aquila
University Preparatory Academy’s
Volume VI, Issue I
www.upaaquila.weebly.com
December 12, 2016
Media Center Opens New Learning Space By Henry Nguyen
The shine of the new television screens, the transparency of the glass, and the bustling of students: the new media center stands out among other rooms at UPA. The media center, opened at the start of the 2016-2017 school year, offers both students and teachers access to resources such as digital displays and a student printer. Art teacher Karen Crump has used the media center for her modern artists project, as many students preferred the larger, high quality screen to showcase their hard work. “Many people who design schools believe the environment is the third teacher” Crump said. Other staff members have voiced their agreement about the importance of the classroom setting in education as well. Media center tech Ed Voss believes the glass walls brighten the See Glass Castle page 2
Photo by Jacob Cayabyab Juniors Laura Hinman, Ruchika Singla and Stephen Gong-Guy collaborate on their studies inside of the new Media Center.
GSA Approved By Abel Allen Bunyi
Photos by Jarnail Sanghera Above left: Jasmine Bowles (7) jams out to Adele. Above right: Krizel Tomines (10) and Kyle Lopez (10) dominate the dance floor.
Students Showcase Their Hidden Talents in Horton
UPA’s annual event attracted family and friends on Nov. 18. Visit the Aquila online for a full photo gallery of student performers.
Photos by Jarnail Sanghera From left to right: Hanna Negussie (10) and Ethan Frahm (9) display their vocal abilities, while MC Lisa Bizuneh (11) makes an announcement during the talent show. Jordan Miller (12) took first place with his singing and guitar-playing performance of “My Stupid Mouth” by John Mayer.
Clubs to educate businessminded students. Clubs to give help to local health problems. Clubs to community service. Clubs to help the LGBTQ+ community? This year, clubs at UPA are expanding from the their original academically-oriented purposes; the Gay Straight Alliance, or GSA for short, is one of the new clubs doing just that. UPA senior Cameron McElroy founded GSA as his senior project. He established the club as a safe space for students in the LGBTQ+ community and help educate others who want to learn more about LGBTQ+. Activities that the club does include lectures about LGBTQ+ subjects that sometime includes guest speakers, and spreading LGBTQ+ awareness. “I founded the GSA because I know a lot of people who identify as not heterosexual and I also heard many people using homophobic slurs. The GSA is meant to educate those interested and reduce the use of slurs as well as create a safety space.” McElroy explained. Loren Schwinge, the advisor for the club, thinks that the club has a positive impact on the school. “[GSA is] a space for people who do not necessarily always fit in with the normal views of sexu-
ality, be themselves, ask questions and learn,” Schwinge said. Harry Haessner voiced his enthusiasm and support that a GSA has finally been formed, but believes that was only allowed to be formed because it is a student’s senior project. “I’m really upset with the fact that it needed to be a senior project to be formed...they didn’t see there was a need besides the senior project,” he said. Out of fear that the GSA may be in some way be rejected next year, Haessner has considered the club as his senior project as well to ensure it remains in UPA. Andrew Yau, Director of Student Support Services, explained that it is board policy that UPA clubs must be related to an academic subject for it to be formed. The real reason as to why GSA was not formed in previous years was due to it being difficult to connect it to an academic subject or not. This year, GSA connected to the social sciences, which is why it has been allowed to form this year on top of being a senior project. McElroy has high hopes for the future of GSA long after he graduates from UPA. He believes GSA will remain a UPA club that students will always take an interest in. “Probably a seventh grader now, in six years, will be the new president [of GSA] in his senior year.”
News
December 12, 2016
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Glass Castle
Continued from page 1
Photo Courtesy of Richard Prizznick FBLA members and their advisor attend the FBLA Leadership Development Institute conference at the Marriott Santa Clara on Oct. 22. It was the club’s first time participating in the event. From left to right: Henry Nguyen (11), Matthew Aragaw (11), Anton Loeb (11), Arnav Verma (10), Vivek Mynam (10), Richard Prizznick (advisor), Adithya Gutala (11), Derek Li (11), Garrett Thies (11), Sid Naik (11), Sriharish Bellamkonda (11), Tabib Hossain (10), and Rithwik Nichenametla (10).
FBLA: Developing Future Leaders
UPA students have established a local chapter of the nationwide club FBLA, which aims to prepare students for the world of business by hosting competitive and informative events and serving as a platform for development of leadership. By Jarnail Sanghera After being inspired by the DECA club (Distributive Education Clubs of America) last year, sophomore Arnav Verma started a chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). FBLA is an American, national, non-profit, student organization that, according to their mission statement, ¨Brings business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.¨ It is a national organization, so it is split up in the United States into five different regions: Eastern, Western, Southern, North Central, and Mountain Plains. Each region is represented by a board of directors and includes multiple, different states. These groups of boards of directors communicate directly with the several thousands of chapter officers all across the country. For example, the University Preparatory Academy Chapter
is located in California, so it is a part of the Western region, and the president of the certain chapter is Verma. Many students may recall the DECA club last year in which members learned strictly about business and did not cover many other topics that FBLA covers. “FBLA is similar to DECA in the aspect that it is related to business and public speaking, but in FBLA there are more events related to Engineering and Computer Science,” FBLA President Verma said. The conferences that some of the members go to include many tips on how to write résumés, how to pursue a career in the business field, where to start, advice in finance and how to handle risky endeavors along with a lot of other great life tips. Adithya Gutala, Club Parliamentarian, said he did not initially realize he was interested in business. “[Business] grew important to me after I joined the club. I saw how many connections you can
make, how many new people you can meet, and how many opportu-
“[Business] grew important to me after I joined the club. I saw how many connections you can make, how many new people you can meet, and how many opportunities you can have as a result of having these skills.” Adithya Gutala UPA Junior nities you can have as a result of having these skills.” If you are not interested in Business, Marketing, Engineering, or Computer Science, FBLA offers much more such as public
speaking, leadership, and preparation for any career a student may want to pursue. “Before I joined DECA or FBLA, I thought that business was just about coming up with an idea and making a business or company out of that idea,” said Arnav, “but I learned that it was more than just that and it is about marketing yourself and learning about new things.”
room and makes it possible for students to thrive in the open environment. “Right now I think the media center is a valuable place for students because it is different enough from the classroom experience, but it also retains the feeling of being focused on academic work and research” Voss said. Junior Sean Pham was surprised upon noticing the media center this year, but now regularly uses it. “One day I walked into this office and looked at this room, and it had four tv screens, and I was like, ‘Whoa, that’s not supposed to be there and I found out that it was actually part of UPA’” Pham said. Pham, who currently takes an online general history course in the media center, said he is impressed with what the center has had to offer and believes it is an appropriate place to do work while still interacting with other students. The college speaker series, a program implemented more prominently this year, has utilized the media center with various college representatives coming to UPA to talk about their schools. The majority of students who attended the sessions responded positively, Voss said, citing how they could learn more about the campus environment, the temperament of the students and faculty, and soak in the excitement that the representatives exuded over their respective campuses. According to Director of Business Operations Ordaz Jr., the idea of a media center has existed for years and now one actually exists, but it is still incomplete as administration plans to incorporate library research software, improvements on the audio/visual system, and more access to computers. “We’re never going to have a true library with stacks of books but maybe we can come up with the next best thing. And that was the origin of this idea” Ordaz said.
Online Exclusives
Q&A with Linda Luna The College Years: Teachers Share Change of Plans San Jose Police Experiences Shortage www.upaaquila.weebly.com @upa_aquila
Editorial The Aquila 2315 Canoas Garden Ave. San Jose, CA 95125 (408) 723-1839 aquila@upatoday.com www.upaaquila.weebly.com @upa_aquila
Production Manager Diana Rendler News Editor Anton Loeb In-Depth Editor Amrita Sivia Editorial Editor Zoe Sprintz Features Editor Carlo Barrera A&E Editor Emily Hung Trending Editor Sitara Marathay
By Zoe Sprintz Let’s face it: we would all rather walk to the fridge than go outside for a run; we would all rather sit on the couch and binge on food than go to the gym; we would all rather go out to eat than spend time cooking our own meals at home. However, the activities we enjoy prove to have increasingly negative consequences and are not beneficial to our bodies. According to Oxford Journals, “obesity has become a worldwide
Copy Editors Paj Thao, Angelo Bautista
Social Media Editor Jacob Cayabyab Photo Editor Jarnail Sanghera Staff Writers Abel Allen Bunyi, Emily Calderon, Isabella Cayabyab, Adanna Abraham- Igwe, Amy Chattaway, Amaya Clement, Katherine Foreman, Caleb Frahm, Maria Hernandez, Bianca Lang, Bailey Lewis, Farrah Moreno, Cheyenne Mungaray, Henry Nguyen, Jessica Ponce, Nicole Rendler, Taelynn Roberson, Jacalyn Trujillo, Bhargav Venkatraghavan, Megan Wescoat Page Designers Jessica Ponce Amy Chattaway Sitara Marathay Tyler Jacobsen Anton Loeb Diana Rendler Amrita Sivia Graphic Artist Amy Chattaway Adviser Laura Gordon Reska The Aquila is a studentproduced, student-edited high school newspaper. It serves as a designated public forum for student expression.
epidemic” and the National InstiAdditionally, soda prices have tute of Health (NIH) expounds decreased so much that a soda that “one-third of children and can is now less expensive than a adolescents ages 6-19 are consid- bottle of water. This is unhealthy ered to be overweight or obese” because sodas “offer little nuin the United States. tritional value This is an im“It is important for and only ‘empmense percent of ty calories.’” American citizens the American adoTherefore, a to continue comlescent population. tax on soda to Obviously, we have decrease the bating obesity for a dilemma. amount of soda the preservation of Obesity has espurchased has a healthy society calated recently been impledue to the increase mented earlier now and in the in calories of foods this month in future.” that a vast amount three new citof Americans conies throughout Zoe Sprintz sume regularly. Acthe Bay Area: cording to the NIH, San Francisco, UPA Junior “food portions in Oakland, and America’s restauAlbany. rants have doubled or tripled over As a result of this national conthe last 20 years,” causing Ameri- cern, Michelle Obama, the curcans to eat a greater amount of rent first lady of the United States, unhealthy foods and continue to launched the “Let’s Move” camgain weight. paign in 2010. This movement
promotes a healthier future generation of American citizens by providing opportunities for physical activity and healthy foods in the public schools throughout America. The “Let’s Move” campaign has decreased the amount of adolescent obesity in the United States. Even though Obama and her husband will soon be vacating office, their contribution to minimizing child obesity should not stop here. It is important for American citizens to continue combating obesity for the preservation of a healthy society now and in the future. It is the duty of us as the people to work for our country and put a stop to this issue. So next time you want to walk to the fridge, think about going outside for that run. Maybe it will improve your health and inspire others to do the same.
We the People Have a Problem
Sports Editor Diana Rendler
Broadcast Editor Joshua Cheah
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‘Let’s Move’ and Combat Obesity
Editor-In-Chief Juli Rendler Managing Editor Tyler Jacobsen
December 12, 2016
By Paj Thao The 2016 presidential election left not only the nation but the world highly impassioned and with an uncertain future. It seemed as if America had exploded at the election’s height on Nov. 8 when Republican candidate Donald J. Trump officially became president-elect. It was a cruel joke that the
Canadian immigration website crashed and that suicide prevention and crisis hotlines experienced two to three times more callers than average that night, according to CNN. It’s frustrating, fascinating, and frightening to live during this tumultuous era. Since Nov. 8, tens of thousands of anti-Trump protesters have taken to the streets in cities and universities across the nation. While some rally against the president-elect’s policies, some simply loathe Trump’s morals and are legitimately scared for their well-being under his leadership because of their religious, racial, or sexual identities. The largest problem, however, is that Trump’s election has re-
vealed and emboldened so many people who support the hateful ideas he represents. Of course not all Trump supporters are racist, xenophobic, religiously intolerant misogynists, bigots, and supremacists. That does not mean, however, that such people don’t exist and won’t go to drastic measures for their ideals. To say that acts of discrimination are common would be an understatement. More than 400 incidents of hateful harassment and intimidation in verbal, physical, and graffiti form have been reported across the nation since Election Day, spurred by Trump’s victory, both for and against him. United we stand, divided we fall, and the latter seems to be
prevailing. We the people of the United States cannot afford to watch and wait while our friends, our families, and ourselves face a real danger of our lives being stomped on every day. We the people live in a democracy, not a dictatorship, in the land of liberty. We have rights, responsibilities, and power. We the people must call upon our legislators to enact or change laws to limit the president-elect before he is inaugurated. Congress has the power to make sure that Trump’s harmful policies will not be passed. We the people can make America greater than he ever could.
Altered Slogans Damage Progress
By Adanna Abraham-Igwe The oppression of black people has been prevalent in the United States for almost 400 years. It is the constant racism, police brutality, violence, and unjust treatment toward African-American communities that, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, makes black people 20% more likely to experience mental health issues. Through all of this racial
prejudice, black people have not ment because not all people are been given the proper amount of receiving unjust treatment, like reparations, treatment, or time to African-Americans. Compared move on from this discrimination. to other ethnicities, there is a vast The use of “All Lives Mat- difference between the amount ter” as a response of prejudicial to Black Lives “The point of the ‘Black issues black Matter does not Lives Matter’ movement people face in contribute to black this country. is not to exclude other people moving on “When people or say that only you say ‘All from discrimination, but it does black lives matter, but to Lives Matter,’ insinuate that Afridrawremind and enforce the you’re can-Americans do ing attention not need attention. idea that African-Ameri- away from People who say cans matter just as much a movement “All Lives Matthat would as others.” ter” are preventhelp push ing others from the country removing racism Adanna Abraham-Igwe toward the and police brutalversion of itUPA Sohphomore ity from the lives self where all of black people. lives actually Although the statement is do matter,” journalist Jesse Datrue, not all lives need a move- miani wrote in an article for the
Huffington Post. The point of the “Black Lives Matter” movement is not to exclude other people or say that only black lives matter, but to remind and enforce the idea that African-Americans matter just as much as others. If all lives truly mattered in this country, African-Americans would not need an entire movement to express that their lives matter as well. Senior Ruth Bizuneh, co-president of the Black Student Union at UPA, agrees. “There’s issues in the black community that are systematically made and institutionally pressured onto black people,” she said. “We need to focus on those issues before ‘All Lives Matter’… In order for you to focus on ‘All Lives Matter,’ black lives matter first.”
A&E
December 12, 2016
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Easy. Breezy. Handsome. Coverboy. By Katie Foreman
Photo by Farrah Moreno Silk aerialists are led by horses at a November performance of “Odysseo” by Cavalia in San Jose. The show involves equestrian and acrobatic stunts set to beautiful backdrops.
Equestrian Performance Takes Viewers on an Enchanting Journey By Farrah Moreno
As more than 60 horses raced across the water and acrobats swung beside the clouds, the audience began to roar at the deathdefying performance of horse and human relationship. “Odysseo” by Cavalia, a theatrical show depicting the unification of horses and humans, presented a family fun environment expressing the depth of the relationship between them. The show demonstrates the finest in equestrian arts while touring San Jose, Orange County, Chicago, and Vancouver, Canada. “Odysseo” is a story of how the inseparable horses and humans travel together and function as one in order to safely journey from location to location. Surprisingly, the most impressive aspect of “Odysseo” was not the horses or even the acrobats,
although they were magnificent. The most captivating feature was undoubtedly the live musicians and the design of the plethora of environments that surrounded the audience. The audience was visually and audibly transported to several locations around the world with a large backdrop screen the size of three IMAX screens. The screen brought places such as the desert and savanna of Africa, the American Southwest, an ice cave, Easter Island, and other magnificent locations around the world directly to the audience. While each scene changed and the location developed a different emotion, the live band, which included almost 30 different instruments, played with unmeasurable passion and led the audience into a deeper connection with the
performance. From a silhouette of a horse and a rider on top of a man-made mountain, to a carousel spinning while acrobats were in mid-air, more than 10 unique scenes were displayed. The intricately designed costumes for each location and culture also had a huge influence on the visual experience of the production. In the deserts of Africa, the costumes were heavy with a dark orange and purple, while in the ice caves the costumes were white with a feathery flow. Each detail of the show was specifically designed to transport the audience from their own society, and allow themselves to be awed by the beautiful landscapes and wonders of the world and the relationship between humans and horses, and it did.
Charles is not one to fear taking risks. For the first time in history, Only a high school senior in the well known makeup brand New York, he has already broCovergirl welcomes a male to its ken stereotypes while influencing team. others to be fearless and confiJames Charles, 17, became an dent. internet sensation after posting “Most LGBTQ+ find it difsenior portraits of himself with ficult when they’re young to see stunning makeup and uploading someone who they can relate to,” tutorials of how to achieve his junior Harry Haessner, a Gay makeup looks. Straight Alliance club member He is not only a Covergirl said, “and the new model may model, but also a role model to just bring up their spirits and people everywhere. remind them that they’re not “All of our Covergirls are role alone.” models and boundary-breakers, However, Charles has not only fearlessly expressing themselves, impacted the LGBTQ commustanding up for nity. what they beHe has created lieve and redefinnew standards in ing what it means the makeup artto be beautiful. ist community as James Charles is well. no exception,” a Local makeup Covergirl brand artist and owner statement said, acof makeup studio, cording to www. Brush by Michele, ibtimes.com. Michele Orozco is While Coverimpressed by the girl is known for artistry of James their famous fe- Photo courtesy of James Charles. Charles male models, times “He has found are changing and something he loves boys are becoming just as skillful to do and uses his face as the palin the art of makeup. let... it is not my place to judge, The new model has become rather appreciate the artistry bean icon, representing an immense hind the person,” Orozco said. step towards gender equality. “I have always worked side “Guys should have free- by side with male makeup artdom to explore makeup without ists who are extremely talented criticism,” said makeup lover so this actually doesn’t surprise Brieanne Scott, a senior. “It’s me at all. The makeup industry is good not to have gender norms in changing rapidly because of the any community.” high interest people have about Makeup has always been a makeup.” female-dominated industry, but
Breaking Molds with ‘Rogue One’ By Amaya Clement In most of the Star Wars films, men have played iconic lead roles, such as Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. This process is gradually changing with women appearing more in the Star Wars universe with a female Jedi being the main character in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and a new female character being introduced in a Star Wars spinoff movie, “Rogue One”. Jyn Erso, played by Felicity Jones, is the new lead in “Rogue One” and becomes the leader of a group of Rebels trying to steal the construction plans of the Death Star. Some Star Wars fans, such as sophomore Tushar Lakshminarayanan, enjoy how more female characters are being introduced into the Star Wars universe and are playing a larger role than in previous films. In Star Wars episodes one through six, female characters Illustation by Amy such as PadChattaway me Amidala Fanart depicts Jyn Erso, and Princess a “rogue” who is to be Leia were not featured in “Rogue One” involved in as the female lead. much action
compared to female characters today such as Rey and Jyn Erso. “Having the main character be a female person is just an interesting point to take and I think it’s pretty powerful,” Lakshminarayanan said. Felicity Jones also believes that it is important for women to be seen more throughout the film industry, especially since Hillary Clinton had considerable success while running for president. “It’s vital...As we’re seeing in politics, it is a world where women are becoming leaders of nations, and films should be reflecting that,” said Jones to Entertainment Weekly. Although Jones’ role is inspiring to many, some fans are angry about the casting decisions that Star Wars has made. On Twitter, people have criticized Jones’ role, saying that it will not last long and that it is not realistic to have a woman in charge. Jones does not listen to the discouraging voices of these fans, but instead follows her motivation in life and recommends that everyone do the same. “When someone has something they believe in, that’s what powers them, that’s what motivates them, that’s what can give someone enormous strength,” Jones told Entertainment Weekly. “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” hits theaters on December 16, 2016.
In-Depth
December 12, 2016
5
Standing Up for the 9 Out of 84
Seniors reflect on fears for their college years and how to protect themselves against the national epidemic of sexual assault on college campuses By Caleb Frahm “1 out of 10 of all [college] students experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation,” according to the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN) website. This means that an estimated 9 of UPA’s 84 current seniors could experience some form of sexual violence when in college. COLLEGE BOUND UPA’s mission is to “prepare students to enter and excel in the best colleges and universities in the nation.” The school prides itself on preparing students for the academic rigors of college, yet other aspects of college life are not addressed. Some UPA seniors, including Tamera Panjalingam, have expressed concerns with adjusting to the social aspects of college life. “Sometimes when young women walk around there are groups of men and women [who] comment on your appearance in a sexual way and that makes me extremely uncomfortable,” Panjalingam said. “I feel like I’m being treated like an object that is being judged based on appearance.” She fears this verbal sexual assault will follow her throughout her college experience. NATIONWIDE EPIDEMIC While sexual assault laws vary by state, California defines sexual assault as any sexual act—physical or verbal contact with another—that occurs without the consent of both individuals. Campuses in every state across the nation report approximately 31,300 sexual assault cases annually, according to the 2014 Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report on Rape and Sexual Assault Among Female College-Age Students.
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) reports 1 in 16 males are also sexually assaulted in college. Estimates are that fewer than 5% of attempted or completed rapes are reported, according to the NSVRC website, while “more than 90% of sexual assault victims on college campuses do not report the assault.” Victims of sexual assault often do not speak up out of fear. Loren Schwinge, UPA’s AP psychology teacher, said there is a lot of self blame among victims. “[Victims] know that a lot of people don’t always help when you file a sexual assault charge,” she said. “Not being heard is often scarier than just keeping it to yourself.” PREVENTING SEXUAL ASSAULT In an effort to prevent sexual assault, colleges have implemented various safety measures. Features like the “blue lights,” which serve as campus panic buttons, as well as campus police and escort services, exist to mitigate these crimes. UC Santa Cruz, UC Berkeley, San Jose State University and Stanford University—among others—provide these as part of their response to sexual assault crimes on campus. UPA students who toured these colleges in October noticed these safety features and asked their tour guides about the purpose of these features. Students are aware of the need for safety while living on campus, yet high schools do not offer much education on how to stay safe. UPA does not officially educate seniors about sexual violence on university campuses and about how to stay safe in their years beyond UPA. Senior Cameron McElroy said the school “does not really inform [students] about sexual assault as they prioritize us getting into college before discussing precautions or necessities needed to live.” As the senior and alumni advisor for UPA, Sandra Trotch addresses stu-
dents’ questions about college life when they are brought up, sexual assault being a definite concern. “Students will be up studying in the library late at night and might not think about walking by themselves across campus at two in the morning. Don’t walk by yourself,” Trotch said as safety advice for the future college students. In the past, UPA held a self-defense seminar, a senior gift from the class of 2014. The seminar was led by a martial arts instructor aided by UPA alumni Sasank Sakhamuri. Panjalingam said she would find resources like the like the self-defense seminar valuable. “I think UPA should begin by bringing in speakers just for seniors once a year,” she said. “They would help students identify what sexual assault is and how to react if one experiences it.” STANDING UP AND SPEAKING OUT One way to stop sexual assault on college campuses is to stand up and fight against it. Often, the solution for fighting back is equipping potential victims with selfdefense techniques. Bystanders and witnesses are also key in preventing sexual assault. Schwinge said fighting the bystander effect is essential to prevention. “The bystander effect is when we freeze and look around and wait for someone more qualified [to help], but often you are the most qualified person,” she said. In the infamous Brock Turner rape case at Stanford University in January 2015, two bystanders who stood up to Turner saved the young woman from further abuse when they found Turner assaulting his unconscious victim behind a dumpster. UPA senior Komal Mittal said, “Informing people not only that rape is wrong, but why it’s wrong, is crucial in helping people understand that rape is not okay, whether it’s being a bystander or the perpetrator.”
National Sexual Assualt Hotline (Confidential) 800-656-HOPE (4673) CALCASA Crisis Hotline 800-273-7713 661-327-1091
Illustration by Amy Chattaway
Features
December 12, 2016
6
Getting to Ngo Kathy: A Self-Taught Artist By Amy Chattaway
Photo courtesy of Kathy Ngo Fanart by Kathy Ngo done this Fall, see more of her work on her Instagram, @kit.katkathy
An artist. A friend. A student. Kathy Ngo is a freshman at University Preparatory Academy, known by her friends as an aspiring artist. Ngo’s favorite and main hobby is art. “I love doing watercolors and sketching. It’s really relaxing and actually my main hobby,” She said. “It’s super fun and it’s something you can do anytime, anywhere… It always helps me when I’m down or happy or excited or whatever.” She draws as a way to unwind, often doodling during class on her homework. Ngo’s biology teacher and advisor, Christopher Lucas, said he often finds her art on assignments
turned in during class. “She likes to add some art to her homework, and I’ve seen her art in class, and even commented on it,” said Lucas. “She’s really skilled. I’m no artist myself, but I’m sure she could very well have a career in [art] if she wanted to.” Ngo also uses art to connect to other artists. “I went on Instagram in sixth grade and I immediately loved the art community I found,” said Ngo. “They were around my skill level, had the same taste in books as me, and we talked a lot.” These artists also serve as mentors in her artistic endeavours; Ngo talks to them online and they support one another’s creativity. “[Within that community] there was one particular person
who was an artistic role model of sorts to me,” Ngo said. “We still talk; she’s like an internet pen-pal of sorts!” As any artist knows, it can be difficult to remain inspired all the time. Ngo relies on these friends to motivate and inspire her. “I don’t think I would continue to be so interested in art if it weren’t for the people I met,” she said. Finally, Ngo hopes to inspire any budding artists at UPA. “To any people considering art, but are afraid they’re not good enough, just do it!” Ngo said. “No one starts out great at art. I certainly wasn’t. I’m still not. There are always things to learn and develop, it’s something you practice, and it’s fun to do either way!”
Appreciation for Pettit Anything But Petite
By Angelo Bautista
Scrolling through multiple websites dedicated to identifying top schools, Elizabeth Pettit wound up conflicted when searching for a school for her seventh grade daughter. The English undergraduate with a multi-subject credential eventually settled on University Preparatory Academy, whose mission statement and college preparatory goals aligned with her own goals as a teacher. “In some ways it was very exciting and in others it was very confusing. It is difficult to compare schools without weighing a multitude of variables. Not all schools have tour days or open house for prospective families,” Pettit said. She had to wait another year, however. “I considered UPA for my daughter, but we missed the opportunity for the lottery,” she said. “Once she was in her new school we de-
cided not to switch schools again.” first year at UPA, her students already note It was too late, but not for Pettit, who how she establishes rapport. considered teaching after recall“She dabs a lot. And everyone ing certain attractive facscreams when she does,” tors. said eighth grade stu“When I was dent Olga Illyashoconsidering a va, a member of workplace, I Pettit’s fourth remembered period math my positive class. experience Pettit cerwith UPA. tainly parMy neighallels UPA bor’s chilgoals and dren attendexpectations, ed UPA and but she also they had only addresses other great things to critical concerns. share,” Pettit said. “One time she “UPA fills a need in asked us, ‘Do you guys our community. It empownot eat breakfast?’” Illyasers students with the skills Photo by Angelo Bautista hova said. that they need to succeed.” Mrs. Petit helps students study “She was concerned… Although this is only her afterschool on Nov. 15 she noticed a lot of people
Your Best Bet For a Bite By Jacob Cayabyab
Photo by Amy Chattaway The Willow Glen Plaza is only a five minute walk from school and has a variety of food options.
were going to class eating.” “A lot of students make jokes about depression so she actually takes that seriously,” said eighth grade student Roxanna Hernandez, another member of Pettit’s class. “She offers students help and suggests they come after school.” Pettit also molds her way of teaching to accommodate for students’ individual concerns. “She relates to us. She adds in [characters we know] and makes math more creative. She makes math simple,” Hernandez said. “I think that a top priority is to understand their subjects and to find applications... To just memorize facts is not really learning.” said Pettit. “My hope for my students is that they see larger connections with the material they are learning and they can ultimately use the information to help them in their life and future careers,” Pettit said.
The Plant, as well as the Willow Glen Shopping Center, has helped the area around UPA to become a melting pot of food from different cultures, allowing students and staff alike to try several different cultures of food without traveling far from the school. Their proximity to the school makes them great places to eat. Places like Poki Bowl have become very popular among students. Poke, a Hawaiian dish of fishes and oil, is one of the latest food crazes. Stores mimicking the rice and fish bowls have popped up all around the Bay Area. Their food highlights the fish by giving it simplistic toppings and sushi rice, giving it a taste similar to deconstructed sushi. It is definitely a place to try. Is fish not your thing? There are several other places at The Plant for you to try.
Burger joint Five Guys, as well as the restaurant Burnt Rice, are more delicious eateries that students enjoy eating at. Five Guys’ portion sizes are amazing; their fries come in gigantic cups, and they give unlimited peanuts for absolutely free. Their burgers are also great, which can be customized by their large amounts of toppings. Burnt Rice gives an almost opposite atmosphere; this sit-down restaurant offers Korean food such as bibimbap and bulgogi Korean BBQ. With so many places to eat, you might get thirsty. Numerous drink places have opened up around the school. Starbucks, the popular coffee shop, is located both at The Plant and the Willow Glen Shopping Center. They offer coffee, as well as teas and juices. Their inviting coffee shop atmo-
sphere makes it a wonderful place to do homework and relax. And if you don’t like coffee, Tapioca Express, known for their boba teas, as well as Jamba Juice, which sells fruit smoothies, are located in the same lot. For dessert, try Recess, which is located at the Willow Glen Shopping Center. Their mixture of Italian ice and soft serve ice cream makes a sweet treat to end the night. They offer a large variety of flavors and toppings. Try new restaurants the next time you find yourself in these places. The variety of tastes available at the two centers allow students to try foods that they may not have tried before. Instead of buying food from the usual spot, go out of your comfort zone and get adventurous; you’ll never know how good it is until you try it.
Sports
December 12, 2016
7
Meet the Coaches: The Backbones of Two Successful Teams By Bella Cayabyab COACH TOM GUEVARA Because he played volleyball and basketball throughout high school and college, Tom Guevara hopes to give his athletes life lessons through coaching. Guevara began coaching boys and girls volleyball and boys basketball because of his “love for the game” and his desire to share that. He believes that sports influenced him to become who he is today. “[The athletic experience] shaped me as I developed, shaped my habits, [and] the way I approach challenges,” he said. Guevara wants to give his athletes the knowledge that would have been harder to obtain if had he not have played sports. “The team, the working as a unit toward a common goal, facing a challenge as a team, the discipline to do things precisely, those life lessons were important to me,” he said. Guevara has three young daughters,
and with his wife’s seasonal job, he finds it often hard to juggle his family with his coaching. Because of this, he sometimes brings his girls to his games. “I remember being on the sideline coaching and having my little girl under my arm, and handing her off to Mr. Fowler so I could call time out,” he said. The busy father doesn’t make these sacrifices for financial reasons. He does it because coaching is valuable to him. “The compensation in coaching is not why you do it. There’s really not a financial reason to do it,” he said. “But it’s important to me, so I make those adjustments.” Guevara cannot imagine not coaching because of how it played such a significant role in his life. He feels strongly that he is making a positive impact through it. “With coaching, I can feel and see that I have a direct impact,” he said. “And that I find pretty satisfying.”
Photo Courtesy of Linda Luna Rachel Zody (12) blocks the opposing ball in a home game against Eastside on Sept. 7.
Photo Courtesy of Loretta Castillo At the championship meet on Nov. 3, four runners for Junior Varsity Boys Cross Country reach the crest of the hill, completing the first mile. From left to right: Samuel Indurkar (11), Thomas Kamm (10), Russo Hernandez (10) and Noah Atikilt (10).
COACH LORENZO DOBSON UPA’s Cross Country and Track and Field coach Lorenzo Dobson is known to his athletes as an inspiring and supportive mentor. Dobson values running, but the sport itself isn’t the reason he coaches. Dobson wants to help young people grow individually. “Whether I coach cross country or track is less important than me spending time helping other people reach their own physical fitness goals,” he said. Dobson hopes to make an impact on young people’s lives and to be present in them. “Working with young people in general and being there for them is what’s truly important to me,” he said. Regardless of what his athletes call him, Dobson wouldn’t necessarily call himself a coach. He sees him-
self as someone with knowledge that, when shared, will improve a person’s life. “I’m just a person that has experience to share,” he said. “I have a lot of experience with exercising to enhance physical, mental and even spiritual capabilities.” Dobson does do work outside of coaching. Though most of his jobs are associated with fitness, he likes to get crafty and build things. “I do a lot of thing. Many are fitness related while others are creative...I even enjoy building and repairing things,” he said. Not so worried about the future, Dobson focuses on himself, improving every day. “All I care about is who I am, what I’m doing and getting better at something every day,” he said. “My life is great, I’m living my dream right now.”
Athletes Strive for Championships
By Jessica Ponce
The crowd screams and the air fills with excitement. It’s the last point of the game and the crowd gets nervous as UPA’s Varsity Girls Volleyball team plays to win the title of League Champions of the Private School Athletic League (PSAL). The ball goes down, and the girls have become League Champions for the first time in UPA history. The next step is to go on to Central Coast Section (CCS). CCS, one out of 10 sections of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), contains 150 public and private high schools, and ranges from San Francisco to King City. “CCS is our regional section that governs our specific region inside of CIF,” coach Tom Guevara said.
VOLEYBALL In order for a team to qualify for CCS, there are certain requirements it has has to meet. According to cifccs.org, the teams that qualify for CCS are the League Champions from each league plus one additional Automatic Qualifier from every league. In simple terms, the first and second place teams from each league move on to CCS. The CIF helps CCS in determining which teams go against each other for a variety of sports in the state of California. Guevara described CIF as “the governing body which handles sports and competition at the high school level for the state of California.” The CIF and CCS work together in order to determine the state champions. They create a tournament bracket for each division, leading to the regional championship.
“The whole season you’re proving who deserves to go, so I think having the first and second place teams is reasonable,” said senior player Melissa Drews. CROSS COUNTRY However, not all sports follow this format of figuring out which team goes where. It is a difficult process for individual sports, such as cross country. According to cifccs.org, the first four teams with the lowest times during the last meet qualify for CCS. In our league, seven teams race and only three can qualify. If a team does not make it to CCS, individuals are able to qualify to run in the playoffs. Last year, the cross country team finished in fourth place, but because former UPA senior Ariana Kotlier placed first in all of the meets, she was able to go to CCS as an individual runner.
Photo Courtesy of Loretta Castillo The Varsity Girls Cross Country team sprints at the sound of the starting gun at its second meet on Sept. 28. From left to right: Diana Rendler (12), Juli Rendler (11), Laura Hinman (11), Sakshi Hegde (12), Bella Cayabyab (9) and Sarina Hokari (9). Last year, the team was not aware of the requirements because no one had informed them. They had thought the scores would average out between the
four meets. “It turned out that only the last meet mattered and the other three were like practice rounds,” junior runner Laura Hinman said.
Trending
December 12, 2016
8
Made-Up Makeup Made for Me By Maria Hernandez
Photo by Maria Hernandez Makeup dupes offer a cheap alertnative to high-end makeup for teenagers on a budget. Oftentimes, the quality between name brand products and dupes are the same.
Not many teenagers can spend $40 dollars on a eyeshadow palette. This is why makeup dupes are becoming increasingly popular. Dupes are duplicates that drug stores use in order to replace a brand name. Dupes have revolutionized the way you spend money instead of paying large amounts on a similar product. Many customers prefer to buy top of the line products since they are “better” than low priced. “Dupes have helped me in terms of money,” Sophomore Francisca Dizon said, “I don’t have the budget for spending $39 on a blush.” Urban Decay’s popular Naked series eyeshadow palettes are around $40, while the Ultra’s Revolution palette is $7.
Eyeshadows are only one of many makeup dupes posted on social media. Other products include lipsticks, highlights, foundation, and makeup primer. Dizon follows social media accounts that post about dupes. Dizon wanted to buy reasonably priced products and she tells others the dupes she uses to help them buy a cheaper product. “If someone asks me what I’m wearing, I would be able to give them something else that is in their price range,” Dizon said. Junior Veronica Orozco shared the effects of dupes and why they are popular “I prefer drugstore … since they are just as good as getting a high-end product,” Orozco said. “It’s like a easy way out of spending a lot of money on
makeup.” Senior Alex Ruiz likes to save her money and prefers to buy drug store merchandise since they are the same as wellknown brands. “People think since it’s a name brand it will be better or worth the better quality,” Ruiz said. “It has the same results as high end products, and if you can really apply makeup it won’t matter the brand.” Senior Kayla Genio prefers to use high end products because of her skin type. However, she thinks dupes are a good idea for someone with regular skin. “Dupes are usually for regular skin types … some for even drier skin,” Genio said. “I try it and apply it the same way it never really works as well for me.”
By Cheyenne Mungary
the cool location. Tropical locations Oceania like Bora Bora and the Great Barrier Reef interest Prizznick because of the beautiful scenery and climate. “I would love to go to Bora Bora with the beautiful weather and just hang out in the warm, white, powdery sands,” Prizznick said. Prizznick’s passion for travel and exploring new places takes him to various place throughout the world.
Year of Good Travelers Share Stories of Music Creates Worldwide Expeditions Good Vibes By Jacalyn Trujillo
Bling’, everyone got into it,” Foreman said “He’s a really good The past five months have performer.” been a whirlwind of inspirational Foreman explained that there and dynamic music full of new al- were many people she wouldn’t bums and sold out concerts. typically hang around. However, Ruth Bizuneh and her brother she was there for the concert, not attended the Chance the Rapper the crowd. concert on Oct. 21, at the Bill “Usually I go to Taylor Swift Graham Civic Auditorium in San or One Direction concerts, so this Francisco. was different, but I would totally Chance played some songs do it again,” Foreman said. from his previous album that On the other hand, artists are made the concert experience un- releasing albums that fans have forgettable for Bizuneh. been anticipating for a while. “It’s just an Freshman Arin emotional conFlandez was excert and you cited to hear that have no choice her favorite artist, but to be in Frank Ocean, was your emodropping an altions,” said Bibum after 4 years. zuneh. “It has been The thrilla very long time ing concert that I’ve been experience has waiting,” said encouraged BiFlandez. zuneh to purFlandez thinks sue her dreams Ocean’s new alof opening a bum, ‘Blonde.’ is performing better than ‘Chanarts school. nel Orange.’ “Honestly, “The songs are llustration by Amy Chattaway it was the most a lot more meaninspiring and ingful.” Flandez beautiful concert I’ve been to said. yet,” Bizuneh said. Solange Knowles also released Chance played a variety of an album called ‘A Seat at the Tasongs throughout the night. ble.’ Sophomore Hanna Negussie “First, he performed lowkey could not get enough of it. songs, so it made me happy,” said Negussie explained how SolBizuneh. “‘Blessing’ was my fa- ange’s album has a different point vorite song; it just touched my of view from other albums. heart.” “What she sings about is real Olivia Foreman attended the and unique from any other artist,” Drake concert on Sept. 23 at the Negussie said. SAP Center, a month prior to the Music is an important and inChance concert. spiring part of students’ lives. “When he sang ‘Hotline
Photo by Richard Prizznick Alaska was one location on Richard Prizznick’s vacation bucket list. He hopes to travel to Iceland one day. This summer, junior Lauren Hernandez, took a vacation to Italy with her parents. The Hernandez family stopped at historic cities including Rome and Florence. Hernandez described the trip as an excellent cultural experience filled with lots of history with each location. “With our tour company we visited Lake Como, Florence, Capri, and Rome…,” Hernandez said, “Each with many picture opportunities and filled with rich cultural elements.”
Photo Courtesy of Ian Francis The Francis family stops at the London Eye during their summer vacation.
High school chemistry teacher Richard Prizznick travels frequently with his family, however there are still places he hopes to visit in the future. “I would like to visit the Ice Hotel in Iceland and Canada,” Prizznick said, “It’s a hotel completely carved out of ice.” Prizznick added that this would be an experience like no other and that he would most enjoy seeing the aurora borealis, or the northern lights, from
For future trips Hernandez would like to visit tropical places with beaches but also popular travel spots filled with a rich culture and unique places. “I’d love to go to Tokyo because I love the culture there and Japanese food is my favorite. It’s also a small part of my culture that I’d like to see,” Hernandez said. Travel has given her an opportunity to explore the culture and historical locations within each city she visits. Junior, Ian Francis, visited London, Scotland and Paris with his family this summer and gained a new understanding of European culture. Francis and his family traveled to places like the Queen of State in Scotland, the London Eye, and Big Ben in London. “Downtown London is similar to San Francisco, [and] kind of reminds me of the city vibes, except San Francisco is more crowded,” Francis said.
Photo Courtesy of Lauren Hernandez Lauren Hernandez and her family take a vacation to Lake Como in Italy last summer. In addition to visiting Scotland and London, Francis and his family visited Paris. They enjoyed the city and the architecture as well. “I would recommend [Paris] because it’s an experience everyone should try especially the Eiffel Tower,” Francis said, “ You don’t realize how big it is until you get in there.” “I think I have a different view on how people live on different continents, since I’ve gone to Europe,” he said.