OPINION:
SM CONSTRUCTION: prostHE Pros and
Cons of our latest campus construc�on
SPORTS:
WORLD NEWS:
BEHIND THE FOOTBALL PROGRAM:
THE “GROUND ZERO” MOSQUE: The
An interview with SM’s new football coach, Harry Welch
controversy, and support, behind the Muslim mosque near the historic Ground Zero site SEE PAGE 3
THE BLUEPRINT
SEE PAGE 11
SEE PAGE 14
Student Newspaper of Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Since 1987
Rancho Santa Margarita, California
Thursday, September 30, 2010
A Welcome Back Message From Our Principal... Dear SMCHS Students:
By the time you read this, school will have been underway for a month. I hope the first month of this new school year has been a good one for you. As we prepare to enter the second month, take a few minutes to look back on the thirty days just passed. Examine them and take stock of your academic situation. Did you occasionally forget to do an assignment, read a chapter, or study for a quiz or test? If so, how about making a promise to yourself to change that in the month ahead.
By the time we get to the end of October, the first quarter will come to an end as will 40% of your semester grade. Redouble your efforts to prove to yourself that you truly can be the best student you can be. On the other hand, if the first month was a great success for you and you did all you needed to do to get good grades, congratulations and keep it up!! This message also goes for all the extra-curricular activities you are involved in. Have you been giving your all, your best effort to your team, club, and organization and to
yourself? If you need a little work in these areas, then now is the time to ‘take care of business!’ Time is an interesting thing; we always think we have more of it and we fail to realize that we have to make the most of what we have when we have it. There is an old saying, “Time waits for no man or woman” and we need to keep that in mind. Those good intentions back on August 30th may need a revisit so do so and take advantage of all that is around you to improve in the areas that you need to improve. The first month
Our Santa Margarita community has undergone many new and exciting changes this year, such as the new food, new computers, and the construction causing the traffic you may experience when commuting between classes. But, most people may not recognize the new faces we have here on campus; Santa Margarita has welcomed the Sisters of the Sacred Heart to our SM community. Sister Guadalupe, Sister Sophia and Sister Virginia are all excited and anxious to work with our SM students. You may have recognized these ladies and their friendly faces between classes, helping out Campus Ministry, or even teaching within your very
Smart Learning
has been a super one and I thank the student body for your spirit, your By Alex Monda attention to things such Over the last year, as throwing away trash interactive white boards and recycling cans and have been appearing in bottles, your support of classrooms all around each other in activities campus. Three different and class, and above all, boards are being tested for living Caritas Christi in our classrooms: the each day. That is the Polyvision Eno, the most important thing we Promethean, and the can do for each other; actual Smart Board. The with our Lord’s love all school has a technology things are possible! committee which has Please know that you all decided among the three are in my prayers every and given them to teachers day. to try out. The decision is now up to the Have an ‘Outstanding teachers. Ms. Palkovic, October’ and continue to math teacher, who has make each and EVERY tested all three, says that DAY a GREAT DAY TO The Eno Board is “easier BE AN EAGLE! to write on and is more durable.” The Eno board requires a pen to use, whereas the Smart Board uses pens, but also fingers. may most likely be found Santa Ana, just north of For that reason Mr. Fleming own religion classes. around the Campus likes using the Smart Board Invited by our very us. Ministry classrooms on During their time to encourage student own President Carey and partici-pation. Mr. Dunne, the Sisters of here at Santa Margarita, G1, but only on various days through the week. One factor the the Sacred Heart Society the Sisters hope to The Sisters would be share and convey the school has to consider is are all excited for this following to our students: more than glad to offer the question of whether new experience, for this prayers or help in any the loving witness of teachers will use them to is the first time these way; they are very the heart of Jesus, their full potential or not. Sisters have worked approachable at school that God’s great gift is It is not cost effective for within a school. Inspired or you may contact them always present here for a school to purchase an by their foundress, Sister through their website at everyone, and that we interactive board that a Ida Peterfy, the Sacred sacredheartsisters.com. are able to share the teacher just uses to show Heart Society strives to For anyone searching life and love of Jesus a PowerPoint. The teacher bring the Heart of Jesus for service hours in everyday life. The has to have a desire to use to all whom we are sent. opportunities, they have Sisters will be available them in their classroom Although there are many to us “for as long as you many right at their Heart efficiently, or it is just convents of the Sacred of Jesus Retreat Center [SM] want,” according wasted money. The goal Heart, our SM sisters in Santa Ana by helping to Sister Virginia. They for these boards is to have come from a convent in with retreats and their students learn in a new Kids Club, just contact and different way, which either Sister Guadalupe means student use of the or Sister Sophia. And boards will also be a new don’t miss CMF in the experience. The chapel on Tuesday, New R building is equipped October 5th at 6pm to with multiple Promethean hear Sister Virginia’s talk boards that were donated on trust! If you see their to the school, but the new faces on campus, don’t academic building currently be afraid to say hello under construction will or introduce yourself to most likely be filled with these awesome Sisters! Eno Boards. We can look forward to seeing more Our nuns in front of the Sacred Heart Chapel. Photo Courtesy of Ms. Hormuth interactive boards around campus.
SM’s Very Own Sister Act
By Camille Del Carmen
[email protected]
september 2010
ACTIVITIES EDITORS: Alexa Kosco and Kaitlin Propeck
Welcome Back Santa Margarita! By Gina Navarro and Sean Cannon
The following Monday kicked off Fall Welcome back Spirit Week. Scuba Steve Santa Margarita! Summer was the first dress up is over and school has day of Spirit Week, and begun. What better way to everyone had a blast in start the year off than with their snorkels and floaters. Mathletes and Athletes hanging out in the lunch shelter! THE WELCOME DANCE! Jake Grubert said, “I tried Photo courtesy of Andrew Soliman The welcome dance took to wear my wetsuit to Junior girls matching at the Welcome Dance. Konner Bremer, sophomore place on the first Saturday Even Ace is, “Glad to be school, but I found out Photo courtesy of Kate Parsons of the school year, and Andy Blye, junior Braxton back, but disappointed it wasn’t allowed!” The it was a great success. Luke, and senior Chad because I haven’t given Thursday was second day of spirit week There were at least 1,044 Naughton sang karaoke a lot of detentions, and I Mathletes and Athletes was Twin Day, which had students wearing their songs. Eight lucky students love giving detentions!” Day. Some people wore a huge turnout with twins class colors: freshmen from each grade were Keep up the good work mathlete outfits and others everywhere! Courtney in yellow, sophomores in also chosen to compete and get ready for a dressed up as athletes, Baldy and Jack Mangiola green, juniors in red, and in Minute to Win It games spirited year full of fun either way everyone loved said Twin Day was their of course, seniors in blue! that were a lot of fun. The SM; it’s going to be it! Morgan Gault said, favorite day of the week. Eric Fuller gave his opinion seniors also worked hard to a great year to be an “Mathlete and Athlete day on the dance, saying, “It put together a remarkable Eagle!!!!!! was my favorite day of was a great way to meet dance routine for the spirit week because I got new freshmen!” Ryan school in their mathlete to wear my favorite pair Matranga thought, “It was a outfits. Overall, the rally got of suspenders and my great bonding experience!” everyone really pumped up retainer!” Even though it was VERY for the big game against On the last day of hot in the gym, everyone spirit week, everyone wore Tesoro that night. still had a great time their class colors to our first The first weeks of dancing the night away. rally! At the rally, freshman Freshmen girls eating lunch on Twin Day! school have been great. Photo courtesy of Michael Meyer
Calling All Eagles! By Alexa Kosco and Kaitlin Propeck Here at Santa Margarita, we are full of spirit. You can’t go to a football game without being blinded by the dazzling blue and gold spread across the student section. And Spirit Weeks are arguably the best parts of the school year, whether it’s Twin Day, Lumberjack Day, Comfy Cozy Day, or even just class color Rally Days. Spirit is one thing SM never lacks. On campus, one major aspect of our school spirit lies in SM’s very own Eagle Pack. Eagle Pack is a studentrun part of ASB and a great way to get involved with our school activities. New to Eagle Pack this year are themed home football games. Each home game has a specific theme, allowing all students to get
Sophomore girls eating lunch in the grotto. Photo courtesy of Michael Meyer
! e t a D e h T e v Sa
ht (October 7) ) -College Fair Nig BBQ (October 12 ff O kic K ge le ol -Junior Class C ober 17) -Open House (Oct ober 17) -22) -CHOC Walk (Oct Week (October 18 rit pi S g in om ec -Hom er 22) ilgate Party (Octob -Homecoming Ta ce (October 23) -Homecoming Dan ctober 25-29) k (O -Red Ribbon Wee Eagles getting wild in the student section! Photo courtesy of Andrew Soliman
decked out and support our Eagles. However, away games will always be the original blue and gold. Kai Gayoso, prominent Eagle Pack member agrees that “Eagle Pack is the main spirit group on campus here at Santa Margarita, and you can usually find us in the front row at football games. Eagle Pack is not only led by me, but also by a couple of other spirited seniors. Together we are looking to promote the general
spirit, not only at football games, but also at school. To get messages about Spirit Weeks and Football games, join the Eagle Pack group on Facebook and you’ll receive all of the updates. If you have any ideas about themes for football games or videos or ideas in general, just leave us a note in the Activities Office and we’ll be sure to get back to you.” Don’t hesitate to sign up! At the first football game of the year,
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students wore all blue and participated in a “Blue Out” to show their spirit against Diamond Ranch. Not only was the event a total success, but our Eagles won too! The Eagles then played against Tesoro, and over 900 Santa Margarita students were present, wearing our famous blue and gold. Although we lost the game we won in spirit. At the Canyon game, our Eagles claimed a victory with the spirited
student body supporting them all the way! Great job Eagles! Don’t miss the upcoming Eagle Pack events, be sure to participate in the theme games, and remember, show your SPIRIT!
SM cheerleaders rooting on our Eagles Photo courtesy of Kate Parsons
september 2010
WORLD NEWS EDITOR: Lauren Gardner
What You Need To Know About the “Ground Zero” Mosque By Lauren Gardner
Ask essentially anyone in America about the new mosque under construction near Ground Zero in New York City, New York, and the odds are they’ll respond passionately. Most people who aren’t vehemently protesting the project are arguing just as intensely in support of it. The controversy is understandable: the Islamic worship center will be built two blocks away from where the World Trade Center was destroyed by Muslim extremists nine years ago. Yet supporters swear the project is nothing sinister. Park51 is a 15story community center, which will include a mosque, performance art center, gym, and swimming pool, along with other amenities. According to CNN, “The project is a collaboration between the American Society for Muslim Advancement [ASMA] and the Cordoba Initiative, both of which work to improve relations with
followers of the religion.” Already, it’s evident that both ASMA and the Cordoba Initiative have taken steps toward political correctness in the midst of the chaos surrounding the mosque: On the recent anniversary of 9/11, Park51 held a candlelight vigil in honor of those who lost their lives during the terrorist attack. Local officials also appear to have no problems with the project, passing the initiative 9-0 in the municipal planning community. The truth is, our country was founded on religious freedom. All Americans are granted unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution declares, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and
to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” American citizens have held these rights in high esteem for centuries; to pick and choose which religion they protect is contrary to our very nature.
However, the reason why so many Americans are up in arms about the project is understandable. As a nation still reeling from a terrorist attack perpetrated by religious extremists who hate our country and has spent the better part of the last decade fighting a War on Terror, it’s clear that showing any leniency towards extremism would be a fatal mistake. Yet painting all members of a particular religion with the same brush is unfair and unwise. You may be familiar with Timothy McVeigh, the American Christian extremist responsible for murdering 168 people, women and children included, by bombing the Alfred P. Murrah federal building in Oklahoma City in 1995. McVeigh, a former U.S. soldier, bombed the building
because of his hatred for U.S. foreign policy, much like the 9/11 terrorists. However, he was raised Catholic and claimed he “retained core beliefs” throughout his adult life, even after his act of terrorism. What if a group of Christians decided to build a church two blocks away from this site? Should the entire religion he claims to follow be condemned? Catholics, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Scientists, Wiccans, Sikhs: all are entitled under the First Amendment to assemble and worship wherever they desire without the government’s regulation. In all honesty, there is no easy answer to the chaos that surrounds the Muslim community center debate. Both sides have their reasons, and both sides have legitimate arguments. President Obama, who has not endorsed the mosque, said that Americans “are not—and never will be—at
war with Islam. It was not a religion that attacked us that September day. It was al Qaeda, a sorry band of men which perverts religion.” In light of the recent threats made by Florida pastor Terry Jones to burn the Qur’an, the Muslim holy book, on September 11th, which caused uproar among Muslims across the world, the President also stated that doing so would be “endangering our troops, our sons and daughters… you don’t play games with that.” Keeping the potential safety of our troops in mind, we should all consider that no harm ever comes from tolerance. Do the benefits of constructing a worship center where an abandoned Burlington Coat Factory once stood outweigh the risks? Do we, as American citizens world-renowned for our support of freedom, want to project our fears onto an entire religion, or do we want to make a true effort to overcome our fears and move toward a new possibility of peace? The facts are here; decide for yourselves.
Two Soldiers’ Stories By Natalya Kadziauskas
Fewer than 50,000 soldiers are left in Iraq, but they too will return home in the final pullout of December 2011. President Obama declared the beginning of the end of one of the longest and most divisive wars in American history. “The American combat mission in Iraq has ended,” Obama told the nation in an 18-minute address, only his second from the Oval Office. “Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country.” Two soldiers: one coming home from Iraq and one deploying, open up on family, expectations, and change. Santa Margarita alumnus, Sterling Showalter, now a member of the 1LT, AR and C/1-9 CAV, went to Iraq earlier this month for his first deployment. I spoke with him a few days before his deployment, and he shared his thoughts on what the future holds for Iraq, what he will miss the most, and what will change at home. Natalya: What are your thoughts going to Iraq; do you have any fears or uncertainties? Sterling: The only uncertainty I have is whether we can
train the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police sufficiently, within the given time table, in order for them to effectively combat the challenges that face them without a coalition presence. As far as fear is concerned, anyone who says they do not posses fear when entering a combat zone is most likely lying. I certainly have some fear that lingers in the back of my mind, but it helps keep you focused on the mission at hand. N: What made you decide to join in the first place?
S: I was a junior at Santa Margarita when 9/11 occurred. In fact, I remember specifically sitting in IT class when the second plane hit. I was filled with such a sense of rage, patriotism, and duty that I knew on 9/11 what I would do. Originally, I wanted to enlist; however, my grandfather is a retried colonel and had mentioned West Point--the rest is history. N: Do you feel prepared for what’s next? S: Absolutely, I have been training my scout platoon for over a year. We have
executed hundreds of training events, ranging from individual level task all the way to brigade field exercises. The pinnacle of our training took place at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, LA. N: What kinds of things will you miss the most? S: I will miss my family and girlfriend the most. Then watching football on Sundays with my best friends--most of which are in Afghanistan and Iraq. Part of me is happy the Angels missed the playoffs so I won’t have to miss it (I am a die hard Halos fan). Jacob Blome, a Senior Airman in the Illinois Air National Guard and the 183rd Security Forces Squadron, is home after a six-month support mission in Kyrgyzstan. Natalya: What was it like coming home? Jacob: I have been overseas twice. Each time coming home was a little different. The first deployment was to Iraq in 2003- 2004. It was a year long and combat tour. Coming home was exciting to see my family. This was the longest time I hadn’t seen them and I really missed them.
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Senior Airman Jacob Blome. Photo courtesy of Jacob Blome.
The second deployment was to Kyrgyzstan in 2009. It was only six months and a support mission. I still really missed my family and was happy to see them. N: How have you changed since? J: Now, I don’t stress the small things that aren’t really important in the world. I am also more vocal about my opinion. N: When you were over there, what kinds of things did you miss the most? J: I really missed hamburgers and playing hockey. Also I missed driving in a “normal” driving environment. N: What made you decide to join in the first place?
J: I joined June of 2001 for the college money. But four months later everything changed on Sept 11, 2001. I stayed in for the duty I owe my country, to prevent another attack. Next time you have to stay up late to work on AP or IB homework, get up at the crack of dawn for morning practice at the pool, wait an extra long time in the lunch lines, scramble through the packed G building stairs, or struggle for a parking spot in the lot, think of the individuals like Jacob Blome or Sterling Showalter who put their lives on the line everyday for the safety of our country. Take into consideration the story of two brave men, who put others before themselves, and fight for the freedom of our country.
MUSIC
september 2010
EDITORS: Taylor Razzano and Alisha Maline
The Brothers Are Back, Jonas Brothers Concert! By Daniela Huebner Whoever said the Jonas Brothers aren’t popular anymore were proven wrong on September 19th 2010. The much anticipated final show of the 36-city, sold out tour, was held at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine, CA and the brothers did not disappoint. Although the Jonas Brother’s fame has been on hiatus the past couple of months, the amphitheatre was absolutely packed to full capacity. Their fans hadn’t gone anywhere yet. As I made my way to my fourth row seat, I could feel the excitement emulating from each person in the audience. As the lights dimmed and the music began to
blast from the speakers, the Jonas Brothers hit the stage with their new hit, “Feelin’ Alive.” As the concert progressed the brothers played many songs from all four of their albums and also included songs from their TV show, JONAS LA and their newly released Disney Channel Movie, Camp Rock 2. Nick Jonas, the newly recent solo artist, also played his very own hit single, “Who I Am.” Not only are the Jonas Brothers exceptional performers, but their concerts are pure fun. Although their music may not be broodingly deep and analytical, they do make catchy, feel-good music.
A Rising Star By Michael Meyer Thousands of aspiring rap artists try to make a name for themselves every year, but very few succeed. One of the most promising newcomers goes by the name of J. Cole. Jermaine Cole grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina and was raised by his mother. By the age of 12 he was already hooked on rapping, being heavily influenced by Tupac and NAS. Becoming a famous rap artist became his goal. By the age of 15, Cole had composition books full of his own lyrics but no beats to lay them on. With the permission of his mother, he was able to obtain a beat machine so he could produce his own music. Realizing New York to be the heart of the rap music industry,
Their songs are fun and great to sing and dance along to, which is what makes their concerts so fun.
1. Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars
6. Just a Dream – Nelly
2. DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love – Usher (Feat. Pitbull)
It truly was an amazing night for so many girls in the audience. Just one look or smile from one of the brother’s is enough to make some of their fans happy for weeks. I, for one, couldn’t stop babbling about the fact that Nick Jonas had handed me his guitar pick during one of their final songs!
3. Lungs – Florence + The Machine
7. Club Can’t Handle Me – Flo Rida (Feat. David Guetta)
I also had the amazing opportunity to meet the Jonas Brothers backstage before the concert. I won’t bore you all with the details, but let’s just say a million girls would kill for the opportunity I had that day. And that is why, ladies and gentlemen, so many people like the Jonas Brothers: not because they are the best musicians or the greatest actors in the world, but because they make fans feel happy, excited, and like you’re having the best time of your life.
VIP Jonas Brothers Concert Photo Courtesy: Daniela Huebner
TOP 10 SONGS OF SEPTEMBER
Cole used college to help him attain his dream by enrolling at St. John’s University on an academic scholarship.
first artist to sign with RocNation, J Cole was asked to appear in one of Jay Z’s tracks titled, “A Star is Born.” Becoming more popular each During his college day, J Cole dropped his years, J Cole continued Debut mix tape titled to write and produce “The Come Up” which music and posted songs truly displayed his on internet forums. As unique talent. In years to people started to notice his come, there is no telling obvious talent, so did rap who will become famous legend Jay Z. When Jay Z as the next big rap star first heard one of J Cole’s or who will have one hit mix tapes “Lights Please” song and then never be he immediately signed him heard from again. My to his new record label hopes are that J Cole “RocNation.” Being the will be more than just an artist that has a few good songs, but rather, a rap artist who steers the genre towards a more meaningful and passionate direction. J COLE Photo Courtesy: Google Images
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4. Teenage Dream – Katy Perry 5. I Like It – Enrique Iglesias (Feat. Pitbull)
8. Only Girl (In the World) – Rihanna 9. Rockstarr – Taio Cruz 10. Recovery – Eminem
Apple’s New I-pod Touch By Lindsey Robertson and Steven Saetermoe Get your hands on the new iPod touch
from Apple! It’s the new gadget that every student from SM is raving about. We all love music and many of us already own an iPod. Some students are lucky enough to have an iPhone. The iPod touch was released on the first of September, and is filled with exciting updated features including crystal-clear Retina display, FaceTime video chatting, High Definition video recording, and the all-new Game Center. With the help of the Retina display, everything you see and do looks unbelievably clear. The new iPod touch has such a high pixel density that your eyes will not recognize each pixel. Images, games, movies, and text explode off the screen. From photos to email, the images are sharper than ever, with text that is extremely clear. The latest technology from Apple is called FaceTime, which is video calling with a friend. Now with the touch of a button and a Wi-Fi connection, you can video chat face to face anytime, anywhere! Unlike the old iTouch, the new generation iPod touch has high-definition video recording with a 5.0 mega pixel camera. Be ready to take HD photos and videos when the right moment strikes.
When you’re done filming, you have the option to upload it right away to Facebook or Youtube with just a few taps. Along with the high-definition camera on the back, the iPod touch also has a VGAquality camera on the front, which allows you to see yourself while recording. The Game Center app is brandnew to Apple. This new applica�on allows you to invite friends and play mul�player games together, allowing you to play against people from all over the world. Bring your friends along by sending them a friend request through your iTouch and then let the games begin! Last but not least, there are three different choices in price and memory size. For an 8GB iTouch, the price is $229, the 32GB is $299, and the 64GB is priced at $399. So, what are you wai�ng for? Go pick up your new iPod touch today!
Jamming to the I-pod Photo Courtesy: Lindsey Robertson
MOVIES
september 2010
EDITORS: Allison Le and Caitlin Boyle
Movies You May Have Forgotten About
By Ashley Rhorer and Katy Taylor Do you ever think about movies that you haven’t seen in a while, that used to be your favorite, or that was really popular when you were younger? Even though some of these movies aren’t considered favorites to certain people anymore, they are still classics. Some of these great movies are The Sandlot, Legally Blonde, and Remember the Titans. For those of you who can’t remember what these movies are about, here is a summary. The Sandlot is a childhood favorite about a young boy named Scotty Smalls who is trying to fit in with the local baseballplaying boys. They teach him the ins and outs of baseball until he loses his signed Babe Ruth baseball over the fence where “The Beast” lives. His new friend Benny has to save the ball before the beastly
dog eats it. When asked about The Sandlot, Brittany Sharp says, “I haven’t seen it in like three years. I thought it was a good movie!”
Another classic movie is Legally Blonde, which is a about a girl named Elle Woods who goes to Harvard Law School to impress her ex-boyfriend. Since she is known for being a dumb blonde and always dressing in pink, Elle has a tough time being accepted by her studious peers. This movie has many memorable scenes, including the “bend and snap” in the
nail salon, keeping the audience entertained throughout the movie. A heartfelt movie from the past is Remember the Titans, which is about an integrated high school football team that has been forced to play together even though
some of the team members don’t like each other. Herman Boone, the tough but genuine coach, is determined to have a winning team and gets the boys to work together. Throughout the movie, the team faces hardships, but overall the
Movie Spotlight: Breakfast at Tiffany’s By Allison Le Starring: Audrey Hepburn
“That’s right. I’m just CRAZY about Tiffany’s!” Who said this? Well, if you have trouble reading article headlines, Miss Holly Golightly said this in the
heroine, Holly Golightly, whose perfection is accompanied by a troubled heart. After many outings with different men, only Paul Varjak– who she calls Fred – catches her eye, since he does not force her to crawl out of
timeless movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Based on a novella written by the renowned author Truman Capote, Breakfast at Tiffany’s follows a young New York socialite through her picture perfect life, or so it seems. Audrey Hepburn plays the flawless
her apartment window, (unlike her other suitors) SPOILER ALERT! Paul (Fred) finally wins Miss Golightly’s heart and they live as a really, really beautiful and happy couple. So how does such a simple film become such a timeless classic? Well,
winning two Oscars for Best Music ( Original Song, and Best Music – Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture) and being nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Art Direction, and Best Writing does not hurt. However, Breakfast at Tiffany’s also defined fashion and beauty for woman today. When Audrey Hepburn stepped out of her bathroom with her famous basic black dress and hat with the wide brim, fashion was changed forever. As the Hollywood “It” girl during the 60s, Audrey kept fashion simple and elegant. Overexposed cleavage or a bare behind was never Audrey’s claim to fame; rather, her classy (not flashy) persona led Hollywood and Breakfast at Tiffany’s to the spotlight with a forever light.
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prized possessions in the yard of a maneating dog), picking up Many people have guys (while of course forgotten about this last pursuing a prosperous movie. Flipper is a movie education), seeing about a troubled young the truth in people’s boy named Sandy Ricks hearts rather than their (Elijah Wood) sent by his faces, and befriending mother to stay with his a dolphin. Hopefully, Uncle, Porter Ricks (Paul this article brought Hogan) in the Florida back some memories Keys. Sandy hates every and maybe you shed second of his visit to the a tear... or maybe not. Keys until he meets a new Either way these great friend - Flipper. Flipper movies deserve to be is the best dolphin in the remembered. entire world and ends up saving Sandy’s life. Do you remember the scene where Sandy almost got killed by a shark but Flipper continuously battered the sharks side with its nose until it swam away? If you don’t remember, that is weird because it was an epic scene and deserves to be remembered - which is why it is in this article. players learn the value of teamwork.
All in all, these four movies have shaped our lives in some way, about encouraging us to play baseball (and not losing
september 2010
MOVIES
EDITORS: Allison Le and Caitlin Boyle
New and Upcoming Movies Near You! MONTH’S By Kathryn French and Carson Driscoll starts as a small idea in latest job, they briefly took Wall Street (Sep. 24): his office soon turns into a a hostage, Claire Keesey Michael Douglas plays communication revolution. (Rebecca Hall), a bank notorious villain Gordon Soon Mark becomes the manager. Although Claire Gekko. After getting out was not hurt, she is still of prison, Gekko feels aware that the robbers out of place in a world could easily find her and that he once learned to lives every day scared. She control. Hoping to fix then meets a charming his relationship with his daughter, Winnie, Gekko forms a friendship with her fiancé, Jacob (Shia LaBeouf). Trying to rebuild this relationship, Gekko struggles to gain the trust from Winnie and Jacob. Gekko will have to rename himself in a different time with completely different worl’ds youngest billionaire, experiences. but loses his friend in the process. This films shows, that it is impossible to make 500 million friends without making enemies. This film is produced by Scott Rudin, man named Doug: little Dana Brunetti, Michael De does she know he is the Luca, and Cean Chaffin leader of the gang that and is based on the book terrorized her. “The Accidental Billionaires” by Ben Mezrich. You Again (Sep. 24): Smart and successful It’s Kind of a Funny Story PR pro, Marni (Kristen (Oct. 8): Craig Gilner (Keir Bell), goes home for her Gilchrist), a 16-year-old, is older brother’s (Jimmy stressed out by the normal Wolk) wedding. To her issues of being a teenager. Easy A (Sep. 17): Emma surprise, her brother is He decides to check Stone, a typical clean cut marrying her bully from himself in to a mental high school girl, pretends high school, (Odette health clinic and is admitted to loose her virginity to Yustman). To make things by a psychiatrist. There’s help a friend’s social worse, the bride’s perfect just one problem: the youth status. After this “one night aunt (Sigourney Weaver), ward is temporarily closed, stand,” it seems that many so he is put into the adult other students are having ward. While in the adult the same problem, and ward, he meets Bobby go to her for the answer. (Zach Galifianakis) who However, when her own becomes his mentor, and reputation starts to hurt a another 16 year old, Noelle potential relationship, she (Emma Roberts). During has to face new issues. Craig’s five-day stay, he learns a lot about his relationships with people in and out of the ward.
decides to make a random appearance and runs into Jamie Lee Curtis, who she brutally bullied in high school. Putting all of these rivals in one room can only spell out trouble. The Town (Sep. 17): Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) is the leader of a group of bank robbers who always get what they want, when they want it. On their
The Social Network (Oct. 1): Harvard undergrad and computer genius Mark Zuckerberg sits down to try and discover something new. What
Paranormal Activity 2 (Oct. 22): It began with Paranormal Activity, where a regular girl is possessed and her boyfriend documents the strange things that happen around her. The phenomenon continues when a woman with a life and a family becomes possessed. Because of this, she cannot control her actions and endangers the people she loves. Buried (Sep. 24): Paul Conroy is on the edge of death when he discovers
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himself 6 feet underground with no recollection of how he got there. The only thing he finds himself buried with is a cell phone and a lighter. Luckily, he is able to discover his location with the few items that he is left with. Paul only has 90 minutes to be discovered before he runs out of oxygen and time.
Case 39 (Oct.1): In the movie Case 39, starring Renee Zellweger, Emily Jenkins, a social worker, takes in a young girl named Lilith Sullivan after her family tries to murder her. However, a case that seemed so set in stone unravels throughout the movie with thrills and suspense.
Let Me In (Oct.1): Here is another vampire film, but not the one teenage girls fawn over. This movie begins with a little boy named Owen whose life is full of ache and pain. But when he befriends his neighbor, Abby, who seemingly can withstand the bitter cold and never sleeps, things take a turn for the worse.
TOP BOX
OFFICE
1. THE TOWN STARRING: BEN AFFLECK, BLAKE LIVELY 2. EASY A STARRING: EMMA STONE, PENN BADGLEY, AMANDA BYNES 3. DEVIL STARRING: CHRIS MESSINA, BOJANA NOVAKOVIC, GEOFFREY AREND 4. RESIDENT EVIL: AFTER LIFE STARRING: MILLA JOVOVICH, ALI LARTER, SHAWN ROBERTS 5. ALPHA AND OMEGA STARRING: JUSTIN LONG, HAYDEN PANETTIERE, CHRISTINA RICCI 6. TAKERS STARRING: CHRIS BROWN, HAYDEN CHRISTENSEN, MATT DILLON, IDRIS ELBA 7. THE AMERICAN STARRING: GEORGE CLOONEY 8. INCEPTION STARRING: LEONARDO DICAPRIO, JOSEPH GORDON - LEVITT, ELLEN PAGE 9. THE OTHER GUYS STARRING: WILL FERRELL, MARK WAHLBERG, EVA MENDES 10. EAT PRAY LOVE STARRING: JULIA ROBERTS, JAMES FRANCO
september 2010
Lauren & Natalya EDITORS: Lauren Gardner and Natalya Kadziauskas
New Chiefs in Town!
By Lauren Gardner and Natalya Kadziauskas
It’s that time of year again… Our carefree beach days spent without homework and bell schedules have gone by the wayside. We’ve exchanged tank tops and sandals for Westways. Classes starting at 7:40 AM have replaced sleeping in until 2 PM. Oh yes, fellow Eagles: school’s back in session. But hey, let’s not kid ourselves. There are SOME good things about starting a new school year. We get to see our friends seven periods a day, we get to brave the new cafeteria food… But what’s the absolute best part of starting school, you ask? The fact that The Blueprint is back and better than ever! We’re
Lauren and Natalya, your new Editors-inChief, and we’re here to keep you in touch with all the stuff that matters most. Campus news? Check. Movie reviews? Check. World issues? Check. Cool music? Check times two. It’s our job to bring you the best and most important out there - and, let’s be honest, we’re loving every minute of it.
So here are a few ground rules, some advice from the best of the best. HEY FRESHMEN: we only have one main set of G Building stairs now, so seriously, we can’t stress the importance of just putting one foot in front of the other, already! And don’t panic, your teachers will get it if you get to class when the bell rings and not three minutes before. It’s all
What are you looking forward to most this year? “A great water polo season and a chance to meet new freshman girlies” Nick Carignan, Freshman
“Going to prom with William Tungate” Talia Longo, Junior
going to be okay, we promise (but really, kids, the stereotype exists for a reason). Sophomores. Dear sophomores. We get that you’ve climbed the social ladder one rung higher, but don’t let it get to your heads. Now’s the best time to start figuring out who your friends really are - just don’t get too cocky. After all, you were freshmen, like, ten minutes ago. Juniors: brace yourselves, this year’s going to be… uh… interesting. It’ll be a lot of work; there’s no denying it. But we know you’re going to make the most of everything and still have one awesome year! Last
but not least, SENIORS: we run this now, guys, so let’s really step it up and make our last year legendary. And hey, for those of you whose senioritis has already begun to kick in (AKA every single one of us): 145 more school days until graduation!! Honestly, you guys, what have we got to lose? When we get older, these are the years we’ll look back upon fondly -- but only if we take every chance we’re given and live every day like it’s our last. And no matter what, the two of us will be here to report every minute of it. IN CONCLUSION: Let’s do this thing. Stay classy, Santa Margarita. Lauren and Natalya <333
The Blueprint Faculty Advisor
“Being with all my homies for one last hurrah, and getting a new deer” William Amador, Senior
“Homecoming and dancing with cute boys” Courtney Smith, Sophomore
Ms. Elyse Rhodes
Advanced Staff Writers
Editors in Chief
Camille Del Carmen
Lauren Gardner and Natalya Kadziauskas
Evan Edwards
Design Editors
Kathryn French
Alexa Kosco and Allison Le
Michael Meyer
News Editor
Beginning Staff Writers
Alexa Kosco
Megan Alders
Activities Editors
Katlyn Bauer
Alexa Kosco and Kaitlin Propeck
Lauren Bohaboy
World News Editor
Sean Cannon
Lauren Gardner
Troy Ditzler
Music Editors
Courtney Doud
Alisha Maline and Taylor Razzano
Trevor Fay
Movies Editors
Tyler Frank
Caitlin Boyle and Allison Le
Mackenzie Leveque
Special Section Editors
Shannon Mack
Alexia Stamos, Stephanie Stamos and
Nick Macker
Rachel Hoynak
Selden McKnight
Health Editors
Alexander Monda
Alyssa Collica and Daniela Huebener
Matthew Murphy
Opinion Editors
Gina Navarro
Kelsey Hummer and Lauren Hundley
Christopher Ontiveros
Lifestyle Editors
Chiara Palmisciano
Elizabeth Pinner, Karenna Soto, and Sophie
Kendall Perrin
Turner
Danielle Rankine
Sports Editors
John Rastoka
Kevin Clark and Chris Popovec
Ashley Rhorer
Campus Ministry Editors
Lindsey Robertson
Carson Driscoll and AJ McCartney
Steven Saetermoe
Campus Life Editor
Katy Taylor
Sophie Turner
Spencer Tyler Bruce Ziemer
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SPECIAL SECTION: TWINS! september 2010
EDITORS: Rachel Hoynak, Alexia Stamos, and Stephanie Stamos
Double the Trouble By Megan Alders and Bryce Ziemer Here at Santa Margarita, we have a multitude of twins, more than two different sets per grade! We interviewed twins from each grade and asked these three questions: What is the best and worst part of being a twin? Who is older and by how much? The third question being what is the best prank you have ever pulled being a twin?
of being a twin.” But, These inexperienced freshman twins haven’t experienced the wild side of life: their best prank is toilet papering a friend’s house.
Have you ever woken up in the morning and couldn’t decide what to wear? Or left the house knowing you forgot something, but couldn’t remember what? Having a twin Two sets of is the solution to your fraternal freshman twins, Kaitlin and Taylor problems. Nicole Klawunder and Lindsey LaBruna thinks that “The best part is that if I and Haley Almquist ever forget something, said, “The best part is always having someone she is there to remind me.” to hang out with.” You see freshmen every Evan Kearn lunch period looking saves money because for someone to sit with. his twin brother, Cade, These twins have it easy; gives him his hand-methey always have their downs. For Cade, the best buds with them. Nobody wants to do their best part is, “Being able to give him my handhomework when they me-downs, so he is get home from a long day at school. Especially always looking good.” There are always plenty freshman Haley Almquist, who makes her of subjects to talk about twin sister Lindsey do it when meeting a set of for her. Lindsey defines twins. The one subject that bothers Cade and that as “The worst part Evan Kearn get asked
the most is, “convincing people were actually twins.” When you have a bad day appears, having someone who you can relate to who is always there to talk to is another perk to having a twin. Brianne Richards’ favorite part of being a twin is “having someone who can understand you at a level no one else can.” Michael Bohaboy agrees that, “the best part is always having someone to relate to.” Well, Ryan Richards says, “The worst part is giving up your top locker
for three years in a row.” Brianne thinks that, “The worst part of being twins is having to share almost everything.” Some people love the thrill of competition, but for Lauren Bohaboy, the worst part “is that everything is a competition because were the same age.” One of the questions of twins are asked the mosta twin is how far apart you are. The answers can be shocking! Did you know that Kaitlyn Klawunder is actually the older twin by eight minutes? Or
that Evan Kearn is older than Cade by only one minute? The biggest shocker is that Lauren Bohaboy is older than Michael by an hour and forty minutes? She was born on April 9th and Michael was born on April 10th! Most of these twins had a few of the same answers in common. Always having someone to relate to, having to share things, and explaining whether or not they are actually twins. We really got a glimpse of what the life of “twinmanship” really is.
ASK ME AGAIN! By Alexia Stamos A new school year means new faces. Take a look around campus. Have you noticed anything you never noticed before? Twins are everywhere! As a twin, I have experienced all the questions there are to be asked. For example, when boy and girl twins are asked if they are identical, you should take a second thought to that question. They are obviously not identical: one is a boy and one is a girl. Another is when two people look exactly alike and they get the question, “Are you twins?” Although this question is a good icebreaker to someone you just met, it is also the most annoying question that a twin could be asked.
One of my all time favorite questions is, “Can you read each others minds?” It is not a common fact among twins. There are some cases where twins, can feel each others pain or connect in a different way, but it is usually rare. Here are a couple more questions that are also frequently asked: “Which twin are you?” It may seem like a common mistake, but hearing it over and over can become offensive. “Do you do everything together?” We are both individuals and completely different people. These are just a few of the most common questions a twin is asked.
TWINS AND TRIPLETS Photo Courtesy of Alexia Stamos
SENIOR TWINS ON KAIROS Photo Courtesy of Ms. Renee Blanc
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september 2010
SPECIAL SECTION: TWINS... EDITORS: Rachel Hoynak, Alexia Stamos, Stephanie Stamos
I KNOW What Your Thinking By Stephanie Stamos Twins, Twins, and more Twins! Have you ever taken a good look around campus and no�ced that we have an abnormally large amount of twins? One may ask themselves, can they read each others minds? Well I am here to give you everything you wanted to know! Having twins is very rare unless you have a gene for it on either of your parent’s sides. There are two different types of twins, fraternal and iden�cal. The fraternal pair is born on the same day; however, they do not look the same. The iden�cal pair share common traits in there appearance and gene pool. Some of those genes can obtain the same thoughts and feelings towards situa�ons and experiences. This is called twin
telepathy, a frequently asked ques�on among all twins. “Can you read each others minds?” Although this might seem like a silly ques�on, some twins can in fact feel the other twin’s emo�ons and how they feel about something or share the same thoughts as each other. According to wholescience.net, they use extra sensory percep�ons to communicate with each other. In fact children develop different language skills in stages. For example, they first associated sounds with objects before developing words. It also says that there is a secret language that is named ‘cryptophasia’, crypto meaning secret and phasia, meaning speech disorder. This site also men�ons an experiment where a boy named Richard was asked to open a box looking for something nice. Instead a rubber snake shot out and scared him. This fright was instantly picked up by his twin.
The twin named Damien had the same phsycological symptoms as brother. In another experiment a baby had a high temperature and the other baby was crying profusely because of it. According to this ar�cle twins seem to share different types of connec�ons but mostly emo�onal. Many of them have said they felt discomfort or feel when the other is in trouble. More evidence is being tested by scien�sts to this day about twin telepathy.
TWINS ON CAMPUS Photo Courtesy of Megan Alders and Bryce Ziemer
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september 2010
HEALTH EDITORS: Daniela Huebener and Alyssa Collica
All About ACL’s By Alyssa Collica Have you ever torn your ACL? Or do you know someone who has? Well, tearing your ACL is one of the worst sports injuries you can have and it is extremely painful. Do you know where your ACL is? It’s the ligament that runs through the middle of your knee and it connects the tibia to the femur. You have four major ligaments in your knee, and your ACL is one of. The ACL is critical for your knee’s stability, and it prevents excessive motion of the knee joint. Tearing your ACL is often due to sports. About 80% of torn ACL’s that are sports related are from non-contact sports. They mostly occur from pivoting of
the knee or landing from a jump. One of the major signs that you tore your ACL is hearing a crack or a pop when it happened. Other signs are swelling, pain, and not being able to put weight on your knee. Surgery is not always necessary for a torn ACL; it just depends on how bad the tear is and if you tore anything else in your knee. Going to physical therapy is usually a good idea if you tore your ACL and you normally have to wear a brace on your knee until it is fully healed. Years ago, if you tore your ACL, then your sports career was over. Now, due to surgical advancements, 98% of people who tear their ACL eventually return to their sport.
Stress is Not the Best By Caitlyn Boyle Even though summer is over and school has started, most of us are still in our summer mode. When school gets back in session it is the crucial time for stress to come upon many teenagers. Juggling with academics, sports, friends, and extracurricular activities it is hard to just take a second to breathe and relax. Stress is never good, but we all get stressed out sometimes. The good thing is that stress is manageable and there are healthy ways to reduce it. Have fun! Do things that are fun and exciting with your friends to get your
Next Step: Helping Students Make the Right Choices By Matt Murphy and John Rastoka Image if you could help make a difference in a young child’s mindset. Well, there is a program here at SMCHS that offers this kind of experience. Next Step is a ministry program run by Ms. Hanley and several students who help elementary school students stay off drugs and make better choices both in high school and in life. The volunteers in Next Step talk to students about how drug and alcohol abuse in high school can drastically affect them. We personally experienced this program in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade, and saw how truly effective the program is. The presentations display the harsh effects that drugs and alcohol have had on certain people by showing
pictures of indivudals whose lives were drastically affected by drug and alcohol abuse. They also encourage students to say no to drugs, and to avoid peer pressure situations. We spoke to Ms. Hanley and she shared that it is a great way to help students and recieve service hours at the same time. This program visits many schools around the area and helps countless youths turn away from drugs. The Next Step program has been on campus for the last seven years. We spoke to some former participants, and they had nothing but good things to say about the program. Next Step also brings a sheriff deputy with them to tell the students the path their lives will take and where they will eventually end
up if they do not say no to drugs at an early age. Next Step is so helpful because young kids are at a very delicate age where they can be easily influenced and this is the perfect time to tell them how to make the right choices in life. In conclusion, Next Step really benefits the students it caters to.
Students involved with the Next Step program talking to youths at St. John’s Episcopal School.Photo courtesy of ocsdcsd.org.
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mind off of your busy and frantic schedule. Work out! Another healthy way to release stress is through exercise. Teenagers should already be getting at least 3-5 days of exercise weekly. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress because during long workouts your body releases endorphins. The endorphins make you happy while reducing your stress level at the same time. Keep Positive! Your attitude has everything to do with your stress level. Being positive and optimistic will help you cope with the stress and make it easier. Try not to be negative because it will only lead to more
stressful headaches. Usually stress is built up when there are too many things going on in your life at once. Sometimes all you have to do is say “no”. Teenagers can only handle so much, and you do not want to take on too much at once. Instead of keeping busy all of the time with friends, make time to relax and take it easy. Always remember that stress is not necessary, and it can be removed
Junior Jameson Sansone frantically finishing his homework at lunch.
Salmonella By Courtney Doud Salmonella, or Salmonellosis is one of the most common intestinal, bacterial infections in the United Sates. The reported illnesses due to salmonella are 14 cases per each 100,000 persons. In the United States there are approximately 30,000 confirmed cases of Salmonellosis a year. People often get this disease by eating raw materials such as meats, and dairy products such as undercooked eggs. Salmonella can infect home made goods such as salad dressing, frosting, and even ice cream. The systems of this disease are very similar to food poisoning. Most people feel dehydrated or feverish, and may even have severe abdominal pains and diarrhea. These
syndromes usually appear 12 to 74 hours after the virus enters the body; and lasts up to 4 days to a week. Severe Salmonellosis is treated with prescribed antibiotics, but in most cases people have to wait for it to pass through their systems. Although it is a curable disease in most cases, infants, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems are held at a higher risk. To prevent Salmonellosis people should take precautions while they are cooking with raw materials. Meats especially, should be cooked well done with a meat thermometer with the given temperature. Most importantly individuals need to wash their hands when and after dealing with raw goods. For our own individual safety we must be aware and take precautions on this spreading disease.
september 2010
OPINION EDITORS: Kelsey Hummer & Lauren Hundley
The Pros and Cons of Construction on Santa Margarita’s Campus By Trevor Fay and Danielle Rankine completed we were more Pros of than rewarded for our Construction patience. We are going Everyone’s to see a similar result thinking it. There’s no when the new academic way around it. It’s time building is completed this to choose. Is the latest year in April. Once those building being built on doors open and a new our campus a gift or a building is available to us curse? I know that the here at SM, we will have detours made by the “off room for more students, limits” zone on campus more teachers, and new have been more than classes. just a little inconvenient, but we need to look Until now, we have beyond the temporary been forced to hold inconveniences in order some of our elective to see the bigger picture. classes in the portables, or “T” buildings. But Take the new athletic now, thanks to the new building for example. academic building that For all of last year that is being built, that will be building was being built, a thing of the past. One and there was a huge perfect example of this is section of the campus ETV. I’m sure everyone that was off limits. has noticed by now, that Granted, the athletic the portables that once building is in the back housed our beloved of campus, so therefore ETV are now gone. But it was less noticeable. once the new academic However, once it was building opens we will
have a new room entirely dedicated to ETV and all of the daily school business that goes with it. Not to mention that the new classrooms will feature some very cool new equipment such as Smart Boards, which will revolutionize the way we use projectors. So I ask you: look at the academic building in a new light. It’s going to be here before we know it, and the sooner we accept it, the sooner we can embrace it.
CONS of Construction The past year construction has taken place at Santa Margarita. Starting during the 2010 school year, the construction has become a major problem.
So How About SM’s New Food Service? By Troy Ditzler and Selden McKnight
Many people are discussing the new food service, Sodexo. Some people are very happy with the new food, but others are very annoyed. There have been many new changes in the menu including the pizza, chicken, fries, and most surprising the cookies.
$1.00. But, on a positive note, Sodexo has helped with the problem of the lunch lines being too slow, by opening up another line for students to use. This solution has helped speed up the lunch lines, but some students do not think it is worth the prices and quality of the food.
One student, Bryce Ziemer, a sophomore has even reported of finding mold on her peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Mr. Dunne, on the other hand, reported Sodexo being a better service because they are more responsive, and they have better quality. One of the problems students are having with the food service is that the price of food has gone up. One example of the raising prices is that the cookies went from the price of three for $1.25 to the price of two for
Lots of people have mixed feelings about this new company and wish that they hadn’t criticized last years food provider. Another large contradiction has been the new pizza and chicken tenders. Many students simply don’t want to pay $5.75 for three small chicken tenders and a few fries. Along with high prices, many people have been talking about how the uncooked foods such as sandwiches, wraps, and salads taste like hospital food. What many people don’t know is that Sodexo
also provides foods for many prisons and hospitals. In my opinion this doesn’t sound very appetizing, even though I’m technically not saying we’re eating prison food. And Sodexo does also cater to Chapman, UCLA, and other schools. Although there have been many negative comments some teachers have said that there food is very good and is definitely better than previous years. So is the food living up to high school standards or is it no better than low grade cafeteria food served at a hospital?
The kiosk stocked with the new food. Photo Courtesy of Troy Ditzler.
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Students are having a difficult time getting to class with the detours due to the construction. There are constant traffic jams getting to and from the G building. This is causing students to be late and they are getting penalized for it. The stairs in the G building are overly crowded and it takes forever to get up and down. People are constantly pushing and trying to get to there class on time. I believe that the passing from classes should be changed to six minutes instead of five minutes, letting us get to class in a reasonable amount of time. Not only is getting to class a problem, but it causes our campus to look a mess and look horrible to visitors. The workers have put up
big ugly plain gates and there are piles of dirt everywhere. This is what we students have to deal with daily. It is especially disadvantage is for the senior class. They will not even be able to use the new academic building, but yet the seniors have to deal with the construction. Construction has caused a big problem for the parking. The front of faculty parking is blocked off. Although many teachers are forced to park in the once “reserved spots” they are also now parking in the junior lot. Parking is already an issue at SM; construction causes it to be much more hectic. The construction is extremely unpleasant and I wish it could have been done during the summer.
Parking on Campus
By Karenna Soto
Santa Margarita students always have questions about parking, every year we are concerned about how much parking we have available. One of the commitments Santa Margarita made in order to construct our new athetic buidling, was to have a designated parking areas for hybrid vehicles. According to Juan (aka Ace) Ventura and Mrs. Bremer, they are selling twenty five parking passes for those who qualify for “Preferred Parking”, two hundred and fifty passes for senior parking and one hundred and eighty six general parking passes. Miraculously, the attendance office has not over sold parking passes. Did you know that
Santa Margarita Faculty had to take some of the general parking due to the area blocked off by the Construction in the front of the school? Yes, it is true. We had to give up our own student parking spots for the faculty because of the construction for the new budiling on campus. The construction is affecting us not just during school hours, but before school as well. while we are trying to find a place to park, it sometimes causes us to be late to school and recieve a detention. We also recieve detentions when the church holds its own events and we are unable to park on campus. Overall, Santa Margarita needs to find some other way to create more parking areas for their faculty and students.
september 2010
OPINION EDITORS: Kelsey Hummer and Lauren Hundley
REGGIE BUSH AND HIS RECENT SANCTIONS WITH USC By Nick Macker and Spencer Tyler As many of you know, there is a huge controversy between Reggie Bush and USC. Reggie Bush accepted money from sports agents while he was playing on the USC football team. He also accepted a house for his parents, a car for his own personal use, flights for his step-father, mother, and his younger brother so that they could come see him play against Cal Berkley, and stays at multiple hotels. Also, his sports agent, Mike Ornstein, is a childhood friend of Reggie’s, which could have been a factor in his accepting the money. Also involved in the allegations were Michael Michaels and Lloyd Lakes,who were attempting to start a new agency and have Reggie Bush as their first client. Due to these
allegations, USC is being heavily punished. Their punishments include, but are not limited to, a reduction on the number of scholarships they are able to have for football, a restriction from all bowl games, removal of Reggie Bush’s Heisman Trophy, and loss of numerous titles and victories. Why should USC be getting punished for something that they had no control over? USC would have stopped Reggie from doing these illegal actions had they known about them in the first place. Reggie Bush should be the one who gets punished because of his actions. He should have to do something to atone for the poor decisions that he made while he was in college at the University of Sothern California. Since USC got punished, Reggie Bush has done nothing to redeem his reputation. As a result
of his inaction, fans the school: the fans that his Heisman Trophy, however, if he would have begun to loose are dedicated to USC, have done something respect for him. If and the students who to assist in funding the Reggie would have just continue to support it. lost scholarships, more admitted his fault, fans Reggie Bush regain would have been more back the respect of some people would be more accepting of his sorrow understanding. I feel as fans by giving back though he should take it upon himself to help USC get through these times, by assisting them in any way possible to help them become a respected football team again. Reggie Bush should start a scholarship fund, in his name, as a way to help the football team with their recruits. As a result of the loss of scholarships, less high school students will have the opportunity to play college football for a Division 1 school. Reggie Bush has had the opportunity to make all of this go away, but his massive ego has not allowed himself to apologize to not only USC; but to the community that support both him and
Reggie Bush during his USC days. Photo Courtesy of Google Images
WHAT IS THIS?!? MASS UNIFORMS!.. SM’S NEW MASS UNIFORMS uniforms are entirely all know, the dress code By Alisha Maline
After rumors began to spread throughout the school last year, it was confirmed that the mass uniforms were, in fact, going to happening! Many of us believed this could not be happening… But the time has come, while buying our uniforms for this school year, we were required to buy MASS UNIFORMS! ! To many this seemed unreal and out of this world! I believe that it is safe for me to speak on behalf of the entire student body that we are NOT looking forward to wearing these uniforms. Sitting in the sweaty, tightly packed gym, on an extremely hot day in our sweater vests is something no one is excited about. But what is the exact dress code? As we
pointless and have no use to them whatsoever. Especially, during the bad economy, being required to buy the Mass Uniforms for families on tight budgets is a huge expensive that many cannot afford.
for the mass uniforms is, for girls, high knee socks, either khaki pants or the school skort, white oxford shirt, and a navy blue sweater vest.
For boys the dress attire includes, kaki pants, white oxford shirt, royal blue sweater vest, and a dress tie designed and picked by our student body. Just imagining what we have to wear makes me start to sweat….
We had to spend extra money on top of the bad economy AND the books, sports, tuition, and everything else needed to attend SM. I believe that buying the mass uniforms is a complete waste of money when we are already completely uniformed for school everyday.
This is a huge change in tradition and many are unhappy with this decision. Seniors were forced into buying the mass uniforms for just seven days out of the year. If anything, the SM seniors should not have to wear these new uniforms, considering we only will be using them seven more days in our lives. I believe mass
Senior girls sporting the new mass uniform. Photo Courtesy of Lauren Hundley and Kelsey Hummer
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t Santa Margarita should stay to the tradition and not force us to wear a completely new uniform for mass. what it all comes down to is that we are spending money for a uniform that we will wear less that once a month.
september 2010
LIFESTYLE EDITORS: Sophie Turner, Elizabeth Pinner, and Karenna Soto
Eagles Study Abroad By Elizabeth Pinner
Attention Eagles! Why wait to study abroad in college, when you can have a similar experience in high school? There are numerous programs available that assist high school students in achieving their dreams of taking their educations to a new, adventurous level by studying abroad. For my seventeenth birthday this summer, my parents surprised me with opportunity to participate in a four-week study abroad program that was based in Barcelona, Spain. My experience was through a program, titled Oxbridge Academic Programs, that gives students all around the world the chance to further their education in an unfamiliar and challenging environment. There are programs available in the summer that send students to cities in France, Spain,
Italy, and England. Dallas Stack, participated in Academic Study Abroad and spent three weeks taking courses, titled International Business and Introduction to Ethics, at Oxford University in England. Dallas shared that “the program was held in an actual Oxbridge University building and the same dorms, where Oxbridge students typically live in.” Enrolling in a study abroad program allows high school students to learn to adapt to what a college freshman may naturally experience on their own. Dallas says, “It really did feel like I was at college because I went there without knowing anyone and into a place that I was completely unfamiliar with.” Before venturing off to Spain on my own, I had never been out of the country alone or even away from home
Waddup Freshies!
By Sophie Turner
Calling all baby eagles! Welcome to Santa Margarita; you are now all officially eagles! All of us have been through the first month of freshmen year, the big step into the next four years of your life. The first couple days, even the first couple weeks, are nerve-racking, frightening, and the intimidation of the upper classmen eventually sets in. However, all of the sophomores, juniors, and SENIORS managed to survive the beginning of freshman year. Although it seems like the time is never- ending, it goes by faster than you think, and before you know it, you’ll be applying for colleges! To help welcome the class of 2014 into the
Eagle community, some of the upperclassmen have contributed advice to help you through freshman year. Good Luck! “Don’t block the hallways.” Kai Gayoso, Senior “Don’t run away from the deans. ” Kylee Groon, Junior “Get involved in every activity that interests you.” Nicole Woodworth, Senior “Always talk to your teachers when you need help!” Jimmy Byron, Senior “Don’t get hit in the head with a locker.. and go to dances!” Kaitlin Propeck, Junior
opportunity, and I would give anything to go back and just relive that experience. It was simply unbelievable to actually sit in a classroom and learn about Picasso and Dali, then an hour later be at the museum that features all of their works of art. I was able to enrich myself in a unique culture and live among an entirely different group of people. Oxbridge Academic Programs opens up the experience to students from 8-12th grade, and has over twenty course options special to each city. I will forever have the Spanish culture in my heart, and studying
abroad allowed me to make a connection with another city that I never thought I would visit. I strongly recommend to any person, given the chance, to take courses far away from home. Dallas advises that “it doesn’t have to be an academic thing, but just to venture off into an unfamiliar place on your own, without knowing anyone is really the best way to figure out who you are and what you’re comfortable with for college.”
for more than a couple of days. I was forced to adapt to a completely new environment, by learning how to communicate with the spanish locals and even how to use public transportation, which was an adventure in itself. According to Dallas Stack (senior,) “It got me thinking a lot about what I wanted to do when I got older, what majors I wanted to take, and whether or not I wanted to study abroad when I was in college again.” I agree, a huge plus was that I was able to get a taste of college, and see what it was like to be away from home for a little over a month. It made me realize that I did want to reach outside the Orange County bubble and surround myself in a completely new environment and find out who I am on my The National Museum of Art Barcelona Mordern Culture own. Studying abroad of Catalonia. Photo Courtesy Class. Photo Courtesy of Elizabeth Pinner was a once in a lifetime of Elizabeth Pinner
Santa Margarita’s International Students By Chiara Palmisiciano and Kendall Perrin Santa Margarita has become a home to ten international students from around the globe! Our new foreign friends are the following: junior Pablo Carballo and senior Carina Carballo from Mexico, sophomore Dora Peric from Switzerland, junior Joona Kumas from Finland, freshman Nayeon Kim, sophomore Nam Deek Koh, sophomore Yeon Soo Lee, and junior Na Woo Kim from Korea, senior Ales Modry from South Africa, and senior Sofia Cornali from Italy. We asked international students Carina Carballo and Nam Deek Koh a few questions, and this is what they had to say: Why did you choose to come to Santa Margarita?
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Carina: “Because it’s a good school for academics and sports. And it’s Catholic.” Nam: “There were a lot of courses to choose from, as well, I wanted to experience American high school and study in the U.S.” How is Santa Margarita different from your old school? Carina: “Well, there’s a lot more people here, I have to wear uniforms, and my old school had a lot more parties!” Nam: “I think Santa Margarita has a different school
stystem. In Korea, students will stay in class and teachers will move from class to class.” Will you be participating in any extracurricular activities at Santa Margarita? Carina: “Right now I’m playing water polo.” Nam: “Maybe, I’m not sure. I’m still getting used to the new environment and my first year in the U.S., but in the future I want to participate in extracurricular activities.” Please make sure to welcome all of our international students into the Santa Margarita family!
september 2010
SPORTS EDITORS: Chris Popovec and Kevin Clark
The Ins and Outs of The Football Program
By Nick Macker and Spencer Tyler As you all know, we have a new Head Football Coach. His name is Coach Harry Welch. While interviewing him, we found out what his expectations are for the 2010 season and also got to know him on a more personal level. Q: How many years have you been coaching for? A: Forty-two years. Q: What teams have you coached throughout those years? A: Well, going backwards, Santa Margarita; St. Margret’s where I won three CIF Championships and were the State Small School Champions with a record of 42-1; 18 years at Canyon High School with a 46 game winning streak, 5 CIF Championships, and
first time Large School Champions; and Crespi High School before that. Q: Why did you choose to coach at Santa Margarita? A: Everything seemed right: the challenge, the Catholic environment, the proximity to my home, and the proximity to my daughter and grandkids. Q: How has your experience been here, compared to other places? A: Outstanding! Supportive! The players responded to the difficult challenges. They are brave kids who are willing for a challenge, and I love the emphasis on Catholic Values. Q: What are your expectations for the 2010 football season? A: To play good football. I expect the young men to be good citizens, positive to the community, and to be good role models. Q: How do you plan on forming the football team
back into the dynasty we have had in years past? A: I am not concerned with making it into a dynasty. I want to be the best that I can be to improve the year. I want to build the young men into great men that they, their parents, and their friends want them to be. Q: What college did you go to? Did you play football there? A: I went to a variety of colleges. I started at Santa Clara and finished at Northridge. No, I did not play football in college. Q: What was your major in college? A: I double majored in history and English. Q: What sports have you played besides football? A: I dabbled in most sports including baseball, track, and centurion bike rides (100 mile bike rides). This year, our football team is outstanding. From the players to the coaching staff, everyone always
New at the Pool
Coach Harry Welch congratulates the team after a big win over Carson High School. Photo courtesy of www.smhs.org
exerts 100%. In our first preseason game, with a victory of 56-0, the starting field goal kicker, John McGrory, tied a school record with 8 PATs in a single game. The season is looking up for us so we hope you will look out for the football team and show your support.
Emmett O’Brien playing the field against Carson. Photo Courtesy of smhs.org
By Lauren Bohaboy and Shannon Mack
This year, the Santa Margarita Boys Varsity Water Polo team has a new coach, Craig Brown. Coach Brown is well-known in Orange County and USA Water Polo circles. He has recently worked within USA Water Polo’s Olympic Development Program. He founded the powerhouse SOCAL club, and has also had success coaching at the high school level at Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton and Foothill High School in Tustin. He came to Santa Margarita because it is faith based, has excellent academics, and has wonderful facilities. His goal this year is to make the CIF playoffs and hopefully win a CIF championship. Coach Brown replaces Kevin Ricks who stepped down as the boys’ head coach to spend more time with his family. Coach
The Boys Water Polo team poses for a team photo with their new Coach. Coach Brown is entering his first season as the Eagles Waterpolo head coach. He is hoping to make it one to remember. Photo courtesy of Jack Stratford.
Ricks can still be found on the pool deck coaching the girl’s water polo team. Coach Brown’s defensive philosophy is to be aggressive, pressing, and physical. He wants the boys to be strong but he wants them to use their strength in the most useful way possible. His offensive philosophy is to start with the counter attack, and always be moving and running picks in the frontcourt. The captains of this year’s team are seniors Jack Stratford and Chad
Naughton. Chad told The Blueprint that he “expects to see some tough games this season, but believes we will play hard and make it to CIF” and that “Coach Brown is a huge a windfall to the SM water polo program, his knowledge of the game has benefited our team and will help our program”. Pablo Carballo is new to the program, but he can only play on JV this year. Next year he will be a Varsity starter and should be a game breaker. Pablo came from Spain and is very experienced in water polo. The team is very excited by Pablo’s potential, and they are hoping to have him at
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the varsity level next season. The team has been hitting the weight room hard as well as playing many games in the off-season. The boys say they are ready for this season with their new coach. The boys always appreciate support in the stands at their games. They will take on St. John Bosco in their first league game on October 7th at Long Beach City College. They will also play Esperanza on the 8th.
College Committments
By Kevin Clark There are many SMCHS students being recruited for sports, but this year it seems like there is an extraordinary amount of our student body that will be playing sports at the next level. Our Girls Soccer team has eight college commitments. Leigh Edwards committed to Texas A&M, Lauren Bohaboy to Notre Dame, Haley Guerrero to UCSB, Annie Gillen to Brown, Taylor Krebs to Boston University, Emily Roth to Northern Arizona University, Courtney Doud to Bucknell, and Kenzie Cochrane to Fresno University. All these girls competed for the CIF title last year and are hungry for some more. Another sports powerhouse at SM, fresh off their CIF championship last year, is Girls Softball. Amada Reiss committed to Northwest Christian University, Amy Letourneau to Northwestern, and soon to commit is Caty Monnahan to Cal State San Marcos. SM’s volleyball program has three new committments. Taylor Hammond committed to Penn State, Samantha Tinsley to Saint Mary’s University, and Kathryn Connor to Brown. Our golf teams also have two commitments: Kevin DeHuff to Pepperdine and Amy Alston to UCSD.
september 2010
CAMPUS MINISTRY
EDITORS: Carson Driscoll and AJ McCartney
W e l c o m e M a s s! By Megan Alders and Bryce Ziemer
Sweater vests swept the school as we joined together for this year’s Welcome Mass. Father Reynolds preached a great message about not judging a book by its cover, or by his or her facebook page. An important topic brought up was letting the Holy Spirit stimulate your soul instead of artificial things energizing your life. Students acted out a skit showing the importance about accepting others just the way they are and how to practice forgiving and forgetting. Looking around the gym, students looked extremely
unified and put together in their mass uniforms. A few students who neglected to wear the new uniforms were placed in the back of the gym because of the lack of consistency between those who wore the vests and those who did not.
It was great for us all to be back together again receiving Communion and worshiping the Lord. Speaking of worship, many kids were shocked to see that Tony was absent at the Mass. Even thought we missed Tony, the Holy Trinity band filled in very well. They were energetic and had great new music that got us up on our feet. The new songs and
hand motions were a great change. Last year’s junior class was thrilled to be sitting on the floor as superior seniors. The freshmen really seemed to enjoy themselves at their first all-school mass; they were singing and dancing along with Campus Ministry. In addition, Father Reynolds and the SM student body got to bless the new Peer Ministers and the Eucharistic Ministers. It was a special time for the student body to come together and participate in Campus Ministry activities. Despite the length of the mass, the new uniforms were a hit, the homily was popular, and OUR GOD IS GOOD!
Mr. Patrick William Visconti By Kaitlyn Bauer and Tyler Frank
he was voted the most likely to teach at SM. Coincidence or fate?
CMF is Back! By Rachel Hoynak
Campus Ministry Fellowship is a wonderful place to connect with God and other students on campus that share common interests with you. CMF is held in the Sacred Heart Chapel on most Tuesday nights from 6:00 pm to 7: 30 pm. Students gather in the Chapel and enjoy a funfilled night while discussing faith topics. According to the Campus Ministry website, CMF includes a variety of fun activities including speakers, music, peer ministry witness
Photo Courtesy of Google
and a little bit of the side of his car all melted from the heat of the fire. However, Mr. Visconti As a student, Mr. is still going places in Visconti was involved in his life. everything from baseball By the time to Kairos. He got he reaches age 30, he baseball scholarships, plans on getting his but decided that was not doctorate degree to for him. As for Kairos, become a professor Mr. Visconti went on Kat a Jesuit school 70 as a retreatent, then somewhere along the lead K-72, K-73, K-74, West Coast. Now for and K-75. In addition, some FUN FACTS he attended three everyone is dying to Kairos at University of know. Photo Courtesy of Kaitlyn Bauer and Tyler Frank San Fransisco. His sports announcer and An eagle alumnus experience as a student Q: What’s your favorite is back on campus! Not to attend USC (but now on Kairos was fun, but movie? strongly dislikes USC. visit, to teach. You might left him with a feeling of Go Buckeyes) have seen him on Kairos uncertainty. A: Ace Ventura, when or in Campus Ministry and His freshmen As a teacher here Nature Calls and Gone wondered “Why isn’t that religion class at SM at Santa Margarita, Baby Gone guy wearing a uniform?” with Mrs. Kathy Levalle Mr. Visconti lead K-98 But this new teacher is changed his mind. He and K-99 and had a Q: Favorite Band? not new to this school. fell in love with the blast! On Kairos, many Mr. Visconti graduated atmosphere of campus students got to meet, get A: Angels and Airwaves ministry and decided to know, and laugh with from Santa Margarita in he wanted to pursue Mr. Visconti before he Q: How many times a 2006. After graduating, he religion even further. even started teaching. week do you go to the attended Saddleback for a Coincidentally, he ran His most memorable gym? year and then transferred to Kairos was, of course, University of San Francisco. into his old religion teacher a week prior to K-98, because there A: Three. At first he thought it was his first day teaching at was a fire and it was different living in the city, his first Kairos as a Q: How much can you but grew to like it. He even SM. teacher! You don’t wake goes back occasionally to He sees religion up and see a huge fire a bench? visit his friends. as fun rather than his hundred feet away from A: 250 lbs. At USF, he majored job and said the money you everyday. is just a bonus. Mr. in theology and religious Q: What’s your most Visconti coming back to Unfortunately studies and minored in embarrassing moment at teach at Santa Margarita Mr. Visconti’s bumper, Catholic social thought. is not out of the blue. license plate, headlights, SM? However, Mr. Visconti In his senior yearbook, always wanted to be a A: As a student, I was
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talks, small group sharing, games, and much more. Mrs. Hormuth said, “These worship and praise nights provide a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, discuss current faith topics with other students, and praise God through music and prayer. It is a night of Faith, Fun, Friends, and Fellowship.” Please come and join your fellow students in a faithfilled night! The next night that you can come join us is October 5th. See you there!
setting up for mass with all the Peer Ministry classes. My friends and I were all messing around playing basketball. While we were messing around, my friend jumped up to the rim and I was right under him and on his way down, he elbowed me right in the nose. There was a huge trail of blood following me from the far basketball hoop all the way to the bathroom in the lunch shelter. I broke my nose and had to get surgery on it a week later. Q: Fun Fact? A: Before working at SM, I had a job in Nordstrom selling kids shoes. Q: What is your favorite sports team? A: Cleveland Indians, Browns, and Cavaliers. Q: What shows do you watch? A: The Office, Sports Center, and Phineas and Ferb.
september 2010
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