Winter 2016

Winter2016

As the temperature drops, and we reach for fluffy blankets and steaming mugs for comfort, we hope you also experience this time surrounding the winter solstice as a period of solace. In the everyday chaos, in times of conflict and uncertainty, in hardship and need, it is easy to forget what's truly important, and it's difficult to see the positives in seemingly endless universe of negative. But it is also when the skies are darkest that the stars shine brightest. Take this time to find those stars - those guiding points of light in your life - and center yourself. And if you know someone who can't see the lights in their life, help them find it. Take time for self-reflection & contemplation about what is most important to you, and then honor yourself through a commitment to what - and who - matters to you. Be good to yourself. Be kind to those around you. We'll see you in the new year...

"We rise by lifting others." ~Robert Ingersoll

"Winning in general is pretty awesome."

Jenasis Yarrell: CCC Champion

By: Basketball Blonde

“I was a little worried because it was getting close and I didn't want her to come back and win. I tried to keep my cool as much as I could, so that I could finish out the match.” Those were thoughts running through Jenasis Yarrell’s head as she played the final match that decided if she won the CCC on her own as a freshman or not. She was anxious, but determined, and that’s what set her apart from all the other competitors at hand. When asked what it felt like the moment she won it all, she says, “ I was really excited because this was my first time being on a team in high school and winning.” She continues to add, “ Winning for a team is pretty awesome. Winning in general is pretty awesome.”

Jenasis is a freshman on a junior and senior team. That means bigger, stronger, and older players. But even with all those challenges, it doesn’t affect her all too much. Why? She’s done it her whole life. She laughs, “ I’ve always been that little kid on the court with those big giants!”

Yarrell believes that tennis can be a challenging sport, but mainly for those who haven’t been playing it very long. But even for those very familiar with it such as herself, there are still challenges. She feels that when you’re on the court, you’re “going through so many different emotions.” She describes, “You’re by yourself and alone with your thoughts. You don’t have a team you could talk to. It’s a very independent sport.” Jenesis has felt that “alone feeling” a lot this year. When asked what challenge she had to endure in the season, she replies, “ I think the hardest challenge was being away from my mom and not having my family coming to my matches because my mom is in Canada and my dad is working a lot.” She continues to say she overcame that lonely feeling from the support of her team, friends, and coaches.

Yarrell may have won the CCC this year, but there is always a future to work hard for. Jenasis says the main strategy she uses during a match is outsmarting her opponent. As far as trying to claim champion again next year, she says, “I’ll definitely be practicing off-season and try to play tournaments outside of high school tennis.” She’s been playing for eleven years now and has definitely had a big influence in choosing tennis at an early age. She states, “ My dad is my influence because he played tennis as a kid, in college, and professionally. He introduced it into my life since I was in the womb!” Jenasis has always looked up to Serena Williams also, a 35-year-old professional tennis player. Yarrell explains that Williams grew up from a really rough childhood and her dad taught her too. Serena ended up being number one in the world! As far as any advice for other players looking to join tennis? She says, “I’d say just don’t be afraid to try it because it may look boring or difficult but it’s pretty fun. You might end up enjoying it, you might not, but to each their own.”

Playing Sports in College: Is It Possible or Not?

By: Basketball Blonde

Playing sports in college is a considerable opportunity. It can be a chance for a student to go to college and have fun. But what does it take to ensure that option for your future? There are many different requirements including dedication, determination, and hard work. Two student athletes who exemplify these traits are Braiden Ward - who recently received a baseball scholarship to the University of Washington, and Sai Davuluri - who earned admittance into Dartmouth University, also via baseball. Scoring such accomplishments is definitely possible, as long as we do it right.

The future seems bright for Braiden and Sai as they will be entering the doors of their new colleges next fall. Ward describes his feeling the moment he got an offer as “on top of the world.” He admits, “I could not stop smiling,” and that he had wanted to start at the university the very next day. Davuluri says it was “one of the best moments of my life,” and he was thrilled to have the outcome he had been dreaming about for so long. But just how did these talented athletes get to this point?

Unfortunately, according to U.S. News, the number of athletic scholarships given out each year is roughly 138,000. And even if people don’t get a scholarship, the admittance is miniscule. So what did Braiden and Sai do to cross that ultimate finish line?

Ward describes his story as a long list of contacts. He says he had a coach that had a contact who decided to come and see him play. He was eventually able to receive two offers, one from UC Berkeley, and one from UW. That is one key to having a chance at an opportunity like this. You must stay connected. There are many different ways to do this including uploading a video on YouTube and contacting the schools you want to go to.

Sai received four offers his junior year. He primarily wanted to find a college that met his academic needs, but also had a good atmosphere. He decided to choose Dartmouth, even though it’s an Ivy League school (no scholarship offered) because it’s a great school and evokes an amazing feeling. Both boys wanted to feel at home in the college of their choosing. That’s another tip when it comes time to decide: You must weigh all of your options.

With the number of admissions being so small, and the pool of athletes being so big, it’s hard to stand out. Players have to have a special quality that others won’t have. When asked what Braiden thinks sets him apart, he says, “My hard work and training I made throughout the years put me above the average player, but my speed set me apart from everyone.” Davuluri had a disadvantage with being shorter than the other pitchers. That didn’t stop him though. He says what makes him stand out is being able to hold composure on the mound and his ability to throw many strike-outs. Being outstanding is hard to do, especially when you have to juggle so many different obligations like school and extracurriculars. Braiden tries to get help from friends and finish work at school, so he can practice later. Sai exclaims it comes naturally to him. He says, “I am lucky enough to have great parents who have always told me school before sports.”

Playing a sport in college requires a certain mental mindset. At least, that’s what both boys believe. You must be able to, as Sai says, “attack every workout and class with intensity and confidence.” Braiden also believes that “you have a lot of failure before you can achieve success.” It may be hard, but it’s definitely worth it in the end.

One key to success, according to Athnet, is to participate in many tournaments and college-run camps. Another? Get noticed. If you follow all these tips and try your best, you can be as excited as Sai is, or as ready as Braiden. Both of the boys want to give some advice. Ward says, “Go to camps and tournaments with college scouts. You need to get noticed. Once you get noticed, and get your first offer, other offers will be on the way because coaches talk.” Davuluri advises, “Be realistic in your goals, and don’t let other people's actions influence your decisions because it plays a large part in someday playing in college. Everyone eventually finds their right fit.” So try your best and never give up on your dreams. Until then, “Go Dawgs” and #GoBigGreen!

For additional information on college athletics and scholarships, check out the following additional resources:

Review by: Hannah & Helena Her

Madison Mitchell (Cinderella),

Kayla Medina (Stepmother)

As I walked into the dressing/rehearsal room at approximately 6:10 PM, a relative calm was settled in the room despite the nervous tension one would expect in a room full of eager actors less than an hour away from their big show. Various cosmetics were scattered along the counter as many of the boys sat to get their makeup done by their fellow female actors. There were scattered conversations around the room as they prepared for their second performance of Cinderella. At 7:15, the doors opened, and a steady stream of family members and friends began to flow through the door. Patrick Kincaid, the director, and Cecilia Medina, the stage manager, introduced the production. the lights went off, and the show was on.

Brieanna Flores, Grace Reyes, Lindsey Chastain, Cossette Asenjo (front), Abby Samuelson, Baylor Browning, Caya Bellusci

Madison “Maddie” Mitchell, who played the lead role and namesake of the play, Cinderella, brought her character to life with her never-expressionless face and always clear, enunciated voice. Her leading man - “Prince Christopher Rupert Windmehr Lademehr Carl Alexander Francois Regional Lansalot Herman”- was personated by Noel DeMelo, a freshman, who truly hit the mark in his execution of the prince with his perfectly-gelled hair and spotless vocals. The role of the Fairy Godmother was gender swapped [Godfather] and performed by Baylor Browning, who nearly stole the show as soon as he walked out. His background in ballet was prevalent with his twirls and jumps (during his duet with Maddie/Cinderella, in “Impossible”) - but made to look very easy. Kayla Medina portrayed the Evil Stepmother almost frighteningly perfectly - her constant looks of disgust toward Cinderella and her chilling temperament sent shivers through the audience. Two surprising standouts were Julianna Butler and Suvachira (Sasha) Tilakamonkul, who played the parts of Portia and Joy, the package-deal (stepsisters) that came with Cinderella’s stepmother, and provided flawless comedic relief, as well as even more anguish for Cinderella. Cossette Asenjo - another freshman among the many who gave their part to the production - played Lucille, a member of the Royal Highness’s court, and never missed a note in song. Lest we not forget the amazing ensemble that danced and sung cheerfully through numbers such as “The Prince Is Giving A Ball” - which, in my opinion, was the most enjoyable song - livening the stage and filling the air with warm Christmas spirit.

Selena Spangler, Lina Bellusci, Suvachira (Sasha) Tilakamonkul

**There are still three shows remaining: December 16th and 17th (both at 7:00 PM) and December 18 (at 2:00 PM). Cinderella takes place in the ECHS theater and tickets are only $5 with a student ID card!**

Hayley Whitten carefully applying eyeliner on Adam Lor’s lids

Aiyana Resendez lacing up Suvachira (Sasha) Tilakamonkul’s intricate dress

Ariella Sotelo and Lindsey Chastain getting ready for the show

El Capitan Drama Presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella

Brought to You By: JinglePringle & Hailsorm

Procrastinated on buying that special someone a gift? Do you need a quick and hilarious gift ideas? Well, keep reading, because we’ve come up with some hilariously witty and hysterical ideas!

If you’re anything like me, I continuously lose my earphones and go through a couple of pairs every year, so why not purchase a pair of Beats Headphones. Grab a headband and two cans of beets and attach with tape! They’ll definitely come in handy, especially if you get hungry...

Everyone loves puns, and you’ve probably heard of the saying When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Well, why not make it a reality? Creativity is encouraged, but you can grab a Quaker Life cereal box, or maybe the board game, Game of Life, fill it with lemons and maybe even include a lemonade recipe! Bam, it’s been brought to life!

Snowmen have never looked so cool! Grab a roll of toilet paper, attach some googly eyes and an orange triangle of paper, and bam you have yourself a fine looking snowman.

Why not make a holiday gram? You might even make money off of them!

The reverse gift. Have you ever received a cool toy that needed batteries, so you couldn’t use it? Well, why not just give them the battery instead, place it in a bag labeled “Gift Not Included.”

Feeling incredibly lazy? Already got to your family’s house with no gift? Well, just steal the candy canes off the tree and hand them out! The kids won’t notice a thing!

Re-gifting never felt so right. We’ve all received those ridiculously lame gifts that we just don’t have any use for, so why not give it away? They do say, One Man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas:

Another play on words that is especially easy! Grab a small cardboard box, and write out the letter “X” on it. Xbox. Get it?! Hah! Your brother will love it, probably won’t even notice the difference!

Do you even lift bro? Well, why not place a couple of Q-Tips in a bag and label it “Beginner’s Weights.”

My parents used to tell me homemade gifts were always the best, so why should your friends think otherwise? This is where your awesome artistic skills come in, even if that means stick figures and tracing!

Dec. the Halls!

Now that you have your gifts situated, you need to spice up your house with some simple decoration ideas! And don’t you worry, because yet again, we have you covered! These realistic and extremely cheap decorations will fill the void, and will surely lighten up your house and leave your friends astounded!

Do your fireplace or walls look a little empty? No problem! Simply grab a needle and thread, pop some popcorn and slide the thread on through them. Go on and hang them wherever you like, and with the extra popcorn, you have a delicious snack! Yum!

Can’t afford one of those fancy schmancy Christmas trees? That’s all right! Cha-Cha-Cha-Chia Pets! There are a variety of Chia Pets you can choose from, including Donald Trump, or even Shrek! They’re perfect substitutes for Christmas Trees!

Sadly the Valley doesn’t get much snow -but there’s a way to get your own! You can scatter around crushed ice! These city folk can’t tell the difference!

Instead of Christmas sculptures or any other Christmas-like decorations, why not place stuffed animals or any other items you have laying around in your bedroom? Who said Christmas had to revolve around Rudolph or Frosty the Snowman?

Is your room looking dull? Throw some glitter around, it livens up the area! Just don’t tell your parents, you may get stuck cleaning it up!