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Volume LXXVVV Issue 4-December 17, 2009 Beyond the Books: The Unsung Heroes of LJHS By Kianna Anvari there are fi ve. The North of- cifi c attention. Staff Writer fi ces are made up of the La In addition to assisting stu- Jolla High Foundation board dents with learning disabili- Every student has been to members, such as the Alumni ties, both teachers enjoy help- the Library Media Center to manager. ing students build self esteem, check out textbooks, use the The South offi ces are home form friendships, and support computer, or do some recre- to four teachers who are cer- others. ational reading. tifi ed Special Education Re- Mr. Jarvis, now in his eighth One of the most mysterious source Specialists: Mr. Jarvis, year at La Jolla, stated that his things about the library is that Ms. Valentine, Mr. Lamar, favorite part about teaching there always seems to be adults and Mrs. Johnson. Two other at La Jolla High School is be- walking through and duck- specialists, Mr. Ploppert and ing able to teach students skills ing into private offi ces. Most Ms. Adamson, have their own that will be useful in life after students are unaware of who classrooms in the 300 build- high school. these people are and what they ing. Ms. Valentine has worked do at La Jolla High School. Mr. Jarvis and Ms. Valentine at La Jolla for four years and “I’ve seen the little offi ces in support students in General loves the faculty, students, and the library, but I don’t know Education classes and students the community in general. who they belong to,” junior with IEP’s, plans designed to She works to enforce positive Allison Mogin said. assist students with learning character development among On the South end of the handicaps. There are about her students and constantly re- library, there are four small 130 students at La Jolla High minds them never to give up. offi ces and on the North end School who require this spe- “Ms. Valentine is always mo- tivating me and telling me that I can do anything I put my mind to,” an anonymous stu- dent said. Mr. Jarvis and Ms. Valentine, along with the rest of the Spe- Photo courtesy of Joshua Warny cial Education department, work hard to provide equal Junior Girls Dominate opportunities for students with disabilities. These teachers are Annual LJHS Powder Puff an essential part of La Jolla Photos courtesy of Kianna Anvari High School and help make it Special Staff Members: (from top to bottom) Outside the Library Media Center, a wonderful school to attend. Football Tournament Mr. Jarvis and Ms. Valenine stand proudly outside their offi ces. other successful Powder Puff, glow sticks and showing Trans- the Walk Competition for ASB Updates and are now gearing up for the formers 2. Listen to the bulletin the second time. The contest, next year. for updates on the date and lo- which consists of student vid- Hey Vikings! To get more into the holiday Sophomores have been sell- cation. eos uploaded to the Hurley Before we take a much- spirit, ASB will be holding an ing candy grams all week, ASB is implementing a new website, is dependent on stu- needed break, ASB would ugly--sweater con- which will be distributed to- program, Random Acts of dent support. Listen to bulle- like to wrap up 2009 with an test tomorrow, the 18th, dur- morrow, the 18th, during 4th Kindness. If a student sees tin announcements in January overview of past and upcom- ing lunch. Don your fi nest and period. They have also col- another student performing a to fi nd out how you can help ing events. Powder Puff was, come to the lower quad for a lected design submissions for a good deed, they are to submit our school win money and as always, an entertaining ex- chance to win awesome prizes! Class of 2012 shirt, and would their name to ASB. The help- recognition! perience. Congratulations to Each class is working on like to congratulate Christian ful student will then be entered Have a great break, and we’ll the junior class on their win. fundraisers for the coming Gimber and Ardis Zhong on into a drawing to win prizes. see you next year! Thank you to all who con- year. Seniors are holding new their winning designs. The fi rst drawing is tomor- tributed to the canned food fundraisers each week, and are The freshman class will row, the 18th, and there will be Danielle Daitch drive. The fi nal cans will be also busy planning the Senior be holding a free Freshman more throughout the year. Sports Editor collected today, and the win- Parent Dinner. Movie Night in January. They La Jolla High School will be Commissioner of Public Relations ning classes will be announced Juniors have just put on an- will be selling pizza, soda, and competing in Hurley’s Walk tomorrow, the 18th.

News 1, 10 Opinions 2,3 Features 4,5 Student Focus 6,7 8,9 Sports Holiday MAD LIBS Favorite Holiday Traditions An Iceblocking Adventure Upcoming Concerts you won’t Page 6-7 Page 8 want to miss! A&E 11,12 Page 4 Page 12 2 December 17, 2009 OPINIONS HIGH TIDE

The La Jolla High School HIGH TIDE Editors-in-Chief Lack of Positive Reinforcement Mackenzie Merkel Brooks Newberry Classes and homework already As much as some students mean. In reality, college is not News Editor A little stress students, but getting pa- would all love some more easy and I like to be realistic. TLC, now is the time to work I would never dumb down Kelly Lin pers and essays that are bleed- recognition can go ing in red ink tend to overbur- the hardest and survive the a person because then they Opinions Editor den a person. harsh reality of getting honest wouldn’t even want to try and Dario Aharpour a long way However, are students not and sometimes rough evalua- improve. In general, if a stu- Features Editor preparing for the real world? tions. dent really wants to do better, By Iman Hassaine Some teachers admit that Haley Cottrell In the fast-paced college at- my reinforcement is not the Staff Writer mosphere, professors will not they are too busy and have too main factor; it is really all up Student Focus Editors Photo courtesy of www.cartoonstock.com to the student.” Carey Kennedy Most students appreciate Junior Elizabeth Wang who Erica Ostroff compliments and are flattered is taking several AP classes by simple praise or acknowl- Sports Editors says, “I know the teachers are edgement. Not only does it tough on the students for a Carolina Bellizi make one feel self-sufficient, good reason. It is the only Danielle Daitch but one feels as if they have way to prepare us for college A & E Editors been specially recognized and and what the real world is like. Kestlé Daubner held in high regard by a higher It is to my benefit at the end of authority. Molly Salas the day.” When students were in el- All critique and truths written Business Managers ementary school, awards were to students from teachers must Jacqueline Berracassa given on various occasions. not be looked upon harshly, Angelita Rosal-White Certificates for attendance but rather taken to heart as a and completion were handed way to improve for college and Radio Editor out, and teachers showed ad- many students to give out com- Antonia Cereijido give out felicitations or pat ev- for future careers. miration for their students. ery student on the back. For pliments. While other teach- As students, all feedback must Advisor High school students under- example, freshman Sahil San- ers confess that they want to be looked upon from different Jim Essex stand that they are now older gani feels the pressure already. be rough on their students just aspects to help make improve- and more mature, but some “I know so many people that so that the students are able to ments. think that teachers’ comments are already thinking about make it in a university setting Even though elementary Staff Writers are draining. what college they want to go or for when they have a job. school is over, that does not Heren Alanis Students are beginning to re- to; high school, whether we, Mrs. Bertier, a chemistry mean that students do not Kianna Anvari alize that most of the feedback like it or not is really mapping teacher, says, “I try to encour- want acknowledgment. A little Catherine Brazier from their teachers is negative. out our future,” Sangani says. age my students without being appreciation goes a long way. Sarah Devermann The swastikas, although for Nazism and hate. Why Rose Di Toro they made the correct im- should a child even be aware Sequoia Geary pression, appeared to be of such a symbol? Rebecca Huntly-Playle Too Young misshapen and the vandal- In an attempt to express Taylor Jetter ism in general looked noth- an idea, or simply to test Elyssa Kanter ing short of sloppy. the boundaries of freedom Christina Kirby to Understand The misshapen swasti- of speech, the perpetrators Amy Liew kas symbolize ignorance at succeeded in nothing more Katherine Lunas By Freda Spencer “SS” symbol were drawn its finest. The perpetrators, than presenting mindless Tania Mashkoory Staff Writer along the street. most likely children, are vandalism. Kaylee McNeil The two children were not spreading ideas and sym- They disturbed innocent Jasmine Mossaberi Vandalism is defined as an only offended religiously bols with meanings that young children, and pol- Wilson Mokiao “action involving deliberate and socially, but they were they most likely have little luted our community with Olivia Polger destruction of or damage to scared, too. This caused or no knowledge of. the negative feelings that Norma Ramos public or private property.” many questions to arise, in- Whichever way these chil- the images symbolize. And Aida Saam While walking home from cluding how children could dren were able to attain this whoever tainted these chil- Brittney Schrift La Jolla Elementary School do such things and how they information, they should be dren should be ashamed. Kaitlin Shantai on Monday, November 16, were even able to. learning better ways. It is unsettling and hu- Jessica Silvers two children spotted dis- What type of person would Young children should not miliating to live in the same Freda Spencer turbing images drawn on the perform such an ignorant be exposed to such blatant community as people cor- Iman Hassaine sidewalk of Virginia Way. and hurtful act? How would racism. rupting the minds of chil- Ashley Wei Multiple swastika symbols, these children even be able The swastika is known dren ignorant and cruel as Laura Wells the letters “KKK,” and the to know of such profanity? worldwide as a symbol whoever did the drawings. Jessica Wood

The High Tide, an open forum, is the official student newspaper of La Jolla High School. Unless otherwise noted, opinions being voiced in the High Tide belong to the individual author. The High Tide welcomes letters and opin- ions from students and staff members. If you have a letter to the editor, please drop it off in Room 501, or give it to any High Tide editor. You may also email submissions to [email protected]. Submissions should be typed and cannot be anonymous. The High Tide reserves the right to refuse any material. Adver- tisements are measured per column inch. To advertise with the High Tide or to to purchase a subscription, please email us or call (858) 454-3081, extension 4501. Issues are distributed every four weeks. No part of the High Tide may be reproduced without written permission. HIGH TIDE OPINIONS December 17, 2009 3 You’re Not Losing Our Human Cognition Different A society ruled by technology You’re just weird By Iman Hassaine iPhone alone cannot change upon with mixed feelings by longer have to look through By Jasmine Mobasseri Staff Writer the world, it is slowly deter- some LJHS students. a phone book or remember Staff Writer ring some human’s academic Junior Jennifer Block says, “I people’s phone numbers, and People all around the world and logical abilities, since the guess it is handy to have and it the average human’s memory, The greatest thing about are blessed with technology gadget is capable of doing so can be really helpful when you brain, and mind set is mutat- being “indie” is that it clear- that would have been consid- many things. are on the road, but most of ing. Doctors fear a human ly establishes a higher intel- ered unimaginable merely a With countless applications the time I try to fi gure things change that will occur with the lect and uniqueness. Being century ago. available to any average per- out by myself.” increase of technology; with indie means everyone else In the current cyber world, son, the iPhone is taking away Also, senior Leny Behar, an- side effects such as: increased obviously lacks zest and anybody is capable of learn- people’s capacity of fi guring other iPhone owner says, “I am tolerance for stress, and short- meaning to life. ing virtually anything from things out on their own. genuinely excited to see such er attention spans. People are anywhere and to the strangest turning into robots. In order to truly embrace facts. The digital world truly is With time progressing, more the indie persona, one must conquering society and people People are jobs are becoming centered on follow very original steps: are not able to live without “ computers and other forms of First of all, someone that their cell phones and other technology. is indie cannot shop at the gadgets. Although this is unavoidable, malls. Obviously, the effects can turning into must humans be so attached? All shopping must be done be seen in both negative and As benefi cial as the technol- in nameless “vintage” shops. positive aspects, and of course ogy is to humans, everyone Also, wearing clothes that technology has improved the robots. must be careful that it is not are “in fashion” is a defi nite world, but are certain compo- dumbing them down. People ” no. nents of this infl uential tech- The applications for the a useful program come about expect everything to be com- nology excessive? phone offer anything from lan- and it can be useful to use in pleted for them through the No true indie wants to be Take the iPhone for example; guage translators to restaurant situations like road trips.” internet currently, and they do caught wearing anything this phone is useful in many fi nders, and now even GPS. Is there anything the iPhone not even bother thinking about that is new or anything that ways and several students This GPS application offers cannot do for people nowa- things fi rst. somebody else in the world and staff on the La Jolla High voice navigation to anyone, days? No, and the iPhone and Using logic has gone out the might own. School campus own one. and is pretty convenient for other smart phones are creat- window since it is so much eas- Clothes sold at well-known Not only does a person have driving or for when you are ing a real threat to humanity. ier to just type in a location or stores are obviously unorigi- the option of surfi ng the inter- walking down the street. As humans are becoming question and get it answered nal and tacky. Being indie net from wherever they want, Applications like these are more reliable on these new quickly and accurately. also allows one to make his but they also have all their mu- becoming so imperative to advances in technology, what As one can still enjoy all the or her own clothing, just for sic, photos, and games in the people, that most people lack is actually happening to a per- opportunities available from the peace of mind that no- palm of their hand. any sense of direction or loca- son’s brain and memory? these devices, it is essential to This piece of technology un- tion. What did people do be- Since humans constantly de- remember the person’s brain body else will have it. locks many doors, for better fore these gadgets? pend on devices like phones that worked hard to create that Accessorizing with use- and for worse. Although the The application was looked and computers, people no technology for us to use. less (yet eccentric) items is an absolute must (i.e.; an old Polaroid camera with There’s Another Break? no fi lm or perhaps a rusty license plate). It must be another Christian holiday Secondly, every indie knows that people who en- By Ashley Wei “We need to respect every- promotion of Christmas ter bunny, and marshmallow joy listening to rap and any- Staff Writer one’s religions and we should shopping, and in the rise of peeps. have days off for all the other as a main icon Christian or not, a vast ma- thing on the Top 40 charts Students across the country cultures’ holidays,” said junior during the season. jority of students celebrate the are just vapid and are taste- are looking forward to two- Zoe Wescoe. Many students participate two holidays. less. Music that is popular is week winter vacations, a wel- Photo courtesy of www.cartoonstock.com Winter break does not solely unacceptable. Once they be- come break from school and exist for those that celebrate come popular, it is a must to homework. Christmas; the Jewish holi- delete all songs off iTunes to Others, however, are won- day , as well as the fi nd new, unheard-of bands. dering why school breaks seem pan-African Kwanzaa, also fall It is obviously conforming to revolve around the dates during these two weeks. when people listen to gener- of Christian holidays, seen in “I think that it’s always im- ic, boring songs, right? both winter and spring breaks. portant to make sure that Lastly, because being indie Christmas, the birth of Jesus church and state are separate. Christ, occurs during winter But really, nowadays with all is so unique and individual- break, and his crucifi xion and these widespread religions, I istic, the indies can only be resurrection on Easter also don’t believe Christianity’s the allowed to hang out with come to pass during school va- purpose [for the dates of the their own kind. cations. breaks] anymore,” sophomore Being indie and being The holidays revolve around Shay Weller said. forced to talk to those who two major events in the life of Holidays are seasonal for a are “average” is extremely Christianity’s central fi gure. majority nowadays; most stu- agitating. An indie should Students argue that this fact dents celebrate whether they spend their time making encroaches on the nation’s pol- “Can you believe it’s already Christmas?” are religious or not. “I don’t care, as long as we don’t have school.” their own music and speak- icies of religious toleration and If the school system did in- ing only of philosophy with separation of church and state, But it is important to real- in secret Santa gift exchanges, deed choose to recognize and as stated in the fi rst amend- ize that holidays have become or purchase presents for their observe each major holiday other indie children. ment of the U.S. Constitution, widely commercialized in friends. for every religion and culture, Becoming indie cannot as non-Christian holidays are today’s world. Christmas and None of these activities re- school days would decrease happen over night. It is a not given days off as well. Easter are often celebrated lates to the Christian celebra- to a point where no learning pilgrimage which requires a Is this unfair to members of whether one believes in the tion of Christ’s birth. Easter would occur. lot of practice and patience. other religions or cultures, be- background of the holiday or has also become a non-reli- For now, students should It can be as diffi cult as cause schools contain such a not. gious holiday, with the inte- continue to enjoy the days that achieving Nirvana, enlight- diverse student body? Proof of this is seen in the gration of egg hunts, the Eas- they have off. enment, or perfection. 4 December 17, 2009 FEATURES HIGH TIDE Clubs That Care: Fill in the blanks: How clubs give back during the holidays 1. color: 6. verb: By Christina Kirby ing,” president of Fight for the an annual Christmas for Staff Writer Cure Brea Smith said. at-risk-youth at the YET Cen- 2. animal: 7. adjective: Club Connexion also has ter in City Heights. Because The many clubs of La Jolla a special event planned dur- the Center lost funding, Best High have a variety of events ing December. This club YET club provides and 3. adjective: 8. adjective: planned for the holidays. From does activities with mentally events for the underprivileged charity works to fun activities, challenged and disabled kids, kids. At the Christmas party, 4. body part: 9. noun: there are tons of ways to get and has a fun bowling night they make gingerbread houses, into the holiday spirit. planned. decorate cookies, and do other A lot of clubs are deciding Other charitable activities crafts. To fund the party, $2 5. past-tense verb: 10. past-tense verb: to give back to the community include Wakeboarding Club’s wish bracelets are sold at the and participate in different plans to organize a drive to do- La Jolla Farmers Market. charity events. One such club n a t e “It’s a great club to be in- is Hand Up, which is a group volved in. Members get to Rudolph the 1 4 2 that helps out San Diego by work hands on with the kids, Had a very 3 4 helping to feed the hungry. and get to see the difference And if you ever saw it, During the holiday season, they make,” club president You would even say it 5. they plan to be a part of an Melissa Pouk said. Embrace-A-Family program. Another charitable club that All of the other 2, A family in need will send p e o - has special plans for the holi- Used to 6 and call him names. them a wish list for any items, p l e ’ s u n - days is Interact Club. They are They never let poor Rudolph, such as food or clothing, and w a n t e d clothes to participating in the San Diego Join in any 2 games. Hand Up will fulfill the list. the Amvets, an organiza- Holiday Food and Toy Drive. Fight for the Cure is also tion that benefits American This includes collecting food Then one 7 Christmas Eve, planning on participating in veterans. and toys, then sorting and or- Santa came to say: this activity. This club will also Mormon club is going to ganizing the hundreds of do- Rudolph with your 4 so 8, be making holiday cards for feed the homeless at Father nations, and finally walking kids at Children’s Hospital. Joe’s. They also are planning the families through the dona- Won’t you guide my 9 tonight? “I love the holidays; it is a on baking bread to make care tions to create their own “gift Then all the 2 loved him, great time to get involved and packages to deliver to elderly basket.” As they 10 out with glee: help make someone’s day bet- households and at the same La Jolla High clubs offer Rudolph the 1 4 2, ter. Especially during the sea- time sing to them. many ways to get involved and son for giving, helping people Best YET club, which stands help out this holiday season. You’ll go down in history! less fortunate is very reward- for Youth Education Town, has E-Waste Recycling Day

Mark your calendar! E - Waste Recycling Day will be back Saturday, February 20, 2010 at La Jolla High School

Hold on to your unwanted computers, monitors, laptops, TVs, VCRs etc. (Please, no batteries or appliances)

The PTA and the Clean Campus Club will be working together to collect electronic waste and raise money for La Jolla High School.

The drop off spot will be located at the lower parking lot, off Draper.

For information or to volunteer to help: Ellen Reardon 619-322-5511 HIGH TIDE FEATURES December 17, 2009 5 Holiday Celebrations By Sarah Dever mann day of Kwanzaa something is to Jesus. T he tradition of Venezuela as the Second Christmas, is Staf f Writer the day when gifts are given. pledged, such as building and the T hree Wise Men is also Wearing yellow underwear in Although the Amish only have developing communities or practiced in Mexico. Venezuela is another strange Putting up a Christmas two days of Christmas, the fes - maintaining unity in the com - Columb ia holiday tradition. People who tree, lighting a menorah, tivities last a lot longer, going munity. On New Year’s Eve, Down in South America, want love must wear yellow or watching a big ball drop in to Februar y. there is a big feast called the Columbia rings in the New underwear on New Year’s Eve. in Times Square are com - Not only do dif ferent coun - Kwanzaa K aramu. Year in a whole dif ferent way. Also, when toasting at mid - mon traditions performed tries have their own traditions, Sp ain A dummy is night, people who want money in America around this time households do too. Spaniards cel - made out of car r y around a large bill in of year. Besides all the com - “T he warmth and joy that ebrate New Year’s old clothing their wallets. mon holiday celebrations, the holiday season delivers Eve in a dif ferent from each ones that are less known and Ami sh each year contains some of my way: with g rapes. family mem- unusual are also practiced For Amish people, Christmas most cherished traditions, such After their late ber and is around the world. is the most important holiday as making sushi for New Year s, night dinner, Span- stuf fed with celebrated. While the Amish or attempting to make a gin - Kwanzaa iards bring out a straw and do practice some similar tra - gerbread house...and failing,” One less known holiday g rape dessert. With f i r e w o rk s. ditions to other Christian re - freshman Zoe Kleinfeld said. is Kwanzaa. T his is a cel - each toll of the midnight bells, Each per son writes something ligions, their Christmas cel - This time of year is a ebration that’s frequently people in Spain eat one g rape. such as a fault or bad luck that ebration is longer; they have t i m e that most discussed, but is its meaning With twelve g rapes in all, this they wish to get rid of in two days of Christmas. everyone really known? Kwanzaa is an tradition is meant to give the s t a r t - ing the T he fir st enjoys. It African-American cultural g rape eaters good luck during n e w year. At reaffirmation celebra - day, De - does not the new year. Just five days af - mid - n i g h t c e m b e r tion. T his seven ter New Year’s in Spain, t h e d u m m y day holiday 25, is re - the T hree Wise Men is set on fire served for is not reli - bring gifts to children. a n d is bur nt gious and s c r i p t u r e T he gifts are brought u n t i l n o t h - r e a d i n g s , starts De - January 6 instead of i n g r e m a i n s . m e d i t a t i o n , whether Hanukah, c e m b e r Santa Claus bringing When the ashes are fasting, and religious activities. Christmas, Kwanzaa, or New 26, the them Christmas night. l e f t , people know T he second day, December Year s is celebrated, there is no day after T his is the date that that all of the faults and bad 26, is meant for celebrating the doubt that the holiday spirit is C h r i s t - the Wise Men g ave luck of the old year are gone. mas. Each season. T his day, also known in the air.

By Aida Saam basketball, and track last year, Staf f Writer but I am not sure if I am go - By Brittney Schrift dinner. Saxe says they are in most of the members were not ing to play all three ag ain this Staf f Writer the process of planning many of that faith. But more impor- I am just a city boy who was year. more fun and exciting events, tantly, she told me that the club bor n and raised in South De - I have a beautiful girlfriend Are you Jewish? If so, be a and they are even working on was really fun and informative. troit- yes, like who plays volleyball and is a part of the Jewish club. Not a top secret performance for So I joined, and I am glad that the Jour ney junior; so, sor r y ladies, I am Jewish? Still join. La Jolla High this year’s Air Band. Although I did,” sophomore and club song. I moved unavailable. At lunch I usually School’s Jewish club is for peo- the club is mostly composed member Jenny Pye said. to San Diego sit by the 900 building with ple of all religions to come to - of sophomores, they welcome Saxe’s sister, Raquel, created when I was her; it is our time to catch each gether and raise awareness of all g rades to come and partici- the club in 2006 about eight other up on how our days are what is going on and it has been years old going and relax a little bit. in the Jewish com- g aining popular - to live with My favorite color is pur ple. munity. ity ever since. my g rand - I literally wear something “Our club mem- “My sister start- p a r e n t s . pur ple every day. I know that ber s are mostly ed it a few years Both my sounds weird and feminine, non-Jews due to back; I have now mom and but I think I can pull it of f. I our unfortunately taken it over, and dad still live have the freshest style around limited number am hoping to in Detroit, La Jolla High. I match my of Jewish stu - achieve my goal and I miss outfits pretty well, but you dents that attend of making it even them all the will never catch me wearing our school. How - big ger and raising time. My mommy those nasty crock shoes. ever, we are g ain - more money un - is my idol and she My favorite place to eat is ing appreciation til my de parture is an amazing role Califor nia Pizza Kitchen; it is throughout the in 2012,” Saxe model. just so good! I school,” club pres- said. I went to Muir - am a pretty ident Rick Saxe Photo courtesy of Hale y Cottrell T he club has lands Middle school and my outgoing said. raised money for friends liked to call me “crime Jewish pride: Vice President Ben Abramo witz, President p e r s o n T he club aims the Jewish World dog.” It was an inside joke with Rick Saxe, and Secretary/Treasurer Emil y Grail y spread Ha - once you to abolish anti-Se - Watch by sell - my friends and is now a nick - nukkah cheer. get to know mitic sentiments. ing things that name of mine. me and I talk a T hey raise money through students want to buy, such as I am 5’8” and have dark lot. My friends various types of fund-raising pate. the special bracelets they sold brown hair, but it is very short always tell me and in tur n give it to the Jewish Perhaps most importantly, the at the Homecoming football and I always wear hats. I am I am funny, World Watch, a g lobal organi- Jewish club welcomes all LJHS g ame. T he member s had a now a junior, but I cannot wait and I like to zation that focuses on helping students, whether religious or g reat time working the stand to become a senior! think that I Darfur. not, to come and lear n about and raised money for their fa - English has to be my favorite am. I T he club meets every Mon - the Jewish faith. vorite cause. subject at school, even though h ave day in Mr. Atwell’s room (306) “I was apprehensive at fir st Saxe, Graily, and Vice Presi- I do not really like school at a and they always have delicious to join the Jewish club because dent Ben Abramowitz encour- all. I enjoy chilling with my g o o d food. T he club likes to plan fun it is not my religion, but my age Viking students of every friends and going to the mall. sense of hu - activities that teenager s will en- friend Emily Graily, who is the g rade and religion to attend a My friends and I love listening mor and I like meeting new joy. On November 18 they had Secretary and Treasurer (and meeting and get a taste of the to hip hop and rap and we all people. a party bus ride to a Shabbat not Jewish), informed me that Jewish culture. love to dance. I played football, Photos courtesy of Hale y Cottrell 6 December 17, 2009 HIGH TIDE STUDENT FOCUS HIGH TIDE December 17, 2009 7

The holidays are right around the corner. Santa’s ho ho ho-ing, dreidels are spinning, and kinara’s are being lit. From Christmas to Hanukkah to Kwanza, we all have Sweet Memories our own special memories that Holiday are kept dear to our hearts. But, One year senior Christa Wirkus and her fam- sometimes it may be a memory so ily were lighting the Menorah the way they Junior Meagan Moreland was The most memorable Many families fear a disaster in the kitchen strange and so crazy, we wish that do every year on Hanukkah nights. Christa’s able to experience a perfect, white Christmas for freshman Clay during the holidays. Senior Kimball Wing very memory could permanently mother was reciting the prayer and all of a Christmas last year. Every year Jones was the year the snake remembers one year when the desserts did be erased from our hearts and just sudden out of nowhere her dog Marley who she spends Winter Vacations in got let loose. On Christmas not turn out so sweet. His grandma was in remain as an event of our unfor- is a chocolate lab jumped onto the table try- Sun Valley, Idaho, and last year on day, his family got together to the kitchen making pies, with the help of tunate past. ing to snatch a latka and knocked over the Christmas Day, she woke to snow exchange gifts. Jones’ uncle some cousins. No one realized until after six Wrap-Up Menorah! Marley’s tail caught on fi re and her falling and three feet of snow on the bought his son a pet snake. pies were made that there had been a ter- mother frantically grabbed a bowl of water ground. A few hours later, it became rible mistake: one of the cousins had used and missed Marley and caused her and her “It is really fun to be able to play apparent that the snake had salt instead of sugar. All six, salty pies had By Christina new dress to get soaking wet. in the snow and enjoy the cold dur- escaped. Jones’ grandma to be thrown away. ‘Tis The Reason To Kirby and Tania “My dress was ruined, but Marley’s tail man- ing a few days of winter. It adds to found it in her purse and Mashkoory aged to recover a few months later” senior the Christmas feeling when there nearly fainted. Staff Writers Christa Wirkus said. is snow on the ground,” Moreland Read This Season said. winterywintery wwordsords

1. Hanukkah _____ for eight days. 11. 5. 2. What is lit on Kwanzaa? Timeless 10. 3. What is Santa’s last name? 4. What do you spin on Hanukkah? 13. 15. 12. 5. Chocolate money is called... Traditions 1. 4. By Jessica Wood and Elyssa Kanter 6. Who is the fi fth reindeer in the song? Staff Writers 7. What do you usually stuff on Christmas? 8. Who is the main Maccabee? 9. 3. 14. Senior Tali Gires goes on vacation during 9. How many candles are on the menorah? Hanukkah with her family. While staying in a 7. hotel, Gires does not bring decorations, so she 10. What is the tall candle called? makes them at the hotel and tapes them around her hotel room. Gires likes this tradition be- 11. What is Santa’s favorite drink? 16. cause the decorations are based on whatever supplies the hotel provides. 12. On the second day of Christmas my true 6. love gave to me, two turtle... 17. Every morning Courtney Volger 13. Oh the weather outside is frightful, but 18. does the 5k walk in Downtown San Diego with her mom and sister. The walk supports breast the fi re is so... cancer research. They also do a gingerbread house party at their house with all of their clos- 14. Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, I made you 23. est family and friends the week before Christ- 21. 19. mas. out of... 15. Red, black, and green are the colors of 2. which holiday? On Christmas Eve sophomore Jd Neri and her family pass a candle around to each 16. Put on your yarmulke, it’s time for... other. While they pass the candle around, 5. 20. every family member says what they are 17. What do you kiss under? thankful for. 18. What is a traditional holiday drink?

19. Who stole Christmas? 24. 22. Freshman Fatima Sultan and her family go 20. What is a typical Hanukkah snack? to a New Year’s party every year. The party is with the same group of families each year. 21. What is Santa’s favorite snack? Each family takes a turn in hosting the party. 22. What is a popular holiday cookie? Sultan enjoys watching the ball drop and dancing at the party. 23. Potato pancakes are also known as... 1. Lasted 2. Kinara 3. Claus 4. Dreidel 5. Gelt 6. Comet 7. Stockings 8. Judah 9. Nine 10. Shamash 11. Milk 12. Doves 13. Delightful 14. 24. Silver... Clay 15. Kwanzaa 16. Hanukkah 17. 18. Eggnog 19. Grinch 20. Doughnuts 21. Cookies 22. Gingerbread 23. Latkes 24. Bells