INSIDE: High School Relationships (see page 2)

ServingServing the the Archbishop Archbishop Mitty Mitty Community Community Volume 21 Number 3 February 2012 Up and Coming Clubs at Mitty

Team member Riya Dange summarizes her experi- As a national organization, FBLA truly embraces a Speech and Debate ence, “Being on the team is a lot of work, but it is worth grand variety of competitive events, both individual and it in the end.” team-oriented, that grant students the chance to learn, teach, By Srikanth Cherukuri After all, Speech and Debate was the springboard for and gain recognition in the ¿ eld of business. Student mem- Staff Writer John F. Kennedy, Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, and Chris Colfer bers gain many opportunities to attend conferences, semi- When you think of speech and debate, what comes to (who plays Kurt on Glee) to launch their careers. nars, and workshops that foster career and entrepreneurship mind? Is it two kids with glasses, considering skills vital to our modern corporate world. which Battlestar Gallactica episode is the all- As Marti, president of Mitty FBLA, time greatest? Is it two presidential candidates explains,“Competitions allow students to dem- discussing their stance on America’s unemploy- onstrate their abilities and become genuinely ment rate? Though you may be unsure, Mitty immersed in the business experience.” kick-started its Speech and Debate team just Mitty’s future business leaders are now this year. eagerly working on the Champions of Bay It all started when Ms. Andrea Cart- Project, designed for individual students in wright was ¿ lling out a job application for a the Bay Area to “become more involved in position as an English teacher here at Mitty. FBLA” and to “encourage participation” in On her resumé, she included that she coached their local chapters. a highly successful speech and debate team at Through ten distinct activities, which La Costa Canyon High School in San Diego for include completing a job shadow program, two years. With the addition of Ms. Cartwright, attending a business tour, and presenting or Mrs. Zambo, and Mrs. Woodruff, Mitty was writing on behalf of FBLA, Mitty students ¿ nally able to unveil a brand new team. are able to gain recognition at this year’s Bay Speech and Debate consists of varying Section Leadership Conference. events, from Original Prose and Poetry to In addition to business-oriented events, Humorous Interpretation. As well, debate students participating in the Champions of Bay consists of team events such as Public Forum, Project can display their strength and poten- and individual events such as Congressional tials through such activities as presentational Debate. Every member of the team is required speaking, community service, and the recruit- to participate in one Speech Event, one Debate FBLA ofÄ cers prepare for the Bay Section Competition. ing of additional members for their school. Event, and one Spontaneous Event (think-on- On March 3, Mitty’s own FBLA members your-feet speaking). will attend the 2012 Bay Section Leadership Conference at Mitty participates in the Coast Forensics League, which Classrooms to Cupertino High School. At the conference, each will have consists of some of the nation’s best teams. Although the the chance to secure a blue ribbon symbolizing not only competition is strong, Mitty has proven successful. Boardrooms outstanding achievement in academics and business aware- At the varsity level speech tournament, two Monarchs By Payam Mirfendereski ness, but also active participation in school and community. competed in the ¿ nals, with junior Sarah Tsou coming Staff Writer A panel of judges will determine the merit and achieve- in 7th place for Expository Speaking and freshman Riya ment of each but, of course, it is the journey that matters Dange coming in 7th place for Original Prose and Poetry. Last year, junior Chitra Marti decided to initiate a the most in shaping the self-con¿ dence, dreams, and future At the second junior varsity debate tournament, two chapter of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) at of these ambitious students. Monarch teams swept their competition and went unde- Mitty. This club is unlike traditional school programs that With a bright future ahead, FBLA can anticipate in- feated. The teams were comprised of juniors Puja Subra- promote cultural activities and social gatherings among creasing student membership. manian and Anir Ramesh, and freshmen Maxim Baban students. It has a broader, more decisive purpose: to pro- In the meantime, we can all wish our young business and Anika Gidwani. mote leadership, business, and entrepreneurship skills in leaders success in embracing opportunities that make Mitty At the recent Stanford Invitational last week, Sarah our school. With over 215,000 members in high schools truly diverse, innovative, and visionary in the realm of busi- Tsou took 7th place, again, in Expository Speaking and was today, FBLA is the largest business-career student organi- ness and career education. a semi-¿ nalist in Original Oratory. Also, Sharvil Gupta zation in the world. and Riya Dange were ¿ nalists in Congressional Debate. Now in its second of¿ cial year, the Mitty chapter—or For more information: While Speech and Debate might sound like a dif¿ cult division—has made impressive progress. Supervised by Mr. Speech & Debate task, it is actually quite rewarding. Not only do the students Mosunic and led by both junior and senior of¿ cers, Mitty’s Ms. Cartwright at [email protected] develop their public speaking skills, but they are also able to FBLA has recruited over twenty members and has com- expand their knowledge of local and global events. menced training for local and regional competitions. FBLA — www.mittyfbla.tk The Evolution of Mitty’s Yearbook: The Excalibur By Sankar Srinivasan us,” says senior staff member Samantha Rodgers. Staff Writer The work never ceases to be exciting as editors constantly chase people for photos You really can’t judge a book by its cover, and the Yearbook is no exception! With and interviews for their various sections. pages upon pages of nostalgic memories, The Excalibur ahigh However, lik Year- Regardless, memembersm have often described their work as extremely fun and book, to put it simply, is an epic success—a culmination fresh—eve n of everything Mitty has to offer to its proud community. oth Each edition ties every Monarch, past and present, into a in powerful, enduring family. Everyone who has a yearbook Ms. Epidendio notes that Yearbook was originally not knows just how truly entertaining and sentimental it can be. a class and required the staff to work after school. It was Looking at the colorful pages, it’s hard to imagine changed to a class to allow busy students to participate in the that the book was once fully black and white. In fact, the program. The editors adopt a new theme for the Yearbook Yearbook staff initially drafted the pages on large pieces every year, and the result is a creative work of art. Still a of butcher paper before computers were implemented at secret, this year’s theme will be unveiled when the 2012 Mitty. Today, the use of Adobe In-Design has allowed the Excalibur comes out in May. Yearbook to expand from 95 to over 300 pages. Like many limited-member activities, interested stu- Behind Excalibur’s fantastic content is a hard-working, dedi- dents must interview with Ms. Epidendio and a Yearbook group editor, get teacher recommendations, explain why they want project in the classroom. But Yearbook is no ordinary class! The atmosphere to join, and be able to create captions for various pictures. is always quirky and comical with regular jokes. If you are creative, social, artistic, and looking to connect a little more with Arch- “If the Yearbook of¿ ce door is open and you walk by it, you will de¿ nitely hear bishop Mitty High School, then the Yearbook may just be for you! OPINIONS Opposing Viewpoints: High School Relationships WORTH THE STRUGGLE WASTE OF TIME By Jessica Dumov good. Sometimes, I look back at the tougher By Ashley Rodarte including schoolwork and friendships. Staff Writer moments and think to myself, “If only I Staff Writer Becoming “love sick” can and does make knew,” because even now I am still learning people forget about the other equally, if not Clichés about love vary greatly, from how to communicate, how to empathize, and “There you have it, folks. Young love. more, important parts of their lives. “love hurts” to “all you need is love.” High how to be patient. Full of promise, full of hope, ignorant High school relationships should be school relationships are known for being un- Relationships aren’t all hard work, of reality.” Last year’s romantic comedy a source of fun and warmth, but teenagers stable and unreliable. Statistics say that only however. I have such wonderful memories Valentine’s Day presented love in many become obsessed with creating an ideal- about 10% of high school sweethearts get to look back on and can honestly say that I forms. The movie’s portrayal of high school ized version of them. Instead of working married and only 5% do not end in divorce. will never regret any those times that made relationships in particular, though, was quite on academics or hanging out with friends, These rather unfriendly numbers may me smile. accurate. couples will tend to neglect life outside of be discouraging at ¿ rst sight, but when look- Teenagers have plenty of time to live Relationships in high school are great each other to their own detriment. ing at the bene¿ ts of teenage love, the high in the moment. With a world of opportuni- for a short period of time, sure. They are Being “whipped” in high school is seen school relationship can be recognized as ties facing nice when as a bad thing, and yet as part of a couple something worthwhile and even bene¿ cial. you, there they begin, you are expected to act with your other- Going into a relationship is a risky, is nothing and they half’s interest in mind. Striking the perfect courageous thing to do. It can be an incred- wrong with give teens balance between these two expectations is ibly challenging task just to venture out of enjoying a sense of dif¿ cult, especially when expectations are that ‘friend zone.’ life more by comfort unreasonably high. The possibility of being rejected is sharing it and secu- You see, teens are like sponges, they always there, and no one wants to hear with some- rity, but absorb the information given to them from whispers of how he or she got turned down. one else. they almost the media, family, and friends. And because In the end, though, the whole ordeal makes Every always of this many have been horribly misled. If a person stronger because it teaches them teen should come with boyfriends are not buying À owers everyday how to handle emotional sorrow and stress. have the trouble, and they are considered bad boyfriends, and if Every high school relationship helps chance to are almost girlfriends don’t tolerate being ditched for build up emotional resiliency. Learning to feel the always a night of Call of Duty, they are considered handle the realities of life becomes quite charm of doomed to bad girlfriends. important, especially when we move on to love in the fail. Sadly, the most inevitable part of high college and need to be self-reliant. air and the Per- school relationships is that they break up. While in high school, the family and excitement sonally, Yes, this is a part of growing and experienc- friends that we live with serve as an emo- of open- I think it ing life, but teenagers are not fully equipped tional support system. As high school stu- ing up to is best to to handle it correctly. dents begin the trek towards independence, someone just avoid I have seen far too many relationships however, being prepared for life is vital to new. This them. Yes, go on and on when clearly they are just not moving on to the next stage of adulthood. may seem it’s great to working. It is never healthy to stay with Many parents warn their teens not to daunting have a de¿ - someone that you do not really care about, or waste too much of their social lives on ¿ nd- at first, but nite date to that has hurt you multiple times. High school ing that signi¿ cant other, but this warning you never homecom- is a crucial time to learn about yourself, and hardly every stops a curious teen from trying know what ing, and being dragged through an unstable relation- anyway. As long as couples maintain other it might turn posting ship can take a painful emotional toll on the aspects of their lives such as academics and into. All high school students have had that cute pictures on Facebook is always fun, teenagers involved. sports, they can have a better grasp on how crush that they never had the guts to ask out but being independent is the best way to go. The truth is relationships are more to form relationships in the future. on a date. You never know what could be For one thing, your identity can be lost. complicated than our adolescent minds are High school relationships teach us unless you try: for every teen thinking they Instead of being Jack you become Jack-and- ready to handle. Teenagers are in a dif¿ cult the fundamentals of how to become more have no chance with their crush, that very Jill. Relationships can distort the way you period in life where so much is changing, than just friends with another person. High person may be feeling the same way. see yourself. When you are sucked into the for the better or the worse, and so it seems school is the time for making mistakes, for Love can be found in unexpected idea of the perfect relationship you become perfect to ¿ nd someone you can hold onto falling —and for getting back up. places, even messy teenage love. So who what your signi¿ cant other expects, or what through it all. Through a long process of trial and error, knows, maybe you will ¿ t into that ¿ ve per- others expect you to be as a part of pair. However, high school students tend to teens can grow in their ability to love and be cent that lives happily ever after, or maybe You begin worrying more about how neglect balance. We over-think what we are loved, because, of course, accepting someone our generation will be able to change those to make your boyfriend or girlfriend happy doing or not doing, and this leads to awful else’s love can be just as hard as giving it. sad statistics altogether. instead of yourself. Sometimes in a relation- arguments, and then to awful breakups. Personally, I know what it is like to Either way, you should not shy away ship it’s good to be selÀ ess. But teenagers Until we are more settled with who we go through these stages as I have been in a from taking the leap into a romantic relation- take this overboard. are and what we care about, relationships are relationship for over a year. ship. That is part of what it means to be a Then there are the obvious parts of just not a good idea: they demand too much There have been times bad and times teenager. It’s part of growing up. life that relationships can, and do, disrupt, of us, and can seriously hurt those involved.

THE ENGLISH CLASSROOM AFTER BUDGET CUTS February 2012 • Opinions Page 3 SUPER PACS: DROWNING OUT OUR VOICES By Rachita Pandya corrupt. With this, gone was the $5000 per Staff Writer person contribution limit to any PACs. Secondly, they concluded that if an During this election season, the term individual’s contributions to one of these “Super PAC” has jumped right onto the head- Super PACs cannot corrupt, then neither can lines of major newspapers, magazines, and a corporation’s or a labor union’s contribution. political websites. Super PACs are political However, this now allows corporations to in- organizations that can take unlimited sums À uence elections anonymously, thus avoiding from individuals, corporations, and labor any risk of upsetting customers. unions to spend in support or opposition of The main reason the Supreme Court federal candidates. should consider challenges to campaign Because of their ability to work anony- contribution limits is that large contributions mously and to alter the legislative process, can create the reality of corruption of those Super PACs present an enormous danger to candidates. A candidate who receives a large our society. contribution will feel obliged to the contribu- Such groups have already played a major tor, and legislative policy could alter in the role in Iowa, with a pro-Mitt Romney Super contributor’s direction. PAC, “Restore Our Future,” having run attack Clearly, these Super PACs present a real ads that severely damaged Newt Gingrich’s danger to our democracy. They run massive chances. From what they have already done, media or mail-level campaigns to sway the we can clearly see that Super PACs are threat- public opinion. This puts tremendous pres- ening for a number of reasons. tors, which include big corporations, individu- elections. Key to this ruling was the court’s sure on those elected to then work in favor of Supers PACs tend to run more negative als, and even international organizations (not statement that independent spending cannot the Super PAC. And, in turn, this then causes advertising because they are not responsible bound by US law). corrupt the political process. candidates to put the interest of contributors to voters in the way that the campaign com- To clearly understand why this will Following that landmark decision, lower over that of their constituents–even more so mittees are. And thanks to the many holes in occur, we have to look back at the Supreme courts and the FEC, motivated by opponents than they already do. our disclosure laws, we have no clue as to who Court’s controversial 2010 decision in the of campaign ¿ nance regulation, led the way We can now see what a danger Super is funding many of the Super PACs. Citizens United case. In this case, the Su- for the creation of Super PACs. They con- PACs pose to free elections, and thus to de- But, the greatest danger of Super PACs preme Court held that federal law cannot pre- cluded that if independent spending cannot mocracy. If we want to live in a nation with is that they will further distort the legislative vent corporations and unions from spending corrupt, then an individual’s contributions honest elections, we have to stop Super PACs process in the interest of their many contribu- their own funds to inÀ uence the outcome of to an independent group can, by no means, before they completely drown out our voices.

OT VERY RIME IRAN: THE NEW IRAQ N E C America has found its next enemy By Tyler VanValkenburg scientists–innocent, educated civilians–is Opinions Editor likely to be the work of Israel acting with our IS A HATE CRIME Iran, it seems, is this year’s threat. Or compliance. With all of this, it’s not too hard at least that’s what much of our government to understand why Iran would seek to have and media have agreed upon. nuclear capabilities of its own (though we Before we beat the war drums and still don’t even know if it does and though rally the troops, though, shouldn’t we take those capabilities are still in the distance). a step back, and see if beating those drums This is why Time magazine is calling is a good idea? Iran “more desperate than dangerous.” To begin with, well, really? That’s all I As a nation, it is in a corner, forced there am left thinking after watching media outlet by America, Israel, and their allies. Let’s be after media outlet over-hype possible, yet honest, even if our media and government’s unproven, claims of an Iranian threat. worst fears were realized, and Iran got a Really, America? Are we really ready to nuclear weapon, what then? do this again? It’s been no more than a decade How could Iran attack the US or Israel since practically the exact same claims– without facing complete retaliatory anni- possible, yet hilation? For unproven and God’s sake, two ultimately false Are we truly ready for another buildings were claims–were such war? Especially one whose taken down in made about New York and By Sydney Ng scope, amplifying only a small portion Iraq. Watch- lead-up so refl ects the lead-up we responded, Staff Writer of the story, leaving the rest for us to ing the likes to Iraq? Haven’t we done enough in part, by de- ¿ gure out ourselves. We can’t read the of CNN’s Erin stroying an “Seven vs. One Asian” is a video of perpetrators’ minds and discover their Burnett and damage by devastating entire country an Asian, male high school student being true intentions. All we can do is look to ABC’s Diane that had nothing Sawyer discuss one country in the region? to do with it. If physically abused by a group of hooded outside sources and try to ¿ ll in the blanks. the threat Iran Iran launched teenagers. It has recently gone viral thanks I do not hold it against people for now supposedly poses to the U.S. should any attack, it would be reduced to rubble. to websites like YouTube and Facebook. immediately after watching this video, make viewers feel nothing short of an eerie Does anybody truly believe Iran is ready to Many claim that this was a racially thinking, “This is racist.” I did the same déjà vu. commit nuclear suicide? motivated assault targeting an innocent thing, and everyone else who has watched Yes, it is true that Iran is trying to ex- I certainly do not. And that is why I ¿ nd and confused young man. However, the the video probably did as well. pand its nuclear program. And yes, it is also our growing fear of Iran to be over-hyped attackers’ names were released to the But it takes more than just click- true that Iran plans to double its military and unrealistic. I also ¿ nd the idea of another public: Wesley Wu, Easly Wu, Raymond ing the play button to be able to make a budget, though this is almost certain to not preemptive war, this time against Iran, to be Palomino, Todd Ramos, Johnny J. Li, and well-informed judgment, and is it really happen given the state of their economy. the worst possible course of action. Thank- Danny Hui–along with Amy Holly Feng too much harder to press pause and ask But Iran’s actions, threatening as they fully, our current president is clearly more (holding the camera). ourselves, “Is this the whole the story?” may seem under the microscope of a media reluctant to drop bombs than his predecessor It is obvious that the majority of these People often get ahead of themselves hungry for another war, must be taken in was. Our media, though, remains ready as surnames are of Asian origin, but it just by making assumptions about parts of a context. If Iran were, indeed, to double ever to lead the charge. so happens that the one person who did story that aren’t even really there; in this its military budget, that budget would still Are we truly ready for another such remove his mask was Caucasian. case, that assumption was racism. Don’t amount to less than 4% of our own. war? Especially one whose lead-up so re- Does this mean that the motivation get me wrong, it is possible that this actu- Apart from that, we have military bases À ects the lead-up to Iraq? Haven’t we done behind the ¿ ght was racist? Well, while ally was a racially motivated attack, but in virtually all of the countries surround- enough damage by devastating one country the victim is clearly Asian and racial slurs based on the released information this is ing Iran. We have also fought incredibly in the region? It’s time for America to think, were used, it has already been con¿ rmed far from likely. destructive wars in neighboring Iraq and really sit down and think. We’ve done this by the police that this incident was most Racism isn’t leaving us anytime Afghanistan. The Obama Administration before. In fact, we just ¿ nished doing it. likely not racially motivated. soon. But we don’t help the ¿ ght against it has avoided serious efforts at negotiation We should not be so eager to once again Publicity is often used like a micro- when we force it where it doesn’t belong. as well, relying instead on harsh sanctions cause tens of thousands of innocent deaths and indirect threats. On top of all this, the just because we feel slightly threatened. recent assassinations of Iranian nuclear We’re better than this. Page 4 Opinions • February 2012

GREECE’S LAST CHANCE By Daniel Braginsky received bailout after bailout from sources upset the Greek population. It so upset default goes down. The fact that their credit Staff Writer such as the International Monetary Fund them, in fact, that they took to the streets. rating left a crater in the ground when it hit and the EU, and yet has kept its budget At this point, most economic experts rock bottom means that they cannot simply The developed world, economically hidden. agree that borrow the necessary money—they have speaking, is pretty far down the toilet. Our No one, Greece to raise most of it themselves. debt has made the value of the American in any of will de- Thus, Greece might face a complete dollar tank, and the decision to put off those in- fault. The economic meltdown if their defaulting defaulting on our debt last August is com- ternation- big ques- does not go as planned. parable to a newspaper writer putting off al asso- tion is This would have worldwide repercus- writing an article—no matter how much ciations, whether sions. The number of banks and creditors you don’t want to do it, at one point you’ll found the coun- that would feel the loss could be compa- have to. However, as terrible as it is for anything try will rable to the downfall of AIG in 2008, when us to have to cut back and downgrade suspicious default in millions in the U.S. and across the globe that Venti to a Tall, other nations face far about this. an orderly lost money. worse. Greece in particular has real issues, They manner or It would not be surprising, if, much and is dragging down most of Europe with were ac- not. The like the heads of AIG, the leaders of Greece it as well. tually sur- country were punished by having to settle for 7-¿ g- Greece, despite being known for prised when Greece, which has a history has admitted that it cannot pay 70% of its ure personal bailouts. founding Western civilization some two of failing to be ¿scally responsible, did debts, which is tantamount to defaulting on However, on the off chance that millennia ago, currently does not have not implement the austerity measures set them. And it is in the process of doing so Greece is handled appropriately, fairly, enough money, and is severely in debt to forth. The rules set in place to ensure that in an orderly, non-chaotic manner. and responsibly, then the world’s economy multiple countries and international organi- the money given to Greece would not have However, if they fail to raise 14.5 bil- should continue its slow climb out of the zations. This is mostly because Greece has been better used as ¿re starter apparently lion Euro, then the likelihood of an orderly ditch that it is currently in.

ADOPTION GONE WRONG By Kaitlin Milliken trust in of¿cials, only to be betrayed and Staff Writer stolen from. Child traf¿cking also shows the cor- What is the ¿ rst thing that comes to ruption of the Chinese adoption system. mind when I say adoption? Between 1996 and 1997, many orphan- The image of an orphan being saved ages began participating in a program, from his or her miserable circumstances still used today, in which they received by a wonderful, loving family is what $3,000 per child as a donation from adop- most picture. However, you are probably tive parents overseas. unaware of the fact that in China, with The high demand for babies in its barely sustainable population of 1.3 foreign countries, especially America, billion, adoption has taken a tragic turn. coupled with the money craved for by or- Family planning laws have been phanages is a problem with the decreasing abused by government of¿cials in order to number of abandoned children. satisfy the demand for children in foreign The rise of the standard of living, CATHOLIC CHARITIES countries. increased To en- abortion, force the and in- Fighting for the First Amendment law, each creased ur- town has a banization, By Maxine Patwardhan A common argument is that if Catholic family plan- which al- Staff Writer Charities is willing to run on its own money ning office lows girls instead of taxpayer dollars, it would not have to curb the to provide In Illinois, a Catholic Charity that has to close. However, that is unrealistic. birth rates for their placed children in families for 80 years was The money a diocese receives is based to prevent families, closed. It wasn’t because the charity was put- off of individual donations and small fund- over-popu- leave fewer ting children in families with irresponsible raisers. While that may be enough to keep lation. children on parents. It was for refusing to abandon its churches running, it could never keep alive Gov- the streets. ernment beliefs and place children with gay couples. a service that assists over 1 million people a With fewer of¿ cers children in I am not against gay adoption. What I year without some monetary aid. threaten orphanag- am against is the violation of religious rights, Catholic Charities is not the only victim families es, the sys- and the lack of concern for the children here. It is the children they serve. In 2009 who break tem turns to whose opportunities of adoption have now Catholic Charities placed 43,989 children in the coun- one group: been decreased. adoptive homes. The Public Child Welfare try’s notorious one child quota with ¿ nes child traf¿ ckers. Though it was not Congress that forced Agency placed 57,466 children that same six times greater than their annual salaries. In order to cover up traf¿ cking, or- the charity to close, what gives the Illinois year. If the closing of Catholic Charities were Most cannot afford these prices and are phanages falsify records of where infants government any more of a right to restrict to occur nationwide—and it has already hap- forced to give up their children. were found “abandoned.” freedom of religion? pened in Boston and Washington D.C., the Those who resist, even when faced Evidence pointing towards record If the charity were to ignore Catholic Public Child Welfare Agency would have with threats, confront an even worse fate: falsi¿cation can be seen in the case of one doctrine, it would no longer really be a twice as many children to place. That means they are physically harmed and beat into baby girl from Guanxi. She and eleven Catholic Charity, just another adoption orphanages becoming more crowded with submission. They are victims of violence other girls came from the same orphanage. agency. By creating a law that forbids a children who might now be hopping from until they break and surrender their child. All of these girls had the same extremely religious charity from following its beliefs, one foster home to another. They are left not only with physical detailed ¿ le verbatim. the lawmakers are violating an essential right The closing of a Catholic Charity does wounds, but also a broken family. The Chinese adoption system is in Of¿cials sink even lower and trick need of reform, but the problems that need according to the First Amendment. not help anyone. Though it was closed on parents—often impaired and illiterate— addressing are often covered up with the In addition, the charity does not just the grounds of gay rights, gay couples are into signing away their parental rights. idealized idea of adoption that we main- automatically dismiss a gay couple look- not getting any more help in the adoption This occurs mainly in rural areas of China tain. The ¿ rst step to ¿ xing these abuses ing to adopt. They are referred to another process than they were before. Children are where there is little access to education. is realizing that they in fact do exist. agency that can help them, like the Public getting even less. It is a misguided attempt Parents believe they are putting their By becoming aware of adoption’s Child Welfare Agency. This way, no eligible at establishing equality that instead has names on legal documents that will allow shortcomings we can work toward reform couple is denied the chance to adopt a child, trampled the rights of religious establish- them to keep their newborns, putting their and bettering the system as a whole. regardless if they are gay or straight. ments and children. Arts & Entertainment Baby Wants...Mitty? Professional Improv. Comes to the Kinkade

By Ryan Ballard performing a completely improvised, twenty-minute musical entitled “Summer Camp.” Staff Writer Was it coherent? Hardly. Our plotline was all over the place, but hey, we did it— com- Earlier this month, the critically- plete with rhyming lyrics and spontaneous choreography. The second day, we revisited acclaimed musical-improvisation more musical-improv games, and then prepared for that night’s show alongside the other gro Baby Wants Candy paid a visit to members of Baby Wants Candy with whom we’d be performing. These people are masters the Arc of comedy—witty, articulate, and everything that I could ever aspire to be as an actor. Now, although the name may not sound But while being on stage with them was phenomenal, one of the best parts of the familiar, Baby is among the best of workshop was the Q & A offstage. While talking to them, we learned that the particular its kind so having mix of people that visited us did not usually perform as a unit—in fact, some of them had Theater was a rare and extraordinary opportunity. never even met before their performance at Harker. They collaborated so well it was as As a member of Pardon My French, I was fortunate to be if they had been well acquainted one of thirteen students who participated in a two-day work- with one another for years. shop with the group, and on behalf of the sketch team—and I They spoke a common lan- don’t mean to sound sappy—I can honestly say that it was a guage—improvisational theater. life-changing experience. It’s really a much larger com- Just so you get an idea of how big Baby Wants Candy munity than I would have ever really is, their list of alumni includes cast members of SNL, thought, and as they mentioned, Mad TV and 30 Rock. The group not only has a touring cast, it’s becoming more popular. but also has permanent locations in Los Angeles, New York, “Hone your craft,” Al Samu- and Chicago, where the group was ¿ rst conceived. They also els told us. “As more people start credit themselves as the founders of musical-improv, a trend to enter this, there will be a lot that quickly went viral. When Mr. Santana was told that Baby more competition, and you’ll Wants Candy was willing to host a workshop and joint perfor- have to stand out.” mance with Pardon My French, he didn’t hesitate to accept the Samuels was a fountain of offer. And to say the experience met our expectations would advice over the course of the be an understatement—it surpassed them. Photo Courtesy of Mason Kimont workshop. We learned a lot about The Harker School had dibs on the whole extravaganza “creating tension” between char- since they made the initial contact with the group. So they workshopped Friday and per- acters and emphasizing emotion in scenes. He taught us that scenes are built on human formed Saturday—this left Mitty with a Superbowl Sunday workshop and a Monday night relationships, and the interaction between those characters. His advice, however, was not performance. Since the performance was nearly sold-out, a couple hundred or so of our only speci¿ c to improv, but also applied to the broader reality of life. Mitty students did experience Baby Want Candy. But to us, it was really just the rousing “Control what you can control,” he told us. “Be on time. Be prepared.” If nothing else culmination of the group’s stay here. from this workshop sticks, those words certainly will. In all, Pardon My French spent about nine hours with Baby Wants Candy, most of So, what does Baby Wants Candy’s visit mean for Pardon My French? Right now, which no one else saw. In fact, not even our mothers were allowed to enter the building we’re not quite sure. Our second semester show will still be a rehearsed sketch musical during the workshop—that’s how big they are. On the ¿ rst day, we spent three hours with entitled The Little Platypus That Could, the second show of its breed following last year’s Jody Shelton, a gifted piano improviser, and Al Samuels, one of the founding members After Ten Years In Siberia. By next year, however, we may evolve into a more improv-based of the group. At the beginning of the workshop, all of us Pardon My French-ies were un- group, and perhaps even tackle Baby Wants Candy-style musical improv. While “Summer characteristically timid. One of the ¿ rst games we played involved rhyming lyrics, and at Camp” wasn’t yet Broadway caliber, we showed de¿ nite potential. And now, with train- ¿ rst, we were a bit of a train wreck. However, after a couple hours of coaching, we were ing from the best of the best under our belts, anything is possible for Pardon My French.

By Taylor Law Music From the Heart Staff Writer Valentine’s Day is seen as the one day to confess Cadence. Music in history is shown to change in sound our love for each other, the day where it’s completely around every decade. But within each decade there is this okay to be a tad over the top with emotions, and the a common stamp left behind: the love song. From the day that many look forward to (but many more dread). smooth-talking Frank Sinatra to the bold Trey Songz, But most importantly, Valentine’s Day is the day where artists of love songs truly classify an era in music. In Season it’s acceptable to hit play on those cheesy ballads with the spirit of cheesy love songs, it is ¿ tting to discuss By A&E Editors the equally cheesy lyrics and feel no shame. the eighties. Indulging in the love songs on this one holiday is The eighties was a period that was infected by the ra- Winter Concert: February 27, 7:30 not a crime, and if it is, I am guilty as charged. Whether dioactivity of synthesized love ballads, especially rel- You’ve heard the “Our Father” spoken during mass but have they make us reminisce, swoon, or break down in evant in romantic À icks of the time. “Take My Breath you heard it sung in Swahili? No? Didn’t think so. Dust off tears, love songs will always hold a place in our hearts Away” by Berlin (Top Gun), “I Will Always Love You” your trusty translators and come see the Concert Choir, Wind because of the classic guidelines they follow. by the late Whitney Houston (The Bodyguard), “She’s Ensemble, and Orchestra perform Christopher Tin’s Calling Repetition. The use of Like the Wind” by Patrick Swayze (Dirty Dancing), All Dawns, a cycle of 12 songs, each in a different language repetition is a sig- and a song from one of the most memorable movie (don’t worry, English translations will be provided). nature quality of scenes of the decade, “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel the cheesy love (Say Anything, the boom box scene), are just a few Performing Arts Assembly: March 9 song. A mod- from the endless list. The evolution of sound allows It’s everyone’s favorite—admit it. And if it isn’t, then too bad, ern example is the popularity of the love song because you have to be there anyway. This year the assembly “You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt. Blunt uses to soar in every decade, unaf- will feature the golden vocal chords of the Concert and Jazz the phrase “you’re beautiful” a total of nine times, fected by the application of Choirs, the rockin’ and rollin’ of Exodus, the jazzy jams of and proceeds to state, “It’s true.” Well put, James. overused lyrics. The love song has Jazz Band, the hilarious shenanigans of Pardon My French, the It’s almost inevitable to not get the tune stuck in your head—a common goal that songwriters aim for. Don’t become a whole genre sophisticated arrangements of the Orchestra, and the cinematic of its own, and therefore tributes of the Wind Ensemble. So whether you want to be there have much to say? Just repeat a sweet phrase repeat- edly and it’ll become a smash hit. must be accepted as a or not, prepare to be amazed. classic art form for cheesy Hyperbole…to the extreme. I’m talking directly to expression. Into the Woods: March 16-24 Bruno Mars and his song “Grenade.” As much as With that said, I vote that You know the characters—Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, many will appreciate the exaggeration and be sur- its okay to indulge, just as long Rapunzel, Jack with his beanstalk—but we guarantee you’ve prisingly À attered by the suicidal temptation Bruno as “Achy Breaky Heart” by never seen them like this. An ambivalent Cinderella? A blood- has without love in his life, it’s a tad dramatic and Billy Ray thirsty Little Red? A Prince Charming with a roving eye? This unrealistic (to anyone interested, Bruno will not catch Cyrus is not your typical bedtime story, so throw away everything a grenade, throw his hand on blade, or even jump off does you thought you knew about fairytales, put on your big kid a train for you anytime soon). Regardless, the use not diapers, and get ready for a thrilling evening of danger, deceit, of hyperbole is common in the world of love songs be- and death. This Broadway smash hit and winner of several and ballads of heartbreak, even if the singer has no come Tony Awards comes to the Kinkade on March 16. Be there or intention of following up on his or her claims. Many part of the witch will get you. people ¿ nd this romantic, so this trend is not dying your rep- out anytime soon. ertoire. Page 6 February 2012 • Arts & Entertainment

The women nominated for Best Leading Actress have truly proven themselves wor- By Christine Kelly thy of such a title, a range of nominees from the always great Meryl Streep to the young, Staff Writer up-and-coming Michelle Williams and Rooney Mara. But it seems that Viola Davis will walk away with the Oscar this time. Her performance in The Help has already won her the Best Actress SAG award and it will be no surprise if she wins the Oscar. The Help truly Once again, it’s that time of year: Oscar season! It’s amazing that every year a single wouldn’t have recieved the amount of attention it has without the help of Viola Davis. Her night can create so much buzz. The air is full of talk and excitement as people begin to role as a hard-working nanny and maid who bravely helps Skeeter write her controversial anticipate who will win. But there is more to Oscar night than just celebrities in sparkling newspaper column has moved audiences nationwide. Although Davis is a good choice dresses and already rich ¿ lmmakers receiving awards. The Academy Awards is a cultural for best actress, I would love to see Michelle Williams accept the Oscar. Even though her tradition that celebrates the true artistry that is movie magic. 2011 was one of the biggest portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in My Week with Marilyn received some critical reviews, years for the ¿ lm industry and it is only ¿ tting that we take a night to salute all those who she did an exceptionally good job. If it wasn’t a striking performance, she wouldn’t have made it possible. been nominated. She even won the Golden Globe for this role. It takes a lot of courage and attention to detail to portray a legendary icon like Marilyn Monroe, and Williams proves A great movie begins with a great screenplay. Some of the most-talked about movies she can take on this role with such precision and dedication. of the year were nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay: Moneyball, The Descendants, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Ides of March, and Hugo. Each movie in this category de- Best Directing will most likely go to Michel Hazanavicus, the director of The Artist. serves to be here. Yet I predict a win for The Descendants so accessible to a Even though Martin S Hugo, that movie will large audience. We come to appreciate stories where we can identify withth the character’s mmostost likely wwini art direction instead. When making a silent ¿ lm like The Artist, struggle. The Descendants nd husband, who it is importan ¿ rm grasp on his characters and his vision. ent forces him to HazanaHazanavicus’vicus direction in The Artist is different from any other movie and is raise his two daughters alone, to search for answers from his past, and to make a majomajorr quite limited in terms of variety. It’s in black and white and the only sounds are decision that affects both his family and the people of Hawaii. The successfulessful combi- the sounds o ¿ lm. Yet these restrictions require screenplay. another d to the ta The other major writing category is Best Original Screenplay w I thought Bridesmaids was cleverly written and laugh-out-loud funny. And don’t get mmee wrong, AAndn ¿ nally, the prize of all prizes – Best Picture. This year the category I’m a huge fan of The Artist. But this award is, hands down, meant for MMidnightidnight in for BesBest Picture ranges from the adventure in Hugo to the depth of The Paris h the city of Tree of L . But in reality, this is going to be a head-to-head race between Paris and ¿ nds an escape from the present through a surreal nighttime experience. The Artist and The Descendants. Both pictures are so different in many ways Woody Allen’s creativity shines through and takes the audience on a uniqueique journey. that it is ha The Midnight in Paris sent or in the DDescendantsescendants connects to the audience, the ¿ lm industry was in desperate need past? It considers the idea of reality (ooh Inception s last year) in fforor a mmovieovie like The Artist to come around. Movies like this are rare, but they a humorous and entertaining way. rremindemind us ththata movies should be genuine and special. Maybe it’s simple nostalgia, but The Artis has reaf¿ rmed my belief in the ¿ lm industry’s potential to inspire. The nominees for Best Leading Actor ’s the big name from critically- The nonomineesm of this list are all winners in their own respect. We can all acclaimed movies like The Artist and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy gh the Academy acknowledge them as the best of the best. Out of the hundreds of movies that k Jean Dujardin ccameame out last year, these were chosen from among the many because people saw deserves the Oscar. Although his performance in The Artist n unconventional their true valu as he had but one line and pantomimed the whole movie like a real silent actor, he plays is an hhonoronor ttoo be nominated. his role masterly. It’s not an easy task to convey a story and develop a characterharacter when the actor cannot use words. But Dujardin pulls it off. nd he captures our hearts with his expressive face. He plays George Valentin,n, an hing Worst of 2011 his debonair smile, Dujardin reminds the audience of those classic moviesovies By A&E Editors many have come to love. The tap dance number at the end of the movie is quite frankly one of the best movie moments I’ve seen in a while. That With the awards season quickly aapproaching,pproaching, anandd scene instantly reminded me of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. He’s got with people dressing up for such events,nts, we the looks, moves, and charisma of an already great actor. . The selection committee always seems to chooseoose the same movies: dramatic, profound ¿lms e’re By Bella DiLisio idst Staff Writer wee Reality TV? Get Real berry It’s so easy to turn on your TV today and see a reality (Pixie Stix), just so they—I mean their kids—can get the wards show. It’s even easier to see networks portraying seem- big shiny trophy at the end of the night. Moms living out show for the worst movies of the year, is calling our names. ingly ordinary people, especially women, as outrageous their dreams through their kids? Sign me up! We put our heads together and came up with our own animals, catty and always causing crazy drama. And how could we leave out Jersey Shore? For those nominations: Take, for example, one of the most popular real- of you who have been living under a rock for the past ity shows on Bravo: The Real Housewives. This series few years, this infamous program documents a group of Just Go With It: We all love Jennifer Aniston, but why does features women from various regions of the U.S. such eight twenty-somethings who spend their summers at the she end up in these absolutely awful movies? Then again, as New York, Orange County, New Jersey, and recently shores of New Jersey (with the exceptions of two seasons Adam Sandler’s feeble attempts at “acting” make Jennifer Beverly Hills. in Italy and Miami), sharing one beach house. The audi- Aniston seem like a modern-day Audrey Hepburn. The show gives ence gets to see the group Bad Teacher: As nearly every critic has said: “Bad Teacher? viewers a behind-the- cooking, clubbing, and Bad movie!” scenes view of suppos- “GTL-ing” together (their edly “real” middle-aged Gym, Tan, and Laundry The Roommate: Not scary. Not even close. But not un- women, who spend their routine, for those of you scary enough to be good. days shopping and gos- scratching your heads). siping and organizing Even better, we get to see The Change-Up: Don’t see this movie with your mother. Or events where they’ll like- the outgoing sides of the grandmother. Or anyone else. Better yet, don’t see it at all. ly to encounter women girls (Snooki, JWoww, whom they detest—a Jolie, and Sweetheart). The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1: Breaking teen- perfect setting for a cat- Cameras are sure age girls’ hearts everywhere: Taylor Lautner only took off ¿ ght, which means higher to capture the excessive his shirt once. And that was the high point. ratings for Bravo. drinking, skimpy out¿ ts, No Strings Attached: Friends-with-bene¿ ts turn into lovers- So, according to this and the brash confronta- with-more-bene¿ ts. If you want strings, go play with a series, “reality” means tions the girls get involved yo-yo. You’d be more entertained. women occupying them- in, playing up the “white selves in such petty drama while their husbands earn trash” view that most Americans have contrived of Cowboys and Aliens: The writers couldn’t decide if it the money for them to do it? If all grown-up women are Italian-Americans. Apparently impetuousness starts in wanted to go with Indiana Jones or James Bond. So it did like this, I’m staying in drama-free high school forever. a woman’s 20s. both. And failed. Of course, it’s not just the women who label them- When it comes to reality TV, networks know what selves as “housewives” who generate such controversy. brings in the ratings, and they know how to get them: Arthur: Helen Mirren, the Queen, should not be in a movie Take Toddlers & Tiaras. This gem takes viewers into they gain America’s interest by taking ordinary people with Russell Brand, the plebian. This time, we are not the depths of the pageant world, where one can ¿ nd not and saying, “Hey, want me to show you something weird amused, Your Majesty. only mothers dealing with impatient toddlers, but also about other people that will make you feel more sane?” How do You Know: The lack of a question mark in the title the added travesties of heavy makeup, thousand-dollar Though they will, in fact, make you more comfort- is only one of the many points of major confusion. bedazzled dresses, and spray tans that would give the able about your own mental sanity, these shows will also cast of Jersey Shore a run for their money. And then we reinforce a view of women, young and old, as malicious, Zookeeper: Mall Cop with talking animals. And that’s it. get to the kids. Mothers feed their kids “pageant crack” catty, and insane. Arts & Entertainment • February 2012 Page 7 Monarch Critics

By Camille Contreras Big Miracle The Fray Staff Writer By Elexis Breitbart Staff Writer

The “How to Save a Life” guys are back! The Fray has returned with their new album, Oh, the turmoil of having to save three whales while still Scars and Stories, on February 7. Although maintaining high box of¿ ce numbers! very serious and at times dark, this new album The ¿ lm Big Miracle, directed by Ken Kwapis and star- remains true to their soft and pleasant sound. ring fan favorites Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski, is an Yet the album, thematically chronicling the occasionally heartwarming movie based on the true story of Op- dif¿ cult times the band members have been eration Breakthrough. However, the ¿ nal product does not live through personally and collectively, also rep- up to its name, and it sadly falls short of being a “big miracle.” resents the growth of the band over time into This movie features reporters, an oil driller, the President, and a more than just a one-hit-wonder. humanitarian attempting to improve their reputations by saving Among the standouts is the second track three whales: Fred, Wilma, and the baby, Bam Bam. The whales “The Fighter,” one of the most touching songs. are caught under the thick ice of Alaska and are unable to swim The key line “But somehow they both know / He’s not coming home,” is the epitome t e ve es to eac sa ety. co pe g sto y? es. U o tu off the sono g,g illust nately, this story does not transltranslateata e to a vveryery cocompellingpellii mmovie.ovv . h r ¿ es the Berlin Wall and describes two German brothers separated The fact that the best acting in thee moviei commes froom thhe and at od three whales is a sad reality. The usus ally charirismmattici Drew B r- storysttory lelleapsa forward in time to 1989 and parallels Isaac Slade’s personal life, rymore gives a mediocre performance, acting overlyy obnoxious, andand ththenhen builds up to an intense moment as seen in the lines: ra for most of the ¿ lm, and playing thhe sentimentaal mom meents wiw thh an icy detachment. Thee other actors show similar disdisinterest.interest. HoweveHowever,, one rredeemingedeemingg om a relatively unknown actor, Othhnin ele Oomit u Jr., who givves a We’re torn up and we’re shattered grounded and solid portrayalrtrayal as the leader of an AAlaskanaskan ttribe.ribeb . We turn back on each other reenplay and plot itself is utterly À awed. The keyy plot poinnt ofo the movie The moment that it mattered is that international reportersorters are coming ttoo a small totownown in AlAlaskaasska aandndd ¿ghtinng for a pllace tot The curtain is shaking broadcast, yet none of tthemhem are able to catch the ¿ nal triumph onn camera at the climax. It’s bending and it’s breaking e is an unneeded lovve triangle thaat es nothing for the p t and And I’ll be with you in the end (until the end) . Despite many weak points, there is no doubtb that the for- ie manipulates the audience’s emotit s enoughh An A n intenseintet n metaphor for the walls people build to keep others out, the song to lead to a happy audienceence at the end. takestakes a uuniqueniqiqu spin on historical events and uses them as allegories for human e an intelligent, thoughtfuul reelaation ip O movie, stay away. But, if you crave an off bbeingeii sscarredcaarrr ed by love and loss, as well as of experiences that spark hope. The song hour and forty-seven mminutesinutes “MMun h,h ” anotth of sentimental, saccharinene a d w we h d ¿ rst and last songs, however, “Heartbeat” and fun, Big Miracle he “Be“Be Still,”illl,l ” aree sisignature Fray-style songs with beautiful melodies and guitar driven perfect ¿ lm for you. pop,pop,, rremindingemminndiin tthe listener that, yes, they’re still listening to Isaac Slade’s voice and thisth s iiss ststillti l ThThehe FFray ouo h th ve m e genuin By Thomas Soares an enjoyable and diverse pop-rock album that any remote fan of The Fray would enjoy. Van Halen Staff Writer The Woman in Black By Janani Rangarajan I have always loved Van Halen and have always preferred the David Lee Roth era more Staff Writer than the Sammy Hagar era. That is why I was excited when, in 2007, I heard that David Lee Roth had ended his feud with Eddie Van Halen and the band was going to tour again. Unfortunately, I was unable to see Van Halen when they came to the HP Pavilion back in 2008, but I promised myself that I would see them the next time they played in the Bay Area. Now that the Harry Potter series is over, countless die-hard fans of the story have I was also excited when I heard that they were releasing their ¿ rst album with David Lee Roth recently been looking forward to Daniel Radcliffe’s latest movie, Woman in Black. since 1984. However, most of the fans used to seeing action-packed, fantasy-like, comedic movies A few months ago, they released their ¿ rst single, “Tattoo,” from their new album and like Harry Potter are in for a big surprise. Woman in Black is, in fact, a PG-13 horror after several listens I can easily say that the song “Tattoo” is the worst song Van Halen has ever À ick, so unless you’re used to that genre, it’s unwise to watch it. released as a single. This song is more terrible than the junk off of the Van Halen III album with The movie starts off with an exciting opening gambit of a demonic possession of Gary Cherone. I have never heard a chorus more annoying, a guitar riff with less originality, and a rhythm so poorly mixed: it sounded like they recorded trash can lids being bashed together. three girls. The focus then shifts to Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe), a lawyer But the main problem with this song, as well as the album as a whole, is the vocal work. David in the 1800s, who is left with a son after his wife has died. He is Lee Roth’s voice clearly shows its age and he lacks the given one last opportunity to prove himselff by retrieving the exact range he showed earlier in his career. will of the infamous and mysterious Alice Drablow. The villagers One of the most important aspects of Van Halen was warn him not to meddle with her and her family’s affairs, but he the bass work and backing vocals of Michael Anthony, doesn’t take heed, and goes to the house. There, he hears voices who broke up with Van Halen and is currently in the band and sees inexplicable horrors; intrigued,d, he begins the Chickenfoot. His singing was the key piece of all of the hunt for answers. But, unfortunately, alongong with said soaring choruses on songs like “Runnin’ with the Devil,” th of Alice’s “Feel Your Love Tonight,” “Panama,” and “Jump.” insane and dead sister, the dreaded womanan in black. Wolfgang, Eddie Van Halen’s son, is a poor sub- Susan Hill’s stitute for one of the all time great bass players in rock thriller novel and de¿ ook justice. history. His bass work and vocals are barely audible on he appari- most of this album’s songs. tions and noises keep coming up at a rapidapid rate, If there is one positive thing that can be said about losely to A Different Kind of Truth, it’s that not every song is as the plot. After a while, the sheer amount ooff them bad as “Tattoo,” Most of Eddie Van Halen’s solos on this album actually sound very good (but lessened their thrill. But with that minorr detail then again, I enjoy anything Eddie does with the guitar). aside, the overall plot and acting were brilliant.illiant. There are also some solid rockers like the song “Blood and Fire,” which has a cool, low The child actors were mature, poised, andd pro- key opening that launches into a killer guitar riff. But the problem with even the best songs on fessional, a rarity in the industry. this album is that they lack any originality. As for Daniel Radcliffe? His performanceformance was Even Sammy Hagar has made statements saying that, “(they) didn’t actually write new convincing and far more nuanced than in Harry Potter. songs. They took old stuff from previous sessions.” I think it is safe to say that none of the Though both movies are dark, it seems too me that Rad- songs on this album are instant classics. If you are a fan of Van Halen, you will certainly ¿ nd cliffe has found his niche in horror ratherr than action. this album disappointing. Even though I do not like this album, it does not ruin my love of this great band. To be So, if Harry Potter g for a replace- perfectly honest, my expectations were very low. However, I am still very optimistic for the ment for the series in Woman in Black they de¿ nitely new tour and I am still trying to get tickets for their upcoming concert at the HP Pavilion. I won’t ¿ nd it. However, the movie itself iss thrilling and only hope they don’t play “Tattoo,” but I doubt that’s going to happen. leaves its mark on its audience. By Puja Subramaniam and Kanako Shimizu Focus Editors If you were to walk past a 600 wing classroom a expect to hear? Perhaps the low hum of a vacuum cl lecturing students on subject-verb agreement? No— twenty-eight keyboards and the rhythmic clicking of The collaboration of both junior and senior edito at this very moment: The Monarch Newspaper. Upo mornings, editors stumble in a sleep-induced haze to to ¿ nish their sections. In an effort to fuel their creat bagels for the editors every Saturday. Once the editors come up with a basic layout for of editing their writers’ articles, as they pedantically in revising these articles is staying true to the writer confusion. After ¿ nalizing the articles, editors move and positioning the text in InDesign and Photoshop— Usually, it takes editors two 3-4 hour sessions to com pictures, text, and headlines. However, once everyon class, the newspaper staff knows that their hard work

By Billy R Staff W To the eyes of the Mitty student body, it appears that Campus Ministry’s ead retreats and litliturgies.urggiess. However, there iss mumuchchh more to Campuspuss Ministry that goeses on behind thee scenes. For one, the student-run birthday cardd program, one of the biggest projects, includess the signaturess of every personon who spends timeme in to help celebrate the bibirthdaysrtthdhdays of every student at Mitty. Campus Ministry teachers also

The Monarch Madness XXI season is well under way, with e hard at work during morning and weekend practices. At practice ses all classes’ team members, alternates, moderators, and Student Gove representatives gather in the Fien Gym for a prayer and general guid given by Mr. Walker. Depending on the time, the classes then separa head out to their speci¿ c location. During morning practices, two cl each go to the Fien or the MacLean Gym, while during the four-hou weekend practices, each class occupies the Fien, MacLean, foyer, or Events Center. The classes rotate locations after two hours. Team m are currently learning the introductory dance, couples’ dance, and m instructions and strategies for the games, which will signi¿ cantly af ¿ nal scores for the night. Staff Writer One notable change in the structure of the Monarch Madnes s By Ji Soo Kim is a new policy for alternate members. When a spot on the team bec available, not only is the alternate member’s rank (order of selection into account, but their participation thus far is as well. The class of 2 coming off of an exciting MMXX win by putting an unconventiona on the “happily ever after” story with their theme of Villians. Junior showing promise with their magical Aladdin theme, while the sopho are showcasing the darker side of Red Riding Hood. The class of 20 their theme of Scooby Doo, is getting ready to show their stuff com 2012. Good luck, Monarchs! Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday at 8 am on a Saturday morning, what would you Garden salad leaner? Or maybe the instructor of an SAT class w/ tomato, —instead, you would hear the ceaseless tapping of cucumber, and Butter lettuce By Kasturi Kulkarni f their mice. carrots salad w/ tomato Staff Writer ors is what produces what you hold in your hands Salad Sides: and cucumber Spinach Salad Sides: n arriving on the empty campus early on Saturday Egg salad, salad w/ egg, Cottage cheese, croutons, and Garden salad w/ o the computer lab of the 600 wing, determined cottage cheese, sliced broccoli mushrooms tomato, cucumber, tivity, Mr. Whitt and Mr. Van Valkenburg provide À orets, beets, and sliced beets and Salad Sides: and carrots kidney beans walnuts Feta cheese, Salad Sides: Tuna r the section, they move on to the meticulous task Pizza – Assorted garbanzo salad, cottage y scrutinize each phrase. Their biggest challenge pepperoni, sandwiches on beans, dried cheese, sliced ’s original piece, while adding details to minimize cheese, or rustica rolls, cranberries and beets, and walnuts e on to the daunting responsibility of ¿ nding images mushroom wheat bread and walnuts Beef and chicken —programs that are still foreign to new editors. Fresh cut wraps. Batter fried fajitas or Spanish mplete the full layout—which includes adding the seasonal fruit Veg. soup with ¿ sh, baked rice chips ¿ Tortilla chips with ne sees the ¿ nal product printed and passed out in French fries, sh, Homestyle and cole slaw salsa, guacamole, k is appreciated. cookies Brownies and sour cream Fresh cut seasonal fruit

Rehbock Writer provide counsel to students who By Joshua Ramayrat come to them, even when they may Staff Writer nnot It’s not that the general student body of Mitty counselorcocounsel assigned to doesn’t appreciate art. It’s more that the story behind the thet e sstudent. Campus Department of Visual Arts isn’t completely understood. MinistryM seniors also Mrs. Lemak, the head of the department, has been t working on projects for twenty-one years. From giant ofo the drives that planes to minuscule cats, those involved in the Visual MittyM participates Arts Department put in hours of effort in order to create in,i such as the beautiful works of art. One project—giant dinosaurs— FoodF Drive at even required the disassembling of doors at Mitty in Thanksgiving, order to move the projects out of the Art Building. Such as well as the art requires dedication and weeks of work, but students annual Blanket rarely get recognition for their work. However, their art Drive. Campus projects are everywhere—from the displays in the foyer MinistryM plays an to the trees in Christmas in the Park in Downtown San enormousen role in Jose. Without a doubt, the Visual Arts Department takes bothboth the forefront and imagination above and beyond through their spectacular backgroundbackgroun of student life at Painting by Prianka Giridharadas work. Mitty, and is one of the core programs that make our school an amazing place.

By Elena Georgieva Staff Writer ach class In every musical theater production, the audience is always aware of the obvious: the songs,gs, ssions, the acting, the costumes, the set, and the special effects. Yet somehow, in the midst of all this, ernment the instrumental music that supports the entire production often goes unrecognized. The real delines power of music is that it can affect us, whether we are aware of it or not. Every musical theater ate and production involves live music played by a pit orchestra, seated below the stage. At Mitty, these asses student musicians, mostly selected from the orchestra and wind ensemble classes, spend countless ur-long hours rehearsing music to accompany the actors as they perform on stage r Aymar Participating in the pit orchestra is always a positive experience for student musicians, as it helpss members them discover a new genre of music. Musical theater style is less traditional than the music students more, like would typically encounter in their ensemble classes at Mitty, and it sometimes features complicated ffect the ed players are expected to play as many as four or ¿ ve different instruments, all in the same show! s teams The pit orchestra provides live music in the show, and this gives every production a feeling of comes spontaneity that is unique to live theater. The musicians and actors on stage have to actively pay attentionon n) taken to the conductor, so they can stay together and make the show successful. With a live orchestra 2012 is following them, actors have the ability to keep their performances À gese al twist in their ssinginginging based on what ffeelseels rrightight in tththe moment. rs are Soo while a live orchestra may not seem a n omores ststage,age, a pit orchestra is what makes aanynyy mmusicalusu i theater production engaging and truly entertainingng 015, with for the audience. me March 1, Page 10 Photography • February 2012

Carlisle Micallef

Describe the scene of a photo that you desire to capture. I would really like to do portraits of unique people. Not your typical beauty shots but more interesting people with different clothing, back- grounds, or a quirky facial structure. I’ve always wanted to capture that quirk in a photo that makes them individuals.

What words describe your photography? Eccentric and interpretive.

What do you usually photograph? I usually take pictures of people. It’s like a quick snapshot into their lives, and I love to capture their character in a single shot. I’ve also taken lots of pictures of nature and buildings, but they’re not nearly as fun or interesting.

Why did you choose these photos? I chose these photos because when I look at them, I get some intense feeling or emotion.

What inspires you to photograph? I photograph what I experience daily and the in- teresting things I see. The best photographs that I’ve seen have been images of unique people and their lifestyles. I am inspired by people—what they do and how they live. Through the Lens: Monarch Photography

Rachel Sayare What inspires you to photograph? Honestly, I’m usually just inspired by what I see, especially if a particular color or pattern stands out to me.

What do you usually photograph? I love to photograph things that are unique and different—things that stand out from the usual.

Why did you choose these photos? I chose these photos because most of them have emotional weight for me, and I personally think that makes the best photos.

What peaked your interest in photography? Photography has always interested me because I fell in love with the idea of being able to capture feel- ings and emotions in a static representation of the moment. February 2012 • Photography Page 11 Marissa Mcpeak Caitlyn Jackson

Motion How To Capture Motion • Use a slower shuƩ er speed. (ShuƩ er speed is the Ɵ me that the shuƩ er stays open when taking a picture.) A slower shuƩ er speed causes the photo to become more blurred, which helps show the moƟ on in the photo. • Avoid having too much light, as using a slower shuƩ er speed can cause excess light to enter the photo. However, this can be solved by decreasing the aperture (light expo- sure) or ISO (Į lm speed) seƫ ng. • When focusing on scenery, keep the camera completely sƟ ll, as the enƟ re image will become blurry if it isn’t. Us- ing a tripod is highly recommended. Dillan Patel • When focusing on the object in moƟ on, follow the ob- ject with your camera. This method is called panning. • PracƟ ce. Though taking moƟ on photos are said to be dif- Į cult, conƟ nue to pracƟ ce and you will surely improve!

By Lina Lalwani Staff Writer

Rebecca Koshy Connor Gibson Justice Awareness Music Takes Action: ProÅ les IN Justice Interact Beneğ t Showcase

By Catherine Gong and Rasika Raghavan However, the road hasn’t been easy—Interact has Staff Writers had some dif¿ culty in fund-raising to pay for the ex- At Archbishop Mitty, our diverse range of clubs is penses of the venue and the performers who are À ying one of the best ways to explore the endless possibilities in from Los Angeles and Oregon. our school offers. The Interact Club—an international By attending Music Takes Action, you will be organization for service—is a recent addition to the able to enjoy a night of music by various YouTube school, but has certainly set an example for the campus stars while helping people in need. All proceeds from by leading charity dinners, volunteering at thrift stores, this event will be going toward Mary’s Meals and supporting environmental restoration, Firelight Foundation—two institutions and organizing events. dedicated to lending a helping hand to Now, they are hosting their ¿ rst children around the world. ever “Music Takes Action: Benefit Mary’s Meals aims to set up daily Showcase.” According to Claire Chu, meals in schools, assisting children co-President of the club, “Music is who are not able to receive an effective a universal language, and a musical education because of immense hunger. showcase is accessible and provides The Firelight Foundation’s mission is a relaxed atmosphere for students.” to improve the lives of African chil- Spotlight on: Interact has been working on this dren affected by HIV and AIDS. project since the end of the summer, This bene¿ t will be held at the San Claire Chu and the senior leaders are hoping to set Jose Repertory Theatre on Feb. 25, from a precedent for future Interact events. 6-10 p.m. The price for one general ad- By Jeemin Kwon The idea for this showcase came mission ticket is $15. You also have the Staff Writer when multiple members showed their option of VIP admission ($30), which As a college prepatory school, Archbishop Mitty High School interest in music and were inspired to raise money has the extra bene¿ ts of a meet-and-greet after the show, offers a variety of clubs and activities. Adhering to the school’s through a concert bene¿ t. In fact, Mitty’s own student, an event poster for autographs, and priority seating. higher purpose in contributing to a peaceful and just world, sophomore Angelo David, will be featured in the show- For more information: many of these clubs are very service centered with a de¿ ned case. Interact also managed to book YouTube perform- purpose towards building and maintaining community. ers with large fan bases, such as Michael Alvarado, Go to the Facebook event page titled “Music Takes Action: Claire Chu, a senior at Mitty, carries out our school’s mission Kierra Folsom, Carissa Rae, and Jam Zumel. Benefi t Showcase,” or contact Claire Chu or Areya Behrouzian. statement with enthusiasm and optimism as she leads the GlamourGals, a newly formed club at Mitty.

What exactly do the GlamourGals do? Shopping with a Conscience “GlamourGals members regularly visit Belmont By Katrina Vokt or pay, making our Apple iPods, Levi’s jeans, and Nike Village, a local assisted living facility, to provide Staff Writer Shoes. In order for people like you and me to have a makeovers and companionship to the residents. great pair of shoes for $20, they live through day after We also do arts and crafts, play cards, and participate What are the different factors that inÀ uence your day of abuse. But the truth is, we can do something in holiday themed activities with them. At the moment, choice in making a purchase? Price? Quality? about this. we’re planning our Little Dresses for Africa project– Chances are a few factors that may not cross your One way to end this injustice is to spread aware- mind is where and how the products you are purchas- ness. Tell your friends and family, co-workers and class- anyone who’s interested can join us on March 23 to sew ing came to be. mates how workers are mistreated in other countries pillowcase dresses that will afford little girls the dignity Corporations do an incredible job at crafting a for the bene¿ t of others. The more informed we all are and security they deserve. We’re also organizing a shield between the producer and the consumer. By on this issue, the more positive change we can make. “Night in Paris” themed senior citizen prom!” drawing in potential buyers with À ashy advertise- Like most situations, knowledge is power—a power ments and interesting catch phrases, companies create that can help lessen something that should not exist. What else have you and other GlamourGals an illusion. Not far beneath this super¿ cial surface, Another way to improve this situation is by mak- members gained from this experience? though, lies the truth. What really goes into those $1.99 ing ethical purchases. Ethical purchases include buying headbands that make customers say “Wow! What a fair trade products not made in sweatshops around the “Despite the huge age gap, GlamourGals provides great deal”? They most de¿ nitely did not appear by world. Fair trade purchases help to foster the growth students with the opportunity to interact with senior magic—those headbands, as well as a large number of of business in developing countries. It’s true, fair trade residents and promote solidarity in the community. other products sold in America, are often created by products cost a little more, but it is a simple sacri¿ ce Not all of them are interested in getting their nails or the hands of a modern day slave. that will drastically improve the lives of those living makeup done, and prefer playing card games or just Slavery, as inconceivable as the thought may be, is on the brink on impoverishment. reminiscing about their own teenage years. Hearing still prevalent. In fact, there are over 27 million slaves Buying groceries this way is easy. You know about a senior citizen admit, ‘If I knew I’d live this long, in the world today. No, not the same type of slaves Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and stores of the kind that I would’ve taken better care of my body,’ we are from the 1800s. But modern slaves. Slave laborers: support local businesses and farmers. Chances are, humbled by our teenage perceptions of immortality. people forced to work for little or no pay, who are though, that you buy your clothing at the closest mall being economically exploited, and who are physically and call it a day. So here are a few places where you Likewise, being told, ‘You’re so lucky you still have unable to walk away. Such people work countless hours can make easy fair trade purchases for clothing, acces- an entire lifetime,’ inspires us to aspire for greatness in sweatshops facing hazardous conditions with no rest sories, and more: because we still can.” 1. Mata Traders: Mata Traders sells women’s clothing and accessories, How do the GlamourGals promote justice similar to styles at Forever21, but ethically produced! All products are in our community? originals, handmade by women’s cooperatives in India and Nepal. Visit: http://www.matatraders.com/ “Senior citizens are largely viewed as a liability rather than an asset. Those who are retired, elderly, ill, or 2. Earth Divas: Earth Divas sells unique clothes and accessories made for unemployed tend to be looked down upon because women, by women, all over the world. they are not productive citizens of our consumption- Visit: http://www.earthdivas.com/ obsessed society. Aging is generally associated with 3. Etsy: Etsy is a community of small, local businesses owners, who are de¿ ciency and decline, and the needs of elderly people given the opportunity to sell their own products. Similar to Amazon, a variety are overlooked and even taken advantage of.” of products are available for purchase from home goods to beauty products. Visit: http://www.etsy.com/ Rather than acquiring volunteering hours by simply attending 4. People Tree: Endorsed by Emma Watson, this UK organization sells the events organized by the student club, clothes made of hand-woven fabrics and hand embroidery. Claire Chu and the GlamourGals give hope to these senior Visit: http://www.peopletree.co.uk/ residents. By restoring to these aged citizens a sense of dignity and worth, the GlamourGals empower both 5. Trade as One: All Trade as One products are made free trade. Products themselves and the senior citizens in our community. include everything from clothing to coffee, chocolate, and decorations. Visit: http://tradeasone.com/ February 2012 • Justice Awareness Page 13 Discrimination: Not Just an Issue of the Past Makoto Lalwani have the highest unemployment Staff Writer rates—a product of historically The 1960’s will forever be remembered as a decade of social unrest and turbulence— discriminatory practices, a fail- but also as a decade of progress and change. Through the efforts of activists such as Martin ing education system in poorer Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Betty Friedan, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed: communities, and the present a decree granting equality to all American citizens, regardless of race, sex, and other biases regarding the justice historically dividing factors. Thus, the era of legal segregation had come to an end. And system. And proponents of the today, we live in a world that provides the same freedoms and opportunities to everybody crackdowns on illegal immigra- without fear of discrimination—or do we? tion in Arizona and Alabama While all people may be considered “equal” under the law, it is evident that our soci- have justi¿ ed their actions as ety still continues to retain some ugly traditions of the past. Take, for instance, the subtle a way of protecting the inter- racism that permeates our “War on Drugs.” A black community is far more likely to be ests and opportunities of legal subjected to a police raid, and its inhabitants arrested for minor, non-violent drug crimes American citizens. But at the than is a white community, such as any major college area, though drug use occurs in es- same time, the topic of illegal sentially the same rate in both. Additionally, statistics from New York City’s “Stop and immigration has become politi- Frisk” program reveal that by virtue of being a racial minority, one is far more likely to cal fodder: a means for politicians to appeal to certain voting blocks, as shown by Mitt be suspected of breaking the law or being a criminal. Romney’s promise to repeal the Dream Act if elected president. Having been selectively targeted, once imprisoned, a person is more or less a deemed And though Barack Obama was elected president, he was opposed by many Ameri- a second-class citizen for life. A non-violent drug conviction can lead to drastically lim- cans solely based on his race—with the Birther movement insisting that he was not an ited job opportunities, disenfranchisement, and social stigmatization. Regardless of one’s American citizen. true innocence, incarceration is a brand that one carries from then on—we have created a America prides itself on being a nation of equality, a land of freedom and op- society in which there are largely no “true” second chances. portunity for all. Unfortunately, despite the progress it has made through the centuries, In more extreme scenarios, however, the consequences are even more severe. In trials prejudice and discrimination still remain obstacles that must be overcome. involving murder or other heinous crimes, African American defendants are far likelier Martin Luther King, Jr. once spoke of a dream that his children would “one day live to receive the death penalty than defendants of other races—in fact, the darker your skin in a nation where they [would] not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content color, the greater likelihood of being deemed guilty. Furthermore, any defendant has a of their character.” Fifty years later, King’s vision remains just as relevant. So while we greater chance of being sentenced to death if the victim is white, but is less likely to be celebrate the progress made during this Black History month, we must remember we still receive such a sentence for cases involving a minority victim. have a long road to travel to true equality. Now it is up to us, the next generation, to ¿ n- But discrimination cannot be relegated to one spectrum, such as the legal system; it is ish what he started, to pass down the dream: to create a world in which discrimination is present throughout the entire fabric of American society. African Americans and Latinos truly a thing of the past. Threats to Internet Freedom By Carlisle Micallef process. The accused would be presumed Staff Writer guilty and have to prove their innocence As Wikipedia and other popular Internet Though sites like You Tube and Tumblr and video sites went dark on Jan. 18, public are covered by the Digital Millennium Copy- attention was suddenly turned to active leg- right Act, an act that provides sites protection islation going through Capitol Hill. from prosecution as long as material is being The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) monitored, SOPA would demolish the protec- and the Protect IP Act (PIPA) were bills that tive barrier companies have and hold them sought to provide enforcement measures for accountable. Out of Iraq copyright infringements. Due to growing The question is, what is considered il- governmental concerns about illicit online legal? Quoting a Disney Motion Picture? A activity, these bills have now become a topic struggling artist blog that is similar to a more After nine years, military withdraws of concern for Internet users nation wide. mainstream version? Taking word for word By Billy Rehbock Iraq’s government and citizens. SOPA/PIPA, introduced to Congress in information from other sources (Wikipedia Staff Writer The withdrawal does not mean that the 2011, would give would have trou- President Obama promised in his 2008 American presence in Iraq will be reduced to copyright hold- ble with this)? campaign that he would end America’s long- zero. Far from it, in fact. According to of¿ cial ers the power Or doing a cover standing presence in Iraq. He held true to his ¿ gures, some 20,000 Americans will remain to enforce their of a copyrighted promise, and on Dec. 18, the last convoy of working either with the State Department at the policies by en- song on You- troops ¿ nally left the country and returned huge American embassy in Baghdad’s Green abling them to Tube? If SOPA/ home. But there is much more behind the Zone or as private security contractors (or “mer- block sites from PIPA were to U.S.’s departure than what has been of¿ cially cenaries”) for companies such as Blackwater search engines, have passed, stated by the government. and Halliburton. And this new civilian-only block funding, sites would po- Most importantly, the president actually operation in Iraq will continue to cost American or pull the plug tentially have wanted to stay in Iraq. Prior to the ¿ nal with- taxpayers over three billion dollars. on the site alto- been held ac- drawal of troops, the U.S. had been asking the Still, now that military troops have left gether. Not only countable for the Iraqi government to grant immunity to Ameri- Iraq, the lives of returning American soldiers are the Rights above and pos- can soldiers so that they could be pardoned of will be allowed to return to a greater state of Holders given sibly shut down. various crimes. This also included mercenaries normalcy. However, the same cannot be said power, they are This would that were working for private corporations, about Iraq. The day the last troops were with- also given “Immunity from Liability” should obviously cripple the free À ow of content and such as Private Military Companies (PMCs). drawn, Iraqis across the country celebrated they voluntarily choose to cut off a site at a information online today, discourage new After a CIA agent was accused of murdering an with their families and loved ones—many, of moments notice. sites from emerging, and potentially infringe Iraqi citizen, the U.S. was prompted to begin course, did not want American soldiers to be However, the nature of these bills sends on our freedom of speech. negotiations for the immunity of Americans on there in the ¿ rst place. the absolutely wrong message internationally The ¿ ght against SOPA/PIPA was not Iraqi soil. Iraqi citizens feared that if immunity And of course Baghdad still remains a to governments attempting to control the a ¿ ght launched solely by large companies, were to be granted to soldiers, they could kill war zone in the aftermath of the U.S. invasion. Internet. By supporting this bill, the govern- but also by small businesses and independent innocent people without any repercussions In January, The New York Times reported over ment is admitting to the public that they are internet activists. Outcries included a broad from either country’s government. 400 killings within only a month of the U.S. trying to control what is available to all on the range of internet users from high school After negotiations failed to lead to a blan- departure. American products still litter the Internet, essentially encroaching on our need students to entrepreneurs. It was a joint ef- ket grant of immunity for American military city’s streets, and the evidence of U.S. pres- for the free À ow of information. fort that made a huge impact on the voting personnel in Iraq, President Obama issued a ence in Iraq is far from gone. The amount of Some oppressive governments are al- of SOPA/PIPA. The vote was postponed due statement that all troops would return to the resentment toward the United States is still ready embracing this mentality by controlling to the massive public response, suggesting United States before the end of the year. The incredibly prevalent, especially because of what information is available to the public. the people do have inÀ uence on Capitol Hill. choice to bring the troops home really did not the Iraqi sentiment that the violence and de- Ironically, the U.S. condemns other countries Yet just days later, the government come down to the discretion of the U.S. In struction was brought upon them by a foreign from ¿ ltering the Internet such as the censor- seized and shutdown Megaupload based on reality, it fell to the Iraqis. Top military advisers force from whom they did not ask for help. ship of sites that speak out against oppressive yet unproved accusations in an indictment. suggested that 10,000 to 15,000 troops should The damage to their country is irreversible, governments. Additionally, the government seized or froze remain overseas, but since there would be no and it is no small wonder that immunity was SOPA/PIPA is legislation that is com- the company’s assets, all based on yet unprov- immunity, the President had no choice but to not granted to U.S. military personnel in Iraq. pletely open for Rights Holders interpreta- en accusations. These are some of the exact pull out the remaining soldiers. Without question, it is a good thing for tion. For example, websites like YouTube powers that those ¿ ghting against SOPA/PIPA A signi¿ cant additional factor that con- the United States, as well as for Iraq, that the and Tumblr have clips, pictures. and refer- sought to curb, and yet they already exist in tributed most to the Iraqi government’s desire war has ended. However, we must not forget ences to copyrighted material of movies and part due to the 2008 PRO-IP Act. for the American presence to cease was the the circumstances under which the conÀ ict television series. Yes, it turns out the key power many invasive use of drones that À y overhead and was terminated. Iraq has been left in a very Although these sites have taken steps to feared in SOPA–the power to seize and shut- monitor ground movement at all times. Total- poor state, and the United States must assume supervise ‘illegal’ streaming content, the U.S. down websites without trial–already exists. ing 24 in number, these drones remained a a large degree of blame for damages caused Department of Justice would have the right So clearly the struggle for a free internet constant presence during the U.S. occupation, to lives there in the aftermath of its invasion under SOPA/PIPA to pursue the activity on is far from over, and now more than ever all causing a great feeling of unease amongst and occupation. such sites and shut them down without due of us need to remain vigilant in this ¿ ght. SPORTS Women’s Soccer Men’s Basketball Team captures WCAL title Hungry for a repeat

By Cameron Schott “This year, our quick forwards were By Anay Dattawadkar to capitalize on Gordon’s illness to barely Staff Writer able to put balls in the net. We have very Sports Editor edge Mitty on a late jumper. After a 16-1-3 record in the regular smart and imaginative ‘playmakers’ in On Jan. 21, Jordan White made two With the win, Serra took possession of season, the 2011 Women’s Soccer team our mid¿ eld,” senior Sarina Soriano said, free throws in the ¿ nal seconds to give the the top spot in the WCAL. The Monarchs successfully defended their WCAL title “Lastly, our defense was made up of good, Mitty Men’s Basketball team a 3-point then lost their next game against De la with a dramatic victory over Presentation solid players that are used to playing with lead over Sacred Heart Cathedral, and the Salle, dropping to 12-3. However, the team on penalty kicks. each other.” Monarchs held on to edge the Irish 62-59. dashed any fears of a protracted slide, with The team has gained national recogni- With only eight seniors on the roster, Three weeks later, on Feb. 11, Aaron strong wins over Sacred Heart, Bellarmine, tion for their excellent season. This year, the their leadership has been an important key Gordon made a frantic shot with four sec- and St. Francis. Monarchs have started a trend of success in guiding new players to the varsity level. onds left in overtime to propel Mitty over That set the stage for a huge home that they aim to carry into the CCS playoffs. “Since we are a very young team this thhe Irish, 60-58. game against Serra, which was still stub- bornly clinging A major part year, the seniors tried On Feb. 18, it was again White’s to ¿ rst place. A of the success is to make everyone turn to come through win would vault the superb play feel welcome,” se- in the clutch. In the Monarchs of senior forward nior goalie Mewes a situation eerily over the Padres Ana Marija Sola, added, “We stepped similar to his per- and back into who has a team- up as leaders so that formance a month ¿ rst place. we get everyone on leading 11 goals before, he sank two And the and 15 assists on the same page and free throws with Monarchs came the season. going in the right 12.8 seconds left in out ready to However, direction.” the WCAL finals. win. Their man- Sola believes that The quality Three games against to-man defense a forceful senior season has caught Sacred Heart, two stiÀ ed Serra, and core, along with the eyes of not only huge performers, an almost-recov- solid contribu- local, but national one WCAL title. ered Aaron Gor- tions from under- media. The games don absolutely classmen, have Maxpreps.com against the Irish ex- dominated with contributed to this has the team cur- hibited perfectly the 29 points. excellent season. rently ranked 8th in style of this 2011 With the 60- “It’s hard to the nation and 6th in Men’s team: play 42 win, the Mon- pinpoint any key the state, while ESPN hard, play unself- archs were ¿ ring players, but de¿ - Rise ranked the Mon- ishly, and be poised on all cylinders Photo courtesy of Mr. Luie Lopez Photo courtesy of Mr. Luie Lopez nitely the return- archs as the 10th-best when it matters. The as they destroyed Senior Jack Biebel drives to the hoop. ing varsity play- Junior Gabrielle Vargas surges downÄ eld. team in the country formula certainly the struggling ers, especially the seniors, will be pivotal until they fell to St. Francis in a 2-0 loss. worked here, as the team went a stellar Valley Christian Warriors 66-48 on Feb- players on the ¿ eld,” said Sola before the This defeat ended a 16-match undefeated 24-3-0 en route to its second straight ruary 9. On that same day, Serra lost to season. “Still, a lot of our success will rely streak, but even after the loss the Monarchs WCAL title. St. Ignatius, clinching the WCAL title for on the newer girls, such as the freshmen were currently ranked as the 22nd best team “Although we lost some key play- the Monarchs. Nonetheless, the team was and ¿ rst year varsity players, and their in the nation. ers, we’ve made the necessary changes to still hungry in their ¿ nal league game. ability to step up into the roles which are Their team play has been key through- get back to the top,” said senior forward And the team, like it has all season, did available to them.” out the year. In fact, many of the Monarchs Thomas Peters, “Every game someone new not disappoint. With their league season having come The team is extremely well-rounded, have described this as pivotal to their strong has stepped up and performed.” And it showed throughout the regular to a close, the Monarchs now set their as the Monarchs have outscored their op- performances on the ¿ eld. season, as new starters Jack Biebel and sights on the CCS and State competitions. ponents by over thirty goals this season. Soriano put it well when she said, “I Thomas Peters worked seamlessly unison Their WCAL title and tournament win This dominance was due to a combination think the key to our success this season has with Neil Vranicar, White and Gordon. point to another big run by the team–and of excellent forward and mid¿ eld play, and been working together as a team and not The Monarchs dashed any fears of a that’s clearly where their focus lies. a stellar defense. just as individuals.” State Title “hangover” when they rattled off “I’m proud of what we’ve accom- Mitty will now look to defend their Standouts include the spectacular goal- six straight wins to begin the season before plished so far,” Neil Vranicar said, “but we tending tandem of Lindsay Mewes and Nat- Division II CCS title when they open the losing to Serra 61-59 on Jan. 14. know we’re after bigger and better things alie Ogden, who boast a .373 goals-against playoffs this Saturday, Feb. 25. Given their Prior to the Serra game, Aaron Gordon than just league games.” average. Their game-plan banked on their potent combination of youth and experi- had been battling mononucleosis, which The Monarchs begin their CCS title defensive strength creating opportunities ence, the Monarchs are certainly to hang kept him out of practice and left him weak defense on Feb. 25, drawing the #1 seed on the offensive end. even more banners after this campaign. and fatigued on the court. Serra was able in the tournament. Wrestling: Talented Squad on the Rise

By Jesselyn Wang we expect to ¿ nish top three in league and top ten in CCS.” Staff Writer The team is well on its way in achieving this goal as Wrestling at Mitty undoubtedly faces a wide variety the Monarchs have placed in the Top 5 in a host of Bay of challenges. For one, the team must always compete with Area tournaments, including the Peninsula Invitational, other school activities to use the cafeteria for practices. Cupertino Memorial Tournament, and the Jim Root Clas- Furthermore, as sophomore Chandler Ramirez ex- sic. Though the Monarchs have some tough competition plains, “Wrestling is a sport that doesn’t get a lot of credit from St. Francis and Bellarmine, senior Alex Lewis is from other people. [But] as a three sport athlete, [I feel] positive that “if we [can] ¿ ght through our fatigue and that wrestling really requires the most discipline.” focus, then we are sure to [be] victorious.” But despite these obstacles, the Monarchs have de¿ - The Monarchs have high hopes to send at least 2 nitely impressed, posting incredible numbers in both dual of their Varsity team wrestlers to compete for the State meets and the most competitive of tournaments. Championship in California. Furthermore, Mitty will send Both Coach Curry and Assistant Coach Wicht nod in 13 representatives to the CCS playoffs this year, a school agreement that this year’s team is the best they’ve seen record. As the regular season wraps up and WCAL rounds in the past 10 years. begin, the Monarchs look to continue ¿ ghting hard and Photo courtesy of ProImage “We’ve got a stellar sophomore class,” notes Coach pushing to exceed expectations. This season will surely Sophomore Shane Triantos pins his opponent. Curry, “and combined with the experience of the seniors, be a memorable one. February 2012 • Sports Page 15 Men’s Soccer Finishing Strong By Erik Chu dif¿ cult non-conference schedule clearly helped Staff Writer the Monarchs in league play, as they earned victo- FEATURED For the Archbishop Mitty Men’s Soccer ries over Valley Christian, St. Ignatius, and Sacred Team, this year was all about improvement. Af- Heart Cathedral. ter last year’s tough CCS Semi¿ nal loss against Mitty faced its greatest challenge in WCAL ATHLETES Burlingame, the Monarchs were looking to have action against St. Francis, one of the top teams a bounce-back season. And they have done just in the league. In an extremely tight regular sea- that, improving dramatically to an impressive son contest at home, Mitty edged the Lancers, 15-6-2 (9-4-1 league) record, while capturing the winning the match 3-2. That day, Ochoa had an WCAL Playoffs with a amazing performance, 1-0 win over St. Francis leading the way for the Va on a goal by sophomore Monarchs with two goals. GA Andres Ochoa. The win propelled the juni The Monarchs have Monarchs to third-place Poin a wealth of experience, in the WCAL. as they have 9 players In the ¿ rst round of 10.8 points per game 49.6% returning from last year’s the WCAL playoffs, the 27 3- squad. Second-year Monarchs defeated arch- Coach Cesar Sanchez rival Bellarmine 1-0, then has done a masterful job went on to defeat Serra of guiding his team to 3-0 in the semi¿ nals. The victory, led by top goal victory over St. Francis in Our team has grown so much scorer junior Connor the WCAL ¿ nals on Feb. “ throughout the time we have Kurze and senior Noah 16 sets the Monarchs up spent together. Each of us Pederson. nicely for a CCS run. shares a common goal of “This season has “I could not be more wanting to win and become been very successful, proud of the group of the best. We all work hard and especially for a team guys that I play with, be- play well together due to our as young as ours. The cause without their hard team chemistry which sets us younger players on the work and dedication all apart from many other teams. team have definitely the success we’ve had so stepped up their game,” Photo courtesy of ProImage for would have not been ” says Kurze. Sophomore Eric Espinoza drives the ball. possible,” says senior The Monarchs found Sebastian Zuniga. “As themselves challenged by an extremely dif¿ cult our season continues into CCS we will continue Ana schedule. Non-league games included away to work hard and strive for success.” Marija matches against nationally-ranked De La Salle and The Monarchs are the sixth-seed in the CCS SOLA Willow Glen. Although the Monarchs lost both of Division II playoffs and will open with a match Senior Captain these games, they were extremely competitive, on Wednesday, Feb. 22, against eleventh-seeded Mid-Ä eld gaining valuable experience for league play. The Yerba Buena at home at 2:30 p.m. Striker 11 goals 15 assists Women’s Basketball Seeks Revenge 37 points This season has truly By Jordan Scott sophomore Kelli Hayes know how to apply been a blessing. I know Sports Editor key ball pressure when needed in the full court. “ Even though the Monarchs seemed to be Garner leads the team with 2.6 steals per game that as I continue defeating their opponents with ease this sea- and 50 steals overall, while Hayes leads the my soccer career at son, there was one glaring loss Mitty wished team in scoring (14.3) and blocks (32 for the UC Davis, these four to avenge: a trip to San Francisco that resulted season). The Monarchs are leading the WCAL years of playing will in a disappointing 55-49 defeat at the hands of in rebounding with 38.2 rebounds per game be greatly missed as St. Ignatius during league play. on the strength of 9.6 per game from senior will those amazing When asked if any positive benefit could Amanda Lovely. teammates who have come from the loss, se- The versatility of made my experience nior Courtney Lisowski the players is the domi- playing soccer at Mitty said, “We are using that nant strength of this so remarkable. loss as motivation and team. They can play are learning from our many different positions ” mistakes.” and different styles. Well, consider the Lovely can domi- Connor lesson learned. The nate in the center at 6’3, KURZE Monarchs dominated but can also play guard Junior Captain SI in the WCAL Play- when needed. Forward off finals, winning 63- Junior guards Em- 47. Kelli Hayes had ily Dinger (5’10) and 13 goals 7 assists 19 points and Vanessa Kalyn Simon (5’9) can 33 points Garner 16 as Mitty slash to the basket and won their third straight out-rebound many of WCAL Playoff Final. the opponent’s tallest This year has been a Together with an players. “ great year for our soccer emotional and success- The team as a whole program. The team has ful Senior Night vi- is hard to match up greatly improved and tory over Sacred Heart against, and a differ- grown together. The Cathedral 69-42 that ent player can step up younger players on the each game. The depth brought a share of the Photo courtesy of Mr. Luie Lopez team have really stepped WCAL league title, the at each position allows up their game. It has been Junior Kalyn Simon initiates the offense. Monarchs have shown Coach Phillips to sub- a great experience playing once again that they are an outstanding team. stitute freely and eventually wear down the with this team. Throughout the second half of league play other team. and playoffs head coach Sue Phillips stated the “This group of young women has excel- ” team’s goal “is to increase our offensive ef- lent team chemistry, is hard working, extreme- ficiency by taking better care of the basketball ly talented, unselfish, and intelligent,” Phillips and taking high percentage shots.” said, “They are an absolute pleasure to coach.” Mitty’s current record is 11-1 in WCAL The players are no doubt looking forward Compiled by Rebecca Casey, Anay Dattawadkar, league play, and 21-5 overall. One of their to moving on to the CCS tournament, and Stephen Kwok and Jordan Scott hopefully to the Northern California Tourna- greatest assets is intense defensive pressure. Sports Editors With a highly athletic group of athletes, the ment after that . team’s offense is sparked by their defense. They begin their pursuit of those titles on Photos courtesy of Mr. Luie Lopez Junior point guard Vanessa Garner and Feb. 25, as the #1 seed in CCS Division II play. News • February 2012 Page 16 Shakespeare: Playwright, Commoner, Monarch Teaching the Bard From Globe to Kinkade By Kelvin Leong and Kevin Tran By Gwen Holst News Editors News Editor For the ¿ rst time ever, Archbishop Mitty staged a work from Starting next year, the English department will provide a our language’s most famous playwright this January. Putting on new senior elective called “The Good Man Will and the Rebel Shakespeare has been a thought the Performing Arts Department Shakespeare.” Taught by Ms. Brunolli, the course will make entertained for the past few years, but the allotted timeframe— characters come alive for students and also provide new ways three weeks split around the winter break—had always impeded to make this legendary wordsmith more accessible. this plan given the dif¿ culty of Shakespeare’s language. However, As a long-time admirer of Shakespeare, Ms. Brunolli has with the talent present in this year’s twenty-eight participants, been excited to help craft this new course. Over the past year, the Performing Arts department believed Mitty was ¿ nally ready she has spent time researching and developing the curriculum, to take on this challenge. one that she hopes will captivate and interest students. Although Out of Shakespeare’s thirty-seven dramas, why Twelfth making the course was time-consuming, she believes she “has Night? The Performing Arts department wanted a comedy, been preparing [her] whole educational life for this.” since comedies are accessible. Twelfth Night thus became a clear One topic the course delves into is the fascinating concept of choice, given its similarities to Mr. Santana’s favorite movie, the playwright himself. Ms. Brunolli explains, “What’s intriguing The Princess Bride. about Shakespeare is this duality that he had... a commoner... With the decision made, the adaptability of Shakespeare [and] a successful playwright.” She continues, “As we read his opened the doors for Mr. Santana’s artistic expression. “As a plays, there’s that voice that in one moment can praise the status director, it is like having a blank canvas: You can do anything.” quo and in the next moment question it.” The versatility of Twelfth Night is incredible; it works well This contrast between Shakespeare the traditional historical in settings as diverse as an escape into fantasy or a trip to the ¿ gure and Shakespeare the rebellious playwright will be one Photo Courtesy of Ms. Epidendio Wild West. No high school in the area had done Twelfth Night, of the many aspects on which this new course focuses. The Mitty students perform in Twelfth Night so Archbishop Mitty’s choice was bold. understanding of the duality, Ms. Brunolli acknowledges, is Mitty’s interpretation of the characters was particularly instrumental to unlocking the richness behind Shakespeare’s language. And when students memorable. The three main clowns, Fabian, Sir Andrew, and Sir Toby—played by So- ¿ nally break down that language, they will realize how relevant his plays are today. In phia Gonsalves, Shawn Clifford, and Ryan Ballard, respectively—really came alive, particular, the way Shakespeare dealt with modern-day issues, such as the controversies as they were inspired by the three main slap-stick clowns of the world-renowned circus of interracial marriage and racism in Othello, only adds to the complexity behind the man. group Cirque du Soleil. On the other hand, Cesario and his band of pirates were cast to Furthermore, in addition to reading classic Shakespeare plays, students are also highly be romantic and nondescript, exhibiting the hallmarks of The Princes Bride. encouraged to browse through the course’s myMitty page. By posting resources such Signi¿ cant time was also spent to select the perfect accompanying songs. After sifting as the Oxford Shakespeare Library and various renditions of Shakespeare’s plays, Ms. through 300 to 400 Elizabethan-era Irish and British songs, Mr. Santana selected 16-18 Brunolli hopes to encourage students explore Shakespeare. She even notes that to truly songs he thought were relatable and best ¿ t the archetype of the traveling musician. understand the plays, students should watch different interpretations of the same play. Despite the technical challenges of a comedy like Twelfth Night, the show successfully With the implementation of the iPad next year, students will be able to do so with greater entertained its audience through its multiple sold-out performances. Even those who were ease than ever before. otherwise unfamiliar with Shakespeare could take away valuable lessons from Mitty’s Given the potential to interactively impart Shakespeare to a new generation, Ms. interpretation of his work. Brunolli hopes that the passion she has for Shakespeare translates to students because she Mr. Santana summed up Twelfth Night’s impact, saying, “The potential for educational wants them “not to just appreciate Shakespeare, but to love and to really enjoy his works.” experience is immense, it was time to go for it, and I am glad we did.” STUDENT CENTE(RED) Tausif Ahmed Lending his VOICE to the community Volume 21 Number 3 By Omid Mirfendereski tivated him to create VOICE, a and “self-run,” but he has hopes Advisors Staff Writer club aimed to provide “meaningful that it will grow in numbers and Mr. Mick VanValkenburg & Mr. Craig Whitt Among its many graduation ways for students to get involved in productivity. requirements, Archbishop Mitty [their] community.” Tausif explains that if more News calls upon students to complete 100 Short for Volunteering Out students from Mitty and other lo- Gwendolyn Holst, Kelvin Leong, hours of Christian service by the in Community Everyday, VOICE cal schools join VOICE, the club end of their senior year. Usually, brings together individuals from will be able to help not only San Sruthi Ramaswami, & Kevin Tran most people find an opportunity various high schools to make a Jose Family Shelter, but also other to assist their communities on an concrete difference in the Bay Area. charity groups and organizations. Opinions individual level; however, a few The club’s members meet Possessing a truly admirable Linda Nguyen, Anna Piatnicia, students, like junior Tausif Ahmed, twice a month to organize activities work ethic, Tausif has found a great Sarang Shankar & Tyler VanValkenburg take their service to the next level. and plan future programs. Tausif way to lead his community. We can Through dedication and lead- explains that so far, they have had all learn from him to expand our Arts & Entertainment ership, Tausif has not only made movie nights, art workshops, and horizons and put our faith and hopes AnnaLiese Burich, Chaddy Georges, signi¿ cant contributions to the Bay brunch services. into concrete action. Area’s needy, but has also increased As part of their Holiday Do- Chitra Marti, & Melanie Mascarenhas social consciousness and participa- nation Drive, he and fellow club For more information about VOICE: tion in our community as well. members collected $1000 in new www.voicesanjose.org. Focus Tausif completed his junior d pillows for Alexandra Gar¿ eld, Taji Hutchins, year’s Christian service hours last mily Kanako Shimizu, & Puja Subramaniam summer at San Jose Family Shelter. Shelter. This offshoot of Family Support- main Justice Awareness ive Housing, Inc., which provides ease Elena Georgieva, Esha Joshi, services ranging from health care ipa- to parent classes for homeless and lter, Briana Saunders & Elise Sudlow needy families, gave him the oppor- rdi- Sports tunity to put his beliefs into action. nates many Every week, Tausif engaged of his club’s Rebecca Casey, Anay Dattawadkar, himself in the available tutoring activities. In Stephen Kwok & Jordan Scott program, helping students from addition, he preschool to the sixth grade with wishes to Photo their English and math assignments. get more lo- Alisha Dua, Sarah Guzman, This allowed him to form cal teenagers Tiffany Lu, & Anushka Pushpala healthy relationships with children involved in who often felt shy about asking for Family Sup- help, but who were clearly happy portive Hous- 5000 Mitty Way, with the assistance and care they ing, Inc. and San Jose, CA 95129 received. Voice. During his time at the shelter, He ad- Tausif saw himself as a veritable mits that his The Monarch is published for the students, part of the community, which mo- group is small faculty, and parents of Archbishop Mitty High School.