The Pearl Post November 2017

PEARL POST

www.thepearlpost.com

Nov. 15, 2017

Volume 9 Issue 3

THE

Daniel Pearl Magnet High School 6649 Balboa Blvd., Lake Balboa, CA 91406

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News 2

The Pearl Post

Nov. 15, 2017

Friendship harmonized by students at DPWMD Mirabelle Chernick and Julissa Rangel Staff Writers

Junior Cee Jay Posis walks onto the stage and captures the attention of the crowd with a native Tagalog song called “Torete” by Moira Dela Torre while simultaneously playing the guitar.

“At first I was very shy but when I went up to sing I suddenly gained confidence,” Posis said. “I got a lot of praise and people told me I had a great voice.”

As the lights dim, indicating the beginning of the 8th Annual Daniel Pearl World Music Day on Oct. 26, senior Dean Khazanov welcomes the audience and requests a moment of silence in honor of the school’s namesake, Daniel Pearl, as well as all of the journalists who’ve lost their lives reporting this past year. Khazanov then went on to summarize the essence of DPWMD through the recognition that, “Music is the world’s universal language,” acknowledging music’s ability to unite all peoples.

The highly anticipated musical event is sponsored by the Daniel Pearl Foundation and celebrated internationally to pay homage to late journalist Daniel Pearl.

It was implemented in October 2002, Pearl’s birth month, and annually aims to encourage world peace and friendship.

Sophomore Emiliano Cruz can be seen tuning his electric guitar in preparation for his solo act of a rock rendition of the national anthem. His powerful and booming piece was subsequently met with an applause that rivaled that of his own performance.

Photo by Richard Mendiola Senior Matthew Muñoz and sophomore Jason Echeverria perform “My Sweet Lord” during Daniel Pearl World Music Day on Oct. 26.

As junior Taylor Devlugt sang and Cruz plucked the strings of his electric guitar for the closing song, members of the choir filled the middle aisle of the auditorium, clapping their hands to the beat of Lenny Kravitz’ “Are you gonna go my way.” The audience —comprised entirely of students, school administration, parents of performers and even late Pearls’ parents— beamed while clapping along as the two performers enthusiastically brought the show to an end.

Applause and cheers permeated

the auditorium as the performers took a bow. Soon after, Principal Deb Smith approached the stage to share a few words of wisdom in which she pridefully remarks that she has never been more proud to be a part of such a special community.

“Whatever grade you are, you feel part of the family,” freshman choir member Guinneth Lyons said. “You’ll end up missing the seniors. It’s like a second family.”

Music teacher Wes Hambright was recognized lovingly by students. He was presented with a bouquet of flowers, for

which he thanked his students. He went on to thank retired choir teacher Marsha Taylor for her assistance and patience.

The Pearls couldn’t agree more. Father Judea Pearl went up to make closing remarks and looked admiringly into the crowd.

“The speechless tries to speak,” Dr. Judea Pearl joked. “I can see Danny dancing and playing his violin with everyone.”

Facebook: @Mirabelle Chernick Twitter:@ju11ssa

Go to www.thepearlpost.com to see DPWMD video and slideshow

‘Models of Pride’ bring message of support for LGBT youth Chelsea Bangert and Lou Pendergrass Contributing Writers

Freshman Susannah Ness walked through the USC campus during the 25th annual Models of Pride conference on Oct. 29, seeing a crowd of hundreds waving about rainbow flags and showing pride.

“I really like the environment and how everyone was so friendly and accepting,” Ness said. “Walking around I saw so many different unique people and it was super cool.”

The Los Angeles LGBT center’s massive scale event, located on the University of Southern California campus, involved dozens of workshops where teens learned about various subjects, including safe sex and coming out. Eventgoers could also take advantage of resource fairs including Planned Parenthood, colleges and careers.

Both outdoors and indoors, anyone attending the event could have their voice heard.

“It’s connecting youth and professionals on a level that I’ve never personally seen before,” said Audrey Ford, the

Photo by Susannah Ness Entertainer Jazmyn Simone captivated her audience as she performed “Crazy in Love.” program coordinator and trainer at Rainbow Umbrella, a resource for LGBT youth.

Models of Pride featured other selling points aside from the workshops and resource fairs. There was an entertainment hour, both lunch and dinner and

even a dance. The dance could be better described as more of a party though, as attendees filtered into the fenced off lawn area to jam out. The evening programming featured queer performers including DJ Von Kiss, Troi Irons and Jazmyn Sim-

one with Mark Miller and Ethan Hethcote hosting the event. Attendees could enjoy themselves throughout the night while watching the captivating performances.

“For a lot of youth, this is their first time coming to a queer space at all and just seeing it kind of affirms their identity for the first time and it gives them hope,” said event organizer Kevin McKleski.

Attendees for this year’s Models of Pride came from all over California to make friends, gain new resources and finally be in an environment that celebrates their existence. Although Models of Pride is focused around LGBT community members, people allied with the community were still able to go. One thing the event and its attendees focused on more than anything was love and acceptance.

“Whatever your sexual orientation or gender identity, this is a place to be you,” attendee Henry Lanier said.

Nov. 15, 2017

The Pearl Post

Editorial:

Opinion 3

We sit for those who cannot stand When we refuse to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, we do not sit to disrespect the flag, but rather to respect those who are disrespected in this country.

Some sit with a clearer motive than others, like minorities whose groups have faced constant discrimination by law enforcement, the current president or some of his supporters.

With the recent history of infamous police brutality incidents involving people of color, hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community and the ongoing political firestorm toward undocumented immigrants, it is easy to see why many students in a school as diverse as ours have chosen to protest by sitting down during the morning pledge.

All politics aside, if these minorities cannot expect to be treated like the majority, there is no reason why they shouldn’t engage in an act of peaceful protest in defense of their rights.

There is a clear distinction between a blatant act of disrespect against the U.S. flag and an act of peaceful protesting.

Though both are completely constitutional under the First Amendment, an act like burning the flag would be disrespectful; refusing to stand up for it wouldn’t.

Other issues arise in the debate, like whether some students whose back-

Much like several National Football League players who have taken a knee during the national anthem, we believe that this form of protest is an effective way for people to express their opinion about how the country handles social issues. Though not as public as in a football stadium, students who sit during the morning pledge tell their peers that they or a significant other experience injustice in this country. Like responsible citizens should, they voice their concern for themselves and others in a peaceful and non-disrespectful manner.

As journalists, we emphasize our advocacy for free speech and our duty to voice our concerns. That being said, the morning pledge is something to be taken seriously as the flag symbolizes this country’s values for those rights and the people who fought for them. Therefore, if students choose to sit for the morning pledge, they should have a valid motive and be aware of their actions.

“As journalists, we emphasize our advocacy for free speech and our duty to voice our concerns.”

grounds are unaffected by controversial actions choose to sit in support of those around them or just out of pure laziness.

These students who sit down must evaluate their true reasons for sitting and make the right decision. They should not be exempt from the pledge if they do not have a true reason to protest, unlike those who do have a valid reason and take the matter seriously.

Behind the scenes of a thankful feast Angie Rumbo Staff Writer

Every year, Thanksgiving is celebrated and my family is constantly left disappointed and surprised as to why it’s celebrated at all.

Typically celebrated every year in the fourth week of Nov. on a Thursday, when most people think of this celebration, they think having meals together with their families and being thankful for everything in their lives. Some parents even tell their kids stories of how the pilgrims came to the United States and how Native Americans guided them through obstacles they faced. They all ate together and all got along, which is why this traditional dinner began in the first place. The dinner celebrated how there was unity and peace between pilgrims and Natives.

That’s the story most Americans hear but the real story is far more tragic. When armed settlers (pilgrims) came to the United States, they invaded the Pequot village where Native Americans lived. Not only did they attempt to take their land but they set it on fire. They used the “if we can’t have it, nobody can have it” tactic.

Those who escaped the fire were hunted down and killed on sight.

A lot of Native men, women and children were shot and killed because settlers wanted land to themselves. The day after all this happened, Thanksgiving was born.

These pilgrims celebrated the mass killing of Native Americans; they celebrated claiming stolen land.

Photo by Public Domain Pictures Vegetables such as those shown here are commonly used in Thanksgivng meals.

Considering that Indigenous People’s Day was celebrated this year instead of Columbus Day, it shows that people are starting to realize that this land belonged to us first. That it was wrong to ever celebrate a man who invaded and killed many indigenous people. Thanksgiving shouldn’t be anything different. They should change the meaning and name of this holiday as well.

Many people believe this holiday is the time to honor the tradition of the meal and to respect as well as remember the unity of the pilgrims and Natives.

When I tell people that I dislike Thanksgiving, I’m always the bad guy for “not honoring American tradition,” or “being

disrespectful to the Pilgrims.” Disliking Thanksgiving shouldn’t leave me feeling guilty. I shouldn’t have to feel guilty for not celebrating a holiday that doesn’t even acknowledge the fact that there was a mass killing of my people.

My family has never celebrated Thanksgiving because as Native Americans, this holiday just reminds us of all the pain and suffering my ancestors have experienced throughout all of U.S. history.

Even though you can’t change how families celebrate the holiday, they should at least be informed on the basis of which it’s formed upon.

Instagram: @angierrumbo

The Pearl Post Print Editor-in-Chief Cristina Jercan Online Editor-in-Chief Jessica Salguero Managing Editor Nallely De Lara Features Editor Michelle Kaganovsky Opinion/Engagement Editor Kirsten Cintigo Entertainment Editor Amanda Jimenez Sports Editor Anthony Weatherspoon Tech Editor Sergio Payeras New Media Editor-in-Chief Maia Hito New Media Editors Anthony Freyre, Steven Guzman, Ani Kocharyan Photo Editors Rachel Bullock, Richard Mendiola Copy Editors Michael Chidbachian, Alice Curran, Zachary Gephart-Canada, Eva Kaganovsky, Angel Rivera Staff Writers/ Photographers Jadesola Ajileye, Jade Campbell, Alyssa Cancio, Mirabelle Chernick, Elizabeth Cortez, Daniela Dixon, David Eskichyan, Samantha Freyre, Melissa Hernandez, Rosa Lemus, Karina Mara, Julissa Rangel, Maria Ruiz, Angie Rumbo, Lauryn Uhlenberg, Christine Valenzuela, Angel Van Horn Contributing Writers Chelsea Bangert Lou Pendergrass Adviser Adriana Chavira

The Pearl Post is an open forum for student expression as allowed by California Education Codes 48907 and 48950, committed to excellence in reporting, writing and photography.

The newspaper strives to inform and educate students and faculty on events affecting Daniel Pearl Magnet High School.

The thought and opinions published in these pages are the work of journalism students and do not represent the position of DPMHS, its administrators or the Los Angeles Unified School District.

An unsigned editorial is the opinion of the Editorial Boards, which is comprised of the Editor-in-Chief and the editors. Signed opinions in the Pearl Post reflect the views of the authors.

A signed cartoon reflects the view of the cartoonist.

The Pearl Post welcomes letters to the editor. They should be 250 words or less and may be edited for length. Letters with profanity and obscenity will not be printed. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be published. Letters may be submitted to Ms. Chavira’s mailbox in the main office, in Room 22 or emailed to thepearlpost@gmail.com.

The newspaper is published monthly and is the official campus newspaper of Daniel Pearl Magnet High School. The newspaper is also posted online at http://www.thepearlpost.com.

Free copies are distributed to magnet students, teachers and staff. The school is located at 6649 Balboa Blvd., Lake Balboa, CA 916045529.

Page 4

The Pearl Post

Nov. 15, 2017

‘Justice League’ aims for possible box office hit

Rachel Bullock

Photo Editor

DC Comics finally brings its biggest superhero team to the big screen with “Justice League,” which premieres Nov. 17.

With an ambiguously foreshadowed villain and an insecure team of heroes stifled with a subtle sense of justice, DC brings its most anticipated characters Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), The Flash (Ezra Miller) and Aquaman (Jason Momoa), to theaters for another attempt at redemption from its recent failures.

Wrangled together by a hopeful Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck), the Justice League joins forces and creates what should be one of the most balanced allied forces in the DC multiverse headed by Batman and sparked by Superman (Henry Cavill) and his actions in this film’s prequel, Batman v. Superman.

Fueled by a sense of unity, the Justice League must stop a threat from Steppenwolf (Ciaran Hinds) as he attempts to raise an army against, presumably, all that is just and good.

Though the trailers rely on the heroes and significance of the team to carry it to success, the plot is lost and not much is revealed about what exactly the group must face to save the Earth if not the known universe at the time.

The comic origins of the movie are speculated to be from an arc which includes Darkseid, Steppenwolf’s nephew,

Photo by dccomics.com DC Comics finally establishes its own hero group following Marvel’s successful “Avengers” and Avengers: Age of Ultron.” DC previously failed to establish “The Suicide Squad,” but with well received heroes such as Wonder Woman and the much anticipated Aquaman being introduced to the universe, fans are much more open to the Justice League for redemption. as well as a source of power that when tapped into will make him a formidable opponent if adapted in the movie. Until then, beasts called parademons will plague the heroes and aid Steppenwolf in his evil plans.

Despite this, a box-office success is eminent. Though not reviewed well, its

predecessors establishing the newly iterated line-up of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman did do well in the long run in theaters and earned a collective couple billion dollars internationally.

This hero flick is either going to find a standing among Marvel after many long years and trials or it’s going to eventually

flop like Suicide Squad and Batman v. Superman, failing to make a true impact on its audiences the way it does in the box-office.

“Justice League” is rated PG-13.

Facebook: @Rachel Bullock

‘Coco’ celebrates Day of the Dead culture through film Angie Rumbo Staff Writer

Guitars, skulls and papel picado are all expected to be seen and premier on Nov. 22 with Pixar’s new Day of the Dead film “Coco.”

Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) is a young Mexican boy who loves music and has a desire to play the guitar ever since birth.

His great grandma’s father, Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt), was a guitar legend that Miguel looked up to and dreams of being talented as some day.

His family members do not approve of this passion he has toward music because of an untold family secret. The film follows Miguel on his journey to discovering his family’s mysterious past.

“Coco’s” director Lee Unkrich, who has directed films such as “Monster Inc.,” “Toy Story 2,” “Toy Story 3” and “Finding Nemo,” pitched to create the film in 2010.

“Coco” features an all Latino cast including Gael García Bernal, Edward James Olmos,

Jaime Camil and Gabriel Iglesias. Olmos has been in movies and television shows such as “American Me,” “Dexter” and “Stand and Deliver.” Bratt was previously in “Law & Order.” Camil has been in “La Fea Más Bella” and “Jane the Virgin.”

The Mexican community in the United States are filled with excitement and anticipation to watch, celebrate and honor their culture in the film. It allows non-Mexican viewers to see how beautiful and vibrant the Mexican culture is.

“I can’t wait to see something as beautiful as my culture up on the big screen,” senior Desiree Davila said. “From the trailer alone, I know it’s going to be good.”

“Coco” was released in Mexico on Oct. 27 but will premiere in the U.S. on Nov. 22.

Instagram: @angierrumbo

Photo by moviepilot.com Miguel sits on his great grandmother Coco’s lap hearing stories of how Coco’s father was a great musician. The Pixar film debuts in the United States on Nov. 22.

Check out www.thepearlpost.com for Artist of the Month, a Spotify playlist and upcoming concerts!

Nov. 15, 2017

The Pearl Post

Marsha Taylor offers choir a change in key

Features 5

Lauryn Uhlenberg

Staff Writer

As the bell for third period rings, volunteer vocal instructor Marsha Taylor greets choir students and begins the class with vocal exercises to warm up their voices.

As a volunteer vocal specialist, Taylor helps students during the third period choir class to expand and improve their singing ability. With over 30 years of musical education and experience teaching performing arts and conducting, Taylor provides additional knowledge and mastery to the class that is greatly beneficial to the learning environment.

“After retiring, I had a lot to contribute,” Taylor said. “I didn’t realize I would miss the connection with giving and receiving that kind of knowledge because students here really do inspire me as well.”

This is Taylor’s second and most involved year volunteering at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School. Taylor collaborated with Hambright to assist in the Daniel Pearl World Music Day performance that many students and families watched on Oct. 26. After helping students prepare for the music show, Taylor currently aids students three days a week until the end of the school year.

“The rewarding part is that I can work my entire career, 34 years, and retire and volunteer to do the same thing,” Taylor said. “I think it’s just awesome. Who gets to do that?”

Common focal points which Taylor

Photo by Richard Mendiola Volunteer Vocal Specialist Marsha Taylor assists Wes Hambright with warming up his third period choir class. Taylor meets with students three times a week to help strengthen their vocal abilities. stresses with students include the use sounding more resonant,” junior Jared self-assurance. of breath, vowels and posture. Through Medrano said. “She also puts heavy em“It’s fun and the kids are having fun,” teaching different techniques in each of phasis on pronunciation in singing which Taylor said. “And whenever you have the three areas, Taylor works with stu- has helped me immensely as a singer.” a group of high school kids having fun, dents to aid them in their vocal abilities.

Taylor enjoys the time she spends someone’s doing something right.”

“She made me realize that breath is with the students and strongly focuses on really the key to hitting higher notes and developing confidence in their improving Instagram: @pake.the.snake

Club Corner:

Steal the best Recognizing an honorable society deals this Black Friday Melissa Hernandez

Staff Writer

Samantha Freyre

Staff Writer

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many people are preparing themselves for the Black Friday sales. Here’s a few stores that will guarantee the best deals.

Kohl’s Kohl’s Black Friday deal offers up to 70% off all items in the store. As part of its clearance sale, Kohl’s is cutting the regular prices of their technology in half. One of the deals is a 55-inch 4K TV for only $299, along with a $90 Kohl’s Cash Sam’s Club Sam’s Club is selling household appliances for half the price. These items include the Shark Rotator XL Vacuum, the original price being $149.98 but the Black Friday deal results in a final price of $99.98.

Facebook: Samantha Freyre

For the full story, make sure to check out our website at www.thepearlpost.com

As the National Honor Society (NHS) Club meeting begins, President Astrid Cabrera starts by discussing potential volunteer opportunities members can participate in.

The NHS Club gives students the opportunity to give back to their communities and gain new skills for their high school and college careers.

Cabrera began the club this year to allow students with similar objectives of prospering in their academics to work together and receive the support they need to achieve their goals.

“While attending DPMHS, I noticed that not many clubs interested me and none were based off of students’ hopes and beliefs,” Cabrera said. “Therefore, I jumped to the process of creating this club in order to create a place where students with the same ambition and dedication would gather and share ideas.”

The NHS presents students with an opportunity to step further in their academic career and prep for college. Students can work to develop and strengthen traits, such as leadership, that helps prepare them for their futures.

The NHS club also provides schol-

Photo by Karina Mara Junior Astrid Cabrera leads the National Honors Society Club meeting in Room 15 on Oct. 20. arships to members for their honor and the NHS club. integrity. The scholarships provided by “It’s just one way for students who the NHS are given to the student mem- are already doing great things to be kind ber who stands out the most by keeping of formally recognized for their effort and up with their standard obligations to their their time both here at this school and memberships. when they go on to college,” club sponsor The first meeting was held on Oct. 20 Leah Pevar said. and future meetings are to be held once a month in Room 15. Due Nov. 1, Students Twitter: @melissa_pikachu with a 3.5 GPA were invited to apply for

Sports 6

The Pearl Post

Nov. 15, 2017

Tennis serves up passionate season Maria Ruiz Staff Writer

Photo by Lauryn Uhlenberg Sophomore Lucianne Lejarde is libero for the Birmingham Lady Patriots.

Athlete of the Month:

Lucianne Lejarde passes on love for volleyball Lauryn Uhlenberg Staff Writer

Q: Why do you play volleyball?

A: I’ve always had a passion for volleyball ever since I was in elementary. Every time I’m on the court, I’m only focused on the ball. For some people, music is their escape. But in my case, volleyball is mine.

Q: What is most challenging about volleyball?

A: Honestly, the most challenging thing about volleyball is having to connect with my teammates. In order to work together and win, you have to have a bond with them that enables them to trust you in putting your all into the game.

Q: Is it difficult to balance school and sport? How do you manage?

A: I thought it would be very difficult to manage school and sports because my practice ends at 5:30, but it’s honestly been a breeze. Although I get lazy and don’t want to do my homework, I always end up doing it because there’s nothing else to do. Sometimes, when there’s nothing else to do in class, I start on my homework so I won’t have much to do when I get home.

Q: What is most rewarding about playing?

A: No matter if we win or lose, the most rewarding thing about playing is growing with my team. After every game, we all learn something and incorporate it in the next game, which only makes us a better team.

Q: Do you plan on continuing after high school?

A: I plan to try my best to continue volleyball in college, allowing me to make my family happy and proud of me.

Instagram: @pake.the.snake

Intensity filled the air as the girls from the Birmingham Community Charter High School tennis team faced off against rival opponent, William Taft Charter High School on Oct. 13.

Varsity player Emely Felix felt the nerve-wracking pressure as the win depended on her match. Unfortunately, this match ended in 6-8 with the Taft Toreadors winning the game..

The Birmingham Varsity Lady Patriots faced a rough season this fall, resulting in 1 win and 9 losses. However, the team can at least agree that their skills have become more refined. Through their determination and diligence they were able to end a four year slump to make playoffs.

“I feel like the team did phenomenal, especially considering they improved drastically from last year,” Felix said.

The team was ecstatic to win their first playoff game, going 7-0 against the Santee Falcons. Anxious for next season, they are high in spirits and remain optimistic. This season has allowed the team to gain experience, pushing them to practice harder and polish the team’s rough edges.

“In this season we lost a lot of matches that were 3 to 4 so we were close to winning each time,” Felix said. “I expect to beat those schools next season.”

Instagram: @tmvj.maria

Photo by Christine Valenzuela Junior Emely Felix returns the ball during a warm up match preparing for her game.

TENNIS SCORE BOARD 11/2 v. Santee W 7-0

11/7 v. San Fernando W 4-3

11/9 v. Venice L 5-2

Girls golf team ends season in the green Elizabeth Cortez

Junior Bella Feinstein only just started this sport during mid season, so she hopes to improve next year.

“Well I mean I never won any but I also never lost,” Feinstein said. “My goal is to get less than sixteen in one game so we could switch winners.”

Since the beginning of August, the lady patriots would have weekly practices on Mondays, and Wednesdays.

Their games were played on Thursdays and occasionally on Friday.

Staff Writer

The Birmingham Community Charter High School girl athletes kissed this season’s putt away on Oct. 26.

Golf is an individual sport where the player’s goal is to do better than they did last time. In terms of score, this team as a whole hasn’t won or lost a game. Every player recieves a score based off of their performance.

During the last game, they took everyone’s score into consideration and formed a decision that determined who was the final winner. Everyone plays individually so team members just make sure to give it their best so that their overall score is good.

Juniors Lauryn Uhlenberg, Astrid Cabrera, Bella Feinstein are the current team members from Daniel Pearl Magnet High School. This was senior Maria Dannan’s last game of the season.

The team has done well this season. Two members of the team made it to the top 10 of best scores, receiving awards as the season progressed. Junior Astrid Cabrera always ended strong in 1st place with the lowest score of the entire league throughout the season.

“My score varied throughout the sea-

Instagram: @cortez_elizabeth_

Photo by Lauryn Uhlenberg Player Astrid Cabrera prepares to putt. son from 61- 45, making my average score around 50, which got me eligible for city championships,” Cabrera said. “However, I had to decline due to a game interference with my outside volleyball team.

Since I will also be playing golf next year, I felt like it was best to wait until next year, when I will have more experience.”

For updated game scores, check out

thepearlpost.com

Nov. 15, 2017

The Pearl Post

Sports 7

Season ends, team makes quarter finals

Photo by Richard Mendiola Senior Alberto Serrano plays mid field for the Birmingham Patriots.

Athlete of the Month:

Alberto Serrano gets spicy on field David Eskichyan Staff Writer

Q: Who or what got you into lacrosse?

A: My cousin April got me into Lacrosse.

She played for the girls lacrosse team while I was a freshman, and she had me try out for the boys team.

Photo by Karina Mara The Varsity Birmingham Patriots finished second in the West Valley League behind El Camino Real Charter High School. The Patriots finished the season with an overall score of 6-4. Their next game will be on Nov. 17 be for quater finals against Fairfax High school.

Water polo finishes with one final splash

Q: How long have you been playing lacrosse?

A: I have been playing lacrosse for 4 years.

Q: Why do you like lacrosse?

A: I enjoy playing Lacrosse because of the physical contact allowed. The best feeling is when you hit an opponent when running a play.

Q: What are some of your biggest struggles or challenges as a lacrosse player?

A: Some of my biggest struggles as a lacrosse player is learning and understanding new plays the coach gives our team the day our game is scheduled.

Q: How do you manage school and lacrosse at the same time?

A: I manage school and Lacrosse by doing homework throughout the school day so when I get home after practice, I don’t have to worry about doing so much.

Q: What are some of your biggest achievements as a lacrosse player?

A: Some of my biggest achievements of Lacrosse is being named Varsity Captain, and scoring a hat trick against my former high school team.

Q: What are your plans for lacrosse after high school?

A: I plan to play lacrosse in an adult league right after high school and coach a club as well.

Instagram: @dxvideskichyxn

Photo by Christine Valenzuela Boys water polo had a comeback year going 18-10 in the regular season. The Patriots season ended in the CIF semifinals with a 14-7 loss to the 6-time reigning city champions Palisades Charter High School. Expected to return next year are juniors Ben Sanchez and Zachary Gephart-Canada, as well as sophomore Ethan Zinshteyn and freshmen C.J. Gorospe and August Defore.

Girls basketball team enters season with high hopes Karina Mara

Staff Writer

Through nonstop yells and focused faces with the sound of squeaks from feet and thumps from basketballs, the girls basketball team is determined to win championships.

“We play hard and we improve each week, then we’re going to win,” said Devon Berry, Birmingham Community Charter High School’s freshman and junior varsity coach for the girl’s basketball team.

The girls basketball team began practice about a month ago. The varsity team’s first match will be on Nov. 29 against St. Bonaventure and junior varsity on Jan. 10

against Granada Hills Charter High School.

The freshman team’s schedule is still undecided. New members came along for the new season while others were moved up, such as sophomore Keona Paniagua who moved from the freshman team to junior varsity.

“Because we have transfers and new girls on the team, I think this year the players, overall, are going to be a lot more aggressive,” Paniagua, a versatile player who can play as a shooting guard, center and power forward, said. “And we’ll probably win more games. Hopefully.”

The team’s goals are to work hard and win the upcoming season. The girls go through their warm up with layups

and lots of running during practice. They emphasize much more on drills, such as speed drills, which provide players the opportunity to improve their skills.

They work hard on communication especially during practice match plays, as it is vital for improving teamwork. Coaches pay close attention to the players in order to help them fix their errors and progress.

They blow their whistles to get the attention of their players and point out ineffective plays or offer advice.

“We’re going to win the championships,” said freshman Sara Marin, a power forward. “I want to win.”

Instagram: @ this_karinaz

Tech 8

The Pearl Post

Nov. 15, 2017

App of the month:

College apps fun and eazee with ZeeMee Jade Ajileye Staff Writer

Photo from gamespot.com Jump into action on Nov. 17 as your favorite characters from the Star Wars franchise. Happy battling and may the force be with you.

Star Wars Battlefront II arrives full force Richard Mendiola

Photo Editor

The “Star Wars” franchise makes its stellar return with “Star Wars Battlefront II,” its sequel to the 2015 hit “Star Wars Battlefront.”

“Star Wars Battlefront II” features new game modes, maps and heroes for fans to enjoy.

New game modes include Campaign Mode, Arcade, Galactic Assault, Starfighter Assault and Strike.

“Star Wars Battlefront II” has a campaign mode for players who enjoy the “Star Wars” story, picking up where “Return of the Jedi” left off.

A group known as the Inferno Squad witnesses the destruction of the second Death Star.

They plan their revenge on the Rebels who are seen as terrorists threatening-

peace and order in the galaxy.

In Arcade Mode, the player battles against AI-controlled enemies. The mode features different missions and objectives for the player to complete.

For example, a player must wipe out as many AI within a certain time limit. The player is then graded on a three-star basis based off difficulty and performance.

In Galactic Assault, 40 players split in two teams face off against each other.

Players are assigned the task of either defending or attacking an objective on the map. They are also able to summon heroes after accumulating points from kills or playing the objective.

Starfighter Assault, where players face off against each other in a giant space fight, is dedicated to players who enjoy aerial combat.

The objective is to destroy the opposing team’s main ship. Similar to summon-

ing heroes, ships such as the “Millennium Falcon” are obtainable through accumulation of points.

Strike is for players who prefer a fastpaced game, unlike the Galactic Assault and Starfighter Assault modes. Gunfights occur frequently, and players instantly respawn to recover from a lost gunfight.

“Star Wars Battlefront II” features heroes and villains from the entire “Star Wars” saga. Both old and new fans are able to play as their favorite “Star Wars” characters from all ten of the movies.

Classic characters such as Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader and Boba Fett make their return, while new characters like Kylo Ren and Rey make their debuts.

“Star Wars Battlefront II” releases on Nov. 17 for Playstation 4, Xbox One and PC. Twitter: @skker_t

With the help of ZeeMee, students now have the means to enhance their college applications through videos and pictures that showcase their personality.

ZeeMee was created by Juan Jaysingh and Adam Metcalf about three years ago and shows all sides of a student instead of just standardized test scores, short essays, IQ and socioeconomic backgrounds.

The purpose is to aid students on their college application journey. Users can upload videos of poem citations, talent showcasing or what’s on their mind.

ZeeMee is currently partnered with over 15,000 high schools and 220 colleges including Point Loma NazareneUniversity, Drew University and Carnegie Mellon University.

Around two thousand students a day create profiles on this app.

With ZeeMee, a college can better assess a student’s fit, growth mindset and cognitive grit.

Instagram: @jade.ajileye

Photo from zeemeeblog.com ZeeMee makes college apps fun with its interactive stories and transparency.

Ask more of your phone with Google’s Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL Alyssa Cancio Staff Writer

Photo from techradar.com The Pixel 2 boasts the highest-rated smartphone camera, according to image quality rating website dxomark.com. It features 1080p display and lacks a headphone jack.

The release of Google’s second Pixel phone promises a few new upgrades from the first and has garnered immense attention from tech lovers for its high-quality camera.

Operating on Android, it comes in two sizes: a standard 5-inch Pixel 2 and a 6-inch Pixel 2 XL. The phones have an always-on display feature, much like Samsung’s Galaxy S7, where the date and time show on the screen even if the phone is turned off.

Active Edge, a feature parallel to the iPhone’s “Siri,” can be activated by squeezing the phone on both sides.

Clear camera quality gives the user ease when taking photos but pays more

attention to color detail than sharpness.

The Pixel 2 is five inches tall with squared corners, quality daytime visibility and 1080p display.

On the other hand the Pixel 2 XL is an inch taller with rounded corners and curved glass, yet unfortunately displays duller colors.

Neither of the Pixels have a headphone jack, which means you’ll either have to buy earbuds with a charger end or purchase an extension.

Released on Oct. 19, the phones offer 64GB and 128GB storage. It comes in three colors: Just Black, Clearly White and Kinda Blue. Prices range from $650 to $900, but monthly payment plans are available.

Twitter: @thatbigseal