MD football: CIF Championship Upset

Scarlet
Scroll
Mater Dei High School
Volume: XXIV
Number: IV
December 2012
Circulation: 2500
Santa Ana, CA
Feature
Entertainment
Christmas Corner
Madrigal Feast
Apps
Birthdays
Robin talks with the king and
queen about the 23rd annual
Mad Feast.
PAGE 2
Angela reviews the most popular
apps at the moment.
Emma talks to all the Monarchs
with birthdays on or near Christmas.
PAGE 6
PAGE 7
MD football: CIF Championship Upset
Second Place on Paper, First Place in Our Hearts
By CLAIRE ALEX
editor-in-chief
There is no doubt that the recently ended Mater Dei football season was one to remember. OC Varsity declared the Monarchs’
season the “remarkable comeback season.”
The team started off strong with
a 4-1 record in pre-season and an identical record in league of 4-1, losing to St.
John Bosco. This overall 8-2 record led
the team into CIF playoffs after missing
them last year for the first time since 1986.
The first game in CIF was against
Lakewood High School. The Monarchs
kicked off the Pac-5 tournament with a victory, 71-10, to move on to the quarterfinals. The
second game in the tournament was against
Alemany of Mission Hills, at the Santa Ana
Stadium. Mater Dei’s continuous fight earned
them a spot in the semifinals with a final score
of 53-42 over Alemany. Next, the Monarchs
would play the number-one seeded team, St.
Bonaventure of Ventura, in the semifinals.
The Ventura game turned out to be a
shining moment for the Monarchs, especially
for senior captain Thomas Duarte, who had
an interception and six catches for 83 yards.
The biggest play of the game was a 32-yard
reception in the first quarter. The Monarchs carried another victory with a score of
21-0, moving them into the championship
round of the Pac-5 CIF Division tournament.
In the finals, Mater Dei played Long
Beach Poly, a long-established rivalry in CIF,
at the Angel Stadium of Anaheim. This championship game marked the twelfth time that
the two teams have played against each other
in the last 25 years. In 1997, Mater Dei played
Poly and won. The next year, 1998 Poly won,
and the year after that, the teams tied. This
history between them made the game played
on December 1, 2012 a game to remember.
Mater Dei held a pep rally the day
of the game to encourage student support
as their football team prepared the “Climb
the mountain,” all the way to the summit,
in the words of Coach Bruce Rollinson.
Around 7 o’clock, Angel Stadium
began to fill up with fans from both schools.
All together, there were 12,736 people in the
stadium to witness a history-making game.
The game turned out to be an upsetting one
for the Monarchs. With their starting quarterback, senior captain Ryan McMahon,
out, junior Chase Forrest was pressured
and pounded by the Jackrabbits. The final score of the championship game was
35-17 Poly, after an interception in the
fourth quarter secured their last touchdown.
This loss ended the comeback season for the Monarchs. As the players walked
Boys’ Water Polo
off the field into the tunnel, many a tear was
seen in the eyes of each of the players, especially the seniors who had just played
their last game as a Mater Dei Monarch.
Back at the Grotto, Mater Dei continued its long-standing tradition of praying a decade of the Rosary around the statue of Mary
in the heart of the campus. After the prayer,
Coach Rollinson said a few words, commending his seniors on a great season and letting
the underclassmen know that that they have
footsteps to follow in, for next year’s season.
Mater Dei’s loss against Poly will be
noted in the record books, but will also serve
as motivation to the incoming and continuing players to work hard to achieve a spot
in the CIF championship game next year.
History indicates that it is achievable to beat the Jackrabbits and climb
the mountain to restore the honor, glory,
and love that Mater Dei prides itself on.
Fifth Consecutive CIF Title
By SOFIE VAN EENENAAM
assistant editor
The boys have done it again. They
brought home another CIF title for the fifth
season in a row. On Saturday, November 18th,
the Boys’ Varsity Water Polo team shut out
Long Beach Wilson with a final score of 13 to 6.
The scoring was distributed among
all six of the starters. Senior Matthew Cuozzo led with four goals. Junior Kent Inoue
and senior Jon Walters each had three. Senior Philip Tran, sophomore Nick Silvers,
and junior James Walters contributed by
each scoring one goal. Junior goalkeeper,
McQuin Baron, rose to the occasion as he is
known to do, having 14 saves and one assist.
Jon Walters was CIF player of the Year
and his coach, Chris Segesman, was CIF Coach
of the Year. Both are great accomplishments.
So how might an all-star team
prepare for a big game like this? Maybe share a meal together, or talk over the
game plan. But this team is different.
"Traditionally to prepare for the
CIF Championship game, we meet at Mater Dei before the game time to have a
shoot-around and watch a movie getting
our minds and bodies ready to fire on all
cylinders,” said senior Eric Hernandez.
determined and ready to kick some Bruin booty. With this exciting win, the boys
also won their 79th consecutive game.
“It’s gratifying and rewarding being a part of the legacy created the last
five years with winning five consecutive
With a second-seeded Wilson with
a record of 23-7, the Monarchs, 30-0, were
CIF Championships,” said Hernandez.
The team not only produced three first all-
county teammates, including Jon Walters,
Baron, and James Walters; one second-team
all-county teammate, Inoue; but a Player of
the Year, Jon Walters, according to OC Varsity.
Opposing coaches often use the term “beast”
to define the 6-foot-3, 230-pound center.
“He’s
just
dominant,”
says Dana Hills coach Matt Rosa.
Opposing teams have tried to slow him
down with double and triple teams but Walters
still remained the dominate force that made
this season so successful for the Monarchs.
“I play against Jon all the time. Jon
is a college center. He’s big. He’s strong.
He’s fast. There’s no one to compare to
him at the center position right now in high
school,” says head coach, Chris Segesman, to the OC Register earlier this season.
Mater Dei never lost with Walters as its center.
The Monarchs were 31-0 and CIF-SS Division
1 champions the past two seasons with him.
Walters is planning on attending the
University of Southern California in the fall
where he will play water polo for the Trojans.
Mater Dei Gets A Hole in One as CIF Champs
The Girls’ Gold Team’s Golden Season
By MARY PEREZ
editor-in-chief
On Monday, October 22 at Miles
Square Golf Course, the Mater Dei Girls’
Varsity Golf team journeyed to playing
fields they haven’t journeyed to since
2006. In 2006, the girls won the CIF Team
Divisional Championship. Now, in 2012, the
girls’ team returned to the course and won
the CIF Team Divisional Championship.
There were approximately 30 teams
that competed in the CIF Team Divisional
Championship. Some of the teams
participating included Palm Desert, Diamond
Bar, and Santa Margarita high schools. Four
of the six players who teed off for Mater
Dei posted a score in the 70’s, assisting the
Monarchs into a 15 stroke victory in the CIFSS Southern Regional Team Championship.
“I am extremely proud of the way
the girls competed all season long and their
ability to handle the pressure of playing in
the CIF Championships,” said Coach Ollie
Martin, who was named Girls’ Golf Coach
of the Year by the Orange County Register.
Although the team toppled the
leaderboard in this same tournament in
two other seasons, the CIF committee did
not classify this as a championship win.
However, the 2012 CIF win will mark the
first time the girls golfers will receive a
CIF banner hung in the Meruelo Athletic
Center, rings, and photos on the wall of fame.
“I am proud of my team for the hard
work and dedication they put in. We worked
hard, scheduling practices on Saturdays,
traveling to CIF courses to practice
late on school nights, and maintaining
great focus throughout the season,” said
senior varsity player Janneinne Le.
The Monarchs, who were ranked
number 1 this season in all-county
rankings, finished the season undefeated.
The girls’ golfers finished the past three
seasons undefeated. The recent success
of the team has stemmed from the
recent growth of the MD golf program.
“This season couldn’t have been
any better. It was full of determination,
I
Starbucks.
and
perseverance,
said
couldn’t be more proud of them,”
senior varsity player Danielle Biss.
The hard work from the team,
the new workout regimen, and the access
to the news state-of-the-art Andry Golf
Practice Facility have all contributed
to the success of the girls’ golf team.
This season, senior Marcella
Pranovia won the Trinity League Individual
Championship. She, along with teammate
Jamie Harada, were selected as part of
the 2012 All-County Girls’ Golf team.
FEATURE
2
Madrigal Feast
By ROBIN RENSE
The Season of Singing
assistant editor
After being in Choir for one short year,
I think I have a taste of how stressful the
Madrigal Feast is for everyone involved.
During Mad Feast season, you forget about
your social life. You spend every waking
moment learning, improving, and perfecting
the beautifully intricate songs that Mr. Scott
Melvin picks out for each level of Choir.
However, I learned firsthand that the stress is
worth the world when the performance turns out
to be better than anyone could have imagined.
Regrettably, I was not able to be a part of Choir
this year, but I had the honor of interviewing
some students from the Chamber Singers,
including Robby King, the Madrigal Feast King.
Robin Rense: How many years
have you been involved in the
Mater
Dei
Choral
Program?
In addition to interviewing Robby King, I got to talk with Rachel
Munro about her Choir experiences.
Robby King: I’ve been in Choir
for my entire high school career,
and
I’ve
loved
every
second!
RR: And how do you like Chambers?
RK: Chambers has the perfect mix of
everything. We are totally intense when it
comes to learning music, and we work so
hard to perfect our pieces, but we know how
to have fun and relax and be a family, too.
RR: What do you feel is the best
and worst part of Madrigal Feast?
RM: The best part is bonding with everyone. The whole Choir family is so
tight after Mad Feast because we have
been through hell and back together,
and we have seen each other at our
worst and at our best. But the worst
part is the costumes. I'm really really
tall, so the only costumes that can fit
my height always make me look really awkward. But I still enjoy it all.
RR: How did you feel when you were
appointed Madrigal Feast King?
RK: Wow, I was just so humbled and shocked
and so appreciative. I am so grateful.
RR:
What
is
your
favorite
part
of
Mad
Feast?
RK: I think it’s after our last song
and we all just look around at each
other and we’re all like, “Whoa...look
what we just did. How cool are we?”
RR: What is your favorite song
that you have ever performed?
RK: A man named Richard Burchard
composed a song especially for the Mater Dei
Chamber Singers, called “Red Red Rose,”
and it is so beautiful. It’s by far my favorite.
the Advanced Women's Ensemble?
RM: Well, AWE was fun, and I created
memories that will last me a lifetime. We
got to go to Seattle last year with Chambers and both Choirs won first place at
our Heritage Festival. I never had a dull
moment with that class and it was great...
but Chambers has boys. Enough said.
RR:
How
long
have
you
been
in
Chambers?
Rachel
Munro:
This
is
my
first
year!
It's
so
much
fun.
RR:
What
got
you
interested
in
joining
Choir?
RM: Well to be honest, I joined sophomore
year because I heard they were going to Italy...but I ended up loving it so much that
I had to join again, and I'm glad I stayed.
I would like to tell every level of Choir
how wonderful they all are and how proud
of them I am. You all sang beautifully,
and I hope you all had a wonderful time.
RR: How is Chambers different from
Tis the Season...of Giving
By KATIE GAITAN
editor-in-chief
Finally. At last, it is now socially
acceptable to publically listen to Christmas carols and sport my reindeer sweater.
Sweaters and eggnog aside, there is truly a
deeper calling during the Christmas season.
Fueled by an ever-growing
consumerist view of the Christmas
holiday, it is so easy to fall into the
selfish ways of famous yuletide archetype, Ebenezer Scrooge, from
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Nevertheless, all too many people
in and around our very own community
are in need of basic necessities or simply a smile during the holiday season.
Check out these generous groups
who are responding to the call to give
back this season and whose endeavors are anything but Scrooge-like:
ASB: Partnering with Rachel's
Challenge, ASB planned the annual
Christmas Dance to support several of
Campus Ministry’s worthy Christmas
Outreach charities. Admission to the
dance was $10, or $5 with an unwrapped
toy. On Friday, December 7th, the Christmas Dance kicked off the season with a
bang, all the while making a difference.
Campus Ministry: After such a
successful Thanksgiving Outreach, Campus Ministry is back again with high
hopes of another outstanding turnout for
the Christmas Outreach. All too often we
take for granted the simple blessings in
our own lives, such as or having presents under the Christmas tree. Catholic
Monarchs Reach
Out During the
Most
Wonderful Time
of the Year
Charities, KidWorks, SPIN (Serving
People In Need), and Urban Compass
are just a few of the organizations that
will benefit from the generosity of the
Mater Dei community. Through December 17th, bring an unwrapped toy or gift
card to Campus Ministry and help make
a child’s Christmas dream come true.
The Improv Comedy Club:
In the Little Theatre on Tuesday, December 4th, the Improv Comedy Club
used laughter to change lives through
the proceeds of their performance,
Chuckles for Charity. The Christmas
Chuckles for Charity raised money
and collected toys for “Monarchs for
Marines” and specifically, the children who will benefit from the annual Monarchs for Marines Toy Drive.
“Monarchs for Marines” hosts a yearly Christmas party for military families with children who are living on
the Camp Pendleton Military Base.
“While the kids enjoyed Christmas activities and met Santa, parents
could shop among the donated toys that
we provided for a gift to give their child
on Christmas morning,” said Improv
Club Producing Director, Monica Beld.
By keeping the toy prices to an
affordable low, this event made a true
difference for families whose mothers or fathers are away serving our
country, and may not have the opportunity to come home for the holidays.
Camp ReCreation with the
Knights of Columbus. When many
Mater Dei students hear the words
“Camp ReCreation”, memories of a
life-changing summer camp experience come to mind. The same organization that serves children and adults
with all types of developmental disabilities through summer camp hosted
a Christmas dance and auction called
“Knight Under the Stars.”
On Saturday, December 15th,
Camp ReCreation held the annual Christmas Dance and Auction. Even though
the event took place on-campus in the
LeVecke Center, it was not limited to only
Mater Dei volunteers or participants.
“This is an event for the whole
community of people involved in
Camp. It spans across the whole organization,”
said
senior
Emma
Faulkner, Camp ReCreation volunteer.
Since Camp ReCreation is limited to only volunteer counselors, this
Christmas event gave the families and
friends of camp participants a chance to
experience what the program is all about
and also serves as a reunion for those
involved. “Knight Under the Stars”
was a wonderful opportunity for buddy
and counselor alike to come together and dance like no one is watching.
Part of what makes Mater Dei so
special is the willingness of our community to embrace the call to Christian Service. This is just a little taste of the tidings of comfort and joy that Monarchs are
bringing to others this Christmas season.
As Winston Churchill once
said, “We make a living by what we get,
but we make a life by what we give.”
3
FEATURE
Leaving
By ALEX VRABECK
a
Trail
of
Destruction
through
the
East
Coast
assistant editor
.
With many New Orleans victims still
reeling over the loss of family members and
entire communities after Hurricane Katrina,
no one expected another equally as damaging
hurricane in the United States any time soon.
Beginning in the Caribbean, the posttropical cyclone traveled up the east coast of
the United States in late October. The storm
transformed in a mere six hours from a
tropical wave to a tropical storm, and five days
later, it was officially declared a hurricane.
It was decided that Sandy was a hurricane
when winds reached 74 mph on October 24th.
The devastating hurricane traveled
from the Caribbean, to Cuba, to the
Bahamas, and, eventually, to the U.S. east
coast, leaving a path of destruction along
the way. In the U.S. alone, at least 149
deaths have occurred due to the storm,
whether from drowning or by landfall.
Hurricane
Sandy,
nicknamed
Frankenstorm, ranks as the second-largest
Atlantic tropical cyclone on record. The
record-holder is still Hurricane Olga in 2001.
Sandy’s power and angle caused a
surge of water into New York City, leaving
the streets flooded, trees knocked over, and
local residents without power. New York
Bringing
By SASHA MIXON
Hurricane Sandy
was not the only state that was devastated by
Sandy. New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania,
West Virginia, Connecticut, Virginia, and
North Carolina all suffered severe property
loss and the death of locals. Canada, the
Caribbean,
and Haiti also
suffered the loss
of 122 people
c o l l e c t i v e l y.
Besides
water
damage,
many
fires started in the
New York metro
area during the
storm,
leaving
houses
burnt
down. The water
flooded tunnels and left subway stations
filled with water and, therefore, inoperable.
Since many gas stations were
closed because of power shortages and low
fuel supplies, air flights were cancelled
due to extreme wind, and subways were
closed because of flooding. Because
of this, New York City residents and
tourists were left stranded without any
means of transportation for days on end.
Since Sandy occurred in the height of
the campaign season, both campaigns were
put on hold while President Barack Obama
assessed the damages and Governor Mitt
Romney helped to aid with storm relief.
President
O b a m a
declared states
of emergency in
New York and
New Jersey in
order to have
federal
aid
start
pouring
into damaged
areas. Governor
Romney turned
one of his campaign stops into a storm relief
event where the crowd made hurricane
relief donations that Romney helped to
load into a truck. The Romeny campaign
resumed on October 31st and the Obama
campaign resumed on Novemeber 1st.
Hurricane Sandy will go down
in history as the costliest natural disaster
in recorded U.S. history, costing roughly
$20 billion in property damage and $10
Erika’s Good Eats
Healthy
Eating
to
Mater
editor-in-chief
Over the course of the three and
half years that I have been at Mater Dei,
my taste buds have been exposed to many
superb meals and treats that the LeVecke
Center has to offer. Who wouldn’t want
a bite out of the perfectly mouth-watering,
crispy, salted fries, to the ever-so-warmand-heavenly chocolate chip cookies?
If you have been fortunate enough
to indulge yourself in one of these guilty
pleasures, you know there really is no
denying that satisfying feeling you
get after just one bite of the delicious
choices we have here on campus.
Although
these
choices
are
delicious,
are
they
nutritious?
This year, Mater Dei has implemented
a new option for students who enjoy savory
food as well as try and maintain a healthy
lifestyle. Thanks to the work of Erika
Carbajal, a former Monarch from the Class
of 2008, and a current USC Trojan, we have
been introduced to a new healthy option
window located in the LeVecke Center.
This healthy choice window allows
students to be presented with filling
and satisfying lunch options with fewer
calories, such as a selection of different
sandwiches, wraps, salads, and hummus
and pita bread. Carbajal’s goal is for
students to understand the importance of
eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle.
“Although it’s the students’ choice
on what to eat for lunch every day,
it is nice to have the healthy option
window to help me defeat my sweet
cravings,” said senior Angela Markwith.
It is because of Carbajal’s passion for
nutrition that Mater Dei now has the option
of heathy choices that has and will promote
the practice of establishing good eating
habits that will last a lifetime. Although
many students still choose to enjoy the
popular choice of chicken fingers and fries,
a rather increasing handful of students
who spend their money at the healthy
choice window prefer a lighter delight.
Having a longtime passion for
to $30 billion more in lost business.
The mayor of New York City, Michael
Bloomberg, estimated the total loss
to the city as $19 billion and asked
the government for $9.8 billion in aid.
Many service organizations have
jumped on board in order to help Hurricane
Sandy victims. Organizations such as the
Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Feeding
America, World Vision, and AmeriCares,
as well as many others are lining up to
offer food, shelter, and basics such as
hygiene kits and water to victims who were
displaced by the storm and lost everything.
As one of the most diverse countries
in the world, the United States always has and
always will come together in times of great
need. With such devastation having occurred
on the east coast, U.S. residents are opening
their homes, hearts, and wallets to hopefully
help their fellow countrymen soften the blow
of losing everything and having to start over.
This Christmas season, instead
of wishing for new clothes or a new
gadget, many will be asking Santa for
their home and life back, and it is the
least that citizens not affected can do
but to try and help those in need.
healthy living and dieting, Carbajal’s
once a dream and now a reality is only a
small part of what she does. “My passion
is educating all age groups and industries
on proper nutrition,” said Carbajal.
Currently she meets with each
athletic team and educates them on how
to eat well for their specific sport. She also
put together specific menu plans for them.
Looking ahead, she would like
to expand this to the entire Mater
Dei community, and then, eventually,
expand to other communities as well.
This entrepreneur is an amazing
example of how determination and
passion can turn dreams into reality. We
are so grateful for Carbajal’s love for the
Mater Dei community by implementing
her healthy decision habits into a new
window in Mater Dei’s LeVecke Center.
“I feel very grateful to be a part
of this movement at MDHS. I am
hopeful that it will only to continue to
grow from here on out,” said Carbajal.
Dei
CHRISTMAS
4
Alex’s Craft Corner
Christmas in a Jar
By ALEX VRABECK
assistant editor
Materials:
1) Pint-sized Mason Jar
2) Mini Christmas Tree (comes in packs at
Michael’s)
3) Mod Podge
4) Hot Glue Gun
5)Glitter
6) Wilton White Sparkling Sugar
Sprinkles
Step 1:
Paint the Christmas tree with Mod Podge and roll it in glitter
5
CHRISTMAS
Alex’s Craft Corner
Step 2:
Hot glue the base of the Christmas tree to the inside lid of the Mason jar
Step 3:
Pour about 1 inch of Sprinkles into the
bottom of the Mason jar
Step 4:
Place the lid onto the jar with the tree
inside, and screw the lid on tight
Step 5:
Flip the jar upside down and you have
Christmas in a Jar!
For the how-to that I used, go to
http://inmyblessednest.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-in-jar.html
CHRISTMAS
6
Christmas Around the World
By AMANDA ZIMMERMAN
assistant editor
How do you celebrate Christmas?
China :
USA:
People who are Christian in China
decorate their houses elaborately with traditional paper lanterns. Their trees, which
are called “Trees of Light”, are decorated
with many paper goods. Handmade paper chains and paper flowers are used for
Christmas decorations. The children await
Santa Claus known as, “Christmas Old
Man”.
Santa originated from Sintaklaas
brought by the Dutch. He was not an important figure until he was put in a novel
by novelist Washington Irving. The very
first Santa Claus was known as St. Nicholas. Without any reindeer, he flew around
in a wagon. Although he did not live in the
North Pole or have the true Santa outfit,
he brought children toys every year. Santa
Claus was born in America in 1863. He was
then given a red suit, reindeer, and a sleigh.
Mexico:
Australia:
The celebration of Christmas in
Mexico is known as Las Posadas. This
refers to Mary and Joseph’s search in
Bethlehem for a place to stay. There are
two groups that friends and family divide
into. One is known as the pilgrims and the
other are the innkeepers. After walking
around town traveling from house to house
trying to find a place to sleep, they finally
reach a home. In this particular home, there
has been a nativity scene set up. The party
begins here when the pilgrims say a traditional prayer. There are piñatas that the
children try and break open for the delicious candy inside. Last but not least, food
and drinks are served.
Have you ever wondered what it
would be like to have Christmas in the
summer? In Australia students are finally
on their “holiday break”, which is our summertime. They are eager to hit the beach
and catch some waves. The sun is shining
brightly, and perfect crystal blue skies is
their normal Christmas.
Christmas Birthdays
We asked a few of our own Monarchs who have birthdays within
the week of Christmas how they feel about it. Take a look and see if
it’s as magical as it sounds.
By EMMA FAULKNER
Do you like having your
birthday around the
holidays?
assistant editor
Question 1: Do you think Christmas
takes away from your birthday?
Catherine Trinh, December 26th:
It does get a bit annoying waking up on December 26th singing “Happy Birthday” to
myself as my entire family sleeps, but hey,
at least I can sing it to the tune of “Jingle
Bells.”
Sean Soper, December 28th:
Yes, because I can never have big parties
with my friends because they are either
celebrating or on vacation.
Andrew Nguyen, December 27th:
At times it does, but for the most part,
Christmas doesn’t take away from my
birthday. I usually still receive a Christmas
and birthday present.
Sterling Miles, December 26th:
Yes, because people are always on vacation
or with their families, so it makes celebrating very hard.
Will Gauthier, December 26th:
The only way Christmas detracts from my
birthday is if one of my relatives gives me
a combined gift. It’s not that big of a deal,
though, because this tends to be for expensive gifts. Overall, I don’t care about my
birthday because Christmas is far superior.
Brianna Larkin, December 24th:
Kind of, because everyone gets focused on
the children and making them see Santa.
Jacqueline Estrada, December
27th: No, because when I was little it was
like having two birthdays.
Dave Bright, December 27th:
I do not because they are two special days,
each with their own importance. They’re
celebrated different days.
Matt Mariotti, December 26th:
No, because there is more family time and
Christmas is fun.
Taylor Torres, December 28th:
Yeah, I either get one big present or a lot of
little presents.
Megan Belden, December 28th:
No, because all my family comes to visit
and it makes my birthday extra special.
Brandon Gonzalez, December
28th: Yeah, most people are putting their
efforts and time into Christmas gifts,
Christmas parties, not Brandon parties.
Robby King December 28th: No, because
people go out of their way not to forget me.
No 21%
Yes 79%
Question 2: Do you like having your
birthday on Christmas?
Natalie Tedjasukmana: Yes, because everyone is always going to be there
to celebrate; nothing like a big Birthmas
party!
Guadalupe Medina: Not really; I
never have my friends over because they’re
celebrating Christmas with their family.
Which do you like better?
Both
14%
Christmas
43%
Birthday
43%
I never have big parties because it only
consists of my family. I never get two
presents. I only get Christmas presents
and a cake, but I really appreciate my
mom’s cooking. She cooks a lot, and I
love food.
Natalia Materazzo: I do and I
also don’t. I like celebrating with Jesus,
but I only have one day to look forward
to all year.
PERSPECTIVE
7
Ask Molly and Monty
the official ScarletScroll ADVICE COLUMN
Dear Monty,
I’m a sophomore and I got my first car recently. So far, it’s been great!
Gone are the days of waiting around for my parents to drive me places. And I’m
the first one in my group of friends to finally get my own car. Even though I love
having a car, there’s been a little bit of a problem. My friends constantly ask me
for rides. Most of them don’t have a license, a car, or both, so I’ve become their
way of transportation. At first, I didn’t mind helping them out once in a while.
After all, it gets pretty boring driving alone. But now it’s gotten out of control.
First off, I live in the opposite direction of most of my friends so going to
pick them up is usually a big inconvenience. Not to mention gas! I can’t afford
to be driving all over Orange County and beyond on the allowance I get from
my parents. I don’t want to be rude or aggressive to my friends but I really can’t
continue to be their chauffeur. What should I do?
-Desperate Driver, Class of 2015
Dear Desperate Driver,
Congratulations on getting your driver’s license and your own
car! That’s a great privilege that comes with a whole new freedom and
responsibility. But unfortunately, having a car also can be the source of
problems like yours.
Here’s something to remember when dealing with your friends:
it’s your car. Don’t feel forced to drive your friends. You are not a parent
and certainly not a chauffeur. So your friends’ transportation is not your
obligation.
However, if you choose to keep driving them, don’t be afraid to ask
them to help with the cost of gas. Perhaps it would be appropriate for you to
say something like, “I’m glad to drive you if you’re in a pinch, but I need to
start asking for some gas money.” Remember, you are doing your friends a
favor. In the end, stand up for yourself. Your wallet will thank you.
Good Luck, Monty
Dear Molly,
I’m currently a junior in high school with a lot on my plate. I’m
taking seven classes and I’m on the Dance Team. I have no study period
during the day because I chose to have two electives. I’m also involved in
many clubs and ASB. Well, between all of my activities, homework, and
social life, I’m having a lot of trouble managing my time. Lately, I hardly
get sleep and have to try to finish my homework during lunch because I fall
asleep doing it at night. I’m not sure if I should manage my time better, or
if I should even drop some activities. My mom told me that having lots of
stressful, demanding things all at once is a part of life and I shouldn’t make
any rash decisions yet. I think she has a good point but maybe I’m on selfoverload. What do you think I should do about my situation?
-Too Much On My Plate, Class of 2014
Dear Too Much,
Stress is definitely a part of life, but it seems to me you’re biting off more
than you can chew. Not getting enough sleep and not completing assignments
should tell you that you’re in over your head. You could take the time and figure
out what to do, but that doesn’t help your situation now. When your schedule is as
swamped as yours, you don’t have the ability to be involved in and get as much
out of every activity. Advice from your school guidance counselor could create a
more reasonable schedule. That will set your priorities and maybe eliminate some
of your extracurricular activities Try to come up with a plan to manage all your
different classes and activities, using your time as efficiently as possible. Use your
breaks, even if they are short, between school and activities, to do homework. If
you cannot make a time schedule to help you then lessening your load would be a
good idea. Hope you find a way to stay involved in the things you love and balance
it all, good luck!
Sincerely, Molly
Need some advice?
Drop by Room 218 or email [email protected] with your questions for
Monty and Molly.
West Side Story
Bring Items to
Mrs.Bauer's Office
(Counseling Center)
Clothing items must be
on hangers
Working
Wardrobes
DEC 13th - DEC 19th
Men:
Suits
Slacks
Jackets
Ties
Clothing
DRIVE!
Women:
Dresses, Suits, Slacks,
Blouses
Scarves
Belts
Handbags
Dress Shoes
Necklaces
FIDM Fashion Club