74:02 November 23, 2021

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Tuesday November 23, 2021

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“No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.” – Taylor Swift

“A Wrinkle in Time,” where did the time go?

Olive Kranzler

This year, for the annual fall play, the story “A Wrinkle in Time” comes alive by means of the VHS drama department.

Having opened on Nov. 10, there were many shows to attend, including Nov. 12-14, and 1824. Throughout most of the play, actors sat socially distanced with clear, plastic masks that allow their face to be shown without the risk of sharing germs. Props were stored in a bin next to the actors, and physical interaction is minimal to keep up with CDC guidelines.

The story of the play follows Meg and Charles Wallace as they search for their father with help from Calvin, Mrs. Who, Mrs. Witch and Mrs. Whatsit.

Zoey Pence, a freshman who plays Meg said, “It [the audition] was super nerve wracking. I’ve never done an audition here,

since it is my first year, but it was a super cool experience. I’ve done auditions before and things like that, but this one was really cool and I really liked the way Ms. Rossiter did it. Especially with this year.”

The cast of the play is “very strong” according to Mya Sherman, a junior playing Mrs. Whatsit as well as Ensemble.

“The drama department is just such an amazing place to be and it’s such an amazing family and we just bond and it’s just a great place to be creative and meet great people,” said Sherman. “I feel like we know how amazing it is. Once you do it once, you are stuck for life,” said Sinthia Cardenas, a junior playing Mrs. Witch. “You’re hooked [on drama],” agreed Eva LechnerHill, a junior playing Mrs.Who.

For some cast members the audition was as Lechner-Hill

The cast receives feedback from Stefoni Rossiter, the head of the drama department and director of “A Wrinkle in Time.” Photo by: Olive Kranzler

said, “nerve wracking.” “I feel like it was really scary because this isn’t my first production and I’m like ‘I really really want to be a part of this’ because I know how amazing it is. I was like ‘let me in please Ms. Rossiter,’” said Cardenas. “It was also weird auditioning with the mask on because you couldn’t see our expressions,” added LechnerHill. This is why the decision was made to wear clear masks, as to be able to see faces during the production.

Most of the cast, like Cardenas, said they were “nervous” for opening night.

“I really hope people enjoy it and show up. I know it’s an ongoing problem for the drama department where sometimes we dont get as big a turnout of an audience as we want, but I’m pretty excited,” said Cardenas. “I want you to know that the drama department puts on amazing shows and I think everyone should experience at least one of them in their highschool career,” said Sherman.

Ventura Fairgrounds at the crossroads of the gun debate Crossroads of the West gun show comes to Ventura amid controversy

On Oct. 23 and 24, Crossroads of the West Gun Shows held a gun show at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

The family owned company, based out of Utah, holds gun shows in four states, Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah.

California State Senator Monique Limon and State Assemblyman Steve Bennett plan to introduce legislation in 2022 to ban the sale of firearms at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

Limon and Bennett issued a joint statement. According to Limon’s office, they said, “After hearing from many constituents and local governments, we are announcing legislation for the upcoming legislative year

to enhance public safety by banning gun shows at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

We believe the state should not be in the business of using state property to facilitate the sale of dangerous firearms.”

Show manager Rob Templeton said, “It has certainly become harder to hold these events over the years. We have sued in the past those who have tried to further restrict our events.” In 2020, after gun show prohibition at the Del Mar Fairgrounds (California), a federal judge ruled that the fairgrounds had to pay Crossroads of the West Gun Shows half a million dollars.

Sophomore Maeve Searcy said, “If I was making the decision [whether to allow gun shows at the fairgrounds

Vendors at the event sold guns, fishing equipment, political memorabilia and food. Photo by: Alejandro Hernandez

Volume 74 Edition 02

What’s Inside?

The drama department presents: their first live play since 2019

Alejandro Hernandez

@thecougarpress

or not], I wouldn’t want it there because it makes the community feel unsafe.”

Templeton believes that gun shows should be viewed as conventions, similar to a car show. He said, “People like to get together, people that have a similar kind of mindset.

People who are interested in the second amendment outdoor things like hunting and things like that.”

According to Crossroads of the West, “Anyone who wishes to purchase a firearm at a gun show must pass a federal background check and wait the mandatory 10 day waiting period. That is to say that THERE ARE NO FIREARMS THAT LEAVE A GUN SHOW. The vast majority of people speaking out against gun shows have never been to a gun show, have no idea what a gun show is all about and repeat incorrect and/or untrue things that they have heard others say.”

Junior Joseph Wronkiewicz said, “I have been to gun shows and know for a fact that background checks are required for purchases made. At most, they are a place for people looking to own firearms to look at what features they would want in a gun and possibly

find guns being sold at more affordable prices when they would normally be outside that person’s reach.”

Wronkiewicz said, “We learned from the prohibition of alcoholic beverages that banning items that can be illegally produced with relative ease will often only increase the influence of any criminal groups involved in those illegal markets. It is also worth noting the tendency of totalitarian governments to disarm their citizens during their rise to power.”

According to a poll of 111 VHS students, 62 percent of students (69 responses) disagreed with gun shows being held at the fairgrounds, while 37 percent (42 responses) agreed. Crossroads of the West has continued to maintain their fight against state and local officials’ attempts to ban gun shows on public fairgrounds.

Photo by: Ava Mohror

Oh, I thrifted it!

Photo by: Brody Daw

The VHS community reminds us how important environmental consciousness is

Photo by: Jake Globerman

Ventura beats Rancho Mirage in the second round of CIF

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Photo by: Adi DeClerck

Who is swimming in our pool?

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It’s the “most wonderful time” of the year The joyous holidays’ effect on VHS students’ mental health

Avery Cameron

The holidays are supposed to be a merry and bright, positive, holly and jolly time and yet 64 percent of people with mental illness in the US report holidays make their conditions worse, according to a National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) study.

Within the study, a Massachusetts woman who partook said, “The holiday season beams a spotlight on everything that is difficult about living with depression… The pressure to be joyful and social is tenfold.”

The holidays generally consist of being in large groups, seeing family and friends constantly, traveling, lots of spending money and a big change in routine. These factors play into VHS students’ mental health struggles. In a poll taken from @the.cougar.press Instagram account, students answered the question: “Do you notice your mental health getting better or worse during the holiday season?” 47 people responded that their mental health got worse while 37 said it got better and 29 said it stayed the same.

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“If holidays were a special time in the past and you try to recreate a time long gone, you are setting yourself up for sadness,” said a NAMI poll taker “Create new memories. Have some fun.” Graphic by: Avery Cameron.

Features

Blast from the past, or stay in the past?

Y2K fashion is returning, bringing controversy about what should come back and what should be forgotten. What are VHS student’s opinions on the controversy?

Ava Mohror

Fashion has faced major changes over the past couple of years. “New” trends are taking inspiration from previous decades, most heavily centered in the late 2000s to early 2010s. With these trends returning, controversy has risen about many areas of fashion today. Due to bringing back fashion trends from a decade ago, questions arise about what trends should have been left in the past. Some returning fashion trends include low rise jeans, jorts, lingerie tops and chunky shoes.

“I like that. It’s fun,” sophomore Amelia McCleod said about the recently popularized Y2K style. This style focuses on articles of clothing such as low rise pants and longer shirts. These pieces are the opposite of the high rise jeans and crop top trend that has also been circulating,and was at its peak prior to the Y2K fashion return. One of the most controversial articles of clothing from Y2K fashion are lingerie tops. Made as pajamas, wearing these tops as everyday wear had some questioning how appropriate it was to wear them to school. McCleod said, “I think [lingerie tops] are

“My current favorite trend would definitely have to be the rebirth of funky patterns and more unusual fun prints - i.e. cool and vibrant colors and more psychedelic era type prints being brought back!!”

Kightlinger states. Sophomore Dani Diaz sporting low rise jean and a colorful top. Photo by: Ava Mohror

appropriate for the most part, if you have a jacket. Or not, people should wear what they want to wear.” McCleod also feels that controversy over a trend adds to its popularity.

Senior Avery Kightlinger said, “I am all for styles being brought back and rebirthed in more modern times, I think it’s so fun because typically a new spice is added to the already fun style that had previously existed, and it just makes for an interesting whole new take and originality on styles that

were initially awesome already, especially Y2K.” Kightlinger also expressed her love for lace/lingerie tops, a huge part of 2000s fashion.

On the other hand, Kightlinger said, “If I were to take a personal stance on a trend and style I really disliked it would 100 percent have to be skinny jeans. I’m no fashion critic but I really loathe skinny jeans and I’m glad we as a society are now in a more flared and baggy jean era.”

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Ventura Fairgrounds at the crossroads of the gun debate Crossroads of the West gun show comes to Ventura amid controversy

Alejandro Hernandez

NaNoWriMo, standing for National Novel Writing Month is a nonprofit organization that holds a yearly challenge to write a 50,000 word novel within a month. The challenge takes place between Nov. 1 and Dec. 1 every year. NaNoWriMo will help participants self publish their novels.

English and creative writing teacher Greg Raney said, “I think it’s about [NaNoWriMo] having the opportunity and taking a risk that a lot of people have

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thought about, but have not known how to start it.”

According to NaNoWriMo, there are 306,230 participants as of Nov. 7.

Freshman Mirella Toledano, a student in the creative writing class, said, “I think of it as an opportunity …. and a challenge towards myself. I have always been on and off with writing and always have made promises of writing a book someday. When I heard about Nanowrimo I just thought of a great opportunity to actually write my story that has been on hold far too long.”

Ventura High School’s creative writing

Editors

Managing EIC

class participates in the event annually. Freshman Nanowrimo participant, Eva Stamp said, “I would describe my experience as a little stressful but overall a very good outlet to get ideas on a paper and have something to look at and create.”

Junior Montana Wiggins, a fellow creative writing student said, “To those who wish to challenge themselves or anyone who feels the graze of curiosity to reach a benchmark of 50,000 words in a month, should start typing immediately without any hesitation...”

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Caroline Marsden

Elise Sisk

Social Media

Broadcast

Online

Avery Cameron and Sophia Nacu

Staff

Assistant Managing

Greta Pankratz

Livia Vertucci

Junior Montana Wiggins said, “I absolutely adore Nanowrimo, even though I have only begun the beginning stages of it.” Graphic by: Alejandro Hernandez.

Jocelyn Wood

Avea Baker

Rachel Gonzalez

Jade Buck

Alejandro Hernandez

Willow Buck

Belen Hibbler

Avery Cameron

Olive Kranzler

Brody Daw

Jospeh Lombardo

Adi De Clerck

Tyler Lopez

Sophia Denzler

Julian Martinez

Isabella Fierros

Ava Mohror

Gisselle Garcia

Rowan Muñoz

Halle Gentry

Emily Nguyen

Features

Oh, I thrifted it!

Thrift shopping is quickly growing in popularity; how do Ventura High students feel about contributing to the “thrifting” industry?

Ava Mohror

Popularity for thrift shopping has grown rapidly over the past few years. The appeal of finding one of a kind pieces has drawn more and more people to thrift stores.

The main group that “thrifting” seems to be attracting is teenagers. Ventura High sits a mere mile from downtown Ventura, a thrifting central in the Ventura County area. With second hand stores so close, thrifting is becoming an easy and affordable way to find clothes that can fit anyone’s style.

“During summer, I go [thrift shopping] probably once a week or every two weeks. Now when school is happening I’ll go probably once, twice a month. I go whenever I can or whenever I want to because they are so close,” sophomore Sophia Sletten said.

Downtown Ventura contains several different thrift stores, drawing people down frequently to find new items. Sletten shared her favorite thrift stores; “My favorite one downtown is the Coalition thrift store, and the Avenue Thrift Store is probably my favorite one that’s not downtown.”

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The VHS community reminds us how important environmental consciousness is

How does VHS work towards a more eco-friendly campus, and what can be done to improve?

Sophia Denzler

Sophomore Kaylee Philips thrift shopping in downtown Ventura at The Arc Foundation thrift store. The Arc Foundation donates proceeds to the Arc of Ventura County, an organization that helps those with disabilities. Photo by: Ava Mohror

The Coalition is a thrift store that regularly donates to support survivors of domestic and sexual assault. Many thrift stores are known for donating to different causes. Goodwill, a widely known thrift store chain, provides jobs for those who may have difficulty attaining a job elsewhere.

Thrift shopping is also an alternative for buying from fast fashion brands.

“Fast fashion is gonna be a disaster and it’s only getting worse. It’s not something that I completely dis, but any time you can, go to the thrift store,” Sletten said about fast fashion.

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Sophomore Alex Elliot said, “I don’t like it, that’s why I go thrifting,” when asked about her thoughts on fast fashion. While thrift shopping is a sustainable way to reduce pollution, there are also mixed opinions on who should be able to go thrifting.

Ideas have risen that those coming from low income households should be the ones shopping at thrift stores, because purchasing clothes second-hand is a cheaper alternative to buying brand new clothing.

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Global warming and climate change are issues that have been present in scientific and political debates since the 1900s. According to NASA, the effects of climate change include higher temperatures, irregular precipitation patterns, rising sea levels, melting ice caps/glaciers and stronger natural disasters.

Most students at VHS live in the beach town of Ventura, where farmers markets, small businesses, swap meets and beach cleanups are common.

How can one be more eco-friendly as a student?

Rob Lewis, a biology and chemistry teacher at VHS said, “If high school students don’t take note of how things are changing in the environment, what they currently see will definitely not be around in the future.”

He said, “Change is hard, it may be just changing one aspect of your life. If you always drive by yourself, could you carpool? Is there a

way you could ride your bike any way that is not adding to pollutants?”

Some clubs on campus that work towards a cleaner earth include Greener World Action Team (GWAT), Heal the Beach Club and TriActivism. Another way to incorporate a greener lifestyle is a vegetarian or vegan diet.

There are ways that VHS can become more environmentally friendly as a whole on campus. Lewis suggested, “We live where we get a tremendous amount of sunshine and we do have access to solar energy so that is one way to reduce our impact on the environment because it is a renewable, sustainable energy source.” Lewis said, “We are going to get to a point where this [damage done by climate change] is irreversible and we’re getting closer to that point so I definitely think high school students need to be aware of how they can affect the future.”

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An introspective look on the current state of Ventura County’s live music scene

allowed bands to finally fulfill this hunger and let guitars roar

Since the abrupt on stage again.

Many bands recently shutdown in 2020, many local bands in Ventura have have been channeling their been dying to get back out anger. Metal, punk & grunge in the field. Many musicians seem to be some of the most struggled to put themselves active genres around Ventura. out there and to satisfy their The thick and slugging power appetite for show business. A chords of garage rock can be recent let-up on our COVID-19 heard all around our bustling community. restriction guidelines has downtown

Joseph Lombardo

Sublime performing live at the Ventura Fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 10. This is one of the many instances of live music in Ventura. Photo by: Alejandro Hernandez

Bombay’s Bar & Grill has been a hotspot for many live shows.

Senior Noah Koontz said, “I got to see Coffin, Dudeo Perez and Somatic at Bombay’s one time. That was my favorite local show.”

He also remembers seeing legendary punk band, Agent Orange, at Discovery Ventura, which has since shutdown.

Teacher Christian Gallo is excited to be able to get his own band out on the road. After a recent split in his former band, Big Tweed, he and his friends are back with a new band, Chaparral, a blend between surf country and traditional country roots. Some of his favorite local venues to see shows at are Grapes & Hops, Madewest, Bell Arts Factory, Ojai Deer Lodge, and The Saloon Ventura.

Gallo is disappointed with Ventura’s music locations. Gallo said, “I feel like there’s not a lot of good

venues right now. I think that has a lot to do with COVID.” He enjoys venues further away, like Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez or Island Brew in Carpinteria when performing. He really loves dancing crowds, & people who can really, “geek out,” and appreciate the equipment he & his bandmates use.

“Whenever there’s dancers,” Gallo said, “that really gets the band going.”

Gallo also reminisced about the music scene when he was in high school. He got to see well known bands like DEVO and B.B. King at the Majestic Theater, and The Grateful Dead at the Ventura Fairgrounds. He feels as if shows like these just aren’t coming through Ventura anymore. Gallo believes a lot of shows nowadays struggle to grab and hold the attention of people in Ventura.

Mission Statement

Overall, the music scene in Ventura is struggling, but bands are working to get back out there. Venues have shows for music lovers to see if they really look . However, the risk of contracting COVID-19 at music events is not non-existent. Events like Lollapalooza, thought to have been a ‘super-spreader’ event, resulted in 203 attendees testing positive for COVID-19 (with many attendees thought to have been COVID-19 positive before arrival).

According to NBC Chicago, over 385,000 people attended this event with “nearly 90 percent of attendees” being vaccinated. Following COVID-19 guidelines and students keeping their mask over their nose and mouth will most likely result in more shows being played all over the Ventura music community.

The Cougar Press is a completely student-run, public forum of the Ventura High School community.

We strive to present all sides of an issue fairly and without bias while being as resourceful to our readers as possible. From time to time, we make an error. When this happens, we try to correct it as soon as possible. Students and community members are encouraged to write for The Cougar Press and to submit photos and videos. We welcome all submissions but may edit them for clarity and brevity.

This public forum is only as good as the community support it receives.

Contact us at thecougarpressvhs@gmail.com

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Distractions

Graphic by: Joseph Lombardo

Graphic by: Sophia Nacu

Graphic by: Sophia Denzler

Graphic by: Avea Baker and Halle Gentry

Distractions

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Graphic by: Olive Kranzler

Graphic by: Gisselle Garcia

Graphic by: Jade Buck

Graphic by: Emily Nguyen

Photo story: Cardboard Boat Races, captured by Adi DeClerck

Opinion

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Pronouns: A how to guide

Proper pronoun use validates gender diverse students. Here’s how you can help.

Olive Kranzler

Although the pronouns section on a user’s Instagram bio is new as of May 13 the concept of having “they/ them,” multiple or preferred pronouns has been around for way longer. It isn’t some trend that people are hopping on, an individual’s identity should never be questioned by

non-gender conforming individuals, pressure is still being put on them to be able to “pass” as trans in order to be validated. Mae Stepan (they/ he), a junior, said, “I feel like I’m a good example of [the difference between gender and gender expression]. I identify as trans-masculine and would prefer to be seen as a guy.

But a lot of the time that’s

Written here are just some of the many pronouns and pronoun groupings an individual may have. Graphic by: Olive Kranzler

anyone but themselves. With that being said, there are some aspects of society that make it difficult for non-gender conforming people to exist and feel comfortable, people assuming other people’s gender is one of them.

When looking at an individual, it is hard to not automatically put them into one of two categories... male or female. This is the hurdle that gender divergent people face on a daily basis. Whether it be not being able to use the public restrooms, being misgendered or undergoing dysphoria with their body and what it means about their gender. Society urges people to pick a gender, not always intentionally, but life is easier when everyone is categorized.

Even though steps are being taken to recognize

not possible for me, and yet putting on a skirt and makeup is fun and makes me feel pretty.

That doesn’t always take away from my identity or how I feel internally, and it doesn’t make my existence any less valid.”

Societal perceptions of gender are often fueled by indicators such as clothing as well as other aspects, such as interests and mannerisms.

Gender expressions are the choices that people make and how they express themselves.

It is not always directly affected by a person’s gender.

Gender is how an individual identifies and can be validated when they are referred to by the proper pronouns. How can individuals distinguish between the two to avoid misgendering?

“At this point in my life, I have a lot of trans

friends so I’ve gotten used to defaulting to “they/them” before I know someone’s pronouns, but I know that can be difficult for people who aren’t around a lot of trans people. Whenever I misgender someone, I quickly correct myself and move on, as this is what I’d want someone to do for me. Most people don’t want to draw much attention to the fact that they have been misgendered, so a quick ‘sorry’ and a correction is the best thing to do in my opinion,” said Stepan.

Another struggle gender diverse students face is the aspect of bringing their gender up with their teachers.

Due to the nature of school, a student is referred to often by their teacher, which could potentially be a source of major anxiety for students when they are misgendered. “Students should never hesitate to come talk to their teacher when needed, and teachers should also reach out to their students to make sure they are using the right pronouns. Mutual respect is a core value in life and in education,” said Olivier Cougard, the VHS French teacher.

Staff can also make an effort to validate students.

“I think as a teacher, one of your priorities is to know your students and know who they are. It is a matter of respect to use or try to use the right pronoun for students. That doesn’t mean that teachers won’t make any mistakes, I do too, but I think it is important that students know that we respect and embrace them in their diversity,” said Cougard.

“We had a training/conference about inclusivity before the beginning of the school year

and I think that’s a good start and a good initiative. Then, it is important to put these things into practice in your classroom. It is important to talk about inclusivity together with your students. I think communication between teachers and students is a key factor here. Some students don’t want to have their pronoun choice disclosed publicly or share their pronouns with their family.

As teachers, it is important to respect these choices and make sure we become day after day a more inclusive school. To do so, we need to listen and take into account our students’ opinions and suggestions.”

“I think the school does a great job acknowledging the LGBTQ+ community. I can’t speak for everyone but the teachers and staff have been respectful of my identity,” said

Stepan. In regards to how other students can help, Stepan asks people to “Try to be aware of your classmate’s pronouns.

Being misgendered in front of an entire class is an extremely uncomfortable experience and it has happened to me quite a bit this year.”

Overall, the best thing to do if someone’s pronouns are unclear is to ask them.

This way you can avoid misgendering them, and they can feel more comfortable.

It should also be noted that sharing pronouns during introductions is another way to avoid the awkwardness of misgendering and should be implemented into society and school activities. Asking someone’s pronouns shouldnt be awkward, in fact, they are more than likely to be thankful if you do.

Mae Stepan (they/he) asks students to, “try to be aware of your classmate’s pronouns” to avoid misgendering. Photo by: Mae Stepan

Cougar Catnips

Halle Gentry

Joseph Lombardo

Rachel Gonzalez

Avea Baker

Yo… Why are there random benches everywhere?

Winds of tomorrow

I’m the can of soup trash can’s biggest fan

SOS- Service On-campus Sucks

I don’t know if you guys have noticed… but I have, there are benches and tables EVERYWHERE. I do not understand what is going on. They were put here in the middle of the week too?! One day I’m walking the same route I usually do and the next day I trip on a stupid bench leg that is in my way, AND then there’s tables in the MIDDLE of the walkway between 50’s and 60’s??

WHAT IS THE POINT OF THAT? I just am constantly running into things now for no reason. This has to stop!!!

Stop the benches!!!

Santa Ana wind is just blatantly awful.

For about two months every year I have to stay strapped with chapstick & water, otherwise my lips & throat feel like that town in Rango. I wish there was something to be done, like reducing fossil fuel emissions (to lower heat & increase humidity), using wind turbines for power (considering there’s so much to go around), or investing in long-term renewable energy sources (so that maybe my grandkids won’t need so much chapstick). I’m not sure what to do, I just really hope the people making decisions about that wind will listen to those affected.

The soup trash can is the coolest trash can on campus. All of the other trash can’s on campus are plain and boring.

The can of soup trash can on the other hand is such an interesting piece of art. Trash clean up at Ventura High School has been a consistent problem on campus. During the morning announcements it is normal to hear someone asking for students to pick up they’re trash. I believe that if there were more eye-catching trash can’s, like the can of soup trash can, that students would be more likely to pick up their trash.

The constant state of “sending…” is unavoidable at VHS with the horrible WiFi. My phone is always struggling to do the simplest of things. I just want to text my mom back, but I literally can’t because the service sucks. Sometimes I can’t even look up things for my classes. Also, yes I will admit I do want to go on my phone and go on Instagram, but I can’t even do that either. Half the time I can’t even text my friends to see where they are. I’m just walking around school like an IDIOT because NOTHING will send.

Sports

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Girls tennis team fights for CIF championship Who is swimming in our pool?

Varsity girls tennis team season finale!

Livia Vertucci

The Ventura High School girl tennis team recently qualified to compete in the California Interscholastic Federation division, also known as CIF. The girls varsity

After qualifying for CIF, the team competed in their first round of competition competing against the Ayala Bulldogs on Nov. 3, the VHS tennis team won with a score of 11-7. Junior Katie Rundle said, “It felt really good because

After a 15-3 win against cross town rivals Buena high school the VHS girls tennis team get ready to move onto CIF games. Photo from the VHS girls tennis team Instagram account @vhs.girls.tennis

tennis team went undefeated the whole season giving them the chance to compete against other schools who qualified.

Senior Tess Luoma, team captain, has been playing tennis since her freshman year and felt amazed that the team qualified for CIF. “It felt amazing to qualify for CIF. Our team worked super hard this year and it really proved that all our time and effort didn’t go to waste,” said Luoma.

it felt like everything I had been working towards was showing.”

Once they won the first game in the CIF lineup, the girls headed off to their second game.

On Nov. 5, the team competed against Whitney High School in Long Beach, California. The girls team lost their second CIF game with a final score of 144, meaning they couldn’t move onto the third round of CIF competitions and didn’t get a

After the boys water polo season ends with CIF qualification, girls

chance to compete for the CIF begins. championship. out half the game. In that game

When asked about Adi DeClerck we were outnumbered with the the second round of the

With an overall winamount of seniors. We had one, competition, Luoma said, ning score of 12-10, Ventura compared to their full lineup of “The second CIF game was challenging, and we sadly lost High School’s varsity boys seven seniors.”

With the boys water but everyone played really water polo team qualifies for CIF for the 2021-2022 season. polo season coming to an end consistently and strategically, On Oct. 4 they had their first and the girls’ season starting, which is really all that matters.” round of CIF against Westlake Coach Matthew Cherrie (coach

That last game marked and lost with a score of 10-4.

In of the girls water polo team), the end of the tennis season as an interview with sophomore touched on the skills of a good a whole, aside from losing this varsity water polo player Merteam.

“Well, I think number last game, the VHS girls tennis rick Giles, he touched on the one is comradery, you know? team bounced back since the game against Westlake, “In the Kinda liking each other, that’s COVID-19 pandemic halted practice and matches last school year, they even won against the VHS cross-town rivals Buena High school, where the final score was 15-3.

When asked about this season being over, Luoma, who will soon be graduating VHS said, “I’m honestly really sad that the season is over!

Even with the difficulties of COVID-19, our team got super close and I have really enjoyed playing with all of them. I will definitely miss it.”

Rundle, who will be Kelsee Espitia is a junior on the girls water polo team. Girls water polo continuing tennis next year kicks off as the boys season comes to a close. said, “I’ll probably work on my first Westlake game during our a good start and then of course own because next year I want season we lost by one. Howev- the skill for the game. Waterto get a single to spot since I’m er, in the second game one of polo is a sport that is very deplaying doubles right now.” manding. our starters, Owen Fonua was injured and Jake Eulenjopher Continued on...

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Ventura beats Rancho Mirage in the second round of CIF

Ventura High school beats Rancho Mirage in the second round of Interscholastic Federation Division (CIF)

(number 14) completed a 28yard catch and run to senior Logan Bobis (number 16). In the third quarter Jeffris runs the ball himself completing a 71-yard touchdown run.

Then after a wild snap senior Jonathan Ocheltree (number 85) recovers the ball giving Ventura a new set of downs in the fourth quarter. After Jeffris suffered an injury, backup quarterback freshman Joshua Woodworth (number 44) completed a pass to senior Tyler Woodworth (number 18) converting on third and 27 giving Ventura a first down.

DE (defensive end) junior Ian Hughes (number 33) said, “...We all really came together at halftime and rallied to really bring the

energy in the second half…”

He continued, “... and I hope we can bring[the energy] the whole game to the next game and destroy them even more.”

DB (defensive back) sophomore Mylan Walker (number 3) said, “[my] favorite memory was just our offense in general… I feel like they really turned up today you know, they really showed up…” when asked his favorite memory. Walker continued,“... for the next game we just gotta bring it back home [and] just win it and play well.”

Ventura High School plays the Colony Titans on Nov. 19. They hope to bring the same energy and will to win this coming Friday.

(left to right) Sophomore Seneca Paris, sophomore Mekaela Marie and senior Kyle Bindon exchange a fistbump during the game. Photo by: Jake Globerman

Ventura High defending against Rancho Mirage while they have possession of the ball. Photo by: Jake Globerman

Defensive end, Junior Ian Hughes (interviewee) Photo by: Halle Gentry

Senior Tyler Woodworth makes a catch that was a complete. Photo by: Jake Globerman

Halle Gentry

On Friday, Nov. 12, Ventura High School’s varsity football team played their second round of CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) against Rancho Mirage High School. They won 35-19 which will be taking them to the CIF SSSemi Finals.

They beat Eisenhower High School the week before, scoring 37-27 and are now on a three game win streak.

Ventura High School made it to the second round of CIF in 2019 but they have now exceeded this record.

Starting off the second quarter leading 14-7. Junior quarterback Jacob Jeffris

VHS On: Lockscreens

Bailey Burman freshman

The Cougar Press Page 8

Aliza Borraca senior

Photo by: Isabella Fierros

Photo by: Isabella Fierros Bre Roark senior

Bradley Orozco junior

Photo by: Livia Vertucci

Photo by: Isabella Fierros Zoey Pence freshman

Harley Nix sophomore Photo by: Isabella Fierros

Photo by: Isabella Fierros

Bella Di Silvestri freshman

Savannah Hill sophomore Zach Lopez senior Photo by: Livia Vertucci

Photo by: Livia Vertucci

Photo by: Livia Vertucci