November 2023 Issue
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the
Arrow
100 Lakeview Canyon Rd. Westlake Village, CA 91362
Volume XLVII | Issue 2 | November 7, 2023
Mike Johnson
selected as
House speaker
“The Adventures of
Fawn and Frog,”
a comic strip
WHS regiment
marches to
successful season
page 4 page 10 page 14
2
3
5
6
11
12
15
16
Table of Contents
Middle East
engulfed in conflict
Teacher fun facts
crossword puzzle
Thanksgiving faces
ongoing controversy
The Hunger Games
prequel sets to release
Civic education
needs more funding
Boys water polo, girls tennis
finish season strong
Fall staff picks
www.westlakearrow.net
westlakearrow@gmail.com
@westlakearrow
@westlakearrow
@whsarrow
100 N. Lakeview Canyon Road
Westlake Village, CA 91362
(805) 497–6711 ext. 4225
The Arrow is written, designed and run
by the students of the Advanced Journalism
and Journalism 1CP classes at Westlake
High School. The opinions expressed in this
publication are those of the writers and do not
necessarily represent those of the Conejo Valley
Unified School District, Westlake High School
administration, faculty or student body. We
welcome feedback. Letters must be signed by
the writer.
COVER ARTWORK BY SAVANNAH GIFFORD
EDITORIAL
Gratitude strengthens
mental health
by shane douglas, grace hefner &
allison tieu
editors–in–chief
Being a teenager is a trying time. From the hormonal changes
to the stresses of high school and the obsession to constantly
improve, it can be difficult for some to find the time, effort
or mindset to express emotions such as gratitude.
As difficult as it may be, expressing gratitude might
be the remedy that’s needed. Science suggests that an
obsession over constant improvement is unhealthy.
Rather than obsessing over more, people should
be expressing gratitude for what they have as
little or as large of significance it may hold
as gratitude is often directly correlated with
happiness and fulfillment.
Expressing gratitude has scientifically
been found to increase dopamine and
serotonin levels. These chemicals are
released by the brain, increasing
one’s level of happiness. As gratitude
is expressed on a daily basis, the
neural pathways that transfer
these important neural signals
strengthen. Hence, regular
expression of gratitude can
correspond to more regular
feelings of happiness, and people
can “develop a more positive and happier outlook
overall,” according to byrdie.com column “The Neuroscience
of Gratitude” by Kayla Barnes.
Although people can express gratitude every so often,
whether that be during holidays, family gatherings, or in happy
moments in one’s life, in order to truly integrate happiness into
one’s life, gratitude must be expressed amidst uneventful, even
sorrowful times.
By expressing gratitude in these tough moments — moments
when one least feels the urge to do so — one can condition the
brain to subconsciously express gratitude and an appreciation for
the positive aspects of one’s life. For example, if a student receives
a bad grade on a test, while they may be disappointed, they are
able to acknowledge the hard work they put into studying and be
back page editor
the
editors–in–chief
shane douglas, grace hefner & allison tieu
co–web editors–in–chief
sania gali & summer nichols
business manager
alexa koniares
news section editor
sania gali
news editor
anna bronk & lanza peretti
feature section editor
laura teegarden
feature editors
kalia bell, anna bronk, delaney bronk, scarlett
brisbin, alexa koniares & anya monga
arts & entertainment section editor
summer nichols
arts & entertainment editors
savannah gifford, ayushi khattar, kay martin &
devon valance
Arrow Staff
chenya kwon
able to move on, preparing themselves for the next test.
A more constant expression of gratitude is also proven
to optimize the functionality of the hypothalamus within the
brain. An optimally–functioning and regulated hypothalamus
often leads to deeper sleep, according to Barnes. Expressing
gratitude allows people to have more resilience when faced
with difficult or stressful challenges as well, as it can
reduce one’s level of cortisol, a stress hormone,
according to healthcare.utah.edu.
As busy high school students and developing
young adults, getting adequate sleep while all
the while limiting stress can go a long way in
improving both one’s day–to–day physical and
mental health. If people want to feel their best
selves on a daily basis, developing gratitude
as a permanent trait is crucial.
What’s scientifically more important
than expressing gratitude, however, is
receiving it from others, according to
neuroscientist Andrew Huberman on
hubermanlab.com. Since it’s impractical
to wait to receive gratitude from others,
Huberman suggests starting a gratitude
journal. This way you can still receive
gratitude, but the difference is that you are
receiving this appreciation from yourself.
ARTWORK COURTESY OF CANVA
A gratitude journal mirrors this process
of receiving gratitude from others that is
crucial in developing gratitude.
With Thanksgiving break around the corner,
a little extra time can be dedicated to demonstrating thanks
towards those around you — be it parents or guardians, siblings,
friends or even strangers on the streets. Something as simple as a
saying “thank you” to express gratitude can be just what is needed
to add more positivity into one’s life.
Shane Douglas, Grace Hefner & Allison Tieu
The 2023–‘24 Editor Team
opinion section editor
opinion editors
sports section editor
james miller
lucas van parys
kalia bell
sports editors
gianna byrd, tomas galioto, marta king &
breanna zide
copy editor
james miller
photo editor
lucas van parys
graphics editors
savannah gifford & anya monga
social media managers
ayushi khattar & kay martin
web design editor
lucas van parys
adviser
karie lynch
by sania gali
news section editor
On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas, the Iran–backed
political and military governance of the
Gaza strip, a Palestinian territory, infiltrated
the Israel–Gaza border, killing 1,300 Israeli
civilians and soldiers and at least 31 American
citizens. Hamas, a US–designated terrorist
group, has fired thousands of rockets into Israel
since and has forced over 180 hostages into the
Gaza strip.
“Oct. 7, which was a sacred Jewish holiday,
became the deadliest day for the Jewish people
since the Holocaust,” said President Joe Biden
in a televised press briefing. “It has brought to
the surface painful memories and scars left by
a millennia of antisemitism and the genocide of
the Jewish people.”
The militant group’s acts of terror have
resulted in the largest Jewish death casualty
since the Holocaust and has left the Israeli
towns of Sderot, Kfar Aza, Nahal Oz, Be’eri and
Ashkelon reeling from the violence. Hamas has
taken children believed to be as young as infants
as hostages.
“It’s horrifying,” said Jewish Student Union
co–president Hayley Shukiar ‘24. “Ever since
[that] Saturday, it’s been really challenging
knowing that’s what’s been going on, and we are
all the way over here. We’re kind of displaced
from where it’s happening, [yet] it still feels
personal. It’s terrifying to know that the reason
why these people are being killed is because
they are Jewish.”
In response to the militant group, Israel
officially declared war on Hamas on Oct. 16 and
has fired over 6,000 missiles into the Gaza strip
with aims of disbanding Hamas’s control. The
bombing has left over 1.1 million Palestinians
displaced and over 9,000 people killed as of Nov.
6, according to un.org.
“I believe [the bombing in Gaza] is
inhumane,” said Anthony Quevedo–Gomes
‘24. “I think that what Israel is doing is
incorrect, but I do believe that both sides have
gone through a lot. The killing of children on
both sides is horrific.”
The Israeli government is facing broad
criticisms from Arab nations in the UN for the
bombings in Gaza. Though Israel disputes the
accusations, many nations claim Israel has not
given Gazans adequate time to evacuate. However,
the only point of exit from the 25 mile long Gaza
strip to Egypt is border crossing Rafah which
has suffered under heavy missile fire from Israeli
Defense Forces. As of
Oct. 22, the border
continues to only be
open to humanitarian
aid leaving millions of
Palestinians and 600
Americans trapped
in the crossfire,
according to state.gov.
“I don’t believe
in carpet bombing
especially [since] they’re saying they want to [get
rid of] the biggest leaders of Hamas, but does it
really outweigh the lives of innocent people?” said
Quevedo–Gomes. “Are we really going to have to
carpet bomb all these places [where] families live
just to [get rid of] the big, main guys?”
The United States has been a constant ally
of the state of Israel. A few hours after the attack,
President Joe Biden gave a televised press briefing
to the world reaffirming American support to
Israel, and he announced more aid to Israel and
UN humanitarian efforts in the coming weeks.
Source: britannica.org
“Today, I’m also announcing $100 million
in new US funding for humanitarian assistance
in both Gaza and the West Bank,” said Biden.
“This money will support more than 1 million
displaced and conflict–affected Palestinians,
including emergency needs in Gaza. We
have stood by [Israel’s] side ever since [their
founding], and we’re going to stand by [their]
side now.”
Israel and Palestinian have had over 16
military clashes since their founding in 1948
which has led to harsh sentiments on both
sides. The region is known for its constant
conflicts over land between
the two ethnic sides, Israelis
and Palestinians, and their
respective religions, Judaism
and Islam. As a result, a
common flash point has been
the city of Jerusalem which is
home to the Temple Mount
— the most sacred Jewish
site and third most sacred
Islamic site.
“Israel has always been a place where there
[has been] lots of violence, but at the same
time there has been peace between different
beliefs and groups of people,” said Shukiar. “In
Jerusalem there is the Muslim quarter, the Jewish
quarter and the Christian quarter. Walking
through [the quarters], ... it was peaceful and it
seemed that people could coexist, but whenever
[incidents] like this happen, it makes it a lot
harder to believe that [peace] is possible.”
Historically, the tensions have been over
ownership of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
NEWS 3
Middle East engulfed in conflict
“I
do hope there is
peace ... Israel and
Palestine can live in
peace if they can come up
with an [equal land] solution.”
– Fatima Mapara
ARTWORK BY ANNA BRONK
Currently, the majority of the Temple Mount
is inhabited by the Al–Aqsa Mosque which
is under the control of the Palestinian
government with support from other Arab
nations. The Golden Dome, the main part of
the mosque, can only be accessed by Muslims,
with Christians and Jews being prohibited
from entering.
The Wailing Wall, a portion of the
boundary of the mosque’s compound, is the
only place of worship for the Jewish people;
however, more recently, flashpoints have
started when Jewish residents and pilgrims
have forcefully entered the main mosque
compound. Hamas alleges that their attack
on Israeli villages is over the Mosque’s
subsequent intrusion.
“I do hope there is peace,” said Muslim
student Fatima Mapara ‘24. “I don’t want the
land to only belong categorically to one group of
people. Jerusalem is home to all three religions,
and it’s not fair to say, ‘I only hope this land
belongs to Muslims’, or ‘I only hope this place
belongs to Jews … or Christians.’ Israel and
Palestine can live in peace if they can come up
with an [equal land] solution.”
With tensions growing every day, a
renewed call for humanity has been echoing
around the world with politicians and regular
individuals speaking out against the violence
and calling for people’s safety in the Israel–
Gaza conflict.
“[The victims] are not the product of
their government,” said Jewish Student Union
co–president Jackson Scarbrough ‘24. “They
[were] just trying to live their lives in peace.”
IN BRIEF
WHS Auction
WHS’s senior class will hold an
online auction from Nov. 1–15, offering
various prizes to help fund senior class
graduation and alleviate costs of other
senior activities. Some items being
auctioned include front row Dodgers
tickets, spa treatments and more. Items
vary in price with starting bids ranging
from $50–500. The online auction link is
32auctions.com/WHS2024.
T.O Library
undergoes changes
The Grant R. Brimhall Library in
Thousand Oaks is aiming to renovate and
freshen up its space succeeding its 40th
anniversary. Meetings are currently being
held to determine what renovations, if any,
will best align with the community.
Community members are encouraged
to attend meetings at the library to give
input on construction as they work directly
alongside the architects. Some proposed ideas
include more advanced technology and more
accessible programs such as local events for
everyone. If one is unable to attend in–person
meetings, there is a link at tolibrary.org to
fill out a form submission detailing changes
community members would like to see.
New California
senator
On Oct. 3, 2023, Laphonza Butler was
sworn in as the new senator of California
after being appointed by Governor Gavin
Newsom following former California senator
Dianne Feinstein’s death. She is making
strides as the first openly LGBTQ+ US
Senator. Butler is the president of EMILYs
List, an organization that aids women in
gaining positions in office.
The position will only be temporary
for Butler as she has decided not to pursue
it in the upcoming 2024 California Senate
election. Butler’s decision was made after a
long reflection starting at the beginning of
her interim term on how she would align
with her role and its values. This comes as
California gears up for a competitive 2024
senate race.
Revised AP history
curriculum
College Board’s Board of Trustees
has made many changes to the AP History
classes to increase equity for all students.
In AP European History and US History,
the writing section has been changed so a
minimum of four sources must be used as
evidence in order to gain two points on the
response. This is in contrast to the previous
rubric requiring a minimum of six sources
necessary to receive the two points.
The new rubric modifies the analysis
part of scoring which takes less time for all
students to sift through evidence and decide
what is important. This decision came as a
shock to many teachers and students alike
as it had not been officially announced prior
to the new rubric’s release. AP exams will
continue to take place in online or written
format throughout the 2023–‘24 school year.
Compiled by Kay Martin
4
High school students
can preregister at
16–years–old and
vote at 18–years–old.
Go on the internet and search
www.registertovote.ca.gov.
Click “Preregister to Vote” for
CA residents ages 16-17 and fill
out the application.
The day that you become 18,
you are automatically eligible to
vote if you are a US citizen.
Visit your local voting station
and cast your ballot on
Election Day.
Source: registertovote.ca.gov
ARTWORK COURTESY OF CANVA
GRAPHIC BY
ALEXA KONIARES
NEWS
TO observes five year anniversary of Borderline
by marta king
sports editor
Nov. 7, 2023 marks the five–year
anniversary of the shooting at Borderline
Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks. Twelve
people, including a Ventura County Sheriff ’s
sergeant, lost their lives.
“The community is what helped all
of us together to this four–year mark,” said
Molly Maurer, a survivor of the shooting,
according to nbclosangeles.com, as Thousand
Oaks commemorated the fourth anniversary
of Borderline in 2022. “It’s important to keep
that going and know that we’re all still here
for each other.”
One of the ways in which the community
came together to show support amidst the time
of grieving was by unveiling a Healing Garden
at Conejo Creek North Park, with 12 granite
benches and 12 pond jets to symbolize the lives
lost. A large oak tree was planted in soil made of
composted flowers that had been placed outside
Borderline in the weeks following the tragedy.
“On my wall, it says: ‘The strongest oaks have
the deepest roots,’” said Principal Jason Branham.
“That was actually from the Borderline Memorial,
and that little piece of stone was cut away when
they made the memorial.”
The shooting rattled the Ventura County
community. Now, five years later, many people
recall where they were when they learned of
the tragedy.
“I’ll never forget,” said Branham. “I was
driving to work that morning when my dad, who
by ayushi khattar
Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R–CA) was
ousted as speaker of the House of Representatives
after a 216–210 vote on Oct. 3, 2023.
Representative Matt Gaetz (R–FL) initiated the
motion to vacate McCarthy due to disagreement
with McCarthy’s stopgap funding measure.
The position was filled by Representative Mike
Johnson (R–LA) on Oct. 25, 2023.
“I don’t think it’s surprising,” said Doug
Freed, AP Microeconomics and AP US
Government teacher.
“When [McCarthy] first
“N
was elected speaker,
ot
one of the conditions
that he reached with his
conference … was that at
any point any one of them
could initiate this motion
to vacate the chair. He
took the job, essentially,
with the sword of
Damocles hanging over
his head, and it’s not
surprising that at some
point someone was willing to trigger [it] when
they had a disagreement with him.”
Over three weeks, representatives Steve
Scalise (R–LA), Jim Jordan (R–OH) and Tom
Emmer (R–MN) won nominations for speaker,
but they all abandoned the race. Scalise pulled
his ballot after realizing he would not earn
enough votes and Jordan forsook his bid after
losing three House votes to become speaker.
Emmer grasped the lack of Republican support
he received and withdrew his campaign.
Johnson’s election as speaker marks the
end of a period of uncertainty for the House.
REMEMBERED IN SERENITY: The TO Strong memorial at the Conejo Creek North Park pays
homage to everyone lost in the tragic events of Borderline. It sits in front of flowing water in the park,
providing a calm environment for remembrance and reflection.
lives in Texas, called me asking if we were okay.
I said, ‘What are you talking about?’ because I
hadn’t looked at the news yet.”
To commemorate the five–year
anniversary of the Borderline tragedy, WHS’s
ASG is holding a spirit wear day on Nov. 7.
The previous year, to honor those who
died at Borderline, students wore WHS colors,
Borderline Strong or TO Strong shirts.
“On days where we are remembering
a somber event, we do not tie in a reward for
showing spirit,” said ASG member Kayla
However, his selection does not necessarily
mean instant change.
“Not much will change with anyone being
speaker of the House [versus] another person,”
said Tyler Limcaco ‘26. “The House itself is
much larger than just one person. Although that
one person does lead those discussions [and] the
voting, … it’s still going to remain relatively the
same, and they’re not going to get anything done.
They haven’t for the past three years under Biden,
they hadn’t for the past four years under Trump,
… so it’s just going to continue that way.”
Before vacating, McCarthy made a temporary
deal with Democrats to avoid the government
shutdown in September
after Congress failed to
compromise and authorize
spending for the new fiscal
year. That deal provides
interim funding to the
government until Nov. 17;
if funding is not authorized
by then, the government
will shut down.
Although a speaker
is now in place, the prior
absence led to a lack of
organization. Johnson
must now work to try and reach the Nov. 17
deadline amidst the absence’s after effects.
“Looming shutdowns and fights in
Congress over the budget are nothing new, and
when Speaker McCarthy took the job with this
precondition that it would be so easy to get rid
of him, he must’ve known that that was going to
come up here,” said Freed. I think [the absence]
makes it a little bit harder to get everything done.”
In a government shutdown, all nonessential
federal services halt; federal employees for
agencies deemed nonessential do not work or get
paid during this period, according to brookings.
Setareh ‘24. “We hand out [small items] like
wristbands so that everyone can participate. It is
more a show of support and unification.”
Thousand Oaks suffered a horrific accident,
but as a community, it came together in support,
love and compassion.
“When we talk about Borderline, it is
something that vastly impacted our community
and will impact it for our entire lives,” said
Branham. “It is important to bring people
together at a time where people sometimes try
to break a community apart.”
Mike Johnson selected as House speaker
a&e editor
much will
change with
anyone being
speaker of the House [versus]
another person. The House
itself is much larger than just
one person.”
–Tyler Limcaco
edu. Some affected services include national
park maintenance, food inspections, nutrition
programs and social services, according to
npr.org. The prior vacancy could lead to the
shutdown lasting longer if it occurs due to the
House’s disorganization during the absence.
“The National Federation for Federal
Employees, one of the unions that represents
federal workers, estimates that 2.1 million
civilian federal workers could see delayed
paychecks and roughly 4 million federal contract
workers could receive no paycheck,” according
to npr.org. “A representative for the Capital
Area Food Bank in Washington told NPR the
organization is making preparations for as many
as 100,000 federal workers who could need food
assistance if the government shuts down.”
The effect of having no speaker is also
visible in international issues. With the Israel–
Palestine conflict, the United States’ ability to
interfere was compromised for several weeks
due to the difficulty of financing support
without a permanent speaker.
“I think without having a united front we
can’t help at all,” said Katie Beaven ‘25. “If we don’t
have a speaker and we’re not organized ourselves,
then we don’t have a way we can provide support
or help to the people that need it.”
The inability to select a speaker reflects
most on the Republican party. The split between
moderate and conservative Republicans
creates an inability to compromise, making the
Republicans appear weaker in comparison to
Democrats, according to Kiersten Roth ‘24.
“Because Republicans are trying to claim
power, it makes this [hard] because it’s the
extreme [Democrats] against the extreme
[Republicans],” said Roth. “We can’t even make
a decision because those two will never back
down; they’re so engraved in their beliefs [that]
they cannot back down.”
PHOTO BY LUCAS VAN PARYS
FEATURE 5
Flea markets attract all types of shoppers
Melrose Trading Post
People can shop, browse or just truly enjoy the experience.
The Melrose Trading Post takes place every Sunday from 9
a.m.–5 p.m. at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles. Anyone who
wants to shop or browse can attend for $6 per person.
This flea market presents a display of vintage fashion and
unique finds. It includes various food stands as well as live music
to enjoy, according to melrosetradingpost.org.
“I really love it there,” said Leah Kainen ‘25. “There’s pottery,
clothing racks, homemade stuff, antiques, art, bags and all sorts of
random things. It’s also super fun talking to the sellers there.”
Shopping or selling supports youth education at Fairfax
High School as well. Whitney Weston and Pierson Blaetz
co–founded the Melrose Trading Post in 1997. Through their
nonprofit, Greenway Arts Alliance, they have raised more than
$10 million in funding.
Rose Bowl Flea Market
Smelling food and hearing live music are only the beginning
of the fun while shopping for new items.
The Rose Bowl Flea Market has been thriving since 1968 as
one of the most highly attended and profitable flea markets in the
United States. Visitors can attend on the second Sunday of every
month at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena for $20 from 5–9
a.m. or $12 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
“I love thrifting at places like the Rose Bowl,” said Andrés
Houser ‘24. “Just walking around, you can find so many cool things
and different clothes you like.”
The market features unique products, quality venders and a
wide range of items, both secondhand and new. There are over 2,500
vendors and 20,000 buyers each month, according to rgcshows.com.
This flea market has thrifted clothes, little boutiques, food stands,
antique items and other various pieces to buy.
PHOTOS BY ALEXA KONIARES
Topanga Vintage Market
Hidden treasures can be found among a variety of pieces.
It’s the shopper’s job to find them.
The Topanga Vintage Market features about 200 vendors
and about three dozen local creatives. Admission is $5, and
it takes place at Pierce College in Los Angeles on the fourth
Sunday of every month from 7 a.m.–2 p.m.
“It’s pretty expensive, but there are so many good clothes
options at Topanga,” said Sayuri Muto ‘26. “I only got things like
records and items when I went, but it’s definitely a great idea to go.”
This market specializes in quality pieces from the past
and one of a kind products. In addition to the food trucks
and live entertainment, shoppers can enjoy browsing through
furniture, fashion, toys, antique items, handmade pieces and
more, according to topangavintagemarket.com.
Compiled by Alexa Koniares
The Arrow crossword puzzle: teacher fun facts
CC BY 4.0 DEED
ARTWORK COURTESY OF CANVA
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED
Across:
1. Which teacher’s favorite sport is pickleball?
4. Which teacher loves the Green Bay Packers?
6. Which teacher loves Taco Tuesday?
7. Which teacher practices Fortnite Friday?
8. Which teacher’s jam is combustion?
Answer key available at westlakearrow.net feature section
Down:
2. Which teacher goes on a hike on Fridays?
3. Which teacher was honored by President Obama?
5. Which teacher has a skeleton in their closet?
Compiled by Devon Valance & Lucas Van Parys
CROSSWORD TEMPLATE COURTESY OF theteacherscorner.net
6
FEATURE
Thanksgiving faces ongoing controversy
by anna bronk & breanna zide
feature & news editors
Thanksgiving was declared an annual
holiday by Abraham Lincoln in November
of 1863. The intention was to represent the
culmination of the pilgrims and the indigenous
tribe they met when the Mayflower traveled to
North America.
The Mayflower traveled with Pilgrims
and arrived at Plymouth Rock in 1620, and
the first Thanksgiving was said to have been
held in October of 1621 in which there was a
three–day feast attended by members of the
Wampanoag tribe and people who arrived
on the Mayflower, according to britannica.
com. Thanksgiving is frequently associated
with an event that soothed the tense relations
between the indigenous people and the
settlers. However, this is far from the truth
as disagreements continued to occur, causing
further fighting.
“I think there is this conception that
Thanksgiving happened, [everyone] laid
down the weapons, and then it was all
peaceful after that which is just not the case,
unfortunately,” said James Wyllie, Honors
US History and World History CP teacher.
“Especially in the New England area, there
were a series of wars fought against the
settlers and these native groups.”
One misconception may stem from the
curriculum in primary schools such as the way the
Wampanoag tribe, who encountered the Pilgrims,
is portrayed through stereotypical clothing.
“One of the many issues with the holiday is
its depiction in school … Many children decorate
Native American headdresses, which frequently
bear no resemblance to the headdresses, clothes
and feathers worn by the Wampanoag tribe,”
according to independent.co.uk.
Generally, from a young age, students all
over America have celebrated Thanksgiving
through traditions in school that misrepresent
indigenous people’s culture as there is little
education on the true history of the holiday.
“I feel like history in general just never
covers non–European history when it comes to
how America was formed,” said Oglala Sioux
tribe member Sophia DeVitis ‘26.
Today, Thanksgiving is perceived
differently for various individuals. For some, the
holiday represents a time of mourning lost tribe
members and indigenous people, while others
may honor their life and legacy.
“Thanksgiving Day is a time of grief for
Native Americans,” according to potawatomi.
org. “Many [Native Americans] continue to
gather at Cole’s Hill near Plymouth Rock and
remember the losses experienced for the
past 400–plus through the National Day
of Mourning.”
To help correct
historical inaccuracies
concerning the events of
Thanksgiving, people
can seek education on
indigenous cultures and
work to protect those cultures
through efforts such as the preservation of
indigenous reservations and languages.
“Looking into ways that we can support
indigenous communities today that still very much
exist and are largely overlooked by federal policy
and government policy [is beneficial],” said Wyllie.
Indigenous people celebrate the holiday
differently, varying from person to person.
“I think the origins are misrepresented,”
said DeVitis. “My family doesn’t usually
celebrate it as Thanksgiving. We just … have a
big meal [together].”
In order to reveal the truths
behind Thanksgiving, Dr. Kelli
Mosteller, Citizen Potawatomi
Nation’s Cultural Heritage
Center director,
recommends people
seek to understand
and
indigenous views
on the holiday.
research
“For those in education, Dr. Kelli Mosteller,
[Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Cultural Heritage
Center director], encourages seeking alternative
curriculum and guest speakers from Native
communities that can shine an appropriate
light on the holiday’s history,” according to
potawatomi.org.
ARTWORK COURTESY OF CC0 1.0 DEED
Stop Drowning Now
Safer 3 (Stop Drowning Now) is the WHS
branch of a drowning prevention movement
in the Conejo Valley community that spans
multiple campuses. Meetings are held once a
month on Wednesdays in 43W.
“Our goal is to educate people about the
[potential] dangers of swimming,” said Safer 3
Co–president Mitra Sathish ‘25. “Drowning is a
very dangerous thing, and it happens very quickly
… and can happen to anyone. So, [our goal] is to
educate the community about those dangers.”
Safer 3 focuses on reaching out to the
community through the Westlake Village City
Council and other outreach events, including
community fairs and handing out informational
fliers. Additionally, they have done multiple
events and partnership with the Westlake
Village City Council.
“We do a lot of [activities] for the community
and a lot of community outreach,” said Safer 3 co–
president Leonardo Ragogna ‘25. “The effects our
club has on the community are very apparent.”
Club Corner
PHOTO COURTESY OF stopdrowningnow.org
Allergy Awareness
Allergy Awareness Club is a new club
to WHS that emphasizes the importance of
accommodations for students with food allergies.
The club meets every other Thursday in 43D.
“The goal of our club is to spread more
awareness about allergies in our school and
community,” said club president Suzy Youn
‘25. “Some of the things we’re working to do
[include starting] discussions about different
types of allergies and other conditions related
to allergies during our meetings.”
The club’s objective is to increase
understanding and support for students with
dietary restrictions at WHS. She aims to start small
and grow to reach partnerships beyond campus.
“We are planning to make an allergy–
friendly cookbook during the second semester
this year,” said Youn. “We’re also hoping to work
with the district and the school [on a leadership
level] to create allergy–friendly solutions on
Westlake’s campus.”
Compiled by Savannah Gifford
ARTWORK COURTESY OF CANVA
Featured stories on The Arrow website
Saw Patrol, a
comic
by Chenya Kwon
Boys waterpolo
succeeds
following change
from D3 to D1
by Gianna Byrd
Find more stories at
www.westlakearrow.net
Find more stories at
Diwali lights up
the night
by Ayushi Khattar
Compiled by Alexa Koniares
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 7
8
CENTER 9
PHOTO COURTESY SEBASTIAN
PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB
CREATIVE CUSTOMIZATIONS: Artist and fashion designer
Sebastian Costache ‘27 customizes denim, inspired by his family’s
history with the arts. “[My great–grandfather] did painting,
boxing, gardening and everything under the sun, so I take
inspiration from that and try to balance out my life like him,”
said Costache. “My grandmother was a music teacher,
but she painted in watercolor, which is my favorite
medium. She also learned to
sew … Seeing that all really
inspired me to continue
my family’s legacy even
in this modern day
and age.”
ATTAINING ACCOLADES: Actress Olivia Marcum ‘26 has been a
performer since her first performance in Matilda when she was
10. In a competitive industry, she has found success in being
a part of multiple productions including The Exorcist:
Believer. “I think that performing has given me an outlet
and a way to feel less alone through relating to other
people and their emotions,” said Marcum. “When
times get hard, I always know that I have this way to
keep connected to people and
a way to express myself.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF EVAN ESQUEDA
Sebastian Costache ‘27
PHOTO BY CHENYA KWON
Olivia Marcum ‘26
PHOTO BY KALIA BELL
MARKING DOWN MASTERPIECES: Cartoonist Alex Esqueda
‘25 uses unconventional mediums such as whiteboard markers to
create his cartoons. He is inspired by everything from childhood
cartoons such as Tom and Jerry and Looney Tunes to his own
imagination. “[My cartoons are] eye–opening, mainly for the
pure amount of creativity that can be opened with just a
pencil and a paper,” said Esqueda. “That’s all that comes
down to it. Anything you can imagine,
you can just plop it down.”
Alex Esqueda ‘25
PHOTO BY CHENYA KWON
Creativity’s benefits for students include stress management,
T h e
e a r l i e s t
recordings of art, dated over
40,000 years old, were paintings on cave
walls and were viewed as the pinnacles of
artistic creation. However, in today’s age, there
are limitless varieties of ways people express
themselves with their imagination and creativity.
Creativity is the possession of curiosity and one’s
ability to be innovative and observative, according to
psychologytoday.com. Aside from the textbook definition, many
also have more personal conceptions of creativity.
“Creativity is creating anything,” said first chair trombonist
Luciano Soriano ‘24. “People will say that you have to abide by
certain rules, … [but] creativity is just whatever you want to do.”
At WHS, students unleash their creativity in a multitude of ways,
ranging from art to music to acting and everything in between.
“Some people use art and drawings to express themselves, some
people use dance and some people use singing, and I guess performing
is a little bit of everything,” said theatrical performer Maddie Ragsdale
‘24. “People get to see you showcase your creativity.”
For some students, a motivation to create might stem from a
more general appreciation for the arts.
“I think my favorite part about [acting] is storytelling,” said
actress Olivia Marcum ‘26. “I’ve always been big into storytelling and
conveying emotion through people, and acting plays a big part in that.
For others, their creative endeavor may aim towards more specific
goals such as bringing attention to certain issues or experiences.
“I think [the idea for our podcast]
popped up because we always wanted to
“A
rt,
bring awareness to athletes in our region
and wanted to give a platform to those
who might not have a voice,” said sports
podcaster and athlete Jace Adeva ‘24.
More broadly, creativity can also
widen horizons and increase exposure
to education and different cultures.
“[Creativity] really helps
education because we go to school,
and we just learn facts,” said school
muralist Ariana Liu ‘24, “but
creativity can also help us learn
interesting cultures outside
of your norm and exchange
thoughts and ideas.”
Creating can have a number of benefits
even aside from the aforementioned. For
many, it can be a way to help relieve stress,
a prevalent aspect of many students’ lives
especially as a side effect of demanding
classes. In fact, such creativity “engages
and focuses our minds on the task
at hand — and distracts us from
feelings of stress and anxiety,” said
Deepak Chopra and Kabir Sehgal in
entrepreneur.com.
“I’ve been doing [art] since I was
a little kid, so it not only helps me with
college applications, but it also helps
me manage stress,” said artist and home
muralist Talya Di Carlo ‘27. “It gives me
something to do when I’m bored, and it gives
me a creative outlet to kind of do whatever I
want and experiment.”
Artistic activities can help students
address stress through providing students with
the tools to adjust to unexpected or difficult
events in their lives.
“I [create music] more for myself because, for me,
it’s like a form of therapy,” said musician Emmy Julian
‘24. “If
I’m writing songs
about my life, it’s easier for me to
process what’s happening in my life … It’s
just a way of getting out my feelings and thoughts
in an organized way.”
Another way these pastimes help manage stress
is by providing a sense of escapism and a source of
satisfaction and joy.
“Even if you don’t pursue [your creative passion]
professionally, having an outlet like that is a really great way to
escape the problems we face in our modern age,” said artist and
fashion designer Sebastian Costache ‘27. “At the end of the day,
you have something beautiful that’s in front of you. It’s like, ‘Wow,
I created this.’”
Furthermore, inventiveness can improve students’ emotional and
mental state because it has been “positively associated with subjective
well–being,” according to nbci.nlh.gov.
“The lights are hitting you, and you’re in your costume, and you
know the choreo, and there’s people you see in the audience,” said
Ragsdale. “It’s definitely a moment that not many people get to
experience — to have everyone watching you. It’s a certain amount
of pressure, but it’s good pressure, and it feels so exciting.”
Beyond the individual, creative activities can also build
interpersonal relationships by incorporating other people into the
final product.
“[The mural I am painting in my living room] is three different
paintings,” said Di Carlo. “It’s an eye and has my last name in graffiti. It has
“love” on the top of it in graffiti. On the other side of the
career preparedness and building interpersonal relationships.
as much as
people pursue art
as a business, it
should always be seen as a
passion. I think of it as I’m
trying to make the world a
more beautiful place, and I
think that’s more important
than anything.”
–Sebastian Costache
paintings is my mom and dad, and on the opposite side of that
is [my brother and I]. It kind of brings us together.”
Integrating cherished friends and family members into one’s
art can also appear in the form of gifting one’s creative works in
order to express heartfelt emotions to them.
“I can give stuff I make,” said Jessica Lopez ‘25,
amigurumi crocheter, an art otherwise known as
‘the Japanese craft of crocheting small stuffed toys,’
according to the website www.thesprucecrafts.com. “I
take time out of my day, with love … and give it to
people I find precious. It’s sweet to be able to make things
yourself for someone you love.”
Relationships and experiences with others can also
provide inspiration for arts, compounding the other
benefits these activities have.
“A lot of the music I’ve written and composed is
derived from my own personal [emotions] and just my experiences with
other people,” said Soriano.
Moreover, the benefits of creativity are not limited to the present — they
can also have a profound impact on one’s future.
“[Music] has honestly changed my life,” said Soriano. “Once I moved
here to Thousand Oaks [from the valley] and joined the band, I’d say that I’ve
finally found a purpose with what I want to do with my life.”
Creativity also has the ability to positively impact lives on a smaller
scale even if the hobby is generally unpopular and unexpected.
“I was trying to encourage my sister [to crochet],”
said Lopez. “I was like, ‘Let me show you how
to do it.’ Then it got really interesting … It
was something I really enjoyed. It changed
my life a little.”
Creativity, whether inspired by
powerful emotions or by the people one
is surrounded by, impacts and inspires
students of all walks of life across the
WHS campus.
“Art, as much as people pursue art
as a business, should always be seen as a
passion,” said Costache. “I think of it as ‘I’m
trying to make the world a more beautiful
place,’ and I think that’s more important
than anything.”
MAKING MELODIES: Composer Emmy Julian ‘24 loves music and
its many creative benefits. She is passionate about music because
it gives her a place to process her feelings and experiences. “[I
have been] playing the piano since I was five, and then I started
playing guitar when I was 10 or 11,” said Julian. “My favorite
part about it is that I think it connects people. I think that if
you have a favorite song, especially [if] that’s somebody
else’s favorite song, you can relate
to that song on different levels.”
Emmy Julian ‘24
PHOTO BY KALIA BELL
PASSIONATE PODCASTERS: Brothers Jace Adeva ‘24 and Jax
Adeva ‘25 host the podcast Bros Before Foes to higlight WHS
student athletes. “[You see change in the athlete] because
you see them as a person you know now and not just
as an athlete,” said Adeva. “It’s not every day you see
kids our age starting a podcast. I think it’s more
something thought for older adults, but you never
really see two high schoolers, especially at our
age, [bringing] awareness to
the community.”
Jace Adeva ‘24 & Jax Adeva ‘25
PHOTO BY KALIA BELL
DAZZLING DANCER: Dancer of 12 years Stephanie Wise
‘26 has been in many of Pacific Festival Ballet’s productions
like Camelot, Secret Garden and The Nutcracker. “My
mom put me into classes when I was a kid, and I fell
into love with performing,” said Wise. “I love getting
ready for performances and being able to be with
my friends and being on stage. [Dancing is] a way
to put emotion into something other than words
and to just show your emotion
through your movements.”
Stephanie Wise ‘26
PHOTO BY KALIA BELL
PHOTO COURTESY OF BENNETT JULIAN
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROMERO ADEVA
PHOTO COURTESY OF TERRI WISE
Compiled by Kalia Bell, Delaney Bronk & Chenya Kwon
10
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
WHS wanders into Wonderland
by laura teegarden
feature section editor
The WHS Theater Company
will perform the play Alice in
Wonderland with a cast of 20
actors from Nov. 15–17. After
roles were announced on
Sept. 15, the director and
cast have spent the last two
months preparing every
Monday–Thursday and
will continue to until the
production is perfected
for show day.
In order to put on
the best play possible,
the cast practices
different aspects of
their characters to
get into their roles.
Memorizing their
lines is only
the first step.
“ T h e
character
of Alice is
like the Disney sort of character,” said Callista
Benavente ‘25 who plays Alice. “We’re trying to
market to kids and elementary school students
so they want to come see the show because Alice
is like a kid of her own.”
Alice is known in the story of Alice in
Wonderland for being childlike and curious, so
Benevente tries to find these aspects in herself
and bring them to life in her character. She aims
to connect Alice’s personality with her own
personality to create a characterization that is
both authentic and realistic.
“I think it’s like trying to adapt to whatever
the director’s vision is as much as myself,”
said Benavente. “I want to be able to provide
authenticity to my character and balance both
adhering to the director and also following what
I believe would be the character.”
Theater and arts teacher Tracy Bennett
is a new addition to the WHS staff. Under her
guidance the cast is given unique direction
for their parts and see a different aspect to
their acting as they prepare for the stage. They
practice everyday after school, going over their
lines, blocking and rehearsing the show.
“This is my first year here and everyone
has been super welcoming and nice,” said
Bennett. “I’m hoping that for my first show it’s
going to be great, and everybody will come
out to see it.”
With the popularity and
familiarity of the story of Alice in
Wonderland, everyone involved in the
production is looking forward to a big
turnout from students, parents and people of
all ages in the community. The cast practices
with more intensity as opening day grows
nearer. The Theater Tech class is currently
creating stage props and scenic
designs for the production.
OFF WITH HER HEAD: Savannah Whitten–Rowand ‘24 delivers a riveting performance as
the Queen of Hearts during WHS Theater’s rehersal of the trial scene in their production Alice in
“Everything has been going really good
and smoothly, but it’s now getting down to
the nitty gritty,” said Bennett. “This is the time
where we have to start putting the whole show
together and getting it on stage.”
With the nearing production date,
practices grow longer and more crucial to
finalize each scene with perfect details. Through
daily practices, the cast has created connections
with each other and formed a close bond.
“It’s a very small cast so we get to know
each other really well, and everyone is just so
sweet and really passionate about putting on
the play,” said Savannah Whitten–Rowand ‘24,
actress for the Queen of Hearts. “I also love
the director. She’s really sweet, and
it’s been a great process so far.”
The relationships
within the cast as well as with the director are
an important part of creating a successful and
impactful show. An impressive production
requires cooperation and coordination with
the members which form strong bonds
between the cast members that are crucial for a
top–quality performance.
“We actually have a really great energy going
on,” said Benavente. “We’re communicating well
and getting our ideas across clearly, and it’s
becoming a really great environment that I love
being a part of.”
PHOTO BY DEVON VALANCE
ARTWORK BY SAVANNAH GIFFORD
The Adventures of Fawn and Frog
COMIC BY SAVANNAH GIFFORD
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 11
Anticipation builds for The Hunger Games prequel
by summer nichols
a&e section editor
The Hunger Games franchise has captured
many audiences’ attention and is returning to
theaters this fall with a highly anticipated prequel.
Adapted from Suzanne Collins’s 2020 novel,
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and
Snakes premieres on Nov. 17. The story begins
64 years before the original Hunger Games series
and follows a young Coriolanus Snow, played by
Tom Blyth, prior to his rise to presidency in the
dystopian land of Panem.
“Coriolanus is such a complex character,”
said Blyth in an interview with Entertainment
Weekly. “He becomes the dictator that we know
him to be in the original movies, and seeing that
kind of origin story take place is something that
I just couldn’t not do.”
The film also introduces Lucy Gray Baird,
a new character to the
franchise played by Rachel
Zegler. The story presents
Baird as a District 12 tribute,
much like the protagonist
Katniss Everdeen from
The Hunger Games trilogy,
as she prepares to battle in
the 10th annual Hunger
Games. However, the
dynamic shifts when Snow
is assigned to mentor Baird,
and the film develops their
intricate relationship while
exploring the history
behind Panem and the Hunger Games themselves.
“It’s completely different [than The Hunger
Games trilogy] stylistically, in terms of design,
characters and point of view,” said producer
“I
hope [the prequel]
is going to be as
good as the original,
but it’s kind of hard to say
because it was the [original]
characters for me that
brought the story together.”
–Annie Stoops
Nina Jacobson, according to vanityfair.com.
The shift in storyline is promising for
many fans of the franchise, especially those
who desire a closer connection between the
books and the movies.
“Personally, [I think] the original movies
were not as good as the books for me in the way
they [made me] feel about the story,” said Jack
Conrath ‘24. “Hopefully [The Hunger Games:
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes] has a closer
feeling to the books.”
Many avid Hunger Games readers
and viewers are excited by a new change in
perspective, hoping the movie will add context
and depth to characters from the original stories.
“I’ve read the books and seen the movies,
and it’s a story that I resonate with, and I love
and have loved for so many years,” said Halle
Kessler ‘24. “I’m definitely excited to see how
they interpret it with how dense the novel is
and how they are going to make parallels back
to the original.”
With this film set
more than six decades
prior to the original
Hunger Games, viewers
are looking forward to
seeing how the games
have changed.
“[Lucy Gray Baird]
was in the 10th Hunger
Games, [and this was]
before [the games] were
glamorized so [they are]
very depressing and bleak,”
said Kessler. “[The prequel]
doesn’t glamorize it like how you see in the [later]
Hunger Games.”
Collins’s Hunger Games is a widely
appreciated franchise, so many fans are
The Hunger Games prequel hits theaters Nov. 17
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes follows Lucy Gray
Baird (Rachel Zegler) and her mentor Coriolanus Snow (Tom
Blyth) as they navigate through the Hunger Games, discovering
the snakes and songbirds in their midst.
wondering whether the prequel will live up to
the original trilogy.
“I hope [the prequel] is going to be as
good as the original,” said Annie Stoops ‘27.
“But it’s kind of hard to say because it was the
[original] characters for me that brought the
story together.”
Although fans are excited by the famous
cast list for the prequel featuring prominent
names including Viola Davis, Peter Dinklage,
Hunter Schafer and more, many heads turned at
the casting of Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird.
Zegler was recently cast as Snow White in the
upcoming Snow White live–action movie, but
many were thrown off by her comments when
discussing the change in the princess’s narrative.
The repercussions from her statements
have mainly been filtered through negative
comments and threats to boycott the movie on
social media, but many worry that the general
dislike for Zegler’s personality will affect her
performance on the prequel.
“We’ll have to wait until March to see how
that ‘boycott’ plays out (if supposed first reactions
are anything to go by, Zegler is outstanding
in the role),” said Chloe James, according to
insidethemagic.net. “Before that, however,
we have The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes —
although it doesn’t sound like things are going
too hot for The Hunger Games prequel, either.”
Tickets to showings can be purchased
through fandango.com, movietickets.com,
atomtickets.com or at any local theater closer to
its release date.
“I loved the books when I first read them,
and the movies were actually really good,” said
Stoops. “Sometimes the movies aren’t as good
as the books [in other franchises], but I feel like
[The Hunger Games] movies were just as good as
the books … I’m excited to see how it turns out.”
Strengthen seasonal spirits by watching these teen throwbacks
PHOTOS COURTESY OF IMDB
Friday Night Lights
Friday Night Lights focuses on Texas high
school football and the intense competition
surrounding a small–town team. This five–
season show is a classic drama that centers
around the life of football players, coaches and
a fanatical football–loving town.
The series has moments of drama on the
field but usually focuses on the highs and lows
of high school in general. In the beginning, it
follows one specific team, but over time, the cast
adjusts as new characters arrive. It is is an early
2000s show too, so if one likes 2000s fashion or
music, then this is a great option.
Like many series, there is a lot of drama
involving fights and even a murder. This show
is perfect for binge–watching and is available on
Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
Felicity
This show follows the main character,
Felicity Porter as she moves to New York for
college. Although she relocates to pursue her
high school crush, she finds new opportunities
and friends, entering a new era in her life.
Felicity enters the city as a sheltered,
naive girl who must adapt to a new lifestyle
and establish her independence. The show
also features some late ‘90s fashion including
plenty of bootcut jeans and varieties of
neutrals tones.
This series normalizes what young
adulthood is like and how upbringing does
not always influence one’s life choices. Felicity
is constantly tested to see if she can survive
New York’s challenges and find herself along
the way.
Dawson’s Creek
Dawson’s Creek is a typical yet classic ‘90s
show. It is dramatized — like many ‘90s shows —
yet, it depicts the social aspects and dynamics of
high school students.
The show focuses on the problems of
being a teenager such as balancing friendships
and relationships. Dawson Leery, the main
character, goes through the struggles of
growing up in the midst of changes. Joey
Potter, his childhood friend, gets involved
in Dawson’s drama which presents many
challenges. The two must adjust to their own
changing friendship during the show.
Dawson’s Creek includes the struggles
of high school and everyday life as a student.
Dawson learns to navigate his upcoming
aspirations while being true to his upbringing.
Gilmore Girls
Knit sweaters, fall leaves, turtlenecks and
hot coffee are what make fall, fall, and these
things are also often associated with Gilmore
Girls, first aired in 2000.
Gilmore Girls follows the lives of a single
mother and daughter, Lorelai Gilmore and
Rory Gilmore. The series depicts a close
relationship between Lorelai and Rory, and
how Rory’s growing dependence changes their
dynamic. Rory and Lorelai face boys, family
and their caffeine addiction, while including
moments of light comedy and constant pop
culture mentions.
Gilmore Girls is the perfect series to watch
to while wrapped up in a cozy sweater and
drinking a favorite fall beverage.
Compiled by Scarlett Brisbin
12
OPINION
Civics needs funding over STEM
by james miller
opinion section editor
There’s scholarships for it every
week. There’s record federal spending
for it. There’s vast amounts of students
dedicated to it. Science, Technology,
Engineering, Mathematics: STEM. It’s
the best of the four best subjects — at
least, that is what most think.
It’s imperative that, as a modern
civilization in the 21st century,
society’s goal is to progress, surely.
Perhaps, in sight of a brighter
future, people have forgotten the here
and the now.
In the United States alone, 38
million people fall under the poverty
line. Globally, more than one billion
individuals live on less than one
dollar a day, according to census.gov
and un.org.
An extreme number of people
live in complete destitution, but
instead of investing in public policy
or social sciences — areas that
would help combat these issues
— modern society finds itself
encapsulated by STEM.
More alarmingly, global
democracy has seen itself on the
decline for more than 20 years,
according to freedomhouse.
com. The United States has seen
firsthand during the Jan. 6 riots
the increasing presence of right
wing populism, a phenomena
spreading throughout the world.
These populist platforms rely on
anti–immigrant sentiment and
reactionary ideology. From Poland
to the Philippines, governments are
becoming increasingly corrupt and
less accountable to their people.
The United States spends about
$50 per student on STEM education
each year. Civic education receives
the leftovers — 5 cents every year,
according to npr.org.
This is a problem because many
people find themselves overwhelmed
by their political system — from
local elections for county supervisors
to elections for House and Senate
representatives, there are so many
complex layers of government.
Without civic education, individuals
do not know how to use their voices
in a democracy.
The recent 2020 election shows
how little participation voters have.
Despite being a historic high, only
about 66.8% of eligible voters actually
cast their votes at the ballot box,
according to census.gov. At its low,
only about 40% of the US population
is voting, and that becomes even less
in local elections.
There’s a culture of indifference
in voters, but democracy is
not a spectator sport. Without
participation, many threats arise to
democratic institutions. Without
civic education or involvement,
society lacks the ability to filter
tyrants out of democracy.
One system that many countries
have opted into are compulsory
voting systems. Australia, Belgium
and Luxembourg have all seen success
with such a system, all touting above
90% voter turnout rates, according
to quillette.com. In these countries,
there is a culture around civic
participation, bringing along with
it wide accessibility and even post–
voting parties.
Other countries like Israel and
South Korea have created voting day
holidays so that working does not
hinder the process of voting.
All of these solutions require
lots of money, however, and
society’s growing obsession with
STEM will continue to put civics on
the backburner.
STEM undoubtedly brings
many benefits to society and will
continue to do so — there’s no
question about it. Whether we live
in a dystopian world or a democratic
one, that is the question we should
ask ourselves before we begin to
forget about civic education.
Civic education’s decline effect
STEM students are receiving the
bulk of the funding causing lower
numbers in voter participation.
In the last 20 years, global
democracy has been on a steep
decline.
Sources: census.gov, freedomhouse.org & npr.org
STEM students get roughly $50
a year whereas civic students get
only 5 cents.
STEM students get roughly $50
a year whereas civic students
get only 5 cents.
In the 2020 presidential election,
only around 66.8% of people
voted, the highest it has been in
the last century.
GRAPHIC BY KAY MARTIN
ARTWORK COURTESY OF CANVA
by marta king
YES
sports editor
To test, or not to test, that is the question.
The SAT and ACT are optional standardized
exams created and administered by College
Board. They are each three–hour–long multiple
choice tests. The SAT covers reading, writing
and math, and the ACT additionally tests an
individual’s scientific reasoning.
Many students question if taking the SAT
or ACT is worthwhile because many colleges
no longer require them. After the COVID–19
pandemic, many schools became test–blind
meaning they no longer look at a student’s
SAT or ACT scores. In fact, even if the student
sends in their scores with their application, the
colleges will not review them.
However, many top schools such as MIT
and Georgetown University still require scores
from applicants. Other colleges require the test
scores for acceptance into specific programs.
Some colleges have transitioned to a test–
optional policy in which they accept a student’s
SAT or ACT scores but do not require them.
Though some colleges, like Cornell University,
continue to extend their test–optional policy
through 2024, but it is not guaranteed that
these universities will remain test–optional in
the future.
“Although some four–year colleges don’t
require an admission test score as part of your
application, the test strengthens your college
application nearly everywhere,” according to
collegeboard.org.
Grades throughout high school sometimes
reflect the effort put into schoolwork, not
a person’s aptitude. By eliminating the test
completely, test–blind schools harm the
freshman who struggled to maintain high
grades or the student who did not take school
seriously despite their ability to do well.
“If your high school GPA is on the lower
side and you elect not to submit test scores,
you may lower your chances of an acceptance
letter from the admissions office,” said associate
registrar David Clingenpeel, according to forbes.
com. “By not submitting test scores, your GPA is
the primary academic indicator.”
Additionally, many juniors are unsure
which college they want to attend. It is a good
idea to take the test so students can have options
in the future. They can later decide whether
they want to submit their scores with their
application and not be limited because they
have not taken the SAT or ACT.
Moreover, many colleges publicize the
average SAT score of their admitted students,
allowing people who take the SAT to see how
their scores compare to the average students’
score of those accepted to the college.
OPINION 13
Many people believe that the College
Board is trying to “steal their money” by
encouraging students to spend $60 on the ACT
or SAT; however, the College Board is a non–
profit organization. The revenues College Board
collects from selling the tests are used to fund its
mission, not simply to make profit.
“College Board is a mission–driven non–
profit organization that connects students to
college success and opportunity,” according to
collegeboard.org. “Founded in 1900, College Board
was created to expand access to higher education.”
If the tests are too expensive, students
can apply for a fee waiver to take
them for free. Fee waivers
are available to low
income 11th and 12th
graders. Students
can apply for a
fee waiver which
covers two test
opportunities,
test feedback,
unlimited
score reports
to send to
colleges,
w a i v e d
application fees
at participating
colleges, late
registration
and more.
While some people feel it is not worth it to
take these tests because of the need to purchase
test prep books or classes in order to succeed,
there are many ways for students to prepare
ahead of time. Schools offer the annual PSAT,
a practice SAT available from eighth grade
through 11th grade. Khan Academy, a free,
non–profit website, provides official SAT and
ACT practice tests to prepare students for the
real exams taken in 11th and 12th grades.
Overall, taking the SAT or ACT can only be
beneficial whether a person chooses to include it in
their application or not.
Why not take it
and see?
ARTWORK COURTESY OF CANVA
Opposing
Opinions
Do students care too much about standardized testing?
Every year, thousands of students flock to testing centers all across the country
to take what some believe to be the most important tests in a high school student’s
academic career: SATs and ACTs. Are these tests worth students’ effort?
NO
by devon valance
a&e editor
There’s few instances that can compete with
the amount of stress and anxiety one experiences
in the second before hitting ‘begin” on exams.
Students are constantly being reminded of the
immense weight one’s performance on this
singular test holds with the money and time
that goes into all the preparations.
However, there’s an insidious thing the
college board has tried to bury deep into the
ground — the SAT was not meant to praise
a student’s academic abilities or indicate
college readiness the way it may
claim on its website. Instead,
the entire intention of
the SAT was to keep
students out of school.
With its creation,
the SAT, or Scholastic
Aptitude Test, was
allegedly meant
to measure one’s
readiness or
ability to
perform well
in college.
Despite
the efforts
of the College Board to prove otherwise
when the test’s ability to detect aptitude was
debunked, the name SAT still stuck, according
to washingtonpost.com.
Although one could argue that these
tests are used to rid the college admission
system of inequalities, upon more thorough
digging, it becomes obvious that it clearly
does the opposite.
As time goes on, standardized tests
are only becoming obsolete. Over 80% of
colleges in the United States do
not require applicants to take
standardized tests such as the
SAT and ACT. Furthermore,
about 85 institutions do not
even consider an applicant’s
score on these tests when
admitting students, and
the entire University of
California system is
included in this very
list, according to commonwealthmagazine.com.
Additionally, standardized tests were
not created for the honest purpose of proving
intelligence. It was in the 1920s that standardized
tests were first introduced into public schools.
They were pushed onto the education system
by eugenists, people who attempt to rearrange
reproduction to create more humans with
eurocentric features, or “desirable” as they
like to call it. Their pseudoscience was
supposed to “prove” the “natural
superiority” of white,
American–born males.
These
tests
demonstrate a significant
gap in scores between
Latino and Black students
versus white and
Asian students, which
means these eugenicists
accomplished their goal.
Due to the ignorance of
what they actually do,
the continued use of these
tests only maintains inequality in
contrast to what they should be doing,
which is leveling the playing field.
Of two English questions covering
similar content that were being considered for
placement on the 1998 SAT, the question which
8% more Black students got correct than white
students was discarded. The one in which 24%
more white students answered correctly than
Black students was selected for the test. This
same selective phenomenon occurred with
a math question where the one which 11%
more white students answered correctly was
chosen and the question where 7% more Black
students answered correctly was discarded,
according to machronicle.com.
The questions placed on the test are clearly
chosen to keep many minorities out of college,
and some of these questions may have survived.
Given how 1998 was not as long ago as teens
like to think, there is no sure way to know
students still are not being judged by these
same questions.
The 2023 ACT costs
$68 or $93 if students opt
to take the essay, and
the SAT costs $60 per
exam, according to
discover.com. When
put into perspective,
this extreme cost
combined with the tests’
diminshing usefulness,
and the inherent
discrimination,
standardized tests are not
worth the effort anymore.
Between the work put into not only taking
standardized tests but also studying to get a
score that looks good on a college application,
the stress adds up to a net negative. There are
a lot of problems with the American education
system–standardized testing being a notable
one–but in no way can blame be placed on
students. The way the system works is designed
to work against students, and that is where the
root of the issue lies. As it currently stands, these
tests are only a waste of time.
14
Stand–out
athletes
Rae Rae Castanga ‘26
Girls Cross Country
“[My] most memorable
success would be [at]
Woodbridge. I got a pretty
good [personal record] there.”
Ashley Yu ‘25
Girls Tennis
“Tennis is super mental, so don’t
get stressed out if you are losing
because there is always a way to
come back.”
Dominic Hunt ‘24
Boys Football
“It was my senior year, so I
wanted to make a statement
this year and made sure people
knew my name. “
Compiled by Breanna Zide
SPORTS
WHS regiment marches to success
by gianna byrd
Flag football makes mark in SoCal
by anya monga
sports editor
After their most recent competition held
Nov. 4, WHS regiment placed 2nd in thier
division and will continue on to their final
competition before championships on Nov. 11
at Moorpark High School.
WHS regiment began their first competition
of the season in early October and earned third
place. WHS color guard gained three new coaches
this August and are determined to accomplish a
better season with them.
“It’s a better environment than what we
had last year,” said color guard co–captain
Maya Admon ‘26. “Getting new staff has been a
positive [since there were no coaches at the start
of the season].”
The responsibility of guiding new members
and executing their practice is held by the
captains, both sophomores. They take inspiration
from the work their senior captains did last year.
“It’s fun, but you have to know your stuff,”
said color guard co–captain Carlota Cao Torres
‘26. “It’s a challenge for [Admon and I] since no
one was there to guide us, but we’re doing our best.”
Performing in color guard can be tough,
as they use different props and retain their
assigned choreography which flows with WHS
band. Visuals are key in their competitions as
they earn points for a higher placement.
“For our choreography, we’ve been using
flags and rifles, [and] there are themes for
our shows, such as the Wizard of Oz theme,”
said Admon. “We haven’t got as much non–
equipment choreography so far.”
WHS band contributes to color guard
as they play their music to combine with the
choreography. Together, this unveils color
guard’s talent.
“I love [competing with color guard] so
sports editor
In their first year, the girls flag football
team has a near–perfect season, setting a high
precedent for future seasons.
As of Nov. 3, they are No. 24 in state
and No. 50 in the nation for high school flag
football, according to maxpreps.com.
“It’s so nice to be part of something for the
first year,” said girls flag football player Giavana
Hinman ‘27. “We’re
making history.”
Their success has
been credited to their
camaraderie on and off
the field, according to
the team. They found the
perfect balance between
work and enjoyment.
“We learned to have
fun but also commit to
our work and work hard,”
said varsity safety Tess Doucette ‘24.
The flag football team achieved a record
of 16–3, keeping them in the spotlight as a
female team.
“The fact that girls flag football is becoming
a sport, and that it’s rising and gaining this press
is exciting, but our record speaks for itself,” said
varsity corner Tahirih Vahdat ‘25. “People are
interested … If we were losing, people wouldn’t
“I
think it’s nice that
we’re able to start a
legacy as the first flag
football high school league.
Starting [the league] opens up
a lot of doors.”
–Kacie Feiereisen
NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE: WHS regiment performs their Wizard of Oz themed half–time show for
the final home football game on senior night.
much,” said drum major Sydney Rominger
‘25. “They’re doing amazing, [and] they’re what
make our shows appealing.”
In their first competition, regiment
experienced some struggles but were proud of
their performance.
“Our first competition started up a little
bit rough,” said drum major Mitchell Ito ‘24. “It
was really hot that day and there were technical
problems. It’s unfortunate because we prepared
so much, but overall, [the show] went very well.
I’m still happy about how we started.”
WHS regiment finds room for positive
growth in future performances as they continue
their season. With the small troubles dealt with
in their October competition, they work towards
improvement for their future competitions.
“[Regiment] can definitely improve,”
care. I think winning just sheds more of a light [in
a male–dominated world].”
While football is a sport strongly associated
with masculinity and patriotism, the girls flag
football team receives an abundance of support,
especially from the tackle football team.
“[We] go out there and play, and you [can]
see the football team out there, supporting you
and cheering on,” said varsity co–captain and
center Savannah Branham ‘24. “When we’re at
practice, they’ll come up and help you and give
you tips … They’re not against it; they want to
support you which is
super cool, but I think
it’s also showing that as
a girl, you can even the
playing field.”
The girls flag
football team proclaimed
females can play football,
a chance that not a lot of
girls have had in the past
because of the limited
opportunities available.
“We went to an LA Rams tournament,”
said varsity corner Kacie Feiereisen ‘26.
“There were a few women speakers, and they
talked about when they were younger they
wished this was something for them.”
In 2025, East Atlantic Colleges will open
D3 scholarships for flag football, opening
doorways for the student–athletes.
“[For] the freshman on the team [and]
said Rominger. “This year’s been difficult with
[color guard] getting new coaches, but they’ve
been doing amazing, and [the marching band
is] very proud of them. We believe we can
make it very far [in the competition].”
Conducting is key for the drum majors, but it
is also enjoyable for them as they lead WHS band.
“Being up on the podium is a euphoric
feeling,” said drum major Chris Kolde ‘25. “It’s
great to see all of the elements coming together.”
Throughout the rest of their season, WHS
regiment strives for success while enjoying the
performance. Being together in fall before the
spring seasons creates a positive outlook.
“Even if [color guard and band] are
somewhat separate,” said Kolde, “we all come
together in the fall season, which is fun and
builds a great community.”
the sophomores, if they don’t have a sport that
they do here, they know that they can do flag
[football], and they can get that scholarship,”
said Branham. “They can go off to college
[with flag football] if they can’t with their
other sport.”
Along with college scholarships, the
2028 Olympics in Los Angeles are adding flag
football, softball, cricket, lacrosse and squash,
according to espn.com. This provides flag
football athletes a way to continue the sport
after high school.
“I never imagined me playing it in high
school, and now I could think about ‘Wow, I
could go to the Olympics with this stuff,’” said
varsity quarterback Grace Roskowick ‘24.
Flag football now has a pathway from
high school to college to the Olympics,
acknowledging it internationally as a sport.
“I’m just happy it’s a sport, and that
they want to take it farther instead of just
leaving it at high school because if someone
wants to take it seriously, [in the past] they
[would] just have to end at high school,” said
Roskowick. “At least you can go somewhere
with it [now].”
Ultimately, it all starts with high school
sports, and WHS is on track shown by their
successful first season.
“I think it’s nice that we’re able to start
a legacy as the first flag football high school
league,” said Feiereisen. “Starting [the league]
opens up a lot of doors.”
PHOTO BY DEVON VALANCE
SPORTS 15
Boys water polo, girls tennis finish season strong
by tomas galioto
sports editor
WHS student–athletes have left a
profound impact on this season in competitive
sportsmanship. With a string of victories and
statistical achievements, WHS teams have
demonstrated the power of skill combined
with teamwork.
Among the top teams that propelled WHS
to the most victories were the boys varsity water
polo team (22W–6L) and the girls varsity tennis
team (23W–2L).
“We’re doing pretty good so far,” said
Brandon Dority ‘24, WHS boys varsity water
polo player. “I think we’re playing as a team
really well, [and] we’re off to one of our best
starts in recent years.”
Everyone on the varsity water polo team
displays proficiency and plays a key role, one
example being boys varsity water polo player
Zac Miller ‘25.
“One of the smartest players to ever
come through the program, Miller established
himself as a key member of the team early
in his sophomore year, and now as a junior,
Miller leads the team in earned exclusions, is
third overall in goals scored and third overall
in steals,” said Carnell Henderson, Assistant
Principal and Athletics Director of WHS.
The boys varsity water polo team finished
the season with 22W–6L. This high win–to–loss
ratio is expected to persist with the new players
that will join the team next season.
Teachers mentor students beyond classroom walls
by gianna byrd & breanna zide
sports editors
“Next year, I think we’re [going to] have
another really good team,” said Dority. “We have
a lot of good underclassmen that are really eager
to play. They have a lot of love for the sport and
a lot of motivation.”
On the other hand, the girls varsity tennis
team triumphantly earned 23 victories for WHS,
with only two losses. They also won the 2023
Golden State Classic Tournament earlier this
fall, which is a 16–team tournament between
the top girls tennis teams of the nation.
“We are currently undefeated Marmonte
League Champions and ranked second in CIF
Open Division polls,” said girls varsity tennis
coach Scott Yasgoor.
Employing both elements of positive
sportsmanship and team spirit, the tennis
PHOTO COURTESY OF
AVA SAREMASLANI
A TRIUMPHANT SEASON: (above) The boys varsity
water polo team battles towards a 10–4 victory vs.
Agoura on Sept. 28.
THE LEGACY CONTINUES: (right) Girls varsity tennis
athlete Megan Sun ‘24 competes in a singles match,
helping to lead the team to another victory.
team led itself to many victories through both
physical and mental feats.
“This year’s team did pretty well,” said girls
varsity tennis athlete Megan Sun ‘24. “[The
games were] really fun, and everyone did their
part during matches and cheered each other on
during others.”
Throughout the season, sportsmanship
has proven to be a vital aspect of the athletic
teams. The ability to uphold principles of
respect and support is seen as a significant
factor for success.
“[Sportsmanship] from us or others
definitely keeps the spirits of the players high,”
said Dority. “I’d say, on top of our hard –working
team, it’s probably one of the most important
parts of our success.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF FIONA NGUYEN
Fall Sports
Stats Box
(as of Nov. 6)
Football
Record: 2W–8L
Next game: Season over
boys
boys
Record: 1W–8L
Next meet: Season Over
girls
boys
Cross Country
Cross Country
Record: 6W–4L
Next meet: Nov. 11
@ CIFSS Division 2 Prelims
Location: Mount SAC
Water Polo
Record: 22W–6L
Next game: Season over
As the weather begins to dry and
temperatures drop into the low 60s, WHS
winter sports teams prepare for the upcoming
season. However, student–athletes of WHS are
not the only ones ancticipating and preparing
for the beginning of their sports.
Many WHS teachers also coach a WHS
affiliated team.
“I’m very optimistic [about this season],”
said Josh Budde, girls varsity basketball head
coach and Algebra 1 and 2 CP teacher. “I
think we will have a good year as long as we
stay healthy.”
After winning Marmonte League and CIF
in 2021, the girls basketball team’s goal is to win
the title again. Coaching for more than 20 years,
Budde’s experience with girls varsity basketball
has been enjoyable.
“[Winning state championship] was
a once in a lifetime opportunity, [and] it
was amazing,” said Budde. “It changed
girls basketball at WHS big time, and that
experience was special.”
An important element of a successful
season is showing a positive attitude and
remaining healthy.
“[Boys varsity basketball has] a lot of
key returning players, so as long as we stay
healthy and everyone’s doing their roles,
then we definitely have some promise,” said
Jonathan Gillette, boys varsity basketball
assistant coach and Algebra 2 Honors, AP
Precalculus and Computer Programming
1 teacher. “We’re fighting to win a league
championship as we do most years, but we
have a good chance this year.”
Memorable moments are cherished
TEACHING ON THE COURT: During halftime, Coach Josh Budde encourages the WHS girls varsity
basketball team to secure the win against Sagus High School on Nov. 15, 2022. WHS won the game 54–41.
throughout the playing season as winter
sports teams bond. A group full of supportive
teammates can bring the entire team together.
“We have a great group of guys,” said
Gillette. “All returning players have been very
accepting of the new players, whether they’re
transfers or from JV. They seem to be bonding
super well, and they joke and help each other.”
Emily Dale, AP European History and AP
Human Geography teacher, began coaching at
WHS last year as the frosh–soph coach. She is
now the JV coach for the upcoming season.
“Coaching soccer in college was the thing
that made me realize I wanted to teach, so [I’m]
stoked about [the experience],” said Dale.
Student–athletes in winter sports often
have teachers as their coaches, influencing
student perspectives.
“Being on [frosh–soph girls soccer last
season] got me closer with [my coach and
teacher],” said Brooklyn Johnson ‘26. “She’s
similar in teaching and coaching which makes
the season enjoyable.”
Team bonding is important to achieve a
successful season. Bringing returning players
together with new players can develop a
stronger team.
“A lot of kids came from frosh [girls soccer],
so we all know each other,” said Johnson. “I
think our team [for this upcoming season] will
get along, and we’ll do better because we’ll have
a lot of experience.”
Team situations can be difficult when
meeting together for such a short season and
playing together for only a few months. Linking
a team as one during their practices can further
increase chances of friendly encounters and
good sportsmanship in games.
“One of the things that I think of really
hard about high school sports is you come
together, the season is super brief and it’s
with people you haven’t necessarily played
with before,” said Dale. “My expectations
are going to be centered around [the idea
of] getting to know each other and be[ing] a
good teammate.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF RYAN HALVORSEN
girls
Tennis
Record: 23W–2L
Next game: Season over
girls
Volleyball
Record: 9W–7L
Next game: Season over
Golf
Record: 3W–4L
Next game: Season over
girls
girls
Flag Football
Record: 16W–3L
Next game: Season over
Compiled by Marta King
16
STAFF PICKS
VISIT
by anya monga
There are a lot of things to appreciate about Rapunzel,
but my childhood favorite was the lantern festival her parents hosted in their
kingdom on her birthday every year after Rapunzel was kidnapped at a young age.
Rapunzel views the lanterns from the tower where she is imprisoned, disobeying
Mother Gothel just to see them in person. It became one of my dreams to find a
similar festival where I could indulge in my childhood fantasy.
A comparable festival with lanterns on water will be in South El Monte Nov. 17–
19 from 3–7 p.m. Tickets cost $46 and include a lantern, drawstring bag and marker to
customize the lantern.
The organization putting together the festival also provides music and hosts
food trucks that can be enjoyed while making the lanterns. The festival leaves minimal
environmental impact because a clean up crew picks the lanterns out of the water at
the end of the festival.
More information and ticket sales are available at
waterlanternfestival.com.
PHOTO BY ANNA BRONK
PHOTO BY ANNA BRONK
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDY LYNCH
LISTEN
by lanza peretti
Indie folk band Bon Iver’s album For Emma, Forever Ago, originally
released in 2007 and is the perfect autumnal vibe for November. One of
the many features that makes this album unique is its use of guitar as the
featured instrument.
For Emma, Forever Ago was written and recorded by Justin Vernon, the singer–songwriter
for Bon Iver. The songs and music were created in a remote cabin in Wisconsin following the band
breakup of DeYarmond Edison.
Some of my top songs in the album include “Flume,” “Lump Sum” and “For Emma,” whose
tone and lyrics express references of abandonment, nostalgia and isolation.
The melancholy and whimsical sounds of For Emma, Forever Ago make for the perfect fall vibe
soundtrack. The lyrics sound personal and show relatable themes throughout the album such as
loneliness, which makes the music easy to relate to and gives a deeper meaning to the songs.
PHOTO BY SAVANNAH GIFFORD
PHOTO BY SAVANNAH GIFFORD
VOLUNTEER
by devon valance
Harbor House is a social service organization with a mission to help
those in need. Staying local to Conejo Valley, Harbor House is dedicated
to assisting those who struggle with housing, food, unemployment, abuse,
addiction and mental illness.
Volunteers can sign up to help out with the meal program. Held
from 4–4:30 p.m. seven days a week, it is easy to find time that fits in
a busy schedule. It is located at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1 W.
Avenida de los Arboles, Thousand Oaks.
Volunteers can sign up to bring hot meals, bagged lunches or help in
other ways during the meal program if over the age of 16.
Bagged lunches can include non–perishable items such as granola
bars, chips and sandwiches. For hot meals, pre–packaged and home cooked
meals are all welcome donations. Preparing and bringing things such as
salads, pastas, casseroles, dinner rolls and mashed potatoes are also great
options. Students over 16 can assist with setting up and taking down tables,
transporting meals, carrying water cases and packing meals.
There is more information on what to bring and what volunteering
entails on the Sign Up Genius found on the Harbor House website. Find
options to donate at harborhouseto.org/donate, and sign up to volunteer
at harborhouseto.org/volunteer.
PHOTO BY ANNA BRONK
PHOTO BY ANNA BRONK
BAKE
by scarlett brisbin
When thinking of fall items, pumpkins and hot drinks
always come to mind. With the chilly winter around the
corner, one must enjoy the last moments of fall. I love to bake,
and my pumpkin chai cookies are my personal favorite for a late fall baked good.
I was inspired by Starbuck’s new chai pumpkin latte, which has been all over social
media this autumn. This specific combination contains the ultimate fall flavors.
Even though Halloween is over, that does not mean pumpkin desserts have to end.
These treats are perfect for a rainy day at home or even a Thanksgiving dessert.
This recipe can also be whipped up rather quickly — it only takes about an hour
to prepare and bake. The required ingredients can be found in most households,
especially during Thanksgiving time. If one does not have the ingredients, they can
easily be found at a local grocery store.
Baking these cookies is an enjoyable activity which results in a tasty
treat, with the cookies being very dense and rich. Clearly, these
transformed fall classics are perfect for any autumn day.
To see Scarlett’s original recipe, visit
westlakearrow.net.
COOKIE ARTWORK COURTESY OF CANVA
Compiled by Anya Monga
PLAY
by lucas van parys
Catan is a quaintly themed and easy to play board
game. Players harvest resources and develop a civilization
while racking up points.
Similar to the Jeffersonian American Dream consisting of a pastoral life,
players live off the land, harvesting all that it has to offer. It is a simple game
pertaining to only five base resources — brick, hay, livestock, stone and wood —
making it easily accessible to people of all levels of board game expertise.
It is also a game not likely to cause fighting among family or friends as
there is hardly any concept of war or conflict involved apart from resource
theft. It works on a hexagonal grid between which roads and settlements
may be built.
There are also several board game expansions that can add
another level of complexity and strategy.
In disregarding the possible complexity present with
expansion packs, Catan simulates early rural American
development. Participating in Catan is a great way
to spend quality time with family and appreciate
their company.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDY LYNCH
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDY LYNCH