november issue
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The Wildcat's November IssueTRANSCRIPT
Vol. 79, Issue 2 Brea Olinda High School November 4, 2009
Brea Olinda High School789 Wildcat Way
Brea, CA 92821
what’sinside
Wildcat
Photo courtesy of GIRLS’ LEAGUE
News....................................2-4
Sports.......................13-15
Feature...................10-11Opinion..........................12
Back in Time: HomecomingTradition of dance, game began 82 years ago
“This year’s Mr. Brea is going to be the best one ever.”
Kyle Anderson, senior
SALONI SHAH
CentersPreAd editor
Since 1927, when the first high school in Brea
was established, both the location of the school
and student life have been altered.
However, one tradition—Homecoming—has
remained constant, an annual welcome to the new
school year and the changing of the season.
But even some traditions change with time.
Today, Homecoming festivities last an entire
week. During Homecoming week, students are
kept busy with various dress-up days, a “princess
day,” a rally, the football game, and a formal
dance.
On Friday night, the football team will play in
front of a full stadium and the Homecoming queen
will be announced during the half-time show. But
more than seven decades ago, the crowning of the
queen was different.
Homecoming princesses, with crowns atop
their heads and a cascade of flowing dress trains,
would sit atop a car and lead a parade through the
town. There was also the naming of a Homecoming
king.
During half-time, the coronation ceremony
would begin. The queen was announced and the
football captain would proclaim the queen with a
crown and a kiss.
Since then, the coronation ceremony has
morphed into a full half-time show. Although the
ceremony still showcases the crowning of the
queen, there is a performance by band and the
parading of class floats around the field.
Almost a century after Homecoming began, the
dance and the behavior and dress of students have
changed as well. Hemlines have been shortened,
dancing has evolved, and the Homecoming dance
has become a more publicized and more grand
event. This year’s dance will be held at Angels
Stadium.
“[My Homecoming dance] was low key,
it wasn’t a big extravaganza.” said Barbara
Arczynski, history teacher. She added, “At my See CENTERSPREAD, pages 8-9
FAYE MENDOZA
MAnAging editor
The likes of Dave Willert are rare. Known as
the cheerful director of the United Choirs of Brea,
it almost comes as a surprise to learn that Willert
is also a writer of mystery stories. Along with
music, writing has been his life-long passion and
this December, he will be releasing his first book,
entitled Dimensions: The Wheat Field.
The novel follows Alan Dunkirk, a hopeful
college graduate who, ten years later, becomes dis-
contented with his monotonous life. After an argu-
ment with his wife, he drives aimlessly away and a
bizarre phenomenon occurs: Alan finds himself in
the middle of a sprawling wheat field...in the body
of a 12-year old boy.
According to the book’s press release, The
Wheatfield is a race against time, a battle between
A&E.........................................5-7
Choir directorWillert writes, publishes novel
‘Big Swing’ Princesses
school, Homecoming was a parade. Each class
contributed a float. There was a small dance but
it was much more about hanging out with friends
than it was about getting that hot date.”
Until the 1970s at BOHS, there was no such
thing as a Homecoming dance. What now lasts a
week lasted less than five minutes on a football
field. Rather, the Co-ed Dance, which took
Homecoming court: Kaylee Dysart, Ajia Goodson, Andrea Frisina, Melissa Bent, and Ashley Schweitzer are in the running for Homecoming queen. The other princesses are (from from left) Shelby Makris, junior. Heather Lystad, freshman, Savannah Maske, junior, and Justine Garate, sophomore. For more information on Homecoming, see the BACK COVER. See A&E, page 6
Blast to tHe past: A Co-ed queen in the late-1930’s receives her crown during a February dance.
Costumes flooded the campus on Halloween dress-up day
Bill Wisher (‘73), former member of the Wildcat staff, is a writer and producer of iconic Hollywood hits like Terminator
Centerspread......8-9
See Mr. Brea, NEWS 3
place in February, was the equivalent to today’s
Homecoming dance.
The Co-ed dance was a formal affair. A king
and a queen were crowned with an elaborate
voting process. Long dresses and slow dancing
were commonplace.
Homecoming has been a BOHS tradition since 1927
SPORTS 13-15
Soccer, basketball, and wrestling begin their seasons this month
CENTERSPREAD 8-9
A&E 5
NEWS 4
Photo courtesy of GIRLS’ LEAGUE
CLUBCORNER
HWA EUN KIM / Wildcat
Red Cross
Model United Nations
Red Cross is part of larger organization that aims to give back to the community. The club plans the school’s major donation drives such as the Toy Drive and the Canned Food Drive. The fundraising will then be sent to the Red Cross organization and distributed all over the country to orphanages and food banks. The club also plans to collaborate with other schools. The club meets every other Monday at lunch in room 203.
The Red Cross offers help to small communities and opens opportunities for students to be part of helping toward causes that otherwise would seem distant and irrelevant.”
- Rachel Kim, senior
JEANNIE KIM / Wildcat
POWER OF INFLUENCE: Todd Laud, guest speaker, shared how Rachel Scott was inspired by Anne Frank. He then explained how people should choose positive influences as role models and mentors.
Rachel’s Challenge assembly closes Red Ribbon Week
Compiled by CHRISTOPHER SUH
2 Todd Laud, guest speaker, spoke about the Columbine shooting and its fi rst victim, Rachel Scott. Presenting the fi ve challenges, Laud spoke about the need of reaching out to others in order to start a ‘chain reaction.’
“
Photo courtesy of HEATHER KANG
TOYO
In Model United Nations (MUN), students bring forth their speech and debate skills by discussing topics about international crises. Club members attend conferences held at local schools where, as delegates, they express their views on a given topic. Club meetings are every Thursday in room 108.
NEWSNovember 4, 2009
“
TOYO Volunteers is a club that helps students invest their time in community service by participating in various volunteer organizations all over Orange County. Toyo not only aims to help the needy people in the community, but also has goals of protecting and saving the environment. Toyo meets in room 232 every other Friday during lunch. It’s a rewarding experience to not only participate in volunteer work but also in meeting new people.” - Eddie Park, junior
“
MUN is a great club to join because it helps you become a well-rounded, educated, and a thoughtful student.” - Romeet Sen, junior
THEA O’DELLSTAFF WRITER
April 20, 1999, was a tragic day for
many families in Littleton, Colorado.
Gun shots and terrified screams rang
out from students and teachers on that
day at Columbine High School. Rachel
Scott, 17-years-old, was the first
person killed during the shooting. The
massacre is still the worst high school
shooting in America’s history.
An assembly was held, Oct. 23,
to spread awareness about violence
prevention and power of influence
during Red Ribbon Week.
Todd Laud, guest speaker, spoke
about Rachel’s Challenge.
“When I first heard Rachel’s
story, I felt compelled to share it with
people around the world. In result of
Fall MagicChoir
The annual choir performance,
“Fall Magic,” was held Oct. 16-17 in
the PAC.
Masquerade performed Grease, and
Spellbound and Tiffany’s collaborated
in a performance inspired by Wicked.
Chamber Choir sang a variety of songs
through group performances, duets,
and solos.
“The concert ran smoothly and
it had a lot of excitement,” said Kate
Hocking, junior.
A variety of student acts were also
staged throughout the night, combining
comedy and drama.
“It was definitely a great way to
start the year for all of [the choirs],”
said Melissa Strom, junior.
Hwa Eun Kim
1. Choose positive influences
2. Write out your goals in life and not just keep them to yourself
3. Commit an act of kindness because kind words can make a big difference
4. Eliminate prejudice
5. Tell five people in your life how much you love and appreciate them to start a chain reaction
Rachel’s Five Challenges
I thought it was really moving; it was like a flash of realization that sometimes the best way to live out life is looking [at] the better side of people.”
-Irwin NahnSophomore
“
that, I contacted Rachel’s Challenge
Foundation soon after so I could
become a speaker for this cause,” said
Laud.
The Scott family started the
foundation soon after Rachel’s death to
spread awareness and to motivate other
people with positive change in the way
they see themselves and how they treat
other people.
“[Rachel’s Challenge is] the biggest
school assembly program with a total
of 25 speakers to inform students of
Rachel’s story and to challenge them
about the choices they make in their
life,” Laud explained.
The assembly is also called
a “training session” that teaches
students and adults how to make a
positive impact. By presenting the
five challenges, the program motivates
‘You just may start a chain reaction’
NHS InstallationNHS
National Honor Society is holding
its fall installation Monday, Nov. 9, in
the library. Althought over 60 students
applied for membership, only a few
were accepted.
“NHS members are representative
of the school as a whole. There is an
application process because students
are chosen based on their leadership
and contributions,” explained Elaine
Yoo, senior and NHS president.
New members are invited with their
parents to attend and are welcomed
into the club with a candle-lighting
ceremony. The induction will consist
of short speeches by NHS officers,
adviser Chris Schaadt, and school
administrators.
Faye Mendoza
UC, CSU ApplicationsClass of 2010
Nov. 30 is a date that seniors
should have already marked. It is the
deadline for UC and CSU applications
which is only a little more than three
weeks away.
Those interested in attending any
one of the 23 CSU campuses or nine
UC schools should be summarizing
high school courses, extracurricular
activities, and standardized test scores.
Rob Stelmar, counselor, said,
“When writing your personal statement,
keep in mind that UC’s want to know
you as a person; they don’t just want to
read a list of your accomplishments.”
Admissions decisions will be sent
to students between March 1 and May
1 of next year.
Faye Mendoza
New Target on the BlockCommunity
A new two-story Target opened on
Birch Street Oct. 6.
Equipped with an underground
parking lot to cart escalators, the Target
also has a prototype fresh section,
which consists of fruits, vegetables,
meat, a deli, and a bakery. The store
also houses a photo lab, a pharmacy,
and an enlarged health section.
“I like how the store is really big,
clean, and organized. The elevators
are really spacious, too. It also has
Pizza Hut and Starbucks,” said Harika
Reddy, junior.
“It’s amazing. It’s beautiful and I
really love it. The store is huge, clean,
and friendly,” said Amanda Arter,
junior.
Hwa Eun Kim
people to change their views on others
and their own lives.
Irwin Nahn, sophomore, said,
“I thought [the presentation] was
really moving; it was like a flash of
realization that sometimes the best way
to live out life is looking on the better
side of people.”
By starting with a positive self-
approach to spread a chain reaction,
the program encourages students to
“dream big” and gain self-confidence
by both reaching out and responding
to others.
By giving examples from Scott’s
life, Laud explained how many people
can be impacted by small acts of
kindness. He also emphasized how one
person was able to “touch the hearts of
millions of people.”
At the end of the assembly, Laud
asked the students to close their eyes
and think about their loved ones. He
again challenged the students to reach
out by always expressing love and
compassion.
“It’s important to draw the students’
attention to what they are dealing with
in their lives right at this moment and
how to make the right decisions,” Laud
added.
Quoting Scott, Laud pointed to the
audience and said, “You just may start
a chain reaction.”
3NEWSMr. Brea nominees including Bryan Wierzchucki will be competing for the Mr. Brea title. The circus- themed contest will have the nominees perform various acts together and individually.
November 4, 2009
Blood drive to be held Nov. 20
CHARISSA KIM / Wildcat
SAVING LIVES: Melissa Howe (‘09) donated blood during last year’s blood drive. Each pint donated can save up to three lives.
SHERMAN UYENOSTAFF WRITER
“It saves people’s livs,” said Emily Schade,
senior, referring to the year’s first blood drive Nov.
20 to be held in the auxilary gym.
The blood drive is an activity that gives
students an opportunity to help patients.
Each student volunteer will donate a pint
of blood which can save up to three lives. The
requirements to donate blood include age, height
and weight. Donors must be 16 years old and at
least 110 lbs or more, depending on their height
and gender.
Angie Shim, senior, and a previous donor, said,
“I decided to give blood because I know that, we
can help save lives.” Shim plans on participating
in the blood drive again this semester.
Welcome to the circus: Mr. Brea nominees announcedTen students, four teachers compete for the title of Mr. BreaHWA EUN KIM and SALONI SHAHNEWS AND FEATURE AND CENTERSPREAD EDITORS
Ten students and two teachers have been
nominated to participate in the annual Mr. Brea
competition to be held Dec 9.
Last year, Brandon Metten (’09), and Chris
Schaadt, English teacher, were crowned Mr.
Brea.`
Students and teachers were nominated by the
senior class, and this year, Emmanuel Lopez,
Justin Lovell, George Wright, David Snyder,
Kyle Anderson, Olson Walters, Robby Murray,
Christian Villanueva, Luke Williams, and Austin
Ross, seniors, have been announced as the
nominees.
Richard Corp, math teacher, and Bryan
Wierzchucki, history teacher, have also been
nominated. The other two teachers have yet to be
announced.
“I think it’s really that cool that I was nominated
MR. BREA CONTESTANTS: (clockwise from top left) Christian Villanueva, George Wright, Luke Williams, Emmanuel Lopez, Robby Murray, David Snyder, Olson Walters, Justin Lovell, Austin Ross, Kyle Anderson, (center) Richard Corp, math teacher, will compete for the crown. Two more teachers are expected to be nominated.
because I didn’t really expect anyone to vote for
me,” Villanueva said.
“I think I was nominated because I feel like
most people at school know me and I try to become
friends with everyone I meet. I guess when people
Photos by JUDY LEE and HWA EUN KIM / Wildcat
Brinlee Finzel, junior, is one of many who
hopes to partcipate in the blood drive.
“It helps someone live. I like knowing that I
can make a difference in someone’s life because
being a teenager, there isn’t much i can do to help
others. But this, this is something I can do,” said
Finzel.
“This year, the goal for the blood drive is to
meet or exceed 300 pints,” said Alexandra Parish,
senior, and social welfare commissioner.
Other students will also be helping out with
the blood drive. David Pham, senior, plans to help
with medical procedures and operations during the
blood drive.
Students will be able to sign up starting this
week for the blood drive in the quad. Several
English classes will also be holding sign-ups for
interested students.
were thinking who should represent the school, I
came into mind because I know a lot of people,”
Snyder said.
“To be honest, I don’t know why I got
nominated,” said Lopez.
There are four parts to the Mr. Brea contest:
talent show, swimsuit wear, formal wear, and
interview.
Many contestants, however, are worried about
the talent portion of the show.
“I have no clue what to do,” said Snyder.
“I’ll dance maybe but I don’t know what I’ll
do,” said Williams.
Lovell, ASB fine arts commissioner, will be
both participating in and organizing the event.
The theme is set to be “Circus.”
Several contestants have already started to
plan their talent acts.
“I will probably do a song with my friends,”
Lovell said.
Corp, who has already participated in the
pageant three times, is currently working on a
song about someone who has inspired him.
“I’m working with a freelance producer from
Australia. I spent about 17 hours last year editing
and filming everything so this year, I just want to
save a little time and make it easier for myself,”
said Corp.
Having had much experience for the pageant,
Corp hopes to win this year.
“I want to win. I feel like a veteran since this
is my fourth time so I want this year to be my
best year. I really want it to be worthwhile,” Corp
explained.
With high hopes, contestants are preparing
their special performances for the Mr. Brea
competition.
“I feel really excited and I’m really honored,”
said Snyder.
4 Students and teachers dressed up as cartoon characters and reality stars, fi lling the campus with the spirit of Halloween. SNAPSHOTS
November 4, 2009
Halloween TownDRESSING UP: (clockwise from top left) Molly Kang, sophomore, Chad Rabago, junior, Valerie Schrepferman, senior, Jocelyn Vu, sophomore, Jacob Maeda, freshman, Jill Purdom, Erin Purdom, Justin Lovell, and Melissa Bent, seniors, dress up as Kate Gosselin and her eight children. Christian Villanueva, senior, poses as Ash from Pokemon. A group of students walk along with various costumes. Cody Somerville, senior, is dressed as “white trash.” Amy Welch, Biology teacher, walks toward the quad in a witch costume. Barbara Arczynski, history teacher, delicately wipes her nose as she portrays Professor McGonagall. Wade Cormier, Chemistry teacher, dresses up as a Wheaties cereal box. Amy Bringhurst, senior, relaxes in class, dressed up in a Clockwork Orange-inspired costume. Natalie Park, senior, jumps in her Luigi costume. Sophia Park, senior, jumps with a colorful wig and onesie. Kaylee Dysart, senior, poses with Teletubbie David Snyder, senior.
Photos by HEENA MORAR / Wildcat
Photo courtesy of MELISSA BENT
Alumnus Wisher achieves success as screenwriter, producer of Hollywood hitsJEAN NICOLE ORLEANSSTAFF WRITER
William Wisher Jr. is a screenwriter
who has worked on some of the most
iconic fi lms in movie history, including
The Terminator, The Abyss, and Live
Free or Die Hard.
He is also a 1973 graduate of Brea
Olinda High School.
“Oh, God,” he responds as I tell
him we are going to talk about his
days as a student at BOHS. The Saturn
Award-nominated screenwriter credits
his teachers as a source of his future
success.
Wisher was president of Drama
Club and served on the Wildcat staff.
But if there was “one thing that [he]
might have done different” was asking
Sandy Katts to go out on a date with
him.
Describing his childhood, Wisher
tells of the Nike missile bases that
were built in Brea in the 1950s. By the
1960s the bases were obsolete and were
removed. Left behind were concrete
bunkers which served as hangouts to go
to after school.
“Those were really fun because we
would explore them, my buddies and I.
Just go down there and check them out.
They’re probably still there although I’m
not going to give you a solid location
because they’re mine. They were up in
the hills. So there’s a hint.”
After high school, Wisher
discovered an affi nity for writing. When
asked at what point in his life he felt he
“made it” Wisher responded, “When I
could quit my day job, which I did in
1989.” By that time, he had played a
role in the production of hit movies like
1984’s The Terminator and 1989’s The
Abyss, both of which he collaborated
on with Oscar-winning director James
Cameron.
Before discovering his passion,
however, Wisher’s decision to write
was unclear. “I think that nobody really
wants to become a screenwriter,” he
said.
After spending about a year in
college, the turning point in the 23-
year-old’s career--and life--came after
making a short fi lm with Cameron, a
Wisher’s work as a producer or screen
writer includes:
-Xenogenesis (1978)•The Terminator (1984)•The Abyss (1989)-Desperado: The Outlaw Wars (1989)•Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)•Judge Dredd (1995)•The 13th Warrior(1999) •Exorcist: The Beginning(2004) •Live Free or Die Hard(2007)
Wisher’s Filmography
former Brea resident who would later
direct the highest grossing movie of all-
time, 1997’s Titanic.
For training, Wisher studied at
UCLA, taking a year-long creative
writing course during which his
fi rst screenplay was written.
The number of original
screenplays he wrote grew
until he found one that,
according to Wisher, “didn’t
stink.”
“That’s how,” he
stated, “my writing career
started.”
Most artistic
creations stem from
the artist’s real-
life experiences
and imagination.
Although “Brea,
California” isn’t
mentioned in
any of Wisher’s
work, there are
hints of suburbia
lingering in
his fi lm’s
backgrounds.
“ T h e
truth of it is,
everything that ever happened to you
goes into what you write because it
becomes the prism through which you
see everything. There is no part of my
writing, no part of anything I have ever
worked on that doesn’t refl ect all of the
experiences I had when I was there. It’s
impossible.”
As for those who want to follow
Wisher’s steps and become a screenwriter,
and the opportunity to craft dialogue for
the likes of Sylvester Stallone (Judge
Dredd), Antonio Banderas (The 13th
Warrior), and Arnold Schwarzennegar
(The Terminator series), Wisher
advises, “Pay attention to the style and
the culture that is happening around
you. That’s very important because in
order to be successful, you’re going to
have to fi gure out how to communicate
to people today. The culture changes
all the time. I do not write today the
way I wrote 30 years ago. Having said
that, you do have to be aware that you
need to understand the basics. You need
to have a real grounding in classical
story telling. They should read a book
by Lajos Egri, who I think is the fi nest
writer on creative writing that ever lived
and his book called The Art of Dramatic
Writing. If you read stuff like that and
you learn what the rules are, and you
have the other ear in your head listening
to the sound of the culture around
you, you will be able to know what to
embrace and what to ignore. Then you
can come up with your own voice.”
Two of Wisher’s projects are
included on Internet Movie Database’s
top rated “Sci-Fi” titles. Terminator 2:
Judgment Day is currently number six
on the list, while The Terminator is at
19.
His success is also evident in the
iconic quotes he has written or co-
written. American Film Institute’s 100
Year’s...100 Movie Quotes lists the top
100 movie quotes in American cinema
history. Two of Wisher’s projects are
included on the list: “I’ll be back”
(number 37) and “Hasta la vista, baby”
(number 76) from the Terminator
series.
And according to imdb.com, 1991’s
Terminator 2:Judgment Day is the 90th
highest grossing fi lm of all time with a
total world-wide take of $204,843,350.
Currently, Wisher is working on
a fi lm called Pacifi c Clipper for Fox
Studios and he is also currently setting
Terminator steps back, scanning the booth, the electric door, the rooms beyond.
TERMINATOR
I’ll come back.
He turns and walks out through the front doors.
ANGLE PAST DESK SERGEANT, F.G. - ON FRONT DOORS, the offi cer is absorbed in paperwork, not watching as a pair of lights get BRIGHTER outside the doors. RAPIDLY. He glances up at the last second as the glare falls fully on him. CRASH! Several cops and late night loiterers scatter as a car smashes into the foyer. It blasts through the sergeant’s booth, crushing him in the wreckage.
CUT TO:
5A&ENovember 4, 2009
Alumni William Wisher Jr. served as the executive producer or screenwriter for Hollywood hits The Exorcist, Terminator 1 and 2, and Live Free or Die Hard.
impawords .com
FROM STAFF WRITER TO SCREENWRITER:
This photo taken from a 1973 yearbook
shows Wisher working on fi nishing
sketches while on the Wildcat staff.
Photo courtesy of GUSHER
up a project called The Program.
“At the end of the day,” Wisher
advised, “no matter how fl ashy, how
funny, how dramatic, or how clever
writing is, if it doesn’t understand,
comprehend, and refl ect timeless
human nature, you’ll never be good.
So if you do both, you will invent your
own voice and people will hopefully
embrace it.”
6 A&ENovember 4, 2009
Where the Wild Things Are, an adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s children’s story, was released in theaters Oct. 16. The fi lm’s tagline is, “There’s a [wild thing] in all of us.”
WILLERT: choir director, novelistgood and evil, a natural blending of
science and religion, but most of all a
love story.
“The whole message of the book
is for people to do things themselves.
They need to follow their dreams and
do what they really want to do and not
get lost in mundane life and rules. And
the book has a story. I hope that people
who read it will see the positive in it,”
he said.
Willert fi rst began writing The
Wheat Field in 1986 as an 80 page short
story. Unhappy with its progress he left
it unfi nished and “forgot about it.”
Two years ago he revisited his
old story, intending to transfer the
handwritten manuscript into a Word
fi le. “[But] ideas started coming out and
I didn’t stop; I just kept on going,” he
recalled as The Wheat Field evolved
into a 343-page novel.
“And then when you fi nish, you
realize ‘What was I thinking?!’ so you
go back and edit…you go through eight
or nine different [drafts]. Then you get
an idea, and then you change everything
again,” he explained of the writing
process.
Getting published is a diffi culty
many aspiring authors know quite
well. “It took a while to get published.
Sometimes, you need to have an agent.
I didn’t have an agent because you have
to get published fi rst,” he said. Willert
did fi nally land a publisher in Colorado-
based Outskirts Press.
In Willert’s 20 year break from
writing, he has racked up a résumé
that includes fi ve years (out of his 33-
year teaching career) as choir director
for BOUSD. He is the producer of the
annual school musical and the summer
program “Broadway in Brea.” Last
year, he was honored by the district as
Certifi cated Employee of the Year.
When asked what allowed him to
be able to develop the story years later,
he shared, “Part of it was my age. I
was 35. You have more time, live more
life. Now I have so much more to draw
from. I think I’m wiser. I don’t know
if I could have done that back then. I
wasn’t mature enough to write about
how people feel. I didn’t know much
about it myself. Time made me a better
writer.”
Willert elaborated: “Most of the
work was done when school wasn’t
happening. Summer vacations, winter
vacations, weekends…in the summer,
I would wake up by seven [a.m.] and
work till noon. Then I would work
again at 10 [p.m.] then go till two in the
morning.”
Some of Willert’s passion may
have originated from his genes. He
was raised alongside nine brothers and
sisters to a drama teacher-writer father
and a mother who taught piano.
“I’ve always liked to fi ll up my
time. I love to read, but I like to write
too. I’ve always been like that. I like
doing things,” he said. “I like to bake
too.”
Willert acknowledges that there is
a distinct quality unique to both music
and writing.
“For me, it’s just a different
language. For music, you have lyrics.
[Writing] is just a way to do it without
the music. You have to be able to do
everything without a C-chord behind
you,” he said. “It’s not too different,
but the writing is easier. With music
you have to make sure everything is
coordinated and it’s more structural
with arrangements. Writing is just pure
imagination.”
The Wheat Field is that type of
work for Willert, and it is to become
one of four books in a series set to
explore the thousands of dimensions
around us. His next book, Dimensions:
The Plethora, has a planned release
date of December 2010.
“I’ve always wanted to write,”
Willert shared. “I fi gure you’re never
too old to do anything you want to do.
And then you do it, get it done and say
you did it.”
WRITING WITHOUT THE MUSIC: Dave Willert’s novel, Dimensions: The Wheat Field, will be released in December. The novel began as an 80 page short story 23 years ago.
Courtesy of DAVE WILLERT
Where the Wild Things Are is ‘not so juvenile’
CHARISSA KIM / Wildcat
MEET THE AUTHOR: Dave Willert, director, instructs his fourth period Spellbound
choir. “His teaching style is more about getting us to learn from our mistakes. He
doesn’t push us. He wants us to push ourselves. People in choir end up learning
not just about music, but themselves,” said Michelle Arno, junior.
ASHLEY PABONSTAFF WRITER
Remember Max and his distinct
white wolf costume?
Well, Max is back in Spike Jonze’s
movie based on Maurice Sendak’s
popular children’s book, Where the
Wild Things Are.
What seems to be a childish movie
turns out not to be so juvenile. Max
and his “wild things” have grown up.
Sendak’s beloved story has evolved
into much more than just a 48 page
bedtime book. The issues in the movie
connect with our every day struggles of
growing up and the pains of having to
face reality.
For instance, the adults in Max’s
life are too busy for the boy. His sister
leaves him for her friend,
and his mother
is either
e n g r o s s e d
in her work
or preoccupied
with a new
boyfriend.
M a x
is portrayed,
for most of the
story, as a lost
little boy. He comes from a broken
home. At one point, his mother, played
by Catherine Keener, scolds him:
“Max, what is wrong with you? You’re
out of control!”
Anguished, Max replies, “It’s not
my fault!”
This altercation evolves from little
things that happen around the house.
When Max walks downstairs, he is
disturbed to see his mom sitting on the
couch with an unfamiliar man (played
by Mark Ruffalo). Then Max and his
mother argue over what they will eat for
dinner. In the heat of the quarrel, Max
bites his mom, signaling a turning point
in the fi lm, and Max’s life.
Max decides that his life is not good
enough and “leaves”
home, in his
imagination anyway.
After the fi ght,
Where the Wild Things ARe (PG)
Actors: Catherine Keener, Max Records, Mark Ruffalo
Fast Fact: To date, the movie has grossed $61,800,000 at the box offi ce.
Playing at: Brea Edwards Theater
“We were gonna make a whole world like this. Now, everyone used to come here, but you know... you know what it feels like when all your teeth are falling out really slowly and you don’t realize and then you notice that, well, they’re really far apart. And then one day... you don’t have any teeth anymore..”
Where the Wild Things Are
Max runs away from home to a
sailboat and drifts away in the ocean,
his destination the land of the playful,
emotional, surprising, and very large
Wild Things.
The movie is fi lled with hidden and
profound meaning. The analogy of this
tiny sailboat in the monstrous ocean;
Max having to climb up a mountain;
and his control over monsters that can
easily devour him all mean relatively
the same thing, that Max is boy who,
feeling unloved, seeks power over
something or someone.
But even in his fantasy, he cannot
make things right, somehow managing
to turn his new imaginary friends
against him. When Max fi rst meets the
Wild Things, they want to eat him. In
order to remain unharmed, he concocts
a story about him being a Viking king
and how he can make the monsters’
heads explode. However, even with
power over the large beasts, Max is
confused.
I took my little brothers to see this
movie, and although they did not fully
understand the psychology of it, they
enjoyed the lively puppets (portrayed
by actors in costumes, and voiced
by the likes of Forest Whitaker and
James Gandolfi ni, among others). The
monsters look enormous against their
surroundings
The movie was not what I expected,
but towards the end I was blinking back
MOVIE REVIEW
EYE TO EYE: In this scene in Where the Wild Things Are, directed by Spike Jonze, protagonist Max shares an emotional moment with a wild friend.
fanpop.com
Now playing
tears as the ending was melancholy
and sort of bittersweet, much like
Max and the complex “wild things” he
encounters.
WILLERT from page 1
fanpop.com
7A&ENovember 4, 2009
“Bright star, would I were steadfast as thou art-- Not in lone splendor hung aloft the night and watching with eternal lids apart...” - John Keats
Bright Star ‘burns brightest’ in theatersEMILY LIUEDITOR-IN-CHIEF
In the fi lm Bright Star, the poem
“Bright Star” is recited twice, initially
spoken between two lovers, and then
whispered alone through tear stained
lips.
Following the short love life
of John Keats, poet, played by Ben
Whishaw, the title, Bright Star, is a
reference to Fanny Brawne, played
by Abbie Cornish. Keats fervently
admired the unchanging quality of the
stars in the night and called Brawne his
“constant.”
Bright Star is an account of Keats,
the ninteenth century English Romantic
poet who died at age 25 of tuberculosis.
He left behind poetry, letters and a lost
lover. The central focus in the fi lm is
the relationship formed by two next
door neighbors who can never wed, and
the failing health of Keats.
Whishaw, pale, lean, and restricted
to one blue velvet blazer, is almost an
exaggeration of the romantic poet.
However, his dream-like state enchants
the audience, his absolute belief in the
“holiness of the heart’s affections”
grasps us, and his complete portrayal of
Keats’ life breaks our hearts.
The fi lm is simple: two lovers who
are torn by money and fate. However,
both Whishaw and Cornish create more
depth in their affections than fi lms set
in modern day.
Not only does Whishaw dream,
but the fi lm does as well. Bright Star
is retrospection of nature and consists
of long scenic shots where the size of
the characters is diminished under the
setting. In one scene, Whishaw climbs a
tree and the scene cuts to him aloft in the
branches. As the wind rustles through
the cherry blossoms, it takes more than
a glance to realize he is among them.
There is a peace between nature and
the characters of the fi lm and like the
poem, there is a constant throughout
the movie. There was repetition in the
music and a reoccurrance of moments
of white light.
But through the nature, through the
haze of dreams, Brawne is the true light
in the fi lm. Cornish’s stoic front initially
throws the viewer askew, but there is
eagerness at the tips of her sentences
and a growing affection for Keats. Her
extremely volatile emotions, rather
than annoyance, garner sympathy for
a girl enduring the extremes of
fi rst love.
There is an abundance of
beauty of words in the fi lm—
woven throughout—with voice-
overs of Keats’ poetry and
letters between the lovers. The
ornate language of his sonnets
and odes are entwined with the
changing sounds of nature and
these words become their own
character.
The pauses, the tempo
and the structure of the Keats’
writing are awakened and
revived by Whishaw’s light
voice. And it becomes that our
emotions are not toyed with by
actions, but by the tone of Keats’
and Brawne’s words.
As the credits run, Keats’
poem “Ode to a Nightingale”
concludes our young poet’s
death and the fi lm ends with
the lines: “Was it a vision, or
a waking dream? Fled is that
music: do I wake or sleep.”
‘FIRST LOVE BURNS THE BRIGHTEST’: Bright Star, by director Jane Campion, is a nineteenth century-set drama that tells the true story of John Keats, poet, and his romance with Fanny Brawne.
www.cinemapolis.org
Literature into f lmi
Actors: Ben Whishaw, Abbie Cornish, Paul Schneider
Fast Fact: Based on the true story of poet John Keats.
Playing at: Irvine Spectrum
“BEAUTY is truth, truth beauty - that is all ye known on earth, and all ye need to know.”
John Keats, “Ode to a Grecian Urn”
Where the Wild Things Are
MOVIE REVIEW
Bright Star (PG)
than annoyance, garner sympathy for
a girl enduring the extremes of
There is an abundance of
beauty of words in the fi lm—
woven throughout—with voice-
overs of Keats’ poetry and
letters between the lovers. The
ornate language of his sonnets
and odes are entwined with the
changing sounds of nature and
these words become their own
The pauses, the tempo
and the structure of the Keats’
writing are awakened and
revived by Whishaw’s light
voice. And it becomes that our
emotions are not toyed with by
actions, but by the tone of Keats’
As the credits run, Keats’
poem “Ode to a Nightingale”
concludes our young poet’s
death and the fi lm ends with
the lines: “Was it a vision, or
a waking dream? Fled is that
music: do I wake or sleep.” JONATHAN PARK / Wildcat
The Wildcat staff selects the best of Hollywood’s literature adaptations. Our selections range from the classics (Gone with the Wind and Hamlet), to contemporary (No Country for Old Men, Jackie Brown, and Fight Club), to science fi ction (Blade Runner), and horror (Jaws). Our favorites:
“[Back then] people were not as caught up in getting attention for themselves as they are today,” Arczynski said. She added, “We were conservative. Students were expected to respect certain social standards.”
Another change: Homecoming has evolved into an event centered around a Saturday dance, and the focus on the true meaning of Homecoming—the celebration of the school’s alumni—has been lost.
“Homecoming now is about having the right dance moves, or wearing the hottest get-up or, for guys, finding a creative way of asking a girl [to the dance],” said Tiffany Ward, science teacher.
“Being a one school town, [Homecoming] is a chance for alumni to come back,” said health teacher Mike Baker (who was a prince at his high school’s Homecoming dance, and eventually married his date from that night).
“Homecoming at my high school was mainly an opportunity to see old friends at the football game and celebrate their return—and our team’s win—at the post-game dance. The game and the alumni made Homecoming special. The dance was sort of an after-thought,” said Alex Koers, English teacher.
However, the dance is anything but an afterthought at BOHS. Last year’s dance was held at Long Beach’s historic Queen Mary.
One constant since the ‘20s, however, is the celebration of the queen. Although the queen no longer rides across town leading a parade, she still reflects the pride of the campus.
Teacher’s past
Homecoming of years’ past1935 1948
1989 1990s
8
“What are you going to wear to homecoming?” Homecoming outfits are a prime topic of discussion among girls. From long elegant dresses in the ‘30s to tule-filled ball gowns in the ‘50s; to silk dresses in the ‘70s, to ruffles in the ‘90s. By the beginning of the millenium dresses have transformed into form-fitting sheaths. Homecoming dresses are no longer like they used to be “back in the day.”
1930s
Fashions through theages1950s 1970s 1980s 2000s
The tradition of Homecoming has evolved since its humble beginnings in 1927
vintageous.com, polyvre.com, shoppingcomfort.com, gwendolinecurl.blogspot.com, forever21.com. rawshoes.wordpress.com, etsy.com
1940s
“[Back then] people were not as caught up in getting attention for themselves as they are today,” Arczynski said. She added, “We were conservative. Students were expected to respect certain social standards.”
Another change: Homecoming has evolved into an event centered around a Saturday dance, and the focus on the true meaning of Homecoming—the celebration of the school’s alumni—has been lost.
“Homecoming now is about having the right dance moves, or wearing the hottest get-up or, for guys, finding a creative way of asking a girl [to the dance],” said Tiffany Ward, science teacher.
“Being a one school town, [Homecoming] is a chance for alumni to come back,” said health teacher Mike Baker (who was a prince at his high school’s Homecoming dance, and eventually married his date from that night).
“Homecoming at my high school was mainly an opportunity to see old friends at the football game and celebrate their return—and our team’s win—at the post-game dance. The game and the alumni made Homecoming special. The dance was sort of an after-thought,” said Alex Koers, English teacher.
However, the dance is anything but an afterthought at BOHS. Last year’s dance was held at Long Beach’s historic Queen Mary.
One constant since the ‘20s, however, is the celebration of the queen. Although the queen no longer rides across town leading a parade, she still reflects the pride of the campus.
Homecoming of years’ past1948 1958
1968
2009
9
The tradition of Homecoming has evolved since its humble beginnings in 1927
1973
The Wildcat has informed readers since 1930. The page above reflects the work of the Wildcat staff of 1958 during the time of Homecoming. This
front cover, from Nov. 21, 1958, is recreated on page 16 of this issue.
However, the nomination process for being a princess has changed dramatically since the dance’s inception decades ago. Homecoming has often been labeled a “popularity contest.” This year, however, a new application and interview process was implemented to dispel the idea of Homecoming princess being a “most popular” contest. (In fact, in the 1940s, headlines in the Wildcat announced, “Winners of popularity contest to be announced tonight.”)
Ashley Schweitzer, senior and princess, feels that the changes in the election process are “better and more fair.”
With the new process, Girls’ League feels that “the school will be represented well” with a fairer nomination process.
“I feel that we have so many eligible females who deserve the honor, but we haven’t necessarily showed our full potential,” said Jennifer Ryan, English teacher.
Ryan has made the decision of changing the process of election on merit rather than popularity. Merit is based upon involvement in clubs, extracurricular activities, and other leadership positions. Years ago and today, girls have had opportunities to join girls-only activities like Girls’ League, Girls’ Athletic Association, and Song and Yell (today’s cheerleaders).
Schweitzer echoed the sentiments of her fellow nominees: “I was surprised that I was nominated. It is an amazing feeling. Being a [princess] has given me a good opportunity to show who I am. It has helped me to become more mature.”
Homecoming from page 1
Photos courtesy of The gusher, Mike Baker, jennifer ryan, aMy Welch
10 Shelby Makris, junior, hopes to stay involved in Make-a-Wish as she balances school and sports. She has been nominated as junio Homecoming Princess this year. FEATURE
November 4, 2009
Despite ‘minor roadblock’ Makris excelsMake-a-Wish president Makris will be a recipient of the club’s goodwillCHELSEA YEHOnline editOr-in-chief
Make-a-Wish president Shelby Makris, junior,
will have her wish granted by her club members.
In an October club meeting, Makris revealed
that she was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous
leukemia.
When learning of her diagnosis, Make-a-Wish
members proposed to make her this year’s wish
recipient.
When Makris first received her diagnosis in
September, she was in “complete shock.” Her
doctors caught the cancer at an early stage, so it
is curable. Currently, Makris is awaiting a donor
match for a bone marrow transplant and expects to
make a full recovery.
Jeff Sink, girls’ basketball coach, will organize
a donor drive at school for Makris in December.
“Shelby has a rare blood type because she is
half-Greek and half-Italian...It’s a proverbial needle
in a haystack to find the perfect donor...[because]
the perfect donor needs to have [at least] 11 of
Makris’ genetic characteristics,” Sink said.
Juggling school and healthWith a compromised immune system, Makris
is not allowed to attend school where she can
easily contract illnesses from other students.
However, Makris remains active in Make-a-Wish
club, maintains a 4.0 GPA, and serves as secretary
of the junior class.
“Balancing school and my health condition is
really hard. I have two teachers come to my house
for five hours a week to help teach me with the
curriculum,” Makris explained.
Although her doctors require Makris to stay
home, she is able to attend basketball practices
at least once a week and continues to support her
teammates on the junior varsity basketball team.
As the Ladycats are defending state and
national champions, playing on the team can be
“stressful” for Makris but she “loves” the sport as
she has formed indelible friendships.
Designing the junior class Homecoming float
is another activity Makris still participates in.
Makris and ASB members have been preparing
their floats for the past three weeks.
Being able to participate in select school
events permits Makris to think of her future,
manage all her stress, and keep her motivated.
Nominated Homecoming PrincessMakris was also voted Homecoming princess
of the junior class.
Of her appointment, Makris said, “When I
found out that I was homecoming princess I was
so excited. I was happy that I got to share the
position with my friend, Savannah Maske. We
“...helping somebody who is having a tough time makes you feel like you are doing some-thing good for them...It makes life seem worth it when you help others.”
Shelby MakrisJUNIOR
Staying involved: (above) Shelby Makris, junior, poses on a police motorcycle during Make-a-Wish fundraiser at Coldstone in Downtown Brea. (left) Makris poses at Angels’ Stadium for the Homecoming princess photoshoot.
CHELSEA YEH / Wildcat
have known each other since preschool and it is so
cool that we get to share this experience together.”
Make-a-Wish involvementWhen asked why she joined Make-a-Wish,
Makris said, “I have known about the Make-a-
Wish foundation since I was really little. My
cousin Kamryn had cancer and she actually got her
wish granted. I got to see the joy it brought to her
family. Having my cousin be happy made everyone
happy. Her wish was to go to Disney World. I
love to help people, and helping somebody who
is having a tough time makes you feel like you are
doing something good for them. I think it makes
life seem worth it when you help others.”
Of her wish, Makris hopes to travel abroad.
Makris said, “My wish is to go to Greece. I am
half Greek. I have family from my dad’s side [in
Greece whom] I have never met so it would be a
great experience.”
To grant Makris’ wish, Make-a-Wish club will
fundraise at least $4,000 this year and $3,000 next
year for a total sum of $7,000 to cover the cost of
the trip to Greece.
Make-a-Wish club grants a wish to a Brea
student every year to reward his or her perseverance
under unfortuante and unfair circumstances.
“Obviously, our president would be a recipient
because she is a Brea student who deserves to be
encouraged in her path to health,” Susan Luce,
Make-a-Wish adviser and English teacher.
Of Makris’ goals, her mother Pamela Makris,
said, “Shelby has high goals for her life and is
treating this as a minor roadblock in her life.
Although she is not able to go to school right
now, she still keeps her grades up and tries to stay
involved with Make-A-Wish, her basketball team
and looks forward to returning back to school.”
Commenting on Makris’ road to recovery,
Sink said, “Shelby is dear to us. Her desire and
dedication to the [Ladycat] program is amazing.
She’s a role model for all of us. She has beat the
odds, we know she will beat leukemia.” Photo courtesy of SHELBY MAKRIS
1. Leukemias are broadly categorized by how quickly the disease develops and worsens as well as by the type of blood cells affected.
leukemia411.org
2. The four most frequently occurring types of leukemia are Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
oncologychannel.com
3. CML accounts for about 4,400 new cases of leukemia in the US each year. It affects mainly adults over the age of 50.
leukemia411.org
FAST FACTS
thewildcatonline.com
11FEATUREAfter the fi res, the ROLE program has been collecting donations in order to fund the gardening around the campus. New fl owers and trees have been planted along the hillsides.
November 4, 2009
one yeaR lateR: With skies filled with smoke and ash blowing across the community, fires ravaged the neighboring hills. The smell of burnt leaves and smoke lingered for weeks and massive amounts of ashes blanketed the school campus. Today, the hillsides along Wildcat Way are blooming with fresh planted flowers and trees.
Brea community brought closer through fire recoveryTHEA O’DELLStAff Writer
Any student or resident of Brea
can remember last years’ fires as if
they were yesterday. Flames lined
the hills, burning the trees, as many
residents watched in terror, wondering
if they too would be evacuated from
their homes.
A year later, memories still flood
back for many. Abigail Heiman,
sophomore, recalls, “The fires were
horrific. Since we live in Carbon
Canyon, the fires seemed to be even
worse.”
Despite this life-changing event,
many things have come out of it that
have made the community and the
school stronger.
Some of the changes include more
precautions with fire evacuations,
community gardening, and having
neighborhoods come closer together
to aid each other through the fire
recovery.
Yorba Linda resident Valerie
Vilardi said that when her horses were
evacuated from her home last year she
was informed that Brea firefighters
would be stepping up evacuation
procedures for the next disaster.
“They did a great job the last
time, but I feel that it was important
that they revised their procedures for
disasters such as the fires that occurred
last year. Possessions and pets are a
top priority for homeowners, and I
think it’s important that the firefighters
and law enforcement take that into
consideration” said Vilardi.
North Hills Church in Brea and
EV Free Church in Fullerton also
came together to help the school by
gardening around the campus and
community.
By removing ash and burnt trees
and planting trees and flowers, the
damage around the campus was
quickly covered.
“I think it’s great that everyone
seemed to appreciate the school more
after the fires. It was nice to see the
community come together and plant
plants and flowers around the high
school,” said Gil Rotblum, history
teacher.
“I feel that not only the planting
brought together the community, but
just the common interest that everyone
has in Brea. Almost every child ends up
going to [this school] and their parents
might have attended here as well. So I
feel that the community not only came
together for the students who attend
here, but also because they wanted to
preserve it because [they’re parents]
might have gone here too,” said Wade
Cormier, Chemistry teacher.
Another way the November fires
have made an impact on the community
is how the neighborhoods are being
brought together.
“Where we live, we’re definitely
more spirited now during any holidays.
Maybe it’s because we’ve all realized
how much our homes mean to us now,
and I think that’s great,” said Heiman.
Photo courtesy of MICHAEL ISENBERG (‘07)
eXtingUiSHing tHe FiRe: Helicopters dropped water to extinguish the fires. With the fires spreading rapidly, firefighters from Fullerton, Orange County, and L.A. County came to help contain and stop the fires.
Photo courtesy of MICHAEL ISENBERG (‘07) HEENA MORAR / Wildcat
One year later: Brea recovers from fire
JEANNIE KIMStAff Writer
Winds were high and the weather
was humid, making BOHS a target for
fire Nov. 14, 2008.
Captain Dave Spadt of the Brea
Fire Department, and father of Ashley
Spadt, junior, was coaching a softball
team when he saw the fire heading
towards the school.
“I began to take everyone down
the hill and went back up to get anyone
else, I knew that soon they would get
trapped,” said Spadt.
In order to get students back to
school as soon as possible, the fire
department also helped clean the
campus along with other volunteers.
“Our fire department was shocked
for it was the first time a fire this big
occurred in our city,” said Spadt.
After Wildcat Way was blocked,
students were not allowed to attend
school, Spadt drove up and saw how
the fire had ravaged the campus.
Hillsides had been burnt and ashes lay
blanketing the fields.
“I drove up the hill and felt as if
I was at the moon or another planet
since it was such a dark and frightening
sight.”
He also states that one of the
changes made on campus were the
trees that were restored on Wildcat
Way. The new trees planted are less
prone to burning .
“The community and our fire
department did such a great job, and we
are so thankful to the fire departments
of Fullerton, Orange County, and L.A
County for helping us during the fires,”
said Spadt.
“I love Brea. Knowing that the fire
would affect our community was very
hard, and was even more difficult since
my own daughter attends the school,”
said Spadt.
Firefighter Spadt shares first hand experience
1. Restore our Lawns and Landscape Program (ROLE) came forth from the fires. It was created by the school district. The program collects donations to fund the gardening throughout the city.
2. Local nurseries have been donating plants, trees, and flower for the gardening.
3. North Hills Church and EV Free Church have participated in the gardening so far.
4. The next gardening is scheduled on Nov. 14, which is the year anniversary of the fires. The gardening will start from Brea Canyon High School and cover the uphill slopes.
5. School budget was not used to fund the gardening.
FAST FACTS
The Wildcat is the official newspaper of Brea Olinda High School. The opinions expressed in this paper reflect the views of our staff writers and editors. Unsigned editorials reflect the views of the Wildcat staff. The Brea Olinda Unified School District has not reviewed, nor does it endorse, the products or services advertised.
789 Wildcat Way, Brea, CA 92821 (714) 990-7850
WILDCATBrea Olinda High School
FAYE MENDOZA Managing editor
hange is a compelling notion. It is an idea so gripping that President Barack Obama successfully revolved his
campaign around it. Positive change driven by the human quest to become better. Yet sometimes the wheel of progress comes to a standstill and starts to roll backwards. One must only look past today’s advancements in order to see this regrettable paradox: American society is regressing.
Whereas a recession is a slow decline in economy, a regression is a gradual degeneration of culture. These periods come and go, alternating with times of prosperity. Still, at no other time is a regression more apparent than when a nation is low and hurting.
That is why it is ironic that, even with our technological prowess and unrivaled brainpower, American society is defenseless against economic collapse. Everyday, thousands of economists forecast the course of the global market, and millions of students are educated about the history of the Great Depression.
Nevertheless, Americans sunk into smug complacency about credit and housing, plunging 300 million people into a downward spiral with no clear end.
This downturn can be explained by the Bowen Theory, which states that a regressive pattern begins when
Staff writers: Melina Agopian, Lois Ahn, Neha Ansari, Terry Kyung, Randy Liggins, Audrey Marra, Megan Mashal, Joseph Mulock, Thea O’Dell, Jean Orleans, Ashley Pabon, Matt Schade, Kelsey Smith, Christopher Suh
Emily LiuEditor-in-chief
“people act to relieve the anxiety of the moment rather than act on principle and a long-term view.” This is evident in the country’s modern obsession with foreign oil and the misuse of borrowed money. Humans are shortsighted, and this lack of foresight is a primary reason why the United States is reeling.
Even present “symptoms” mimic those of a history better not repeated. According to the theory, the 1960’s “growth of crime and violence,
less principled decision-making by leaders, and increases in divorce rate and bankruptcy” are all too familiar issues today and each an indicator of a regressing society.
For all the ground gained technology-wise, it seems peculiar that similar innovation is not used more often to solve problems. Improvements such as harnessing wind power are slow to transition, just like gas-guzzling vehicles continue to run rampant on streets. (Shouldn’t we have figured out how to mass-produce hydrogen-powered cars by now?)
Actress Natalie Portman expressed it best when she said, “I remember in
college, a professor asked our class to consider what our grandchildren would look back on as being backward behavior or thinking in our generation, the way we are shocked by the kind of misogyny, racism, and sexism we know was commonplace in our grandparents’ world. He urged us to use this principle to examine the behaviors in our lives and our societies that we should be a part of changing.”
It shouldn’t take an actress – even a Harvard-educated one – to understand that we must be considerate enough to have the future in mind.
Unfortunately, our current existence only makes us appear feeble and helpless. How have we been able to put a man on the Moon, but not come close to solving the difficult issue of health care reform? How are we able to allow the atrocities of war and human trafficking to occur amidst our high-rises and ethics laws?
The way we view John F. Kennedy’s NASA as a highlight of its time must be how our grandchildren perceive our actions. We must perform in ways that our descendants will find admirable and courageous. Our inventions should reflect a pioneering attitude and a resourcefulness they will try to emulate.
Instead of an age of de-evolution and waste, our time here should be looked back on as an era of recovery. Today’s generation must be seen as individuals who realized their faults and quickly rebounded to change America for the better, not the worse.
THINK IN INK by kathy simonetta
Staff EditorialIn “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” Samuel Coleridge writes, “Water,
water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink.” Students who survey the school bathrooms on campus may feel like the mariner as well—staring across a vast expanse of something they must confront but cannot touch. We do not face water, however, but disgusting bathrooms.
Toilet paper is left to soak in puddles of liquid and hygiene products litter the floor. And some time between third and fourth periods, the school bathrooms become nearly unbearable to walk into. However, in the morning, other than the graffiti- scrawled stall walls, the bathrooms are spotless and freshly cleaned. This rapid change in the bathroom’s condition leads reveals a lack of respect students have for their campus. By sixth period, many students avoid the restroom altogether. However, a lone huge, toilet paper-using, on-the-floor-peeing, foul-smelling student who ravages campus bathrooms does not exist. The true culprit is the entire student body.
In comparison to other schools, ours is lucky. We have dedicated custodians who ensure a safe and clean environment. Our bathroom doors lock and our toilets flush. Sometimes the dryers do not work and sometimes the faucet is broken, but they are all eventually fixed. However, our inability to clean up after ourselves is a direct result of the disrespect we have for our campus. Although students do not purposely leave the bathroom a mess as an act of rebellion, our laziness to even perform the very fundamental acts of sanitary health (like throwing tampons in the trash), communicates the lack of concern students have for our school.
We have all heard staff members and clubs call for improvement in school spirit. However, the conditions of the school bathrooms signify that many choose to ignore it. Rather than attempting to convince students to go above and beyond and scrub all 14 student bathrooms on campus, we ask them just to simply clean up after themselves.
Improvements such as harnessing wind power are slow to transition, just like gas-guzzling vehicles continue to run rampant on streets.
For the RecordNews: In the article about the evacuation, the quote was not correctly attributed to Bob Parish, assistant principal. On page 4, Paulina Forgette is a senior, not a junior.
On page 3, in the new teachers story, Stacey Jung is a freshman, not a sophomore.
Feature: The picture on page 10 was taken by Heena Morar.
Arts and Entertainment: The photo in the Glee article on page 12 was taken by Connie Jung.In the Glee article on page 12, Alyssa Garcia’s first name is not mentioned.
Opinion: The Small Talk photos on page 5 were taken by Heena Morar.
Sports: The volleyball picture on page 13 was taken by Annie Kim.The quote on page 13 in the water polo story was by Kyle Anderson.
Photographers: Annie Kim, Jeannie Kim, Judy Lee, Matthew Maul, Heena Morar, Jonathan Park Cartoonist: Kathy Simonetta
Alex KoersAdviser
Faye MendozaManaging editor
OPINION12 November 4, 2009
In the morning, [the] bathrooms are spotless and freshly cleaned. This rapid change in condition leads to one logical conclusion—the lack of respect students have for their campus.
Community colleges rise in popularityRANDY LIGGINS Staff writer
Although it may appear like students only aim to enter four-year private and state schools, an increasing number of high school graduates are enrolling in community colleges every year.
“I [wanted to go] to Stanford but they don’t take transfers from four year institutions, so junior college was the best option. It’s cheaper and I can still be with my family and serve in the Brea community,” said Jaken Lindenmeyer (‘09). “I’ve taken courses at local colleges like Hope and Biola and tutored with professors from all over. FJC has some of the best teachers I’ve ever had,” he added.
Community colleges also offer alternative routes for athletes who want to be recruited by a four-year college.
“I hope to go to Mt. SAC to play football after I graduate. From there I want to be picked up by [a four-year school],” said Zach Wall, senior, and v a r s i t y f o o t b a l l
player. Wall mentioned that Mt. SAC is an attractive place for him to hone his skills while waiting for the opportunity to get recruited by a four-year university. In 2008, Mt. SAC’s football team’s website noted that 20 of their players ended up transferring to four-year universities.
Furthermore, after high school, some students are simply not prepared for the commitment and demands of a four-year university. In some circumstances, students even have families to help support.
“I don’t think junior colleges are lesser schools than four-year universities,” said Mike Frisina (‘09). “One of my professors has a Ph.D from Stanford and another one graduated from Boston University and studied abroad in Japan. So the quality of teachers is still the same as a four-year,” added Frisina.
Frisina, currently the kicker for the Saddleback Junior College football team also hoped to parlay his junior c o l l e g e experience
into an athletic scholarship. Another prominent reason for the
growing popularity of community colleges is the moderately low tuition. With the recent 9.3 percent increase of University of California tuition, it may prove to be financially smarter to attend a community college.
“I was accepted by a four-year [university] but just didn’t have the money to pay for everything,” said Patrick Jackson (‘09). “I don’t regret going to a junior college. Lots of people say it’s like the ‘13th grade,’ but it is allowing me to grow up and live on my own, yet it is still close enough to home to where I can still see my family and friends.”
With the cost of tuition for many four-year colleges rising, enrollment in community colleges is sure to increase. With an education as thorough as many four-year colleges, and without the four-year college financial burdens, community c o l l e g e s are a great alternative.
2% 19%3%
Percent of the Class of 2009 attending local community collegesCompiled from 2008-2009 senior surveys
Hwa Eun KimNews & Feature editor
Charissa KimA&E editor
Paul LeeOpinion editor
Anar Bata Connie Jung Sports editors
Rachel Kim Photo editor
Saloni ShahCenterspread editor
Santiago College Mt. Sac Fullerton College
C
Change necessary to halt America’s slide into regression
Girls’ Golf
Girls’ varsity golf ranked second place in Century League with a record of 6-2 and an overall record of 9-5.
Wildcat golfers defeated El Dorado High School, 234-243, Oct. 13. Their victory qualified the girls for CIF.
Ranked first in league, Canyon High School defeated the Wildcats at Western Hills Golf Course, 198-235, Oct.. 15.
Oct. 19, at Diamond Bar golf course, the girls lost to Wilson High School by seven strokes.
Against Troy High School, Oct. 21, the team fell once more in a non-league game by 13 strokes.
CIF competitions begin tomorrow.
Sherman Uyeno
Boys’ Water Polo
Averaging seven goals and seven steals per game, boys’ varsity water polo stands at 6-14 overall and 0-4 in Century League.
Boys’ water polo suffered its third league loss in its last home game, 10-7, against Canyon High School, Oct. 20.
“We almost had them during the third quarter,” said Joe Heiman, senior.
Against El Modena High School, the Wildcats faced a 15-7 defeat, Oct. 27. Kyle Anderson, senior, led the team with three goals.
“I think we’re going to do pretty good. People don’t think we’re going to do good but we’re going to prove them wrong,” stated Cale Engelage, junior.
Randy Liggins
Varsity Football
Standing at 1-6 overall and 0-2 in Century League, varsity football hopes to turn their season around in the remaining three games.
After falling to the Valencia High School, 41-13, in a non-league game, Oct. 9, the Wildcats headed into league with a 2-4 preseason record.
In the league opener against the Villa Park High School, Oct. 16, the offense was shut off, resulting in a 35-0 loss.
Facing El Dorado High School, the Wildcats continued to struggle and fell short in a 28-0 defeat.
The Wildcats take on El Modena High School on Friday.
Matt Schade
Girls’ Volleyball
As CIF approaches, girls’ varsity volleyball enters its remaining games with a 2-2 Century League record and 7-6 overall record.
Against El Modena High School, the Wildcats brought home a 3-0 league victory, Oct. 15, and had another win against Tustin, Oct. 20, with a 3-2 victory.
“It was a game that kept us on our toes the whole time, but we were able to pull through with a victory,” said Marissa Chapman, sophomore.
Wildcat players defeated Villa Park High School with a 3-1 win, Oct. 22.
Girls’ varsity volleyball has its lasts league game against Tustin tomorrow.
Lois Ahn
Girls’ cross country focuses on CIF
NEHA ANSARISTAFF WRITER
With a new coach, captain, and team members, girls’ cross country currently ranks fourth in Century League, 2-3, and sets its eyes on CIF.
The Wildcat participated in three invites: the Clovis Invite, Oct. 10, the Orange County Championship, Oct. 17, and the Mt. SAC Invite, Oct. 23.
To Laurel Mathews, senior, Mt. SAC was the most difficult out of the three courses.
“Mt. SAC had the toughest hills and
it was also really hot that day, so [the team] had a hard time,” said Mathews.
At Carbon Canyon Park, Oct. 28, the Wildcats emerged victorious against El Dorado High School, 25-34. However, they were defeated by El Modena High School, 26-30.
Despite the difficulty of the race, the team’s captain, Kelly Dimeo, senior, was able to beat the record set by Vanessa Hancock (‘08) with a third fastest time of 19:40 on the Carbon Canyon course. She is also currently undefeated in all league races.
“We’ve been comparing our times
from last year and hopefully, by doing this, we can qualify for CIF,” said Sabrina Gastelum, senior.
MATT SCHADESTAFF WRITER
At the Clovis Invitational, Oct. 10, Jake Quattrocchi, senior, ran 16:50, placing 24th overall out of a field of 150 runners. Following Andrew Daedler, junior, Quattrocchi finished second for the varsity team and the Wildcats placed second overall in the Large School Race.
Orange County ChampionshipsAt the Orange County
Championships, Oct. 17, at Irvine Park, the cross country team continued competing amongst some of the best teams in the state and placed 12th overall in the county and third in CIF
Division III. Competing
in the Sweep Six, Daedler finished with a time of 15:42, placing first for the team and 24th i n d i v i d u a l l y overall.
L e a g u e rival Canyon High School, finished just ahead of the Wildcats at tenth place, yet Daedler
finished before all Canyon runners as Tom Howland, senior, followed behind Canyon’s number two runner.
“We will definitely beat them,” Daedler said, in regards to the upcoming league finals where the Wildcats will get another shot at Canyon.
Howland, confident with the team’s recent improvement, said, “We showed that we can hang right with Canyon and that if we get healthy, we can blow Canyon away.”
Boys’ cross country is currently ranked ninth in the state for Division III, dropping five spots from its preseason
ranking of fourth. Previous number two runner Ryan Hightower, junior, number three runner Matt Ellenson and Jared Salvary, seniors, are recovering from injuries.
Of the meet, Howland said, “The race was intense. Hundreds of spectators were lining the course and there was constant yelling on both sides of the path. We were racing against some of the fastest teams and individuals in the country so when we would normally be in the front of the race, there were masses of people right alongside us.”
At the Orange County Championships, Elliot Ramirez, sophomore, placed as the tenth fastest sophomore in all of Orange County.
Mt. SAC InvitationalCompeting in the Mt. SAC
Invitational, Oct. 23, the Wildcats once again improved their times and led the school to a third place finish, behind Granite Hills High School and Golden Valley High School.
Ramirez led the team with a time of 16:17 which placed 13th overall at the event. The Wildcats finished as the top performing team from the Century League at the invite.
“There are definitely areas for improvement, especially with our ability to be able to take a tough situation and get as much as we can from it regardless of weather, mental condition, or even physical condition,” Ramirez said on the team’s performance at Mt. SAC.
Howland placed second for the team with a time of 16:23, finishing 17th overall.
The varsity team finished third in CIF Division III, and managed to beat a few state ranked teams, not only in the CIF Southern Section, but also the defending Alabama state champions.
At the Mt. SAC Invite, Howland commented on the atmosphere of racing in the prestigious race, “The field was still a good one so the race was intense again. We had three guys together for most of the race and had the fastest third guy, so it was nice hearing other coaches screaming at their athletes to catch us because we were such a threat.”
Boys’ cross country continued its recent success in a tri-meet against both El Dorado High School and El Modena High School, Oct. 28.
Against El Dorado High School,
Boys’ cross country heads for league fi nals at 4-1SPORTSDevin Gimbel, senior, and boys’ varsity water polo finished their season, standing at 0-4 in Century League and
6-14 overall after a 15-7 loss against El Modena High School, Oct. 27. 13November 4, 2009
COMING UP...@ CIF Finals
When: Nov. 14Time: TBAWhere: Mt. SACSeason update: Currently ranked fourth in Century League at 2-3, girls’ cross country marks its calender for CIF Finals at Mt. SAC.
Jeremy Mattern
Andrew Daedler
Team plans to ‘blow Canyon away’
FALL SPORTS WRAP
COMING UP...@ CIF Finals
When: Nov. 14Time: TBAWhere: Mt. SACSeason update: With a record of 4-1 in Century League and ranked third in CIF Division III, boys’ cross country heads into league fi nals today. Canyon High School leads league with a 5-0 record.
Photo courtesy of KELLY DIMEO
ON THE RUN: Kelly Dimeo, senior, competes at the Orange County Championships, Oct. 17. Dimeo, currently undefeated in Century League races, beat the record set by Vanessa Hancock (‘08) with a time of 19:40.
the Wildcats won, 20-43, and the team also defeated El Modena High School, 17-46, pushing their record to 4-1 in league.
Mark Svet, junior, finished with a time of 17:37, placing eighth overall and stated, “This race was probably the best meet we’ve had this year from a team standpoint. We all took it out together in a pack and stuck together for most of the race.” Ramirez also put in a great race, finishing second overall
and first for the Wildcats with a time of 16:48.
Boys’ cross country has Nov. 4 circled for League Finals.
“Canyon is leading in league at 5-0, but if we can beat them at league finals, we can tie for league champs,” said Svet. “With the way our training and racing is coming along there is a chance for that to happen.”
“We have a few weeks to get healthy to we beat Canyon,” said Howland.
Devin Gimbel, senior, and boys’ varsity water polo finished their season, standing at 0-4 in Century League and 6-14 overall after a 15-7 loss against El Modena High School, Oct. 27.
SPORTS Sharen Caperton, girls’ athletic director, is known for being a “diehard” Angels fan. She has been an Angels season ticket holder for 31 consecutive years.14 November 4, 2009
MATT SCHADESTAFF WRITER
After clinching the league championship for the third year in a row in 2008, and advancing to the second round in CIF, boys’ soccer hopes to repeat the feat once again this season.
“My expectations are always high. I believe that this team can compete for a league title,” Steve Teal, head coach stated.
Last season the Wildcats finished
Boys’ soccer shoots for fourth straight CIF title
with a 14-7-2 record and captured their 20th league title in 25 years. The team was also ranked number eight in Division II and number 12 in Orange County.
This year however, Teal believes that winning a fourth league title will be more challenging than before.
“We have to work harder than in the past because we lack experience and skill. I believe we have the players in place who are willing to sacrifice and learn. Over the next month that desire will be put to the test as we all will
TERRY KYUNGSTAFF WRITER
Over the last few decades, Sharen Caperton, girls’ athletic director, has seen the differences in the girls’ athletic program as a former student and current teacher.
When Caperton began teaching at BOHS in 1974, there were very few differences between her high
school years and her years of teaching. However, when comparing her beginning years with today, Caperton said, “the faculty was smaller and closer. I got to know them personally and it was easier to communicate and have fun with them.”
Along with a larger staff, the number of students also increased.
“When I went to BOHS, we had less than 300 students in our class year
and we had traditions we believed in and followed,” Caperton said.
Today, BOHS hosts over 2000 students.
In her first year as a teacher, Caperton coached volleyball, basketball, badminton, track and field, softball, and field hockey, which soccer later replaced.
During the years prior to 1977, girls had sports teams, but they did not
compete in competitions, such as CIF. The girls had “play days” instead, in which they had games against other high schools. When girls were finally allowed to compete in leagues, they participated in most sports.
Caperton encourages girls to play several sports as to become “well-rounded.”
As coach, Caperton was able to bring the most out of each athlete and make an impact on their life.
Vanessa Rigsby, a former student of Caperton and current girls’ JV softball coach, said, “Caperton was able to see the potential in all her athletes and would help [them] reach it. As a coach, she was able to provide her knowledge and experience of the game and share that with her players. Having Caperton as a coach helped me realize how much I loved the game and I was fortunate enough to be asked to come and coach after I graduated.”
In 2007, Caperton retired as head girls’ varsity softball coach and is currently working as the physical education teacher and girls’ athletic director.
Although Caperton stopped coaching athletes, she continues to influence current coaches.
“[When] I came back to coach Caperton was somewhat a mentor for me as she has had a successful career
Caperton witnesses change in girls’ athletics
STUDENT BECOMES TEACHER: (Left) BOHS alumnus, Sharen Caperton, smiles for her senior portrait. (Right) Caperton instructs Akshay Verma, freshman, on how to perform a squat in PE class.
Caperton by the
Numbers
33years
JEANNIE KIM / Wildcat
KICKING FOR THE WIN: Elias Hernandez, senior, dribbles the ball down field as Austin Mierau, sophomore, attempts to steal during practice, Oct. 30.
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW
Girls’ soccer returns with ‘strong group of players’SHERMAN UYENOSTAFF WRITER
Girls’ soccer will begin this season with a core of returning players.
Although last season’s team record was 2-4-2, the girls were able to defeat El Dorado High School, ranked third, in Century Lea 5-3.
Hoping for a better season, Nicole Lundy, senior, said, “We lost three seniors from last year’s starting team but our returners will be able to step it up and play the positions better.”
She added, “[We] have worked more on physical conditioning this year.”
Returning players include Chelsea Braudo, senior, Chloe Kincer and Allison Mortiz, juniors, all of whom were recognized by Century League for their performance last season.
Mortiz was vote to the leagues first team.
According to Emily Schade, senior, Canyon High School seems to be the team’s biggest competitor. However, the girls seem to be thinking positively about the season ahead.
“I think that our varsity team has the ability to beat all of the other teams in league as long as we stay committed to playing hard and as a team every game,” said Schade.
need to ask more of ourselves and each other.”
Matt Spies, senior, realizes this potential in players.
“We are a lot younger and inexperienced, but we are more dedicated on and off the field than in the past years,” said Spies.
As captain, Spies stated that he feels his role on the team is not only to lead the team during games, but to make the team improve throughout the year and help prepare younger players in the program for the future.
Michael Palmer, junior, also commented on this year’s youth. He said, “Last year we had mostly seniors starting and this year we will have a lot younger team especially in the back line.”
As of now, the Wildcats return with no starters from last year’s championship defense and field a defense comprised of three sophomores and a freshman goalie.
Teal knows that the defense will be a major asset as to whether this season is successful.
“Like most teams, the defense is the key to success. This year’s defense is super young and lacks experience, so we need to keep it simple and really work on making good decisions,” said Teal.
“Palmer will be a key player at the defensive mid. If he can read the game well and stay disciplined in the middle we can be very successful. His play can prevent many opportunities on goal,” Teal added.
Both Spies and Palmer agree that the main competetor this season in Century League will be El Modena High School.
“[They will be] a threat because they are returning most of their starters
COMING UP...vs. Aliso Niguel High School
When: November 30Time: 5:00 p.m.Where: Aliso Niguel High SchoolSeason preview: Boys’ soccer will begin their season with the Green/Gold game, in which varsity will play against JV, Nov. 21. Boys’ JV soccer will also play against Aliso Niguel, Nov. 30, as their fi rst preseason game.
48totalyears
Photo courtesy of SHAREN CAPERTON JEANNIE KIM / Wildcat
teaching at BOHSteaching at BOHS35years
34yearscoaching girls’ athletics
as girls’ athletic director
31yearsholding Angel season tickets
11yearsof softball league championships
in the Brea school system
as a coach. [She] is an asset to girls’ athletics,” said Rigsby.
While the program may have changed throughout the years, Caperton’s dedication did not.
“ I love sports and I love what I am doing,” Caperton said. “I have never wanted to do anything else but teaching and coaching sports.”
In 35 years at BOHS, Caperton has had court-side seat to evolution of girls’ sports competitions
from last year,” Spies said. Palmer also added that playing El
Modena will be a rivalry game this season. He said, “We have unfinished business with them,” because El Modena tied with the Wildcats last season as co-league champions.
Teal knows the odds are against the team to win CIF for the fourth consecutive year.
“Most coaches who know the high school game pick us to finish fifth this year. We will have to work hard to overcome every other team’s experience. The last time we were picked to finish this low we came in second in league.”
The players on this team know they are not the favorites, but as Teal stated, “We are a team that is unknown. We can be great or we can lose.”
Players such as Spies and Palmer know what this team is capable of and both have set their goals on capturing the fourth consecutive league title.
Along with working on attaining this title, boys’ soccer will also be participating in the Wildcat Cup, the annual tournament in which other schools from California will participate. Dec. 7 to Dec. 11, and Alumni Game, Jan. 5.
SPORTSKelsey Harris, senior, and the defending national champion Ladycats will host the Ladycat Classic, Dec. 1 to Dec. 6. The annual tournament features some of the best girls’ basketball teams in the country. 15November 4, 2009
Wrestlers eye top 3 fi nish in CIF
Ladycats to defend state title Boys’ basketball to rely on experience, size
CHRISTOPHER SUHSTAFF WRITER
When the winter season arrives and the nights get colder and longer, the few lights that illuminate the school after-hours reveal the wrestling team fo-cused on their training.
Beginning Nov. 16, wrestling will commence its season. Until then, the team has been meeting
every Friday after sixth period for pre-season training and condition-ing.
This is Feargus McTeggart’s sixth year as wrestling head coach. With ten returning varsity wrestlers, McTeggart has high expectations.
“We may not have that many seniors return-ing this year,” said Tom Shore, senior, “but some of our freshmen [beat] juniors and seniors in league matches last year, so winning league [is] a reality.”
“This year, we have a really good balance on the team aspect of wrestling,” added McTeggart. “I expect the returning seniors such as Thomas Shore, Jake Amsbury, and Wyatt Sawtell to stand on that podium for league, CIF and Masters.”
From July 20–24, 50 Wildcat wrestlers took part in the “Camp of Champions,” a wrestling camp hosted by the world’s current number two ranked wrestler, Jake Herbert. Last year, Henry Cejudo, Olympic gold medalist, hosted the camp after winning the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 55kg weight class.
Tom Shore
“These are Olympic and world class cham-pions that came to our school to teach us how to win,” said McTeggart.
According to the Orange County Wrestling Coaches Association, the Century League is the toughest league in Orange County, due to El Do-rado and El Modena High Schools being ranked number one and two, respectively, in CIF. The league also produces the most CIF, Masters, and State placers than any other league in Southern California.
“Both El Dorado and El Modena this year have lost the majority of their [senior] varsity wrestlers,” said McTeggart. “So if we beat those two, not only can we be league champions this year, we could also be in the top three in CIF.”
However, despite team expectations, there are personal goals as well. To Jacob Castillo, sopho-more, his main goal is “[to survive] the season.”
“The attrition the sport does on you defines your commitment,” said McTeggart. “If you’re lazy during practice, it could cost you an injury during a real match. This sport defines the true champions and the fakers.”
“Our team is young, but when you add all the factors up, I believe our team is a model for suc-cess this year,” McTeggart added.
COMING UP...vs. Magnolia High School
When: December 11, 12Time: 4:00 p.m.Where: TBASeason preview: Wrestling season offi cially begins Nov. 14. The freshmen team hits the mats fi rst with a duel at Sonora High School Dec. 5. Varsity begins their competition season at Magnolia High School Dec. 11 and 12.
RANDY LIGGINSSTAFF WRITER
Being the CIF, state, and national champions of 2008-2009, the Ladycats’ expectations are understandably high.
“I hope we can make it to State again this year. We lost Jonae Ervin [‘09] but our younger players gained a lot of experience from last year,” said Alexis Perry, junior.
Last season, the Ladycats routed Carondelet High School at Arco Arena in Sacramento in the state championship game, 68-45. Kelsey Harris, senior, led the Ladycats with 25 points. The team finished the year with a 33-2 record.
Captains of the current season consist of Harris and Breana Buczek, seniors, and Alexis Perry and Justine Hartman, juniors.
Hartman led the team last year with an average of 14.8 points per game, and was second in rebounds with a 6.8 average.
The Ladycats expect their toughest game this season to be against Mater Dei High School, Jan. 18. Leading Mater Dei is 6-foot Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, sophomore, who averaged 22.5 points and 12 rebounds per game last season. Espn.com recently named her “one of the best shooters in the country.”
During the last match-up between the two teams, the Ladycats handed the Monarchs--then ranked number one in the nation--their only defeat of the
season, 44-38. Along with preparing for Century
League play, the Ladycats will host the annual Ladycat Classic Tournament, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 6.
Although the Ladycats fell to Cajon High School in last year’s tourney, they are motivated more than ever to be crowned tournament champs.
Players to watch this season include
the 6’2 Hartman (State Freshmen of the Year in 2007-2008), guard Perry (2.6 assists per game last season), 5’11 sophomore forward Keitra Wallace (four points, three rebounds per game last season as a freshman), and 5’9 sophomore forward Jeanier Olukemi (4.1 points per game last season).
The Ladycats begin defense of their state title Nov. 30.
RANDY LIGGINSSTAFF WRITER
Making it to second round of the playoffs last year, boys’ varsity basketball has its standards set even higher this year.
Last season, the Wildcats suffered a loss to Golden Valley High School in the
second round of playoffs, 8 2 - 5 9 , despite then-s o p h o m o r e Kyle Caudill’s 20 points and 11 rebounds. The boys finished the
season at 14-15 overall. Pre-season this year includes games
against Corona Del Mar and La Canada High Schools. Tournaments include North Orange County, Buena Park and Torrey Pines.
This year, the Wildcats are younger than last year’s team with ten out of the 15 players underclassmen. But this inexperience will be off-set by the return of the 6’11 Caudill, who is already on many Division I team’s radars following a season in which he averaged 16.3 points and 12 rebounds.
The Wildcats plan to push the ball
Kyle Caudill
up the court more as opposed to setting up in a half court offense, which they relied on last season and resulted in a 56.7 points per game average.
Canyon High School, defending Century League champion, is expected to be the Wildcats number one competition this upcoming season. The Wildcats fell twice to the Comanches. “We are looking to bring a league title home in the upcoming season. If the CIF divisions stay fair we will be able to make a strong run at CIF,” said Bob Terry, head coach.
Returners looking to contribute immediately include last year’s third and fourth leading scorers Clayton Ragsdale, junior, and Daniel Villavecer, senior.
The team opens play Nov. 20 with the annual Green vs. Gold game.
Jacob Castillo
Green vs. Gold Intrasquad Game
When: November 20Time: 6:00 p.m.Where: Brea Olinda High SchoolSeason preview: Boys’ basketball starts the season with their Green vs. Gold game. The Wildcats are also participating in the NOC tournament later in the season which will take place from Dec. 14 to Dec. 19.
JEANNIE KIM / WildcatPRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: The defending state champion Ladycats practice after school, Oct. 30. The annual Green vs. Gold game is Nov. 21.
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW
COMING UP...
HOMECOMING QUEEN CROWNED FRIDAYThe Wildcat
Brea-Olinda High School, Brea, Calif.
VOL. LXXIX, NO. 2 NOVEMBER 4,2009
Angels Stadium Slated for Homecoming, ‘09 style
Five Seniors Vie For Queen Honors
Homecoming candidates- (front row left) Ashley Schweitzer, Ajia Goodson, and Andrea Frisina; (back row left) Melissa Bent and Kaylee Dysart, senior princesses pose in their Halloween costumes.
‘BIG SWING’ THEME FOR HOMECOMING RALLY THURSDAY
As the fi rst formal dance of the school year approaches, students across campus are looking forward to the annual Homecoming dance which will take place Nov. 7. Although Girls’ League has been planning an annual Homecoming since 1927, this year’s dance is to be “extra special,” said Arleen Chadha, Girls’ League member.
On the dance’s location, Cindy Gebala, junior and Girls’ League secretary, said, “Angels Stadium was picked as this year’s location because the Angels are a successful local sports team that has always been popular. So that should make people want to come.”
Although some students may want to “jerk” on the pitcher’s mound, the actual dance will take place at the Diamond Club, which, according to Gebala, “is right behind the home plate so students will have the chance to be in the stadium and see the fi eld up close.” Gebala also said that the club has “a cool atmosphere [with] an excellent dance fl oor.”
The dance’s theme also ties in with the location. “‘The Big Swing’ is an interesting theme that also relates to baseball so it was the perfect choice,” added Chadha.
Since the dance follows Homecoming spirit week and the traditional football game, Chadha hopes that students will be following dress-up days and attending the football game, while also being excited for the dance.
“People should come just because it will be an entertaining and engaging way to celebrate the end the fi rst quarter while hanging out with friends and dancing to some great music,” Chadha said.
Preparing since summer, Girls’ League members hope for the dance to be success. “Not only have we been planning for a long time, but we’ve also put a lot of work into this dance, so we just want people to come and appreciate our efforts,” said Gebala. She added, “[We want] homecoming to be a home run.”
Neha Ansari
Underclass princesses ready for dance
Four underclassmen princesses were announced along with the senior princesses Oct. 2. Heather Lystad, freshman, Justine Garate, sophomore, and Shelby Makris and Savannah Maske, juniors, underwent a nomination and application process, eventually winning each of their respective class elections.
The four girls are prepping for the Homecoming rally and half-time show where they will have their bios read.
Football: 51 years ago2009 Football Captains
Chris Graciarena Joe Martinez Randy Liggins Luke WilliamsPlayers to watch for: Justin Owens, sophomore, Zach Wall, Luke Williams, Derrick Koteita, seniors
Predicted League Champion: Tustin
Team Strength: “We � ght hard and never quit,” said Randy Liggins, senior
Team Goal: To make CIF playo� s
Needs to Improve: “We need to be more aggressive,” said Liggins.
Current Record: 2-6
Next Game: El Modena, Friday at home at 7 p.m.
Future EventsNo School - Friday
Homecoming Football Game- Home, Friday, 7 p.m.
Homecoming Dance - Angel Stadium, Saturday, 8 p.m.
No School - Veterans Day, 11/11
No School - Thanksgiving, 11/26-11/27
Yellow Ribbon Week - Suicide Prevention, 11/30-12/4
Canned Food Drive - 12/1-12/17
Mr. Brea - Performing Arts Center, 12/9
Set for tomorrow, the yearly Homecoming rally has been in preparation for weeks. Homecoming, Saturday at Angels Stadium, is themed the “Big Swing,” in reference to both baseball and the Swing Era of the late 1930’s.
Chelsea Essington, senior and pep commissioner for ASB said, “Wear your class colors because the class competition is still going on and we’ve tied the theme of ‘Big Swing’ into the rally. It’s going to be really fun.”
Varsity football is singing the national anthem, teachers will be performing a skit, and the nine homecoming princesses and their escorts will be walking the red carpet as they are introduced to the school.
Five seniors were voted to Homecoming court, but only one is to be crowned Homecoming queen during Friday’s half-time show.
Ajia GoodsonAjia Goodson has lived overseas in
Macao, China, and Penang, Malaysia, and moved to Brea her junior year. She is president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and co-president of the Girl’s Bible Study club. Goodson said, “It is a really cool honor to be voted as senior homecoming princess.”
Andrea Frisina Andrea Frisina is the captain of the varsity
volleyball team and was voted the most “all-around.” Frisina said, “I am very honored to be a [homecoming] princess and no matter who wins, we are all deserving of it.”
Ashley Schweitzer Ashley Schweitzer is involved in many
clubs and is president and founder of the Brea Museum Historical Society club. Schweitzer said, “I’m really excited to represent Brea Olinda and show people that we have great well-rounded students,”
Kaylee DysartKaylee Dysart is a four year member of choir
and Masquerade and was previously freshman homecoming princess in 2006. Dysart said, “I believe all the girls on court are wonderful girls who all deserved and worked hard to become a role model for the student body,” and added, “it’s not every day you get to feel like you are truly are a princess.”
Melissa Bent Melissa Bent’s “life in Brea revolves around
school and all the activities and responsibilities that come with it.” She has been on the tennis team for four years and currently serves as ASB president. Bent said, “I have a ton of school spirit. I live for it.”
Compiled by Lois Ahn
RACHEL KIM / Wildcat
RACHEL KIM / Wildcat
1958 Football - (From top left) Jim Braly earned a spot on the All-CIF team. (Bottom left) Jim Braly, Dick Skinner, Ken Waggener, and Russ Trader were named to the Orange All-League team. (Top right) Skinner and Waggener were the 1958 co-captains and led their team to a league title.
Wildcat (‘58)