Volume 6, Issue 4 Modesto High School April 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 Mock Trial 6 College Scandal 7 Winds

Hall of Fame 8 10Leadership

Cinderella 12 Apri l Iss u e 14 Speech and Debate Objection, Your Honor!

“You deserve to die. I’m going to get you for this, mance to either watch or be a part of. This year, the just you wait. I hate you. When you’re dead no one will team was 4-2, placing 3rd overall. Mock Trialers, as even miss you, you monstrous slime of a person. You they are known, receive the case packet in either think you can stick me with a $34,000 lawsuit and just late September or early October. From then on, get away with it? Watch your back, Sawyer. I’m coming the team starts to develop their cases, anxiously for you.” This comment was made by the defendant awaiting competition in early February. The team on social media after being fired from her job after practices two times a week, either Monday/Thursday her former best friend revealed a deep secret that or Tuesday/Thursday from 5:30pm to 7:00pm, some- existed between the two. times even later into the night as the competition The 2018-19 mock trial case revolved around approaches. The team even practiced during winter this comment made by the defendant Reagan Klein break and on the weekends to ensure they are pre- on the made-up social media platform account, pared for competition. They are a dedicated bunch NowPic. Klein was charged on two counts: mak- who work hard, and this season was no exception. ing a criminal threat on NowPic and a false report It has been a long season, but it is over for the of an emergency. Like in any other case, the MoHi Modesto High mock trialers who were disappointed prosecution and defense must make an argument about placing 3rd but are glad to have done well. to either defend Klein or try to convict a potential Thavie Keary, a senior who has been part of the team criminal. for the last three years stated, “We started so strong, Modesto High’s Mock Trial team performed and from there it was a fall from grace. But in the excellent this year, as usual. It was a stellar perfor- words of Mitchell, ‘Take it as a learning experience!’” Nevertheless, it was a strong performance for the plore what the career might be like while I’m still in team and despite the loss, most mock trialers are high school.” Mock trial does offer a perfect opportu- optimistic about the next season. However, there are nity for those seeking to gain experience with court things that the team needs to work on. proceeding and the ins and outs of the legal system. Keary says, “I wish we, as a whole, could calm ourselves down for that last trial. We were off our game because we knew that our last trial was crucial, and we were so focused on not messing up that we definitely messed up.” The pressure was mounting as the last trial approached, and it is understandable that it would affect the team. Senior Jack Ford, a proficient prosecution at- torney, says, “I would have liked to spend more time training the new attorneys and witness- es outside of practice, but with every- thing else going on, I regrettably didn’t have the time to do so. Nonethe- less, I’m proud of the way the new members of the mock trial family preformed in competition.” Doing things outside of the normal practices are important for preparing for the trial. The devotion to mock trial is what drives the team, but things such as prior com- mitments and school work, can become a problem for practices. But nevertheless, the team did well. Mock trial is very time consuming, so what compels people to join? Ford says, “I’ve always been a fan of the law (being the son of two law school graduates), and mock trial seemed like a fun way to explore such an interesting field in high school.” This For high schoolers who do not have the opportunity interest in law is present in other members of the to get internships with law firms can participate in team. mock trial to receive exposure to the American legal Anna Rinne, a senior, says, “I joined mock trial system and see if it is a career for them. because I am interested in law and I wanted to ex- Others join the team for other reasons. Brean- na Donnelly, a junior, joined, “…mock trial because will be moving on to the state competition. At the it seemed like an amazing opportunity for public championship trial, there is also an award ceremony. speaking.” This is her first year on the team and she All the teams in the county present awards for the states, “I feel the overall season was fantastic. It was best prosecution witness and attorney, best defense my first year ever in mock trial and I believed it went witness and attorney, and the best pretrial attorney. so much better that I expected and the whole team There are also two other awards: the Ryan Dickerson was absolutely amazing.” Mock trial revolves around Award for Excellence and the Spirit of Mock Trials many things: law, being able to present the law to an scholarship award. Jack Ford received the title of best prosecution attorney. Alex Phaing, who has been part of the team for four years, received the ti- tle of best defense attorney and was a finalist for the Ryan Dickerson Award. Kyle Kresse, who has been a part of the team for three years and is now a senior, received the title for best pretrial attorney. Thavie Keary received the title of best defense witness. Jessica DeLira received the title of best prosecution

witness and was the recipient of the Spirit of Mock Trials scholarship award. Congratulations to these outstanding members of the MHS mock trial team. After this year, many members will be leaving because they are seniors. After 4 years of being on the team, Ford says, “I would say mock trial is defi- nitely worth it. The skills and information you learn from it are invaluable not just for those looking into audience, usually a judge for an attorney and the rest a legal profession, but for everyone who wants to of the people for witnesses, collaboration and most be a well-rounded individual. Beyond that, you will importantly, having fun. Many people exit the mock never forget the people you meet through mock trial program with confidence in their public speak- trial. I met some of my best school friends through ing abilities, which can be utilized in many aspects of the club, and even some people from other schools either their school or private lives. through the competition. It is a truly unique experi- Despite the loss this season, the team is still ence, and (if you have the time) I can’t recommend it happy with the outcome. Turlock and Beyer went enough.” Story by Alex Phaing to the championship trial, where Beyer won and Pictures provided by Scott Mitchell Cheating and Bribes Within College Admissions By Gina Pallios and Angelina Niave

leges, parents also bribed coaches and administrators to save a slot for their child. Students were admitted with the notion that they were star athletes when in fact they had never played the sport in their lives. To “prove” that they were indeed star players, parents would either have their children take fake photos with sports equipment or Photoshop their faces onto oth- er athletes’ bodies. When asked how she felt about the scandal, Senior Belen Solis said, “I feel like it is a bit stupid. They go through all of this extra work Many of America’s wealthiest parents were and spend more money than necessary. That money charged with fraud in an elaborate scheme to cheat and could be used to help students study for the exams and bribe their children into America’s top universities this prepare for college on their own.” According to re- month. These parents abused the admissions system ports, those accused went to extreme lengths to secure by using a “side door” allegedly created by William a spot for their children. Actress Lori Loughlin (also “Rick” Singer, a consultant of a college counseling known as Aunt Becky from Full House) is said to have company. More than 50 people have been arrested by paid $500,000 to get her two children admitted into the FBI regarding the investigation dubbed “Operation the University of Southern California. Parents paid Varsity Blues” by officials. Thirty-three of them are roughly between $15,000 to $75,000 just for higher test parents, nine are athletic coaches, two are SAT/ACT scores alone and significantly higher bribes to coaches administrators, one is an exam proctor, and another is to “save a spot on the team” for their child. Rudolph a college administrator. Meredith, a Yale soccer coach is said to have been caught receiving a $450,000 bribe from a parent last So what exactly happened? April.

Singer advised different methods to boost After this and previous SAT scandals from last student’s standardized testing scores: 1) Some used a year, many students at Modesto High are upset. Elijah, stand-in to take their tests for them. Students were di- a senior, said, “I think it’s horrible. It’s really unfair rected to take a test in a school that Singer “controlled” because there are kids who come up from troubled and a proctor was paid to help the students write in the beginnings and they work hard their whole lives just correct answers. 2) In other cases, proctors would sim- to get knocked down by someone who had it paid for ply change false answers to the correct ones. 3) Parents them to get in.” Elijah is one of many seniors this year were also advised to find “the right” psychologist in hoping to attend university this fall that are upset at order to claim their child had a learning disorder so the developing situation. As he said, there are so many they could obtain extra time in standardized testing. students nationwide who work very hard academically In response to this, senior Carter Neumann said, “It but don’t have the financial backing that many of the is unfair to two groups: students with real disabilities accused are fortunate enough to have. For some, this is and students who actually worked to get into college. a shocking and disappointing glimpse into our soci- Students with legitimate disabilities are and ought to ety while others say they aren’t surprised at all. be given extra time, however when someone pretends College admissions should be decided upon individual to have a disability, they unfairly raise the bar for those achievements of students who have worked hard to get who have legitimate disabilities.” where they are. Cheating and throwing money around shouldn’t be the message we send to future generations To secure their spots in these prestigious col- as the way to get what you want. Operation Barbarossa By Derek Tang

February 2 was a rather unfortunate and dreary day for a Winter Winds competition - the rain was the least of the program’s problems. Two color guard members had come down with a fever and were sent to the ER, one member had a knee injury, and another had to quit the program for a total of four absent members. As a result, some parts of the drill/marching patterns which students had spent a week (i.e. approximately 9 hours within two prac- tices) on learning, had to be changed to accommo- date the lack of members just hours before the show. One of the few remaining color guard members and instrumentalist, Samantha Smith, commented, “We should have canceled the show. It seemed like the odds were stacked against us.” Nevertheless, Freshman Alexander Cibrian holding a Mellophone and the instructors and students followed through with a Trumpet; Winter Wind’s best hornplayer despite first

Modesto High Winter Winds Modesto High Winter the performance ignoring the bad omens that day. learning both instruments just this year.

As expected, Modesto High placed 2nd (out of 2 participating schools) with a total score of 63.65. Enoch’s beat Modesto in all three categories (i.e. overall effect, music, and visual) and ended with a total of 71.1 points (there is no specified maximum score); they were strongest in ‘overall effect’ earning 4 more points over Modesto. Furthermore, Modesto High experienced some technical difficulties regard- ing the percussion equipment during the show. The mallet station was accidentally switched to the ‘Ban- jo’ setting, and the keyboard/piano was ‘soundless’ due to being left unplugged. Surprisingly, there was only a 1 point difference in the ‘music’ category be- tween both competitors despite the blunder. Those students are now being called “Banjo” and “Unplug” to commemorate their mistakes. Jaymes Stuart, who plays saxophone in the hornline, shared that “Win- ter Winds keeps [him] up at night contemplating Hornline players taking a break during practice in the Choir Room. life [or death].” Suffice to say, many of the students were so dissatisfied with the program’s successes that three instrumentalists quit the program the fol- lowing week. Nonetheless, the Winter Winds season ends on March 30, the day of the championships.

Modesto High School Winter Winds may have another shot at redemption...

Hallowed Halls by Shelby Benz

of hot-rod cars, a veterinary researcher, a Broadway Modesto High School - performer, veterans, and athletic luminaries. 136 years of history - ancient buildings, shared lockers, small bathroom stalls, faded murals, and yet, a hall of stars. As posted on the Modesto high School website, “As one can see, there have been many who have Despite structural shortcomings, Modesto High is a made a significant impact worldwide with roots at school of traditions, eminent with its colonial pillars, Modesto High School. The goal of the MHS Hall of rich history and culture. It is a place where students Fame is to create a community awareness of the ac- share lockers and write little notes to each other, complishments of these individuals and to publicly communally and nostalgically longing over the thank them for their contributions.” textbooks we once had to carry to class before going digital. The Hall of Fame Committee is made up of former students, current, and former teachers, and classified People walk together in huddles, sharing little mo- staff members. The committee attempts to induct ments together between classes while crossing the new members every 5-10 years; the first group being street. It is also the type of school that helps foster inducted in 1983 during Modesto High School’s cen- the passions of future world-changers and builders, tennial celebration. who have gone on to further impact communities and prospective industries. “The Hall of Fame Ceremony this year was a huge success,” said Mr. Mitchell, photography teacher at On February 23, Modesto High inducted seven Modesto High, and member of the committee that more people into its extensive and impressive Hall has the responsibility of researching and selecting of Fame, including a Hollywood director, a creator the recipients of the Hall of Fame titles. During his time at Modesto High, Jarvis also played baseball, basketball and track and field.

“All of the inductees were pretty amazing,” said Mr. Mitchell. “My favorite though was Richard L. Bare.” Richard Bare is most commonly known for directing almost every episode of the TV series Green Acres, but he also discovered actor James Garner and di- rected 6 episodes of the original Twilight Zone.

Dr. Tony Buffington has dedicated his life to improv- ing the lives of cats. His research, published in more than 120 scientific papers, 30 book chapters, and 3 books, has documented the effects of environmental stressors on disease in cats, and the role of effective environmental enrichment in mitigating these to facilitate recovery, according to The Conscious Cat. Jeremy Stolle is a cast member of Broadway’s The Iconic characters, Oliver and Lisa Douglas, of Green Acres, Phantom of the Opera. Another Hall of Fame induct- produced by Richard Bare. ee, Gene Winfield, designed dozens of cars for film and television and is still making “I think this whole process is custom cars well into his 90’s. really important and the Joseph DeWees was a radioman “...the recognition of these recognition of these people and from 1944 to 1946 and toiled in people and their accomplishments their accomplishments says a the successful invasion of the lot about Modesto High. We island, Cebu, in the Philippines. says a lot about Modesto High. We have remarkable students and have remarkable students and traditions and there really is no Another inductee, Don Adams, traditions and there really is no other school like ours. The was East Coast boxing champi- Modesto High School commu- on for the Army and qualified other school like ours.” nity has, in many ways, been as a middleweight for the 1960 shaped by the people who have Olympics until being injured in a taught and learned here. I think it is vital to our team air plane crash. He earned his master’s degree continued success to recognize and remember those in education at Cal Poly and returned to Modesto who came before us.” High as a teacher. Dick Jarvis, was a member of the Class of 1947 and played halfback and linebacker 136 years of history - and Modesto High has helped on the Modesto High football team, which won the build a network of people who help make the world Northern California Championships in 1944 and a better place with their artistry and passion. 1945.

Program Spotlight ASB / Leadership

When walking around school, you may have noticed the theme walls and elaborate dec- orations, especially during homecoming. The leadership students are the masterminds Leadership class of 2018-2019 behind these creative and unique displays. From making hand-made posters to plan- ning campus activities, the leadership classes sometimes come together and work on certain do many things for the school such as pro- events but “They [ASB leadership] have certain viding opportunities to show school spirit things they’re responsible for [and] we [lead- and to participate in and out of school. ership development] have certain things we’re responsible for” as stated by Mr. Taylor. There are two leadership classes on our campus: Leadership Development, taught As a person who listens to everyone’s opinion by Mr. Taylor and ASB Leadership, taught and helps them out in any way that she can, by Ms. Harris. Leadership Development is a Annette Nuno, a junior, just recently joined class for students who want opportunities to leadership development at the beginning of gain more confidence in themselves, learn the school year. She heard about leadership her to interact with different people, and to help sophomore year and “enjoys the new and fun them become leaders on campus. ASB lead- experience” that she is getting. She gives us an ership class is similar but also conducts stu- insight of what a daily leadership development dent government business. Both classes do class looks like which is “everyone [leadership development students] coming up with activ- ities and planning things out.” When collab- orating with other students, she believes that, “It’s a bit difficult because they don’t actually engage with the conversations or whatever is happening at the moment.” She lets them know that their way of thinking is fine and that no one will judge them. Coming from a small school, Ugochi Annune, a junior, has always displayed leadership qual- ities. She joined leadership her freshman year and didn’t expect all the things they do now but said, “It’s a lot of fun.” From coming up with ideas to helping out with school events, “I try to do things that I would feel [is] beneficial to the school and students as a whole.” She be- lieves that every person is different and when collaborating with her peers, “We figure out what our strengths and weaknesses are and we use that to support each other and just to help each other grow as leaders.” The one big thing that she learned in leadership is, “How to work with different people you’re not really use to.” Her advice to newcomers would be “Don’t be afraid to meet other students and have an open mind.”

Throughout much hard work and dedication, must be open-minded, passionate about mak- we can say that the leadership classes are very ing a difference, and determined to turn ideas important and should be recognized. into plans. “My goal is to make sure we have students on all the spectrum in here,” said Ms. They are not just responsible for homecom- Harris. “There’s a leader in everyone.” ing, spirit week, and prom, but each individual class is responsible for specific events such as the blood drive, formal, winter extravaganza, By Sabrina Mean etc. Everybody has different, unique person- alities, but if you want to join leadership, you

Leadership students A New Cinderella by Jasmine Lopez and Lauren Byerly

This year’s rendition of Cinderella sional character. was not your average fairytale. This time, One major element which added re- Cinderella picked up the shoe she lost on alism to the play was the character of Ga- the staircase and asserted herself, lobbying brielle. One of the traditionally evil step-sis- to the prince ters, she was transformed into a nicer, more on the behalf compassionate character. She becomes a of the people. revolutionary over the course of the play This feminist and eventually is engaged to a man who rendition of shares her revolutionary ideas. This was the play doesn’t very controversial for the time and angered subscribe to the her mother, who did not want her to marry damsel in dis- a man so far below her upper-middle class tress as the Cin- status. Shelby Benz, who played Gabrielle, derella narra- reflected that she found the changes made tive was told to to her character to be meaningful because us as children; “It introduced a character that had the ca- this new per- pacity to empathize with Cinderella and as- spective made sist her in achieving her dreams.” Gabrielle Cinderella into not only added a compassionate dimension a three-dimen- to the play but also helped add more real- ism to Cinder- ing his own decisions rather than leaving ella’s journey. them up to his regent, Sebastian. This also She assists her adds dimension to his character and makes in attending the play more realistic, turning the original more events idyllic fairytale world of Cinderella into thrown by the a more realistic world filled with political prince and strife. supports her The prince’s lord regent was played by efforts to re- Jack Ford, who found that his favorite part connect with of participating in the play was “working the prince after on putting the music and blocking together the first ball. on stage. Working on music alone can be Benz reflected, “In this specific rendition rough, but when you see it start to blend to- of the play Cinderella is not only a princess gether with the actual physical performance but also a symbol of hope on stage, you get this sense and overcoming challenges in of accomplishment knowing one’s life. In that way, Gabri- that you learned not only elle is a fundamental part in some lines in a script, but assuring that she achieves her music and dance to go along dreams.” t o o.” Some characters did Jack Ford, while remi- remain the same, which kept niscing about the play, said the Cinderella story recogniz- “I think it’s always good to able. For example, Madame, revisit timeless stories and the evil stepmother, was just see them from new per- as horrible to Cinderella in spectives. By taking a story this rendition of the story everyone knows, breaking as in the original. However, down what makes it so uni- playing a character which remained un- versal, then applying changed didn’t hamper Iraya Cress, who that to a more mod- played Madame. “My character was very ern re-imagining, fun to play because it was so far out of my we can relate to the comfort zone. Madame, even though she’s story a little bit better fun to play, is a character that required a and understand what lot of energy. I was definitely tired out after makes it relevant every show”. today, and I think this Lastly, the prince is re-imagined as an script did a great job orphaned monarch with an evil lord regent. of that.” He develops over the course of the play and comes into his own, taking power and mak- Modesto High Students Excel at Speech and Debate

Recently, the Yosemite Forensic Speech and stantly improving your speech from the beginning Debate League hosted their State Qualifier Competi- of the year, trying to tweak it more and more, and tion, where participants throughout the league com- finally see it be successful and qualifying for State is peted for the opportunity to attend and compete in really gratifying.” the California State Speech and Debate Competition. With the high level of competition at the The state-wide competition invites a variety of well- state tournament, even the best of the best struggle qualified speakers and debaters from throughout to place. Despite this, attending this tournament is a California to compete for various awards. According precious opportunity that has the ability to improve to Ms. McDonald, the speech and debate teacher, a speaker through trial and error. Michael Thompson “The purpose of the tournament was to distinguish commented, “I feel like when you go against people the top students from our league which runs from who are also at such a high level and you see them schools in Mountain House to Stockton to Lodi, and improve their speech, you can learn how you can all the way to schools in Merced.” In the State Qualifi- improve yours. I also feel like even throughout the er, Modesto High School performed extremely well, rounds without practicing, but just watching others with a total of six students continuing to the state that have improved a lot, you can improve yourself competition. as well.” When speaking on his experience from the Still, at the state qualifier, many MoHi stu- State Qualifier Tournament, Darshaun Vijaykumar dents excelled in their rounds, inspiring hope for said, “At state qualifiers, I feel that the fact of con- the state tournament. Ms. McDonald elaborated on their performances, as she explained, “I thought prepared and they’ve gone to many more invitation- they performed very well. We had a lot of students al tournaments than we have. I think being able to who were finalists, even if they didn’t win the spot see one of the best regions in the nation compete at to state, which really pleased me, especially con- this level is going to really help us improve, especial- sidering that we have a young team with only one ly if we have the opportunity to go to nationals.” senior going to state. The majority of our students Michael Thompson also expressed, “I think the are juniors and sophomores, with a few freshmen.” opportunity to go to State, not necessarily to win in Senior Margaret Peterson was one of the state, but to look at people who are at a higher level few students who qualified in the event, Impromp- or even at a national or international level compared tu. She shared her opinion of her experience as to you… I feel like witnessing those types of speech- she recounted, “In a lot of events that you’re not es really helps to improve yourself.” preparing much ahead of time, they’re typically Modesto High’s speech and debate has male dominant. So there were three rounds at state definitely improved, as two students, Rachel Thomp- quals where I went in and two of the three judges son and Ibrahim Dagher, have recently qualified to were men and every other competitor in the room attend the National competition was a guy. So that, especially last year, used to to- Overall, Modesto High’s Speech and Debate tally throw me off... But then I realized that I actually team was extremely successful in the recent State do better in those rooms, so I feel like just getting Qualifier Speech and Debate Tournament. Many used to the environment that I’m speaking in and students successfully qualified to State and are making my speeches my own rather than trying to currently preparing for their upcoming tournament. match everybody else’s made me a better speaker Despite the advanced competition they face at State, and distinguishes me from the other kids compet- Modesto High School students are extremely well ing.” prepared to compete and still hope to learn how to Considering how competitive the State improve themselves while competing at the tourna- Competition will be, Modesto High’s attendees ment. must extensively practice and prepare for their speech or debate. In terms of his preparation, Ibra- him Dagher said, “The biggest thing to look for- ward to, especially because of my experience in it last year, is going against the kids from the Bay Area and Southern California. They’re obviously very well Your ad

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