The Hatchet - Fremont Unified

est.
1916
Washington High School • 38442 Fremont Blvd .• Fremont, CA 94536
• INSIDE ------, r-....
Opinion
...0
Do you READ? M
~
a:::
Read, p.4
IJ.J
c:o
=E
Features
Kite Runner
IJ.J
U
Mo vie, p. 6
IJ.J
a
Centerspread
Year in Review
2007, p.8-9
INDEX:
news...... .. .................p.2-3 features .......... ... ........... p.6 a&e ..................... ..p.lO-12 S orts... ..... ............ p.13-15 1
photos ........................ p.16 Teachers,
FUSD seek
ediation
DEU.A v,
Sta!fReporter
C HRI S
The Fremont Unified I istri t
Teachers Association (FUDTA)
an the Fr mont Unine Sch 01
District (FUSD) are at impa e,
in which case a mo rator was
summoned to help the two
negotiating teams compromise
for an acceptable sett emenl.
FUDTA called fo r the move,
arguing in a flyer that FU D
was "dragging their fe t, h p ing
that the teacher
egotiating
team would bargain against
themselves;' something they
consider unacceptable.
'\ ediation could be either
short or lengthy - it's impossi Ie
to estimate how long this process
will take, but we're c nfident
that the moderator provided by
the Public Employee Relations
Board will satisfy our needs;'
FUDTA President Jeffrey Poe
said.
The mediator met with
b th parties for the first time
on Monday, Dec. 10. The
moderator's duties cons· ted
of carrying messages back
and forth between FUSD and
FUDTA, effectively eliminating
any contact between the two
parties in hopes that the process
will progress.
Teachers picketed on Eggers
Drive and Fremont Boulevard
on Nov. 29 to educate the
community about the impasse.
They hoped that a passing
driver or parent of a student
would notice and lend a hand
in their struggle for a wage
increase.
See FUSD, News 2
Huskies fight way
to NCS semi-final
JORDAN CARROLL
S
Ed ·
ports I tor
Regardless of the two forfeits
the football team uffered this
ason, they were not stopped
from reaching the CS playoffs.
The No.7 seeded Huskies were set
to meet No.2 seed Newar on Nov.
16; they lost to Newark 6-3 in the
regular season.
However, this being the post
season, the Huskies had a chance to
avenge their last meeting by ending
Newark's season. The Huskies did
just that.
During the entire regular
season the Huskies were without
academically ineligible receiver and
defensive back Rahsaan Vaughn,
who led the MVAL in receiving
last year.
Gaining his presence back on the
field added more fire power to the
already xplosive Husky ffe nse.
"\I en he is on the fi eld, he
is ne of the best player in the
MVAL," Coach Ken Wittmer said.
aughn pro cd to be a big factor
n tfens
ilb a arne t} mg 19
ard t u
do
r
epl1on, and
rushing touchdown f 72 yards
whi h s aled the win. He didn't
·eem like h~ mis ed a beat from
being out s long.
" .
PreparatIOn was really tough
to get back on the field. I wasn't
in condition but the coaches stuck
with me and helped me out a lot...
It felt real good to get back on
the field and help my team win;'
Vaughn said.
The Huskies carried out a 21 -7
upset on the road. The excitement
of the Washington fans was key in
uplifting the players to victory.
"The fans are very supportive,
and the players get excited when
they scream and cheer;' Wittmer
said.
After this win, the Huskies were
matched up with No. 3 Pinole
Valley.
Unfortunately,
Pinole
won 35-28, ending Washington's
season.
Play
considered the season a
success, ven with the obstacles of
several ineligible players.
'i\t times we could have done
better, but for what we wentthrough
the sea on went really well; junior
Blaine Carlile said.
Even with the loss ofmany quality
·or pI er
Vi ttmer remains
optimistic about next season.
"I feel pretty good about next
years team ith all the returning
ophom re and juniors," Wittmer
aid.
Phnt by AI E.RTO C OEI. LAR / Tht: /f<lfchef
Junior Rahsaan Vaughn cores the fi rst Husky touchdown in the
opening round NCS game against Newark Nov. 16. Vaughn finisbed
with two touchdowns and 100 yards rushing on five carries.
I<ite Runner
The
Taliban's cruelty is real to Afghan gir
Ly(
RAYY. N
SwjJReporl£'r
For senior Ahdia itldiqi, the
Taliban is not just a segment on
the ten o'clock news.
Although she left Afghanistan
when .he was about three years
old. her life ha been. hared by
the Taliban' radkal reign over
th' country. While Fremont
is known for its large Afghan
population, many peopl are
unaware of their story. iddiqi
felt that Khaled Hosseini's novel.
The Kite Rumler, helped to show
what AfghaniStan was like under
the Taliban's rule.
"The novd i really realistic.
Tn Afghanistan, once the Taliban
started ruling and took over the
gov roment, they banned any
kind ofentertainment, TV, music,
kite running for men, high heels
for ladies. Everything you could
ever think of.' Siddiqi said.
When her parents were
engaged. they went out once, and
the Talibs saw her mother with
high heels on.
Taliban disapproved.
~They said that when s me ne
is sick, they should just be able
to pray and read the QUI'an .
and
they' ll
- - - - - - - - - - - - - ­ be fine. They
don't
need
medicine
or
In Afghanistan, once the Taliban
te hn logy
started ruling and took over the
- they hated
government, they banned any kind
techno1 gy."
of entertainment, TV, music, kite
Siddiqi said.
running for men, high heels for ladies.
H
e
r
Everything you could ever think of.
futher
was
kid napped
senior Ahdia Siddiqi
sev raJ times
due to his
,~ involvement
wit h
medi ine, and was killed when
laws. he lied. The Taliban man
questioned him asking. "Aren't the United Nation office was
you ashamed? Don't you feel bombed.
He had connections with the
embarrassed that your wife is
wearing high heels. in front of United Nation for his work.
other men?" If the Taliban knew and was killed as he was driving
that they were only engaged. the by the office. iddiqi was only
two and a half years old. iddiqi.
ouple could have been beaten.
Incidents like this continued along with her mother and two
for Siddiqi's family. Her father sister~ moved to Pakistan, but it
practiced m edicine. of which the was not much better.
Her father could not admit
that he was out with a woman that
wa not hi. wif,· according, which
wa forbidden under Taliban
They then mov d to Chicago
for a month, until her I ther's
brother and wife spon ored
them to come to California.
"We cook all Afghan food,
and celebrate the events that
occur in our Afghan calendar.
We celebrate Eid "fter Ramadan.
and have get-tog ther and
feast ," Siddiqi said.
iddiqi visit d AfghanIStan
last year to 'ee family, and her
mother told her that everything
had changed since they had left.
"The map has c.-v n changed,
All the streets, the buildings
ince there were <;0 many
bombing. noW" that they try
to rebuild it, it's all new stuff.
None of our real culture is
there anymore:' Siddiqi said
"It's still restricted; people are
till scared, even though the
Talwan is supposedly not there
anymore:'
"1 want to go back there
and make a difference. Maybe
I could be a professor and help
bring a university there to
educate them:' Siddiqi said.
NEWS -.~~ ~J l
"~ H
tcb t
"--20--'
- 07/2008
--­
Staff
Washington High School 38442 Fremont Blvd. info@whshatchet.com Tel (510) 505-7300 Fax (510) 794-8437 Co-Editors-in-Chief
Prilika Kumar
Sam Mahood
Headlines Editors
Pritika Kumar
Sam Mahood
News Editors
Dcnnica Fernando Chen Yang Opinion Editor
Daniel KJlllc
Features Editors
Prilika Kumar Mercedes Rodriguez Kristina Schenck A&E Editor
RehekahLee
Sports Editors
Jordan Carroll Ryan Guerra Jonathan Kim Photos Editor
Martin Wong
Business Manager
Andn'K' Kimberlin
Distribution Manager
Jona/hall Kim
Staff Reporters
Katerina Adamos Stephanie Campbell Joanne Cruz Alherto Cuellar Chris DellaValle Patrick Flynn Amelia Griffin Linda He Katherine Kim Stae-ey Lee AnhNguyen Victoria Nguyen Lyla Rayyan James Sablan Alex Steadman Sarah Williamson Melody Wong Vil'ian Zhang • news briefs
ASB, Special Ed talk turkey The
show must
"We let the Special Ed students
cook the turkey, so they were really
a part of the whole feast this year,
On Friday, Nov. 16, ASB put and they were active in it ... All
together a Thanksgiving feast with commissions on ASB were assigned
Special Education students to different foods to bring, so it was
celebrate the season of giving. It a big potluck," junior Brittany
was held during fourth period, and Carlile said. Carlile was head of the
every ASB and Special Education Thanksgiving feast, and enjoyed
keeping the tradition going.
student was involved.
This is the second year
of the ASB and Special
Education feast.
"It's a fun way to get to
know them. They have
so much personality
and it's great to be able
to build relationships.
And with food involved,
it's a great way to get
together;' Carlile said.
The Student Center
had a long table down
Photo by LVLA RAVYAN I The Hatchet the middle with plenty
of room for ASB and
Senior Sarah Topham and juniors Jennifer Special Education stu­
_B_e_ck_a_n_d_B_r_i_tt_a_n_y_C_a_r_Iil_'_e_c_e_le_b_r_a_te_._ _ _ dents to sit together,
LVLA RAVVAN
StaffReporter
not go on
Advanced drama
cancels Twelfth Night
KATBRINA AOAMOS
StaffReporter
Drama ~acher Matt Ballin
canceled what was supposed
to be Washington's hundredth
anniversary of the production
of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.
Since the beginning of the year.
the students of fifth period drama
have been preparing for this fall's
play. It wa scheduled to open in
November, but circumstances
po tponed the date until
December.
Now,
further
circumstances have forced the
show to not open at all.
"'The advanced drama class
worked very hard on TWelfth
Night. but unfortunately. due
to unforeseen conflicts, it was
determined that it would be
impossible to go on with the
show. However. the Performing
Arts Club is looking forward to
the 2008 Winter Talent Show,
and Mit A"S'H, our spring show,"
senior Morgan Goldstein said.
Before the cancellation. the
students and Ballin were very
confident about the play. 'The cast
had no ill or negative feelingS.
Flying termites bug Stats class W ONG
R eporter
Staff
.
MELODV
Flying termites attacked in room
22 during first period, Dec. 5, while
math teacher Joana Browne was
teaching her AP Statistics class.
The termites came from behind
the curtain when a student tried to
open a window that was on top of
the cabinet.
"One of the students in the class
took a chair and got up to see the
top of the cabinet and screamed
that there were a lot more up there,
like egg nests;' junior Anne Tran
said, recalling the incident.
"The termites seemed to
.
be agitated because they were
fl uttenng
.
.
, hau
' an d
III everyones
hoods. I told Ms. Browne to use
the power of statistics to repel
these creepy insects;' senior Payum
Mehmandoost said.
"We witnessed a migration.
We reported the problem to Ms.
Arnold and found out that the
termites have been there for a long
time:' Browne said.
There are still a few termites
flying around, but not as many
as on Wednesday. Ms. Browne Photo Illustration by MARTIN WONG
notified the administration of the
AND M ELODV WONG I The Hatchet
problem.
Celebrating
an early
ristma
Band in Oakland's
winter parade
Speech teatn beats odds at DeAnza VrVIAl'l ZHANG
to the other schools that had a few
hundred participants;' senior Parth
In their first tournament of the Chokshi said.
Chokshi and seniors Sam
year, three of seven students from
Speech and Debate Club advanced Mahood and Madhur Boloor made
to the semi-finals. The Nov. 17 it to the semi-finals.
DeAnza Speech and Debate Tour­
"This was the first time in three
nament, hosted 26 schools. Schools years that three people have made
such as Bellarmine, where Speech semifinals. I expected them to do
and Debate is a mandatory course, well, and they gave an extremely
Mission solid performance;' Speech and
sent dozens of students.
Statement "To have almost half of our Debate advisor Keith Webb said.
The Hatchet sta.ff is a forum for
team make it to semi-finals was
Speech and Debate Club presi­
student expression and discussion
dent
pretty
crazy.
Especially
compared
of ideas uncensored by school of­ Boloor plans to train even
cials. The Hatchet stajrseeks to
ethically produce an accurate
record of the news, sports. issues
and p eople of the Washington
High School community.
mingle, and enjoy the food. They
feasted on turkey, mashed potatoes,
salad, rolls and different desserts.
For sophomore Skylar Ford, who
moved to Pennsylvania over the
break, the feast was a Thanksgiving
celebration, a great send off and a
way to say goodbye.
"He was excited to go to a new
school and be with his family there.
As the day went on, it got hard,
but I think we left him with some
great memories:' special education
teacher Mary DeLeon said.
DeLeon was so happy that her
students got to be a part of the
feast this year by helping to cook
the turkey in their classroom. Her
students had been looking forward
to the feast for a long time, and
were counting down the days.
"They are usually an isolated
group, but here at Washington,
other students just reach out, and
it means a lot to my students. They
are really a part of the community
here," DeLeon said.
StaffReporter
harder for future tournaments.
Although they were successful. he
feels the need to try harder.
"This tournament was our first
one, so we wanted to just see how
things went, but we surprised
ourselves;' Boloor said.
Unfortunately, the three were
eliminated before getting to the
finals. The next tournament Speech
and Debate Club plans to attend
will be the Martin Luther King Jr.
Tournament. The tournament is
Jan. 19-20 at James Logan.
FUSD I Teachers continue battle
Photo by MAImN WONG I The
Hatchel
Sophomores Emily Khuc
and Eric Olsen marching in
uniform, including Santa bats.
FUSD from page J
Teachers were bearing signs
with slogans such as "Show us the
COLA!" or "Fair Contract Now!"
The Hatchet encourages public
Upperclassmen may remember
opinion through Leiters to the Edi­
the
same situation from three-and­
tor, which represe/ll the opinion ~
a-half
years ago and wonder why
Ihe writer only. An editor must con­
Photo by MARTIN WONG I The Hatchet
the teachers need another raise.
firm submission of all leiters with
English
teacher
and
FUDTA
State
Council Delegate Deborah
Ihe writer. Writers may request that
That reason is COLA, or a Cost-of­
Pavlecic approaches parents to let them know of the situation.
their leiter he printed anonymous­
Living Adjustment.
ly. but The Hatchet will not print
COLA is not a wage increase,
FUDTA instructed teachers to to an acceptable agreement with
leiters submilted anonymollS~I'.
but actually a necessary measure "work to rule" on Monday, Dec. FUDTA.
Leiters will not be edited. ff a let­
for teachers due to the rapidly 10, and by doing so, leave school
FUDTA met with FUSD and
IeI' is nol publishable due to legal
increasing cost of living in immediately at 2:35 p.m. Teachers a State Mediator from 8:30 a.m.
liability, poor taste or length. the
leiter will be returned to the writer
California, as well as a way to offset will not offer after school assistance until after 8:00 p.m. on Monday,
for revision.
the rising prices of essentials such or tutorials, similar to the events Dec. 10, but were unable to reach
Letters should be addressed
as gasoline, food and housing.
that took place in 2004. While an agreement. A second mediation
to "the editor," and given to a
"We are bargaining in good faith the immediate effect of this policy date is scheduled for Dec. 17.
Hatchet staff member, hand-de­
with the district, but so far they will most likely be a negative one
FUDTA is encouraging all
livered to Room E22l, sent via
have refused to address the issues. towards those students especially teachers to increase the pressure on
email to<info@whshatchet.com>.
or mailed to WHS-The Hatchet /
We just need to be as supportive as in need of after-school academic the school board to make sure that
38442 Fremont Blvd. / Fremont,
possible for the teachers so we can support, hopefully the prolonged their frustrations and concerns are
CA 94536.
get through this;' Poe said.
effect will force FUSD to come heard loud and clear.
Letters to the Editor
Policy
Piwto .by MAImN WONG / The
.
Hatchel
Iulor AIlthoay.AlDboy,
. . . . .Serry GtlcIllUl
...i..... EIIea Park ....
Aa(ek.....eaa
parade.
ia ""
NEWS
The Hatchet
DECEMBER13'07 1
Toy drive off to slow start · ·on campus events
CempusCi
MELODY WONG
KayCJub
StaffReporter
Photo by KATHERINE KIM I The Hatchet
Seniors Cory Louie, Alex Belliveau, and Sarah Tomasi prepare for
the competition just moments before the judges' arrival.
Gov students exceed expectations
hill. On Dec. 3, they participated in
regionals at the Santa Clara County
StaffReporter
Office of Education, placing sec­
New to Washington. Govern­
ond. The class is currently hoping
ment teacher Elizabeth DeWitt to receive the wildcard to compete
brings a new aspect: a chance for at the state level in Sacramento.
the first semester AP Government
DeWitt was pleasantly surprised
classes to participate in the annual when her students went above and
We the People competition.
beyond her expectations.
Every year, the Center for Civic
"The kids were extremely self­
Education holds We the People motivated, so I didn't have to do
to promote civic responsibility much, only steer them in the right
among students. The competition direction," DeWitt said.
consists of simulated congressional
Those who did not get the op­
hearings in which students answer portunity to participate regretted
questions and give a speech about a missing out.
given topic. Teams begin at district­
"At first, I was glad that I
level competitions, and continue to couldn't go because I didn't want
regional, state, and eventually, na­
to speak in front of the judges. But
tionallevels.
now, I'm sad that I missed such a
"We the People was an interest­
valuable experience," senior Kang­
ing aspect of the AP Government san Wyi said.
course that I didn't expect, but it
Participation in the program
really furthered my knowledge of teachs students both academic
the fundamentals of government," abilities and life values.
senior Don Nguyen said.
"That's the power of We the
DeWitt's third period competed People. Ultimately. iI's about them
in the district tournament at the being more comfortable in front of
Carr American Conference Center people. It empowers kids and gives
in Pleasanton. Nov. 29, against ir­
them presence and confidence.
vington, Amador Valley, and Foot­
That's why I do it," DeWitt said.
VIVIAN ZHANG
The annual toy drive began Tues­
day, Dec. 4, but has yet to evoke the
usual enthusiasm.
"We are doing this to bring joy
to those who don't have as much
or aren't as fortunate as most of us.
The prizes for the top three class­
es are hot chocolate and cookies;'
ASB's Head of Community Out­
reach Max Broun said.
So far, only a few posters and
fliers have been displayed. As a re­
sult, students and teachers remain
uninformed. When asked if their
classes were participating, ten dif­
ferent teachers responded by ask­
ing, "When does it start?"
During the toy drive, third-pe­
riod classes compete to collect the
most toys for their aSSigned age
group and gender.
n-. DIe. 188 r-:h RDtJ.t El1()
DnmaClab
Wed Dee. /9 @ 1emch Room pj
IDIrnct CIuIJ
Wed Dee. J9@ bmt:It RDom 96
CSF
Wed Dec. 19 @ Irmclr RDom Elll
youthAlive
77an. Dec. 1O@ IrmcIt c-,.,oc, Room
Illustration by ANH NGUYEN
I The Hatchet
"r have not heard anything about
the toy drive. They are supposed to
assign age groups, but they haven't
yet;' junior Chang Liu said.
The toy drive ends Friday, Dec.
14. Despite a slow start, there are
hopes that the toy drive will be suc­
cessful.
"It was successful last year and
we are hoping to do the same this
year;' Broun said.
Important Dates
Tburs. Dec. 13
W7ntN COItCC't: CDfot,ria @ 7:00 p.m.
Toes. Dec. IS
WiIfIer Blood Drive
Moo. Dec. 17
Progreu reports 8ent
Fri. Dec:.21
Minimum day
Dec. 24 - Jan. 4
No sclrool- Winter Break
Fri. Jan. 18
LaJe ntgistrtltionlor Feb. .4.CTclue
Moo. Jan. 21
No school (Marti" Lillirei' King Jr. Day)
Thurs. Jan. 24
Hatchet dts".,blltlon
Students' silence reason bathrooms not fixed ALEX STEADMAN
StaffReporter
Every time a girl enters a school
bathroom, she is faced with a line
rivaling those in Disneyland. She
takes her place at the end; only to
realize later that only one stall is in
use - the stall with the much-cov­
eted lock.
Once in line, a girl has two op­
tions: wait for the lone stall and run
the risk of being tardy; or brave a
locldess stall and devise some cre­
ative way to keep me door closed.
"Everyone knows which stalls
have locks, like in the upstairs E
building, only the fourth one in
does," senior Irene Cheng said.
Il/ustration by LINDA HE
I The Hatchet
All girls know about this lack of
privacy, all girls resent it, and all
girls wonder why the school hasn't
done anything about it. The an­
swer? They didn't know.
"I've never heard a complaint
about the bathrooms. I'll put in a
work order today," Principal's Sec­
retary Cindy Audiat said.
Audiat receives and processes
work orders, the offical term for
facilities-related requests. She
forwards these to the district of­
fice, where they are assigned and
prioritized. For now, students will
just have to wait and see how high
students' privacy ranks on the dis­
trict's Ii t.
Most students have lived with
the belief that the staff is ignorant
of their needs. Not so. The staff is
more than willing to remedy cam­
pus complications; all students
have to do is ask.
DriversEd.com
Drivers Ed - anytime, anywhere you want.
Take 25% Off !
Use the di,s count code CA2007 A when you sign up.
The Hatchet
OPINION
. DECEMBER13'fJ7
Read wastes
Read brings
success to
valuable time
students
for other uses
MERCEDES RODRIGUEZ
JONATHAl"l
Featllres Editor
In an increasingly technological country
where supposedly no children are left behind,
America is showing up lower and lower on
the educational totem pole. A 2004 study
conducted by the National Endowment for
the Arts has conclusively shown that fewer
young Americans are reading for pleasure,
and as a result, are earning less money and
respect Many suggest that encouraging a
love of reading before adulthood is the key to
continuing adult literacy, an opinion shared by
the Fremont Unified School District
Read is Washington's answer to the literary
proficiency crisis plaguing our nation. For
thirty minutes every Tuesday through Friday,
between brunch and third period, students and
teachers alike suspend all other activities and
bend their heads over some sort of written
work. In most classes, Read is met with groans
and cries of dissent. But by dismissing Read
period, are we cheating ourselves out of better,
brighter futures?
The NEA's study, entitled "Reading At
Risk", shows that between 1992 and 2002, the
literary reading of high school students has
fallen by 11.1 percent. When measured by age,
~he decrease is even sharper. 18 to 24 year olds
are reading 28 percent less than they were 15
years ago. Our generation has lost roughly a
third of their literary ability.
The equation seems simple enough. Reading
increases your chances of becoming successful
and outperfonning your peers .. So why are
we fighting it? According to the conclusion
of the NEA's survey, "at the current rate of
loss, literary reading as a leisure activity will
virtually disappear in half a century."
As the generation at the forefront of the
reading recession, it's our duty to keep this
ancient tradition alive. Our school has done its
part by instating this non-mandatory period of
page turning. No one would argue that Read is
the answer to a .nationwide problem. However,
it does serve as a school-wide reminder of the
importance of literacy.
KIM
Sports Editor
Photos by MARTIN WONG/ The Hatchet
HATCHET POLL
.
00 you read a book recreationally
during Read period?
48%
• Never
Always
• Sometimes
9%
The reasoning behind Read period is
straightforward, but do sL'ldents really need
to be provjjed valuable time for this purpose
alone? Often times, the answers students get
from teachers when they ask why they need
read have to do with meeting a minimum
number of hours that we must be in school that
are required by California state law. So then,
it's not really about having those 30 minutes
explicitly for reading is it? There is more
potential behind this time on campus; it could
easily become more useful.
The Husky planner states, "Tuesday through
Friday morning following brunch, students
will have a Read period where all students
are required to have a book to read." But why
limit this valuable time? The purpose is to
get students to read, but isn't that required in
English already? The window of time before
third period could easily be shaped into a study
hall period.
Other schools such as Irvington and Moreau
Catholic have been using a system where
students choose which classroom they would
·······························~· I~~~ in h~~~~s~~~~M~
of "collaboration" and ·'advisory." But of
course, keeping students in line is a problem
right? We can't keep mischievous kids from
cutting the period. If that were the .case, why
haven't these schools shut down the system
already and gone back to ordinary Read?
It's clear that this option would work better.
Think about it, during this time students could
hold club m etings without giv ing up lunch,
have individual time with teachers if they need
help in a subject, have tutoring without being
limited to after school and lunch, and of course
they could read if they wished to do so.
Students hear phrases like, "I can't force
you to read," so instead they pretend. What
a colossal waste of time. The opportunities
students could take during the Read period are
close to endless, yet the invisible fence of Read
Polls by DANIEL KHuc! The Hatchet keeps us from using this time. We can only wait
for the clock to tick past 10:08.
If you don't read, why not? Otf\.r
27%
~
StaffReporter
Try to think back to the time
when the opposite sex had cooties,
Santa Claus was well alive in your
heart, and when Christmas actually
had not only meaning, but real
value as well.
The atmosphere of December
and the holiday season is always
invIgorating and provides a
sense of nostalgia for everyone,
regardless of age. December used
to be the best time of year, where
nativity scenes and Christmas
lights adorned houses. This
significant holiday was centered
on a family gatherings, a bounty
of food, and a chance to watch all
the children's faces light up as they
open presents.
As a kid, I used to anticipate
Christmas morning the most.
Waking up to the fresh smell of
t C rd
=
-
~---
•
•
•
he gift that never gives ANHNOUYEN
~RIIpOrteI' ,
Day's real purpose is to honor
veterans who have bravely and
proudly defended our country,
but now when one thinks of the
holiday, one habitually thinks of a
big "sale."
While this epidemic plagues
many holidays, Christmas has
taken the worst toll ofal!. Instead of
acknowledging family bonding and
the holiday's traditional prestige,
America has developed a "grab
and go" mentality. Christmas' only
worth is now in material value.
Sure, the best part ofthe holiday
season for many of us is receiving
presents, but it used to be much
more than just that. So with that
in mind, when the holiday season
rolls around, try not to succumb
to the self-indulgent epidemic that
plagues the holiday. Instead of
worrying over the perfect gift to
buy, try to remember Christmas'
intended value.
Gift ,canis may sugpst tbat
the siver doesn't kDo muc:h
about 1bc person :they
for.
Mao, stvo them 'wftb die iDten­
IioD to say 'WIIJt you. to bave
What you ftB1Iy wa&ibr Christ­
QIaS," but inifead. ai1l cards
8QIJIC!Iimes meaD doIltt reaUy
bow whit ~ -liD. 80 here's
some
• 00 bID' YOUI_f
Letter to the Editor COMICS
. ~ Go cyndaquil!!!!
Dear Hatchet Staff:
~~~ ~W)
~:~
"-.../
I
Thanks very much for publishing the critical article about the
"Bal\park Village" proposal in the November06 '07 issue of the
Hatchet. Reading the article reassured me that the "more and big­
ger" attitude is not as rampant among the young generation in this
town as I had come to believe during the almost 20 years I have
lived in 'Fremont. As Chris Della VaIle states so correctly in the
article this proposal is quite possibly not in the best interest of our
community and is likely to have considerable adverse consequenc­
es that go far beyond the horizon of the average sports fan.
Keep up the good work,
Rolf Jaeger
By DANIEL KHue! The Hatchet
Domino's
Piz,z a
-
DECEMBER13 '07
II
1
Materialistic sales run
over Christmas spirit
pine from the Christmas tree and
frantically running down the stairs
in festive pajamas to open presents
was worth waiting all year for.
It's sad to see how the value
of Christmas has deteriorated
down to almost nothing, but then
again, it could be because of our
age. As we progress further into
adulthood,
Christmas
slowly
loses its meaning. It's almost like
a rite of passage to lose faith in
Santa, but it shouldn't mean that
we should forget the significance
of the holiday. Unfortunately,
Christmas has been reduced to just
another corporate holiday, like the
way Veteran's Day and Valentine's
Day have become.
Retailers see these holidays as
opportunities to boost market sales
by simply pairing holiday names
with gimmicks, like "Memorial
Day Sale" and "Veteran's Day
Sale." For instance, Veteran's
-=
The Hatchet
OPINION
VICTORIA NGUYEN
-~
WHS Specials
MEDIUM
3-topping Pizza
6 BUCKS
LARGE
3-topping Pizza
9 BUCKS
Xl
3-topping Pizza
11 BUCKS
Cheesy Bread
$2.75
Across Fremont Blvd from Washington High School
38347 Fremont Blvd • (510) 494-8094
Personal Pizza
3 BUCKS
The Hatchet
FEATURES
Gift dilemmas? We can help.
For the guys:
For the girls:
Jewelry: It's cliche, but it's
true. From Claire's to Tif­
fany'S, you can find something
sparkly in your price range.
Trip to the spa. nail salon. or
mall: Much more personal
than a gift card, take your
girlfriend or let her have a
girl's day out.
Winter Accessories: Much
easier to buy than clothes as
one size usually fits all.
Framed Pictures: Share a
favorite memory by framing
a picture that you will both
cherish.
Concert Tickets: Take a girl­
friend to go see her favorite
band; she'll love you for it.
Car Accessories: Boys, girls
love our cars just as much as
you do yours.
t~e •
Sunglasses: Shades these days
have become like Uggs for
males.
DVD sets: Every guy has
their favorite show, hook 'em
up with the whole season.
FM transmitter: Throw those
CDs out the window.
Rock Band: Does your guy
like playing guitar hero?
Rock band gets four people
involved; the guitar, bass,
drums, and vocals.
Tickets: Tickets to sports
events and concerts are
nearly every guy's dream, it's
a chance to spend some time
together and have fun .
Earbuds: Any guy will ap­
preciate a nice pair of head­
phones; sometimes the stock
Ipod set just isn't enough.
Compiled by JONATHAN KIM and KATHERINE KIM! Sports Editor /Staf! Reporter
An Enchanted Evening turned "freak" fest MERCEDES RODRIGUEZ
Features Editor
For one December evening each
year, Huskies come to school with
for a purpose other than learning.
We spend our part-time paychecks
on tickets, flowers and formal
wear and head to the gym ready to
dance the night away. Months of
preparation precede the renowned
event. Unfortunately, 2007's Winter
Ball, also known as An Enchanted
Evening. brousht more than just
good, clean fun.
All night long, chaperones
circled the pack of dancers like
lingering sharks.
In the words of Principal Linda
Fernandez, "It was a beautiful,
beautiful event. Everyone looked
beautiful and happy... and there
were a few problems."
The phenomenon known as
freak dancing had almost every
couple connected at the pelvis,
regardless of age, social status, or
academic achievements.
Mrs. Fernandez said the
event had "freaking across the
spectrum... whole populations,
even kids with 4.0's:'
However,
the
relationship
between grade point averages and
dance technique seems shaky at
best. Must a student be stereotyped
Photo by JOEL
CAPRA /
Pro Image
Seniors Mark Jensen and Kimberly Lam were among the many
students reprimanded for their dance methods.
for their dance practices simply by
the grades they earn on their report
card.
Senior Tyler King didn't hesitate
to express his disappointment in
the dance. "I thought it was great
until Mrs. Paris started ruining it:'
he said.
Helen Paris was easily the most
visible authority figure of the entire
night.
During the dance, when the
student's grinding had seemed
to reach a fever pitch, she cut
the music and took the stage to
encourage attendees to remain on
their best behavior. She attributed
the flickering lights of the evening
to wiring failures
"Lights kept blowing circuits, so
then I had to keep turning them on
and off;' Paris said.
Unreliable wiring or not,
students refused to be deterred.
The dance was a battle between
chaperones and the dancers that
eluded them.
According to Fernandez, three
verbal warnings resulted in a
temporary expulsion from the
dance floor. By the time the lights
came on for good, students were
covered in perspiration, and every
adult seemed relieved.
the
actions
Unfortunately,
taken on Saturday are to have
serious consequences; and the
admini tration isn't willing to share
just yet. Both Fernandez and Paris
have stated they have "definite
ideas" but nothing concrete enough
to be accepted as the truth.
"Many schools are starting to do
away with dances," Fernandez said.
She went on to state that removing
the Sadie Hawkins Dance as well as
other upcoming dances from our
event calendar is a "last resort".
"Tomorrow during leadership,
were letting kids weigh in on
some ideas:' Fernandez said about
the meeting held on Tuesday. She
would prefer students to try and
work out the issue on their own,
starting with leadership. Third
period representatives are to have
a say as well.
"Communication, that's how
we're going to solve this:' Fernandez
said.
~
_ _ fa
Area
friends
do with
fiImII1
paflDI i
bffty sum for plane tiCbIs.
~
1.
WooU features a 91 -year-old
cuousel, beautiful Ugbt displays.
and arts and crafts fair. Santa
visits Monday- Thesday between
6:30-7:30 p.m. Ongoingjrom Nov.
29-D«. 23. S:30-8:3Opm. TIlden
Park, Canon at Wildcat Canyon.
Berkeley. CA
2. Fantasy of Lights is an excuse
for merchants on Union Street to
show off their creativity by deco­
rating unique window displays.
On Dec. 14 and 21, merchants
will have special Friday evening
shopping hours and entertain­
ment UniOfl StTeBl- VCUI Ness to
Steiner Co Pilltrtcm Street. Union
to Lombard. San Prtmcisco, CA
3. Ghi.ndelli Square has an im­
pressive annual Christmas tree
jJJ~UJD1Iwed
ops.
clay of
shopping in the city. what better
way is there to end a day? Santa
Clans will be visiting Decembu
14 from 3-6 p.m. 900 North Point
StJwt, San Prandsco, CA
4. 'DIe IIoJtday Ice RInk at Em­
ban:adero Center is a great place .
ice
0tItCI000 with friends .
while joytng the Bmbarcadero
CeDtendramatlc towerwitb over
17.000 upts. Admission: AJults
•Seniors and 0dIdmr $5, lus­
tin HermtUI PIat-a. San Pnmdsto.
CA. ~~
5. FiaheniIaa'I Wharf HolWay
IJIbta Pande. starting 6 p.m.
all December 14. will pre
a
uptecl boat pande that stretches
from the Fort
to PIer
)9, '1he boats end 8treets will re­
main lighted UDtil January 6 and
I«:CD on Jdfmon treet.
'IsIwrrnIm WMrf. San Pnmdsc4
CA
6. ne PIIDIIr GWIai 'D:ee is a
to
rioDpmil organtmion
~
dill­
dmL ¥al1fIc,~ apirltf
.Sip qUkklD~ their
ue~
toy
W.O Ct;IIfotnIti CWcII, Mil­
",.6t~
., _.1Il
-or,.
lIIustradon by linda He
C_lY III.....·!.......
L
The Hatchet
FEATURES
DECEM_BER13'07
remont based book goes Hollywood
****
.
A
W
The Kite Runner, directed by Marc Forster, begins
as the story of two young Afghan boys.
Hassan, ofthe serving class, is willing to do anything
for his friend and master Amir, "one thousand times
o er:' However when lIassan is raped and Amir does
not stand up for his friend, their friendship falls apart
and the rape haunts them both for years after they
are separated
This film was heart-wrenching and powerful.
The wide array of emotions will bring viewers from
laughter to tear and will make an impact on anyone
who watches it. Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada and
Zekiria Ebrahimi, who play the young Hassan and
Amir, were stunning in their first film . Their ability to
draw viewers in was convincing and compelling. As
the movie followed Amir as an adult, Khalid Abdalla
was outstanding.
This film is a mixture of English and Dari, the
Persian dialect of Farsi, with English subtitles.
Despite being filmed in Northeast China, the
sets were an honest and convincing portrayal of
Afghanistan, and the soundtrack had an original
Middle Eastern feel.
Islamic and Afghan life was portrayed
exceptionally well, and it followed extremely close to
Khaled Hosseini's novel, save for the ending. It was
disappointing that such a significant part of the novel
was left out, considering how well it portrayed the
book's theme of truth and trust.
A conclusion more loyal to the novel would have
been more fulfilling and would have added to the
deep themes throughout the film.
Overall, this amazing film is recommended for
teenagers and adults. Whether the viewer knows the
history of Afghanistan or not, this film will open your
eyes to another world, as well as spread Hosseini's
message of truth, loyalty and that "there is a way to
be good again."
The Kite Runner opens Dec. 14.
Controversial rape scene brings
cultural
(ilIJ!JI8q:'.{jI_!fO: me,et the director and the lead actors, along
.." ... "I~'" ~__"JI.IIJ"II=. His role as a kite flier reqUired a week of
and required a lot of interaction with
make a big impact on him.
to the United States when she was 17,
into power in Afghanistan, but she still felt
and realistic in all aspects.
questions about it after I read the book,
a lot to it:' Ghiassy said.
the culture was portrayed well in the novel
cultures in America today, elder generations
their beliefs and traditions, even after
years. Ghiassy's family relates with this
all they do is talk politics, and ... Afghan
said as he jokingly compared his family
to l~IIt!~~PlIU1Jr4Il()f the culture. "I read some parts in the book
Ia1llgblDttbE~calllse I can really relate to it."
As • MusIiiu.
is not extremely devout in practicing his
r
, but he feels he lives his life equally as a Muslim Afghan and
as an American. Gbiassy valued the experience of being a part of
film, and is eager to visit Afghanistan.
"I definitely want to go. If [ever get the opportunity, I am going:'
y SlUd.
scorn from viewers
Khaled Hosseini's
However, local Muslims and Afghans feel
novel,
The
Kite
differently.
Runner,
follows
Freshman Kisa Husain, from Pakistan,
two young boys
feels that the scene is necessary for the film
in different social
to make sense.
classes during the
"It motivates the whole story. It
reign of the Taliban
happens and we can't avoid it:'
in
Afghanistan.
Husain said.
When an upper
Senior Ahdia Siddiqi feels the scene
class boy, Amir,
is vital to the story. The Taliban has
witnesses
his
directly affected Siddiqi's life, and her
friend ofthe serving
family has lived through events similar
class, Hassan, being
to those in the novel. Siddiqi lost her
raped, he does nothing
father because of a Taliban attack on a
to stop it. The violent act and
United Nations office, and had to leave
the harshness of Amir's passivity
Afghanistan because of the hardships
tears the friendship apart.
her mother faced raising three young
Rape is a taboo subject in many
girls without a father. Afghanistan is a
cultures, especially that of Muslims and
country that requires women to always
Afghans. While the novel is fiction, it is
be escorted by their husband.
based on a topic that is unmentionable, yet
''As long as the rape scene is not
sadly real, however much society tries to
extreme, it should be left in;
avoid and ignore it.
Siddiqi said. "It does not
often in Kabul, and is rare
Because Afghanistan is an unstable hap pen
country with strict religious ideals, the even
in
the smaller villages, but you
three boys involved in the rape scene of The can't take
out what happens in reality."
Kite Runner film have been removed from
"Afghanistan doesn't want
their country, for fear of a violent response to
look
bad, but it happens all over
from offended Afghans. A website, www. the world;
freshman Wali Ghiassy said.
kiterunner-org, was even started to collect " The y
worry that once people watch
signatures to help prompt the removal of this movie,
they will think that's what
the boys and their families' for safety. The hap pen e d
Afghanistan all
boys, Zekiria Ebrahimi, Ahmad Khan the time. For
the boys'
Mahmidzada and Ali Danish Bakhty Ari, safety, I think
the y
have since been moved to Dubai, and may should come to America.
There are
be coming to the United States.
people that would probably kidnap him. He'd
Many people, including Mamidzada, who go through a hard time in Afghanistan:'
plays the rape victim, wanted the scene
Ghiassy mentions that natives
to be removed from the film. They were Afghanistan have stricter culture and
concerned that it would cause more ethnic religious views, nd are ther fore less
tensions in an already troubled situation. tolerant.
•
In
Compiled by KATERINA ADAMOS, LINDA HE, PRJTlKA KUMAR, SAM MAHOOD, ANH N GUYEN, VI CTORIA
Illustrations by ANH NGUYEN, Design by KATERINA ADAMos, PRITIKA KUMAR I The Hatchet
,.~£.!,
NGUYEN. KRISTIN.\ S CHENCK. MELODY WONG
I The Hatchet
armer
5.6 shakes Bay A
rea CA - On Oct. 30, a 5.6 magnitude earthquake five miles from Alum Rock, CA. rumbled throughout
northern California. The earthquake was approximately 5.7 miles underground and was on the Calaveras
Fault. It was the most powerful earthquake to hit the Bay Area since the 6.9 magnitude earthquake Oct.
17.1989.
Golden State Warriors advance to playoffs CA - Most students grew up with no memory of a winning Golden State Warriors team. That
changed during the 2006-2007 season. The Warriors- aided by a mid-season trade that netted
them starters Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington from Indiana- finished 42-40. This record
was good enough for the eighth and final seed in the Western Conference. Warriors mania swept
the Bay Area as the team upset the number one seeded Dallas Mavericks in the first round. The
Warriors were eliminated from the playoffs in the next round by the Utah Jazz.
A Garners'
Par
- '­
WHS - Two years ago, computer teacher James Farmer proposed to Alexis Hagousian over the third period announcements. Students and
teachers erupted in cheers. running down the halls and applauding to congratulate the newly engaged. Now, they are set to marry Dec. 14 in
San Francisco. They planned a small wedding and two honeymoons. one of which will take them on a one month train ride across Russia to
China.
us -Lines of Muggles formed in front of bookstores July 21. Each person was hoping
to seize a copy of the last volume of the Harry Potter series and find out how it all ends.
Bookstores celebrated the release of "Harry Potter and the
Deathly Hollows:' Some stores held parties with Harry Potter
themed decorations, food and activities. Fans were clothed
as wizards and witches; some wore replicas of Harry Potter's
glasses. Before the release. fans tried to avoid spoilers that
leaked throughout the Internet. Publishers printed mHiions
of copies and a few million of those were preordered by
Barnes & Noble, Borders and readers worldwide through
Amazon-com.
EMEMBER THE
H0KIES
32 dead at Virginia Tech
VA ­ On April 16. thirty-two lives were lost at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Virginia. Early in the morning,
two people were shot in Ambler Johnston Hall. Two hours later, thirty-one people were killed in Norris
Hall; including the gunman who took his own life. Some of the doors of Norris Hall were chained and
victims were found in different places of the building. Witnesses jumped out of windows or crouched
down on the floor. Those who suffered injuries were treated at Montgomery Regional Hospital and Lewis­
Gale Medical Center. The halls were stained with blood and were filled with chaos and horror. The students
did not evacuate the campus, nor were they notified of the attacks until several hours later. During the
aftermath, a memorial was held and students and staff members mourned for the thirty-two dead.
S - ~ - I -I - ~-I - ~I~'- \.7 I -· 1
?S3
vs. Wii us - The most recent and highly anticipated game consoles
were released in late 2006, or beginning of this year. The Nintendo
Wii was expected to be the most revolutionary gaming consoles
because of its wireless remote that offers a life-like simulation
and a whole new way of gaming. The console also offers access
to the Internet, and other convenient additives. In Nov. 2006,
Sony unveiled the release of the new Playstation 3, the first
console that is Blu-ray Disc compatible. A remarkable feature
of the Playstation 3 is its ability to hold up to seven wireless
controllers. The release of these two consoles made the year
memorable for most garners.
Chew this byte ofApple
us - On June 29, Apple released their revolutionary iPhone. This .46 in. thick phone has a
3.5 in. (diagonal) touch screen feature. The iPhone can play music. access the internet and of
course be a regular cell phone. When Apple debuted its brand new line of iPods. the iPhone's technology inspired the brand new iPod Touch. The iPod Touch has the same capabilities as
the iPhone except it can't be used as a phone. Wi-Fi access allows buyers to purchase their
favorite songs straight off ilunes. In addition to the iPod Touch, Apple also refashioned the
iPod Nano. Available in five new colors, the Nano now has a 2 in. (diagonal) Screen that
rnAoiiio'NlaiRo'KEdN"'jO
Marathon Dance cancelled
FI
'-
' -' ';
WHS - 1he first fan bus in decades followed the Lady Huskies '06'07 varsity basketball team and Coach Michelle Keller to Berkeley Feb.
28. Carrying a 22-3 regular season record into the North Coast Section
(NCS) playoffs, the girls lost to Berkeley 41-58 in the semifinals.
Senior Morgan Woodrow. later named Most Valuable Player (MVP)
for the season, held the record for scoring the most points and most
rebounds that season. Woodrow was named to First-Team All League,
and Signed a full-paid scholarship to the University of San Diego (USD)
Nov. 14, alongside an offer to play for the university's top ranked in the
West Coast Conference (WCC) basketball team.
/
~------ ~
~
///"
//
Adlli®u Adlli®u
9
teo you
and! you
9
and} you~
Retiring staff leaves WHS
Southern Cali fires cause residents to evacuate
WHS - After serving for eight and a half years at
Washington, Officer Jones bids farewell as he leaves
after back surgery. Retiring teachers include Geroge
Wallach who has taught subjects ranging from English, to
Physical Science, to Algebra; Anna Krebs whose lessons
in abstinence stuck especially well to the class of '93; Tom
Vargas who hopes to take advantage of his retirement to
travel the world; and Paul Ficken who hopes for the best
for students at WHS.
WHS - One of the most anticipated events of the
junior year was canceled during 2006-2007 after years of
CA - On Oct. 20, twenty-three fires burst oul. in seven different counties in southern California, burning down
tradition. The Marathon Dance was usually organized by 517, 567 acres of land. Homes and other landmarks such as Six Flags: Magic Mountain were destroyed. and
Social Science teacher Ken Jones. Students are dressed school can1puses closed. Although some were unhurt, many had to evacuate and stay with relatives. bringing
in 1920s attire. various acts are performed and nonstop only the basic necessities with them. They did not come back until the area was deemed safe.
dancing for hours; Simultaneously students are raising us -Jan. 4 marked a day of many firsts. The Democrats retook money for charity. Jones was absent during the first two both houses of Congress for the first time since 1994. Nancy months of the school year and thus was not able to set Pelosi assumed office, becoming the first Californian and first up the dance. The dance was postponed until April, and woman Speaker of the House. With this position, she is second eventually it was called off altogether. Disappointed, the in the line of presidential succession, preceded only by the Vice Class of2008 petitioned, led a lunchtime rally and dressed President. Pelosi holds the highest position any woman has in 1920s attire.
'T
principal and her birthday April 27 during a lunch rally. The rally ever held in Congress.
featured hip-hop performers from the Expressions Club, while
students helped themselves to chocolate and vanilla cake.
Fernandez had worked as assistant principal for fi\'e years before
WHS - Hall of Fame San Francisco 4gers coach Bill Walsh passed away July 30
becoming the vice principal at WHS. In 2006 Superintendent
after a three year struggle with leukemia. Walsh's first head coaching job was at
Douglas M. Gephart had asked Fernandez to become the interim
Washington in the early 1960s. Taking over the 4gers in the late 1970s, Walsh built
principal after the first chosen candidate declined the position. In
a dynasty. He drafted hall of famers quarterback Joe Montana and Wide Receiver
the spring of 2007, Fernandez went through interviews along with
Jerry Rice, while developing his innovative West Coast Offense. During the 1980s
WHS - The 2006-2007 school year marked two former Washington attendees' deaths. Former
other plaUSible candidates for the principal position. The School
the 4gers won four Super Bowls. of which Walsh was head coach for three. To
student Aaron Breaux, 19, was found shot in the chest on Bell Street near the Fremont Hub April 29.
Board officially appointed Fernandez as the new principal just a
honor Walsh. the 4gers have renamed their playing surface Bill Walsh field-the
School Records showed Breaux's attendance at Washington for his freshman and sophomore year,
few days before her birthday.
stadium is still known as Monster Park.
however, he was never enrolled into another school after leaving WHS Sept. 20. 2005.
~
~
-..-~
Lindalee Edwards, para-educator at WHS for 10 years, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004.
•
.-..
Her doctors. who had believed the cancer was gone. found it came back and spread. Edwards passed
away May 7.
Democrats advance
SF representative comes third in line Barly 6irtAday prSssHt .&jetulwuj 49~ co.adi
Fernandez e~~?e!!~s~;?onE~i~~~~~n~n?e!!l~!~s tacfded ~71~ teuIwnia
Former WHS football coach passes away
loses two
WHS
Former student and staff member pass away
HOMERUN 782
Truck driver injured in accident
BYE BYE BONDS CA - Barry Bonds dominated the sports world on and off the field in 2007. During this past
season he broke Hank Aaron's career home run record of 755. Bonds hit homerun 756 August
7, and finished the season with 762. This offseason has left serious doubts about Bonds' legacy
though. On Nov. 15 he was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with four counts of
perjury and one count of obstruction of justice. These charges stemmed from testimony Bonds
gave to a grand jury in 2003 regarding the investigation into steroid distribution by Bay Area
Laboratory Co-operative (BALCO).
..... .. .
verpass
CRASH
ERVER
collapses School
server shutdown affects staff and students
... ....
CA - The sturdiness of the country's infrastructure was called in question July
31 when an overpass being built over Highway 149 intersecting Highway 70 in
Butte County collapsed. It crushed a delivery truck carrying Robert Sylvester, 45,
of Chico, and seriously injured construction worker Jeffrey Doll of Olivehurst.
Doll had clung to a steel beam as it fell 50 feet downwards while steel beams
crushed the hood and back of Sylvester's Fed Ex truck. Sylvester was rescued
two and a half hours later. Highway 149 was closed overnight until 5 a.m. as
workers from FCI Constructors Inc. erected concrete columns and steel tubes .
FCI was fined several times for safety violations.
... ....
s erver
)(.
K
crash
WHS - The computer server crashed, losing all data that students and staff
members had saved. It was initially thought to have been a fail-safe system, but the
server had completely collapsed. Computer students found it especially difficult
to work when they couldn't save their assignments. Other options included
having the students save their work to the teachers' boxes and for the school to
have accessible double back up. The school would have to pay up to $22,000 to
recover the data along with new features such as an increase in space, however the
reliability of the server has become questionable.
n
I
The Hatchet
I DECEMBER13'07
A&E
..... u
Club members show feelings through individual works of art Engraved mentally,
Spoken physically,
Injected int t he heart quickly.
Mind. Voice, and Soul
The elemen ts th at form 1In amalgam,
That generates the "hysical being,
Also known as a poet,
So what's so gr t about poetry?
Many people a~ me,
In which I retaliate the single word "Everything"
It's not just a bunch of words written on a piece
of paper,
Let alone recited to the publiC,
It has no exact definition,
But all I know is, that to all those that embrace the
JOANNE CRUZ
StaffReporter
Expressions Club allows you to
express yourself th rough dancing.
singing, writing, and art. It also
focuse on hip-hop, but not the
mainstream music we see on
MTV
To Expressions Club, hip-hop
is a culture, not just a genre of
music. Hip-hop's influence ranges
from music, clothes, art, and even
language.
Underground hip-hop is what
the club focuses more on because
it sends a positive message. It does
not focus on pimping, money, or
getting girls, but instead talks about
politics and life.
However, if you're assuming
that members of this club only
listen to music, you're wrong. They
also learn about the history of hip­
hop, which covers a wide range
of topics such as the first break
dancing crews and where graffiti
originated.
Expressions
Club
welcomes
dancing as a source
of expression. Some
break dance and
sometimes
people
battle each other.
Break dancing is the
main form of dance
performed during club meetings. It
is also labeled as "B-Boying:'
In break dancing, dancers
combine strength and creativity to
create moves and positions, usually
while upbeat music is playing. This
dance form originated in the South
Bronx of New York around the
early 1970s.
At first break dancing was
associated with gangs, instead of
fighting each other they would
battle to see who has the better
dance moves. It was done on the
streets usually with a piece of
cardboard for padding against the
concept,
Photo by MARTfN
WONG/ The
Hatchet
Sophomore David Huang, junior Kelvin Ho, and freshman Thomas Pak
break dancing and practicing their freezes.
cement. Break dancing has evolved
into the dancing that is seen today
in music videos and rap.
Graffiti is the outlet of art the
Expressions club tends to focus on.
The word "graffiti" originates from
the Latin word "graphium; which
means, "to write." It
started in the 1960s in
New York City.
In the beginning,
graffiti was used for
gangs to mark their
territory, or for people
to
make
political
statements. You would
see it on subways, walls,
bathrooms, windows, and even on
sides of trucks. Graffiti artists at
first used pens and markers, but
then turned to spray paint. To
Expressions Club,
graffiti is often
misinterpreted as
vandalism. But it
has transformed
into ~ork that
now
includes
technical
and
artistic aspects.
The club also
believes
that
graffiti must not
display obscene drawings or words
and viewers must be the judges of
whether a piece of work is graffiti
or vandalism.
If you have a piece of writing
or a work of art you would like to
share, you can showcase it at the
Expressions Club. The club has
different forms of expression they
focus on each month. Students talk
about each given topic and how
they can utilize it.
December's topic is poetry and
singing. On Thursday, Dec. 20, the
club will be holding a Spoken Word
where people recite a poem, sing a
song, or freestyle in front ofa group.
It is a time where artists can vent
their feelings or show their talents.
Meetings are held every Tuesday in
Room A160 during lunch.
o
It is everything,
The words we speak. to the air we breathe,
To the shoes on our feet, to the sun in the sky,
It's all the elements that m ake everything alive
Many people wou d call me crazy, even insane.
But it don't matter,
For that's how I live life,
A crazy poet who has found his VOice in sodety
A crazy poet whQ has grasped the concept of
Chillaxin' and Trillin'
A crazy poet who has turned ugly into beautiful,
So grasp the poetry concept,
And acknowledge it as it is.
Everything that's seen visible in the living world ...
By Francis Espiritu aka Floetic T(!nden~y
Graphic by PRIllKA KUMAR
Illustrations by AYLMER ABREA
~PUS
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The Hatchet
A&E
Designer Spotlight: Calvin Tran
VICTORIA NGUYEN
StaffReporter
The decision ofchoosing a career
path is daunting to any student. We
all face the pressure of deciding
what to do with our lives after high
school. Up-and-coming designer
Calvin Tran is one adult who can
recall that he didn't know what
path to choose and went through
many trials and errors. For Tran,
fashion isn't a hobby, but more like
a lifestyle.
Tran first knew he wanted to be
in the fashion industry at the age
of 19. He was on the verge of being
expelled from college, chose the
wrong career, and had no direction
to go. This was until he found a
passion for clothes and fashion,
and followed that love to get where
he is today. When one thinks of
a deSigner, one would guess that
the designer had profeSSional
schooling, from such schools as
Parsons or the Fashion Institute of
Design. However, Tran didn't go to
a school specializing in fashion, but
graduated from the Illinois Institute
of Art. Tran proves that one doesn't
have to go to a profeSSional school
for fashion or deSign.
"If you already have the skills,
it's more advantageous to start
a business first, since [fashion]
schools are the same everywhere;
Tran said.
His vision can convey a message
to any student who feels lost
when it comes to planning for
the future. Not everyone knows
what profession they want to
enter, and some find their callings
unexpectedly or on a whim.
"The best part about being
a designer:' Tran said, "is that I
get to control my own business,
enjoy the freedom of showing
my workmanship, and watch my
business grow:'
With a total of four stores
located on both the east and west
coast, Tran finds the benefits to
be rewarding, especially when
forming a tight-knit circle of fellow
renowned designer friends, like
Derek Lam and Phillip Lim.
Tran currently resides in New
York, the home of one of his stores,
and one of the major fashion
capitals ofthe world. Being based in
New York is handy when it comes
to designing for celebrity A-List
clientele, including Brooke Shields,
Sandra Oh, Drew Barrymore,
Cameron Diaz, and supermodel
and icon Iman.
His pieces could easily be
mistaken for a couture designer's
line, and Tran said, "It's a lot like
Alexander McQueen, his look
changes every season. I'm a big
fan of Tom Ford, his deSigns have
become so innovative:'
Tran's best advice and looks for
winter include "lots of layering,
draping, and to have a more
voluminous form. I love seeing
tight fitting on top, but loose on
PATRlCK FLYNN
YouTube-com, the online
video-sharing
website,
boasts videos of all types and
backgrounds. Allowing anyone
to broadcast themselves has
unearthed some incredibly
entertaining clips.
Those of you that listen
to "Lovellne:' the night-time
radio show, may be familiar
with Reginald the Security
Guard and his rap. Whether or
not you listen to the show, the
video is a must-see. Despite the
badcgroundmusic beingabsent.
each hilarious lyric is there. Search
for "Da Drop Out Song" to hear
Reginald's unique flow. Although
the video quality is sketchy at
best, the rap can be heard in all its
rhyming glory.
If you have an iPod and some
extra time on your hands, look
up the Household Hacker's DIY.
Watch '"How to Charge an iPod
Using Electrolytes and. an Onion,"
which gives in-depth directions on
how to perform each step.
Since the experiment hwo1ves
an onion and Gatorade. the
Household Hacker does warn that
your USB charger may not work
the same afterwards.
Word Jumble
Unscrmlble the words . Then piece the numbered
letters in their relative boxes below.
Hint: Whit the cit dressed up as for Christmas.
T
W
R
N
[] I [] I I 9
•
S
TOR
NAN
M
I [XJ I I I I I G
H
)
8
A
U
I [J I I I
5
G
H
T
S
[J I I I [J
W
7
Photo by VICTORIA
The
Hatchet
Fashion designer Calvin Tran.
NGUYEN/
the bottom. Winter is all about
freedom of expression:'
Although Tran has yet to enter
into the elite world of top couture
deSigners, it is expected that like
the unpredictable trends of SoHo
and San Francisco, things are
subject to change.
Unique Youtube clips entertain staffReporter
DECEMBER13'07
"Minesweeper: The Movie"
is an unbelievably original idea
that was executed perfectly.
Watching grown men clad in
military apparel simulating a
computer game is priceless,
and ~ minute detaJ.1 of the
game was captured. The actors
do their characters justice,
acting out the turmoil of war.
This two-minute clip may just·
be the most creatiVe video
game interpretation since Red
VI.. Blue. "MInesweeper" is
de6nitely worth checking out
These videos can be viewed
in about seven minutes, and are
worth the eJ£ort of watching.
Visit us online at:
Puzzle by ANH
NGUYEN/
The Hatchet
Elfster helps Santa JOANNE CRUZ
StaffReporter
Elfster-com gives the holiday
game, Secret Santa, an upgrade by
conducting everything through the
Internet. People pick names from
a container, and then get a gift for
the person they picked. The catch is
that you cannot tell anyone whose
name you drew.
To start an online Secret
Santa exchange, go to the Elfster
homepage, and click the olive link
that says, "Start your Secret Santa:'
Starting or joining an exchange is
free. The site will then ask you to
create a username. Next, if you
started the exchange yourself, you
will type up gUidelines, such as,
when the sign-up deadline is, how
much you can spend, and where
the exchange will take place. Then
you can email friends and family
invitations. You can check the
website to see who accepted or
declined your invitation. The people
who accept are listed as Santa's and
those who decline are listed as
Scrooge's. Once people sign up, the
website randomly chooses a name
ANH
//lustration by
The Hatchet
NGUYEN!
for you. This is where Elfster not
only helps you organize the game,
but helps you play it secretly.
Through the site, you are able to
ask the person questions without
them knowing your identity. Elfster
also suggests random gift ideas.
Furthermore, Elfster conveniently
allows you to post a wish list, to
give ideas to your Santa. More
than 2,500 people have already
participated in Secret Santas
through Elfster. With the help of
Elfster-com, you can make your
holidays a little less hectic.
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The Hatchet
DECEMBER13'07
A&E
Let It Snow Baby... Let It Reindeer Relient K
****D Most songs are rewritten with new
arrangements and additional lyrics.
They are played with strong, almost
distorted, guitars and heart pumping
drums. Slow tempo songs, such as
'i\ngels We Have Heard on High"
and "Handel's Messiah:' are given
unusually fast beats. The only carols
that keep solemnity are "Have Yourself
a Merry Little Christmas" and the
"Silent Night/Away in a Manger"
medley.
OneofThiessen'sowncompositions,
"In Like a Lion (Always Winter)" was
inspired by C.S Lewis' book "The Lion,
the Witch, and the Wardrobe." All of
his new songs are enjoyable to listen
to. since they are purely products of
Relient K.
The one drawback to this album
is that since many of these songs are
KATERINA ADAMOS
StaffReporter
Any Relient K fan's music collection
would be deprived if it did not include
their new Christmas album, Let It
Snow Baby... Let It Reindeer. Ever
since Relient K's early stages, the
band has developed its own personal
sound. In this new album, Relient
K conveys this sound to listeners
through a mixture of classic carols and
lead vocalist Matthew Thiessen's own
compositions. The album contains 16
songs and one bonus track.
The classic Christmas carols
include "Deck the Halls:' "The 12
Days of Christmas:' and "Auld Lang
Syne:' However, this album is not for
those who favor traditional Christmas
melodies that ring soft, mellow tunes.
I-Empire categorized as rock, it is difficult to feel
the Christmas spirit in them. One lacks
the warm, joyful holiday feeling when
listening to this album. Regardless.
this album is witty and entertaining. It
will put a smile on the faces of those
who tire of the repetitiveness of classic
Christmas carols.
• Courtesy OjCAPITOL
RECORDS
Angels and Airwaves Sl'EPHANIB·CAMPBEU.
inspirational. lcJve.iDsptmi ballads sound and are most sbn1Iar to songs on
and spaW about growing up and his the album's predecessor. 1he rest of the
afflicted past.
.
album features a slightly new sound that is
I-Empire. Angels Be IUrwavei
Unlike We
Need to reminiscent of 'aos pop.
follow-up album to We Dot(t Need Whisper. I-Empire offers more
Depending on where you download or
to Whisper in 2006. is a blend of variety to listeners. The mainstream buy your CD, you can also get different
everythingvoca1ist Tom Delonge has "Everything's Magic,'" is poppy, up- bonus acoustic tracks that only hardcore
ever done.
tempo, and an all-around crowd Angels & Airwaves' fans will appreciate.
Overall, I-Empire is a decent album that
This mixture is most apparent pleaser. "True Love;' "Heaven," "Love
in the track "Rite of Spring,­ like Rockets;' and "Star ofBethlehem;" I recommend for faDs of the band's first
where Delonge tws a break from has AVI\s signature spacey and techno aJl?wn release.
SIq/fReporter
Don"
Le
y
il
Guitar Hero released
on Nintendo Wii
****D
ANH NGUYEN
StaffReporter
Activison's Oct. 28 release, Guitar Hero 3: Legends
of Rock, offers fans another chance to pick up their guitars
and rock out on the Wii. It features the same Star Power
and difficulty levels, but introduces new modes and game
play. The new playlist includes songs from earlier eras of
rock. like "Paint It Black" by the Rolling Stones, to more
recent songs like "Miss Murder" by AFI. Players can
also connect to the internet through the Wii console to
download even more songs as well as battle other players
online.
One of Guitar Hero's more exciting new features is
battle mode. which allows players to face off against each
other. With the lack of Star Power in this mode. every star
note powers up attacks against opponents, not increase
the Star Power Meter.
Players activate these attacks by raising the guitar
vertically. Such moves include 'amp overload', which
causes the opponents' fret bar to shake, making the notes
harder to read. If both players manage to survive to the
end. a sudden death match ensues. In career mode. players
also get a chance to compete in Boss Battles against: Tom
Morello, the guitarist of Rage Against the Machine and
Audioslave; Slash. former guitarist for Guns n' Roses and
current guitarist for Velvet Revolver; and Lou the Devil.
New features of the game include: wireless guitars,
better graphics, and higher controller sensitivity. Unlike
the other system versions, the Wii's requires the Wii
remote to be plugged into the guitar. Wii owners benefit
from the capabilities of the Wii remote such as the rumble
feature, which can be used during Star Power mode. and
the internal speaker. However, the graphics aren't as clear
as they are for other systems like the XBOX 360. Either
way, Guitar Hero III for the Wii can be enjoyed by familiar
and new players of the game.
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The Hatchet
SPORTS
DECEMBER13'07
2007 FALL SPORTS SEASON WRAP-UPS
FALL 2007 SPORTS SCORES
Tennis girls advance to fifth place in MVALs
STACEY LEE
StaffReporter
Girls Tennis ended their season
with a 5th place finish in MVALs.
With several advancements, the
players are satisfied with their per­
formance. Senior Erika Tiu and
doubles team senior Irene Cheng
and junior Taylor Jeong advanced
the furt hest making it to the third
round. Doubles teams Elise Tow­
ers, Vivian Zhang and Sherry Lee,
Nikki Nario advanced to the sec­
ond round.
Despite suffering through the
absence of a coach in the beginning
of the season, the girls have come a
long way fin ishing 5th in MVALs.
Because of the difficult situation
i the beginning of the season, the
players shared a stronger bond this
season than past ear .
Cheerleaders surprised at wi STACH Lhr:
StaffReporter
FoUowing their victo ry at Santa
Cruz, the cheerleaders remained
at the top w ith a first-place finish
at the Washington High Regional
Competition held in the gym Nov.
11. Breaking their second-place­
curse, the girls finally won a com­
petition hosted by Washington.
The team made some chang
this year the help win the title.
They worked with their choreog­
rapher befo re a h competition
in order to perfect eir routines.
However, with all of the work, the
victory me as a urpri to some
the girls Jl the team.
"It wasn't o ur best performance
and we competed against a lot of
tough squad . But when we won I
felt a relief because it was our first
win at our own competition," se­
nior Jasmine Lacebal said.
Varsity has another regional
competition on Jan. 5
r
Gymnastics improves season SARAH WILLIAMSON
StaffReporter
her second overall for the varsity
leveL
Half of the current gymnastics
team is graduating this year, so the
The gymnastics season came to
a conclusion Nov. 2 with MVAL
championships.
The
team finished
third
overaIl with a total score
of 129 points. Both team
and coach were pleased
with their overall perfor­
mance.
"It's sad to think that
the season is already
over. But they all did
very well at MVAL and
ended the season with a
positive ending;' Coach
Kim Freitas said.
Sophomore Andrea
Photo by PRO IMAGE STUDIOS
Suarez placed in MVAL. Junior Kelvin
stretches before practic­
She ended the season by ing in the gym.
placing eighth in vault ~~--~~---------------------and seventh in bars.
team hopes for new athletes to join
"I was hoping to place in floor the team next season. The team will
because it's my favorite event, but still have many of its varsity elite
I'm happy with my performance;' gymnasts, but the majority of the
Suarez said.
varsity gymnasts are leaving.
Both seniors Morgan O'Hare and
"Overall the team had a success­
Tanya Kortova placed in the varsity ful season. The team improved on
level competition. Kortova finished all levels and in every event. We
the season by placing fifth in bars. may be losing a lot of seniors, but
O'Hare placed second in vault first there are is more talent to continue
in bars, second in beam, and tenth on next season;' senior and captain
in floor. O'Hare's point total gave Jacquelin Huynh said.
"0
Vanity Football
"I think that we did okay this
season; we made a lot of progress
this year on individual strengths;'
junior Taylor Jeong said.
Because the majority of JV con­
sisted of first-time players, Coach
Matthew Brahbam devoted a lot
of time into improving their game
and additional time on each indi­
vidual player.
"He worked with us a lot on our
technique throughout the season."
junior Sadie Bachelder said.
VarSity ended their season with
an overall record of 4-8.
Fri. Nov. 24 @ Pinole Valley
PYlIS 35 WHS 28
Fn. Nov. 16 @ NewarkMemorilll
NMHS2J WIIS ]7
Fri. Nov. 9 vs. American
AlIS 6 WHS ~ 7
Boys Cross
Photo by PRO IMAGE STUDIOS
Sophomore Shelmi Liang pre­
pares to swing during practice.
Volleyball goes undefeated
JOHNATHAN KIM
StaffReporter
The volleyball team dominated
the MVALs in the 2007 season
with an undefeated record not only
in matches, but also sets in both
the regular and post-season. They
came out with a win on the charts
against James Logan High School
in the first round of the NCS tour­
nament at home; this resulted in a
second round match against Deer
Valley High School. Unfortunately,
the Huskies weren't competent
enough to play to Deer Valleys
caliber Nov. 14. A win would have
provided the Huskies with an op­
portunity to obtain a rank of 9th in
NCS, which is where Deer Valley
ultimately ended up after their loss
to San Ramon Valley.
With an overall record of 27-6
including tournaments and play­
offs, teams both in and out of
MVAL should have high expecta­
tions for next year's performance.
However, after the graduation of
9 out of the 13 varsity members,
the program will have to hustle to
prepare the upcoming talent. Ju­
niors Ashley Hess, Kristina Ranoa,
Amanda Richards, and sophomore
Korl Guerra will return next year
to carryon tradition and hopefully
continue the establishment of a po­
tential Washington dynasty over
MVAL.
KIM
StaffReporter
Both the boys and girls varsity
cross-country teams ended their
seasons by successfully placing in
several meets.
The boys team placed fourth
overall at NCS Nov. 17. The top five
varsity boys: sophomore Ben Rich,
juniors Ranvir Dhillon and Krish
Patel, and seniors Sean Campbell
and Edrian Luna won the MVAL
league meet at Coyote Hills Nov. 8.
"We killed everybody. The score
difference was almost 30 points to
the next team;' Luna said.
"Five guys made it to MVAL's.
This is a record for Washington.
As far as I can remember not more
than one guy has made it to all
league;' coach Robert Raymond
From these boys, Rich went on
to the state meet in Fresno.
Along with the undefeated var­
sity boys team, the boys frosh/soph
team won their league title, and the
JV boys placed second.
The girls varsity team succeeded
in their own right. Senior Beth
Raymond and freshmen Jessica
Gerards and Rachel Gerards made
it to MVAL's. The girls placed sec­
ond, behind rival Irvington, and
then Raymond went on to state.
"The girls went from being
slaughtered by Irvington to almost
beating them;' coach Raymond
said.
At first struggling with the loss
of five out of seven varsity runners,
the girls steadily improved.
With difficult workouts, Ijjke nine
mile runs in the hills, the cross­
country team was able to race
through such obstades and come
out on top.
"I had a lot of fun this season. At
first it was pretty hard, but it got a
[at easier because we improved a
lot;' Rachel Gerards said.
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Girl! Volleybllll
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DrH.'l i WHS 0
Tues. Nov. 13 @; II1D1CS Logan
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Thurs. Nov. 8 @ James Logan
JLHSOWHS3
Tues. Nov. 6 @ IrviDSton
IHSOWHSJ
Thura. Nov. 1 James Logan
JLHSOWHS3
-n.. Oc:&. 30 @American
Photo by MARTIN WONG/ HATCHET
Cross-country runners practice
on the track at Tak Stadium
Nov. 6. The team sent two run­
ners, sophomore Ben Rich and
senior Beth Raymond, to the
state meet in Fresno.
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The Hatchet
DECEMBER13 '07
SPORTS
Photo by JONATHAN KIM / The Hatchet
2007-2008 Fall MVPs FRONT ROW: sophomore Ben Rich (cross country), senior Beth Raymond (cross country), senior Erika Tiu (tennis). BACK ROW: senior Scott Harvey (water
polo), senior Michelle Dictor (water polo), senior Sarah Nauss (volleyball). NOT PICTURED: sophomore Andrea Suarez (gymnastics).
Articles by ALBERTO CUELLAR,
JONATHAN KIM, KATHERINE KIM, STACEY LEE, SARAH WILLIAMSON /
Nauss digs, KU digs it The official MVP for the volleyball team has not
been announced by the coach as of now, however
Tire Hatchet names senior Sarah Nauss as the most
deserving. Playing the libero position, Nauss has
no easy responsiblity when it comes to taking the
majority of the passes in the back row.
Nauss received an offer to play for the team
at Kansas University but has not yet made a final
decision as to whether or not she wants to accept it.
"I got a letter saying that they were interested in
having me come visit, and I have famjly there so it
wouldn't be too bad. But I still haven't looked into it
too seriously yet;' Nauss said.
Nauss' performance in the back row was one of
the essential parts to the team's success because it
takes a good consistent pass to run plays and keep
rallies going.
Suarez owns the floor Sophomore Andrea Suarez earned
gymnastics most valuable player for
the 2007 season. Suarez scored more
individual points than any other
member on all levels of gymnastics.
"My decision of MVP is based on
a points system. Andrea scored the
most points, so it wasn't difficult to
pick a MVP. She was a big asset to the
team when it came to scoring;' Coach
Kim Freitas said.
This season Suarez included more
difficult moves in her floor routines to
earn more points in the event.
"I knew that she could earn bonus
points if she had more complex
combinations, so we added to her
routine," Freitas said.
Suarez finished off the season by
scoring eighth in vault and seventh in
bars at MVAL.
The Hatchet
Raymond runs rapidly It was no surprise that senior Beth Raymond
was chosen as the varsity girls cross country MVP.
Raymond won the league title with a time of 20:32
and went on to race at the state meet in Fresno.
"She did extremely well;' Coach Robert Raymond
said, "She improved her time by almost half a
minute:'
"This year was more enjoyable than before;' Beth
Raymond said, "It was cool that I got to pass down
my knowledge to the younger runners:'
Raymond's athletic career will continue after high
school as she currently has several offers to continue
running in college.
"I kind of want to go to a Division One school, so
I'm looking at San Jose State;' Raymond said.
Raymond knows that there is a lot of work ahead
of her wherever she goes.
Harvey holds it down Senior Scott Harvey received the
MVP award after a great season for the
boys' varsity water polo team. Harvey
is one of the many reasons why the
team performed so well in the league
season. The team was co-champion in
league along with Mission.
Coach Accurso noted that Harvey
played with great offensive instinct
and made any necessary adjustments
quickly. During games, Harvey was
always recognized as a serious threat
by the opposing team, the kind that
always demanded the attention of the
opposing defenses.
Harvey is also able to perform on
the defensive side with great skill.
Accurso pointed out that he always
did a fabulous job on defense. Harvey
was able to stay with and defend the
opposing team's best player.
Rich with potential Ben Rich, one of few sophomores, made it to the
cross country state meet in Fresno, Nov. 24.
"He beat all the other sophomores there;' Coach
Robert Raymond said, "He will be winning when he
becomes an upperclassman:'
Rich placed first in three league meets, second at
MVALs, and led the team to a fourth place victory
at NCS.
"We missed making it by only three points, so I
was disappointed, but 1 was really happy to make it
indiVidually;' Rich said.
Rich's teammates were surprised with his success.
"At first he was a solid second, but all of a sudden
he started winning. He's one of the most talented
runners I have ever met. He made it to state as a
sophomore, something that I didn't even do;' fellow
MVP senior Beth Raymond said.
Dictor dives into collegiate pool Tiu is number one As the 2007 girls water polo MVP,
Michelle Dictor leads her team. Her
commitment has kept her striving
throughout the season.
The summer before her freshman
year, Dictor decided to trade in her
basketball jersey for a swimsuit and
has been playing ever since. Her big­
gest influence to start playing was her
mom, who also played in school.
As Dictor looks back on her last
season, she leaves with nothing but
unforgettable memories.
"We're all really close cind share an
unbreakable bond;' Dictor said about
her teammates.
Although the season has ended,
water polo is still in her future. As a
graduating senior, Dictorplans on
attending SJSU and playing for their
team.
Co-captain of the varsity tennis
team, Erika Tiu was chosen to be
MVP of the 2007 tennis season.
Tiu didn't start playing tennis
until her sophomore year when she
attended Moreau Catholic High
School and played top JY.
Moving back to Washington her
junior year, she played varsity number
2 singles.
The only goal she had for herself all
season was to play to the best of her
ability every opportunity she had. Her
favorite aspect of tennis is that it gives
her a break from everything else.
"Tennis is a place where I can
get away from distraction and enjoy
myself, it never stresses me out;' Tiu
said.
As a graduating senior, she plans to
play tennis in college.
The Hatchet
SPORTS
I
DECEMBER13'07
Tournaments launch b-ball season; interfere with Winter Ball SARAH WILLIAMSON
StaffReporter
Boys Basketball
The boys basketball team started
off the pre-season with the Rob F.
Vares Tournament. The tournament
was held at Washington and lasted
from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. The team
placed third in the tournament.
"We did well, but we can do
better. We definitely improved with
each game we played;' sophomore
John Songponnopachon said.
So far this year the team has
refrained from shooting three
pointers. Instead, the game plan
has been to establish an inside
game by getting the ball down low
to their big players.
They are forced to spread the
ball around until they get a high
percentage shot close to the basket.
"We aren't supposed to shoot
three-pointers. It's a team rule. If
you shoot a three pointer there is a
chance you might get pulled out of
the game:' senior Li Zheng said.
The team's first game was against
the Arroyo Dons. The Huskies
won 75-52. The score might not
have been very close, but it was a
good warm up that lead to their
secon game against e Grana a
Matadors. In a back and forth
game, the Matadors defeated the
Huskies, 58-54. Sophomore Jack
Veronin scored 31 points.
"I made a lot of my shots that
game at the post and on free throw
line. I really wanted to carry my
team to victory that night, but
sometimes it just doesn't happen:'
Veronin said.
The team's final game of the
tournament was against the Monte
Vista Mustangs. The Huskies won
....... 41-39.
"The tournament was a good
start to the season. It prepared us
for the tough teams we will play in
league:' Veron in said.
Over the last weekend the boys
traveled to Chico for the Pleasant
Valley Tournament.
This meant that they weren't
able to attend Winter Ball Saturday
night, which frustrated players.
"It was hard knowing that I
would miss my last Winter ball but
that's a sacrifice everyone had to
make on the team, which made it
easier:' senior Joel Thomas said.
In the tournament the Huskies
finished 1-2, good for fourth place.
Their victory was over Hill from
San Jose by 15 points. Their defeats
came in the hands of Pleasant
Photo by ALBERTO CUELLAR / The
Hatchet
Sophomore Jack Veronin goes
up for a jump shot over a
Granada defender in the Rob F.
Vares Tournament. Veronin was
named to the All-Tournament
Team at the Pleasant Valley
Tournament in Chico.
Valley from Chico and West from
Tracy. They lost the games by a
combined margin of only 3 points.
Boys soccer only opens two spots on varsity ALBERTO CUELLAR
StaffReporter
The boys varsity soccer team
has a lot of the juniors and seniors
from last season returning for this
year's soccer team. The soccer
coaches didn't have much room to
recruit new players because of the
returning players.
Although there were many new
faces showing up at soccer try
outs, a good majority of them got
cut. Since there were only one or
two spots on varsity, that meant
JV couldn't send that many players
up.
The varsity team finished with a
record of 10-2 at the end of the last
season. This season they expect
most of the same results.
"We have experience because
80 percent of the players are
returning:' junior Daniel Miller
said.
Miller is the most recent recruit
to the varsity team. This mid­
fielder has played soccer for 13
years and was on the JV team
freshman and sophomore year.
However, towards the end of last
year's season he was pulled up to
varSity. This year he has moved to
varsity for the whole season.
Theyfaced off with Logan in their
first league game of the season on
Nov. 28. "Logan is probably going
to be the toughest team to beat;'
Miller said. Logan proved to be a
tough team and beat the Huskies
0-1. The boys' next game is on
Dec. 12 at Tak against American.
Captains pivotal against biggest foe STACEY LEE
StaffReporter
Photo by ALBERTO CUELLAR / The
Hatchet
Senior Davor Bakovic dribbles
the ball in the Logan game.
Lack of wrestlers makes winning a tough task A..'IDREW KLWlERLIN
StaffReporter
wrestling captain, senior Kevin
DeFranco.
DeFranco outlined the problem
with the lack of participants. Every
time the Huskies cannot "match;'
or have a player of their team to
wrestle a player of the opposing
team, they are penalized. The other
them out of the NCS playoffs in the
third round the past two years.
While many Washington girls
attending winter ball enjoyed
Girls Basketball
getting their hair and nails done,
eating dinner with
As winter rolls around
their dates, and
so has the ball on the hard
taking pictures, the
basketball team had
court. It is basketball season
no such luxury.
again and the girls team is
looking to continue their
The team traveled
to Skyline to play
excellence.
QIJIIIiI"',...... Oakland Tech for a
After lOSing only one
game at 4:30 Dec. 8.
senior and adding to the
Winter ball began at
coaching staff have given the
8 p.m. that night.
team a good feeling about
After winning 39­
making another NCS run.
30, the players going
"Now there are six coaches
to the dance rushed
watching them at all times.
All of them contribute in
home and began
different areas so we as
to prepare. Some
coaches work as a team;'
of those who were
coach Michelle Keller said.
rushed
had lost
The new players that have
some of the thrill of
the dance.
been brought up from JV
"I was hardly
have already had an impact.
"We brought up 4 from
looking
forward
JV and it gives us more
to it and it's our
versatility:' Keller said.
Photo by MARTIN senior year. I look
Having lost only one WONG / The Hatchet forward to doing
senior gives the seniors of Sophomore K~yley my hair and taking
this year a sense of unity.
Marden practices
pictures which
"The new girls will have a her fade-away shot. couldn't. I didn't get
large impact on our season,
a date because of it;'
and fit in with the camaraderie Oliphant said.
The Lady Huskies hope to take
with the seniors, this is the best
kind of team to have;' senior Renee their 3-0 preseason success into
Oliphant said.
league play when Mission comes to
One goal for the Lady Huskies is Washington on Dec. 18.
to beat Berkeley, who has knocked
JORDAN CARROLL
Sports Editor
hand, the Huskies have near 20.
Five of those compose the varsity
team
and about three players are
Just like past years, this year's
likely
to
be cut for grade issues.
wrestling team suffers a drought
"Less
people
means more forfeits
of participants. A lack of wrestlers
for
each
weight
class;' junior Garret
makes it nearly impossible for the
Woo
said.
team to win matches.
The past few years, Washington
The coach has them jogging for a
has been dismally
half hour, sprinting for a half
smaller
than most
hour and learning technique
of
the
competition.
for an hour. In the first few
The
shortage
weeks, the team began their
helps
explain
practice with a hefty four
the
somewhat
mile run. To sophomore
disappointing
Seth Neumann's relief they
fourth place finish
are down to running one
last
year.
Photo by MARTIN WONG / The Hatchet
mile per day. Though this
The JV team
is Neumann's first year on Seniors Kevin Defranco (bottom) and Frank Kincheloe
started the season
the team, he wasn't nervous (top) demonstrate wrestling techniques to the team.
with
a tournament
joining wrestling.
team
is
automatically
given
the
8.
Varsity
then
had a match
on
Dec.
"I just got out of water polo and
points
of
the
match.
This
makes
12.
against
Logan
Dec.
I didn't know what to expect,"
The season is underway and
Neumann said. Neumann had winning a real chaLlenge.
"Logan
usually
has
about
60
hopefully
a better finish than last
played water polo with the varsity
guys;' DeFranco said. On the other year isn't too far off.
Girls soccer starts off strong with
a dominating 3-0 win against James
Logan. Because so many athletes
tried out, Girls Soccer now consists
of a JV A and B team.
After losing to Monte Vista and
tying Clayton Valley during pre­
season, the girls' were determined
to bounce back in their first league
meet against Logan.
The Logan game began strong for
the Huskies, with a goal in the first
15 minutes by co-captain Jessica
Castano.
Another goal byCastano followed
shortly after her first one. The other
co-captain, Erika Gerards, headed
in the final goal. With Logan being
one of their biggest competitors in
league, the girls felt with their win.
"Logan is probably our biggest
competitor so I'm really satisfied
with our win. We came out strong
and dominated;'
Sophomore
Lauren Floro said.
Upcommg
Winter sports
Photo by MARTIN WONG / The
Hatchet
Senior Jennifer Smith warms
up before the Logan game.
Despite having several new
players on varsity, the team is
determined to dominate this
season.
The girls' follow up Logan with
another victory against American.
Their next game is Thurs. Dec. 13
at TAK against Mission San Jose.
BoJISOccer
PrL Drt.14@MSIHS
Wetl.lan. 2 @I KHS
Pri.. /1m 4 @ NMHS
The Hatchet
_DE_CEMBER13'07 __ _
PHOTOS
Photos by MARTIN
W ONG ,
Captions by
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