The Poly Optimist John H. Francis Polytechnic High School Vol. XCXVVIII, No. 23 Serving the Poly Community Since 1913 February 2016 Chef Higgins Receives Top Award Poly Student Celebrates Thanksgiving by Giving Christmas comes early for Chef Higgins Student gives to poor in El Salvador By Melanie Solis Staff Writer By Damaris Gallardo Guest Writer Poly’s own Chef Bob in Salvadorian restaurants Poly student Danessa Higgins was awarded the in the Los Angeles area, Lemus spent Thanksgiv- soliciting donations from Chef of the Year Award ing in her mother’s native random people, and asking by the American Culinary country of El Salvador, from for additional support from Federation and the Cuisine November 27th to December family and friends, raising of Southern California at 9th, in her role as a Beauty $2,300.00, the most money the L.A. Hotel Downtown. Pageant contestant. The and the highest number of The Cuisine of Southern Pageant was created to raise votes. California includes vari- money to give to the impov- The goal of Lemus mother ous hotels, restaurants and erished children and families was to return to El Salvador culinary schools. in El Salvador and Central and give back to the poor in Nominations took place American countries. The her native village and com- in August and September pageant was only for Salva- munity. The first city the and this award was pre- dorians, and includes various pageant contestants visited sented in the middle of pageants for little girls, teens was Chalatenango. Lemus December making this Chef and adults. said it is” still very danger- Higgin’s early Christmas Initially Lemus thought ous to go to these parts of El present. Three other people this pageant was about beau- Salvador and that there are were nominated but Chef ty, and “who’s the prettier no rules to restrain the gangs Higgins couldn't believe Chef Higgins with trophy Photo Provided By Chef Higgins or smarter” but after enter- or criminal activity, and pro- that they called his name ing discovered it was about tect the public at large.” was funny and thought it involves a mystery basket in the annual Chef’s Ball. raising money by selling Lemus colored her blonde was a joke having to com- of food, and students have He was nominated because tickets for 50 cents apiece, hair brown before leaving pete against Poly’s student to prepare a three course the organization believes which was later part of a in order to help ensure her chefs, but Poly won first meal for four people, in larger donation to the poor that Poly High School goes personal safety. Local news place in that competition. four hours and Higgins says in these countries. Over two above and beyond with reports indicate that ladies Higgins does volunteer that “It’s like an Iron Man months, Lemus sold votes volunteer work for the com- [Continues on Page 3] work with his students competition.” munity. Chef Higgins was which includes feeding over Chef Higgins has been honored to be nominated 5,000 veterans this past cooking for as long as he by the President and said Christmas at the Veterans can remember and was “all the chefs had to vote on Administration in Wilshire. inspired by his wife who me and they told me it was Twenty-four student chefs is also a Chef Instructor almost a landslide to win, participated in this and the who works at LA Mission so it was quite an honor.” American Culinary Federa- College. Other schools Two years ago, Higgins’ tion donated all the food. that Higgins has worked at students were competing The next upcoming event include Granada Hills and against Chef Rossi’s stu- for the Cooking Club will Northridge Academy High dent chefs and were given be in Las Vegas in March. School. He prefers teach- a mystery basket to prepare It’s sanctioned by the ing and working with Poly a four course meal for four American Culinary Fed- students and Poly’s campus. people, in four hours. The eration. The competition Higgins started as a college students thought it [Continues on Page 4] Lemus with Salvadorian children Photo Provided by Danessa Lemus No Cruising, No Tricks, No Skateboards Allowed Anymore

By Diana Garcia be enforced by all deans, Spanish and copies of this teacher Wood Grigsby said roundings.” Staff Writer coordinators, and adminis- policy will be provided to he has been injured twice Espinoza states enforc- trators from all grade levels all faculty and staff. on campus when students ing this policy is important It’s a New Year and a new starting this semester. Rules Safety concerns have have collided with him not “just for faculty, but for Skateboard policy contract of enforcement will be continued to be raised by resulting in serious injury students and staff as well.” at Poly High School. Due included in daily morning faculty and staff, and use to him. Grigsby said “these She states this policy will be to safety issues, a new announcements, the Parent of skateboards has already skateboarders simply are not enforced at all times at Poly, skateboard policy has Newsletter in English and in resulted in injuries. Art paying attention to their sur- including after school hours. been established and will [Continues on Page 3]

Let Your Voice be Heard! Check out Visit The Poly Optimist’s blog, Parrot Squwak, and page 5 for write your thoughts and comments Europe trip Polyoptimist.edublogs.org tales Check out page 6 for a journey to Cuba 2 feb 2015 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp OPINION EDITORIALS LETTER TO THE EDITOR Printing Press Problems Julio Dimas By Sergio Rodriguez like the way of living for many arise. What about the people who Thank you for bringing great articles about the Guest Writer people is starting to come to an don't know how to browse the web Unified Sports. end. People don't read newspapers or even worse can't access the in- Stories like that bring awareness and education News Flash: H.F. "Gerry" anymore they prefer to get their ternet for some reason? What will to all about what we do as program, school and Lenfest, owner of the Philadelphia news from online sources like happen to the people who rely on Media Network has decided to community. Thank you for sharing our stories. The Washington Post or The Los the newspaper to get their news? donate the companies Philadelphia Angeles Times. If there are no more newspapers Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News According to a study conducted being printed then that mean that and Philly.com website to a newly by Pew Research Center “The some people will also be out of formed tax free institute. What decline in weekday circulation jobs because they worked in the does this mean for newspaper fell almost equally across all printing department. The compa- companies in the U.S and possibly categories. This includes top tier nies see it as either they lose em- the world? Stay tuned for what's newspapers (those with average ployees or they go out of business next. weekday circulation of 500,000 or so they prefer to let people go in In an article from TIME Maga- more) whose weekday circulation order to earn a little more time for zine in 2009 The Philadelphia fell 4% in 2014 after seeing a 22% the company. The only advantage Daily News was in the top ten of spike from 2012 to 2013.” in a digital newspaper is the quan- endangered newspapers. Unfor- We live in the digital age and tity of material that can now be tunately it is the same for Poly’s should expect to see a decline in displayed for everyone to see. You Optimist. We have lost almost all printed newspapers slowly rising. can now browse a newspaper with our staff writers and after going to On the other hand, it's a great way one finger and without having to press you might find a newspaper to reduce the amount of trees cut take a stack of papers only so you thrown on the ground or even find as well as trash in the streets. But can throw it away once you're a stack of last month's edition still because of this, problems can still done reading. sitting in the SLC Center. It seems ALUMNI CORNER Preparing for Critical Thinking By Joshua Penado long-time member and former I truly believe that the Poly cal Institutions, and getting dently in my own apartment. Guest Writer editor-in-chief of the Poly Optimist helped me develop that oh so familiar “new kid” I’ve had to learn how to Do you feel like your Optimist and now a student the required skills needed to feeling. I wasn’t the only one avoid the flood of morning high school prepared you at California State University succeed in a college envi- either. Everyone had a sort and afternoon traffic to and for college? How did your Northridge (CSUN). ronment. To succeed in the of unspoken rule, don’t make from school. And I’ve also high school succeed or fail My response to my profes- Optimist I had to know how eye contact. It must be pretty had to develop my own time in preparing you for college? sor’s question was yes, I felt to single out bias, credibility, funny for professors to walk management skills, which These are the first questions like I was prepared but not in and the simple matter of fact in on the first day to a room was surprisingly a lot harder my English professor asked the way that my high school or opinion. Not to mention full of living statues. Eventu- without my parents. the class on the first day of intended. Funny thing is that having to take into account ally though the ice breaks and College is a stepping stone the semester. Although there the idea of “critical thinking” what isn’t said just as much as everyone starts to actually and a milestone stone for are only two choices, yes or sticks even in college. Critical what is. talk to each other without progress. Now I don’t mean to no, there could be thousands thinking was heavily empha- I don’t mean to undermine awkward laughs and twitchy be cheesier than a cheese piz- of reasons behind those two sized by my professor who the importance of math or smiles. But I think that’s part za but I can honestly say that simple words. I like to think was in turn shocked to hear science, I just wish to stress of the fun, getting to know attending CSUN has changed that my answer had a certain that most students thought the importance of writing. new people. Take it from me, my life. I’ve learned to appre- uniqueness behind it. that their calculus or physics One of my English professor’s college will introduce you to ciate the little things in life a Before I get to ahead of classes taught them to think favorite phrases was “Cells all kinds of different people. lot more, now that they seem myself I need to reintroduce critically. I instead accredited and numbers don’t reveal the I’ve had a lot of adjusting few and far between. College myself to the Poly readers. my time in the Poly Optimist meaning behind the word.” to do within my short time can be a humbling experience My name is Joshua Penado, to teaching me how to think I remember walking into my at college so far. I’ve had to but not one without perks. critically. first college course, Politi- learn how to live indepen-

Editor-In-Chief Kate Martinez

Photo Editor Layout Editor Melanie Solis Michael Manzano The Optimist the Cartoonist Ashley Manalad Needs Optimist Join the Poly Optimist have Staff - Sports Writers your name in Diana Garcia the paper!!!!! John H. Francis Polytechnic High School -Staff Writers 12431 Roscoe Blvd, Sun Valley, CA, 91352 http://polyhigh.org Optimist Advisor Ethel Matlen

Letters To The Editor Editorial Policy Letters to the Editor must be typed or printed in ink and include the The OPTIMIST is the voice of the Poly community, and follows the Optimist Blog writer’s signature. The OPTIMIST reserves the right to edit submissions. Code of Ethics for the Society of Professional Journalists. Editorials are Send letters to room.14 or Ms.Matlen’s box. the opinions of the staff. Polyoptimist.edublogs.org polyhigh.org/opt.jsp The Poly Optimist feb 2015 3 CAMPUS

[From Skate front] The 3rd offense the board will be again Skateboard lockers are available for use confiscated, but this time the parent will at the front of the school, but students will have to meet with the Dean’s office to have have to provide their own locks. Teachers it returned. The student will not be allowed are discouraged from storing skateboards in to bring the skateboard on school property their classrooms for students. and the student will receive permanent docu- Teachers will be asked to send the student mentation on their school record of “willful with his/her skateboard to the respective defiance.” In addition, 11th/12th grade Dean Dean’s office so the board can be stored in and Assistant Principal of Special Education, their office for the day. Avilene Espinoza and Artin Arhanian want The administration is in the process of to let students know that they will be given purchasing locks for students to use during detention after school for defiance. 10th school hours. grade Dean, Hardip Singh, says “students Students will be provided with a lock to have been cooperative so far.” borrow if it is his/her first time violating the policy. In addition, students will be given a Photo by Michael Manzano copy of the policy. Skateboards parked at the The 2nd offense, the board will be con- fiscated and not returned until the follow- skateboard corner. ing day and the parent/or guardian will be contacted. Poly High Skateboard Policy January 2016

Por favor lea la información siguiente cuidadosamente ya que las reglas están en efecto: Please read the following information carefully as these guidelines are now in effect: • Los estudiantes NO estarán permitidos usar sus patinetas (dispositivos de ruedas) en • Students are NOT permitted to use skateboards (wheeled devices) on cam- el plantel escolar. pus. • Si las patinetas (dispositivos de ruedas) son vistos por el personal en el plantel esco- • If skateboards (wheeled devices) are seen by staff on campus, they will be lar, serán confiscadas. confiscated. • Si un estudiante tiene una patineta (dispositivo de ruedas) en su posesión por prim- • If a student has a skateboard (wheeled device) in his/her possession for the era vez, ya sea cargando, poniendo en el suelo, o montando en el plantel escolar, la patineta (dispositivo de ruedas) será confiscada, una copia del contrato se proporcionará al estudiante first time, whether the student is carrying it, putting it on the floor, or riding it on y la patineta (dispositivo de ruedas) se devolverá al estudiante el mismo día después de la campus, the skateboard (wheeled device) will be confiscated, a copy of the contract escuela. will be provided to the student, and the skateboard (wheeled device) will be returned • Si el estudiante tiene una patineta (dispositivo de ruedas) en su posesión por se- to the student the same day after school. gunda vez, ya sea cargando, poniendo en el suelo, o montando en el plantel escolar, la patineta • If a student has a skateboard in his/her possession for the second time, (dispositivo de ruedas) será confiscada, se les llamará a los padres para informarles y la pati- whether the student is carrying it, putting it on the floor, or riding it on campus, it neta (dispositivo de ruedas) NO se devolverá al estudiante hasta el siguiente día después de la will be confiscated, a parent phone call will be made, and the skateboard (wheeled escuela. device) WILL NOT be returned until after school the following school day. • Si el estudiante tiene una patineta (dispositivo de ruedas) en su poder por tercera • If a student has a skateboard (wheeled device) in his/her possession for the vez, la patineta (dispositivo de ruedas) será confiscada, se hará una llamada telefónica, y una conferencia con los padres será requerida para poder devolver la patineta o el dispositivo con third time, the skateboard (wheeled device) will be confiscated, a phone call will be ruedas al estudiante. made, and a parent conference will be required in order to return the wheeled device) • La escuela o el Distrito Escolar NO será responsable por la pérdida o robo de las to student. patinetas (dispositivos de ruedas) dentro del plantel escolar si el estudiante no sigue las reglas • The school and the school district are NOT responsible for students’ lost or de esta póliza. stolen skateboards (wheeled devices) unless confiscated by school staff member. • Este contrato no prohíbe los dispositivos de ruedas para los estudiantes con discapa- • This contract does not prohibit wheeled devices for students with physical cidades físicas y / o de salud. and/or health disabilities.

[Giving from Front page] the Special Ed kids who are her feel welcomed and ap- going to different cities, Facebook. with “blonde hair are the in the Special Olympics was preciated. including San Salvador, el Lemus also collects toys, wives of gangsters.” really special, and these kids The trip included many Salvador, San Rafael, Cha- clothing, and household Lemus says her outreach to and their caregivers made charity events, including latenango and Sonsante and items which they send working with chil- throughout the year to their dren and families, charity in El Salvador. including support- “The poverty and need is ing the elderly at great” says Lemus. Deliver- retirement homes. ing baskets to families and When Lemus kids in need and such ter- returned this year, rible poverty helped Lemus she “took a guitar realize “how great the need to a retirement is in El Salvador just to home that a lady provide basic needs for these had asked for, and people.” later this senior If possible, Lemus plans started playing the to return next Thanksgiv- guitar, looking very ing and continue giving. happy.” She says, her mother is her Lemus has started biggest supporter and her her own Founda- inspiration, challenging her tion for the elderly to do something different called “Founda- with her life. cion Danessa in Lemus plans to attend col- Metalio, which lege to be a registered nurse is her mother’s and provide medical support hometown. People to those in need around the can donate at Miss world, particularly in Central Independencia or America. Lemus reaches out to kids Photo Provided by Danessa Lemus Edith Merino on 4 feb 2015 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp CAMPUS

[From Chef Front] dishwasher and “started take a break and do some- Happiness is Healthy from the bottom and thing he really likes, such worked, way up.” He as traveling. Counselors open to conservations never thought he would Chef Higgins sees cook-

By Zovig Boyajia become a chef and espe- ing both as a hobby and a Guest Writer cially win an award for his career and delighted many culinary talents. Among of his students, who want So the holidays are over, his many awards included to major in culinary arts. you have a new schedule & a competetion for a special Members of his cooking on top of EVERYTHING “plate” where he was given club have taught him pa- El Nino is bringing us a mystery basket and had tience. He said “You need more cloudy days than to prepare a four course to take your time and let usual. Did you know that meal. He used to have this people fail and if I jump in our feelings are affected plate in his classroom but and correct everything they once caught someone eat- do wrong, they’re not go- by the weather? It sounds ing from it and decided to ing to learn and that’s one crazy but it is true…espe- display it in his home rather of the hardest things, even cially for us here in Cali- than his classroom. with my class, is to stand fornia where we are used He specializes in Italian back and you see they’re to the sun shining pretty food and used to own three going to fail, and let them much every day. Thank- restaurants, but sold them fail, so they can learn from fully there are some little because he got tired of the their mistakes.” things we can all do to beat business and decided to the winter blues. First, make sure you are Ms. Zovig, PSW Photo By Michael Manzano eating & sleeping well (oh Well it is different for ing trouble coming to yes, our bodies are con- everyone. Granted we’d school you can contact nected to our brains so if all like to be able to go to Mrs. Mungia in the health one isn’t getting what it Magic Mountain everyday office or if you just need needs, neither is the other). but that’s not always pos- someone to talk to you are Another trick is trying sible. Try identifying little always welcome to come to do activities outside things like watching your see me, Ms. Zovig, your to catch as much sun as favorite movie, talking to Psychiatric Social Worker possible (even better if the friends, doing your favorite in the counseling office. activity is active like walk- hobby or reading. Set aside Also remember that your ing, running or playing a time every day to engage academic counselors are sport). Participating in a in your pleasant event. always there to help as pleasant event is also very If you notice that you well. Sometimes the hard- helpful to help with our cannot shake the blues est part is asking for help, overall ability to regulate there are people here at but just remember that all we adults are here to help our emotions. Poly to help you! If you Photo By Michael Manzano What’s a pleasant event? notice that you are hav- you succeed! T.V to Youtube Changes Viewing Options Like, Comment, and Subscribe

By Melanie Solis mentary starring Tyler Oakley, book called Girl Online on Tour called A Work in Progress and all consist of him playing video Staff Writer The Outfield starring Nash Grier #2. Connor Franta from Connor- Joe Sugg published a comic book games and posts to his channel Youtubers are taking over from Vine, Cameron Dallas from Franta published a book/memoir called Username:Evie. every day. the internet. Youtube is one of Vine, and Joey Bragg from Many famous youtubers Early Youtubers, such as Joey the biggest broadcasting sites Disney Channel, Smosh such as Jenna Marbles, Tyler Graceffa, Connor Franta, Ingrid out there. Many people upload the movie starring Anthony Oakley, Kandee Johnson, Nilsen, Shane Dawson, Gigi Gor- their videos from simple vlogs, Padilla and Ian Hecox both The Slow Mo guys, and geous, Tyler Oakley, and many tutorials, compilations, and gam- from Smosh and finally Bad Lilly Singh from IISuper- more were among many who ing videos. Those who actually Night starring Jenn Mcal- womanII are also making suffered bullying and learning upload these videos, as a job are lister from Jennxpenn. guest appearances on SNL disabilities, and struggled with called “Youtubers.” Youtuber novels were a and the James Corden Show. sexual identities. The Youtube Many youtubers started big hit last year. To name Grace Helbig, has gotten her platform provided a safe place to out when Youtube was just a a few, Shane Dawson own tv show on E! called the be creative, productive, and gain small broadcasting website and from Shane Dawson TV Grace Helbig Show where confidence and acceptance by gained subscribers steadily. published his first book/ she interviews celebrities others. Many started making their own memoir called I Hate and also plays games with Today the youtube site receives books,products,movies, documen- Myselfie and he is currently them. an average of 500,000 views to taries, and even clothing lines. in the works of publish- The most subscribed over 1 million per day per chan- Youtuber movies that came ing his next book called It youtuber is Felix Kjellberg, nel and has about 4 billion views out last year in 2015 were, Hit gets Worse. Zoe Sugg from a.k.a Pewdiepie, a Swed- per day and about 300 hours of the Road starring Joe Sugg from Zoella, published her book Photo provided by Google Imagesish youtuber. He has over youtube videos are posted every Thatcherjoe and Caspar Lee The Girl Online #1 and Felix Kjellberg aka Pewdiepie on the cover of 41,000,000 subscribers, with minute. Variety from Caspar, Snervous a docu- recently published another over 10 billion views. His videos polyhigh.org/opt.jsp The Poly Optimist feb 2015 5 TRAVEL Enchanting Experience in Europe Students spend holidays in Paris By Diana Garcia by the painting because of the city very difficult. Staff Writer crowd and the difficulty to get a Although the students Thirty-two Poly students cel- better view. Alcantara was more were on a tight schedule, ebrated New Years 2016 in Paris, fascinated by a Roman sculpture Nunez and Alcantara said in the shadow of the Arch De because of its distinct design. the free time they were Triomphe. Students enjoyed an Nunez was also more fascinated given was their favorite opportunity of a lifetime with a by the Roman artwork because of part of each stop, because trip to Europe during the holidays its intricate detail. The museum it allowed them to explore arranged by English teacher, was once a palace for French the cities on their own Wendy Elam. royalty. Students took a boat ride and try the “exotic” foods The trip started in London, on the River Seine where Nunez of the foreign countries. England. Their tour included The said he was captivated by how “I ate a snail or escargot British Museum where students big the museum actually is. in French,” said Nunez. saw artifacts from around the Even though the group was Nunez said traveling in world. At Buckingham Palace, large, they had their own sched- Europe opened his mind they were able to see the “Chang- ule, bus, and tour director. to try new things and al- ing of the Guards.” Students also “That’s why I think it was so lowed him to step out of enjoyed a formal English tea at relaxed.” said Nunez. Despite his comfort zone. Covent Gardens. At the end of the fact that there was a language Being in Europe, the day, students were allowed barrier in Paris and Italy, Nunez “made the valley seem to explore the city in groups said that knowing Spanish made small.” said Alcantara. joined by a chaperone and were it easier to get around Italy. He emphasizes that the expected back at the hotel at their The tour group took an eight trip is “eye-opening” and curfew. hour train ride to Rome where “life changing”. For him Considering the recent terrorist they visited the Vatican City it is important to travel attacks in Paris, Freddy Nunez where Pope Francis opened because there is more to the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s the world than a person’s and Jeffrey Alcantara said they Photos Provided by Jeffrey Alcantara did not feel nervous, but quite Basilica. This opening was not surroundings. safe due to the amount of security expected until the year 2025, but “Going to Europe usu- New Year’s Eve in Paris because be expensive because it might be at each city, provided by the students were fortunate enough ally isn’t something you get to of the sense of camaraderie. Al- worth it.” He explains that one respective governments. Nunez to have been able to visit the do often so when you have the cantara said his favorite memory doesn’t realize they are in a dif- and Alcantara said that they felt Basilica. The tour of Rome also opportunity, I feel like you have would be “sitting in a cafe in ferent part of the world until they confident the police were taking included the Colosseum and the to seize it, because you don’t Paris, drinking coffee, and watch- are there experiencing it. necessary precautions and would Trevi Fountain. know if you will get the opportu- ing the city go by.” Alcantara’s Alcantara explains that the not let another attack happen. Pompeii was the last stop of nity again.” said Nunez. Not only least favorite part of the trip was hotels were very luxurious with Students visited The Louvre in the trip and the weather put a did Nunez learn the history of the being sick in the rainy weather of nice views and the rooming Paris where they saw the paint- damper on the tour but neverthe- cities he visited, but also realized Pompeii. situation was not crowded. The ing of the “Mona Lisa” from less, the students continued. The that he likes to travel. Alcantara advises students that, trip cost $3,000.00, not including behind of a crowd of speculators. hard down pour of rain made Nunez said his favorite “If you have the chance to go to lunch and spending money. Nunez was “under whelmed” viewing the ruins of this ancient memory of Europe is spending Europe, take it even if it might Traveling Enpowers Students Places to go, people to see, cultures to learn

By Kate Martinez be learned any other way,” said tination hotel or go on a bus tour Staff Writers Elam. which takes them to all the major After this trip, students can sights around London including This December 2016 will be have conversation, with people Houses of Parliament, Westmin- Poly student’s last chance for sev- they never knew they could have, ster Abbey, Big Ben, and The eral years to travel to Europe with “it puts them in a very refined London Eye. The tour group will English teacher Wendy Elam. sophisticated club of world travel- have the chance to visit the Brit- The cost of the trip at this time ers,” said Elam. ish Museum or National Portrait is estimated to be $3100 (until Traveling brings a level of self- Gallery. March 1st it will be $3200 there- confidence and self-esteem that In each city, there is usually a after). Students are able to make Elam said she has seen change walking tour of a particular area a monthly payment which brings people’s path especially with their of interest and, on a separate day, the cost within reach for more major or university choice. a bus tour of the major sights. families. Payment covers every- For most trips, the students’ Every day, students in small thing except lunch and souvenirs. first choice is to travel to London groups, will have lunch time all Students are allowed to choose and Paris, the third location varies to themselves to explore the City. their roommates in the hotels year to year, but the students have They can “discover different and there will be opportunities in full control of travel plans by kinds of food and streets” on their London and Paris to go in small attending the monthly mandatory own. groups for half a day to explore, meetings in room 16 with Elam. Next they will travel to Paris, shop, visit museums, or even “The meetings are designed to where they will be spending New amusement parks. decide what we are going to do in Year’s Eve under the light of the “Traveling to Europe at this our free time as well as educate Eiffel Tower. The group will go age is an extremely powerful life the students about what they to The Louvre, to see the “most changing event,” said Elam. Stu- should pack, the customs in the famous lady in the world, Mona dents will learn to interact with cities and exchange rates,” said Lisa,” said Elam. The tour will new cultures and different people; Elam. The meetings are impor- cover Paris’s major sights such as along the way even learn about tant for it allows students and the Sacré-Cœur in the Montmar- themselves. Elam to plan out the group’s time tre, and the Notre Dame. They are tasked with figur- wisely and get acquainted with For 2016’s trip to Europe they ing out a new monetary system, the people who will be travelling will be visiting Amsterdam as the Euro and the British Pound, together. their third location. So far they new languages, respecting other Official start of the tour is usu- have planned to take a canal tour, cultural values and learning how ally the day after traveling from and then visit the Anne Frank to move in the world. “These les- Los Angeles. Once in London House. sons they learn about life cannot students may settle in to their des- 6 Feb 2015 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp TRAVEL Morillo’s Milestone in Cuba History teacher revisits history in the making By Kate Martinez Staff Writer website of insightCuba Magnet AP History assures visitors will have teacher Juan Morillo trav- “unique access to people elled back to Havana, Cuba and places the average tour- over the break shortly after ist rarely sees.” the historic reopening of Morillo believes the US the American Embassy, to State Department is grant- attend the 31st year of the ing permits to American Havana Jazz Festival, as the tourists to travel to the com- legal representative and pro- munist ruled country, with ducer of flutist, saxophonist a democratic propaganda in and UCLA Professor, Justo mind. Morillo said, “I think Almario. most Cubans want some of Morillo also went to see the [amenities] we have, the American flag raised at freedom of speech, freedom the Embassy, “It was his- of the press, they want to toric. It hasn’t happened 54 watch Direct TV but they years,” said Morillo. also probably don’t want Morillo is a licensed re- to give up some things like searcher of Cuban culture, free education and health music, and history allow- care.” ing him to travel to Cuba, Morillo is convinced that through a permit from The it’s possible to give the American Office of Foreign people of Cuba what they Assets Control (OFAC). His want, without needing to focus in research is on Afro- completely eradicate the Morillo attends international jazz festival Photos Provided By Juan Morillo cuban culture and music benefits from their socialist because “it’s the foundation past. American origin. His fas- UCLA as a student. “That Morillo thinks Cuba of- of American music,” said “People to People” allows cination for jazz originates attracted me to the entire fers the perfect society to Morillo. tourists to attend activi- from his idol, American jazz business of music and per- study comparative politics. Customs and entry into ties like the Jazz Festival. trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, formances,” said Morillo. Cuba society would give the Cuba remains very strict, The week prior to the Jazz who he had the fortune to “In the old days when the students “besides the poli- and according to Morillo Festival, Havana hosted the work with on tours and con- record industry was bounti- tics, living glimpses to the has still not changed from International Festival of the certs as a student at UCLA. ful, I used to sell my pro- past that we had in United last year’s visit, but Morillo New Latin American Cin- “He’s a legend. Coinciden- ductions to labels, but the States.” noticed more Americans ema which promotes and tally he was also fascinated business has changed a lot,” Students interested in traveling to Cuba. “I think awards works that enrich the by Afro-Cuban music,” said said Morillo. marine or biological sci- there is a lot of curiosity,” artistic value of the Latin Morillo. Throughout his travels, ence would also have the said Morillo. American and Caribbean His involvement with the Morillo has connected with chance to take in the nature Most tourists are able to cultural identity. music industry dates back to many people, not just artists of Cuba, “one of the most visit Cuba with a US State Morillo has been inter- the late 90’s when he be- and musicians but officials beautiful countries in the Department authorized tour ested in music all his life, in gan producing concerts and in the Ministry of Culture, world,” said Morillo. Cuba called “People-to-People particular music of African records for the Center for Institutes of music, and Pro- nurtures beaches untouched travel.” The travel agency the Arts of Performance at fessors at universities. by humans and wildlife that Unfortunately, last year’s have lived there for centu- hopeful atmosphere in Cuba ries. after Obama normalized re- “It’ll be exciting because lations between both coun- it’s a completely different tries did not stay; instead it society, with elements still was replaced with uncertain- standing since the 1950’s,” ty. “A year has passed and said Morillo. nothing has changed,” said Cuba offers interests for Morillo, “Change always people in all walks of life, takes time. People expect who share a desire to learn things to happen right away about another culture and but it’s going to take a tran- country that’s been off- sitional period.” limits for many years to Morillo shares his love Americans. for travel with students by Morillo highlighted the accompanying them to Eu- cultural and musical aspects rope. Now he is considering of his trip, discovering the taking them to Cuba as well, young people engaged at but has decided to wait until high level musicianship the relationship is “clear” with multiple instruments is between the two govern- “always overwhelming” to Morillo in front of American Embassy ments. him. polyhigh.org/opt.jsp The Poly Optimist Feb 2015 7 ENTERTAINMENT Academy Nominated

Recommended viewing from the Optimist Staff

“Little Men” - Directed & written by Ian Sachs Emerging from “The Birth of a Nation” - Directed & written by Nate Parker “Manchester by the Sea” - Directed & written by Kenneth Lonergan “Weiner” - Directed by Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg Sundance 2016 “Kiki” - Directed by Sara Jordeno Films to look forward to! “Southside With You” - Written and directed by Richard Tanne

See the full list and read about the films at The Huffington Post Comics Sudoku 8 FEB 2015 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp SPORTS Parrots advance to third place in league with a sweeping win

By Kate Martinez Staff Writer

Poly Parrots won 3-1 against the Arleta Mustangs making them tied for third place in the East Valley Soccer League. After scor- ing two goals, victory was guaranteed for the Parrots. Varsity soccer coach Adolfo Acosta, highlighted the game changing players defender Nico Espiniza, Midfielder Chris Trujillo, and forwards Jesus Alvarez. “We had a lot of fast breaks and pressure in mid- field,” said Acosta, “that’s what consolidated our vic- tory.”

Photo by Michael Manzano Parrots jump up to third place with score of 6-3

Poly Parrots Basketball team won 55-46 in a home conference game against Arleta Mustangs

Photos by Melanie Solis Poly cheer performs at Basketball game Boys Wrestling wins division II of LA city Sections

Photo provided by Fabian Anguiano Wrestlers’ plaque sits at main office