Tiger Newspaper Color Day 2019

Empowering students to think critically and creatively since 1913

VOLUME 106 ISSUE 2 OCTOBER 16, 2019

IN THE NEWS

SOUTH PASADENA HIGH SCHOOL 1401 FREMONT AVE, SOUTH PASADENA, CA 91030

Girls Volleyball

Great ShakeOut

Fall Arts Crawl

Girls volleyball will face off against the Temple City Rams for its Senior Night today, Oct. 16.

The annual California Great ShakeOut earthquake drill will take place on Thursday, Oct. 17.

Mission Street will host a night of art, music, and food for the Fall Arts Crawl on Saturday, Oct. 19.

COLOR DAY 2019

STORY KIMBERLY HSUEH & CHRISTINE MAO PHOTO JAYDEN EDEN

S

tudents and faculty dressed in orange and black covered the SPHS campus on Friday, Oct. 11, for the 2019 Color Day. The day’s events featured studentmade costumes and the high-spirited Color Day assembly, which included class competitions, student performances, and the announcement of the Homecoming Royal Tiger nominees.

Commissioner of Assemblies senior Evan Kowal led the day’s festivities, entering the assembly as the rapper “Tyler the Creator” and calling out students and faculty in his opening rap. Following this, the football team captains publicized their Color Day game against the San Marino Titans.

Multiple members of faculty danced in costume to “Footloose” for the annual teacher’s dance. This year, the teachers also faced off against students in the tug-ofwar competition, ultimately losing to the sophomore team.

Commissioner of Spirit senior Candy Wu introduced the Homecoming court nominees before revealing the 2019 Homecoming theme, “Night in the Floating City.”

“The assembly was well done and the dance Mia Dawson choreographed was really good,” senior Bella Kan said. “Evan definitely put his own spin on the assembly since there were less commissioner acts and more funny bits that landed pretty well. I also thought that Yutae killed it!”

Kowal believes this Color Day would be the most memorable for him.

Dance, Color Guard, and Pep had several performances to a medley of pop remixes.

In contrast to previous assemblies, Kowal also included an individual performance by beatboxer and junior Yutae Kim. Kim showcased his beatboxing skills in front of the nearly 1,500 student crowd.

“The overall vibe of this assembly was very positive and energetic,” Kowal said. “We really created a lively atmosphere for our student performers, including dance, Pep and Color Guard. With this being my fourth Color Day experience, I thought we had the best crowd and our performances were outstanding.”

Teachers and faculty also joined the assembly’s performances and competitions.

Final Homecoming court members will be announced on Friday, Oct. 18.

COLUMBUS DAY

JOKER

The observance of Columbus Day as an American holiday perpetuates detrimental Eurocentric views that must be addressed.

Page 5

The gritty film fuses Joaquin Phoenix’s stellar performance and Todd Phillip’s focused direction to put a smile on viewer’s faces.

Page 12

TIGERNEWSPAPER.COM

FOOTBALL

The varsity football team dropped its league opener against San Marino, 10-7, as the offense stalled in the fourth quarter on Friday, Oct. 11.

Page 16

2

TIGER OCTOBER 16, 2019

NEWS

NEWS

SPHS plans to host anti-bias workshops STORY AMBER CHEN

SPHS will host anti-bias workshops for students in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League on Oct. 29 and 30 to combat prejudice on campus and foster an environment of tolerance. The workshops will recruit 50 students from different backgrounds to participate in anti-bias training.

Workshops will help students examine their own biases and learn how to handle prejudice in the classroom. The goal is to combat politicized stubbornness and instead promote respectful and open communication.

SPHS teachers went through the same training from the Anti-Defamation League during their professional development day on Oct. 7. History teacher Annalee Pearson is enthusiastic about the new program, especially for the opportunity for students to be involved in important discussions and learnings.

“I think there is always a need for continued selfawareness, discussion, and dialogue [today],” Pearson said.

The Anti-Defamation League was formed in 1913, aiming combat heightened attitudes of intolerance towards Jewish people. Today, the nonprofit organization continues to fight hate with education and law enforcement training.

SPHS had previously contacted the organization after incidents of anti-Semitism, and when white supremacy posters were placed around campus last year. Principal Janet Anderson talked to the group about the possibility of implementing an anti-bias program and directly obtained the money needed from the South Pasadena Educational Foundation (SPEF).

“Over time, I have seen that people, not just students and teachers, but in society are having trouble having discussions without just holding firm on their beliefs, and not allowing someone else to share their beliefs,” Anderson said. “I think that we can’t necessarily affect the whole country, but we can start small and start here, learning how to respect other people’s points of view.”

Many students like freshman Kyra Nielsen plans to take part in these workshops.

“In middle school, I did workshops similar to those in the various clubs that I was in, so hearing about more peer leadership training at the high school intrigued me,” Nielsen said. “I hope to gain more knowledge about others and their background, so that I will be more inclusive overall.”

ROSE COURT PRINCESS senior Cole Fox will represent South Pasadena on New Year’s Day.

Senior Cole Fox chosen for Tournament of Roses court STORY SOFIA ALVA PHOTO JAYDEN EDEN

interacting with local children. Fox hopes to inspire youth as a court princess.

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association announced SPHS senior Cole Fox as a princess on the 2020 Tournament of Roses Rose Court on Monday, Sept.

30. Fox and six other young women will make over 100 public appearances before representing South Pasadena in the New Year’s Day Parade.

“I am very passionate about the environment and animal cruelty. I am also a firm believer that children are the future,” Fox said. “In my time on the court I hope to teach kids a little about veganism and being kind as well.”

Fox began the interview process in early September, along with her close friend and fellow South Pas senior Mia Dawson. Also placing in the top 25, Dawson was a top contender in the selection process. Hundreds of students from over 40 schools competed alongside Fox and Dawson.

The contestants were given short amounts of time to introduce themselves and answer questions before a panel of judges.

Prior to the interview, Fox prepared answers with her mother for potential questions; she also used her background in musical theatre and speaking skills to make a lasting impression on the panel.

“Because I do musical theatre, I’m used to presenting myself in front of people,” Fox said. “But this process allowed me to step outside my comfort zone because there was no script. It was scary going in, but all the girls there were very supportive and welcoming.”

The final seven court members will participate in many public outreach programs, including meeting and

As a lifelong resident of South Pasadena, Fox is excited and grateful for the opportunity.

“We haven’t had someone from South Pas on the court in a long time, so I know I have people rooting for me,” Fox said. “I really just want to shine a light on our community and showcase how much pride I have, having grown up here. This process has been so much fun so far and has taught me a lot about myself.”

Fox will continue to make public appearances before the coronation ceremony and court introduction on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at the Pasadena Playhouse.

I really just want to shine a light on our community and showcase how much pride I have, having grown up here... We haven’t had someone from South Pas on the court in a long time, so I know I have people rooting for me.”

Friends and coworkers celebrate life of SPMS teacher Paula Warner Speakers invited Warner’s loved ones to hear stories of her life and honor her legacy STORY SOFIA ALVA & ELLIE CAMPBELL PHOTO OSCAR WALSH Friends and family gathered at the Pasadena Shakespeare Club on Saturday, Oct. 5, to celebrate the life of retired South Pasadena Middle School teacher Paula Warner.

Warner, who taught at SPMS for 30 years, passed away in July following a prolonged battle with cancer.

Event attendees listened to speakers who shared their uplifting stories about Warner. Retired SPMS drama teacher Marion Tompkins and another one of Warner’s close friends Jean Martin organized the event and its courtyard reception.

Tompkins worked alongside Warner during her time at SPMS. Tompkins and Warner collaborated on various drama and Tigerette events. As one of the main speakers for the event, Tompkins shared many fond memories she had with Warner.

FLOWERS AND PHOTOS adorned the venue as attendees celebrated and remembered the life of retired SPMS teacher Paula Warner.

philanthropic, social and cultural organization.

Members remembered Warner for her elaborate dances she often performed in the club.

The former SPMS teacher involved herself heavily in the planning and organization of school events during her tenure. She especially enjoyed making posters, programs, flyers and, painting sets for school productions.

Warner dedicated much of her time at SPMS as the Tigerettes team coach; she always stayed to ensure that every member was picked up before heading home herself. SPHS sophomore and former two year member of the Tigerettes Ellie Lupien remembers Warner for her enthusiasm and ability to make everyone on the team feel accepted and heard.

“Ms. Warner made everyone feel [like a] part of the team and she was always enthusiastic about [coaching] the Tigerettes,” Lupien said.

“She always wanted to do stuff for people. She was very generous with her time and a wonderful woman. She did a lot for the school and will be missed,” Tompkins said.

Former Tigerette and sophomore Yeh Ju Lee remembers Warner not just as her coach, but also as lasting positive influence in her life.

Warner expressed her passion for dancing and theatre with her friends in the Shakespeare Club, a

“She was a dependable teacher and coach and she influenced me to be the person I am today,” Lee said.

TIGER OCTOBER 16, 2019

NEWS

3

Student group fights public school fees People for an Ethical Local Economy aims to eliminate illegal student fees on campus STORY NOAH KUHN PHOTO SEAN JIN GRAPHIC CHARLOTTE COHEN

P

eople for an Ethical Local Economy (PELE), a new community activist group, published a press release to spread awareness about the illegal fees students pay. The SPHS student group is pushing for the city to recognize the needs of less privileged students through education and petition.

The organization began its advocacy for the poor, homeless, and working class in South Pasadena in July 2019. Ruby Sortino, the PELE chair, is motivated by her working class background. “[My mom] is a single mother and she works her butt off all the time to provide for me and my sister and I just feel like it’s not fair that her, along with so many other families I know living in South Pas, aren’t represented,” Sortino said.

The activist group started its mission, making South Pasadena a more equal place by taking on illegal school fees.

Currently, SPHS charges students for sports, uniforms, cap and gown, books, and other school-related items.

The athletic program places many extra financial burdens on students.

Multiple sports, including volleyball and baseball, require athletes to spend over $100 for spirit packs, which consist of a personalized backpack, warm-up t-shirt, and sweatshirt.

Several programs, such as swim and tennis, mandate the purchase of team uniforms, which can reach upwards of $80. Student athletes in pep should expect to pay as much as $1500 for a ticket to cheer camp and a complete uniform.

California education code section 49011 states that school districts cannot “establish a two-tier educational system by requiring a minimal education standard and also offering a second, higher educational standard that pupils may only obtain through payment of a fee or purchase of additional supplies that the school district or school does not provide.”

John Srebalus, the PELE advisor, believes these extra school fees are illegal.

“In most cases they are not even allowed to ask for money and then make an exception,” John Srebalus, the parent advisor of PELE, said. “There is to be no fee waiver. They cannot ask for the fee.

[The school] needs to pay for the uniform, the books, the cap and gown—whatever it is in question.”

At the beginning of each school year, SPUSD sends out a Uniform Complaint

PELE CHAIR senior Ruby Sortino spoke out about the importance of free public education for the underpriveleged.

Process (UCP) notice to parents, providing information about pupil fees and legislative requirements. Srebalus believes the details of the notice are vague and misleading.

“The district is trying to take a short cut and drop some information on fees within the document on the Uniform Complaint Process,” Srebalus said. “[The district is] sending out this UCP notice which is inadequate and actually misleading.”

Srebalus communicated with the district and offered to edit the UCP notice for better clarification and transparency.

However, after amending the report, he

reached a dead end with SPUSD. “[The district] treated my email as a complaint and they put me through their uniform complaint process and said I’ll hear back no later than November 3rd,” Srebalus said.

In the meantime, PELE plans to stay busy spreading awareness of the illegal school fees issue.

“We have a flyer that I have actually personally handed out just outside the high school. We are working on ways of getting this information out there. That’s really what it’s about it,” Srebalus said.

TIGER

4 OCTOBER 16, 2019

NEWS

Behind SP's Waste Management STORY AMBER CHEN, CLOE MAURER, & ZOE SCHLAAK

PAGE DESIGN TALULLA CHOW & MADDIE YOO

GRAPHICS MADDIE YOO

S

outh Pasadena produces nearly four times more waste than the national average. Companies continue to overpackage and countries have been prompted to refuse American recyclables. Waste management companies can no longer make profits from recyclable goods due to this, accumulating items in landfills. South Pasadena’s Athens Services operates with the controversial one-stream waste system, which is convenient for management, but makes recyclables susceptible to contamination. Tiger takes a look at the current waste management system, city opinions, and prospects for the future of waste management.

Community Opinions on 'Green-Thinking' Waste Having easy access to a "green thinking" waste management service appeals to many environmentally conscious South Pasadena residents. However, the often failure of these companies to live up to their promises has dissatisfied many community members.

Many citizens are under the impression that Athens is doing their recycling for them. Athens' website claims that the “Athens' way culture” is to “embrace environmental stewardship through the use of clean technology to emphasize landfill diversion.” However, community members like Madeline Di Giorgi see Athens as untruthful to their promises.

“They’re a for-profit company and as long as they make their money, they don’t really care what happens to the environment,” Di Giorgi said.

They’re a for-profit company and as long as they make their money, they don’t really care what happens to the environment.”

“I think that there are many good ideas circulating through city council especially in the NREC, but I don't think enough action is being taken,” Jimenez said. “South Pas is a very progressive city, but not enough public support is being shown to help change come faster.”

The city has just started to think about a greener future for South Pasadena. The Natural Resources and Environmental Commission (NREC) was formed in the beginning of 2019. Still, residents such as sophomore Maximilian Jiminez believe the city hesitates to take concrete steps and communicate with residents about how waste and recyclable material is managed.

The Process

Commissioner of the NREC, Bill Kelly, proposed a plan to put heavier restrictions on the use of plastics, including the banning of single-use plastics in schools and restaurants. Kelly hopes that Athens will incorporate more environmentally conscious methods in the future.

“How [the plastics plan] was phrased was to discuss widening the ordinance. It wasn’t necessarily a commitment to do something at this point,” Kelly said.

“I would personally like to see faster movement than waiting over a year to take action.”

3. Sending to Landfill Since many countries no longer take recyclable plastic, most plastic ends up in landfill and the rest is auctioned off to other facilities.

Non-recyclables are buried in an oxygen free environment and the resulting bacteria produce methane gas. This gas is collected through a gas recovery system constructed from pipes and “used to generate electricity for nearly 10,000 homes each year.”

1. Waste Collection Athens Services collects waste from houses in small trucks, as the streets are too narrow for larger trucks. All the waste is then dumped into larger trucks to be transported to Sun Valley.

When dumped, waste and recyclables intermingle before the Athens' Material Recovery facility sorts through and separate them.

2. Processing Waste is sorted through a single stream system at the Sun Valley facility. Since cities like South Pasadena follow a mixed waste system, where trash and recyclables are thrown away in the same bins, lots of recyclables get contaminated. Only a maximum of about 50 percent of recyclables are

Athens Services' Plans for the Future The City of South Pasadena recently renewed a seven year contract with Athens. Part of this plan includes giving them control over the city’s organic waste processing; Athens plans on hauling organic waste 80 miles from South Pas to their composting facility in Victorville with big rig diesel trucks. Transportation would involve nearly 300 trucks a year for South Pas alone, with each carrying about 25 tons of waste. In addition, the contract will call for an additional two trucks to be sent to each house, on top of the one truck Athens currently sends, which negatively impacts South Pasadena’s air quality.

Diesel emissions currently make up about 40 percent of California’s contribution to global warming. Carbon

dioxide, which is released in large amounts by diesel vehicles, contributes to the greenhouse effect, trapping heat in the lower parts of Earth’s atmosphere in dangerously excessive amounts. The Natural Resources and Environmental Commission recommended that Athens publish a transparent emissions study, but there has been no follow up.

Athens will not face any changes to their plastic management in the near future despite recent action

by California. Athens can no longer profit money from recycling plastics, since many countries have refused to buy them, leading to these plastics ending up in landfills.

Senate Bill 54 and Assembly Bill 1080, two of the most

environmentally progressive bills in the California state legislature, were recently restricted from voting. SB 54’s passing would require manufacturers to dramatically decrease the single use plastic waste generated by their items and packaging, establishing a goal to have a 75 percent reduction by 2030.

Legislators assumed that there would be no point in voting on them, since so many had expressed disapproval of the bills. Athens lobbied against both bills. These bills would greatly decrease plastic waste, at the expense of severely limiting profits from waste collecting companies such as Athens, that make more money the more trash they haul.

TIGER OCTOBER 16, 2019

OPINION

THE TIGER ESTABLISHED 1913

CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2019 CSPA CROWN AWARD 2018 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2017 CSPA CROWN AWARD 2016 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2015 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2014 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2013

5

STA F F ED IT OR IA L

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PRESTON SHARKEY MANAGING EDITORS CAROLINE KIMBEL, Print DOMINIC MARZIALI, Online NEWS ADAM KWOH, Editor OPINION CAT FLORES, Editor NICOLAS LIU, Editor FEATURE LUYANG ZHANG, Editor SPORTS MATTHEW TSAI, Editor DESIGN TALULLA CHOW, Editor MADDIE YOO, Editor PHOTOGRAPHY OSCAR WALSH, Editor COPY CHRISTINE MAO, Editor PETER WANG, Editor STAFF WRITERS SOFIA ALVA, ELLIE CAMPBELL, AMBER CHEN, AUDREY ERNST, KATHARINE FLORENCE, KIMBERLY HSUEH, HAELEE KIM, NOAH KUHN, CLOE MAURER, BRADY NAKAMURA, ZOE SCHLAAK, AANJI SIN, LILIAN ZHU PHOTOGRAPHERS JAYDEN EDEN, KATELYN HERNANDEZ, ELLA JAYASEKERA, SEAN JIN, SARAH LEE ILLUSTRATORS NICHOLAS FORMAN, DAVID SOHN, ALICIA ZHANG GRAPHIC DESIGNER CHARLOTTE COHEN BUSINESS & ADS HYUN KIM, , Business Manager JOSEPH LEE, Ads Manager WEBMASTER & VIDEOGRAPHER ALEX PARRA FACULTY ADVISOR MIKE HOGAN VOL. 106 NO. 2 DISTRIBUTED ON OCTOBER 16, 2019.

DISTRIBUTION: 1429 STUDENTS; 70 COMMUNITY. 1600 COPIES PRINTED. DISTRIBUTED BY TIGER STAFF FREE OF CHARGE.

TIGER IS PRODUCED BY THE ADVANCED JOURNALISM NEWSPAPER CLASS AT SOUTH PASADENA HIGH SCHOOL, 1401 FREMONT AVE, SOUTH PASADENA, CA 91030. LAYOUT AND PHOTO IMAGING ARE COMPLETED ONSITE. PRINTED BY L.A. WEB OFFSET PRINTING, INC., EL MONTE, CA. SIGNED ARTICLES APPEARING IN TIGER REPRESENT THE WRITER’S OPINIONS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE STAFF, STUDENT BODY, FACULTY OR ADMINISTRATION OF SPHS.

Columbus Day is a sistortion of American history The continued observance of Columbus Day promotes a misguided and detrimental interpretation of American history Elementary schools have canonized the mnemonic “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue” when discussing early American history. Most students come to adopt this mindset, a curricular choice that solely acknowledges Columbus’ discovery of the Americas, but not the United States’ problematic background of colonization.

America has a blatantly Eurocentric focus when dealing with its own history. This offense censors many events since the country’s inception, and inaccurately portrays the history of indigenious people.

The historical content currently taught in schools continues to promote this misrepresentation through a biased curriculum.

This cannot continue; to stop another generation from growing up with the tactless implications of Columbus Day — the visible manifestation of America’s longstanding denial of genocide — American schools must explore history without erasing hard truths.

Grossly incorrect stereotypes are created when these injustices fail to be addressed. The belief that America was “discovered”

by Columbus ignores all the preexisting cultures of the Native Americans who initially inhabited the “New World.”

Schools, in a misguided effort to include indigenous history, only source content through books like Island of the Blue Dolphins and stereotypical projects like basket-weaving. The primary focus is on the Missions; while a crucial part of state history, their involvement in subjugating the Native Americans to Christianity — forcing them to convert to a European lifestyle by erasing their culture — is never clearly expressed.

This whitewashed version of events will never truly promote inclusivity of indigenous culture. Overshadowed by the California Missions, an education like this only promotes a deceitful message to impressionable

ORIGINAL STORIES WILL CARRY BYLINES, ALTHOUGH STORIES REWRITTEN BY ANYONE OTHER THAN THE ORIGINAL WRITER WILL NOT RECEIVE A BYLINE. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE BYLINES. CONTACT THE PUBLICATIONS OFFICE AT (626) 441-5820 EXT. 2615 BETWEEN 8:00 A.M. AND 4:00 P.M. FOR ADVERTISING RATES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS. TIGER WELCOMES ARTICLES, LETTERS OR REBUTTALS FOR PUBLICATION IN THE PRINT AND ONLINE EDITIONS. ALL LETTERS MUST BE SIGNED AND VERIFIABLE, BUT NAMES WILL BE WITHHELD UPON REQUEST.

TIGER’S MISSION IS TO PROVIDE A RELIABLE NEWS OUTLET FOR SPHS AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. THROUGH A VARIETY OF COVERAGE, TIGER EMPOWERS/ENABLES STUDENTS TO THINK CRITICALLY AND CREATIVELY, COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY, SOLVE PROBLEMS, SET AND REACH GOALS, AND WORK COOPERATIVELY AND INDEPENDENTLY AS RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS. TIGER IS A FORUM FOR STUDENT FREE SPEECH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA ED CODE 48907 .

ALL REMAINING CURRENT TIGER NEWSPAPER POLICIES ARE ONLINE AT TIGERNEWSPAPER. COM INCLUDING: CONFLICT OF INTEREST, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, CORRECTIONS, AND SOCIAL MEDIA.

students: there was nothing wrong with the European treatment toward indigenous people in American history. It is easy to see past this cover-up and recognize the nonsensical logic, but also impossible to escape all the subtle European influences in common sources.

In the meantime, America hypocritically tolerates senseless rhetoric that justifies European expansion. Human rights may have gained prevalence globally, but this proactivity does not seem to exist for indigenous people. When it comes to those who do advocate justice for Native Americans, a common response is that “people cannot lay claim to land. Therefore this is no genocide, but a consequence of warfare during conquest where a much stronger civilization conquered a much weaker one.”

This is nothing but an inhumane way of viewing history, and the inability of detractors to feel empathy conveys a lack of understanding to what ‘genocide’ means. People who dismiss the idea of a Native American genocide are guilty of abusing their privilege. Unsurprisingly, these people downplay the gravity of various situations indigenous people face today.

Nobody is exempt from recognizing the false idealization America is built upon; thus, there must be a movement to reform Columbus Day. In Los Angeles County, efforts have been made to transform the holiday into Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. The United States must do so much more to correct the inaccuracies of indigenous history in social studies courses, in addition to fixing the euphemisation and erasure of minority contributions and discrimination. Time is of the essence, and unless there is a proactive approach to rectify these wrongs, humanity will never truly atone for its dark realities of colonization and imperialism.

Boos & Bravos Tiger ’s cheers and jeers for the month of October.

BOOS

BRAVOS

BOO says the ghost. Happy halloween :3

BRAVO to EvanTheCommish for stealing the show from Pep with his eastyyyy dance moves.

BOO to the teachers who didn’t participate in Footloose. Mr. Papadakis was doing 360’s in a periodic table while you were saving your O2 on the sideline.

BRAVO to lunch. Yummy AF.

BOO to the students who didn’t vote for homecoming court. You are personally responsible for the deterioration of democracy in our society.

BOO to homecoming this year. I wanted a dance not a house party with teacher chaperones.

BRAVO to Color Day festivities for distracting me from the 400 I got on the SAT last week. Probably not as bad as it sounds, right?

BRAVO to Joe. Joe who?

6

TIGER OCTOBER 16, 2019

OPINION

PRO CON : Private schools Private schools are often only accessible to the wealthy, which limits enrollment and funding of public schools. Should private schools flourish at the expense of their public counterparts?

+ Students should have options STORY AUDREY ERNST ILLUSTRATION DAVID SOHN In the public school-dominated American education system, the specialized merits of private schools are often ignored. Private schools can provide students with an individualized educational experience that allows students to explore their passions with bespoke resources.

The removal of private schools wouldn’t improve public education. A private education isn’t exclusively for the wealthy — it can also provide brighter futures for those in lower income areas who don’t otherwise have access to quality schools.

Private schools have the tendency to accept predominantly wealthy students. However, there still are opportunities for disadvantaged students to gain admission, such as scholarships and recruitment for sports teams.

This doesn’t mean that private schools are the only option for a good education, but students should be able to decide if they want to attend a school that caters to their interests.

For students who excel at athletics, private schools also provide an effective path to college recruitment.

A private school can offer customized resources

and individual attention, which can be a dramatic improvement for students who come from a disadvantaged public school. Additionally, private schools offer advantages to student athletes. It allows students to strengthen their sport while also receiving an excellent schooling, otherwise inaccessible through a public education.

A big motive for joining a private school is religion.

Students can explore their faith at a religious private school and increase their involvement. For some, faith is an important aspect of life that is integral to education. Audrey Rekedal, a junior at Maranatha High School, a Christian private school, chose to attend this particular high school because it gives her the appropriate environment.

“Everyone has a Bible class specifically for exploring faith, and all teachers and coaches are available to talk to students about life outside of school. Teachers can talk about God in any class, and students can have a more personal relationship with each teacher.” Rekedal said.

Students should be given an option between attending public school or seeking a private education. Public schools work for many, but private schools can be a better fit for some; they provide students with adequate resources tailored to their specific interests and individually focused attention.

- Perpetuating classism STORY ZOE SCHLAAK ILLUSTRATION DAVID SOHN Students are offered a higher quality education through private schools, but with an elite education comes the preservation of a system built off of inequality, keeping the very people that need the most resources underfunded and underserved. These schools offer resources far superior to public schools, but the high price barrier prevents lower income students from accessing these opportunities. Private schools encourage inequality and exclusively benefit the upper class; they must be eradicated to promote equality between students of all socio-economic backgrounds.

The boons associated with a private education place students attending these schools at an immense academic advantage over others. With a greater endowment, private schools offer highly trained teachers, smaller class sizes and better technology.

Complimentary college counseling is offered at most private schools, whereas public school students must pay out of pocket to receive counseling. As a result, students who attend public schools are often less prepared for the college process, including the SAT, college essays, and creating a resume. Accordingly, the extensive wealth circulating through private schools sets students up for greater success at elite universities and jobs after high school.

Nobody should be able to pay their way through life to reach success. Wealthy, upper class families have access to better schools and as a result, better educational resources for their children. However, this is solely possible because of the families’ abilities to pay. In fact, most of the time these families are composed of a line of wealthy ancestors who for generations have been able to obtain the same elite resources.

This cycle of wealth has resulted in private schools being primarily dominated by the upper class. Consequently, lower income families have more difficulty being successful due to the fact that elite education is exclusive. Children from lower income communities are at a higher risk of unemployment, which continues the cycle of poverty.

The government needs to abolish private schools and evenly distribute funds instead of portioning out funds by highly skewed socio-economic guidelines, such as test scores and attendance, which are higher in richer neighborhoods. The government must acknowledge the nuanced cast of circumstances which surround school funding.

Students from poorer public schools cannot be expected to succeed if they are not provided equal opportunities, and they cannot be held to the same standards without these resources.

OPPOSITE OVER HYPOTENEUSE | AANJI SIN

Hidden thorns of the Rose Court I used to dream of being on the Rose Court when I was young. I was obsessed with what being on the court represented: poise, beauty, elegance, all the makings of a real life princess. But when presented the opportunity to interview for the court as a high school senior, I suddenly realized how the Rose Court fundamentally goes against many feminist ideals.

The Rose Court is supposed to recognize the most poised and presentable young women of society. But with that recognition comes a twisted message about what being a respectable young woman really means.

There is nothing wrong with fancy dresses, charity work, and smiling and waving for hours on end, but to advertise this to young girls as criteria for becoming

a successful woman is misleading and damaging.

The highlight of the Rose Court experience isn’t even charity work — it’s sitting on a float in the freezing cold and rolling down Colorado Boulevard at a half a mile per hour, an anticlimactic end for a supposedly remarkable group of young women. The more one thinks about it, the more obvious it becomes that the entire process is actually an over-glorified beauty pageant.

The purpose of the Rose Court is overtly pointless. Seven high school girls are woken up at the crack of dawn, dressed to perfection, and taken around the Pasadena area to charity houses and events, but the list of responsibilities seems to stop there. According to a Southern California Public Radio article about the century-old tradition of the

Rose Court, many past queens who were interviewed said the same thing: “It’s a nice tradition.” But maintaining a “nice tradition” that is unreasonably exclusive and doesn’t accomplish much more meaningful work in the community isn’t productive or progressive at all.

I’m not against empowering women. The Rose Court has the right idea in terms of its mission and overall goal for the girls they choose for the court, but the way this mission is carried out is all wrong. The Rose Court needs to ditch its century-old traditions of inefficient charity work and notions of what it means to be a “lady.” Rather, it should encourage their girls to take on leadership positions within their community that speak to their passions.

TIGER OCTOBER 16, 2019

OPINION

7

Comedy is no excuse for harassment Dave Chappelle’s recent stand-up special isn’t what comedy should be — it’s harassment STORY AUDREY ERNST ILLUSTRATION TALULLA CHOW Comedians aren’t known for their political correctness, but there are certain topics that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Still, Dave Chappelle’s most recent Netflix special released in August, Sticks and Stones, mocks the men who Michael Jackson sexually abused. During the show, Chapelle questions the validity of the victims’ accusations. He then claims that if their accusations are true, they should feel lucky and honored that they were abused by Jackson.

The stand-up special focuses on the serious topic of victim blaming yet trivializes the issue. Comedy’s job is to balance its intrinsic humor with a broader social commentary, which is where Chappelle’s jokes fall short. Without a degree of edginess or shock value, comedy becomes a speech; without proper restraint, this speech turns into harassment and ignorance.

Chappelle has a long history of questionable content that has mostly been overlooked until now. What may have been publicly acceptable to say ten years ago is now taboo, as there is a heavier emphasis on political correctness.

Many comedians have built a career on politically incorrect and offensive humor in the past, with Chappelle being a prime example. The political climate has evolved and Chappelle’s humor has not

kept up with the times. Society is now less accepting of jokes that directly or indirectly perpetuate prejudices like homophobia and victim blaming.

The jokes in Sticks and Stones not only mock Michael Jackson’s accusers, but also Anthony Bourdain’s suicide, the woman who produced the documentary Surviving R. Kelly, and the LGBTQ+ community.

This is unacceptable. Comedy should not be used as a tool to cruelly ridicule other people’s struggles without purpose, or to diminish painful experiences for humorous shock value.

Celebrities must practice accountability, because what they say has a huge influence on their audiences. When joking about heavier issues, there must be a purpose behind it. Chappelle’s stand-up special has no productive social commentary; he instead used his platform to victim-blame survivors of sexual assault, which is an important topic that is often not taken seriously, especially against huge stars like Michael Jackson.

Some argue that comedy is supposed to push cultural boundaries, which is true to a certain extent. But there is still a line that defines what is acceptable to say, and Chappelle undoubtedly crossed it. Comedians such as Chappelle must renew their comedic strategy with a purpose to empower — and not diminish — people’s experiences.

Introverts deserve a voice too STORY ELLIE CAMPBELL ILLUSTRATION ALICIA ZHANG In a world dominated by extroverts, introverts are often misunderstood and perceived as shy, when in fact they tend to focus more on their internal feelings than on what is going on around them. Shy people, on the other hand, don’t necessarily want to be alone but are afraid to interact with others. The difference between these two characteristics is often skewed to the extent that those who identify as introverts are subjected to an unsupportive educational environment, creating a cycle of exclusion.

Introversion and extroversion aren’t based on how people act in the world but on how they recharge. Extroverts tend to relax and recharge when they socialize around people, while introverts do the opposite; they find themselves most relaxed when they are alone. Often people perceive them as always wanting to be alone and not interested in socializing. But being an introvert does not equate to asocial tendencies — it is simply a natural tendency that cannot be changed.

In spite of this, modern classrooms often force introverts to abandon this independent behavior for participation in an environment they are not comfortable in.

This is predominantly seen in classroom environments where teachers expect all students to speak up and participate. However, introverted students may not

find speaking up to be the best way for them to learn.

Consequently, introverted students who don’t put forth their ideas as consistently can be seen as less engaged and maybe even as less intelligent. Not only could this affect a students personal reputation but it can also negatively affect their grade. Socratic seminars and other classroom discussions enable extroverted students who are more inclined to speak to be recognized as more knowledgeable.

The resulting feeling of inadequacy may cause introverts to lose self esteem and feel afraid to speak up, perpetuating the domination of louder voices over others in the classroom.

This system unfairly favors extroverts which in turn makes it more difficult for introverts to learn.

Introverts are judged on their failure to conform to an extroverted society. It is time to start appreciating the qualities that introverts bring forth instead of trying to change them to be more outgoing. Incorporating more independent work into curricula and making participation about quality not quantity are ways for teachers to help provide ideal learning environments for introverts in the classroom.

Extrovertedness is so idealized in modern culture that introverts are set at a disadvantage by the sheer nature of their own personality. Whether a person is an extrovert or an introvert, it is always important to recognize and accept different personality types and to create learning environments that are optimal for all students.

Sports scholarships are unnecessary STORY SOFIA ALVA ILLUSTRATION NICHOLAS FORMAN Many high school athletes dream of receiving scholarships from top colleges. On the other hand, more academically inclined students have to work harder in school by taking challenging courses and maintaining good GPAs to receive admission.

Athletes should not have a better chance of acceptance into college for the sole reason of being athletes; it is unfair that athletic ability is such a significant factor in college admission.

In order to even out the playing field for academic students, American colleges and universities must begin awarding more academic scholarships than athletic scholarships.

It is a waste of time and money to focus so much on awarding athletes, much less give scholarships to those who may not even graduate. According to the NCAA, only 65 percent of college athletes graduate. Continuing to fund athletic scholarships will not only waste university money, but will also take away opportunities from academic students who work just as hard.

When applying to colleges, athletes have an overwhelming advantage. Athletes are often not required to meet the academic standards of universities and are admitted without regard for their grades. Colleges often offer admission to

athletic students with subpar grades at the expense of other, more academically inclined students. It is completely unfair that students with better grades than athletes are not accepted simply because they are not athletes. To offset this advantage, the athletic scholarships that are still being awarded must be reserved only for the most exceptional of athletes who also meet the academic standards of that college or university.

The fact that many college athletes bring in a large amount of money is a common argument against reducing the amount of athletic scholarships awarded. Schools already make money from selling tickets and merchandise, and university athletic programs are tax exempt. This exemption allows universities to maintain a huge overflow of funds in their athletic scholarships.

This excess funding should go towards more academic scholarships instead of remaining in the athletic programs.

The reduction of athletic scholarships and the increase in academic scholarships awarded annually will not only benefit students who excel at academics rather than sports, but the future of society as a whole. A culture that is able to reliably and ideally discern its priorities, particularly when knowledge and education are concerned, should prioritize academic scholarships over sports scholarships to encourage intellectual growth.

8

TIGER OCTOBER 16, 2019

JUNIOR YUTAE KIM shows off his rhythmic chops with an intricate beatboxing performance.

TIGER OCTOBER 16, 2019

COLOR DAY

9

THE ASTRONAUT GIRLS put together an imaginative and charming costume while smoothly incorporating South Pasadena’s school colors into their ensemble.

THE JUNIOR’S SECTION in the gym projected an ambient orange glow as students patiently waited for the annual Color Day Assembly to begin.

STORY ELLIE CAMPBELL, CAROLINE KIMBEL, DOMINIC MARZIALI, & AANJI SIN PAGE DESIGN TALULLA CHOW & MADDIE YOO PHOTOS JAYDEN EDEN, KATELYN HERNANDEZ,ELLA JAYASEKERA, SEAN JIN, & OSCAR WALSH

S

EMBRACING SOUTH PAS’ COLORS, the Spoons roamed campus with their attention grabbing costume.

THE HISTORY DEPARTMENT put a creative orange twist on the classic Where’s Waldo cartoon.

tudents entered SPHS on Friday, Oct. 11 in vibrant orange and black costumes to commemorate the 81st annual Color Day. The celebration marks the first football league game of the season where the Tigers play against their rivals, the San Marino Titans. Every year, students and teachers alike dress up as a variety of different characters, items, and people.

The day began with a costume competition held by ASB on the Tiger Patio. Each costume was evaluated by a panel of judges, with the class winners announced at the Color Day Assembly, hosted by Commissioner of Assemblies Evan Kowal. The Roman Army took the first prize in the senior class while the Counseling Department, dressed as sailors, won the staff award.

Later, the grades faced off in multiple class competition games such as the annual tug of war competition and a “fetch the item” game. This year, Kowal included a teachers versus students portion of the tug of war competition, where the strongest of the teaching staff rivaled the winning student class. The 2019 homecoming court nominees and the results of the class poster competition were also announced at the assembly. A home football game against San Marino closed out the day’s festivities.

THE SPHS DANCE PROGRAM performed during the assembly to a medley of pop songs, led by dance captains Kayla Nielsen, Mia Dawson, and Tabitha Okitsu.

THE AWARD WINNING COUNSELOR CREW blew the crowd away with their sailor get-up. Using orange accessories and striped uniforms, the counselors stood out from the rest of the staff.

TIGER

10 OCTOBER 16, 2019

FEATURE

FEATURE

Green beans for dinner CAROLINE KIMBEL

Urban Outfitters sucks Walking into Urban Outfitters as a prepubescent teen felt like a daydream. In middle school, I never would have imagined finding a single clothing item there that wasn’t absolutely perfect; I basically wanted to live inside the store. But who could have blamed me? All of the YouTube beauty gurus I subscribed to raved about it, and many of them also posted #smexy selfies in all of the trendy brand’s clothes.

Unfortunately, like many other influential and popular teen brands, Urban Outfitters is quite frankly is an unethical company.

MATCHING THE QUALITY of traditional Chinese crepes while providing a variety of unique American add-ons, Me + Crepe is sure to satisfy a broad range of customers.

Me + Crepe puts an exciting twist on Chinese street food

The restaurant is one of few in LA to specialize in savory Chinese crepes STORY LILIAN ZHU PHOTOS ELLA JAYASEKERA

W

hile dumplings and chow mein have become Chinese cultural food icons throughout the world, jian bings remains one of the culinary gems that is largely unknown outside the country’s borders. Traditionally, jian bings are savory crepes that include green onions, soybean paste, and eggs, and are generally prepared and served as an inexpensive snack in the street markets of China.

Me + Crepe, one of the few restaurants in greater Los Angeles specializing in the dish, caters to the needs of both jian bing enthusiasts and adventurous foodies alike through authentic ingredients.

Situated in the chaotic buzz of Old Town, frenzied cooking in the front kitchen combines with the chatter of customer conversations to create the same busy atmosphere in the restaurant as the market streets of urban Beijing.

The emphasis of the restaurant is clearly on the food rather than the decor, as the interior of the restaurant is crammed with clusters of small yet welcoming tables and chairs, their muted tones accented with splashes of green from fake plants adorning the walls.

Although a unique food, jian bings are easily and quickly made at Me + Crepe. To start, millet flour is thinly spread on a hot surface and mixed with a beaten egg. Chopped green onions and sesame seeds can also be added into the thin pancake to develop a more nuanced and appetizing flavor, and the customer is given the option to include less traditional add-ons including cucumbers and corn in their crepe.

Me + Crepe offers 14 different types of crepes ranging from classic choices, such as the meatless Original, to more specialized fusions like California Chicken. Despite their different fillings, each of these crepes are based on the same authentic jian bing components.

The new beef crepe was comforting through its familiar textures and flavor of more Americanized food. The cheese was a tad stringy and the flavor dissipated quickly, but the lingering tenderness of the beef more than made up for this shortcoming. Although it lacked satisfying aftertaste, the overall crepe was flavorful and aromatic.

The Peking Duck crepe was even more of a treat, and had a simplistic and fresh appeal. The tangy duck meat mixed with soybean paste proved to be the perfect balance of earthy and rich flavors.

The two jian bing’s flavors are greatly enhanced by the traditional add-on of fritters, or deep fried batter. The thin fritters are directly embedded into the crepe, and bring a crispy and satisfying texture to the dish.

The restaurant is exceptional at keeping the authenticity of the time honored snack through its interpretation of China’s jian bing while creating a diverse blend for more people foriegn to the food. Through its unique fusion of cultures and approach in allowing customers to customize jian bing, Me + Crepe is certainly worth a visit for those looking for a novel take on traditional Chinese food.

Address: 89 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105 Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Saturday — Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Price: $$

The company has been freeloading off of other people’s cultures since the early 2000s.

In 2012, the Navajo Nation sued them for trademark infringement after they released a line of products using the tribe’s name and symbols to turn a profit.

Other similarly corrupt clothing brands include Brandy Melville, Forever 21 and H&M. Brandy Melville has repeatedly stolen struggling artists’ work without their consent and has never given them any credit whatsoever or apologized.

Forever 21’s clothes are mostly produced in Bangladesh, where it’s workers make 12 cents per item produced. To put that in perspective, a worker would have to make 67 pieces of clothing in order to make $8.00. H&M has faced repeated allegations of neglect towards workers’ rights across its sweatshops in various third world countries.

The sad truth is that even though most people know how horrible these companies are, the same people still give them their undeniable support. Especially now, while people are striking school for climate justice, many of them are also continuing to support the second most polluting industry in the world: fast fashion. This is quite ironic considering that these same young people calling out the government and large corporations are not considering the environmental impact of their very own shopping habits.

The replacement for supporting these unethical clothing companies is shopping secondhand. And while consumers need to be aware of the space they take up in thrift stores since they were designed for lowincome individuals, secondhand shopping is — and always will be — a more ethical and sustainable option than supporting fast fashion. It’s unfair for these companies to get away with exploiting their workers in third world countries and profiting from other peoples’ cultures at the expense of the environment. In order to properly call them out for their actions, consumers need to boycott them altogether.

TIGER OCTOBER 16, 2019

FEATURE

11

PERSONALITY PROFILES KATIE HOHMAN: ADVOCATING WITH A SMILE STORY KIMBERLY HSUEH PHOTOS SEAN JIN & COURTESTY OF KATIE HOHMAN

Cases like education reform can be solved by young people and we have the power to be a generation of change.”

A

Hohman has always considered political awareness an important skill. In her free time, she browses through opinion articles on current issues. Curious on how articles are written, she applied for The New York Times’ summer academy where she covered libel trials and gathered public information through interviews. Although she was intimidated by the large city and bustling crowd, she managed to bravely pull out her notebook and complete her search for interviewees.

year and a half ago, Katie Hohman found herself in a crowd of 500 peers when she stepped onto Fair Oaks Ave. On March 24, 2018, she participated in a walkout that memorialized the lives that were lost in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Hohman felt a wave of pride for her classmates in their contributions to the nationwide movement, as they held up signs and shouted anti-gun chants.

Although this was only her first protest, Hohman already felt the large amount of power and passion the student body had in their voices.

In that moment, she realized the importance of taking action in progressive movements and inciting change within her community.

In elementary school, Hohman was quiet — she spoke when she needed to, but never found the confidence to truly express what was on her mind. But that changed when her friend asked if she was free to attend a political conference.

PROJECTING LIMITLESS ENERGY AND POSITIVITY, junior Katie Hohman has overcome her personal shyness to encourage her peers to step out of their comfort zones and engage in meaningful, constructive discussions about current political and social issues.

At age 12, she became a mock delegate in the YMCA’s Model United Nations, where students discuss diplomacy and global issues. While it was initially daunting to speak in front of a hundred students, over time, she grew to enjoy voicing her opinions and began to feel an empowering sense of inner peace and strength. She joined Youth and Government with a goal to lead her peers out of their bubble and guide them towards projecting their voices.

“Being involved in politics from a young age has made me more eloquent, hard-working, and open-minded,” Hohman said. “Being surrounded by well spoken teenagers inspires me to be more involved in my community.

Hohman’s willingness and capability to walk out of her comfort zone aided her in prompting discussions during the interviews. Through this experience, she realized that when discussions, conflicts, and solutions are created, a community becomes more integrated and true democracy can be achieved.

“Agreement and democracy can be reached when one is willing to say the things that others won’t and push them to do the same,” Hohman said. “Communication is all about being open and embracing opinions, along with change.

Although it may seem scary, when you say what you want, you illicit discussion and become a force of democracy, even within your daily life. ” Hohman’s journey of writing and collaborating with other vocal and passionate people in The New York Times summer academy, Y&G, and the South Pas community led her to overcome her past fears of criticism and continue the path of self improvement and awareness. Determined to help others take on the same journey, she has become an outspoken, energetic, and passionate leader who strives to make others feel comfortable enough to speak and act out against the world’s injustices.

ISAIAH HALL: AN ENDLESS FOUNTAIN OF CURIOSITY STORY PETER WANG PHOTOS ELLA JAYASEKERA

J

unior Isaiah Hall is quite the enigma to most of SPHS; his typical perception is that of a ‘token weird kid.’ What most students fail to realize, however, is that his eccentricity is complemented by razoredged brilliance and a wildly spontaneous sense of wonder.

Hall is a relatively new face in South Pasadena, having moved here from Maplewood, New Jersey in his sophomore year. The transition has been somewhat difficult, due to SPHS’ larger student population, exclusive cliques, and his personal struggles. “[One thing I find difficult] is talking to people,” Hall stated, an observation that explains why he is often misunderstood.

A fact generally ignored by his peers is his intelligence; he is currently studying abstract algebra at Cal State LA after finishing AP Calculus BC in seventh grade. Contrary to expectations, Hall is surprisingly humble when it comes to his achievements. He refrains from showing off in class — save for relevant contributions to discussions. Instead of confusing others with pretentious language, he chooses to remain plain-spoken and grounded with a distinctive sense of humor. “[My greatest flaw] is my overactive brain,” he said with a sarcastic chuckle.

Though Hall wishes to pursue a degree in science, his intellect is overshadowed by his unstoppable drive to apply his abilities to unique and diverse passions, which go beyond traditional academia. He has practical goals in mind — ones with tangible impacts on

society. In particular, he hopes to use his skills and knowledge to address the trivialization of scientific evidence in the modern political atmosphere, systemic bias and corruption within the scientific community, as well as the global climate crisis.

In his spare time, Hall explores his interest in linguistics, an uncommon field. He is often found researching the history and constructs of languages or sounding out phonemes, the unique sounds that make up a language. Additionally, he formally studied and is proficient in Latin. His interest in such a rare and ancient language stems from curiosity and not tradition, as it improves his ability to investigate paths of evolution within Western languages.

Hall has also set his sights on a more physical outlet for his otherwise contemplative energy: karate. Despite the martial art’s competitiveness and physical exertion, he asserts with unyielding confidence that “it is not a sport.”

As with his other pursuits, his dedication is motivated by a grander meaning, not just the basic merits of the activity itself. The countless hours of drilling, sparring, and board-breaking have left a lasting impact on his character.

“My karate teacher [in Maplewood] was completely formative to how I learn” Hall recounted. “Karate requires you to analyze moves, [which taught me how] to focus.”

Although his abilities are exceptional to a unique degree, Hall is fueled at his core by an extraordinarily rabid, yet intrinsically human, imagination. He refuses to let himself be defined by the singular trait of intelligence; Hall does not see himself as a genius, but a stargazer.

ALTHOUGH HE IS OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD

BY PEERS, Isaiah Hall harbors many interests within his brilliant mind.

Defying common perceptions, his aspirations and oneof-a-kind intellect extend far beyond ordinary academics.

TIGER

12 OCTOBER 16, 2019

FEATURE

Joaquin Phoenix brings an iconic villain to life in Joker STORY BRADY NAKAMURA & MATTHEW TSAI ILLUSTRATION DAVID SOHN

J

oker, a sadistic psychopath and the world’s most recognizable supervillain, lives to incite chaos and catastrophe. Accordingly, an R-rated film starring the criminal mastermind as the protagonist would breed a tsunami of controversy.

Even before the movie was released, critics and fans immediately bashed the message, fearing the film’s glorification of murder would serve as a trigger for real-life violence. However, director Todd Phillips’ Joker provides more than just a dark, gory comic book experience. It is a beautifully shot, masterfully crafted character study that speaks volumes to today’s society.

Set in 1981 dystopian Gotham, the film follows Arthur Fleck, a battered, impoverished man afflicted with pseudobulbar affect: a condition that leaves him hysterical in the most inappropriate of moments.

Repeatedly tagged a “freak,” Joker hones in on the titular character’s tragedy of isolation and abuse as he struggles to escape the suffocating grasp of his label.

Aside from his internal struggles, the atmosphere of his confines further pushes Fleck into madness. He is surrounded by a derelict world without superpowers that is headed towards anarchy. In his city, the poor are left to die and the rich are getting richer, while trash is mounting towards the spires of Gotham’s shadowed, towering skyscrapers.

In his descent into madness, Fleck decides to stand up for himself by inciting riots, unintentionally becoming a symbol of empowerment to the downtrodden poor who are stuck at the bottom of the societal pyramid.

As a character-driven film, Joker instantly sets itself apart from other comic book adaptations; it is a slow burn, not an action-filled slugfest. Phillips and co-writer Scott Silver create an engaging, intense narrative while avoiding common movie tropes. Everyone knows that Fleck will become the Joker, but his downward spiral is unpredictable and intoxicating. The duo also shapes a unique, refreshing protagonist while respecting the source material; Fleck begins as a relatable person suffering from mental illnesses, but later transforms into an iconic figure of mayhem and destruction.

Joaquin Phoenix’s enthralling presence completes the screenplay. His visceral performance captivates audiences for the entire 122 minutes, blending pain and insanity to evoke genuine empathy. Phoenix fully commits himself to the character; his dedication and passion shine through the dark film.

RISING ABOVE CONTROVERSY over the movie’s violence, Joker combines detailed set

design with clear character development to weave a thoroughly enjoyable story.

Meanwhile, the crew does a fantastic job of symbolizing plot points through a somber, unsettling tone. Phillips takes his time in the screenplay to explore the fictional Gotham, and production designer Mark Friedberg elevates the complexity of the setting by transporting viewers into the poverty-stricken cities of the 1980s.

Every street sign and building is faded and battered, reflecting Gotham’s societal struggles. Composer Hildur Guðnadóttir’s score creates a sense of inevitable dread and perfectly represents the turmoil in Arthur Fleck.

In addition to the production, the cinematography is also brilliant, immersing the audience in Gotham and paralleling character arcs. Joker utilizes hand-held cameras and muddy color grading, but once Fleck truly takes on the Joker persona, the colors pop and shots become more stable. Cinematographer Lawrence Sher even illustrates Fleck’s development to the audience in the way that a depressed and exhausted Fleck trudges up a long flight of stairs in the very beginning of the

film, while a hysterical Joker dances down them during the third act.

Joker lacks many faults. The plot was planned in such a way that each step had weight, blending together to climax in formulated chaos. And though it is an unsettling film that dives straight into controversial topics, Joker is undeniably terrific, thrilling, and thought-provoking.

Joker Director

Todd Phillips

Genre

Drama/Thriller

Run time

2 hrs 2 mins

Metronomy Forever is sentimental, but repetitive STORY AMBER CHEN & CLOE MAUER ILLUSTRATION ALICIA ZHANG It’s been 13 years since British synth-rock group Metronomy’s debut album, Pip Paine. The moody, electric guitar-heavy record sported classically bleak club tracks “Black Eye/ Burnt Thumb” and “Peter’s Pan.” It wasn’t until Metronomy embraced their experimental electronic sound in the 2008 breakthrough album “Nights Out” that they found their niche in indie music. Their latest, 2019 release Metronomy Forever, is a culmination of all things romantic and tumultuous.

As is customary for any Metronomy album, there is an instrumental interlude. Or, in the case of Metronomy Forever, four. Seeing a commercially successful band throw caution and mass appeal to the wind to do what they love to do — experiment with sound — is refreshing. Frustatlingly, though, after six consecutive minutes of synth sounds, the otherwise novel interludes sour to disengaging.

METRONOMY OFFERS AN EXHILARATING TAKE on love with their signature experimental sound in ‘Metronomy Forever.’ However, the record is plagued by troublesome interludes and stylistic choices.

This pinpoints the biggest flaw in Metronomy Forever. It’s repetitive to a fault. It takes bits and pieces from Metronomy’s past works, mushes them together and plays them over and over again on a 17-track long album. The drum heavy “Whitsand Bay” wouldn’t sound out of place on their 2011 album The English Riviera though the song’s sleekness is muddled with a jangly electric guitar and bouncy synthesizers. “Upset My Girlfriend” is the most stripped down track on the album, echoing the simple instrumentals of their 2014 album “Love Letters.” Frustratingly, though, the band did not commit to going acoustic and instead broke up the simple guitar chords and gentle vocals with loud, grating synth horns.

Arguably, it’s all part of Metronomy’s discotheque take on the modern love song, but its execution

doesn’t always land, and listening to them play the same sound over and over again on nine different albums is quite frankly boring and predictable. However, Metronomy has yet to miss the mark with their strikingly genuine lyrics and catchy choruses. The band is tactfully able to toe the fine line between making music and writing a diary.

Unlike previous albums that were sweet confessionals about looks of infatuation, breakups and impulsive make ups, Metronomy Forever is bookended by tracks “Wedding” and “Wedding Bells.” Gone are lead singer Joseph Mount’s “Some Written” nights of meeting women in bars. Now Mount, a new husband and father, sits at those same bars composing quippy hookup culture commentary in the Metronomy Forever’s tenth track “Sex Emoji”. It’s clear that the band is getting older and wiser, but their earnest odes to love remain as charming as ever.

Still, Metronomy Forever was not ultimately a standout addition to Metronomy’s discography.

It’s comparable to a sculpture made out of found objects; a loud mishmash of repetitive sounds from previous albums, very much a culmination of their discography if anything. But lyrically, the record did a good job of telling a story with vulnerable lyrics. Hopefully, Metronomy Forever is a prelude to a better next album.

Metronomy Forever Artist

Metronomy

Label

Because Music

Length

17 tracks, 54 minutes

TIGER 13 OCTOBER 16, 2019

FEATURE

TAAGLAA: The Museum of Death TIGER’S AWESOME ADVENTURES IN THE GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA of death. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re above scare tactics either. Moving through the room, I was met with the terrorizing glare of the realistic looming figure of Charles Manson sitting over the doorway. A swastika patterned quilt sewn by the Manson family and photos from the infamous Tate-LaBlanca murders were strewn on the wall.

The experience of the Museum of Death is definitely something you have to prepare for: not eating before entering is a must. The museum is cluttered with overwhelming, vomit-inducing artifacts, photos, videos and more. Regardless, I found it intriguing to see the world’s largest collection of death related memorabilia. The macabre premonition is certainly present, and if you can stomach the experience, it is one that I would recommend and will return to once they rotate their inventory.

STORY KATHARINE FLORENCE PHOTOS COURTESTY OF MUSEUM OF DEATH

T

he Museum of Death, aiming to fill the void in death education in America, is not for the faint of heart. Horror stories of visitors fainting from the graphic displays and artifacts housed inside are spread across the internet and even boasted about on the museum’s website.

After being evicted from San Diego’s first mortuary, the Museum of Death moved to its current location in Hollywood, a few blocks east of the historic intersection at Hollywood and Vine. The museum’s facade of a stark, flowered, black wall with a skull painting hints at the treasures found inside.

Walking into the first room, my friends and I were struck with the stifling smell of formaldehyde, a rather fitting yet probably unintentional touch. Each room held exhibitions under a loose theme, the first one filled with murders’ original artworks and photographs.

A large portion of them belonged to American serial killer John Wayne Gacy, including his infamous clown painting “Goodbye Pogo.�

The next room spotlighted capital punishment. An executed person’s clothes were hung on the wall, splattered with stains of blood and flesh. On a plaque next to the model electric chair was a list of haunting last words from the condemned, such as the disturbing “I’m still awake� that Robyn Leroy Parks muttered after receiving a lethal injection. The mummified head of a beheaded man was displayed in a glass box. The overwhelming barbarity was shocking, considering how this punishment is still in practice today.

There is a specific section dedicated to the Heaven’s Gate mass suicide, which the museum recreated with lifelike dummies. Seeing the eerily realistic display left a lingering impression on me because it felt like I was looking at the actual bodies. The exhibit is decorated with every aspect of the event along with a television looping a video of cult founder Marshall Applewhite. Something about his demeanor created literal nightmare fuel for me.

Further in the museum is a branch dedicated to Charles Manson and his family. Upon first walking in, I saw the very guitar that belonged to him, indicating that this museum was not just a labor of love but a serious collection full of priceless artifacts on the many forms

FILLED WITH DISTRUBING FACTS ABOUT DEATH, The Museum Of Death was opened in 1995 with the goal of “making people happy to be alive.�

Address: 6031 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028 Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 10:00p.m.

Price: $$

r er pe up S Su

s r rs e w e o ow

MUSIC LESSONS FROM BACH

TO

ROCK

GUITAR | PIANO | BASS | UKULELE

(323) 821-6816

P ASADENA • L OS F ELIZ Superpowersmusic.com

TIGER

14 OCTOBER 16, 2019

SPORTS

A rising dynasty: girls volleyball STORY ELLIE CAMPBELL & ZOE SCHLAAK PHOTO SARAH LEE

us on the team is that other teams in our league aren’t expecting us freshmen.”

S

outh Pasadena’s girls varsity volleyball team is one of pure talent. With a diversity of skill and experience, winning comes easily for the Tigers. While the spotlight is on juniors Lola Foord and Lindsay Hirano for their violent spikes and defensive digs, the underclassmen depth is the Tigers’ key to success.

Although many of the underclassmen lack experience playing with older players, they make up for it with the unique skills they bring to the team. Additionally, along with the opportunity to learn from their more adept new members and further develop their skills, the team has a bright outlook for the future.

The talented sophomore trio of Alyssa Sokolow, Abby Garner, and Kennedy Taylor has returned for its second varsity year and is vital to the Tigers’ success. As a strong outside hitter, Sokolow excels at racking up kills and thundering blocks. Garner provides the Tigers with yet another dangerous hitter alongside Foord, while right side hitter Taylor furiously blocks incoming hits.

“I think having underclassmen on our team has benefited us because it brought a fresh new talent that we really needed because of all the seniors that graduated last year,” junior Sydney Abundo said.

This year, the varsity team welcomed freshmen Ava Dorny and Sofia Reyes. Returning players had no trouble connecting with them and quickly formed a team bond, helping the Tigers to grow closer and stronger.

“I feel that they have all welcomed me to the team and we are all a family,” Reyes said. “Some benefits for having

The Tigers rely heavily on the underclassmen — Garner, Sokolow, and Reyes are regular starters, while Taylor and Dorny are reliable rotation players — and they’ve delivered. South Pas has clinched the RHL title with an undefeated 8-0 record and are poised for a deep CIF run.

But even beyond this season, the Tigers will continue to be a powerhouse. With the underclassmen accustomed to a winning culture, girls volleyball is set for a fearsome dynasty for years to come.

BOTH STARTERS, Garner (18) and Reyes (24) play vital roles for the Tigers’ success.

Previewing the second half of RHL STORY MATTHEW TSAI PHOTO KATELYN HERNANDEZ Fall sports teams are heading into the second half of the regular season with most remaining in the Rio Hondo League title hunt. With less than three weeks left, the Tigers hope to establish top standing positions before the final stretch later this October.

On Wednesday, Oct. 30, boys water polo will play its final league game against Temple City. The Tigers and Rams — both head and shoulders above the rest of the RHL — have jostled for domination the past two years, each winning a title. The upcoming key away game will likely determine this year’s champion.

WITH A POTENT OFFENSE, boys water polo will butt heads with Temple City Wednesday, Oct. 30.

After losing its league opener against San Marino (see bottom of page 16), football will travel to Monrovia on Friday, Oct. 18. The South Pas secondary, led by juniors Terrence Sweetman and Zazriel King, must shut down the dominant Wildcat quarterback, who has torched defenses for seven touchdowns in two games.

After excelling in the RHL meets, cross country will compete Friday, Oct. 25, at the Mount Sac Invitational and Friday, Nov. 1, in the Apache Invitational in preparation for the RHL finals Thursday, Nov. 7.

Girls golf will play Temple City on Thursday, Oct 17; the Tigers already faltered against the Rams this season.

To avoid finishing the year at .500, South Pas must have near-perfect performances against the skilled Temple City team.

Standing at a 2-2 record, girls tennis will face Temple City on Thursday, Oct. 17. After a narrow win in their previous meeting, they will need stronger doubles showings to claim victory.

Although girls volleyball has already clinched the league championship, the Tigers still have two remaining games to improve their record for CIF seeding. South Pas will host Senior Night against the Temple City Rams on Wednesday, Oct. 16, and play Whittier Christian Friday, Oct. 18.

TIGER 15 OCTOBER 16, 2019

SPORTS

The Evolution of Sports STORY HAELEE KIM, NOAH KUHN, BRADY NAKAMURA, & LILIAN ZHU

PAGE DESIGN TALULLA CHOW & MADDIE YOO

GRAPHICS CHARLOTTE COHEN

S

PHS athletics have changed significantly throughout the school’s history. A generation ago, sports were fun extracurriculars, and the laid back environment encouraged more multi-sport athletes. However, today’s demanding lifestyles often turn athletics into added pressure rather than added fun. Still, this increased intensity has contributed to multiple teams’ rise to league domination. The athletic director has always been efficient, no matter who has filled the position. Tiger dives into how the athletic program has evolved over time.

SPHS athletic success fluctuates throughout school history

Baseball and football, both central to American culture, have declined in prosperity and popularity at South Pas. Football has had a tumultuous relationship with success, transitioning from unmatched triumph in the 60s to blowout defeats in recent times. Since its last CIF championship in 1975, the program has evolved into a Friday night fan tradition, in which supporters come to socialize rather than to watch the sport. Similarly, baseball has turned into a joke on the SPHS campus, having only won four league games in the past five years.

One of SPHS’ top sports, girls soccer reflects a generational trend of success in the Rio Hondo League and beyond.

The Tigers advanced to the Southern Section CIF quarterfinals in their first year of existence in 1984.

Additionally, the squad continues to be a powerhouse at SPHS, winning the past two RHL titles along with a memorable Division V CIF championship and state semifinal run in 2018. This success is partially due to the large number of experienced players who have stayed with the program all four years.

A consistent stream of experienced athletes from the Rose Bowl Water Polo Club have ensured the success of the SPHS water polo program. The boys team won five Division III CIF titles between 1984 and 1993, and continues to boast promising performances in league. Since the girls team’s inception in 1998, the Tigers have consistently hovered near the top of the RHL table, finishing in third in the past four seasons. Furthermore, stability in the coaching staff has encouraged player enthusiasm, equating to even greater success.

Running, while not always popular with most of the student body, has proven to be a Tiger strong suit. In the 70s, cross country did not let its small size or unstable coaching staff prevent it from placing high in Division III CIF; it consistently landed behind powerhouses San Marino and La Cañada in league. Also, girls were not allowed to run in CIF until approximately forty years ago. Recently, SPXC as a whole has dominated in league because of a decline in coaching quality at rival schools and an uptick in the sport’s popularity.

Established at SPHS in 2014, badminton became Division I champions in 2018 — South Pasadena’s most recent CIF berth. The blossoming team has greatly benefitted from a wealth of player experience gleaned in badminton clubs in the San Gabriel Valley area.

Many team members play together in the offseason, providing the program with a solid foundation for the spring. Moreover, badminton is a coed sport and regularly rotates playing partners, which strengthens team cooperation and contributes to its rapid success.

Athlete culture shifts with the tides of time The student life and culture of high school athletics has always reflected the zeitgeist, and this was certainly true for South Pas in the 70s. SPHS has continuously adapted since the years when football was at its height and girls could not officially compete for the school, and student culture has similarly changed in the ensuing decades.

For example, the hierarchy separating the upper and underclassmen into varsity and junior varsity teams was a major difference. Until 1984, SPHS had only three grades, leaving a lack of ninth graders to fill junior varsity teams. This created different subcategories of teams that were named appropriately by grade or level depending on the sport. As a result, varsity and junior varsity teams lacked integration.

To teacher and former SPHS football player Dean Papadakis, it meant separation.

“We didn’t mingle,” Papadakis said. “There were enough differences among the players where not all of us were hanging out together at the same time.”

MAIN POINTS • In the past, varsity and JV -teams were separate and didn’t get along • Now, team bonding is --realistic, and bonds --between teammates make --for a stronger team • Athletes now lead a --stressful and demanding --lifestyle in contrast to --previous years • New director Anthony --Chan emphasizes the --celebration of athletes

The bonding between sport different levels is no longer uncommon and is now feasible for current students.

Players can now establish closer relationships within each program, translating into a united team effort that many athletes rely on.

“There were definitely junior varsity and varsity cliques, but over time, we grew close and bonded over our experience,” junior and varsity water polo and softball athlete Amanda Kanaly said. “Now it doesn’t seem like there are two different teams; it’s just one big team.”

With rigorous academics and the expectation to maintain other extracurriculars on top of sports, circumstantial stresses have changed for today’s student athletes. This fuels an increased emphasis to be “well-rounded” for college, adding pressure for students to pursue lofty goals to set themselves apart from their peers.

“[It is now a] professionalization of high school sports,” cross country coach Mike Parkinson said.

In contrast, sports used to be “just for fun” and students could play up to five in a school year. Athletes could branch out and discover latent talents in other sports with an environment that encouraged experimentation.

However, the cultural status quo has changed over the decades, and now there is added weight for students to maximize their high school athletic careers. To manage the extra workload, students must train all year long in their strongest sport, leaving little room for exploration or extra “hobbies.”

The SPHS athletics program has been molded to cater to the needs of student athletes and coaches throughout the years, with significant overhauls that greatly affect student life.

These shifts in culture have contributed to transforming it into the successful and intense program it is today.

The current state of the program The role of the athletic director and its responsibilities are the driving force for the success of the SPHS athletics program. The director juggles straightforward tasks — ­approving physicals — and more complex ones, including the bus management and league schedule organization, all while fostering an inclusive student culture. Over the past few decades, the athletics program’s management has maintained its top-notch efficiency, allowing SPHS’ sports teams to flourish.

Former math teacher Anthony Chan has taken on the athletic director role and has led South Pas into a smooth transition so far. Chan has emphasized the importance of sports culture through plans such as ordering celebratory t-shirts for all teams that win Rio Hondo League championships. In addition, he intends on focusing on the success and celebration of athletes, putting an emphasis on national signing day, where seniors officially sign their binding agreement to a collegiate sport. “[Mr. Luna] really set us up for success and from here, I’m just trying to build on that [with] more efficiency,

structure, and transparency,” Chan said. “Everyone in the district has been on board and the community has been very supportive of me.”

While the athletic director guides the athletic program, the SPHS booster club and various fundraisers allow it to function.

Saturday Bingo volunteering can generate hundreds of dollars of revenue for each team, allowing them to purchase new jerseys or equipment and rent buses.

Meanwhile, district funding has opened up opportunities for more costly amenities, such as the allweather track and weightroom, which has become essential for many teams’ conditioning practices.

The expansion of student athlete resources combined with the consistent stability of the athletic director has rewarded SPHS with a strong foundation for sports success, while also becoming an attractive destination for multiple talented transfers. With new athletic director Anthony Chan planning to reshape the campus culture, the state of the sports’ program is projected to have a reassuring and positive future.

TIGER

16 OCTOBER 16, 2019

SPORTS

PAPA D’S TSAI MATTHEW TSAI

IN DEFENSE OF FOOTBALL The great Mr. Dean Papadakis once said, “football is king.” However, at South Pas, America’s favorite sport isn’t sitting on a throne. With a poor 8-12 record in the last two years and eight double digit blowout losses to rival San Marino since 2011, football is the athletic program’s laughing stock.

The team is often the butt of many jokes, with some students calling for its budget to be cut. Even softball, with a 9-68 record in the last four years, doesn’t experience this type of negative reaction.

Considering its current 5-2 record, a negative view of football is completely unwarranted.

WITH ALREADY BUSY SCHEDULES, athletes struggle to meet coaches’ high expectations.

This season, the varsity team is filled with talented and competent players. With an experienced senior class and promising juniors, the Tigers are 5-2 and faring well in the tough Rio Hondo League. However, the stigma that football is terrible still persists.

SPHS coaches are too demanding STORY SOFIA ALVA ILLUSTRATION NICHOLAS FORMAN

B

ella Kan arrives home tired and hungry after a full day of school and varsity tennis practice. Tossing her backpack on the floor, the senior slumps into her chair. It’s already late and she has a mountain of AP homework and an important club meeting to plan.

Kan isn’t the only one with these struggles; there are over 800 SPHS student athletes who juggle sports, homework, and other extracurriculars. On top of all the stress and anxiety that high school life brings, SPHS coaches are often too demanding and expect too much of their players, negatively affecting students’ academic performance.

Coaches want their teams to be successful, but often struggle to find the right workload balance. Some players are not allowed to miss practice at all, despite having upcoming tests or presentations. Several athletic coaches even require injured or sick players to attend practice just to sit on the sidelines and watch.

Kan and other students are often overwhelmed and feel obligated to prioritize their sport.

“Having a test to prepare for on game day is rough.

After homework and studying, I only get about

four or five hours of sleep, maybe less,” Kan said. “I understand that tennis is a commitment but I should not feel guilty for putting my education over a sport.

If I need extra help, that should be the priority.”

The student body of SPHS has unrealistic expectations for the team because the entertainment industry doomed the football program long before its players set foot on the turf. Shows like Friday Night Lights have painted an idealistic picture of the culture associated with the sport, permanently linking football and cheerleading to popularity.

Varsity athletes sacrifice a tremendous amount of valuable time, practicing nearly every day of the week with league games and tournaments scattered throughout. However, busy schedules don’t only affect varsity players, they also dominate J.V. and frosh athletes’ lives. While these students aren’t competing for a CIF berth or varsity league titles, lower level sports still demand immense dedication.

As a freshman, Jojo Foley was not aware of how large of a commitment pep would be.

SPHS students have been disappointed simply because the football team isn’t as proficient as the New England Patriots. They feel they’ve been cheated out of a complete high school experience, causing them to bash innocent football players.

“For our coach, pep has to be our first priority out of school, meaning that all doctor’s appointments, other extracurriculars, and vacations should be scheduled around pep,” Foley said.

Above all, football justifiably requires more money than other sports because of the violent nature of the sport. Many players spend the entire game sprinting around the field with one goal: tackling the opponent. Safety should be the utmost priority in any sport and ensuring it is worth the extra cost.

Sports are intended to be enjoyable, not stress inducing, so an understanding coaching staff is absolutely vital to a student’s high school athletic experience. Without any accomodation, studentathletes will perceive a lack of encouragement and excitement to properly participate in the sports that they love.

This ‘ideal’ football team doesn’t exist, but has rather manifested through the stereotypes enforced by pop culture. SPHS football isn’t the best, and that’s okay, but it does not deserve unnecessary hate.

Football falls short against San Marino on Color Day STORY ELLIE CAMPBELL PHOTO JAYDEN EDEN The varsity football team came up inches short against the Titans in their league opener. Literally. Down by three points to San Marino, the South Pas offense took the field with four minutes left and a chance to beat its hated rival for the first time since 2010.

Following a nine-yard run by senior Ethan Hong, the Tigers seemed primed for a game winning drive. But two plays later, San Marino stuffed a South Pas run on fourth and one. The referee called for the chains and raised his hands, signaling the Tigers were short of the first down.

The Titans ran off to celebrate their 10-7 win, while the Tigers were left to contemplate their 0-1 league record.

South Pas came into the Friday night showdown with positive momentum after a strong 5-1 preseason record.

Despite losing by more than 20 points to the Titans in every matchup since 2013, the Tigers had more than a puncher’s chance against this year’s San Marino team that came in with a 1-6 record and a new head coach.

Both defenses held up strong in the first half and neither team was able to score in the first few possessions.

South Pas reached the San Marino red zone on the opening drive, but failed to pick up a first down on an aggressive fourth down conversion attempt. The Titans were prepared for the Tiger passing attack and

BUT WAIT! There’s more...

prevented senior quarterback Samuel Luna-Long and senior wideout Ivan Estrada from doing any significant damage; the Tigers were unable to maintain an offensive rhythm and finished with only 180 yards of offense.

In the second quarter, the South Pas secondary began to tire and San Marino advanced the chains with short screen passes. The Titans methodically drove into Tiger territory, reaching the eight-yard line, but junior Zazriel King made a crucial hit to force and recover a fumble.

With a minute left in the half, the Titans used their timeouts to move into the red zone. At the 12-yard line, San Marino kicked a field goal; those three points would prove to be the deciding difference in the game.

After the halftime break, San Marino drove 78 yards for a touchdown. The Titan quarterback exposed the Tiger secondary and the running back scored a 10-yard rushing touchdown, putting the Titans up 10-0.

Losing their grip on the game, the Tigers entered their next series with renewed determination. They willed their way to the Titan 21, and Luna-Long found sophomore Grant Huntley for a 19-yard completion. A couple of plays later, Hong punched the pigskin into the endzone, bringing the Tigers within three points.

After the Tiger touchdown, the South Pas defense forced a turnover on downs. The Tigers received the ball at their

CHECK OUT MORE COVERAGE ON

WITH A PUNT AND A TURNOVER ON DOWNS, the Tiger offense stalled in the fourth. own 12-yard line, but quickly had to punt. The offense was unable to take advantage of one last chance and failed to convert a crucial fourth down, allowing San Marino to escape with a 10-7 victory.

“As a team we could have played much better and it was definitely not our best performance. Every now and then a player would excel, but it takes a full team to excel at the same time to win games,” Huntley said.

Despite this loss, the Tigers look to earn their first league victory next Friday, Oct. 18, on the road against the Monrovia Wildcats.

TWITTER

YOUTUBE

@SPHStiger

SPHS Tiger Newspaper

ONLINE

FACEBOOK

tigernewspaper.com

tiger.newspaper

INSTAGRAM @tigernewspaper