November 10, 2011

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INSIDE Students initiate first math team Feature Page 4

Encounters with the Teacherkind

News Page 2

The Kingsbury Crosswalk Dangers of the KingsburyZelzah crosswalk prompt new traffic safety changes.

By Fatima Castaneda This year juniors Ritvik Kharkar and Hugo Zul founded Granada’s first official math team. The math team aims to provide a way for students to develop their appreciation for math, while also educating them about abstract mathematical concepts. Furthermore, team members can demonstrate their newfound knowledge by competing against students from other schools. Kharkar and Zul formed the Math Team through the After Hours Activities (AHA) program with the help of their adviser, math teacher Jake Chipps. “We realized that Granada had a team for just about everything except for math. So we thought: why not make one?” Zul said. Both founders of the math team assumed leadership positions. Kharkar is president and Zul is vice president. Their responsibilities include running meetings, helping students struggling with specific math problems or concepts, and helping plan competitions. “I love being vice president. Not only do

I get to spend time with friends, but I can do math as well,” Zul said. Chipps helps the math team by teaching members mathematical concepts to prepare them for competitions. “Mr. Chipps, our adviser, is an outstanding teacher who is really motivated to work with us and do well in competitions,” Zul said. Using new concepts learned from the meetings, members of the math team compete against students of different high schools by taking multiple choice and free response tests. The math team’s first competition is on November 29 at Pepperdine University. “I’m super excited and pumped for this competition. Even though we already meet on Fridays, nearing competitions we will also meet on Tuesdays after school for extra practice,” Kharkar said. Although individuals on the math team put great emphasis on expanding their mathematical knowledge, members also use the math team for a chance to bond and socialize with one another. “After Mr. Chipps talks about specific math concepts, students share different so-

lutions to problems assigned from the previous week. We practice math, but it’s also definitely a social gathering type of thing,” Kharkar said. The math team currently meets once a week after school on Fridays in J12 for one to two hours. Due to the recent establishment of the team, it does not have an official set of members, but at least 20 have shown up to meetings every week. As more students become aware of the existence of the math teams, membership is expected to rise. “At every meeting we see a couple of new people because everybody is telling their friends to join. This isn’t a cult of a bunch of weirdos doing math all day. It’s fun and there’s no pressure to be really good at the material,” Zul said. The team encourages anyone to join. Anybody with an interest and love for mathematics can join the team. “People on the math team need to have a passion for problem solving and a love for having problems vex you day and night. We are looking for passionate math dreamers who want more of a challenge,” Chipps said.

Robodox prepares for VEX championship

Spirit Page 3

I am Granada: Dance Guard Award winning dance guard demonstrates outstanding Granada spirit.

Entertainment Page 6

Media Alters Photos

How the use of photoshop in the media shapes our perception of beauty.

Opinion Page 7

Sex Education Is our current sex education program adequate?

Sports Page 8

Baseball Star Ryan Braun Granada alumnus excels in major league baseball.

Photo Courtesy of Robodox

ROBODOX: Senior Brian Paris works on robot 599D which won the competition in Calabasas earlier this semester. Paris and fellow members of the Robodox will start preparing to host the championship in April. By Gary Zhang On October 22, the school’s robotics team, the Robodox, participated in the VEX Robotics Competition at Viewpoint Academy in Calabasas. The Robodox placed first with two of their robots, and brought home the Design Award. In this first competition of the year, the Robodox, or team 599, competed against 30 other teams. The Robodox won with robots 599A and 599D, although two other robots, 599B and 599C, were also in the competition. “I think, for VEX, we built four very competitive robots,” senior Johnathan Maynard, member of 599A and public relations executive, said. The well-built robots made for a good competition. “The semifinal and final rounds were by far some of the most intense matches I have experienced,” senior LeJon McGowan, one of the captains of team 599A, said. “We had a well-built robot, good drivers, and an

amazing team overall, however, all of which corrected errors that would have been fatal.” Although good results last year yieded high expectations for this year, the Robodox coach and physics teacher Joseph Vanderway said, “I thought we started out rather slow, team A and D won the tournament. That was surprising, considering the stiff competition.” This achievement at the Calabasas competition did not earn the Robodox a chance to compete in the VEX World Championship this spring. However, the Robodox will host the world championship, which will take place in Anaheim, CA. “The whole team is very excited to be hosting this year. I know that as hosts, we can do well, and perform to the same level as we did when we hosted the first VEX World Championship,” Maynard said. The Robodox will be hosting another VEX competition, on November 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be open for the public

to watch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Highlander Hall. In robotics competitions, robots from two opposing teams compete in a specific task to score as many points as possible. Robots must be autonomous for the first moments of a round, and then can be controlled. The VEX competition also limits robots to a maximum of 18 inches width and height, and they can only be made from specified parts. Although Robodox is currently focusing on the VEX competition, next semester it will participate in the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition. The FIRST Robotics Competition requires teams to build a large robot up to 120 pounds using custom parts. Although customs parts and larger sizes may be a challenge to create, the Robodox members remain excited for upcoming competitions.

02 news

November 10, 2011

School plans for crosswalk changes and community members, however, still feel me. Sometimes, cars haven’t even seen me. By Shilpa Bhongir The school hopes to make changes to the it is necessary to improve crosswalk condi- It’s scary,” sophomore Haley Amster said. Currently, school police officer Leonard Zelzah and Kingsbury crosswalk in an effort tions. “There is always an endless flow of Boen has been directing traffic for 30 to ease traffic flow and limit accidents. Such considerations are part of a larger traffic students crossing the street, so there’s always minutes before and after school to manage safety plan the school is looking to imple- traffic, and it takes forever just to get to the busy traffic. From 7:30 a.m. until 8:15 a.m. front of the school,” sophomore Tara Felton and from 3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. the left ment later this year. hand turn lane from northbound Zelzah A traffic safety planner from the Los said. Currently, the Zelzah-Kingsbury cross- onto Kingbsury is closed. Angeles School District (LAUSD) must “If a car is in the left hand turn lane and a first review the traffic congestion, parking walk has a button that can be pressed which student is walking signs, and other across the crosscrucial transportawalk behind the tion factors. car, it’s going to Once the plan be difficult for is created, the that car to see that school will make student,” Boen final changes and said. forward the plan to Alongside the city, who will quick, immeactually implement diate changes, the the changes. school hopes to The concern of institute further, student overpopumore permanent lation along with changes to the previous accidents crosswalk and have led to the has considered school’s emphasis various solutions. on traffic safety. One considerOne critical inciation is to impledent in the Zelzahment flashing Kingsbury crosslights along the walk occurred April ground of the 12, 2002 when then James Powel / The Plaid Press crosswalk, so junior Jennifer Liu cars will have a was hit by a Volk- KINGSBURY CROSSWALK: After school, the many students block traffic, making clear sign to stop. wagen Bug driven the intersection dangerous to both pedestrians and drivers. Others discussed by a 17 year old will in turn light up ambers hanging on a making Kingsbury a one-way street. student. Despite possible setbacks due to expenses, According to a report from the Daily pole running across the street. However, the ambers are not fully notice- the city has proven to be helpful in similar News, the student claimed she had not seen able to cars or students, especially during situations in the past. Liu at the intersection. “When it comes to student safety, the city Liu suffered from critical injuries caused the day time. “When I’m walking across the street, is pretty willing to work with us,” Boen said. by internal bleeding in the brain. Since Liu’s accident, there have only been impatient drivers inch up, drive right in “We are really excited to see what is going to minor incidents at the crosswalk. The school front of me, or come way too close behind come of the traffic safety plan.”

It Gets Better supports LGBT youth By Gabriella Koek In September 2010, columnist Dan Savage and his husband, Terry Miller, founded the It Gets Better project in response to the suicides of teenagers who were bullied because they were homosexual. The Internet-based project reaches out to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth. Savage got the idea for It Gets Better after 15-year-old Billy Lucas from Indiana took his life in September 2010 because classmates taunted him for being gay. “I wish I could have told [Billy] that, however bad things were, however isolated and alone he was, it gets better,” Savage wrote in his column, “Savage Love,” in the Seattle newspaper, “The Stranger”, on September 23, 2010. Since 2010, It Gets Better has grown into a large charitable foundation and contributes to its partner organization, The Trevor Project, which also strives to help LGBT teens and to prevent suicide.

The Trevor Project provides a hotline for teens who are questioning their sexuality or facing harassment. However, It Gets Better offers a different kind of reassurance than The Trevor Project. On the website, itgetsbetter.org, people post videos to support LGBT teens, to tell them that life does improve, and to encourage them to come out to their friends and family. Some people who have made videos to show their support include President Barack Obama, Kathy Griffin, Ke$ha, Chris Colfer, and Hillary Clinton. Each gave his or her condolences to bullied LGBT youth and reminded them that life gets better. “Most kids might be afraid to come out because of how others may react, but [It Gets Better] will now let them know they aren’t alone,” senior Amanda Hirsch said. Struggling LGBT kids can also post comments and videos of their own. The Music Television (MTV) channel is choosing a few of these adolescents within

the next few months to appear live on MTV. The young adults chosen will have a chance to share their personal struggles and talk about how The Trevor Project and It Gets Better helped them. Unfortunately, the new projects are not a cure-all for bullying. On September 18, 2011, 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer from Buffalo, New York committed suicide. Less than a month later, on October 14, Jamie Hubley, a 15-year-old from Ottawa, Canada, also killed himself. Both were harassed because of their sexuality. The creators and supporters of It Gets Better are trying to bring attention to the causes of these suicides and to urge LGBT teens who are being bullied to get help and talk to someone they trust. “There are still many people who are unwilling to accept homosexuals into their lives and I feel like [this project] is moving toward a world where gays can be accepted like any other individual,” Hirsch said.

GBF students see real world connections on Wall Street By Jane Pyeon Students in the Global Business and Finance (GBF) program have recently taken interest in real world events, such as the protests on Wall Street. Based on current news and events, the GBF students have participated in numerous discussions and activities that enhanced their connection to the world outside of school. The discussion about the Wall Street occurrences tied in with the their current assignment, which was to read an expository text on a event that was related to banking and finance. When English teacher Christi Robinson brought up the topic of Wall Street in class, she did not expect her students to be as fascinated as they were. “They were so interested in what’s a publicly owned company and what’s a privately owned company. They didn’t know,” Robinson said. The initial topic of Wall Street led to discussions on how small businesses are the foundation of the American economy and how stocks work, along with other important knowledge regarding how our world functions. The GBF students are studying topics that pertain to the focus of the program while still following the English class standards, thus providing the students with an optimum balance between academic standards and life skills. “Even though it is an English class and mostly we are reading literature such as “Othello,” short stories and poems, we also read expository texts. So I brought in current news on Wall Street for them to read and discuss. Because it’s GBF, I realize that these kids are really interested in this stuff that is happening in the real world. I was really excited about it. They wanted to know everything. Every topic I brought up they wanted to learn more about—stocks, trading, investments, and so on,” Robinson said. At the beginning of the semester, the students took a field trip to Chase Bank where they were able to learn about how a bank operates and what they, as potential customers, need to know. “It’s really great for kids to learn about how a banking account works, how a debit card works, how a credit card works, and that credit cards shouldn’t be used to buy something they can’t afford. We all need to live within our means, and if these kids are being prepared for the global economy, they need to learn that now,” Robinson said. The GBF students have an upcoming field trip planned on November 16 to the Federal Reserve, where they will discover how another part of the Global Business and Finance world functions.

Beloved school counselor stars in community musical By Eiman Kazi School counselor, Dale Alpert is participating in the musical comedy and horror play “Little Shop of Horrors” at the High Street Art Center in Moorpark. The play will run until November 13. Show times are at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Alpert plays the role of Mr. Mushnik, an owner of a flower shop, and utilizes his dancing and singing talent to convey his character. “The creative process of working in theater is so unique, and it’s a joy to transform into a character and make a character come alive through singing and acting,” Alpert said. During his career as an educator for the past 39 years, Alpert found it difficult to find the time to pursue his acting inter-

ests. In “Little Shop of Horrors,” Alpert works However, when he retired two years ago, with various other actors to bring the science Alpert decided to find time to return to the fiction theme alive with a little comedy and theater. Then the school asked him to return a little horror. to work. The play is based “It’s difficult at on a low budget “It’s a joy to transform into times to manage science fiction film work and acting. from the 1960’s and a character and make Rehearsals can last became a Broadway a character come alive until 11 and 12 at hit. through singing and night, and the next Playing the owner day I have to wake up of a flower shop, acting.” in the morning to go Alpert has the chance Dale Alpert to interact with to work. But I don’t Counselor neglect either, and I the main character enjoy doing both,” named Seymour, Alpert said. who discovers an This is Alpert’s third play in the past year, unusual plant from another planet that and so far “Little Shop of Horrors” has thirsts for human blood. Seymour, who received positive feedback from audiences. works for the floral shop, decides to place

the plant in the front window to attract customers. “It’s fun to be in a play, and I enjoy doing it. It feels great to work with talented people and to interact with other characters,” Alpert said. The MoorPark Patch Theater review website consists of positive reviews that state the acting and singing talent and capability of the actors, including Alpert, and the enticing stage production. The review also commends the play’s ability to incorporate blood, lust, and violence while maintaining a friendly, fun and musical environment that engages audiences. “This play can appeal to all audiences who enjoy comedy, music, and that little flavor of horror. It’s a blend of fun and fright,” Alpert said.

03 spirit

November 10, 2011

Students and clubs give “I Am Granada” back this Thanksgiving By Gary Zhang Granada strives to enable students “to be successful lifelong learners and productive, responsible, citizens in a diverse society,” as stated by its mission statement. What better way to represent our school and demonstrate our citizenship than giving back to the community this Thanksgiving? Clubs such as Interact Club, Global Relief Fund (GRF), and Audiophile club will be offering their services for a worthy cause this Thanksgiving. On November 24, Interact Club will be helping with the Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission’s Thanksgiving Banquet in Sun Valley, which will serve Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of needy people. “We thought about having a Thanksgiving event because during the holidays many people are not fortunate enough to enjoy a warm meal with their families,” club president and senior Crystal Mejia said. Mejia said that in these troubling times, many more families are seeking aid. In order to make Thanksgiving a pleasant experience for others, Interact Club is looking for as many volunteers as possible. “Since our club is all about community service, we really want to engage more with the community. This year our club is really trying to have more events that help out the local community,” Mejia said. But if you aren’t able to go out to volunteer in the community this Thanksgiving, there are still ways that you can help someone have a pleasant Thanksgiving. GRF is making Thanksgiving cards and will be sending them on November 21 to patients in St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. You can contribute to this effort by making cards and submitting them before November 21 in G-5. The club requests that they not be “get well” cards. The club has requested to make Thanksgiving cards rather than “get well” cards. Making thanksgiving cards is a custom that GRF has been continuing for years. “The first charity we ever donated to was St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and a mem-

ber suggested that we write cards to wish the terminally ill children well,” club president and senior Myles Mann said. “He had a first-hand experience with a child with cancer and described how doing something so seemingly small could make a big difference.” The club continues to show its spirit and effort in making cards this Thanksgiving. “Since we started sending cards, we’ve received letters back that have truly warmed the hearts of our members. It’s all the motivation we need,” Mann said. You don’t need to limit your options to just this. There are other creative ways to be involved this Thanskgiving, and perhaps the more unique the contribution, the more special it will be to those you help. The Audiophile Club, will go to The Village at Northridge senior home to play music for residents on November 11 Club president and senior Steven Ryu said, “We’re visiting to show our appreciation for the many veterans that populate our audience. They’re some of the best audiences any performer could ask for, and it’s our honor to play our music for them.” Like GRF, performing at a senior home has been something the Audiophile Club has done multiple times since it was formed two years ago. The club continuously tries to find ways to be involved in the community through music. “Convalescents and nursing homes quickly came to mind because a lot of the time, they’re not the best places for the elderly to live in,” Ryu said. “Some feel forgotten; some are debilitated by sickness; and if we can lift their spirits with our performances, it’s well worth it.” Whether it is through these clubs, other clubs, or outside of school, this Thanksgiving, it is a great idea to give not just thanks, but something extra. Whether it is one person or hundreds of people, you can make this Thanksgiving have a special meaning to both you and them by donating some of your time and effort. Perhaps, you’ll get some thanks in return.

Photo Courtesy of Audiophile Club

VOLUNTEERING LIFTS SPIRITS: Members of the Audiophile Club play live music for senior home residents at The Village

inbrief

Jamess Powel/ Plaid Press

James Powel/The Plaid Press

The vibrant dance guard shows its dynamic spirit By Melanie Uemura Dance guard, also known as flag spinning, emerged during the American Revolution. Accompanying the band, a single soldier would proudly bear a flag with their colors, becoming a beacon of their side’s undying hope and spirit. Even though the dance guard has such a rich history, not many people know what they actually do nowadays. Over time, dance guard has evolved into a type of vibrant entertainment, while keeping the core idea of pumping up the spirit of the crowd alive. Beyond just physically representing the music, the dance guard, also known as Tall Flag or Highland dance, acts as our school’s mascot along with the band. Much like the sole flagman during the time of the American Revolution, the dance guard works at energizing and pumping up the spirit of the crowd with elaborate routines during the half time shows at our football games. In hopes of pleasing and raising the spirit of the crowd during Friday night football games, the girls of dance guard valiantly dedicate over 14 hours to practice every week. Being part of dance guard is no cake walk. The long hours of practice can really take a toll on their bodies. “Guard can tire you out but it is so worth the exercise because it’s such a good workout not only for your arms but your legs and abdomen. We always stretch before we start spinning because it’s not fun to tear or pull a muscle,” co-captain and junior Lisa Cardenas said. During the winter guard season, they perform in a gym with three to four minutes of recorded music. They dance and spin their equipment along to the beat of jazz, ballet, and hip hop choreography. Last year the dance guard took home the gold medal during the winter guard season in the Southern California Indoor Champi-

onship. “We hope to gain another medal at the winter guard championships this year and expand our skills. We also hope to win a medal at the band championships, as well as have fun and make friends,” co-captain and junior Elise Levy said.  Beyond fostering their talents, creating school spirit and being a part of something different and unique, the girls have also cultivated something special: a familial connection. “I have made so many friends, not only in guard, but in band as well. The biggest family you will ever see is in the band. We are all brothers and sisters, especially in guard. We all care for and love one another, ” Cardenas said Much like Granada students who are encouraged to help each other thrive and focus on their priorities, the members of dance guard keep one another anchored. “We keep each other grounded. I know that without band and the guard, I would be very lonely. They accept everyone no matter what,” Levy added. If they accept everyone, then why is the dance guard currently composed of only females? “People ask us why we don’t have any boys in guard and we usually respond, ‘because they think it’s a girl thing.’But really, it’s not. It’s for boys and girls. The funny thing is that boys are usually a little bit better than girls because they have more muscles than we have, which means that they can toss much higher than a girl. So I encourage anyone, boy or girl to come try out for guard,” Cardenas said. The dance guard is a great way to become a more active member of the Granada community and help boost school spirti. “Guard is an awesome way to try something new, make new friends, and find something you love. I get so many great experiences out of it. Everyone should try it,” Levy said.

All School Talent Showcase

November 18 Purchase your pre-sale tickets for $8 or pay $10 at the Highlander Hall door to witness talented students show off their singing, acting and dancing abilities.

Poetry Out Loud Meeting

November 16 and 17 There is an informational meeting for all students interested in the Poetry Out Loud National Poetry Recitation Contest. Both meetings will be at 3:30 p.m. in J-11.

Schoolwide M.E.N.D Drive November 14—December 1 Students will have the opportunity to donate canned goods for the upcoming holidays. Boxes will be located in each classroom.

Attn: GIRLS *ONLY* Ages 7-17!! Are you sick of the same old sports? Want to play something different and exciting? Then come play Roller Derby! NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! We teach you how to skate AND play ROLLER DERBY! Classes at Skateland and North Hollywood. Go to SFVJuniorDerby.com for more info! 18 and Older? Go to SFVRollerDerby.com!

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November 10, 2011

kind r e h c a e T e h t h t i w s r e Encount 11 10 11

enter their own separate s, students and teacherspartying for students. As rie nda bou ool sch the rs and Outside of with grading for teache the sun conworlds, presumably filledstay as separate and as far away as possible, ne is happy. ryo lds eve wor its force, and long as these two ning, gravity maintains student meets tinues to rise in the mor stars align, these two worlds collide and a e awkward than the is an experience mor But sometimes, when e of school. The result his or her teacher outsidthe most awkward of turtles. . The first is an aquarium filled with ways that we students handle this situation or may not iny may mar versation. This There are two pri the wind and initiate con event described by English teacher to throw all caution to the as h d jamboree, suc volve others in the awkwar ‘Check it pointed me out saying, an expeand Barbara Kellogg. , tes bma clu his g din bed “ [A student] started fin lish teacher!’” Kellogg said, as she descriion. Eng vat my ser t’s con l tha nta ne, nme ryo iro eve out dent at a meeting for env hobia and avoid rience she had with a stuquietly slink away like a dog with awkward-p my preferred method. The other option is to ly. Personally, this is ough Trader Joes, wondering if the ire ent ion sat ver con the . You are walking thr you will need to Picture this hypothetical lly worth the marathon look up and BAM, rea are ps Chi l tze Pre Dark Chocolate Covered ories (they totally are), when suddenly you run to work off the cal in the frozen food aisle. ics teacher, Mr. Luko is right there n with questions. Is that really my AP Econompizza and he rru zen him to get the fro Suddenly you are ove I say “hi”? If I tell or an evil twin? Should credit? Will he fail me if he doesn’t? cher buying a likes it, do I get extra, that yes, it is in fact your 5th period teaic; and blurt pan ide g toward you; you By the time you dec is too late! He’s walkin bag of frozen corn, it smothers furniture. out, “Hi Mr. Luko!” thers you like a fat guy in common that they smo s low fol t tha e enc e very little The awkward sil you plan on dents and teachers hav The problem is that stu rant about how bad your teachers are, unless ’t can . can talk about. You t as strange 5th period the next day having a really awkwardd road is a two way street, and teachers feel jus ilar ways. sim in very Of course, the awkwar Ironically, they react do. ts den give me a stu l as wil s and ter at Starbucks g kin during these encoun wor are y the ess unl “I do [avoid students], teacher Stacy Netzley said. e enc anything other than sci ial soc ” nt, discou d to picture teachers aseve shirt and tie on har s it’ , est hon tly in a long sle Let’s be perfec picture Mr. Yauger not d and a projecteachers. It’s hard to picture Mr. Kwong without a bagel in one han to d Wednesdays. It’s har double take r. said hi to him. He did aP.E. teacher tor controller in anothe and l mal the at ts den “I ran into one of my studidn’t recognize you! You look... happy!’”, I and said, ‘Ms. Rodner, face the fact d. sai , students are forced to Kristen Rodner ool sch of e sid out r che es. But once you see a tea t people with actual liv out of their positions of power in that teachers are in fac ust thr ly den sud are y had comrs At the same time, teache suddenly on equal terms with someone that the the middle in are ion their classrooms, and hours ago. After all, you can’t give detent e mer r ove plete control make-up on and my of the grocery store. my sweats, not a lick ofmy students walked in se Rus tte rlo Cha in person. One of “I was shopping I looked like a homeless normally look like this’ and walked hair in a ratted mess; ’t don ‘I her and said, said. up to say hi. I looked attified,” social science teacher Angela Soto t you despise mor tha rs was urs with teache away from her. I e. s awkwardness only occ You may think that thi nd red pens. In reality, however, no one is saf a science had usa I in eighth grade with the fury of a tho for instance. When I was , and Barney Take my personal story earthly manifestation of Isaac Newton, Ghandi r, and conche teacher who I saw as the Your Mother.” She was easily my favorite tea Stinson from “How I Met ther in a Trader tinues to be. domly encounter one anoam). We had nothran to us for fit saw a random fever dre Later however, fate mple was not created in te and total Joes (yes, the earlier exa nt to relate to, it was as if we were comple ing to talk about, no poi large extent, we were. strangers, because to a

By Sean Bujarski

James Powel and Fernanda Velazco / The Plaid Press

05 feature

November 10, 2011

Healthy beverages come Porto’s bakes its way into your stomach and heart at an unhealthy price

By Shiva Jafaripour Looking over a crowd of thirsty teenagers, a student scans the variety of drinks that are offered by the student store and stored in the mini-fridge. When he reaches the front and scans his card, he says, “Gatorade, please.” What he does not realize is that Diet Snapple, Naked, and Vitamin Water Zero would do him a lot more good than his sugar-enhanced choice. Both the student store and vending machines offer water and a wide selection of both Vitamin Water and Gatorade flavors, but one drink benefits students’ health more than the others. The zero calorie version of Vitamin Water is much healthier than Gatorade Both regular Vitamin Water and Gatorade contain 130 calories per bottle. Gatorade has 34 grams of sugar and Vitamin Water has 32.5 grams. According to the American Heart Association, sugar-sweetened beverages are the number one single source of calories in the American diet and account for about half of all added sugars that people consume. They stand as a top health issue, especially to the younger crowd. “Students in high school don’t care about health that much as opposed to getting something that satisfies their taste buds,” freshman William Brazee said. Considering the concentration on health at the school, one would expect the healthier drink to be the most popular, right? Wrong. Gatorade is the top seller for the student store, selling three times as much as Vitamin Water Zero in three months. These results were shown in a recent survey where 45% of Granada students said they prefer Gatorade to healthier drinks such as the low calorie Vitamin Water. Many students argue that Gatorade’s cheaper $1.50 price is more appealing than Vitamin Water’s more expensive $2.00 price that the cafeteria offers. “I think buying Vitamin Water is a healthier way to refresh yourself with something that tastes good, but two dollars a bottle adds up over a couple of months,” Brazee said. As conducted in a recent poll, 80% of the school’s students would buy drinks more often on campus if the prices went down. Students would rather spend their money on items other than drinks so they settle for a less healthy but cheaper drink like Gatorade. There is another option though: the student store. The student store sells Vitamin Water for the same price as Gatorade. This is because the student store only sells Vitamin Water when they can purchase it on

sale. “I oftentimes have trouble finding a vender that will sell me Vitamin Water for anything less than what students are paying for it. We try to find drinks on sale, but we also have to set a price to make a profit. We can always purchase Gatorade from a local vender at a cheaper price so it’s always around,” Student Store Manager Marcia Stancu said. Though money is an issue for the student store when purchasing hundreds of drinks, the health aspect still stands as a huge issue. For athletes, Gatorade seems like the healthy choice due the supplements it contains. Gatorade is advertised by many athletes because its electrolytes keep players active and alert. Vitamin Water also has these electrolytes, however. Athletes are usually able to work off the unhealthy aspects of these drinks, but what about the non-active couch potatoes? “As a volleyball player, I drink a lot of water, but if I had to choose a drink it would be Gatorade because it tastes better. It is okay to be a little unhealthy, but if you do not participate in any activities, Vitamin Water would be a wiser drink choice because you would gain less calories and maintain a healthier lifestyle,” sophomore Madison Braverman said. According to Voyager Fitness, Gatorade was originally developed for football players of the University of Florida to rehydrate them throughout their summer workouts. Due to the advertising market’s use of popular athletes in Gatorade commercials, the drink has become widely available to the public. What advertisements fail to address is that unless you are participating in highlevel athletic competition and activity, drinks like Gatorade are just as unhealthy as many soft-drinks such as Pepsi or Coke. Students do not realize the tiny amounts of sugar contained in the power drinks may affect them negatively in the long run. Choosing a healthier drink will result in a healthy body. It will allow you to function better, be more alert during long and boring class lectures, and hold a more positive attitude throughout the day. When deciding between a burger and a salad, you would decide on the salad as the healthier choice. The same idea applies to drinks. You cannot overload yourself with Gatorade, not exercise, and expect to stay in shape. You want to be healthy, don’t you? Then next time you are looking over that huge crowd of people and staring at that mini-fridge, scan your card and consider selecting a healthier drink. So stick to Vitamin Water Zero.

Shiva Jafaripour / The Plaid Press

By Lorena Ramirez What once began as a small bakery in their home has now become one of the most popular bakeries in the San Fernando Valley. The Porto family began baking within their community in Cuba and now employs over 500 people at their bakeries in Glendale, Burbank and Downey. The Porto family moved to America from Cuba in 1960 to find more opportunities that were necessary for its dreams of a better life. Their baking soon expanded throughout Southern California where they created a reputation behind the name of Porto’s. “I have heard amazing things. I hear their desserts are bomb and everybody is always talking about it, and I really want to go. There’s the Cheesecake Factory, and then there’s Porto’s. They’re both amazing,” senior Basmah Rana said. In comparison to other bakeries, Porto’s carries unique pastries which not only taste delicious but have eye-catching decorations. Infinite amount of detail and color surround the glass counters and leave your mouth craving a bite of each distinct pastry. “The fruit tarts are delicious and the cakes are really decorative. They’re very professional and they have really nice workers. You feel welcomed,” freshman Casandra Arriaza said. Aside from the pastries, Porto’s carries a tasty menu of Cuban-style sandwiches and lunch favorites. Its famous mariquitas [thin

fried banana strips] are certain to leave you craving more, after you have enjoyed one of their famous cheese rolls or refugiados, of course. “I love the service. [The workers] are always incredibly sweet and patient, always willing to help. Also, the cheese rolls are definitely to die for,” senior Paola Perez said. The bakery’s family roots create a welcoming environment where one can always feel at home. The positive atmosphere is not only noticed by the customers, but also the workers can directly feel a connection between one another. “I take a lot of pride in my job since I’m Cuban and I really like the food. I’ve heard a lot of customers say that we’re in a good mood and that we’re always smiling. It’s true because we are happy and the people are always nice to us,” cashier at Porto’s in Burbank City, Melissa Alvarez said. Though she left briefly to work at another job, she quickly returned and felt at home again. Having worked there for a total of six years, Alvarez said she has personally met the Porto family when they often visit to help the workers out on busy days. “When I first went there, it was a lot bigger than I thought it would be. I told them I had never been there and they let me have a cheese roll for free. It’s the only bakery I would drive 45 minutes to go to. [The workers] are ridiculously nice and despite it always being busy, they never seem overwhelmed. Porto’s is heaven,” English teacher Maureen Grandchamp said.

New cultural fashion trend angers Native Americans By Fernanda Velazco During her last trip to an Urban Outfitters store in Minneapolis, Sasha Brown found herself in a vulgar and crude atmosphere. In a letter to Urban Outiftter’s CEO Glen Seck, Brown describes the store to appear “as though the recording “artist” Ke$ha had violently exploded in the store, leaving behind a cheap, vulgar and culturally offensive retail collection.” Despite her humor, Brown wrote the CEO hoping he would respond to a problem arising in today’s fashion world. Urban Outfitter’s “Navajo collection” is just one of many clothing lines that sell clothing and fashion accessories with fake Native American prints and patterns as well as unauthentic Native American accessories. Brown describes this new artificial trend to consist of “[p]lastic dream catchers wrapped in pleather hung next to an indistinguishable mass of artificial feather jewelry and hyper sexualized clothing featuring an abundance of suede, fringe and inauthentic tribal patterns.” She claims that the items make a mockery of the Native American’s unique identity and culture. Brown also argues that none of the products sold have been made by Native American tribes nor have Native American tribes been consulted in the creation. And in large companies such as Urban Outfitters, the reality is that the knock-offs they sell in their store come from cheap factories overseas. The exploitation of the use of the Navajo tribe can surely be seen as a racist attempt to gain profit. In fact the Navajo Nation Attorney General sent Urban Outfitters a letter to cease the production and selling of the merchandise, such as the “Navajo Print Fabric Wrapped Flask,” “Peace Treaty Feather

Necklace,” “Staring at Stars Skull Native Headdress T-shirt,” and the “Navajo Hipster Panty.” However fashionable they may sound, I doubt the Navajo tribe allowed the use of their name in the mentioned items, especially the last one. In her letter to the CEO, Brown stressed that the “distasteful and racially demeaning apparel and décor” is actually in violation of the Federal Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 and the Federal Trade Commission Act. The Act states that the Department of Interior denies the “misrepresentation in marketing of Indian arts and crafts products within the United States. It is illegal to offer or display for sale, or sell any art or craft product in a manner that falsely suggests it is Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian, or Indian Tribe or Indian arts and crafts organization, resident within the United States.” If any business violates the Act it could be penalized with a fine of up to $1 million. But Urban Outfitters is not the only business using the Navajo name. The fad of copying irrelevant patterns and passing them off as “tribal,” “Navajo,” or “Native American” prints actually happens in many clothing stores. For example, Macy’s, Target, Forever 21 and Hot Topic all have at least one clothing item or accessory under one of those names. “When made tastefully I think it is actually a compliment to the beauty of Native American cultural designs,” senior Naomi Weisz said. The key here is that people know what they represent. But when people spend money because things look “cute,” the culture is not appreciated how it is supposed to be.

06

entertainment

November 10, 2011

Media alteration of images injures self-esteem By Kathy Zerbib In a world obsessed with flawless beauty, the media is doing its part by imposing upon us a social norm of tall, young, and desperately thin. The modeling industry not only intimidates the public by presenting model after model of 6’2” girls who measure anywhere from a size 0 to a size 2, but the media also digitally enhances celebrities into images that are just physically impossible. Celebrities, once thought to be as average as anyone else, are now heavily airbrushed, slimmed down, tightened up, face-lifted, smoothed over, and much more. The possibilities to fix life’s natural defects are endless with an overzealous photo editor and the latest version of Photoshop. While it may seem like the media is mainly targeting women with these images that injure self-esteem, men are by no means left out. Men are also subject to this bombardment of the media’s set expectations because they too are repeatedly presented with photos and video of finely sculpted actors and models. All of a sudden, they are expected to stay in shape and sport a chiseled six-pack at all times, just as much as girls are expected to maintain a decently shaped figure and a healthy supply of makeup. The sad part is that we have allowed the media to set the standard on what beautiful looks like. Sure, plenty of campaigns have gone around encouraging us to embrace natural beauty and appreciate our bodies,

Kathy Zerbib & Chelsea Green / The Plaid Press

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: These before and after shots of senior Khylan Jones are an imitation of the media’s manipulations of celebrities. but the media has remained triumphant. Despite all of the pleas to “love thyself,” our brains have become trained to see these pictures of perfection and focus on how we compare to them. They alter our perception of beauty and set an unfair standard on what they think the rest of us should look like.

In reality, celebrities do look like us, underneath all of the digital enhancement you see on the cover of “GQ” or “Cosmopolitan.” According to BeautyRedefined.net, wellknown stars such as Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill, Jessica Alba, Kourtney Kardashian,

and Kate Winslet have all had Photoshop scandals involving the media twisting up their pictures. Needless to say, not all of them are satisfied with their obvious photo manipulations. Actress Kate Winslet spoke out against “GQ” magazine’s revamped image of her in a 2003 cover. “I don’t want people to think I had suddenly gone and lost 30 pounds, which is something I would never do, and more importantly, I don’t want to look like that!” Winslet said, in an interview with Britain’s GMTV. Yes, as difficult as it may be to believe, even celebrities know that there are times when too thin is actually too thin. After all, anorexia is not a pretty look on anyone, and someone should really tell the editing wizard for those Ralph Lauren ads (the same company which, according to Jezebel.com, had a beyond noticeable Photoshop overkill back in 2009 with model Filippa Hamilton) that very crucial fact. Really, the only time celebrities are not Photoshopped to look like the perfect population is when they are featured as complete jokes in a tabloid, specifically the ones taken at beaches that circle their problematic cellulite areas and ordinary face wrinkles. These tabloids teach the public to laugh at a person’s real appearance. They show us that “all natural” is another way of saying “inappropriate outside of your home.” How disappointing that, like vacuums, we are blindly sucking up all of the media’s rules and never questioning their intentions.

Artists set unique trends Addicted to the action Photo courtesy of T.J. Sengel

By Lorena Ramirez Music videos and performances that have captivated the world are now becoming a symbol of fashion and beauty, especially in mainstream pop. Each decade prompted new eras of fashion styles that exemplified artists’ unique and outgoing personalities. As the Goddess of Pop, Cher’s major success as a singer and actress helped her become an icon of beauty in the 1970s. She embraced various fashion trends, such as bell-bottoms and glamorous dresses decorated with beads and feathers. Madonna’s fashion style created an era in the 90s that was filled with excitement in the mainstream industry. Her blond, curly highlights created the poodle look, while her loose shirts and neon leggings showed what the 1980s were all about. “[Cher and Madonna] are wonderful inspirations and their outfits are beautiful. Their looks are as unique as their beautiful voices,” freshman Kaileigh Valdez said. New eras of pop music arose in the 2000s with iconic figures like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Lady Gaga. Their success not only affected the pop industry but also set fashion trends during a decade that exemplified colorful personalities. But judging from the criticism that stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera receive over their music videos,

not everyone appreciates diversity in fashion. Christina’s video “Lady Marmalade” featured three other female artists wearing corsets, fishnets, and high heels. Britney showed off her body in “I’m A Slave For You” with a one-piece outfit and high heels, exhibiting her well-known beauty. “I believe their fashion is very out there. It’s free, exuberant, crazy, and wild. They’re some of the most popular pop stars and their charisma is different,” junior Tony Fragoso said. These trendsetters started an era of competition between rising artists in the pop mainstream. They influenced artists like Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga with their outrageous personalities. Lady Gaga is an example of extreme self-expression influenced by the older stars. Her famous meat dress and 6-inch heels are examples of her outfits making a statement and capturing the world’s attention. “Lady Gaga’s crazy style is cool because it’s original, creative, and unpredictable. This makes her stand out from all the other artists. Even though people say she’s only famous because of the way she dresses, that’s not true,” senior Stacey Aguila said. All of these looks have created distinct fashion trends for each decade. Artists inspire themselves and do it in ways that leave their fans wanting more.

Does violence in the media make us violent? By Ahra Cho Movies, video games, television shows, and music—you name it. Violence has been a popular subject across all aspects of the media. Consequently, teenagers have come to believe that there is a public endorsement of violence in the media. With all the aggression that has been frequently depicted in the media, it makes sense that some teens are starting to mirror the violence they see reflected on their television screens. Today’s teens spend a lot of time watching TV and listening to music while essentially absorbing anything and everything that the media presents to them. So the frequent portrayal of violence in the media has become a major source of concern for many. As stated by the American Academy of Pediatrics, adolescents between the ages of two and eighteen spend an average of three hours per day watching television. Furthermore, the shows that this age group watch are the most violent compared to shows designed for older audiences. In fact, some cartoons average twenty violent scenes per hour. “The violence is only depicted so frequently because that’s what sells to the audience. And violence in the media is bad because it sends a bad message to the audience, especially young growing people,” junior Jessica Phan said. The National Institute of Mental Health and University of California Los Angeles shows that important brain centers that control impulsive behavior and manage rational thinking are not fully mature in adolescents. Additionally, although many high school teenagers may think that they are “old enough” to handle the media’s continual violence, the study showed that teenage brains remain underdeveloped until their early 20s. Of course not all high school teens are affected to the same degree, but teens, in general, are highly susceptible to influences around them. “Some adolescent kids are learning what

is right and wrong from their experiences. If they see a movie that depicts violence as a natural part of human nature, they would consider violence to be a natural behavior,” junior Jinhoo Kim said. In other words, the exposure adolescents have to violence encourages some of them to use violence in order to achieve goals and resolve conflicts. As reported by Leonard Eron, Senior Research Scientist at the University of Michigan, violent television shows and commercials alone are responsible for 10% of youth violence. And television is only a part of the larger media. Moreover, experts have identified a “mere exposure phenomenon” in which the more we see, the more we accept. Repeated exposure to a new subject inclines one to systematically favor that subject later on. So the more violence we observe, the more likely we are to approve of it. The root of the problem, experts have claimed, starts from earlier childhood when heroes are galvanized for using a kind of “justified violence” to save the world or defeat an evil monster. Children take the surreal TV images to be an accurate representation of reality. When they become young adults, the fear of being the victim gives a reason for adolescents to be more aggressive or carry a weapon. In other words, certain adolescents do not merely imitate the violence they observe, they respond to it by becoming more defensive. According to the shows some teenagers have been watching, the world is full of gangs and other forms of aggression for which they need to watch out. Watching violence creates an illusion of a violent world where young people need to fight back in order to make their way through life. By no means should we advocate for a complete rejection of violence, especially since not everyone is affected to very extreme degrees. But if we can, why not give teenagers better, nicer images to look at rather than robots boxing and splattered blood from a head shot.

07 opinion

November 10, 2011

Wikipedia, our info-recylopedia: is it safe to use? By Sean Bujarski We have all been there. The teacher assigns a big research assignment and demands at least three reputable sources, two of which cannot be the textbook. Upon hearing this we all go home, turn on our computers, and immediately log on to Wikipedia. For our generation Wikipedia is the ultimate source of information. From stem cell research to the gross domestic product of Dubai, information on almost any subject can be found on Wikipedia. However all is not perfect with this omnipotent Internet deity, and many have accused Wikipedia of being unreliable at best and an outright lie at worst. Wikipedia does have a number of issues, and as such should be limited to a preliminary source; it opens the door to further research, instead of being the final authority. The main problem lies with the ability for anyone on the Internet to create or modify any page on Wikipedia. This means that if I were to go to the Wikipedia page for William Shakespeare and say that he was actually Kathulu in disguise, the page itself would not stop me. Of course, according to Wikipedia’s contract, there are several plans in place to keep intellectual vagrants such as myself from destroying their website. First is a rule that all posts on Wikipedia should be backed by a

reliable and published source. So if I were to go with my previous example and claim Shakespeare is an alien, I would be encouraged to find a book or article that agrees with me, which may be difficult to find. Should this line of defense fail, Wikipedia has a back-up plan: the people who use it. Since any user is able to modify any page, any false information should be found and eliminated by the Internet equivalent of pest control. In practice however, these defenses are riddled with more holes than Swiss cheese after a drive-by shooting. While Wikipedia does encourage you to have a reliable source, it does not actually require you to say what it is, or even have one in the first place. In addition, while the public may be able to spot and fix major errors, it cannot catch everything. In one famous example, slander was written about John Seigenthaler, a board member of the American Society of Newspaper Editors, on his Wikipedia page. This false information then remained online for four months. The reason this information stayed there was because it was subtle, and not outlandish in any sense, meaning that few editors were able to find fault with the page. But what does all this mean for us high school students? Does it mean that Wiki-

pedia should be permanently banned from all research and smitten from the collective memory of the American teenager? Of course not, don’t be ridiculous. Removing Wikipedia from the collection of Internet information resources would be akin to taking all of the flour out of a loaf of bread. As much as teachers and hard-core research enthusiasts might hate Wikipedia, we need it.

As is always the case, the answer to our information dilemma lies in compromise. Students who hope to use Wikipedia for any of their research projects should feel free to do so, but take the information they find there with a grain of salt, or ten truckloads of salt. No one was ever killed for fact checking information they find on the Internet. As Wikipedia says itself, “the threshold of inclusion… is verifiability, to truth.”

By Chelsea Green Gone are the days of traditional sex education. Assemblies, organ system projects, and P.E. talks have replaced the health class once offered to freshman. But is the new system truly giving students the information they need? How does the information that students gather in the classroom stack up against learning about sex from a new age of racy TV and internet pornography? Not so well. Physical education teacher Carolyn Gunny said that the P.E. department’s sexed curriculum touches upon the broader categories. “We don’t really go in depth, we just break the surface,” Gunny said. But breaking the surface about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may not be enough. According to the Guttmatcher Institute, young people aged 15-24 account for about 9.1 million cases of STDs every year. HPV, the human papillomavirus, which can lead to cervical cancer, accounts for approximately half of those cases. “People need to be informed in order to make responsible choices and protect themselves,” nurse Kathy Morgan said.

And yet, the school removed health as a course for the class of 2013 and beyond, splitting sex education between the biology and physical education departments. “Students are still taught anatomy, physiology, and reproduction. They also get an explanation of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), their cause, and of course a discussion about STDs’ negative impact on their lives. We do not, however, incorporate an ongoing and lengthy discussion,” science department chair Beth Cox said. But the school should put a bigger emphasis on teaching students about their physical health. This is an aspect of their lives that lasts well past school years. Without a large enough emphasis, students will primarily learn about sex from peers and the media, which will only spread misinformation, leaving students at a higher risk for pregnancy and STD contraction. However, the sex-ed program still does not give students enough information, during a time when they need it the most. Furthermore, it presents that information in the uncomfortable manner of having to mixmatch the topic in a PE or biology setting. Even the infamous slideshows of STDs

shown during the health class, alerting students to the not-so-pretty results of HPV, herpes, and syphilis, are no longer shown. Yes, the slideshow was disgusting. But it certainly made students aware of the risks they take when having sex. “I actually think that sexual health can be a part of physical education, but it should have its own spot,” Gunny said. “All the kids think they know it, our generation thought we knew everything, and then they later thought ‘Oh my.’” Luckily, the current program incorporates emphasis abstinence, an element that has played a key role in lowering teen pregnancy over the past decade. Presentations like Kaiser’s “What goes around,” a mixture of comedy and sex-ed, and talks by Karen Kropf about abstinence have contributed positively as teaching tools. Despite the advancements made during the past ten years in teaching sex-ed, students aren’t out of the woods yet. Lower pregnancy rates and STD contractions should not signal the green light for educators to put the brake on sex education. Yet, the school is not the only available source for students to learn about health.

School social worker Barbara Ackermann said, “I think that sex-ed is great in school, but that the primary responsibility lies with the parents.” However, the fourth pillar of the Expected School-Wide Learning Results (ESLR) sends quite a different message. According to the standard, the school is supposed to transform students into “productive member[s] of society: able to demonstrate healthy, responsible behavior.” Our school emphasizes knowledge encouraging us to learn about math, science, English, history, and foreign languages. But school has a responsibility to prepare us for the real world, which calls for the sex education that is sometimes difficult to learn, and even more difficult to teach.

of these field trips with a smile. Yet high schools like ours, where education is king use these trips less and less in classes for older students. Certain classes or teachers do offer these trips, but even these are uncommon. The Humanitas program is the rare exception in which students participate in more hands-on learning, like field trips, than in regular courses. “I haven’t gone on a field trip for the last two years, but Photo courtesy of Laura Bachrach when I was in Humanitas we had a bunch. They were fun, AN EDUCATIONAL OUTING: Spanish teacher like a getaway from school,” Laura Bachrach takes students to Olvera Street senior Aida Dio said. Field trips have long been praised for Field trips have instructional value spetheir educational value and have remained cifically because they take place outside of a trademark of the school experience even the school environment. The destinations in this modern era of technology. Adapting promote education and relate to topics beto the times, field trips have continued their ing taught. legacy of intellectual stimulation. Unfortunately, it seems that both stuHowever, it seems that as students get dents and teachers have become more and closer and closer to college, the number of more reluctant to go on these instructive field trips they attend lessens. Considering excursions. the value of these trips, students and high “Students are more worried about missschool teachers alike should take advantage ing a day of class than excited about the op-

portunities being offered to them and teachers are less supportive of field trips in general,” Spanish teacher Laura Bachrach said. Bachrach said, “Sometimes the best learning comes from outside of the classroom with hands-on learning and real life situations.” Students are able to relax and move around, so they can truly experience their surroundings at field trips. This is why these trips exist. “I think students become more active learners and absorb more things when they are on field trips than when they sit in a classroom and listen to the teacher,” sophomore Hanna Yoon said. A glimpse into the real-world applications of material taught at school opens up students’ minds and gives them a chance to think outside the box that is the classroom. Referring to a trip to the area full of Mexican history and culture in Downtown Los Angeles, Bachrach said, “What students get out of 4 hours at Olvera Street, I could never transmit that into a classroom lesson.” While every student benefits from the experience of the field trip, each student learns from free will, each absorbing a different lesson—consciously or not.

Cartoon by Gary Zhang/ The Plaid Press

Lack of in-depth sex-ed leaves students at risk

High school students crave field trips By Sophia Shin

The Plaid Press The Plaid Press is published by the Advanced Journalism class at Granada Hills Charter High School. 10535 Zelzah Ave. Granada Hills, CA 91344 Phone: (818) 360-2361 The Plaid Press welcomes all letters and commentaries on all matters and reserves the right to edit as required. Unsigned letters will not be printed. Opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of The Plaid Press, its adviser, Granada Hills Charter High School faculty or student body. Editors-in-Chief News Editors Entertainment Editor Opinion Editor Feature Editors Sports Editor Spirit Editor Business Manager Cartoonist Staff Reporters:

Adviser

Ahra Cho Shilpa Bhongir Gabriella Koek Jane Pyeon Kathy Zerbib Chelsea Green Sophia Shin Fernanda Velazco James Powel Eiman Kazi Jane Pyeon Gary Zhang Sean Bujarski Fatima Castaneda Shiva Jafaripour Lorena Ramirez Melanie Uemura Gary Zhang

Melissa Mason

The Plaid Press is a proud member of National Scholastic Press Association.

08 sports

November 10, 2011

Ryan Braun: the epic Highlander Basketball’s league debut on May 25, 2007 against the San Diego Padres. Since then, Braun has amassed an impressive resume in the Majors, becoming a four time National League All Star, three time NL Silver Slugger recipient, 2007 Rookie of the Year and 2009 Hit King. In the 2011 campaign, Braun entered the venerable 30-30 club, joining the company of legends including: Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Bobby Bonds. Though he has reached great success, Braun still remembers his roots. He has returned to his old stomping grounds, speaking to the current crop of Highlander ball players. “Ryan came as talked to us about how school was first, but if you worked hard anyone could make it,” Junior Outfielder Grant Billet said In the end, his father and his number one fan, always knew exactly what would propel Ryan to major league greatness. “[Ryan] wants to be in that moment. He realizes that you’re not always going to be successful. But you want that opportunity to be that person to help your team win,” Braun’s father said.

this point forward. “We knew our team would be less experienced this year, so the veterans worked to push those new to varsity through the summer heat as well as push ourselves because at the end of the day we know we’ll get to race, which is the main reward for all of our hard work,” Mrgudic said. This year freshman Julia Fisher, freshman Tessa Weinberg, and sophomore Asiah Melville have shown most improvement among the younger group of runners. As for the boys, freshman Cristian Cucuta, sophomore Bryce Hawthorne, and junior Vahan Terterian are giving up easier competition in frosh/soph to contribute their skills to the varsity team. In addition, three year varsity cross country member, junior Jose Martinez, has sacrificed the most for this year’s team considering his multiple injuries during his time on the team. “I was not the best when I joined the

team, but I have always pushed myself. I have had quite a few injuries, including when I pulled a tendon, but despite these setbacks I believe my injuries have made me mentally stronger because I am always able to get back up and come out even better than I was once before,” Martinez said. Every runner should expect an injury or two but picking him or herself up and continuing to run is the real test of commitment. The cross country varsity team has the perseverance needed to win and with the help of its coach, and they hope to win their last dual meet at Pierce College and continue on to city championships with a positive attitude. “We encourage people to come cheer us on at our races because we put a lot of time and effort into something we love, and most importantly we represent Granada so it would be nice to have as much support as we can get,” Becker said.

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ca’s top 100 prospects in 2002. Braun did all of this in true Highlander fashion. According to an interview with the New York Times, he earned A’s in all classes, except AP Chemistry. He couldn’t be perfect, right? After considering scholarship offers from Stanford and Cal, Ryan moved to Miami and attended The University of Miami on academic scholarship. Playing shortstop and third base Braun earned multiple accolades including Baseball America’s Freshman of the Year in 2003 and was named to the College All American Team in 2005. In 2005, the Milwaukee Brewers drafted Braun in the first round of the MLB Entry Draft (fifth overall) and spent two years in the minors before making his major

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By James Powel Ryan Braun’s first start in green and black could have been a prologue to The Natural. The Granada Hills Chater High School freshman was plucked from his 5th period class to start at second base in the baseball team’s season opener at home. How did he do? He had just three hits and his second was a two-run home run. Though the world would soon find out about the prowess that Braun possessed on a baseball diamond much later, his father knew before all else. “Nothing that he does surprises me,” his father Joe Braun said in an interview with Major League Baseball. Braun’s journey to the major leagues has been quite impressive. Braun lettered in all four years at Granada, posting his best batting average in 2000 as a sophomore batting .456 with a .654 On Base Percentage (OBP). He capped his senior year as a Highlander with a .451 batting average and a .668 OBP. He was a three time Daily News All-Area selection and was one of Baseball Ameri-

Cross country rolls over competition By Shiva Jafaripour All sports require running, but no sport calls for it more than Granada’s varsity cross country team. This year’s team has only six seniors, with sophomores and freshmen making up most of the team, but they keep striving to do their best and eventually reach City. The young runners concentrate on improving their times with motivation from captains junior Michael Mrgudic, senior Tristan Wang, senior Rachel Becker, and senior Monica Figueroa. In order to improve their times, the team runs 40 miles a week. They plan to compete in city finals in just three short weeks. Their current record stands at 4-2, with only one dual meet left. During this past summer, the team met at 6:45 a.m. every morning and ran 30 miles every week. Due to the time spent together, the team has grown mentally and physically and plans to do nothing but improve from

James Powel/The Plaid Press

WARMING UP: Junior Jose Martinez (left), senior Rachel Becker (middle), and junior Michael Mrgduic (right) warm up for the City Championship meet.

popularity soars to new levels

By Melanie Uemura Basketball has become a part of our culture, creating its own identity within our community. In the United States, the sport has become more popular than even the “American pastime,” baseball. But why? On the surface, basketball has many physical benefits.“It’s active, athletic, and helps keep my body in shape,” senior Jenifer Benga, who often plays basketball with her friends at the park, said. Feeling confident and happy is an even better outcome of basketball. “When I play, it feels like I’m in beast mode. I just feel happy and enjoy having fun,” freshman Trevante Hammonds, shooting gaurd and center on the freshman team, said. To many, basketball is more than just shooting a ball into a netted hoop, passing time, or staying fit. “It means a lot to me. It is an escape from reality,” Hammonds said. Playing is a way to lessen stress and forget all the havoc in one’s life. “Basketball helps me express and cope with my emotions. When times get tough around the house or at school, it helps me escape that stress,” Benga said. For many, basketball is an important part of their family life and community. “A family friend, Jordan Farmar, taught me how to play basketball, and ever since then, I have looked up to him,” Hammonds said. Farmar played for the Los Angeles Lakers from 2006-2010, and is currently as a point guard for the New Jersey Nets. Though, everyone may not be surrounded by acclaimed sports stars, even a community of new friends is an important part of the basketball experience. “I get to meet a lot of different people every time I go out and play. We all get along well when we play together; a type of special bond grows during those games,” Benga said. Basketball not only helps foster new connections, but fuel dreams. “I get to meet different people and get scholarships,” Hammonds said. There are opportunities for full or partial athletic scholarships through colleges or other scholarship programs like the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) which are available if one has the grades, test scores, will power, and luck. Even if college basketball may not be an option or a dream, basketball is still enjoyable for the simple positive feelings it never fails to create. “I feel happy, like myself, when I play,” Benga said.

Wrestling pins down goals for the next season

By Fatima Casteneda The wrestling team has practiced vigorously for this upcoming season and anticipates competing against other talented schools with the help of their new coach Nestor Sandavol. The team captains of the wrestling team, senior Wilber Solares and junior Sohrab Movahedi have trained and worked hard to lead the team to victory this year. “Our team has great conditioning, but needs work on technique. We will achieve this with the help of our new head coach Nestor. He’s the best coach Granada’s going to get. He’s been coaching for a very long

time, and I wouldn’t question anything he says,” Movahedi said. Individuals often confuse wrestling for other forms of martial arts. However, wrestling has distinct qualities that differentiate it from different sorts of contact sports. In wrestling two opponents spar with one another, and the individual that pins their competitor to the ground for two or more seconds or maintains a greater fighting vantage wins. Oftentimes, people in wrestling matches do not get pinned to the ground, and the competition depends on person with the

highest number of points. Wrestlers accumulate points by demonstrating skills such as takedowns, escapes, reversals, and near falls. Moreover, wrestling has many rules that competitors cannot violate, like using unnecessary roughness, illegal holds, and other regulations which diminish a player’s points. Not all individuals possess the stamina and discipline to participate in this rough sport. Wrestlers need physical strength, endurance, and strong-willed. “Wrestling to me demands the utmost expression of the best discipline and courage in a man and the driving out of fear, hesitan-

cy and laziness. Since man is naturally bent toward laziness, fear of the unknown and self-indulgence, he needs a way of changing these trends,” Ben Peterson, a gold and silver Olympic medal winner said. Our wrestling team is one of the best in the valley, and they hope to win against their greatest rival, San Fernando High School. “Even though the team has its ups and downs we are working hard and looking forward to the new season. If we work on our technique and game strategy we might have a chance of winning against our greatest rival, San Fernando,” varsity wrestler and senior Joseph Aguila said.