Paw Prints, Glen A. Wilson High School’s Newspaper

By LINDA REYES
STAFF WRITER

Wilson students will soon enter a whole new world of school spirit and achievement.

The theme for the upcoming annual Renaissance rally is “The Wonderful World of Wilson,” which will put a Disney twist on the presentation.

“We have our Advanced Art students draw and color backdrops that hit the main lands in Disneyland, like Frontierland and Fantasyland,” said adviser Patricia Branconier.

Renaissance, whose mission is to recognize hard work at our school, will acknowledge a comprehensive range of Wilson students, teachers and staff.

Students in performing arts, visual arts and technology classes will be acknowledged, as well as those who have shown a 0.5 point improvement in their GPAs and those who have maintained perfect attendance this year.

There will also be a Student of the Year from each class and a Teacher and “Staffulty” of the Year.

The graduating class’s valedictorian and salutatorian will also be announced.

The rally not only commends these recipients, but it also serves as a way to acknowledge students who have earned the chance to participate in the event because non-Renaissance cardholders will not be permitted to attend the rally.

“Our goal was to recognize all students who have worked hard in academics and extracurricular activities,” said Branconier. “The students who have Renaissance cards have obviously been making an effort to keep up their GPAs.”

Renaissance leaders say they those without cards will probably stay in class during the rally.

Not only will students and staff be able to have their hard work recognized, but students will get to represent their class in class dances.

Renaissance leaders, who have been working hard planning the rally since January, say they have high expectations.

“I think there’s going to be a great outcome,” said sophomore Celina Paredes. “A lot of us like the decorations we’re going with, and we’re all excited about it.”

The rally is set for the gym Thursday, May 17.

“We just want students to take pleasure in the Renaissance leaders’ hard work,” said Branconier. “We want the kids to come in and enjoy a day at Disneyland.”

By BILLY LIN
STAFF WRITER

Odd as it may seem, the drama department is training people to be stupid.

The Century II Players are currently preparing for their spring comedy Fools.

As the name implies, the play centers around characters of below average intelligence.

“It’s about a teacher who goes into a world of fools, hoping he can change them to be smart. Little does he know, it’s more than just stupid people, there’s a curse on their village,” explained sophomore Neha Shaida.

The play features 10 characters, a number influential on the choice of script.

“Usually there are around four or five cast members, but Fools had a good number, so we can involve a lot of people,” said director Meghann Kraft, who added that of all the options, this one was by far the funniest.

The choice of comedy as the genre of Spring Play can be accredited to this year’s success with them.

“The audience just absolutely loved it so much,” said Kraft. “At our last show, they just went crazy over it, so why mess with such a successful thing?”

To prepare for their performance, Century II Players have been practicing every weekday 3:15 - 6:00 p.m., and will soon start weekend rehearsals.
Cast members find rehearsals enjoyable.

“Our practices are so spontaneous and funny,” said Kim. “At every rehearsal, something changes because we improvise, and since the title of the play is Fools, we can do stupid and random stuff to just have fun.”

Drama department students say they hope for huge audiences so they can raise money to pay off production costs.

“There’s so much money involved in a play,” said junior Nick Chavez. “We have to pay for copies of the scripts and the rights to use them. We need to fundraise to get a return on the investment.”

Fools will play in the Little Theatre, May 17 - 19. Two shows will May 18 at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. There will be one at 7:00 p.m. on May 17 and 19.

Ticket prices will be $6 pre-sale, $8 at the door and $9 for reserved seating, which will be the center seats of the first four rows.

By JENNIFER PROHOROFF
STAFF WRITER

High school journalists across Southern California have written articles ranging from talented students to campus bomb scares.

The Iliad writer Matt Howard reports that nuclear and radioactive material was found across campus.

Since Poway HS was a nuclear waste dump during the Cold War era, the school is now home to thousands of Decommissioned Submarine Nuclear reactors that had been left there.

Administrators discovered that their learning environment was radioactive through an anonymous tip. They are now looking into how to keep their students safe and school running.

Instead of running for cover when hearing about radioactive material, one student from Irvine HS would prefer swimming to safety.

According to El Vaquero staff writer Jennifer Yuen, junior Ricky Yano was recently ranked top five in the nation for his age group in swimming.

Yano’s last accomplishments include placing first in the 1000-meter freestyle competition in Florida and maintaining a top three standing in California.

As Irvine is fostering the potential of a current student, Brea Olinda HS is looking at a student from their class of 2005 who has fulfilled hers.

Chandra Ayanaputra is now a dancer for the NBA Laker Girls, according to The Wildcat staff writer Rachel Panicker.

Ayanaputra served as a song leader, dance production member and cheerleader during high school. With this experience, she has become one of 22 girls accepted out of 500 applicants.

Closer to home, La Puente HS had an outbreak of vandalism, locking teachers and students out of classrooms.

The Tomahawk staff writer Bonnie Mata wrote about how more than 30 locks to rooms around campus were stuck. The perpetrators jammed nails into doors, which required a lot of time and effort to be opened.

One student who wouldn’t put her high school career on the line for a disruptive prank is junior Courtney Rubin from San Marino HS.

Rubin submitted an essay regarding what the phrase “Easy Breezy Beautiful Shiniest Personality, and True Leader” meant to her last summer for a Covergirl scholarship.

Months later she learned she had won the contest. As the winner, Rubin collected $1000 and is now a representative for their cosmetics.

On a more serious note, students at Brea Olinda HS were forced to gather in the gym while administrators responded to a bomb threat made on campus, according to The Wildcat staff writers Theresa Lee and Esther Han.

The Brea Police Department showed up to keep the students and faculty safe until the end of the school day. After the sixth period bell rang, the school was evacuated and the Orange County Bomb Squad arrived to search the premises.

Administrators and police officials later learned the bomb threat was a prank devised by a former student, who was later charged with a felony.

Instead of wasting their time trying to sabotage school property, singers at San Marino have been busily practicing their scales and tunes.

According to Titan Shield assistant ads editor Andrea Chiu, their choir was selected as one of the seven high school singing groups in the nation to perform in Miami for a national convention.

The event was an international gathering where selected high school, college and professional choirs performed.

These students weren’t the only people building up the courage to perform in front of a large group.

Science teacher Evan Dagger at Temple City HS has recently distinguished himself as a stand-up comedian.

Throughout classes, students often noticed his quick wit and satirical attitude, according to The Rampage staff writer Crystal Wong.

Even though this idea is new to his students, stand-up comedy is not new to Dagger. Apparently, he has performed in front of many groups before and during college.

A talent like this would not have been hidden at Diamond Bar HS where teachers and students use their abilities to benefit the school.

The Bull’s Eye assistant feature editor Reshma Petal wrote about how senior Justin Chen recently created purple jackets that commemorated the 25th anniversary of Diamond Bar.

Chen designs his logos by sketching out images and scanning them into a computer. He has his own personal business and provides clothing for different events on and off campus.

PHOTO/JODIE HUANG
GROUP DISCUSSION - (from left to right) Seniors Janae Ortiz, Loren Jimenez, Mary Cruzet and Cindy Galvan cast prom bids, Tuesday.

By MARINA LIU
PHOTOGRAPHER

If precious stones last forever, the night may sparkle just as long for those attending the 2007 prom.

This year’s theme “A Diamond is Forever,” is inspired by Tiffany & Co. and James Bond 007.

With an upscale theme, the event is expected to feature elegance and tradition.

“Everyone should expect to have a great time and good food, and be able to dress their best,” said Associated Student Body (ASB) adviser, Liz Orth. “We’re going to emphasize dinner and dancing in keeping with the theme because we want to keep it traditional,” said Orth.

Some students say they are not completely impressed with the theme.

“It’s kind of cliché. It’s not unique or special, but it’s not bad because it’s easy to match with the theme,” said sophomore Tori Moreno.

The event is set for the Omni Hotel in Los Angeles.

“I looked it up online, and it looks really nice,” said junior Sheena Lee.

Advisers emphasize the importance of security upon entry.

“Students must have their ID’s to get in this year. There are no exceptions. You can’t just use last year’s ID’s,” stressed assistant principal Jamie Millan.

To preserve the special night’s sophistication, a dress code will be enforced.

Attire such as plunging necklines, high slits, hats and chains will not be permitted.

In spite of these restrictions, organizers say they have high expectations for the event’s turnout.

“Based on the decorations and planning we’ve done, I have no doubt it’ll be fun,” said sophomore senator Claudia Han.

Pictures will be taken on campus in the den before the dance from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Group shots will be taken at the dance.

The event is set for Saturday, 8:00 p.m. to midnight.

PHOTO/CATHERINE TAY
SEPARATE YOUR DARKS AND LIGHTS - Juniors Elise Ma and DIYF president Vivian Chui sort through donated clothes that will fund aid for AIDS victims.

By BRIAN WONG
STAFF WRITER

Fashion show—postponed indefinitely.

Originally inspired by Bravo network’s hit TV show Project Runway, Do It Yourself Fashion (D.I.Y.F.) planned to host its second annual Project Runway next Thursday, but it was suspended after too few people applied and because the show would have taken attention away from Advanced Placement testing.

“The poor turnout and AP testing pushed the event back at least two weeks,” said president, junior Vivian Chui.

D.I.Y.F.’s Project Runway does not offer the glitz and glamour of the television show, but it does give a chance for all Wilson students to showcase their fashion and design. D.I.Y.F. encourages students from all grade levels and both genders to compete.

“We want to create an event where a wide range of students can be involved,” said adviser Elizabeth Orth.

The theme for this year’s show is “Fashion Inspired by Music.” The designs should reflect either a genre of music or a manifestation of a song.
Each contestant will be judged in four categories: originality, execution, fit, and overall effect.

Originality is defined as the uniqueness and creativity of the design. Execution is how the outfit actually worked out. Fit is the couture of the work. Overall effect includes the outfit and details such as accessories, shoes and make-up.

“In spite of the criteria, the theme is vague enough that much is open to interpretation,” said Chui.

This year’s judges are from Wilson’s 2006 graduating class. It includes Eastwood Wong, student at Pasadena Art Center; Jessica Jenkins, student at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising; Crystal Ordaz, graduate of Marinello School of Beauty; and Jackie Treviso, freelance model.

There will be trophies and medals for those who place. First place will receive $100.

Teams of up to three designers can register together and have one separate model for the team.

Applications are still available in C-5. Registration costs $5. They will be accepted until further notice.

The show itself will be postponed until D.I.Y.F. receives more entries and can re-organize the event.

By LAURA LOUIE
STAFF WRITER

The Royal Wilson Marching Alliance (RWMA) is charging ahead at full speed to finish their season on a strong note.

They will be competing in the Drumline Championships at AB Miller HS tomorrow.

“Anything can happen. We may place last or we may place first. All we can do is perform our best,” said senior Maverick Au.

According to pit captain Joy Kuo, Drumline has had a curse of placing second and hopes to break it this year.

“We have the potential, as our past judges have said, but we haven’t been able to show it that well. Each person has to want to work toward that one goal we have been trying to reach for years. And this year, if anything, this is the year to pull it off,” said Kuo.

With the competition date closing in rapidly, members got in as much practice as they could.

“We’ve been prepping, making changes and rehearsing more. With STAR testing, we had to work around the scheduling to add extra rehearsals,” said Kuo.

Members say more practices help ease nervousness and raise assurance.

“I feel very confident and ready for this competition because we have been rehearsing for this nonstop,” said junior Annie Jung.

According to director Jonathan Chang, contemporary jazz inspired him when he was arranging the music for the pit.

As Drumline continues to prepare for their competition, Wilson Color Guard ended their season by reaping the well-deserved rewards of their hard work.

They competed in the preliminary for the first time last Saturday at Capo Valley HS.

“We actually beat 43 or so schools, which is an equally great achievement,” said senior Jennifer Moon.

Color Guard then attended finals on Sunday at Mater Dei HS, placing second.

“It really was a Cinderella story. At first, I admit I had my doubts since we had such a tiny guard. But then we showed that size doesn’t quite matter. It’s not an everyday thing that you end up getting two medals,” said Moon.

Even though Wilson’s Color Guard has finished their competition, they are still busy with upcoming events.

The group is set for its Spring Finale May 4 in which small groups of guards will perform.

“During Spring Finale, we create small groups within our guard and make our own mini shows, which are always fun,” said Moon.

RWMA will host a Spring Concert, May 11. The Workman Jazz Festival is set for May 19.

By CAREY LEUNG
STAFF WRITER

If you ever have the urge for some interesting news, the first place you might want to look is one our neighboring schools.

At San Gabriel HS, hours of hard work were laid to waste when the server containing all journalism and yearbook files was accidentally deleted. Computer technicians Daniel Lopez and William Martinez attempted to partition the server to increase its efficiency.

Luckily, using a program called DataRescue, Lopez was able to recover 69 gigabytes of data, although some files, the winter sports, and events were permanently lost, according to The Matador staff writer Vivian Vuong.

DataRescue may have saved the hard work of the journalism and yearbook staff, but a program recently implemented at Artesia HS is helping to save students’ high school diplomas instead.

Cyber High is a virtual electronic high school program that operates after school, allowing students enrolled in the program to take school courses online.

Pioneer Express staff writer Leonel Aguilar says this is a great opportunity for students to get ahead in high school or catch up on necessary credits needed for graduation. Each completed counts as five extra credits.

Establishing a new program of its own, Diamond Bar HS has recently started a recycling campaign to help raise money for various school activities.
Twenty-five black recycle bins were placed all around the campus at various locations, encouraging students to pick up trash and recycle. Bins are divided by class, reports The Bull’s Eye assistant news editor Charlene Platon.

This effort serves as a competition between the different classes, as the money collected from the recyclables goes directly toward funding activities for each respective class.

In other news, State Superintendent Jack O’Connell recently paid a visit to Long Beach Polytechnic HS to discuss methods that would close the achievement gap and help improve education as a whole, writes High Life editor-in-chief Eric Mathis.

O’Connell reportedly chose to visit Long Beach Polytechnic HS because he deemed the school to “represent the best in public high school education”. O’Connell says he wants to apply the teaching techniques that the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) employs to other districts in the state.

While a politician was visiting the LBUSD, Artesia HS’s Civics teacher was looking into politics himself.

Diamond Bar HS’s Civics teacher, William Zylstra, plans to run for a position on the city council of Artesia, according to The Bull’s Eye staff writer William Jiang.

Zylstra has been described by the school as a “dedicated, motivated, altruistic and overall caring guy, willing to help out in any way possible.” He says he is running for city council because he wants to “improve the community I have been in all my life.”

Others may also have a helpful heart, but they have journeyed beyond their own surroundings.

Several seniors from Brea Olinda HS traveled to Rwanda, Africa to meet and help out people on the other side of the globe, reported The Wildcat staff writer Charlotte Larcabal.

In preparation for the five-week trip, students attended weekly classes for three months to learn about the culture of Rwanda, general service and leadership skills.

Once the students arrived in Rwanda, they helped build two church buildings and a widow’s house, taught children stories from the Bible, helped them practice their English and started a soccer outreach program.

According to the students, it was an eye-opening experience that helped many gain a new perspective on life.

Fellow student Drew Olvey at Brea Olinda HS took a different approach. Using his love for kids and his various experiences in performing, Olvey is now working at Disneyland, impersonating seven different Disney characters, writes The Wildcat staff writers Charlotte Larcabal and Melissa Hankins.

According to Olvey, this has been his lifelong dream, as his fondest childhood memory was having Goofy come up to him and giving him a hug him on a trip to Disneyland.