Issue 8

L a Vista

April 25, 2014 1401 Artesia Blvd.

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Vol. 64

www.lavistamchs.com

Issue 8

Costa staff nominates “Students of the Year”

By Alex Wyckoff Staff Writer Mira Costa teachers nominated five seniors on April 4 for the 2014 “Student of the Year” award.

The nominees, Phillip Abdoo, Emily Everhard, Matt Jones, Stefan Palombo and Matt Stern, were chosen based on their academic qualifications, co-curricular activities and citizenship.

“Well-rounded means being involved in clubs, extracurriculars, sports and volunteer work,” Costa Principal Dr. Ben Dale said.

Each teacher nominated three students from the top 10 percent of the senior class. The five nominees received the most votes from the teachers.

“We should be able to say that he or she represents the best of what we are,” Dale said.

Aside from demonstrating academic excellence, all five nominees stood out for their leadership and involvement on campus.

Abdoo serves as the student board member for Associated

Student Body. Everhard and Stern are news editors for Mustang Morning News. Matt Jones is an under secretary-general for Model United Nations and a member of varsity volleyball, and Palombo is president of Paws for a Cause Club.

After the nominees were selected, they were required to complete a brag sheet in which they listed their school activities, community service work and college plans so that each department can make an informed vote.

“I hope that I was nominated because our faculty feels that I have made a positive impact,” Abdoo said.

Departments are still ranking their top choice among the nominees. The student who receives the most department votes will win “Student of the Year,” which will be announced on May 28 at the All Awards Assembly.

“It’s so nice to know that I’ve touched teachers here,” Everhard said. “I am so happy to share this nomination with others.”

Maha Samad/ La Vista

THE BEST AROUND: Costa teachers nominated (from left) seniors Matt Stern, Matt Jones, Emily Everhard, Stefan Palombo and Philip Abdoo on April 4 for Costa’s 2013-14 “Student of the Year” award.

Hannah DaGiau/ La Vista

MISGIVINGS: Manhattan Beach Unified School District teachers (bottom right) show their discontent at a Board of Trustees’ meeting on Wednesday, where they held signs directed at the Board, stating “Trust, You have lost it.” (From top left) Former Board member Nancy Hersman, Costa junior Sachin Deepak and history teacher Bill Fauver address the Board.

MBUSD finds $1 million budget blunder

By Jamie Kelleher and Jessie Rosenfeld Staff Writers In an open letter to the community on April 14, Manhattan Beach Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Matthews recommended plans to re-allocate money to district funds in order to correct a budget error.

According to MBUSD, expenditures of $1,033,000 that the Board approved for the wireless infrastructure budget were mistakenly drawn from the General Fund, which covers operating expenses, rather than proper funds designated for facilities projects. “[Errors] happen, and while I don’t want anyone to think we take them lightly, predicting them is a

matter of being a broken clock, not a prophet,” MBUSD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Rick Bagley said.

However, the Manhattan Beach Unified Teachers’ Association believes that the mistake was a concerted action on the part of the district, based on the fact that the mismanagement decreased the General Fund, which includes teachers’ salaries. A smaller General Fund creates a less stable position for MBUTA during teacher negotiations because it appears as if the district does not have enough money to increase salaries.

Additionally, MBUTA is suspicious of the fact that the district only discovered this discrepancy after two years of MBUTA asking for MBUSD to give it these financial documents. When MBUSD

did not comply, MBUTA went to the Public Employment Relations Board, which issued a complaint on Oct. 4 claiming that the district was bargaining in bad faith.

“How can it be an error when for years people have been pointing to this problem?” MBUTA Vice President Adam Geczi said.

A PERB hearing on this complaint will take place on May 13.

MBUTA believes that if the district had not turned over the documents, PERB would have charged MBUSD for bargaining in bad faith at the upcoming hearing.

“We have continued to ask for information we have a right to know,” MBUTA President Shawn Chen said. “They delayed until a judge made them provide it.”

Continued on page 2

Community members, MBUTA address Board on district budget discrepancy

By Kate Robak Executive News Editor Teachers and community members expressed concerns at the Manhattan Beach Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday regarding $1,033,000 that the Board claims to have mistakenly charged to the incorrect fund.

At the meeting, teachers, parents and students’ speeches were met with applause from the public as they repeatedly stated that they have “lost trust” in the school district due to this accounting error and a series of poorlyimplemented district projects. “[The Board’s] latest efforts to whitewash this budgeting error continue a long tradition of spinning a serious issue as a minor problem and abating the real issues,” history teacher Bill Fauver said at the meeting.

MBUSD parents Kim Leserman and Melissa Stein, co-writers of an email that helped inform the community of the situation, also voiced their discontent at the meeting.

“Accounting standards drive fiscal respon-

sibility, but fiscal responsibility is driven by management, and that is exactly where this went wrong,” Stein said. “Our management is not fiscally responsible and is putting all of our teachers and kids in jeopardy.”

When the Board opened the budget item to public questions, Leserman attempted to get Superintendent Dr. Michael Matthews to admit that this problem had been brought to his attention by teachers two years ago, with-

out success. She then made a direct address to Matthews, requesting that he resign from his position as superintendant.

“I, as a parent, and all the teachers in this district have lost trust,” Lesserman said.

“Therefore, I don’t think you are going to be effective at your job, and I would like to go on record to ask for your resignation for the good of our district.”

Mira Costa junior Sachin Deepak and se-

Hannah DaGiau/ La Vista

SPEAKING OUT: Manhattan Beach Unified School District parent Kim Leserman (left) and senior Brian Martin (right) express concerns at the MBUSD Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday.

niors Hannah Camel, Brian Martin and Lynn Wang expressed their thoughts on the budget discrepancy, district policies and how the stagnant negotiations are affecting students.

“The next negotiations meeting is three days before AP tests,” Deepak said. “How will we have time to prepare? How are you going to change this so that next year’s students will not have to go through suffering?”

Former MBUSD Board member Nancy Hersman was one of few speakers who spoke in defense of the Board.

“These people were elected and wanted to be on the Board to work with teachers and administrators to make the best district possible. Our Board is highly ethical, and I trust [them],” Hersman said.

MBUTA and MBUSD’s next negotiation meeting is planned for May 2.

“This issue is about an error that we ourselves created,” Deputy Superintendent Dr. Rick Bagley said. “In speaking to our auditors I was told that I have no one else to blame but myself because I am the one who created this process that caused this error.”

A2 La Vista

News

April 25, 2014

Costa choir travels to Paris, London

By Cate Shiff Staff Writer

Hannah DaGiau/ La Vista

WALKING ON WATER: Beach city residents participate in the Pier-to-Pier Walk for Water for the Samburu Project, a non-profit organization that drills water wells in Northern Kenya.

Walk for Water holds fifth annual walk

By Emily Petillon Managing Editor The Samburu Project held its fifth annual Walk for Water on March 30 on the Hermosa Beach strand to raise money for its charity.

The Samburu Project is a non-profit organization that works to provide easy access to clean, safe drinking water to communities throughout the Samburu District of Kenya. The walk raised money to pay for the transportation of materials and labor in order to drill for the wells.

“The lack of clean, safe drinking water affects every aspect of people’s daily lives, including health, education, economics and family dynamic,” Samburu Club President junior Natasha Brunstein said. “Samburu women walk miles every day looking for water. The Samburu project works to fix these problems.”

The four-mile walk started at the American Junkie restaurant in Hermosa and

looped between the Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach Pier. About 200 people attended the event, and it ended with a celebratory pancake breakfast for all of the walkers at American Junkie.

“The Walk for Water was a great showcase for the philanthropic spirit that Mira Costa students have,” senior Joe Marine said. “It shows that we can do more than just write a check to help support a meaningful cause.”

The Mira Costa Samburu Club helped to organize and promote signing up for the race and created a Mira Costa Model United Nations team to walk in the race. Costa MUN offered extra credit to students who participated in the walk.

“It was really great to see the amount of Costa students who signed up for the walk,” Brunstein said. “Every person who donates money and shows their support is standing up for a cause that can help people who are struggling to survive every day in Northern Kenya.”

Mira Costa choir traveled to Europe during spring break to perform at several venues throughout Paris and London.

Costa choir director Michael Hayden took 54 students from all levels of choir on the trip. This is choir’s first time traveling to Europe since its 2010 Greece trip.

“Touring with choirs is a very special experience,” Hayden said. “Sharing our music with these audiences created wonderful memories for all of us, and I love introducing foreign travel to students.”

Some of the songs the choirs performed included “Fille de ton Fils” by Cesar Geoffray; “Kyrie” by William Byrd; “Sanctus”

by Darrell Church, and “Agnus Dei” by Antonio Lotti.

“We had two different reps that we sang,” junior Mckay Gillett said. “We sang an acapella rep so that we would be able to perform in the cathedrals without a piano.

We also had a rep with piano that was boys and girls.”

While on the trip, the choir members sang

at several church services and concerts in both London and Paris. They sang mass at Notre Dame Cathedral and Chartres Cathedral and concerts in Canterbury Cathedral, Grovsnor Church and St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.

“I was excited because I’ve never been to Europe, and we got to visit and sing in many of the historical landmarks them as well,” junior Kendall Dominguez said Prior to the trip, choir members began practicing in January every other Sunday for three hours.

“The extra time we spent perfecting each piece of music on the weekends was important,” Dominguez said.

According to Hayden, the students represented themselves, the department, Mira Costa and America in a positive light.

Choir is currently preparing for its upcoming Grammy concert which will take place on May 31 in the Costa auditorium.

“Touring with the choirs is a very special experience,” Hayden said. “I am exciting about the upcoming Grammy concert because it celebrates the hard work that our department has been doing for years.”

School board explains causes of error Continued from page 1 According to Bagley, the Board assigned expenses for wireless infrastructure to the General Fund, while the Los Angeles County of Education finished setting up the actual fund for the expenses to be charged to, capital projects Fund 40. MBUSD was supposed to reassign these expenses from the General Fund to Fund 40 once it was set up, but it never did.

“In any school district accounting department anywhere, many thousands of transactions are processed every single year,” Bagley said. “The likelihood is probably 100% that errors occur, given we are all human and that accounting is fallible.”

Additionally, according to Matthews, expenses for wireless infrastructure that the school board assigned to Fund 25 were

mistakenly reassigned to the General Fund on a separate occasion.

“I probably can’t say or do anything that will prevent some folks from fixing the blame on the board, but I do have control over what we can do to fix the problem,” Bagley said.

At the Wednesday meeting, the Board increased the General Fund balance by $1,032,563, decreased the beginning balance of Fund 25 by $457,232.18 and decreased the beginning balance of Fund 40 by $575,331 to reassign the expenses correctly to all accounts.

“I am disappointed that the error occurred, and I am taking steps to make sure that it does not occur again,” Matthews said. “I am taking steps to make sure people know what happened.”

Courtesy McKay Gillette and Faith Marin

EUROTRIP: Mira Costa choir visits the Palace of Versailles (top) and the Eiffel Tower (bottom right) during spring break this year. (From bottom left) Juniors Katie Watts, McKay Gillette, Brighton Lindberg and Malia Elson stand in front of Notre Dame, where the choir sang mass.

Hermosa Beach City Council holds open dialogues regarding DEIR

By Jessie Rosenfeld Staff Writer The Hermosa Beach Planning Commission held open dialogues on April 2 and 10 to discuss the proposed Hermosa Oil Drilling and Production Project’s Draft Environmental Impact Report.

At the meeting, the public was allowed to comment on the DEIR, a summary on the potential environmental impacts from E&B Natural Resource’s proposed oil drilling project in Hermosa before submitting final revisions to the Planning Commission.

“Some comments were very specific regarding the EIR,” Hermosa Beach City Council member Hany Fangary said. “It’s good because we can address them when the EIR is finalized.”

At the April 2 meeting, the public voiced concerns about environmental impacts that were

overlooked in the DEIR. Residents expressed that they wanted a comprehensive analysis on specific impacts of the project in the EIR. Others called for a need for greater visual representation of what will be constructed.

“It’s important to provide thorough and accurate information to the citizens,” Hermosa Beach resident Katrina Bacallao said.

A 60-day comment period started on Feb. 13 and ended on April 14. During this period, residents

Lisa Valicente/ La Vista

MEET AND GREET: Hermosa Beach residents wait on April 2 to ask the Hermosa Beach Planning Commission questions about the potential E&B Natural Resources oil drilling project and its Draft Environmental Report.

could submit written comments to the city about the DEIR, as well as the Health Impact Assessment and Cost Benefit Analysis, which analyzed health risks and financial advantages, respectfully.

“Our first concern is that the report is accurate and complete,” City Council member Nanette Barragan said. “The public comment period provides an opportunity for people to be heard.”

Costa science teacher Teresa Nielsen had her students send letters to the Hermosa Beach City Council about their concerns regarding oil drilling in Hermosa.

In response to these letters, Fangary and Barragan visited Costa on April 16 to answer questions.

“I was impressed with how much research the students did.”

Fangary said. “I wanted to come to thank them and to inform other students about the project.”

Marine Research Special-

ist consultants will incorporate comments made during the public comment period into the EIR with responses from MRS expert consultants and E&B Natural Resource Management Corporation.

“We want the EIR to cover all areas of the project,” Keep Hermosa Hermosa, an anti-oil drilling advocacy group, representative Kevin Sousa said. “We want to make sure if it does happen, there are things to make sure it is not a bad project.”

Once the Hermosa Beach Planning Commission reviews the final EIR, it will hold a hearing to inform the City Council of the EIR’s adequacy. The City Council will then hold a public hearing to certify the EIR and submit the measure to the City Clerk to be put on the November ballot.

“In my opinion, it is too risky,” Barragan said. “The drilling here would be too close to homes.”

News

April 25, 2014

A3

Orchestra, band performs with out-of-state high school

ComedySportz holds first “Boys vs.

Girls” match

By Daniella Coe-Mcnamara Staff Writer

By Kara Patman Staff Writer After a four-month hiatus, Mira Costa ComedySportz held its first match of the year on March 28, in which a boys team competed against a girls team.

The team has been unable to host matches due to the relocation of the drama room caused by construction. In the inaugural match in the interim drama room, the girls’ team defeated the boys’ by five points.

“I liked this match a lot because it is always fun to compete against our own team members,” junior Tamara Knell said. “It brings in more of a fun aspect to the match and less of a competition, which makes it all even more enjoyable.”

According to junior Sarah Colen, about 150 people attended the match, and the organization raised $600. The money raised will go to the Drama Booster Club or a boys and girls club that encourages kids to excersise.

“I like how ComedySportz donates its profits from our show to different charitable groups,”

La Vista

Geoffrey St. John/ La Vista

GIRLS RULE: (Top from left) Senior Paxton Wright and juniors Charlie Durham, Aaron Chelliah and Jack Allen compete on March 28 against (bottom from left) senior Karli Halberg, sophomore Claire Layden and juniors Sarah Colen and Christie Carey in ComedySportz’ first “Boys vs. Girls” match.

Knell said. “We get to make people laugh for our own fun as well as theirs. All the while, we are donating money to help others.”

The teams compete for laughs and the support of the audience.

Whichever team has the loudest response to its performance wins the round. According to senior Estefania Freire, one of the players’ favorite games included “pick a text,” where players from a team take audience members’ phones from the crowd and use the texts as a script.

“Pick a text is one of my favorite games because it also involves

the audience members,” senior Freire said.

According to team manager senior Gabby Wolf, there is no set date for an upcoming ComedySportz match, though she plans to hold a few in May. “I think we’ve made some major progress this year,” senior Paxton Wright said. “We brought on some already incredibly talented players, and they have gotten better as time has gone on. As far as the future goes, since our players are all so talented, they will be able to hold their own really well.”

played songs from their festival repertoire, which they performed earlier this year. Some songs inMira Costa’s orchestra and cluded “Suite for Strings” and band held a music exchange per- “March Militaire.” Glenbard East formance with Glenbard East High School also performed variHigh School from Lombard, Ill. ous pieces for Costa. on April 1 in the Costa cafeteria “The two schools’ performancduring second period. es were both great learning expeGlenbard East High School rience, as they learned from each came to Costa to practice and other’s cultures, but also joined in perform with Costa’s top band the communal sense of music,” and orchestra ensembles. The two Park said. schools came together to learn This is the first exchange for the from each other’s musical styles, orchestra this year. Costa Wind exchange performance tactics and Ensemble met with Shipensburg join their skill levels together.

University for an exchange con“We scheduled this exchange cert in March. Two years ago, so that the two communities and Costa’s orchestra went to the Bay g ro u ps Area to could come exchange “The two schools’ performances with Saratogether and share were both a great learning experi- toga High its different ence, as they learned from each School. culture,” “Meeting other’s cultures, but also joined in with differorchestra the communal sense of music.” director ent schools Peter Park is a great said. “Even experiPeter Park though we ence,” band Orchestra Director live in the member sesame country, we both have dif- nior Matt Yamada said. “We ferent cultures.” get to learn from each other as The exchange began with a well as socialize and get to know performance from Costa’s full the other students. Intermingling orchestra. Then, band and strings with the other schools around the from each school split into sepa- country helps us experience and rate groups to perform for each learn other performance styles other. Costa’s orchestra and band and techniques.”

MBUSD begins setting funds, standards for state budget

By Jamie Kelleher Staff Writer

ed MBUSD $330,000 specifically for LCAP services.

“We still get the money, we The Manhattan Beach Unified just don’t get as much as before,” School District is beginning to English Learner advisor Ann set financial and educational stan- Brown said. dards for a subgroup of students The district will distribute in accordance with the new state the $330,000 of LCAP funding budget program. throughout all MBUSD schools.

Under state funds distributed “We have to divide it over sevthrough the Local Control Fund- en schools, so it might be hard to ing Formula, MBUSD is required target the students it was designed to establish a Local Control Ac- to assist,” Superintendent Dr. Micountability Program which lays chael Matthews said. out specific educational goals for LCAP has three core areas of English Language Learner stu- focus. These include conditions dents and economically-disad- of learning, such as facilities, curvantaged students. riculum, credentialed teachers, “LCAP forces us to articulate pupil outcome, student, staff and how the dollars are going to be parent engagement. To meet these used to benefit students,” MBUSD goals, the district will use feedDeputy Superintendent Dr. Rick back from the Parent-Teacher AsBagley said. “We do not always sociation, parents and teachers. articulate the connection between The district can assess the dollars and success of students.”

“LCAP forces us to really articu- its use of T h e late how the dollars are going to be L C A P ’ s LCFF also supplemenused to benefit students.” provides tal funds additional through a funding to variety of Dr. Rick Bagley districts inMBUSD Deputy Superintendent data, based on cluding the how many number of English Language Learner and students going to a four-year coleconomically-disadvantaged stu- lege, students graduating with dents they have. This puts Costa a college degree, state testing at a disadvantage compared to scores and the California Exit other years, when supplementary Exam pass rate. funds were not based on this de“As we get feedback from this mographic, as Costa has fewer process, it will aid the MBUSD economically-disadvantaged stu- students it was assigned to asdents. This year, the state allocat- sist,” Mathews said.

Lisa Valicente/ La Vista

OFF TO NEVERLAND: Drama students practice for opening night of the 2014 spring musical, “Peter Pan.” Doors will open tonight at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available at the door for $18 for adults and $12 for students.

Drama’s spring musical, “Peter Pan,” opens tonight

By Oliver Gable Staff Writer The Mira Costa Drama Department will premiere its spring musical, “Peter Pan,” tonight at 7:30 p.m in the Costa auditorium.

Juniors Julia McDermott and Ryan Fiene will star as Peter Pan and John, respectively, while seniors Matt Sena and Sabrina Mongiello will star as Mr. Darling and Wendy, respectively. About 30 members of the Mira Costa band and orchestra will provide live music for production.

“We are very excited to be performing ‘Peter Pan,’” Drama director Carol Matthews said. “We performed a very classic and adult piece with our fall performance of ‘The Crucible,’ so we wanted to do a popular, community friendly

show in the spring.”

The Drama Department recently performed a scene from “Peter Pan” at the Fullerton Drama Festival, which won first place in the musical theater division.

“We cannot wait to perform this show,” senior Estefania Freire said. “Fullerton was a huge success for our department, and we hope to continue that success. Being able to perform the show beforehand at Fullerton was a great way to prepare ourselves.”

Flying will be incorporated into “Peter Pan” for the first time in any Costa production. ZFX Flying Effects, a professional theatrical flying company, has been contracted to help manage the flying portions of the show. Drama added 15 hours of rehearsal to practice flying for the play.

“I cannot wait to fly,” McDermott said. “I feel that this will add a whole new element to the show this year.”

According to McDermott, drama students feel the show will be well received in the community for its use of flying techniques.

“We want the crowd to not only be thrilled to see us flying off to Neverland, but also feel as if they are participating in the journey with us,” McDermott said.

Tickets can be purchased at the door for $18 for adults and $12 for students. Show dates and times can be found on the Mira Costa Drama Boosters’ website.

“This show will really delight, inspire and entertain everyone who is fortunate enough to attend the play,” co-director Cathy Shambley-Baer said.

A4

NEWS

La Vista

April 25, 2014

Beach Cities Robotics advances to championships

By Sameeha Jilani Theme Editor The Beach Cities Robotics team qualified for the Robotics World Championships after placing third on March 22 at the Los Angeles Regional Competition.

The team is currently in St. Louis, Missouri, competing against 66 other teams in the World Championship. Its robot is designed to shoot basketballs.

“I am very excited that we are able to go to the championships this year, especially because of how hard we have worked this year,” business and marketing vice team captain junior Lauren Gulland said. “We made a lot of improvements to our robot, which was really challenging, but the end result was amazing.”

The team is comprised of students from both Mira Costa and Redondo Union High School, who work on building and improving one robot and compete in two or three large competitions throughout the year.

“Team members work hard in the lab and at competitions,” team captain and Costa senior Ryan Gulland said. “At competitions, we make sure to keep everybody involved by having a rotating slot in the pit crew so that everyone gets hands-on experience working with the robot.”

In the lab, members work as programmers, computer-aided

designers, prototypers, machinists and assemblers, all of which are critical to building a quality robot.

The team is comprised of three different segments, including the pit crew, a scouting team and a business and marketing team.

These different segments repair robots, collect and analyze data and organize sponsorships and fund raisers for the team.

“I think that this year we really hit our stride in every component of the competition: our robot, drivers, and alliance picks,” scouting team captain senior Milo Davis said. “All the different aspects of

our strategy came together and allowed us to win.”

The Beach Cities Robotics team played 10 matches. It won the quality award sponsored by Motorola. The robotics competition also recognized Ryan Gulland as a FIRST Dean’s List finalist for achieving technical expertise.

“Ryan Gulland is a driving force behind our team,” Davis said. “He is one of the smartest people I have ever met, and he is always so dedicated to bettering the team. He is the most deserving person I know, and he absolutely deserves to be a FIRST Dean’s List finalist.”

Delaney Kluth/ La Vista

JACK ATTACK: Manhattan Beach Middle School Principal John Jackson (above) works in his office during school hours. He recently received the Association of California Schools Administration’s Principal of the Year Award.

Jackson receives Principal of the Year

By Sara Feld Calendar Editor

Courtesy Ryan Gulland

MR. ROBOTO: The Beach Cities Robotics team improves its robot, which won third place on March 22 at the Los Angeles Regional Competition.

MBUSD discontinues Advanced English class

By Mai Nojima Circulation Editor Starting in the 2014-15 school year, Mira Costa freshmen will no longer have the option to take Advanced freshman English.

The Manhattan Beach Unified School District Board of Trustees approved the termination of the course after the English Department decided that it is unnecessary for the ninth-grade level.

“We never wanted it to be a class,” English Department Chair Alan Zeoli said. “We wanted to cancel it last year, but the school board said it was too late in the year.”

For entrance into the class, English Department teachers selected students based on a recommendation letter from their eighth grade English teacher and a timedwriting assignment.

“Since there are a variety of feeder schools that come to Mira Costa, it’s not advantageous to filter out students without any prior knowledge of the students,” English teacher Shawn Chen said.

According to Chen, there is no significant difference between Advanced English and the regular College Preparatory English course.

“There is no difference between the classes besides the assumption that the smartest kids will be in a separate environment,” Chen said.

The Board finalized the cancellation of the class in February after the English Department asked the class to be cancelled last year.

“Heterogeneous mixtures of students create a better learning environment, especially in ninth grade,” Zeoli said.

The Association of California Schools Administration awarded Manhattan Beach Middle School Principal John Jackson for his exemplary work throughout his career with the 2013-14 Principal of the Year.

Jackson will receive a plaque and attend a recognition dinner on Wednesday and another at the state convention in November.

“If it weren’t for the support of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District staff, this job would be unmanageable,” Jackson said. “I am so thankful for all of the staff who go and work hard for the students.”

Pacific Elementary School

Principal Kim Linz nominated Jackson by sending in an application of Jackson’s successes, such as his implementation of iPads and late starts every Wednesday.

Staff, parents and school board members also sent letters of recommendation to the Association of California Administration.

“I believe he received the award because his priority is clearly the students of MBMS.” Superintendent Dr. Michael Matthews said.

According to Jackson, this award won’t change his principal style that he has had for the last 20 years.

“In the future, I am not looking to receive more individual awards as much as I am looking for more awards for the school as a whole,” Jackson said.

OPINION

April 25, 2014

La Vista

A5

New Biotechnology elective furthers science education at Mira Costa

By Eric Furth Staff Writer Costa’s new high-level Biotechnology course will be effective in preparing a select group of students for future college majors and scientific careers.

A new three-year Biotechnology elective will be offered to incoming sophomores starting in the 2015-2016 school year as a means to encourage students who enjoy science to pursue it further.

The curriculum students participate in, ranging from work within the labs to experiments off-campus, will allow students with a passion for science an opportunity to expand their knowledge.

According to biology teacher Jessica Bledsoe, Biotechnology is based on practical application of classwork to experiments, exposure to unique problem-solving and student collaboration, serving

as a unique path toward Science prerequisite grades, followed by Technology Engineering and an interview with Bledsoe. The Math, or STEM, college majors small class size and selectivity and careers. ensures that all students have a Although the curriculum for the common goal in furthercourse is still being written by ing their individual Bledsoe, it is designed foundations in scito be a rigorous preence and is necessary due to its inparatory course startdepth and hands-on ing during a student’s course load. sophomore year. BeAccording to Bledginning the program soe, by the end of as a sophomore althe course, students lows students to have will have accumuone year on campus lated a notebook as freshmen to decide with the informawhether or not they will tion and experience apply for the elective.

Julia Chambers/ La Vista of a typical UniverAlso, most freshmen take preparatory biology, allow- sity of California graduate and ing them to weigh their interests have participated in labs, such as in the topic before they launch DNA extraction and precipitation themsleves into a rigorous three- and forensic DNA mapping. This experience will prove especially year elective.

The elective only takes 15 stu- valuable during college applicadents per year who must meet tions, as students seeking a career

College students need to get involved in clubs

By Emily Petillon Managing Editor

better in school. Participating in clubs allows students to have a more personalized, satisfying exHigh school graduates often perience without sacrificing their fail to take part in all of the op- traditional educational goals. portunities available to them on According to the Institute of their college campuses, and there- Education Sciences, students at fore need to take more steps to ac- multiple “mid-sized public uniquaint themselves with the clubs versities” who were involved in and organizations for a more ful- on-campus organizations reported filling college experience. greater development in moving Because college and high through autonomy toward interschool are vastly different, many dependence and establishing their college post-educaf r e s h - Joining clubs is an effective way tion purpose. men have to make college seem smaller and Uninvolved difficulty make personal connections. students had assimiconsistently lating to their new surroundings. lower developmental scores.

To cope with the stress of adjust- Clearly, it is important for stuing to a new environment, stu- dents to become involved in prodents should take advantage of grams pertaining to their interests college programs such as study in college, both for their short and abroad opportunities, undergrad- long-term happiness. uate research, interdisciplinary Just as extracurriculars are imprograms and internships. portant in the college admission College counselor Gail Currey process, participating in clubs believes that being involved in and other programs can also these programs can enrich a stu- make students more attractive to dent’s sense of community and employers and graduate schools. allows students to develop their Students should begin building own passions. Currey also stated their resumé during their freshthat students who participate in man year in order to clearly disclubs are more engaged on their play their interests. campuses and, thus, tend to do When students enter college,

they are leaving their routine at home and often need help forging social connections. Especially at large universities, where individual students can get lost in the vast number of people, joining clubs is an effective way to make the college seem smaller and make personal connections.

One way that students can better avail themselves of the opportunities before them is through attending activity fairs, which many colleges provide for incoming students. At these fairs, clubs and activities recruit new members, and interested students can sign up to get information about upcoming events. Students should invest the time into attending these fairs in order to see the various organizations that their colleges have to offer.

Additionally, students can locate services and organizations unique to their college through the college’s website and social media pages.

By becoming more thoroughly involved in their campus community, students have the opportunity to enrich their college experience, build friendships and develop interests to carry with them into future endeavors.

in science will have an in-lab skill set and overall resumé more advanced than other applicants.

The comprehensive lab work, extensive notebook and personalized experiences will also help the students retain the information during the course, resulting in a heightened grasp on advanced scientific techniques, processes and concepts.

Costa Principal Dr. Ben Dale believes that Biotechnology should be a part of Costa’s permanent curriculum and could become a potential model for future advanced courses of this caliber.

Biotechnology will be one of the few science-related electives to be offered at Costa. If it harbors a high success rate, other electives centered around science may become available, such as a program with focuses on engineering.

This elective is an advantageous step forward for Costa’s

curriculum as it benefits a select group of students who wish to study the subject in depth and could pave the way for more electives that cater to students’ more specialized desires.

Also, the small class size will allow both Bledsoe and students to collaborate effectively and quickly throughout the dense curriculum. Most of Costa’s electives are large, collaborative envrionments that not only benefit a student’s education but unite classmates through common interest. Biotechnology will contribute that same idea to Costa but for a unique group.

Biotechnology will enhance Costa’s course offerings as an elective that helps students with a particular fondness for science and harnesses their desire to gain more knowledge on the subject through hands-on and in-depth application of studies.

Top Ten Ways to get what you have always wanted: 10) Make a sassy facebook page and only take photos of whiteboards. It’ll make everyone feel blue when they see it.

9) Ditch those opinionated bumper stickers. Buttons are the new chill.

8) Tell everyone that you don’t trust them. Cuz that will make them support you.

7) Find 1.033 million dollars. Like where did that come from?

WOOOOO :) 6) Make sure to assemble all reigning tiger moms within your community. Nothin like a good ole’ complaint to spice up your opponent’s day.

5) Don’t write any more letters. That postage stamp is just way too expensive these days. Plus like iPads can like send like emails.

Which is nice.

4) Hold a third party hostage cuz like they can’t really do anything about it. I mean, this is like a middle school playground, right?

3) Phone banking.

2) Maintain a strict 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. homework schedule.

1) Close the door to the cruel world around you.

By Jack Allen, Aaron Chelliah / Opinion Editors Risha Rohera/ Copy Editor

California’s minimal education reform is conducive to learning practices in state

By Talia Gerard Staff Writer The last education reform made in California was in June of 2013.

This infrequency of reform and selectivity of passing legislation has avoided potential problems among those being educated and is a testament to smart politics.

The 2013 reform bill promised to radically alter the financial systems for schools in California.

The decision to pass this bill was clearly justified, as it was prompted by multiple years of inadequate state funding for schools.

More recently, in 2013, Governor Jerry Brown vetoed a bill that would have made it more difficult for students to transfer from their local school to an out-of-district school. According to Publicintegrity.org, many were in support of

the bill because they thought that admission to public universities this phenomenon detracted from because they were undocumented the in-district students’ learning citizens. This also resulted in a environments, as new students lawsuit against the state, which took advantage of their learning could have been avoided if the resources. Brown made the right Georgian legislators had more decision because a seemingly- foresight. In this case, thoughtprejudicial law like this is bound less reforms prevented students to cause unnecessary conflicts. If from being educated effectively this law were implemented, many and fairly. students Each instance of reform, both from lower vetoed socioeco- If laws regarding education are con- and erronomic lev- stantly changed, it distracts from neously els would educational material. implenot have the mented, same educational opportunities. strove to make it more difficult A Georgia law passed in 2010 for higher levels of education is an example of a futile reform to be given to certain minorthat only led to tension within ity groups. While the reforms are the state. In accordance with this not blatantly prejudiced, they do law, students in Georgia, regard- target issues that significantly less of their intelligence or aca- impact specific minority groups demic ability, were unable to gain more so than others. By being

more meticulous while approving legislation, California prevented a number of problems stemming from minority marginalization.

This legislative selectiveness is what differentiates California from other states such as Georgia in 2010, for the Georgian legislation’s hastiness passing a reform targeting undocumented students was what started the discontent.

It is evident that when statewide legislation is passed without consideration of its effects on the entire population, the situations created can be detrimental to students and the state. The Georgia law’s skewed focus on an issue of identification, rather than on core educational value, is a representation of the problems that occur when the proper thought is not put into formulating new educational reforms.

The methodical pace of the Californian legislative body limits the problems that could come out of poorly thought-out reforms.

The fact that California has passed few reforms on education in the past few years is positive, and it will likely decrease confusion within the state’s education system. This allows legislators to give more thought to the possible repercussions that new reforms would have when implemented them into the existing system.

Without the unnecessary legislative clutter of constant reform, policies are more easily streamlined and implemented, providing the highest level of effectiveness and the lowest level of possible problems. This continuity provides stability and perspective on what teachers and students should focus on.

A6

Do you think that Costa offers students a wide variety of classes*?

80%

20%

35% 65%

Yes

Learning Life Skills

Are you aware of the new classes Costa will be offering next year*?

Yes

No

No

Next year, Costa seniors will have the opportunity to gain valuable real world experience in the job market through Costa’s new internship program, which allows them to spend their second semester at a local internship of their choosing. *Survey based on 162 Costa students of all grade levels.

Although sitting in a lecture-style class can be informative, some Costa students may wish to gain hands-on, real-world experience in order to prepare them for post-high school working conditions. The Mira Costa Internship Program will give Costa seniors the ability to apply the skills they have learned in the classroom to real life.

The Internship Program will provide Costa seniors with a 2.5 GPA or above the opportunity to explore career opportunities, develop skills for higher education and network with professionals during an internship that takes place during their spring semester.

“The internship program is for students who plan on taking on some sort of responsibility through an internship during their senior year,” Vice Principal Ian Drummond said. “However, students will still attend regular classes throughout the day.”

The program will begin in the first semester with a mandatory workshop, where students will learn to write resumes, practice interview techniques and develop skills that will be crucial during their internships.

“There will be some components of the class that require a level of reflection and preparation for going into the workforce,” Drummond said. “The class isn’t just going to be a student doing an internship; there will be hours spent in class to discuss things, such as building a resume.”

During the first semester, students will research and secure their internship with help from faculty. Students must come into the class with an idea of the type of internship they would like. Students will also need to have transportation to their internship. Once an internship is secured, the program will meet weekly for a one-hour discussion, and students will spend seven to 10 hours weekly at the approved workplace.

Students will be graded based on meetings with the teacher, their written reflections and a final project.

The Mira Costa Internship Program gives participants five credits per semester and meets the elective requirement. The school is applying to receive UC/CSU accreditation.

“The internship seems very interesting, and I plan on taking it,” junior Samantha Matson said. “I feel like the class will help me gain the skills I need to enter the workforce.”

Class Checklist

1. AP Psychology 2. Biotechnology Program 3. Robotics 4. Mira Costa Internship Program 5. AP Spanish Literature 6. Introduction to Computer Programming and Apple App Design

Scientific Endeavors Costa will implement a new three-year Biotechnology elective in the 2015-16 school year for those interested in proceeding into a sciencerelated major or career. Students will have to commit to the three-year program during their sophomore year.

In addition to the many AP courses already offered at Costa, the administration has decided to include AP Spanish Literature and AP Psychology, both of which are continuations of courses that are already offered at Costa.

Advanced Placement Spanish Literature is an introductory level college course based on literature of Latin American and Hispanic culture.

Students will be expected to take the AP Spanish Literature exam. The objective of the class is to understand the historical and cultural influences of literary works.

Students will understand lectures and discussion, read texts pertaining to literary genres of the authors to be studied, learn literary terminology and use it appropriately in analytical compositions, and critically analyze literature and poetry.

“I think that AP Spanish Lit will be a great experience for students looking to continue learning Spanish past the AP level and expose themselves to Latin culture on a deeper level,” junior Raina Wong said. “By studying and analyzing Spanish literature, I think that students will de-

Costa has added a variety of new classes and programs to the curriculum for next year in order to better prepare Costa students for the future. These courses focus on giving Costa students real world experience in relevant job markets and fostering an interest in science and technology-related careers.

Compiled by Courtney Hughey, Quinn Kropschot, SameeTheme Editors, and Niku Asagari/ Photographer

Building Blocks of the Future

Costa’s new robotics class provides an opportunity for students interested in engineering and computer programming to participate in a related course during school, instead of having to join an outside team.

A growing interest in robotics and programming has led a number of Mira Costa students to begin participating in the local Beach Cities Robotics team, which competes in regional competitions. In response to this interest, Mira Costa will offer an introductory course on robotics programming in the upcoming school year.

“The new robotics elective is extremely exciting in my opinion,” Beach Cities Robotics team member junior Erin Sagisi said. “It gives Costa students a greater opportunity to get involved with our robotics team and also helps students learn valuable skills that are used in the engineering field.”

The course focuses on computer programming that begins with programming the movements of robots on a computing device and learning how to program freestanding robots.

After this, students will move on to algorithm development, structural programming and refinement in order to increase their repertoire of programming languages. Students will learn to write programs in the ROBOTC programming language, with an emphasis on problem-solving techniques,

24%

27% Yes

such as those necessary at regional robotics competitions.

“I’m really excited for the new robotics class at Costa because I think it will provide a lot of new opportunities for Costa students to get involved with engineering and robotics, Beach Cities Robotics team member junior Lauren Gulland said. “The new class will be opened up to a much larger population than just the Robotics team, and I’m really looking forward to seeing its expansion in the coming years.”

This class will focus on providing hands-on experience to students who plan to pursue engineering-related careers. Students will have the opportunity to design and construct their own robot, which helps students practice both engineering and computer programming skills. No prior programming experience is necessary to take the course.

“I’m very excited about the addition of the Introductory Robotics course,” AP Java teacher Aaron Braskin said. “It is very important to help create a generation of programmers and engineers, and hopefully, Costa’s new courses will help accomplish that goal.”

85%

15% No

Not Applicable

49%

No

Do you plan on taking any of the new classes next year*? *Survey based on 162 Costa students of all grade levels.

Yes

Do you think the new classes will help prepare students for the future*?

Incoming sophomores that are interested in pursuing careers in scientific fields can participate in the new three-year Biotechnology course created by biology teachers Jessica Bledsoe and Daniel Sponaugle. The class will be a three-year elective where students will learn and practice different lab techniques and scientific processes. Costa has not yet decided who will teach the class. However, Bledsoe is currently preparing for the course and will finish writing the curriculum over the summer. The program will have 15 students, and students must meet a grade prerequisite and go through an interview process in order to be accepted into the class.

Advancing the Curriculum

Expanding Our Horizons ha Jilani/

A7

velop a more profound understanding of both Latin culture and literary history.”

AP Psychology will introduce the scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and animals.

It includes consideration of psychological facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Students will also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their practice.

“I’m really excited to take AP Psychology because I was planning on taking Psychology anyways,” junior Armance Sherman said. “Now, I can learn more about the subject by taking it at the college level, and I’ll also be able to get AP credit.

However, it is a little disappointing that AP Psychology can’t fulfill my science requirement.”

Programming their way to success Costa creates new Introduction to Computer Programming and Apple Application Design course for the upcoming 2014-15 school year in order to expand co-curricular technology classes offered and to prepare students for AP Computer Science.

Along with the many ways Mira Costa is trying to modernize school curriculum and classroom dynamics, Costa has decided to add Introduction to Computer Programming and Apple Application Design as a class option for next year.

Computer Programming and Apple App Design will be a precursor to the Advanced Placement Computer Programming course first semester and will concentrate on designing and creating iOS apps second semester.

“There’s a lot of new technology that is being used in schools,’ Computer Science teacher Aaron Braskin said.

“But if we want to make the generation of people who actually create technology, we need classes that don’t just use technology, but teach students skills that integrate technology.”

During the first se“Once students know these mester, students will basic structures of computer learn computer proprogramming, they will be gramming language able to learn any other comC, which is the founputer language that exists, dational programming language that exists enabling them to program in a for nearly every comwide variety of capacities.” puter that has been created in the last 40 Aaron Braskin years. Second semesComputer Science Teacher ter, students will learn Objective C, which is the language that Apple uses for all of its iOS devices.

“Once students know these basic structures of computer programming, then students will be able to learn any other computer language that exists,” Bearskin said. “Learning the foundations of computer programming will make it easier for students to adjust to iOS computer programming once we are

using it.”

With learning Objective C computer programming language, students will soon be able to code for stand-alone apps that exist for all Apple mobile devices. This will enable students to create their own Apple applications.

After taking this introductory course, students will then continue onto AP JAVA Computer Science, where students will write computer programs using JAVA pro-

“We need classes that don’t just use provided technology, but also help teach students skills that integrate new technology.

Aaron Braskin Computer Science Teacher

gramming language. The basic computer programming language taught in the introductory course will be applied in this Advanced Placement class.

“This class is extremely useful to Costa students because it’s a great way to explore what computer programming is and how we use it everyday,” senior Arani Bhattacharyay said. “Computer programming is the type of skill students may need to enter the workforce.”

A Look at the Numbers

A8

La Vista Editor’s Note

OPINION

April 25, 2014

Journalists must decipher truth among information

By Shaylyn Austin Editor-in-Chief

Mira Costa High School 1401 Artesia Boulevard Manhattan Beach, California (310) 318-7337 ext 5233

For my English class, I have been exploring the composition and meaning of “truth” through two different texts. Both come to the conclusion that the truth is subjective in nature and, therefore, incommunicable without fault.

This is a puzzling notion, seeing as in La Vista, we strive to impart the truth of every story we come across. Learning to scour the facts to get to the bottom line is one of the most valuable skills that La Vista has taught me. Yet, why does this matter when the unbiased truth will always be fogged by the subjectivities of those involved?

That is why a journalist’s responsibility is to investigate all opposing sides of a story and report only those that are legiti-

April 25, 2014 Volume 64, Issue 7 www.lavistamchs.com Editors-in-Chief Shaylyn Austin Taylor St. Germain Managing Editor Emily Petillon Copy Editors Risha Rohera Casey Sublette News Editors Kate Robak, executive Gassia Ashikian Dana Sternthal Opinion Editors Jack Allen, executive Aaron Chelliah Maddie Nerad

The past few years, La Vista has witnessed a series of standoffs between the Costa administration and school board and the teaching staff, one of the most recent caused by the disbandment of Ed Council.

When first hearing of controversial disputes like this, it is difficult not to form reactive, headstrong opinions based on the source of initial information. When taking

Teacher slowdown is justified but detrimental to Costa’s students

Life Editors Emily Lockwood, executive Ari Gevov Sabrina Pickett Theme Editors Courtney Hughey, Executive Julia DiFiori Sameeha Jilani Quinn Kropschot Julia Sheth Sports Editors Sierra Williams, executive Maddie Coate Jacob Verket Calendar Editor Sara Feld Photo Editors Nicole Fischer Emma Salzman Business Manager Chase Williams Circulation Editor Mai Nojima Adviser Michael McAvin Staff Writers McKenna Beery, Madison Braybrooke, Alec Carlson, Megan Chelliah, Ashely Cohen, Daniela Coe-McNamara, Stacy Cruz, Alexandra Daniels, Catherine Drinker, Adam Enomoto, Lilly Fabian, Brendan Fisher, Mackenzie French, Cameron Frye, Eric Furth, Oliver Gable, Kelly Gallagher, Carly Gaspari, Talia Gerard, Janessa Gonzalez, Warren Gordon, Cameron Ibrahim, Jamie Kellleher, Allison King, Delaney Kluth, Kayla Knowles, Naomi Kruh, William Kuhns, Michael Lebbin, Maya MacGregor, Riaz Mamdani, Diego Marcucci, Jessica Miller, Annabelle Mirhashemi, Rolando Nichols, Yuka Noda, Kara Patman, Shannon Perez, Samantha Pinsky, Anna Real, Claire Regenstreif, Juliana Riverin, Jessie Rosenfeld, Will Sevy, Cate Schiff, Aaron Schwab, Quin Severo, William Sevy, Madi Taylor, Amanda Tsao, Elizabeth Tsuang, Corey Vikser, Katie Von Behren, Bobby Wymbs, Alex Wyckoff Photographers Niku Asgari, Kathryn Belknap, Hannah DaGiau, Annie Gense, Mira Laing, Maha Samed, Geoffrey St. John, Lisa Valicente Editorial Board Jack Allen, Gassia Ashikian, Shaylyn Austin, Aaron Chelliah, Maddie Nerad, Emily Petillon, Kate Robak, Risha Rohera, Dana Sternthal, Taylor St. Germain, Casey Sublette Disclaimer: LA VISTA is the student newspaper of Mira Costa High School, serving 2,700 students in grades 9-12. Content, which is the responsibility of the LA VISTA staff, is not subject to administrative approval. Unsigned editorials reflect the opinions of the newspaper, while opinion columns represent only the writers’ views. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views of LA VISTA. LA VISTA publishes 10 issues throughout the school year on a tri-weekly basis and distributes 3,000 copies to both Mira Costa classrooms and subscribers. LA VISTA is associated with the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and welcomes signed letters to the editor on topical issues from

MCHS community. They may be mailed to Michael McAvin in the administration building mailbox or sent to lavistaopinion@gmail.com. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Please contact lavistamedia@gmail.com for any issues regarding corrections. the

For ad rates, contact lavistabusiness@gmail.com is

The truth is a constantly-developing idea that is manipulated in more ways than one.

a step back, the situation of Ed Council really is one of the “I don’t knows.”

The two polarized viewpoints on the nature of Ed Council meetings are an ideal example of how there is no such thing as an objective experience. My lack of firstperson knowledge inhibits me from forming a concrete opinion, so, to the question of who is right, I do not know.

The latest controversy is over whether or not the school board’s mismanagement of funds was intentional or a mistake. One can only hope that all invested parties take the time to hear out both sides and look at the facts, instead of coming to conclusions based solely on preconceived emotion.

The truth is a constantly-developing idea that is manipulated in more ways than one.

Because of that, everyone can benefit from a bit of humility, the ability to admit ignorance. And that’s the truth, or is it?

Staff Editorial

Arts Editors Ian Rapoport, executive TJ Ford Jack Howorth

Mission Statement: LA VISTA

mate, allowing the readers to come to their own conclusions, their own truths.

One lesson that has ironically emerged from this understanding is to know when I simply do not know. Because even when every piece of information is sitting in front of you, the answer may still not be clear.

committed

to

providing only the highest quality reporting while maintaining a strict standard of journalistic integrity and providing its readers with relevant content.

The Manhattan Beach Unified Teachers’ standards and technology into the curricuAssociation’s decision to begin a teacher lum and mandatory attendance of “slowdown” as a method to reach a sat12 hours of professional deisfactory end to contract negotiations is velopment. Due to the situa viable way to increase awareness for ation at hand, teachers the issue, even though it is seen as unhave used their relation necessarily harmful toward students. with students as leverMBUTA initiated the slowdown, in age. Though a seeminglywhich teachers do not work outside of flawed tactic, the teacher their contractual hours, to call attention slowdown is a feasible to what MBUTA sees as “indifference, way to get parents to take manipulation and corruption” on beaction. half of the Manhattan Beach Unified In an open letter from School District. In effect, teachers MBUSD Superintendent will not write letters of recomDr. Michael Matmendation, grade papers outthews, he claims side of school, hold club meetthat $1,033,000 ings during lunch or have more will be added to the Julia Chambers/ La Vista than one Advanced Placement study MBUSD General session each.

Fund, which includes teachers’ salaries.

Although it seems that the sole effect of This extra funding is a result of the district the slowdown is negative, the reasoning inappropriately charging expenses to the behind it makes its implementation jus- General Fund for wireless internet and othtifiable. According to MBUTA President er amenities that should have been providShawn Chen, teachers are being asked ed for under other funds. Considering that to do more than what they believe they the district did make a mistake allocating should contractually do as teachers. Their funds that would have influenced teacher complaints center around salary disputes, salaries, the teachers’ actions to rally for the implementation of Common Core raises in salary are justifiable.

MBUTA is suspicious of intentional mismanagement of the budget on behalf of the district. However, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Rick Bagley claims that this was human error and is in no way indicative of malicious intent. Even so, had the district allocated the correct amount to the General Fund, this dispute may not have occurred at all.

Although the teacher slowdown is justified in its methodology and intent, it is not without repercussions for students who are powerless in this struggle between MBUSD and MBUTA. The threat of no letters of recommendation, an incredibly integral part of the college application process, has a far more lasting impact on students than community awareness. Additionally, the lack of AP study sessions negatively impacts the strong academic tradition at Mira Costa, which is damaging to all involved.

The MBUTA’s use of the teacher slowdown to promote community awareness of educational issues is warranted considering the limited alternatives available to the MBUTA; however, some of the constituent facets of this slowdown leave students without the proper resources for academic development and success.

Staff Editorial

Four-year planning should include more one-on-one time

The four-year planning system for freshmen, provided by Costa guidance counselors, is beneficial for creating an outline of a potential course load. However, students need more time with the counselors and need to be given details on class options to make the process truly effective.

The process for four-year planning involves sending students to the College and Career Center, where they receive a presentation on the Costa graduation requirements as well as the “a-g” requirements necessary to apply to a University of California school. According to guidance counselor Jennifer Woodie, students have an approximate five-minute discussion, in which they create a rough draft of their schedules for the next three years.

According to Woodie, this process is the first step in getting freshmen comfortable with their counselor as well as educating them about high school requirements. The idea of informing students about their upcoming high school classes is an important stepping stone and should be applauded.

According to multiple freshmen, they like the idea of four-year planning but wished that they could have had more than five minutes to discuss their course options and future plans with the counsel-

ors. Guidance counselor Corrine Lee-Iwai agrees and believes that if there was more time to spend talking with each individual student, students would have a better understanding of what classes are available and which ones they would be interested in later in their high school career. Additionally, the counselors would have a better

It is impossible for each student to receive personalized attention from the number of counselors provided. grasp of each student’s interests and goals and be able to help them on a significantly more personal level. Students need more time with their counselors to go into specifics of Costa’s offered curriculum that are available for them because five minutes is not enough time to account for the intricacies of students’ next three years at Costa.

During four-year planning, the counselors should work to inform students about the specifics of courses, like their environments and sizes, to ensure freshmen know what they are signing up for. According to guidance counselor David Beck, he does not give students specifics about classes because they are often subjective topics.

While this may be true, counselors often

receive feedback from students, and the four-year plans could function as an avenue to relay that information to other students.

The American School Counselor Association recommends that each counselor corresponds with approximately 250 students.

However, each Costa counselor has almost 500 students, making it difficult for each student to receive meaningful attention.

While counselors should plan additional meetings, students also need to take the time to schedule meetings with their counselor to combat the large amount students that counselors must advise.

Although Costa students used PowerSchool to sign up for classes this year, freshmen will still be meeting with their counselors to make sure that there are no significant problems with their schedules.

It is a positive decision that counselors are taking the initiative to meet with students so that they receive the vital information.

The four-year planning process at Costa is extremely helpful in providing students with a broad plan of what their high school courses may be as they progress through the curriculum; however, it is necessary that students receive more one-on-one time with their counselors to discuss more in depth areas of scheduling.

OPINION

April 25, 2014

La Vista

A9

Pro/Con

Should National Honor Society have met despite ongoing negotiations?

Mira Costa’s chapter of National Honor Society did not hold its typical monthly meetings from October to March, in compliance with union actions which recommend that teachers not work outside of their contractual hours. Advisor Nicole Wachell decided to postpone meetings until negotiations between the Manhattan Beach Unified Teachers’ Association and the Manhattan Beach Unified School District are resolved. Without meetings, members have not completed NHS yearly requirements, including 10 hours of independent community service and contribution to at least one chapter service project. Additionally, seniors were not eligible for NHS scholarships and may not receive NHS honors cords and diploma seals at graduation. NHS will hold its first meeting of the year today at lunch without Wachell.

Pro:

Postponement of NHS meetings is fair

Con:

Students are entitled to NHS benefits

an advisor and monthly meetings, students on graduation, the extra material goods for have been unable to fulfill these requireNHS seniors symbolize years of dedication

By TJ Ford

By Maddie Nerad ments.

Therefore, it is impossible to know and achievement. Graduation day and the Arts Editor Opinion Editor if seniors would have successfully cominduction ceremony are the two opportunipleted the requirements to be eligible for Although the Manhattan Beach Unifed ties for students to be publicly recognized The hiatus of Mira Costa’s National recognition at gradTeachers’ Association negotiations have for being a part of NHS. However, because Honor Society uation.

Although Students shouldn’t be concerned with led to the cancellation and postponement of the feuding faculty and school district, chapter, due to they were not given of NHS meetings, among other things, NHS students will lose the opportunity to the Manhattan tangible indications of their success the opportunity, it is NHS members should still be able to re- be visually distinguished as high achieving Beach Unified and should focus on NHS’s values. reasonable that NHS ceive all the benefits of membership to this students on graduation day and ultimately Teachers’ Asmembers should not receive recognition not reap all of the benefits of joining NHS prestigious national organization. sociation’s response to ongoing contract and be rewarded for tasks they did The Costa staff is paralyzed by the in the first place. negotiations, is reasonable and should be not complete.

The paralysis of the society and conseunresolved qualms with union supported by students.

According to Wachell, she will quential lack of opportunities for memnegotiations. This has led to The NHS organization requires an adnot order NHS honor cords bers could have simply been solved had the suspension of NHS seniors’ visor to oversee meetings, financial transand diploma seals until nean administrator simply taken action and recognition - a travesty for deactions and large-scale fundraisers, all of gotiations are resolved bestepped in as the advisor. Then, students serving seniors who are being which was previously done voluntarily by cause it causes her to work would have had the same scholarship opunreasonably denied distinction.

English teacher Nicole Wachell. Without outside of her contract. portunities as all other NHS members The process for scholarship the execution of these tasks, NHS memWhile many students are across the nation, and diploma seals and nominations begins with the facbers were unable to carry out the functions concerned that they may not graduation cords would be available. ulty advisor who evaluates the of the organization. graduating class and picks select Members would not have been wrongfully While it is an unfair scenario for NHS receive the cords and seals at graduation because meetstudents to be eligible for the excluded from the honors society that they members, especially because seniors were ings have not taken place, scholarship. However, because worked incredibly hard to join, as denying not eligible for NHS scholarships, Waand they have not been able the current advisor, English the students the slightest chance at aid or chell and MBUTA as a whole feel that the to pay their dues, this conteacher Nicole Wachell, is not recognition is a travesty that stems simply union’s actions are necessary for teachers cern is unnecessary because holding NHS meetings due to from negotiations. to gain fair compensation for their work.

Costa Principal Dr. Ben Dale Even though fair salaries and a fair connegotiations, she was unable to In the past, MBUTA’s actions have been stated that he will order tract for members, the crux of the union-adsuccessful, and it is, therefore, justifiable Samantha Pinsky/ La Vista nominate seniors for the orgathem if necessary. ministration conflict, are clearly significant nization’s scholarship. for teachers to believe that withholding orStudents should be less conissues in MBUSD, they in no way benefit The absence of nominations is unjust for ganizational meetings will yield successcerned with these tangible indications of the student body.

As unfair as some teachstudents who could have received financial ful results. their success and focus on representing ers’ circumstances are, the cancellation aid from NHS scholarships that pull from According to Wachell, it is ultimately the core values of the program, which inof NHS meetings solely punishes higha pool of nominated high achievers across up to the students to advocate for their clude leadership, service, scholarship and achieving students in a situation that they the nation. Students who might have had interests to the Manhattan Beach Unified character.

Whether or not students receive personally have nothing to do with.

The the opportunity to lessen the huge finanSchool District in order for NHS meetcords and seals at graduation does not district and teachers’ union should work to cial burden of college through the honors ings to resume. Students should use this diminish that they are still distinguished compromise in a way that does not jeopsociety were left without the chance to be as an opportunity to educate themselves ardize the futures on the negotiations between MBUTA and members of NHS. Fortunately, seniors recognized on a naMembers should be able to receive were still recognized as active NHS memof the students. tional scale.

MBUSD. While the cancellation of these bers by colleges.

The lack of di- the benefits of membership to this Teachers should meetings is unfortunate, as leaders, memStudents should be understanding of shy away from ploma seals and prestigious national organization. bers of NHS should be taking action by Wachell’s decision to cancel and postpone using the student graduation cords is either speaking out in support of teacher meetings until negotiations are settled, as body as pawns, as their job is to foster the also an outcome of the dormancy of NHS, volunteers or organizing meetings indeMBUTA feels it is a necessary step in esgrowth of students. which is less impactful to students’ futures, pendently to continue to meet NHS expectablishing fair treatment for teachers.

With the lack of meetings and inability but still a point of contention for hardtations of service.

Correction: In the last issue a portion of to reap the benefits of the organization, working NHS students. One of the promises Traditionally, students have had to comthe backround should read: Each teacher used to entice members to join the society NHS members deserve to be given the plete 10 hours of community service, pay selects three student of the year candidates yearly dues and participate in NHS-orga- and six finalists are compiled from the list is the accolades on graduation day. Even same opportunity as those who have been a nized projects and fundraisers in order to of nominees by French Department Chair though the society does not solely revolve part of the organization in the past as well around the gold tassels worn by members as members across the nation. maintain their memberships, but without Laurie Gonalons and an administrator.

Roving Reporter

Should NHS meet despite negotiations between MBUSD and MBUTA?

Mira Laing/ La Vista

“The teachers and the district need to communicate because they’re always fighting.”

“No, I feel that they should not meet to respect the negotiations going on.”

“If the students would want be supportive of the teachers then I would say absolutely not.”

“Yes because in the past, National Honors Society has always been for the students.”

Zach Mohre Freshman

Michael Shen Sophomore

Karl Kurz Science Teacher

Ali Derosa Junior

“Yes, they should still meet beacuse the program is dedicated to the students.”

Apple Liao Senior

April 25, 2014 SPORTS A10 La Vista Senior Robert McMahon hurdles to success at Mississppi College

By Katie von Behren Staff Writer Risking it all as a sophomore, former hockey player senior Robert McMahon took a leap of faith and hung up his hockey skates to pursure his passion for track.

That sacrifice paid off for McMahon as he plans to continue running for the next four years on the Mississippi College track and field team.

“The best part about track for me is that you can gauge your improvements because it is based on your times,” McMahon said.

After not making the first track team try-out as a freshman, he made the team later in the year, but spent his first season injured. McMahon was finally given the opportunity to display his talent in hurdles

starting sophomore year. He now trains for at least three hours a day, year round and leads the team as a senior captain.

“I love working with Robert. He is always focused when it comes time to practice or a meet which I really admire,” senior Juliana Loiola said. “He works extremely hard, staying after practice to work on his technique.”

McMahon was initially inspired to join track when he watched his older brother, Joe, run throughout high school.

“Robert is one of the most dedicated players I have worked with in a long time,” hurdles coach Kelvan Gamble said. “I am confident that he will excel and accomplish amazing things in track at college.”

At the start of his track career, McMahon helped Costa win Bay League on the frosh-soph team in 2012 and came in third

place in Bay League for the 110 hurdles his sophomore year. McMahon plans to compete in CIF this season.

“Robert has an amazing work ethic. He truly puts his all into every aspect of our workouts, even the little things,” senior teammate PJ Onusconich said.

Other schools that expressed interest in McMahon included Azusa Pacific University, Biola University and Millsaps College, but McMahon committed to Mississippi College because of the scholarship and the school’s location. He plans on balancing the student-athlete life by being a part of the sports media and law program while remaining dedicated to running track.

“It is such a relief to finally be committed, especially knowing that now I can just focus on running,” McMahon said. “When season is over, I will prepare for college.”

Annie Gense/ La Vista

LOOKING AHEAD: Senior hurdler Robert McMahon (right) races in Waller Stadium in the 300meter hurdles in which he placed first on April 15.

Nationally-ranked freshman Shante Robinson breaks five school records in track

By Sierra Williams Executive Sports Editor

Annie Gense/ La Vista

BLAZING SPEED: Freshman Shante Robinson broke five school records in track. She is the thirdranked freshman in the state for 100-meter hurdles.

Ranked third in the state for the freshman 100-meter hurdles, freshman hurdler and sprinter Shante Robinson has proven to be a valued member of the Mira Costa track and field team. In her first year at Costa, Robinson has broken five school records.

Robinson started running at the age of eight, and her success as a runner has come from years of hard work and dedication.

“It was just one of those things where I saw someone doing it, and I wanted to try it out,” Robinson said.

Before she entered Costa, Robinson participated in club track. She ran for Quiet

Fire Youth Track Club for five years before switching to Push Track Club for a year.

“I actually surprised myself because I didn’t think I was that fast or capable of doing something like that,” Robinson said.

“But with the right training, I picked up a lot of speed.”

Robinson mainly competes in the 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay, 300 hurdles, 100 hurdles and the open 400-meter dash. Robinson broke the school record for the 4x100 at 52.10; 4x400 at 4:14:49; 300 hurdles at 43.70; 100 hurdles at 15.10, and the 400meter at 58.09.

“She is going to be heavily recruited by many universities, and the sky is the limit for her,” coach Roberto Calderon said.

“She is so young, and yet she has already

managed to break records that have stood for such a significant amount of time.”

Senior hurdles captain Robert McMahon feels that Robinson is a reliable teammate and always motivates others.

“Even though she’s only a freshman, she has become a big part of the team,” McMahon said. “She shows up to practice ready to work and pushes all of the other girls to be better. Anytime she’s running you want to watch because it’s going to be good.”

Robinson hopes to be a four-year member on the track team by maintaining strong academics and breaking as many school records as possible.

“I think I can help put our school name on the map and show people we have a really good track team,” Robinson said.

Softball loses to West Torrance High School, 15-5

By Maddie Coate Sports Editor After shutting out Leuzinger on April 18, the Mira Costa softball team fell to West Torrance High, 15-5, in five innings on Wednesday.

Both teams struggled to put points on the board in the first two innings until West scored five runs at the bottom of the third and another two in the top of the fourth. Costa responded in the bottom of the fourth when freshman pitch hitter Emily Eudy scored off of an RBI from junior outfielder Kasey Hutton.

“The freshmen played very well in this game,” coach Dick Amberik said.

West was up 7-1 at the top of the fifth. Senior outfielder Maddy Locicero drew a walk, followed by a single from junior second base-

man Brittany Werre. Junior first baseman Ulufa Leilua hit a single to load the bases.

Locicero scored off a line drive hit by Eudy to bring Costa up one more run to 7-2.

“We had a lot of base hits and that helped, but they were the better team,” Locicero said.

With Werre on third and Leilua on second, junior pitcher Dillon Boada drove Werre home, making the score 7-3. Leilua scored the next run after a single from Hutton, with Eudy moving to third. With the bases loaded, freshman Alex Orozco hit a single, allowing Eudy to score Costa’s final run of the game.

West managed to maintain its lead and score an additional eight runs for a final score of 15-5. The girls will play again today at home against Redondo at 3:15 p.m.

“Next time we’ll come up trying harder and hope for the best,” Orozco said.

Baseball shuts out Leuzinger High School, 7-0

By Michael Lebbin Staff Writer The Mira Costa baseball team played against Leuzinger High School in an away game on Wednesday. The Mustangs dominated with a score of 7-0, giving them a record of 8-16 overall and 1-2 in Bay League.

Sophomore catcher Brett Davis contributed with a hit and a run in the Mustangs’ victory, while sophomore shortstop Will Proctor added one hit and two RBIs during the game.

“The team played great today, and we needed a win like this to get back on track,” Davis said. “We are proving that we are still capable of winning Bay League and moving on to playoffs.”

Costa started off strong with a quick run in the top of the first inning. Costa scored twice in the top of the fifth, crushing Leuz-

inger’s hopes at a come back. The Mustangs scored in every inning except two.

“It feels really good to get a comfortable win,” Proctor said. “We played awesome today and really showed that we are a better team. I feel like this could be a start to a long streak.”

Costa will play Leuzinger again today at home at 3:15 p.m.

Hannah Dagiau/ La Vista

WILD SIDE: Senior Austin Yamada pitches in Costa’s 7-0 victory over Leuzinger on Wednesday.

’s

Arts and Life 23rd Annual La Vista Photo Contest B7-B10

April 25, 2014 1401 Artesia Blvd.

Mahattan Beach, CA, 90266 www.lavistamchs.com Vol. 64 Issue 8

This photo of Tyler Carter, lead singer of American metalcore band Issues, was taken by senior Nicole White at Vans Warped Tour.

Also in this section: Reptiles are a girl’s best friend. At least that’s the case for senior Ivy Dawson.

B4

Senior Americo Sam is taking patriotism to a new level as the first United States Marine Corps recruit from Mira Costa in 20 years.

B6

Be transported to the free-spirited musical oasis that is Coachella as you read our in-depth review of this year’s music and arts festival.

B16

April 25, 2014

Life

Juniors Megan Soh, Dylan Kim teach Cambodian students via VSee centrate when they can only see us through a computer screen,” Soh said. “But even then, the kids are always eager to learn and Mira Costa offers a variety of commu- enjoy having us teach them new things.” nity service opportunities for students to There are a total of 90 different groups take part in, but juniors Megan Soh and of children in seven different villages that Dylan Kim take it upon themselves to give TASSEL teaches, adding up to around 900 back by teaching English to Cambodian kids. These kids have no form of education children. besides the weekly sessions they have with The two are part of a program called the TASSEL volunteers.

Teaching and Sharing Skills to Enrich “Teaching them English is just one way Lives and teach to help the kids English to underget out of the exprivileged kids in treme poverty that Cambodia through they are living in,” video calls.

TASSEL overseer “I enjoy knowing for the Manhattan that I am helping Beach area, Ella the future of these Kim, said. kids in Cambodia,” Dylan Kim and Kim said.

Soh joined TASJoji Tasugi, SEL last October. founder of TASSince then, they SEL, founded the have been teaching program two years together every Sunago and devotes day night. Numerhis time to helpous other students ing kids in rural from different Cambodia. He has high schools and set up classrooms universities also and trained local tutor Cambodian teachers as well students through as volunteers from Hannah DaGiau/ La Vista TASSEL. the United States, “I joined TAScyber teaching: (From left) Juniors Megan Soh Korea and Japan to SEL because I and Dylan Kim teach students in Cambodia via teach Cambodian thought it would be VSee, a video call software. children. an amazing chance “By the time I was 50 years old, I real- to give the kids in Cambodia an opportuniized that what I really wanted to do in life ty to learn how to speak English,” Soh said. was not become richer but to help others “Seeing their excitement to learn makes the that are in need,” Tasugi said. whole TASSEL experience worthwhile.”

The volunteer teachers teach weekly for TASSEL is trying to organize a trip to 40 minutes using VSee, a computer soft- Cambodia this August for volunteers who ware program that allows video calls and will have the opportunity to teach the kids screen sharing. They help elementary and in person for 10 days. middle school students learn English words “It would be really nice to continue reand correct pronunciation. lationships that they made with the kids in “Teaching the kids over video can be Cambodia even after they come back and challenging because of the poor connection teach through the use of video calls,” Ella and the inability of the kids to fully con- Kim said.

La Vista

B3

By Mai Nojima Circulation Editor

Mira Laing/ La Vista

straight from the source: The Source Cafe opened in September 2013 on Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach. The cafe prides itself on serving organic cuisine with healthy juices as well.

The Source Cafe offers healthy vibe, cuisine to Hermosa Beach community

By Claire Regenstreif Staff Writer The South Bay is filled with restaurants that cater to health-conscious people by providing healthy alternatives to high-calorie meals.

The Source Cafe is a completely new organic and vegan restaurant located on Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach that adds to the South Bay’s wide variety of healthy cuisine options.

The Source Cafe opened last September, but it did not initially have the success owner Amber Caudle was hoping for.

Recently, however, The Source Cafe has gained popularity and has become a top choice for health nuts looking for a fresh and organic option.

“We believe that an important source of healthy bodies, personal inner strength, and optimal mental outlook comes from the quality of the food we eat,” Caudle said.

When customers walk into the cafe, they are greeted with flowers and vibrant colors meant to make them feel at home and connected to the earth while they dine. According to customers, this provides a peaceful environment.

“The cafe is a cute and welcoming place

that gives off a hole-in-the-wall feeling,” sophomore Olivia Everhard said.

The Source Cafe makes an effort to promote healthy eating while working around dietary restrictions. All of the items served are whole grain, organic and low fat.

“All of the food is really organic but tastes good at the same time,” sophomore Sierra Hanks said. “You don’t feel guilty after eating it.”

According to employees, visitors are attracted to the way the food is made to fit their daily needs. The food made at The Source Cafe is all locally-grown and prepared in the restaurant. The chefs and owners buy a majority of their ingredients from local farmers markets.

“The best way to be certain about the quality of one’s food is to know its source and where it came from,” Caudle said. “All foods are made in-house from local California vendors.”

The quality of the food served, combined with the laid-back atmosphere, has developed into a local favorite. The restaurant is located at 518 Pier Ave. “Our brand is real, fresh and relevant,” Caudle said. “We believe that the choices of food we make on a daily basis really do effect our health.”

Mira Costa students immerse in South African culture, excursions over Spring Break

By Julia Sheth Theme Editor

The 25 students who attended the trip had to be invited based on teacher recommendation. According to junior Erin Clifford, deciding to go on the trip was a lifealtering decision.

“Overall, my experience in South Africa was incredible,” Clifford said. “Everything we did was really inspiring. It all really changed the way I look at the world.”

For the service component of the trip,

“The service day was the most amazing experience of my entire life,” Kleats4Kids Club President sophomore Danielle Major said. “Visiting the orphanage and giving these kids their first jersey and pair of cleats was eye opening, and it was also touching beyond words.”

In addition to the service component, students participated in several other activities. For experience, students went on

done,” sophomore Maddy Silver said. “It was an insane experience, and I still can’t believe how close we got to the sharks.”

Costa students are often taught about difAccording to sophomore Kiera Isgrig, ferent cultures in a classroom setting, but the trip was not only a success because of rarely do they get to experience those culthe memories it created, but also because tures first-hand and outside the walls of the of the vast amount of knowledge that stuclassroom. Costa’s first school-sponsored dents gained about South African culture. trip to South Africa allowed students to “I learned so much on the trip, but the experience an entirely new way of living main thing that I learned is that other places hands-on. are a lot less fortunate than Costa guidance we are, so we cannot take counselor Brittney what we have for granted,” Olson led the weekIsgrig said. “It is one thing long Spring Break to see people suffering on trip, which consisted television, but seeing it in of both a service and person is a whole other stotourist component. ry. It made me appreciate the She worked with the lucky life that I live, and it student tour company reminded me that I can find Education First Tour happiness without the comCompany in order to pany of material items.” organize the trip.

Olson will not be planning “This trip was a another trip to South Africa Courtesy McKenna Beery life-changing, edufor next year but plans on cational and cultural This TiME FOR AFRICA: Sophomore McKenna Beery, science teacher Trevor Oystrick and sophomore McKenna Marchant (left) visited a vil- taking students to Thailand, experience for both lage to spend time with the children who live there. As the trip moved forward, sophomores McKenna Marchant, Maddy Silver, Danielle Major Cambodia and Vietnam. the students and the and McKenna Beery (center) prepare to go on safaris through places like Kruger National Park where they saw wild animals (right).

“Travel is a passion of chaperons,” Olson mine, and I love sharing it said. “Our preparation and organization students visited a South African school and a safari through Kruger National Park and with my students and seeing their exciteallowed us to take part in many activities, orphanage in Achornhoek, South Africa had the opportunity to go cage diving with ment as they experience a new place and such as visiting a school, going on a safari, in order to donate supplies, including the great white sharks. culture,” Olson said. “That is why I would learning about Nelson Mandela and cage soccer equipment that Costa’s Kleats4Kids “Even though I was scared at first, cage like to take students to different places diving with great white sharks.”

Club provided. diving was probably the coolest thing I’ve around the world in years to come.”

April 25, 2014 LIFE B6 La Vista Mira Costa senior Americo Sam enlists in United States Marine Corps

By Shannon Perez Staff Writer

Marines that I have.”

One of Sam’s goals he wants to accomplish while at boot The Marine Corps’ motto, “semper camp is to be recognized as fidelis,” meaning “always faithful,” an honorary recruit, which is a is soon to be the life slogan of Mira Marine who passes boot camp Costa senior Americo Sam. The first exit exams with high marks Marine recruit from Mira Costa in and who is seen to portray good over 20 years, Sam is realizing his leadership qualities throughout lifelong dream of becoming a United camp.

States Marine.

“I always could see that Sam’s interest in joining the MaAmerico was a right fit for rines largely stems from the influthe Marines,” senior Sebastian ences of his uncle and cousin, who Franck-Love said. “There have are enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. been countless times where he Inspired by his family members, Sam has helped me in situations that says that he has always had a desire I couldn’t handle myself in, so to live an organized and structured I have zero doubts that he will lifestyle in a challenging and ambihave major success in the Unittious environment. ed States Marines.”

“I can’t wait to work with my felAfter Boot Camp, Sam will low recruits to better ourselves physihave a 10-day break period becally as well as mentally,” Sam said. fore he gets stationed at a base.

“It is going to be challenging, but it is Then, Sam will undergo more Courtesy of Americo Sam definitely something that I am very specific training based on what proud to say I am a part of.”

Semper Fi: Senior Americo Sam (above) is the first Costa student in over 20 years to enlist in the United States job he will have in the Marines.

Sam began the entry process into Marine Corps. Sam’s interest stemmed from watching his uncle and cousin serve, and he took advantage of meeting “I was fortunate enough to the Marines in January when he was Sergeant Julio Lopez at a recruiting booth at Costa. Sam will enroll in boot camp at Camp Pendleton for training. qualify for all of the military ocurecruited by Sergeant Julio Lopez afpational specialist options preter going through a series of several Camp Pendleton in the San Diego County, area hold weekly training sessions for their sented toward me, and as of now interviews. After a series of interviews, the major west coast base of the Marine recruits. Sam accompanies roughly 30 oth- I am learning toward the intelligence speSam enlisted in the Military Entrance Pro- Corps. Boot camp consists of 13 weeks of er future Marines every Thursday for phys- cialist operative.” cessing Station where he took the Armed intensive physical and marksmanship train- ical fitness training where they perform a Sam says that his long-term goal is to Services Vocational Aptitude Test in order ing. At the end of the 13 weeks, recruits variety of physical activities. earn his bachelor’s degree in nursing and to help choose the military job best suited must pass a written and physical exam to Together, the young Marines study the become an officer in the Marines. He also for his personality. While still in MEPS, officially enter the Marines. history of the Marines and learn to embody hopes that, in his future, he can go to school Sam took his physical exam and was sworn “This whole process has gone by very the Marine core values: honor, courage and to study physical rehabilitation. Sam ininto the Corps. fast,” Sam said. “I’m both excited and ner- commitment, all of which they will be test- tends to incorporate that knowledge into “Sam is very hard working and an am- vous for my future training in December, ed on at boot camp. aiding fellow soldiers wounded in combat. bitious natural leader,” Lopez said. “He is but right now I am trying to focus on how I “The training gives us all a small insight “When it comes your time to be a leader not afraid of failure, and he is not afraid can get prepared.” to what the boot camp will actually be like in the Marines, you take care of your men,” of a challenge, which sets him apart from To ensure that all recruits are prepared when we begin training,” Sam said. “It is Lopez said. “Sam is always seeking to imeveryone else.” and physically fit before they enter boot really nice to be surrounded by people who prove himself, and I have confidence that Sam will start boot camp in December at camp, recruiting officers in the South Bay have the same focus and passion for the he will achieve his goals.”

For more info and addittional dates gives us a call!

310 544 9000

Compiled by: McKenna Beery, Carly Gaspari, Kayla Knowles/ Staff Writers, Annie Gense/ Photographer

La Vista B11

THEME

April 25, 2014

Summer School Sadness?

Many Mira Costa students will attend summer school at Costa or at alternate locations.

Instead of tanning at the beach or vaca- price increased by $50, in order to comtioning in a foreign location this summer, pensate for costs of insurance and higher many Mira Costa students will be spending pay for teachers and staff. their vacation in a classroom.

“This is the first increase in price we’ve Summer school is a popular option for implemented in seven years,” Wayland students who want to get ahead in classes, said. “All of the money we raise for sumclear space in their schedules for other mer school goes to capital projects at Mira classes or simply to retake a course. Costa Costa.” summer school is run by MBX, an external Students that are unable to enroll in foundation that was founded in 2002 in an summer school are waitlisted and forced effort to make grants to athletic teams and to search for alternative summer school academic programs such as Camp Vip and programs at surrounding high schools or summer school that caters to the needs of to deal with their schedules being ruined. the students.

“We max out capacity for all of the “MBX is a huge deal; it is responsible for classes every year,” Principal Dr. Ben Dale so many funds that make extracurricular said. “Even though the website crashes, activities possible,” sophomore Jackson Ko- when it’s back up the classes are filled.” pitz said.

According to senior Henry Shea, comEach summer, acmuting to and from “We continue to work to another high school cording to Wayland, 1,800 students enroll improve our class offerings, for a class everyday in academic classes, an immense hassle. the quality of our staff, and isMore as well as athletic inconvieniences training programs. deliver a great experience include a lack of faMBX summer to our students, staff, and miliarity with the school offers 18 acacampus, the teachour community.” demic courses, along ers, and the other with preseason instudents, which often troduction athletic make for an awkward Gary Wayland classes for Mira social setting.

President of MBX Costa sports teams “The drive is annoywhich are taught by ing early in the mornCosta teachers and substitutes. ing, but at the end of the day I’m taking it “We constantly work to make the pro- in order to benefit myself and my schedgram better, to find more classes and to ule,” Shea said. make it more responsive to the needs of Although it is inconvenient to take our stakeholders,” MBX President Gary classes at alternate locations, sophomore Wayland said.

Macy Mckeegan believes that the change Acording to Wayland, of all the students in scenery gives an opportunity to see who attempt to sign up for summer school, what other local high schools are like and many students do not receive a spot due to to meet new people. lack of room in the class or because they “I enjoyed being able to meet the kids never had the intent to enroll. that go to South,” McKeegan said. “It “I was fortunate enough to get into sum- gave me a different outlook on Costa and mer school this year,” sophomore Molly showed me that every single school has its Dvorkin said. “Last year I didn’t get in, so I own uniqueness.” was forced to improvise and go to another When looking to enroll in summer high school.” school, students attempt to get into Costa For the past few years, the summer due to convenience, but that factor is not school program has experienced website always ensured. Having the ability to fulcrashes due to the large number of students fill courses at different locations is a fortuwanting to sign up. Most of the classes fill nate alternative for students who are unquickly, leaving some students unable to able to enroll at Mira Costa. have a spot in the class of their choosing.

“Our registration process was a disap“One of my students was almost in tears pointment and we look forward to imbecause she couldn’t access the website,” proving the registration process for evSpanish teacher Felise Shapiro said. eryone affected by it ,” Wayland said. “We MBX established the summer school continue to work to improve our class ofprogram in 2003 and has operated it since. ferings, the quality of our staff and deliver In previous years MBX charged $250 per a great experience to our students, staff, semester for summer school. This year, the and our community.”

ASK COSTA:

* Based on a La Vista survey of 100 Costa students.

SHOW ME THE MONEY: The MBX Foundation is responsible for the funding of athletic teams and academics such as camp VIP and summer school in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District. Mira Costa summer school is run through the MBX Foundation.

Have you had issues signing up for summer school?

“Yes, I’ve had numerous issues.

The website is hard to navigate and needs to be changed.”

Max Taylor Freshman

“Yes, I have because the website “No, I did not have much trouble “Yes, the website has crashed for evcrashes repeatedly, which prevents signing up, but I didn’t sign up for a ery class I’ve ever tried to sign up for an easy sign-up.” very popular class.” besides health. It’s a faulty system.”

Stone Carranza Sophomore

Zak Powers Junior

Michaela Loudermilk Senior

April 25, 2014 ARTS B12 La Vista Sincere performances, exciting visuals excell Aronofsky’s “Noah” to greatness

By Will Sevy Staff Writer While the Biblical tale of Noah and his ark may seem to be an outdated story, it comes as a pleasant surprise that esteemed director Darren Aronofsky is able to make the tale feel relevant in his interpretation, while also forging a level of intensity that parallels and even rivals most modern action films.

“Noah,” from the director of “Black Swan” and “The Wrestler,” is a thrilling movie that ties the Biblical epic into the 21st century through the combination of stunning visual effects and genuine acting, all of which is brought to life through natural dialogue.

“Noah” is based off the Biblical epic of the same name and set shortly after the dawn of creation.

The film follows Noah (Russell Crowe), descendant of Adam and Eve, who receives a divine message from God. He is ordered to build an ark to save his family and two of every animal from a terrible flood that will kill everything on earth in response to mankind’s sins.

Noah must decipher God’s message and build the ark, all while fending off the violent people of King Tubal-Cain, who believe they should be the ones to survive on the ark and are willing to kill to claim it.

One of the film’s best attributes

Courtesy screencrush.com

Oh my god: Russell Crowe (above) stars as the prophet Noah in Darren Aronofsky’s recreation of the Biblical story.

Crowe’s diverse personality reflects his character’s moral struggle and brings Noah to life as a flawed hero. is its captivating visual effects.

The expansive sets, gigantic ark and fallen angels who help Noah with the construction of the ark all prove outstanding with brilliant colors and intense attention to detail. The visually stunning, massive ark and gorgeous panoramas of nature instill the film with a sense of scale and keep the movie from ever feeling dull.

However, special effects and pleasing aesthetics are not the only standout aspects of “Noah.”

Quality screenwriting is the foundation of the film. The layered dialogue, which includes discussion about the significance of life and the creation of the universe and God, succeeds in making a movie that could have been purely action-driven into a thoughtprovoking, relevant film, while avoiding preaching.

The script is also the basis of the films’ multi-dimensional protagonist. Noah’s character grounds the already larger than

life conflict of trying to save the world because of the realistic nature of his character who, despite being the hero, still has flaws. For instance, Noah struggles with his commitment to build the ark and to protect his family. The conflict of a man torn between his family and work is easy to sympathize with, making the crux of the narrative accessible through the portrayal of the prophet as a genuine human being.

Thankfully, Noah’s character

is also brought to life by Crowe’s acting. Crowe varies from warm and loving when Noah is with his family, to obsessed and even neurotic as the pressure of completing the ark begins to set in. The wide range of his emotions and the believability of those feelings dynamically bring Noah to life.

Such talented acting is also seen in the supporting role of Emma Watson, who plays Ila, Noah’s adopted daughter. Watson conveys a constant sense of sincerity through her raw emotions, successfully allowing the viewer to empathize with her character’s struggles throughout the film.

Some of the film’s most climactic moments are the scenes where Ila is in peril, provoking the greatest sense of fear from the audience.

From Noah’s vision of the apocalypse and the building of the ark, to the flood and aftermath, the film is full of high intensity moments. This ever-present sense of action gives the film a constant sense of danger that adds contrast to the more intellectual dialogue.

The use of stunning visuals and convincing acting in “Noah” is further complimented by its engaging action and thought-provoking dialouge. As a result, the film proves to be a remarkable interpretation of the classic Biblical tale.

“Noah” is rated PG-13 and is now playing in theaters throughout the country.

B14 La Vista

ARTS

April 25, 2014

Christina Perri’s second album, “Head or Heart,” impresses with superb vocals

By Stacy Cruz Staff Writer Christina Perri may be one of the youngest singers in the music scene, but her second album, “Head or Heart,” defines her as one of the best.

Perri’s new album is what most fans would expect of the artist: a collection of soft, emotional songs that tug at the heartstrings. Despite this same predictable style, “Head or Heart” is a quality album for Perri thanks to soft vocals, intimate lyrics and Perri’s distinctive collaboration with Ed Sheeran.

Perri gained her fame with her 2010 summer piano ballad, “Jar of Hearts,” which was first used on an episode of “So You Think You Can Dance.” After the episode, “Jar of Hearts” became a hit, and Perri released the song independently.

By the following February, “Jar of Hearts” reached platinum status, and Perri finished her debut album, “Lovestrong.”

Since then, Perri recorded a holiday album in 2012 and a couple of successful singles used in the “Twilight Saga” soundtracks,

like the romantic hit “A Thousand Years.”

“Head or Heart” successfully accentuates Perri’s smooth voice with simple instrumentals. When Perri’s vocals take on louder and longer notes, the beat of the drums increases to match it. This makes for a complementary rhythm throughout the songs that does not overwhelm listeners.

Paired with her gentle voice, Perri’s lyrics are always intimate and profound.

Many of her songs from the new album are about heartache, loss and love, which are recurring themes in her work. These topics complement Perri’s voice and keep the album on a specific theme, making the piece all the more cohesive.

The single from the album, “Human,” is presently one of Perri’s most popular songs, and rightfully so. “Human” strays from Perri’s usual theme of love, highlighting human struggles and flaws. This makes the song powerful and a surprisingly deep single for the album.

Another song that stands out is “Be My Forever,” which features fellow singer/ songwriter Ed Sheeran. The song features soft, light instrumentals to accompany the

duo’s vocal prowess, making the track catchy and enthusiastic. Both artists have soft, lovely voices that compliment each other well for the spirited love duet.

While certain songs are upbeat in tone, like “Be My Forever,” others take on a much slower tempo. The first song of the album, “Trust,” takes on a very gradual and depressing sound, which is paired with slow, overly loud vocals. The lyrics are

also darker than most of the other songs on the album. Instead of adding more depth to it, as Perri most likely intended, it only proves to be regrettably depressing.

Despite this overly dark material in “Head or Heart,” skilled vocals and cohesive instrumentals make Perri’s second album an overall success.

“Head or Heart” was released on April 1 and sells for $9.99 on iTunes.

Courtesy tattoofansshare.com

heartbreaker: Christina Perri (above) vocally stuns in her second singer-songwriter album, “Head or Heart,” which, despite excessively homogenous romantic topics, is a solid set of tracks.

“Rio 2” visually, musically stuns despite convoluted plot, excessive conflict

By Carly Gaspari Staff Writer As common as sequels are for successful animated children’s movies, some films should just stick with the original. “Rio 2” is a prime example of this.

Directed by Carlos Saldhana and produced by Blue Sky Studios, “Rio 2” fails to meet its potential. It is clear that the writers of the popular franchise’s sequel are trying to elevate the level of the film’s story, yet they serve only to overcomplicate it. This, coupled with overly extraneous characters, overwhelms the otherwise strong music and visuals.

“Rio 2” is an animated film that follows Blu (Jesse

Eisenberg) and Jewel (Anne Hathaway), two rare Spix macaw birds living in a bird sanctuary in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with their three fledglings. When Jewel learns of a rumor that they are not the last of their species and that there are other wild macaws living in the jungle of the Amazon, she talks her family into taking a journey to find their fellow birds.

Along with their bird friends Nico (Jamie Foxx), Rafael (George Lopez) and Pedro (Will.i.am.), Blu and the family travel to the Amazon and are united with their fellow blue macaw birds. However, during their adventure, Blu and his family are forced to evade being captured by Nigel

(Jemaine Clement), who is seeking revenge from events in the previous film.

This story is then layered with more and more conflicts and dynamics, making the narrative pointlessly difficult to follow.

Children’s films are supposed to be vaguely simple and easily understood; however, “Rio 2” strays from its intended genre, and in doing so, crumbles in the process.

Romance, for instance, is awkwardly incorporated in unnecessary places. For example, Gabi (Kristin Chenoweth) is a frog who is in love with the antagonist, Nigel. Their odd interactions do not serve to help the plot in the slightest, instead bogging it down and distracting from the cen-

tral narrative. The nuances with extraneous characters do not end there. Awkward family member conflicts pervade the entire movie, making the plot unfocused.

Had the storyline been simplified, and stuck to its target audience, it might have actually been an enjoyable film.

However, despite its structural issues, “Rio 2” is still chalk-full of brilliant animation. Between the vibrant colors of the Amazonian animals and the detailed scenery of the jungle, the visual effects draw viewers in and keep the film utterly engaging.

Another saving grace of the film is its energetic soundtrack. It features tracks with a multitude

of its musical cast members, like Will.i.am., that are upbeat and fun. The score gives the animated flick a carefree, tropical feel that is perfect for its Brazilian setting.

In combination with massive choreographed dance routines, the music helps the stunning visuals come alive.

Even though the film is superbly animated and features a strong score, its numerous faults overwhelm it. Random issues with characters combined with an overly-complex narrative clip the film’s bright blue wings.

“Rio 2,” released April 11, is rated G and is playing in theaters across the nation.

Courtesy fubiz.net

No fly zone: “Rio 2” is the sequel to the popular children’s film, “Rio,” but, unlike its predecessor, fails to capture the same charm and fun-loving feel that successful children’s films are known for.

Instead, “Rio 2” is convoluted and overflowing with odd character conflicts, making it unfocused and difficult to watch, despite its incredibly detailed, colorful animation and quality soundtrack.

“Game of Thrones” offers captivating, realistic take on fantasy themes

By Emily Petillon Managing Editor “Game of Thrones,” under the direction of showrunners David Benioff and D.B Weiss, has distinguished itself as one of the best shows on television.

The fourth season continues the show’s tradition of complex characters and stunning twists, accompanied by gorgeous sets and costume design.

“Game of Thrones” excels in its opening episodes by introducing compelling new characters into the already-complex narrative,

while keeping in touch with the struggles and triumphs of its veteran characters.

Season four continues the story of characters trying to survive, gain power and keep their lives in a dangerous and magical realm called Westeros.

The season starts with the scheming Lannister family on the Iron Throne, while their recently-defeated enemies, including the remains of the Stark and Baratheon families, try to regroup.

The season thus far focuses on reintroducing the audience to the wide array of characters and their

diverse plotlines, while laying the groundwork for their current storylines.

One of the best aspects of this season is its karmic motifs. It explores the ramifications of the vicious actions that characters committed earlier in the series. By showing that past actions have current consequences, the show stays grounded.

This season’s most anticipated character is Oberyn Martell (Pedro Pascal), a foreign prince entering the king’s court seeking revenge for the death of his sister. Pascal gives a swag-

gering, charismatic performance that raises the tension in every scene he is in, making the stakes for this season seem higher than ever before.

Another aspect that makes “Game of Thrones” stand out from any other fantasy show is the range and intensity of the themes the show touches on. Instead of focusing on the magical elements, it raises questions on morality, death, the cost of love and other thought-provoking themes that keep it relevant to the modern world.

Through its arresting sto-

rylines, compelling themes and hard-hitting realism, “Game of Thrones” proves to be one of the best series

on television, with a quality start to its fourth season.

“Game of Thrones” airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO.

Courtesy moviepilot.com

Watch the throne: “Game of Thrones” continues its highstakes drama and genius narratives in its fourth season. It kicks off with “the purple wedding” of Joffery Lannister (Jack Gleason, left) and Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer, right).