Opinion........................4Features......................7Centerspread................9Arts..............................13Sports..........................16Pulse............................20

CONTENTS

PULSE / 20

SPORTS / 19

ARTS / 13

CENTERSPREAD / 9

FEATURES / 8

OPINION / 4

NEWS / 3

WHAT’SINSIDE:

HART’S PROM:“SAVE TONIGHT”

SAYING BYE TO HART AND HELLO TO COLLEGE

A STUDENT’S GUIDE TO COLLEGE LAPTOPS

THE PATHWAYS OF EDUCATION

THE ART SHOW IS BACK AT HART

SPRING SPORTS WRAP-UPS

A GOODBYE TRIBUTE TO SMOKE SIGNAL SENIORS

Governor Jerry Brown visits Hart

BROWN AT HART: Jerry Brown held a press conference at Hart to discuss the recent buget cuts affecting schools all across the state of California. Select students were chosen to sit in and listen to the conference. A couple students were able to ask Brown questions concerning their school’s budget cuts.

Shannon CholakianEditor-in-ChiEf

Directly after his election on January 3, Governor Jerry Brown left the office and took to the schools of California to discuss his recent budget plans and his solutions to the state’s financial problems. Unknown to most fac-ulty until the day before, Brown dropped by Hart for a meeting with members of the Hart District staff, teachers, parents, and students, along with employees of law en-forcement and criminal services to discuss how his budget plan will affect the respective listeners.

The meeting was set up like a city council meeting, with the guest legislators on a panel speak-ing to the invited citizens seated in chairs with major press cam-eras in the back and surrounding

on all sides. On the panel with the governor was Sheriff Lee Baca, State Superintendent Tom Torlakson, LA County Probation Chief Donald Blevins, LA County Interim Education Superintendent Jon Gundry, and to some surprise Cameron Smyth, Republican as-semblyman and Hart alum. Smyth is the only Republican to accept Brown’s invitation in regards to meeting with schools in the state, and because he graduated from Hart, Smyth can add his own per-spective into how the budget crisis effects Hart.

“I ran track, was on the first men’s volleyball team, [and] I played football,” said Smyth. “I was involved and I had a great experience here at Hart.”

At the meeting two students, two teachers, one parent, and the principal Dr. Collyn Nielsen spoke

among many others about the vis-ible cutbacks that the small bud-get had caused, and the panelists had the opportunity to see it first hand when they toured Brandon Duran’s fourth period chemistry classroom in room S-7. Duran’s newly modernized class was filled with students, however the class-room next door was as new but completely empty because Hart does not have the money to hire an extra teacher.

“To walk into a chemistry classroom with almost forty kids, it’s crowded. And hearing that [Hart] has a full chemistry class-room that is not in use because of the lack of teachers, that seems like such a waste,” Smyth said. “[It is] unfortunate to see kids crammed into classrooms.”

The conclusion of the meeting left the audience with one simple

statement: if the tax increase is not voted on, schools may lose up to nine hundred dollars per student. For Hart, which had to cut a week out of their school days because of the economy before the Gov-ernor’s new budget, Hart High School in the future may not be able to supply any funding for ex-tra curricular classes or activities, endangering programs that are not required by the state, for example journalism.

“One of the things that keep kids going to school is their clubs, or their sport. Sometimes that’s what they need to come and stay involved in school,” Smyth said. “If you eliminate [those pro-grams], you can really put kids even further in jeopardy of falling through the cracks, you want to preserve those programs as much as you can.”

Beloved math teacher retires after over 30 yearskatiE finnigan & JoEy fiShErStaff WritErS

Following 30 years of teaching nearly ev-ery math class available at Hart, Math Depart-ment chair and well-loved teacher Jeanne Tong will be retiring, regretfully for the students.

While she may be nearing the end of her career as a teacher at Hart, next semester, she will return as a substitute for Mrs. Zamora dur-ing her maternity leave next semester, in order to ease into her retirement.

When she truly begins her retirement, Tong plans to take trips to Seattle and Vancouver with her sister, and a cruise in the Caribbean.

As an extremely dedicated teacher, Tong, despite her excitement to retire, will miss her students, and “the camaraderie of teaching with some of the best teachers in the profession.”

Along with teaching students, Tong will miss the sillier parts of her job such as when she

had “the water gun fight with Mr. Mansfield’s class, [where] the assistant principal confis-cated the water guns till he realized that it was the teachers who where involved in the water fight.”

“Mrs. Tong, also known as Empress Tong by Mr. Mansfield, was not only a fantastic math teacher, but she was also a great storyteller,” said junior Shannon Cholakian. “She always knew how to pick up a boring lesson in Algebra II/Trigonometry by sharing stories of her neigh-bors, and how she found them naked on their floors, or how one of them fell into the Grand Canyon.”

Despite her wonderful memories from her time teaching at Hart, she looks forward to retir-ing at last. She believes she will enjoy the little things in her retirement, such as sleeping in and having more relaxing time to read books. We wish Mrs. Tong the best of luck in her retire-ment!

TONG LEAVES HART: Math teacher Mrs. Jeanne Tong is retiring at the end of this year after teaching at Hart for over thirty years.

Photo CourtESy of vrvm.Com

Photo CourtESy of hart yEarbook

FROMTHEPRESIDENTNew booster shot required for all California students

The senior class of 2011 will soon be shaking Dr. Nielsen’s hand and receiving their diplomas. They will be saying their goodbyes and parting ways.

As sad as I am to see some of my closest friends saying their last goodbyes, becoming the new ASB president has al-lowed me to keep my mind off the of the goodbyes and look forward to my senior year.

Now that AP tests are fin-ished and I have my life back,

I can redirect my focus to a highly anticipated 2011-2012 school year.

Alongside newly elected Vice President Jared Turner, Treasurer Jacque Ivankovic, and Secretary Sammy Spie-gel, I am looking forward to an enticing and productive next year for all Hart High students.

Currently, ASB is hold-ing interviews for all current ASB members, all ASB hope-fuls, and soon-to-be arriving freshmen hoping to be in ASB as well.

Looking for strong lead-ers, hard workers, and effec-tive communicators, we are building the foundation for the most productive ASB Hart has ever seen.

In addition, ASB is work-ing on all end-of-the-year

senior activities. ASB mem-bers are organizing the senior barbeque and grad night, all in anticipation for graduation.

The senior barbeque will be today, Friday, May 20 where food is provided, and seniors will have their last op-portunities to sign each other’s yearbooks.

Also, grad night will be at Six Flags on Thursday, May 26. All ASB members are working hard to ensure the seniors have memorable last days of school.

As this school year ends, I want to wish all of you graduating seniors luck as you journey into the rest of your lives (cliches for the win). And for all returning students, have a lovely summer.

May all of your wildest dreams come true!

gaynE kaluStianEditor-in-ChiEf

Before registration next year, all students in California will have to re-ceive the tetanus toxoid, reduced diph-theria and acellular pertussis vaccine (TDAP vaccine). The vaccine safe-guards students and faculty from the life-threatening condition commonly known as whooping cough.

The concern for public safety, arose from the record-breaking 9,273 cases that were reported throughout the 2010 year. In that same calendar year, ten deaths occurred as a result of whooping cough, though all fatalities were infants.

Whooping cough, also referred to as Pertussis, is considered highly contagious. Though vaccination will help protect students from the bacte-rial illness, effectiveness of the vaccine will decrease over time. As a result, the

bacteria remains in circulation among the population of California.

Reacting to the extremely high incidence of whooping cough, Califor-nia’s legislature passed Assembly Bill 354, which stipulates that in the 2011-2012 school year, all incoming 7-12 grade students will be required to be vaccinated. In subsequent years, all in-coming 7 graders will have to be vacci-nated before beginning the school year. The bill covers both public and private education, but makes no requirements for summer school education.

If a student’s previous medical conditions or religious/personal affilia-tions bar participation in this mandate, the California Department of Public Health will make exceptions pending verification of these conditions or af-filiations.*

*Statistics and information ac-cording to the California Department of Public Health.

“Cough, Cough”: In order to prevent outbreaks of Pertussis (whooping cough) on California school campuses, the state is requiring vaccinations for each student.

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Photo CourtESy of Worldtruthtoday.Com

katiE larimorEStaff WritEr

“Though the course may change sometimes the rivers always reach the sea” said graduating senior Connor Edwards. As seniors finish the last days of their high school career, it may seem that each river begins to part from Hart, each carrying with it high school memories and hope for the future.

Today, May 20, marks Senior Activity Day. Seniors may be reading this with muffin in hand, as they enjoy Senior Breakfast, receive their cap and gown, and view the senior video.

The past few weeks have captured the quintes-sential senior memories. Senior Awards Night on May 12 was followed by Prom on May 14 at The Cerritos Performing Arts Center. The event included 30 special cabanas this year that provided privacy and unity for groups of friends. Grad Nite will take place on May 26 at Magic Mountain from 11PM to 6AM.

Hart seniors will graduate next Wednesday, May 25. The gates will open at 5 PM for seating and the ceremony will begin at 7 PM. After the ceremony ends at 8:30 PM, graduates will receive their official diploma from the COC concession stand before of-ficially leaving Hart High School.

“I’m looking forward to graduating but sad to leave Hart which has been my home for the past four years” said ASB President Zan Schindler.

Senior Activities

rayEEd hoSSainStaff WritEr

During the week of June 13, while the rest of Hart High School will be on summer break, sopho-more Kaitlin Obien will be in Texas at the National Speech and Debate competition for Humorous Inter-pretation and Story Telling.

“I feel proud that I have made it this far in my first year and [have ended] my year strong by com-peting at nationals,” Obien said.

There will be over 100 competitors in Obien’s main category.

“I expect to go all the way to finals in both my main event and supplementary event. However, just competing in Nationals is an honor in and of itself,” said Obien.

Competing at the national level can be a terri-fying experience for someone in their first year in Speech and Debate. However, Kaitlin Obien felt otherwise.

“I am ready because I have already competed in many national invitationals so I have a taste of what Nationals will be like,” Obien said.

Speech and Debate Coach, Eleanor Nishioka had her own thoughts about Obien’s talent and fu-ture.

“Kaitlin Obien is an incredible talent who has proven over and over that she is competitive and she will only get better each year.” Nishioka said

Kaitlin Obien qualifies for national speech competition

Finals ScheduleTuesday , May 24

Period 1 8:00 - 9:55Period 2 10:15 - 12:10Lunch 12:10 - 12:50Period 7 12:55 - 2:50Wednesday, May 25

Grad Rehersal 7:00 - 9:00 at COCPeriod 3 10:00 - 11:55Lunch 11:55 - 12:35Period 4 12:40 - 2:35

Graduation 7:00 at COCThursday, May 26Period 5 8:00 - 9:55Brunch 9:55 - 10:25

Period 6 10:30 - 12:45

Hart High Prom Night 2011 NEWS BRIEFS

Hart artists attend Clay Day

Jordan CabrEraCEntErSPrEad Editor

On Saturday, April 30, selected students from art teacher Chad Zindroski’s ceramics classes participated in Clay Day, an annual event held at California State Uni-versity Northridge where students from different school districts compete in a variety of projects that involve the use of clay.

Ten students from Hart were given the opportunity to compete against four other schools. Each student was entered in two to three competitions.

A few of the events at clay day were “Blindfold Throw,” “Coffee Cup Relay,” and “Most Fantastic Sculp-ture.”

Events were judged on the use of art elements and prin-ciples, originality, and craftsmanship. Hart’s performance was excellent. Out of the ten students who attended, eight took home a first place medal for their chosen event.

Senior Zachery Sultzer had the opportunity to par-

ticipate at the “Bucket of Eight” event, in which he was required to “throw” eight cylinders in fifteen minutes, while competing against other students. Sultzer learned a lot from observing the college students and classmate, senior Caitlin Klinedinst. Klinedinst won first place for this event.

Senior Yamale Ruiz found Clay Day to be a fun and enjoyable time.

“I usually take my time to do sculuputes,” Ruiz said. “Maybe more than I need to. Clay day gave me the chal-lenge of completing a project under a limit of time.”

Zindroski plans on involving the schools in the Wil-liam Hart District next year.

“I was really impressed with the artistic abilities of all of my students,” Zindroski said. “We kicked major you-know-what.”

Next year, Mr. Zindroski plans on telling the ceramic classes from the other schools in the William S. Hart Dis-trict about Clay Day in hopes that the event will grow in size and popularity.

PLAYING WITH CLAY: (Above left) Senior artists Zachery Sultzer and Caitlin Klinedinst team together dur-ing Clay Day at California State University Northridge on Saturday, April 30. (Above right) Juniors Reyna Benitez and Jan Gonzalez and sophomore Cesar Espericueta also worked together on a project during this exciting event.

SAVING THE NIGHT: (Above) Prom king Bobby Block and prom queen Jessica Vairo dance together during the tradi-tional king and queen dance. (Below Left) Students had a blast dancing at this year’s prom, held at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center. (Below Right) Students gathered in the Hart High School quad before loading in the buses to be taken to prom.

Photo CourtESy of noah torJESEn

Photo by Shannon CholakianPhoto by Pallavi Sharma

PhotoS by Jordan CabrEra

The Berkeley ungraduateOn March 24, 2011, I was

rejected from University of California, Berkeley.

There are truly no words to describe this feeling, and I don’t intend to try. Trying to describe the disintegration of a dream is like trying to ex-plain death to someone who has never had anyone close to them die- it’s an indescribable

hurt. It’s waking up every morning for a month and feeling like there’s no point in working for anything anymore.

I tell you this story not for pity or sympathy, but because, ironically, it was what brought me perhaps the most important lesson high school has taught me.

Let me give you some perspective: four years ago I started as pretentious as any other freshman did. There’s an unmistakable attitude that accompanies freshmen (sorry, kids), and an idea that you are literally the center of success.

Then I hit sophomore, junior, and senior years.Looking back at the past three years, I can say proudly

that I have become, more or less, the person I wanted to be. Yet, there is no denying that I have, on numerous occasions, felt like a failure or worthless. March 24 was one of these days.

There’s a moment that I’m sure all of you will have at some point where your entire past becomes questionable and that every facet of your being seems false. There’s a moment

where you legitimately can’t see yourself without the approval or the feeling of success. And now, writing this article, I thank Berkeley for getting me through this moment early on.

See, I won’t say that I’m not still disappointed. But if this past month has taught me anything, it’s that you must not base your worth on the opinions of others. I can’t compare myself to the 53,000 students who applied for the same spot as me. I can’t look at my rejection letters and consider my life to be over. I can’t say that the past four years haven’t been worth it because they only brought me one viable college option.

The basic truth is, if I didn’t love and respect who I was, I never would have pushed myself this hard over four years. Perhaps the most incredible reflection about myself has come

from this momentary roadblock- that college rejections are not going to change who I am at the core or my love for learning. My passion for words and index cards and books (and anything else I might develop a strong affinity for) can not be measured or validated by a rejec-tion or an acceptance.

My abilities are not limited to where I go to college.Over the past two years as a columnist, I think this has

been the small truth that I’ve been missing. I’ve spent two years validating myself and my opinions without ever think-ing about what it meant that I had them, or what it meant about myself that I felt secure enough to express them.

So thank you, Berkeley, for forcing me to realize some-thing I probably wouldn’t have even if I was accepted. And thank you, Hart, for giving me receptacle for my musings and thoughts. You don’t know how much I’ve appreciated it.

The twists and turns of lifeMelissa Changstaff Writer

“You’re hot then you’re cold, you’re yes then you’re no, you’re in then you’re out, you’re up and you’re down....”

Never in a million years did I think I would be comparing my life to Katy Perry’s “Hot’n’Cold,” but these lyrics seemed to describe my high school ca-reer.

Upon entering high school, I had a clear image of the person I wanted to be. No matter how hard I tried to create this image of myself, it never emerged. In-stead, I became an individual who is for-tunate to find my identity through twists and turns, ups and downs, changes and discoveries.

The summer before high school, I had made a firm decision to not continue with band even though music was a huge part of my life. However, if it weren’t for my mom who insisted that I continue with music, I would have never experi-enced th best four years of my life.

Band offered me opportunities to shine and gave me life lessons to prosper and grow. I’ve learned the true meaning of commitment; the definition of leader-ship, the power of camaraderie, and the blessing of lasting memories. Reflecting back on my misconception of band, I now know that challenges and changes offer new perspectives on life.

Throughout high school it seemed as though changes constantly opened new doors. Although English is one of my least favorite subjects and writ-ing is abhorred, I joined journalism. Ironic, isn’t it? Journalism allowed me to explore refreshing topics. Instead of writing to impress my English teachers, I wrote to entertain and inform a larger audience – my peers. Rather than writing alone, I interacted with others to gener-ate ideas and gather comments from others through interviews. The ability to choose and explore various writing topics excited me. Journalism gave me a rewarding and insightful perspective on writing.

By far, the most daunting task as a

senior is my college decision. For the longest time, I’ve set my goals to at-tend Cornell or UC Davis and become an esteemed veterinarian, but CHANGE stuck its foot in my door again. I visited the campus of UCLA last month and fell in love with its campus, sports activities, and neighborhood.

As I turned in my “letter of intent” to UCLA, I felt good about my last-minute change in decision. I know that there are twists and turns in life and I am willing to discover and accept what’s in store for me. As I await college in September, I am grateful for all the opportunities Hart High School has given me, for they have allowed me to change and mature into the proud graduate I am today.

Cartoon by ansley holM

Cartoon byKevin boog

DreW troxellstaff Writer

Flip a coin. Heads. Again. Heads. Again. Heads. Again...

In elementary school, I found it simple and effortless to answer questions and figure out problems. In fact, when I try to relive my first six years of learning in my mind, I can never quite pin the actual learning part. It simply isn’t there; gone; absent. I remember racing Daniel Dietz around the quad for P.E., being first introduced to Halo by Ryan Spencer, school parties at Jack Greiner’s house―I even remember not learning math in my sixth grade high level math class simply because we were too busy designing new staple and eraser cannons. Yet, the fact that I actually learned something is simply not there. My education simply hap-pened, I went along with it since apparently I was doing quite well.

Heads. At Placerita, it suddenly started to matter what my

grades were―suddenly I was a year ahead of most of the other students in math, suddenly “sex” became a running joke, suddenly old friendships were lost, and new ones were made. I think I only tried in junior high because it was a small victory every time I felt down: no matter what stupid drama occurred, I always had the small feat of being smart. Of course, that didn’t take away the self-consciousness, the fear of the group, or the absolutely idiotic bout with Dis-neyland prison on an 8th grade trip (I’m pretty sure I am a suspected terrorist there).

Heads.Actually, junior high sucked. When school turns out in

such a way that the only positive parts of a full two years are being smart and not being put on the national no-fly list, you know something is wrong.

Heads.High school. As I shuffled into my

next set of high level classes, learning began to matter. I based my entire life around the fact that I have taken and passed (hopefully) 11 AP tests. In high school I began to try, not only because I wanted to be better than everyone else, but because I wanted to get into college.

Heads.Senior year arrives and AP Lit smacks me in the face

with a small wiry almost translucent child with a screechy voice. Of course, college applications are the most important event in my life. If I don’t get into the top universities, what on earth will I do with myself? WHAT WAS THE POINT? After years and years of trying and pushing and learn-ing and striving and late nights and actually doing homework on time, what if I didn’t get accepted? The only real proof of my existence was to be accepted by UC Berkeley, of course!

Heads.I was accepted to UC Berkeley for computer engi-

neering. I did it. My life was now a success. Cue the balloons (copyright Liam Cruz-Kelly).

Heads. Of course, my life wasn’t a success

because I was accepted to UC Berkeley. I tried, perhaps outwardly, because I wanted to be a huge success academically and be better than everyone else and make it into the top colleges, but I only learned because I actually cared about my life and what I know. The culmination of my first 17 years of life is NOT being accepted to UC Berke-ley, like how your coaches in little league always claimed it isn’t about winning.

I shall be telling this with a sigh, somewhere ages and ages hence.

I will be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for computer engi-neering.

Tails.

Our own sweet HartPallavi sharMa staff Writer

I was told to sum up my feel-ings for this opinion article.

I have 4 months left until I leave my home for 4 years. How am I supposed to feel? Four years ago we stepped onto this campus as students for the first time and loved the feeling of finally being in high school.

We observed Mr. Ahart’s awe-some wardrobe and learned from him that there is a large hole in the ozone. We met our friends that we claimed we would stick with until the day we graduated. Just four years ago, we couldn’t wait to be older.

Then came sophomore year. Our daily routines became far too repetitive to even remember now, except Mr. Hertzog’s peculiar sense of humor and valuable morphology lessons. A good portion of our class, excluding me, began to drive. Just three years ago, senior year seemed an eternity away.

Junior year marked the begin-ning of frequent feelings of being overwhelmed.

But being upperclassmen made us feel invincible. We knew we were growing up, and we found out who our true friends were, plus the rest of us began to drive (except me, still).

We found our identity, to some

extent, but still searched for some-thing more. We reached Mr. Pew’s bar of difficulty and started contem-plating college, thinking it was still so far away. But last year, we still couldn’t wait to grow up.

Last August, we were finally seniors. Senioritis infected us be-fore the first week of school even ended. Everything we did was our last; last homecoming, last rally, last yearbook, last book card.

We took everything for granted, learning and rebelling. We started applying to colleges, far and near.

We got accepted and we got rejected, and eventually made the final decision. We felt the wrath of Kearney, and happily said our goodbyes to standardized testing, for now.

Now we finally acknowledge that we could’ve waited to grow older. We realize that time some-how slipped away and soon we will be saying farewell. We’re excited to start over, sad about leaving all this behind and anxious about moving on.

Now we wish we could have

taken the time to appreciate the early years.

It really hasn’t hit me yet. It isn’t even hitting me as I am writing for The Smoke Signal for the last time. It didn’t hit me when we did our last tomahawk chop, it didn’t hit me after I applied to college, or even accepted an offer and it won’t hit me when I receive my cap and gown or when I wake up as Hart Indian for the last time on May 25.

Perhaps it will finally hit me while I am walking across the stage at gradu-ation, or when I am throwing my hat up in the air, or even when I no longer have to post a countdown to summer as my Facebook status.

However, I really hope it does occur to me when

I pack up the past 18 years of my life, laughing and crying, and leave my first home. Truth is, we haven’t exactly grown up, but rather learned how to act in public, most of us at least.

A year from now we will return as different Indians, but Indians nonetheless. We will have experi-enced dorm life, eaten campus food and made new friends, and we will be new people.

But one thing will always re-main true: we will have bled the red and black together. Our fond mem-ories as Hart Indians will remain forever young, and honestly you’ll always be our own sweet Hart.

Disney sure does have an interesting way of spinning the truths of life for its pint-sized audience. I mean, John Smith was really only one conviction short of being a pedophile. Gno-meo, you’re supposed to kill yourself after you find Juliet already hav-

ing committed suicide. Ariel, that fork isn’t a treasure, it’s trash. It’s not really a wonder. It’s more like a middle finger to you and your enchanted ocean.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m a “Disney-a-day” addict, but that doesn’t mean I think a red-headed mermaid is enjoying the trash I throw into her ocean.

When you’re a kid, you don’t have to pay bills or clean your room or wipe your own butt. You don’t have to know the difference between trash and recycling. You have the completely sound and viable mentality that you don’t have to because someone else will do it for you. And hey, when you’re three, that’s fine. But if you are reading this, you probably aren’t three anymore. I’m not your mom, and you aren’t in a diaper, so put away your trash in the trash can, your recycling in the recycling bin, and your throw up in the toilet. Don’t ever justify deviating from the accepted spectrum of manners just because “someone else will fix it/clean it up/undo whatever hellaciously offensive thing you have done.”

As you probably have heard but have since forgot-ten because it doesn’t matter that much to you, Jour-nalism is going by any means necessary to try to fund itself. One way in which we acquire funds is collecting Hart’s recycling. No, we don’t collect recycling. We

collect your idea of recycling. Do you want to know what that idea is? You don’t, but since I had to touch it with my bare hands, I’m going to tell you anyway.

It’s chip bags, saliva, bottles filled with the rem-nants of chewing tobacco having been masticated by some lovely student. It’s bottles in which papers have been stuffed. It’s bottles you have twisted to the point of destruction.

We can’t recycle any of this. It’s chewed gum that gets stuck to your hand when

you reach in for the bottles. It’s some wonderful stu-dent’s vomit that smothered my and Shannon’s hands before we could realize what the mystery goo was.

I can’t speak for every classroom, but all my classes literally have a recycling receptacle right next to a trash can. If there is anything sound or viable about the thought process that leads one to put any of these undesirables in the recycling bin, speak it now or for-ever seat your silky smooth, powdered and pampered, baby’s bottom in a diaper and leave the responsibility to people who actually decided to grow up.

At some point in the very near future, the excuse that “someone else will do it” will no longer be your life’s salvation. No one else is going to go to work for you. No one else is going to pay the bills. No one is going to go out of their way to clean up the mess that you have made.

So please, for the good of society, for the matura-tion of your own childish existence, take the extra mil-lisecond to throw your gum in the trash can-- not on the floor, not under your desk, not in the recycling bin. I promise you, the “someone else” isn’t a red-headed mermaid thanking the forces of nature for bringing her your little gift. No, it’s more like a 5’2” anal-retentive opinion columnist. And if there was ever any doubt in your mind, no, I don’t enjoy cleaning up your mess.

The art of growing up

Alive in a box

Cartoon by ansley holM

Cartoon by saMantha fruCtuoso

alex beaulieustaff Writer

Originally, I had the thought of presenting the collec-tion of my thoughts on the last four years of my life in a scholarly, brisk, and if may say, frigidly intellectual man-ner, but I have concluded that to do as much would be to inflict a great disservice unto my rather fiery soul.

You see, in my four years of high school I have learned a very important fact – I am human. Yes, I know. It’s a revelation to say the least, and I sincerely thank you for applauding my fantastic observatory skills, its flattering, really, but you must understand that I have had extensive training in the ways of learning to be human – though, I will say that I have had my difficulties with the process.

To understand that upon my bones merely lay flesh and blood (granted, those two components may be in an

odd scarcity for a man my size) and nothing more was and still is a harrowing, albeit sobering conclusion.

Like all humans, I am weak, pathetic, fallible, and wholly flawed. This much, I must concede.

Of course, I have my endearing qualities. Or, so I am told.

I can make people laugh from time to time with my cryptic, often dramatic remarks and I am usually the first person looked upon when someone demands the answer to some rather obscure, useless question. I am also good for spot-on recitations of Lord of The Rings monologues.

However, of all my chief characteristics that can re-luctantly be labeled as “endearing,” many have informed me that above all I am very, especially, and undoubtedly smart.

If pondering were the only factor in defining mental aptitude, well then, I would have to agree that I am smart as they dubiously, carelessly claim. I do think often, too often it seems.

Yet, thinking, this being smart can be a heavy bur-den. Often times, grand and seemingly important thoughts abound in my mind with a heady, dense abundance. They are like behemoths of black in my head, scraping their long, wizened, and frequently existential claws down my brain and spinal cord – just beckoning me to solve life’s most mysterious of puzzles. A tortuous affair is the struggle of the mind.

Though, I cannot complain of my intellect. I am rather proud of my academic abilities, and I feel extremely for-tunate for what these cerebral gifts have been able to give me throughout my life.

Nevertheless, in my process of becoming human, I have found that my intellectual gifts are not without their limits.

I read a play recently, and its message was, shall I say a bit too – witty. For, much like the protagonist of the drama, I too thought that my intellect would be enough, that with it I could overcome such petty, insignificant hu-man requirements as friendship or love.

But I was wrong. In fact, in my intellectual and spiri-tual searches I have found that the only important concept in this world is compassion, is love – even at the cost of pain and sorrow.

And sorrowful, I have been lately. Though, I have not outwardly shown it. In the past, I would have turned to novels, to knowledge, to all things witty and complex in

order to cure my ills. However – to borrow from Mrs. Edson - I must con-

fess that this is not a time for verbal swordplay; this is not a time for wit.

This is the time to acknowledge that I am like every-one else; this is the time to drop my classic case of hubris, and to say to those for whom I really write this – to Sam, to Drew, to Hannah, to David, to Shannon, to Katie, and to all those people closest to me – that each and everyone one of you has enriched my life by your beauty, your kindness, your sincerity, and your individuality, and although I may not say it often enough – lest my bony, cynical frame burst into tears – it has been an absolute privilege to consider you all as friends. I shall miss you all dearly, and I apolo-gize if I have failed you in any respect.

Thank you.

I’m going to Hogwarts for college.

The col-lege I’m at-tending in the fall, Kenyon College, is of-ten compared to the school of witchcraft

and wizardry in the Harry Potter series, Hogwarts, for various reasons (Google it). Obviously, I didn’t completely base my decision to attend the school because of it’s similarity to the magical and gothic school that Harry attends…particular emphasis on the “completely” part. But, before I sail across the Black Lake, get sorted into my house, and find my ginger and nerdy brunette best friends, I feel the need to remember the place where I had my first foray into true knowledge and the ideas of others.

Privet Drive. Also known as Hart High School.

Now, in some ways, this is an apt met-aphor. I have been forbidden from watch-ing television (the site-blocking capability of our computers), I have cooked food for myself daily (mostly Top Ramen and frozen burritos), and I have slept in a cupboard-like space for long periods of time (under the tables in journalism). But of course in every other way, Hart is the farthest thing from a hellish English home.

Attending Hart has given me the op-

portunities to learn from some of the best teachers a public school could possibly have. I will never forget Mr. Pew’s zeal for United States Government and Hawaiian shirts/guitars, or Mrs. Kearney’s wardrobe which I can only try to emulate, and her refreshing passion for literature and her students.

As written on the diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw, “wit beyond measure is man’s greatest treasure.” The wit available to us at this school is incredible; appreciate these

teachers you have the opportunity to learn from, and take advantage of their prowess. I feel the need to say “thank you” Hart, and the exceptional teachers I have had here, for teaching me truly invaluable lessons that I will carry with me forever.

I still cannot truly fathom the fact that I am actually leaving Santa Clarita, a place I have lived as long as I can remember, for the vast fields and forests of Ohio. There, I will face people from all different states and backgrounds, challenging classes, and

ACTUAL seasons. I might not be going off to do something incredibly important, like hunt for Horcruxes and subsequently duel the most powerful and evil villain known to man, but I still consider leaving for col-lege a fairly big deal, and to be honest, I’m scared.

I see my friends and classmates wor-ried about how far away Berkeley or an-other college from California is to Santa Clarita, and I only feel more how distant 2,500 miles truly is from here. Not only distance-wise, but I will be farther away from the friends and family whom I love than I ever have been, a terrifying prospect for me.

And yet, much like Harry, Owen Meany, Odysseus, and a multitude of literary characters, I am ridiculously ea-ger and excited to embark on my “hero’s journey” (take AP Lit and you’ll know what this means!), whether it take me to a Siren-inhabited land in the Greek isles or Vietnam─but I’ll probably just end up at Hogwarts…I mean Kenyon.

While I am completely scared of the strange new place I am headed, I know that I am ready to leave, because of all I have learned from this school. My metaphorical Privet Drive, Santa Clarita (and by exten-sion, Hart), has been an enlightening and loving place that I will miss for the next four years. Sadly though, my Trace is about to break, and soon I have to get on a flying motorbike bound for Ohio.

Thanks for a great four years Hart, it’s been a pleasure.

Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!

Homosapien Realization Therapy

Cartoon by saMantha fruCtuoso

Cartoons by DreW troxell

Gayne Kalustianeditor-in-Chief

Looking over your shoul-der, into sweat-ridden palms, underneath the bill of your baseball cap, or on the bottom of your shoe are no longer successful ways to ensure an “A.” Education, driven by the co-evolution of tech-nology, has transformed into a digitized network of secu-rity, plagiarism, and even mass paranoia.

Beverly Ladd, English 11 and AP Language and Composi-tion teacher, deals with the effects of academic cheating in the modern day education system.

“I catch students cheating al-most every other week on homework assignments, essays, and in-class ac-tivities,” Ladd said.

From the other side of the table, Tim*, a high school student who was

caught cheating on an out-of-class essay, acknowledges the same reality in a differ-

ent light.“People cheat on everything. It’s kind of

like an unwritten code,” said Tim. As far as helping goes, however, Ladd dis-

agrees with the effect of “answer-sharing.” “A very sad aspect of when I have to confront

a student about cheating is I feel trust has been broken, and it makes me feel sad that I will never be able to look at him as I did before,” said Ladd.

While teachers and administrators take a firm stance on the matter, students seem to take the issue more lightly.

“Look, cheating really isn’t that big of a deal. Al-most everyone does it. Am I mad at myself for cheating? Not really. I guess I’m angrier that I was dumb enough to get caught,” Tim said.

According to U.S. News and World Report, there was a 4% increase in the incidence in cheating from 2004 to 2006. The incidence of cheating has been steadily on the rise since the early 90’s, most probably attached to the availability of information.

But has the witch hunt gone too far? In mid-May,

Issue of theIssue:

Continued on PaGe 8

Photo by Shannon Cholakian

hayley linColnstaff Writer

Have you ever had a teacher who has the answer to everything? If so, you’ve probably taken Spanish with Mr. Rich Mickel.

Not only does Mr. Mickel teach his students how to speak Spanish, but he also exposes them to Spanish culture. All the while he keeps the class interesting by telling funny stories from his childhood memories.

As a three year old boy, Mickel’s family moved to a brand new city, right here, in Va-lencia. He grew up in Old Orchard One and at-tended Placerita Junior High School, as well as Hart High School, as a proud Indian. At Hart, he played soccer.

“The only thing I did really well in in soccer was knocking other players down when no one was looking,” said Mickel.

Mickel has fond memories of his time at Hart. For example, his father worked with James Roosevelt, the son of Franklin D. Roosevelt and a former congressman, and Mickel invited him to come speak at Hart.

Also, during open house in high school one year, Mickel participated with Mr. Pew in a mock debate about whether or not the United States should have a “Nuclear Freeze.”

“I am a member of that lucky fraternity of Hart teach-ers that both learned from and worked with Mr. Pew,” Mickel said, “When I started working here, many of my best teachers became my colleagues.”

Upon graduating from high school, Mickel decided to leave the city of Santa Clarita. He received his Bach-elors of Art degree in Spanish and Communications and

earned is Masters of Art degree in Spanish Literature from Brigham Young University. He then studied Spanish Literature at Duke University.

“I planned on being a college professor, but while at Duke I won The Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and I realized that I preferred teaching over researching and pub-lishing,” said Mickel.

Mickel wanted to teach, but without a teaching credential he would have to begin school again, so he got a job where he could use Spanish every day. He worked for a com-pany marketing and coordinating business seminars in Venezuela and Mexico.

“The travel was great, but I was still look-ing for a way to get back into the classroom,” Mickel said.

But luck was on Mickel’s side.He had a family friend, Mr. Laurie Strauss,

former Hart High principal, who asked him if he would be interested in teaching Spanish at Hart High. He interviewed for the job and was hired.

“I can’t imagine a more satisfying job,” Mickel said.If you ever need any help for Spanish or any tips for

knocking down people in soccer, you can always go to Mr. Rich Mickel, who will always have the answer.

BusinessAcer Aspire AS5742G-6600 ($699)At about $700, the Acer Aspire remains

well below the feared $1000 price barrier while also packing a powerful punch.

The Aspire features an Intel Core i5-480M clocked at 2.66GHz. For those not well versed in processor speak (business majors), this means two cores (the i5-480M

is a dual core processor; some i5s are quad core) each running at a solid 2.66GHz which can be over clocked using Intel turbo boost to 2.93GHz. A solid processor is typically considered over 2.5, with really powerful processors being above 3.0.

The Aspire also has the NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M graphics card, which features DirectX 11 as well as NVIDIA’s PhysX technology for surprisingly power-ful graphics. This laptop will easily run HD movies at a 1366 x 768 screen resolution as well as many games on medium settings.

The 500GB hard drive will easily han-dle all spreadsheets and documents as well as large video, music, and game libraries. Plus, this computer simply looks slick.

The key downfall of the Acer Aspire is the 3 hour battery life. Many business majors on a budget, though, may want to look at lower-end laptops or netbooks.

EngineeringAsus N53 Series N53SV-A1 ($1069)The Asus N53SV-A1 is essentially

$300 more than the Acer Aspire for a mas-sive boost in performance. While it leaps above the $1000 fright barrier, the extra expense packs the extra bang required for games, graphics, 3D modeling, CAD, and much more.

The N53 is probably the least expen-sive purchase for the Core i7-2630QM, clocked at 2.0GHz, which is a quad-core. The extra processing power not only prom-ises increased speed but also increased capability to perform many tasks at once. That being said, processor power is hardly what makes a computer.

Asus’ N53 also features the GeForce GT 540M graphics card, which, coupled with the stronger processor, allows for in-creased performance in games and graph-ics heavy programs. While the Asus does not feature a 17” screen for high resolution graphics and media, the 15.6” size will be helpful for portability.

One of the key benefits of the Asus is the hard drive. The Asus supports a 750GB hard drive at 7200 RPM. The increased hard drive speed (the Acer is only 5400 RPM) will help increase read and write times, which will benefit save, render, and opening times.

Overall, the Asus is a bit more expen-sive for a lot of extra capabilities in power and multitasking. The extra price and shorter battery life, however, are potential deal breakers.

Liberal ArtsMacbook Pro 13” ($1299)I am going to go out on a limb here and

assume that liberal arts majors who do not have need for Windows programs, gaming, or high level graphics capabilities may be interested in the Macbook, and with good reason. The Macbook Pro 13”, while re-markably expensive (as usual with Apple) for what you get, boasts an extremely easy to use interface, reliability, and excellent customer service.

The Macbook Pro 13” features a dual core Core i5 processor clocked at 2.3GHz, 320GB hard drive at 5400 RPM, and in-tegrated graphics, all of which are a step down from the previous two computers. What the Macbook lacks in power, though, it makes up in ease of use and efficiency.

Those who aim for the Macbook may consider upgrading to the 15” version, which features a dedicated graphics card that increases the computer’s ability to use graphics intensive programs as well as play games, but at an intimidating cost.

WHEN I WAS YOUR AGE: Mr. Mickel

PhotoS CourteSy of hart yearbook

Continued from PaGe 7

eight Bergen county, New Jersey schools were put under investigation for a breach in testing pro-tocol. The schools were all elementary schools, and the charges brought against the teachers were for tapping the students on the shoulder when they hap-pened to notice a discrepancy in the students’ work. While it is true that the purpose of standardized test-ing is to determine a student’s aptitude in a subject, questions about the original intent of education be-ing skewed have been raised.

“If the student has the propensity to cheat, he will find a way. Some will see the error of their ways, and others are merely amoral and will continue to cheat,” said Ladd.

In many ways, cheating has been integrated into the modern day school system.

“Sometimes you just have to cheat. It’s not because you’re lazy or because you don’t care. Sometimes you don’t have time on top of every-thing else, and sometimes the kids who do cheat beat you in everything which messes up the grad-ing curve. If nobody else is playing fair, then why should I? Why should I be the one that looks dumb just because I actually tried?” said Tim.

But while they definitely make the education process easier, the justification for immoral acts may have further implications. When society ac-cepts reasons for student swindling, what else will be deemed acceptable? What other inherently wrong activities will be righted in the future?

¡CERO!: Hart Spanish teacher Rich Mickel has been a part of the Indian family since 1978, when he entered this school as a freshman. Mickel has since studied the Spanish language at Brigham Young University and Duke University, earning a B.A. and M.A.

Cheating runs rampant among high school students

Tech Corner: College laptops according to major

*name ChanGed for anonymity

imaGes Courtesy of GooGle.Com

“Booksmarts” describes all the things taught in formal education, while “streetsmarts” are more essential things learned in life outside of for-mal education. This includes social skills, common sense, and even the ability to react in an emergency situation. The California Department of Education standards do not require group skills, a skill that students must learn on their own. Many teachers at Hart agree that group skills are very important in life after college or high school. Since group skills, or “interacting skills”, are not taught in the standards for education, it all depends on the teacher to expose his or her students to that method of learning. Another way of teaching “street smarts” in the classrooms is “hands-on experience,” a method suggested by many psychologists who study cogni-tive development. Most classrooms rarely do “lab” or “field” work. Hands on experiences teach com-mon sense and the social aspects of street smarts.

vs. vs. vs. Skill grouping, also known as ability grouping, is based on a student’s measured ability or expertise; it allows higher achievers to advance, and under-achievers to seek the help from their teachers. Although grouping based on age is the standard way

of grouping students, there is support for skill group-ing. Researchers at the Marzano Research Laboratory found that students at schools in Alaska, Colorado, and Florida, who were grouped by ability, were 2.5 times more likely to have a good grasp on material they were taught. Students can find ways to by-pass the barriers of age grouping, as sophomore Kaitlin Obien has. Obien is cur-rently is taking English 11 this year, and will take English 12 as a junior, followed by an English class at C.O.C her senior year. “I feel very accomplished,” said Obien. “Being in a higher level English class can challenge and push me more.”

The pathways

May 20, 2011

Everyone has their own learning methods and preferences.

Some prefer working alone, and others prefer a group. Neither way is wrong, but they both have their advantages and disadvantages. “I like working in a group better because you can help each other out,” said sopho-more Brendan Kuhlman. Groups also have the chance of having uncooperative students that could drag the rest of the group down. When one

student is left to do the work for the project alone, it may not come out to its best.

Working alone takes more work, but students know that their grade is only based on the work

they alone have done. Alone, a student can manage their time on their own schedule instead of trying to find a time that an entire group can manage. Though the preference is based on the person, different projects may benefit more from working in a group versus working alone, and vice versa.

Compiled by Alex Beaulieu, Reyna Benitez, Jordan Cabrera, Lauren Dam, Katie Finnigan, Ben Howard, and Megan MendelsonGraphics by Cesar Espericuerta and Kurt Stern

Heavy, strenuous, and complex is the task of resusci-tating and revitalizing the body of modern public educa-tion in America. Since its introduction, public education has been under constant attack from teachers, politi-

cians, and administrators who each stress different ways to reform what has become – in some critics’

views – a stagnant, outdated, and inefficient mode of teaching children to become successful citi-

zens in the future economic landscape. One primary critic of the modern pub-

lic education system is Sir Ken Robinson, an internationally renowned speaker, author,

and former professor who specializes in education and its relation to

governmental and economic systems. In one

of Sir Robinson’s speeches, titled “Changing Educational Paradigms,” Robinson explains the central problem in the modern system of education is that the system found its origin in an extremely restrictive idea of intelligence. Robinson argues that the modern system of edu-cation separates people into two distinct categories of intellectual ability – academic and nonacademic. Further, Robinson states that the system currently in place is too industrialized - grouping children haphazardly into age groups, setting strict learning schedules via bell periods, and essentially marginalizing any intellectual ability that does not conform with standardized testing. Robinson’s points are not without their backing.Yet, does public education need such a drastic shift in ideals? Robinson asserts as much, but of course, the issue is still and will continue to be a subject of much heated debate.

51% of students would rather work49% 38% of students consider

themselves more 63% of students consider themselves more

of students would rather be grouped by38% 62% of students would

rather be grouped byof students would rather work in a

Group Alone Book Smart Street Smart Age Ability

Percentages derived from a poll taken of 250 students

Education around the globe

More than 90% of

students in the UK attend publicly funded state

schools.

The total literacy rate in India is 65.38%.

about 95% of

Japanese graduate

from high school, and nearly 50% go to a uni-versity.

By law, all children in England and Wales between

ages 5 and 16 must re-ceive a full-time educa-tion. After the age of 16, students can attend

sixth form colleges or other further education institu-

tions. Both options offer general education courses in addition to more specific voca-tional or applied subjects.

The education system in Ger-many is fashioned in such a

manner that it can address the needs of a wide and varied popula-tion. The concept of compulsory

education was introduced in Ger-many as early as in 1659, in the state of Bavaria. This provision

protects children from all forms of social discrimination and isolation and brings about their integration across all sections of the society.

Soon after gaining indepen-dence in 1947, providing education to all became a priority for the government system. As discrimination on the basis of caste and gender has been a major im-pediment in the healthy development of the Indian society, these social issues have been made unlawful by the Indian constitu-tion. The 86th constitutional amendment made elementary education a fundamental right for the children between the age group- of 6 to 14.

A Japanese student’s life is largely decided by their university entrance exam: that is, entrance to the right university can lead to a well-paid job with one

of the larger Japanese companies. Results in Junior High School help determine entry to a good Senior

High School and hence to a good university and ca-reer. Many children pay to attend special “juku” schools

where they study at night, on weekends, and holidays, hop-ing to improve their chances of getting into better schools.

The duration

of complusary education is 13 years.

Information courtesy of http://www.britishcouncil.org/usa-education-uk-system-k-12-education.htm, http://english.edusites.co.uk/, http://www.ger-manymapxl.com/education/, http://www.indiaedu.com/education-india/, and http://www.nationmaster.com/country/gm-germany/edu-education

Hart builds champions in art groups

Artists display art

Shannon Cholakian & Shannen RobeRtSeditoR-in-Chief & Staff WRiteR

Though this year wasn’t remarkable for Hart’s foot-ball team, Hart’s performing arts talent easily made up for it. Both Hart’s show choir’s advanced mixed group Sound Vibrations and the dance team came out on top once again.

Following last year’s competition season where Sound Vibes snagged four different trophies including Grand Champions at the national competition in New York, many had speculation over how the group would fair this year.

However after a long hard season of performing ven-ue after venue and coming up in third or fourth place at

many of their comptions, Sound Vibrations finally came through and placed first out of all of the AA division at the Southern California Invitational, also known as SoCal.

“I thought SoCal was incredible this year and it was our best performance,” said Senior Sound Vibes member Cassie Schmitt.

SoCal was not only the primary first place they won, but for many members of the group it was also their last competition.

“[SoCal] was really sad, being my last competition. It was bittersweet,” Schmitt said.

In other stories of success, Hart’s dance team won the national championship for character dance at the USA Nationals. The competition took place at the Conven-tion Center in Anaheim and lasted for two days. Many schools competed, but only Saugus, Valencia, and Hart High School were selected for the top three to compete at nationals. Saugus and Valencia High School have always been strictly “competition” dance teams and have com-peted in many competitions every year. However, Hart’s dance team used to perform solely in rallys or football games, until three years ago. Though Hart’s dance team lacked the advantage of years of competition experience, their slogan “Go Hart or go home,” motivated Hart’s dancers to beat all the other schools with their creative character dance.

Carla Smallwood, the owner of Dance Studio 84, choreographed Hart dance team’s winning character

dance. Instead of emphasizing the “show-girl” stereotype of competition dancers, Smallwood chose to challenge Hart’s dancers by having them transform into elderly women. Dressed in wigs, glasses, fat suits, and even holding walkers, Hart’s dancers became grandmas danc-ing a character dance to “Thank God I’m Old.” Some girls went so far as to draw wrinkles on their faces. Each dancer created an exaggerated personality of a grandma such as “work-out grandma,” “hippie grandma,” and even “inappropriate grandma.” Their creativity and passion in their performace clearly won them major points with the judges and led to their victory.

Reyna benitezStaff WRiteR

The 24th annual Hart High student art show opened this week on Tuesday, May 17th and will be avaliable to students and parents until Friday, May 20th.

“The art shows feature the best of the best at Hart. This year will be the best art show yet because of the quality of the work,” said Mary Fragodt, the art teacher in charge of putting the Hart art show together every year.

The show is held in two locations. The 2D artwork gallery is located in the C-building and consists of acrylic paintings, watercolor, color pencil, charcoal, photog-raphy and digital art pieces. The 3D artwork is located in the gym lobby and includes a variety of ceramic work as well as paper-mache. This will also be the first year to include electronic paintings.

“The art show has been a year long effort since August and students have pulled all-nighters to get their artwork finished on time,” Fragodt said.

Four of Fragodt’s hardworking students were given “school to career awards” this year. All four seniors, Caitlin Klinedinst, Imhotep Shabazz, Blythe Spendlove, and Sarah Spendlove, will be featured at Hart’s 2011 art show.

“The art show is like a final achievement and it is proof of all the hard work I have done throughout all of high school,” said senior art student Caitlin Klinedinst.

“It’s been my pleasure to work with such talented, dedicated students. I love com-ing to work every morning to work with artists. I can anticipate that those art students will go on to do great things,” Fragodt said.

The art show has annually displayed the great talent and passion for all types of arts and carrys on that tradition with this year’s show.

THE ART IN HART: Hart students and visitors observe the work from Hart students at the twenty-fourth annual Hart High Art Show that took place from Tuesday, May 16 to May 20.

BRINGING HOME THE GOLD: (Left) Hart dance team with their National Champion banner. (Above) Advanced Mixed Choir Sound Vibrations with the SoCal Invitaional trophy

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Ace of Hearts Dog RescueNeeds Volunteer Foster Homes

Photo courtesy of The-Signal.com Photo courtesy of Caitlin Rudd

Photo by Reyna Benitez

Mrs. Kearney’s Ultimate Playlist

Compiled by Katie Finnigan and Hannah Stern

Name Artist Album Year

God Only KnowsBe Thou my VisionWild WorldI’m a CuckooGot Put a Smile on Your FaceForever YoungOde to My FamilyI and Love and YouBag LadyThe Dog Days Are Over

The Beach BoysVan MorrisonCat StevensBelle and SebastianColdplayBob DylanThe CranberriesThe Avett BrothersErykah BaduFlorence + the Machine

Pet SoundsHymns to the SilenceTea for the TillermanDear Catastrophe WaitressA Rush of Blood to the HeadPlanet WavesNo Need to ArgueI and Love and YouMama’s GunLungs

1966199119702004200319741994200920002009

123456789

10

As tired seniors enter F-14 for English 12 or AP Literature, they are often met with an eclectic mix of music provided by their teacher, Mrs. Kearney. Her playlist illustrates different facets of her personality;

for example, on Belle and Sebastian’s “I’m a Cuckoo,” she says “it is the way I teach often, I am a little bit nutty, and which I hope everyone is a little because it makes life worth living.”

Being of Irish heritage with a large family, the songs “Be Thou My Vision” and “Ode to My Family” are especially important to her, and a connection to her family and her daughter is clear through some of her song choices—“The Dog Days are Over,” for example, was chosen because she and her daughter dance around the house to it, as they also do with “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira (her “girl crush”).

Beyond all, however, Mrs. Kearney’s song choices reflect an unmistakable love and appreciation of life, evident though songs especially like “Wild World”, which she says she chose because it “sums up why [she wants] her students to be successful so they are ready to meet the world head on with confidence.”

anSley holmopinion editoR

Like Iron Man, “Thor” hit the box of-fice, after a highly anticipated release, with immense momentum. Although it’s proven to be a loose adaptation of the original comic, “Thor” was well received.

“Thor” stars Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman among other talents. In this action-packed fantasy, Thor (Hemsworth), an arrogant warrior who is banished to Earth by his father Odin, played by Sir Anthony Hop-kins, where he meets and falls in love with ambitious physicist, Jane (Portman).

Before he can be crowned king of his beloved realm, Asgard, complications arise endangering the livelihood of his home and postponing the completion of his coronation. Despite his father’s opposition, Thor rashly decides to invade the realm of his attackers, feeding his hunger for war. Upon his some-

what victorious return, Thor’s disproving father banishes him to Earth and comman-deers his powers.

However, the confiscation is condi-tional because Thor will regain his pow-ers once he is again worthy. Immediately upon his arrival, Thor has a serendipitous encounter with Jane. As his relationship with Jane blossoms his haughty character changes for the better.

As a whole, “Thor” is worth seeing. However, the awkward romantic pairing of the god of thunder and a quirky mortal detracted significantly from the quality of the film.

Although Thor and Jane’s romantic interactions offer a source of comic relief throughout, the idea of the two having le-gitimate chemistry and a genuine connec-tion is just laughable and distracting. Other than that, the romantic aspect of this film is entirely excessive, but bearable.

JoRdan CabReRaCenteRSpRead editoR

My knowledge of music has been expanded; this ex-pansion began when I had to select a newly released album for a music review. Unfortunately, my favorite bands did not release any new albums in April. After hearing good things about Gorillaz from a musically inclined friend, I decided to review The Fall.

I expected nothing mind blowing to blast through my headphones. I was right, not fantastic, only humorous.

The first song, “Seattle Yodel,” was 39 seconds of… well, yodeling. Thinking ‘that was weird,’ I moved on to the next. The next song, “California and the Slipping of The Sun,” was better, but I was lost in the eccentricity of the music. Pausing my music, I realized I was not analyz-ing this album correctly.

What I discovered was, well, mind blowing The Fall

was created using the iPad while the band was touring the United States. Proof is found in song titles such as “Bobby in Phoenix,” and “Phonier to Arizona.” I also learned that the Gorillaz have created cartoon characters to represent themselves. In other words, Gorillaz is a band that has gone where no band has gone before: the virtual realm.

I now listened to the album from a new perspective. By the album’s end, I concluded that I praise Gorillaz for more than musical quality. They take risks, try new things, and have fun with it.

Of the entire album, my favorites are “Amarillo,” a relaxing song that asks to “put a little love into my lonely soul,” “The Joplin Spider,” which has a star wars space vibe to it, “Detroit,” an upbeat electronic dance tune, and “HillBilly Man” that opens with beautiful guitar but quickly transitions to a faster beat.

The Fall was an enjoyable album that demonstrated their passion for taking risks as heard through the making of their music, characters, and new-age sound.

Thor

Gorillaz’s The Fall

B

AMay Reviews

Photos courtesy of Paramount Pictures and Parlophone

Photo by Hannah Stern

Performers Rise Above: Artists of the Year

Caitlin Klinedinst

Jessica Vairo

Friné Coley

Austin Kowalczyk Yvonne Casteneda

• He is a multi-talented singer and dancer• Plays the keyboard and guitar• Dance Captain for Sound Vibes• Knows all the choreography and keeps fellow members responsible• He also choreographs some numbers

• He is the Head of Dance Ensemble for each of the concerts

• In running Dance Ensemble, he leads over seventy students in

their rehearsals• The Most Outstanding

Performer: Burrough’s Division AA 2011• The Most Outstand-ing Performer: Fame New York 2010

• Dance Ensemble Cho-reographer

• One of only two male soloists in the set

• Played the lead role in the Fall production of “Dark of the Moon”• Played the lead role in the Spring production of “The Mousetrap”• Participated in Advanced Theatre Arts all four years of High School• Drama Club President• She was Project Director of the student directed production of “Almost Maine”• She also assists in painting sets and collecting costumes• Helped coordinate fund raising activities• Third place in Small Dramatic Scene at the Hart Drama Festival• Fifth place in Small Group Scene at the Drama Teachers Association of Southern California Festival

• She participated in the Printing Industry Association of Southern California team competition Ceramics Clay Day 2011 at CSUN

• First place in Widest Bowl Competition at Clay Day• First place in Craftsmanship Bucket of Eight

at Clay Day• School to Career Visual Arts

Certificate from Hart High• She has participated

in the Visual Arts Program

since freshman year at Hart High

• Top artist in the Hart Visual Arts program

Miky Tayoba• One of two senior captains• Exceptional talent and leadership skills• She has been a member for all four years of her high school career• She made every dance she auditioned for this year• Helped lead her team to become Grand National Champions for the first time• She is determined to be the best• A Top 6 USA Award Winning Soloist two times this season• USA Grand Champion in Character Dance• Active participant in commu-nity service• Member of National Society of High School Scholars• Acted choreographer for the Hart Dance Team• Organized and led the annual Hart Co-ed dance routine

• Three year member of Colorguard• She was a soloist in Hart Regiment’s 2011 winterguard show• National champion with Hart Colorguard• Helped Hart Winterguard win first place at the 2011 Winterguard Inter national Regional Competition and fourth place at the Winterguard Association of Southern California Championship, despite having moved up a division just this year• In her tenure in Colorguard, she has not missed a single competition or show• Performed during half-time shows at home football games for three years

• Marching Band – four years• Jazz Band – four years, first chair ‘10 and ‘11• Wind Ensemble – four years, first chair ‘11

• Southern California All-State Honor Band – two years (first chair in ‘11)

• Hart District Honor Band – six years (first chair in ‘11)

• “Most Improved in Jazz Band” Award 2009

• Participated in COC Orchestra – two

years

• Featured soloist in two Wind Ensemble concerts

• Received a Superior rating in the Hart District Solo Ensemble Festival –

four years

Fine Arts

Show Choir Dance

Drama

Band Colorguard

Photo courtesy of Miky Tayoba

Photo courtesy of Caitlin Klinedinst

Photo courtesy of Jessica Vairo

Photo courtesy of Friné Coley

Photo courtesy of Sami SwiatekPhoto courtesy of Austin Kowalczyk

Achievements

27-3 League Record

42-6 Overall Record

#1 Varsity Singles Team

− Coach Mansfield

DAVID AFEWORK

“[David] works very well with and has good communication [with the team].”

AchievementsWaskchak: the Newhall Gold Medalist along

with team MVPWitkowski:

achieved two eagles in a single

round

− Coach Calzia BO

YS

GO

LF“[Tim’s and Robbie’s] hard work helped lead the team.”

Achievements

− Coach Herrington

AchievementsFour time Foothill League championFoothill League

record holder in 100 yard backstroke

Four time All-American

− Coach Neale

ALEX NGAN

Achievements

All-LeagueCIF Finalist as a sophomore and

senior

− Coach David

SAM GOLDMAN

“[Sam is] the number one runner on the cross-country team.”

AchievementsThree-year varsity

member2009-2010 MVP

Selected to All Foothill League team

All Santa Clarita team

− Mrs. Peckham

CODY SEYBOLD

Achievements

− Coach Kelley

“He is a very hardworking player. Always the first in the gym and the last to leave.”

Achievements3 year varsity

athleteFirst team all league

as a junior

− Coach Ozella

BA

SEBA

LLDANIEL DIETZ

“Daniel symbolizes what a student-athlete is all about: hardworking, dedicated, [...] a true Hart Indian.”

Achievements

− Coach David

TREVOR LIEN

“Trevor Lien is one of the of the top hurdlers in the league.”BO

YS

BASK

ETBA

LLBO

YS

SOC

CER

CR

OSS

CO

UN

TRY

BOY

S SW

IM

BO

YS

TE

NN

IS

FOO

TBA

LL

Team CaptainTwo Time defending 300 Hurdle League

ChampionRank 27th in State

&TR

AC

K

FIE

LD

“[Kevin] was the most consistent player. We looked to him to make the big plays..”

First team All-Foothill League

team MVPOffensive captain

KEVIN KING

ROMAN DELGADO

All Foothill League First team

All Santa ClaritaFirst team

All Tournament Award in all tournaments this

year

Photo Courtesy of Charlotte reininger

athletes

TIMWASCHAK

ROBBIEWITKOWSKI

gayne Kalustianeditor-in-Chief

Charlotte Reininger, embodying both athletic and aca-demic potential, has stood out among a crowd of qualified contenders throughout the school year at Hart. A varsity athlete for two years in basketball and swim, Reininger has worked her way up from humble beginnings to the pinnacle on which she stands today.

“I never played on any travel teams or anything. As a kid, I only played one year in parks and recreation. I was so bad that I hardly ever played,” said Reininger.

By her freshman year, Reininger had improved enough to make the freshman basketball team. “I improved a lot dur-ing practice. I went to the park and practiced, as well,” said Reininger.

Her sophomore year, Reininger was named JV basketball captain. By the first game of her junior year, when she was a part of the varsity team, Reininger was shooting “double-double,” or double digit rebounds and points.

Her swim career, however, began differently.“Charlotte is a very hard working and dedicated person.

She is always in a good mood and is willing to help out the team,” fellow varsity swimmer Ally Weber said.

“My dad was a swimmer. He grew up on a military base, so he taught us all how to swim. Beginning in fourth grade, I was on a year-round swim team in Tehachapi called the Bar-racudas,” said Reininger.

When she was a sophomore, Reininger broke the JV 50 yard breaststroke record at Hart and continues to hold that record today.

Even outside of athletics, Reininger shows incredible promise. Having taken multiple AP and honors classes, she boasts one of the most impressive academic records of her peers.

“I’ve done Make a Difference Day for the last eight years. I also am part of Mormon Helping Hands, a church community service organization,” said Reininger.

Her post-high school plans include attending Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah to study chemistry. Rein-inger received $10,000 from Southern California Edison for her outstanding representation as a young woman on top of a half-tuition scholarship from BYU.

“Cody’s biggest strength is being a vocal, supportive leader. He’s a little crazy, too.”

Charlotte Reininger

“Alex is one of the most involved, team oriented swimmers to go through the pro-gram. He the heart and soul of the boys varsity team.”

gayne Kalustianeditor-in-Chief

Pure domination is really the only phrase to describe Hart swim over the past two decades. Coached by history teacher Mr. Steve Neale, the hydrodynamic Indians have steamrolled the competition year after year. This year, the team was fortu-nate enough to be led by inspirational varsity boys swimmer Alex Ngan, this year’s male athlete of the year.

“Alex is probably the most determined swimmer. He quit the team and still worked out as hard as all of us. That takes so much motivation,” junior and varsity swimmer Mitchell Johnson said.

Though standing paramount to almost all competition now, Ngan, too, had humble beginnings. He began swimming at the age of only six for his local team, the Summit Seals. Ngan moved into the Canyons Aquatic Club team’s ranks af-ter shattering the Seals’ record when he was seven. He would drift in and out of the Canyons teams, quitting and rejoining three times throughout his junior high and high school swim careers.

His high school career, however, sang a note of pure con-sistency. A four year varsity athlete, Ngan drew his inspiration from the unwavering leadership of Coach Neale.

“Mr. Neale is my inspiration. I really found the love for swimming in Hart swim,” said Ngan. In his time at Hart, how-ever, Ngan became somewhat of an inspiration himself.

“I’m going to miss Alex Ngan next year because I won’t have somebody to look up to,” junior, and fellow varsity swim-mer, Kris Korth said.

This four year All-American swimmer was given a tough selection between colleges as he was offered placement at both Columbia University and Massachusetts Institute of Technol-ogy (MIT) for his swim accomplishments. Since he will be pursuing a degree in economics, Ngan turned down the Divi-sion three school, MIT, to attend Columbia this fall.

Before he finally waves goodbye to Hart’s campus, with halls ringing of his prevailing swim legacy, Ngan hopes to re-connect with the place that started it all.

“I want to give back to the Summit community be-cause that’s where I started. I’m going to help out the younger kids with their strokes and techniques by coaching this sum-mer,” Ngan said.

AchievementsThree-year member

of the varsity competition squad

Member of national championship stunt

group

− Coach Parra

CH

EER

CHANDLER WHITE

“She is an amazing tumbler and flyer, and has been a terrific asset to Hart cheer!”

Achievements2010-2011 Foothill League Champions

CIF FinalistsA. Corr: Hole-in-one dur-

ing CIFB. Carlson: Won the

Newhall CupN. Prichard: MVP Junior

Year

− Coach OnoriG

IRLS

GO

LF“[Their] scores were significant in our mov-ing on in CIF.”

AchievementsThree-time Foothill League champion#1 varsity singles

playerTeam captain as a

junior

− Coach Mansfield

GIR

LS

TE

NN

IS

ANNE SUSDORF

“Anne’s hard work and dedication helped lead the team to the second round of CIF.”

AchievementsHead captain as

senior; captain as juniorFour year varsity starter

Retired jerseyFirst team all Foothill

League

− Mrs. Peckham

GIR

LS S

OC

CER

KAYCE PERKINS

“Kayce led the team in defense. She is a really positive role model and a great leader.”

Achievements

Top point winner for girls

varsity track4 year Varsity

member

− Coach David

GRACE ZAMUDIO

“[Grace is] the number one runner on the girls team.”

AchievementsLeading varsity scorer

2009-2010, 2010-2011 MVP

First All Foothill League Team

− Coach Koebel GIR

LS B

ASK

ETBA

LL

CHRISTINA FALCONE

“A true athlete [like Christina] is not just good on the field but in the classroom as well.”

Achievements4 year Varsity playerDefensive player of the year her junior

year

− Coach Calendo

SO

FTBA

LL

BRENNA CARLSON

“She leads the team not only with her skill, but also her attitude. Brenna has been one of the best.”

AchievementsBroke the school

record in the 500 yard freestyle

League champion in Individual Medley

− Coach Neale

NICOLE ANTONIUK

“[Nicole] is extremely versatile. She is the complete package because she can score points in almost any event. She swims with heart for Hart.”

GIR

LS S

WIM

GIR

LS C

RO

SS C

OU

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AchievementsTeam captain

Winner of Coach’s Award

4 year varsity track athlete

ANISSA ROBINSON

“[Anissa] is a hard worker who has improved very much. ”

− Coach David

&TR

AC

K

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LD

Photo Courtesy of tony stewart

AMANDA NIKKI BRENNA

Alex Nganof the Year

Photo by gayne Kalustian

wyatt smitharts editor

The NFL and the NFL Players’ Association are currently in negotiations to install a new collective bargaining agree-ment (CBA) before the 2011 season. In failing to reach an agreement before the expiration of the CBA, the union decer-tified and the locket began.

The previous NFL collective bargaining agreement was agreed upon in 2006. However, the owners opted out of the agreement in 2008. It expired on March 11, 2011, after a one-week extension of negotiations failed to result in a new agree-ment. On April 25, 2011, a judge in Minnesota granted an injunction to lift the lockout.

The majoirty of the debate arises out of the division of the League’s revenue. The NFL made about nine billion dol-lars last season. Under the current CBA, the owners are given one billion dollars off the top. This fund is for the owners to invest in expanding their teams by spending on stadium debt, construction, and better training facilities and staff.

The remaining eight billion dollars is split 60-40 between the players and owners. About 53% of the NFL’s total revenue

goes to the players. Additionally, no rookie wage scale is in place to counter the huge sums being paid to many unproven rookies. There is also a revenue sharing system where the league’s fifteen richest teams subsidize the seventeen poorest teams by giving them a certain cut of their revenue.

Other than revenue sharing, the players have not voiced many demands. Many players seem to agree with the owners demand for an NBA-style “slotted” system for rookie con-tracts, where rookie salaries are predetermined by their draft position. A system that kept rookie salaries lower would free up more money for veteran players. The players are vocally opposed to an expanded 18 game schedule, citing concerns about injuries and no additional pay for these games.

The main contention of the players is for a better pen-sion system to take care of players after retiring. Many players leave the league with chronic injuries or permanently debili-tating brain injuries. While players with large long term con-tracts can invest their money wisely and be set for life, play-ers who are on the fringe of teams can still find themselves, constantly on and off the practice squad will find themselves with huge medical expenses, little money left over to support themselves, and without skills they can apply to a new job.

Who are the heroes of Hart High sports?

With the closing of this year, I evalu-ated the productiveness of the Hart High sports programs advancing the Hart name further into history. Sadly, however, I found that some programs were inevitably counterproductive. Despite these dismal statistics, there were many standout ath-letes this spring semester.

One such athlete this spring was an unlikely competitor. Returning for only his third year in track, Aaron Clark surprised the league with his amazing 110 meter hur-dles times that significantly improved over the course of the track and field season.

Clark’s times his previous year in track had averaged 17 seconds and yet he shocked league finals with a 15.2 second 110 that claimed him a position in the CIF regional meet. Clark not only surprised the league, but also showed his teammates what hard work and dedication can attain.

The second athlete I want to bring to the limelight is Alex Ngan. Alex Ngan won

the 200 Individual Medley (1:57.31) and 100 butterfly (51.27) to lead the Hart boys. Both marks were CIF automatic qualifier times. Ngan not only lead the team utilizing his talents in the pool, but also resembled a remarkable leader outside the water.

Astonishing Santa Clarita his first semester with his impressive football abili-ties, Tim White decided to try his luck at track and field. Upon his first day, White had landed himself a place on the 4x100 team and a spot on the high jump team. Working on his various talents during practice, White decided to enter Foothill

League Finals on May 6. Tim received medals in the field, in which he cleared 6 feet 6 inches in the high jump and leaped 21 feet 11 1/2 inches in the long jump. Tim White advances to the state championship in June.

The final athlete that deserves recogni-tion is Erik Vogel. Though Vogel did not receive much attention during the season in comparison to other pitchers on the base-ball team, he should be accredited for his outstanding performance in the last week of March. Against Valencia that week, Hart senior pitcher Erik Vogel was on the wrong

end of the Vikings’ game-winning home run in the ninth inning.

However, Vogel recovered and re-turned that week against West Ranch. Vo-gel finished the game with three strikeouts and only surrendered three hits in a 2-0 complete-game shut. Vogel did not hang his head in defeat after the Valenica game, but put his unlucky performance behind him and delivered an extraordinary game.

The above athletes are commended not only for their athletic ability, but also for their attitude. They symbolize what it is to be a proud Hart Indian.

Caleb lunettasPorts editor

On April 16 of this year at the 53 Annual Mt. SAC Relay, Hart High school athletes Trev-or Lien, Aaron Clark, Johnny Soto, and Riley Stauffer made school history by claiming the school record in the 110 meter hurdles relay.

Mt. Sac, as the invitational has been nick-named, is one of the most competitive tourna-ments as teams from all over the state came to show their talent.

The team competed at the open invitational against the states best possible opponents and the team received 2nd place and a record school time of 1:02 hurdle relay.

Senior Aaron Clark said, “We had run the race before. But that weekend we all ran really well which shows in our time.”

Trevor Lien and Aaron Clark received the best individual times with a low 15 second leg while Riley Stauffer and Johnny Soto car-ried their own with times in the high 15 second range.

It was no surprise that all these athletes would go on to compete later once again in the 110 hurdles individually at Foothill League Fi-nals.

Aaron Clark would once again defeat his personal record with a 15.2 and he and Trevor Lien would advance to CIF finals in the 110 hurdles. Riley Stauffer would advance to finals with a 40 second 300 hurdles time while Johnny Soto advanced for high jump.

The shuttle team will have to find suitable replacements next year as Clark, Lien, and Soto will all graduate this year.

“I hope we can be as strong as we were this year. People will expect a lot out of Hart at next years relays,” said Stauffer.

Boys track team smashes records at Mount Sac

NFL lockout continues

A WINNING TRADITION: Hart High Swim team celebrates their 2011 Foothill league on May 5th which was made possible due to Alex Ngan’s and NIcole Antoniuk’s phenomenal performances. Ngan and Antoniuk would both set league records at the Aquatic Center to secure the title.

NFL CANCELLATION: National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell (left) debates the National Football League Player associa-tion president Kevin Mawae (right) over the possibility of a NFL season cancelation. No conclusion has been made to end the stike.

Photo Courtesy of tom ferguson

Photos Courtesy of esPn

Julianna marshallstaff writer

This year, the wall will be adorned by Hart’s sweep of the league title for varsity boys and girls, JV boys, and second place for JV girls; Hart won league finals over all.

At prelims and league finals, Hart was predicted to win the title again, as the announcer proclaimed Hart’s overwhelming victories in nearly every event.

“I was both excited and nervous [for league], it’s a really important meet, but we beat out biggest rival, Valencia,” said varsity swimmer Bryana Waage.

“Mission accomplished. I am very proud, because nothing is better than obtaining a hard goal.”

Additionally, Hart’s sole dive team member Nadia Tseng, received second place in league as the accumulation of her training and hard work.

“The season was a lot of fun, combined with a lot of chal-lenges, but it was worth it,” said Tseng. “[Diving] is a huge mental sport, and overcoming fears was a challenge, but [also] the key to improvement”.

It is more than apparent that the tradition of pride and ac-complishment has defined the success for the swim and dive

teams.

Hart sports: spring recaps

nadia tseng staff writer

Despite the team’s previous second place in Foothill League, the varsity boys volleyball team came into the season with plans to make some changes. After the team’s loss to Valencia last year, the boys were confident they would not be knocked into second place again. “We came into the season with high expectations. We work hard every day with the mindset of winning,” said senior J.J. Mosolf. Seeing the team succeed in their pre-season not only upped the ante on their chances of winning, but revealed what the team was lacking. Veteran coach, Mary Keen, focused on making improvements before the start of league. The team had beaten every school in league, until they

played Valencia on April 14th, where Hart lost with 25-16, 25-22 and 25-18 games. Devastated by a close loss, the best to hope

for was a tie for first in league. After the rematch a few weeks later, things fell apart and Hart lost. The team fell back into second place. Although it might not have been the standings the team hoped for they finished with an impressive record of 8-2.

georgie nielsenbaCK Page editor

The track team has found a way to push through the forces working against them to compete to the uttermost hearts’ con-tent. The team has had not only the help of their coaches, but also the help of their very own teammates.

One way of pushing through the pain of the heat, the cold, the rain, injuries, and much more, was the help of their team-mates cheering them on ,and helping them push themselves to the breaking point.

“We have become a track family, on and off the track,” said senior hurdler Trevor Lien.

A team is not only fraught with colleagues, but full of friends that have bonded together to become a fam-ily.

Hanging up their uniforms to collect dust until the next season begins, the boys’ varsity ends with a record of three losses and four wins. While on the other hand, the girls’ varsity had a record of five losses and two wins.

Although this season has been a difficult task, the returning teammates for next year gear up to compete in next year’s season.

Kendall JaCKsonnews editor

Hart tennis started off on a high note this year with the re-turn of beloved Coach Mansfield. Mansfield retired last year as a math teacher at Hart and is extremely glad to be back. “The team has improved tremendously in the past few weeks,” said Mansfield. The team hoped to continue their win-ning streak into this year’s CIF playoffs, but was defeated in a close game against Saugus.

The boys varsity finished off their league play with a record of 4 wins and 6 losses. This put them in fourth place behind Valencia, West Ranch, and Saugus. Even though the team did not qualify for CIF playoffs, they still enjoyed season.

“ We did great this season, next year should be even better” said junior Cody Berlioz.

All the members of the team were extremely close with each other and worked well together. “Teamwork carried us further than we expected. Overall, I am proud of my teammates and their effort,” said sophomore Brandon Dam.

The team will consist of mostly seniors next year and is expected to improve Hart’s league standing with its veteran experience.

samantha fruCtuosostaff writer

Despite solid efforts from Hart’s varsity boys golf team this spring, exceptionally stiff competition prevented them from rising in the Foothill ranks. The team concluded league play in fourth place, landing in front of Canyon and Golden Valley. Stand-out performances from seniors Tim Waschak and Robbie Witkowski helped lead their four other teammates throughout the season. However, overcoming mental obstacles became the biggest factor in the team’s overall game. “I think our biggest challenges were [staying] focused, being able to keep a positive, consistent attitude, and applying ourselves 100 percent,” said sophomore varsity player Kyle Del Valle. While West Ranch held steady in first place for all of league place, the team looks forward to next season with hope. “I think we played pretty well as a team,” Del Valle said. Of the six varsity members, three seniors—Tim Washack, Robbie Witkowski, and Drew Troxell—will be departing from the team this year. In addition to Del Valle, returning players will include junior Chad David and sophomore Paul Schneider, looking to make names for themselves on the course. Losing their seniors will be difficult for the team, but according to Del Valle, “It’ll make everyone apply themselves and put more effort into their game.” With talented young athletes on the team, boys golf looks to next season with anticipation, prepared to tackle the challenges ahead.

Julianna marshallstaff writer

From hard work on the field and at practices, Hart’s varsity baseball team earned second place in the Foothill League, nearly beating Valencia. The team had an impressive record of 20-6 during the season, and 11-4 in league.

This year, Hart beat their biggest challenge, Valencia, but lost to the team in two other games.

“The team’s best game was playing Valencia the sec-ond time, when we won 1-0 in the bottom of the seventh,” said junior and short stop Cole Gasper.

The team proved to be one of a kind and performed better than some had expected. The key, however, seemed to lie in the players’ sense of unity.

“The team has bonded a lot; we are not individuals, but a whole team,” Gasper said.

“We won as a team and lost as a team,” junior and pitcher Josh Ben-dig said.

“The team has improved in all aspects of the game, and pitching was the key to our success,” Gasper said.

Fellow junior and third baseman, Dallas Bacon, disagrees on the strengths of the team.

“Our strength is Daniel Dietz,” Bacon said.Whatever the team’s strength may be, the boys have been pull-

ing together to earn themselves a spot in the playoffs. This Friday, the Hart Indians will play their first postseason game.

Swim and Dive Track and Field

Volleyball Boys Tennis

BaseballBoys Golf

to the Seniors...Bid AdieuKatie Larimore

Position: Editor-in-ChiefKnown For: Katie’s corner and ugg bootsCollege: UCLAMajor: UndeclaredFavorite Memory: I have so many favorite memories from the past four years: the ill-fated Skittle slingshot during deadline night disaster of 2010, work-ing with all my friends, the cave, publishing my first article, our fridges, headaches, smiles, and lots of laughter. Quote: “When we start making wookie calls, productivity drops.”

Position: Editor-in-ChiefKnown For: Procrastinating, energy drinks, and not sleepingCollege: UC BerkeleyMajor: BusinessFavorite Memory: Every single Fiesta Pack-fueled deadline night, movie night at Shannon’s house, outing to the Iliad bookstore, long-winded discussion about college, AP Lit, Pretty Little Liars, recycling extravaganza...or, you know, pretty much every day.Quote: “This song makes me cry tears of estrogen.” [in reference to “Drops of Jupiter” by Train]

Position: Centerspread EditorKnown For: Writing brilliant HaikusCollege: UCSCMajor: Literature with a con-centration in creative writingFavorite Memory: All of it. But seriously, I’ve met the best friends I’ve ever had, made string belts, watched Drew and David make potions in my kitchen, and spent terrible, long hours looking at a computer screen. And I also spent quality time cuddling with Katie.Quote: “Do you guys ever look at your hands just to make sure you still have five fingers?”

Position:Centerspread EditorKnown For: Razor-sharp witCollege: Kenyon CollegeMajor: EnglishFavorite Memory: Being an edi-tor for The Smoke Signal made my senior year, not exaggerating. Some of my favorite memories had here include cuddling with Hannah, build-ing forts, making the Chairway to Heaven, obsessing over Harry Potter and Pretty Little Liars, eating ridicu-lous amounts of bean and cheese burritos, and just spending time with the eight best friends I’ve ever had.Quote: “Alex, did you just call us fat?”

Position: News EditorKnown For: Lord of the Rings monologuesCollege: UCLAMajor: SociologyFavorite Memory: Performing dramatic monologues, explaining why my blood is far too sacred and powerful to donate, detailing the deep philosophical implications of being a hobbit, and above all - being surrounded by the most beauti-ful, talented, and passionate friends I have ever had. Every day was, shall I say, my precious. Really. Quote: “I have my most deep and contemplative thoughts when I’m drinking my juice box.”

Position: Graphics & Backpage EditorKnown For: Excellent work ethicCollege: Cal Poly SLOMajor: Computer EngineeringFavorite Memory: After three years of journalism, doing silly things with silly people, watching movies, making inside jokes about certain actors, and knowing too much about everyone in journal-ism, I must say my favorite mem-ory is when Georgie yelled at me about writing my memory.Quote: “Twilight has everything Harry Potter has.”

Position: Sports EditorKnown For: Enthusiasm College: UCLAMajor: Biology/BusinessFavorite Memory: I was amazed by the engineering prowess of the journalism class this year. Box-fort and Chair-way to Heaven blew my mind. Journalism has introduced me to some amazing people that I truly admire and respect. I have no doubt that this group will find incredible success in the future. Thank you all- It has been a privilege.Quote: “Guys, life is just so beautiful!”

Position: Features EditorKnown For: See Sam Fructuoso’sCollege: Cal Poly SLOMajor: Electrical EngineeringFavorite Memory: Delighted by two whole years of derptastic lulzing with the Journalism editorial staff, I’m at an impasse in search-ing for a singular memory. All the impromptu beach trips and desti-nation-free gallavanting about the valley tie in my book... Thanks for all the fish <3.Quote: “Wait. So I can say any-thing I want and it’ll get printed in the newspaper?”

Jessica Martinez Drew TroxellKatie FinniganHannah Stern

Sam Fructuoso David TroyAlex Beaulieu