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COMMANDER THE

Volume XXXV, Issue 8 June 10, 2016

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UNIVERSITY CITY HIGH SCHOOL The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter See what makes it magical for every “Potter head� PAGE 6

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Students Beat Teachers in Battle of Brains New Trolley Construction Means Future UC High By Antonia Le Staff Writer “Battle of the Brains� took place Thursday May 12, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the Media Center, in which UC High’s staff and seniors faced off in an academic competition that served as a sendoff for senior Academic League members and a way for students and staff to showcase their knowledge. “It’s also a fundraiser for the Academic League Team. It funds the club from year

Nathaniel Pick, Yooka Kim and Adam Timms. In the end, the students beat the staff with a score of 420 to 180. “I think prior to this, there was only one time when the staff has lost,â€? said English Teacher Brian Compagnone. According to Junior Sarah Samora, the event is completely organized and run by the Academic League underclassmen, from writing the questions to selling the tickets, ZKLFK FRVW Ă€YH GROODUV ZLWKRXW DQG WKUHH

Staff and Students Could Take Trolley to School

By Hata Velic News Editor According to the San Diego region’s primary public planning, transportation, transit construction and research agency SANDAG, major Mid-Coast Trolley construction is expected to start during the second half of 2016 to connect the Santa Fe Depot, Downtown to University City (sandag.org). 6DQ 'LHJR WUDIĂ€F FDQ JHW H[WUHPHO\ FRQgested, and will only get worse if the population along the Mid-Coast Corridor increases by 19 percent, as predicted. These trolley lines are meant to alleviate this congestion, according to SANDAG. The trolley construction will help expand the capacity of transportation and is designed to free up extra freeways and roadways for people traveling by car (sandag.org). This construction will also create jobs, as the trolley construction company’s employment is expected increase by 12 percent, according to SANDAG (sandag.org). Although both University City and University of California, San Diego (UCSD) are some of San Diego’s largest trip gencourtesy of Antonia Le erators, neither of them are served directly Students and teachers battle it out in the Battle of the Brains competition. by regional transit. According to the UCSD to year,â€? said Math Teacher Phillip Huszar, dollars with, a student ID. Samora said, “It website, this project will help serve centers who currently coaches varsity Academic ZDV GHĂ€QLWHO\ D ORW RI ZRUN EXW , WKLQN LW OLNH 2OG 7RZQ 8&6' :HVWĂ€HOG 87& League and helped captain the staff team was all worth it.â€? Scripps Memorial Hospital and surroundfor the event. “The questions were a little bit biased in ing areas. It will provide more travel opThe staff team included Huszar and favor of the students, but overall, it was tions for people going to work, school and Fellow Teachers Jennifer Huszar, Aaron really fun to watch. Everyone in Academic medical centers (ucsd.edu). Pores, Brian Compagnone, Maureen League set it up really well,â€? said SANDAG has been working to develQuessenberry, Brian Josten and Elizabeth Sophomore Katrina Berge. “The seniors op designs for each trolley station that is Frohoff. Meanwhile, the student team did great, and it was crazy to see how part of this project. The project will conincluded Seniors Allen Siegler, Alex quickly they were able to answer some of nect corridor residents with other trolley Newman, Evan Liang, James Sud, the questions.â€? lines from Mission Valley, East County

and South County. The Mid-Coast Trolley (the section between Downtown and UniYHUVLW\ &LW\ UHFHLYHG LWV ´Ă€QDO HQYLURQmental clearanceâ€? from SANDAG Board of Directors and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in the fall of 2014. The )7$ DSSURYHG WKH SURMHFW¡V HQWU\ LQWR Ă€QDO HQJLQHHULQJ LQ $SULO DQG 6$1'$* is now working to get a full funding grant agreement from the FTA’s New Starts program (sandag.org). According to UCSD representatives, the full funding agreement would help cover SHUFHQW RI WKH SURMHFW¡V IXQGLQJ ucsd. edu 7KH RWKHU SHUFHQW ZLOO EH SURYLGHG by TransNet, which is San Diego’s halfcent sales tax for transportation improvements (sandag.org). According to the UCSD website, “Nine new Trolley stations will be built as part of the project with locations at: Tecolote Road, Clairemont Drive, Balboa Avenue, Nobel Drive, VA Medical Center, Pepper Canyon (UCSD west campus), Voigt Drive (UCSD east campus), Executive Drive and WKH :HVWĂ€HOG 87& WUDQVLW FHQWHU WKH 7UROley’s terminus station)â€? (ucsd.edu). $FFRUGLQJ WR 6$1'$* LQFOXGLQJ Ă€nancing, the total cost of this project is currently projected to be approximately two billion dollars. The trolley service is expected to begin in 2021 after the construction is completed (sandag.org). Sophomore Brian Lim said, “I walk to school, and I believe that if I were able to take the trolley instead, it would be a lot more convenient. However, there is always D ORW RI WUDIĂ€F LQ WKH PRUQLQJ DQG LI WKH\ FRQVWUXFW D WUROOH\ WKH WUDIĂ€F PLJKW PRYH to the trolley station.â€?

By Sydney Patchett Staff Writer Beginning August 2016, Fabrication and Design (Fab/D) will no longer be offered as a course at UC High; Monte and Terry 0DQVĂ€HOG WKH LQVWUXFWRUV VLQFH LWV ODXQFK FUHDWLRQ LQ PXVW Ă€QG HPSOR\PHQW elsewhere for the 2016-2017 school year. A new program will be set in place to take advantage of the state’s Prop 1D 1.9 million dollar remodel awarded to the 0DQVĂ€HOGV¡ DFFRUGLQJ WR 9LFH 3ULQFLSDO -R McGlin. “We are shutting down the lab to create a classroom more suitable for modern technology, featuring 3D models, high tech industry and many other aspects,â€? said McGlin. “It’s called a pathway completer, very similar to what the Bio Med program offers.â€? Also mentioned was the possibility IRU FHUWLĂ€FDWLRQ DW WKH HQG RI WKH SURJUDP but only if a student begins with the entry level class. The administration is still deciding the logistics in collaboration with new dual-enrollment classes offered next \HDU DV ZHOO DV GHDOLQJ ZLWK WKH GLIĂ€FXOW\ RI Ă€QGLQJ D QHZ (QJLQHHULQJ WHDFKHU ´,Q 'HFHPEHU 3ULQFLSDO -HII 2OLYHro stated during a department meeting that if numbers were low [enrollment] during the Fab/D remodel, then we would be cut. However, when student numbers supported Fab/D, the administration then developed a plan to convert Fab/D into an Engineering SURJUDP Âľ VDLG 7HUU\ 0DQVĂ€HOG D IXOO WLPH

just teaching teenage kids how to cut wood and paint; they prepare young adults for the future, teaching them a plethora of skills that led me, and I’m sure many others every day,â€? said Senior Ryan Venezuela, a former Fab D student, when informed of the cut. 'HVSLWH WKH 0DQVĂ€HOGV¡ GHSDUWXUH DFcording to McGlin, the remodel is scheduled to begin this summer and will continue until 2018.

Fabrication and Design to be Replaced by Engineering Pathway YROXQWHHU IRU WKH FODVV ´0U 0DQVĂ€HOG KDV over three decades of experience in the deVLJQ Ă€HOG DQG KDG SODQQHG RQ UHWUDLQLQJ VR we could continue at UC High. However, his experience and endless hours still didn’t qualify him for retraining in Engineering,â€? 7HUU\ 0DQVĂ€HOG H[FODLPHG $FFRUGLQJ WR WKH 0DQVĂ€HOGV SDUHQWV have been the sole benefactors behind NHHSLQJ WKH SURJUDP DĂ RDW DQG WKHVH SDVW years would not have been possible without their continual support. Monte MansĂ€HOG H[SODLQHG WKDW WKH FRXSOH DWWHQGHG WR every aspect of the remodel over the course of 18 months, even traveling extensively in hopes to research the high tech new equipment that would come with the new facility. The decision to change the pathway from Fabrication and Design to Engineering was reached by the Site Governance Team and administration after discussion on multiple occasions, according to Olivero. “Engineering is the most marketable,â€? said Olivero. “A particular industry may have been fashionable or employable in one decade may not be in the next decade. This is why teachers who teach pathway courses are year-to-year teachers. There’s no longevity because the industry can change,â€? Olivero added. :KHQ DVNHG ZKHQ WKH 0DQVĂ€HOGV ZHUH RIĂ€FLDOO\ LQIRUPHG RI WKHLU WHUPLQDWLRQ Olivero declined to comment. “At loss,

comes opportunity,â€? stated Olivero, “and when preparing kids for future jobs, Engineering is just more useful.â€? According to the SDUSD website, both Fabrication and Design and EngineerLQJ DUH &&7( FHUWLĂ€HG PHDQLQJ WKH\ ´ provide high quality, college and careerthemed programs that enrich and engage students with state-of-the-art, dynamic and challenging courses.â€? ´7KH 0DQVĂ€HOGV GR VR PXFK PRUH WKDQ

Carissa Guzman//Commander

Fourth period Fabrication and Design students show off some end-of-the-year projects.

2 OPINIONS

Unsigned Editorial

June 10, 2016

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Editorial Board Vote:

Unanimous

From the Editor-in-Chief

Kennedy’s Khronicles

La Jolla Should Keep “In Outâ€? Sculpture In Art is a form of expression that transcends showing up on the white wall surrounding Light, a neighbor of Pirasteh said, “I was a multitude of barriers and brings people of his yard, ranging from phrases such as jogging, and there are about a mile of all backgrounds together. It is meant to be a “Art is not a code violation! It is art,â€? to houses between where I’m living and here, creative outlet for people of all ages, but the a strange animal with a speech bubble and this house is the only thing I’ve ever city of San Diego doesn’t see it that way. saying, “Potato says: Don’t be a mean! responded to emotionally. It stopped me in According to the Union Tribune, my tracks,â€? he said. “What is “A La Jolla man [was] ordered here provides a certain beauty to take down his front yard art that you don’t see in most LQVWDOODWLRQ WKDW RIĂ€FLDOV GHFODUHG neighborhoods. For someone was an unpermitted structure.â€? like me who is from the Local Artist Nasser Pirasteh Midwest, La Jolla’s beauty built the sculpture as another brings up a lot of emotions. installation of artwork along with When you add something RYHU Ă€IW\ RWKHU SLHFHV LQ KLV IURQW like this, it’s a whole other yard, from handheld ones to the component that I would hope one sparking so much outcry that the Village would build off he titled it “In Out.â€? The city of ofâ€? (lajollalight.com). It is San Diego has sent Pirasteh a ridiculous to restrict artistic notice announcing that he must H[SUHVVLRQ WKDW EHQHĂ€WV take down the sculpture because viewers and the community. it is an unregulated “structure,â€? Senior Jessica Borchardt which violates city codes. “In said, “If it is on his property, Outâ€? is an eight-foot tall domeI don’t see the issue with it.â€? Kate Atkins//Commander like installation with a ten-foot The “In Outâ€? art installation that the city ordered to be taken down. Despite the city’s attempt circumference that is adorned with WR VWLĂ H KLV DUWLVWLF IUHHGRP holes in the ceiling to let in natural light and keep da art!â€? It is clear that there are voices Pirasteh has not lost his positive message. is a mixture of bright colors varying from willing to speak up to defend “In Out,â€? He spoke about his installation and stated violet to cobalt (sandiegouniontribune. and the city should take their opinions that, “Sometimes we hug a sculpture, [and] com). The city should open its eyes and into account (sandiegouniontribune.com). sometimes the sculpture hugs us. I feel like appreciate the sculpture as artwork, Unfortunately, as loud as the public the city is not giving me anything to make instead of tearing down beauty. support is for the In Out sculpture, there the city beautiful, but they are ready to Why does the city believe it is okay to is as much resistance. On a Union Tribune punish me, and that’s unfair. I am a public OLPLW H[SUHVVLRQ ZKHQ LW LV FRQĂ€QHG WR D article, someone commented, “This guy’s artist.â€? This is what art should be about, man’s front yard? The residents of La Jolla house and yard is one of THE biggest expression and beauty, not a petty debate are taking a stand against the order from H\HVRUHV LQ /D -ROOD 'HĂ€QLWHO\ SURYHV WKH about code violations (lajollalight.com). If WKH FLW\ DQG XVLQJ JUDIĂ€WL WR H[SUHVV WKHLU old adage that ‘one man’s trash is another’s anything, works of art should be encouraged VWURQJ RSSRVLWLRQV 7KH JUDIĂ€WL VWDUWHG treasure.’ Sadly, this one is mostly trash.â€? for a creative, vibrant community. after Pirasteh posted a board in his front (sandiegouniontribune.com). But, perhaps there is a silver lining in this However, yard displaying newspaper articles about there are many others who view the artwork FRQĂ LFW 3LUDVWHK LV QRW RQO\ H[SUHVVLQJ how he has been ordered to take the art PRUH DV WUHDVXUH ZKLFK LV TXLWH EHĂ€WWLQJ himself with the In Out sculpture, but is down. The board began, “Dear friends‌,â€? for La Jolla, the Spanish word for jewel. giving other artists and art enthusiasts a and explained how the sculpture is just According to an article in the La Jolla SODWIRUP WR Ă€JKW IRU IUHHGRP RI H[SUHVVLRQ artwork and not intended to be any type RI EXLOGLQJ )URP WKHUH WKH JUDIĂ€WL EHJDQ

Commander University City EDITORS-IN-CHIEF:

Volume XXXV Number 8

Kennedy Wilson* Emi Zeger * NEWS EDITORS: Micah Osteria* Hata Velic* OPINIONS EDITOR: Camille Cudaback* FEATURES EDITORS: Dorian Uson* Karyssa Newsome* SPORTS EDITORS: Valerie Bennett* Anthony Garbino* PHOTO EDITORS: Kate Atkins* Carissa Guzman* ARTISTS: Karyssa Newsome* Taylor McCabe BUSINESS MANAGER: Averie Wehr* STAFF WRITERS: Emma Conrad Cameron Doyle Audrey Hancock Antonia Le Sydney Patchett Taylor McCabe Ellie Massey Juliana Marquez * Members of the Bilal Mohamed Editorial Board Gabriella Proa Sebastian Rodriguez Kayli Sandoval Max Schaldach Kailey Withers Alison White Alex Volk ADVISOR: Susan Bristol Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the majority of the Editorial Board, while signed articles UHĂ HFW RQO\ WKH RSLQLRQ RI WKH ZULWHU 7KH RSLQLRQV expressed in this newspaper are not representative of the faculty or the administration at this school. All ad queries may be directed to our business manager at (858) 457-3040 (232). Please direct all letters and questions to: University City High School Journalism Department 6949 Genesee Avenue San Diego, CA 92122 or email The Commander at sbristol@sandi.net

By Kennedy Wilson

I’ve learned more from my teachers in the last two semesters than I have in the last twelve years of school. Maybe I just started listening, or maybe they’re actually onto something. Whatever it is, I know that there are a few things I will be carrying with me long after the four years I spent in this place are gone. Lately, I have made more of a conscious effort to listen to what my teachers are saying (even when I would much rather be sleeping), and I discovered that they have some mesmerizing stories. From Jason’s life advice kicking off Writer’s Workshop to McCarthy telling you in Ceramics how to not mess up your entire life, I’ve learned this year that a lot of the lessons that are taught in high school aren’t the ones outlined in textbooks. I think that as much as teachers learn who we are, we learn who they are, too. Walking into McCarthy’s class is a guaranteed lesson starting with, “I’m sorry, I thought you wanted to be good,â€? and ending somewhere with a sarcastic, “So you want to just be mediocre, like everyone else?â€? Through all the words that make your blood boil and skin thicker, you realize that McCarthy is trying to make you better, and even if he has a funny way of showing it, he really does teach his seniors that being extraordinary is something we should strive for in ceramics, in running and in life. My favorite saying by him goes, “It’s not going to get worse than it is,â€? and even if that’s WRR JRRG WR EH WUXH IRU QRZ LWÂśV ÂżQH E\ PH Then there’s Bristol-- ah yes, the teacher that has taught me that I am capable of anything I set my mind to, which means I probably have my work cut out for me. By Camille Cudaback In contrast, Senior Alisa McRee is Bristol has taught me how to be proud of Opinions Editor going to Tel Aviv for college at The what I do and who I am, and I will forever be Being a freshman is hard, whether it is a Hebrew University of Jerusalem. McRee grateful for that. One afternoon, she told my freshman in high school or a freshman in stated, “I wanted to go away because class, “I will stand behind you completely, FROOHJH 7KDW Ă€UVW GD\ LV IXOO RI QHUYRXVO\ I have lived in San Diego my whole but you have to be willing to stand in front Ă€QGLQJ FODVVHV DQG DFFLGHQWO\ EXPSLQJ LQWR life‌. I wanted to experience a different RI \RXU ZRUN ÂżUVW ´ DQG HYHU VLQFH WKHQ , upperclassmen, trying to navigate through culture.â€? This is a fabulous opportunity have realized it’s amazing having someone the social maze that lies in front of you that will surely greatly alter McRee’s in your corner, but only if you’re willing DQG WR WRS LW RII \RXU VRFLDO OLIH LV Ă XLG life in ways that are not yet clear. WR WKURZ D IHZ SXQFKHV IRU \RXUVHOI ÂżUVW with no direction, since you hardly know In addition, leaving your hometown can And Jason, maybe one day I’ll write a anyone. Now, let’s add all of this to being lead to great connections within an industry. book about all the things I‘ve learned from in a different state, or maybe a different Oftentimes, people say connections are him. He probably has enough life advice country! Even though moving away will everything. In The Odyssey, Columnist and stories to teach a class about, from undoubtedly add an extra layer of stress, it Emily Godin wrote, “Moving away for rants about how “Good art is born out of just may lead to greater personal growth. college can connect you with a wider variety insecurities,â€? to my personal favorite, For starters, going away to college of employers, professors and advisors “Your parents aren’t going to live your life, forces a person to grow into the person who can provide you with more guidance and I’m not going to live your life; I have he/she might not have become if he/she and experience. Building relationships too many papers to grade.â€? And he will VWD\HG LQ WKH FRPIRUWDEOH FRQĂ€QHV RI WKH with these people can provide a huge always be there to remind you that you will family home. In The Patch, Columnist advantage when applying to internships go through a thousand and one challenges, Natasha Scott wrote, “The greatest enemy and jobsâ€? (odessey.com). The networking but you will survive. Which brings me to to your human potential is your comfort opportunities may be exponential, something he said a few months ago that has zoneâ€?(patch.com) <HV LW FDQ EH GLIĂ€FXOW even if it’s just a few towns away. stuck with me: “I hope as you grow older at times to step into the vast unknown, but However great leaving San Diego may and get beaten down by the man, you don’t after that initial step is taken, the rest will be, some people might not be able to lose some of your idiosyncrasies.â€? Maybe come naturally. This is a possibility for afford it or might not even want to leave listening to your teachers will actually people who are staying in state, but also -- which is understandable, but it could teach you a few things every now and then. leaving San Diego. Just giving a student that still be good to take a semester abroad So if I can leave you with one thing, extra nudge they need to “leave the nestâ€? if the opportunity presents itself. Many it’d be this: You are never going to know and create his/her own “nestâ€? may lead to people take a semester abroad and believe everything you need to know. And for positive outcomes in a student’s future. that is greatly expands their horizons. what it’s worth, I think that’s a good Moving away may mean moving up the So yes, going away for college includes thing. Maybe you don’t need to have all coast. Author Liz Golden states, “It gave me homesickness and not seeing one’s the answers, but that doesn’t mean you the ability to be far enough from home to hometown friends. In addition, the students should ever stop looking for them. Listen have some separation but also, if I really had going out of state might, dare I say, miss to your teachers and try to make the most to deal with something at home, I could.â€? their moms and dads, but sometimes that of the time you have left in these hallways; This can be the case for many students, H[WUD OHDS LV DOO RQH QHHGV WR ´Ă€QG RQHVHOI Âľ , soon you’ll be old and gray and saying especially from UC High, because so many know this is a tacky phrase that is dispersed words like, “When I was your age‌.â€? So of the seniors are staying in state for college. amongst horoscopes and Chinese fortune do a few remarkable things before your 0DQ\ VWXGHQWV Ă€QG WKHPVHOYHV XS WKH FRDVW cookies, but at the end of the day, college actions become just stories in notebook a piece, at places like UCLA or Cal Poly. LV WKH RSWLPXP WLPH WR Ă€QG WKH QHZ \RX pages and Tuesday morning lectures. artwork by Taylor McCabe

Moving Away Creates Growth

The Commander

OPINIONS 3

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How to Vote When You Don’t Like Any Candidates By Camille Cudaback Opinions Editor Lately, the phrase “choosing between the lesser of two evilsâ€? has been tossed around a lot when referring to the mess that has become of American politics. Even though politics can be seen as a taboo subject, all people seem to agree upon is our lack of options. Some say they are voting for Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton just because they don’t want Republican Presidential Candidate Trump anywhere near the White House, and others are just bummed that Ohio Governor John Kasich GLGQ¡W KDYH D Ă€JKWLQJ FKDQFH DV WKH\ IHOW he was the most level-headed candidate out there. Whatever the predicament may be, this tedious argument is becoming hard to listen to when discussing the nature of choosing the next leader our country. So maybe the best decision is not to vote or look at all the opinions. Now, I know every government teacher is rolling his/her eyes at this plan and think this is just another apathetic youth not wanting to get involved in politics‌. But think about it, is it really the right thing to vote if you are just voting for someone because you don’t want the other person to win? Or maybe let’s look at the other people in the race, such as third party candidates.

Voting is a right granted to almost every citizen by the Constitution, as the AP US Government textbook, Government in America, explains. Thousands of people have fought for different groups’ right to vote. The Civil Rights Movement fought hard for the rights of all ethnicities to vote, and women fought for the same rights. Right now, there is a movement to allow former felons the right. After all the death and heartache that has been fought over suffrage, we have resorted to checking a box on a ballot in order to try to do the least amount of damage. In addition, it is not the people’s fault that they don’t want to vote, but rather it is because of those who are running. For starters, we have Hillary, who many people don’t like because she is too “establishment� or because, well, she is just Hillary. According to the National Review, often times people see her as indecisive, tending to move back and forth when deciding on critical issues (nationalreview.com). On the other spectrum, there’s Democratic Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders. Bernie was able to captivate a young audience and ignite a passion in some people who were previously not politically active. Bernie made it a long way, and made

it very clear that a candidate with very liberal views can go far in an election, but many believe he wasn’t electable due to his self-declared Social Democrat ideology. Senior Corey Goldstein stated, “Even WKRXJK , ZDV H[FLWHG WR YRWH LQ P\ Ă€UVW election, I have decided not to vote, because I personally don’t think any of the candidates are of the right mind to run a country.â€? As far as the Republican side goes, there’s Trump. The fact that a person who has no experience in politics is leading the Republican race proves that our country is getting desperate. “Nearly half of American voters who support either Democrat Hillary Clinton or Republican Donald Trump for the White House said artwork by Kennedy Wilson they will mainly be trying to block the other side from winning, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released Thursdayâ€?(reuters.com). However, if the idea of not voting makes you cringe and send chills down your back look at other options. According to Politics 1, there are many other parties out there that people are not aware of.

These parties include: independents, green, constitutional, libertarian, peace and freedom and socialist. Now, these parties normally do not win because the way or electoral system is set up, but there are other options out there to make sure your choice is not based on choosing the least worst candidate (politics1.com). In addition, there is always the option to vote for someone based on a single issue you strongly believe in. According to Government in America, this system is called single issue voting. For instance, one thing Clinton feels very strongly about is gun control, and if you feel strongly about gun control, maybe focus on this issue and forget about some of her other issues she focuses on that you don’t agree with. So what’s the solution, you ask? Hopefully, this is the one and only time these words will come out of my mouth, some of my last words to be printed in the school paper, but‌ if you don’t like either candidate, then just don’t vote for a major candidate. If you feel the need to vote you can exercise your democratic rights by voting for a third party or use the single issue voting method. So for this upcoming election, let’s think before lining up at the polls. Ask yourself what the motives are behind voting for a particular candidate and think about your options.

Fast Fashion Harms Environment Pot Legalization Makes Sense By Taylor McCabe Staff Writer When thinking of pollution, you probably envision coal power plants, strip-mined mountaintops and raw sewage piped into our waterways. However, we don’t often think of the shirts on our backs. But the overall impact the apparel industry KDV RQ RXU SODQHW LV TXLWH KRUULĂ€F According to a study conducted by the Danish Fashion Institute, the fashion industry is the world’s second most polluting industry after oil. Over a quarter of the chemicals the world produces are used in textiles, from pesticides used on cotton and petrochemicals used to make nylon and polyester. The industry is a huge consumer of water (a single pair of jeans takes 7,000 liters), and after agriculture, it’s the largest polluter of clean water (europe.newsweek.com). Fast fashion is a contemporary term used by retailers to express those designs that move quickly from the runway to stores in order to capture the ever-changing fashion trends, according to Newsweek magazine. By optimizing certain parts of creating textiles and clothing, retailers are able to produce mass amounts of product and sell it for a cheap price. Stores like H&M, Zara, Topshop and Forever 21 all fall victim to the fast fashion category, and while you may think you’re getting a bargain, you’re actually leaving a pretty heavy carbon footprint on our planet (newsweek.com) The fashion industry by design is constantly changing with the seasons, but fast fashion can change weekly, assumed up by a sign in Fashion Valley Mall’s H&M store: “New stuff is coming in each and every day. So why not do the same.â€? It’s not uncommon for shoppers to wear an item once or twice before throwing it away for next week’s style, aided by the poor quality of many of the clothes, which causes them to fall apart after several washes. Fashion is a complicated business and the apparel supply chain is extremely complex, starting with the raw material (cotton or wool are the most common agricultural sources) and going through Ă€YH WR VL[ PRUH SURFHVVHV WR JHW D ZHDUDEOH

product. Because the apparel sector is so labor intensive, and because globalization is here to stay, we have seen US apparel production drop by approximately 92 percent since the 1960s, according to The Huffington Post. That m e a n s that in the 1960s, the U.S. was making 95 percent of its artwork by Taylor McCabe clothing, and today it is down to a mere three percent. The US outsources 97 percent of its clothing production to countries around the world where labor is cheap and worker protections are minimal or non-existent, creating a race to the bottom for workers around the world (KXIĂ€QJWRQSRVW FRP). Many fashion industry labels employ “greenâ€? and “ethicalâ€? marketing to target “consciousâ€? consumers: H&M’s Conscious collection, made of organic cotton and recycled polyester; Puma’s biodegradable InCycle Collection; Adidas’ Design for Environment gear; and many more (ecowatch.com). Buyers should be cognizant of these labels. So what can you do to help? There are so many ways. For starters, cut back shopping at fast fashion retailers. Shop at local boutiques, thrift stores and online. Recycle your clothing instead of throwing them out. Donate to thrift stores, or sell them back to stores like Buffalo Exchange. Trade clothes with your friends to save money and spice things up. Senior Ilana Levy said, “It’s extremely crucial that we work towards creating a more sustainable way to recycle and buy our clothes. The world is going to be ours, and we have to do everything we can to take care of it.â€? Even if you’re not interested or involved in the fashion industry, it’s really important to know what you’re doing to the environment by shopping at these stores. It might seem cheaper and easier, but by shopping at these retailers, you are promoting the harmful effects these fast fashion stores have on the world around you.

By Juliana Marquez Staff Writer How would you like to have open spaces in prison for people who commit serious crimes? The answer is legalizing marijuana. America would be majorly impacted if marijuana was legalized. According to the legal website Avvo, legalizing marijuana would lead to: a decrease in arrests and street violence and more open space in prison for violent offenders (avvo. com). It’s awful that the government spends more money on prisons than they do on schools. People shouldn’t be in prison for marijuana; smoking or growing marijuana is no reason to throw someone in prison or jail. Legalizing marijuana would create more jobs and more economic opportunities. Marijuana has been legal in Colorado for a little over two years now, and it has helped the economy exponentially. Ever since Colorado legalized marijuana on January 1, 2014, the state has had an increase in tax revenue and economic output from retail sales and an increase in jobs (drugpolicy. org). Junior Liam Maxwell stated, “I WKLQN LW ZRXOG EH D KXJH EHQHĂ€W WR RXU nation, because these gangs and cartels are turning into multi-million dollar companies, whereas if we legalize it, then our government will be taxing it, and then RXU FRXQWU\ LV WKH RQH EHQHĂ€WLQJ Âľ ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR WKH HFRQRPLF EHQHĂ€WV marijuana has been seen to have far fewer side effects than other substances, such as alcohol. According to the Center for Disease Control’s website, “Drinking too much can harm your health. Excessive

alcohol use led to approximately 88,000 deaths and 2.5 million years of potential life lost (YPLL) each year in the United States from 2006 – 2010, shortening the lives of those who died by an average of 30 yearsâ€? (cdc.gov). According to The Atlantic, “In large amounts, alcohol is more dangerous than marijuanaâ€? (theatlantic.com). Why is marijuana illegal while alcohol is legal? It just doesn’t make sense. However, many people see marjana as causing more harm than good. One example is when a person drives under the LQĂ XHQFH 'ULYLQJ XQGHU WKH LQĂ XHQFH RI any substance that alters a person’s mind is GDQJHURXV EXW GULYLQJ XQGHU WKH LQĂ XHQFH of alcohol is far more dangerous than GULYLQJ XQGHU WKH LQĂ XHQFH RI PDULMXDQD according to CBS News (cbsnews.com). According to CBS, “If a driver is under WKH LQĂ XHQFH RI DOFRKRO KLV KHU ULVN RI D fatal crash is 13 times higher than the risk RI WKH GULYHU ZKR LV QRW XQGHU WKH LQĂ XHQFH of marijuanaâ€? (cbslocal.com). If alcohol causes more accidents than marijuana, then why is alcohol legal, but marijuana isn’t legal? If alcohol can be seen as harmless enough to be legal, than marijuana should also be legal. Alcohol is far more dangerous than PDULMXDQD DQG WKLV FRXQWU\ ZRXOG EHQHĂ€W if marijuana was legalized. There would be more room in prison for criminals who commit serious crimes and if one state collects 70 million dollars from marijuana taxes, imagine how much the country would make from marijuana taxes! So let’s let our inner Coloradan blaze freely, and let’s stop getting high on life, and let’s start getting high on legalization. artwork by Bilal Mohamed

Letter to the Editor

Fabrication and Design was honestly one of the best classes I have ever taken. I got to express my creativity in ways I would have never had access to outside of school, DQG , OHDUQHG DQ DUUD\ RI DUWLVWLF WHFKQLTXHV 7KH 0DQVÀHOGV GHYHORSHG D WUXO\ wonderful course and environment for their students. They incorporated several real-life lessons into the class and made themselves very available to talk to. It’s not very often that teachers show that they really care about their students’ personal wellbeings, not just their academic success. I’ve had such great experiences throughout the two years I’ve taken the class, and I’m very sad to hear that the future students of UC will not get the opportunity to take Fabrication and Design. -Junior Debi Rahmanan

4 OPINIONS

uchscommander.com

June 10, 2016

Senior Journalism Staff Goodbyes By Emi Zeger “Pay attention to what the teacher says.� Freshman year, Sports Editor Kimberly Fitchmun told me this stupidly simple advice for AP World History. It turned out to be the most useful piece of wisdom I heard in high school. The best defense is a strong offense: the more I learn now, the less I have to cram later. Most students don’t need such explicit guidance, but for me, hearing it from a peer welded the wisdom to my will. I am grateful for the other skills high school taught me: Abbreviate notes. Ask questions. Do homework in class. Furthermore, I learned the two-bite rule, but for school, not picky eaters: subjects are boring until you actually try them. I always pictured geography as the most boring topic, because I couldn’t imagine anything more to it than memorizing capitals, like in elementary school. But

high school classes (online and in Japan) expanded my worldview of geography, and it’s actually a pretty cool subject with plenty of practical applications. STEM-ers like to say, “I’m not a history person,â€? and humanities people like to say, “I hate math.â€? (Well actually, that’s more like everyone, unfortunately.) Anyways, we all have different interests, but I learned to try to be open-minded academically, to QRW GLVPLVV D ZKROH Ă€HOG EHFDXVH RI RQH bad class, and even to, heaven forbid, cross the humanities-sciences picket line, as I watched my fellow Editor Karyssa Newsome be passionate about APEL, just like how I love science. Besides, writing essays is at times fun. Beware of online classes. Procrastination is notorious for getting the better of iHightakers. Some of my lecture videos froze, or didn’t even load depending on the internet

connection. Teacher Deborah Williams saved me by kindly allowing me to use her speedy computer, as well as lending colored pencils and lined paper from her classroom, which was stocked like a Staples store. She also had a coffee machine, which was as popular as a pilgrimage site for attracting Centurion students and staff from far and wide. I told her she should call her B12 room “The Coffee Bea ‘n Twelve (Leaf).â€? Which leads me to my shameless commercial break, inspired by Teacher Brian Compagnone’s AVID advertising. /RYH PDWK" )RU WKH Ă€YH SHUFHQW ZKR GR join Math Club ={x: x likes math} next year! Contact our awesome Advisor Phil Huszar phuszar@sandi.net for details. The above ad is for you, underclassmen. By the way, freshmen, props for starting high school on the right track by reading The Commander. And, as Fitchmun also told

me, congrats for surviving freshman year. This is a senior issue, but freshmen deserve some support, too. Sophomore year gets better -- at least, it did for me. Junior year was hard, but senior year is fun. This year, , DWWHQGHG P\ ÀUVW EDVNHWEDOO JDPH 0U Centurion, tennis match, Battle of the Brains and musical, to which I give a Shout-Out. Another Shout-Out, to all of my teachers who taught. I have been very lucky in that those were most of my teachers and were all fantastic. In AP US and especially World History, the lecturers were so helpful; I only wish they had happened more often. Shout out and thanks to Principal Jeff Olivero and ASB for funding the paper. Finally, the bread and butter for a newspaper are its audience. So thank you for sticking with us (occasionally with glue for art projects, but that’s okay) and reading this far. Shout-Out to you.

By Karyssa Newsome Four years goes by quicker than you think; , VWLOO UHPHPEHU WKH ÀUVW GD\ RI IUHVKPDQ year, and here I am writing a farewell. My time at UC High has been an interesting RQH ÀOOHG ZLWK JUHDW IULHQGV DQG WHDFKHUV but it is now time for that chapter in my life to end and a new one to begin. Goodbye to all the people I’ve come to know, and thank you to all the teachers who have made a big impact on my life. I think in my four years of high school, the one thing I’ve learned to do is appreciate the little things that make your life special. As a last bit of advice, I would encourage students to surround themselves with genuine people and positive attitudes, and never let anyone bully them out of doing something they are passionate about. In my four years, there were high and low points, times hard and fun, but somehow I made it, and I know that if you believe in yourself, and stay resilient, you will make it too. Later, UC. By Valerie Bennett Honestly, high school wasn’t all its cracked up to be, but at the same time it kind of was. I really did think that it would be the best four years of my life, but all those years accomplished was making me want a better taste of the real world. However, WKDW LQ LWVHOI LV H[WUHPHO\ VLJQLÀFDQW WR growing as a person. I fell into a journalism class my sophomore year that over time revealed my biggest passion and indicated what I wanted to major in and eventually do as a career. Not to mention the endless memories and friends that will live on forever in my heart. So as much as I want to leave and dive into freedom and adulthood, I will miss UC High and all the opportunity and friendships that came along with it. By Bilal Mohamed High school was pretty great. I think I just learned more life lessons than actual curriculum. For me it’s been more about getting ready for the real world, just

JURZLQJ XS DQG Ă€QGLQJ ZKDW ,¡P JRRG DW and enjoy. I’m going to miss having a lot of free time and being able to skate all the time. I already know I’m gonna be busy in college but I’m looking forward to it. I’ll EH VHW IUHH Ă€QDOO\ DQG EH DEOH WR FRQWURO my life and get things done. I have big plans for the future and high school has KDG D ELJ LQĂ XHQFH RQ WKH JRDOV ,¡YH VHW for myself. It’s been a good experience, but it was only four years of my life and I’m beyond excited for what’s to come. By Camille Cudaback So I guess this is goodbye to high school. I know that sounds corny and maybe something you would see in a bad ‘90s high school movie, but I have come to embrace those corny moments, because let me tell you: the last four years have been full of them. These included getting dressed up and going to Homecoming, staying out late with those close friends and getting junk food. It’s okay that high school can be cliche, because these four years of a person’s life are a rare blip in which you can embrace being somewhat of an adult without having to pay for silly things like rent. My senior year is an accumulation of these funny events, some of which I will share with my children and some of which I can’t, but I will remember these moments when I’m getting homesick in my small dorm room next year. So I guess all I have to say is, “Thanks for the memories, UC.â€? By Hata Velic Looking back at eighth grade, I remember being so nervous to enter high school where all the big kids were, and here I am saying goodbye to all the younger ones. High school has come around to being an amazing experience that I will never forget. These past four years have gone by so fast, and yet I feel like I have grown more than ever. Don’t worry, the responsibilities of hard school work aren’t the only things that come with high school. Many new friends,

new experiences, and probably some of the most fun moments you will have in your life are a huge part of these four important years. Thank you to everyone who has made this experience the best one yet, and especially to all the teachers for helping me get to where I want to be today. It is time to start my life, but I will never forget UC. By Taylor McCabe High school was a whirlwind of emotions for me. I sure had my ups and downs, but overall it was a really memorable experience. My junior year I had a lot of added stress and emotions that really affected me. I ate alone in my car and kept to myself. This year, however, I really grew as a person. I actually got to take classes I enjoyed, and made real friends that will last a lifetime. I would like to thank all of my teachers and IULHQGV WKDW KHOSHG PH ÀQG PHDQLQJ LQ P\ life and showed me what true friendship is. By Anthony Garbino High school is a transition from the hell that is known as middle school to a place WKDW ZLOO DFWXDOO\ EHQHÀW \RX LQ WKH ORQJ run‌ well, for the most part. Throughout the short four years, I went from a loner nobody who had no friends to a person who is social, has friends and doesn’t really care about what people think of me. The main reason for this transformation is the fact that high school gives you the RSSRUWXQLW\ WR VWDUW ÀJXULQJ RXW ZKR \RX are and what you are all about. School wasn’t great, but the people I met made it worth sitting through lectures and learning. When I started my senior year, I expected it to be this time when I would have the most fun due to having time and having a car. If I had to give advice, I would have to VD\ WR ÀQG D JURXS RI SHRSOH WKDW \RX NQRZ are great people, and stick with them, and don’t deal with them fake people. If I had to go back and change something, I would have worked harder on school, but that’s in the past; what matters is what is in the

future, and I know that I have had my fun here. Bye UC, you very interesting place. By Alison White So four years goes by way more quickly than I ever would have anticipated. And there’s the whole cliche “these are the best years of your lifeâ€? and “you’re going to miss thisâ€? but honestly I am so ready to leave. There is so much to look forward to outside these campus boundaries. The only thing I’m going to miss is all of the wonderful people I was able to meet over the years. I met some of the greatest and gayest (sic) people, and that’s pretty cool. There’s only so much of high school you can take before senioritis hits and you want to die. I’m totally kidding, kind of. No, but really cherish this because you’ll make some amazing memories growing into young adulthood with your peers. By Kennedy Wilson When they say four years go by quicker than you think, they weren’t kidding. I swear yesterday I was some brighteyed freshmen getting lost on my way to class‌. I mean seriously, why are there two 200 buildings? And now I’m leaving this place. Four years has changed me a lot and I’m not complaining; I hate to say it, but high school actually was pretty important (don’t tell your parents), and I’m glad I spent the last four years of my life where I did (and doing) everything I did. Four years full of memories, old and new friends, and mistakes, and all I have to show for it are a few pictures and a diploma. By Sebastian Rodriguez If there’s one thing I learned from these four years of high school, it’s that regrets are abundant and bound to happen. Whether it’s from a choice you made or an opportunity you didn’t take advantage of, your time in high school will be full of regrets. Honestly, it’s up to you to decide how many you’ll end up having and whether or not the decisions leading up to them were worth it.

Julianna Marquez//Commander

The Commander

FEATURES 5

uchscommander.com

Is Senioritis Real or Just a Sorry Excuse?

By Valerie Bennett DUWLFOH VWDWHG ´,W¡V GHĂ€QLWHO\ QRW D GLVHDVH for college, writing the application essays, Sports Editor but there’s obviously a pattern of seniors getting the recommendations and studySenioritis: an incurable disease or a kind of just not caring anymore [and] not LQJ OLNH FUD]\ IRU WKDW H[FHSWLRQDO 6$7 DQG made-up phenomena to excuse kids from coming to school or doing classwork, but I ACT score, so now that the long-awaited schoolwork? That’s the question parents think it’s more about how they want to get DFFHSWDQFHV DUH Ă€QDOO\ LQ DQG VWXGHQWV DUH and teachers are asking as the school year on to the future alreadyâ€? (sundial.osu.edu). GRQH FRPPLWWLQJ WR FROOHJHV WKH Ă€QLVK OLQH comes so close to an end. That future seems to be all seniors think seems very close (KXIĂ€QJWRQSRVW FRP). “I honestly think I’ve had Senioritis since about after getting accepted into college. A lot of students say they aren’t the only freshman year, so I’m pretty sure it’s an ones giving up, as teachers seem actual disease,â€? said Senior Billy Wright. to have thrown in the towel as While it may not be a real medical diagnowell. “All we do at school is sis, it might not seem like such a ridiculous watch movies or sit there with no excuse in the long run, either. Hearing the class lesson, so a lot of us see no symptoms of Senioritis might help people point in coming to school, which EHOLHYH WKH DIĂ LFWLRQ LV PRUH LQWHQVH WKDQ may explain why a lot of them commonly regarded. According to the continue to say we’re absent due Verywell website, parents should look out to our Senioritis,â€? said Senior for symptoms like poor hygiene, extreme Abby McGee. Although motivaOD]LQHVV VSHQGLQJ DOO RQH¡V WLPH ZLWK tion does drain out of most stufriends, having a hard time getting up in dents over the course of the year, the morning, a lackadaisical attitude about teachers seem to be in the same schoolwork and apathy towards the future boat and are giving students basi(verywell.com). When listing off these cally free periods. “When there’s Carissa Guzman//Commander symptoms, most students agreed they had These UC High Seniors are suffering from severe Senioritis.nothing to miss in class, it’s easy a lot of them. “It takes me at least two cups to just not go or take a nap,â€? said of coffee to be a normal person at school, Senior Claire Halaka said, “I’m going to Sud. With no purpose to attend school, especially this year, so getting up and go- Oregon State, and I’m so excited. I just both seniors and teachers face a lack of LQJ WR VFKRRO KDV GHĂ€QLWHO\ EHHQ D KXJH want to be there already in the cold weath- motivation. So, a strongly correlated risk struggle. This probably explains why I’ve er. Going there in a couple of months is all factor for Senioritis may be Teacher-itis. been absent so much this year,â€? said Senior I really think about, so being at school most $GPLQLVWUDWRUV PD\ Ă€QG WKDW WKHUH LV QR Samantha Dorman. days feels pointless.â€? The anticipation of cure, only treatment for the progressively There are a few satirical articles that ad- the freedom that lies ahead at college has GHELOLWDWLQJ DIĂ LFWLRQ RI 6HQLRULWLV ZKLFK dress the medical legitimacy of Seniori- most students in a different world, a world is Saturday School for unexcused absenctis, including one on the Sundial Humor nowhere close to high school. Senior James es. But as its name suggests, Senioritis is Magazine’s website. This article reports on Sud said, “We are past the point where par- only a temporary condition. So if you’ve a fake study that was taken and jokes about ents or grades really seem to matter, when caught a bad case of Senioritis, remember seeing kids’ brain waves light up while there is a whole future ahead of us that to stay strong and value these last days in ZDWFKLQJ 1HWĂ L[ ZKLOH DOPRVW QR EUDLQ seems so close.â€? The +XIĂ€QJWRQ 3RVW points high school, as the real world is closer than activity shows up during a lecture. The out that students spend months preparing it seems!

How to Make the Most of Your Shortened Summer By Josh Choi Staff Writer 6WXGHQWV LQ WKH 6DQ 'LHJR 8QLÀHG 6FKRRO District are going to have a particularly a short summer this year. With school ending later in June and starting up again early, in August (!), the time in between will be limLWHG DQG ZLOO VXUHO\ à \ E\ TXLFNO\ 0DQ\ UC High students are frantic about making the most out of their shortened vacation, but living in a city like San Diego, there are tons of cool activities to pack into the hot summer days. There are 33 different beaches in San Diego, according to the city’s website (sandiego.org). At the beach, you can play IULVEHH KLNH SLFQLF KXOD KRRS ÀVK UHDG PDJD]LQHV VXUI FDWFK XS RQ SKRQH FDOOV search for historical sites, meet people and go window shopping at the little seaside shops. The beach is also a picturesque scene to play I Spy: look for dolphins in the water, little critters in the sand and seashells at the shore. Make it a social event by celebrating a holiday or special occasion with ERQÀUH SDUWLHV 2U OHW QDWXUH EH \RXU PXVH and write poetry or messages in the sand, take photos, or sculpt an art museum-worthy epic sand castles. Or just relax, watch the sunset and daydream (hubpages.com). The list of beach-related activities to do in San Diego is virtually endless. There are over ninety different museums

in San Diego, and the largest group of museums together is in Balboa Park (sandiego. org). In Balboa Park, there are Centro CulWXUDO GH OD 5D]D 0DUVWRQ +RXVH 0LQJHL International Museum, Museum of Photographic Arts, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, San Diego Air and Space Museum, San Diego Art Institute (SDAI), San Diego Automotive Museum, San Diego Hall of Champions, San Diego History Center, San Diego Model Railroad Museum, San Diego Museum of Man, San Diego Natural History Museum, The San Diego Museum of Art, Timken Museum of Art, Veterans Museum at Balboa Park and World Beat Center (balboa park.org). You can spend many days trying to visit all the different museums around Balboa this summer. Most of the museums cost money, but some of them are free to San Diego residents on Tuesdays. The schedule is subject to change, but genHUDOO\ RQ WKH Ă€UVW 7XHVGD\ RI WKH PRQWK exhibits at the Reuben H. Fleet Science center and the Natural History Museum are free, as well as the Centro Cultural de This Summer! The Walking Dead OD 5D]D DQG 0RGHO 5DLOURDG 0XVHXP 2Q Attractions at Universal Studios the second Tuesday of the month, students can stroll with an empty wallet into the Universal Stuiods Hollywood doesn’t Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego MXVW PHHW DOO \RXU ZL]DUGLQJ UHTXLUHPHQWV History Center, San Diego Hall of ChampiThe park offers many other exciting at- ons and Veterans’ Museum and Memorial tractions to check out. Possibly the most Center. On the third Tuesday, visitors can notable upcoming opening is the Walking enjoy the Mingei International Museum, Dead Attractions, opening Monday, July Museum of Art, Museum of Man and the 4, 2016. The attraction is based on the Japanese friendship garden without charge. award-winning AMC television series, Finally, on the fourth Tuesday, visitors just The Walkng Dead, and will feature a “new need to pay for the gas to drive over to the Automotive Museum (last admission 3:45 permanent walk-through attraction.â€? p.m.). The Air and Space Museum (exclud-

ing special exhibitions), San Diego Art ,QVWLWXWH DQG 6HOHFW +RXVH RI 3DFLĂ€F 5Hlations International Cottages are free, too (balboa park.org). The San Diego Zoo, Belmont Park, Legoland and SeaWorld are also a good places to have fun in San Diego (sandiego.com). Going to any of these parks with friends over summer should lead to many great summer memories. You might even want to spring for a year-long pass. It doesn’t cost that much more and means you can return all summer long. Another great plan to make over summer is to visit the San Diego County fair with friends. You can eat yummy (or disgusting) fair food, check out student work in the art gallery and ride heart-pumping rides in the game area. According to the fair’s website, “Mad About the Fair is the theme of the San Diego County Fair opening at 4:00 p.m. on artwork by Karyssa Newsome Friday, June 3 and continuing through Monday, July 4. The Fair is closed on Mondays, except July 4, and WKH Ă€UVW WZR 7XHVGD\VÂľ sdfair.com). Catching the surf at the beach, checking out museums and touring interesting attractions may seem like enough activities to make for a busy summer, but if those aren’t appealing, there are many other possible ways to spend time with friends (tripadvisor.com). Websites like Trip Advisor list San Diego spots on the bucket list to visit like the USS Midway Museum, La Jolla Cove, Petco Park, Sunset Cliffs, Mount Soledad, Old Town, Mission Beach, Little Italy and Coronado, plus 385 more places, and if you really are adamant about packing as much fun as possible into your shortened vacation, there are probably 385 more things you can come up with on your own.

Top Ten Cool College Classes

By Kennedy Wilson Editor-in-Chief We all dream of it: taking a course that is more than just numbers or words in a book and doing something in a classroom that actually LQWHUHVWV XV )URP WKH FUD]Lest classes (they’re teaching what!) to the most intriguing ones and the rare few that somehow manage to be both, here are the top classes on the registration wish list that really exist across the globe.

10. The

Sociology of Miley- We all are wondering it, right? What makes the used-to-be Hannah Montana child star the way she is. We can speculate about a lot of things, or just sit in on the class at Skidmore College. I wonder if her father has...? (time.com).

9. The Art of Walking- At Centre College, you can learn how to walk the right path‌ Well, at least the one scheduled for that day (time.com).

8.

Stupidity- Oh, come on, we’ve all wanted to know how people “could be so stupid,â€? and now at Occidental College, you can! (KXIĂ€QJWRQSRVW FRP)

7.

The Hunger Games: Class, Politics and Marketing- At American University, our capital is the site for lessons about the &DSLWRO :KLFK LV D OLWWOH WRR Ă€WWLQJ GRQ¡W you think? (seventeen.com).

6.

Fetish Appeal: Desire and Consumption- At York University, you can learn about passions from Ailurophile to Xylophilia. I would love to understand what some of them are‌ but only some. -XVW FRXQW PH RXW IRU D YRFDEXODU\ TXL] (KXIÀQJWRQSRVW FRP).

5. The Art of Seeing- McMaster University offers a course where you can look at art in a museum and by identifying the various shapes in it, help save patients’ lives one day... I’m not saying I understand it, but I’m totally interested in how it works (KXIÀQJWRQSRVW FRP).

4. Cow to Cone- At Penn State, you can learn just what it takes to get that delicious ice cream from the cow to your cone. On second thought, maybe we don’t want to know (seventeen.com).

3.

Apocalyptic Science Fiction- Just think, you could be the one yelling at \RXU IULHQG WR UXQ DV \RX Ă€JKW RII RQFRPLQJ ]RPELHV DQG \RX¡YH WRWDOO\ JRW WKLV because you took a class on it a few semesters ago at York University (KXIĂ€QJtonpost.com).

2.

What if Harry Potter is Real?- But the real question, does this class at Appalachian State University come with a secret trip to Hogwarts? What do you mean, Hogwarts doesn’t exist? I’m pretty sure the conspiracies are true. Can Actor Daniel Radcliffe come and visit at least? (KXIÀQJWRQSRVW FRP).

1.

Medicinal and Hallucinogenic Plants- Let’s play a game; who’s here to ask some questions based on personal experiences? At University of Manitoba, you can learn everything you want to know about what makes you trip, which could be an extremely useful thing -maybe even a little too useful (KXIÀQJWRQpost.com).

6 FEATURES

uchscommander.com

June 10, 2016

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Sure to Bewitch Visitors

By Emi Zeger Editor-in-Chief 'LVFODLPHU WKH Ă€JXUHV LQ WKLV SDJH¡V photos do not move. Such witch-oriented newspapers are available, however, at The :L]DUGLQJ :RUOG RI +DUU\ 3RWWHU ZKHUH the Daily Prophet is one of the countless thrilling details creating authenticity of unreal degree that brings fans back to their childhood with the beloved books. +RJZDUWV LV ZKDW PDNHV WKH :L]DUGLQJ World come alive the most. Visitors have to overcome a long line in Professor Sprout’s greenhouse to enter the castle, but it’s worth it. Exotic creepers scale the greenhouse walls, and mandrakes peep out of their pots. The magical vegetation is so articulately crafted for the greenhouse that the nonmagical-looking foliage appears the most out-of-place and obviously plastic. The only element missing from the witchcraft atmosphere are cloaked actors; without any, the line of muggles gawking at the caged mandrakes evoked the LPSUHVVLRQ RI D ]RR H[KLELW +RZHYHU the view of the Hogsmeade’s rooftop chimneys leaning about, whimsically emitting smoke, revives the vivacious

atmosphere. Inside, the castle is dimly lit, Mechanical owls with rotating necks are so bring a phone, and stash it away in your perched throughout Hogsmeade; they are pocket during the ride. The phone will sure to make heads turn as well. For San provide a camera for capturing memories, Diegans wary of seagulls targeting them and its glow will provide the lumos effect as bathrooms, fear not: as with the moss to illuminate the castle’s treasures. everywhere, the white splotches of owl Hogwarts castle is like an interactive museum of magical memorabilia, from house point counters and the Sorting Hat to the pensieve, conjuring memories from the depths of imagination RI WKH ZL]DUGLQJ ZRUOG 3RUWUDLWV talk while displaying the texture of painted canvas, not a shiny digital screen. In another chamber, very realistic holograms of Harry, Ron, and Hermione spoke to the audience, although their voices Carissa Guzman//Commander were drowned out by gasps from the crowd (or maybe just mine). Hogwarts Castle at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. ,Q +RJVPHDGH D ZHDOWK RI ZL]DUG ZDUH droppings are fake (at least, hopefully). adorns the stores, further adding to the Speaking of bathrooms, Moaning Myrtle’s authentic ambiance. Universal Studios mumblings will keep you soothing company FDSLWDOL]HV RQ WKH PDJLFDO YLOODJH WR in the restroom. If Moaning Myrtle is not disguise gift shops as they engage in your jam, lend an ear to the Hogwarts reverse alchemy: performing vanishing Frog Choir, in which puppet toads croak acts on the precious metals found in wallets. as singers croon in accompaniment. The

performances were a vocal potion of lyrical singing, riveting “ribbetsâ€? and beatboxing, punctuated by frogs belching. $V Ă€OPPDNHUV 8QLYHUVDO 6WXGLRV understands the power of background music, and different areas of Potter World HPDQDWH VRQJV IURP WKH Ă€OPV WR IXUWKHU contribute to a charming atmosphere. Not only the park’s attractions, but the fans it attracts foster a fantastical aura of solidarity. Fans at the park sported shirts EHDULQJ VWDWHPHQWV IURP OR\DO +XIĂ HSXII DIĂ€UPDWLRQV WR WKH IDPRXV ´, VROHPQO\ swear I am up to no good.â€? One couple dressed up and looked just like the Weasley parents. One of the most memorable moments at Universal Studios was not HYHQ LQVLGH 7KH :L]DUGLQJ :RUOG RI +DUU\ Potter: as I stepped out of a restroom by the parking garage, no one was present except for two teens in black cloaks who strolled past. With reality surreally suspended, it was possible to imagine being the only muggle there. Through the detailed Potter-themed park, Hollywood has ingrained itself in the ZL]DUGLQJ ZRUOG ,QGHHG KROO\ ZRRG LV even in Harry’s wand!

Hogsmeade Shopping Conjures Up Wand!erous Experience

By Karyssa Newsome Features Editor At Universal Studios Hollywood, visitors DW 7KH :L]DUGLQJ :RUOG RI +DUU\ 3RWWHU can trek the streets of Hogsmeade and get WKH IXOO 3RWWHU H[SHULHQFH 7KH :L]DUGLQJ World of Harry Potter offers shopping and dining experiences that bring the magic of Harry Potter to life.

Gringotts account: throughout the stores, items up for sale range from around six bucks to over one hundred dollars. Filch’s Emporium, a gift shop located at the base of Hogwarts Castle, is one of the best shops in the area. After jumping off of the Forbidden Journey ride, ride, you are let out into Filch’s Emporium, so you still feel like you are in Hogwarts: the experience doesn’t end when the lap bars lift up. Here, you can purchase merchandise of all sorts: key chains, sorting hats, clothing, Marauder’s Maps — even a VERY exquisite and realistic-looking version of Tom Riddle’s journal. *ODGUDJV :L]DUGZHDU LV DOVR D PXVW WR JHW DOO \RXU IDQF\ ZL]DUG GLJV +HUH you can purchase full-on Hogwarts robes and other wearable items such as lanyards, necklaces, pins and ties, which are all realistic-looking and nifty. For some reason, the magic Carissa Guzman//Commander Hogsmeade district has all your wizarding needs. really is in the air in this shop. It might EH WKH Ă RDWLQJ GUHVV LQ WKH ZLQGRZ One of the best experiences when visiting that charms everyone so much. WKH :L]DUGLQJ :RUOG RI +DUU\ 3RWWHU LV $JDLQ VKRSSLQJ LQ WKH :L]DUGLQJ :RUOG being able to walk the streets of Hogsmeade of Harry Potter is more an experience than and visit the same stores that the protagonist a spree, and experience is just what you visited in the series. In the park, there are get when you visit Ollivander’s, where the seven Potter-themed shops where you can ZDQG UHDOO\ GRHV FKRRVH WKH ZL]DUG +HUH purchase gifts and souvenirs. Part of the you can purchase wands that are replicas magic is that the gift shops don’t really feel RI WKH RQHV WKH FKDUDFWHUV KDYH LQ WKH Ă€OPV like gift shops; they feel like actual stores The shop can be as chock full of wands as WKDW ZLWFKHV DQG ZL]DUGV IUHTXHQW RQ DQ\ customers, however, so if you are in a rush occasion. but in dire need of a wand, you can purchase %HIRUH Ă \LQJ RYHU WR WKH RYHUZKHOPLQJ one at a kiosk outside of Hogwarts for half supply of movie prop replicas, toys and of the hassle. If you don’t want to pay 48 bewitching souvenirs, just make sure dollars for an interactive wand, you can that you bring enough money from your just tag behind someone who bought one, and watch them cast spells on the storefront windows for free. One of the sweetest shopping spots is Honeydukes. Connected to Zonko’s Joke Shop, where you can purchase quaint and quirky toys, Honeydukes is the spot to IXOĂ€OO \RXU FKLOGKRRG GUHDPV RI EX\LQJ *U\IĂ€QGRU Slytherin FKRFRODWH IURJV ZL]DUG FDUG LQFOXGHG 28% 25% pumpkin pasties and Bertie Bott’s EveryFlavour beans (and when they say every Ă DYRU WKH\ PHDQ HYHU\ Ă DYRU WKH GLUW ones actually taste like dirt, and the soap ones actually taste like soap; just cross +XIĂ HSXII Ravenclaw \RXU Ă€QJHUV \RX GRQ¡W JHW D ERJLH Ă DYRUHG 28% 19% EHDQ 3ULFHV UDQJH IURP DURXQG Ă€YH WR WHQ EXFNV D SRS EXW WKH SRUWLRQ VL]HV DUH ZRUWK the price, especially the fudge (not the artwork by Karyssa Newsome Cornelius kind). If you are a person with

Witch Hogwarts House are you?

little self-control, expect to spend at least 20 to 40 bucks on candy alone. Some of the other shopping experiences available include: Dervish and Banges, which sells quidditch equipment and XQLIRUPV :LVHDFUH¡V :L]DUGLQJ (TXLSPHQW where you can buy crystal balls, telescopes and more, and Owl Post, where you can purchase awesome stationery sets and even send out letters with a Hogsmeade postmark. Don’t want to pay exorbitant prices for Potter-themed jewelry? Buy a cheaper (but still overpriced) keychain and string it on a cord for a necklace. With a little self-restraint, you can manage to take home a bounty of Potter merch and spend under a hundred bucks. After walking around Hogsmeade all day ORQJ DQ\ ZL]DUG ZRXOG EH KXQJU\ 7KH Three Broomsticks offers restaurant-style

GLQLQJ :LWK VLQJOH PHDOV OLNH ÀVK DQG chips, spare ribs and shepard’s pie (ranging between 13 and 22 dollars) and a party platter for about 55 dollars, you’ll get the bite for your buck. The portions are large, and the food is delicious. Don’t forget to ask about Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice when you dine in. Not only is Butterbeer delicious, WDVWLQJ VRPHWKLQJ OLNH D EXWWHUVFRWFK à RDW but it is also very popular. If you don’t grab a mug in the Three Broomsticks, the kiosk lines around the park are extremely long. Most parks don’t offer that high quality of food, but there’s something about eating in WKH ZL]DUGLQJ ZRUOG WKDW WDNHV GLQLQJ WR WKH next level. Remember, everything tastes better in Potter Land, even the corn. $W WKH :L]DUGLQJ :RUOG RI +DUU\ 3RWWHU WKH DWWUDFWLRQ VKRSV DUH VXUH WR PDNH ZL]DUGV and muggles feel right at Hogsmeade.

By Karyssa Newsome Features Editor From coasters to 3D experiences, to onstage performances, the attractions at the :L]DUGLQJ :RUOG RI +DUU\ 3RWWHU RIIHU guests magical amusement for all ages. What sets apart the Potter rides, which are the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey 3D experience ride and the Flight of the Hippogriff coaster, is overall friendliness to people who generally don’t like rides and/or are scared of thrill rides. Oh, but they are thrilling! The 3D Adventure ride takes guests on an awesome adventure around Hogwarts as they follow Harry and his friends by way of broomstick. After strapping into your seat and putting on your 3D quidditch goggles, \RX ZKL] WKURXJK +RJZDUWV FDVWOH DQG FRQWLQXH WR Ă \ DERXW XQGHU EULGJHV RQ WKH TXLGGLWFK Ă€HOG DQG HYHQ LQ WKH )RUELGGHQ Forest, where you are attacked by giant spiders and dementors. This ride should UHDOO\ EH FDWHJRUL]HG DV ' \RX FDQ IHHO WKH KHDW IURP WKH GUDJRQ¡V Ă€UH DQG VSLGHU venom being sprayed at you. The effects and movements of the seat really make LW IHHO OLNH \RX DUH Ă \LQJ ,W LV D ULGH \RX can’t skip and an experience that can only be described as‌ well, magical. While the 3D adventure ride doesn’t have any major drops and merely twists and turns, the Flight of the Hippogriff is an actual coaster, a family-friendly coaster to

be exact. The duration of the ride feels like under a minute, and it is fun all the way WKURXJK $V \RX EHJLQ WKH FOLPE D OLIH VL]H Hippogriff greets you, and you get a nice view of Hagrid’s home. The drop is more of a spiral than anything else, giving you

Fans Fly Broomsticks and Hippogriffs

Carissa Guzman//Commander

Flight of the Hyppogriff is a main attraction. WKH IHHOLQJ WKDW \RX DFWXDOO\ DUH à \LQJ RQ a Hippogriff. On the outdoor stage, you can see the students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang VWXGHQWV SHUIRUP LQ WKH 7ULZL]DUG 6SLULW 5DOO\ ZKLFK ZLOO GHÀQLWHO\ JHW \RXU EORRG pumping; it’s as if you’re actually in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire watching the outside students show off their skills. 7KH :L]DUGLQJ :RUOG RI +DUU\ 3RWWHU KDV an attraction for everyone, whether you’re seeking rides or entertainment.

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SENIOR EDITION 7

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The Commander

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all photos above Cameron Doyle//Commander

8 SENIOR EDITION

uchscommander.com

SENIOR EDITION 9

June 10, 2016

UHDG\RX¡UH I , W L H GLG ORYH : P DQG GDG , orted I R V V R supp RX P KH &OD KDQN \ else who has 7R W 7 W RQH X 3 R W 9 X one H HYHU\ on y S r R e K v , e \ ´6KR\RX¡UH WKH UHDO 0 G s k to than HQ D EODVW DQ renden Pear H LQJ WKLV uld also like B E V ¡ W , o 68 you. I w H%RXQG 6' ,¡P RXW Âľ er Lee W D D \ W -Rog PH 6 H IXWXUH 6HH WK Âľ OXFN LQ XW SOV" R W tal X R K V and me GH H , s E k D c K o L LQJ Âľ urbs, r VV FDQ racks, c ZLWK P\ UXQQ ´(\ E c k l a tone G ew ailey S the sid PH JURXQGH B l l a o t out SLQJ “Shout U DOZD\V NHH eteria R I the caf no d n a VWXPSV m asi oo rton’s r atalie Tomm o N . r -N n in M skeleto Âľ e h t o t out \ OLIH “Shout \RX VDYHG P V HJJUROO

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“Shout out to the co nstruction crews fo r an extremely quic the school and for k remodel of making an awesom e newly paved hill VFKRRO Âľ in the back of the -Kevin Pickering “Shout out to T-W ild and Diplow. And thanks for the Kris 0DF Âľ pie Kreme C -Elena Voytill a “Thank you to thos e who have made high school memor WKDQNV WR P\ JLUOV able. A special RQ 'ULOO IRU DOO WKH LU KDUG ZRUN DQG P ´2Q 6LJPD 'ULO DN LQJ PH VR SURXG O 3KLO Âľ 7R -3 , FD Q¡W ZDLW WR VHH \RX WKLQJV DW &DO 3RO\ DF FR PSOLVKHG JUHDW *OR Âľ -Kaitln Saythong ´6KRXW RXW WR P\ OR YH 'DQLHO &KLPLF KDQJD /RO Âľ “Hey guys‌ I’m -Kelly Wheat going to miss you all. Or at least mos \RX VR PXFK /DWRU t of you. Micah I lo *DWRUV $ OLNH 3UH ve WW\ /LWWOH /LDUV Âľ -Alison White ´, ORYH -RUGDQ Âľ -Ilana Levy ´, ORYH /DQDÂľ -Jor don Abbott

“High school, it may be hard, annoyin g, awkward, irritating, etc., but DGPLW LW \RX DUH JRLQJ WR PLVV LW ZK HQ LW HQGV Âľ -Sarah Sacio “Shoutout to my words, they present the realness. Don’t believe the lies. Friends are good so keep them around. Be spicier than siracha. Oh well’s are better than what-ifs. And rememb er, if someone ever says that I stole \RXU JLUO LW¡V WUXH /DVWO\ %XVK GLG LW 3HDFH RXW GRJ 'LFNLQVRQ RXW Âľ -Athena Dickinson ´6KRXWRXWV WR WKH 6HQLRU $UWV7HFK FO DVV RI , KRSH DOO RI \RX JX\V KDYH D ZRQGHUIXO IXWXUH ,W¡V EHHQ IX QÂŤ SV +L &DW Âľ -Jeffrey Boone ´'HDU IUHVKPDQ EH WKH FKDQJH WKDW \RX ZLWK WR VHH LQ WKH ZRUOG Âľ -Cameron Doyle “Shoutout to everyone who has stuc k by me and believed in me, encourag ed me, and and gave me support. I appreci ate all my amazing teachers that hav e impacted me (Mrs. Bristol, Mr. Jaso n, Mrs. Fallon, Mr. Norton-- my ama zing English teachers). Stefani, Alison, Jess ica, Sana, Jessica, Jackie, Amanda, and DOO P\ RWKHU IULHQGV %HLQJ LQ MRXUQDO LVP KDV EHHQ D EODVW ORRN RXW IRU PH LQ WKH IXWXUH Âľ -Karyssa Newsome

“I want to give a special thank you to my teachers LT. Col Josten and Ms. Perry for being positive and supportive to me through my years in high school. Thank you Mr. Corenman for working with me in music ,¡P KDSS\ WR EH LQ WKH Ă€UVW \HDU \RX WDXJKW ,¡YH learned a lot during these 4 years and that is, to truly be yourself, because no one can be you and always be VWURQJ Âľ -Candace McIntyre “Shoutout to my food that helps me and keeps me alive GXULQJ VFKRRO KRXUV )RRG LV OLIH SFOXEÂľ -Laura Esquer ´-RVK GRHVQ¡W VTXDW HQRXJK Âľ -Michelle Garcia “When you get angry count to 5 and calm down. You might end up doing things you will regret later in life. Gracias mami y papi por sacarme adelante. SFOXEÂľ -Emily Aguayo

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“You’ll never live a perfect day unless you do something for someone who will never be able to repay you. -John -Catrin Law :RRGHQÂľ “Defeat the patriarchy and let us all be benevolent leadHUV VOD\LQJ LQ WKH KLJKHVW RI KHHOV D GUHDPLQJ Ă RZHUÂľ -Roisin Mackenzie

-Noah Graciani

“Shout out to all of my Drill girls and my All-Male boys. This year was amazing with all of y’all, I’m so proud of you guys. For those of you who didnt join you messed up. So try out next \HDU RQ WKHUHÂŤÂľ -Mariel Gomez “‘Why are you wearing that stupid man suit’ shout out to an old EHVW IULHQG WKDW SHUVRQ , Ă€UVW ZDWFKHG WKLV PRYLH ZLWK Âľ -Carissa Guzman ´6KRXWRXW WR %&25( VXQVHWVZDJ 7R P\ $VLDQ EDQG VTXDG marching season was dank. To Jenna Guillermo Vanessa and -LOOLDQ 7KDQNV IRU VWLFNLQJ DURXQG 7R WKH SFOXE 7R -HII 7KDQN \RX IRU WKLV \HDU 6KRXWRXW WR 3RUHV Âľ -Hanna Katsiapis ´6KRXWRXW WR DOO WKH VHQLRUV :H PDGH LW Âľ -Fayth Fowller ´6KRXWRXW WR $OO 0DOH ORYH \RX JX\V Âľ -Christian Medina

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“Dear UC students. U need to make UC great again. We used to be the best in the district. We had the sports team, the best academics but something went wrong. $QG ,¡P JRQQD Ă€[ WKDW EHOLHYH PH , ZLOO ,¡OO PDNH 8& great again. How will I do that? I’m going to build a wall , WHOO \D $QG ,¡OO PDNH WKH VWXGHQWV SD\ IRU LW Âľ -Jacob DeMille

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all photos above Cameron Doyle, Kayli Sandoval, Audry Hancock//Commander

10 FEATURES

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DESTINATIONS

CAL POLY SAN LUIS OBISPO JP Balogo Jack Gallegos Kevin Pickering Alison White

HARVY MUDD COLLEGE Evan Liang

CAL POLY POMONA Trinity Crosby-McCray Shaymeon Drummond Art Ducut Francisco Echavarria-Nava Colton Fox Paul Kim Lindsey Martinez Alex Newman Joseph Splendorio

LONG BEACH STATE Athena Dickinson Tara Kemp Makayla Kiser Alicia Tan Billy Wright

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UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS Cole Kammerer

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June 10, 2016

UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO Jen Booker Isaac Perez Victoria Wade

UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC Sheldon Williams WESTMONT COLLEGE Jayce Bjelland WHITTIER COLLEGE Mariah Wilson

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HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM Alisa McRee

artwork by Kennedy Wilson

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY Jade Cabrera

KANSAS WESLYAN UNIVERSITY Tomo Pollard

ARIZONA STATE, TEMPE Jacob Lapp

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Abby McGee

ARIZONA STATE, WEST PHEONIX Jack Clark Karina Trevizo BERKELEY COLLEGE OF MUSIC Matthew Delos Santos

MICHIGAN STATE Jake Lundy NEW YORK UNIVERSITY Alaris Dayzie

BROWN UNIVERSITY Mikaela Magpali

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BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY - IDAHO Cameron Doyle

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CHADRON STATE COLLEGE Omari Cooper

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COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY, FORT COLLINS Garrett Woodrworth

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DARTMOUTH COLLEGE Alexa Wing

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GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY Cheyanna Andaya

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, AUSTIN Jillian Renly

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FEATURES 11

Valedictorian Alexa to Spread Her Wings at Dartmouth By Hata Velic News Editor Senior Alexa Wing has worked extremely hard these past four years at UC High to reach the achievement of becoming the class of 2016 Valedictorian, with a 4.86 GPA. According to Wing’s mother, Head Counselor Sheryl Godfrey, Wing has wanted to be Valedictorian since the seventh grade. “Alexa had a math tutor from UC High who was a Valedictorian, and she said in seventh grade that she wanted to be a Valedictorian like he was,â€? said Godfrey. Wing maintained straight A’s through seventh and eighth grade and always studied on her own. “I never had to push her to do anything. She is completely self-motivated, and it’s not just [for] her school work. Her dedication to her soccer team and her ZRUNRXW DQG Ă€WQHVV VFKHGXOH LV DPD]LQJ I’ve never seen a teenager do that,â€? said Godfrey. Godfrey said, “It’s always just been me and her in the house, so there were never any distractions. She could always plan if she wanted people around or not, which is nice because not a lot of people can’t do that with siblings around. I also believe that we have great parents at the school, and it is always a good thing when there is a balance between the parent and the student. I know that with Alexa. I allowed her to be VHOI GULYHQ DQG Ă€JXUH RXW ZKR VKH ZDQWHG to be on her own, and that relationship has been a great help.â€? Wing took 12 AP classes. Although she may have been stressed a bit during this time, she always held a positive attitude. “I always made sure to manage my time

ZHOO DQG SULRULWL]H , DOVR PDGH VXUH WKDW lifestyle. She has been playing soccer comDOO WKH LPSRUWDQW VWXII ZDV GRQH Ă€UVW DQG petitively since seventh grade. “I always not to worry about the extra stuff on the PDNH VXUH WKDW , DP DV Ă€W DV , FDQ EH HVside. Lastly, I made sure not to spend the pecially when it comes to soccer, so that I whole day focused on school work, and FDQ EH RQ WKH Ă€HOG KHOSLQJ RXW P\ WHDP , that I had other stuff going on, like soccer work out because I want to be in the best and hanging out with friends. I tried to bal- SRVVLEOH SODFH 0\ IULHQGV ZRXOG GHĂ€QLWHO\ ance things as best as possible,â€? said Wing. In addition, Wing participates in CSF and Best Buddies and volunteers. “A lot of my time, especially the weekends, has gone to doing various volunteer opportunities, and just helping out for certain events,â€? she said. Wing has committed to go to Dartmouth for college, which is an Ivy League photo coutresy of Alexa Wing school in New Center Back Alexa Wing looks to clear the ball with the Surf Club Team Hampshire. She at the Manchester City America’s Cup match in 2015. is majoring in her favorite subject, biology, and she plans to say that I am a healthy person, because it minor in Environmental Studies and math. is very important to me. I love to spend a “My favorite classes at UC High were lot of my time working out, going on hikes Math 150 and Math 151 with Dr. [Sharon] and being outdoors,â€? she explained. Hughes. However, I love science. I feel Godfrey said, “Alexa knew emotionally like it is the most interesting and most ap- how to stay stable, and she knew that if she plicable [subject] today,â€? she said. wasn’t in a good place emotionally, she Outside of school, Wing focuses on work- wouldn’t be able to reach her goals, and LQJ RXW DQG PDLQWDLQLQJ D Ă€WQHVV RULHQWHG working out was a great therapy method

for her to stay positive.â€? Wing has a tryout for the Varsity Soccer Team at Dartmouth, and plans on continuing this sport in her future. Senior Lauren Hurtado said, “I have known Alexa since sophomore year, and I think that she is very determined and goes after what she wants. She would always work her hardest for herself. Alexa has also always been a great friend.â€? :LQJ¡V PRVW GLIĂ€FXOW H[SHULHQFH LQ KLJK VFKRRO ZDV MXQLRU \HDU ´,W ZDV GHĂ€QLWHO\ WKH PRVW GLIĂ€FXOW \HDU DQG RQ WRS RI DOO WKH school work, I was switching soccer teams. I was also doing the most volunteer work that year, and it was the most labor-intensive. I also feel like that is the year where I UHDOL]HG WKDW , KDG WR GR ZHOO IRU FROOHJH DQG Ă€JXUH RXW ZKHUH , ZDQWHG WR JR DQG ZKDW , wanted to do. Figuring out what was going to happen in the future was very stressful. However, I had a great support group of friends and family that supported all my decisions and helped me keep a good perspective on everything. I knew it would all work out eventually,â€? said Wing. “My favorite year has been senior year. The classes I am taking weren’t easier, but , KDG HYHU\WKLQJ Ă€JXUHG RXW DW WKLV SRLQW and I was able to relax after college apps were over, and I knew where I was going. I feel like I had more free time my senior year than in all of high school. It’s like ,¡P Ă€QDOO\ FDWFKLQJ XS RQ VOHHS P\ ODVW year from all four years of being sleepdeprived,â€? continued Wing. Wing said, “It feels really cool to be Valedictorian. It feels like all the hard work GHĂ€QLWHO\ SDLG RII $OO WKH VWXG\LQJ H[WUD work for classes and stress was all for a good reason.â€?

Salutatorian Slobodyanyuk Shaped by Gymnastics By Micahrae Osteria News Editor In addition to being the student who ranks second highest in the graduating class and delivers the salutatory, being Salutatorian of the Class of 2016 is being a remarkable and noteworthy individual who deserves the title in exchange for the all the hard work and dedication she has churned out. Senior Elena Slobodyanyuk is an individual who, more than anything, has worked hard throughout her four years of high school and deserves praise. Slobodyanyuk committed to UC Berkeley and has decided to major in biology. ´, UHDOO\ OLNH LW >ELRORJ\@ 0\ Ă€UVW ELRORJ\ class was in ninth grade, and I had a really good teacher, and I really enjoyed it. I also took AP Biology my sophomore year, and since then, I’ve participated in activities that relate to biology, like Science Olympiad. I continued Science Olympiad throughout high school, and I really enjoyed it,â€? said Slobodyanyuk. Slobodyanyuk has earned a 4.71 GPA and has taken 12 AP classes over her four years of high school. “I took one [AP class] during freshman year, three during sophomore year, four during junior year and four during my senior year,â€? said Slobodyanyuk. She gave this advice to those who plan on taking on AP classes in the future: “I would say to just take things day by day, and just try to do all the assignments you have in one day instead of thinking about everything, because that might be overwhelming. Every day, just listen in class and try to do all your homework, and if you really split it up like that, it’ll be a lot more manageable. Besides taking multiple AP classes, she also is involved in many extracurricular clubs. “I’m in the California Scholarship Federation [CSF] Club, and it’s basically a club where we do a lot of volunteering and outreach activities. I’m also in the Science

Olympiad Club, which is a competition- year to come to terms with it. And then, I based club where we compete in different came back to coach, and from then on, I science events. I’m also the president of the started getting a lot more involved in clubs Red Cross Club this year, and we just try at school, so I could continue to keep doing to volunteer as well,â€? said Slobodyanyuk. things I enjoy,â€? said Slobodyanyuk. She was also involved in athletics as well. Like so many others, Slobodyanyuk “I was a competitive rhythmic gymnast for found her senior year to be her favorite most of my life, as well as being on the year out of her high school career. “Senior Varsity Tennis Team. Now, I just coach year was my favorite because at that point, gymnastics,â€? she said. you basically know what you’re doing and Even outside of class, Slobodyanyuk still you know what your interests are. You kind continues to achieve so much on her own of become comfortable with the school and personal time. “[In gymnastics], I was in the teachers, and you feel like you have evlevel nine out of the ten levels possible, and I competed in national and regional state competitions. Now, I continue by coaching, so I would consider that a pretty big achievement for me. I was also on Science Olympiad, and I was able to go to the state competition at CalTech this year, which was a lot of fun,â€? said Slobodyanyuk. No one goes through high school without a photo coutresy of Elena Slobodyanyuk couple of rough patch- Senior Elena Slobodyanyuk at the Las Vegas Invitational in 2013. es here and there, and Slobodyanyuk is no exception. Yet, de- HU\WKLQJ Ă€JXUHG RXW Âľ VDLG 6ORERG\DQ\XN spite the bump in her life, she managed to Her impact on both the school and her pull through and achieve as much as she teachers is evident in the way that they talk could. “At the end of my sophomore year, about her. “She’s pretty awesome. She’s in I decided to retire from competing in the my AP Chemistry class as well as Science sport [of gymnastics], and that was a re- Olympiad this year, and she’s done a really hard decision for me to make. Up until markable job in both. She’s very quiet, but then, gymnastics had been my entire life, she helps people around her, and it’s really and almost every single day, I had practice, nice to watch her work with other students. and it was everything I did. Having to stop 6KH¡V GHĂ€QLWHO\ GRZQ WR HDUWK DQG VKH¡V doing that [gymnastics] really made me UHDOO\ WHUULĂ€F EXW OLNH , VDLG VKH¡V UHDOO\ have an identity crisis, and I really had no laid back. She’s not even remotely cocky, idea what to do with all the free time I had. and she also has very nice writing. She There was a long process during my junior does a really good job on her labs and keep-

ing track of things,â€? said Teacher Maureen Quessenberry. Her parents had much to say about her as well. “Elena is an avid dog enthusiast. She always wanted to have her own dog, and ZKHQ VKH Ă€QDOO\ JRW RQH VKH VSHQW HQGless hours teaching our dog Chara rules of obedience, along with how to behave with strangers and control her barking. She is always looking for ways to teach her new tricks, and takes all aspects of how this dog behaves in public close to heart,â€? said her father, Mr. Volodimir Slobodyanyuk. “Elena is a hardworking, result-oriented person. She showed excellent results in school, and she has a deep interest in both STEM disciplines and humanities. I think this will serve her well in the future,â€? continued Volodimir Slobodyanyuk. “I am very proud of Elena for the care she takes for things to turn out as best as possible. She is leading by the examples she sets, and not only in her studies, but in everything she does, from community service to her communication with everyone she knows. At her internship at the UCSD [University of California, San DiHJR@ %LRORJ\ ODE VKH ZDV FXULRXV WR Ă€QG different research papers to understand the research in which she was involved. She was asking the scientists many subjectmatter questions to make sure she made an excellent opportunity out of this internship. She helped other interns to be successful at experiments, sharing all the knowledge she gained,â€? said Elena’s Mother, Mrs. Katya Slobodyanyuk. Elena Slobodyanyuk left this insightful parting advicee: “Find things that you really enjoy doing, and put as much energy into it as you can, instead of trying to do things for the merit or the recognition, because in the end, it is about you, and it is about what you like and what you enjoy doing. If you enjoy what you’re doing, then you’re most likely going to be successful at it.â€?

12 SPORTS

June 10, 2016

uchscommander.com

Female and Male Athletes of the Year

Sofia Superior at Soccer and Softball Drake Aguon an All-Star Athlete By Anthony Garbino Staff Writer 6HQLRU 6RĂ€D 1HUL LV D QDWXUDOO\ JLIWHG athlete who in her senior year became captain of the Varsity Soccer Team as well as the Varsity Softball Team. During her years at UC High, she has excelled in all of her chosen sports. “I always want to be able to do my best when I’m playing. Sports keep me busy, and I love them,â€? said Neri. Neri has been playing soccer for the majority of her life and has always had a passion for it. Her hard work and dedication to become the best player she can has shaped the person she is. “I’ve been playing and enjoying soccer for the longest time. I always have loved playing soccer because it requires a lot of agility, endurance and skill,â€? said Neri. “I worked really hard, and I feel like all of the time that I put in and all the effort Ă€QDOO\ HDUQHG P\ VSRW DV FDSWDLQ Âľ VKH said. Though Neri feels that she is a great player, she knows that she has some areas that she still needs to work on to be able to improve her play. “Some of the aspects of my play style that I need to work on are my dribbling and my shooting. When I am GULEEOLQJ XS WKH Ă€HOG , IHHO WKDW LW FRXOG EH a lot cleaner than what I have been doing. My shooting is a part that I know every player, even the pros, can always improve on, but nonetheless, I know that I can still improve,â€? said Neri. “Same thing with soccer: I know that there are certain things WKDW , FDQ GR EHWWHU OLNH P\ Ă€HOGLQJ , NQRZ WKDW , DP D JRRG Ă€HOGHU EXW P\ SOD\ making and agility can always be improved

upon. Another thing I know I can improve on is my hitting, because softball is a sport based around hitting, so becoming the best , FDQ DW LW ZRXOG EH WKH PRVW EHQHĂ€FLDO IRU the team,â€? Neri explained. Neri also has just as much passion for KHU SOD\ RQ WKH VRIWEDOO Ă€HOG DV RQ WKH VRFFHU Ă€HOG ´$ORQJ ZLWK SOD\LQJ VRFFHU , feel that I have put just as much time and effort into softball. This has allowed me to become captain of the Softball Team as well, and I will continue to put all my effort into my passions as I have [done] with softball and soccer,â€? said Neri. Softball and soccer are two different sports that require unique talents, and Neri has been able to use the skills that she has adapted from one sport to the other. “Many people don’t think that the two sports have anything in common because they are super different. I have been able to use skills that I have learned in softball in soccer, such as cutting angles Carissa Guzman //Commander and positioning, and I have used skills from soccer in softball, such as endurance and decision-making. I feel the way I have been able to balance the two has made me excel in both sports,â€? said Neri. Neri has a talent that few possess, and that is the ability to be able to focus and apply herself to many different activities at such as softball, soccer, school and her social life. “Playing two sports while still having to focus on grades is stressful, but it forces me to be on top of my life all the time,â€? said Neri. As Female Athlete of the Year, Neri has accomplished an impressive level of athleticism this year and has done a tremendous job at balancing her sports and school commitments.

By Audrey Hancock play better and harder,â€? Aguon said. Staff Writer Aguon has faced injuries as well, but they Senior Drake Aguon has been playing haven’t stopped his pursuit of athleticism. a variety of sports throughout his whole “I’ve gotten two concussions in football. life: football, basketball and baseball. Both kept me out of games. [The] worst According to Aguon, he has played football one was [in] junior year, where I forgot and basketball all four years for UC High a lot of what happened after I got it,â€? he and baseball freshman and sophomore said. years. However, his athletic history and Aguon said, “I am going to UCLA passion run much deeper than just high [University of California, Los Angeles] and school: he has played basketball for a total majoring in Business Economics. I want to of nine years, and baseball for a total of go on to work in the sports world once I eleven years. graduate. I can see myself coaching in the Aguon said, “I practiced all the future as well.â€? High school will not time. When I didn’t have practice be the end of athletics for Aguon, on the weekends, I would be but as of now, he plans to focus ZRUNLQJ RXW RQ WKH Ă€HOG RU LQ WKH mostly on schoolwork in college. gym. I was always trying to get Aguon said, “I will continue to better in all my sports to be the play sports in my free time, and best athlete I could be.â€? Aguon I’m considering trying to walk on. worked very hard to accomplish My ultimate achievement would his goals and to overcome his probably be to make the football weaknesses. team at UCLA if I choose Aguon didn’t just to walk on later.â€? work on playing Aguon said, “My the game, but led dad has inspired me others to strive the most to strive for their goals as an athlete. and taught He introduced them how me to sports to become at a very b e t t e r young age players. and has been Aguon said, pushing me ever “I worked since. Sports have Carissa Guzman //Commander on being the best always been my hobby. teammate, captain, player and student I I love watching and playing them. It’s could be. I wanted to lead by example and basically all I do.â€? be a good role model. On the weekends, I Aguon advised that new athletes just coached younger kids that wanted to play QHHG WR Ă€QG VRPHWKLQJ WKH\¡UH SDVVLRQDWH quarterback, and I taught them what I have about, and work hard at improving. Aguon learned about the position. I’ve also helped has never abandoned the sports he loves, out my younger brother’s Baseball and and inspires others to do the same. Basketball Teams.â€? Sports have changed Aguon's life and “I played hard and gave it my all every caused him to become who he is now. It single game,â€? said Aguon. Even when is very impressive to see how the sports he VRPH GLIĂ€FXOWLHV EHJLQ WR DUULVH $JXRQ has played have effected him over time, manages it. “I’m not as tall as I would like from a young age. The time and effort he to be for the sports I play, so I have tried has put into football, basketball, and even to use my quickness as a shorter athlete to baseball have caused him to become a great my advantage. Also, sometimes I let my athelete and to strive and go even farther. frustration in games get the best of me, but Aguon said, "Without sports, I wouldn't be I’ve worked on using it as a motivation to the person or student I am today."

UC High Coach of the Year

McCarthy Motivates His Runners to Stay on Track for Success By Kody Ventura Staff Writer Cross Country Coach Jim McCarthy has been selected to be 7KH &RPPDQGHU’s Coach of the Year. McCarthy’s slogan regarding “the two F wordsâ€? (farther and faster) seemed to have a great effect on his runners this year, as the Girls Team went to state, and two of his boy middle-distance runners were ranked top two in the county. McCarthy ran cross country for his high school and college at Estancia and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. McCarthy uses his experience to coach the long-distance runners for track and coaches them as if they were his own runners for cross country. McCarthy has been coaching at UC High IRU WZHQW\ \HDUV QRZ ZKLFK UHĂ HFWV WKH true dedication and commitment that McCarthy demonstrates for UC High. “Cross Country scoring is similar to scoring in golf. However, each runner is scored based off of which place he/she UHFHLYHV )RU H[DPSOH WKH WRS Ă€YH Ă€QLVKHUV from each team are scored, and their Ă€QLVKLQJ SODFHV DUH DGGHG XS IRU WKH WHDP

score. Whichever team scores the lowest are the winners,� explained McCarthy. “Our dual meet against Cathedral [Catholic High] was intense, and we won by only two points,� said McCarthy. “McCarthy has helped so many students in his last twenty years at this school. His expertise in hard work transcends running a n d teaches us runners t h e importance of a strong work ethic. Personally, he has reshaped my life and made me the athlete who I am today,� said Senior Allen Siegler.

“Coach McCarthy has helped me reach the peak of my performance. I felt like I actually ran faster and farther than I did last year,� said Senior Niko Chapman. McCarthy’s method of coaching is obviously really effective: Siegler and Chapman were ranked second and third in the county d u r i n g this year’s cross country s e a s o n , according to McCarthy. “I can be pretty tough on my runners, but I feel like each challenge should have some type Carissa Guzman //Commander

of physical reward,â€? said McCarthy. What McCarthy means by a physical reward is the feeling of accomplishing an achievement WKDW ZLOO EHQHĂ€W RQHVHOI DV ZHOO DV WKH WHDP and of being a part of a team and knowing that you put in your best effort. “McCarthy’s love and dedication towards the sport is incredible. He pushes us to limits that we would never be able to reach otherwise,â€? said Sophomore Julia Gorin. “We do a lot of team-bonding events just so that the teammates can get comfortable with each other, and to let everyone know who the Team Captains are,â€? said McCarthy. Team bonding is a great way to create a team whose members communicate with each other and to build WKHLU FRQĂ€GHQFH DQG 0F&DUWK\¡V EHOLHI LQ team chemistry shows that he cares about the team members. As a cross country coach and this year’s Coach of the Year, McCarthy has put his best foot forward and helped his runners get on track for success. UC High is lucky to have such a dedicated teacher and remarkable coach.

SPORTS 13

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The Commander

Talented UC Athletes Receive College Scholarships

Tomo Pollard

Tyson Griffin

Jack Harper

Allen Siegler

Danielle Henry

“I started playing football my sophomore year and started playing running back my junior year. My coaches told me I have a lot of raw talent, but I still have a lot to learn. Football was GHĂ€QLWHO\ WKH EHVW WLPH RI P\ KLJK school years.â€? Pollard will attend Kansas Weslyan University.

“I would like to thank my mom, brother and grandma for my performance in soccer, because they are always supportive and making sure I stick to what I’m doing while staying on task.â€? *ULIĂ€Q ZLOO EH SOD\LQJ RQ WKH Soccer Team at California State 8QLYHUVLW\ %DNHUVĂ€HOG

"I look forward to having fun and scoring some pretty awesome goals in front of a lot of people, and I would like to thank my parents for raising me into a wonderful kid and my coach for sticking with me for four years.� Harper will play water polo for University of California, San Diego.

“Over time in high school, I discovered running was my passion. It has lead me to a lot of opportunities, and I’m extremely thankful for them. It has been everything for me the past four years, and I love it.� Siegler will be running on the Cross Country and Track Team for Yale University.

“High school sports have taught me that you play your best when you’re having fun. You constantly need to work hard to be the best. You also can’t forget the joy that sport is supposed to bring you. I learned that I need to remember to enjoy myself and not get too serious.� Henry will play soccer for Jacksonville University.

Cole Kammerer

Jillian Renly

Sabrina Schnaubelt

Ken Waldichuck

Jackie Sanders

“I look forward to playing in college at Redlands, because I know it’s going to be an awesome experience, and I look forward to playing the best college teams as well, like Cal and USC.� Kammerer will play Water Polo for the University of Redlands.

“Participating in a sport throughout high school has taught me a lot. It has given me great time management skills as well as being able to work with others, especially as a team.� Renly will be rowing for University of Texas at Austin.

"Playing softball is one of my favorite parts of my day. Im very much looking for ward to be living on the east coast, it is going be excited and full of new experiences." Schnaublet will be playing softball at Gordon State College.

“Throughout high school, playing baseball taught me how to be patient with the game, be able to work everyday and stay focused. I look forward to seeing some new competition in college.� Waldichuk will be playing on the Baseball Team for Saint Mary’s College of California.

“My high school career has been a good experience for me, and it helped me grow as a player a lot. I look forward to playing in college with girls at a higher level, as well as getting better at the sport.� Sanders will be playing on the Water Polo Team for University of California, Berkeley.

Diverse Dance Teams on Campus UC High Golf Team Earns League Title all photos above Carissa Guzman//Commander

By Gabriella Proa Staff Writer Almost as diverse as our student population is the vast variety of Dance Teams we have here at UC High. Representing cultures from Asia all the way to America, UC High’s Dance Teams are a way for all students to feel connected and involved. Diverse Dance Crew, also known as DDC, is one of UC High’s many Dance Teams. “I love the dances we do, and I love that we all get to contribute to the dances,â€? said DDC Member Bianca Cuervo. “In DDC, there isn’t just one style of dance; we try to stay very open-minded about every style of dance. We enjoy getting the crowd hyped up; it motivates us to hit every move hard. We all have different personalities, and it shows in our dancing. That’s what makes us different and unique,â€? said DDC Captain Stayci Burgos. 8& +LJK¡V RIĂ€FLDO 'DQFH 7HDP SHUIRUPV at many school events like football games, basketball games, pep-rallies and dance recitals. “It’s cool to be friends with people in other grades, which wouldn’t have happened without Dance Team,â€? said Team Captain Taylor Martin. “Being on Dance Team is like being in a big family. They have been there for me through so much,â€? said Dance Team Member Ciara Langill. Tahitian Dance Team is one of UC High’s cultural dance groups. Tahitian dancing is accompanied by music from instruments VXFK DV GUXPV FRQFK VKHOOV DQG Ă XWHV “Being on the Tahitian Dance Team really made me feel comfortable with myself, and when I’m dancing, I just forget about everything else and focus on dancing,â€? said Tahitian Dancer Lily Ramirez. Polynesian, also known as “Poly,â€? is another one of UC High’s cultural dance

teams. “Learning about the culture of Polynesia and the music is what makes Poly interesting,â€? said Poly Dancer Shane Horton. “My favorite thing about Poly is the bond I have with all the girls; it helped me make a lot of friends. Although it can be challenging, it’s really rewarding once we perform and put on a good show,â€? she said. Drill Team performs an energetic style of dance with clean and sharp moves. “As a team, we’ve accomplished and been through so many things,â€? said Drill Team Captain Kaitlin Saythong. “...the girls are always motivating one another,â€? she added. All-Male Dance Team consists of a group of talented and dedicated male students who DOO VKDUH D SDVVLRQ IRU GDQFLQJ 6SHFLĂ€FDOO\ All Male is a Dance Team that performs a type of hip hop dance. “We are like the ‘Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,’â€? said All Male Co-Captain Timothy Pham. “I’ve been on All Male for three years, and I’ve made a lot of friends through it, who are now really close friends,â€? said All Male Dance Team Member Kelvin Mac. Color Guard can be categorized as part of both band and a Dance Team. Students often see them at football games during half time with performances that incorporate WZLUOLQJ Ă DJV DQG ULĂ HV LQWR WKHLU GDQFH routine. “It’s a way to relieve a lot of stress, considering high school is so stressful. I really like Color Guard, and I think more people should get into it,â€? said Captain Gia Edusada. With all of these Dance Teams on campus, there is sure to be one that inspires almost every student at UC High, if not to bust a move at a dance, at least to try one out in front of a bedroom mirror.

By Sebastian Rodriguez Staff Writer The UC High Boys Golf Team has achieved some impressive feats this season. This season saw the team earn a League title as well as an undefeated record. Senior Michael Zhang said, “We were able to win the Central League twitle and went 8 and RYHUDOO ,W KDV GHĂ€QLWHO\ EHHQ D JUHDW season.â€? Senior Salvatore Mauro said, “It ZDV RXU Ă€UVW /HDJXH WLWOH LQ RYHU \HDUV and it was such a great feeling having been able to achieve that.â€? Players on the team have praised one another on their performances this season. “I think my teammates have done very well this season. They’ve been such great motivators, and their efforts were key to us achieving this undefeated record,â€? said Zhang. Practice and preparation have been key to the team’s success. “Along with playing for the team, I participate in numerous other golf tournaments, and I practice everyday,â€? said Zhang. “Improving mentally and not getting too frustrated on the course were both things that I was trying to improve on this season,â€? added Zhang. Coming into this season, several individuals on the team created goals for both themselves, as well as for the team. Mauro said, “I wanted to make sure that I could stay consistent and be able to put up a good consistent score. I always wanted to make sure that I would be able to step up when I was needed to.â€? Zhang said, “Personally, I was trying to win CIF, but I came in third overall out of probably around 225 players. I shot 74-64." The toughest challenge for the team was

overcoming the one opponent standing in the way of the League title. “Christian >+LJK@ ZDV GHĂ€QLWHO\ RXU WRXJKHVW competition this season. We were able to defeat them and because of that, earned RXU Ă€UVW &HQWUDO /HDJXH WLWOH LQ D YHU\ ORQJ time,â€? said Zhang. Several memorable moments occurred for many of the golfers this season. “I think shooting 33 against Christian [High] was probably the best moment for me personally this season,â€? said Zhang. Mauro said, “Beating Christian and winning league [was a memorable moment] because of it was just such a great feeling.â€? According to Maxpreps, “The boys earned their League title by defeating Christian with a score of 210 to 194â€? (PD[SUHSV com).

photo courtesy of Salvatore Mauro

Senior Salvatore Mauro follows through after a powerful drive.

14 SPORTS

uchscommander.com

June 10,2016

3 Collegiate Athlete Privilege is Unethical and Undeserved By Bilal Mohamed Staff Writer At many universities around the country today, athlete privilege is a major problem. Non-athlete students aren’t given the same opportunities as student athletes are. As a matter of fact, athlete students are given some privileges that no one should be allowed to have, things that are morally unacceptable and/or even illegal. “College is a privilege. It is earned, not bestowed,� said Sports Illustrated Writer Paul Daugherty. This is especially true because of the fact that college is incredibly expensive. Students who aren’t star athletes have to work extremely hard in high school just so they can get accepted into a decent college, not to mention having to take out loans (which they’ll be paying back for years) to pay for the education they’re seeking for themselves. In contrast, student athletes don’t work nearly as hard at academics and are provided with many

perks that guide them to success. and many more currently exist in our There have been multiple reports in college and universities, and unfortunately, which it has shown that college athletes there is no end in sight have been given certain rights that are Student athletes may argue that they do unethical or even illegal. For example, the deserve these privileges. From their point 6WDU 7ULEXQH reported t h a t of view, they believe they must work hard at the University o f both in sports DQG school, and so North Carolina a t they deserve everything Chapel Hill, they get, and they are the school correct, to an extent. inflated However, these aren’t grades for the students to point thousands of Ă€QJHUV DW LW¡V WKH athletes (6WDU7ULEXQH athletes who slack com). 7KH 1HZ <RUN off, don’t go to class, 7LPHV reported that at the partake in illegal artwork by Alison White University of Georgia, activities and still get a football player who failed a sociology these privileges that don’t deserve them. class was able to have his grade changed Senior Jackie Sanders said, “In some from an F to a C (1<7LPHV FRP). At most ways, it is fair that student athletes have universities, early registration times allow privileges. I know that I get to register early, scholar-athletes to enroll in the most in- have free tutoring and get free physical GHPDQG Ă XII FRXUVHV 3ULYLOHJHV OLNH WKHVH therapy, because being an athlete is like

having a full-time job. You practice 20 plus hours a week on top of all your schoolwork. It really is a big commitment.â€? Senior Grant Ruthenberg said, “I think certain privileges are okay, because this school has chosen this athlete to play for them and represent the school, so they’re pulling more weight. However, if they represent the school in a bad way by doing something illegal, and... [the school ignores it], that’s where the line needs to be drawn.â€? Athlete privilege in America is a controversial issue today, and it seems no one is doing anything about it. Schools aren’t changing their policies, and are still providing student athletes with special privileges, even when they don’t deserve them. It’s a big problem and needs to be Ă€[HG EHFDXVH FROOHJH LV H[SHQVLYH DQG those who are actually serious about getting an education should be the ones provided with assistance.

By Kayli Sandoval Staff Writer Concussions. Brain Damage. Broken limbs. Are high school sports worth the injuries? They are. According to Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association, high school athletes suffer 2 million injuries, 500,000 doctor visits and 30,000 hospitalizations each year (VZDWD RUJ) But what athlete doesn’t know the reality that he or she may be injured during the season? Sports including football, cheerleading, soccer and lacrosse are considered to be very dangerous for various reasons, from possible head injuries to cardiac arrest. Many people, especially parents, are now stressing over the risks that high school student-athletes take (of being seriously injured) and want to pull teens out of sports such as football. Yeah, you can get a concussion playing football, but you can also get a concussion participating in everyday activities like skateboarding or falling off a bike. This isn’t a new concept, and most student athletes know the risks of playing in their desired sports. We have always known the dangers of sports, so why make a big deal out of them now? According to a 306-page, NFL-funded report released by a leading medical body, “Across sports, 250,000 concussions were

reported to emergency rooms in 2009 for people under age 19, up from 150,000 in 2001â€? (HVSQ JR FRP). The UC High Student Athletic Packet informs students about injuries such as concussions. It has two full pages of information about concussions, including symptoms and potential results if the concussion is not treated properly. Students should be able to recognize if they or another teammate gets a concussion. If a player does get a concussion, or even has symptoms of one, the school he/ she attends must follow the “Return to Playâ€? and “Return to Learnâ€? guidelines. Guidelines are to be followed even if the doctor of the patient does not artwork by Alison White FRQĂ€UP WKDW D FRQFXVVLRQ KDV RFFXUUHG California laws mandate that student athletes stop all play when a concussion occurs and the student may not return to full competition until he or she has

been cleared by his or her own doctors (VDQGLHJRXQLĂ€HG RUJ). Recently, many articles have been SXEOLVKHG DERXW KRZ IRRWEDOO VSHFLĂ€FDOO\ is very dangerous for brain health, which has led to less participation in high school. However, according to Stanford Physician and Medical Researcher Ed Riley, “The Mayo Clinic found that the risk of high school football players developing degenerative neurological diseases later in life is no greater than if they had been in the band, glee club or choir. The data suggests that the normal life of adolescents puts them at risk for brain injury all the time. Sports such as soccer, skiing, rock climbing or lacrosse KDYH VLPLODU ULVN SURĂ€OHV WR KLJK VFKRRO football...â€?(3RUWODQG7ULEXQH FRP). Thus, not only concussions, but injuries in general can easily be caused by more than

just high school sports. Most sports injuries in high school can be prevented with the proper conditioning, training and equipment. Not all injuries are caused by a single, sudden twist, fall or collision. Overuse injuries occur gradually over time: when an athletic activity is repeated so often, the parts of the body involved do not have enough time to heal between playing. When a player does get temporarily injured, the injury must be completely healed before he or she returns to sports activities to recover properly (RUWKRLQIR DDRV RUJ). When a studentathlete gets injured, the student’s school will typically err on the side of caution and will follow the Return to Play guidelines in the interest of the athlete because, as many people say, “It’s better to miss one game than a whole season.â€? Students know the risks and should be allowed to play any sport of their choice. Participation in high school sports is super fun, is a great way to make more friends with common interests, encourages decent grades through GPA requirements and teaches skills like leadership and teamwork. High school sports programs and student participation in them should QRW EH VDFULĂ€FHG EHFDXVH RI D SHUFHLYHG risk of physical injury.

By Max Schaldach Staff Writer Should college athletes be paid for playing sports? College athletes balance school, practice and having social lives, and they should be compensated with some type of reward. Reporter Ken Reed of the +XIĂ€QJWRQ Post said, “Athletes deserve to share in the wealth created due to their efforts on WKH FRXUWV DQG Ă€HOGV RI RXU XQLYHUVLWLHV Âľ He went on to add that athletes deserve to be compensated for the cash income they help produce by their play (KXIĂ€QJWRQSRVW com). It’s no surprise that teams who win games sell more tickets, more jerseys and more WHDP DIĂ€OLDWHG SDUDSKHUQDOLD WKDQ WHDPV who don’t win. In order to do that, a team needs good coaches and good players. Coaches are paid to perform their best, so ZK\ DUHQ¡W SOD\HUV Ă€QDQFLDOO\ UHZDUGHG" :DOO 6WUHHW -RXUQDO Writer Howard P. Chudacoff said, “These athletes are already treated like campus royalty, enjoying far more perks, and richer ones, than their

classmates could dream of.� He believes that students are equally compensated for their work around campus. Directly paying athletes with money may not be the answer, but compensating them with discounts on their tuition for their time invested helping the school make money is a good idea. Yes, there are scholarships for outstanding athletes, but there is not always much money to give, and it doesn’t go to all players. According to ESPN, Alabama Crimson Tide’s athletic department earned 123,769,841 dollars in total revenue, including ticket sales, donations, media rights and branding (HVSQ JR FRP). That money is all earned by the athletes that attend the school. With the funds they help their schools raise, all athletes should have discounts in their tuition; even the smallest amount helps. “Big-time college sports departments are making more money than ever before, thanks to skyrocketing television contracts, endorsements and licensing deals, and bigspending donors,� said :DVKLQJWRQ 3RVW Writer Will Hobson. With schools making

“more money than ever,â€? they should have the money to compensate the deserving athletes who helped them become such SURĂ€WDEOH LQVWLWXWLRQV Although paying college students with direct cash may be pushing it too far, college athletes do deserve some type of reward for the hard work they put in to represent

their school. “I think that if colleges offered more types of scholarship money for athletes, it would help get more people an education,� said Junior Kyle Strobbe. Financial incentives could increase the number of students earning degrees, and athletes should be rewarded for their work in order to improve their education.

High School Sports: Dangerous but Worth the Risks

College Athletes Should be get Some Compensation

The Commander

uchscommander.com

NEWS 15

UC Teen Council Strives to Serve, Grow, and Connect With Community By Josh Choi Staff Writer University City’s Teen Council meets every month on a Friday from 4-6 p.m. at the North University Community Branch Library to volunteer and connect with the community and other clubs. Council members also bond by spending time together at the park. University City Teen Council is a club that started this year in January. The club existed last year, but the seniors in charge of it graduated, so Junior Emmy Ibrahimovic and Sophomore Anastasia Shiryaeva became co-presidents this year and organized the logistics and purpose of the club. “We call the club University City Teen Council, because everybody from University City is encouraged to come. We have about seven members and two advisors who supervise. However, anybody is welcome to join and will be informed about the meeting dates on our Instagram, ucteencouncil, or [through] our website, ucteencouncil.weebly.com,â€? said Ibrahimovic. “At each meeting, food is provided by the Friends of the North University City Library Branch. We have offered pizza, sandwiches, salads and even ice cream to FHOHEUDWH WKH HQG RI Ă€QDOV $W RXU PHHWing on Friday, April 22 we only provided vegetarian food in honor of Earth Day. We encouraged everybody to come to this meeting: siblings, students, friends, teachers and parents, and we showed a free movie that we believed could transform their lives,â€? said Ibrahimovic. “The motto of this club is ‘Serve, Grow

and Connect.’ We hope to collaborate with other clubs to join service projects or to initiate some of our own. For example, at a viola concert that was held in the North University City Library, we made signs to place on our necks that read, ‘Recycle paper, plastic, metal and glass,’ with recycling bins next to us,â€? said Ibrahimovic. “As far as the ‘Grow’ aspect is our motto during the meetings, we talk about our goals and our sources of happiness. We support each other and commend each other’s passions. After the meeting, we usually spend about a half an hour bonding in the park, which is optional. We swing on the swings or the tire-swing, or play a game on the grass. The purpose of this is to be active after sitting down for two hours; we need to have a breath of fresh air and bond through the freedom of movement. Additionally, this allows us to connect: connect with ourselves and connect with the Micahrae Osteria//Commander community,â€? explained Ibrahimovic. Teen Council Club members (left to right) Ari Weizman, Anastasia Shiryaeva, Ashlyn Clint, Zach“What is important to note is ary Gelber, Neira Ibrahimovic, Emmy Ibrahimovic and David Welsh. that our club is initiating two new projects. Recently, we have just started a the newsletter are written by our very own ucteencouncil on Instagram or email us at newsletter, which will be released on our members. Some topics include ‘Country ucteencouncil@gmail.com. We are hoping website, ucteencouncil.weebly.com, every of the Month’ ‌ written by Anastasia, people read our newsletters, because we month or two. When a newsletter is re- ‘Inspiration’ written by [Freshman] Ari have worked really hard to create them. OHDVHG WKH SXEOLF ZLOO EH QRWLĂ€HG RQ RXU Weizman, ...and an advice column writ- Through these newsletters, our main goal is Instagram, so make sure to follow it to ten by [Freshman] Neira Ibrahimovic. In to inform and inspire. Our next newsletter keep up with the updates. These articles in fact, if you want advice, direct message will be released in June,â€? said Ibrahimovic.

UC Students Take First, Second and Third in Writing Contest and Win Big Bucks

By Kailey Withers Staff Writer UC High swept the annual La Jolla LitHUDU\ 6RFLHW\ HVVD\ FRQWHVW ZLQQLQJ ÀUVW

second and third prizes, the students accepting awards, cash and prizes at a luncheon at the La Jolla Country Club on May 11.

The La Jolla Literary Society held their annual Student Essay Contest from March 17 through April 27, 2016. According to the submission form, this year’s essay was D Ă€FWLRQDO SLHFH WKDW KDG WR LQFOXGH WKH following words: bicycle, hot sauce, dog, hose, and sweet. The three prizes were GROODUV IRU WKH Ă€UVW SODFH ZLQQHU GROODUV IRU VHFRQG SODFH DQG GROODUV IRU WKLUG SODFH 7KH WRS Ă€YH HQWULHV DOVR UHFHLYHG $PD]RQ .LQGOHV DQG GROODU Amazon gift cards. UC High Junior Averie Wehr, Senior Karyssa Newsome, and Junior Bailey EvHUJHQ ZHUH WKH Ă€UVW VHFRQG DQG WKLUG SODFH winners of the contest, respectively. “For me, writing is a natural part of my life. If I had one big struggle, it would have to be actually getting the story out onto the paper. I had a concept and a direction, but it took me a moment to get it going. Once my pen hit the paper, though, and I got over the initial block, the story pretty much wrote itself,â€? said Newsome. “My short story is about a 26-year-old girl, Rory, who basically up and runs away from her life. After wandering around the streets for a few days, a woman who owns a restaurant takes her in and essentially, through her motherly attitude and killer

By Alex Volk Staff Writer This year marks the second year for UC High’s Recycling Club, which has been making progress to decrease waste and increase recycling on campus, according to Advisor Leslie Chadwick. According to Less is More, “School waste is up to 80 percent recyclable.� Before the Recycling Club, there was very little to no recycling occurring at UC High. After this problem was discovered, two of Chadwick’s AP students sprung to create the club. These students are Senior Abby McGee and Senior Alaris Dayzie, who are now the Club Presidents. Over the summer of 2014, they had to meet with the district and Principal Jeff Olivero to evaluate how

other schools are handling their waste problems and create a plan for recycling at UC High. After receiving a grant, they purchased big blue bins and dollies, and established the Recycling Club. As the club has grown, students have MRLQHG LQ WR KHOS 'XULQJ Ă€IWK SHULRG VWXdents who have been assigned one of the six recycling locations collect their corresponding bins and dump them out in the recycle dumpster. Chadwick said that their efforts have resulted in much progress. “Within a two week period this year, we collected 743 pounds of paper and other recyclable materials. The garbage truck went from emptying the dumpsters four days a week to two, and a recycling truck now comes twice a week,â€? explained Chad-

wick. Chadwick is incredibly proud of what this club has accomplished, and she is happy to be the advisor. Chadwick aspires for the club to grow and take on other recyclable materials such as plastic food trays, bowls and the paper boats used to store food from the cafeteria. Even composting is an idea that the club is considering promoting. Chadwick also wants to improve the club’s recycling system and decrease the contamination of recyclable materials. McGee has tackled some of the challenges that the club has faced. The original plan for this club was for club members to bring a large bin out, and a student from each class would empty his/her bin into it. This resulted in too many students missing

Carissa Guzman//Commander

The La Jolla Literacy Society Essay Winners (from left to right) Karyssa Newsome, Bailey Evergen, Averie Wehr.

cooking skills, puts Rory on the right path,â€? said Newsome. “My story was about a woman preparing to see her husband arrive back home from war on V-J Day,â€? said Wehr. “Coming up ZLWK Ă€YH SDJHV ZRUWK RI UHDGDEOH FRQWHQW and checking to make sure it was all within the same time period was one of the biggest struggles I faced,â€? she added. “My story was about a girl and her brother. Her brother dies in a biking accident and then she misses him so she wants to commit suicide instead of bear the pain of living without her brother. But, at the last second before she commits suicide, a puppy comes in with the same eyes as her brother and she sees him in the dog and decides not to commit suicide,â€? said Evergen. “Honestly, most of that money will probably end up going towards college fees. But I do have a few things for myself in mind: some new books, new journals and maybe a dress for graduation. I want to say that I’m going to save it, but‌,â€? said Newsome. “Most of my money will probably go towards college so I won’t be as deep in crippling debt,â€? said Wehr. “I get to go to Disneyland with this money!â€? said Evergen.

class, so now the Recycling Club members retrieve all of the recyclable materials from each class. McGee’s teachers inspired her environmental passion. “My passion for the environment came from Mr. [Joe] Krupens and Ms. Chadwick and their classes. Ms. ChadZLFN GHĂ€QLWHO\ LQVSLUHG PH WR GR VRPHWKLQJ about the problem we found, and I couldn’t have done it without her!â€? she said. The leaders of this club are seniors, which means that the younger students will have to take over the club next year. “The underclassmen have promised to keep the club going, and hopefully it will be possible to expand it to composting as well!â€? explained McGee. If interested in joining, come to 601 at lunch on Mondays.

Recycling Club Continues to Make Difference Encouraging Recycling

16 NEWS

uchscommander.com

June 10, 2016

New Emergency Lockdown Kits Taste of the Triangle a Success Provided by San Diego Unified By Kayli Sandoval Staff Writer Soon after 2016 started and students came back to school from Winter Break, consecutive lockdowns in San Diego VFKRROV OHG WR 6DQ 'LHJR 8QLĂ€HG 6FKRRO District to buy each and every classroom a lockdown kit this semester. According to a report from the San Diego Union Tribune, “21,000 students at 11 campuses were locked in classrooms for up to three hours

UROO ZDVWH EDJV XWLOLW\ ´GXFWÂľ WDSH DQG D SRXQG EDJ RI NLWW\ OLWWHU sosproducts. com). According to the “Classroom Lockdown .LWÂľ Ă \HU SURYLGHG LQVLGH RI WKH NLW LWVHOI users are intended to “use the corner of the room or door from an opened utility closet to ‘build’ your shelter. Fasten the tarp to the wall with utility tape to create a privacy area‌. [and] Set up your toilet.â€? With the new classroom lockdown kits,

Dorian Uson//Commander

The Taste of the Triangle Fundraiser took place from 7-10:30 p.m. on May 6,

2016 to help raise money for schools in the University City community. Many UC High parents, students and administrators came to participate in the event.

Garcia, Steele Will Not Return to UC High in Fall

Carissa Guzman//Commander

The contents inside the lockdown kits include kitty litter, toilet paper and a tarp.

following a rash of violent -- and ultimately false -- threatsâ€? (sandiegouniontribune. com). “The provision of the kits are in preparation for potential situations that would require us to go into classroom lockdown response,â€? said Vice Principal Michael Paredes. Paredes explained, “Lockdown situations include bomb threats and local criminal threats as directed by school or law enforcement and/or school administration.â€? The new lockdown kits provide for makeshift bathrooms in an emergency, as an extended lockdown from last school year led to parents claiming it as an “unsanitary nightmareâ€? (10news.com). According to SOS Survival Products, the NLW FRQWDLQV D Ă€YH JDOORQ EXFNHW D VQDS on toilet seat and lid, 100 wet wipes, 10 SDLU RI GLVSRVDEOH YLQ\O JORYHV RQH Ă€YH by-seven-foot blue poly tarp, a toilet paper

the only problem students, parents and staff members seem to see now is privacy issues. Paredes explained how the privacy of the kits would work: “When assembled or set up with the use of the tarp and duct tape, there shouldn’t be any major concern about privacy. It’s my expectation that our students will respect the privacy of their peers if the need arises to use the kits.� Math Teacher Phil Huszar said, “If we were to block it [the lockdown kit’s toilet] off with some more boxes, it could become relatively private. I would hope that in an emergency situation like that, people would have the maturity to look the other way.� Teacher Magaret Atkisson said, “If somebody’s got to go, they’ve got to go, and who knows how long we’re going to be in here. I’ve been here when we’ve been in lockdown for over two hours, and the kids were really hurting.�

Information Technology Pathway to be Offered Next School Year at UC High By Emma Conrad Staff Writer The Information Technology pathway is a new pathway offered to at UC High for the upcoming school year in which students will learn the basics of information technology within the following categories: Games and Simulation, Information Support and Services, Networking, and Software and Systems Development. There are actually two pathways involved, the Software Systems Development Pathway and the Games Simulation Pathway. “I feel that these pathways are important to get some hands-on experience with what it’d be like to code on demand as it would be in a real life situation. The future is clearly headed towards a massive demand of technological developers both in electrical engineering and systematic software design, because both are considered priority industry sectors -- there are lots of jobs in both areas,â€? said Vice Principal Michael Paredes. Both pathways are three years long and students can choose to take one or both of WKHP 7KH Ă€UVW FODVV RI WKH SDWKZD\ FDOOHG

Foundations in Information and Technology, is being offered to incoming freshman and sophomores. In this course, students will learn the basics of information technology and lay the foundation that they will build on in later classes, according to Paredes. Other classes being offered are Game Design and AP Computer Science. In the Game Design class, Paredes explained that students will learn not only how to create and market computer games, but also the history, trends and potential careers in the industry. The Computer Science course offers students an opportunity to use analytical skills and logic and apply them to the understanding the basics of programming. “I’m excited to experience what it’s like to take a course that is different from the four core classes we have,â€? said Sophomore Vivian Chou. Many students are excited about these new additions to the course list. “I think it’s a great opportunity to expand my technological abilities in the world of science and VR WKHVH QHZ FODVVHV DUH YHU\ EHQHĂ€FLDO Âľ said Sophomore Aleksa Kostic.

Steel stated, “I would love to come back By Cameron Doyle Staff Writer at some point in the future, because they Earth Science Teacher Jose Garcia and asked me to come back and it did not Integrated Math Teacher Andrea Steel will work out for next year. Next year I will be not be returning to UC High next year, as teaching a college class and real estate. I they both were working at the school on have been doing real estate for the last six temporary assignments. years.� Garcia said, “It has been an amazing “I personally love teaching Integrated year. The staff have been helpful and the Math 3 instead of Integrated Math 2. I students are extremely hard working. Since have been teaching a Discrete Math class a day one, I have felt part of the Centurion Coleman University, � said Steel. family,� he added. Junior Chloe Jones stated, “Ms. Steel is “I would love to come back to UC High. I a wonderful teacher and has a very positive think I would rather come back and teach attitude!� math, but I will be applying at Point Loma High to teach Portuguese and math, � said Garcia. “This summer, I will be going to Portugal, spending time with family and hanging out.� Freshman Osirus Eisenman stated, “Mr. Garcia was an awesome teacher, being cool and laid back yet giving really good lectures.� Steel stated, “It has been amazing, I love the kids, and it is nice to make a difference in kid’s life. The kids always seem to care, and I love the administration. I wish I could have met more staff while I was here, but everyone is always cooped up in their rooms.� Steel stated, “I loved the PTA luncheons and enjoy letting my kids hang out in Carissa Guzman//Commander Teachers Jose Garcia and Andrea Steel will not return next my room during lunch. I year due to being hired to teach temporary assignments. call them my lunch crew.�

CENTTALENT

Student Submissions

Artist: Senior Andrea Cisneros created her piece, Art of War Quote: “I made it to symbolize me going to war with myself or, in other words, I use my art to express my emotions. I want my art to come to life instead of being quiet. I use my art to speak up and speak out!�

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