Girls Tennis swings into season, page 6

Superheroes unite, pages 4 and 5

Dragons Tale
parel for the first of five dressup days. The fun continued on for Mathletes vs. Athletes Day, followed by Decades Day. Students paraded their Noma pride on Thursday and ended the week in their respective class t-shirts. With this years theme of superheroes, each class chose a separate saga to artistically portray on their float. Freshman selected Spiderman, sophomores chose Captain America, juniors had Iron Man, and the senior class elected Batman. While each class put in dozens of hours of effort in painting, cutting, and decorating their float, it was the senior class that ultimately claimed the first place prized after the exposition during half time at Friday nights football game. Students school spirit peaked on Thursday during the rally, during which fall sports team performed their original dance routines and homecoming candidates participated in a series of activities, from dodge ball to makeovers. The rally is always my favorite event, because the whole

Football dominates, page 7

Rockin Rally, pages 4 and 5

October 2012 - Volume 22 -Issue 2 - Sonoma Valley High School Ms. Hawing Homecoming sweeps through SVHS appointed By Grace Bon Vice This years homecoming week began with an explosion Principal of color as students donned their wackiest and tackiest ap-

By Javia Headley Mrs. Hawing is a familiar face on campus - as head of the college and career center she guides countless students through the college admissions process every year; and now shes SVHSs newest principle. As VP Mrs. Hawing faces a plethora of new responsibilities: taking disciplinary action, overseeing freshman team, and countless other administration duties. Mrs. Hawing, more so than anyone, is ready for these responsibilities; when asked about the school and her duties therein Mrs. Hawing smilingly commented, There are a lot of things I love about this school, and a lot of things I want to do for it. Above all Mrs. Hawing says she especially enjoys her duties as director of the College and Career Center, where she and other staff members aid students in pursuing educational and career opportunities. Over the course of her years at SVHS, Ms. Hawing has succeeded in forming relationships with countless students, due in large part to her willingness to help individuals and across all areas, both academic and personal. Maria Flores, a junior, who has been assisted by Ms. Hawing on a variety of occasions, believes the school could not have a better vice principal. She seeks for the greater good of the institution; shes always willing to help, and she has good leadership qualities, Flores noted.

Photo by Hannah Gropman Football players pump up the crowd at the plaza rally on Friday, October 5.

school comes together as one. You can tell everyone is really excited to be a Dragon, commented Jack Murphy, junior. A subsequent rally was held at the Plaza on Friday after students walked alongside their floats down Broadway to the amphitheater, where the homecoming candidates were further interviewed and the football team led the crowd in a spirited cheer. Later that evening, the SVHS varsity football team triumphed

over Piner with a 47-26 victory amid enthusiastic support from a packed stadium. Despite the j.v.s disappointing loss and the chilly temperatures, the crowds zeal was not dampened. During half-time, the homecoming candidates were paraded around the field in convertibles before the winners were announced - Halli Dobson and Pedro Napoles were awarded king and queen. The week came to a close as students packed the Boys

& Girls Club Saturday night for the anticipated homecoming dance sporting dresses and slacks for the semi-formal occasion. It was really exciting to finally be a senior during homecoming week, recounted Andrea Mendoza, senior. I was definitely more motivated to participate in all of the fun events because I knew it would be my last opportunity to do so.

Teen Truth brings anti-bullying assembly

By Jamie Ballard and Weston Updegraff As part of this years Tolerance Campaign, SVHS is working with Teen Truth, an organization that specializes in bringing multimedia assemblies and events to middle and high schools nationwide. Teen Truth offers presentations on a variety of topics, from drugs and alcohol to bullying and school violence. Filmmaker and Teen Truth representative Erahm Christopher spoke to students on Sept. 21, using both a studentcreated film and personal anecdotes to convey his message. The film was created over the course of one school year, and much of the footage was shot by high school students working with Teen Truth. Christopher explained, We sent 80 around, gossiped about, threatened, insulted, hurt physically, emotionally or mentally. Nearly every student stood up. However, he continued by asking students to raise their hands if they had ever bullied someone else. Once again, nearly every student stood up. After identifying the magnitude of the problem, Christopher asked students to be the change! You have the power to affect what happens on your campus, he emphasized. One of the tools being offered to students to help initiate change is the Teen Truth Plus program, which will arrive on campus Oct. 18 and 19. A group of selected students will be offered the opportunity to participate in the youth leadership program, which helps students to identify and combat issues on campus.

Photo by Jessica Marioni Speaker Erahm Christopher addresses students on Sept. 21

high school students into their schools with cameras and just asked them to film what they saw. The result was a video that showcased how deeply hurtful bullying can be. Footage from the students was combined with footage and statistics regarding school shootings over the past

decade, with a particular focus on Columbine. Following the video, Christopher spoke about his personal experiences with bullying, before turning the focus to the students. He asked people to stand up if youve ever been bullied - if youve been pushed

Opinion-Editorial

Photo by Laura Amador

Jamies Ballad
By Jamie Ballard As the college admissions game gets increasingly competitive, the nancial situation of many families gets increasingly worse. Expensive test prep courses and professional college counseling are currently being touted as the key to college admissions, forcing students to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars to give themselves the extra edge. Revolution Prep, a company that offers online test preparation for SAT, ACT, and AP tests, charges anywhere from $99 for an AP prep course to $3199 for 40 hours of private tutoring. The cost for an SAT prep course is between $399 and $599. Revolution Prep guarantees that if students follow their coursework, they will improve their SAT score. There are other students (well, lets be realistic - other parents) who hire college consultants or advisors. These advisors essentially assist students in nding their best t colleges, help with the essay-writing process, and generally guide students through the application process. While this may sound fantastic, there are certain drawbacks, such as the $950 price tag for a mere initial consultation. Following that, consultants charge roughly $400 an hour for their services, and most recommend at least 10 hours in order to comprehensively prepare the applications. Thats $4,950 dollars - nearly a years tuition at most of the CSUs. But there are many students who cannot afford such courses or consultations. There are students relying on free online practice tests, extensive individual research, or shockingly enough, their own knowledge. They seem to be doing just ne. These students who dont take AP prep courses are still passing the AP tests; these students who dont take $600 SAT courses are still doing well on the SAT; these students who dont shell out thousands of dollars for private consultants are still writing strong essays, meeting deadlines, and being accepted to topnotch schools. So the question remains: Why would anyone pay such exorbitant amounts for such services? Part of it may be attributed to the increasingly competitive world of college admissions students and parents are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their acceptance into a good school. This hyper-competitive environment also breeds fear of failure, leading people to pay expensive fees in the hopes of being equal with, or better than, ones peer group. However, while these classes and services may offer some advantage, it is indisputably not worth the cost, particularly considering the fact that we at SVHS have a College and Career Center. The staff at the College and Career Center will assist students in nding best-t colleges, help with the essaywriting process, and generally guide students through the application process. However, they will not charge you $4,950 to do so. Dragons Tale

Opinion-Editorial

Society splintering at the screen

By Arianna Maysonave Consumerism: its here, its there, its everywhere. Despite the wave of nancial woes that have left families pinching their pockets and cutting costs like never before, the success of multi-million dollar corporations has only further inated as faster, thinner, more physically desirable items hit store rooms, television ads, and pocketbooks with an impact far greater than that endured during times of economic afuence. Today, Apple is worth over half a trillion dollars; Target is worth nearly 65 billion, and Walmart is worth nearly 200 billion. How are these corporations thriving with 46 million Americans relying on food stamps simply to meet their fundamental needs? The answer is planned obsolescence--a business strategy in which the obsolescence of a product is planned into its conception. Although these 46 million struggling inhabitants and many more below the basic poverty line may not be indulging in new iPhone 5s this fall, there are at least 5 million who eagerly acquired their new device in the rst weekend following its release. A longer, leaner screen, a lighter physique, a faster processor, a more rened camera--the iPhone 5 is everything society could possibly need, right? Though this generation continues the release trend of its predecessors, essentially intending to attract customers with a desirable array of new features, new charging port alterations point directly to the devious ideal of planned obsolescence. The new port size may have technological breakthrough, as there never seems to be a lull in advancement--a year from now the iPhone 6 will have customers eeing to stores and tossing their two hundred dollar device to the wind. Before the iPhone nearly no cellular devices lacked the option of a user replaceable battery, a feaUsers have two options: buy a new phone every year or so, or pay Apple $85 every year or so. Apple wins either way. This isnt simply planned obsolescence this is planned failure. Apple is making billions by selling hardware with a built-in death clock. The iPhone is designed to fail after 400 cycles, a death date conveniently coordinated with their annual release cycle. Its the rudiments of treadmill tactics--the release cycle sees customers happy with their purchase, but after one to two years screens shatter, hardware fails, and networking issues suggest investment in a more efcient tomorrow. Perfect timing, considering most cell phone companies offer a new, binding contract every two years! Theyve got us hooked from the inside out. Until society rebels against the system, this ceaseless stream of innovation will continue to indenitely tantalize the masses, draining their bank accounts in the ceaseless pursuit for the best.

its advantages, but it also means that every docking stand and case made previously is now obsolete. No amount of $30 adapters are going to help that. If technology design truly had the customers best interests in mind, exibility would be the name of the game. However, permanence is a rare gem in the whirlwind of

ture that encourages customers to replace rather than simply address the problem at hand. Apple defends themselves by claiming that you can always pay them to replace the battery. Thats true its $85, takes a week, and Apple will erase your phones memory during the procedure. Thats the only way.

By Arthur Morgan

Local competition, internationally

typical economist will tell you, these purchase habits have a tendency to follow a demographic long into the adult life. Businesses are hurting many are trying to compete with the Internet by offering in store discondition. Its called kindness. As clichd as it may sound, kindness is the only competition local businesses and grounded corporations can give online retailers. Local mom and pop stores will never beat the prices of online

I sometimes joke with my friends that I get a package at my door everyday. It could be true. Internet shopping is commanding more and more market share in our increasingly Internet-global world. Why wouldnt it? Free shipping, free returns, promotional codes, and usually no tax on a typical online order you can save upwards of 20 percent based upon an item-toitem comparison. Consumers arent blind online shopping is expected to increase by 15.8 percent this winter season, according to Internet retailer, upwards of 10 billion dollars. This news comes in the wake of recent studies that show sluggish increases in instore sales this holiday season. What does sluggish in-store sales mean for businesses? Is the local business dead? On a typical day I order off of websites from America, London, Tokyo, and Seoul thats Korea for you town-local shoppers. Sometimes, even if I know I can get the item in town I prefer going online and have the item shipped to me. Im not the only one sales online by teenagers is staggering. Compared to adults, teenagers are nearly twice as likely to purchase items online and as a

counts and tax-free promotions. The problem, however, is more deeply rooted than itemprice alone. Theres an ideology to online shopping that needs to be counteracted by more than economic analyses of market Page 3

retailers fundamentally online sellers are able to offer lower prices, because they often have less than ve times the overhead costs of a grounded business paying leases, employees, managers, etc.

This past week I went to my local bike shop; I had just ordered a bike online marked down from $1300 to $899 and needed it to be built up. After laughing with the employee, Travis, I was told he would make an effort to get the bike done by the end of the day so I could ride it that night. He said it would be difcult to t it in, but he would try. I got a call an hour before closing; my bike was ready. The nal bill - a $15 dollar discount and a smile on the receipt. That night I sat at my computer about to order a new bicycle helmet as I inputed my debit card I remembered the young employee, Traviss actions. I was buying a Specialized helmet; Sonoma Bike Shop is a Specialized authorized retailer. Closing my laptop I planned to go by and order my helmet the next day. Consciously and subconsciously a smile and a kind action can go a long way if retailers want to compete with the Internet for customers, theyre going to have to remind them what local businesses were established on human service to the customer something the Internet cant compete against. October 2012

A super Homecoming at SVHS

Feature

Speedos for the win

By Brooke Slack and Giana Monterosso Its a bird...its a plane...no, its boys in speedos! The crowd roared as the varsity water polo team made a splash during the 2012 Homecoming Rally. Weston Updegraff performed a solo in their exuberant dance to popular songs including Gangnam Style, Sexy and I Know It, and Candy Shop. Water polo stripped down to their swim briefs, disregarding previous announcements made about consequences for inappropriate behavior. The reaction from the crowd made it obvious as to which team won. Water polo was my favorite dance because of their outfits, recalled freshman Naomi Albertson. The other sports team also made appearances. Varsity football performed the single ladies dance mashup; varsity volleyball had special appearances from Connor Johnston, Rory Johnston, Mr. Gibson and Mr. Tucker. Girls soccer danced to a creative mash up of popular songs, and girls tennis recreated the Napoleon Dynamite dance. Cross country put a twist on the Lion King Circle of Life dance. This rally was better than last year because the crowd was much more into it, conveyed sophomore Sam Sondheim. After the sports teams danced in front of the entire school, the Homecoming candidates were called to the middle of the gym to participate in an activity involving makeovers. The senior couples rushed to apply blush, lipstick, and other various accessories to their partner. Rally emcees Rose Greenberg and Brennan Cole next called ten volunteers from the audience to compete against the candidates in a friendly game of dodgeball. After a few minutes of erce playing, the students from the crowd nished on top. Traditionally, ten varsity football players kneeled in a circle in the middle of the gym to form chairs for a game of musical chair. Once arranged in the middle of the gym, the emcees asked for nine girls from the crowd to participate. As each round continued, one girl and one football player were eliminated from the game until two girls and one boy remained. Seniors Elizabeth Biersch and Alexis Krouzkevitch battled for senior Justin McDonalds knee, with Krouzkevitch winning by a hair. To wrap up the excitement-lled rally, all grade levels chanted the traditional Sonoma cheer, each trying to cheer the loudest. With the help of Mr. Tucker, Mr. Gibson and a handy sound meter, they were able to determine the seniors as the class with the loudest cheer. One last Sonoma cheer by all the grade levels was heard throughout the gym to end the terrific Homecoming rally.

Heroes of Homecoming
By Ellen Angeloni and and Lindsey Jasperse SVHS students of all superhero sort- Spiderman, Captain America, Iron Man, and Batman, gathered together in the weeks last Homecoming festivitythe Dark Night dance. The event took place at the local Boys and Girls Club at 7 p.m. on Saturday evening. For the past few years, the Homecoming dance has taken place at this same location, and, while it seems that there is much resentment among the student body towards continuing to host it there, leadership student Barbara Hodgkinson, senior, explains that although every year we try our best to nd another place in within the community that could work, but most of the places we consider that are within our price range are already booked. In addition, most places in Sonoma are not able to hold more than 700 people. Taking an optimistic view of the were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. I didnt think I was going to be a candidate and I was surprised. Once she said my name I was in shock and didnt realize that I won, confessed Dobson. On the other hand, her partner, Napoles, stated that, I felt attered and embarrassed, and I wanted to leave the eld as soon as I could. The other candidates, all seniors, were Riley EllisReis, Shelby Gray, Jessica Marioni, Riley ODonnell, Keenan Tuohy, Rory Johnston, Conor Johnston, and Matthew Charleston. Im sad that this is my last Homecoming week at SVHS. My favorite part was Photo courtesy of Hannah Gropmanwatching the rally dances, Halli Dobson and Pedro Napoles, seniors, prepare for their convertable ride around Arnold Field. because they are always situation, Hodgkinson reasons that While traditionally the Homereally fun, Dobson remiwe always have fun at the Boys coming nominees were announced nisced. and Girls Club; it is less stressful at the dance, this year leadership As Homecoming 2012 came for all of the Leadership class, and decided to add a twist -- at half to a close, SVHS was left with a it saves us money, allowing the time during the football game, lingering sense of school spirit. senior class to make a prot. Halli Dobson and Pedro Napoles

Photo courtesy of Owen Barrett The class of 2013, following the three other classes, celebrates as they parade their way to a win.

Floats fly down Broadway

By Ellen Angeloni and Lindsey Jasperse The school bell rang, signaling the transformation of Sonomas busy, bustling Broadway into a parade of Spiderman, Captain America, Iron Man and Batmanalong with Dragon spirit. Following suit with SVHS tradition, each grade constructed a float based on a central theme chosen by the student body and the Leadership class. This year, the theme was superheroes, with the upperclassmen represented Batman and Ironman. The leadership class and the student body helped propose and vote on the final float theme. Following the seniority rules, the senior class was allowed first choice of superheroes. Every year classes build and store their floats at a secret location, usually a private residence of a class member. I really enjoyed helping my class in the Dragons Tale float building of Iron Man and I was impressed by each classes float. I feel like Homecoming brings everyone closer together and promotes class unity, admitted Maria Hawing, junior. This year, the senior class float building process took place at Robles house over a total of nine long days, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. We are very happy with the results! It was undoubtedly the best float weve made, remarked Robles. The underclassmen, who chose Captain America and Spiderman as their themes, followed the upperclassman in the triumphant march down Broadway. For the float to breeze down Broadway boldly, music is often played from within the float, in order to further encourage spirit among students. Jose Garcia, or, as he is known, Jose DJCal, senior, has taken on the role of float DJ for the class of 2013 for two years. I feel like Im a diverse DJ. I love being the DJ and am happy I did it again, commented Garcia. Although the sophomore class trailed closely behind in the competition between floats, the senior class was able to follow in the senior class winning streak. Anna Robles, senior, commented, I think it was extra special that we won our senior year because weve been waiting so long for it. After losing to the freshmen our sophomore year, and losing by one point to the seniors last year, we had to win this one. It felt amazing. In reflection, Riley Ellis-Reis divulged that this years Homecoming really brought the student body together. While riding on the back of the convertible, I realized that I am going to miss Sonoma and the tight community that we see during Homecoming week.

A not so serious spirit week

By Chelsea Krause Dragons flew through Spirit Week with a continuous representation of school spirit as they wore tacky ties, football jerseys, and class shirts, among other creative outfits. During each day of Homecoming week, students came to school attired in a numerous variety of costumes, each expressing their inner personalities that their fellow peers may not normally see in them. Monday brought out the wacky and tacky personalities of SVHS students. Common outfits consisted of neon colors along with clashing patterns to highlight the conflicting clothes. The fun and easy dress up day set the tone for the rest of Spirit Week and left students in eager anticipation for the rest of the week. It created an amusing environment to help bring out the spirit in the students of SVHS. Athletes vs. Mathletes day fell on Tues., bringing bow ties and athletic shirts galore. Suspenders and glasses seemed to sum up the geek outfits, while athletic shorts, t-shirts, and Nike crew socks represented the athletes at SVHS. The friendly event helped bring together students from different grades and cliques. Not only did this day provide students with a spirited competition but also a fun chance to see who chose what theme. The Dragons dressed up for Decades Day on Wed. While some went for the retro style of the fties, others favored the tie-dye patterns and headbands of the sixties. Many girls chose to wear high side ponytails with neon tights and leg warmers, and for the boys, they wore jean cutoffs and tie-dyed shirts. Decades Day brought out the different types of the generations appreciated by SVHS students, during our own decade of the 2012. Students arrived at school decked out in green and black clothes, hair, shoes, and even tattoos for Noma Pride day on Thurs. It was the day for students to show their true pride for their hometown and support for their school. It took school spirit to the next level by joining students from the seniors to the freshman into one community. Students divided into their classes by wearing their class t-shirts when Friday came along. The seniors wore Batman-themed shirts, which read The Class of 2013 rises. Juniors chose an Iron Man theme, with shirts bearing the robotic heart of Tony Stark. The sophomore class wore Captain America shields on their shirts, and the freshman had Spidermanthemed shirts. Each class was able to unite with each other to represent their generation with their favorite superhero. Homecoming week ended in a ash but left the students on the tip of their toes for the football game on Friday night along with the nal homecoming ritual, the homecoming dance. October 2012

Page 4 & 5

Sports

Dynamic Duo to carry Dragon spikers

By Brennan Cole and Jonah Son As the SVHS volleyball team set off their first game of the season, there were a number of questions surrounding the preservation of the teams stellar legacy, namely the loss of two MVP players. Both Jersey Witous, 2011 Sonoma County League MVP, and Karly Burningham, leading passer and first team all league member, graduated last year, leaving the Lady Dragons searching for young talent. As coach Mindy Neves began contemplating how to recreate the force that dominated the SCL league last year, one of the primary considerations was the placement of sophomores Mackenzie Albrecht and Delaney Swanson, standout players from last years squad.The two united on the netters front line as freshmen, creating a force to be reckoned with for their high school years. These two played a prominent role in leading the team to another triumphant season, culminating in a banner win. Albrecht, towering at 511, is currently positioned as a setter/outside hitter, while Swanson, standing at 510, remains an outside hitter. The duos roots can be traced to preschool, when they first crossed paths. Early on, it was evident that they were each gifted with unbelievable athletic talents, and that they shared a competitive bond that would hinder the development of their friendship for several years.The two admitted that they didnt like each other until the beginning of

What is your favorite pregame meal?

Time Out!

Fried chicken Vince Bruton 12th, football

Bananas and chocolate milk

Photo courtesy of Mackenzie Albrecht Sonomas two sophomore standouts pose with their varsity signs.

freshmen year when they were somewhat forced into a friendship. Currently in the midst of their sophomore season, they have teamed up to become one of the most dominating duos in the empire. They have proved their capability for success by smashing the ball, outsmarting opponents,

and performing to the best of their ability. Both share a unique goal that is typically deemed impossible: winning an SCL banner for each of their four years of high school. As they continue to develop as players, the duo shares a similar aspiration: college. Mackenzie looks to follow

the footsteps of her brothers by attending UC Berkeley, while Delaney hopes to attend Stanford University. It would be ironic to watch two Sonoma alumni face off in a heated Pac-12 college rivalry, but for now we can only hope that the two will continue to contribute to the Lady Dragons success.

Erica Larson 11th, golf

October Sports Update: Soccer stumbles, water polo sinks

Water Polo

Applesauce Anastasia Claros 10th, volleyball

Petaluma squad, the girls tennis team is now 5-3 in league play. Led by Senior Anna Robles and exchange student Stephanie Brett, the Dragons faced Elsie Allen on Thurs.

Despite a large turnout, both the girls and boys have started off the season winless, with records of 0-5. Cross Country
Photo by Riley ODonnell Junior Madeline Cline looks to pass in a recent game against Cardinal Newman on Oct. 10.

By Jesse Summers and Jacob Little Boys Soccer Despite allowing a number of close games to slip by early in the year, the boys soccer team came out strong against Healds-

burg on Tues., rocking the Greyhounds in a 4-1 victory. With the win, Sonoma improves to 4-5 on the season. The Dragons hosted El Molino on Thurs. Girls Soccer The girls soccer team came

out strong with a record of 3-1 to start the year before dropping a 3-0 decision to the Petaluma Trojans on Fri. They faced a tough Healdsburg Greyhound squad Wed. and prevailed 2-0. Girls Tennis After a tough loss to a talented

The Cross Country teams hosted Analy and Windsor in a league tri-meet in Sept. 26. The boys finished second while the girls came in third. Girls Golf Senior Jordann Dagner carried the girls golf team to post another solid 329-303 win against Petaluma.

Something with protein and calcium Gustavo Gomez 9th, soccer

Dragons Tale

Page 6

October 2012

Sports

Dragons bury Prospectors

a 68-yard long bomb to star wide receiver Natu Hezchias. After converting a two point conversion, they cut the Dragons lead to 21-8. But the Dragons retaliation was quick, and, after a 7-yard carry by junior running back Cordell Kenniston resulted in a score, the Dragons had regained a three touchdown lead. The game continued to swing back and forth in the second half, with each Piner touchdown answered by a Dragon score. Deely managed to run for a long 50-yard touchdown, and McDonald racked up another short score. Running back Hosea Reyes squeezed in a 23-yard touchdown to seal the game, and the Dragons walked off the field victorious. With the win, Sonoma improves to 3-3 overall and 1-1 in league play, while Piner falls to 1-6. The Dragons are currently tied for third place in the SCL.

Opinion
Giants dismiss a juiced Melky
By Giordi Serafini After testing positive for testosterone, a banned substance in Major League Baseball, the league suspened San Francisco Giants star Melky Cabrera for 50 games. Prior to the suspension, Cabrera had been soaring with a batting average of .346, and was dominating with 11 homers and an astonishing 60 RBIs. He also earned the honor of being named MVP of the Major League All-Star Game. His accomplishments were impressive, however, after being suspended for steroid use, manager Bruce Bochy and The Giants affirmed that that have no intention on taking Cabrera back for the postseason. According to Mercury News, Bochy stated that Weve moved on and so were going to move forward without Melky. Although many fans are distraught at the idea of losing a dominating player for the postseason, it was a mature and professional decision to move the team on without him. Primarily, Cabrera deserves to be removed from the team after cheating the game by using performance-enhancing drugs and shouldnt be allowed back on the team. In addition to that, the Giants should honor themselves with pride as a team, and walking out to the field joined by a player with no morals would create a bad image for the team, and also portray a negative image to young athletes. Professional athletes act as icons for the younger generation of players, who will be the future of Major League Baseball. Melky behaved irresponsibly by using steroids, and shouldnt be let on the team because of the image and shadow that he will carry over the Giants. Bochy also asserted Weve got plenty of outfielders who stepped up when needed, and this is true for the team. Following the suspension of Cabrera on August 15th, the Giants proceed to claim a 4-game winning streak in early September, and then rallied with a 7-game winning streak between September 17th and the 22nd. Since then, the Giants claimed the NL West title and clinched a spot in the postseason playoffs. This clearly shows that the Giants are playing successfully regardless of the loss of the powerhouse batter, Cabrera. Ultimately, Cabrera committed the crime of using illegal substances, and thus deserves a relief of his duties on the Giants for the remains of the 2012 season. And although he respectfully refused the honor of receiving the National League batting crown, the fact is that he didnt deserve the title, and also doesnt deserve to remain on the postseason roster. Bochy made the right call on moving on without Cabrera, and the Giants are currently looking strong as the postseason begins and hungry to win another World Series title for San Francisco.

Photo by Hannah Gropman The Dragons defense smothers a Piner running back during the Homecoming game on Friday Oct. 5.

By Jacob Little A pounding ground attack led by senior running back Justin McDonald carried Sonoma to a 47-26 rout of league foe Piner in front of a roaring homecoming crowd. The Dragons quickly soared to a 21-0 lead in the first half and never looked back, hammering Piners defensive front with six rushing touchdowns, three from McDonald. My line did really well, and my fullback, Skyler Marciel, made some really good blocks, remarked McDonald, explaining his success. The line just came out really strong, senior tackle Trevor Severson added. The Dragons got off to a fast start, jumping to a quick lead when junior quarterback Dan Deely completed a 28yard touchdown pass to senior wideout Dustin Sloane. Senior kicker Brennan Cole tacked on

the extra point, and the Dragons had a 7-0 lead halfway through the first quarter. Sonoma was just getting started. After forcing a Piner punt, they marched down the field, scampering into the endzone with a 7-yard McDonald touchdown carry. The kick was good, and the Dragons were up 14-0. After another solid defensive stand the Dragons attempted to move the ball, but this time came up empty when Piner intercepted a 50-yard pass from Deely at the goal line. The interception did little to phase a fired-up Sonoma offense, though, and after forcing a punt, the Dragons drove downfield, capitalizing on a second McDonald rushing touchdown. A fumble recovery on the ensuing drive by senior linebacker Sean Forney gave the Dragons another chance to

score. However, after Deelys 50-yard pass to Sloane set up a 40-yard field goal, Coles kick came up short and the Dragons marched off the field with a 21-0 lead. Piner came out shooting in the second half, completing

Photo by Hannah Gropman SVHSs smothering defense stops Piner yet again.

Giants make history, roar into NLCS

By Jonah Son and Brennan Cole The 2012 San Francisco Giants have made their city and all of their loyal fans proud once again this year, as they recently finished off a remarkable comeback against the Reds to clinch a spot in the National League Championship Series. Similarities between the 2012 and 2010 Giants have been seen consistently throughout the season, but how related are these two teams? Across the field, demonstrated through outstanding defense, superior pitching, and added speed to the consistent offense, the 2012 Giants have shown their advantages compared to their 2010 world champion team. Sweeping the base paths with great speed include Gregor Blanco with 26 steals and Angel Pagan with 29. Compared to the 2010 squad who had a total of 55 steals, the 2012 team has hustled their way to 118 steals this season. Defensively, the 2012 squad covers more ground and is overall more reliable. Two veterans, Pablo Sandoval and Marco Scutaro, anchor the infield while defensive, young guns Brandon Crawford and Brandon Belt have exhibited their ability on the field with numerous web gems. Across the outfield, Angel Pagan and Hunter Pence have proven themselves better than the 2010 standouts Andres Torres and Nate Schierholtz through their consistency at the plate. Baseball fans everywhere thought the Giants would take a plunge after Melky Cabrera was suspended due to performance enhancing drugs, but the team defied expectations. Joaquin Arias stepped up to the plate and got ten hits in his next twentytwo at-bats following Cabreras suspension, including a game winner in Los Angeles. Gregor Blanco similarly stepped up his game as he hit safely nine times out of the twenty-six at bats after the Giants took their offensive deficits. No one thought it could be done, but Buster Posey is having a better year than his 2010 Rookie of the Year performance. After bouncing back from a devastating injury in 2011, Posey is batting .336 compared to his .305 average in 2010. He has already won the WIllie Mac Award and is a top candidate for the National League Most Valuable Player. The 2012 San Francisco Giants entered the postseason with an outstanding 94-68 record, with high hopes to be the last team standing for the second time in three years. After dropping the first two games of the divisional series against the Reds at home, they bounced back to win the next three and take the series as well. This was the first time in National League history in which a team completed a comeback after finding themselves in a hole, down two games to none. Sunday the Giants played their first game of the NLCS, with results not available at press time.

Dragons Tale

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October 2012

Culture

International gals explore SVHS

Friendships blossom with zany adventures

By Soa Jeremias times, lled with heartfelt confessions and blurry transitions, but The Perks the strong acting ameliorates this of Being A triteness. Wallower Ezra Miller, who plays the role is the en- of amboyant class clown Patrick, dearing tale truly gives an edge to the lm. of three He acts as the shrink, or spiritual high school guide of the movie, embracing outcasts try- the sharing of feelings and camaing to make raderie. Miller plays the role of sense of the world they are grow- Patrick in a playful and endearing ing up in. It follows the perspec- manner, something necessary to tive of a freshman balance out the anxinamed Charlie, played ety of Sam and Charby Logan Lerman, The Perks of lie. Emma Watsons who is attempting to role on the other hand Being A cope with his best was not as prominent friends suicide. CharWallower as one would expect. lie is an introverted She plays the part of A tale of outcast, drifting alone a downtrodden and until he meets senior girl who allows mists nding abused to be controlled Patrick and his stepherself sister Sam, played by by men, however solace. Harry Potter sensation her American accent Starring: Emma Watson. was impeccable. Logan Lerman Their friendship Despite the exciteEmma Watson blossoms as the trio ment of Watson and has a montage of zany Millers characters, Ezra Miller adventures that defy the viewer ultimately societal boundaries, that include feels more empathetic towards screaming off bridges, standing up Charlie. His earnest search for in the bed of a moving truck, and acceptance and ability to obcreatively dancing. All the while, serve but go unseen resounds Charlie learns to become apart of with teens and adults everysociety through his friendships where. The Perks of Being A and rid himself of his depression. Wallower is a story of the Perks is appreciated for its frank dysfunctional nding a haven, portrayal of teenage hardships, a classic tale which Americans while throwing in an upbeat song have always loved, from Charlie or two to lighten up the plot. It Chaplins Little Tramp to John may seem a mite too precious at Hughes Pretty in Pink.

Photo by Anneliese Koch From left: Stephanie Brett, junior from Germany, Bulan Setiawan, junior from Indonesia, Theresa Najda, junior from Germany.

By Anneliese Koch Sonoma is often considered to be a small, sheltered town, but the addition of three exchange students has given students and teachers alike the opportunity to submerge themselves into a full-edged cultural transition. Although the three students from Germany and Indonesia had never met prior to their journey overseas, they all can relate in their overall experience of adjusting to a new life and exploring American culture. Even though they have only lived in the U.S. for only weeks, Theresa Marie Najda, Bulan Setiawan, and Stephanie Brett, all juniors have all promptly adapted themselves to everyday life in Sonoma. At the beginning before [students] realized I was an exchange student, they were really disinterested in me explained Brett. But when one of my teachers introduced me to the

class as an exchange student from Germany, I was immediately bombarded with questions. Laughing Brett added, I even had one student who asked me whether Germany was a city or country. All three girls initially admit to being nervous prior to their arrival to the U.S. We had some prejudices coming into it. At orientation they told us things about school and how it would be much more strict and such, remarked Najda, from Germany. For Bulan, coming to the U.S. from Indonesia has come with signicant adjustments. It is very safe here, because at night in my country it is not safe for teenage girls to walk around alone. It is very different describes Bulan. Overall people have been very nice to me; although, it is not always easy for people to understand what Im saying when I speak English, but I always try, try, try! Brett was the only student of the

three to have previously visited Sonoma due to her older brothers being former exchange students here. My brothers told me coming here was one of the best experiences of their lives. One of my brothers even got a tattoo of California, explained Brett. All three students agree that the majority of their encounters with their peers have been nothing but pleasant. Everyone is very open to meeting new people, and they are so friendly in the way they will just approach and hug you, recounts Najda. Although these girls are new and are somewhat unaccustomed to the cultural change of being an exchange student in the United States, they all are quickly adjusting. Pushing past the hardship of temporarily leaving home to explore a different lifestyle will surely be a rewarding experience for all, regardless of whether they choose to integrate their learnings into their lives or not.

Music is in the Sonoma air

Photo courtesy of Stroke of Luck Band members: Dante Trotta, Ari Encarnacion, Hank Anderson, Danny Banales, Wyatt Lennon kick back and jam at The Shop

By Pio Valenzuela Students at SVHS have banded together, forming musical groups and acts to perform around Sonoma, showcasing their musical talents. Ari Encarnacion, senior, is the singer, drummer, and guitarist for Stroke of Luck, a band he formed with his friends Wyatt Lennon, Dante Trotta, Danny Banales, and Hank Anderson. His band has been together for a year, starting out as a group of friends, coincidentally musicians, playing music together. Describing the difculty of forming his band on a scale of one to ten, Encarnacion gave it a four, -though on how difcult it is to maintain the band, he gave it a high 8. He and his friends simply got together, found out they could make good music, and dedicated themselves to forming a band. Encarnacion has been a musician for fourteen years, and is able to play a variety of instruments, from sax and piano, to drums and guitar. On advising aspiring artists, Encarnacion said that it is most important to nd people who are as dedicated as you are, otherwise, things fall apart. His band, Stroke of Luck, has performed at local teen events venue, The Shop, and hope to perform more in the future. In addition to student bands, a wave of DJs and producers have sprung up around Sonoma.

Aspiring producers such as JJ Murphy (DJ Hype), Jose Garcia (DJ Cal), and many others have dedicated themselves to forming Epic City Massive, a group that holds parties and dances to showcase their music, and allow students to have a fun time. The creativity that shows in mixing music comes from ones knowledge of a wide variety of music, added with a DJs personal style. There is, however, a difference between mixing and producing: producers make their own music while a mix is simply a creative remix of one or more songs. Becoming a DJ is an expensive undertaking, as controllers, software, and mixing and sampling equipment cost a large amount of money. However, according to Murphy, his DJing experience has been worth it. His passion more than makes up for it, and so does the money he has made performing. DJs do it for the love of the music, not for the fame, said Murphy. These music acts are all local, and are young, productive members of the community. Encarnacion however, notes that the community seems to view the youthful performers with disdain. Encarnacions belief is that Sonoma needs more teen bands, so that the community can realize that they are good people, and just want to play music

Dragons Tale

Page 8

October 2012