The Poly Optimist John H. Francis Polytechnic High School Vol. XCVII, No. 2 Serving the Poly Community Since 1913 Mid-September 2012

Nine/Eleven: Lessons and Principal Happy Remembrance With CST Scores

By Jeannette Buenrostro are doing well and we’re very ex- By Yenifer Rodriguez Staff Writer cited about that.” Editor In Chief History met or exceeded last year’s efforts, with World History Early in the morning on Monday, igh-flying math results equaling last year’s score and US September 11, 2001, Muslim Arab led a flock of good CST History edging up three points. terrorists crashed four American scores for 2011. “Science improved in every commercial jetliners, two into New “I’m very excited subject area except for physics,” said York’s Twin Towers, one into the H that there’s been growth across all Bennett, “which was outstanding last Pentagon in Washington, and one grade levels,” Poly Principal Ari year and outstanding this year.” in Pennsylvania after a fight with Bennett said. Biology 10 scored 53% Prof/Adv, passengers to abort the flight. The Overall, 28% of Parrots scored a 21-point leap from last year. More fourth plane was reportedly headed Proficient and/or Advanced in math, than half of Poly’s student body, for the White House. Photo by Jasmine Guevara a 16-point increase in the past three 59%, scored Prof/Adv in Life Sci- On Tuesday, Poly held a IDOL: Parrot junior Crystal Cruz wowed the Parrot audience at Poly Idol 3. years. ence, a 20-point increase. memorial ceremony in the Polygon “For the first time in our school’s Yet another LAUSD reorganiza- to honor the memories of the victims history, 50% of our kids scored Ba- tion of the District map now has all of 9/11. On hand were Poly’s band, sic or above in math,” said Bennett schools in five Educational Service members of the football team, Cruz Rocks Idol “We’re at 45% overall Below Basic Centers – North, South, East, West ROTC, Leadership, Drill and Cheer. (BB) and Far Below Basic (FBB) so and Plus 1. Poly is in Educational Poly Principal Ari Bennett spoke 55% of our kids are basic and above Service Center North briefly and then asked the crowd for Junior Crystal Cruz sizzles on James in math.” “We used to only compare our- a minute of silence. In English, sophomores scored selves to other schools like Sylmar Junior Crystal Cruz and Brown number to lead Poly Idol 3. the highest with 56% Prof/Adv, a 16- sophomore Audri Wilson sang point increase from last year. harmony on the National Anthem. rowd favorites Crystal Cruz, who By Yesenia Carretero “English 10 had a phenomenal [ See CST, next page ] EMS instructor Jeremy did “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s Staff Writer year,” said Bennett. Sonenschein recited the Pledge of World” (James Brown, 1966) and In the past three years, Poly has Allegiance. C Elaine Rasonable, who did “Ain’t No achieved a 19-point rise in the Eng- Sonenschein was part of the Mountain High Enough” (Marvin Gaye/Tammi lish part of the CST. rescue effort at Ground Zero hours Terrell, 1967) wowed the crowd at Thursday’s third round of Poly Idol and “Our overall BB and FBB in Eng- after the attacks in Manhattan. will move on to round four coming up next Wednesday. lish is 19%,” Bennett said. “We’re “I was a member of a team Mary Joyce Ares scored big with an Etta James torch from 1960 only 5 points away from the lowest from California, a group of called “At Last.” percentage of BB and FBB in the paramedics and nurses and doctors,” Vertically challenged freshman Ernie Arechiga missed the cut and most of entire school district. Taft is at 14% Sonenschein said. “I volunteered to the notes with the Beach Boys “I Get Around,” a poor song choice for a solo and they’re dealing with a different go and help out. I flew out just a few vocal, but had the audience screaming throughout his performance. population.” hours after the tower started to fall. Contestant Jade Lim had to go a capella on the Beatles’ “Come Together” The 19% English BB/FBB was The National Guard allowed us to go because of technical difficulties with her backing tracks. She got on last, after sixth best in the District behind with them on a military transport.” the lunch bell rang. Cleveland, Franklin, Garfield, Hol- “It was crazy, chaotic, insane, Twelve contestants competed and eight made the cut. lywood and Reseda. lots and lots of people everywhere, The theme for this round was from the 1960s, all chosen by the “A lot of our kids speak another Second crying and screaming and yelling. contestants. language at ,” Bennett said. Lots of people running around Judging criteria were: stage presence 5 pts, singing 5 pts and audience “They have experience as English panicked. Nobody knew what was response 5 pts. Fire in learners or are reclassified English going on. People were not sure who learners. A high percentage of kids or what caused the towers to fall. [ See Poly Idol, next page ] Everyone was just trying to get out a Month from the building.” Sonenschein was working with By Alfredo Quezada the Engine Company 54 and Ladder Staff Writer Company 4, a company in New York that he worked with again when he Parrots Give Blood Fire damaged two trash became a paramedic in New York for dumpsters near the cafeteria Tuesday the fire department. Poly students donated 180 the donor's blood pressure, temperature and pulse. The By Jasmine Aquino evening, the second fire of unknown “We really couldn’t see a lot pints of blood to the UCLA medical historian may also prick the donor's finger and Staff Writer origins on Poly’s campus within a because we were going into the Blood and Platelet Center perform a hemoglobin test to check for anemia. month. towers and there was smoke,” during leadership's first blood The donation process take approximately 10 to 15 “I don’t think arson is too strong Sonenschein said. “I was pulling drive of the school year. minutes. The students are given cookies, chips and juice a term,” said Poly Principal Ari people out of tower two.” "The blood drive was a complete success," said Poly and rest for at least 15 minutes after donating. Bennett. “Obviously somebody set “I was afraid, but this is part of senior and leadership president Khrista Abasi. "Poly usu- Donors receive an AMC Silver Experience Ticket for the dumpsters on fire. They didn’t what we train for, is part of what ally donates 180-230 pints of blood for each blood drive. donating. instantaneously combust. Obviously we do,” Sonenschein said. “When We are aiming for the 230 at the next blood drive." "Poly Leadership has two more blood drives sched- a student must have set them on you become a paramedic or when The UCLA Blood and Platelet Center is the largest uled for this school year," said Abasi. fire.” you become a fire fighter, you take hospital-based donation center in the west coast collect- Leadership spends approximately two weeks solely Parrot senior Paul Martin and his an oath. It’s very sacred. You are ing approximately 30,000 volunteer whole blood and on advertising and receiving sign-ups for blood drives. brother Brandon reported the fire putting others above you. platelet donations every year. These donations provide This blood drive had approximately 600 students signed to building and grounds employees Sonenschein doesn’t believe the for 60% of the thousands of blood products that are up, but many were deferred due to weight and low iron. Albert Alaniz and Steven Mares. events of 9/11 will ever fade from transfused at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and "It is very disappointing to see the comparison from The flames were extinguished and memory for Americans. Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center. how many students we have signed up and how much a 911 call made to the Los Angeles “There were so many people that Every donor must complete a small amount of actual blood was donated," said Abasi. "If a student is Fire Department. paperwork, including answering a few questions with [ See Remembering, next page ] a medical historian. The staff member will then check [ See Blood Drive, next page ] [ See Arson, next page ]

Been There Girl Talk Done That at VMAs These teachers bring What do these two experience to Poly. know that we don’t?

Photos by Jasmine Guevarra & Vanessa Aquino CAMPUS - page 4 Google Image MEDIA - page 7 2 Mid-September 2012 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp NEWS

NEWS the OPTIMIST VOL XCVIII No. 2 Remembering CST Scores Mid-September [ From CST Scores, front page ] Nine/Eleven and San Fernando,” said Bennett. “They’re now in the Plus GARCIA AT MIT 1, needing extra support. Now we’re comparing ourselves to 3 Senior Alejandro Garcia had an engineering [ From Nine/Eleven, front page ] schools like Taft and Cleveland.” experience over the summer break as part of the Parrot CST scores fell in three subjects. Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s E2MIT were killed and it was such a big thing,” Sonenschein said. “It Summative Math’s Proficient and/or Advanced percentage, program. changed the world in so many ways.” 48%, was six points below last year and Algebra I saw an eight- By Jasmine Guevara “Every person should acknowledge 9/11 in some way,” point drop to 22% in Prof/Adv. Physics came in slightly lower Sonenschein said. “Whether they light a candle or whether they at 69% Proficient and/or Advanced versus last year’s 70%. say a prayer or whether they do a moment of silence, everyone ENGLISH TWO, HISTORY ONE should do something to acknowledge it.” 4 English teachers Melinda Eubanks and Lori Combs The attacks of 9/11 made people more aware of terrorism, join the Freshman Center while History teacher Sonenschein believes. Blood Drive Chante Calzada joins the Tenth Grade Center. “It has made people more aware that anything can happen By Aranza Gonzales, Tracy Salcido & Catherine Ramos at any time,” Sonenschein said. “I think safety has gone up in [ From Blood Drive, front page ] certain respects and down in some ways too. But I think overall signed up to donate blood, he must make sure to eat healthy--a GETTING ORIENTED it’s made people more aware of safety. Travel, of course has diet with a lot of protein--prior to donating." changed and the security now is tighter with people in and out 4 Seniors got an earful from Parrot admin and staffers Poly students must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with paren- about contracts and college apps at a special meeting from different countries, and that’s the good thing that people tal consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds to be eligible to do- become more aware and more cautious.” held in the auditorium. nate blood. Parrots must also be well and healthy with no cold By Jasmine Aquino Sonenschein said California is not prepared to handle or flu symptoms in the 24 hours prior to donating. If pierced disasters. People think it won’t happen to them. or tattooed, the student must wait 12 months before becoming “Have a first-aid kit ready, have a plan of where you are eligible for donation. TORCH SINGER going to meet with your family in case something happens,” 5 They better check the roof because junior Crystal Cruz Sonenschein said. “And be more appreciative of what you’ve shook the rafters during round three of Poly Idol. Her got, the freedom that we have here and just life in general.” version of a James Brown soul jam had ‘em on their “The people there were just regular people going to work feet and shouting for more. and now they are lost,” Sonenschein said. “Three hundred By Yesenia Carretero forty-seven fire fighters and over 200 rescue personal died, over Arson at Poly 500 people that were professional rescuers died. And of course thousands of civilians.” [ From Second Fire, front page ] COAST TO COAST Sonenschein was born in Panorama City but raised in New 6 New faculty member Jeff Bowyer came out west to York until he was 14, when he moved back to LA. Poly officials reported the fire to instructional specialist Brad be a photographer. Find out how he landed at Poly “I wanted to become an astronaut,” Sonenschein said. Katz, who in turn called Bennett. teaching Child Development instead in this wide- “I wanted to be a pilot and then an astronaut for the space The dumpster sustained damage to its exterior, including ranging interview with the OPTIMIST. program. I love flying. But I went into the military when I was burned paint and a melted plastic lid. The black top where the By Rudy Guijarro seventeen and instead of flying, they offered me a position as a dumpster was located cracked because of the intense heat. medic and I decided to try it and I fell in love with it. And from Katz said a camera in the area captured what appeared there I chose this career.” to be a student in the area of the dumpster, but a positive NEW ADVISOR / OLD ADVISOR 6 Veterean yearbook advisor Michelle Elias officially identification could not be made. handed over the reins to business teacher Chi-Sun Two days before the new school year, the storage shed Chang, who promises to maintain the publication’s burned to the ground during the early morning. The Los high quality Angeles Fire Department arson investigation on that fire is By Jasmine Guevara ongoing. Poly Idol Once the investigation is complete, the debris will be [ From Cruz Rocks, front page ] removed and the storage shed rebuilt, according to Bennett. WHAT’S IN A NAME? 7 You’ll find out in this look at some of today’s big Tunes from the 80s will highlight round 4 and three finalists names and who they used to be. Those catchy names will be chosen. aren’t exactly original. Final round (5) will pick the winner and runners up. By Tracy Salcido Thursday’s show went smoother than Round 2. Contestants got on and off stage quicker and the use of a single mike BORING IS BAD FOR BUSINESS eliminated sound problems. The lighting was harsh. Be 7 The OPTIMIST tuned in to MTV’s latest Video Music Others who moved to the next round included Hannah Awards show to see where all the action was. There Almonte (“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”), Audriana an was lots to see but not many people watched. See why Wilson (“Respect”), Eleonoa Talauki (“Stand By Me”) and viewership was down, way down. Angel Aguilar (Earth Angel”). OPTIMIST By Tracy Salcido CERVANTES - THE INTERVIEW 8 The OPTIMIST caught up with new varsity girl’s soccer coach Yesenia Cervantes to see how tryouts were going. Cervantes gave us a full report on her coaching style and the game of soccer. By Tracy Salcido Editor-In-Chief Yenifer Rodriguez BOYS SOCCER Sports Editors Photo Editors 8 Boys soccer coach Rafael Loza held tryouts too and Alfredo Quezada Vanessa Aquino he’s not done yet. Get coach talk and more in this Jasmine Guevara Daniel Castro OPTIMIST interview. the Writers By Alfredo Quezada Jasmine Aquino Miguel Gutierrez Optimist Jeannette Buenrostro Catherine Ramos TROUBLES CONTINUE Yesenia Carretero Yenifer Rodriguez 8 Poly’s football squad can’t seem to get started this Byron Fajardo Tracy Salcido season. San Fernando tapped the Parrot for 42 points Aranza Gonzalez Nam Woo in a game that was a largely over by halftime. John H. Francis Polytechnic High School By Felicia Rodriguez 12431 Roscoe Blvd, Sun Valley, CA, 91352 Rudy Guijarro http://polyhigh.org Optimist Advisor IS IT CONTAGIOUS? John Blau 8 Girls tennis got bageled too, a a 7-0 blitz from visiting Verdugo Hills. Head coach Evan Rabins likes how the girls are competing, however. Letters To The Editor Editorial Policy By Jasmine Guevarra Letters to the Editor must be typed or printed in ink and include the The OPTIMIST is the voice of the Poly community, and follows the writer’s signature. The OPTIMIST reserves the right to edit submissions. Code of Ethics for the Society of Professional Journalists. Editorials are Send letters to Rm.14 or Mr. Blau’s box. the opinions of the staff. polyhigh.org/opt.jsp The Poly Optimist Mid-September 2012 3 INTERVIEW

Photo by Vanessa Aquino

Magnet senior Alejandro Garcia spent one week over summer break in an engineering program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston. Here’s what he told the OPTIMIST Magnet’s about his experience there.

I attended a program called E2MIT. It stands for Engineering Experience MIT. You could say it is the shortened version of MITES. The program was free. The only thing we needed to pay were for the flights. I had applied for MITES first but I was rejected. E2MIT was a new program, a Garcia couple of years old and I decided to sign up for it instead. Getting into the program is difficult. Only 70 people got accepted out of thousands. They check your overall academic standing. But they mostly lean towards your essay when choosing you. It's like a college application. The people were all very talented. One girl had a SAT score over 2300 and other were equally good or even better. They all wanted to go to Ivies and they also made me want to go to one as well. Before I used to just want to go to one, but now I really want Gets to. Fifteen were in with Mechanical Engineering with me. I was the only one from Poly. Other programs included aeronautical, electrical, computer science, robotics, etc. We stayed in the “Simones dorm.” The dorms are supposed to look like the letters “MIT” but it really doesn't look like it. Most kids had a roommate, but I was by myself. We had mentors in our dorms so that we can discuss about colleges. They were mostly Engineering MIT graduates or alumni. We woke around 7-8 A.M and ate breakfast. Then we attended a job description “class” or went to other places that were inspiring and showed us the engineering field. Then from 11-12 we would have lunch. We had a meal plan that we could choose from. Most of us chose the plan where we could buy a meal once a day at the cafeteria but some of us actually ate there for every meal. The cafeteria food was very delicious. From 12- 5 P.M, we had introduction to mechanical engineering. From then on we Experience would have “free time.” But we mostly spent our free time just doing our project. We were supposed to make an invention. Our group, the three of us, made a bag that was very handy and useful. It had steam powered engines in it to power it and such. We went to one of Google's headquarters and talked mostly about computer science. We also went to the MIT media lab. We learned about robots, exoskeletons, etc. Some E2MIT summer program offers guy was actually making a 3D model of a city of the future. If you think about it, the room was the source of that city. You could see that this technology will affect the a slice of college life, future someday. That room was my favorite part. We also went on a tour to Harvard and Boston. mechanical engineering My parents moved from Mexico 20 years ago. I have an older brother and a sister and I'm the youngest. My parents aren't the academic type but they always pushed me and tours of the Boston area. to do my hardest in everything. And since I enjoy school and all, they support me in it as well. I am in football and in track at the same time. I took and am still taking AP Physics By Nam Woo B, Biology, Chemistry, Physics C, Psychology, US History, Micro Economics, English Staff Writer Language Composition, European History, AP Calculus BC. I’ve passed all the AP tests that I have taken. I also went on a four-week program at UCLA this summer. 4 Mid-September 2012 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp CAMPUS Familiar Faces and One That’s New Students weren’t the only one returning to Poly for the new school year. Two former Parrot faculty are back and a new face has joined the Freshman Center.

for years to put me through college. It was a great motivator. When I graduated from CSUN, it was the first time he left the city of San Fernando since his retirement 25 years prior. Prior to teaching, I worked for KYDS, that’s right – KYDS, the same organization that conducts after-school programs here at Poly. I was an arts and craft teacher for an elementary school in Panorama City. I guess Melinda that’s when I got hooked into the idea of working in education. I have also worked Eubanks in various retail jobs. My favorite stint was as a cashier at Home Depot. I worked at the 9th English contractors desk. The contractors would walk me through their processes so I could better By Aranza Gonzalez help them find material. Staff Writer I taught at Byrd Middle School for two Lori years. I had a magnet position, teaching US Chante and world history. Then I came to Poly. I Is reading out of style? Of course it’s taught social studies for five years, but I have not. Reading takes a certain frame of mind. Combs Calzada taught at least seven other subjects. It depends on what you are reading. Some I like teaching social studies because it’s literature is expository and some is persuasive. 9th English 10th History the only subject in school that I could always I would recommend “The Giver,” a ask “why?” and it wasn’t an unreasonable dystopian children’s novel by Lois Lowry, for By Tracy Salcido By Catherine Ramos question. th every Poly student. Staff Writer Staff Writer I enjoy the character of 10 graders. They I’m currently in the middle of “The Five” are a perfect blend of childhood charm and the by Robert McCammon, my favorite novelist. maturity of a young adult. But I also read a lot of non-fiction. I was at Sun Valley High for the last three My grandfather put me and my sisters Poly has a lot of character and there’s an I’ve been teaching 13 years years. through school. He worked as a gardener for ease in the everyday routine of things. I taught for many years at Sun Valley Mr. Jeppson emailed me, asking if I knew 40 years, owned property and once retired, When Poly went traditional, all departments Middle School as a teacher and in a anybody that would be interested in an English sold his truck and lived off $100 a month. lost staff. In order to avoid moving schools, program called Advancement Via Individual position at Poly and I told him I was. Unbeknownst to us, he had stashed away I became a dean for a year here at Poly, but Determination (AVID), a college prep I chose to come back because there are tens of thousands of dollars to put us through anyone who has met me knows, being a dean program. more collaborations between teachers and there school. Throughout my university years, any was definitely not my cup of tea, I was too I think that English teachers should spell are more opportunities for students to learn at time I did not want to go to class, I would still nice. So I opted to move to a different school well. However, I do not feel that spelling is a Poly. I like Poly’s English department teachers. go, knowing that my grandfather slaved away after being a dean for a year. measure of intelligence. They work together and focus on standards. I encourage students to talk more in class, This is my first year at Poly. I’m very I like high school because it feels like I’m compared to my early years, when I wanted excited. I love this school. working with young adults. I like to see the total control in my class. I have eased the rope My job at Poly is to help students develop growth between squirrelly 9th graders and I was born in Los Angeles but raised in and given my students more opportunities to skills for writing and reading and what they dedicated seniors. The students are funny. Lakewood California. I took 9th and 10th discuss the curriculum beyond my lecture. need to learn for the CAHSEE and other tests. Many 9th graders come to us reading below in Lakewood High School and moved to I have definitely opened up, letting my true I was born in Glendale and grew up a few grade level. It’s hard teaching 9th graders, it’s Vancouver, Washington, where I finished character shine through. Just recently, with a miles from Poly. a lot of scaffolding. I think both reading levels school. sub conscious slip of the tongue, I referred to I went to college at the University of and interests are related. If students don’t like I don’t really remember the last book I read. my classroom as home. Central Arkansas because I had family over reading, they’re not interested. I read a lot of fiction. I read two books a week I like role playing as a teaching method. I there and I wanted to see how it would go. I have always taught English, because I but never remember the title. I pick books by like giving my students opportunities to feel I lived in Arkansas for 7 years. I have a like it. I’ve taught all grades, but I really like authors. If I read a book that I like, then I go what it might have been like living during bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and teaching 9th. back to that author. different times in history. juvenile delinquency. I’ve been with LAUSD for 14 years and Or I go to this website called Goodreads. I was born in Northridge and grew up in I’m married and have a daughter who is with Poly for 11 years. Poly was actually my com and I check out reviews of books people Pacoima. My family has been in the area since 22 and a son who is 18. My married name is first teaching job. have read and if they’re good then I choose the 1920s. They were crop workers in the Farris, but I didn’t change my name when I got Before teaching, I worked in the film those books. Stetson Ranch in Sylmar and also worked the married. business for a while. I was also a waitress in Some students with laptops find books and fields in the Fillmore area. My husband and I have been operating a New York but got tired of waiting tables. reading old fashioned. They get impatient and I attended San Fernando High and tropical fish store called the Fish Cove for a I graduated from Hunter College in New skip to the back of the book to find the answer. graduated from CSUN with a history degree. year and a half now. The store had been there York with a major in English and a minor I like to read slow and through the book. I enjoy live music, museums, traveling and 20 years. The man was going to sell, so we in Education. I put myself through school I like to hike with my dogs Poppy and a competitive game of uno. asked if we could buy it. The store is at 3902 working as a waitress and with loans and Roscoe. “I love cooking,” Calzada said. “I have a Foothill Blvd in La Crescenta. scholarships. My favorite room in my house is the faux stained glass sliding door, which lets the I always tell my students I’m lucky because kitchen because I like to cook and eat. most brilliant colors stream through during they say if you do what you love, it’s not work. the brightest part of the day and the paint job reminds me of the sky’s orange glow at dusk.”

Seniors, before you procrastinate, don’t. It’s crunch time. Warman spoke to the students about applying to college. University SAT/ACT tests, college applications, scholarship essays, senior of California (UC) admissions open for ambitious applicants in October. Ready, Set, events, attendance clearances, textbook returns, etc.are all coming soon. Seniors have until November 30th to send in applications. That was the message Poly staff members, including Senior Council “The SAT and ACT are important steps to take in order to get into a sponsors Jerry Lee and Sean King, Leadership advisor Brian LeClair four-year university,” said Warman. “I have SAT/ACT fee waivers in my Go Seniors and College Counselor Leona Warman offered at the Class of 2013’s office now so don’t wait until it gets too late. I am always available with senior orientation recently. advice regarding college applications, personal statements, letters of Class of ‘13 Parrots get “We are not here to babysit you, We are here to help you get into recommendation, and financial aid.” an earful of advice at this college as a responsible adult,” said leadership advisor LeClair. Senior council sponsors Lee and King gave an overview of upcoming The orientation primarily covered the senior contract. Parrots were senior events: October 5, Senior Dinner; April 27, Prom; and May 30, year’s senior orientation. put on notice that failure to follow any of the rules specified in the Graduation Rehearsal and Ceremony. contract leads to dire consequences, including ineligibility to attend the “Our goal for this council is to provide the seniors with fun events at graduation ceremony on May 30, 2013. the lowest cost,” said King. “If you want to be a part of the decisions we By Jasmine Aquino Seniors were given a read-through of every rule on the contract to make, stop by Lee’s room 214 Thursdays during lunch.” Staff Writer ensure that every student was well aware of the seriousness of their Don’t take a moment’s rest, seniors. Get to it. actions this school year. polyhigh.org/opt.jsp The Poly Optimist Mid-September 2012 5 IDOL a Star is Born Sparks fly as junior Crystal Cruz rocks Idol.

By Yesenia Carretero Staff Writer

Why did you pick the James Brown classic?

I chose “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” because I really like the song. I like the way it fits my voice. I knew I could hit those high notes and I wanted to make a good first impression. I like listening to James Brown’s songs and that type of music. Photo by Jasmine Guevarra I already loved that song so when I found out that we had to choose a song from the 50s and 60s, I knew what song I wanted My fourth period teacher, Ms. to sing. I already knew the lyrics. The song took an hour to Heilbron, says I have a “kick butt” Brief Bio learn. voice. And all my friends say “wow Ever since I was little my parents I think back in the day, it was basically a man’s world. Crystal, I didn’t expect that!” Even Women did not have much say. Men ruled everything. So to me, made me perform at family parties in people I don’t know come up to me and front of people and sing different songs. that’s what it means. Now it’s not only a man’s world. Women tell me that I have a good voice. are a big part of our society today. I have never had any vocal training. Angie said I chose a good song and When I was little, I didn’t want vocal Ms. Show said that I kicked it out of the The audience immediately got into your performance. training because I was stubborn. But park. now I would, just to make my voice even Poly Idol was my first singing That song was such a powerful and loud song. The audience better. competition. But I was in “Rent,” I sing I teach myself how to play songs on didn’t expect me to sing that way. I was just expecting a couple for choir and I sang the national anthem of claps and . I didn’t expect that much. the piano and ask other people to teach every year for five years at a park during me songs on the guitar. I think if I taught a baseball ceremony. Your delivery was intense. Did it feel that way to you? myself I’d be able to play anything. When I was little my parents put me You sang “America the Beautiful” at Yeah it did. I always do my best when I know performing in a music class at this place where they the 9/11 ceremony and really knocked taught all these other kids because it was in front of the crowd. When I finished singing, I was shaking everybody out. because all the nerves got to me, but in a good way. I just like free. And I learned to play the accordion. I was so little and it was so huge. I still when I’m put on the spot and I know I’m performing in front of I was surprised because I wasn’t a bunch of people. I guess it brings out the best in me. have a little trophy at home. expecting that much of a reaction. I When my aunt was in high school, knew we were going to get a reaction. I The ideas in the song and the lyrics are pretty adult stuff. she did plays. My great grandpa from my just didn’t know it was going to be that dad’s side of the family was in a band big. I didn’t really think about it. I had some doubts because I from Mexico called “Los Tres Aces”. I didn’t think it was going to be as good as it turned out to be. I never met my great grandpa but my aunt Have you considered singing in a and I used to sing songs together when was having second thoughts about whether I should sing that band? song or another song. we were little. I like Amy Winehouse, Christina My parents want to put me out there, Could you feel the audience’s response when you started? Aguilera, James Brown, any artist who but I’m just not ready, so they don’t sings with soul. I have a jazzy voice, so force me to do anything. They are my I look for songs in my singing range. I I heard them at first, but then I was in my own little world. I biggest supporters. heard them but I didn’t feel them because I felt like no one was like “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James and “You Know I’m No Good” by Amy there and it helped me get through the song. At first I was shy. What are your plans once you Then I got the big response and I just got completely into it. Winehouse. graduate from Poly? Adele is one of my favorites, but I How did it feel being on the stage? listen to a lot of different singers. I love It’s between studying to become “Syrup and Honey” by Duffy, “Saving a psychologist or going into a music In the beginning, nerve wracking, but once I was half way All My Love for You” by Whitney career and following my dreams. I don’t Houston, and “Rumor Has It” by Adele. through the performance it felt good. I’m comfortable on a know which I want to do yet. stage. 6 Mid-September 2012 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp NEW POSTS East Coast Transplant Former Washingtonian Jeff Bowyer joins Poly faculty.

from LA, but it is different politically. child development because when I was reassigned By Rudy Guijarro Washington is more uptight and all business here that’s all they had to offer. Staff Writer and over here it’s more open-minded when it Child development teaches teenagers how to comes to fashion, art and politics. But I honestly raise a healthy baby from birth to10. Students Architect, photographer, teacher didn’t mind the conservativeness because I was learn about a baby’s nutritional needs and raised a good Catholic. Jeff Bowyer talks to the OPTIMIST emotional development. Teachers in Washington never dress casual. This is the first year I’m teaching child about the East Coast state of mind They wear slacks; dress shirts, just more development. But I did run a child daycare at and West Coast casual in a wide traditional clothing. Teachers here are more Evans. I hired the staff and set up guidelines for ranging discussion. California casual. They wear jeans and sneakers. the kids. I ran everything that happened in the It seems like causal Friday every day here. daycare. I came from Evans Community adult I majored in art and architecture at Cornell in My favorite subject to teach is definitely ESL, school, located in downtown LA, near LAUSD New York. I have a degree in photography and which has actually been the only subject I’ve headquarters. Evans laid off a lot of adult school I’m also a professional photographer. taught so far. My expertise is in ESL. But the ESL teachers and reassigned us to other schools. I have I interned for an architecture firm in that I was teaching was different than the one an adult credential and a teaching credential that Washington D.C but I quickly realized here. ESL is when you teach English to foreigners. allows me to teach here. Photo by Jasmine Guevara I didn’t want to do that. After I realized I didn’t I don’t know if I’ll stay at Poly. I may go Poly is a lot different from my past schools want to work in architecture, I decided to pursue back to my old school or another adult school. CLICK: Jeff Bowyer worked as a photogra- because it is a high school and all my other my dream as a photographer. I’m hoping I can go back to teaching adult school pher before joining Poly’s faculty. schools have been adult schools. So this is my first I moved to California sometime in my because that’s where my strength is. experience teaching high school kids. I did sub at 20s because of the weather and to pursue my I’ve only been teaching seven years, since Hamilton for a month. photography career. I had my own studio in 2005. I was about 43 years old. I have only taught The main difference between teaching teens Norwalk, California. I specialized in portraits. in LAUSD. “I moved to California versus adults is adults come from different I had a partner and he was taking care of the I know a bit of Spanish and French. I countries and their focus is to learn English, so business part but I guess he wasn’t the best but it actually studied French in France while I was because of the weather they’re there because they want to be there. Not was a fun experience. And now I just run a studio visiting a few years ago. because their parents are making them or because through my home but now it’s more of a hobby. I’ve been to a lot of museums in LA and to pursue my their counselors put them there. They are there The industry has changed, with digital pictures but my favorite is the Los Angeles County because they want to learn. and stuff. I do digital pictures and know how to Museum of Arts (LACMA) because of its photography career. I have taught at several other schools, use computers. I just prefer film. But as of right variety. I had my own studio, including Lincoln High and Manual Arts. now I really enjoy teaching. I try to read but not really. The last good I attended Cardozo High in Washington D.C, I got my teaching credential at California State book I read was a book on child development. specializing in portraits.” which is where I’m from. Cardozo is actually University, Dominguez Hills. I have a career I try to cook. I cook Italian food like pesto smaller than Poly, another inner-city high school technical credential so I can teach classes like or Chicken Alfredo. but more conservative than here. computer skills or child development and I chose I listen to all kinds of music from classical Washington D.C isn’t so different city-wise to R&B. I enjoy Stevie Wonder and Mozart.

The OPTIMIST spoke with outgoing yearbook advisor Michelle Elias and new yearbook advisor Chi-Sun Chang about the yearbook. Chang Gets Elias Resigns Yearbook as Advisor

By Byron Fajardo By Byron Fajardo Staff Writer Staff Writer

Poly Principal Ari Bennett has announced Michelle Elias, who took over as yearbook that Chi-Sun Chang is the new yearbook adviser four years ago, has resigned that advisor. Chang will replace Michelle Elias, postion. who will remain in an advisory capacity. Elias currently runs Parrot Connection, the “I joined yearbook because it is a great copy print center that provides service for Poly opportunity to learn something new, be and the community. Elias also teaches four involved on school activities, work with periods and is attending UCLA for her Human great students, and express creativity in the Resource Management Certification. yearbook,” said Chang. “My kids are involved in after-school Chang graduated from North Hollywood activities,” Elias said. “Balancing all my other High in 1991 and received her Bachelors in responsibilities with the Yearbook became Photo by Vanessa Aquino Business Education and Masters in Business increasingly difficult. Ms Chang will do a FOUR YEARS: Former yearbook advisor Administration (MBA) from CSUN. great job with the yearbook and bring her own Michelle Elias produced 2009-2012 editions. “I have been teaching the business class full talents to the process.” time since 1996,” Chang said. “Prior to that, I Photo by Vanessa Aquino Elias brought immediate improvement to The most difficult yearbook to produce was worked in the work experience room for three NEW POST: Yearbook editor Chi-Sun Chang. the yearbook by producing an all-color edition. 2010, Elias said. Halfway through the year, years and in the main office.” “Color tells a different story with a photo Poly canceled the yearbook contract with the Chang is also the Habit SLC coordinator, Most of this year’s yearbook staff are over black/white,” Elias said. publisher. sponsors the Habit SLC student council and seniors. Since Elias took over, the quality of the “During the winter break, I had to retain a was work experience coordinator for over 10 The purpose of the yearbook is to capture yearbook has improved in ways that will last new publisher (Walsworths Yearbooks) and years. the memories of what that school year was for many years to come. start our yearbook again,” Elias said. “That “I hope to make the yearbook as successful like, Chang said, focusing on friends, students, “The appearance has improved,” said Elias. year, all 288 pages were started and completed as Ms. Elias made it,” Chang said. “I hope to campus life, organizations, faculty, and sports. “Improvements in technology now allow us in three months.” exceed the expectation the students place on Currently, yearbook collaborates with to use different applications that also improve Producing a yearbook normally requires the yearbook.” senior council to develop a theme. appearance.” seven months to complete. The key to producing a successful yearbook “Senior council has many ideas,” Chang Elias says the biggest challenge for “We pulled off a miracle that no one could is having the students involved, Chang said. said. “We narrow it down and we work the yearbook staff have been in the sports believe,” Elias said. “Even the publisher The more work students put in on the yearbook together to pick a theme that will capture the department. thought it would be impossible. We proved to the student influence the yearbook will have. style of what their class represents.” “Most of our coaches are off campus them that anything is possible.” “I rely on my students to bring the new and Chang expects to get a good deal of advice coaches,” Elias said. “The only time we have Parrots buy about 350 books every year. fresh,” said Chang, “and what’s popular.” and counsel from Elias. available to meet with them is at the end of Elias said the 2010 edition got the most Chang said yearbook will be fair to all “I’m new and having Computer Business the day, which is when they are preparing compliments. grades and attend all major events. makes it easy,” Chang said. “Ms. Elias runs the their team. We have had various unpleasant Elias said her biggest reward over the “We want to make sure we’re there to room (Parrot Connection) and I can learn and incidents with coaches because they are doing last four years has been seeing the yearbook capture all events,” Chang said. watch her, making my life easier.” their job and we are trying to do ours.” published on time. polyhigh.org/opt.jsp The Poly Optimist Mid-September 2012 7 MEDIA The Name Game Hollywood hopefuls come west looking to change their names from plain to fame.

Part of getting famous is inspired to become an actress by watching her creating a new you. That often father at work. includes a name change. Her career skyrocketed when she won the lead role of “Miley Stewart” on Hannah Below are a few you know well Montana at the age of 11. That’s not the only by their new “fame” names, but thing that Cyrus changed. not their originals. The “Miley” comes from a nickname her parents gave her – “Smiley” – because she was always smiling. The “Ray” came from her By Tracy Salcido paternal and politician grandfather Ronald Ray Staff Writer VMAs Cyrus. After he passed away, Cyrus added his middle name to hers. Now: Tupac Shakur “I’m stoked,” Miley said after confirming Then: Lesane Parish Crooks that she had changed her real name. Lacks Born in Brooklyn NY, in 1971, American rapper and actor Shakur was 15 when he enrolled in Harlem’s 127th Street Repertory Ensemble in 1986. He played Travis Younger Drama in the play “A Raisin in the Sun” at the Apollo Theatre. At the Baltimore School of Arts, Shakur By Tracy Salcido studied jazz, poetry and ballet. He was voted Staff Writer “most popular” because of his outgoing personality. Shakur organized a concert called Only 6.1 million people watched Thurs- “Strictly Dope” and sang with Atron Gregory. day’s MTV’s VMA's this year, less than half Shakur, best known for his stage names of last year’s 12.45 million and the smallest 2Pac, Pac and Makaveli, was named after audience in six years. Now: Drake “Tupac Amaru,” a Peruvian revolutionary. The show was drama-free, and that’s not Then: Aubrey Drake Graham His mother later re-named him and used what the VMA’s are about, critics complained. his birth name with a different last name on The highlight of the show was Drake, born on 24 October 1986 in Toronto, Now: Nicki Minaj his certificate after she was charged with opening the night with "Cockiness," her new conspiracy against the U.S government and song, backed with plenty of choreography and Ontario, is the son of Jewish parents Sandi and Then: Onika Tanya Miraj Dennis Graham. His mother is an educator and a New York landmark. She didn’t want her full of energy. his father is a drummer who worked with Jerry enemies coming after her son. Emma Watson had a wild outfit with her Lee Lewis. Minaj was born Onika Tanya Miraj in Saint Shakur later on created his own group confetti blowout dress but Nicki Minaj as al- Drake attended a Jewish day school and had James, a suburb of Trinidad and Tabago’s with friends and family called Thug Life and ways had an eye- popping red and black outfit a Bar Mitzvah. His parents divorced when he capital city Port of Spain on 8 December 1982. released an album with the same name, which with yellow/blonde hair and a cop hat. was five and Drake was raised by his mother Parents Carol and Robert Miraj are accounting went gold. Comedian Kevin Hart hosted. in Toronto. They moved to the wealthy Forest clerks, gospel singers and employees at Katy Perry handed the Best Pop Video Hills when he was in the 6th grade. Drake American Express. Because of Minaj’s father award to British boy band "One Direction," attended Forest Hills Collegiate Institute, being a heavy drinker her mother one day who also won for Best New Artist. where he studied acting but did not graduate. picked her up when Minaj was five and moved Carley Rae Jepson, best known for her In high school, Drake had a friend whose to Queens, a borough of New York City. hit single "Call Me Maybe," The Wanted, a dad was an agent and got Drake a role on Minaj attended Elizabeth Blackwell British-Irish boy band who have sold three the Canadian TV show “.” Drake Middle School and specialized in music and million copies of "Glad You Came" and Frank appeared in a total of 138 episodes. performing arts at LaGuardia High School. Her Ocean ("Thinking About You") were the other Drake self- released mixtapes showed dream was to be an actress, but she never did new artist nominees he had potential as a rapper and he soon an audition because of a lack of roles and bad Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard skyrocketed to fame. Lil’ Wayne was given management. presented a jersey to Hart and got a laugh when Drake’s music from “Rap A lot” founder J Minaj uploaded a few songs on her music Hart put the jersey on.. Prince’s, son Jas Prince and immediately page on MySpace and sent a few of her songs The 5-foot-2 Hart told the 6-11 center invited Drake to go on tour with him. to people in the music industry. Dirty Money "That's funny to you? Let’s see if it’s funny When he started releasing his own songs, Entertainment CEO Fendi discovered the when Kobe don’t pass you the ball." Drake took his middle name and used it as a music, contacted Nicki and signed her to the Mac Miller and singer Miley Cyrus intro- stage name to separate his acting career from label. duced Pink, who did "Blow Me" (One Last his music career. Fendi put her on a popular DVD about Kiss). underground rappers of New York. Minaj Chris Bown picked up the Best Male Video was initially “Nicki Miraj” but Fendi made award from Best Video With a Message winner her change it to “Nicki Minaj” because of her Now: Elton John Demi Lovato and Rita Ora. nasty flow. Then: Reginald Dwight Zoe Saldana welcomed Frank Ocean, who “One of the first production deals I signed, did "Thinkin’ Bout You." the guy wanted my name to be Minaj. I fought John, 65, is the eldest child of Stanley “Celeste & Jesse Forever” stars Resheda him tooth and nail, but he convinced me. I’ve and only child of Sheila Eileen Dwight. John Jones and Andy Sandberg presented the award always hated it.” was raised and educated at Pinner Middlesex for Best Hip Hop Video, and of course the Minaj has given herself six nicknames. and educated at Pinner Wood Junior School, winner was “HYFR” by Drake ft. Lil Wayne. Reddiford School and Pinner Country Drake dedicated his award to any child that has Grammar school. ever been through anything alone. John dropped out at age 17 to pursue a UK's The Wanted and Rebel Wilson wel- music career. John’s mom had always exposed comed Nicki Minaj, who won Best Female him to the popular singers of the time such Video. One of the first as Elvis Presley and Bill Haley, though his First-timer 2 Chainz, whose debut song production deals I signed, parents were not supportive of his career. was voted #1 on the Billboard charts and Lil John started playing the piano at three, the guy wanted my name Wayne's performed together. Now: Miley Ray Cyrus “ learning songs by memory, and started Emma Watson and Ezra Miller presented to be Minaj. I fought taking formal piano classes. At 11, he won a Green Day, the group most preformed at the Then: Destiny Hope Cyrus scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. VMA's. him tooth and nail, but John’s parents divorced when he was 14 Then the cast, producer and director of the American singer- and actress he convinced me. I’ve and his mom met a local painter, who was Twilight Saga part 2 presented an exclusive Cyrus, best known for her role in the Disney always hated it. supportive of John’s career. They moved into clip from the final series for “Breaking Dawn.” Channel hit series Hannah Montana, was not an apartment where John wrote the songs that U.S Gymnastics Team Alexandra Rais- always “Little Ms. Famous.” would launch his career. man, Jordan Weiber, Kyla Ross and McKayla Miley was born in Nashville Tennessee John went on to form his own label called Maroney welcomed Alicia Keys and her new in 1992 to parents Billy Ray Cyrus and Rocket Records. By 1975, the pressures of song "Girl on Fire." Tish. In 2001 the Cyrus family moved to ” stardom began to take a toll on him. Elton, Taylor Swift closed the show. Toronto, Canada where Bill Ray was filming bulimic and addicted to alcohol and cocaine, Dirt TV's LA reporter Renee was live on the a television series called “Doc.” Cyrus was overdosed. red carpet. 8 Mid-September 2012 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp SPORTS

SOCCER Meet the Coach: Yesenia Cervantes kicks. There’s a certain way we play. Others like to go through the By Tracy Salcido New girls soccer head coach Staff Writer middle. Yesenia Cervantes sat down I graduated in 2006. I was in love with soccer. My 11th grade year recently with the OPTIMIST to was the worst year in soccer. And after I graduated I came to see the team practice. That’s when I wanted to teach a team what I had learned discuss tryouts and coaching. with other coaches. Here’s what she told us. I began working at Ross and later at Macy’s. After that I started coaching four girls and four teams in an outside league. I started as an assistant with Coach Miller in 2009, so I’ve been Tryouts & Practices coaching for 4 seasons. During tryouts, I’m looking for somebody who’s willing to learn and isn’t afraid to face big challenges and someone who’s committed. The bio We need 18 in Varsity and 20 in I attended Poly and later Valley College. I played soccer at Valley for JV. We had 50 show up for tryouts. a year. I’m taking an online course from Ohio State. We tryout the girls by putting My dad played soccer when he was younger but he messed up both them into three groups. Then we his knees and ankles and never played again. My dad inspired me. work with them individually with I work a night shift and there’s nothing that I do outside of soccer. techniques. We make the girls run My hobby is soccer. a couple of laps to see who’s in shape or to see who has potential. The game Practice starts on November 7 The ball is size 5. Some balls are made out of air and plastic. Those or 8th. Our first game is November are hard. Other are rubber. 28. The field is 115 yards by 74 yards. And the goals are 8 yard by 8 feet Our practice starts with There are 20 players on the team but only 11 are on the field because dividing the girls into two groups of the size of our field. for warm ups and then making A match lasts 40 minutes with 2 halftimes and one 15-minute break. them run to see what skills they JV plays a 25-minute match and takes a 10-minute break. have. And I can determine if we’re Soccer is about both speed and strength. You need speed to outrun going to be good by seeing the first your opponent but you also need strength to keep opponents from game. The first game shows how good we are and if we mess up then pushing you down. the team can always fix it in practices. Skinny girls are kind of at a disadvantage because they’re small and tall girls tend to push them around. Some small girls are strong. But Coaching what you weigh doesn’t matter. Anybody can play as long as you have Photo by Daniel Castro The hardest thing about coaching is getting the girls to get along. dedication and you’re committed. #3 SINGLES: Poly’s Jessica Gonzalez. They see each other during school but don’t talk to each other. The main Soccer can be dangerous because anything can happen. You can jump thing is trusting your teammates. and twist your ankle. We had a girl injured at an Arleta game last year. Our main rule is respect, so at the beginning of the season I tell them Her knee popped out after getting kicked by an Arleta player and she I’m not their babysitter. If they misbehave, I send them home or make was out. Back- them run a couple of laps. Girls play because they love soccer. They love meeting new people. I motivate my team by giving them inspirational speeches before Our number one rule that I show the girls is to improve yourself. every game and tell them they can accomplish anything. The only difference between boys soccer and girls soccer is body We coach the girls on passing the ball, stopping, changing players. parts. Girls are fast and strong. Girls can do almost anything a boy can. To- The strategies are kind of running around. In a way, everyone does their Last year, Poly won three, lost six and tied five matches. Varsity’s last own thing, but it’s always different. We like to do what we call corner game was a 5-0 win over Sun Valley High. Back Loza Holds San Fernando High Bagels Tryouts Coach says The OPTIMIST recently spoke Blanks Parrots 42-0 with veteran head coach Rafael Thirty-five point Tiger halftime lead leaves team improving Loza to see how soccer tryouts were going. He filled us in. Poly’s offense little time to get on scoreboard. despite four

responsibility so we score in the red zone.” By Alfredo Quezada straight losses. By Felicia Rodriguez The Parrot defense also shut down San Staff Writer Staff Writer Fernando at the 9. “Our defense is starting to come around By Jasmine Guevarra Staff Writer How many players showed up for The Tigers scored early and often in Fri- in terms of doing every responsibility more tryouts? day’s visit to Poly, blanking the Parrots 42-0. consistent,” Pierro said. “That brought about a The loss was Poly’s third of the season. change in terms of stopping them offensively.” Poly’s Varsity Tennis girls suffered their I have about 30 to 35 athletes so far and I’m San Fernando’s offense was led by junior A double reverse on the first play of scrim- fourth defeat of the seasons at the hands of going to carry about 45 players so I need about quarterback Cris Solano and senior halfback mage after the turnover got Poly into Tiger visiting Verdugo Hills on Thursday, one day 10 to 15 more. Daemon Thompson. territory, but the drive ended with two sacks after another 7-0 loss, this time to Marshall “We made Solano look like a high school of Poly’s much-pressured quarterback Erick “I was so impressed with how the girls What do you look for during tryouts? All American,” said Poly head coach Joe Pier- Manriquez. competed,” said head coach Even Rabins. ro, “because we didn’t get any pressure upfront “It was a breakdown in communication,” “I cannot tell you how happy I am and how The first thing – do you know how to touch a from our hogs, just from defensive line.” Pierro said. “The turnover was a momentum- encouraged.” ball? Are you quick? Can you pass the ball? Thompson caught two touchdown passes killer. We weren’t able to execute our blocks. It Scores for singles, in order, were Angelica from Solano. comes out of a responsibility so it all goes back Gutierrez (2), Rosette Limbo (5), Jessica How does a tryout work? “Daemon Thompson broke a lot of tackles,” to the same thing.” Gonzales (2) and Jade Lim (3). said Pierro. “He was a good guy, definitely San Fernando’s second squad got them one Scores for doubles, in order, were Pia Ros We have 10 tryout days but this year it has good, and they got a good team. They are well more TD early in the fourth to give the visitors and Shelly Ocampo (6), Adriana De LA Cruz been difficult because they must have their coached, but it’s still no excuse for giving up their final 42-0 margin. and Alexandra Morales (6) and Maria De La physical turned in before they tryout. that many yards to Daemon Thompson.” Poly’s quarterbacks (Robert Rojas also Rosa and Hannah Almonte (2) A lot of students couldn’t tryout in the San Fernando had a 14-point first quarter played) threw 21 incomplete passes and Man- “It was 97 degrees out there,” said Rabins, beginning and now they are trying out and it and a 21-point second, while Poly repeatedly riquez was sacked five times. “but the girls were really busting their tails and makes it more difficult for me because I cut gave up the ball on downs. The halftime result “He hesitated on where to throw the ball some of them fought through health issues.” students and I think I’m concentrating on better was a 35-0 Tiger lead. and kept looking around to see who was open Marshall feasted on Poly’s squad, winning quality players and I get players that don’t The third quarter was better, with Poly in for the pass,” Pierro said. all but one game (#4 Jade Lim) through four have as much quality. the Tiger red zone once. But the Parrot offense Poly (0-3) next travels to Hamilton (1-1 singles matches. At the beginning I try drills, like dribbling sputtered. Western League), while San Fernando (2-0 Rabins noted that Marshall’s top two the ball, running with the ball, long passes, “Anytime you get to the red zone, you have Valley Mission League) will host Grant (0-2), singles players are ranked, privately coached doing a wall play, to see how well they to finish the drive,” said Pierro. “That comes recent victims of a 56-0 thrashing from Bir- and playing tournaments. respond. Then a short game to see how their down to discipline and execution. Do your mingham. Poly (0-4) travels to Monroe for a match on short passes are and how they can maneuver. Thursday, September 20. Lastly, an open field game to see how they actually know a game of soccer.