Vegan T-day page 5

Dragons Tale
By Grace Bon As the nation prepared to elect a president this week, SVHS students also had an opportunity to cast their votes as part of a mock election held by the leadership class. Students who cast their ballots during their history class on Oct. 29 and 30 voted for president, senator, and 11 California propositions. President Obama won in the mock election by a landslide with 76 percent of the SVHS vote, while his Republican opponent, Mitt Romney, earned 15 percent.Senator Feinstein, who has represented the state since 1992, easily clinched the SVHS vote, winning at 76 percent. The mock election results will be combined with other schools in a state-wide pool that will be published by the California Secretary of State in the upcoming weeks. I think the mock election is cool because it gives students an opportunity to see what voting is really like, commented Emma Handron, junior. It was neat that they had real voting booths. Approximately 1200 SVHS students participated in the election, while another 75 chose not to vote. The results for the state propositions are as follows: Proposition 30: Increased

Check out Dragons spirit at sonomadragonstale.com

Cross country takes SCL page 7

Check out club activity online

November 2012 - Volume 22 -Issue 3 - Sonoma Valley High School Galley News Ms. Conner

Obama sweeps mock election

By Riley ODonnell Lisa Conner, former art teacher, is replacing Ms. Hawing, new vice-principal, as the head of the College & Career Center. Her new job has her in the College & Career Center full time. As of press time, a new replacement for Ms. Conners art classes has not yet been found, so longterm substitute Mr. Clayton has been teaching the students. Ms. Conner has been a teacher since 1988, and was looking for a change when applying for her new position. Ive gone through the college process with my own kids, she said. I am willing to do the research and use my personal background to help SVHS students nd careers and colleges they love. Ms. Conner can be found in her new room next to the front desk in the ofce. I love my position in the College & Career Center, beamed Ms. Conner. Please come by anytime for help!

Photos by Jessica Marioni SVHS students participate in the mock election on October 29 and 30 held in the Little Theater.

sales and income taxes to fund education; approved with 70 percent in favor; Proposition 34: eliminates the death penalty and replaces it with life imprisonment; narrowly passed with 50.35 percent of the vote; Proposition 35: increases prison sentences for human trafcking conviction; approved with 69 percent in favor; Proposition 37:

requires labeling of genetically modied foods; approved with 67 percent of students in favor; Proposition 38: increases sales taxes to create revenue for K through 12 education; passed with 63 percent of the vote; and Proposition 40: reorganizes state senate districts failed with only 48 percent in favor. Leanne Woods, one of the

eight leadership students who helped put on the election, reected, The goal was to get future voters interested in politics and to hopefully inspire a new generation of politically active youth. We used real political booths to get the student intrigued in the political process. For more information about the election results, see page 8.

Sassarini custodian charged with child molestation

Most recent case in slew of sexual assault crimes
By Laura Amador and Jamie Ballard A Sassarini custodian was arrested on Oct. 5 on child molestation charges, after an investigation by the Sonoma County Sheriffs ofce. According to the police, a male student told his mother that the custodian had touched him inappropriately in one of the schools bathrooms. The suspect, Richard Piskulic, was charged with felony lewd acts with a minor and misdemeanor annoying or molesting a minor. He was sent to Sonoma County Jail, with bail set at $100,000. On-site counseling was provided for students and staff, and a release from Superintendent Louann Carlomagno assured the public that The district considers student safety its highest priority. Unfortunately, this was the most recent in a series of lewd and inappropriate crimes. Approximately two months ago, Sonoma was hit with a series of sexual assault cases, namely, a man groping various There have also been a series of incidents of men ashing in public, with repeat incidents at local grocery stores, namely Safeway and Sonoma Market. On Oct. 15, suspect Richard Hudson, was arshocked that such incidents occurred in a small, seemingly safe town. However, the police department continues to take reports of sexual assault very seriously, and will thoroughly investigate any suspected cases. Citizens are encouraged to report any incidences of indecent exposure or lewd acts, and to keep safety a priority in schools and in the community. Additionally, several victims were young women walking alone, so it is advised that community members walk in groups when possible. The Sonoma Police Department can be reached (in non-emergency situations) at 996-3602; the County Sheriffs Department can be reached at 996-9495. Both departments allow for anonymous tips online or by phone.

Computers stolen from library

Three of the schools brand new Mac mini computers were recently stolen from the library. The perpetrator managed to unhinge the computers from their bolted holdings and slyly placed them in a backpack. This perpetrator was apprehended and is facing disciplinary action from the district.

Upcoming Deadlines for Seniors

Road to Reality Art Contest November 13 UC applications November 30

Tips for staying safe: - Walk in groups when possible - Stay in well-lit or well-populated areas - Report any suspicious activity or incidents of inappropriate conduct - Be aware of your surroundings

women in public. Currently, suspect Samuel Johnson Lyons has admitted to nine cases of sexual assault, and police are continuing to investigate for possibly unreported cases.

rested on three counts of indecent exposure and one count of annoying and molesting a person under 18 years old. Both staff and customers were victimized. Many community members are

Opinion-Editorial

By Adelia Gregory

Role of choice in the election

By Arianna Maysonave

Yousafzai battles for equality

dency for Islamization the economic, political and social policies designed to promote an Islamic statehas restricted educational and vocational opportunities for women, thus hindering efforts for international equity. Despite the supposed goal to [achieve] full literacy across society within ten years imposed by leaders of the Islamist coalition Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, there has been a paradoxical promise to ban co-education and create separate educational institutions for women. Though idealistically satisfying, the additional costs of segregated learning will likely decrease female literacy, which has already dropped as opportunities for higher learning diminish in the wake of Muslim conservatism. Where Yousafzai resides in the Swat District of Pakistan, the Taliban prohibits television, music, and female education, essentially eliminating all inuences that could threaten their supremacy. They not only rob women of knowledge, but of entertainment and autonomy: they are banned from grocery shopping, marrying for love, and existing as self-sufcient beings in both social and legal situations. Though most would expect the Talibans severity to crumble in the wake of public scrutiny, the rebel forces have only solidied their intent to kill Yousafzai and her father, Ziauddin. For Americans, there is nothing more essential than freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of inquiry. Being deprived of an education diminishes these rights, eliminating the innate right for every human to realize their intellectual potential. For Pakistanis, there is nothing more threatening than attempting to embody these ideals they are expected to silently conform, wordlessly subsist in a world burdened by both private and public constraint. Yousafzai can only pray that her sacricial abuse incites global uproar as Pakistan stands at a crossroad in the war of its future. One prospective route follows in the footsteps of Afghan misery, while the other foresees a nation of eventual afuence and peace comparable to that of modern India. Six months ago, the path may have been set in stone. Today, thanks to heroine Malala Yousafzai, who stated that democracy is the best rule and dreams of studying law in a country where education prevails and no one sleeps hungry, the rage of oppressive Taliban barbarism may be permanently halted.

Pakistani girl shot promoting education, the headlines read, Malala targeted for advocating rights, they divulgednever, in no era as socially, technologically, and economically advanced as the 21st century should attempted homicide result from one simply attempting to attend school. The extent to which Islamic law extends is observable in the abuse of Malala Yousafzai, who neither endangered societal safety nor violated state regulations in her public demand for education. Targeted as a dangerous entity for promoting Western culture, the fourteen-year-old Pakistani was shot and critically wounded after violating Taliban rule: continuing to attend school after the right was banned for all girls in 2009. Yousafzai has been an emblem of rebellion in a society succumbing to unlawful enforcement since 2009, when she became the nations rst youth BBC blogger. Only eleven at the time, the young girls refusal to accept austere impositions propelled her to the global stage, where her battle for equality has since attracted attention and respect worldwide. As a nation, Pakistans ten-

Women and minorities are becoming increasingly powerful, with more women actively voting more than ever before. There is a steady expansion of the political voice of minorities. With this rising diversity, the ideals of equality and diversity to the American political landscape have been incorporated into the idea of choice, where the people have chosen Barack Obama for reelection. With so few choices for so many years, women around the country seized the opportunity to support a fairer America. Obama has maintained that he will not alienate races or sexual orientation in his administration, as well as the controversy surrounding equal pay for women. Obamas pro-choice stance will translate into pro-choice policy, which does not decide what personal preference all women have to have about abortion, giving women the freedom to make their own independent ethical choices. With their increasing voter turnout and active roles in politics, women have shown themselves to be determined to actualize an equal playing-eld, because the matter of choice was evidently a pivotal aspect in this election-whether for the middle class to not be overburdened with taxes, for women to be able to decide their major life choices, or for disadvantaged immigrants to have the chance at a quality education in the U.S. Although America has been traditionally deemed a conservative, Christian stronghold of religious partisanship, the tides are changing, bringing fresh perspectives from modern youth and higher expectations of political behavior. Over the past several months of intense and vigorous campaigning, presidential hopeful Mitt Romney had been inconsistent about his stance on abortion since he was elected governor,

giving opposing Democrats fodder to exploit his indecisiveness. Abortion is an issue that denes the goals of both Republican and Democratic ofce holders. Romney stated in the past that he is a pro-life candidate and would have been a pro-life president, despite previously saying that abortion legislation would not be a part of his agenda, his intentions to immediately cut funding of Planned Parenthood and the extensive alienation the female demographic have indisputably prevented him from winning the election. Obama contrasted himself with the Romney and the Republican partys harsh alienation of women by consistently being pro-choice, buoying the budding liberalism of youth and women, as well as the racial and sexual minorities that were essential to Obamas second term as president. On election day, the United States of America united under one cause - to speak the voices of American people, not the partisan bickering between the opposition. On the sixth of Nov., Americas vision of the future and its ambitions met halfway, bringing familiar challenges to the victorious, history-setting President, Barack Obama. On election day, the masses of American culture fought for their beliefs, stood up for their hopes and dreams, and the security of their future in the greatest country in the world--and Barack Obama was selected to represent not only his Democratic majority, but every minority that could have stood in his way. And on election day, the minorities Barack Obama has continuously supported--black, white, hispanic, gay, straight, bisexual--voted for Obamas direction to lead this country to greater bipartisanship, in order to fulll his potential as a president as well as all of the individual hopes that rest in his success.

By Arthur Morgan

A Giant problem, the 21st century faithful

dead? Nope and even creepier than the Spanish Inquisition, The Crusades, and the Witch-Hunt combined is the 21st century reverence of professional sports and their athletes. Whats the draw? Why are people so engrossed by commercialized sports and their characters? The answer, in fact, may lie in religion itself. Human beings are invariantly afraid of death humans are incessantly trying to distance themselves from their inherent animalism and make themselves what they arent; namely, not ephemeral. Religion was mans rst chance to distance himself from fear of death; there was ever-lasting life, someone waiting for you at the end, and while on Earth a means of distraction constant prayer and fear. But the 21st century has been the age of science, an age of atheism that has transcended belief in a distant God and reafrmed belief in the power of individual. But individual worth is scary people arent used to it, people dont like it there needs to be monotony of life but from the difculty of it and furthermore, the reality of it. But avoiding reality is a dangerous game it bulwarks individual empowerment and individual worth. Reality needs to be confronted, the eclipsing power of mass-market sports needs and the cultish following that acquiesce themselves to the power of distraction are a stoppage to individual worth and human advancement. Sunday October 27 the Giants won the World Series. As Sonoma sat on the edge of their seats and Romo threw the nal pitch to strike out the side and subsequently clinch the World Series the town erupted. Kids went to Facebook to prove their devotion with comments like, I posted the rst status saying they won to which another young devotee would reply, No you didnt, I did, you lthy bandwagoner. Plans were made, school was to be skipped on Wednesday

The current fervor that has swept the Bay Area over the Giants seemingly miraculous post-season bid has been overwhelming; not since the cheers and cries of torture two years ago has San Francisco been so fully drowned in a sea of orange and black, a sea of hope and faith to once again claim the title of champions. The Giants and their following have a keen understanding of one another the Giants ll a void of faith and belief in peoples lives that is missing, and in return, the Giants receive monetary contributions, reverence, and a suspension of disbelief; each night they are praised and admired the contemporary gladiator; or perhaps even more disturbing, the contemporary God? The Catholic Church is well aware of the 21st century faithless; church attendance has been dropping steadily, as has donations. The clergy is growing older; there are less people willing to ll the jobs of abstinent mediums to God, and even fewer willing to devote themselves to a life of pious observance. But where is Americas faith going? Is contemporary belief in a deity, in a higher form is reverence for something more enlightened, more sanctied than oneself, Dragons Tale

some form of distraction, people cant handle too much reality. Thats where mass commercialized sports come in; they provide a distraction not only from the Page 2

in favor of the parade, and orders were made online for the latest holy relics: hats embroidered with champions 2012 on the side. In all, it was pretty sick; and not in the colloquial highschool slang way, it was genuinely sickening. At the end of the day the cycle of life continues: next year another team will win the championship, fans will forget to care the Giants ever won in 2012, and the insatiable thirst to remain rst will continue. The problem with commercialized sports is that they present no nality; no amount of winning or devotion will ever nalize or complete the cycle of win, lost, happiness, and anger. Theres no aim because each year the game resets, last year is pointless in the minds of the mass, people forget, and the submission and devotion continues with one difference; higher payrolls and more viewers. Lets make the Giants and commercialized sports a more diminutive part of our existence like Alice and her growing mushroom, normal size is just ne nothing giant or grossly excess has ever promoted prosperity. Commercialized sports need to take a bite out of the right of Alices mushroom and shrink a little call me cynical, but theyve started playing too large a role in our individual game, the game of life. November 2012

Opinion-Editorial

By Jamie Ballard

Two sides to Teen Truth

pattern of creating a surge of hype based on a positive, relatable cause, which slowly dies off in a cloud of dust and apathy. For me, and many other students, it was just another school presentation, which is why I dont see its purpose in continuing to work with the school. Dont get me wrongthe idea is there. The practicality, however, is not. If the school deems it appropriate to take class time away from a handful of selected kids as a part of the Teen Truth Plus Program, then so be it. I just doubt the effectiveness in training these supposedly empowered leaders to monitor the activities of the entire school. It is simply impractical to assign specic student ofcers to prevent disrespect among their peers. How does dividing students into enforcement ofcers and potential perpetrators help to unify the school against bullying? And how does one expect to prevent all that Teen Truth denes Art by Laura Amador as bullying (which happens to span a large By Laura Amador and scope) when all social Weston Updegraff interactions, even those perceived as negative, are circumstantial? The problem is Take a broad issue that has yet to be rid that Teen Truth characterized every posfrom society. Add a handful of fallacies, sible unpleasant societal interaction, even a dash of propaganda techniques, and unintentional ones, as bullying. Teasing a a willingness to enlighten the aficted family member? Bullying. Jokingly insultdemographic- provided that they pay of ing a friend? Bullying. Not reaching out to course. No, this isnt a recipe for one of every individual (perceived as) in need of those self-help, miracle drug infomera friend? Youre most likely a bully. cials, but it does resemble the warped Sure, in the event of blatant abuse a ideology hidden beneath Teen Truth. Teen Truth Plus member could step into Now lets get a few things straight beaction. But does one necessarily need fore I criticize an anti-bullying organizato be trained to identify and respond to tion. I am not advocating bullying; in such a case? In the incidence of violence fact, I am very much against it. I do, also, or bullying, tell an adult. That principle support awareness of this sort of cruelty has been hammered into our brains since in schools. My issue with the Teen Truth elementary school. program that has recently worked its way We shouldnt feel a need to assign specifinto SVHS lies within its methods of ic students to the task of regulating school getting the correct message across to the activities. SVHS is unique to other high student body, and its ineffectiveness in schools and we do not need a cookie-cutcreating actual change. ter program to address the specic issues To start off the $5000 Teen Truth Plus existing on our campus. We should focus 2-day event, a school-wide assembly was on addressing the specic concerns of the held, in which speaker Erahm Christostaff and students, not on eradicating an pher, presented a lm surrounding school entire social inevitability. Teen Truth may violence- primarily the school shooting at not necessarily be harmful, but it is not Columbine- as well as his own experihelpful for SVHS either. Bullying is not a ences with bullies. While the assembly disease and Teen Truth is not the cure. focused heavily on having students recognize themselves as both a victim and Editorial Policy perpetrator in bullying, it went too far The Dragons Tale is a public forum in generalizing the act of bullying in an attempt to have everyone identify. newspaper produced by the Sonoma At one point in the presentation, ChrisValley High School Newspaper class. topher asked the audience several quesThe newspaper attempts to inform its tions, having them stand up or sit down audience in a broad, fair and accurate based on their response. The intent of the manner on all subjects, and to encourage questions, of course, was to have all audience members respond in accordance to an exchange of ideas and opinions on one another, visually displaying the wide issues of prominence to the readers. spread effects of bullying on all individuThe newspaper staff encourages letals with a completely standing audience. ters for opinions and responses on the A few students, however, would not sit content of the publication. Only signed back down when the audience was asked to do so if they had ever bullied another letters will be considered for publication. in some way. Thus, the speaker targeted The editorial staff reserves the right to them, suggesting ways they could have edit all letters for content. hurt another until they conformed to the No material, opinionated or otherwise, rest of the crowd. Voila, the message will be printed which is libelous, irhad come across with only a tad bit of manipulation. This exercise itself was responsible, advocates an illegal activity built upon peer-pressure, and its sheer or which the editorial staff deems in poor hypocrisy outweighed its impact. taste. Teen Truth takes an idealistic and elEditorials reect the collective views ementary approach to bullying. Individuof the staff and will not contain bylines. als do not tend to change their behavior based on a school assembly given by a Other opinionated pieces will include stranger. Sure, for a day or two, students editors columns, feature columns, may discuss the presentation, but for letters-to-the-editor, and entertainment very few did it provide a lasting impact. reviews. Presentations like these follow a similar November 2012

A few weeks ago, I spoke to one SVHS student who revealed that in her four years at SVHS, she has been called a hunchback freak, a dyke, and told that she should just go die. The same person also said that I act intelligent, but Im really not smart at all, she remarked. In conducting research for a separate article on cyberbullying, I spoke to another student who had been called a pig, slut emo and fat online. Another student mentioned that people frequently insult him in person and online by calling him gay. Unfortunately, bullying is a pressing issue, both locally and nationally. Its easy, if youre not the victim, to look the other way and act as if it isnt a problem. But it is, in fact, a critical issue that deserves our attention and concern. For proof, we need only look at the unfortunately high number of teen suicides that were eventually traced back to bullying - Amanda Todd, Seth Walsh and Phoebe Prince, just to name a few high-profile cases. Teen Truth is an organization that presents multimedia assemblies at middle and high schools based upon common issues at those schools. They offer presentations on self-esteem and body image, alcohol and drug abuse, and school safety, among others. SVHS recently invested in the Teen Truth Plus Program on bullying and school violence as part of the Tolerance Campaign. The standard presentation involves a short student-created film and a guest speaker addressing students, as Erahm Christopher did on September 21. He shared his personal experiences with bullying as a teenager, and engaged the crowd in several activities. Some involved students standing up if they had been bullied (or bullied someone else), others involved students pledging to be the change they wished to see at SVHS. Some argue that Christophers message was too general and therefore had little potential to genuinely create or inspire change in the student body. Additionally, some think that the definition of bullying was too wide, defining many benign social interactions as bullying. Admittedly, the schoolwide assembly presented a general message of tolerance, encouraging students to be kind to their peers and be brave enough to stand up for themselves and other people. But even if it was generalized, that seems ultimately inconsequential given the positive message. Just because it applied to students at all schools (not solely SVHS) doesnt make it invalid or unimportant. Claims that the definition of bullying was too broad are also questionable. What doesnt offend one person may deeply offend another, even if there was no malicious intent behind the comment or action. Additionally, everything Christopher mentioned as bullying falls under the definition of bullying as outlined by both state and federal law. We began with a large group forum, then broke up into smaller groups of Dragons Tale

about 10 people for a focus group. Our group discussed some of the more prevalent problems on campus- depression, peer pressure, racism and bullying were our top four. The culmination of all this discussion was a lesson on how to realistically deal with these issues. There are multiple ways for students to handle bullying on campus - intervening in a situation, getting help from an adult, reporting the incident (possibly using the SVHS hotline), changing the conversation, and several other methods. Were practical; we know that we cant eliminate every single incident of bullying, and we know there are apathetic students who view bullying as an unsolvable issue. But whats the alternative? Sitting by and letting our classmates be targeted and harassed? Frankly, thats unacceptable. And while some of these issues are potentially too large or too personal for a group of students to handle, we are now equipped with the necessary resources to recognize and refer these students to people who can help: teachers, counselors, and administrators. The assertions that the Teen Truth Plus program was too generalized or altogether unnecessary are rather disheartening, to be honest. Teen Truths mission - and purpose, lest we forget is to address general groups of students across the country. While SVHS is, of course, very special and unique, we also bear similarities to high schools across the nation. And if our similarity to other schools is that we are working to create a safe, tolerant environment, I fail to see the objectionability. The claims that it was an unnecessary effort come across as rather narrow-minded. While not every student has struggled with bullying, there are many students who have been teased, harassed, or hurt (emotionally or physically) by someone on campus. To suggest that we ignore the issue is an insult to the students who have been bullied. There are students who have benefitted from the Teen Truth Plus program already, and with a newly active Plus Team, there will be many more. Given the alternative - doing nothing and ignoring the victimized students on campus - its obvious that the Teen Truth Plus program was not only a welcome presence, but a necessary one.

Page 3

Feature

Behind the lens

[Photography II]

1.

4.

5.

2.

3. 6. 7.
Senior Greg Maggioncalda, whose spinning light photo shown above, was done using a technique called steel wool photography, a complex method of light painting. Although the class is challenging, the students are able to enjoy the free atmosphere and the open curriculum offered. I love the independent nature of the projects. The pageantry and the decorum of the classroom coupled with Mr. Mitchells outstanding sense of style, create a warm and inviting environment that I am willing to bet is unmatched throughout the nation, Maggioncalda proudly states. In Room H-27, freedom of expression and individuality of the students reigns, producing a wide variety of photos, from a wide variety of students. To see more photos from the SVHS photo classes, log onto Flickr, and search the group SVHS 2013. November 2012

Photos courtesy of SVHS 2013 Flickr group Students 1. Greg Maggioncalda, 2. Rose Greenberg, 3. Owen Barrett, 4. Ally Cogbill, 5. Ally Beckwith, 6. Anna Robles, and 7. Maria Hawing, from the Advanced Photo and Photo II classes, work on various projects and assignments ranging from subjects of portraits to landscape.

By Lindsey Jasperse and Ellen Angeloni From developing lm negatives, and dark room printing to technologically advanced editing and online critiquingstudents leave their antique lm cameras in Photo I and explore a new world of digital photography in Photo II and beyond. Throughout the year, Andy Mitchell, photography and yearbook teacher, designs various assignments for his students, such as self-portrait, landscape, advertisement, portrait, color, and many moreleaving the possibilities of assignments open ended. For Photo I students, the dark room plays a large role in the class, using the 25 enlargers at hand in working exclusively in black and white. I get ideas for assignments from wherever I can. It is trial and error, so whatever works stays and Dragons Tale

whatever doesnt I toss aside. I base some of the assignments off of the junior college curriculum or off some of my own. The best part of teaching photography is still being surprised every single moment and to see the creativity of my students, commented Mitchell. For Photo II student, Rose Greenberg, senior, taking photo this year was an accident but turned into a pleasant surprise. I was originally signed up for art, but I was switched into Photo, which I am really happy about because photo is one of my favorite classes Ive taken so far, Greenberg remarked. We use digital cameras and edit our photos on Photoshop in class.

Then, when we are satised with the picture, we upload them to our class Flickr group so can see

The best part of teaching photography is still being surprised with every outcome and seeing what my students come up with.
them. Greenbergs watch advertisement photo, featured above, was done for an advertisement assignment. She commented that her photos from that shoot were her best so far. For other students, such as Anna Page 4

Robles, senior, an interest in photography dates back to years ago, prior to Photo classes. In 8th grade I would fool around taking photos, but once I took Photo I, Mr. Mitchell really inspired me to take them as a serious hobby. Ive learned a lot in the last four years, delighted Robleswho is now an independent study Advanced Photo student. In Photo class, an assignment is given, and in about two weeks, the project is transformed from an idea on paper, to a nal print. Students work through class and at home setting up, shooting, and editing, until the ultimate product is complete.

Food for thought

New Thanksgiving treat

Culture

What was your most memorable Thanksgiving?

Marissa Brooks, senior My most memorable Thanksgiving was when my family and I went up to Lake Tahoe.
Photo by Anneliese Koch Swirled pumpkin cheesecake makes for a scrumptious Thanksgiving treat.

By Anneliese Koch Tired of the typical, mundane Thanksgiving treats? Spice up monotonous traditions this year with a pumpkin pie inspired cheesecake that will surely add flare to everyones favorite day of glorious feasting. To craft this marvelous marbled pumpkin cheesecake you will need: 1 1/2 cups of crushed gingersnap cookies 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans 1/3 cup of melted butter

2 packages of softened cream cheese 1/3 cup of white sugar, divided 1 tsp. of vanilla extract 3 eggs 1 cup of pumpkin pure 3/4 tsp. of ground cinnamon Begin by preheating the oven to 350 F, and then in a medium mixing bowl combine the crushed gingersnaps, butter and chopped pecans. Then in a 9 inch springform pan, press down the mixture on the bottom and approximately 1 inch up the sides. Place in oven,

bake crust for 10 minutes, and set aside to cool. After setting aside crust, whisk together the cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sugar and vanilla in a medium mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. When it has reached the appropriate consistency, add in each egg one at a time, beating the mixture between the addition of each egg. Remove one cup of the mixture, and set aside. In the remaining mixture blend in the extra 1/4 cup of sugar, pumpkin pure, cinnamon and

nutmeg. Then spread the pumpkin cream filling evenly into the crust. To create the marbled effect, drop in spoonfuls of the plain cream filling and swirl with a toothpick as desired. When finished, bake cake in oven for 55 min., or until the batter filling is set. Use a knife to separate crust from pan, and allow to cool before attempting to remove the rim of the pan. Place cake in refrigerator, and allow at least 4 hours for it to chill prior to serving.

Lidia Garcia, freshman One Thanksgiving was on my cousins birthday, and that was special because it was the rst time my whole family

Meatless and meaningful

ing dish. Try something completely new, like walnut-apple stufng, or a cranberry-pear wild rice stufng, Thanksgiving, a holiday centered recipes available online at vegaround history, giving thanks, and kitchen.com. Tofurkey - faux turkey, usually food, is more than just a week off from school. With it drawing so made of tofu - is a great alternative near, its time to pull out the cook- for the classic turkey option, something that book and start Ciara Smith, planning. sophomore, However, the highly rectraditional ommends for Thanksgiving her fellow menu focuses vegetarians. largely on At Safeway meat and anithey have mal by-prodlittle personal ucts, foods Thanksgivthat vegans ing plates but and vegetarinstead of turians choose key its tofurnot to eat. key. At SVHS, For those some vegan who do not and vegetarlike tofu, there ian students are other opoffered tips tions. A vegon creating a etable pot pie tasty, vegan is a delicious and vegetaralternative ian-friendly Photo by Brooke Slack stock full with meal From left to right, Jessica, Ella and Ciara. vegetables and Instead of mashed potatoes with butter and avor, so youll be sure not to miss milk, I make mashed cauliower the traditional turkey dish. Even dessert can be made into instead, which contains no dairy, a dish vegans and non-vegans explained Jessica Wilson, senior. Stufng is traditionally made with will love. One option is chocolate chicken stock, however vegetar- tofu pie, which contains no dairy, ians like Ella Mighell, sophomore, but will taste just like a chocolate choose to substitute the chicken cream pie. Tofu can also be used as stock with veggie stock. Simple a dairy substitute in other desserts, changes like one from chicken to such as pumpkin pie. These simple alternative recipes veggie can make stufng a vegan will make Thanksgiving a no-hasand vegetarian-friendly dish. Vegetable stock is not the only sle holiday for vegans and vegetarway to remodel the traditional stuff- ians alike! By Brooke Slack and Giana Monterosso Dragons Tale

Ed Pomeroy, junior
Photo by Brooke Slack

Squash the old with wild rice

By Brooke Slack and Giana Monterosso This holiday season, squash your traditional Thanksgiving stuffing with this fresh new alternative. Butternut squash with wild rice. You will need: 1 cup wild rice 2 tsp salt 3 cups cubed butternut squash 3 tbsp olive oil 6 tbsp butter 1 cup leeks 1 cup thawed white corn 1 tbsp cilantro Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, add rice and salt, and simmer uncovered until rice begins to split; approximately 45 minutes. Spread on a baking sheet to cool. Page 5 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Toss the squash cubes and olive oil in a bowl. Once finished, spread butternut squash in a single layer on a baking sheet, sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven until firm but tender, approximately 15 minutes. Take out to cool. Melt 4 tbsp of butter in a skillet, add leeks and cup water, simmer until leeks are tender, approximately 7 minutes. Add corn, simmer for 2 more minutes. Combine squash, rice, leeks, and corn together in the skillet and simmer for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add remaining butter and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is not just a healthy alternative for stuffing, but it is a great vegan/vegetarian recipe also.

Last Thanksgiving was most memorable because it was the most recent one, the dinner rocked, and my big family all celebrated

November 2012

Sports

Time Soccer slips in NCS playoffs Out!

By Jacob Little

What was your most memorable moment of your fall sporting event?

Seeing our team come together

Colin Nickelson Frosh Football 9th

After narrowly making the NCS tournament, the Sonoma boys and girls soccer teams slipped and slid in pouring rain to lose their rst games and subsequently be eliminated from postseason play. Some of the games we played great. The majority of them I did feel some disappointment, boys captain Stefan Flynn-Garcia, senior, remarked on the many close losses that dened the season for the Sonoma soccer boys. Facing third seed Redwood in Larkspur, the 14th seed Dragons followed suit to their regular season with a nail biting loss in a game that ended in penalty kicks. Girls soccer also found little success traveling to sixth-ranked SCL rival Petaluma. With pouring rain ooding a puddle-laced eld, the 11th seed Dragons dropped a 3-1 decision. The boys team jumped to a quick lead in their game against Redwood when senior Danny Montes kicked a free kick goal in the opening minutes of the match.

Photo by Ally Cogbill Junior defender Maria Hawing clears the ball at a recent Lady Dragons match at Sonoma Valley High School.

But the early offensive success was not to continue for Sonoma, and the Dragons were unable to nd the back of the net for the rest of regulation. Redwoods luck was slightly better, however, and, with two minutes left in the game they managed to slip the ball past senior

goalie Grifn Hill, tying the score up at one and forcing the game into overtime. After two scoreless overtime periods the game went to penalty kicks. Seniors Flynn-Garcia, Fidel Garcia, and Montes all made their shots for Sonoma, but the Dragons had missed the rst two and were

Scoring three touchdowns this year

Kyle Dunevant JV Football 10th
Photo by Ally Cogbill Sonomas JV Dragons prepare for their nal game against Elsie Allen at Arnold Field on Oct. 23, the Dragons senior night.

unable to catch up with Redwood, who drove the ball into the net four times for the win. The Sonoma girls soccer team traveled to Petaluma with the hope of avenging a bitter loss a week earlier in a game when Petaluma scored twice in the last ve minutes for the come-from-behind victory. With rain coming down in buckets, the Lady Dragons were unable to put together a solid performance. It was hard to stay on your feet, and the ball kept getting stuck in the water, explained captain Caroline Knef, senior. The Trojans werent slowed down by the bad weather, though, and held a commanding 2-0 lead at the half. Monica Ramirez, sophomore, brought the Dragons closer with a goal in the second half, but Sonomas hopes were quickly shattered when Petaluma scored again, closing the game with a 3-1 lead. Both teams ended regular season play with even records of 8-8-2 for the boys and 6-6 for the girls. The losses eliminated them from the tournament and ended the seasons for both.

Administration full of alumni athletes

By Jesse Summers If anyone had doubts about the Dragon spirit prevailing on campus the rallies and spirit week demonstrated just how much the students bleed green with school support. This sense of community, in fact, extends far past the student body into the realm of Dragon faculty; SVHS school spirit is a huge reason many alumni return to teach at SVHS. One way that the community shows its support is by attending sporting events throughout the school year. For some, sports create a safe and comfortable environment to learn in and grow as an individual, especially for vice principal Andrew Ryan. Playing basketball allowed me to always feel accepted, which is critical in that stage of your life. I always felt like I was part of a group and that people had my back.

Beating Petaluma on their Senior Night to clinch the SCL title

Kaitlyn Boldt Varsity Volleyball 11th

Blocking a penalty kick

Grifn Hill Varsity Soccer 12th
Dragons Tale

Mr. Ryan also competed in the high jump, long jump, and triple jump for the track team, earning team MVP as a sophomore. However, his primary sport was basketball, playing all four years of high school, three on varsity. With the stressful schedule that student-athletes are presented with, Mr. Ryan had little time to foul up. I had to balance basketball, a job working at Marys Pizza Shack, a girlfriend, and most importantly school. It taught me time management, which has been a very valuable skill in my life. It also kept me out of potential trouble. Mr. Ryan graduated in 1998, the year after history teacher, Andy Gibson. Similarly to Mr. Ryan, Gibson competed as a member of the track team but primarily focused on football in high school. During those years as a gridder, he met people who have had very positive, influential

impacts on his life. Every day at practice, Coach Midgley and Coach Mulas set a positive example with their stress on values and professionalism. Positive experiences in sports can have valuable impacts on the lives of young adults as well. Ryan competed against NBA forward Carlos Boozer in a slam dunk contest at a tournament in Alaska, and Gibson played in an NCS game against a heavily favored Marin Catholic. Even though we lost, it was still an amazing experience. The atmosphere was electric, unlike anything I had ever played in. It was definitely a memorable game. Until Title IX was passed, the funding for womens sports was not provided in an equal manner. Since then, female athletes have been gaining more and more significance in the community. A graduate in 2001, Barbie

Duncan was a dominant tennis player, capturing an SCL title her senior year, playing for the University of California at San Diego for two years along side a high school rival and friend whom she competed against in the SCL championships. Duncan, however, claims the peak of her tennis career came in high school. Tennis taught me to stay on my toes and always be on top of things. It also provided me with the full high school experience, because of the support that the town has for its only school and its athletic programs, claims Duncan. If there is one thing in common between all of these student-athletes turned teachers, they all agree that the love the community shares for its hometown school is the reason they came back. Always, they admit, they will bleed green for the rest of their lives.

Page 6

November 2012

Sports

Giants fever infects Sonoma High

By Giordi Serafini The San Francisco Giants: not just a baseball team, but an iconic symbol to many at SVHS. After making their second postseason comeback and winning three straight games in the NLCS, the Giants won the right to represent the National League in the World Series. Giants fans around the Bay Area rejoiced because San Francisco won the World Series in 2010, and therefore fans were ecstatic when they swept the Detroit Tigers, claiming the 2012 title and winning two of the last three championships. It was awesome that we won, especially because we came back from behind in the NLCS, remarked Katie Lyon, senior. The Giants, for the second time in three years, impressed their faithful fans. I have been a Giants fan my whole life, admitted Shauny McVeigh, sophomore. SVHS is abundant with fans of the Giants; some even drove to San Francisco on Halloween morning to partake in the festivities of the Giants World Series victory parade. The streets of the city were packed tight with fans of all ages, sizes, and ethnicities. The World Series win helped unite the entire Bay area, and the crowd began chanting Lets go Giants! at the parade with the classic stomping pattern following every verse. Giants Fever had spread to all corners of the Bay Area. When they won the series a second time, I was so relieved and even a little teary. I was so happy for the team and its faithful fans, said a gleaming Maggie Cunningham, the retired student activities secretary and Giants fan since 1974. All fans of the Giants - whether they are bandwagoners or veterans represent San Francisco with pride. Long-time fan and SVHS history teacher, Mr. Gibson referred to the Giants reign as a Dynasty.

Opinion

Team building through Crosst

By Brennan Cole Last year our schools baseball team won rst place in SCL. Why? Crosst. After a long month and a half of being laid up on the couch being kept out of all physical activity, there was one thing constantly hovering through my mind: how am I possibly going to get back into the physical condition that I was before my surgery. I decided that Crosst Valley of the Moon might be a good place to begin my training. I was unaware of the expensive rates and decided to talk with the owners, SVHS alumni Spenser Scott and Alicia Rocha. As soon as I walked in to the 8th St. E. gym for the rst time, I was blown away at the unbelievable friendly atmosphere and the fun that the diverse participants seemed to be having. The SVHS baseball program has used the Bigger Faster Stronger program for many years to help prepare for the season. However, it was a unanimous decision last winter by the coaches and the team to try Crosst. Crosst is a modernized type of working out that involves weightlifting, sprinting, and gymnastics. Its strength and conditioning program is dened as constantly varied, high intensity, functional movement that are all designed to push you to the limit. Every day consists of a new workout, and each workout involves the use of nearly every muscle in your body. With trainers by your side for each class, it is almost as if you have your own personal trainer on every lift. Once we were able to get a solid commitment from our baseball team, Scott and Rocha were able to give us a great deal to kick off our winter training. It sure paid off as we turned in an impressive season compiling 23 wins to just 6 losses. Much of that improvement can be credited to Crosst, as our schools baseball team was better conditioned than any SVHS team since the North Coast Section Championship team of 2008. In order to achieve the success every athlete strides towards, the development of strength and endurance are vital to achieving the goal. This summer, our schools volleyball program enjoyed a two-month long training session to help build their physique for the season. Subsequently, those same group girls were recently crowned with a Sonoma County League title. Our schools baseball team is looking forward to building more strength in the Crosst gym this winter and building on last years success.

Photo by Jessica Marioni Junior Madi Burmingham shows her Giants pride on the day of the victory parade, Oct. 31.

Dragon spikers roll into NCS

fore decisively nishing them off in the third. Sonoma came out slow for the title game, allowing third-seeded Analy to get up early and win the rst set 19-25. The Lady Dragons, however, did not back down and captured the next three sets 25-16, 25-18, and 25-18 to secure the SCL title. An impressive seven Sonoma players were given SCL All-League honors. Mackenzie Albrecht was named league MVP, and she teamed with SCL rst-team All-Leaguers Allyson Beckwith, senior, and Delaney Swanson, sophomore, in leading the Lady Dragon spikers to the title. Earning All-League honorable mention were sophomores Anastasia Claros and Ciara Smith, senior Alexis Long-Am, and junior Giana Monterosso. The fourth-seeded Lady Dragons played the winner of the Sir Francis Drake/Acalanes game Saturday night for the NCS quarternals after receiving a rst round bye, but the results were not available at press time.

Photo by Matt Amatori Sonomas Volleyball team celebrates their SCL triumph.

By Jacob Little and Jesse Summers After a miraculous comeback victory against league rival Petaluma, the Lady Dragons cruised through the SCL tournament, sweeping Healdsburg and overwhelming Analy to claim the rst place title for the second straight year.

Sonoma was deadlocked for rst place with Petaluma when the two faced off in the last game of the season with the SCL title on the line. After the Lady Dragons won the rst set 25-18, the Trojans came back to capture the second and third sets, taking the lead and putting Sonoma up against the wall. But the Dragons were hardly

phased. After rallying for a dramatic comeback in the fourth set, they crushed Petaluma 15-7 in the nal set to steal the SCL pennant. Sonomas momentum never slowed down from there, and the rst-seed Dragons opened the SCL tournament with a strong three-set sweep, toying with fourth-seeded Healdsburg in the rst two sets be-

By Giordi Serani

Cross country teams race into NCS, girls win SCL

forward to the future of the team, she added. Apart from the great honor of competing at the NCS championships on Nov. 17, the girls team also made history. The team broke the 26-year streak of failing to place in the SCL meet, and will now run to North Coast with solid team camaraderie and high spirits. I think we did well at the SCL meet and although we didnt win the title, I believe we still have a solid team to compete at NCS, remarked A.J. Lemaire of the boys team. Although the team did not repeat their title after a victory in 2011, they still ended the regular season with a 4-3 record, and will move on to the North Coast Sections tournament on. Ultimately, both the boys and girls cross country teams nished with solid records, but now look forward to success in the postseason.

Sonomas Cross Country teams raced to a strong nish at the SCL nals, with both the boys and the girls earning themselves berths in the upcoming NCS championship meet. The boys team nished the race by claiming a spot at the sectional championship, led by junior Owen Ljung, and seniors Chris Tose and A.J. Lemaire. The girls team, led by captain Serena Spry, senior, and veteran senior runners Laura Amador, Hannah Cenci, and Gianna Biaggi, won the SCL title for the rst time since 1986 and will also move on to the NCS Championships. I feel very proud to be a part of a champion team, one that just two years ago couldnt even ll an entire lineup, remarked Laura Amador, we have come so far since then and look

Photo by Laura Amador Senior runner Hannah Cenci races towards the nish line at the SCL Championships on Oct. 20 at Spring Lake.

Dragons Tale

Page 7

November 2012

News

By Arthur Morgan and Connor Griggs-Demmin

S V HS reacts to electi o n s

Caught in Thought
How do you feel about the outcome of the election?

Political activism and students traditionally go hand in hand, so it wasnt much of a surprise on Nov. 7th when students came to school humming about the election and its results. Seniors were abuzz with excitement, much of which can be attributed to long time Civics teacher Gary Gissell, self-proclaimed liberal, and staunch advocate of Obama. Months before the elections were a reality in the minds of Americans, Gissell was already advocating the importance of the democratic voting process to his students. Its everyones duty, exclaimed Gissell, Youre dumb if you dont vote. After months of slewing similar phrases students caught Gissells drift voting was important, and the outcome of this election was a major turning point in Americas longevity; a stagnant economy, poor job growth, and bi-partisan madness added up to the need for a good president, and thus the senior political obsession was born. Gissell promoted political awareness and activism in myriad fun and educative ways, hosting a guess the red and blue states extra-credit championship that saw Brennan Cole and Sean Hall respectively guess the election results correctly; Gissell himself admits he missed North Carolina, and thus his -1. Other activities were less involved but still appropriate,

Graphics by Eric Webber Gissell instituted daily pollchecks in concordance with daily-news political T.V. viewing, and political ad analysis. On the night of Nov. 6 students Facebooks were hailed with a torrent of student political activism, primarily in favor of Obama. Talk at school the next day was similar, when asked about the election, Cesar Garcia, senior, commented, I didnt watch it. This, of course, as any political science or economics major will attest, could be a statistical discrepancy, most of SVHS did watch the elections and Garcia most likely is not a student of Gissells, or else he would have been electried into political action. Other students, however, were more positive. Leigh Jensen, junior, described the election as predictable, and added that she was very happy Obama had won. Political activism, as aforementioned, is often instigated by politically active teachers; SVHS, luckily, as in the case of Gary Gisell, does have said teachers. Shawn Harkin, Substitute, elaborated, I was relieved to tell you the truth, I didnt think Mr. Romney would be a good choice for America. Obama has his faults but hes the best overall. When asked who he ended up voting for Harkin went on to mention Gary Johnson, the libertarian candidate another exemplification of how politically and ideologically diverse the campus is. Despite this diversity, this campus as well as this area on the whole is populated primarily by supporters of Barack Obama and the Democratic Party. Campus watchdog, Brian, when asked how he felt about the results on Nov. 6, replied that he was happy. When asked to elaborate, he declined with a wry smile, epitomizing the unwavering, unreserved support most Sonoma residents have for Americas new president. Even though the great majority of SVHS do not have the right to vote, the campus, from the administrators to the students, showed significant interest in the election, which is surely a positive sign for a democracy relying on its young citizens to carry it onwards in the increasingly global world.

Edwin Reyes & Bella Bollman, freshmen It was the best for America, but neither were phenomenal candidates.

Daniela Chairez, sophomore It was kind of scary, but I was very happy with results.

Wine Accessories Galore!

Important dates for seniors

By Pio Valenzuela

Contact Frederique Mary at: 707-396-2658 or frederique@wine-n-gear.com 117 W. Napa Street Suite C

SVHS seniors have a lot on their plate this fall. College application due dates are coming up, while some Early Action and Early Decision dates have already passed. The key to success for Seniors this fall is to remember the dates. For those staying in sunny California, the CSU application has been open since Oct. 1, and the UC application opened on Nov. 1, both with a Nov. 31 deadline. Dont forget, seniors, the UC application requires two essays, while the CSU does not. Private school deadlines vary; each schools website will provide each respective due date, if theyre not on the common app. For students going to the Santa Rosa Junior College, enrollment week kicks of on Mar. 4 of next year. Placement test dates vary, so check their website. Students looking for nancial aid can go to a Financial Aid Workshop on Sat, Jan 19. SVHS counselors will be there to help students ll

out nancial aid forms and scholarship applications. Every attendee will be entered in a rafe, and one lucky student will receive a $1,000 scholarship from SVHS. While seniors are lling out their applications, Senior Project due dates are approaching. For this fall, the only remaining item is the Research Paper Final Draft due Dec 12, 2012. It would be wise to start editing a nal draft soon, even before the rst drafts are handed back. Besides the research essay, there is the Senior Project poster, as well as the Project itself, both to be presented to the Senior Boards in May. Everything but the essay is due in the Spring. Seniors can start work on their projects at any time, however, only hours worked in the Spring will count towards the work log. SAT and ACT test sign up dates have passed, however, for incoming seniors next year, now is the time to start signing up for tests. SAT sign-up dates are Dec.

28, Feb. 8, Apr. 5, and May 2 for Jan. 26, Mar. 9, May 4, and Jun. 1 test dates, respectively. ACT registrations are Jan. 11, Mar. 8, and May 3 for the Feb. 9, Apr. 13, and Jun 8 tests. Future ACT test takers should take note, however, that Vintage High School in Napa has showed repeated circumstances of fallible testadministration. Their Oct 27 test was cancelled and rescheduled, leaving students hanging in their hallways. There are many resources available at SVHS for students seeking guidance. Seniors and juniors should meet with their counselors regularly, as well as visit Mrs. Conner and Mrs. Klenow at the College and Career Center.

Sydney Shiver, junior They dont think it be like it is, but it do.

Websites to know: www.commonapp.org www.csumentor.edu www.admissions.universityofcalifornia.edu www.fafsa.ed.gov www.sat.collegeboard.org www.acstudent.org

Peter Gray, senior Im movin to Canada!

Dragons Tale

Page 8

November 2012

Feature

Clubs & Activities

Forensics takes the stand
for the college I select next year, remarked a smiling Court is in session! The Gold-Diamond. Mock Trial team has received This prompted the Index-Tritheir case for the year, and is bune to write a feature article on preparing for a her many Forensics grueling battle and Mock Trial to win later in achievements. the year. She is captain of The team, led the Forensics class this year by this year, along senior Alexis with sophomore Krouzkevitch, Colin Kemp. is split into a I have done prosecution and Forensics since my a defense team. freshman year, As the spring shared Kemp. I season approachlove the people, es, Sonoma authe weekend tourtomatically goes naments and havto state with no ing Mrs. Hansen competition in as my teacher. Its Sonoma county. the best. However, Both Forensics going to state and Mock Trial are should be in preparation for earned, not a tough, exciting given. So the Photo by Chelsea Krauseseason of debate SVHS Mock and persuasion. The Forensics class poses as they ponder their next debate in third period, with encouraging criticism from their teacher, Mrs. Hansen. Trial team comThe students are petes in Napa, striving to win state where we have been champions petition gets closer, practices championships for their teams. Forensics, earning experience four nalists in the entire state for 10 years. We pretty much increase and the pressure is Any intrest in Mock Trial, sign in speech and debate. Forento compete in Sacramento. slaughter Napa every year, on. The state competition is in up with your counselor at the sics is a class, Gold-Diamond It was an amazing expericommented Krouzkevitch. Riverside this year, and the team explained, We have talks and end of this year to be a part of ence, and I earned $11,000 in Mock Trial has 18 students is working diligently to do well the 2013-14 Mock Trial team. debates, unlike the ultimate case scholarship money competing against their rivals in Mill Valley and Napa. One particular student, junior Delaney Gold-Diamond, is on both Mock Trial and in we prepare for in Mock Trial. Gold-Diamond wrote a speech for the Lions Club Student Speaker Contest, and,after many competitions, became one of By Riley ODonnell this year, leaving room for new people and new roles. The secret team of Sonoma Valley High, as Krouzkevitch calls it, meets twice a week. As com-

By Chelsea Krause and Ellen Angeloni

Frosh are friends, not food

ing freshman feel welcomed into the school to prevent the barrier between the lower and upperclassmen that is all too prevalent among teenagers. Alexis Long-Am, senior, a current member admits, My favorite part about being involved in Link Crew is helping freshman feel comfortable and to show them that upper class men are not mean. A primary goal of the club is to reduce the intimidation stereotype of theupper classmen. One event that Link Crew put on was to wear bright green Link Crew leader shirts on the first day of school to stand out to the freshman in case they had a question about SVHS or high school in general. They meet on the first Thursday of every month to plan new activities to bond the students. Ishqa Rousseau, junior, pronounces, My favorite activity that we came up with was the glow in the dark dodgeball. The result of this organization should be to unite the school into one unit instead of being divided by grade level. Bringing together the school should not only increase school spirit but also make SVHS a more healthy and safe environment for all students, including freshmen. Security should always be a priority for schools and Link Crew ensures this by enforcing unity at SVHS. This involes bringing freshman closer to the older classes.

It is the very first morning of freshman year; new Dragons are flying through the halls eager to catch a smile from a familiar face. While only trying to stay out of everyones way, an upperclassman acknowledges the freshman with a smile and a wave, giving courage to the frightened underclassman. This happened to be a member of the re-established organization, Link Crew. Link Crew is a student group at SVHS that consists of juniors and seniors, led by Mrs. Niehaus. The goal of Link Crew is to help the incom-

Photo by Giana Monterosso Link Crew busy at work, discussing pros and cons of Link Crew activities.

SVHS checks in on Chess Club

By Pio Valenzuela Dragons to H-20, check on Chess King, Mr. Dan Alderson. Chess Club meets every day in Mr. Aldersons room at lunch. Mr. Alderson, English teacher at SVHS, started the club, allowing students to play chess at lunch in his classroom. Anyone is able to join, there is no commitment or obligation to come. A typical day at Chess Club consists of anywhere from four to fourteen students, anyone who happens to feel like coming that day, setting up games. Page 9 There are anywhere between two to six games going on at any particular moment. According to Mr. Alderson, students enjoy the intellectual challenge of playing chess. Chess is a game that requires strategizing and critical thinking. Playing this strategy game helps build logical and critical thinking, which can help in a variety of situations, whether in or out of school. Most importantly, Chess Club is just for fun. It is a club set up so anyone who wants to play chess can do so in a fun, enjoy-

Photo by Matt Amatori Chess club members make their move on the king, to capture the win.

able environment. Mr. Alderson is planning more Chess Club events in the future. The club may have a tournament in the near future, or a bring a friend week, wherein students bring a friend, teach them how to play, and earn a prize. These events are still to be decided, and have no set dates as of yet; however, Mr. Alderson is hard at work to implement them for the club. Anyone is encouraged to come to Chess Club, as chess is the greatest game in the world, said Mr. Alderson with a wry smile. November 2012

Dragons Tale

Culture

Flash mob strikes again! Argo holds Hollywood hostage

and tactfully inserts real and By Soa Jeremias manufactured footage from the Iran hostage crisis of 1980. The The lm lm portrays the aura of sus A r g o , picion and distrust that boiled d i r e c t e d over in the Iranian government. by Ben The audience is given a grating Afeck, is view of the rst taste of politia strange cal disarray that has continued mixture of to plague foreign relations with suspenseful revolutionary riot- the Middle East to this day. ing and Hollywood cynicism. The lmmaking elevates the The movie ashes between CIA suspension of the conict and operative Tony Mendez, played depicts a painful moment in by Afeck, attempting to create history in a compelling but eloa convincing alibi quent way. as a movie director The one lacking and scenes from the factor of the lm is its streets of Iran. These failure to touch upon A its-soinclude images of the overall resolve of crazy-it-just- the hostage crisis. It burning efgies, blindfolded hostagmight-work does not mention the es, and men hanging plan makes exchange of arms for from cranes. a mixture of hostages or the imThe lm revolves suspenseful pact the crisis had on around a its-sorevolutionary Jimmy Carters prescrazy-it-just-mightidency. In fact, the rioting and work plan, in which barely mentions Hollywood lm involvement of Mendez proposes the cynicism. that the CIA sneak the president and the six American hostagastonishing effects Afeck es out of Iran under of his foreign polithe alias of Canadian cies. However, this Cranston movie makers scoutone aw is only marArkin ing for spots to shoot ginally detrimental a science-ction to the plot. Goodman blockbuster. ComOverall, if one enbined with exaggerated 70s joys witty, dramatized thrillers hairstyles and the witty com- Argo ts the bill. There is ments of Alan Arkin, Argo not a dull moment in the entire successfully forces the audience 120 minutes of the lm. Afeck to laugh while nervously wring- proved himself as a capable diing their hands. rector and brilliant actor in the The plot moves at a quick pace, production of Argo.

SVHS makes lexchange

By Soa Jeremias Parlez-vous anglais? This summer, approximately ten SVHS students will be heading off to Aix en Provence in an attempt to soak up French culture and language. The students will immerse themselves in an entirely foreign environment, and hopefully gain a wider perspective on the world. The program is open to all students who wish to participate. Devin Daly, current French teacher, hopes to inject a new enthusiasm for the study of French and empower [students] to pursue other cultures, through the trip. Mr. Daly explained that the exchange would serve to make French more meaningful to students. In addition it will improve the skills of those already studying the language as well as inspire those who have not. Many studies have shown the benets of immersion, some of which include the improvement of cognitive skills. Thus the exchange will provide an alternative way of learning, in which students focus primarily upon the utility of words rather than grammatical aspects. Such intense exposure to the French language should allow students to reach new levels of understanding at a quicker pace. At the end of the three week trip students will pack their bags and visit Paris for a few days before returning home. Shortly thereafter French students will stay in the homes of Sonomans for three weeks, thus completing a true exchange. Mr. Daly hopes that the French exchange will become an annual event. Because this is the rst time SVHS has planned this type of exchange. It is still in its infancy thus allowing Mr. Daly to mold a unique and exciting experience subject to the wants of students. Mr. Daly remarked that the most difcu0lt aspect of planning the exchange was guring out logistics. In the future he wants to increase the number of students participating and motivate future French students to learn.

Argo

Photo by Owen Barret Tashi Sherpa, senior, dances on the H-wing stage along with the ash mob.

By Liam Casey Flash mobs traditionally have been a method of gathering a number of people within a conned space- even if the group mobbing will exceed one hundred fty, and their allotted area is no larger than the H-wing. Swiftly executing this tango of an event was the SVHS dance team, escorted by the dance classes, and dance instructor, Meredith Regan. The rst step taken in the event, planned out over a period of a month and a half, involved both crews exiting Golton Hall, and blending in with the rest of the student body. Here, the dance crews froze in fabulous juxtaposition to their surrounding peers, right outside the gates of the Hwing. Mrs. Regan started the music, a mix of roughly eight

genres, ranging from the sassy jazz of hip hop to the sophisticated euphony of contemporary style and the dancing mob began their takeover. Pio Valenzuela, a member of the advanced dance class, recounted that the day was exuberating, fun lled, and ultimately a resounding success. However, when asked how he found the dancing in the H wing, Arthur Morgan, senior spectator, replied that The proceedings interrupted my calculus preparation time, so, to tell you the truth, Im rather perturbed with the boisterous cacophony that was the so colloquially dubbed ash mob. Whether lacking in quality or not, the ash mob dance provided a break in lunchtime monotony and a chance to alter the lunchtime activities.

Artists paint better reality f o r Vi e t n a m o r p h a n s

By Javia Headley

Shakespeare Company inspires young actors

After three national tours with the American Shakespeare Center and a successful season last year in which they performed Romeo and Juliet, The Sonoma Valley Shakespeare Company returned to Sonoma for their 2012 season that started on Sept.13 and ended on Nov. 3. This season they provided an educational workshop for students through the Teacher Support Network and Jane Martin, drama teacher at SVHS and the General Manager of the Reduced Shakespeare Company. The company worked with the students on music, Shakespeare, and theater and gave a special presentation to the students of Ms. Martins rst period English III class. Certain students were able to further their work with the company by joining the intern company. These students were able to perform, study roles, and

participate behind scenes. Maya Smoot, a senior, has worked with the Shakespeare Company for the past three years and was promoted to an apprentice, working more closely with the cast. This company is made of talented professionals, Smoot elaborated. They offered me an inside look on the opportunities of theater. The company helped Smoot and the other intern students realize that pursuing a career in the dramatic arts is a lifelong journey. Pursuing theater professionally is not only a unique endeavour, but also an immensely fullling experience, as the Shakespeare Company showed students through its commitment to quality and pushing students to achieve their maximum potential. One day Ill work for the Sonoma Valley Shakespeare Company, Smoot dreams, hoping to continue her vision of theater with the Shakespeare company.

Photos by Sebastian Amara Individual art students invest hours into their portraits to send back to Vietnam

By Sebastian Amara As an orphan, a child has few material possessions and lacks family. However, many SVHS students feel disheartened by the hardships these children face and strive to improve their lives. Twenty-two of SVHSs art students are taking on an endeavor to create portraits of the impoverished orphans and send them to them. This is the Memory Project. This project makes me feel like Im improving a childs life with art, proclaimed Zoe Gaarder, senior and third year portrait painter. Schumaker reported on his website, In general, kids of all ages most strongly value high quality portraits that are true to their likeness. The Memory Project was developed in 2004 by Ben Schumaker, a graduate student at the Univer-

sity of Wisconsin. In 2003, while Schumaker traveled the world practicing photography, he found foreign orphanages that sparked his idea of cultural exchanges between these orphans and students in the United States. He created a way to intertwine two different cultures through the practice of art. The Memory Project, as a whole, has created more than 40,000 portraits for youth in 34 countries. This year marks the third year that SVHS has participated in the Memory Project. The rst year, SVHS received photographs from India, the second, from Ecuador, and this year, they are from Vietnam. For all three years, the cultural exchanges have been made possible from the monetary contributions of David Donnelley, Economics teacher. Owen Tuttle, Art teacher, commented that for many of these

orphans, one of these portraits is the only thing they own. In India, the only people with portraits are those who are extremely rich. These portraits give the orphans a sense of being someone important or wealthy, continued Tuttle. The portraits will be sent to Vietnam in Dec. along with dozens of small cultural symbols created by art students in Art I and Art Design. The Memory Project helps these orphans collect special items that contribute to their sense of heritage. While the Memory Project creates an opportunity for art students to practice kindness and service to others, and to reach across international boundaries through their artwork, the project also helps these orphans see themselves above their dismal environments as beautiful works of art.

Dragons Tale

Page 10

November 2012