A CLOSER LOOK (p. 7-10)
CAMPUS (p. 4-6)
Are you a Foodie? We take A Closer Look at the food culture in Piedmont: why and how we eat the way we do. TUESDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2017
Fundraising rules lead ASB to revoke club charters
800 MAGNOLIA AVE. PIEDMONT, CA
VOL. 104
ISSUE 3
The Piedmont Highlander TPHNEWS.COM
History teacher Mark Cowherd resigns:
when it happened Aug. 15 Two recent PHS graduates send email complaint
Superintendent Randall Booker reviews complaintant interview contents
Complaintants meet with assistant principal Eric Mapes and former Wellness Center Director Michael Brady
Aug. 17
@ PHS
Sept. 20
Aug. 21
School Board closed session, Booker’s investigation concludes what graduates said did occur, Police conclude no crime was committed
Two students submitted uniform complaint outlining concerns
Sept. 3-4
Cowherd returns to PHS
Sept. 25
Oct. 24 Piedmont parent sends letter calling for action against Cowherd at upcoming School Board meeting Parents speak during School Board meeting open session
Oct. 25
TUES. NOV. 7 Education Speaker Series at 7:30 p.m. @ Alan Harvey Theater
Oct. 27 Cowherd resigns
Job posted. To date, six teachers have applied
Oct. 30
Superintendent Randall Booker responds:
Q &A
ROY CONNORS AND SARA SIQUEIRA
editors-in-chief
What did the investigation process look like? “Two recent graduates came forward to connect with Eric Mapes to report their experiences with Cowherd during the Europe Trip last spring. As they were expressing their feelings and what they experienced, Mapes said ‘We need to talk about this in an official capacity, I got [principal Adam] Littlefield involved and [Title IX coordinator Cheryl] Wozniak involved.’ I also asked Brady to be involved because of his work in the Wellness Center. That is when our investigations started. Then on Sept. 3 and 4, two students submitted a uniform complaint briefly outlining their concerns. I know Wozniak, Brady, and Mapes conducted interviews of a number of the complainants. The actual written complaints were done by two recent graduates, but five came forward as a group. As a part of a uniform complaint, there is due process for the person accused as well, so they get an opportunity to answer the charges or the allegations with their side of the story. Prior to that, based on what was expressed to us and based on the investigation of the five complaints, I decided to put Cowherd on paid administrative leave while our team conducted the investigation. I forwarded the complaints and the information we had at that early stage to the Piedmont Police Department and let them investigate. It took us a couple of weeks to do all of those investigations with Cowherd, with the complainants, with other witnesses, and witnesses that Cowherd asked us to speak to. So at that point, I gathered ‘Here are the accusations, here are the investigation findings, what are the outcomes of the investigation, and what do I think based
Upcoming
on what is said, what do I think happened?’ How does the school talk to teachers The investigation told us that what the recent about inappropriate behavior? Will this graduates said occurred. change now? “It’s something we need to talk more How is the administration ensuring formally about. California Commission for students feel comfortable speaking up? Teacher Credentials has some criteria on that “Honestly I think that has been happening; so when teachers get their credentials, they the recent graduates coming forward is the are held to that standard. There are some product of a cultural shift happening in school districts out there that have policies on PHS over a few years, with the awareness appropriate use of social media. My interest of a title IX and the consent assembly, and is looking at whether we as a district can coming off the heels of the anti semitism adopt some policies and guidelines for staff last year where administrators were going to on what is smart and appropriate use of social talk in classrooms. I think there has been an media with students. What is appropriate? We emphasis on encouraging kids to speak up. We haven’t really had those discussions. Should have been trying to create that culture where email be the only form of communication we want kids to feel comfortable sharing and how would that affect student-teacher when something doesn’t seem right to them. relationships? We need to develop best Looking forward, I see that continuing. I don’t practice and policy to help create boundaries want to undersell the importance and use of for students, teachers, and staff. Another piece counselors, teachers, administration. All along is looking at training on using social media students have had people there who will listen. with students. Right now education code They may not have always felt comfortable does not require sexual harassment training speaking up, but we have an abundance of of teachers and staff; it requires it every other avenues where kids can be heard. Whether year for administrators and directors. Should they choose to speak is another question, but we look to expand that voluntarily? Those are we have a lot of people who are listening.” the conversations I am starting to have with staff. There was a culture set up where there How is the administration working were texting relationships. It is bad when the through challenges in the classrooms? content is inappropriate, but is it bad just in “I am not going to sugar coat this, an idea of itself? My own feelings are yes.” an AP teacher leaving in late October is really challenging. Finding a teacher at this point What happened after the school board is not impossible, it’s just very challenging. meeting on Oct. 25? We posted the job on Monday and Littlefield Come Thursday [Cowherd] was put back sent a letter to all the families and students of on administrative leave. No new information Cowherd’s former classes, updating them. We came up, it was more of everyone needs a have six applicants already, which is great. break. It was not healthy for students for him Our primary goal is to get a credentialed to be on campus, it was not healthy for him teacher in the classes; what I do not want to to be on campus. One of the things, to ask see is a merry-go-round of teachers coming in, yourselves is, how did you feel about that so right now we have subs or current teachers school board meeting? Was that indicative in the class. The social studies department and of the democratic process? Does the district other staff members are working hard to put have a process in dealing with complaints and a curriculum together and I’m not going to some people didn’t get what they wanted from pretend that it is the same as what Cowherd that process, so they showed up at the board was doing, but we want to keep the class meeting. Then the board changed its decision moving forward. We recognize that this is and Cowherd has now resigned, is that the very challenging for students, parents, and best way to make decisions? colleagues.”
PHS Boosters Meeting at 7 p.m. @ Student Center FRI. NOV. 10 Veterans Day, No School THURS. NOV. 16 PHS SAC Meeting at 3:30 p.m. @ Student Center ASB Senior Movie Night at 6:30 p.m. @ Amphitheater TUES. NOV. 21 PHS Parent Club Meeting at 7 p.m. WED. NOV. 22 - FRI. NOV. 24 Thanksgiving Break
Ch eck out Article: Safe Driving Assembly Educates Students
Halloween Photo Gallery
Q and A with new City Council Member Betsy Smegal Andersen To see more, check out TPHNews.com
2
NOVEMBER 7, 2017
The Piedmont Highlander
News
Singh educates and empowers students
Photo courtesy of Natasha Singh
Singh speaks to teens about healthy relationships and consent.
SARA SIQUEIRA
editor-in-chief
Educational consultant and activist Natasha Singh helped organize events and workshops in PUSD to educate students about healthy relationships, consent, and diversity. This year, Singh launched monthly workshops for freshmen girls and boys, which began on Oct. 22. She also held a training to guide teachers and students in leading discussions at the Consent Assembly debrief and has been nominated to help develop a Diversity Assembly on Nov. 13. “I want to hold space for courageous conversations, for safety, and for justice for everybody,” Singh said. The Piedmont Recreation Department houses the workshops for freshman and because they are gendered, at the beginning, Singh said she focuses on gender identity. “We talk about toxic masculinity, which is the way boys are taught to mask their emotions based on rigid notions of masculinity,” Singh said. With girls, Singh has often talked about dress code
opinions. She said she understands that girls want to their education surrounding sex, gender, and healthy express themselves, but does not want girls to feel like relationships. they can only express themselves through their appearance “Students are being taught the biological parts of sex, and being validated by others. and then comes the fear through learning about STIs and “They often think that power and freedom equals pregnancy, but educators don’t talk about the emotional performance, style, and looks, rather than one’s own side of it,” Singh said. Willson said that consent and healthy relationships are unique expression,” Singh said. Singh also teaches about consent and healthy topics that impact everybody, just in different ways, and relationships because she said there is a need for this kind therefore, discussions are critical. of education early on. Singh works with kids as young as eight years old and also with adults “Students are being taught the biological parts of through workshops, sex, but educators don’t talk about the emotional private consulting, and larger presentations. side of it.” At the consent debrief Natasha Singh training, Singh taught educational consultant and activist PHS students and faculty how to guide discussions about consent and said she stressed the importance of embracing the awkwardness. “Working through awkwardness in conversations Senior Abigail Willson attended the debrief training is applicable to other topics,” Willson said. “[Singh] before leading discussions with freshman. discussed how to talk to your parents about sex, which was “It’s most important to reiterate that you are willing really interesting.” to have these conversations with people because you are When Singh speaks to parents about their kids’ care about them,” Willson said. “Acknowledging that it is education, she begins with two questions to make sure her awkward and acknowledging that you are willing to work and her audience are on the same page: what their hopes through it is important.” and dreams are and whether they hope their children will English teacher Matthew Klein, who also attended have healthy relationships. the training and debriefed with freshman, said that in Lack of discussion between parents and children addition to being aware of the problem of sexual assault can cause the children to have false perceptions of what and understanding solutions, it is important for students to healthy relationships are, Singh said. be aware of resources. “Silence communicates volumes and fear “The most significant thing I took away from the communicates volumes,” Singh said. training was seeing our young people involved and Singh’s focus on healthy relationships with the actively engaging in the discussion and being proactive,” presence of social media stemmed from her experiences Klein said. “Young people have a window into what youth as an English teacher. Singh said that students used to gain most of their go through and they can speak better to it than someone knowledge about the world from literature, but as social who is older.” Klein also said that PHS and MHS need to figure out media became more prominent, she noticed a shift. “I felt like I was failing my students by not also how to continue discussions around consent after starting them with the assembly and debriefs. teaching them about the media landscape,” Singh said. “The thing the school is doing well is having a consent Singh said that because kids are curious and have the assembly,” Klein said. “Having these difficult discussions internet at their fingertips, their sex education comes from with kids and encouraging kids to have these conversations movies and porn. at home and amongst one another is huge. We did not have “People underestimate what kids are thinking about that at my old school site at all.” and tend to sugar coat,” Singh said. “Teens and preteens Singh also said that in general, schools must improve don’t want to be talked down to.”
Spanish I celebrates Day of the Dead
Photo courtesy of Joanne Guillen
The Spanish 1 class visited the Oakland Museum on Oct. 26 with their teacher Joanna Guillen to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead.
SUSAN KURODA
staff writer
Altars. Local students. Live performance. Celebration. The Spanish 1 class taught by Spanish teacher Joanne Guillén went to the Oakland Museum of California on Oct. 26 to see the Day of the Dead performance and exhibit. The field trip included a live performance with song and music, students from other schools, exhibits, altars, and art, Guillén said. Piedmont students were able to connect with students from nearby schools and viewed altars made by local schools such as Thornhill Elementary, Guillén said. The performance and exhibit were in honor of the Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos, a celebration that marks the return of the dead, Guillén said. “People really believe that the dead
come back, it’s a joyful celebration,” Guillén said. Guillén teaches her Spanish 1 students about Día de los Muertos and celebrates the holiday with traditional Méxican food, such as pan de muerto and chocolate caliente, Guillén said. “I would like to be able to feel, or at least understand how people can feel, like the dead are still with them,” freshman Owen Van Gelder said. The Spanish 1 class ate lunch together between the performance and docent tour, which gave students an opportunity to bond more, Guillén said. “After the field trip, there will be a greater sense of community,” Guillén said. The field trip is difficult to coordinate because the tickets to the performance and exhibit sell out quickly, chaperones need to help drive, and there needs to be funding,
Guillén said. The field trip could help students learn the history of Día de los Muertos, how it is celebrated, and the culture around the celebration, freshman Jasmine Ghaderi said. “It would be helpful for other classes to experience this field trip, but the limited amount of tickets should be considered,” Van Gelder said. Outside of the field trip, Guillén has been working with the Piedmont community to celebrate the essence of the Day of the Dead. “Art teacher Katherine Beckner and I have talked about building an altar for our community at the library [next year],” Guillén said. Guillén and Beckner also discussed doing an interdisciplinary lesson, Guillén said.
Fire Relief Drives Following the Napa Fires, Piedmont students and organizations have been working to raise money and gather supplies to provide relief to fire victims ASB raised approximately
$1,500
The Cross Country team held a bake sale that raised approximately
$800
Art teacher Gillian Bailey also led a relief effort in collaboration with 123 Go Records! which collected supplies to send to shelters
NOVEMBER 7, 2017
The Piedmont Highlander
News
3
Photo courtesy of measureh1.org
The plans for the H1 remodels can be viewed at measureh1.org. The remodeled high school will include a new Alan Harvey Theater, a three-story STEAM building, and a reolcated MHS.
New zero net energy STEAM building launches PHS into the future ELLA LEE staff writer $66 million will buy one new theater, one STEAM building, and a remodel of PHS. When the citizens of Piedmont passed Measure H1 a year ago, the journey to a new school began. After the District’s Facilities Steering Committee presented several ideas, the School Board approved a plan to construct a new STEAM building in place of the current Alan Harvey Theater, and rebuild the theater in place of the current 10s building. The detailed plans are available at measureh1.org. The estimated two-year project will begin in May of 2018, so the construction will have the biggest impact on the graduating classes of 2019 through 2023, according to an email sent by superintendent Randall Booker. “It might distract students to hear construction noises during the school day,” freshman Erica Lam said. “But the theater will be newer and updated, with a lot more room.” The HKIT (Hardison, Komatsu, Ivelich, & Tucker) architects released their designs for the new school on Sept. 27. The science teachers have met with the architects twice now, with more meetings to come, said chemistry and biotechnology teacher Tom Huffaker. “The science teachers met with [the
architects] to give them ideas of what is schools to follow,” sophomore Eliana a monologue in front of the class,” Lam said about her acting class. “It’ll be harder required, like sinks and gas and plumbing,” Bloomfield said. The technology and science that makes if we don’t have the stuff that we need.” Huffaker said. In the new theater, there will be two The need for this huge renovation of the building zero net energy provides PHS came from inadequate facilities in the more opportunities to learn, whether it’s floors of audience seating, as well as a science building as well as compromised the intricacies of the solar panels or the lobby and a drama classroom. engineering that goes into the building’s “It could be be really cool to have our safety in the theater. own designated acting space, especially “Right now, we have only one design, Huffaker said. “[The building itself] is another great on days when other arts programs perform classroom designed to do labs, and that’s [room] 25,” Huffaker said. “[In the learning tool,” Huffaker said. “We hope to there,” Bloomfield said. According to STEAM building,] we are measureh1.org, going to have 5 identical the 30s building science classrooms, where will become the you could teach any subject “We’re setting an example for other schools to building for the in any classroom.” follow.” MHS, which The building will be puts it in a more zero net energy, meaning Eliana Bloomfield central part of that it is self-sufficient. The sophomore PHS, though they electricity that the building will continue to will need for things like be two separate lights, fans, and water high schools. heaters will be produced by the solar incorporate a lot of that into our lessons.” “I have a friend who’s in Millennium, This project will bring new technology panels that cover the roof of the building, and she really doesn’t like how separate into PHS. For example, the architects Huffaker said. the schools are because it creates a stigma “All of the energy that the building are thinking of including 60 to 80-inch between the Piedmont kids and Millennium uses, the building produces,” Huffaker monitors in classes, which teachers could kids,” said Bloomfield. “It’ll be nice to feel hook up to their computers or use as said. “It’s a LEED-certified building.” like we all go to the same school.” LEED-certification is given to a projectors, Huffaker said. Since the plan includes the demolition In the end, the outcome of a brand new building based on a rating scale developed by the United States Green Building and reconstruction of the Alan Harvey STEAM building and Alan Harvey Theater Council. This organization assesses a Theater, this will displace the drama class will be worth the time and effort, Huffaker building’s environmental sustainability, and other arts performances for a period of said. “I’m super excited about it, it’ll be fun and they approved of the designs for the time, which are usually held in the theater. “We use the stage a lot, and we use the to be in a classroom like that and to be in future STEAM building, Huffaker said. “We’re setting an example for other lights to do spotlights if we’re performing that kind of building,” Huffaker said.
W hat’s ‘Sup? The Tech Battle takes PHS
with Suppiger
challenge with a “bring your own device” policy is many families would have to buy more computers for their children to use, Griffin said. Chromebooks also take about a quarter of the time to set up for students and cost significantly less than Macbooks, Griffin said. More and more students have begun to use their When a student is using a Macbook, the teacher can Macbooks instead of their Chromebooks at school. only see what they are doing on their Chrome browser, “I don’t like the Chromebook because it’s slow, and the school’s web filters do not work on Macbooks, heavy and not as good as the Mac overall,” senior Will Griffin said. Richmond said. “Chromebooks allow the school district to put on Even though different Macbooks are more filters for the powerful and weigh elementary “I don’t like the Chromebook because it’s less than Chromebooks, schools, slow, heavy, and not as good as the Mac the school cannot middle school, allow students to bring high school, overall.” Will Richmond Macbooks,Director and students senior of Instructional who abuse Technology Stephanie the internet,” Griffin said. Griffin said. “When you allow students to bring their own Senior Drew Lalli does not like the Chromebook’s device it creates a lot of complexity and inequity in the keyboard, so he brings his Macbook instead. Lalli has classroom,” Griffin said. talked to his teachers about using his Macbook instead of According to one of the school’s technology surveys, his Chromebook in class, and all of his teachers are okay 65 percent of students share devices at home, so another with him using the Macbook.
Slow, heavy, blocked: Chromebooks.
What’s ‘Sup? with Suppiger is a returning segment in TPH. Staff writer William Suppiger examines our school policies in an effort to educate the student body. Contact Will at wsuppiger@tphnews.com if there is a school policy that you want him to examine
Mac user and sophomore Diana Lim suggested that the school updates the Chromebooks, because some of the newer Chromebooks are thinner and faster. Griffin said the school would be willing to do a student focus group to hear what students want to be changed. This could improve the network speeds to make the Chromebooks faster for the students.
4
NOVEMBER 7, 2017
CAMPUS
Clubs cancelled over fundraising controversy MAGGIE BLACK staff writer Room 15 is quiet during lunch. No talking or noise comes from the classroom. The usual clamor is missing, and so are the Kiva Club members that normally meet inside. Several PHS clubs were recently shut down by ASB because they fundraised for outside organizations that did not benefit the school, said junior Shannon Landheer, a member of ASB, who is in charge of the clubs at PHS. Juniors Clara Kochendoerfer and Laila Adarkar have been the co-presidents in charge of Kiva Club since the beginning of last year. “We found out [on Oct. 20] that because the purpose of our club was fundraising Photo courtesy of Laila Adarkar and loaning money to another organization, Kiva Club co-presidents used to plan fundraisers to raise money for startup businesses. [the administration] had shut it down,” Kochendoerfer said. Kiva Club is a microfinance club that or loaning money to Kiva, it has to be said. Some of the clubs at PHS, such as Kiva not affiliated with the club,” Club, Caring for Cambodia, Baking for Kochendoerfer said. Good, and Kits for Kids, have fundraising Landheer said that the money as part of their purpose. from club fundraisers cannot go to “If you fundraise, all of the “Caring for Cambodia has been around outside organizations. funds or the money that you for a really long time, but nobody had read “There’s this rule at the school the rules,” Kochendoerfer said in reference that if you fundraise, all of the funds make has to go directly back to other clubs that fundraise as well. or the money that you make has to to the students.” Landheer said that these clubs were go directly back to the students,” Shannon Landheer canceled because of their intent. Landheer said. junior “We are sending out an email to all Kochendoerfer said that it was the clubs to remind them of this, and if surprising to them that they were their club does not meet the criteria that is shut down, since they had run the allowed, then they can turn in a new charter club without any knowledge of this and become a club again,” Landheer said. lends money to organizations to help them all of last year. The clubs can become official again if start their business. “It’s always been a rule, I just think they state in their purpose that the club is “If we want to do any fundraising people weren’t really aware,” Landheer
for awareness, and that the main purpose of the club is not fundraising, Landheer said. “[Mercedes] Foster told us our club hadn’t gotten approved because of its purpose,” Kochendoerfer said. “So we are changing our purpose to raising awareness through Kiva.” Kochendoerfer and Adarkar also plan to recreate Kiva Club outside of school, that way they can still donate money to organizations. However, co-president of Baking for Good club senior Sofia Barker said that her club is not planning to turn in a new charter. “Last year they told us there would be some problems with the money, so I guess I wasn’t that surprised when we were shut down,” Barker said. She said that the point of the club was to raise money for the purpose of donating it, so she did not see a reason to continue the club at PHS. “Clubs can’t donate money,” Landheer said. “They can’t send it anywhere else. It just has to benefit them or the people in their club or the members of the school.” Landheer said that the discrepancy between ASB and the administration, as well as between clubs and finance is hard. “I know a lot about clubs,” Landheer said. “[Max Roitblat] knows a lot about money. We need someone who knows both.”
Right before publication, Adarkar said in a Facebook post that Kiva Club will restart. Kiva club will hold a meeting on Nov. 9.
del Rosario Chan balances family values with three sports dynamic, we get together more often than most extended families do,” Cheng said. “I think that’s “I gave him something he really special.” didn’t have much left of--and that Cheng said that she admires was time. Everyday, I called him the passion and dedication del around 5pm. Any later than that, Rosario Chan puts into her work. he might be asleep.” “In third grade she was really This is the opening line of an passionate about this musical essay written by sophomore Maria called ‘Les Mis’ and she was del Rosario Chan discussing her completely into it,” Cheng said. relationship with her late great “She dressed up as one of the uncle. characters for Halloween. She’s “Our great uncle passed away just passionate about everything just this April and she was really she does.” close to him,” said del Rosario The fact that del Rosario Chan’s cousin sophomore Annie Chan had time to write her essay Cheng. “She just is more than a really values the little surprising connections she considering she is had with him and currently involved “I wrote it so teenagers would show she was really in three different more respect to the elderly.” devastated when he sports: cross passed away.” country, swimming, Maria del Rosario Chan del Rosario and lacrosse. She sophomore Chan’s sophomore plays each sport English class had at least two days a been studying week. perspective pieces, and del important to me,” del Rosario “Playing three sports is hard, Rosario Chan’s teacher Deborah Chan said. “Because they never I do end up going to bed late a lot Hill thought it would be a good want anything from me, the of the time,” del Rosario Chan idea to have the students submit only thing I can do is make them said. their own perspective pieces to an happy. That’s the only thing I can del Rosario Chan began editor at NPR News for a chance really give to them.” swimming in first grade and to get their piece featured on the Cheng said that del Rosario lacrosse in 2nd grade due to the radio. del Rosario Chan’s piece Chan’s value of family could influence of her brother, who also was selected to be featured, and come from the majority of swam and played lacrosse, and she will record a recitation of her her mother’s siblings living in her father, who coached lacrosse. piece on Nov. 8 at NPR’s studio Piedmont, and two of her cousins She joined lacrosse in middle in Oakland. being in her grade. school, and said that she really del Rosario Chan said “We have an interesting enjoyed the team environment in
KATHERINE IRVING acl editor
that while she is not generally passionate about English and writing, she wanted to make sure her piece was perfect. “I’m more of a math person, but because it was something that I cared about I wanted [the essay] to be good,” del Rosario Chan said. “I wrote it so teenagers would show more respect to the elderly.” del Rosario Chan said that her piece combats the assumption that teenagers are not closely connected to their elders, and also highlights her love for family. “Family is really really
NOVEMBER 7, 2017
5
The Piedmont Highlander
Campus
Hogenauer slides from Who Knows Who the slopes to the classroom
Photo and information compiled by Azul Kothari
Who knows senior Isa Harrison best?
he decided to get back into teaching and heard great things about Piedmont, Hogenauer said. After hearing the open math teaching spot at MHS, Hogenauer said he decided to try it out. “When I found out that it was an alternative school with a different kind of mindset and different kind of student body, I thought that was right up my alley so I should give that a shot,” Hogenauer said. One of Hogenauer’s students, senior William Robison, said that he really likes Hogenauer’s style, Photo by Patrick Aebi since he has a ton of energy and a Math teacher Arthur Hogenauer came to MHS at the beginning of this year. great attitude. “Mr Hogenauer is a fantastic PATRICK AEBI there. teacher,” Robison said. “He will sports editor After one year, Hogenauer break [math concepts] down decided to move back to the on a fundamental level that is “June and July man, I started mainland of the US to find a new easy to understand and easy to teaching for summers off,” MHS job and at first, he roamed around remember.” Junior David Morris said that Math teacher Arthur Hogenauer doing a bunch of different jobs. “Every time I had enough he agreed with Robison and that said. Hogenauer said that after money, I decided to go on he enjoys Hagenauer’s energy and graduating from University of an adventure and either go presence in the classroom. Morris sailing, or said that he likes how Hogenauer Redlands with a philosophy snowboarding, actually engages with his students degree, the first thing on his mind surfing.” Hogenauer said. Hogenauer said he then and relates to them. was getting a job. “I have never had a better “Right out of college I was realized that his resume did not so worried about getting a job,” look the best since he would only math teacher in my life,” Morris Hogenauer said. “I got a job, and stay at a job for a little while before said. “I have learned more this going on another adventure, so he year in math than I have in my I felt like a real adult.” The next move in his life was decided that he needed to find a entire life.” Hogenauer said that he has to get a stable job, get married, stable job. Hogenauer said that because really enjoyed his time in the get a car, and get a house, but then Hogenauer said he decided he did his father was a professor and Piedmont Unified School District his grandfather was a German and at MHS so far. not want this. “One of my favorite things “And then I realized I’m teacher, he decided to give about teaching at Millennium had not ready to be an adult yet,” teaching a shot. “Then I subbed for a while got to be the small class size,” Hogenauer said. “So I quit my job and gave my roommate my cat, and dug it,” Hogenauer said. Hogenauer said. “It’s such a and gave my other stuff away and “So [then] I became a teacher in unique opportunity to be in a place Florida.” where you have the opportunity moved to Hawaii.” A few years ago, he taught to do one on one and small group Hogenauer said that he had the idea to move to Hawaii because at Oakland Charter High School. activities with students.” his college roommate grew up After taking a year off afterward,
Her brother, freshman JD Harrison, or her friend, senior Sarah Machle?
JD’s Answers
Questions Isa’s Answers
Sarah’s Anwers
Eurotrip
Favorite movie Eurotrip
Eurotrip
49ers
Favorite sports team 49ers
49ers
Domino’s
Favorite food Steak
Kraft Mac and Cheese
Broad City
Favorite TV shows The Office
The Office
Harry Potter
Favorite book Harry Potter
Harry Potter
Blue
Favorite color Blue
Blue
I’m Gonna Be (500 miles)
Favorite Song Buddy Holly
Anything by Mozart
4/7
Sarah wins!
5/7
Students learn to strum songs at Ukulele Club RONI SCHACKER staff writer
Photo courtesy of Maria del Rosario Chan
Sophomore Maria del Rosario Chan plays three sports, including cross country.
both cross country and swimming. “We have a really good family,” del Rosario Chan said. “Every time I go to practice I have a good time because I really like the people on the team.” del Rosario Chan said that participating in an individual sport is very different from a team sport such as lacrosse. “Because they’re individual sports, there’s a feeling of accomplishment,” del Rosario Chan said. “It’s very different
from team sports because it’s all mental, and you have to push yourself more.” del Rosario Chan’s cross country teammate and friend sophomore Sophia Zalewski said that del Rosario Chan’s positive attitude is a great benefit to the team. “She has a really supportive attitude and she always tries her best,” Zalewski said. “She always pushes me to go faster and she has a great personality.”
Smiles flash around the room as fingers brush against the strings of ukuleles in attempt to tickle the chords projected on the screen in front of them. Ukulele Club meets every Tuesday during lunch in room 45 at MHS. Ukulele club co-presidents sophomores Elissa Laymon and Maddie Young help and advise the members of the club with their ukulele knowledge. They try to work on different things every week the club meets, including tuning, playing songs, learning chords, and fingerpicking. “People come and if they want to learn something on the ukulele they can come to one of us and we’ll help them learn some songs or teach them simple chords,” Young said. However Laymon said that she is a beginner herself and hopes to learn from other people in the club as well. “The ukulele is a simple enough instrument that anyone can learn and participate in a song together,” Laymon said. The club has both beginners and people who have been playing for a while, Laymon said.
“I like the freedom of it, how everyone can just play what they want and it’s not too serious,” Young said. Laymon said she started this club this year after she found a ukulele in her house and taught herself and then her friends how to play it. “I became interested in ukulele last year,” Laymon said. “I would have friends over to my house and because I had an extra one I would teach them a few chords and I began to really enjoy playing with other people.” Club member sophomore Faith Zirkelbach-Ngai said that due to her interest in playing the ukulele, she asked Laymon to teach her last summer. Laymon said that she and Young both took on the full responsibility of organizing this club, including planning the agendas for every meeting. “At the beginning of the year it was a little bit stressful trying to give structure, but as the weeks went on we just let it become a more loose space for people to do what they wanted while offering ideas but not stressing too much,” Laymon said. Zirkelbach-Ngai said that having other people learn and play alongside her is fun because they can help her figure out strumming patterns as well as other things
Photo by Roni Shacker
Ukulele club members practice playing their songs every Tuesday during lunch in room 45 at MHS.
they do in the club. Currently it’s a small club, containing only about five people, but if Laymon and Young were able to expand the club further, their goal would be to work together in order to learn a song and perform for certain groups, Laymon said. “We were going to try to learn a song altogether and perform that song at elderly homes or places like that,” Young said. Laymon and Young have attempted to
collect ukuleles for the club from different resources including The Next Door website and The Guitar Center, but have not succeeded. They do, however, have a few extras for those who do not have one of their own, Laymon said. Laymon said that anyone can join and there are no expectations. “It’s just a nice chill time in the middle of the day to hang out and play,” Zirkelbach-Ngai said.
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NOVEMBER 7, 2017
The Piedmont Highlander
Campus
Co-taught classes provide dual teaching styles and perspectives SAMANTHA FANGER acl editor
Two teachers, one classroom. Currently, there are five co-taught classes in practice at PHS, ranging within each department. Director of special education programs Julie Valdez said that PHS is interested in strengthening co-taught classes for upcoming years. Valdez is pursuing a doctoral degree that includes studying the effectiveness of co-taught classrooms. She said the ideal co-taught classroom involves the cooperation of two teachers, one being a general education teacher for a given subject, and the other being a special education specialist. “They partner together in equal capacity in the classroom, to serve a wide variety of students that are in that classroom,” Valdez said. Currently, English teacher Ellen Walsh said that co-taught classrooms usually have a content teacher who might teach the general subject, and a resource teacher who provides any support for any students in the classroom that may need it. “It’s nice because I don’t always have to stop and explain things is everyone else is on the same page and if just one kid has a question, then they can ask it to her,” Walsh said. Walsh said that her teaching on any given subject may only reach certain students as students all reach different levels of understanding at varying times. She said the co-taught method allows the material to reach more effectively reach students. “Ideally, [the classes] both look the same, they just have a different degree of access for some students who might require more avenues or more opportunities for differentiating instruction,” Valdez said. Walsh said that her teaching on any given subject may only reach certain students as they all reach different levels of understanding at varying times. She said the co-taught method allows the material to more effectively reach students. Biology teacher Uri Skowronski said that the co-taught environment makes breaking into two groups and providing more individualized attention easier.
Photo by Azul Kothari
Biology co-teachers Sarah Plowman and Uri Skowronski teach the freshman class together.
“For a lot students, learning a piece of content from another teacher and maybe from another angle, totally works for them, so that’s really a benefit,” Skowronski said. Valdez said that in the past, cotaught classes have been effective to
to be willing to try new things out and see what fits best for students,” Skowronski said. Logistical challenges associated with teaching include coordinating with departments on content within courses
“It is a model that is intended to provide more access for students. The best scenarios, it does that. In less effective scenarios, it doesn’t harm anyone, but it may not have as much of the added value that we are hoping for.” Julie Valdez director of special education programs
varying degrees depending on the master scheduling component and whether coteachers share a common prep period so they can plan. “As someone who is trying to implement this for the first time, you have
and determining whether the co-taught course looks the same as the non-co-taught course, Valdez said. “I think it’s hard because you have two teachers in the room so it is more resources on the school, and we need common time
“The Piedmont
to work together to figure out what we’re doing,” Walsh said. For example, Walsh said that if she wanted to change a lesson plan the morning before a class, it requires a lot more communication to ensure that they are both on the same page at all times. “We are working as an administrative team to try to better understand our current practices with co-taught courses and how to improve those,” Valdez said. Specifically, Valdez said that one of the big challenges to overcome moving forward is knowing the master schedule early-on so that teachers are provided with the time and training needed to teach a cotaught class. “There’s also room for improvement in supporting teachers prior to them starting to work together and along the way,” Valdez said. “And I do think we are making progress in that direction. Valdez said that feedback from students and departments is also really valuable in their quest to learn more about the effectiveness of co-taught classes. Sophomore Lucy Barrett has been in co-taught classes since eighth grade, and said she likes them overall. She said she thinks co-taught classrooms can be beneficial because students are exposed to two different teaching styles of teaching that can help when trying to learn. “I feel like it’s good that there is two of them so they can share both their ideas and try to make the class better,” Barrett said. Barrett also said that co-taught classes also pose logistical-based drawbacks, in addition to the benefits. “There are times it can be kind of hard because there are two teachers trying to control the classroom environment and sometimes it’s hard to focus on one,” Barrett said. Valdez said that the teachers and administrators do not have all the answers yet. She will be working with the cotaught teams this year so that she and the administrators can work to implement the most ideal co-taught classroom. “It is a model that is intended to provide more access for students,” Valdez said. “The best scenarios, it does that. In less effective scenarios, it doesn’t harm anyone, but it may not have as much of the added value that we are hoping for.”
What was in the machine? - 186 capsules with a 1” button and a sticker in each. The price was 50 cents, and they were Halloween themed.
Eyelander”
What was the goal of the sale? - To spread good spirit around the school and for people to see and enjoy the club’s art. - To give the club insight on money management, deadlines, production, and experience with an interactive art exhibit, to understand what it’s like to be a professional artist.
MARGO ROSENBAUM campus editor
The Art Jam Club held a vending machine art sale in the breezeway from Oct. 26 - 31, club president Natalie Jeng said.
What is the money for? - To help the club, however Jeng said that after printing posters and the getting necessary materials, it did not add up to much, which is totally fine because it she said it was fun to set up. How often will the club have sales? - The machine will come back, but the next date is going to be a surprise, Jeng said. Part of these pop up sales is that people won’t know when or where they will show up. The clubs wants the sales to be ghostly and mysterious. Photo courtesy of Natalie Jeng
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NOVEMBER 7, 2017
A Closer Look
are you a foodie?
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The Piedmont Highlander
NOVEMBER 7, 2017
A Closer Look
NOVEMBER 7, 2017
A Closer Look
The Piedmont Highlander
it’s Thyme to talk Food. what’s in a foodie?
Adam and Eve’s apple of sin. Marie Antoinette’s condescending cake. Persephone’s poisoned pomegranate. Hansel and Gretel’s gingerbread house. Food has been worshipped, immortalized, spun into legend, myth, and fable, and in history transcended its role as fuel. Foodie, gourmand, epicurean, gastronomist: these terms have categorized those who adore all things edible. In recent years, consumers have begun to crave healthier, more exotic, more interesting food, more often. Seventy-four percent of people seek out new flavors and more adventurous foods, according to Huffington Post. Self-declared foodie sophomore Pierce St. Claire said that a craving for adventure defines the foodie culture. “A foodie is someone who really enjoys trying new things,” St. Claire said. A fascination with food also links foodies together, said PHS alum and co-owner of Farm League Restaurant Group Joel DiGiorgio. “To me a foodie is someone who is open minded about food, someone who is fascinated with it,” DiGiorgio said. To seek out these unusual dishes, the consumer must have a certain level of disposable income, which can impose wealth barriers on budding gourmands. Food culture can blossom in Piedmont because few people face monetary limits on their passions, St. Claire said. “[Piedmonters] have money to supply the love of food,” St. Claire said. “They can definitely eat things that aren’t cheap.” Digiorgio said that an abundance of food, in wealthy communities like Piedmont, leads people to take food for granted. “We don’t eat a lot of what’s on our plate,” DiGiorgio said. Junior Josh Rogers said that disposable income can also lead to a sole focus on restaurant culture, which leads people to forget the original prerogative of foodies: to enjoy food and cooking. “Our generation specifically is very ignorant when it comes to food because nowadays it’s super easy to just buy food,” Rogers said. To spread his love for the kitchen and educate his peers on the benefits of cooking, Rogers founded the Piedmont Food and Cooking Crew. “I love the heat of the kitchen,” Rogers said. “It’s like meditation almost, because you’re completely immersed, and the outcome is always delicious and beautiful and amazing.” The Piedmont Food and Cooking Crew, in addition to preparing food, tours restaurants and corporations and does community service work around feeding the homeless, Rogers said. “It’s all about food appreciation,” Rogers said. Foodie culture extends beyond Michelin star restaurants and hipster cafes. Rogers said that the only requirement to be a foodie is loving food. “Anyone who loves their grandmother’s dish, that brings the nostalgia back of their childhood— that’s a foodie,” Rogers said. These emotional ties to food are integral to appreciation for heritage and the past, Rogers said. “Food keeps traditions within a family alive,” Rogers said. “It’s a long line of food that connects everyone.” Whether it’s in fables and lore or at brunch in the breezeway, food consumes human thought. In the 21st century, food trends like avocado toast and the unicorn frappuccino flood social media. Today, to see what’s new in the food culture, join foodies and take to the streets in search of the next gourmet bite.
to eat or not to eat?
It seems as though everywhere you turn, someone new is a vegan, or haIt seems as though everywhere you turn, someone new is a vegan, or has a new restricting food allergy. But what are these lifestyles actually like? “Before I was vegan, I always felt really guilty, because I couldn’t
think of how meat, and things like that, were actually made,” junior Lilli Brien said. “And so I started [being vegan] for Lent last year, and during that, I watched Cowspiracy, which is a movie about the animal industry’s effect on the environment, and I was shocked by that, so I decided to keep going.” Being vegan restricts one’s intake of all animal products, so many people have to find other healthy alternatives. “I do pretty well getting protein, but I know a lot of people have a harder time with that, and finding protein like tofu and beans. You can definitely get really tired if you’re not getting enough protein,” Brien said. It’s imperative for vegan connoisseurs to make sure they’re getting the nutrients t h e y
eat, so that’s a bummer,” Brien said. However living in the Bay Area means there are plenty of food options. “There’s definitely enough places to eat. Living in the Bay Area, it’s not hard. But if I lived in the middle of Texas, [being vegan] would be practically impossible,” Landheer said. Brien agreed, saying that once she traveled out of the Bay Area, eating vegan tended to be much harder. “I was in Idaho, and a couple places I went, I could only eat french fries. They literally had nothing.
“to me a foodie is someone who is open minded about food, someone who is
fascinated with it.” Joel DiGiorgio restauranteur
would be getting if they weren’t vegan, so maintaining a high-protein diet is sometimes difficult. “The hardest part is when I go to ballet, and I dance for a really long time, and I get tired,” junior Shannon Landheer said. “But if I were to have a piece of meat before, I might have more nutrition in me.” However, Brien said that going vegan has helped her feel better. “I feel good all the time. Like after a big meal, I don’t feel disgusting. And that definitely happened when I ate animal products,” Brien said. Almost all foods tend to have animal products in them, so it can sometimes be difficult to find alternatives, Brien said. “Sometimes, like at food service, there’s not many choices for us vegans to
But here, it’s fine,” Brien said. Although there seem to be downsides, there are also many positives to being vegan. “It’s overall much healthier. I can’t eat a lot of desserts and fattening foods.” Not only is it healthier, but also good for the en-
vironment. “I chose to be vegan because it’s better for the environment and better for animals. We don’t have to eat animals,” junior Malachy Reilly said. “We kill 56 billion animals for our consumption, and we artificially impregnate a lot of them, and it’s just unethical.”
The meat industry is the biggest cause of climate change, Landheer said. “I recommend others be vegan. People think it’s really hard to do, but it’s really not. I eat rice and vegetables for dinner, things like that,” Reilly said. Landheer encourages people to at least cut meat from their lives “You don’t need meat three times a day,” Landheer said. There are diets other than vegan or vegetarianism, which include many people who have an allergy to gluten. “I chose to do this for medical reasons. I have an allergy to gluten so when I don’t eat it I feel so much better,” junior Hayley Sullivan said. “One benefit I’ve noticed is that it makes me think about ingredients, and what I’m putting into my body more in general,” Sullivan said. “Because I have to check to see if something has gluten in it, I see all the ingredients, and it makes me a lot more aware.” Junior David Morris, also allergic to gluten, notices he feels better when he doesn’t eat it. “I have a lot more energy, in general, from not eating gluten,” Morris said. Sullivan said that although at first it was hard, she feels a lot better now that she’s completely eliminated gluten from her life. “I would only recommend to give up gluten if it makes you feel better, because there are health benefits to eating gluten,” Sullivan said. However, Morris knows people who have eliminated gluten from their lives who aren’t allergic to it, and said he noticed they feel more energetic. “You can buy pretty much anything in a gluten free form,” Sullivan said. Sullivan recommends Mariposa, a completely gluten-free bakery and cafe. “Jules Thin Crust pizza is the best for gluten free pizza, and basically any Mexican food is gluten free also,” Morris said. “Pasta Pomodoro had a really good gluten free pasta, but they closed.” Although different diets can be restricting, all agree that they wouldn’t have it any other way. “Sometimes eating restrictions are hard in the beginning, but if it makes you feel better it is so worth it,” Sullivan said.
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NOVEMBER 7, 2017
The Piedmont Highlander
A Closer Look
food culture consumes us. 8:00 a.m. Breakfast. Go to Work. 9:00 a.m. Sit and stare at computer screen. 12:30 p.m. Soggy sandwich for lunch. 1:30 p.m. Back to work. 4:00 p.m. Ping. The woman’s cell phone reads, “popeyethefoodie posted a picture on Instagram.” She opens it to find a vibrant image of light, golden fried chicken nestled within a sesame bun. Beside the sandwich resides a magenta portion of purple cabbage, hand tossed in garlic aioli. Her mouth waters. For a split second, she smells the freshly baked sesame seed buns glazed with truffle oil and almost senses the umami of truffles on her own palate. Just two more hours till she can break from the monotonous routine of her work computer. Her stomach churns with anticipation as she considers her dinner date at Momofuku Noodle Bar. Within the past couple of decades, millennials have promulgated food culture, causing it to become an integral part of American life. The cultural movement has created a new generation of foodies, television shows, and social networks that celebrate culinary adventures. The cause of this seismic shift in food culture is the New World learning values of the Old World, said American chef Anthony Bourdain in an interview with the Smithsonian Magazine. “We’re just catching on,” he said. “We are changing societally, and our values are changing, so that we are becoming more like Italians and Chinese and Thais and Spaniards, where we actually think about what we’re eating, what we ate last night, and what we’re considering eating tomorrow.” Unlike today, people in the 60s would just go out to eat and talk about anything other than food, completely disregarding the culinary art that is in high regard today, Bourdain said. While Bourdain said that the food trend is a result of cultural influences, author of A Taste of Generation Yum Eve Turow conjectures it is a result of living in a digital-first era. Turow said that food culture is the product of the sensory deprivation people experience from constantly looking at screens all day. Since their senses aren’t excited, people crave something tangible that they can see, feel, smell, and taste. Food fills that void. “At the same time, it’s also making us more isolated. We’re craving community,” she said. “The food movement is really a communitarian movement.” As a result, various forms of culinary media have multiplied and flour-
OPINIONS
How we decide who deserves our help Unconscious bias is how people’s background, and cultural context influence their judgments about people. It MARTA is harder to relate to people thousands of miles away than SYMKOWICK our neighbors who have a lot more in common with us. staff writer I am proud of our school for organizing a drive to help support the 100,000 people that were forced out of their homes. I am proud to be a part of a community that gives, because giving, no matter how small, no matter the cause, is the most important thing that anyone can do. Every breath full of particles, every blink caused In addition, I do not believe that Piedmont is obligated by stinging eyes, and the sharp taste of ash every time mouths opened was a constant reminder to all of the mas- to contribute to every natural disaster around the world. However, I couldn’t help but wonder, why now? Why did sive fires occurring in Northern California. Many came our community choose to help these people in particular? home to cancelled sports practice. Some came home Every week for history class we are assigned to to news that friends and family lost their homes to the research flames. Others awakened a current to the fact that the fire event and consumed the lives and then report livelihoods of people in “I am proud to be a part of a comwhat we their own backyard. The learned to people in the fire live munity that gives because giving, the class. near us. We can easily no matter how small, no matter the Every week relate to them. They are someone just like us. 42 innocent cause, is the most important thing presents a lives lost. 240,000 acres that anyone can do.” story that gone. addresses I am thankful that I suffering am a part of a commucaused by nity that supports our a natural disaster somewhere in the world; an earthquake neighbors, but we need to recognize and thereby begin in Mexico, Hurricane Harvey, and Hurricane Irma. One to address the role that unconscious bias plays in giving. of the more recent ongoing horror is occurring in Puerto This barrier cripples our capacity to empathize with and Rico. Hurricane Maria swept through on September 20th, help others and to create a positive difference in our creating a path of extreme destruction and overturning larger world.
ED: Not the best decision GIGI GLEGHORN arts editor
ished. In June 2016, junior Laila Adarkar and her friend Oakland Tech junior Elza Black started Bites By the Bay, an Instagram account that posts photographs of dishes from local restaurants. Adarkar said the account serves as a platform to popularize culinary adventures and creates a network of foodies. “It’s not just about the taste, it’s also the atmosphere and culture created,” Adarkar said. “We can always bond about food.” Other food accounts advocate for eating healthier alternatives. Anavacadoeveryday, started by juniors Lili Brien and Shannon Landheer, promotes healthier eating options that are still scrumptious. Despite featuring only vegan dishes, Brian and Shannon said that they are not trying to promote veganism, but rather conscious eating. “After having a nice nutritious meal, I don’t feel gross anymore, “Landheer said. “It makes you feel better.” This trend of being conscientious about what you eat is becoming more and more prominent in food culture. In a study conducted by Restaurant Insider, 40 percent of customers say that it is very important that restaurants use all-natural ingredients that are free of GMOs and artificial supplements, said journalist for Restaurant Insider Hannah Harrington. “This food industry] is seeing that Millennials are not going to be spending their money on processed foods,” Turow said.
“we actually think about what we are eating; what we ate last night, and what we’re considering eating tomorrow.“
Anthony Bourdain chef written by Nathan Chin, Shay Hempeck, and Mira Tellegen
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NOVEMBER 7, 2017
edited and designed by Samantha Fanger and Katherine Irving
back photo courtesy of Bites by the Bay
November 1. You check if your birthday is correct, then that you spelled your middle name right, then maybe you check if your birth place is accurate. Finally, you press submit and have applied Early Decision to your school of choice. That dreaded date has now passed and seniors have turned in their Early Decision applications. Finally, all that stress is somewhat over for them. But should that deadline even be offered in the first place? Early Decision deadlines are offered by over 450 colleges throughout the U.S. The Early Decision deadline gives students a boost on the admissions process because they are more likely to be accepted to that college than those students who apply Regular Decision, according to the College Confidential website. According to an article in Priceonomics, Ivy League schools gave out over 40 percent of their available freshman spots to Early Decision applicants. Similarly, Harvard accepts 21.1 percent of the Early Decision students and 8 percent of their Regular Decision applicants. Although the student will experience less stress when they submit their application early, the cons of Early Decision outweigh the pros. Students who apply for the Regular Decision deadline are are slightly less likely to be admitted to that school than the Early Decision applicants. This creates an unfair advantage for the students who apply Early Decision there, which could lead a student feeling pressured to apply Early Decision, when they are actually not ready to commit to a single school. For students that look to improve their grades in their senior year to show colleges that they have grown, Early Decision also would be a bad option for
them since they would most likely want to send in their first semester grades into their colleges. With the Early Decision deadline, families are also only able to see that one financial aid plan from that single college and are forced to take that plan, even if it does not provide enough aid for them. For students that are not able to pay the full tuition price and rely on those financial aid plans for tuition money, they are not able to compare different plans for different colleges. This makes it hard for students from families of low income to apply confidently with the Early Decision plan. But again, these students, who should be encouraged to go to college, are going to have just a little more trouble since they will not have the benefit of the Early Decision priority. Early Decision can also potentially worsen senioritis, since students can be committed to a school by mid December. This gives students the idea that they can slack off in their classes, more than they already would, for the whole second semester of senior year while other students are still frantically trying to finish their applications, and hit the submit button. But, colleges require students to maintain a certain GPA their second semester senior year, unless they want their admissions offer to be revoked. This extra senioritis could potentially cause their grades to drop below their required GPA, possibly causing their admittance to the college they applied Early Decision to be rescinded. Students and their families nowadays are trying to strategize around the college process, and Early Decision is adding to their strategies. But, the college admissions process should not be about strategy and trying to cheat the system, it should be about trying to figure out what school will be right for you and seeing where you will get into based on merit and ability, not whoever is the quickest to make decisions. Contact Gigi at ggleghorn@tphnews.com
the lives of 3.4 million people. Many inhabitants are not getting enough aid. Some are lacking access to water for bathing and drinking. Why did the school, why did I, not give to this cause? One possible reason why the school decided to give to the fires and not the people in Puerto Rico could have been distance. The fires were so close that our community was shrouded in a cloud of smoke; a constant reminder of the suffering nearby. The hurricane in Puerto Rico, even though it displaced many more people, because of distance seemed very out of reach. It is easier for me to forget about the hurricane because, unlike the fire, I was not choking on the waste created by its destruction every time I stepped outside. Unconscious bias affected our community’s decision about who we donate to. The people in Puerto Rico, although members of a U.S. territory, are on a separate island, primarily speak a different language, have a distinct culture, and might look different than many people on the mainland. Unconscious bias plays a role in why we feel disconnected from the world. I believe that if the people in Puerto Rico were easier for me to personally relate to then I would have had an increased chance of reaching out to help them. When I read about natural disasters in the news in the future I want to feel solidarity and hope instead of guilt and detachment. I need to experience full awareness and an empathy that will push me to take action. I crave the ability to be strong enough to face the horrors of reality and make a difference. I wish for a world where my peers and I give without the influence of unconscious bias. Contact Marta at msymkowick@tphnews.com
A letter of appreciation Starting a new job that is constantly under the watchful eye of a small community is not easy. To represent the school during difficult times as public scrutiny devolves into a crisis is even harder. Although he faced challenges, principal Adam Littlefield came to school every day with a smile and a good attitude, always available to answer questions. Littlefield was thrust into a whirlwind of new beginnings when he started at PHS in August. From new teachers to legal battles and accusations, and even a fire within striking distance of his Napa home, he has been available to the student body and able to handle situations with poise and grace. Students, parents, and community members voiced strong opinions on how the administration handled the accusations against former history teacher Mark Cowherd. Littlefield shared the information that he could, respecting privacy and confidentiality laws. On the day following Cowherd’s resignation, Littlefield postponed his commitments to visit all classes previously taught by Cowherd to answer students’ questions. By doing this, he represented the epitome of a transparent leader. Beyond merely visiting with each class, Littlefield is also taking a hands-on approach by managing the AP European History classes. He is in the process of hiring a new teacher for all of the classes Cowherd leaves behind and drawing up lesson plans for each class with constant enthusiasm. Before and after the consent assembly, Littlefield made an honest statement to students, addressing the circulating rumors regarding Cowherd, and apologized for confusion in the past. He stressed the importance of communication, promising to be a source of sincerity and making an effort to speak with any student who wants to. Due to the nature of the situation, there has been an initial rush to criticize Littlefield, for example, his “welcome back” comment. Students must remember that Littlefield’s job is not to hold judgment, but rather to support us through a tough time, and his behavior has been exemplary. Littlefield has reached out to the student body, exhibiting his competence and empathy. Littlefield’s leadership is exactly what we need during a difficult situation like this one. We applaud him for his vulnerability, honesty, and composure throughout these past few weeks, and have complete faith that he will continue to move the school and community in the right direction.
-TPH Editorial board Contact the editors: editors@tphnews.com
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NOVEMBER 7, 2017
The Piedmont Highlander
Opinions
Are we unprepared for the real world?
made available to students still in high school. Something taught the same basic life skills that our students currentas simple as having a workshop or a club that meets once ly need. Home Economics classes originated in the late CLARISSA 1800s, early 1900s, and existed at Piedmont decades ago, a week during school could greatly benefit a number of LAM students. ending in the late 80s once the Home Economics teacher staff writer According to assistant principal Eric Mapes, the retired, according to math teacher Doyle O’Regan. In reschool administration has cent decades, worried about this issue, the course this lack of preparation, has gradually “So, while students do not necessarily before and is considering lost support How many protons are in a carbon atom? When need to learn how to care for a newborn addressing it at the next as certain was the Boston Massacre? What is the derivative of f(xstudent forum. Adminislessons seem while in high school anymore, other les)=2x3+5x? Why do I need to know this information? As I tration simply does not to perpetusurpass the halfway point of my high school experience, sons might still be helpful for both girls know how to go about the ate outdated I wonder, what else will I face after I graduate? As stuand boys.” problem and is looking for ideals, teachdents, we spend hours upon hours, focusing on learning student guidance. If they ing mostly and analyzing information in order to pass tests, improve start a class will students females how our GPAs, and get into the colleges of our choice, but sign up? Most students are heavily invested in boosting to care for families and perform housework. how many hours have we spent learning to pay taxes? their GPA and may not want to take time out of their However, these are not the only lessons taught High school prepares us for a college education when it schedule when they could take a weighted class instead. to students in Home Economics classes. For example, should simultaneously prepare us for life. Possibly a semester long class that can be taken one course can encompass nutrition, finances, health, When adults ask us if we have started planning alongside Social Psych would be most beneficial as stuhospitality, consumerism, and house repair. So, while for the future, more often than not, they are really asking dents could simultaneously learn the everyday, social and students do not necessarily need to learn how to care for if we have started planning for college. As we all know, functional do’s and don’t’s. For those that do not want to a newborn while in high school anymore, other lessons there is a level of independence that comes with college, lower their GPA, another option could be to incorporate might still be helpful for both girls and boys. the ability to function without constant support from individual lessons into an already mandatory class such Along with the old-fashioned lesson plans, parents. However, many stuas Economics. If Econ can spend a day or two teaching Home Economics dents still lack the preparastudents everything they need to know about taxes, an became less relevant as tion for life away from home. entire class focused on personal finances may not be necthe percentage of stu How do we apply essary. Perhaps just a VoCo speaker or a lunch workshop dents attending college “For those that are unable to for a job? Change a tire? would be best, allowing students to attend whichever increased. There seems Open a bank account? Apply learn all the responsibilities lessons they themselves need to learn. There are a lot of to be a common misfor a credit card? Many of of life on their own, a class opportunities and options for a broader education, and the conception that students these tasks are considered administration team has considered some of them. What no longer need to learn or school supported course life skills, things that we they truly lack is a student voice to turn these ideas into certain skills as students should learn on our own outmay be the solution.” plans. will continue to receive side of school, usually from Many of my peers have expressed their frustrasupport in college, but a family member. However, tion and gradual acceptance towards their lack of basic although most college not every student or every life skills, but few students have tried to take action. students live in dorms parent has the time to learn Perhaps all we need is to speak up. Our administration is during their freshmen year, they must still adapt to life and teach such tasks. For those that are unable to learn all looking to make a change, so now the real question is, are without many of the safety nets they had growing up. the responsibilities of life on their own, a class or school our students? Which brings us back to how to ensure Home Economics supported course may be the solution. courses - perhaps Life Economics is a better name - are Piedmont used to have one class in particular that
Apply to what is important MARGO ROSENBAUM campus editor
More than seven schools. During the fall of 2016 admission cycle, 35 percent of first-time freshmen had applied to seven or more colleges, according to the Education Research Institute’s The American Freshmen report series. For each of these applications, students must write one to four essays, answer personal questions, and pay around $13 to send SAT/ACT scores and around $41 for each college application fee, according to U.S. News & World Report. Students must complete this, whether or not they truly want to attend the college. In the end, they only accept one, so why do students apply to so many? Instead of applying to a long list of colleges, students should focus their time and energy on applications to schools they are truly interested in. Often students apply to certain colleges because they think they have to. Family pressures, peer pressures, societal pressures, and internal pressures always influence uneasy, self doubting teenagers in regards to college applications. In Piedmont, I often hear of students applying to certain colleges because everyone else is, or because the application is easy to complete. For instance, the University of California they has one application, so students can apply to multiple UC campuses without the extra workload. Also, lower tuition motivates students to apply even if they are not truly interested in attending. The overall cost to attend a UC is $34,700 for California residents, which dramatically contrasts with Harvard’s $69,600-$73,600 combined fees in 2017-2018, according to their website. Even if the costs are tempting, students should not apply to these cheaper schools if they do not plan on attending them. For other colleges, their applications are often simple, so the highest number of students apply. This keeps their acceptance rates low and rankings high,
increasing competition. Many use websites like the Common Application, which sends one essay to multiple colleges, enabling students to easily submit to multiple schools. Even though many also request supplemental essays, only about 85 of 680 colleges on the Common Application require them, according to collegedata.com. These essays range anywhere from Purdue’s 100 word maximum response to Tulane’s 800 word maximum essay. This shows how supplements really do provide the extra work, and I think students should only spend the time writing these supplements for schools they wish to attend. By applying to fewer schools, students could focus their efforts on perfecting the applications of colleges they actually wish to attend. Not only does applying to so many colleges waste crucial time, money, and energy, but also one’s acceptance takes a spot from someone else. It could be their complete, screaming on the ground, hugging their dog, dream school. And by adding that random who-knows-where-this-is university to your list, the student could take away this opportunity from the other individual. One student’s “safety school” may be another student’s dream university. Some may use the argument that applying to a higher number of schools gives students more options. Many students are unsure exactly what kind of school they want. Also, because college acceptance competition is ever increasing, students apply to a high number of “safety schools” as backups in case they are not accepted to their highly desired school. I understand all of these arguments; I am not saying that having choices are wrong. However, I think an issue arises when one works so hard on applications to schools they are not interested in. Why take away the place from someone else who wants to go there? Why waste your time and resources, when you could use them on schools you actually want to attend? Students should only apply to schools that they would be happy to study at, and ask themselves before adding a certain university to their ever growing list, do I really want to attend this college? If the answer is no, then you should not even apply.
Contact Margo at mrosenbaum@tphnews.com
Contact Clarissa at clam@tphnews.com
The
Piedmont
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Royden Connors Sara Siqueira NEWS EDITOR Mira Tellegen CAMPUS EDITOR Margo Rosenbaum A CLOSER LOOK EDITORS Samantha Fanger Katherine Irving OPINIONS EDITOR Shay Hempeck SPORTS EDITOR Patrick Aebi ARTS EDITOR Gigi Gleghorn WEB EDITORS Azul Kothari Jeremy Wong PHOTO EDITOR Ty Ozsoy MANAGING EDITOR Yasi Parsa STAFF WRITERS Maggie Black Nathan Chin Miles Fawcett Riley Francis Susan Kuroda Clarissa Lam Casey Lane Ella Lee Owen Levinson Max Monical Roni Schacker William Suppiger Marta Symkowick Nina Tafapolsky
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13
NOVEMBER 7, 2017
SPORTS
Cross country sprints through season to NCS Donaldson. While the top finishers are very important, the team’s success is often based off the performance and placement of the later finishers, said cross country coach Jeanine Holmlund. “Those runners act as buffers, as tiebreakers to hold spots to allow our team to have more higher finishers than the competition,” Holmlund said. Donaldson and Argue make up those fourth and fifth spots, and their success this season has been one of the big reasons why the men’s team could make it to the state championships this year, Donaldson said. In addition, the new strength and conditioning coach Maurice F. Scott has made a large impact on many runners on the team, Argue said. “He has definitely helped me with my running,” Argue said. “I feel like I am really improving this year, and that the Photo courtesy of Carlton Chan work I’ve put in will help me not only for Pictured above is the cross country team at their first league meet of the season at the WACC Center meet Garin 5k on Sept. 14 cross country but also for sprinting during OWEN LEVINSON fifth and sixth runners are the most the track season.” “Once I get on the bus, I usually just staff writer important because they are ones that are Many cross country runners also put my earbuds in, listen to music and the difference between the team doing well compete in track and field in the spring space out until we get [to the meet],” Said season, and Sitting on the bus, on the long drive to junior cross country and track runner the big race. The athlete knows he needs Ethan Argue. doing similar to get mentally ready to run if he wants to This method has been working for training and compete well. He could listen to music, Argue, as he and the cross country team exercises in get ready for both seasons “The training we do helps build endurance, NCS, Argue is beneficial but also speed which is really useful for said. for both “On our team, the top finishers don’t really For cross teams, said long and short distance running.” matter, the fourth, fifth and sixth runners country, the Holmlund. are the most important because they are Jack Donaldson entire team “ T h e sophmore has to qualify training ones that are the difference between the for NCS, and we do team doing well or not.” if they do helps build Ethan Argue well, then endurance, junior they could or not.” but also speed which is really useful Argue is currently one of the top 5 for long and short distance running,” make the state championships, Argue said. runners on the men’s varsity team, along Donaldson said. visualize how he wants to perform, or just “On our team, the top finishers don’t with seniors Sam White, Reece Proctor, sleep, but either way he needs to get in the really matter,” Argue said. “The fourth, Walter Teitelbaum, and sophomore Jack right state of mind.
Women’s golf drives, pitches, and putts their way to 8-2 record MILES FAWCETT staff writer
The women’s golf team finished their season on Oct. 23 with a record of 8-2. The team had to endure a coaching change, with their head coach stepping down and their former assistant coach taking up the head coaching position. Captain and junior Maddie Malan said that their new coach is fantastic and that her team shares that opinion. Coach Matthew Mores said that his transition from assistant to head coach was seamless. Mores is a PGA pro and has been coaching golf for over 20 years. Mores said his favorite part about coaching the girls is their work ethic and teaching them how to hit certain shots. “When they are able to execute the shot they are having trouble with, it’s pretty special.” Mores said. Malan said that the team really has a fun time together. The team’s closeness has helped them perform exceptionally in most of their games, especially versus rival Bishop O’Dowd.
“I want [golf] to be something I can do for the rest of my life.” Minnie Cooper senior
Piedmont beat Bishop O’Dowd in both home and away matches this year. “The wins versus O’Dowd this year were really big for our team” Mores said.
Photo courtesy of Maddie Malan
Members from the Women’s golf team including captains senior Minnie cooper and junior Maddie malan minutes before a home match
Like many other Piedmont teams, Women’s Golf measures themselves against Bishop O’Dowd’s strong program, Mores said. “Any time you can beat a rival, it’s a pretty special thing, and it helped motivate the girls this year,” Mores said. Tough matches like O’Dowd require everyone to do well, not just the more experienced players, Mores said. There were three brand new additions to the team this year. Seniors Anna Goldberg, Audie Walter, and Katherine Weisbrock all played their first season of varsity golf this year, learning quickly and having a serious impact on the course. “We’ll be sad to see [the seniors] go.” Malan said. Mores said that captain and senior Minnie Cooper had a great season, but the part of her game that never really gets noticed is how hard she works. Cooper’s dedication to practice is what made her stand out this year, Mores said. “I joined the golf team because I had grown up playing with my family and thought it would be a great
opportunity for me to get better,” Cooper said. “I want it to be something I can do for the rest of my life.” Cooper’s favorite thing about the team is how close the girls are with each other. Being on such a small team, they got to know each other very well, Cooper said. “A lot of us were pretty shy at first, but we have become really good friends.” Cooper said. Cooper said that her favorite moment of the year was when all of the girls on the team went out to dinner the night before NCS, which happened to be their last match of the season, and Cooper’s last High School match. Cooper has competed in NCS playoffs three out of her four years on the Women’s golf team, this year included. Cooper said that her advice to next year’s team is to get more people to join the team. “It is great to have a small program but I think a lot more people would realize their love for golf if they just tried it out,” Cooper said. “If anyone is thinking about joining, my advice is to just go for it.”
14
NOVEMBER 7, 2017
The Piedmont Highlander
Sports
Men’s water polo aims to end season swimmingly
Photo Courtesy of Nancy Brahm
Pictured above is junior Kieran Linnane scoring a goal in a win against Berkeley at the WACC league tournament at San Leandro High school pool
NINA TAFAPOLSKY staff writer
Group huddles. Synchronized chants. Pump up music. Whirlpools. The men’s water polo team calls their pre-game ritual “PGWs”, or pre-game whirlpools, said men’s water polo coach John Savage. “If the pool is shallow enough for them to stand in, the team will run in a circle and the pool will get a whirlpool going, and then they just float afterwards,” Savage said. Last year, for the first time in school history, the men’s water polo team won a game at NCS. This year, they are gearing up to do the same, with the goal of
reaching the finals, said Junior and varsity team captain Kieran Linnane. “We started off one and three, but since then we’ve won nine
launched a nine-game winning streak, creating the tone for the rest of the season, said sophomore and varsity player Cutter Mitchell. “To prepare for NCS [the team
Saunders. The scrimmages and practices have helped out the team a lot, said junior and varsity team captain Patrick Conn.
“I think we have to work as a team in a way and discuss how we think everything is going, how the team chemistry is being built and making sure everything’s running smoothly without any bumps.”
weeks in a row, which is pretty awesome,” Linnane said. “We’re looking for a high seat in NCS.” With their win against Berkeley in Los Gatos, the team
is] getting in as many scrimmages and practices as we can with our allotted pool time, and NCS is looking pretty good,” said junior and varsity team captain Henry
Kieran Linnane Junior
“[The tournaments] introduce our team to a lot of dynamics and offenses that could show up in NCS,” Conn said. With over 40 boys on JV and
Athletes row their way onto the Oakland Strokes RILEY FRANCIS staff writer
5 am, dark skies, and 50 degrees. It begins, the boat is on the still water, athletes run, lift, and train, to prepare for a three hour practice. Perhaps some of the most disciplined athletes, rowers tirelessly practice six days a week, to prepare for their future. “I row six days a week, two and a half hours a day,” senior Kevin Mead said. “My dad wanted me to do it, because he rowed in college”. Mead stays extremely disciplined and focused on crew. It has a huge weight on his personal life, he has less time in his week to do activities outside of crew, Mead said “On Saturdays I wake up at 5 a.m. for a four hour practice, it’s definitely a big commitment” Mead said. Mead said crew is really rewarding, and is currently going through the recruitment process at highly selective colleges. Like Mead, junior Trent Settlemier is also involved with the Oakland Strokes , but has taken a different approach. Settlemier decided to do crew not for the recruitment process, but for the excitement of a new sport. “I was not doing a fall sport, so I decided to pick up crew,” Settlemier said. “It’s a great way to meet new people”.
“On Saturdays I wake up at 5 a.m. for a four hour practice, it’s definitely a big commitment” Kevin Mead senior
Crew is a huge time commitment and can often propel students to feel more driven Settlemier said. “I feel like I am more motivated and healthy, after doing crew.” Settlemier said.
varsity combined, who are mostly first and second year players, Savage said he looks to the three team captains to help him guide new players and lead drills. Team captains Saunders, Linnane, and Conn each add a different leadership dynamic to the team, Savage said. “Henry is a very hard worker and vocal, Patrick has the skillset and the ability to show what’s going on, and Kieran kind of sets the tone for attitude and effort,” Savage said. “I’m not saying that the characteristics of one are lacking in the other, but all three together make a very effective leadership group on the team.” Linnane said that he enjoys being the role model for the younger players on the team. Freshman Harrison Miller, a first year player on JV, said the captains have a really positive effect on the team. “They are all really talented players, so it is really interesting to see them play,” Miller said. As NCS approaches, Conn, Saunders, and Linnane stress the importance of teamwork, attributing part of their team’s success to the strong relationships they have formed with their teammates, Linnane said. “I think we have to work as a team in a way and discuss how we think everything is going, how the team chemistry is being built and making sure everything’s running smoothly without any bumps.” Linnane said.
W INTER TRYOUTS All Soccer and Basketball tryouts will start on MON. NOV. 6 and will end on THURS. NOV. 9. Chearleading tryouts will start on TUES. NOV. 7 and will end on THURS. NOV. 9. Womens JV and Varsity Basketball
3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. in the Binks Gym. Photo courtesy of Genevieve Raushenbush
Oakland Strokes compete at the regional championships at Lake Natoma.
Like Settlemier and Mead, junior Betty Hosler said that she also engages in the rigorous lifestyle of crew. “I have definitely made the majority of my friends through crew, you get a whole variety of people who participate in it,” Hosler said. Hosler said Crew helps her manage her time, because she is very busy and has to stay on top of her work. Since all of Hosler’s siblings were successful with crew and enjoyed it, she thought she would give crew a try, Hosler said. “I am planning on rowing in college and am currently going through the recruitment process.” Hosler said. Hosler said one of the perks of crew is that it helps her manage her time better because she does not have time to procrastinate. Hosler said that she has made a lot of friends through crew. “I have found a whole new social circle at crew,” senior Genevieve Raushenbush said, “I have gotten really close with the people in my carpool because we spend so many hours together”. Like Hosler, Raushenbush has also experienced the close friendships that crew has brought her. “It’s a balancing act being away from the Piedmont sphere, but there are definitely benefits from it.” Raushenbush said. Raushenbush said that crew has shaped her into a more motivated and efficient person.
15
NOVEMBER 7, 2017
ARTS
Art students sculpt their futures with portfolios ROY CONNORS editor-in-chief
their senior year they are working on gathering information, writing essays, sometimes doing extra artwork assignments for applications,” Bailey said. An art school application adds another dimension to the college process as art schools require a portfolio as well as a different kind of thinking, Sorensen said. “If you are applying to art schools, they want to see what your brain comes up with and less of your technical skill because they want to see your potential in being a real artist,” Sorensen said. Senior Will Dalton is finding a balance between conceptual and technical skill as he is applying to a program shared between a research university and an arts school. The program would allow him to explore his academic and artistic interests, as he would have the opportunity to earn a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of fine arts. “I really like art and I really like learning about more academic subjects as well,” Dalton said. “I don’t know exactly what I want to do but I feel like there are a
A cross made out of medical supplies… a unique concept that takes creativity to come up with, and technical skill to portray such a scene on a poster. For senior Jonathan Dinetz, the passion that he found in creating posters such as the medical supply cross motivated him to apply to an art school, Dinetz said. “When I started doing posters for the school, I really enjoyed it,” Dinetz said. “So I said ‘Why don’t I attempt to do this and see how it’s going, go to art school and try to pursue this.’” Others applying to art school had an idea of their intentions long before the application process began. Senior Elka Sorensen said that by the beginning of high school she knew that her interest in the arts could translate to Photos courtesy of Elka Sorensen and Jonathan Dinetz college and even a future career. These two pieces, a medical cross, and a plaster sculpture, will go in two seniors’ art portfolios for colleges. “I liked acting, I liked singing, I liked drawing, I liked a lot of different art things but I school applicant’s chances of biggest piece I have ever made so I did all that stuff, so it was pretty realized that visual art was what acceptance just as the GPA and it’s definitely up top and going in straightforward for me to decide.” Not all students are as forward I felt the most comfortable with,” essay determine acceptance to a all my portfolios.” Sorensen said. liberal arts Dalton has been working on thinking as Shi. Bailey said that E v e n or research the pieces that are going into his most students are only confident freshmen university. portfolio for the entirety of his of their intentions to apply to art in Art I are Sorensen high school career and advises school in the later stages of high building their said a big others interested in art school to school. “I think [students] have a portfolios p l a s t e r do the same. “If you are applying to art schools, they whether they sculpture “Make sure the pieces that pretty good idea in their junior know their accompanied you are working on are something year because they are usually in want to see what your brain comes future plans by a ten page that you actually like and would Art III at that point or they are up with and less of your technical skill or not. By the r e s e a r c h be willing to submit, because you really starting to get excited about because they want to see your potential time a student paper is don’t want to be cramming when art or design in a specific area,” enters Art III her favorite you’re older to get a bunch of Bailey said. of being a real artist.” Shi explored her passion they usually piece in her pieces to put in your portfolio,” for fashion over the summer at have already portfolio. Dalton said. Elka Sorensen the Academy of Art, hoping to created the “ [ T h e While she was not working senior pieces that s c u l p t u r e ] on her portfolio as a young discover if it was in her future, will make up feels like child, senior Meryl Shi had an Shi said. “I really like my fashion their portfolio, a really interest in fashion design while in design that I did over the summer allowing them c o m p l e t e d elementary school. to focus on thing in my “I always thought about at Academy of Art just because it other aspects of an art school lot of opportunities there to find life, and I have a lot to say about fashion design, so in elementary helped prove that I am capable of application, art teacher Gillian something that I really like.” it. I have my long paper that I school I already had an idea I just doing fashion design and confirm Bailey said. A portfolio of 10 to 15 art could always dish out to people,” never really did much,” Shi said. that it is something that I wanted “When [art students] get to pieces makes or breaks an art Sorensen said. “It’s definitely the “But I did go take art classes and to pursue,” Shi said.
Just Like Honey trio sings sweet first performance
Mens JV and Varsity Basketball
5:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. in the Binks Gym.
Mens Frosh Basketball
7:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Binks Gym
Womens JV and Varsity Soccer
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Witter Soccer Field
Mens JV and Varsity Soccer
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Witter Soccer Field
Chearleading
TUES. to WED. at Witter Field and THURS. in Dance Studio, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Sofia Butler
Sophomores Sofia Butler, Ava Bogart, and Sophie Hall sing for their audience for the first time.
MAX MONICAL staff writer
Three sophomores stood in the amphitheater stage, hearts racing, feet tapping, eying the seemingly endless crowd of peers that extended out before them in disbelief. Kids munched on food and chatted while patiently waiting for the concert to begin. Just Like Honey
performed for the first time. Sophomores Sophie Hall, Sofia Butler and Ava Bogart had always planned to create a band together, and they decided to put that idea into action at the beginning of this school year. “We met last year and we really bonded over our love of music,” Hall said. “We had similar tastes and so we sang together.”
Butler said it was not until they joined mostly performed indie and pop songs so the Concert Series Club, who sponsored far, they are not limiting themselves to one their performance, that they finally decided genre of music. to form their band. The creation of the Sophomore Suhaib Mumtaz was one of band was easy for them, but Bogart said the many students who was able to enjoy finding a name for the band proved to be a the singing talent of the group. difficult task. “I enjoyed [the performance] because “We procrastinated [on the band name] they are my friends,” said Mumtaz. “It to the last second and we started looking was just really great to see them finally at song titles on perform.” Spotify and one of The band them was Just Like draws inspiration Honey,” Bogart several “We met last year and from said. different artists, we really bonded over including Gracie The group said the name struck a Abrams and Demi our love of music.” chord with them. Clarke. Sophie Hall sophomore They decided it They don’t was perfect for have a date set for their band and their next concert, named themselves but the members of Just Like Honey. Just Like Honey said they want to perform Although they are a singing group, for the school again. They also hope to singing is not the only interest in music that perform one of their original songs in the the band has. future. “I take voice lessons, I take piano “We have written a song together but lessons and I am self-taught in guitar and we decided not to perform it, at least [not ukulele,” Butler said. at] the first [performance],” Hall said. The band said that although they have “Maybe in the future.”
16
NOVEMBER 7, 2017
The Piedmont Highlander
Arts
Malaspina strikes a chord with the audience
CASEY LANE staff writer Junior Enzo Malaspina strummed his guitar, instantly filling the Gilman, their sold out venue. Within seconds, the rest of the band, Mt. Eddy, joined in, sweeping up his playing in a flurry of notes and noise, and the crowd, pulsing to the beat of the music, cheered. On stage, Malaspina said that he loves to feel the vibe of the audience. “The crowd will help you enjoy your own music,” Malaspina said. “If you see them getting into it, you will too.” Malaspina said that show remains his most memorable performance, but soon, he and his bandmates will rock a bigger stage, opening for SWMRS, another band of former Piedmont students, in New York’s Irving Plaza, on Dec. 9. Even though this huge venue is new for Mt. Eddy, Malaspina will surely bring his unique personality to the performance, senior T. H. Williamson said. “He’s just got this undeniable focus when he plays,” Williamson said. “They have a good collective stage presence, but when he does his guitar solos or more Enzo heavy sections of different songs, his personality really comes out.” Even as a seventh grader, Malaspina brought his own spunk to the stage, Jazz Band Director Andria Mullan said. “We were playing at Yoshi’s and he was standing backstage dancing as he played the congas,” Mullan said. “I will never forget that about Enzo: his just general excitement about what we’re doing in the class. So much so that he would dance and just really get involved with his full body.” For Malaspina, music truly is a physical experience, not just something played or heard. He said that he wanted his music to evoke feelings so strong they radiated through people’s entire bodies.
Photo by Casey Lane
Junior Enzo Malaspina plays the guitar for the band Mt. Eddy, which he and other Piedmont students and alumni created.
bandmate, all said Malaspina’s dedication to his music is unparalleled. “The way he applies himself to music shows a very clear passion for it, but it’s not just a generic passion, it’s a very Enzo specific kind of passion,” Williamson said. Mullan said she has also “I just try to make music that gives me the chills.” noted his willingness to experiment with new styles, his dedication to practice, and even Enzo Malaspina his ability to adapt quickly to junior their musical needs. “He’s a remarkable, super dedicated musician,” Mullan “I just try to make music that gives me the chills,” said. “He even played bass when we needed him to, and Malaspina said. he still does on occasion.” Mullan, Williamson, and junior Kevin Judd, a Malaspina also played bass for a local band called
Destroy Boys on the weekend of Oct. 21. They recorded a whole album together over just a weekend, he said. “It was 10 songs. Ugh, so gnarly, but we got to work with a really cool producer named Martin Cooke,” Malaspina said. “He’s done Maroon 5 and Death Cab for Cutie.” Malaspina said this wasn’t his first time in a studio, having also recorded other EPs and albums. He often plays at local shows, and Malaspina has even gone on several tours with Mt. Eddy. “The best part of touring and going places is not knowing if it’s going to be good, but then the crowd surprises you,” Malaspina said. While big audiences might scare some people, Malaspina said he remains unfazed. “A lot of people think you would get nervous, but I don’t really,” Malaspina said. “You just go up there and do your thing.”
AP ART CORNER MERYL SHI SENIOR
What is your concentration? “It’s basically embroidering portraits of family members through clothing pieces or accessories that I or my family associates them with.” What is your piece about? “It is called Ye-Ye. It’s of my grandpa. The main item of clothing I wanted to highlight was the hat, and it says ‘Lone Survivor’ on it. He also wears it all the time. He used to be a pilot and he has a young spirit, so I thought paper airplanes would be fitting. I wrote characters of dialogue around the embroidery hoop. I wrote what my brother and I used to say when we would greet him.”
Compiled by Yasi Parsa