The Pearl Post Nov. 15, 2018

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Nov. 15, 2018

Volume 10 Issue 3

Diversity shines through in 9th DPWMD Page 2

THE

PEARL POST

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

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News 2

The Pearl Post

Nov. 15, 2018

Diversity shines through in 9th annual DPWMD Sam Torres

Staff Writer

As the musicians take a bow, the lights turn on, revealing flags from all over the world decorating the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) where the Daniel Pearl World Music Day (DPWMD) concert made its 9th show.

This year’s World Music Day had a global culture theme with globes all along the aisles and tiny flags from various countries hung across the ceiling. There were also original poems told by junior Katarina Hannah dedicated to the late journalist Daniel Pearl about his appreciation for music and culture. The three poems spoken throughout the show were titled “His Love for Music,” “His Love for Culture” and “Between Music and Culture.” Along with the poetry, there were also foreign songs sung.

“Daniel Pearl’s entire motivation for journalism was to get the story, and in order to get the story, especially in this world, you just need to have different perspectives and be open-minded to anyone and anything,” Hannah said. “So having this entire performance about culture and being open to anyone and everything was just a really good way of spreading that message.”

Cultural tolerance and global musical appreciation were both traits admired

by Daniel Pearl and DPWMD is an annual event that aims to reflect those views. It’s a day to bring people together, regardless of differences, through the power of mu-

Photos by Mahali Sanchez Dr. Judea Pearl gave a speech after the show on Oct. 25. Senior Ceejay Posis, sophomore Natalie Castillo and senior Genevieve Avalos perform during dress rehearsals on Oct. 24. All students were able to watch the show through their English classes. sic. As for the musicians, the day brings The story was about a street per- in the end. them together as they unite students and former he met who plays in front of the “When I come to work every day families in a memorable concert.

Newseum in Washington D.C. every year and I get to work with these talented musiThe concert came to a dramatic con- on Oct. 10 in honor of Daniel Pearl’s birth- cians, it doesn’t feel like work,” Hambright clusion with their big closer, “La Camisa day. With that emotional statement, the said at the end of the show. “Every musiNegra” sung by Jared Medrano, Andres show came to an end. Afterwards, there cian up here has worked super hard to get Perkins and played by Emiliano Cruz, An- were small speeches made by the musi- to where they are today and are going to dionne Mendoza, Kim De Dios, Brayan cians, most of whom were seniors saying continue to work hard because they have Herrera and Ryugen Kudo. The song was their final goodbyes to World Music Day. the passion.” a huge crowd pleaser and soon after Dr. Music teacher Wes Hambright made a

Instagram: @torres.sam.jpg Judea Pearl told a small story. touching statement thanking his students

English teacher position eliminated due to low enrollment Itzel Luna Staff Writer

In the spring semester, Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS) will lose a ninth-grade English teaching position because of low enrollment.

Back in early September, Principal Deb Smith filed an appeal to local Superintendent Joseph Narcoda and the H.R. Department after the school’s enrollment numbers were rejected. However, the appeal wasn’t approved and is resulting in the loss of an English teacher position in the Spring semester.

The decision regarding the appeal was decided after norm day. Norm day is the day when the number of actively-enrolled students in the school is counted.

This information contributes to the number of teachers a school receives based on a norm chart made by the district.

After norm day, the district decided that DPMHS didn’t have the sufficient amount of students needed to keep a teaching position open as enrollment fell below the 340 mark.

Smith’s appeal depended upon a student who wasn’t accounted for by the district on norm day due to the student’s issues with their previous high school.

The appeal was rejected by the district

because none of the teachers took attendance of the student on that day.

“The teachers didn’t take attendance because Monroe High School hadn’t released the student,” Smith said. “They should not have taken attendance on him

the school’s available money.

“We would have so little money left in the ‘bank’ that I would be really scared to buy paper, toilet paper,” Smith said. “It would be very worrisome.”

However, Smith’s decision to elim-

Calcote’s position was eliminated from her old school. She is not a substitute teacher but instead has English teaching credentials and will be teaching the ninth grade students for the rest of the fall semester. Calcote might continue working for DPMHS next semester but in another position needed by the school.

Next semester, many scheduling changes will occur to ensure the ninth grade students have an English class.

“What they’re discussing is moving all of the ninth grade students into different class compositions,” Smith said. “In other words, Mr. Baer, Ms. Barry and Ms. Chavira will also pick up a ninth-grade English class.”

It is unknown how many students will be affected by the rescheduling next semester or whether AP classes will be affected.

The addition of a ninth-grade class will also affect the teachers. Adding a course means they will now have to prep for an extra class along with the others they are already teaching.

“When you think about the other teachers, they’re going to pick up another prep so it’s a lot,” Smith said. “It’s hard on teachers.”

Instagram: @_itzelluna_

“After checking the funding received this year, it was clearly evident to Smith that this would not be possible. Paying with the school’s funding would require using all of the school’s available money.” that day.”

The only other option Smith had to keep the position open would be to pay out of the school’s Title 1 funding. After checking the funding received this year, it was clearly evident to Smith that this would not be possible. Paying with the school’s funding would require using all of

inate the teaching position leaves ninth grade students without a teacher next semester. Currently, the students are being taught by Tanya Calcote, a teacher that was displaced from Portola Middle School.

Before that, the students had substitute teachers for the first two months of the semester.

Nov. 15, 2018

The Pearl Post

Brief:

News 3

Positivity flows in newly decorated bathrooms Casey Wanatick

Staff Writer

Photo by Angel Van Horn Photo Editor Jade Campbell, Opinion Editor Angel Van Horn and Pearl Net New’s Camera Operator Judith Ntere take a photo in front of the Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park. Students attended the national high school journalism convention from Nov.1-4.

Students gain insight, skills at NHSJC Parampreet Aulakh

Tech Editor

Thirteen students from The Pearl Post and Pearl Net News (PNN) attended the national high school journalism convention in Chicago from Nov. 1-4.

More than 6,000 student journalists and their advisers from across the U.S attended the fall convention. The National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) and the Journalism Education Association (JEA) worked together to make the convention a success. Next spring, the journalism convention will be held in Anaheim from April 25-27.

On the first day of the convention, students were able to attend a wide variety of interactive workshops that were tailored toward leadership skills, writing abilities, photojournalism, page designs and understanding sports media from

recognizable journalists.

“I learned that sports writing isn’t just about stats and scores but it’s also about people,” Staff Writer Casey Wanatick said.

At night, the opening ceremony took place with keynote speaker and photojournalist, Pete Souza, the official photographer for the Obama administration. He gave his perspective and insight on many defining moments in Obama’s presidency. Souza talked extensively about how he had the confidence and support from the president to be taking pictures during most situations.

On Friday, students attended a multitude of break-out sessions where they could go in and learn about a specific aspect of journalism from an experienced speaker. Later that day, students competed in write-offs for a number of varied cat-

egories. At night, students were treated to watching “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” as part of movie night at the convention.

“I think I could now write a better lead and understand how there are different types of leads that you can use,” Staff Writer Harlow Frank said.

On Saturday, more break-out sessions were held that were able to teach students new activities or strategies that they could implement into their publication.

Finally, on Sunday the awards ceremony for the write-offs took place and senior Margo Hernandez of PNN received superior in Literary Magazine: Poetry.

“I felt surprised to win because I didn’t really expect it,” Hernandez said. “I knew my poem was good but I didn’t expect it to get superior.”

Twitter: @preeta248

First off-campus dance to happen in December Alliana Samonte Staff Writer

For the first time ever, Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS) may get to experience its first school-wide dance outside of the MPR. The dance will be held on Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Olympia Banquet Hall located on 16922 Sherman Way in Van Nuys. All grades are invited to join. Associated Student Body (ASB) is close to finalizing funds, DJ, decor and approval to have a dance outside of the MPR. Senior and Managing Editor for The Pearl Post Rudraj Koppikar and is in charge of planning the dance. He wants students to have the opportunity of having their very own independent formal school dance.

ASB plans on spending between $1,000 to $5,500 on the event itself. Five hundred dollars will be spent on the DJ and the rest for the cost of the hall. The

hall will provide decorations, food, as well as security, but for the dance to be official, ASB needs permission from LAUSD Risk Management.

Tickets will be sold to help fund the dance for $35 in the Student Store. As time goes by, the price will increase but tickets will stop being sold 10 days before the dance.

“This would be the first official formal,” Treasurer and Features Editor for The Pearl Post David Eskichyan said. “(In the past, if ASB and the school) ever tried to have a school-wide dance, it’s been in the MPR, so (ASB) pushed them to step outside of the MPR.” A poll on Schoology was sent out on Oct. 17 to students on whether they would attend the winter formal. Over half of the votes were “Yes” meaning they would attend. Yet, the dance is planned to take place on the last day of finals, as it’s the cheapest option.

Photo by Juliette Tafoya The last school dance was the Sadie Hawkins dance held back in 2016.

“Having dances on Fridays and Saturdays are so much more expensive,” ASB advisor Jennifer Walker said. “We really wanted to keep the cost low enough to make people be able to go.”

Instagram: @alliana.faith

History teacher Davy Mauermann decided to undergo a project earlier last month where she would repaint the restrooms at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School.

Her plan for each bathroom was to paint the walls with inspirational quotes for students to see whenever they went in or passed by.

“I saw this video of this school that decided to paint inspirational quotes and messages in the bathrooms for their students,” Mauermann said. “After watching the video I thought about it and thought it was a really cool idea to make a place that everybody has to go more inviting and more colorful.”

Mauermann had student volunteers from her classes to aid her in the project.

“It seemed like something interesting and I like what she’s doing with it,” junior Darren Reyes said. “I like how she’s trying to bring a positive message to all the students.”

Instagram: @casey_902

Photo by Alexis Gutierrez History teacher Davy Mauermann decorated the school’s bathrooms with inspirational messages and quotes.

Check out our Daniel Pearl World Music Day video and other stories on

www.thepearlpost.com

Features 4

The Pearl Post

Restaurant Review:

Nov. 15, 2018

Burgers bound to make you bark at Blue Dog Tavern Casey Wanatick Staff Writer

Located on Saugus Avenue in Sherman Oaks, Blue Dog Beer Tavern serves one-of-a-kind, well-crafted burgers that you never find at any other restaurant while putting a twist on the traditional restaurant.

First opened in 2009, Blue Dog is most famous for its burgers and french fries. One of the most popular dishes is the Blue Dog burger. For only $14.19, it contains bacon, caramelized onions and sauteed mushrooms with a side of fries and barbecue sauce and will leave your mouth watering.

Blue Dog offers guests a pet-friendly environment with the option to dine with your furry four-legged friends. When you walk into the tightly- packed tavern, you are greeted with pictures dogs that have dined at the restaurant lined up on the walls of the tavern.

Blue Dog various other options such as Big Mike’s Fried Chicken sandwich for $14. The sandwich is comprised of a fried chicken breast topped with pickled slaw and mission sauce, which is a type of taco sauce. The restaurant offers the option to toss it in Frank’s Red Hot Sauce and add Blue Dog’s very own “Buffalo” slaw to make the sandwich one to crave.

There are also a variety of french fry dishes that never fail to delight taste buds.

The pulled pork fries which are topped with pulled pork, caramelized onions and cheddar cheese for only $12.29. There is also the Irish fries which are french fries topped with bacon, sour cream, cheese sauce and scallions for only $10.

Blue Dog even offers options that satisfy the sweet tooth’s needs. Some of the best desserts to order is root beer float for $7 or the ice cream sandwich for $9.29 Overall, Blue Dog Beer Tavern not only puts a swing on the classic burger but also creates a friendly pet-loving environment that both customers and their pets can feel welcomed.

Instagram: @casey_902

Photo by Casey Wanatick Blue Dog Beer Tavern is located on 4524 Saugus Ave., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Photo by Alliana Samonte Senior Jared Medrano performs “La Camisa Negra” at Daniel Pearl World Music Day on Oct. 25. This is Medrano’s fourth year in Daniel Pearl Magnet High School’s choir, but his music career goes beyond the school choir.

Joyous Jared sings his way to success Martin Garcia

Staff Writer

Jared Medrano went from singing to his family in the living room to performing as a four-year main singer for Daniel Pearl World Music Day. “I’ve always been into music because, simply, it’s what I’m good at,” Medrano, a senior choir member,” said. “And ever since I was little I’ve been singing. I’ve always been not only passionate about music but I’ve always been involved in music.”

For World Music Day, he notably sang the song “La Camisa Negra” in a duet with senior Andrés Perkins. But Medrano has done more than just singing and performing in the choir. Outside of it, he has a third passion: writing lyrics.

“I love lyric writing,” Medrano said.

“That’s another passion of mine and I’ve written so many lyrics and I thought ‘you know what- I have all these lyrics, I want to turn these into actual songs.’”

And eventually, he did. Titled “You Never Showed Up,” Medrano recently released a 10- song R&B/ soul album last September on SoundCloud.

“I just went for it, and it took me a year, but I’m very happy and pleased with what I’ve created,” Medrano said.

But besides his album, he also released a 5-6 song extended play record (EP) on SoundCloud his freshman year.

Since then it’s been deleted, but many still remember it’s signature song, “Red Cups.”

“Red Cups was a song, and it was about a party, and … It’s a terrible song,” said senior Jonah Edelstein, who met Medrano his freshman year. “He’s come a long way. He used to be Jared Bryant, now he’s Jared Valentine. He’s got a good backing track. He enunciated his voice. I think his (new) production is pretty good.”

Last semester, to get word out about his album, Medrano hung up Post-its about it around school. But besides that,

he also told people close to him, like his music teacher Wes Hambright, who lead his music technology class last year.

“He used ideas from the class and expanded upon that and made an album,” Hambright said. “There’s a couple of other people in there who have the skills to do that. Certain people, they want to do that, so it’s really about the desire. Jared, his desire was to put out an album and he did. And it’s a good album.”

Medrano explains that he wants to keep writing music and making albums as an artist after he leaves high school.

“Especially because it’s very hard for me to commit to things I’m not passionate about. When I’m passionate about some certain things I can commit to it intensely, and music is one of those things,” Medrano said. “I really just want to do it because it’s an ideal way to express myself and keep myself afloat.”

Twitter: @nothingthatwill

Club Corner:

Students find safe haven at Pride Club Harlow Frank

Staff Writer

Pride Club President Chelsea Bangert and Vice President Stephene Pynes have made a safe haven for teens that don’t know how to feel about the choices they make about what their interests and needs help coming out.

“Pride Club was made as a safe space for people to feel comfortable about being who they are,” Vice president Stephanie Pynes said. “I feel like everyone should have a club to go to and feel like they can talk about anything.”

Melissa Johnson, a new intern at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School helps regulate Pride Club. Pride Club was created because others wanted to help people that are having a hard time coming out and make them feel comfortable about their feelings and what they are going through.

“I joined Pride Club to express myself cause I never really did that last year at my

Photos by Harlow Frank Pride Club meets every Wednesday during lunch in room 10. The club offers a safe haven for all its members and various topics are discussed in each meeting. old school,” said sophomore Andy Jacobo. bers also strategize ways to promote their “I think Pride Club makes me feel able to club, such as fundraising at Fiesta Friday and finding other ways to raise money. talk about how I feel.”

Instagram: @haloharlow_252004 Pride Club meets every Wednesday at lunch in room 10. In each meeting, topics such as their experiences that have Check out Isabel Thuesen’s Models affected them deeply are discussed. Mem- For Pride story on our website.

Nov. 15, 2018

The Pearl Post

Features 5

Keep calm with Cash for College David Eskichyan and Julissa Rangel

Features Editor and Entertainment Editor

Photo by Experience Colorado College Senior Astrid Cabrera was among one of the many students chosen for Experience Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO.

Senior takes off with fly-in program Astrid Cabrera

Contributing Writer

Colorado College’s fly-in program is not an experience many seniors get to take advantage of. Traveling 1,000 miles to an unknown state to learn more, broadened my college search and opened up my eyes to a new environment.

From Oct. 27-29, I spent the weekend in Colorado Springs, CO, participating in various bonding activities and college workshops. Through the guidance of college counselor Linda Zimring, a group of seniors from an underrepresented background were referred to a complete list of about 80 all-expense paid fly-in programs to colleges scattered over the country.

Each school had its own application that consisted of academic reports, essays and recommendations.

After many sleepless nights filling out over 40 applications, I had received

an email congratulating me for my acceptance into Colorado College’s (CC) highly selective program called Experience Colorado College: Fall Visit Scholarship Program. In an applicant pool of over 300 students, only 82 seniors from 29 different states were accepted to travel to Colorado and learn more about its academics, opportunities and community. Unlike other colleges, CC awarded me with a scholarship to fly my mother and me, while also providing us with complimentary housing and dining.

This program advocated for a diverse community of students from different backgrounds and aspirations. I loved how this college was all for diversity: people with different backgrounds, beliefs, sexual orientations and life experiences.

One of my favorite activities had to be the Dialogue Among Differences, where students talked about the need for diversi-

ty, inclusion, intercultural exchange, equity and empowerment. Meeting a group of students that were just like me only made me want to work harder and be that colored woman that pursued her dreams as a STEM major.

While at CC, I had the chance to take a campus tour, experience the unique Block Plan which allows students to take one class at a time for three and a half weeks, stay overnight in a student dorm, participate in a Financial Aid and Common Application workshop and attend a class.

These activities allowed me to broaden my college search to schools out of California.

Fly-in programs have really been life changing for many students such as myself and I think that this can be a perfect opportunity for students at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School to take advantage of.

It’s easy, quick and life-changing. And let’s not forget, FREE.

Three seniors ace college standardized tests Farah Faiza

Staff Writer

For high school students, standardized testing such as the SAT and ACT are a major focus as it’s a key factor in college admissions. Despite hours of studying, students rarely achieve the perfect score they dream of.

However, three members of the Class of 2019 did.

“It’s increased my hopes of getting into my reach colleges, although I understand that the SAT is just one part of the whole application and not everything,” said Rudraj Koppikar, managing editor of The Pearl Post.

Koppikar scored a perfect 800 on the English portion of the SAT, while Yearbook Editor-in-Chief Zachary Gephart-Canada reached the max score for English on the ACT with a 36. Online Editor-in-Chief Michael Chidbachian, on the other hand, earned a perfect 800 on the math section of the SAT. Each cultivated their own techniques to help them reach these higher scores.

“I would never second guess your

Photo by Rosa Lemus Seniors Rudraj Koppikar, Michael Chidbachian and Zachary Gephart-Canada all received perfect scores on certain portions of the SAT and ACT. answer, because if you think the last four SAT, an online SAT prep course.

“No matter what score I got, I knew of them have been ‘no change’ but they all sound right, then they’re right,” Ge- I’d still want to major in mathematics,” Chidbachian said. “The only possible imphart-Canada said.

Less than 1% of test takers get 800 pact that it will have is what college admison math, while .195% score a perfect 36 in sions officers will think of it.” the ACT, according to Prep Scholar News-

Applying for college can be among one of the most grueling processes for high school students but with the help of professionals through a series of workshops, incoming college freshmen often find relief.

A mix of Daniel Pearl Magnet High School juniors and seniors attended a workshop at the 17th annual Los Angeles Cash for College event at Los Angeles Trade-Tech College (LATTC) on Nov. 9 and attended a workshop hosted by Los Angeles Valley College Financial Aid Technician David Jenkins. The workshop aimed to alleviate some of the stress that comes with filing Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

“In regards to financial aid, I learned what information and documents I need to fill out my (FAFSA) application,” senior Adrian Contreras said.

Before the workshop, students had the opportunity to visit small booths stocked with pamphlets from private, public and community colleges alike from across California to retrieve more information.

“My favorite part was going to each (booth) and seeing how different the colleges were,” junior Karen Ticas said.

Walking through the rows of crowded booths, one’s ears were filled with the buzzing of hair clippers and were bombarded with the occasional cloud of white powder from the complimentary services offered to high school attendees by the cosmetology department of LATTC. Various Cash for College workshops are available as an aid for completing the FAFSA application. The California Student Aid Commission offers these free workshops in every county across California to low income and first generation college attendees.

“I learned a lot of information about financial aid,” junior Derren Reyes said.

“I’ve always wanted to learn more about it and that information gave me a lot of helpful knowledge.”

Twitter: @dxvideskichyxn and @ju11ssa

Photo by Steven Guzman Seniors Blanca Larranaga and CeeJay Posis take a selfie on Nov. 9 at Cash for College.

Entertainment 6

The Pearl Post

Nov.15, 2018

It’s time to cancel Twitter’s toxic cancel culture

Farah Faiza and Itzel Luna

Staff Writers

Within today’s social media era, the private life of celebrities has become almost non-existent as they’re plastered all over various platforms.

Even if their content was to be deleted, nothing ever truly disappears. This especially applies to old mistakes that can be pulled up and exposed at any time, resulting in them being “canceled” by followers.

This is widely known as “cancel culture,” the act of bringing up the problematic actions of a celebrity or online presence and calling them out for it. Fans criticize them for what they’ve done and end up retracting support. However, it often fails to create any significant change beyond distracting viewers from the actual point: being educated on why their actions were problematic.

Celebrities must be held accountable for their actions, but cancel culture is a toxic and superficial way to accomplish that.

It has both the potential to impact a celebrity’s reputation and cause professional losses. Tweets made back in 2009 to 2011 referencing controversial topics such as rape and pedophilia caused director James Gunn to be fired from the movie “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” back in July. While what he said was offensive, the discourse on the topic was more about his reputation than anything else.

Photo illustration by Julissa Rangel Celebrities like James Gunn, Brother Nature, Laura Lee and Jeffree Star have been “canceled” for their problematic behavior.

American beauty vlogger Laura Lee almost all of her brand sponsorships, inSensationalizing the issue does nothlost 400,00 subscribers on Youtube ever cluding those with Ulta and Morphe. ing but make the situation worse and drag since racist tweets from 2012 were found The toxicity that’s synonymous with attention away from the main focus. The by fans. In response, Lee posted a 5-min- social media is mainly a result of cancel conversation instead becomes an intense ute apology video on her Youtube that re- culture. The ability to make mistakes is argument about the person in question sulted in even more hate from fans. Lee, necessary for people to be able to learn and fails to educate them. who recently launched her own makeup from them, but as people are under fire Instagram: _itzelluna_ company Laura Lee Los Angeles, has lost for it, it hinders that experience.

Streaming network shows to be thankful for this fall break

Hulu: Handmaid’s Tale: “Handmaid’s Tale” is based off a drama sci-fi novel by Margaret Atwood. Set in the future, a fascist government takes over the United States and viciously strips women of rights, forcing them into a perpetually submissive social ranking. The program focuses on the lives of these handmaids, periodically including flashbacks from before the time they were considered second-class citizens.

Rosa Lemus and Mahali Sanchez

Photo Editor and Staff Writer

Fall break is the perfect time to get cozy and binge-watch some of your favorite shows. Here are some to watch that are available on streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.

Netflix: American Vandal: Protagonists Sam and Peter uncover in a documentary the mystery of 27 defaced cars at their high school, for which a student was accused and expelled. Each season focuses on a specific crime that started out as a prank and both Sam and Peter work to investigate the cases and find out who is responsible. The show is meant to be a parody of true crime documentaries, also known as “mockumentaries.”

The Haunting of Hill House: With familiar faces like Twilight Saga’s Elizabeth Reaser, and Michael Huisman of the 2015 drama film “The Age of Adaline,” “The Haunting of Hill House” offers viewers chilling jumpscares, rampant symbolism and fascinating plot twists throughout its 10-episode run.

Grey’s Anatomy: Highly acclaimed medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy” focuses on a group of doctors working at Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital, who began their careers as interns. They battle with maintain-

9-1-1: Ryan Murphy’s “911” first aired on Fox and has become increasingly popular among viewers. The TV program showcases both the personal and professional lives of first responders and the obstacles they face every day. There is one season on Hulu so far but new episodes of season two are uploaded every week.

Photo from FOX.com Emmy Award nominee Angela Basset plays Athena Grant in Ryan Murphy’s Fox drama “9-1-1.” The 60-year-old has also appeared in Ryan Murphy’s “American Horror Story.” ing their hectic schedule, work relationships and personal relationships.

The 100: This series combines drama, action and science-fiction in a world where The Office: The comedy mirrors a doc- a nuclear armageddon destroys civilization umentary that follows the everyday on Earth and the only survivors are those lives of employees at a paper company on the 12 international space stations in Dunder-Mifflin in Scranton, PA., in the orbit at the time. When a spaceship houshands of regional manager Michael Scott. ing the survivors sends 100 delinquents It features scandalous office romance, hi- back to Earth, they must find a way to surlarious pranks and a lovable cast. vive life together.

Superstore: “Superstore” is an American sitcom showcasing the lives of employees of Cloud 9, a parody of Walmart. Familiar faces like “Ugly Betty” America Ferrera and Ben Feldman provide comedic relief to the unsavory quirks that come with working in retail. The comedy focuses on the diverse group of employees and challenges they typically endure. “Superstore” first aired in 2015, and has three seasons but new episodes will air on Oct 4.

Instagram: @rosalemus Instagram: @mahalisanchei

Nov.15, 2018

The Pearl Post

Editorial:

Midterm elections: the outcome

On Nov. 6, voters across America delivered President Donald Trump his reckoning and flipped over 30 seats in the House of Representatives to Democratic control. For too long, Republicans have hijacked the systems of checks and balances in our country to shelter Trump from facing consequences for his actions.

We believe that democrats should view this victory as a mandate from the people and a mandate to utilize subpoena power to bring republicans to justice.

Democrats now control all of the House subcommittees and need to investigate all of Trump’s misdeeds that he has committed to since taking office.

Trump has done all in his power to stymie the investigation into alleged collusion between his presidential campaign and Russia by the Justice Department by firing Jeff Sessions and installing a Deputy Attorney General who has been openly hostile to the Mueller investigations. Democrats can use the House to launch their own investigations and can even subpoena Mueller.

The election also served as a rebuke toward the president who sought to exclude transgender people from Title IX laws and vilified asylum seekers as criminals. Hundreds of women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community were elected in local, state and federal elections. Jared Polis is slated to become Colorado’s first openly gay governor, Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar as the first

Photo by Wikimedia Commons People encouraged others to vote throughout the duration of the midterm elections.

Muslim women in Congress, Sharice Da- gained ten seats in state legislatures and vids and Deb Haaland as the first Native Texas has never looked more blue. Across the nation, Democrats flipped seven govAmerican women elected to Congress.

In California, one of the state’s few ernor seats and broke four Republican trifRepublican holdouts, Orange County, ectas while gaining six of their own.

The midterms may not have seen seems to have gone Democratic. Democrats are leading or have won in four out the “blue wave” some expected but the of the seven Congressional races in the results paint a clear picture- Americans are county. Even in Texas, Beto O’Rourke may losing faith in the Republican party. have lost his bid for senator but democrats

How the evolution of rap took a downfall

Rosa Lemus and Chris Sarenana

Photo Editor and Staff Writer

Rappers like Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G and Nas have shaped the rap and hip-hop industry but many of today’s rappers like 6ix9ine and Lil Pump have changed the way rap is seen and not in a good way.

Hip-hop used to be a way to express what can’t be expressed through just talking. It was used to talk about problems in the world or even personal problems the artist were going through. Now, this new generation of “soundcloud” rappers have proven that you can get away with having mediocre lyrics, catchy beats and hooks.

They’ve normalized face tattoos, drug usage and outrageous hair colors and patterns. This lifestyle is portrayed as the only way to become popular nowadays.

Rappers like 6ix9ine and Lil Pump get away with saying racial slurs, promoting gang violence and drugs in their music.

They don’t seem to care about the content they produce and yet due to this generation’s lack of appreciation for lyrics, these songs get popular. With that, they influence a new generation of rappers to get big off of the same tactics.

There have been many talented rappers that have had to work hard to master their craft like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and Drake. Powerhouses like these have

Photo by Flickr Both Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G were famous rappers in the early 1990s. created a platform of advocacy, by vent- mumble rap is destroying the reputation ing about social and political issues to the of hip-hop. These new rappers often run world within a song. Being able to create into legal problems or their past comes to imagery that relates to the situation or haunt them.

6ix9ine had recently gone to court for event, is an empowering feeling. Being able to make a change in the world and charges he had earlier of sexual acts with a minor back in 2015 and was let off with have others preach that same message.

This new generation of rappers have 4 years probation as the prosecutors were been releasing song after song in order to pushing for one to three years of jail and make hits, but they lack an overall mes- registration as a sex offender.

Lil Pump ran into legal problems as sage as it’s repetitive. All they rap about is money, drugs and materialistic things. It well for driving without a valid license in seems like they’re only pursuing music for August and also was charged with a gun money and internet fame and not so much charge for firing a firearm inside his house in Miami earlier this year. being respected in the hip-hop industry.

Instagram:@rosalemus_ As J. Cole has voiced his opinion

@Cleanjumper against “mumble rap” in his song “1985,”

Opinion 7

The Pearl Post Print Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Cintigo Online Editor-in-Chief Michael Chidbachian Managing Editor Rudraj Koppikar Features Editor David Eskichyan Opinion Editor Angel Van Horn Entertainment Editor Julissa Rangel Sports Editor Alondra Nuno Tech Editor Parampreet Aulakh New Media Editor-in-Chief Steven Guzman New Media Editor Maria Ruiz Social Media Editor Cassia Ramelb Photo Editors Jade Campbell, Rosa Lemus Copy Editors Alyssa Cancio, Zachary Gephart-Canada, Christopher Gorospe, Karina Mara, Christine Valenzuela Staff Writers/ Photographers Farah Faiza, Harlow Frank, Martin Garcia, Alexis Gutierrez, Tylin Jarrett, Itzel Luna, Alliana Samonte, Mahali Sanchez, Christopher Sarenana, Shannon Sullivan, Samuel Torres, Casey Wanatick Contributing Writers Astrid Cabrera, Lauren Mills, Daniela Rangel 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 91604-5529.

Special Reports 8

The Pearl Post

Nov. 15, 2018

Democrats seize House in blue wave of diversity Sam Torres and Itzel Luna

Staff Writers

On Nov. 6, history was made after the long awaited midterm elections took place and the results shocked the nation.

The results diversified the government with an increased amount of women and minority representation in Congress.

The government is now split as Democrats took control of the House of Representatives and Republicans kept control of the Senate.

Out of the 270 women who ran in the midterms, 121 were elected; 10 into the House of Representatives, nine as governors and 12 into the Senate.

Out of those 121 women, 45 were women of color including one of the first Native American and openly gay congresswoman Sharice Davids of Kansas. Debra Haaland of New Mexico, also Native American, was elected as well and both are Democrats.

The first Muslim women were also elected into Congress, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. In addition to being one of the first Muslim women in congress, Omar is also the first Somali-American and refugee to be elected.

The election also welcomed the first openly gay congressman, Jared Polis, a Democrat from Colorado.

As many expected, Democrats were able to take control of the House and currently hold 223 out of the 435 seats. Republicans kept control over the Senate occupying 51 out of the 100 seats. This

Infographic by Rudraj Koppikar Democrats hold a demanding majority in the House of Representatives after flipping more than 30 seats from Republicans. leaves Congress divided for at least the next two years.

California, which is notorious for its liberal stance, elected Democrat Gavin Newsom as governor. Newsom is known for openly resisting President Donald Trump’s agenda. His campaign consisted of bettering California by focusing on issues such as wealth inequality, homelessness and early childhood education.

After beating Republican businessmen John Cox, Newsom will succeed previous Democratic governor Jerry Brown. A Democrat hasn’t succeeded another Democrat as governor since 1887.

The 11 propositions voted on by Cal-

Correction: In the previous issue, Proposition 4 was mislabeled as Proposition 3

ifornians were mostly based around taxes and government spending, however proved to have a much bigger effect on many, such as Proposition Seven which would allow Daylight Savings to be year round in the state of California.

This proposition was passed by California but still needs to be processed by a two-thirds majority in the state legislature after which it will need to be confirmed by Congress.

As expected, this year produced a high voter turnout. The midterms resulted in 49% of the voting-eligible population casting ballots, topping all other midterms since 1966, the last time voter turnout

reached 49%. This broke records as 113 million people participated in the election.

Social Sciences teacher Francisco Ortega who voted through mail, agrees that voting is a necessary action.

“Voting is one of our methods of ensuring that our government is held accountable,” Ortega said. “The biggest consideration to keep in mind with voting is the government needs to be responsive to the people that they serve. It is a civic duty but I think more importantly it requires us to be active to maintain the republic.”

Instagram:@_itzelluna_ Instagram: @torres.sam.jpg

Infographic by Rudraj Koppikar

Nov. 15, 2018

The Pearl Post

Special Reports 9

Photo by Alliana Samonte History and government teacher Francisco Ortega hands out fliers on Oct. 9 to inform parents about the possible teacher strike.

Opinion:

UTLA should show their strength Casey Wanatick

Staff Writer

In 1989, teachers across the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) went on strike because they weren’t receiving adequate pay. Twenty-nine years later, history might repeat itself.

Teachers aren’t getting the salary they deserve. Classes are too big and there is not enough staff to go around.

Most schools don’t have full-time nurses or librarians to help out students and not enough counselors to fulfill each student’s needs.

Currently, the Unified Teacher’s Los Angeles (UTLA) union has authorized a strike that could happen at any moment after fact finding ends sometime early next year.

The union has asked for a six point five percent salary increase across the

Pearl Voice:

board but LAUSD has offered UTLA a mere three percent salary increase retroactive to last year and if lucky, another three percent if LAUSD’s finances remain in good shape. That’s not a sufficient offer because the teachers won’t be getting the other three percent because according to the district, the deal would put LAUSD farther into their already $500 million deep deficit for the school year.

UTLA is not asking for much. The situation is that the district doesn’t want to spend the extra money they have. According to a Facebook post by UTLA, the district has $1.7 billion dollars in reserves for the 2018-2019 school year. That money could be spent on full-time nurses and librarians, a better salary for teachers and administrators, updated textbooks and school supplies.

The teachers have to compensate for large class sizes. For example, the teach-

er-to-student ratio at DPMHS is 21:1. Although that is lower than the average LAUSD class size of 34 it is still a lot for the teachers since they teach five periods per day which rounds out to 105 students they have to keep track of.

One might consider that the UTLA is asking for too much considering that the average LAUSD teacher makes $60,000 per year while the average teacher makes $55,000 per year. The reason UTLA is asking for a pay raise for its teachers is because according to UTLA, the average class size is well above average compared to the rest of the country.

The district needs to understand that teachers work hard every day to educate the students at LAUSD schools. Teachers all across LAUSD deserve to go on strike if that’s what it takes for the district to finally listen.

Instagram:@casey_902

Should LAUSD teachers go on strike?

“I think the teacher strike is a good idea because the teachers deserve to have the voice,” sophomore Sara Marquez said.

“The teachers work really hard for the students and they don’t get paid much so they really deserve better,” freshman Geraldine Suniga said.

“I think the teacher strike is good because our teachers at this school deserve better wages and better rights,” junior Kyle Moore said.

Photos and interviews by Rosa Lemus

Source: utla.net

Tech 10

The Pearl Post

Nov. 15, 2018

Straying from tech proves as too much Daniela Rangel Contributing Writer

As someone who prides themself in not being fully immersed in technology, I failed miserably in my attempts to go without it for 24 hours.

While I can go over a day without my phone, something I’ve done before, not having another technological resource to fill the time without it was what made me crack.

Oct. 20 started off with me reading a book and staring aimlessly at a wall for a while before I deemed it an acceptable time to venture out, signifying what I mistakenly considered a strong start and indication for the rest of the day.

While aimlessly walking around the house, hoping I’d find something to distract myself with, sometimes I’d purposely walk near the television just to hear it or catch a glimpse of the news. I can’t stand the news anchors for KTLA 5 Weekend News but I found myself grasping onto every word I could hear them say.

All day I resisted the urge to grab for my phone or laptop until my dad showed me a video he found on Facebook. Once I saw that I completely let go of myself and only two hours later went to go watch Halloween. Once I got out, I figured since I’d already failed I should have no problem listening to music on my sister’s phone the way back.

Once back at home, I sat in the living room and posed no opposition to my family when they wanted to turn on Netflix. Going in, I suspected I’d be able to get through the day unphased by the technological distractions surrounding me.

I knew I had a very intimate relationship with my phone, laptop and Netflix account but I never noticed just how much of my time they all consumed.

Even though I ended up watching a movie,watching television and listening to music on a relative’s phone, I never touched my own. My struggle not to, however, made me realize I’m not the only person who’s seemingly always using tech.

Photo by Casey Wanatick Freshman Daniela Rangel was unable to make it through a day unplugged.

Photo by steamXO “Fallout 76” takes a completely new direction to previous installments in the series as it entirely in a multiplayer environment. Many of the gameplay elements will remain faithful to its predecessors while adding new features to help it stand apart from the rest.

Bethesda open vault on “Fallout 76” Harlow Frank

Staff Writer

After the release of “Fallout 4,” everyone has been waiting for a new and exciting Fallout game, and “Fallout 76” is just that, releasing on Nov. 24.

It will be an open world game set in West Virginia in the year 2278, after a nuclear-ravaged world, and will take place before previous games. “Fallout 76” will be available for PS4, Xbox One and PC. “Fallout 76” is a multiplayer survival game with a settlement feature that includes building co-op camps and unlike the previous Fallout games. Even though it is a multiplayer game, there will be mis-

sions to help the game still feel like a part of the Fallout series. The story isn’t the main focus and it features all new characters with little character development.

“Fallout 76” will not be as difficult as previous Fallout games. It will also be introducing perk cards. It is pretty similar to the “Special” in “Fallout 4” but you are able to build up your perk card that will help support your game. To finish the game completely, it would take about 40 hours.

“Fallout 76” brings in all basic forms of the previous games and still finds a way to make it different. It is more colorful and vibrant than “Fallout 4” and is one of the biggest Fallout game, that has been made.

Multiplayer being added as a new feature in the game it brings it to a whole new level. People have had both a positive and negative reaction toward “Fallout 76” and the beta, some think that this might have killed the whole Fallout franchise and some think that the game has pros and cons and the cons outweigh the pros.

“I think it’s bad that and I’m not a fan that Bethesda introduced this new feature because it takes away the purpose of the Fallout game for they way they made it a solo survival game to a multiplayer online game,” sophomore Jonathan Spahr said.

Instagram: @haloharlow_252003

App of the Month:

Organize your movies to watch anywhere Farah Faiza Staff Writer

“Movies Anywhere” is a new platform that allows users to store movies purchased digitally across several streaming services under a single account.

Transactional video on demand, where viewers pay for each movie or show they watch, has become more popular and led to a greater variety of digital retailers, such as iTunes and Amazon Prime Video. However, with all these options and their respective benefits, it’s a hassle to switch back and forth from platforms if there’s different content purchased on each account. This app, a cloud-based service operated by the Walt Disney Company, is able to offer an efficient solution by syncing up the user’s separate accounts and movies in one place.

This digital locker can connect ac-

counts from iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, FandangoNow, Vudu and Microsoft Movies & TV. These movies and any bonus content all appear in the Movies Anywhere app and on those individual accounts that are synced. For example, a movie bought on iTunes will be available on Google Play or any of the other five platforms if they’re synced, which makes it unnecessary to purchase the same movie twice just to have it in one place.

However, only media from Walt Disney Studios, 20th Century Fox, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures are available. Also, as of now, TV shows are not yet able to be streamed. While content will be synced across platforms, Movies Anywhere itself is not a digital retailer and movies still need to be bought through any of the participating platforms.

Additionally, users on this platform

Screenshot by: Parampreet Aulakh “Movies Anywhere” helps organize your catalog from multiple streaming services. are able to redeem digital movie codes that come with eligible DVDs. The app is available for free on the App Store and Google Play Store, and the service is also available as a website.

Nov. 15, 2018

The Pearl Post

Tech 11

Keeping busy without tech

Lauren Mills

Contributing Writer

Photo by steamXO With a new installment in the long-running Battlefield franchise, “Battlefield V” hopes to bring in a variety of new players with the addition of new game modes and gameplay features. Releasing on Nov. 20, it will arrive just in time for your holiday shopping list.

The new era of combat has arrived Tylin Jarett

Staff Writer

Since Electronic Arts’ release of “Battlefield 1” in 2016, gamers have been anticipating a new installment in the series.

After pushing back the release date by a couple of months due to bugs and glitches, “Battlefield V” is set to release on Nov. 20 for $60 and will be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Microsoft Windows.

The 16th installment in this first-person shooter franchise includes much better graphics and an intense way to immerse yourself in the action of a war-like

atmosphere.

A new feature that is being added to the game is that you can now play as a female character alongside a male character.

This was not present in previous installments of the series and will bring a new and interesting element to the game.

Despite a few issues that people have with the game itself, the developers delayed the game’s initial release so that they could fix these issues and keep their players satisfied. They released the Open Beta of the game on Sept. 6 to everyone worldwide as a test so that they could get feedback and launch their official game

with as few issues as possible.

“Battlefield V” will also be adding a few new game modes to enhance the player’s experience, including “Combined Arms,” which is a cooperative game mode for up to four players.

It randomly generates a scenario that up to four players can go on to complete.

More updates on the details or this game mode will be provided closer to the launch date.

If you want to be immersed in the newest and biggest virtual battle yet, mark Nov. 20 on your calendars.

Instagram: @tylinj23

During my 24-hour period of being unplugged, I learned some information about myself that I never knew before. I learned that a day unplugged is a lot like a normal weekend for me.

I knew I didn’t heavily rely on the technological gadgets that surround us in everyday life, and this exercise proved me right. I have to admit, toward the end of the period, I was counting down the minutes until I could use my phone again.

My mother was supportive of this exercise, and my siblings didn’t care. I learned that I am able to ignore the mesmerizing light of the television, thanks to them.

Unplugging has given me more time to read books. It also has allowed me to catch up on sleep that early hours of battling traffic to get to school has stolen from me.

I’d recommend this exercise to people who rely on their phones, computers, tablets, and the Internet. Sadly, this applies to most people nowadays. We have allowed technology to take over our lives.

On the other hand, it certainly makes life easier. Even though I succeeded in going through a day without electronic gadgets, I still missed my entertainment. I’m glad I did this assignment because it taught me things I never knew about myself.

Relive glory days of 90s gaming consoles Christopher Sarenana Photo by Casey Wanatick Lauren Mills survives a day with no tech.

Staff Writer

Sony goes back in time to release their latest console, the PlayStation Classic. Even though this console won’t be released until Dec. 3, you can preorder the console at retailers GameStop, Walmart, and Best Buy for $99.

The PlayStation Classic is a new and improved version of the PlayStation One (PS1), which came out in 1999. Previously, Nintendo attempted this concept with the Nintendo Entertainment System Classic (NES) last April, which was a huge hit with fans as it sold out immediately upon its release. Nintendo later followed up with the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) due to its success and popularity with fans.

The major talking point on this newly improved PS1 is 45% smaller than the original console. Back in the 90’s, they used RCA hook up (red, white, yellow cables) and this will now be an HDMI port.

Unfortunately Sony won’t be implementing the memory cards everyone loved but

2018-2019 The Pearl Post Patrons

Photo by Wikimedia Commons Sony hopes to capture the nostalgic fun of the PS1 by releasing the Playstation Classic. rather will use the reset button to allow players to suspend a game and come back to it later. This console won’t have a CDRom as everything will be digital and also will be adding USB port to the back of the console. This console with have two original PS1 controllers with the four-way directional pad versus the dual analog controller which came out with the second

release in 1997 PS1.

This console will come with 20 preloaded classic playstation games on it.

Sony has only announced the following games “Final Fantasy VII”, “Jumping Flash”, “Ridge Racer Type 4,” “Tekken 3” and “Wild Arm.” Instagram: @CleanJumper

Super Patrons Mary Bower The Spector Family Teal Patrons Nadia Montiel Sofia Rodriguez

Sports 12

The Pearl Post

Nov. 15, 2018

Athlete of the Month:

Athlete of the Month:

Jade Campbell

Samuel Torres

Patrick Bullock runs for victory

Kessler sets standards as team captain

Staff writer

Photo Editor

Q: How long have you been playing volleyball?

A: I’ve been playing volleyball since sixth grade. ball?

Q: Why do you enjoy playing volley-

A: I enjoy playing volleyball just because it is a fun sport overall.

Q: Do you plan to play volleyball in college? Are you going to try to get an athletic scholarship for college playing volleyball?

A: Yes, I’m going to try to play volleyball in college. I already have offers from some JC(junior college) schools but I’m trying to get a scholarship through a fouryear for volleyball.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being on the volleyball team?

A: I think my favorite part would be making lifelong friends that I’m really close to.

Q: Why did you decide to join volleyball? Is it your favorite sport?

A: Volleyball is my favorite sport. I decided to join volleyball because in 6th grade I started playing in PE and it was really fun so that’s when I started YMCA and then I started playing for schools.

Q: What is one thing you are taking away from being on the volleyball team?

Leadership skills?

A: I have taken away a lot of leadership skills. I’ve become much more confident in the things I do and I know when it is a time to step up and be a leader.

Instagram: @j_a__d_e

Photo by Alliana Samonte Senior Hailee Kessler serves against Cleveland’s girls volleyball team on Oct. 3

Q: What sport do you play?

A: I run cross country after school.

Photo by Audree Alaras BCCHS’s Lady Patriots became city champions on Nov. 3 by beating Granda Hills High.

Girls volleyball wins city Alexis Gutierrez

Staff Writer

The Birmingham Charter High School girls varsity volleyball team ended the season with a loss in the final game but they made up for it by winning playoffs, becoming city champions and advancing into state playoffs.

The first step to breaking a playoff loss streak was to win the first game against the CALS Early College Falcons, which they did by winning all three sets. They proceeded into the quarterfinals against Vaughn High School and won by 3-1. Now the only thing standing between them and finals was the Maywood Academy Nighthawks.

“It feels better because I’ve been in varsity since freshman year and we’ve taken a lot of (losses) but I feel like we’ve finally made up for that,” junior Keona Paniagua said.

The semifinal game on Nov. 1 was rocky at the beginning with the Lady Hawks being up by six points. As the game

progressed, senior and Varsity Captain Hailee Kessler tied the game at 15-15 and made two additional points for a score of 17-15. They could only get better from there and ended up winning all three sets, bringing them up to the finals.

The final game of the tournament took place on Nov. 3 at Granada Hills High School against Maywood CES. They emerged as Division III city champions and were given individual medals and a trophy.

“It feels so amazing to win city especially since this is my senior year,” Kessler said.

The Lady Patriots began their next endeavor on Nov. 6 as they advanced into state playoffs playing and winning against Lincoln High School. They traveled to San Diego on Nov. 8 to play their second game against High Tech High.

Unfortunately, the Lady Patriots ended their winning streak in San Diego by losing to High Tech High with 3-0.

Instagram: @Alexis.g.16

Water polo loses in playoffs

Rudraj Koppikar

Managing Editor

Emotions flared, tensions rose and insults flew as the Birmingham Patriots varsity boys water polo team played the Palisades Dolphins for the CIF Los Angeles City Section Championship at Los Angeles Valley College on Nov. 8.

The Patriots reached the championship final for the first time since 2015 and as runner-up will be playing in state playoffs later in the month. The team previously beat Kennedy High School with a score of 24-4, South East High School with a score of 25-10 and Granada High School with a score of 6-5 to reach the finals.

“The early goals threw us off,” Driver Cj Gorospe said. “We still needed that motivation to push us further. Fear of losing was one of the big factors this year.”

The Dolphins racked up an 5-0 advantage against the Patriots by late second period but a goal by the Patriots brought hopes of a comeback. However, with the goals stacked against them the pressure built on the Patriots.

Wing player Benjamin Sanchez scored two goals against the Dolphins, the most

Q: What is your motivation for doing that?

A: Well I didn’t make the cross country team, so I mostly do it to stay fit.

Q: Why do you keep doing it? What pushes you to do it every day?

A: It’s just fun. I get to hang out with people and work together.

Q: Is it really difficult, being in cross country?

A: Yeah, we work really hard for long hours. It gets really hot and sometimes we have to run in the rain too. You really have to push yourself.

Q: Is it difficult to be a student-athlete?

A: Yes, I already manage my time really bad, so just having cross country and then doing another sports team outside of that makes everything really hard. cult?

Q: What makes it even more diffi-

A: I’m tired all the time and I’m usually sore.

Q: Do you enjoy the sports you do?

A: Yes, it’s why I keep doing them, it’s why I do like two at a time usually.

Q: What do you enjoy about cross country?

A: I like just running around and seeing places. It’s really nice to see the outside world and not be inside all the time or be in the same field over and over.

Twitter: @almightypigeon1

Photo by Karina Mara Sophomore CJ Gorospe passes the ball during the CIF Los Angeles City Section Championship game on Nov. 8. out of any players on the team. Despite a valiant effort, shortcomings in communication and passing cost the Patriots lost the game with a final score of 13-5 in favor of the Dolphins.

However, reaching finals was an achievement in itself as the Patriots haven’t reached city finals since 2015.

“Next year, I want to be able to have the guts to shoot the ball whenever I need to,” Gorospe said.

Instagram: @red.rudy.2

Photo by Samuel Torres Sophomore Patrick Bullock runs during practice on Oct. 31.