QUICKREADS

Volume XLIV, Issue 3Dec. 19, 2014 Schurr High School Montebello, CA

Winter Tutoring: CSF will offer tutoring sessions during winter break Dec. 29-30 and Jan. 5-9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the library.

FAFSA Workshops: Workshops to fill out FAFSA during seniors’ government or economics class will be held Jan. 13, 14, 20 and 21. A Jan. 22 session will be held in the library from 4:30-7 p.m.

Track, Field Tryouts: Tryouts for the track and field team will be held on the track at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 13-16 for throwers, Jan. 20-23 for jumpers and Jan. 26-30 for all runners.

FEATURES 12 SPORTS10 ENTERTAINMENTLearn about the origins of gingerbread cookies.

Bid farewell to Coach Ron Pruitt as freshman gridders make history.

5

BY SASKIA SANIReporter

Entering the midst of competition season, the Speech and Debate team will participate at the Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez Winter Classic Tournament at Fullerton Joint Union High School tomorrow.

Students recently competed at the Fall Varsity tournament at Arroyo High School, Dec. 13, which is the first of two main league tournaments. The team won Division 2 sweepstakes in a competition that was comprised of three preliminary rounds and a final.

In Original Oratory, senior Amanda Armendariz and junior Destinee Moya placed first and second, respectively. Senior Kane Tenorio placed second in Congressional Extemp, while senior Brian Salvanera placed fifth in Humorous Interpretation.

Sophomore Solon Tan placed seventh in International Extemporaneous Speaking, while sophomore William Kunkle and senior Cassandra Dinh placed third and fifth, respectively. Dinh also placed seventh in Original Advocacy, along with senior Melissa Vasquez placing fourth. Senior Edward Kunkle and Armendariz received first and third, respectively, in Dramatic Interpretation.

Seven students also placed as finalists in General Interpretation. Juniors Isabella Benavides, David Lima, Arthur Kozloyan, Christa Martinez, sophomore Jordan Kunishima, and freshmen Michael Martinez and Nowreen Rahman defeated their competition.

“From the first tournament to now, we have improved immensely,” said Armendariz. “It’s only a matter of continuing the hard work and staying motivated until the very end that will make us a truly great team.”

The team also competed at the La Costa Canyon Winter Classic in San Diego, Dec. 5-7. With 10 semifinalists and five finalists, the team received the first place sweepstakes for the speech events.

Tournament champions included E. Kunkle in Dramatic Interpretation, Salvanera in Expository Speaking and senior Saskia Sani in Original Oratory. Armendariz placed second in Original Oratory, as Sani received third in Dramatic Interpretation.

The tournament allowed students to qualify for a bid to the National Individual Events Tournament of Champions, held at Lincoln Southwest High School in Omaha, Nebraska May 8-10. Students were able to qualify by advancing to the semifinals in each event. Six students qualified to NIETOC in Dramatic Interpretation and five in Original Oratory.

At the Fall Debate tournament at Crescenta Valley High School Nov. 22, the team of Dinh and junior Darlene Lie placed fifth in Parliamentary Debate. Tenorio, along with juniors Victor Cuevas and Alexander Xia, also made finals in Congressional Speaking.

The team will hold practices throughout winter break in order to prepare for the upcoming speech tournaments second semester. Possible tournaments include the Southwest Championships in Arizona and the Golden Desert Invitational in Las Vegas.

Speech, debate team readies for Fullerton

BY EDMUND LIUNews Co-Editor

As part of the school-wide modernization project, construction projects in B-Building and C-Building began in November.

The modernization project is district-wide, and construction at Schurr is the last phase.

The modernization project was initiated to modify existing school facilities to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which sets standards and regulations for public facilities to provide accessibility to those with special needs.

Current construction includes replacement of tiles, repainting of rooms and the installation of an elevator that connects B-Building and C-Building.

Old floor tiles were removed the second floor of B-Building during Thanksgiving break, and as a result, teachers were moved to different rooms. Tiles on the first floor will be removed during winter break. The old tiling will be replaced with vinyl composition tiles.

Construction will begin in S-Building after B-Building.

Carpeting in C-Building will also be removed and replaced, as worn carpets are a safety concern. Future construction projects include replacement of doors in C-Building, which will also result in the relocation of teachers to available bungalows.

“The most difficult obstacle is that there is always school going on,” said Principal Stacey Honda.

Only five classrooms are able to be modified at any one time, due to the limited number of available classrooms for relocation. Teachers are relocated to other classrooms for two to three-week periods.

Modifications will also be made to lower the height of classroom sinks to comply with the ADA. The modernization project is estimated to last 518 days and is expected to continue through summer vacation.

Honda and Plant Supervisor René Muñoz are the supervisors for the school’s construction project. The administration and construction contractors meet weekly to plan.

“There is a lot of planning that goes on behind the scenes,” said Honda. “My biggest concern is the safety of students and staff.”

Construction project underway

School Holidays: Classes will not be held Dec. 22 - Jan. 9 for winter break and will resume Jan. 12.

INSIDE

Taste the holidays with the latest seasonal lattes from Starbucks.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Contractors from Sandalwood perform tile abatement in Room B-17. The construction projects at school are expected to last 518 days and are the last phase of the district’s modernization project.

JAIMIE HSU

OPINIONS

December 19, 2014schurrscroll.com2

BY ELMER GUARDADOExecutive Editor

As I ran I could hear the cursing and gun shots behind me. I had clearly upset some people when I took the idol from the temple, but inside of me I knew the rare relic belonged in a museum. My pace increased as I felt them gaining on me, but I knew better than to panic. In scanning the tree-line up ahead I saw the perfect opportunity to lose my pursuers so I reached for my whip and with a smooth flick got it caught on a branch above and used it to swing myself over a pit. I had made a clean escape and I couldn’t help but grin.

As a child I often found escape from my mundane Lego building and video game playing routines by playing pretend. Once my imagination blossomed, just being plain Elmer Guardado was never enough. Why settle for him when in an instant I could become Han Solo piloting the Millennium Falcon with Chewy or Indiana Jones spoiling a major Nazi scheme?

Although the thought of a pudgy 8-year-old swinging an imaginary lightsaber is more than amusing, I never felt any shame in standing alongside my fellow rebels in the heat of the moment. As I was growing up, Han and Indy weren’t just fictional characters; they were my friends.

Fictional characters taught me some of the most important values and lessons of my childhood. For example, Han Solo starts off as the lone wolf of the Star Wars universe (hence is last name), but through his journey with the Luke and Leia he learns the importance of being part of a group and working for the greater good. This character development is masterfully depicted on screen and subliminally taught me the importance of teamwork.

On the other end of the fictional spectrum, Ferris Bueller’s quote: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it,” taught me the immediacy and sometimes randomness of life and the importance of taking a minute to soak it in and appreciate its beauty.

If I had the page real-estate (excuse the newspaper nerd term) I would go on and on about the dozens of values I’ve learned through fictional characters in films, TV shows, books, and other forms of media, but what I’m trying to get at is the importance of pop culture and the effect it has on us. I obviously learned a lot from my parents and teachers, but I feel that certain values could’ve only been taught to me through art and media, and I can’t help but feel a sense of validation for spending hours and hours reading comics, watching old movies, and playing video games. In retrospect I realize that I gained much more than just entertainment from them.

As a kid I realized that sports were not my thing, wrestling was never my thing, and close relationships were never my thing (girls in particular were actually pretty scary up until 4 years ago), but my silly passions that “were a waste of time,” according to my mom, helped me build a strong set of values and forge my own identity.

Elmer and the Temple

of Doom

Executive Editor..............................................................Elmer GuardadoSpartan Scroll Editor in Chief...................................................Justin LeeSpartan Scroll Managing Editor.............................................Raquel DiazSchurr Scroll Editor in Chief....................................................Mariah LinSchurr Scroll Managing Editor............................................ Nathan PhanSpectrum Editor in Chief......................................................Cindy VuongSpectrum Managing Editor....................................... Stephanie TorosianNews Editors............................................... Eric Guzman & Edmund Liu Editorial Editor................................................................ Robert MirandaFeatures Editor........................................................................ Celine PhuAssistant Features Editor...................................................... Justin KangEntertainment Editors............................... Matthew Bahk & Kayla SisonPeople/Student Life Editor..................................................... Judy LiangClubs/Academics Editor.................................................. Olivia GonzalezSports Editors.................................................... Kerry Mulia & Erica SuhCopy Editors...................................................... Ben Gee & Evelyn WongVisuals Editor................................................................. Sarah HanashiroPhoto Editors........................................... Brandon Chang & Kerry MuliaPhotographers.. Jaimie Hsu, Dana Navarrete, Tiffany Ngo & Cecilia WuBusiness Manager................................................................Victor CuevasAdvisors............................... Carrie Cunningham and Lorraine LangevinReporters.....Cory Chen, Dennis Dinh, Erick Herrera, Stephanie Munoz, Keith Oshima, Sharon Phu, Saskia Sani, Noheli Sigala, Stephanie Tang,Alexandria Valenzuela, William Wong, Melody Yu

There will be no censorship of the Spartan Scroll. Decisions as to what will be printed will be left to the authority of the adviser, editors and staff members. Editorials without bylines are the opinion of the Editorial Board. Opinions, commentaries and features with bylines are the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily express the opinions of the Journalism staff, the school faculty or other students.

Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters must be signed and verifiable in order to be published, but names will be withheld upon request. Pseudonyms or initials will not be accepted. All letters are subject to condensation. Letters that demand a reply will be answered by Spartan Scroll representatives or by the proper authorities. However, the Spartan Scroll cannot publish any materials which violate laws governing student publications. Letters should be sent to Room A-8 or placed in the adviser’s mailbox no later than one week after the previous issue.

The Spartan Scroll is published monthly, except during holidays, by the Journalism 3-8 students of Schurr High School, 820 N. Wilcox Ave., Montebello, California 90640. The telephone number is (323) 887-3090 ext. 6631. It is printed by the News Publisher’s Press.

JOURNALISM STAFF 820 N. Wilcox Ave., Montebello, California, 90640

BEN GEE & MATT BAHK

+ FOLLOW ALL THINGS SCHURR AT

SchurrScroll.com

@SchurrNews

4Schurr

Remember to always put things in perspective. What may be a worry today may seem like nothing in the future.

I have been rushing and stressing over too many resposibilities these past few months... I should appreciate holidays and relax more...

Stop living in the moment. I hardly see beyond the weekend, but by looking at life long-term, I can reflect more and create a plan for the future.

Note to Self: Pay

attention to family

members more -- play

with younger siblings

and listen to older

relatives‛ stories. They

can teach a lot about

feelings, and their

experiences give

good advice.

The holidays are a time of celebration.Never forget that.

Remember: It is more blessed to give than to receive. We can bond in so many ways by giving gifts and appreciating their significance.

Overall, 2015 should be a year of change and reflection. I should refocus on what is really important, emphasize relationships and appreciate every moment I have here.

SAMMY’S WALL OF FAME

OPINIONS

December 19, 2014 3

MODELLED BY SPARTAN SCROLL STAFFPHOTO BY KERRY MULIA

BENJAMIN GEE

BY NATHAN PHAN & CINDY VUONGSchurr Scroll Managing Editor & Spectrum Editor-In-Chief

While technological advances like streaming and downloading songs

have made music accessible for free, there is still a fine line between what is considered legal and illegal.

In November, Taylor Swift made headl ines after removing her previous recordings from popular streaming services, Rdio and Spotify, after claiming that many streaming services do not compensate artists fairly, causing the number of album sales to dwindle and hurt the music industry.

Since then, the use of music streaming services has divided artists between making their music accessible to the public and protecting their rights to their own songs in exchange for “proper payment.” With Spotify scrutinized for paying only six-tenths of a cent per song streamed, the concept of streaming has been labeled as a hindrance to music sales by many proponents of music.

The transition of music to online networks has made it harder for the music industry to prosper in the case of physical album purchases, as historically that was its main form of revenue. However, illegal pirating on the Internet has created problems. In 1999, the music industry had suffered a tremendous financial blow after the file-sharing service Napster introduced music piracy to the Internet. According to The New Yorker, the emergence of the iTunes store in 2003 worsened the situation, allowing users to spend less money on entire albums by selecting individual songs to purchase.

However, there are benefits to artists from streaming, both in promotional and financial aspects. Many artists are not at the same level of fame as Swift; as a result, they do not have the financial resources to pull their music off the Internet without suffering repercussions.

Music streaming sites, most notably YouTube, have allowed millions of artists the ability to put themselves in the music industry without having to attain a level of

professionalism, In fact, it is because of streaming services that many independent artists have gained popularity and a foundation from which to launch their music careers. Pop duo Us the Duo and YouTubers like David Choi have attained millions of views for their song covers.

Although heralded as an advocate against music streaming, Swift has actually gained most of her ubiquity in the music world through digital services like Spotify, where her single “Safe and Sound” garnered over 34 million listens before it was removed. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, streaming services generate 27 percent of industry revenue, with an estimated audience of almost 28 million people worldwide via online music subscriptions. It is obvious streaming is now integral to music sales.

Nevertheless, Swift is right about the negative impact of streaming on the music industry - artists are paid a fraction of what their songs would be worth at “premium

price” from album sales. According to raprehab.com, in 2012, artists with self-pressed CD’s needed to sell about 145 albums in order to make a profit of $8 per album, but artists on streaming sites had to meet over 4 million plays to earn the same amount of money. Being paid less than a cent per play, artists on streaming sites are not being compensated for the full price of what

their album is actually worth, according to billboard.com. While music streaming is definitely better than illegal

downloading, a need exists for greater compensation to the actual artist. Alternatives to streaming include making some albums available only to listeners who pay for online music subscriptions or by restricting free music to certain number of plays.

Advancement in technology offers consumers many ways to listen to music through both legal and illegal means. Although Swift has confronted streaming for not paying artists the same amount actual album sales would, consumers should still use online streaming, as it is the better alternative to piracy. Embracing this evolution of the music industry through online streaming can become beneficial to both artists and listeners, as long as a middle-ground that will rightfully compensate artists is found.

CHANGINGI N D U S T R Y

”Although heralded as an advocate against music streaming, Swift has gained most of her ubiquity in the music world through digital services like Spotify.”

A ‘SWIFT’LY

SOURCE: Spotify, billboard.com, Recording Industry Association of AmericaFACTS COMPILED BY ROBERT MIRANDA

BY ERIC GUZMANNews Co-Editor

Seniors Sharon Phu and Brian Salvanera and juniors Armando Hernandez, Brilliana Lynch and Bertha Medina have been nominated by their teachers to participate in the Regional Occupational Program’s Outstanding Student Recognition program.

Administered by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), the program is open to all students enrolled in a Career Technical Education (CTE) class. Students are nominated by their teachers based on character, attitude, attendance, initiative and involvement in their communities.

Once nominated, students are interviewed by a district official. Students must also submit a personal statement of 75 words or less, a job application and resume. During the interview, nominees demonstrate a four- to five- minute presentation work product. The presentation

should show how the CTE class has helped the student develop skills to advance career goals.

“It was interesting because it’s something I’ve never had to do before,” said Salvanera.

A maximum of 60 points can be earned in the nomination process, with the interview and presentation worth 54 points and the resume submission worth six.

Five students are chosen from the district to proceed to the county level of the competition, in which students from all 23 districts of Los Angeles County participate. Seven gold medals and 28 silver medals will be awarded, with each recipient receiving a certificate, monetary award and recognition at a LACOE meeting.

The deadline for the announcement of the district’s nominees for the county level of the competition is Feb. 6, 2015.

“It gives students valuable experience in interviews and presentations that can be used to advance their career goals,” said Grace Ulloa, ROP staff member.

TIFFANY NGO

NEWS

December 19, 2014schurrscroll.com4

ROP nominees to compete

PROPER PREPARATION: Nominee Armando Hernandez, junior, receives help preparing for his upcoming interview from ROP staff member Grace Ulloa.

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Students join in annual event viewed by millions worldwide

BY MELODY YUReporter

Members of Key Club and Spartan Legion will be participating in the annual New Year’s Tournament of the Roses Parade in Pasadena.

After having previously auditioned at Pasadena Community College in October, band members Yesenia Castellanos and

Ryan Melendez were chosen to march in the parade.

“At first I was really nervous, but luckily, I had my friend there to support me,” said Castellanos. “I put in a lot of practice to know my piece.”

The two have joined the Tournament of Roses Honor Band, having been selected from over 600 other high school students who participated in the competition.

Members rehearse every Sunday for two months and during winter break in order to prepare for the six-mile-long parade.

“I’m excited, but I’m also nervous because it’s such a long parade,” said

Castellanos. “The nervousness is always going to be there, but I am just going to deal with it.”

Members of Key Club will also be a part of the Rose Parade by helping decorate the Kiwanis’ 2015 float, which celebrates the organization’s 100-year anniversary.

High school members will be working primarily on preparing the thousands of flowers needed for the float, which is themed, “100 Years Inspiring Children.”

“This year is Kiwanis’ 100th birthday, so we are helping out to build the float,” said Key Club President Lianne Chau. “It [float] celebrates all the years of service, lives

saved and changed.”Kiwanian volunteers and members

of Key Club and Circle K from all over California will be working on the float. Participation is not limited to Californians; it is extended worldwide to everyone in the Kiwani family.

Sign-ups will be available shortly online; however, transportation will not be provided. Students will have to find their own way to the Pasadena event.

“Volunteering at the Rose Parade will be fun,” said Chau. “They [members] get to be a part of something many kids do not have a chance to participate in.

Spartan Legion, Key Club members to participate in Rose Parade

FEATURES

December 19, 2014 5

FEATURES

BY CELINE PHUFeatures Editor

Often used as a universal metaphoric representation of the virtuous aspects of life, light is revered by many cultures.

“To me, light symbolizes joy, happiness, hope, life and vitality,” said junior Sunnie Mo.

In most religions or cultural beliefs, these values are commonly portrayed or embodied as a form of light.

The lighting of the menorah during Hanukkah, for example, is a Jewish tradition associated with the miracle that a day’s worth of oil lasted for eight nights, the exact time of the next available supply of oil, according to jewfaq.org. The lit candles were a phenomenal occurrence to the Jewish people and represented the perseverance of their religion during times of war.

According to chinesenewyears.info, during Chinese New Year, fireworks are used to drive off evil spirits with their bright luminescence and loud effects. In addition, the Chinese culture uses fireworks at midnight to welcome the coming of the New Year and the departure of the old.

“Well it’s kind of like we’re getting towards

the light like the New Year and a brand new start,” said Jose Salazar, “or if you want to get religious, it was like when Jesus was born so it could be like light.”

The mention of Christmastime, also known as the season of giving, is usually accompanied by a vision of a warm, crackling fireplace or of a glowing pine tree.

“Well I think houses that are decorated kind of symbolize that you are celebrating the holiday,” said Salazar, junior.

In Christian culture, candle lights represent Jesus, indicating that he is the Light of the World. Red decorative lights can symbolize Jesus Christ’s sacrifice of blood on the cross, while green lights illustrate eternal life, according to rollanet.org.

The burning of the Yule log in a hearth personifies the sacrificial death of Christ and is also believed to bring good health, fruitfulness and prosperity, according to www.penitents.org.

“Lights are everywhere,” said sophomore Connie Xuncax. “It just feels happy and cheerful every time I walk into the mall or past my neighbors’ front lawns.”

Whether one views the holidays as a time of tranquility and peace or a time to get a break from school, the presence of light will surely add to the spirit of the season.

BY ALEXANDRIA VELENZUELAReporter

December 21 marks the first official day of winter; along with the incoming cold breezes, and sometimes frosty air, are the latest fashion trends.

Many ladylike silhouettes were seen on the runways of fashion brands Calla and Adam Lippes; however, the feminine models were not decorated with stereotypical frills, lace and pastels. Rather, classy suit jackets and flared skirts were displayed. Some designers even added futuristic detailing to modernize this retro style. Dresses were made of materials such as cashmere, chiffon and velvet – just in time for the holiday season; they were paired with fuzzy sweaters and leather jackets.

The featured ’70s and ’90s styles collide in the work of designers Tess Giberson and Rebecca Minkoff, with details such as zippers and belts creating a glam-rock vibe. Leather pieces were also redefined with modern and urban shapes.

Gucci runways showcased biker jackets with a retro touch, while Dsqaured2 featured an interesting take on coats. To make denim pieces stand out, Dsquared2, as well as other designers, featured bold, distressed patterns everywhere,

particularly on jackets, vests and shirts. Runways displaying the work of

designers Victoria Beckham, Calvin Klein and DKNY featured all-black ensembles, creating a cool and collected look. However, bright colors were also seen, mixed with different jewel tones to create an interesting color scheme.

This winter season’s men’s runways were characterized by patterns, vintage or fur coats, oversized sweaters, beanies, biker jackets and earthy colors, such as deep blue and forest green.

Instead of monochromatic winter outfits, there were many squares, diamonds or abstract patterns featured on runways, as seen in the work of Dior Homme and Valentino, who also showed a variety of jacket styles, such as camouflage printed down and leather biker.

On the runways of designers such as Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors, knitwear was shown in various forms, ranging from slightly oversized to tight fitting. Vintage inspired clothing from previous decades was also prominent. Trendy looks for this season tend to consist of statement pieces along with a chosen focal point, such as a bold sweater paired with bright jewelry.

With temperatures dropping and new trends appearing, winter styles seem to have gotten even cooler.

BY JUSTIN LEESpartan Scroll Editor in Chief

We quickly grabbed our plates piled with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, creamed corn, and glasses of apple cider, and headed toward the table: the ‘kiddie’ table.

Yes, we haven’t graduated from that table yet. Crowded over the small, 18-inch high, square table were

my cousins, Austin and Samantha, and I, trying to squeeze our legs under the toddler-sized table.

The three of us are each three months apart and have sat at the “kiddie” table through our most scrumptious meals of the year ever since we were able to feed ourselves—every Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.

The important parts of our lives always aligned with each other’s and we would always have something in common to talk about. Our conversations this past year were about S.A.T. struggles, junior year nightmares, permit exams and DMV excitement, musical tastes, and the ongoing arguments over the best hot sauce and bacon we’ve ever had.

Either we didn’t know that what was coming was coming that fast, or we tried to avoid it until this Thanksgiving; but this time we were talking about college applications and our bigger goals and aspirations. We eventually realized that we might not see each other next year, or even the years after that.

We were still at the kiddie table and are still the “babies” of the Lee family, but we will be on our own come next fall. We imagined ourselves in different parts of the country, snowed-in for the first time, and spending Thanksgiving with new friends, local to the college we would be entering.The topic seemed foreign to us, since the three of us were always together for the holidays.

After spending Thanksgiving with my cousins, holding a small birthday party with friends early this month, and now seeing Facebook posts from seniors about their early acceptances to colleges, I know that my high school time is limited—four months has already flown by, and we only have six months left of the school year.

It suddenly struck me just how important it is to be present in the moment and to take every opportunity to create memories.

There are many aspects of high school I will miss—friends I have known since kindergarten and those I met here, teachers that have guided me throughout high school, group projects that end up jam sessions of various tunes, hours I invest in extracurricular activities, potato wedges from the speed line and just the energy of being on this campus; it’s these memories that I will remember, not the tests, pop quizzes, assignments, or projects.

It is fun to think about what it will be like in less than a year—where I will be and want to be, what I will do, and how far from or close to home I will be. There is excitement in the uncertainty knowing that at the end of this marathon of high school is a new starting line. I will meet new people, possibly live in a different city, and go grocery shopping on my own, but I will constantly remind myself to be really present to absorb everything I can while it lasts.

Knowing it might be the last holiday season I spend with my family, I’m especially looking forward to creating memories of being stuffed with tamales and enchiladas for our Mexican-food-themed Christmas dinner this weekend, seeing my cousins’ reactions as they open up my ridiculous $10 present for our “white elephant” gift exchange, and enjoying the ‘kiddie’ table experience once more.

Not a ‘kiddie’ anymore

KERRY MULIA, CELINE PHU & CECILIA WU

Holiday spirit ‘lights’ up Montebello

Styling season’s new trends

BOLD FESTIVE LIGHTS: Decorations around Montebello, such as in the school library (top left), City Hall (top right), Montebello mall (bottom left) and Room A-8 (bottom right) add illumination to the holiday atmosphere.

NATHAN PHAN

Companies target consumersBY JUSTIN LEESpartan Scroll Editor in Chief

Holiday wish lists most likely include products that have been desired due to powerful and effective advertising leading up to the holiday shopping season.

This demonstrates that consumerism during the holidays is perpetuated by corporate tactics to increase sales.

The “necessity” of purchasing presents during the holidays causes consumers to buy the “newest” and “best” products without realizing that they are being misled by marketing strategies.

According to forbes.com, retailers gain more than an average of 19 percent of their annual revenue during the holiday season, and because of this, it creates competition amongst themselves to appeal to potential customers.

Many corporations run advertisements that persuade potential consumers to buy their products in stores even before the gift giving season begins. Instead of advertising directly to parents, many of these advertisements are geared towards children in hopes that they will express their desire to receive such products during the holiday season.

Many corporations also have sales during the holiday season to stimulate their businesses, according to businessinsider.com. The discounts and sales are used as psychological ploys to make consumers believe that they are saving money; however, “clearance” and “sale” signs can create a sense of urgency which leads to impulsive purchase decisions. In actuality, this causes shoppers to spend more than they have planned.

Additionally, it is a known fact that many companies release new products near the holiday season. As seen with many of the electronics,

such as the iPhone 6 and Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U, companies know that their products will sell because many people have not yet purchased them. For example, last holiday season when the iPhone 5C and 5S were released, over 51 million iPhones were sold. According to apple.com, it was the largest number of iPhones sold in the company’s history.

Another marketing technique is providing consumers with an alternative method of shopping via the Internet. At the convenience of their own homes, consumers can shop online for all of their presents and have them shipped directly to recipients. Other benefits include promotions, free shipping and return policies, as well as gift wrapping ,which may not be available for in-store purchases.

Although some may think that it is the consumers who feel the need to buy gifts that continue the cycle of consumerism, it is actually the corporations who sensationalize the benefits of products through media so that people will buy them. By releasing new products with “major” improvements from previous models, corporations sustain the continual desire for the most updated products.

Essentially, the corporations are the ones pressuring and brainwashing customers into spending money on their products. Instead of purchasing new products, consumers, without the pressure from corporations, have other gift alternatives, such as cooking a meal for somebody or spending time with them, rather than purchasing something.

With an economy based on capitalism, one can expect the holiday purchasing patterns to be driven by the corporations’ effective marketing strategies that appeal to a wide range of consumers.

Many can agree that the messages holidays convey have been obscured by consumerism. However, there are disagreements about its causes during this season; is the fault with the consumers or the corporations?

FOCUS

December 19, 2014schurrscroll.com6

Swayed by Savings

“ }

SPARTAN SPEAK What influences you to buy others gifts during this holiday season?

MATTHEW HUGUEZJUNIOR

”

Although I think that the media influences others to buy presents, I give gifts because I know it would be something my family would enjoy. It’s a way to show appreciation. }MICHAEL MARTINEZ

FRESHMAN

”{AMBOR SUMSENIOR

“

{NATALIE MARTINEZSOPHOMORE

I give presents to show my love to my friends and family and that I care. It shows that I took the time to get them something. It’s the type of holiday to give.”

I think that giving a presents shows how much you appreciate a person. A present is something that you can keep for good memories, but giving someone a favor or spending time with someone is not lasting.

The feeling of giving and seeing their face when they open the gift makes me want to buy presents for others. It shows the other person thought about you to go and purchase a gift.

PHOTOS BY JAIMIE HSU

Capitalism requires competitionBY RAQUEL DIAZSpartan Scroll Managing Editor

While many individuals may cynically refer to the holidays as times when corporations spread the spirit through sales and profit, it is often overlooked that in order for a capitalist society to flourish, consumers must indulge in what corporations have to offer.

It is simple to blame all corporations for brainwashing customers into spending more money, for corrupting the wholesome, altruistic message holidays convey of spending time with loved ones and making displays of love and enduring optimism.

People who resent corporations’ business plans claim they are packaging the original messages into electronics or expensive clothes labeled “half-off for a limited time only.”

There is no denying the thorough marketing and sales plans companies employ to gain visibility and appeal to wide audiences during the holidays. Much of these strategies involve shifting the focus from the religious and spiritual aspects of the holiday to the gift-giving one.

However, one’s own actions reveal that the cycle of consumerism is so ingrained into the mainstream that consumers are those who perpetuate the notion that expensive gifts validate good relationships.

Consumers do this at an early age, with children being more familiar with and placing more emphasis on Santa Claus’s presents, and not the religious or moral themes of the holidays.

According to dailyfinance.com, 90 percent of Americans plan to buy gifts this year, and while TV advertisements commissioned by companies may instill into consumers that this time of year is the best for gift giving, it may also be attributed to the sheer number of Americans buying gifts that

makes others feel they have to spend, as well. This gift-buying creates peer pressure;

individuals see others buying gifts, or listen to others discuss gifts they still need to buy, or perhaps gifts they would like to receive. These are often material things, such as gift cards or jewelry.

Spending more time with others or helping them is not considered by many to be a gift, and there is usually not as much value attached by others to be perceived as a homemade gift.

Most of the pressure to buy gifts is perpetuated among individuals through the gift-giving process; it may feel embarrassing for a person to give a friend a gift that is not as expensive as the gift that friend gives to the person. Consumer themselves fabricate this guilt more than a marketing strategy ever could.

In this generation of instant gratification, making a gift may seem to inconvenient and time-consuming, which causes the gift receiver to question how much “gift” one’s time represents.

In addition to gift giving, there is also pressure in holiday decorating, which means even more spending. According to nrf.com, the average American spends $53.68 annually during the holiday season.

As seen in many seasonal films, there can be competition, even subtly, between neighbors over whose lawn display is most aesthetically pleasing for the holidays. This competition to have the best lawn display is not blatantly endorsed by company advertisements, so this form of consumerism cannot be blamed.

At times the distinction between which party, the consumer or the companies, perpetuates consumerism may be blurred, but one should reflect upon one’s actions to find if the messages behind holidays are truly being observed, or if one is just casting the blame and contributing to perpetuating the problem.

Many can agree that the messages holidays convey have been obscured by consumerism. However, there are disagreements about its causes during this season; is the fault with the consumers or the corporations?

FOCUS

December 19, 2014 7

Swayed by Savings

SARAH HANASHIRO

BY THE NUMBERSof consumers start holiday shopping before Halloween, and more than start half starting before Thanksgiving.26%of holiday shoppers use the internet to research gifts or make purchases.

of holiday shoppers think sales are an important deciding factor when purchasing an item.

of holiday consumers consider free shipping when buying a product from an online store.

of holiday shopping will be done using a mobile device.

of total E-commerce sales in the U.S. are attributed to the holiday season.

SOURCE: National Retail Federation

92%

95%

73%

33%

34%

50%

13%

of sales will be influenced by digital interactions before and during shopping.

of marketers use social media during the holiday season to direct traffic to their own online stores.

FEATURES

October 3, 2014schurrscroll.com8

BY MARIAH LINSchurr Scroll Editor in Chief

A festive array of delicious smelling foods lay invitingly atop the faded, brown table, a contrast to the, gray walls.

Outside, the incessant sound of raindrops falling onto the thatched roof and mudbrick walls made being inside feel even cozier.

After finally arriving in Ethiopia after the longest flight I had ever taken, I smiled enthusiastically across the room at the new friend I just made. “Hello, what is your name,” I exclaimed excitedly.

“Tiringo,” she replied. “Selam, Endemin-nesh? Sime Tiringo yibalal,” she replied looking expectantly at me. Thinking she was asking for my name, I continued to

bombard her with questions and comments about myself and how excited I was to finally be here.

It was only after five minutes of this rather funny exchange that I realized Tiringo did not speak English and we were having two different conversations about totally different topics. I wished I had remembered the few Amharic phrases I had tried to teach myself. “Gebany?” Tiringo said. Laughing embarrassingly, I shook my head, trying to tell her I did not speak Amharic. Seeming to understand, she smiled and pointed to the table, “Food.”

Tiringo was the first person I met after arriving in Ethiopia this past summer. She was the housekeeper for the host family I was living with. After our initial encounter, I soon came to discover that Tiringo’s favorite hobby was to cook. It seemed she could make anything, from traditional doro wat (a chicken stew) to spaghetti and meatballs.

For the next couple of weeks, Tiringo and I bonded over food. She loved to make it and I loved to try it. Tiringo became my guide and companion as I attempted to navigate through the unique language, customs and traditions of a foreign country.

Though we still could not speak each other’s languages, except for a few words here or there, we were somehow still able to communicate. Our conversations were strenuous and consisted of many hand gestures and drawing

indiscernible shapes on paper; yet, I had never felt more connected to a language or place.

When I first met Tiringo, it was obvious we came from different parts of the world. She never had the chance to finish middle school, instead having to stop her education after eighth grade so she could find work to support her large family.

This holiday season, I cannot help but think back to my summer in Ethiopia and how thankful I am for the opportunity to receive an education and chase my dreams and passions here in the United States.

It is easy to take things for granted as we fall into the familiarity of our daily lives. It was through working to empower a community that I learned to truly appreciate everything that I have. This Christmas, perhaps we should all set aside some time to give back and spread the holiday spirit those around us.

During our last meal together, the night I left Ethiopia, I looked at that same brown table as it seemed to once again groan under the weight of an enormous pile of food. I felt incredibly happy that I now knew the Amharic name of every food on that table.

As I sit around the table next week with my family members celebrating the holidays, I will wonder where Tiringo will be.

Lessons learned

in hindsight

BY EVELYN WONGCopy Editor

Whether he is hanging on the Christmas tree as a cheerful ornament or lying on a plate ready to be eaten, the gingerbread man has been a popular winter celebrity for many generations.

The name “gingerbread” comes from its main ingredient, preserved ginger, which is gingebras in Old French, according to howstuffworks.com. It also comes from the Latin word zingebar, or “horn-shaped,” which describes the appearance of the ginger root.

According to dailymail.co.uk, the earliest gingerbread was used in religious ceremonies by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians. It was brought to Europe in the 11th century by crusaders returning home from the Middle East. At this time, however, only the wealthy were able to afford the use of ginger in their cooking.

The first recorded English recipe for gingerbread was produced in 1390; the treats were made by soaking breadcrumbs in honey and ginger.

During the middle ages, gingerbread men are said to have been used as entertainment for Queen Elizabeth I,

according to kitchendaily.com. Her attendants shaped the “bread” into the shapes of her favorite suitors and courtiers, adding elaborate gold leaves as decoration before consuming it at royal feasts.

As gingerbread grew more affordable and accessible to the masses during the 17th century, it became a popular treat at public fairs and holiday feasts. Instead of using breadcrumbs, the English made gingerbread with flour, eggs and alternative sweeteners, like molasses.

In England it became a tradition for village maidens to eat a gingerbread “husband” on Halloween to ensure that they would find a real husband that year. In Hungary and Yugoslavia, gingerbread dolls were used as love tokens and exchanged between couples. They were decorated with romantic images or embellished with tiny mirrors to symbolize a boy and girl gazing endlessly at each other.

According to easteuropeanfood.about.com, people began making gingerbread houses in 1812, after the publication of the German classic, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, and the story of “Hansel and Gretel.” This tale inspired many families to bake replicas of houses for their gingerbread men.

Gingerbread has been popular in the United States for more than two centuries.

According to saveur.com, the well-known children’s tale, “The Gingerbread Boy,” was first published in 1875 in the St. Nicholas Magazine, adding popularity to the treat.

From his famous line, “Run, run as fast as you can, you can’t catch me I’m the gingerbread man,” this beloved, freshly-baked treat has served as a symbol of happiness and a reminder of our childhood, bringing warm memories of old bedtime stories and spreading holiday cheer.

BY JUSTIN KANGAssistant Features Editor

Even with today’s modern emphasis on technology-dependent entertainment, board games continue to bring fun and joy to all.

Innovations in technology over the years have changed the way people interact through games. The arrival of computers and game consoles may be more popular, but classic board games were the first to introduce this type of social activity.

“Board games provide me with an experience to enjoy quality time with my family and friends,” said Francisco Quirarte, senior. “Other games just have more of an adrenaline feeling than the friendly competitive feeling you get with board games.”

According to news.discovery.com, board games originated in Egypt before spreading to

other areas such as Rome and the Mediterranean.Different uses and variations of these games

developed from place to place, such as in Egypt, where early forms of board games were used for diplomatic purposes amongst elites. Board games were also used for religious purposes, according to listverse.com.

Many modern games have been derived from ancient games, such as Backgammon. The Royal Game of Ur, which also happens to be the first board game to be recorded in history, was similar to modern backgammon, according to news.discovery.com.

Other examples include Chutes and Ladders, which is believed to be derived from the ancient Indian board game Vaikuntapaali, or leela. Tic-Tac-Toe is based on the game Nine Men’s Morris, according to techitoutuk.com. Chess, which is also from India, is said to be the successor of the skill and strategy game, Chaturanga.

Whether they are from the past or the present, board games bring participants a sense of joy, not only from the game itself but also from the social interactions the games require.

“I find board games to be good because they’re portable and enough to keep a lot of people occupied,” said Solon Tan, sophomore, “I’m able to laugh and enjoy playing with all my friends in a convenient way.”

Although technology changes the way many entertain themselves, it is far from bringing an end to the classic board games people continue to enjoy.

“Video games maybe more popular, but board games are just as competitive and exciting,” said Nayelli Nevarez, sophomore, “It’s different when people are there in person.”

Board games are still played around the world, even with growing dependence on technology-based entertainment.

KAYLA SISON & SARAH HANASHIRO

Beating ‘board’um with family & friends

BEN GEE

ENTERTAINMENT

December 19, 2014 9

BY RAQUEL DIAZSpartan Scroll Managing Editor

When I first started attending school, I dreaded being awakened late at night.

Sometimes, it was my dad who woke me up, but it was often my mom who would shake me until I awoke, groggy as any child would be as the hours reached midnight.

It was always the same: my parents would stay awake late at night, struggling to decipher legal documents or bills filled with jargon and woke me up to translate letters with grown-up language, representing institutions I would not be able to fathom for years. Looking at the long, fine-print words, I felt English had no appeal; its stilted language only drove my parents to desperation, as neither they, nor

I, understood it. With heavy eyelids and my sight still adjusting to

the living room lamp’s fluorescent glare, I sat in the “interrogation chair.” No matter how long I stared, tears beginning to form, I could not understand the lofty diction.

My mom would ask me to define a word, one which I usually had never seen in my life, and when I admitted I did not know it, she would grimace, as if in disbelief that for all the hours I spend at school learning how the alphabet, I did not know words found on tax forms.

I began to view my knowledge of English as a burden, increasing my responsibilities and making me feel incompetent.

But my parents were not at fault. I was the one who knew the most English in my family; I was the one receiving a formal education in English. There was no one else they could ask for help.

Because I was receiving a formal education in English, my parents assumed I would be able to translate phrases such as “Tax Relief Reconciliation Act,” or “financial policies,” with which accountants or lawyers are familiar, but not kids in elementary school.

The language barrier oppressed them; they could not defend themselves against the bank statements and IRS

letters, especially when they made so little money.When I began writing, finding the precise words that

would articulate my ideas should have been difficult, and weaving sentences should have taken me ages to become comfortable with yet it felt natural.

While I can attribute this ease to reading stacks and stack of books, I owe a lot to trying to find words I could easily substitute in Spanish, and my knowing two languages gave me leverage in learning the vocabulary words that descended upon us during high school.

Sometimes, the most grueling, tedious tasks, that seem to never provide any reward, end up enhancing our abilities the most.

Consider all the effort and time put forth; if something is accomplished without any sacrifice, it is not conditioning nor changing any aspect of character. The experience dissolves from the mind and body, leaving no evidence or progress, but fervent emotions and callouses.

Hence, as this year is nearing its conclusion, there may be lingering resentment or frustration due to difficult situations or pressing responsibilities, but know that these skills are building s up; just as canyons and mountains achieve their grandeur through erosion and fierce weather, the flourishing of an individual is a process.

Found in Translation

Santa’s list of fun activities

Grand Central Market

Ice Skating at LA LIVE

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Enjoy a variety of flavors and cuisine at L.A.’s Grand Central Market. With almost 100 years of fine culinary history, the Grand Central Market offers

eateries that represent the area. Containing 30,000 square feet, exquisite vendors such as The Oyster Gourmet with

fresh shellfish based entrees and Horse Thief BBQ and their 15-hour smoked brisket are iconic to the Grand Central Market.

The Grand Central Market is located with entrances at 317 S. Broadway and 314 S. Hill Street in Downtown L.A. Prices vary with each vendor; however, $15 - $20 is a suggested amount to bring per person.

The market is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays to Wednesdays and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays to Saturdays. The Grand Central Market will be closed on

Until Jan. 1, experience ice skating at LA LIVE’s Kings Holiday Ice. While general admission, which covers ice skate rentals, is $13 per session, children

under the age of 7 enter for $7 while seniors and those in the military can enter for $8. The ice rink is open every day from 3-11:30 p.m., with a total of three sessions.

Readmission is required for each session, with sessions ending at 7 and 9:30. LA LIVE offers “Supper & Skate” for those looking for a meal with their experience.

Adult admission is $30 while children’s admission is $20. “Supper & Skate” includes a prix-fixe dinner at one of the following sit-down restaurants: Lawry’s Carvery, Rock’N Fish or Trader Vic’s.

Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) to enjoy the offered art, movies and tours through exhibits.

While movies and music exhibits have limited viewing periods, family exhibits and tours are offered regularly, with new attractions opening as the break continues.

LACMA exhibits are offered year-round and available upon paying the appropriate fee. Special tours and exhibits require an additional price upon entry.

While regular admission is priced at $15 for adults, seniors and students with IDs, students under the age of 17, LACMA members and LA county residents enter for free.

LACMA will be closed on all holidays throughout the season.

MATTHEW BAHK

Local Events: Before noon, the Montebello AMC 10 offers all shows for $6.50. “A Spiderman Christmas” will be shown at Mosaic Lizard Theater on 112 W. Main Street until Dec 28. Admission is $15 for adults and 12$ for children ; visit lizardtheater.com for more information.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GRANDCENTRALMARKET.COM, LALIVE.COM & LACMA.ORG

ENTERTAINMENT

December 19, 2014 9

BY RAQUEL DIAZSpartan Scroll Managing Editor

When I first started attending school, I dreaded being awakened late at night.

Sometimes, it was my dad who woke me up, but it was often my mom who would shake me until I awoke, groggy as any child would be as the hours reached midnight.

It was always the same: my parents would stay awake late at night, struggling to decipher legal documents or bills filled with jargon and woke me up to translate letters with grown-up language, representing institutions I would not be able to fathom for years. Looking at the long, fine-print words, I felt English had no appeal; its stilted language only drove my parents to desperation, as neither they, nor

I, understood it. With heavy eyelids and my sight still adjusting to

the living room lamp’s fluorescent glare, I sat in the “interrogation chair.” No matter how long I stared, tears beginning to form, I could not understand the lofty diction.

My mom would ask me to define a word, one which I usually had never seen in my life, and when I admitted I did not know it, she would grimace, as if in disbelief that for all the hours I spend at school learning how the alphabet, I did not know words found on tax forms.

I began to view my knowledge of English as a burden, increasing my responsibilities and making me feel incompetent.

But my parents were not at fault. I was the one who knew the most English in my family; I was the one receiving a formal education in English. There was no one else they could ask for help.

Because I was receiving a formal education in English, my parents assumed I would be able to translate phrases such as “Tax Relief Reconciliation Act,” or “financial policies,” with which accountants or lawyers are familiar, but not kids in elementary school.

The language barrier oppressed them; they could not defend themselves against the bank statements and IRS

letters, especially when they made so little money.When I began writing, finding the precise words that

would articulate my ideas should have been difficult, and weaving sentences should have taken me ages to become comfortable with yet it felt natural.

While I can attribute this ease to reading stacks and stack of books, I owe a lot to trying to find words I could easily substitute in Spanish, and my knowing two languages gave me leverage in learning the vocabulary words that descended upon us during high school.

Sometimes, the most grueling, tedious tasks, that seem to never provide any reward, end up enhancing our abilities the most.

Consider all the effort and time put forth; if something is accomplished without any sacrifice, it is not conditioning nor changing any aspect of character. The experience dissolves from the mind and body, leaving no evidence or progress, but fervent emotions and callouses.

Hence, as this year is nearing its conclusion, there may be lingering resentment or frustration due to difficult situations or pressing responsibilities, but know that these skills are building s up; just as canyons and mountains achieve their grandeur through erosion and fierce weather, the flourishing of an individual is a process.

Found in Translation

Santa’s list of fun activities

Grand Central Market

Ice Skating at LA LIVE

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Enjoy a variety of flavors and cuisine at L.A.’s Grand Central Market. With almost 100 years of fine culinary history, the Grand Central Market offers

eateries that represent the area. Containing 30,000 square feet, exquisite vendors such as The Oyster Gourmet with

fresh shellfish based entrees and Horse Thief BBQ and their 15-hour smoked brisket are iconic to the Grand Central Market.

The Grand Central Market is located with entrances at 317 S. Broadway and 314 S. Hill Street in Downtown L.A. Prices vary with each vendor; however, $15 - $20 is a suggested amount to bring per person.

The market is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays to Wednesdays and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays to Saturdays. The Grand Central Market will be closed on

Until Jan. 1, experience ice skating at LA LIVE’s Kings Holiday Ice. While general admission, which covers ice skate rentals, is $13 per session, children

under the age of 7 enter for $7 while seniors and those in the military can enter for $8. The ice rink is open every day from 3-11:30 p.m., with a total of three sessions.

Readmission is required for each session, with sessions ending at 7 and 9:30. LA LIVE offers “Supper & Skate” for those looking for a meal with their experience.

Adult admission is $30 while children’s admission is $20. “Supper & Skate” includes a prix-fixe dinner at one of the following sit-down restaurants: Lawry’s Carvery, Rock’N Fish or Trader Vic’s.

Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) to enjoy the offered art, movies and tours through exhibits.

While movies and music exhibits have limited viewing periods, family exhibits and tours are offered regularly, with new attractions opening as the break continues.

LACMA exhibits are offered year-round and available upon paying the appropriate fee. Special tours and exhibits require an additional price upon entry.

While regular admission is priced at $15 for adults, seniors and students with IDs, students under the age of 17, LACMA members and LA county residents enter for free.

LACMA will be closed on all holidays throughout the season.

MATTHEW BAHK

Local Events: Before noon, the Montebello AMC 10 offers all shows for $6.50. “A Spiderman Christmas” will be shown at Mosaic Lizard Theater on 112 W. Main Street until Dec 28. Admission is $15 for adults and 12$ for children ; visit lizardtheater.com for more information.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GRANDCENTRALMARKET.COM, LALIVE.COM & LACMA.ORG

ENTERTAINMENT

December 19, 2014schurrscroll.com10

BY BENJAMIN GEECopy Editor

Angelina Jolie directs and produces “Unbroken,” a tale of human strength and perseverance during World War II that will be in theaters beginning Dec. 25.

Jolie, Academy Award winning actress, brings to moviegoers her first big studio film as a director. Based on the 2010 book Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand, Jolie dedicates the film to the life of Louis Zamperini, played by Jack O’Connell, an Olympic athlete, World War II hero and prisoner-of-war camp survivor.

Jolie became close friends with Zamperini during the making of the film and has shown great enthusiasm for its release, which is evident in her interview on the TODAY show February.

“[I feel] such a huge responsibility to get it right, because I love him [Zamperini] so much, and because he’s helped me so much in my life,” said Jolie. “I want to be able to say it can seem dark and it can seem hopeless and it can seem very overwhelming, but the resilience and the strength of the human spirit is an extraordinary thing.”

The film dramatizes for audiences the power of human determination. Zamperini grows up as a victim of bullying, but with hard work he becomes an Olympic champion. However, a plane crash during World War II leaves him stranded on a raft in the Pacific Ocean for 47 days with airman Russell Allen “Phil” Phillips, played by Domhnall

Gleeson, and Francis “Mac” McNamara, played by Finn Wittrock. The perilous journey continues when the crew is thrown into a prisoner-of-war camp and forced to endure extreme adversities to survive.

Moviegoers will be dazzled by the film’s fine cinematography by Oscar winner Roger Deakins. He previously won Best Achievement in Cinematography for the film “Prisoners.”

Critics have already begun noticing “Unbroken” as a potential Oscar winner, according to Huffington Post Movie Critic Matthew Jacobs.

The film has also encouraged many to share their own stories. On the movie-sponsored site, iamunbroken.com, users are sharing their stories, featuring motifs of overcoming opposition, battling diseases and surviving calamity, with the tag “#IAmUnbroken.”

The message of “Unbroken” is to never give up. It showcases a “nobody” who worked to become a champion; even when Zamperini gets knocked down, he still keeps striving towards his goals and pushing through all that stands in his way. In his story of breaking barriers, audiences will be truely inspired to stand against their own opposition, regardless of its form.

BY KAYLA SISONEntertainment Editor

Signaling the start of the holiday season, Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts began revealing new, festive beverages for their winter menus in late fall.

“My favorite holiday drink is the Caramel Brûlée from Starbucks

because it tastes special,” said junior Karina Castillo, a regular Starbucks customer. “It makes me feel the warmth of the holidays.”

Starbucks now offers the Chestnut Praline Latte, its first new holiday drink in five years.

According to starbucks.com, the new drink is a blend of fresh espresso and flavors of caramelized chestnuts with freshly steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs.

Just as their Pumpkin Spice Latte contains no actual pumpkin, there are no pralines (sugar-coated pecans) or chestnuts of any kinds in the new Chestnut Praline Latte. Starbucks aims to satisfy more customers by allowing those with nut allergies to enjoy the drink without any health risks.

“The Chestnut Praline Latte tastes like a sickly sweet liquefied gingerbread cookie,” said junior Nicolas Lopez, another regular Starbucks customer. “Those with a sweet-tooth would enjoy it.”

Like all Starbucks espresso beverages, the Chestnut Praline Latte can be customized and is available hot or cold. According to starbucks.com, the grande Chestnut Praline Latte contains 330

calories, which is about 50 calories less than the Pumpkin Spice Latte.

The latte joins returning favorites such as the Peppermint Mocha, the Gingerbread Latte and the Caramel Brûlée Latte.

Dunkin’ Donuts also unveiled two new holiday beverages, the Snickerdoodle Cookie Latte and the Sugar Cookie Latte. Returning are the Peppermint Mocha coffees and lattes, which combine cool peppermint flavor with rich chocolate.

“The Sugar Cookie Latte was tasty and went well with [Dunkin’ Donuts’] glazed donuts, but it didn’t really give me the sugar cookie flavor I was looking for,” said Tan Lu, senior.

Starbuck’s 16 fl. oz., or grande, Chestnut Praline Latte is $3.95, while equally sized versions of the Cookie Latte and Snickerdoodle Latte cost $2.79.

The nearest Dunkin’ Donuts opened in September at 9070 Firestone Boulevard in Downey, and at 14215 Whittier Blvd., Whittier, on Dec. 9.

According to statista.com, Starbucks is the biggest coffee chain worldwide, with 19,767 stores worldwide in 2013; Dunkin’ Donuts is the second largest, with 10,858 stores worldwide.

The owners of Dunkin’ Donuts stores are hoping that the success of last year’s drinks, the Red Velvet Latte and the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, will be repeated this year. The owners of Starbucks stores hope their new Chestnut Praline Latte can prove as popular as their fall Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Limited edition holiday drinks have become a tradition at various coffee shops; with new beverages from Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts, the trend continues to spread joy.

Jolie’s ‘Unbroken’ to inspire, impress

It is beginning to look a ‘latte’ like Christmas

KERRY MULIA & KAYLA SISON

PHOTOS COURTESTY OF UNIVERSALGROUND-BREAKING: Angelina Jolie directs ‘Unbroken,’ drawing inspiration from Olympic runner and World War II survivor Louis Zamperini (BOTTOM), who is portrayed by actor Jack O’Connell (TOP).

STEP 1: With scissors, cut the CD into various small shapes and sizes, being careful not to cut oneself. (Use sharp scissors but be cautious.)

STEP 2: With the hot glue gun, apply a dot of glue onto the ornament and paste on one of the CD pieces with the shiny side facing up.

STEP 3: Continue to glue the remaining pieces of the CD onto the ornament until it is fully covered.

Start off with old CDs, an old Christmas ornament, a hot glue gun and a pair of scissors.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DUNKINDONUTS.COM & STARBUCKS.COMSUPER-SWEET: Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts brew a variety of new festive lattes for the cold weather, adding to the holiday feeling.

Decorative DIY: CD Ornament

SPORTS

December 19, 2014 11NATHAN PHAN

Grapplers find success beginning preseason

BY NOHELI SIGALAReporter

As a new season starts, the grapplers prepare to show their rising potential at the Downey Individual Tournament Dec. 19.

The Spartans have had a long list of victories, starting with the forfeited meet against the San Gabriel Matadors Dec. 17. The grapplers won with against the Bell Eagles Dec. 10; JV won36-18, and varsity won 49-21. At their first dual meetDec. 4, the Spartans won against the Whittier Cardinals with scores of 48-15 and 45-36, for varsity and JV, respectively.

“I feel pretty good; this would be my first season being a head coach and I’m beginning to learn about them [the team],” said Coach Caleb Smith. “We’ve come a long way, and yet we still have a lot to work out. I’m looking forward to a great season with them.”

The Downey Duals Tournament Dec. 6 consisted of five rounds, in which each division competed. Out of the five rounds, varsity won two and lost three.

“This season, the girls have three returners and three rookies,” stated Coach Jay Valencia. “It’s kind of early to tell [how the team will do], but I feel we’ll be strong and I suspect a good year.”

As the pressure of competition arises, the grapplers build their strength to be able to conquer their rivals on the mats. Each dual meet and tournament before league competition will give the Spartans time to build their skills.

“I believe the team is capable of winning league again. The team is new and fresh and they have proved that they are ready to take on the challenge and fight,” said junior David Torres.

CECILIA WUPERFECTING THEIR MOVES: Senior grappler Sydney Valencia holds Jennifer Lopez to the mat during practice before their upcoming match.

BRANDON CHANG

READY SET GO: Varsity harriers Scott Valencia, Owen Escamilla and Mathew Aldape dash ahead from the start line in their league finals race at Legg Lake Nov. 7

Harriers win third consecutive league titleBY ERIC GUZMAN & NOHELI SIGALANews Co-Editor & Reporter

With a third league championship under their belts, the top nine cross country varsity boys and girls advanced to CIF, where they concluded their successful season.

The CIF championship was held Nov. 15 at Mount San Antonio College, where the Spartans competed against higher division schools.

Nine varsity runners and two alternates were chosen to compete. Runners Thomas Browning, Lizbeth Cano, Ricardo Cano, Owen Escamilla , Alexis Garfias, Josue Gutierrez, Genesis Medina, Gabrielle Mendoza, Nikkol Ortiz, Arturo Rivera, Ismael Sotelo, Gabrielle Trenado and alternates Eric Guzman, Scott Valencia Iris Nuñez and Paloma Torres competed in CIF. The boys placed 14th out of 20 teams.

“At CIF we realized that we have a lot of work to do against the higher

level teams,” said Josue Guitierrez, a sophomore. “We hope that next year we come back with a stronger team.”

The harriers were successful in season, winning Almont League Championships in all six divisions. While the varsity and frosh/soph girls won their third title, the varsity, frosh/soph boys and JV girls all won their fourth championship Nov. 7.

“I’m very proud of the team because everyone really stepped it up this year,” said Arturo Rivera, a junior. “I think sweeping all six divisions says a lot about how much persistence and dedication the team had as a whole.”

The most athletes in the school history ran times under 16 minutes. Boys who break 16 minutes get the Prefontaine Award, while girls who break 20 minutes get the Laura Decker Award.

“The team did significantly well,” said Alexis Garfias, a senior. “Their performance was outstanding, and it was an honor to be part of such successful group of athletes. Together as one, we are a true team.”

Strikers kick for early successBY STEPHANIE TOROSIAN & TIFFANY NGOSpectrum Editor in Chief & Photographer

Hoping to maintain their winning streak, the girls varsity strikers will have a two-week lapse during winter break until their next game at El Rancho Jan. 7.

Currently, the varsity strikers hold an undefeated preseason record of 5-0.

The Spartans played the Temple City Rams yesterday, but scores were unavailable at press time.

Facing two consecutive games, the lady strikers beat both the South Pasadena Tigers Dec. 16 and the Whittier Cardinals Dec. 15, with scores of 2-0 and 4-0, respectively. The Spartans played aggressively on offense to create a fast pace and scored successfully.

“Ending league really well last season gave the girls motivation to start well, and not wait until the competition gets tough,” said Varsity Coach Liz Oyarzabal. “The mindset is showing, because we’ve had really good success in games so far.”

The Spartans defeated the Burroughs Indians Dec. 10, scoring two goals in the second half to end the game 2-0.

The Strikers also dominated the Northview Vikings Dec. 9, adding a 7-0 victory to their preseason record. Christina Vital scored a hat trick, making three of the seven goals.

Working to improve their record of 2-3, the JV strikers faced the South Pasadena Tigers Dec. 16, but fell in a 3-1 loss.

Following a 6-0 loss against the Burroughs Indians Dec. 10, the JV team beat the Whittier Cardinals, 1-0.

The JV strikers found success Dec. 9against the Northview Vikings, dominating the team, 6-0.

Using preseason to gain experience for league, the varsity boys strikers will be participating in the North Orange County

Classic Tournament Dec. 20-23. They currently hold a preseason record of 2-1.

The strikers faced El Rancho yesterday, but scores were unavailable at press time.

“We are like a brand new car,” said Coach Tomas Haynes. “We have to break it in a little bit. We have to figure out how it turns and when to put on the gas and let it go.”

The varsity strikers fought hard Dec. 11 against the South Pasadena Tigers, but lost, 1-0. They dominated the Temple City Rams, 7-0, Dec. 16.

The JV strikers have a preseason record of 0-2-1. They defeated the Tigers, 4-1, and the Rams, 9-0, Dec. 11 and Dec. 16, respectively.

STEPHANIE TOROSIANUSE THE BODY: Freshman striker Grace Cervantes pressures her Whittier opponent to gain possession of the ball Dec.15.

SPORTS

December 19, 2014schurrscroll.com12

Pruitt finishes last season undefeated

BY MARIAH LINSchurr Scroll Editor in Chief

Concluding their season with a league record of 4-0 and an overall record of 11-0, the freshman gridders made school history by becoming the first team to remain undefeated during a season.

The gridders’ tenacity and hard work paid off this season as they finished first in Almont League, according to corner Michael Torres.

“As a team, we are really proud of the way we played this season,” said Torres. “Since it was Coach [Ron] Pruitt’s last season, we wanted to make it one to remember—and we succeeded.”

Head Coach Pruitt has been a presence here on campus

since 1977. He currently teaches history and psychology. He will officially retire from his teaching duties and position as head coach at the end of the school year.

Pruitt has been a great influence on campus for students both in the classroom and on the field, according to various faculty and staff .

“It has been a great pleasure working and getting to know Coach Pruitt during our years here,” said Senior Office Assistant Martha Rosales. “His greatest quality is his patience and dedication to his students and players. He teaches his students not only the fundamentals of lessons in the classroom and on the football field; he teaches life lessons.

The gridders’ last win of the season came against the La

Puente Warriors Nov. 6, with a blowout score of 48-0. Starting the game with a strong offensive momentum, the Spartans finished the first quarter with a 21-0 lead. In the second quarter, the gridders extended their lead to 48-0. They kept the Warriors scoreless for the rest of the game.

“It felt really great to be able to finish the season undefeated, especially since it was Coach Pruitt’s last season as football coach,” said Miguel Vital, starting running back. “At the beginning of our season, we were determined to play our best, but we didn’t think we would make it this far.”

The freshman gridders dominated against

the Alhambra Moors Oct. 30. Both teams started strong, trading touchdowns. However, in the second quarter, the Spartans began to pull away, increasing their lead 33-8. After scoring a touchdown in the third quarter, the Spartans sealed their win with a final score of 40-14.

The freshman gridders also defeated the Bell Gardens Lancers Oct. 23 and San Gabriel Matadors Oct. 16 with scores of 48-8 and 49-0, respectively.

Former and current students and players can vote for Pruitt for the 2015 Double-Goal Coach Award, presented by TeamSNAP and promoted by maxpreps.com. More information is available at schurrscroll.com.

PHOTOS BY JAIMIE HSUA FRESH FINISH: (TOP) Coach Pruitt gives instructions to team. (BOTTOM)Freshman Antonio Arregui dashes for yards, Nov. 6.

BY JAIMIE HSU & EVELYN WONGPhotographer & Copy Editor

Looking to improve their preseason record, the varsity cagerettes will play in the Las Vegas Tournament Dec. 27.

The Spartans played against the South Hills Huskies in an away game Dec. 17, but scores were not available at press time.

The team faced the Whittier Cardinals in a previous away game Dec. 15, and maintained a lead in all four quarters. They won with a final score of 59-45.

“Our players are very cohesive,”said varsity Head Coach Paul Chavez,“so I am very excited for the upcoming season.”

In the Fountain Valley Tournament, the team faced Western High School Dec. 12 and won, 56-11. The Spartans also defeated San Juan Hills High School Dec. 11, 44-36.

In the same tournament, the cagerettes suffered a 61-33 loss against Orange Lutheran High Dec. 10 and were defeated by Cerritos High, 55-43, Dec. 8.

Beginning their preseason games, the cagerettes faced California High School Dec. 4, away, and won with a score of 57-27.

The team were also victorious against Baldwin Park, 54-33, in another away game Dec. 2.

With a preseason record of 3-5, the JV cagerettes look forward to playing in the Glendora Tournament Dec. 26-29.

The Spartans played against the South Hills Huskies Dec. 17, away, but scores were not available at press time.

The cagerettes suffered a loss to the Cardinals in an away game Dec. 15. By the end of the first half, they trailed 20-13. The final score was 47-29.

“We have good days and bad, but I love the team we have because we get along so well,”said sophomore Samantha Ruiz.

Facing California High School in a preseason game Dec. 9, the Spartans defeated the Condors, 34-30.

The team placed fifth in the Ayala Tournament Dec. 4-6.They won their last game Dec. 6 against Los Altos, 60-18.

The Spartans played against the Baldwin Park Braves Dec. 2, away, winning with a score of 54-31.

With a preseason record of 7-2, the frosh/soph cagerettes faced the Whittier Cardinals Dec. 15 and won, 23-18.

The team lost to the California High School Condors Dec. 9, with a score of 29-25. They competed in the Burbank Tournament Dec. 3-5, placing second.

They lost to the San Marino Titans Dec. 5 with a score of 43-23 but were victorious against the Hoover Cardinals Dec. 4 and the Burbank Bulldogs Dec. 3, 32-16 and 32-27, respectively.

“There is always great team effort,”said frosh/soph Coach Derek Wong, “A lot of the players have sacrificed their personal values to get the team to its ultimate goal, and for that I am proud.”

BY ERICA SUH & KERRY MULIASports Co-Editors & Photo Editor

Hoping to better their current preseason record of 4-4, the varsity cagers will play the Condors at Cal High tonight at 7:15 p.m.

The Spartans participated in the El Rancho Tournament Dec. 10-13. They went 2-2 overall. The team played the Summit High Skyhawks Dec. 13, losing 61-55.

Throughout the first quarter, the cagers trailed the Sky hawks, 24-9. They hustled during second quarter and closed the lead, 42-33.

However, the varsity team came up short during the second half, losing the game. Junior Pablo Lopez scored 19 points, while junior Kyle Mangubat followed closely behind with 13 points.

The Spartans played against the Huntington Park Spartans Dec. 12, winning 54-50. They also won against the Warren Bears Dec. 11, 56-51. The boys lost their first game of the tournament to the George Washington Generals Dec. 10, 71-53.

With a current preseason record of 1-2, the

JV cagers will participate in the Don Bosco Tech Tournament Dec. 26-30.

The Spartans will face the Cal High Condors away today at 5:15 p.m.

The JV cagers took part in the Ayala Tournament Dec. 8-13. The team played against the Ayala Bulldogs Dec. 13, winning 59-51. They lost to the Glendora Tartans and the Chino Hills Huskies, 65-54 and 59-38, respectively.

“My goal for this season is to do whatever it takes to help my team win games,” said junior Christopher Tisuthiwongse, “whether it be on the defensive or offensive side.”

Using their preseason games to help them gain experience for the upcoming season, the frosh/soph cagers will participate in the Pioneer Tournament Dec. 26-30.

The team recently faced the Norwalk Lancers Dec. 9, winning 56-29.

“ I want to accomplish a lot of things, but one thing that is most important is league championships for my team,” said sophomore Domonick Castro. “I want to go to CIF playoffs next season.”

Cagerettes fight through preseason

JAIMIE HSUDRIVING IN FOR THE SHOT: Junior Alicia Aguirre drives hard into the paint, passing her defenders, to score an overhand lay up in a game against the Whitter Cardinals Dec. 15.

Cagers seek to improve standings

GETTING AIR TIME: Junior Omar Campos dunks over junior Jimmy Padilla at practice, while junior Kyle Mangubat observes.

BRANDON CHANG