Feature Sports Opinion Lip Sync 2020 Teacher and coach Worth Another hit performace Meet the teachers who How much do we base of popular song and fan also coach some of our our worth on the college favorites. Take a look of sports teams! They put the we get in to? What will a recap of the Lip Synce eff ort in to have students students do to achieve that Showcase of 2020! and athletes excel in their worth? fi eld.

March 2020 whszephyr.com Vol 19 Issue 3 Stay updated on Meet your ASB school Bringing awareness to mental health and local news president: from A Recap of the 2nd Annual Prevention Walk Briana Mendez The Zephyr! By: Seemani Dash Copy Editor @whsthezephyr On February 22, the community showed up @whszephyr to West High in sup- port of mental health awareness wearing WHS Zephyr yellow clothes and happy smiles at the Seemani Dash/The Zephyr West High Zephyr second annual Suicide By: Briana Mendez Prevention Walk. Stu- Guest Writer dents, parents and local For the past 4 years, I News organizations all helped have spent most of my make this event a posi- summers & outside of Coronavirus tive environment where school time dedicated See what you need people could learn about to Leadership. Although to know about the the resources around we have set positions them. Senior Nate in ASB, everyone puts Coronavirus and steps Campbell, the student to take to prevent the in work to make each who organized this Seemani Dash/The Zephyr spread. event possible and with event, shared his own presentation of col- notes from Project day, Leadership teacher each role I’ve played, it touching story of losing ors by students in the Smile brightened the Scott Behnam said, “Th e has prepared me for this SEE VIRUS ON PAGE 2 his uncle to suicide. JROTC program. Th en, event while clubs such biggest thing we want year as ASB President. It led to him wanting people were free to as K-Pop and the Royal to do is mainstream the Sports to bring awareness to participate in fun activi- G’s delivered outstand- idea that if you’re strug- As ASB President, students’ mental health, ties in the sun as groups ing performances. Th e gling, you have support.” my job is to overlook London saying, “I took it into of students played with combined eff orts of each task to assure our my hands to instead humongous beach balls Leadership, clubs and Th e Suicide Prevention program is constantly See how senior of grieving about it to athlete, Samantha or drew inspirational community organiza- Walk is one of many improving, delegate just make something messages with chalk. A tions made the event steps toward creating jobs, make sure we are Anastasio, repped blue positive out if it.” Th e wall of colorful, posi- and gold in London. successful. When asked West High’s positive on time & prepared for event started with a tive messages on sticky about the goal for the atmosphere. each event, strive to keep the positive image What does the color yellow mean to you? West High has in our SEE LONDON ON PAGE 6 community & update Kim Th ach Conner Durant Mariam Pal Sophia Jones the school board on our progress each month. I Opinion wanted to take on the Stress role of ASB President How much are because despite the challenges I would face, students willing to I knew I had the stra- give up for their tegic ability to run the future? program in an effi cient & organized way. Aft er being apart of Leader-

SEE STRESS ON PAGE 3 Seemani Dash/The Zephyr Seemani Dash/The Zephyr Seemani Dash/The Zephyr Seemani Dash/The Zephyr ship for 4 years, people have already associated “Th e color yellow means “Yellow means happi- “For me, when I see “Th e color yellow means my name with Leader- Feature happiness to me. It’s a ness, joy and since I’ve yellow, I think of positivity and unity, ship, so I always felt that bright, vibrant color and been at West, it’s made happiness and things basically coming being ASB President Secret tunnel seeing it all around me me think of suicide like being in the sun.” together and spreading might be fi tting for From a long forgotten makes me feel happy.” awareness.” happiness in the me. I wouldn’t be here past, Tracy still has community.” without the guidance of some hidden gems in Behnam, my past ASB the downtown area. presidents, & my family Former Lt. Colonel’s Return who have demonstrated a good work ethic and SEE TUNNEL ON PAGE 5 Ryan Aquino Air Force Reserves have pushed me to be the best leader I can be. Th is year, I have made A&E eff orts to improve every How was Basic aspect of PL such as Top 10 Training? school spirit/student See what one of our “It was interesting in the involvement, rallies, staff reporters thinks way that is wasn’t really dances, community ser- what memes, movies as daunting as it seems. vice, mental health, etc. and videogames were It’s more like they break I am thankful to have the best of the decade. you, in order to make help from my ASB of a better version of you Activities, Rally Com- in their eye. It was an missioner, ASB VP, and SEE ROCK ON PAGE 8 interesting ride with a Congratulations Confl ict Management to lot of time to think and Did the AFJROTC pro- to our very own ease the job. My favorite refl ect. You get to learn gram prepare you for Air Force Junior part about being ASB Extra the Air Force? President is feeling re- Photo provided by Azeya Gupton as an individual as well Reserves Offi cer Interested in having By: Azeya Gupton as in a group.” “Yes it did. Drill, ca- lieved and accomplished Guest Writer dence, PT, and just Training Corps aft er an event is over. As your art published by knowing basic Air A former What made you decide (AFJROTC) a program, we struggle The Zephyr? Force knowledge and cadet who graduated to join the Air Force? program! and stress together so Email aescalante@ background as well as basic training and went “It was the experience to that we can watch our knowing military lingo tusd.net or stop by into the Air Force Re- do something diff erent school appreciate the helped me a lot.” Th e Merrill F. West MS3 for more serves recently returned and become more ver- show & have fun. Some to Merrill F. West High satile. Th e benefi ts are High AFJROTC of my best memories information! Any advice for current School with some advice great and it’s an amazing was awarded the were made while I was We are looking for all or future cadets? for the new cadets. Ryan family.” worn out, my feet hurt, art styles to be pub- “Don’t give up. Don’t 2019 President’s Aquino was the cadet & I couldn’t wait to go think anything is ever Volunteer Service lished on our paper! squadron command- Were there times that home and I am thank- too hard to accomplish er during the fi rst you regretted your Award in recog- ful that to this day, the especially when there’s year of the AFJROTC decision? nition of a strong other “4 years” & I still other people right next Address program at West High. “Mainly during training, reminisce about things to you going through commitment to Below is what he had because it sucks in the that happened our Merrill F. West the same thing. Don’t be community to say to the current moment but there’s a freshmen year because High School afraid to put yourself out and future cadets, as greater gain at the end. I service. it shows how well we’ve 1775 W. Lowell Ave. there and enjoy it — ev- well as an interview regret not pushing my- come. My advice to Tracy, CA 95376 ery single bit. Just don’t between him and self and putting myself underclassmen would (209) 830-3370 be afraid to put yourself the JROTC Public more forward.” SEE ASB PRESIDENT c/0 Alana Escalante out there.” Aff airs Editor. on PAGE 2 NEWS March 2020 2 ASB PRESIDENT be to get involved! Go order to get the full high program over and fill Behnam are carried on. What you need From Page 1 to sporting events, join school experience, you other ASB positions. For the whole student Blue Crew, participate have to realize that you Within Leadership, I body, I can only hope to know about in spirit days, go to are NEVER too cool to hope the traditions of that the diverse, spirited, the Coronavirus Winter Ball, get hyped show spirit and bleed “Denny’s Night” during and accepting culture at at the rallies, join clubs Blue & Gold. After I homecoming, making West High will remain. By: Sarah Marin (especially Project Smile leave, I know I have freshmen clean the shed, Staff Reporter (:), FFA, band, etc. In great leaders to take the & poking fun back at Why artists are artists By: Robby Trammell Staff Reporter

I have been drawn It could even be sports, to many art forms. I any passion that fills personally feel I can be you with a drive. At that Ellie Creighton/Guest Illustrator most creative through moment I can fully give film-making, specifically myself to the natural If you have any social directing and cine- flow of the universe. I media such as Snapchat, matography. I feel an am fully present in the Instagram or Twitter, escape through movies current moment. you more than likely and want to create my have seen the memes own worlds. This led Art has helped me in and discussions on the me into falling in love so many ways. Con- new coronavirus. Coro- with photography. Shot suming art has helped naviruses are a family of positioning, editing and me feel less alone, to viruses that are com- color grading sweep me connect with artists and mon in various species up, and I get lost in it. people I’ve never met of animals and cause Recently, I truly con- and to understand yet infections in your nose, nected with music. Los- another person’s per- sinuses or upper throat, ing myself while playing spective. Creating art but they are usually not jazz songs for school helps calm my mind by dangerous. finally sparked a desire releasing emotions and to learn more. I am now thoughts so that they The Middle East Re- learning how to produce Ellie Creighton/Guest Illustrator don’t control me. Once I spiratory Syndrome music and play drums, can express an emotion (MERS-CoV) and the guitar, piano and bass. drawn to it from watch- thought the only way to cultures. Taoism calls it or thought, I can look Severe Acute Respira- Music is auditory, but it ing great actors like not bottle my feelings the flow state; it’s when at it from the outside tory Syndrome (SARS- still gives me a feeling I Gene Wilder, Leonar- was to talk to someone you are so focused on and understand it better CoV) are also part of can’t put into words. It is do DiCaprio, Scarlett you trust, but that terri- a task that everything -why it’s there and if it’s this family. This new a different vessel to the Johansson and many fied me more than just else in your life fades justified, or if it’s some- coronavirus (SARS- same escape provided by more. staying silent. Talking away. You are on a thing I should let go of. CoV-2), also known as film. I am now starting or writing your thoughts mission, fully immersed Usually it’s the latter. COVID-19, was first to learn about acting, Art provides me an can help, but some emo- but embracing it, and reported in a seafood too – trying to control outlet for what I am tions can’t be expressed sprinting to the light at Everyone has a different and poultry market my body language and feeling. I am an artist with words. Once I the end of the tunnel no story to tell and different in Wuhan City, Hubei express myself best in because for a long time started trying to express matter what is between reasons for telling it. I Province, China. There the moment. This pas- I hid all of my emotions. my emotions, I found a you and that light. It am an artist because I is currently no known sion is another offshoot I realize now that I was state of being that I quite could be anything: a want to be myself. cure or vaccine. of film-making. I am scared of showing who enjoy. There are various song, a movie, a picture, I really am. Initially, I names for it in different drawing, writing, etc. It has quickly spread to more than 20 coun- tries around the world, including Japan, Iran and the United States. Remember to stay inside and wash your hands! According to the CDC, the virus spreads from person-to-person Stay healthy WolfPack! through “…close contact with one another” or “via respiratory drop- lets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.”

The reason this has caused such an uproar is because the virus has spread like wildfire all around the world. According to the World Health Organization, as of March 5,there are 93,090 cases confirmed and the numbers don’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. However, most of the deceased were patients of older age with weak immune systems.

The first few cases in the U.S. had recently trav- eled to China but were taken to the hospital and are currently under quarantine. All those who have recently come back from China are going through medi- cal examinations and quarantine as an effort to stop the virus from spreading even further. Some cruise ships, such as the Diamond Prin- cess, have also been kept in quarantine after some passengers were report- ed to be infected.

In order to prevent one- self from contracting the virus, the CDC recom- mends avoiding close contact with sick people, touching your nose, eyes and mouth, wearing facemasks and washing your hands constantly and thoroughly. Even though we are not likely to catch this new virus, it is better to be safe than sorry. The Zephyr March 2020 3 Opinion Do colleges truly determine our worth? Importance of staying By: Puja Patel the email to check your of what would happen if Sports Editor portal comes, students they don’t get accepted healthy often view a rejection as to their dream school By: Cristopher Marin It’s that time of the year. the end of the world. rather than the sake of Features Editor Applications have been learning. We forget that With the way society has no matter what college a School should not get submitted and students in the way of keeping are eagerly awaiting portrayed the idea of student attends, we are an “acceptable” future, practically guaranteed to our body healthy. Most their notification letters. students who study hard Seniors can finally relax many students find it receive a reliable educa- hard to be anything less tion that will enable us to pass their classes tend after three long years to skip meals and deny of hard work and focus than what society wants. to be prepared for our Along with many other careers. I know that it the respective exercise on making the last few they need. It’s hard for months of high school students, I grew up in doesn’t matter whether a household that only I attend community students to balance a memorable. It’s the healthy lifestyle and season for prom, senior accepted the best, noth- college or a private ing less. And if I didn’t, college. Yes, there are the hardship of school. trip and senior ditch However, it’s important day. But, some students I was a “failure” and benefits to attending pri- had ruined my future. vate schools, but it’s not that all students get the allow their spirits to be right amount of nu- crushed by the letters However, I have grown the end of the world if I to believe otherwise. don’t get in. trients and the exer- that will decide their cise they need to stay future. I believe that the way At the end of the day, healthy. As a student athlete, I know how However, I believe that society tries to mold the only name on the people is actually coun- college diploma that difficult it is waking up students have been early, attending classes blinded by the light that terproductive and hin- matters is yours, not the ders students’ abilities. college. and going to practice. shines upon prestigious But at the end of the day, schools. When the They wake up each day and go to school in fear your body feels great fateful day of receiving and you feel satisfied. Angeline Tan/Guest Illustrator Simple exercises such as a jog every day or a quick workout can have a healthy impact Balancing the stress load on our life. As I work out and exercise, I feel When is it too much for students? the satisfaction of being healthy, and I believe that everyone should By: Seemani Dash feel that satisfaction. Copy Editor social life while juggling simply making it academic achievement. through high school? The average American The first step to being student deals with a How are teenagers expected to then factor Remember when you healthy is eating a bal- boatload of pressures anced breakfast. Eating ranging from academic in the time for family, were a kid and would self-care and sleep? want to be one of the breakfast helps your me- struggles to social stress. tabolism and provides For years, I’ve watched “older kids”? Now we’re Personally speak- still relatively young, enough fuel for the body the people around me to function properly. I push past healthy limits ing, it’s difficult to but we are expected to keep track of all the act as adults. Although believe that all students in order to pursue their should have enough idea of “success.” How- responsibilities and it’s healthy to learn still think of the people adulting skills, it’s just as time in the morning to ever, the real pressure eat breakfast. With our now is planning for around us. Knowing important to keep in how to multitask is one mind that these are our school starting early it the near future — that may be hard to wake “happy ending” only thing, but to meet the fabled “golden years.” expectations created Instead of living a life up ten minutes earlier, happens if the present is but having that extra successful. We live in a by peer pressure, we where we’re constantly often take on more worried about the fu- meal would benefit both society where students the mind and body. face numerous pressures things than we can ture, we should instead physically handle. Every discover ourselves Eating three meals, on their paths to adult- Angeline Tan/Guest Illustrator drinking enough water hood. As a result, many day, I walk into school here in the present. In high levels of stress. To and give back to the knowing that most of the words of Kung Fu and having the right are unable to cope when get to college, stu- community whether nutrients are important the stress increases. my friends survive on Panda character Master dents are challenged to through a job or service little sleep, unhealthy Oogway, “Today is a gift. tips to have when trying maintain a high projects. On top of that, diets and major stress. That is why they call it to change your lifestyle. It’s no secret that GPA, stay involved most kids attempt to teenagers today face So, why are habits like the present.” with clubs and sports keep a semblance of a these the norm for Exercising can also benefit your sleeping schedule. I think that Every student should get the best rest to pass Ditching the school life all their tests. The lack By: Melany Alas These final memories ever incessant absent year? If students decide of sleep can lead to high News Editor and fun adventures are calls, missing students Some students will a final trip with friends blood pressure, affect vital for many, so it’s who will be receiving choose to come to is more necessary for metabolism and impact easy to understand why hours and extra tasks school, some will gather them than a single day our mental health. As our students decide to for the attendance office up with friends to enjoy of school, we should students we must under- live life to the fullest in who have to deal with some time together accept their decision. stand that school is im- their final year. Howev- the consequences of and others will just If a student decides a portant, but what’s more er, whether Senior Ditch students ditching school decide to stay home and break is needed and important is our health. Day classifies as one of show why people are so relax. Some students wishes to nap all day Finishing homework the rites of passage a se- divided over the topic. will ditch and accept instead of doing school early, eating healthy, and Melany Alas/The Zephyr nior should experience Math teacher Karen the consequences of it, work, that day off getting sufficient sleep Senior year: fondly is up for debate. Evans, calls the “Have while others will have should be allowed. Most are all requirements for remembered by most your parents excuse their parents excuse of our students have a healthy lifestyle. Some as the best year in their Since students go to your absence day, ” their absences. Either years of school left after of the benefits include high school experience. school for almost 200 which seems silly as it way, the memories high school and have are: reduced stress and The memories made, the days, missing a single “eliminates the ditch and experiences that already been through a anxiety, enhancement of big events, the firsts, the day seems insignificant, part of the day, which students choose to have long and rigorous school mental performance and lasts, the relationships especially for students is what is supposed to are entirely up to them. life; let’s allow them to work productivity. With and friendships; it all who are in desperate be the exciting part Seniors will soon be in decide what they want that said, we can ensure rounds up the adventure need of a break from about it.” While it is true college or working and to do for a day. High we do our best in school that senior year could working hard to fulfill that most students take will be less no longer school is what you make with the appropriate be. For this reason, the expectations of Ditch Day as an excused dependent of their of it, and your experi- amount of sleep, exer- seniors usually decide to teachers, friends and day off and this causes parents. So why should ence should be made cise and nutrients. Try get involved and partic- parents. It’s hardly fair more trouble for admin- we penalize them for solely by you, so decide it out and see how your ipate in school events to blame students for istration, I believe this is making their own how you’d like to spend body becomes satisfied or outside activities. wanting a day off; how- not such a bad thing. decisions in their final and enjoy it. with this lifestyle.

The Zephyr Policies The Zephyr Staff Administrators In its 24th year of letters to the editor on any in The Zephyr is available Editor-in-Chief Natalie Mangskau Principal Zachary Boswell Merrill F. West High School production, Merrill F. West issue that is acceptable and to all types of businesses, Copy Editor Seemani Dash Assistant Steven Wichman 1775 W. Lowell Ave. High The Zephyr is a student appropriate for a school envi- exempting those that promote News Editor Melany Alas Principals Holly Hamsen Tracy, CA 95376 Sneha Thokkadam publication of the Journal- ronment. No anonymous let- racist or sexist attitudes or Opinion Editor Anabelle Lee (209) 830-3370 Feature Editor Cristopher Marin Secretary Audrey Harrison ism class. It is designed as ters will be accepted. Letters activites or that are illegal for c/o Alana Escalante Sports Editor Puja Patel Attendance Clerk Anne Bassett an informative link between may be edited for space or high school students. Adver- Photography Editor Jovana Centeno Regristar Edna Riddle students, staff, parents and school policy without altering tisement prices depend upon Video Editors Jonah Guerrero the community. The purpose content. size or contract specifics. Robert Trammell of The Zephyr is to allow stu- All letters to the editor Information on advertisement Staff Reporters Adriana Apodaca dents to express their voice in express the opinions of the can be obtained by contact- Isaac Baria a professional manner, as well writers and may not represent ing Alana Escalante at West Julian Castro as remain abreast of school The Zephyr staff. Letters may High, [email protected]. Rhi Rhi Deschine activities and pertinent issues. be emailed to aescalante@ Veron Hollins Sarah Marin The Zephyr will gladly accept tusd.net. Advertisement space Anysa Mendoza The Zephyr March 2020 4 Features Synchronizing with the cast A Wicked West Theatre production of the 2020 Lip Sync Showcase By: Veron Hollins Staff Reporter This year of Merrill F. West High’s Lip Sync Showcase, which was held at the theater on January 15th and 16th ,was truly a lip sync to remember. The Lip Sync showcased a variety of popular songs, which included the following:

1.“Best of Both Worlds” by Hannah Montana

Jonah Guerrero/The Zephyr 2.“Whole Being Dead Star from the “Mr. Roboto”song. Thing” from the Beetle- Jonah Guerrero/The Zephyr All the performers in the closing act. juice musical

3.“Can’t Stop Singing” from Teen Beach Movie

4.“Damaged” by Danity Kane

5.“I Can’t Do It Alone” from the Chicago mu- sical

6.“How Do You Sleep” Jonah Guerrero/The Zephyr Jonah Guerrero/The Zephyr Performer dancing to the song, “How do you sleep” by Sam Smith Performers dancing to the song, “Damaged” Jonah Guerrero/The Zephyr Snapshot of the finale. 7.“Popstars” by K/DA end, the actors who states that the thought “You’re The One I Want” and he received a pretzel for over five years, from League of Legends performed these songs of performing in front from Grease with her from his friend in the states that her favorite did an amazing job of of a lot of people made friend. crowd and had the thing was having the 8.“7 Rings” by Arianna keeping the attention her nervous at first, honor of eating it during all the children enjoy it, Grande and excitement of the but it got fun later on Senior Osvaldo Limon, the song. whether be the children audience. Almost every and she became more the performer of “How in the crowd, or the 9.“Mr. Roboto” by Styx period that attended the comfortable, especially To Be A Heartbreak- He states that if he children involved in it. lip sync was engaged with most of her friends er” by Marina and The could have performed She states that it delight- 10.“How To Be A Heart- and interested in the being in the audience. Diamonds and partner- again, he would have ed her when some chil- breaker” by Marina And performances that the Centeno states that ing singer in “I Can’t performed a Selena dren that watched the The Diamonds actors delivered. In her favorite part about Do It Alone” from the Quintanilla song, due to lip sync stated that they some songs, they sang performing was having Chicago play states that the fact that he wanted wanted to be included in 11.“Wannabe” by Spice along, and in others they her techies go on stage overcoming this year’s to do one this year, but it next year. Her favorite Girls clapped. with her as her backup stage fright took some couldn’t. part in the show was the dancers. In addition, time for him. However, finale. 12.“Come Alive” by The Senior Katelyn Centeno, Centeno says that if she his favorite part of per- Drama teacher Greatest Showman the main performer of could have performed forming was when he Christine Welk, the We hope to see you at “Best of Both Worlds” on stage again, she was performing “How mastermind behind the next year’s lip sync in From beginning to by Hannah Montana, would have performed To Be A Heartbreaker”, show, and host of drama the crowd or onstage. Last year with the ‘Pack Senior athletes reflecting on their final year playing for West By: Natalie Mangskau Editor-in-Chief Everett “Ej” Conner Kimberly Noriega with competing to be sport, I learned many the best in the sport.” new skills and quickly learned that this is what Most memorable I enjoy doing.” moment? “My best moment was Most memorable during my freshman moment? year. My team only “When we played Tracy had 6 players so I had High during an away to fight through our game. I played good subbing by playing the defense that game and whole game. In doing put up a few points as so, I ended up scor- well. Even though we ing 37 of my teams 41 lost the game, I gained points including 7 three more confidence in

Natalie Mangskau/The Zephyr pointers. We lost the Natalie Mangskau/The Zephyr myself and knew I was game by 3 points. I was more capable than I How long have you environment for you? 3 points away from scor- How long have you couraged and motivated. thought.” played basketball? “Where everyone plays ing 40, but it is still my played basketball? It is important to me for “1o years. Basketball is as a team, and doesn’t highest scoring game “4 years, 2 years at Mil- everyone to feel safe on Advice for new the only sport I’ve taken mainly focus on their e v e r.” lennium and 2 years at the team knowing that athletes? part in.” statistics. This means West.” there are no issues, and “Not to be afraid to ask everyone has the ability Advice for new if there were, then to be for help, to not give up How does being an to pass the ball, have athletes? How does being an able to feel comfortable and to make bonds early athlete make you a court vision, shoot at “There will be times athlete make you a openly talking to some- with better person? the right time, and not where you feel like the better person? one on the team about “Being an athlete makes force anything. Teams whole world it against “Being an athlete makes it. Working with a team me a better person by like this are very strong you, but in a situation me a better person, be- everyday, players should keeping me motivated. and successful.” like that don’t give up. cause I had to learn how feel encouraged and mo- When I’m engaged in a Work harder than every- to overcome obstacles tivated to work harder sport it benefits my life- Why did you chose this one else and show the and communicate better than the day before.” style. It keeps me active, sport? world what you have. with others. Being an keeps me healthy and “My dad introduced me There have been many athlete showed me to Why did you chose this motivates me to keep to the game of basket- times where I want to be more vocal which sport? my grades up. Since I ball as a child one day give up and stop trying pushed me to encourage “I chose basketball plan to play in college it by signing me up for because it wasn’t worth and lift others more.” because my friend was makes me want to fit the a camp. I had never it at the time, but I didn’t the one who told me to description of a student played before, but I give up because my pas- What is a good team try it out. It was new for athlete. loved to compete in sion was so strong and I environment for you? me because no one else every aspect in life. Ever broke that barrier.” “An environment where in my family played the What is a good team since then, I fell in love all players feel safe, en- sport. Being new to the FEATURE March 2020 5 The hidden Diversifying the melting pot tunnels of Tracy A look into West High’s cultural clubs By: Sneha Thokkadam By: Adriana Apodaca Opinion Editor Staff Reporter Our school is K-Pop Club best known for its music. The members after they learn choreog- diversity, cultures and bond through the raphy to help each other different backgrounds. songs they like. They perform comfortably. We understand that like to do an activity The club says, “Our club each individual at our called “random dance” is unique because our school is unique and in which they play members are diverse. different, so we have different Korean songs Our message to anyone plenty of clubs on and dance if they is that anyone can learn campus that embrace recognize it. Not only about a culture and the multicultural society do they learn how to express their fondness of we live in, creating dance in this club, they the world”. This club will a fun and accepting Korean Pop Club opens have lots of fun. These make you feel comfort- environment. the school up to Ko- workshops contribute able and welcome. If you Sneha Thokkadam/The Zephyr rean pop culture. This to the closeness of the have an appreciation Outside view of the building holding the tunnel. club draws attention club. K-Pop likes to put for Korean music and Tracy was founded in by dancing to Korean the members in groups culture, then join K-Pop. 1878, over 100 years API Club ago. Most of Downtown Asian Pacific Islander club participates in ticipate in team bonding where they have compe- Tracy was built in the club, also known as events. They celebrat- by going on boba trips titions between different 1920’s to capitalize on API, is also a club that ed the holiday Lunar where they are able to high schools. This event the railroad business. opens their culture New Year at school this meet other members of celebrates the Filipino I found Tracy’s history with the community. year by giving out red API from Kimball and culture. Vice President interesting, as I live in An important cultural envelopes with a lucky Tracy High. This club Ursula Nuñez says, Mountain House, a city aspect that they explore message. This club also also helps the commu- “Our club is unique, we that’s barely 20 years is with a dance called is a great way to meet nity by participating focus on learning and old. Although most of Tinikling. Tinikling is new friends. API does in the International showing off our culture Tracy’s old buildings done with two bamboo lots of activities in and Feast as a way to spread on campus for others to from the railroad era are sticks and dancers jump out of school. In school awareness for human see.” API is a great club demolished or renovat- in and out of the sticks they have lots of fun sex trafficking.They also for meeting new friends ed beyond recognition, in a rhythmic pattern. during their after school participated in Kilusan and taking on a new set I still wanted to explore Along with dance, API practice. They also par- High School Picnic of leadership skills. the downtown area to see if any of that history was left behind. M.E.Ch.A “What makes M.E.Ch.A they can. They perform Posada, a Great Amer- A friend who built a unique is that we treat in Tracy’s Mexican ica trip, and at the end cabinet for the Envi- each other as if we were Independence Day of the year, their Carne ronmental Alternatives one big happy family. festival, Cinco de Mayo Asada to celebrate their Foster Family Agen- We welcome absolutely celebrations, and the advisor Mr. Gomez. cy for the Space and anyone to join our club Festivals of Culture at This club has a lot more Engineering senior whether you are Latino the Grand Theater. They in store. They perform service project told me or not. Our club treats also like to share their in the rallies and have that sealed tunnels lay everyone with Latino culture with the practice on Mondays. beneath the building. equality and kindness.” school by celebrating They like to give a lot of I visited the building, M.E.Ch.A has made a Mexican Independence attention to the music which was formerly a One of the biggest more as a family than a big impact on our com- Day and Cinco de Mayo and dance aspects of bank, with a camera in cultural clubs we have bunch of club members. munity and school by during lunch where they their culture, perform- tow, expecting a laby- on campus is M.E.Ch.A, M.E.Ch.A is very active expressing themselves perform with live music. ing Folklorico and other rinth of sorts, a secret which stands for Mov- on our campus as they proudly and sharing This big family likes to types of Mexican genres waiting to be discovered. imiento Estudiantil participate in many ac- their culture in such a plan events through- for the rally. Pedro Sadly, the tunnels were Chicano de Aztlán. tivities and do as much confident, happy way. They view themselves community service out the year such as Casillas, M.E.Ch.A’s sealed with concrete, the M.E.Ch.A movie night, club president states, only remnant of a tunnel just barely the length of an average classroom. Poly Club performances tell a story and safe environment grow as a performer and forms during rallies and I still wanted to know through Ote’a dancing, for anyone who wants to as well as a person. It has club meetings after the purpose for under- Sivas and Hakas. Their get out of their comfort shapes the way you see school.They also will Polynesian (Poly) club ground tunnels span- dance tells us what their zone when it comes to traditional dances, and have instances where is one of many cultural ning the entirety of the ancestors went through dancing. Other than it widens the way you they perform for parties. dance clubs on campus. downtown, so I turned and all the troubles dance, they like to bond can express yourself. It If you are looking to join This community expos- to the internet. Most of and feelings they felt. during their practices. helps you understand a club that makes you es a variety of traditions the articles were baseless However, this club does Ariel Medina, Poly’s the culture.” She ensures feel comfortable with through the way they speculation, theorizing more than just bring club president says, a safe and comfortable expressing yourself, join speak and dance. Their the tunnels were used culture; it’s a welcoming “Being in Poly helps you environment. Poly per- Polynesian club! to smuggle alcohol during the Prohibition era and other “nefarious An evening of the undead is an evening indeed purposes.” However, it isn’t disputed that sim- ilar tunnels have been One act performaces found in the nearby cities of Stockton and By: Rhi Rhi Deschine Pleasanton. Were they Staff Reporter all leading to the same On February 27 and place, or places? What 28, the Wicked West was going on in this Theatre held An Eve- underground world? ning of the Undead. A Even though I couldn’t fitting name for Dracula, uncover the answers to The Attic, Lighthouse, all my questions, these and 10 Ways on how mysterious tunnels gave to Survive the Zombie me a new perspective on Apocalypse. Each play Tracy. It’s not just where was, respectively, direct- I go to school, but a city ed by Senior Isabelle that’s lively with old- Bunezes, Junior Jennifer world charm. Penaloza, Junior Raevyn Do you Kaigler, and Senior Rhi Rhi Deschine/The Zephyr Alexa Hernandez. know any

Dracula was a dramedy hidden gems of Rhi Rhi Deschine/The Zephyr play about an unfortu- restaurants, nate man’s encounter surely stayed on many with Count Dracula. people’s minds as they locations, or Starting with being kept think of different rea- mysteries in prisoner to ruining sons that could explain Dracula’s plan. what happened. You can Tracy? pick the happy ending On a more serious letter, where everything is The Attic was about a happily ever after or the Let The Zephyr dark secret in the dis- more dark, depressing Rhi Rhi Deschine/The Zephyr guise of a Victorian Era ending. staff know for tragedy. A couple trying the next issue! to pack so they can 10 ways on how to Sur- move houses ends up vive the Zombie Apoc- being ghosts trying to alypse is a great parody move on. In the end, it’s on cliche zombie apoca- a choice between never lypses. It gives amazing forgetting or to always tips on sacrificing the remember. weak and romancing the zombies. The Lighthouse left the audience with a feeling An Evening of the of “what just happened” Undead was an evening Rhi Rhi Deschine/The Zephyr and “what really hap- indeed. pened.” This play has Rhi Rhi Deschine/The Zephyr The Zephyr March 2020 6 Sports Athlete Bringing ‘Pack of the issue The ‘Pack want to congratulate pride to London our hard working student athletes By: Natalie Mangskau Editor-in-Chief who excel in their Over winter break, the seven in her group, to perform during the sports! senior Samantha Anastasio was the only parade. Anastasio participated one to be selected to By: Natalie Mangskau in the London New join the All American Anastasio has been part Editor-in-Chief Year’s Day Parade as a team. of West’s cheer team for Female Athlete: cheerleader in part of all four years and is also Kalila Shrive the All American Cheer During her trip to Lon- a softball player. She’s Team. Anastasio, who don, Anastasio recounts passionate about cheer has devoted over eleven the cultural differences and especially enjoys years to the sport, was between British and performing routines for selected to be part American ways of life. the community. “I like of the team during a “Here everything is fast, the dance sections… I summer camp that the but when you’re over get really hyped doing it West cheer team at- there, you’re expected and trying new stunts.” tended. She learned a to take your time; meals Anastasio’s advice for cheer and dance routine can last hours long.” new cheerleaders is, “It Name: Kalila Shrive and performed it with For her performance can be hard at first, but seven other cheerleaders in London, Anastasio keep trying. You’ll even- Grade: 9th during the camp. Out of learned a new routine tually get it.” Photo provided by Samantha Anastasio Birthday: 6/20/05 From lesson plans to training plans Height: 5’8” Coaches who teach on campus, working with students both in class and on the field, court or pool. Sports and years played: First year of water polo and wrestling By: Seemani Dash Copy Editor Position: Wing (water Mr. Dell’Aringa English teacher Mr. six years ago, working real life. When asked the dynamics of the polo) Dell’ Aringa is a var- in local high schools. about what he teaches classroom are differ- sity baseball and JV While being a substitute his athletes, he said “We ent due to the respect Plans after high football coach at West teacher, he found that he talk about themes in between the student and school: To stay healthy, High. His love for enjoyed working with English; it’s no different teacher. Though he as continue sports and baseball started when students and decided out here in the baseball a “teacher-coach” deals possibly get a sports he was young, and he to pursue an education field. Every game, every with a busy schedule scholarship for college played throughout his in becoming a full-time situation, there’s a theme just as any other student youth, high school and teacher. On the field, involved; there’s a lesson athlete, he finds the job Favorite part of the college years. Following Dell’ Aringa teaches to be learned.” As for the enjoyable. sport: The challenging college, he started his his players to apply the athletes in his classes, workouts, amazing peo- career as a coach around lessons they learn to Dell’ Aringa notes that ple I meet and the new Seemani Dash/The Zephyr friends I make Ms. Waters Ms. Waters, also known on recreational, club English teachers, decid- main focus in a student’s as Coach Waters to and high school teams. ing to choose a career life. “I have an inter- Motivation: The new many of our swimmers, Waters started coaching in teaching because she esting advantage I feel, friends and amazing has been a driving force with a small group of could continue work- being here and being coaches I met make behind the training of students, then took off ing with kids while still able to interact with the me want to work hard the West High Aquatics from there, saying, “I coaching swim. Work- students throughout during practice. Shout Program for several started [coaching] when ing the jobs as both a the day, and then see out to Jesse Ramos who years as well as be- I was 16, and I just fell teacher and coach gives them at 3:00…” How is my teammate/coach coming a new English in love with it.” As she Waters a different per- she balances the work- and has helped me teacher. She started as attended West High, spective on her athletes load, Waters says that through all the moves I a swimmer herself at she also felt inspired by as she recognizes that time-management have struggled with. age thirteen, and swam some of the well-known sports aren’t always the been a huge asset for her Seemani Dash/The Zephyr What you learned from Mr. von Stade Mr. von Stade is both a was an environment he Additionally, he realized and athletes improve the sport: It showed me Special Education teach- really enjoyed. He sup- teaching was also one of both in education and as what it’s like to be on a er and Boys Basketball ports his athletes as they his passions after getting people. With the game team and push myself coach for West High. learn to play as a team, hired at a high school. schedule, he feels that he for improvement This is his fifteenth year saying “Every life lesson “It really dawned on me juggles his time among teaching, but he has also is on the court: your when one of my stu- being a teacher, coach By: Sneha Thokkadam coached various sports discipline, your struc- dents said, ‘Thank God and part of the family. Opinion Editor because of his athletic ture, following rules and it’s Friday’, and I thought Some of the lessons he’s Male Athlete: children. Von Stade confidence.” Coaching about it and I didn’t learned over the years John Paul Patague became interested in basketball is something even know it was Fri- have stemmed from teaching after working that comes naturally to day.” Von Stade is pas- teaching students of all as a substitute teacher, von Stade now since he sionate about both his backgrounds, and he Seemani Dash/The Zephyr and he found that teach- loves the experience of jobs as they challenge finds it rewarding to see ing Special Ed classes working with students. him to help the students his old students visit. Spring sports overview By: Anysa Mendoza Staff Reporter Softball Boys Tennis Track & Field Swim Name: John Paul Baseball Patague

Grade: 12

Birthday: 4/23/02

Height: 5’10”

Sport(s) and years Anysa Mendoza/The Zephyr Jocelyn Estrada/Yearbook Anysa Mendoza/The Zephyr Anysa Mendoza/The Zephyr Anysa Mendoza/The Zephyr played: Has played bas- Baseball is back with Softball is welcoming With many new Getting prepared Although swim is ketball since he was just another competitive new and returning players competing for for the new season, an individual sport, 4 years old season. Ready for the players for this years a spot on the tennis Track members are the team comes season, Junior Ryan upcoming season. team, the rankings got training hard and together to support Position: Point guard Villena is showing his Hoping to get on base as intense according to staying dedicated to and cheer each other skills playing for varsity. much as possible, Senior Junior Simon Gonzales. their team. SeniorJenelle on for the upcoming Plans after high school: When asked about the Samantha Anastasio Gonzales is ready for his Mendoza describes season. When Junior Hopes to attend college sport, Villena stated, “A feels excited for spring love for tennis to shine track as her while hav- Courtney Cunning- and play basketball there very competitive and to start and ready to throughout the season. ing a lot of good memo- ham was asked about mindful game. You need play every game in “I’m looking forward to ries with her teammates. her sport she stated, Favorite part of the the skill to overcome her favorite position: seeing me and my team- “My team motivates me “Swim has benefited me sport: How competitive any situation whether it’s defense. “My favorite mates improve and grow to never give up and I’m in many ways. It helps it is good or bad.” The hard part is playing defense this season. My personal hoping to improve on strengthen my body, work and the excitement because we have to work goal is to get a chance to my 1 mile and 2 mile and it gives me a family Motivation: His hard- of the game brings the as a team to get out of play at TCAL this year times this year,” Men- that always supports me working mother team together ready to the inning,” Anastasio since I nearly missed my doza expressed. The when I push myself to dominate. Motivated expressed. Players are chance last year.” Gonza- high energy from the new goals.” Cunning- What he learned from by his peers, Villena is ready to come togeth- les is ready to stay active relays keeps the mem- ham is ready to keep the sport: The impor- ready for the upcoming er and dominate the and in shape to pursue bers of track alive and swimming to improve tance of teamwork season. season. his tennis playing. determined. her strokes and time. The Zephyr March 2020 7 West at its Best The Zephyr March 2020 8 Arts & Entertainment

Ranking the Top Button: A Modern PROMetheus 10 of the Decade

A satire story like “Curse you faulty big rats!” and only using to light his way upstairs. Two paths set before zipper!”, until he turned thread if it had been When the clock struck By: Jovana Centeno him: a beautiful mead- to his left and saw what blessed by the fashion eleven thirty, Derby Photography Editor ow and a gods. ran- well, stumbled, Ah yes. The prom dress. treacher- Derby up to his roof, tripping One of the necessities ous forest. spent days over the stairs. With a of every girl attending No one execut- bruised knee and busted high school prom. What knows ing these lip, Derby held the dress makes this piece of cloth why rituals, so up to the moon and Derby had much so cried “Behold, nature, so magically expensive? By: Isaac Baria Truth is, no one has to walk that he did brush your hand upon Staff Reporter done the prom dress’s through not even this dress and all will be creation justice. It is nature to respond to finished!” Within that Entertainment may be quite wondrous and like begin his one letter second, lightning struck claimed to be the biggest most great things in life, creation, his loving the dress, sizzling off the thing regarding hap- it began with a man. he lived family last bit of thread needed piness in life. It could in New sent him to finish his creation. mean a variety of things Obviously this man York after nor did he Derby collapsed to the from plays to movies started out as a boy, all, but read them. ground convulsing into to music, etc. However, a boy named Derby the story Derby fits of manic laughter one thing is for certain; Button. The Button rings true would not and was never to be the last decade was full family was sweet and all and he stop work- heard of again. of some things to smile of them took interest in chose the ing until about. With that in their family business, eerie path his cre- No one is sure how mind, let’s go over some running a mechanic through ation was Derby’s creation got of the main forms of shop. However, Derby the dark finished into stores or why it entertainment from the was different. He didn’t forest. with the is called a prom dress. last decade! (Disclaimer: long to spend his days Derby guarantee Many speculate it was Please remember that fixing a random person’s walked of being an anagram for his Chi- this is an opinion article car. No, he wanted to and Angeline Tan/Guest Illustrator worshiped huahua’s name, “Morp if you don’t agree with spend his days creat- walked, experiencing he had been longing for. by lifelong followers. Button” or that it is short some of the topics listed, ing a random person’s hunger and thirst with All it took was a fifteen for the “promise” he had that’s perfectly fine.) dress. When Derby was nothing to quench his minute walk of pure Alas, everything must broken when leaving eighteen, he decided survival needs but his agony to have the fabric come to an end, and his family’s business. Memes to tell his family of his will to create. Derby store, his true inspira- though Derby desired Whatever the name’s or- 1.We Are Number One contrasting desires. The began to break down tion, finally reveal itself the rewards of his igin, the societal impact (Stefán Karl) Buttons responded with towards the end of his to him. creation, he wanted to Derby Button desired 2.Patrick Warburton warmth, but Derby saw journey. His muscles indulge in the exhila- had been granted. He characters (Kronk, Joe it as mockery and pro- were fatigued, mouth Derby purchased some ration he experienced gained worshipers for Swanson etc.) ceeded with his interest dry and his stomach materials from the when performing each his almighty, all expen- 3.PewDiePie vs T-series by plotting to create a ached of hunger. Derby heavenly store and ritual. With this in sive prom dress, happily 4.“E” (Markiplier) new dress, unknown persevered for what proceeded to find a se- mind, Derby decided to collected by teenagers 5.Creeper, Aww Man to man, for which all felt like months until cluded area to begin his create a final ritual more for hundreds and thou- 6.(CaptainSparklez) would worship him he grew uncomfortable creation of an original, complex than all pre- sands of dollars. Inevi- 7.Megalovania (Sans for its creation. Derby and tried to adjust his never before seen dress. ceding it to ensure his tably we seek the sacred, Undertale) moved out within that jacket zipper. The zipper He found an ominous success. He waited until high priced prom dress 8.Loss (Web-Comic) day, slashing all of their got caught on a rogue cottage on a hill and in a night where the full and though expensive, 9.JoJo Reference car tires, including his, thread and Derby pulled this cottage, Derby cre- moon was accompanied its creator has gone 10.Keanu Reeves (…just with contempt for his on it forcefully until ated rituals. Dousing the by thunder and light- through such a long and Keanu Reeves) family’s business. He the jacket ripped and fabric in purified water, ning. Derby laid in his strenuous journey to 11.Bee Movie (Jerry felt it would be more the zipper broke. This drying it with feathers cottage, until he finally make such perfection Seinfeld) impactful if his journey pushed him over the of a bluebird, dancing heard the heavy rumble that all of our purchases were on foot. And so, edge. He began break- around it chanting he had long waited for. are completely justified. Movies Derby Button’s endeavor ing twigs and throwing obscene things like Derby paced back and 1.Avengers Endgame began. rocks, yelling things “Chihuahuas are just forth with only a candle 2.Joker 3.Get Out 4.Avengers Infinity War Listing my 10 Favorite Heavy Rock Albums 5.Deadpool Spirit or Slander 6.Thor Ragnarok 7.Logan Where do we draw the line? By: Julian Castro Staff Reporter It’s surely enough to bands came together in 8.Spider-Man: Into the get you pumping with remembrance of him Spider-Verse To start the year 2020, energy. Some top songs and covered some of his 9.Bohemian Rhapsody many media journalists from these albums are most memorable songs 10.Guardians of the made their own lists for “Nero Forte” (We Are throughout his 68 years Galaxy 2 the best of the decade, Not Your Kind), “Shep- of life. This goodbye let- such as games, movies, ard of Fire” and “Hail ter came in the form of Video Games and music. So, I decided to The King” (Hail to the album “This Is Your 1.Resident Evil 2 (Re- to make my own per- The King), “Nightmare” Life”, titled after the mastered) sonal list of my top 10 and “Welcome to the song of the same name 2.God of War 4 favorite metal albums of Family” (Nightmare), by Dio, featured in the 3.Spider-man PS4 the decade. If you enjoy “The Heart From Your album. It featured big 4.Minecraft metal or heavier music, Hate” (The Sin and The names such as Anthrax, 5.Subnautica be sure to give some of Sentence), and “Under Tenacious D, Corey Tay- 6.The Last of Us these a try. They just and Over It” and “The lor, Mötorhead, Scorpi- 7.Castle Crashers (Re- Angeline Tan/Guest Illustrator might be your favorites Pride” (Five Finger ons, Killswitch Engage, mastered) too. Death Punch). De- Glenn Hughes, and Me- 8.Call of Duty: Black By: Puja Patel were to directly say 1. Avenged Sevenfold: spite its genre, known tallica. Some top picks Ops 3 Sports Editor these things to another’s Nightmare (2010) for its heavy nature, from these albums are 9.The Legend of Zelda: face, it would be deemed Cross town rivalries 2. Avenged Sevenfold: many of these bands “Empire of the Clouds”, Breath of The Wild unacceptable. So why are some of the biggest Hail to the King (2013) go for a softer tone on “If Eternity Should Fail”, 10.Elder Scrolls: Skyrim does this change on the games that we have each 3. Avenged Sevenfold: specific songs such as and “The Red and the field or the court? year. The student sec- The Stage (2016) “Acid Rain,” “Crimson Black” (The Book of tion is always filled with 4. Five Finger Death Day,” and “Fiction” by Souls) and “Holy Diver of the modern rock Some may argue that chanting and cheering Punch: American Capi- Avenged Sevenfold or (cover by Killswitch albums today, its proof players should be able to for their classmates in talist (2011) “Snuff” by SlipKnot, Engage), and “Catch that old bands “losing block out these distrac- hopes of winning brag- 5. Five Finger Death which isn’t from this the Rainbow” (cover by their touch after so tions and focus on the ging rights. They hold Punch: The Wrong Side decade but is still worth Glenn Hughes). Ronnie long”, isn’t always true. game, but we’re all hu- up posters cheering on of Heaven and the Righ- a listen. James was a lead singer Some top hits from this man. Every jab at who the star player, sport the teous Side of Hell (2013) for many bands such as album are “Feet Don’t we are is heard. Players school colors and smear 6. Ronnie James Dio: Metal: DIO, Black Sabbath, and Fail Me”, “Domesticated aren’t immune to the paint on their faces This is Your Life (2014) • Iron Maiden, and Ron- Rainbow, and each of Animals”, and “Villains words that we say sim- as they scream with 7. Iron Maiden: The nie James Dio these are worth listening of Circumstance”. ply because they are on every addition to the Book of Souls (2015) These names are defi- to, as they are part of a Music is a very special the court. These words scoreboard. However, 8. Queens of the Stone nitely classics and are great legacy. creation. It brings peo- run constantly through sometimes, as fans, we Age: Villains (2017) huge icons in the metal ple together, it can cause their minds as a remem- are blinded by the desire 9. Trivium: The Sin and genre. They were even Rock: or trigger emptions like brance of their “worth- to win that we stop the Sentence (2017) claimed the first of • Queens of the Stone anger, joy, and excite- lessness” and how they rooting for our team 10. SlipKnot: We Are Not the New Wave British Age ment, and it’s a creative “suck” at the sport they and begin insulting the Your Kind (2019) Metal movement (Iron Despite Queens of the way to express yourself. spend hours upon hours other players. Maiden) and even the Stone Age not being Instead of arguing over to improve on. Heavy Metal: father of metal (Ronnie metal, it is rock, and I what genre is best, or People trash technique, • SlipKnot, Avenged James Dio). The Book of thought it was worth what band is best, etc, Despite rivalries, we poke fun at players’ Sevenfold, Trivium, Five Souls (Iron Maiden) is a adding to the list. Their we should all take a step should keep in mind names and even throw Finger Death Punch bit softer than its older newest album, Villains, back and just appreciate that rival players are still out racial slurs in hopes These bands are of the albums but they still is one of the best rock music for what it is. people. We shouldn’t of distracting the other heavy metal genre and maintain the identity albums released this downplay their work players. This unaccept- are awesome to lis- and quality of some of decade, in my opinion. and realize that they’ve able “distraction” has ten to when you’re in their best albums from Made with a very funky worked hard to reach been tolerated for far the mood, and when the 80s. After the death and unique tone, it the place they’re at. too long. If someone you’re low on energy. of Ronnie James, many stands out from many