8. 05-01-2014 - Mission San Jose High School

hatchet
THE
Recess Time
Pg. 8-9
whs sports
in review
Pg. 14
Telling the truth since 1916
Vol. 95, Issue No. 8 ∙ May 1, 2014 ∙ Washington High School ∙ Fremont, CA
Dave the weatherman!
Pg. 3
Speech and Debate makes
it far in tournament
By PURNIMA Kashyap
Staff Reporter
Top left: Sophomores Abhinav Tripathy, Rahul Sheth, Anirudh Veeragavan, and Rugved Karhade
prepare speeches and research evidence.
Top right: Seniors Vignesh Muruganatham and Manveer Singh begin their speech.
Bottom right: Freshmen Ekta Dadlani, Mandeep Kaur, and sophomore Ria Sodha review evidence
for their next round.
Bottom left: Sophomore Shani Williams writes notes for her next speech.
Photos by Debi Pavlecic
On April 12 and 13, Speech and Debate
attended a tournament which was
hosted by and took place at Santa Clara
University. All teams did extremely well
in the competition and everybody had a
great time. About twenty students from
WHS attended the competition. Speech
and Debate had made it into the final
round before, but never to this extent.
Four teams from Parliamentary Debate
broke into the final round. In Public
Form, which is a brand new addition,
one team broke into the final round. But
unfortunately, not all teams won first
place in their respective final rounds.
Most of the students went home with
trophies and medals.
“This is the first year we have had this
many people go this far; as the years go
by, the teams get larger and the time they
are putting in is really starting to kick
off,” Speech and Debate Supervisor Debi
Pavlecic said.
The club practices for tournaments
after school and during weekends.
Students also receive coaching from a
former student from WHS. Speech and
Debate worked hard to reach this far
and plan to get stronger and compete in
more tournaments.
“In the previous years, as a club we
have been going to SCU for six or seven
years and we never had much success in
this tournament, but this year we did,”
said Manveer Singh, one of the captains
of Speech and Debate.
Singh believes this success is due
to himself, Vignesh Muruganantham,
and Lemar Karimi taking over as
the captains, and their dedication to
participating in more tournaments.
One of the most recent competitions
was the Stanford Invitational. Singh and
Muruganantham made it all the way to
semi-finals and were able to participate
as alternates at the state championships
because a team dropped out. The state
championship only took nine teams and
WHS were one of them.
The competition took place on April
25 and 26. Although they did not make
it to final round, it was a great honor that
the team made it that far.
WHS motto: Pride. Tradition? Excellence.
By GAUTAMI SHARMA AND
MATT VAN SPRAKELAAR
Staff Reporters
On Mar. 30, 2014, Senior Class President
Lauren Youhanna announced that WHS’
Principal Bob Moran did not approve the
Senior Pool Party. Because of the shift from
STAR testing to Common Core testing, the
traditional Senior Week was shortened to
Senior Days. The core of Senior Week was
the final pool party and barbeque where
students got to relax before Advanced
Placement testing in May.
Senior Class officers Lauren Youhanna,
Thomas Smith, and Mary Fowler contacted
Principal Moran with the hopes of
preserving the long-standing tradition.
After the class officers sent him a letter,
Moran still refused. Senior class officers
then reached out to the class of 2014,
informing students of the situation and how
their support could help.
“We felt that it was necessary for students
to understand what was going on. We felt
it would be unfair to let students know the
week before or the week of that something
they had anticipated so much would not
be happening so we informed seniors as
soon as we had a clear understanding of the
situation at hand,” 2014 Class Vice President
TJ Smith said.
Many students were willing to
express their response to the pool party
cancellation. Senior Amy DeLanda
organized a silent strike and gained
supporters in the hopes of bringing back the
pool party and expressing their opinion.
“We wanted to make an impact,” said
DeLanda. “Psychologically, results are best
made by showing a large united front. It’s
easier to reject emails than 40 students
glaring you down.”
However Youhanna put the strike
on hold so that students would not risk
anything after having signed their senior
contract. After that there was not enough
INSIDE:
time to hold the strike and still have a
timely impact.
The next day, April 4, Moran came
to address the leadership class and
announced his stance on the pool-party.
“My primary job as principal, as I
see it, is to be the instructional leader
on this campus,” Moran said. “You guys
are supposed to be here to learn and
the time we are here is supposed to be
instructional. How other principals did
it in the past, that’s how they did it. For
me, personally, in my gut, I can’t qualify
a pool party as instructional minutes.”
Moran then listed alternatives that
would be instructional like a talent
show, sober graduation, a room for AP
testing practice, scholarship sign-up
oppurtunities, or working on placement
tests for Ohlone.
As a compromise, he said the pool
party could be held June 4 or June
11 after school. However senior class
officers had a few concerns regarding
that suggestion.
“After a lot of thought we realized
that an after school pool party would
Left: Brett Walsh and Thomas Cuellar stand in line at the senior breakfast Tuesday.
not be beneficial to students,” Smith
Top right: Helen Lui slices a piece of scrumptios chocalate cake.
said. “We understand that graduation
Bottom right: Lauren Youhanna, Mary Fowler, and Thomas Smith recieve the
is a very busy time; after school a lot
“Most Spitrited” award.
Photos by amy mcclellan
of seniors are preparing for graduation
festivities and even graduation itself so we
couldn’t expect students to be excited for
“It is a senior picnic and also a field trip.
The officers had hoped to gain a
the pool party.”
If a student chooses not to go to Water
platform for the students’ opinions to
The senior officers noted that Moran’s
World and stay behind and go to class they
be heard and show how much people
position was not unreasonable but they
can do that, which is different than Senior
supported the pool party. On April 11,
were not ready to give up on the pool party.
Week, where you are mandated to do a
Maxwell came to Washington to speak to
On April 9 the officers, a few students, and
certain thing,” Moran said.
the officers and informed them that the
some parents went to show support and
Senior Week was a tradition that relied
district office instructed high schools to
speak at the Fremont School Board meeting. use time during standardized testing for
mainly on STAR testing and the recent
Erica Bickel and Thomas Smith’s mothers
changes in standardized testing led to the
instructional purposes and not parties. voiced their opinions to the Director of
Kennedy High School still had their
adaptation Senior Days. The tradition will
Secondary Education James Maxwell.
Senior Week and pool party four days
continue but in different forms as different
“[Maxwell] went on to let us know that
before spring break. When asked if that
testing days are put in place. As a result
actually parties during instructinal minutes
fact influenced him in any way, Moran said
different activities are kept or let go as a part
were actully outlawed about three years
he still stands by his earlier stance. Water
of Senior Week/Days.
ago,” said Smith.
World, is considered a different situation.
News 3-5 • Opinions 5-7 • Features 8-9 • Arts and Entertainment 11-13 • Sports 14-15 • Photos 16
2 ∙ The Hatchet ∙ May 1, 2014
Prep Courses for the
SAT & PSAT
LOCATIONS
300 POINT
SCORE
INCREASE
GUARANTEE!
Northern California
•
•
•
•
Fremont
Newark
San Jose
Cupertino
•
•
•
•
San Ramon
Palo Alto
Los Altos
San Mateo
Southern California
•
•
•
Brea
Torrance
Arcadia
•
•
•
Cerritos
Irvine
Walnut
(800) 913-PREP
www.exceltest.com
SAT
Summer
Intensive
Course
•
•
•
•
•
32 Days
8 100% Real Exams
128 hours
6 FREE Group Tutorials
6 months of
FREE Exam Club
• 8 different locations
$50 OFF!
Provide code
WHS50 when you
register and get
$50 off any SAT
course! Only one
code allowed
per registration.
“Excel Test really cares... it’s extremely
helpful in that it gives you the opportunities,
resources, and advice needed to improve
your skills and scores. This program helped
me out so much, not just with the SATs and
SAT Subject Tests, but with college admissions,
choosing a major, and improving my overall
test-taking and study skills.”
Jamie
“Excel’s program was excellent. The structure of
the program really helps students get a gear on
how the SAT works. The best resource, and one
of the best aspects about Excel, is the numerous
practice exams. The SATs really are about practice,
and practicing with the many exams at Excel
definitely put me a step ahead of my peers.”
Arthi
UCSD student
Columbia University
“Excel was a good program because its
method of teaching isn’t typical; it’s engaging
and entertaining, and that way I was actually
excited to go class. The teachers are always
willing to help a student and are very
friendly.”
Collen
UCSD student
“I absolutely loved the program. The instructor
gave me the individual attention I needed both
inside and outside the classroom to excel. The
methods taught me little tricks for the SAT that
I used for school as well. No other program offers
that.”
Arjun
MIT student
May 1, 2014 ∙ The Hatchet ∙ NEWS ∙ 3
Cloudy with a chance of Dave
By TRISTAN BORILLO
Staff Reporter
Reporting every Monday over the intercom
is senior David Schlottehauer, otherwise
known as Weatherman Dave. Schlottehauer
became known as Weatherman Dave when
Mrs. Sanchez, a former teacher at WHS,
asked him to report the weather over
WHTV. This lasted about three quarters
into the school year before he went on
hiatus until his senior year, when he began
reporting the weather over the intercom.
Schlottehauer became deeply interested
in the weather through a simple observation
when he was young.
“I saw the rainclouds one day and wanted
to know how they form,” Schlottehauer
said. From that point, he began to look at
weather maps on the internet along with
other weather sites, where his interest
only grew. April 29th marked his eleventh
anniversary as a weatherman.
Initially, he began his studies with just
the computer and weather charts. As he
learned more about weather, however, he
began to obtain physical maps, create his
own weather forecast, and plot rain cells.
He currently has three weather stations that
he operates, the most advanced one being
“Davis Vantage Vue Weather Station.”
The Davis Vantage Vue Weather Station
has multiple gadgets that help with his
forecasts. They have the ability to tell
multiple aspects of the weather including
heat index, air pressure, and can even
produce a 72 hour forecast. Furthermore,
it has a “WeatherIP” which can upload its
readings to the internet. In addition, he
posts his weather readings on social media
such as Facebook where he gives daily
weather updates.
With the weather station, Schlottehaur
can view information about the weather
such as sunrise and sunset times, moon
phases, and track meteor showers and
seasonal changes. He can also create graphs
that can analyze past data for temperature,
humidity, and barometric pressure.
His interest in weather and meteorology
has made an incredible impact in his
life. Along with becoming the school
weatherman, he spends his free time
researching upcoming weather. This also
led Schlottehauer to seriously consider
pursuing a career in meteorology, although
nothing is set in stone. Nevertheless, it will
always remain a big part of his life.
“If you take the size of Washington and
Kennedy and combine them, that’s about
the size of my interest in Meteorology,”
Schlottehauer said.
On April 17, DECA hosted an “endof-the-year” banquet in the cafeteria
to present various awards to members,
salute the departing seniors, and greet
the newly elected officers. Senior Vignesh
Muruganantham, one of the four founding
seniors of DECA, opened the banquet with
a speech thanking the club members, their
parents, the four DECA state officers that
attended, and Irvington’s DECA group.
Irvington’s DECA group was recognized
for their support of Washington’s DECA.
Because DECA is a club that was established
at Washington two years ago, Irvington was
able to assist the four founding seniors and
their advisor, Geometry teacher, Vince Wu.
The four DECA state officers that
attended the banquet were Vice President
of Communications Sophia Yang, Vice
President of Silicon Valley Albert Zeng,
Vice President of Public Relations Greg Chi,
and Vice President of Northern California
Shreya Bommireddi. They assisted with the
“passing of the torch,” and welcomed the
new officers for next year.
“I’m excited we get to see our new
officers and say good-bye to our old
officers,” said senior Nischitha Ranga, one
of the four founding seniors. “I feel that the
upcoming officers are prepared.”
The new officers are also excited for next
year, and have great expectations.
“I’m sad this year is ending,” said
sophomore Kami Mak, one of the upcoming
vice presidents. “But I’m excited for next
year.”
Vince Wu recognized and awarded
the 50 members that went to the state
competition conference. Members also
presented Wu with gifts.
“I could not be more proud,” Wu said.
CHOPPIN’?
News Briefs
Prom is just around
the corner
Junior Prom and Senior Ball are
on May 10 and the theme is “Old
Hollywood”. Tickets are available in
the Student Center for $75 with ASB
and $85 without. The Junior Prom/
Senior Ball will take place at City
Hall in San Francisco. The event is
from 7:30 P.M. to 11:30 P.M.
Blood Drive this
month
The blood drive is on May 30 and is
through Stanford Medical Center.
This is the third and final blood
drive of the year. Signups are in the
Student Center and start on May 5
and end on May 27.
Top to bottom: David forecasts on
WHTV; a display of weather readings; an example of a weather map.
Photos by David SchlotteHauer
DECA feasts on the success of another year
By KAYLA NELSON
Staff Reporter
W h a t ’s
Wu also said he hoped for DECA to go to
the national competition in Disney World
next year.
“We have a very active club on campus
and we have made our mark in California
DECA. We have great students, and I’m
looking forward for the years to come.”
Sophomore Anoop Brar joins fellow
club members at the banquet with
guest senior Preyrna Yadav.
Photo by Kayla Nelson
WHS car show
The WHS Car show will take place
on May 3. It is the 11th annual car
show. There will be a variety of all
kinds of vehicles featured including
vintage cars. The WHS Car show
will take place from 7 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Registration begins at 6:30 A.M. The
canned food drive will be taking
place simultaneously.
TiEcon entrepreneur
conference
TiE Youth is one the largest youth
entreprenuer conferences in the
world. If you’re looking for an
opportunity to meet young, succesful
entrepreneurs, be sure to attend the
2014 conference on May 17 from 2 to
5 p.m. at the Santa Clara Convention
Center. For more information, visit
TiEcon.org. The event is promoted by
DECA.
News briefs by
TRINA BENAVIDEZ
Spreading the flames of hip-hop
By JENNA WU
Staff Reporter
B-boying, a style of street dancing
that has spread worldwide, caught the
attention of senior Howard Tan and
inspired him to learn the style. Tan and
junior Jasper lee created B-boy Club this
year. The club, which meets on Tuesdays
at lunch in the lower E-building,
consists of about 20 members. The club’s
advisor is psychology teacher Dana
Nelson.
Tan and Lee created the club so
people could practice and engage in hiphop and its different styles of dancing.
Tan is currently the president of the club
with Lee as the vice president.
“I like [b-boying] because it’s fun
being able to get down new moves, and
when you finally get the move down it
feels super nice,” Lee said.
Currently, Lee practices dance moves
like flares, windmills, and swipes.
Flare is an acrobatic move where the
dancer is supporting the body on his or
Club
CORNER
her hands while swinging their legs around
the body. While performing a windmill,
the dancer uses the back for support while
swinging the legs around. In a swipe, the
dancer is on one leg and one hand, throwing
his or her hands across his or her body and
using their momentum to kick the feet up
to go in a circle. The move finishes with the
dancer landing on the same leg and hand he
or she started with.
Tan practices footwork and power moves
and combining the two into sets. Both Lee
and Tan are willing to teach other members
in the club to improve.
B-boy Club was not able to perform
in the Multicultural Assembly due to
members’ busy schedules and not being
able to finalize the choreography. However,
Tan performed in another hip-hop dance
performance in the assembly.
Lee plans on continuing the club next
year. He also plans on having the club
participate in next year’s Multicultural
Assembly and other events as well.
“Everyone should join because it’s fun
and members in the club are almost like a
family since we help each other a lot. Plus it
looks cool and gets girls,” Lee said.
Counter-clockwise from left: Senior Howard Tan performs the Chair
Freeze; junior Jeremy Quero also practices the Chair Freeze; junior Jasper
Lee performs the Nike Freeze.
Photos by Jenna Wu
4 ∙ NEWS ∙ The Hatchet ∙ May 1, 2014
CSF gets mentored
By ROHIT DHAR
Staff Reporter
Starting next year, California Scholarship
Federation (CSF) will attempt to establish
a mentorship program. The program will
match an underclassmen as a mentee with
an upperclassmen as a mentor, respectively.
This allows the underclassmen in question
to be given a guide for high school in
regards to classes, extracurriculars, study
tips, prep courses, internships, scholarships,
and the like.
The intention for this program is to
provide guidance to underclassmen who
may not have older siblings or friends that
could help them make the right choices in
high school. As of now, the program is only
open to CSF members.
“It’s always positive to have a mentor to
assist you. It’s always good to have someone
to guide you from a student’s perspective,”
said Sharon Jones, CSF adviser and English
teacher.
The program is semester-long, with
an underclassmen working with their
mentor. At the end of the semester, the
underclassmen decide whether to remain
with their mentor or rotate to a different
one. CSF will either conduct the program
in a trial stage in mid-May or will start in
full form at the beginning of next year. In
addition, they may expand the program to
individuals outside of CSF.
“We created this program to prepare our
underclassmen for their future ahead and
to learn from upperclassmen to ensure a
brighter future. This program is to propel
WHS Huskies forward in the future,” CSF
President Priya Kohli said.
Hall of Fame honors alumni
By YOSEPH LATIF
Staff Reporter
WHS will be having its first official Hall
of Fame dinner on May 17. The primary
purpose of this event is to honor alumni
as well as generate money for the school.
Alumni who will be honored include Jess
Jacinto, a former board member of the
WHS Alumni Foundation, David Carter,
a California federal court judge, Scott
Haggerty, an Alameda County Supervisor,
and Tak Fudenna, who helped construct
the district’s sporting stadium which was
named after him.
“Mrs. Paris originally had the idea to
honor WHS graduates who have gone on
to do exceptional things,” explained ASB
President, Josh Dalavai. The steps into
making this vision a reality began with
Leadership students building a Wall of Fame
near the water fountain with the guidance of
a contractor.
There will also be a special segment
dedicated to female athletes who attended
WHS. In 1972, an Education Amendment
was passed which denied discrimination in
school activites based on sex. Before this,
women would receive a small “W” for their
accomplishments, but never a true Varsity
letter. The dinner will help shed a light on
these women, which the school has invited
to rightfully receive their letters.
The dinner will be held at Swiss Park in
Newark from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $30
per person and $350 for a table of ten. More
information on the event can be found on
the WHS website.
Exp. 6/30/14
By MATTHEW VAN SPRAKELAAR
JULIE JEON
May 1, 2014 ∙ The Hatchet ∙ NEWS ∙ 5
Colombian students get a taste of America
By SUBHIKSHA RAMAN
Staff Reporter
Colombian exchange students from
Jeffersion Colegio in Cali, Colombia visited
Fremont from Mar. 30 to Apr. 6. They stayed
with WHS students’ families and taught the
school about their culture. This was WHS’s
tenth time hosting them, coordinated by
Spanish teacher Mary Gimeno and through
the exchange program conducted by English
teacher David Skillings’s brother Daniel
Skillings. This was the last time Gimeno
coordinated the program.
The students, like junior Kayla Gladish,
chose to host them because they wanted to
get to know someone outside of the country.
Gladish especially thought this experience
would allow her to learn about a new
culture in a fun way.
“I wanted to meet people who saw the
world a little differently than I did,” Gladish
said.
Senior James Roney and his family
chose to host a Colombian because of his
cultural exchange experience in Colombia
last year. He went with four other students
including this staff reporter. He enjoyed the
Colombian way of life and the people.
“I understand the parts of Colombia I
visited are the good parts, but I liked them
in a way not easily explainable,” Roney said.
During the school week, the Colombians
shadowed their hosts as they went to and
from school and to their different classes.
While shadowing, they also went around
the campus and gave different presentations
about Colombian culture in health,
business, history, world language, and
journalism classes on Tuesday, Apr. 1.
For example, in the journalism class, their
presentations included information about
the history of Colombia; how there used to
be four social classes: Españoles, Criolles
Mestizos, Indios, and Negros y Mulatos; and
how the country has evolved from a rural
Yogurtland Fremont
WHS Special
15% OFF
ANY PURCHASE
OVER $2
WITH COUPON
Yogurtland Fremont
4069 Mowry Ave ∙ Fremont, CA 94538
Tel: (510) 795-7359
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. ∙ Fri-Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
www.yougurt-land.com
society to a developing country. Towards
the end of the presentation, they prepared a
quiz concerning the information presented
to the students to “see if they were paying
attention.” They also taught the students
how to dance the salsa.
Later on that week, on Thursday, Apr. 3,
the Colombians performed in an assembly
at the cafeteria during periods 2-4. The
assembly started with a video highlighting
the Colombian culture and landscapes.
Following the video were some of their
performances, including a monologue by
Sofia Sarria and two dances using murals
depicting the Colombian landscapes and
social life. The second mural dance also
included 12-year-old Maria Cardona
dancing among the students holding the
murals. The Colombians provided their
own music; about seven of them played
background music to the different dances in
a band.
In addition, the band performed “Happy”
by Pharrell which involved background
singers, all of whom were WHS students. It
was sung primarily by Sebastian Guerrero.
They also performed “Counting Stars” by
One Republic, sung primarily by exchange
student Juliana Monotoya. She remembered
that she did not get too nervous since she
is used to performing in front of people.
However, she said she did get tired of
performing over and over again.
The assembly ended with a conga line
following the very last dance. The conga
line comprised of the Colombians and some
of the people in the audience, including
Gimeno.
The host families in turn took the
Colombians on day trips throughout
the week. For example, Roney took his
Colombian shopping in Walmart and drove
them to scenic places. They went bowling
on Wednesday, Apr. 2.
“It was fun and challenging coming
up with ways to keep our Colombians
entertained,” Roney said. “[Bowling with
them] was the highlight experience for me.”
One of the exchange students, Carlos
Revela, remembers going to Santa Cruz
and going on roller coasters with his hosts
during the weekend. Sarria said that she had
a good time while visiting Monterrey.
The Colombians, including Juan José,
Isabella Mariño, and Maria Monotoya,
loved their different interactions with WHS
students and the people in Fremont itself.
“I liked the people [because] they were
very kind to me,” José said.
Manuel Velasco admired everyone’s
punctuality and the students’ freedom to
go off campus during lunch. Daniela Zea
especially appreciated her host family’s
kindness toward all of them.
“One thing I’ll remember most is when
I sing to [my host] ‘Do You Wanna Build
a Snowman?’ when she’s in the bathroom,”
Zea said.
6 ∙ OPINIONS ∙ The Hatchet ∙ May 1, 2014
THE
hatchet
Washington High School
38442 Fremont Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94536
(510) 505-7300
[email protected]
The Hatchet is a forum
for student expression
and discussion of ideas
uncensored by school
officials. The staff seeks to
ethically produce an accurate record of the news,
sports, issues and people
of the WHS community.
Editor-in-Chief
Matt van Sprakelaar
Arts & Entertainment
Editor
Trevor Fung
News Editors
Ayeesha Hossain
Anjali Suthar
Cartoon By Geia Benson
Changes require a change of heart
Opinions Editors
AnaChristina Arana
Nishtha Bhatia
T
Features Editors
Uma Bhatia
Jeffrey Yeung
Staff
EDITORIAL
Sports Editor
Rohan Parulkar
Photos Editor
Andrew Chen
Advertising Manager
Julie Jeon
Advisor
David Skillings
Staff Reporters
Trina Benavidez
Tristan Borillo
Rohit Dhar
Abirami Ganesh
Purnima Kashyap
Twinkle Khanna
Yoseph Latif
Michael Macabitas
Vishesh Mani
Amy McClellan
Raven Moorer
Yasmin Neda
Kayla Nelson
Han Ngo
Kathleen Norton
Kathleen Phan
Emilio Ponce
Kathleen Quach
Subhiksha Raman
Brenda Rivera
Alyssa Rosencrans
Gautami Sharma
Nishika Tripathi
Kasy Tu
Jenna Wu
his past school year has been one full
of friction, much more than we have
seen in previous years. A pattern
can be found: first a proposed change, then
immediate protests, and finally rejection. This
cycle becomes
evident when
we analyze
the tardy
policy, the
senior pool
party, and in general, the acceptance of WHS’
new administration. It is perfectly rational to
complain about the changes that affect one’s
school experience; however, it is not rational
to do so without looking into the reasons
behind the changes.
The primary motivation for all changes
made this year was improvement. In the
minds of all the administration or board
members making these changes, the main
goal has been to improve WHS’ education
level. Coming in as second to last in FUSD
according to our API scores, and dead last
with our college readiness percentage last
year, there is no question as to whether WHS
needs progress. However, were these new
policies and decisions working towards that?
Moreover, was there justification in all the
outcry against them?
First let’s examine the situation of the
eBooks. AP Chemistry, AP Biology, and AP
European History classes received eBooks at
the beginning of the year. The eBooks were
issued with the mindset that they would be
the next improvement in education. They
don’t gradually deteriorate, or get stolen, or
require any use of energy to carry. Despite
this, the classes switched back to the original
textbooks within a month. There were
worries that not every student would have the
access to a device for an eBook. The bigger
problem, though, was that the students who
received the eBooks were already comfortable
with textbooks. Perhaps if the eBooks were
issued in a more logical fashion, and instead
given to the freshmen who would not see it
as much of an intrusion, they would have not
fallen through.
Now the more prominent issue is the
situation the new administration is in. New
to the school, their relatively strict tardy
policy was not the best way to make a first
impression. The policy looked to many like
a quick assertion of power. That, coupled
with the administration’s increased presence
on campus, made the situation even worse.
The swiftness of the policy was yet another
factor in the resentment that soon built up
towards the policy. However, if the policy had
not been executed in the beginning of the
year, it would not have the same high level of
effectiveness it has had.
Still, the protests made against the tardy
policy are understandable. After years of
leniency, a new, enforced law seems like a
bit of an injustice. But we must ask ourselves
what our final goal is. Is it to enjoy a carefree
life in high school, or is to learn academics
and real world lessons?
Senior days have already ended, but there
is still resentment regarding the senior pool
party. Seeing a senior tradition get revoked so
easily would, of course, bring on complaints.
Again, the situation the administration was in
must be examined to determine whether or
not the act was justified.
Keeping in mind that the main goal
of the administration is to improve WHS
academics, the cancellation was logical. The
pool party was not a good use of educational
minutes, and it would have been an obvious
disturbance to the students testing nearby.
After years of being used to the previous
principal’s leadership, Principal Moran’s
more noticeable presence combined with
his firm policies, the rapidity of Common
Core installation, and the senior pool party
withdrawal, all within the same year, caused a
lot of resentment.
Principal Moran might just be a victim of
circumstance. He was put in charge of WHS
with the purpose of improving its education
level. He saw problems that could be fixed,
and he addressed them. His methods were
relatively fast, but still manageable. However,
he came in during a year of heavy changes,
including Common Core installation and
resource updates such as eBooks, Windows
8, and Wireless internet. All the changes
made this year were associated with the new
administration, whether purposely or not.
Senioritis - it is real and here to stay
By KATHLEEN PHAN
Staff Reporter
The countless absences, tardies,
missing assignments, late work,
and sleeping in class are all due
to the very real disease called
senioritis spreading through
the graduating class. Seniors,
teachers, administration, and
underclassmen are all very aware
of this plague that occurs every
year. Still, little is done to combat
it. In fact, senioritis is not really
looked down upon at all...but
should it be?
Senioritis is the common
reason, or excuse as teachers
might say, for the constant laziness
and carelessness seniors show. The
closer graduation gets, the more
severe senioritis becomes. In most
cases, senioritis just leads to minor
mistakes which do not affect the
overall future of students.
However, in some cases,
senioritis can lead to reckless
behavior and the ruin of a
student’s school year. Extreme
cases of senioritis can end up
keeping students from being
able to participate in events
like gradnite, prom, or even
graduation.
Such heavy concequences
make it harder and harder to let
senioritis slide by unstopped.
The fact that mere laziness could
lead to such big punishments is
startling. Startling, but still not
startling enough to fight back and
beat the laziness in the first place.
A possible reason for senioritis
may be the fact that students
believe that senior year is not as
important as the years prior to it. Once you’re a second semester
senior, you already know your
future plans: college, workforce,
trade school, or whatever it may
be. Seniors only need C’s or better
to move on from high school and
get on with the rest of their lives,
so many may view senior year as
all fun and games. It is in this state
that senioritis often develops.
I have definitely caught a case
of senioritis. For the most part, it
was dormant in the first semester,
but it is now in full swing. I find
myself going home and completely
forgetting about homework, tests,
and quizzes. On top of that, I lack
the desire to really study. There
just doesn’t seem to be much
motivation to.
A controversial issue among
students and teachers is whether
or not seniors should be given a
“break” because of senioritis or if
senior year should be scrutinized
equally as the years before.
Senioritis is not a valid excuse
for missing work or blatantly
not being present in the class.
However, senior year should be
more laid back, and both students
and teachers should be less
stressed out.
It’s possible to be laid back
and still not have senioritis. As
long as students are not blatantly
disregarding all things school and
homework-related, they can afford
to relax from time to time.
It’s definitely hard to avoid
senioritis, but with a little bit of
willpower, it is fully possible.
Senioritis seems like a short
term problem, but it can lead to
concequences that definitely last
for many years to come.
May 1, 2014 ∙ The Hatchet ∙ OPINIONS ∙ 7
Don’t live life with #NoRagrets
By KATHLEEN NORTON
Staff Reporter
A life lived without regret is a
life wasted. If you looked back
at your entire life and wouldn’t
change anything about what
you’ve done, that’s pretty sad.
It shows no growth or desire
to improve. This is not to
say that everyone should go
around complaining about past
mistakes or lapses in judgement.
But these things must be
acknowledged or we will be
stuck in a perpetual cycle of
flawed monotony.
Regrets are scary. They
mean that you could have done
better, but in that moment you
did not or could not. It’s easy
for a person to say that all the
mistakes they have made led
them to this part of their life.
That may be true, but it is also
true that had something been
done differently, life would
be entirely unrecognizable,
perhaps in a really good way.
The purpose of understanding
this is not to encourage people
to mope about what could have
been. It is to work towards a
better life and better decisions
in the future.
The ideas that society
preaches of learning from the
past and simultaneously having
no regrets are contradictory.
Looking back at history, there
are many tragedies that the
world would likely be better
without. The holocaust and
slavery did nothing to improve
humanity. If we were able to
go back to the very beginning
and prevent the seed of
prejudice from being planted
in the mind, of humankind,
the world would be better.
These are widely accepted to
be regrettable occurrences of
humanity as a whole. Regretting
these things should be looked
at no differently than regretting
personal actions.
There would be no point
in having a history if we only
looked at it for content, rather
than learning from it. We might
as well be starting from scratch.
People have no trouble looking
back at the history of the world
as a whole, pointing out the
things that were done wrong,
and agreeing that it is important
to try and prevent these things
from happening again. No sane
person wants another genocide.
It’s logical to regret that these
things happened. Looking back
at our own personal histories
should be no different. There
is no reason to not regret
failing a class or to not regret
quitting a sport. Next time, do
the homework and don’t get
discouraged when you don’t
win on your first try. Regretting
these things is no different than
learning from the past.
It’s hard to acknowledge
our own past shortcomings,
and when we are forced to, it’s
so much easier to just say “life
happens.” However, it’s so much
more rewarding and worth it to
realize that you made a mistake.
Own up to it. Learn from it
and regret it. At the end of your
life, if you would do literally
everything exactly the same,
you probably haven’t learned
much. Any pain you caused or
truly damaging mistake you
made is an opportunity to do
better. So if tomorrow, someone
offers you a time machine to go
back and make a change, take
the offer. Do something better.
Freedom of speech, not freedom to attack
By KATHLEEN QUACH
Staff Reporter
On Friday, April 4th, a self-proclaimed
preacher, Dean Saxton, held up a sign on
Arizona State University’s campus that
read, “You Deserve Rape.” He claimed that
everyone has freedom of speech and that
there was nothing wrong with what he was
preaching. However, this scene stirred up
some controversy and many students and
witnesses took offense.
Not only did he hold up a sign that
offended rape victims, but he also said,
“Most of you women out here by the way
that you are dressed, I can tell that your
father hates you.”
It is unfair for women to have to worry
about being raped when walking down the
streets alone. They are constantly being
blamed for wearing shorts that are too
short, or a top that is too revealing. When
did the world ever come to the conclusion
that a woman’s body should be covered
just because it is seen as “distracting”
or “provocative” to men’s eyes? Most
importantly, when was it ever a woman’s
fault that they were raped? If a woman
were to wear revealing clothing or walk
the streets at a late hour in a dangerous
neighborhood and got raped, it would still
not be her fault. Men aren’t animals. They
can control their hormones and the urge
to lay their hands on a woman. Double
standards are always being put on women.
Society judges women more harshly than
men, and that needs to change.
A rape victim shouldn’t be blamed
because of the way they dress, nor should
they be told that their father hates them.
These accusations comprise a misogynistic
way of thinking. Rape is violence, not sex.
The criminal only wants control and power
over the victim, along with sexual desire
that the victim does not approve of. Not all
rape victims dress provocatively, and no one
asks to be a target. Most importantly, not all
rape victims are young women. There are
men, children, and elders who are raped by
low-life criminals.
We live in a world where women have
to worry about covering up or being in
safe environments so they won’t become a
victim to rape. No one deserves this terrible
action and it shouldn’t be supported. Even
though Saxton has freedom of speech, it
does not meam that he has the right to
attack rape victims. It is morally wrong to
do so, and his way of thinking is completely
irrational and offensive.
Teachers, excused means excused
By HAN NGO
Staff Reporter
Some teachers mark down
students on their participation
grades if they are absent, even
if the absences are excused.
This raises a lot of controversy
depending on the situation of
the absence. If a student has an
excused absence, it is not fair to
mark down their participation
grade for that reason. But if the
student is absent on a day when
a long-term project or paper
is due, then marking down
points is okay. Even then, it
should not be factored into their
participation grade.
Excused absences exist for a
reason. They are to ensure that
students do not get penalized
when they are unable to attend
school for a legitimate reason.
It is not fair for students to be
blamed or punished for being
sick. Their health and well-being
are priorities.
It is unreasonable for a
teacher to get frustrated with
a student for being absent.
As long as they complete the
work within the days that they
are given once they return to
school, they should be fine.
When students feel that their
teachers are frustrated with
them, it only creates more stress
for them.
It is school policy for
teachers to give their students
the same amount of days they
were absent to complete the
work that they missed. But
often times, teachers do not
follow this policy. Instead they
force their students to turn in
assignements before this time,
which again just stresses them
out. Some teachers also make
their students take make-up
tests the first day that they
return to school, even if they are
not prepared, which can really
damage their grade.
Teachers need to stop
blaming their students for being
ill or having to attend school
sponsored events. Excused
means excused.
Anthony Nguyen, 11
“I would like to learn
hypnosis because it
would be really cool to
hypnotize people.”
Mr. Webb
English Teacher
“It would be awesome
to professionally
skydive! It seems super
fun and you would get
an adrenaline rush.”
Dhruvangi Shah, 12
“I would like to
learn how to dunk a
basketball. It would be
really cool and I would
get more playing time.”
Ally Van De Graaf, 10
Rishab Goel,9
Huskies “What random skill would
in the Halls
you most like to learn?”
“I would like to learn
how to juggle because I
think it looks very cool
and it is super fun to
watch.”
“I would like to learn the
skill to read minds. I could
use it to help me win the
lottery.”
A Bowl of
Ramen
Abirami
Ganesh
Fight for your
right to party
This past month, the class of 2014 has
been riled up about the shortening
of Senior Week into Senior Days. But
what really peeved us was that the
long-awaited seniors-only pool party
has been canceled. The revocation of
this beloved tradition has thrown all
the seniors into a frenzy.
Every year, the graduating class
has a pool party during Senior Week,
when all the other classes are taking
standardized tests. Since the testing
has been shortened, Senior Week has
consequently been cut. Many seniors
who were once excited about Senior
Week and the pool party have been
outraged because not only has Senior
Week been reduced to Senior Days,
but the pool party has been cancelled.
Once the announcement about
the cancellation was made, the class
of 2014 took to Facebook and other
social media outlets to complain.
While this reaction is understandable
in adolescents, it didn’t really
accomplish anything or have a
constructive outcome.
For the most part, the seniors’
expression of this anger could be
construed as whining, which is
true since in no way are the seniors
entitled to a pool party, or even a full
senior week for that matter. In fact,
many schools in the district don’t
have either. However, even amid
the various changes that have taken
place this year, the cancellation of
the pool party was unexpected. In
any case, whining from the seniors is
not justified, especially if we expect
to be treated and respected as adults
entering the real world.
While the members of the senior
class were for the most part unable
to form their criticisms into actual
actions that would create a favorable
outcome, the senior class officers
worked hard to address the issue in
a way that had some hope of being
acknowledged by the administration.
In an exemplary show of
leadership, the senior class officers
have kept a calm and reasonable
stance. Without arguing or otherwise
angering the administration, Senior
Class President Lauren Youhanna and
Vice President TJ Smith decided to
write a letter to Principal Bob Moran
listing reasons why the class of 2014
is insistant on having a pool party
and some alternatives if this is not
possible. This eloquent letter is an
admirable example fighting for what
you want.
The letter listed options to
resolve the concerns that caused the
cancellation of the pool party. Even
though the administration did not
approve of the alternative options
set forth in the letter, the senior
class officers were able to work out
a compromise with them and are
currently planning a pool party
sometime during the last week of
school. Best of all they persuaded
the administration to meet the ends
they thought best for their class very
professionally instead of whining.
8 ∙ FEATURES ∙ The Hatchet ∙ May 1, 2014
The hit single “Yeah!” by Usher, featuring Lil Jon and
Ludacris was released on Jan. 27, 2004 and topped the
Billboard Hot 100 for twelve consecutive weeks. It was
beaten by its follow up song, “Burn.” In total, “Yeah”
topped fourteen charts worldwide. The song was the
longest running single in 2004 and was played in all
clubs at the time. Usher’s song won the R&B and Hip
Hop Single of the Year Award and the Hot 100 Single
of the Year Award in the Billboard Awards. It was also
named Best Rap Song Collaboration in the Grammy
Awards.
Start
May 1, 2014 ∙ The Hatchet ∙ FEATURES ∙ 9
Hubba Bubba gum tape was the coolest thing you could
own. Possessing it instantly made you popular because
it showed you were a rule breaker because you brought
gum to school, and because this gum was in a tape you
cut. If someone asked you for some of your precious
Hubba Bubba gum tape, you could choose how big
of a piece they received - you had all the power in the
world! Hubba Bubba continues to make this gum but
has expanded from the original bubble gum flavor to
include such flavors such as grape and tropical.
Believe it or not, Pac-man was not always the popular
and accessible game that it is today. Pac-man is an
arcade game that was released on May 22, 1980 in
Japan. Yes, the phrase ‘arcade game’ means that one had
to visit an actual arcade to play the game, not the ‘Game
Center’ found on smartphones. Pac-man is one of the
longest running video games and generated more than
$2.5 million by 1990. Pac-man is still played in arcades;
however, it is much easier for Pac-man to be played on
handheld devices or a portable computer. Although
Pac-man isn’t as popular as it was back in the 90’s, it will
always be an original game that everyone can enjoy.
Kim Possible premiered on the Disney Channel starting
on June 7, 2002. The show is about Kim Possible,
a teenage girl who fights crime, but also deals with
everyday issues. Kim has a partner Ron Stoppable,
who can't do anything right. Ron has a naked mole rat
named Rufus who aids Kim and Ron on their missions.
She has a Kimmunicator device through which she
receives gadgets to use on missions from her friend
Wade. He also supplies her transportation to and from
missions and looks up information for her. The show
lasted five years and ended on September 7, 2007. Kim
Possible is the second longest running Disney Channel
Original Series.
Recess Time
With AP tests around the corner, take a recess from all of that studying to go back in
time. In this game, look for the memories of the good ol’ days, when homework was
in the packet, there was recess, and boys/girls actually had cooties.Roll a die and move
that many spaces. Once you land on the space, tell the other players a memory relating
to that subject. For each memory, you get a point. If you can’t come up with one, skip
your next turn and don’t get a point. The first person to reach the Finish box gets five
points. The person with the most points wins.
Good Luck!
Finish
That’s So Raven aired on Disney Channel for the first
time on January 12, 2003. The show featured Raven
Baxter, a teen living in San Francisco who gets psychic
visions. The story follows her and her friends Eddie and
Chelsea on their adventures in high school. Her visions
get her in trouble because she either trys to make them
come true or prevent them from happening. The show
lasted four years and ended on November 7, 2007.
Cory, Raven's younger brother in the show, had a spin
off called Cory in the House. That’s So Raven is the
third longest running Disney Channel Original Series.
MICHAEL MACABITAS
BRENDA RIVERA
ALYSSA ROSENCRANS
NISHIKA TRIPATHI
Staff Reporters
Whether you were a girl or a boy, Neopets was the game
for you. This is a virtual gaming website where kids had
a chance to behave as if they were guardians of neopets.
For once, kids were not the one’s being fed, but instead
doing the feeding. Not only were kids able to own their
own pets, but they were able to own their own house,
store and have their own bank account. The game was
like an introduction to the real world; it taught kids the
use and importance of money and food. The world of
Neopets had its own currency (neopoints), marketplace,
and economy. The game was so popular that kids would
be found making several new email addresses to get
another selection of the maximum of four neopets. The
Neopets website is still up and running.
Sometime in the early 2000s, Kellogg's created the
greatest, most rare snack of any childhood: Yogos.
With fruity flavors, a creamy yogurt shell, and a chewy
gummy center, there is no way these snacks could
wrong. And they didn't. These individual snack bags
of fruity, creamy heaven had a strong appeal, and they
could be found in schools across the nation. So strong,
that there is a complaint board on Kellogg's website
from fans of the treats demanding them back, although
there is no word from the company on whether these
tasty balls will ever return.
“The Reason,” the most successful single for Hoobastank,
a modern rock band, was number two on the Billboard
Hot 100 when it was released on April 27, 2004. The
song was also named as a nominee for Song of the Year
for the 2005 Grammy Awards; however, it was beaten
out by “Daughters,” by John Mayer. The song gained
more popularity overseas, topping the singles charts in
Italy, Mexico and Canada. The popularity of the song
overshadowed the popularity of the music video. Many
did not understand the connection of the song and the
music video that displayed a jewel heist by the band
members, however that did not take away from the
famous tune and lyrics of the song. So far, they have sold
10 million albums.
Souljia Boy’s “Crank That” topped the Billboard Hot
100 for seven weeks. The song was released from his
debut album May 2, 2007 and gained popularity with
the dance in the music video. “Crank That” was ranked
the twenty-third most successful song in the 2000s by
BillBoard, and was nominated for a Grammy Award
for Best Rap Song but lost to Kanye West’s “Good Life.”
Souljia Boy is known for his Southern Hip Hop style
and his repetitive and catchy hooks, but none of his
songs became as popular as “Crank That.”
There is nothing that children love more than candy
and prizes. Combine the two and you get Nestle's
Wonderball. The Wonderball was a hollow chocolate
sphere that contained a surprise inside. The prizes
included more candy, stickers, tattoos and even small
toys you could build yourself. The Food and Drug
Association (FDA) discontinued the Wonderball
because of the plastic embedded in the candy. The
Kinder Surprise Egg is very similar but can only be
found in the United Kingdom and Canada, although
lucky fans have found them in the US. Get Googling.
Surprisingly, M.A.S.H. - Mansion, Apartment, Shack,
House is not as popular as it was back in the day. The
game was easily played with a pencil and paper at
school, home, or anywhere. It predicted an individual’s
future life by answering questions such as where we
would live, who we would marry, how many kids we
would have, what car we would drive, what job we
would have, etc. Nowadays, a pencil and paper are
not needed for M.A.S.H., since many applications in
electronic devices can generate the game for you.
Ed, Edd, and Eddy premiered on Cartoon Network
on January 4, 1999. The show revolved around "the
Eds", who lived on a cul-de-sac in Peach Creek. Ed
was the dumb and most hard-working member of the
group, Edd "Double D" was the smartest, and Eddy was
the self-appointed leader and con-artist. Eddy would
always try to con the other kids out of money to buy
jawbreakers. However, their plans never worked out
and always got them into trouble. The show lasted ten
years, ending on November 8, 2009. The show had
an audience of 31 million people and was broadcast
in 120 different countries. Ed, Edd, and Eddy is the
longest running original Cartoon Network series.
10 ∙ The Hatchet ∙ May 1, 2014
Tutoring Gurus
$100
early
registration
discount!
Tutors:
UC-Berkeley,
UCLA grads
G7-12 Tutoring
SAT I, SAT II, AP
One grade up in a quarter
300 points increase from diagnostic score
Finest tutors (UC-Berkeley, UCLA grads)
 Small class size < 10 (others 20-50)
 1:1 feedback (none by others)
 Best content in the industry
 8 wk in-depth English/Math review
 Intensive Summer Boot Camp





Small class size (2-3)
Novel one-step-ahead tutoring
Continuous tracking and feedback
Leader in summer subject previews
Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Cal, Calculus,
Chemistry, Physics, Computers, Statistics
English, Biology, G7-8 Math/Science
(510)449-9233
[email protected]
www.tutoringgurus.com
3755 Washington Blvd, #202, Fremont, CA 94538
May 1, 2014 ∙ The Hatchet ∙ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ∙ 11
Washington to host its first-ever Film Festival
By JENNA WU
Arts & Entertainment
Editor
The first-ever Film Festival
at WHS will be held on
Friday, June 6 in the Husky
Theater. The admission
fee is $3 with ASB, and
$5 without. All proceeds
will be go to the Fine Arts
Department and future
club fundings for Huskies
Productions.
Seniors Nicholas Quiroz
and Faraaz Pathan came
up with the idea of having
a Film Festival. Quiroz
decided to organize the
Film Festival after hearing
that there are aspiring
filmmakers here at WHS;
however, he did not have the
staff or the permission to
carry out his plan. During
March, Quiroz collaborated
with senior Patricia Zee
to create a place in which
WHS filmmakers could
showcase their talents.
English teacher and WHTV
advisor Athena Karantzalis
is the advisor of the event.
Zee is the president
of Huskies Productions,
which is a club in which
the members make original
short videos or films for fun.
Some of the club’s previous
works include multiple
music videos, a fake horror
trailer, and a suicideawareness PSA. Quiroz
is part of Stratos Films,
a group of independent
filmmakers that was
founded by Quiroz himself,
Pathan, and senior Xyrell
Demmit. Stratos Films is
currently working on a
few projects and hoping to
finish a short film by June.
“As the WHTV advisor,
I’m excited to see what
students outside of the class
can produce,” Karantzalis
said.
The judges are Quiroz,
Karantzalis, and junior
Shaun Chatrath. Awards
will be given to the best
film, best actor, best actress,
best screenplay, best editing,
and best original score.
Films need to be
submitted in by May 14
to room E231 by USB or
DVD/CD with the name
of the filmmaker. Anyone
is welcome to enter in the
festival. The films that will
be shown are dependent
on the submissions. Short
films, sketches, music
videos, documentaries, and
false trailers will be accepted
as long as they are within
the allotted time frame. The
quality must be 720p or
better. Submissions could
Checkin’ Books Out
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier
Spy by John LeCarre
Attention Huskies! An emergency
assignment is underway! With AP testing,
finals, and SATs coming up, we need every
Husky to be fully prepared. Your mission, if
you choose to accept it, will require focus,
determination, and lots and lots of coffee.
And who better to look to for inspiration
than spies? If these secret agents can defeat
terrorists, assassins, and smugglers, then we
can certainly get through school year, even
without a license to kill.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy has been called the best
espionage novel ever written. John Le Carre’s cynical and
spellbinding spy thrillers are unique because they are based
on an extensive knowledge of international espionage. Le
Carre acquired this knowledge firsthand during his years
as an operations agent for the British M15. The author’s
personal experience and his tremendous talent as a master
storyteller and writer make this book one of the best novels
in the genre.
The dying head of MI5 believes there’s a mole - a term
Le Carre actually invented In his effort to smoke out the
mole, the chief sets in motion an ill-advised operation, with
disastrous results. With no one left to turn to, MI5 calls in
George Smiley, a former agent, to find out who the mole is.
Smiley, however, is tired of the spy game. Although he was
one of he best agents in MI5, the Smiley we meet is burdened
with personal baggage, and scarred by the events he has
witnessed while working.
In contrast to Ian Flemming with his techno-laden James
Bond licensed to kill, Le Carre’s George Smiley is a prosaic,
pedantic, painstakingly ordinary mortal with an orderly
mind. He is a hero like no other. Smiley’s heroism lies in his mediocre but methodical
brilliance and prodigious memory.
This is not a simple, easy-to-read book. Although Le Carre’s novels are well-written
and realistic, they can be very complicated - and this book is one of his more complex
endeavors. The storyline is not linear, and contains many subplots. Most of the novel
is composed of flashbacks, and oftentimes, it is difficult to tell what takes place when.
Much is left for the reader to puzzle out, at least until the end. The effort to stay with
Le Carre is well worth the effort though, as he weaves a convoluted tale of mystery and
espionage that anyone can appreciate and enjoy.
Deception Point by Dan Brown
have been made at any time.
The rules for the contest are
posted on room E231’s door.
“I would like everyone
to know that this is not a
competition, but [rather]
about expressing and
sending a message that
movie making is an art form
and that any one can make a
decent film,” Quiroz said.
There will be a meeting
on May 2 during lunch in
room E231 to see how many
people are interested in
participating in the festival.
By AMY MCCLELLAN
Editor-in-Chief
When Eight Bells Toll
by Alstair MacLean
“...when a Peacemaker’s bullet hit hits you in, say, the leg,
you don’t curse, step into shelter... then smartly shoot your
assailant between the eyes. When a Peacemaker bullet hit
hits your leg you fall to the ground unconscious, ...then ...
then you will never walk again without crutches because a
totally disintegrated femur leaves the surgeon with no option
but to cut your leg off. And so I stood absolutely motionless,
not breathing, for the Peacemaker Colt that had prompted
this unpleasant train of thought was pointed directly at my
right thigh.”
When Eight Bells Toll is filled with dry and sarcastic
humor. The character is the closest thing to James Bond
(without actually being James Bond, of course). The story is
built around the British Treasury agent Philip Calvert’s pursuit
of a murderous gang of maritime hijackers operating out of
the rugged coastline of Western Scotland.
Calvert is a highly experienced agent who may be in over
his head in this tense tale, attempting to piece together a
plot obscured by cover stories, lies, kidnapping, murder, and
treachery. The sinister conspiracy includes a wealthy shipping
magnate, his former actress wife, a group of very ruthless
killers, and various inhabitants of the West Highlands whose cooperation has been
coerced or bought. When Calvert’s cover is blown early on, he is forced into a desperate
race against time to locate the hijackers before they can kill their hostages and escape.
His search by air and sea takes him over remote isles and sea lochs, and forces him to
make allies of some unlikely characters. The double-crosses don’t stop until the very
last page.
MacLean has a gift for understated and ironic dialogue, both of which are seen when
Calvert faces off with an opponent armed with a Colt .45 revolver in the cabin of a
ship he has just stealthily boarded. Calvert is a typical MacLean hero, world-weary and
cynical, yet ultimately honorable, who must battle bureaucracy as well as the bad guys.
Patriot Games by Tom Clancy
The formula is pretty simple: Male Protagonist + Female Protagonist + Conspiracy
Theory + OMG TRAITOR WITH TWISTED MOTIVES = The Typical Dan Brown
When history teacher Jack Ryan intervenes in an attempted assassination of the
Novel. And this one is no different. Before writing The Da Vinci Code, Brown crafted
Prince of Wales, he soon finds himself a political target. When his family is attacked in
this exciting thriller. Deception Point takes place during a tight presidential presidential
Baltimore, Ryan again goes to work for the CIA in the hopes of stopping the terrorists.
campaign. The incumbent, a man of strong principles, is a major NASA supporter. His
Besides a few dull filler chapters, every chapter is as exciting as the first. The smaller
opponent, a senator who is basing his campaign on turning NASA into a private, nonsub-plots provide action on every page. A bit long when you first look at it, but it is
governmental agency, thus saving US taxpayers billions of dollars annually, is way up in
truly a thriller. Clancy is the king of detail. The man could write a 1,000 page story on a
the polls. After many multi-million failures, NASA is badly in
trip to the grocery store and still keep you entertained.
need of a success.
Written in a time when the IRA was the most feared
It comes in the form of a meteorite, buried in the Arctic. To
terrorist organization around, the book is dated. But that make
verify the authenticity of the find, the White House sends a
it any less suspenseful. Of course, there is the movie version
team of independent experts there. One of these experts is the
too, which does do a pretty good job of capturing the book.
intelligence analyst Rachel Sexton, the daughter of the senator
The vengeance in the story is personal. When the terrorists
running for president.
attack Ryan’s family, he strikes back in a very Liam NeesonRachel, while in the Arctic, uncovers what could be
in-Taken manner. But unlike Liam Neeson, Jack Ryan is not
scientific trickery - an incredible deception that could cause
some invulnerable juggernaut who goes through gunfight after
political and scientific upheaval and cost the President his
gunfight completely unscathed. As a matter of fact, the very
bid for re-election. When she and and her colleagues attempt
first fight in the story leaves Ryan hospitalized with a shoulder
to investigate further, they are plunged into life-threatening
injury, during which time one of his greatest worries was
danger. Their only hope for survival is to discover who is
simply getting addicted to painkillers once again. A very
behind this extraordinary plot and expose the truth.
satisfying aspect of this story is that Jack Ryan is a human
Library Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30-3:30
Dan Brown has proven to be one of the top writers in
being, instead of some the paragon super soldier that people
(closed after school on minimum days)
the suspense-thriller genre. The originality of his plots, his
have grown accustomed to in stories such as the James
Book Loan Period: 3 weeks
amazingly accurate research, and his ability to catch the
Bond movies.
(students may renew books at that time)
reader’s interest from the get-go and hold it until the last
When it comes down to it, the little things can mean a
Ms. Marie, Teacher Librarian
word in the last sentence of the last page, make him an
whole lot. Things as small as the protagonist’s humanity and
Email: [email protected]
exceptional author. Anyone who enjoys political intrigue,
vulnerability can make the difference of being able to relate
conspiracy theories, or subversive scandals will truly enjoy
Phone: (510) 505-7300 ext. 67133
to the character, or seeing them as some kind of superhero.
this novel.
12∙ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ∙ The Hatchet ∙ May 1, 2014
Husky
Playlist
By KATHLEEN NORTON
By JENNA WU
Spring will be a breeze after listening
to these songs that will put a spring
in your step. Enjoy!
Wouldn’t It Be Nice The Beach Boys
California English Vampire Weekend
Island in the Sun - Weezer
Soak Up the Sun - Sheryl Crow
Falling - Haim
Something Good Can Work - Two
Door Cinema Club
Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles
Elephant - Tame Impala
Little Secrets - Passion Pit
5 Years Time - Noah and the Whale
Wagon Wheel - Darius Rucker
Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride from Lilo and Stitch
Wave - Crystal Fighters
Happy Together - The Turtles
Beautiful Day - U2
Shine On - The Kooks
Electric Feel - MGMT
Float On- Modest Mouse
Peggy Sue - Buddy Holly
Rock & Roll - Eric Hutchinson
Stringing Singing Sundaramurthy
Artist
SPOTLIGHT
ByVISHESH MANI
Staff Reporter
Senior Keerthi Sundaramurthy has
been playing violin for seven years.
She also has been singing a form of
classical Indian music called Carnatic
music since she was only five years old.
Although she is a singer, in most
of all her bi-monthly performances
she plays violin. Often it can be hard
for her to balance schoolwork and
practicing for her next performance,
but Sundaramurthy always finds a way
to manage.
“I’m always practicing for some
performance or another. Things can
get hectic, but I somehow manage to
juggle my schedule and get everything
done,” she said.
Sundaramurthy plays in a group
Clockwise from top left: Senior
Keerthi Sundaramurthy plays
violin at a performance in San Jose.
Sundaramurthy sings with her
performance group in Sunnyvale.
Sundaramurthy performs in
Sacramento.
Photos Provided by Keerthi
Sundaramurthy
with three others who play other
instruments to accompany her. She
enjoys going on stage because it gives
her a sense of satisfaction and pride
when she finishes a performance and
hears the audience clapping.
Sundaramurthy is inspired by her
violin teacher, who has helped her deal
with many life problems. She feels that
she can always go to her violin teacher
for advice.
“Over the years, she’s become a
lot more than just a teacher to me,”
Sundaramurthy said. “She’s become a
close friend.”
Sundaramurthy plans to continue
singing and playing violin throughout
the rest of her life, but as a hobby
rather than a career.
May 1, 2014 ∙ The Hatchet ∙ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ∙ 13
From the beginning to the end
CAR
SHOW
May 3,
2014
Washington High School / M.V.R.O.P.
11th Annual
Fremont Blvd @ Country Drive
7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
By DINITHY ISODA
14 ∙ SPORTS ∙ The Hatchet ∙ May 1, 2014
Pay for play? Yay or nay?
By ROHAN PARULKAR
Columnist
In recent years, the idea that
collegiate athletes should be
paid has expanded. This notion
has led to massive amounts of
criticism directed towards the
National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA).
During the summer, potential NFL quarterback Johnny
Manziel made headlines off the
field for various transgressions,
none more apparent than his
suspension dealt by the NCAA
for allegedly accepting money for
autographs, a violation of their
rules. However, at the time, there
was no direct evidence that Manziel took money, yet his punishment stood. Still, for a multitude
of reasons, collegiate athletes
should not be paid.
One common argument
used to substantiate student
athletes being compensated for
their work is that the respective
schools they play for make a
fortune off their talents, while
the players themselves do not
get anything. This is only partially
true.
For example, the University
of Georgia athletic made 90
million dollars solely from college
football in 2011. However, most
of this money has to be used to
support other sports that do not
make as much money as football
PROhan
or basketball. Because of the
profits the Georgia athletic department makes, the university
itself provides very little funds for
the sports teams. As a result, the
college universities rarely profit
from college athletes.
In the 2014 NFL draft, a record 88 underclassmen declared
for the NFL draft. A common
argument used to support this
fact is that they have worked for
free for three years and need the
money to support their families.
While it is true that the athletes
are not being paid, they do reap
benefits that the average student
would not make. At the University of Georgia, the average cost
for an instate student is nearly
40,000 dollars a year, a student
athlete, at least in football, pays
none of that, because their tuition is paid for in full by athletic
scholarships. Though the players
themselves are not pocketing any
of this money, it is supporting
their families by taking tuition
costs out of the picture.
The NCAA has been mocked
Moksh aces the
competition
Athlete
of the Month
as hypocrites for denying
players the right to make
money, yet making enormous
sums of money themselves off
of the players names through
jerseys, video games, and television contracts. It is true that
the NCAA made 757 million
dollars in 2011. However, it is
often forgotten that the NCAA
does remain a non profit
company. 96% of the money
the NCAA makes is redistributed to universities and
the remaining four percent is
used to pay employees of the
NCAA be paid.
it is often forgotten that
being able to pay athletes
would shift the balance of
college sports towards more
high profile colleges. Though
major colleges already have
a decisive advantage over
smaller schools, often you see
a smaller school like Dayton
in this years college basketball
tournament. If able to pay
students for service to the
school, small schools would
not stand a chance in recruiting and there would be little
to no parity in the sport.
Paying athletes appears to
be beneficial on the surface,
but the negative effects have a
bad impact on college sports.
The NCAA may take a lot of
criticism, but they are doing
the right thing for athletes.
Husky
Scoreboard
By ROHAN PARULKAR
Staff Reporter
TRACK AND FIELD
whs v jlhs (l)
whs v msjhs (w)
whs v khs (w)
TENNIS
whs v mchs (l)
whs v ihs(w)
BASEBALL
whs 6 mchs 5
whs 4 jlhs 3
whs 1 mnhs 2
whs 7 ihs 5
whs 2 ahs 3
whs 7 msjhs 0
whs 9 dublin 0
whs 0 livermore 2
whs 3 wilcox 2
whs 10 saratoga 6
whs 0 valley christian 4
SOFTBALL
whs 10 nmhs 0
whs 0 jlhs 13
whs 3 ihs 6
whs 25 msjhs 1
whs 11 mchs 9
whs 2 ahs 6
whs 3 bishop o’dowd 3
whs 4 tennyson 5
golf
mvals round one:
4th place
mvals round two:
3rd place
SWIM
whs v jlhs (w)
whs v ihs (w)
BOYS
VOLLEYBALL
whs 0 jlhs 3
whs 3 msjhs 2
whs 0 bellarmine 2
whs 2 bishop amat 0
whs 0 eagle rock 2
whs 0 saratoga 2
whs 0 clovis 2
whs 0 granite bay 2
whs 3 khs 1
whs 1 ahs 3
whs 0 p collegiate 2
whs 0 st.pat-vince 2
BADMINTON
whs v dougherty (l)
whs v msjhs (l)
whs v ihs (l)
whs v nmhs (l)
Huskies leave it all on the field
By Emilio Ponce
Staff Reporter
Since the age of five, freshman
Moksh Jawa has shown a passion
for tennis. At WHS, he plays for
varsity, holding a win-loss record
of 11-2. Outside of school, he
plays for the United States Tennis Association (USTA) where he
competes and practices his technique. USTA has ranked him in
the top five players for the state
and in the top 25 for the US.
For nine years, Jawa has been
committed to playing tennis. His
passion began under the influence of his father, who would
let him participate in matches
against his friends.
“[Tennis] is a mix of a lot of
things,” Jawa said. “You need
to use your mind, control your
emotions, be quick, and work on
technique. Most importantly, you
need to have a winning spirit.”
For Jawa, his most memorable
feat this year was against a Newark Memorial opponent, where
he scored a golden set. In the
match, he limited his opponent
to two points in the first set and
prevented him from scoring any
points in the second set. It is a
rare accomplishment in the sport
that has only been achieved five
times at the professional level.
As a lefty and avid tennis fan
Jawa models his game after the
Spanish champion Rafael Nadal.
Playing tennis since a young
age, Freshman Moksh Jawa is
practicing for Washington.
Photo by Kenny teng
Jawa’s goals for tennis are to
continue playing through high
school and college in hopes to
reach the professional level.
Though he is debating whether
or not to continue playing for the
high school team, he is looking
forward to continuing to improve
his skill for the sport. “[This
season] was a great experience
but I have to work on controlling
my emotions and staying calm
during matches.”
Currently, Jawa is in the semi
finals of MVALs. Along with this,
Jawa was also selected to the first
team all league for the district.
From left: Senior Megan Massone, Junior Sylvia Le, unidentified baseball person, Nathan Robinson,
senior Samantha Kirk, junior Sydney Dean, junior Morgan Flannagan, sophomore Alyssa Montoya, junior
Jourdawn Kirkland, water polo, Hunter Zeng, Vidyut Basuraskar, junior Cole Reynolds, senior Nate
Woudstra, senior Diana Brightwell, sophomore Ricky Brown
May 1, 2014 ∙ The Hatchet ∙ SPORTS ∙ 15
sports
briefs
SWIM
Junior Ian Gunady said,” We swam faster
as a team by improving our endurance
and technique. next year, we hope to
swim even faster. I enjoyed all the time
I had in practice and at meets with my
friends. I really like my coach, Scott
Harvey a lot.” They won matches versus
Kennedy and James Logan.
By Kasy Tu
Twinkle Khanna
Staff Reporters
Sophomore Stephen Jeffery doing the individual medley versus Kennedy.
BASEBALL
Photo by stephanie thune
“Our team is well rounded and we work really
well together as a team,” junior Brian Knight
said. Their biggest win of the season would be
against Kennedy with the score of 6-1. Their
goal is to win NCS and the team is working
hard towards it. The team sports a record of 7-4
in their 11 games in April
Top: Senior Anthony Chavez
making a flat footed catch. Bottom:
Brian Knight fielding a ball
Photo by robbie hitchcock
SOFTBALL
TENNIS
A few days back the team faced James Logan and
Kennedy, “James Logan was a really tough match
because they are constantly on top of the league
and Kennedy was a match that we weren’t prepared
because we were missing some of our strong players,”
junior Denny Cao said.
“Our players have gained a lot of skills and we
have seen closer matches as well as matches that
we won that we have lost before. Coming from last
season where I was out because of injury, this session
was a good experience because i was able to face
tougher opponents and test my own skill,” Cao said.
“The coach thinks we are doing
great and we can definitely get more
wins this year because the season
just started,” senior Shree Shah said.
They won against Kennedy but
unfortunately lost to American. The
team has compiled a 3-4-1 with a
tie coming against Bishop O’ Dowd
and a lopsided 25-1 victory against
Mission.
Sophomore Saadat Hussain
striking the ball.
Photo by stephanie thune
BOYS
VOLLEYBALL
Senior Julian Wetmore said,”On and off the court, our
team was always a family and we always strive to win.
Washington has played 12 games in the last month
compiling a record of 3-9., including two tournaments which they unfortunately did not place in.
Junior Elizabeth Roney traps the
ball in her mitt.
Photo by mike almason
BADMINTON
Junior Arthur Hla said,” We bonded
more as a team and got to play with
our partners more. The coaches
were really dedicated and held
lots of open gym.” In the month of
April, the badminton team has lost
4 games versus Dougherty Valley,
Mission, Irvington, and Newark .
Top: Senior Julian Wetmore hits the ball
versus James Logan High School. Right: Senior
Matthew Carluen sets up a teammate
Photo by Mike almason
TRACK AND
FIELD
“We had a lot of good people last year
and unfortunately they graduated; we
are trying to still live up to the mark,
but it’s hard considering the rest of
the team has to step up to the line and
achieve what they left behind,” junior
Thushar Baiju said.
-Won mostly all, lost against Logan, “We still have our expectations
- it’s fun, but the trainings are getting
harder,” Baiju said.
Top: Junior Ramaditya Srinivasmurth gets ready to serve in
practice. Right: Felix Pan prepares to serve.
Photo by Andrew chen
GOLF
Senior James Roney and freshman Josh Kirk made to NCS. The all league
selection is also freshman Josh Kirk. In their recent MVALs, Washington
finished 4th in the first round and 3rd in the second round in the tournaments
that took place on April 10 and April 17.
Senior George Pan running a sprint during the Washington versus
Kennedy meet.
Photo by Tim Orcutt
16 ∙ PHOTOS ∙ The Hatchet ∙ May 1, 2014
Colombian Performance
Twelve year old Colombian exchange
student, María Cardona, performs the salsa.
PHOTO BY ANDREW CHEN
Colombian exchange students, Sebastían Guerrero
and Julianna Montoya perform a cover of “Counting
Stars” by One Republic. PHOTO BY ANDREW CHEN
Colombian exchange student Sofía Sarria
performs a monologue. PHOTO BY ANDREW
CHEN
Left: Junior Sonja
Neumeister’s
Chienese ceramic
pot and her multicolored pot on
display at the FUSD
art show. PHOTO BY
FUSD
A
R
T
AMY MCCLELLAN
Right: Senior
Salmina Aziz’s set
of painted cups and
plates displayed for
show. PHOTO BY AMY
MCCLELLAN
SHOW
Senior Chelsea
Ayson’s cat coin
banks on display at
the FUSD art show.
Senior Michelle Tai’s
ceramic lion on display at the FUSD art
show held on April
16.
PHOTO BY AMY
MCCLELLAN
PHOTO BY AMY MCCLELLAN
Spring Break SoCal University Tour
The group of students that went on the SoCal University Tour during
spring break visited the University of Southen California
PHOTOS BY LISA MARIE BURNS
One of the many universities visited during the Spring Break SoCal
University Tour was the University of San Diego.
PHOTO BY LISA MARIE BURNS