their voices, as some could break glass with their screams.

Although the doors opened at five-thirty and bands didn’t perform till six, the atmosphere seemed nothing like that of the school cafeteria, where this event was taking place. Audience members paid a small fee to enter and there they saw the stage of drums, mics, and guitars.

The environment as well as just the bands just seemed all too magical. To think that our very own Leigh students had that power in the voices, had that ability to switch from chord

to chord instantly, and the hand speed to just whack those drums may make

was going on, though. At one point the audience seemed like they were in

mission. This is not a theater where you can text during each performance.

With bands performing more than one song, and a DJ spinning his records, the night definitely went on. Since there were only first and second place awards, the stakes were high as you could tell bands sang their hearts and souls out.

Photo by Sadie Williams According to Students came ready to play, bringing a multitude of instruments just like this guitar. sophomore others think what other talent is out a high school math class, falling asleep Andy Bridger, who played drums and there. and playing on their phones. Yes, An- is in the band Three Face (which is

Truthfully, not all audience mem- gry Birds and Words With Friends is actually this symbol “:3”) said, “The bers seemed totally interested in what addicting, but please save it for inter- experience was fun, and the reaction

from the audience [he believes] was that they like what we did, although the first song had a delayed ending.”

He recommends that people should go to Battle of the bands because it is a really cool experience and you get to meet great people. He met with the band of Conversions, which was the band that won 1st place, and 2nd went to a band named the 4 O’clock Heroes.

While talking to Sophomore Natalia Merill she stated, “Overall, Battle of the Bands was good, but the music wasn’t as good.”

She and her friends actually dressed up, while other students just wore something casual. She dressed up just for fun. Merill would recommend going to this event to others because she believed that Battle of the Bands was a place where you could go hang out and chill with your friends. And of course also for the experience. She also stated, “Even if the music isn’t that good.”

Battle of the bands, a night of extreme rock, screams and all around music to make you move and groove.

features

5.31.12

page 05

Wishing you a happy retirement Saying goodbye to staff members Sra. Landeros, Mr. Mote, and Mr. Schembri Julie Thompson Staff Writer

As the 2012-2013 school year comes to an end, students and staff alike are buzzing with excitement for the summer vacation ahead. But a few Leigh teachers are looking to a much more extended vacation to come, the end of their teaching careers and the beginning of retirement years.

them, whether in the class or outside of class, actually has helped them during life and they remember that or something you said made an impact.

Mote: I had a lot of fun this year with the girls’ soccer team; they sort of adopted me and I adopted them. I went to all their games and at the end of the

The Eleight: How long have you worked here?

Martha Landeros: 13 years John Mote: 9 years Larry Schembri: 21 years TE: Have you taught at other schools?

Landeros: Yes, I have taught at a private school, Catholic school, for two years, and a necessary small school of 135 kids for 10 years. At the necessary small school I taught all subjects, such as, Spanish, English, life skills, speech, marriage and family, and pregnant minors.

Mote: I taught adults, undergraduate pro- Sra. Landeros retires after thirteen years at Leigh. grams, graduate programs, and at the year they gave me a soccer ball they’d University of San Francisco. I had not all signed. It’s the kind of thing you taught teenagers ever before, other than don’t really think of is being related directly to teaching, but getting to meet from my student teaching.

Schembri: Yes, I started at prospect and get to know students, besides just high school in 1976 and I was there as students, but as people with interests for 15 years, so I have taught 36 years and talents.

Schembri: Recently, right now, my son total. is teaching at Westmont, so teaching with him in the same field in my last TE: Why did you become a teacher?

Landeros: I wanted to work with chil- year is probably my favorite memory. dren and I didn’t have the math skills And I think working with my wife to become a doctor. I wanted to be a here, Mrs. Schembri, is also a good memory. Another favorite moment of pediatrician all my life.

Mote: I had never looked at teaching as mine now is teaching with my daughter a primary job. I was working for IBM who is subbing in special education for 33 years and I just got really tired of the rest of the school year, so I am able computer business. I had taught sort to work with my daughter on a daily of as a hobby and I had never really basis. So I think those are all tied. thought of doing it full time. And then I got to thinking, I love math, I loved TE: What other careers have you had? it in college and basically after college Landeros: I was an after school child I walked away from math, so it was a care provider at a school. I also helped chance to get back into it. I think if cut down brush and burn it, I worked I had gotten into high school teaching at Penny’s for six years, I worked in an first of all I probably never would’ve office as a receptionist file clerk for 3 years, I worked in a movie theatre, and kept going.

Schembri: In college I had a profes- I was a house cleaner. sor, who thought I would make a good Mote: I spent six years in the Navy and teacher, and I started to think about 33 years at IBM. it and as I went through Santa Clara Schembri: I have had just one other I thought, “You know she might be job. I worked at a delicatessen making right.” So I was interested in teaching sandwiches all through college, and got a credential and I have been teach- I was hired right after college to be a teacher, so I’ve just had two jobs my ing ever since. whole life.

TE: What is your favorite memory?

Landeros: I don’t have a one favorite TE: What did you get your degree in? memory. It’s just nice when former Landeros: Liberal arts with a major in students come back and talk to you Spanish and reading. and tell you that something you taught Mote: Math and a master’s degree from

South California in systems management.

Schembri: I have two degrees. I have a BA from Santa Clara, from 1976. And I have two teaching credentials, one in English and one in special education.

TE: What are you planning to do after you retire?

Landeros: My plans have changed; I was going to move back to Sonora. But now I’m going to stay here in San Jose and take care of my new granddaughter because my daughter-in-law teaches school so I’m excited.

Mote: My plan, short term, is as little as possible. I’ll take on reading and a little travel and things like that.

There are things to do like volunteering at the church. I don’t want to go get yet another job I don’t need to, I worked it all out. But there are always things I would like to do more of, like doing charity, helping out with other people, and things like giving some back.

Schembri: Continue to run; I like to run between 25 and 30 miles a week. Maybe I will sub a little at Leigh a couple days a week and just relax, kind of decompress after 36 years.

TE: What has been your most rewarding moment?

Landeros: There are a lot of little rewarding moments. When see that someone has that little “ah-ha” moment and they get it, that’s rewarding-when you see the light go on.

Mote: There is that moment when a kid who is really trying hard gets it, and you see it on their eyes. It is not always me who gives it to them, you know, sometimes they get it on their own, sometimes their friend will say something, I don’t care I don’t have a real big ego, but it’s just seeing that light go on in their eyes when they really get it and they didn’t have it before.

I’ve spent a lot of time with kids, but it still comes down to that one moment when the light bulb goes on over their head and it really makes it worth it for you.

Schembri: I think just talking to students who come back and see me and tell me that I have made a difference in their lives, I think that’s kind of cool.

So I think that, in general, that is my most rewarding moment.

TE: Do students come back to visit you?

Landeros: Yes, I taught AVID for four years here and I’m close to those kids. They come back and visit me all the time or we’ll meet somewhere for lunch. They keep in touch with Facebook or email.

Mote: They do, and I chat with quite a few of them on Facebook now. One of the best moments I had was when this kid I had had for two or three years, and he just had a very hard time with math and a very hard time applying himself didn’t work very hard, came back in his dress army uniform and he was so proud of himself and I was proud of him. Kids will come by just to let you know they’re okay especially the ones who didn’t do very well in your class. A lot of them stop by and visit and I love that. They never stop being my kids. They’re graduated from college and out having families and I still feel that connection.

Schembri: Yes, it is always interesting.

I had a student come back a couple days ago who graduated in 1995, and he bought me a card, and it was touching because I hadn’t seen him in almost 20 years. They come back to see me which I think is kind of neat.

TE: What will you miss most?

Landeros: I will miss the interaction between myself and the students and my colleagues. I’ll miss the kids and the

per say, not having to get up at five every morning, and just to see what the next part of my life is going to be like.

I’m excited.

Mote: Just having total freedom to get up in the morning and do what I really want to do. If I’m feeling sick I can stay in bed and not feel guilty.

Schembri: Not having to go by a bell schedule, just getting up when I want to get up, eating what I want to eat, and just not having to go by bells. I can’t wait.

TE: When did you decide to retire and why?

Landeros: I decided to retire last year that this was going to be my last year, because I’m 62 and that’s long enough for anyone to work.

Mote: In the beginning of this year I had no idea I was going to retire. The district office has overloaded, I think all the teachers, but math especially. I got three full classes and it’s just a terrible drain. I don’t think we’re working in a situation where teaching is valued.

You see comments that certain people make about education, how bad it is,

Mr. Mote retires after nine years at Leigh. people I work with.

Mote: The kids.

Schembri: It is probably a tie between the kids and working with such a fantastic faculty. The faculty here is tremendous. They are professional, they are friendly, they help me out, and I think I am going to miss them a ton.

And I am going to miss working with my wife.

TE: What are you looking forward to?

Landeros: I am looking forward to the new adventure of getting to know my granddaughter, of not being employed

Photos by Sadie Williams

and how we have these bad teachers we have to get rid of, and who needs it. I wasn’t really aware of the fact that I could retire and I got some financial advice and it turned out I was in better shape than I thought I was so I could do it.

Schembri: I decided basically at the end of last year, during the summer, and I just felt like I still enjoyed my job and while I still did I should probably get out before I became disgruntled. So I thought at the beginning of this year that this would be my last year.

page 06

An Early Thanksgiving

“No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.”

-Unknown

This is my last column, and it’s assumed your last column is supposed to bring some form of closure to everything. But as I thought about what to put into this last column, I wasn’t sure what exactly I wanted to conclude.

I’ve exhausted most of the topics I’ve wanted to address this year.

I’ve talked things that are near to my heart. I’ve shed a more personal perspective on my life and all the lessons I’ve learned. But now reflecting on everything as whole, I’ve realized something I’ve omitted.

Wisdom is not simply granted to people as a birthright nor can one create it out of nothing. Wisdom is accumulated from the people closest to us. Therefore, I cannot claim all this wisdom to be purely of my own genius. There are so many people that have positively influenced my life and helped me in ways I cannot possibly express.

I have a lot of wonderful friends and each of them is worthy of their own column, but unfortunately, I only have about 1000 words to express everything I want. So let me begin with my best friend Whitney Chrisman.

Whitney and I have been best friends since the eighth grade. We played on the Union eighth grade soccer team together and one day, Whitney ended up popping her knee out in a game, and I stayed with her in the ER for three hours. We just instantly clicked then. Whitney is one of those people who are fearless and totally herself. If you ever see her on a spirit day at school, I can guarantee you she is the most spirited person you will encounter. She just doesn’t care what people think. She just loves to have fun, and I can’t think of a time we didn’t laugh together. She is also one of the nicest people. She’s been there for every milestone in my life in the past four years and is the person I tell absolutely everything to. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know if I’d be in the good place I am today.

Then there’s my other best friend Mickey. I met her my freshman year in our French 1 class. She was this super bubbly girl, and we got along really well. Then we found out the two of us only live about three blocks away from each other, and ever since, we’ve spent a ton of time at each other’s houses.

Mickey is literally the most giving person I know. Whether it’s her time or one of her many Coca-Colas, she is always there. If she can’t rush over to my house to comfort me, she spends

at least an hour apologizing and offering anything else she can possibly do.

She is really one of those remarkable people who you can spill your soul to, and she just listens. I trust her completely with anything and everything.

She is also one of those people who has a hard time seeing how amazing of a person she is. I love her to death.

And broski, I promise I will return your tie-dye shirt one day.

And there’s Kim. I met Kim at my boyfriend’s party in the summer, and we instantly clicked. Even though we haven’t been friends for even a full year, I feel like I’ve known her forever.

She is one of the most fun friends I have, and I admire her adventurous nature and open-mindedness. We constantly joke about how she is my “mom” (it’s on Facebook, yo). She is one of the few people who can tolerate my extreme weirdness. I have more than once charged down the hall at her, screaming, “MOMMY!!!” and then leaped into her arms. She’s one of those people I never get bored of. But she’s also very easy to talk to about anything, and I appreciate that more than anything.

And I can’t—of course—not talk about Ryan. I met him at the end of my sophomore year, and we hung out all summer. He asked me out soon after his 16th birthday and ever since, I’ve spent almost 11 wonderful months with him. Ryan is one of the most positive people I know. He is a genuinely nice person and does not have a mean bone in his body. He makes me laugh like none other and is supportive of me in everything I do.

He tries his best no matter what he does and doesn’t let anything stop him from reaching his goals. He’s made me feel so incredibly good about myself and reminds me daily that being confident is the most attractive thing I can do. He never fails to make me smile.

And of course, those are just a few of the people in my life who have impacted me. But I would still like to mention Vanessa (thanks for the 11pm phone calls that kept me sane), Sunna for always baking me delicious food and listening to my whiny texts, Chloe for the note she gave me on the first day of school even though we were strangers, Jessie Manley for always bringing me extra food, Dominique Kelso for always dancing with me in the hallway to my iPod, Ashley (the girl I’m so jealous of because of her pretty eyes), Emi for sending me the most hilarious text after I didn’t get cast in Les Mis, Sean for staying with me while I vomited backstage at Fiddler and helping me study for the SAT, Nick Karkas (I pray for you in church…), and Nick Fabiano for the funniest texts ever! Becuz Y010 #hugsnotdrugs. Also I have to— of course—mention my mom who found me a boutonniere last minute for prom and always makes me laugh, my dad for always giving the best hugs and being understanding, and my brother for being the most inspirational person I know. And also Ryan’s parents for always welcoming me into their home.

So kids, I guess my final lesson of the year for you is this: sometimes, we take for granted the people who have really been there for us. So once in a while, you have to say “thanks”.

features

5.31.12

Next year’s elected leaders answer the question: What do you hope to accomplish next year?

Amanda Cendejas Features Editor Nicollette Eilia Staff Writer ASB President: Kendra Schultz “Next year I definitely want to see innovation and I want our school to break from the status quo of what we have done in previous years. Next year is Leigh’s 50th graduating class and 50th homecoming and I hope to make the rest of the year equally as memorable. I especially want to make the Leadership class more accessible to anyone who has input, and I have a few ideas up my sleeve but I think they are better kept as a surprise.”

an impact on our school while leaving cemented footprints for future leaders to follow.”

goal is to raise more money and to use the money that we have as best we can to make next year amazing.”

ASB Secretary: Jessica Hauck “I hope to make all the rallies of next year, specifically our 50th anniversary night rally, as amazing as possible while being as organized as possible!”

Senior President: Hannah Lynch “As senior class president I hope to make our senior year something special that people will remember beyond their high school years. We are the 50th graduating class which is already special. I just hope its the class of 2013’s best year yet at Leigh.”

ASB Treasurer: Emma Batmazian “As ASB treasurer I hope to spend and earn money more efficiently for the

Junior President: Magda Abdel Wahab “I plan on having more suggestions to make people satisfied with their class and the activities that they will be involved in.”

Sophomore President: ASB Vice President: Matt Vargas Krystal Soltani: “I hope “I jut want to be a father to accomplish more than figure. I want anyone to just the average “make ask me for advice or just our school a better place.” to be there to listen. I I plan to inspire people to want to be the glue that not just come to Leigh binds the new (fresh) Photo by Amanda Cendejas as a part of their every sophomores together.”

ASB Left to right: Schultz, Soltani, Hauck, and Batmazian day routine but to truly come to school for a purpose, whether school. This includes giving money Other Newly Elected Officers: it’s expressed through being in clubs, to clubs so they can put on awesome Senior VP: Robby Cabri raising awareness for causes like bully- events and spread themselves to differ- Senior Sec-Treas: Sydney Clark ing or even simply showing the spirit ent parts of campus and raising money Junior VP: Michael Hannigan Leigh High School has during rallies and spending money on Homecoming Junior Sec-Treas: Courtney Donlon while supporting our school. I plan to and other rallies/events so that they are Soph. VP: Sara Davis accomplish my goal and that goal is bigger and better than ever. The main Soph. Sec-Treas: MacKenzie Daly to go through next year with making

Eleight names new Editors-In-Chief Photos by Sadie Williams

Meet Caitlyn Nurnberg (top right) and Chris Wyman (bottom right), your new Editors-inChief for the 2012-2013 school year!

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Putting on a show Leigh’s Drama program showcases plays open to the public

bear, as opposed to the multi-level flats constructed for the more major productions.

In addition to the fall play and

The senior showcase gives seniors spring musical, the drama department one last chance to perform their talents held a showcase in the winter and in front of an audience at Leigh High spring, as well as a senior showcase School. Auditions were held at the end of the year. This year the May 1 and those selected to perspring showcase, which featured form attended rehearsals multwo plays by advanced drama stutiple times in the weeks leading dents and musical performances, up to the final performance. was held on May 17-18 at 7 p.m Although underclassmen were in the Performing Arts Center. The invited to perform in the showsenior showcase was on May 21 at 7 case, each piece had to feature at p.m. in the Performing Arts Center least one senior to keep with the as well. nature of the showcase.

The spring showcase gives ad Because the showcase did vanced drama students a chance to not require as intricate of sets have their original dramatic works or as many rehearsals as fullperformed. After each work is length plays, admission was free pitched, the top two are picked and of charge, although donations the authors work with the head of were welcomed. In addition, the drama department, Bryan Ringvarious drinks and snacks were sted, until the work is perfected. served before, during, and after This year the two performances were performances. Concessions were “Scribbles” by Sophomore Kimi primarily supplied by volunSchiefer and “Scaredy Cats” by Juteers. nior Vaughn Mayer. “This showcase As the final performance of has been in the works since January. the senior showcase came to a Photo by Michael Rea There is no such thing as a quick Junior Emily Grochowsk singing at the drama close, the seniors on stage experiproduction,” said Ringsted. enced a change. This change was showcase.

In addition to the two short Roof ”. Nonetheless, the two perfor- a graduation from the “little leagues” of plays, both days of the spring showcase mances had their own set and props acting. The showcase was the seniors’ featured performances from Musical laid out backstage for quick scene final high school performance and Theater 1 and 2 students following in- changes between performances. Props whether or not the actors will continue termission. The performances included were only items easily carried out on their acting career in college is up to song and dance that Ringsted deemed to stage, such as a table, chair, or teddy them to decide.

Michael Rea Online Editor

most appropriate for the showcase.

In the true nature of showcases, the setting was minimalist in nature when compared to more major productions like the fall play “The Foreigner” and the spring musical “Fiddler on the

to have fun attending It takes a How junior college and staying community: local after high school Nicole Hamilton Copy Editor

For most of Leigh’s seniors, heading off to college means traveling to some far off city to live in a dorm, to finally be a little freer of the vice grip of their guardians’ watchful eye.

It’s a blossoming time for a student’s independence, and many are looking forward to this grand new adventure with bated breath.

But for many of Leigh’s graduating class, this feeling may be a touch dimmed by the fact they’re going to community college.

Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to the students who go to community college – that it isn’t the same as a “real” college, that they aren’t smart enough to go to a four-year school, or that they’re simply drop-outs who don’t care about their education.

And this can be a huge damper on one’s enthusiasm.

However, these are all blatant exaggerations!

Community college may be a hamper to some, but that isn’t a reason to accept it as being a bore.

If you branch out, embrace your goals, and take a few steps beyond your comfort zone, there’s no need to feel trapped by the negative stigma

around going to community college.

For the social butterflies, think of experimenting with one of the clubs on campus, or reach out and look for an outside organization to be a part of.

At t e n d a free movie screening at West Valley, or learn how to do tournament rifle shooting at the San Jose Municipal Firing Range, what have you!

Staying local is no reason to retreat back into a shell out of disappointment or nervousness – there’s certain to be plenty of new experiences to encounter if you take the effort to look for them.

Reach out to others in your class and try and make some new friends -- your social and academic life will thank you in the long run.

“Well, hopefully, I’m going to get a job so that I can actually do stuff,” said senior Cory Biggs.

“I’m probably going to meet new people, hopefully make some

A Leigh-ttle taste of Italy

A look into Leigh’s Venetian Masquerade-themed prom Nathan Keenan Staff Writer

On May 19, the Leigh upperclassmen and their respective guests embarked upon the magical, expense-filled journey known as Prom. The destination for this year’s wondrous adventure was the Hyatt Hotel in Santa Clara.

As the sharply dressed men, clad in suits and tuxedos of every variety led their dates off of the respective buses and limos the lobby of the Hyatt started to fill up quickly. After a professional picture and a quick coat check, everyone was ready to hit the dance floor.

For many, the process for Prom started weeks ago. Buying dresses, getting fitted for a tuxedo, and finding reservations for dinner and a limo are some of the many details that go into a night like this. But at 9 o’clock that night, everything was worth it.

The dance floor was packed as people all danced to the bumping music, even slowing it down with “Someone Like You” by Adele. The intense heat in the ballroom led to the shedding of many vests and ties, but the rolled up sleeves eventually did the trick. more friends, and genuinely enjoy some of the classes I’m taking.”

If you’re looking to find that

feeling of independence students have when living in a dorm room off of campus, look into renting an apartment for your community college stay.

Silicon Valley is not a cheap place to live, true, but if you band together with a roommate and split a one-room apartment, the rent and utility cost can become quite manageable.

Find a job either on your own or through your college, and prove to your parents that you’re able enough to take care of yourself.

It’ll be a rewarding feeling when you stand on your own and think, wow, I’m doing all of this, all by myself.

Lastly, if the blossoming social

Waiting outside for those wanting a break was a lavish table filled with fruit and desserts waiting to be devoured by the hungry guests. And slowly yet surely the disposable cups for water were found at almost every table as everyone tried to quench the intolerable heat.

The dance floor was packed all four hours and eventually the night had to come to an end. As it neared midnight, the DJ gave everyone a last great dance and the cat daddy was done by all. People filed out of the hotel and back onto their limos or buses, ready to leave a night that they’ll never forget.

It may have been late but to everyone there it felt like the day had just begun. No one cared that they’ve been getting ready since 9 in the morning or that the shoes they wore would leave blisters that would never heal, because this was a night worth the pain and planning. This night everyone got spend time with the friends they’ve made it through high school with, and get to celebrate their years together one last time.

aspects and potential apartment shenanigans can’t spark a positive flame, then simply think of how much money one saves when they complete their first years at a community college.

University of California (UC) schools estimated a $31,200 cost for students living on campus in the 2011 – 2012 school year, while California State University (CSU) schools estimated a $22,577 cost.

By comparison, community colleges cost only hundreds of dollars per unit, which will amount to a much cheaper cost once you graduate, or decide to transfer.

All in all, the important thing about going to community college is to not let the judgments of others get you down.

There’s no reason to feel ashamed or like you’ve failed in some way if you’re going to West Valley next year, or De Anza, or Mission, or Foothill.

Let go of your negativity and allow yourself to enjoy the experience, and you’ll find community college to be quite rewarding indeed.

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Summer after graduation: How to enjoy your last summer before college to the fullest

Photograph by Nikita Zakladnyi

Brianna Houston News Editor

Congrats grad! You’ve made it to your last hoorah. This is the prime time, the summer between high school and college. Your life begins now. Let’s make this summer the most memorable.

It’s easy to say that your last summer is going to be the best. But how will it be? What are you going to do to make it any different? Sure, you hang out with your friends, you go to the beach, you buy a new swimsuit, you go camping, maybe you go to a party or two. I can help you out ya know?

That is the point of this. I’ll tell you what is going to make the most of your summer. The answer is simple: no fear.

Don’t be afraid to try something new, a food, an adventure. Don’t be afraid to meet new people, go to that party, be outgoing, stop caring what others think of you. Just stop fearing others.

That is what is most important and what is most vital to your own enjoyment. If you’ve ever said “I wish I had” or any other version of the phrase you’re missing out bro. You’re afraid

you’ll trip, you’ll fall, you’ll laugh so hard you fart. So what if you do?

Yes, people will laugh at you, but you laughing with them will give you the power to share that experience together. Being afraid only lets you down. Instead, going for it will allow you to say “I did it.” or “Hey I tried.” Trying and winning or trying and failing are both renditions of success. At least you’ve tried. This way there is no regret.

Honestly, for you to make the most of this summer, I would suggest you say yes to everything. Don’t miss out any opportunity that comes your way.

This summer should not consist of any dull moments. Don’t let money be an issue. In fact, blow your bank account.

Who cares about the cost? It isn’t about how much money you spend, if any at all. This summer is about who you spend your time with and the moments that you’ll share with those people.

Planning a vacation: It could be something as simple as a weekend camping trip with friends. There are great places such as, Tahoe, Bass Lake, Lake Shasta, or Don Pedro to go camping, fishing, and/or boating at. I also

know Pebble Beach offers wonderful accommodations to camp or reside at a nearby hotel that’s not too pricey.

Pismo Beach also provides the opportunity to go dune buggying! Why not try something new? Now, you know that I know that you probably don’t want to spend much time with your parents, but forget it. If they want to go to Hawaii or Cancun as a family for a week, GO! So what if you’re missing a few trips to Santa Cruz or a couple parties that weekend, you have all summer to do these things and basically whatever you want.

Random moments: Get off the couch and out of your box. submerge yourself into a new atmosphere. For you boys who sit around all day with your eyes glued to the tube go outside and play some ball. Take off your shirt, get tan and invite some vitamin D into your life. Girls: don’t think I’m going to let you slide with swhopping everyday. Do something productive with your friends. Your friends shop with you? Well then stop shopping! Go on a bike ride on the hottest day of summer (yes you may look like the Brady

Bunch...but who cares!). Sure you’ll sweat all your makeup off, but it’s not about looking nice, it’s about spending time with your favorite people. For everyone, just don’t spend too much time in the air conditioning, soak up the sun while you can, because this first year of college will be a long one.

Hanging out: Obviously you’re going to be with your best friends more than anyone. BUT if you get asked to go to lunch by a classmate you’ve never hung out with outside of your fifth period english class, then go. you never know what could potentially come from this one lunch date. Maybe you guys have more in common than you thought. But who’s to know, if you don’t try. As ironic as it may sound, fellow senior, Cooper Wilce said, “My favorite spot to hang out in the summer is at an empty high school’s football field at night.” When asked wouldn’t you want to be as far away from a school as possible he said, “No because no one being there makes it that much more exhilarating for you and your friends.”

My point is Seniors don’t let any-

thing hold you back. Take pictures everyday. Do something memorable. This summer should never be forgotten.

Now when I say say yes to everything, I don’t literally mean say yes to everything. In Ian Franklin’s case he took his 2011 summer to the next level. He said, “Coming back to California from Arizona made a huge difference. This summer I’m going to reclaim the two and a half years of California fun I’ve missed.” Lucky Ian is going to spend more time with old friends and reconnecting. Seniors, don’t be afraid to do something out of the ordinary or something that is out of your comfort zone.

While many seniors will be spending a lot of their time partying Jordan Nunes said, “I’m going to make this summer better than the last by interning for a congressman.” That’s so cool and extremely exciting! My hat goes off you to Jordan! That is the point, get weird, get real, and be unstoppable. I promise you that it’ll make this summer that much more enjoyable. It’s one-hundred percent worth every day to make the most by accepting opportunity.

Which major will you choose?

Jeannie Ceglar Staff Writer

It started when you were just a child. Your imaginative, innocent thoughts of wanting to grow up to be an astronaut, a medical laboratory scientist, or even a fashion designer, were simply a dream which seemed so far away but exceptionable. Whether it’s still a thought today, senior year is the year you have a more credible idea for your future.

Though there are millions of majors to choose from, even Aerospace engineering, only a few make the top choice.

According to Princeton and Stanford University, the following are the top ten college majors on the list. Even though these majors don’t necessarily have the biggest demand in the job market, or lock you into a set career path, they offer intellectual challenges and help develop skills that will be beneficial to many careers later.

The list of popular majors include: Computer and information science, communications studies/speech communication and Rhetoric, English Language and Literature, Biology/ Biological Sciences, Psychology, Nursing, Business Administration and Management, Education, Economics, and Political Science/ Government.

And so what are Leigh High School seniors looking to major in? You probably guessed it, Business. It is sometimes known as the “play it safe” major because it is a practical choice for almost anyone. Business majors will always be high in demand because there are just endless number of career op-

Popular majors might not be the best choice

portunities available with a good business education. Which is why many people that are interested in business are usually planning to start a business

know about business is that you don’t even need a Business degree to work in it. A survey that was conducted by the National Association of Colleges

NOT one of the best paying college degree. It’s in fact the 56th best paying college degree. It fared worse than such “impractical” college degrees as philosophy, history, and American studies. If you’re looking to make money, simply

on their own. Senior Nyssa Wickemeyer has the same idea. “I was undecided at first but when I heard my mom’s friend talk about event planning, it got me interested. I want to eventually start a business in it,” said Whickemeyer. What some people may not

and Employers shows that workplaces most value communication, analytic, and teamwork skills that you will more likely find with a liberal arts degree.

But if you’re leaning towards business to make big bucks, you need a big wake up call. Just so we’re clear, business is

go with an economics degree. On Pay Scales lists of the highest paying college majors, economics came in number 10.

Engineering majors pretty much dominated the rest of the top-paying degrees.

But on the plus side, there are tons

Visuals by Nikita Zakladnyi

of opportunities to specialize in different fields with business. Business majors can choose to specialize in accounting, finance, human resources, marketing, non-profits, management, real estate, or any path that relates to business an industry. If you aren’t sure what you want to do for the rest of your life, but you need to pick a major, business is a good option. You can always choose a specialization that fits your personality and career goals later.

Besides Business, Leigh seniors also have other interesting choices of majors around campus. Ricardo Gutierrey, 12, will be going into the marines June 4. “I won’t be able to participate in graduation, because I’m leaving for boot camp in June. I’m going to be a linguist.” For those of you who don’t know, a marine linguist is a person who is extremely skilled in foreign languages; which he already has the talent for. He can speak in English, German, Spanish, and French.

Whether you want to major in Business, the marines, or set a career as an astronaut, I would say do it if it makes you happy. Choosing a major based on the pay grade or the career that you will undoubtedly hate is a terrible way to go through college. It may seem like a good idea at first, but when you are out in the “real world” looking for employment, you will probably find nothing that satisfies your desires. Study what you love so that you will be happy for the rest of your life. Believing that majoring in something you love will mean being successful at whatever you choose.

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From the The college outside freshman’s guide to looking in: the galaxy The Leigh experience from the point of view of a graduating guest writer Jeff Peterson Guest Writer

So, I, Jeff Peterson, am writing an article about my experiences at Leigh. It seems odd to me that the student chosen for this would be a student who has had little to no involvement in nearly any of the school’s clubs or extra curricular activities, the only exception being the short-lived Mountain Bike Club and Cultural Consumption Club. But nevertheless, I am sitting here before my computer frantically writing and eating cookies.

Strangely enough, I feel like my high school story has been a more appropriate one to share than what could be written by someone more involved in Leigh’s community. I say this because my story involves me reaching out into the world and searching for salvation and culture in communities that most wouldn’t have even known existed.

As many people already know, I have been defined by my hobby of mountain biking since elementary school. I spent most of high school trying to ride my way to the professional ranks only to suddenly quit half way through junior year because having a girlfriend takes an enormous amount of effort. Despite that momentary setback, I’ve used the connections and skills that I’ve learned from my hobby to push me to become the person I am today.

My freshman year, all I did was ride my bike. Everyday, I’d ride to and from school, and as soon as I got home, I’d go out riding until the sun went down. Rarely would there be a day on which I actually did my homework or sat around and talked to people. The entire year was pretty much just my friends and I picking up shovels, digging jumps, and hucking ourselves off of them. Because of how routine that year was, all the memories have kind of meshed themselves into one in my brain. So unfortunately, if learning what the freshman Jeff was like is the whole reason you’re reading this, I’m sorry to disappoint.

On the contrary, my sophomore year was a bit more exciting. As I progressed into the world of mountain biking, the trails I needed to ride became more and more intense, and slowly, I outgrew what the local trail systems could allow. So from about

October 2009 until May 2010, I spent every Friday after school taking the highway 17 express over to Santa Cruz, where I would then meet up with my friends and stay with them all the way through to Sunday evening. This is because the riding scene in Santa Cruz (more specifically, Aptos) is enormous. I’ve literally met people who came from South Africa just to ride the trails that Santa Cruz has to offer.

Honestly, I feel blessed to live even this close to the epicenter of pretty much the entire mountain biking community. Which is why it’s a bit of a shame what junior year brought.

Although many great things happened my junior year, one of my biggest regrets in high school has been the lack of effort I put into my riding junior year. After falling out of the scene for many months, I began to lose many of the connections I made and eventually began to feel like a cave dweller.

In a similar vein, senior year has brought its own interesting experiences. As I began to focus on my studies more and more, hoping to undo some of the damage to my GPA that had resulted from three years of messing around in school, I began to slowly go insane. Passing off the raised stress as not a big deal, I just kept plugging away at school and at home thinking I was just growing up. Upon reflection, this was a stupid rationalization. But then again, hindsight is 20/20, a fact that I now see as true given some of the rash decisions I’ve made this year.

Of course, not all rash decisions are bad ones. In fact, one of the best recent decisions I’ve made was a rash decision. I bought myself a bike again. Since then, my head has been one hundred times clearer, I’ve been way less stressed out, and I’ve gone back to being a much more relaxed person. Now, I know that this story in itself seems somewhat pointless, but there is a bit of a moral to it. Ultimately, the balance between work and play is a matter that not many people ever accept as one of importance. I’ve seen my GPA tumble from a lack of work and I’ve seen my sanity fly out the door due to a lack of play. If I could go back and redo high school, the biggest thing I’d change would be the way I approached this balance. I only hope that any underclassmen reading this will take my words to heart and think about the way they use their time.

How to successfully make your mark around campus Blayke Leach Entertainment Editor

all electronics that you need to survive in today’s society, etc.), what should we bring to sustain ourselves on our various collegiate campuses? Well, for those of you worried, you are in luck because assembled here is a variety of items that one may not expect to need in college, but definitely might.

1. A means of transportation, whether it be a bike, skateboard, scooter (please don’t), rollerblades/rollerskates (ehh), or a car.

Food, water, air, clothing (for some...). We all know the necessities to live, or at least live comfortably.

But for those of us that are leaving the safety of our homes next fall, one big question is what do we bring?

Well, other than the obvious (bed and bath items, school supplies, any and

2. Toiletries, but that is probably pretty obvious.

3. Different kinds of shoes (and I do not mean 400 heels and flats and Toms, ladies); i.e. some sort of athletic shoes, casuals, “comfortables”, dressy, and any others deemed necessary.

4. Formal/dressy wear. If you own any type of suit or business attire, you never know when you might need it.

5. Room necessities: important little things such as a clothes hamper, power strips, silverware/dishes (you never know), etc.

6. Any and all important documents including but not limited to: health insurance, social security, any health records, etc. sewing kit...again, you never know...

7. Flip-flops. even if you are not a sandal/flip-flop person, they are useful for many reasons, including shower time. Nobody likes fungi...

8. Electronic accessories such as electrical cords, printers, speakers, usb

photos by Nikita Zakladnyi

drives, chargers (obviously).

9. Flashlight. Nothing is worse than needing a light and not having one. and I know phones are used as flashlights nowadays, but you might regret not having a backup plan.

10. Mini-fridge. ‘Nuff said.

11. Extra hangers, at least enough for all of your clothes that you are bringing, plus a few more for any future clothes you might purchase.

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Emily H

Calvin C Masha Demianova Jenna Abed Blake Anselowitz Mark Asmar Isabel Barrera Sam Bauman Andres Carmona Irene Lee Matt Berkley Yi-Fu Chou Haydon Weinberg Giovanni Cordiglia Tyler Crawford Mikayla Druhan Alex Eckles Samantha Fernandez Sierra Fleck Jasper Kolp Sam Reyes Mike Forcier Danielle Lampreda Briteal Rohani Ballesdy Guerrero Rocio Lara Kiely Roraus Scott Guyon Olivia Laws Jessica Rule Frankie Henriks Nick Lewis Armon Sanienejad Carlos Jaimez Valinda Lopez Kim Sharpe Danielle Kelso Jacob Lusk Alvin Singh Arezov Kermanshanani Kyle Baxter Behzod Tabesh Nabeel Khatib Ricky McDiarmid Taylor Turi Lauren Kiles Justin Olthof Ryan Vermont Sanjay King Jeff Peterson Nikita Zakladnyi

Adriel Bontilao Mikayla Dempsey-Williams Brett Haidet Samantha LaTelle Gabrielle Robles

Matt Burnham Courtney Flores Soraya Soltani Abdolaziz Hosseini Alex Jaramillo Jammar Lee Colin Lefrancois Jennifer Lewis Sean McIntyre Saida Mudler Tom Nelson Akshara Raina Jazmine Ramirez Rachel Robell Michael Roberts Eric Rudawski Adrian Silo Ryan Tanaka Kitt Ynchausti

Broderick Baker Connor Bengston Gunnas Biersdorff Cory Briggs Alex Blair Kylie Brown Ben Bachignani Taylor Buckelew Bobby Busch Maria Bustamante Brandon Clarke Lacey Collins Tapan Dave Tejas Dave Tyler Dominick McKenzie Donato Sean Donohoe Shea Drljaca James Eakes Acline Farelas Ian Franklin Jacob Gemette Aaron Golab Alex Gutierrez Jensine Hales Nicole Hamilton Juliet Havener Brandon Hickman

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Alec Eklund Tyler Torrecillas Alistair Maxwell Rebecca Patterson Michelle Fitzsimmons Deirdre Guthmann Blayke Leach Katie MacQuarrie Sara McGuire Danny Rose Adam Soret Andrew Van Brunt Cooper Wilce

Asha Anoosheh Emma Canepa Michael Handa Nicky Huffman Emily Sakaguchi Trevor Fox Christin Janicki Nikki Lougee Ryan Malabed Amy Unruh Tyler Weiss

Brittaney Barnett Jessica Cruz Rebekah Hassen Amanda Rodriguez Karl Rosales Elliot Weil Melissa Baxter

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Issa Sapguian Juan Silveyra Marcelina Soto Adilene Suarez Andrew Verdi

Lindsey Simonsen

Gerald Dooley

Stephanie Huerta Charlie Knoth CJ Meisenbach Edgard Mendez Anthony Silva

Haley Florence Travis McQueen Yuna Nishimura Kate Schubert Aoi Shoda Rachel Stein

Natalie Lyndon

Dylan Fozard Julia Loper Jillian Vega

Kimberly Ramirez

Zoe Demertzis Matt Katawicz Jordan Nunes Joey Vasquez

Aimee Hoppins Sarah Howard Danica Hunt Michelle Keplinger Daniel Kidman Garrett King Kelsey Knott Gabe Lares Megan Leach Melissa Leaman Kayla Lindeman Richard Lopez Ryan Malinsky Brianna Milazzo Quinly Suiner Tony Montevaldo Manuel Moreno Michael Morris Nick Mory Chad Moura Jared Nelson Alex Ngo Ali Nolan Vinny Passafaro Steven Parkman Josh Patten Kayla Pavlicevich David Presley

Cierra Priel Annie Kempski Allora Rasp Preston Raynor Scott Mercer Katie Revilla Jason Reyes EJ Rodrigues Ashley Saindon Marko Vojvodic Danny Salazar Travis Sandell Jory Cuen Lindsey Sexton Heather Shepardson Jeremy Sherwood Chad Shiffer Sassan Caspiani Krystal Sierra Jinny Jung Jessica Spink Spencer Stibbe Ariana Swagerty Sara Tabrizi Ben Thurmann Bridget Monroe Josh Thompson Savannah Trudeau Autumn Tyrrell Ana Carolina Vasconcelos Brandon Velez Nick Velez Kelsey Wahl Sun Park Derek Zimmerman

Tobias Bleisch Susie Caldwell Anthony Dinh Drew Donlon Joyce Kim Justine Kwan

Nic Le Karolina Luckiewicz Paulina Luckiewicz Patrick McDonnal Melissa Schwartz

Madison DeMarquez Jackie Jensen Dallan Malcomson Ryan Mickelson Alexa Wise

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Tae Okamura

Lauren Smith Kristen Yu

Ryan Choi Mike Kim Andrew Jerrom

Rayan Aoun

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Hill

11 Christa Sadler

Brad Hartsell

Cotton

Josh Bowen Alexa Davis Meagan Michael Kyle Stanley Sadie Williams

essica Clark Kathryn Sramek

Rachel Yankey

Chas Grimm

Andrea Goeke Sarah Goodwin

Rylan Andersen Jenna Fabiano Sean Hiller

Jocelyn Shyong

Shannon Keener Taylor Shapiro

cott Murphy

Gabby Dickey

Hayley Wilson

Austin O’Connor

Marissa Rodriguez

Tara Holderman

Rachel Hansen Jeremy Verbin

Jeremy Verbin

Emily Porter

Claire Hardester

Miranda Blanks Jennifer Buck Nyssa Wickemeyer

Anna Pyzel

Sean Maiwald

David Ahmadian

ny Davis

n Nguyen

Rain Zhou Rebecca Kirby Brianna Houston

Ryan White

Darren Anthony Billy Cung Oliver Phi Catherine Stevenson

Annie Kempski Scott Mercer Kelly Phillips

Josh Lartigue Chris Chitwood

Mycaela Avila-Terra Brolin Bahbaheleh Brent Ballinger Alondra Zuniga Sarah Cline Barsin Eshaghi Andrew Farnam Robert Field

Lizzie Hogan

Hailey Gamma Alex Gi Egor Glebov Paulius Jurevicius Sean Lavery Yerin Lee Robin Nickell Trevor Peterson

Marissa Salazar Vidal Santellano Merha Seyoum Danelia Sianez Joseph Snell Daniel Song Simon Sundberg

Jeffrey Carrillo Ricardo Gutierrez

Nick Elsbree

opinion

page 12

5.31.12

To post or not to post How to behave on social networking websites new found network in my life that has brought me much joy and I heavily suggest you all join in the fun. For everyone who can’t refrain from posting more than one status at a

go.

w dra en fk

ood

time o n Facebook, Twitter is for you. There is a lot more freedom on Twitter. You have full rights to tell everybody your honest opinion and really no one can get

yo tes ur co

“When people say YOLO, f that. You deserve bad things to happen to you,” says senior Zac Healy.

Lastly, it’s necessary to point out that hashtags should not be used on Facebook. In case of emergency and a hashtag is absolutely necessary, still don’t do it. Go on Twitter.

Twitter. First of all, I urge all of you to get on the Twitter hype. It’s a

mad. And for all those that do get mad, the unfollow button is extremely easy to access. There are still a few things that should not be done though. For example, complaining.

Constantly griping about this and that doesn’t accomplish anything and is honestly just annoying and you just earned yourself an unfollow from @katiemaaac.

Another great thing about Twitter is that there’s a limit. Each tweet can only contain 140 characters. It limits the “educated people” with “higher opinions” from going on for too long. And for those of you who feel it necessary to make your tweet two tweets because of lack of space, you should look into email, because you don’t belong here.

Pictures can also be appreciated on Twitter. But that means Twitter pictures, not links to Instagram pictures. We prefer to keep our networks separate.

Instagram is a beautiful thing. The creator deserves every dollar of the billions he just made selling it to Facebook. It is a great place to update your homies with funny or creative pictures of what you are up to right now. Unfortunately this is ph ot

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, you can take your pick. Each was created for a similar purpose: to connect with your friends and keep them updated on fun things you are doing, people you are with, or places you are seeing. They are also an easy way to meet new people and keep in touch with friends.

Not to mention they give us something to do in times of extreme boredom or in place of homework. We often look to them to keep ourselves entertained, enlighten our friends with our excellent insight, and maybe the occasional stalking of a person of our choice. But there are a few things, no, many things, that make us far from happy when we’re scrolling through our newsfeeds.

Let’s start with Facebook. Clever status’ that instigate a giggle are prime, links to songs (good songs) are great, random life updates and picture posts/ check ins are good, observations are acceptable, quotes and song lyrics are pushing it, everything else is usually just wrong. Never should a status be over ten words. Never should we have to hear about how you can’t trust anyone or how everyone is trying to hurt you. NEVER SHOULD WORDS BE EMPHASIZED LIKE SO.

We also don’t really care at all about how “shady” your friends are. You just sound foolish; pick better friends. It is also far from okay to comment on pictures of people you don’t know and under no circumstances should you add someone whose name contains more than one z,x or q if you

have never heard it before. They will only like comment on your pictures and message you, then we have to hear about how creeped out you are.

Also, it is against Facebook law for two people to have an argument or conversation on someone’s status or picture when the person who the status or picture belongs to is not involved in said conversation.

Y O LO ’s are also a no

o

Katherine MacQuarrie Staff Writer

where people get confused. Your instagram picture should not be a profile picture. It should not be a body shot of your new “hipster” outfit, and it is definitely not a place for screenshots of quotes or notes that you took on your phone. It’s for on-the-go pictures of what you are up to or who you are with or what just happened.

The latest acceptable is pictures of the night before, unless of course it is #throwbackthursday. In this case you have full permission to post pictures from as long ago as you please. Also, “photo challenges” are completely inappropriate. Again, instagram is a place for in-the-moment photos, much like a tweet. It shouldn’t be pointless pictures of your “favorite color” or “up”. What the guan is that about?

Social networking sites aren’t a bad thing. They keep us connected and in the loop through the ridiculous world of technology. No doubt they are a fun way to express ourselves and keep up with what’s going on in our community and in others.

But there are guidelines, these simple rules are for your own good, they will help you maintain your online friends and followers, and hopefully save your reputation at Leigh High School and beyond.

Fortunately, for the few (many) of you that just don’t know if you can control yourselves from committing one of the online sins, there is a place for you too. This place is the unrefined, anything-goes, Tumblr. I give you my blessing to say and post whatever your little heart desires on Tumblr. Just don’t expect a follow from me.

It’s more than a salary

Having a job in high school is not always worth the time and effort

Kendra Wood Staff Writer

Whether you’re getting paid minimum wage, or $15/hour under the table, having a job to acquire some extra cash is a nice advantage of having responsibilities.

Responsibilities and loss of freedom come with having a job. Teenagers are now learning how precious those two days out of the month are: Paydays.

A new job has its ups and downs.

For starters, most jobs that hire teenagers make their employees work weekends. That means giving up your Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights for work. As if going to school wasn’t hard enough to do five days a week, you’ll have an added work schedule to accommodate on top of that stress.

What little time you have in between will be dedicated to schoolwork, and if you’re not careful you may even find yourself letting your grades slip.

Maybe it won’t be so slowly, but you will surely feel a bit isolated, and you

may start to feel overwhelmed as the I believe it’s a great way to escape want a stepping stone to reality, a job free time almost completely disappears. from your normal everyday friends will serve you well. Jobs teach you It may seem like responsibilities, and a dreadful comthe value of money. mitment, but When every minute take a moment counts towards your to think about paychecks, it’ll teach the positives. you to come on time,

You’ll be and to understand working hard the hard work that on something, comes with a large and you’ll be sum of money. To see rewarded with the number in your a paycheck at bank account go up the end of evafter every single payery two weeks. check is will without a Your co-workers doubt will make you will make great proud of what you’ve friends, who you chosen to spend your photo by Kendra Wood may have never time doing. Not met otherwise. Students under 18 have to get a permit from the school before they can work. to mention you’re

Plus, emhelping out your parents. ployee discounts are an ultimate plus and acquaintances at school. I want “I’m thankful that I have money in the job world. Being able to buy to be able to start working and cre- to do the things I want through my things for half off gives such a strong ate a resume and a name for my- parents. But over the summer when feeling of satisfaction as you watch oth- self,” said senior Annie Kempski. schools out I’ll be working for sure ers look at price tags and walk away.

For those who aren’t given mon- and I’m actually really excited to fi “I do wish I had a job because ey for every little thing in life, or just nally be employed,” said Kempski.

Ultimately, having a job is worth the time. It’s worth the social isolation sometimes, and it’s worth every penny saved. It’s worth meeting those fantastic people who get to make your long shifts that much more enjoyable. It’s worth the experience for the future.

It’s worth having the title of “Sales Associate of Macy’s”, or “In n Out Crew Member”. It’s worth the good feeling of value and responsibility.

And it’s worth that great feeling to know that you can spend whatever money you want without feeling guilty because you worked hard for it.

The choice is yours; you can sit at home and spend all the time in the world with your friends, have your parents buy you a car, pay for your gas, and then have you included in their money issues; or you can work towards those goals and have something to look forward to.

To provide for yourself, to learn a lesson, to build up responsibility and to do something with your time while you’re young, and to be proud of something.

opinion

5.31.12

An obese America:

Lessons Learned

Who is to blame for the child obesity crisis?

students would love to have curried noodles and pad Thai, but it would just be because they grew up eating a variety of food items and was taught to shun junk food. But most of the students at

Californians take pride in their Leigh would prefer a processed burger cutting-edge trends. We are known for over a quinoa salad. being the front-runners in technology, Yes, our parents are fashion, entertainment, and top-ofresponsible for teaching us good habits the-line cuisine. And, according to the and ingraining a healthy lifestyle into 2011 “State of the State” results, we us as youngins’. And yes, schools need rank 4th among states with the lowest to offer a variety of healthful choices obesity rates. and eliminate as many junk food items

Not too shabby, but that number as they can, but honestly – if cafeterias is deceiving. The real telltale number offered mostly healthful food, that lies in percentage. Twenty-two percent doesn’t ensure that it would be eaten. of Californians are Perhaps considered obese.

Leigh would rejoice in That’s nearly one their new choices, but out of every four perhaps they would Californians! head to the gas station

The Gallup across the street and buy Poll points out that muffins, candy bars, and even though as a soda. nation the numbers We may are on the rise, Calnot have had many ifornia has seen its choices in what we numbers go down ate as children, but as from 22.6%. – a teenagers we have a .6% decline. And TON of choices. WE are what about adolesresponsible for learning cents? When my good eating habits. parents were teenWe are old enough to agers, only 4.6% take responsibility for Photo by Rajashree Bhattacharya of adolescents ourselves when it comes were overweight. Nearly 34% or Americans are now classified as morbidly obese. to what we put in our In 2007-08, that mouths. number jumped to We can’t blame 18.1%. our parents, and we can’t blame the school stores.

What has contributed to this But even though schools restaurants, and we can’t blame the number? Of course diet and exercise are have a responsibility to offer healthful schools for offering junk food when we the two main factors that determine a food choices, they are not responsible have a myriad of other choices. person’s health. But who is responsible for what we decide. And it may not California is known for its for what we eat? Our parents? Our work. vast amount of fresh produce & fresh schools?

Recently, the Los Angeles fish. We can pack our own lunches.

The Institute of Medicine Unified School District (LAUSD) With very little effort we can plan states “food advertising to children revamped their school lunches, which ahead. affects their preferences, purchase won awards, by offering choices We have much work to do behaviors, and consumption habits for like vegetarian curries and tamales, to begin to tackle our obesity problem. different food and beverage categories, quinoa salads and pad Thai noodles, The current childhood obesity epidemic as well as for different product brands.” and doing away with chocolate- and is the result of many factors and may California schools are required to strawberry-flavored milk. But students not be resolved by any single action. meet certain standards in exercise and were throwing the healthy food away, Resolution of the epidemic nutrition. A lot of effort goes into bringing junk food from home and will require effort across many sectors deciding which foods will be offered to buying food from other sources. such as communities and schools, but students.

Sure, a few organicly-raised most of the effort will be ours.

For example, schools are Sadie Williams Visuals Editor

positioned to reinforce healthful eating behaviors by eliminating sugar drinks and calorie-dense foods from the selection of foods offered on the school campus.

Although sodas are prohibited in an increasing number of schools, other sugary drinks that may not be commonly perceived as sources of added sugar and excess calories may be available, such as sports drinks and fruit-flavored drinks that are not 100% juice.

Schools should consider adopting policies that limit access to all sugar drinks in vending machines and

Photo

by

Kendra

It’s not uncommon for a school lunch to contain up to 1400 calories- nearly 3/4 of average daily needs

Wood

page 13

One who? One two!

By Amanda Cendejas

I could make my final high school column something cliché and trying at inspirational, but a woman needs closure! I’ve changed so much throughout high school, and I have fallen in love with Leigh and its community.

Throughout the last four years, I’ve made so many memories both on and off this campus. And while there’s a lot of ways I could write this column to sum four years up in 1,000 words, I can’t help but think that a rant of all the things I’ve learned would be the best thing to enlighten you all with.

Enoy!

When you’re a senior, you realize how immature people in high school really are. Once you’re ready for college, you start acting a lot more independent, and everyone starts to bug you. Just hearing someone say something stupid or immature grinds your gears…

The best thing to do is get your license, and become the official chauffer for all of your friends.

You’re automatically invited to every fun event, and will never feel left out.

“Uniconing” is solely the funniest thing you will ever witness in your entire life, and a current freshman named Kyle is the best at doing it.

It’s okay to stand up for yourself. You might want to be friends with everyone, but some people are just ones you want to steer away from. Don’t be naïve. Realize who those people are, and if they steer you the wrong way, let it be known.

You’ll be better off in the long run.

If people think you’re wrong, but you KNOW you’re right, leave.

Them. Alone. Either reality or karma will eventually slap them in the face.

Befriend at least one of your parents. Be completely honest with them at all times, and confide in them when you need someone.

That parent for me was my mom, and it gave me a lot more freedom in high school than I ever would have had otherwise. And I wouldn’t trade our relationship for anything.

Once you’re an upperclassmen, you’ll realize how unclassy it is to drink or smoke when you’re a freshmen/sophomore. Especially if you’re a girl. Guys don’t like it, sorry to break it to ya. Also, it makes the youngins seem like they are trying much too hard to grow up much too fast.

Teachers like the kids who care. If a teacher hates you, that’s your fault… with the exception of two teachers at Leigh whose names will remain anonymous...

Mrs. Nicoletta is the driving

force behind everything that goes on at Leigh, and she’s impacted a lot of lives. If you’re in need of a teacher you can go to for anything and who writes killer letters of rec, join leadership and become best friends with her. A lot of people have some harsh judgements about her. But she really is an amazingly dedicated and kind person.

Mr. Mason is the smartest man alive, and the best teacher you will ever have at Leigh High School. Seriously. He cares about his students, treats you like an adult, and has a way of making things easy to grasp and interesting to learn. He knows how to engage students by using the simplest methods. I highly recommend his AP Government course.

Underclassmen: DO NOT, NOT, NOT take honors courses in subject you will not be taking AP classes for. Classes like honors chemistry and honors world history are only going to stress you out and make your GPA diminish into teeny tiny numbers. There is no benefit in doing them, none whatsoever. Most people realize this when it’s too late, during senior year. But I am telling you this now. Don’t take honors courses.

Remember to look nice and write a beautiful signature on the day of your permit test. Both your picture and signature will be the ones you see on your license.

Paying for your own expenses might be hard, but it makes you a whole hell of a lot more independent than other people in high school. And while it is stressful, people will respect you for it.

Playing on your status as a minority in college and scholarship applications makes you ten times more likely to receive free money.

How you know you’ve found your group of friends: You can say something that other people would think is stupid, but they find it hilarious, just like you.

The economy sucks, but you should never let that get in the way of your dreams.

Food is always better in class, when it satisfies both your hunger and boredom, and everyone else wants it but can’t have it!

Google has all the answers.

Being invloved is the key to loving high school.

Embrace things that are underrated, i.e. uniconing, random trips to Sonic, going to a carnival, and etc., because those random times will be your favorite.

We all have the weirdest health issues ever, and everyone has that “I just wish Dr. House was a real doctor, and not a British actor,” moment.

Leigh is the best school in need of a lot more spirit.

Make me proud next year!

High school can be the worst time of your life, or the best. It’s up to you to make it worth while. Get involved, stick to your guns, and don’t let anything get in your way.

And with that being said, goodbye Leigh High School.

Thank you for allowing me a place to laugh, cry, dance, hide, smile, and find myself over the past four years. My experience was more than I could have ever asked for.

opinion

page 14

5.31.12

The value of an education

How important is it to get a college degree?

Michelle Fitzsimmons Staff Writer

Ever since we were young we were told that we absolutely must get a college degree in order to be successful. Our parents grew up in a time when nobody really cared what they did after high school as long as they were still being productive.

Our parents were free to do whatever they wanted to do after graduating high school with little help or guidance from anyone else; they were essentially on their own.

When our parents were our age it was perfectly acceptable for high school graduates to go straight into the workforce; but the truth is, in our generation this strategy is frowned upon because most people can’t go straight into the workforce and get a high paying job.

In our generation college is a huge ordeal; it takes a lot of time to find the schools you want to apply to, write essays and get letters of recommendation, months and sometimes even years in advance.

With more and more people getting a college degree, and the economy being what it is, job competition will be even more intense than it already is by the time we reach adulthood.

As statistics revealed in the Census Bureau in March 2011, 30 percent of the 60 million Americans over the age of 25 have a bachelor’s degree compared to less than 5 percent of Americans in 1940 and 17 percent in 1980.

The amount of people earning a college degree has been exponentially increasing ever since the mid-1990s, as more and more high school graduates opted to attend college, making it more important than ever to have one in a competive work force.

“Advanced degrees above a bachelor’s wasn’t required back then to get a high paying job in the workforce,” said Greg Wolf; but now they are.

With more people competing to get a college degree, colleges are more impacted than ever, which will make it more difficult to not only go to college but to get a degree that will lead to a well paying job in the future. Many universities include severly impacted

majors often in the medical and science fields.

Even college graduates with a degree are forced to take jobs at small resteraunts and coffee shops Starbucks or AppleBee’s while they look for jobs that will lead to fufilling careers nowadays.

However, employers expect to hire 10.2 percent more new college graduates this year than they did last year, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook update. Which should help lower unemplyment for new college graduates but will increase competition for those who chose to not opt for a college degree.

Median starting salaries for the class of 2012 are up 4.5 percent to $42,569 a year, NACE reports. Engineering jobs pay the most — a median of $58,581. However, as student debt climbs tto six figures, even this respectable salary may not be enough to wipe out a new graduates debt.

College degrees in any major will prove crucial to being successful in the

years to come, but that won’t be the only important factor.

Experience in the area that you wish to have a career in will also be very important t o ob-

taining a job, because it will give you an edge over the other college graduates competing for the same job as you.

Ta k i n g

photo

by

Rajashree

on

part time jobs or internships in the field you plan to go into is important to later being hired because it shows dedication and self motivation.

West Valley student Nick Arietta, plans on transferring to San Diego State after completing his general education. He plans on getting a degree in business marketing and said that, “A college degree is a must unless you’re a professional athlete or actor.”

Even if you do become a professional athlete or actor you won’t know that until you make it, so everyone should go to college and get a college degree to help them become successful in their career!

Bhattacharya

One Direction infection The newest boy band charms a different demographic Caitlyn Nurnberg Opinion Editor

From the Beatles to N*sync to the Jonas Brothers, the boy band epidemic has always been prominent in our culture, with the newest craze being focused on British-Irish boy band One Direction. Put together on the British television show the X Factor the band consists of five members; Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson.

While many people stay true to their hatred of boy bands, the point of the matter is that boy bands, along with their catchy tunes and faces that honestly are not hard to look at, are a huge part of pop culture today.

Although the audience that One Direction is not necessarily aimed at the younger people in this generation, teens and preteens alike are jumping at the chance to see these boy wonders in concert (although it is hard to call them boys with the youngest being 18).

“I like them a lot because they are not from Disney or Nickelodeon so they are real teenage boys and are not perceived to have a certain goodygoody image. They have good noncheesy music and they have…British accents.” said junior Candace Moya.

These boys are as down to earth as they come and they are driving the girls not only in America, but all over the world wild. With a sold out U.S. tour in May/June of 2012, and upcoming tour in 2013 the boys are not going anywhere.

Most ‘boy bands’ nowadays have a target audience of pre-teenage girls, and they get their music and their message out via television shows on Nickelodeon and Disney Channel. From the beginning One Direction has made it clear that, although they are thankful to all of their fans, their target audience are girls in their older teens.

“Their original fan base is made up of high school and college aged girls (unlike fan bases for American boy bands.) so because management knows that the target audience is older, it gives One Direction the leeway to mess up steps on stage, make up silly stories, and tell inappropriate jokes, making them stand out from the cookie cutter type of boy bands.” said junior Jugleen Sandhu.

Photo by Rajashree Bhattacharya All in all this boy band is here to stay. Between their creative songs One Direction has made a total of 232000 debut album sales in America for Up All Night.

“They are so real and likable personalities, there will and act like any other never be a shortage of One Direction

One Direction has taken the big ing over themselves for the boys, but leap over the pond, and has received a they love the music too. Girls, espe- guy at Leigh, the fame definitely does lovers. warm welcome here in the states. cially the younger ones, look up to not go to their head,” said sophomore Autra Namvar.

Girls from all over not only fall- them.

entertainment

5.31.12

page 15

Marvel’s The Avengers Directed by Joss Whedon Joseph Vasquez Staff Writer

On Friday May 4 the long awaited “Marvel’s The Avengers” opened in theaters. Hints were given in five other

ca”, that a team was being assembled and was then confirmed when “The Avengers” trailer was released.

The movie starts in S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters with the tesseract, a blue cube that holds tremendous energy, being stolen by none other than the villain of the movie and Thor’s brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston). With that kind of power in the wrong hands it is seen as a threat to the world, so Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) is forced to assemble his team in order to save it.

The Avengers initiative is comprised of Captain America (Chris Evans), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner).

Each character is given their own individual introduction to show where they are now, which I think is very smart in a superhero movie. Most of them jump right into the action without properly introducing the characters. “The Avengers” does it right and eases its way into the action.

A big concern when multiple famous actors are placed as leading roles together is how to evenly split up screen time in order to make

The movie made $1 billion world wide films, “Iron Man”, “Iron Man 2”, “The Hulk”, “Thor”, and “Captain Ameri-

a connection with each of them. This problem is solved through internal conflicts with each character that doesn’t have to do with them saving the world.

going on, it was necessary to make it this long. Despite the length, the film still manages to be engaging the entire time through the plot and action.

The show is stolen once again by Robert Downey Jr.’s wit and humor in the film. His acting is so consistent that it’s often difficult to tell if he is just pretending to be Tony Stark or if his real life personality is seeping through. Either way we are given that comforting humor that is expected with Iron Man.

The film also may have single handedly saved the character, The Hulk. After the first Hulk released, fans weren’t pleased with the movie and deemed it a failure. The next Hulk was released and was a success, but then it was announced that the actor, Edward Norton, who played The Hulk would not be returning in “The Avengers”. The skepticism about The Hulk disappeared after his first action scene in the new movie. His ruthless behavior and often humorous antics make him a crowd favorite next to Iron Man.

Something I thought the directors and writers did particularly well was making Black Widow and Hawkeye believable as superheroes. I was skeptical at first when I saw that they only had basic weapons with nothing to make them “super”, but was pleasantly surprised to see that they’re importance to the team was shown in other ways along with

fighting.

T h e appropriately two hours and two minutes. many characters

movie is long at twenty With so and stories

superhero movies have done by taking out all cheesy aspects. The movie is completely believable and leaves you with nothing negative to say. In order to enjoy this movie all you have to like is comedy, action, quality films, amazing plot, attractive men, or attractive women. Chances are that everyone can choose at least one of those and thus will be satisfied with the movie.

The Marvel franchise is now known for their scenes after the credits that reveal plot points such as villains, heroes, and the next upcoming Marvel movie. “The Avengers” continues this tradition and even takes it further by adding two extra scenes instead of just one, so be sure to stay until the lights come on.

A

Overall “The Avengers” is a must see. It doesn’t matter if you are a fan of the comic book or even the other Marvel superhero movies.This movie goes beyond what other

Men In Black 3 Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld Alassandra Marquez Staff Writer

“Protecting the earth from the scum of the universe.” Almost fifteen years after the first “Men in Black” movie was released, and ten years since its sequel “Men in Black 2”, the agents are back again in a movie worth your time.

D i rected by Barry Sonnenfeld, who had p re v i o u s l y directed both “MIB” movies, as well as “The Addams Family” and produced “Lemony S n i c k e t ’s A Series of Unfortunate Events”, viewers can expect an odd, but funny family flick.

Undoubtedly, he knows how to create a great action/ comedy/ sci-fi movie.

“Men in Black 3”, follows Agent J, played effortlessly by the seemingly never-aging Will Smith, and Agent K, played by the surly Tommy Lee Jones, as they yet again try to save planet

Earth from being demolished by unruly creatures.

Boris the Animal, excellently portrayed by Jemaine Clement, escapes from Lunar Max Prison to go back in time to the 1960s, on the day Agent K took his arm and arrested him. The premise of the movie is that Smith has to follow Clement back in time to stop him from killing Jones and ultimately save the world.

Because the majority of the movie takes place in 1969, the viewers get

the other “MIB” movies: casual and fun. The outfits weren’t too attention grabbing but the viewer could tell the difference when the movie flashed between modern day to the late ‘60s. New York City looked more or less the same.

The coolest part of the movie though was definitely the intricate makeup and special effects for

Photos

they’re reminders of the past and it’s nice to sit back and watch a movie that is somewhat familiar.

The angle of the movie and the

Photos courtesy of Columbia Pictures

to see the young and less serious Agent K, perfectly played by Josh Brolin. Seeing Agent K in a new light gives the audience a feeling of empathy for him and everything he’s been through in his long and unusual life.

The setting and costumes of the movie are much similar to those of

the aliens. The aliens were looking as slimy/ crusty, hairy/scaly, and freakier than ever.

The goofy encounters with nonthreatening aliens of “MIB” are still fun because the movies have been made over long periods of time that

special effects make this film great to see in 3D. Even on a regular screen the viewer sees parts of the movie as if they are flying or falling and things are pop-

courtesy

of

Paramount

Pictures

ping out at them.

One thing I personally thought was funny is that in this day and age, with such impressively advanced technology, the “Men in Black” still use weapons that look like shiny plastic toy guns for kids but they’re not child friendly at all.

Throughout the movie there are subtle jokes and laughable remarks; it wasn’t as funny as one might expect but it still beat my expectations. They didn’t try too hard but they also didn’t try hard enough.The movie flowed really well but it seemed as if in some parts the viewer is waiting awhile for it to get interesting again.

N o spoilers here, but the end of the movie does bring the past and present full circle and the viewer may or may not get a little teary eyed. Don’t worry, it’s not corny at all.

B+

page 16

entertainment

The Dictator Directed by Larry Charles Sean Hiller Staff Writer

If you are looking for another “Borat” then unfortunately “The Dictator” is not going to meet your expectations. This is not saying that “The Dictator” is bad, in fact it was surprisingly decent. Sacha Baron Cohen, the comedic mastermind behind “Borat” and “Bruno”, creates a comedic satire of dictators that will have you cracking up as well as cringing in disgust constantly throughout the film. Needless to say, like most of Baron Cohen’s films, “The Dictator” is NOT for the faint of heart or easily upset.

“The Dictator” is the story about ruthless Dictator Aladeen played by Sacha Baron Cohen that, through the pressure of the United Nations, visits the United States for peace talks. While he is there, he is betrayed by his second in command who then, through the use of a Aladeen double, begins to strike oil deals with other dictatorships and communist regimes that will take all power away from Aladeen’s beautiful country of Waadeya. Aladeen, who is presumed dead by his betrayer, is actually on the streets, beardless and unrecognizable.

He soon befriends a hippie activist named Zoey, played by Anna Faris. Although their

stances on politics are completely on different sides of the spectrum they begin to fall for each other. Aladeen while in the city of New York meets a scientist that used to work for him and who he had presumed dead due to the fact Aladeen had him executed. Together they figure out a plan to get Aladeen back into the U.N. headquarters so he can regain his power.

Where “The Dictator” differs from Sacha Baron Cohen’s films is that it actually has a plot. This, of course, is because it is not done in a documentary style filming, which is why some people who did not like Cohen’s other films might enjoy this one.

I t

has a beginning, a middle, and an end, not just a bunch of nonsense bunched together. What this film does have in common with Cohen’s other films is its over the top, raunchy, and at times incredibly distasteful humor. For example, there is one scene in the film where Aladeen is forced to help a woman give birth in the grocery store he is living above. This scene is extremely wrong, and for some might be too much.

This film has a great deal of nasty humor but it also has a lot of clever jokes and situations. Cohen sticks to his roots and lays down racist joke after racist joke, and while some were clever and some were not, most were hilarious. Cohen took a shot at every race imaginable so at least it was fair. And just as every other one of Cohen’s films, there is uncalled for nudity. If you were disgusted by seeing Cohen naked in “Borat” and “Bruno” then get ready because it is going to happen again, and when you least expect it.

Overall this film is actually pretty good. It has some really stupid moments, but it also has a great deal of hilarious ones. All of the actors do a great job of portraying their characters and add to the hilarity of the strange situations they find themselves in. This film is by no means a “21 Jump Street” caliber comedy, but by no means does this movie fall short.

Strange Clouds Performed by B.o.B. Nikita Zakladnyi Staff Writer

B.o.B. should’ve crashed his airplane along with his shipload of CDs for his new album when he had the chance.

Unfortunately, B.o.B. was able to land safely to spew his sewage on the music industry with his new instrument of pollution titled “Strange Clouds”. This album is a mashed and compressed product of all the generic rap/ pop noise that gets ejaculated as a package for distasteful rap and hip hop listeners. Heck, they even slapped Nicki Minaj’s ever so featured squeaky voice on it.

This album is a scad pile of rentan-orchestra and overused tone patterns. B.o.B. does switch up his rapping, so this murky pool of bad and

5.31.12

Born & Raised

Performed by John Mayer Nanxi Tang In-Depth Editor

John Mayer knows he’s talented: he has won multiple Grammys and his four previous albums have been successful, all certifying platinum and reaching top 10 of the Billboard 200.

However, what sets his new album, “Born and Raised”, apart is that Mayer has finally found his humility.

“Born and Raised” was released on May 22, 2012 after Mayer’s two-year hiatus from the temptations of Hollywood. Back then, following Mayer’s fall from grace as a result of a couple years of bad publicity coupled with the consequences of his devil-may-

of his former CDs, reflecting his intent to draw listeners into his intimate and revealing tracks.

Unfortunately, this is the first album release that Mayer won’t be able to support with a live tour. Last fall, Mayer had undergone surgery for a granuloma that had grown on his vocal chords. As luck would have it, Mayer had announced in March that his granuloma had grown back, prompting Mayer to indefinitely can-

cel his previously upcoming tour.

Critics of Mayer contend that his personal retreat from the city doesn’t make the epiphanies that drove this album unique by any means; his story is one as old as the ages. Also, Mayer’s lack of talent as a lyricist are

Courtesy of huffingpost.com

horrible does have some variation. The lyrics are simple and don’t have much meaning to them and the deepest line one could find is about “lighting up” or “drinking up” . B.o.B. even does the “heyyyyuu” and the incompre-

hensible slurring in the beginning of his songs that so many rap artists do.

This album is indeed a gasp of air from all the Rack City wannabe rappers and the repetitive RnB musicians crying a river about the same girl who

took his money and is now apparently some ho-fo-sho who broke his heart.

Maybe we can just pretend that airplanes in the night sky are taking his new album away somewhere cold and dark to some place that no one knows about except for a man in Uzebekistan who is sick with a terminal illness.

This album was conceived from a cesspool of Minaj, Weezy, simple song structures that had a miscarriage, and brought to life by necromancer B.o.B. that was later dropped down the tree of awful and landed in the laps of eager listeners who cannot tell a piano chord from a fart.

It’s understandable how someone could like this artist, but compared to other rappers nowadays this album is no good, don’t buy it, listen to Earl instead.

D

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care attitude, he retreated to the countryside in Montana. His return from isolation produced an honest offering of tracks, with its roots in the flavor of the 70’s: soft rock, country blues, and acoustics. “Born and Raised” is the story of Mayer’s rediscovery of self, inspiring an album of reflective and soul-searching tunes.

With his first single off the album, “Shadow Days,” Mayer is able to deliver the underlying theme of his new work: “I’m a good man with a good heart/Had a tough time, got a rough start,” Mayer sings. “But my shadow days are over now.” Mayer is apologetic, defending his past choices while also acknowledging his missteps. He also reminisces on the past; in his track “If I Ever Get Around to Living,” he sings of his teenage evenings spent playing guitar in his room. The songs reflect both an impulse to move forward into the future while looking back into the past; this new album is overall softer, slower, and more acoustic-oriented than any

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said to detract from his album, with the cheesy song “Love is a verb” and almost turn-of-phase “A Face to Call Home.”

What critics of Mayer can agree on, however, is that Mayer’s new album offers expert musicality filled with charm, honesty and a peaceful easy melody, backed by appropriate instrumental touches. His 12 tracks feature primarily blues and folk elements: violins, slide guitars, pedal steel guides, blues harp. His guitar prowess, accompanied by his increasing harmonica talent are evidenced and shine through to blend into Mayer’s most diverse and exploratory album yet.

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entertainment

California Roots

page 17

Fan-favorite reggae and art festival takes Monterey by storm Katrina Jabbari Staff Writer

On Sunday, May 27, my best friend Daisy and I ventured to Monterey, California for the 3rd annual California Roots Art and Music Festival presented by California Roots Clothing.

After a hearty hour and a half drive from San Jose to the Monterey County Fairgrounds, we had arrived at about 11 a.m.. Our favorite bands would not begin until about 5 p.m. later that evening, but we wanted to ensure that we would have a solid spot.

So yes, we did go stand at the very front of the area where the soon-to-be enormous crowd would admire their favorite artists. We were front and center, and in order to be there by the time our favorite bands would come on, we had to stand there for 6 hours. A little crazy? Yes. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

We walked around for a bit. The fairgrounds were filled with tents set up by merchants and vendors. They sold food, drinks, art, t-shirts, bracelets, hippie-esque skirts and scarves, and more.

The general atmosphere was very pleasant. The venue was nice; it was decorated with big fountains and small wooden bridges, and lots of trees and wide grassy areas. Everyone was very friendly and generous, as you might imagine (if you catch my drift). People were very kind and as far as I could see, no real violence broke out at any point.

Before we could enjoy the best of the best when it comes to white-boy reggae music, we had to go through hours of listening to the dreaded opening acts. And I don't mean dreaded as in we dreaded listening to their music.

I mean literally dreaded-- as in they had dreadlocks. Although I usually find opening acts to be very amateur and disappointing, I was pleasantly surprised with those featured at Cali Roots.

The lineup was as follows: The Closeouts, Just Chill, Katastro, Seedless, Iration, The Expendables, and Pepper.

Alongside each and every act rock. The lead singer was a scruffy, on-stage, which made sense consideron stage were two featured painters attractive fellow who managed to ing they were one of the most popudoing their thing. Easels were set-up use his clever rhymes to get everyone lar. Their set was about an hour long, downstage left and two artists at a time pretty pumped. They did not seem while the previous acts only got to play would be on stage painting during the too stoked to be on stage to be com- for about half an hour. Iration is from musical performances. They painted pletely honest, but at least the mu- Santa Barbara but live in Hawaii, and everything from abstract pieces involv- sic came across with some passion. you could tell considering the members ing elements of nature (trees, waves) Seedless is a band from Orange, consisted of a bulky Hawaiian man, to Bob Marley's face, and 4 white guys who to simple expressive were impeccably tanned. pieces. This was a nice They got the crowd going addition to the perwild by playing all of their formances and gave fan favorite songs, such as artists the chance to "Summer Nights," "Time spotlight their talents.

Bomb," and "Falling."

The Closeouts They were very casual but from Monterey were really seemed to enjoy first and definitely the playing their music. Inyoungest and probably struments were basic; guileast experienced, but I tar, bass, drums. Certain found myself impressed songs were accompanied with their musical talby a tambourine, however. ents. For being teenagThey ended the set with a ers, they were ridicucover of "Say It Ain't So" lously good at playing

by Weezer, which oddly their instruments. They enough, was probably the had a cool vibe and it song they performed best. was nice to see how ec Then the setstatic they were to be up for the Expendables playing their music at began. Stage volunteers such a popular festival. brought out instruments

Just Chill is a loand what not, and people cal band from Morgan were beginning to get anxHill who I have seen ious. Being pushed against perform twice now. the cattle fencing with the They are very at ease force of thousands of peoon stage and I have ple isn't exactly fun, but it thoroughly enjoyed Top reggae-rock artists SOJA and Pepper scheduled to headwould be worth it. Finally, both performances. Theline the festival the band is introduced and lead singer has a beautiful the stage is graced by four voice and although some of their songs CA and I was very pleased with their 30-somethings; three hearty looking are a little too repetitive for my taste, performance. They used basic reg- men with beards and tattoos, and a they're for the most part, quality songs gae rhythms and added their own slender, tall asian/islander looking man with positive lyrics. The performance individual rock twist using an electric with a black mustache and an A's cap was successful and got the crowd sway- guitar and for a couple songs, an elec- on. They played a set of new songs, as ing along to their island melodies. tric violin. The delivery felt very pas- well as all of the classics such as "Sac Katastro came out all the way sionate and genuine, and you could rifice," "Let Her Go," and "Down, from Tempe, Arizona. Their perfor- tell these guys are true music lovers. Down, Down." The Santa Cruz namance was cool and all, but I can't They also held a large fan base in the tives completely and utterly killed it. say they belonged at a reggae festival. audience which is always nice to see. They rocked so hard and had everyThey seemed very out of place and At last, Iration was up to per- one jamming right along with them. their music would fit more under the form. They were the first band that In fact, they may have rocked it a rock genre. Not even reggae-rock, just you could see were truly comfortable little too hard. With sporadic mini on-

stage electric guitar jam sessions held by lead singer Geof Weers, mosh pits were forming among the crowd. What did that mean for us front-of-theaudience folks? Pretty much that the cattle fences were bending down and would eventually collapse, along with all of us in the front row. I have a giant bruise on my left leg and I'm pretty sure I broke my kneecap or something but hey, It was awesome. They completely blew everyone away and were by far my favorite performance of the night. Kudos, Expendables.

Ah, at last it was time for Pepper. Being one of my all time favorite bands, I was about to explode from excitement. The trio came on stage and immediately I could tell they'd put on a great show. The bassistvocalist (Bret Bollinger) and the guitarist/vocalist (Kaleo Wassman) were probably the best, of all of the performers at the festival, at pumping up the crowd. They talked just as much as they actually sang songs, which was fine considering how witty and beautifully sculpted they are. Eye candy for sure. Anyways, when they weren't cracking inappropriate jokes, or talking about how the mainland (they're hawaiian natives) is the land of liberation, they were playing a set of classic songs. They rocked out on stage and I was impressed with how accurate their stage voices were to their recording studio voices, a rare find this day in age. These guys do what they do with intense passion and I give them props for that.

Wasn't too crazy about the set-list, but regardless they put on a wild show.

My ears are still ringing from the bass, and I may have an enormous bruise on my leg and will feel tired for the next month straight, but it was all worth it.

This event was put together extremely well and I was a happy camper to say the least. As far as I could see, everyone enjoyed themselves. If you like island melodies, and good vibes, I definitely recommend you go next year. I will undoubtably be attending for many years to come.

Perhaps one of the most irritating points about the movie was the relationship between Barnabas and Victoria. It was evident that the two actors had at least a trace of chemistry, but there was

ter plaguing their family for centuries.

Out of nowhere, in the middle of the scene, in comes Elizabeth’s daughter Carolyn as a werewolf for no apparent reason . Carolyn contributes to the excess of cheesy one-liners that ravaged the ending, in conjunction with the Disneyland Haunted Mansion-esque effects of the house coming to life.

Following werewolf Carolyn’s awful entrance, 10-year-old David, whose mother Angelique killed in spite of the Collins family, summons the ghost of his mom. At this part, I was expecting some serious poltergeist buttkicking or something. What does she do? She floats in, sits there for a second, and lets out a big shriek that brings a whopping chandelier down over Angelique, and leaves. Talk about anticlimactic.

Despite unnecessary scenes that don’t even propel the plot (I’m looking at you, Barnabas and Angelique sex scene) and inconsistencies between comedy and a gothic flare, “Dark Shadows” had a generally witty script and lovely aesthetics. I wouldn’t advise rushing to the theaters and shelling out $13 to see this horror comedy, but it’s definitely a fun movie with entertainment value.

Dark Shadows Directed by Tim Burton Kylie Brown Editor-in-Chief

With the release of “Dark Shadows”, inspired by the hit TV soap opera of 1966, Tim Burton and Johnny Depp are at it again (and of course, the lovely Helena Bonham Carter, because what is a Tim Burton movie featuring Johnny Depp without Helena Bonham Carter?). Once again, Depp takes on the role of an odd, pasty-skinned fellow with weird hair in “Dark Shadows” as Barnabas Collins, an 18th century aristocrat who is cursed to be a vampire by his jilted girlfriend, the witch Angelique, and is freed from his coffin prison 198 years later in 1972.

Now, my expectations were low going into this movie. I’ve been a fan of bothTim Burton and Johnny Depp since childhood, but “Dark Shadows” just struck me as hokey from the previews, and hokey is what I received.

The movie had some redeeming qualities; for example, the cinematog-

is meant to mirror Josette (and both roles are actually played by the same actress, Bella Heathcote), Barnabas’ fiancee who Angelique casts a spell on, sending her over a cliff to her death.

O b v i o u s l y, the relationPhoto courtesy of Tim Burton Films ship between Victoria and Barnabus is an important facet of the film, but it was hardly explored at all during the movie.

T h e ending took the cake, however. The movie was generally well-scripted throughout, but the ending is where that all went out the Johnny Depp continues his legacy of whimsical, interesting roles as Barnabas Collins, the vampire window.

At the climax of the film, as Elizabeth Collins, the current family really no build-up to their relationship Barnabus and Elizabeth face Angelique throughout the entire movie. Victoria once and for all to finally kill her afmatriarch. raphy for the most part was nice, as well as the CGI effects. “Dark Shadows” sported a cast with a few shining stars, but really only Depp and Carter with the addition of Michelle Pfeiffer

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Remembering Junior Seau

Junior Seau will forever be remembered as a terror in the San Diego Chargers’ secondary. In his 20 year career, Seau recorded 1,849 tackles, 56.5 sacks, 18 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, and 21 Pro Bowl selections.

He had a career that will no doubt earn him a place in the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, and reached the pinnacle of his professional career as a member of the 1994 San Diego Chargers, which competed in Super Bowl XXIX, but lost to the San Francisco 49ers, 49-26. This was the franchise’s sole Super Bowl appearance.

This Chargers team has earned another place in sports lore: not only has the city of San Diego never had a team win a national championship, regardless of the sport, but they also have seen several players from their most successful teams pass away before their time. This curse is locally known an infamous in the San Diego area. Since the 1994 season, 7 other Chargers players have died, all before the age of 44.

Seau’s death carries much more meaning in the world of football than simply an addition to San Diego urban lore. It is believed, albeit not confirmed, that Seau’s suicide was linked to the numerous concussions he sustained playing as a linebacker in the National Football League. He is not the only player experience debilitating problems stemming from concussions. Wayne Chrebet, former New York Jets receiver, also experiences problems described medically as post concussion syndrome.

As more former NFL players are reaching the middle years of their lives, more and more health issues linked to their careers as football players have started to appear. This prompts the question: Is a football career worth the level of punishment it puts on your body? Some NFL players, such as Troy Polamalu, Free Safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers, say that it absolutely is. Their love for the game far outweighs the risks they undertake by playing. Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan told ESPN, after his son sustained a concussion playing football in high school this year, that he is “absolutely” OK with his son continuing to play.

Others in the NFL, such as former quarterback Kurt Warner, say that they do not want their kids playing the

game, that it has become too violent as players have become bigger and faster.

Even with rule changes to protect quarterbacks and defenseless receivers, as well as new advances in helmet safety technology, football is still, by its very nature, a dangerous game. Every player who steps onto a field knows that one day, maybe soon, maybe far in the future, will sustain an injury, regardless of whether they are a professional, collegiate, or high school player.

An injury playing football is inevitable, and the question players have to ask themselves is: Is it worth it? Am I willing to risk my body, and health in the future, in order to play the game I love?

For some, such as Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens linebacker and future Hall of Famer, the answer is an obvious yes. Players like Lewis are infinitely passionate in their love for football, and fully accept the risks they undertake in order to do what they love.

However, as players get bigger and faster with every draft class (try finding a player with the same measurements as Calvin Johnson on a roster in 1972), it is possible that the game of football as we know it will not be around in say, twenty years. It is possible that the public may deem it too violent of a sport, and begin to shun it until its popularity fizzles out, and the billion dollar business the NFL has become ceases to be.

For lovers of the game, such as myself, this is a scary prospect. This outcome is possible though. Even as people read this article, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is contemplating ways to try and make the game safer for players, without losing the spirit of the game.

It will be impossible to ever eliminate injuries from football, or any sport for that matter. As long as there are sports, there will be sports injuries. The goal is not to eliminate these injuries, it is to reduce their severity, and the frequency at which these injuries occur. No one will ever invent the perfect helmet, that totally protects players from concussions and other head injuries, even helmet manufacturers admit that. No protective equipment designer will ever make a set of pads that completely protects players, it is just an impossible task.

Baseball pitchers will always experience devastating wear and tear on their pitching shoulder, catchers are doomed to have terrible knees later in life, most football players will have some degree of mental impairment due to head trauma, and hockey players, well, they will probably never have a hope of keeping all of their teeth, unless of course, they finally figure out that a facemask would solve some of their facial injury problems.

Junior Seau’s death is a tragedy for the world of sports. He was a great man whose time on earth ended too soon. What remains to be seen is how games like football react to events like this, and if they can work to try and reduce the effects of such damaging injuries as concussions. Time will only tell.

sports

5.31.12

Cheerleading 101 What to expect for 2012-2013 cheerleading Makena Volzing Staff Writer

High school cheerleaders have been around for as long as anyone can remember. They’re at every football and basketball game primped in glittery uniforms, high ponytails, winning smiles, and undying spirit for their teams. However, cheerleading is not as simple as just waving around pom-poms and yelling out cheers.

Few know how much effort it takes to put together and then polish the teams. Cheer try-outs start in April and show all the cheerleader hopefuls a taste of how the teams operate.

“Try outs are always testing the basic skills,” said junior Emilee Grochowski. “The seniors who are graduating usually run the try outs as well as the coaches and our on staff coordinator. The seniors put together a dance--a cheer--and teach us how to improve our jumps. We do those workshops for 3-4 days and then on [the] final day, we are judged by real UCA [professional cheerleaders] judges so the whole process isn’t unfair.”

Once try-outs are finished, the girls are split up into one of four teams: one of the two competition teams or one of the two game teams. Competition teams do stunting and tumbling and compete against other high schools, while game teams only cheer

at football and basketball games with limited stunting.

Due to the purpose of the individual teams, the practices greatly differentiate.

“Each practice is different because

there is a game team and a competition team. At game time practice, we stretch, warm up, practice our jumps, stunt, and practice anything we will be doing at the game that week. For competition, we stretch, warm up, run or learn our routine, and then condition.

Each practice is different and unpredictable,” said Grochowski.

Cheerleading, having originally begun in the United States in the 1880’s, has come a long way in sophistication and technique. With about 3 million cheerleaders in the US today—and counting—cheerleading has become one of the most popular and dangerous activities to participate in.

In fact, according to ABC News, it is estimated that “16,000 cheerleaders are injured seriously every year in accidents involving dramatic stunts and tumble”.

This shows that cheerleaders are far from just peppy supporters. They take their work very seriously. In fact, Leigh has won several National Championship cheer competitions and typically places first at Regionals every year.

So the fact of the matter is that Leigh cheerleaders not only support the sport teams that represent our school, but also represent Leigh in their own forte as well.

Fighting the freshman 15 How to maintain a healthy weight in college Adam Soret Staff Writer

When most seniors think about college they think of freedom, independence, lust, and outlandish escapades. What they don’t realize is that there is a hairy bellied monster waiting in their dorm closet. This dark incestous beast is the dreaded freshman 15.

An odd phenomenon likened to the Bermuda Triangle and the chupacabra, the “freshman 15” strikes you when you’re down. For those of you who live under a rock, the freshman 15 is when freshman gain 15 pounds of weight their first year at college.

Look around a college campus and signs of the dreaded beast can be seen everywhere. It’s lurking in your beverage can, it’s hiding in the pizza being served in the cafeteria, it’s crouched in your cup of coffee, it’s getting weird in your mini fridge...real weird. The freshman 15 is everywhere!

Some like to say I’m crazy.

“The Fifteen isn’t real!” they sneer.

Oh how naive they are, hiding in their web of lies and denial. It’s true what they say, ignorance is bliss.

Step one foot in a frat house however and you too will realize, ain’t no joke, the fifteen is real.

This is why I’m here. To help herd the innocent sheep away from the scary wolf of weight gain.

The key to destroying any opponent is knowing your opponent. You must

learn everything about this beast, where he sleeps, where he eats, what his farts smell like, what he wears, what cologne he wears and on what days he wears it; you shall become one with the beast in order to defeat the fiend.

More than that you must know what to do if you find yourself in a face to face encounter with the beast.

If you really want to stab the beast through the heart with a wooden steak go to the gym, don’t be a bum. If you find yourself pouting in the mirror grabbing your muffin top and saying “Why wont you leave me alone?!” , slap yourself. You can eat anything you want if you work it off at the gym.

Look at Michael Phelps, that man eats 12,000 calories a day, elopes with water pipes, and still looks like Jet Li. I mean seriously he doesn’t have an ounce of body fat. You don’t have to be that extreme but just get some exercise into your weekly routine.

Don’t say you don’t have time, you’re lying to everyone else and you’re lying to yourself! It only takes 15 minutes to light jog a mile.

If you say you don’t have time to run a mile twice a week...a whole whopping 30 minutes you’re a chowderhead!

The key to using exercise to thwart the freshman 15 with ease is balance. If you spend a lot of time studying and drinking coffee, match that with a little bit of exercise. If you had a lot of pizza and high calorie food throughout the week, match that with some exercise.

If you drank a lot of high calorie bev-

erages, guess what, match that with some exercise! I can’t stress enough that diet must match exercise or else you will start to gain a couple LB’s.

It is much easier to avoid the Fifteen than it is to have a head on fight with the fifteen; stronger men than you have died trying to go toe to toe with the beast of the fifteen. There are three environments where the beast thrives. The cafeteria, the Frat house, and the library.

College life is a big change when it comes to diet. You no longer have your parents there to cook your meals, make sure you eat your vegetables, and slap that third custard doughnut out of your greasy hand. Freshman can easily be identified in the college cafeteria, grabbing second helpings of pizza, drowning a sugar cone in soft serve ice cream, rolling around nude in the desert section. DONT BE THAT FRESHMAN! Make sure you visit the salad bar at least once a day and have lots of fruit, your bowels will get down on their knees and thank you. Also it helps stave the pounds away. You will most likely spend time on the internet at college, spend some of that time researching which vegetables and fruits help you the most.

Some freshman find the culprit isn’t what they eat, rather what they drink.

If you’re drinking a lot of coffee, try to cut back, try an espresso shot instead.

If you’re ignoring your studies and going out to do shenanigans, try drinking a light instead. It’s important to watch what you put into your body.

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sports

page 19

Spring sports compete in CCS Angel Wilson Staff Writer Leigh’s track, swimming, and badminton school season ended strong but it’s not over just yet. All three sports pick players to qualify in CCS, but first players must go through different stages to enter. For track runners with the best times were selected to move on to CCS, but before reaching CCS runners must enter a series of qualifiers. First is the mount hamilton league trials, bval, CCS, and lastly the CCS finals.

“Our track team did excellent ,and really tried their best. Im really proud of what we accomplished this year.” said sophomore Rahul Siraso.

Running a 11.9 in the 800 meter , senior Sarah Cline has made top ten CCS all time. Her, and her relay team are now moving on to CCS finals. Even though the guys are out of the race, the girls 4 by 1 which includes, Sarah Cline, Sarah Williams, June, Lani tran, is running towards victory this year.

These girls meet for CCS finals friday the 25th, racing against the best relays teams around. Only the top seven times will be qualified to move on to state.

Leighs track team showed endurance and great athleticism to reach their goals. They hurdled their way through obstacles, shot put the other teams to shame, and raced towards victory.

Track had an over all success, leaving us for great anticipation for next year.

After fourteen team matches

Leigh High School’s badminton team Finals and proceeded to CCS. Girls famous coaches and players.

“At CCS, I’ll be facing players has ended their season with third place, singles Aoi Shoda, boys singles Patrick however; for some the season is not Mcdonald, and boys doubles Anthony who are nowhere near my level, and I’ll just have to enjoy getting the experiDinh and Eiji Shoda. over yet. ence in playing against crazy badmin In high school ton people.”said Shoda. badminton the CCS proved a huge chalvarsity is divided lenge as boys singles one, Patrick into five categoMcdonald got eliminated immeries, mixed(one diately with two losses, and boys boy and one girl), doubles one got one default win boys doubles, and then got eliminated after girls doubles, girls two more lost games. Aoi Shoda, singles, and boys girls singles one, however won singles. Each high one game lost her second, and school has three then could not continue due to pairs or individua sprained ankle. als from each cat This year the badminton egories.

Those team and players improved a lot ranked one and compared to past years. Three two in their categroups making it to CCS was gory must win half already an accomplishment, and of their games to just making it to the second day move onto League for some great.

Finals while those “ Our team has definitely in rank three can become stronger over the years. only have one For the past 10 years we’ve come loss. up from C division. The first

“The hardest couple years after moving up challenge at league visual by Mikayla Druhana we were struggling, but now finals wasn’t actuThe first open badminton champtionships were in 1899 we came in third nearly second ally physical probplace. Just hope the team will keep lems like endurance, CCS was a three day double up with their training in off season to but more mentality.During my bad- elimination tournament at Monta Vis- ensure we don’t fall to the bottom.” said minton game, it was all about concentration, letting go of my mistakes, and ta from May 22 to the 24, however the badminton coach Kevin Yamaguchi.

Overall, the badminton team not letting the audience affect me.” competition at CCS cannot be com- had a very good season placing third pared to the competition at League said girls singles Aoi Shoda.

In the end however, only three FInals. Most players who make it to in the B League, and almost making a groups placed first or second at League League play year round and train with new record of players to have gone to

CCS.

Swimming has been a major success this year with many students making it to CCS. Students such as Courtney Markel, Michael Hannigan, Justin Lok, Josh Applebaum, Jennifer Huynh, Hannah Liddle, Martin Krushernov had high enough times to qualify for CCS.

“The competition was fierce, but we over all i thought we did really well.

Every year we get better and better” said sophomore Amanda Jensen.

CCS was held at Santa Clara’s swim center may 11th and 12th. Students swam the 200 medley relay, 200 I.M 200 free, 50 free, 100 free, 100 fly, 200 free relay, 100 breaststroke, and 400 free relay. The boys placed 13th in the 200 free relay with Michael Hanningan, Josh Appelbaum, Martin Kushnerov, and Justin Lock on the team.

“ Swimming is great because it engages your whole body , and its nice to know you control your own time, whatever you get it solely based on yourself. Plus because im swimming outdoors 24/7 i dont even need to go tanning.” said sophomore Josh Applebaum.

Swimming ended on a high note, with higher times and more focus than ever before.

“As a team we performed better this year because practice attendance was better and our times at CCS improved by over 90 percent.” said swim coach Ben Bethune.

Athletes of the month Sarah Cline, Brad Hartsell: senior track athletes Matthew Duell Staff Writer

Sarah Cline is probably one of the most underrated and accomplished athletes at Leigh High.

Not only is she ranked 1st in the CCS, but is ranked 5th in the state of California, and 20th in the nation as a whole.

“My biggest achievement was probably making it to the state meet for my first year doing track,” said Cline about her best memory of track so far.

On top of track, Sarah manages to maintain a 4.0 grade point average on top of all of her training and time spent in the gym, and still has time for friends.

“I usually try and get a majority of my homework done on the days that I do not have practice, but most of the time I don’t even do my homework. I honestly don’t know how my grades are still decent,” said Cline.

Sarah comes across as a normal, vivacious, and determined individual. Sarah trains every day for her own private track club, known as the Heritage Track Club, and, addition-

will be competing next year. ally, trains and competes for the Leigh Wherever Sarah ends up, make sure “I’m not sure where I am going yet, team. to look for her on ESPN, or in the but I Sarah trains intensely and consistently year round for national track competitions that occur in both winter and spring.

“Now, when Sarah races in the 100M, 200M, or 400M Sprints, I don’t even pay attention to the race because I already know who will be getting first: Sarah visual by Mikayla Druhana Cline,” said Tobias Bleisch about Sarah’s performance during the Sarah Cline typically competes in the 100M, 200M, 400M races, Brad Hartsell typically Leigh track meets. competes in the shotput and the discus events Cline has been offered innumerable athletic scholarships still have a couple months to decide. to schools such as Harvard, Stanford, Junior Olympics of 2016.

It’s really complicated,” said Cline UCSD, and Washington State, but it Brad Hartsell, in addition playing on about her college options. still remains unclear as to where she Leigh’s football team, is an energetic

and accomplished shot put and discus thrower who is ranked 10th in the CCS overall.

Brad also trains with the Leigh track team as well as the Heritage Track team alongside accomplished athletes such as Sarah Cline, Casey Buck, and Sarah Williams.

“Track has always been something that I have enjoyed, and I have met so many unique and awesome people through track. I just love the throwing events because it is a sweet way to show your strength!” said Brad Hartsell about his track experiences.

Brad has also been offered various athletic scholarships for both football and track & field, but has set his sights on one school in particular.

“I will be attending Idaho State University next year on an athletic scholarship for track, and I will be playing football there as well. I am so stoked and ready for college!” said Hartsell about his college decisions.

Hartsell and Cline, or the dynamic duo, have been nominated for athlete of the month for their natural talents, hard work, determination, and dedication to track and field throughout their career at Leigh High School.

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Well Seniors, this is it. Graduation announcements have been mailed out, tickets have been purchased, and we have our caps and gowns ready to go for the big day. It’s crazy to think that the day we’ve been anticipating for the past four years (and maybe even longer) is only a week away. Tomorrow is our last “real” day of high school... ever.

And here at “The Eleight”, we can’t believe that this our final edition of the year. It’s been a long journey, but I think most of us can agree that it’s been more than worthwhile. As the next week is filled with celebratory parties, senior sunsets, graduation practice, and enough photographic opportunities to make your jaw hurt just thinking about it, we encourage you to take a step back to appreciate it all.

It’s terribly cliche, we know, but when is the next time you’re going to graduate high school? This our last chance to make positive high school memories; do you really want to waste it away by wishing for it all to be over? We hope you can appreciate the next seven days with us, all the way until we hear the last “Congratulations, Class of 2012!” uttered on Thursday evening in the bowl. But until then, enjoy your very last high school newspaper (the senior map is pretty awesome, don’t you think?) and your very last week as a high schooler.

Thanks for reading our newspaper, and be sure to look out for the October 2012 edition (have your younger sibling mail a copy to your dorm room!) and our website (www.theeleight.com). We can’t wait to see what the Class of 2013 brings us!

(Signing out for the last time) Your Editors-in-Chief, Kylie Brown and Marissa Rodriguez