antherWednesday | Jan. 23, 2012 | Issue V

ProwlerneWbury Park HIgH scHool | 456 n. reIno rd., neWbury Park, ca 91320

First come first serve parking permits may be a thing of the past as Dean of Students Allison Kennedy implemented a new lottery system for spring parking permit sales.

The new system, a trial-run which Kennedy says is based off of feedback from fall permit sales, gives juniors and seniors one week to turn in completed lottery forms, which were due on January 16. Forms were then sorted into separate piles for

juniors and seniors to be chosen from at random.Though Kennedy allotted 125 spots to seniors

and 75 spots to juniors, she pulled past the available spots to create a waiting list. She says that after the final lists of winners were posted on the office windows and

Renew NP efforts make improvements on campus

in the activities office on January 18, students will have until lunch on January 24 to pay for the permit and present proper documentation or to contact her if there is a problem. If this three-day deadline is not met, a student from the waiting list will receive the parking permit. Kennedy hopes to sell all spots by January 29, but will continue into second semester if unsold spots remain.

Harsher penalties will also be enacted for illegal parking and other violations. According to Kennedy, first-time offenders will receive a sticker on their car as a warning, and a second offense warrants a $25 fine. Third offenses will also warrant a fine and may involve a Saturday work study and a student may be suspended and will have their permit revoked after a fourth offense.

Overall, Kennedy hopes that the penalties and new approach will resolve parking issues and past problems with

Lottery system replaces old student parking policythe first-come-first-serve policy. “If you weren’t able to come that day then you basically couldn’t get a pass,” she says. “I thought it would be more fair to do a lottery.” She also adds that the lottery may prevent situations where students may not be able to submit the form on one date because of classes or other activities.

Juniors and seniors have met this change with differing opinions. “Seniors I feel should get first priority … putting it up to chance isn’t really fair because if you got there before other people … I feel like it … should be first come first serve,” senior Erica Vittachi said, adding that she still understands where the administration is coming from. Junior Perla Castro also has mixed feelings about the policy: “The lottery … seems a bit more fair because … everybody gets an equal chance of getting it, which is really nice, but it’s pretty irritating because you want to be the one that gets that parking permit.”

Cassie StephensonProwler Features Editor

Visit us at pantherprowler.org

Lindsey Mayer leaves behind

Zodiac Signs- page 10

Preston Hill and Kishen MajithiaProwler Entertainment Editor and Opinion Editor

Some people around the community have realized that Newbury Park High School, at almost fifty years of age, needs some fixing up. “RENEWbury Park High School Team is an ongoing initiative, organized by volunteers under the Newbury Park High School non-profit status, to renovate and beautify the campus of Newbury Park High School.

“Our goal is for all current and future students to enjoy more effective, efficient, and pleasant surroundings in which to learn and grow, helping to fulfill the Mission of Newbury Park High School,” according to nphs.org. Two years ago, faculty parents realized that the maintenance of the school had begun to move in a downward direction, so they decided to take up this project.

Athol Wong, principal, named the project and helped raise awareness about it as well. The donation-only funded program has begun, with members having already rearranged the trophy cabinet, replaced several walls of lockers, and repainted about 75% of the student lockers and all of the gym lockers.

“I would love to see new flooring in places, new drinking fountains, new furniture, and more technology. But we need to take things one step at a time—at least until someone wins the lottery and donates their winnings!” said Wong.

Joe Noga, head parent volunteer of the project, believes the school “requires some substantial maintenance of soffits beneath the 2nd floor walkways on all buildings, the replacement and painting of facial boards on most buildings. And the repair and painting of most rain gutters around the campus.”

The organization is looking to accept help from a number of people. All students and parents are welcome to get on board, with one-hour meetings being held every month. Wong encourages students and parents to “learn what’s happening, and to get involved and committed to executing our objectives.” Allison Kennedy, Dean of Students, believes the project will take a couple of years. “We’re hoping to plan a big day in which students and parents come in and help out.”

According to Noga, RENEWbury Park is a “song that never ends.” He believes that the school can always look for ways to improve. “NPHS provides a first rate education to all students; it should have a first-rate facility in which to do so.

“Every student—just doing simple things like placing trash in the covered trash cans, depositing spent gum in piece of paper and throwing it into trash cans, keeping the locker rooms and bathrooms neat, clean, and tidy—can make NPHS the beautiful campus that welcomes the development of all your beautiful minds,” Noga said.

Gymnastics - page 11

Gun Control - pages 6-7

- page 5One Act Festival

Working through the Weekend - RENEWbury Park volunteers sacrafice their Saturday on Jan. 19, in order to put in a full day’s work on their latest project, the new campus garden.

Jacqueline Holm / With Permission

On the

Web...

European Football: In today’s age, European football

is at a much higher level than Major League Soccer (MLS). Read Kishen’s explanation on how and why the level of play in Europe differentiates from the level of play in the States.

“Jack Reacher” Review: Read Drew’s review of the new

action thriller movie, “Jack Reacher”, and how he believes you should not spend the $12 to see it. The movie stars, Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, and Richard Jenkins.

News The Prowler • Jan. 23, 2013

2

News in Brief:Patrick RewersProwler Sports Editor

Make a Wish: The Make-a-Wish Foundation club on campus is keeping busy following their participation of writing letters to Santa in Macy’s Believe campaign. While the Believe campaign is the largest fund raiser put on by the club, they have plans to raise money on campus in other ways, such as selling items for the upcoming international week.

Acceptance Week: Acceptance week took place from January 14 to 18, sponsored by the school peer counselling students. Throughout the week, events took place in the quad during lunch, such as rewarding students with cookies in return for completing activities like complimenting one another. Peer councilors hope that this encouragement will lead to lasting positive behavior among students.

PSAT:The scores for the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test have been given back to students in time for the upcoming SATs. In total, 586 high school students took the test, as well as one eighth grader and about 25 students from out of district. The scores were given out in a meeting during first period, or later picked up individually by student.

“Every 15 Minutes” Driving Away?Administrators demonstrated “Every Fifteen Minutes”

every other year, where students were chosen to participate in a staged drinking-related car accident; the “deaths” were announced every fifteen minutes to their peers over the school’s P. A. system. However, this year’s “Every Fifteen Minutes” was canceled this year due to the high costs, school disruptions, and the educational cost of omitting period three for two days in a row. This event will be replaced with several smaller safety workshops that will distribute the same message more frequently.

Principal Athol Wong explained the emotional stress that comes with the situation, “The drunk driver is a student as well, and psychologically that’s hard on that student because even though it’s not real, you still have to deal with the… trauma of ‘what if this had really happened?’”

An accident reenactment takes place for juniors and seniors, where EMTs, fire trucks and ambulances play a part in making the situation more realistic. The student driver is

taken away in handcuffs and goes to “jail,” while the other students who were in the “crash” go to a hotel and write letters to their parents as if they’re actually not coming home. During period three the next day, a memorial is staged and a keynote speaker shares what it’s really like to be affected by a drunk driver. But all the hard work put in doesn’t always have a lasting effect.

“We started thinking for the amount of work and expense and planning that goes into it … While it has an impact at the moment, it doesn’t have that long term impact that we seek,” Wong said.

Many different aspects are needed for this program to be successful such as money for food, makeup artists, the props used and more. But, students like senior Jeremy Rodda didn’t find the workshop that helpful in making good choices. “I took it as kind of a joke my sophomore year… Every time we’d hear something else, we’d just kind of laugh at it,” said Rodda when looking back on the last “Every Fifteen Minutes” event.

Although he took the experience lightly, Rodda doesn’t underestimate the high risks of driving under the influence.

“I already have … a thing against drunk driving,” said Rodda seriously. “Maybe it helped others, but not me.”

Mrs. Lorena Caulfield, health teacher, who does a drinking and driving awareness unit four times a year, was upset about the cancellation of the program, but felt assured that the school could keep up a positive influence.

“I am fully confident that our administration knows and supports the idea of more education on drinking and driving amongst teens,” Caulfield said. “ We have some students that are proposing doing an assembly.”

Wong and her fellow administrators are in the works of planning several other small programs, including a possibility of more keynote speakers, a house party reenactment for parents or students, and showing a video from the former “Every Fifteen Minutes” event.

“We’re trying to think of other ways to keep that need to be safe in front of our students,” said Wong. ”When something tragic happens, we’re all impacted, and we all think … that’s never gonna happen to me.”

Samantha MeyerProwler Staff Writer

Opinion 3The Prowler • Jan. 23, 2012

Newbury Park High School456 North Reino Road, Newbury Park, California 91320

(805) 498-3676 x 1103prowler.newspaper@gmail.com

Editors-in-ChiefRachel CrossJohn Dichirico

Copy Editors Liam BrownNadia Lynn

Online Editor Courtney Brousseau

News EditorsDrew AndrosJustine Sizemore

DPS EditorNadia LynnVictoria Koi

Features EditorsAlexa Hanson

Cassie Stephenson

Sports EditorsCourtney Brousseau

Patrick RewersAd Manager

Sravya Singampalli

Staff Adviser Michelle Saremi

The Panther Prowler is the official publication of Newbury Park High School, and is created and produced by the Advanced Journalism students. The newspaper is funded by advertisements from local companies. The Panther Prowler staff makes all final decisions on information published in its newspaper, its website and its publishing in other social medias. While Mrs. Michelle Saremi advises the Advanced Journalism students, the staff is solely responsible for what is printed.

The Panther Prowler is published every three weeks throughout the school year by American Foothill Publishing Co. For advertisement information, visit www.pantherprowler.org.

The Panther Prowler is accepting letters to the editor. To submit your feedback, please provide your full name, email and a letter about 300 words in length. Letters are subject to discretion and editing for taste, length and libel. Letters can be submitted to the email posted below.

The Panther Prowler Staff2012-2013

Staff WriterKylie Everitt Dana Foley

Melody Forsell Nevnit Gill

Samantha MeyerAlex Paun

Business ManagerVictoria Koi

Opinion Editor Justin Buchanan

Kishen Majithia

Chief PhotographerSara Anderson

On Dec. 14, 2012, Adam Lanza murdered twenty-six people at an elementary school in Connecticut and then committed suicide. On July 20, 2012, James Holmes killed twelve people and wounded eight in a movie theater in Colorado. On Feb. 27, 2012, three students were killed at an Ohio school after a classmate opened fire. In 2012 alone, there were sixteen major mass shootings, leaving eighty-eight dead.

In order to prevent another Virginia Tech, another Sandy Hook, or another Aurora, we need to increase gun control. This includes creating a national database for guns and ammunition sales, which would also help to track down perpetrators after a crime. Background checks need to be thorough by including checks for mental illness. Checks should also be performed on those who would reasonably have access to the purchased gun, not just the owner. Along with this, we need better gun safety education for gun owners, more severe punishments for gun crimes and gun trafficking, and training for officials about how to handle mass shootings at schools and in other places. Lastly, we should reinstate the Federal Assault Weapons Ban. Most of these reforms and more were put forth in President Obama’s gun control proposal.

Yes, the second amendment states that “The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” However, it is very important to understand that any right is not unlimited. For instance, the Constitution also gives people the right to freedom of religion, but religions involving human sacrifice are not allowed. It is also important to remember just how different the United States was when the Constitution was written more than 200 years ago. At that time, slavery was still legal and women could not vote. Along with this, the guns at the time were not very accurate and were slow to reload, while a person today can kill numerous people without skipping a beat. While we cannot and should not eliminate the second amendment, it is important that we correctly limit it in order to make sure that the only people who receive guns are those who will use them responsibly.

Lastly, many argue that guns are necessary for protection. There are 4 major fallacies in this argument. (1) A study by the University of Pennsylvania found that people who were armed were more than four times as likely to be shot. The odds were even higher if that person tried to defend him or herself in a shooting. (2) The guns that enter the black market are largely purchased legally and then sold into the market illegally. Therefore, making guns harder to obtain will decrease the number sold illegally. (3) Two studies in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that keeping a gun in the house increased the risk of both homicide and suicide. (4) If someone needed to defend him or herself, there is a very low chance that he or she will be able to get to their gun safe, unlock it and load their gun and defend him or herself.

The bottom line is that gun control is necessary. As President Obama said in his inaugural address, “We won’t be able to stop every violent act, but if there is even one thing that we can do to prevent any of these events, we have a deep obligation, all of us, to try.”

Entertainment EditorsLiam BrownPreston Hill

Grace O’Toole

On April 16, 2007, thirty-two people were killed and twenty-seven wounded at Virginia Teach in the deadliest shooting incident by a single gunman in U.S. history. More than five and a half years later, President Obama has enacted 23 executive orders to combat the gun violence epidemic that is affecting the country.

Top 5 countries with the highest number of guns per 100 people*

54.8Yemen#2

45.7Switzerland

#3

88.8#1United States

32,163

270,000,000Unites States citizens hold

The United States saw

deaths in 2011 from firearms.

firearms as of 2012, as opposed to Yemen’s (#2) 11,500,000, or Switzerland’s (#3)

3,400,000.

*All stats compiled from guardian.co.uk and gunpolicy.org

45.3

#4Finland

#5

Serbia

37.8

2,400,000Finland (#4) has

guns, and Serbia’s (#5) citizens hold

3,050,000firearms.

OpinionThe Prowler • Jan. 23, 2013

4

With a quick smack on the head and a deathly glare you step away from your now pissed off friend. All you did was steal part of her extra chocolate brownie, no big deal.

But things get serious when she calls you “butt-head,” and you are left there with a rather evident angry face. “How could you?” you think with fake offense while firing back the next insult, feeding the fire.

You are now insulted enough to take the insults to the next level. “Constipated monkey.” It’s these kinds of insults that cause me to question the fate of humanity.

How are we going to win wars and arguments when you can’t even come up with a good insult? Yes, I am telling you to insult people.

No, I am not telling you to be stupid and reenact an elementary school fight; your future will seem to be in great danger if you attempt to do so. We seriously need to be more creative with insults.

I’m not telling you to stop fighting, just improve your failed comments. All over the internet there are quick little brawls. Comments on YouTube about why foreign music is better than American music, or why metal is better than pop.

Stuff on Facebook about chocolate cravings and “tantalization.” These comments branch out into little feuds. But these feuds, which I am nearly positive everyone has witnessed, only stress the fact that none of us have imagination.

I doubt that anyone will believe one’s head closely resembles one’s posterior if they have looked in the mirror before. Now, let us take a short dive into Shakespearian insults.

Of course, everyone knows of this famed writer despite the fact that “Romeo and Juliet” was found to be boring (with a dash of crazy) in ninth grade English.

Imagine how much better you’ll sound if you call said friend who called you a “butt head” a “boil brained barnacle foot licking maggot pie of a pigeon egg.” Oh snap. I guess you won’t sound better, but the flustered reaction of this friend of yours will be really quite priceless.

And, even better, you’ll get away with stealing part of that extra chocolate brownie.

Nevnit GillProwler Staff Writer

Web extra: You can follow us on Twitter (@NPHSProwler), and don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook for updates

In the last issue, Bryce Lorentzen’s last name was spelled incorrectly.

On the front page of last issue, the wrong article was printed under the headline of “Every 15 Minutes.” The correct article is printed on page two of this issue.

The Prowler deeply regrets and apologizes for any errors. Email errors we missed to prowler.newspaper@gmail.com

Column: The Art of Creative Insults

Victoria KoiProwler DPS Editor

Kylie EverittProwler Staff Writer

For those of us who do not remember, the first semester’s parking passes were a big controversy, due to the fact that many seniors were not able to get them because of sports or other prior obligations. Now for the second semester, administration decided to have a raffle in order to decide who received the next semester’s parking passes. Students who wanted to get a parking pass were entered in the drawing, and then the names were drawn at random. Seniors had the most names in the drawing, and the underclassmen had much less.

Personally, I wish that administration would have given seniors the chance to go and sign up, and then after that, the juniors would be given their chance. I feel that seniority should mean something, and the

fact that juniors or even sophomores had the ability to get a parking pass instead of me is troubling.

In my opinion, the office should have made it possible for any senior who did not receive a parking pass the first semester to obtain one for the second semester. In my case, I was not able to get one on orientation day because they had run out before it was my turn to come and pick up my schedule. Now, I have to park on the street every day while I see a bunch of sophomores and juniors roll up and park their cars in a space that should belong to a senior.

Luckily, I have a first period so it does not affect me as much as it does for other people. However, it is the principle. I have waited for four years and watched the seniors park in the parking lot, and now I feel that I should have a right to those same spots. I have waited my turn, and I

think that the juniors, and especially the sophomores, should do the same.

Even if I had won this raffle, I would still have felt somewhat dissatisfied with the way the system works. I’m not just looking out for myself when I say that I am upset, but rather, I feel bad for all of the seniors that don’t get the chance to park in the parking lot for their final semester of high school.

The way I see it, juniors have another year of high school to park in the student lot, and sophomores have two more full years. There is no reason why they can’t wait and have the opportunity to get one next year.

It is disappointing that I did not win this raffle, however I will feel most sorry for future classes that come through Newbury Park High and have to deal with this flawed system.

Parking Pass system needs work

13 Things to get rid of in the New Year

Not too long ago, the year 2012 passed and we were thrust into yet another new year

full of new experiences and new things. Many made resolutions and such, but along

with a new year, comes things that begin to age and old things become redundant. Here

are 13 things that should be left in the year 2012.

1) Dumb sayings like “Swag” and “YOLO”

Enough with these sayings. I think the majority of us understand how lame these are

and they should just disappear. If you say swag you are probably lacking of any “swag”

and using YOLO as an excuse to do stupid things is just not smart.

2) President Obama and the 2012 Election

Obama won the presidential election and is our president for another 4 years.

Whether you support him or not, honestly there isn’t much you can do about it, so quit

your complaining.

3) Dirty Hipsters

Please take a shower and wear clothes that don’t look like you woke up, dressed in

the dark, and are a bit confused about the weather.

4) Typinggggg liiiiiike thissssssss :)))))))

For the majority of us, texting and social networking require a lot of typing and if

you’re like me, I think I’m done seeing people typeeee liiiiiike thisssss. Please stop. I’m

over it and those extra letters aren’t helping get your point across anymore than you

are just annoying other people.

5) Brandy Melville

Girls, the majority of you shop at this one store, and every day at least one of you

matches another girl, which is a little concerning. Not only do these clothing items

make you look like a homeless person, have some dignity and be original. Is money so

tight that you couldn’t pay for the rest of that shirt? I’d also like to see how many of you

actually listen to Nirvana rather than just wearing the band’s name on that crop top.

6) FacebookI barely use Facebook anymore because it just got a little boring and repetitive.

People just resorted to complaining through multiple statuses, or posting trivial things.

It seems like going into 2013, Instagram and Twitter are going to be some of the top

social networking sites used.

7) Bad Instagram pictures

Speaking of Instagram, some pictures are getting a little bit redundant. You can post

all sorts of interesting things but I’m sure a lot of us already know what a Starbucks

drink looks like, what you and your selfies look like, what sunsets look like, and if you’re

going post something, at least post it in good quality because those pixilated, grainy

pictures don’t really do your followers any good.

8) Ombré hair

That ombré hair trend is done, please dye the rest of your head a uniform color,

because honestly the bottom half of your hair is not supposed to be bleached to death.

9) Draw Something

Remember that app? I don’t think many people use that anymore anyway.

10) Now you’re just somebody that I used to know…

That song and many others, Gangnam Style for example, are just so over played.

Definitely done with these songs and they shouldn’t be dragged into 2013.

11) Over exposed celebrities, ie: Justin Bieber, One Direction, and the Kardashians

2013 is a new year full of new discoveries including a new boy band or a new pop

sensation girls fawn over, so enough about Justin Bieber and One Direction because

they’re getting old, literally. Plus, the Kardashian family is such old news, I feel myself

losing my mind every time I hear about them.

12) DubstepUnless you just really like Transformers and machine noises, this kind of music is

practically ancient now.

13) Zombies and the World apocalypse

Oh look we all survived the “apocalypse”. That’s over with, let’s move on. And there

won’t be any zombies to worry about either, sorry.

Features 5The Prowler • Jan. 23, 2012

Samantha MeyerProwler Staff Writer

Justine SizemoreProwler News Editor

race O’Toole was more surprised than anyone when she received an unanticipated call from a Ventura County Star reporter, who asked to interview her. Her confusion turned to celebration when the caller explained that her story, “Colorblind”, had won first prize in the teenage category of the Ventura County Writers Club Short Story Competition.

“It kind of came out of the blue, because I didn’t really expect it after that much time,” O’Toole, a sophomore, said. She had entered the competition three months earlier as advised by her English teacher, John Abney.

Although Abney informed all his students of the competition, he especially urged O’Toole to participate, seeing it as an excellent opportunity for her.

“She has a very strong grasp of creating a story. She’s a storyteller. She has great use of characterization, poise in her writing, strong use of tone in her character’s dialogue,” he said. “I’d say dialogue is one of the stronger points of writing.”

O’Toole’s story revolves around a blind boy who sees emotions as colors. “I was just thinking, ‘I want to write something about colors’, and it just kind of evolved from there,” she said. “I wanted almost like a redemption arc. (The protagonist) was really depressed at the beginning, so I wanted to lift him out of that by the end. It just kind of came together.”

At the ceremony held in the Hillcrest Senior Center on Jan. 8, O’Toole shared her story aloud and received her first place prize along with a $100 award.

Literature has been a major part of her life for as long as she can remember, and possibly even earlier. She loves reading and draws

inspiration from books for her own writing.

“I’ve always been a reader from a really young age. I started reading apparently when I was like one and a half, and by three I was reading chapter books. In kindergarten I was reading (books) like Harry Potter,” she said. “So by now I have a pretty good grasp on … recognizing the good writing from the bad writing,”

O’Toole credits much of her current writing success to a ‘writing boot camp’ she went through with her dad during the summer five or six years ago. Every day for a month he gave her topics on which to write stories, essays, reports, and more.

“We’d go over it when he got back from work and he would point out the

mistakes. Then I’d edit it the next day and do another report,” she said. “I hated it so much, but it really improved my writing and since then I feel like I’ve been a lot stronger of a writer.”

unior Alexis Wallace knows what it is like to feel pressure to be perfect, as most teenagers do. But she was moved by her frustration to turn it into an inspiring poem, which she entered to publish in the Live Poets Society of New Jersey’s topical anthology “Inside of Me 2012”.

Upon arriving home from school one day, she received an email announcing that her poem “Perfection” was one of the chosen top one hundred poems in her category and she had made it to the preliminary rounds of the contest. Screaming, Alexis realized she was going to officially become a published poet.

The junior started her poetry journey in fifth grade due to her love of reading and writing in general. A very creative person, she can usually be found writing poems when the mood hits her.

“I love writing poetry because it allows you to express yourself in a different way,” said Wallace. “If something really inspires me, I’ll write down a main idea about it then go back and re-write it.”

Although there were four categories to chose from, Wallace chose “Inside of Me” to show how she was feeling inside about wanting to write for herself, instead of what others thought she should do.

“It’s easy to write how you want it, but (when you’re writing for) other people it’s more difficult,” said Wallace.

Her English teacher, Robin Lilly, is proud but not surprised at Wallace’s success, and shares that Wallace’s talent is all her own.

“She’s a fabulous student,” said Lilly. “(The publication) is completely her doing … She obviously has the

great skill to go along with it.”Not only does the young poet have

remarkable talent, but also supportive friends who love her work, the way she writes, and her in general.

“I am really happy she had this opportunity to be published,” said Camille King, junior. “Writing has always been important to her and I’m glad she was able to pursue that through this contest.”

Although King and friend and senior Estelle Rhodes are proud of Wallace, they are not surprised that Wallace was able to channel her emotions so well into her work.

“We understand each other in many different ways and have a mutual love for ‘Gossip Girl’,” said Rhodes. “We love talking about anything and everything, and I’m always here whenever she needs me.”

Although someday Wallace hopes to become a screenwriter, poetry will

always help her let lose pent-up feelings and she encourages other students to try writing.

“I think you should just write from the heart, as cheesy as that sounds,” said Alexis. “You can just go with what you’re feeling.”

J

G

On Christmas Eve, 13 cross country runners hailing from Newbury Park High School as far as Simi Valley High school lined up at the foroot of the NPHS track to take part in the Eggnog Mile.

Since that fateful day, there has been a bit of confusion as to what the Eggnog mile actually is. First and foremost, runners start by drinking an entire eight ounce cup of eggnog. Then they run a lap around the track as fast as their legs (and their stomachs) can take them. And then they drink yet another cup. The process repeats for four laps (equivalent to one mile) with each runner chugging an eight ounce cup between every single lap.

You are probably asking yourself why on earth anyone would want to attempt, let alone dream up such a horrendous feat. And the answer is rather simple. “We just wanted to get in the holiday spirit with a fun, and I guess terrible way to express our love for running,” said junior Davis Garner, co-creator of the Eggnog Mile with junior Jonny Byrne.

In total, Byrne estimates somewhere between 30 and 35 people showed up to watch the hilarity ensue, a surprising feat for an event planned a mere two days earlier. “It went better than we thought it was going to go,” said Garner. Byrne summed it up as a “good turnout.”

Now for the moment of truth. The first question one asks when they hear the words mile and eggnog couplesd together in the same sentence. If you’re wondering, three people puked, and proudly. “We actually gave an award for the first person to puke,” said Garner. And who was the lucky winner? Chris Dunn, senior at NPHS.

As for the impact, the Eggnog Mile has become legendary at NPHS. “I give serious props to those who ran it, especially those who competed,” said junior Sam Masyr, who saw it on video. “I hate eggnog, so I would not have even made it the first lap. It is hard enough to run with short breaks between laps, but to add the consumption of a substance (any substance) makes it extraordinarily harder on the runner’s body.”

Alex PaunProwler Staff Writer

Poetry turns to perfection

Blinded by the colors of victory Cross Country runners run themselves sick...literally

Kylie Everitt / Prowler

EGGNOG

“ I love writing poetry because it allows you to express yourself in a different way. If something really inspires me, I’ll write down a main idea about it (and) then go back and re-write it.”

ALEXIS WALLACE

GRACE O’TOOLE

“I was just thinking ‘I want to write something about colors’ and it just kind of evolved from there. I wanted almost like a redemption arc. (The protagonist) was really depressed at the beginning, so I wanted to lift him out of that by the end. ”

Sophomore Grace O’Toole wins first prize in the Ventura County Writers Club Short Story Competition for her short story, “Colorblind”.

Junior Alexis Wallace wins a spot in the Live Poets Society of New Jersey’s “Inside of Me 2012” for her poem, “Perfection”.

Visit us at pantherprowler.orgto read the full versions of Grace O’Toole’s “Colorblind” and Alexis Wallace’s “Perfection”.

Gun ControlGun ControlThe Prowler • Jan. 23, 2013

6The Prowler • Nov. 9, 2012

7The Prowler • Jan. 23, 2013

GunControl

Nadia Lynn / Prow

ler

"Yes, there should be regulations on firearms,

but I disagree with legislation for assault

weapon bans. I don’t think that the government should tell you what guns you can

and cannot buy. I’d much rather have a choice over

which type of gun."

Jeffrey Dees, senior

The laws are ridiculous and unnecessary. The main purpose with freedom to have guns is the right to tell the government no sometimes. With gun

control, more power goes to the government.

Roark Hart, senior

"No average civilian should own a gun unless they are a government or

militant official. There's no reason for them; I

don't think they should be used for recreational

purposes. They are completely unnecessary in

modern society."

Remy Parker, senior

"[Regulations] should exist to some degree. The current laws have a lot of loopholes... The term 'assault rifle' is really

only used to scare the public. Civilians already

can't own the same automatic weapons used by the military,

but I don't see a problem with semi-automatic rifles."

Delaney Lam, senior

With the recent shootings, the issue of gun control has once again come under hot debate. The federal government itself does not have authority to issue a universal set of regulations, so gun control legislation falls to the states. However, policies are greatly varied between the states themselves. For example, California’s gun laws are especially strict while laws restricting firearms in Texas are significantly less stringent. California’s restrictions range from policies dealing with concealed weapons to bans on assault weapons.

The constitution of the state of California has no specific clause guaranteeing residents the right to carry firearms, so the state constitutionally has the power to implement gun control legislation. Even within the state, policies and rules vary in different regions. To obtain a firearm, potential buyers must take a written test to obtain a Handgun Safety Certificate and must also pass a gun safety test. Many rural areas allow residents to carry concealed firearms, while the same situation in a city such as San Francisco or Los Angeles is prohibited and considered a felony. These limitations extend to carrying unloaded handguns in public.

The concealed weapons rulings have exceptions in the form of permits. The most well-known of these permits is a license to carry a concealed weapon on one’s person, and although it is very hard to get such a permit in heavily populated areas, it is a viable option for those in more rural regions of the state. Carrying loaded firearms is generally prohibited. Assault weapons (semi-automatic firearms that have certain traits in common with military firearms) on the other hand, are federally banned. Along with the federal blanket rule, California is one of only seven states that have addition legislation banning assault weapons.

All forms of firearms are banned on school campuses, post offices, and other gun-free areas. In terms of other exceptions to the above rules, many cases involving gun control are taken as far as the Supreme Court. Therefore many rulings are overturned and new laws implemented as time goes on.

All of this may change with the executive proposals President Obama announced last Wednesday, which are aimed at “curbing gun control”. Until then, state laws are the authority when it comes to gun control.

Arming high school teachers to protect students is under hot debate following the Sandy Hook school massacre, in which 26 teachers and students were gunned down by a mentally unstable man wielding several semi-automatic rifles and pistols.

Government teacher Richard Bradley has doubts on the situation. He compared giving guns to teachers to an “athletic team who all of a sudden decide to run a play that they’ve never practiced before,” going on to remark that “teachers aren’t trained for weeks on dealing with stressful situations.” Police and military officers, Bradley said, have training that teachers do not go through, and therefore are more capable of safely and effectively wielding guns. Bradley expressed his belief that having guns on campus is akin to an open invitation for people to come and steal them. If teachers cannot get licensing and permits to carry the weapons to and from school, then leaving them unprotected on campus paints a target on the school, according to Bradley.

On the same note, AP European History teacher Tiffani Coull is firmly against teachers with guns. Coull worries that many people suffer from a lack of common sense. “Hopefully we do have common sense, more than the average bear,” Coull joked.

Although adamantly against giving teachers guns to protect students, Coull admits that the recent shootings have made her “think twice about coming to work.” The security systems in place, such as the single armed police man on campus and Columbine doors (doors that lock from the inside), have clear drawbacks from Coull’s point of view. “I still have the windows!” she said.

Talking about gun control and second amendment rights in general, Bradley thinks that society has greatly changed from when the Bill of Rights was ratified. It is not “black or white, I don’t think you take them all, I don’t think you keep it the way it is,” he added about gun control. Bradley adds that gun rights are “privileges” that people in other countries do not have.

Coull’s opinion is very similar to Bradley’s. “They didn’t have semi-automatic rifles and all these weapons that we have today,” Coull said, adding that although she thinks that being able to bear arms is an important and basic American right there does need to be some sort of limitation on it. AP US History teacher Steve Johnson uses recent events to back up his opinion that “it is far too easy for people to get their hands on weapons that can hurt … children and endanger

our public safety.”

Grace O’TooleProwler Entertainment Editor

State RegulationsTeacher Opinions

1. In most instances, a long uninterrupted bell will sound to signal a lock down.2. Allow any close-by students to enter the classroom.3. Silence cell phones and follow directions.4. Keep out of sight from windows, if possible.5. If there is an unsafe situation directly on campus, move to the floor.6. Remain in the lock down until given further direction from emergency personnel.7. In the case of immediate danger from an armed individual, try to escape through any means available.8. If the lock down situation persists for an extended period of time, resort to using the emergency backpack and trash can to improvise bathroom facilities.9. One should use their best judgment and approach the situation with confidence.

Alexa HansonProwler Features Editor

Lockdown Procedures

4-4

FeaturesThe Prowler • Jan. 23, 2013

8

What is the only state whose name is a single syllable?

Lilly: Friday. Chun: Sunday.

Lilly: I know this isn’t right, but I’m going to say a Bible. Chun: I want to say indulgences, but … a rosary.

In the 1700s, what did some residents of London purchase to avoid going to hell?

Lilly: Salt. Chun: Calcium. Wait, no. Salt.

What is the only rock regularly eaten by humans?

What was featured in the first TV commercial advertising a toy?

License plates in New Hampshire contain the motto

Justin BuchananProwler Opinion Editor

Yes, salt is a rock, and you do eat salt, and therefore you eat a rock. Transitive property, for all you math whizzes. Lilly gets on the scoreboard, and the score is now 2-1, Chun’s favor.

The correct answer is insurance. Better luck next time. The score stands, 1-0, Chun in the lead.

Lilly: Maine.Chun: Can I copy her? Maine.

Lilly: In prisons.Chun: In a factory that’s in a graveyard.

Doll is pretty close. The answer is Mr. Potato Head, who first appeared on a commercial in 1952. The score stands, 2-1.

Right. That is also one syllable. As for every other state, however, two or more syllables occupy their name. Chun still leads, 3-2.

On what day of the week do the most auto accidents happen?

Oh, the day is actually right in between those. Saturday is the day with the most auto accidents. The score stands, 2-1.

Lilly: (After much deliberation) I’m going to stick with yo-yo. Chun: I’m going to go with a doll.

This is what would be called situational irony. The answer is in fact prisons. Lilly ties up the score, 3-3.

There is only one kind of fruit that has its seeds on the outside. Name it.

Lilly: Strawberry.Chun: Strawberry.

Way to end on a good note! The correct answer is strawberry. Lilly and Chun finish with a tie, 4-4.

Nevnit GillProwler Staff Writer

Final Score:

VS Robin LillyEnglish teacher

Elina ChunSenior

Student Teacher

The Gift of Music video contest, an online competition in which school bands from across the country compete to win $15,000, has been visited numerous times by students who hope to win money for the school band expenses.

This contest has been thoroughly publicized by the band members through fliers and emails. To enter students uploaded a video performance of one of five Christmas songs on the Gift of Music website, hosted by a store called Rack Room Shoes, by December 21. Visitors to the website voted for their favorite videos from December 8 to January 11. The four videos that received the greatest number of votes will win the money. The website was first discovered by band member Colin Milhaulpt, sophomore.

Soon, a video of the jazz band performing “The 12 Days of Christmas” was uploaded to the website.

“Just after Christmas in the early part of January, [the band website] had a web link that people were supposed to follow to go vote for us,” said Dennis Crystal, band director. “So we did the best that we could to get the word out.”

This competition is of tantamount importance to the band. To them, the

applications of this money are endless, as most of them sigh at the long laundry list of technical needs, from instrument repair to music stand demands.

“I have a pretty long list of instruments I want to buy for the school instrument inventory. Tubas are very expensive. That’s $4,000 dollars each,” Crystal said.

This long list, however, does not stop at that. In addition to musical needs, Crystal described his need for an LCD projector and screen in order to present musical videos of famous musicians to his class. There is also a need to upgrade the stereo, in order to aid the training.

“California schools don’t receive much of a budget for electives,” Glizelle Mapa, freshman, said. “For most people, if they like a subject, that’s what they do well in. Band is what keeps us going to school. It’s our motivation.”

Her motivation will only be strengthened with the small sum of money band could receive if they won. According to Crystal, band is in such a need of money that even $15,000 dollars cannot complete their need for equipment. But the money will “give us a good step in the right direction,” Crystal said. Yet for now, the assurance of receiving the $15,000 dollars is not guaranteed.

Sara Anderson/ Prowler

Lilly: I want to say summer, because people aren’t home. Chun: I’ll just say winter.

In which season do most burglaries take place?

The correct answer is winter, but summer was a good choice, Mrs. Lilly. Chun leads, 1-0.

1234

5678

“Live Free or Die.” Where are those license plates made?

For most people, if they like a subject, that’s what they do well in. Band is what keeps us going to school. It’s our motivation.

“ ”- Glizelle Mapa

15,000 steps to success

Sravya Singampalli/ Prowler

Entertainment 9The Prowler • Jan. 23, 2013

Student-directed One Acts bring funny, somber vignettes to NPHS

Thrift shoppers: taking over the campus

Melody ForsellProwler Staff Writer

Samantha MeyerProwler Staff Writer

Thrift shops, once the place your grandparents used to drag you to, have now reached new heights with their fashion inspiration.

Certain students on campus have been seen recently sporting unique outfits, and thrift shops have been helping out with their cheap prices for vintage clothing.

“I love being able to walk into a thrift store and find quirky, one-of-a-kind pieces and not have to feel guilty about spending money,” said Elena Dick, senior. “Every time I walk into Goodwill, I leave with a huge bag full of cute clothes that altogether cost less than one shirt from Abercrombie.”

Dick also adds creative touches to her finds, and enjoys expressing herself through her clothes.

“I usually attack my thrifting finds with scissors, dye, lace, and fabric glue,” said Dick. “I even made my mermaid costume for Halloween out of two skirts from a thrift store, my junior year homecoming dress, and two large clam shells.”

Martin Carnahan, sophomore, wouldn’t say he thrifts frequently, but when he does end up in a Goodwill, the good bargains blow him away.

“Whereas other places, suits would be expensive, (thrift shops)

are where I get that stuff,” said Carnahan. “Everything’s just so cheap!”

Samantha Krabel, freshman, also finds herself searching for retro looks that can only be found in thrift shops.

“I like thrift shopping because it’s a bunch of unique things you can’t find at other stores,” said Krabel.

Although it can sometimes be difficult to be a frequent customer at these stores, according to students the good aspects outweigh the bad.

“It’s like cheaper instead of getting brand name stuff ” said Krabel. “It brought the eighties back.”

Anyone who says Goodwill is full of dirty, gross clothes obviously hasn’t looked hard enough to find the right pieces.

Lately it seems everyone is out “popping tags”, as rap artist Macklemore, who became famous for a song about the subject, would say. Thrift shopping not only allows for a personal style, but for a low price that makes shopping more affordable.

Cassie Stephenson / Prowler

Humor, drama, tragedy, light-hearted fun. It’s not common to expect all of this and more in one night. This entertainment can be achieved by paying a small fee of $5 to attend the One Acts.

The One Acts are a series of short plays directed by NPHS’s students that take place on January 18, 19, 25, and 26 at 7 p.m. on Fridays and 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and are very diverse and range from uproarious comedies to more serious productions. This year there will be four different plays: “Sweet and Twenty” directed by Chana Jones and Brett Coker, “Check Please” directed by Casey Bowen and Chana Jones, “Das Box” directed by Casey Bowen, and “Action News” directed by Alex Reese.

Each of the One Acts has very different plots as well as an array of actors. Brett Coker, sophomore, describes “Sweet and Twenty” as “a 1940’s type of love story that is a much more peculiar example of romance than the audience will be used to.” Chana Jones, senior, said “Check Please” is “a series of short dates that go terribly wrong”. Casey Bowen, junior, calls “Das Box” “a farce play about a group of people who are late for miscellaneous appointments but are stuck looking after a heavy, mysterious box that nobody knows what’s inside”. Finally, “Action News” is a parody of a traditional news show.

Theater 2 students describe their directing experience as both fun and challenging.

“I love being able to ... find quirky, one - of-a-k ind pieces and not have to feel guilty about spending money.”

Sweet-and-TwentyWritten by Floyd Dell Directed by Brett Coker and Chana Jones

“It’s basically about two young adults who fall madly in love with each other within twenty minutes of meeting each other.” --Chana Jones “It’s a 1940’s set sort of love story that is a much more peculiar example of a romance than the audience will be used to.” --Brett Coker

Check PleaseWritten by Jonathan Rand Directed by Casey Bowen and Chana Jones

“Check Please is a comedy featuring a series of dinner dates between people with very odd personalities. This well-known show is a hilarious insight on date life as we know it.” --Casey Bowen

Das BoxWritten by Craig J. Clark Directed by Casey Bowen

“It is a farce play about a group of people who are late for miscellaneous appointments but are stuck looking after a heavy, mysterious box that nobody knows what’s inside. It’s a comedic play that makes fun of itself and is very fun to watch.” --Casey Bowen

Action News: Now With 10% More ActionWritten by Jonathan Rand Directed by Alex Reese

“‘Action News’ is basically a parody of any news station and basically has a bunch of characters played by two people, who present segments and interviews.” --Shelby Corley, actress, junior

Brett Coker characterizes directing as a huge decision making job. “Every day you are faced with another small problem and they all seem vital to the overall production,” Coker said. The job comes with huge responsibilities and last-minute problems, as described by Jones. “The biggest challenge we have faced is casting one of the characters,” said Jones. “Basically, we had someone cast but they dropped out. We found another person, but they dropped. We found two more people, but there’s been a misunderstanding with one of them about the show dates.”

To add on to the stressful job of directing, this year it is also required that each student act in their own play as well, which Coker describes as “enriching.” Bowen says that this year is not as organized as last year, which he believes to be more stressful, but not necessarily bad. ”We had our own obstacles, but last year we had a few more guidelines,” Bowen said. “This year we are working much more with producing as well as directing and with the Spring Play rehearsing the same time we do, things are more hectic”.

But despite the pressures faced by directing a production, the theater 2 students are very passionate about their individual One Acts. From advertising through social media to taking whatever chance they can to tell their schoolmates, the love of theater is prominent in all of them. “The control of the production and the creative license has to be my favorite part,” said Coker. Jones believes that “the greatest thing about directing is that at the end of the show you realized that you put it together”.

Thrift Shops In Newbury ParkSalvation Army, 2400 Hillcrest DriveMerry Hall Tree, 2929 Theresa DriveThe Consignment Warehouse, 2812 Camino Dos Rios

Entertainment10The Prowler • Jan. 23, 2012

Dana FoleyProwler Staff Writer

Liam BrownProwler Copy Editor

Whether or not you believe in them, there is much more to the stars than you know.

Compassionate Adaptable AcceptingOversensitive

“I look at my horoscope once in a

while, and everything seems true.”

Anthony Evans, freshman

March 21-April 19

“I think it’s a very romantic idea to

think that life could be written in the

stars, regardless of truth.”

Nicolle San Jose, junior

“I feel it fits me. I’m a typical

Gemini. Gemini’s are the twin, and

I feel I have two personalities.”

Madison Ealy, freshman

May 21 – June 20

“I can relate to the traits, but I don’t

believe in it. The traits they give are

general. Anyone can have them.”

Helena Van Brande, junior

June 21 - July 22

“Nobody can predict personality.

It’ll only come true if you believe it.”

Hanna Richkind, freshman

July 23 - Aug. 22

“I’m not that much of a suspicious

person. I’m just not into it.”

Ryan Sandstrom, sophomore

Aug. 23- Sept. 22

“A lot of the times some characteristics

a sign has applies to the person who has

that sign.” Amanda Chiou, freshman

Sept 23- Oct. 22

“I wouldn’t go all the way on it,

but in a sense, yeah I believe in it.”

Shelby Gorman, freshman

Oct. 23 – Nov. 21

“I don’t believe in it, but its fun to

learn about it. My sign sort of matches

me.” Glizelle Mapa, freshman

Nov. 22 – Dec. 21

“The description fits me really well,

so I generally believe in it.”

Victoria Hufschmidt, sophomore

Dec. 22 – Jan. 19

“My zodiac matches me but I know

other people whose sign doesn’t

reflect their personality at all.”

Lauren Hall, junior

Jan. 20 – Feb. 18

“I check my horoscope monthly; I like

to pretend it’s true. I think the general

stereotype matches me.”

Pooja Patel, junior

Feb. 19 - March 20

“Zero Dark Thirty”marks excellent end to Oscar race

Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer

Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio

Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces

Loyal StubbornPossessiveMaterialistic

April 20 - May 20

Energetic CleverImaginativeWitty

Confident AmbitiousGenerousMelodramatic

AnalyticalHelpfulReliable Skeptical

LoyalDependable Caring Responsive

Hey Oscar voters: this is one of your prize-horses, your best hands. But do you know that? Thankfully, “Zero Dark Thirty”, directed by Kathryn Bigelow, was partially recognized by the Academy for this year’s Oscar picks, but my main concern is that it didn’t receive all the recognition it deserved -- specifically, Kathryn Bigelow. Put simply, my love letter to this film’s direction is as follows. The film, which is based on first-hand accounts, tells the story of the events leading up to and surrounding the death of Osama bin Laden, leader of al-Qaeda, through the eyes of Maya ( Jessica Chastain), a CIA operative tasked with hunting down

the terrorist. Starting with the events of September 11, the film is also moved along by a timeline of notable terror attacks, such as the London train bombings, which are dramatized throughout and make for some chilling scenes -- but more on that later. With such a heated subject, it’s no surprise that this movie has had one of the more controversial production histories this year. It became a talking point during the political race when influential Republicans accused the Obama administration of leaking confidential material about the raid in Pakistan to Bigelow and her team, and others have criticized the film for allegedly being “pro-torture”. The film does have its share of torture scenes and shows the method working, but it doesn’t advocate torture in the least. This is where Kathryn Bigelow’s brilliant direction comes in: “Zero Dark Thirty” forces us to

examine a side of national security most of us haven’t exactly witnessed, and leaves the audience to judge rather than making a statement outright or inserting subtle clues that lead to any partisan agenda. Another aspect of the film that’s worth mentioning is relative newcomer Jessica Chastain, who delivers some of the best acting of the year in her commanding performance as Maya. Her character’s determination and conviction to catch bin Laden is easily projected on the screen, especially after the hunt hits home for her in a way too spoilerific to describe here. Bigelow’s hard work can also be seen in the acting department as well -- she certainly knows how to draw excellent performances from her cast, Chastain being the second Oscar-nominated performer she’s directed (the first being Jeremy Renner in the similarly well-received “The Hurt Locker”). As stated before, the movie features lots of torture and action, but luckily doesn’t indulge in it, as I fear it would have in the hands of a less competent director. In the film’s climactic scene, in which SEAL Team 6 set out to Abbottabad, Pakistan to bin Laden’s infamous compound, a funny thing happened. There was no score, only tension in the air as the team worked their way through the house. The audience stayed mostly quiet. Everybody knew how it ended, and yet it seemed as if everybody was on the edge of their seats. Add Ben Affleck and Kathryn Bigelow to the list of undeserved Oscar snubs, and go see “Zero Dark Thirty”. It’s remarkable how this movie managed to hold its own and fly by the controversy after being used as a pawn in the political race. The film defines the War on Terror and the effects it has on government officials, terrorists, and those caught in the mix. It marks a perfect end to the Oscar race and I know I’ll long for it in the long months of mediocrity to come .

“‘Zero Dark Thirty’ forces us to examine a side of national

security most of us haven’t exactly witnessed...”

Oscar Nominations

Best Picture

Best Original

Screenplay

Best Actress

Film Editing

Sound Editing

Graceful Peaceful Idealistic Superficial

FearlessIndependentTactlessCrude

LoyalPassionateObsessiveManipulative

AmbitiousConceitedUnimaginativePatient

WittyCleverInventiveSarcastic

Adaptable Devoted LazyEscapist

Shady Business - Oscar nominated actress Jessica Chastain plays C.I.A. operative Maya, who leads a team of spies in the manhunt of Osama bin Laden.

Zodiac Signs

Patrick Rewers / Prow

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Cassie Stephenson/ Prowler

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Sports 11The Prowler • Jan. 23, 2012

Girl’s Water Polo thrives with new

Kylie EverittProwler Staff Writer

The relatively new group of girls playing for the 2013 varsity water polo team are kicking off their new season with two wins and two losses. With the loss of multiple strong graduates from last year now attending college, the team was left with vacant spots for new players to step up and play for the team. After being reassembled, they recently placed second in their Arroyo Grande tournament and are hopeful for wins in the near future as the season unfolds.

Even with the new additions to the team the players admit that the dynamics are still holding strong. Amy Reeves, sophomore, says that they are functioning just fine without them even though “the seniors last year added a lot of depth to the team and scored a lot, but this year I think we’re really stepping it up and making things happen out of what we have.”

Much of the camaraderie established by the team has been because of the coaches. Junior and varsity water polo player Elise Begg gives much of the credit of the team’s success to the coach, Dave Gleisberg.

“Coach Dave has been with the program for six years and definitely has the best interest for our team at heart,” she said. “His commitment and support has helped us grow as water polo players, as well as people. He has built the program into what it is today.” Gleisberg is the varsity head coach, however numerous other coaches have also contributed to the water polo program.

“Stevie Blanchard, who joined our program last year, has been a fantastic addition to our family,” Begg said. “She has brought new drills, technique, and other bits of knowledge that have helped us grow as a team.” Begg also said that the frosh-soph coach, Kyle Ripley, has also affected the program in a beneficial way.

“Coach Ripley is great at instilling the fundamentals in the girls that are just starting the sport,” she said.

Every year, players are lost to either injury or college, but are lost nonetheless. According to Begg the transformation that the team has undergone has been somewhat effortless. “The transition has been seamless. Each year is a fresh start. The system of our team is not weakened by the loss of last year’s seniors. Yes, they are missed, but as any team, players move on and there is now an opportunity for the younger players to grow and step up.”

This team still has much of the season left before CIF playoffs come around, but Sam Schwartz, senior and varsity player, is optimistic about the newly formed team’s abilities. “I believe that our team is much closer than it has ever been and this definitely lends to our teamwork in the pool,” she explained.

Out with the old and in with the new (right) -

Amy Reeves, sophomore takes an attempt at a

shot in the game against TOHS on Friday, Jan.

18, which they won by a large margin.

Nadia Lynn/ Prowler

Dana FoleyProwler Staff Writer

At two years old, most people are just learning to talk, walk, and how to throw a good tantrum. But for Lindsey Mayer, senior, she dreamed of becoming a gymnast. At only two, she began her path to fulfill what she is now.

Through training and dedication, Mayer has developed into a highly tuned competitive gymnast in both Artistic and Tumbling forms of she is currently a nationally ranked elite Trampoline and Tumbling gymnast.

Through gymnastics, there are different levels on each event according to your ability. Mayer started Trampoline and Tumbling the summer before her freshman year.

“Since I had 12 years of experience under my belt, I caught on pretty quickly” says Mayer.

Mayer starts her daily workout routine at four p.m. to eight at Coach Patty’s School of Gymnastics with her teammates. At practice, she works on tumbling and trampoline as well as floor gymnastics.

“My team is like a family to me because we are together so much; we all get along really well and encourage each other to do our best at work out and in competitions. My team has won many awards individually and as a team,” Mayer stated. With her team, she competes nationally, not professionally.

Mayer says fifteen years of gymnastics has been life changing because it has shown her “how to work through rough times and to work for what you want in life”. Though her gymnastics days are coming to an end due to injuries on her knees and back as well as other parts of her body. She reminisces fondly

about her long career as a gymnast that helped develop her strong sense of commitment to something she truly valued. With only a few more months to savor as a gymnast, Mayer prepares for her final competition in June, and then she will then retire. To Mayer, the injuries and the ups and downs were definitely worth

it in order to pursue her passion.

“Gymnastics taught me that patience and hard work is always worth it in the end. No one said it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it, and it was every step of the way. My advice would be hustle, loyalty and respect. Hustle through the pain, be loyal

to your coaches and teammates, respect all of those you meet throughout the journey, as well as the sport itself. Persevere through it all, there is no better reward for your hard work than to be on that podium in front of the audience and thinking, this is definitely worth the fight,” she said.

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Good Game (below) - Junior Helena Van Brande

hugs members of the TOHS Girl’s Water Polo

team after their game.

Persevere through it all, there

is no better reward for your hard

work than to be on that podium in

front of the audience and thinking,

this is definitely worth the fight.

“

“

Flipping to a finish - Mayer’s practices her routine in preparation for her last competition in June.

Lindsey Mayer’s year gymnastic career ends

SportsThe Prowler • Jan. 23, 2013 12

The girl’s basketball team has achieved a solid winning record through the first half of the season. The team holds a record of seven wins and no losses. Junior Alex Brunk and Senior Taylor Driscoll both believe that the team’s “hard work” and “togetherness” have been key factors in the team’s success this season. These factors, combined with a defense that has conceded no more than 47 points in a single game, places the team at the summit of the Marmonte League standings.

“We have great chemistry on and off the court, which has been a key factor in our success. We just need to keep the energy high every quarter of the game,” Driscoll said.

The team is aiming to finish the season with an undefeated record, a task which is looking increasingly possible as each victory is accomplished.

“Our team has really worked hard to do the best we can and so far our hard work has paid off. We have some

“I like watching the actual game, not just the commercials because everyone shows up and they play hard and they play good. I want the Ravens to win because I want Ray Lewis to go out right, but I would like the 49er’s too, because it would be cool for a rookie to win the Super Bowl. But all-in-all I want the Ravens to win.”

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“I like the Super Bowl because it’s the best day of the year and there’s tons of good food and friends obviously and football gets me really pumped because I get to see who wins and every year the team I want to win wins, so I like it.”

“I like the Super Bowl because my grandma always has a party at her house and any time a team scores a touchdown we get a present. So I get a lot of presents on Super Bowl day. It’s been happening since I was three years old and it’s really awesome.”

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“I like watching the Super Bowl because it’s always a really close game and football is a lot of fun to watch. I want the Rzzzzzavens to win the Super Bowl, because it’s Ray Lewis’s last season and he’s been a great player, and he deserves to win another Super Bowl.”

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Sara Anderson / Prowler

girls Basketballcontinues an undefeated season

looking out - karli laPerche, junior, watches her team and on going play from a defensive position.

Kishen Majithia Prowler opinion editor

Student Voices:Why do you like the Super Bowl?

Melody ForsellProwler StaffWriter

important games left in the league but if we continue to work hard and play together, we will finish the season off strong,” Brunk said.

However, the team’s success would not end with just a Marmonte League championship. A league title would only be the start of what the team hopes would be a successful run, finishing with a high ranking in the California Interscholastic Federation playoffs.

Along with team goals, Driscoll also has set lofty personal ambitions. “I hope to make the Marmonte First Team. But obviously the team success comes first. I just want to do my part and continue to contribute to our success.”

“Right now we are executing and playing together well. This year our defense has greatly improved. We just need to continue to play our game, and we will accomplish our goals,” Brunk said, “I want to play the best I can in order to help my team win.”

making the play - after recieving the ball, alaina Baldwin, senior, dribbles while she prepares to make a move.

getting Set - kayla overbeck, freshman, runs down-court with Branna linberg, senior, to prepare for the next play after her team gets the ball.

Nadia Lynn / Prowler