Senior Edition June 2012

Senior Edition The Poly Optimist John H. Francis Polytechnic High School Vol. XCVII, No. 11 Serving the Poly Community Since 1913 mid-June 2012 Where is Legacies Leave the paper? Students complain the Nest Behind about understocked Poly’s former principal is among the guests restrooms, but admin imparting words of wisdom to the grads. has explanations. Legacies. By Yenifer Rodriguez Singer/guitarist Jesusa Carvajal By Jessica Flores Staff Writer will sing a mash up and senior Jose Staff Writer Reyes will play a trumpet solo in Poly will graduate 650 seniors “Las Virgen de la Macarena.” Poly’s 3000-student campus has on Friday, including 100 Magnet Bennett admits he may get 18 restrooms for Parrots, but that students. The senior class totals 707 emotional during the ceremony. doesn’t mean you’ll find one open students. “I know most people at and stocked when you get there. “I’m excited,” said Poly principal graduation get emotional, but I can’t Many students have complained that Ari Bennett. “It’s my first time say I will,” Bennett said. “It’s in the some restrooms get closed during the giving a speech as the principal,” moment.” day. Others may be without tissue or said Bennett. “I’ll be using the hand towels. characteristics of the graduating Instructional Specialist Brad class of 2012 to give my speech.” Katz said safety is one reason some Bennett said his talk will be 5 – 7 Ice cream student restrooms are closed. minutes. “We don’t have enough people Photo by Alma Bravo “Graduation is a celebration of to have all the bathrooms open and ROYALTY: Seniors Zuky Guillen and Anthony Mandujano at the Biltmore. accomplishment,” Bennett said, “to for athletes make sure someone is monitoring let kids know it’s only the beginning them,” Katz said. “During passing and they will succeed.” By Celene Cantabrana Staff Writer periods, we need to monitor where Queen, King Crowned Former Poly principal Gerardo kids are going.” Loera and District 6 Board member “And they are closed for cleaning he Legacies have spoken. Nury Martinez will also talk at the Poly athletes were rewarded for and any emergency, such as a toilet By Julie Ruiz Staff Writer Parrot seniors Anthony Mandujano ceremony. their participation in Poly sports with or sink overflowing.” and Zuky Guillen were crowned Poly Idol winner Abdi Lozano an ice cream social hosted by athletic T prom king and queen for the class will sing “Hail Polytechnic High” director Kim McEwen. Two fulltime of 2012 at the Biltmore in Los Angeles. with the Poly marching band. “We made this celebration to “My friends kept insisting that I run, so I decided to give it a shot,” said Valedictorian Doo-Ree Kim recognize what you guys have done employees clean Mandujano. will present an address entitled on the field and in the classrooms,” each student restroom Guillen had a similar story. “Resilience.” Seniors Nataly Ochoa McEwen said. “My friend told me it was something big and memorable,” Guillen said, and Alice J. Montes will also give Pia Damonte’s sister started the twice daily. “so I took her advice and decided to run.” short addresses. Ochoa will welcome tradition six years ago, according to Guillen and her friends made posters, handed out lollipops, sent text mes- participants with “Nothing to Fear” McEwen. Two fulltime employees clean sages and used Facebook as campaign media. and Montes will discuss “A New The ice cream social was held each student restroom twice daily, Mandujano took a different approach. Journey.” during fourth period on Friday June said Assistant Principal Lourdes De “I actually didn’t campaign,” said Mandujano. “I figured if it was meant to “Strive for what you want, 1 in the cafetorium. Santiago. be. it would happen.” keep your head up, and never give “There are about 3,000 kids in “Poly had three people to clean Both candidates were surprised they won. up because who knows, in this this school,” said Bennett. “Less restrooms but now we only have “I was really anxious and nervous,” Mandujano said. audience we could have the future than 10% are you amazing people two,” said De Santiago, “And one of “It was a shock,” Guillen said. Olympian, the next president, the that are in athletic activities.” them is frequently ill.” Both said they learned from the experience. new quarterback for the next NFL Bennett also spoke about the De Santiago said the employee “I learned that you don’t have to be popular to win,” said Mandujano. champs, or even the person who will coaches. has missed a lot of days. cure cancer,” Montes will tell the “Your coaches are here to help “So that puts more pressure on [ See Prom, next page ] you improve,” Bennett said. “They the other person that is here on don’t do it for the money.” the daily basis,” de Santiago said, Former varsity basketball head “because he has double work on the coach Brad Katz introduced former days she is not here.” Former Parrot Playing Pro Poly basketball player DJ Gay. “If she was to resign due to her “Ever since I was 4 or 5 I wanted illness, then we will be hiring,” said to be in the NBA,” said Gay. “I have De Santiago. Former Poly point guard phenom DJ Gay Is back in the USA. been setting goals for myself since I Plant manager Derick Taylor says was young.” who has the most material things the custodial staff is responsible for By Jose Hernandez Gay spoke about his life, from his and more about just enjoying life. 87 restrooms. Staff Writer childhood to his life as a basketball I appreciate all the things that I “We try to keep restrooms open player in a professional team in that are near the supervision area,” learned over there.” Former Poly playmaker guard DJ Slovenia. Gay said he has worked said De Santiago. “We focus on the But there was also a down side to Gay, who was on campus Thursday hard to get where he is. ones that are often used.” life in Slovenia. to speak at the Ice Cream Social “For every goal something good Some Parrots have complained “I had no microwave. I had to for Athletes, has just returned from will happen,” said Gay. that student restrooms are frequently drive a stick and I didn’t know how. a year with the Slovenia Helios, a After the speeches, coaches from without toilet paper or towels. It was hard talking to people who European pro team. all of Poly’s sports presented the “The bathrooms are being don’t know English,” Gay said. “I had a great experience,” Gay “Everything” awards, given to an stocked up to three times a day,” “That was probably the hardest said. “There were a lot of ups, a lot athlete by his coach for outstanding said De Santiago. “The problem is thing.” of downs.” achievement and motivation. that the school is short on staff. And Most Slovenians he met or Living and working in a foreign Coaches giving awards included students misuse the materials and worked with spoke elementary-level environment was an eye-opener for Joseph Pierro (football), Mario make the job difficult.” English. Gay. Rivera (cross country), Gaby “We can’t be in the bathrooms “You can’t really have a Photo by Diane Alvarado “I saw a whole new aspect of life, Gallardo and Melissa Gillard 24 hours a day,” Katz said. “If the conversation for more than five HELIO: Former Parrot superstar a whole different way of living,” (girls volleyball), Evan Rabins bathroom is out of tissuce, a student guard DJ Gay just finished his first Gay said. “Over there, it’s less about just needs to let somebody know.” [ See DJ, next page ] season with the Slovenia Helios. [ SeeAtheletes, next page ]

Permanent Athletes Vacation Advance Five Parrot Poly seniors faculty retire. will move on.

Photo By Diane Alvarado MEDIA - page 5 Photos by Diane Alvarado SPORTS - page 8 2 mid-June 2012 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp NEWS & OPINION

EDITORIAL Prom Smash Last month’s editorial in the May OPTIMIST (“Prom Bash”) want to be remembered as the girl who revealed everything to took a negative view of prom that probably upset some seniors, our graduating class. especially some Lady Parrots. With that in mind, I thought pro- Stilettos aren’t four inch killer heels. They are appropriate prom Parrots should also have a few words on the subject. lady-like shoe that have been around for years and are the Let’s start with the dress. Sure the dresses can be a little appropriate finishing touch to any dress. pricey and are worn only once, but prom is only once. The Transportation isn’t going to empty anyone’s wallet. In our dress is more than just a chance to be glamorous, it’s a chance age group, friends mean a group of people. Everyone can pitch to express who you are, who you’ve became, and who you’re in and save. going to be. With that in mind, saving money isn’t the first thing Poly girls may have similar tastes, but who doesn’t? Similar on anyone’s prom list. styles don’t mean clones on prom night. Sure there are very Lady Parrots attending senior prom want to celebrate their similarly- dressed girls at school, but it’s an average school day. the OPTIMIST four years of hard work while looking their best, something At prom, girls have hours in advance to prepare and look their VOL XCVII No. 11 that can be expensive. Not every Lady Parrot feels this way, best. After all, every girl wants to be remembered individually but those who do know that senior prom is a once-in-a-lifetime and stand out from all the other polished Parrots. event. So, looked at in a different light, you might ask yourself this Not all Lady Parrots will wear prom dresses that are skin- question instead - if prom isn’t the big night, what is? mid-June tight and super revealing. Poly fems have dignity. They don’t THE MUSIC MAN 3 Senior Jose Reyes is a four-year man in band Former Parrot DJ Gay Returns to US and winner of the 2011 Las Vegas Maestro Award. [ From DJ Gay, front page ] Before going pro, Gay played for San Diego State University By Jasmine Aquino (SDSU) for four years, whichh includeed an NCAA Tournament minutes,” Gay said, “and that was pretty tough.” appearance, the first ever for SDSU. Gay, who says he won’t be returning to Slovenia next year, is “I was extremely happy.” Gay said. “It was a great WHO’S GOING WHERE currently looking for a new team to join. 4 Plenty of Parrots got their names in the OPTIMIST accomplishment for the team and me. It was amazing. The this month in this list of colleges acceptances. The recent NBA lockout might have hurt his chances of whole city was behind us. We sold out every single game and it playing here, Gay said, but he felt the Slovenia experiencee was was just a fun environment to be in.” Compiled By the College Office a positive one. Gay ended up guarding some of the best players in the “I got to travel the world and see something different,” Gay nation, like Jimmer Fredette. said, “and I got another year of experience under my belt.” “He’s a great player,” Gay said. “It was fun to take that SUITS vs. ALIENS The Helios play in two different leagues, Gay said, including 5 Josh Brolin plays a younger Tommy Lee Jones in the challenge, but he killed us every time.” lastest MIB. Will Smith and Jones return. the Adriatic League, the third toughest in Europe. “To have the opportunity to play against players like that, it’s “I wanted to play at the highest competition I could,” Gay what you want to do. You want to play against the best, and he By Joel Garcia said, “so that’s why I went with the Helios.” was fun to play against,” said Gay. THOU SHALT NOT CENSOR 5 RATM takes offense when radio giant Clear Channel communications suggest leaving the band off playlists. Prom Queen & King McEwen’s Party By Jasmine Aquino [ From Queen, front page ] [ From Athletes, front page ] THANKS FOR THE LESSON PLANS “Just have the confidence in yourself that you have potential to (girls tennis), Brad Katz (boys basketball), Tremeka Batiste 5 Five Parrot faculty will strike out for greener pastures win.” (girls basketball), Rafael Loza (boys soccer), Gabriel Cerna as they seek the pleasure of retirement. “I learned that you never know unless you try,” Guillen said. (baseball), Manny Peralta and Jose Campos (softball), Brian By Lisa Guardado “Never sell yourself short. There’s no could of, would of, or Block (boys tennis) and Alberto Flores (Aa track). should of.” Students who won the “Everything” award, for Football: Mandujano did have some goals as a senior. Senior Jason De Guzman, Sophomore Isaiah Solorzano; Cross THEIR PLAYING WAS HEAVENLY “It sure wasn’t winning prom king,” Mandujano said, “but Country Boys: Senior Marcos Romero; Cross Country Girls: 6 Music Lovers paid some heavy dues so far in 2012 just to make this year memorable, get accepted to the college of Senior Graciela Vargas; Volleyball Girls: Senior Magaly losing great musicians like Etta James and Davy Jones my choice and attend all the senior events. Jimenez, Junior Ashley Tinoco, Freshman Jessica Lopez; By Gabriela Melendez Mandujano will major in engineering at UCSB and Guillen Tennis Girls: Senior Diana Melendez; Basketball Boys: Senior will take poli sci at CSUN. Oscar Zelaya, Sophomore Nicolas Buen, Sophomore Robert Both candidates took something away from the recognition. Gonzalez; Basketball Girls: Freshman Isabella Lopez, Rania SCREEN RAVERS “People that didn’t even know my name will now remember Hernandez; Soccer Guys: Senior Ivan Delgado, Sophomore 7 These TV picks to click will keep viewers glued to the me as Anthony the prom king,” said Mandujano. Luis Silva; Soccer Girls: Senior Alice Montez, Junior Linda couch on hot summer nights. Find the remote. “I feel the same,” said Guillen, “but it’s just still hard to Gonzalez; Baseball: Senior Daniel Acosta, Junior Oscar By Shean Santy believe I won.” Romo; Softball: Senior Eliana Castaneda, Sophomore Melissa Karina Garcia, Magaly Jimenez and Gabriel Ramirez were Sanchez; Track Boys: Senior Alejandro Chavez; Track Girls: SENIOR ATHLETES also candidates. Freshman Isabella Lopez; Tennis Boys: Andy Choi; Volleyball Ten Parrots who wore the Poly blue and gold Boys: Senior Eugenio Moreno, Junior Victor Sanchez; Track 8 with pride talked to the OPTIMIST about 2012. AA: Ignacio Castro. By Sandy Barba & Alex Kang

Editor-In-Chief CORRECTIONS Yenifer Rodriguez In the June issue, the OPTIMIST identified Karina Yepez as a senior. Yepez is a junior. The OPIMIST regrets the error. Sports Editor Photo Editor Alex Kang Diane Alvarado In the June issue, the OPTIMIST reported the cafeteria serving 16,000 meals a day. The cafeteria serves 1,600 meals a day. The the Writers OPTIMIST regrets the error. Jasmine Aquino Jose Hernandez Optimist Sandy Barba Alex Kang Celene Cantabrana Gabriela Melendez Jessica Flores Nicolette Reneau Joel Garcia Julie Ruiz John H. Francis Polytechnic High School Be an 12431 Roscoe Blvd, Sun Valley, CA, 91352 Lisa Guardado Shean Santy http://polyhigh.org Optimist Advisor OPTIMIST John Blau

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 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 Rm.14 or Mr. Blau’s box. the opinions of the staff. polyhigh.org/opt.jsp The Poly Optimist mid-June 2012 3 INTERVIEW Come Blow Your Horn Senior Jose Reyes passes the audition that gets him into the School of Music at the University of Utah.

first-chair title until he graduated. The audition required two pieces, one at a slow tempo and By Jasmine Aquino Before his junior year and the college applications came, another at a faster tempo. Staff Writer Reyes never seriously considered attending the University of “The slow piece is so the judges can determine how much Utah School of Music—or any music school for that matter. emotion you could evoke to an audience. The faster piece is to oly senior and marching band co-drum major “I knew the school existed, as well as other music schools, show virtuosity—how fast you can play at a controlled level,” José Daniel Reyes will attend the University of Utah but I never really pictured myself there because I didn’t know he said. School of Music in the fall of 2012. where I wanted to go or even what I wanted to do with my life.” Brian Sproul, the Las Vegas judge who recognized and asked P “I was actually accepted into the school of music Reyes, who has been in Poly’s marching, concert, and jazz Reyes to audition the previous year, met up with Reyes before before the university itself,” said Reyes. bands for the last four years, was recognized at last year’s the audition. He was not a part of the panel who would judge Reyes, who was co-drum major for this year’s Poly concert band competition in Las Vegas, Nevada. Reyes’ performance, but he was able to offer some words of marching band, auditioned for enrollment and a scholarship Reyes won the 2011 Las Vegas Heritage Festival Maestro encouragement. mid-February. Award, one of only two given out of 300 competing musicians. “Mr. Sproul was very delighted to see me because he didn’t The scholarship will only cover $2,000 his first year, but the Reyes did not have a solo in that year’s show. think I’d be able to make it. He told me there was a great group amount of money will increase after his freshman year if Reyes “I played in the concert like we would any other concert. of judges and wished me luck before I went in,” said Reyes. applies for Utah residency. The rest will be covered by money During the clinic, all the judge said was that I played really After practicing with his piano accompanist for a few from Reyes’ FAFSA application. good,” recalled Reyes. “Afterwards, he spoke to me privately minutes, Reyes auditioned. Reyes began playing the trumpet in seventh grade with about attending the University of Utah, where he taught. I The judges thanked Reyes for his performance, saying “we Byrd’s beginning band. had never really been recognized before and I will forever be would love to have you as a part of our music program.” “Honestly,” Reyes admitted, “at the time, I didn’t know what thankful to him.” “The main thing I learned, and the main thing I want a trumpet was. When Mr. Blanchard—Byrd’s music director— Reyes applied to the University of Utah that same year, everybody to know, is that you can do anything. I want people offered me the trumpet, I answered ‘Okay, cool.’” just like any other student, but because he intended to major in to know that no matter what anybody says, or no matter how Reyes’ seventh-grade self-esteem was lower than low, and music, he was required to take an audition. much praise you receive, you have to keep working hard and names such as “band geek” didn’t help. His parents encouraged him to go, especially his dad, who success will definitely arrive at your doorstep in the end.” “I guess deep down inside, I started playing as a way to offered to drive him the 700 miles to audition. Reyes will perform in the School of Music’s marching band escape the trash-talking and into a world where I could truly be “As soon as we parked outside the school, it occurred to (with Sproul as music director), wind ensembles, pep bands and happy,” said Reyes. “Over time, it was just something I became me that I traveled 703 miles to a place I had never been to. I philharmonic this fall. good at, I guess.” realized at that point it was something really big because it was Reyes arranged the pep song “Take on Me” for Poly’s The trumpet player was enrolled in Byrd’s Advanced Band more than talk now. I was actually there and I was to be judged marching band and was the only AP Music Theory student to by the second semester of his seventh-grade year and kept his on something that would reflect my entire life,” said Reyes. pass the AP test. 4 mid-June 2012 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp COLLEGE

Dayana Rojas University of California, Maricela Amador Yennifer Vicencio Liliana Barba Santa Barbara (UCSB) Perla Flores Alexander Rene Dimas Mayra Soto Karla Fajardo Emaly Cruz Valles Yashika Patel Shean Santy Regina Martinez Juan Carlos Tapia Cindy Berumen Sandy Barba (: Yaritza Renteria Diana Barragan Katherine Catalan Arturo Ryan Chan Gabriel Ramirez Karina Perez Garcia Nicole Willkomm Charles Hollowell Crystal Cardenas Brian Rosa Martinez Clarrisa Lainez Priya Chamber Xochicale Eve Huerta Stefany Garcia Kelly Doung Eve Huerta Abel Paniagua Stephanie Guevara Juan Augusto Ketsia Duran Anna Cruz Cynthia Zamora Anthony University of California, Jesus Lara Paula Orocco Mandujano Doris Avalos Jessica Flores Davis Dayana Rojas Mayra Cano Omar Sanchez Shean Santy Alex Kang Tomas Cubias Nayeli Ramos Sandy Barba Cindy Berumen Alexandra Perez Jessie Berzoza Kevin Contreras Janeth Hernandez Mayra Soto Mission Community College Alice J. Montes Crystal Cardenas Andrea Herrera Scott Sadeghian Erik Gramajo Kassaundra Ramirez Kathleen Argueta Liliana Barba Diana Melendez Yesenia Herrera Adrian Espinoza Tomas Cubias Mary Figueroa Katherine Catalan Juan Moron Yenitzel Bautista Alejandra Oliveros Leslie Perez Francisco Ayala Crystal Cardenas Jose Montano Patrick Johnson Arlene Arroyo Xitlalit Figueroa Katherine Catalan Kayle Sicairos Ruben Novoa David Galdamez Ruben Rodriguez Marlyn Casillas Katherine Ramirez Jennifer Grijalva Alejandra Oliveros Jennie Alvarez Gabriela Ibarra California State Kathy Silva Kenia Lopez Ruben Jimenez University, Isela Lopez Cody Gingerella Alex Kang Northridge(CSUN) Cynthia Jimenez Angel Gastelum David Lee Diana Guerrero Francisco Medina Angel Luna Fernando Juarez Michelle Bautista Stephen Castaneda Francisco Montalvan Adriana Avila Gabriela Castro Byanka Ordonez Jose Montano Sandy Barba Araceli Santana Vito Sinisgalli Karen Montoya Alba Tejeda Luis E. Cruz Rosa Espinoza Ruben Rodriguez Steven Diaz Lizbeth Cruz Jason Pineda Crystal Cardenas Karla Fajardo Jesusa Jean Carvajal Jose Saldivar Grads College Mary Figueroa Graciela Vargas Jesica Jimenez Christian Medina Alejandra Oliveros Mariana Santos Elisa Lopez Jennifer Zavala Jose Montano Gabriela Netnapha Luis Aguilar Juan Rojas Pelayo Srisangngan Cynthia Zamora Victor Vela Andrea Lyzette Victor Palacios Acceptances Menjivar Hernandez Janet Zapien University of California, Nicole Moreira Viviana Hernandez Akaravin Luanotow Los Angeles (UCLA) Carlos Navia Myrna Compean Mareli Vargas Fernando Juarez Vanessa Ochoa Paula Orozco Angelo Cruz Some stay close to home. Kevin Contreras Adrian Espinoza Daniel Acosta Jessica Cardoza Kathy Silva Regina Martinez Roman Meza Perla Guerrero Boston University Liliana Barba Rosa Hernandez Jennifer Grijalva Deleyna Flores Kathy Silva Cathy Capalla Nicole Willkomm David Zamora Jeremy Quezada Mayra Cano Monica Rios Arnold Figueroa Columbia University Javier Castillo Jr. Mayra Soto Rosa Martinez Isela Lopez Agustin Perez Rafael Rubio Nataly Ochoa Maricela Amador Abdi Lozano Jonathan Gonzalez Cornell Scott Sadeghian Kevin Contreras Andrea Roman Paula Orozco David Lee Juan Carlos Augusto Charles Hollowell Juan Augusto Jose Ceja Dartmouth Crystal Cardenas Alice J. Montes Julian Diaz Katherine Catalan Eve Huerta Los Angeles Valley College Justin Sunga David Lee Evelyn Cifuentes Josefina Flores Brian Xochilate Ashley Anguiano Byron Munguia Cindy Berumen Duke Gustavo Garibay Abel Paniagua Paola Ambriz Maria Avina David Lee Leslie Perez Mary Figueroa Jesus Lara Annel Apodaca Cindy Cebreros Patrick Johnson Johns Hopkins University Erik Gramajo Anthony Mandujano Carol Arellano Maria Martinez Marlyn Casillas Jennifer Grijalva Perla Flores Kaesorn Atthajaroon Jessica Flores Rafael Rubio Anthony Mandujano David Lee Anna Cruz Maria Avina Carlos Valle Wellesley College Kelly Doung Angel Luna Ryan Chan Alejandro Barcenas Axel Madrid Roman Meza Kathy Silva Rafael A. Rubio Alexandra Perez Gabriela Caballero Edgar Diaz Jennifer Grijalva University of Southern Cindy Berumen Cindy Berumen Jennifer Cortez Jose Esparza Araceli Santana Katherine Catalan Yesenia Herrera Jessica Diaz Eleazar Hernandez California(USC) Monica Rios Katherine Catalan Carlos Flores Juan Almaraz Nataly Ochoa Eddie Ortega Humboldt State Patrick Johnson Celeste Flores Alan Aguilar Luis E Cruz University of University Briahna C. Angulo Elizabeth Flores Ledin Aguilar Kathy Silva Pennsylvania Mariana Santos Kayle Sicairos Jessica Flores Flor Santos Xavier Montalvan David Lee Alice J. Monte Monica Rios Billy Galicia Jesus Mejia Crystal Cardenas Gabriela Zelma Reyes Janni Elizabeth Starz Luis Hernandez Tomas Cubias Massachusetts Institute Pelayo Jorge Valle Carlos Mujica Charlie Rojas of Technology (MIT) University of California, Charles Ana Coronel Bryon Ospidia Yennifer Vicencio Maria Grimaldo Cathy Capalla San Diego (UCSD) Hollowell Angela Gomez Billy Galicia Javier Castillo Jr. Nicole Moreira Paula Orozco Ana Gonzalez Manuel Cruz Jr. Fernando Juarez Fernando Juarez Jesus Lara Diana Guerrero Jonathan Gonzalez Mara Calderon Kathy Silva Andrea Menjivar Crystal Cardenas Stephanie Guevara Mayra Rodriguez Shean Santy Mount Saint Mary’s Brian Xochilate Evelyn Sanchez Alvaro Hernandez Daniel Gonzalez Cathy Capalla Rosa Martinez Kathy Silva Sonia Ledesma Dilan Carrera College Nataly Ochoa Tomas Cubias Nereyda Marquez Robert Lopez Eduardo Contreras Jaqueline Chan Regina Martinez Bryan Hernandez Elisa Lopez Axel Madrid Alvaro Hernandez Mitzy Ramirez Erik Gramajo Mayra Soto Cynthia Jimenez Deante Malone Stefany Garcia Erika Dorado Mayra Soto Alexandra Perez Gloria Morales Jose Marroquin Raquel Mojica Alice J. Montes Scott Sadeghian Katherine Catalan Charles Hollowell Maria Martinez Nayeli Ramos Alba Tejeda Perla Flores Ashley Ortiz Abdi Lozano Carlos Mendez Daisy Segura Evelin Cifuentes Rafael Rubio Kayle Sicairos Xavier Montalvan Araceli Mendoza Vanessa Rodriguez Andrea Herrera Gustavo Garibay Julia Ruiz :) Oscar Zelaya Victor Palacios Juan Tapia Diana Melendez San Diego State Jesusa Jean Carvajal Roman Meza Griselda Pasillas Marcos Romero David Lee University Luis Bautista Jessica Flores:) Hector Guzman Iliana Barrios Anthony Mandujano Regina Martinez Maria Grimaldo Jessenia Palacios Christopher Arreaga Elizabeth Aguilar Katherine Catalan Erik Gramajo Juan Lupian Eugenio Moreno Valeria Dominguez Cynthia Zamaro Gerardo Sanchez Mayra Soto Crystal Cardenas Anjanette Dominguez Yury Paz Cassandra Gonzalez Javier Castillo Jr. Nataly Ochoa Claudia Morales Araceli Santana Dennis Pelayo Mayra Lara Mary Figueroa Perla Flores Marlyn Casillas Luis Gutierrez Teera Pontepsiripong Stefany Garcia Jose Montano Cindy Berumen Isela Lopez Isela Lopez Emmanul Porfirio Nayeli Ramos Davia Galdamez Jorge Valle Cynthia Jimenez Netnapha Srisangngan Eva Ramirez Omar Sanchez Lizbeth Cruz Xavier Montalvan University of California, Alan Sanchez Nayeli Ramos Cynthia Jimenez Luis E. Cruz Angelica Diaz Mary Figueroa Berkeley Melissa Rivera Isabel Reyes Juan Augusto Diana Guerrero Byron Mungia Mayra Rodriguez Jessica Flores Fernando Juarez Lyzette Hernandez Kelly Duong Angel Ruiz Clipton Chacon Jr. San Francisco State Cathy Capalla Guadalupe Ramos Maria Solorio David Marquez University Regina Martinez University of California, Marlyn Casillas Vanessa Tejeda Mariana Santos Scott Sadeghian Santa Cruz (UCSC) Luis Bautista Richard Velasquez Evelin Cifuentes Mayra Soto Yesenia Villa Angelica Campa Kayle Sicairos Alex Kang Alba Tejeda Jesusa Jean Carvajal Oscar Zelaya Rafael Rubio Jesus Lara Lyzette Hernandez Diane Scarlett Alvarado David Lee Evelin Cifuentes Omar Reyes-Lopez Lizbeth Cruz Gustavo Garibay Gustavo Garibay Viviana Hernandez Erik Gramajo Andrea Herrera Myrna Compean California State Mary Figueroa Juan Lupian Gabriela Castro Polytechnic University, Jose Montano Kayle Sicairos California State Pomona Ruben Rodriguez Mary Figueroa University,Los Angeles Juan Augusto Fernando Juarez Abby Urias (CSULA) Sandy Barba Isela Lopez University of California, Fernando Juarez Yashika Patel Jose Daniel Reyes Irvine Jaqueline Chan Andrea Menjivar Anthony Mandujano Kathy Silva Sandy Barba Nicole Willkomm Eddie Ortega Regina Martinez Alba Tejeda Mariana Santos Leandro Garcia Nicole Willkomm Graciela Vargas Erik Gramajo Kevin Contreras Andrea Menjivar Alice J. Montes Mayra Soto Erika Dorado Dayana Rojas Eve Huerta Adrian Espinoza Diana Melendez polyhigh.org/opt.jsp The Poly Optimist mid-June 2012 5 MEDIA The Clear Channel Memo Did America’s largest radio station owner ban certain artists the monopoly considered offensive? Google Photo K, BUT YOUNGER: Josh Brolin co-stars in Barry Sonnenfeld’s MIB3. By Jasmine Aquino Staff Writer

Google Photo Lost In Time LOW NOTE: Rage Against the Machine bassist Tim Commerford on stage. hile rescue W workers searched “Some of those that work forces, with MIB3 tirelessly through the remnants of the devastating September 11 terror attacks, Agent J and K are back for a third time to defeat more one American casualty went unnoticed: are the same that burn crosses” By Joel Garcia alien scumbags but they’re not just back, they’re back in freedom of speech. “Killing In The Name” “Feeling paranoid, True enemy or Staff Writer time. Days after the attacks, Clear Channel “Some of those who work forces, Are false friends? Anxiety’s attacking me and, Some have dismissed this new “Men in Black” for its Communications, owner and operator for the same that burn crosses” My air is getting thin” time machine plot and I was one of them. I mean, after that awful sequel, I didn’t think nearly 1200 radio stations in the U.S., The song was written about a Front man Dave Mustaine addressed any of us would want to watch Will Smith (Agent J) and Robert Lee (Agent K) team up distributed to their broadcasters a list revolution against racism in security the song’s lyrics in the media in 1992, and fight more aliens? of 165 songs containing “questionable agencies—cross burning is a practice “I think all of us are sweating bullets But I was wrong because this movie is AWESOME. The film is the third MIB lyrics” that the media giant recommended commonly affiliated with the Ku Klux all the time. Society’s a joke right now, directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, who was also a consultant for the animated 1999 Men in not playing. Klan. and people are getting more and more Black TV series. Was Clear Channel being sensitive to RATM performed the song at the hostile.” Along to join Agents K and J on their newest adventure are Agent O, played by listeners during trying times—or was this 1999 Woodstock festival in which 4. System of a Down – “Chop Suey!” Emma Thompson, a young Agent K (Josh Brolin), Michael Chernus as Jeffy Price, a a case of subtle censorship? frontman Zach de la Rocha changed “Chop Suey!” is the first single time lord, and the fifth-dimensional Griffin (Michael Stuhlbarg). The blacklist of individual titles the lyrics to “Some of those that from SOAD’s album “Toxicity,” which For those of you not familiar with “Men in Black,” it goes like this: included “all songs” by Rage Against burn crosses, Are the same that burn was number one on the charts during Big bad evil aliens like to come to earth in search of food or something to rule to the Machine, a funk metal band known churches.” The band also burned the the week of the September 11 attacks. the world with and the secret alien police force simply known as the “Men in Black” for their fierce rants against corporate American flag during the song. The controversy surrounding the song must stop them. America, cultural imperialism, and 2. Louis Armstrong – “What a led Clear Channel to add it to the But this film does something a little different. We do get our big bad evil alien government oppression. Wonderful World” Memorandum. named Borris the Animal (Jemaine Clement) and what he wants is revenge. Borris finds The list also included pro-peace songs “I see trees of green, red roses, too, I 5. The Rolling Stones’ “Ruby a way to go back in time and kill Agent K, but horribly alters time in the process. Agent like John Lennon’s “Imagine,” Bruce see them bloom, for me and you, And I Tuesday” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s J and a young Agent K must stop this mad man and fix the time flux. Springsteen’s “War” and Cat Stevens’ think to myself, What a wonderful world” “Tuesday’s Gone” Brolin does a great job as a young Tommy Lee Jones. The likeness is uncanny and “Peace Train.” The song’s inclusion into this list The September 11 attacks occurred even a little scary because the chemistry between Will and Lee (K and J) is still present “There’s only been a few times in of “lyrically inappropriate” songs is a on a Tuesday. That statement is the throughout the film. my history as a musician and an activist shocker, but the fact that it was featured justification of Clear Channel’s inclusion The time machine is a very clever contraption and eventually becomes a character where I’ve ever felt ‘the Man’ push in the 1968 film “Good Morning, of the songs into the blacklist. in its own right surrounding itself with funny but mysterious lore. back,” said Grammy-award winning Vietnam” may clarify some of the 6. Frank Sinatra – “New York, New MIB3’s sense of humor is the best part of this installment in the franchise, unlike Rage Against The Machine guitarist confusion. York” the sequel. Inside jokes from the first film abound, so definitely pay attention to posters Thomas Morello, “… [The moment I However, the song is truly about This song is probably the most absurd and other objects in the background. read] the only artist whose entire catalog looking on the bright side of life and all song on the list. “New York, New York” The film is full of creativity, humor, atmosphere, and wit, all the reasons an MIB was singled out [in the Memorandum] the little things that make people smile is a golden treasure belonging to the city. movie should be great fun, but there’s a problem, a big problem. was Rage Against The Machine.” despite hardship. The opposite should The Mets even played the song when I’m talking about the time flux and the changes it causes. I can’t say more without Below are a few of the “lyrically be done: the song should be played over they once again took the field. spoiling the movie, but watch carefully for the time changes. If you’re familiar with the inappropriate” songs included in the and over again in order to remind people “New York, New York” is a tribute first film, the paradox created will become apparent. Memorandum: to smile. to the people of the city who don’t In short, if you’re not planning a second or third go at “The Avengers,” check out 1. Rage Against The Machine – MIB3. It’s definitely worth a look. 3. Megadeth – “Sweating Bullets” associate the song with the tragic events that occurred on the same grounds. These people associate the song with innate pride, especially coming together post- tragedy. Retirement Party for Five 7. Zager and Evans – “In the Year 2525” Five Parrot retirees end their careers with nearly eight The song opens with lines “In the year 2525/ If man is still alive/ If woman can decades of combined service to the Poly community. survive, they may find…” The following verses—the song has no chorus—explain “and I did with one student who got a story in 1010-year intervals from 2525 By Lisa Guardado accepted to Mission College.” to 6565. Each year mentioned contains Staff Writer De Leon told the OPTIMIST he has disturbing predictions. been teaching since he was 16. He plans The final dated verse is: “In the year Five Poly faculty members will turn to go into business for himself now that 9595, I’m kinda wonderin’ if, Man is in their chalk and erasers this year. The he has retired from teaching. gonna be alive, He’s taken everything this five have a combined 79 years at Poly. “It’s the end and it’s the beginning,” old Earth can give, and he ain’t put back Retiring are Jesus De Leon (Special said Newcomb. “I’m happy to be going Photo by Diane Alvarado nothing in, whoa-whoa.” Ed aide, 2002, 10 yrs), Robert Ramsey- because it’s the end of a long career. I’m The primary theme—a world really going to miss everybody I was RETIRED: clockwise from left, doomed to and dependent on amoral McNeil (Special Ed teacher, 2001, 11 Robert Ramsey-McNeil, Francisca yrs), Francisca Reynoso (ESL teacher, attached to.” technologies—sent a resonant chill 1997, 15 yrs), John Butow (Math teacher, Ramsey-McNeil, who has been Reynoso, Mary Newcomb and Jesus down the backs of millions of people 1992, 20 yrs) and Mary Newcomb teaching math and English for 47 years, De Leon at their retirement party. worldwide in the late 1960s. (English, 1989, 23 yrs). plans to tour on his yellow 2001 six- The song was featured in the Vietnam Poly Principal Ari Bennett, athletic cylinder Honda GL1800 and make some War movie “1968 Tunnel Rats” and director Kim McEwen and about 30 music too. was covered by Slovenian industrial faculty members were on hand to “I want to thank you all. I’m going group Laibach in their album NATO celebrate the occasion. to miss all you people,” Ramsey-McNeil (named after the North Atlantic Treaty For their eight decades of service to said. Organization), which is a selection of Poly and LAUSD, the five Parrots each Ramsey-McNeil has five children cover songs with a war theme. received a $30 Macy’s gift card. The and two grandchildren he will travel to Clear Channel denied the list’s cards were purchased with donations Canada to visit. existence in a press release to a radio from Poly’s faculty. Retired Parrot Gigi Slezak was on industry trade publication, Snopes.com. A No LAUSD money was spent on the hand to introduce Reynoso. website that discusses urban legends and celebration. “Thank you for coming,” Reynoso internet rumors later confirmed the list Refreshments included Gatorade, said, “and anytime you guys have ice did, in fact, exist. bottled water and banana splits. cream, just call me.” Clear Channel later admitted the “My goal was to help Special Ed Butow did not attend. existence of the memo but said it was students go to college,” De Leon said, simply an advisory. 6 mid-June 2012 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp MUSIC Heaven Has a Helluva Band JANUARY With just half a year completed, APRIL Blues and R&B singer Drummer and vocalist , 73. Etta James these famous musicians joined the Levon Helm, 71 - 1961 hit “At Last,” written in 1941, - member of the Band, Dylan backup band in recorded originally by Glenn Miller, in the 1970s Grammy Hall of Fame - “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” - four Grammy Awards, including Lifetime heavenly chorus in 2012. - “The Weight” Achievement (2003) Cause of death: cancer - Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Blues Hall of Fame. Helm was the only American in the - “Something’s Gotta Hold on Me” MARCH otherwise Canadian group that became Bob Cause of death - leukemia Dylan’s backup band and then the Band. Its Bluegrass pioneer own songs, largely written by the Band’s “She had one of the great voices in guitarist, Jaime Robbie Robertson, and pianist, American popular music,” said the Times’ Jon Earl Scruggs, 88. Richard Manuel, are rock-ribbed with history Pareles, “with a huge range, a multiplicity of January 6th, 1924 – March 28th, 2012 and tradition yet hauntingly surreal. tones and vast reserves of volume.” - Perfected the three finger banjo picking Helm gave his drums a muffled, bottom- James made her name in the 1950s with style, aka Scruggs style heavy sound that placed them in the foundation records like “Good Rockin’ Daddy.” - Defined bluegrass of the arrangements, and his tom-toms were “A lot of people think the blues is Cause of Death: old age tuned so that their pitch would bend downward depressing,” James said, “but that’s not the as the tone faded. Mr. Helm didn’t call attention blues I’m singing. When I’m singing blues, I’m Bluegrass banjo player Earl Scruggs’ hard- to himself. Three bass-drum thumps at the start singing life.” driving picking style influenced generations of one of the Band’s anthems, “The Weight,” James developed a heroin habit in the of musicians and helped shape the sound of were all that he needed to establish the song’s 1960s and found cocaine in the 1970s, all 20th-century country music with his guitar- gravity. described in her 1995 autobiography, “Rage to strumming partner, Lester Flatt. In the Band, lead vocals changed from Survive.” Flatt and Scruggs signature songs were song to song and sometimes within songs, and Born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles in fictionalized account of the rise and fall of “Foggy Mountain Breakdown,” recorded in harmonies were elaborately communal. But 1938 to 14-year old Dorothy Hawkins, James Chess. 1949 with their group the Foggy Mountain Boys particularly when lyrics turned to myths and began singing at the St. Paul Baptist Church in “Etta James was a pioneer,” said Terry and used as the getaway music in 1967’s “Bonnie and Clyde” and “The Ballad of Jed Clampett,” tall tales of the American South — like “The Los Angeles. At 15, she recorded “Roll With Stewart, president of the Rock and Roll Hall the theme song of the 1960s TV sitcom “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” “Ophelia” Me Henry,” which rose to No. 2 on the rhythm- of Fame. “Her ever-changing sound has Scruggs pioneered modern banjo playing. His innovative use of three fingers in an up-picking and “Rag Mama Rag” — the lead went to and-blues charts in 1954. influenced rock ‘n’ roll, rhythm and blues, style, rather than the mostly two-fingered claw-hammer down-picking technique, elevated the five- Helm, with his Arkansas twang and a voice that James had a string of hits on Chess Records pop, soul and jazz artists, marking her place string banjo to a lead or solo instrument. What became known as the syncopated Scruggs picking could sound desperate, ornery and amused at in the 1960s and opened for the Rolling Stones as one of the most important female artists of style helped popularize the banjo in almost every genre of music. the same time. in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Beyoncé played our time.” North Carolina-born Scruggs, a banjo player since he was 4, got his big break when he joined James in the 2008’s “Cadillac Records,” a Bill Monroe’s band, the Blue Grass Boys, in 1945. The band included Monroe, who sang and played the mandolin, Flatt on guitar, Howard Watts on bass and Chubby Wise on fiddle. Early in 1948 Scruggs and Flatt left to form the Foggy Mountain Boys. Monroe refused to speak to the pair for the next 20 years, a feud that became famous in country-music history. FEBRUARY Flatt and Scruggs broke up in 1969 and Scruggs, with his sons, formed the Earl Scruggs Revue, a mostly acoustic group with drums and electric bass. The group played with pop and rocks acts, sometimes before audiences of 40,000. 1980s R&B singer At an 80th birthday party for Mr. Scruggs in 2004, the country singer Porter Wagoner said, “Earl was to the five-string banjo what Babe Ruth was to baseball.” , . Whitney Houston 48 “He is the best there ever was,” Mr. Wagoner said, “and the best there ever will be.” - 2009 Guiness World Records most awarded female of all time - Sold over 100 million albums - “How Will I Know” - “I Will Always Love You,” her signature Monkees frontman and vocalist Davy Jones, 66. song, written by Dolly Parton - born in Manchester, England. - Only artist ever to chart seven - “Daydream Believer,” written by Jon Stewart, was a #1 single consecutive in #1 billboard’s hot 100 - “I’m a Believer,” written by Neil Diamond, was a #1 single. - Cause of death: heart attack “Whitney Houston,” released in 1985, The Monkees charted nearly two dozen singles between 1966 and 1970 and became the first, featured polished, catchy pop and R&B songs, and only, act to score four No. 1 albums on the Billboard chart in the same calendar year. including three No. 1 singles: “Saving All My Created in 1966, the group was a look-alike, sound-alike of the mop-topped Beatles, created for Love for You,” “How Will I Know” and “The an NBC sitcom. “The Monkees” lasted just two seasons, from September 1966 to March 1968. The Band’s first album, “Music From Greatest Love of All.” The show won an Emmy in 1967 for outstanding comedy series and director James Frawley Big Pink,” was released in 1968. Stately and “Saving All My Love for You,” won won for outstanding directorial achievement in comedy. homespun, with a deliberately old-time tone Houston her first of three Grammys for best You” — went on to sell 17 million copies in the The four did much of their own singing but studio musicians did most of the instrumentals. behind the enigmatic lyrics, the album’s female pop vocal performance. United States. It won the Grammy for album of Critics found the band unacceptable. influence was huge, leading musicians like Eric Houston’s second album, “Whitney,” the year, and “I Will Always Love You” won At a Forest Hills Stadium concert in Clapton and the Grateful Dead back toward (1987), became the first album by a woman record of the year (for a single). Queens, New York, The Times said: concision. The Band was inducted into the to enter the Billboard charts at No. 1, and Houston married Bobby Brown in 1992. “Frequently during the performance, sound Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. contained four No. 1 singles. Third album “I’m Their turbulent marriage ended in 2007. that resembled the lowing of a sick cow hovered In 1969, the Band recorded its second Your Baby Tonight” (1990) had two more No. “One of the world’s greatest pop singers of over the stadium. This turned out to be one album, simply titled “The Band,” which would 1 singles. all time, who leaves behind a robust musical of those horns often heard at Shea Stadium include the group’s only Top 30 single, “Up She played a pop diva in “The Bodyguard,” soundtrack,” said Neil R. Portnow, president of during baseball games. It didn’t seem to hurt the on Cripple Creek.” The album was universally and its soundtrack album — including the the National Academy of Recording Arts and musical evening.” hailed, and the Band played a summer of huge hits “I Will Always Love You,” “I’m Every Sciences. But Monkee fans, young, female and pop festivals, backing Mr. Dylan at the Isle of Woman,” “I Have Nothing” and “Run to shrieking, couldn’t get enough. Wight and performing in August at Woodstock. Jones, slight of build and 5 feet tall, began The Band would never match its two as a child actor, but quit in his teens and began initial masterpieces. By the time the group MAY to train as a jockey. started recording its 1970 album, “Stage The other three Monkees are still living. Fright,” members were drinking heavily and using heroin, and there were disputes over Folk/bluegrass guitarist and singer Doc Watson, 89 songwriting credits and publishing royalties. - Recorded more than 50 albums - Won Grammy Awards for the albums “Then and Now” in 1974, “Two Days in Bee Gees vocalist Night Fever,” including the hit “Stayin’ November” in 1975 and “Big Sandy/Leather Alive,” forever linked with the film’s star, John Britches” in 1980, “Riding the Midnight Robin Gibb, 62. Travolta. Train” in 1987, “On Praying Ground” in 1991 - “Staying Alive,” “Night Fever.” The band’s first single in Britain, “New and “Legacy” in 2003. - nine No. 1 U.S. singles in the 1970s, York Mining Disaster 1941,” was released in - won six Grammy Awards April 1967 and reached the Top 20. “With his natural ease as a storyteller, his - inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Robin briefly left the group in 1969 and heartfelt baritone singing, his repository of Fame in 1997. tried out a solo career but returned in 1971, material and his facility on guitar, Watson was a Cause of death: colon cancer the year the band scored their first No. 1 in rare combination of authenticity and artistry.” the United States with “How Can You Mend Folk audiences saw Watson as a direct Bee Gee brother Robin Gibb achieved a Broken Heart.” But their popularity faded conduit to the roots music of Appalachia, which worldwide fame with Anglo-Australian pop and in 1974 the Bee Gees were forced to play he played with conviction. group the Bee Gees, first with a series of a series of supper-club gigs in England to pay “To me the old-time fiddling, the old-time Beatlesque albums and a string of hit singles in off tax debts. ballads — there never was anything prettier and the Sixties, then with a number of hook-laden A trip to Miami in 1975 produced “Main there never will be,” Watson said. disco dance tunes in the Seventies. Course” and a new sound – Latin and funk During the folk music revival of the early Gibb, along with older brother Barry rhythms, electronic keyboards and vocals the 1960s, Watson sang old hymns, ballads and country blues he had learned growing up in the and twin Maurice, figured prominently in critics called Philadelphia soul. Singles “Nights northwestern corner of North Carolina, which has produced fiddlers, banjo pickers and folk singers the group’s signature falsettos and carefully on Broadway” and “Jive Talkin’” went to No. for generations. constructed harmonies. Robin was the lead 1. The Bee Gees were back. His mountain music came as a revelation to the folk audience, as did his virtuoso guitar singer on many of the early hits, including “I Then came the “Saturday Night Fever” playing. Watson executed flashy, rapid-fire lead lines normally played by a fiddle or a banjo. His Started a Joke,” “I’ve Gotta Get a Message to soundtrack in 1977, with “You Should Be style influenced a generation of young musicians learning to play the guitar as folk music achieved You” and “Massachusetts.” Dancing,” “How Deep Is Your Love?,” “Stayin’ national popularity. The group, whose first record came out Alive” and “Night Fever,” all No. 1’s. “Fever” “He is single-handedly responsible for the extraordinary increase in acoustic flat-picking and in 1963, had a second career between 1977- was the biggest-selling album ever until By Gabriela Melendez fingerpicking guitar performance,” said folklorist Ralph Rinzler. “His flat-picking style has no 1979, selling well over 100 million albums Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” in 1984. Staff Writer precedent in earlier country music history.” and notching six consecutive No. 1 singles. The Bee Gees were inducted into the Watson initially employed a thumb-picking style, in which the thumb establishes a bass line on They wrote and sang much of the soundtrack Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. With his the lower strings while the rest of the fingers pick out a melody or chords.That soon changed. for the disco era’s defining movie, “Saturday brothers, Gibb won six Grammys. “I began listening to Jimmie Rodgers recordings seriously and I figured, ‘Hey, he must be doing that with one of them straight picks.’ ” Watson said. “So I got me one and began to work at it.” polyhigh.org/opt.jsp The Poly Optimist mid-June 2012 7 MEDIA Small Screen Summer

Summer’s hot nights promise plenty of TV shows to By Shean Santy delight audiences. MTV and ABC Family will bring Staff Writer UNE back teenage-centric shows while the local networks J repeat an old formula: nightly reality television. Add basic and premiere cable channels to the mix and you’ll never have to leave the couch.

The Newsroom (HBO) Sunday, June 24, 10 p.m. Producer Aaron Sorkin of “The West Wing” and Facebook drama “The Social Network” returns to the small screen to tackle the behind- the scenes drama of a newsroom. The series concerns fictional news channel ACN, with veteran Jeff Daniels as the lead anchor, Will. Mackenzie McHale (Emily Mortimer) plays the new executive producer. Allison Pill as Maggie, John Gallagher Jr. as Jim, Dev Patel as Neal and Olivia Munn as Sloan all offer fine support for this high- True Blood (HBO) tension, smart new drama series. Sunday, June 10, 9 p.m. “Waiting Sucks,” but Sookie (Anna Paquin), Bill (Stephen Moyer) and Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) are back for the show’s fifth season. After last year’s shocking finale, tribulations track the trio again as the Louisiana town of Bon Temps undergoes another crazy-filled paranormal affair. The new season also takes on the history of Eric Northman and side stories of supporting characters. The 12-episode arc is loosely based on the fifth book of “The Southern Vampires Mysteries” series but will incorporate more of the literature than the previous seasons.

Wilfred (FX) Thursday, June 28, 10 p.m. Based on the critically-acclaimed Australian series, the FX hit returns for its second summer season. Ryan (Elijah Wood) and Wilfred (Jason Gann), a dog that belongs to Ryan’s female neighbor, supply the comedy. The joke being everyone sees Wilfred as a dog except Ryan, who sees an Australian dude in a dog costume. “Wilfred” is part of a FX Suits (USA) stud comedic lineup that includes “Archer,” “It’s Thursday, June 14, 10 p.m. Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “Louie.” A surprise hit last summer and an audience pleaser, “Suits” stars top New York attorney Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) and associate Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) as a dynamic Pearson Hardman law firm duo who tackle tough cases and personal conflicts. Ross’s photographic memory and Specter’s charisma contrast effectively with their unconventional takes on the ULY real world. “Suits” is an enjoyable show with an addicting plot. White Collar (USA) J Breaking Bad (AMC) Tuesday, July 10, 9 p.m. Sunday, July 15, 10 p.m. “White Collar” premiered in 2009 The most anticipated show of the and has since gained millions of fans summer is back for a fifth and final and strong support. The storyline season, one that will be divided into follows a former prisoner (thief and two parts. Protagonist Walter White forger) who joined the FBI to catch (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman criminals within his specialty. On the (Aaron Paul) will provide the action season 3 finale, Neal Caffrey (Matt in another drama-filled season. Bomer) left the country and ditched Critics so far have liked Cranston Special Agent Peter Burke (Tim and Giancarlo Esposito (Gus Fring) DeKay). Not surprisingly, Caffrey is and awards may be in the offing. on the run again for the new season. The gritty streets of Manhattan add to the exciting in this slick criminal/ good guy-centric series. 8 mid-June 2012 The Poly Optimist polyhigh.org/opt.jsp SPORTS

Sang Lee – Tennis Alejandro Chavez – Track Derik Molina – Cross Xavier Montalvan – Vball Edgar Diaz – Soccer When did you start playing? When did you start playing? When did you start playing? When did you start playing? When did you start playing? Because I was transferred to Poly during my I joined track as a sophomore and began as a I joined the sport my freshman year at JV, but junior year, I joined tennis as a senior. I started I joined track and field in my sophomore year, I joined volleyball as a freshman and moved up froshoph, and then the coach told me that for I started as a frosh/soph and then in my junior by half the season I was moved up to varsity. my junior year he wanted me as varsity and off as a Varsity Doubles 1 player, and ended as to varsity as a sophomore. a Varsity Doubles 1 player. year I was moved to JV and became a varsity I’ve been varsity ever since then. What did you accomplish? player as a senior. What did you accomplish? What dID you accomplish? My greatest accomplishment was that I was What DID YOU accomplish? Last year was our best year because we had What did you accomplish? able to play varsity my freshman year and My greatest achievement was nothing worth a solid team and were able to make it to semi My greatest accomplishment ever was finishing help my team advance to the second round in mentioning. Our team got to the semi finals of My greatest accomplishment was to discover finals. 1st place in league finals in the 800M and then that a person can reach their goals as long as playoffs. later going to City Finals which was the farthest playoffs they don’t take their eyes from it. The furthest I will you play in college? the boys’ varsity reached this year. will you play in college? will you play in college? got was league finals but my brother Alejandro I don’t think there is an official Volleyball team took our team to city finals. During the summer, I will begin training with will you play in college? I plan on continuing to play tennis after high in UC Davis but I do plan on playing for an the Los Angeles Mission College soccer team. school, but only as a hobby. intramural team. Yes, after I graduate I plan on running for will you play in college? These two years at mission I plan to work my Glendale College then transfer to another hardest academically and on the field so that I What position did you play? I do not plan to run in college at least for the What position did you play? college and continue running there as well. first two years, I want to take break. can transfer to a Division 1 university for my Varsity Doubles 1 I’m currently a starting setter or opposite last two years. What position did you play? What position did you play? hitter. I was a defense specialist as a freshman, What position did you play? I don’t know about playing positions but I ran What did you learn? sophomore and junior. My events in track and field were the 1600M the 800M, the 1600M, and the 4x400M and I learned that as you’re playing tennis, you I have always played center midfield so that is and the 3200M What did you learn? was the fastest in all 3. can’t lose focus, and have to be confident in where I feel most comfortable on the field. every shot. Every shot you hit, it has to be with What did you learn? Communication is key. What did you learn? confidence. What did you learn? I learned was that working and practicing as a I learned that the only true obstacle in life is team is always going to take you further than I learned that nothing is given to you in yourself, you set your own limits, if you are just running by yourself. life. When you really want to accomplish truly determined to do something in life then something, you need to be willing to make nothing can stand in your way. The skys the sacrifices and work your hardest in order to limit. be successful. You need to learn to ignore that Ten Parrot seniors share some thoughts on Poly sports. inner voice telling you to stop, and show that motivation and inspiration that builds up deep Senior Athletes inside your chest. 2012

Magaly Jimenez - Volleyball

When did you join? Alba Tejeda - Soccer Before I joined the team, I used to play just for fun with my family. When we would go to When did you join? the beach or the park, it was casual. Then my I’ve been playing high school soccer since my cousin used to play, so he got me more into freshman year. But I’ve been playing on outside it. I would go to open gyms with him and I Janet Zapien - Softball Nataly Ochoa - Track Nicole Willkomm - B-ball teams since I was eight. My dad really loves thought it was a lot of fun. So when I came to When did you join? soccer so he always motivated all of my family Poly, I tried out as a freshman and I made the When did you join? When did you join? to play. I just learned to love the sport; I don’t team. Since then, I loved it. I pretty much live I joined softball seven years ago, I was eleven. I’ve been playing for four years. I hadn’t played see myself doing anything else. volleyball. I joined track in ninth grade and I have been basketball before I started. I started soft running all four years. Why did you join? Why did you join? Why did you join? Why did you join? Why did you join? I joined high school soccer because for me I come from a very athletic family, so they This guy kept bugging every day in P.E. He playing on outside teams was a way to work up I actually joined softball because of Arlene. We Initially, I joined track because I wanted to kind of pushed me to play a sport and I chose would tell me every day to join basketball to playing at the high school level. My ninth played together in the park. I also wanted to get better at soccer. But after my first season volleyball. because I was tall. I told him I didn’t like it grade year was my first time playing with the join softball because my brother was a baseball of track, I ended up loving running more than because it gets your hands dirty. In the end he girls team and it was a new experience and I player and he was really good. For some soccer and I just kind of stuck with it because I What DID you accomplish? got me to try out and now I love the sport. really liked it. reason, I thought that since he was really good, loved it more. Individually, I was kind of quiet, so I learned to I should be good. So I tried it, and apparently What did you accomplish? What DID you accomplish? be more vocal during the games. As a team, this I ended up being good enough to play for high What did you accomplish? year, we won most of our games and we made school. I worked my way up to team captain. My Individually, my passes and kicks got so much When I started track, I was the slowest runner it to playoffs and a couple of tournaments. offense also got a lot better this year. I became better this season. Last year, I really worked on the team. In my senior year, I was one of the My junior year, we made it to the CIF What DID you accomplish? far more aggressive and I actually played like hard on my weak points because I wanted my top three varsity girls distance runners and the championships. It was the highlight of my high I wanted the ball and I wanted to score. As a last season to be my best. It paid off in the Individually, I became so much better at hitting, team captain. I made the league finals and got school volleyball career. team, every year we get new players. We even games. I’m proud of the way I played. As a I had five or six home runs this season. I’ve fourth in league for the two miles. As a team, have freshman on the team. We have to be able team, we earned more respect because before, improved as a player, and I was moved up in we won almost all of our track meets. We had your most memorable moment? to work together. The beginning was rough, but no one believed that we could even win a game. the line up as a better hitter, I was very proud athletes at the city semi finals and a girl at state. It was a game against Verdugo. Even though because I scored runs for my team. As a team, we practiced and we actually started to look My junior year, we made it to playoffs. We also like a team. Varsity made it to playoffs every had two coaches in four years, so we had to we lost, I was proud because I didn’t let any we have just kept improving year after year. your most memorable moment? balls drop. I also specifically loved the moment Last year, we won the championship and this year. Last year we made the second round. adjust too. when a girl “shanked” the ball and it went off year we were moved up to division one. We are Our track meet against Monroe because they the court. But I ran and put it back into play. I also now seeded number ten, the highest that are our biggest rivals and they only beat us your most memorable moment? your most memorable moment? by five points. We normally lost to them by a ended up diving, doing a sort of 360 turn to put Poly has been seeded. We’re just taking it step My Arleta game this year. I think it was my My most memorable moment was the Verdugo lot so it was a good thing to know that we had it back in. We won the point. by step. Next year it will be better too. best. I was aggressive and went all out. They game when we played them away. We tied 0-0 advanced and that we could actually pose some beat us at our house, which had never happened but it was a big accomplishment for us as a sort of competition for Monroe. What HAVE you learned? What have you learned? before, so it just made me want it more. team because we always lost to them. The tie showed that all our work paid off. I loved that It made me more organized. I had to plan my I learned how to give respect and that there What have you learned? schedule and manage my time once I started is really no “I” in team. You have to work What have you learned? moment because we proved to ourselves that we really can do it. having to balance practice and school work. together to achieve your goals. Track sets you up with the mentality of don’t I’ve learned to work with a team and that things I also learned that hard practice does pay off. quit, even when it’s difficult. There are so aren’t always perfect. For example, if you don’t What have you learned All the work and extra hours that you put in on will you play in college? many times when you finish practices crying get along with somebody on the team, when and all you want to do is hurt your coach and the court pay off once it’s game time. Talent you’re on the court, it’s an entirely different I learned that no matter what the score is I’ve been scouted by Valley College and I’m quit. But the entire time, you learn to think, ìI doesn’t always win it all. Hard work and story. You have to put things aside. or how things are going, you can’t give up going to playing for them. I start practicing have to finish this.î And because you don’t quit, dedication does. because the game doesn’t end until the whistle in July. you prove to yourself that you can do almost blows. I also learned that your mentality anything. will you play in college? determines how you play; you always have to I’ve been in contact with the UC Santa Cruz think positive. Overall, soccer has taught me volleyball coach and I plan on playing for their that if you want something, you have to work team hopefully this fall. hard for it.