The Mirror: Van Nuys High School 101316

Van Nuys High School OCTOBER 13, 2016 Volume 102 Issue 1

The Mirror vnhsmirror.com

There’s a New Man Calling the Shots on the Football Field...

JOEL FORTALAEZA

F

rom the beginning of the 2016 school year, the Van Nuys Wolves football team experienced more than just another start. They headed into their first year under a new head coach, Mike Williams, from Tampa, Florida.

Mike Williams was a star athlete while attending Henry B. High School in Florida, and his talents from a young age taught him to be more than just a highly skilled athlete.

“It allowed me to understand and to teach kids that life doesn’t owe you anything. You’re more than what you’re brought into. You can either sit around and make excuses for your surroundings or you can have the right attitude and go create a good life for yourself.”

Football wasn’t the only sport that Coach Williams played during his high school career.

He was an All-County First Team basketball player in high school who helped his team reach state finals while averaging around 15 points and 11

His Team Calls Him

rebounds per game. He was also able to dish out over five assists a game.

Coach Williams isn’t an ordinary football coach who only played football on the high school level. Rather, he is the former star wide-receiver for the University of Southern California football team and a former NFL first-round draft pick for the Detroit Lions.

Although he was a highly talented basketball player, Coach Williams decided to continue his football career at a collegiate level.

“Football was just something I loved to do just like other sports and other things, and if you love something, you’ll go after it as hard as you can with everything you got. I was blessed. I actually always wanted to be a history teacher.”

Coach Williams spent two years playing football at USC under Pete Carroll, a NFL Super Bowl-winning coach.

Throughout his two years at USC, Coach Williams dominated the Pac-10 from the start, making history by setting the schools and division’s records for CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

CoachMike

By NAZARET JAREKIAN The Mirror Staff

Growing Controversy Over the Limits of Free Speech 5

Running the School is Expensive and Complicated 6

Actors in Action Tackle Challenges of “The Elephant Man” 7

Do Modern Feminists Represent Modern Day Interests? 9

2 | Van Nuys High School | The Mirror

Cover Story

vnhsmirror.com | October 13, 2016

“When you put a lot of work in something, you’ll see results.”

—Wolves Head Football Coach Mike Williams

ARIANA RODRIGUEZ

Coach Mike CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

receptions, yards, and touchdowns.

In his first year at USC, Coach Williams had 81 receptions for 1,265 yards and 14 touchdowns. His accolades didn’t stop there. He was well recognized for his play and his talents in his school.

He was named First Team Freshman All American, Pac-10 Freshman of the Year, All-Pac-10 Second Team, an All-American honorable mention, Freshman All-Pac-10 First Team, and All Pac-10 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year.

His success didn’t stop there as he entered his sophomore season as a USC Trojan. Coach Mike managed to improve on his freshman year’s stellar play.

During his second year, he had 95 receptions that led to 1,314 yards and 16 touchdowns while starting for all 13 games.

His tremendous plays did not go unrecognized, and he finished as a finalist for the Biletnikoff award (award given to the nation’s best receiver), eighth in voting for the Heisman Award, First Team All Pac-10, First Team All American, and CBS’ National Player of the Year.

A year after his sophomore season at USC, Coach Williams was drafted tenth overall in the first round to the Detroit Lions.

Throughout his NFL career Coach Williams played for a total of four teams: the Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans, and the Seattle Seahawks.

Coach Williams reunited with his former USC head coach, Pete Carroll during his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks.

Coach Williams received 127 receptions for 1,526 yards for 5 touchdowns all through his 6 seasons in the NFL. After his NFL career, Coach Williams did not stem away from football and continued to coach for high school football teams. Before joining Van Nuys, he was the head coach for Locke High.

Why he chose Van Nuys High? “Just opportunities, hard opportunity,” he responded. “[Van Nuys High School’s football] program was coming from a bad place, a couple of bad seasons, and nobody expected much. Nobody expected much out of these kids. I wanted to take on the opportunity and climb a tall border that is a lot of work. When you put a lot of work in something, you’ll see results.”

“This team has already been putting a lot of work. We’ve had a rough couple of weeks losing games, but we already won more games than we had last year. With that said, there’s a lot more work to do.”

The season is halfway over, and over the course of the first five games, the impact of Coach Williams has shown. The team has already matched the total win record of the previous season and doubled the win total from the 2014 season.

Even with this clear improvement, Coach Williams is not satisfied.

“We’ve already lost three more games than I expected to [2-3 record so far this season], and hopefully that’s the end of the losing. But we expect to see these guys continue to grow,” he said.

Coach Williams is also impressed with the school pride here at Van Nuys.

“The games we’ve had here so far have

been extremely crowded and I’m sure Homecoming game will be very crowded.

I just want to continue building the school pride and keep building the pride in the Football program and carry that into the playoffs.

Coach Williams has done an excellent job in establishing a positive culture into this school, winning games that wouldn’t have been won the past year.

With a large number of seniors leaving

the football program after this year, Coach Williams is confident that he and his players have helped build a solid foundation to build a dominant football program for the future.

“We got about 22, 23 seniors that are going to be leaving, but those guys did a great job in setting a foundation for the future. The Juniors, Sophomores, and other future players will already have a standard, and people will have expectations.”

“I’m more excited about next season because I will have an off-season where foundation has already been set. It’s a lot of work to set the foundation like I’m continuing to do right now, but next year, these players will know what to expect because the standard and the culture will be there.”

“I expect this trajectory to continue forward as long as I’m here making a foundation that’ll last after that.”

October 13, 2016 | vnhsmirror.com

The Mirror | Van Nuys High School | 3

News&Analysis

TOMMY CHAN

BRIEFLY SPEAKING School Year Slated to Start Later in 2017 Starting in the 2017-2018 school year, classes are scheduled to start one week later under a plan that was approved on Tuesday, September 20th by the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education.

The plan was approved 5-2, with board members Monica Garcia and Monica Ratliff voting against. Board President Steve Zimmer, Richard Vladovic, George McKenna, Scott Schmerelson, and Ref Rodriguez voted with the majority.

Next year, school will begin on August 22. The following year, it is planned to start a week later on August 28. Other changes in vacation time will result as a byproduct of this decision. For the 2017-2018 school year, Thanksgiving break will shorten from a week to 5 days. Winter break will shorten from three weeks to two weeks.

Homeroom Representatives Convene for First Time Associated Student Body (ASB) held their first homeroom representative meeting on September 30.

At the meeting, the issue of recycling was brought up. Students claimed that every class should have a separate bin for different recyclable materials. Another issue many students brought up was the bathroom problems at Van Nuys High School.

“We try to get the Van Nuys student body’s opinion on as many things as possible moving on to create a nurturing environment for everyone,” stated ASB President Ahmad Daaboul.

A Special Event for GSA On Tuesday October 11, Andrew Bryan Smith, a producer and writer, came in during lunch into the Lecture Hall in order to address the Van Nuys High School’s Gay Straight Alliance Club.

A short comedy film of his, “Out Smart,” showcases a gay individual conversing with his parents in order to reveal his actual sexuality. However, this video approached it in a different way by replacing the word “gay” with “smart”.

Smith states, “The comedic and lighthearted tone is meant to convey that coming out as LGBT should not be a serious matter.”

Smith had created this video with an idea that would elevate other projects. As a speaker for Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), he wants to show that this association can provide support and offer family members, friends, and community ways to understand LGBT.

Campus Filming: Just Add Magic Using Van Nuys High School’s campus to shoot an episode or two, “Just Add Magic,” a family television series directed by Amazon Studios finished filming a two-day session on campus on Thursday, October 13.

Directed by Keith Samples, the show is about three friends who find a magical cookbook, which can give them what they want but may lead to unfortunate ramifications.

The production also filmed two episodes back in September, utilizing the auditorium, Room 308 in the Art Building, and exterior locations around the Art Building.

Crimson Club Rewards Academic Achievement TOMMY CHAN

Incentive program utilizes positive reinforcement to encourage residential students to do well in school

By Nazaret Jarekian The Mirror Staff

W

ith the increased importance of an education in today’s society, schools have been developing new ways to encourage students to graduate from high school.

Van Nuys High School is no different.

Four years ago, in 2013, the Crimson Club was created to reward and recognize residential students who have maintained a pathway to achieve a high school diploma by keeping a 2.0 grade-point average or higher. <<CONFIRM THIS>> Residential students reside in the local school boundaries, which roughly extend north to Panorama City, south to Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks, east to Woodman Ave, and West to Interstate 405.

It has been following incoming freshman as well as other residential students who have attended Van Nuys from 2013 onward.

After the first semester of good academic performance, a residential student immediately becomes a member of the Crimson Club and will receive an honorary Crimson Club shirt.

After the first semester of membership, students achieve pins for each following semester in which they achieve a 2.0 GPA.

Jose Corado, Site Coordinator for Project Steps, presents awards at Crimson Club Assembly

By the end of their senior year, students can collect a possible total of seven pins for their scholastic work.

Van Nuys High School Principal and UCLA alumni, Ms. Yolanda Gardea, is an active supporter of the Club and the positive results it is bringing students.

“It’s super important because because we want to show kids that we notice that they do well and make a big deal about it so that they keep doing it,” Ms. Gardea

said. “My goal is that every student will be in an Honors Society and or in a Crimson Club because if they are eligible, that means that they are eligible for college,” she added.

According to the independent local news website Patch, 2016 marked the highest graduation “My goal is that every rate of LAUSD student will be students ever. Just six years ago, the in an Honors district’s graduation Society and or rate was 62.4% but, it in a Crimson has been on a steady increase, topping last Club because year at 75% last year. if they are In today’s society, eligible, that as more and more means that jobs require some they are sort of education eligible for and diploma, graducollege.” ating from high school is a necessity.

Programs such as the Crimson Club are a reward system for students, giving them an achievement goal from the start high school.

Natalie Garcia, a member of Crimson Club, said she felt proud that she has achieved so many things throughout the time she has been a in high school.

Senior Varsity Football player, Jonathan DeLeon, has been part of the Club since it was founded. “It has motivated me to put in more work academically.”

The 2017 Senior Graduating class will be the first class to have students who have been in the Crimson Club since their freshman year.

Board Decides 2017-18 School Year Will Start One Week Later

By Ezra Kim The Mirror News Editor

S

tarting in the 2017-2018 school year, classes are scheduled to start one week later under a plan that was approved on Tuesday by the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education.

Originally, three board members—Richard Vladovic, George McKenna, and Scott Schmerelson—introduced a resolution for school to start after Labor Day. The board members voiced concerns that the early start date cuts into vacation time and costs the school district extra money for air conditioning bills during the hot month of August.

On the contrary, other district reports have found that pushing the start date after Labor Day would cost LAUSD $134 million due to advance payments and other factors.

Superintendent Michelle King proposed a compromise for

school to start a week later than the early start day.

The plan was approved 5-2, with board members Monica Garcia and Monica Ratliff voting against. Board President Steve Zimmer and Ref Rodriguez voted with the majority.

Next year, school will begin on August 22. The following year, it is planned to start a week later on August 28.

Other changes in vacation time will result as a byproduct of this decision. For the 2017-2018 school year, Thanksgiving break will shorten from a week to 5 days. Winter break will shorten from three weeks to two weeks.

Van Nuys High Principal Ms. Yolanda Gardea is disappointed with the board’s vote.

“I think it was a poorly thought out decision,” she said. “We have been doing what was best.”

She also pointed out that with the change, students will have less time to study for AP exams.

“Students will have nothing to do after the AP exams. We will have to catch the students running out on the field.”

News&Analysis A Tale of Two

MONARCHS

Meet the candidates for your 2016 Homecoming Court

By Jeehyun Kim & Lauren Yu The Mirror Staff

QUEENS Anmari Pagtulanan

Nevy Mendoza

“People usually know me for my bubbly and outgoing personality. I just genuinely love people, so if you’re reading this, I love you. Oh, I also have a really strong sense of smell for guavas, so if there is a guava in a room, I will know it’s there and I am sure no other candidate can do that. It’s usually the prettiest or the most popular girl that wins and trust me, I’m neither. I really don’t want to win because I’m ‘well known’ or because of my appearance. I want people to vote for me because they genuinely believe that I’m their friend. My friend Jacob and I are running together. We make quite the duo, and I think we represent our school quite well, the Performing Arts part of it.”

“I think I stand out because even though I'm not as outgoing as the rest of them I have learned to put myself out there to see what it's like. I was very self conscious running for Homecoming Queen, but I wanted to prove something to myself that I was confident enough to do this in senior year and make some memories. I consider myself to be a nice person and can make someone's day.

If people want to do something out of their comfort zone, why not? Win or lose, it’s better to try than to not try at all.”

Brittany Estrada “I stand out because I belong to the dance committee and take my responsibility very seriously when it comes to making every dance memorable for everyone. I think people should vote for me because I genuinely care for my school, school pride, and my friends and students. GO CLASS OF 2017! GO WOLVES!”

Kate Alviar “I think what really sets me apart is that I’m not considered a part of the popular crowd. I think my all-around participation at school differs from other candidates. I participate in sports, I take part in AP/Honors classes, and I’m very school spirited.

I also think my personality sets me apart.

Throughout the last three years at VNHS, I’ve learned not to be afraid to be who I am, and I think being my silly self and a good person bring the best out of me.To every school sports game or school event you find me in, I’m always the loudest and proudest. I also have never won anything other than a basketball game, so it would be nice to hear my name being called as ‘Homecoming Queen’.”

Valentina Herrera “What sets me apart from the other candidates is that most of them are in the magnet program, and I would be representing the residential students. I’m a pretty fun and sociable person, and I like to interact with other people. People should vote for me because I’m very passionate about this election.”

Steffany Alaverdyan “I think people should vote for me because I’m the most fun loving! Even if I don’t win, I know I’ll be having the best time with everyone! But if I win, I promise to make sure everyone has an amazing night. I believe I stand out from the other candidates with my distinctive, wild personality. If you know me, you know I’m down for anything, and I love to have fun. I can start a party anywhere, and I love to make people laugh and smile. My sweet and comedic personality definitely puts me in a different lane than the other candidates.”

Vianney Losoya “As compared to the other candidates, I stand out because not only is my name unique, but so am I. I think people should vote for me because I feel like I show everyone that you don’t have to look a certain way to be a queen. Everyone is a queen in their own way.”

KINGS Pete Vongtongdee Jacob Zelonky Christian Suarez “What sets me apart from other candidates is that I’m a unique and interesting person.

Since freshman year, I’ve been told that my visual appearance is quite menacing or I seem like a person who would be mean, but to those who truly know me, they know that I’m a fun, caring, and loving person. I think people should vote for me because ever since freshman year I wanted to run but never did. Now that it’s my final year of high school, I believe it would be a fun accomplishment to end my four years here at Van Nuys.”

“I stand out from other candidates because I’m beautiful and have on multiple occasions eaten entire loaves of bread in one day by myself.

People should vote for me because as the iconic Voice of Van Nuys, I have earned a celebrity status and deserve a crown to show it. Also I’m doing this as a favor for Anmari.”

“I stand out because I feel like residential kids don’t want to feel like magnet kids are better than them. If they see a residential student [become Homecoming King], they’ll be like, ‘Oh if he did it, we can do it too,’ and after me, there could be more residential representatives than those of magnet.

They should vote for me because I’m nice and outgoing, and I’m not rude. This is a new experience for me, and I’ve never done this before. If I win, it would be such an honor.”

October 13, 2016 | vnhsmirror.com

The Mirror | Van Nuys High School | 5

Features&Profiles

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

By Shayda Shevidi Editor-in-Chief

I

t’s 7:50 am. The shrill bell rings followed by the wail of the morning announcements.

“Will all walking students please stop for the morning announcements. All students please stand and face the flag. Put your right hand over your heart. Ready, begin. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Most people feel compelled to stand, but they can’t quite bring themselves to explain that urge. In fact, why do we stand for the Pledge of Allegiance?

One student in California refused to.

14-year-old Leilani Thomas of Lower Lake High School sat down during the daily Pledge of Allegiance. Her teacher took notice and docked points off her participation grade.

Thomas is Native American and has

The Controversy Over

Freedom of Speech

Leilani Thomas was punished for protesting.

not been participating in the Pledge since the second grade. She believes that it is not morally justified for her to stand for a flag that has been the sole reason for the mass genocide of Native Americans.

Thomas felt her free speech rights has been violated and proceeded to record her teacher’s explanation and shared the tape with her school administration.

“Here’s the deal. If you really, really have an argument and feel so strongly about, then I need to see it written out — your argument — in an essay form. Like, why? Why, because here’s the thing; those people, they’re not alive anymore. Your ancestors.”

Konocti School District Superintendent Donna Becnel is standing up for Thomas.

Becnel said that Thomas was simply defending her First Amendment rights.

When Thomas was interviewed, she explained, “It’s the reason, because of the history that happened here. On my land.

YOURVIEW

Puneet Kaur

Yes, because one shouldn’t be REQUIRED to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, especially considering that it is hypocritical because the justice system is mostly rigged against those not of European descent.

My people’s land. I go by that and I don’t agree with it. So I’m not going to stand for the people who did this to my people.”

The First Amendment declares the protection of several basic liberties—freedom of religion, speech, press, petition, and assembly — and allows for the verbalization of beliefs, allows for the zealous advocation for said beliefs, and allows for the protest of things that are conflict with said beliefs.

It is often taken for granted due to the lack of understanding its significance.

Despite its long history, Freedom of

Speech still faces a great deal of controversy, as recent non-violent protests have demonstrated.

Colin Kaepernick, quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers football team, is probably the most famous modern protestor.

During the NFL preseason game national anthem, he simply sat while the rest of his team stood.

Kaepernick has willingly immersed himself into harsh controversy to protest what he believes to be wrongdoings against African Americans in the United States. Many

critics have called his actions “unamerican” and questioned his patriotism.

“Once again, I’m not anti-American,” Kaepernick told ESPN. “I love America.

I love people. That’s why I’m doing this. I want to help make America better. I think having these conversations helps everybody have a better understanding of where everybody is coming from.”

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

Kaepernick is setting an example for many other football teams all around the nation. In September, a school football team in Beaumont, Texas — comprised of 11 and 12 year olds , all of whom are black— got down on one knee as Beyonce’s “Star Spangled Banner” blared from speakers surrounding them. The boys on the team all felt like Kaepernick’s protest hit home, especially as young African Americans. They wanted to be a part of it and speak up against the injustices they face. Even their coaches knelt with them.

However, they were met with some serious repercussions as their head coach held a season-long suspension in his hands.

“How can you not feel some kind of way about someone on the news getting shot down by police?” one coach said to the Bleacher Report in regards to the September 16 police shooting of Terence Crutcher in Tulsa, Oklahoma. “How can you be so comfortable with injustice that you don’t want to do anything?”

Although it is a time-honored tradition, a firm line must be drawn when it comes to the enforcement of the Pledge of Allegiance. In 1943, the West Virginia State Board of Education vs. Barnette court case ruled that the First Amendment protected students from forcefully pledging to the American flag.

“I don’t believe that students should have to stand for the Pledge,” said Ms. Wanda Moore, a government teacher at Van Nuys High School. “I think that it shows respect, and as a history and government teacher, I think that’s one of its purposes.”

“By forcing students to say the pledge of allegiance, it’s a violation of our freedom of speech. I don’t think forcing people to say it in some way makes our country safer.”

Do you think that being required to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance violates your First Amendment rights?

Emma Berman

I do not believe that being required to say the Pledge of Allegiance every morning violates our right of Freedom of Speech because it is not related to our right to say anything, but it just shows respect for our country.

David Akcheirlian

I do not believe it is a violation of my rights because even though it can be my legal right to hate this country, it is the men and women of the armed forces that have fought and died for me to have that right.

So if you won’t stand for this country, stand for them.

Sharmie Azurel

No, I don’t think it violates your freedom of speech, but it’s a sign of respect, whether you are or aren’t a citizen. It seems to be a disrespectful gesture.

Victor Venegas

The pledge talks about freedom and justice for all. Ironic because you do not have an option to stand or not.

If you sit down during something like this, like Colin Kaepernick, you are seen as an ungrateful outsider.

Alex Adame

Yes, I do believe it violates your First Amendment rights, just for the fact that it’s called your Freedom of Speech. You should be allowed to make the choice whether you want to stand or sit.

Michael Phung

I believe it doesn’t because it’s disrespectful to not stand because people like veterans died for our freedom and if we don’t stand, it’s like they fought for nothing and died in vain.

6 | Van Nuys High School | The Mirror

Features&Profiles

vnhsmirror.com | October 13, 2016

Where Does the Money Go? Running Van Nuys High School is expensive and complicated. Here’s how the money gets spent.

rograms, sports, food, faculty.

They all require money to function and build a stable school environment for students to learn and grow.

Jerseys for a sports team, upgraded computers for a class, or a program like JROTC are all available due to the different funds offered to the school through LAUSD, the state and federal programs.

With over 200 workers and 2600 students, Van Nuys High School uses an immense ammount of money to support

all teachers.

“I bought all of the teachers a new laptop, bought LCD projectors, upgraded all their technology because they hadn’t had anything new in 8 or 9 years. They were using really old stuff.”

She encourages teachers to ask for supplies and necessities for their program or classroom. She emphasizes that students should not be charged for things and that teachers shouldn’t be using their own money to support their program.

“JROTC this last year, I found out, that the Sergeant and Colonel were paying out of their own pocket for awards, so I reimbursed them and chastised them not to do that again. I’m trying my best to give the kids what they need,” Ms. Gardea said.

period. That’s how we generate money.

And when kids are absent, they don’t realize, even for a period, that it takes money away from the school,” Ms. Gardea said.

LAUSD currently has a 96% attendance rate. Raising the percentage up by a single percentage point could potentially add another $60 million to the district budget.

Students can also assist funding the school by simply taking advantage of Breakfast in the Classroom every day. For every student served, which is now over 70% of the student body, the school earns a small amount.

The money generated by Breakfast in the Classroom is allocated to the school’s leadership program, the Associated Student Body, which uses the funds to

“Look at the number of kids who are in anything. Whenever they graduate, during the graduation ceremony, I say, ‘raise your hand or stand up if you were a part of anything.’

Almost every kid stands up.”

the school - over $12 million dollars.

Principal Yolanda Gardea and school administrators manage these finances, making sure not to overdraw and overspend. There are also certain guidelines for spending money from each of the different funds.

A school-site council and a schoolbased management committee, which consists of students, teachers, and parents, ensure the school’s money is properly spent. Expenditures are distributed to these councils for discussion and are available to the public through the LAUSD website.

Partly responsible for tracking all expenses, Assistant Principal Marc Strassner also assists the principal, making sure the school does not overspend.

“Every now and then, Mr. Strassner would sit me down and say ‘Okay, you just okayed $30,000 of whatever’ and makes sure to keep me in check,” explained Ms. Gardea.

Title I money, overseen by Athletics Director Dan Levy, is federally funded money and has very strict regulations, so it is typically used to pay employees. About 95% of the school budget overall is for payroll.

General funds and Targeted Student Population (TSP) funds are more flexible and are spent on any needs. Most of the money that isn’t used one year for the general fund rolls over to the next.

In her first year as principal, the 2013-14 school year, Ms. Gardea used rolled over general funds to purchase new laptops for

The TSP funds, earmarked for English language learner programs, are handled

by Bilingual Coordinator Emma Martinez.

This money was recently used to purchase chromebook carts that will soon appear in classrooms. Hundred of thousands of dollars were also used to upgrade most of the computer labs in the school.

Ms. Gardea also decided to spend some of the general funds to make a new promotional video in order to attract new students.

“The district has been sending many kids to charter schools and private schools so I recently had a video made. That costed a lot of money and it was professionally done by an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker.”

Other sources contribute to the funds used to run the school. Other forms of business allow the school to amass money for the students.

Van Nuys High School earns money from the filming of shows and commercial advertisements. The school uses these filming funds to supply any items that the students can keep, which is something that the other funding sources do not allow.

“If I wanted to be able to buy sweatsuits for the football team and have them be able to keep them, then I am able to do it with the other money,” explained Ms. Gardea.

Even though the school administration adequately manages most funding needs, there is a way students can help make more money for the school.

“Coming to school everyday and every

plan and hold events and dances for the students.

Most of the events, equipment, and programs for Van Nuys High School students tap into the school’s financial reserves.

Ms. Gardea hopes that understanding the school’s financial information will help students gain a new perspective on the school’s operation.

“They might realize when they’re 25 years old, ‘Wow I went to a really great school. I blew it, I should’ve taken an advantage of everything there.’”

But, she believes most of the students

appreciate and take advantage of the programs and activities that Van Nuys High School has to offer.

“Look at the number of kids who are in anything. Whenever they graduate, during the graduation ceremony, I say, ‘stand up if you were a part of anything.’ Almost every kid stands up,” she said.

Ms. Gardea hopes to distribute all the funds to every part of the school to support it.

“I just try to give them the best school I possibly can. Through my actions, I show that I care and if people care to watch, then good.”

By Amanda Godfrey and Chandler Beon The Mirror Staff

P

Van Nuys High School Budget 2016-17 General Fund Supplies $440,403 Instructional Materials Allotment $53,174 Parent Involvement $36,527 Targeted Student Pop. (English Learners) $497,150 Title 1 $1,285,924

Special Ed (C. Smith) $17,085 Magnet Discretionary Funds $22,491

General Fund Salaries $11,998,137

October 13, 2016 | vnhsmirror.com

The Mirror | Van Nuys High School | 7

Arts&Entertainment

“The Elephant Man” Poses Challenges for Actors SHIMLA RAHMAN

By Lucas Shim and Jenisa Chuayjarernsook The Mirror Staff

“T

SHIMLA RAHMAN

Antonio Luis, above, who plays Joseph Merrick, the title character, faces the challenge of portraying Joseph Merrick’s deformities on stage.

Ian Foster and JJ Javier, right, run lines during an impromptu rehearsal.

Marching Band Preps For Big Competition With Grueling Practices

By Christian Naves The Mirror Staff

T

he Van Nuys High School Marching Band is preparing for their first competition on Saturday, October 29, a regional field competition set in Anaheim.

“We’re hoping to take home another award,” said Mr. Robert Eisenhart, Marching Band Director.

In 2014, the Marching Band won the championship, but in 2015 they placed third.

In their rigorous sectional practices, woodwinds, drums and brass practice fundamentals after-school everyday for three hours on the field, while devoting one day per week to dress rehearsal.

Every Saturday, they attend a drill camp, practicing up to nine hours and performing at home football games.

Despite the recent hot weather, practice goes on. “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing,” said Mr. Eisenhart.

he Elephant Man” is coming to Van Nuys High School.

Throughout October, Actors in Action, Van Nuys High School’s acting troupe, will be preparing for the fall theater production of the play, which will be staged in the Hubbard Auditorium on November 3-5,10, and 12.

The 27-student cast of “The Elephant Man,” directed by Mr. Randy Olea, has rehearsed every single weekday since the end of August.

Based on the original and critically acclaimed movie that opened in theaters in 1980, “The Elephant Man” was originally written by director David Lynch, who was best known for his TV show, “Twin Peaks” and another movie called “Blue Velvet.”

The movie’s main cast included John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins, and Anne Bancroft. It was nominated for multiple Academy Awards and BAFTA awards including “Best Picture,” “Best Director,” and “Best Actor.”

The story takes place during the 1880’s in London. Joseph Merrick, played by Antonio Luis, was born with a disfiguring disorder that caused a severe deformation on his face and shoulder. He uses his appearance to attract and perform in freak shows, earning him the nickname, “Elephant Man.” For Luis, the biggest acting challenge is that the character is deformed.

“I have to be in character by the movements, which is very difficult, but that is the way this business is,” Luis said.

After seeing Merrick in a sideshow, Dr. Frederick Treves, played by Ian Foster, decides to help him and soon discovers that, behind the scenes, Merrick was humble and refined.

“I believe the most challenging thing for me is the severity and tone of my character,” said Foster.

“He is very self obsessed, only in it for his good. [Another] challenging thing about the play is remembering where to come in,and when,” added Foster.

Joseph Merrick, the original Elephant Man

Eventually, he becomes well-known and liked by many people, including Mrs. Kendal, a famous actress of its time, played by Madeline Miller.

“For this particular role there’s a lot of subtlety you have to figure out. Mrs. Madge Kendal is very smart and funny, so she has a way of communicating a lot of innuendo and subtext very carefully as to make her point,” said Miller.

With his worsening conditions and very little time, Merrick tries to fit into society as a human being, but eventually his disease catches up to him.

Bianca Akbiyik, who plays the duchess, is ecstatic to be involved with the production.

“I hope the message of humanity, being in all forms is conveyed,” she said.

Vannaires Sing K-Pop at Los Angeles Korean Festival

By Jenisa Chuayjarernsook and Jeehyun Kim The Mirror Staff

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he Vannaires, a group of singers and musicians at Van Nuys High School, performed at the Los Angeles Korean Festival held in Seoul International Park in Koreatown on September 23.

The Vannaires’ performances included jazz, folk, rock ‘n roll, and Korean pop, also known as K-pop.

To start off the show, all the members went on stage to sing for the big audience.

These songs included “When Will I Be Loved” by The Everly Brothers, “I Will” by Paul McCartney, “There’s a Meetin’ Here Tonite” by Joe and Eddie, “Hummingbird”

by Shawn Kirchner, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding, and “Girl from Ipanema” by Antonio Carlos Jobim.

After the Vannaires performed their piece as a group, duet Jamie Lee and Olyvia Baek, both of Korean descent, were chosen to sing in Korean, their native language. They performed a medley of two Korean songs that they created specially for

The Vannaires perform at the Los Angeles Korean Festival in Koreatown.

this event, “Nobody” by Wonder Girls and “You’re the Only One” by Park Jin-Young.

Mrs. Brianna Arevalo, Vannaires conductor and vocal teacher, also chose Olivia Rodriguez, Clara Pierone, Vincent Macias, and Lucy White each to sing as soloist for an impromptu piece called “Blue’s Medley.”

“Blue’s Medley” consisted of “scatting” along a piano melody. “Scatting” is when singers add on undirected syllables to a piano melody in order to create a singing piece.

Mrs. Arevalo compiled an assortment of piano melodies to which these the singers added their voices.

“We are very excited because this is our first time being invited to this venue. We feel honored and humbly proud to participate in such an amazing event and we hope to do it again,” said Mrs. Arevalo.

The 43rd Los Angeles Korean Festival was held from September 22-25, featuring entertainment, vendors, and exhibitions.

In addition to the entertainment, vendors sold Korean food and other Korean products, like cosmetics, appliances and accessories, while cultural exhibitions educated visitors about Korean traditions and history.

8 | Van Nuys High School | The Mirror

Comment&Opinion

Should students be able to

The overall teacher ratings are based on a scale of 1-5, with 5 as the highest rating. In addition, the teachers can be rated in the categories of easiness, helpfulness, clarity, knowledge, textbook use, and exam difficulty on a scale of 1-5.

The site also provides statistics on the number of ratings submitted and average teacher ratings in each state. Along with that, there are lists of the best public and private schools in each state based on the teacher ratings.

Ratemyteachers.com not only caters to teachers, parents, and students in the United States but also those in Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.

A highly-rated math teacher on Ratemyteachers.com, Ms. Elizabeth Torres, thinks the website is a good idea. “It is good that kids can voice their opinions, so it’s a positive outlet,” she said.

By MAYRA MACIAS and KESHAN HUANG One student wrote about Ms. Torres: “She’s a fun teacher, always cares for her students and helps in every way possible. She tradition that has withstood makes it her goal to get us all to pass.” the test of time has been that of “I don’t take any comments in consideration. For the most part, I have no bad comments,” Ms. Torres said. teachers grading their students.

Mr. Doug Kayne, known as a sometimes unorthodox History, Economics, and Government teacher, is also aware of the website.

For generations, students have “I have a good write up on it,” he said, but he doesn’t give any been judged on their academic success weight to the comments. “I don’t care,” he said.

Mr. Kayne is notorious for challenging his students with real life through grades. However, no teachers can situations through his projects. One comment made about him on be better assessed on their performances the website was, “He’s a tough teacher but as an ordinary person is nice and cool. He is a very helpful teacher. He wants to help than from one other than the very students he us and prepare us for the future.”

Other teachers at Van Nuys High School don’t have such posithey taught. tive commentary. One student’s anonymous comment about a Although there isn’t a formal way for students to grade their teacher reads, “He is a very horrible teacher. He does not listen to teachers, there is a website where students can rate and review any of his students and grades horribly. He doesn’t know how to them. Ratemyteachers.com is not only used by students but teach and he is not helpful at all.” parents and teachers as well. It is a helpful way for students and Do students think it’s a good idea to be able to rate teachers? parents to make informed decisions regarding the teachers who Angel Caldera, Senior Class Vice President, was for the idea but work at the school. with some restrictions.

In using the website, which is completely free, a user can search “You should [be able to rate teachers], but [the reviews] for a teacher by inputting the teacher’s name, school’s name or shouldn’t be taken seriously because students can talk way too school’s location. However, in order to submit a review or rating, a much. Just regulate it, so students don’t get carried away,” he said. student or teacher must sign up on the website with an account.

grade their

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teachers?

vnhsmirror.com | October 13, 2016

The Mirror vnhsmirror.com Editors-in-Chief Keshan Huang Jeehyun Kim Shayda Shevidi

Layout Editor Elizabeth Ortiz

Chief Financial Officer Lauren Yu

News Editor Ezra Kim

Features Editor Amanda Godfrey

Opinion Editor Mayra Macias

Entertainment Editor Jenisa Chuayjarernsook

Sports Editor Brian Clavio

Photo Editor

Shimla Rahman

Magnet Newsletter Editors Esther Choe and Brian Choi

Staff Writers/Photographers Jackson Beckman-Smith Chandler Beon Tommy Chan Elissa Choi Brian Han Woo Han Margarita Hovespyan Antonio Ibarrola Tyler Jung Gina Kim Jason Linares Giselle Lopez Kevin Mo Christian Naves Theresa Nguyen Yerin Oh Jiyeong Park Ariana Rodriguez Khrista Sayo Lucas Shim Mhar Tenorio Stefanie Tyo Lauren Woolsey

Journalism Advisor Mr. Ron Goins

YOURVIEW Bea Aguilan

“I think that a teacher could be graded by a student through the way we, as students, are graded.

A teacher should not only follow guidelines from a book but also use their own personal method to express their lesson in a more lively, interesting way.”

If you could rate your teacher, how would you?

Shailesh Alagan

I’d base it off on how they can relate to me.

If they can relate to the students and understand their troubles, such as what we can’t learn and change their teaching style to relate to the students, then I would grade them well.

Fernando Reyes

Their ability to teach in a way that we understand.

They should make sure we understand instead of running us down and stress us out with all the tests and homework. We should have class discussions about what we’re learning and incorporate it into our lives.

Vanessa Loy

I would take a class vote about how effective we think they are. I think this a good idea because it is more democratic and everyone has a say in how the teacher has taught this past year.

Kateleen Aquino

I will rate by the way that they teach, like whether or not they thoroughly explain things.

Some teachers will put on a video and explain it to teach us everything, but that’s not how we want to learn.

The Mirror is the student newspaper of Van Nuys High School. It is published five times per year. Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the seniors on the Editorial Board. Letters to the editor may be delivered to Room 112 or mailed to 6535 Cedros Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91411. Letters must be signed and may be edited for space and to conform to The Mirror style and format. Advertising questions may be directed to Lauren Yu at lyu0006@mymail.lausd.net.

Publication of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product or service by the newspaper or the school. The opinions expressed in bylined commentary articles and columns represent the views of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Mirror or the Editorial Board.

October 13, 2016 | vnhsmirror.com

On December 31, 2015, a series of sexual attacks took place in Cologne’s central train station in Germany. Out of the reported 1000 assaulted, over 150 women filed criminal complaints.

Other than some news coverage, there has been an unusual absence of headlines criticizing this horrific event.

This would seem the perfect opportunity for the feminists in our world to unify and protest “rape culture,” a topic that many people are trying so hard to ignore.

How come we haven’t seen this happen?

Perhaps it’s because of the men who were responsible for this mass assault. Files claim that the these men were Arab or North African, part of the 1.1 million influx of migrants into Germany.

Therefore, perhaps feminists deemed the event as being too controversial and sensitive because of a fear that they will be seen as behaving uncharitably toward these immigrants.

This seems like a perfectly reasonable explanation for the silence of the intersectional feminists, women of color who are already oppressed because of race or sexuality, taking into account the core beliefs of their movement. They claim that love and respect should be provided no matter their race, sexuality, or age.

Kimberlé Crenshaw, who coined the termed “intersectionality” states that women face varying degrees of oppressions.

Hence, one cannot be a feminist unless all these oppressive institutions—racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, etc.—are taken into account.

Love and respect are both so precious and valuable. Neither love nor respect should be represented as some worthless throw-away gift. Certainly, no one should face discrimination because of their differing skin color or sexuality. Carelessly throwing these ideas out to the masses is devaluing their true worth.

What every individual, male or female, white or black, heterosexual or homosexual deserves is basic human rights. Rights such as owning property, driving, or voting are

Comment&Opinion

The Plight of

The Mirror | Van Nuys High School | 9

traumatic event.

We don’t need feminists who argue that women get paid less. We don’t need intersectional feminists who state that women of color get paid even less in the workplace. Thanks to the Equal Pay Act of 1963, this myth has been debunked numerous times.

When discussing issues such as why women in general and women of color specifically receive less in the workplace, we have to include other factors, such as their positions and the career paths these women aim for.

Women are drawn toward certain careers, and salary and wage can depend on that.

Instead of focusing so much attention on this, feminists need to help and empower the ladies of the Middle East, some of whom do not even realize the oppressive situations they are in.

I once watched a woman from Saudi Arabia talking about how Saudi Arabia was the best place for women to live. This is the country that completely robs her of the many blessings and rights that are offered to other women in the world for free. This poisoned mindset is what is truly heartbreaking.

Looking at intersectional feminism on the surface, it sounds perfectly reasonable and honorable. After all, these individuals are only trying to “unify” the people and expose us to the struggles that individuals from different races face around the world.

However, what these devout followers of intersectional feminism fail to see is that the same movement only creates barriers between the myriad races and sexualities. The only thing that these divisions and labels in feminism do is allude to the conclusion that the more a group has been oppressed in the past, the more valid their opinion becomes in the present.

Instead of dividing up feminism to fit the different social obstacles in life, intersectional feminists should be working in unity against the sexist crimes of non-Western countries.

FEMINISM Do our Modern Day Feminists Represent Modern Day Interests?

BY MARGARITA HOVSEPYAN already provided for us in our Western Society. However, these basic human rights are lacking in many African and Middle Eastern nations.

For a movement so bent on fighting racism, it ironically portrays racism on its own terms by dividing feminism to smaller sects and labeling it “White Feminism” or “Intersectional Feminism.” Now that’s a bit hypocritical, isn’t it?

In addition, intersectional feminists also firmly teach White females and feminists to “check their privileges” before speaking out or expressing their opinion on whatever issue is at hand.

But it is ignorant of intersectional feminists to ask white women to “check their privilege.”

No one chooses the skin color they are born with. Therefore, it is not the white female’s fault that she was born with this privilege—a privilege that the white female doesn’t actually have. This mindset devalues the opinions of white females as a whole.

Instead of teaching individuals to “check their privilege,” it would be better to teach the public to count the blessings offered to them. It’s wrongful to make people feel guilty for certain “advantages” given to them without choice.

People should remember that we live in

an era in which slavery has been abolished.

However, slavery could not have been abolished without the help of the race that now needs to “check their privilege.” After all, it was the conservative white males who voted to free slaves and also gave women the right to vote. Yet, feminists today are the most critical towards them.

We don’t need feminists like Emma Sulkowicz.

Sulkowicz was a visual art student from Columbia University. After alleging to have been raped in her dorm room in 2012, she conducted an endurance performance during her senior year to speak out about the event.

She made a statement by carrying her mattress around campus until her alleged rapist was expelled and forced to leave the university. This same alleged rapist against whom neither Columbia nor investigators had sufficient evidence for confirming Sulkowicz’s story.

Carrying this mattress around campus was a constant reminder of the disturbing event Sulkowicz had been through—if her allegations were true, that is.

However, we shouldn’t reward, praise nor offer her awards for an act that would have been a distraction from her education and the process of moving on from such a

Margarita Hovsepyan is a staff writer for The Mirror.

October 13, 2016 | vnhsmirror.com

ATHLETIC BRIEFS Rough Season So Far for Girl’s Varsity Volleyball The Lady Wolves Varsity Volleyball team has had a rough season so far, resulting in a win-loss record of 3-5.

Alumni Omri Azarly recently joined the team as Assistant Coach of the Varsity team—under Head Coach Mike Williams— as Coach of the frosh junior varsity team.

Van Nuys’ Varsity Girl Volleyball Team is led by four captains, Lolit Aninias (junior), Alexandra Eleazar (junior), Soana Muna (sophomore), and Emily Tsaturian (junior). “This season requires extra amount of hard work, physically and mentally, because we’re a young team that really didn’t get varsity court time the previous season, but in the end, it will all be worth it.” said Aninias.

Water Polo Off to a Rocky Start Losing Four in a Row The Van Nuys Water Polo team, led by captains Tyler Jung and Jorge Moreno, has suffered four consecutive losses against Eagle Rock, Taft, El Camino Real, and Cleveland throughout the pre-season.

Despite their efforts they were defeated

by Eagle Rock 13-2, El Camino Real 21-5, Taft 13-4 and Cleveland 16-6. Moreno scored a grand total of eight points—three against El Camino, one against Taft and four against Cleveland—tailed by Jung with six.

“I love the fire of this team, the passion put in by these young guys,” said Jung. I know that after some in-game experience, we can make something special with this team.”

The Mirror | Van Nuys High School | 11

Sports

Football Team Shows Vast Improvement Over Last Year ‘s Lackluster Performance

By Brian Clavio The Mirror Sports Editor

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The Wolves Varsity team is rushing around 200yards a game this season and had 1000 total rushing yards so far this season.

he Van Nuys football team has gained a lot of attention from students, parents, teachers, and opposing teams due to the recruitment of new coach Mike Williams, a former NFL first round pick to the Detroit Lions and USC star wide-receiver.

JOEL FORTALAEZA Not only has his presence changed the chemistry of the team, but his unique and improved play-style also contributed to their advancement. He has established a winning culture and a foundation that will carry on throughout his tenure as the Van Nuys Wolves head coach.

Compared to last year and the year before, this year’s Van Nuys’ football team has shown vast improvements on both defensive and offensive sides of the field.

With four games still remaining in the season, the team has already matched the previous year’s record and doubled the number of wins from the 2014 season.

The team’s high powered running game has dominated the defenses of opposing teams, opening up more opportunities.

The Wolves Varsity team is rushing around 200 yards a game this season and had 1000 total rushing yards so far this season.

This record has been mainly led by Chris Leiva (42), running back returns Senior Quarterback George Garcia, who the ball toward the end zone after a has 347 rushing yards in four games this carry against Monroe.

year and Senior Running Back Eric Castro, who has 399 rushing yards, with his longest being 79 yards so far.

Castro and Garcia are both placed in the top 10 in the division for their rushing yards during the games. Castro is ranked fourth while Garcia, close behind, is ranked sixth.

Noticeable number of Van Nuys students attended both home and away games to cheer for the Wolves. The fans who supported the team motivated the football players to strive for victory.

As the school’s annual homecoming game approaches, the number of students attending the games to support the team should increase exceptionally.

However, the Van Nuys Wolves are not content with their current situation. They have been on a three game losing streak, from the game on September 23 against Canoga Park.

One major problem is Garcia’s ankle injury. This has been a recurring injury for the star athlete, and the football staff had to evaluate how serious the situation was after his ankle was reaggravated during the game against Kennedy.

As the season progresses, the Van Nuys Wolves look to continue the development and growth put forth by Coach Williams.

With four games left in the regular season, the Wolves look to bounce back from the losses and regain the momentum in time for the playoffs.

Playoffs will take place from November 10, 2016 to December 4, 2016.

JOEL FORTALAEZA

Girl’s Golf Leads Division; Team Looks to Be in Finals Led by co-captains Madison Dulkanchainun and May Nuchit, the Van Nuys Girl’s Varsity Golf Team’s season started in September. All the members have continued from last season, with the addition of two new golfers, Yerin Oh and Kristen Vitolo.

So far, they have won all four matches this season: two against Verdugo Hills, one against North Hollywood, and one against Monroe. They currently lead their division.

With only two matches left before League Finals, they look to refine their swings in hopes of making it to the City Finals.

“I want them to beat their own scores.

They must have fun because they will have a common bond. They will pull for one another and try to play better,” said Ms. Nancy Poll, the coach for the team. League Finals is on October 26 at Balboa Golf Course.

Mr. So: From Swim Coach to Assistant Tennis Coach There is a new Assistant Tennis Coach on the courts who is also a new PE teacher.

He studied kinesiology at California State University Northridge (CSUN) and earned his teaching credential at Azusa Pacific University. His first teaching experience was as a swimming instructor.

Mr. So is not just teaching; he is also learning to lead a tennis team with the aid of the current tennis coach, Mr. Peterson.

He attends weekly games and practices, helps the JV Tennis Team with their technique, and cheers on the girls during their matches.

JOEL FORTALAEZA

Offensive line is opening up the field for star quarterback George Garcia, above.

George Garcia (2) uses the offensive line to run the football against Sylmar, (right).

JOEL FORTALAEZA

George Garcia (2) breaks free for a run against Mendez.

12 | Van Nuys High School | The Mirror

Sports

By Kesahn Huang The Mirror Editor-in-Chief

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vnhsmirror.com | October 13, 2016

aptain for the Boy’s Varsity Tennis Team in his junior and senior year, Gavin Singh sets the bar high on the courts as the number one player on the team since freshman year.

Singh started playing tennis from the age of five, when his grandpa Sukhdev Dail would take him to the park every day to teach him the strokes and the techniques to control the ball.

After Singh’s grandpa introduced him to tennis by handing him his first racket, his first professional coach, Stepan Hovhannisyan, started coaching him when he was ten-years-old. “You have to build a bond with your

“This year, I have my eye set on winning the CIF individuals.”

Gavin Singh

coach whether it’s in the sport or personal life because he’s the one who can tell what’s going on in your game,” said Singh.

He has played in every kind of tennis competition, from satellites, competitions anyone can participate, to invitational-only matches to national and international tournaments.

Back in April of 2014, Singh became a finalist at The Ojai Tournament, one of the largest and most well-known junior tournaments in California. He played a total of 16 exhausting hours in just three days.

“I love the feeling of relying on myself and pushing my own capabilities to see how far I can go.”

Tennis King

Jagvinder Dail

In his sophomore year, Singh was ranked in the top 50 tennis players in the nation by MaxPreps.

For the Boy’s Tennis Team, headed by Coach Jon Peterson, Singh relieves the pressure on his teammates with his confidence and skills; he challenges his teammates in order to improve their skills and raise the team standard.

“This year, I have my eye set on winning the CIF [California Interscholastic Federation] individuals,” said Singh.

At the Matador Junior Open at CSUN this month, Singh defeated last year’s CIF individual’s champion Ryan Nuno from Granada Hills, 7-5 and 6-2.

After a three-year sponsorship from Wilson, he switched to a sponsorship from Head this past week, a testament to his talent and achievements. The sponsorship covers athletic equipment such as strings, rackets, and bags.

He also holds a sponsorship with Solinco, which covers strings, and he has received a sponsorship from Loriet, a clothing brand.

“I’m really thankful for all this because none of it would have ever been possible without my grandpa.”

SHIMLA RAHMAN

Powerhouse Girl’s Tennis Team Hopes to Keep Streak Going

By Esther Choe The Mirror Staff

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nother season is coming to an end for the Girl’s Tennis Team at Van Nuys High School. With five more games, they are looking forward to winning 7-0 against their competitors and reclaiming their spot as 2nd in the city.

The practice schedule has completely changed for the tennis team, and they are only able to practice twice a week at the most.

Despite having little time to practice, the Lady Wolves have been able to defeat their opponents with impressive scores.

“Although we have limited practice times, the girls use that period efficiently

and give their all when they come to practice,” said Min Kim, one of the team captains. “Because everyone works together to help all the members improve, we can see such a huge advancement. We can see the girls’ hard work and dedication to tennis every time we win a match.”

The Girl’s Tennis Team entered the first round of playoffs on August 1 against Taft High School defeating the Toreadors with an overall score of 5-2.

The team has been able to continue their powerful lead against other high schools all around the Valley, such as Eagle Rock, Sylmar, San Fernando and John F. Kennedy.

When they enter the courts, the players are serious, yet have fun while competing.

They frequently pull jokes on each other while they wait for the lineup to start.

The team also has a tradition. Before each game starts, Coach Jon Peterson and the girls come together in a circle for a moment of prayer and an original chant to fire themselves up.

Min Kim and Nithya Ravichandran, co-captains and first doubles partners, have been the foundation of the team, motivating the team members, even when the players have not been able to walk off the courts with a victory.

Raman Dail and Aman Dail, the twin-sister singles powerhouse duet, have consistently scored two points for Van Nuys, often winning bagels—a set score of 8-0—in their respective games.

Third and fourth singles players, Beverly Abellanosa and Margarita Hovsepyan, have also shown success in frequently conquering their opponents.

Second doubles, Elissa Choi and Ruth Haile, and third doubles, Jamaia Concepcion and Jocelyn Peralta, have demonstrated that they are exceptional synchronous doubles partners.

By the end of the winter semester, the Girl’s Tennis Team will have participated in 13 season games, excluding the CIF City Section Division 1 Finals. With a successful season that accompanies the girl’s tennis team every year, the team hopes to rise to the top once again.

“Our tennis season this year has been phenomenal,” said Captain Nithya Ravichandran. “Currently, we are on a streak of seven back-to-back wins, and I have confidence that there will continue to be more.

I’m very proud of my girls and the hard work they’ve put in to continue to improve and succeed.”