Q:What’s your ideal Spring

Break vacation?

Saturday SchoolAPRIL 16

AP Test Study DaysAPRIL 26 , 30

Late Start MondayAPRIL 11

News...........................1-3

Editorial.................4-5

Entertainment.........9

Sports...................10-12

Spring BreakAPRIL 4-8

12011

April

LNo. 8

Volume

Feature......................6-8

To go to Italy and eat the pizza.”

Michael Gunter 9

Titan Talk

Events

www.powayiliad.com

Index

Iliad Website

To go to the beaches of Hawaii.”

Angelina Salinas 11

Inside Iliad

Party; possibly with hot ladies.”

Chad Smith 12

10

To fish and scuba dive in Cabo.”

Katherine Carberry 10

BREAK-INSOCCUR ON CAMPUS

NEEL DOPPALAPUDI Photographer

LISA CASEY-O’BRIEN

AVID studentstour college campuses

Poway High School was the victim a string of robberies in the last month. On two consecutive weekends, select rooms containing items of monetary value were broken into by perpetrators who are believed to have in their possession a master key to the school. Stolen from the Band Room, the ASB room, the Student Store and the Administrative Offices are what the administration believes to be thousands of dollars worth of objects and cash.

“It appeared that they were searching for items of particular value,” Principal Scott Fisher said, “They seemed to have a knowledge of the layout of the rooms. If I were a betting man, I would bet that it was done by someone who knew where things were around the school.”

Currently, the Poway Sheriff ’s office is investigating the crime. They have no suspects in custody but, according to Assistant Principal Peter McKee, “they have some possible leads which may lead them to a suspect”.

McKee went on to specify that $1700 in cash and gift cards was stolen from the Student Store and that a safe was taken from the administrative offices. The ASB room suffered the theft of a cash box that had under 50 dollars in it. In addition, undisclosed objects were taken from both the Band and Choir rooms.

The school is offering a $500 reward for information that will lead to the conviction of a suspect or, if the case may be, the recovering of the missing key. Those with information can contact Fisher, McKee or Assistant Principal Megan Bryant.

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a group on campus whose sole purpose is to teach students the skills needed to be successful in school and have a bright future. On Friday, March 11, Poway High AVID program matched up with Great Oak High School’s AVID department for a four-day college trip.

Karen Kawasaki and Megan Ellsworth were the chaperones for nineteen juniors and five sophomores on a trip to eleven colleges around California: California State University Northridge, California State University, Channel Islands, California State University Monterey Bay, University of California Santa Cruz, San José State University, University of San Francisco, Sonoma State University, Chico State University, University of California Davis, California State University Stanislaus and University of California Merced.

“We felt that it was important to give the students a large range of colleges to see so they could have more options,” Kawasaki said.

AVID received a tour at each of the schools by former Poway High students. “It was a great opportunity for the students to get to ask questions to other former students. I think they learned a lot and helped their decision-making process move along,” Kawasaki said.

The four day trip went really well, and participants believe that others should partake in such a positive experience. “Being able to go on the trip was amazing. Before I was confused about where I wanted to go for school after high school, but the trip opened my eyes to many possibilities,” Junior Gustavo Lopez said.

ALEJANDRO BERRYTOSTEN BURKS

Much attention has been given to the school’s budget woes over the last few years. Teachers losing jobs, curriculum getting cut, class sizes growing to absurd amounts; these have been the headlines. Yet another, perhaps even scarier financial crisis is happening in education. Student governments are tanking.

Over the last four years, Poway High’s Associated Student Body end-of-the-year balance dropped close to 90%. At the end of 2007, ASB finished around $240,000 in the black. By the end of 2010, the final balance was around $25,000.

This is not a trend to keep an eye on. It is affecting the school right now. Battle of the Bands was cancelled this year because it was no longer a profit-maker. Airband, a student body staple, ceased to exist last year for the same reason.

Why have ASB’s finances spiraled so drastically in the last half-decade? This question requires some understanding on how ASB actually works.

ASB does not receive government money. “It is 100 percent student funded,” current ASB Director Emily Petterson said. Petterson described the organization as a business. All of its income comes from students, and all of that money is then spent back on students. “It’s a service to the student body,” Petterson said.

The fact that ASB is a business operation serving the student body means that ASB is also entirely dependent on the student body. The amount of money spent on Prom, for example, is based on how much ASB expects to make off of Prom, off of how many people are expected to attend. That expectation then dictates how much tickets will cost.

“The events fund themselves,” Poway High Accounting Technician Nita Allen said. Or at least, self-funding is the goal. In the ’07-’08 school year, Prom cost $69,913. It was at Petco Park, the most expensive venue in recent memory. That year, Prom only brought in $50,230. The event came out almost $20,000 in the red.

“It really is a business game of predicting,” Petterson said. At the beginning of the school year, ASB projects the price and income

of every event and expense of the year, from the student store to faculty vending machines, based on student input and current economic trends.

In this, Petterson stressed the importance of sending class representatives to student Congress meetings during fourth period. The more students who attend these meetings, the

more accurately ASB can gauge the student body’s opinion on what matters to them and the more accurately and efficiently ASB can spend its money to serve that student body.

But what exactly does ASB spend its money on? Much more than the obvious dances and assemblies. ASB’s budget also encompasses Student Store inventory, guest speakers and even recently, some employee salaries, among many other things.

The Student Store staff, for example, is paid for out of ASB’s budget. Additionally, in a change mandated by the district a few years ago, 25% of Accounting Technicians’ salaries are paid for by ASB, amounting to around $16,000 a year. At Poway, Nita Allen holds this position.

The district’s reasoning is that much of Allen’s job is to work for ASB, thus making it legal to use student funds to pay her.

These numbers pale in comparison to perhaps ASB’s biggest expense – and also perhaps its biggest moneymaker – athletics.(Continued on page 3)“

[ASB] is 100 percent student funded. It’s a service to the student body.” //EMILY PETTERSON

LEAH SARNOFFSports Editor

Nuclear power:

Senior dominates the tennis

courts

use it or lose it?

4

9

Skillful Teaching : Lisa Casey O’Brian (COB) teaches five regular physics classes and one AP Physics course. As a teacher for 15 years, she has had the opportunity to discover and utilize many different and effective teaching techniques. LONDON DETRICK// The Iliad

Students on COB:

Analyzing the A B budget

PHSalumnus

film-maker

“COB teaches professionally and with complete dedication without hiding her inimitably relatable and energetic personality, earning her students’ respect, while allowing her to form strong relationships with them. The honesty she displays and devotion with which she does her job helps bring out the best in her students.”

Mason Hock 12

“She makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.”

Luke Richard 12

“She cares about her students and wants them to perform to their fullest... and has a great sense of humor.”

Christen Maher 12

“She deserves teacher of the year, because she easily relates to her students. Not only is she a great teacher, but she is also a great person! I always have fun in her class and I learn a lot.”

“I think she’s a wonderful teacher. She does a great job of not only teaching students physics but teaching them to have an interest in science. Her passion for what she does is admirable. She keeps the learning environment fun and entertaining.”

Daniel Kadden 12

John Zamora 11

CHELSEY YOUNGEditorial Editor

$

Physics teacher Lisa Casey-O’Brien has an incredible ability to bring life and humor into her classroom, exciting and involving her students. It is for such unique and energetic teaching ability that Casey-O’Brien has earned the title of Teacher of the Year, both at the school and district level.

Casey-O’Brien has been a teacher for fifteen years. Although initially torn between a career in medicine or education, she was attracted to the profession by her love for school and learning. One of the things that Casey-O’Brien finds most enjoyable about teaching is her ability to help her students grow and learn a class that, to some, seems incredibly difficult.

“I like teaching physics, because I think it’s hard. I can understand why kids don’t understand it. I like teaching things that can be kind of confusing, so I have to think ‘How can I word this?’” Casey-O’Brien said.

Principal Scott Fisher believes that Casey-O’Brien is entirely deserving of such recognition due to “her professionalism… her intelligence… and her ability to be totally respectful to people, to everyone.”

Casey-O’Brien was originally nominated and chosen by fellow faculty members for site distinction. She was then considered by a committee at the district level. This process includes interviews and paperwork in order to determine who is most deserving of such prestigious recognition.

Sharon Raffer, Director of Communications for Poway Unified School District, found “that the way she feels about the teaching profession and preparing students for the future” are what distinguished Casey-O’Brien as Teacher of the Year at the district level.

Casey-O’Brien will soon be interviewed and considered for California’s Teacher of the Year.

“She’s type of teacher who deserves to win,” Fisher said.

selected as district teacher of the year

Due to declining numbers of students attending full school days and rising numbers of tardiness, PHS Principal Scott

Fisher posted a message to the school’s website to raise awareness about coming to school.

“Every day counts” were the first words of Fisher’s message concerning the funds PHS and PUSD receive from student attendance.

According to the message, “If each student attends school for one more day this year, the District would receive one million dollars.”

That’s $1,000,000 that could be distributed throughout Poway schools.

For every student who attends school for at least four hours each day, $37 dollars are paid towards PUSD who disperses the funds to each school according to student population.

The message brought to light the problem that PHS is having with students missing school.

Statistics show that the average attendance rate for public schools is decreasing, which is alarming to school districts; students miss about seven days of school a year.

Dropping attendance rates can also attribute to the budget cuts PUSD has had

to make in the past few years. Attendance Supervisor Susie Warriner noted that students often complain about larger class sizes and less materials, but they do not realize that their attendance is an important part of daily school budgets.

Attendance awareness is even more crucial now that the school year has “already dropped to 175 days,” Warriner said. “We are really lucky that our district gives us five full weeks of breaks throughout the year.”

Yet, students and parents still choose to schedule vacations and appointments at inconvenient times.

“It would be a great help if parents would schedule appointments at the end of the

school day or after school,” Warriner said, “People also think that excused absences

still earn the school money, but they don’t.”Senior “ditch days” can also be accredited

for monetary losses to the District. “We lost $4,000 last senior ‘ditch day,’” Warriner said.

A last contribution to lessening student attendance is students who just do not feel like attending school, but that can be helped.

“I personally believe that creating the ‘I’m-not-going-to-miss-school’ mindset is most important,” Fisher said.

“[Unless it is a fever,] if you’re under-the-weather, you should still come to school. Young or old, attendance is part of responsibility,” Fisher said.

2 NewsApril 1, 2011

Iliad

NATASHA ORAHACopy Editor

Young or old, attendance is a part of responsibility.” //Scott Fisher“

Summer school is a second chance for students to make up for classes they did not pass the first time. From June 13 to July 27, summer school will take place at Ranch Bernardo High School this year and will only offer courses for credit-deficient students.

Upper classmen who are short on credits needed to graduate have greatest priority for summer school enrollment. They will be contacted by their counselors in days to come about enrolling in summer school. The classes that will be available through summer school have yet to be determined.

“Due to the budget cuts, summer school is only for students that failed a class; no

more of that ‘good stuff ’ of getting ahead,” Counseling Assistant Cettina Jones said. Budget cuts were also the reasoning behind offering summer school only on one campus. With a limited number of openings, summer school is on a first-come-first-serve basis. The majority of summer school admissions will be given to upperclassmen who are missing the credits needed to graduate.

There are also alternatives to summer school that allow students to make up for classes to fulfill the A through G requirements.

For instance, P.E. waivers are available for any student currently enrolled in a C.I.F.-recognized sport. P.E. waivers allow a student enrolled in any C.I.F.-recognized sport to wave a semester-worth of P.E. Technically, if a student were to partake in four sports over two years one could get by without ever attending a single session of P.E, thus freeing up a period for other classes to be taken. Freshmen, however, are encouraged to take P.E. as to avoid feeling overwhelmed with their class schedule. “We encourage our

freshmen to take P.E,” Athletic Director Dan Crane said. “We do not want them being overwhelmed.”

If summer school is not an option, students can take classes at Palomar College, or any other approved community college to fulfill the A – G requirements. “In order for a student to take classes at another site and receive credit, the classes being taken must first be approved by the student’s counselor,” said Lynn Merrifield, the school registrar.

Palomar is a local community college that many students go to in order to fulfill graduation requirements without sacrificing periods during the school day. The most popular classes taken at Palomar are American Sign Language (A.S.L. 101) and Computer Literacy which meet the language and practical arts requirement needed to graduate. Some classes, including health, are also offered online.

For a list of colleges offering courses for credits, visit the counseling office for more information.

would like to thank our sponsors,

AUSGAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC

THE LACKNER GROUP

For

their generous support

that made this issue possible

The Titan Center is stocked with information about summer programs that offer students the opportunity to further their education, learn new skills and gain new experiences. A variety of programs, including pre-college courses or summer-abroad trips, give students the opportunity to take advantage of this summer’s free time by engaging in something they may never have done before.

Programs differ as they are provided by different organizations or colleges with separate focuses; students only need to find a program that suits them best. There are numerous internships, pre-college courses, and summer abroad programs offered. Counselor Jennifer Mitchell is available in the Titan Center during break and lunch to answer questions and help students search for a summer program that would best suit their interests.

The programs will have certain requirements and an enrollment or “application process [that] really depends on the institution,” Mitchell said. Most of the programs will cost money, but there are some that offer scholarships, Mitchell assured.

As students may be scrambling to take courses over the summer to obtain high school credits required to graduate, Mitchell wanted to

clarify, “these are not summer programs in lieu of summer school.”Programs, such as those that offer studying abroad, are for personal

enrichment, not for high school credits. Some courses can go towards college credits, but students must be aware that they will not count as high school credits.

Programs are geared toward different interests. Colleges such as Otis College of Art and Design and the Pratt Institute offer pre-college courses for students interested in developing their artistic skills; the Oxford Advanced Studies Program and Oxford Royale Academy have numerous academic courses and free-time for students to explore the city. More colleges, including Washington University and the University of Arizona, also offer pre-college courses.

Aside from colleges, other organizations offer students programs that introduce career options or provide volunteering opportunities. The Junior State of America, for example, offers students programs that focus on politics and current events, while Global Works provides a means for students to do community service while travelling abroad.

Depending on the program, application deadlines come as early as March, but more generally are due by April or May to ensure applicants will have a spot in the program. With some programs only guaranteeing limited spots for kids, Mitchell encourages students to start early and take advantage of the resources that the Titan Center

Mon. May 2

THURS. May 5

TUES. MAY 3

WED. May 4

FRI. May 6

Mon. May 9

TUES. MAY 10

WED. May 11

FRI. May 13

8 AM 12 PM

APTESTINGChemistryEnvironmental Science

Psychology

Spanish Language

Calculus ABCalculus BC

English Literature and Composition

German LanguageUS History

European History

Biology Physics C

US Government and Politics

English Languageand Composition

Statistics

Spanish Literature

The few. The proud.Students take on the Marine Corps Challenge

Pull-ups for Prizes:March 16, Marine Corps came to Poway High to spread awareness and pres-ent a pull-up challenge. Sophormore German Nicolas (below left), and senior Pres-ton Hale (below right) take up the challenege.

Pull-ups//Bar Holds (in seconds)Boys // Girls Prize

0 -4//0-15 Sticker 5-10//16-30 Lanyard 11-15//31-55 Water Bottle 16-20//56-70 Hat/Football21-30//70+ T-Shirt

RACHEL PHAM // The Iliad

RACHEL PHAMNews Editor

Those missing credits to graduate look to sum-mer school for options

THOMAS BAKERStaff Writer

Students in a credit craze

Summer productivity

unexplainedschool absences

PHS addresses

Enrichment programs allow students to make post-school break worthwhile by getting ahead in academics and broadening horizons

3NewsApril 1, 2011

Iliad

With the vigilant eyes of the team’s mascot, the “Bluebird of Happiness,” watch-ing over them, Poway High School’s academic team competed in its final match of the year against Mount Carmel on March 17. The varsity match ended in an honor-able loss to the Sundevils with a final score of 89 to 50, but junior varsity proved victorious, ending with a point total of 69 to 40.

Prior to this competition, the team’s record for the season was identical to that of last year’s team: 4-2 Poway. Despite the slightly disappointing finish to the year, the team remained positive. “I felt that even though we lost the match, it was a great way to end the season; I feel the love tonight,” senior and Varsity academic team member Stephen Roy said.

This year, the team boasted a total of 48 members, 15 on freshman, 23 on JV, and 10 on Varsity. The team’s coach and a PHS English teacher, Divona Roy explained that the team is comprised of students from a number of social circles and that new members are always welcome. “It is some people’s niche; they’re totally accepted by everyone on the team,” Roy said.

During the year, the teammates meet after school twice a week in order to brush up on their knowledge of everything from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland to colonels of the Civil War, to current events involving Japan and Charlie Sheen. At practices, the team watches CNN clips to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the world outside of Poway and holds mock competitions to prepare for upcoming matches. In competitions, the students are asked toss-up questions that they buzz in to answer in a jeopardy-like fashion followed by a group question for the team who answers the toss-up correctly.

The academic team’s motto, “the most fun you can have with your brain,” holds true for the team’s members who often agree that they enjoy practices as well as away matches and team bus rides. “It’s fun to just hang out and be nerdy,” senior and varsity member Peter Chagnon said of the time spent with the team.

The academic team will officially end its season on April 15 at 6 p.m. with a ban-quet at the church of Latter Day Saints by the Espola Road and Twin Peaks Road intersection that any PHS students are welcome to attend. At the banquet, members will receive awards for their performances throughout the year and participate in a friendly competition between the varsity team and select members of the PHS staff, led by the infamous biology teacher, Alan Torretto. The JV and freshman team will also compete against one another in a battle of knowledge to see who comes out on top.

Academic Team

SKYLAR SLOTTERCopy Editor

making a change: San Diego citizens join together to create the world’s largest human sunflower in the honor of Chelsea King. The event was organized by the sororities and fraternities of San Diego State University, combined with Chelsea’s Light, and was held at Racho Bernardo Community Park. About 600 people attended the memorializing event to create the sunflower and write words “Joie de Vivre,” which means “love of life” in French. ~COURTESY OF CHELSEA’S LIGHT FOUNDATION

World’s Largest Sunflower

STUDYING FOR SUCCESS : Students Stephen Roy, Chad Holman, John Zamora, Jasmine Brown, and Gaelin Musky gather to prepare for Academic Team competitions. SKYLAR SLOTTER // The Iliad

TO HONOR CHELSEA KING

ASB cuts Battle of the Bands, possibly more?(Continued from Page 1)

A lot more expenses go into the athletic program than just equipment and officials.

ASB is also responsible to pay the tournament entry fees, the supervision required at athletic events, the award ceremonies, and even CIF dues. All athletic expenses from last year totaled $89,000 with tournament entries and officials taking about $70,000.

The bulk of these expenses however are made up by ticket sales. ASB made nearly $70,000 from ticket sales at football games, basketball games, and wrestling matches alone last year.

To put these numbers in perspective, profits from ticket sales match the profit of roughly nine morPs.

Without the sale of football tickets, ASB’s athletic budget would be cut by 80%. All of the other athletic programs at the school have no means of making a profit other than fundraisers and boosters.

ASB’s budget took another hit in 2007 when the federal grant for athletic transportation was taken away. This costs athletes about $56,000 a year in bus fees and transportation services.

Expenses that the average student may take for granted also require ASB to be even more cautious with their checkbook.

In 2001, the ASB senior class set aside money so that one day a marque could be installed in front of our school. After building off of the interest for a few years, ASB decided to purchase the marque with the $45,000 account that the class from 2001 had set aside.

Other significant purchases of the past few years include $12,000 towards benches, tables, and trashcans for the quad as well as $8,000 a year to make sure every student receives a student planner on their first day of school.

Guest speakers and assemblies also have accounted for $5,000 over the past few years.

Now having a general idea of what ASB does spend its money on, it might also be helpful to understand what ASB cannot spend its money on. “Anything outside of academics is paid for by the student body,” Petterson said.

This means that ASB cannot p u r ch a s e a n y t h i n g that could relate to a curriculum b e c a u s e it is the federal government’s responsibility to pay for the academic aspect of school.

“ASB is very controlled in terms of what it can spend its money on, it’s against the law for them to even replace a textbook,” Allen explained.

Sometimes, ASB draws criticism from parents who chastise their decision to buy seniors Senior Shirts the first day of school, as opposed to buying a microscope for the science department.

These dissenters need to realize that it is completely prohibited for ASB to help out any academic cause.

So that gives insight into the way ASB’s budget works.

The question remains however, why has the end of the year balance dropped so dramatically over the past

four years? The answer

lies in variety of unfortunate externalities.

For one, the banning of the

sale of candy and soda has severely hindered ASB’s financial freedoms. When comparing the 2006-2007 school year with the 2009-2010 school year, sales in vending have dropped a staggering $21,000.

This is a double whammy for ASB because, “When you have a lot of money in a bank account, it accumulates interest over time. So when one area of income is weakened, it translates to a lower profit from interest as well,” ASB

Executive of Finance Kristin Cooper said.

Throw that in with the 2008 recession and this leads to a 90% drop in ASB’s overall balance.

Since ASB is a student funded business, parents getting laid off and teenagers unable to find jobs also hurts their ability to support ASB by buying concessions at football games or a ticket to the dance.

“Now, kids are starting to have to ask themselves, ‘Do I want to go to Homecoming or Winter Ball because I can’t afford both,’” Petterson added.

Combined with the booming party-bus business – which significantly detract from dance ticket sales – and the continuation of school dances could be in jeopardy.

“Nowadays, we’re just lucky if we can even break even,” ASB President Brooke Stark said. “The school dances have lost that kind of ‘get a group of friends together’ feeling and usually the underclassmen wind up accounting for most of the sales.”

These budget woes may not affect

the class of 2011, but one has to wonder what kind of events and programs could be cut in the future.

Most dramatically, there is a real danger that student planners, which as stated earlier cost around $8000 to print and distribute, may no longer be available next year.

“Ticket sales are down across the board and unless we receive an unprecedented amount of kids at Prom, student planners are seriously considered being cut for next year,” Petterson warned.

“They [ASB] don’t have the luxury to take risks right now,” Allen said.

“ASB’s main goal is to put on events that will benefit the student at Poway. That’s why it’s important for students to come to the Class Congress meetings so that students are informed and can be a part of how our budget operates,” Cooper said.

Until ASB can build a nice financial cushion, it seems as if the student body does not have the luxury to take financial risks at any level.

“They [ASB]

don’t have the luxury to take risks right now.” //NITA ALLEN

closes out season

4 editoriAlApril 1, 2011

Iliad

Poway High School15500 Espola Road Poway, CA 92064

The Iliad is a publication of Poway High School. Columns and signed editorials do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editorial board, Poway High School, or its affiliates. The editorial board is written by the Editor-in-Chief and represents the opinion of The Iliad staff. The Iliad welcomes letters to the editor; e-mail them to iliad@powayusd.com or bring them to J-6, complete with name and phone number. Phone numbers will not be printed. Limit all letters to 250 words. Letters may be subject to editing. For advertising, call (858) 748-0245, ext. 5228. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service.

Editors-in-Chief....................Jimmy Cunningham and Sydney LustigAssociate Editors.................Tosten Burks and Madison HewettEditorial Editors....................Gabriella Kitch and Chelsey YoungEntertainment Editor...........Daniel PasenelliFeature Editors.....................Norah Cunningham, Emily James and

Sanoma Jean News Editors........................Sara Pfeiffer and Rachel Pham Sports Editors.......................Alejandro Berry, Rachael Lackner, Leah Sarnoff and Cassandra Vick Copy Editors.......................Natasha Oraha, Chase Pado and

Skylar SlotterPhotographers....................London Detrick and Neel Doppalapudi Business Manager...............Andrew LessigArtist......................................Brea Young Adviser..................................TeriAnne LibbyStaff Writers: Erik Anderson, Thomas Baker, Alison Bakke, Nick Campolito, Elena Chintala, Lauren Koller, Kyle Marsh, Brigid McCarthy, Jennifer Pons, Salem Samson and Haley Steele

Mission StatementThe Iliad strives for excellence in providing accurate and interesting information in an unbiased and timely manner. As a diverse and opin-ionated group, we aim to represent the Poway High student body with professional and ethical coverage by interviewing relevant sources and presenting multiple stances on important issues.

Penalties after the bell:

SYDNEY LUSTIGEditor-in-Chief

ANDREW LESSIGBussiness Manager

Is nuclear energy practical for America?

With the recent disaster of nuclear reactors in Japan, the issue of utiliz-ing nuclear power has arisen to become a relevant, highly charged debate. To the question; should we still use nuclear fission as an energy source? The answer should be a clear yes.

Fears of future nuclear disasters occurring within power plants are more prominent than ever, but why is it that so many are quick to assume nuclear power is one of the most detrimental forms of energy?

The BP Oil Spill is a reminder of other energy-related tragedies that exist. The disaster that plagued the Gulf of Mexico and parts of the US coast in 2010 was horrific – but did anyone stop using oil as a natu-ral resource because of the spill? The answer, clearly evident from the number of cars on the road at any given moment, is no. Despite fears of destroying the environment, oil is still a prominent source of fuel and petroleum, and will continue to be until all resources are depleted.

Nuclear disasters follow the same trend: while there is always the chance that calamity will strike, harnessing nuclear energy is still a neces-sity. We need to control and utilize nuclear power before we run out of the natural resources we currently use for power – coal, natural gas, oil. If progress on nuclear power was halted and mankind relied solely on fossil fuels, our reserves would diminish, and eventually we would have to return to nuclear fission. Refining the utilization of nuclear power now is simply thinking about the future.

The ongoing tragedy at the Fukushima reactors is indeed horrific, and fears about current nuclear power plants in other locations that are near oceans and earthquake fault lines are becoming commonplace. But mod-ern plants will no doubt be treated with even more concern as additional safety precautions and procedures are implemented. With previous disas-ters in mind, newer nuclear power plants will surely employ safer meth-ods of containing uranium and other radioactive materials. Proof that this will happen can be found in what has happened in the past – with the infamous meltdown at Chernobyl in mind, newer power plants were reinforced with an outer and an inner shell rather than simply one.

For example, the Fukushima reactors were also built to withstand natural disasters: they survived the hazardous 9.0 earthquake, and were prepared to handle a 6 m tsunami. By mere misfortune, the tsunamis that hit Japan were roughly 10 m high. If the power plants were utterly un-prepared for natural disasters, they would have exploded much earlier on, and the sheer fact that there was a time delay before the reactors started exploding is proof of the safety of the plants.

Radioactivity does exist as a real threat, but so do the coal mines de-stroying our environment, and the oil wells drilled deep into the earth’s surface, and the exhaust from modern machinery slowly poisoning the

America needs a domestic energy industry that will be environmentally friendly, while efficiently producing electricity.

Nuclear power is often touted as a solution to global climate change, as it could displace greenhouse gas producing fossil fuels. Instead of harmful CO2 production, the world would have to face the extremely deadly byproducts of nuclear fission.

Instead of slowly warming earth, greenhouse gases would be replaced by radioactive material that can kill in quantities so minute one cannot see them, but remain dangerous for eons.

There is also no permanent, safe method of disposal for this carcinogenic waste.

Radioactive byproducts have been buried, immersed in pools of water, and dumped in the ocean. Simply putting the problem out of sight does not fix it. It only encourages a false sense of security by appearing to be a permanent solution despite only delaying the inevitable leakage of radiation.

Nuclear power is not perfectly safe. It is prone to mishaps like any technol-ogy, but when dealing with such volatile elements as fissionable material, a minor leak in coolant fluid for a solar plant could be irreversibly deadly when nuclear materials are in jeopardy.

California alone has enough cloudless, sunny days to become the next Saudi Arabia if real progress was made to institute solar and wind power, which pose no threat to the consumer or planet.

Although still slightly more expensive than nuclear or fossil fuels, the costs of these safe and endless energy sources drops every year, coming continu-ously closer to matching or exceeding the affordability of nuclear or fossil fuels. Prices will continue to decline as technology advances, and will decline faster if stimulated by demand.

Wind and solar combined already produce more energy worldwide than nuclear, and this margin too is increasing annually.

Unlike the deadly poisons of nuclear that masquerade as sustainable and safe alternatives to fossil fuels, wind and solar are the only truly safe and inexhaustible energy sources available on a large scale, and they should take precedent in the green economy of tomorrow.

want more Iliad?www.powayiliad.com

Being late to class, work, or any engagement that one has is inevitable. Whether or not you claim you have never been late, chances are, it is going to happen in the future. The reason may be viable and understandable, or just inexcusable laziness. At Poway High, at least one student

is late every day to class. Either it is a consistent tardy, or a first-time-tardy, students are often punished for being late in ways that do not necessarily fit the crime.When teachers encounter late stu-

dents, it is understandable that the experience can be both disruptive and irritating. For some students, their reasons for

being late are either late to rise, or that need for an early morning Starbucks, or just that need to converse with friends in hallways before the bell rings. These reasons generally lead irate teachers to resort to late policies.Teachers have locked their doors

when the bell rings and refuse late stu-dents entry for a period, thus leading to missed material. Others take points away from grades or make students stay after class or after school to return the time they lost to students interrupting class with their tardiness.

For example, one teacher on the Poway High campus has recently imple-mented the policy that each time a student is late to any of her classes 10 points is removed from their test grade. When asked about the new policy, this teacher said that students should care

about their grades show up on time. However, whether the instructor realizes it or not, taking 10 points from a test grade, (granted they got 100 percent on said tests), instantly turns an "A" grade into an "F". The tests are on average 25 questions. Since students usually do not get 100 percent on the tests, though some do, their grades are left at less than 50 percent.That kind of affliction on one’s score

can actually drop a student down an entire letter grade. Is it fair to reduce a student’s grade due to their tardiness whether it is reasonable or not? Some students are late for reasons that are ac-ceptable under certain circumstances. Students can be late because of an ac-

cident, a dead battery, forgetting gar-ments, backpacks, or even sickness.While it is understandable for teachers

to get irritated with consistent tardies, it is not reasonable to punish students by means of their grades. Lock them out, make them stay late,

or make them write a letter to their be-loved teacher stating why they were late and why they will not be again, but do not reduce grades drastically or at all for that matter.

NICK CAMPOLITOStaff Writer

TEACHERS CREATE HARSH TARDY POLICIES

Celebrities claim the spotlight Stars beg for attention on and off the stageDANIEL PASENELLIEntertainment Editor

With the recent media coverage of the new-and-improved Charlie Sheen, many people have begun to doubt his sanity.

They attribute his excellent quotes (such as, “I’m on a drug called Charlie Sheen,” “I’m not wearing a golden sombrero,” and of course, “I’m not bipo-lar, I’m bi-winning.”) to his indiscrete drug habits.

Some of us, however, think Charlie Sheen has pulled off something ingenious: abusing the media to reinvigorate his dying career.

After Sheen’s show Two and a Half Men went on hiatus because of his probation, Sheen started

appearing on TV much more than he used to, giv-ing interviews on shows like 20/20. What most people don’t realize is that Sheen has been exag-gerating his eccentricities in order to garner atten-tion.

I’ve watched many interviews with Sheen; he’s a smart man. He wouldn’t be talking about “banging seven gram rocks” every day if he didn’t think that it would stir up controversy. That’s the key word: controversy. His antics wouldn’t be a big deal if we didn’t make them so.

This begs the question: why do we, as viewers, give so much attention to celebrities who do this? Sure, Charlie Sheen’s interviews are hilarious, but let’s just laugh and move on.

He’s a once-great, washed up actor. He doesn’t deserve our attention anymore.

But Sheen isn’t the only one who hogs the media spotlight. Lady Gaga’s main draw is that, because of the way she dresses, she’s “different.” Has any-one ever considered that she’s just trying so hard to be different by wearing appallingly ugly outfits? We, as television viewers and music listeners, are the problem: we need to stop making a big deal out of mediocre celebrities. Their narcissism feeds off of our attention.

I respect those celebrities, not for their work in the industry, but for their ability to so easily take advantage of the spotlight with which we so gra-ciously provide.

Teachers around Poway High School’s campus will, at times, dispense exams containing questions not covered by the instructor’s curriculum. Although it is important to guarantee that all classes cover the same ma-terial, and a common test aims to do this, standardized course tests are sometimes unfair to the student body.

Throughout high school, students strive to meet the teacher’s individ-ual requirements, in hopes to get that perfect score. Why, when students are continuously putting forth their best efforts, are many still not able to reach the grade that they deserve?

Teachers are forced to teach state standards, but they should only test what they teach for course assessments. It is understandable to have specified standards to make sure teaching skills do not decline; however, if these tested standards are not taught in a class lecture, it is unaccept-able to continue having these formulaic tests.

Instructors need to consider a better approach to common tests, whether it may be throwing out test questions for points or making a new test all together. Teachers should have the freedom to judge what lesson should be weighted more heavily and adjust their tests accord-ingly.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina rocked the southern coastal region of Louisiana causing an estimated $81 billion in damage. It was categorized as one of the five deadliest hurricanes in the history of the United States.

As soon as the levies broke, so did any sense of rule or control. Loot-ers ran the streets as personal property became up for grabs, and the police could do little about it. Even so, the chaos caused by such an event was understandable because it seemed as if people had no choice but to adopt an every-man-for-himself state of mind.

Then came the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.The tsunami that hit the shore of Japan on Mar 11 was of apocalyptic

proportions. The coastal region incurred an estimated $309 billion in damages, and the resulting destruction resembled that left by Hurricane Katrina six years prior.

While the images seen on the news covering the two events looked similar, the reported public reactions couldn’t have been more different.

Scenes of looters toting rifles in Louisiana contrasted the broadcasted photos of calm and orderly lines of Japanese victims waiting for water. While many citizens in Louisiana rioted when supplies ran out, the Japa-nese people quietly left to return and stand in line another day.

In the face of tragedy, Japan exposed a foreign attitude of which ev-eryone should take note. In such an instantaneous and self-interested world, the communal effort displayed by the Japanese victims was in-spiring.

It is an attitude that our generation should value and adopt, not only to utilize in the face of tragedy, but to practice in our everyday lives (wheth-er it be) in our community, at home or on campus. It is our responsibility to care for the well-being of the individuals and environment around us.

Just as this communal attitude is essential in battling devastating and unexpected events such as the natural disasters experienced in the Unit-ed States and Japan, it is necessary in establishing a daily well-being on campus that promotes school pride and uniformity among students.

UNFAIR TESTINGAssessments do not always measure what students learn

CALAMITY IN JAPANDisaster inspires civil action

YES NO

EJ

5editoriAlApril 1, 2011

Iliad

In America, education has always been the tool that allows us compete with the world’s superpowers. By providing the youth with a cultured learning, the United States’ capitalism has continued to thrive through innovation; however, California’s tenure policy is causing the demise of power in the learning realm.

In California, tenure is a right given to public school teachers after just two years, making it impossible to terminate employment without just cause. The tenure system was created in hopes of eliminating discriminatory firing, and many view the process as adequate because within a few years a school can tell weather a teacher is a right fit. Yet,

what happens 30 years down the road when the performance of a teacher starts slipping?

If a school chooses to claim inefficient or incapable teaching skills as a just cause for firing, an excessive process of testimony and legal run-around commences. A recent Los Angeles Times investigation has shown the termination process to last for years full of grievances, appeals and re-hearings. This inconvenient progression has acted as a constant deterrent for any seeking educational justice.

Many states have become fed up with students not being the focus of their education, and since 1997 some have begun to adopt yearly contracts. Each contract is renewed after evaluations in June. This process of constant evaluation keeps teachers

on their feet, constantly striving to do better, therefore enhancing the schooling of the youth.

A study from a group dedicated to examination how to attract and retain the best teachers for America’s school systems, McKinsey & Company, has concluded that currently 46 percent of the United States’ teachers come from the bottom third of their college class. Only two percent of teachers per year are terminated compared to the private firing rate of nine percent per year. Firing an inadequate teacher, who is protected by tenure, is too expensive for the state.

It is finally time for California to consider the students and take control of the education being given to the future, and enforce decent restrictions on their teachers.

In a time of tragedy and loss of hope, humans still prove to be selfish, and money still proves to be all that matters. The great disaster in Japan is not the first time people have taken advantage. It seems that immediately after any natural disasters, fake donation organizations have popped up that steal the money of those attempting to help disaster victims.

Helping out those in need is a goal for many, and when a tragedy occurs, what better time to give? Well-intentioned people will search online for websites to contribute to the care-take of people in need, but what they might not realize is that the money they send out could possibly not end up paying for a meal or support of

people involved in the disaster, but rather a new car for a selfish person. After giving the organization money, not only might a donator walk away with empty hopes, but also with a spammed computer.

Emails are being sent out by the millions with links to fake organizations for relief efforts and claims of connection to popular, reliable organizations like the Red Cross. Even social networking sites are advertising false sites, leading to more naive donations. Trend Micro reported fake Google, Facebook, and Youtube links with convincing Japan-related pictures and information.

Crime is undeniably unavoidable in the world, so the most people can do in a situation like this when scammers are hidden behind every corner is to take the following precautions:

• It’s best not to open any email from an unknown site. Even just opening can lead to a computer virus. Also, emails that offer one-click donations are not reliable.• Sites that redirect you to another site are potentially dangerous.• Check for spelling mistakes in URLs of sites you’re planning to donate on.• Trust dot-orgs over dot-coms, always.

Real organizations spend an immense amount of time and energy dedicated to the safe-keeping of donations and the well-being of people in the time of a crisis. When fake donating sites appear, spamming computers and stealing money, the problem grows. It is important to not be fooled by and contribute to these scammers.

LONDON DETRICKPhotographer

GABRIELLA KITCHEditorial Editor

“A slap to the seniors for having senioritis” ~Mr. Waasted

“A clap to the boys’ lacrosse team for beating Scripps 15-1” ~Tyler Keogh, 11th

“A clap to the school spirit on campus” ~Roman Sevier, 12th

Junior Alexandra Wallace was just an average political science major at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) at this time last month; because of an angry mob and death threats directed towards her and her family, Wallace had to take her finals with her professors in secret locations. She has since withdrawn from the UCLA student body.

Why? Wallace posted a YouTube video complaining about the “hordes of Asian people UCLA accepts” every year. It was a spur of the moment occurrence that she felt she just had to document.

In her video, Wallace addresses Asians in an insulting manner, streotyping their behavior in libraries. Wallace mentioned that cell phones should not be used in libraries, angered that she lost focus when she heard someone speaking in a foreign, Asian language. She then proceeded to mock Asian speech.

Yes, in America, we should not (and this applies to all branches of the human race) use our cell phones in the library. It can be very frustrating when a place dedicated to concentration and education is not quiet enough to focus.

However, racial remarks and mocking Asian languages is clearly unacceptable.

Wallace did acknowledge this later, however. After over 1,000,000 views, she removed her original video

and posted apologetic letters to UCLA’s Daily Bruin and Facebook. “Clearly the original video posted by me was inappropriate,” Wallace said. “I cannot explain what possessed me to approach the subject as I did, and if I could undo it, I would. I’d like to offer my apology to the entire UCLA campus.”

But, just as everything else on YouTube, viewers took the situation too far.

“I made a mistake. My mistake, however, has led to the harassment of my family, the publishing of my personal information, death threats and being ostracized from an entire community. Accordingly, for personal safety reasons, I have chosen to no longer attend classes at UCLA,” Wallace said.

Something that should have been simply forgiven and forgotten has thus led to the driving out of a political science major from a prestigious university.

Posting videos of such stereotypical nature is clearly wrong, even more so in a school that has a 34 percent Asian student body, but the levels of intolerance shown by the viewers and responders were greater.

Yes, Alexandra Wallace did unfortunately make a bad decision, knowing very well that the YouTube population is a swarm of criticism, but it should be clear to the public now that posting that sort of nonsense on the Internet is entirely unwise.

Wallace’s video is not the only one of its kind on YouTube, but it was chosen among the drama-hungry public to be fought in a hate-for-hate battle. This

phenomenon in which a selected video is quickly spread throughout the worldwide web is known as the “YouTube effect,” and the consequences can be threatening.

YouTube proves to be an avenue for savage viewers to exploit their freedom to comment however they wish

behind the curtain of their computer screen. Posting videos as thoughtless as Wallace’s onto YouTube is an unworthy waste of time in regard to the resulting public reaction. When a video goes viral, there is no ignoring the harsh criticism that calls YouTube home.

NATASHA ORAHACopy Editor

SALEM SAMSONStaff Writer

“A slap to the ‘no barefeet at school’ law” ~Delanie Harrington, 9th

“A clap to Mr. Fisher for having awesome sweater vests” ~Patrick Lewis, 12th

Stealing from the students

YouTube spurs harassment

String of student thefts only prove detrimental to campus life

Donation Danger Tenure Turmoil

“A clap to Zach Gelwix for slipping on the weather” ~Emilia Lopez-Yanez, 11th

Controversial video inspires the social persecution of UCLA student

Are donations used for their original purpose? Florida eliminates tenure, stirring debate

A Poway High master key holds power, but its ability to unlock every room on campus has both benefits and faults when put into the wrong hands. The key was taken by an unidentified person and made Poway High vulnerable to theft.

On Monday, March 14, various buildings around school were broken

into which gave our already financially distressed school more reason to worry. Student Services took one of the hardest hits during the theft.

Hundreds of dollars were taken from a safe previously bolted to Wellness Coordinator Traci Barker-Ball’s drawer. One of envelopes in the safe contained about $300 worth of gift cards. These gift cards were donated to assist students from financially stressed families in the

event that they could not provide for themselves during any particular week.

The safe also contained an emergency fund for students who might not have had enough money for such necessities as PE clothes, bus fare or lunch. The donations used for hospitality provided the flowers for teacher and staff member of the year were also taken with the safe.

All students owe Student Services

a great deal of respect, as those working in Student Services make our school days bearable by casually passing out balloons or candy on random days in the semester.

The program has donated much of its time to the community through volunteer work. Financially disabling such a program affects more than the students and personnel involved in the program. More than Poway High, it affects the whole community.

Student services funds clubs on campus, such as peer counseling, which also suffered a loss in the robbery, as money that they had fundraised earlier in the year resided in the safe. These clubs are collectively able to reach many people in need of someone to talk to, often about problems they cannot face alone. They organized times to inform students about problems such as eating disorders and suicide.

This group of students who are so closely tied with the community offer nothing but benevolence for our school and its students, which makes the robbery they now must overcome dreadfully unjust. The money which aided needy students and the Poway community is now gone due to the avaricious nature of a burglar who failed to think twice before taking from members of our community.

The world was taken by storm with the release of the Apple iPad in April of last year; the incredible tablet computer with a ten-inch screen, an invention that people had looked forward to for years. It came. It saw. It is conquering. Its next target? Schools.

The iPad has already been introduced to schools across the country ranging from elementary schools in Arizona to high schools in Long Island, one of which received 47 iPads last December. But now, it is closing on the local school districts, as Cathedral Catholic has recently considered investing in buying iPads for its high school students within the next few years. “Most kids are definitely for getting them. I think it might make [students] a little less focused. It’s not the same as taking notes and reading a textbook,” Kelsea Lickert, a junior at Cathedral said. “I think it’s a step in the technological direction, but it’s a distraction, and there is always the chance of it breaking.”

Fortunately, Cathedral is at an advantage because it is a private school where students pay tuition to attend and, therefore, pay for their own textbooks, or eventually their iPads.

Teachers in support of the iPad in their classrooms think that it will create better and more convenient home to classroom communication, allowing the teachers to expand their classrooms to their students. However, these same teachers are the ones receiving thousands of pink slips each year as the economy trails deeper in depression, while the government cuts more and more money from their school and its sports, clubs and committees that embody a child’s educational and social experience.

Cost aside, the iPad presents a long list of advantages and complications when considering making them a part of everyday education. Positively, the iPad would save the environment immense amounts of paper, and weighing less than two pounds, would relieve the physical burden that students encounter every day when they are required to carry their weighty textbooks.

“They would make me happy because then I wouldn’t have to carry all of my books around,” PHS sophomore Natalie Fournier said.

The fact of the matter is, students will get distracted by all the apps, games and other tools that the iPad offers that draw away from its educational convenience, not to mention that it has been proven that writing information down and taking notes helps a student to store it in their brains more effectively; the iPad will allow their notes to be simply downloaded from a file that teachers and other Internet sources provide for them, in order to “save the time” of taking notes.

“[The iPads] defeat the whole purpose of reading and actually holding a book. It eliminates the idea of judging a book by its cover. It’s always worthwhile to me when I’m reading a good book and I’m excited to turn the page,” sophomore Marwa Safi said.

While the iPad does provide new, exciting and time-efficient opportunities to be applied to the educational system, technology always comes with a price. As iPads make their way into the schools, the present day marketers are encouraging its coming generations to disregard the already effective teaching methods that have succeeded for centuries and encouraging its consumers to

6 FeAtureApril 1, 2011

Iliad

CASSI VICKSports Editor

YoungONFashion

Film Festival virtuososHALEY STEELEStaff Writer

A DOUBLE TAKE: Ogie, Gelwix, Ulrich and Morley won first place in the 48 Hours of Madness festival. Each film goes through two rounds of judging by cinematic professionals. ~Courtesy of Command Z

Advanced Digital Media students bring home the gold

They might be known as weathermen, the T-cubed news cast, maybe classmates, potentially everyone’s class jokesters.

However, these students are most widely known for one universal talent: cinematography.

On March 27, seniors Alex Ulrich, Zach Gelwix, Adam Morley and junior Lauren Ogie (the group otherwise known as Command Z; the shortcut on the Final Cut Program for undo) were announced first place prize winners in the San Diego 48 Hour Madness Film Festival.

Competing against 10 other schools, Command Z was awarded with trophies and a check for $250. Ulrich was pleased to have pulled off this massive stunt.

“There were a lot of times that I did not believe it was going to happen, looking at what had to be done. But we pulled it together and made it work out,” Ulrich said.

After entering the contest at the last minute, the team received a script on March 18 at 3 p.m. and was directed to create a horror drama about a person who escaped from an insane asylum.

Their interpretations and edits were to be finished within the allotted time of 48 hours.

“They sent one script, and it was weird and crap. There had to be a lot of changes,” Gelwix said.

With that schedule, the team got a whopping total of five hours of sleep that weekend.

Along with few meals, little sleep and spiked emotions, the directors also ran into some difficulties while filming.

“There were some miscommunications between us and our actors. Plus, because it

was more of a horror clip, we had to shoot the scenes at night,” Ogie said.While watching their production on the big screen, nerves set in. “Well, I knew all the little errors we saw on the computer screen would look huge

on the movie theatre projector, so I was a little nervous to see that. Other than that it was really great to see our groups work shown so professionally,” Morley said.

After the production was complete, Command Z said thanks were in order. Actors and actresses Shawn Golightly, Adam Jara, Becca Dutcher, and Angela Weinberg all contributed to their success.

“There was a little bit of a dilemma with getting people [actors] to commit, but they pulled through,” Ulrich said.

After the long hours of work, Morley said he would do it all over again because of how much time he spent with friends, working together toward a common goal and how much he learned.

“It was truly an awesome experience, and so worth it. It drained me for the school week that came right after, but it was really a great 48 hours, something I will never forget,” Morley said.

Although the directors pointed out the flaws of their clip, all the contenders were under the same pressure.

Some of the other producers did not even show up to the premier to see their work shown on the big screen due to their disappointment of their production.

When the clip was complete, Gelwix still had critiques.

“While filming, we focused more on how it looked rather than the story line,” Gelwix said.

“As Zach said, ‘some of our friendships were on the line.’ As much as the contest took a lot of time and effort, I would do it again. It was a ton of fun,” Morley said.

The members of Command Z might have started as a high school film crew, but all of them are expected to go far in their filming careers.

I am not a fashion expert or a trendsetting guru, I am just a girl that stays up at night flipping through Vogues, and watching clips from fashion week on my computer. I have always had an interest in this majestic industry, and it has had a big impact on my life. One important thing that I have learned over the years is fashion is always changing, but it never goes out of style.

While walking the halls of Poway High, it is impossible not to notice the transformations in style that are constantly in motion. Month after month, and year after year, fads change as well as the students, but one thing that will always be consistent is the Titan Spirit.

What’s so great about being a Titan is we get to so proudly display our fabulous colors of green and gray. But sometimes, the school provides opportunities to go above and beyond the normal attire, and that’s when spirit days come in. Dressing up for spirit days allows students to showcase school spirit in a not-so-ordinary way. Whether it’s wearing footie pajamas or being decked out in workout clothes, spirit days are the way to go.

On the topic of school fashion, when the topic of school uniforms comes up, many will find students act like it’s the black plague and try to avoid it at all costs. But what’s the issue? Personally, I think school uniforms would be quite favorable. How many times does the average student wake up late and have “absolutely nothing to wear?” To put it in simpler terms, the number of times that event takes place is possibly the only thing that trumps our API score. With uniforms: problem solved. Then, when the time arrives to wake up at a ridiculously early hour, your outfit is set with no worries. There is more time to do things like catch up on homework, study to help raise your GPA and test scores to further improve our API score or look into recent fashion trends!

Recently in the past weeks, I have noticed more and more of the female population getting feather hair extensions beaded in their hair. These feathers come in a variety of colors, and some girls even have numerous feathers around their head. Personally, I am not a fan of the feathers, but the idea of them can sound cute.

Another fad that is taking Poway by storm is boots. Boots, boots and boots galore; these are the shoes that most girls seem to adore. Many went for a classic style army boot, ranging in browns and black, that was perfect for the fall and winter season. They add just enough of a masculine touch, so outfits don’t seem frilly. I love the leather lace up boots that can transform any outfit. Another main boot style I see is the cloth Steve Maddens. These boots have a pointy toe, go up mid-leg and are very slouchy. These velvety boots are not a favorite of mine, I think they resemble Peter-Pan and not in a charming way. Most boots will still be good for cool summer nights, but for the sunny days ahead, many will probably put away the lace-ups and grab the signature ,Southern California, strappy sandal.

The warm air is approaching, and I look forward to the beachy trends that will tag along with its arrival. I have a feeling Hollister and Forever 21 are going to need to stock up on their shorts, or watch out for the stampede of Poway girls speeding to update their wardrobe.

iPad invasionSchools consider

iPads as textbooks

NOT

7FeAtureApril 1, 2011

Iliad

Eating disorders affect over 24 million men and women in the United States—24 million innocent victims from every city, economic class, religion and race. Only 40 percent of people suffering from eating disorders will ever fully recover and 20 percent will die within the first twenty years of their struggle.

Still, a dangerous online community known as pro-ana encourages these disordered habits that take the lives of over 200 Americans a year.

According to pro-ana supporter, Ariel (unwilling to reveal her last name), pro-ana means “you like anorexia. Pro-mia is liking bulimia. Pro-ED is liking any eating disorder. Most people who are pro/mia/ED are trying to get to be skinny.”

With 40 percent of high school girls dieting at any given time, goals of “thinness” are not unusual. However, the ideals of the pro-ana community are anything but normal.

Pro-ana devotees use Ana and Mia as pet names for their very dangerous “lifestyles.” Many consider eating disorders to be voluntary and adopt these symptoms as a temporary way to “fix” their bodies.

To be truly “ana,” many basic “commandments” must be followed religiously and are posted excessively on these caustic websites, such as: “If you aren’t thin, you aren’t attractive,” “you must buy clothes, style your hair, take laxatives, starve yourself and do anything else to make yourself look thinner” or “being thin and not eating are signs of true willpower and success.”

Freshman Sara (name has been changed) knows these feelings of an eating disorder all too well. “I struggled for over a year. I avoided everything and lived in my own world,” Sara said, “My grades dropped and I couldn’t focus in class. I’m still working on recovery.”

Psychologist and eating disorder specialist, Devin Callahan believes that having these websites and ideas so easily accessible puts almost everyone at risk. “They’re just ‘there.’ With everyday stress and these tips being so handy, eating disorders are more likely to become a problem,” Callahan said.

Wellness Coordinator Traci Barker-Ball cites this behavior as “scary.” “Most students think they’re done growing, but they’re still growing on the inside in their brains. It’s just terrifying to eat so little. It’s far more than dangerous,” Barker-Ball said.

Many pro-ana blogs post tips to combat hunger and set daily caloric limits of zero to 500 calories. The average teenager needs approximately 2,000 to 2,500 calories every day to promote optimum health and wellness; anything below 900 is considered starvation and 500 calories is simply a death wish. Restricting to that level can cause hypertension, abdominal pains, irregular heartbeats, amenorrhea (absence of menstrual period), anemia, paleness, baldness, lanugo (fine, downy hair that covers the body, characteristic of malnourished patients) and fragile nails and hair. Purging (forcefully removing food from the body by vomiting, over-exercising, laxative use, etc) can also cause tooth loss (from the stomach acid present in the vomit), ulcerations in the throat and mouth, cracked lips, dehydration, muscle cramps and electrolyte imbalances.

“There are so many side effects of eating disorders on the body, but almost more importantly, disordered people often develop depression and anxiety. They also suffer from irritability, insomnia and intense mood swings,” Callahan said.

Still, Darcy Anderson, a blogger from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, claimed that losing weight the “ana way” is the only way that works, regardless of the health risks. “I’ve tried being everything from being vegetarian to working out two hours per day, every day. None of it has ever worked. It’s hard when you try so hard the normal way and see nothing happening,” Anderson wrote.

Anderson cited her childhood as well as her body dissatisfaction as the source of her obsession with thin. “I believe thin is beautiful, because that’s what I’ve grown up with. My whole childhood was based on how you have to look like a Disney princess to even get a guy to look at you. All of those girls were thin! They might’ve been cartoons, but they were still role models to me. Thin just looks so perfect and inspirational and that’s what I want to be,” Anderson wrote.

Sara felt a similar trigger. “I saw my family overweight, and I just thought that I was fat too,” Sara said.

Pro-ana websites do not only suggest tips for restricting and purging; they also post photographs of these “perfect,” unhealthily thin women as “thinspiration,” occasionally even posting pictures of Holocaust victims as “thinspo.”

“On my blog, I post thinspo pictures, which are pictures of people with perfect bodies, and it motivates me not to eat. When I see other skinny people, it makes me want to look just like them, because I hate how I look,” Ariel wrote.

Recovered anorectic, Ashley (unwilling to reveal her last name) from Los Angeles, California, knows firsthand those terrible effects of pro-ana websites on eating disorders. “They made my eating disorder worse and worse every day, because there were just so many different strategies that pro-ana girls used to ‘help’ themselves become thinner, so I’d always be trying out the latest strategy, no matter how dangerous,” Ashley wrote.

Yet regardless of her devotion to this destructive community, she managed to remove herself from the problem and now sees how harmful these websites are to other impressionable teens. “The more I started to love myself, the less of an urge I’d feel to go on those websites … A lot of people that run the pro-ana sites seem to think that being ‘ana’ is cool or something, so they try to talk about how much fun the attention is from being skinny and such. Those sites are just awful and manipulative,” Ashley wrote.

As Ashley exemplifies, recovery is possible. “What’s different about eating disorders is that they can kill you, unlike anxiety and depression. They are deadly and very serious. The first step to recovery is to let someone uncover the secret of your disorder,” Callahan said

Sara sympathizes with the ongoing battle of recovery. “It’s hard. When I’m having a rough time, I just want to surrender. But, anyone with an eating disorder can do it; you just have to believe in yourself,” Sara said.

According to the American Psychological Association, eating disorders are not temporary, nor are they lifestyles that can simply be used as a quick fix diet. As the mental disorders with the highest mortality rate, hitting people as young as six years old, Ana and Mia are not friends.

Ana is your friend“You can never be too thin.”

“If you aren’t thin, you aren’t attractive.”“Being thin is more important than being healthy.”

“You must do anything to make yourself look thinner.”

“What the scale says is the most important thing.”“Being thin and not eating are signs of true willpower and success.”

MADISON HEWETTAssociate Editor

A real trailblazer

8 FeAtureApril 1, 2011

Iliad

Wind and rain did not keep the tools out of his hands. The chilled air and loose mud could not stop him from his weekly work. He had hiked two miles up Mt. Woodson in his worn, gray jumpsuit; his backpack was decorated with clippers and small shovels, and the soggy rim of his floppy hat drooped in such a way that a shadow was cast across his creatively determined eyes. Hundreds of boot prints connected his 7 a.m. starting point to his current location.

At his “desk,” nature enthusiast Mike Fry began his work.

Every possible Saturday, Fry hikes up a familiar trail--a trail more familiar to him than any other Poway resident. The familiarity comes with 20 years of perfecting his craft. He is a trailblazer, an explorer.

At age 67, Fry is a machine. The trail that he maintains is one that he blazed and constructed by hand. “In 1991, I volunteered with the Ramona Trails Association which had started working on a new route to the top of Mt. Woodson from the [state route] 67,” Fry said of his beginnings. “We completed that trail, which was named the Fry Koegal Trail, in 1994.”

Norman Koegal was Fry’s right hand man, and the two experienced such euphoria building with the Ramona Trails Association that they had to continue their work. “We got permission to work on Mt. Woodson from the city, so Norman and myself and a few others started maintaining the trails,” Fry said. “I’ve been here ever since.”

Fry’s weekly work usually involves repairing eroded landscapes, moving boulders, building retaining walls, building steps, and creating water bars to divert rainwater off of the trails. “When I see something that needs to be adjusted—the grade of the trail or direction of runoff—I do the basic work that needs to be done in order to fix it,” Fry said. Water erosion accounts for the majority of his work. As Fry put it, “The rain is the reason I can’t retire.”

This is work that, according to Fry, wouldn’t necessarily be accomplished, at least not for free, if he did not volunteer his time. It is laborious work that too often goes unnoticed by residents who utilize the hiking trails.

“I think most people just assume that these trails take care of themselves,” hiker and Oceanside resident Tom Randle said. He made it a point to thank Fry for his work as he hiked by on a Saturday morning. “People need to understand what goes into making this all happen. I think if they did, they might respect and appreciate the area a bit more,” Randle said.

Meet Mike Fry:

The lights flash and the sirens sound; being a new driver and getting pulled over can be alarming. When in this situation it’s important to always stay calm, truthful and remember one’s rights.

Officer Mike Farrell has had fourteen years of experience in the sheriff ’s department and he knows the rights someone has while getting pulled over by a police officer. “We are not allowed to pull someone over without a violation, so if you believe that you are being falsely accused, you have the right to verify the accusations,” Farrell said.

Students who are pulled over often feel they are taken advantage of because of their age. “I was accused of having my license plate light out. I didn’t think it was true, but I didn’t know if I was allowed to check. The

Surprisingly enough, the majority of hikers who passed Fry later that morning stopped to thank him as well.

While many appreciate his work, and still more fail to notice, there are some people who simply believe what Fry has done, and is doing, is wrong. “Believe it or not, not everybody likes what I am doing up here. For example, when I fix a rut in the ground to avoid possible twisted ankles, there are runners who get mad because they like the rough terrain to train on,” Fry said. What they don’t know is that these small ruts turn into these (pointing to a large ditch in the trail) over time, and they are much harder to fix when they reach this point.”

“One time,” Fry explained, “a biker actually yelled at me for working on a section of trail. He said, ‘You do know that these trails were created by Indians 2000 years ago. Who gave

you the authority to work up here?’ I replied, ‘Well, I am on the Poway Trails Committee, so I guess I gave myself the authority. And you are looking at the 2000 year old Indian.’”

Regardless of how it is conceived, Fry’s work has ultimately contributed to the completion of the longest and steepest hiking trail in Poway. Woodson Mountain is now graced with a beautiful and intricate, winding tail that measures 6.8 miles round trip. It has an elevation gain of 2300 ft. and, at a normal pace, takes the average hiker four and a half hours to complete.

Those who have not taken advantage of the trail are missing some of the most amazing views Poway has to offer. These are views on which no realtor could put a price. According to Jerry Schad, author of hiking guide Afoot and Afield, “The ever-widening view across the lowlands to the south and west duly compensates for the sweaty effort.” On a clear day from halfway up the mountain, hikers can see the skyscrapers in downtown San Diego, and the shorelines of San Diego’s beaches.

“The sights are unreal on the Woodson trail, but

nothing beats the feeling of being at the top,” senior Brandon Bronder said. The 2300 ft. peak is what attracts many hikers from all over the county to this particular mountain. It is ornamented with colossal boulders and towering Coastal Live Oaks that make for an ideal picnic.

“If you haven’t been up there, you haven’t lived,” according to Bronder, whose passion for the trail has pushed him through rain and hail on past hikes.

It seems the encouragement to get outdoors and experience Poway’s natural recreation is echoed by the many people involved in the activity. Fry sees his work as a way to enable Poway residents to partake. His reward comes on the sweat-beaded faces that pass him every Saturday morning when he sees just that—“I’m happy to give people this opportunity; this opportunity to get exercise and to be in nature.”

officer didn’t even read me my rights, so I didn’t know how to handle it,” senior Brian Bressenger said.

No matter the age of the accused, every licensed driver in California has the same privileges, such as: the right to have an attorney or parent present, freedom not to sign the ticket and fight it in court and the right to have another officer or supervisor present during the investigation.

AP Government teacher Lisa Flanagan feels it is important for students of Poway High to be informed.

“I wouldn’t call myself an expert, but I do like to know about the law and if accused how to handle the situation. I just want the students to know the same,” Flanagan said.

“My best advice when in this situation is to just tell the truth. I speak for most police officers when I say we have your best interest in mind, so trust that we know what we are doing. It’s also important to be properly informed about your rights as a driver,” Farrell said.

JIMMY CUNNINGHAMEditor-In-Chief

Rights of the ticketedWhat one can and cannot do, from a policeman himself

LEAH SARNOFFSports Editor

Ready to work: With biodegradable orange tape, Mike Fry marks a new route on the Mt Woodson trail. JIMMY CUNNINGHAM // The Iliad

9eNtertAiNmeNtApril 1, 2011

Iliad

MADISON HEWETTAssociate Editor

Cali Party Bus

Call now 858-345-5275

-Homecoming-Formal-Prom-Birthday specials...

ERIK ANDERSONStaff Writer

The Poway High School Theater Guild performed The Triangle Factory Fire Project last weekend.

It is based on the historical event of the same name, which was the worst U.S. workplace disaster until Sept. 11, 2001. The play had its first performance Friday, the hundredth anniversary of tragedy.

Theater Guild planned ahead for this event by licensing the play in November specifically for the hundredth anniversary of the fire through “Dramatists Play Service,” Rollin Swan, Theater Guild advisor, said.

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911 started on a Saturday afternoon at the Asch building in Greenwich Village, New York City. The factory was owned by Isaac Harris and Max Blanck.

The fire took the lives of 146 girls ages 14 to 22. It also sparked labor unions movements to strike, due to the treatment of factory workers in post-industrial America.

Since the play and actual event have so many characters that all play a part in the story, the plot of the production is mostly about the trial.

“This play doesn’t have any specific lead characters in a way, because they’re all mixed,” Theater Guild President and actress Hannah Bezold said. “It’s more the centralized theme that’s the most important part of this play versus the individual characters.”

Because this play is based on a historical event, and its time and setting, it can only be set in the time period it occurred.

“We have to play it 1911, but we don’t have to go nuts on costumes. It’s not a costume drama—it’s still an inner story of great anguish and loss. We won’t have old sewing machines or fire extinguishers. It’s a modern take on a 100-year-old tragedy,” Swan said.

“Students really learned about the historical aspects and importance of this

BRIGID McCARTHYStaff Writer

TLC’s Sister Wives has an average rating of over 2.7 million viewers —2.7 million viewers that wait eagerly every week to watch the Brown family handle a full household of four moms and 16 children on a daily basis.

It may sound strange to many people (myself included), but the Browns pride themselves on leading a normal, all-American life.

All of their children are enrolled in public school, and three of the moms worked outside of the home prior to the series’ debut.

However, an invasive investigation has been launched against this harmless family in their home state of Utah.

Authorities claim that, though Kody Brown is only legally married to one of his wives, the other three “spiritual unions” are considered common law marriages under Utah state law.

The criteria for a common law marriage in Utah include being of a legal age for marriage, living together

“My parents gave me my first video camera when I was eight years old, and I’ve tried to have one in my hands ever since,” Frank Lucatuorto, a 2007 Poway High alumnus, said. What started out as a hobby with friends has developed into a career for Lucatuorto.

“I studied for two years at the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University and then completed a one year intensive course at the San Francisco School of Digital F i l m m a k i n g , ” Lucatuorto said.

After his intensive study in media arts, L u c a t u o r t o submitted his film Abigail into several film competitions. “The short film I made has been accepted into a number of film festivals around the country, which is something I am very excited about,” Lucatuorto said. Lucatuorto’s films were accepted into The New York Digital Short Film Festival, The Fallbrook Film Festival in April, and The Santa Cruz Film Festival in May.

Robert Kaechele, Digital Media teacher at Poway High, remembers Lucatuorto as an “artistically creative, hardworking and driven student.” After Kaechele found out

This one confounded me. I’ll be the first to admit my pure adulation of Taco Bell, more than is healthy I’m sure, but their latest Beefy Crunch Burrito was just mediocre.

I sat down curious and optimistic and saw the same Taco Bell looking burrito as always, but bit in to find it not nearly as crunchy as they had advertised, and moderately spicy.

With a wealth of sour cream and a minute amount of rice, I think their equation may be a tad bit off on this one. In addition, I’m not sure I had realized that the Fritos were spicy, not the best surprise unfortunately.

I always think to myself, boy Taco Bell is great, but, they need to branch out. This burrito was that branch to the Taco Bell oak, but I think it may have been one of the frail ones at the top.

Another quandary was the crunch: it’s part of the name. Did they expect for Fritos to stay crunchy when doused with nacho cheese and sour cream? I’d hope such a corporation would have enough resources to hire scientists or even a middle school student to figure that out.

To sum it all up, I love Taco Bell. I love chips. And I even love the idea of them together. Maybe next time I’ll order the Beefy Crunch Burrito without the Fritos.

that Lucatuorto’s films had been accepted into film festivals, he was not surprised. “He showed great potential in my class, and I hope for the best,” Kaechele said. Having a film accepted into several film festivals is not only exciting but could be a great career opportunity. “Having a short film playing in a film festival gives the director greater exposure to well-known directors and companies, and could help you potentially sell your films for greater value,” Kaechele said.

“Growing up, I made short films with my friends and family, but it wasn’t until high school that I really began focusing on [it] as an art form and potential career,” Lucatuorto said. “My biggest influence has been Tim Burton. His films have inspired me to express myself and have helped create my sense of visual style and aesthetic,”

Lucatuorto said. Nicole Lucatuorto, Frank’s sister and a Poway High senior,

has assisted her brother in some of his short films. She has even played roles in a few of them. “I am really proud of all of my brother’s movies. I know that making movies makes him really happy, and this is exactly what he should be doing,” Lucatuorto said.

After all his hard work, Lucatuorto hopes to further his career in filmmaking. “My eventual plan is to be an

JENNY PONSStaff Writer

BEEFY CRUNCH

BUMMERTaco Bell’s new dish a disappointment

FRANKLUCATUORTOPoway alumnus produces creative motion pictures

as man and wife and lastly, being legally able to obtain a marriage license.

Admittedly, the Browns fulfill all of the requirements, except for the last. Since Kody Brown is already legally married, he is not technically able to obtain a marriage license, voiding their potential common law marriages.

The Browns are doing nothing illegal. They are not harming themselves, their children or the surrounding community in any way whatsoever.

From the show and interviews, it is clear that they are capable, loving parents.

Their ideas may be unconventional, but that doesn’t make them any less able to rear healthy, happy children as anyone else.

In a time where the “typical” family is changing every day, everyone’s top priority should be the wellbeing of the children being raised, not their own moral and political agendas.

The Browns are not a family to be demonized; rather, they should be praised, like any other family, for supporting each other and encouraging

Trouble in

PARADISETLC’s Sister Wives family faces criminal investigation into alleged polygamy charge

POLYGAMY

Poway High School Theater Guild presents...

THE TRIANGLE SHIRTWAISTFACTORY FIRE PROJECT

~Courtesty of Frank Lucatuorto

TOP: The workers of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory strike against unfair working conditions. BOTTOM: Defense Attorney Max Steuer, played by junior Luke Castor (left), questions Fire Chief Croker, played by senior Blaine Shelton (right). ~Courtesty of Rollin Swan

The Poway Track and Field Team participated in their first in-season meet against Westview on Mar. 24.

In a close back and forth challenge against the two schools, Poway came out on top with girls scoring 72 to Westview 62 and boys 94 to Westview 30.

With the combination of track and field events, Poway’s field competitors scored more points across the board for the overall win while track competitors for both teams were similarly even when it came to ability and speed.

“A huge accomplishment for Poway was Aimee Trujillo’s first time running the 800 meter, resulting in the second best time in Poway’s history and also a first place win for that race,” Head Coach Phil Bu-rian said.

“Breaking this record was extremely exciting, run-ning the 800 meter event for the first time. I had just wanted to place for our team!” Trujillo said.

Senior Aimee Trujillo also has acquired this sea-

son the second best time in the 1600 meter for Po-way’s records and the best school record in the 3200 meter.

The team practices every day after school on the track and the season seems to be looking towards a successful future.

“This season is off to a great start. Track and field is a long season, and our league is really tough, but the team members at Poway are doing some really great things for it just being early in the season. I am happy with these results for this season so far,” Burian said.

Teammates feel the successful start already.“The season has had a great outcome! It is so great

to have the whole team together, having everyone figure out what event they are best at as well as see everyone improving in their events and beating their personal records. Everyone is just improving so much every time,” Trujillo said.

Senior Ben McCullom, an experienced track mem-ber placed first at the Westview meet for the 300 me-ter hurdle, beat his personal best by two seconds, as well as became a part of the Poway top ten list for this event.

“I qualified for CIF, and I am now number three in San Diego for 300 meter hurdles. I also placed sec-ond in the long and triple jump,” McCullom said.

Senior Mariah Counts also took first in the discus event for Poway while senior Aaron Russell is leading in his discus event for all of the San Diego section.

Poway did exceptionally well this first meet, and the school is looking forward to their future success in all of their events.

Boys’ golf has now experienced two league match-es, with the most recent occurring on Mar. 24 against Westview. An in away match played at Rancho Ber-nardo Country Club, Poway boy’s golf defeated Westview 193 to 202.

Sophomore Max Alcorn was the match medalist, or lowest scoring player, with a one-under-par score of 34. Senior Ryan Evans shot a 38, and junior Tyler Schultz and sophomore Lucas Webb followed close behind, each with a 39. Seniors Tanner Blank and Justin Yee also contributed to team’s low score with a 42 and 43 respectively. One notable feature of the match was Alcorn’s twenty foot putt for birdie on the last hole, securing his 34.

“The team played solid that day,” Alcorn said, and Poway golf needs to “stay focused” for all of their future matches to get the best results.

With their wins in the two league matches the

team has played very well. Coach Dave Thompson says that if the boys “maintain their focus and keep improving,” they can present a significant challenge to other teams and league will be well within their capabilities. The match on Mar. 24 was also the first time that the team scored below a 200, which is great news for the team and speaks highly of their ability to score low as a team when it counts the most.

A team that can play well at many different types of courses is an advantage during league play. Both of the league matches that boys golf has experienced so far have been away from their home course of Stonerigde Country Club, giving the team, “a big head start compared to other teams,” Thompson said.

This ability will also help the team at their up-coming tournament, the Champions Invite in Palm Springs, which will include “some of the best teams in west,” Thompson said. The tournament will be from April 7-9 and is a great opportunity to get used to the kind of tournament play that will aid them as they compete in league championships later in the season.

ELENA CHINTALAStaff Writer

Boys’ Golf off to a strong start in the Palomar League

The Poway Boys Varsity tennis team is home to top ranked player in San Diego County, Dylan Trent. The four year varsity team member has dedicated the past ten years of his life to tennis, and his hard work is paying off.

In the spring season, Trent represents the Poway Boy’s Varsity team in matches twice a week with a “96% rate of winning,” Trent said. Along with competing on the high school team, Trent also plays private tournaments throughout the whole year. This past December, he won the California Bowl, a tournament between the top players of the state and took first out of the 64 participants.

Throughout Trent’s many triumphs over the course of his tennis career, one of the most memorable matches is making it to the 2010 CIF finals. Although he lost, this year, “he has a strong chance of taking the top spot,” Trent’s PHS tennis team coach Andy Surber said. “Dylan’s maturity, backhand and strong serve make him the strong player he is,” Surber also said.

Trent has trained with several coaches to get to the playing level he is at today. Originally starting tennis for fun, he began to take the sport seriously when he was 10 and currently practices four to six days per

week --not including the weekend tournament and matches. “You have to work as hard as you can every time you practice and also be willing to sacrifice many weekends and for tournaments,” Trent said.

Practices for Trent consist of practice matches, sprints and gym time including core work and flexibility. “Flexibility is vital for a winning serve,” Trent said.

For the past two years, Trent has trained under the private instruction of Derek Miller. “Dylan has a tremendous work ethic and is focused. What makes him successful in matches is his competitiveness, he is always coming on top of his competitors because of his strong competitive side,” Miller said.

Trent also has a winning tactic that “makes his mental game stronger than most components,” Miller said. Before every match, he has a ritual of meditating for twenty minutes to become focused and in the competitive mindset. “I want my other players to take after Dylan and do the same.”

Teammate and fellow senior Joel Garcia also admires Trent’s work ethic. “He is an enthusiastic team leader,” Garcia said.

This fall Senior Trent will attend the University of Richmond on a tennis scholarship. After being recruited by the university’s tennis coach, Trent flew to Virginia to stay with the team for two nights. “I loved it,” Trent said.

What position do you play: Outside hitter

How long have you been playing: 5 years

Where do you want to live in the future:

Wherever the world takes me

Where are you going to college next year:

Not sure yet

Where do you like to hang out after school:

At the beach

What is your favorite snack: Cali B

What is the craziest thing that has ever

happened to you: Getting pitted

Favorite beverage: Milk “fasho”

Favorite movie: Beerfest

If you didn’t play volleyball you would

play: Rugby

Favorite band: Angels and Airwaves all day

Favorite thing to do with friends: Kick back

Favorite school period of the day: Off roll

Best present you’ve ever gotten: My family

Future Celebrity Wife: To be honest, I can’t

even name two celebrities BACKHAND: Dylan Trent returns a serve during warm up. The senior will be playing Division One tennis for the University of Richmond in Vir-ginia next year. RACHAEL LACKNER // The Iliad

10 sports April 1, 2011

Iliad

ALISON BAKKEStaff Writer

Titan Profile

Second Year of Varsity Volleyball

Dillon Wegrzyn

Compiled by: Alejandro Berry

Dylan TrentNETS

LAUREN KOLLERStaff Writer

Tiffany TateSecond Year of Varsity Track

and Field

Poway team

What event do you do: The long jump

How long have you been jumping: Since the

6th grade

Where do you want to live in the future:

Coronado

Where do you want to go to college: San

Diego State University

Future celebrity husband: Ryan Reynolds

Where do you like to hang out after school:

The gym and then Subway

What is your favorite snack: Ritz crackers

What is your favorite beverage: Raspberry

Iced Tea

Favorite movie: The Hangover

Favorite TV Show: Jersey Shore

If you didn’t do jumps you would play:

Softball

Favorite campus administrator: Mr. Maxie

Favorite artist/band: Yellowcard

Favorite activity to do with friends:

Go to the gym with friends

Favorite school subject: Biology

Pictures by: Jimmah Cunningham

Scholarship to University of RichmondTitan senior’s hard work and long practices pay off

in track meet against Westview

SHINES

Girls’ varsity lacrosse has a new young attack this year. Claire Amabile, a freshman, has already made her mark by facing down intimidation and giving her all.

Amabile started playing lacrosse last year and has been flourishing ever since. She accounts for her success so far with her long practices with her dog, Dinger.

When asked what contributed to her quickly ac-quired skills, her brother and Poway High senior, Daniel Amabile, said, “It’s her complete disregard for anything that isn’t lacrosse.”

Playing in a big girl league can be frightening. “It’s really scary, they’re physically bigger than me, and I end up with a lot of bruises,” Claire said when asked about the intimidation of playing with upperclass-men.

Amabile has been averaging 20 minutes of play time a game so far this season. Moving away from her position of midfield last year, Amabile transi-tioned to playing attack this year.

When asked how it felt to beat her brother to let-tering in a varsity sport Amabile said, “It’s a touchy subject for him. It normally shuts him up in argu-ments because ‘he’s smarter than me.’”

“She is willing to learn and take advice. She has po-tential to do well as an attack,” fellow senior teammate Taylor Carter said. “She will be constantly improving and become more confident and willing to take risks.”

The girls’ lacrosse team recently defeated Del Norte with a score of 18-3; one of the 18 goals that Poway scored was also Amabile’s first. She scored the goal left-handed, her non-dominant side.

“She’s just so adorable. Who could not support some-one as cute as Claire?” Daniel said.

Amabile is playing alongside two of her friends in the freshman class so “it’s not that bad,” being so young for a varsity sport.

“She is really friendly and nice and adds humor and fun to the team,” Carter said when asked how Amabile is fitting in with the team so far.

Amabile has the rest of the season to play and says she will continue to play for the rest of her high school career. “As long as I don’t get injured I can only get better,”Amabile said optimistically.

11April 1, 2011

Iliad sports

NICK CAMPOLITO Staff Writer

RACHAEL LACKNERSports Editor

The underdogs: Fresh-men Evan Barresi (left), Jake O’Donnel (below) and Shane Johnson (right) made the var-sity boys’ lacrosse team in their first year at Poway High. Not only did they make the team, but these youngsters are also keeping up with their upperclass teammates. ALI BAKKE // The Iliad

ERIK ANDERSONStaff Writer

When it comes to sports on campus, cheer is often overlooked. But this past weekend, Poway’s varsity cheer-leading team proved themselves as athletes.

On March 26, the first round for the United Spirit As-sociation’s (USA) Nationals was held in Anaheim, Calif. and the squad competed against 26 other teams, including tough competition Claremont High School and Monte Vista High School in the Super-Large Intermediate divi-sion.

They qualified for Nationals back in December. USA only moved six of the teams on to the second round held on Sunday and unfortunately, Poway placed eighth.

During the routine, Senior Heather McAfee tore her ACL. The girls did not move on to the finals held on March 27.

From May to March, the team suffered setbacks. “The season has been rough with having to change our routine for every competition due to ineligibility and girls getting kicked off the team,” captain Juliana Lockwood said.

Beginning with the preliminaries for the USA compe-tition in Dec., the girls increased their capabilities with

every practice and lost only two competitions. The squad competed as a Super-Large Advanced team

for the second year in a row (although at Nationals they dropped to the Intermediate division because many team members left). A Super-Large team requires 30 or more teammates, but the coaches felt up to the challenge.

Head Coach Jen Kwappenberg (who is also the Head Coach for San Diego State University and Granite Hills and is an owner of Cheer Force San Diego) pushed this team all year. Starting after tryouts in May, she ran the twice-a-week practices that lasted two hours each. “I ad-mire Jen for how dedicated she is and her driven attitude to make her teams the best they can be,” four-year varsity cheerleader Ally Donovan said.

This year, Kwappenberg pushed Poway’s varsity squad by increasing the level of difficulty. By adding harder stunting skills, such as tick-tocks, double full-downs and more synchronized tumbling passes, the team’s scores at competitions were raised.

This was the last cheer season for many of the cheer-leaders as 17 of the 33 team members will be graduating in June. “We stepped it up by pushing through and not letting it affect our seniors’ last year,” Lockwood said.

The girls came out of the season feeling accom-plished, giving the seniors a nice closure to their Poway

This year’s boys’ lacrosse team is un-precedented as three freshmen have made the varsity team. Shane Johnson, Jake O’Donnel and Evan Barresi, each took to the rigorous try-outs, and with their adept skill and intense discipline, they proved themselves to be varsity ma-terial.

Shane Johnson, number 28, feels that “being the youngest can be hard at times, but it is well worth it.” He has been play-ing lacrosse for four years and plays long pole midfield.

Johnson spent a lot of time prepar-ing for varsity tryouts, “I made sure my handling skills, and my foot work were as strong as could be, and at a varsity lev-el,” Johnson said. He looks up to senior Goalie Derek Scozzafava, who helps him improve on his game, along with looking up to his leadership.

Jake O’Donnel has played lacrosse for seven years and is an attack. “I feel that being the youngest on the team makes you work harder to receive respect from the upperclassmen,” O’Donnel said.

To prepare for tryouts, O’Donnel spent his time lifting and working on his

footwork as much as possible, to push himself for varsity material. He looks up to his upperclassman.

“I don’t just look up to any one player on the team. I look up to this group of seniors because they are such a talented group of guys,” O’Donnel said.

Evan Barresi is playing for his fifth year and, like Johnson, plays midfielder. In the offseason, Barresi prepared him-self physically and really tried to improve his shot.

Barresi feels that being youngest “means you really have to prove your-self. You definitely need to earn the spot to be a part of the team.” Among the other players, Barresi looks up to se-niors Brady Tengberg and Matt Landon, “Brady is a boss, and Matt has a lot of swag,” Barresi said.

This year’s lacrosse team is primar-ily composed of seniors and juniors. For these three to make the varsity la-crosse team was no easy feat. They each get their field time, and often assist and score.

The Titans are starting strong this year. They won their first two games against San Marcos and Scripps Ranch. Each of these three freshman assist, score, and contribute in games 110 percent for the Poway win.

Amabile catches a spot on varsity

Freshmen on the riseThree underclassmen prove themselves ready to compete at an upperclass level

Poway Cheer competes with high spirits

Rough and tough: Freshman Claire Amabile be-gan playing lacrosse only last year. Her natural talents and dedication towards improvement attributed to her earning a spot on Poway’s 2011 varsity girls’ la-crosse team. ~ Courtesy of Claire Amabile

There is nothing bet-

ter than a lovable

loser. Just don’t call the Aztecs one.

San Diego State ended the season tragically, in a 67-74 loss to the Uni-versity of Connecticut in the Sweet 16. It was a Ford Pinto of a contest, a match in which neither team truly felt comfortable in the driver’s seat. There were eight lead changes – in the first half. Neither team was ever up by double digits. Disastrously though, UConn ended the night up. And with that, SDSU’s season simply ended.

The loss left a city disappointed, and that is the most uplifting aspect of this entire 34 win, top-5 ranked sea-son. That a Sweet 16 loss isn’t good enough for a team that has historically been irrelevant – SDSU averaged just over 10 wins a season in the decade prior to cur-rent coach Steve Fisher’s arrival – is a testament to the triumph that Fisher has led this year.

“It should hurt, regardless of when, where and how,” Fisher said after the game. “For our team this year, for

what they’ve accomplished, it hurts exponentially more.”

This is a powerful statement. This Aztec season was an accomplishment. And the loss to UConn, the winner of the Big East conference tournament, popularly considered to be the top conference in the nation, was painful.

Listen. Pain is proof of existence. And San Diego State basketball now

exists on a national level. UConn pinched them in a ma-jor way, and it hurt. They weren’t dreaming; this fantasy season was real, real success that will leave a real legacy.

First and foremost, this 2010 Aztecs clan was one of frontcourt dominance. While senior point guard D.J. Gay may have been the team’s spiritual leader, its passing pas-tor, the offense undeniably hinges on its two temples in the post, senior forwards Billy White and Malcolm Thomas.

White is an emotional bull of a player, known for beat-ing his chest with an unhealthy violence and beating de-fenders with a left shoulder turnaround that manages to seem defiantly in-your-face even in its undefiant consis-tency. He can back into the block just as easily as he can pull the ball out and drive the baseline, which is to say in

a way that doesn’t appear easy at all, but rather full of pas-sionate, blustering effort, until the ball effortlessly floats off the backboard into the hoop.

Billy White plays like a strong wind; full of unre-strained tumult, until he’s past you, when he becomes a smooth, clean breeze running back down the court to play defense, two points in the bag. Also like wind, White never stops. He played 39 of a possible 40 minutes in the loss against UConn.

What White is to strength, Malcolm Thomas is to length. He stands at 6-foot-9, but plays like a 7-footer, mostly because he has the arms of an 8-footer. Thomas has this exact unrefined raw talent of a young giant. At times, he is awkwardly missing layups, but at others he is blocking shots with such smoothness that it is almost friendly, like he is just offering the offense another shot.

Against UConn, Thomas dropped 13 points, eight re-bounds, and three assists in a performance that seemed much more dominant than the numbers even show. He made plays more consistently throughout the night than any other man on the roster.

Which brings us to sophomore Kawhi Leonard, the most consistent man on the roster throughout the year. He is 6-foot-7, 225 pounds, and probably the most ath-letic player in the Mountain West Conference. No Az-

tec plays calmer than Leonard. More importantly, no one plays smarter. Leonard is the star, the freak who can guard centers and shooting guards, who can drain threes and rebound them with an equal amount of expertise. He put up 12 and nine against UConn, numbers that were surely drowned by his early foul trouble.

Most likely, Leonard will leave the team to be a first round pick in the NBA next year. To go with this end-of-season theme of bittersweetness, this departure is at once the worst and best thing for SDSU basketball in a long time. They are losing perhaps the best player they have ever had. But they are also, after many years of produc-ing near-NBA’ers (Randy Halcomb, Marcus Slaughter, Brandon Heath) finally putting a representative onto the global stage.

Leonard will go from being the player most crucial to SDSU’s team to the player most crucial to SDSU’s repu-tation, an altogether more important job.

And that is what this 2010-2011 Aztecs team is really all about. They went 34-3 unfortunately not on the path to an NCAA championship, but on the path to respect.

“We went from nobody even knowing about San Di-ego State,” senior forward Billy White said after the game.

They became a rising member of the college basketball canon. This Aztecs team will not fade into history.

After a rainout early morning on Mar. 26, the Titans played a scheduled game later that day at Escondido against the Cougars. As a sort of back and forth game, the Titans prevailed in the end winning 11-7.

The game started out slow with the Titans scoring in the first inning as well as the Escondido Cougars. Then with the score tied 1-1 in the top of the third inning, Angie Randazzo hit her third home run of the season in route to having a 4-hit, 4-RBI day.

In the 5th inning, leading 3-2, the Titans added more runs on Ashley Andruski’s 2-RBI single. Then she scored to increase the lead to 6-2. However, in the bottom of the 5th, the Cougars put up five runs and took the lead back 7-6.

In the sixth, with the Titans down by one, Kathryn Du-ran battled in tying run and Liana Martinez added another RBI to give Poway a one run lead as Alana Brennman then handed the ball off to Ashley Ercolano to close off the last two innings for the Titans.

Poway tacked on three more runs in the seventh including an RBI single by Haley Steele for her fourth hit of the day. Ercolano then finished off the Cougars with two scores and the Titans walked out of Escondido with a hard fought 14 hit outing to increase their record after three weeks of the season to 9-2.

The Titans showed they can relax in tough situations and stick with their opponents all the way to the end, “I felt we never gave up and in the end pulled out a victory against a solid Escondido team,” senior Angie Randazzo said.

The Titans returned five varsity starters from their lineup last year including shortstop Haley Steele, third baseman Ashley Andruski, catcher Angie Randazzo, center fielder Stephanie Rocco and right fielder Nicole Johnson

Their brand new pitching staff has caused some impres-sive attention to sophomore Alayna Brenman, juniors Ash-ley Ercolano and Britnea Barilli, and senior Brianna Burns.

With the return of second baseman Chase Snell, first baseman Kathryn Duran, outfielder Kristen Shiotani, and the addition of newcomers outfielders Ashley Johnson and Dani White, first baseman Li’ana Martinez, and second baseman Lindsay Pelchat, the Titans aim to be a top con-tender in softball this year.

The Titans main rivals are the Rancho Bernardo Broncos. As an annual tradition the score is settled on a special night game under the lights located at Lake Poway. Student can show their Titan pride and come out and watch a competi-tive rivalry first hand as the Titans take on the Broncos April 22 at 7 p.m.

Come check out the Titans next play, April 1, as they head up to Bonita Vista and compete against the Bonita Vista Barons at 3:30 p.m.

12 sportsApril 1, 2011

IliadKYLE MARSHStaff Writer

STRIKE THREE: Sophomore Alayna Brenman throws fastballs against the Escondido Cougars on March 25. Brenman, the startting pitcher for varsity, led the Titans to a win of 11-7 with her strong pitches. ~Courtesy of Macy Steele

Softball opens strong

SDSU falls in Tournament but rises to prominence