CollegeWeekLive

CollegeWeekLive.com, the biggest online college fair, hosted its Fall session from November 4 to November 7, 2009. The Counseling Department urged teachers to post flyers of College Week Live in their classrooms to inform students of the new website that is revolutionizing the college search process.

CollegeWeekLive represents over 200 colleges and universities from all around the world, ranging from community colleges to top-ranked universities from all over the world such as UC Berkeley and Columbia University. CollegeWeekLive makes the college search more convenient and economical, as students and parents can easily interact with colleges and counselors online through the internet.

Colleges have virtual booths where students can obtain electronic brochures, listen to podcasts, or watch videos for more information about that college. Most importantly, students can video chat with admissions officers in real-time. They can also talk to college students and find out what the living in the university is like.

Junior Erika Porcuna believes that students tend to have a lot of college questions and they have a hard time choosing which college to go to, which is why students should try to see what CollegeWeekLive has to offer.

“It’s really accessible and easy to use and it has tons of information…all in one place,” Porcuna says. “I thought [CollegeWeekLive] was better than College Awareness Week at El Camino.”

Apart from colleges, students can chat with college admissions experts regarding topics such as SAT and ACT test preparation, financial aid, or tips in successful interviews or writing stellar college admissions essays. Students who logged in between November 4 and 7 were eligible to win a $2500 scholarship. Sports scholarships were available from the website as well.

“The college admissions process has completely changed from when I was a teenager,” says math teacher Dalia Grybinas, who has the flyer and the website link posted up in front of her classroom. “I think it’s important for kids to find out that there are a lot of schools out there to apply to.”

The first CollegeWeekLive session was held in November 2007, followed by a second session in March 2008. Over the past year, CollegeWeekLive garnered more attention, resulting in an increase in participating schools and attending students in its Fall 2009 session..

For those who missed the Fall session of CollegeWeekLive, each video presentation is archived online and can be viewed anytime throughout the year. There will also be a Spring session from March 24-25, 2010.

ECHS Varsity loses to SSFHS 37-16 in Bell Game

By Ray Concepcion

 

 

(Photo Ray Concepcion)

The El Camino varsity Colts football team faced off against the South City Warriors in the annual Bell Game November 14. The Colts stayed competitive until the second half where they let the game slip away, resulting in a 37-16 Warriors victory.

 

Early in the first quarter the Warriors took control of the game, gaining 40 yards from the opening kickoff. After a stuffed run on second down, Warrior wide receiver Damiano Calgaro caught a quick pass up field for 10 yards, getting stopped at the 15 yard line. On a play action pass, Warrior wide receiver Anthony Gomes scored the first touchdown of the game. A missed extra point capped off a five minute scoring drive, putting South City up 6-0.

 

(Photo Ray Concepcion)

 

The kickoff was received by Colt running back Dusan Semien took the kickoff to the South City’s 20 yard line. Quarterback Rob Roman passed to Kenny Anderson for a first down, but that was the only significant play El Camino could muster for the entire first quarter. The Colts managed to only gain five yards before punting to South City.

 

In the next drive South City gained a few yards before a turnover. On the first play, the Colts fumbled and it the ball was recovered by Warrior linebacker Kevin McGovern. On the final play of the first quarter, South City kicked a field goal taking a 9-0 lead.

In the second quarter, El Camino started on the receiving end and gained few yards. But on the fourth down, the Colts were forced to punt. Players on the South City team began displaying unsportsmanlike conduct after Warrior Courage Nwaopara was tackled at the 40 yard line. A number of shoves between players had dominated the quarter, as tempers were close to boiling over.

 

(Photo Ray Concepcion)

 

Once refocused, South City used an effective series of running plays and play action to drive downfield as Calgaro streaked up the sideline for 20 yards to the 15 yard line before getting tackled. In another play action pass Gomes scored a second touchdown on a pass from South City quarterback Eddie Sanchez, putting the Warriors up 16-0.

 

Neither team gained much yardage until Colts cornerback Jeff Fuentes took an interception 30 yards downfield to the 50 yard line. After a few failed passing attempts Roman attempted to run the ball but was stopped short of the line of scrimmage and fumbled on the last play of the first quarter, ending the first half with a score of 16-0.

 

(Photo Ray Concepcion)

The Colts opened the second half strong with a touchdown on their first drive from running back Nate Huey, putting the Colts on the board. Rather than kicking for the point after, the Colts successfully attempted the two point conversion, bringing the score to 8-16.

“After we scored that first touchdown, I think we got a little overanxious. We were more concerned with scoring again than gaining yards, which is way more important,” Huey said.

It showed as Warrior Matt Los returned the kickoff and got up to the 30 yard line. Los then ran a 15 yard streak up the sideline for 15 yards and scored a touchdown raising the score to 8-23 at the end of the third quarter.

 

(Photo Ray Concepcion)

In the fourth quarter, after a few questionable calls from the referees against the Colts, Sanchez hooked up with wide receiver McGovern on an 18 yard post route for another touchdown, putting South City up 30-8. Back on offense, Colts’ Roman hooked up with wide receiver Anderson on a 25 yard pass, bringing the score up to 14-30.

 

Still alive, the Colts went for the two point conversion with Semien running the ball to the end zone, cutting South City’s lead to 14. Any hopes of a comeback were crushed as Warriors scored another touchdown with only two minutes left in the game.

 

“I was so sure we were going to win in the beginning of the game,” back-up quarterback Francis Nagtalon said, “I know all of us seniors wanted to end high school with the Bell, which made the loss more heartbreaking than last year’s. We wanted the Bell but it really just didn’t turn out that way.”

The 2009 Bell Game ended with a loss for the Varsity Colts, with a final score of 16-37.

 

JV Colts defeat Warriors 35-0

By MaryJo Ubamos

(Photo Marivic Victoria)

The El Camino Junior Varsity Football Team defeated the South City Warriors 35-0.

The Colts started their offensive control of the game early on. Running back DJ Peluso ran a short route to the right side and caught a swing pass from quarterback Richard McCune, gaining 30 yards. Later in the drive, Peluso made another reception but was tackled down by Warrior Kevin Cunna yards away.

 

The first quarter ended scoreless and the second saw the Warriors shut down offensively, unable to gain yardage and drives ended in punts. Back on offense, the Colts drove to the 20 yard line and Peluso scored the first touchdown of the game with a time of 4:42 left in the second quarter with kicker Omar Reyes adding the extra point.

 

(Photo Marivic Victoria)

Later in the second quarter, El Camino’s Chris Pola tackled Warrior Gerard Rowes at the 20 yard line for a fourth down stop. With 1:01 left on the clock, the Colts had a  third down at the 10 yard line and McCune ran in a touchdown.

“Chris Pola acted as a shield for Richie. He was able to block two people and create a sort of path for him into the end zone,” lineman Matthew Woodard said.

 

The first half ended with El Camino up 13-0.

Once the third quarter started with the ball back in the Warriors’ possession, the Colts were able to again stop the Warriors on fourth down. Back on offense, Peluso scored another touchdown on a fifty yard run at the end of the quarter.

 

(Photo Marivic Victoria)

The fourth quarter kicked off with running back Marcus Roman scoring another touchdown for the Colts. While the Colts defense continued to shut down the Warriors offense. Peluso scored once more, but it was brought back by an illegal block by the Colts. The game ended with back to back scoreless drives by both teams.

“Our defense was really strong and the offensive line had a really successful running game, but we still could’ve improved on the passing and had less running plays,” said Peluso said.

 

Ultimately the Colts’ strong all-around play and Warriors’ inability to put together a scoring drive resulted with the JV Colts taking the “Baby Bell”.

 

“What really made the team work so well was not only the teamwork, but we had a good group of sophomores and a handful of new strong and smart freshmen,” Roman said.

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The [Unofficial] El Camino High School Student Handbook
The Student Handbook is a helpful  tool for remembering what rules students need to follow while being at school. Some things listed in the handbook may not be as clear as others or just simply hard to understand. There are also rules that are constantly broken by students so it seems it’s time for a reminder of why El Camino has these rules in the first place.

GSA Participates in El Camino’s First Coming Out Day
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Why AP Prerequisites should be lowered
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Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Review

By Steven Hansen

(Photo from IGN.com)

The folks – well, geniuses, really – over at Naughty Dog have done it again. Given that Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune is easily one of my favorite games of this console generation, my expectations were unreasonably high for its sequel, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. Then something unbelievable happened. Uncharted 2 was released and actually managed to surpass my unreasonable expectations, which doesn’t even make sense! That’s right; Naughty Dog got it right again, surpassing the stellar original title in every way.

Uncharted 2 sets the tone early with the opening cinematic; our loveable antihero Nathan Drake awakes in a pool of his own blood on a train in a snowy mountain range, immediately realizing that very train is treacherously hanging off of a cliff, as assorted pieces of train begin falling towards him, knocking him out the back – now the bottom of the vertically hanging train, as he begins his climb back up before the train drops into oblivion.

The game rivals summer blockbusters in terms of storytelling, yet has a level of immersion the film medium can’t ever hope to attain. In fact, Uncharted 2 is much better than a summer blockbuster, as it also does well to focus on character development and dynamic relationships amidst the compelling adventure tale rife with betrayal and jaw-dropping moments. The story is something best left unspoiled. All that needs to be said is that it’s one of the best I’ve ever experienced and I couldn’t help from asking myself the completely blasphemous question “Is this better than Indiana Jones?”

(Photo from IGN.com)

One of the reasons for the compelling narrative lies in the excellent performance by the voice actors, particularly a brilliantly nuanced, spot-on performance by Nolan North as Drake. But one of the most important things to selling the character’s performances lies in the technology. Naughty Dog still has the best animations around, bar none. Yet, somehow, they’ve managed to up the ante with Uncharted 2. Such subtleties like muscle twitches and facial expressions exemplify Naughty Dog’s attention to detail, but also add to the believability of the characters, furthering the narrative.

Technology is definitely another of the many aspects Uncharted 2 prevails in. Graphically, this is arguably the best looking game ever made, and at least the best console game ever made. Lighting is just as beautiful in the sequel as in the original, but now it’s even more subtle, yet at the same time more realistic in regards to how it interacts with the environment and casts shadows. The game is so finely detailed, it’s almost impossible to say a negative thing about the graphics.

(Photo from IGN.com)

Clothing, individually moving hair, the swaying ring-necklace on Drake’s neck, snow, lush jungle life, water – it’s overwhelming how beautiful the game looks, and it’s even more impressive the beauty holds up in motion. Equally impressive is the slight blurring when aiming and looking, providing an excellent sense of depth. Not to mention the scope of the game when you arrive at a high vantage point and just stare out into the world – it’s just as beautiful and finely detailed way out of the realm of gameplay. To top it all off, I use the word “beautiful” to describe the game because it isn’t merely photorealistic, but vibrant and so full of life, with an excellent range of colors. There literally isn’t a moment in the game where whatever is on screen isn’t impressive.

Adding to that atmosphere and sense of life is the epic orchestral score, which is, once more, somehow even better than the first. One of the reasons for that is how seamlessly it’s blended into the game, while managing to stand out more than in the first. It accompanies the action and gameplay perfectly and even adds to it as the score amps up the tension perfectly during exciting moments, without getting drowned out in a hail of gunfire and explosions.

(Photo from IGN.com)

Yet, none of those perfectly executed aspects mean anything if the gameplay isn’t up to snuff. Thankfully for us, Naughty Dog didn’t miss a beat here either. The game plays similar to the first, with third-person/run-and-gun/cover-based gameplay, but it’s tightened up overall. Grenades are much easier to manage being mapped to the L2 button and not requiring the use of Sixaxis controls, and guns – including some great new ones – work better than ever. Hand-to-hand combat has also been overhauled, feeling much more visceral, much akin to common street fighting, and providing a wide variety of attack animations. Uncharted 2 also provides a stealth option this time around, though it can’t be used throughout the whole game. Still, while the one section that required complete stealth caught me a bit off-guard, the option works out well, just adding to variety in the gameplay, and it also proved a prudent tactic in eliminating several opponents before proceeding to open fire on the rest of them.

(Photo from IGN.com)

Platforming, of course, is still a key element to the game, and it’s well-paced throughout and very solid. It feels even more precise this time around, as traversing environments is loads of fun – and there are plenty of environments to traverse, as Naughty Dog takes you to a variety of distinct locales, from snowy mountains to ancient temples to lush jungles to a decaying urban city.

One of the reasons these two gameplay elements manage to surpass the first is simple, and it’s Naughty Dog’s uncanny ability to blend gameplay elements with a dynamic, cinematic experiences. The game is so active and full of life, it’s even enthralling to watch, because it really is like watching a movie. Events typically relegated to cutscenes in most games are put under your control in Uncharted 2, leading to a ridiculous amount of insanely invigorating experiences, as well as exciting set pieces.

Whether you’re controlling Drake and shooting foes while moving around – incredibly realistically, thanks to excellent physics – in a building that’s crumbling to the ground or running away from a speeding truck while blind firing, Uncharted 2 is nothing short of enthralling. In fact, there’s one segment that takes place as Drake heads to the front of a train from the back car that is by itself more impressive than most video games are in their entirety.

And if all of that wasn’t enough – and rest assured, it’s more than enough – Naughty Dog also took it upon themselves to add in a stellar multiplayer component. Not only that, but it’s one of the most fun multiplayer experiences out there, featuring both competitive and cooperative modes. The competitive modes feature your typical fare; modes such as team deathmatch, elimination, capture the treasure, and more. There is also a ranking system which allows you to purchase perks and upgrade your character with the money you get from games. For co-op, there is a survival mode that pits you and your friends against swarms and swarms of enemies that require dispatching, as well as cooperative modes, which lifts scenes from the main game, supplies you with a unique scenario or goal, and lets you have at it, while sending enemies at you from every angle. Both modes are loads of fun and require plenty of strategy.

(Photo from IGN.com)

The reason they’re so fun is that the multiplayer plays just as good as the main game – which in this case, of course, is amazing. The elements of verticality and platforming are just as prominent in multiplayer as singleplayer, which forms maps through excellent redesigns of singleplayer locales. Aside from leaving intact what makes the gameplay so fun, it provides a fresh, unique experience not common in online multiplayer today. You can play multiplayer just as you played singleplayer, which includes stealthily dropping down from above and snapping some necks, if you’d like. The multiplayer is so brilliantly entwined with the singleplayer elements that it feels like one cohesive package.

Uncharted 2 is an experience – and one that needs to be experienced not only by gamers, but by non-gamers as well. The game is closer to perfect than anything I’ve ever encountered in every single aspect of the game. Naughty Dog hit the ball out of the park with the first title, yet somehow managed to smash through the stadium lights and send the ball into orbit with this one. If you hear people proclaiming this game to literally be the greatest ever made, they’re not being hyperbolic. Unprecedented technological mastery, a terrific story and characters, an outstanding musical score, phenomenal gameplay, outstanding multiplayer – I’m running out of positively connotative adjectives.   The game is that good.

The [Unofficial] El Camino High School Student Handbook

By Rebecca Gigi

The Student Handbook is a helpful  tool for remembering what rules students need to follow while being at school. Some things listed in the handbook may not be as clear as others or just simply hard to understand. There are also rules that are constantly broken by students so it seems it’s time for a reminder of why El Camino has these rules in the first place.

 

DANCE POLICIES

The Handbook says, “Students who dance inappropriately will be ejected from the dance.” [pg15]

• Why it’s important: A simple rule that’s broken at every dance. It’s prohibited for the fact that it’s just plain disrespectful and disturbing. Inappropriate “dancing” isn’t even dancing if you really think about it. If the way you’re dancing would embarrass your grandparents in any way, fact is that your teachers don’t want to see it.

The Handbook says, “… [Dance guest passes] may be obtained in the Attendance Office and must be approved by an Assistant Principal. All guest passes must be turned into the Attendance Office by noon the day prior to the dance.” [pg15]

• Why it’s important: If you want your friend to come to the dance, get it done ASAP. It would be impossible for the office to handle something extra like dance guest passes when they have plenty of other work to do. Don’t wait until the last minute to pick up a guest pass or else your friend won’t get in. Late passes won’t be accepted.

 

ASB STICKER

The Handbook says: “Students are urged to buy student body stickers that are places on El Camino I.D. cards.” [pg16]

• Why it’s important: The ASB sticker definitely pays off in the end because you get reduced rates at sports games, dis¬counts for school dances, plays, musicals, etc. Depending on how often you attend after school activities, will determine how quickly it pays off for itself. Buy one!

 

LIBRARY
The Handbook says: “An individual student visiting the library during class time must present his/her pass to the librarian or secretary immediately upon arrival for notation of arrival time and must register on the sign-in sheet at the circulation desk…. Students will not be allowed in the library during class time unless they have permission of their teacher.” [pg16]

• Why it’s important: If you are going to the library to try and cut class, it’s not going to work, so don’t waste your time. If you’re caught without a pass you’ll get in trouble. If you’re not doing work in the library, then you’re just occupying space for some who needs to be there.

 

STUDENT I.D.’s

• Why it’s important: Keep your Student I.D. with you at all times! You need it to buy your lunch, check out books, and get into student activities, among other things. It holds up the line when you have to say your number.

 

LOCKERS

The Handbook says: “…Students must use only the lockers which are assigned to them. Students may be referred to the deans if lockers are illegally shared…” [pg17]

• Why it’s important: You picked your locker partner for a reason so just stick with them. Changing lockers leads to a big mess and they get overcrowded if you’re using someone else’s. You’re more at risk of getting your possessions stolen in a “friends’” locker.

 

PARKING

The Handbook says: “Students who wish to park on campus must obtain a student parking permit from the At­tendance Office.” [pg18]

• Why it’s important: If you park on campus without a permit or in unau­thorized areas, you will get fined by the police and your car could get towed. You have enough expenses for school, don’t add a parking ticket when parking passes are free.

 

OFFICE SIGN-UP

The Handbook says: “All students who have business to attend to in the offices must sign-in and inform the secretaries in each of these offices. Any document given to the student by the teacher must be handed to the secre­tary…” [pg18]

• Why it’s important: The secretaries have to know why you’re in the office. If you don’t sign-in and give then your pass, you’ll end up sitting in there not knowing what to do and wasting your time. If you get a referral and are sent to the office, it is not a free pass to get out of class. If you don’t show up to the office for a referral then you will get suspended. Is it really worth it?

 

ATTENDANCE

The Handbook says: “More than six unexcused absences in a class may cause you to lose credit for that class. More than 20 absences for any reason will cause you to lose credit for that class…” [pg19]

• Why it’s important: Go to school. You’re a high school student for a reason so come! It’s as simple as that.

 

TARDY POLICY

The Handbook says: “…On the fourth tardy teachers send home a tardy card for ‘limit set’…On the seventh tardy the teacher calls home for a final warn­ing. The assistant principal will assign a Saturday School… On the eighth tardy is a referral to the assistant principal and the student may be removed from the class and may not receive credit for the course.” [pg20]

• Why it’s important: Being tardy isn’t acceptable whether at work, an appoint­ment, or school. Why get into trouble when you can simply be on time to class? All being late to class does is bring more negative attention on yourself.

 

CHEATING POLICY

The Handbook says: :” Students [who cheat] get three offenses all which include parent and counselor notified by teacher or Assistant Principal, “F” grade or zero credit for the day, detention as­signed, and documentation of offense on student’s record.” [pg22]

• Why it’s important: Cheating is all bad, and everyone should know this by now. Colleges really look down upon students if they have ever been caught cheating and may even deny you entry. You also lose Honors at graduation and other privileges. It’s better to take the “F” on one assignment, then to get caught in unethical mess of cheating.

 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The Handbook says:”’…sexual harass­ment’ means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual na­ture, made by someone from or in the work or education setting…” [pg23]

• Why it’s important: Sexual harassment is something not to be taken lightly. If you sexually harass someone, you are subject to disciplinary action or even expulsion. You really have to be careful about what you do and say to people because it could be taken as sexually harassing them. They are the judge of whether they feel uncomfortable or not. If you are being sexually harassed, then you need to contact the principal to file a complaint.

 

THREE FIGHT POLICY

The Handbook says: “…First Offense –three day suspension from school, Second Offense – five day suspension from school, Third Offense – transfer to another school within the district…” [pg24]

• Why it’s important: Violence is never the answer. If you really a problem with someone talk to them about it or get an adult involved. That’s why we have peer helpers at school. There is no need to get in a fight, and ruin your education over some­thing that can probably be solved by sitting down with the other person and coming to an understanding.

 

DRESS CODE

The Handbook says: “…Acceptable hats worn inappropriately, hoods or head coverings that violate the dress code will be confiscated and disciplinary action will be taken…” [pg25]

• Why it’s important: Is it really that hard to just take the hat off inside? You’re breaking a rule that really isn’t that hard to follow.

 

DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

The Handbook says: “Inappropriate display of affection will result in referral to the assistant principal.” [pg27]

• Why it’s important: Oh love… keep it at home please. Is school really that roman­tic?

 

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

The Handbook says: “Radios, ipods, tape players, walkmans, pagers, laser pens and/or any other electronic devices (may not be used during school hours.) Cell phones may not be used and electronic signaling devices must be turned off dur­ing school hours – from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m….” [pg 27]

• Why it’s important: Turn everything off! Better yet, leave it at home. You have less of a chance of losing it or getting it confis­cated if it’s at home anyways.

 

TEXTBOOK ROOM

The Handbook says: “…Students must cover the book and return it in the same condition as issued…” [pg17]

• Why it’s important: Cover your books! It saves you money and a talk with Ms. Stilt­ner…

The Handbook says: “Money for bills for lost or damaged books will be collected during lunch or after school only, not dur­ing class time. Bills for lost or damaged books must be paid before report cards, yearbooks or diplomas will be issued” [pg17]

• Why it’s important: Pay your bills or else you won’t get that yearbook you paid for. If you’re a senior and you still haven’t paid your book bills you won’t even get your di­ploma. Is it really worth it to postpone four years of hard work because you didn’t pay your Ceramics 1 bill?

 

Chasing the elusive Bell

By MaryJo Ubamos

El Camino football players are preparing for the annual Bell Game against South San Francisco High School. With a record of 1-6, the Colts will have a hard time beating the Warriors with a record of 4-2.

As freshman, this year’s seniors lost 14-27 to the South City Warriors, and their sophomore game, they lost 8-24. The junior year loss was the hardest to stomach with a close score of 30-31.

According to head coach Eric Jacobsen, this year’s varsity football team needs to work on the basic tactics of blocking and tackling. Opposing players have been able to push through the line making easy sacks on the quarterback or reach a team member that is running the ball that could’ve easily completed a run if the offensive line had blocked the opposing defensive man.

Jacobsen recalls that the defense has improved from last year. “Our defense really tightened up the line, and our linemen worked these new plays really well and were able to take the ball farther on the first so we could gain more yardage than usual.”

Despite their record, varsity football players have an optimistic attitude toward the Bell Game.

“As long as we stay away from penalties and get good yardage on the ball, we have a pretty good chance of winning,” senior tight end Richie Tan said.

On the varsity football team, new team members Nathan Huey and Justin Eclevea, have made a great impression by each making multiple touchdowns per game. Vincent Simi, defensive line safety, has made over five significant tackles in the past games that have prevented the opposing team from scoring. Quarterback Robert Roman has made multiple pass and running touchdowns.

On the junior varsity team the only freshman starter Jarrod Goff has made a big impact on the team by keeping the defensive linemen on the opposing team in check. Quarterback Richard McCusen is very accurate, with 75% of his passes connecting with his team receivers. Sophomore wide receiver Ronnie Francesconi has made multiple touchdowns during games against both Washington and Balboa, in addition to making significant blocks while on the defensive line.

Daniel Joseph Peluso, offensive line running back, has been averaging two touchdowns per game, eight in all, and has run a total of 150-160 yards per game. The key player on the team is Chris Pola, who plays on both the offensive and defensive line. He shines at Center, being able to block multiple people at a time and providing excellent pass protection and run blocking, while making first downs when playing fullback.

This year’s game will be held at Clifford Field, with the JV playing at 11 a.m. and varsity at 2 p.m.

 

GSA participates in El Camino’s first coming out day

Breaking down the closet doors

By Yasmine Mahmoud

 

Members of the GSA show their support during the National Coming Out Day lunctime activity on October 16. (Photo by Katrina Nolasco)

GSA adviser Jan Speller declares her sexual identities to the crowd of lunchtime onlookers. (Photo by Katrina Nolasco)

The Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) celebrated El Camino High School’s first school-wide observance of National Coming Out Day October 9, 2009. This event was a landmark in El Camino’s history as it marks the first time El Camino students coming out on campus in such a high-profile event.

National Coming out Day is an event where people publicly declare their sexual identity as well as show support for those who lead “alternate” lifestyles. El Camino’s observance of National Coming Out Day was established in the spirit of creating a safe environment for all El Camino students. 

At a lunch time rally approximately 15 members of the GSA along with teacher advisors Sanjay Makhijani and Jan Speller took turns stating their names and declaring their sexual identities to the crowd of lunchtime onlookers. Participants declared their identities as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning.

Senior Chiky Alberto performs a spoken word piece for the event entitled “His and Hers”. (Photo by Katrina Nolasco)

Freshman Erin Cotter, who came out as a pansexual — a person who is not attracted to someone based on their sex or sexuality, but their being as a whole. This includes people of the same sex, opposite sex, and transgender. Numerous straight students declared their status as an “ally” of the LGBTQ community as well.

Senior Chiky Alberto performed a spoken word piece for the event entitled “His and Hers”, based on her father’s disapproval of her sexual orientation, that received a positive reaction form the crowd.

After the event, the group agreed on the event being an incredible experience for them. GSA officers recognized Activities Director Derek Padilla and Principal Adele Berg for allowing them to host the event, and the advisers were pleased and came to the consensus that El Camino was indeed a safe space to hold the event.

A day prior to the event, a sign promoting it was torn down, lowering the morale of the group, but as later stated by GSA member Will Peterson, “They may tear our signs down, but they can’t tear us down!” The event transpired without any negative interference from the student body they the GSA had feared.

 

The Rivalry between El Camino and South San Francisco High School

Can’t we all just be friends?

By Katrina Nolasco

Anyone who has ever spent any time at El Camino or South San Francisco High School is aware of the rivalry that has been going on for as long as the schools have both existed. It seems these two high schools can’t stand it if the other one’s better at something. Whether its sports or academics, neither school will let the other one be on top. And, if for some reason, one school does beat the other, fights break out. Friends suddenly turn into enemies. It’s basically chaos. But, what’s the real reason they’re fighting? Does anyone even know anymore?

A lot of these students just do it because they feel they have to. It doesn’t matter to anyone that they might have friends at the other school. As long as they go to the other school, they are the enemy.

Let’s assume that this all started because of sports. Athletes are one of the most competitive groups of students at high schools. They may seem friendly during class, but once they get on that field, court, even pool, there’s no mercy. Their one goal is to crush the other team. So, you can assume that El Camino athletes always have South City in their sights. It’s almost like these athletes’ minds are only programmed to beat South City. No other team matters.

The Bell Game is the biggest and most famous football game in South City. We have fans, rooters, haters, the Scream Team, angry students, annoyed teachers, and we even have security. Once students enter the field, something comes over them. Their excitement can turn into hate and playful enthusiasm into negativity and anger. This leads to fights, break-ups, and distrust. Sometimes, even the parents get into it. One little insult about the other team and you’ll be lucky not to get knocked off the bleachers. Years ago, anger led a few students to actually blow up the scoreboard. That’s how much they cared about winning. They weren’t mature enough to realize that it’s just a game!

You’d think that after all these years people would eventually get tired of all this fighting and just stop. The only possible reason as to why people can’t get over it is because of pride. No matter how much these students deny it, they’re proud of their schools and might just do anything to defend it.

Winning isn’t everything and every team loses sometimes. So maybe they should just accept it and move on. It’s the best solution for everyone. It’ll save everyone a whole lot of trouble. So, just put the whole rivalry aside. Just maybe, everyone will come out on top.

Glee Review

By Catherine Tadina and Yasmine Mahmoud

(Photo from FOX)

“By its very definition, Glee is about opening yourself up to joy.” The moment you watch Glee you know you are going to get a lot of laughs. Glee is a musical comedy television series created by Ryan Murphy, which airs Wednesday nights on FOX.

Glee begins with the young Spanish teacher Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison), who was the former leading light of McKinley High School’s Glee Club in its heyday. Glee Club is in danger of being dissolved, and Mr. Schuester takes it upon himself to save the club. Rachel Berry, (Lea Michele) is a perfectionist with a background in singing and dance; she is the ringleader of Glee Club.

The rest of the Glee Club is made up of the token “soul singer”, gay boy, jock-turned-geek, and emo kid. The basic overall plot of the series is the cheerleading coach tries to end Glee Club in order to have their funding go towards her “Cheerios” cheerleading team.

(Photo from FOX)

Glee is a musical comedy, which sets it apart from other TV series. The show remains true to its musical theme—even the background music is sung a capella, and the songs make for a lighthearted and enjoyable show.

Glee provides an interesting social commentary on the high school social hierarchy as it manages to poke fun at high school stereotypes without being prejudicial. The dialogue throughout the pilot episode is stellar, some of the jokes not funny enough to laugh out loud at, but they are often made up for with witty or crass jokes. Sue Sylvester, the cheerleading coach, stands out among the other characters—her scalding and sarcastic comments add much desirable amusement and humor to the show. Sue Sylvester tries to pep up her team by declaring that practice is not as difficult as “living with hepatitis.”

(Photo from FOX)

Oftentimes, there were critical details that were overlooked, such as when Terri Schuester, Will’s wife, announces that she is pregnant with only two glasses of champagne. Flaws are easy to point out, but are not usually not distracting enough to deter you from the good mood this show puts you in.

Glee gets a four out of five. It’s the only musical series out there with a lovable, although exaggerated cast of misfits. For lighthearted, family-oriented amusement, Glee is the right series for you.