The Crimson Chronicle - Hollywood High School

Hollywood High • Home of the Sheiks
The Crimson Chronicle
1521 N. HIGHLAND AVE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90028 VOLUME VII, ISSUE V MARCH 2010
Preserving the Past
Historic status could protect school forever
Hollywood High School is finally getting
some noteworthy recognition. The Hollywood High School Alumni Association
has teamed up with the Leadership class
to start a campaign to put Hollywood
High on the National Register of Historic
Places. If successful, this means that it
would be preserved forever.
The process in itself is a very long and
tedious job, but it is well worth it, proponents said.
To be on the National Register of Historic Places means that these certain places
have special meaning or history behind
them. They have to have contributed
something unique to society. In order to
be placed on the list, it must be at least
50 years old and it should look a lot like
it did back when it was built. It should
also be associated with events, activities,
or developments that were important in
the past, or people that were important.
It should also provide insight to our past.
Hollywood High has all of these things.
The Leadership class has been working
very hard with the Alumni Association to
get these documents turned in as soon as
possible. They want to have it turned in
by June. “As of right now, we are barely
starting to work on collecting data and
pictures to compose a research paper to
present to the committee,” said Leadership student Jose Lopez.
If all goes well and Hollywood High gets
accepted into the registry, then that puts
a safeguard on the school.
There has been talk that Hollywood
High should be torn down because it
is so old and there are so many new
schools surrounding it. Not to mention the huge chunk of money LAUSD
would get for selling the property.
This is the main reason fueling this entire project, according to proponents.
“The Leadership students want to do
this for the sake of the school and all the
students who have come before them,”
said George Hayes, leadership adviser.
photo credit:
malina yakhaman
Katherine Vega
Chronicle Reporter
Will Stunt Raise Enough Money to Save the Peak?
Breigh montgomery
Chronicle Reporter
Unless the city raises $12.5
million by April 14, a Chicago
developer could alter the view
of the iconic Hollywood sign.
Cahuenga Peak, a small mountain peak to the right and slightly behind the Hollywood sign,
is under the threat of destruction by housing developers who
want to build mansions there.
In an effort to save Cahuenga
Peak from the potential housing
development which would distort the image of the Hollywood
sign, the national organization
Trust For Public Land devised
the idea to drape “Save the
Peak” over the Hollywood sign
to gather public opinion against
the development.
After approval from Los Angeles City Councilman Tom La-
index
2 • Op/Ed 8 • Entertainment
4 • News
10 • Sports
As of this week, about $9 mil- lic domain because no fencing,
Bonge, whose district includes
Hollywood, “Save the Peak” was lion has been raised, according signs, or otherwise, had been
to the Trust For Public Land.
made that the property was priviewed by all from Feb. 11 -16.
vate.
In an interview with
LaBonge said he
The Crimson Chronicle,
had always had
LaBonge said Cahuenplans to purchase
ga Peak was owned at
the peak and asone point by Howard
similate it into GrifHughes but was then
fith Park; however,
sold and sold again to
had not yet had the
private land owners.
opportunity to do
The most recent
so.
owners put the land
When the danger
on the market for
became real, La$22 million, which atBonge was quick to
tracted the attention
of a Chicago developer.
act, as Griffith Park
has been one of his
Although the company
photo CREDIT: adam brenner top priorities since
is prepared to purCOUNCILMAN TOM LABONGE a supporter of Save the Peak
chase the property, the being
he was elected in
interviewed by The Crimson Chronicle.
current owner is giving
2002.
the city an opportunity to buy it
Before the public campaigning
When the idea of “save the
for $12.5 million, granted that began, the majority of the pub- peak” was proposed, LaBonge
the money is raised through do- lic was under the impression admitted to being initially renations by April 14.
that Cahuenga Peak was pub- luctant to support covering the
Man on the street
Sheiks share their run ins
with celebs.
See Page 3
sign with concern of the detriment the national landmark
might face in mind.
The draping proved to be
the source of all the attention
the cause received and greatly
benefited the fund-raising process. LaBonge said there are no
doubts present in his mind that
the money will not be raised.
“Right now you are students in
the community, but you will be
leaders and working in the community when you are adults,”
LaBonge said.
“When we’re successful (and
we will be), in expanding Griffith Park the cross country team
can run up Highland and hit a
trail up to Cahuenga Peak and
through Griffith Park by Mulholland fountain to John Marshall High School and beat my
old alma mater in a meet.”
Magnet
Academic Decathlon
Students portray African American figures
Hollywood’s Academic Decathlon
members receive awards.
See Page 4
See Page 5
2 MARCH 2010
OP/ED
STRICT, STRONG, STERN
ANTONIO LOPEZ
CHRONICLE REPORTER
Having strict teachers is not
always a bad thing. Let’s face it,
Hollywood High is one diverse
school and not just in terms of
student ethnicities but teacher
personalities as well. We have
funny, smart, strict, outgoing, shy, quiet, angry and even
creepy teachers. In my opinion
(and it may be an unpopular
one), some are better than others, especially strict teachers.
Being a strict teacher is not
exactly something that is easy
because it requires two characteristics: credibility and a loud
voice. Without one or the other,
the teacher will not be strict
and students suffer as a result.
A loud voice alone can create fear within the students
but when combined with credibility students begin to do
their assignments both out of
respect for the teacher and because they actually take his or
her threats of failing the class
seriously. Such a combination
is rare to find but when it does
come along, be happy.
There is always the new teacher/substitute teacher that looks
like he/she has never been to a
public school and has none of
the above qualities that reflect
strict teachers. These kinds of
teachers are considered prey
just waiting to be eaten up by
hungry hounds, or in other
words, the students. These
teachers try to get the attention of the class but either their
voices are too low for anybody
to listen or even the teachers
themselves know that the students will not pay attention.
When such a situation comes
into play, it is easy to imagine
a small kitten being thrown
into the lions’ den. All teachers should avoid doing this
and if a teacher is like this, the
job is probably not for them.
As much as anyone would like
to say otherwise, teachers are
like babysitters and there will
almost always be a discrepancy
in the classroom.
However, there are teachers
who need to be a little less loud.
If one listens closely enough
one can hear teachers from other classrooms across the hall.
These teachers strike fear into
the hearts of poor students.
One would think that this fear
would get students to do their
assignments in full and correctly but at the same time, what
about those who don’t understand the lecture?
The fear becomes too much
to the point where the student
is afraid to ask a question, be-
cause he/she doesn’t want to
get yelled at.
Such experiences are witnessed daily. Even those students who understand, however, are sometimes affected
by these experiences because
although they understand – if
the teacher is too lenient and
allows homework to be turned
in at the student’s leisure, then
nothing will get done.
Face it, students put off every
single assignment until the last
minute and those who do not,
are one in one thousand; a rare
breed.
What makes a teacher great
is moderation because everything in moderation is great.
Everything in excess, however,
isn’t. A teacher must maintain
a balance between their personality and how they run their
classroom. The classroom can’t
be too hard or too easy, assignments can’t be showered onto
the class but they can’t be given
once in every blue moon either.
A teacher can not be too easy
going or too strict but the fact
remains true that those moderately strict teachers usually
tend to see higher efficiency
and better performances from
their students.
The Meaning of Respect
JESSICA ACOSTA
CHRONICLE REPORTER
There is one thing we will solicit every day without fail in our
lives, and that is respect. Respect is part of our self-esteem
and feeling of value. People
yearn for it automatically, and
we notice when we have not
been given it by others or have
given it to others.
Respect is a term that many
people search for on a daily basis, and without even noticing it
an individual is fighting for respect. Many people try fighting
for respect by simply behaving
or imitating another character.
Ever since I started attending
Hollywood High, I’ve analyzed
students that carry themselves
like someone he/she is not. It
is absurd having to deal with
people that imitate another
personality. Don’t be ashamed
of the real you. Why try hiding
who you truly are?
I used to be a person who assumed that respect was gained
by acting like someone I was
not. I was mistaken, and later
noticed that I had to change
in order for others to respect
me. As time passed I realized
that respect is gained by being
myself and not counterfeiting
someone I wasn’t. I was influenced in many ways. I was offered drugs and the chance of
skipping school, yet my intelligence did not allow me to FAIL.
Music, television, movies, magazines or even clothing doesn’t
define a person. Some individuals feel obligated to follow a certain style in order to fit in with
friends, family members or surroundings. However, to feel accepted they start acting in such
way that is unrecognizable An
example of this is using inappropriate language that makes
a person be wanted on the same
category.
Remember, “You are unique
just like everyone else” no one
has the strength of changing
how a person is from the inside,
because your heart and your inner being are untouchable. As
Ralph Emerson wrote, “ Envy is
ignorance. Imitation is suicide.”
Respect is demonstrated by
our own actions, not our words.
Words can be used, as a form of
hypocrisy when those actions
are absent, especially at a trivial or simple level, there is also
a distinct lack of respect. For example respect begins with one
self having self respect.
Courtney Macavinta and Andrea Vander Pluym, writers of
the book Respect, speak about
a perfect example of a person
who respects herself. Jamila,
16, walked into a crowded teen
center at her local library, and
surroundings seemed to take
notice of her. What catches their
eyes is a simple traditional hibab, which is known as a Muslim
head-covering she wears as a
symbol of pride.
However, there’s something
else about Jamila that grabs attention. She has passion about
education, community service,
politics, and the future. Jamila
also knows her values, and she
sticks by them while trying to
understand people who are different from her traditions and
customs.
Mostly, she doesn’t hide who
she is or what she wants. Instead
she celebrates her individuality,
and uniqueness. person.
Respect is making yourself feel
confident, and gaining self trust
in yourself.
Letters to the Editor
Dear Crimson Chronicle staff,
It is so great to see how much
you guys have gotten to improve
this newspaper! I’m an alumni!
I recently graduated class of 09,
however, today I got to stop by
to pick up some documentation
needed, and picked up one of
your issues! I’ve got to say that I
love it! Keep up the great work!
God bless you much and special
greetings to Jafet Bucaram and
Cristian del Cid!
Respecting you always,
Gloria Perich
Dear Editor,
The section in the newspaper,
“Man on the Street”, should stay.
It is pretty interesting to see
what everyone has to say about
the certain topics that are given. That section, and the horoscopes section is the first thing I
look for in the newspaper.
Name witheld
Dear Editor,
For this issue I think you guys
need to spend two full pages
about the Hollywood High
sports. One page should be
about what happened in the
previous games and pictures
of the players, and the other
should be all of the statistics
and standings, and all the information the reader could have to
know how that sport is doing in
the league.
Juan Torres, 10th Grade
RE: The Underground Food
Trade
Dear Editor,
This is a serious issue because
students are being exposed
to unhealthy foods and at the
same time our school is losing
profits. Most of the snacks that
are sold by students are candy,
chips, and soda, which as we all
know are filled with sugar and
high fat content. Even though
the student store also sells
some foods that are unhealthy.
By buying from the student
store, the school receives
money that can be put to good
use to improve our school.
Name witheld
Crimson Chronicle
Staff
Editor-in-Chief: ADAM BRENNER
News Editor: Kiara Hurtado
Features Editor: Elizabeth Marquez
Opinion Editor: Lissette Morales
Entertainment Editor: Breigh Montgomery
Photo Editor: ADRIENNE DANDAN
Sports Editor: JOHN ROQUE
ReporterS
Jessica Acosta
Maria Alcoser
Antonio lopez
Ana Barron
Sree Batchu
Jafet bucaram
kevin calenzani
KARINA GALVAN
JEULS HERMOSISIMA
CECILIA FLORES
anthony quiÑOnes
KARLA SAMAYOA
MALINA YAKHAMAN
Adviser
Karen Cusolito
TWEET your feedback
@hhsnews
[email protected]
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER. THE CRIMSON CHRONICLE,
OF HOLLYWOOD HIGH SCHOOL IS A PUBLIC FORUM, WITH
ITS STUDENT EDITORIAL BOARD MAKING ALL DECISIONS
CONCERNING ITS CONTENTS.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOMED AND WILL BE
PUBLISHED AS SPACE ALLOWS. OPINIONS IN LETTERS ARE
NOT NECESSAIRLY THOSE OF THE STAFF, NOR SHOuLD ANY
OPINION ExPRESSED IN A PUBLIC FORUM BE CONSTRUED
AS THE OPINIION OR POLiCY OF THE ADMINISTRATION,
UNLESS SO ATTRIBUTED.
MARCH 2010
OP/ED
3
WELCOME TO HOLLYWEIRD, LOS ANGELES
BREIGH MONTGOMERY
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
The much idolized and awed
film industry- writer, directors,
actors- for many years has been
dubbed “Hollywood.” True, the
industry did launch itself in
Hollywood, Los Angeles. But
where is it now? Beverly Hills?
The Hollywood Hills? Or better
yet, The Valley? Taking a casual
stroll down Hollywood Boulevard would lead many to the
conclusion that “Hollywood”
has seemingly left Hollywood.
Hollywood and Highland to
about Hollywood and La Brea
is about as “Hollywood-y” as it
gets around here. A wealth of
tattoo shops, a few exotic dance
clubs, busloads of tourists and
a whole lot of homeless can be
viewed as dominant themes of
Hollywood Boulevard.
As someone who was not
raised in Hollywood, what I de-
fined Hollywood to be before I
moved here is fairly different
from how I now view it.
Realistically, I never fully expected Hollywood to be a rich
and fanciful place, although
there are many who do, but
what the true reality of the city
is, definitely deviated from what
I expected. For such a celebrityoriented city, it is pretty poor in
comparison. Honestly though,
I appreciate the way it is compared to what it could be as far
as wealth goes.
The diversity that exists and
uniqueness that has stemmed
from it makes Hollywood a
much more interesting place
than merely streets of expensive stores on every avenue.
There is no way to predict what
will happen, making every time
you walk down the streets akin
to an adventure. “Hollywood”
left, but what has been built in
its absence is, in it’s own way,
worth more than the industry.
So, glamorous? I think not.
The tourists and homless people certainly don’t seem to be.
The most adequate word that
comes to mind in association
with Hollywood would be none
other than “interesting.”
“Welcome to Hollyweird, LA”.
ians here at Hollywood might
get left behind.
The growth of Hollywood is
quite frightening because our
homes are becoming big building on where to work or even
big lofts that can only be afforded by the rich.
We are slowly starting to lose
what we were meant to be. Hollywood does have all the flashes
and fame but on the other side
of the fashionable there are
humble people who are trying
to continue to keep their homes
because unfortunately, the
buildings are moving down past
Sunset and is quickly forcing
people to leave thier homes.
Hollywood is becoming more
of a fake, plastic city than an
actual place in which to get dis-
covered; this is very unfortunate considering that this was
the suppposed purpose of coming to Hollywood.
Everyone is starting to place
themselves under a microscope
and trying to fix themselves to
fit a mold that Hollywood has
defined as beautiful
Our only option is to wait and
see what the future holds.
Hollywood- Hitting the Fast Forward Button
JAFET BUCARAM
CHRONICLE REPORTER
Hollywood is where the stars
shine the most. We are all lucky
to be in a great city that is filled
with celebrities, paparazzi,
and the spot light. Just behind
the school we have the stage
where Jimmy Kimmel brings
in famous artists and they have
performances.
We also have the Hollywood
and Highland mall. Even though
Hollywood is great for tourists,
this city is growing quickly.
Will we become a mini New
York? Hollywood is quickly
starting to become more and
more expensive.
The houses around the Hollywood area are becoming more
and more high-priced. It doesn’t
make sense how the city is constantly growing and the civil-
Man on the Street
What is your best encounter with a celebrity?
I met the Rizza (WuTan
Clan) at a book signing. It
was D-O-P-E. Dope.
William Feldman
11th Grade
Interviewed and Photographed by:
Sree Batchu (Chronicle Reporter)
I met Marylin Manson and he
gave me an autograph. I asked
him if he was still making music
and he looked at me weird!
David Lopez
10th Grade
My uncle is a papparazzi
and we saw Lamar Odom.
He gave me a picture and a
basketball from his car.
Domunique Domingo
10th Grade
4 MARCH 2010
NEWS
A Day in the Villa
PHOTO CREDIT: JAMES B. CARMICLE
KARLA SAMAYOA
CHRONICLE REPOTER
Earlier this month,
59 SAS sophomores went on a
field trip to the Getty Villa, where
they slipped on headphones
and were transported to ancient
Greece and Rome.
The Getty Villa is a
prestigious museum containing
some of the most priceless
antiquities in the world. The
Villa boasts an assortment of
over 1,200 Greek, Roman and
Etruscan antiquities on view
in twenty-three galleries. The
pieces date from 6,500 B.C to
A.D. 400. The
SAS
sophomores viewed some of
the best pieces the Getty had to
offer, from sculptures to bust to
vases, each depicting a part of
the culture from where it came.
Roman gods and goddesses
stood in display to educate;
mythological heroes such as
Achilles and Herakles had their
likeness carved into marble;
everyday people doing mundane
tasks were preserved forever in
terracotta. The students were
also fortunate enough to see
a Roman-Egyptian mummy
dating about A.D. 150.
“I really liked all of
the sculptures because of the
clear descriptions of what it
was used for, what it meant, and
who it was.” Tawny Ramirez,
SAS sophomore, said,
The learning experience
was not only limited to the
contents of the Getty Villa. The
very structure of the museum
provided
ample
learning
material, as the Villa of Papyri,
a house in the Roman city of
Herculaneum, inspired its
architectural design. Its design
featured an inner and outer
peristyle, an herb garden
containing herbs used by the
ancient Romans, and many other
Greek and Roman influences.
After months of being benched
without a coach, cheerleaders
will cheer again now that a new
coach has been hired.
Coach Christina Roa was
evaluated by Principal Jaime
Morales,
counselor
Raul
Grijalva, Assistant Principaal
Joseph Nacorda and Jhosseline
Chavez, senior and cheerleading
captain.
Roa has been a cheerleading
coach for five years in Hoover
High School in Fresno and also
has 11 years of experience
dancing under her belt.
“She looked like a pretty
decent coach, and I am sure
with her help the Hollywood
cheerleaders
can
finally
progress,” Jhosseline said.
She also added later that she
seemed pretty strict, which in
turn may come up as being a
KARLA SAMAYOA
CHRONICLE REPORTER
Hollywood High School students are being asked to
participate in the filming of a lip dub, a video that combines
lip-syncing and audio dubbing to make a music video.
Antonio Manriquez, video production teacher, and Carolyn
Fagan, English and AVID teacher, are uniting in the creation
The trip was a great
opportunity for the students
because some had never been
to a museum before.
“I really, really enjoyed seeing
the faces of the students as they
saw some of the antiquities,”
said chaperone Juan Burciaga,
social studies teacher, who
accompanied J. B. Carmicle’s
English
class.
He
also
commented that it was a perfect
fusion of studying English and
history simultaneously.
Carmicle added to this by
saying that this trip provided
differentiated instruction by
going beyond the curriculum.
Return of the Pom Poms
ANTHONY QUINONES
CHRONICLE REPORTER
Silent Singers,
Speak Loud
good thing.
Having hired Roa for the
cheerleading coach position,
means that the cheerleading
squad is no longer controlled by
LACER (Literacy, Arts, Culture,
Education and Recreation)
Having Roa by their side
will play a vital factor since
the cheerleaders have been
rehearsing for tomorrow’s prep
rally in the auditorium.
of this video featuring Sheiks showing their Sheik pride.
The inspiration for this video comes from Shorewood
High School in Shoreline, Washington. The school made a
lip dub that spread all over YouTube, generating almost one
million hits. The video shows the entire school having fun
and going crazy, throwing paper balls while dancing and
singing to the song “You Make My Dreams” by Daryl Hall
and John Oates.
It is filmed entirely in reverse, finishing with over a
hundred students sitting on the bleachers with a sign that
says “Shorewood Rocks!” The video lasts about four and a
half minutes, with another two minutes of credits.
Ever since, the idea of a lip dub has exploded across schools
everywhere. From “I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5 at
Boston University, to “Umbrella” by Rihanna at Temasek
Polytechnic in Singapore, this concept has grown into a
worldwide movement. The idea is to make “organized chaos.” While students will
be allowed to have fun and goof off, it is all with a purpose.
“This production is a way to show the strengths and the
spirit of Hollywood. It is a way to show Sheik pride,” said
Manriquez.
For further information regarding meetings or
participation, contact Fagan in room 316 or Manriquez
in room 120. The completed video will be shown on June
19 in the Egyptian Theatre, along with the lip dubs from
Cleveland High School and Kennedy High School.
Magnet Performs for Black History Month Assembly
KARINA GALVAN
CHRONICLE REPORTER
Dance Teacher Keny Long
and the Hollywood High School
alumni put together a Black
History Month Performance
on Feb. 19 in the auditorium
during 6th period.
The performance was held
to, “Inform students about the
contributors to the U.S. who are
not credited for their invention,”
says Long. There are many
African Americans who created
many unique, everyday uses.
George Washington Carver, an
agricultural chemist created
peanut butter.
It is the people who created
such important things used
today that seem to be less
credited for. Before the actual
performance the actors had to
do research and learn about
the individual they were going
to represent. Not only did the
performers have to rehearse
during school hours but also on
their own time.
Both dancers and actors
brought the show together.
“It was a challenge,” senior
performer Geovanny Alvarado
said. They had to change from
being serious actors to being
energetic dancers.
“We thought we were going to
fail,” another senior performer
Jamie Choi said. “But, all we
needed was encouragement,
from the audience, from
our peers, and mostly from
ourselves” she added.
Yet, one of the most outstanding
acts of the assembly was the
character of Sojourner Truth
performed by senior Priscilla
Appling. The actress seemed to
really have put herself in Truth’s
shoes while delivering Truth’s
1851 speech Ain’t I a Woman.
Many in the audience wondered
if the same production as
last year was used. “Once
something is historical, it is
historical forever,” Long said.
He mentions how although the
same performance was used
the year before it was re-used
not only for entertainment
purposes but to remind people
what they most likely had
already forgotten.
“Plus, we are a small company
and it’s hard to get other people
to participate and to actually be
committed to the show,” senior
performer Kinaya Grayson said.
For the same reason they had
help from previous Hollywood
High School students.
“It’s good to see performer
students return to their High
School to help,” said Long.
He also made it clear that
not only did the alumni help
in the performance but also
helped with makeup, costume,
encouragement, and were
simply invited since they will
always be part of the Hollywood
High School family.
Long’s class also invites any
other student, who desires to
contribute as long as they are
eligible, and committed.
“I’m not a magnet student and
I worked hard and got a chance
to contribute to the show,” said
11th grader Jocelyn Menendez.
“All it takes is working hard and
putting a lot of effort,” said 10th
grader Ian Stewert.
NEWS
MARCH 2010
5
Creatively Winning
ANA BARRON
CHRONICLE REPORTER
SAS Sophomore Diandra
Beckles is awarded third
place in the African American
Heritage
month
Creative
Writing competition for her
poem Define It.
Beckles submitted her poem
along with, approximately,
500 students attending LAUSD
schools. She explained that
slavery and people such as
Maya Angelou inspired her to
write this poem. Only nine
pupils were selected finalists.
The finalists were divided into
three divisions consisting on
grade level.
Beckles was competing against
two sophomores, Dexter Earl
Henderson from Compton
High school and Semaj Earl
from View Park Preparatory
Accelerated Charter High.
The award ceremony took
place in the Los Angeles Times
building on March 5. A charter
bus was sent to Hollywood
High, from Mayor Antonio
Villaraigosa, for the students
accompanying Beckles. A brief
morning snack and lunch were
provided for the students.
Noted personalities such as
Amy Powell, Christine Devine,
Common, David Holloway and
many more attended. They
answered questions from the
audience, giving them helpful
tips for writing. Common even
rapped for a student on the
spot.
When time came to announce
the winners, a special guest
made his way to the front of
the podium. Surprising the
audience, Mayor Villaraigosa
walked over to the podium
ready to announce the names of
the winners.
When time came to announce
the second division winners,
Hollywood
High
students
awaited the moment for their
classmate’s name to be spoken
out to the crowd.
Mayor
Villaraigosa announced Beckles
as the third place winner. She
received a Kindle. Second
place winner was Earl for his
Poem State of Mind winning a
Mac Notebook and first place
winner was Henderson for his
poem I am the Change winning
a Dell laptop.
Beckles, Earl, and Henderson
took a picture with Mayor
Villaraigosa and the attending
personalities. After the event
was over and everyone was
dismissed, the sponsors such as
Time Warner Cable gave every
student a backpack with books.
Hollywood High students
cheered Beckles for her
accomplishment.
Excerpt from the poem Define
It
With each breath we breathe,
We empower our youth.
With each word we write
We can express the truth.
Our actions define our future.
PHOTO CREDIT: ANTHONY QUINONES
DIANDRA BECKLES accepts her third place award for the African American Heritage month Creative Writing competition for her poem Define
It.Winners were honored at a ceremony at the Los Angeles Times building.
Individuals Medal in Decathlon
SREE BATCHU
CHRONICLE REPORTER
Picture From Left to Right: Diandra Beckles, Elise Jackson, Mikayel Yehiazaryan, Sagar Vora, Lee Tuomala,
Chuleekorn Weerapichet, John Roque, Reyna Orellana, Jocelyn Torres, Jay June.
For the past 17 years Academic
Decathlon has been a major part
of HHS. Although the team failed
to place this year, individual
students earned more medals
than any other year.
World famous Hollywood
High’s very own Sagar Vora,
Elise Jackson and Chuleekorn
Weerapichet, all seniors, took
home the gold in the category
of interview, while sophomore
Diandra Beckles took home the
silver medal for interview as
well.
Weerapichet won another
silver medal for the category of
speech. Last, but certainly not
least, senior Reyna Orellana
took home the bronze medal for
interview.
Above all of these high achieving
Einsteins,
junior
Mikayel
Yehiazaryan won a plaque for his
achievement in the competition
by getting the highest scores
among all of the competitors
from
Hollywood
High.
“This is the highest ranking
team I have coached,” said Lee
Tuomala, Decathlon Coach.
Hollywood High not only
focuses on sports, which give
your body a workout, but also
your brain, a work out.
that the people who are at
home, unemployed may be
persuaded to attend the school.
They also try to persuade a
lot of immigrants to attend by
telling them it is easy and fast
for them to catch that dream.
These people are usually just
uninformed about them. Which
leads them to end up being
thousands of dollars in debt,
and with a mere diploma that
does not really mean anything.
Most places do not
even really take that diploma
seriously. Besides the diploma
being useless, the credits
that are earned there are also
deemed useless. So if they
wish to transfer to another
school, they would have to
start over from scratch. This
is because these schools are
not accredited by WASC (The
Western Association of Schools
and Colleges).
Instead invest your
money into a private school,
UC, or a Cal State, Campbell
said. And if those options aren’t
for you, then maybe going to a
community college is a better
choice. You get all of the basic
training you would get at one
of those proprietary schools
for less than half the price. It
is really just better to try and
take things one step at a time
and not rush anything because
that year that you spend “fast
tracking” your way through
life at one of these schools, will
only end up slowing you down,
Campbell said.
Colleges: Are You Getting Your Money’s Worth?
KATHERINE VEGA
CHRONICLE REPORTER
Where to go for college?
That is the question on many
seniors’ minds. Is it better to go
to a private school or a UC? Or
is it more efficient to go to a Cal
State or a community college?
For many years, these
have been the options, but
there is another type of school
that is not mentioned as much
because of its reputation. These
schools are called “proprietary
schools.” Proprietary schools
are infamously known to be
those “commercial” colleges,
the ones that advertise during
soaps operas and games shows.
They are basically just “for
profit colleges.”
They tell their students
that it is all very simple and
fast so that they can go on to
working in their dream careers.
The appeal of these colleges is
that they offer a college that is
easy, quick and that at the end
they will help the students find
a job.
They tell students they
can start brand new lives and
careers, but it all comes at a
price. And that price is a high
amount of money, according
to Judy Campbell, college
counselor.
But most of what is
said is false promises. In reality,
none of these schools really
care about their students. They
are “more into money than
education.” For the price one
pays, you would assume you
get top quality education, but
because they are so greedy, they
don’t mind inflicting inferior
education upon the students.
All they want is the money and
they do whatever they can to
get it. The recruiters there have
to be very persuasive. They are
seen as salespeople, and what
they are selling, is the dream.
The dream of not going to
school for a lot of years, yet still
having a stable career they love,
and the cherry on top, great pay.
That is why most people fall for
these schools.
Another reason these
colleges get so many people is
that they prey on the weak. Do
you know why they flood all
of the daytime shows during
commercial breaks? It is so
6 MARCH 2010
FEATURES
PHOTO CREDIT: ADRIENNE DANDAN
THE NEW HOLLYWOOD W HOTEL AND RESIDENCES opened this January aiming to impress guests with a a new contemporary style. Condos sell for $800,000 and up.
The Face of Hollywood Continues to Change
MARIA ALCOSER
KEVIN CALENZANI
CHRONICLE REPORTERS
Palm trees, warm afternoons,
and a busy street life are just
a few words to help describe
Hollywood. There are only so
many words to use but none
compare to “glamour.” Ever
since Hollywood became a
breeding ground for America’s
film industry in the early 20th
century, all eyes have been on
Tinseltown.
Lavish social events such
as the Oscars and movie
premieres are a fact of day-today life for Hollywood High
students. However, while tourist
glamorize the Hollywood life
style and admire all that occurs
within, students know that
there is more to Hollywood
than meets the eye.
Hollywood is the center of
worldwide film entertainment,
the home to many Sheiks, and
home to In N Out Burger. This
place called home belongs
to many students, teachers,
businesses,
alumni,
and
celebrities. The transformation
from local to global hotspot has
not been an easy one.
For example, a new $600,000,
15-story W Hotel has just opened
on Hollywood Boulevard and
Vine Street. While guests pay
hundreds of dollars to spend a
night in luxury, just a few steps
away street beggars can be
found asking for money or just
watching the day unfold.
This is a typical day for
Hollywood High students.
Each has learned to live in an
environment viewed by most
of the country as the height of
glamour. Yet, each student has
also had to deal with the not-so
-glamorized side of Hollywood.
The Hollywood and Highland
area has currently undergone a
period of rapid gentrification,
which started back in 1998
after Trizec Properties bought
the 387,000 square-foot center.
It opened up just three years
later in 2001.
In an effort to give Hollywood
Boulevard a little more life, the
Kodak Theater came along,
home to the famous Academy
Awards and tenants such as
American Apparel, Gap, and
H&M moved in to provide
company
to
Graumman’s
Chinese
Theater.
The
Renaissance Hotel replaced the
Hollywood Hotel and step-bystep Hollywood went through
a period of gentrification (the
restoration and upgrading of
deteriorated urban property by
middle-class or affluent people).
As a result, small businesses lost
their customers to franchises
like Famima and Starbucks.
Examples of this can be seen
all over Hollywood; instead
of mom and pop businesses,
corporate stores such as
American Apparel and Urban
Outfitters have taken over.
Gentrification of Hollywood
is causing the drop of small
business, while at the same
time glamorizing the previously
decaying Hollywood area.
Eventually, if this continues
all the small business will be
filtered out and be replaced
with what most tourists imagine
Hollywood to be like.
For better or for worse,
Hollywood is not the same place
where people can come to catch
a movie or take pictures. It took
a recent piece of gentrification
and understanding to notice
that this place called home
is turning
into its own
independent
city
without
boundaries or guidelines, to be
the best possible representation
of the American dream. A
dream where greatness has no
limitation.
FEATURES
MARCH 2010
7
Ask Leah and Lena
Dear Leah,
There is this guy that I like, and I want to tell him, but I’m not sure
if I should…he’s always flirting with me and he had a girlfriend,
but (I’m not sure if it was just a coincidence)when I started
flirting back, they broke up..I asked why, but he didn’t answer.
Then he totally changed the subject. Then jokingly, I told him to
do something and I’d kiss him if he did it!! I’m not sure if he likes
me, but I really like him. What do I do? How do I find out if he
likes me?
Sincerely,
Karma
Well hey there Karma,
You sure have a complicated situation on your hands, but there
should be a solution. First of all if you really like him then you
should listen to your heart and totally go for it, but then again
think about it if he was flirting with you when he was in a
relationship, how can you trust him? He may have broken up with
his girlfriend for you, but he would have asked you out already.
Even if he did what you told him to do he still is not proving the
fact that he likes you back. I think if he truly liked you he would
have told you long ago. So its all up to you, you can either tell him
about your feelings towards him or move on to another person.
Sincerely,
Leah.
PHOTO CREDIT: ANA BARRON KARINA GALVAN
ANDREA BOCELLI IS THE LATEST CELEBRITY to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Place that Acknowledges Talent
ANA BARRON
CHRONICLE REPORTER
The Hollywood Walk of Fame,
the place where stars are
immortalized, is celebrating its
50th anniversary. It is a special
recognition and one of the
“must see” stops for tourists.
The most recent celebrity
to receive a star is the Italian
Opera singer Andrea Bocelli. He
received the 2,402 star on Mar.
2, according to the Hollywod
Chamber of Commerce.
Students from Emily Taron’s
Italian classes were on hand to
witness the event. The master
of ceremonies went so far
as to publicly recognize the
Hollywood High students.
The event began with students
from a performing arts school
singing a song acapella. A
student from the performing
arts school sang his famous hit
Time to Say Good Bye.
For someone to receive a star
on the Walk of Fame, the person
needs to be nominated. A fan can
nominate a celebrity, but he/
she has to fit the categories. The
cost of the unveiling ceremony
is about $25,000.
The creator of the Walk of Fame
was Hollywood Chamber’s 1953
volunteer president, E.M. Stuart.
Hollywoodchamber.net, states
that E. M. proposed the idea as
a way “to maintain the glory of a
community whose name means
glamour and excitement in the
four corners of the world.”
It is still unknown where the
idea originated, but it is said
that the ceiling of the Hollywood
Hotel once had painted stars
and that was what mobilized the
idea. The stars had the names of
celebrities on them which could
have inspired the idea of having
stars on the sidewalks.
The idea of constructing
the Walk of Fame reached a
consensus in the year 1955.
During this year the general
creators of the Walk of Fame
were working on gathering
signatures and the permission
of the city to proceed with the
project.
In February 1956 the idea of
having caricatures on the stars
was proposed. The idea was
later rejected because it would
be too difficult. It was later
agreed upon that the colors
PHOTO CREDIT: WIKIPEDIA.ORG
would be black and coral.
Harry Sugarman, chairman of
the Hollywood Improvement
Association, was the one to
complete this project.
Between the time periods of
May 1956 to the fall of 1957
the Hollywood Improvement
Association were deciding who
would be the first honorees
to be placed on the walk. Four
categories
were
selected:
motion picture, television,
recording, and radio. As many
as 150 prominent names of the
entertainment industry were
submitted a week.
Eight stars were unveiled on
the 18 of August on Hollywood
and Highland Ave. The stars
included Olive Bordon, Ronald
Colman, Louise Fazenda, Preston
Foster, Burt Lancaster, Edward
Sedwick, Ernest Torrance, and
Joanne Woodward.
Furthermore, the construction
of the Walk of Fame was delayed
due to two lawsuits one by
Charlie Chaplin Jr. who wanted
400,000 for the exclusion of
his father’s name. The lawsuits
were later dismissed.
The first star to be unveiled
on the new walk, near the
intersection of Hollywood and
Gower, was Stanely Kramer. The
Walk of Fame was completed in
the spring of 1961.
Today the Hollywood Walk of
Fame remains as a prominent
icon of Los Angeles and a proud
recognition to celebrities.
The 50th Anniversary
celebration continues this July
with a street festival allowing
the community to participate as
well. There will be certain events
planned to celebrate the five
categories. Then, in November,
plans are being made to end the
celebration with a gala.
Dear Lena,
Many people claim to be in love, but are they really in love? It is
easy to say “I love you,” but is it sincerely said. Others might be
in love with someone, and not know it. How do you know when
you’re really in love?
Sincerely,
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
Wow, this got me thinking…I think that when you are in love,
you just know it. You can feel it. I don’t think anyone can actually
define love because it’s different for everyone. Basically. You just
enjoy being around the person you love, and there’s a positive
mood.
Sincerely,
Lena
Dear Leah,
I just got out of a serious relationship, and I’m having trouble
getting over her. There are these girls I like, but the thought of my
ex stops me from talking to any of them. I’m constantly comparing
them to her and I think it’s unfair to them. I’m a walking cry for
help!
Sincerely,
Used, abused, and kicked to the side :*(
Hello U.A.K.S,
Well getting over an ex girlfriend/boyfriend can take a long
period of time and sometimes it feels impossible, but there
is hope. If you like one of these girls a lot then you should try
to forget about the past relationship and go for a new start. It
wouldn’t hurt for you to give another girl a chance it may even
quicken the process of you forgetting your ex. It isn’t fair for
these other girls to be waiting for you to decide, because you’re
still trying to forget your past relationship. So stop comparing
these girls with your ex and try to see them for who they are
and not what your ex used to be, because you must move on.
Relationships don’t always last forever and now you’re just
wasting time from getting to know someone special.
Good luck,
Leah.
Do you have a problem you can’t
deal with, and need someone to
talk to? Well you can submit a
letter to Leah (lee-uh) or Lena
(lee-nuh) and we will help you
find a solution. You have the
option of signing your letter
anonymously, or you can sign
your real name. Submit your
letters to Ms. Cusolito in room
PHOTO CREDIT: ELEV8.COM 421, or put them in her box
in the main office. All the letters need to have your first and last
name, SLC, and grade. This information will not be published, but
it stands as a reference for journalism. If you want your letter to be
anonymous, sign it using a nickname.
CAUTION: Your letter will be published in the Crimson Chronicle
along with our response, so be careful if you don’t want to give away
too much.
8 MARCH 2010
ENTERTAINMENT
The Crimson Chronicle Awards:
The (teenage) People vs. the Academy
WRITTEN BY BREIGH MONTGOMERY, COMPILED BY THE CRIMSON CHRONICLE STAFF
We gave the Academy two-thumbs down...
Best Actor
Best Picture
Best Actress
PHOTO CREDIT: oprah.com
PHOTO CREDIT: accesshollywood.com
PHOTO CREDIT:
moviesonline.ca
JEFF BRIDGES, as
seen in the fillm Crazy
Heart portays a downand-out country singer
who, while struggling
with alcoholism, meets
a
journalist
(Maggie Gyllenhaal) who
shows him what it
means to live again.
PHOTO CREDIT: accesshollywood.com
PHOTO CREDIT: filmofilia.com
BRAD PITT, portraying
Lieutenant Aldo “The
Apache” Raine in Inglorious Basterds, leads
a brigade of JewishAmericans into Nazioccupied France to kill
as many Nazies as possible and carry out the
assassination of Hilter .
THE HURT LOCKER
chronicles the experience
of Staff Sergeant William
James (Jeremy Renner)
as a road-side bomb deactivator in Iraq and the
struggle he and his squad
faces with his reckless
behavior and seemingly
indifference to death.
Most people know who Brad Pitt
is, but only one other person
had known who Jeff Bridges was
much less seen the Big Lebowski.
PHOTO CREDIT:
khurak.net
AVATAR follows paraplegic Marine Jake Sully
who goes to a planet
that is home to the Na’vi
people. His mission is to
gain information about
the Na’vi in order to
force thier cooperation
with humans but instead
becomes one of them.
This parallels real world
ambition and the destruction of the world.
SANDRA BULLOCK plays
Leigh Anne Touhy in The
Blind Side, a compassionate
woman who takes in a boy, Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron),
who has been in foster care
for a great part of his life.
Bullock gives an emotional
performance and portrays
the part of a fierce, overprotective mother perfectly.
The students were very happy that a woman
finally won Best Director, but actually having gone and seen the movie she won for
was an entirely different matter, apparently.
GABOUREY SIDIBE plays Precious, an illiterate young girl who
is pregnant for the second time
with her abusive father’s baby.
Precious has experienced a hard
life, and Sidibe gives a tear jerking performance. Sidibe brings
something of the utmost importance important to this role: hope.
The majority of teenage viewers loved
Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality, but
felt that Gabourey Sidibe’s performance as
an abused teenager with big dreams nevertheless, was significantly more moving.
We gave the Academy two-thumbs up...
Best Actor in a
Supporting Role
Best Animated Film
UP tells the story of of an elderly man going on an adventure to fullfill his recently
deceased wife’s dream of
visiting an exotic place
called Paradise Falls. A few
mishaps on the jounrney occur however, including a boy
scout accidently joining the
old man and the pair of them
befriending a talking dog.
CHRISTOPH WALTZplays SS Colonel Hans
Landa, a Nazi officer
from the movie Inglorious Basterds He is
the second person to
ever receive an Oscar
for the portrayal of a
Nazi. Waltz’s character
is a cold, cruel man,
however his powerPHOTO CREDIT: theim- ful acting came alive
proper.com through the screen.
PHOTO CREDIT: iwatchstuff.com
“Chris and Fester”
BY CHRIS D.C. (INKED
BY TERESITA A.)
Stay tuned for more
“Chris and Fester” adventures in the next issue!
Best Actress in a
Supporting Role
MO’NIQUE plays Precious’ abusive mother,
who torments her daughter about everything
from her weight to her
intelligence. Mo’nique
is terrifying in this role,
and frighteningly realistic. Her dysfunctional
personality seems almost manic at times. It is,
without a doubt, one of
her best performances.
PHOTO CREDIT: sagawards.org
ENTERTAINMENT
A New Adventure in Wonderland...
MARCH 2010
9
MARIA ALCOSER
CHRONICLE REPORTER
The first time down the rabbit hole...
Alice in Wonderland is
a beloved children classic written by Charles
Lutwidge
Dodgson.
Originally titled Alice’s
Adventures Underground,
Dodgson adopted the
pen name Lewis Carroll, to prevent jeopardizing the legitimacy of
any of his more serious
published works, according to theoffice-com.
Alice in Wonderland was
thought of in the spur to
entertain ten year-old
Alice Liddell, daughter
of the Dean of Christ
Church at Oxford during a boating trip. Liddell, who loved the story,
pleaded with Dodgson
to have the story written
down. Dodgson agreed
and wrote the story, giving the book to Liddel
as a Christmas present.
He showed a copy of the
printed version to his
family and friend, George
McDonald, who urged
Dodgson to publish it.
Alice’s Adventures
Underground was retitled Alice in Wonderland as Dodgson made
changes and extended
the story plot, whose
length eventually quadrupled to that of the
original manuscript.
On July 4, 1865, Alice in
Wonderland was printed by Macmillan and
Co., with illustrations
by Sir John Tenniel.
Few copies of this version survive however,
due to Sir Tenniel’s dislike of the printing quality and the book was
recalled and destroyed.
A new edition was then
published in November but dated 1866.
Controversy surrounds
Coming again with a new perpective?
The
much-anticipated
movie Alice in Wonderland was finally released
on March 5, 2010. Featuring Johnny
Depp as
the Mad
Hatter,
A n n e
Hathaway as
the White
Queen,
Helena
BonhamCarter as
the Red
Queen,
and Mia
WasikoPHOTO CREDIT: NYDAILYNEW.COM
ska as Alice. It is incorrect, howeving drug use, political sater, to call the new film an
ire, sex, and pedophilia.
adaptation of Lewis CarDodgson defended his
roll’s Alice in Wonderland.
novel by asking its readThis movie contains a
ers to read “Wonderbrand new plot. Unlike
land” in the “spirit in
the original Alice in Wonwhich I have written it.”
derland, in this movie
this classic as over the
years critics have pointed out hidden meanings
within the story includ-
Alice returns as a 19 year
old girl who is suffering
from the recent death of
her father and has just
been proposed to in front
of Victorian society by a
man she does not love.
In an attempt to flee from
her problems, Alice follows the White Rabbit
and accidentally falls into
the rabbit hole. She then
finds herself in Wonderland, or Underland as it is
now called, and becomes
unwillingly entangled in
a quest to overthrow the
Red Queen by killing the
Jabberwocky
Dragon.
The movie is unlike
anything viewers might
expect to see. Although
it is somewhat strange
to see Alice in a quest
with a likeness to the
King Arthur legend, as
she has to slay a dragon
to return the throne to
the White Queen, Tim
Burton did a magnificent
job at animating Alice in
Wonderland. The picture
is visually stimulating
and although one cannot say that it surpasses
the high standards set
by films such as Avatar,
During the film, the
audience can really feel
the connection between
Alice and the Mad Hatter, who after being captured by the Red Queen,
Alice rushes to aid.
Unfortunately, the
other characters have to
work hard to make the
audience believe that a
deeper connection exists
between all of them due
to the supposed years
of knowing each other,
and in some cases fails
to do so. In short, Alice
in Wonderland was an
overall enjoyable movie
that Hollywood High
students should watch.
10 MARCH 2010
SPORTS
Sheiks Regain their Footing
Hollywood recovers from shocking defeats by LACES and South Gate. They look forward with a current record of 4-3.
JOHN ROQUE
SPORTS EDITOR
Baseball season has arrived
and the Hollywood Sheiks
are taking it all in. The Sheiks
started their season strong in
what seemed to be an unbeatable streak, but the smooth
ride could not last forever and
the team is struggling to pull its
way back onto the right track.
“This is going to be a good
year,” team captain Jorge Mendoza, a senior, said as he looks
forward to their first game
against Lincoln High School.
The Sheiks took a commanding lead against the Tigers
in the first inning with four
scored runs. Hollywood would
take its first win of the season
from Lincoln High School on Febuary 26.
The next victim was Locke High
School. The Saints proved to be
no match against Hollywood, as
the Sheiks shut the game out
with a 10-0 scoreboard.
Something was different about
this year’s baseball team. “There
are no individuals here, we are
a team,” said Coach Cauley who
was confident about this years
outcome.
Hollywood’s next target was
Los Angeles Center for Enriched
Studies (LACES) High School.
The game against LACES High
Come cheer with our guide to Baseball Lingo
Kid
Baseball Lingo
Let’s GO, Kid
Big “Two-One”
Choke and Poke!
PHOTO CREDIT: JOHN ROQUE
SophoMOre Jose Chavez keeps an eye on the ball as he prepares to
bat.
School took the Sheiks by surprise. A few mistakes led to a
shocking defeat over what was
expected to be an easy win.
“I can’t believe we lost, this
was a wake up call for all of us,”
said senior Raymond Amaya
who was in shock after the appalling defeat. The Unicorns
gave the Sheiks its first loss of
the season with a 6-3 score.
Hollywood needed a break and
they got just that. Their next
game scheduled to be against
Franklin High School was cancelled due to bad weather conditions that gave the Sheiks a
default win.
The team might have gotten
a win but it probably hurt them
more as they went into their
next game against South Gate
High School with the defeat
against LACES still in the back
of their minds.
The team needed to put its
loss behind but that didn’t seem
to be the case. The Sheiks once
again failed to bring themselves
together and pull off a win.
Hollywood suffered a 8-5 loss
against the Rams.
As the team copes with the
losses hope is not lost. The
game has just begun as the
Sheiks start off fresh as they
openned their League Conference against West Adams Prep
with a 2-1 win on Monday.
Good EYE, Kid
Let’s get a base hit!
OH! Throw me away!
That’s a SHOT!
Hit the Track
Step Up, Kid
Be a 2 Strike Hitter
You saw it, Kid!
Eat him Up!
Player
Meaning
Phrase/Cheer
Numbers must be expressed
individually and must begin
with the word “BIG”
You have two strikes, grip
the bat differently!
Good job on watching the
ball and not swinging
Get on a base
When a ball is overthrown
to another player
When the ball is hit hard
Start Running
Come clutch when the team
needs a hit
Get a base hit when the batter has two strikes
You just saw the first strike
Taunt for the fielder to miss
the ground ball
Lets Go Blue! You got An insult to the referee for
somewhere to go?
making a bad call
Hey Coach Cauley!
Hey Bubba!
BY ANTHONY MENDOZA AND JORGE MENDOZA
Tennis Club Gets Served
KARLA SAMAYOA
CHRONICLE REPORTER
Hollywood High School’s new
Tennis Club sponsored by Stephen Lange, was created to help
students learn how to play tennis.
Although this sport is not offered as a school sport, the rules
seem rather intricate to those
who do not know how to play.
The club meets on Thursdays
during lunch, and has recently
been offered some after school
aid from Los Angeles Community College’s tennis coach, Daphne Chinn. Because of recent
construction at LACC’s tennis
courts, Chinn had been negotiating the use of Hollywood’s
courts.
When one of her students mentioned the club, Chinn offered to
consult the club and help them
learn the basics of tennis.
A qualified teacher, Chinn has
been teaching tennis for about
thirty years. The self-publisher
of a book Tough Tennis, Chinn
knows all the basics and can
teach any aspiring players how
to stand, hit, grip the racket, and
to mentally get into the game.
Students learn how to play
against the handball courts, because it is better to learn against
a solid wall than against a real
opponent.
The meetings with Chinn are
usually after school on Wednesdays for about half an hour to
forty-five minutes, although the
dates sometimes vary.
For anyone wishing to go, they
must look on Lange’s door,
room 426, for any updates on
meetings.
“Coach Chinn has been a great
help to the Tennis Club and has
been willing to cooperate with
us on a weekly basis,” said Junior Karen Samayoa, founder
and president of the club, “Her
encouragement and examples
have been a great help towards
our understanding and playing
of the sport.”
Junior Hector Gonzalez, vice
president of the club, and other
members believe that the after school classes provided by
Chinn has led to the improvement of the skills of all the novices.
P.E. teacher Karen Langer has
helped the club acquire the
necessary equipment, such as
the tennis rackets. The club has
also managed to receive permission from Administrator/
Intervention Specialist Tadeo
Climaco, to use the courts that
are on top of the 100s building
during lunch.
After applications, elections,
and acquisitions, the Hollywood
High Tennis Club got off the
ground as the students shows
remarkable improvement in
their playing.
“The majority of the members
are people who do not know
how to play,” said Samayoa,
“and people who already know
are encouraged to join and help
others.”
Chinn said she would continue
to help the Club learn for at least
a couple of months, or even a
semester. After, the students
who have learned how to play
will be able to teach others.
For further information on the
Hollywood High School Tennis
Club, look outside of room 426,
or check the Tennis Club blog
that is under Clubs’ links in the
Student’s section of the Hollywood High School website.
Meetings are Thursday during
lunch in room 426 or in the tennis court.
SPORTS
MARCH 2010
11
Track Hurdles Over New Obstacles
JEULS HERMOSISIMA
CHRONICLE REPORTER
Hollywood’s track and field
team face new obstacles off the
course as it goes up against Lincoln High School tomorrow at
the first meet of the season.
The Sheiks will be competing against their former coach,
David Loera. Although most
students believe that Loera is
retired, he has been coaching
at Lincoln High since the crosscountry season.
In a June 2009 interview, Coach
Loera said amongst the things
he would miss the most is “the
interaction with students in a
family like atmosphere.”
But his “family” has long been
aware of his new position and
share mixed feelings.
Last season’s cross country
coach, Gina Cogswell did not
have much to say but “it’s the
height of irony.”
Track has plenty of partici-
pants this year; over twice as
many members they had last
year, most of whom are senior
football players. These new
recruits are creating a competitive environment pushing the
Sheiks to the fullest, observers
said. However, they do not realize the impact of the new coach,
but more specifically the absence of Coach Loera.
Loera spent 20 of his 30-year
teaching career in Hollywood.
His strong personality and
coaching style was either loved
or loathed. Loera hoped that
students would realize they
could accomplish anything. Before he left he made sure he instilled the spirit of competition
and success.
Students with a history of
track and field said they feel the
loss, “it breaks my heart but the
world keeps turning,” senior
hurdler, Daniel Munoz said.
Overall, the team agrees on being confident in maintaining the
school’s outstanding reputation
PHOTO CREDIT: JEULS HERMOSISIMA
ARTHUR PAPAZYAN on the hurdle, practicing for the upcoming track
meet
and is trying to remain positive as they cope. “Everything’s
changed. I miss him a lot. [But]
it’s okay,” senior Erika Orellana
said.
Others are inspired and are
up to the challenge. “ Its an incentive, I want to show him I’m
taking over where he left off ”
returning city finalist Yoshua
Ortiz said.
No one seems to take Loera’s
actions too personally except
for junior William Feldman who
said, “ [He] is a traitor and he
needs to get whooped!”
Now Coach Randy Hendrix is
changing the specialty of the
sport. Hollywood is well known
for its long distance runners
but the focus is now on sprint.
“He knows what he’s doing”
undefeated shot-putter, Asjia
Gomez said.
The outcome of the first meet
will reflect the new changes. To
make matters worse, long distance coach Cogswell was let go
a week before the competition.
It’s a make or break situation.
People will just have to wait
and see the outcome tomorrow
afternoon.
12 MARCH 2010