The Forge, Volume 102, Issue 5

Music of the Night Returns! p. 10 | SBHS Gives Back p. 8 | Parade Welcomes Holiday Season p. 5 | Reflections Winners p. 10

THE FORGE Vol. 102 No. 5

SANTA BARBARA HIGH SCHOOL - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015 Dodgeball Madness

Going Places

Sweeps SBHS

Elite SBHS Athletes reveal college choices | p. 12

Back by Popular demand, student/staff competition returns for second year | p. 2

Est. 1914

Hair coming this spring With war raging in the Middle East, SBHS Theatre tackles a classic protest rock musical. | p. 2

MAD ACADEMY GOES TO AFRICA

A GLOBAL EDUCATION Students take real world skills abroad| pg. 4

Dons Net Cafe

School Wide Surveillance?

Paying Forward: Dons Doin’ Good in the World | p. 6

Recent break-ins pit security versus privacy in surveillance debate | p. 9

HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY BREAK - SEE YOU IN 2016!

Photo Courtesy of Samsun Keithley

2 | NEWS

THE FORGE STAFF

THE FORGE

DECEMBER 18, 2015

Dodgeball Madness Sweeps SBHS

2015 - 2016 700 East Anapamu Street Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (805) 966-9101 ex. 5031 Room 31

EDITORS EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Beau Lettieri and Sarina Wasserman

LAYOUT EDITOR Beau Lettieri

BUSINESS MANAGER Sable Layman

NEWS EDITOR Hugh Cook

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Lizzie Saunders

SPORTS EDITOR Tyler Greenwald

OPINION EDITOR Sarina Wasserman

Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive, Dodge: 32 teams faced off over the past two weeks | Staff Photo

BY HUGH COOK We are watching an exciting school tradition emerge, as we enter the second year of school-wide dodgeball tournament, organized by our enthusiastic ASB. What started last year as a novelty has quickly become one of the most popular activities of the year, boasting dozens of competing teams, and exciting matches that captures the attention of all. “We are

doing it again this year because we had such a great turnout last year, we are hoping that it will become a school tradition because it’s such a positive thing for the student body.”, said Porter Rees, ASB Vice President.

“The student body works together to achieve a goal, which raises school spirit and increases student involvement.”

Why is this activity so popular with students? It’s the prize. All the teams

STAFF REPORTERS Chloe Ballesteros-Perez William Blondell Alyssa Cardenas Nancy Carrera Angel Corona Annina Gonzalez Nele Kross Chloe Shaar

ADVISOR Otto Layman

David Meister, Mauricio Ortega, Ben Drati, John Becchio and Rachel Roesch

School District Superintendent David Cash to Retire

Dave Cash | Photo by Paul Wellman

BY THE FORGE STAFF After over four years as Superintendent of the Santa Barbara Unified School District, Dr. David Cash will retiring at the end of this year. Cash, with over dozens of years of experience in the field of education as teacher and administrator, most notably as principal of Goleta Valley Junior High and later principal of Dos Pueblos High School, came to the position of Superintendent in 2011. Since then he has ushered in a variety of new initiatives including restorative approaches, increased use of technology in classrooms, as well as a smooth transition into the state’s

mandatory common core curriculum. He also has pushed for greater cultural proficiency in the classroom, and has worked tirelessly to make ‘Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day’ more than just a slogan.

Cash, 60, has been considering this graceful exit for the past few months, and has announced his retirement now to allow ample time to find a replacement before his last day on July 10, 2016. Currently the School Board is seeking a firm to help with the selection of the next superintendent, and hope to have Cash’s successor soon.

“In Education you hear, unfortunately, a lot of buzz words, a lot of empty talk — with Dr. Cash ‘every child, every chance, every day’ is a passionate commitment to all students,” said Otto Layman. “He was a visible presence on all campuses, and a major player in the support of the Performing Arts throughout the District. I, for one, will miss him greatly.”

As former school board president Ed Heron put it, “In addition, our unbelievable certificated, classified and administrative team is absolutely a legacy that will be with us long after his retirement. We all wish Dr. Cash the very best in his well-deserved retirement.”’

David Meister, AP, in the Final game of the tournament

are vying for one bounty: a chance to play the administration and hopefully win the dodgeball tournament trophy. It is organized into “a thirty-two team bracket for this tournament”, according to Rees, who helped coordinate the competition.

The games ran for two weeks, with four games being played a day on two courts located in the gym. However, stay on your guard, because these games are single elimination meaning the loser of each bracket is out of the game for good. When asked what this competition offered, Porter replied, “we think it’s a way for students to form an unofficial team and to work together, and while it’s all friendly, it does get competitive. It brings out a lot of school spirit.”

Some may worry that the level of competition could be divisive instead of accordant. According to Porter, “There’s always the chance someone could get hurt, but we don’t think anything bad will happen; we see it as all fun.”

The Tournament finished off Wednesday with the final two games, the first being the championship

game with the Dogeballers facing off with Roque Poque. In the end, the Dogeballers came out on top as the championship winners and got the opportunity to play the admin team which consisted of Principal John Becchio, Assistants Principals David Meister and Mauricio Ortega, as well as special guests Dr. Ben Drati (Assistant Superintendent of secondary education) and Rachel Roesch (ASB Advisor). The final match began with Rachel Roesch being the first to be eliminated, followed by Meister.

Principal Becchio went out in style when he rolled across the gym floor after getting pegged by the opposing team. Mr. Ortega got out soon after leaving Ben Drati alone on the court.

The game ended when the Dogeballers used their combined power to eliminate Drati from the game.

For dodgeball, this is only the beginning: as the sport grows in popularity, ASB rises to the challenge, planning to continue the new SBHS tradition either next semester or in future years with 64 teams. Keep an eye out for the next tournament coming soon to SBHS.

Spring Forward With Tribal Rock Musical

SBHS at the Fringe Festival, Edinburgh 2008 | Photo Courtesy of Katherine Wrench

BY BEAU LETTIERI “Tribal, Love, Rock, Musical” are perhaps four words you have not thought of as connected to each other — however, this spring, Santa Barbara High School Theatre plans to produce a musical that ties those four words together perfectly. Coming this April is SBHS Theatre’s production of Hair, the iconic American Tribal Love-Rock Musical. Set in 1968, a period of social and political revolution, Hair tells the story of a “tribe” of American youth living in New York City who struggle to come to terms with the chaos and rapid change sweeping the nation, most notably the conflict in Vietnam and the domestic struggle against the previous generation of their conservative parents. Hair, which in the past has been infamous for its tackling of con-

troversial subjects, has been revised and approached with a new outlook.

Director Otto Layman puts it simply: “The show can be about so many things: counterculture, unlimited freedom, the sexual revolution — our production, however, focuses on the reaction to the war and its effect on the youth of 1960’s America.”

Wildly successful on Broadway for its revolutionary introduction of rock and roll to the musical form (a previously unheard of concept) and time-appropriate subject matter, it was nominated for multiple Tony Awards in its initial run, and won the Tony for best revival of a musical for its 2009 revival. Hair, with such memorable songs as “Aquarius” “Let the Sunshine In” and “I Believe In Love” has become a classic in the eyes of theatre goers everywhere. In 2008, Layman produced the show at Santa

Barbara High School in just twenty-four days, for two performances in Santa Barbara, then traveled to the Scotland Fringe Festival with thirty-six students, and four band members where it received critical acclaim and played to sold-out audiences. It was named “the hit of festival” by the Edinburgh Scotsman.

“When we produced Hair in 2008, the show was scaled down and cut nearly in half — I’m excited to be able to present such a vibrant and relevant piece on a much grander scale,” said Layman. “I don’t feel like I really got to explore the musical as fully as I wanted to.”

The musical direction of the show is in the expert hands of Dr. Jon Nathan, who in the past few years, has time and time again brought incredible musicians together from around Santa Barbara to play in SBHS’s bands. If you’ve seen a show recently at SBHS, you’ve had the pleasure of hearing some of Santa Barbara’s finest play — and Hair’s score of period rock music will be no exception.

Bonnie Thor will return to costume the tribe of young hippies, bringing the unique style of the hippie culture to the SBHS stage.

Save the Date — Hair opens April 29, 2016 at 7pm. Auditions for this unique experience will be held Monday, February 8, 2016. Stay tuned for more information. If you have any questions regarding Hair or auditions, Mr. Layman encourages you to come visit him in his office near the Little Gym.

NEWS | 3

THE FORGE

DECEMBER 18, 2015

The Match Game: Donor Challenges SBHS

Bringing Awareness To SBHS

BY CHLOE BALLESTEROS-PEREZ

Field of Dreams: Another conceptual drawing of the now nearly 17 million dollar project | Image Courtesy of The SBHS Foundation

BY WILLIAM BLONDELL A recent donor, who has chosen to remain anonymous, recently proposed a 100,000 dollar “challenge grant” to help fundraise for the renovation of Peabody Stadium. “This donor is challenging our Santa Barbara High community to give to the project, by offering to match every dollar raised up to $100,000,” says Katie

Jacobs, Director of Development for the Foundation for SBHS. Anyone can donate including parents, teachers, and even students. “There will be classroom challenges as well, and so any classroom that wants to participate can have a box in their room which students can put funds into.

The classroom with the most funds will win the teacher a day off, snacks, and a named stadium seat after their

class.” This challenge began right after Thanksgiving break, and will remain in force until December 31, 2015. In addition to these classroom challenges, any current student organization or club, or staff member may donate $500 to get their name inscribed on a seat. “The amount of money that we raise isn’t as important as everybody being involved” says Jacobs.

The stadium renovation project

has run into several complications since our last issue. It is necessary for the state of California to approve the renovation, and while the plans were sent in nearly six months ago, the state has not yet approved the plans to be set in motion. This has caused construction to begin in March, while the original start date was due for December. “If the state does not get back to our school by January or February, we are going to have to re-evaluate when the starting date is going to be, which could potentially affect graduation for the Junior class,” says Jacobs. In addition to this unforeseen complication, the budget has gone up from around 13 to nearly 17 million dollars. While the budget has increased dramatically, the amount of money that the foundation has to raise privatly is still set at five million dollars, and they have currently raised around $3,900,000.

While there have been a few changes and barriers that the foundation and school have had to deal with, the new stadium will look great, and provide future Dons with a great sports facility.

Peabody Stadium in its current state, hosting its final events before the renovation | Photo Courtesy of Beau Lettieri

November 14th through November 20th was Transgender Awareness week. This event was created to raise awareness of transgender people, as well as the continued violence endured by this community. Transgender people and their allies took this time to educate the public about the the social and political injustices that trans people face.

The final day of Transgender Awareness Week was Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), a day that memorializes those who were killed as a result of transphobia. It was started in 1998 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, as a vigil to honor the life of a murdered transgender woman, Rita Hester.

Since then, the event has developed into a day to remember all transgender people who were lost as a result of transphobia.

It is important for students and staff to understand this topic on a deeper level because a number of your fellow Dons are in fact, transgender. Ms. Nazifoglu, the advisor of the Gender Sexuality Club (GSA), a club that provides a home for transgender students among others, is actually training staff about transgenderism.

To commemorate TDOR, some of our own students attended a vigil on the night of TDOR in the Sunken Gardens at the Courthouse.

Transgender people are not trannies, cross-dressers, shemales, he-shes, drag-queens, or freaks. They are human beings who deserve to be treated like everyone else. Even if their lifestyle conflicts with someone else’s beliefs or comfort level, it is important for us to respect them.

SBHS Opts for Green Future: Jose’s Garden

An architectural rendering of the planned outdoor classroom | Courtesy Image

Construction commences as workers start setting the foundation for the complex

BY HUGH COOK The construction of the new greenhouse complex and outdoor learning space, first proposed last spring, and unofficially named José’s Garden by those involved, is finally underway.

Late last month the construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony on the morning of November 20th.

The project began last year, when the majority of Environmental Science Teacher José Caballero’s outdoor classroom was demolished, as it was deemed unsafe by the the school district. Soon after the demolition, Ca-

ballero moved forward, spearheading a brand new complex, working with donors to raise the money required to build the new learning space. The ultimate cost of the space will be $929,788, and was funded through the efforts of Caballero, the generosity of the SBHS community, the Foundation for SBHS, and a substantial donation by the Pulice Family. José, when asked to elaborate, said “We’ve had two separate budget worlds. In budget world number one, we were going construct over summer using one set of plans; we got to a certain level of planning and then the State

required a revised set of plans incorporating some unforeseen additions.

Our original estimate was just under a half million. The estimate that we started with after taking the State’s revisions into consideration is 900,700; however we expect little bumps in the number throughout construction.”

The new outdoor learning environment will provide a home to Advance Placement Environmental Science (in tandem with his current traditional classroom), Aquaponics, and Small Scale Food Production. The complex offers: a work and storage facility of 419 square feet; A shaded building 495 square feet; a 2,028 square foot covered roof for two structures and exterior; reclaimed lumber exterior wood siding; self-weathering steel roof with matching exposed structural steel frame; flagstone, concrete

exterior paving; drought-tolerant planting and irrigation. The plan was designed by Brett Ettinger and the landscape of the complex was designed by Eric Nagelmann. Newton Construction Management is currently carrying out the designs and plans to have the project finished by May 6, 2016. “Regarding the progress made,” José says, “We’ve opened the holes for the foundation, and have started building the iron chassis for the concrete pour. So we are ahead of schedule.” However, “The next stage is going to take a long time. It will take most of the winter.”

Despite various setbacks and complications, the majority of those with interest in the success of the project are satisfied. While José “Can’t speak for them”, he says, “I hear nothing but positive, supporting and encourag-

Jose Caballero at the business end of the shovel | Courtesy Photo ing comments from the donors. In interactions with me they’ve been super stoked.” The only uncertainty remaining is that of the solar panels: “We have a commitment from someone to donate solar panels. I’m not really sure if that made that into the plans that got approved. So, like, the one question is whether we fully integrated our solar donation. But as far as the building goes it’s going to be great. It’s going to be a small space.

When I was looking at the foundation, it’s a snug little classroom.”

4 | NEWS

THE FORGE

DECEMBER 18, 2015

Dane Holroyd, Dan Williams, Tanner Mees, Samsun Keithley, Florencia Castigo, Ella Deardorff, and Luke O’Neill | Photo Courtesy of Samsun Keithley

MAD: Out of India and Into Africa

Students demonstrate ‘real world’ education

BY SARINA WASSERMAN Life changing, inspirational, humbling… these are just some of the words that our very own MAD Academy students, Dane Holroyd, Ella Deardorff, Samsun Keithley, Tanner Mees, and Luke O’neil use to describe their recent journey to India and Africa.

This once-in-a-lifetime trip was inspired initially by a woman named Florencia. When Florencia was 16-years-old, she inadvertently stepped onto a landmine, losing a leg and suffering severe burns. Mozambique, on the continent of Africa, one of the poorest countries in the world, had over one million scattered and hidden land mines – along pathways, watering holes, and close to homes - left over from the civil war which began in 1977. Mozambique, though, was declared mine free this past September. Unfortunately, stories like Florencia’s are far too common in Mozambique. There are over ten thousand people who have lost far more than limb in land mine accidents; they have lost hope.

At the age of 18, Florencia finally received the leg she should have never lost. Jaipur Foot in Jaipur, India, has helped Florencia and more than 10,000 amputees receive the pros-

thetics they so desperately needed, and more victims continue to need.

Jaipur Foot develops prosthetics at a cost of $50, but charges each recipient nothing. Using state-of -the-art technology, Jaipur Foot has developed a cutting-edge system of production, personalized to each patient and delivered within 24 hours!

So how does this tie in with Santa Barbara High School? Help One Walk International (HOW Int.), a nonprofit organization founded right here in Santa Barbara by Douglass Bowman and John Mullen, came to the MAD Academy looking for a team of videographers to document Florencia’s journey to India as well as the journeys of other amputees. Five of our very own peers accepted the challenge and now have an incredible story to share.

Their expedition, although it began less than auspiciously, was a huge success. Kicked off by a 16-hour flight from LAX to New Delhi, the team missed their train connection due high density of traffic in Delhi, at yes, 3 a.m.! With camera gear in one hand and luggage in the other, they sprinted through the city’s chaotic streets, only to make it to a bus, which would then drive them to their intended location. Ella said, “There was trash burning, hundreds of stray dogs and scores of humans on the streets staring at us; it was the most stressful experience I have ever had.

In short, a complete and total culture shock.” After a six-hour bus ride, the team finally made it to Jaipur. Jaipur is where the magic happened.

Over the next few days, Florencia (who met them in Jaipur) along with the team from Santa Barbara, spent many hours at the Jaipur Foot Clinic learning, connecting, and documenting the many people who came in need of prosthetics each day. Amazingly, near all who entered each day were helped and actually received prosthetics. This was a beautiful sight for Florencia. Before then, she never realized there were other people like her out there. Being surrounded by them made her feel normal again and gave her hope. As someone who had

never gone farther than 60 kilometers from her village, her inner and outer journey in India was emotional and life changing for the better. She learned about a people and a culture she never knew existed. More importantly, she learned about herself.

As Florencia opened up to the SBHS team, they noticed her coming to life and taking positive steps back into her own life (with two legs this time), ready to reunite with her mom and son. The team traveled back with Florencia to her tribal village in Mozambique where they were greeted with a beautiful homecoming ceremony that included music, dancing, speeches, and special handshakes with various members of the tribe.

“Overall, the trip was very humbling,” said Dane. “It has been incredible to reflect on how privileged we are here in Santa Barbara and to take what we are learning and what we have been given to make a difference in the world.” Dane concluded our interview exclaiming that he “can’t wait to go back!”

Post script: HOW International has contracted with Jaipur Foot to set up clinics in Mozambique which will help people like Florencia receive cheaper and more accessible prosthetics. Additionally, the MAD Academy hopes to take students back to Africa to work in these clinics.

Three Boys in India at the monkey temple | Photo Courtesy of Samsun Keithley

A group of orphans swarms the MAD crew -- interested in their photography gear | Photo Courtesy of Samsun Keithley

DECEMBER 18, 2015

THE FORGE

NEWS | 5

Let it Glow, Let it Glow, Let it Glow!

Santa Barbara Welcomes Holiday Season with 63rd Annual Parade

BY BEAU LETTIERI While snowfall and sleigh rides are signs of the Holiday season nationwide, Santa Barbara welcomed the start of the Holidays with their annual Downtown Holiday Parade earlier this month. The sixty-three year old tradition kicked off the Holidays earlier this month as nearly ninety entries marched down State Street from Sola to Cota Streets.

The parade was founded in the 1950’s when forty foot tall Douglas Fir trees lined the center divide of the then fourlaned State Street. The parade functioned as a dedication of the trees, and since has evolved into the tradition all Santa Barbara residents have come to know and love.

This year’s theme “World a’ Glow” brought a wide variety of entrys including marching bands from multiple Santa Barbara and Goleta schools, a number of lighted parade balloons, along with dozens of floats. The parade’s grand marshal was an unexpected one: R2-D2 — who joyfully beeped and bopped as thousands of parade goers cheered. Santa Barbara

High’s representatives included the Dons Riders, Cheerleaders, and Marching Band which all brought with them an incredible level of energy, encouraging cheers from all the local Don Parade goers. The SBHS Marching Band (a long time entrant) played a variety of classic Holiday tunes — headed by Drum Major Diana Portugal. The SBHS cheer team performed a routine, and the Dons Riders on their fixy cruisers chanted the classic “Who’s House?” to the crowds as they made their way down State Street. The Dons Riders, founded just five years ago and run by Pedro Menchaca, brought their own team of dancers. Dos Pueblos and San Marcos had a number of entries as well, including the Dos Pueblos Jazz Choir, Marching Band, Cheerleaders, and Engineering Academy, as well as the San Marcos Marching Band, Dance Guard, Cheer, and their Kids Helping Kids Organization. Dos Pueblos even drove their Helmet car in the parade (after it was stolen earlier this year and deposited at San Marcos.)

Others included our neighboring Santa Barbara Junior High School Marching Band, who like the SBHS Band, played a variety of holiday tunes, Santa Barbara’s Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, Mayor Helene Schneider, State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, and many more. The Parade concluded with Paseo Nuevo’s Santa Claus wrapping up the annual event.

Aside from the Parade, Santa Barbara is incredibly festive, with the Downtown Committee lining State Street and Paseo Nuevo with Christmas lights and the holiday trolley running every night to view the various holiday light displays throughout Santa Barbara. Paseo Nuevo has its own corner of the North Pole with an enormous Christmas tree, Santa’s Workshop, and scheduled nightly “snowfall” in the center court. Make sure to come out and enjoy the “snow” Monday - Saturday at 7 and 8pm, as well as on Sundays at 5 and 6pm through December 24.

Snow in Santa Barbara? A Christmas Mystery!

Comic by Kieran Meaney

6 | NEWS

THE FORGE

DECEMBER 18, 2015

Doin’ Some Good in the World: The Dons Net Cafe Paying Foward, the Net Cafe Way

BY LIZZIE SAUNDERS Many students can identify the Dons Net Cafe as the business school here on campus, but only a fraction of the student population actually knows the vital and important role this program plays within the school and our community. The Dons Net Cafe (or as it is also known, the “DNC”) is made up of fourteen “successful and sustainable” businesses, each of them student run. “All of our businesses tend to focus around the idea of doing good in the world by either helping the community, people, animals, or the environment,” says CEO Elizabeth Avila, a current junior here at SBHS. The Dons Net Cafe was pioneered

by Ms. Lee Ann Knodel, the Dons Net Cafe’s founder and advisor (also known as Miss B). She began at Santa Barbara High School as an accounting teacher, but as she developed her

curriculum she felt her class would learn gain a valuable insight from an actual IRS agent. The IRS agent helped teach the students about the world of tax accounting and Knodel’s accounting class evolved into a tax business. Since then the Dons Net Café has developed into the number one tax site in the United States. In the beginning, the program had very little funding, so they had to ultimately fund themselves. “We needed T-Shirts -- so we decided to make our own,” said Knodel when discussing the origins of their “Design and Cut” program. To this day, Knodel and the Dons Net Café’s mission is to teach students about social entrepreneurship, how to build community and character, as well as the skills needed to run a business. Knodel has also shaped the students in Dons Net Café into very successful businessmen and women. Not only does Dons Net Café have the highest scholarship rate in the entire country (currently

over ninety percent), but many students often start their own businesses in this program; many alumni have businesses throughout the United States- all the way from comput-

Elizabeth Avila, Dons Net Cafe CEO

Jackie Carrillo, Chief of Production of Design N’ Cut proudly displays one of the DNC’s newest products

er tech to tax firm. “There are more success stories than I can count,” said Knodel.

The Dons Net Cafe is run under the course title “Virtual Enterprises” during third and fourth period daily.

Dozens of students work diligently within their departments in their section of Room 70. “Our biggest program is our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), where we prepare taxes for low income families and students at our school, all free of charge,” explained Avila. Every DNC member goes through IRS training and becomes certified as a licensed tax accountant. This is just the start to the generosity of the DNC. The Dons Net Cafe also is making an impact on the world at global level. As a part of the Do Ubuntu program, which helps build orphanages for orphans in Africa in areas where many children have lost their parents to HIV, the DNC sells bracelets which raise funds to build

and operate these orphanages. The DNC has also been involved with Dr. Jane Goodall’s “Roots & Shoots” program for five years now, and Ms. Lee Ann Knodel was named “Roots and Shoots” Leader of the year in 2010. But there’s more! The DNC also works with XS Project Foundation, which buys waste collected by trash pickers in Cilandak Barat, Jakarta, Indonesia. The newest venture of the DNC is Common Ground, a company designed to sell handmade jewelry from the Toba tribe of Paraguay. Proceeds of this business go directly to the Dons Net Cafe, Toba tribe, and local elephant organizations. Just last June the DNC won first place in the “Get a Taste of Success” Business Plan Competition, and were awarded a grand prize of $2,000 for their work with Common Ground.

Perhaps the most notable program within the DNC is their custom clothing company called “Design n’ Cut,” which produces custom

A student working hard on a design for the DNC’s “Design N’ Cut” Program

NEWS | 7

THE FORGE

DECEMBER 18, 2015

Ms. Lee Ann Knodel: Local Hero

Lee Ann Knodel | Photo Courtesy of Paul Wellman

BY SABLE LAYMAN

clothing both stylish, and modern clothing. While a great deal of their business goes to proud dons who purchase their wide variety of school gear, including t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, ties, onesies, and even aprons, they also have a substantial number of outside clients who hire them to create clothing for their event or business. The DNC does it all -- they design the logo on Adobe Illustrator, then use a special machine that etches out their design onto a material that is then applied to their apparel. The DNC also sells snacks during nutrition break, which is a continual source of revenue for the program. Additionally, The DNC runs a program called SBici which is SBHS’s very own Bike Coalition that teaches students bike safety, maintenance, and gives donated bikes to low income families.

The possibilities of what the DNC can accomplish are endless, and any and all students are welcome to enroll in this unique program. Some students are recruited by friends, but others join as legacies to the program. Knodel has had the opportunity to teach the children of her past students in the Dons Net Cafe. This sense of family atmosphere is the ideal for such a high achieving group, and enables them to work efficiently and productively together at such a fast pace. As practice for the real world once students are enrolled in the class, they must undergo interviews with successful or well known business partners of the Santa Barbara community.

The Dons Net Cafe is run similarly to the way a real business is run. Each student works under the direction of a President, who work under Vice Presidents who preside under “the C’s” (or Chiefs) with Elizabeth Avila as CEO. Each position is granted based on an interview process, which Avila tells us is “quite competitive.”

Knodel is the advisor of the DNC and runs a tight ship. Although the class is mostly student-run, it is Knodel that people look to for approval.

Thankfully, Knodel’s hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed: she was recently featured as a part of the thirtieth annual Local Heros issue of the The Independent. The article compared Knodle’s tough love to a

Lee Ann Knodel, colloquially known as Miss B, has been running the Dons Net Café since 1993.

She was raised in the “projects” throughout Texas, New Mexico, and California. Ever since she was young, she has been involved in different businesses throughout Santa Barbara; she came from a family from entrepreneurs, which prepared her for careers such as tax preparer, system analyst for companies (NASA, Mobil Corp), business owner, and a bookkeeper.

Before beginning at Santa Barbara High School and her multiple careers, she studied at higher educational facilities such as University of Texas, Chapman University, and UCLA where she earned degrees in Business, Computer, and mother’s, and her work ethic similar to a bumblebee-- hence the nickname. This compassionate attitude is clearly represented in her students.

The DNC produces highly-motivated kids who work on their own to complete their tasks willingly.

When asked how the Dons Net Cafe compares to the real world, Avila explains, “This class is different from our normal classes. Most of the time we are told to sit down and do our work, but in this classroom it is student- run. For instance, Miss. B isn’t here today, but everyone is still working. We know how to be on task, we know what we have to get done, and we still have to meet deadlines, just like an actual job. If we don’t get our products out there, we lose customers.” The seriousness of this real world atmosphere may be what drives DNC students to succeed after they leave the program and jump into the real world.

The Dons Net Cafe has been very active over the past few months participating in events such as the Santa Barbara Marathon. Students helped pass out water to runners including their close friend Moninda Marube, who won 1st place in the race. They also helped dogs, cats, and chickens get adopted through Care for Paws.

After an exhaustive season of philanthropy, the DNC can finally breathe and plan ahead for upcoming events such as Martin Luther King Day (for which they have something special in store!).

Clearly the Dons Net Cafe is living up to their motto of “Doin’ some good in the world!” but what can we do to help them out? Well, that’s easy.

Avila say the best way to help out is to keep supporting them and buying their products. Easy enough? I think so!

Accounting. She ventured off into the realm of teaching because it had always been her dream; she felt that she “would have never made it without so many teachers” who put her on the right path towards her very rewarding future. She began at Santa Barbara High School on her birthday: March 11, 1989. When she first began teaching, she taught accounting, CBA, and WP. Since 1993, she’s been teaching the Dons Net Cafe where her mission is to teach students about social entrepreneurship, building community and character, and learning skills.

Through Miss B’s line of work, she has shaped many students in the Dons Net Cafe into very successful businessmen and women; if you see her in the halls, thank her for all of her hard work in our community and throughout our school.

8 | NEWS

THE FORGE

DECEMBER 18, 2015

SBHS gives back with “Adopt-a-Family” Gift Drive

BY TYLER GREENWALD The season of giving is upon us, meaning the Child Abuse Listening and Mediation (CALM) organization is running its annual Adopt-A-Family gift drive. Adopt-a-Family -founded by the child abuse prevention organization C.A.L.M -- aims to accumulate gifts for underprivileged families across the county to alleviate the financial burdens that often accompany the holiday season. CALM “adopts” families who have been affected by child abuse and neglect, and matches them with sponsors who purchase holiday gifts, food, decorations, and items from the family’s wish list.

The process is simple: local impoverished families produce a wish list, including the desires of all members of the family and the various clothing sizes of each. High school classrooms across the county who participate in the drive are then assigned a family wish list, and the students then divide up their respective contributions. Private independent donors are also welcome to participate. The drive at SBHS is coordinated by the members and ASB and is run specifically by Jada Howard, ASB Secretary. She states, “It’s an honor to be a part of such a generous cause.

Adopt-a-Family makes a huge impact on these families’ lives and the parents are always so appreciative of all of the support that they get from

the community.” SBHS alone has 20 classrooms involved, each catering to one family apiece. The families affected are adopted from the Transition House, a shelter for the homeless community. The Transition House sees to it that all the families involved in the transition house will be given the opportunity to receive this gift from the community.

Jada Howard, ASB Secretary

Bill Dodson brings holiday cheer to the main hall every morning!

Just a few of the many gifts brought in through the Adpot-A-Family Project “We have been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of our community,” said Ashlyn McCague, associate director of development at CALM. “The excitement is palpable here at CALM, and many of us have been brought to tears several times by the reaction of our clients — disbelief, followed by excitement and pure joy. Our families are feeling the love

of the community.”

In addition to the Adopt-a-Family program, once again long-time Teacher Bill Dodson hosted SBHS’s annual canned food drive which directly benefits families in need through the Unity Shoppe. The program started thirteen years ago when Mr. Dodson was the advisor for the “Key Club,” a community service club. Over time, the club disbanded and Dodson took it upon himself to manage the drive. “That’s why I dress as Santa and blast holiday music in the main hall before school - to make them aware of what’s going on,” said Dodson. Over the past seven years Mr. Dodson, through the kindness of hundreds of students and staff, has collected nearly three thousand cans per year — more than ten times the number of cans brought in by any other school. “A few years ago the driver showed up and said ‘Oh crap! We’re going to need a bigger van’,” said Dodson when explaining the success of the program, year after year. Dodson says that the Unity Shoppe is grateful for SBHS’s generous donations and that that SBHS’s efforts truly make a difference in the community. “Because of the kindness of our students and staff, families will eat this winter break. That is something we all can be very proud of.”

Wrapping up another Christmas

Where has the holiday spirit gone?

BY ANINNA GONZALEZ The holidays have changed over the years, the holiday that was once meant to be spent around a fire with family to celebrate togetherness and thankfulness is now spent in long loud lines with angry shoppers. The holiday season is meant to be spent with family and friends; it is a time of year to show our love and appreciation for one another.

Recently, however, showing someone you care has come how big of a price tag you can manage to present to them. Shopping malls swarm with shoppers trying to find the best deal for gifts. Parents hire the babysitter, and run out to find the perfect toy car and barbie doll of the season. Many forget what the holidays are actually about. On the Friday after Thanksgiving a world known infamous “holiday” occurs, BLACK FRIDAY. The holiday has more recently begun to spill into the Holiday of Thanksgiving, where families actually spend the evening in a cold parking lot waiting for the midnight sales instead of a home celebrating what they are thankful

for. Leaving their families at home during one holiday in order to buy a gift to represent their love for their family four weeks later on a different holiday Whaaat? We have become desensitized to the season, and it’s no longer that you show love through being with family, but rather by who gives the most costly gifts.

Families take time away from the Thanksgiving holiday searching for deals while being pushed and tugged on by complete strangers.

Why is the new norm to leave the house and go buy meaningless gifts on one of the only holidays where gifts are not expected? Where’s the true holiday spirit? The one that brings families together talking, laughing, and sharing stories, that rare occasion where everyone for one day pretends everything is all right? We should be spending less time spending money on materialistic items and spend more time connecting with family. Next year why don’t we try spending the holiday celebrating not holiday spending.

(Above) Two of beneficiaries of Santa’s gifts wish him a less than happy holidays.

(Right) From the Vault, December 1976: Old Bossie wishes Santa Barbara a “Merry Christmas” with a custom paint job.

Thanksgiving: an Alternative Perpective

BY NELE KROSS Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States and Canada. The US celebrates it on the fourth Thursday in November, and in Canada it is celebrated on the second Monday of October. While Thanksgiving has its historical roots in religious and cultural traditions, it seems to me that in this country Thanksgiving is all about family, food and football. It is the most important family party of the whole year.

I am from Germany, and I had no idea what to expect. My first Thanksgiving went like this: It began with a hike with my host siblings Shayne, Sydney and Jason on the Jesusitas trail at 10 am in the morning.

The weather was great, and we had fun talking all kinds of topics, from the serious to the hilarious. My host sister told me that its a tradition for a lot of families.

My host mother stayed home and started making the turkey and other dishes.

Our meal began at about 4:00 pm. The meal consisted of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, beans and all kind of gravy. It tasted really good. For dessert the grandma made pumpkin and peanut butter pie. After we were done my host sister and I helped with the dishes.

At 6 pm my host sister and I went to our friend’s house for a second dessert! When we arrived, her whole family was there, and they showed us a lot of mind-blowing card tricks. There were lots of pies and other dessert dishes. I heard a lot of family stories, and it was really fun! It reminded me of an evening with my own family. My Thanksgiving experience was wonderful and I want to celebrate my own little Thanksgiving next year when I’m back in Germany in honor of the great day I had with my friends.

THE FORGE

DECEMBER 18, 2015

Smile, You’re On Camera!

NEWS | 9

HOLIDAY HOROSCOPES Aries: You may be feeling anxious or overwhelmed for the holiday season but never fear Aries, your perseverance and work ethic will help you prevail in this busy time.

Taurus: Well Taurus, we’ve approached a time of year that might contrast with your stubborn personality. Try to keep an open generous mind instead of dodging the eggnog and mistletoe.

Gemini: Ah the holiday season, what a perfect time to use your communication skills to spread love and cheer among friends family and even strangers.

Cancer: Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years! No big deal! Your motivation is perfect to not only get through the Holidays but make them great! Keep up the good work.

Leo: A prideful holiday season may sound good to you Leo, but not to those around you. As you connect with those dear to you, remember to prioritize other rather than tooting your own horn.

The recent break-in at SBHS underscores the need for school wide surveillance | Photo Courtesy of Beau Lettieri

BY WILLIAM BLONDELL Over the past three months, there have been numerous break-ins across the Santa Barbara School District.

At our school alone, multiple major break-ins have occurred, two of which resulted in theft. Earlier this year, the theatre was broken into, and over five hundred dollars worth of equipment was stolen. Most recently, the business office was broken into. This occurred the Saturday before Thanksgiving when intruders entered through the main hall by throwing rocks at the glass panes of the front doors, shattering the glass.

Then, the business office broken into by unknown means, and a safe was stolen which contained over fifteen thousand dollars which had been awaiting deposit. In wake of these events, heightened school security will be enforced, with the possibility of new surveillance cameras on campus. “Some of the individuals have been caught from other district break ins,” says Principal John Becchio. The Santa Barbara Police Department has identified the perpetrators from the

Business office break-in, and located the empty safe in the basement of the school, under the theatre.

The SBHS administration has been speaking with district officials about different ways of securing our campus, and preventing these types of crimes. There have been many suggestions put forward, and the district has yet to decide which kinds of security will be put in place. “If we were to put up surveillance cameras, say in the main hallway, all we would have to do is post a sign stating that anybody walking through the main hall is under surveillance,” said Mr. Becchio. No parental permission is needed for students to be recorded with surveillance cameras in a public place, as long as the children

Comic by Frances Kretschmer and Tess Francavilla

or teens are aware that they are on camera. This system is in place now in the theatre, where posted signs notify students, staff, and visitors of installed surveillance in use.

The question many people have asked is “where is the line drawn between security, and personal privacy?” Should surveillance cameras be installed in every classroom? Many say “no” as cameras in classrooms would most likely make the students and teachers alike feel uncomfortable. However, while students may not like being taped, it is completely legal to have cameras throughout the school, as long as signs notifying the public are posted. Within the next couple of months, we will start to see cameras in both the quad and the pool area. These will be a first installment meant to test the effectiveness and practicality of surveillance on school grounds. Hopefully with the installation of these cameras, any thieves will be able to be caught, and more importantly, act as a deterrent against these types of crimes all together.

Virgo: A change of season is no big deal to you Virgo! Your adaptation to changing social environment is key for a happy holiday! Don’t let downers get to your head!

Libra: Intellect is not necessarily the best trait for a festive season, but don’t let his get you down Libra! Use your evaluation to share with other who could use cooperation.

Scorpio: Beware Scorpio, don’t let your stubborn attitude get the best of you. You tend to be a little attachment proned. This fragile attitude is not ideal for such a hectic time of year. Be aware of your surroundings but don’t become so easily invested.

Sagittarius: The holiday season means that your usual restless energy could possibly turn into an anxious and uncomfortable time. Try your best to channel that energy into smaller more manageable projects and remember that it is impossible to please every single person.

Capricorn: Your natural goal setting mindset may work well for most of the year, but remember Capricorn, there are no rules during the holidays. Let things be without trying to achieve greater and do not over analyze to try and justify situations.

Aquarius: Ah Aquarius, your usual clingy personality means that you could potentially have a joyful holiday season. Consequently, it could also end up different from what you imagined and thus make you pessimistic. The holidays are supposed to make people happy so try not to alter what should come naturally.

Pisces: Your natural adapting personality may be at risk during a frantic season. Don’t let other people’s stress overwhelm you. In fact try to stay optimistic throughout all of December. You may be surprised how it can change your holiday season!

10 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE FORGE

DECEMBER 18, 2015

Imagination Takes Flight With Reflections Contest

Nina McCue’s first place submission to the Photography catagory of this year’s PTSA Reflections Contest

BY HUGH COOK This year’s reflections contest, organized by our amazing PTSA, produced excellent artwork in all categories including dance-choreography, film-production, literature, photography, music composition and visual art. This year’s theme was, “let your imagination fly”, an inspiring yet purposefully vague theme. According to the PTSA, “Art is an essential part of learning, it is vital to the individual and our school community.

It is a critical avenue of communication that can improve understanding between people at a local and global level. Our SBHS students’ work can only enrich their experience in school, work and play. Let’s applaud our youth for speaking their heart through art!”

The contest was judged by Mark Goerner, an illustrator and concept designer. He had this to say about

the value of the contest, “The process of judging art is an odd one, and challenging to place in tiers of

Will Blondell, First Place Visual Arts

success. What was wonderful with this challenge, is less the judging, but more in the learning. Each artist in this competition reached inward to bring an idea into form and their personality into the light. This theme is an open-ended and potentially challenging one. The submissions addressed this in such unique and innovative ways. Those that hit the higher marks were touching on the deeper levels of nuance and struck an emotional cord that can often elude even the most competent of artists for a lifetime. I am honored to have been a critical witness to the work and spend time understanding the message each piece conveyed.”

This year’s first and second place winners will advance to the next round, the PTA council level. In the visual art category, William Blondell took first place with a large self-portrait. Jenna Comstock won the Dance Choreography section with

Review: Choir Carols in Annual Concert

Alana Crang, Second Place Visual Arts a dance that portrayed a mindset she refers to as “the Frizz”. She says “because there are a lot of rules in dance, being able to break them is really fun.” In literature, first place went to Lily Stelzer, who wrote an essay that explored themes and ideas in psychology and philosophy, and in photography Nina McCue placed first with a beautiful picture of her sister appearing to be launching herself into flight. The winner of music composition was Chimaway Lopez.

He was inspired by an obscure form of rock that incorporates local, indigenous noises into the music. “I play Indonesian gamelan music, and

Music of the Night to Return

BY LILY CIESEK

The Madrigals, under the direction of Choir Director Ms. Mary LaFace at their Winter Concert | Staff Photo

BY CHLOE SHAAR On Friday and Saturday night of December 11th and 12th, the SBHS Choir department held its winter concert which was hosted by the new choir director, Ms. Mary La Face.The night was a beautiful, spiritual evening held at Our Lady Mount Carmel Church in Montecito.

The evening consisted of classic, religious songs as well as more modern tunes. The Esperanza group kicked off the night with perfect harmony and charm that helped you get into the winter spirit, when they sang four tunes, among them

“Jing, Jing a-ling.” Later followed the Women’s Ensemble, SBHS’s women’s lunch choir, who notably sang “Here We Come A-Caroling”. To finish off the first act, A Cappella, in their traditional green robes, performed a number of traditional song such as “Bashana Haba’ah.”

After intermission all of the groups came together to perform four songs, even the iconic “Jingle Bells” which left the audience grinning wide. After the group performances, the charming men’s group Invictus group performed their upbeat bebop rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman.”

Finally the main event of the night, the Madrigals, performed time-old favorites including “Cantate domino” and finished off with their unique version of “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”.

As the night came to a close, all choirs joined together once again and sang the classic ‘Silent Night.’

The lights were turned off, candles were lit, and it was quite a beautiful setting. Overall, the winter concert provided audiences with a great variety of modern and traditional tunes that brought everyone into the Holiday spirit, as we welcome 2016 and say goodbye to 2015.

a group from Southern Mexico who incorporate their indigenous language into their genre inspired me.

I incorporated both aspects into my music.” The mission of this contest is to “Encourage and celebrate creativity in your school with PTA Reflections, the national student arts recognition program.” This contest is held every year, and is always inspirational and a gateway to the multiplicity of talent at our school. If you didn’t enter this year, make sure to participate in the 2016 contest. The SBHS cafeteria is displaying the winning artwork; check it out in your free time!

This year our own SBHS theatre program will be putting on their annual production of Music of the Night. Music of the Night is a student directed, choreography, and produced musical compilation revue of sixteen musical numbers from a variety of different Broadway musicals, old and new. This year, the show is being directed by four SBHS students: Sable Layman, Dante Gonzalez, Rio Salazar and Lizzie Saunders.

Music of the Night’s was created in the winter of 2000 by SBHS students Blake Berris, Ashley Rodgers and Evan Hughes, as a fundraiser for the theatre program. The students di-

rectors, who are nominated by their peers, host auditions, cast the actors, choose the songs, and create unique choreography for the production all under the supervision of Artistic Director Otto Layman.

This year, the songs that will be performed range from classics like “Make ‘Em Laugh” from Singin’ In the Rain to more edgy and alternative ones like “Dammit Janet” from Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Music of the Night opens next month, with four shows: January 28th, 29th, and 30th at 7 PM or January 31st at 2 P.M. Tickets are $15 and for adults and $10 for students.

Come and see the creative brainpower of this talented group of students!

Directors Dante Gonzalez, Rio Salazar, Lizzie Saunders, and Sable Layman

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THE FORGE

DECEMBER 18, 2015

SPORTS 11

Wrestling: Determination, Perserverance, Success Inside the SBHS Wrestling Program

Squaring off: A duel on the mats

BY ANGEL CORONA It’s just you and your opponent.

The crowd is cheering but you can’t tell who they are cheering for. Your knees start to feel weak, and your arms are as heavy as lead. You begin to feel beyond nervous inside, but once you step on the mat you feel unstoppable. Your heart races. Time starts ticking. You’ve practiced the whole year in preparation to win this match but so has your rival. As wres-

tling season approaches, practice gets harder and longer every day, minutes become hours and the intensity increases. Why don’t I quit? Because a thing that is a lot harder than practicing, is losing; not leaving everything on the mat is the worst feeling. But the more I lift, the more I run, the more I grind, the more I find my confidence. And what really makes me take no days off and go harder every day is the thought that while I rest my opponent is training seven days a week to beat me. Wrestling is an in-

dividual sport, so you cannot blame any other team member for your loss.

This is what drives me to go beyond: there’s no one you can blame but yourself.

Many of the wrestlers are training hard individually outside of practice with hopes of making it into CIF, or for lower classmen to get a varsity spot in one of 14 weight classes. Wrestling is considered the hardest high school sport because it takes a combination of strength, stamina and mental toughness. A typical practice consists of a lot of hours practicing wrestling technique, strength training and cardiorespiratory fitness. Drilling moves with your partner is the most important part. “Iron sharpens iron” is a well-known motto in Wrestling because you need a good partner to be a better athlete in this sport. The importance of nutrition and lowering your body fat percentage in this sport is crucial since we compete in weight classes between 106 and 285 pounds.

Each match is usually 3 rounds, 2 minutes per round, with only 1 winner (Since 2006-2007, a tie-breakersystem has been instituted so that ties are no longer possible). The first round is usually dominated by the more talented athlete but the second round belongs to the technical expert and the third round goes to the person with the most tenacity. At this point your cardio plays the most important role, because if you don’t push yourself to your limit when someone else does, you will become mentally and physically exhausted.

Hours of intense practice leads to this Another difficult aspect of the sport is “making weight,” and no other sport on campus requires this.

Not only do you have to worry about training hard, but you also have to have in mind constantly what you eat and drink to maintain yourself at a competitive weight. Last year I managed to burn enough body fat and make the 145 pound weight class when my original weight was 157, but I succeeded by determination and sweating it out. Since our coach has been a health teacher and Strength Coach for more than 15 years, he walks us through this in a safe and effective way. We strength train in the weight room 4 times a week, which gives us a great advantage. Since our coach is a personal trainer, too, it makes every minute in the weight room powerful. In this sport you need to train your whole body and mind!

Our SBHS wrestling team is rela-

tively new, but gaining in popularity.

From my own experience, every year there are more and more people joining us in creating a better team and program. Our coach, Brian Pearson, is the main reason our program has made such great progress the last 3 years. My first year wrestling, there was only me and 6 other members of the team that would compete, but I stuck to it and in my second year Pearson came along. He helped me out not only by being my coach, but looking out for me. He offered me an opportunity to train with him over the summers, and gave me health advice, therefore helping me become a better student, athlete and person.

My goal this year is to win the title of Channel League Champion at 152 pounds, and to then earn a top 5 spot in CIF. This year is going to be the best one ever, with more than 30 wrestlers on the team and 3 other coaches leading us to victory!

Boys Basketball improves Melgoza paces Dons to an undefeated to 9-1 after 62-36 romp record and a Gold Coast Title over Rio Mesa

BY TYLER GREENWALD

BY TYLER GREENWALD The Santa Barbara High boys basketball team has been stellar so far this season, racking up 9 wins while faltering only one loss in the process.

The Dons most recently ousted Rio Mesa in their second home game of the season, cruising to an easy 62-36 victory in a non-league competition on Tuesday. Santa Barbara got off to a slow start as they were unable to create a significant deficit early on.

However the Dons began to get into a groove behind a strong defensive second half effort.

“I thought we played really good defense, especially in the second half,” said head coach David Bregante. “We were able to shut them down and start doing what we’re supposed to do offensively. I think that was our best defensive performance of the season.”

With 6’5 Bolden Brace limited with an achilles tendon-related injury, big men Nick Busch and Ben Clay stepped in to fill the void. Busch recorded a game-high of 16 points and snagged 4 rebounds in the process while Ben Clay posted a double-double on the night, tallying 11 points accompanied by ten rebounds.

“Bo has been hurt and it definitely slowed him down tonight,” said Bregante. “I thought the other guys did a great job filling in and taking advantage of their opportunities. Nick Busch was outstanding, Ben Clay was

outstanding, and I have to give credit to Ben Brown for an excellent game as well.”

Despite his injury, Brace was still able to knock down ten points on the night. Previous to the matchup against Rio Mesa, the Dons hosted their J.R. Richards Gym opener, where Brace totaled 32.

After some rocky play early on against the Rio Mesa Spartans, Santa Barbara got some momentum after Brown banked in a half court prayer just as the buzzer sounded at the conclusion of the first quarter. It turned out to be the first of three 3-pointers on the night for Brown.

The Dons will go on to face Bishop Diego on Friday in the first round of the Carpinteria Bashore Classic.

As the Santa Barbara basketball team progresses further toward Channel League, coach Bregante is prepared for the challenge that lies ahead.

“We are trying to get better every game. The league this year is going to be tough no doubt about it. San Marcos is going to be tough, they will have probably the best squad they have had in over 20 years. Dos Pueblos is very good this year as well.

So we have a lot of good competition ahead of us and if our guys can stay focused there is no limit to what they’ll be able to accomplish.”

and took a comfortable 20-point lead by halftime.

Finally, the Dons reached the championship game where they faced Channel League rival Buena at the San Marcos Thunderhut. The

Dons prevailed 88-55 behind the incredible offensive performance of Led by Washington commit AmMelgoza, who scored a season high ber Melgoza, the Santa Barbara girls of 37 points. That number could’ve basketball team has been perfect been even larger if she weren’t to this season, maintaing an undefeathave suffered a painful blow to the ed record and prevailing head midway through in the Gold Coast Tourthe fourth quarter. nament Championship Sophomores Alondra along the way. Melgoza Jimenez and Cassanhas been miraculous yet dra Gordon enjoyed again this season, postbig nights. Jimenez, an ing 116 points in the all-tournament team sespan of only four games lection, scored 20 points at the Gold Coast Clason 9-of-14 shooting and sic. The dons kicked off grabbed seven rebounds. the tournament a 67-14 Gordon handed out nine demolition over Santa assists and scored six Ynez, followed by a 76points.

37 conclusion against The Championship Cabrillo. victory gave Santa BarMelgoza and Alondra bara an unbeaten 6-0 Jimenez led the way in record going into its the second round, firing non-league competition in a collective 47 points with Camarillo in which at 30 and 17 respectively. they defeated the ScorpiSanta Barbara’s subons 60-42. The win was sequent matchup was a facilitated once again by semifinal meeting with Melgoza who dropped Lompoc, where the Dons an impressive 35 points. kept their momentum The Dons currently alive with a 75-48 decihold a 7-0 record and sion. Amber Melgoza’s 22 will look to rack in their points were a team-high. second tournament tiJada Howard added 12, tle at the Dons’ annual Alondra Jimenez 14 and Tournament of ChampiAlondra Jimenez dribbles past a defender in the Kimberly Gebhardt 13. ons on Saturday.

Gold Coast Classic Championship game.

As a team, the Dons were 31 of 56 from the field Photo Courtesy of Presidio Sports.

12 | SPORTS

THE FORGE

DECEMBER 18, 2015

Student-Athletes Sign Letters of Intent for College Dons sign on the dotted line

From Left to Right: Bolden Brace, Amber Melgoza, Kevin Gowdy, Julie Pitney, Bailey Wolf, Kristina Garcia, Natasha Feshbach, Brandon Sanchez. Not Pictured: Alea Hyatt | Photo Courtesy Vic Neumann

BY TYLER GREENWALD Santa Barbara High School seniors are currently scrambling to finish last minute college applications, and simultaneously beginning to receive their acceptances; however nine student-athletes are free of such anxiety and have the luxury of knowing exactly where they will be in the fall of 2016. These lucky athletes include Bolden Brace, Amber Melgoza, Natasha Feshbach, Brandon Sanchez, Kevin Gowdy, Alea Hyatt, and Kristina Garcia.

year and led the Dons to 29 wins and a spot in the state playoffs. “I was really drawn to the coaching staff when I went on my official visit,” says Brace.

“They were the first to recruit me and seemed really interested in me, more so than the other schools. Their style of coaching seemed to match up with my play and their attitudes were really good.”

As the all time leading scorer in the history at SBHS, it is no surprise that 5’10 guard Amber Melgoza has committed to one of the top NCAA Division 1 teams in the nation, Washington University of the Pac-12 conference. The Huskies tallied 23 wins last season and clinched a spot in the NCAA tournament. For Melgoza -- who averaged 33.5 points a game last year while totaling more than 1,000 for the season-- it is a perfect fit. “Washington will be a really good fit for her,” said Melgoza’s head coach Andrew Butcher. “Hopefully, she’ll do well. I know she won’t hold herself back. She’ll do what they ask and more. It’s exciting.”

Bolden Brace The Santa Barbara community has been itching to see where 6’5 guard Bolden Brace would go on to play after witnessing his dominant play at SBHS through two consecutive seasons. The answer: Northeastern University. Brace drew interest from five different schools, but after one visit to Boston, he knew he wanted to be a Huskie. Brace averaged 21 points and 7 rebounds per game last

Natasha Feshbach

Amber Melgoza

Natasha Feshbach is a force to be reckoned with both on the track and in the classroom, and has thus committed to Yale, where she will be able to pursue her love of both. She is one of the top multi-event prep athletes in the country and has recorded impressive results at invitational meets throughout her career. Specifically,

Kevin Gowdy Feshbach holds Santa Barbara County titles in the long jump, 100 hurdles, and 300 hurdles. “Yale is a great fit for me,” says Feshbach. “It’s the perfect mix between academics and athletics. When I visited I was able to stay with the team and I really liked the dynamic of the players and the campus. I knew it was the place for me.”

Brandon Sanchez isn’t going far to continue his talents on the soccer field, as he has committed to Loyola Marymount University. Sanchez is a small, speedy, and slick central midfielder who was incredibly crucial to the Dons’ success this past season.

Coach Todd Heil credits Sanchez, saying, “his ability to create in the offensive third and dribble penetrate kept opposing defenses on their heels and allowed his teammates to excel on the offensive end.” Sanchez says, “I’ve met a lot of the coaches and its clear that Loyola is really building a program. They made it to the round of 16 last year and I’m hoping I can help take them even farther. Also its in Los Angeles only an hour and a half away which is a big plus.”

Kevin Gowdy is more than just your average high school baseball player. In Gowdy’s career, he has been named a member of the Young Milwaukee Brewers Squad, and now has committed to UCLA, and has helped pace the U.S. National Team to its third consecutive world championship in a comeback win over Japan. “I chose UCLA a very long time ago because it has an excellent baseball pro-

gram and is also very close to home,” said Gowdy. “It’s also a great school academically.”

Alea Hyatt has known she will attend her dream school, the University of North Carolina, since before her sophomore year had even begun. Alea was named to the 1st team All-Conference and 1st team All-Area after her freshman season. She immediately became a hot commodity to multiple Division 1 colleges around the country, and has continued to dominate ever since.

Soccer is quite a familiar topic in the Hyatt household, which plays a big role in Alea’s considerable success.

Her father is a former college soccer player, and her brother Colin, a former student at SBHS, is currently playing on the Stanford team. Speaking of preparation, Hyatt says, “There is a lot of preparation involved and my coach is already helping me get ready, because he is very familiar with the program at UNC and their style of play. I’m excited, but also really scared because I know I’m going to be playing with and against a lot of experienced seniors.”

Brandon Sanchez Alea Hyatt is not the only varsity soccer player moving on to the collegiate level in the fall. Her fellow

Julie Pitney teammates Julie Pitney and Bailey Wolf are also attending top-notch universities next year, at UC San Diego and Wheaton College respectively. “I really wanted a big school that was also close to the beach,” says Pitney. “It just so happened that UCSD was interested in me for soccer. I made the decision pretty on-thespot but I’m very happy that I did.”

Bailey’s reasoning for her university differs: “Both of my parents went to Wheaton so I knew it was going to be a top option for me,” she says. “I was choosing between Wheaton and Westmont where my dad coaches, but I think I made the right decision.”

Last but not least, we have Kristina Garcia attending Cal Berkeley for Water Polo. Cal is a really prestigious university with a Division 1 Water Polo team that is among the top four teams in the NCAA. “I love the environment, I love the city of Berkeley and the coaches are all really great,” said Garcia. “UCLA and USC were also recruiting me so it was pretty nerve-wracking but I’m glad to have chosen Cal.” Every year, Santa Barbara High School grooms top-notch athletes that go on to play at renowned universities across the country, and this year has been no exception.