CORYDON MARCH 2005
VOL. 50 ISSUE 5
FRONT PAGE/Page 1
A Night to Dance Under the Stars
By Melina Castelan
Staff Reporter
After hours of planning and last minute touch ups, students were able to show off their beautiful dresses and classy tuxes on Friday, February 3 at the Amada Club in Buena Park.
This year’s winter formal queen was Beatriz Hernandez, who was nominated by boys varsity soccer. The king was Victor Ontiveros who was nominated by Bread for Life.
Students got to dance under the stars, or choose to take a break and get a caricature done in the lobby. Photographers were set up so couples could take pictures, immortalizing the event. There were refreshments of finger foods readily available for party-goers, including: soft drinks, chocolate covered strawberries, and cookies. They even had the chance to gamble in a game of blackjack or poker.
“I had never been to an event where the ceiling opened up, so it really amazed me,” says senior Raymundo Davila.
PEACE Academy student Evelyn Ruiz was impressed by the quality of the DJ. “They had a wide variety of music that appealed to everyone.”
Evelia Lopez summarized the night by saying, “I really liked how it turned out and I had a lot of fun. I can’t wait until prom!”
With formal being such a success, one can only imagine how great prom is going to be.
PEACE Academy Organizes Assembly
By Marina Gurrola
Staff Reporter
February 15 was a very important day for seniors in the PEACE Academy. The students got two representatives from Biola University to show a 35-minute clip of the compelling documentary, “Invisible Children” to selected classes. The representatives collaborated with the Invisible Children main office in San Diego.
There were many emotional images throughout the film that touched many students and teachers.
“My students worked so hard to communicate a message that needs to be heard. We care about our world, both locally and globally. I’m so proud!” says PEACE academy philosophy teacher, Mr. Twal.
The representatives spoke after the assembly about different ways people can help these children. On April 29, members from the Invisible Children Organization will be holding a night walk in Los Angeles. They will meet five miles away from the city, then walk to a local park in LA and spend the night. They are holding this fundraiser because every night thousands of children in Uganda walk miles to the nearest town in order to find a safe place to sleep. Americans are being asked to do the same, yet for only one night.
The Invisible Children creators were impressed by the hard work and dedication exhibited by the PEACE Academy students. And later this year they will be coming to Millkan to film the academy as a success story to show how high school students can get involved.
The Invisible Children documentary will be released to theaters later this year.
To learn more information and sign up, go to www.invisiblechildren.com.
‘Oklahoma!’ Opens Spring Season
By Regena Ngeam
Opinion Editor
Spring is when all of Millikan’s performing arts groups--orchestra, dance, and choir ensembles--come together to orchestrate an annual musical production.
Oklahoma!, the first play completed by the popular team of Rodgers and Hammerstein, is set in the former Indian territory of Oklahoma.
Love, fighting, and despair follow the main characters in an enjoyable story.
The entire play is a concentrated group effort--the stage crew, under the direction of Bob Brigham and stage manager Stephanie Pate, rig lighting, build sets, and connect sound for the production. Seven dances were choreographed for Advanced Dance, under the direction of Gwen Gibson. Bonnie Annes lead the orchestra in providing live music for the show.
Chad McBee and Becky Fisher play the romantic leads, Curly and Laurey. Ado Annie is played by Kalie Quinones; Will Parker by Dustin Smith; Aunt Eller by Alyssa Mazzella; Jud Fry by Danny Theyer; and Ali Hakim by Ben Bosworth.
Although it was a big time commitment, students choose to be in the musical because they truly enjoy it. “The musical is great, because it brings together a lot of different people that love to do the same thing. It is hard to keep up with the homework and time management sometimes, but it’s worth it in the end,” says senior Suza Khy.
Juggling work, school, homework, and musical rehearsal is also a feat commended by most teachers. “The kids work very hard. It’s amazing that they can handle everything while staying late nights and spending time after school,” says Bonnie Annes.
Performances began the first week of March and an assembly was held for classes on Friday, March 3, to preview a few scenes and entice the public to attend the closing night performance on Saturday night.
Although some jokes and lingo might be a little dated, the story manages to still entertain and touch modern audiences.
OPINION PAGE/Page 2
Kings and Queens Reign Over School Pollution
By Jerome Calimquim
Editor-in-Chief
The race for winter formal king and queen was quite a competition. Not only that, but it caused quite the pollution problem at Millikan.
Beginning three weeks prior to winter formal on February 3, king and queen nominees began to post flyers in hopes of gaining votes. Rather than posting moderately, however, the entire school was bombarded with multicolored paper. Some students were even obnoxious enough to plaster walls with flyers in the shape of their first initial. And worse, others spelled out their entire name.
You may think, “Why is this guy talking about petty pollution issues that occur inside of school?” In fact, the students who continue to pollute our campus may pollute the world outside of Millikan.
Even though minimizing the amount of posters and flyers would not greatly affect the rate of deforestation, students should realize they still could do their share in preserving our natural resources. In 2000, a report by the World Resources Institute estimated that the world’s forests are shrinking by at least 140,000 square kilometers (54,000 square miles) per year. Also, in North America, about 99.9% of the original areas of temperate deciduous forests have been cleared.
“As an ASB representative, I encourage the advertisement for any elections that go on in school, but they should be done with the consideration of an appropriate and healthy amount of papers or posters,” says Thida Ouch, Commissioner of Campus Environment.
Then the issue of tape became sticky. Two weeks before the event, students started spelling their names in blue tape all around campus; there was one that spanned the length of the rally stage.
Posters and flyers were constantly torn down, causing more of a hassle for the custodians who already have enough work picking up after the students from lunch at the quad.
The month of May marks the next event—Prom—when students will continue to advertise with flyers, encouraging Millikan students to vote for them. Future nominees should remember to moderate their advertisements because of how it adversely affects not only our school, but the environment we all share.
What are the Effects of MySpace on Teens? (Point/Counterpoint)
A Continuing Distraction
By Marina Gurrola
Staff Reporter
Many teenagers spend long hours, night after night in front of the computer. For an increasing number of teens, it leads to one place: www.MySpace.com.
MySpace, a web site designed to meet new people, has taken over and is now an addiction for many teenagers.
Meeting new people is always good as long as you’re meeting them the right way. The Internet can be very dangerous when it comes to meeting strangers.
MySpace allows people to view others’ profiles, pictures, and personal information.
On MySpace, anyone’s identity can be assumed, which can lead to dangerous consequences.
Many people spend so many hours on MySpace that they don’t have time for anything else. It can be a very big distraction to students and cause them to lose focus on their academics.
“I used to have a MySpace profile, but I deleted it because it did take a lot of my time and caused tension between others and me,” says senior Lezlee Dennis.
Too many hours are spent on the computer conversing with people on MySpace.
People can use their time doing something more productive, such as homework or even reading a book, rather than visiting MySpace.
A Place for Friends
By Brooke Posen
Staff Reporter
MySpace has been a topic that has caused a bit of tension and sparked debate. Parents are frightened by their inability to monitor their children’s behavior and feel that it just isn’t a safe place for their kids. I find this ridiculous!
Many teens have their own MySpace site. Some use it as a form of personal expression. Others use it as the slogan so eloquently states, as “a place for friends.”
It is true that some take it too far by posting scantily-clad photographs of themselves or inappropriate content, but the fact is that if there were no MySpace, these same people would just go to other online venues like www.livejournal.com or www.xanga.com.
One point that parents have brought up is that their children spend too much time on this site; however, it is up to the individual child and parent to set their own limits and restrictions.
Another thing to take into consideration is the fact that each individual’s profile can be set to private so that only the people who have been accepted as their friends can view the contents of their page, and only their friends are capable of posting content.
What people do on their own time should not be under the discretion of others, especially when the topic of question is a popular service that is used for fun!
Readmits Reinstate Hassles
By Robert Comito
Staff Reporter
Readmits! They are back--but hopefully not to stay.
The old policy regarding absences has returned. Beginning this semester, absentees have to obtain readmits upon returning to school. Many students regarded them as a needless hassle and were glad they were discontinued last year.
However, this brought an unexpected challenge to teachers. They would not know if a student was truant or legitimately absent for at least a week while attendance was being processed and recorded by the attendance office.
Why does this matter? Students are not supposed to be able to turn in absent work if their absences are not excused. Teachers, in adhering to this guideline, would have huge delays when entering grades.
Some teachers like the personal contact with students. Senior Laura Stanton says, “I don’t see the problems with students getting a readmit when they are absent, but I do find annoyance in the fact that they keep changing the rules.”
Little pink pieces of paper will once again litter the campus and dot the classroom landscape. Frantic freshmen will once again retrace their steps searching for that little validation of their illness. Apathetic seniors will let them flutter away in the breeze.
In the age of instant messaging and email, technology is everywhere. In a world so advanced, the idea that students should still clutch pieces of paper with them from class to class is utterly ridiculous.
POLITICS PAGE/Page 4
US Government Takes Form of Big Brother
By Jerome Calimquim
Editor-in-Chief
Even after reports came out about the government’s intrusive wiretapping and requests for Google to submit search records of individuals who haveused their web site, Americans are still not realizing the extent of federal eavesdropping.
Last December, the New York Times published an article on hundreds of wiretapping incidents, where the government had monitored phone calls and e-mails to trace possible individuals related to al-Qaeda. The government did not attain warrants for their investigations from the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.
Soon after, other major newspapers and news programs began to report on it. Americans have read these articles and listened to broadcasters explain these incidents, yet they are not outraged by this violation of the first amendment.
The government had asked the New York Times to withhold publication of the article because it might “jeopardize continuing investigations and alert would-be terrorists that they might be under scrutiny.”
The day after the Times’ published anyway, President Bush gave a live television address, claiming that wiretapping was “crucial to our national security.” He claimed that the American people expected him to "do everything in [his] power, under our laws and Constitution, to protect them and their civil liberties" as long as there was a ‘continuing threat’ from al-Qaeda.”
If the government wants to maintain secrecy, how would we know if they are conducting other types of spying?
In addition, Bush issued a subpoena for Google, a major Internet search engine, to release a portion of their search records under the Child Online Protection Act (COPA). This act focuses on reducing child pornography on the Internet.
Google refused, however, because of privacy matters and issues over preserving the trade secrets of their search.
The American Civil Liberties Union became engrossed in this issue as they sided with Google and emphasized the violation of civil liberties.
The government may indeed have good intentions, but violating civil rights is not the appropriate manner of accomplishing them.
Aiding Terror or Abandoning Democracy?
By Robert Comito
Staff Reporter
In a surprise upset, Hamas, listed by the American government as a terrorist organization, secures an absolute majority after January’s parliamentary elections.
The previous ruling party over the Palestinian Territories, Fatah, was widely expected to retain control, if only barely.
Their victory comes as a severe blow to the Peace Process.
Hamas’ stated goal is the destruction of Israel, and the establishment of a Palestinian Islamic state in its stead.
Hamas has waged a campaign against israeli cities for decades.
A recent truce between israel and Palestine has devlolved into small-scale attacks and retaliatory maneuvers.
However, now that Hamas has won the elections, Western governments, including America, must decide whether they can continue giving aid to the Palestinian Authority governed by a group they have labeled as terrorists.
“If the US hopes to remain consistent in its anti-terrorist foreign policy, it must make aid given to Palestine contingent on the terms that the Hamas government supply evidence that it is not supporting terrorism of any form.”
Even though the recent elections were largely free and fair, and Hamas are the legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people--Western governments must hold back aid. If Hamas really cares for the Palestinian people, they will revise their charter and accept the existence of Israel. Then and only then should the flow of aid be restarted.
This unfortunate turn of events may actually turn out to be positive, if a terrorist organization can be persuaded to become peaceful and works towards the betterment of their people’s situation.
Bush Defends Sale of US Seaports
By Regena Ngeam
Opinion Editor
President Bush has given his support to a deal that would allow Dubai Ports World, a United Arab Emirates-based company, to take over operations of six key U.S. seaports on the East coast.
The ports in question involve those in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida, and Louisiana. Millions of dollars enter America per year through these states.
Bush’s administration insists that the turnover poses no security threat, and that unjustified suspicion of Dubai Ports World is just bigotry against Arabs.
In fact, the ports were even run by a British firm for several years, so this would not be the first time another country was in charge of port operations.
Misunderstanding over the details of the port deal is also causing criticism and concern not only between lawmakers, but the general public.
Apparently, Dubai would not be responsible for the security in American ports--this would stay under the jurisdiction of the Deparment of Homeland Security. Dubai would only manage port operations.
Several senators and congressmen are teaming up against the bill, despite President Bush stating that he would veto any bill that would hinder the agreement.
Because of increased opposition, the Arab maritime company agreed to delay part of the deal. Bush will use this extra time to try to convince lawmakers from both parties to accept the deal.
Among the stronger opposition are members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. They refuse to accept the proposal until they can conduct a national security review. Because the ports are vulnerable and heavily populated, the concern is understandable.
“It’s hard to distinguish between what is discrimination and what should be a genuine security concern based on intelligence,” says Deviyani Gurung. “There could be a strong argument for both opinions.”
Dubai Ports World has agreed not to exercise unnecessary control nor influence the management or opinions of the US ports while talks are still being conducted in Congress.
It creates an uneasy feeling for the public when the lawmakers are so divided over a national issue. This conflict may tarnish Bush’s administration’s image of political strength on matters that affect our national security.
However, some of the ports, such as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, announced on March 1 that they will sue in order to block the sales from happening.
Ports in Long Beach will not be affected by this particular deal yet, but it may be worth speculating over whether or not it may be next on the political agenda. Should free trade concerns be put ahead of fears that come from the heart of a post-September 11 world?
Letters to the Editor
I agree with your article titled “The More the Merrier” regarding the new driving laws. I believe this law is discriminatory toward younger teens and makes it much harder to function every day. It is because of this law that my friends and I have a hard time carpooling, as only one of us can legally transport others now. I believe this has contributed to the increase in traffic, especially around school. I think it is a pointless law which will fail to meet its goal of reducing accidents.
Kelsey Ohl, Grade 12
You did a great job in publishing your article, “February Marks Black History Month.” Articles like this one are the ones that inform and make people aware of our history. I know when people read the Corydon, their main focus is on the entertainment pages, but adding articles like that one makes them change their ways of thinking when reading a newspaper. Great job!
Sandra Salazar, Grade 12
Thank you for including the word search in the last issue! It’s nice to have some form of entertainment at school, especially as a stress relief!
Karen Ly, Grade 12
I thought your article on the marquee was excellent. After four years of fundraising, the $55,000 should not be wasted on something as trivial as a new marquee. Building a digital one is simply putting icing on a very bad cake. We should put money toward the beautification of the inside of our schools before we work on the outside.
Kyle Smith, Grade 12
FEATURE PAGE/Page 4 and 5
Man, Millikan Was Groovy in the Swinging Sixties
By Bianca Palos and Jocelyn Rodriguez
Staff Reporters
When Millikan was brand new in the 1950s, it was a decade of conformity and unity. By the 1960s it was a decade of prosperity and hope. Donald Keller, former Millikan student and now Millikan’s co-principal, came to school for the first time in the fall of 1966. Keller was active in school. Besides being on the yearbook staff, he was also number 48 on the school’s football team.
Flashback
"I feel old talking about Millikan history," begins Keller.
It was a time when everyone was a conformist, and everyone wanted the dream car: a 1968 Porsche. It was a time when gas cost 28 cents per gallon.
Keller admitted that if he had the car, "I could have dated any girl in school."
The 60s were a time when the latest hit, "Light My Fire" by The Doors, played on the radio. The coolest hangout was Bob’s Big Boy, and the box office hit was the first James Bond movie. It was a time when everyone still went to the Ram Shack every Friday night to watch the live bands play good old Rock-n-Roll.
It was a time when every guy who was cool wore a white trench coat to match his white suede shoes and pin striped shirts, and used "Butch Wax" to keep the "Ivy League" haircut or flat top. The girls’ dresses and skirts were no shorter than knee length, and they always kept their bouffant, bobbed, and flipped haircuts, big, and perfectly curled.
In 1965, a war had begun. For high school senior males, that meant the draft. Every night a lottery would pull random numbers correlated with their birthdays. Those numbers would flash on the TV screen for all America to know whose number was called for the draft.
"My number was called," stated Keller. "One way to get out of the war was to get braces, but most signed up for the National Guard. For four years, I went to college, studied hard, [so as] not to go to Vietnam. I went to Long Beach City College for two years and then to Cal State Long Beach for two more years."
Luckily, a LBCC football injury had also prevented Keller from going to war.
Student Life
There were about 4,000 students at MHS by 1968. There were many social clubs; for each type of student there was a type of club.
"It was so cliquish around here it was sad," Keller explained.
The downfall was that you had to pledge initiations for clubs.
"Initiations were bad; they were not a good deal," he said.
There were clubs so exclusive they would wear a certain type of cologne. Belonging to a certain club meant wearing a particular fragrance.
"I was in Taepsolon. I invented the club with four of my friends. But there were also girl clubs, with pretty girls whose dates were based on the club, including the ASB club. Instead of distinctive cologne, the girls had a certain honk from their cars to tell apart their clubs," said Keller. However the clubs did have a lot of fun. Back then it was all fun and games. Nothing was serious.
"One day was unusual. Suddenly, we saw a lot of girls crying. The AOX club, the popular guys, had “Break-up Day” the night before, when each member of AOX broke up with his girlfriend."
But it also had a romantic side. "As in college, boys and girls went steady, they exchanged chains and pins with their club names," he said.
Seniors
In 1968 the fun still continued for the seniors. The all-night dance still continued at the Long Beach Convention Center.
"I went to two proms; I went to mine then to my wife’s. I worked at a tuxedo shop in college when she was a senior. I borrowed a tux but it was too big." remembers Keller.
MHS Sports and Spirit
"There were no gates. On homecoming anyone walked on to campus. It was a real homecoming. There were about 12,000 people in the stadium," said Keller.
Continuing the tradition, there was always a dance after every home football game.
"One year we had winter formal in the cafeteria."
In 1968, unfortunately, there were no girl sports teams at MHS. The girls were kept separate from the boys in P.E. outdoor activities. The boys had organized sports, but the girls had small GAA (Girls Athletic Association) competitions among themselves.
Then again, there are many activities that Millikan doesn’t do anymore. For instance, there was the "Dirty River Game" which was when the students played basketball against staff members.
There were once activities called Faculty Frolics, when the school’s staff held a talent show in the auditorium. "I’ll never forget the football coaches did a ballet," Keller recalled. "I never looked at them the same again."
MHS Transformation
"The school looks as good as it did when I was here," said Keller. Millikan in the 60s didn’t have much of a problem with students being late to class. "There was no fighting here. As soon as the bell rang no one was tardy."
Also, Millikan has become incredibly diverse over the years. Back then, Millikan had one African-American student. Everyone liked him. There was also more school spirit, and everyone wore the school colors their letterman’s jacket. Everyone was proud to be a RAM
"I got out of here with a 3.2 GPA. Not the most stellar. My older brother was the best at everything and went on to Stanford. I lived in my olderbrother’s shadow; he was two years older than me. And I didn’t do well on the SAT. I had test-phobia," confessed Keller. "I was a good student, not a great student. You don’t have to be a great student to make your mark," advises Keller.
He reflected on his time at MHS: "I still have my old friends. I loved my years here, I really enjoyed them."
Three Dozen Millikan Graduates Return as Staff
By Jerome Calimquim
Editor-in-Chief
This year, Millikan has 36 RAM graduates who have come back to work at their alma mater.
Our teachers were teenagers at some point (which may seem hard to believe), and RAM alumni have lasting memories from their high school days. And most have strong reasons for coming back as educators.
Ms. Susan Halliburton, QUEST English teacher and Class of ’67, has been around the longest: “[When I was in high school] students didn't have backpacks; [we] all had lockers. Girls carried small, flat purses without handles. Guys and girls dressed preppy and were clean-cut. The girls wore a hairstyle called the bubble, a high, backcombed look with lots of hairspray.
Co-principal Don Keller, Class of ’68, says, “I have many wonderful…memories of Millikan. The morning I woke up and read in the paper I made the All-City football team was a super memory. Certainly meeting my future wife at Millikan when we were both students was eventful!”
Halliburton and Keller are the only RAM graduates from the ‘60s. However, there are six Millikan teachers who are alumni from the 70s.
One is Coach Chris Kinder, Class of ’70: “My most memorable moment was being a part of the CIF Championship in baseball in 1969 at Dodger Stadium.”
Another alumni who is also back at Millikan as a football quote is Mr. Kevin Fielder, Class of ‘78. “I will always remember the day this girl who had been making fun of my lab report was holding a snake (a small boa constrictor) and it pooped on her white pants. Justice! And I got an A!”
In addition to Mr. Kinder, graduates of the 70s include Counselor Stephen Pearson, Debbie Nelson, Don Harper, Robert Tomlin, and Kevin Fielder.
The 80s brought big hair, neon-colored clothes, and more future Millikan teachers.
Mr. Tom Lind, AP English and QUEST senior project teacher: remembers that, “Punk rock was getting a little more mainstream. The dominance of hard rock was ending, being replaced by the air-fluffed nothingness of bouncy pop groups that didn't rely on power chords. Some of these were great, intelligent bands: B-52s, Talking Heads, U2.”
Career Center supervisor Michelle Ponce, Class of ’88, states, “Mr. John Montrella, my math teacher who is still teaching, [was] really supportive in teaching me a subject that did not necessarily come easy. Mr. Simon (my British literature teacher), had tons of stories and humor.”
Tiffany Alexander, Class of ’88, modern world history and AVID teacher, says, “I don't think I could come up with one single moment that tops all others. I loved all the dance concerts I danced in, the games that I cheered at, being part of the yearbook my junior and senior years, and getting involved in campus clubs and other activities. I was proud of how well I did on the SAT, getting accepted to UCLA, and earning a 4.0 my senior year.”
Other 80s RAM graduates include Mary Massich, Steve White, Diedre Wood, Lani Drake, Keith Ladd, and Bernice Barretta.
The decade of the 90s brings the most Millikan alumni teachers—17.
AP US Government and US history teacher Russell Rudman, from the Class of the 1990 claims, “[I returned to Millikan because] I had always wanted to make a difference in the lives of teenagers. Also, Millikan is a great school!”
Brett Wiley, Class of ’99 and SSC 3-4 teacher, recalls, “One of my favorite teachers was Mr. Lovett. His class is the reason I am still into photography. Also, all my science teachers [were favorites] such as Mrs. Appel, Murphy, Lewis-Mackert—mostly because they taught the subjects that I enjoyed the most. Also, Mr. Dublin…made learning government and economics fun.”
The 90s also include Matt Johnson, Scott Allen, Mark Weisman, Gerson Montiel, Pedro Ramirez, Scott Glasser, James Soupos, Jeff Breuklander, David Louis Shawver, Ingrid Gunter, Eric Slater, Matthew Shawver, Elizabeth Mesa, and Osvaldo Rios.
Additionally, the new millennium brought Stephanie Shawver, Class of ’00; and Darren Grippando, Class of ’03.
“Once a Ram, always a Ram!” is a phrase that is often said around the Millikan campus. But with our 36 RAM graduates back as teachers, the phrase is entirely accurate.
Who Will Be This Year’s Mr. Ram?
By Zachary A. Sullivan
Ass’t Editor in Chief
This year’s annual Mr. Ram Pageant looks to be exciting. From the preliminary best costume to the two-minute talent, these students plan to put on a great show.
This diverse pageant with contestants from different clubs, sports, and programs will show Millikan’s best of the best.
The talent portion of the pageant is the most exciting. It’s normally the most eye-catching performance and generally leads to a win. Last year’ s talents included singing, rap, dance, and acting.
“This year I’m looking for the guy with the best talent, sash, and personality,” says ASB member Brittany Williams. “Mr. Ram is going to be the talk of the town for the rest of the year, no lie. Come prepared for the best night of your life!”
Thoughtful and unique responses to the questions will also weigh in on who will be victorious.
From the first Mr. Ram in 1956 until now, the winners have shown what it is to be a true Ram: A community leader and an example for the younger generation. The Mr. Ram Pageant will be held March 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium.
MHS Teachers Share Most Memorable Moments
By Bianca Palos
Staff Reporter
Almost everyone can always reminisce on their best Valentines Days. But remember, not only students celebrate it, but some teachers do too.
What are some of their most memorable Valentine’s Days?
"My first Valentine’s Day was when I was dating my husband. He gave me my first piece of jewelry, a gold heart necklace. And it was probably more special because there was a story behind it. I still have it. He said that Shaquille O’Neal came into the jewelry shop at the South Coast Plaza while he was buying it for me. And there was Shaq, like 7 feet, and my husband is 6”2 and he had to look up at him," says Mrs. Alexander
"My wife and I go to Benny Hannah’s restaurant every year because they cook the food in front of you. But Valentine’s Day isn’t special since I love my wife everyday," states Mr. Santucci.
"My most memorable Valentine’s Day is probably before my wife and I had kids. We went to a restaurant here in Long Beach and then took a gondola ride," said Mr. Ladd
"My most memorable Valentine’s was giving my girlfriend her first dozen long stem roses. She is now my wife," says Mr. Mickelson
"This Valentine’s Day was the most special because it was the first one I spent with my wife. Because I get to spend it with the person I love for the rest of my life. That’s what Valentine’s is about. You spend it with the person you love," says Mr. Weisman.
"I got married on Valentine’s Day, 25 years ago. I’m not a sentimentalist, but my husband is. He wants everything to be perfect,” says Mrs. Young.
QUEST Juniors Travel to Monterey
By Kim Stern
Staff Reporter
The juniors in QUEST recently went on an adventure, which is sure to last a lifetime.
It was Friday, February 10 that the juniors started out at 6:30 in the morning. On a 12- hour bus ride up the coast to Monterey, there were many things to do pass the time.
They began with a tour of Hearst Castle that Friday, which was an enriching experience. The house of William Randolf Hearst’s childhood dream, the “Castle on the Hill,” was breathtaking. “It was so stunning and ancient I couldn’t stop my camera,” says 11 graderErica Ross. After that they stopped to watch elephant seals on the beach, had dinner, and finally the Holiday Inn Express.
The University of Santa Cruz was the first stop Saturday Morning, then to the farms to pick fruit, off to the paking center then to Cannary Row
UCSC was a hugecampus surrounded by the woodlands and home to the famous “Banana Slugs” (UCSC’s mascot). The Steinbeck Center was a visual perspective on the many famous works of Steinbeck. The farms visited were Dutra Berries and Gizdich Apple Ranch.
On the final day, they hiked through Point Lobos, walked on the coast to Sea Lion Point, and then to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where they enjoyed watching penguins, sea otters, and jellyfish.
This was an experience that far exceeds all the other QUEST field trips.
GLOBAL NEWS PAGE/Page 8
Lives Lost for a Game Show
By Miguel Felix
Staff Reporter
The effect of poverty upon people may not be so predictable sometimes.
Last month 74 Filipinos died from a stampede of people attempting to participate in the first anniversary of a popular TV game show.
“Wowowee,” was broadcasted in Pasig City in the Philippines. It attracted a lower economic audience who had hopes of finding a way to “just get by,” as some of those who survived the stampede put it.
Nearly 50,000 people rushed to the venue to join other contestants so that they might have a chance at winning 2 million pesos (39,200 US dollars), a house, two motorcycles and numerous other prizes.
The ABS-CBN network apparently did not address the worsening poverty in the Philippines. Filipinos are going through a period of inflation, with wages plummeting, and all this due to the harsh economic policies of the country. The large cash prizes added to the crowd-drawing power of the show.
This tragedy demonstrates the need for long-term measures to address poverty in that country. It’s a shame that human life had to be sacrificed in order for any real economic change to begin.
Hopes for Peace Fade in Israel
By Robert Comito
Staff Reporter
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel has been many things to many people and has been the face of Israel in every aspect of its foreign relations.
Now that he has suffered a major stroke, and Palestinians have elected the ultra-right Hamas party, the future of Israel and the peace process is uncertain.
To make matters worse, Hamas’ rise to power represents to many a departure of the Palestinians from the negotiating table.
Sharon emerged on the political scene as a war hero and staunch member of Likud, Israel’s main conservative party.
He changed his approach towards the conflict, however, when the main obstacle to peace in his eyes, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat died in late 2004.
Since that time, Sharon has made significant moves toward peace. Foremost was the withdrawal from Gaza, a narrow strip of occupied Palestinian land.
Then, in a move that caused shock waves in Israeli politics, he resigned from the Likud party to form a centrist party focused on achieving peace with Palestinians.
He would run for re-election as part of the new party, Kadema, which means ”forward” in Hebrew.
When he entered the hospital in early January, there was much speculation. Now it seems clear that even though he will survive, he will probably never return to politics.
Millikan senior Becky Fisher, who has been following the story closely, shares her concerns, “I am worried that someone is going to come to power and ruin everything he had worked for.”
None of the candidates, have the charisma and political strength of Sharon to pursue peace.
Honoring the Life of Coretta Scott King
By Jocelyn Rodriguez
Staff Reporter
The death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. impacted the world immensely. But it gave his wife, Coretta Scott King, the fuel to continue fighting against racial injustice. But now, after 38 years of fighting for human rights on her own, she died on January 30 at the age of 78.
Coretta Scott King was born to Bernice McMurry and Obadian Scott on a farm in Heiberger, Alabama. After graduating valedictorian of her high school, she received a scholarship to Antioch College. After college she received yet another scholarship, this time to study concert singing at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. That is where she met her future husband, Dr. King.
On June 18, 1953, they married and moved to Montgomery, Alabama, where she and her husband fought for human rights.
After the Rosa Parks bus boycott, she put her musical skill to work for the cause.
She performed a series of critically acclaimed Freedom Concerts using songs that told stories of civil rights. Over the next year, she performed in countless prestigious venues. She did this to raise money for her husband’s organizations.
She was the first woman to deliver the class day address at Harvard and she was also the first woman to preach at a service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
In 1968 Dr. King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. A year later, Mrs. King published her autobiography, My life with Martin Luther King Jr. King’s fight for human rights continued strong for decades. In 1983, she celebrated the 20th anniversary of the historical March for Civil Rights in Washington. She led 800 human rights organizations down the streets of the capital city. King also led a successful campaign to establish her husband’s birthday as a national holiday.
While accomplishing this she was also the head of the King Center, an institution built in memory of Dr. King. But after 27 years there as chief, she decided to retire and leave it to her son, Dexter Scott King, in 1995.
Her funeral was held on February 7 in Atlanta. The New Birth Missionary Baptist Church was filled to capacity. Many political figures attended, among them President George W. Bush, Secretary of State Colin Powell, and former president Bill Clinton.
During the ceremony Bush referred to Mrs. King as “one of the most admirable Americans of our time.”
A Harsh Truth Of Our Consumption
By Miguel Felix
Staff Reporter
Most people never wonder where the clothes on their backs came from, or who even made them. Most are not aware of the working conditions of the people who make those clothes.
A sweatshop is defined as a workplace where a worker is subject to exploitation, poor working conditions, and arbitrary discipline. Some may be compelled to boycott products that support sweatshop activity and some do not. Either way, it still exists. What people never learn is that these sweatshops exist in their own backyard.
The United States has laws against them, such as minimum wage, worker compensation, and no child labor, but they become empty words without any enforcement.
Los Angeles is home to over 100,000 garment workers and 5,000 contractors. Less than 1% of garment workers are unionized. The majority of these workers are immigrant women working 60-80 hours per week, with no overtime pay.
The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that more than half of the 22,000 sewing shops in this country violate minimum wage and overtime laws. The Department of Labor does not have enough staff to regulate these factories.
Perhaps the main reason behind this lack of organization within the industry is that many of these workers have no documentation and feel that if they choose to stand up for their rights there would be harsh repercussions. Many do not even know that all workers have rights with or without legal residency in this country.
The conditions in these factories are ludicrous. They are the same as they were in the early 1900’s. There is little ventilation and the floors are dirty and infested with rats and cockroaches. Workers are not given protective gear, there is no clean water, and a dozen men and women are required to share the same bathroom. Some cannot even go to the bathroom until a quota is completed. The factories are divided by language and race. The average worker makes only $14,000 a year, without any health benefits.
The first steps to begin spinning the wheels of progress are to organize and to take a few risks.
A coalition of immigrant rights organizations established a location run by workers themselves to assist in the struggle for change in the garment industry. This is the Garment Worker’s Center in the heart of Los Angeles.
This center provides information, and supports workers who choose to take action against employers, manufacturers or retailer’s wrongdoings. They also help workers to organize their fellow workers.
One example of a victory that this center accomplished was an agreement between Forever 21, Inc., the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, Sweatshop Watch, and the Garment Worker’s Center.
There had been a call for a boycott of Forever 21 products by the Worker Center, but after years of litigation and determination the parties were able to reach an agreement in the winter of 2004, ending the boycott. They gained a commitment by the company to enforce the labor laws to the full extent, providing a positive environment for the workers.
The willingness to work at creating a change is the correct direction for the Los Angeles area, and if it continues this way, the goal of achieving dignity and respect for the working class can be achieved.
SPORTS PAGE/Page 6 and 7
Cheerleading: A Break-Neck Competition
By Bianca Palos
Staff Reporter
Studies on catastrophic injuries at the University of North Carolina showed that 17 out of 29 cases of cheerleading injuries there involved severe head traumas. They included 13 skull fractures and two deaths. So how accurate is the stereotype that: ‘all they have to do is wave pom-poms’? Cheer leading requires practice, stamina, a positive attitude, and persistence and band-aids.
The number of cheer leading injuries has noticeably increased over the past few years nation wide. There have been approximately 16,000 serious injuries to cheerleaders every year, caused by dramatically staged stunts and tumbles.
“Many schools don’t get proper coaches,” stated Ms. Guntner, Millikan cheer coach. Luckily, Millikan’s injuries are not high but they do exist.
Cheerleaders are brave to make such skilled routines, all the while keeping smiles on their faces.
“Girls on our team lift weights, run, and practice to be physically prepared,” said Guntner.
The demand for more technical gymnastic routines such as pyramids and making basket tosses has made cheer leading just as dangerous as any other sport.
“ I’ve gotten two sprained ankles,” says Elizabeth Bierbrodt, a flyer for Millikan cheer.
The most common injuries are in the soft muscle tissue, hairline fractures, ankle sprains, fractured necks. Black eyes caused by a displaced elbow in a twist cradle stunt when the cheerleader completes a 180-degree turn.
“The demand for stunts has become higher, so the level of difficulty also goes up. I’m glad it has become more competitiv,”, said Guntner.
Millikan takes precautions to avoid any harmful incidents. “There are first-aid certified coaches here. We take safety seriously,” said Guntner.
Also cheerleaders demonstrate a lot of trust because they are all there to help each other to successfully achieve the routines.
“We review all the time. But accidents will happen. A lot of hours go into practice; you have to take it seriously. I believe in that,” Guntner p oints out.
Between the years 1990 to 2002, the injuries of 5 to 18 year old cheerleaders have doubled.
Death as well as paralysis are rare in this sport, but are still taken into consideration. For instance, the board of the University of Nebraska Lincoln had banned cheer stunts because of a severe neck injury of one of their cheerleaders. However, that law was later overturned.
Cheer leading is not just about waving colorful pom-poms and jumping back and forth. Cheer leading has become a major sport, which takes a lot of skill and safety.
Rolin Spins His Wheels in Finding Sponsors
By Jessica Lopez
Sports Page Editor
James Rolin, Millikan’s student athlete who has opened the world of Skip Barber Racing to Corydon readers, is still out of luck when it comes to getting a sponsor to continue with his much-loved sport.
Rolin has had two invitations to compete in professional races. One is the National Skipp Barber Championship and the other is Indoor Carting World Championship, which takes place in Phoenix, Arizona in July.
In the past two months Rolin has competed in a few other races. In January he raced in the Skipp Barber Carting Shoot Out. In the race he competed against the top 58 carters in the nations. Placing in the middle range--around 40--it is not too shabby for this racing senior.
However, Rolin is still searching for sponsors. Unfortunately the people who are involved in this sport tend to be wealthy to begin with. Most of the companies that sponsor certain racers are family-owned and are related to the driver. For a newcomer, it is not easy to get a company to take a chance on him.
“It takes money to make money,” says Rolin, when questioned about the difficulty of finding a sponsor.
Rolin has established a website for companies and fans to look at (www.jamesrolin.com). There, fans will find out about races or any recent changes involving Rolin and his career.
In March, Rolin has another race in Salinas, California, which will be held at the Laguna SECA race track.
With more racing opportunities Rolin hopes to get sponsored soon. And he can reach his ultamite goal of competeing in the Skip Barber National Championship and the IRL Infinity Pro Series.
Track Team Trains for Victory
By Marina Gurrola
Staff Reporter
With March already here, track and field athletes are gearing up for their season. From the 100 to the 3200-meter race, each athlete is giving it their all to reach the top.
Coaches are determined to have success in every event. Coach Steve White and Coach Pedro Ramirez work with the distance runners while Coach Chris Brown works with the male sprinters. Coach Tyrone Watts works with field event athletes and female sprinters and Coach Allan Tobin works with hurdlers.
“I hope all the training pays off because I know how hard the coaches and team have been working,” says senior Bernard Latham, a four-year athlete.
It’s essential that all track and field athletes stay healthy all year long and watch their diets so that they will be in the best physical shape when the season starts.
The first track and field meet was March second at Marina High School in Huntington Beach at three p.m.
A Distance Carnival Meet, where only runners of 400 meters and above will compete against other schools will be held at Vets Stadium on March 11 starting at 8 a.m.
The winners of the sprint events were: Brandon Dixon Steven Truesdell, Omar Casian, Najee Jackson and Victor Barco. Leading the Rams to victory in field events were: Anthony Ruano, Brandon Roundtree, Moises Godoy and Joe Benzaken. Both boy teams took first place and hurdlers Lezlee Dennis, Domonick Sylve and Jonathan Sanders finished with the best times.
Although Millikan competed well, Marina High came out victorious. The next meet will be against Los Al on Thursday, March 16.
Girls Basketball Ends a Successful Season
By Ryan Brazelton
Staff Reporter
At the start of the season expectations were very high for Millikan High School’s Lady Rams who had many of their returning star players. Although the team did not achieve its ultimate goal of winning a CIF championship, it had a very successful season.
The girls’ final regular season ended 19-9 with a very impressive 8-2 Moore League record, finishes third behind Poly and Wilson.
Throughout the year Millikan was led by many of their outstanding seniors. Samantha Marez, who the led the team in scoring and Marlene Oeurn, led the team in assists, provided consistency on offense and defense.
At the start of the postseason Millikan picked up where they left off by defeating a very tough Warren team in convincing fashion. The final score was 51-25 Millikan put forth a great defensive effort holding Warren to only 25 points and allowing just 1 point in the third quarter. That was the way they played defense all season, they made their opponents fight for each point.
In the second game of CIF playoffs, Millikan hosted a very tough Santiago team. Millikan was off to a very good start and was up by 3 points at halftime. At the start of the second half Millikan came out on fire scoring 24 points in the quarter to give them a 17-point lead. Just when it looked like Millikan had finally gained control of the game, at the start of the fourth quarter Santiago made a tremendous surge and ended up winning the game 59-58.
Although Millikan ended up loosing they put forth a great effort in the hard fought game. Despite being eliminated from the playoffs Millikan can still look back on the season as a definite success.
What Rises Must Fall: Boys Basketball Season In Review
Zachary A. Sullivan
Ass’t Editor-In-Chief
For the 2005-2006 season the varsity basketball team displayed the true meaning of a team. It is not just hard work, dedication or even unselfishness, but the sheer desire of a group of men to come together with one attitude. A winning attitude.
From the first tip-off versus Community Harvest when the Rams defeated them 90 to 38, they proved they meant business. They shot 71 percent from the field, which is a remarkable feat for any team at any level.
After winning four of five tournament games, the Ram’s focused on what mattered most, league games. After defeating Wilson and Compton by comfortable margins, the team saw their toughest opponent--Long Beach Jordan--in a nail-biting 64-67 loss. This is a game where the Rams seemed to get the short end of the whistle. The team used that game as motivation to dominate their opponents.
In a brief preseason interview with star swingman Darnell Porter, he stated, “The key to winning this season would be faith. Faith in our coaches, faith in our offense and faith in each other.”
Faith. That’s just what the Rams displayed. Post Jordan, they were victorious in eight of nine Moore League games, seeing their final loss to Cabrillo.
The Rams accomplished feats Millikan hasn’t seen in a while. For instance they defeated Long Beach Poly twice and were considered in the preseason as, by the Long Beach Press Telegram, one of the teams to watch.
Throughout the season, the team was lead by its big four: Darnell Porter, Evan Scott, Jerell Elder and Lane Whitney. They were supported by Matt Jardim, Jason Wilcoxen and Stephen Johnson. These players, with their combined speed, skill, stamina and work ethic, presented a challenge to their opponents to conquer.
The team had their share of Hollywood endings and the fans appreciated them greatly. “The most exciting part of the season was when Elder hit the game winning shot against Jordan,” says senior student-athlete Bruno Onwu. “That was impressive. That was the best game I have ever seen Millikan play. They really showed a lot of team work and motivation.”
The Rams won their first playoff game with ease against Highland High from Palmdale and looked good going into their final game against Redlands. Without much support from fans due to the time and distance of the game, the Rams lost 66-76. Throughout the season it was evident the team was well conditioned; most of the time they operated with a six to seven man rotation.
“I believe the team’s success was determined by the time and effort put forth before the season started,” says Coach O. The strength and conditioning program during the fall months provided the physical and mental toughness necessary to compete at a high level. Everybody wants to win, but not everybody wants to do what it takes to prepare to win. This team was prepared and truly deserves any success they achieved.” It’s clear then to see what made them so good: The team’s “coachability” and the game plan.
With the outstanding season these unique student athletes put together it reminds us why sports are played in the first place, to have fun.