The Pen

the newspaper of Palos Verdes Peninsula High School 27118 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274

www.pvphsnews.com

Vol. XXXIII Issue 7 3 May 2013

VICTORIA

SUNNIE KIM/THE PEN

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BRITTANY KIM/THE PEN

World Language Week ignites cultural learning

By USWAH SHABBIR PEN NEWS WRITER

April 15 to 19 marked the second annual World Language Week dedicated to exposing students to Spanish, French, Latin, Japanese and Chinese cultures.

“World Language Week gives the different World Language classes the opportunity to share with the entire student body a

part of what they have been learning all year long,” Spanish teacher Jacqueline Valerio said.

On April 15, the Spanish department invited Flamenco dancer Kaoruko Ichikawa-Viscarra to perform three traditional dances, each originating from a different region of Spain.

Before her performances, several Spanish students took part in a parade that displayed different Hispanic flags.

TOP: Kaoruko Ichikawa-Viscarra performs at the Paella festival on April 20.

BOTTOM: Two Japanese students demonstrate a martial arts routine during lunch on April 17.

Also, Spanish Honor Society members showed students how to make Spanish arts and crafts.

“We hope that the activities brought cultural awareness to the student body-- that the Spanish language and culture is spoken in over 20 countries throughout the world,” Valerio said.

The French Department presented student-made Mardi Gras masks in the amphitheater on April 16. The French 3 students also sang the “Les Miserables” song, “Do You hear The People Sing?” in honor of author Victor Hugo, one of France’s most distinguished writers.

“There is so much more that we could have shared about France.”

French teacher Marie-France Sam said. “Regardless, the activities that students performed represented a brief but good sampling of why students chose to learn its language and culture.”

In addition, on April 17, the Japanese department demonstrated a martial arts routine and a student choreographed dance.

On Thursday, the Chinese classes played cultural music on Chinese drums on the amphitheater stage.

On Friday, the Latin department encouraged students to wear togas to school and participate in an obstacle course, for which participants were rewarded with ice cream.

World Language Week ultimately

intends to inspire students to study different languages and continue studying past the twoyear language requirement.

“I believe that when students are enthusiastic about what they do and learn in class, they naturally share their excitement and motivation with other students,” Sam said.

The week culminated with a Spanish National Honors Society sponsored Paella festival on Saturday, April 20.

The fundraiser featured another traditional Flamenco dance by Senora Viscarra complete with costume, as well as authentic Hispanic music.

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CHRISTOPHER MICHEL/THE PEN

On April 27, The Look put on their second annual fashion show. The first event to be held in the new Kelly Johnson Fieldhouse, it featured stores such as Poppi, Jak, Show Me Your Mumu, and designers such as Bold Cupcake. Over a hundred people attended.

The club donated all ticket proceeds to the Peninsula Athletic Booster Club. Run by juniors Ariel Lim, Rachel Zack, Brenna Westergaard and Kayla Cabral, The Look encourages interests in fashion to fund community outreach.

Top: The Look co-presidents Ariel Lim, Kayla Cabral, Brenna Westergaard and Rachel Zack Clockwise from top left: Michelle Fafard, Annie Pluimer, Julie Yoshinaga, Rachel Zack, Brenna Westergaard, Emily Vieweg, Haley Puccinelli, Ariana Haghighi CHRISTOPHER MICHEL/THE PEN

Peninsula students feel the repurcussions of Boston bombing

By USWAH SHABBIR PEN NEWS WRITER

What began as a typical marathon ended as a devastating tragedy on April 15, resulting in the death of three innocent citizens and 150 injuries when two bombs detonated during the Boston marathon.

First responders rushed immedately to the site.

Two male suspects were identified. One suspect, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, was later killed in a manhunt for the two men.

The other suspect, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, was arrested on April 19 and charged with the use of a weapon of mass destruction and malicious destruction of property resulting in death on April 22.

The attack has had a vast impact not only on the city of Boston and its citizens, but also the runners and bystanders from across the nation who came to participate.

Sophomore Courtney Klashman’s mother was in Boston for the marathon at the time of the attack.

“After I realized there had been a bomb, I didn’t know... whether to go and help the others or run away from the bomb area.”

- Wendy Klashman “I finished approximately 10 minutes before the bombs went off,” Wendy Klashman said.

Klashman described the chaotic scene as thousands of panicked and confused people

who just realized the extent of the terrorist event.

“After I realized that there had been a bomb, I didn’t know what to do,” Klashman said. “We didn’t know whether to go and help the others or run away from the bomb area.”

Courtney, who was watching the marathon back home, worried her mother had been affected by the bomb blasts.

“Initially, all I could do was wait for her to call,” Klashman said. “After I heard that she was safe, I was able to fully process what had just occurred.”

Other Panthers were in Boston at the time of the accident, but were not

participating in the marathon.

Senior Somdeb Banerjee was visiting Boston College and Brandeis University the weekend before the attack and was at the airport during the event.

“I didn’t have any knowledge of what had happened until my friends started texting me asking if I was okay,” Banerjee said.

Despite having a flight soon after the bombings, Banerjee was able to fly home that day.

“I didn’t see any heightened security at Logan Airport, which was surprising due to the dangerous circumstances,” Banerjee said. “It was a tragedy that could have happened anywhere.”

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OPINION

Senior Sentimentality

PEN OPINION EDITOR

The question “Where do you want to go to college?” turning into “Where are you going to college?” is a good indicator that my senior year is coming to an end. Even though this signals forthcoming opportunities for the graduating class, there are undertones of redolence and anxiety tainting the excitement. I find myself looking at everyone I know, from my teachers to the local Starbucks employees, and I can’t help but think “I’m going to miss you.”

I can safely say I never anticipated having this attitude.

For three years, anything familiar to me only reminded me of how much I wanted to leave the area.

Getting as far away as possible was my goal. This was not out of resentment, but out of a desire to

PALOS VERDES PENINSULA HIGH SCHOOL 27118 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Jason Choe, Edwin Chu, Kendall Van Nort COPY/DESIGN EDITOR Samantha Neal WEB CHIEF Michael Yu NEWS Editors: Sunnie Kim, Zohair Lalani Writers: Chris Kong, Uswah Shabbir, Valeria Park OPINION Editors: Viveka Krishnaswamy, Izma Shabbir Writers: Amanda Katz, Caroline Park, Florencia Park, Jasmine Kim, Mina Zhang FOCUS Editors: Sehar Dedmari, Stephanie Minn Writers: Jina Kim, Julian Choi, Soolgi Hong STUDENT LIFE Editor: Michelle Lin Writers: Fatima Siddiqui, Rachel Tosney, Tunika Onnekikami ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Editors: Audrey Tsai, Wendy Wei Writers: Charles Kim, Lauren Lee, Maerah Ahmed SPORTS Editors: Bryan Lee, Jonathan Wu Writers: Amy Valukonis, Charles Kim, Noah Werksman, Sam Quon WEB Web Editor: Robert Papa GRAPHICS Benson Leung Marie Lum BUSINESS TEAM Manager: Liliana Pond Assistant: Alisha Prasad ADVISER Katherine Crowley “The Pen” is the student newspaper produced by the advanced journalism students of Palos Verdes Peninsula High School. It is published eight times per year. Advertising inquiries may be directed to Advertising Manager Liliana Pond at (310) 377- 4888 ext.

652. The Pen editors appreciate Letters to the Editors, which may be accepted up to one week before publication. You may submit them to H52 or Katherine Crowley’s mailbox.

Copyright © 2013

Editorial

By EDITORIAL STAFF

Knows how to explicate a Petrarchan sonnet, yet can’t refill a tank of gas; knows how to ace the SAT without breaking a sweat, yet can’t deposit a check; wins national acclaim in three different extracurricular activities, yet can’t prepare a single meal. Clearly there is a distinction between book smarts and street smarts – a difference between pure academic knowledge and practical common sense.

In a school like Peninsula, where academic excellence is the norm and high standardized test scores are expected from the entire student body (our API has risen almost linearly in the past seven years), it seems at times as if book smarts are much more common, and to some extent, promoted, than street smarts.

In an effort to get into colleges with brand-name recognition, students often sacrifice their social lives in order to find time to cram in that one extra prep class, to take one more AP course, or to form and “lead” one more extracurricular activity.

However, in reality, how

many students on our campus, if left alone, would be able to operate sufficiently on their own for a day? A week? A month?

In particular, of the seniors, many of whom will be heading off to college in a few months to live alone, how many right now know how to perform essential tasks like doing the laundry?

In high school, so many students are sheltered from the harsh realities of the world around them, and they effectively lose (or rather, they never gain) the ability to handle themselves responsibly and maturely in potentially compromising situations. In college, where alcohol is much more prevalent, where drugs are more easily accessible, and where parental guidance is virtually nonexistent, many students have difficulty in coping with peer pressure.

The question then arises: How prepared are students for college? It’s one thing to be able to solve differential equations or analyze critical reading passages while sitting in a classroom, but it’s an entirely different story to successfully live independently

MARIE LUM/PEN

By VIVEKA KRISHNASWAMY

fulfill my potential and quell my curiosities. I grew bored of my high school responsibilities, which seemed so trivial compared to the world of possibility out there.

Such imminent change, however, has provoked a complete juxtaposition of my original feelings. For example, positions for next year’s newspaper staff were recently released. Though I was thrilled for all the new leaders, a wave of intense sadness washed over me. I didn’t feel ready to give up my position just yet; as silly as it was, I had thoughts of staying on as a super-senior of sorts.

I’m not expecting many underclassmen to understand my nostalgia. I wouldn’t even have understood it a mere eight months ago; this is a state of mind whose onset can only be provoked by the threat of parting. Nonetheless, I advise everyone to appreciate their time here to the fullest extent.

Life in Palos Verdes may seem tedious now, but it is important to acknowledge that these people and this place have all played an integral part in shaping us, and that’s a beautiful thing.

in a new environment. It is not unheard of to hear stories of college freshmen coming back home because they were unable to handle their newfound independence and the freedom that comes with it.

Colleges have started taking the initiative in this nationwide problem. According to Ken Park, an admissions officer for the USC Marshall School of business, “we look not only at the extracurriculars but how it is communicated in an interview.”

Colleges are now starting to seek students who have developed social skills, whereas in the past, they searched for students who exhibited academic superiority.

One of Stanford’s essay prompts even calls for students to write a letter to their future roommate, which forces kids to look intrinsically at their social habits.

In the end, common sense really isn’t that common, especially in academia. In an effort to develop a higher GPA to get into a better college, students too often sacrifice the chance to develop social expertise or learn how to take care of themselves.

Media coverage wrongly glamorizes tragedies

By MINA ZHANG

of reality,” a study called The Mainstreaming of America: Violence Profile No. 11 said.

The bombing in Boston, Inflated coverage leads the fertilizer plant explosion impressionable people to get in Texas, the countless ideas from what they see. catastrophic events that rock Patterns throughout history our world daily: it seems show that the likelihood of that the world has become copycat events has increased. more dangerous. However, For example, from 1983 to statistics show 1986, a sharp otherwise; influx in the “Augmented attention to crime-related issues by public officials number of subway the rate of violence and politicians typically triggers surges in media coverage of suicides in Vienna in the U.S. was linked to a crime and drugs.” has actually dramatic increase declined.

-Political Research Associates, nonprofit research center in their coverage.

According Political to the U.S. Research Department Associates of Justice, attributes surges the rate of violent victimization people feel secure. in media coverage of crime committed by strangers has “It makes me feel less safe,” and drugs to the augmented declined by 81 percent between senior Patricia Pan said. “After attention it receives from 1993 and 2010.

Sandy Hook, everything seemed officials and politicians. For The illusion that this risk is to escalate in terms of violence example, CNN’s coverage of the increasing can be attributed to and the rate of violence.” tragic Boston bombing spiked the heightened coverage that Media outlets, instead of total viewership by 194 percent media outlets give disasters. glamorizing tragedies, must compared to viewership from Students, with their take the emphasis off violence the previous week. multitude of online accounts, when covering crime and To mitigate the effects of this profiles and pages, are disasters. phenomenon, screen time given constantly bombarded with “Viewers internalize these to violence must be decreased major news coverage. Whether images and develop a ‘mean and media must instead take the it be through BBC’s Twitter page world view’ or a scary image high road.

PEN OPINION WRITER

or the front page of Reddit, society is focused on inundating the populace with tragic news.

It is overwhelmingly difficult to escape the persistence of national reporting.

Media outlets aim to make people more aware of their surroundings, but constant updates of disasters hardly help

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OPINION

MARIE LUM/PEN

Are we in it for the ‘wrong’ haul? Model students fail miss the point of education

By JASMINE KIM PEN OPINION WRITER

Motivated by an A in a class, a 5 on the AP, or a 2400 on the SAT, students too often compromise intellectual curiosity and the love of learning and instead focus on deadlines and assignments. Trying to learn in such a rigid education system hinders students’ creativity and freedom to think for themselves.

“Years ago, getting a single bad grade or a few mediocre grades did not cause undue harm to one’s record and future, but now students can get stressed out over the damage of a single ‘B,’” UCLA Psychology Professor Robert Bjork said.

Modern day students face sophomore Carlo Paez.

While self-confidence is fierce competition. In 2013, But what drives a student to important, students who strive average Ivy League acceptance such extremes? For some, the for such great achievements rates dropped to a mere 7 need to be accepted into the most for the sole purpose of feeling percent. superior is Academic not right. rivalry has “Learning how to learn is a huge asset...we are becoming in- mindset. also been on Pressure to creasingly responsible for our own learning, not just during be the best the rise, and the years of formal schooling, but across our lifetimes.” students go tramples to extreme individual -Robert Bjork, UCLA Psychology Professor measures to creativity, stay at the and, in turn, top. creates a “It’s society of hard to learn mechanical with such violent competition, esteemed universities is a matter robots rather than free because kids care more about of personal pride. For others, a thinkers. getting good grades rather than flawless report card helps boost Education is a luxury and a absorbing the information,” said their self-esteem. privilege. Students should want

MARIE LUM/PEN

By CAROLINE PARK PEN OPINION WRITER

Some students spend money on food, clothes and unnecessary gadgets without hesitation, but when AP season comes around, they are unwilling to shell out the money to pay for AP tests. Though AP tests are costly, students often fail to remember that the cost of these tests are not a superflous expense; they are an investment for their futures.

“I spend a lot of money on clothes and it is not fair for me to whine about how expensive the AP tests are if I am spending my money so carelessly,” junior Katie Cha said.

Students who cut down on frivolous items will have an easier time paying for testing fees. Furthermore,

if a family meets the minimum budget requirement, they qualify for a fee waiver.

“The amount of financial aid given is based on the Expected Family Contribution, a calculation that takes into consideration family income and assets,” scholarship and financial aid adviser Teri Koyanagi said.

In addition, $93 now is a small price to pay for what are essentially four semester units at a public university, which costs an average of $8,244 a year, according to CNN. With the cost of a college tuition rising dramatically in recent years, this figure will only enlarge.

Rather than complaining about the seemingly high price of an AP test, students need to understand the long-term benefits that these tests provide: benefits that are exponentially more valuable than the new pair of shoes in the store window.

Lenient clubs devalue prestige and dedication

By MINA ZHANG PEN OPINION WRITER

Students more than ever are being allowed to participate in once selective campus organizations.

However, as membership expands, its value diminishes.

Standards dilute as organizations grow -- an alarming trend in a world that often thinks more is better.

Tighter requirements for membership must be implemented so that the dedicated few are not adversely affected.

ASB, Peer Leaders Uniting Students, Link Crew and the future Service Learning Leadership are the four leadership groups on campus.

Link Crew hosts 100 members.

“The reason that all these leadership classes were created was because so many students have wanted to be a part of something,” Activities Director Season Pollock said.

However, this desire to be involved it is not always fueled by a need to take part in the community. Rather, membership attracts many students who simply want to join for an addition to their college

MARIE LUM/PEN

Students should give a little now to gain a lot later on

to learn out of curiosity and a hunger for knowledge. A student with a lack of genuine desire to learn won’t go far.

Stress and monotony dulls the promise of young adults. In only a few years, these adolescents become the next generation of adults, responsible for the future society of the country. If their motivation is lackluster and misguided, they will burn out and be devoid of passion.

“Learning how to learn is a huge asset,” Bjork said. “We are becoming increasingly responsible for our own learning, not just during the years of formal schooling, but across our lifetimes.”

applications.

“The growing number of students who are a part of leadership programs makes [membership] less impressive,” junior Amelia Frejie said.

Some organizations face problems because they host lukewarm members. Prospective student-journalists may join entry level journalism without completing prerequisites.

Consequently, too often editors are saddled with reporters who cannot write well. Science National Honors Society offers

membership to students in good academic standing who complete courses that many students here take anyway. The requirements, only two science classes, are minimal.

Inclusive organizations cause student members to be spread thin and not fully devoted. This slack results in greater breadth but less depth.

By enforcing rigorous entrance requirements and capping enrollment, members will be motivated to be dedicated and committed.

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Students sing, sway and skate the night away

By WENDY WEI AND AUDREY TSAI

MARIE LUM/PEN

PEN A&E EDITORS

Biologically, teens sleep late and stay awake later.

Unfortunately, few places host these energetic under-21ers after 10 p.m. Locally, teens have a few options, however, that offer fun sure to put off sleep a little longer.

1. Karaoke Studios Max Karaoke Studio and Muse, both located in Torrance, stay open as late as 4 a.m. on weekends. For $20 an hour, students can rent private rooms equipped with state-of-the-art karaoke systems. Both studios feature thousands of songs from every genre and in various languages. The room comes with comfortable couches and flashing color lights. A variety of refreshments from soda to instant noodles is available for purchase. Rooms can fit two to

ten people at a time.

“I find myself going to karaoke parties often, “ sophomore Hanna Hilden said. “I enjoy them a lot because I love to sing and spend time with my friends.”

2. 18+ night clubs Those who are seniors that want to dress up for a night may look towards night clubs like Level 3 or Arena in Hollywood.

Admission is usually $20.

Dancers under the legal drinking age recieve a stamp on their hand that prohibit them from drinking. Often times, Friday nights offer discounts or special events. These night clubs open as early as 8 p.m. and close as late as 2 a.m.

“It is basically a school dance but with strangers,” senior Melody Su said. “Since so many people are turning 18 or have already turned 18, going to a club is something I feel a lot us would want to try.”

3. Roller Skating Students who want a more athletic late night can go to World on Wheels in Venice, a roller skating rink that stays opens until 1 a.m. on weekends.

Saturday nights at the rink open until midnight, but only students 18 and up can enter with ID. For $12, a person can rent skates and be admitted to the rink. The rink has a vibrant disco lights and a circle of sofas in the center.

Upstairs, there is a bowling alley and an arcade with games like air hockey. The rink also has a concession stand.

Colors clash as students dash

By LAUREN LEE

Runners (left to right) senior Veronica Edwards, senior Leena Koyano, senior Austin Wong, senior Jasmine Zahedi, junior Tristan Macnguyen and senior Chris Low rest after their 5K run.

The concept of the Color Run stems from a Hindu Festival of Colors known as Holi, which celebrates the arrival of spring.

“After the race begins, you and your friends run through ‘color zones’ where colored powder is thrown at you from all different directions,” Edwards said. “The color then gets on your ‘mandatory’ white shirts.”

The “color zones” appear five times during the race, at every kilometer mark. The color is made from safe cornstarch that is thrown into the air as people run by. After running, people gather at an after party known as the “Finish Fest” in which runners are given their own colored cornstarch to throw at their friends for finishing.

Catalina Island: a paradise close to home

By MAERAH AHMED PEN A&E WRITER

Catalina Island, just 25 miles off the coast of Palos Verdes, is a hidden gem.

“Mini golf, pedal boarding and the restaurants are my favorite things about Catalina,” sophomore Ben Malit said.

Catalina is split in two cities, Avalon and Two Harbors. Avalon is a tourist beach city with a strip of eateries, shops and resorts.

Two Harbors is an adventure spot and a camping ground, offering outdoor activities.

There are water activities, including para-sailing, Sea Trek Undersea Adventure, scuba

diving, tubing, kayaking, sailing, wildlife tours, flying fish tours and glass bottom boat tours.

“There are so many things to do—most people don’t realize.

It’s really nice to get away from the city and just get some fresh air,” junior Amparo Hoard said.

Sea Trek Undersea Adventure is an undersea tour on a submarine that costs $30.

Tourists go five feet under water to encounter marine life.

Entertainment and nightlife include the Avalon Theatre, a giant movie theatre that screens popular movies for $15 and

California’s first night-time zip line 300 feet above the Catalina canyons. Visitors can also experience ghost tours complete with historic and haunted locations throughout the island.

Catalina offers over 30 restaurants, live music and karaoke bars, as well as luxurious resorts and inns.

Catalina Express, an hour long ferry ride available at nearby ports, costs $72.50 round trip.

“The wildlife is broad and breathtaking,” freshman Amy Suzuki said. “You get to know nature really well.”

MARIE LUM/PEN

In her clean white shirt and slicked back hair, senior Veronica Edwards prepares to run a 5K marathon. At the first checkpoint, Edwards is bombarded by a burst of orange and pink powder that envelops her skin and clothes.

For $45 each, a group of friends can participate in the Color Run, a 5K run that takes place throughout the country.

The Color Run debuted in early 2012 and has since become one of the largest 5K runs in the nation. On May 11, the Color Run will be hosted in Irvine.

“The purpose of the run is to promote healthiness, happiness and giving back,” senior Chris Low said.

The Color Run gives a portion of the money raised to local charities recommended by the public. The Color Run that took place in February in Los Angeles donated its proceeds to Casa Colina, a charity for rehabilitation.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY VERONICA EDWARDS

PEN A&E WRITER

By KENDALL VAN NORT PEN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“Oh my gosh. I can’t believe Timmy had an 8.7. I bet he was rating himself through other girls’ phones…”

“Yeah I gave him a bad rating. He deserved it.”

Lulu: the app most girls secretly download but publicly trash.

According to its website, Lulu is intended to “[encourage] good, gentlemanly behaviour, and [provide] a platform that makes girls’ research easier and more fun.” I can’t help but question this intention, especially after hearing the above phrases on campus in early April.

On April 10, I tweeted that “my biggest fear is they make a Lulu app for girls.” This tweet was retweeted nineteen times, and favorited 22 times. While arguably my most popular tweet out of all (745 as of press time), it also became extremely clear to me that the Lulu app, an app created for rating guys from your area, isn’t fair.

I’m all for women’s rights. I believe in full gender equality in all areas of life, be it the home or work force. What I’m not okay with is a double standard. A few weeks ago, “Lulu” was first brought to my attention. A friend had to explain it to me—apparently I’d totally missed the bus on this new fad. Because you sign up for the app via your Facebook, it is ensured that only girls are allowed to create a membership.

If this were reversed, female students would be rioting in the streets. We would emphasize that the app promotes low selfconfidence and superficiality, only focusing on a woman’s physical traits. We would stereotype all men as pigs—how could they POSSIBLY refer to a woman as having #BedroomEyes? Or as being #KinkyInTheRightWays? Lulu categorizes men with generalizations and stereotypes, many of which don’t prove to be true, and ultimately could ruin reputations.

According to Sheryl Sandberg’s book “Lean In,” (which I’m currently reading) men do tend to have more confidence in both themselves and their abilities. But this doesn’t make it okay to anonymously tear them down. If what we want to achieve is full equality, there cannot be this one way street. Lulu is an immature and questionable hobby.

The hype has died down, as I hoped it would. Even so, Lulu still gives me that unsettling feeling in my stomach, and I hope that one day there will finally be equilibrium between men and women.

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Be aware of the right to bear: Interpretation of Second Amendment Evolves

By SOOLGI HONG PEN FOCUS WRITER

Since the tragedies at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, Congress has been presented with seemingly opposite ideas: on one hand, President Obama proposed to strengthen background checks, and on the other, the National Rifles Association proposed the gun-inevery-school plan. This debate extends to the local community as well, as both Peninsula staff and students are divided over this issue.

One week after the shooting, the NRA proposed the National Model School Shield Program, a plan to train and place an armed security guard or staff member at every American schools campus. Currently one-third of all public schools across the nation have armed personnel on campus, the New York Times reports.

“It makes sense to have someone trustworthy like a police officer on all school campuses,” junior Russell Dean said. “This way, students can be protected at all times.”

Although this plan has received much media

attention, the idea generally has received a negative response, as one-third of Americans believe that having guns on college campuses would not improve safety, the Huffington Post reports.

According to former SWAT police officer, Rudy Kerkhof, the NRA plan is unrealistic.

“I would be against having an armed guard in every school because I think it would be just too expensive,” Kerkhof said. “It also would give anyone thinking [about] committing a crime at a given school a first target, knowing that once they killed or neutralized this person the rest of the school personnel would probably be unarmed.”

Although he opposes having a designated armed personnel on campus, Kerkhof is one of many Americans who believe that training school administrators how to use a gun safely can actually be beneficial. California, along with seventeen other states, allows adults who have permission from both the school board and the principal to carry a concealed weapon on campus.

“I would not be against

offering firearms training to certain school administrators and allowing them to carry a concealed weapon once they have passed some specialized training and attend firearms training on a regular basis,” Kerkhof said. “This would be much cheaper and at least give anyone thinking of committing an offense at a school a reason to pause and reconsider it.”

On the other side, some Americans believe that having guns on campus can create a fearful environment for students, increase violence and do not effectively protect students. Don Frazier, a former Government AP and current European History AP teacher, is against both gun control and NRA’s proposal.

“I am against having teachers with guns. When someone wants to harm another, you can only do so much,” Frazier said. “Having a gun won’t help.”

In January, Obama proposed a plan limiting magazines to 10 rounds and banning armor-piercing bullets from non-militia civilians. But the most prominent part of this

plan involved universal background checks to all prospective gun buyers. The Senate, however, failed to pass any of Obama’s proposals.

Forty percent of guns are bought without background checks in America, according to Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City. Such actions currently occur when private sellers, through events such as gun shows and online transactions, avoid correct documentation.

“We should change the Second Amendment and adopt Obama’s plan because [the Constitution] was written in a time when a single shot rifle was the most advanced piece of technology and could be used to overthrow a corrupt government,” senior Brian Rubin said.

“Considering that now we have more dangerous weaponry, it seems silly that people think their simple hand gun could carry out what the second amendment was made for.”

Obama plans to continue pushing his efforts for gun control, signifying a change from the times of the Founding Fathers.

Right to privacy extends to digital age

By JINA KIM

TAKEN BY CHRIS MICHEL/THE PEN EDITED BY NOOR EUCEPH/THE PEN

PEN FOCUS WRITER

Most people only take a cursory glance at the privacy policy and terms of agreement before making a Facebook account. Yet privacy is an important aspect of the Fourth Amendment, which states that the people have the right “to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.” However, online privacy is now threatened by the reappearance of the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA).

CISPA first made an appearance in April 2012, but it failed to pass in the House of Representatives.

The bill would have allowed companies such as Facebook,

Twitter and Verizon to share user data with the government in order to help prevent cyber attacks.

Students are not often aware of their constitutional rights, and this possible breach of the Fourth Amendment directly affects this generation, especially as young people depend so much on social media technology.

Despite its goal to heighten cybersecurity and claim to “[protect] privacy and civil rights,” CISPA has had a mixed reception.

On April 18 of this year, the House of Representatives passed CISPA. But, the White House vowed to veto the bill.

“I definitely think CISPA would violate our

constitutional rights if it passed,” sophomore Geline Catarroja said. “I have a Facebook, a Tumblr and a cell phone. So much private information is held in [these devices] that I would feel violated to have them accessed by anyone else.”

Junior Alison Bartkowski is also dependent on social media for minor yet important personal matters, from school assignments to conversations with friends.

“This is an outrageous invasion of privacy and goes against our personal rights,” Bartkowski said. “As more and more information becomes digital, the noose of corporate America is drawn tighter around our necks.”

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Trial by Student Jury

By JINA KIM PEN FOCUS WRITER

Very few students at Peninsula participate in a court trial during their four years in high school, but all of them have the opportunity to simulate one. Teen Court offers this experience by teaching students about the right to a trial by jury and the responsibilities that come with it.

The Sixth Amendment states that criminals have the “right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury,” while the Fourteenth Amendment states that States cannot “deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.”

According to the United States Courts, a jury is “the group of persons selected to hear the evidence in a trial and render a verdict on matters of fact.”

Although jurors must usually be over 18, Teen Court allows students to serve as members of a jury nonetheless.

During their sessions, members of Teen Court try teen offenders from the South Bay before reaching a verdict and enforcing a sentence, which is oftentimes a probationary period.

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“There will be two to three cases with a minor who broke the law but does not want to go to [juvenile detention],” senior Ashley Shim said. “[The minors usually committed] petty theft, vandalism or incorrigibility.”

A professional judge moderates the juror’s questions and the terms of probation.

“There are no lawyers, but everything else is just like a court,” sophomore Golshan Helfman said. “It is very professional.”

In the simulated courtroom, the jurors must take an oath to remain impartial throughout the case.

Punishments for offenders include community service, curfew, letters of apology and therapy, which are either altered or approved by the judge. The defendant is then required to carry out this sentence.

“I feel like Teen Court increases our sense of responsibility and leadership,” sophomore James Gale said.

“We have the power to make something right.”

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SPORTS

Junior Rachel Draffen swims the 200m individual medley, along with her events such as 100m breaststroke.

The team is in position to capture a Bay League title, and has high hopes for a deep run into CIF Playoffs.

Girls’ Swim asserts dominance in League

By AMY VALUKONIS PEN SPORTS WRITER

Members of the Peninsula Girls’ Varsity Swim Team have much more in common than pitch-black swimsuits adorned on their bodies. Though uniquely talented and diversely trained, they have instilled within themselves a common goal: becoming individual qualifiers for CIF. In the midst of an already successful Bay League run, a slew of swimmers have individually qualified for CIF. In order to qualify for CIF, swimmers must meet specific time requirements in their respective events during any meet throughout the season.

Depending on her time, a swimmer can be considered for a spot in the CIF meet contingent upon whether there are extra spots, or automatically qualify.

Nearly every girl on the team has fallen into one of those two categories.

“They have all been training

JULIETE STRUYE/PEN

Racing a sailboat is like “walking on water,” Captain Kristen Burch said.

“When sailing at forty knots (approximately 46 miles per hour), I feel a weightless sensation.”

On the wharfs of Cabrillo Beach Yacht club in San Pedro, Coaches Steven Natvig and Cody Arzoumanian command five seamen and their 14-foot boat, the Flying Junior. The Peninsula Sail team is divided into skippers and crewmen, who train separately but compete as a unit in monthly regattas. A skipper, such as Burch or Jarred Dahlerbruch, matches up with one crewman to collaboratively race the team’s Flying Junior.

The crewman’s job, such as Burch and Jarred Dahlerbruch, is to control one lateen sail and help maintain the boat’s balance.

The skipper steers the boat and fastens the other main sail.

“When traveling at highway speeds, strength and chemistry matter most for our team,” Dahlerbruch said. “It’s hard to communicate in heavy winds, so we always seem to be yelling.”

Regattas serve as competitive meets for both public sailing teams, such as Peninsula Sail, and private teams, such as ones affiliated with local yacht clubs.

Although Peninsula Sail consists exclusively of Peninsula High School students, it is labeled as an independent study sport.

The Peninsula Sail Team navigates through the wharfs of Cabrillo Beach Yacht club in San Pedro.

Play by the Numbers

really hard, going to both high school and club practices, and it has really been paying off for them,” senior Megan Hung said.

Sophomore Annie Wang is among the tentative group of girls set to compete in this prestigious CIF meet.

Currently, she devotes much of her time to swimming and

“They have all been training really hard, going to both high school and club practices, and it has really been paying off for them.”

Megan Hung Senior spends at least two or three additional hours swimming after high school practices. She has had to overcome a persistent knee injury.

Last season, Wang qualified in the 200 individual medley.

This season, she is expected to compete in four events.

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Junior Rachel Draffen has come close to qualifying. Last season, Draffen qualified for CIF in the 100 breaststroke.

“I have been trying especially hard to focus on small details in my stroke and gaining more strength and endurance both in the water and out,” Draffen said.

Draffen must beat her personal record time of 1:12:2 seconds in the 100 breaststroke.

Other preliminary CIF qualifiers include senior captains Roxana Razi and Leslie Kurt, who swim in Beach Cities Swimming outside of school.

Both look to qualify in the 100 breaststroke as well.

“I take my meets much more seriously this year since these will be my last opportunities to compete at this level,” Razi said.

The team placed in the top 20 out of 60 schools in the CIF Southern Section Division II last season and currently uses that experience as motivation moving forward into Bay League.

consecutive boys’ swim Bay League championships

EDWIN JACOBSON/PEN

PEN SPORTS WRITER

Students receive school credit for participating on Peninsula Sail, but sailing is not an official Peninsula High School sport.

Regional competitions span over an entire weekend so the dozens of varsity and junior varsity teams have enough trials in which to race. At the competitions, sailing teams are judged on their speed and execution of specific, intricate maneuvers during races. Sailors are challenged to follow designated courses and maximize their efficiency on the water. Teams must cope with constant changes in wind direction, temperature and visibility.

“The beach really comes to life on the day of the competition,” Burch said. “The teams’ hustle and bustle builds up the excitement.”

From December to spring, Peninsula Sail travels as far as Honolulu to participate in national competitions. Regattas are usually held in Orange County where a majority of sailing teams reside.

“It’s more than a recreation for me; it’s a lifestyle,” said Coach Natvig.

During the offseason, Peninsula Sail joins the Palos Verdes High School sailing team for activities and competitions at Cabrillo or Torrance Beaches.

“By the end of the day I am so tired I feel like I have sailed enough for a lifetime,” Dahlewrbruch said, “Something always brings me back for more.”

By BRYAN LEE

PEN SPORTS EDITOR

the average GPA achieved by the the Academic Honor Award winning boys’ volleyball

MICHELLE KIM/PEN

3.75

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number of goals scored this season, which comes second in school history

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JASON TRAN/PEN

more victories than last season’s total wins, with more games to come

EDWIN JACOBSON/PEN

By NOAH WERKSMAN

EDWIN JACOBSON/PEN

Peninsula sets sail in new waters

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STUDENT LIFE

Members of The River, a local church, assemble, outside the completed house, which took three days to build. These Peninsula students drove to Mexico in order to help build facilities for those in need.

COURTESY OF MICHAEL DIMATTEO

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Mi casa es su casa, nuestra casa

By TUNIKA ONNEKIKAMI PEN STUDENT LIFE WRITER

Some Peninsula students volunteer their time to give back to communities near and far.

Over the spring break, junior Michael DiMatteo and freshman Mariah Watts traveled with 50 members of their church, The River, to Ensenada, Mexico.

Working with the organization Baja Bound, the group’s goal was to build a home for a small family there. “[The family was] living in a very poor region in Ensenada,

[Mexico],” DiMatteo said.

DiMatteo said that he learned houses and what they do and “They were living in really bad to value the comforts of having a how much work goes into it,” conditions.” home after being a participant in DiMatteo said.

After nearly Watts volunteers three days, the often and said group succeeded “You [volunteer] and you think you’re going that volunteering in constructing has taught her to to change something, but ultimately you get not take the small a 16 by 20 foot changed.” frame house for the things for granted. family.

“When I “[The come back from -Freshman Mariah Watts family was] so either working overwhelmed, at the hospital or and really happy,” from overseas or DiMatteo said. “When the building one himself. anywhere, you feel different and [father] opened the door, he was “[The experience] made me you want to help people again,” just blown away.” appreciate the people who build Watts said. “You [volunteer] and

you think you’re going to change something, but ultimately you get changed.”

While Watts enjoys volunteering outside of the U.S., she encourages others to lend a hand locally as well.

“I would tell people to get involved with their community,” Watts said, “because there are always little things right where you live and you don’t really realize.”

The River has made multiple trips to Mexico in the past three years and hopes to continue with its mission work in the future .

Hand in Hand

By TUNIKA ONNEKIKAMI PEN STUDENT LIFE WRITER

On April 19, math teacher Christian Kim hosted an apologetics seminar, using science to defend Christian beliefs. Senior Josephine Lin, one of the event’s coordinators, said that Kim had wanted to hold the talk for a long time.

However, “since Mr. Kim is a teacher, he’s not supposed to talk about his faith [during class],” Lin said.

New Life, a Christian club on campus, decided to coordinate the event with Kim. “Many people in the past wanted to have Mr. Kim speak.

We finally got the chance to ask him,” senior Rebecca Hsiao said.

Lin hoped the event would be informative and encouraging. “As

a Christian club, our intention hosting this event was to inform [non-religious people] about Christianity and possibly allow them to be more accepting of Christianity, and to help Christians prove and support their faith with more of an objective reasoning,” Lin said.

Using PowerPoint, Kim presented to a packed classroom. He used the laws of Thermodynamics to supplement Descartes’ proof of God and support his beliefs.

“There were so many people that people were struggling to find a spot to stand,” Lin said.

Hsiao was pleased with the turnout of students, but said that the number of people was not what measures success.

“There is no way to measure the success of this event,” Hsiao

said. “For it to be successful, it would mean that people’s faith have deepened, but we have no way to measure that.”

Senior Sydney Smith, was one who felt that her faith was strengthened.

“There are moments where those who are religious, including myself, lose faith and [we] ask ourselves ‘Is there really a God?’” Smith said. “[Kim’s] presentation reaffirmed my faith.”

The New Life leadership hope that their successors will continue to host apologetics talks. “[Science and Christianity] is among the hottest topics in the Christian faith among people, and it is great that it has brought Christians and non-Christians together,” Hsiao said.

BENSON LEUNG/PEN

Kim speaks at a lunchtime club meeting in an effort to explain Christianity through science

STUDENT LIFE

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Father still confined in China

By RACHEL TOSNEY

PEN STUDENT LIFE WRITER

Nearly five years ago, junior Richard Hu’s father, Dr. Zhicheng Hu, an American citizen, went on a business trip to China.

He has yet to return. Chinese police detained Dr. Hu, an award-winning automotive engineer and holder of 48 patents, because one of his competitor companies accused him of misusing trade secrets and “stealing technology.”

“They [arrested him] with no incriminating evidence whatsoever, with the intent of keeping my dad there until his will broke and he gave them what they wanted: bribe money,” Hu said.

Dr. Hu was held in jail for over a year, fines if he did not give the plaintiff the living in a cell with about 30 inmates, rights to one of his U.S. patents. many on death row. There, he developed “We eventually fought and got him out a serious back problem. In 2010, the case of jail, but he couldn’t leave the country… was withdrawn, but border control forced [and he] still can’t,” Hu said. “I don’t him to remain expect it’ll be any “I don’t expect it’ll be any time soon.” time soon.” in China despite the fact that he The competing was no longer company has -Junior Richard Hu incarcerated. continued to According to the create new family, when Dr. Hu paid the collateral cases and, according to the family, has requested by the government, the court allegedly bribed court officials as the informed him that his competitor had court continues to stall on these cases. As filed a lawsuit accusing him of patent a result, Hu has not seen his father since infringement. Investigators then the sixth grade. His and his family’s lives threatened him with multi-million dollar have greatly changed since then. Hu and

his sister were forced to grow up without a father and his mother devoting much of her time and energy to bringing Dr. Hu home, which has greatly affected her health.

Hu, along with his mother and sister, began a petition and a Facebook page in order to gain support for his father’s return from China, and these efforts have gained “a good bit of publicity,” Hu said.

The campaign was covered in a number of newspapers including the Washington Post.

“All we can do is try to get the matter into public attention and hope that some pressure can force them to let him go,” Richard said.

Self-diagnosing can be dangerous

By TUNIKA ONNEKIKAMI

Self-diagnosing is becoming in the U.S. According to a survey taken by the Pew Research Center in Washington D.C. revealed that 35 percent of adults in the U.S. have used the Internet to diagnose their medical conditions. School nurse Wendy Keller says that students also do this in lieu of visiting a doctor.

“I think it is [becoming] very trendy for not just students but also adults to think that they can skip seeing a doctor by going to the Internet for medical advice,” Keller said.

But the inability to see a doctor at a moment’s notice combined with the convenience of a quick Internet search are two leading factors in the trend.

Freshman Yoon Kim does not have to worry about the hassle of searching for a doctor since his mother is one, but said that he understands why self-diagnosing is done.

“American hospitals are very expensive and insurance costs a lot, so I do believe that it is more convenient to go to Google and search up the [symptoms],” Kim said.

Still, students and adults can easily misdiagnose themselves, causing them to believe that the ailment they do have is much worse than it is.

“You can have all sorts of misinformation and diagnose yourself with all sorts of terrible things when you might just have a common cold,” Keller said.

As people misdiagnose themselves online, ‘cyberchondria’ sets in, the anxiety that occurs when one reads an alarming diagnosis online.

“The Internet is not always a reliable source,” Keller said. “Anybody can put anything they want up on the Internet.”

MARIE LUM/PEN

PEN STUDENT LIFE WRITER

Keller notes that students will sometimes visit the health office mistakenly believing they have a grave illness.

“Sometimes [students] will come [to the office] and say ‘I think I have the …,” Keller said. When she asks the student why they believe they have a particular illness, Keller notes that the reply is often, “I’ve looked it up on the Internet.”

“Usually, we talk about it, and [the sickness] is usually not what they think it

is,” Keller said.

Freshman Julianna Higa admitted that she has on occasion diagnosed herself using online sources, but does not take the online diagnosis too seriously.

“Sometimes I think [the diagnosis] is an overreaction,” Higa said. “I just tell my parents that I think that something is wrong... and that I should go to a doctor.

Keller does not believe that the Internet should ever be used to diagnose oneself,

and recommends that if something is bothering a person, he or she should visit their doctor. However, the Internet can be used as a helpful resource.

“There is not a positive with selfdiagnosis,” Keller said, “[but] the positive with the Internet is that when the doctor tells you what is wrong or if they have given you a medication, you can educate yourself and learn more about what the doctor has told you,” Keller said.

Griffin composes for LA Philharmonic

By FATIMA SIDDIQUI

PEN STUDENT LIFE WRITER

In addition to playing the piano, violin, oboe and bassoon, senior Jason Griffin composes music. Griffin first began composing at age nine when he would improvise and make little melodies on the piano.

At 14, Griffin started receiving composition lessons from William Kraft.

As a sophomore, Griffin applied to the LA Phil Composer Fellowship Program, a two-year program that gives four high

school students from Southern were taken to the Museum of “Because of the contrast California the opportunity to Contemporary Art prior to the between the pure white and the compose pieces for the LA concert to compose a new song black, the brush strokes looked Philharmonic. based off a self-selected painting. very incomplete and hurried,” Each participant Griffin said. “It was required to suggested action, “The brushstrokes looked very incomplete and drama and conflict.” compose a piece hurried. it suggested action, drama and conflict.” for the orchestra to Griffin completed perform on April 13 his composition and 20 at the Walt during Winter -Senior Jason Griffin Disney Concert Break. And before Hall. The orchestra the subsequent also performed rehearsals, Griffin Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Griffin was drawn to “Untitled met with former conductor of Exhibition,” a suite inspired by (The Cry),” a black and white the LA Phil, Esa-Pekka Salonen, different paintings. Similarly, painting with a zip of solid white and Samuel Adams, son of the Griffin and the other participants down the middle. current composer-in-residence

of the LA Phil. In these meetings, they talked about the more practical side of the industry.

Griffin plans to double major in East-Asian Studies and Music Composition at Stanford. He hopes to receive commissions from orchestras in addition to performing. Griffin is also interested in researching Korean music, after watching the film “Suhpyunje” two years ago.

“When I watched my first Korean film about traditional Korean singing, it was the first time I listened to authentic Korean music,” Griffin said,

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Peninsula athletes spring into action

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1. Senior Isaac Kuo competes in the hurdle event. 2. Senior Patrick Hulbert spikes the ball that was set by his teammate senior Joel Wyman. 3. Senior Taylor Raymond skillfully maneuvers past a Culver City goalkeeper in hopes of scoring for the team. 4. Sophomore Andrew Dizon winds up before launching the shotput during a track meet. 5. Senior Jake Dewitt-Hoeger serves against his opponent during a match.

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Chyten Salutes....PVPHS Choreo

This year’s choreo show, Multiplicity, was a huge success! Months of hard work paid off for all of the talented students as they danced in front of peers, family, and faculty. The amazing program shined a spotlight on scores of Peninsula High School dancers.

Their performances were truly inspiring.

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