November 2013

The World Is Our Campus Volume 61, Issue 3

Arcadia High School 180 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA

November 2013

An-swering Our Questions

In this issue:

Photo by MADDIE BRUCE

NEWS pg. 2 #GetThereSafe: Allstate teams up with high schools, including AHS, to promote safety skills on the road.

Photo by MADDIE BRUCE Graphic courtesy of PHOTOBUCKET.COM

AN AN-GELIC COUNSELOR Ms. An acts as a guide to hundreds of students, giving them advice and lending an ear—whether their talks be about grades, college, or their personal lives, students can always rely on Ms. An.

Photo courtesy of SPORTS.YAHOO.COM

OPINION pg. 4 Controversial Suspension: Do advisers have the right to use students’ love for their activities as leverage for good discipline?

Graphic courtesy of PROJECTACCESS.COM

CENTERSPREAD pg. 10-11 Letters of Appreciaton: Students thank AHS staff members for all of their hard work and dedication!

Have a question, comment, or concern about the Pow Wow? Email the Editors-in-Chief at eic.powwow@gmail.com. or find us online at apachepowwow.com.

By MICHELLE LIU Staff Writer Ms. Phuong An’s office is bright, filled with pictures and cards from past students. With a sunny smile on her face, she invokes a warm and friendly ambiance that immediately calms the nerves of the most withdrawn and introverted students. The heartfelt thank you cards and pictures of past students around the room serve as a reminder of just how much she values forging connections with students. Senior Amily Yang explained, “I feel like I have the ability to freely talk about my thoughts and truly open myself up to her whether it’s on my academics, personal life, or interests and passions.”

Ms. An is adept at helping any student who crosses her path—and the open emails and papers on her desk show just how much of an integral role she has on campus. Ms. An transcends her role as a counselor, offering her wisdom and guidance to help students, whether it be schedule changes or helping seniors during their college application process.

I was first introduced to Ms. An’s diligence toward her students in my junior year.

I needed a counselor’s guidance and sent an email; however, I could not have imagined the relationship that would blossom in the follow-

ing months. Ms. An not only offered me advice, but also took steps to ensure that I would be able to fix the problem, simply because she wanted to.

And no matter the concern, Ms. An always greeted me with a smile, ready to cheer me up despite the time or occasion. She brought a new perspective to the situation and gave me an opportunity to remedy my mistakes and learn from them.

The dedication, empathy, and energy Ms. An has toward helping her students is what makes her such a compassionate counselor. As we met several times over the course of the year, Ms. An has continued to take the time to personally get to know me and who I am as a person. She made me feel at home as we discussed the similarities we had in our relationships with our siblings or digressed into current events circulating the news. And her interest in the projects I had or ventures I took on really reaffirmed the passion I had for these activities.

It was through these discussions that I began to see myself in a new perspective and measure my contributions toward each organization I am involved in. But Ms. An is not only a mentor—she also serves as an example of someone who selflessly dedicates herself to others. The genuine interest she takes in others serves as a constant reminder for me to do the same for my friends and family. And the kindness she has offered me has likewise influenced me to go above and beyond for someone who just needs that extra hand, just as she has offered me one.

It’s clear that Ms. An places her students’ welfare as her top priority and executes it with patience, even amidst the chaos of college applications. For senior Joyce Lo, “I’ve always sought her guidance when I was unsure about college applications, and she gave me invaluable advice and answered all my questions thoroughly.”

On a campus full of high-achieving students, the pressure can become a challenging weight for students toiling with the college application process. From crafting the perfect essay to selecting colleges, students know that they can go to Ms. An for invaluable support.

And most importantly, Ms. An is still able to continue advising and supporting her students despite having dozens of recommendations to write and numerous interviews to conduct.

She is an individual that will always offer a hug during a bad day, or an encouraging smile to those that are feeling down. Those who are fortunate enough to know Ms. An recognize her as someone who is approachable and friendly, and who will offer advice and comfort to anyone in need, while sharing a bit about herself along the way. The fact that she truly took it upon herself to help me has inspired me to offer the same care to others. And if I ever need a pick-me-up or just someone to talk to, I know that Ms. An’s door will always be open. mliu@apachepowwow.com

2

NEWS

The New Nexus 5

apachepowwow.com

Getting There Safe FlyingRules

By KATRINA CHAO

By JUSTIN TANG Staff Writer

Sleek, powerful, and cheap? Months back, we could only dream of a phone that was both attractive and affordable, and with all the great tech specs expected of a smartphone.

An unlocked Samsung or Apple smartphone is well over $600, and a new model usually comes out just when you get accustomed to your new phone. But those on the lookout can rejoice because a new contender is in town! Who is that new contender, you ask? The Nexus 5.

Google has never been a top competitor in the smartphone industry, but with the release of the Nexus 5, other phone companies may want to keep an eye on how well it sells. The new Nexus 5 packs a terrific 1080p HD 5-inch display that weighs just under 4.6 ounces. Camera features include image stabilization for video, an 8-megapixel rear camera, and a new HDR+ feature that combines multiple rapid shot photos into one photo. Although the camera may not be completely up to par with that of the Galaxy S4, the specs are close enough to satisfy even the pickiest of phone users.

The Nexus 5 also runs on the deliciously new Android 4.4 mobile operating system, KitKat. Android 4.4 keeps up with Google’s tradition of naming all its operating systems after a dessert or sugary treat, while also bringing similar features to that of Apple’s iOS 7. Just to taunt us more, Google has partnered with Kit Kat to host a contest! Specially branded Kit Kat candy bars that feature the Android robot contain codes inside that can be redeemed for a chance to win a Google tablet. Grand prize winners of the promotion win a Nexus 7 tablet, 1st prize winners win $5 Google Play credit, and 2nd prize winners win a coupon for one free Kit Kat Minis Pouch. Even if you don’t win a brand new tablet, you can at least enjoy delicious pouch of Kit Kat Minis.

All in all, it’s a win-win situation.

The Nexus 5 can also use the speedy 4G LTE networks at T-Mobile and Sprint, while still being compatible with AT&T’s network. The price of this bad boy? An amazing $349 for the 16GB model and $399 for the 32GB model. For a phone that’s half the price of competing smartphones, but still keeps up with the specs expected, the Nexus 5 has been a hot item since the day of its release.

jtang@apachepowwow.com

Photo courtesy of GSMARENA.COM

November 2013

niors Ariana Arzani, Maddie Bruce, Kelly Ching, Deedee Chuang, and Allison Stevenson as social drivers. “Driving safely is so important, especially With car crashes being the number one cause for high school students like us who are new at it,” of death among teens in the U.S., safe driving is Kelly stated. “And staying safe isn’t just about the more important than ever—which is why the All- people at the wheel—it’s about everyone else on state Foundation has teamed up with high schools the road, and keeping them safe too.”

During the course of the week, the #GetTheall over California to promote the #GetThereSafe reSafe flag was raised campaign. With the campaign, the at AHS in front of a foundation hopes to spread awarerally of students, all of ness of the three most common facthem there to support tors that lead to fatal teen car crashthe campaign and take es: not wearing a seatbelt, speeding, a stand for safe drivand being distracted by other teens ing. Ariana attended in the car. the flag-raising as well From Nov. 4 and said that “it was to 8, high schools really inspiring to see all throughout so much of [the student body] there, California raised cheering and clapping when the flag the #GetThereSafe was put up. It’s great to know that flag and shared they all want to make a difference.” #GetThereSafe In addition to raising the flag, AHS messages on Twitwas also active on social media sites ter, Instagram, and Facebook through PROMOTING SAFE DRIVING as our social drivers and other students posted up information about social drivers, stuStudents and teachers alike come teen drivers and pictures of their desdents designated together to promote safe driving for tinations. by each school to teens everywhere.

Though the campaign is not yet spread the word about the campaign and safe driving. Social driv- over, safe driving is always a must. Remember to ers and other students were also involved in the always keep your seatbelt buckled and your eyes Instagram Challenge, where they posted pictures (and ears) on the road! of places they got to safely; high school students kchao@apachepowwow.com everywhere banded together to post pictures and statuses, showing their dedication to safe driving. Graphic courtesy of ALLSTATENEWSROOM.COM Photos by MADDIE BRUCE AHS participated in the campaign as well, with se-

By HAFSAH UMERANI

News Editor

Staff Writer

How many times have you hoped and prayed for the flight to end quickly so that you could get back to playing Candy Crush Saga?

Well, never fear! The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Oct. 31 that passengers will soon be able to use electronic devices throughout all stages of their flight.

This expansion will allow more passengers to watch videos, play games, and read books on electronic devices. The catch? Cell phones will still be restricted to airplane mode. “We believe [the] decision honors both our commitment to safety and consumers’ increasing desire to use their electronic devices during all phases of their flights,” commented Transportation Secretary Anthony Fox. So how did this drastic decision come about? Well, a group of experts decided that most commercial airplanes can tolerate radio interference signals. The FAA will be providing airlines with rules to assess their aircrafts and implement the new policy. “We’re pleased the FAA recognizes that an enjoyable passenger experience is not incompatible with safety and security,” said U.S. Travel Association President Roger Dow. So when will these rules come into effect?

The FAA hopes that passengers will be on their devices by the end of this year. Until then, however, we passengers can continue reading and playing games the good old-fashioned way. humerani@apachepowwow.com

Scoping Out Social Media

By MEGAN HONG

Staff Writer

Remember that last post you made on Facebook? Your anonymous question on Tumblr or Ask.fm? Can you imagine people like your teachers and administrators from school reading that? If not, you better watch out because some schools have already begun monitoring their students’ social media, and it is estimated that over 3,000 schools across the U.S. will start by the end of the school year.

In order to discourage acts of bullying and vandalism, and to prevent suicides, school officials may soon be monitoring and flagging anything inappropriate that students post on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. However, controversial opinions are already rising as some claim this to be a violation of free speech in the Constitution.

Why would schools risk violating Constitutional rights, and more importantly, possibly break bonds of trust between authority figures and students by enforcing social monitoring?

Due to the rising number of suicides provoked by online bullying, school officials wish to put a halt to these losses by flagging online posts threatening “bullying, vandalism, hate, and crime,” according to Geo Listening, a company that is partnering with schools to stop these incidents. Although sheltering kids from potential harm may seem like a positive thing, the negative effects, such as infringing human rights and invading privacy, also factor in.

Because two students committed suicide

in the past two years, the Glendale School District decided to incorporate social monitoring to prevent any future suicides. Their school administrators paid $40,500 to monitor Twitter and Facebook posts by their high school and middle school students for one

y e a r.

However, senior staff attorney of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Lee Tien, stated that “this is the government essentially hiring a contractor to stalk the social media of the kids,” and claimed that schools are crossing a line by gathering “information about people away from school.” Even

though Geo Listening CEO Chris Frydrych argued that the firm doesn’t hack into private postings by students and that they are not “snooping or eavesdropping” because they are only “looking at public posts,” there are still problems with watching public sites and forums, whether they are invasions of privacy or not.

Even though the majority of students may not be posting vulgar or abusive things online, no one wants his or her Tumblr thoughts, Facebook rants, or Twitter fangirling to be broadcasted to the world, as innocent as they are, simply because they may be private. Even though they may be “public” on the Internet, many teachers are not aware of their students’ Tumblr URLs, or do not keep track of their students’ Facebook statuses. If schools decide to monitor all social media, they could possibly be breaking a barrier of privacy, causing students to always be apprehensive of everything they post online, even their posts are not inappropriate or related to illegal behaviors.

If schools and administrators decide to monitor students’ social media behavior and interactions, students and adults alike may begin to wonder if even further steps will be taken. If recent events regarding the National Security Agency and its tendency to collect personal information are of any indication, the notion that schools may begin to monitor students in a more comprehensive manner is not unrealistic. mhong@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of SOCIAL-ICONS.COM and FUELYOURBLOGGING.COM

powwownews@gmail.com

November 2013

Breeder’s Cup Hyperloop Transportation

By MELODY LIN

By CHARLES XU Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Once again hosting the world famous horse racing competition, the Santa Anita Racetrack presented the 2013 Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

The Breeders’ Cup is an annual stakes race held at the end of the year, and this year was Santa Anita’s seventh year hosting, with 14 races spread over two days and over $25 million being awarded for various races.

This year, Mucho Macho Man won the Breeders’ Cup classic, including the $5 million reward money. Gary Stevens, Mucho Macho Man’s jockey, had never won the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. Last year, Kathy Ritvo, Mucho Macho Man’s trainer, came close at Breeders’ Cup and settled for 2nd place.

But after another horse, Secret Compass, won two of four starts, earning $216,120, she fell during the Juvenile Fillies, sustaining an awful injury that ended with her being euthanized.

She had dumped and injured her jockey, John Velazquez, who was taken to the hospital and, found to have internal bleeding, had emergency surgery to remove his spleen.

Despite the tragedy of Secret Compass and her jockey, the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Championship was overall a great success. Congratulation to Mucho Macho Man, and his jockey and trainer!

Once California’s $68 billion HighSpeed Rail project is completed, America’s most populated state will experience economic growth, a cleaner environment, and more jobs for citizens. By 2029, a bullet train will run from Los Angeles to San Francisco at 200 mph in under three hours. However, the California High-Speed Rail Authority is behind schedule as the plan to start serious railway construction in 2012 was delayed to 2014. This massive project seems even less appealing now that the CEO of Tesla Motors, Elon Musk, shocked the world with his Tron-like concept of a supersonic capsule, the Hyperloop.

Capable of reaching 760 mph, the Hyperloop would travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco in an otherworldly 35 minutes. Cost estimates are a mere $6 billion, compared to the California High Speed Rail plan, which requires 10 times the money.

According to Musk, the Hyperloop is a “cross between a Concorde and a railgun and an air hockey table.” Essentially, the idea is that a steel capsule will be shot down a low pressured tube using an electromagnetic pulse and sustain its velocity

with the use of air levitation. To achieve this floatation, a front intake will suck, compress, and eject air below the pod.

Musk explained, “Whenever you have a capsule or pod moving at high speeds through a tube containing air, there is a minimum tube to pod area ratio below which you will choke the flow.

What this means is that if the walls of the tube and the capsule are too close together, the capsule will behave like a syringe and eventually be forced to push the entire column of air in the system. Not good.” His creative answer to this problem is to use an electric compressor fan that “is like having a pump in the head of the syringe actively relieving pressure.”

Regarding propulsion, external linear electric motors will boost the pod every 70 miles to maintain its speed.

Adding to the hype, the Hyperloop will use solar power and no non-renewable energy sources.

While this groundbreaking invention may seem like a distant dream, a prototype of the Hyperloop is already expected by as early as mid 2015. Once the Hyperloop concept is perfected, transportation will never be the same.

mlin@apachepowwow.com

Snapchat. Plenty of people at AHS have this app on their phone— you may know it by the bright yellow square icon with a cute little ghost in the middle.

This is an app that allows you to send “snaps” to your friends, a snippet of whatever you want, since it will automatically self-destruct in a given amount time (the maximum time limit being ten seconds).

People send all kinds of snaps to their friends, and in order to make sure those snaps stay as snaps, Snapchat added the notification of a screenshot for whenever someone takes a screenshot of your snap. A notification will appear, alerting you that so and so has screenshotted your snap and that they now have it stored in their phone.

But now, Snaphack has arrived.

This app allows the user to take a screenshot of a snap without notifying

the user; the snap won’t even be marked as opened since the user is opening the picture on an external app.

Not scared yet? Well, an update that is coming up within the month will allow users to not only save the image without

the sender having any knowledge of it, but also to be able to “forward” the snap.

This means that the user will be able to save the snap, and then if they wish, they are able to send the snap to another one of their friends. The idea of saving a snap without notifying the user has given the public a negative opinion of the idea,

and Darren Jones, the creator of Snaphack, is getting heat for it.

Although the intent of Snaphack may seem to be just an app for someone to keep pictures of their friends or family on their phone without actually having to take a photo with them, Jones elaborated further on why he made such an app in an email he sent Mashables, a company that covers the top social media news.

“I wanted to prove that nothing was 100% secure once it was uploaded onto the internet,” he stated. Jones also wanted to point out the “danger in sending images you don’t want others to see.”

Nonetheless, plenty of people have hounded over this app in order to take advantage of it.

Now take this app as a warning: it’s not impossible for your pictures to be spread around, so it’s best to be more careful with the release of Snaphack. rzhang@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of IMAGESHACK.US and TWITTER.COM

Christopher Cho and Vanessa Yu Ariana Arzani Katrina Chao and Terri Shi Kelly Ching and Erika Zheng Elaine Chung and Amelia Jin Lily Ling and Stanley Shaw Daniel Jenn and Victoria Yu Allan Gao and Zachary Yee Amanda Huynh and Helen Lee Mya Ho Kristie Sun Josh Bay Deedee Chuang, Dana Jee, and Shawn Xing Maddie Bruce and Ben Geisberg Rena Chen and Khanh Tran Jonathan Matsumoto Yoko Chan, Belinda Shoung, and Belle Zheng

Writers

News Staff

Student Life Staff

Graphic courtesy of INDUSTRYTAP.COM Photo courtesy of IMAGESHACK.COM

Saving Up Snapchats Staff Writer

Editors

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3

t s a f f

Opinion Staff

Graphic courtesy of BETPHOENIX.AG

By ROY ZHANG

NEWS

Features Staff

Sports Staff

Academics Staff

Calendar Staff

Campus Focus Staff Center Spread Staff Advertisement Staff Photo Staff Copy Editing Staff

Adviser

Eric Cho, Hubert Co, Michelle Gu, Megan Hong, Michelle Huang, Elisha Lee, Melody Lin, Donna Sayphraraj, Justin Tang, Hafsah Umerani, Charles Xu, Roy Zhang Lillian Chen, Lauren Frank, Ben Geisberg, Michelle Liu, Tiffany Liu Eric Chen, Celine Lee, Eileen Lee, Elisha Lee, Andrew Lim, Melody Lin, Neven Wang-Tomic Eric Chen, Chelsea Cheng, Eric Cho, Simone Chu, Hubert Co, Lauren Frank, Angela He, Carolyn Hsu, Michelle Huang, Kimberly Lo, Briana Shen, Charles Xu Lillian Chen, Lauren Frank, Carolyn Hsu, Jonathan Matsumoto, Cristian Nalbandian, Briana Shen, Justin Tang, Hafsah Umerani, Jessica Wang Billy Bonney, Maddie Bruce, Chelsea Cheng, Rose Li, Melody Lin, Allison Stevenson, Justin Tang, Brendan Tran Tiffany Liu, Kimberly Lo, Christina Read, Donna Sayphraraj, Justin Tang, Flora Ung, Jessica Wang Lillian Chen, Chelsea Cheng, Michelle Gu, Angela He, Elisha Lee, Andrew Lim, Christina Read, Belinda Shoung, Emily Tong Briana Shen Kelly Ching and Shirley Lu Billy Bonney, Jonathan Chu, Johnson Hui, Shirley Lu, Katrina Villacisneros, Ethan Zhu Deedee Chuang, Celine Lee, Stanley Shaw, Katrina Villacisneros, Roy Zhang Katrina Chao, Simone Chu, Elaine Chung, Hubert Co, Kylie Cole, Michelle Gu, Rose Li, Michelle Liu, Tiffany Liu, Kimberly Lo, Shirley Lu, Christina Read, Briana Shen Mr. Johnny Lee

Publication Information: The Apache Pow Wow is a student publication distributed monthly throughout the school year. The paper has been continuously published since Arcadia High School opened in 1952. Unsigned articles appearing on the opinion page reflect the opinion of The Apache Pow Wow editorial board. A student’s work does not represent the views of Arcadia High School or the Arcadia Unified School District. Address letters to the editor to: The Apache Pow Wow, 180 W. Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007. To place an advertisement in the newspaper, email ads.powwow@gmail.com. Advertisement rates vary from $30 for a business card advertisement to $250 for a full-page black and white advertisement, with quarter-page, half-page, and advertisement insert options available.

Graphic courtesy of MYCUTEGRAPHICS.COM

4

OPINION

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November 2013

vs.

Coach Matt Labrum of the Union High School Varsity Football team decided to suspend all his current players this year because of his growing intolerance for the players’ incessant cyberbullying, failing grades, and lack of discipline in class. As a means of mending his players’ recent behavior, Coach Labrum used their love of the sport as leverage to get them to improve their conduct outside football. Should this strategy be incorporated by other teams and extracurricular activities? Is it fair for coaches and advisers to follow in Coach Labrum’s example?

By ERIC SHEN Guest Writer

On the issue of suspending his players to emphasize the importance of personal character, both on and off the field, Coach Matt Labrum’s controversial decision is bold but justified.

Football, and every other sport, exists not only to develop physical prowess, but also to ensure that student-athletes mature into responsible, respectful, and accomplished individuals. Through those long, dragging days of practice and mutual dedication toward success, players gain more than just technique for passing balls, shooting hoops, or leaping hurdles—they receive a chance to acquire fundamental social skills that remain for the rest of their lives.

In my years on the Boys Varsity Cross Country team, I’ve observed exactly this. I’ve seen young and immature freshmen, who at first seem impossible to correct, develop into brilliant scholar athletes.

Every year, “slackers” on the team skip practices, miss races, and continually walk during workouts.

Nearing their sophomore or junior years, and after experiencing the process, gears click—they suddenly “get it”. They understand the rationale behind those grueling miles and hours of commitment; those seven hours spent on Saturdays, more time spent supporting their friends than actually running; those drops of sweat and tears shed for something bigger than their own individual gain.

These students, guided by the camaraderie of their teammates and the character-building formula of the program, begin to work with diligence, motivated by success, and develop into talented individuals.

As such, the ability of sports to develop character should not be disregarded, especially not in Coach Labrum’s situation. His athletes were doing much worse than simply missing practices or lacking commitment; they were cyberbullying, disrespecting teachers, and skipping school. As Coach Labrum said, the program “wasn’t going where [he] wanted it to go.” And to adhere to his belief that football “creates great men,” he removed from the athletes’ lives the one thing they valued most—the sport itself. What greater incentive to change? After all, if the program wasn’t doing what it was supposed to, why waste the students and coaches’ time?

Instead, these students performed community service and attended classes on character development. They were required to submit reports of their learnings. They worked diligently to earn the privilege to play. Slowly, the work paid off. As senior running back Gavin Neilsen recalled, “It provided a new perspective on what it means to wear the Union High uniform.” Coach Labrum’s decision to suspend his players may have seemed brazen, but it was necessary to uphold the integrity of both the school and the sport. And at the end of the day, he did just that: the ordeal crafted better players—and better men.

By JEREMY WEISZ Guest Writer

There is no “I” in “team”, but individuals can easily stick out. After several members of his football team at Union High School (UHS) had been caught cyberbullying fellow teens, Coach Matt Labrum upheld a great standard of character and moral fiber, suspending the entire team after showing such little respect for others. I applaud Coach Labrum’s dedication to maintaining a team stronger beyond the talent of individual players; yet while his methods bred a stronger team, they did not solve issues of character at its core.

Once a student handed in his jersey, he was immediately informed of exactly what character-building activities were required to earn it back. I do not see such a step by step process toward regaining a spot on a team as equivalent to a process toward building one’s character. Why? No teacher or adviser can mandate introspection.

Many of my friends have received extra credit for writing a reflection essay on a play they attended— and slept through. Their teachers were hopeful they would refine their self-understanding by watching a play, but with the distractions of a quick reward, their teachers’ efforts amounted to no change in my friends’ work ethics beyond a letter on their transcripts.

Similarly, my experience with the Band directors have shown that staying fair and treating Band members as equals to their superiors can be just as effective as punishment. The experts are right: we teens often fail to recognize the reward beyond instant gratification. While some of the UHS football players demonstrated great leaps and bounds in building their character, others had their self-help efforts signed off by their Coach, recovered their uniforms, and felt that they did their time.

Deseret News reported that only a month after Coach Labrum suspended his whole team, five of the players were caught vandalizing a residence’s fence and mailbox. These individuals fell a little short in the character building process, even when they completed their due hours of service. It seems they were motivated to perform acts of strong character for the wrong reasons.

To get out of trouble, to get back on the team, and to please the coach are all motivations that do not deeply move the students to genuinely and fundamentally change who they are.

In order to address this issue, Coach Labrum could have told his team less about what each individual needed to do to get back on the team. By only providing information to help students discover where they could seek character improvement, rather than requiring attendance at such places, the football players would build character with a more self-motivation. If each individual were truly responsible to take their own initiative, they would work to build their character for their own sake, not for their jersey’s sake.

Graphics by DANA JEE and courtesy of CLIPARTIST.INFO

theopinionsection@gmail.com

November 2013

The Hardest Meal of the Year

By LAUREN FRANK Staff Writer

With Thanksgiving rolling in around the corner and turkeys and hams filling tables, I am reminded of the good old days when I was a vegetarian. For four long years, I enjoyed yummy treats that were creatively made from tofu, soy, veggies, legumes, and more. Okay wait, before there is any hate, there is much to be said about the vegetarian way. During these four years, I found that so many people just couldn’t understand my reasoning, especially when a delectable roasted turkey was placed before them. Those Thanksgiving turkeys are always too irresistible, with crisp, golden skin, juicy, tender meat, and flavors worth savoring. For me, however, it was a scrumptious plate of edamame stir fried with imitation beef and green beans—lots and lots of green beans.

Stares were plentiful, and more than a couple of my dinner neighbors asked me why I wouldn’t make an exception. “It’s Thanksgiving! What’s Thanksgiving without turkey?” Then they proceeded to offer me a taste, just a small morsel, set on making me change my ways.

For me, I’ve gotten so many myths and misconceptions thrown at me that just seem ridiculous, and as hard as I tried, they just kept coming.

Vegetarians just have a bad rep, but why?

One of the most common reactions I received upon first saying that I was a vegetarian was confusion mixed with distaste. Then came the assumptions that I believed I was too good for “common” meateaters. The first misconception: all vegetarians are pretentious jerks. It’s true that you can find several vegetarians who think they have found

OPINION

the path to food-enlightenment and have the need to brag about it to their fellow peers, but there are plenty of very picky, snobby steak eaters who won’t eat anything less than a filet mignon. On top of that, it always bugged me when my thoughts on nutrition were invalidated simply because I chose to take out meat, a big source of protein, from my meal. That’s another misconception: vegetarians aren’t getting enough nutrients. As with any diet, it’s easy to manipulate foods to give you the healthy amount of vitamins, fats, proteins, and more. I could just as easily have gotten protein from beans and nuts as I could have with a chicken dinner. Aside from personality classifications and health assumptions, people always thought they could change my eating habits, or at least somehow explain to me that I was missing out on so much. Trust me; I knew that I was giving up lots of yummy kinds of foods when I became a vegetarian—all those juicy steaks, crispy fried chicken, hamburgers, pork loin, and much more.

However, I still made that decision, and one meal, no matter how delectable, wasn’t going to change that. Even, dare I say, an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner? It was hard and I couldn’t stuff myself silly like my dinner guests, but it helped me prove to myself just how stubborn and willful I could be. Thanksgiving, for three years in a row, was a test of perseverance and resolve.

After a number of years, I found that my tastes had changed and I was craving hamburgers all the time. And now, I get to enjoy all the typical traditions of a Thanksgiving turkey dinner. lfrank@apachepowwow.com

Graphic by BELINDA SHOUNG

Everyday is Thanksgiving (But Without the Turkey)

By MICHELLE LIU Staff Writer

Thanksgiving is the time to give thanks. As the leaves change colors and the temperature drops, we find ourselves gathered amid turkey and mashed potatoes to share a moment with our loved ones. It’s time to really delve in and discover what we truly appreciate in life. I’m thankful for my parents, my friends, my dog, and the inevitable Black Friday the very next day. I’m thankful for my health, music, and the Internet. I’d also like to give thanks to…

But therein lies the problem. To give thanks on Thanksgiving comes with a host of other problems: am I leaving something out? Will I be thanked in return? Is the turkey still going to be hot after all of this? We’ve placed such a big focus on giving thanks on Thanksgiving that we’ve neglected the other 364 days of the year.

Don’t get me wrong—I love Thanksgiving. The stuffed turkey and reunion at my aunt’s house makes Thanksgiving a worthy pre-Christmas holiday. And when we’ve all been seated around the table, sharing smiles and stories or just catching up with one another, it is truly Thanksgiving that gives us this opportunity to give and receive. What irks me, however, is our emphasis on Thanksgiving. Rather than simply expressing gratitude, the day has been thrust onto a pedestal, enshrined as the only day to be grateful. We’re overcome with guilt to give thanks and must be careful not to leave anyone or even

anything out, for fear of having to wait another year.

This sense of obligation and emphasis on Thanksgiving has finally caught up to us. No longer is the gathering a straightforward occasion, but one filled with clauses and footnotes. But there is a simple solution for this once simple occasion: showing your appreciation every day, not just on the fourth Thursday of November.

If we take the emphasis on Thanksgiving and apply it more often in life, we will no longer feel the need to prepare speeches or stress about what is supposed to be a peaceful ending to a month of sweater-weather, leaf jumping, and reading by the fireplace.

It’s not too late to show your appreciation for someone, and you definitely don’t need to wait until next year. Thank a stranger for holding the door open for you in the hallways.

Return the favor to friends whom you’ve always had to lean on. Write a heartfelt note to your neighbor for letting you use his or her printer when yours ran out of ink. Surprise someone with a steaming peppermint mocha. Hug your dog.

Most importantly, remember that it doesn’t need to be Thanksgiving for you to say thank you to someone. Everyone deserves to be shown appreciation at any time of the year, whether it be a dressy dinner outing or a simple “thank you”. Thanksgiving can bring people together, but we are only truly thankful when we show our appreciation each and every day. mliu@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of BASILSBLOG.NET

5

The Association Nation

By LILLIAN CHEN Staff Writer

Day to day, we interact with the media, whether it be TV broadcasts, online publications, or web searches. Mainstream media, as you may know, uses sensational titles and flashy tabloids to stir up the mass public and blow up certain issues. It’s great that these news outlets and blogs can get people to talk about current events quite easily, but the key problem lies with those misleading titles and articles. Statements taken out of context are often a journalist’s best friend, and vague titles that imply something more controversial are exactly what media outlets love.

Let’s take an example from a British newspaper published on Oct. 7. In bold, white letters covering over half the page, the morning news that day had the headline “1,200 Killed By Mental Patients.” Now, this was definitely taken out of context, as the British Crime Survey said that only 1% of victims of violent crimes believed that their offenders suffered mental problems.

This headline is just one of many examples of news sources taking things out of context, creating a desired association within the minds of the masses. The worst part is that it fools people.

People out there do believe that patients suffering from mental illnesses pose large threats to the public. News outlets capitalize on incidents that support their agendas and cause the public to make associations, like homicides are caused by people with mental problems.

I’m sure most of us know that the media does this already. We groan at misleading headlines and wonder why news stations like CNN and NBC or newspapers like The Guardian and The Washington Post can’t just report facts and figures. Well, that’s because it’s obviously working. Articles attacking one political party will leave out so much background information just to skew the views of their intended audiences.

Posts about celebrities will intentionally shift the article to portray a person in a certain light to appeal to mass opinions, and as a result, that celebrity is now the most gossiped about for that week. This intentional bias included in news articles causes the public to associate two things for as long as it is talked about.

Association is the key to the success of these tabloids. We complain and groan, but the only way we can counter the sinking of biased information into our brains is to not make assumptions. Don’t think that liking Miley Cyrus immediately means having loose morals, and don’t assume that guns will always fail as a means of self-defense just because of past experience. Learn the facts first, then make your own judgements.

This doesn’t just apply to ignoring the skewed articles you see on the news. Throughout the halls of AHS, we often say and hear things halfway. We might emphasize how a certain teacher only gave two days for a certain project, but leave out the fact that there were multiple opportunities to finish it in class and before school. Sometimes, we are no better than these tabloids. The only way to be better than these journalists who sensationalize every little thing is to not practice what they do. After all, that’s exactly what the news does, and eventually you yourself could be associated with a sensationalist journalist. We don’t want that, do we? lchen@apachepowwow.com

6

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November 2013

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7

Who You May See in Stores on Black Friday

By BRIANA SHEN Staff Writer

‘Tis the season to go shopping! Rejoice shopaholics, Black Friday is drawing near.

For shoppers, this is the day to battle for the limited supply currently on sale, while large businesses battle to offer the cheapest prices to customers. Among the crazy mass of shoppers, teenagers are ready to man the front lines.

They gather with their family and friends to snag the best deals on clothing, electronics, and household appliances. In those times of need, having a group of different types of shoppers makes way for the most interesting shopping experience.

The Loyalist: Abercrombie t-shirt, check. Abercrombie skirt, check. Abercrombie sweater, check. Abercrombie perfume, check. And the list continues. This shopper buys everything, yes everything, from the same store. He or she loves the brand or store enough to buy a whole collection full of the store’s products. Sophomore Breanna Qin

exemplifies the qualities of a loyalist as she stated, “I love Apple. No silly, not the fruit, but the brand. My parents and I think it’s reliable and durable, so we purchase our computers, laptops, cell phones, and tablets from Apple stores.” This shopper will definitely tell you all the perks of a certain brand.

The best thing about this group of shoppers: they’ll share it eventually; they always do.

Reluctant Shopper: It’s 5:00 a.m. and a group of friends finally nags him or her enough so that this shopper finally agrees to go. But from the bottom of his or her heart, this shopper would much rather be at home

The Foodie: This person could care less about what is going on during the shopping spree. When everybody else is busy maxing out their credit cards or spending their allowances, the foodie is most likely seen hanging by the food court or just waiting for an opportunity to buy a snack.

While some people find shopping enjoyable, sophomore Jonathan Nguyen claimed, “When my friends are out shopping, you can find me at Potato Corner stuffing my face.”

sleeping or even playing video games. On a shopping trip, this shopper would probably only try on clothes but never buy anything.

The pros of having him or her on the team?

He or she will have the least number of bags, and will end up carrying them, even without consent. This is often correlated with the Youngest Sibling Syndrome, as it falls under the duties the youngest sibling must fulfill. Junior Elaine Che commented, “I think shopping can be really tedious, and I would

The Original Stars of AHS

By ERIC CHO Staff Writer

With the average number of graduates from AHS around 1,000 students yearly, our school has gradually increased in fame over the years due to alumni’s continuous drive for success wherever they may go after graduation.

Dave Hostetler, Baseball Player: Born on March 27, 1956, Dave Hostetler served as the first baseman/designated hitter for the Texas Rangers and Pittsburgh Pirates during the prime years of his life. Hostetler, now 57, attended AHS decades ago, where his passion for baseball blossomed, allowing him to achieve the success that he later saw within his baseball career.

Mirai Nagasu, Skater: Mirai Nagasu has won a series of prestigious awards for ice skating. While having attended AHS until her sophomore year, she switched to homeschooling due to time conflicts, using the saved time to ultimately complete a string of successful goals throughout her skating career. From earning the title of U.S.

National Figure Skating Champion in 2008 to representing the U.S. at the 2010 Winter Olympics at the age of 16, she has truly accomplished her goal, big time.

Jason Chen, Youtube Singer: With over 250 videos posted on Youtube and over 800,000 subscribers, Jason Chen has truly grown from originally being a Chanteurs member at AHS. Chen continues to upload music videos covering famous s o n g s regularly, with each video receiving over 100,000 views each time.

Whether it be skating through the rinks, playing ball, or posting serenading videos online, we Apaches, past and present, truly w e r e a n d are remarkable. echo@apachepowwow.com

Photos courtesy of SHUSPECTRUM.COM, TOFUMAG.COM, and TRADINGCARDDB.COM

much rather be spending time with family or friends. The best part about it is being able to talk and eat food with others, but it’s not something I am especially eager to do.”

Fashionista: This person has an awesome fashion sense and knows what’s trending and what was in season...two years ago.

Although he or she may give harsh critique on your shopping choices, the person won’t lead you astray. These people often know what suits them best, and give pointers on the perfect outfit for any occasion.

They keep our minds at ease, since they always know if we’re shopping smart.

A combination of all these types of shoppers definitely makes up an A-Team.

Next time you get together in a group on a shopping trip, try finding someone that falls under each category. Then you’ll truly be ready to have a blast shopping ‘till you drop. bshen@apachepowwow.com

Graphics by BELINDA SHOUNG and courtesy of DREAMSLIVE.COM

A Slice of Thanksgiving Tradition

By CHELSEA CHENG Staff Writer

Gobble, gobble, gobble. Imagine a room filled with amazing smells and decorations.

Take a look out of the window. You see a mixture of warm colors of autumn in the backyard.

Oh, how you can smell the savory waft of roasted turkey. Yum! Many students at AHS celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday by eating a nice meal together with their families. The traditional Thanksgiving dinner of a nice, juicy turkey with some savory tasting bread stuffings is eaten by many Americans.

While many students hope to celebrate the weekend with a nice family get-together, others wish to spend an adventurous Thanksgiving roaming elsewhere. Enjoying rides and taking pictures during the Thanksgiving break give some students a bit of happiness. Snowboarding in the mountains blanketed in soft, white snow for Thanksgiving seems appealing to some, such as freshman Emily Quach. Emily wishes “that [she] could go back to Lake Tahoe and snowboard.” Senior Kelly Chang usually enjoys the holiday up at Mammoth, but only if there is enough snow. Kelly said that “most of [her family meets up with them at Mammoth], so [they] celebrate Thanksgiving with a nice dinner.”

Some families don’t even spend the Thanksgiving holiday together. Students in these households wisely use the time to catch more zzz’s or finish the homework assigned by their teachers over the weekend. For most people, sleep is extremely enticing to do, especial-

ly if one doesn’t sleep enough because of the workload from school. Freshman Maya Khan and junior Casey Huang both hope to “catch up on some sleep” and rejuvenate themselves for the final stretch of school this year.

Students at AHS are always thankful for what they have. This year, seniors Benjamin Kim and Carrie Zhang are very thankful for their “friends and family.” Friends are important in life and should be cherished for a long time. Senior Justine Hung is “honestly most thankful for [her] parents supporting [her] 100% this year, especially with all the activities [she] does, such as Chanteurs, Pep Squad, and ASB.” Without them, she “would never be able to accomplish all [her] goals. Parents are also very important, and they should be thanked every day for their dedication and support in school-related activities.

Many people typically spend Thanksgiving by helping their parents set up the feast or getting themselves ready for a dinner party. Justine helps her family prepare for Thanksgiving by “taking [her] little sister to go shopping for festive decorations, especially candles.” Students, like Carrie, will sleep in until 3:00 p.m. and then go back to sleep after eating.

Thanksgiving isn’t all about the turkey though. It is also about the giving of thanks and the people you share the experience with. The celebration of Thanksgiving is different for all of the student body, but we are still thankful for the many things that have occurred in throughout our lives. ccheng@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of BLOGSPOT.COM

8

PERFORMING ARTS A Grand Opening at the Fall Assembly

By MELODY LIN Staff Writer

Due to the construction of the North Gym, this year’s Fall Assembly, originally set for Oct. 18, was postponed to Nov. 7. Several groups performed at this pep rally assembly: Pep Band, Orchesis, and Pep Squad.

Pep Band Director senior Kevin Misakian described practice in Pep Band as “having fun playing 90’s and pop songs with your friends,” and that was exactly what it was.

Playing popular tunes such as “Ocean Avenue” and “Stacey’s Mom”, Pep Band members brought up the energy, and the audience had a blast filing into the gym.

French Horn Section Leader senior Jeremy Weisz enthused, “Our performance at the assembly had the most energy and great playing. After three years of playing in Pep Band, I can say that this year’s was the best.” The crowd was singing along to the beat of the catchy music that Pep Band produced, bringing up the school spirit and enthusiasm for all the performances to come.

By EILEEN LEE

Orchesis member senior Cherry Chin was excited to dance. “I was so stoked to perform that it didn’t matter that we had to stand in the box for twenty minutes to keep our characters a surprise from the audience.” The large box was quite a mystery to the audience, as it sat in the middle of the gym floor. When the characters from Sailor Moon, a popular anime, started streaming out of the box, the crowd was surprised and became even more excited.

Halfway through the performance of the first assembly, the speakers gave out, but that didn’t stop the Orchesis members. Cherry proudly stated “There were technical difficulties, but that didn’t stop us. Instead of panicking, we kept dancing because we knew that we had the routine down by heart; we could do it with or without music.” They performed so excellently that many people in the audience believed that the music was meant to stop and that everything was just part of the routine.

The breathtaking performance that left everyone wanting more took a lot of hard work. Orchesis Captain junior Ashley Yan stated that “the officers started choreographing during June and we worked for so many hours on the formations and the dancing, then taught the dance to the rest of the company.” They spent countless hours to perfect a dance that was thrilling and a pleasure to watch. During the actual performance, Ashley said, “It felt so surreal to finally perform it.” Proud of the effort put into this dance, she was “happy to show the

school how hard we have worked.”

Sophomore Shannon Lee, a dedicated member of Pep Flags, attributed its high-energy, exciting performance to constant practice. “We practiced everyday and rehearsed until we got every single toss and movement perfected.” She admitted, “It’s a bit nervewracking in the beginning, but once the music starts, all the jitters go away and it becomes fun.”

Junior Alyssa Pidlaoan who is also in Pep Flags confirmed, “We practiced everyday.” It was clear to the audience that Pep Flags put in a lot of effort in mastering their performance. In the second assembly, every single member of the team caught the flags without missing a beat, continuing to bounce and dance as if they hadn’t just executed a complicated move meticulously. The audience clung to their seats and reacted to the routine with enthusiasm and excitement as the girls “all caught [their] tosses and heard the crowd roaring for [them] during the routine.”

All the groups who performed at the Fall Assembly did a fantastic job, and their dedication to practicing and rehearsing has definitely paid off.

Thanks for a memorable Fall Assembly Pep Band, Orchesis, and Pep Squad! mlin@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy ofbZAMORA.COM Photos by STANLEY SHAW

apachepowwow.com

November 2013

Lessons of PA

By NEVEN WANG-TOMIC Staff Writer

AHS’ Performing Arts (PA) is comprised of several well-known groups: Orchesis, Drama, Band, Colorguard, Choir, and Pep Squad.

While each team encompasses different talents and values, they all have one clearly similar facet: performance. Members of these groups can attest to lessons they have learned through performance and teamwork. So despite the various goals and purposes of our PA groups, what overarching lessons have members learned?

“Being in Chanteurs has taught me the value of teamwork,” explained Chanteurs member senior Carrie Zhang. She continued, “We constantly have to listen to our surroundings and coordinate well with those around us so that we can harmonize.” Advanced Drama Department (ADD) member senior Chloe Yin agreed, stating that, “Being a part of ADD gave me a lot of confidence. It allowed me to be myself even if others found my personality weird.”

“Orchesis has taught me that hard work and persistence will never go unrewarded. It inspires me to constantly keep working because I know that it will pay off in the end,” explained Orchesis President senior Nicole Wei. Although each PA group is incredibly different, there is no doubt what members from these groups learn from their experiences with their respective team. Despite the fact that ADD is for acting, Orchesis is for dance, and Chanteurs is for singing, they emphasize the importance of learning through experience. Amongst all the PA groups at AHS, there is one thing that is abundantly clear throughout each and every one: performance has its teachings. ntomic@apachepowwow.com

Thanksgiving: Not Just About the Food Staff Writer

Thanksgiving is one of the biggest annual holidays celebrated throughout the nation. On this day, people give thanks for what they usually take for granted: food, family, and the people around them. Aside from having a full week off of school and eating turkey all day, students from AHS spend the time to sit down and think about what they are thankful for. Despite their different personalities and grade levels, students came down to one conclusion: the Performing Arts (PA) groups provide an amazing program that is appreciated by every member. Here, Performing Arts (PA) group members shared what they were happy to have as a proud member of a PA family.

“I’m thankful for the people who supported Song and stayed with the team after we faced hard times. The Song team would’ve disappeared from the school records if it weren’t for the people who stayed in. I’m also thankful for all the new friends that I’ve made in these short six months from Song and Cheer. Pep Flags has helped me adjust to the new squad and the responsibilities that I have as a Song Captain.

—Sarah Zhang, 9, Song Captain

“I’m thankful for the people I have met thanks to Pep Squad. We have shared great memories together throughout the years we’ve spent as a team. They are true friends who will last a lifetime.”

—Emma Lihani, 11, Cheer

“I’m very thankful for all the Band directors, section leaders, and members. Together, we work very hard to reach our goals. The Band directors put a lot of effort and time to make sure that we succeed. Our section leaders help us play better and also lead us to success. Most importantly, other members always support me in times of trouble.

In the end, we all cooperate, laugh, and have fun.”

—Eric Tseng, 10, Band

“I’m thankful for my parents, since they are always there for me and supporting me everywhere I go! Percussion has also given me the opportunity to enjoy new experiences in life.”

—Calvin Chan, 12, Percussion elee@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of BABBLE.COM and DDTARTCENTER.COM Photos courtesy of CALVIN CHAN, EMMA LIHANI, ERIC TSENG, and SARAH ZHANG

November 2013

arcadiaperformingarts@gmail.com

PERFORMING ARTS

The Man Who Came to Dinner

By ELISHA LEE

Swan, who played the main character, had practice every day since September. He also mentioned that he has “spent about 20 hours per week after school rehearsing, and during Hell Week, From catchy tunes to sassy characters, this play had it everyone has about 30 hours per week.” The practice certainly all. From Nov. 14 to 16, Advanced Drama Department (ADD) paid off, as the audience loved Liam’s perfect portrayal of the slightly sadistic and immature Whiteside. had its well-rounded fall production, The Man Who Although ADD had exhausting rehearsal Came to Dinner, in the Performing Arts Censchedules, Madeline thought that “the love ter (PAC). In this play, the main character, of performing made it all worth it,” and Sheridan Whiteside, or “the man who since ADD spent so many hours togethcame to dinner”, is a famous but arer practicing, they are “like a family rogant radio personality who has and go through every hardship and been invited to the wealthy Stanfun moment together.” Senior Anley household to have dinner in gela King, who played Mrs. Daisy a small town in Ohio. UnfortuStanley, the mother in the Stanley nately, he slips and falls at the household, really enjoyed “the doorstep, leaving him wheelsatisfying feeling of performing chair-bound with a broken hip because it makes it all worthand a few weeks in an unfawhile.” The passion ADD has for miliar house to recover. On top performing definitely showed on of all the burdens the Stanley stage, especially during curtain call household has to carry with an when their big smiles radiated through injured man in its house, Whitethe PAC. The highlight of the show was side drives all the family members definitely the goat; it was greeted by the nuts, making unreasonable requests audience with endless “aww-ing” and cheerand holding a lawsuit of $150,000, which ing. Though the goat only showed up a couple are emphasized throughout the play causing of times in the performance, it much laughter.

With its snarky comments BREAK A LEG, NOT A HIP! Congrats contributed to the already comeand sassy characters, I loved again ADD for a spectacular fall production! dic show when it bit the eager-toplease nurse. every bit of the play. The cast With well-developed characters and fantastic acting, The members delivered their lines smoothly and confidently. Of course, the flawless performance seen on stage required ex- Man Who Came to Dinner was extremely successful. From the tremely tiring rehearsals. Junior Madeline Meyers, who played packed auditorium and loud cheers, to the extremely interesting a convict and ensemble member in the play, shared, “Rehears- plot. I recommend going to ADD’s spring musical if you weren’t als are relatively light unless you have a bigger role. Otherwise able to go to this one. Great job ADD, and congratulations on yet it’s just once a week until 5:30 p.m., but once the play gets clos- another fantastic performance! er, we have tech week, or ‘Hell Week’, and we end up rehearselee@apachepowwow.com Photo courtesy of ARCADIASBEST.COM ing until 9:00 p.m. every day.” Unlike Madeline, senior Liam Staff Writer

9

Fall String Concert

By ANDREW LIM

Staff Writer

The month of October ended with a great performance from Orchestra. The Fall String Concert took place on Oct. 28 in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

The concert was the first major performance for the group this year and the students’ rigorous practice for the concert paid off. The concert exceeded the audience’s expectations as the students’ performance required an excessive amount practice and training to create such a wonderful performance.

Orchestra 1 members believed that they performed well and even exceeded their own expectations overall. “From my point of view, I would say we did okay for the first two pieces.

Orchestra 2 and Orchestra 3 were both really good,” replied Orchestra 1 member freshman Ram Beri. Nonetheless, the concert’s musicians gave a delightful performance, and if they made any mistakes, the audience barely noticed it at all. Orchestra 1 also played much better than the freshmen had anticipated. As Orchestra 1 member freshman Allison Kao stated, “I personally thought that Orchestra 1 played really well because [although] we’re all freshman in that orchestra, we showed a huge difference between the middle school and high school orchestras. We played with feeling, which gave the audience happiness because we always need to make a connection with the audience when we play. ‘Adagietto from Symphony No. 1’ was the most beautiful piece we played. Our notes were concise, and at one point, I wanted to cry because [of] the feeling of the piece.”

Orchestra Director Mrs. Pin Chen stated, “We received many compliments from audience members, including the middle school music teachers, about how they were impressed by their poise and musicality.” With the concert exceeding the everyone’s expectations, upcoming concerts such as the Holiday Concert Performance in the PAC are highly anticipated. alim@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of CLKER.COM

10

GIVING THANKS

apachepowwow.com

November 2013

By RENA CHEN Executive Copy Editor

By KYLIE COLE Staff Writer

If I logged into Powerschool and looked at my total absences right now, the number glaring back at me would be 38 absences. Most of these, excepting maybe one day’s worth, are a result of the fact that I have mild Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD).

However, I did not know this at the beginning of the year. All I knew was that going to school made me so anxious and so nervous that I almost had a crying fit every morning during the walk to school. The constant stress and pressure proved to be unbearable, when one morning in the beginning months of school, my mom found me crying in a ball on my bed, unwilling to begin the process of preparing for that day of school. The same thing happened for days afterward, until my mom finally realized that this was not going to work itself out on its own. I reluctantly went to see multiple doctors and psychiatrists, mostly just to humor my mom.

One of the last people I went to talk to was Mrs. Ione Mieure. I walked in to her office, feet dragging, appearance haggard, and she made me feel right at home. I could talk to her like I would a friend. She helped me realize the problem and address it as though I were an equal, not a silly, overly dramatic little Freshman. I am not someone who likes to talk about feelings at all, but Mrs. Mieure has a way of taking you to your limits, but never further. She was legitimately understanding, concerned, and caring about me--one of many.

Following the meeting with Mrs. Mieure, I went to school the very next day. It was still a very intimidating and stressful experience, and sometimes still is. The difference is that if it ever gets too hard, I know that I always have somewhere to go. Even if I don’t ever take advantage of the offer, I know that I will always be welcomed with open arms if I feel that I need it. I am never pressured, never feeling judged or belittled once I cross the boundaries of that little office. Just having the opportunity, knowing that someone will understand is what means the most.

I have minor SAD. But I am not alone. And that’s thanks to Mrs. Mieure.

I wanted to learn about Germany one day. Just a bit of impulsive researching—nothing too serious or mind-tearing, but I should have known after trying to research French departments online that electronic resources seriously killed the brain. There were useful but broad facts. And very little having to do with the culture within Alsace-Lorraine, which left me with a pit of frustration. Statistics and geography…tourist attractions…laws…gah.

So that impulse turned into a major headache because I had to know a bit more than what the World Wide Web was offering in the limited amount of time school left behind for me. Well, what do you know? There are teachers. And specifically, I wanted to ask Ms. Christa Heinrich-Josties, who was a history teacher and Austrian, which pretty much trumped everything.

I was curious to start up a conversation with Ms. Heinrich. She was always involved with the class, always with a sense of humor that lightened the abyss of junior year and made APUSH oddly relaxing. After some internal bickering, I went into the classroom during lunch, sat in the corner, and watched, feeling quite productive.

Ms. Heinrich saw me shortly after and asked if I wanted to ask her something. I must have seemed extremely serious at that point because she didn’t wait for a response; she invited me to sit in front of her, next to her worktable; and she seemed excited when I began speaking. We had a long conversation about German culture, and even some German language (I failed, by the way). And it was actually fun. I learned, and Ms. Heinrich had many things to share.

I started visiting her more often: sometimes during lunch, sometimes afterschool. She always made time for me. We talked about college essays and listened to French music. She let me and a friend watch a Western movie at lunch the day before break. After AP testing, Ms. Heinrich accompanied me in venting off stress. On some days, when my friends were absent or if I wanted somewhere quiet, her classroom was always open and welcome.

And she always acknowledged me. I think that’s what struck me—that though she had loads of work and other students, she always diverted her attention to greet me with a smile that said she wanted me to be there, and that though she did have her own schedule, I wasn’t in any way excessive. So I want to thank Ms. Heinrich-Josties for all her support and company. I want to thank her for being such a magnificent friend to me.…And, technically, I should thank Germany for starting it all. Danke, mon ami. rchen@apachepowwow.com

MS. HEINRICHJOSTIES

kcole@apachepowwow.com

Photos by MADDIE BRUCE, BEN GEISBERG, STANLEY SHIAU, and ROY ZHANG Photos courtesy of ARCADIASBEST.COM, FINEARTAMERICA.COM, ONWARDSTATE.COM, and PANTRYSPA.COM.

MRS. IONE MIEURE

MR. KEVIN FOX

By KHANH TRAN

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ins Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the Un These words constitute (no pun intended) the Preamble of the United States Constitution, a timeles high school I might not be able to recite a Shakespearean sonnet, or derive mathematical formulas, but others, owe this appreciation to Mr. Kevin Fox, who has not only been an influential teacher but a parag As a Chinese proverb once said, “Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I will remember. Involve and Politics class, where students are not spoon fed in every lesson they learn. Rather, they are encou system. That is the unique twist of Mr. Fox’s teaching method. He does not simply give his students a allowing them to foster their own perspectives on constitutional issues. And if they struggle, he lets them in anything. Heated debates, clashing viewpoints, and a few Foxy jokes now and then occur daily in the However, amidst all the busy classes, Mr. Fox always spares a moment to encourage his students Team, I was extremely nervous and was not sure if I would enjoy talking about this seemingly foreign eat, sleep, study. Like any other ordinary student. Mr. Fox showed me the opposite. On the night of th not about the cool and sleek black jackets that they wear. It was not about the bragging rights. It was the It was no surprise to me that this was the product of Mr. Fox’s ability to mesh together different individ I said that I wanted to be extraordinary. And Mr. Fox gave me that chance, to be someone beyond myse coming-of-age odyssey. Maybe then I will discover the sound, the secret of the Fox.

November 2013

centerspread.powwow@gmail.com

TO OUR TEACHERS11

By ROSE LI Staff Writer

Last year, I had the honor of taking AP Japanese with Arndt-sensei.

Arndt-sensei isn’t really like any other teacher I’ve ever met before. The teachers I’ve had usually had dispositions that fell into one of three categories: strict and humorless, chill and funny, or strict and funny. Sensei didn’t fall under any of the three. She’s soft-spoken, modest, and very polite; even by the way she stands, you can right away sense something different and elegant emanating from her. She’s like one of those flowers that seem inconspicuous but are actually the most fragrant of all. Behind Sensei’s reticence is a core of kindness, compassion, patience, and wisdom.

Our class last year was extremely small and consisted of only nine people. As a result, everyone became close as family, with Arndt-sensei included. Rather than looking forward to the end of class, everyone wished for more class time and grieved whenever the bell was close to ringing. Sensei never made us slave away on boring worksheets or mounds of homework; most of what we did were class discussions in Japanese, and they were always so interesting that all of us would be doubled over in pain from laughing. As in every class, some of us were more vocal than others, be it from lack of confidence in Japanese or just lack of social inclination. However, Sensei never neglected the quieter students; she made sure that everyone had the chance to voice their opinions. Even though some people in the class had better speaking skills, we all felt so comfortable with each other and Sensei that it didn’t even matter.

Every second I spent in that tiny portable classroom was worth gold to me, but if I had to choose a “best memory”, then it would definitely be Arndt-sensei’s Final Project. The assignment was to put together a Japanese movie—the content was completely left to our own decisions. It was ingenious. The weight of the days of work didn’t even register in our heads. All of us had the absolute time of our lives, and we improved our writing skills during script-making and speaking skills during filming. It also really helped open up the less vocal classmates in our class, and I can testify, as someone who assumes that position in other classes, that it’s the best feeling ever to be included and valued in a group, especially in one as tight as ours was.

Overall, AP Japanese was the most fun I have ever had in a class, and I’m truly grateful to Arndt-sensei for it. Sensei was always willing to assist in any way she could, and despite the rowdiness of our behaviors at times, she never once got angry at us.

Sensei was more than an instructor; she was a guide, a friend, almost a maternal figure to me. If I could, I’d retake AP Japanese just to study under Arndt-sensei. I am truly blessed that I was able to experience the instruction of such an amazing teacher! rli@apachepowwow.com

ARNDT-SENSEI

Executive Copy Editor

sure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the nited States of America.” ss document that has been the central core of America since its ratification on June 21, 1788. At the end of I will never forget the very words that have been the highlights of my senior year. I, along with countless gon of civic virtue to all of his students. e me and I will understand. Step back and I will act.” Such is the mantra of Mr. Fox’s AP US Government uraged to engage and develop their own opinions and fascination for the country’s complex government a plethora of lectures to memorize and regurgitate. Instead, he chooses to treat his students as his equals, m struggle. Dissent over mockery. Active discussion over passive recitation.There is never a correct answer e class, making every second truly precious and memorable. s to participate in civic education, a trait that I forever admire. When I first heard about the Constitution subject called U.S. government. I was not a “U.S. citizen”, so to speak. I did not care. All I could do was he informational session, he piqued my interest with a mock congressional hearing of his students. It was e way they spoke. The thought-provoking responses. The confidence exuding from their calm demeanors. dual personalities to form a coherent and eloquent group of scholars. I asked him about the tryout process. elf. To be a civilized citizen. To be a part of We the People. And I am glad that I am on this enlightening, ktran@apachepowwow.com

By ZACHARY YEE Sports Editor

I was an unknowing student in a foreign land, The third stage of a language I didn’t quite understand, Why I needed it or what was its ultimate use, The pronunciation of the words from my mouth had received abuse, But that would soon come to an end, From the start good vibrations the Señora did send, No words were needed for there was a kindness in her eyes, A first impression was that she was a saint in disguise, A dull moment ceased to be in her room, A struggling student would never meet his doom, For Señora would go the extra mile, Such as staying after school to discuss several verb tenses for awhile, There were times when I would go in at lunch to get my studying done, Rather than eating, Señora would look over my flashcards and make sure I knew each and every one, For she would move mountains to better every last girl and boy, As their success would give her genuine happiness and joy, She had a way of making Spanish very cut and dry, She miraculously made the slackers get up and try, She made me a believer and filled my heart with zest, Again and again she’d expect my work to be the best, A confidence in herself and in her scholars made for a teacher of extraordinary powers, And her enthusiasm would stay relentless hour after hour, But merely a wonderful teacher Señora Lopez was much more, Her outrageously intriguing stories were too entertaining to ignore, She was the person to go to when feeling depressed or tired, For a one-on-one talk with her would have you leaving inspired, She gave me a learning environment that I looked forward to being in everyday, She did everything imaginable to help me in countless different ways, Inside or outside the classroom it did not matter, Some teachers are indifferent and others make a difference; she was and is the latter, Full of enthusiasm and glee, Setting my intellectual prowess free, Doing everything possible to help everyone and me, Thank you Señora Lopez for being the best teacher you could be. zyee@apachepowwow.com

SENORA LOPEZ

12

ACADEMICS

The Truth About Cheating

By JUSTIN TANG Staff Writer

Let’s be honest here. How many of you have ever cheated before? Maybe you’ve cheated once on that one test you just didn’t have time to study for. Or maybe you’ve never cheated in your entire educational career! Nonetheless, the percentage of cheaters has skyrocketed over the past years. 10% of the incoming class at Harvard University admitted to having cheated on exams in high school, which is definitely not good news coming from one of the nation’s most prestigious universities. In 1940, 20% of teens admitted to have cheated in high school, but in 2002, that percentage skyrocketed to 74%.

Tom Keane, who writes for The Boston Globe, concluded that society encourages cheating: “Cheating is just what we do to survive.”

Children are like sponges; they absorb everything they see around them.

And when society cheats all the time, it inadvertently sets a bad example. Cheating may seem like a good idea now, but in the long run it will cause more pain than gain.

If you don’t learn your elements in Chemistry or your basic algebra, you are likely to have a harder time when equations get more complicated. It also becomes a habit throughout your high school career and may continue onto college. At college, academic dishonesty has serious consequences, and you will definitely regret it.

Depending on the college, you can face failure of a course, suspension, or even expulsion.

Because it is easy to be influenced by friends and classmates, watching your peers cheat may incite you to cheat yourself. Due to the high pressure to earn good grades, education has become more about performance than character. Students compete with their peers, and getting to the top seems to be the only thing that matters.

However, students who work exceptionally hard to get good grades shouldn’t have to compete with those who cheat to get work done. Cheating is admitting to yourself that you don’t believe in your abilities.

Build up your self-esteem and confidence by accomplishing something with your own hard work.

We all want trustworthy friends, right? Cheating kills trust, and it’s hard to gain back that trust from authorities and peers. If you cheat too often, you carry a permanent label on your forehead that defines who you are, and even if you never cheat again, people will always have a hard time trusting you. Cheating is just like lying; neither is highly valued.

We may never be able to change how society sends off negative messages. Children will continue to cheat as long as businesses, politicians, parents, and the media exploit the truth. The world we live in holds winning as number one—how you get there is up to you. However, trusting your own abilities to achieve success is certain to hold a bright future. jtang@apachepowwow.com

apachepowwow.com

November 2013

Quiz Bowling over the Competition Every year, QB competes against high schools in the area before advancing to regional and national championships. QB won 1st place at its second competition at Irvine High School.

Junior Yuqiao Zhao “was on A-team at the Irvine competition, [which] was one of Arcadia’s most successful showings ever.” As a result, the

ing a tournament required the hard work of the team members, as they had to prepare two halls Staff Writer and questions. Also, the team had to prepare breakfast, prizes, and trophies for the comKnown for its constant success and incredpeting teams. According to Yuqiao, “the most ibly intelligent members, Quiz Bowl (QB) is an challenging part is still the day itself, in which academic team that aims to defend its title with [they had] to have a dozen rooms all coordianother stellar year. The competitions have a nated to read the same round style like that of the game show of competition questions at Jeopardy!. However, QB tests the same time, in perfect synacademic knowledge, whereas chronization, since any room Jeopardy! tests general knowlthat lags behind will bring the edge. entire tournament to a grinding At tournaments, rival teams halt.” Although the day was a seek to correctly answer as many tiring one, they hosted an exquestions as possible within a emplary tournament and uptime limit. There are four people held the team’s reputation. on each team. Each person is givFor years, QB has qualien a buzzer and hits the buzzer fied for and competed at Nawhen he or she knows the answer tionals, ranked within the top to a question. Subjects that playfifty schools nationwide, and ers are tested on include current ranked the number one school events, fine arts, geography, literin Southern California. This ature, math, music, science, hisyear, QB’s plan is to send at tory, sports, and popular culture. least three teams to Nationals To prepare, the team memwhile ranking within the top bers learn from packets of questions and discussions. Junior Em- EASY A (from left to right) Kevin Wang, Boyang Jiao, Justin Nghiem, twenty schools in the nation.

Most of all, QB strives ily Zheng has learned that “it’s and Yuqiao Zhao are just some of the top performers that make up QB. to strengthen its legacy of eximportant to not only be self-motivated and strive to be the best you can be, but team is very hopeful for a successful upcoming cellence for future years. With QB members’ great motivation and effort, they will almost also have good team chemistry so your team season.

On Oct. 23, QB hosted its own tourna- definitely qualify for Nationals and take home can work together to get the best results.” With little stress during practices, members have the ment, the first in LA County this season, at AHS the trophy again. opportunity to improve their skills and prepare for teams in Southern California. It was also the klo@apachepowwow.com second Nationals qualifier of the season. Hostfor competitions.

By KIMBERLY LO

Photo by BEN GEISBERG

Math Team Divides and Conquers was a test that consisted of five questions. The scores of each test were added up to calculate the final score.

Many MT members scored a full 30 points on their individual tests, and Team A scored the highest overall, allowing AHS to take home the victory!

more practice. MT’s success is achieved by each of the talented individuals who make up Staff Writer the team. I believe MT will continue to stay successful throughout the rest of the year, with The AHS Math Team (MT) began the great people on the team along with the capschool year with a blast. MT currently has tains that help bind us together as one.” two Co-Captains, seniors Benjamin Kim and The Pepperdine Math Day competition Bryan Tiu, and forty dedicated team memtook place at Pepperdine bers. Members have University, located near the opportunity to Malibu. MT worked hard participate in national to prepare for this compecompetitions includtition by going over previing the American ous years’ problems and Regions Mathematics tests, along with plenty League. of self studying. MT’s fiOn Oct. 23, MT nal score at Pepperdine competed at the Bay was a point behind the Math League (BML) winning school, Walnut meet and won an exHigh School, with the ficiting 1st place. MT nal score being 35.4. Alalso participated in though MT didn’t win, the Pepperdine Math senior Jerry Li had a score Day, which took of 41 out of 45, which was place more recently the highest overall. Lookon Nov. 9. ing back on the competiAt the BML tion, junior Kaiwen Zhou competition, the MT stated that he’s “proud to was split into five have been part of the sucteams: A, B, C, D, cess of MT and to have and E. Team A was helped carry on the tradithe “official team” A PICTURE OF DEDICATION Math Team assembles to listen to Co-Captains tion of achievement. [He representing AHS, Benjamin Kim and Bryan Tiu talk about upcoming plans. feels] that [the team] still composed of memFreshman Jacky Chin recalled, “After has [opportunities] to succeed even further in bers who scored the highest on the preliminary exams. The competition had two components: each competition, it feels good to experience a future competitions.”

MT will strive to continue the legacy of an individual section and a team section. Ev- math competition and to see for yourself what ery member took three individual tests, which they expect of you in MT. For the competi- success that has been carried on for years. were assigned by the team captains. Each in- tions we’ve already done, [MT] members have dividual test was worth ten points, for a grand definitely put in some of their best efforts, but jwang@apachepowwow.com total of thirty points. The team component could certainly do much better with more and Photo by STANLEY SHAW

By JESSICA WANG

ACADEMICS

13 Speech and Debate: the Fall Novice Tournament

November 2013

academics.powwow@gmail.com

By CHRISTINA READ Staff Writer

there were 13 speakers, the rankings would go from 1 to 13. The speaker (or speakers, if it’s a duo event) with the highest average rank gets an award at the end of the competition.

Although the awards are granted individually,

On Nov. 16, Speech & Debate (S&D) competed in the Fall Novice tournament at Gabrielino High School. Here, members new to the program got their first real tournament experience. Both previous competitions were focused mainly on introducing some of the events and letting novices get to know how tournaments work, while the Fall Novice allowed newcomers to perform their actual speeches for the first time.

This was also a tournament for the more experienced JV team, who will be competing for its third year this season. However, the Fall Novice was still its first chance THE DREAM TEAM Members of S&D pose for a photo at the tournament (top). Sophomore Jonas Klipstein this year to deliver prepared practices his speech before his round (right). speeches, having only attended the same warm-up tournaments as the nov- many schools still tally how many they reices so far. Junior Kelly Cheung, who described ceive. AHS was given three total awards at the tournament as nerve-wracking, explained this tournament; congratulations to junior that the “scary thing about the first tournament Soham Patel for his Congressional Exwith legit speeches is that you never know what temporaneous speech, as well as freshmen Brianna Fluhrer and Will Han for their Novice speeches your competitors are doing.”

At S&D tournaments, each competitor Duo! The Saturday event began early, with gives his or her speech three times and receives three separate rankings, from one to however speeches starting as soon as 8:00 a.m. Beginmany competitors there are. For example, if ning the competition was the first round of Pool

A, which contained the Humor, Impromptu, Oratorical Interpretation, Original Advocacy, Original Oratory, and Thematic categories.

Kelly, who entered with a Humorous Interpretation speech, said that “all in all, [competing] was a fun experience.”

After the first speeches, the morning moved quickly, and all three rounds of Pool A were finished by 11:00 a.m. AHS did fairly well, with many members just a few points off from winning a trophy.

S&D did even better with Pool B, which included the Drama, Duo, Expository, U.S. Extemporaneous, International Extemporaneous, and Original Prose & Poetry speeches. This round was when Soham, Brianna, and Will

all won their awards. Will, who competed as Brianna’s partner in the duo category with the speech “Countdown to Love”, explained that they had “practiced a lot for the tournament, [so] it was really great to see it pay off.”

Throughout the day, S&D had a great time while waiting to compete. Brianna shared that AHS has a tradition, of sorts, where they get into a circle and play games during the gap between each of the rounds and the awards ceremony. The atmosphere was fun and exciting, allowing the more nervous competitors to relax and enjoy themselves. Another member, junior Selicia Hou, agreed that it was fun because she got to “meet other people from other schools who are just as stressed out as you,” as well as being able to “bond with people who are from Arcadia and talk to them about how the competition was, or just school in general.”

Overall, AHS had a great competition, and the novices got to compete in their very first real tournament, while the JV team showed off its polished skills. Great job to all the Speech & Debaters! cread@apachepowwow.com

Photos by STANLEY SHAW and courtesy of KELSEA JEON

14

SPORTS

apachepowwow.com

Coach Appreciation Month

By BILLY BONNEY Staff Writer

For athletes everywhere, coaches are instrumental to victory on the field, and without them, many would be left not knowing what to do. Coaches often take the brunt of criticism for unsuccessful seasons or lost games, but when their teams do succeed, they hide in the shadows, saving the limelight for their players. However, this is the burden coaches willingly take because their goal is one of a much higher purpose. Coaches wish to see their players succeed not only in sports but also in life. They want to instill life lessons to those under their tutelage and leave behind a legacy of excellence.

Track athlete senior Leilani Pascasio said that “despite Coach Chris Schultz’s sudden overload on workouts and the pressure he places on the team,” she knows that he has good intentions and only wants them “to strive to be [their] best.” Coach Schultz uses a multitude of techniques to help inspire his team to greatness such as helping his athletes by improving their skill, giving relentless remarks about how they need to put in more effort, or even giving them a simple pat on the back. The track team appreciates everything Coach Schultz does, and team members realize that all the long hours he spends with them at practice are

for the team’s benefit.

As for senior Michael Lynch, he believes that his Boys Varsity Baseball coach exemplifies all of the qualities of a good coach. Michael has the utmost confidence in Coach Nick Le-

COACH SCHULTZ AND COACH LEMAS (LEFT TO RIGHT) Every coach works hard for his or her team, our Apache coaches especially. In light of teacher appreciation month, we would like to show our coaches some much deserved appeciation.

Staff Writer

Girls Varsity Golf has been decimating its opponents like never before. The team started off with a record-breaking victory at Hansem Dam High School and ended League with an incredible win at Almansor High School, where it was able to break its record and shoot the lowest it had ever shot in history (which is good, in golf!). How did the girls do it? Well, besides group effort, there was a humongous input of individual work: each member dedicated her own time outside of the designated team practices to fix personal weaknesses. Evidently, the dedication paid off, as the team plowed through League and finished even stronger than it had started, overwriting past records with new achievements in each competition. With a confidence boost after their spectacular performance throughout the season, the girls are currently battling through CIF with being number one as their goal. It goes without saying that the opponents in CIF are on a completely different level than what has been seen before, but the team expresses no fear in the face of upcoming challenges, with junior Ashley Cheou stating her firm and optimistic belief that she and her teammates “can totally [win CIF].” “We

hustling, and keep trying [his] best.” With this lesson in hand, Michael has applied it to every part of his life, and this has taught him how to be a better athlete, student, and person. Michael even said that this feeling is not held only by himself, but also by the entirety of the baseball team. Michael said that Coach Lemas instills valuable lessons that the entire team appreciates, one of them being that putting yourself down and getting angry only hurts you.

Another track athlete, junior Michael Georgian, believes that Coach Schultz “truly embodies the spirit of Arcadia Apaches.” Michael said that he “feels [he] can always be [himself] around his coach because of the constructive atmosphere.” What Michael said makes his coach special is his coach’s “carefree and gentle attitude that allows [Michael] to stay committed to the sport [he] loves while having fun at the same time.” Michael perceives his coach as a brother and mentor who respects Michael’s emotions and work ethic.

Clearly, coaches mean a lot to athletes everywhere and teach us all how to be better athletes and people. They wish to see everyone succeed, and for that, Apaches are thankful. bbonney@apachepowwow.com

Girls Golf Goes Gold

By ROSE LI

mas, who has not only improved Michael as an athlete, but has also enriched every aspect of his life. He detailed a specific instance where after striking out, Coach Lemas consoled Michael by telling him “to keep [his] head up, keep

November 2013

plan to advance by working hard and playing our best,” replied senior Joyce Chu when asked about how the team planned to proceed. “Everyone is working hard, and we are definitely the most consistent team in our league.” The entire team practices daily to maintain its excellence. Despite difficult academic obstacles, the girls motivate one another to stay on track, both in school and in sports, and their stellar athletic achievements have not compromised their studies one bit, a source of pride for both the girls and Coach George Gund. In class, they toil through schoolwork and AP classes, but on the course, the girls abandon all distractions and focus their entire souls on playing the game. “It has been a great season. In the last game, we were all three strokes from one another and it was a great way to end,” Joyce remarked. Ashley quickly corrected that “actually, we haven’t ended. It’s just beginning.”

It is evident that prospects of winning the CIF championship are excellent this year for Girls Golf. Junior Michelle Cheung shied away from bold declarations of victory and 1st place, but Ashley was much more vocal about her vision. “We’ll be making history,” she affirmed. rli@apachepowwow.com

Photo by BEN GEISBERG

Photo by BEN GEISBERG Photo courtesy of SGVTRIBUNE.COM

By CHARLES XU Staff Writer

Every athlete has a personal ritual and technique that helps prepare him or her for a game.

Here’s what some AHS players do prior to competing: “Generally, what I look to do before a game is put on some music and get a feel for the ball by dribbling around the court and putting up several shots, followed by a light stretching routine.”

—Daren Sue, 12, Boys Varsity Basketball “When I prepare for a soccer game, it’s 90% mental for me. Before I even begin warming up, I always listen to music that makes me feel pumped for the game. The way I warm up for a game is how I play the game. I understand that I’m only warming up my muscles to prepare for the 90 minutes of soccer that lay ahead of me, but I always warm up with intensity, so I can bring that with me into the game. I think about the game and nothing but the game; I think about what inspires me to play better, what my future holds, and who I have to prove myself to. The naked truth about preparing for a soccer game for me is that I envision myself as the best player out there, and my motivation to play my hardest is knowing that victory awaits those who work for it.”

—Mickey Cappello, 11, Girls Varsity Soccer “Before games, I like to shoot around to get my confidence up. After shooting, I listen to music while I’m getting ready for the game. Last, I look at the opposing team members and point out all their weaknesses and use that against them during the game.”

—Brandon Wong, 11, Boys Varsity Basketball “I put on my gear and listen to music to get my head in the game. While I listen to music I stretch to warm myself up. I then begin to think about positive things to do in the game.”

—Diana Torres, 11, Girls Varsity Basketball Athletes everywhere have their own ways to prepare for upcoming games. Some listen to music, others just talk with friends. No matter what though, Apaches will always reign victorious. cxu@apachepowwow.com

November 2013

By JUSTIN TANG

SPORTS

sports.powwow@gmail.com

Volleyball Volleys into CIF Staff Writer

Going 15-5 this season, the Girls Varsity Volleyball team has proven to be the top dogs in the Pacific League. After losing to Burbank High School, one of its biggest rivals in the summer league, senior Kristen Mueller was determined to show Burbank who was boss: “We lost to them in the summer without Lexi [Resch], so we figured they would come in cocky, but we wanted to show them what we were made of.” In the second game of the season, Arcadia dominated last year’s league cochampions with a final score of 3-0. Other important games of the season include the Arcadia Girls Volleyball Invitational and Royal Tournament.

Even though the girls lost in the Royal To u r n a m e n t , they played considerably well. Kristen said, “Overall at Royal we did really well. We won our pool and then we beat San Marcos, which

was a huge accomplishment for us because they are a great team.”

Notre Dame High School proved to be a tougher cookie, as the girls lost to them in the second round.

Despite the tournament losses, the Girls Varsity

niors. Each player brings something to the team, and we all work so well together as one unit.” Their first CIF game against Rio Mesa High School on Tuesday, Nov. 12 was a success. They beat Rio Mesa with a sweeping 3-0 victory: “We went in

SERVING,SPIKING,ANDBLOCKING

Although the girls lost on Nov. 14, they played expertly. Junior Kelly Dopke and senior Allison Stevenson are shown here.

Volleyball team was CIF bound and only suffered one league loss; the girls went 12-1 in the Pacific League. Senior Jessica Hopkins had much to say about the team, “CIF is really important to us [this year], especially to the se-

hoping for the best outcome, and that’s exactly what happened. We played best of five and swept them, which basically means we beat them in three. It’s a great accomplishment!” said Jessica. The second game

15

was against Village Christian High School on Thursday, Nov. 14, but unfortunately, the girls fell short, ending the game with a score of 1-3.

Kristen remarked that, “Simply put, their offense was just stronger than ours. Their outside hitters had a lot of power behind their hits, and our blocks and defense couldn’t keep up.”

The road to becoming CIF champions ended early in the game against Village Christian, but the girls have done exceptionally well this season. Their competitive and ambitious spirits haven’t died yet, and the girls will continue to achieve greatness in future years.

Jessica knows that they still have much to improve on: “Our biggest problem this year was that we tend to get too comfortable and then we let the other teams go on a run. But overall I’ve had a great season, and the girls will for sure go much farther in future years!” jtang@apachepowwow.com Photos by BEN GEISBERG

16

FEATURES November Knowledge

By LILLIAN CHEN Staff Writer

When I was little, I could never remember where November was in the order of the 12 months. Now that I’m older, I thought that I knew November well enough already. Nope! These fun facts about November are just scraping the surface of the secrets that the month holds.

Hallowtide (Nov. 1, Nov. 2): This celebration is closely related to an occasion we all know very well. Just from looking at the root word, you can probably hazard a guess.

Yep, it’s related to the one and only Halloween! Hallowtide is the collective name of the first two days of November, which happen to also be individual holidays of their own.

Nov. 1 is All Saints’ Day, and Nov. 2 is All Souls’ Day. All Saints’ Day celebrates all men of good will, great or forgotten, who have died throughout the years. On the other hand, All Souls’ Day remembers all those who have died—not just the great and the good, but ordinary men as well. Families visit graves with bunches of flowers, and in the Roman Catholic Church, the names of the dead may be read out on request. In some parts of the country, All Souls’ Day ends with a play or some songs. All in all, Hallowtide is a celebratory occasion for the dead.

Guy Fawkes Night (Nov. 5): Also known as Bonfire Night, this particular holiday is celebrated primarily in Great Britain as a day of thanksgiving. The history of Guy Fawkes Night begins with what happened on Nov. 5, 1605. Guy Fawkes, a member of a group that planned to assassinate King James I and blow up Parliament, was arrested that night while guarding explosives the plotters had placed beneath the House of Lords.

Celebrating the fact that King James I had survived the attempt assassination, people lit bonfires around London. Later, the introduction of the Observance of 5th November Act enforced an annual public day of thanksgiving for the failed assassination attempt.

November, the Month of...Everything?: November is a month for many things, apparently. Not only is it No-Shave November, but it is also the following: Tobacco Awareness Month, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), National Beard Month, and Diabetes Awareness Month. The numerous causes that November is dedicated to shouldn’t cause any of them to be regarded as any less important, as they all have their own significance.

No-Shave November and National Beard Month are both dedicated to spread cancer awareness, with National Beard Month focusing specifically on prostate cancer.

NaNoWriMo is a unique writing project that I have actually seen teachers and students alike participate in, and diabetes and tobacco are both serious health-related issues that humans could suffer from. I encourage you all to look up any of these causes and do something for any one of these “months”! lchen@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of BESTCLIPARTBLOG.COM

apachepowwow.com

November 2013

The Next Generation of Console Wars

By JONATHAN MATSUMOTO Webmaster

With the month of November usually being associated with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, many people use the month to find the cheapest prices for new computers, entertainment devices, or other technology-related needs. But what people should be focusing instead is what goes on sale during this month, as both Microsoft and Sony are finally releasing the Xbox One and PlayStation 4: two video game consoles offering an array of exciting new features over their predecessors. However, both of these will heft a price tag in the range of $400-500 and offer a complete gaming experience, making it impractical to purchase both. Which one is better? It depends on what exactly you’re looking for, but here’s a breakdown of what each system offers.

PlayStation 4: As the name would imply, the PlayStation 4, or PS4, is the fourth installment of a wildly popular console series first released in 1994. While the graphics have adapted to keep up with the advancing technology of the 21st century society, the PlayStation stays true to its fundamentals.

While the PlayStation 4 is not backwards compatible, able to support previous PlayStation 3 titles, or even able to use old PlayStation 3 peripherals, the controller is stylized to highly emulate that of its predecessor.

The technical specifications of the PlayStation 4 are closer to that of a personal computer than those of the PlayStation 3, with significantly faster memory and processing. An optional feature, called Eye, can be purchased for $60, which will allow customers to use cameras and motion detection technology in their games.

With a launch date on Nov. 15 for $399, the PS4 will boast 16 different titles. Exclusive titles include Killzone: Shadow Fall, a first person shooter game focusing around two groups of refugees fighting in a post-apocalyptic Earth. Another exclusive title is Knack, which focuses on a man who has the ability to transform into a gigantic, ice wrecking machine.

Xbox One: Launching on Nov. 22 for the price of $499, the Xbox One has upgrades in memory and faster processing speed over the Xbox 360. It comes equipped with a full highdefinition camera called the Kinect 2, which Microsoft has integrated into the console to create an interactive experience similar to the Wii, minus the annoying controller-flicking. The newer version of Kinect boasts improvements in motion-detection.

The Xbox One will launch with more titles initially, although it will be lacking in the amount of downloadable content. Some of the more recognizable titles include Dead Rising 3, a zombie apocalypse game; Forza Motorsport 5, a racing game; and Halo 5, the fifth installment in a wildly popular futuristic shooting game series.

In the end, you should consider the anticipated video game titles to figure out which one is a better match for your gaming style; however, both of these consoles pack potent features , so it’s hard to go wrong either way. jmatsumoto@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of COMINGSOON.COM, COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG, and XBOX.COM

Finding LA’s Treasures

By BRIANA SHEN Staff Writer

Hollywood. Fashion. Sunshine. Glamor.

Neon signs. As the most famous city in California, or maybe even on the West Coast, Los Angeles is known for its diverse population. The fusion of art, music, dance, and culture allows it to truly be a cultural mixing pot.

Not only is the city famous for being the host city of the Lakers and the birth place of many celebrities’ careers, but it also has many interesting sites worth visiting. Although students groan about not being able to travel anywhere fun and exciting, LA offers many great places to visit.

Culture: Easily reachable by traveling on the Metro, Chinatown, Koreatown, Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, and Leimert Park are Los Angeles’ cultural highlights.

The wafting smell of steamed buns and the fragrant scent of incense highlight Chinatown’s rich culture and delicious foods. Even a small restaurant in the corner of the street hides many surprises, like delicious Chinese pastries and snacks. Chinatown welcomes tourists with its many open marketplaces, styled like those in China and Taiwan.

Famous for Korean barbecue and other mouthwatering Korean eateries, Koreatown is popular among tourists for its great shopping and dining amenities. And just down and across the street from Union Station, Olvera Street exemplifies Mexican

culture. Many street vendors have carts full of Mexican-styled clothing, foods, toys, and household items.

These places allow us to appreciate various cultures no matter how much they may differ from our own. Next time you visit Downtown LA, stop by these cultural centers that will introduce you to new cultures or bring you closer to your own.

Museums: LA dedicates much effort into keeping learning fun and engaging with its many museums ranging from science museums to cultural museums. The Getty Center is notable for its amazing architecture, beautiful gardens, and jaw-dropping art pieces. If you’ve already visited the Getty Center, try the Los Angeles County of Museum of Art, which boasts 150 thousand extraordinary artworks displayed nicely in brilliant exhibits. It also hosted AHS’ very own Homecoming, so if you haven’t been there yet, you still have much to see.

Fashion: In addition, LA is always up to date on its fashion. The Fashion District in Downtown LA is known for its bargain prices and trend setting clothing. Opening at around 10:00 a.m., many stores offer 40% to 70% discounts off retail prices.

Though the Fashion District may be large and confusing, members of the Clean and Safe crew, who are hard to miss in their yellow uniforms, answer shoppers’ questions and hand out maps and flyers. In the LA Fashion District with a festive-like atmosphere, Santee Alley is one of the most popular spots to visit. Much like the name hints, Santee Alley is actually located in an alley. Santee Alley is best described as a fashion marketplace housing over 150 stores and vendors. It is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., so there’s always a chance to take a visit. The best thing about the LA Fashion District? Great deals and prices. There is no set price there.

Those with talent in bargaining could save big bucks. Who knows? That could be you!

Although LA may appear to be a dull, smog-filled city, if you dig long enough you will find that it hides many treasures. Though there are many bizarre places—it is LA after all—the city is multicultural and can foster learning. There is a fusion of foods from all over the globe and trendsetting fashion. So during this Thanksgiving break, instead of complaining about how Southern California is boring and dull, take a tour of LA, walk out into LA’s backyard, and you definitely won’t regret it. bshen@apachepowwow.com

Photo courtesy of FREEFEVER.COM

November 2013

FEATURES

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JustTumblrLanguage.Tumblr.Com

By CAROLYN HSU

Staff Writer

A summary of the Internet in five words: “What did I just read?” Current Internet slang is making it difficult to fully enjoy the World Wide Web. Although every site has its fair share of odd slang, Tumblr is a master list of the most confusing online terms. It is a site built to be an outlet for creative minds and can be impossible for an outsider to decipher. This detailed how-to guide will tenderly lead you into the intimidating world of the Internet and hopefully, Tumblr, too. Warning: extreme discomfort and severe perplexity may ensue.

1) Fandom: A collection of people whose focus of interest centers around the following: anime, TV shows, bands, artists, books….This is the Mother Nature of the Internet; it is the epitome of new users’ confusion, and it’s important to know that a fandom won’t limit itself to anything. You cannot insult them without the entirety of the fandom backlashing. Be respectful to avoid a fandom war (much like how you’d stick to your own friends instead of randomly provoking passerby in the hallway). Some popular fandoms include Supernatural, Doctor Who, Tony Stark (as well as the rest of the Avengers, but mainly Tony Stark,) Sherlock, Hetalia, One Direction, K-pop, The Hunger Games, and the other side, which is reserved for picture of clothes, vacation spots, and sinfully delicious food.

2) Ship, OTP: A ship, derived from the word “relationship”, is the romantic pairing of characters or people in a fandom. From a ship, you can develop an OTP—“one true pairing”. Essentially, this is the ship you ship the most (and yes, it’s perfectly normal

to use “ship” as a noun and a verb. See number 6). If you assume a fan only has one OTP, you should fix that mindset before someone does it for you. You really don’t want that—Tumblr’s quite insensitive.

3) Bias: Your favorite (book, person, band member, artist). You can have multiple biases and an ultimate bias. (You can have multiple ultimate biases as well.)

4) Feels/askfjhsdkjfsd: Indicates extremities of emotion in the user. It’s an abbreviation of the word “feelings,” probably because it’s easier to type a five letter word or to keysmash. The user is so overwhelmed that he or she can’t type properly. It will often be accompanied by the phrase “right in the feels.” It is also used on Facebook, Twitter, etc...

5) Gif: A moving picture. Don’t pronounce it “jif,”lest you be attacked ferociously by Tumblr Nazis.

6) How to insert any non-verb and make it a verb: You’re scrolling down your dashboard and you see a post tagged “#how to graphic.” Uhm...is Tumblr cracking a joke or are they all just dumb? Nobody knows how it came to trend on the Internet, but it’s there, as is the rest of this list. Describe how you’re feeling in one word, and, if it’s not a verb, make it a verb.

7) Life Ruiner: This is one of the many fundamental phrases to know. Your life is significantly affected by this “life ruiner”, hence the name. A life ruiner can be a fictional or non-fictional person. (A word of advice– don’t tell anyone otherwise.)

8) You’re ugly: I love you; you’re beautiful. Tumblr thrives on sarcasm, so it’s apparent that “you’re ugly” is often used to describe someone the blogger idolizes.

9) I can’t: Use it as you would a sentence, although it’s obviously not one. When something that affects you considerably, use “I can’t” to describe your feelings (of utmost happiness, sadness, confusion, etc.).

10) I’m cry: Because the Internet, once again, can’t be bothered to fully type out “crying,” users respond with “I’m cry.” This is similar to “I can’t” with stronger connotations. Variations include “I’m crey,” for aesthetic reasons.

11) I’m dying: Similar to “I’m cry,” but it’s even stronger than that. You’ve seen something so shocking that you can’t bring yourself to continue living.

12) Canon: Official, or whatever is reality in your fandom. This is used to differentiate between what is made up or not in fanfiction. (See number 13.)

Can also refer to “canon ships”.

13) Fanfiction: The building blocks of a fandom.

It is fan-written fiction that regards the focus of a fandom. It can be as creative as the writer wishes it to be or closely related to canon events that occurred.

14) THIS: It means, “preach”, agreeing with something, and wanting to make it clear that THE USER WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE WITH THE SUBJECT (hence, “THIS.”) Side note: when netizens want to be repetitive, (usually, they do,) users will typically emphasize themselves by boldfacing text, italicizing it, or both (each connotation stronger than the next, respectively). Side-side note: we also like TO CAPITALIZE THINGS LIKE THIS TO EMPHASIZE SOMETHING OF EXTREME IMPORTANCE. Hopefully, after studying this unorthodox vocabulary list, you can venture out of the nest and explore different media sites. Remember, don’t get too hung up over the slang. Above all else, you should learn to enjoy the site for its original purpose—to entertain the user. chsu@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of JENNSTRENDS.COM and TUMBLR.COM

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November 2013