INSIDE: Post--Prom Awkwardness? (see page 3) ServingBehind the Archbishop Mitty the Community Scenes: SeniorVolume 19 Number Hill 5 May 2010

Mitty seniors take advantage of their senior status as they bask in the sunlight on top of Senior Hill. By Hannah Moeller Associate Principal Mr. Robinson. Senior Hill was born. (but with no drugs and more bathing). Seniors would camp Staff Writer Though seniors were the dominant presence on the out on the hill for one night and bond together, enjoying The large mound of earth and sod at the center of the hill, there was never an effort to intimidate and exclude each other’s company. This helped created a strong sense Mitty campus has seen its fair share of epic events—like members from the other Monarch classes. According of unity in classes and a deep fondness for the communal being staged as Pride Rock for the senior Monarch Mad- to Mr. Robinson, there has never been a case of seniors and peaceful symbolism of the hill that still exists today. ness reveal—but to many students, Senior Hill is simply a barring any student from spending time on the hill nor Current senior Vijay Mohan elaborated on this spe- mainstay of school social life. Any school day after about outward displays that other classes were unwelcome. He cial meaning, “Senior Hill in an environment of relaxation 11 a.m., if the sun’s rays are strong enough to dry the dew explained, “Mitty has never had any kind of exclusive or and enjoyment. It allows us seniors to indulge the carefree on the grass and warm any cool breezes, students can be hazing culture. It is a very inclusive place.” leisure we all have earned from our years of hard work at seen sprawled across the hill. They might lazily bask in the Possibly, the location of the hill has led to its overarch- Mitty. It also has a strong culture of general acceptance.” light like overgrown iguanas and converse with friends, or ing attitude of acceptance. Almost all of Mitty’s classroom Junior Kimberley Lowell agreed, “It’s a place to practice their art of stealth with a spirited game of ninja. buildings surround Senior Hill and, as a result, students of congregate and relax. It’s a unifying place on campus.” Archbishop Mitty’s landscape was not always graced all ages must walk through and pass the hill several times Often, juniors can be seen spending time on the hill along- with the grassy curves it sports today. For the majority of a day going from class to class. side the seniors. its lifetime, Mitty’s campus had only a large, fl at, grassy In turn, all students see and experience the hill daily However, freshmen, new to the Mitty community, plain at its center. It wasn’t until 1994, when the 500 wing in at least a small way. It is in the center of the crossroads may be intimidated by the seniors’ presence at the hill. was built, that Senior Hill was born. The part of campus of Mitty and not in some alienated corner to where seniors Freshman Eddie Nazaradeh explained, “If no one’s on that the building inhabits today was once sloped laterally. can evade the rest of the school. Because Senior Hill is the hill I can be there, but I’m kind of scared to go there if Construction workers were required to fl atten the area located at the physical heart of campus, it exudes the heart seniors are there.” To counteract any sense of segregation, in order for a stable structure to be built, and removed a of Mitty’s community-centered culture. Additionally, its Mitty has many school-wide events on Senior Hill, such signifi cant amount of earth to do so. proximity to Campus Ministry and Student Activities, as the Mass of the Holy Spirit and seating for Jazz on the Additionally, the soil beneath a portion of the future both also inclusive environments, may have infl uenced Green, which draw all members of the Mitty community classrooms was too runny to serve as a foundation. This this result. Mr. Robinson explains, “Culture follows form. to the beloved location. also had to be removed. What resulted was a large amount The form was there, so culture took over.” From its humble beginnings as a pile of rejected of displaced dirt that school administrators needed to fi nd Though all members of the Mitty community are soil from under the 500 wing, Senior Hill has become an a home for. Instead of paying a large sum of money to welcome at the hill, the site has always been particularly integral symbol of the Mitty community. The students of remove the soil from campus, they created a hill at the special to seniors. Senior Hill is central to the identity of all grades who congregate there daily can all share in an center of campus surrounded by the new buildings. the senior class—a portion of their graduation ceremony experience of warm, sunny bliss and mellow acceptance. Once the sod had set, senior students moved in and even takes place on the hill. Still, the hill’s title is apt—from chilling out after transformed the hill into a relaxing hang-out. Before long, The connection that seniors have to the hill goes back school to participating in the last mass as a high school they were bringing beach chairs and umbrellas to enhance to its earliest years of existence, when the students created community, Senior Hill has punctuated every important the scene. “It became a sort of senior beach club,” explains a “senior-stock” event, a peaceful spin-off of Woodstock aspect of student life for senior classes since its creation. It’s Utterly Robo-tastic! By Lucas Bolster ompetitions. The award Contributing Writer eam that has developed Dribbling down the left-hand side, Brandi goes in for a shot and puts it in the top an impressive, comprehensive busi- right corner of the net! GOOOOOAL! king the Sacramento Do not be mistaken—this is not Brandi Chastain, the Mitty Alumna and renowned bly rewarding for Olympic and World Cup soccer player. It’s Brandi, Mitty Robotics’s soccer-playing, team, they award-winning robot (named after Brandi Chastain, of course) this year. home With their robot Brandi, Mitty Robotics kicked, guarded, and scored their way to ward for success in their soccer-like competition, “Breakaway.” Ms. Chastain attended the fi nal the fi ver. afternoon of the Silicon Valley Regional, getting to know the team and cheering them on. Certainly, Mitty Robotics concluded their 2010 FIRST Robotics competition season in March Mitty Robot- as quarter-fi nalists at both the Silicon Valley Regional and the Sacramento Regional. ics will only Nabbing three awards along the way, the team had one of their most successful seasons. grow The robotics team has won the Kleiner Perkins Caufi eld & Byers Entrepreneur- r in ship Award three times before, but this was the fi rst year that they earned the award at the years to come.me. OPINIONS Opposing Viewpoints: Greek Life

MY BIG FAT GREEK FAMILY NOTHING BUT A SCHOOLYARD PICK By Kim Tran cracking down on sorority and fraternity By Kyle Kubo where else. The problem here is not limited Staff Writer pledging processes. Staff Writer to high levels of meanhouse gases popping Most sororities and fraternities, how- caps in the hellozone layer; to pass such For many, the mention of “Greek Life” ever, do not engage in the media-broadcasted The long-overdue resurgence of the fl ippant judgments is logistically foolhardy, evokes a picture of unpleasant, preconceived dangerous activities. According to Arch- toga in the wardrobes of people who are for who among us has not had the occasional notions created by ongoing stereotypes. bishop Mitty alum Julia Brewka, member of neither maladjusted time-travelers, wait- moment of being ostracized? Last year this With the bad rep sororities and fraternities Tri Gamma at USF, “the pledging process… staff at a kitschy Greek eatery, or guests reporter accidentally kicked a stranger’s have been given over the years, the idea of all of the secret details and events defi nitely at an aristocratic theme party. The equally small child and then, through a case of rushing seems unappealing. Fraternities of- brought all of us girls closer together. Every- anticipated return of non-aristocratic theme mistaken identity, allowed innocent Mitty ten conjure an image of immoral, obnoxious, thing that we went through and learned, we parties. Popped collars. Beirut. The Bro senior Bryce Bajar to take the blame. Am beer-guzzling cavemen, while their sorority did it together and it created that sisterhood Code. The lesser known but equally le- I to be ostracized until the end of days for counterparts are deemed as self-absorbed, bond that being a Greek is all about. I see gitimate Sis Magna Carta. With such a this? I think I’ve made my point. ditzes who can’t tell the difference between these girls being in my life for a long time. kaleidoscopic mishmash of societal pillars Now comes the time to address the bull Edward Cullen and our very own Joey We’re like a family.” so staunchly rooted in the party-hearty elephant in the china room: hazing. To say Malysz. People tend to bypass the corny, yet mythos of American Greek Life (not to be that hazing’s strict illegality has plucked it Let’s take a step back and get informed. fundamental and primary reason that sorori- confused with Greek-American life, which from the collegiate lexicon or even greatly While my level of wittiness is no rival to that ties and fraternities are created for in the fi rst on the whole involves decidedly fewer keg dampened its spirit would be a regrettably of Kyle Kubo’s, and senioritis has already place. No, not for the themed parties or the stands), it is perhaps somewhat puzzling stark error. claimed my body and soul, the facts speak catered breakfasts and lavish living. Fraterni- that anyone would question such a beloved Just as a toked up jaywalker eating for themselves, and the advantages of Greek ties and sororities are built on the values of tradition. contraband cheese will tell you of the in- life are abundant. brotherhood and sisterhood—to be a Greek First on the chopping block is the ex- exact correlation between the forbidding First of all, myth debunking is in order. is to partake in a community of like-minded clusivity of any organization whose mem- of fruit and the popularity of fruit salad, so The stereotypes created by a few horror sto- individuals who share your values and with bership comes sucked through the straw of too would a certain young man formerly of ries and wild TV shows are not always the whom you will create lifelong bonds. a glorifi ed schoolyard pick (nobody pick Chico State University in California, had case. The truth is that most everyone who With these bonds come valuable re- Weird Paul, Stinky Rhonda, or Substantially his enrollment there, along with his life, goes to college goes to college parties—that sources in and beyond college. Life is very Underdeveloped Fine Motor Skills Jean- not been terminated in 2005 through water truth just happens to be magnifi ed a bit under much about networking, as teacher Mr. Her- Pierre). Proponents of the “rush week” sys- intoxication due to hazing. the roofs of fraternities. rera constantly points out. Joining tem can stamp their feet and Those involved (members of a frater- Speaking of houses, living in a fraternity ority automati- demand the nity not recognized by the school, which or sorority house has been proven to be much ur net- viictims of makes regulation dangerously sparse) were cheaper than living on campus. While the work and those bondsonds dedemicmic ouout of their secret charged as felons, with the boy found most required dues of these organizations might that you create will club, ass culpable serving a year in jail. neutralize that cost, the perks of being a ful in ththat susuchc rejection is Despite the expressed hope that others letter-bearer are plenty. getting jobs, employees,oyees, “nbd“nbd,”, but it is un- will not follow suit, multiple other Greek Greek life is one effective way to get ore. equequivocally a bd. organizations at Chico exhibited conduct involved on campus. Many fraternities and Joining Greekk life To a poten- resulting in suspension within the year, sororities are the epicenter of college social- one, tial ppledge rejected showing in no uncertain terms that much ity, hosting mixers, trips, and formal dinners but it should notot ffromrom one or more like Bruce Willis (and, to a lesser extent, among other fun activities. be written off yourur desdesiredir frats or sors Justin Long), old habits die hard. That is not to say that Greek life is only list just because of (as I sh This is but one example of a trend of advantageous socially. Most sororities and ard. refer hazing-related deaths, and at a time when fraternities require a minimum GPA in order d plpleasanteae homonym we are engaged in multiple wars, no parent to participate and both are also extensively decision and nnotwithstand- should have to tell people that their son died involved in community service. Academic keep in mind the ing), the because he really, really wanted to be a bro. chapters exist that bring together people of - message Noble intentions aside (even saying that the same major and allow them to bond over you is clear: is a larger concession than the trash-recepta- similar college experiences while supporting g a not only cle-sized Icees available at movie theaters), one another through their rigorous workload. sorority or fra- are you ap- a Harvard study revealed that on average, Similarly, ethnic sororities and fraternities ternity being one parently still those who participate in Greek Life drink bring together people of common ancestry of them. Why trying to fi t signifi cantly more, do signifi cantly worse allowing them to discover and appreciate not make your in at our in class, attend signifi cantly fewer classes, their roots. own fam- school, and are signifi cantly more likely to engage To address the questionable hazing ily and home you’re also in arguments or fi ghts based on precedent. activities that have contributed to the bad away from an outcast; go be No need to bundle that in a conclusion; reputation of Greek life, many schools are home? aann outcast some- make like an art forger and draw your own.

All of the Apollo 11 FRAT STATS Forty-three Greek 2001 Harvard School of Public Health of the 100 members were College Alcohol Study (CAS), found that fraternity members were much more likely to en- members of gage in heavy drinking than their non-fraternity the U.S. Senate Among women, 62.4 percent peers (75.1 percent versus 48.6 percent). were members of sorority members engaged in heavy drinking, compared with of a fraternity Of North America’s 50 largest or sorority. 40.9 percent of other female corporations, 43 are headed by students. Greek-life men and women. Sources: whygogreek.com and 2001 Harvard School of Public Health CAS May 2010 • Opinion Page 3

SOMETHING TO SAY? GO RIGHT AHEAD By Manosai Eerabathini may seem absurd, an overwhelming major- is an inconvenience that would potentially dog-fi ghting? Staff Writer ity of the justices agreed on the decision. imply levity in the enforcement of the First The court chose to rule with tradition, Headed by Chief Justice John Roberts Jr., Amendment. which says that free speech can only be A fundamental principle of the Ameri- in April the Supreme Court ruled 8-1 that The Supreme Court has ruled in the banned in certain cases such as slander and can spirit, the right to free speech, is a even such videos as dog fi ghting are pro- past that free speech is not always protect- libel, obscenity, and threats and incitement liberty granted to those citizens who seek tected under the First Amendment despite of violence. to maintain the powerful ability to exer- the highly unpopular and infl ammatory Apparently, the Supreme Court has cise unrestricted thought and expression. content. no intention of creating another category Granted, there are certain exceptions to Although many Americans fi nd such of unprotected speech, even for depictions the First Amendment, which guarantees videos odious, they are protected under the of brutal animal cruelty. Instead, a man this privilege. Speech that is found to be same Constitution that gives us all freedom who converts a despicable act of inhuman- distasteful as per the Miller test for ob- of speech. The First Amendment, after ity into a profi table business contract is scenity, pertaining to child pornography, all, was created to protect controversial rewarded under the guise of free speech. inciting an imminent danger, or violating speech. As much as we choose to cher- As benefi cial as it is to have this liberty, the regulations of commercial advertising ish the great liberty of expression that we must question if we are abusing it, as may be rendered unprotected. America offers us, the right to free speech human nature leads us to intuitively exploit The Supreme Court has a deep and for one citizen inevitably gives a voice to our freedoms sooner or later. In situations rich history in dealing with cases of free everyone, including the worst of brutes like these, the purpose of the First Amend- speech. From turbulent times of war where and demagogues. It must, unfortunately, ment is muddled a bit, and even seems to national security trumped civil liberties condone disagreeable forms of speech be taken too far. (Schenck v. U.S.) to a KKK rally advocat- for the sake of consistency, even the most The question lingering in the minds of ing a violent revolution (Brandenburg v. obnoxious. many is if there will ever be exceptions to Ohio), the court has often ruled to consti- No one is disputing that Mr. Robert free speech where ethically unacceptable tutionally restrict free speech. Stevens should not have run a business content is banned. For now, there is an On the other hand, the Supreme Court selling videos of pit bulls and other dogs uneasy balance between free speech and has also struck down limitations on speech: fi ghting for the sake of entertainment and prohibited speech. With that being said, most recently, it overturned a federal law revenue. The real issue as conveyed by the Chief Justice Roberts Jr. adeptly handled banning the sale of animal-cruelty videos eight justices is that the accepted exclu- ed; for example if it incites an imminent the situation by recommending that the (Stevens. v. U.S.). sions for free speech protection cannot be threat to someone’s safety. So what about abuse of animals should be ended to begin Though the court’s fi nding in Stevens extended for animal cruelty videos. This condoning the spread of videos involving with, not the expression of these acts.

BOYCOTT ARIZONA State’s New Anti-Immigrant Law Intolerable By Isabel Sausjord demand the papers of people with cars on Opinions Editor blocks in the yard. This not only betrays the racist motivation behind the law, but also Arizona is at it again. justifi es widespread application of the law The state fi rst stumbled into the spot- to people who are hardly criminals. light for its racism, when in 1987 it refused This law is clearly unjust, and human to recognize the celebration of Dr. Martin rights groups are already working to exert Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. pressure on Arizona to repeal it. What Now they’ve passed a law that autho- worked in the case of Dr. King’s birthday, rizes profi ling and harassment of Latinos. and could easily work again, was a co- The facts of the law, SB1070, are these. ordinated boycott of Arizona companies. If police have any reasonable suspicion that Consumers avoided Arizona businesses, someone is in the country without docu- and the NFL played a huge role, pulling ments, they have to demand proof of legal Super Bowl XXVII from Tempe. Soon after, residency. Immigrants Arizona decided that BIGGER IN TEXAS without those papers on it respected Dr. King them at that moment after all, and the holi- Emptied Pockets for a High School Stadium? will be guilty of a day was reinstated. By Sneha Singh a home-fi eld advantage for us.” But what misdemeanor. The time is ripe Staff Writer difference does this make for the players? Even beyond for a new boycott. Obviously the size of the playing fi eld the dubious morality Arizona’s new law Clearly, everything really is bigger in is not changing. Or maybe, this stadium of punishing people infringes on civil Texas. In case there is still any doubt in is simply being built on such a grandiose for immigrating, there’s rights, and perhaps your mind about this, consider the fact that scale to add to the Allen team’s intimidation a major problem with even worse, it has a high school in Allen, Texas just received factor. Of course, a powerhouse football the law, so obvious inspired several other $60 million to build a football stadium that team is much more daunting when they are that the Arizona leg- states to draw up dra- seats 18,000. According to Rivals High, playing in a stadium the size of Texas (no islators could not conian anti-immigra- “[this stadium] will feature two decks, a pun intended). have failed to see tion legislation. video scoreboard, four concession stands, Hopefully, as the city believes, the it. How are police We have the and 12 restrooms.” revenue that this stadium provides will supposed to decide dedication to fight This heinous act of building such a go towards fi nancing education and other, who looks “reasonably this; the law should stadium in a school of 5,000 kids is justifi ed more pressing needs throughout the Allen suspicious”? Undocumented move to action any by the fact that the $60 million the school community. immigrants are “aliens” only in the person who cares received could only be used on capital Schools like the one in Allen, Texas, put legal sense – they don’t act like foreigners about civil rights. expenses, as opposed to being used on too much emphasis on athletics. It seems too or extraterrestrials. In fact, they look and The movement is already in motion. Web education. In this cutthroat economy, most often that schools seek to recognize those act just like citizens or legal immigrants, sites advise consumers on which companies schools are being forced to give up their certain individuals that commit to play Di- except for the fact that they’re more likely are based in Arizona. sports teams simply so they can provide the vision I athletics in college over those who to be Latino or Latina. Sports groups are getting involved once students with an education, which is after achieve exceptional academic success. A That’s where the racial profi ling comes again: pressure is mounting from within all, the primary purpose of a school. person can only do so much damage to their in. When it comes down to it, “reasonably Major League Baseball to move the 2011 The town of Allen, instead of doling out body through sports. After a while, they will suspicious” will always mean race, lan- All-Star Game from Phoenix. Everything funds to build more high schools, believes have reached their prime, and their athletic guage, and other cues used to target Latinos. is pointed to a specifi c goal: putting the that the athletic prospects of its top-rated careers will eventually start to decline. With no other real way to target un- economic pressure on Arizona so that it will football team are more important than the Schools that have such celebrated documented immigrants, the police may repeal this law. education of thousands of other Texan teens. sports teams should hold their athletes to resort to harassing everyone who looks On the grand scale, SB1070 is just one It is sad to know that 60 million dollars are higher standards than simply maintaining brown and speaks Spanish. All Latinos— more manifestation of American racism and burning holes in the “city’s wallet.” Of all a 2.0 or 2.5 GPA. A school’s main focus is 4th-generation Americans—could be targets xenophobia, demonstrated in the fear of a the places their government could spend this not to develop an athlete; it is to develop an for harassment. Black president or anxiety that whites may large sum of money, a football fi eld should educated individual who has a decent chance Proponents of the law insist that it will soon cease to be a majority race in the US. be at the very bottom of the list. of surviving in the real world. only be used against people who are already But if we can push back here, we can This town desperately needs to sort This highlighting of sports at Allen and being questioned by the police in connection send a message to all states seeking to im- out its priorities. The coach of the football other high schools seems to produce the with a crime. But the co-author of the bill pose racial profi ling and other unjust tactics: team, states that, “The old Eagle Stadium occasional exceptional athlete, while too specifi cally wrote that the crime could be that their infringement of civil rights will was very good to us but just got too small… often detracting from the importance and even a minor infraction, so that police could not be tolerated. We hope the new fi eld will continue to be value of education. Page 4 Opinions • May 2010

TRUE LIFE: MY PROM WAS AWKWARD The Trauma of Post-Prom Awkwardness By Stephanie Andersen Staff Writer 2. “They won’t stop calling… what do I do?” What once seemed to be a fairytale So prom didn’t go exactly as you had beginning, circa a Cinderella story—per- planned. The movies make it seem so easy— haps by midnight, prom truly was the full fi nd a date, a prom dress, or tux for that mat- embodiment of that story—has become by ter, take some pictures, and then dance the the next morning something else. Those night away. But what about everything that warm and fuzzy feelings that had once been people forgot to mention about prom, be- a prominent aspect of the excitement of sides the standard “We had your date seemed to wither a great time” response? away quickly. Although The dance fl oor was hot, the calls keep on coming, the food was food for the and you still don’t answer, most part, and the date, it seems as though the at- well in all honesty was... tempts do not let up. Take a bit awkward. that phone call and end it After a widespread here and now, for if the consensus, people tended connection didn’t happen to have the same issues at prom, it may just be bet- The Real World swirling about as prom ter left untouched. concluded, and that post- 3. “We didn’t meet be- Long Live Teenage Invincibility prom phase began. Things forehand, and it didn’t end may not have gone as ex- any better.” So you got set By Ally Lockwood pected, and maybe you es- up on a date the night of Staff Writer caped the night unscathed, the prom, and in the end but these situations, as the sparks just didn’t fl y. People, specifi cally those who have “aged gracefully” and have subsequently awkward as they may have Rather than ditch, or be drawn conclusions about the abilities of our generation, have deemed us irrespon- been, were not limited to a ditched, through the entire sible and reckless. “Teenagers think they’re invincible!” they croak. Admittedly, certain few, and play out a little something prom, escaping the awkward dinner and the negative connotations of teenage invincibility can conjure images of reckless like this: conversations, the idea of going stag doesn’t teen driving–and even intoxicated attempts to sky-dive from atop the chimney. In 1. “I thought we were going as just seem so daunting anymore. And now, with all honesty, there are often times I wonder why in God’s name people don’t take friends.” Maybe prom made you realize, af- it all said and done, at least it was only one the time to consider the consequences of their actions before they make decisions. ter talking to the friends of your date, that the night that was really just plain awkward. Myself included. Although I’m proud to say I have never found myself considering two of you, despite your mutual friendship, Whether the night ended on a high or the long dive off the chimney onto a trampoline at 3 a.m. (remember kids, nothing have two polar ideas of what that friendship low, prom truly will be a night to remember, good ever happens after 3 a.m.!). entails. And after all that has been said and fi lled with stories, plenty of pictures, and But let’s take “teenage invincibility” a step further: beyond the physical and done, the friendship that once seemed so maybe even a few laughs. So whether you well, the stupidity. Let’s talk about why I believe our sense of power as a genera- accessible, now seems a bit muddled and and your date were meant to be, or whether tion, that can surely be looked down upon as naïve by some, is one of our greatest confused, lost between friendship and what it was the fi rst and last date you two ever go assets. Aside from a few Scrooges (you know the type, Bah-humbugging all of it means to be in a relationship. on, prom cannot simply be forgotten. humanity in the back of philosophy class and insisting that there’s nothing mor- ally wrong with torture? Those ones), my interactions with people of all grades at our school, whether they’re fearless freshmen who charge full speed ahead into the chaotic world of student government, or a certain optimistic senior couple I ADING RT know, has given me confi dence that our generation will be able to accomplish A F A all the virtuous world-peace dreams pageant queens have been expressing since kiddy pageants fi rst began. Our faith in ourselves, that may indeed sometimes be A Developing Deception misguided, will be essential as many of us leave the “Catholic paradise” of Mitty By Gwendolyn Holst can seem like a quick panacea when we and venture out into the real world. Staff Writer re-read our words and discover that their The funny thing about the “real world” is that the very notion of it seems How long has it been since you have interpretation could make us appear like somewhat ironic (Is it ironic? What’s the word I should use here?). It is only in the opened your mailbox and, among the util- unfathomably rude people. Even if we tack face of adversity, that teachers and parents like to point out that whatever problem ity bills, store advertisements and catalogue a “jk” on to the end of something, what we we’ve encountered is only representative of the “real world.” subscriptions, found a personal letter? That’s write never truly goes away. Now this seems to suggest that the real world is nothing but a string of endless right, a handwritten note sent simply in salu- Our written expression’s permanence disappointments and failures, loosely knit together by thread made up of backstab- tations or to notify you of the latest gossip. presents a similar problem when we make bing and petty indifferences. But being the hopeful teenager I am, not only do I Although popular in the Victorian Age, and so the not-so-obvious mistake of forwarding a hope this isn’t true, but I refuse to let it be my reality. Maybe it’s because I am a precious to the women in ancient China that a message intended for private eyes alone. The bullheaded teenager, but in my experiences I’ve found that things are only as ter- special system consequences rible as you make them. Even the heartbreak, the loss, the struggles that await us of characters of this mis- in college and beyond, can surely be scraped together and made into some kind of was devised, take may beautiful quilt eventually. Our generation is in a unique position not only because chances are have been in- of when we have grown up, but because of the widespread resources available one of these conceivable at to us. We have witnessed immense catastrophe from a young age, but we’ve also thoughtful the time, but seen the many ways others have responded to these crises to try to help their correspon- we trust our fellow human beings. We’ve got the technology, we’re innovative thinkers who dences has dear friend are surrounded by equally amazing individuals, and we’ve got hundreds of years not graced the Internet a worth of other people’s mistakes to learn from if all else fails. the interior of bit too much. Even here at Mitty each year, our peers venture not only across the country your mailbox If a mes- but around the world to help people they’ve never met. I hope that in the distant for some time. sage that future, I will be able to proudly say that we went out and affected change not only Nowa- perhaps con- because our world was bleeding and we needed to, but because we wanted to. days, instant tained vitri- Because it’s important to care, and I believe Mitty has produced and will continue messages are sent via the Web and appear olic, spur-of-the-moment remarks ever to produce competent, intellectual individuals (who embody the ESLR’s! those immediately on the screens that seem to reached the person who spurred its initial freshmen religion lessons always come back to haunt you…) who will be able to be in our faces at an increasingly more composition, relationships could be unin- go out and leave impressions in all walks of life because they do care. frequent rate. tentionally damaged or severed. A person is As I see things, it is up to us to take what we’ve learned within our community, It looks as if the etiquette of formal much less likely to hit a “forward” button on the acceptance we’ve felt and the experiences we’ve had, out into the broader “real wring has become a thing of the past as a handwritten letter, however, because this world.” The world is only as harsh as you make it. Life happens, but how you well. The formal greetings and well-wishing option simply does not exist. react to life as it’s handed to you is on you. Better yet, no one ever said you had closings that compose the essence of a let- Am I implying the communication over to wait for life to happen to you. Lauryn Hill, ex-Fugees great, just mused from ter’s structure are now lost. Commas may the Web is a bad thing? Of course not! In my iPod that “fantasy is what people want, but reality is what they need.” And be forgotten and letters might take just too this day and age, internet access is almost although we’ve always been told you can’t have your cake and eat it to, I think much effort to capitalize. Little stock acro- a necessity. Meetings might need to be set that there’s no harm in trying to take the fantastical relations, the sense of com- nyms that are meant to communicate basic up with teachers or contacts made with car- munity and comfort we’ve developed at Mitty out with us to the various corners feelings, such as OMG’s, LOL’s, or jk’s, pools: items in our daily agenda that cannot of the country as we leave for college. I’ve spent the past four years with some of are interjected whenever a possibly more wait for the dog-pursued postman to deliver. the most awe-inspiring, passionate and dynamic people I think I could have ever complex emotion is experienced. It is a shame, however, that letters are encountered, and I believe in the invincibility of the messages and changes they Oh, those jk’s, they have even become becoming so obsolete, for there is something will effect on our world. It’s a big bad world out there… but it doesn’t have to be. a part of the vernacular overheard at most heartfelt about taking the time to actually high school campuses. Those two letters pen out thoughts and feelings to a friend. Arts & Entertainment Before There Was Gaga... Looking at the predecessors of today’s music idols

By Christina Collins season rose to fame due to his androgynous looks and high- down, Tommy, and Quadrophenia, similarly follow a Staff Writers pitched screeches, but androgyny has been present in the central male character, struggling to discover who he is in Let’s face it: the music industry can get pretty tedious music business for much longer than Adam has. a world of turbulence. after a while. David Bowie, music’s resident glam rock legend, made Green Day has cited The Who to be one of their However, every so often, a shining star will emerge his mark far before in the early 1970’s. Bowie’s trademark biggest infl uences and has even released a cover of The and take the entire music industry by storm, instantly style in his performances always included heaps of glittery Who’s hit “My Generation” on their 1992 album Kerplunk. gaining millions of fans overnight and selling out arenas eye makeup, a neon-colored bouffant, and his fl amboyanty ,pgg worldwide within seconds. At the peak of this person’s onstage persona. Not only has Lambert emulated Bowie in deaths in their journey to rock idolatry, had their spot in fame, large-scale music magazines like Rolling Stone his vocals, performances, and personal fashion, hhisis album history sealed when they were inducted into the Rock an will often write articles praising this new artist, claiming cover For Your Entertainment ly similar Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Gree they are the “one to watch,” the one redefi ning the music way to Bowie’s landmark 1973 album, Sane. Day’s story is still being tol industry. “We’ve never seen anybody like this before.” ast Ameri- yet we can only hope th But, think about it…is anything ever new in the music can Idol tour, singing his versions of classic Bowie hhitsits while they, too, will eventual business? Take a look at these musical doppelgangers and e original reachreachth thee ssameame amamountount of decide for yourself: himself would have been delighted to own. After a ffewew years adulationadulation aass ththeireir iidols.do Before there was Lady Gaga, there was Madonna. decided to Key The Who Track Countless tabloids and Gaga fanatics alike have practi- s spandex “Pinball Wizard cally crowned Lady Gaga “the new Madonna,” and their rned back “Won’t“Won’t Get FooFooledl points of similarity are valid: Lady Gaga’s career bears a since. However, is Adam ready to change his controver-ontrover- Again,” “M striking resemblance to Madonna’s in more ways than one. sial, glitzed-up look yet? Probably not. Let’s hopepe Adam Generation,” Getting their starts in the clubs of New York, the two sticks around long enough so we can fi ourselves. “The“The PPunkunk aand Italian-American ladies both have the signature bleached- Key David Bowie Tracks: “Ziggy Stardust,” “Changes,”Changes,” the GodfatheGodfather.”r blonde hair and an ultra-glamorized wardrobe. They also “Starman,” “Life on Mars?” both have instantly recognizable stage names, are very open Before there was Green Day there was e Who. with their sexuality, and are unafraid to cause controversy ooler than – not to mention, both artists have released an incredible Green Day. Throughout the ’90s, Green Day was string of pop hits since their breakthroughs. known for their simple yet defi ning alternative hhits.its. Madonna’s defi ning transition from a regular pop star Their trademark three-chord punk sound was re- to a world-famous icon came in 1984 when she performed ncept her iconic song “Like a Virgin” at the inaugural MTV Video albums”: 2004’s American Idiot and 2009’s 21st entury Music Awards, rolling around on the fl oor in a lacy, white Breakdown. Because of those two albums, Green Day has wedding dress. Gaga’s moment came similarly at the recent won countless Grammys, sold millions of records and even 2009 MTV VMA’s, when she performed “Paparazzi.” Was earned themselves a spot on Broadway with Americancan IIdiotdiot. her eccentric performance, most famously recognized for However, ’60s mod rockers The Who were the ones her notoriously bloody suspension from the ceiling, a tribute sful alter- to Madge, one of her top musical infl uences? ree-chord Madonna’s musical legacy is nothing but immaculate; dgy sound she has been able to reinvent herself with every album she’s and for destroying their instruments after every set. It released, attributing to and strengthening her longevity in the wasn’t until their 1969 rock opera Tommy that their A few music business. Only time will tell if Gaga will do the same. true musicianship shone through, placing them short years Key Madonna Tracks: “Like a Virgin”, “Holiday”, “Vogue”, on the pedestal of rock stardom. Much like ago, Lindsay “Express Yourself” Idiot, Tommy was adapted into a musical Lohan, Paris Hil- Before there was Adam Lambert, there was David in 1971, running for a few years be- ton, and a disturbed Bowie. fore The Who’s second concept version of our childhood, WWham,ham, bambam,, thank album,a Quadrophenia, was Britney Spears, were the only you glam. AAdamdam Lam- released.r All four of the female music stars making head- bertbert,, sensation of rockr operas, Ameri- lines, and not for their careers. Their AmAmericanerican IIdol’sdol’s lalastst canc Idiot, 21st erratic, head-shaving, rehab-requiring, C no-panty-wearing behavior was the primary B image of women in the industry, an image of weak and reckless hedonism that lacked any trace of Stevie Nicks’s strength or Madonna’s feminism. Today is a different story. Since Lady Gaga stuck her heels into the music scene, women have had something By RyanA&E MeyerEditormuch more substantial to offer. Not only is her music as thought provoking as it is accessible, but Gaga has worked to foster a public persona dependent upon mystique and shock, which often means live per- Goodbye, Parisformances Hiltonsaturated in sensory overload and brash sexuality. In fact, she often welcomes defi nition by sexuality with her barely-there costumes and suggestive routines. However, hers is not the submissive sexuality of, say, a Paris Hilton car wash commercial. Lady Gaga uses her femininity for empowerment – it’s the men who are submissive in her lyrics and performances. She completely monopolizes the sexual politics of the industry, redefi gy gp y exited that fateful limo. And then there are artists like or Jackson, vocalist of new electropop outfi come a radio staple. Jackson wears an eccentric hairdo that reaches up out of her head like a striking red horn, and a fascinating Female artistsandrogyny that suggestsemphasize female artists can be abold new and empoweringpowering empowerment without sexualizing theitheirr music. Her sexually ambiguous looks call to mind ’80s icon Davidavid Bowie, who is also an obvious ininspiration for her work. Just as fascinating as her onstage presencence are her unusual and disarming comm equently disparages what she perceives o her dismay, conform to one indistinctive ’s lower standards in music. She also believes ng their personality, you’re buying their music.” Jackson’s passion for ambiguity, though it may aim to focuscus the audience on the music instead of the person, in effect enhances her own allure, as she refreshingly subverts any existing mold of traditional femininity. We are currently in an era of exciting female artists who are masters of reinvention.ion. e damaging behavior of years past, and with providing role models of strong and intelligent femininity. Page 6 May 2010 • Arts & Entertainment The Wild West makes a Comeback SUMMER Upcoming ‘Red Dead Redemption’ to resuscitate genre By Austin Kruckmeyer Army. The game takes a few pointers from Red Dead Redemption also includes a TOP FIVES In honor of the approaching vaca- Staff Writer Grand Theft Auto by letting you roam freely multi-player mode with game types rarely tion, the editors have compiled lists The Western genre has lost much of between missions, but rather than simply seen in other games. Other than being able to of our favorite fi lms, songs, and its appeal over the last few decades. People serving as a hub to starting missions, Red shoot each other or Non-Player Characters, novels that are perfect compliments no longer seem to be mesmerized by the Dead Redemption adds a lot of features of you can also form a posse, a group of up to to the summer season. uncharted frontiers, the lawless nature, nor its own. Taking place in the largest world 8 players, and take them through organized the gruff but honorable anti-hero. How- that Rockstar has ever produced, the game games or do challenges scattered across Movies ever, Rockstar Games, the developers of refuses to be barren and boring by having the world, giving players a lengthy co-op the popular Grand Theft Auto experience. 1. Roman Holiday series, have set out to revitalize The organized games also Audrey Hepburn’s princess pretends to the genre with Red Dead Re- have some original gameplay be a civilian for a day, exploring Rome demption. mechanics to them. Games with Gregory Peck’s slick newspaper- The game takes place in take place in the same large man. An ultimate romantic comedy. the fi nal days of the Wild West, game world as single player 2. Grease when laws and modern technol- and free roam, but with bor- “Summer days driftin’ away/ to uh- ogy were gaining a foothold, ders set up to keep the action oh those summer nights.” and follows the story of John together. Even more riveting is Marston, a former outlaw being how each match starts. 3. Pirates of the Caribbean blackmailed by the government Rather than spawning in a The romance. The sword-fi ghting. to capture his former brother secluded location, every player The scheming pirates. The trilogy in arms. is placed into the middle of and adventure, fi rst began in the Recognized only as a spiri- the map to form a Mexican Summer of 2003, never gets old. tual successor to Rockstar’s Red Standoff or a Showdown for 4. 500 Days of Summer Dead Revolver, the game took a free-for-all modes and team Although this movie fails to actually modes, respectively. All you more serious and realistic tone Reformed outlaw John Marston fends off enemies in Rockstar Games’s latest. take place during this season, this poi- revamp, similar to Grand Theft have is a gun and a prayer, gnant story of love (not a love story) is Auto IV. While this may mean less “Man all the areas filled with life. Towns are hoping that no one aims for you. perfect for a movie night with friends. with No Name” character archetypes, there populated appropriately with rowdy saloon Even something as bloody as a Mexican appears to be a wide range of memorable patrons, working citizens, and cautious Standoff has a layer of strategy as you are 5. Say Anything characters such as Seth, a prospector driven lawmen. able to foolhardily wait it out or take out the Senior Emily Chu explains the insane by wealth, Luisa, a 19-year old The frontier remains varied with ban- unharmed players who are busy aiming at movie’s appeal: “It’s the hormones.” Mexican revolutionary, and Jonah, a lazy, dits, wild animals, and helpless travelers and someone else. sarcastic, and arrogant deputy. ranchers. This living world is replete with Red Dead Redemption is looking to be Singles The wide range of characters is due to moral choices. For example, you may fi nd a another one of the captivating and excit- the fact that Marston’s pursuit will not take a stagecoach being attacked by bandits. You ing experiences that Rockstar is known for. 1. “Summer in the City” Reach back into the 1960s, a sum- place in one general area for long. Marston could kill the bandits for honor or you could However, calling it Grand Theft Auto in the mer that spanned an entire decade, will be forced to travel from unsettled kill everyone and take the stagecoach cargo Wild West or GTA with horses doesn’t do it with the Lovin’ Spoonfuls. frontiers to snowy mountainous regions for yourself, making yourself a bit richer in justice. This game only further proves how and fi nally to Northern Mexico, where one the process. It is this and many other side the West has plenty to offer in narratives 2. “Summer Girls” of the most climactic battles will take place activities that immerse the player into this and adventure, explaining why we love the LFO proclaiming their love for the between Mexican Rebels and the Mexican legendary world. Western genre. girl in Abercrombie & Fitch is a guilty pleasure. 3. “Umbrella” A Note to Ashanti: The Science of Fame “When the sun shines/We’ll shine together.” The international hit from Detailing the seven-step recipe to enduring pop stardom Little Miss Sunshine, a.k.a. Rihanna, By Andy Vo on the list. Every recording artist should have a different concept is one for all seasons. Staff Writer for each album they release. Many pop stars have fallen to their Ashanti, Ciara, Cassie–what happened? Where did they go? doom simply by recycling tired concepts from one album to the 4. “Santeria” These formerly famous pop sensations have all seemingly next. Madonna is the queen of concept reinvention. She has wowed Sublime’s tune is instantly recog- disappeared into obscurity. This failure can be attributed to their audiences from the 80s, disco-themed Confessions on a Dance nizable and perfect for a chill-out deviance from the proper guidelines in becoming a successful pop Floor album to the iconic cone bra of her Erotica era. She never summer day. star. The following steps are those that every aspiring singer should ceases to amaze fans and critics alike. The key to a great concept 5. “Ocean Avenue” follow to ensure longevity and great success in their future careers. is picking one that can be used as an aesthetic theme for your tour. First released in 2003, Yellowcard’s One of the most essential keys to However, when examining Jordin smash hit has quickly become the becoming a pop star is to work with what Sparks’s latest, Battlefi eld, the album perfect representative of the ultimate I call the “Holy Quad of Producers.” merely demonstrated a better-styled summer beach trip. “The Holy Quad” consists of Bloodshy Jordin Sparks, with no clear concept. & Avant, Dr. Luke, Max Martin, and On the other hand, Spears’s Circus Darkchild. Working with any one of theme gave her the freedom to create an Books these producers will ensure at least one amazing, four-act circus extravaganza. 1. The Girl with the hit record within your career. Examples The fi fth step is one that can not Dragon Tattoo of their past hits include Britney Spears’s necessarily be taught: the public Pick up this year’s ‘it’ book and “Toxic,” Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl,” persona. Beyonce is a great example become engrossed in a sprawling Britney Spears’s “If You Seek Amy,” and of having an amazing public persona, mystery with fascinating characters. “Telephone” by Lady Gaga. These are especially with the recent emergence of only a few among the large catalog of her alter ego Sasha Fierce. The success 2. Harry Potter singles these men have produced. of fellow singers Lady Gaga and Katy Nothing says summer like staying up The next step on the list is dance Perry have also clearly proven that fans seven hours straight to fi nish up your talent. Not every pop star must be able admire performers with dynamic and favorite book in the series. to do splits and other techniques but they alluring personas. 3. The Princess Bride should at least be capable of performing Step six, likely the most diffi cult Wit meets fantasy in S. Morgen- some form of simple choreography. What one to accomplish, mandates that the stern’s classic tale of true love and many pop stars lack in vocal talents, they pop star remains open to risqué ideas. high adventure, as told by the very make up for in dance. Janet Jackson and Many young, rising stars are afraid to funny William Goldman. Britney Spears have similarly built their escape their comfort zones and take entire careers on their ability to dance Britney’s success is due to a loyalty to the foolproof recipe. risks, which is what causes them to fail. 4. Naked well, and Janet’s smooth moves have Even if one feels uncomfortable with an David Sedaris’s hilarious collection helped her garner ten number-one singles and six Grammy wins alone. idea, a pop star should learn to develop and alter the idea until it of essays detailing his wacky life Fashion also plays an important factor in the success of young becomes both familiar and challenging. (including visits to a nudist colony) pop stars and that is why it is also a necessity. Any great diva needs The fi nal step is having extreme dedication. Simply obtain- makes for a satisfying leisure-read. to become a fashion trendsetter. For example, in her prime, Chris- ing a record contract is not enough to ensure success in the music 5. Pride & Prejudice & tina Aguilera wowed audiences with her 1950s-inspired style, industry. Pop domination requires a strong work ethic. Most of the and when examining fashion, one would be remiss to ignore Lady household names in the music industry are a result of countless hours Zombies Gaga. Having a unique and creative fashion sense can help bring spent in studios, on costumes, songs, stages, concerts and more. Everyone’s favorite literary mash-up any up-and-coming performers the attention they deserve. So listen up, Ashanti. Give Bloodshy & Avant a call if you’re takes something old and makes it The next step is most certainly one of the most important ones interested in putting yourself back on the map. very, very new. Q&A with Logan ECJ: ElBy Olivia Salvador Bartz Staff Writer

Staff Writer Oliva Bartz talks to senior Logan Breitbart about his fi cult part. Because our family periences in El Salvadorfi cult last part summer. of your experience in El Salvador? What was the most dif Honestly, the latrines were the most dif had had their latrine for so long, you could see things in the bottom of the hole that I never really got used to. What was the most meaningful part of your experience? The stark contrasts between different parts of the country were very eye-opening. We stayed in impoverished Guarjila for a week only to ly? Last year about 30 current Archbishop Mitty seniorsesessfsful lspent move to a mansion on the beach for the next few days. This brought t suucc two weeks experiencing life inie ad Salvadoranouu village. perspective to the trip and revealed the wealth gap. There is no middle s caarrr poso e wa class and it is an issue. s pup rp atat thi fi nd points of common ground with the people there? eee l thh Did the Salvadoran lifestyle appear radically different from your youou f own or did you DoD There was certainly common ground. Depending upon the family Absolutely. I’m not speaking for everyone here, but I really believe you stayed with, many of them knew some references to pop culture all of us have grown and are better people as a result of this trip. and major news items because the wealthier families could afford Would you reccomend this trip to other students? televisions. The biggest differences were seen in the educational Yes, it is a fantastic experience and it really goes beyond something system which was moderately optional in Guarjila. Children could to throw on your college resume. It is something that will stay with choose to go to school or stay at home and work. In order for the you the rest of your life. “The bonds I made with my country to progress, there has to be some serious attention to the Mitty classmates were so much educational system. more meaningful on the other side of the world. We were able What was the purpose of the fitrip? rst-hand experience. to experience the beauty, poverty, To immerse oneself in a new part of the world and become more aware of a poverty through a culture, and spirit of India in the deepest way possible during our immersion trip.”

- Jonathan Wang ECJ: India

“The stark contrast between the conditions on the reservation and those that we enjoy at home is stag- gering – it’s amazing how such a dif- ferent world exists within the borders of our own country. I enjoyed observ- ing and taking a part in native culture. I particularly found the sweat lodge By Manosai Eerabathini an important and unique experience, - Bryce Bajar Staff Writer the intentions. What schools do in requiring a yearly The Spirit of Servicefi cult to commence the process of and the copious amounts of fry bread allotment is encourage the student to take initiative, for were also good – forECJ: a while.” Native America it may be rather dif giving back on one’s own. fi t organization Beyond this extent, community service in high signifi cant transformation occurring within the partici- pant. A teenager who is able to distinguish between the school has also substantially increased the number of privileged life of attending a private high school with volunteers working as part of a nonpro certain accepted luxuries and an extreme of indigence (NPO). This added bonus has allowed many such nitely Throughout high school, many things change, should be recognized for this awareness. fi groups to successfully meet expected quotas for nec- Although from the perspective of some, com- but the community service requirement of 25 hours essary volunteers as they try to meet the community’s remains constant.fi c Although for upperclassman, the volunteering the expectation guidelines munity service becomes a tedious burden plagued by immediate needs. Both on the personal level of gaining a broader are more speci fi ts. procrastination and a lack of initiative, it can de of a Mitty student to give back to the community has allow an individual to broaden his or her perspective. view of understanding and appreciation from a teen- produced several notable bene It is very convenient for a high school student to be ager’s viewpoint, as well as the larger objective of as- It may seem that those who are helped directly by a consumed by typical, age-appropriate activities of sisting the community with practical issues, community service in high schools has continually moved students student’s efforts will gain fithe llment most and from personal the experience growth. materialistic concerns and social engagements with but, on the contrary, often times the volunteer obtains friends. But for those who serve 25 or more hours in the right, intended direction of becoming responsible the greatest sense of ful each year, they have the powerful opportunity to be in citizens–taking and giving their due share. As a freshman, broad standards allow studentsfi c aspect to ofvir- the someone else’s shoes – to see things from a different tually go anywhere to complete the mandated hours. vantage point. fi cial sense of charity for Some may argue that mandatory expectations from But as the years progress, various themes emerge to direct the student to emphasize a speci schools only reinforce a super community. the sake of college applications or well-roundedness For example, the junior year focus is on assist- of students. However, there is not much basis for such ing the impoverished members of our society in a claims as the effects of these actions speak louder than myriad of possible methods including Sacred Heart Community Services and Second Harvest Food Bank. To many, this may seem impressive simply based on the fi rst description but, beyond the surface, there is a 0 1 fl uence tiinin 0 ByBy RRyanyan SaSabatiniabba est Writi er GuestGGu Writer sosobebe tty mim nutes for ubb started MittyMi minutes for sobst the IInfl uenceueennce ClubCl started tini g a saafe lifes TheTThhe AbAAboveove the In toto promotingprpromomoto a safe lifes 2 ada in my minnd go oonn them ittle iddeaea I h withwiw thh oourur llogoog on the outouut asas a llittle idea I had in myh mindatat I rea toll y L d ccamppus. WhW int meetting wiwitht gett acactivective aaroundrorouun campus. What I areallyndd I t o a jojjoint meeting with for myy frir enendsd a ovoveer 70 paartti OFedd wasas a cllub of amassedammasa seed over 70 part wantedant was a club for myt friendsottheh r pe andeop leIe to FrF eshmh andn to attttracc we aassistedsssisi teted ththehe Fres lll ouru owwn t e.e t thhisis yeae r.r Moss similaar lifeestyl plp e NightNighh this year. 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WWithout his help plpleasedeeaased ththathat oourur cl be nonowhhere e. gone thethe clcclububb wwouldouuldd be nowhere. thatthhatt aafterfter II’m’mm ggon avave haad morer thehe WeW wwouldouuldd nnototo hhave had more onon.. HHoHopefully,pep fullly,y th rss at our cllu n sixxtyt memembebe et tthror uggh ouour thanthhan sixty members at ourertr aia inln y setses through our cl ete inng,g andnd we cec d likike itit diid w fi rstrsst meeting,mem and we certainlygeg spreadsppreread like it did hahaveve hadd to chchana Jululiai nnn Gov Luv wouldwoulld nonnotot have had to change toto JuliJuJulili RRuiz,uiuizz, Julian o the chah pepel By Alyssa Relos omm roooom 303 4 to nd I fi rstrsrst ststartearrteed locationscationo s frffrom room 304 to the emchapelbersr .to andan I Guest Writer ll off ouru neew m conntinuue too u accommodatecommmmodate alall of our new members.e kikidsdss ccontinue to lubub meeetiingn , th nddss andnd lives, forming a surrogate family. SinceSiS nce ouourur fi rstrsst clubclc meeting, the mamakekeke ffriendsriiene an SStudude ubub hasa madde People have come and gone.How- thhe Innfl uenceueuencce ClubCl has made noun:n: the close bonds of friendship and Abovebovove the In ever, they still hold a place in our make- aϝ ection formed among the members of shift family. After freshman year, Steven student government and ASB as a collec- Walker, Samantha Douglas, Frankie Desro- tive group of insane, lovable individuals; a cher, and Neeraj Chandra bid their adieus; For as long as I ca form of love not found anywhere else. has always been my t then, Monique Rootsaert, Natalia Smith, h My very fi rst student government and Devashish Joshi collectively said their over twenty-fi ve differ election speech is still saved on my com- yet to get tired of it. I good-byes following sophomore year; puter—the speech that started it all. because I was told it while Jimmy Atwell and Claire Bredenoord w me to improve my per In my blue polka-dot baby doll dress, I f both hold special places at our dinner Indeed, after seeing remember going in front of the rest of Li table for their contributions to the Class and Lend Me A Tenor the freshmen class, speaking too fast, fi rst Monarch Madness victory. I of 2010’s performing at this scho referencing Hyphy Juice, and unraveling an o Finally, our senior year. Ally Lockwood, I stepped on to this ca (approximately) 10-foot long scroll read- m Alex ‘Minnesota’ Vekich, and Joey Malysz years ago, I was not aw ing “Vote Relos <3” repeatedly all the way a fi lled the gap as they helped lead the se- fall in love with the sch down. It was only a couple months later o nior class into a repeat victory; meanwhile, that I was told we weren’t allowed to have As a result of this, m I progressed onto ASB. With current ju- growth over the past th additional props and I was actually sup- r niors Kendra Cavaney, Ryan Chew, Indira somewhat exponential. posed to be disqualifi ed. I Battacharjee, Don Allen Stevenson, and many great connections Luckily, that’s all in the past. Tony Lewis, a new family was born as we teachers from all differe However, I can’t even fathom what danced, ate, laughed, and cried together With the freedom to be my four years here at Mitty would’ve been w alongside Mr. Walker, Mrs. Boulton, and to be offstage, I was als like without my involvement in student o Ms. McCabe. government. From the painting to the Student government has been my cheering to the fi lming to the dancing, I family—in every sense of the word. They quickly fell in love with it all. Spirit Week have supported me through thick and and Monarch Madness had rendered me thin, they have accepted me for who I exhausted more often than I would’ve am, and they have helped me whenever I By Ms. Hopkins liked, but I just couldn’t get enough of it. needed it. The friendship bonds I made as I’ve even spent a majority of my time Guest Writer a representative and ASB member cannot It is normal to feel very proud of the graduate literally in Student Activities. Whether be broken. And as my high school career across the stage to pick up their diplomas. There is stealing candy from Mr. Walker’s oϞ ce, s comes to a close, I realize that it isn’t just acc presiding over meetings, fi lming Mitty Min- joj yment about the end product; it’st’s thethe enjoymenten momove on to the next phase of their education. This utes, or sleeping on the couch—Student isfsfyiyingng. of the process that is moreoorre satisfying.sasatti a little different. I have the feeling that it will be a Activities is my comfort zone. On good li y momoment as over the past few years I have had the p days, representatives and I are here from b 6:45 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. So, I digress: one l Student Activities is basically my home lovelove this class. away from home. As a moderator of ten years, I have noticed som noth- However, Student Activities is uniq e ing without the actual people in it. Al- workwork well together, and they realized very early on t though she still resents me for the props WeekWeeek and Monarch Madness are not all about a win,h mishap, I found friendship in Kylie Mulcaire mamainin focus is to come together as a group and have f my freshman year. As the only two surviv- days following Monarch Madness this year, I was truu ing seniors in the Gov for all four years, by the l we’ve formed a kinship unlike any other. saysay thankth you for being their moderator–students I kn Our family grew as Kelly Vane, Corinne teach,teach, and ones who I only had the chance to work wio Sliva, Marc Santos, Brian Robles, and later weeksweeks alike. t Mazi Arjomand sassily strutted into our The class of 2010 exempli meansme to be a Monarch. They arefi es leaving the spirit behind of Mitty some and v an w to fi llll and I would like to wish them the best of luck for ther e Visual Arts By Denise Wong Guest Writer s er prpprom,omo , popostersosterr tytyle,lee, anaandnd t-tt-shirts-shshiirtst sted m.m. WWee hahaveavve hhostedoso Lififee TeTeamamm tthathah t icicipants,ipi ants, anandnd hmmanan DDrugrurug t rerrecently,ececentn lyly, eadaadersderers s aboutabbout thtthehe ffreshmanreshhmaman vereryy acaactivetiivvee oonn t off eexistence,xix ststeence, t wass y pproudroudu ooff wwhwhathat was h, I’m’m aanything,nynythinngg, tthough,hougg I’m arr, aannd ub isi stillstitillll ppopular,opul and coonntiinun e e,e, tthehehe cclubllub wiwilllll continue wwaas e eexamplexxaampplel tthathat was ree and uubb willwiill cacatchtctch fi re and ammarorotaa, whenhen GaGarrettarrr ettt CaCamarota, n Mooulu d ne HeHeckel,ckkell, KKeKevinvi Mould goao l ththata d ouoout.t.t IItt iis ooururu ggoal that a plalace to usse ooururr cclublulub as a place to d eenjoynjoyoy MMitty.ittty. Performing Arts By Matt Hill Guest Writer an remember, theatre myself in the extremeness of characters hing. I have done onstage. each choice I made as an actor. This would ent shows and I’ve In parts like Pirelli ( have been entirely impossible if I was in came to Mitty Sweeney Todd I was able to act and talk in a way that ) any environment other than Mitty. was a great place for I had never attempted to do. By using Mitty essentially made me want to be forming arts skills. people I knew and had seen, I created a better person and a better performer. ittle Shop of Horrors an entire personality separate from my Next year I have been given the I knew I would love own so that, for those few short minutes, opportunity to attend one of the ol. However, when I could step onstage and present an best Musical Theatre schools in the mpus under three interesting, comical, and believable country, and I am thrilled by the new are that I would character. Sometimes it took more than possibilities it will provide me. I am ool itself. a little creativity to step into a role. Jean so proud to call myself a Monarch and I my personal Valjean of will never forget the memories I’ve made ree years has been Les Miserables was a character that I could, in no way, relate to. His pain, at this school, such as performing on stage, I have made so strength, faith, and love were all things doodling in class, and accidentally pulling with students and that I had never experienced. For that the fi re alarm, just to name a few. nt walks of life. role I had to imagine what it would be Thanks to Mitty, I couldn’t have w hoever I wanted like and imagine how I would react to asked for a better high school o able to fi nd things. I needed to be believable in experience. everything I did and trust 052910

strtry osos Miinisi By Melissa Moreno hehe m mpmpusus Campus MinistryGuest Writer . CaC sese eteteeriiaa sene e cafaf en a ADMIT ini the rer nngth s as they walk nges d stst chhan ili d ana n thhe a sense of to bub weeene aiaaimsmsms to build and strengthenp Mi a sense e for them to m shhop fl ect on the most memorable c ingg o year will be ONE 0 wiw When I re mpmp bittersweet y CaC experiences I have had at Mitty (other leasure of being wo than Monarch Madness), all my Campus aidid I w to know and won’t regret it. rada Ministry-related activities come to mind: wiitth gr ; I’m’m retreats, liturgy class, community service, mene t;t ething very immersion trips, and even morning bond, they “hellos” to other Corps members. In fact, hat Spirit every morning there’s a group of us who Kleenex. but that the congregate at the Campus Ministry table to fi nish homework, and solve puzzles. un! In the talk, ly humbled, Most of you, myself included, know allways to Mitty’s Campus Ministry because of the ow well and free donuts that accompany class liturgies. th for a few The Campus Ministry department at Mitty strives to reachfi rmation out to andstudents retreats, not onlybut what it through con ery big shoes also by means of immersion trips, MICAH, fi sh available for the students e future. LIFE-Emmaus, liturgy class, and even by keeping gold Q

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“Los Niños was a bene experience where I was able to see a different culture, eat “I know it sounds pretty lame to ride in wonderful authentic Mexican a busbbu around California – like, how exotic food, make new friends, and is that,thha right? But I really love buses. And I do community service in a thinktthhini k that the experience was so much bet- The ECJ: Native America trip took current Mitty se- welcoming atmosphere that terteer fofforr how close we were to home, because niors to reservations in Arizona and New Mexico. opened my eyes to the world povertypop ver is everywhere –¡ it’s in India, it’s in of solidarity.” - Josh Ferguson SouthSoS utth Africa, and it is also right here. This Los Niños tripttrripp helpedhe me realize how closely linked we areare toto tthe suffering of the underprivileged, andana d howhhoo we can personally change lives, evenevevenn inin the teeny-tiniest way.” - Olivia Tran ECJ: California

ECJ: South Africa When I was a freshman, at Mitty and found out that Bythere Shayan Aftab was a minimum twenty- Staff Writer requirement in order to graduate,fi ve hour I thought community what mostservice freshmen annual think. I thought it would be a chore to children there helped me realize how important it is to help up just trying to get it done as fast as possible. Well, I’m glad to the poor. I remember seeing the children’s faces light up as we say that my opinion changed. fi nish, and that I would end brought our giant bags of donations For my service this year, I participated in the ECJ: South books, toothbrushes, towels, soccer balls, clothes, and so much Africa immersion trip over the summer. Continuing the trend of more. Going to South Africa was an experiencefi lled with I willtoys, de coloring trying something new, this time I was participating in a class never forget, and I’m glad I was able to get into the ECJ: South immersion trip, but I was a not close friends with anyone on the Africa class so that I could be blessed with this opportunity. fi nitely trip. I thought this would get in the way of my experience in Overall, my experience with community service at Mitty South Africa, but fortunately, it did not. enabled me to see past the concept of simply doing it to get it over Going to South Africa was de with. Each year, I completed well over the minimum requirement experience. It taught me how fortunate we are, and that we of service hours, and I have absolutely no regrets in doing so. should not take anything we have for grantedfi nitely because a life-changing of how Giving back to my community through service is the best thing little people manage to live off of in countries like South Africa. I can do because of how fortunate I am. Going to South Africa Visiting the townships, orphanages, and playing with the also taught me many things, and it also made me a much more open-minded person as well. I hope I will be able to participate in trips like that in the future, and I will de to aid my community in any way I can. fi nitely be continuing May 2010 • Arts & Entertainment Page 11 Criticism & Reviews MGMT Falafel’s Drive-In

By Eric Pestana Staff Writer By Logan Breitbart If you’ve heard “Electric Feel,” or “Kids,” for- Staff Writer get everything you know about MGMT. The band’s Falafel’s Drive In, owned and run by second effort Congratulations capitalizes on the senior Dominque Grayeb’s parents, is a psychedelic rock of the lesser-known songs on their great gem amongst restaurants in San Jose fi rst album, and while it requires an open mind to for its pure originality. appreciate, it isn’t a chore to embrace. The premise is simple: combine Middle Eastern fast-food with American drive-in MGMT’s original plans were to create a more classics. Half of the menu features drive-in standards like hotdogs and hamburgers for cohesive work, avoiding the idea of an unbalanced batch of songs alternating between the less adventurous customer, but the drive-in has become enormously popular for its singles and fi ller. So, while there are only nine tracks on the CD, the entire piece sounds Middle Eastern- and Greek-inspired dishes, of which I recommend the crowd favorites: far more complete than what such a seemingly small tracklist might produce. the Gyros and Falafel. Congratulations kicks off with “It’s Working,” a 60s-rock-inspired opener that func- The Gyros is composed of slow-cooked spiced beef steak in a pita with lettuce, toma- tions as a perfect introduction to the album. Songs like “Song for Dan Treacy” and “Brian toes, cucumbers, and tahini sauce. The tahini sauce is a cool sesame sauce that counters Eno” sprout a perky surf-pop vibe that are clearly the most accessible tracks of the album. the heat of the succulent meat–a Middle Eastern twist on a Greek favorite. “Flash Delirium” is the closest any of the songs has come to a single—and even at The renowned falafel special does not disappoint. A pita sandwich consisting of falafel that, it’s a grower. At fi rst it seems decent, sharing many of the same characteristics of the balls, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, tahini sauce, and a hot sauce, it may not appeal to all aforementioned songs, but its appeal grows with its catchiness. The sprawling “Siberian because of the spicy kick. However, the piquancy of the sandwich can be offset by the rich Breaks” can be a bit much to digest at fi rst, clocking in at twelve minutes long, but if sweetness of the banana milkshake, creating an ideal duo for a satisfying meal. listened to as a series of different songs in itself, it can be appreciated as more than the Due to enormous popularity, Falafel’s is typically crowded, yet the lines move quickly trudging test of patience it initially appears to be. and the customer service is top-notch. No matter how busy, the employees make the Some of the best albums ever recorded don’t sound sensational on their very fi rst listen. experience personal and elevate what could be a rushed and typical drive-in atmosphere. That’s what makes them so incredible; they grow on you with every listen, and can only Falafel’s is worth all its hype and anyone would do themselves a disservice by not improve with time. What MGMT has created here accomplishes this feat. stopping by for a falafel this summer. Nightmare on Iron Man 2 Elm Street By Justin Hough By Nikita Nathan Staff Writer Staff Writer A sequel to one of Marvel Comics’ big- Freddy Krueger has returned to Elm Street, gest hits, Iron Man 2 has some big, rocket- raising havoc once again in the remake of the powered boots to fi ll. 1984 original horror fl ick, Nightmare on Elm And for the most part the movie fi lls them Street. The story introduces the audience to a villain, Freddy Krueger (Jackie Earle Haley), admirably, bringing forth a decent script that, without going into any spoilers, reveals a bit who tortures a group of teenagers in their sleep with his intent to kill. These “nightmares” about the Stark family history and furthers what is becoming a series spanning multiple pose as the perfect place for Freddy to attack them, as a death in a dream is a death in connected Marvel movies. Comic book fans will delight at what is to come, and enjoy the reality—if the victims fall asleep, they may never wake up. many side references made throughout the movie. Unfortunately, the movie is forgettable, as it is so uncannily similar to the original The acting is excellent, but what else is to be expected from the great Robert Downey that no one aspect sticks out enough to captivate the audience—not even the cast, which Jr. and Mickey Rourke? Sam Rockwell manages to perfectly portray a slimy little man–you includes Katie Cassidy (Melrose Place) and Kyle Gallner (Veronica Mars), performs well just can’t help but want to punch him. Downey has perfected the immature yet loveable enough to allow the movie to separate itself from its predecessor. Stark, from his hilarious dead pan to his eccentric mannerisms. Don Cheadle does a decent However, what sets aside this version from the previous is that this movie itself is job fi lling in the shoes of Terrance Howard from the fi rst Iron Man, who did not return more dependent on gory images than it is on suspenseful substance. Freddy does not pos- for the second fi lm. sess as much “character” as one would have liked to see, ripping him of a personality that However, Cheadle’s performance brings an emotional motivation to Rhodey differ- is vital to establishing his intimidating nature. The potential it has to scare the audience is ent from the version played by Howard. And while such a change is expected when the diminished by its predictability, because each suspenseful buildup to a scary scene occurs actors are different, rarely has it been more noticeable than with Cheadle’s now very stoic in the same way: Freddy attempts to kill a teenager in his or her sleep. Though the storyline Rhodey. is the same as the previous, the way that it is carried out by the characters of the fi lm does Despite the strong cast, the fi lm is fi lled with disappointing action sequences. The not distinguish this version as one that was worth watching. trailers promise epic combat and the tag team fi ghting of robotic suits, but the major lack Nightmare on Elm Street is a decent attempt at a good horror movie, but when choos- of battles makes this a somewhat moot point. ing between the original and the remake, keep in mind that the remake does not do the Ultimately Iron Man 2 is an excellent fi lm. Though not as great as the fi rst, this fi lm original justice. is by no means a slouch when taken on its own. B.O.B

By Puja Subramaniam and Julianna Roy By Ryan Meyer Staff Writers A&E Editor “Can we pretend that airplanes in the night The wonderfully rich and layered lyrics of sky are like shooting stars / I could really use a Craig Finn, vocalist of blues-rock band The Hold wish right now,” are the lyrics of B.o.B.’s single Steady, are typically delivered in a style best de- “Airplanes.” scribed as slam poetry. His songs are tales full of And his wish was defi nitely granted with the characters and plot, yet unbound to any narrative release of his new album, B.o.B Presents: The Ad- structure – the words would cascade over bar-band ventures of Bobby Ray. This album has been topping guitar riffs and wild keyboards. the charts, even hitting number one on iTunes. With the new album, Heaven is Whenever, the His fi rst top-ten single, “Nothin’ On You (ft. Bruno Mars),” properly introduces the departure of the band’s keyboardist also summons the departure of this free-form style. new hip-hop artist to the music industry. The single has a unique style and fl ow, establish- Finn now sings instead of spits, and the songs now fi nd a more traditional structure. ing him as an idiosyncratic artist. This altered approach takes a little getting used to for loyal fans of the band, but ulti- The release of the single “Airplanes (ft. Haley Williams of Paramore)” has caused an mately, The Hold Steady’s best attribute still remains: the poetic lyrics. The best songs on uproar among music lovers, blending pop, hip-hop, and punk, forming one the best col- the album showcase Finn’s colloquial lyrics. “Barely Breathing” is a memoir of the hardcore laborations of the year. Part II of the song is even better, adding Eminem to the mix, but club scene. Finn recounts, “Summer ’88 was all heat and intensity / Saw the youth of today th unfortunately this is an album-only song on iTunes. One of the most popular songs on the at the 7 Street Entry.” Though the songs take on a different structure, there still remains a tracklist, “Magic (ft. Rivers Cuomo),” is repetitive, but keeps you hooked with a creative relaxed atmosphere to the music, as though the singer is telling stories around a campfi re. and catchy tune. “The Weekenders” is the album’s best track, undoubtedly because it is the most novel- Regardless of your musical tastes, B.o.B’s new album is a fusion of songs that will istic. A sequel to “Chips Ahoy!” from the album Boys and Girls in America, “Weekenders” appeal to a broad range of listeners. With its fresh and original tracks, B.o.B has really continues the story of a couple who turns their talent for winning bets at horse races into stepped up to the challenges that most new artists face. wild and indulgent weekends. “It’s not gonna be like in romantic comedies / In the end, I There are four current hip-hop albums we would buy without a moment’s hesitation: bet no one learns a lesson.” T.I., Kid Cudi, Ludacris, and most recently, B.o.B. This new album places him at the top The album is solid, though the panache of past albums is missed. Heaven is Whenever of our lists, and it should be on yours too. is still worth a listen for those who like their lyrics as heavy as the riffs. Through the Lens a close-up look at Mitty’s photographers

Nick Delucchi Nick will be graduating on May 29 and is attending UC Davis in the fall. Aside from photography he enjoys camping, philosophy, and learning about the world in general.

What attracted you to photography in the fi rst place? I liked the effect that photography has on people, that it can really make them think about how awesome the world around us really is. What is your favorite thing to photograph? I like to photograph people because of the emotions that I can convey through them, but I don’t always have the opportunity because either people aren’t available or just aren’t willing. What inspires you? Pretty much anything inspires me: any art I see, the people I meet, the subjects I learn in class--anything. Describe the favorite photo you’ve taken: My favorite photograph would have to the one of the pedestrian bridge over 280 on the way to Foothill (center). I always liked the way it looked, so one night I went out and took a few hundred shots, cropped two together to get the whole height of the structure, and out came the product. Where do you plan to take this hobby? I might take a class or two on digital photography in college, but I won’t major in it. I would like to one day photograph bacteria and microscopic life, though; I’ve always wished I could. How would you describe your photographic style? I’m kinda all over but I do tend to favor Macro style when it comes to nature. And I do really enjoy taking pictures of the sky. Perhaps I’m a nature photographer who has the occasional desire to photograph people. May 2010 • Photography Page 13

Preston McPeak Snapshots

Morgan Czeropski

Claire Bredenoord

Alexander Ramirez C Marissa McPeak O N T E S Kelly Prows T Thank you W to all the photographers who contributed to the I Monarch Photo Section this year. Hopefully, you N inspired a few other talented students to pick up N a camera and begin to see E the world in a new way. R SPORTS 4 x 100 Softball Aims for Yet Another CCS Title Relay Team By Bryce Bajar “When you expect to win every game good Staff Writer things and good luck comes your way.” By Jaslyn Johnson Domination. This is not a word unfa- Yet this strength is also a struggle for the & Neil Jariwalla miliar to Monarch Athletics, which have, in team, as Andersen says: “One of our biggest Staff Writers this year alone, enjoyed especially success- struggles is relaxing and having fun. We tend ful seasons from the likes of men’s football, to put a lot of pressure on ourselves and think Although Track and Field women’s volleyball, and basketball. it’s up to one player to win the game. We need is not considered a team in the Yet for Mitty’s softball team, there is to work more on relaxing and trusting each conventional sense, the 4x100 something a little greater than domination other and our skills.” relay truly defines what it at hand. Additionally, Coach Thomas acknowl- means to participate on a team. This is a team that is 25-2 overall, with edges that there still remain facets of the game The four members of the a commanding 6-0 league record to undis- that the team needs to work on. women’s team, Ally Lock- putedly place itself at the top of the WCAL. She notes: “The only struggles I would wood, Elizabeth Duxbury, This is a team with an unprecedented say would be playing every team with the Kamilah Davis, and Jessica 20 shutouts, and outcomes such as the 14-0 same focus and intensity. We have elevated Seymour, comprise this light- trouncing of Sacred Heart Cathedral on our game against great competition and ening-fast group. lowered our game when facing less talented Senior Ally Lockwood April 13. explains, “The track team This is a team that has outscored its teams. We are working on playing our game overall is a friendly com- opponents 125-12. Domination inadequately no matter who is in the other dug out.” munity, but our relay team is describes this Monarch softball team. With these areas of improvement in mind, especially close because we But is this any surprise? The Monarchs the team moves on, pursuing their ever-lofty spend so much time together.” have captured both the WCAL and CCS goals. The girls have become titles fi ve years in a row now, so this trend of “Our main goal is to keep the winning great friends and teammates, excellence is more than a mere intermittent streak alive and win league and CCS for the allowing them to form a unique phenomenon – it is a well-rooted tradition. Photo courtesy of Mr. Luie Lopez sixth season in a row. We want to play our bond on and off the track. Let us all keep in mind that this success Sophomore Vanessa Alvarez winds up for the pitch. hardest every game,” stated Andersen. They attribute their victo- so far is in light of lower expectations this The Monarchs completed their regular rious season to their friendship year, as many key players graduated last year. record has contributed greatly to the overall season as of May 6 in an 8-0 shutout of St. developed over the years, as Says senior Jillian Anderson: “We had success of the team. Ignatius and a semi-fi nal victory as of May 11 well as their dedication. amazing seniors last year who were great lead- “The team feels like they are certain in ev- in a 3-1 victory over Belmont. “Our team is successful ers. Last year we had more power hitters who ery game because she is such a tough pitcher,” As the Monarchs advamce to WCAL because we know we have the could hit extra base hits, but this year we are Coach Thomas said of Alvarez. playoffs, the smell of victory is in the air. With talent and the capability, so more of a win-by-singles type of team. Other Andersen, bound for Cal Poly, adds: “Our total domination within reach, Andersen urges we work hard and take every teams thought that since we lost some key play- greatest strength would probably be defense. the Mitty community: “Come out and support practice and meet seriously,” ers we weren’t going to be as good, but we’ve Our whole team is extremely versatile and softball!” says senior Elizabeth Duxbury. been proving them wrong all year.” many people play more than just one position.” However, it looks as if the Monarchs will “Our track team usually comes Head Coach Sarah Thomas offers some This very consistent defense, combined be nearly unstoppable in their CCS schedule out fi rst.” insight into the team’s unparalleled strength with the outstanding performances of Alvarez and will be sure to add a few new banners to As the team competes in this season. and sophomore catcher Chiara Biagini, has the Fien Gym ceiling. their fi nal league meets, they contributed to the stark scoring differential and With the season nearing its fi nish, be sure hope to make it into the fi nals “One of the team’s strengths certainly is at state and set a new personal pitching,” she said. the host of shutouts so far this season. to take part in the tradition of excellence, the record. At the heart of this pitching strength is The team’s “all around expectation to win” exhibition of pure strength, and the greatness sophomore Vanessa Alvarez, whose 22-1 is another strength according to Coach Thomas. of Monarch domination. Mitty Baseball Earns Regional Recognition Heading into CCS Playoffs, Monarchs Ranked #4 in State

By Cameron Schott and Bella Colpo the nation over the 2010 season, but even Staff Writers more impressively, they are also ranked 5th Only three games into the league in the nation by Baseball America. season, Archbishop Mitty displayed the Senior captain Stephen Meade says, determination and skill to come through in “We are excited about the rankings, but a clutch situation. really that stuff doesn’t matter to us. It is Stepping up to the plate in the bottom all about going day to day and not getting of the seventh inning, Alex Balog prepared ahead of ourselves to get to our goals.” to bat, the score tied at 4-4. The result? Coach Hutton was also modest, saying, A walk-off home run to beat St. Fran- “It is fun to be recognized in the national cis, one of the top teams in the country. rankings. I am not sure that it is humanly This was just to start the league year. possible to have state and national rank- Mitty followed a perfect 7-0 pre-season ings for high school baseball, [but] to be with an 11-3 record in WCAL play, going recognized by the various outlets that at- on to fi nish the season with an impressive tempt to do that means that we have a good 24-3 record prior to the WCAL playoffs. reputation and are respected in the baseball Following the defeat of rival Valley community.” Christian in the fi nals of the Mike Hazlett Coach Hutton is also quick to point out Tournament and having a near-perfect start future obstacles, saying, “Of course, with of the season, the Monarchs pressed their the diffi culty of our league, you can climb advantage throughout the year. or slide in those rankings quickly with a Despite losing close games to Valley Photo courtesy of Mr. Luie Lopez big win or unfortunate loss. The WCAL is Christian and Bellarmine, the Monarchs Sophomore Preston Caldera looks to drive the ball for the Monarchs. very tough.” have shown little weakness in their play. Mitty secured the WCAL title, beating Demonstrating obvious composure in How do they do it? Alex Balog, who led the win against St. Sacred Heart Cathedral 13-7 on May 7, their 7-5 defeat of St. Francis, they have Coach Bill Hutton said, “Our strength Francis, junior Brett Fuller, who helped aided by homeruns from USF-bound Alex steadily improved to their current state of is our deep and talented pitching staff...It beat St. Ignatius, junior Tyler Davis, who Balog and junior Sean Edgecumbe. success. is a blessing to have a deep staff, but [it’s] brought back the victory against Serra, and They have already begun WCAL play, Now, at the top of their game, the Mon- unfortunate that there is not enough oppor- James Roberts, who has played more games defeating Riordan in the fi rst round, 9-2 archs are ready to face the fast-approaching tunities to get them all signifi cant innings.” as a shortstop than any other player in and St. Ignatius in the second round, 9-7. CCS playoffs. He also added that, “Another strength school history, have contributed to Mitty’s The Monarchs were scheduled to play Their 24 wins have come against some is the senior leadership. The seniors have success. Serra on May 13. From their, they will formidable teams, including Valley Chris- done a great job of leading by actions and Archbishop Mitty baseball rightly head into the CCS, where they will seek tian, Serra, Bellarmine, and, arguably their words.” earns their astonishing Maxpreps.com rank- to avenge last year’s title loss in the fi nal biggest rival, St. Francis. Crucial players such as senior slugger ing as not only 4th in the state and 21st in inning. May 2010 • Sports Page 15 Ice Hockey Men’s Volleyball Skating in the Fast Lane Close to WCAL Title By Steven Nguyen our opponents underestimate our skill and By Aymun Ullah punch on the offensive and defensive ends Staff Writer we catch them off guard in the beginning & Arjun Ravishankar of the fl oor. of the game. We also play incredibly hard Staff Writers Ryan Petulla leads the team with 277 The ice rink: a place where champions and check a lot.” When volleyball is discussed at Arch- kills, while Ryan Sabatini contributes to the are made. Through seven games the team had bishop Mitty, the women’s team often defensive end with his impressive 33 blocks. For most Mitty-ites, it’s a surprise that already exceeded last year’s expectations dominates the conversation. However, the Sabatini also leads the team in kill percent- their school even has exposure to the rink. and the team is working together better Mitty men’s volleyball team has also made age, driving home 41% of his attempts. However, the Mitty Hockey team is in its than before, hoping to advance farther into signifi cant strides in strengthening its repu- “Our best qualities are that we play for third year of exis- the playoffs than tation. each other and get tence and includes they have in previ- With an over- pumped when one greats such as se- ous years. all record of 28-8 of us does well niors Sam Miraglia, The drive to and a league record and we can be re- Stephen Jahncke win this year’s of 7-5, the Mon- laxed and funny and Kyle Dzurko. championship has archs were able to on the court but As a young been immeasurable fi ght their way into know when to fo- team it’s difficult as of late. 3rd place in the al- cus,” explains se- to attain the usual With players on ways-competitive nior Tyler Vinson, Monarch standards edge, Senior Kyle WCAL, showing who himself has in such a short Dzurko jokes, “We just how much the had 203 kills thus amount of time. play by the rules team has matured far in the season. Rather, the last and we do as much and grown with Such attri- few years have been as we can to be fair, time. butes have led to known to be team and we just want to Says Senior a long list of vic- growth periods win the champion- Alex Becker, “This tories for the Mon- more than anything ship so badly.” has been our best archs, notably else. The team has year in a long time against Serra and Last year, for been practicing for for volleyball. We St. Francis earlier instance, after mak- their games at the put in the work and in the season. ing an incredible Ice Center at San have fun doing it.” Despite wins run to the play- Jose, but since they Though not against both St. offs, the team was are a club team necessarily as tall Ignatius and St. stopped short in the they do not offi cial- as teams of past Francis in the fi rst round. ly have a practice years, the Mon- quarter- and Photo courtesy of Facebook.com With Coach schedule designated archs were able Photo courtesy of Mr. Luie Lopez semi-fi nals of the Leaf holding down Junior Erik Leaf skates down the ice with the puck. at the rink. to utilize solid de- Senior Ryan Petulla crouches to dig the volleyball. WCAL tourna- the fort the team is It becomes a fensive and intelligent offensive play to ment, the Monarchs met a close defeat in ready to take on the playoffs and then the daunting task for the team to get time on the maximize their strengths, and the team often the fi nal against Bellarmine on May 7, end- championships. ice, making it that much more diffi cult for found itself on the winning end of a game ing their WCAL bid. Senior Stephen Jancke explains “While this team to make its run to the championship. due to their strategic play. However, the Monarch season is not the team is small in size, we are very fast. However, the Monarchs keep gliding Led by Seniors Ryan Petulla and Ryan over yet. They will head into CCS on May Like Usain Bolt except on skates. Many of on and remain optimistic of their chances. Sabatini, the Monarchs found a potent 1-2 10 to compete for the title.

Compiled by Kanishka Khanna, Kelsey McClung, Erik Chu, and Patrick Le Staff Writers

Highlight Coach: Mr. Carlos Trujillo Key Contributors: Nick Billmaier, Sean Matusich, Joe Wilkinson, and Curtis Fellenz REEL Highlight: a 6-goal performance by Sophomore Billy Herr against Scotts Valley, and a 2 OT victory over Serra. Coach: Mr. John Mosunic Curtis Fellenz: “We’re heading Key Contributors: Shotaro Ban, into our last game at SI with hopes of marked Stephen Jahncke, Ryan Rankin, and Gable Ignacio improvement and hope to use that game as a Highlight: Beating both Saint Francis springboard for our big playoff game against and Bellarmine by 1 shot in the last two Photo courtesy of Mr. Luie Lopez Lacrosse Bellarmine the following week.” matches to win the League Championship. Senior Frances Choi tucks in good form.

Golf Shotaru Ben: “We always got each other’s backs. If someone isn’t playing well, we try to help Coaches: Tom Miller and Rachel Rhodes them out. ” Key Contributors: Cathy Cantoni, CCS fi nalists Monica Garcia, Hilary Hunt, and Jeff Peters, and CCS champion Stephanie Phipps Cathy Contini: “We are looking to qualify in all events at CCS and WCALs and beat Notre Dame next Thursday, May 7.” Swimming

Photo courtesy of Mr. Luie Lopez Freshman Lindsey Scheller prepares to serve the birdie.

Coach: Wilfredo Vargas and Antoinette Cao Photo courtesy of Mr. Luie Lopez Key Contributors: Brian Moriyama, Freshman Paige Haar leaps over the hurdle at a sprint. Jeff Xu, Manisha Eerabathini, Sabrina Li, and Gavin Chan, Coach: Mr. Kevin Dunn and Mrs. Dina Oakland Jessica Snyder: “The team this year is key contributors: Olivia Rintala, Liz more dedicated to the sport. We’ve had a much Duxbury, Bobby Marani, and Richard Guzikowski better year than the past and I hope that we continue to gain momentum to finish out the Don Stevenson: “There is a lot of talent year’s games with victories that will carry us on the team this year. Hopefully we go on to prove Photo courtesy of Mr. Luie Lopez to league fi nals.” our dominance in league.” Swimmer leaps off her starting block. Track Badminton News • May 2010 Page 16

Senior Focus:STUDENT Valedictorian Josie CENTE(RED) Suh and Salutatorian Alexis Savini By Morgan McEnery Staff Writer Josie Suh has accumulated quite a number of claims to fame in her 4 years of high After challenging herself for four years at Mitty, senior Alexis Savini will graduate school. She can boast a complete play-through of every Final Fantasy game and a mastery on May 29, feeling like most seniors do, very accomplished. However, Alexis will speak of driving stick-shift, and she’s this close to being able to name the world’s 195 countries. in front of the class of 2010 as Salutatorian. She will be recognized for her outstanding Oh, and she’s also Valedictorian. academic accomplishments, leadership roles, and service to the community. Josie has taken the most diffi cult course load offered at Mitty, with 12 AP and 6 Honors As a National Merit Finalist and a nominee for the Presidential Scholars Program, it classes. Although she dedicated the majority of her time to her schoolwork, Josie spent the is quite an understatement to say she has worked tremendously hard and deserves to be rest of her time with her horse, Pepe, whom she trains and rides daily. named Salutatorian. Alexis is an advanced-level piano student and has been playing piano Also involved with her church community, Korean Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, as well as club soccer for 12 years. Josie holds faith as an important aspect of her life. Because of this, she joined the LIFE Alexis has taken full advantage of her opportunities at Mitty and has been very involved Emmaus Corp and is involved in a base community her senior year. Being a big part of during her four years here. She traveled to South Africa as a junior with her ECJ class, Campus Ministry, Josie has had the opportunity to lead both Quest and Kairos retreats. participated in a corporate internship, and is an editor of the Sports section of The Monarch. Says Josie, “Being able to offer the Kairos experience to other seniors was even more As she makes a long trek across the country to New Hampshire to attend Dartmouth amazing than being on Kairos for the fi rst time!” College in the fall, Alexis is excited to live somewhere new and be on her own. Although still undecided in her cou Additionally, Josie attended the inaugural trip to India for the ECJ Immersion trip, is unsure about possible career paths, she editor of the ch Opinions sectionsection, and is a tutor at Mittyy and outside of school. hhopesopes to fi nd sometsomethingh she loves to ve list of accomplish- do and travel as mmuchu as possible in ments, it is no wonder shehe will be attending Fun Facts! ththee mmeantime.eantime. y in Washington Josie: Favorite Cafeteria Food: Tater Tots Moving on to the next chapter n their School of iinn her lifelife,, AlexAlexisi is thankful for Foreign Service. Josie hopes to follow Hardest Class: Physics AP Embarrassing Moment: “As a freshman, I what she says is, “the opportunity in her grandfather’s footstepststeps and work laughed at something a senior said, but then tthathat Mitty gave mme to challenge for international peace, possiblyossibly becom- she glared at me and told me not to laugh at her mmyself.”yself.” Alexis recalls ing the United States envoynvoy to North because she wasn’t stupid.” being v Korea to work for reconciliation.onciliation. a freshmanfres and wor- As to other parts of herr college ried s to-do list, she wants to travelravel able ther th ic! t iss brings. chatting with teacherss Clearly, after class and in the hall-- A ways, and I’m going too Alexis: m ds Favorite Cafeteria Food: Pizza jjust “keep up” in in the senior class,” shehe Hardest Class: Physics AP high school. She sie, Embarrassing moment: During AP Gov, has unquestion- will be Alexis was caught talking and had to sing ably earned her ent —a Miley Cyrus’s “The Climb” and the theme spot at the top of gamer, driver, and equestrienne.trienne. song to “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” hher class. Graduations to Remember

Volume 19 Number 5

Advisors Mr. Mick VanValkenburg Mr. Craig Whitt

News Emily Chu, Bridget McAnany, Kit Strong, & Olivia Tran

Opinions Manasi Patel, Isabel Sausjord, Graduating ASB members pose for this year’s class of 2010. & Josie Suh By Sruthi Ramaswami tion was that one teacher wouldn’t get T-Brawz Graduation Arts & Entertainment Staff Writer a gown, and they would be left with Movie References High School Graduation is un- the Dorothy Dress—a blue gingham Steffi e Ko, Ryan Meyer, & Zoya Qureshy deniably one of the most memorable frock straight from The Wizard of (nearly every year Mr. Brosnan events in a person’s life. Oz. One year, Mr. Korbel found the weaves a movie reference Okay, so we all know that worn- Dorothy Dress in place of the custom- throughout his graduation speech) Focus out cliché—still, sometimes an un- ary gown… 1995 “Forrest Gump” Manisha Eerabathini, Emma Luk, expected occurrence can make the In 2000, Mr. Brosnan and Mr. 1996 “Apollo 13” (admittedly predictable) ceremony Silva decided to fool the graduating Seethim Naicker, & Ramya Singireddy that much more exciting. Past years seniors by referencing the newly 1997 “Jerry Maguire” have seen various faculty members released Austin Powers movie. Early 1998 “Good Will Hunting” Justice Awareness infuse graduation with their own on, Mr. Brosnan’s speech was inter- 1999 “Saving Private Ryan” sense of humor, giving students one rupted by microphone interference, 2000 “Austin Powers” Kiron Chandy, Angela Hodge, & Maya Raman more reason to think fondly of their shocking the audience into silence. 2002 “A Beautiful Mind” high school experience. Here are two Mr. Silva emerged from the stands 2003 References to 25 Sports such memories. dressed as Dr. Evil. While the audi- diff erent classic movies Along with the students, the fac- ence was recovering from their shock, Kanishka Khanna, Juli Ruiz, & Alexis Savini ulty and staff have their own gowns he commandeered the ceremony and 2004 “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” to wear for graduation. But it used proceeded to deliver the rest of Mr. Photo to be that every faculty and staff Brosnan’s speech. 2005 “Crash” member except one had a gown to With graduation quickly ap- 2006 “Joyeux Noel” Claire Bredenoord wear for graduation—that one had to proaching, the class of 2010 has a 2007 “Litt le Miss Sunshine” wear what was called the “Dorothy truly remarkable moment to look 2008 “Juno” The Monarch is published for the students, Dress.” When teachers went to the forward to, regardless of whether or 2009 “Slumdog Millionaire” rack, they would usually fi nd their not the faculty have something extra faculty, and parents of Archbishop Mitty High School. respective gowns. However, the tradi- in store. 2010 ?????