The Poly Optimist John H. Francis Polytechnic High School Vol. XCVII No. 10 Serving the Poly Community Since 1913 June 2011 Partnership Enriches Taking it Parrots Music Center to the streets brings artists Parrots protest drastic budget to campus. cuts with street march. By Michelle Lopez Staff Writer Photo by Alex Cadena By Valeria Gonzalez PROTEST: Poly Principal Gerardo Loera, third from left, joins Parrot fac- Staff Writer oly partnership with the ulty and parents in an after-school march against budget cuts by LAUSD. Music Center, funded ixty teachers, ten students and ten parents from John by a U.S Department of H. Francis Polytechnic Senior High staged a protest P Education (DOE) SLC march at the intersection of Roscoe and Arleta in Sun Grant, is bringing professional Drama Teacher S artists and artistry to Parrots and Valley Friday. Parrots to the artists. “The protest showed that we had that schools are underfunded and The partnership’s three pro- one purpose,” said UTLA Chapter cannot educate students with the cur- grams include 10 one-hour ses- To Play New Role Chair and teacher representative Bob rent budget for next year,” said Scott. sions of classroom-based work, Scott, “to stop anything that hurts the Governor Brown wants voters to attendance at a dance perfor- education of students.” renew three temporary taxes that are mance at the Music Center and Hetrick trades director’s chair for A statewide budget crisis has set to expire in hopes of using the a 12-hour internship at the Music hit education particularly hard. The additional revenue to lessen the bud- Center for two Parrots selected home schooling. Los Angeles Unified School District get cuts to education. Republicans by FAME English teacher Katie projects a $408M shortfall for the are trying to keep that proposition Marzolo. Glen Philip, part of the KYDS upcoming school year and has sent off the ballot and let the taxes expire. By Valeria Gonzalez Staff Writer program, will still meet with the preliminary layoff notices to 5,000 McEwen said the marchers were Alvin Ailey Dance Troup after school drama club. They are teachers. great and a lot of drivers honked as Former Poly drama teacher planning on having a play by the end The protesters, who object to they drove by. oly drama teacher Katrina of June. increased class sizes and decreased “Poly is a great corner for vis- Katrina Hetrick took 150 students Hetrick, whose most and eight teachers to a special per- "Poly is a unique place to work staffing, marched from 1:30 pm to ibility,” McEwen said. recent production was at," said Hetrick. "I will miss having 3 pm. “When these things, happen formance by the Alvin Ailey Dance the popular Broadway Troupe at the Music Center in mid P such an amazing set of colleagues, “It was great to see Mr. Loera, whether it is for good, or bad, musical "Annie," has resigned her April. and getting the chance to work with and other administrators out there there is bonding,” McEwen said. position. Hetrick and her husband people who are innovative, and care with us,” said Poly athletic director “Teachers are mostly alone in their The Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe, are expecting their first child in June. founded in 1958, combines African- about the kids. I know there are a lot Kim McEwen. classrooms, so it is good bonding to Hetrick has taught drama at Poly of schools that are not like that." Many Poly protesters later joined go out and be together.” American cultural expression and the for six years. American modern dance tradition. Hetrick was born and raised in a larger protest in downtown LA’s McEwen expected a larger turn- Faculty members Leslie Wolfson Los Angeles, California and attended Pershing Square. That demonstra- out, however. The Music Center sponsored the and Katherine Marzolo will teach field trip, with additional funding Chadwick High School and Palos tion included unions from all over “I was disappointed that there Hetrick's Theatre Appreciation B for Verdes Peninsula in Palos Verdes. California. was a small amount of staff members by Dr. Janice Collins, the Small the remainder of the school year. Learning Community specialist for "I didn't like being in the private LAUSD’s response to the state- out there,” McEwen said. “It is most- "I don't know what will happen to school, and at the time I did not live wide budget cuts has been to fire ly their peers being affected by this, LAUSD. the class for next year," Hetrick said. in the area," said Hetrick. "When teachers, increase class sizes and so why are they not out supporting FAME students were given first "At the moment there are a lot of shorten the school year. each other?” priority and 30 additional spaces staffing difficulties to work out," [ See Drama, pg 6 ] “UTLA and LAUSD both agree were distributed to the teachers outside of FAME. “It was an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to professional modern dance,” said Hetrick, “some- thing that we don’t have at Poly.” Good As New “I was moved by the perfor- A colorful “Facelift” puts new life in Poly’s signature mural mance,” said Marzolo. “It wasn’t only the themes of suffering and folds dabbing here and splashing there. By Vanessa Muñoz The redefinition of some lines on the mural in- redemption the Ailey Company regu- Staff Writer larly employs, but the athleticism volved correcting inappropriately scaled portions and beauty of the dancers.” of Martim Luther King Jr.'s palm. Hetrick agreed. AUSD calls it a "facelift," but it's re- The mural, known as "We're all one human ally more of a touch-up. race," was a gift to Poly from the senior class of “I thought the performance was Photo by Alex Cadena absolutely wonderful” Hetrick said. The brightening, that is, of the 1994. Created by local muralist Mario Torero, TOUCH-UP: Worker brightens up Poly’s three- “I was impressed by the physi- L three-story panoramic mural that the mural was painted by former Poly art teacher story 1994 mural, part of a $250,000 “Facelift.” cal strength of the dancers. These graces the south wall of Poly's auditorium. Karen Worle's class. The frescoe got a fresh coat of paint recently weren’t frail ballerinas, they were Eight to 12 students ascended wooden scaf- while the refresher painting took two workers and some slight alterations that better delfine the muscular and powerful.” folding each day to color in the outline on the about a month. The mural was finished May 15. world-famous figures and their messages. Marzolo, who has taken nearly auditorium wall. All art students that year were Other projects included in the facelift include The work was funded by a $250,000 windfall 200 students to opera performances, required to do some painting on the mural, ac- landscaping for both main gates (Peoria and Ar- from the District, Poly's share of a $25M settle- has worked with the education divi- cording to former Parrot Lucila Munoz, one of the leta). Gates will be painted black and brick pavers ment slated for improvements to the physical plant sion of LA Opera and the LA Music painters. and shrubs will be added to the entrances. of existing schools. Center for years. Students had to get permission slips from A new pedestrian side walk was added by the Chameleon Construction did the mural rehab, Marzolo says she gets lots of classes as well as buy the paint and rent the scaf- front gate on Arleta. with two artists spending the better part of a folding. [ See Music Center, pg 6 ] month on mechanical lifts known as scissors scaf- The mural took three months to complete,

The Man Who She Ran All Made the Murals the Way Home Art teacher Carlos Loya Reye’s steal is the differ- passes away May 4, 2011. ence for the Lady Parrots.

Poly Staff Photo MEMORY - page 3 Photo by Mariana Santos SPORTS - page 8 2 June 2011 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp OPINION EDITORIAL Less is More High schools on a four-day week have seen financial and academic benefits. ore than 120 school districts across the nation more. And test scores, expected to fall, held steady and in many are on a four-day school week and finding that cases rose. fewer school days are beneficial in more ways With a three-day weekend, students have time for more M than originally thought. schoolwork and more leisure time with family and friends. Reducing the school week saves money. Fewer days means Students are more motivated to study if they don’t have to give lower utility, transportation and lunch costs each week and less up as much of their “social lives.” wear and tear on the physical plant. Schools have saved up to Fewer school days also gives students more time for part- 9%, according to a 2009 report by the Center for Education time jobs. For many of today’s urban school students, employ- Policy at the University of Southern Maine. ment can add much-needed financial help for college. Instructional hours for the school day are increased, so In today’s battered economy, with so many school districts teachers teach and students learn just as much. deep in the red, the four-day week is an alternative worth con- The four-day school week can also yield educational ben- sidering. efits. Absenteeism has decreased among students and teachers Politicians and “outside” reformers should take a hard look in many schools on a four-day week. Dropout have decreased at “breaking the mold” and trying an approach that all sides can because students report feeling more positive about school. Stu- accept. We think this one is worth a try. As Charlotte Goes, dents behave better and participate in extracurricular activities So Goes the Nation?

The Quest for Higher CST Scores ot the bubble-in blues? Feeling standardized-tested out? s offering grade boosts to students who improve their would be unfair. The letter grades would no longer reflect a Consider yourself lucky. California Standardized Test (CST) scores worth it? student’s educational aptitude. Teens in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Approximately 39 Los Angeles campuses are of- A student who was diligent over the entire course might do G (CMS) in North Carolina are now scheduled to take 52 tests a I fering higher class grades for students who raise their no better that than one who only tried on the test instead of the year. scores on the state’s standardized tests. whole term. Grades should be earned not awarded. And no, that’s not a misprint. The District superintendent, Students who didn’t care about grades to begin with are The LAUSD plan makes standardized test scores superior a protègè of LA real estate king Eli Broad, wants a standard- unlikely to show any improvement on CST testing just to raise to course grades. This plan implies that LAUSD administrators ized test for every student in every subject, from kindergarten their course grades. place little value on teacher grades. through 12th grade. Students who actually do well on the CST already have the When test scores supersede class grades, does that mean We’re talking standardized tests for elementary art, music, motivation and the high grades. standardized test scores are more important? P.E., band, orchestra, chorus - every class at every grade level. This plan wouldn’t change a thing for the majority of stu- This plan could lead to college apps filled with phony “A’s” Sound extreme? There’s more. dents. achieved by performing well on a single standardized test. The North Carolina state legislature is pushing through a bill A failing student doesn’t try because he or she doesn’t know A multiple-choice test doesn’t accurately reflect the entirety that gives CMS a blank check to use expanded testing in a new the material. Students don’t learn the material because they find of a student’s academic ability. Mixing CST performance and pay-for-performance plan for teachers. no motivation in knowledge. course grades is bad policy, even if it works. Some parents are protesting these latest rounds of education Since the CSTs aren’t necessary to graduate, students don’t Trying to make nationally standardized testing legitimate by “reform.” But the tests have powerful supporters. care about the test because failing won’t deny them a high tying it to classroom grades won’t work. A pig with lipstick is Can you say billionaire Republicans Bill Gates and Eli school diploma. still a pig. Broad and their tax-write-off foundations? Even if the plan to motivate students worked, the tactic The way to “reform” education, say the billionaires, is to judge teachers by student “performance.” And to do that, you need standardized tests. Lots of ‘em. Surprisingly, Democrat Barack Obama agrees. His adminis- Freedom Riders Hasten Civil Rights tration has created a federal giveaway program called Race to the Top. Fifty years ago, 13 people began a journey that changed a nation. All districts have to do to get oodles of federal cash is man- date teacher and principal evaluations based on – did you guess On May 4, 1961, 13 people bound for New Orleans boarded Commonwealth University. They were “a motivating influence it - student growth. Growth measured by assessments that are two public buses in Washington, D.C. on a whole generation of young people.” “rigorous and comparable across classrooms.” Calling themselves the Freedom Riders, the interracial The idea behind the Freedom Rides, sponsored by the Con- If you said “more standardized tests,” move to the head of group—southern and northern men and women, many of them gress of Racial Equality (CORE), was simple: At each segre- the class. in their 20s—sought to test federal laws intended to help deseg- gated bus terminal, the interracial group would seek service in If these guys get their way, high school will be a battery of regate the Deep South. the whites-only area. If served, they would consider that place multiple choice tests that cover a fraction of what you should be For the next few weeks, the Freedom Riders traveled from in compliance with federal law. If they were arrested for violat- learning in school. one southern city to the next, trying to integrate “whites only” ing local law, they would go to jail without resisting. “And if And if student growth is a required part of every teacher’s waiting rooms and lunch counters—and enduring arrests, beat- there is violence, we are willing to accept that violence without evaluation, then every child in every grade will have to take ings, and fire bombings along the way. By the time they headed responding in kind,” said CORE’s leader, James Farmer. multiple standardized tests. home, the attention they brought to widespread segregation in But they expected—even hoped—that things wouldn’t go In Charlotte, the superintendent’s also wants teacher pay the South energized the civil rights movement. And their actions smoothly: As Farmer put it, they were counting on “the racists determined by how one teacher’s standardized test scores lined culminated in landmark civil rights laws a few years later. of the South to create a crisis, so that the federal government up against another’s. The Freedom Riders were “a key step in a whole chain of would be compelled to enforce federal law.” In short, high stakes testing on steroids. events that led to the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights So far, high stakes testing, courtesy of No Child Left Behind Bill,” says Brian Daugherity, who teaches history at Virginia Story excerpted from The New York Times Upfront, January 6, 2011 by Merrill Perlman. (NCLB), has led to a narrowing of the curriculum, widespread teaching to the test, significant amounts of cheating and lower state standards around the country. Editor-In-Chief Layout Editor Thank you, George Bush. Joel Hinojosa Yenifer Rodriguez NCLB is up for reauthorization. If the new version mandates that all teachers be evaluated according to student growth, Sports Editor Writers Charlotte-style testing could soon become a national reality. Kelsey Cruz Jasmine Aquino One that Poly is unlikely to be able to avoid. Stephen Castaneda So you may look back fondly on your high school days, but Photo Editors Jizel Emralino will your kid sister? Those four days of CST testing could turn Cindy Berumen Ivan Escobedo into 52 for her. Alejandro Cadena Mariana Santos Valeria Gonzalez Michelle Lopez the Cartoonists Vanessa Muñoz Melissa Cuevas Armando Orozco Optimist Ronald Ruiz John H. Francis Polytechnic High School 12431 Roscoe Blvd, Sun Valley, CA, 91352 Optimist Advisor http://polyhigh.org John Blau Letters To The Editor Editorial Policy Letters to the Editor must be typed or printed The OPTIMIST is the voice of the Poly in ink and include the writer’s signature. The OP- community, and follows the Code of Ethics TIMIST reserves the right to edit submissions. for the Society of Professional Journalists. Send letters to Rm.14 or Mr. Blau’s box. Editorials are the opinions of the staff. polyhigh.org/opt.jsp The Poly Optimist June 2011 3 IN MEMORIUM cARLOS lOYA 1954 - 2011 Veteran art teacher Carlos Loya, who joined Poly’s staff in 1993, passed away on May 4. He will be

Graphic by Marina Turruelles greatly missed by his many friends, Dear Mr. Loya, colleagues and students at Poly.

You are the best teacher I have ever had. You were there the very first day I transferred to Poly, when I was alone and I’m so glad I had you the entire three years I was there. To a Dear Friend, You were literally always by my side. It Dear Mr. Loya, was in your class where I grew up into the In 1993, Carlos Loya was the best art person and artist I am today and how I met all I can't believe you're gone. When I first of the wonderful people I know today. substitute teacher in the East Valley, and Mrs. heard about your condition, I was convinced It’s through you that I am connected to that you would get better and you would everyone around me. The strings are invisible Worle and I used to compete for him when come back. You were so strong, and I know but they are still there. I wouldn’t have come it's insane, but I always thought of you as to know Christian and Marina the way I do. I we needed coverage. So, it was a delightful invincible. I didn't think anything could stop wouldn’t have come to know Ms. Nield and you. I was so sure that you would come back. Mrs. Daneshvari the way I do. surprise when, on the first day of school We were all so sure you would come back. Art is a powerful thing and you helped me Months passed. Months spent waiting for reveal the colors of my own pallet. You ac- in the fall of 1993, I asked him who he was subbing your arrival. Months spent thinking you were cepted me 100% from the start and believed making a recovery. Months spent reassuring in me all the way. In fact, I was so happy for and he said “ I just got hired here at Poly.” From the beginning, he promoted mural Tatiana and myself that you would get better to be in your class that I would have to go and you would come back. But I was wrong. outside to have a sip of water so I could calm painting because that was what he studied at Mexico City University where he got his You didn't get better. You didn't come back. down. I know you fought a long, painful battle, I’m going to miss yelling hi to you every masters degree. The students loved him, not just because he was a good and caring teacher, and in the end, it was too much and you time I passed your classroom. I’m going to couldn't bear it any longer. I know that you miss the way you waited outside of the door but also because he was fun. He played fun music in the classroom and he rode a Harley. were as strong as you could be, and I know daydreaming. I’m going to miss seeing you that you would want me, Tatiana, and every- relax to KEARTH 101. I’m going to miss He was part of the East LA Arts scene, spending his weekends at Self-Help Graphics one else to be just as strong as you were. I seeing you eat sandwiches at lunch through know that you're not in pain anymore—that the little window of your classroom (that you working on his printmaking. As a small department, we all became you're in a better place. And I know that you later blocked). I’m going to miss how ice- are watching over us, making sure we stay cold you had the air conditioner. The way you good friends and went to all the district events together. The Poly Art Department developed brave throughout these dark times. talked in your mellow voice. But there are some things I wanted you I’ll miss especially those rare times when a great reputation for being a group of strong, collegial teachers. When money became to know, Mr. Loya. And my only regret is I I made you laugh or smile. I’ll miss draw- wasn't able to tell you earlier. ing for your class in my other classes available for conventions and conferences, we started going to state and local events, Mr. Loya, some of my best memories took and especially place in your classroom. I met my best friend yours. Another traveling to San Francisco, San Jose, Palm Springs, New Orleans, Chicago, and finally, in your class. I was able to explore my own teacher would creativity in your class. And even though I send me away New York City in March 2011. We learned a lot and we had a lot of fun. Remarkably, three was easily distracted, I feel as though I've for being too grown as an artist because of your teachings. loud but you of us had birthdays within 10 days of each other, so we even celebrated our birthdays I want to apologize for overlooking your were patient advice at times, and I only wish I had paid and didn’t give together at each other’s homes. Mr. Loya contributed to the drama more attention to your words of wisdom. I up on me. You wish I could've had time to learn more from were a part of my every department’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors” by loaning his Harley for the event, you, Mr. Loya. I know that you had so much conversation. to teach. I want to thank you for giving me I’ll miss overflowing the substitute’s desk teaching the student actor to ride and building a ramp to get it on the stage. He loved riding confidence in my artistic abilities—a feeling with letters for you and sending you e-mails that doesn't come too often for me. and making projects for you in ceramics and everywhere – in the San Gabriel Mountains on the weekend, helping with the Love Ride I miss you, Mr. Loya. And I know I keeping a look-out for your bright red pick always will. I want to thank you for being in up truck. to raise money for charity, and riding across the country on his off-track times. He met my life. I'm grateful for the chance of getting I wouldn’t have passed the AP Studio art to know you. You are a true inspiration, and test if it weren’t for you and I am forever his wife Cindy through their mutual love of motorcycles. He also loved to travel abroad, anyone with eyes can see it. Mr. Loya, I want grateful. Every day and every season reminds you to know that every piece of art I create me of our adventures together. making several trips to Europe, once to find the Spanish town of Loya, and riding a rented from now on will always have a small piece I prayed to God every night that he will of you residing in its core. take care of you and you will get better and Harley through the Chunnel from England to France. the Lord has kept his promise and he gave With Love, your faithful student, you the world’s biggest canvas, the sky. Mr. Loya was a wonderful person to work Marina Turruelles Now you can paint the sunsets and the sun with and I miss him terribly. He always said rise and choose if you want clouds in the sky something funny to cheer me up when work and we will be looking up to see your master was frustrating and exhausting. He loved the pieces. I love you and miss you with all my Three Stooges and was always reminding me heart. to stop volunteering for everything and “just say Moe.” He wanted and worked for the best Sincerely, for his family, his students and his friends. We were lucky to have known him, worked with With all the love in the world him, and his mural program has left a legacy Tatiana Orozco that will make him long remembered here at Poly.

Terri Nield 4 June 2011 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp PROFILE

Field of DreamsPhoto by Cindy Berumen Poly junior Jesusa Carvajal talks about music and singing.

I believe I’ll be able to continue this time. I’d like to learn the By Cindy Berumen songs in dedication to my grandfather. Photographer I also had an uncle who died of cancer that played the guitar, sang, and drew. I was very close to him which made him a key remember everything with detail. I especially remember influence in my life. pacing all over backstage before my first performance. My most favorite thing to do is play the guitar and sing. I Adrenaline rushed through my veins as I sang the feel bad for my family because they have to put up with my I opening song, “Enter Sandman.” I can’t even describe loudness. that feeling I had knowing that hundreds of eyes were watching I’ve never taken guitar or singing lessons. I won an acoustic me perform as a musician, or what I felt when I heard their loud Epiphone guitar named “Lola,” which means “grandmother” in applause full of screams and clapping. Tagalog. The Rock 101 show was truly an amazing experience. I I know the music industry is very risky and tough. Working wouldn’t be the person I am today if I didn’t take part in it. I as a successful musician would be amazing but I’m not so sure will never forget that family bond that grew within the students if I’m good enough. I’d never fully abandon music though. and Mrs. Sho (former Poly faculty member Amy Showalter). I’ve been offered opportunities to join bands and to I learned so much about performing and myself because of model, but my parents didn’t allow me to because they are Rock 101. I was looking forward to spending three more years overprotective. in that class, but now I just hold on to the memories. My parents have made a lot of choices I wouldn’t prefer, but I love the feeling of accomplishment whenever I learn a new I know they mean well and I respect them for that. song. And I love learning acoustic songs full of emotion. I play My parents moved here from the Philippines seventeen years covers by Tegan and Sara, The Beatles, Oasis, Gary Jules, Two ago with most of my mom’s side of the family. Door Cinema Club, Adele, and a few more. I’m an only child, but I live with fifteen people, so it doesn’t I’ve performed “Nineteen” and “My Number” by Tegan and get lonely. And I’m the youngest one there. Sara and “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles. I live in front of the Kaiser Hospital where I was born. I like indie rock. Basically I’ve lived in Panorama City my entire life. My grandpa played a big influence in my interest in music. I am a junior, although I’m supposed to be a sophomore, but He was a dedicated fan of classic rock. He would watch concert I entered school early. DVDs of Eric Clapton every night and I would watch them with I like playing the guitar, singing, drawing, and altering him. wearable wardrobe items to my taste. Clapton is one of the greatest musicians to ever walk on this The person that influenced my life the most is Mrs. Amy planet. The fact that my grandfather was a big fan of his adds a Showalter Schwal. She made me realize how much potential sentimental feeling to his wonderful songs. and talent I had. She hosted the first show I’ve ever performed I tried to learn a song by Clapton some time ago but couldn’t in and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her help. I “I love the feeling of accomplishment seem to continue because memories and emotions got the best don’t know how to thank her for all she has done. whenever I learn a new song.” of me. I do plan on learning many Clapton songs soon because polyhigh.org/opt.jsp The Poly Optimist June 2011 5 ENTERTAINMENT

TECH TALK - joel hinojosa Tablets Dominate 2011 The iPad’s instant popularity created a market for tablets. Manufacturers expect to sell 50M in 2011 compared to 19M last year, while laptop and desktop sales are expected to drop. Retailers like Best Buy are already devoting more display space for tablets. Here are some of the latest. BlackBerry PlayBook allows the user to just swipe across the screen and switch between apps. esearch In Motion’s attempt to Users can create office documents such crack the tablet market may be as Word DOC files, slideshows and Excel short-lived. spreadsheets. R “It’s something of a serious The browser is fast, has nice full desktop tablet when compared to the competition feel and uses Flash Player 10, unlike the iPad. running software from Apple and Google, The Playbook has a front facing three said Tim Stevens of Engadget. “And, while it megapixel camera and five megapixel back Asus Eee Pad computer, running on the certainly has games, its biggest strengths are camera and records 1080 MPEG4 video. Transformer Android 3.0 Honeycomb rather more boring.” The PlayBook ranges from $499 (16GB) to operating system. The Blackberry Playbook lacks a great App $599 (32GB) and $699 (64GB). All models are he Asus The Transformer Store feature and is no match for the iPad’s Wi-Fi only and 4G models are expected soon. Transformer is $399, with 16GB thousands of apps. But an app swipe feature tablet PC has the of storage, and comes T ability to transform into a in brown or black. netbook-like device. Early reports say the unit has The tablet can link to a full QWERTY been hampered by software troubles so keyboard (included) and serve as an everyday far, however.

Motorola Xoom The Android 3.0’s soft focus neon and cold, hard digital angles may make it look like Acer Iconia A500 extraordinary but otorola’s Xoom was the first something out of Tron, but the Android lacks not dreadful. Stills and tablet with an Android 3.0 sufficient apps compared to Apple’s App Store. cer Inc.’s new Iconia videos, on the other hand, are Honeycomb operating system Google has been slow getting tablet A500 has a brushed aluminum a different outcome. M to appear at the 2011 Consumer titles into the Android market, according to look and uses the Android The Iconia has a two megapixel Electronics Show. CNET called the Xoom the Topolsky. Carrier commitments being asked Honeycomb operating system. camera up front and a five megapixel in back, “Best of the CES 2011.” of first-time buyers also make the Android less A “Xoom is certainly a contender for the attractive. Acer substitutes its own apps for but the lens is hard to focus. The 720p video Honeycomb’s, but most perform worse, recordings aren’t much better. hearts and minds of potential tablet buyers At $599 for a Wi-Fi model with 32GB of according to reviewers. The Iconia is $449.99 with 16GB of storage in the market,” said Joshua Topolsky of storage, the Xoom is pricey. Verizon offers a “Acer’s apps hurt more than they help,” and supports microSD of 32GB. The battery is Engagdet. 3G model with 32GB of storage for $799.99 said Sean Hollister of Engadget. good for six hours. The tablet’s software has a space-age-like that is upgradeable to 4G LTE. The device’s 6 hours of battery power is not interface and user-friendly components. The Other Four Now that the Big Four of Thrash metal have done their thing, it’s time for their lesser known counterparts to take the stage together.

in thrash. By Jasmine Aquino Staff Writer Overkill’s brutal pounding speed and tech- nique and Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth’s gravel vocals gained them a strong following in 1984. etting the Big Four - Metallica, Their shortcoming was musical diversity. Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer The thrashers succeeded, however, with – on the same stage has been the albums like 1985’s “Taking Over” and 1988’s G ultimate concert for headbangers “Under the Influence,” full of songs with de- for years. manding instrumental parts and angry lyrics. Suddenly, last summer, the impossible hap- Overkill also earned a nomination for Google Image pened. The Big Four at last shared the same “Ironbound” in the Metal Storm Awards 2010. SECOND BILLING: Overkill, one of the “Other Four,” might play with the other three soon.. stage during a European tour. Domestic thrash- Although they didn’t win, they received more ers demanded equal treatment. votes than fellow thrash band, Exodus. verge of challenging their most obvious influ- drummer Scott Duboys. Their demands were finally met in April The arrival of Metallica in 1982 uncer- ence, Metallica, has yet to make the platinum Nuclear Assault released six studio albums when the titans of thrash played the Empire emoniously demoted Exodus, one of the kings plateau. but never found commercial success at the Polo Club in Indio, California at the Big 4 of the San Francisco Bay Area metal scene. Inconsistent material, faulty business deci- time. Festival. While Exodus’ 13 album career has been sions and the genre’s dwindling appeal have all After reforming in 2002, Assault recorded An estimated crowd of 50,000 roared their hit-and-miss, they influenced at least two new hampered Testament’s career. “Alive Again” and toured with Testament and approval. generations of bands in the genre they helped Testament’s most successful albums, “The Death Angel, then with Exodus and Agent The encore began with all-bands-on-deck popularize. Ritual” (#55 on the Billboard 200) and “The Steel. In 2005, Assault followed “Third World cover of Diamond Head’s stomper “Am I Exodus has had numerous lineup changes, Formation of Damnation” (#15 on Germany’s Genocide” with more touring. Evil?” and then got historic when notori- including the departure of current Metallica Top 20) still find appreciative fans of Steve Overkill, Testament, Exodus, and Nuclear ous rivals James Hetfield (Metallica) and guitarist Kirk Hammett, two hiatuses and two Souza’s minor key tonalities and Eric Peterson Assault were among the most socially- aware Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) shared a hug and deaths. and Derrick Ramirez’s dirty guitar solos. groups in speed metal riffing and still find new jammed together. With nineteen upcoming US tours this year Nuclear Assault’s bass guitarist Danny generations of thrash metal fans. But all this hoopla ignores the possible and their newly released album, “Exhibit B: Lilker, who was fired from Anthrax after their No tour dates with all eight bands have been thrills of another, if less obvious concert by the The Human Condition,” Exodus career now “Fistful of Metal,” formed the band with gui- announced, but with the success of the “Big 4” “Other Four” - Overkill, Exodus, Testament, spans thirty years. tarist/vocalist John Connelly, another Anthrax proven, a “Big 8” concert is more likely than and Nuclear Assault, themselves major forces San Francisco’s Testament, once on the alum. alongside guitarist Mike Bogush and ever. Keep your devil horns crossed. 6 June 2011 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp CAMPUS Drama Teacher [From Drama Teacher, pg 1 ] for many of the plays." my family and I moved, I decided to attend the public Hetrick also school." cited junior Gabby Hetrick studied drama at New York University and Melendez and graduated in 2001. sophomore Chris- After graduation, Hetrick worked in the film and tina Tserunian as television industry doing set dressing, construction and veteran perform- props, and later as art department coordinator. ers. Google Image Hetrick worked on several different films and televi- Hetrick sion shows, including “Six Feet Under,” “The Legend of cited her mother, DETECTIVE: Cole Phelps, the protagonist of “L.A. Noire,” is a former Zorro” and “Entourage.” a dance teacher member of the Marine Corps who joins the Los Angeles Police Department. One job always led to another, Hetrick said. at Hamilton High Photo By Alex Cadena "It really is about who you know." School in Los An- DRAMA: Six-year drama teacher Hetrick joined the Poly faculty in 2005. geles, as her main Katrina Hetrick has resigned. Gritty City,Nifty Game "In the winter of 2008, I did my first play, "The Illiad, influence. bit of a hassle. Repetitive tasks and The Odyssey, and All of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes By Armando Orozco "I grew up redundant interrogations might bore or Less," Hetrick said. Staff Writer around her," said Hetrick, "and the program exposed me players used to constant explosions. Other Hetrick productions included “Grease,” “High to a lot of art and theatre." School Daze,” “The Jungle Book,” “Twisted Tales and Rating: 8.75/10 More action sequences could have Hetrick met husband Jim, who grew up in Wooster, broken up the long investigations to Ridiculous Rhymes” and “Annie.” Ohio, on the internet in 2003. "All the students work so hard," said Hetrick. "Marina A. Noire,” a make the game less mind-numbing. "We just started talking," Hetrick said. Team Bondi’s motion capture Turruelles has been in drama for a long time. She has The two married in 2008. complex detective been in four of the six plays, and she designed the posters adventure set in technology effectively captured 1947 Los Angeles, the facial movements of real actors “L as 3D models. Actors put genuine captures the dark and dangerous world of crime, drugs and mobsters. expression, emotions and dialogue Music Center Partnership Players take the role of detective straight into the game. The results Cole Phelps, a decorated WWII are amazing. The digital characters are as real as living, breathing [From Music Center, pg 1 ] vet and newly-appointed LAPD detective charged with investigating human beings. positive feedback from opera staff on the appearance and a series of murders that tie into the The interrogations are gripping. behavior of Poly students. real-life Black Dahlia killings. Every Every accusation must be backed piece of evidence, every clue, and up with evidence and one mistake could cause the case to go under. Madelaine Dahm every log in the notebook brings Ultimately, the player’s choice Poly students in Marzolo’s Language Arts class and players closer to cracking the case. determines the story’s conclusion. Hetrick’s Theatre Appreciation class are currently work- The storytelling is original and Rockstar Games is known for its ing with British dance artist Madelaine Dahm to create punchy. The game isn’t focused on open-world environments and fast- original performance material. senseless gun play as opposed to paced adventure games (“Red Dead “Dahm is a creative person and an excellent teacher,” other hits like “Call of Duty” and Redemption”) and “L.A Noire” is said Hetrick, “and she brings a lot of interesting and “Halo.” “Noire” makes the players no exception. A great original story unique ideas to our sessions.” use critical thinking and the process and top notch graphics make “L.A. The students are learning the opening sequence to Al- Photo by Alex Cadena of elimination to pass the game. Noire” well worth owning. vin Ailey’s “Revelations” and trying out choral speaking WORKSHOP: British dance artist Madeleine Dahm, The case exploration becomes a techniques using a poem by Pablo Neruda. who trained at the Martha Graham School, is conducting Students will perform their own original poems and a 10-week interpretive dance workshop at Poly. speeches in the auditorium on June 15. The hour performance will feature individual students which deals with themes of alienation, isolation and SUDOKU doing a one-minute monologues and small groups per- introspection. forming Alvin Ailey’s “Revelations.” Students will perform one-minute monologues based May “Ms. Dahm’s work takes it to another level” said on those themes. June 2011 Solution Hetrick. “By incorporating movement with their original Students in Hetrick’s theatre class study inspirational texts, she is exposing them to a more abstract and inter- pieces by Pablo Neruda, Harlem Renaissance author pretive form of performance.” Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou and Nelson Mandela Dahm works with the students on incorporating ges- and then write original poetry. tures and movements, using choral speaking techniques and staging the pieces so they work together as a whole Internship performance. Juniors Berlin Perez and Gerardo Sanchez will intern The opportunity to work with a professional artist with the Music Center, shadowing tours and observing a and explore the art of theater and movement in depth is dress rehearsal and a dance performance in June and July. a valuable experience for students, Hetrick and Marzolo Marzolo chose students who showed a high interest in believe. fine arts. The Music Center will work closely with schools to Metamorphosis create an art connection with students. In Marzolo’s Advanced Composition class, Dahm “It’s about finding meaning in the fine arts in an edu- is using Franz Kafka’s novella, “The Metamorphosis,” cational environment,” said Hetrick. Adventures of Jack and Jacky by Melissa Cuevas Me and My Monkey by Ronald Ruiz polyhigh.org/opt.jsp The Poly Optimist June 2011 7 SPORTS Tennis Team on a Streak Parrots’ semifinal finish concludes a strong regular season featuring seven straight wins.

By Jizel Emralino Staff Writer

or the first time in twenty years, Poly's varsity tennis squad went deep into the playoffs, capping a F spectacular season of win streaks and breaking school records. “From top to bottom, this is probably the most solid team that I’ve ever coached,” said head coach Brian Block. The team finished 12-3, entered the City Photo provided by Toby Bachenheimer Invitational playoffs seeded #1 in Division 2 SKY HIGH: Poly’s varsity volleyball squad, shown here defeating West Adams in a playoff and dispatched Wilson in the first round and match, was seeded #3 in the Division 1 City playoffs, a first for the Parrots. Sylmar in the quarters before #4 seed Granada Hills Kennedy edged the Parrots by a half point, 15-14.5, in last Tuesday's semifinal A Season of Successes match. “I’m obviously disappointed," said Block, "but I’m certainly not disappointed in how the Parrot volleyball team’s #3 playoff seeding team played.” Poly athletic director Kim McEwen agreed. and semifinal finish cap 12-0 league play. “You don’t get to the semi finals often," said McEwen. "They should be very proud of a kill from senior Jose Tinajero and another themselves.” By Kelsey Cruz Sports Editor one-man block by Sanchez, who had four of Poly’s doubles players played a significant the Parrots’ first five kills. role in the success of the team’s season. Poly led by as many as seven points but Doubles #1 team, Quenten Millhauser and his was the most exciting, Maverick Santos, won 20 out of 22 matches then crumbled down the stretch. The Dolphins, Photo by Cindy Berumen entertaining boy’s volleyball down 12-19, tied the match at 21, largely on they played. SERVER: No. 1 singles Andy Choi led Poly to team I can remember since free points. Down 24-23, Poly served a net ball “I’ve been playing with my partner for three a record-setting season and playoff semis. “T I’ve been here at Poly,” said to hand Pali the close one. years,” said Millhauser. “We already know veteran Parrot athletic director Kim McEwen. The Dolphins played with confidence and each others’ strengths and weaknesses.” “It was the highest seeding for a boy’s volley- the momentum of the home court crowd in the Junior Juan Almarez, doubles #2 player, great. We just needed a little bit more work.” ball team since I’ve been here.” third game, while Poly was often out of sync. share his strategy in winning games with his Team members juggled tennis and academ- The Parrot regular season wins were all 3-0 Too many Dolphins’ points came from blocks partner Cris Duarte. ics all season. except for a tight 3-2 victory over Monroe and that ended on Poly’s side of the net. “We just hit the ball where they’re not “We have seniors who went back and forth two 3-1 triumphs over Verdugo. The Parrots made one last, brief stand when and get opponents mad at each other,” said on college trips,” said Millhauser. “Even our The Dolphins (28-11, 12-0) beat Poly (21-7, junior Ricardo Nolasco got Poly their seventh, Almarez. “We often communicate in Spanish sophomores and freshmen players have APs to 10-0) 25-20, 25-23, and 25-10 before losing to eighth and ninth points from two kills and a so our opponents wouldn’t understand.” study for. Still, we practiced tennis for hours Granada Hills (21-3, 10-0) 3-0 on Saturday. one-man block. But Palisades dominated the The singles players were equally significant and hours every day.” Momentum shifts made the first semifinals rest of the way. in pushing the team to the semi-finals. “Each player on the team has an obligation game between Poly and Palisades interesting, “Even though they didn’t make it to the One of the four “Chois” on the team, to Poly and to his education,” Millhauser said, with ties at 18 and 20 before the Dolphins took finals, they have nothing to be ashamed about,” singles #1 Andy Choi won three out of four “and everyone performed admirably consider- over. said McEwen. “They did fantastic.” matches he played against Kennedy. ing the outcome of this season.” The Parrots started the second game with Choi remains optimistic after losing at the “Our chemistry shows in our game play,” a one-man block by senior Manuel Sanchez, semi finals. said Millhauser. “Honestly, I think that is what “Well, I don’t really care. I mean, going to contributes most to our skill. We’re not playing semi-finals was a really great thing,” said Choi for us, we’re playing for each other. This year “Last year, we only got up to the second round was just all about fun.” No Playoffs for Baseball and then we were out. I think everybody did Pitching problems plague Poly’s lackluster season. Big Bats By Kelsey Cruz Sports Editor Blast Comets oly’s varsity baseball team finished out of the playoffs for the first time Tzic’s homer and Hernan- in 35 years. P “Baseball is all about starting dez’s triple power Poly to a pitching,” said Parrot head coach Gabriel Cerna. “We lost one of our pitchers to eligibil- 4-2 win over Westchester. ity and the other was going through dead arm. It became an uphill battle.” By Stephen Castadena The Parrots went 10-16 on the season and Photo by Mariana Santos Staff Writer finished 4-6 in the East Valley League. FASTBALLER: Parrot sophomore Josue Pitching woes cost the Parrots their last Moreno was part of head coach Gabe Cerna’s he Lady Parrots jumped to an early six games of the regular season, according to pitching staff in Poly’s sub.500 season. Cerna. Veteran pitcher Josue Hernandez was 4-0 lead and held on to bump visit- ing Westchester 4-2 and advance to going through dead arm. strength, losing both games by only two Photo by Cindy Berumen “It happens to all pitchers where there is no runs.” the CIF City finals. T TAGGED: Poly shortstop Alejandra Ramos more bite on their fastballs,” said Cerna. “You Cerna will move junior Daniel Acosta from Poly picked up a run in the second when tags out Weschester runner while 2nd baseman go through it or rest it.” catcher to third base, leaving shortstop and senior centerfielder Yesenia Reyes scored on Anabel Soto looks on. Starter Philip Marquez became ineligible catcher up for grabs. senior third baseman Stephanie Hernandez’s triple. after the Arleta series. “During summer league I will give differ- Poly sophomore ace Monica Mendoza Lady Parrot freshman catcher Erika Tzic led “Some of my mistakes were not staying on ent guys a chance to prove themselves.” notched the win, while the Comets’ junior off the third with a homer to put Poly up 2-0. top of my pitchers’ grades and being forced to Cerna also plans to hire two or three new pitcher Monica Cartwright took the loss with Hernandez and Reyes then scored on Comet play some guys out of position,” said Cerna. coaches for next season. Assistant coach eight hits and six strikeouts. errors to run the Lady Parrots’ lead to 4-0. Offensively, Cerna was satisfied. Cesar Martinez, who came with Cerna from The Lady Parrots (16-8, 10-2) will meet the Westchester got on the scoreboard in the “We could compete with any team out Roosevelt High, left for personal reasons in Franklin Panthers (12-7, 5-5) on Wednesday to sixth inning, thanks to a Poly error, and added there,” Cerna said. “If you look at our scores mid-season this year. decide the championship. versus Kennedy and Arleta, we were at full “The future looks bright,” Cerna said. another run in the seventh. 8 June 2010 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp SPORTS LADY PARROts take city softball title

Photo By Mariana Santos CHAMPS: Lady Parrots celebrate after winning the CIF Ciy Invitational Softball Championship Wednesday 4-3 against Franklin at Birmingham High. The title was Poly’s second in five years. Poly Wins on Wild Pitch Reyes’ gutsy sixth inning steal brings home City title.

through the seventh and brought the Lady Parrots the 2011 CIF Ramos, who had a two-out triple in the fifth. By Stephen Castenada City Championship. Two Panther runners were thrown out stealing and Vanessa Staff Writer “We came out tight,” Poly head coach Manny Peralta told Zenteno was out trying to stretch a single into a double in the the Daily News. “It was inexperience. We had a first-year sixth. he question at the CIF City Invitational Champi- pitcher. Simple fly balls were scary, but we settled down.” Poly’s Mendoza pitched a seven-hitter with four strikeouts onship game between No. 1 seed Poly and No 3. Poly’s Ramirez opened the critical sixth with a single. and two walks. seed Hamilton was whose error would lead to the With two outs, center fielder Yesenia Reyes singled down the “I was nervous at first,” Mendoza said. “It was my first T winning run. third-base line. championship game. I settled down and took it as a regular-sea- A dropped fly ball by Lady Parrot sophomore pitcher Monica Ramirez barely slid under the tag at third and Reyes took son game. When we got the two runs, I couldn’t stop screaming. Mendoza and a bobbled grounder by senior shortstop Alejandra second on the throw. My head started hurting.” Ramos led to two unearned Panther runs in the first. The stage was set. Panther catcher Nicole Saucillo played Reyes and Ramirez won the game offensively, each getting Franklin led 2-1 after the first, 3-1 after two and 3-2 after the wild pitch off the backstop fence and threw wide to Jackson. two hits and scoring twice. four innings. Reyes slid home unchallenged. The Invitational crown was Poly’s second during the Peralta But a wild pitch by Franklin freshman Lauren Jackson with “I was just playing aggressive,” Reyes said. “I wanted it. I era, the first coming in 2006. two outs in the bottom of the sixth brought home Ruby Ramirez knew my run was the winning run, so I went for it.” “I am so proud of these girls,” Peralta said. “We seldom get from third and Yesenia Reyes from second. Reyes took the extra base on her own. any respect.” Those two unearned runs gave Poly a 4-3 lead that held The Parrots stranded eight runners, including Alejandra

Photo By Mariana Santos Photo By Mariana Santos Photo By Mariana Santos COACH: Head coach Manny Peralta has led the PLAYER: Senior left fielder Ruby Ramirez gets medal for PLAQUE: Assistant Principal Dallas Blair holds Poly’s 2011 CIF City Invi- Lady Parrots for 11 seasons, nabbing two City titles. helping Poly defeat Franklin 4-3 on Wednesday. tional Softball trophy with smiling Lady Parrots and coach Manny Peralta.