Ω

photo By christine liu

Candee YuanStaff Writer

Key Club, National Honor Society, and Interact volunteered at the annual Walnut Snow Day held near the Senior Center on

Jan. 22. Walnut residents experienced a family environment with a slope of ice, an ice rink, game booths, food, and live entertainment.

Walnut Snow Day was hosted to create a family event where people could enjoy an afternoon together.

“I thought it was a good opportunity to interact with the community that I live in. It was really enjoyable to see the families bond during a fun event like this,” freshman Rose Chang said.

Club volunteers helped out with numerous activities including “Ice Fishing” and “Pin the Nose on the Reindeer”. In

“Ice Fishing,” a player sat in a chair and swung a stick with a string attached to it over a fabric divider. When the player pulled the “fishing pole” back they received a toy or prize attached to the pole by a volunteer.

An ice rink, a snow slope, and a field of snow allowed kids to ice skate, sled, and hurl snowballs at each other. Volunteers played with the kids and loaned skates.

“The event turned out pretty good and a lot of people showed up. There were a lot of fun games and booths for the kids and when the kids are happy, the parents are happy,” Han said. Ω

Students volunteer at Walnut Snow DayVolunteers set up game booths and loan skates for families to enjoy the Walnut Snow Day.

ice cool: Sophomore Julius Yee and other club volunteers joined in on the winter fun with younger kids at the ice rink, snow field, and snow slope. Families gathered near the Senior Center for the event where club members from Key Club, National Honor Society, and Interact set up game booths for everyone to enjoy.

the

New superintendent tours schools and meets principals

Angela AieStaff Writer

The Walnut Valley Unified School District board elected Dr. Dean Conklin as superintendent on Dec. 15. Conklin, who has 30 years of experience and has worked as superintendent for the Duarte Unified School District, began his duties on Jan. 17.

“My goal is to continue the culture of student achievement, excellence, innovation, and leadership that Walnut Valley is known for. When I came here in 1994, we talked about

those things,” Conklin said.Conklin wants to accomplish these goals

through the First 100 Day Plan by spending a majority of his first 100 days as superintendent visiting schools and holding meetings.

“I had the opportunity to sit down with Ms. Catherine Real, Diamond Bar High principal and Mr. Jeff Jordan, Walnut High principal,” Conklin said. “I am very proud to work alongside these outstanding leaders. I will be supportive of them as they continue to move their schools forward.”

Conklin visited the campus on Feb. 1 to meet with the staff after school and will return in April to come visit and observe classrooms.

“I think that he is a person who, with a history of working in Walnut, understands our dynamics,” principal Jeff Jordan said. “He

wants to provide whatever support he can so that teachers can do their jobs and administrators can support their teachers.”

WVUSD will also deal with fiscal problems that have logged schools in debt. The governor approved 1.5 billion dollar spending cuts for K-12 schools last May according to the California Department of Education.

“From a financial perspective, we share the same challenges as every other district in California,” Conklin said. “When it comes to the state budget, you hope for the best and plan for the worst.”

Conklin wants to continue improving schools in the district.

“Walnut Valley is known throughout Southern California as an outstanding school district. Our test scores are very strong, we have

a wonderful reputation for great leadership, and the people who make up this district are dedicated and committed to kids,” Conklin said.Ω

Dr. Dean Conklin plans to uphold the district’s reputation for excellence.

walnut high school www.whshoofprint.com

VOLUME 43, ISSUE 5 February 4, 2011400 N. PIERRE RD. WALNUT CA, 91789

A&EChoir hosts a pancake breakfast in the multipurpose room.

PAGE 5

FEATURESophomore Ryan Gabot has attended over fourteen musicals.

PAGE 10

hoofprint

photo By eddie coxNew superintendent Dr. Dean Conklin with principal Jeff Jordan

SCENEStudents review the food and cultural atmosphere of Thai restaurants.

PAGE 12

Vanessa ChouStaff Writer

Chiara Morgan’s anatomy physiology class will be viewing pre-dissected human corpses and examining non-functioning organs at the Southern California University of Health Sciences today.

“I can’t wait for it! It’s the first time I’ll be able to see the inside of a human body with my own eyes, and to know that this person was alive at one point is just crazy. It is like a lab experiment, except with an actual human body,” junior Kevin Lopez said.

Every year, the anatomy class visits the private institute located in Whittier that focuses on complementary and alternative medicine such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and herbal medicine.

“At the university, we will be able to see the different organs, muscles, and bones that we have been learning about throughout the school year,” Lopez said.

Having hands-on experience with human corpses enables students to receive a visual of the insides of the human body.

“Like any dissection, the students have an opportunity to learn from more than just reading from a textbook and taking tests. It’s a break from the classroom,” Morgan said.

Approximately 30 of Morgan’s 180 students decided against going to the university, citing queasiness as the main factor.

“The visit to the university is not for everyone, as some people may become slightly nauseous in the presence of a dissected human body,” Morgan said.

Although most students are informed beforehand of the field trip when they enroll in the class, by the time the day of the viewing draws near, nervousness and excitement are common.

“Other than gaining experience from looking inside the body and analyzing the functions, the chance to view a human corpse itself creates a memorable trip,” junior Francis Pallagao said. Ω

Kevin YinStaff Writer

The American Cancer Society will hold a garage sale to raise money for the American Cancer Society Youth Chapter, a team that will be running at Relay for Life.

“We really wanted the community to get involved, even though Relay for Life is around five months away,” senior Willis Chen said.

Relay for Life is an event where volunteers run to raise money for cancer patients and create awareness of the deadly disease. Members will donate clothes, shoes, toys, and secondhand items for the garage sale.

The society hopes that this garage sale will leave a positive message for the community. The garage sale will take place on Saturday, Feb.12 at 635 Galloping Colt Circle in Walnut.

“We’re trying to let everyone know that there’s an important event going on and that everything they buy will be donated to ACS. The money directly helps through research and services for cancer patients,” president, senior Jessica Sutantio said. Ω

Timothy HuangStaff Writer

American Red Cross is amassing baked goods to donate either to the faculty or firefighters and other local heroes.

The club, if it receives a large amount of pastries, plans to send them to teachers as a token of gratitude.

“This is our first time doing this event, and the main reason why we chose to do this is that it’s just our way of appreciating those community service men and women,” historian, senior Willis Chen said.

The club will spend this week collecting goods from its members and will probably decide who to send it to next week.

“As high school students, we understand the professional performance difficulties a person can endure so it’s just our way of thanking them for their work,” Doan said. Ω

Austin Au-YeungStaff Writer

The administration introduced Forensics this year as an elective open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

“We were looking at offering a new one-semester elective that students would be interested in that wasn’t a new technology class. I felt that there would be an interest in a science elective that would attract all students,” instructional dean Barbie Cole said.

Cole introduced the idea of having a forensics class because she was interested in all fields of forensics and was willing to develop the curriculum of the class.

“The class has been in place for one semester and so far I feel it has been very successful,” Cole said. “I had many positive comments from my students and the GLC’s have had many students tell them they really liked the class.”

Students taking Forensics have been participating in numerous hands-on activities, including fingerprinting, criminal profiling, blood analysis, and ballistics in addition to watching movies.

“I thought it was fun and everyone should take the class. The labs we do were pretty interesting, and it’s pretty chill watching CSI,” sophomore Charley Liu said. “You learn a lot of observation skills like how to gather evidence.”

Although many have chosen Forensics as a semester elective after taking another semester class, such as the state-required course, some have chosen it for future benefits.

“I wanted to be a county deputy so I wanted to take a field that involved law enforcement,” senior Aaron Morales said. “I want to take in convicts for the rest of my life and I thought this class would help my career.”

Morales has been a county sheriff explorer for four years at the Walnut police station, where he does ride-alongs with county deputies and helps them at city events. He works at the station before school, after school, and on the weekends whenever he has time.

“Since I’m going to be a cop, I need to know criminal justice,” Morales said. “When I become a cop, I’d be one of the first to respond to

a crime and since I would know forensics, I would know how important it is to preserve a crime scene.” Ω

Tiffany DiepStaff Writer

Future Business Leaders of America members met at Skate Express to connect and network with other members from different schools, as well as to complete a requirement for a project.

“The purpose of the winter social was to mingle with other chapters and promote social networking. It helps for other chapters to know that we are actively organizing social events,” sophomore Elijah Chang said.

The social allows members to meet new people and fulfill one of the requirements for the FBLA Goes Public project. Other requirements include giving presentations, visiting middle schools to inform students about FBLA, and volunteering.

“From interacting with other members, we gain more social promi-nence as well as the self satisfaction of meeting new people,” Chang said.

“I feel that it has a very meaningful purpose and that it is always good to communicate with our surroundings.”

The section projects allow Walnut’s FBLA to gain recognition for chapters (a division of the FBLA organization) at the sectional and state level.

“The projects are done for recognition,” junior Daniel Chen said. “It’s sort of like collecting Boy Scout pins, basically, getting the ribbon, by completing the project, it shows that we’re an active chapter.”

Members of the club to talk to and get to know each other better and meet members from other schools.

“I enjoy meeting new people. It’s fun and it’s a good way to test one’s social intelligence,” Chang said. “We [also] gain more social prominence as well as the self satisfaction of meeting people.”

Another project the club is working on is FBLA Goes Green, a proj-ect that helps increase awareness of the health of the environment among the world’s upcoming business leaders.

“These projects are great ways for members to do something besides studying for their competitive events,” said Chen. “We want to show that we’re one of the best chapters in our area.” Ω

02.04.11Vol. 43, Issue 5 the hoofprint2 news

&previews

CALENDARWinter FormalDance CompetitionLate StartPresident’s DayEnd of six week grading period

2/52/26

2/15 -162/212/25

PREVIEW: AmERICAN CANCER soCIEty hosts gARAgE sALE

PREVIEW: AmERICAN RED CRoss bAkEs gooDs

bRIEF: ANAtomy CLAss VIEWs PRE-DIssECtED boDIEs

Angelina TangStaff Writer

The California state government passed a new law (AB 354), changing immunization requirements starting July 1 for students between 7th and 12th grade.

This coming school year, students will need to take an adolescent booster shot called Tdap before starting school. The booster vaccine, recommended for children above ten years, protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough, also called pertussis.

Current students, new students, and transfer students in both public and private schools will be vaccinated. Whooping cough, a contagious disease, is usually diagnosed in infants but many 11-18 year olds have caught the cough because of decreased immunity.

Symptoms include violent coughing ending with a ‘“whoop”, which is heard when the person inhales after a cough, a runny nose, and a slight fever.

“It must be important if the school won’t let us enroll [next year] unless we have taken the vaccine,” sophomore Matthew Diep said.

The following school year from 2012 to 2013 and in future school years, only students entering the 7th grade will need proof of a Tdap shot to start school. The disease had died out previously in the last couple of years, but resurfaced again in the summer of 2010.

“It’s definitely serious, and I’d recommend everyone to get the shot because the disease can be fatal,” school nurse Donna McAnally-Cuellna said.

Parent Portal has students’ immunization records. Proof of immunization can be turned in to the school after students have been vaccinated.

“I don’t like the shots, but I’m not afraid of them either,” sophomore Lan-anh Ngo said. “If I have to, I will take them.”

In order to prevent the spread of the contagious cough, students are required to have a note verifying that they took the shot before school starts next year.

“I would advise the students to not take the chance and to get the shot as soon as possible,” McAnally-Cuellna said. Ω

FBLA clubs meet at inter-chapter social

Student immunization required next yearThe Tdap shot prevents tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough.

New semester Forensics elective attracts new student detectives

PRIVATE EYE: Sophomore Charley Liu uses a spray can to preserve the footprint in order to mold and analyze it for a lab.

Students have learned to analyze blood, fingerprints, and more in the new class being offered as a semester elective.

photo BY Kevin Yin

Future Business Leaders of America complete club projects for recognition.

Michael HyunStaff Writer

Polynesian club will be making Tahitian hip bands for the first time because they will be dancing the Otea, a Tahitian dance accompanied by island drumming, at the multicultural assembly.

“There are different drum beat patterns and the dance and hip shaking has to match the drum beats,” adviser Ave Tauvao said. “Every year the students help to make their costumes, but we have a different costume every year. You could use any color we desire, but this year we are going with a more natural look using white with brownish feathers.”

Polynesian club members will meet at Tauvao’s house on Feb. 12 to make the Tahitian hip bands by hand, an extensive process taking up to two hours.

“All costumes must be made. I have the club members help in this task, so they learn to appreciate their costumes because they put their own mana into making them,” Tauvao said. “They also know that if they don’t put in the effort, they will not look good while wearing their costume.”

Tea leaves, rafia, lauhaha, and feathers can be made into braids to adorn the hip band. “I’ll be happy because it’ll be my first time making one and it’s always nice to learn to make

new stuff,” junior Evelyn Campos said. “Since it’s coming out of our own imagination, it makes you proud of yourself because you’re not depending on others to make your costume, you’re depending on yourself to make your own costume.”

Not only are the hip bands an accessory for the costume, but they also help accentuate the fast hip-shaking moves known as fa’rapu.

“I bet everyone is going to be impacted because they’re going to be like ‘Wow, they can move’, and have a different view of the whole Polynesian culture,” Campos said.

After making the hip bands, the Polynesian club will be spending some quality time together as a whole family.

“If anyone knows Polynesians, they know that Polynesians are tight and very close to their families. Family is first always,” Tauvao said. “We help make every member feel like they are a part of a strong family, and respect for one another is essential. Whenever we are together, the Polynesian club members know that they are surrounded by love.” Ω

02.04.11Vol. 43, Issue 5 news 3the hoofprint

Amy Lee and Jessica WangStaff Writers

International Baccalaureate information night will be held on Feb. 8 and Feb. 15 at 7:00 p.m. to provide information to sophomores considering joining IB in their junior year.

IB coordinator Donna Crisci will cover topics regarding what the IB program is, the differences between Advanced Placement and IB, and why IB is available at Walnut High School, which is now in its twelfth year as an IB school.

“I really try to give the parents and students an understanding about what IB is and why we think it is the best academic program we offer,” Crisci said. “I try to explain why a student might benefit from being in it, and who really should not consider it. I also try to give a fair warning about its rigor as well as its positive side.”

Students in the IB program are familiar with the painstakingly full schedule their courses present, and have developed methods of coping with them.

“We have an individual oral commentary next week, and to practice for it, we’re going to practice presenting to each other and critiquing each other,” senior Sarah Baig said. “We help each other if we can.”

IB students collaborate online through Google Documents and their IB Facebook page, sometimes compiling information into study guides to prepare for tests.

The meeting will also provide information of the costs of the program and annual tests, as well as the program’s history at Walnut High.

“It is a chance to let people know how very successful our IB program has been, one of the most successful in the entire state,” Crisci said.

Some sophomore who plan on attending the meeting hope that the information given will help prepare them mentally for IB.

“I hope that I can learn more about what IB is and what benefits there are to taking it, as well as what I can expect out of the program,” sophomore Marion Xu said. “I want to do IB because I feel that it will be a good, challenging experience.”

Crisci encourages students to attend with their parents so that they understand the commitment necessary for completing the program.

“After all, students are the ones who will actually have to do the program,” Crisci said. “We are very proud of what our kids and teachers have achieved in the past and we want to keep going strong in the future.” Ω

Sophomores invited to IB information night

Parent Association fundraises to host SAT

Daniela KimStaff Writer

The Latin American Parent Association helps both parents and students by creating academic opportunities for Hispanic families.

“I think we are an effective vehicle for dissemination of information to our target group, the Hispanic students and parents,” parent coordinator of LAPA Martha Carrasco said.

A new group consisting of the parents of Hispanic students

on campus, LAPA has been running on donations in order to host its activities.

“We are trying to educate the parents before the students, letting them know how to make their kids successful,” Spanish teacher Diana De La Cruz-Wilds said.

LAPA will host a free practice SAT on Feb. 12 for Hispanic students who will be able to see their scores at the Feb. 24 score result meeting. In addition to the meeting, LAPA meets once every month where parents come together to share ideas and think of ways to recruit more members.

“The parents need to know what options are available for their kids, allowing them to be prepared for future years in high school and also later in life,” De La Cruz-Wilds said.

Members of LAPA communicate mostly through e-mail, the school website, and monthly meetings.

“LAPA is a relatively new group here at Walnut and right now, they are trying to spread the word about LAPA,” De La Cruz-Wilds said.

As the organization grows, LAPA continues to raise funds through events like the Bingo Fundraiser Extravaganza that will take place on Feb. 25 and also educate Hispanic students about the events geared towards them.

“We have more events planned for the rest of the year, giving the Hispanic students an opportunity to become more interactive through LAPA,” Carrasco said.

LAPA works in hopes of exposing students to the available events and opportunities that they may be unaware of.

“LAPA is a great support group which has great resources we have utilized,” LAPA member Sophie Armendariz said. Ω

Polynesian Club prepares for assemblyPolynesian Club designs hip skirts to wear at their dance at the multicultural assembly.

Susie LawStaff Writer

The school administration recently conducted several surveys made by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges online, which were aimed at the student population, their parents, and the school staff.

WASC is an organization that evaluates and gives schools accreditation, which schools must have for its students to graduate.

Schools apply for one to six year cycles of accreditation and WASC representatives arrive to inspect the campus.

“The survey is taking an assessment on how Walnut High School is viewed, the things done well and things we need to improve on. We’re making sure we’re doing all we can to accommodate the wide spectrum of students. We can always continue to improve,” vice principal Bill Diskin said.

The questions in the surveys are tailored to different sections of the student body. Parents are also invited to take the survey online for the WASC to get different perspectives from people.

“The survey was very productive and provided the student’s opinion in the key factors of the school,” freshman Kathy Ho said. Ω

WASC hosts an online student survey

Students benefit from the fundraising activities of the Latin American Parent Association.

photo courtesy of Ave tAuvAo

Leafy skirts: Polynesian club members design skirts out of tea leaves, rafia, lauhaha, and feathers among other materials to wear at the multicultural assembly for their dance, the Otea.

International Baccalaureate coordinator Donna Crisci will discuss the IB curriculum, the program’s history at Walnut High and the costs required to be an IB student.

Jacqueline ChowArts & Entertainment Editor

The improv team hosted another improv show on Friday, Jan. 21 in the MPR.

“Improv is really difficult because you don’t know what’s going to happen,” host-ess sophomore Paulina Tinana said. “If any of the improv team members got too serious and didn’t stay open-minded, the show wouldn’t have been as fun.”

Four teams, Red, Blue, White, and Black,

competed against each other by acting to games chosen out of a hat. Each team consisted of three members and a captain.

“I’m very proud of my team because ev-eryone on the team has grown and did well to-gether as a team. I told them to be confident and to go with whatever game we get,” Blue team captain, junior Alyssa Spear said.

Participants felt that the improv show was an overall success.

“The beginning of the show was a little rocky, especially for me. But as it went on, it was a lot easier for me to host it and for the im-prov teams to perform when the audience had more interaction with us,” Tinana said. Ω

Michael HyunStaff Writer

Jazz Band will perform its last concert of the year at the Performing Arts Center on Friday, Feb. 11 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Unlike the previous concerts, this one will consist of a diverse song selection.

“I like all the detective music because the last jazz band con-cert was a cop scene, and it’s that feeling you get when you play that I like,” junior Frank Sun said. “This year, we don’t have a specific genre, but it’s a lot more spread out. There’s all different kinds of jazz like Latin, fling, shuffle, and boogie woogie.”

With the concert coming just around the corner, Jazz Band is focusing on practicing pieces such as “Hay Burner,” “Gospel

John,” and “Somewhere My Love.”“It’s a little bit different because now that we’re so close to

the concert, we have to rely more on just working by ourselves at our houses, practicing our music,” senior Wyatt Moscoso said.

“I’m focusing more on the pieces that I’m playing, and play-ing a new style so I can adapt to a new type of music,” Sun said. I listen to more types of music that I’m focusing on in order to grasp the style I’m supposed to play.”

To some members of Jazz Band, specific songs that they will be performing have a personal meaning to them.

“I like ‘Somewhere My Love’ that we’re playing because my parents used to play it so it reminds me of when I was little,” sophomore Lan-Anh Ngo said.

In occasional concerts, band and orchestra director Buddy Clements would have a guest artist come and play with the entire Jazz Band in the concert.

“I usually like the guest artist. Last fall concert we didn’t have a guest artist, but hopefully for this concert we will have

a guest come,” sophomore Andrew Chuen said. “He’s a famous artist, and he’s got a lot to offer. They’re pretty talented in the instrument that they play.”

Compared to previous concerts, Jazz Band members hope to see progress in their performance and their abilities.

“I hope it’s better than the previous ones because if there’s a lot of improvement from the other concerts, it could be a lot bet-ter; and if we work on it, our concerts will get better and better,” sophomore Daniel Kim said.

The last concert of the year gets the audience something to look forward to, and even after the concert, they will still be on their “jazz” high.

“I like how it’s usually the most highly attended [though actually most of the jazz band concerts are pretty packed but], and a lot of times, after the last concert, people will always talk about it the next day,” Moscoso said. “It’s kinda fun to hear how people saw what we sounded like.” Ω

02.04.11Vol. 43, Issue 5 the hoofprint4 a&e

Angela AieStaff Writer

Orchestra’s annual movie music concert was held on Friday, Jan. 28. It featured the 17-minute song “Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day,” which is rarely released by Disney.

“It’s interesting and different because we’re actually playing what Disney played in the movie and it’s an honor to be able to play the original version,” cellist senior Elene Huang said.

Many orchestra members were excited to play the original piece. The song was accompanied by narration and told a story.

“There’s a very challenging piece that we’re playing this time, and it’s the theme from Winnie the Pooh,” violinist sopho-more Molly Yee said. “Winnie the Pooh has some catchy tunes in it and all the other pieces are really cool, like ‘Viva la Vida.’”

Along with music from Winnie the Pooh, the concert also included pieces from popular movies such as Pirates of the Ca-ribbean and High School Musical.

“People really pay attention when they recognize the music. We changed it to Friday so more people can come, since it’s not a school night,” orchestra director Corey Wicks said.

Orchestra members also agree that the relatable element in this concert makes it one of the more popular ones of the year.

“It’s really connecting because I think everyone has watched Disney films before so they can connect to it and hum the tune in their head while we perform,” cellist junior Jacqueline Ko said.

Before the concert, orchestra members worked hard to get everything just right and practiced for long hours after school.

“It was fun to practice and even though we’re playing really long songs, it’s been hard work but it paid off because it sounded good,” base player sophomore Daniel Suryakusuma said.

To-Van HoangOnline Feature Editor

Four Walnut students made it through So-Cal’s regionals, senior Michelle Abiera, juniors Chloe Chng and Dansel De Luna, and sopho-more Dylan Chng are continuing onto the All-State auditions in Sacra-mento.

The Southern Cali-fornia Vocal Association (SCVA) assembles the California Regional and All-State Honor Choirs every year through audi-tions in November and March.

“It’s a really good experience full of moti-vation, inspiration, and creativity,” De Luna, who is participating in the men’s choir for All-State, said. “It’s nice to sing with people who can sing greatly and in-tune so easily.”

Choir students from all over come to the audition site and perform tests such as sight singing and scales to try for a score that deter-mines whether or not they go on from the audi-tions.

“We go to Sacramento to audition for All-

State. Our parents and Mrs. Lopez are coming,” junior Chloe Chng, who is participating in the mixed choir along with Abiera and her brother, said. “Mrs. Lopez is always there to support us.”

Walnut choir director Lisa Lopez encour-ages students she thinks will have a positive ex-perience with Honor Choir to try out and helps by giving these students a practice session of the actual audition.

“I was nervous and excited, but this year I was less intimidated than last year,” Chng said. “Both years I tried out, I felt very encouraged.

Mrs. Lopez helps us know what’s going on so I knew what to do.”

The choir students who are returnees be-lieve that the work put into the auditions, two days of rehearsal, learning about eight new songs, and giv-ing a show for Honor Choir are well worth it

for the experience.“The thing is, even though you don’t know

everyone and it’s only two days that you guys have been rehearsing together, everyone misses each other at the end because they had such a wonderful time,” De Luna said. “At the end, you feel accomplished and have new friends who you have at least one thing in common with: the love of singing.” Ω

Improv team hosts second showAfter Walnut students successfully competed at SoCal regionals, they aim to perform well at the upcoming All-State auditions.

Honor Choir anticipates All-State

photos by jacqueline chow and ashley xu

ROLE-PLAY: Juniors Sean Trimmer and Addam Rodriguez participate in Newcasters. Sophomore Ben Rasmussen pantomimes as Mickey Mouse in Chain Murder Mystery.

Orchestra concert features Disney pieces

Jazz Band prepares for last concert of the yearSTRINGING TOGETHER: Cellists junior Jacqueline Ko and senior Eric Yoon practice the 17-minute song “Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day” during rehearsal in preparation for the annual movie music concert that was held last friday.

Playing a wide selection of songs, Jazz Band rehearses for its last performance.

Orchestra focused on Disney music in its most popular concert of the year.

photo by michael hyun

“At the end, you feel accom-plished and have new friends who you have at least one thing in common with: the love of singing.”

-Dansel De Luna, 11

The improv team uses teamwork to make their show a success.

a&e 5the hoofprint 02.04.11Vol. 43, Issue 5

Pancake BReakfast in PhotosCloCkwise: Mustang Singer junior Austin Crumley plays his guitar and sings to “Grace Looks Back.”// Chamber Singer senior Max Lin and Wom-en’s Ensemble member junior Emily Le perform a duet to “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” from The Lion King.// In a duet with her sister, Treble Choir mem-ber senior Janeczka Lagasca plays and sings to Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up.”// Treble Choir member junior Hanee Park performs “Ain’t No Sunshine” on the piano.//Chamber Singers junior Chloe Chng and Lillian Fan serve pancakes to the audience of Pancake Breakfast.

photos By kevin yin

Frank LinOnline News Editor

Dance team kicked off its competition season Saturday, Jan. 15 at Santiago High School.

Dance team got first place for its kick and prop routines, second place for its officers dance, third place for its medium dance, and third place for its small lyri-cal dance.

“I really liked [the themes] this year. We had really fun themes, so it was re-ally easy to get into them,” junior Alypssa Spear said.

The kick routine performed includes the dance team dressed as coffee employ-ees serving coffee while the prop rou-tine had the team using telephones and dressed as secretaries.

“The first competition is the hardest because it’s the first time the freshman go out. The older members have to teach the new members the rules and regulations,” sophomore Tiffany Mau said.

At this competition, the freshmen saw what the competition was like.

“I felt both ecstatic and nervous as a freshman competing for the first time representing the Walnut High dance team,” fresh-

man Wen Wen Zhuang said.Dance team members build upon their experience as they

look forward to the regional competition.“We need to work hard on showmanship and put our best ef-

fort forward in order to make the dance look even better. Hope-fully regionals will be better than the first competition,” Mau said.

Approaching the next competition, the team is aware of the higher standards held at regionals.

“Preparing for regionals is definitely more serious than pre-paring for our Santiago competition. We are required to be more focused and work extra hard if we want good results at regionals.

Preparing for regionals calls for more determination and hard work from each and every member,” Zhuang said.

Observing the other dance squads is also another way for the dance team to improve.

“At regionals we will come across some schools that are insanely talented, but its a learning experience too by watching them,” Mau said.

The regional competition is impor-tant because it will determine whether or not the team will go to nationals and

which category they will compete in for the national competi-tion.

“It is definitely going to be more intense and more interest-ing but I am positive that the we will do well together as a team,” Zhuang said. Ω

Dance team members use their win at the Santiago High School competition to ready them for the upcoming regionals.

Coach preps Cheer for competition season

Andrew KooOnline Editor-in-Chief

Amidst performing every other day at sporting events, Cheer and coach Gurvinder Hothi anticipate a successful com-petition season.

“After basketball season ends, we will practice everyday, including weekends, and use pep rallies to practice our routine,” Hothi said.

The team has already started to work towards competition during 6 period practice. The coaches brought in a choreographer twice to review the routine, and the captains and Hothi are cur-rently arranging the music.

A Cheer alumni from 2008, Hothi has high hopes for the team. Her enthusiasm for the sport drives her vision for Cheer to participate in competition season in April, a challenge that the team did not take last year.

“I think they’re going to do really well. We have a different routine - we do a lot of hip-hop instead of really ‘cheery’ stuff,” Hothi said. “It’s a little bit out of our comfort zone, but we’ve done a lot of advanced stunts, so I’m really excited for it.” Ω

Candee YuanStaff Writer

Choir held Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, Jan. 29 from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the MPR. Mustang Singers, Treble Choir, Women’s En-semble, and Chamber Singers performed, as well as 25 different solo acts. This year, more people attended this event, consisting of not only parents, teachers, but also students.

“This year, so many more people came to

watch than last year. It was nice having a big audience for an event as casual and laid back as a pancake fundraiser,” Chamber Singer senior Lorraine Sobrotodo said.

In order to prepare to sing a solo act, hours of dedication and hard work are put into learn-ing the song as well as the harmonies. Many of the acts were accompanied by a CD or by a musician. With the company of a person or CD track, a lot of time is put into rehearsing to match up the lyrics with the music and the ad-ditional choreography.

“Tanya Kanchana and I sang ‘Pokerface’ and it took a ton of practice. I went to her house one day, and she learned the song on the piano

while I learned the harmonies. We worked on the song for about 5 hours,” Women’s Ensemble member sophomore Megan Hustana said.

Soloists chose songs based off of the mes-sage that the song is trying to convey through the lyrics. The message that is shown through the song tends to intrigue them to sing it.

“I sang ‘How It Feels to Fly’ by Alicia Keys because I liked the message that the song por-trayed, having a free spirit and taking chances even though you may or may not succeed. The song makes me feel warm so I thought it was a decent choice,” Treble Choir member freshman Adanna Duru said.

Choir director Lisa Lopez ended the event

with a raffle and a thank you to the audience. Choir members believed the event was a big success and a lot of people came out to support them.

“The event went well because a good amount of people came, even alumni. Every-one was happy and everything was pretty fluid,” Chamber Singer junior Dansel De Luna said.

However, choir members still hope to im-prove upon their skills and become better per-formers.

“I got nothing but positive feedback which made me feel really good. But in my perspec-tive, I think I could have made better vocaliza-tion choices,” Duru said. Ω

Pancake Breakfast showcases talent from all levels of choir.

Choir holds annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser

“We need to work hard on showmanship and put our best effort forward in order to make the dance look even better.”

-Tiffany Mau, 10

Dance team undergoes practices for upcoming regional competition

photos By andrew koo and eunice pang

leFT: Coach Gurvinder Hothi RiGHT: Varsity Cheer team at a basketball game

Editors-in-ChiefCeline IsonJulia Win

Copy EditorSonia Chou

News EditorsEddie Cox

Brittany Tsou

Online News EditorFrank Lin

Opinion EditorsSharon Lay

Josephine Lien

Feature EditorsJessica Kwok

Karen OuReetika Singh

A&E EditorJacqueline Chow

Scene EditorElliot Park

Sports EditorsEsther Hwang

Felix Lee

Business ManagersCeline Ison

Carmel Yang

AdviserMs. Rebecca Chai

Staff WritersAngela Aie, Janzen Alejo, Matthew Almeida, Austin Au-Yeung, Nathan Au-Yeung, Eva Chen, Carlene Chinn, Cloris Chou, Vanessa Chou, Gabriella Compolongo, Tiffany Diep, Avika Dua, Diane Fann, Daphne Ha, Raytene Han, To-Van Hoang, Timothy Huang, Robert Hwang, Michael Hyun, Iqra Iqbal, Kashif Iqbal, Justin Kang, Alex Kim, Daniela Kim, Michelle Kim, Mabel Kyinn, Joyce Lam, Susie Law, Amy Lee, Calvin Lee, Ann Lei, Jeffrey Leung, Frank Lin, Jasmine Lin, Susan Lin, Christine Liu, Eunice Pang, Tina Peng, Moanna Phan, Leonie Phoa, Rea Reyes, Caroline Shih, Shannon Sin, Lily Tanara, Angelina Tang, Parida Tantiwasadakran, Varisa Tantiwasadakran, Deanna Trang, Alvin Wan, Jessica Wang, Alexandra Wong, Phillomina Wong, Kevin Wu, Ashley Xu, Carmel Yang, Stephany Yong,

Kevin Yin, Jessica You, Candee Yuan

Mission StatementThe Hoofprint, the official student newspaper of Walnut High School, is a forum for student expression that strives for accuracy, journalistic integrity, and truthfulness. It seeks to reflect the diversity of the student body and surrounding

community in a fair and objective manner.

the hoofprint Ω

At the age of seven, we aspired to become astronauts, princesses, and even Barbie; however, since then, the opinions of our parents, peers, and our authority figures have altered our views of what is considered a “good” job and a “bad” job (their definition of “good” usually means “practical” or “profitable”).

We’ve always been told not to fall under peer pressure. We’ve heard it so often that it’s become engraved in our minds, yet most of us subconsciously succumb to the voices of our peers, our teachers, and our parents. Although taking advice from time to time may prove to be more helpful and objective than blindly following our own instincts, our choices should ultimately reflect our own desires, abilities, and expectations.

While we may occasionally be confused or hesitant, no one knows and understands our personal dreams and hopes better than ourselves, and we cannot rely on others to help us reach our goals.

The influence our parents exerted on us becomes increasingly evident, as many of us leave high school determined to be lawyers and doctors. Instead of pursuing our own personal dreams and believing in, dare we say it, miracles, we settle for a route already laid out for us.

Throughout the course of our academic and social lives, our peers and their thoughts have always affected us and our decisions, whether it’s the

clothes we wear, the classes we take, or the way we talk. In the world of teenagers, all of us want to blend in and simply be invisible, and if taking the road that is most taken is the way to go, we’ll gladly choose that path, their path. At this moment, fitting in and sticking to the status quo occasionally forces us to give up what we think is right for us.

Ultimately, this type of weak-willed thinking will bring us regret and constant “what if’s.” Making our own decisions teaches us to accept ourselves and fully understand our own individuality, while also teaching us to take responsibility for our own actions. Sure, our friends may all want to participate in a certain program that we may be reluctant to consider, but think about what will benefit us and what choice fits us perfectly.

We take the opinions of our peers seriously to the point that our decisions are heavily influenced by what they think. We must resist the tempting urge to conform to their ideals, and we must strive to not force our own opinions on others, accepting that each person has his own perception of success.

Although we should respect and take into account the voices of those who have experienced more in life, we are at the point in our lives where we are mature enough to decide our own future. Our decisions should not be based on the influence of our peers, but our own desires. What is popular is not always right, and what is right is not always popular. Ω

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hOW tO gEt yOur OpiNiONS puBliShEdthe hoofprint Online

You can access our archives for the articles in this pa-pers and more at http://www.whshoofprint.com

2.04.11Vol. 43, Issue 5 the hoofprint6 opinion

Avika DuaStaff writer

There’s no doubt that recruitment methods like giving out candy, ice cream, or balloons are successful tactics. Let’s be honest—if

there’s pizza at a club meeting, then we’re there. If there isn’t, is it really worth it to part with our group of friends and trek across campus through a sea of students during lunch? The fact that pizza and other incentives brainwash students who wouldn’t otherwise have an ounce of interest in a given activity is the ugly truth that must be accepted. Though a student’s sentiments are undoubtedly altered into feeling that one club is better because it gives out free stuff, the brainwashing may be in the best interest of everyone involved.

As a player in the club game, I have seen the effectiveness of providing food to make members show up at meetings or join clubs during the club fair. My club gave out lollipops to students being pulled in every direction at the fair to join. Truthfully, a lollipop might have been what it took to get us over 160 members this year. This may look like a corrupt exchange, but it benefits the club and inspires the best in members.

I’m not condoning extravagant spending on the part of clubs (and even organizations), but rather saying that if a club can afford to reward its members for showing up to a meeting every-so-often, it should. There are negative

aspects of giving out food to reel in members—particularly the fact that food is only a temporary bestowment. Once members eat the food, will they come back or will a club have to spend money on a weekly basis to attract attendance? Many will come back. There will always be those members who cannot bear to part with their friends and trek over to meetings during lunch even with the occasional incentive, but for the majority of others, one taste of reward is enough to keep them interested.

The mildly biased advertising extends farther than to just clubs. Last year sophomores

were tempted with ice cream to join IB, and this year’s class of IB juniors is said to be the largest yet. Coincidence? The other day, my English teacher asked the class, “Why have you been told to do IB? What are the benefits you have heard?” Answers ranged from, “An international diploma,” to the

ever popular, “It looks good on a college application.” Though it seems wrong that the promise of a diploma deemed international can dictate the course of a person’s high school career, if there are students willing to work for the diploma, in the long run the IB program and the students benefit.

Everybody needs some kind of motivation to join a club, organization, or program—it’s a matter of fact that people are not going to join if they’re not told that there’s anything in it for them. If contorting students’ views and convincing them to do something that benefits everybody allows for the best outcome, then I’d gladly share some ice cream or spare a lollipop or two. Ω

Propaganda on campus Treats are an easy way to lure students into joining clubs or organizations.

photo by sharon layPREMIUM PROPAGANDA: While giving out candy, juniors Waverly Chao and Jeremy Hsu discuss the possibility of joining Magic Club.

prevent peer pressure

“The fact that pizza and other incentives brainwash students who wouldn’t otherwise have an ounce of interest in a given activity is the ugly truth that must be accepted.”

2.04.11Vol. 43, Issue 5 opinion 7the hoofprint

Affection, atrocity, or abomination?Despite the ban against public displays of affection on campus, its presence remains constant.

Michael HyunStaff writer

Public Display of Affection (aka PDA), a common term in every students vocabulary, is something we are exposed to 24/7. Though I am not a strict regulator of PDA as others may be, I acknowledge that PDA has its own

benefi ts and consequences. After viewing constant displays of affection here and there on campus, I along with others concur that PDA is something we cannot avoid.

Students make out near lockers and hold hands to class. It’s not uncommon to see a guy wrap his arms around his girlfriend’s waist during lunchtime. No matter where I look, PDA is always in sight or just around the corner. Others may think, “Aww, that kiss was romantic”; however, this behavior is not school-appropriate. Students taking part in PDA should acknowledge the “No PDA Allowed” policy and remember that they signed a contract at the beginning of the year, and show respect and courtesy to those around them because there are students who come to school to focus on their studies.

Some students constantly distract themselves by participating in PDA with their signifi cant others. As a result, this affects the academic performance of students, ultimately leading to unsatisfying report cards. Though the actual PDA may not be time consuming, people in serious relationships expect more from the other person.

I go to school to study and learn, not to see a

couple in front of my locker making out when I need to get my textbooks. As much as I try to ignore a front-row kissing scene, it’s tempting to be distracted and stare awkwardly.

Despite my personal bias against PDA, displaying affection publicly does help a couple’s relationship in a way where two people can show their commitment to each other by publicly announcing their relationship. PDA helps a couple’s reputation get around the school. However, to others, PDA is a way for them to express themselves as an individual, rather than a couple.

By being the other half of a “PDA all the way” couple, students can see their own level of maturity. PDA comes out as a way to prove to others that the couple is independent, and willing to make decisions on their own without the reliance of others. I wouldn’t kiss my signifi cant other in front of millions of eyes, but occasional hand holding isn’t as bad as many make it out to be.

Though I do not publicly display my affection for all to see, there are some advantages to PDA that most don’t acknowledge. Despite the pros to PDA, my feelings remain the same: PDA is not school-appropriate behavior. Ω

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY TO-VAN HOANG

Life, interruptedJessica Wang Staff writer

So much can be found online; everything ranging from boredom-suppressing games to sharing photos to recent news events. But

who can forget Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr, along with the many social networking sites on the rise? So many hours are spent on them each day that they may be more harmful than entertaining.

The Internet has become an addiction that causes too many students to choose distraction over homework for hours at a time. We know plainly the harms of spending so much precious time online, yet we still choose to dawdle away in front of the computer instead of working.

As a member of Facebook and other sites, I know just how diffi cult it is to resist constantly checking for updates. Having the computer, a gateway to the outside world, on while working can be a huge distraction as social networking rises to the top of the priority list and fi nishing homework drops to the bottom, resulting in negative consequences. If I stay up too late procrastinating online, I’ll be too tired in school to focus, which will likely cause me to fall behind.

It may be a common belief that spending time online can help relieve stress after a long

day at school; however, what some do not realize is that doing this only creates another wave of stress for later.

Fortunately, plenty of solutions to this addiction exist. Resisting Facebook can be very diffi cult at times, so setting an Internet limit helps. Recently I asked my parents to do just that. They have, as of today, programmed our wireless network to shut off from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, allowing me to more easily focus on my work.

There are also many smaller ways to resist the urge sitting in front of an open web page

all afternoon. The computer can easily be left off until a certain number of homework assignments have been fi nished. A family member or a friend could be appointed to change the password to your AOL Instant Messenger every few weeks. I actually line my screen with bright yellow sticky notes telling me not to get distracted; sometimes the shame alone of

being so reliant on the Internet is enough to make me get back to work.

So long as the Internet is not used excessively, it serves as an irreplaceable source of information, and is a means of sharing thoughts, opinions, photos, videos, art, and more. So many in our generation cannot imagine life without access to so much of the outside world within our own homes. For me, life without the Internet is completely out of the question, but time away from it is necessary as well. Ω

Computers and televisions increasingly impact the daily lives of students.

Tiffany DiepStaff writer

After watching Ryan Gosling play Noah in The Notebook, my expectations of men have become unrealistic. Noah, Gosling’s

character, is incredible and gives everything he has for the love of his life. His perfect hair, good looks, and sensitivity allow me to easily picture the kind of person I want to be with and cause my expectations to grow. Unfortunately, characters like Noah do not exist in the real world.

In movies like The Notebook and Dear John, the leading men are fl awless. Many girls dream about fi nding guys resembling the ones they see in TV shows, such as Stefan in The Vampire Diaries. Movies, TV shows, and books portray men so perfectly that it makes any girl expect too much from the people around them. Instead of trying to fi nd the person who would fi t perfectly into their life, they try to fi nd someone who meets their high expectations. Due to the way fi ctional characters are created, girls often end up comparing guys to them.

With movies showing perfect guys in almost every way possible, I end up searching for that type of person, even though he does not exist. I fantasize about being with a nice, good-looking, tough guy with a touch of sensitivity.

In reality, fi nding that perfect someone is incredibly diffi cult and almost impossible. Sometimes, I see a person and think “Oh, he seems a lot like that Stefan from The Vampire Diaries.” Then I discover some annoying detail about him that changes my opinion. However, everyone has their fl aws, and we have to live with that. Though some people in real life resemble those in movies, few people like that exist. While movie characters have fl awless personalities, that is not a quality we can expect to be born with. We have to work at perfection, but perfection does not exist because everyone has fl aws. Flaws make us who we are, and without it we would all be “perfect”. The things that make us unique would be gone.

Movie characters are created to live up to our expectations, becoming everything we could ask for. Most people will not be able to live up to the high expectations caused by the infl uence of the movies, but we must accept that because reality rarely reaches expectations. Ω

Reality vs. expectationsMovies create expectations in real-life love lives.

PHOTOS BY ASHLEY XU AND CALVIN LEE

“Students taking part in PDA should acknowledge the ‘No PDA Allowed’ policy and remember that they signed a contract.”

“We know plainly the harms of spending so much precious time on-line, yet we still choose to dawdle away in front of the computer instead of working.”

SAD TRUTH: Juniors Robert Herrera and Katie Smith demonstrate the differences between what often occurs in relationships and what one expects in a relationship.

PHOTOS BY ASHLEY XU AND CALVIN LEE

8 in-depthFebruary 4, 2011 Volume 43, Issue 5

the hoofprint in-depth 9

Relationships give us a sense of belonging and happiness. But above all, they add meaning to our lives - the support of our family, the comfort of our friends, and the love received from a special someone.

By the Numbers: 38.5Minutes per week the average parent spends in meaningful conversation with their children

Percent of high school students who are in a dating relationship 9

Jessica YouStaff Writer

In our everyday lives, we see relationships between people that range from old couples holding hands, to fam-ilies having bonding nights, and even to friends having a good time. It makes people start to wonder: what re-ally makes love last and what makes having a relationship with someone something special?

“Adaptation and acceptance make love last. [It’s what makes it] special because you get to share everything about you and accept the other with their fl aws as they do with yours,” junior Rebec-cah Luu said.

Along with a mutual understand-ing come other aspects that make re-lationships something worthwhile.

“A relationship is founded on trust, understanding, compassion and respect. You have to trust that the person you’re in a relationship with won’t just stand up and leave you after a fi ght; or that they mean what they say and won’t lie or cheat on you,” junior Kristen Asada said.

But with every relationship there are problems and fi ghts, and sometimes you might just need a little guid-ance to the recipe for a good relationship.

“Problems can be diffi cult to work through, but the best way to deal with them is to: a) address the problem, b) discuss it with your signifi cant other and fi gure out their side of the story, and c) talk it through and make sure

you both understand why the problem occurred and fi x it. When your problems are solved, they can make your relationship stronger,” Asada said.

Besides having close relationships, friends also share a special bond that defi nes them and makes them insepa-rable.

“Knowing you always have someone to turn to and trust with a lot of things really helps,” freshman Joanne Wong said. “I love being with my friends because I al-ways know that we have each other’s backs.”

While friends may be the re-placement family that we choose, the family that we already have can be cherished and seen as a source of help and advice.

“My family is important to me because my family and friends are always there for me. They act as good infl uences and help me make the right choices. And even though they can get a

little annoying, I still appreciate the moments we have,” freshman Ronson Lui said.

Be it friendships or dating, having a close relationship with another person always comes with trials and compli-cations that help you become stronger.

“Love is an emotion that a person feels without any questions or doubt, and in order to have a good relation-ship, people need to express themselves,” senior Robert Wang said. “People know when they are in love when they don’t have to act differently. People should show who they are and trust in one another.” Ω

“A relationship is founded on trust, understanding, compassion, and respect.”

-Kristen Asada, 11

Average number of close friends that a person has

Practically sisters at heart

Another View

1. What would you consider to be the most important thing in a friendship? “Communication [is the most important thing in a friendship] because if you can’t communicate, you can’t talk to each other. If you tell someone, ‘I don’t like what you’re wearing, they’ll get offended.’ If you tell a friend, though, it’s just an opinion. Communication is the foundation for any relationship. If you can’t talk to anyone, you can’t get close and express your feelings.” 2. What defi nes you as best friends? “We’re always together. We balance each other out because we’re different. We just know each other inside and out, faults and all. We don’t have to say anything sometimes; we just look at each other and we know what the other means. Some- times, people joke that we talk with our eyes. One time, at a church retreat, some- one asked us, ‘Are you talking with your heads?’ Having a best friend, it doesn’t mean that you’re always talking. We sit next to each other, and we’re silent, but it’s practically never an awkward silence.” “Once, when we were coming back from a church retreat, we were talking and laughing with each other when one of the tires on the car popped. As the car swerved toward the edge [of the cliff], we were screaming and holding onto each other. Having such an experience makes you treasure each other as friends. If someone asked you what would be the last thing you’d do before you die, people always say, ‘Be with my loved ones.’ ”

Friends are a big part of our lives, sticking with us through thick and thin. For best friends sophomore Rachel Lee and junior Gloria Kim, friendship is an inseparable bond.

Compiled by Karen Ou, Feature Editor

Couples aren’t the only ones who can enjoy Valentine’s Day. Here is a guide for singles on how to have their share of fun.

1. Remember that your relationship status is not your identity and is not a defi ni- tion of who you are as an individual.

2. Imagine all the money you’ll be saving because you aren’t obligated to buy any gifts.

3. Gather up your friends and family - the people you already have strong rela tionships with - and celebrate the good times you’ve spent together.

4. Indulge yourself by doing whatever you want, whenever you want. Be it watch- ing a back-to-back movie marathon or buying that new video game you’ve been eyeing, the choice is all yours.

5. Think of Valentine’s Day as a community service day. Help out at a homeless shelter or visit a nursing home, where there are always people in need of care and affection.

6. Treat a friend who’s been kind of down lately and take him or her to do some- thing out of the ordinary. Doing something nice for someone to show that you love them will certainly brighten their day.

7. Send yourself some fl owers and a box of chocolates. Don’t be shy; you de- serve to treat yourself after a few weeks into second semester.

Compiled by Karen Ou, Feature Editor

It’s no secret that boys and girls see things differently. When it comes to dating, though, the difference isn’t so much.

Compiled by Susie Law, Staff Writer

Ellie Ikeda, 12 and Rod “Negrodamus” Johnson, 121. Seeing each other - It means that for a couple of hours each day, life gets a little brighter.

2. Dating - It’s just a label. Dating is such a big word, and it’s much too vague a description.

3. Talking - Communication is key. It’s a key component to a relationship. If you can’t communicate, you can’t say what you feel and not hide anything.

4. Boyfriend/girlfriend - It’s what you make of it. The rela- tionship has to be a commitment because if one person is not dedicated, it’s won’t work.

Curious to know what a couple’s perspective on relationships is, we asked two different couples what certain relationship-oriented words mean to them.

Compiled by Karen Ou, Feature Editor

89

“Communication [is the most important thing in a friendship] because if you can’t communicate, you can’t talk to each other. If you tell someone, ‘I don’t like what you’re wearing, they’ll get offended.’ If you tell a friend, though, it’s just an opinion. Communication is the foundation for any relationship. If you can’t talk to anyone,

“We’re always together. We balance each other out because we’re different. We just know each other inside and out, faults and all. We don’t have to say anything sometimes; we just look at each other and we know what the other means. Some- times, people joke that we talk with our eyes. One time, at a church retreat, some- one asked us, ‘Are you talking with your heads?’ Having a best friend, it doesn’t mean that you’re always talking. We sit next to each other, and we’re silent, but it’s

“Once, when we were coming back from a church retreat, we were talking and laughing with each other when one of the tires on the car popped. As the car swerved toward the edge [of the cliff], we were screaming and holding onto each other. Having such an experience makes you treasure each other as friends. If someone asked you what would be the last thing you’d do before you die, people

Glo

ria K

im, 1

1

Rachel Lee, 10

Guys Girls

“You have to be able to trust the oth-er person and you have to be good friends, best friends.”

- Justine Chavera, 12

“I would feel special. At fi rst, it’s awk-ward, but then you realize, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m really with this person!’ ”

- Marissa Delphin, 9

“It’s really bad, really hard. It mess-es up friendships, so I try to make friends.”

- Angie Duran, 9

Taking a closer look at

On keeping relationships going:“You have to be completely comfortable and be honest with everything. You have to be able to be yourself.”

- Christian Marillo, 12

“I don’t think it really matters if it’s the fi rst, third, or fourth date. They’re all kind of the same.”

- Anthony Green, 9

“Of course it sucks. But both should try to be friends before dating another.”

- Aldo Lemecke, 9

On going out for the fi rst time:

On breaking up:

Our time togetherCompiled by Tina Peng, Staff Writer

“For my friend’s birthday we bought her 55 balloons and baked her cupcakes. It was really great seeing her happy on her birthday, because she had not been having a good time.”

Alexis Vien, 9

“After a wrestling tournament the whole team went out to eat all together. It was the fi rst time we ever did that so we bonded a lot and got really close. Now we are like brothers.”

Bernie Ochoa, 11

“I was walking with my friend on a rainy day and I was too lazy to close my umbrella. When I turned to say bye to my friend, my umbrella hooked onto another girl’s hair and I accidentally yanked some of her hair out! My friend couldn’t stop laughing at me.”

Joyce Kim, 11“My friends and I went to the beach to try to start a bonfi re but we forgot to bring most of the supplies so roasting marshmallows felt like we were roasting our fi ngers and faces. The bonfi re was a fail, but it was defi nitely a funny experience.”

Brian Young, 12

Compiled by Jessica You and Janzen Alejo, Staff Writers

“We have family bonding time on weekends. We go to the mall, and at church, we pray together as a family.”

Charlene Lopez, 10

“Usually we play monopoly on family nights on Friday. We also have family dinners because my parents are really traditional. They like to have big dinners at the end of the month.”

Brian Tai, 12

“I bond with my family by getting together to eat din-ner, play games or go shopping together. We always have new memories to reminisce after spending time with each other”

Emily Yang, 9

The to Valentine’s Day

“[My family and I] spend time together by going to family dinners and watching movies together. Some-times we take road trips to places, which are tiring, but the overall experience is unforgettable.”

Kevin Gong, 12

Building on familyHere, students share special times they’ve had with friends. These students share what brings their family closer together.

TALKING IT OUT: Ellie Ikeda and Rod Johnson share a casual conversation.

OUR SONG: Vivian Chuy and Doug-las Chiu listen to their favorite song together.

PHOTO BY KAREN OU

PHOTO BY KAREN OU

PHOTOS BY REETIKA SINGH

PHOTO BY KAREN OU

Vivian Chuy, 10 and Douglas Chiu, 101. Seeing each other - happy-dandy

2. Dating - a chance to try exquisite food

3. Talking - over the internet, web-camming, calling

4. Boyfriend/girlfriend - It’s just a title. It doesn’t mean anything.

02.04.11Vol. 43, Issue 5 the hoofprint10 feature

Amy LeeStaff Writer

Wicked, Dreamgirls, Lion King. The stage curtain opens to reveal a world of music, dancing, and thrilling stories. Since he saw his first musi-cal in 2002, sophomore Ryan Gabot developed a passion that has led him to see and follow as many as fifteen shows at theaters such as the Pantages, Ahmanson, and the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

“My interest in musicals started when I saw my first show. Though I don’t remember much from the show I remember I thought it was pretty good. But I didn’t really get ‘obsessed’ with the-atre until I saw Wicked,” Gabot said.

Gabot found that he enjoys these musicals not only because of the entertainment, but also for the message behind the songs and dances.

“I like musicals because they always tell a story that I can sometimes connect with,” Gabot said. “I also think the music is catchy and find it interesting how they incorporate the songs into the story.”

As Gabot began learning more about the shows, he grew more and more attached to them through years of watching.

“I guess I know a good amount of informa-tion about musicals. It gets to the point where I get kind of obsessed,” Gabot said. “I memorize some of the dates and the times of shows I’ve seen. I also remember some of the main people in the cast.”

He has also found a way to enjoy musicals for a better price with student rush. This special discount is only available to students at a few theatres. Participants are able to buy good seats that are usually around $90 for only $20.

“I use student rush usually when there’s show I really want to go see and I don’t want to spend a lot of money,” Gabot said. “It’s a really good deal.”

To remember all of the shows he has seen, Gabot keeps a collection of booklets. With each new musical, his assortment increases.

“There are two types of programs I have. I have souvenir programs - the ones you have to purchase. I have 14 of those. The second type of programs I collect are playbills - the free booklets they give out at the theatre,” Gabot said.

Out of all that he has seen, Gabot chose one musical as his current favorite and even after seeing it three times, he would love to see it again.

“Right now my favorite musical would be Next to Normal. I like it because when you see that show you not only feel happy and sad, but you feel every emotion,” Gabot said. “It’s just plain awesome.” Ω

MUSICAL MAN: Seated on his bed, sophomore Ryan Gabot riffles through his array of souvenir programs and playbills that he has accumulated over the years. Gabot has seen over 14 different musicals since 2002.

photo By Ryan GaBot

Most students only know of several popular musicals - The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Annie, or the Lion King, but unlike those students, sophomore Ryan Gabot has a love for musicals and the messages they hold in their songs and dances.

“Staging” a musical world

Opening a restaurant often seems like a far off dream or goal, but these resourceful students help out and even work at family-owned restaurants.

Next in line for the Cloris ChouStaff Writer

Most students spend their spare time browsing on so-cial networking sites, catching up on their sleep, or finding new ways to procrastinate. For others, working at their family’s restaurants are their first priority, and different experiences come from their jobs.

“It does affect my schedule when I help out at the restaurant,” junior Audrey de Guzman said. “In the past, I had to miss dance practices because my parents needed my help at the restaurant. When we first opened, I could rarely go out on the weekends because I was working. But it was all worth the hard work. In the end we get rewarded with regular customers, and the knowledge that our cus-tomers enjoy our food.”

Although de Guzman feels like the work schedule at Manila Sunset Grille is time consuming, she enjoys some aspects of having a family business.

“I always get free food for any event,” said de Guz-man. “Since Victoria Gardens is so close, my best friends and I can feast at my restaurant after a long day of shop-ping.”

For senior Narisa Kanchana, working at her family’s restaurant, Lucky Elephant, is more of something she does when she has extra time.

“I usually do graphic designs for advertisements at the restaurant or I work as a hostess and seat people,” Kan-chana said. “My school schedule is rarely affected by my responsibilities at Lucky Elephant because I’ve learned to manage my time. This is something I enjoy doing since

I’m given a lot of time on tasks and graphic design is a hobby of mine.”

For others like senior Eric So, working in a unique family restaurant like El Pollo Unico is an interesting ex-perience.

“It’s pretty weird because my family is Asian and we own this Mexican restaurant,” So said. “But I guess having a restaurant is definitely not boring; it’s a pretty big adventure. I get to eat lots of chicken, watch the busi-

ness grow, and meet lots of people too.”

Instead of seeing the work as tedious, So enjoys the time he gets to spend working alongside the employees.

“Normally when kids grow up they are always told to be re-spectful of all other races,” said So. “But parents sometimes don’t enforce these rules at home. Af-ter befriending so many Hispanic employees, it really helped me to appreciate their culture as much as my own.”

Some students, like junior Emily Le who works at Walnut Tree, are enthusiastic about working for a family business.

“I carry around menus with me in case someone wants one,” said Le. “I try to tell everyone about the res-taurant or suggest it when they’re wondering what to eat. I also help advertise on Facebook.”

Devoting much of her leisure time to helping out at the restaurant, Le often spends more time at the restaurant than she does anywhere else.

“I consider the restaurant a second home,” said Le. “My family’s always there so I always feel safe. It’s also a home to regular customers who come to eat with their friends often.” Ω

FAMILY MATTERS: Working at the Manila Sunset Grille, junior Audrey de Guzman ladles a drink into a cup to serve to a customer. For her, working at a family business is time consuming but rewarding.

photo By Janzen aleJo

“My school schedule is rarely affected by my responsibilities at Lucky Elephant because I’ve learned to manage my time.”

- Narisa Kanchana, 12

02.04.11Vol. 43, Issue 5 feature 11the hoofprint

Watching the birds from afarWhere one might see an ordinary black crow, sophomore Paul Sonner sees instead a bird of magnificent plumage instead. With an unsurpassed love for birds, he enjoys watching and observing as much as he can about these winged animals.

Michael HyunStaff Writer

Many students may not be aware of the true skills of a musician; how-ever, there are those who go above and beyond by joining other orchestra orga-nizations outside of school such as the Claremont Young Musicians Orches-tra, Harvest Vineyard Church, and the Olympia Youth Orchestra.

For those musicians who love music as if it were life, being a part of an out-side orchestra has been a life chang-ing experience.

”I feel like I can make some sort of contribu-tion and learn from the people who are more advanced than me and more skilled,” senior Kris-ten Lee of the Olympia Youth Orchestra said. “I think I’ve become more aware of my ability and I know how much I can improve.”

Being a part of something as im-portant as an orchestra, musicians are proud and honored to be play for such outstanding organizations.

“It’s some 80 students playing music and when we’re playing together, it just sounds amazing so I am honored to be a part of CYMO,” senior Michelle

Ahn said. “Even now, I think it’s amaz-ing how beautiful our music can sound during our pre-concert rehearsals. I start biting my lips during those practices be-cause it’s sincerely thrilling how power-ful and moving the music I help create can be.”

With outside orchestras being more serious organizations, musicians open the doors of diverse music com-posed by many various artists.

“I was able to get in touch with a different variety of music, whether it’s classical, romantic, 20th century by French, Russian, Italian, Spanish composers,” junior Emily Dai, part of CYMO, said. “We may not be as pro-

fessional or play as skillfuly as does the LA Philharmonic, but at least as an or-chestra full of middle and high school-ers, it is pretty impressive.”

Outside orchestras allow musicians to meet other people who share the same interest and passion for music.

“I really enjoy being in my outside orchestra. It just gives me so many more opportunities to play more music that I would normally be unable to play and just lets me meet musicians of really high caliber that don’t go to our school,” Yoon said. Ω

Although many students participate in the school orchestra, just as many prefer to perform with outside orchestras. Playing more advanced music from a wider variety of composers, these students are able to sharpen and perfect their musical skills.

Playing at a different stage

TUNING IN (COUNTER-CLOCKWISE): Members of the Olympia Youth Orchestra, including seniors Kristen Lee and Justin Lee, assume rest position after finishing a song; senior Matthew Tong, member of CYMO, watches the conduc-tor as he plucks his cello strings; Sitting between two students from other schools, junior Dar-ren Chang of CYMO plays ac-cording to the sheet music.

photos By Emily Dai anD KristEn lEE

Jessica WangStaff Writer

Sophomore Paul Sonner does what many do during their spare time: spend time doing something he loves. He harbors a unique interest in Ornithology, or the study of birds, a passion of his that began in the third grade.

“Some of the first things that I noticed about birds and made me come to appreci-ate them were the ease with which I could observe them. The fact that they could fly intrigued me,” Sonner said. “Another as-pect of birds that captivated me was their sounds.”

His curiosity let him to expand his knowledge of birds by reading more about them, both online and from books.

“Today, my family and myself have accumulated multiple bookshelves filled with nothing but bird books,” he said. “I also rather quickly learned that there were great resources for learning about birds on the Internet. The great thing about the Internet is that I can also put things such as audio files of bird calls and video files of behaviors that I cannot put into a field guide.”

Once a month, Sonner attends meet-ings held by the National Audubon Society, an organization that focuses on conserv-ing and restoring the natural ecosystems of birds and other wildlife, to learn more about birds.

“There they have lectures about bird identification, biology, and conservation. They also have a session at the beginning of their meetings dedicated to identifica-tion challenges,” Sonner said.

He often goes on long bicycle rides with his father, easily combining his hobby

of birdwatching with his hobby of bicycle riding.

“When you are on a bicycle, you can go fast enough to cover different habitats and see many species and you are going slow enough to stop and take a good look at any rare species,” he said. “On our last major ride we saw over 67 species of birds in around 62 miles.”

Sonner puts his extensive knowledge to use by competing in the Science Olym-piad. He placed first last year for a division in Ornithology and hopes to do well this year competing at the high school level.

“I have made multiple recordings of myself narrating some aspects of the life histories of some bird species. I first got the idea to do so from a computer class in middle school and used it to prepare me for the Science Olympiad events,” he said. “I also compiled songs and calls of all of the birds that would be tested on for the Sci-ence Olympiad competition.”

He plans to do bird photography by connecting his DSLR camera to his tele-scope, as photography is yet another hobby of his.

“Once I get my adapter I can take bird pictures and hopefully submit them to our local Audubon Society’s desk calendar. This calendar’s purpose is to raise money for a raptor rehabilitation program called Wild Wings,” he said.

In college, Sonner intends to take as many courses in Ornithology as possible.

“I will continually be interested in birds in the future. I intend to expand my hobby and travel around the world looking at birds and taking pictures of them,” he said. “I am not sure if I want to pursue a career in Ornithology but it is certainly a distinct possibility.” Ω

photo By paul sonnEr

“It’s sincerely thrilling how powerful and mov-ing the music can be.”

- Michelle Ahn, 12

02.04.11Vol. 43, Issue 5 the hoofprint12 scene

The Thai food breakerPresident Thai

Banana BayKevin YinStaff Writer

Known for its eccentric Thai cuisine, Ba-nana Bay certainly is a very different kind of restaurant. Located in the heart of Yes Plaza, Banana Bay provides an inviting atmosphere with food that, while unique, is not exactly ex-ceptional.

As somebody who usually never deals with Thai food, eating at Banana Bay was a fairly new experience. Walking into the restaurant, guests can browse through an assortment of dried snacks, fruits, and nuts that are on sale while waiting for food. It’s an interesting little tidbit that gives a little more authenticity to the Thai culture of the restaurant.

The menu itself is huge and holds a large variety of foods. I ordered Banana Bay’s sig-nature dish: Pad Thai. It consists of a flavor-ful combination of crunchiness and sweetness that creates a very unique taste. The ingredients come together very well, but the flavor can overpower you a bit.

Since Banana Bay is a relatively large res-taurant, it has its own stage, making it perfect for any parties. Since I visited the restaurant during the afternoon, there were very little peo-ple or any kind of entertainment. Still, the place becomes more crowded and some form of live entertainment is usually available.

Banana Bay finds itself between many strengths and weaknesses. The large size and fully featured entertainment offers an atmo-sphere that appears as both inviting and lively: great for a night out with friends. The food itself is decent, but not amazing, and while there are a large range of foods on the menu, it might be hard to actually find something that caters to everyone’s taste. In the end, the inviting envi-ronment and decent food makes for an inviting experience. Ω

Angelina TangStaff Writer

I had heard the name President Thai Cui-sine mentioned a few times here and there, but had never actually tried it, preferring to keep to the other more well-known eateries. Little did I know, I’d been missing out.

Upon entering Diamond Plaza, I immedi-ately noticed the restaurant, President Thai, on my left in bold, yellow letters. The exterior was decorated with lights and its loud traditional Thai music could be heard over the freeway nearby. Unexpectedly, I was a little surprised when I saw that the restaurant was actually con-siderably full for a Wednesday night.

When my father and I entered the restau-rant, we were immediately seated by a waitress. Being relatively new to Thai food, I ordered the classic Pad Thai, along with their Thai Iced Tea, Tom Yum Seafood Pot, and Mixed Satay tray.

The food all came around the same time after a brief wait. The abnormally large, but sat-isfying serving of the Pad Thai was delicious and the fresh vegetables served alongside it gave the meal a satisfying crunch. The noodles and eggs were a bit sweet, but overall flavor-fully seasoned. The Satay tray, containing the chicken and beef sticks, felt tender and tasted great when dipped in the peanut sauce.

Even though it was a bit pricey, the Tom Yum Seafood Pot was the main highlight of my visit. The soup gave off a fresh, lime scent and included mussels, clams, crab claws, squid, shrimp, and fish.

Overall, President Thai Cuisine lived up to my expectations. Their menu was broad and included specialties such as the Thai toast. The service was fine, but could have been better. Waiters were simply too busy, at times. The res-taurant is definitely a good place to dine. Ω

Need a little bit of oriental flavor in your diet? Thai cuisine, including everything from traditional Pad Thai to Thai inspired chicken wings, is simply vast and varied. Take a look at some restaurants that will all satisfy your Thai food cravings.

Candee YuanStaff Writer

Located in Rowland Heights, Coconut Station allows people to eat at a nice local restaurant without a long drive. Initially, I entered Coconut Station thinking it was just another Thai restaurant, but in the end, I left thoroughly satisfied.

The menu was just like any typical Thai restaurant, but with a wide range of different Asian culture foods, fusing together the many variet-ies into one single selection. Besides the typical Thai cuisines, Coconut Station also made distinct dishes such as Shu Mai, a Chinese plate, and crab cakes that are freshly seared on the grill.

Right before the food arrived, everyone was given a light salad with an assortment of fruits and vegetables that are lightly tossed with vinaigrette. By giving the salad instead of a bread basket, it doesn’t add that heavy feeling you feel in your stomach after eating it.

My friends and I ordered the Thai Style Hot Wings and they tasted pretty good. The wings were a little bit crispy on the skin and drizzled with a sticky sauce that really brought the whole dish together almost like a putting a cherry on-top of a sundae.

Finally, the food arrived and I saw a pretty large plate of Pad Thai in front of me. The Pad Thai was filled with stir-fried noodles with eggs, red chili pepper, shrimp, chicken, and garnished with crushed peanuts and lime. It was a little spicy for me, but even though my taste buds felt like they were somewhat on fire, the dish was still good.

Overall, the food, the tranquil environment, and the courteous waiters made my experience at Coconut Station a good one. Ω

Coconut Station Coconut Bay

ALL THAI’D UP (CLOCKWISE): Banana Bay is fitting for any party or event. with wide open spaces and a stage built for entertainment. Coconut Bay’s wide assortment of cuisine includes Thai-inspired takes on modern foods. President Thai is perfect for anyone just seek-ing traditional Thai meals. Coconut Station has a menu which ranges from anything Thai-related to a number of other Asian dishes.

photos By Kevin yin and Candee yuan and photos used with permission of president thai and CoConut Bay

Janzen AlejoStaff Writer

Although Thai cuisine is a relatively new experience for me, I’ve heard many positive comments about Coconut Bay, and overall, they were correct as I enjoyed both its service and cuisine.

Upon entering the restaurant, I instantly saw the open layout which had a bar on one side with a raised seating area to the right against a large illustration of what I believe is a beautiful Thai beach.

The staff members were extremely polite. Our waitress described every dish I was unsure about and gave her opinions on dishes that she thought were good.

But above all else, there was the food, which did not disappoint. For the appetizer, my family and I indulged in the Papaya Salad which con-tained shredded green papaya mixed with peanut, tomatoes, green bean, lime juice and fresh chili. Its spicy flavor mixed with the buttery taste of the peanuts created a rich combination that I thoroughly enjoyed.

As for the main course, I ordered Cha Po, which is a combination of BBQ duck with steamed spinach, roasted pork and pickle ginger over steamed rice and it tasted wonderful.

The pork was a little sweet and easy to chew, the duck, which was smothered in a combination of sauces, dissolved in my mouth and tasted heavenly. With such a filling meal, I had no room for any of the temptingly delicious deserts.

My experience of eating at Coconut Bay was delightful because of the nice service and the excellent food. As of right now, I am waiting until the next time I can enjoy its food again. Ω

To-Van HoangOnline Feature Editor

If you’re into a mellow, mildly energetic genre of music, you should enjoy the Script’s second album, Science and Faith. But as for me, I am not entirely enthralled because I’m a bigger fan of catchy choruses and happy-la-la’s that you can blast in your car early in the morning.

Most of these songs aren’t the kind that will get you pumped up for the day, but they can work as pick-me-ups if you’re feeling down (if you’re in the right mood, they’re good for wallowing as well). The album stylizes itself similarly to the Script’s first with their Anberlin-esque sound.

“For the First Time” is a sweet little song with lots of “woos” just like the Script’s first album. The first half of the tracks are kind of happy and gentle like this one, with the same cutesy lyr-ics.

The song, “Science and Faith”, shows the continuation of the same hopeful tone that you feel for the first half of the album. The plucky guitar sound of one song is what makes it work as early-morning-car-ride material.

But if you listen straight down the track numbers, you no-tice that the beats get heavier and that the choruses become less cutesy all of a sudden in the middle of the list at “Dead Man Walking.” You definitely wouldn’t call it angry music, but the second half has a bit of a charge to it. This is something I doubt anyone would mind, since it really only adds to the appeal.

With its subdued quality, I consider Science and Faith to be rather enjoyable. I certainly haven’t gotten tired of it yet, after six full playthroughs of the twelve tracks. So pick up a copy and chill to the Script. It’s actually pretty easy to do. Ω

Angela AieStaff Writer

“Will you come with me on this ad-venture?” With that question, Britt Reid and his sidekick Kato form the most un-likeliest bromance that defines The Green Hornet. Filled with good laughs and mild action, this movie is perfect for anybody just looking for a good time with friends.

Rich boy Britt Reid (Seth Rogen) be-gins the film living the party life in con-trast to his workaholic father, James (Tom Wilkinson). But when his father dies, Britt becomes the heir to his family’s newspa-per empire overnight, and with the help of his father’s former assistant, Kato (Jay Chou), Britt becomes the Green Hornet and tasks himself with cleaning up the crime-ridden streets of Los Angeles.

Even though the plot is a bit cliche,

the movie was filled with enough bits of genuine humor to spice it up.

The special effects were right on par with the action scenes. The cars and technology displayed were simply awe-some. The car used by Reid and Kato was a Chrysler Imperial Crown nicknamed the “Black Beauty.” Predominantly black with green headlights, this bulletproof ve-hicle included machine guns, explosives, tire-popping gadgets, and the all-impor-tant ejection seats.

The slow motion of the fight scenes exemplifies the use of comedy and ac-tion at the same time which defines this film. The explosions and the final battle may have been exaggerated but it added the comical effect that characterizes the Green Hornet.

Seth Rogen was perfectly cast to play the Green Hornet. His ability to be

serious but light-hearted at the same time made his character believable. In addition, his recent weight loss definitely made his image more suitable to fit that of a crime fighting hero. Jay Chou, the Asian music sensation, who is making his debut in Hollywood, compliments Rogen nicely, despite his thick accent. He was the per-fect sidekick that didn’t talk much but had a bunch of cool tricks up his sleeves. Cameron Diaz takes the lead female role in the film as the Hornet’s secretary. The touch of feminism added in her strong and independent role is a good mix in a pre-dominantly male casted movie.

Bromance, shootouts, fist fights, epic chase scenes, and to top it all off, awe-some cars make this action flick a worthy film to catch. If you ask me, The Green Hornet is definitely worth any price of ad-mission. Ω

Josephine LienOpinion Editor

When one mentions Iron and Wine, I think of soft folk songs that are absolutely ideal for a dreamy serenade. However, with the new album Kiss Each Other Clean, I was taken aback by front man Sam Beam’s transformed direction and sound.

His signature mellowness remains, yet a definite jazzy el-ement has sprung about in this album that is quite refreshing. After swaying to a few tracks, I felt as if I had been transported back a few decades.

“Walking Far From Home” begins the warm journey of this album and appears to be one of those rare tunes that just oozes pure fuzziness. I felt homesick for the South due to tender lyrics, and hey, I’m a California native.

Quite unexpected in this album are the usage of trumpets, which blast in “Big Burned Hand.” I never thought I’d describe any Iron and Wine song as psychedelic, but in this case, it fits in as the perfect adjective.

Possibly, my favorite song on Iron and Wine’s new album is “Glad Man Singing”. As soon as Beam began blessing my ears with his smooth vocals, it seemed as if I were listening to a calmer version of Train’s “Drops of Jupiter”.

The only step after listening to Kiss Each Other Clean is to formulate a theory on how bearded men consistently make incredible music. It’s a wonder, really. Ω

Iron and Wine

The Script The Green Hornet

No Strings Attached

Jacqueline ChowArts & Entertainment Editor

I hate to admit that I’m one who watches a movie be-cause certain actors and actresses were featured, but the col-laboration of Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher was the main reason why I decided to watch No Strings Attached.

This R-rated film (there is no nudity in this movie and only earned such rating due to its subject matter and lan-guage) centers on lifelong friends Emma (Portman), a doctor who feels unable to commit to a relationship because of her busy work schedule, and Adam (Kutcher), an ambitious writ-er who deals with his father dating his ex-girlfriend. They agree to stay as friends with benefits but things get compli-

cated when one develops feelings for the other.Apart from her role in Black Swan, which she is recently

known for, Portman shows the range of her acting ability by delivering an equally fulfilling performance in this roman-tic comedy. Although it is no surprise that he would star in this rom-com as most of his recent films fall into this genre, Kutcher redeems himself as an actor in this film.

The awkwardly realistic chemistry between the leads was enjoyable, and this film, to my surprise, succeeded in trying to make its audience emotional. Some of the perfectly timed situations gave the theater a good laugh.

This film is worth watching if you have a liking for Port-man and Kutcher and is still enjoyable if you can overlook its predictable plot. Ω

photo USED WIth pERMISSIoN oF RCA RECoRDS

photo USED WIth pERMISSIoN oF ApIMAgES

photo USED WIth pERMISSIoN oF WARNER BRoS.

photo USED WIth pERMISSIoN oF pARAMoIUNt pICtURES

02.04.11Vol. 43, Issue 5 scene 13the hoofprint

02.04.11Vol. 43, Issue 5 the hoofprint14 sports

Kevin YinStaff Writer

As track and field athletes return for another year, they are in for a number of changes to the team’s structure and training agenda.

One of the more noticeable differences this year is the con-

siderably tighter team size, which is attributed to the tougher ad-mission process.

“We have realized that over the past year the team has had a lot of dead weight (people that do not participate, never dress, or are not committed), so we had to make the decision to fix this on-going problem. Some people may not have benefited the team in the direction we were going,” jump coach Andrea Allmond said.

The coaches feel that this was the best way to benefit the team and develop a more dedicated training environment.

“A smaller team gives us the opportunity to use less people and open the door for these athletes to possibly be discovered in other areas like jumps or hurdles. With less people, I can do our exercises more efficiently and take more time to pay attention to

details,” Allmond said.Another new addition is the team website, that both parents

and members are encouraged to check.“All of our team info is listed there. Having a team website

will help with communication between the athletes and parents. I hope that athletes take more pride in their team, by posting com-ments and pictures on the website,” head coach Thompson said.

With a smaller, more focused group of athletes, the coaches have much higher expectations and goals.

“My hope is to get a majority of my group to league since my team is pretty new and has not really experienced much. This year will be great for learning and getting better at their events, and excel past what we did last year,” Allmond said. Ω

Track and field decreases team size

photos By Andrew Koo And Felix lee

Track coaches feel that a smaller sized team would give athletes an opportunity in discovering their own hidden potential in the different categories.

track drills: Track members sophomore Daylon Gomez, junior Jonathan Lin, senior Sean Kow, and junior Jerry Lee complete warm up stretches before beginning practice. PlaNt aNd takE OFF: Polevaulter senior Sean Kow gets ready to swing up after he takes off the ground in the hopes of getting over the bar and improving his polevaulting form.

photos By Andrew Koo And Felix lee

Nathan Au-YeungStaff Writer

Due to a dominating offense and strong

defense, the girls’ varsity water polo team beat West Covina 19-1.

Walnut won the sprint, and jumped to a six point lead early in the first quarter. How-ever West Covina took possession of the ball not long after and followed up with a shot that captain goalie senior Allison Hu blocked. With shots attempted by both teams, the game started off with a lot of intensity.

At 5:34 a West Covina player was ejected, and Walnut’s senior Kylie Leeper used the six on five advantage to score the first point of the game. Less than a minute later, at 4:55, junior Kristen Swafford scored Walnut’s second point. Walnut’s defense effectively limited West Covi-na’s shot attempts, while attempting many shots of their own.

At 2:38, sophomore Ardelle Aquino scored Walnut’s third point. West Covina turned the ball over, giving Walnut possesion, and allow-ing captain senior Samantha Lepp to score an-other point with 1:47 left in the quarter.

At 1:19, sophomore Cathleen Nguyen scored and less than thirty seconds after that, Aquino skipped the ball into the goal at 0:51. At the end of the first quarter, Walnut was up 6-0

Walnut started out strong in the second quarter, winning the sprint again. Both teams remained scoreless for the first two minutes, but at 4:52, captain senior Stephanie Tuncel scored Walnut’s seventh point. Lepp added to Walnut’s total, when she scored at 4:16, after which West Covina called a time-out.

At 3:34 another one of West Covina’s play-ers was ejected, and Lepp utilized the six on

five mismatch to score again. At 2:50 Swafford scored Walnut’s tenth point. After both teams had a few unsuccessful possessions, Leeper scored Walnut’s next goal at 1:36.

At 1:02, Swafford shot into the goal but it was not counted due to a penalty. With 0:42 left to play, West Covina received another ejec-tion and Nguyen used this advantage to score at 0:33. Walnut ended the half up 12-0.

Walnut increased their lead in the third quarter, winning the sprint yet again. Only a few seconds into the half, Nguyen’s shot deflected off a West Covina player’s hand into the goal.

West Covina suffered another ejection,

aiding freshman Rachelle Gonzales to score at 5:18. With 4:48 left in the quarter, senior Crhys-tal Barahona stole the ball from West Covina, and scored at 4:32.

At 3:38, one of West Covina’s players was ejected. In the next minute, both teams attempt-ed shots, but were unsuccessful.

With 1:54 remaining, West Covina received another ejection. At 1:38, Walnut executed bril-liant teamwork which helped Aquino score. Both teams remained scoreless for the rest of the quarter, and Nguyen was ejected at 0:32. Walnut increased their lead by four, ending the third quarter up 16-0.

Walnut cemented their lead in the fourth quarter. Walnut won the sprint for the fourth time, but West Covina stole the ball and missed their shots.

At 5:06, a player from West Covina was ejected. Tuncel and Junior Megan Poliwoda both scored for Walnut soon after, bringing the score up to 18-0. A minute later, Leeper also scored.

At 3:12, West Covina scored their first, and only, point of the game. Hu, no longer goalkeep-ing, shot three times, but missed; and another one of West Covina’s players was ejected. Wal-nut ended one of their best games up 19-1. Ω

02.04.11Vol. 43, Issue 5 sports 15the hoofprint

Angela AieStaff Writer

Many athletes look for ways to get stronger, faster, and bet-ter at their sport. Protein drinks such as Tiger’s Milk, which con-tains whey, and Slim Fast help with that task.

“It’s an organic source of protein,” track member junior Ryan Ripperdan said. “It gives me energy and helps me build muscles. It also helps muscle recover after a workout. It’s benefi-cial because muscles power my running.”

Tiger’s Milk is not the only protein drink with whey as the main ingredient. Wrestler sophomore Roger Liang drinks 100% whey to help his performance.

“I started drinking it to help me get stronger and also to lose weight. Losing weight for wrestling is important because I need more muscle in a muscle to fat ratio,” Liang said. “I drink it after a good workout so like two or three times a week because I don’t have any other source of protein after working out. It makes you less sore the next day.”

Liang chooses 100% Whey over other sports drinks because it has helped him accomplish his goal of becoming stronger.

“Drinking it gives me an edge on the mat during wrestling,” Liang said. “Gatorade doesn’t really have protein in it, it’s just carbs and sugar so it doesn’t really get you stronger.”

Drinking protein drinks can have more than one benefit and for wrestler junior Dominick Azores, drinking Slim Fast helps him lose weight and become better at sports.

“I drink protein shakes because it helps me workout more sufficiently. I often drink it once a week,” Azores said. “It helps me for dieting, gives me more motivation to lose weight, and makes me better in sports because all the weight I lose makes me faster.”

Compared to other sports drinks such as Gatorade, protein drinks yield better results.

“Slim Fast has worked for me compared to the likes of Ga-torade and others because it gives my body the natural things it needs, like the vitamins, protein, and minerals,” Azores said. Ω

Effects of drinking protein beveragesSome athletes find that consuming energy drinks improve individual performance.

photos By justin kang and leonie phoa

Landslide win against West CovinaGirls’ varsity water polo earns a 19-1 win against West Covina last Thursday.

making a splash: (clockwise from right) Senior Sam Lepp prepares to take a shot. Sophomore Cathleen Nguyen raises her arm for a block. Senior Stephanie Tuncel lunges for the ball. Junior Megan Polawada looks to pass to a team member.

Caroline ShihStaff Writer

From the influence of a veteran player to the experience on a water polo club team, fresh-men Christine Hu and Rachelle Gonzales have benefited exceedingly to reach the highest level: varsity water polo.

Instead of being intimidated or nervous around her new teammates, Hu found the varsity water polo girls to be supportive and friendly.

“Honestly, in the beginning, the team was undeniably daunting, just coming out of a great year. It felt as if they didn’t need anyone else, that they already had a system going; instead they were welcoming and open to anything new,” Hu said.

Not only were Gonzales and Hu’s team-mates open minded and welcoming, they also made them both feel as though they were truly a part of the team.

“They treat me like family. We hang out a lot and mess around. We can tell each other everything, like family issues or whatever, and they give great advice. They’re always here for us when we need it, both in and out of the pool,” Gonzales said.

For the first two years of her water polo career, Gonzales practiced and played for an outside club.

“I decided to join the club because I wanted to play water polo, but I wasn’t in high school yet and I wanted to get the experience,” Gon-zales said.

The transition between playing for the club and for school was a little disorienting at first. “The experience is really different because the people are really different. I’m more fa-miliar with the girls at the club since I’ve been playing with them longer,” Gonzales said. “At first, I didn’t really know where I belonged in the team, or where to go, but I’m comfortable now; the girls are all really friendly and really nice.”

A great advantage for Hu is her sister, se-nior Allison Hu, whose experience as captain and goalie allowed her to guide Christine.

“As she is my captain, she encourages me to play my best and gives me the confidence that I can be better. And as my sister, she gives me hope that I can possibly be as good as her

one day,” said Hu. Being on a sport team means hours of hard

work and practice, and sometimes it could be difficult to balance an athletic, academic, and personal life.

“After the first quarter [of school], I learned to keep my priorities straight and get

things done without lagging it,” Hu said. “Be-ing an honor student and an athlete as a fresh-man hasn’t really consumed as much time as I think it would in the future years, but learning now how to manage my time will come as a great advantage.”

For these girls, water polo is not just an-

other sport or a simple hobby. “Water polo has been a great outlet for life

as it is, giving me something else to focus on rather than school,” Hu said. “It has opened my eyes to so many new things and paved the way for the rest of my high school years.” Ω

02.04.11Vol. 43, Issue 5 sports 16the hoofprint

Two freshmen advance to varsity water poloWith backgrounds in club water polo, freshmen Chris-tine Hu and Rachelle Gonza-les have advanced in varsity.

Utter Domination: Freshmen Rachelle Gonzales and Christine Hu take the offensive in a 19-1 slaughter against West Covina. photos By felix lee

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pts reb ast blk stlS. Yamamoto 28 2 1 1B. Gholar 20 4 1 2A. Coleman 12 17 2Z. Galman 6 1 4K. Real 5 1C. Okoro 2 9 2B. Croom 2 3 2 2K. Quon 2

1 2 3 4 TotalDiamond Bar 12 8 15 26 61Walnut 11 22 25 19 77

Walnut DBShots 13 8Shots on Goal 9 4Corner kick 3 1Offside 0 0Fouls 10 10Goals 3 2

1 2 TotalDiamond Bar 1 1 2Walnut 1 2 3

Goals19:47 C. Ruelas35:16 DB47:59 P. Ochoa71:13 DB72:22 C. Ruelas

pts reb ast blk stlC. Yuan 14 4A. Aie 13 5N. Abaeze 13 10A. McDill 6 4J. Robles 5A. Gin 2R. Lew 2L. Komoda 1

TotalDiamond Bar 56Walnut 45

Team RecordsOverall League Home Away Neutral12-3-0 3-2-0 1-1-0 3-1-0 8-1-2

Game RecordsDate Opponent Result1/13 Bonita 42-30 (W)1/20 West Covina 28-43 (L)1/27 Diamond Bar 30-33 (L)2/1 Rowland 76-6 (W)

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o 1 2 3 4 TotalWest Covina 0 0 0 1 1Walnut 6 6 4 3 20

1 2 3 4

5:32 Leeper 4:52 Tuncel 6:44 Nguyen 4:52 Polawada

4:55 Swafford 4:16 Lepp 5:18 Gonzales 4:37 Tuncel

2:38 Aquino 3:30 Lepp 4:32 Barahona 3:37 Leeper

1:47 Lepp 2:50 Swafford 1:38 Aquino 3:12 West Covina

1:19 Nguyen 1:36 Lepp

0:51 Aquino 0:33 Nguyen

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February Scoreboard2/1

Walnut DRShots 16 4Shots on Goal 8 2Corner kick 2 1Offside 0 6Fouls 6 8Goals 5 0

1 2 TotalDiamond Ranch 0 0 0Walnut 3 2 5

Goals16:37 A. Avila38:01 A. Hill40:56 A. Marani75:05 C. Frisan78:58 S. Catono

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1/27 2/2

2/22/1