Despite nearly 45 pints of bloodshed, not a single vampire was in sight at Hercules High School last Thurs.

The American Red Cross collaborated with HHS leadership to hold its annual blood drive Dec.12. To donate blood, HHS students had to be at least 16 years old and required to have filled-out a parent consent form and must meet the height and weight requirements. If the requirements were met, one pint of blood was taken from each student.

The blood received from these drives go to local hospitals to help all patients in need. Donations will go towards those who have gone through surgery, burn patients or cancer patients.

This year, 45 people from Hercules signed up to donate blood, with ultimately the same intentions.

HHS junior Paola Martinez was one of the 45 students who wanted to help those in need.

“I was nervous at first,” Martinez said. “But once the put the needle in your arm, it just tingles. I felt fine after.”

According to Red Cross representative Joey Jopski, every two seconds, someone in this country is in need of blood, regardless the type of procedure. One-third of people in their lifetime need blood. Just forty-five minutes and one pint of blood out of someone’s life can save up to three different lives; that’s three whole families.

“There’s no way to manufacture blood, [it] comes from humans,” Jopski said. “I just want to educate [people] on the importance of blood donation.”

With the second semester s w i f t l y a p p r o a c h i n g , many students are feeling overwhelmed getting in last minute work to improve their 1st semester grades. Luckily, Hercules Middle High School will soon offer homework help in the College Career Center starting in Jan. for students who would like to participate.

HHS assistant principal Catherine Floresca organized the tutoring sessions with help from HHS english teacher Jessica Jones and math teacher Scott Haralson. HHS students will also be eligible to become tutors. Homework help will start after school and end at 4:45 PM.

“I want to make sure everyone has access of doing well in school,” Floresca said.

Eventually both middle school and high school students will be able to receive homework help but as of now high school students will have first priority to the homework help.

Floresca believes additional time outside the classroom can greatly improve performance in a subject.

“Sometimes 50 minutes in a classroom is not enough time to

understand a subject,” Floresca said.

For years both students and parents have asked if Hercules Middle High School offered tutoring and often they had to go elsewhere for their student to get help. This year, with the help of students and teachers

who volunteer, all students of HMHS can get help at their convenience.

Students who help out will earn an hour of community service a week. Student tutor positions will only be opened to juniors and seniors who are in good academic standing.

Homework help forthcoming

The Gay Straight Alliance is back and hitting the ground running at Hercules High School, started by head school therapist Mario Garcia and student leader Jace McDonald. It is not a club, however it is a health center group, allowing it to have it’s own supply of money from the Health Center fund. The students of Hercules high school were always interested, and while there was one last year, it was unknown to most students and can be compared to an underground operation. This year, it’s hitting the ground running.

Many students last year were completely unaware of the fact Hercules High School already had a GSA (Gay Straight Alliance). Now that they are, many students have already joined. Those that have joined can be looking forward to conferences, field trips, movie days, and many other social events. The GSA will be having meetings every other Wednesday, the first being on December 18th. The first meeting of the month will be an actual meeting, consisting of the discussion of coming events and problems within the LGBTQQIAA community.

The second meeting of the month will be a movie day, where members will watch movies with gay and lesbian themes, some examples being “In & Out” and “The Curiosity of Chance”. Snacks will provided, including the

ever important skittles. Skittles, a basic symbol of GSAs, will be provided at every meeting alongside the movies, therapeutic exercises, and discussions.

GSA is provided not only to gay people and straight allies, but to people who are questioning, asexual, bisexual, transgender, intersex, or anything else in the community. It’s calendar will bring to light holidays such as “Harvey Milk Day”, celebrating the first openly gay person to be elected to a public office in California, and the “Transgender Day of Awareness”. There are also a series of conferences that will be provided for GSA youth.

Five students in the GSA will be accompanying two of the school’s t h e r a p i s t s t o t h e Y E S ( Y o u t h Empowerment Summit) conference, planned by youth for youth. It is at Mission High School in San Francisco, off of the 16th st BART station, from 9 am to 8 pm. The conference itself if from 9 am to 5 pm, and from 5 pm to 8 pm is a dance party and a drag queen show. This will be a great opportunity for youth to network with others in GSAs, and a great way to make friends.

If a student wishes to join, they should either go to Jace McDonald to sign up and receive information on the club and upcoming events, or go to Mario Garcia in the health center. The health center is currently moving to the portables, and will be closed all week. For all students going to the YES conference and not in the GSA facebook group, a meeting will be held for it on December 11th.

By Jace McDonald and Marvin PlazaSTAFF WRITERS

GSA returns to campus

Leadership hosts American Red Cross Blood Drive

By Chi ChungSTAFF WRITER

HHS junior Marvin Plaza donates a pint of blood to the American Red Cross.Juan Pablo Palabrica/Template

Better watch out because one of Santa’s elves is on campus.

This holiday season, Hercules High School Spanish Teacher Virginia Hernandez is collecting toys for the Salvation Army Christmas Toy Program. Toy donations will spread the holiday spirit to poverty-stricken families in West County. Locally, the program is being led by the Rodeo Hercules Fire District, employees of Bio-Rad Corporation and the Rodeo St. Patrick’s Church community.

“I have the ability to help those in need,” Hernandez said. “I like helping.”

While all toy donations made to the program must be new and unopened, Hernandez sets the minimum cost of each toy at $5. To encourage her students, Hernandez is offering extra credit to those who donate and a party for the class that makes the most donations which meet her standards.

“If you think about it, not only will it benefit us, it will help kids that want presents for Christmas.” HMHS junior Dominique Agdinaoay said, who donated over $20 worth of toys.

This is not Hernandez’s first year holding the toy drive. She has been a supporter of the Salvation Army Christmas Toy Program for six years.

The toy drive began Dec. 2 and, so far, Hernandez has gathered more than 20 toys from her students. In past years, Hernandez collected up to 200 toys but her goal this year is to collect 100 toys by Dec.19.

“I’ve given more extra credit opportunities this year like for the Philippines and canned goods,” Hernandez said.

New toy donations for the Salvation Army Christmas Toy Program can be dropped off at the the downstairs office, Hernandez’s room, H612 and Rodeo Hercules Fire Station 76.

“I felt happy,” Dominique Agdinaoay said. “You’re actually helping little kiddies get the best Christmas ever!”

Toys slated to help West County Kids

By Chi ChungSTAFF WRITERS

Natori Marshall/Template

By Natori Marshall STAFF WRITERS

Homework Help will be available in the Career Center starting in Jan.

Robert Cenon/Template

Hercules Middle/ High SchoolFriday,December 20, 2013

Vol. 13 No. 5Technology distracts students from school

Opinion

see page 2

Arts

see page 6

Find out who's Artist of the Month

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013 | VOL. 13, NO. 5

opinion Friday, December 20, 20132page

Is Santa Claus real? Why or why not?

Tamilyn Chen Mia Lai Leynes Editors-in-Chief

Elaine Hsieh Managing Editor

Robert Cenon Camille Cruz Jeannette Tan Layout Editors

Justice delos SantosSports Editor

Juan Pablo Palabrica Lydia Walters Photographers Max Lin Julie Lum Natori Marshall Jace McDonald Joshua Pineda Marvin Plaza Marc Pugeda Ayana Rawls Christian Orbe Rosas Chandrim Sharma Harshdeep Singh Ashlyn Smith Jermaine Thaxton Bailey Wong Staff Writers

Natalie Wojinski Adviser All commentaries, letters and reviews reflect the personal opinions of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Template staff. Editorials are the majority opinion of the Editorial Board, which is comprised of student editors.

Please contact Natalie Wojinski in room H-105.

Titan Talk

American ethnocentricity problematic

"No, because the North Pole is too cold of a place to establish an elf-run toy factory while the only income Santa receives is milk and cookies."

"Yes, Santa Claus is real because I saw my mommy kissing Santa Claus."

"Santa Claus is not real because it would be impossible to land on every house in one night."

"Absolutely he's real! He lives down the street from me and his reindeer live in the backyard."

"Santa Claus isn’t real because all my presents have different handwriting and it’s impossible for one man to have four different handwriting writing styles."

"He is real! I took a selfie with him at the mall."

A year ago this month 20 children were shot dead at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut; nine months later, more than three times as many victims were killed in a massive shooting in a Kenyan shopping mall. To Americans, the former is a tragic loss and heartbreaking event while the latter is a mere number that was quickly forgotten. Do we really consider American lives to be supreme above all else?

Loyalty has always remained a defining piece of American culture; it’s this great component we hold onto that makes our country so unique. However, lately, we are becoming more self centered and even selfish.

Perhaps we view foreign lives as less important because we often mistakenly associate crime and murders to developing countries the same way we consider hunger and poverty as the only issues that occur in those countries.

Unfortunately , the same happens to single deaths—take for example just a few weeks back. When respected American actor Paul Walker was pronounced dead, America went insane. Grieving was obvious and evident everywhere—on social media, blogs and the news. Those who did not know him until that day suddenly found an excuse to learn about him just because he was the “hot topic” at the time. However, when world leader and former South African president Nelson Mandela passed away five days later, most responded with “Mandela who?”

Too many times, we shut out events that we feel are irrelevant to our lives. But are notable figures irrelevant just because they are foreign? This then raises the real question: does simply being American make a person more valuable—more human?

Certainly not.Foreign lives are unrightfully

taken every day, but they never make it once on the news.

We are most definitely not trying to find fault in the way Americans have reacted and responded to cases in which Americans are victimized, but we must learn to put the same weight of importance on American lives as on any other. All life is worthy of universal respect and homage, regardless of national origin. We have the choice to make our own decisions-- we just need to make the right choices.

FreshmanAlison Ferrer

JuniorAnand Dhaliwal

JuniorFernella Terrado

Sophomore Edric Tom

SeniorKeilani Culannay

TeacherGreg Ochs

Technology distracts students

It is unfair that students cheat on their education by copying and procrastinating on their assignments. An ongoing problem with students is being distracted by various objects such as technology or friends, both in class and at home.

At school, some students use their phones in class while the rest of the class is learning by playing games in class, checking Instagram and Twitter or going on Powerschool to see their grades.

Even at home, students easily get distracted by technology, such the Internet, video games or TV. Students would be working on their homework, assignments or projects, but then they would feel the need to check on their social media, play games, eventually neglecting their work.

As a result, students come to class unprepared. I have heard too many students say their printer broke down, they forgot to do the assignment or even argue that the teacher never taught the subject in class. In reality, they were ultimately distracted by technology at home

and in classroom. I have seen many people copy work from someone else, either at lunch, before school or during class because they didn’t do their homework at home. Students who copy another student’s work do not learn, but still receive full credit for the assignment. While tests and quizzes may show who actually learns the material, some students are still able to find ways to cheat and get scores similar to those who do study.

The students who avoid their work because of various distractions need to focus more on their education. This is an ongoing problem to not only the district and state, but also to student bodies and faculty

staff members because students are losing their education. One way to focus more on education is to be more strict with “no copying” policies at school; students can be more successful by taking their work seriously and not procrastinating. They can also eliminate their distractions in ways like putting away their technology so they can focus on their work or studies. Students could turn off their phones in class instead of putting it on vibrate so they won’t be tempted to use it during class when the teacher is talking or while they are out on the field for P.E.. These changes can put a student in a more focus state where they can work in an environment where there

New Miss Marvel: Pakistani American Teen

Miss Marvel is being replaced. The Marvel brand comicbook

superhero with the ability to fly and change appearance, Miss Marvel, was originally a blonde, caucasian air-force pilot named Carol Danvers. Then, the idea of steering away from the common white superhero came forth.

The replacement, Kamala Khan, is a 16-year-old Muslim teenager with parents who immigrated from Pakistan to New Jersey according to Marvel

Entertainment. She is a typical teenage with high expectations with plenty of pressure from her parents.

The new comic book series begins Feb. 6. Kamala claimed to be a follower and fan of Miss Marvel, not meaning that the original Miss Marvel does not exist in this comic series. However, Kamala is not going to be replacing Carol Danvers entirely.

As Kamala is discovering her identity, she is bestowed superpowers that set her on a path of adventure. One ability is to shape-shift, with that power, she decides to take on the identity of Miss Marvel.

K a m a l a f a c e s p r o b l e m s not only through villainy, but through her family as well. Her father pushes her to become a doctor, a mother keeping her away from boys and an extremely conservative brother. The story of Kamala Khan is not about what it is like to be a Muslim, Pakistani, or American. The Muslim part is most likely to increase brand diversity in places other than the United States. The adventure of Kamala discusses among what it’s like to be young, and lost upon the expectations that you have and what happens when you choose.

Marc Pugeda

Jeannette Tan/Titan Template

Max Lin

Elaine Hsieh/ Titan Template

Britney Spears released another attempt at a comeback album “Britney Jean” Dec. 3; though fans expected to hear songs that screamed pure pop music they could dance to, they instead heard failed techno—and a lot of autotune.

The sound of “Britney Jean” is definitely a shock, for it strays far from her consistent pop hits. Though her music has gone downhill over the years (and I literally cannot think of a song nearly as successful as the hit single “Oops I did it again”), she has definitely hit rock bottom with this album. Instead of staying true to the genre she is best at, she experimented with electronic and techno, and failed at doing so. Electronic sounding music is in fact currently making its way in the industry, so it is probable that, instead of staying true to her bubblegum pop roots, Britney decided to steer towards a new direction merely to follow the latest trends in music and attempt to satisfy more music lovers. An example of that adjustment is her song “Body Ache,” which appears to have a disastrous techno instrumental solo after the first and second chorus lines. It was quite uncomfortable and unnerving listening to this song—especially because the vocals she displayed in the track were particularly horrible.

Though the album begins with techno music, it slowly transitions to electric blues. Yet, the chorus lines in “Chillin’ with You” are repetitive, which is definitely a disappointment considering this song would have the potential to be a hit had Spears put more effort into it.

The majority of the vocals in her songs also had layers and layers of autotune. Her soft, raspy and unique voice is what separates her from other artists—so why disguise it? It is almost as if she was too afraid of producing something so new and different that she half-heartedly finished it by masking her actual voice entirely with autotune.

And, in an attempt to appeal to the masses, she tried to make all her songs age-appropriate by censoring all foul language. Her original lead single “Work b**ch,” which appears on the album “Britney Jean,” has been censored by radio stations and become “Work work.”

Spears’ “Britney Jean” honestly does not sound genuine nor convincing. Despite her claims in recent interviews, it did not seem like she put a lot of effort into this album—and the lack of passion shines through in her vocals. It doesn’t look like she knows much about techno and ends up making bad songs that have no flair other than the repetition throughout all her tracks.

reviewsFriday, December 20, 2013 3page

Tutti Frutti does not live up to promise

Tutti Frutti finally opened its Hercules location almost three months after its competition, Yogurtland, in Pinole did. Yogurtland and Tutti Frutti both originated as self-serve frozen yogurt shops, but these local shops have taken different directions. Yogurtland took the direction of success while Tutti Frutti attempted to surpass its rival, but fell far short.

Yogurtland at Pinole stayed true to its roots as a yogurt shop. All it serves serve is yogurt, and they do a good job of it. It has several yogurt machines that have two flavors each with the with the option to swirl flavors and enough toppings to satisfy pretty much everyone. The yogurt is really smooth and has the right amount of creaminess. Yogurtland is also really good at having different flavors such as their exclusive Looney Tunes flavors and at least a couple fruity and savory flavors. The inside of the shop is bright and inviting with nice, knowledgeable staff. When they first opened in late August, the staff was able to handle the massive crowds that extended out their doors.

Tutti Frutti on the other hand tried to stand out from the crowd. The shop

serves not only yogurt, but bubble tea and señorita bread. This does allow the consumer to come and purchase a variety of foods in one place, but sadly, they do not shine in any of these aspects. Its yogurt is not consistent in terms of texture; some are creamy and smooth, but others are watery and begin to melt after coming out of the machines. The times that I went, some machines were even empty. Though they have a lot of toppings, maybe even more than Yogurtland, it does not make up for bad, inconsistent yogurt. The bubble tea should not even be served at the shop. It tastes like cheap, homemade drink mix that someone can buy at a supermarket. It seems like the management just wanted to say they have milk tea to attract more people. The señorita bread is really good, but it should not be the best thing about a yogurt shop. The ambiance of the shop is a bit disappointing as well as it feels dark and narrow on the inside. I understand that the store is new, but the employees did not feel like they really knew what they were doing.

Tutti Frutti is weak in every aspect except for the fact that it is convenient in terms of location and has a wider range of product when compared to Yogurtland. The quality of Tutti Frutti is not terrible, but most people expected a lot more out of it because it took so long to open.

Robert Cenon

Britney strays from Pop

S E E HOW Y O U F I T INTO T H E P I C

BUY A YEARBOOK FOR $68 AND $78 IF

PERSONALIZED

Joshua Pineda

feature4page Friday, December 20, 2013

BBC stalwart sees gain in US audienceIf an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then throw away the apple and bring on the popcorn because this is a doctor who you want a check up with. It’s been 50 years since the airing of the famous sci-fi show Doctor Who and BBC is sending all the little Whovians an early Christmas present. The Doctor Who 50th anniversary is airing on Saturday, Nov. 23, to cherish the 50th year of saving the world from possible doom. With the anniversary of the longest running sci-fi show in existence, Hercules is representing their Whovian spirit with a 3 reasons why you should watch Doctor Who!

Overall StorylineThere's nothing better than a good storyline, at least for screen junkies. There are several components that make up a good story, including (obviously) the plot, characters, setting, flow, and continuity. Doctor Who is meant for people who are into Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure, Comedy, and (at least for his ninth regeneration) romance.

He is The DoctorIf someone is needed for traveling time and space, The Doctor is the first person to see. No one has as much knowledge about time and space. Better yet, there’s a seemingly endless supply of him, so if one doctor isn’t good enough (although it’s unknown why he wouldn’t be) you can just go on to the next one. Besides, who wouldn’t to hang out with an alien?

The Master (The Doctor’s archenemy)

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. For The Doctor there is The Master, the only other time lord left in the ENTIRE UNIVERSE. Which is weird when one considers the fact that the universe has no edge. No edge… Anyhow, The Doctor and The Master have spent over 900 years in an ever wavering frenemiship. They began as friends, and then were at each others throats. But then again, doesn't friendship always end like that?

Tardis (Time and Relative Dimensions)

Ever wanted to travel through time and space in a big blue police

box? Well, the TARDIS is just what everyone’s looking for. While it may look like any other telephone booth, the TARDIS is actually a ship capable of traveling to any point in time

at any location. Also, with the physical appearance of a telephone

booth, the TARDIS is also safe from thieves looking to hijack time machines.The best part is, you won’t have to travel in a cramped wooden box during the trip because the TARDIS is bigger on the inside!

not slowing down at 50, Doctor who thrills

2013: A YEAR IN REVIEWTRENDS

camo

flower crowns

dip dyed hair

floral print

We Can’t Stop Miley CyrusBlurred Lines Robin ThickeGas Pedal Sage the GeminiGet Lucky Daft Punk Ft. Pharrell WilliamsRoyals LordeSuit and Tie Justin TimberlakeSafe and Sound Capital CitiesThe Fox YlvisStarted from the Bottom DrakeSweater Weather The NeighbourhoodThe Way Ariana Grande

TOP SONGS MOVIESIron Man 3

Pitch PerfectGreat Gatsby

Perks of Being a WallflowerThe Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Wreck-It Ralph

TOURSTake Me Home One Direction

20/20 Experience Jay Z and Justin Timberlake

Mrs. Carter Beyonce

BOOKSThe Fault in our Stars

John GreenPerks of Being a Wallflower

Stephen Chbosky50 Shades of Grey

E. L. James

SHOWSBreaking Bad

Game of ThronesThe Walking Dead

Vampire DiariesFloral Print provided by Jaded Course

Story written by Julie Lum and Jace McDonald Photos illustration by Jeannette Tan

Layout by Camille Cruz

Lists compiled from by Billboard and iTunes

INGREDIENTS: - marshmallows- candy canes- chocolate - skewer- knife

1. Melt chocolate until smooth. 2. Place marshmallow onto skewer and use to spread chocolate around marshmallow. 3. Break off curve of candy cane and place on side of marshmallow. 4. Hold until solid. 5. ENJOY!

feature

Layout by Camille Cruz and Jeannette Tan

HAVE NO FEAR, CHRISTMAS IS HERE!

Friday, December 20, 2013 5page

Christmas Specials

X-mas Marshmallow Mug

TV Channels showing Christmas moviesABC Family (Rudolph and Frosty: Christmas in July, The Year without the Santa Claus, Santa Claus is Comin to Town, A Chipmunk Christmas, The Santa Claus, The Santa Claus 2, Dr Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, Deck the Halls, Disney’s A Christmas Carol, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Polar Express)TNT (Surviving Christmas, Fred Claus, Four Christmases, The Holiday)ABC (Holiday Dreams on Ice, A Great Christmas Light Fight, A Chipmunk Christmas)Cartoon Network (How the Grinch Stole Christmas)AMC (Jack Frost, Home Alone, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Home Alone 4)Radio Stations playing Christmas songs96.5 KOIT- Bay Area’s Christmas Station

1. Watch at least 5 Christmas movies (Suggestions:

Grinch, A Christmas Story, A Christmas Carol,

Elf, Home Alone, Eloise, Frosty the Snowman,

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer)

2. Put up a Christmas tree and then take a selfie

with it.

3. Put a present under the tree.

4. Cuddle up in layers of blankets and drink a cup

of hot cocoa..with extra marshmallows & mint

extract.

5. Build a gingerbread house and try not to eat it

before you finish making it!

6. Put up lights, holiday decorations in and outside

of your house.

7. Blast christmas songs in your room for 5 days

straight.

8. Leave cookies and milk for Santa!

9. Make a list of things you want for Christmas in

a stocking.

10. Send homemade christmas cards to your

favorite people!

11. Do some last minute Holiday Shopping

without buying too much for yourself (;

12. Breath in the cool crisp air of San Francisco

and go ice skating at Union Square!

13. Smile and laugh with your family and friends

during this holiday season!

HOW TO:GET IN SPIRIT

Avoid Holiday Crime

The holidays are a time for fun and happiness, but this is also the time of year with the most crime. While many of us are buying expensive gifts for each other and focusing on holiday cheer, burglars find numerous opportunities to strike. To help make sure you won’t be a victim of holiday crime, here is a list of the top ten ways to stay safe during the holiday season.

Around the Home:1. Be vigilant. Keep an eye on your surroundings so that you recognize when there is suspicious activity.2. Secure your home. “Keep doors and windows locked, have motion sensors, and security alarms are a good deterrent,” Hercules Police Officer Greg Sanchez said.3. When you hear a knock, don’t pretend that you are not home- a burglar may break in. Officer Sanchez advises you to say something without opening the door, such as, “My dad’s in the shower, what do you want?”4. If you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood, call the non-emergency line for the Hercules Police Department, which is (510) 724-1111.5. If you’re going away for the holidays, you can get a vacation watch request form at the police station and fill it out. “We’ll drive by your house every now and then to make sure it’s safe,” Sanchez said.

Out and About:6. Park in lighted areas.7. Don’t park next to suspicious large vehicles.8. When walking to your car, put your key in your hand. “If someone attacks you, this serves as a weapon,” Officer Lumus Russell said.9. Don’t leave shopping bags in the car; people know that there may be valuable items in them.10. Don’t valet your car after buying presents.

Thank you to Officer Sanchez and Officer Russell of the Hercules Police Department for providing holiday safety tips.

Elaine Hsieh/ Template

Information provided by Journalism Class

arts Friday, December 20, 2013page 6

We’ve all heard of Alice, who fell down the rabbit hole and into her magical Wonderland. After falling down the rabbit hole, she follows the White Rabbit to the palace of the Queen of Hearts, along the way meeting the twins Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the March Hare and, of course, the Mad Hatter. On December 6, 7, 13, and 14, the middle school put on a production of Alice in Wonderland Jr.

It was, as productions done by kids usually are, adorable but rather juvenile. Although everyone on the stage was more talented than a lot of people are in middle school, there were few stand-out performances. The most obvious of these was Crystal Militante, who played the lead, regular-sized Alice. She has an amazingly mature voice for someone in eighth grade. Other striking characters were the Mad Hatter and the March Hare, played by Preston Onwuemeka and Roberto Rodriguez respectively, who did a very funny rendition of the

“Unbirthday Song.”However, like all productions, it had some parts

that could have used some work. The dancing, for example, sometimes fell out of sync; where most people would have their hands down, one person would have their arms in the air or when one group was swaying, there would be one person standing still. Also, I found that because I was sitting in the back, I couldn’t always hear the people on stage.

Something else that I noticed -- something that was by no means the fault of anyone at Hercules -- was that there didn’t really seem to be a plot. Why was Alice following the White Rabbit? Why was she getting into arguments with a pair of confused twins? Why on earth was she eating random cookies she found on the floor? There didn’t seem to be any reason for her to be doing any of these things. Any girl with a little bit of sense would have stayed awake with Mathilda, Alice’s much more responsible sister.

All in all, the musical was good -- and positively adorable. I’d rate it a three out five stars for the effort and cuteness.

‘Wonderland’ showcases talent

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

The passion of dance is an art that demands your body to express emotion like none other. Senior Kiana Pineda has been dancing since she was three years old. Her mother encouraged her to dance when she was young to keep her occupied.

“I was really hyper when I was a kid,” Pineda said. “I needed something to discipline me.”

Pineda continues to dance because the feeling of freedom and self-expression makes it worthwhile. She has been dancing for fourteen years and she has been involved in jazz, tap, hip-hop and contemporary dance ever since.

Dedication, hard work and strength are key factors that

Pineda has to keep up when it comes to dancing. Due to dance, she has late nights just to keep up with homework and other school activities.

“During show and competition season we practice for like four hours [a day],” Pineda said. “And on Saturdays its all day.”

With college right around the corner, career choices are questionable for all seniors. Pineda, however, will continue to pursue her work after high school.

“Not as a profession but as a hobby,” Pineda said. “If it was a stable career it would be my first choice.”

WRITTEN BY NATORI MARSHALL

Kiana Pineda

By Lydia Walters STAFF WRITER

This year’s spring musical falls in the city of New York.

“Thoroughly Modern Millie” is set in the Roaring 20’s when women are

just entering the workforce. This production stars Millie Dillmount, a small town-girl from Salina, Kansas who escapes to New York City in hopes of making it big. After arriving, she does not adjust to the city and gets mugged. She runs into the cynical Jimmy Smith, who crushes her dreams about success. He tells her that she has false hopes and should just go home. She does not give up though, and instead checks in at the Hotel Priscilla.

Millie soon begins to take delight in the flapper lifestyle, but problems arise when she checks into a hotel owned by a leader of a white slavery ring in China.

Auditions were held Dec. 16 to Dec 18. Callbacks were Dec. 19.

There are nine major roles for this production with belters are needed. There are also the Girls

of the Hotel Priscilla. Some of them sing solo lines and all need to be funny character types. The complete list will either be posted Dec. 20 outside the theatre room or Dec. 21 through email. Several other small roles will also be cast for the ensemble in January.

“Thoroughly Modern Millie” opens March 20.

‘Millie’ cast taps into the 1920sBy Jermaine Thaxton STAFF WRITER

Preview the soundtrack on iTunes!

newsFriday, December 20, 2013 page

NewslineIvy League Connection

It’s that time of year again for the Ivy League Connection applications. The ILC program aims to expand college culture for qualified West Contra Costa Unified School District students. It also exposes them to a wide range of colleges outside of California. Qualifying students must be a sophomore or junior, have a weighted GPA of 3.75 or higher and a PSAT score of 1400 or higher. The application process includes an essay and interview process. Students can apply to Cornell and Columbia University in New York, Brown University in Rhode Island, Vanderbilt University in Tennessee and University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Through this experience, students are given the opportunity to mature and grow independent. Students can apply to Freedom and Justice or Hotel Management programs at Cornell; Presidential Powers, Constitutional Law or Introduction to Business, Finance and Economics at Columbia; Women and Leadership, Techniques in DNA-Based Biotechnology and How a Nation’s Economy Works: An Introduction to Macroeconomics at Brown; and Social Justice Academy and Physics Academy at University of Pennsylvania. Vanderbilt University offers several courses, including Literature and Consciousness and Crime and Punishment in U.S. History.

What do you do as a Tech Guy?Mostly just working on the computers.How does being a Tech Guy work?Teachers report to Hickok or report to me if their computers have an issue.How did you become a Tech Guy?Sophomore year I was helping teachers, including Mr. Hickok. Junior year Hickok got me working with the administrators. Ms. Ishmael offered me a job Senior year. Senior year she retired and Hickok, along with Ms. Bender gave me the official title.How did you get into computers?Beginning in seventh grade I got into programming. In ninth grade I built my own computer. Did you learn how to work on computers by someone teaching you?I am self taught. I read a lot of forums and just tinkered with any computer.What do you plan to major in?I am going to take Computer Engineering or Computer Sciences.Do you have a specific college that you want to go to?UC Davis, San Jose State University, and other UC’s.

Are there any more students that help you?A few students help when there is too much work for one person. [They are] Emilio Cuartero, Randell Ricasata and Johanna Hadgu. Is there a specific “tech time,” when you work on any problems?I have a specific tech period, but if the problem is urgent Hickok takes me out of class.What do you do in that specific “tech period”?I visit classrooms that have reported computer issues. I test the computers and go through a series of checks to pinpoint the issue. From there, I solve the issue.Is there a list of teachers you are supposed to check with? Or do you wait for a problem to appear?Usually there’s something for me to do. If not, I am usually just tinkering with old computers.What do you get from doing this?I get work experience hours and I get to expand my knowledge on computers.

Student Tech Guy

Written by Marvin Plaza

Royalty

Tharavouth Tan/TemplateHHS seniors Annika Tan and Samantha Tam were both crowned Snow Ball Queens.

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Juan Pablo Palabrica/TemplateSophomore Alexandra Rodriguez drives the ball past an opposing player at the Tennyson game.

Winter sports

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Juan Pablo Palabrica/TemplateSophomore Gabriel Rojas takes a free kick at the San Lorenzo game.

Lydia Walters/TemplateSenior Jenny Phan passes the ball in the second half of the San Lorenzo game.

Juan Pablo Palabrica/TemplateSophomore Benjamin Cardona and Junior Carlos Rones play for the ball during the San Lorenzo game.

Juan Pablo Palabrica/TemplateSophomore Lawrence Pineda reaches for the ball to block a goal at the San Lorenzo game.

Juan Pablo Palabrica/TemplateJunior Etienne Ekanem goes up to the rim during the Annual Lady Titans Jamboree.

Juan Pablo Palabrica/TemplateJunior Alfonz Sugitan tries to avoid two opposing players at the Tamalpais game.

Juan Pablo Palabrica/TemplateSophomore Jeneva Vance drives to the basket during the Annual Lady Titan Jamboree.

Juan Pablo Palabrica/TemplateJunior Chris McEvers breaks through Tamalpais High School’s defense.

Juan Pablo Palabrica/TemplateJunior Mariah Mesner steals the ball from Tennyson High School’s defense.