The Aquila Dec. 2013 (Vol. 3, Issue 2)

Aquila

Dec. 17, 2013

Volume 3, Issue 2

University Preparatory Academy

Annual Winter Arts Event Showcases Student-Produced Music, Drawings

Photos by Lizzy Wallace From left to right: April Nicholson with the marching band; sketch by Christina Wei; drawing by Brandon Nguyen; Nicole Darvin and Jennifer Nguyen; drawing by Laura Houck; colorguard performance.

By Lizzy Wallace

On Dec. 6, UPA held its annual Winter Arts Showcase.

It took place from 7- 8:30 in the evening, and included contributions from the art, music, drama, and dance departments, as well as students who are not in any of these classes but signed up to participate.

The purpose of the event was to “show the excellence of UPA’s arts departments.”

Winter Dance in the Works

By Sydney Harder

UPA’s recently formed student government convened on Nov. 7 to discuss ideas for the widely anticipated winter dance, which will be held on Jan. 31.

The past Halloween dance was the most successful dance event in UPA history and was hosted by the PTSO.

For the next dance, student government will take most of the responsibility for its organization; the success of the upcoming dance will also be a measure of how effective and dedicated the newly elected ASB is when it comes to planning school-wide events. They will also have to attempt to meet the high expectations that stu-

art teacher Karen Crump said.

Students have been preparing for this event since the beginning of the year, and the event paid off to finally show the fruit of their efforts.

The band classes performed the songs “Medieval Legend”, “Sally’s Song”, and “Sleigh Bells”, as well as a contribution from the Advanced Band class.

The middle school drama class performed the partner dents have for the winter dance since the last dance surprised everyone and established a new set of standards for off-campus events.

“[The student government] have to manage the money effectively and figure out what’s most important”, history teacher Andrew Yau said.

The ASB plans to meet several more times to confirm the winter dance location and theme. Students and staff alike hope that the student government can rise to the challenge and demonstrate the achievements they can make by working together.

“They will learn a lot about leadership”, Mr. Hophan said.

The next dance will feature the same DJ, though the venue information has not yet been released.

scenes ‘Private Eyes’ and ‘The Sphinx’. The high school would have performed the scene, ‘The Break Up’, but were unable to due to a missing actor.

The high school dance class contributed a routine to ‘Carol of the Bells’, which was selfchoreographed by the students, as well as ‘Bezubaan’ and working together with the middle school class for a Michael Jackson medley. Middle school also danced to

‘Jump, Jive, and Wail’ and ‘Halo’.

“I had lots of fun with dance, and look forward to doing it again next year,” said Katie Holland, a freshman in the dance class.

Works from the middle and high school art classes lined the walls in a gallery layout for everyone to see throughout the evening. Pieces displayed were created using pastels, paint, marker, pencil, and other mediums.

New UPA Foundation Will Raise School Funds

By Serena Quedaza

UPA’s recently formed student government convened on November 7 to discuss ideas for the widely anticipated winter dance, which will be held on January 31st.

The past Halloween dance was the most successful dance event in UPA history and was hosted by the PTSO. For the next dance, student government will take most of the responsibility for its organization; the success of the upcoming dance will also be a measure of how effective and dedicated the newly elected ASB is when it comes to planning school-wide events.

They will also have to attempt to meet the high expectations that students have for the winter dance since the last dance surprised everyone and established a new set of standards for off-campus events.

“They [the student government] have to manage the money effectively and figure out what’s most important”, Mr. Yau said.

The ASB plans to meet several more times to confirm the winter dance location and theme.

Students and staff alike hope that the student government can rise to the challenge and demonstrate the achievements they can make by working together.

“They will learn a lot about leadership”, Mr. Hophan said.

The next dance will feature the same DJ, though the venue information has not yet been released.

And Now We’re Missing Glee

By Selena Razo

Hear that? No? Exactly.

If anyone has been feeling a void amongst the UPA clubs lately it would be because one of UPA’s very first clubs, Glee Club, has officially disbanded.

Those who have been at UPA since fall 2011 were there when Glee was first introduced and students witnessed their first performance at a UPA spirit rally.

Sophomore Priyanka Karunakaran said that when she first saw the ad for Glee, she thought it would be cool to watch, but not something she would want to try herself.

“There was never just ‘one’ special moment, all of them were fun,” eighth grader and former Glee member, Jacob Cayabyab said.

Diminishing attendance is one reason Glee has ended.“I

was ready to restart Glee again this school year, but there were only three people left, including myself. Everyone wanted to try something new instead.” former leader Hannah Cooke said.

Aspiring singers at UPA need not fear, however, as one of UPA’s newest clubs, Music Club, includes its own choir.

One would think these clubs would possibly go head to head if Glee were still around, but that’s actually not the case.

Leader of Music Club Jessica de la Paz never even considered Glee Club as a rival. “I would have never thought of us to be arch-rivals. I mean come on, what are we? Fifth graders? I would have just thought of us as two separate things.”

There are a few differences between Music Club and Glee Club. “I realized Music Club

teaches you how to sing, while Glee Club only tells you what to sing,” sophomore Cooke said.

She also expressed optimism for the future of Music Club; though not a part of it, she said “I hope Music Club will achieve the goals Glee Club was trying to do.”

Don’t forget to check The Aquila website for exclusives! www.upaaquila.com

2

Dec. 17, 2013

PAGE

Editorial

Recognize The Importance of Giving 365 Days a Year, Not for One Month

By Sydney Harder

You’ve heard it a million times: “It’s the season of giving.”

Perhaps the cheerful Salvation Army volunteer ringing a bell, smiling at passerby while standing next to a red collection box comes to mind. Or maybe the common Thanksgiving newscast showing a pre-recorded segment of volunteers happily serving at soup kitchens inspires you to

volunteer next year. However, as soon as the Christmas trees are disposed of and the decorations return to gathering dust in their boxes, people go back to the regular schedule of their daily lives and once again become overwhelmed by activities intended to fulfill their selfish desires.

Why does the spirit of generosity only come around once a year?

Some people might feel obligated to donate or volunteer because the “season of giving” has become an inveterate ideal in society. Red and green ornaments, winter coats and hot chocolate have long been associated with the season where people who are preoccupied with their busy lives 10 months out of the year momentarily abandon their

stationary positions at their desks and suddenly become active volunteers in giving back to the community.

But when the artificial “season of giving” label is stripped away, along with its Christmas lights and red collection boxes, people in need are still everpresent. Regardless of your $5 or $100 donation to the Salvation Army, multitudes of underprivileged individuals remain, generally forgotten about until the leaves start to fall again and the familiar bell makes people

“Regardless of the season, there will always be someone in need of a helping hand.”

In Reality, It’s Really More Like Eggnot

By Lizzy Wallace

Although eggnog is considered to be a traditional and enjoyable holiday beverage, it is a positively vile substance. The ingredient that gives it its trademark frothy, thick texture is none other than raw eggs, the very thing that children are told from a young age never to consume due to the risk of food poisoning.

While most drinks associated with winter and the holiday season are served steamy and warm, eggnog is the only one that is served from the refrigerator;

none of the effort needed to make a perfect cup of tea or coffee are necessary to consume such an easy, lazy drink alternative.

Which would you prefer: A cup of tea, cider, or hot chocolate that warms you from the inside out with every sip, or an icy beverage that does nothing to warm you up against the harsh winter weather outside?

Eggnog is not the healthiest of the many winter drinks available; on average, a one-cup serving of the eggy drink contains 225 calories. However, a cup of tea-- milk and sugar included-- contains only around 50 calories. Even a cup of hot chocolate has fewer calories, about 190.

If just regular eggnog

has so many calories, imagine how many the final product would have if topped with chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or any other common garnishes? A tall eggnog latte from Starbucks tops off at 370 calories. And the 20 ounce venti size?

A whopping 610 calories and 185 milligrams of cholesterol. Yuck.

S o the next time you’re craving a winter drink, you might want to skip over the slimy, thick eggnog and go for something that will actually satisfy your craving for a sweet beverage without making you want to retch at the thought of drinking raw eggs.

And if you really must have something with eggs as an ingredient? Have a cookie.

At least the eggs are cooked.

“Next time you crave a winter drink, you might want to skip over the slimy, thick eggnog.”

University Preparatory Academy

AQUILA

Art and Graphics Vincent Garcia

Staff Writers Serena Quezada, Sam Leath, Sammy Cardoza, Brooke Headley, Emily Manley, Gabby Munoz, Heriberto Alcantar Adviser Laura Gordon Reska Contact (408) 723-1839 2315 Canoas Garden Ave San Jose, CA 95125 aquila@upatoday.com We encourage reader participation through comments on the Aquila website. Please keep criticism constructive, avoid offensive behavior, and keep the discussion relevant to the story. www.upaaquila.com

ers facilitates the arduous journey through life; without others’ advice or empathy for a burdensome situation, you would likely still be facing one of life’s inherent obstacles. Clearly, regardless of the season, there will always be someone in need of a helping hand.

So as you pass by the Salvation Army volunteers or the regularly seen homeless man on the corner, remember that while your charity indeed goes a long way this holiday season, handson volunteering during the 10 months when widespread giving appears to be dormant will be valued by the recipient. Furthermore, it will provide an experience that is bound to enlighten your perspective on what the true meaning of giving is.

Conquer Finals and Then the World

By Nico Sarabia

As UPA students know, finals can kill everyone even the most prepared and studious.

One problem everyone needs to be aware of is that stress is contagious when you are talking about a test. When your friends start talking about how hard a test is going to be, then you start to worry yourself. Do not ignore your friend’s woes, but recognize you need to focus on yourself and not worry about problems others have in a class.

Although it seems like a no-brainer, avoid energy drinks as a way to stay awake during class. They actually have a reverse effect that keeps you amped temporarily, but later hit you with a bad crash.

Another way to alleviate stress is to eat healthy.

Exercise is also important, especially for teenagers. After about an hour of studying

go for a short 10 minute walk or listen to music to take your mind off school for a bit.

Even though it might be hard to say no to people sometimes you must. This means saying no to anyone who wants to take up your time. If you give away your time, you are more likely to blow off studying all together, which will be detrimental to the grade you hope to achieve in a class.

Force yourself to take breaks after 20 minutes. This might seem like a bad idea, but this allows your brain to file the information away for when you need it, like for the final.

Master Yoda has a great point when he says to visualize success. It sounds goofy, but it is a great way to get ahead of the ball because motivation will drive success.

Finals may be tough, but the human capacity to handle stress is stronger.

Ignore the Health Freaks: Eggnog Isn’t That Bad

The Aquila is a student-produced and student-edited high school newspaper. It serves as a designated public forum for student expression.

Editor-in-Chief Akeiylah DeWitt Managing Editor Morgan Luu News Editor Lizzy Wallace Editorial Editor Sydney Harder In-Depth Editor Vincent Garcia Feature Editor Taio Hokari Entertainment Editor Selena Razo Web Editor Nico Sarabia

mindful of the “time to give.”

However, it does not have to stay that way. People have enough alerts and iPhone alarms to help them remember relatively unimportant daily chores and upcoming meetings as it is. Besides, why should people have to be constantly reminded of their moral obligation to assist others?

Hopefully people will no longer need those conspicuous reminders to prompt them to volunteer. Selfless acts of kindness are admirable; they are also part of life’s purpose. You cannot deny that help from oth-

By Selena Razo

Eggnog. The most delicious drink in the entire universe!

Stop laughing, this is serious.

Eggnog is a delicious drink and typically made of milk, cream, sugar and whipped eggs.

Partakers can also top of the delicious drink with cinnamon or nutmeg.

I remember the first time I drank eggnog. My dad took my sister and me to this official business place where I had no idea what was going on; maybe it was his workplace, I wasn’t sure, and I’m still not sure. I saw this bowl

of eggnog and decided to try it.

Once I took my first sip, I wanted even more. I even made my dad buy some eggnog at the store our way home.

A great part of eggnog is that it can be served right out of the refrigerator; no need to wait like you have to do for boiling milk or water for tea and hot cocoa. You’re not thirsty later, you’re thirsty now.

The fact that this holiday drink contains raw eggs may gross some people out, but raw eggs are actually a very good source of protein. Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. Plus, the eggs in eggnog aren’t really raw. According to professor Bob Hutkins at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, store bought eggnog contains eggs that have been cracked, mixed and heated, making the eggs cooked, not completely raw.

Homemade recipes for eggnog instruct to heat the mixture before putting it in the refrigerator, mak-

ing the eggs not raw either.

If you still have a problem with raw eggs in eggnog, then you should have a problem with cookies, too. Raw eggs are also in the cookie mixture before they are heated to make the cookie.

Even the loveable Mr. Turner from the hit cartoon show “Fairy Odd Parents” has become obsessed with the yummy drink.

It was a running gag throughout two Christmas specials for the television show in 2001 and 2008.

Next time you want to have a nice holiday drink, sure you can have hot cocoa with Dinkleberg (the horror), or you can have a nice tall glass of eggnog with Mr. Turner (hooray).

Correction: In the Nov. 5, 2013, edition of The Aquila, the writer of “Fate of Junior Trip Announced: Annual Trip Saved” was misnamed.

The correct author of the article was Anum Aslam.

Entertainment 3

Volume 3, Issue 2

PAGE

It’s Not The End For ‘Ender’s Game’

By Lizzy Wallace

The long-awaited film version of the novel Ender’s Game

by Orson Scott Card hit theaters Nov. 1. The sci-fi novel was originally published in 1985, and after nearly 30 years, a movie version has finally been released.

The story revolves around a genius young boy, Andrew ‘Ender’ Wiggin, who joins an elite battle school in order to be trained to defeat the Formics, a hostile alien race. The vast majority of their battle training takes place in the form of games, puzzles, and other challenges disguised as leisure games.

The long-anticipated movie has been in the works for multiple years. It took a long time to be produced because it required many special effects and technical elements that would have previously been hard to

Summit Entertainment

“Ender’s Game” premiered in theaters on Nov. 1.

Battle of the Consoles 2013

By Heriberto Alcantar

The Xbox One and PS4 have had their opportunities to show off their new and improved gaming systems.

PS4 has redesigned their controller as well as the look of the gaming system itself.

Sony, the second biggest gaming corporation, has also revealed its newest gaming console, with a price starting at $400.

Sony corporation believed it would amaze new gamers like before, but sadly it has not, according to BBC News, which has also released a guide to fix an the Internet connection problem the PS4 initially had.

With the new controllers, a small touch screen will be available for players to view items, such as the mini map on Call of Duty games or just pause and play a game.

While the PS4 has added new features to its system, the

Xbox One has not stayed back.

Microsoft, the leading gaming corporation, has continued to dominate the gaming industry with the release of the completely redesigned and improved Xbox One.

The Xbox One system will now allow players to do two things at once on the same television.

The Xbox One has also made voice commands possible through the use of a Kinect that comes with the purchase of a Xbox One.

“The PlayStation 4 system opens the door to an incredible journey through immersive new gaming worlds and a deeply connected gaming community,” Sony corporation stated at the first release.

For years, the two corporations have been highly competitive over being the best, except Microsoft’s motto, “Developer In-

spired, Gamer Focus,” has helped them win every time.

The Xbox One comes with more exclusive Triple A games which is one of the main reasons why students such as Aaron Caprino purchased the Xbox One.

Triple A games are games which are the highest ranked; however, Sony is not holding back and now has a team of game developers to help Sony create new games that will be exclusive to the PS4.

The people who have bought the PS4 is because they recently own the PS3 and will stick with the Sony gaming system production.

With both gaming systems being so popular in the past, one corporation now hopes to take it all and win the battle between the two gaming systems.

By Nico Sarabia “Call of Duty: Ghost,” a continuation of the Modern Warfare sequel to the “Call of Duty” franchise, is said to use a Next-Gen engine that delivers a new level of immersive game play while performing at a fluid 60 frames per second.

Since the release, “Ghost” has revolutionized the immersions of multiplayer gaming, Ghost now allows character customization of more than 20,000 combinations as opposed to previous “Call of Duty” games that only allowed creation of classes.

Tactics and strategies for multiplayer gaming have also been dramatically changed as the Next-Gen engine uses Dynamic maps that allow for player-trig-

gered events that make the map evolve throughout a match.

“Ghost” also brings in a new squad mode, which allows a player to create up to six members in a squad that level up through multiplayer; however, the deci-

Blizzard’s “Ghost” made more that $1 billion on Nov.5, the first day the game was sold.

Activision’s release of this number shamed Rockstar’s most recent “Grand Theft Auto” installment, which took three days to make its first billion.

Activision expects it’s newest edition to the “Call of Duty” series to increase in sales upon the release of the new PS4 and Xbox One. Activision, making such a large profit off the “Call of Duty” franchise, has recently started the creation of the next “Call of Duty” game to be released next year, as has been the norm for most “Call of Duty” games.

Hunting the Secret Ghosts of ‘Call of Duty’

“ ‘Ghost’ has revolutionized the immersions of multiplayer gaming.” sions you make on your squad actually stick with the member due to the new AI (artificial intelligence) that works with whatever class a member is given.

For sales, Activision

make look believable and realistic.

Many fans were surprised when Asa Butterfield, 16, was cast to play the 12-year-old Ender Wiggin. However, he managed to pull off the role flawlessly, and his performance has received great reviews overall.

A review by the New York post says, “Ender evolves before our eyes into a true leader… punctuated by subtle moments of wry humor, the kid’s a magnetic screen presence.”

With a star-studded cast and dazzling visual effects, the movie was a better movie adaptation than expected. However, it is recommended that people read the book before seeing the movie so that deeper meanings and small details which were skimmed over in the film will make sense.

Tributes Come Back to Theaters for ‘Catching Fire’

Lionsgate Films

A “tribute” is the name given to a fan of the “Hunger Games” series.

By Sammy Cardoza the last two movies in the series

Based on the “The “ Mockingjay” parts one and two.

Hunger Games” book series by “Catching Fire” is difSuzanne Collins, “The Hunger ferent from other sci-fi movies.

Games: Catching Fire” star- Its versatile plot “shows love, ring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh kindness, courage and empathy, Hutcherson, was released on Nov and a lot of other themes, unlike 22. other movies,” freshman Reyna

“Catching Fire,” direct- Lara said. ed by Francis Lawrence, is the For someone who has sequel to the first movie, “The read the books it is easier to unHunger Games,” directed by derstand what is happening in Gary Ross. the movie; however, “the movie

Lawrence managed to follows the book really well,” make the movie as detailed as Lara said. possible and wanted to incorpo- The “Hunger Games” rate as much as he could from the trilogy is suitable for all audiencnovel onto the big screen. es, for both teenagers and adults

“The Hunger Games” make up the “Hunger Games” lacked large details and failed to fandom. introduce characters from the “I watched it and I rebook , this was something fans ally liked it” English teacher Anand critics were disappointed drea Aquino said. about.

Taking place in the fu “Catching Fire” has ture “Catching Fire” is a perfect since made up for the disap- sci-fi experience. pointments.

I recommend it to any Luckily for fans of the one who wants an action filled series, Lawrence will be directing love story.

Feat ures 4

Volume 3, Issue 2

By Brooke Headley

During the summer, Beulah Dadala, a sophomore, did research at Sri Padmavati Women’s University, a women’s college in South India. She went to the lab seven days a week. Monday through Saturday were full days from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. while Sunday was from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“The experience showed me, as both a student and an aspiring doctor, how much I do not know and how much the collective pool of researchers around the world do not know. My dad has a saying from the university where he studied that I wholeheartedly believe: ‘When you think you know, you get a bachelor’s degree. When you see that you do not know anything, you are given a master’s degree.

And when you realize that no one knows anything, we give you a Ph.D.’” The purpose of research is to learn something or gather evidence, increasing knowledge. One cannot simply know, without learning the material through research.

“The research is science,” science teacher Chris Weitzel said enthusiastically.

“Students are performing active research in areas that scientists are trying to figure out. That’s what research is.”

New areas of science are being found all the time, which means more research.

Science is expanding daily because it uses research to thrive.

“My favorite fields of research that I studied this summer would have to be DNA barcoding and gene expression. This would be because it is so new and there is a lot of promise in this field. This

field is still creating new boundaries and parameters which are broken each year, meaning that there are many unknown territories. This helps with the element of surprise, since anything can happen in this field, green-glowing bunnies (courtesy of the Grinch), it is all there- or about to be.”

The “green-glowing bunnies” were born in August 2013, perfectly healthy, after their pregnant mother was injected with a naturally glowing jellyfish gene. Geneticists from University of Hawaii and Turkish scientists worked together to create these two bunnies.

“I feel that I have only scratched the surface in any area of science and, if I try, I have a lot to learn in the future. I feel that this was a very good first step, but that it is only the beginning,” Dadala said.

There is so much information to be learned, it can be overwhelming. There are many different parts of subjects waiting to be explored. Someone could research a certain subject for weeks and barely make a dent in what is out there to explore.

“The hardest part of the research would probably be the long hours and the pre-research necessary to be able to understand the technology, science, and procedure behind each goal or research aim. In order to come up with something of substance, there needs to be dedication.

Where single procedures can last four hours or even overnight and have a success rate of two in 10 attempts, it is a trying process.”

“New areas of science are found all the time.”

You’ll Laugh, You’ll Cry: Holiday Movies Then and Now

By Vincent Garcia

The holiday season in America is the happiest time of the year and nothing represents that better than sitting with your family to watch a classic.

Movies such as A Christmas Carol hit the silver screen before UPA students were born, they are still among the most watched films of the holiday season. More recent films such as Elf, featuring Will Ferrell, have proven to be quite popular as well for an entirely different reason. Older films focused more on “Christmas spirit” and the theme of the Christmas miracle. They have retained their popularity well through the 21st Century with the warm and welcoming feelings they evoke during for the Holiday Season.

Over the years more humor has been introduced into holiday movies, but the warm feelings have not been completely abandoned. Movies such as A Christmas Story and the Home Alone series have become favorites for their cute humor and cuter protagonists.

Some popular movies have been remade over the years.

“We are triplets but we all have minds of our own, although we don’t have the same minds, we can all agree on one thing, that Maria is always the happiest out of our bunch” the Ramirez triplets said.

Both the Ramirez triplets and the Kaur twins agreed that they would not like to change being triplets, they said: “if we could change being a part of a triplet bunch I wouldn’t, peoples faces are priceless when we tell them we are triplets.

“One thing I like about my bunch is there is always someone to talk to when I’m feeling down, but I dislike having to share my things with Kassandra since shes the other girl”, said Maria.

Raul said; “One thing I know about my siblings is Maria makes sure that the room never goes quiet and Kassandra has a good sense of humor and is very energetic.”

“Raul and I have more in common, he’s the one I would play with most as a kid.

A Christmas Carol and How the Grinch stole Christmas have both been remade years later using the latest advancements in movie production technology. While production costs and special effects have leaped in the past decade, that does not necessarily equate to a better film than the original versions. The original storytelling that made holiday classics so popular through the years has sometimes been compromised by slapstick humor; however, that is

A Christmas Story star Ralphie

not to say that they do not make a great motion picture to watch with the family. A new kind of fun has made holiday films even more memorable for winter gatherings.

The stories and morals may not be as profound as before, but a laugh is one of the best things to share with family and friends.The celebration of holiday miracles and Christmas joy still exists and often provides a satisfying conclusion to the prevalent comedy holiday films of today.

Courtesy Soul Train Reviews

EXCLUSIVE: Embarassed Teachers Tell All in it. She was planning on put- I now only use regular soap.”

By Brooke Headly When people are asked about their most embarrassing experience, they usually have at least one come to mind instantly.

Some think back to all their embarrassing moments, some standing out more than others, and some bury the ordeals in the back of their mind, hoping they will never come up again.

Former English teacher Matt Daugherty had an experience

Twins, Triplets Share Life Experiences

By Gabriela Munoz

Though UPA may be a small school with a diverse population of students, UPA is also home to many families, some of which include twins and triplets.

Included in that variety would be seniors Simran and Herman Kaur, a set of twins, juniors Rebeca and Raquel Guadalupe, another set of twins, and juniors Maria, Kassandra and Raul Ramirez, a set of triplets.

One of the Kaur twins claimed “we both have minds of our own and we both do not think the same way.

We have different views on everything, but our personalities are different yet similar in some aspects”.

They both agreed that being a twin makes them very unique and if they had the chance to reverse becoming a twin they wouldn’t because “it’s a fun and unique experience that we can experience that others can not” said the Kaur’s.

“Twins do in fact run in our family, it came to surprise that we were the first set of triplets.

PAGE

Pupil Studies Science in India

with a student stalker at his former high school in San Diego. A girl would break into his classroom during lunch, and one time after she was caught, a police officer came and searched her bag. The officer found a screwdriver and a bottle of liquid, with leaves and branches He’s ridiculously silly, and Maria is really funny, she can be annoying but her humor always has a way of brightening my day.” said Kassandra.

They all agreed that they wouldn’t change being triplets , there reasoning behind all of this was “ in the end we are still family, and we would not be the people we are today because we all kinda make each other, at least a little.”

Junior Rebeca Gua-

ting poison oak in his coffee.

During the 2010-11 school year, science teacher Richard Prizznick had an incident with his chemistry class. Butyric acid, an unpleasant colorless liquid used in stink bombs, was dropped on the floor by a student.

The room, and most of the Learning Center, had to be evacuated.

Math teacher Nathan DeVaul was once a campus supervisor at UPA. He started his day like any other, only to find out he had a hole in the outer seam of his pants. He used a binder clip to fix it until he had a chance to have a friend drop off a new pair of pants.

Loren Schwinge, a science teacher, also had a tale to tell.

“I was cleaning in a small lab sink, and working with dishwashing soap to clean up after a particularly messy lab. I was waiting for the water to get hotter when one of my students ran up and told me to come look at a snake’s nest he had found,” Schwinge said. “Not expecting to take long, I ran out to have a look. It ended up taking a few minutes, and when I came back to my classroom I was greeted with massive amounts of soap bubbles spilling out of my sink and all over my floor. Ever since this event dalupe says she and her sister aren’t exactly alike but they do share similar interess.

“Raquel and I sometimes think of the same exact thing, half the time we even finish each others sentences.” said, Rebeca Guadalupe.

Both of them agreed that they would reverse being a twin if they could.

Raquel says, “I’d be alone and bored without her. She’s like my other half that I need, we always

Math teacher Nada Bennett was not used to the block day schedule and let a class out fifteen minutes early, only to have another teacher herd her students back into the classroom.

Stuart Hamilton, a new math teacher at UPA, used to be confused about the bell schedule, especially since he changes classrooms four times a day.

“I went to Mr. Guevara’s lab classroom at the beginning of the fifth period, but I thought it was the beginning of my sixth period,” Hamilton said. “Even though I did not recognize the students, I decided to start my math lesson. The students looked at me blankly and a few moments later, Mr. Guevara came in and said that he was teaching his fifth period class. I was very embarrassed that I was in the wrong class at the wrong time. All the students had big grins on their faces.” After the incident, Hamilton’s embarrassment subsided, and “As I walked back to the staff room my embarrassment melted into light-hearted acceptance that I would not always get everything right at my new school,” Through these awkward incidents, people learn that it is okay to mess up every once in a while. help each other and laugh together. I would never want her to leave shes like my best friend.”

Rebeca had an equally heartwarming opinion of her twin; “It’s nice to have someone around all the time who can entertain you and keep you company. Including she shares the same looks with me, which is really funny. I wouldn’t change being a twin for the world.”