QUICKREADS

SPARTAN SCROLLVolume XLIV, Issue 1Oct. 3, 2014 Schurr High School Montebello, Ca.

Blood Drive: Red Cross will host the blood drive Oct. 8 in the MPR. Students must be 16 or older, have a parent’s signature and meet the weight requirement to donate.

Freshman Parent Night: The annual Freshman Parent Night will be held Oct. 14 in the library from 6-7:30 p.m. Freshman and parents are invited to attend the informational presentation.

New Plant Supervisor: René Muñoz, a Class of 1993 alum, is the new plant supervisor and is in charge of maintaining school facilities. More information is available at schurrscroll.com.

OPINIONS 12 SPORTS8 ENTERTAINMENTDiscover how the Common Core’s changes affect students nationwide.

Keep up with the gridders as they play their final preseason game.

3

CINDY VUONG

BY EDMUND LIUNews Co-Editor

Global Business and Logistics, Schurr’s new pathway taught by Alejandro Valadez, is offering students access to skills and practices involved in international business and entrepreneurship.

The course will also focus on geography, climates, culture and their role in international trade.

“They [students] will be learning about all aspects of business, including structure, communication, ethics, economics, advertising and the languages most necessary to engage in global trade,” said Valadez.

The new pathway was proposed by Principal Stacey Honda and Assistant Principal Constantino Duarte to add to the school’s existing pathways programs. Previously, only the engineering pathway was offered.

As with all district pathways, a focus is placed on project-based learning that links the pathway program to different subjects in an effort to connect traditional classes to career objectives and interests.

“It [the pathways course] shows how subjects are interconnected and not in

isolation,” said Duarte.Currently, the pathway is a first period

international business class, taught by Valadez. The pathway is expected to grow in the future as more students enroll and more classes are added each year.

The current freshmen are expected to take the pathway course in each of their four years of high school, ultimately creating a capstone project during their senior year.

“I expect to have a strong cohort that is school-wide and have students who are able to go out in the world and pursue their careers and futures,” said Duarte.

To sign up for the pathway, students can complete the pathways application found on the MUSD website. For more information about the course, students can contact Valadez in Room C-201 or Duarte in the assistant principals’ office.

A Day in the Life, a pathway information session open to eighth-grade students and parents, will be held Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. – noon. It will include a panel of current students to answer questions regarding the courses.

“Students who are business-savvy will quickly see that this pathway will help them plan a future,” said Valadez.

New pathways program prepares students

BY SASKIA SANIReporter

Hoping to ease into competition season, the Speech and Debate team will compete in the Titan Invitational at California State University of Fullerton Oct. 18-19.

Novice members will compete at the Package Deal Tournament at Arcadia High School Oct. 11.

At the Jack Howe Invitational at Cal State Long Beach, Sept. 27-28, the team competed against various schools throughout California, placing first in the sweepstakes and surpassing 100 other schools in the competition. Twenty team members made it into semifinals and 11 advanced to finals.

Senior Javion Sun placed first in Impromptu Speaking and third in Extemporaneous Speaking, while sophomore William Kunkle placed first in Congressional Debate and sixth in Extemporaneous Speaking. Senior Edward Kunkle received first in Dramatic Interpretation.

Seniors Brian Salvanera and Eliana

Valencia placed second in Expository Speaking and fifth in Original Advocacy, respectively. Senior Amanda Armendariz, junior Destinee Moya and senior Alexandria Valenzuela received fourth, sixth and eighth, respectively, in Original Oratory.

In Novice Original Oratory, senior Cecilia Campos placed second, while freshman Kassady Garrison received fourth in Novice Humorous Interpretation. Senior Kane Tenorio also placed second in Novice Congressional Debate.

“Winning our first varsity tournament and sharing such an achievement with my brother is one that I’ll never forget,” said E. Kunkle.

The speech team practiced throughout the summer to prepare for the competition season, holding practices from 3-6 p.m. almost every day.

“To see how well they did only makes me excited to see what we can do when they are fully prepared and ready,” said Moya. “It was just an amazing experience and the perfect start to a great speech season.”

Speech, debate succeed at Jack Howe

DANA NAVARRETE

PSAT Registration: The deadline for PSAT registration is Oct. 8. Registration fee is $20 and $5 for juniors with a fee waiver. The test will be administered Oct. 18 at Schurr.

INSIDE

Visit Snowopolis to enjoy its varied desserts and comfortable setting.

REVIEWING RESULTS: Senior Christopher Hernandez and junior Isabella Benavidas view scores and feedback after the team’s success at the Jack Howe Invitational.

PAVING THE WAY: Senior Viridiana Ordoñez and students of the Global Business and Logistics Pathway work on business plans for their project-based class.

OPINIONS

October 3, 2014schurrscroll.com2

As we approach the midpoint of the first grading period, we need to become more focused in everything we do.

Whether it has been easy or difficult to adjust to the routine of school, we cannot stop working hard. Without continued perseverance, there will be no progress; in both school and life, what we put in is what we get out.

In order to make progress towards our goals, it is essential that we prioritize our obligations by effectively managing our time. By setting a weekly schedule for our academic and extracurricular obligations, we can allocate time for all of them. We must remember that it is not about the number of extracurricular and academic activities that we join, but the commitment and time we put into each.

While remaining dedicated to our various activities, we also need time for ourselves. Although interacting with our peers may help us learn more about ourselves and about others, it is equally important to be introspective once in a while. By “hanging

out” with ourselves, we are utilizing an important resource for personal growth that allows for self-reflection, which will aid us in overcoming adversities. Because it will help us identify our strengths and weaknesses, self-reflection is useful in helping us attain our goals by the end of the first quarter.

In the midst of the unrest and turmoil in the Middle East and other parts of the world, we should take the time to reflect upon and appreciate the value of our education, because it is a privilege to be able to receive one. Empowering us to achieve our aspirations, we must be more proactive by participating in class discussions and showing school spirit around campus.

It is crucial to have an optimistic outlook on our endeavors.

Even through struggles, we must not be hindered by negativity, which limits our perspectives of life; we must strive to see the good in all things to gain the confidence that we need to make the most favorable changes in ourselves.

BY ELMER GUARDADOExecutive Editor

Ever since I stopped being an antisocial toddler, my parents have stressed the importance of surrounding myself with good people.

Both of my parents, my mother in particular, never hesitated to assess the company I kept. She went from being curious about knowing who I was playing hide-and-seek with to wanting to know who I was getting lunch with before Friday night football games.

My mother, a very vocal woman, was always very blunt

when telling me I had brought home someone of whom she didn’t approve. Of course, I was always quick to defend these “bad influences,” as she often called them, by saying things like “just because they’re like that doesn’t mean I am too” or “you just don’t understand him/her.”

In the moment of defending them, it always felt like I was fighting for their lives, I mean, who cared that [name withheld] wore saggy pants and swore like a sailor when he had all the video games a sixth grader could ask for? In retrospect, I see the obvious flaws in my early friend recruitment policy.

These disputes about who was an appropriate friend and who wasn’t going to make the cut often led to heated arguments between my mother and me. The ironic part is that all these “best friends” that I defended and fought for aren’t even around now, a mere four or five years later.

With some, there was a natural drifting apart, while with others there was a definite falling out, but overall as the years (and friends) came and went, I knew I needed to redefine the qualifications for who would qualify as a friend.

When the search for new friends began in my first years

of high school, there were some bumps in the road, until I eventually landed where I am today. Whether it was sitting in comfortable silence while doing homework or talking each other off metaphorical ledges, the new friends with whom I found myself surrounded not only made me feel better about myself, but they also gave my mother newfound peace of mind.

For the first time in my life, I feel at home with my circle of friends, and I’ve recently realized that I owe these friends a whole lot more than the occasional food I contribute to the group. I am who I am because of these people. The countless number of pep talks they’ve given me and memories we’ve made are all priceless contributions that they have made to my character and well-being.

Being around a positive group of people who can support and advise a person to the make the right choices can make all the difference. For me a cynical, pancake-adoring blond girl, a floral-print-loving rapper, a baseball-playing Casanova, a Batman-loving ex-wrestler, and a soup enthusiast who finds sad music a little too comforting have all walked into my life and helped me redefine the word “friendship.” While that may sounds like the set up for a really trite joke, instead it became the set-up for the best group of friends I’ve ever had. Maybe mother really does know best...

Executive Editor...............................................................Elmer GuardadoSpartan Scroll Editor in Chief....................................................Justin LeeSpartan Scroll Managing Editot..............................................Raquel DiazSchurr Scroll Editor in Chief.....................................................Mariah LinSchurr Scroll Managing Editor..............................................Nathan PhanSpectrum Editor in Chief.......................................................Cindy VuongSpectrum Managing Editor.........................................Stephanie TorosianNews Editors.................................................Eric Guzman & Edmund Liu Editorial Editor................................................................ Robert MirandaFeatures Editor.......................................................Gabriel Brossy de DiosAssistant Features Editor..........................................................Celine PhuEntertainment Editors................................ Matthew Bahk & Kayla SisonPeople/Student Life Editor.......................................................Judy LiangClubs/Academics Editor................................................... Olivia GonzalezSports Editors..................................................... Kerry Mulia & Erica SuhCopy Editors.................................. Ben Gee, Justin Kang & Evelyn WongVisuals Editor.................................................................. Sarah HanashiroPhoto Editors............................................ Brandon Chang & Kerry MuliaPhotographers....Jaimie Hsu, Dana Navarrete, Tiffany Ngo & Cecilia WuBusiness Manager.................................................................Victor CuevasAdvisers.................................Carrie Cunningham and Lorraine Langevin

Reporters......Cory Chen, Dennis Dinh, Erick Herrera, Stephanie Munoz, Sharon Phu, Saskia Sani, Noheli Sigala, Stephanie Tang, Charles Vuong, Alexandria Valenzuela, William Wong, Melody Yu

There will be no censorship of the Spartan Scroll. Decisions as to what will be printed will be left to the authority of the adviser, editors and staff members. Editorials without bylines are the opinion of the Editorial Board. Opinions, commentaries and features with bylines are the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily express the opinions of the Journalism staff, the school faculty or other students.

Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters must be signed and verifiable in order to be published, but names will be withheld upon request. Pseudonyms or initials will not be accepted. All letters are subject to condensation. Letters that demand a reply will be answered by Spartan Scroll representatives or by the proper authorities. However, the Spartan Scroll cannot publish any materials which violate laws governing student publications. Letters should be sent to Room A-8 or placed in the adviser’s mailbox no later than one week after the previous issue.

The Spartan Scroll is published monthly, except during holidays, by the Journalism 3-8 students of Schurr High School, 820 N. Wilcox Ave., Montebello, California 90640. The telephone number is (323) 887-3090 ext. 6631. It is printed by the News Publisher’s Press.

JOURNALISM STAFF 820 N. Wilcox Ave., Montebello, California, 90640

STAFF EDITORIAL Appreciating Friendships

+ FOLLOW ALL THINGS SCHURR ATSchurrScroll.com

@SchurrNews

4Schurr

BENJAMIN GEE

OPINIONS

October 3, 2014 3

BY ROBERT MIRANDAEditorial Editor

Created to prepare America’s children for the world of tomorrow, the Common Core State Standards implementation is underway, introducing new tests and requirements for students this school year.

The Common Core Standards Initiative is a nationwide implementation of standards in math and English by 43 states, drafted by many business and education leaders and state governors, to refocus America’s education system and make the country more competitive with other countries, such as China and Finland. The junior class will be directly affected this year by Common Core, with the administration of the digital Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) exam in April.

The SBAC will effectively replace the CST in determining API. The scores achieved by students will be a factor in calculating the school’s Academic Performance Index (API score). In another change, the Early Assessment Program (EAP), used by the Cal State system in English and math, will be part of the SBAC and become mandatory for all juniors, not just those in Algebra II or above.

However, amidst worries of the difficulty of the new standards and the idea of digitally-administered testing, the Common Core standards are being questioned. The idea of testing has changed in recent decades. News of the SBAC comes amidst other tests, such as the SAT and AP exams, which are experiencing new changes and “redesigns.” Along with these tests come concerns that they do not adequately assess students’ readiness for higher education. The nation has become gripped in a testing culture, in which excellence and proficiency in exams is repeatedly enforced and expected, as evidenced by the increasing emphasis on standardized testing and preparation. Therefore, students’ new focuses are on doing well in the SBAC.

The idea of “teaching to the test” is not new. Because test results have become such a large part of schools’ curricula, teachers often only have time to teach skills necessary to do well on the exams. The Common Core promises new, recalibrated skills and standards in line with changing times, which are an integral part of the SBAC.

However, the increased focus on testing that has prevailed over the past few decades may prove to be more challenging for students now, as new skills are being emphasized that students may not necessarily be comfortable with or used to, such as an increased level of conceptual integration in mathematics and a major increase in English-language skills needed in subjects such as history, science and mathematics. These new skills may

be more difficult for older students, who have not been exposed to and prepared for them beforehand. The idea of testing as a ruler of academic success is largely one-sided, as there are many students who do not “test well” and are not comfortable in a testing setting.

Educational instruction has also changed to accommodate the SBAC. Perhaps the most significant change resulting from the Common Core is that learning will be more interactive and student-led. Instead of listening passively to a lecture, students will work in groups and attempt problem sets or complete readings together, working to understand concepts and lessons. In addition, students will be required to prove and “justify” their answers to questions, discouraging simple rote memorization in favor of conceptual understanding.

The teacher’s role in the classroom, in particular, is changing from the traditional role of lecturer to that of facilitator, assisting students and organizing lessons.

“[The Common Core] really places an emphasis on student learning rather than teacher-directed learning,” said Ami Szerencse, English teacher. “It provides students the opportunity to find answers on their own rather than just being given the answer. There’s not just one right answer.” Szerencse has written SBAC test questions and works with other schools through professional development

in implementation of Common Core Standards.

Despite the new, “radical” changes to the education system, and projected initial struggles with students adjusting to the new tests and tasks that are required of them, the Common Core standards do seem to point towards a new level of education, one that will hopefully be able to prepare the next generation of American students to become more competitive and ready for the rigors of higher education and the workforce. However, it is important to realize that testing is not everything, and that the current testing culture may be harming students rather than helping them.

Over the past few years, the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) have been proposed, discussed and implemented in schools across the country. This year, the SBAC, an exam that replaces the CST and stresses critical thinking skills, is to be officially administered for the first time. Opinions vary

about the Common Core and how it is affecting teachers, students and the entire nation.

changes at

the core

“It is challenging to implement and work out. However, I am taking notes on what is working and how students experience activities so we can do better next year.

}SPARTAN SPEAK How will Common Core affect your teaching and lesson planning?

LENIE GALIMAMATH TEACHER

“I am trying to introduce Common Core writing strategies with my freshmen as soon as possible to strengthen their writing skills, since writing is key in SBAC.

}BETTY HARBISONENGLISH TEACHER

“I will have my students do more writing, though my teaching won’t change much, since Common Core has been the kind of teaching I’ve believed in for a long time. WILLIAM SCHULTHEIS

MATH TEACHER

KERRY MULIA

}

core FACTS• The Common Core State Standards have

been adopted by 43 states across the nation.

• The SBAC is a standardized test aligned with the new standards, which will be administered in April for juniors only.

• The CCSS for 9th grade Algebra I and all English classes have been implemented this year throughout the Montebello Unified School District.

• The CCSS emphasize critical thinking and student-led inquiry rather than “traditional” lecture-based teacher instruction.

SOURCE: core.org, corestandards.org, musd.org

Changes in counselor configuration benefit students

A HELPING HAND: Sophomore Ashley Lopez meets with counselor Alma Aguilar to discuss her plans for college and check to be sure she is on track for gaining admission.

BY CHARLES VUONGReporter

Changes within the counselor system will result in some students being assigned new counselors and freshmen gaining specialized support.

The most recent change to the system is the addition of Beatriz De La Rosa as a freshman-only counselor rather than adding freshmen to other counselors by last name.

This is a change from previous years’ breakdowns; freshmen will now have their own counselors instead of seniors.

“I plan to work hard to make a difference in assistance from previous years by providing the whole ninth grade student body my support as well as guidance on campus,” said De La Rosa.

The purpose of the new configuration is to allow freshmen an easier time transitioning high school.

By placing all freshmen with a single counselor, not only will they will have increased access in order to discuss schedules, grades and concerns, but the counselor will also be able to provide more grade-specific help.

The plan for the configuration is to keep this for the next few years, so new freshmen will continue to have help in transitioning.

“She [De La Rosa] was very helpful, organized and direct,” said freshman Steven Garcia. “It was a very smooth process.”

Baltazar Mejia will assist 10-12 grade students with last names beginning with A to C; Lilia Rosas, D to I; Alma Aguilar, J to N; Ruth Munguia, O to R and Monica Nabor, S to Z.

“I think the new counselor breakdown is really solid this year. The changes are directed towards ninth graders, so overall, we can help them a lot better,” said Nabor.

BY ERIC GUZMANNews Co-Editor

Jazz band and orchestra will perform at the Gedatsu Moon Festival Oct. 4 and 5.

Jazz band will perform various pep tunes, including “The Contender,” “Hey, Pachuco,” “Land of 1,000 Dances” and “Taco Mambo.”

Orchestra will perform an arrangement of “1812 Overture” by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, “Hedwig’s Theme” by John Williams from “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Jupiter” by Gustav Holst from “The Planets” and “Paint it Black” by the Rolling Stones.

“[We perform] for community service and to raise money for our program, and we need performance opportunities,” said Dr. Anne Rardin, orchestra director. “It certainly gets our year off with a bang.”

In addition to performances, the orchestra will also be running food and game booths during the festival to raise money for their program.

Orchestra members will run two game booths, and parents will run the food booth,

selling boba tea and nachos. All proceeds earned by the booths will go towards the orchestra.

“The band and orchestra have very limited funds, so any opportunity to fundraise is important,” said Eileen Yoshimura, booster board member. “We need the money to pay for for instructors, instruments and instrument repairs.”

Orchestra and band started performing at the event in 2004 in an effort to raise funds for the program.

“It has become a tradition and allows new and old members an opportunity to bond,” said Lianne Chau, orchestra treasurer.

The orchestra practiced over the summer in preparation for the Moon Festival.

The Moon Festival celebrates the yearly coming of the autumn moon, and will include a bazaar with other food, game and shopping booths run by community organizations.

“[The concert] gives us practice getting over our nerves and makes us focus and learn our music,” said Rardin. “Concerts are always bonding experiences, and playing music makes one smarter.”

Orchestra, jazz band to perform

BY STEPHANIE MUÑOZReporter

A college fair will be held Oct. 29 in the quad during lunch and will be available to all students.

The college fair will be held on collaboration schedule, in which all students share the same lunch. Everyone will have the opportunity to visit the booths that will be set up by each school.

Currently, Biola College, Cerritos College, Chapman University, Concordia University, Mount St. Mary’s College, Occidental College and Whittier College have confirmed that they will be attending, but other schools are still pending in their decision to attend.

At the booths, students will be given the opportunity to ask any questions pertaining to the school, such as admission rates, majors offered and student life.

“I went to the fair last year, and I liked it because it gave me an idea of what college I would like to attend out of high school,” said Arianna Campos, junior.

A College Door Decorating contest will be conducted in order to boost interest for the event. Students and teachers will have until Oct. 29 to decorate classroom doors using a college theme.

The doors will be judged on Oct. 30,with the three best decorated doors receiving prizes: first place will receive a pizza party, second place will receive an ice cream party and third place will receive doughnuts.

“We try to make the college fair festive like our homecoming,” said Carlos Avila, coordinator of the fair. “Instead of celebrating school spirit, our goal is to spread college cheer.”

Last year, over 25 different schools were represented at the fair. These included universities, community colleges, technical schools, art schools and beauty schools; the military attended as well.

“We really want students to think about life after high school. It starts a conversation by students who otherwise may have never considered their future,” said Avila.

Questions and concerns can be directed towards Avila in Room C-207.

“I have received feedback from other teachers saying that even students who never dreamed of attending college start talking about their school choices in their classrooms,” said Avila.

Students and faculty are encouraged to wear college gear every Thursday to promote a college-going culture.

CINDY VUONG

NEWS

October 3, 2014schurrscroll.com4

BRANDON CHANG

CINDY VUONG

College fair offers information about opportunities

GETTING READY: Orchestra members practices their pieces in the auditorium in preparation for their performance at the Gedatsu Moon Festival.

GETTING INFORMED: Sophomore Vincent Hernandez, juniors Gabriela Mariscal and Andrew Valdes check the calendar of AVID-sponsored activities for College Month.

FEATURES

October 3, 2014 5

FEATURESPSAT provides college, academic feedbackBY GABRIEL BROSSY DE DIOSFeatures Editor

If the benefits of taking the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) were to be expressed as a number, they would take the approximate form of 189 extra points on the SAT.

This score advantage that PSAT-takers have over other students on the SAT — a statistic provided by collegeboard.org, the website of the company that makes the PSAT, SAT and AP exams — is only one of many reasons for students to take the PSAT, which also include better preparedness for the SAT, detailed feedback for students to help them target their academic weak spots, scholarship opportunities and recognition programs.

Aside from the test-taking practice students receive by completing the PSAT, which tests critical reading, math and writing skills, collegeboard.org states that the test score provides an estimate of how well each student will do on the SAT.

“It’s a practice test,” said Edelmira Sandate, college counselor, “so it’s a good sampling of what the SAT is like.”

By taking the PSAT, students also receive a booklet that reviews concepts on the test and grants access to the College Board’s “My College QuickStart,” which allows them to review their PSAT answers and have access to study material for the SAT.

“[The booklet] helped to prepare for the SAT,” said senior Shun Lin, who took the PSAT twice before the SAT. Lin said that he felt better taking the

SAT after his experience with the practice exams.The PSAT, also known as the National Merit

Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT), serves as a preliminary screen to find those eligible for scholarships and recognition as juniors. Of the approximately 1.5 million juniors who take the PSAT every year, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation selects about 34,000 as Commended Students and names 16,000 as Semifinalists; 15,000 of the Semifinalists become Finalists, and 8,000 of the Finalists receive scholarships of $2,500 each.

Additionally, the College Board recognizes about 5,000 out of the approximately 250,000 Latino students who took the PSAT with its National Hispanic Recognition Program.

To qualify, students who are at least one quarter Latino must meet the minimum cutoff score, which varies annually, when they take the PSAT in their junior year.

They must also have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and apply for the program online between May and July in their junior year. Although there is no monetary prize for this recognition, collegeboard.org states that it is a useful achievement to mention on college applications.

Until Oct. 8, students grades 9 through 11 can sign up for the PSAT in the College Office. The fee is $20 or $5 for juniors who qualify for fee waivers. The test will be given on campus Oct. 18.

The PSAT benefits students in a myriad of ways: through scholarship eligibility, offering practice and giving its takers a possible 189 point advantage on the SAT.

serves as free supplement to classroom learningBY WILLIAM WONGReporter

One of many educational sites available through the internet, Shmoop provides a large collection of resources easily accessible for students.

First introduced in 2007, Shmoop is an online resource website that focuses on supplementing what high school students learn in class.

According to the website, its team of writers from around the world is composed mostly of PhD holders and graduate students with teaching experience.

Shmoop has been accessible to all Schurr students since the MUSD paid for the service in late 2012.

“Shmoop is great because it provides free AP test prep, it’s interactive and provides immediate feedback to students, and it allows me to monitor students’ progress,” said Carlos Avila, AP teacher.

Currently, Shmoop includes ACT, SAT, PSAT and AP review study guides, where

users can take timed or untimed practice tests. Shmoop also provides many study guides for non-AP classes, with courses ranging from calculus to economics, and even languages such as Korean. In its literature section, Shmoop provides many guides to classic and new books alike, with summaries and analyses of chapters, characters and themes. The website also offers videos for most core subjects.

“I think Shmoop is a really convenient website because I can get free information quickly for almost all my classes,” said Jade McIntyre, sophomore.

Registration for Shmoop requires only basic information, such as the user’s email, zip code and school name. From there, new members can join teachers’ online classes, where their teachers from school can observe their learning activities and they can utilize their variety of guides.

By using Shmoop, students can further their education outside of the classroom and take advantage of free resources available with only a mouse-click.

How to estimate your SAT scorefrom your PSAT score

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63-6758-6253-5748-5243-4738-4233-47

28-32

Score on PSAT

680

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360

SAT Reading

Score

680

643607569525482435393

360

SAT WritingScore

700

656611566522475426380

341

SATMathScore

PSAT test taking strategies

Avoid random guessing to prevent point

deductions for wrong answers.

Pace yourself to avoid running out of time.

Read questions and answers carefully to reduce

mistakes.

STUDYING IN STYLE: Shmoop offers information on a variety of subjects using caricatures of famous historical figures and literary characters in the videos it offers on its website. Access to the material is free to MUSD students.

MATTHEW BAHK

By MARIAH LINSchurr Scroll Editor in Chief

“Ladies and gentlemen, please fasten your seat belts as we begin our final descent into Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.”

As the plane began to rapidly descend, my excitement increased. Just 17 hours and 32 minutes before, I had boarded an airplane from Washington’s Dulles Airport; now here I was, about to fulfill one my childhood dreams.

I first learned about the continent of Africa when I read about Dr. Jane Goodall in my science textbook in fourth grade. All I knew back then about this place was that it was where I could find elephants, lions and zebras. It became my dream to one day be like Dr. Goodall and travel to Africa simply because I wanted to see all these wild creatures.

I vividly remember coming up with a convincing

argument as to why my parents should let me go to Africa by myself. As I was 11 years old at that time, they turned me down. As I got older and began to learn more about world geography and global issues, I realized how naive I was when I simply wanted to go to Africa to “see the animals.” There was so much more to the continent than what I had initially imagined.

Because of this interest, when I came across an opportunity to go to the East African country of Ethiopia a year ago, I jumped at it. Ethiopia is also known as the “Cradle of Humanity” because it is where the oldest human skeleton was discovered.

As I stepped out of the airplane, I quickly realized that all my preconceived notions of Ethiopia and Africa were wrong. Instead of wide-open plains filled with exotic trees and animals, I saw a bustling city in the early stages of modernization. Although it was far less developed than Los Angeles, I saw beauty in being able to witness a city’s growth and development.

My time in Ethiopia was spent at a local village school in Bole. On the first day of class, the students and I had planned to meet at 8 a.m. East African Time. However, when no one showed up, I realized my blunder. It turned out that Ethiopia has its own local time and date system found in no other African country. Despite these cultural dissonances, the friendly and welcoming culture of locals

made me feel very much at home. While we battle drought in California, Ethiopians have

similar struggles gaining access to clean water—or any water at all. This issue came up during a service project with the students at Bole where we planted several tree saplings. With a non-existent irrigation system, we ended up hiking to a nearby water source to fill canteens with water to bring back to water the saplings.

In the face of such adversity, the students never lost their positive, upbeat attitude nor their passion for discovery. When I initially decided to go to Ethiopia, I planned to teach them about digital mapping and education for sustainable development. In the end, I left humbled by their persevering nature, their hospitality and genuine desire to change the world.

As I walked on the tarmac to board my plane home, I realized that life is about taking chances and not being afraid to dream. Steve Jobs once said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.” As I “connected the dots” of the human civilization and the way in which we are all connected to Ethiopia, I was able to do the same in my life. I changed the lens through which I viewed the world.

Although I am not sure when I will have another opportunity to go back to Ethiopia, I remain hopeful and will let those dots connect themselves.

SARAH HANASHIRO

Discovering ‘roots’

of humanity

SOURCE: collegeboard.org

If it wasn’t for Shmoop, I don’t think I would’ve understood.

Frankenstein.

SLACKTIVISM OR ACTIVISM?SLACKTIVISM OR ACTIVISM?

BY SARAH LUCE-ANDREYKOAnimal Rights Activist

An activist is someone who acts on behalf of people, places or things that have limited ability to act for themselves, regarding issues that directly affect their wellbeing and/or existence.

Action is intended to improve the current situation of the person, place or thing while also creating awareness by enlightening members of the community. Activism can take on many forms—common images include a protest in front of city hall with signs and megaphones, a march held on closed city streets, a fired up protestor or a celebrity who owns a foundation and travels the world, such as Leonardo DiCaprio.

However, as an activist for animal rights, I do not fit within these generalized images. I follow a strict vegetarian diet and promote this lifestyle to friends and family; I educate myself and others on the animal farming industry. I support brands that never use animal testing,

I do not wear fur or leather, I encourage pet owners to buy their pets in pairs (as animals with companions of the same species are happier), I advise people on how to care for their pets and I visit animal shelters.

I step in when people interfere with wildlife, and I am in school with the intention of devoting my life to animals by becoming a naturopathic veterinarian.

Sure, there are alternate and more extreme ways for me to be an activist. I could volunteer as a participant in the documentary “Farming Humans,” where I would live as a farmed animal in a cage for 10 days and be branded or tattooed with a serial number. I could make visits to grocery stores, putting up signs and information on products known for causing animals harm. I could become a vegan at this very moment.

Activism takes shape in many ways and in many actions. I do what I can to support my cause in ways I know best, and for that, I consider myself an activist.

BY RAQUEL DIAZ & JUSTIN LEESpartan Scroll Managing Editor& Spartan Scroll Editor in Chief

Although the continual rise of social media provides many benefits, it can actually be a hindrance to activism.

Activism is an action taken to bring change. It utilizes campaigning to shed light on an issue, increase awareness and garner support.

With social media, the line between activism and its counterpart, “slacktivism,” is blurred as both raise awareness but may not directly and immediately help to bring change.

Seemingly innocuous, “slacktivism” consists of a picture, or “hashtag,” that represents a social or political issue. Internet users are asked to spread the message in order to increase awareness and encourage others to donate money.

This counteractive form of so-called activism extends to tangible gestures as well; it has become trendy to sport bracelets advocating the search for disease cures, such as breast cancer.

“Slacktivism” has reached prominence, overshadowing pure activism, because it is so accessible and easy to do. It does not require

much time, and is usually performed without cost.

In an age of instant gratification for slacktivists, participating in protest marches and volunteering seem too tedious, the benefits too delayed. It takes less than a second to “like” or “retweet” a post, and then be satisfied with having “spread the word.”

Reflecting the new social paradigm of widespread internet communication, slacktivism seems to be a natural step forward for activism. However, as opposed to speeches urging the audience to boycott or seek further knowledge, slacktivist posts, for the most part, do not inspire internet users to take physical action to make change.

While spreading awareness is important, one must recognize the need to contribute in tangible ways, such as by volunteering and donating money.

To students, being an activist may seem to be an abstract concept, but teenagers can be activists as well. Joining community service clubs, especially those with goals to combating specific issues, is a true form of activism, working to create a positive change.

SPARTAN SPEAK Do you think spreading awareness on social issues online can lead to positive change?

FOCUS

October 3, 2014schurrscroll.com6

Change requires action

Guest Perspective:

Thoughts from a true activist

}“ I dont think that sharing something online is going to have any impact at all. People only do things that they see as fun or interesting, like the ice bucket challenge. Anything else asking for actual support, people will lose interest in.

WILLIAM KUNKLE SOPHOMORE

“ No, it motivates you but it doesn’t really help [the cause]. For example, at first, people participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge for the actual cause. Eventually, people changed the intentions behind the challenge; it was for fun. } TATIANA DUCKWORTH

FRESHMAN

SLACKTIVISM OR ACTIVISM?SLACKTIVISM OR ACTIVISM?

Do you think spreading awareness on social issues online can lead to positive change?

FOCUS

October 3, 2014 7Photos by DANA NAVARRETE

WHAT IS THE ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE?

The ALS (Amyotrophic lateral scerosis) Ice Bucket Challenge in the recent weeks has shed light on activism and awareness for change globally.

The challenge was created to raise awareness and collect funds for researching the disease, which affects motor neurons, resulting in muscle weakness. However, with the use of the internet, the challenge that started with true intentions of activism has moved towards slacktivism.

Scroll Poll

Do you know what the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is?

What are the rules for donating after being nominated?

What is the Ice Bucket Challenge supposed to simulate?

What is “slacktivism”?

2% No 98% Yes

17% Donations are not required

25% Donating is not required unless you do not participate

4% You must donate $10

12% Donations are required if you participate

15% Getting hypothermia

12% Getting irregular joint spasms

8% Raised blood pressure

3% Undergoing chemotherapy

48% refusing to participatein activism

3% going door to door to advocate for certain legislation

3% vigorous campaigning for social justice 5% participating in sit-ins

42% You must donate $10 if you participate and $100 if you do not

62% Losing feeling in limbs

41% creating awarenessof social issues online

Actual Awareness of ALS

SOURCE: 367 students grades 9-12 were polled Sept. 24. SARAH HANASHIRO

*Correct answers are highlighted.

“It depends, but I think it does because it shows that if people show others who actually care, it’ll get around. It’s good that people know. } INFINITY RODRIGUEZ

JUNIOR

“I think that it does as long as it’s from an actual organization and not from a random person. We don’t know the person’s motives; it might be for the well-being of the cause but a person might be spreading a post for the likes. } MIGUEL RIOS

SENIOR

Graphic by MATTHEW BAHK, BENJAMIN GEE & SARAH HANASHIRO

FEATURES

October 3, 2014schurrscroll.com8

Classical music increases mind’s learning ability

By JUSTIN LEESpartan Scroll Editor in Chief

Two chords is all it takes for my sisters and me to gather around the piano. My oldest sister plays, I sing and my other sister searches out chords of anything from Disney to Broadway soundtracks, some Maroon 5 and even Beyonce.

When I was little, I was fascinated by the piano. It was black, shiny, oddly shaped and took up half my living room. Every day, I would hear various noises that created pleasing sounds when my sisters would practice for their weekly lessons.

I wanted to learn for myself. My sister taught me some of the basic notes and simple tunes such as “Hot Cross

Buns.” Soon after, my mom asked if I wanted to learn from an actual piano teacher.

The following week, I had my first 30-minute lesson. My teacher taught me how to read and play notes, keep time and tell the difference between the white and black keys. It was a new experience, and I was already looking forward to the next lesson.

However, over the next few years, I began to lose interest in playing piano. Learning seemed more like a chore — going to lessons weekly and practicing daily — than something I was interested in doing. I felt as if I wasn’t learning or improving and I hated practicing. I didn’t feel a connection to the classical pieces. I wanted to quit.

I shared how I felt with my mom, and she persuaded me to continue my lessons through high school, just as my older sisters had done.

Although I was convinced to continue, I still didn’t enjoy my weekly lessons. Each week, I tried different methods to get out of them, from faking stomachaches and headaches to trying to take a nap 10 minutes before. However, they never worked.

Eventually, I accepted that I would be forced to take piano lessons for the next few years.

My teacher, for the first time, let me choose which piece I wanted to play rather than following her curriculum. It

was like my first piano lesson again; I was excited to learn “River Flows Anew” by Yiruma, the piece that I chose. The piano and I were no longer enemies; we worked together and made the music I wanted to play and hear.

Just as I began to enjoy piano again, academics became a priority for me during my senior year. I decided to focus on school and take a break from my lessons; but I still play the piano. I find myself on the black leather bench after school, perching my fingers above the cold keys.

What seemed like a chore for 12-year-old me, has become an outlet of creative expression that I’m not able to pursue through my academic assignments. The piano has become a mode of relaxation, away from loud conversations, text-heavy readings and bright digital screens.

Looking back, I am glad that my mom forced me to continue my lessons. The piano taught me values of commitment, how to manage time, and use a different medium of expression.

When I wake up in the morning after a long night of assignments, I’m not exactly ecstatic about going school. Sometimes, I don’t see past the daily routine because the values and benefits of being a student aren’t immediately apparent, but as I found with my piano lessons, loss of revisiting interest and motivation as a student, may, in the long run, provide invaluable lessons for future success.

BY SHARON PHUReporter

Listening to classical music can make one smarter.This is a simple statement, but one that has raised

eyebrows in the scientific community as researchers have conducted study after study to ascertain whether or not it is true.

The phrase “Mozart effect” was coined in 1993, following a study done on 36 college students by neurobiologist Dr. Gordon Shaw of the University of California at Irvine and two other researchers.

In the experiment, students were divided into three groups. One group listened to Mozart’s Sonata for Two

Pianos in D Major (K. 448), as performed by Radu Lupu and Murray Perahia; another listened to a recorded message suggesting that they imagine themselves relaxing in a peaceful garden; the last group heard only silence.

Immediately afterward, the students were each given a test that measured spatial and temporal reasoning which, according to monroeinstitute.org, is “the ability to form mental images from physical objects, or to see patterns in time and space.” The researchers found that students who had listened to Mozart scored an average of eight or nine points higher than the students who had listened to the “relaxation tape” or to silence. The effect, however, only lasted for 10 to 15 minutes.

While there is no conclusive proof that one’s IQ will

observe a permanent increase from exposure to classical music, other studies have shown that music engages the entire brain, with a slew of aftereffects. The rhythms and tonal patterns of classical music, in particular, increase the functional interconnectedness of the brain, promoting greater harmony and coherence between the brain’s left and right hemispheres.

Hundreds of studies have confirmed that creating and playing music, especially from an early age, provides cerebral advantages later in life. Researchers have found that musically trained students have better verbal memory and an improved ability to block out background noise.

“[Classical music] makes me feel concentrated when studying, and excited when I’m on my downtime,” said Julianne Yoshimura, Schurr orchestra violinist.

Yoshimura’s words parallel the findings revealed in other studies. A musical piece’s frequency, which determines the pitch our ears pick up, can either resonate or conflict with the body’s natural rhythms. The listener’s heartbeat has a tendency to synchronize its beating to the beat of the music. This resonance facilitates learning.

According to Brain-Based Learning: The New Science of Teaching and Training by Eric Jensen, “When both are resonating on the same frequency, we fall ‘in sync,’ we learn better, and we’re more aware and alert.”

Listening to classical music has also been shown to improve mood, increase creativity and abstract thinking, promote greater self-expression and positively influence our body’s energy levels.

“It involves requiring an attention span. We live in a world of instant gratification. In a world where we are more attracted to a video on Vine, we need to know there is music out there that develops passion, opens the mind and keeps it active, and is going to take more than six seconds to do it,” said Antonio Castro, band director.

Freshman begins public educationBY EVELYN WONGCopy Editor

Many students consider the transition from intermediate school to high school an enormous leap; according to freshman Kobe Mia Rico, making the transition from homeschool to high school is life-changing.

Rico had been enrolled in the Community Home Education Program (CHEP), an independent study program from the Orange County Department of Education, since her time in kindergarten.

“My mom mainly taught me, but I was also able to do independent studying,” said Rico.

In eighth grade, Rico decided to complete her independent study program and enroll in a public high school, where grades are a major factor in applying for college.

“Since I am a little older now, I feel my parents can trust me to make more mature decisions,” said Rico.

On the first day of school, while many other freshmen formed groups consisting of their “middle school friends,” Rico was beginning to adjust to public school life.

“The first day of school was really scary; it was hard for me to make friends,” Rico said.

By the end of her first week, she was more accustomed to going to school with hundreds of other students.

“I felt like it was easy to adapt, but I’m still overwhelmed by how many students there are,” she said.

According to Rico, being homeschooled and attending public school have many differences, but they are equally enjoyable experiences.

“Being homeschooled, I was able be on a more relaxed schedule, whereas for regular school, I must study vigorously and stay super-focused,” she said.

With a different background from that of her peers, Rico has been able to reflect on both her high school and home school experiences.

“I would say I like going to regular school better than being homeschooled, since I’m able to learn at a more challenging pace, have fun and make new friends,” she said.

Although Rico may seem to be far from the typical freshman, she has many aspirations, just like her fellow classmates do.

“My goals for freshman year are to earn straight A’s in all my classes, participate in at least one or two clubs, have a fun basketball season, make lots of friends and just have fun enjoying my high school experience,” said Rico.

Experiencing public school for the first time, Rico hopes to succeed both academically and athletically; however, what she wants to accomplish most is to find her place in the enormous sea of students.

TIFFANY NGO

FROM HOMESCHOOL TO HOMEROOM: Quickly adapting to her new environment, freshman Kobe Rico studies alongside her classmates.

SARAH HANASHIRO

Lessons learned

in hindsight

ENTERTAINMENT

October 3, 2014 9

Animated trolls step ‘outside of box’ in stop-motion filmBY MATTHEW BAHKEntertainment Editor

A new family film titled “The Boxtrolls” introduces viewers to the most peculiar of families, charming with its quirky cast of characters and amusing plot.

From the creators of “Coraline” and “Paranorman,” LAIKA and Focus Features revealed on their blog last February 2013 their third collaboration movie, “The Bowtrolls.” Based on the bestselling fantasy-adventure novel Here Be Monsters! by Alan Snow, “The Boxtrolls,” like both previous movies by LAIKA, is a 3D stop-motion and CG animated feature film.

Directed by Graham Annable and Anthony Stacchi, “The Boxtrolls” revolves around an orphan named Eggs (voiced by Isaac Hempstead Wright) who was adopted by the Boxtrolls and raised as one of their own. When Archibald Snatcher (voiced by Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley) threatens to exterminate the Boxtrolls, Eggs enlists Winnie Portley-Rind (voiced by Elle Fanning of “Maleficent”) to save his family from their demise.

Just as no two humans are alike, each boxtroll is individualistic in terms of both design and

character. With the simplistic outline of a troll in a box, their personalities will create the scene for the audience.

The stop-motion animation that LAIKA specializes in is a tedious and exact process. Figurines with replaceable body parts and facial expressions are set into position as one still moment is captured out of the millions required to produce a full-length feature film. When combined with CG Animation, different depths of perception and a unique art style is formed.

Both “Coraline” and “Paranorman” won prestigious awards, such as a Golden Globe, Annie Award (Oscar for Animation) and an Academy Award Nomination for Best Animated Picture. As a result, it is predicted that “The Boxtrolls” will reach the same glory as its predecessors; however, with a 72% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.2 on IMBD compared to “Coraline’s” 90% and 7.7 score, “The Boxtrolls” may not be as successful.

With many guest voice actors like Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (“Shaun of the Dead” and “The World’s End”), Tracy Morgan (“30 Rock”) and Pat Fraley (“Ghostbusters”), “The Boxtrolls” holds a well-talented and animated cast.

“The Boxtrolls” is currently in theatres with a PG rating, so all family members can enjoy it.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOVIEPILOT.COMFRAME-BY-FRAME: In the most recent stop-motion production by LAIKIA, “The Boxtrolls” creators animated characters to appear lively and magical.

‘Fall’ in love with TV shows

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TV.COM

BY BENJAMIN GEECopy Editor

Showcasing primarily Spanish and Portuguese artists and pieces, the Latin Grammys recognize musicians who appeal to a Latino and Hispanic audience.

“The Latin Grammys, although not as popular as the American Grammys, represents a portion of America and should be publicized more. It’s like a tribute to the Latin community,” said Alexander Xia, junior.

Founded by Michael Greene and producers/songwriters Mauricio Abaroa and Rudy Perez, the Latin Grammys was first held Sept. 13, 2000; since then, they have continued to reward artists for their achievements in the music industry. The 15th annual ceremony will be held Nov. 20 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The Latin Recording Academy, which organizes and plans Latin Grammys, features recordings that originate from different regions of the world. However, these pieces must be recorded in Spanish or Portuguese.

The event is comprised of three segments: presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring the “Person of the Year” and the Latin Grammys ceremony. Similar to the Grammys Awards, awards such as “Record of the Year,” “Album of the Year,” “Song of the Year” and “Best New Artist” are given to artists who have been nominated for each award.

Joan Manuel Serrat was honored Sept. 9 as “Person of the Year.” A tribute concert will be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas Nov. 19 in his honor. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be given to the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, which provides scholarships, fellowships and grants and supports educational programs, according to latingrammy.com.

In addition, special awards such as the Musical Excellence Award and Trustee Award are given. The Musical Excellence Award honors performers who have made outstanding artistic contributions that are significant in the recording field. In contrast,

the Trustee Award is bestowed upon those who have made contributions that are not in the area of performance but are still impactful in the field of recording.

Genre-specific awards are also given; however, in the pop category, there are additional awards such as “Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album” and “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.”

Nominations for this year’s award ceremony in the General Category include 3.0 by Marc Anthony and Multiviral by Calle 13 for “Album of the Year” and “Donde Está El Amor” by Pablo Alborán featuring Jesse & Joy and “Llegaste Tú” by Luis Fonsi featuring Juan Luis Guerra for “Record of the Year”, as well as various others, which are available to view on the Latin Grammy’s website.

Previous winners of the 2013 Latin Grammys include Living my Life by Marc Anthony for “Record of the Year,” Life by Draco Rosa for “Album of the Year,” “I was Reborn” by Andrés Castro and Carlos Vives for “Song of the Year” and Gaby Moreno as “Best New Artist.”

With a wide variety of awards for Spanish and Portuguese speaking artists, The Latin Grammys provides representation for its Hispanic and Latino audience.

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: Singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat, the 2014 Person of the Year, will speak at the Latin Grammys.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LATIN GRAMMY.COM

BY KAYLA SISONEntertainment Editor

Fall has begun, meaning it is time for television networks to launch a couple of new shows alongside new seasons of returning favorites.

Television schedules will be packed this season, with the revival of beloved series and their distinct natures, such as the eeriness of “American Horror Story,” the wittiness of “The Big Bang Theory,” the drama and character

development of “The Walking Dead” and satire of “The Simpsons.”

Further adding to the lineup are the introduction of fresh, new shows such as the romantic comedy “A to Z,” and the highly anticipated “Arrow” spin-off, “The Flash.”

An assortment of shows will premiere this season, all in hopes of growing their audiences.

Below is a list of five television shows recommended by the Spartan Scroll Editorial Board for this season.

“The Legend of Korra”

Avatar Korra fights to keep Republic City safe from both spiritual and physical worlds in this animated adventure series, a follow-up to “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” Season four, called “Balance,” will premiere tonight on Nick.com and the Nick app.

“American Horror Story: Freak Show”

Set to premiere Oct. 8 on FX, season four is in 1950s Jupiter, FL and centers on a freak show that has the vexation of encountering a tormenting murderer, Twisty the Clown.

Nominees chosen for Latin Grammys

“Bob’s Burgers”

Having won the 2014 Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program, the charming family sitcom returns Oct. 5 on FOX for their fifth season, following Bob, his wife and their kids as they run their burger restaurant.

“Supernatural”

Marking their tenth season of exploits and thrill, the Winchester brothers who hunt supernatural beings for a living have a dark path ahead of them in this hit fantasy horror, premiering Oct. 7 on The CW.

“The Walking Dead”

Going beyond what audiences expect from horror television, the popular post-apocalyptic zombie horror drama series is very much alive, as survivors fight to escape from Terminus in search of a cure. Season five will premiere Oct. 12 on AMC.

ENTERTAINMENT

October 3, 2014schurrscroll.com10

BY WILLIAM WONGReporter

Adding to the few dessert restaurants in the Montebello area, Snowopolis brings a new twist with their 50 flavors of shaved ice and custom do-it-yourself s’mores.

“The owner is from Hawaii, and his family was really known for their shaved ice. A few years ago he moved here, bringing over his traditional Hawaiian shaved ice,” said manager Jessica Apperico.

Those entering Snowopolis may find the restaurant noticeably dark. The establishment is lit by dim neon lights and has decorations around the room.

“We wanted the restaurant to have a chill, relaxing vibe, but we’re still a new place, so we’re working on it,” said Apperico.

Snowopolis serves a variety of sweets, such as cookies, s’mores and milkshakes; however, their most popular item by far is shaved ice.

Tiger Blood is their most popular flavor, a combination of strawberry, cherry and coconut, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the middle.

The flavor has a unique, fruity taste made by the strawberry and the cherry; the flavor is highly complemented by hints of coconut.

S’mores, another popular dessert,

comes on plates with graham crackers, marshmallows, toppings and the customer’s choice of chocolate, so customers roast their s’mores to their liking.

Plates of s’mores come in two varieties. A plate with a serving for four people is priced at $13.99, while a similar plate that serves two people costs $7.99.

“I liked the big round table that came with the s’mores. The do-it-yourself style around a warm fire really appealed to me,” said Daniel Montenegro, sophomore.

“S’mores on the Go,” a milkshake like drink, can also be made with the customer’s choice of ice cream and two toppings ranging from fresh fruit like strawberries, to confectionaries like toffee bits. The concoction is then blended and topped with marshmallow fluff, graham crackers, and a cherry. Prices vary from $4.25 to $5.25.

“I really liked the relaxing ambiance of the place. Everything was affordable and really delicious, especially the s’more shakes, which were really smooth and rich,” said Jason Lo, junior.

Everything at Snowopolis is quite affordable; nearly all items are priced under $8.

Snowopolis is located next to AMC 10 on Montebello Boulevard and is open Sunday through Thursday from noon to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from noon to 11 p.m.

Snowopolis brings variety of desserts to table

Do It Yourself: Fall Tree Nail Art

KERRY MULIAS’MORES GALORE: The s’mores platter comes with the customer’s choice of sides and flavors (ABOVE), similar to the s’mores shake (LEFT) and the shaved ice bowl (RIGHT).

DANA NAVARRETE

Step OneChoose a nail polish of any solid color and paint it on your nails. This will act as a base coat or background for your fall art nail design. Allow the nail polish to dry.

Step TwoGet a sponge, and dip one edge in red, yellow, orange and/or pink nail polish. Dab the sponge onto the top half of the base coat. These will serve as the leaves of an autumn tree.

Step ThreeTake a toothpick and dip one edge in black nail polish. Draw jagged lines over the leaves and a straight line connecting the leaves to the tip of the nail. These will be the branches and trunk of the tree.

Step FourApply a clear topcoat to the nails to give the design a shiny appearance, and allow it to dry. The entire process may range from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of each coat and the amount of time it takes to dry.

By RAQUEL DIAZSpartan Scroll Managing Editor

In fourth grade I wanted to be a boy. This was not because I didn’t identify with the female gender, but because I wanted to be viewed as a person.

Of course, I didn’t understand the underlying dynamics of the systematic objectification of women when I was in elementary school; however, I knew that if I had the qualities of a boy, I would be autonomous, strong and find myself much more interesting.

“Girly girl” was a dirty word in elementary school; it implied vanity and focus on frivolous things. Those with that moniker were the princesses who brushed their hair all day and whose idea of discussing current events was to gush over the members of the latest boy band.

I fervently refused anything that would associate me with a “standard” girl, and embraced being a “tomboy,” or more masculine girl. By wanting to be a tomboy, I perpetuated the notion that to seek anything more in life than the vacuous existence of a “girly girl” was for boys.

This idea did not originate with me, nor did I conjure it without context or influence. I found it in the scathing prejudice of playground politics.

I liked jumping rope and playing with dolls early in my elementary school career. I also had a nearly encyclopedic knowledge of the Disney princesses. This had never bothered me, until I noticed the dichotomy between boys and girls.

I had male and female friends, and heard the derisive comments aimed towards girls from boys.

Once I was exposed to this form of thinking, it permeated how I viewed daily life. Television toy commercials showed boys active and tough, playing as superheroes, while girls were conveyed as docile, playing peacefully with tea sets

and dolls. I concluded that being a girl meant being boring.By furthering the idea that girls were one-dimensional,

I reinforced the gender roles that, historically, women have written and rallied against, risking physical attack and ridicule to abolish. When I threw away my Barbie backpack because I despised its blatantly girlish appearance, I also contributed to the trashing of feminist ideology, which appealed for equality of both sexes.

Feminism has been distorted from its earlier incarnations. It is detrimental to the feminist movement to assume it means emulating men.

Some people, especially impressionable girls like me, have developed the perception that female empowerment means refusing what is associated with femininity, no matter how inconsequential it may be. What is more empowering as a human, however, is embracing and reveling in whatever one enjoys and identifies with, including wearing princess crowns with overalls.

I stopped feeling ashamed of liking feminine things; it was such a sublime liberation to not feel obliged to justify my worth by depriving myself of things I found beautiful or enthralling, simply because many other girls found them so.

Gender roles not so elementary

SPORTS

October 3, 2014 11

Netters prepare for seasonBY CORY CHEN Reporter

Facing the Paramount Pirates today at home, the varsity netters are gaining experience for their league games.

The team played against the San Gabriel Matadors in an away match yesterday, but scores were unavailable at press time.

The team currently holds a league record of 1-1. They won their league game against the Montebello Oilers, 9-9, in a home match Sept. 30. The teams tied in set, but the Spartans won on games 74-71. Singles No. 1 Demitria Mo swept her opponents, 6-2, 6-0 and 6-3.

Singles No. 2 Irene Chen won two sets with the same score, 6-0. Singles No. 3 Karen La won one set against the Oilers, 6-4. The doubles No. 1 team of Jane Quach and Sarah Hanashiro won one set, 6-1. The doubles No. 2 team of Diana Diaz and Sunnie Mo won two sets, 6-1 and 7-6.

The netters lost their first league game, 12-6, to the Mark Keppel Aztecs Sept. 25 at home. Singles No. 1 D. Mo won two sets, 6-2 and 6-0. Singles No. 2 Chen won all her sets 6-1, 6-2 and 7-5.The doubles No. 3 team of Diaz and S. Mo won a set, 6-0.

“The sport requires a lot of positive attitude,” said D. Mo. “With an angered or saddened

mind, it is guaranteed that you will not play your best.”

The varsity netters have a preseason record of 4-6 while the JV netters have a record of 2-7.

“Our team is in great shape and everyone communicates very well with each other, but there are still many things that we can improve on,” said Julia Feng varsity netter.

The JV team has a league record of 0-2, losing their second league game against the Oilers away, 12-6. They lost their first league game against the Aztecs, 14-4.

“With more effort, they will be able to win any set,” said JV Coach Kristina Ballesteros.

CECILIA WU PREPARING FOR THEIR RETURN: Varsity sophomore Karen Lu steps forward to deliver a shot to her Montebello opponent, Sept 30.

DANA NAVARRETERISING WATERS: JV freshman Edward de Hoyos prepares to block a shot in the game against J. Burroughs on Sept. 25

H2O polo to progresses on to leagueBY DANA NAVARRETEReporter

Hoping to add another win to their 8-5 record, the varsity boys water polo team will play at Corona Centennial today at 3:15 p.m.

The Spartans played a game against the Gahr Gladiators Oct. 1 and won 15-6.

The varsity team lost its first game in the Diamond Bar Tournament to Yorba Linda 15-4, but came back with a 16-11 win over El Modena Sept. 26.

“We were seeded lower than El Modena, and ended up winning by four goals so that was a big victory for us,” said Head Coach David Argumosa.

The win against El Modena placed them in the top half of the bracket, allowing them to move on to play the Palm Springs Indians.

The Diamond Bar Tournament continued Sept. 27, and the team lost, 11-10, to Palm Springs on a “golden goal” that gave them a sudden death victory. They beat

Temecula Valley, a division two team, 14-13.“I feel that my current team has gotten much

stronger than before,” said senior Michael Melkonian, varsity goalie. “I think that we’ll do great this season because not only are we stronger this year, but we are also highly motivated.”

On Sept. 25, the varsity team dominated J. Burroughs High School with a final score of 15-7.

They lost, 23-16, against Pasadena High School Sept. 23.

“I think we are doing well this year, but we should always work and fight harder,” said junior Jared Oyola, varsity goalie.

The JV boys won, 11-5, against the J. Burroughs Indians Sept. 25 and beat the Pasadena Bulldogs, 9-6, Sept. 23.

“I think we are doing pretty well. We just need to work on communicating more and working in unison,” said junior Diego Jones, JV player.

KERRY MULIAABOVE THE NET : Senior Raelene Alvarez McDermott tips the ball over the net against Paramount Sept. 30.

Spikers seek to better preseason recordBY KERRY MULIASports Co-Editor & Photo Co-Editor

Hoping to perform well in league, the varsity spikers will face the Alhambra Moors Oct. 7 at Alhambra High School.

The varsity spikers faced the San Gabriel Matadors yesterday Oct. 2, but scores were unavailable at press time.

The team suffered a loss to the Paramount Pirates Sept. 30, 3-0. Their preseason concluded with a record of 3-5.

The spikers beat the Temple City Rams Sept. 25, 3- 1. Their set scores were 25- 10, 19- 25, 25-21 and 25-18. On Sept. 23 the varsity teams lost to the Pioneers, 3-1, with set scores of 12-25, 17-25, 25-10 and 24-26.

However, the Spartans were victorious against the San Marino Titans, improving their record with a 4-1 win. At their away game, the spikers defeated the South El Monte Eagles, winning three sets out of four with scores of 25-14, 20-25, 25-17 and 25-14.

“My goal for this season is to do well, but we want

to go to CIF Playoffs,” said Varsity Head Coach Aracely Solis-Prado. “Personally, I want to see my team improve and grow.”

The JV spikers narrowly lost to the Temple City Rams Sept. 25 with set score of 23-25 and 21-25, losing 0-2. They were also defeated Sept. 23 against the Pioneers, 2-1 with set scores of 17-25, 25-14 and 8-15.

“I need to improve on my attitude during games because when we’re not doing well, it’s easy to put yourself down and it’s not fair to my team,” said Vasti Guerrero, a junior.

The Spartans also faced South El Monte, and won 2-0, with set scores of 27-25 and 25-10.

The frosh-soph team suffered a loss to Gabrielino Sept. 24, with set scores of 17-25, 25-28 and 6-15. On Sept. 23, their previous game, they beat the Pioneers, ending the game with sets of 25-11 and 25-17. The frosh-soph spikers lost to the San Marino Titans and the Cal High Condors Sept. 16 and 9, respectively.

“We just need to improve on our transitions, from defense to offense and from offense to defense,” said Adriana Estrada, frosh-soph head coach.

NATHAN PHAN

SPORTS

October 3, 2014

schurrscroll.com12

BY ERICA SUHSports Editor

Aiming for a strong preseason finish, the varsity gridders will play against the Whittier Cardinals tonight at Whittier College.

The Spartans currently hold a preseason record of 1-3. The Whittier Cardinal’s record is 2-2.

“Last year we really hurt ourselves by turning the ball over six times to Whittier, which turned out to be fatal,” said Captain Andrew Rosales. “If we eliminate the big mistakes and come together as a team, then I have no doubt in my mind we will win Friday night.”

The gridders suffered a 17-7 loss against the Diamond Ranch Panthers Sept. 19. The Spartans started the first quarter strong with a 48-yard touchdown run by junior Anthony Varela, securing an early 7-0 lead. The Panthers scored a touchdown, ending the quarter with a tie. In the second quarter, the Panthers scored a 34-yard field goal, increasing the lead to 10-7.

“This team has an easier time focusing,” said Head Coach Marco Ramirez. “They have more of a team attitude [compared to last year’s team]. We don’t have a lot of major standouts, so they all play well together; they have

very good team chemistry.” Throughout the second half of the

game, the intensity increased between both teams. Halfway into the quarter, Varela was injured, dampening the team’s morale.

The Spartans frustrated the Panthers with their solid defense throughout the quarter. Neither team was able to score, concluding the quarter.

With six minutes left in the game, the gridders turned the ball over on an interception; the Panthers took advantage of the mistake, scoring a touchdown. The turnover proved costly, as the Panthers score pushed the Spartans into a difficult situation. Although the Spartans made a few good plays, they ultimately could not catch the Panthers, ending the game with a final score of 17-7.

On Sept. 12, the gridders were defeated by the La Serna Lancers, 35-0. They took a 35-6 victory against the El Monte Lions Sept. 5, but suffered a 37-20 loss against the Bonita Bearcats Aug. 29.

“Our players are very cognizant of the role of the team player,” said Ramirez. “Our strength right now is our running game: running the ball on offense, playing tough defense and keeping teams scoring low.”

Varsity gridders search for victory

BRANDON CHANGQUICK ON HIS FEET: Senior Juan Sanchez sprints towards the endzone, gaining additional yards in a home game against the Diamond Ranch Panthers Sept. 19.

BY MARIAH LINSchurr Sroll Editor in Chief

Seeking to add a win to their current record of 1-2, the JV gridders will take on the Montebello Oilers in a much anticipated rivalry game Oct. 9.

The team played the Whittier Cardinals at home yesterday but scores were unavailable at press time.

“Although we have had struggles during preseason, I am confident we will improve with time,” said JV Assistant Coach Raymond Soliz. “We are developing our skills with every game.”

The Spartans suffered a two-game losing streak to the Diamond Ranch Panthers and the La Serna Lancers Sept. 18 and Sept. 11, respectively.

In the home game against the Panthers, the Spartans had trouble finding their offensive momentum, suffering a 33-0 loss.

The Panthers started the game strong, scoring a touchdown in the first quarter to take an early lead.

The Spartans were unable to make defensive stops, resulting in their first home loss of the season.

The Spartans lost 63-13 in their first away game of the season against the Lancers. On Sept. 4, the

Spartans beat the El Monte Lions, 39-12. They also lost to the Bonita Bearcats, 38-0, in their first preseason game Aug. 28.

“Overall, we are getting stronger and improving as a team,” said Richard Ortega JV defensive tackle. “Right now we need to focus on communicating better, improving our offense, and continuing to work through the season.”

Hoping to maintain their strong start this season, the freshmen look to remain undefeated as they take on the Oilers Oct. 9.

They currently hold a preseason record of 3-0. The freshmen defeated the Panthers, 36-19,

Sept. 18. They also dominated the Lancers and Lions, winning 32-7 and 39-12, Sept. 11 and Sept. 4, respectively.

“Everyone is asking us if we’re prepared for the Montebello game,” said freshman right tackle Aaorn Handy. “Honestly, we’re just focusing on one game at a time and looking to remain undefeated.”

During the home game against the Montebello Oilers, a ceremony will be held at halftime to commemorate Freshman Head Coach Ron Pruitt’s years of involvement in the football program, from 1979 to this year. Former players as well as students are encouraged to attend the ceremony.

JV gridders dominate preseason

EYEING THE DEFENSE: Sophomore Gabriel Padilla looks to run past his Diamond Ranch Panther defender on Sept. 18.

BRANDON CHANG

STEPPING FORWARD: Juniors Scott Valencia and Abraxaz Sanchez sprint toward the end of their race on Sept. 27.

BRANDON CHANG

BY NOHELI SIGALAPhotographer

Hoping to maintain their undefeated league title, the harriers prepare for their second Almont League meet Oct. 22 at Legg Lake.

Their preparations include the Bell Gardens Invitational at Cerritos Park Oct. 18 and the San Gabriel Valley one-on-one Challenge at Mt. SAC tomorrow.

The Spartans competed at their first league meet at Legg Lake Oct. 1, placing first in all divisions. They currently hold a 6-0 record.

The Spartans also competed at the Super X Classic at Bonelli Regional Park Sept. 27. Trophies were awarded to the top two teams of each division, and medals were given to the first 30 runners in

each race. Working as a team, the

sophomore boys placed first, and the JV boys placed second.

Freshmen Lizbeth Cano, Stephen Castillo, Janelle Guzman, Gabriela Ocariz and Mitchell Saisho; sophomores Andres, Cazares-Dominguez, Jacqueline Garcia, Jose Govea, Josue Gutierrez, Jakob Macedo, Darlena Robinson, Benny Segura and Ismael Sotelo; juniors Mathew Aldape, Katherine Batres, Christian Briones, Owen Escamilla, Gloria Luna, Abraxaz Sanchez and Scott Valencia; and seniors Thomas Browning, Ricardo Cano, John Chaides, Arturo Rivera, Noheli Sigala, Paloma Torres, Gabriella Trenado and Rita Villagra all medaled in the top 30.

As the first league meet

approached, the harriers mentally prepared themselves for their individual races.

“As a team, we have been running a lot and are prepared for this season,” said Captain Ricardo Cano. “I eat healthy and always keep a positive attitude in order to prepare myself.”

The Spartans competed in the Rosemead Invitational Sept. 13 at Rosemead High School. They also participated in the Cool Breeze Invitational Sept. 6 at the El Prado Golf Course. These invitationals allowed the harriers to work on improving their individual race times and prepare for league competition.

“I most definitely believe we can win [league] again,” said Cano. “We have been working extremely hard and have been dedicated.”

Harriers strive towards improvement