VOL. XLIV, ISSUE 4, FEBRUARY

QUICKREADS

SPARTAN SCROLLVolume XLIV, Issue 4Feb. 20, 2014 Schurr High School Montebello, CA

CSF Membership: Applications for CSF membership are due March 4. Membership fee is $10. Applications are available in Room C-202.

Volleyball Tryouts: Tryouts for boys volleyball will be held in the small gym today after school from 5-7 p.m. Students should wear running shoes, shorts and a workout shirt.

Yearbook Sales: Yearbooks are on sale for $75. Prices will increase after spring break. For more information and sales, visit Room C-214.

OPINIONS 12 SPORTS8 ENTERTAINMENTExplore both sides of the debate about vaccines.

Keep up with the grapplers as they prepare for CIF Individuals.

3

ROP Sign-ups: ROP is offering free classes for students ages 16 and up during the spring semester. Students can sign up in Room B-7 on a “first come, first serve” basis.

INSIDE

Catch up with the best picture Academy Award nominees.

Drama hosts ‘Tales of Horror’

BRANDON CHANG

TWISTED TALES: Seniors Francisco Quirate and Rachel Martinez perform at an assembly to prepare for the upcoming production. The fully student-driven play features a cast of 68 and a crew of 70.

BY EDMUND LIUNews Co-Editor

Drama will perform its second showing of the dark comedy “Twisted Tales of Horror” tonight in the auditorium at 7.

The production reimagines the monsters of the 1970s and revolves around them going to the House of Count Dracula, where Igor, played by senior Francisco Quirate, and the Mistress of the Night, played by senior Rachel Martinez, host a party, at which everything goes awry.

“You cannot have too many monsters in the same house,” said Daniel Gonzalez, drama teacher and production director.

The production’s script was written by Brandon Turner and will also feature song and dance.

“I bring joy and glee to an otherwise dark comedy,” said Ruby Ann Esquivel, lead singer and dancer. “I become my

character and get lost on stage.”“Twisted Tales of Horror”

is Gonzalez’s 31st full-length production. The play features a cast of over 68 students and an additional 70 technical students. The play is fully student-driven.

“They run the show, and I sit back and watch,” said Gonzalez.

The costumes, sets and music selections for the production were also designed and chosen by the technical design students.

“Because technology is so prominent, the play is heavily dependent on media, including high-definition projection for backdrops and precise sound and lighting effects,” said Gonzalez.

The production will also feature Brandon Solaris as Dracula, Aria Valdez as Countess Dracula, Ivan Barranco as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Gonzalez as the Creature.

Drama started work on the production during the second

week of school. The class rehearsed five hours a week during the school day and also practiced after school and during winter break.

“I prepare by taking deep breaths, meditating, going over lines, practicing lines on my own and performing jaw and vocal exercises,” said Barranco.

The production also features two different casts, one for the Feb 19 and one for tonight.

“I want to have everyone involved,” said Gonzalez. “100 percent of my advanced drama class acts in the play.”

Tickets will be $7 presale and $8 at the door. Tickets can be purchased from any drama member. The production will run for about two hours and is restricted to ages 5 and up.

“I have always wanted to be an actor all my life,” said Barranca. “Now that I have my chance, I love it.”

Renaissance inspires though ideas, adviceBY ERIC GUZMANNews Co-Editor

Hoping to inspire local schools with ideas and advice, Renaissance will host the first Schurr Renaissance Conference March 15.

The conference is structured around a set of workshops intended to teach other schools’ representatives various ways to enhance their own Renaissance programs. The workshops will focus on three main ideas: recognition, entertainment and decoration.

At least 15 schools will have representatives expected to attend, including those from Bell Gardens High School, Montebello High School and the Applied Technology Center.

The conference will begin at 9 a.m. with an introductory session directed by Renaissance Adviser Kenneth Seto and a Jostens representative. Afterwards, guests will begin participating in one of the three workshops hosted by Renaissance members. Guests will spend half an hour in each workshop and then rotate until they have attended all of them.

Seniors Elmer Guardado, Raelene Alvarez McDermott and Victoria Veljacic will supervise the entertainment, decoration and recognition workshops, respectively. In the entertainment workshop, each school group will devise skits to showcase in their Renaissance rally. School groups will devise creative ideas to recognize their Renaissance adviser during the recognition workshop. During the decoration workshop, participants will paint posters that brandish their mascots.

Each school group will have an opportunity to present their own rendition of a Renaissance rally, using props built in the decoration workshop, skits devised in the entertainment workshop and awards produced in the recognition workshop.

The idea for the conference originated during Schurr’s November Renaissance rally. A Jostens representative was impressed by the performances and believed Schurr’s Renaissance program should serve as a model for other schools to follow.

“Our Renaissance program is unique because its productions are very large in scale and include a wide variety of students and faculty,” said Alvarez McDermott. “Several of our events, such as Mr. Schurr High, have begun to spread to many different schools.”

BRANDON CHANG

FOLLOW THE LEADER: Senior Alondra Gomez teaches students various dance moves for a performance during the conference.

OPINIONS

February 20, 2015schurrscroll.com2

For most of our high school career, we spend so much time trying to be validated by others that we forget how important it is to maintain our individuality, which gives us the chance to develop the confidence to stand out.

For many of us, being validated has been a process where we have sought the approval of others in order to feel self-worth. Some of us count how many “friends” and “likes” we have on social media or measure our worth by how many treats are delivered to us in class. In reality, there is no numerical value to measure self-worth; the only important thing we must constantly monitor is valuing ourselves as people and individuals.

When we lose sight of who we are, peer pressure and “herd mentality” become overwhelmingly easy to succumb to. In an attempt to feel valued, many sacrifice integrity to achieve success, resorting to lying and cheating. The recent lying scandal of News anchor Brian Williams, where he told incorrect information in a story he covered years ago, was an attempt to gain glory for himself

and impress both his audience and his journalistic peers.

Going against “herd” or “mob” mentality, in which we become influenced by peers to adopt certain behaviors or beliefs simply because “everyone” is doing it, can cause us problems. We must start by recognizing the value of our own thoughts and ideas. By having confidence in ourselves, we will become stronger, because we are held accountable for our actions.

With many of us approaching adulthood, we must understand the consequences of losing our individuality and giving in to the pressures of others. Not only do we become reliant on others for recognition and acceptance, but credibility and respect, the two crucial qualities needed for any job, are lost and instead replaced with untrustworthiness and unreliability.

As we near the middle of the third quarter, we should all take some time for personal reflection. Keeping in touch with our inner selves and individuality is what will allow us to develop the confidence needed to succeed.

BY ELMER GUARDADOScroll Executive Editor

“Hey Elmer! Wanna go wabbit huntin’?”

“Hey Elmo!”

“Elmer’s Glue? Ewwwwww.”

In retrospect, the things that frustrate and bring a kindergartener to tears seem ridiculous and harmless, but at the time the statements above felt like unescapable taunts that I’d never be able to live down.

Keep in mind, although most of these kindergartners lacked any real wit or creativity these phrases pushed little 6-year-old Elmer into becoming introverted (hard to believe, right?) and for the lack of better phrase, the playground loner.

Given my father’s middle name, I always felt ashamed and embarrassed of having the most uncommon name in the classroom, and my classmates never let me forget it. At many times during my formative years, legally changing my name seemed like the ultimate goal and the only plausible solution for escaping my own personal shame.

To be fair, the teasing slowly eased as I hit the third grade and my confidence and sense of self steadily improved, but the confusion and disbelief over my name upon my introduction remains to this day. According to my father, my name (and his middle name) is the “Joe” of Central America, the country where he was born, and knowing a couple of Elmers was common, so he never understood the reasoning behind shame. He once went as far as to apologize for insisting on using the name during my naming process (I would’ve been a Daniel if my mom would’ve stood her ground).

Always having an interest in marketing (in my early years this just meant making promotional posters for the epic fights between my G.I. Joes) I knew that my uncommon name would become the crux for fitting in with the crowd.

My name was so different that I feared the worst when I arrived at school on my first day of fifth grade, but to my surprise no one really cared; I remained cautious and insecure for the next couple of years.

The things that make us self-conscious in our younger years usually seem silly upon reflection. When we outgrow old insecurities, we gain new ones, and the process seems never-ending, but it’s important to remember that epiphany moment when we learned that the things we once considered flaws are what makes us who we are.

Sure, every now and then a sub calls me Elmo or someone hears my name over the phone as Alma, but at the end of the day my name is just like any other name, with the difference being that it reminds me of my culture and where I came from.

Elmer’sGlue

Executive Editor..............................................................Elmer GuardadoSpartan Scroll Editor in Chief...................................................Justin LeeSpartan Scroll Managing Editor.............................................Raquel DiazSchurr Scroll Editor in Chief....................................................Mariah LinSchurr Scroll Managing Editor............................................ Nathan PhanSpectrum Editor in Chief......................................................Cindy VuongSpectrum Managing Editor....................................... Stephanie TorosianNews Editors............................................... Eric Guzman & Edmund Liu Opinions Editor............................................................... Robert MirandaFeatures Editor........................................................................ Celine PhuAssistant Features Editor...................................................... Justin KangEntertainment Editors............................... Matthew Bahk & Kayla SisonPeople/Student Life Editor..................................................... Judy LiangClubs/Academics Editor.................................................. Olivia GonzalezSports Editors.................................................... Kerry Mulia & Erica SuhCopy Editors...................................................... Ben Gee & Evelyn WongVisuals Editor................................................................. Sarah HanashiroPhoto Editors........................................... Brandon Chang & Kerry MuliaPhotographers.. Jaimie Hsu, Dana Navarrete, Tiffany Ngo & Cecilia WuBusiness Manager................................................................Victor CuevasAdvisers.................................. Carrie Cunningham & Lorraine LangevinReporters.....Cory Chen, Dennis Dinh, Erick Herrera, Stephanie Munoz, Keith Oshima, Sharon Phu, Saskia Sani, Noheli Sigala, Stephanie Tang,Alexandria Valenzuela, William Wong, Melody Yu

There will be no censorship of the Spartan Scroll. Decisions as to what will be printed will be left to the authority of the adviser, editors and staff members. Editorials without bylines are the opinion of the Editorial Board. Opinions, commentaries and features with bylines are the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily express the opinions of the Journalism staff, the school faculty or other students.

Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters must be signed and verifiable in order to be published, but names will be withheld upon request. Pseudonyms or initials will not be accepted. All letters are subject to condensation. Letters that demand a reply will be answered by Spartan Scroll representatives or by the proper authorities. However, the Spartan Scroll cannot publish any materials which violate laws governing student publications. Letters should be sent to Room A-8 or placed in the adviser’s mailbox no later than one week after the previous issue.

The Spartan Scroll is published monthly, except during holidays, by the Journalism 3-8 students of Schurr High School, 820 N. Wilcox Ave., Montebello, California 90640. The telephone number is (323) 887-3090 ext. 6631. It is printed by the News Publisher’s Press.

JOURNALISM STAFF 820 N. Wilcox Ave., Montebello, California, 90640

STAFF EDITORIAL

BENJAMIN GEE

OPINIONS

October 31, 2014schurrscroll.com2

Many of us can reminisce about Halloween memories, when we would boldly step out into dark streets in costume, running around neighborhoods asking for candy. As we have grown older, this passion and confidence has often diminished, hype over trick-or-treating replaced with passivity, leaving us afraid to show our true selves, and get excited and have fun.

This gradual decay of spirit has become so common that we often question our academic abilities and compare ourselves to peers instead of valuing our own strengths. What many of us need to realize is that the passion we once had is still there, hidden under the apathy that may have developed as years passed. By finding and making use of this passion, we learn more about ourselves and grow as individuals.

As the end of the quarter and college application deadlines come closer, it is easy for seniors to become

vulnerable to self-consciousness and for underclassmen to become fearful of quarter grades. Instead, we should show passion in our pursuit of academics. We must practice intellectual honesty by taking pride in our schoolwork and placing value on hard work and moral integrity, resisting the urge to cheat on assignments and being honest about mistakes we make.

We must remember to take pride in our school as well. By participating in school-related events such as Homecoming and pep rallies, cheering our sports teams on and keeping the school clean by picking up after ourselves, we experience pride in representing our school, and take on our roles as students working together as a team.

Stepping out of our Halloween costumes and into the month of November, we must rediscover passion for our interests and take pride in both our actions and our school.

BY ELMER GUARDADOExecutive Editor

I was only four, but I have vivid memories of what happened on August 19, 2001.

My favorite activities included drawing, coloring, and building puzzles. It was the middle of the day and my dad interrupted the construction of my “Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers” puzzle to suggest that I make my mother a drawing because we were going to pick her up (from a location I was too young to understand) and she was going to be really tired (for a reason I was too young to understand).

I remember arriving and walking down cold, white halls with my new masterpiece in hand. The hallway dragged on, but eventually we walked into a room where I saw my mother and a few relatives. My mother was lying in a bed with a bundle of blankets in her arms and she motioned me to come closer as soon as we made eye contact.

The bundle of blankets was called Alan Gabriel Guardado. At the time I didn’t know it, but I had just met someone who’d become my most genuine source of joy.

The first couple of years with Alan were a blur. I vaguely remember piggy-back rides and cheek pinching here and there, but no substantial memories were made until we both started going to a babysitter when he was 4 and I was 8. She was our neighbor and she was a quiet and kind-hearted older woman whom my parents had known for years. She mostly kept to herself in the dining room while Alan and I looked for new and creative ways to entertain ourselves, because watching TV quickly got boring.

We resorted to building Lego spaceships, doing arts and crafts, and role playing scenes where we would pretend to be some of our favorite fictional characters. This was the apex of our connection. We were both so young and had such blossoming imaginations that it felt impossible to try to keep ourselves busy with tasks that didn’t involve active interaction with each other.

As the years went on (and the schoolwork got more and more rigorous) my brother and I slowly drifted apart, and in retrospect allowing this drift to become so drastic is my biggest regret. We still connect through short conversations about shared interests (TV shows, movies, video games), but lately we’ve both been so caught up in our own worlds that we rarely find time to truly connect like we once did.

The longing for the bond my brother and I used to share has only been amplified as I’ve started to map out my future and send out college applications.

Acknowledging that I haven’t been the best older brother that I could’ve been during some of the most seminal years in Alan’s life has been one of the hardest pills for me to swallow, and I’ve found myself drowning in my in my own brotherly guilt.

These realizations have made me want to pull out the Legos and turn back the clock to enjoy the unique bond my brother and I shared once more.

BrotherlyBond

Executive Editor..............................................................Elmer GuardadoSpartan Scroll Editor in Chief...................................................Justin LeeSpartan Scroll Managing Editor.............................................Raquel DiazSchurr Scroll Editor in Chief....................................................Mariah LinSchurr Scroll Managing Editor.............................................Nathan PhanSpectrum Editor in Chief......................................................Cindy VuongSpectrum Managing Editor........................................Stephanie TorosianNews Editors................................................Eric Guzman & Edmund Liu Editorial Editor................................................................ Robert MirandaFeatures Editor......................................................Gabriel Brossy de DiosAssistant Features Editor.........................................................Celine PhuEntertainment Editors............................... Matthew Bahk & Kayla SisonPeople/Student Life Editor......................................................Judy LiangClubs/Academics Editor.................................................. Olivia GonzalezSports Editors.................................................... Kerry Mulia & Erica SuhCopy Editors................................. Ben Gee, Justin Kang & Evelyn WongVisuals Editor................................................................. Sarah HanashiroPhoto Editors........................................... Brandon Chang & Kerry MuliaPhotographers...Jaimie Hsu, Dana Navarrete, Tiffany Ngo & Cecilia WuBusiness Manager................................................................Victor CuevasAdvisors................................Carrie Cunningham and Lorraine LangevinReporters.....Cory Chen, Dennis Dinh, Erick Herrera, Stephanie Munoz, Keith Oshima, Sharon Phu, Saskia Sani, Noheli Sigala, Stephanie Tang, Charles Vuong, Alexandria Valenzuela, William Wong, Melody Yu





STAFF EDITORIAL

NATHAN PHAN

OPINIONS

October 3, 2014schurrscroll.com2

As we approach the midpoint of the first grading period, we need to become more focused in everything we do.

Whether it has been easy or difficult to adjust to the routine of school, we cannot stop working hard. Without continued perseverance, there will be no progress; in both school and life, what we put in is what we get out.

In order to make progress towards our goals, it is essential that we prioritize our obligations by effectively managing our time. By setting a weekly schedule for our academic and extracurricular obligations, we can allocate time for all of them. We must remember that it is not about the number of extracurricular and academic activities that we join, but the commitment and time we put into each.

While remaining dedicated to our various activities, we also need time for ourselves. Although interacting with our peers may help us learn more about ourselves and about others, it is equally important to be introspective once in a while. By “hanging

out” with ourselves, we are utilizing an important resource for personal growth that allows for self-reflection, which will aid us in overcoming adversities. Because it will help us identify our strengths and weaknesses, self-reflection is useful in helping us attain our goals by the end of the first quarter.

In the midst of the unrest and turmoil in the Middle East and other parts of the world, we should take the time to reflect upon and appreciate the value of our education, because it is a privilege to be able to receive one. Empowering us to achieve our aspirations, we must be more proactive by participating in class discussions and showing school spirit around campus.

It is crucial to have an optimistic outlook on our endeavors.

Even through struggles, we must not be hindered by negativity, which limits our perspectives of life; we must strive to see the good in all things to gain the confidence that we need to make the most favorable changes in ourselves.

BY ELMER GUARDADOExecutive Editor

Ever since I stopped being an antisocial toddler, my parents have stressed the importance of surrounding myself with good people.

Both of my parents, my mother in particular, never hesitated to assess the company I kept. She went from being curious about knowing who I was playing hide-and-seek with to wanting to know who I was getting lunch with before Friday night football games.

My mother, a very vocal woman, was always very blunt

when telling me I had brought home someone of whom she didn’t approve. Of course, I was always quick to defend these “bad influences,” as she often called them, by saying things like “just because they’re like that doesn’t mean I am too” or “you just don’t understand him/her.”

In the moment of defending them, it always felt like I was fighting for their lives, I mean, who cared that [name withheld] wore saggy pants and swore like a sailor when he had all the video games a sixth grader could ask for? In retrospect, I see the obvious flaws in my early friend recruitment policy.

These disputes about who was an appropriate friend and who wasn’t going to make the cut often led to heated arguments between my mother and me. The ironic part is that all these “best friends” that I defended and fought for aren’t even around now, a mere four or five years later.

With some, there was a natural drifting apart, while with others there was a definite falling out, but overall as the years (and friends) came and went, I knew I needed to redefine the qualifications for who would qualify as a friend.

When the search for new friends began in my first years

of high school, there were some bumps in the road, until I eventually landed where I am today. Whether it was sitting in comfortable silence while doing homework or talking each other off metaphorical ledges, the new friends with whom I found myself surrounded not only made me feel better about myself, but they also gave my mother newfound peace of mind.

For the first time in my life, I feel at home with my circle of friends, and I’ve recently realized that I owe these friends a whole lot more than the occasional food I contribute to the group. I am who I am because of these people. The countless number of pep talks they’ve given me and memories we’ve made are all priceless contributions that they have made to my character and well-being.

Being around a positive group of people who can support and advise a person to the make the right choices can make all the difference. For me a cynical, pancake-adoring blond girl, a floral-print-loving rapper, a baseball-playing Casanova, a Batman-loving ex-wrestler, and a soup enthusiast who finds sad music a little too comforting have all walked into my life and helped me redefine the word “friendship.” While that may sounds like the set up for a really trite joke, instead it became the set-up for the best group of friends I’ve ever had. Maybe mother really does know best...

Executive Editor...............................................................Elmer GuardadoSpartan Scroll Editor in Chief....................................................Justin LeeSpartan Scroll Managing Editot..............................................Raquel DiazSchurr Scroll Editor in Chief.....................................................Mariah LinSchurr Scroll Managing Editor..............................................Nathan PhanSpectrum Editor in Chief.......................................................Cindy VuongSpectrum Managing Editor.........................................Stephanie TorosianNews Editors.................................................Eric Guzman & Edmund Liu Editorial Editor................................................................ Robert MirandaFeatures Editor.......................................................Gabriel Brossy de DiosAssistant Features Editor..........................................................Celine PhuEntertainment Editors................................ Matthew Bahk & Kayla SisonPeople/Student Life Editor.......................................................Judy LiangClubs/Academics Editor................................................... Olivia GonzalezSports Editors..................................................... Kerry Mulia & Erica SuhCopy Editors.................................. Ben Gee, Justin Kang & Evelyn WongVisuals Editor.................................................................. Sarah HanashiroPhoto Editors............................................ Brandon Chang & Kerry MuliaPhotographers....Jaimie Hsu, Dana Navarrete, Tiffany Ngo & Cecilia WuBusiness Manager.................................................................Victor CuevasAdvisers.................................Carrie Cunningham and Lorraine Langevin

Reporters......Cory Chen, Dennis Dinh, Erick Herrera, Stephanie Munoz, Sharon Phu, Saskia Sani, Noheli Sigala, Stephanie Tang, Charles Vuong, Alexandria Valenzuela, William Wong, Melody Yu





STAFF EDITORIAL Appreciating Friendships

+ FOLLOW ALL THINGS SCHURR ATSchurrScroll.com

@SchurrNews

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BENJAMIN GEE

OPINIONS

February 20, 2015 3

TAKING A LONG SHOT :HOW VACCINES ARE SAVING LIVES, NOT ENDANGERING THEM

BY MARIAH LIN & ROBERT MIRANDASchurr Scroll Editor-in-Chief & Opinions Editor

With the recent measles outbreak spreading across the nation, the unprecedented lack of vaccinated individuals has fuelled the issue of the importance of vaccines.

The controversy over whether or not vaccines are safe is sparking much discussion from both sides. The current measles outbreak that began in December originated from Anaheim’s Disneyland Resort with over 100 cases so far being linked to that origin. Some of the individuals who contracted measles were unvaccinated and therefore unknowing carriers for the disease.

The MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine was introduced in 1963 after five years of testing. The MMR vaccine has an effectiveness rate, or rate of success in preventing disease, of 94 percent, according to cdc.gov. However, everyone must receive 2 doses of the MMR vaccine to ensure that the immune system can successfully fight off disease. Due to the prolific use of the vaccine and a movement by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to eliminate measles in the 1970s, measles cases fell from around 450,000 in 1962 to fewer than 100 by the late 1990s. As a result, measles was declared eradicated in the United States in 2000. An “eradicated” disease is defined by the CDC as one that is no longer continually present in the U.S. However, there were 644 new cases in 2014.

The current vaccination rate in California is 90.7 percent, according to bloombergnews.com, but that rate is significantly lower in certain regions, such as the Bay Area and Orange County, where the outbreak started, This is not only California’s problem - 26 states have reported vaccination rates for the MMR vaccine to be below the target threshold of 95 percent in 2013, according to cnn.com.

All these factors are sadly contributing to the problem. There are many parents who believe that the chemicals inside vaccines are responsible

for a host of medical problems; including autism. Parents’ concerns are understandable, as they simply want the best choices for their children. However, there is no medical evidence that vaccines cause autism. A 2014 study by the National Institute of Health (NIH) involving over 1,500,000 children found no correlation between vaccines and autism.

One of the major health concerns surrounding vaccines is due to the mercury-containing compound thiomersal in vaccines. However, thiomersal is only used in the influenza vaccine, and only in extremely small, harmless quantities needed to preserve the vaccine.

While the current outbreak is not yet a major epidemic, it is affecting the most vulnerable groups. Among those who cannot be vaccinated are children under the age of 1 and those with weakened immune systems. Many parents also choose to not vaccinate their children due to their personal beliefs. There are 47 states which allow religious exemptions, while 19, including California, also have philosophical exemptions.

Those who are not immunized lower the benefits of “herd immunity”, or protection from a disease through acquired immunity from those in the same population over time. For example, an unimmunized child who is unable to receive vaccinations can safely rely on the immunity of other members of society who have been vaccinated.

In many ways, it is a luxury to be having this discussion at all. Many in the developing world depend on vaccines to combat preventable diseases. Due to vaccines, humanity has been able to overcome diseases that were once feared and widespread. When some parents choose to willingly create greater medical risks for their children by not choosing to immunize them, their personal choices also affect everyone around them. Many of us have thankfully never had to face the threat of measles, which has created a sense of complacency in many parents who are not choosing to vaccinate their children.

“I don’t think vaccines are dangerous. They usually protect everyone from diseases and make sure others don’t catch them. Everyone should get certain vaccines, at least, so they don’t have to get certain diseases when they’re older.

}What do you think about vaccinations? Do you believe they should be mandatory for all children?

RAYMOND SALCEDOSENIOR

SPARTAN SPEAK

“No, they were designed to help us from contracting certain diseases. I don’t think everyone should be vaccinated; I know certain families have their own beliefs against them, and we should respect that. }

NICOLAS LOPEZJUNIOR

“No, I don’t think they are bad, but I’ve heard that some of them have mercury. Everyone should be vaccinated, but it depends on the disease; I think that some are unnecessary. } MELISSA CARRILLO

SOPHOMORE

“ I don’t think vaccines are that dangerous because they help prevent diseases. Everyone should get vaccines so they can lead healthy lives without worrying about certain viruses. }

ALEJANDRA LOPEZFRESHMAN

90.5 the percentage of people in California vaccinated against measles

92 the percentage of people that need to be vaccinated against measles for “herd immunity” to work

644 cases of measles were reported in 2014, compared to only 37 in 2004

1 number of vaccines that contain mercury (influenza)

SOURCES: bloomberg.com, cdc.gov, nih.gov, cnn.com.Facts compiled by ROBERT MIRANDA

VACCINES BY THE NUMBERS

ALL PHOTOS BY KERRY MULIA

SARAH HANASHIRO

NEWS


BY SASKIA SANIReporter

Reaching the most important tournaments of their season, the Speech and Debate team will compete at the Southern California Debate League state qualifier tournament at California State University, Long Beach, Feb. 28.

Novice team members will also compete at the Spring Novice tournament at Long Beach Polytechnic High School tomorrow.

At the Cal Invitational held at University of California, Berkeley, the team competed against almost 500 students from around the state and country. In a pool of around 200 students in each event, there were four rounds to break into.

Seniors Amanda Armendariz and Saskia Sani advanced to the octofinal round in both Dramatic Interpretation and Original Oratory. Armendariz later moved forward to the quarterfinal round in Original Oratory, while Sani advanced in Dramatic Interpretation.

Sophomore William Kunkle advanced to the octofinal round of Extemporaneous Speaking, while senior Javion Sun advanced to the quarterfinals in Impromptu Speaking. Senior Kane Tenorio placed 18th in Congressional Debate, while senior Cassandra Dinh placed fourth in Extemporaneous Speaking. Seniors Christopher Hernandez and Brian Salvanera placed seventh in Original Oratory and sixth in Expository Speaking, respectively.

“Looking at what the team accomplished at the Cal Invitational, I can only be optimistic and hopeful for the rest of the speech season,” said Director of Forensics Tony Ugalde.

Because they advanced past quarterfinals, Armendariz, Dinh and Hernandez also received their bids to the National Tournament of Champions for Individual Events and Extemporaneous Speaking.

“It was amazing to see my teammates go head-to-head with state and national finalists yet still come out on top,” said Dinh.

Speech, Debate succeed at UC Berkeley, continue to state qualifying tournament

SUCCESSFUL SPEAKERS: Members of Speech and Debate display their awards after competing in the Cal Invitational held at UC Berkeley.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM

BY MARIAH LINSchurr Scroll Editor-in-Chief

Musicians United will host its annual “February Showcase” Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.

Students interested in attending the showcase can purchase tickets from any Musicians United member for $2. They can also be purchased for the same price at the door on the day of the event.

The group of seven musicians, primarily singers, will perform various group songs including: “Four five seconds” by Rihanna, “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Suede, “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor and “Como la flor” by Selena.

Every group member will be doing a solo, including Alexandria Valenzuela singing “Crazy in Love” by Beyonce, Alondra Ruiz singing “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheran, Isabella Benevidas singing “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” by Tame Impala and Jordan Kunishima singing “Riptide” by Vance Joy.

“Musicians United is designed to bring together musicians who otherwise wouldn’t have an outlet to perform or collaborate with equally motivated people, and give them the opportunity to do so,” said senior Elmer Guardado.

This will be the second year that Musicians United is hosting a showcase.

The club was started in November 2013 by Guardado.

Last year the club had a showcase in May; its structure inspired the upcoming concert. Similar to last year, senior Ashton Heacock will accompany many musical numbers with acoustic guitar.

“This is my first year in the club, and I am excited in joining my new friends in this concert,” said Adrian Lozano, a senior.

According the Guardado, he initially started the club because he has always had a passion for music. He dreamed of being able to bring together individuals who shared his passion for making unique music arrangements and performing.

“The coolest part about this is that we get to make it up as we go,” said senior Alondra Ruiz. “We get to cater the show to what works for the group’s strengths.”

The club intends to perform at upcoming school events, and also hopes to share its music with the community.

“What makes Musicians United unique is that it provides an opportunity [for the musicians] to explore their love for music,” said club adviser Jolene Sekijima. “Their February showcase is the product of many hours of hard work and time.”

BRANDON CHANG

SHOWCASING STUDENTS: Senior Adrian Lozano practices with his fellow musicians during a club meeting. The upcoming concert will feature performances by members.

Musicians United showcases talent through solo, group performances

BY ERIC GUZMANNews Co-Editor

Seniors Sharon Phu and Brian Salvanera and juniors Armando Hernandez, Brilliana Lynch and Bertha Medina have been nominated by their teachers to participate in the Regional Occupational Program’s Outstanding Student Recognition program.

Administered by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), the program is open to all students enrolled in a Career Technical Education (CTE) class. Students are nominated by their teachers based on character, attitude, attendance, initiative and involvement in their communities.

Once nominated, students are interviewed by a district official. Students must also submit a personal statement of 75 words or less, a job application and resume. During the interview, nominees demonstrate a four- to five- minute presentation work product. The presentation

should show how the CTE class has helped the student develop skills to advance career goals.

“It was interesting because it’s something I’ve never had to do before,” said Salvanera.

A maximum of 60 points can be earned in the nomination process, with the interview and presentation worth 54 points and the resume submission worth six.

Five students are chosen from the district to proceed to the county level of the competition, in which students from all 23 districts of Los Angeles County participate. Seven gold medals and 28 silver medals will be awarded, with each recipient receiving a certificate, monetary award and recognition at a LACOE meeting.

The deadline for the announcement of the district’s nominees for the county level of the competition is Feb. 6, 2015.

“It gives students valuable experience in interviews and presentations that can be used to advance their career goals,” said Grace Ulloa, ROP staff member.

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December 19, 2014schurrscroll.com4

ROP nominees to compete

PROPER PREPARATION: Nominee Armando Hernandez, junior, receives help preparing for his upcoming interview from ROP staff member Grace Ulloa.

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Students join in annual event viewed by millions worldwide

BY MELODY YUReporter

Members of Key Club and Spartan Legion will be participating in the annual New Year’s Tournament of the Roses Parade in Pasadena.

After having previously auditioned at Pasadena Community College in October, band members Yesenia Castellanos and

Ryan Melendez were chosen to march in the parade.

“At first I was really nervous, but luckily, I had my friend there to support me,” said Castellanos. “I put in a lot of practice to know my piece.”

The two have joined the Tournament of Roses Honor Band, having been selected from over 600 other high school students who participated in the competition.

Members rehearse every Sunday for two months and during winter break in order to prepare for the six-mile-long parade.

“I’m excited, but I’m also nervous because it’s such a long parade,” said

Castellanos. “The nervousness is always going to be there, but I am just going to deal with it.”

Members of Key Club will also be a part of the Rose Parade by helping decorate the Kiwanis’ 2015 float, which celebrates the organization’s 100-year anniversary.

High school members will be working primarily on preparing the thousands of flowers needed for the float, which is themed, “100 Years Inspiring Children.”

“This year is Kiwanis’ 100th birthday, so we are helping out to build the float,” said Key Club President Lianne Chau. “It [float] celebrates all the years of service, lives

saved and changed.”Kiwanian volunteers and members

of Key Club and Circle K from all over California will be working on the float. Participation is not limited to Californians; it is extended worldwide to everyone in the Kiwani family.

Sign-ups will be available shortly online; however, transportation will not be provided. Students will have to find their own way to the Pasadena event.

“Volunteering at the Rose Parade will be fun,” said Chau. “They [members] get to be a part of something many kids do not have a chance to participate in.

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FEATURES

February 20, 2015 8

BY RAQUEL DIAZSchurr Scroll Managing Editor

The Chinese teacher began class by asking us why we decided to take this course.

My reasons for wanting to learn Chinese were as good as those of any other third-grader; the written words looked like pictures, the language sounded like guttural sounds that would be endless fun to pronounce, and adults unanimously agreed it was a very important language.

Most importantly, Chinese was the only language that was introduced in a series of afterschool courses being offered, which to me meant more learning, and consequentially, more fun. I already had access to the wonders of English and Spanish, so learning another

language was appealing.However, these reasons dissipated from my

consciousness as soon as I heard the uninspiring responses from my classmates. Almost everybody’s reason was that their parents had enrolled them in the class; they weren’t taking the class of their own accord.

My peers’ apathy to the class felt alienating, so when it was my turn to answer, I too conjured the generic, “My parents made me take this class,” despite the fact that I had asked my parents to take the weekly course.

I’m not claiming intellectual superiority or integrity by emphasizing I was the only person willingly taking the course, but when I contemplate this moment, I realized that there is a widely accepted apathy to learning, which is a result of taking too many classes that don’t evoke intellectual curiosity. The classes that fulfill this curiosity vary with each person.

I firmly believe that everybody loves learning, or at least is predisposed to learning. It’s part of natural selection; individuals who observe and learn from their environment avoid committing the errors of others and live longer. Anyone reading this has descended from a line of ancestors who learned at every opportunity to persist in living long enough to procreate.

This pursuit of knowledge seems to be constricted by

the peer pressure and individual pressure one may feel to take classes that look best on a transcript. Taking classes out of curiosity is seen as foolish and fickle, and the stakes are often too high, when transferring is a tedious and discouraged process.

There are those necessary classes that cannot be evaded, but those lamentations, while justifiable, are part of a larger issue in the education system that need to be addressed by seasoned education experts and experienced teachers.

However, there are inward attitude changes one can make to embrace learning. Indulging in further exploration of subjects I find fascinating, such as English or history, has kept me motivated to seek knowledge and remain true to myself. I am referring to unapologetically enjoying certain school subjects.

Although trying new classes and areas of learning is a cultivating experience, some classes never incite more than contempt from students. This is also part of the learning process; that’s a subject best left alone.

While my interest in Chinese was short-lived, I still value the experience of experimenting with a novel subject. I strive to enroll in as many intriguing, intellectually-stimulating classes as I can in college. My parents and I will be paying for them; I can’t afford for them to be classes I won’t be fully invested in.

Pursuing knowledge

with a purpose

BY CELINE PHUFeatures Editor

Turning his passion into reality, Schurr High School alumnus Marco Vasquez (1991) shares his views and perspectives on society through his first novel, Steven Isn’t Normal.

Written from the point of view of a person with special needs, the protagonist Steven, the novel presents to a broad spectrum of readers a character to whom anyone can relate.

“Steven is everybody,” said Vasquez. “He’s imperfect—physically, emotionally, psychologically. His faults and idiosyncrasies may be more apparent than most others, but there is no denying that everybody has some. People tend to pounce on the person whose peculiarities are most present, if anything to take the attention away from their own peculiarities.”

Supporting characters associated with Steven were developed from a melting pot of Vasquez’s observations of those around him.

“The qualities of every character are based on qualities that I have found in people that I have encountered in my life. While some of the characters may seem bizarre, I think most people that read my novel will say, ‘I know somebody just like that.’”

In addition to his diverse community, Vasquez’s hometown also contributed to the making of Steven Isn’t Normal, which is set in East Los Angeles. Vasquez

adds his own personal touch to the story.“That’s where I grew up. It’s what I know. It is very

colorful place in every sense of the word, very morally balanced. There’s a lot of good here, if that’s what you’re looking for, and there’s a lot of bad, if that’s what you’re looking for. Thematically, the novel could have been set just about anywhere. Could this story have been written and set in the suburbs of Baltimore or a village in Paraguay? Possibly, but it wouldn’t have been written by me,” he said.

Vasquez’s novel incorporates many events from his adolescence, including his love of poetry. First published as a poet in the California State University of Long Beach Literary Journal (1994), his use of fine diction and artistic language out of the ordinary in Steven Isn’t Normal.

“In college, I wrote a poem that I sent out for publication. That poem turned out to be my first publication. After that, I was hooked. The motto among my college friends and I was ‘Publish or Die.’ So, by the time I was finished with college, I had dozens of poems published in a bunch of magazines and journals, and four books of poetry published, one of which was published and edited by Gary Soto as part of his Chicano Chapbook Series.”

Now on the faculty at Suva Intermediate, Vasquez currently teaches Language Arts in intervention classes, assisting students struggling with the standard curriculum of their grade level. He works at changing

Alumnus hopes to inspire through first novel

American Heart Month callsattention to cardiac wellnessBY JUSTIN KANGAssistant Features Editor

Faced with Valentine’s Day festivities, it is important to keep in mind a healthy lifestyle, especially during the month of February, also known as American Heart Month.

To many, the month of February means chocolate and flowers. However, many students do not know that February is also the month for promoting a healthier heart, and ultimately, a healthier life.

“Maintaining a healthy heart and body is a great thing to do,” said sophomore Michell Wong. “It makes you a happier, more confident individual.”

According to heart.org, unhealthy living, characterized by a lack of sleep, poor diet, lack of exercise and other factors, can raise an individual’s risk for heart attack and stroke. Heart disease is the number one leading cause of death in America, according to cdc.gov.

“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important,” said senior Nathan Jimenez. “In return you get more energy, resulting in a longer life to enjoy.”

Luckily, there are many ways to prevent these heart diseases, such as through managing stress and doing daily physical activity, like walking. Quitting unhealthy habits, such as smoking, also reduces the risk of heart disease and even cancer, according heart.org. Maintaining a healthy diet is considered the best means of fighting and reducing the risk of heart diseases.

“I guess I consider myself healthy in the sense that I don’t smoke, drink or do substances that can damage my body,” said senior Elizabeth Garcia. “Overall, I try to be healthy.”

American Heart Month encourages not only individuals to change their lives, but also whole communities to adjust to a healthier lifestyle.

“If it were me, I would definitely spread the benefits of a healthy lifestyle to my friends and family,” said Wong. “It’s a good thing to do, and I only see it as beneficial.”

February is not only a month for devouring chocolate, giving flowers and writing love letters but also a time to make a differnece and change one’s life for the better.

READY TO ASSIST: Participants in the Heart Walk sport spirit red attire (top). ‘Go Red’ accessories promote heart disease awareness for women (bottom left). American Heart Association banner advertises what the website calls “family friendly Heart Walk.”

WITTY WRITING: Schurr alumnus Marco Vasquez’s first novel Steven Isn’t Normal, presents readers with a unique protagonist whose storyline provokes reaction and empathy.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARCOVASQUEZ.COM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HEART.ORG

BY RAQUEL DIAZ & JUSTIN LEESpartan Scroll Managing Editor & Spartan Scroll Editor in Chief

Events spanning both local and international spheres have consequences that can ripple into one’s life; therefore, it is imperative to be aware of these events.

Individuals are primarily exposed to media passively, by merely reading headlines and not engaging with the information through discussing or questioning it. Taking in news passively is just the surface of understanding news; it does not go beyond knowing the material and does not encourage new ideas. Information is simply being recycled.

People are often made aware of news and develop opinions on such topics based on family and media perspectives. Parents instill values and beliefs in their children by sharing with them and presenting their ideas as fact. This phenomenon is called political socialization, according to academia.edu.

Another factor of political socialization is the media. Media is developing such a relevance to societal perceptions of worldly issues that, according to civiced.org, it is superseding the role of family in shaping children’s ideologies.

Reading any form of media passively, however, does not effectively eradicate ignorance. One should try to recognize the bias in media by reading news stories from different sources that present opposite sides of the political spectrum, in order to recognize discrepancies and reveal potential inaccuracies.

A publication’s political affiliation affects how it presents information, influencing how the occurrence is perceived. For example, a conservative news source may portray proposed legislation on immigration in a negative light, omitting liberal views on the subject.

One must also be active in receiving media; most social networks share entertainment and

sports news, which can detract attention from more important events that can be changing the course of history. While both types of news are relevant, a focus should be placed on issues affecting people’s lives; what happens in the entertainment industry is more commonly the focus of teenagers but rarely affects the general public, as it only affects those in the industry.

Because entertainment or gossip is more popular with the average consumer, it generates more views on websites, propelling it into a trending, constantly shared topic. Despite the fact that social issues such as Islamophobic injustice may be trending, entertainment news, such as anything involving the Kardashians, trends more often and for a longer period of time, according to medialit.org.

Because advances in technology make accurate and diverse news sources easily accessible through the internet, teen readers are not limited to what popular publications and social media users choose to cover. They can circumvent the superfluous trending topics and seek more

important topics to gain insight. If students are more aware of these issues, they can take action based upon their informed realizations and opinions.

According to naa.org, online publications, such as nytimes.com, are receiving a dramatic increase in website traffic, as consumers are choosing online news outlets. This is also due to media becoming increasingly accessible through phones, tablets and personal computers.

Because the younger generation tends to be more impressionable, teens who read frequently from a wide variety of sources will be able to form their own opinions.

Knowledge and awareness are tools of empowerment that allow teenagers to use their voices to defend their opinions, backed up and developed through reading essential news.

Unawareness of current events hinders cultural developments

“ No, I don’t watch the news because it doesn’t affect me. I read the newspaper for English class, so we can learn about world events. }

MADDIE KLEPZIGSOPHOMORE

“I watch the news once in a while, because it’s important to see what’s going on. I like to see it for the police chases to see if they eventually catch up with the robber. }

JOSHUA BOLUSFRESHMAN

“Reading news is important because without it [news], you don’t know what’s happening. I watch the news to see what’s going on locally.}

DAVID TORRESJUNIOR

“ I think reading the news is important because we need to know what’s going around in our world or city. Sometimes I read the Los Angeles Times, so I could get up-to-date. }

SHANDELL ESPINOZASENIOR

SPARTAN SPEAK Why do you think being aware of news is important?PHOTOS BY TIFFANY NGO

FOCUS


READ ALL ABOUT IT!

“If students are more aware of these issues, they can take action based upon their informed realizations and opinions.”

Q. Why do you feel that it is important for Montebello to have its own newspaper?A. There are many newspaper options in Los Angeles, but none cover events happening in Montebello on an ongoing basis. A local paper allows the community to stay engaged with the city and [allows] opportunities to be more involved. Q. To what extent does the media influence people?A. The media plays a large role in influencing the public. The way a story is portrayed or spun affects a significant portion of the readers. The media helps shape views on local trends, popular music, politics, and local and national affairs.

Q. How has technology shaped the way people access their news?A. The way the public gets news continues to change with the fast evolving digital age, especially with mobile devices being so advanced. Some of these shifts raise questions about the quality of news being consumed, but, overall, technology has helped the media become more immediate. Q. Is it important that the general public is aware of current issues? If so, why?A. With so much going on in our daily lives and the growth of digital media, it is getting harder to stay up-to-date with current events, but I feel that it is immensely important for audiences (even younger ones) to follow current events. With social media, it is easy to get entertainment news and celebrity scandals, but going that extra mile to find political, international and even local news is more necessary than ever, because of how interconnected all of our lives are.

Q & A with Sarkis SandukhtyanCo-Publisher & Editor in Chief of the Montebello Reporter

CECILIA WU

FOCUS

February 20, 2014 7

What disease outbreak beganwith exposure at Disneyland?

What is the president’s proposalregarding community colleges?

TODAY’S TRENDING TOPICS

Who won the award for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards?

By how much will the tuition forUC’s be raised each year for the next5 years if the proposal passes?

What animal danced besideKaty Perry at her Superbowlperformance?

Who is retiring as a host from “The Daily Show?”

74%- Measles

36%- I don’t know

28%- 5 Percent

53%- Beck

59%- I don’t know

60%- Shark

26%- I don’t know

65%- Two free years of tuition

72%- I don’t know

46%- I don’t know

40%- I don’t know

41%- Jon Stewart

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

SOURCE: 437 students in grades 9-12 were polled Feb. MATTHEW BAHK & SARAH HANASHIRO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Feburary 20, 2015 9

BY MARIAH LINSchurr Scroll Editor in Chief

Even though I had my yellow, jumbo Ticonderoga kindergarten starter pencil clutched awkwardly in my right hand, the blank sheet of wide double-lined paper still seemed terrifying.

The teacher had just instructed us to begin practicing writing our names on the paper. All the students around me seemed to know what they were doing, writing fervently and with such confidence. I remained motionless, contemplating my next move. The problem was not that I did not know my name—rather it was that I was having an

internal war with myself about which name to write down. I left the United States for a foreign country way before I

could walk or talk, and so my earliest childhood memories involve frolicking among rows and rows of coconut trees in rural China.

For the first five years of my life, people had called me by my Chinese name, Lin Lin. When I attended preschool in China, they taught me how to write my name in characters.

However, things soon changed when the time came for me to start school back here in America. That was when I realized that my real name was actually Mariah.

As we began to learn how to use letters to form words and write our names in my kindergarten class, everything felt foreign to me.

There was always a moment of hesitancy right after my friends would call me by my name, as I had to mentally remind myself that they were referring to me. My name did not feel like it belonged to me.

Even in the second grade, after I had learned how to speak English and realized my love for words and reading, I still felt disconnected. At home, my family continued to call me Lin Lin, but at school, I was Mariah. It was like having distinct identities and living separate lives in

separate worlds. Twelve years have passed since I returned to America,

and it has taken me this long to realize that rather than having two separate identities, I am an amalgamation of both. Though I am still trying to figure out who I am and what my identity is as a Chinese-American woman, I have come to realize that, thankfully, it does not have to be about being one or the other—I can embrace both.

As I am sure many people can relate, it can sometimes be very difficult to find our identity, to figure out who we are and what we love to do. Especially in high school, the pressure to conform can be great, overpowering even at times. “Following the crowd” is comforting because it is easy and there are no risks involved, but I think the ability to take risks and step out of our comfort zones is what keeps life interesting. After all, if I had never taken a risk, I would never have been able to experience life in Ethiopia last summer.

Although I have become quite fond of using pens over pencils lately, I occasionally think back to that day in kindergarten. I realize that it matters less about the type of writing utensil used and more about the way in which we write our names, or in other words, live our lives.

Living life as Lin Lin

- 87th ACADEMY AWARDS RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCEMost people associate February with hearts, chocolates

and flowers, but for film buffs and most of Hollywood it is known as the time to visit (or re-visit) some of the most outstanding pieces of work produced by the film industry.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences first founded in 1927 and first televised in 1953, is comprised of actors, directors, writers, producers and other colleagues of the medium who annually meet and nominate outstanding artists in categories such as best picture, best screenplay, and best actor/actress for an Oscar, an award considered the highest achievement in film.

With an average of 500 films being released in the U.S. every year, the Oscars serve as a metaphorical highlighter, showcasing and emphasizing the best of what the medium has to offer. This year’s nominees for 2014’s best motion picture are varied, including both blockbusters such as “American Sniper” and independent hits such as “The Theory of Everything.”

The eight films on the list of nominees provided audiences with something revolutionary or moving in the aspects of storytelling, cinematography and/or production.

Not only is the award show telecast a celebration of the

medium, but it also serves as a check off list for the must-see films of 2014.

Below are two commentaries written by Editors (and movie buffs) of the Spartan Scroll staff of films that resonate best with high school audiences. Both are considered “must-sees” and should serve as samples of the higher quality of film available on all Oscar nomination lists.

The Oscars will be televised next Sunday at 4 p.m. on ABC. They will announce award winners as well as have musical performances from various artists. Neil Patrick Harris will be hosting.

COMMENTARY BY MATTHEW BAHKEntertainment Editor

“Boyhood,” the film best known for taking 12 years to make, showcases the transformative process of growing up, capturing the stages of childhood and puberty, while also telling a compelling and contained story of one family.

Mostly recognized for using the same cast over 12 years, “Boyhood” is a drama that presents Mason Evans, Jr. (Ellar Coltrane) and his growth through abusive stepfathers and bad habits, moving from childhood to his high school graduation. The film appeals to all ages, as Mason and his divorced parents struggle through relationships and passions during the years.

Directed by Richard Linklater ,“Boyhood” is nominated for six awards including best picture, best directing, best writing and best film editing. It condenses 12 years of film (although not shot continuously) into a well-paced, enjoyable movie. In addition to the Oscars, the film has won 140 awards and has had 128 nominations in worldwide movie competitions, including best motion picture – drama, best director and best supporting

actress at the Golden Globes. Although its running time of 165 minutes may seem overwhelming, the film showcases only selective scenes in Mason’s life. At the end of an act, Mason may grow over one or two years, making the audience feel surprised at how fast he ages – just like an actual child.

Throughout the film are clear references to the scene’s time period that will easily connect to students as they have grown up exposed to the same material. The movie may not have the most amusing or attractive storylines, but it does have a humane, realistic vibe that is held throughout the movie. “Boyhood” resonates with audiences through the feeling of growing up again. Moving away, finding motivation through hobbies and making terrible choices are character-defining moments that almost everyone has gone through.

“Boyhood’s” exceptional performances by Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as the parents have earned them the nominations for best actor and actress in supporting roles. They seem to bond with viewers as their own mom and dad. Audiences will connect to the story about growing up and finding identity before moving into the world.

COMMENTARY BY ELMER GUARDADOExecutive Editor

With the superhero film genre being over-saturated and production companies such as Marvel Studios and Warner Bros. announcing films set to release in 2020, “Birdman” offers witty and satirical commentaries on the film industry and its ability (or lack thereof) challenge both creators and audiences.

The wittiest and most ironic part of the film comes in Michael Keaton’s performance as actor Riggan Thompson, who in his prime was best known for his role as Birdman (imagine the Christian Bale Batman, but with feathers), struggling to stay relevant in the new fast-paced world of social media and an audience wanting instant gratification. Keaton, best known for his role as the 1989 Batman, drives the self-aware plot that proudly displays parallels to Keaton’s own career.

The film, nominated for nine Oscars including best motion picture, best actor, best supporting actor, and best cinematography, also provides the impressive and revolutionary effect of seeming to be filmed

entirely in one take. This (and the film’s experimental, yet effective jazz soundtrack) offers a unique sense of urgency throughout the film’s two-hour running time.

With a dynamic cast including Edward Norton, Zach Galifianakis and Emma Stone, all of the film’s characters feel fleshed and add an extra layer of realism to the plot. As Thompson’s career takes an unexpected dip, he finds himself struggling; as the film progresses in what feels like real time, Thompson’s urgency as a present-day stage actor and director feels more and more real as the opening night for his stage play, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love,” looms over him.

Most adequately described as a dark comedy, “Birdman” raises many questions, such as: What is art? What does it take to remain relevant? Why should the audience or creator care about the answers to these questions?

“Birdman” serves as perhaps the most intellectual and thought-provoking film on the nominations list, while also offering viewers an opportunity to reevaluate film (or any entertainment medium) as a whole and reconsider what makes compelling art.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OSCARS.GO.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF OSCAR.GO.COM

FLYING THROUGH THE SKY: “Birdman,” starring Michael Keaton mixes a dark comedic and dramatic tone while posing big and sometimes controversial questions about the movie industry.

GROWING UP: “Boyhood,” starring Ellar Coltrane as Mason Evans Jr., depicts life’s stages in director Richard Linklater’s 12 year project. The indie hit is nominated for 6 Oscars.

‘Boyhood’ grows on audiences

‘Birdman’ soars in one take

And the Oscar goes to...

ENTERTAINMENT


A world in my name

‘Kingsman’ breaks spy film conventions

Eatery ‘Popping’ with Asian flavorBY NATHAN PHANSchurr Scroll Managing Editor

Showcasing the warmth and taste of Taiwanese and overall Asian cuisine, PP Pop has a menu filled with savory dishes that burst with flavor after every bite.

Situated in a bustling plaza, PP Pop is a small establishment with a stairway that leads to the restaurant. Upon opening the doors, guests will be greeted with tacky green walls that are offset by the calm glow of the ceiling lamps. A gentle comfort emanates from the restaurant’s light mixture of R&B and pop music featuring Asian and American singers.

The restaurant serves a variety of traditional Asian dishes, ranging from classic soup-based foods like hot pot stews to Shanghai pan-fried baozi (steamed buns). It offers Taiwanese rice vermicelli and noodle soups.

The signature dish on the menu is the House Special Beef Noodle Soup, which has freshly chopped green onions, bok choy, and tender pieces of beef. The soup

delivers a strong flavor that has an essence of delicious meatiness, acting as a component to unite the thick noodles and the juicy beef.

“The Xiao Long Bao was juicy, delicious and bigger than most restaurants, making it a good bang for your buck,” said junior Johnny Olivas. “PP Pop showed an overall aspect of being clean, cordial and comfortable.”

Serving a variety of dim sum dumplings like pot stickers or wontons, PP Pop offers several choices for their fillings, including pork, crab and scallop and fish. The most inexpensive option for dim sum of less than $5, the House Special Pork Bao comes with eight individual dumplings, each filled with pork-infused juices that nicely complement the overall taste.

While most of the food is packed with an enjoyable savoriness, there is a noticeable consistency of oil that is present in many of the dishes.The Japanese ramen, although served with tantalizingly juicy pork, is plagued with an obvious oiliness, even with its lack of soup.

The service at the restaurant is generally professional, but communicating with servers can prove to be an awkward experience due to a noticeable language barrier.

Despite these small disappointments, the restaurant accommodates for all types of customers, especially with each dish priced at around $10 or less.

Combining a mixture of Asian delicacies with powerful tastes, PP Pop leaves a satisfaction in both flavor and fullness, one that will instigate a desire to eat there again.

PP Pop is located at 127 N Garfield Ave., Monterey Park, CA 91754, and is open every day except Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

ETHNIC EATS: PP Pop satisfies customers’ cravings with affordable, savory Asian dishes such as their signature House Special Beef Noodle Soup (TOP) and pork potstickers (BOTTOM).

COMMENTARY BY ERIC GUZMANNews Editor

Hearkening back to the days of Sean Connery and Roger Moore, “Kingsman: The Secret Service” returns spy films to the light-hearted tone of early James Bond films but with the clear message that “this is not that kind of movie.”

Ever since the late ’80s, spy films have become more dramatic and somber. From the latest installment in the James Bond franchise, “Skyfall,” to “The November Man,” spy films have become more serious in tone in an attempt to be more realistic and engaging.

In addition, current spy films are also more violent, with emphasis on carnage and gore. According to the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, the 2008 Bond film “Quantum of Solace” featured more than twice as many

violent scenes as early Bond films. Furthermore, the study found characters in recent

Bond films to be three times as likely to engage in serious violence, such as punching, kicking or using a weapon.

“Kingsman” separates itself from this trend by adopting a much more humorous tone. With frequent tongue-in-cheek jokes and satire, the movie is very self-aware.

From the villain’s elaborate secret lair to the shoes Kingsman wear (which used to have phones in their heels), the film pays numerous homages to classic spy films.

“Kingsman” cleverly plays with these spy film clichés. Genre conventions are made extremely nonsensical, yet the lighthearted tone of the film makes the transformations come off as natural.

Colin Firth, an actor known for serious roles, such as in “The King’s Speech,” dines with the main villain, played by

Samuel L. Jackson, eating Big Macs and cheeseburgers in an otherwise dramatic scene.

Even the violence in “Kingsman” is made facetious, as in a brutal battle sequence in a church set to the epic guitar solo from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Freebird.”

During this year filled with spy films such as “Mission: Impossible 5,” “Spectre” and “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” “Kingsman” might be the most daring, action-packed and enthusiastic of them all.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF COMINGSOON.NET

TOP-SECRET: Harry (Colin Firth), suave spy and head of the Kingsman organization, explains the various unique gadgets to Eggsy (Taron Egerton) (RIGHT). Through their journey, Eggsy grows as a person and his bond with Harry becomes stronger.

KAYLA SISON

BY JUSTIN LEESpartan Scroll Editor in Chief

As immigrants, my parents prided themselves in giving me a Korean middle name to connect me to my roots.

As the oldest son of the family, my dad was financially responsible for his parents’ and younger siblings’ living costs and school tuition upon immigrating to California. Though he owns a company with 30 employees now, he started at the bottom of the company ladder and took a considerable risk when he took over the company

inundated with debt.Likewise, my mom, the youngest of her siblings, was to

take care of her mother in Korea while holding a career as a preschool teacher. She also had to help pay hospital bills for her widowed older sister, all while bearing the pain (in her teenage years and early twenties) of her second oldest brother and father passing away due to health issues.

She wanted to leave Korea and seek new opportunities. She was tired of the mundane life and memories of the difficulties she had experienced there.

Like most immigrants, my parents each had their American Dream. But they knew early on that “success” wouldn’t be easily attained, so they opted for a more realistic dream: to provide opportunities that they didn’t have for their children: my two older sisters and me. These opportunities included cultural experiences, owning the trendiest toys, wearing tidy outfits and gaining a higher education. These aspirations was extended in our names.

My full name is Justin Nooree Lee. In America, the family name comes after the first name, Nooree Lee. But in Korea, the family name comes first, Lee Nooree.

Lee nooree means “the whole world,” and nooree lee

means “to enjoy and relish in blessings.” Putting the two meanings side by side, my name means “to truly enjoy and relish the blessings the entire world has to offer.”

My parents have invested their entire lives for their children. They aspire for us to enjoy a better life, without the same struggles they had.

I will be the last in my family to attend a university, and my going to college means that my parents have achieved a goal in life. They live vicariously through our experiences—through the little moments in life they provided for us. These are reasons why my siblings have worked so hard to get to where they are right now. This is why I feel like I, too, need to work harder, even harder than my sisters, because I had more resources to look up to while growing up.

When I go to college, my parents can breathe a little easier, knowing that I have reached a new step in life where I don’t need 100 percent nurturing. It means I am that much closer to being able to provide for my parents, to help them find their dreams, no matter how late in their lives that may be, and support them as I have been supported. So that they, too, can enjoy and relish the blessings the world has to offer.

SPORTS

February 20, 2015 11NATHAN PHAN

STEPHANIE TOROSIANRUNNING THE FIELD: Junior Christina Vital takes a touch to dribble around her Lancers opponent Jan 22.

Lady strikers aim to clinch CIF win

Strikers conclude season in playoffs

TIFFANY NGOSTRIVE FOR IT: Senior forward Martin Dregel races against his Montebello opponent for the ball Feb 12 .

BY STEPHANIE TOROSIANSpartan Spectrum Managing Editor

The girls varsity strikers played their first-round CIF game yesterday against the Vasquez Mustangs, but scores were unavailable at press time.

Tying 1-1 in their final league game against the Montebello Oilers Feb. 12, the strikers finished league tied for first place with the Alhambra Moors, with a 6-1-2 record.

“It would have felt better if we had won league by ourselves, but we’re in a better position than we were last year,” said junior Ashley Lopez.

The team defeated the Mark Keppel Aztecs 1-0 at home Feb. 10. A late goal, scored by junior Dana Navarette, allowed the team to win their final home game. The Spartans also defeated the Bell Gardens Lancers Feb. 5, 2-1.

The strikers lost their first league game against the Alhambra Moors Feb. 3, 2-0. After a penalty kick was given against the team, the Spartans were unable to

regain their momentum to return a goal.

“Overall we have done really well and were able to maintain a good rhythm,” said junior Sara Aguilar. “I feel really confident going into CIF.”

The Spartans gained a 2-1 victory against the Montebello Oilers at home Jan. 29. The lady strikers were able to get multiple shots off, with both goals being scored by junior Christina Vital.

The team also took a 2-1 victory over the Mark Keppel Aztecs at Jan. 27, at an away game. The strikers tied 0-0 against the Bell Gardens Lancers Jan. 22.

The JV strikers also tied against the Montebello Oilers 1-1, winning the league championship with an 8-1-0 record.

The Spartans defeated the Aztecs with a score of 3-0, Feb. 10.

The girls dominated the field, scoring their goals within a few minutes of the first half.

The strikers beat the Lancers, 1-0, away, Feb. 5. The winning goal was scored by sophomore Ivanna Avila.

BY ERICA SUH & DANA NAVARETTESports Co-Editor & Photographer

Hoping to advance to the second round of CIF, the varsity strikers will play the Laguna Hills Hawks today at 3:15 p.m. away.

“I feel that it is a great opportunity to make our school stand out a little,” said Aldair Martinez, senior varsity defender. “We all have a vision, and that vision is to end season with a ring on our hands [and] we’re going to work as hard as possible for it.”

Laguna Hills currently holds an overall record of 15-9-3. In comparison, the strikers have a league record of 7-1-2 and an overall record of 11-6-4, placing second in the Almont League. The Spartans have a solid chance at advancing to the next round of CIF.

“This team is different compared to other teams,” said senior goalkeeper Ivan Barranco. “We have failed, but we learned from our failures, and together we strive for success. We never put our heads down whereas

any other team would have given up a long time ago. A team like this would get far in this competition.”

The strikers plan to continue their hard work in the playoffs.

“In the beginning of the season, we weren’t playing as well as we wanted to, but as games and practices passed, we managed to improve our game and chemistry,” said Martinez.

The strikers concluded their season with a win against the Montebello Oilers Feb. 12 with a score of 1-0.

“Although we did not get the result we wanted to get, I am glad to say that we grew as a family,” said Barranco.

The JV strikers also defeated the Montebello Oilers Feb. 12 with a score of 2-1, allowing them to take second in league.

“We could have done better,” said JV midfielder Jake Garcia. “We could have gotten first place with the team that we have. We just have to fix our mistakes.”

On Feb. 10, the strikers won against the Mark Keppel Aztecs, 5-0.

BY NOHELI SIGALAReporter

Creating history by being the first girl in the school to compete in the state competition, senior Sidney Valencia took seventh place at Masters and will advance to the state competition.

“I’m so thrilled. I have this unbelievable feeling of accomplishment. The moment I won the match that put me in, my coach and dad hugged me and picked me up and my mom cried tears of joy. It’s a feeling I’ve never felt before, and I cannot begin to put into words how happy I am,” said Valencia.

Accomplishing the feat of making Masters and then State, Valencia hopes to be victorious in her competitions there.

“All the friends and family time I give up along with the food and practice is hard. At times I feel like giving up and leaving, but I keep pushing. It has all paid off for something—to be a state qualifier,” said Valencia.

As the season draws to an end, qualifying

grapplers prepare for CIF Individuals, which will be held today and tomorrow.

Juniors Fernando Racine, Pablo Torres and Efren Velez, and junior Joseph Staley placed first; sophomore Adrian Guevara placed second; and sophomores Bryan Camargo and Kevin Lam placed third. They will go onto CIF Individuals, where they have an opportunity to advance to the state competition.

“I felt extremely happy when I won first place. It’s an indescribable feeling and very much deserved for the work that I’ve put in, not only in the season but in the off season as well,” said Torres.

For the majority of the Spartans, the season ended with a meet against the Montebello Oilers Jan. 28.

After a defeat by the Oilers, varsity placed fourth in league, while JV took second.

“It was upsetting that we lost league, but it was more devastating that we lost to Montebello because we have not lost to the Oilers in about 15 years. We did not wrestle the way we should have,” said Torres.

Grapplers look ahead to CIF

CECILIA WUGAINING CONTROL: Varsity grappler Joseph Staley manages to hold down and take control of his Montebello Oiler opponent at an away match Jan 28.

SPORTS

February 20, 2015

schurrscroll.com12

Cagers shoot towards CIFERICA SUH & KERRY MULIA Sports Co-Editors & Photo Co-Editor

Hoping to advance to the second round of CIF, the varsity cagers will play the Tustin Tillers at 7 tonight, away.

“I feel like we have a good chance at this game; being [the] underdogs, hopefully we can pull an upset,” said Co-Captain Kyle Mangubat. “We plan on winning, as long as we listen to our coaches and give a hundred percent effort.”

The Spartans finished with an overall record of 14-12. The team finished 7-3 in the Almost League, placing second.

They defeated the Alhambra Moors Feb. 13 with a score of 53-43. The Spartans trailed behind the Moors throughout the first half. However, the Spartans grabbed a slight advantage at the end of the quarter, shortening the Moor’s lead to 31-25.

At the start of the third quarter, the cagers increased ball movement and made key plays, allowing the team to gain points. With three minutes left in the third quarter, senior Cesar Trujillo scored, allowing the Spartans to take the lead for the first time in the game.

At the end of the quarter, junior Axel Vasquez took a charging foul, increasing Spartan momentum and propelling them into the final quarter with a five-point lead.

In the fourth quarter, the Spartans maintained

their lead over the Moors. Vasquez scored a crucial three-pointer with five minutes left in the game. The Spartans won, 53-43.

The team fell short against the Mark Keppel Aztecs Feb. 10, losing 59-38.

On Homecoming Feb. 6, the Spartans defeated the San Gabriel Matadors 58-41.

Concluding the season with a record of 4-6, the JV cagers placed fourth in the league.

During their last game of the season Feb.13, the Spartans trailed the Moors by the end of the first half, 25-14.

The cagers nearly caught up to the Moors by the end of the third quarter, but fell short, losing the game, 50-48.

Regaining the title of champions, the freshmen cagers finished league with an undefeated record of 10-0. The team secured the title Feb. 13, with a final win against the Alhambra Moors, 49-42.

At the end of the first quarter, the Spartans were down by four points. In the second quarter, the Spartans stepped up their offense and regained the lead.

When the first half ended, both teams had over 10 team fouls. The Spartans kept their lead in the second half and won the game, 49-42.

“Our season was great with Coach Martinez and going undefeated was an awesome way to end the year,” said freshman Gabriel Aguirre, “a great way to end season.”

REACH FOR THE BALL: Junior Stefan Trujillo outjumps his Montebello Oilers opponent in order to secure a rebound in a home game Feb.3.

JAIMIE HSU

Cagerettes to compete in playoffs JAIMIE HSU & EVELYN WONG Photographer & Copy Co-Editor

Finishing the season with a league record of 7-3, the varsity cagerettes will begin CIF with a home game against Fountain Valley tomorrow at 7 p.m.

In their last regular season game Feb. 13 away, the Spartans defeated the Alhambra Moors, 48-43.

On Feb. 10, the cagerettes lost to the Mark Keppel Aztecs, 63-20, away. In their previous away game Feb. 6, the team suffered a 61-55 loss to the San Gabriel Matadors. The Spartans faced the Montebello Oilers Feb. 3 at home, winning with a final score of 55-41.

“I think we did a good job year-round, not just in preseason and league. There were certain games where we played exceptionally well and others where laziness took over,” said Head Coach Paul Chavez. “Overall, I am proud of the way they [players] connected and played this season.”

In a home game Jan. 30, the cagerettes garnered a 62-37 win over the Bell Gardens Lancers. They won against the Moors, 60-43, in a home game Jan. 27. The Spartans faced the Aztecs Jan. 23 at home. By halftime, they were trailing 23-14 and were unable to catch up, losing with a score of 86-68.

“This season has been difficult, knowing that we haven’t always been playing to our fullest potential,” said Marisa Orozco senior co-captain. “I feel confident

about the [tomorrow’s] game. If we play as a team and execute our defense, I think we have a really good chance of winning.”

The Spartans played against the Matadors Jan. 20 away, winning with a score of 43-36. They faced the Oilers for the second league game Jan. 16 and won, 48-32. Beginning the season at an away game against Bell Gardens Jan. 13, the team defeated the Lancers, 65-45.

The JV cagerettes ended their season with a league record of 8-2.

The JV Spartans defeated the Moors, 55-18, in an away game Feb. 13. They played the Aztecs Feb. 10 away, but suffered a 53-26 loss. On Feb. 6, the team emerged victorious against the Matadors, 55-44, and also defeated the Oilers, 54-21, Feb. 3 at home.

The frosh/soph cagerettes finished league with a record of 6-4.

“I think we did pretty good this season,” said Arizbeth Jimenez, sophomore co-captain. “Not all games we played together, but most games we gave it our all for the win and played hard.”

The frosh/soph Spartans dominated the Moors, 56-20, in a blowout game Feb. 13 at home. They were defeated by the Aztecs, 67-16, Feb. 10 at home. On Feb. 6, the cagerettes suffered a 61-13 loss to the Matadors in an away game. They lost to the Oilers, 32-26, Feb. 3 away, but emerged victorious Jan. 30 against the Lancers, 45-44.

JAIMIE HSU

LAYING IT UP: Senior Kristi Kayoda charges into the paint past San Gabriel defenders to score a layup in a home game Feb.13.

H2O polo finish strong, proceed to CIFBY CINDY VUONG & MARIAH LINSpartan Spectrum Editor in Chief & Schurr Scroll Editor in Chief

Seeking to advance in the second round of CIF Southern California Division II playoffs, the girls varsity water polo team may play in tomorrow’s game.

The team played the Dana Hills Dolphins yesterday at home, but scores were unavailable at press time.

“This is by far the most talented team I have coached in my career,” said varsity head coach David Argumosa. “I will be losing eight seniors, all of whom are irreplaceable.”

With an overall record of 23-6 and league record of 3-1, the Spartans concluded their season with a second place finish in Almont League behind the Montebello Oilers and ahead of the Alhambra Moors, Mark Keppel Aztecs and Bell Gardens Lancers, respectively.

Offensively, the Spartans finished with a total of 191 assists, 365 steals and 184 saves. As a team, 332 goals were scored out of the 755 attempted shots.

Against the Upland Highlanders, the team suffered a 12-11 loss in a close game Feb. 13. The Spartans started the

game strong, trading goals with the Highlanders to end the first quarter with a 3-2 lead. Both teams continued their strong offensive play in the second quarter, with the Spartans scoring four goals to increase their lead to 7-2. The Highlanders countered with three goals to make the score 7-5 going into halftime.

In the second half, the Spartans’ momentum slowed, and the Highlanders scored five goals. The Spartans scored two late goals towards the end of the third quarter, but the Highlanders took the 10-9 lead. Both teams scored two goals in the final quarter, but the Spartans fell short and lost.

The team defeated the El Rancho Dons, 17-4, on Feb. 11. They also dominated against the Long Beach Polytechnic Jackrabbits and Pacifica Tritons, winning 14-6 and 17-8 Feb. 10 and Feb. 7, respectively.

The JV team ended their winning season, clinching the Almont League title for the second consecutive year.

“I feel as though this season went very well because we dominated in league,” said JV Head Coach Uriel Villa.

The Spartans shut out the Highlanders, 20-6, Feb. 13, and defeated the Dons, 17-3, Feb. 11.

BRANDON CHANGAIMING TO SCORE: Sophomore Tatyanna Torres shoots around her Montebello opponent at a home game Feb. 4.

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VOL. XLIV, ISSUE 4, FEBRUARY

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