Friday, October 25, 2013

El Rancho High School - Volume 62- Issue 2 www.erusd.k12.ca.us/elrancho

California advances school assessment with Viva Las Vegas! Seniors take NPR once again computer-based testing

By Rubi Macias El Rodeo Staff Writer

Assembly Bill 484, a new law aiming to replace STAR test- ing with allegedly better comput- er-based testing, was signed on Oc- tober 2 by Governor Jerry Brown. The Bill has earned in- creased attention from teachers, parents, and students who have strong opinions regarding its ef- ficiency. Tom Torlakson, State Superintendent of Public Instruc- tion and one of the strongest supporters of the bill, said As- sembly Bill 484 is meant to get rid of “outdated assessments.” Assembly Bill 484 pro- poses to remake California’s stu- dent tests in order to get a more accurate and modern assessment of individual knowledge. The Smarter Balanced Organization is the state-led organization that de- veloped these tests to “accurately measure student progress toward college- and career-readiness.” These Smarter Balanced tests, although only made for English and math, are designed to accurately measure stu- dent performance and progress based on the Common Core Standards. States will begin ad- Following into the footsteps of their predecessors, the “Lucky #14” seniors stole Night Pep Rally yet again, with slot machines, bunnies, Elvis ministering these assessments Presley, extravagant attire, and a lot of class spirit. The theme of this year’s NPR was “City Lights Lively Nights!” Students came out to sup- in the 2014-2015 school year. port their class and cheer their way to victory. This year, however, the seniors swept up the competition with 473 points leaving the New Or- Although the law is new, leans Sophomores in second with 433 points, the Cairo Juniors in third with 427 points, and the Honolulu Freshmen in fourth with 373 points. it has already gained opposi- tion. Many parents are con- cerned that the tests are too un- derdeveloped and are only made Dons look to extend their winning streak to assess language and math By Angelica Gamez will be challenging. They will skills, leaving out all other es- El Rodeo Staff Writer start off with the Condors tomor- sential subjects. Susan Aparicio, row night and then face Santa Fe, El Rancho senior decathlete, The El Rancho football and end league with La Serna. asks, “Why not test the scienc- team is having a great start in Not only will the next es? Is Smarter not advanced?” league after victories against three games be challenging, but The main concern with As- Whittier High School and Pio- these games will also be crucial sembly Bill 484 is that it elimi- neer High School. They will try if the Dons want to take league. nates STAR testing for the 2013- to extend their winning streak as “They have to keep working 2014 year. Educators are worried they face the California Condors hard...and believe that we can that a whole group of students tonight at California High School. go out and win a Del Rio League will not be assessed this year. After their bye week, the championship,” says Lopez. The Supporters of the bill ar- Dons began league against the most important thing for Lopez gue that this new testing is bet- Whittier Cardinals and came out is that “the team takes it one ter because the Smarter tests victorious. “It was important for week at a time but continues to were specifically designed to us to go out there and start league believe in themselves and just coincide with the new Com- off with a ‘W’,” says Lopez. keep getting better each week.” mon Core Standards, which have The Dons’ defense came If the Dons want to be cer- clear and concise standards for out strong just when the team Junior, Robert Robledo attempts to break a tackle during victory over tain about taking league, they will all American schools and pro- needed them to. “Our defense got the visiting Pioneer Titans. have to win their last three games. mote equity among the states. it together and played assignment proved [football team],” but the 2-0 in league,” explains Ramos. “[We have to] be focused through- Mr. Elias, El Rancho Eco- football like they were supposed Dons had a good game plan that Before their success be- out the season and play hard every nomics teacher, supports the to,” explained senior captain Je- helped them earn their success. gan, the Dons ended preseason single game,” explains Araujo. Common Core Standards because sus Verduzco. Although the Dons The seniors have played a against Troy High School. Verduzco doesn’t want he teaches to the standards already won 17-3, Araujo feels the team big part in the team’s victories. “I thought it was pretty good to look too far ahead in season. and says, “they prepare students could have “done better overall.” “We have incredible senior lead- since everyone expected us to Verduzo says that they need for the work force… and help the After the game against the ership on the team this year,” get blown out and we actually to take one game at a time and U.S. catch up with the world.” Cardinals, the Dons began to fo- says Lopez. Verduzco and senior stood in there with them,” said “just do what they have to do.” For El Rancho students cus on their Homecoming game David Ramos have been help- senior captain Ryan Araujo. The Dons will begin these who have had to take language against the Pioneer Titans. Arau- ing the team out defensively. It was a close game against important games with the Con- tests with old-fashioned record- jo felt “pretty confident” going “[They] have been playing lights Troy but the Dons fell short 36- dors. “The team has been working ers, this increased trust in com- into the game against the Titans out on the defense and that’s a 34. “We made some mistakes really hard and we are ready to puters is a positive prospect. as long as the Dons “play[ed] as big reason for the success we’ve and learned some lessons so win,” says Ramos enthusiastically. The main concern that remains hard as they’ve been practicing.” been having,” explains Lopez hopefully we don’t have those The Dons will face the in America regarding Smarter The Dons did play hard Winning two games in issues down the road if we were Condors tomorrow night at seven Balanced tests is that the ef- and earned a big 62-21 victory league is already something the to encounter a close game like o’clock at California High School. ficiency of these new tests is over the Titans. Lopez knew that Dons are proud of. “We are the first that,” says coach Vinnie Lopez. Go support the Dons as they work yet to be determined. they had to expect a “much im- team in like seven years to [start] The Dons’ next three games to add another win to their record. El Rodeo, Pg 2 El Rancho High School Oct. 25, 2013 College College Night delivers helpful tips

Advisor Paul Zeko

Editor-in-Chief Angelica Gamez Michael Garcia Nazarely Narvaez Copy Editor Jesse Enrique Sanchez Section Editors News Angelica Gamez College Nazarely Narvaez Features Laura Castro Spencer Business Alexis Quinones City Nazarely Narvaez Campus Jazmin Hernandez Halloween Michael Garcia Entertainment Claudia Gonzalez Sports Marisol Almazan UC Irvine representatives inform students and their parents of tuition rates, sholarships, dorming, and application deadlines. College Night is a great oppurtunity for students to learn more about the college of their choice. David Hughes Comics Rubi Macias Reporters College Advice to the College Bound Cely Anaya By Jesse Sanchez in advance should suffice Julius Arias The beginning of but the earlier the better. For Robert Garcia autumn for high school students students using the Common Julia Ortiz marks the beginning of yet App, teachers can’t begin writing Breanna Perez another long year of research recommendations until the entire Nichelle Renteria papers, science projects, application is complete. 5. Keep Nicole Zarate and Problems of the Week all your important information Photo Editors (trademarked by Mr. Francis in the same place. A folder Debbie Barajas and Associates), but for seniors containing your transcript, social it is time to prepare for a new security number, login/password Danielle Hernandez endeavor: college applications. lists, parents’ tax returns (for Evelyn Garcia What has seemed like an instant financial aid), or other important Sol Mendez to the eyes of the Class of 2014 documents should be kept handy. has actually been four years of 6. Visit colleges if you can to see blood, sweat, and tears but the Colombia University is a popular option for seniors this year. if you feel a connection towards biggest challenge still lies ahead. where they truly feel they belong. agenda or calendar to remind the school. A few bucks worth El Rodeo is published monthly El Rancho has sent students you of important deadlines for except during vacations by the El Ran- To help the current senior class of gas is better than wasting cho High School journalism class. achieve a better understanding everywhere from Stanford and applications and scholarships $70 and a few weekends on an The El Rodeo offices are located at of what the do’s and don’t’s are UCLA to Yale and MIT. Alex 2. Apply early! Draft personal application for a college you 6501 S. Passons Blvd., Pico Rivera, of the application process, El Castro-Spencer (UCLA Class of statements now and have them don’t even like. 7. Apply for all CA 90660 in room X-1. The paper is printed by The Gardena Valley News. Rancho alumni have been asked 2017) wishes she had not limited proofread by a few teachers (or the scholarships you can. The to give their words of wisdom her sights to just UC, Cal State, even recent graduates) who you College Career center website El Rodeo, the student news- about their experiences. and CA private schools after trust will give you constructive has several links to scholarship paper of El Rancho High School is an First and foremost: seeing many of her friends head criticism. 3. Be honest. Just search engines that can provide open, public forum for student expres- out of state for greener pastures. because you don’t have a 4.5 sion and an opportunity to discuss its “Stop and breathe.” Jacquelyn a list of several scholarship audience’s issues of concern. Opinions Escobar (UCLA Class of 2017) However, she warns seniors to GPA and didn’t spend your opportunities. 8. Write essays expressed are those of the writer and do advises seniors to “take every “not apply [to colleges] based summers feeding homeless on a word processor to spell not necessarily reflect the position of day as it comes” and essentially on reputation.” Every student is orphans in African jungles check and edit before putting the school board, administration, spon- different and big name colleges doesn’t mean colleges won’t sors, parents, student body or advertisers. take a moment to relax so as them on the application. 9. Have The Editorial Board, which to not stress themselves even may not be the best fit for some accept you. Admissions officers your personal statement read by consists of the editor-in-chief, sec- further. Take time to consider people. “You will end up where simply want students that are a classmate or teacher you feel tion editors, and assistant editors, will which colleges you plan on you are meant to be,” or so says passionate about their interests doesn’t know you that well to determine the content of El Rodeo. Monserrat Marquez (Yale Class and can convey that in writing. 4. Student journalists on the El Ro- applying to but don’t be afraid to see how your essay would come deo staff will make every effort to publish apply to colleges “just because of 2017), so don’t stress. Ask for recommendations early. across to strangers. 10. HAVE following the legal definitions of libel, you think you won’t get in.” Luis After multiple Keep in mind that teachers are FUN! Senior year is meant to be obscenity and invasion of privacy. Con- Aleman (UCI Class of 2017) conversations with alumni, going to be asked by dozens of enjoyed and could possibly be sistent with California Education Code these are the top 10 pieces of students for recommendations section 48907, the staff will refrain from recommends that seniors apply the last time you see your friends printing material that may incite students, to their dream schools if that is advice mentioned. 1. Keep an and those take time. Two weeks for a good while. Make it count. be a violation of school regulations or dis- rupt school operations. At the beginning of College Deadlines each semester, journalism students will be reminded of the legal, financial and ethi- CSU/UC application November 30, 2013 cal implications of each article they write. SAT Test/ Subject Exam Register by November 8, 2013 for December 7, 2013 test Ed Code 48907 affirms the right of high school newspapers to publish ACT Exam Register by November 8, 2013 for December 14, 2013 test whatever they choose, so long as the content is not explicitly obscene, libel- Gates Millennium Scholarship January 15, 2014 ous, or slanderous. Also, there shall HSF generation 1st degree scholarship program January 20, 2014 be no prior restraint of material pre- pared for official school publications FAFSA (financial aid) March 2, 2014 except insofar as it violates this section. Oct. 25, 2013 El Rancho High School El Rodeo, Pg 3 F opinionopinioneatures The Adventures of Señora Welch Holidayy wins sophomore princess By Rubi Macias nated. She admits that she “felt El Rodeo Staff Writer good about [herself]” when she was nominated, and [she] had Staceyy Holidayy, an El the confidence that she would Rancho sophomore, made school win. Holidayy said that if she history last Friday when she won had not won this year, she would this year’s tenth grade Homecom- run for the princess title again. Mrs. Welch loves traveling. ing Princess title. This victory Throughout the process By Laura Castro-Spencer was not only important to her for of running, Holidayy has al- El Rodeo Staff Writer the title, but because she wants to ways had the support of her “make a difference [and] make a friends and family. Her friend While most people are con- change for all the people that are Nadine Martinez said, “She’s fided to the borders of their home- like [her].” Holidayy is a trans- one of those people you can just town, Mrs. Mary-Helen Welch gender student who was born male go up to. She’s very social.” has taken the opportunity to but identifies herself as a female. Staceyy Holidayy also travel the world and still manages Although Holidayy does has some teachers support- to teach Spanish at El Rancho. confess that she enjoys the posi- ing her. Physical Education While attending Cal State tive attention this event has teacher Ms. Stacey Salway said Long Beach in 1984, Welch brought her, the nomination about Holidayy, “[She sure can] took the opportunity to study came as a surprise. It was not dance and make me laugh!” abroad. “[I] studied in Salaman- until after Homecoming nomina- Holidayy’s main source ca for four weeks, and I learned tions took place that Holidayy’s of support has been her mother about the literature and culture friends and peers went up to because “she has been there there,” said Welch, “I also stud- her claiming to have voted for since [Holidayy] came out ied in Mexico for four weeks her for Homecoming princess. to her, and she supports [her toward the end of college.” Holidayy’s strategy to daughter] more than anyone.” In total, Welch has been get students to vote for her as Holidayy shows grati- to ten different countries, in- sophomore Homecoming Prin- tude towards her mother for cluding England, Germany, cess was simple. “I would just understanding and helping her France, Italy, Czech Repub- tell them to vote,” says Holidayy. “with everything.” Including lic, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Students chanting at the helping Holidayy picking out a Hungary, and the Netherlands. 2013 Night Pep Rally displayed dress. That was Holidayy’s fa- Welch’s favorite countries public support for her campaign. vorite part of the experience to visit were Italy and Spain. She Fellow nominees showed sup- in preparing for Homecoming. loved Italy because the “people port after the rally and, accord- As sophomore prin- [in Italy] were really friendly and ing to Holidayy, “one of them cess, Holidayy strives to be- the architecture was so beautiful.” [even] came up to [her to offer her come a trendsetter and hopes Welch enjoyed her time friendly words encouragement].” Staceyy Holidayy poses as sophomore Homecoming princess. that people will look at her in Spain because “[She] loved Holidayy admits that to ignore all the negative at- Optimism has been with victory as inspiration to “feel the beach area and visiting the she has received negative com- tention that I get and just think Holidayy since the time that she more comfortable being them- art museums like the Prado Mu- ments from students. “I have more positive,” says Holidayy. found out that she was nomi- selves and not having to hide it.” seum.” The Prado Museum con- tains some of the world’s finest collections of Spanish Art, which The Songwriter’s Club gives a call to all Artists was created from the 12th cen- By Nazarely Narvaez have that in my high school.” tury to the early 19th century. El Rodeo Staff Writer The clubs’ doors are open, wel- Welch and her husband join coming uprising musicians to the El Rancho Gadabouts on their Hey Dons, hear that? Not if those who are more experienced. many journeys around the world. you haven’t attended one of the “I still get nervous when I “My husband and I plan on going Songwriter’s Club gatherings in perform,” senior Anthony Agui- with the Gadabouts to the Czech H-4 on Thursdays during lunch. lar, a two year club member ad- Republic, Poland, Austria, and The Songwriter’s Club, led by Mr. mits, “But once you do it, it re- Hungary this winter.” said Welch. Robert Parra, invites artists of all leases tons of emotional stress.” Welch’s husband, Mr. kinds to contribute to their weekly Every performance needs an Bryan Ebert, has had the plea- jam sessions. “Students come in audience. A performance is not sure of accompanying his wife and they can play whatever they necessary in order to partici- around the world. They’ve been want,” Parra explains, “Visual pate in the Songwriters’ Club. everywhere from New Mexi- artist can come and show their “Whenever someone starts play- co to Portugal and from North work but mostly poets, rappers ing and singing everybody is Carolina to the Czech Republic. and singers.” Parra, a digital pho- quiet and respectful,” Parra Welch and her hus- tography teacher and a performer says, “Kids just want someone band are madly in love. himself, sets no boundaries to the to listen to what they’ve got.” “We’ve been married twenty- live performances, calling it “an Being a part of the audi- one years and I’ve loved ev- art show/music kind of thing.” ence shows an immense amount ery minute of it.” said Welch. The Songwriter’s Club of support for local musicians. Even though traveling the started off with Parra teaching “You always have to support Robert Mercado demonstrates his guitar skills to the Songwriter’s world is an exhilarating experi- kids how to play the guitar after your local music scene because Club every week. ence, Welch has always had a school through the LEARN Pro- who knows, maybe one day musicians who are committed to have recieved. A warm round soft spot for home. Welch lives gram. Five years later, the club you’ll have to pay 100 bucks for perform in the quad can be dif- of applause motivates up- with her husband, seven para- that started with seven school a ticket,” Robert Garcia, a senior ficult but he is surprised by the and-coming musicians to con- keets, and a bilingual speak- bought guitars, has evovled and one year club member says. amount of eagerness perform- tinue performing even after ing parrot named Treasure. into weekly talent showcase. “It makes the musicians feel ers have. Parra is touched by graduating from El Rancho. “I teach Treasure new words The Songwriter’s Club confident about what they do.” the bravery students have when One of the club’s main every week,” said Welch, “Right gives students of all grades an Occasionally the club holds deciding to perform. “People goals is to fill H-4 with fresh now, he’s learning how to say opportunity to express them- performances out in the quad, are supportive; I think they see talent and a great audience on good-bye when I leave for school.” selves, without having to worry giving El Rancho students and it as a chance to express them- Thursdays during lunch.“I’m Mrs. Welch has had the about criticism. The club’s pur- administrators a wider look into selves and they respect other just trying to get new blood and opportunity to travel the world pose is to give students a place the Songwriter’s Club. “Playing people for it. Even if they like new people to come down and and experience new and ex- to share their love of music and out in the quad for the first time what they did or not, I think perform. Just come on down dur- citing things that many never art with each other. “I was one of would have to be one of my fond- that they admire their courage.” ing lunch. You don’t even have to have the chance to partake in. those students who started play- est memories,” Aguilar says, “The For the past five years the perform to participate; you just Mrs. Welch has grown tremen- ing guitar in high school and adrenaline and the rush when you Songwriter’s Club has helped have to be part of the audience. dously from her travels, but she you know, I wish I had a place perform make up for the ner- form some of El Rancho’s best Maybe one day you will come also continues to learn from to go to and to play my music,” vousness that comes before.” musicians, who have been en- up and perform,” Parra says. her students at El Rancho. Parra explains. “They didn’t Parra admits that finding couraged by the support they El Rodeo, Pg 4 El Rancho High School Oct. 25, 2013 Business Big Business and Construction Put City Economy on an Upswing By Don Dinero With its 16,000 square feet of reading materials and An influx of commu- computer access, the new Pico Li- nity projects and business in- brary presents another key devel- vestment has led to a marked in- opment for the city, officials said. crease in Pico Rivera’s economic “It’s a phenomenal facil- development over the past year. ity that’s going to be amiable to The presence of na- the community here in Decem- tional tenants like Panera Bread, ber,” Bates said. “We had plenty of PetSmart and the announce- community input with the design. ment of a Norms Restaurant Art is a big part of both the out- signal a city-wide emphasis side and inside of the library. The on economic development. building is so energy efficient. It “We were excited be- already has a gold rating and it cause a national tenant of that may have a platinum rating.” nature typically will go to a dif- A collaborative effort ferent demographic with a higher between Pico Rivera and the Los median income,” said Pico Rivera Angeles County, the Pico Library mayor Gustavo Camacho. “The is expected to open to the public fact that they came here proves December 14. Initially, Camacho that our community can support it, city also recently renovated sev- ager Ronald Bates. “Pico Ri- nesses] safety, I’m a firm be- insisted the library open in Sep- but also that there’s a region that eral city parks and implemented vera has become a more at- liever that has initiated a lot of tember while the county wanted comes through our city to shop.” new play areas for children with tractive place to do business.” investment in the community.” an opening date closer to March The city recently com- more renovations on the way. Aesthetics and acces- Camacho initiated 2014. Both sides compromised pleted various construction For some, the ar- sibility attract business, but an a summer-long public safety on December and Camacho projects, including renovations rival of more national chains important factor in bringing big campaign advising residents has high hopes for the project. to Beverly Boulevard, Rose- to the city proves that the re- business to the city hinged on to “Hide it, lock it, or lose it,” “The library is go- mead Boulevard and the Pas- cent construction projects have public safety, Camacho said. a slogan geared toward curb- ing to be our focal point,” he sons Underpass Project; with achieved their main objective. “We still have chal- ing burglaries or other forms of said. “It’s going to be the foun- future renovations to Durfee “What you see is ma- lenges, but we are experienc- property crime. Since the cam- dation of many opportunities Avenue are currently in plan- jor improvements in the city, ing a historic drop in crime rate paign began on June 1, crime because it’s going to be the re- ning stages. Through a series of and we’re already starting to in our community,” Camacho rates fell from 57 percent to 20 source for our community.” grants and volunteer work, the see the results,” said city man- said. “Because of [local busi- percent, according to Camacho. The Chamber Supports Intern Program about different business but gain G-Stage Brings Fashion to Pico Rivera experience as well. “There are no boundaries”, says Co. President of The Chamber of Commerce. The internship program will not only help students but By Analye Arenas merchandise to keep the inven- local businesses as well, students tory “fresh”. Rest assured that in the program will already be As any girl knows, the you will always expect something educated in making proper busi- recently opened G-stage has em- new every time you enter. They ness plans. “Most businesses do bedded itself into the Pico Rivera keep up with the new and upcom- not have business plans when business family with a wide va- ing trends as well as seasons. At they begin” confesses Mary riety of clothes and accessories. the moment their store is filed Ann. She believes that, with the G-Stage, first opened in 2004, with all the burgundies, beiges, help of the program, businesses strives to lead the fashion industry deep yellows and infamous fall will benefit as well. “This city and keep their customers satisfied colors. G-Stage also provides has potential and is business with their purchases. When first plus sizes for the curviest bust friendly” says Co. President. entering this newly opened store, or waistline. No matter what the “Not all cities and Chambers you are greeted by friendly sales case is,you will always leave work together, but this one does.” associates and a colorful array of looking your best. If you want The interns produced by different types of clothing. Every- to check out any of their stylish this program would help de- thing from cardigans, high wasted items, you can visit their web- Shown here left to right are Mary Ann Bakotich, Chamber Executive Director , Emily Peyton, Vice crease the cost of allocated staff, president of the Entrepreneur Club and Charlene Dimas-Peinado, Chamber President shorts, business wear, dresses, site at www.GStageLove.com or they would fill in the spots and handbags, shoes, and cosmetics visit your local G-Stage located By Analye Arenas not have a shortage of cost. The This “gives them an edge in the are available. G-Stage provides a at the Pico Rivera Town Center. Chamber has also mentioned academic school year”, says Ex- way for you to define your own The Chamber of Com- a possible grant in the future ecutive Director MaryAnn Ba- style at an affordable cost. G- merce has always been generous for students with this partner- kotich. The fact of the matter is Stage continuously restocks their to our city and now they have that our city has an abundance of ship. This is only the beginning opened a new door for young resources that we have not taken of a possible partnership with Panera Bread comes to Pico Rivera scholars and entrepreneurs with advantage of. This intern program the Chamber of Commerce. quality is worth the price. They it’s own internship program. would help students not only learn have a diverse food choice and are family friendly because they We Scream for Ice Cream! The ice cream is very have kid meals for children. It high- quality since it’s handmade is not overly priced because you and two scoops in a cup will get your money out of what you definitely fill you up. The atmo- are purchasing. The service is sphere is very light; it’s a place amazing they bring the food to where you can go and hang out your table like a restaurant. The after school with your friends vibe in Panera is very calm and and enjoy some delicious ice inviting. The bakery-café has a cream. It is owned by a previ- By Emily Peyton feeling of being very homelike. ous El Rancho student that has Panera Bread Bakery is They often play music acous- ventured into entrepreneurship. now in the Pico Rivera Towne tic music, or soothing. A good By Ashley Torres As you walk through the They have successfully cre- Center and seems to me that they thing about Panera is that they door, you’re greeted cheerfully ated their own business and are are getting a lot of business. The have a private room that has Elado, located at 6033 Rose- by an Elado employee. The menu slowly but surely, making their employees are very friendly and doors and could be used to hold mead Blvd. Pico Rivera, is a brand varies from Mangoneadas to a way towards the top. Their ice welcoming. The food is simple a meeting like a conference room. new ice cream shop that opened simple single scoop ice cream. cream resembles familiar Mexi- and delicious. The bread is baked Another plus is that they have its doors a little over a month ago. There are also a variety can flavors. Elado has a very cus- fresh, on display and is very ap- free wifi. The best item I have This ice cream is some- of flavors from simple vanilla, tomer-friendly atmosphere with pealing. The pumpkin spice muf- had on the menu has to be the thing you have to try! It’s all cajeta and strawberry cream fla- smiles all around. Go support your fin is to die for at this time of Steak and white cheddar Panini. natural, handmade ice cream vor is to die for, so rest to sure fellow El Rancho graduate today. season. Having fresh baked bread from original Mexican recipes. you’ll find your favorite flavor. does make a difference and the Oct. 25, 2013 El Rancho High School El Rodeo, Pg 5 City View

Papa Johns owner lenient about hiring By Analye Arenas Rivera and the owner, Grace, to learn. She doesn’t rely on properly market and advertise the future, it’s not about the money, Of course everyone believes in “giving chances,” experience because she believes store’s business. “Opportunity, it’s about helping,” says Grace. knows they have “Better (referring to having enough trust everyone is capable of success. learning, and coaching,” says She believes both sides would ingredients. Better pizza,” as and expectations in the people Papa Johns still has excellent Grace. “That’s all there is to benefit. There is nothing that their slogan exclaims, but what that she hires). When hiring, customer service. An example it.” Grace recently donated fifty people love more than pizza. If makes the Pico Rivera Papa she does not look at people’s of her hiring ethic is seen pizzas to Rivera Elementary you want to get a taste of what Johns so different from all past but towards their future, through Papa Johns’ Marketing School and hopes to work with they have to offer, go down others? A new Papa Johns has all she looks for is eagerness Manager, Sergio who is only El Rancho in the future, “I want to the new Papa Johns in Pico just opened its doors here in Pico to work and the motivation twenty-two and yet is able to to work with schools in the Rivera at 8646 E. Whittier Blvd. El Rodeo, Pg 6 El Rancho High School Oct. 25, 2013 campus Volleyball Team Proudly Puts on the Pink Strayhorn’s students By Jazmin Hernandez shoot for the stars El Rodeo Staff Writer

In order to help students become aware of breast cancer, the girls volleyball team has sup- ported Breast Cancer Awareness during the month of October. Adelaida Picon, the girls volleyball varsity coach, says, “Last year it was brought to my attention that the girls have wanted to do this for years, Mr. Strayhorn helps his student but because it’s a lot of time prepare for a rocket launch. consuming it was hard to do.” This is the second year By Nazarely Narvaez the girls volleyball team has El Rodeo Staff Writer done something to recognize breast cancer. “Last year’s girls Students got busy in Mr. came up with the idea to sell t- Strayhorn’s general science class shirts,” says Picon. This year, by participating in the second an- the girls have decided to sell nual “Reach for the Stars” rocket t-shirts again and all the funds launch last week. Students were that are raised go to the Whittier to build a rocket out of card- Presbyterian Women’s Center. The girls volleyball team show their pink pride for Breast Cancer Awareness before their Pink out Game. stock and masking tape which “Besides selling the shirts, was launched by a machine. the girls wear their pink socks wants everyone to be aware that en’s Center in Whittier Presby- “Its about cancer in gen- The students had to record and pink shirts during the Pink cancer is very common and there terian Hospital last year. She eral and how it affects wom- how long their rockets remained out game,” says Picon. The “Pink is a possibility that it could hap- says, “We took a tour and they en. Also, we recognize all in the air and would later calcu- Out” game was against Pioneer pen to anyone. Picon says, “Our showed us everything, from types of cancers,” says Picon. late the speed it had when it hit on Tuesday October 22. She says, goal is to get the word out.” the entire process of what a Picon also plans to promote the ground. According to Stray- “We have the Pink Out game The volleyball girls go woman goes through while get- cancer awareness with the boys horn, students would determine where everyone in the audience all out when promoting Breast ting scanned, to when they learn volleyball team. She says, “Right the altitude “by noticing the angle will wear their pink shirt and the Cancer Awareness. “We have that they have breast cancer now, since we are in the fall sea- [of the rocket] from a designated volleyball girls will also wear participated in a 5-K as a whole and how is it that they fight it.” son, [when] it’s girls’ volleyball, distance and by using basic trig.” a pink shirt with their number.” program,” says Picon, “As a The volleyball girls not we do breast cancer. In the spring By participating in this This Tuesday, a pep rally team we have participated in only promote Breast Cancer we are going to try to incorpo- project, students “learn about will be held at lunch, Picon says, the Kids 4 Kids in Downtown Awareness because they want to rate prostate cancer since it’s the center of mass, the center of “We will have a representative Los Angeles. Every year we try help, but also because many of the boy’s season of volleyball.” force, and the center of pressure. from the Whittier Presbyterian and go there. We support differ- the girls on the team have rela- “Every month there is some The concept while they are build- Women’s Center handing out ent types of organizations, not tives who have had some type type of cancer awareness. Breast ing the rockets is that…the more pamphlets and we will have Mr. just Breast Cancer Awareness.” of cancer. Picon says, “We do cancer is well-known because it of the weight that goes into the Lopez’s wife selling shirts to pro- Picon took the volleyball have parents who had breast affects many women,” says Picon. nose cone [the tip], the heavier mote Breast Cancer Awareness.” girls (along with some of their cancer in our program and that the nose cone, the more stability,” The girls volleyball team family members) to the Wom- is one way of honoring them.” stated Strayhorn. Having weight at the tip and good sized fins was crucial in how stable the rockets were as they flew through the air. Students were to calcu- late their rockets’ impact veloc- Word on the Street ity and the speed it had when it hit the ground. “We were testing What was your favorite Night Pep Rally performance and why? how high it would go in the air and how long it would stay in the air,” said Senior William Par- rish, “I was surprised, I thought mine was going to break but it turned out to be sturdy rocket.” Some rockets remained in the air for about five seconds and may have reached up to about 130 feet, “like a thirteen story building,” according to Strayhorn. Unfortunately, some rockets broke as they reached the ground and had to be sent to the cemetery: a white trash bag. Students enjoyed them- selves during the process of mak- ing the rockets and some took it a step forward by decorating it. Those whose rockets made it over the tree located in front of room X-1 received candy as a reward. Mr. Strayhorn wants his students to participate in the “Reach for the Stars” rocket launch for many years to come “My favorite performance “My favorite Night “My favorite perfor- “Joey’ s performance and would like for it to be- was the Lady Gaga one with Pep Rally performance was mance was the Sophmores’ be- with the Drama Club was come an El Rancho tradition. Joey and the Drama Club be- the teachers because I found cause you can tell they put a lot the best because I felt like The students’ enthusiasm, cause he just had everyone go- it very funny how they cop- of creativity and effort into it.” I was connected to him.” along with Strayhorn’s guid- ing and everyone was laugh- ied the movie Hocus Pocus.” -Sabrina Moreno 11th -Gabby Limon 12th ance, is what made the experi- ing and having a good time. -Balram Kandoria 10th ment successful. Junior Drew [It] kind of made the night.” Ramirez dared to say, “This is one of the best projects I’ve done.” Oct. 25, 2013 El Rancho High School El Rodeo, Pg 7 Campus Homecoming Week for Dons

Cairo Juniors skit participants prepare to deliver a performance that is sure to make Nerves stir as the Homecoming senior princesses are about to be announced. their class proud.

Krystal Sanchez and Jaime Freerksen enjoy the Night Pep Rally. Seniors at their last Night Pep Rally proudly sport their class colors.

Student happily displays her school spirit.

Dons ready to defend against Pioneer. ASB members are satisfied after a successful Homecom- ing Rally.

Pepsters parade at the Homecoming football game on a firetruck Seniors proudly representing their class. Amber Hernandez participates in the senior’s as they wave to a raging audience. skit at the Night Pep Rally.

Participants at the lunchtime runway demonstrate Mrs. Palomares enthusiastically dances with a student The sophomores smile confidently after their performance. their Blue Pride with a fashion overload. during the Homecoming Rally. El Rodeo, Pg 8 El Rancho High School Oct. 25, 2013 Halloween time span most zombie films Top ten horror were not so much fear-striking Who gave birth to zombies? but a bit humorous and provided films of all-time somewhat of comic relief with blackface. The trend of zombies being associated with comic re- By Nicole Zarate lief has followed zombie history El Rodeo Staff Writer even now exemplified by the Verizon Zombie or AMC’s com- 1.Psycho (1960) mercials for The Walking Dead. The movie is centered on a Zombies have trans- secretary who receives $40,000 and formed and have been perceived decides to leave town with the money in many ways through modern in hope to start a new life. Unfortu- nately, she ends up at a motel being pop culture, cinematography, vid- the first guest in weeks and finds eo games, and television. Zom- herself being surrounded by danger. bies have changed from Haitian 2.Repulsion (1965) men under spells to undead can- The film is based upon a girl nibalistic soldiers to just about named Carol who lives with her sis- any form to perceive a human ter Helen and her husband Michael. who once was, the idea that the Although, living under the same person who once was isn’t there roof, Michael tends to bring out y arwin eyes ivador anymore and their body is just Carol’s dislike towards men. One B D R -V nitely was not the first in history inal Zombie tales within Haitian day Carol meets a man named Co- El Rodeo Staff Writer to talk about zombies; he just culture were meant to cause fear an empty shell just like the lost lin who finds an interest in her, but brought them back. Romero’s in their youth-fears of: loss of in- generation. Zombies vary in the she cannot overcome her dislike of What makes zombies so purpose for creating such a hor- dividuality, consumer capitalism, sense that they aren’t even dead men, which causes her to go mad. frightening is not their distorted ror film during the Vietnam War science, technology, and global anymore as Left 4 Dead exempli- 3.Night of the Liv- limbs or gruesome facial features was to bring relief and draw at- terrorism. These fears somewhat fies not the undead zombies but ing Dead (1968) but the overwhelming numbers tention away from the war by correlate with the modern-day as Badger from Breaking Bad On an ordinary night, the dead in which zombies travel and presenting horrific undead can- zombie where many fear that would state, “they’re not even comes back to life and begin to eat the fear of becoming a zombie. nibal human beings as opposed technological advances are fright- zombies! They’re just infected!” the living, which causes chaos. Many Zombies have evolved people try to barricade themselves George A. Romero is credited to killing “commies in nam.” ening as to what extent doctors away from the zombies in order to sur- for the modern-day variations of The origin of zombies can achieve such as stem cell re- throughout time and one will vive, but only some make it out alive. the cannibalistic monsters for his comes from Haitian folklore and search or the first full face trans- notice some changes within the 4.Suspiria (1977) amazing film released in 1968 a mixture of voodoo and religion. plant by the Spaniards in 2010. zombies of The Walking Dead as A young American dancer called Night of the Living Dead. In the Haitian culture and folklore Haitian folklore zombie people begin to die from hemor- travels to Europe in hope to join a Although Romero was the tales of zombies were of hu- films began to emerge in 1932 rhages their face is dripping blood ballet school, but when arriving an- the first to bring life to the rave mans under voodoo spells mind- with the film White Zombie and from their eyes and mouth. Now other young woman is fleeing the of flesh-eating zombies in 1968 less and controlled by a witch, but ended in 1943 with I Walked you know the journey that led to school in a hurry to her apartment. through cinematography, he defi- never dead or cannibalistic. Orig- with a Zombie and during this When the young woman finally ar- your beloved The Walking Dead.. rives to her apartment she is bru- tally murdered. The American girl then realizes that the ballet school had much more in store for her. 5.Nightmare Word Search on Elm Street (1984) This film is centered on Freddy Krueger’s revenge against the children’s parents who had The first five people to complete the word murdered him. He haunts and search go and see Mr.Zeko in X-1 to claim eventually kills their children. 6.The Texas Chain- your prize! saw Massacre (1974) Word Bank The film is based upon the character, Leatherface, who is raised 1.Boo 9.October within an unordinary family that love 2.Candycorn 10.Pumpkins to kill. Throughout the movie Leath- erface captures and brutally tortures 3.Chocolate 11.Scared his victims who are never seen again. 4.Dons 12.Skeleton 7.Don’t Look Now (1973) Married couple John and 5.Dracula 13.Spiders Laura Baxter had just recently lost their daughter before running into 6.Frankenstein 14.Spooky two elderly sisters who claim to be 7.Ghost 15.Witch psychic and insist to overview the daughter’s spirit. Laura is convinced, 8.Halloween 16.Zombie although John does not like the idea because secretly he was experienc- ing his own psychic flashes of his daughter. The film continues on with John’s intense visuals of the dead. 8.Halloween (1973) Word on the street The main character, Mi- chael Myers stalks and murders his own sister, which begins his kill- What is your favorite horror film? ing streak. Many of his victims are known to be the people who had bullied him in the past, there- fore he finally gets his revenge. 9.Eraserhead (1977) In a post-apocalyptic soci- ety, Henry Spencer and his girl- friend Mary are expecting a child of their own. Unfortunately, the mutant newborn drives Mary in- sane so she leaves the baby with Henry, which causes him to go crazy. 10. The Exorcist (1973) This film is about a teenage “Mama because it has “Nightmare on Elm Street “The Saw Series because “Halloween. I think it is girl (Linda Blair) who is possessed by a mysterious entity, so her mother a lot of pop-ups and it’s because I like the suspense; they always leaves me still a scary movie and I seeks the help of two priests to save suspenseful.”- Armando it keeps me interested.”- on the edge of my seat.”- like Michael Myers.”- her. The Exorcist is a 1971 novel by Velasquez 9th Dominique Patino 10th Crystal Rodriguez 11th Parlox Rodriguez 12th American author William Peter Blat- ty, who also wrote the film adaptation. Oct. 25, 2013 El Rancho High School El Rodeo, Pg 9 Entertainment Brewery Art Walk showcases L.A artists’ talent Rob Zombie thrills fans with The Great American Nightmare By Claudia Gonzalez thing that is really special to me.” El Rodeo Staff Writer Designer turned artist, Mi- chael John originally started off in What is the first thing you the Los Angeles fashion industry think about when you hear the and after twelve successful years he word art? For many people art went on to do art pieces that con- means a form of expression, vey his messages through embroi- but to hundreds of participat- dery appliqué and even buttons on ing resident artists living in the pieces of fabric. “I was always that Brewery complex, art simply kid that would do different draw- means life. ing classes… it was kind of natu- The Brewery Art Walk, lo- ral that I would end up this way.” cated in Downtown LA, opens Just like any artist the resident twice annually and gives art- artists that live and display their ists the opportunity to display artwork in the Brewery Art Walk their artwork for the public eye. all show a genuine love for what Those who attend the they do. Collins said, “I just love event have the chance to view art, just love it, it is very simple.” new works, speak with the art- Eric Rosner displays his colorful artwork to L.A resident and visitors. All artists show that every- ist and purchase artwork di- adults. Mr. Parra said, “Some of body else likes it, whether I get thing is possible if you have faith in rectly from the artist’s studio. the artists that live there are do- any attention or not, nothing is what you do. Many of them still have Zombie to appear on Nov. 2 Freedom of expression has ing some of the newest artwork… going to stop me from painting.” dreams in their artwork that they huge value to these artists. Their you see a lot of contemporary Senior, Esteban Tor- would love to accomplish. Win- By Robert Garcia whole environment is full of artis- stuff that is going on at the mo- res, attended the art walk and ifred Johnson shows that her age of El Rodeo Staff Writer tic qualities that go from “plants ment and a lot of cutting edge art.” said, “The art work was amaz- 71 doesn’t stop her from dreaming of a “one woman show at the Whit- planted in boots” to a “crowned The artists vary from pho- ing, it really makes you look at Rob Zombie is head- ney or a retrospective at MOCA.” beaver” in the center of a studio. tographers, painters, sculptors, art in a whole different way.” ing to the Pomona Fairplex for Their studios open twice a Mr. Parra, Digital Photo/ shirt designers, landscapers, jew- Each of the artists has a a chance to present The Great year during spring and fall for two Imaging teacher at El Rancho, is elry designers and artextures. unique quality that makes them American Nightmare. The Great days for those unknown artist that no stranger to this art walk. “I’ve Each individual artist that different from the rest, but one American Nightmare consists are looking for inspiration or those known about the art walk for opens their doors strongly shows in particular stood out. Los An- of three-haunted houses, the that just plainly love art. For more twenty years, since I was going to a deep passion for their work. geles native, Keith Collins, dis- Bloody Boulevard and live per- information about the event visit college…whenever the opportu- Winifred Johnson is a contem- plays his artistic ability through formances from The Vandals and the Brewery Art Walk page online. nity comes up I’ll go check it out.” porary American artist whose artexture in which he creates True Sounds Of Liberty (both The art walk consists of a work consists of surreal narra- pictures through carpets. “It’s a punk rock bands from Long lot of artist that reach out to young tives. She said, “Whether any- God given talent… it’s some- beach, California). The three haunted houses are based on Rob Pearl Jam strikes sounds very beautiful and Mike Cuhna goes above and beyond Zombie’s films: Haunt Of 1000 a comeback McCready can still deliver his By David Hughes Corpses, Lords Of Salem In To- signature guitar solo. The bands El Rodeo Staff Writer tal Blackout, and The Haunted self-titled song, “Lightning Bolt,” World Of EL Super Beasto 3D. picks up the pace from “Sirens” to Many students have trou- The show begins with deliver a song deserving the title ble making time for schoolwork an opening band/musician (in of the album. The drums and gui- and after school activities be- this case, Duane Peters, a punk tar tone in “Infallible” sounds like cause of their tight schedules. If pop singer/songwriter from Ana- a song from Queens of the Stone there is anyone who manages his heim). Peters played his hits Age’s latest album …Like Clock- time well, its junior Michael songs Yer Country, Go Back work, specifically, “I Appear Cunha. He plays in a flux metal Home, and Hunns Anthem. Af- Missing.” The song also includes band while taking honors and ter his performance, the more a very harmonic sounding chorus AP courses, and despite all this, well-known punk rock band The halfway through the song that he still manages to rank num- Dickies (from the San Fernando By David Hughes boosts Vedder’s singing. “Pen- ber seven in his class. Valley) performed their hit songs El Rodeo Staff Writer dulum,” is a nice follow up to, Michael takes many Banana Splits, I’m on Crack, and “Infallible,” with a very macabre challenging courses includ- Killer Clowns From Outer Space. After a four-year hiatus sounding voice that Vedder uses ing AP Psychology, AP Cal- The Dickies were followed by Pearl Jam returns with their new to make the song sound scary and culus AB, AP U.S History, T.S.O.L. The band played their album, Lightning Bolt. After 20 depressing. “Swallowed Whole,” and English Honors. hit songs Abolish Government/ years of history, Pearl Jam has sounds like it should be on Eddie Michael practices play- Cuhna shows he has no limit. Silence Majority, Code Blue, witnessed the rise and fall of Vedder’s soundtrack to the mov- ing guitar almost every day after ion II the Reptile Revolution. Crybaby, Wash Away, and Flow- grunge but has managed to sur- ie, Into the Wild. school. “Practice makes perfect,” (You can download these al- ers by the Door. The 1980 punk vive as a band. The first track on The “Let the Records Play” says Cunha. “I taught myself bums for free at bandcamp.com) rock band The Vandals entered the album, “Getaway,” is a proper intro sounds like a classic country how to play guitar at age eight. The members of Oblivion the stage to a roaring crowd and reintroduction of Pearl Jam to its rock bass beat that is delivered by When I learned how to play, I are juniors Manuel Vazquez, Ar- played their hit songs Happy old fans. The song reminds listen- bassist Jeff Ament. Eddie Vedder wasn’t really inspired by any- mando Osorio, and Joseph Cuen- Birthday to Me, Anarchy Burger, ers that lead singer Eddie Vedder fans remember “Sleeping By My- one, I just played guitar while ca. “I have known Michael since Urban Struggle, and How. Rob is still as strong and passionate self” on his album, Ukulele Songs. learning my favorite songs by preschool and this band gave Zombie’s The Great American as he was when the band start- This time around the whole band Metallica and Avenged Seven- purpose to my life,” said Manny Nightmare will be at the Pomona ed in 1990. plays this song with a very well fold.” Not only does Michael Vazquez who sings vocals. Drum- Fairplex from October 10 through The second track on the deserved mini Ukulele solo near play guitar extremely well, but he mer Armando says, “Even though November 2 on Thursdays, Fri- album “Mind your Manners,” the end of the song delivered by also built a guitar that took two I barely started to play drums, days, Saturdays, and Sundays. will probably be the most played Eddie Vedder. While listening to years to make. Michael has been a great mentor.” at concerts and radio stations. “Yellow Moon” Vedder’s vibrato The practice time that Michael says, “These guys “Mind Your Manners” brings a can be easily felt. With a nice Cunha spends playing guitar are my back bone. They are the Dates and line up youthful side from the members acoustic and electric guitar coun- paid off because Michael was reason I am as good as I am.” and it will definitely be per- terpart by Mike McCready and hired by two indie game design- Oblivion records their al- 10/26: Motionless In White, formed at many concerts. The Stone Gossard, this song sounds ers to make a soundtrack for their bums in a recording studio. “I Butcher Babies, Ghost Town lyrics to the album’s third track, like the band is really working to- games. Sadly, these games never have a recording studio that took 10/27: Reel Big Fish, Goldfinger, “My Father’s Son,” sound like a gether on this one. The final song came out due to financial issues me five years to build,” said with special guest continuation of Eddie Vedder’s on the album, “Future Days,” that the designers had. “I’m not Cunha. Oblivion’s pianist, Joseph 10/31: Andrew W.K., Mod Sun, Mamma-son Trilogy. Just like, is a nice end to the album with planning on doing soundtracks Cuenca says, “Michael and I are Beware of Darkness “Mind Your Manners,” this song a beautiful acoustic guitar and for video games until the summer, also animating a cartoon. He is 11/1: MAJOR EDM HEADLIN- is very fast and sounds like their piano, with Eddie Vedder sing- so I could use that time for my such a good guy and I couldn’t ER to be announced on Septem- classic song, “Alive,” both songs ing his part twice for a very good band, Oblivion,” said Michael. ask for a better friend.” ber 25, Dirtyphonics, Fei-Fei having dark lyrics. sounding double track. Michael’s band, Oblivion, You can see Michael and 11/2: Rob Zombie, Eagles Of “Sirens” is a nice break Pearl Jam will be perform- has been around for seven years his band debut their song, “Bub- Death Metal, Powerman 5000, from the faster songs with its me- ing in LA at the Sports Arena on and has already released two ba Gump Shrimp Co.” at the 45 Grave dium to slow tempos. The piano November 23 and 24. albums: Oblivion and Obliv- talent show on November 14. El Rodeo, Pg 10 El Rancho High School Oct. 25, 2013 Sports Girls’ volleyball team looks to finish strong By Angelica Gamez come of this game either. “I’m not El Rodeo Staff writer Sports satisfied and I’m sure the coaches It has been hard for the aren’t either,” admits Alameda, girls’ volleyball team to win “but we did what we could.” during league as they fall 0-6. The Dons will be able Results They will work for their first win to redeem themselves when against the La Serna Lancers. they play the Lancers for a sec- Unfortunately for the ond time on Tuesday. “We Dons, winning a game in league will improve our plays and has been a struggle. Senior cap- minds as well when it comes Football tain Romy Ramos knows that to challenges,” says Alameda. her team is “working hard to Ramos looks to “give Troy-L (36-34) make sure that this second half it her all” to help her team- of league will go a lot better.” mates out. “We have to be Whittier-W (17-3) Ramos knows that her team has more aggressive and fight for Pioneer-W(62-21) a lot of potential but they need every point,” says Ramos. to come together and show it. The Dons lost the two games Going into league, the Dons’ that followed to California High main goal was to win league but School and Whittier High School. Water Polo things have changed. “Right now They hope to turn things around our goal is to prove to ourselves and have a better outcome com- La Serna- L (11-8) and our coaches that we, as a team, pared to the first half of league. can come together and win,” ex- Although they’ve been Santa Fe-W (27-6) plains Ramos. She believes that struggling in league, the Dons did “they will come together not end their preseason well with a win only as a team but as a family.” against Warren High. “It was the The Dons began league first game that we, as a team, ac- Tennis (G) with the Santa Fe Chiefs, where tually came together as a team and they fell three games to one. “I played our game,” says Ramos. Pioneer-W (13-5) feel like we let our mistakes get Senior Iliana Alameda Santa Fe-W (11-7) to us and dug ourselves into a also thinks that they played a hole,” said Alameda. Ramos be- good game. “We bonded a bit La Serna-W(11-7) lieves that “it could have been a The girls’ volleyball team sets up against the Pioner Titans. in the sense [that] we have each close game if we just played our not let them get to us mentally,” selves emotionally and trusted other’s back [which] that led California-L(14-4) game and shook off our errors.” says Ramos. The Dons ended that they “had each other’s back.” to great plays,” explains Al- Whittier-L (12-6) The Dons had another up losing to the Chiefs again. Things didn’t go as planned ameda. Alameda was proud chance to play Santa Fe and After playing the Chiefs and the Dons lost three games of her team for not giving up. Pioneer (2) W (12- they tried to earn a victory. They the first time around, the Dons to none. “We all made our mis- The Dons began their hoped that after learning from a moved on and faced their rivals: takes but not all of us shook second round of league and 6) few mistakes that may have cost the La Serna Lancers. Going into it off and kept playing. Some will face each team one more them the first game, they would the game, Ramos felt that they [girls] let their mistakes get to time. They will be playing Santa Fe (2)-W(13- be victorious. “We need to be would be able to win against the them mentally,” says Ramos. La Serna on Tuesday at 4:30 5) able to shake off our mistakes and Lancers if they prepared them- Alameda didn’t like the out- in El Rancho’s main gym. La Serna (2)- L Tennis team aims to get out of third place (11-7) By Marisol Almazan Torres knows that the California- L El Rodeo Staff Writer girls are working hard. “We come to practice everyday and (10-9) With the 2013 tennis season work very hard to win as many coming to an end, the girls varsity games as possible,” says Torres. team looks forward to maintaining Individually, Torres and Volleyball(G) their 5-3 record and remain ranked Sierra have their own strategies to top 3 in order to qualify for CIF. help them become better athletes. Warren-W (3-2) The Dons have one thing “I never miss practice and when- in mind: winning league. Se- ever I feel that I am not doing well Santa Fe-L (3-1) nior Captain Roxanne Sierra in a certain area, I make sure to says “Our goal since the start practice it the very next day,” says La Serna- L (3-0) was to do better than we did last Torres. With this strategy Torres California-L (3-0) year and win league, and I feel hopes to encourage her teammates that we have done a lot better, to also work on their weaknesses. Whittier- L (3-0) even though we lost [3] games.” Sierra has also been Sierra knew that those working very hard to be- Pioneer-L (3-0) games weren’t going to be easy. come a better athlete. “I put Santa Fe-L (3-0) “Since the beginning of the sea- a lot of time and effort into son we always knew that Cal High my practice,” says Sierra. and Whittier were going to be Sierra also hopes to set an tough schools to beat,” said Sierra. example for her teammates. “I do These games were also all the workouts that I’m supposed X-Country disappointing for Sierra. “When to do and when I’m weak in a cer- Woodbridge Inv. we played them and we lost, it tain area I always try to improve was very disappointing because it as best as I can,” says Sierra. - Boys: 6th Girls: we tried our hardest,” she added. Both Sierra and Torres Senior Captain Veronica agree that if they keep working Cluster #1- Boys: Torres agrees with Sierra about hard on their strategies and try feeling disappointed. “It was to become better athletes, the 3rd Girls: 2nd disappointing to know that we team will make it to CIF and win. Clovis Inv.- Boys: couldn’t beat them, but I know Coach Cynthia Lippstreu Senior Natalia Sanchez practices for her next match. that if we practice more and im- is a strong believer in her team. 3rd Girls: 13th prove our strategies, we can beat Lippstreu believes that if the girls day what our rank is, but if the Cardinals. They lost to the Car- them next time,” says Torres. continue to work hard in their re- girls continue to play with per- dinals the first time but hope to Cluster #2- Boys: Torres believes that the maining games, they will main- severance, I believe they will come out stronger this game and 2nd Girls: 3rd whole team has really improved. tain 3rd place and advance to CIF. make the top 3,” says Lippstreu. get a win. They will face Whit- “Overall, I think the girls and I The team’s rank isn’t fi- The girls’ tennis team will tier at 3:15 at El Rancho’s ten- have really improved as a team but nal until their last match. “We have their last match before nis courts. Their Pre-Lims will also in our strategies,” says Torres. will not know until the very last Pre-Lims against the Whittier begin on the 31st of October.

Oct. 25, 2013 El Rancho High School El Rodeo, Pg 11 Sports A “Fresh” perspective of the X-country team Jimenez hauls in the hardware By Claudia Gonzalez El Rodeo Staff Writer

Andrew Jimenez, a senior in the Special Education Depart- ment, competed this summer in Frosh x-country team working the Special Olympics at Bellflow- on their drill during practice. er and earned eleven metals: four gold, five silver, and two bronze. By Odalys Chavez Every year from February to June, El Rodeo Staff Writer he competes in the events of free- Often overshadowed style, backstroke and relay events. by their varsity counterparts, Andrew faces the battle of the El Rancho freshmen cross autism and has Hydrocephalus, country team is ready to take a which means that he has water stand and train hard to make it in his brain. As a result, An- far into league this fall season. drew has had eleven surgeries Top freshman runner, on his head and is non-verbal. Heaven Vasquez, says that the After being diagnosed, boy’s freshmen team is doing instead of being put through very well and working hard. She medication, his mother signed also says that the freshmen girls him up for swimming, which have a lot of potential and simply was used as water therapy. Ma- need to push themselves further. ria Ramirez, his mother and Re- Freshman, Esmeralda source Specialist Program Aid at Morales, runs at a varsity lev- North Ranchito says, “One thing el and describes the experi- led to another and I put him on ence as a great one. “ They Special Olympics, not know- are all great teammates. They ing he was going to win metals.” are very supportive and push In spite of all of this, An- me every day during practice drew has earned a total of 19 to do my best,” says Morales. metals and a countless amount The varsity team, on the of ribbons in the last two years. other hand, is doing well, but “To be able to win all of these perhaps not as well as the top medals is awesome… with ev- teams like Arcadia, Senior cap- erything he’s been through and to come this far,” said Ramirez. tain, Jeffrey Sarco, says. “The st team needs to pick up the pace On October 21 , Andrew and work on their chemis- competed in the 25-meter free- try,” says Sarco. However, he style, 50-meter backstroke and is sure that the team is capable the relay team, in which he won of making it to the next level. first place. Dr. Yvette Ventu- Sarco acclaims the freshmen ra, Assistant Principle of Cur- team, yet he still believes that there riculum, said, “I don’t think we is always room for improvement. have ever had a student who Andrew Jimenez shows off the metals he earned competing in the Special Olympics this summer. “We are going to fight for has earned so many metals.” a league title; that is our goal,” For the past 13 years he that are overlooked by everyone term goal for Andrew is to see thing that involves water, such as says coach Wynn. The team will has been training at the YMCA and don’t get praised for what him “compete in the summer swimming and kayaking; he will accomplish this by making sure and has been competing in the they accomplish. “I just want Special Olympic… the 2015 also do paddle boarding in the fu- that everyone is motivated and Special Olympics for two years. everyone to know at the school World Special Olympic will ture. He also likes camping and pushing to do the best they can. Andrew was put in Special that he’s the only swimmer in be held here in Los Angeles.” bike riding. His teacher is Mrs. Wynn says that if they had Olympic baseball and soccer but Pico Rivera that is in the Spe- Sylvia Hernandez, SPED Eaves, from the Department of Esmeralda Morales run with the strongly showed that he would cial Olympics so I would like Aid said, “We were really proud Special Education, and his favorite freshmen instead of varsity, the much rather keep on swimming. to know if there is anyone that of him… we were surprised be- metals are his gold ones. team would have placed second in He has a profound love for aquat- would like to support him,” said cause we didn’t know but we Andrew goes to show ev- their last race. The same goes for, ics and when asked about how Ramirez. “It would be nice if were really excited.” “I hope eryone that anything can be ac- freshman varsity runner, Donald he felt after winning he sim- anyone in the swim team could he continues to win more met- complished with a great amount of Brown, who could have earned ply had a big smile on his face. come out to help our athletes.” als and try something else.” effort, patience, and motivation. the freshman team first place. There are many students Maria says that her long Jimenez enjoys doing any- Wynn, however, says that since everyone tries to make varsity, upper level teams per- Waterpolo team keeps a positive attitude form well at the expense of lower scored their eighth goal, which teams. Consequently, if everyone won with a score of 27-6. made the game come to a tie. performed on his/her respec- When comparing the La Serna eventually took tive level, varsity would suffer. start of pre-season to now, the lead, and after several time- The freshmen could essen- there has been a noticeable dif- outs and with 15 seconds left tially have a higher performance ference between the teams’ on the clock, La Serna stalled at their meets, but they sacrifice chemistry and how they play. to pass the remaining time, so key elements for the benefit of the Co-Captain, Daniel Gomez, they would ensure their win. whole team. The freshmen con- said, “We trust each other more Even though, the game tribute to the overall school image within our shots and passes.” Ro- didn’t go as the Dons hoped, fel- as much as the varsity runners do. bles adds, “we’ve become faster low team member Francisco Fran- It is no good to have an excellent and stronger, which helps us co kept a positive attitude. “We let varsity team when they cannot grow and play better as a team.” our guard down, but [overall] we motivate their younger athletes to What the Dons have been did great as a team,” says Franco. preparing for is finally here. meet equal standards. Therefore, The boys waterpolo team is ready to make a comback after their loss. Co-Captain, Ricardo Ro- the performance of freshman re- “They’re in the spot [they] need By Breanna Perez fered some technical difficulties bles, adds, “[It was an] intense flects on the varsity team’s work. to be in, and now [they] need to El Rodeo Staff Writer with the shot clock, and came game against La Serna, so we Whether they are on var- play,” says coach John Pringle. very close to being forfeited. know we’ll be capable of do- sity, JV, or freshmen, they are all The teams’ next home The boys Varsity Water During the fourth quar- ing well the rest of league.” still on the same team, working to match will be against Cal Polo team lost their first league ter, the referees had to pause the That is exactly what th achieve the same objective. That High on Tuesday October 29 . game of the season against La game for approximately three the team did during their sec- goal, as Coach Wynn said is to “win Serna High School with a score minutes before resolving the ond league game against Santa league, win league, win league.” of 8-11. However, the game suf- problem. Shortly after the Dons Fe High School where they El Rodeo, Pg 12 El Rancho High School Oct. 25, 2013 Fun Zone Mystery guy’s advice October Horrorscopes

1. My two best friends do the message in a negative way. not like each other and they of- 3. My best friend is going ten want me to choose sides when out with my ex-boyfriend. I do not Aries Leo they fight. What should I do? like him anymore, but it is still un- It looks like a good Be careful as to what you but don’t focus on your past and - Choosing a side should comfortable. What should I do? month to scare your friend. say. Choose your words wise- try to look forward because you never be the solution. Resolving - Ex boyfriends are always This month will be positive, or ly! Some dilemmas with your never know what might visit you. the problem between your two the hardest to avoid whether you maybe a bit risky? Look out! friends may creep up your sleeve. Capricorn best friends should be the first like or not. Since your best friend Taurus Virgo Your social status will be step. Their problems should not is now dating him, maybe you This month isn’t posi- Take the time to step a big part of you and your expe- involve you unless you have con- should have a talk with her about tive or negative. Watch out back and calm yourself. Un- riences this month, so go ahead tributed to the problem yourself. how you feel towards their rela- for obstacles and don’t be wind a little and let your in- and try new things, but try not to Instead of choosing a side, all tionship and how uncomfortable scared of what is to come! ner creativity ooze out. get caught up in the wrong web. three of you should put aside dif- you are around them so she under- Gemini Libra Aquarius ferences to avoid further conflict. stands and agrees to some sort of You seem to have a lot of You seem to be wandering You seem to be hunting for 2. I am a junior and there is solution to keep him away as much energy within you. Take this in the past. Retrieve a memory and change and a new beginning but a freshman that thinks my friends as possible when you are around. month seriously and avoid get- learn from it. It can benefit you. you need to open up your BRAINS and I like him, what should we do to 4. How do I trick my parents ting lost in your thoughts. Oh, Scorpio (mind) and let curiosity guide you. politely tell him to leave us alone? into giving me twenty dollars? and stay away from the woods. All you need is will- Pisces - Rejection is never a nice - You should never have Cancer power; choose your battles BEWARE! Don’t let feeling, although it is necessary on to trick your parents into any- Many things will hap- wisely. Don’t be afraid to chal- people take advantage of occasion. Together, you and your thing if you do not deserve it. pen this month. Make sure you lenge yourself and do your best. your generosity, even your friends should let him know how Instead, try reasoning with your succeed in creativity. Take care Sagittarius friends, so keep an eye out. you truly feel of about his pres- parents usually works. Parents of your responsibilities; you Last year may not have ence within your group instead of like it when you try or show ef- don’t want them to haunt you. been very satisfying for you, just avoiding him or giving him fort to earn what you want.

El Rodeo Library Corner Halloween issue

What is the title and author of the horror book illustrated in the Word Cloud? The first three students who bring the correct WRITTEN answer to Mrs. Chodos in the Library will receive a prize. ONE entry per student.